"Immortal Venerable, that won't do! If we install separation self-destruct devices here, then what if we can't hold out? Wouldn't we be blown to death without even a chance to escape?"
"Exactly! Our immortal citizens chose to live on this floating island because we thought it was a safe place. But now Immortal Venerable says this—wouldn't that leave us completely at a disadvantage?"
"Then where is safe? Could it be the First District or perhaps the Third District? I can stay here, but my child... Immortal Venerable, could you let them move to the First District?"
"That's right! My children and daughters-in-law can't accompany me to the grave. Please, Immortal Venerable, have pity on them..."
"And the resources... I've wanted to move our sect's resources to a safe area for a long time. I wonder if Immortal Venerable might..."
A crowd of immortal cultivators immediately began pleading passionately. Some wanted to send their children to safe areas where there would be no explosion, while others wanted to transfer their wealth. Their fear of death was plain for all to see.
I smiled faintly and said, "There's no need for all of you to worry so much. If you devote yourselves to controlling these defensive weapons and strive to kill the enemy, why would you fear being separated? Besides, if the enemy concentrates their assault on one area, we will naturally transfer troops to provide reinforcements when appropriate—of course, only if you hold the line to the death. As for other situations, if you deliberately abandon your defensive positions, I won't hesitate to separate you and detonate you, so that you can fulfill the duties you ought to fulfill."
Some of the immortal cultivators grew worried, while others felt somewhat relieved. Jiu Fang Tao also understood my intentions. As the second