"Elder Hanxun, judging by how happy you look, it seems you've found that Heavenly Vein Spring Water."
The Zuoqiu Heavenly Clan's Patriarch spoke.
"Clan Master, it truly is heaven's blessing for our clan."
"Not only did I find the Heavenly Vein Spring Water during my trip to the Thunder Mountain Forest, I also found something extraordinary."
Zuoqiu Hanxun beamed from ear to ear, the irrepressible joy written plainly across his wrinkled face.
"Oh? So you're saying there was more than just the Spring Water, Elder Hanxun?"
The Patriarch's interest was piqued upon hearing those words.
"There was indeed an unexpected find."
"Clan Master, take a look."
As Zuoqiu Hanxun spoke, he produced the Thunder Pearl.
"This came from the Thunder Mountain Forest?"
Upon laying eyes on that Thunder Pearl, both the Zuoqiu Heavenly Clan's Patriarch and Zuoqiu Daoyi's eyes lit up.
As possessors of Heavenly-grade bloodlines, they could immediately recognize just how powerful this Thunder Pearl was.
"I never expected such a treasure to exist within the Thunder Mountain Forest."
"This is truly an unexpected find. With it, activating the Heavenly Thunder Ancient Formation should pose no problem at all."
"The only thing we're still missing is the Lightning Guide."
Zuoqiu Hanxun said.
"The Lightning Guide still hasn't been found?" The Patriarch turned his gaze to Zuoqiu Daoyi.
"Father, some of the elders who were sent to search for it haven't returned yet."
"As for those who have, the Lightning Guides they brought back are substandard. The gap is enormous."
Zuoqiu Daoyi replied.
"Since preparations are already underway, we cannot afford to delay."
"At this point, we have no choice but to proceed with the second option."
The Patriarch said.
"Father, that can't be the right move. If word of this gets out, it will crush the clan's morale," Zuoqiu Daoyi protested.
"Great achievements require sacrifice."
"I came up with this plan only after careful consideration for the future of our Zuoqiu clan."
"I trust the clan members will understand."
The Patriarch said.
"But Father..."
Zuoqiu Daoyi still resisted. He knew all too well how cruel the so-called second option truly was.
"Young Master Daoyi, time waits for no one. We spent an enormous fortune purchasing all those heavenly materials and earthly treasures to activate the Heavenly Thunder Ancient Formation."
"Moreover, some of those materials have expiration dates. If they're not used within the time limit, they'll go to waste."
"And as you've already seen, the Heavenly Thunder Ancient Formation is on the verge of collapse."
"Even if we don't activate it, it likely won't hold together much longer."
"Now that we're prepared, we must act swiftly."
"If anything goes wrong, everything we've worked for will be for nothing."
Zuoqiu Hanxun urged.
"Mm."
After hearing all of this, Zuoqiu Daoyi nodded. Even if he couldn't accept it, he had no choice — this was his father's decision.
"Elder Hanxun, you will be the one to select the Lightning Guide."
The Patriarch said.
"This..."
Upon hearing those words, Zuoqiu Hanxun's expression turned somewhat grim.
But he didn't hesitate for long, and quickly cupped his fists in acknowledgment: "Yes, Clan Master."
This was a difficult task, and no one wanted to be the one to play the villain. But a direct order from the Clan Master was not something he could refuse.
"Daoyi, where is Tiansheng?"
The Zuoqiu Heavenly Clan's Patriarch suddenly asked.