True Strength

Danial took a deep breath and assumed a fighting posture, his eyes locked on Elysia. Up above and across the hall, behind the large, ornate windows, Grandmaster Quintan observed the sparring sessions with keen interest. His disappointment was evident as he watched the performance of the cultivators.

"They are not ready," Quintan muttered to himself, his voice tinged with frustration. "Their journey into the Ancient Ruins will be fraught with peril if this is the best they can offer."

Behind him, a shadowy figure shifted slightly, stepping forward into the dim light. Ottoman, Quintan's trusted advisor and master of espionage spoke with a calm, measured tone. "Grandmaster, they are still young. Most of them come from the branch families of the great Houses, and they are considered weak even within their own families. The circumstances have forced us to make this decision."

Quintan nodded, acknowledging the Ottoman's point. "I know, Ottoman. But that doesn't make their lack of readiness