Supreme Clarity Sect, inner sanctum.
A meeting of the leadership.
The atmosphere was so solemn and tense it was almost tangible.
Only four people attended.
Chen Rong, the prospective Sect Master, and three Lord Tier elders: Pan Dechang, Zou Wuji, and Yuan Zhiheng.
All four wore grim expressions.
Pan Dechang spoke. "Little Rong, I've discussed your proposal with Elder Zou and Elder Yuan. It's too risky! We can't agree to it."
Chen Rong said urgently, "Uncle Pan, we have no other choice!"
Zou Wuji waved a hand. "Little Rong, you're still young, and young people are quick to act rashly. The three of us old fossils aren't clinging to power just to oppose you."
"That's right. The position of Supreme Clarity Sect's Sect Master will be yours sooner or later. All we old bones want is to look after the sect until you've grown into the role. Your plan to strike first has too many uncertainties!" Yuan Zhiheng, the last elder, said as he stroked his beard.
Chen Rong said, "If we strike first and coordinate with Young Master Lu Wang to attack from inside and out, we still have a chance! If we stay trapped here until Lu Wang is defeated, how much longer can Supreme Clarity Sect hold out?"
Yuan Zhiheng said, "With the Mountain-Guarding Grand Formation, we can hold out for a while. Even at worst, that's better than shutting it down and going out to die fighting the Black Heaven Cult."
Zou Wuji said, "If we hold out another month, things might yet take a turn."
"Yes. Perhaps the other righteous sects will come to their senses and rise against the Black Heaven Cult."
"And the Sect Master and Grand Elder might return."
Elders Yuan Zhiheng and Zou Wuji took turns describing their last remaining hopes.