Next, you didn't say much to Gu Xuan and engaged in an earth-shattering battle. It had to be admitted that Gu Xuan was indeed very strong. He had hidden many cards up his sleeve, and being defeated by you on the outside was a result of him not wanting to reveal too much.
However, Gu Xuan was no longer your match now. You had comprehended the dual space-time Dao patterns, and even without using your talents or your Source-Shattering Heavenly Eye, your combat power was no weaker than Gu Xuan's. If you used your talents to assist in the battle, you would easily overpower him.
Moreover, Gu Xuan today was different from his previous simulations. At this point in time, there was still some time until the Immortal Mansion opened, and he had much less time to grow. He was weaker compared to the simulations.
Therefore, as you became serious and stopped suppressing the use of your talents, Gu Xuan was easily defeated by you and died.
However, you knew that Gu Xuan had a means of resurrection and waited silently. Soon, Gu Xuan resurrected, and you showed a murderous intent, immediately launching another attack to kill him.
Facing this perilous situation, Gu Xuan unexpectedly burst into laughter, indicating that he would die here today. However, what awaited you wouldn't be a good ending either. He would be waiting for you below.
Hearing Gu Xuan's words, your heart sank, and various thoughts flashed through your mind. You unleashed a powerful attack, triggering the Multiplay effect, aiming to forcefully kill Gu Xuan.
It was at this moment that Gu Xuan used an item and activated it. The instant he activated this item, he was directly struck down by you, completely dying. However, the item he activated turned into a strange rainbow light, attempting to penetrate your body.
In response, you blocked it with your power without hesitation and used your Golden Talent · Damage Nullification to defend against it. Thanks to the brief effect of the Golden Talent, you managed to avoid the curse effect of the item, but you were marked, and a red and peculiar pattern appeared on the back of your hand, which left you frowning.
"Finally, the truth is revealed. Gu Xuan is problematic. The power behind them may not be as strong as I thought, which is a good thing. However, Gu Xuan... what is he exactly? Although it's worth celebrating that I killed him so decisively this time, his smile and words are quite unsettling."
Wang Ping read the simulated text with narrowed eyes.
If Gu Xuan was the mastermind behind all this, then he wouldn't need to enter this secret realm personally. After all, it was a risky move that could expose him. Any cautious boss wouldn't easily reveal themselves and put themselves in danger. Furthermore, his laughter and words before death were not typical reactions for a boss.
Gu Xuan, like the shadowy figures, had black mist. Could it be that he was just a member of the black mist warriors, with a slightly more special identity and greater strength, but nothing more?
"If that's the case, then this mastermind behind the scenes is even more terrifying. To think they can treat Gu Xuan, the future head of the Gu family, as a subordinate and pawn. Would the Gu family even agree to that? This creates a significant contradiction compared to my earlier speculations."
Wang Ping's gaze flickered, and he was filled with more doubts.
If the other party didn't care about the Gu family or the future head and dared to make the Gu family's young master their subordinate and pawn, then they wouldn't need to use this method to kill him. They could have directly taken action and eliminated him, even Emperor Tianyu wouldn't be able to protect him.
"Resolving some questions seems to have raised even more mysteries."
Wang Ping shook his head, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Speaking of which, among all the geniuses who entered this secret realm, only Huan Yin, Huan Qing, and I survived. If we go out like this, won't I be treated as a suspect?"
Wang Ping suddenly remembered this, and his expression turned serious.
It wasn't impossible. If they entered the secret realm, and everyone else died, leaving only the three of them alive, it would be a shocking event in the upper realm. After all, it involved many emperor-level and quasi-emperor-level forces. The sudden death of their descendants would drive these forces crazy.
For this reason, even if he was innocent, he might be targeted.
"Let's take it one step at a time. Even if I die, I can just simulate again."
Wang Ping sighed lightly, calming his emotions. After all, these were his personal gains, and he hadn't received any help from them. Instead of worrying about sharing resources, Huan Yin and Huan Qing should be thinking about how to repay him.
Next, you began to discuss with Huan Yin and Huan Qing whether to continue searching for various native tribes, plundering them all before leaving, or simply leave the secret realm directly.
Secret realms that appeared on the Immortal Continent generally had their rules understood by people. Some would automatically eject people when the time was up, while others would close automatically. Once closed, if you wanted to leave, you would have to wait until the next opening.
