"That's..." she started, but her voice came out hoarse. She cleared her throat, trying again.
"Alex, that's not just difficult. It's impossible."
The word hung in the air like a verdict.
Catherine's hands were still gripping the edge of the table, knuckles white, but her analytical nature was clawing its way back to the surface, demanding answers, demanding logic.
She shook her head slowly, and when she spoke, her voice carried the weight of decades of cultivation knowledge.
"I am from House Blackwood. Do you understand what that means?"
Pride and certainty edged into her tone.
"We control the cultivation resources for this entire continent. Our vaults contain treasures that most cultivators couldn't acquire in ten lifetimes. If House Blackwood doesn't have something, it means that thing doesn't exist. Period."
Her eyes locked onto his, intensity burning there.
