Su Miao sensed that the atmosphere was off and immediately changed the subject, asking Laozi how the Witch-Demon War would end.
Laozi said, "The Heavenly Secrets are chaotic; the tribulation is inevitable.
"Who wins and who loses is no longer fixed. It depends only on how many Variables there are.
"A tribulation is like a great furnace, refining true gold. It is also like a whirlpool, sweeping up the mortal world.
"Only by staying out of it can one see clearly."
Yuanshi offered his cutting assessment. "The Wu Race does not understand the times, while the Demon Clan is divided at heart.
"The Kunlun lineage need only sit firmly and watch from the shore.
"Let the waves of tribulation rage—I shall remain unmoved."
Su Miao was completely lost.
Everyone pondered Laozi's words.
Bai Ze rested his long fingers against his chin and spoke unhurriedly.
"'A great furnace refines gold, leaving behind true gold and burning away impurities.'
"Is the Grand Pure Saint saying that the Witch-Demon Calamity itself is a selection?"
"A selection for what?"
Though Li Changshou did not quite see it that way, he also wanted to hear Bai Ze's opinion.
"The Prehistoric World is too vast, and there are too many living beings.
"A tribulation is the Heavenly Dao's way of clearing away redundancy. It weeds out all those who are unqualified, leaving behind new strength capable of adapting to changes in the Rules of heaven and earth."
Li Changshou saw it differently. He believed Laozi's focus lay in the latter half of his words.
"On the surface, the Saint is talking about the Tribulation. In truth, he is telling Senior Sister to stay out of it."
Thinking back on everything the Light Curtain had shown—
Ever since she entered the Purple Sky Palace, she had never