"After all, every additional bit of strength is welcome. If you lack power, then contribute people.
"The society will train you into qualified combatants, free of charge.”
The unyielding intent in Li Fan's words was unmistakable.
Li Chenfeng's smile slowly grew strained.
He was about to speak further when he saw Li Fan's expression gradually turn cold.
Li Chenfeng's heart sank like a stone.
A tense atmosphere began to spread through the secret chamber.
Yet, for some reason, after a moment, Li Fan's demeanor softened once more.
He snorted coldly. "I hadn't intended to tell you this, but it seems you still pin your hopes on that ridiculous escape plan.
"Weak-minded faction of escapists..."
Li Fan said coldly, "Let me be blunt with you. Your plan to mobilize a hundred thousand Realm-Splitting Whales to separate your world from the Xuanhuang World has no chance of success.
"The moment you break away from the Xuanhuang World will be the day your Empire is utterly annihilated!"
The three, Li Chenfeng included, were completely stunned.
"Senior, what do you mean by that?"
Li Fan pointed a finger toward the brows of the three.
"See for yourselves!"
In an instant, the world around Li Chenfeng dissolved from his senses.
It felt as though he were drifting in an endless void.
Far away, a colossal orb of light throbbed rhythmically. A streak of radiance burst forth from inside it, as if attempting to flee. Yet after traveling a certain distance, its trajectory abruptly shifted, bending uncontrollably upward.
There, it was as though some monstrous, unseen horror had opened a vast, blood-soaked maw, waiting to swallow it whole.
***
Cold sweat poured down Li Chenfeng and the other two. They staggered backward and collapsed to the ground, faces pale with bewilderment and terror.
“What... was that?”
He stared at Li Fan, dread filling his eyes.
“Do you think we launched that desperate attack against the cultivation world without cause?” Li Fan’s voice dripped with mockery. “It’s because we have nowhere left to run.
“That was the Immortal Ruins—an unknown and terrifying existence that wishes to devour the entire Xuanhuang World.
“The Xuanhuang World is vast. Against the Immortal Ruins, it may endure for a long time yet.
“But the minor worlds we inhabit? That is far less certain.
“Not to mention the laughable scheme your Empire has so painstakingly devised.”
Each word struck like a hammer.
Only then did the three from the Empire truly grasp what fate awaited them if they severed their connection with the Xuanhuang World.
The color drained from their faces.
“Therefore,” Li Fan concluded calmly, “joining us is your only path forward.”