Shen Yi and the others could also clearly see Alvin's massive Follicle System changing visibly as he frantically drew out and released his power.
Large numbers of follicles that had once brimmed with lights of various energies, pulsing with life, were dimming at an astonishing speed. They lost every trace of luster and turned into ashen stones.
Some of the smaller follicles even shattered outright after being overdrawn, dissolving into nothingness.
Lilith noticed Xilos's gaze and the shift in his eyes, and she softly explained, her tone carrying a trace of complexity.
"Those follicles... are a kind of symbiotic shelter Alvin created for his own people by imitating the special rules beyond the world. Inside every follicle, one of his clansmen sleeps or lives in dependence."
"The follicles provide them with the faint energy and protection needed to survive beyond the world, while also channeling their meager vitality and understanding of rules to Alvin, making it part of his power reserve."
"You can think of it as Alvin's other clansmen gaining the chance to survive beyond the world because of Alvin, gaining the chance to cultivate beyond the world..."
She paused, watching another follicle be completely annihilated in the fierce clash of energy, then continued.
"But once Alvin needs to wield power beyond the norm, especially in a high-intensity battle like this, he will rapidly draw on the power stored inside the follicles and his clansmen's life essence to replenish himself."
"If the consumption goes too far... the clansmen inside the follicles will die completely."
"This is the price of Alvin's power and protection."
Shen Yi's brow furrowed even deeper.
Xilos looked as if he wanted to speak but stopped himself, his expression unbearably ugly.
This method of power and protection was cruel and direct.
In the distance, the battle