The ancestor took a slow breath as he gently rubbed his long white beard.
After a moment of silent contemplation, he finally spoke, his voice deep and steady like an elder who had witnessed the rise and fall of ages. "There is only one path left for us at this time."
"This city is already under his grasp. Since he stands as its ruler, escaping is nothing more than a fool's dream. With so many members of the Ardent family, even the slightest movement will draw countless eyes."
"The moment we flee, failure will follow."
"Hiding within the mansion is also impossible," the ancestor continued, his tone carrying the calm certainty of someone who had long accepted the cruelty of reality. "The clan-protecting formation is something I personally reinforced over the endless years of our bloodline."
"It can temporarily shield us from his assaults, but once its strength is exhausted, we will be wiped out completely. At best, it grants us a fleeting moment of borrowed time."
