"Second Grandfather, back then, you brought me back from the Immortal Realm on the grounds that the lineage came first, and forbade me from going there again. You kept Meili and me apart for over a hundred thousand years. Today, Meili crushed the Jade Talisman I left her back then. She must be in danger. I am going back to the Immortal Realm today, and you can forget about binding me with duty to the lineage again!"
Ai Sheng, the current patriarch of the Ai Lineage, shouted in agitation.
The lineage elders and several other important figures seated in the Council Hall looked at their agitated patriarch in astonishment.
Many knew nothing of the patriarch's past and had never heard anyone in the lineage mention it. All they knew was that he had devoted himself to the lineage's development, turning down countless marriage proposals, and remained alone to this day.
Many of the younger generation had been moved by the patriarch's devotion to the lineage and regarded him as a role model.
They had never expected such a juicy revelation today. Those who knew the truth looked displeased, while those who did not pricked up their ears with relish to listen to the elder and the patriarch.
"Patriarch, what has gotten into you? We only wanted what was best for the lineage. We brought you back from the Immortal Realm because we hoped you would inherit the position of patriarch and lead the lineage to glory. Were we wrong to do that?" Second Grandfather Ai Guizhong's words carried deep helplessness and bewilderment.
"Second Grandfather, you weren't wrong. The lineage's interests come before everything else. I understand that. But you cannot strip me of the right to pursue my own happiness! Meili and I truly love each other. You cannot understand