Snatch! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao, being a newcomer to this world, presented an enticing proposition for these sects. As he hadn't yet pledged his loyalty to any particular sect, he was a blank canvas, a free spirit who could be molded into an exceptional figure with boundless potential by whichever sect managed to recruit him. The fact that he had consumed the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish only added to his allure, even though it was a mission failure. Bringing him back to the sect was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.
Each of the onlookers was quick to offer their sect's virtues in a bid to entice Cha Eun Xiao. They all recognized the value he held and sought to secure him for their respective sects.
"Young brother, I can see your talent. Our martial arts at the Saint Sunlight Sect are perfect for you. We are among the seven great sects in Qing-Yun Realm. We promise to provide you with abundant resources and protection," said one disciple.
"Shameless! Cold Moon Palace is also one of the seven great sects. We can certainly provide for this young man!" another retorted.
"True, Cold Moon Palace is one of the seven great sects, but we mainly cultivate the art of beast training. It might not be suitable for everyone. Saint Starlight Sect, on the other hand, offers a wide range of martial arts. We are the best choice for this young brother," chimed in another.
Amid the competition for Cha Eun Xiao's favor, the ladies from Misty Cloud Palace and Ice Cloud Palace watched in silence. While they undoubtedly wished to recruit him, their sects only admitted female disciples, and men were strictly prohibited.
As the crowd encircled Cha Eun Xiao, he acted the part of a bewildered newcomer. Faced with the gathering sect representatives, he took a step back and stammered, "What... What are you all doing?"
The old man with the white beard from Cold Moon Palace, Xiao Mufei, chimed in once more with a warm smile. "Don't worry, young man. You appeared by my side, which must be fate. I assure you, I'll be your protector in this world and take care of any troubles that may arise. You can rest assured."
Xiao Mufei then stepped forward and made a proclamation. "I am Xiao Mufei of Cold Moon Palace. Listen, everyone. This young man is now our disciple. Show respect and dignity. It goes against moral rules to take another's disciple. Moreover, who among you thinks you can snatch this person away from me? I won't hold back!"
In response to this firm declaration, the crowd fell silent, recognizing that challenging Xiao Mufei was not a wise course of action. The fate of Cha Eun Xiao remained uncertain, but the fervor among the sects seeking to recruit him was palpable.
Cha Eun Xiao found himself in a rather fortuitous position. The old man he had encountered on his very first day in Qing-Yun Realm happened to be the most formidable figure among the assembled crowd. None dared to challenge him.
["That old rascal. Shameless. He practically strong-armed that kid into becoming his disciple. None of us can stand against him. What can we do?"]
A man in a white robe from the Saint Sunlight Sect remained silent, his face filled with frustration, before finally erupting in anger, "Xiao Mufei, we are all cultivators. How can you be so audacious with us? We've all invested our time guarding this area in the Polar Ice River. Now, with things changing as they have, no matter how this unfolds, we should at least engage in a fair discussion. How can you be so arbitrary? We won't tolerate your irrational behavior. I, Mu Wuchen, will stand up to you! Do you think your overwhelming power gives you the right to do as you please?"
Mu Wuchen's impassioned speech garnered silent agreement from the others, though their underlying thoughts were more pragmatic. ["What an eloquent speech, but does eloquence determine power in Qing-Yun Realm? Isn't it the biggest fist that dictates the law?"]
["The mightiest fist is the law. Since when did we start adhering to moral principles? Moral or not, do we genuinely care?"]
While no one came forward to overtly support Mu Wuchen, they let his words serve their collective interests, excluding Cold Moon Palace. Instead of opposing him, they watched the situation unfold, quietly lending their support to Mu Wuchen.
In response, Xiao Mufei's voice took on a menacing tone as he addressed Mu Wuchen, "Mu Wuchen, you speak the truth. A proper discussion is in order before reaching a conclusion. However, you've forgotten one vital point. Who has tirelessly guarded this area for thousands of years? Who has led this endeavor for so long? It has been me, responsible for all the arrangements! Now, it falls to me to make this decision. And frankly, I see no wrongdoing on my part!"
"Furthermore, what do you want me to do with this young man? Tear him apart and distribute his remains to all of you? I won't permit such a foolish act even if you dared to attempt it! This decision concerns the future of our sect. I'm merely a step ahead of you all."
With a scrutinizing gaze on Mu Wuchen, he continued, "You say you'll oppose me? Well, you'd better think twice. Before taking action, you should first ensure you have the means to do so. Otherwise, it will amount to nothing more than a pitiable jest!"