After a few simple pleasantries, the old patriarch's expression turned serious as he said, "The matter we are about to discuss is of great importance. Please, Mr. Zhao, and everyone, have a seat."
Once everyone was seated, the old patriarch looked at Bai Qi and continued, "Lord Wu has already informed me of your true identity. If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate it if you would reveal your true form. Of course, if it's inconvenient, that's also fine."
Bai Qi waved his hand and said, "There's no inconvenience at all."
As he spoke, Bai Qi's body underwent rapid transformation. In an instant, he changed from a human into a demon dragon. However, due to the limited size of the meeting hall, Bai Qi maintained a human-like physique.
Bai Qi's true form not only startled the Gatekeeper tribe members but also greatly surprised his so-called teammates who had accompanied him.
Along the way, from Savage's attitude towards Bai Qi, many had already guessed that this person's identity was extraordinary. However, no matter how hard they rack their brains, they never imagined that the teammate they had faced life and death with was actually a great demon.
The most pronounced reaction came from Bob, whose jaw nearly hit the floor.
The old patriarch, though surprised, nodded with satisfaction.
It was time to get to the main topic.
After Lord Wu recounted the prophecy in its entirety, Bob and his group were even more astonished.
They had no idea how an ordinary adventure had suddenly become intertwined with a monster invasion and saving the world.
To be honest, upon learning of the inherent dangers, several members of the expedition team, hired by Savage, had already begun to entertain thoughts of retreat.
In essence, these individuals were no different from mercenaries. The reason they followed the expedition team and put their lives on the line was for the gold, treasures, and honors they would receive upon the expedition's success and their return to civilized society.
The prospect of saving the world and resisting an invasion of alien monsters was clearly perilous. Furthermore, the fate of the world was not something that individuals of their stature could determine. As the saying goes, "When the sky falls, the tallest will bear the brunt." Why should they be the ones to step forward?
The old patriarch noticed the thoughts of these individuals and was about to speak when Bai Qi interjected.
Bai Qi's gaze swept across the group as he said, "Everyone, I understand the dangerous nature of this mission to resist the alien monster invasion. You are free to choose. I welcome those who choose to stay and fight, and I will not force those who wish to leave. I guarantee that I will ensure your safe return to your original world."
The first to choose to withdraw was Gatton. His reason for joining the expedition team was simple: money. Before joining, Savage had already transferred a considerable sum as a commission to his account. Even without the final payment, this money would be enough for him to live the rest of his life in comfort and ease.
Next was Audrey, then the honest man, Vinik, and finally, even Bob stood with the group choosing to leave.
"Bob, are you really... leaving?" Bai Xu walked up to Bob and asked softly.
Bai Xu had a favorable impression of this pale-skinned, seemingly refined outsider. During their conversations, she had been captivated by Bob's grand aspirations. However, to her surprise, Bob had chosen to leave.
Bob looked at Bai Xu in front of him, his face contorted with struggle. But soon, he made up his mind, gently pushed away Bai Xu's hand, and said haltingly, "I... I'm sorry, I don't want to die."
Bob knew clearly that with his small frame, participating in the fight would undoubtedly be a death sentence.
Sometimes, people are like this. When danger is far away, they appear righteous and say grand things about not fearing death and being willing to die a thousand times. But when danger arrives, their true colors show.
He didn't want to die; he wanted to live. Even if it meant returning to that dilapidated apartment, at least he would be alive.
Hearing this, Bai Xu said no more and quietly returned to her father's side.
The old patriarch doted on his daughter immensely. Seeing that this outsider had dared to break her heart, he was furious and wished he could tear the scoundrel apart. But he couldn't; the overall situation had to take precedence.
Watching the individuals who were about to leave, Bai Qi did not get angry. He said calmly, "Alright, you may leave first. I will arrange for your return shortly."
After they departed, Bai Qi looked at Broldor, who was sitting beside him, and asked, "They've all left. Why aren't you going? Aren't you afraid of death?"
Broldor's decision to stay had surprised Bai Qi. He had expected these hired individuals, driven solely by self-interest, to flee en masse when faced with danger. He hadn't anticipated that one would remain.
Looking at the ferocious-looking Bai Qi, Broldor calmed his emotions and said, "I am afraid. Terrified. But I cannot leave. If I leave, who will treat their injuries? I don't want these lives to be lost in vain."
"Good, very good."
Regardless of whether Broldor was speaking eloquently or sincerely, he had at least chosen to stay.
Bai Qi's gaze returned to the old patriarch as he said, "Now, let us discuss how to defend against these monsters."
Bai Qi continued, "As Lord Wu stated, the Gate of Annihilation will open, and the monsters within will pour out en masse. They fear no death and are incredibly numerous. The current manpower and combat strength of the Gatekeeper tribe are insufficient to confront them."
"That is correct," the old patriarch nodded. "Although we possess weapons left by the angels, our numbers are far too few. Moreover, so many years have passed, and who knows if the monsters within the gate have changed."
Bai Qi said, "Therefore, we must be fully prepared."
Bai Qi glanced at Savage beside him. Savage, understanding his intent, said, "I believe everyone knows that beyond this continent, there are several others. We have troops in the outside world. If we transport all these troops here, perhaps we can match the monsters from the gate in terms of firepower."
"Absolutely not!"
As soon as Savage finished speaking, an elder slammed his hand on the stone table in front of him and said, "This continent has not seen outsiders for hundreds of years. Allowing you to be here is already an exception. How can we permit more outsiders to tread upon this land? Absolutely not!"
Facing the agitated elder, Savage calmly replied, "Rules are rigid, but people are adaptable. If you insist on your rigid adherence and face the enemy with overwhelming odds, the result will be that alien monsters will rampage across this continent, and the Gatekeeper tribe will bleed rivers. When there are no people left, and the land becomes a paradise for monsters, what use will your so-called rules be?"
"This..."
Savage's words left the five elders speechless.
The old patriarch spoke at this point, saying, "Very well, we will allow you to bring your soldiers here. However, with less than two days until the Gate of Annihilation opens, you..."