The Central Province Continent came to a halt.
Zhou Xuan stood there, the wind whipping his black robe wildly. He lowered his head and glanced at Ji Chen in his arms. Ji Chen's eyes were closed, and the invisible chain on his divine soul was still draining his life force.
Zhou Xuan raised his right hand, pressed two fingers together, and touched them to his brow.
He forcibly tore three portions from his black-and-gold World Lord authority.
With a flick of his fingers, three streaks of light flew down, entering Emperor Jiang Wu, Old Ancestor Xuanming, and Old Ancestor Cangwu respectively.
"Master—" Emperor Jiang Wu looked up, veins bulging on the back of the hand gripping his War Glaive.
"Shut up and obey." Zhou Xuan's voice held no warmth and left no room for discussion.
He looked down at the three men, then swept his gaze over the battered Central Province beneath his feet.
"After I leave, you three will manage Central Province," Zhou Xuan said rapidly. "Hold this place. If I haven't come out within three days, or if the Crystal Wall can't hold, activate the Propulsion Formation immediately and leave."
Old Ancestor Xuanming dropped to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling. "Master, let's retreat together. While the green hills remain, there will always be firewood..."
"Retreat where?" Zhou Xuan cut him off. "The Divine Punishment Mark is on me. The dogs of the Myriad Devouring Divine Court and the Radiant Divine Court are all hunting me. Only if I take him inside will you have a chance to live."
Old Ancestor Cangwu rose, put away his longsword, cupped his fists, and bowed deeply.
"I obey." Old Ancestor Cangwu's voice had grown hoarse. "If you do not return, Master, I will keep Central Province safe. If Central