The meeting did not begin in silence.
It began with disagreement.
At first, the discussion revolved around the new generation—the eleven disciples, the two three-rooted talents, and the future training system.
Lu Chanwu was the first to shift the topic.
"What's the point of nurturing seedlings," he said bluntly, "if the tree itself is already rotting?"
The words were harsh—
But no one rebuked him.
Because everyone understood.
The Hidden Problem
The Lu Clan had a problem no one wanted to say aloud.
They were… stagnating.
For decades, no one had broken into the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment
Their enemies were quietly growing stronger
Their influence was slowly shrinking
Even their strongest elders had reached their limits
Lu Chanxi was the one who laid it out clearly.
"Our strength lies in beast taming," he said calmly.
"But even beast tamers require a strong core."
He looked toward Lu Chen.
"And right now… our strongest core is not strong enough."
That was the first time the room turned toward the Clan Head—not as a leader…
But as their only hope.
The First Suggestion
It was Lu Chanki who spoke next.
"If one person can break through," he said carefully,
"the entire clan stabilizes."
Lu Chanwu immediately understood.
"You're saying we push someone to the Late Stage."
A pause.
Then—
All eyes turned to Lu Chen.
Lu Chen frowned slightly.
"…There are others more senior."
Lu Chanwu scoffed.
"More senior? Yes."
"More capable? No."
Lu Chanxi added calmly:
"You are already at the Fifth Stage."
"You are the closest."
Lu Maxi remained silent at this point.
Watching.
Listening.
The Resistance
Lu Chen did not agree immediately.
Instead, he shook his head slightly.
"A breakthrough is not something that can be forced."
"And even if it could…"
His gaze hardened slightly.
"I will not drain the clan's resources for my own advancement."
That was when the mood shifted.
Lu Chanwu slammed his hand against the armrest.
"This isn't about you!"
The sudden outburst startled even Lu Chanki.
"This is about the clan!" Chanwu continued.
"If you don't advance, who will stand at the front when trouble comes?"
"Me?"
He let out a short, self-mocking laugh.
"I can barely keep my tortoise awake during battle."
Lu Chanxi added quietly:
"And I am better suited to planning than breaking limits."
Lu Chanki nodded.
"My path is speed and scouting. Not leadership at that level."
For the first time—
The elders openly admitted their limits.
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Honest.
That was when Lu Maxi finally moved.
He did not speak immediately.
He simply stood.
The room quieted on its own.
"We have all tried," the Grand Elder said slowly.
"Each of us… has attempted to break through."
His grip on the staff tightened slightly.
"And each of us… has failed."
No one argued.
"We are not unwilling," he continued.
"We are… unable."
That was the moment everything changed.
Lu Chanxi spoke again, more softly this time.
"Then the solution is simple."
"We stop trying individually…"
"And invest collectively."
Lu Chanki nodded.
"We pool our resources."
Lu Chanwu added:
"And we push the one person who can actually succeed."
Again—
All eyes turned to Lu Chen.
This time—
There was no hesitation in their gaze.
No doubt.
No division.
Only certainty.
Lu Chen still resisted.
Not out of pride—
But responsibility.
"If I fail," he said quietly,
"then everything you give me will be wasted."
Lu Chanwu responded instantly:
"If you don't try, it's already wasted."
Lu Chanxi added:
"This is not a risk."
"It is the only viable path."
Lu Chanki said firmly:
"At least this way… the clan has a chance."