The moment those words came out, an uproar swept through the Rule Network.
The few systems in particular that had been judged "the weakest in strength" began trembling violently with light, filled with terror and resistance.
"No! We won't go!" A system representing the rule of "copy" sent out a piercing thought.
"Why should we be sent to our deaths!"
The Karma System's thought was cold and merciless. "If you don't self-destruct, you'll only be slowly worn to death under Zhou Ming's axe-light."
"And if you're slowly worn to death, all that will do is drag even more systems stronger than you down with you."
"Then in the end, everyone dies. Not one survives."
"Easy for you to say!" The light of a small orange system trembled violently.
"You systems are strong systems, so of course you don't have to die! Try switching places with us!"
The Judgment System's silver light lit up as it echoed in agreement.
"Karma is right. This is the only way—to pay the smallest price in exchange for the greatest victory."
The Punch-in System chimed in.
"Karma is right."
"If you stay, your fate is only to be broken one by one. By self-destructing, at least you can destroy the Green Lotus of Creation. That way, all our chances of victory will increase greatly."
Several relatively stronger systems also spoke up one after another to persuade them, but it was useless.
In the face of the fear of death, no system was truly willing to sacrifice itself voluntarily.
Within the Rule Network, arguments, pleas, and curses tangled into chaos.
But not one of them stepped forward on its own.
Silence was refusal.
The channel was locked in stalemate for several breaths.
Another round of axe-light fell, and the lights of two systems were extinguished on