Just as Wang Jize was about to adjourn the meeting, his divine sense suddenly detected someone flying straight toward them on a sword. The newcomer drew ever closer to Jade Spring Peak, and Wang Jize's divine sense could already make out his appearance. It was none other than the clan head, Wang Zhian.
The imposing aura around Wang Jize vanished, and he returned to his usual kind and amiable manner. He said to the crowd, "The clan head has returned. Children, come with me to welcome him."
Wang Zhian landed before the council hall. Normally, Foundation Establishment Cultivators had to land a li away from Jade Dragon Spring and were forbidden from Sword Flight beside it. But in order to steady everyone's hearts, the clan head had circled through the air anyway.
Everyone emerged from the council hall and said in unison, "Welcome back, Clan Head."
The group followed the clan head into the council hall. By custom, whenever the clan head returned from a journey, the Lineage elders had to report on its affairs.
Seeing Wang Daoyuan and the other two, Wang Zhian asked, "Of the ten Qi Refining clansmen who left with me, how many returned?"
The Great Elder cupped his hands. "Only Shouye, Daoxing, and Daoyuan returned. Twelfth Brother and the other six brothers did not make it back alive. Daoyuan retrieved their remains, and they have already been buried."
"This was my fault for underestimating the enemy. I should not have thrown Twelfth Brother, an alchemist, onto the battlefield. Thank heavens Shouye returned alive. Otherwise, after I died, I would have no face to meet our ancestors." Wang Zhian blamed himself.
"This is not your fault either. No one knew such a thing would happen. Fortunately, the Lineage's hope remains." Wang Jize changed the subject. "How