Mist Sea City, the choice of sacrifice

Lin Yi was deeply shaken.

A warship suddenly appeared outside the universe where they wanted to leave but couldn't!

Moreover, the warship was merely an inconspicuous pale Blue Barrier, yet it turned countless chaotic beasts, at least at the Venerable Lord Rank, into ashes upon contact with it, like moths drawn to a flame, as easily as brushing away dust.

Even a being at the Venerable Lord Rank would die like an insect crushed by a mere hand before that blue light.

Where did this warship come from? Why is it here, attacking the Chaos Beasts? Is it a coincidence, or... is it related to the connection with the Origin Universe Tower?

Countless questions flooded my mind in an instant.

Was it because of the unique nature of the two-star mark that I received this video alone, or... did all the mark recipients sense it?

The moment this thought arose, Lin Yi, without any hesitation, immediately ordered his clone to connect to the virtual universe and contact the Eternal Beginning Dominator, and even the two supreme Spirit Race.

This matter is too important to be assessed jointly.

However.

The moment this thought crossed his mind, everything around him suddenly changed.

The next instant, a strong sense of spatial displacement came over me.

Lin Yi reacted extremely quickly, instinctively activating his Origin Law to stabilize his body, while simultaneously sweeping his divine senses around like a tidal wave.

He found himself standing on a deck covered with deep and shallow traces of battle.

Looking up, instead of the familiar starry sky, there was a soft, pale Blue Barrier, just like the one seen in the video!

At this moment, the light shield was steadily emitting a faint glow, keeping the thick black mist out.

Outside the light barrier, endless chaotic beasts surged forward like a frenzied tide, only to vanish into ashes the instant they touched the blue light.

He actually appeared on the unknown warship in the video!

And it's located in the bow area.

And it wasn't just him!

Not far from him, the figure of the Eternal Beginning Dominator also suddenly appeared. This Human Race Optimus Prime also showed a rare look of surprise and doubt, and was quickly looking around.

Further away, the exquisite figure of the Bright Moon Supreme stood quietly, her white linen dress spotless, her silver hair swaying gently in the still wind. She was gazing up at the Blue Barrier above, her eyes seemingly reflecting the Moonlight.

The Primeval Cosmos Supreme was also present, his presence both gentle and vast.

Not only them, but even more figures appeared in the slightly outer areas.

Their auras were mostly at the level of a Dominator or above. Some of them were Dominators of the Pan-Spirit Alliance, but he didn't recognize most of them. Among these unfamiliar figures, there were even a few who were comparable to Supreme Beings!

Among them, Lin Yi also saw a "familiar face".

The powerful alien woman he had defeated on the 59th floor of the Origin Universe Tower was also here, her face showing the same shock and bewilderment.

Lin Yi instantly had a guess in his mind.

It seems that those who were forcibly summoned here by this mysterious force were not random, but most likely...

All those who obtained the Origin Universe Mark!

This deduction slightly alleviated his fear of the unknown, but it deepened his doubts.

This warship, or the entity behind it, was able to ignore the overwhelming encirclement of chaotic beasts and precisely drag all the mark holders, and even several supreme beings from different universes, to this place?

What an incredible method!

Just as Lin Yi was about to discuss something with the Eternal Beginning Dominator was not far away, he suddenly had a thought and turned his head abruptly.

At this moment, eleven figures suddenly appeared at the very top of the bow of the ship, which had been empty before.

The leader was a man dressed in full black armor.

The armor was simple and unadorned, yet it exuded a solemn and menacing aura, as if it had endured countless baptisms of blood and fire.

His face was resolute, his eyes were deep like an ancient well, and there were faint silver patterns on both sides of his forehead, similar to those of the Star Spirit Race. A faint glow flowed beneath his skin.

He stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching the crowd below.

Behind him stood ten warriors in full armor, standing in neat rows.

