Chi Xue and the others finally understood why Ling Tian had sent Yu Ying away and hadn't given him the Phoenix Soul Fruit. Realizing that Ling Tian might not let Feng Lingzi and the others undergo the tribulation alongside them, their expressions turned grave. They knew that without Feng Lingzi and the others, their strength during the tribulation would be greatly diminished, making it much harder to survive—especially since the Lord of the Universe might not go easy on them.
But Chi Xue and Po Tian knew even better that Ling Tian held all the cards. They could only do as he asked; they had no say in what he did. This left them utterly helpless, but there was nothing they could do about it.
"That's right. Feng Lingzi and the others are far stronger than the cultivators we've recruited. Some of Ling Tian's friends and family have even reached the Near-Saint Twentieth Heaven. Without these experts joining forces with us, it'll be even harder to break free of the Lord of the Universe through our own strength." Chi Xue spoke in a low voice, then looked up at the sky. "It's a pity we can't ask Ling Tian for anything. If we anger him, he can choose not to undergo the tribulation with us. He's already decided to face it alone, and barring any surprises, the Lord of the Universe will deliberately go easy on him, so he'll certainly escape the Lord of the Universe's control."
Wen Yan, Po Tian fell silent. His expression was even grimmer than before. Then he looked at Chi Xue, his meaning clear.
"For now, we can only hope the Lord of the Universe deliberately goes easy on us too. Only then will we be sure to escape his control." Chi Xue spoke gravely.