However, by that time, the cultivators trapped inside might have already died. After all, secret realms that opened once every hundred thousand years were not uncommon. A hundred thousand years was an incredibly long time.
As for this secret realm, because it was unprecedented and used by Gu Xuan and others for their schemes, you weren't sure which scenario applied. Therefore, it was best not to stay for too long and leave as soon as possible.
After making the decision, you began to look for the entrance you used to enter. Before long, you found it and left the secret realm.
When you emerged, all the powerful beings present were staring at the three of you, their eyes flickering as if they were calculating something. As for the quasi-emperor from the Taiyi Emperor Palace, he secretly communicated with you, asking if you had encountered any danger in the secret realm and what gains you had made.
In response, you didn't answer the question directly but solemnly stated that the secret realm was a conspiracy, and you would explain what had happened after returning.
Upon hearing this, the quasi-emperor from the Taiyi Emperor Palace also became more serious and nodded before taking you away from the scene.
This scene was observed by other powerful individuals, and they frowned slightly but didn't think too much about it. After all, they didn't know if you had made significant gains, and they had no reason to intercept you forcibly. If they did, they would truly offend the Taiyi Emperor Palace.
Chapter 236: Explosive Battle Against Gu Xuan! Chaos in the Tongxian Continent!
[Next, you didn't say much to Gu Xuan and engaged in a world-shaking battle. It has to be said that Gu Xuan is indeed very strong, hiding many cards. Being defeated by you externally was simply because he didn't want to reveal too much.]
[However, Gu Xuan is no longer your match now. You have already comprehended the Space-Time Dual Dao Pattern. Even without using your innate talents or the Source-Breaking Heavenly Eye, your combat power is not inferior to Gu Xuan's. If you use those innate talents to assist in battle, you can easily overpower Gu Xuan.]
[Not to mention, Gu Xuan now is different from the previous simulations. At this time, there is still some distance before the Immortal Mansion opens, so he has less time to grow. He is weaker than in the previous simulations.]
[As a result, with your serious approach and no longer suppressing the use of your talents, Gu Xuan was easily defeated and died.]
[However, you knew that Gu Xuan had a means of resurrection, so you waited silently. Soon, Gu Xuan revived, and with a cold determination in your eyes, you struck him again, intending to kill him.]
[Facing such a dire situation, Gu Xuan unexpectedly burst into laughter, saying that he would die here today, but what awaits you won't be a good ending either. He waits for you below.]
[Listening to Gu Xuan's words, you felt a chill in your heart, various thoughts flashing in your mind, and you unleashed a powerful attack, triggering the effects of multiple talents to try to overpower Gu Xuan.]
[It was at this moment that Gu Xuan used an item and activated it. The moment he activated this item, you directly blasted him to death, completely killing him. However, the item he activated turned into a strange rainbow light, attempting to enter your body.]
[In response, you felt a chill and immediately used your power to block it while also using the Golden Talent - Damage Nullification to defend against it.]
[Thanks to the brief effect of the Golden Talent - Damage Nullification, you avoided the curse effect of the item but were marked by it, leaving an unmistakable red, eerie pattern on the back of your hand.]
[This made you furrow your brow.]
"Finally, the truth is revealed about Gu Xuan. There's something wrong with him. The power behind them doesn't seem as formidable as we thought, which is good news. But Gu Xuan, what exactly is he? Although it's worth celebrating that I managed to defeat him decisively this time, his smile and words are quite unsettling."
Wang Ping looked at the text simulation and narrowed his eyes.
If Gu Xuan was the mastermind behind the scenes or part of those dark misty figures, it didn't make sense for him to enter this secret realm. After all, it could expose him to unnecessary risks. Prudent bosses wouldn't willingly put themselves in harm's way like that.
Furthermore, Gu Xuan's behavior, laughing and speaking before his death, didn't seem like the reaction of a boss about to die.
Gu Xuan also had the black mist, so could it be that he was just another member of the black mist warriors, with a slightly special and stronger identity, and that's it?
"If that's the case, then this mastermind behind the scenes is even more terrifying. They can actually make the Gu family's heir their subordinate? Would the Gu family agree to that? This contradicts your previous inference that the mastermind behind the scenes isn't that powerful."
Wang Ping's gaze flickered, and more doubts arose in his mind.
