It had occurred to Ling Tian long ago that the Lord of the Universe might use the billions of lives in the universe to threaten him. This time, he had gone out to capture Purgatory Nether Crows and hadn't encountered a single cultivator, which only confirmed his suspicion—and further strengthened his resolve not to show mercy in the future. It was plain enough: Ling Tian was already somewhat weaker than the Lord of the Universe. If he held back, he would have even less chance of winning. That was why it was so important to prepare himself and steel his resolve in advance.
Fortunately, Ling Tian had already made up his mind and, at the very least, prepared himself for what might come. Even if the Lord of the Universe really did use billions of lives to threaten him one day, Ling Tian would still be able to make the wisest choice.
More importantly, Ling Tian knew all too well that if he showed mercy and lost the battle, he wouldn't be the only one to fall. Hua Min'er and the others would perish too. Most of those working hard in the outside world, including Chi Xue and his companions, would likely die as well. That was the last thing Ling Tian wanted to see.
As Ling Tian prepared himself, Eastern Emperor Bell, the other Artifact Spirits, and the many Saint-grade Heavenly Treasures also came to a decision: if Ling Tian couldn't bring himself to strike at the billions of lives in the God Realm, they would do it for him. Eastern Emperor Bell, in particular, would kill without hesitation any cultivators who drew near Ling Tian.
More importantly, Eastern Emperor Bell could easily kill God Realm cultivators with its abilities. Its mastery of Space Law Power was exceptional, and