The Almighty Dragon General

“As long as one's strength is sufficient, there are times when Tai Chi falls short." James smirked. “Otherwise, how could Mr. Franciscus have shattered the Tai Chi World back then?"
Lyla felt like punching him. “He was a peak Yuraeceon Daelm Rank's Ninth Tribulation powerhouse, possibly even at the Quasi Daelcon Rank. You're only at the peak of the Yuraeceon Daelm Rank's Eighth Tribulation. How are you the same?"
“We've fought before," chuckled James. “Am I weaker than you?"
At this statement, Lyla was momentarily stunned.
Turning around, James said meaningfully, “The reason Tai Chi proposed this bet is simply because he believes I won't surpass the terrifying upper three calamities. However, I already have the Eternal Calamity. Whether I choose to confront him in the bet or not, I'll face the calamities."
“You spoke too soon," interjected Lyla hastily. “If you had been willing to kowtow three times, he would've exempted you from the Heavenly Tribulations..."
“Good things never simply fall into our lap." James interrupted Lyla. “Do you really think Tai Chi is that generous?"

“What do you mean?" Lyla furrowed her brow.
“Kowtowing to him three times might be easy," said James word by word. “I'm not the type to stubbornly endure suffering for the sake of pride. The crucial point is, once those three kowtows are performed, we will no longer control Forladtt Land."
At this, Lyla's expression turned into one of shock. “Are you saying Tai Chi will reclaim Forladtt Land?"
“Forladtt Land was never his. It was an otherworld battlefield left behind by the previous era," said James slowly. “Those who can control Forladtt Land are such as the Yonderverse Tower in my hands. It was formed by the aggregation of spirits left over from trillions of battles, possessing formidable courage and strength. They don't care about Tai Chi. They only recognize courageous powerhouses.
“Once I kneel to Tai Chi here, they will no longer recognize me, and Forladtt Land will no longer be under our control."
Hearing this, Lyla gasped, “Then, you really have no room for compromise. After all, Forladtt Land is more important. It's our foundation."
“I never intended to compromise or retreat," stated James coldly. “In the end, it'll be an irreversible catastrophe with souls scattered. Now, I must give my all with Tai Chi's bet."
Lyla stared at James in shock. “So, you planned this. You deliberately provoked Tai Chi earlier?"
“Yes." James nodded. “It isn't easy to cross paths with Tai Chi. Since I've encountered it, I must gain
something from it, whether good or bad."
“So, what you said earlier..." replied Lyla.
“Half of it was true, and half was just my guess," said James, carefully enunciating each word. “I didn't expect to actually be right. Tai Chi really plotted against Mr. Franciscus, leading to the disaster for the living beings of the Dark World later on."