If the other party didn't care about even the Gu family's young master, making him their subordinate and pawn, then why go through this elaborate plan? They could have directly eliminated him, and they could even kill the Emperor Tianyu together. This raised significant contradictions.
"Solving a few questions has led to even more mysteries," Wang Ping shook his head, feeling a headache coming on.
"Speaking of which, among the Tianjiao who entered the secret realm this time, only I, Huan Yin, and Huan Qing survived. If we return like this, I wonder if I'll be treated as a suspect."
Wang Ping thought of this and his expression became serious.
This wasn't impossible. Entering the secret realm, everyone else died except him, Huan Yin, and Huan Qing. This was enough to shock the entire upper realm. After all, it involved many Emperor-level and quasi-Emperor-level forces. The sudden deaths of their heirs would undoubtedly drive these forces to madness.
Therefore, even if he was innocent, he might still be targeted.
"Anyway, let's take it step by step. I can always restart the simulation if needed," Wang Ping sighed and, after calming his emotions, continued to gaze at the screen.
[Next, you begin calculating the wealth that Gu Xuan and the other Tianjiao dropped. It's worth noting that Gu Xuan, as a member of the Gu family, has a vast array of treasures. Although the other Tianjiao also had impressive backgrounds, Gu Xuan outshines them all. He had around forty million pounds of top-grade divine essence and about a million pounds of supreme-grade divine essence. Not to mention the miscellaneous treasures and equipment, which were dazzling.]
[You remember that Black Abyss Demon Venerable had given you only about twenty million pounds of top-grade divine essence and fifty thousand pounds of supreme-grade divine essence. There weren't many other valuable items either.]
[Black Abyss Demon Venerable, as a transcendent being, could compete with Emperor Qingzhu at the Supreme Realm. Yet, his wealth was not even half of Gu Xuan's. Various rare treasures and artifacts couldn't compare either. This was truly unbelievable.]
[Although it's possible that Black Abyss Demon Venerable used up many resources himself, you can't help but feel that you and Gu Xuan are quite poor in comparison. Many other Tianjiao are even worse off than you.]
[At this moment, Huan Qing and Huan Yin's eyes are shining as they look at these treasures. Even though they have many quasi-Emperors as their masters, their masters haven't given them as many treasures as this. While they have various life-saving items, they've never seen this much 'money' before, making them somewhat obsessed with it.]
[In the presence of their eager gazes, you carefully organize the items and store them in your personal storage world.]
[This leaves Huan Qing and Huan Yin feeling envious and reluctant, but they swallow their saliva and try not to think about it. After all, these are your
spoils of war, and they have no right to ask for a share.]
[Seeing their expressions, you can't help but feel amused.]
[After settling the treasures, you begin discussing with Huan Qing and Huan Yin whether to continue exploring the various indigenous tribes, plundering them all before leaving, or simply exiting the secret realm.]
[Secret realms that appear in the Tongxian Continent usually follow certain rules. Some eject people automatically when their time is up, while others close automatically. Once closed, if you want to leave, you have to wait until the next opening.]
[However, due to the unprecedented nature of this secret realm and its use by Gu Xuan and others for their schemes, you aren't sure which scenario applies. Therefore, it's best not to stay for too long and leave as soon as possible.]
[After making the decision, you start looking for the entrance you used to enter. Before long, you find it and exit the secret realm.]
[As you emerge, all the powerful beings present are staring at the three of you, their eyes calculating something. The quasi-Emperor from the Taiyi Emperor Palace secretly communicates with you, inquiring if you encountered any danger in the secret realm and what gains you made.]
[In response, you don't directly answer the question but rather state solemnly that the secret realm was a conspiracy and that you'll explain what happened later.]
[Upon hearing this, the quasi-Emperor from the Taiyi Emperor Palace becomes more serious and nods before leading you away from the scene.]
[This scene is observed by other powerful individuals, and they frown slightly but don't think too much about it. After all, they don't know if you made significant gains, and they have no reason to forcibly intercept you. Doing so would genuinely offend the Taiyi Emperor Palace.]
[At the same time, the gaze from the other Tianjiao seems somewhat resentful, as they had hoped to get their hands on the treasures you acquired.]
[However, they also understand that there's a limit to their actions. If they act recklessly, they may provoke the Taiyi Emperor Palace, which is not something they can afford to do.]