Their armor was dark red, as if it had been soaked in blood and then dried and solidified, and their faces were covered by full-face helmets.

The ten warriors, of varying heights, silently guarded the black-armored man in front of them.

At this moment, all the mark holders who had been forcibly teleported here had quickly recovered from their initial shock.

No one made a sound, but all eyes, filled with surprise and suspicion, were fixed on the black-armored man on the high platform.

The scene was deathly silent, with only the silent image of chaotic monsters constantly rushing in and being annihilated outside the light barrier.

After a brief silence, Primeval Cosmos Supreme spoke first, "Why did you forcibly bring us here?"

The black-armored man's gaze swept over Primeval Cosmos Supreme, pausing briefly on Lin Yi for half a second before he slowly spoke, "I come from Mist Sea City. You can call me Li."

Mist Sea City? Li?

A place and name I've never heard of before.

Ignoring the doubts in everyone's eyes, Li continued in his calm tone, "This area, including the Cosmic Clam where you are, and the Origin Universe Tower you have come into contact with, all belong to Mist Sea City."

The Cosmic Clam and the Origin Universe Tower both belong to Mist Sea City?

Even with the composure of the supreme beings and rulers present, they couldn't help but show astonishment upon hearing these words.

A huge wave of emotions surged within Lin Yi.

So the giant clam they were in was called the "Cosmic Clam" by the other side? And the Origin Universe Tower was also theirs?

The implications behind this are chilling upon closer examination.

"This area has now fallen to the Black Tide." Li's voice was flat, as if stating a perfectly ordinary fact. "Because one of you has achieved a two-star mark," his gaze swept over Lin Yi again, this time lingering more intently, "So it was worth the trip."

"And those of you who have obtained the One-Star Origin Universe Mark," his gaze swept across the entire room, "Because you have even the slightest hope of breaking through to the True Source Realm, you can also leave with me."

True Source Realm?

Another unfamiliar concept.

Judging from his tone, he is clearly far above the Supreme Being.

Can I leave with him?

This news came too suddenly and was too shocking.

Only take the mark recipient?

Their people, their civilization, everything they protected... were all to be abandoned, left to die in this Cosmic Clam destined to be swallowed by the Black Tide?

As Li finished speaking, an even deeper silence fell on the bow deck.

Outside the light barrier, the chaotic beasts continued to rush forward, only to be reduced to ashes. The silent annihilation was particularly glaring at this moment.

Take away those with the potential to obtain the mark, abandoning all other living beings.

This choice is cold and cruel, yet it carries a reality that conforms to a higher level of rules.

The Eternal Beginning Dominator frowned deeply, and he subconsciously looked at Lin Yi beside him. His lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, it turned into a barely audible sigh.

As the supreme leader of Human Race, he now faces the choice of abandoning almost the entire Human Race, and the torment he feels is indescribable.

Bright Moon Supreme and Primeval Cosmos Supreme exchanged a glance, Spirit Race expressions equally solemn.

Although the Dark Annihilation Supreme and the Frost Rainbow Supreme remained silent, the subtle fluctuations in their auras revealed their inner turmoil.

Those unfamiliar, powerful alien beings also showed signs of struggle and resentment on their faces.

To have reached this point, which of them hasn't been nurtured and given countless hopes by their community? Which one doesn't have a civilization and kinship to protect behind them?

"Lord Li," after a brief silence, Primeval Cosmos Supreme spoke again, "This matter concerns the survival of billions of lives behind us. Could you... allow us a moment to discuss it?"

Li's gaze calmly swept over Primeval Cosmos Supreme, then looked at the other Supremes, and finally nodded slightly.

J

Can."

As soon as he finished speaking, an invisible force enveloped the Supreme Being and Lin Yi present.

The figures of other powerful individuals and the scene on the warship deck blurred instantly.

They were isolated in a separate space.

