The true core that constituted the Time Ruin, the foundation of the demonic realm, and the distortion of reality finally manifested before Ji Jue.

Its origin lay in the Undying Disease, an affliction beyond salvation, built upon countless patients condemned to eternal torment. What it ultimately gave birth to, through the sacrifice of everything, was a single-minded resolve to save others that had endured even in the face of death.

The doctors, powerless to cure the disease, had poured everything they possessed into that hope. They had even offered their souls, raising one final prayer and heartfelt wish to the world.

And thus, they had achieved Ascension.

Despite being stripped of everything, so long as that single conviction remained, they would never abandon their patients. They would never betray the oath they had sworn, nor would they allow the poison and corruption to continue existing in this world, even if they themselves had become the very thing spreading corruption and poison.

That unwavering determination stood before Ji Jue’s eyes. He stood unmoving, unable to utter a single word.

The corner of the doctor’s mouth twitched. Bathed in the crimson rain, he looked as though he were weeping, or perhaps he was forcing out a weary, self-mocking smile.

“I’m not a good doctor,” his lips trembled as he murmured, exhausted. “I… I can’t remember anymore… So many things, I can’t remember them. Who am I? What happened to everyone? They’re sick. Everyone is sick. I’m sick, too. I don’t know how to save myself, and I don’t know how to save them… it’s all… my fault… What... what has become of everyone?”

He struggled to lift his head and tried to look around, but he could...