Life-risk Recommendation Letter . . .
Xiao Mufei contemplated their situation and conveyed his insights, "Those who attacked us will eventually serve as scapegoats for their respective sects. Their actions won't harm their sects. If the sects sent their top practitioners for this mission and the world learns of it, these individuals will be sacrificed."
He coldly laughed, recognizing the superficial harmony among the sects, revealing the underlying reasons that necessitated its maintenance.
"In any case," he continued, "as we progress, our adversaries will grow stronger. When we approach a distance of about one thousand miles from our sect, the most formidable enemies will emerge. They will stop at nothing to hinder our return. They have laid numerous traps to thwart our journey, and they will never allow us to survive. The final one thousand miles will be the ultimate test, a matter of life and death."
Xiao Mufei sighed deeply and remarked, "Only if all of us are killed before reaching the sect could this grudge be laid to rest. No one will initiate a war over a few dead individuals. However, if we make it back alive, the circumstances will be different."
He smiled sardonically, leaving Cha Eun Xiao to understand the implications.
Cha Eun Xiao nodded in agreement. He comprehended the harsh reality that the deaths of their comrades would likely be disregarded. However, should they return alive, they held the potential to change the dynamics and demand retribution, not only for their sect's honor but also for the fallen disciples and the promising talent that he represented.
Cha Eun Xiao responded to Xiao Mufei's question about the supreme dan bead, revealing his proficiency in the art of dan-making. He clarified, "Yes, I specialize in dan-making, and my martial arts skills are secondary. The process of creating dan beads demands a strong physical foundation and cultivation in martial arts. We utilize a variety of materials in dan bead production. I am a cultivator skilled in both dan-making and martial arts."
Xiao Mufei inquired about Cha Eun Xiao's level of expertise in dan-making, concerned that his focus on martial arts had hindered his proficiency in this discipline. He contemplated redirecting Cha Eun Xiao's efforts toward martial arts to help him become a formidable cultivator. However, the response he received was not what he had anticipated.
Cha Eun Xiao expressed humility, admitting his shortcomings. "I must confess my lack of skill in dan-making. My master had often told me that I spent too much time on martial arts, neglecting my talents in dan-making. Regrettably, I did not heed his advice, as I believed in my martial arts prowess. It's only now, in this realm, that I realize my master was right."
He continued, "My proficiency in dan-making is subpar. When I attempt to create low-level dan beads, I can only produce a minimal dan glow. It's not even a particularly good glow, and only about twenty percent of the dan beads I craft are well-covered by dan glow. It's quite disappointing. I must admit my shortcomings."
Cha Eun Xiao's humility took Xiao Mufei by surprise. It was as if he was deprecating himself, but the reality was far more astonishing.
"What? Dan glow?" Xiao Mufei was flabbergasted. "You achieve twenty percent coverage with dan glow? And you claim to be ashamed? You're putting our sect's dedicated dan-makers to shame! You are immensely talented in this field! Please spare the other dan-makers in our sect some dignity!"
Xiao Mufei was taken aback by the extent of Cha Eun Xiao's skill in dan-making, a talent that was exceedingly rare.
Thoughts raced through the disciples' minds as they contemplated Cha Eun Xiao's incredible talents in dan-making. Some couldn't fathom the existence of supreme dan beads in a lower realm, while others contemplated the possibility that Cha Eun Xiao was the exception, overshadowing the renowned dan makers of Qing-Yun Realm.
However, amid their astonishment, they recognized the profound value of having Cha Eun Xiao among them. He had become one of their own, a peerless treasure to be treasured.
Amid the shifting dynamics and the realization of Cha Eun Xiao's potential, Xiao Mufei felt compelled to express his gratitude for saving his life. He adopted a solemn tone and approached Cha Eun Xiao.
"Chongxiao," he began, "I need you to understand that, while your cultivation may be weaker, your mental fortitude is stronger than most disciples. You must maintain a broad perspective and make sound judgments. If the situation takes a dire turn, and our chances of survival dwindle, I will do everything within my power to create an opportunity for you. You must seize that opportunity to escape, conceal your identity, and ensure your own survival. The most crucial thing is to stay alive and find your way back to our sect."
"No matter what transpires, prioritize your survival," Xiao Mufei urged. "Only when you are alive can we meet our end honorably. Our day of vengeance will come."
Xiao Mufei made a firm commitment to Cha Eun Xiao, stating, "I will provide you with a Life-risk Recommendation Letter. Take it to Cold Moon Palace, and they will treat you with the utmost care. You will grow into a formidable cultivator, surpassing me one day. Do you understand?"
The weight of his words was palpable. A Life-risk Recommendation Letter was an extraordinary testament, penned with the life force of a Dao Origin Stage cultivator, bearing significant importance within the sect. Writing such a letter was a rare and profound gesture, one that spoke volumes about Cha Eun Xiao's value in Xiao Mufei's eyes.
Cha Eun Xiao, however, responded with a glimmer of hope. "Elder Xiao, I don't believe we are in such dire straits just yet. We still possess the potential to return safely."
Xiao Mufei sighed heavily, his expression one of uncertainty. "The path ahead remains shrouded in uncertainty," he confessed, his demeanor a stark contrast to the confidence he had exuded when rescuing Cha Eun Xiao from the Solar Ice River. He continued, "I may not be as confident as before, which is why I am offering you this Life-risk Recommendation Letter. Understand that it is no small matter."
The significance of the letter was not lost on Cha Eun Xiao. Only Dao Origin Stage cultivators within the sect held the authority to pen such a letter, and it was a power they rarely wielded. Xiao Mufei's willingness to do so emphasized the profound value he placed on Cha Eun Xiao's life, a value that surpassed even his own.