In the Temporary World, Lao Xu bowed to the powerful figures gathered before him.
The figures exchanged puzzled looks.
Lao Xu and the others had brought them here by force, and they were terrified. His cultivation far surpassed theirs. They were fish on the chopping block, certain they had been brought here to die.
If even these powerful figures felt that way, the less-skilled martial artists and ordinary people were more frightened still.
None knew why they had been seized or whether they would make it home alive.
"Everyone, please hear this old man out."
Lao Xu's voice rang throughout the Temporary World.
Whether they understood him or believed him, Lao Xu began his account.
At least they should know why they were dying.
Gradually, the panic in the crowd subsided. They chose to believe Lao Xu; with his cultivation, he had no reason to lie.
"Cruel as it is, that's the truth. It's our tragedy too. If Lin Jun hadn't been willing to gather you here, you might have died without ever knowing what killed you."
Having explained the crisis, Lao Xu lay down on the ground. There was nothing more he could do, so he might as well enjoy the time he had left.
Once he lay down, everyone except those who still could not grasp the situation began talking among themselves.
To place the survival of all humanity in one person's hands sounded absurd.
They did not understand talk of visitors from beyond the heavens, Heavenly Tribulation, or World Consciousness. But they understood this much: something wanted to wipe them out, and one of their own had stepped forward to protect them.
All they could do was watch.
Whatever sought to destroy them was powerful enough to affect the world itself.
Despair began to spread. Anyone who