Dragon Empress watched coldly as Tianhuo Empress was about to be suppressed by the Haotian Mirror. Her face showed no emotion, as if she were witnessing something entirely unrelated to her.
A cold and indifferent aura surrounded her, making her seem like an unfeeling block of ice. She had no intention of harming Tianhuo Empress. She had indeed joined the attack on Yaochi Empress earlier to repay her debt of gratitude. In her mind, pushing Yaochi Empress to the brink had settled that debt. What followed was a personal vendetta between Tianhuo Empress and Yaochi Empress. If Tianhuo Empress was defeated, it only proved her inferiority.
If Tianhuo Empress knew Dragon Empress's twisted logic, she would have been infuriated. This so-called repayment was worse than no help at all.
As Tianhuo Empress struggled and was about to be fully suppressed by the Haotian Mirror, Taiyin Empress, Wenyaxian, who had secretly arrived, launched a surprise attack on Yaochi Empress, catching her off guard.
"How dare you!" Yaochi Empress roared with fury. These people were utterly shameless. How could they still call themselves Empresses, using such underhanded tactics like ganging up and sneak attacks?
Thanks to the Haotian Mirror's divine power, Taiyin Empress's sneak attack caused no substantial harm. However, it gave Tianhuo Empress a chance to escape. Taking advantage of Yaochi Empress's momentary distraction, Tianhuo Empress found an opening and evaded the Haotian Mirror's suppression.
Seeing this, Yaochi Empress was enraged, her teeth grinding in frustration, her fingers turning white from clenching. She was evenly matched with Tianhuo Empress in strength, and now faced Taiyin Empress's cunning and the unpredictable Dragon Empress. Even with the Haotian Mirror's support, she could not suppress them all.
After breaking free, Tianhuo Empress felt a lingering fear but found solace in knowing she was not alone. Taiyin Empress stood by her side.
"Thanks," Tianhuo Empress said, expressing her gratitude.
Taiyin Empress nodded, not bothering with formalities. They shared a common goal: rescuing Xiao Fan. More allies meant greater strength.
Yaochi Empress recognized the shifting dynamics. Despite the Haotian Mirror ensuring her safety, she could not tolerate losing the upper hand. To truly suppress Tianhuo Empress and Taiyin Empress, she needed reinforcements.
"I've seen enough! Show yourselves and assist me!" Yaochi Empress commanded, addressing the two yet unseen Empresses.
The space remained undisturbed, with no sign of response. Tianhuo Empress and Taiyin Empress exchanged knowing glances and smirked at Yaochi Empress's frustration.
Yaochi Empress's face darkened. She had never looked up to the other Empresses, viewing them as unworthy of her status. But now, they clearly refused to heed her command. They had never respected her high-handed attitude.
The crowd below found this turn of events unsurprising. They knew the seven Empresses held equal standing, and Yaochi Empress's arrogance was bound to backfire. If she couldn't recognize this reality and humbly request help, things would get dangerous.
However, given Yaochi Empress's nature, such humility was as impossible as climbing to the heavens. The audience grew anxious, fearing the rescue of Xiao Fan would upend justice.
In their hearts, Xiao Fan's past deeds did not absolve his future crimes. His potential freedom threatened the balance of their world, and they desperately hoped for Yaochi Empress to succeed, despite her flaws.