The three suspended clusters of radiance all seemed to dim faintly for an instant.
The ancient voice fell silent for a long time before it sounded again, its tone betraying neither joy nor anger, only endless vicissitudes. "Oh? Do you know what refusal means?"
"It means you will brush past three supreme treasures sufficient to let you stand at the peak of the starry sea."
"It means you are giving up a shortcut that may lead to longevity, even immortality."
"And it also means you may have missed a thread of hope for facing the great calamity to come."
Li Yunjing's expression did not change. He smiled calmly. "The Great Dao is walked alone. Why borrow external things?"
"On the road to longevity, how could there be a shortcut?"
"If the great calamity is destined to descend, then I, Li, shall lead all of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect and, with the thunder in my hand, do what must be done. Even through a hundred deaths, I will have no regrets."
"Not borrow a senior's legacy and shoulder a responsibility beyond my strength."
"This is the choice of my Dao heart. I bear no resentment and have no regrets."
His voice was not loud, yet it carried an unquestionable firmness and resolve.
Another long silence followed.
The ancient voice sighed softly, as if with regret, and yet also as if in relief. "A firm Dao heart, unmoved by external things, able to discern yourself and know when to advance or retreat—very good."
"Since this is your choice, this old man will not force you."
At the same time, several other clusters of light, comparatively dim yet still exuding impressive fluctuations, emerged from the void and hovered before Li Yunjing.
They were three Jade Slips branded with starry Dao patterns, a