After Zhao Zhen and his party left, silence returned to the courtyard.
He Pingtian, Poison Granny, and One-Eyed Maniac looked at one another, speechless for a long while.
What Li Yun had just told them was like a massive stone dropped into a still lake. The ripples it stirred refused to fade from their hearts.
A world-ending crisis?
Another world?
The Primordial Demon Lord?
The words were so unfamiliar that they hardly seemed real.
Yet Li Yun had spoken with such certainty, such composure, that they could not help believing him.
"Chief..."
Poison Granny spoke cautiously. "Was everything you said true?"
Li Yun glanced at her. "Do I look like I was trying to scare them?"
Poison Granny hurriedly shook her head. "No, no, that's not what this old woman meant. It's just... this is too big. I'm a little... a little..."
She went on saying "a little" without ever managing to say what she meant.
One-Eyed Maniac said in his booming voice, "Chief, I'm not too bright. Just tell us straight—what should we do?"
He Pingtian also looked at Li Yun, expectation in his eyes.
Li Yun was silent for a moment before saying slowly, "I already told you what to do."
He looked at the three of them, his gaze calm as water.
"Chaotic times are coming. Strength will be the only thing you can rely on. If you trust me, put everything else aside and focus on cultivating. I won't stint on Eastern Splendor Stronghold's resources."
The three exchanged glances and bowed together.
"Thank you, Chief!"
Li Yun waved a hand, dismissing them.
He Pingtian hesitated, then asked, "Chief Lin, what about Great Yan..."
"Don't worry about the Great Yan Dynasty. Let them do as they please. When soldiers come, we'll send generals; when floods come, we'll