```
The Elder, however, was not at all moved by Lin Zhenshan's plea; his expression was icy as he said in a deep voice, "I have said it before, the River God Sect has its rules. Either you come up with something sufficient to make the exchange, or you wait until next year."
"Immortal Master..." Lin Zhenshan tried to plead again.
The Elder's face turned colder as he sent a palm strike flying toward him, "Be quiet!"
Lin Zhenshan dared not dodge or resist, taking the blow head-on. Even though he was at the Integration Realm, he was pushed back several steps by the strike, slumping to the ground as he spat out blood.
"Immortal Master, please, for the sake of my child, save her..." Lin Zhenshan fell to his knees once more, groveling on the ground, "She's just a child, I beg you, show compassion and save her..."
"Dad!" Lin Qing cried out in alarm, rushing over to help Lin Zhenshan up, her voice trembling, "Are you... are you alright..."
