Daoist Wuchen said with a chuckle, "Yes, and no."
That was as good as saying nothing at all, and rather befitting a charlatan.
Xu Changxing could only press on. "What do you mean?"
Daoist Wuchen explained, "Though heaven and earth seem eternal in the eyes of ordinary people, they actually undergo birth, aging, sickness, and death, just as ordinary people do.
"Before this great tribulation, this world had already weathered countless calamities.
"But those calamities were merely illnesses afflicting this world. As long as the right remedy was prescribed, the medicine would cure the disease.
"And the Dao Ancestors of those days were all exceedingly skilled at writing prescriptions.
"So after each of those great tribulations, heaven and earth flourished.
"Until the great tribulation descended several million years ago."
Xu Changxing said thoughtfully, "Do you mean, senior, that this great tribulation came because this world's allotted lifespan was up, and that is why it was called the Final Tribulation?"
Daoist Wuchen shook his head. "That isn't quite right, either.
"Though this world has grown old and decrepit, a miraculous elixir could still extend its life.
"But when that great tribulation descended, the Dao Ancestors all abandoned this world and fled into the endless void, without having agreed to do so beforehand.
"As those renowned physicians of their age departed one after another, the source of this world's illness went untreated.
"Even with all their strength, the Daluo Immortal Venerables who remained could only seal away the Final Tribulation temporarily, not eradicate it completely.
"And so this great tribulation became the Final Tribulation."
After pondering for a moment, Xu Changxing asked, "Why did those Dao Ancestors abandon this world back then?"
Daoist Wuchen gave a bitter laugh. "How could people like us fathom the thoughts of Dao Ancestors?
"But there were