After hearing Nolan's words, Hao Ren failed to react for a moment. "The world's on fire?!"
There was a brief silence on Nolan's end, as if she were organizing her thoughts. In the background of the communications channel, faint noise and explosions could be heard in the distance. Only after several seconds did Nolan speak again. "I don't know how to describe it... Everything is suddenly catching fire on its own, including water and stone. I just watched a building suddenly burn up like cotton. The streets outside are full of refugees now... Humans themselves are the only thing that doesn't spontaneously combust."
"Spontaneous combustion?! Water and stone?" Hao Ren's heart tightened. At the same time, the rock around him began shaking again, and waves of scorching underground steam blasted through the passage. Even with the shield blocking it, he could feel that the heat was already enough to melt gold and forge iron. The situation in the virtual world instantly connected with what was happening before his eyes, and the answer became obvious. "The disaster in the real world may have already affected the virtual space..."
Another deafening crash of collapsing rock came from nearby. Lily immediately grabbed Hao Ren by the arm and dragged him forward. "Landlord, hurry! It isn't safe here!"
As Lily hauled him forward, Hao Ren quickly asked Nolan about her situation. "How are things on your end? Has the fire spread to your surroundings?"
"The spontaneous combustion seems to have stopped for the time being. I'm some distance from the fire, so I should be safe for a while," Nolan replied urgently. "But I saw that the fires that started earlier couldn't be put out... You're in the real world, aren't you? I believe you now, completely—I really do. What on earth happened outside?!"