The elders shifted in their seats, the weight of Chen Zemin's words settling over them. Everyone in the room knew that they could not ignore the Xu family's influence and that underestimating them would be a big mistake.
"We have to act, but not with force," Chen Zemin continued, his voice calm yet firm. "The Xu family is powerful, yes, but they are not our enemies.
In fact, we have a history with them, one that could benefit us greatly."
One of the elders raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting we reach out to them? Form some kind of alliance?"
Chen Zemin nodded slowly. "Exactly. The head of the Xu family helped me before, right before the world changed.
He provided the items we use now, and from my conversations with him, I can tell that he's not unreasonable.
More importantly, he respects strength and loyalty. We can use this connection to open a line of communication and, perhaps, solidify an alliance."
