"Elder Luo, this is a small token of respect from this junior. I wish you success in securing the authority of Acting Leader in advance."
In a mountain manor in the south, Young Master Lu pushed a purple sandalwood box toward the elderly man before him.
The old man known as Elder Luo opened the box a crack and glanced inside. A nearly imperceptible smile flickered in his eyes.
"You've gone to too much expense, Nephew Lu."
Elder Luo spoke slowly. "This old man has merely lingered on for a hundred years. I am old and frail—what virtue or ability do I possess to shoulder the heavy responsibility of Acting Leader?"
"You are too modest, Elder Luo. Your seniority surpasses even those Grandmasters of the Golden Age. You are of the same generation as the Fist Immortal, and for many years, you have diligently devoted yourself to preserving the stability of the martial world...
"When the Aristocratic Alliance was first established and the great families joined hands to weather the crisis, you were among the first to step forward in support. Even that peerless Grandmaster who once stood supreme over the world in the imperial capital praised your abilities highly and received you more than once. If you ask me, the position of Acting Leader belongs to none but you..."
Young Master Lu lowered his posture and spoke with a smile.
The martial world was now facing a martial arts exchange proposed by the Western Lands. It could not remain leaderless; the experts of the Golden Age had to choose an Acting Leader to coordinate their strength and lead them against the Western Lands' challenge.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, he had invited out this long-retired veteran of the martial world.
Though the man looked decrepit now, needing a cane