Yan Qingwan's voice was still gentle, but this time it lacked some of the effortless superiority she usually showed toward those beneath her.
Li Ji'an cupped his hands slightly. "Thank you, Eldest Young Lady. I only wish to remain with the Lineage."
At this, Yan Qingwan's smile deepened, and she nodded in approval. "You do good without seeking reward, and hide your accomplishments without harboring resentment. You are quite something!
"But that was something I had already promised before. You saved my life this time; I can't leave you unrewarded. So go ahead and ask boldly. I'll make sure you have nothing to worry about!"
"In that case... I would like to secure a stable future for my descendants," Li Ji'an ventured.
"Good! I promise!" Yan Qingwan was even more delighted by his answer.
"To be honest, before you answered, I had already prepared myself to have a proper showdown with the elders in the Lineage. After all, your spiritual roots are poor and you're old. You have no potential whatsoever on the path of cultivation.
"If you asked to advance further on the path to immortality, the elders in the Lineage would surely refuse.
"What's more, the front lines are under pressure, and resources are scarce."
Li Ji'an bowed slightly and smiled. "I do have some self-awareness."
"Heh, what a fine example of self-awareness. Is this the self-awareness you mentioned before: 'Nobody has faith in you, and you're the least promising of them all'?" Yan Qingwan was in high spirits. She even brought up a joke Li Ji'an had made in all seriousness, when she'd casually asked him about his past during the three years they'd spent studying Alchemy Skill together.
"However, I should let you know in advance that the Lineage is in urgent need of people right