"I choose..."
The weathered, brawny man slowly reached his rough hand toward the white paper umbrella in the middle.
Life was, in truth, a process of constant choices. Every choice led to a different outcome—perhaps good, perhaps bad.
The surrounding crowd wore varied expressions.
Most remained silent. A few gritted their teeth and wanted to rise.
"Demon Dragon! The fate of us humans should be held in our own hands! What right do you have to manipulate it!"
"You! You! And all of you!"
The angry men's faces flushed red and their eyes were bloodshot. They shouted themselves hoarse, pointing at the brawny man and the silent people one by one. Those being pointed at lowered their heads without a word, their eyes not daring to meet the angry men's. The old man holding the Dragon Seeking Plate trembled—not from the dragon's might, but because he was sobbing, his dry beard quivering slightly.
Silence, numbness, exhaustion, guilt...
"How can our ancestors' teachings be so easily cast aside? Can you face our forefathers and ancestors? Have you forgotten all the ancestral precepts?"
Tears mingled with saliva.
They hated them for failing to live up to expectations, and felt even more grief and indignation toward cruel fate.
The brawny man's hand trembled as it slowly lowered. His left hand clenched ten copper coins, his heart locked in a fierce struggle.
Bai Yujun calmly swept her gaze over those angry people.
"This dragon has no interest in the fate of humanity. Back then, countless people insisted that I do things that changed humanity's fate. Look carefully—I am speaking with you now. Do you understand?"
If things truly were as the legends claimed, these people would have long since been reduced to ashes. How could they still have the chance to chatter on?
As