Kong Xifeng was rendered silent by these words.
She just lowered her head, staring at the calm surface of the lake for a long time, then said softly, "I have no other choice."
"Really no other choice?"
Hua Yaoyue sneered again, "The paths have been laid out for you, two paths to choose from, yet you insist on this one. Daoist Kong, I have only one question I want to ask you."
"Ask away."
"In seeking skin from a tiger, are you trying to protect the entire Water Dragon Sect, or just for yourself, Kong Xifeng?"
This question left Kong Xifeng unsure how to answer.
So she remained silent.
Yet silence itself was also an answer.
Hua Yaoyue did not press further, she simply said, "If you are willing to head south, I would be willing to protect you for a journey. But if you insist on seeking skin from a tiger, I can only give you one piece of advice..."
"What advice?"
"Do not mistake those madmen who defy the heavens and live a second lifetime... for fools."
