"How is that possible? How could it happen so soon?"
"The Eleventh Tier... what does that even mean? The Master of the Hall is the only one on Blue Star who can stand against it!"
A wave of despair rippled through the crowd. The Eleventh Tier was a level beyond anything they could imagine.
Humanity had progressed quickly, but there had been too little time. They needed more time, more resources, more geniuses. The Black Dragon Emperor had given them no time at all.
Ye Lingyun fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly. "If it comes to that, I'll give my life to take him down with me." His voice was calm, but his resolve was absolute. He looked at everyone present and said firmly, "I'll have to leave the rest to you."
Martial Madman looked at Ye Lingyun, his emotions tangled. He knew what the Master of the Hall meant.
It was a decision to die, a powerful man's last stand. He clenched his fists, his voice hoarse. "Master of the Hall..."
Ye Lingyun gave him a faint smile. "Keep training. That kid Lin Ming won't let us down."
He gazed into the distance, as though he could see through the boundless Star Sea to the figure making his way home.
Martial Madman said nothing more. He nodded firmly, then turned and walked deeper into Peak Tower. Now was not the time for grief. He needed to grow stronger, stronger still.
Even if he could take only a fraction of the burden off the Master of the Hall, he would give everything he had.
Outside Peak Tower, the dark red sky continued to spread. Ye Lingyun stood beneath the blood-colored heavens, looking lonelier than ever. He slowly raised a hand, and a wisp of golden light appeared in