The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 759: Allies They Said

Allies They Said . . .

Dalong was taken aback, his focus shifting from the allure of an extraordinary ten thousand years of cultivation to the revelation of hidden rivalries and secret conflicts among the three factions. His eyes widened in shock, and he addressed Cha Eun Xiao with astonishment, "That... ten thousand years... you don't need to do anything to achieve ten thousand years of cultivation..."

But beneath his initial surprise, there simmered a twinge of sadness, a recognition of the vast discrepancy in life experiences. [I've toiled so hard for just a few hundred years of cultivation, earning a place in the realm, neither too great nor too insignificant.]

[This young man, fresh from a lower realm, has stumbled upon the incredible fortune of gaining ten thousand years of cultivation.]

[How can I not feel a pang of jealousy?]

"Three factions, brother sects in appearance, but covertly engaged in struggles," Xiao Mufei continued with a grave countenance. "Each seeks to outdo the others, and there are no limits to the actions we may take."

"Remember the good men from our sect who were sent on missions but met their ends in strange lands. Most perished at the cruel hands of Sun Sect and Star Sect. A few years ago, it was our turn; some of our most promising disciples met their end. It was them who laid this deadly trap for us. We all understand the unspoken truths, but it's not yet time to bring it all into the open."

This revelation struck Fang Dalong like a thunderbolt. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he stammered, "How... How is that... possible?"

Clasping his hands over his chest, fear coursed through him as the implications settled in.

Xiao Mufei's expression darkened, and he uttered a weak sigh, "You don't need to worry about your own life. You are not significant enough to be in danger; you are relatively safe. When trouble arises, the three factions will still extend their hands to protect you."

Fang Dalong was struck by the bitter reality of his own insignificance. He had considered himself an essential part of the sect, being the eldest disciple of his master, and expected recognition and respect within the martial world. "I should have a notable presence," he thought. Yet the revelation conveyed a stark truth: "In fact, they wouldn't even bother to eliminate me."

"They would even go so far as to help and shield me because I pose no threat to them!"

The revelation was a painful blow to Fang Dalong's self-perception and the assessment of his own worth.

Xiao Mufei, addressing both Fang Dalong and Cha Eun Xiao, then inquired, "Dalong, do you know how to gauge a person's worth in this martial world?"

Although Fang Dalong was surprised, he did not possess the answer to this question. With a sigh, Xiao Mufei shifted his gaze to Cha Eun Xiao.

After a moment of contemplation, Cha Eun Xiao responded thoughtfully, "A person's worth in the martial world is not determined by how many individuals respect or recognize them. It depends on how many people want them dead and how many are willing to take action."

"As long as someone possesses the strength to pose a threat, others will seek their demise. That, in essence, reflects a person's value."

He concluded with a somewhat harsh but undeniable truth, "It may sound cruel, but it's the reality."

Xiao Mufei's eyes gleamed with newfound admiration as he gazed at Cha Eun Xiao. He had initially recruited Cha Eun Xiao solely because of the young man's consumption of the inner core of the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish; he aimed to prevent other sects from gaining such a potent talent. Yet now, he genuinely liked Cha Eun Xiao.

Cha Eun Xiao might have been a newcomer to this world, with relatively low cultivation, but he displayed a remarkable composure and wisdom. He held deep respect for those more powerful than himself while maintaining a sharp, intelligent mind. He was, in many ways, a hidden gem in the martial world.

"That's correct! The more people desire to end his life, the more valuable he becomes," Xiao Mufei couldn't help but praise Cha Eun Xiao. "You've grasped this concept perfectly."

Fang Dalong, however, remained modest. "Is it even possible for the entire world to seek one person's death? If it were, how invaluable that person would be?"

"To become the enemy of the entire world..." Xiao Mufei fell into contemplation, his words invoking the memory of someone exceptional. He spoke slowly, "Throughout history, there have been one or two individuals who fit that description. Yet each of them had a distinct impact on the world."

A spark of recognition ignited in Cha Eun Xiao's eyes, while Fang Dalong, equally intrigued, attempted to identify this figure. "Ah!" He exclaimed with growing excitement. "Master, the individual you're speaking of... could it be... was it..."

"Never utter his name," Xiao Mufei interjected sternly. "Even in death, his name wields influence. Just the mention of it is enough to strike fear into people's hearts. We dare not speak his name aloud, even though he has long passed."

Xiao Mufei's expression shifted to a bittersweet smile as he shifted the conversation. "So, the three factions, though appearing as brothers, harbor deeper animosities among themselves than against their common adversaries."

He sighed deeply and lamented, "Allies often hold more sway over a sect's ranking position. That's the darker aspect of human nature, one we can never change."

"Now, thanks to this Golden-scaled Dragon Fish, we may become the world's enemies. Those who desire our demise will never cease their efforts to exterminate us. The perils awaiting us on our journey home will exceed our expectations."

He continued to speak somberly, "The conflicts we'll encounter will be the most brutal you'll ever witness in your life."

Surveying their surroundings, he cautioned, "Fate remains unpredictable. I can't even guarantee my own safe return, let alone yours. Our foes are determined to annihilate us, and they will stop at nothing to obstruct us. They won't permit Cha Eun Xiao to reach our sect."

"Stay vigilant," he concluded. "It's the only way we'll secure our safety."

With that, he fell silent, the flickering firelight casting haunting shadows on his face. He looked as though he hailed from a world shrouded in darkness.