The twelve ancestors exchanged glances, excitement shining in every pair of eyes.
They had waited far, far too long for this moment. From the day the Holy Son vanished, they had hoped day and night for his swift return, longing for him to lead the Eastern Divine Palace out of its plight and toward the pinnacle.
After that brief surge of excitement, the First Elder drew a deep breath, suppressed his joy, and said gravely, "Junior brothers, the Holy Son's return is a tremendous blessing, but it also brings tremendous danger.
"The Desolate Court watches us like a tiger eyeing its prey, and the other powers certainly won't sit by and watch our Eastern Divine Palace rise. The Holy Son's safety is paramount!"
The Second Elder nodded in agreement. "The First Elder is right. The Holy Son has only just returned. Though his cultivation has improved, his wings are not yet fully fledged. Someone must remain at his side to protect him and help him grow."
The Third Elder said solemnly, "Huang Jing, the Saintess of the Desolate Court, is ruthless and immensely powerful. She certainly won't let this matter rest. We must prepare for every eventuality."
Everyone nodded, their gazes turning as one toward the Sixth Elder, the strongest of the Twelve Old Ancestors.
Sensing their gazes, the Sixth Elder slowly rose. The fierce sword intent surrounding him gradually receded, yet he still exuded an air of looking down upon the world.
He declared in a ringing voice, "Rest assured, senior brothers. Leave the Holy Son's safety to me!"
The First Elder looked at him with complete trust and said gravely, "Sixth Elder, you are the strongest of the twelve of us. With your cultivation at the creation realm seventh heaven, few in the entire First Realm can rival