Zuo Qing's face visibly paled as he stared at the chaos before him without saying a word.
Having completely crushed Zuo Qing's Forbidden Ruin, Chaos's voice became lighthearted once more. "But I'm rather curious. I've clearly dissected the most fatal weakness in your heart, so why couldn't I provoke you? Across all four universes, there aren't even ten humans who can remain clear-headed under my provocation."
"You're... right..."
Zuo Qing's hoarse voice rang out. "As the commander-in-chief... I truly am mediocre beyond measure... No talent... no strength... So from the very beginning... I never believed I would become an outstanding commander...
But Commander Ye... planted these seeds of hope... and then left... Someone had to watch over this garden... to care for them as they grew... didn't they?
A gardener... doesn't need talent or strength... As long as he can guide them onto the right path... that's enough."
Zuo Qing's voice grew weaker and weaker. Crimson blood soaked his cloak, yet remained nearly impossible to distinguish amid its dark red hue.
The body beneath that cloak was already covered in wounds, yet no one would notice his pain... because dark red had always been its color.
The smile on Chaos's face gradually faded. It coldly watched the dying man before it, displeasure surfacing in its eyes.
Zuo Qing's answer had exceeded its expectations... but Chaos, which delighted in toying with human hearts, did not like things beyond its control.
"Is that so?"
Chaos spoke indifferently.
The arm that had pierced through Zuo Qing's heart abruptly withdrew, exposing a hollow wound that went straight through his body to the depths of space.
Zuo Qing let out a muffled groan and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. At the same time, a warped, battered iron box fell from his chest.
The