Lou Jin leaned forward on his high seat, his voice calm yet heavy:
> "Lou Zen, I've summoned you here today because there is something important I need to discuss with you."
Before Lou Zen could respond, the First Elder, Lou Li, frowned deeply and stood up.
> "Family Head… I object. This responsibility cannot be given to Lou Zen! The task is far too dangerous."
He turned toward the other elders, then pointed at Lou Zen:
> "He's only at the 5th level of Qi Condensation. Where we're sending him… there are beasts at the 10th and even 15th level of Qi Condensation! You're seriously thinking of sending him there to retrieve that thing?"
Just then, the Second Elder, Lou Le, coughed and spoke in a raspy voice:
> "Do we even have anyone else at that level who can go?"
Lou Li shook his head with frustration:
> "No… besides us elders, there's no one else in the family who's advanced that far."
The room fell silent.
Lou Jin's eyes sharpened, voice unwavering:
> "Exactly. If I leave, or any of you elders step out of the Lou Estate, Xin Family will attack us without hesitation. They've been waiting for a crack in our defense."
> "We have no other choice. If Lou Zen succeeds in retrieving the artifact, the Lou Family will rise again."
All the elders turned toward Lou Zen.
The young cultivator clenched his fists.
> Qi Condensation Level 5... I'm not strong enough. But if this is what it takes to protect my family… then I'll do it.
Lou Zen raised his head, eyes burning with determination.
> "I accept the mission."
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