As Lin Ming's words fell, Lei Ying's expression darkened.
To be cursed for ten thousand years. Those four words were like needles stabbing into his heart.
He, Lei Ying, had been strong-willed and proud his entire life. How could he allow future generations to judge him like that?
Yet what Lin Ming had said was indeed true. If he refused Lin Ming today and the Lei Clan's Bloodline Power continued to weaken, eventually fading into obscurity—even if, years later, a genius truly emerged from the Lei Clan, gathered all eight Ancient Jades, opened the Cave Mansion, and became an emperor—
Then in the history of the Lei Clan, he, Lei Ying, would be recorded as the Clan Leader who had "missed the opportunity," the sinner who had "nearly caused the Lei Clan's bloodline to be severed."
This was something he could not accept.
Lei Ying stood there with a grim expression, silent for a long time. He was making a difficult choice, weighing his options, struggling.
At that moment, time seemed to have become incomparably long.
A long time passed.
At last, the struggle in Lei Ying's eyes slowly settled. In its place came determination and resolve.
He raised his head and looked directly at Lin Ming. His gaze held scrutiny, anticipation, and a... desperate courage to stake everything on one throw.
"Lin Ming, I can give you my clan's Tou She Ancient God Jade Fragment."
Lei Ying spoke, but then changed his tone. "However, I have one condition."
Lin Ming nodded slightly. "Please speak, Clan Leader."
Lei Ying's gaze was like two Sharp Swords, piercing straight into Lin Ming.
"Fight me."
"If you wish to become an emperor, you must gather all eight Tou She Ancient God Jade Fragments. Gu Yuan and Hun Tiandi each possess one as well.