"The foundation of a clan lies in its strongest figures at the top!
So long as one of the clan elders can take that final step, shatter their shackles, and ascend to the rank of Demon Venerable, this crisis will naturally be resolved, and every disadvantage can be reversed!
I beg the elders to place the clan's survival above all else!"
"That's right!
I, Sha Fei, am willing to remain behind and cover the retreat!
Elders, withdraw at once! I will defend these waters to the death and buy the clan a chance at survival!"
The burly Demon Lord Sha Fei strode forward, clasped his hands, and made his request in a deep voice. His expression was resolute and unwavering.
Amid the chaotic chorus of pleas...
The Second Elder, who had remained silent for a long while, slowly raised a hand and suppressed the crowd's voices. His aged yet steady voice rang through the hall:
"You need say no more. Immediately obey the Fifth Elder's orders and carry out the evacuation. There must be no delay!"
His gaze swept across the younger Demon Lords, carrying traces of life's weariness and acceptance in his eyes as he slowly said:
"We elders have already exhausted our lifespan.
In this life, we have been trapped in the Half-Venerable Realm, only half a step away from becoming Spirit Transformation Demon Venerables, yet we no longer have any possibility of breaking through. We lost all hope of advancing long ago.
But you are different. You are still young, with ample room for cultivation advancement and futures worth looking forward to. The clan's hopes all rest upon you."
Another clan elder immediately echoed him, his tone grave and impartial:
"The Second Elder speaks true.
We were fated to stop here long ago, but you still have