Xolotl didn't say anything, but his mind was racing.

If he were to keep the gate shut, then he would be able to receive the unreserved assistance from one of the four pillars. Even though this promise applied to several centuries later, it was still an extremely tempting proposition, was it not?

However, if a divine artifact were being thrown into the mix...

The seconds ticked down in a torturous fashion, and Xu Fu had withdrawn his gaze, but he was on high alert. Meanwhile, Yang Jiye's army had their undivided attention focused on the giant gate.

Xolotl's final decision would decide everything.

No one could've anticipated that Xu Fu would be so decisive, willing to give up the Judgment Pen and the Peach Blossom Spring just like that. Even though he was a traitor to the Cathayan Underworld, he had to be praised for his decisiveness and mental fortitude.

Inside the palace, Xolotl's fingers were gently drumming against his armrest, and close to a minute later, a smile seemed to have appeared on his face.

The decision was still quite easy to make.

Mictlantecutli and Mictetikasiwa were in a bubble of their own, desperately trying to find a way to extend their own lives. At this sensitive time, any underworld that dared to encroach upon the Usonian continent would be seen as an act of provocation. However, context was extremely important as well.

They weren't insane enough to provide a safe harbor to a Yama-King who had stolen one of the Cathayan Underworld's divine artifacts. That would invoke the wrath of the Cathayan...