As the cultivators' discussion drew to a close, their gazes turned toward Liu Changxu and Wu Xuege, who sat in the seats of honor.
The hall fell silent, with only the soft sound of breathing rising and falling.
Liu Changxu sat upright in his seat, his bearing straight and proud. His expression was stern, his eyes as deep as an abyss, making his thoughts impossible to fathom.
Wu Xuege tilted her head slightly, calmly sweeping her gaze over everyone.
The cultivators understood perfectly well that no matter how heated their earlier discussion had been, or how many opinions and suggestions they had offered, it all amounted to nothing. The final decision still rested with the two key figures seated at the head of the hall.
A single decision from them might change the course of everyone's fate. Thus, anticipation filled the cultivators' eyes as they quietly awaited Liu Changxu and Wu Xuege's response.
Wu Xuege slowly swept her gaze over the fellow cultivators present, cleared her throat, and said:
"Having listened to everyone's remarks, I must say that all your arguments have some merit. However, this is no small matter. The stakes are immense, and we must not decide rashly.
"My husband and I have just discussed it briefly, and we believe we should rest and regroup here for now. Once the situation becomes clearer, we can make our decision. If no one has any other objections, let us conclude today's meeting here."
Her voice was clear and pleasing, yet carried an unquestionable firmness.
Upon hearing Wu Xuege's words, the cultivators rose to take their leave, then flew off the deck of the Ruyi Void-Escaping Shuttle and disappeared from sight.
Before long, only Liu Changxu and his family-Zhao Qi'er, Xiao Zier, Dongxue, and Wu Xuege-remained on the spacious deck.
Wu