The two protectors turned their heads, and the sight of the true spirit blocking out the sky left them utterly astonished.
However, they quickly recovered, exchanging a glance filled with disbelief.
"The Vermilion Bird Divine Beast?" Both protectors blurted out simultaneously. It was clear they were intimately familiar with the Eternal Sacred Land and knew exactly which troublesome adversaries it possessed.
The Vermilion Bird Divine Beast was undoubtedly listed at the very top.
In their minds, the Vermilion Bird's status might even surpass that of the Eternal Sacred Land's Ancestor.
Now, seeing this true spirit's imposing aura and appearance, they had no hesitation whatsoever. The name "Vermilion Bird Divine Beast" sprang immediately to mind.
"How could it be the Vermilion Bird Divine Beast?"
"Indeed! Didn't it follow Jiang Chen to Pingsha Island? Did it remain behind at the Eternal Sacred Land to oversee the situation? This..."
The two protectors stared at each other, dumbfounded.
But they had no time to deliberate, for the sallow-faced cultivator was crying out desperately.
What baffled the protectors, though, was that the Vermilion Bird hadn't even fully struck the man yet—so why was he struggling in place, making no attempt to flee?
"Protectors, please save me! This true spirit is sinister! It seems to have controlled my Dharma Body, making me heavier than if I were filled with lead!"
Hearing this, the protectors' suspicion deepened. The Vermilion Bird Divine Beast was a fire-attribute true spirit. Its control over fire and its fire-based Divine Abilities were indeed terrifying.
But did the Vermilion Bird possess a Divine Ability that made one's body heavier? They had never heard of such a thing!
For a moment, the protectors hesitated, their steps slowing.
It wasn't that they were unwilling to save him. They simply lacked confidence themselves. If they went over, what might happen?
What if this true spirit truly was so sinister, capable of weighing someone down? Even they, the two protectors, might not easily find a way to counter it.
If they were caught off guard, wouldn't their lifetime of renown be washed away in an instant?
"Protectors, I have been loyal to Lord Guangdu! You cannot just watch me die!" Seeing that the protectors were not coming to his aid, the sallow-faced cultivator cried out in panic, his face a mask of terror.
Just then, the bald cultivator arrived, drawn by the commotion.
The golden-robed protector immediately shouted, "What are you doing here? Don't forget your duty! If the people of the Eternal Sacred Land break out, the blame will fall on you!"
The bald cultivator stared in alarm at the immense Dharma Body of the Vermilion Bird Divine Beast blocking out the sky, and he drew a sharp breath.
Such a terrifying true spirit's Dharma Body—its combat power must surely exceed theirs.
Seeing his companion, who had been so lively moments ago, now completely controlled by this true spirit, unable to do anything but wail, a deep sense of fear surged within the bald man's heart. The Eternal Sacred Land was indeed full of bizarre and formidable beings.
While everyone was still stunned, a strange pillar of light suddenly shot up from the ground, sweeping up the sallow-faced cultivator before vanishing into the void.
The Vermilion Bird Divine Beast, seeing the pillar of light carry the cultivator away, showed no anger whatsoever. Instead, its Dharma Body flickered, and it shot directly toward the two protectors.
Its eyes, large as bronze bells, fixed upon them, issuing a clear challenge.