"Everyone," Primeval Cosmos Supreme spoke first, her gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling on Lin Yi, "You are all aware of the situation. This Lord Li comes from a higher level of civilization that we cannot even imagine. His words may be cruel, but perhaps... they are the reality."

"Is there really no room for maneuver at all?" A deep, unfamiliar voice of a supreme being asked, tinged with suppressed pain, "Are we... really just going to watch helplessly as everything is swallowed up by that Black Tide?"

Bright Moon Supreme shook her head slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in her silver eyes. "The other party's attitude is clear, and the rules are as they are. In his eyes, our Cosmic Clam has already fallen and has limited value. If it weren't for the Star Abyss Ruler of our universe obtaining the two-star mark, he probably wouldn't have even come to save us."

"Indeed." The Dark Annihilation Supreme's voice was rough, with a hint of hoarseness. "His very presence is already an exception. There's absolutely no way he'll change the rules at a higher level and take all living beings away."

Frost Rainbow Supreme Being, glanced around and her gaze fell upon Lin Yi. She hesitated for a moment before saying, "Star Abyss Ruler, you are the only one to obtain the Two-Star Mark. In Lord Li's eyes, your importance may be different from ours. Perhaps... if you were to inquire, could there be a glimmer of hope? Even if it's just to secure some additional conditions, or... buy some time?"

Upon hearing this, Primeval Cosmos Supreme looked at Lin Yi, his eyes filled with hope. "Star Abyss, you..."

Lin Yi felt equally heavy-hearted.

He certainly didn't want to give up.

The Silver Blue Civilization, Parents, Ellie, master, senior brother, Veteran Platform of the East Peak Legion... and countless other beings, both familiar and unfamiliar, within the Human Race realm.

His Divine Kingdom has expanded rapidly and is now a vast medium-sized universe, theoretically large enough to contain the entire Silver Blue Civilization, or even more.

Even so, faced with the destruction of the entire universe, all he could take with him was a drop in the ocean.

"I understand." Lin Yi took a deep breath and nodded. "I will try to inquire."

Soon, the surrounding containment force dissipated, and the group returned to the bow deck.

The other powerful figures cast complex glances at them, clearly each engaged in intense internal struggles.

Lin Yi stepped forward, moving closer to the black-armored man, Li Geng, and bowed slightly, his attitude respectful. "Lord Li."

Li's gaze fell upon him, carrying a hint of scrutiny that seemed more pronounced than when he looked at others. "Speak."

"We understand what you just said, sir. It is our good fortune to have your assistance. However..."

Behind us lie our blood-related people and our enduring civilization. Seeing our home on the verge of collapse, it is truly heartbreaking. May I ask, sir, is there... any other possibility? Even if it's just to secure a sliver of hope for those lives?"

Lin Yi's words expressed the sentiments of almost all the powerful individuals present.

Countless gazes were focused on Li.

Li looked at Lin Yi, a faint smile suddenly appearing on his face.

The smile vanished in an instant, yet it sent a chill down everyone's spine.

"Unable to part with your home? Do you know that what surrounds you, these Cosmic Clam, are merely the lowest level of the Black Tide, even the lowest-ranking Black Mud Beast?"

He pointed to the chaotic beasts outside the light barrier, frantically attacking and constantly being annihilated. "You're lucky. No higher-level Black Tide creatures are wandering around this fallen area for the time being. Otherwise, you wouldn't even have the chance to stand here and talk to me."

Higher-level Black Tide creatures?

A chill ran down everyone's spine.

These "non-ranking" Black Silence Beast alone have already caused their universe to lose more than half of its territory, leaving the Supreme Beings exhausted from running around.

Even higher levels... just how terrifying would those be?

"Now that this place has been covered by the Black Tide and become an occupied zone, taking away the potential seeds is the limit," Li continued.

Everyone's hearts sank to the bottom.

However, Li suddenly changed the subject. "But..."

This "however" made everyone's spirits lift, and their eyes were fixed on him.

