Long Shan's voice was filled with awe as he said, the words hanging in the air. "This aura… It's Patriarch Long Zhan."
"Did you tell him?" He added, his eyes searching Ling Han's face.
"I did. The patriarch must be informed about this," Ling Han replied, his voice steady and calm.
Long Shan didn't respond, but a flicker of worry crossed his face. He knew that Long Zhan was known for being wise and calm, but he also had a fearsome reputation for ruthlessly slaughtering his enemies.
At this moment, the door opened and a man entered the room. He had short hair and no beard or mustache, and his face still looked relatively young, around 30 years old. His aura was elegant and calm, exuding an air of authority that commanded respect.
It was the patriarch of the Long family, Long Zhan.
"I heard my son is in critical condition, is that true, Ling Han?" He inquired, his voice deep yet firm.
"Yes, patriarch, young master Long is here," Ling Han replied, pointing towards Long Tian.
Long Zhan approached Long Tian, his face etched with shock as he took in his condition. Usually Ling Han would inform him that Long Tian was bruised from fighting. That had become normal news for him, but now his condition looked truly critical.
His eyes shone with a blackish-purple color and his aura emanated outwards, giving everyone a feeling of dread.
"Who did this to my son?" He demanded, his tone filled with anger.
"Patriarch, please calm down. I'll explain everything to you," Ling Han said earnestly.
"Proceed," Long Zhan said.
Then Ling Han explained everything to Long Zhan in detail.
*********
After hearing Ling Han's explanation, Long Zhan sighed. It turned out that it wasn't someone else's doing but rather Long Tian's own doing. But even so, he was surprised that Long Tian had reached the nascent soul realm at the age of 18; it was an extraordinary achievement.
"Elder Ju, you mentioned that my son needs pure Reiki, correct? If I'm not mistaken, it can only be obtained from cultivators who have never practiced demonic arts. And they have to be alive, right?" He asked.
"That's correct, patriarch. I need many living cultivators with pure Reiki to absorb their energy and channel it to the young master. The stronger they are, the better the effect," Elder Ju nodded.
"Then it's time for a massacre. I prefer the Mount Hua sect; what do you think?" Long Zhan asked, his eyes gleaming with evil intent.
"That's a good idea, patriarch. The Mount Hua sect has long been at odds with us. I remember some of our mines are near their sect area. That's why we have a reason to attack them," Long Ju replied, agreeing with Long Zhan's words.
"Alright then, gather the Elders in the hall ; we will massacre the Mount Hua sect tonight," Long Zhan said.
"Understood," Long Ju nodded. With that, he hurried out to gather the Elders.
*********
The sun rose high in the sky, casting its warm glow over the magnificent hall where about 20 people were gathered. They were the Elders of the Long family, who had convened at the call of Long Zhan.
In the main seat, Long Zhan sat with an air of dominance, his strength at the peak of the golden core level commanding respect from all those present.
"You have all seen my son's condition and how to remedy it. I intend to massacre the Mount Hua sect; anyone who disagrees raise your hand," Long Zhan declared, his voice calm yet firm.
No one raised their hand after a few moments of silence.
But suddenly, an old man stood up. Long Zhan immediately noticed him and inquired, "Do you disagree, Elder Su?"
"Not at all, patriarch. I actually very much agree with your decision. The Mount Hua sect has had many conflicts with us, especially during the expansion of some of our spiritual stone mines. Since ancient times, they have been a problem," Long Su replied.
"And for the young master, I suggest not bringing full strength to fight against the Mount Hua sect, patriarch. Bring the strongest people to fight them and kidnap their strong people with the spatial pouch I made. Even more efficient, it would be better to call Master Long Zuandi," he added.
Many people whispered when they heard Long Su's suggestion. Especially when he mentioned Master Long Zuandi, that was the previous patriarch, who was also Long Tian's grandfather. It was rumored that he had broken through to the transcendent realm - a legendary realm that only a handful of people could reach.
Long Zhan tapped his chair, making the atmosphere calm.
"That is a good suggestion, Elder Su. I agree with all your suggestions. But as for calling my father, that is not necessary. I myself will join," he said.
Hearing this, most of the Elders were surprised. Usually Long Zhan did not participate in battles. But some of the Elders understood it, considering this issue was related to his son.
Long Tian was the gem of the Long family; if he was scratched, it would hurt all family members.
"Alright then, I don't think there is anything else to discuss. We will launch the attack tonight; use the remaining time to prepare. With this, the meeting ended here," Long Zhan decided.
After that, one by one people left the hall.
Tonight is the night of the big event: the assault on the Mount Hua sect!