[As you walk away, you notice Huan Qing and Huan Yin looking somewhat smug. They probably think that they'll be able to keep all those treasures for themselves.]
["In this day and age, it's still essential to have someone to cover for you. Otherwise, it's tough to handle situations like this."
[Wang Ping read the simulated text and sighed.]
[Because he is the Crown Prince of the Taiyi Emperor Palace, no one would dare to question him.]
[As for Huan Qing and Huan Yin, they are also fortunate to have so many powerful quasi-Emperors protecting them. This group of old monsters dares not act recklessly.]
[Otherwise, their troubles would be enormous, and their lives might even be at risk.]
[After his moment of reflection, Wang Ping continued to focus on the screen. The upcoming plot was the most crucial, and whether he lived or died would soon become clear.]
[After you return to the Taiyi Emperor Palace, you start recounting the events that happened in the secret realm. However, due to Emperor Tianyu's absence, you don't reveal everything to the quasi-Emperor from the Taiyi Emperor Palace. You only mention that you escaped thanks to your Space-Time Divine Ability and didn't mention wiping out all the enemies.]
[At the same time, you express your ignorance about the fates of the other Tianjiao and only mention witnessing many Tianjiao being killed during your escape.]
[Nevertheless, you still reveal the most critical part, causing the quasi-Emperor's face to change dramatically. After all, the impact of this matter is enormous. If many Tianjiao died, and only a few survived, the forces of those killed Tianjiao would undoubtedly be furious. They might even seek revenge on the surviving forces without any evidence.]
[Although the Qin family was at the forefront earlier, the situation is still highly complicated.]
[Aside from that, the most crucial point is that the Taiyi Emperor Palace currently doesn't have an Emperor presiding over it. Emperor Tianyu is still absent, and there's no news of his return.]
[If Emperor Tianyu were in the Taiyi Emperor Palace, he could withstand the pressure to some extent. After all, you didn't do anything wrong, and you barely escaped with your life. If other forces acted unreasonably, the Taiyi Emperor Palace could criticize them.]
[However, all of this depends on having sufficient strength to back it up.]
[Wang Ping, hearing the quasi-Emperor's answers, knows that the trouble might be much larger than he expected. Yet, he hasn't revealed the worst part of the situation. In the secret realm, only you, Huan Yin, and Huan Qing survived.]
[In this situation, these forces might unite to trouble the Taiyi Emperor Palace. Even if they can't find evidence to support their claims, they might still interrogate and question why only you survived.]
[Furthermore, these forces could send other Tianjiao to investigate the situation. If they find that all the indigenous strong beings and Tianjiao are dead, and only you, along with Huan Yin and Huan Qing, are alive, it will raise suspicions.]
[Wang Ping genuinely worries about whether Emperor Tianyu can handle this situation. Unfortunately, the forces and powerful beings involved are too numerous.]
[At this point, you realize that your initial speculations might be correct. Emperor Tianyu has yet to return because something has happened to him. You have a feeling that you won't be able to find the answer to this mystery in this simulation. You'll have to wait until the next simulation, while Emperor Tianyu is still present, to ask him about his future plans.]
[As for why Emperor Tianyu didn't leave in one of the simulations, you suspect it might be because you showed him the remnants of the Dark Era Emperor Scripture and the original Shikong Emperor Scripture. After all, he might want to help you obtain the Shikong Emperor Scripture and the Dark Era Emperor Scripture first, so you can grow stronger before he goes about his own business.]
[This explanation is very reasonable. After all, in the subsequent simulations, you had already obtained the Shikong Emperor Scripture and knew about the Dark Era Emperor Scripture, so there was no need to present the remnants of the scripture. It wasn't necessary to have Emperor Tianyu help you find it. Moreover, later on, Emperor Tianyu could see that you had acquired two Emperor Scriptures, so there was even less reason for him to assist you in finding them.]
[In other words, when you initially joined the Taiyi Emperor Palace and showcased your talents, you actually saved Emperor Tianyu once. To be precise, you may have delayed the time when something happened to him. Perhaps, with or without your presence, Emperor Tianyu would still encounter trouble; it was just a matter of time.]
