Everything in the world seemed to fall still for a second, and immediately thereafter, the inner demon let loose a thunderous roar, releasing boundless light as it attempted to adopt its true form again.

However, right at this moment, Nothingness reached out and gently laid a hand onto its head.

"Do you regret what you've done?" Nothingness asked in an emotionless voice. "You've transcended several major tribulations, and even I am unable to track you down. Even for me, the only way to find you would be to kill everyone in this world. You should've lived for all of eternity, but here you are, completely cornered and trapped."

The light that was radiating from the inner demon's body flowed back into itself as if time were being reversed, and it stared intently at the Heavenly Dao as it gritted its teeth tightly. "Throughout the past several thousand years, I haven't interfered with any of your plans, nor destroyed any civilizations! Why do you insist on hunting me down?!"

The Heavenly Dao heaved a faint sigh.

They offered no response as They abruptly tightened Their grip, and the inner demon immediately shuddered, following which a blood-curdling screech...