Hope

The night grew deep.

Three Sects City was steeped in deathly silence. Hundreds of millions of people were crammed inside the formation, listening to the sizzling of the gray mist corroding the barrier outside. No one could sleep.

Lu Zhen stood atop the city wall. Soft footsteps sounded behind him.

"Lord Lu."

It was Pei Yuan of the Myriad Stars Tower.

"Tower Master Pei." Lu Zhen did not turn around.

Pei Yuan walked up to the battlements and looked at the rolling gray mist outside, the corner of his eye twitching.

"We're leaving."

"The main headquarters has issued a death order. We must evacuate immediately. If we don't leave now, we'll never be able to leave."

Lu Zhen tilted his head and glanced at him.

"Because of this gray mist?"

"Not entirely." Pei Yuan swallowed. "Our Myriad Stars Tower scouts risked their lives to send back a glimpse of what's inside the Heavenly Pool Treasure Land."

He stared fixedly at Lu Zhen.

"That is not some Devouring Spirit Broodmother at all!"

"It mutated. It's evil beyond belief. Even the main headquarters in the Great Wilderness got chills when they saw it."

Pei Yuan took a deep breath, his tone hurried.

"Lord Lu, heed my advice."

He took out the star-shaped token from his robes and held it out.

"Ten slots. The passage has already opened."

"Come with me. This is our last chance."

Lu Zhen looked at the token Pei Yuan was offering but did not take it.

"I appreciate Tower Master Pei's kindness."

Pei Yuan grew anxious.

"Have you lost your mind? Staying means death! No matter how powerful your Ultimate Profound Sword Intent is, even if it can kill a Martial Saint, can it kill a world-ending monster like that?!"

"What are you staying for?"

Lu Zhen smiled