Hearing Luo Tiance's words, the meeting room fell into complete silence.
All the heads of the Eight Great Families of Great Xia were silently contemplating.
Since the establishment of titles for meritorious deeds, not a single person had attained a title because these titles in the history of Great Xia all represented extremely special significance.
Facing the constant evolution of ferocious beast intrusions, and with foreign powers eyeing them covetously from across the border, the higher-ups had designated these titles to encourage the martial artists of the nation.
For many powerful warriors, monetary rewards are useless, for life is priceless.
To the weak, offering money might tempt them into taking risks.
But to true martial arts powerhouses, living is capital, and even if you offer high bounties, they won't risk their lives for your rewards.
Honor, however, is different—titles of merit carrying historical significance are also priceless.
Whoever earns a title represents an immense contribution to Great Xia, and is destined to be remembered by the people and have their name go down in history.
For warriors who do not worry about money or status, such honor is fatally attractive.
Which man can refuse a top title passed down from his ancestors; who doesn't want to be remembered for thousands of years to come?
But now the problem arises.
Currently, no one has attained a title, so whoever becomes the first to do so and what kind of achievements they have are particularly important.
If the achievements of the first person to receive a title are poor, it will invisibly lower the value of the title and reduce people's aspirations for it.
Therefore, who gets the first title and for what kind of achievements must be considered carefully; no one dares to speak lightly.
Luo Tiance's commanding gaze swept around the room as he asked in a deep voice, "What do you all mean by staying silent?"
"Are the contributions my grandson has made not enough?"
"That is the populace of the entire Guangyuan City, those are over a hundred elites who are the mainstays of Martial University, and that Ancient Great Demon obliterated the entire populace of Jiang City."
Seeing the dangerous aura emanating from Luo Tiance, Patriarch Liu, Liu Shengji, advised:
"Elder Luo, please calm down."
"We are also considering what you said. This is not a trivial matter, and it's not something that can just be routinely conferred."
At this moment, Patriarch Qin, Qin Zheng, commented with a frown:
"Elder Luo, I think the matter of awarding titles should not be rushed and needs to be postponed."
"First: In ancient times, those who achieved great military exploits and received such titles accomplished feats of an era."
"Your grandson has indeed done very well, whether it's the people of Guang Yuan City or the elites from Martial University, they are invaluable. He deserves reward and significant recognition. But if you say those are feats of an era, I think it's still not enough."
Zhu Wushi nodded: "Ah, yes, definitely! That's precisely what I wanted to say— we cannot devalue the title."
Liu Shengji continued:
"Indeed, within the Great Xia Realm, so many city lords defend their posts. If it weren't for them, many cities would have already fallen. Should they not also receive a title?"
The other family heads nodded slightly, finding the argument reasonable.
It was not out of deliberate opposition to Luo Yu but because awarding the first title was critical—it could set an example, but if not done well, it might incite grievances.
Luo Tiance watched Patriarch Qin silently, his face expressionless, and said:
"Continue."
Qin Zheng spoke up: "Secondly, we all know the true situation of your grandson's talent and ability, don't we? Maybe he has some talent, but certainly not as formidable as it seems now."
"When we initially set up the 'God's Child' plan, wasn't it to boost the confidence of martial artists and the public throughout the country? But any plan will eventually be exposed one day; the fake will ultimately remain fake, and if we rashly confer a title on him now…"
"When the truth comes out one day, and everyone finds out that the God's Child is just an ordinary genius martial artist, it will be hard for them to accept."
"At that time, it will be your grandson who will suffer from the backlash of criticism."
"Just think about it, when everyone knows we awarded a title to a fraud, what will they think? The value of the title will be gone, and both us and your grandson will be pointed at and cursed."
Qin Zheng's words seemed sincere, with no apparent bias, and he laid out the pros and cons clearly.
The family heads in attendance seemed reflective and then nodded.
"Elder Qin's words indeed hold water; this title should not be conferred," Zhu Wushi, who always spoke his mind, stated bluntly.
"Right, it should not be granted," Patriarch Tang, Tang Tian, along with Liu Shengji and others, spoke up in succession, making their stance clear.
"On the contrary, I think it can be granted," said Patriarch Cao, Cao Xiong, as he stood up.
He looked around the room and said:
"First of all, Luo Yu is not a city lord responsible for defending a city. It wasn't his duty to defend the city, yet when the city lord failed, he stepped in and turned the tide—that alone is a great achievement that cannot be erased."
"Secondly, the martial artists Luo Yu saved were not ordinary; they are the future of Great Xia, real potential assets. When they grow up and join the defense of various cities, think of how many casualties among soldiers and civilians can be prevented?"
"Furthermore, that Mountain Lord Great Demon, while not yet freed from its seal, cruelly slaughtered an entire city's populace. Had it broken free, all of Great Xia would have faced devastation. Luo Yu slaying it prevented how much loss of life?"
Cao Xiong's eloquent speeches were forceful, and each phrase struck a chord. He took a breath, his gaze shining upon everyone, and said: