The meeting was brief but heavy.
Half the elders dismissed the idea outright. "Too dangerous," one said firmly. "He is still only an Outer disciple, no matter his accomplishments. The risk outweighs the benefit."
"His contribution is commendable," another added, "but it is not his place to join such missions. We cannot gamble a promising disciple's life."
But then the Sword Peak Head spoke.
Daoist Jian Wuhen was a man whose sharp eyes seemed to pierce through both qi and lies. He leaned forward slightly, fingers tapping the table. "Han Yu…" He let the name linger in the air, tasting it. "Yes. I know about him. His name has come up more than once in this expedition. Brave acts, clever maneuvers, and a habit of walking away from death when others would fall."
