The air in the Shadowclaw Sect's inner meeting hall was heavy. Four elders sat around a low stone table, a pot of untouched spirit tea growing cold between them.
Mie Lin let out a tired breath. "You should've insisted he come with you."
Elder Qian snorted. "Insist? On him? This old man still wants to live a little longer."
Shi Ling offered a small smile. "Senior Sister, there's no need to worry. I'm sure the Sect Master will show up soon. He wouldn't miss something this important."
Mie Lin shook her head. "You're all underestimating how serious this is. The Crimson Lotus and Bone Forging Sects are running out of patience. They're getting ready to push us out completely."
Xu Long's eyes narrowed. "Hmph. Arrogant bastards. Who do they think they are?"
She looked at him. "Only Li Fang has the strength to stop them. Without him, they'll force us to the edge."