[Next, you plan to see how the powerful beings of the Taiyi Emperor Palace arrange things. If they come up with a solution and can resolve the issue, you might choose to stay. However, if they can't handle it properly or can't resolve the trouble, you have a plan in mind.]
[You intend to leave early to avoid causing trouble for the Taiyi Emperor Palace. If the Taiyi Emperor Palace faces a disaster because of you, you would feel guilty and create inner demons. Although this is just a simulation, you don't want to harm the forces that have been kind to you.]
[Thinking about this, you can't help but chuckle and consider yourself a jinx, attracting trouble wherever you go. You previously joked about Ye Chen being a star of ill omen, but now you feel that you might be even more suitable for that title. Of course, this is only the case in this simulation; in reality, you believe you are quite normal and don't harm those around you.]
[Following that, the quasi-Emperors of the Taiyi Emperor Palace begin to debate, think of countermeasures, and make contingency plans, taking many factors into account. As the first Crown Prince of the Taiyi Emperor Palace, you naturally understand that the situation isn't favorable.]
[Because time is running out for you all, if you continue to delay for a while longer and the powerful beings outside the secret realm realize that no one has come out, or if the entrance to the secret realm closes directly, other forces will also catch on.]
[As expected, a month later, some forces faintly sense that something is amiss. The secret realm entrance has never closed, but there has been no sign of anyone coming out. Consequently, they send qualified Tianjiao to investigate the situation.]
[In the end, the truth is revealed, and the senior figures of various forces are left in shock and fury. They first turn their ire towards the Qin family, demanding to know if the Qin family was aware of the situation and expressing a desire to kill all the Tianjiao.]
[In response, the Qin family's senior figures feel wronged, stating that they genuinely had no knowledge of the situation. If they had found this secret realm without needing to gather Tianjiao for the sake of fate, they would have kept it to themselves rather than convening the Tianjiao and hosting the Enlightenment Tea Gathering. Moreover, Qin Yue of the Qin family also perished within it. Would they really do something so foolish as to harm their own Emperor's daughter?]
[Hearing this, the others fall silent, finding the Qin family's argument quite reasonable. However, they remain stern, indicating that the matter is far from over before leaving one after another. This situation is too significant, and they must return with individuals of higher status and power, even involving the Emperor, if necessary.]
[After all, in the Golden Era, the designated heir of their forces has perished, impacting the competition for Immortal Fate. Although they can continue to cultivate a new Tianjiao, it takes a long time. Moreover, finding a Tianjiao of that caliber isn't easy, and they might have to settle for someone of a lower tier.]
[As these events unfold, many senior figures are uncertain and suspect whether these forces are collaborating to annihilate the Qin family.]
[The powerful beings of the Taiyi Emperor Palace are naturally aware of these developments, wearing extremely grave expressions as they observe the situation, prepared for the worst outcome.]
[As for you, you find Yu Dao Hong and sigh, saying that the future of the Taiyi Emperor Palace will be in your hands. This weighs heavily on Yu Dao Hong's mind. Although he didn't join the expedition to the secret realm, being the son of Emperor Tianyu, he naturally understands the situation's causes and consequences.]
[At this time, he doesn't suspect that you plan to escape but rather guesses that you want to disassociate yourself from the Taiyi Emperor Palace to prevent them from suffering the consequences. You could say that your actions in this manner are akin to seeking your own demise.]
[Next, after sharing a small drink with Yu Dao Hong and instructing him to take care of your disciples, you bid farewell to Yu Dao Hong. Then, you choose to leave the Taiyi Emperor Palace.]
[However, before you can depart, you are intercepted by a quasi-Emperor from the Taiyi Emperor Palace. He has a serious expression and declares that the Taiyi Emperor Palace will not abandon any of its Crown Princes. They won't do something shameful like that. If they could casually make such decisions, the Taiyi Emperor Palace wouldn't have its current unity and wouldn't have given rise to five great emperors.]
[Listening to the quasi-Emperor's words, you feel touched, but you still shake your head, deliberately expressing your hope that the quasi-Emperor will let you go. You don't want to live or die together with the Taiyi Emperor Palace. Leaving the Taiyi Emperor Palace offers you a way out, while staying would mean everyone's demise.]
[Hearing your words, the quasi-Emperor sighs and understands that you've made up your mind. He contemplates whether to restrain you to prevent you from doing something foolish.]
