Sun Rongxun hesitated slightly upon hearing Xia Nishang's request. "I'm fairly good at killing people, but comforting them... isn't really my strength."
"Put it this way," Xia Nishang explained, "we won't tell the Merit Honorees that there may be an opportunity for Core Embrace here. Once it's their turn to come, whether they can seize that opportunity will depend on your hints."
"Understood." Sun Rongxun nodded decisively. "The hints don't necessarily have to be explicit. It would be best if they can figure it out themselves."
"That's right, that's exactly what I mean." The sect leader nodded, personally acknowledging that explanation.
Moreover, she said earnestly, "Those who enter the Glory Merit Hall have all resolved to die for the sect. As the sect leader, I should give them one final opportunity. As for whether they can seize it, or whether they'll become mentally unbalanced... that will be up to you, Hongxiu."
Sun Rongxun considered it, then nodded slightly. "I'll do my best."
"Not do your best. You must get it done," Xia Nishang said seriously. "The Glory Merit Drum is being entrusted to you for temporary use. You must live up to this favor."
Sun Rongxun pondered for a while before answering slowly, "If we approach it with the mindset that success is mandatory, then things will become difficult for Feng Mountain Lord."
Xia Nishang was stunned for a moment, then laughed. Afterward, she sighed. "Ah, I hope you can successfully achieve Core Embrace. There truly aren't many clear-headed people like you... Fine, you may act as you see fit."
The sect leader coughed lightly. "Hongxiu, Supreme Elder Xia was also testing you just now. Since you can remain so steadfast, we can rest easy."
The next day, the Red Phoenix disciples began packing their belongings. Many of the disciples