The world within the coffin fell into a brief stalemate. Li Wuyang shielded Qingwei and the other two behind him, circulating his cultivation technique at full force as he absorbed the vast Dao essence brought by the sixth page of the Annihilation Heavenly Tome. Nirvana power flowed through his body, healing his injuries and nourishing his Dao foundation. His aura grew richer and deeper at a visible rate, while his understanding of "Annihilation" and "Nirvana" deepened with every passing moment.
Qingwei, Yue Liuli, and Yun Yi also seized this precious time to heal. Though they remained weak, they had at least stabilized their foundations.
The mass of ultimate darkness floating in the air—the Annihilation projection—and the dark-red millstone—the Reincarnation projection—both emitted obscure fluctuations. The lingering wills of the two ancient beings seemed to be silently communicating and confronting one another. The Nirvana power Li Wuyang had displayed earlier, especially its suppressive effect on the power of Reincarnation, had clearly disrupted a delicate balance.
Time lost all meaning within this distorted spacetime. Perhaps several days had passed, or perhaps only an instant.
At last, the cold will of Annihilation spoke again, its target directly fixed on Li Wuyang. "You... have obtained the Nirvana Scroll. This place... is where both our Daos perished, and also a prison. You... wish to leave?"
Li Wuyang's heart tightened. Knowing the critical moment had arrived, he answered calmly, "Yes! The turmoil outside has yet to settle. I have promises that must be fulfilled and people I must protect. I cannot remain trapped here."
"Promises... protection... obsessions..." The will of Reincarnation gave a distorted sneer. "All are illusions. Within reincarnation... all are but bubbles."
"They are not illusions." Li Wuyang's gaze was resolute as he looked toward the crystal coffin within his sea of consciousness. "This heart