[Seeing the quasi-Emperor hesitating, you take your leave and head outside, which prompts the quasi-Emperor to come to his senses and consider that the current Taiyi Emperor Palace may not be able to protect you well. Allowing you to leave might indeed be the best choice. You possess the residual incarnation of Emperor Tianyu, and leaving early might offer you a chance at survival.]
[These words leave many quasi-Emperors in silence, all clenching their fists, feeling powerless for the first time. In this world, strength ultimately reigns supreme, and even the Taiyi Emperor Palace, which has given rise to five great emperors, will eventually experience decline. It can be said that no force can remain strong indefinitely.]
[Their immediate concern is how to deal with various dire situations that may arise after Emperor Tianyu's misfortune. Even if no forces come to confront them due to this incident, once Emperor Tianyu's demise is confirmed, terrifying experts will undoubtedly target the Taiyi Emperor Palace.]
[After all, the Taiyi Emperor Palace has existed for so many years, and it's impossible that they haven't offended any forces and experts, or that they haven't wiped out any other forces in the past. These forces and experts didn't dare to act recklessly before because the Taiyi Emperor Palace was always strong, with an Emperor in charge. Now, without an Emperor, these entities will definitely become restless and might try to take a bite.]
[Apart from that, the Taiyi Emperor Palace also needs to guard against other openly recognized forces. These forces might also try to take advantage.]
[When you leave the Taiyi Emperor Palace, the Qin family is in a precarious situation. The members of the Qin family are filled with fear. The Longevity Qin family, though small in number, is incredibly powerful. However, even with great strength, there are limits. They might be stronger than the same-level experts from other forces individually, but now, they are outnumbered by hundreds or thousands of opponents.]
[Even the Qin family's Emperor wears an extremely grim expression when faced with so many Emperors. At this moment, the dignity of a Great Emperor is secondary. He can only find a way to save face and pacify this group of experts; otherwise, the Qin family will surely be wiped out today, and he, as the Emperor, will also meet his end here.]
[Soon, negotiations begin between the Qin family and the various forces. This time, the Qin family has no room for bargaining. Other forces know that the Qin family couldn't have been the mastermind behind the targeting of numerous forces' heirs. The Qin family is not that foolish and wouldn't resort to such a low-level scheme or even plot to kill their own Emperor's daughter.]
[However, knowing is one thing; the Enlightenment Tea Gathering was initiated by the Qin family, and the secret realm was first discovered by the Qin family. Therefore, the Qin family must bear responsibility and withstand the anger of many forces. If they don't offer enough compensation, the other forces would indeed dare to annihilate the Qin family and divide its spoils.]
[In a situation where so many forces act together, each wouldn't need to pay a significant price to easily annihilate the Qin family. Who would choose to stand idly by?]
[In the end, after negotiations between the Qin family's Emperor and many forces, the Qin family pays a heavy price. The Qin family's treasury is emptied of more than half its contents, and even two ancient Enlightenment Tea Trees are dug up. The Qin family's assets are gone.]
[It can be said that from this day on, the Qin family may not see immediate changes, but as time goes by, they will undoubtedly become the weakest Emperor-level force. After all, without sufficient high-level resources, sustaining the operation of the Qin family and nurturing the next generation will be fatal. Especially when the Qin family's Emperor falls, and there are no successors from the Qin family, the Qin family is truly in jeopardy and might follow the fate of the Dao Palace.]
[Seeing the Qin family's plight, many observers remain silent. In this world, even an Emperor can feel powerless at times, weighing heavily on their hearts. Indeed, to truly transcend the rules, one must become an immortal. Only as an immortal can one be invincible, and no one would dare to provoke them.]
[Next, some cultivators are surprised to discover that after suppressing the Qin family and forcing them to cut ties and survive, these major forces are advancing towards the Taiyi Emperor Palace.]
[This astonishes many forces, as they don't know what has transpired during this period to make these major forces take such drastic actions. It's one thing for them to unite and target the Qin family, but now they're planning to confront the Taiyi Emperor Palace as well.]
[The powerful beings of the Taiyi Emperor Palace, upon seeing these major forces' armies truly advancing toward their palace, all wear serious expressions. However, prior to this, they had already implemented the Legacy Flame Plan. Even if something were to happen to the Taiyi Emperor Palace, they need not worry about complete extinction.]
[End of this chapter]