Golden Ao Island and Biyou Palace were cold and quiet, as though a faint sorrow hung over them. The bustle of millions of years seemed a thing of the past, and the immortal island appeared to have fallen into decline overnight. Though jade-like flowers and exotic plants bloomed among ancient green pines and cypresses, they could not conceal the indescribable sadness.
Hua Dou sat cross-legged on a Cloud Bed. Countless strands of spiritual energy swirled before him, turning into a faint, hazy purple mist that floated through the air.
Hua Dou suddenly opened his eyes and said to the seated Shangqing Saint, "Alas! Zhao Gongming has already been persuaded by that Shen Gongbao. He's still going down the mountain now. This tribulation truly can't be avoided."
Sect Master Tongtian said, "No one can interfere with the great tribulation of Heaven and Earth unless they're willing to bear the Karma."
Hua Dou suddenly understood. "I've heard rumors that even the Saints can't interfere with their disciples' life and death unless someone willingly bears this boundless Karmic Debt."
Sect Master Tongtian said, "Indeed. Though they disobey my orders, I don't want to stand by and watch them die one by one and have their names inscribed on the list. I've tried my utmost to stop them, but the great tribulation of Heaven and Earth can only be pushed forward. Perhaps it isn't that they disobey me. Perhaps it's the influence of the great tribulation of Heaven and Earth, drawing everyone's mind into it. Maybe they have no choice."
Hua Dou said, "Isn't there a way to avoid it? Didn't Saint Yuanshi's substitute method work?"
Sect Master Tongtian shook his head. "The rule-power formed by this great tribulation of Heaven and Earth is still fused with everyone's primordial spirit. It can't be removed