"If you truly cherish your hometown..." Li's gaze slowly swept over every powerful figure present, a gaze that seemed to pierce through their souls, "It's not entirely without a solution."

"What method?" Primeval Cosmos Supreme couldn't help but ask.

A slight smile curved Li's lips as he slowly said, "If half of you were willing to sacrifice yourselves..."

Half? Self-sacrifice? Offering themselves up?!

These words struck like a thunderclap in everyone's minds.

"I can use this sacrificial power to help you reactivate the protective mechanisms of the Cosmic Clam," Li's voice calmly described the cruel plan. "I will strangle and eliminate these Black Silence Beast currently attached to the clams, and at the same time, I will apply a temporary shielding force field to your Cosmic Clam."

"In this way, we can buy you approximately... one Epoch."

An Epoch!

"In this Epoch, higher-level beings are unlikely to come. You can use this time to figure out... how much of your homeland's legacy you can take with you."

After Li finished speaking, he fell silent, simply watching the crowd as if waiting for their reaction.

There was a deathly silence on the bow deck.

Half... self-sacrifice... offering their Soul Origin...

This means that of the most powerful beings in the universe present—at least top-tier sovereigns, mostly rulers, and even some supreme beings—half of them would willingly sacrifice their lives to buy their "homeland" an Epoch of time to attempt to relocate a portion of the population?

The cost is far too high, so high that it is almost impossible to achieve.

Those who have reached this point are all people with unwavering determination and have endured countless hardships.

Which one isn't a pillar of the community?

They possess long lifespans, immense power, and exalted status, and now they have an even greater opportunity to escape this doomed Cage, venture into a wider world, and pursue higher realms.

Are you suggesting they give up everything to die for ordinary lives?

That's completely unrealistic.

Lin Yi sighed inwardly.

What about him?

His Divine Kingdom is large enough that an Epoch era is sufficient for him to find a way to relocate the entire Silver Blue Civilization; he might even try to take more people with him.

Even so, he felt powerless in the face of the condition of "half sacrifice".

This place is where the essence of the entire universe is gathered, and they're all willing to die for the sake of "saving mortals"?

This is as absurd as asking a pride of lions to jump off a cliff to save a flock of sheep.

Although he rationally knew it was impossible, Lin Yi still felt heavy-hearted.

He knew that this choice would forever remain a thorn in the side of many present.

Especially those supreme beings, and leaders like the Eternal Beginning Dominator who bear the responsibility for their race.

"It seems you've made your choice." Li's voice broke the silence. His eyes held neither mockery nor disappointment, only a calm detached from such situations. "Then, prepare yourselves and leave with me. As for your hometown... oblivion may be the best ending."

His words seemed to bring this brutal rescue operation to a close.

However, at that moment...

A gentle voice rang out. "Lord Li."

The voice came from the Supreme Being of the Spirit Race, Chu Yu.

She slowly walked to the open space in the center of the deck.

Her expression was calm, her eyes clear and deep, as if she had made a certain decision.

She first looked at Li and nodded slightly. "Lord Li."

Then, she turned around and faced all the powerful figures who had been summoned, especially those who had obtained the mark from the Spirit Race. Finally, her gaze fell on Bright Moon Supreme and lingered for a moment.

"I have heard Lord Li's conditions clearly." The voice of the Primeval Cosmos Supreme clearly reached everyone's ears, still gentle, "Self-sacrifice, in exchange for an Epoch of time, to buy a chance for the people of our homeland to migrate."

She paused, a very faint smile appearing on her lips.

"Throughout the long years, I have witnessed too many rises and falls, and protected too many generations of my people." The gaze of the Primeval Cosmos Supreme was distant, as if piercing through the armor of a warship to see into the inner universe known as the "Cosmic Clam." "The Spirit Race, I have watched them grow from humble beginnings, step by step, to their current pinnacle. They carry too many memories and hopes."

