If the Lord of the Universe really used their friends and family as leverage, Chi Xue, Po Tian, and Ling Tian would have no choice but to give in. They couldn't stand by and watch their loved ones die.
But then they imagined how their friends and family would react after the Lord of the Universe "killed" them, and despair crept in. Their loved ones would most likely fight the Lord of the Universe to the death, which would be no different from throwing their lives away. With Po Di's strength, there was no way he could match the Lord of the Universe. Chi Xue and the others had felt this all the more keenly after their own realms improved.
It made sense. Even if Chi Xue and the others broke through to the middle or late stages of the twenty-first heaven, they still wouldn't have any confidence facing the Lord of the Universe. Po Di and the others hadn't even reached the twenty-first heaven. For them to fight the Lord of the Universe would be no different from walking straight to their deaths.
Since they were doomed either way, Po Tian steeled himself to fight the Lord of the Universe to the death. At least that way, he wouldn't let him have his way.
Though they were reluctant, Chi Xue and the others knew this was probably their only choice. Of course, they hadn't given up all hope. They thought Ling Tian might have a solution that could save everyone, so they all turned to him, their meaning plain.
"There may be a way to save our loved ones and keep ourselves alive, too. After all, if we die, our loved ones will certainly go after the Lord of the Universe." Ling Tian saw them nod, then continued, "I've