However, Divine Venerable Kasyapa knew that Jiang Chen would never be careless about matters like this. He ran through a quick mental calculation and sent a message: "If our combat strength can reach the level you described, I have an eighty percent chance of keeping all three of them here, and at least a ninety percent chance of killing two of them."
Taking down all three — even Divine Venerable Kasyapa wouldn't dare make a guarantee on that front. After all, there were always unpredictable factors in battle.
Combat wasn't simply an additive equation of raw strength. Variables existed everywhere — a sudden burst of inspiration on the field, an opponent making a break for it without warning.
All of these factors had to be factored in. After weighing everything, Divine Venerable Kasyapa felt that eighty percent was a realistic estimate.
After all, he had dealt with these opponents before.
While their side was deliberating, the other camp had also gathered together to discuss their next move.
That bald cultivator, ever since watching his companion get snatched away under such baffling circumstances, had been growing increasingly anxious. However, from the way the two great protectors were carrying themselves, it seemed they had no intention of backing down.
Naturally, he couldn't voice his own opinions too freely in front of them. In his mind, the best course of action would be to retreat.
Truth be told, the bald cultivator actually admired Divine Venerable Kasyapa to some degree. Compared to Lord Guangdu, he found Kasyapa's character far more admirable.
The only reason he had submitted to Lord Guangdu was because of coercion. Because he had been forced into it, the bald cultivator's fighting spirit had never been particularly strong.
This was the biggest difference between him and the sallow-faced cultivator. The sallow-faced Divine Dao cultivator had always been eager and proactive in attacking the Eternal Sacred Land.
The bald cultivator, on the other hand, had always been a passive follower.
"Friend Yu, once the battle begins, pretend to engage that brat Jiang Chen and watch out for his true spirit. The two of us will take on An Kasyapa. Once we've pinned him down, you come and assist. The three of us will close in together and eliminate An Kasyapa as quickly as possible. After that, this Jiang Chen and his true spirit won't pose any real threat!"
The gold-robed protector was a staunch advocate for fighting. If they returned now, having suffered losses without achieving anything, how could they possibly account for themselves before Lord Guangdu?
This battle had to turn the tide. The two protectors had personally taken the field and still failed to subdue a single Sacred Land — their credibility would be utterly destroyed afterward.
Lord Guangdu had brought these cultivators under his command through a combination of coercion and incentives. If they failed to display sufficient power to cow the others, hearts were bound to waver.
"Friend Yu, why aren't you saying anything?" The silver-robed protector was glaring at the bald cultivator.
The bald cultivator stammered, "Honored protectors, I have no objections. It's just that my companion's death moments ago was extremely bizarre. I suspect they might have some other tricks or schemes up their sleeve?"
"Who cares what tricks they have? Just follow our plan. We'll cut through the mess with a swift blade — take down An Kasyapa as fast as possible, and everything will be settled." The gold-robed protector clearly had no patience for further discussion.
"What if that true spirit comes to help?" the bald cultivator asked.
"Hmph, we have plenty of subordinates. They can at least stall for a bit. Are all these half-step Divine cultivators useless? When we need them, surely ten of them can hold off one? That should be enough, shouldn't it?" the silver-robed protector said with displeasure.
The bald cultivator let out a quiet sigh. He knew these two protectors were desperate for battle, and nothing he said would matter — no one would listen.
He nodded. "I will do my utmost."
Though he said this, the bald cultivator had his own calculations running beneath the surface. If things went south, he would absolutely not stick around to play along with these two fools.