Her tone was flat, yet it conveyed a profound and deep emotion.

"I can accept my own end." Primeval Cosmos Supreme looked at Zhaoyue, a hint of apology in his eyes, "But I cannot accept that the Spirit Race... when I had a chance to do something, was completely annihilated in the Black Tide right before my eyes."

She nodded slightly to Zhaoyue, "Zhaoyue, the task of leading the Spirit Race from now on... is entrusted to you. I believe you will do a better job than I did."

Having said that, she turned away from Zhaoyue and calmly said to Li, "Lord Li, I am willing to offer myself as a sacrifice."

The bow deck was deathly silent.

The color drained from Bright Moon Supreme's exquisite face instantly. Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but her throat seemed to be blocked by something, and she could not make a sound.

She instinctively took a step forward, but then seemed to be nailed to the spot by invisible shackles.

Chu Yu's entrustment, the future of the Spirit Race... weighed heavily on her shoulders like a mountain.

Almost at the same time that Primeval Cosmos Supreme finished speaking, another figure stepped forward.

It is the Eternal Beginning Dominator.

This pillar of Human Race, with a solemn expression and a complex look in his eyes, glanced at Lin Yi beside him.

He didn't say anything grand or impassioned, but simply walked to a short distance from Primeval Cosmos Supreme and said in a deep voice, "Lord Li, the Human Race... cannot be destroyed in my hands. I am willing to do so."

The words of the Eternal Beginning Dominator were brief, yet carried immense weight.

As the leader of the Human Race, he led the Human Race from weakness to strength and established a firm foothold in the Pan-Spirit Alliance. His feelings for the Human Race have long been ingrained in his bones.

He couldn't abandon the entire civilization and try to survive alone.

At this moment, he chose to do the same as the Primeval Cosmos Supreme, to exchange that slim chance of survival for his clan.

Bright Moon Supreme's gaze suddenly turned to Heng Shi. One was a clan supreme and guide who was like an older sister to her, and the other was the most important bond in her long life, her partner with whom she had just publicly announced their relationship and pledged to walk side by side at the celebration.

They both chose to sacrifice themselves.

And what about her?

Chu Yu entrusted the future of the Spirit Race to her.

She is the second Supreme Being of the Spirit Race, and Hengshi's Heng Shi acknowledged partner. At this moment, she represents more than just herself.

Her subconscious half-step forward was pulled back with immense difficulty, as if bound by the most resilient chains of time and space.

She stood there, her hands clenched tightly at her sides, the color draining from her beautiful face.

The fact that the Primeval Cosmos Supreme and the Eternal Beginning Dominator stepped forward first seemed to break through some kind of solid ice.

After a brief silence, more figures silently emerged from the bow deck.

Lin Yi's gaze swept over the powerful figures who had stepped forward, and he recognized several of them.

There was another extremely senior ruler of the Spirit Race; a burly man of the Abyss Race whose aura was violent but whose gaze was unusually calm; and a female ruler of the Devouring Race whose temperament was cold but whose face now wore a gentle smile...

He noticed that most of the strong individuals who stepped forward, those he knew, had one thing in common.

They are almost all the most senior leaders or pillars of their respective ethnic groups, having led their groups for the longest time and with the deepest affection for their groups.

Just as the Eternal Beginning Dominator is to the Human Race, so too is the Primeval Cosmos Supreme to the Spirit Race.

Before leaving the queue, most of them would look at other younger mark recipients in their clan, either whispering a few words or simply giving them a deep look.

"From now on, the people's livelihood depends on you."

"Carry the Spark, live on, and become stronger."

Don't forget where we came from.

Similar words echoed softly on the deck, then quickly dissipated into the silent background of the annihilation of the chaotic beasts outside the light barrier.

The line of the fallen is slowly but steadily growing.

Each person who stepped forward weighed a little heavier on the hearts of the remaining members, but also seemed to bring the goal of achieving half the target a little closer.

