"But, Father, forgive me for speaking frankly. Spirit Hall favors the common people, while our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is part of the aristocracy. If Spirit Hall gains the upper hand and wins the hearts of the people, the commoners will inevitably become the ones Spirit Hall supports.
"If the commoners become the dominant force, that won't be good for our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Our interests are bound to come under threat."
Ning Xiuyuan voiced his concerns. Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect seemed upright and selfless, they knew in their hearts that they were little different from the nobles and royal powers.
If Spirit Hall gained the upper hand, the first to be wiped out would inevitably be the aristocracy. The status and interests of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would be greatly affected.
The same was true not only of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but of nearly every other sect as well.
Hearing Ning Xiuyuan's words, Ning Zhaoming let out a long sigh and said,
"Alas, Xiuyuan, you're too stubborn. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has stood for hundreds of years. Its first sect master was a commoner, yet he still led the sect to grow stronger and stronger.
"If our ancestor could establish a sect as a commoner, then we, his descendants, are now the Upper Three Sects. Do we really lack the confidence to safeguard this legacy amid the tide of change?"
As he spoke, Ning Zhaoming patted Ning Xiuyuan on the shoulder and said earnestly,
"Xiuyuan, I've felt lately that my time is nearly up. I'll be gone within three years."
"What? Father, you—!"
"Zhaoming, you..."
Ning Xiuyuan and Chen Jianjun were both shocked by his words, but Ning Zhaoming merely waved his hand.
"There's no need