"The issue of bloodline degeneration," another elder said, his tone heavier now, "has plagued us for tens of thousands of years."
"We have sought answers from the Guardian Beast Temple."
"We have studied our bloodlines."
"We have attempted countless methods."
"And yet…" he paused, "…we have found no solution."
The hall fell into a brief silence.
It was not despair or hope about their situation but simply its acceptance. A quiet, long-standing understanding of a problem that had resisted all efforts.
One of the elders looked at Lin Mu again, her gaze steady.
"We do not expect you to succeed," she said honestly.
"But…"
"If you can gain even a fragment of insight… something that we have missed… then that alone would be of great help to us."
Lin Mu listened carefully without feeling offended or being burdened. Instead, he found their honesty rather refreshing.
"I will do what I can," he replied simply.
It was neither a promise nor an excuse.
Just a statement of intent.