Lin Yi clenched his fist at his side, then relaxed it, then relaxed it again, and then clenched it again.

His gaze swept across the faces of those powerful figures who resolutely faced death, from the calm profile of the Primeval Cosmos Supreme to the somber back of the Eternal Beginning Dominator, and then to the pale and empty face of the Bright Moon Supreme.

In the end, nothing was moved.

Time passed little by little.

On the high platform, the black-armored man's sharp gaze slowly swept over the powerful figures who had stepped forward, a hint of unfathomable emotion flashing in his eyes.

He slowly began to speak, "Commendable courage."

He paused for a moment, looked at the figures, and slowly shook his head.

"But unfortunately, the quantity... is still not enough."

A deeper silence fell on the bow deck.

Many of the powerful figures who had not yet stepped forward avoided eye contact, not daring to meet the gazes of those who had.

Just as the suffocating silence was about to solidify, a subtle commotion arose among the remaining crowd.

After a brief moment of hesitation and struggle, some figures finally took their first steps.

They walked slowly, their steps even somewhat heavy, their faces bearing complex and unreadable expressions.

Lin Yi's gaze fell on one of the figures, and his pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

It is the Bright Moon Supreme.

She left her original spot and walked step by step to stand before Primeval Cosmos Supreme.

At this moment, the pale emptiness on Zhaoyue's face had disappeared, replaced by a clear and firm calm.

She looked at Chu Yu.

"Sister Chu Yu."

Primeval Cosmos Supreme looked at Zhaoyue, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes, but more so, heartache.

"Zhaoyue..."

Chu Yu was about to say something, but Zhaoyue gently shook her head, interrupting him.

"Sister Chu Yu, you and Heng Shi have both left," Zhaoyue's gaze swept over Chu Yu, then turned to the Eternal Beginning Dominator, "What's the point of leaving me here?"

She paused, her tone becoming slightly lighter, "I believe in the Spirit Race. The Spirit Race has developed to its current state, possessing a stable lineage, a mature system, and countless outstanding members. Children grow up; they don't always have to rely on their Parents to move forward. Without us, the Spirit Race... can still steadily progress."

Primeval Cosmos Supreme looked at her, a myriad of emotions flashing in his eyes, which finally turned into a long sigh.

She reached out and gently touched Zhaoyue's head.

At the same time, the Eternal Beginning Dominator walked to Zhaoyue's side. He didn't say anything, but simply reached out and gently grasped Zhaoyue's slightly cold hand, their fingers intertwined.

He knows Zhaoyue too well.

This proud daughter of the Spirit Race, though outwardly aloof, yearns for freedom more than anyone else, longing to explore a wider world and break free from the constraints of her isolated cosmic island.

Now, the gate to Mist Sea City, to the "True Source Realm," and to that unknown and vast world is right before their eyes. For this hope, they have waited and struggled for far too long.

But now she has given up on her own initiative.

Eternal Beginning Dominator held Zhaoyue's hand, he felt both sorrow and a sense of relief that everything had finally settled.

That's fine too.

As Bright Moon Supreme stepped out, more figures followed suit.

The ranks of the victims slowly grew.

This included almost all the "patriarchal" type strongmen present who bore a heavy responsibility for the civilization of their people, as well as a few later generations who were inspired by their spirit.

On the high platform, Li's gaze slowly swept over these figures, and he nodded slightly.

"That's enough."

After Li finished speaking, his gaze suddenly shifted and landed on Lin Yi, who had been standing still the whole time without moving an inch.

"And you?" Li asked, "What are your thoughts?"

This question instantly drew everyone's attention to Lin Yi.

This is the only recipient of the two-star mark, and the key figure personally identified by Li as "worth making a trip to."

Chu Yu, Heng Shi, Zhaoyue, and the other powerful figures who stepped forward all looked at Lin Yi.

There was no blame in their eyes.

