I Don't Want It! . . .
Indeed, what lay before them was a treasure trove of supreme dan beads, approximately forty of them, nestled among the ashes on the ground. Their brilliant radiance and the ethereal clouds that accompanied them created a dazzling spectacle.
The puzzling question that loomed was how the two great sects had come into possession of so many supreme dan beads. These coveted treasures had eluded them during the recent auction. Yet here they were, glistening in the Ling-Bao Hall.
Cha Eun Xiao, gazing upon the dan beads, offered an explanation, his tone devoid of surprise. "No need for astonishment. I suspect these dan beads originated from the other three noble clans. Now that the supreme dan beads have gathered here, the members of those clans have either perished or willingly surrendered their dan beads."
Long Tianyun, his throat constricting with apprehension, ventured, "Mu Clan? Gongsun Clan?"
Cha Eun Xiao responded with a sardonic smile. "It's rather conspicuous. While these dan beads currently reside in Ling-Bao Hall, they have already been sold. I won't be reclaiming them in this manner. Master Long, if you wish, you may have them. I won't object."
As Long Tianyun contemplated his options, a dilemma weighed upon him. Should he retrieve the supreme dan beads? Could he bring himself to consume them?
The same internal struggle unfolded within everyone present. Supreme dan beads were undeniably prized possessions, but collecting them from the poisonous ashes and ingesting them was an entirely different matter.
"We appreciate your generosity, Monarch. However, the Long Clan declines these dan beads," Long Tianyun declared with a shake of his head. "If any of the other clans express interest, they are welcome to take them. I, for one, cannot."
Long Tianyun's stomach could no longer contain the turmoil within. He retched uncontrollably, relinquishing any hope of seizing the supreme dan beads.
Those from the other noble clans regarded the dan beads with a mix of fascination and trepidation. They swallowed nervously, their faces ashen, before joining the chorus of retching.
The allure of the supreme dan beads remained undeniable, but their association with the ashes of the deceased was an insurmountable barrier. No one dared to touch them, let alone consider consuming them.
Fear of potential poison contamination was reason enough to deter even the boldest among them. For the individuals from the five clans, the risk hardly seemed worthwhile.
As Cha Eun Xiao regarded the brilliant dan beads within the remaining ashes, he delivered a concise statement, dismissing the looming threats of the two great sects. "The threats from the two sects have been eradicated in one fell swoop today. I believe we can look forward to more peaceful days ahead."
His wry smile accompanied these words as he turned away and retreated into the room, his demeanor one of ease.
For those who had just heard his words, it was impossible not to react with incredulous expressions.
"Threats?"
"Who dares to threaten you now?" The rhetorical question echoed through the minds of those who had borne witness to the events unfolding in Ling-Bao Hall.
"All the assassins in the world came to challenge you. They sought your head, but nearly four thousand of them met their demise. Such is the fate of those who tread the path of assassination. Yet the remaining assassins have abandoned their cause, swearing allegiance to you," someone remarked.
"Then there were the two great sects, Sunlight Sect and Starlight Sect, who dispatched sixty-three formidable cultivators led by Bu Jingtian, the world's top cultivator. Their arrival was marked by fury, but within an astonishingly short span, you vanquished them all, reducing them to ashes," another voice chimed in.
"After this display of your true power, your remarkable skills in dan-making and poisoncraft, how can they dare to challenge you again? Who in this world would dare to cross your path?" The sentiment was unanimous.
"Feng Monarch has shaken the entire world today. I believe that henceforth, Ling-Bao Hall will be a place no assassin would dare to infiltrate. It will become a name that strikes fear into every heart in the martial world," Long Tianyun mused as Cha Eun Xiao departed.
Cha Eun Xiao, without turning back, responded nonchalantly, "Oh?"
Long Tianyun elaborated, "I can see that your actions today will reshape the future of the entire world, Monarch."
Cha Eun Xiao raised an eyebrow but continued forward, not breaking his stride. He asked, "Do you think I won solely through the use of poison, through schemes? Do you believe my victory is undeserved?"
Long Tianyun chuckled and replied, "The victor is the one who survives. It matters not what methods you employed; if they were effective, then they were the right choice. In other words, I don't believe anyone else could have wielded that poison as masterfully as you did. I never knew you were not only a master dan-maker but also a master poison-maker."
Long Tianyun's admiration for Feng Monarch was apparent, and he added, "That power is yours, and it's what will astonish the world."
He also made an unspoken vow, thinking, "From this point on, Long Clan will never stand against Feng Monarch. He is a far more valuable ally than an adversary. To be his enemy means certain death."
"Let's not become too complacent. I doubt the two sects will simply let this pass," Cha Eun Xiao cautioned. "We must remain vigilant."
Long Tianyun argued, "You defeated Bu Jingtian with a single blow. Those sect members are insignificant to you. You have nothing to fear."
Cha Eun Xiao remained silent for a moment before walking a few paces and turning back to face them.
The followers of the five clans who had accompanied him halted in their tracks. They watched him with apprehension, waiting for his next words.
In a soft tone, Cha Eun Xiao began, "I've heard that Ling-Bao Hall's business is facing resistance worldwide..."
His words held hidden implications, and he wore a warm smile on his face as he spoke.