"For your sake!
And to continue the Immortal Path for the sect's younger generation."
"If I cannot break through to the Spirit Transformation realm, and ultimately lose my freedom—or even perish...
Then the task of restoring the Spirit Fusion Immortal Sect's orthodoxy will fall to you elders."
"You must not, Grand Elder!"
"That's right, Grand Elder!
You are the only pillar holding the sea steady in our sect today. Nothing must happen to you!"
"Grand Elder, please reconsider!
This is tantamount to placing your own fate in that Spirit Transformation Venerable's hands. It is far too dangerous!"
"Grand Elder, think thrice!
Without you holding the fort, even if our sect can preserve its orthodoxy, it will be difficult for us to gain a foothold!"
For a time, the Nascent Soul True Lords in the great hall all spoke up to dissuade him, their voices carrying urgency and reluctance.
One after another, they urged the Grand Elder to change his mind.
They all knew that the Grand Elder was the Spirit Fusion Immortal Sect's final hope.
If anything happened to him, the Spirit Fusion Immortal Sect would truly be finished for good.
As for those Nascent Soul True Lords who had originally hoped to submit to the Cultivator Association's inspection...
Although the Grand Elder's decision was now what they had wished for, there was not the slightest hint of joy in their hearts. Instead, incomparably complicated emotions churned within them—
Reluctance, heartbreak, guilt...
Everything but happiness.
They knew that the Grand Elder's decision was trading his freedom and life for the future of the sect's disciples.
Seeing this, the Grand Elder seated upon the throne remained calm. He slowly waved his hand, his tone resolute, leaving no room for negotiation:
"No more words!
This is my final decision.
It is also