Teaching Ao Li a Lesson

"Enough already!" The short, Earth God-like old man beside them said helplessly, muttering under his breath, "Those two used us as weapons. We still held out a sliver of hope, but it turned out the same as before. Every civilization had its own unique path. The way of Heavenly Immortals had countless restrictions as well. If one wanted something balanced and peaceful, something all beings could cultivate, it would only end up too mediocre, too bland."

Lu Ren's expression did not change, though a faint crystalline gleam flickered deep within his eyes. None of these people had spoken casually.

They were clearly returning his favor by revealing where they had learned of this matter. These people were extremely practiced at doing favors that cost them nothing—or kicking someone when they were down.

But if one wanted them to actually do something, no one would be willing without getting something tangible first.

Lu Ren gave him a slight nod. "Does Original Earth Daoist have something to say?"

The little old man, Original Earth Daoist, smiled at that, then asked curiously, "Did you truly open up a miniature universe within your own Inner World, one like the present world?"

Lu Ren shook his head slightly. "How could that be possible? The power of one person is ultimately limited. All I can pursue is finding infinity within the finite. Perhaps after enduring a few hundred million years, it might become a true universe."

"A few hundred million years?!"

Original Earth rolled his eyes. "If I had that kind of lifespan, becoming a Golden Immortal would be no challenge. With the great power of a Golden Immortal, one could cross the multiverse, find a newborn universe amid the chaos, and nurture it as you have."

The others, who had initially been interested, abandoned the