'Not a single word he spoke proved untrue.' One of the injured elders, Luwam Aziz, watched the scene unfold with a defeated expression. He wanted to shout and stop Elder Sun, but the presence of the Heavenly Thunder Sect held him back.
'Everything he said was right. But why now? Why at this moment?' Luwam's hopes were dashed. 'It's a perfect time—no sect leaders, no high-ranking elders around. And the sect that used to support us... No, I can't think like that. I need to find another solution. Everything is falling apart.'
However, his hopes were shattered completely by what unfolded before his eyes.
"Henceforth, I have made the fateful decision to sever my ties with this sect." Elder Sun spoke as his voice trembled.
Upon hearing this declaration, chaos erupted among the outer court disciples of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect. Even several inner court disciples were thrown into disarray by the shocking announcement.
To the outer court disciples, Elder Sun was revered like a deity. As one of the highest-ranking elders in the sect, he would personally instruct and guide them—an act that set him apart. None of the other esteemed elders would bother with such seemingly insignificant tasks.
Even those outer court disciples who hadn't yet qualified for the inner court never missed a chance to learn from Elder Sun. Regardless of status, he selflessly assisted any disciple in need. Elder Sun commanded unparalleled respect and popularity throughout the sect.
And now, Elder Sun's departure threatened to start a flurry of commotion. The news shocked the followers in the outer court, especially those who had just joined the sect. They had great respect for Elder Sun, to the point where devoted groups had been established with the sole purpose of imitating and adhering to his teachings.
"My junior disciples, this decision weighs heavily upon me, and though I hesitated to reveal it, I cannot be selfish and keep the truth from you. Our sect faces a dire fate—the title 'Heavenly' will be stripped away, and you all understand the implications."
With tears welling in his eyes, he wiped them away, his voice quivering with sadness as he continued, "The neglect of our sect's duties by those in power has led to this downfall. My heart aches for our sect, but I can endure no more. Leaving is my choice, and the generous elders of the Heavenly Thunder Sect have offered to accept me, a man incapable of reviving his own sect." As he uttered those words, he turned his gaze towards the elder of the Heavenly Thunder Sect and offered a slight bow.
There stood an old man with a long grey beard in dark indigo robes with intricate designs of thunder.
"What are you uttering, elder Sun? You underestimate your own worth. If you consider yourself incapable, then what does that make us, worthless elders? Such words do not befit you, elder Sun. We are grateful to have a distinguished elder like you willing to join our humble sect, which lacks the grand history of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect." Elder Tian stepped forward, his voice resonating calmly yet commandingly throughout the martial hall.
Tears began to trickle down elder Sun's face, and he gazed at elder Tian from the Heavenly Thunder Sect, his voice filled with remorse as he spoke, "Elder Tian, this junior apologises for the inappropriate behaviour that I've shown you."
Elder Tian looked at Elder Sun, and his eyes were glinting as he thought, 'No, you are doing everything perfectly, Elder Sun; now we just need to add more fuel to the fire.'
As Elder Tian surveyed the outer court disciples of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect, he noticed the conflict reflected on their faces. These disciples were the budding future of their sect, and many among them had been influenced by Elder Sun's teachings.
Now, witnessing the humiliation their beloved elder had endured from their own sect, a sense of guilt and conflict swirled within them. If they couldn't stand up for Elder Sun in return, they would be burdened by a deep sense of remorse. And if Elder Sun were to announce his departure, what choices would these disciples make?
'But it matters not,' Elder Tian thought resolutely. 'If this reason alone is insufficient to compel them to abandon their sect and join the ranks of the Heavenly Thunder Sect, then I have other methods to tip the scales in our favour and bring the downfall of the Aquaflame Sect to its ultimate conclusion.'
Elder Sun's tears evoked a profound ache in the hearts of every disciple who had received his selfless and virtuous guidance. To solidify their allegiance to the Heavenly Thunder Sect, Elder Tian knew he needed to take advantage of this moment.
"I hold deep respect for Elder Sun and the Aquaflame Sect," Elder Tian spoke with elegance and grace, his voice resonating throughout the hall.
As the disciples of the Heavenly Aquaflame Sect heard these words, they erupted into an uproar, because elder Tian was now referring to Heavenly Aquaflame Sect as just Aquaflame Sect.
"The truth must be acknowledged, and whether you accept it now or later, it remains unchanged: the Aquaflame Sect has lost its Heavenly title," Elder Tian continued, his voice unwavering.
The disciples quieted down and listened intently; their expressions filled with dread.
"You will soon receive confirmation of this from your sect leader. And for those unaware of the implications, let me enlighten you: The Aquaflame Sect is now an ordinary sect, stripped of its Heavenly status. Consequently, all the privileges associated with that title will be revoked."
A wave of shock and disbelief swept through the disciples, their faces mirroring a mix of despair and uncertainty.
"For the next six or seven months, you will be downgraded, devoid of the benefits that once came with the Heavenly title. And after this period, a team of disciples from the Royal Sect will arrive to assess and rank you from grade 1 to grade 9. The Heavenly title is bestowed upon sects ranking above grade one, and your sect will plummet from its lofty position to an abyss of insignificance."
Elder Tian's words hung heavy in the air, casting a sombre shadow over the disciples, who now faced the stark reality of their sect's impending downfall.
As he concluded his explanation and prepared to proceed, a sudden figure caught his attention, striding purposefully towards him.
Draped in flowing grey robes adorned with intricate designs depicting rivers and flames, possessing a striking countenance and long scarlet hair, and carrying a sword on his back, he exuded an aura of confidence amidst the bustling crowd. Noticing this, Elder Tian nodded approvingly and addressed him in his eloquent manner, "Is there something you wish to ask, disciple?"
"That's senior brother Aaron Rezene."
"Yes, he's the number one ranking disciple in the outer court."
The outer court disciples, who were perplexed by the news of their sect's title being revoked, were now even more perplexed by their number-one ranking disciple's action.
Aaron respectfully clasped his hands, greeted Elder Tian, and spoke with a confident yet respectful tone. "Elder, I am a humble disciple who aspires to reach the legendary realm that lies before us. In this journey, Elder Sun has been more than just a teacher to me; he has been like a father figure.
If Elder Sun is being treated with such disrespect and not given the recognition he deserves, it is not only a dishonour to him but also to all the outer court disciples. As the top-ranked disciple in the outer court, I have witnessed my opportunities being given to others and my hard work going unrecognised."
"I was told to remain silent, but if Elder Sun speaks the truth, then I stand by his words. If he chooses to leave the Aquaflame Sect, then I too will follow in his footsteps and depart. I wish to join the esteemed Heavenly Thunder Sect.
Please guide me on the path to joining their ranks." As Aaron's voice resonated throughout the hall, he knelt on the ground and declared with conviction, "If Elder Sun is joining the illustrious Heavenly Thunder Sect, then I too desire to become a part of their esteemed order. Please, Elder, show me the way to join."