“You’re a roadblock, aren’t you?” The voice said slowly.

“That’s an interesting way to put it, but I think of myself as something grander.” Li Qiye chuckled and took a bite of phoenix wings.

“Putting that aside, it’s your turn to respond to the move.” The voice said.

“And if I don’t?” Li Qiye asked.

“You know the answer, the tree will burn to leave room for a new dao. Of course, this is a calamity to the world, and not just one world.” The voice said.

“I don’t think any of that will be happening as long as I’m alive. It’ll be in vain.” Li Qiye said confidently.

“Nonetheless, we must still act because it’s...