At their level, they already understand that everyone has their own choices, their own burdens, and their own path.

Lin Yi's rise was too rapid, and his emotional ties with the civilization behind him may be different from those of these "ancestors" who have ruled their races for countless Epoch.

Lin Yi understood.

He knew what Li was asking, and he also knew what many people present were thinking.

He stepped forward and slowly began to speak.

"I only thought... to cultivate diligently and become stronger. Perhaps one day... I can resurrect you all, so that your sacrifices today will not have been in vain."

The moment the word "resurrection" was uttered, the bow deck fell silent.

On the high platform, Li was visibly stunned when he heard the word "resurrection".

He then couldn't help but chuckle softly, the sound somewhat abrupt on the silent deck.

"Resurrection?" Li looked at Lin Yi and shook his head. "Do you know what resurrection means in this true Chaos Cosmic Sea?"

He didn't wait for Lin Yi's reply, seemingly feeling that explaining this was too early for Lin Yi at the moment, or even unnecessary.

"Never mind," Li waved his hand. "It's good that you have this kind of ambition."

Then, Li's gaze fell upon the remaining powerful individuals.

"You... should thank those who were willing to stand up."

He pointed to Chu Yu, Heng Shi, and Zhaoyue.

"Because of them, because of their choice, those of you who are still here have barely passed this small... test."

test?

Everyone was startled.

Could it be that...

"If you fail the test..." Li's tone suddenly turned cold, "We will only take away this two-star mark recipient."

His gaze swept towards Lin Yi again.

"As for the rest? I won't bring a single one."

These words struck like a thunderbolt, resounding in the hearts of the remaining powerful individuals who had not yet stepped forward.

So... they were rescued because the people in front of them had secured the necessary qualifications for them?

A complex mix of lingering fear and unspeakable emotions welled up inside me.

"As for the sacrifices?" Li's gaze returned to the volunteers, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Heh... With your meager strength, what good would it do even if you wanted to sacrifice yourselves?"

Before he finished speaking, he raised his right hand and pressed it lightly against the grayish-white giant clam below, which was shrouded in thick black mist and countless chaotic demonic beasts.

A deep, dark purple light burst forth from his palm, instantly traversing the seemingly short distance between the warship and the Cosmic Clam —a distance actually separated by layers of black mist and chaos—and silently disappearing into the Cosmic Clam.

The next moment, a scene that shook the minds of all the powerful beings within the Cosmic Clam unfolded.

The chaotic beasts that covered the shell of the Cosmic Clam, writhing and eroding like a malignant tumor, seemed to be blown by an invisible wind of death the moment the black-purple light entered the Cosmic Clam.

laugh...

All the chaotic beasts instantly turned into wisps of grayish-white ash, silently dissipating into the thick black mist.

In just a fleeting moment.

The terrifying entities that densely covered the outer shell of the universe were completely wiped out!

The grayish-white shell of the Cosmic Clam, covered with traces of erosion, was revealed again. Although it was scarred, it had temporarily escaped those greedy predators.

Immediately afterwards, a very thin, yet mysteriously concealed, transparent force field slowly spread out from the center of the Cosmic Clam, like an invisible dome, enveloping the Cosmic Clam and a small area around it.

The black mist continued to churn in the distance, but it seemed to have lost interest in this area and stopped gathering so frantically.

"Alright."

Li withdrew his hand, as if he had only done a trivial matter.

He looked at everyone, his gaze lingering briefly on Lin Yi.

"Remember, you only have one Epoch."

Immediately, Li raised his hand and waved it.

Lin Yi felt the surrounding scenery blur for a moment, the warship deck, the pale blue light shield, the black-armored man...

Everything is moving rapidly away.

The next moment.

The surrounding scenery became clear again.

Lin Yi found himself back in the place where he had previously secluded himself.

Everything seemed unchanged.

But deep in their souls, the phrase "Remember, you have only one Epoch" echoes like a constant warning.