After the guests had finally departed, the elders of the Wang Family gathered quietly in the garden, near Wang Tian’s secluded courtyard. There beneath the old plum tree, they found Wang Tian standing alone, his gaze lifted to the endless sky, lost in silent thought. The gentle wind stirred his robes, and the crisp autumn air carried a hint of sorrow and hope.

  For a short moment, no one dared disturb him. The burden that weighed upon the clan had settled even heavier since Elder Shen’s visit. Yet the elders knew they could not remain silent for long—they had responsibilities, and now, a crisis looming like thunderclouds above the mountains.

  At last, a kind voice broke the heavy silence. “Nephew, what are you thinking?” It was Wang Chun, his tone both gentle and grave.

  Wang Tian turned and bowed his head slightly in respect. “Uncle, forgive me for not discussing today’s decision with you all first. But do not worry—I have a plan.” His voice, though quiet, was steady with confidence.

  Those simple words lifted a burden from the elders’ hearts. Wang Tian had never let them down before; if he said there was hope, it was enough for them to believe.

  The Third Elder, Wang Ren, stepped forward, lines of worry still etched on his face. “What is the plan, Nephew? Should we send away our young generation? There must be a place beyond the reach of the Radiant Cloud Sect’s influence.”

  Wang Tian was surprised by their resolve. Before he could reply, the Eighth Elder, Wang Lu, spoke up. “Brother Ren is right. We must send the juniors to safety, and you should go with them, Wang Tian. They need a leader who can protect them.”

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  The Fifth Elder, Wang Changsheng, added softly, “If you survive, there will always be a chance for vengeance. You must live on for all of us.”

  Listening to their words—filled with sacrifice, trust, and love—Wang Tian’s heart swelled with gratitude. In this life, he felt blessed to call them family.

  But his answer was calm and unwavering. “There’s no need to worry, Uncles and Aunties," Wang Tian replied softly. "We are not running, nor will we hide our clan’s children. This is our home. We will stand together.”

  The elders exchanged puzzled glances, unable to grasp his meaning.

  “Nephew, speak plainly—don’t leave us in confusion,” pressed Wang Chun, his brow furrowed.

  Just as Wang Tian opened his mouth to explain, a strange, mechanical voice echoed in his ears, only he could hear:

  [Congratulations, Host, on completing the quest.]

  [Rewards are stored in the System space.]

  A flash of astonishment crossed Wang Tian’s eyes. The completion of the quest could only mean one thing—his younger brother, Wang Jian, had awakened his special constitution and recovered from his long illness.

  Joy surged within Wang Tian, so fierce that nothing else mattered. For years he had feared for his brother’s fragile body, but finally, that chain had been broken.

  Turning to the elders, Wang Tian smiled, confidence shining in his eyes. “Uncles, please trust me for now. Tomorrow, gather everyone—bring Wang Hao, Wang Yong, and Wang Qin to the main hall. I promise, all will be explained then. But for now, forgive me—I must go.”

  With those words, his figure blurred, and in the blink of an eye he vanished, leaving only the rustle of falling leaves behind. Such speed stunned the elders—even Nascent Soul cultivators could not match that swiftness—they realized once more that Wang Tian was no ordinary man.

  The elders looked at one another, worry replaced by awe. They decided to wait for Wang Tian’s plan, certain there must be more to the fate of the Wang Clan than what met the eye. With hope resurfacing in their hearts, they left Wang Tian’s courtyard in silence, preparing for whatever the next day might bring.