Cold Moon Palace! . . .
"It's closed..." sighed a disciple, his voice heavy with disappointment. "You know, sometimes I think I'd rather be beaten every day within the sect than wander the treacherous martial world..."
His words hung in the air, a weighty reminder of the struggles they faced outside the sect's protective walls. Each disciple remained silent, the sentiment resonating with them all. The memories of lost comrades loomed, carried on the sound of tearful sobs hidden amidst the enshrouding clouds.
Memories surfaced within Cha Eun Xiao's mind, a recollection of a humble and sincere man who had once spoken these very words. "When I first joined the sect, the mountain gate closed after half a year of cultivation. Back then, I was subjected to one hundred and seventy-six beatings in a single day..."
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but sigh, the name "Fang Dalong" etched in his heart. It was a solemn vow he made to the heavens - a promise of retribution for his fallen comrade and an unwavering resolve to obliterate the secret organization that had caused such suffering.
Some of the disciples overheard Cha Eun Xiao's sigh, and they endeavored to offer comfort. "In truth, the competition fights aren't as brutal as they sound. Chongxiao, being in the lower league, you'll face your share of challenges and beatings. But fret not; we'll have your back. Our brotherhood means they won't truly harm you..."
"Absolutely," another chimed in, "Fear not. It's just part of the process. Sometimes you get beaten, sometimes you win. We all see the potential in you. In time, you'll be the one delivering beatings to others..."
As the disciples sought to console Cha Eun Xiao, a hint of rivalry and jesting emerged among them. "I thought Chongxiao was lucky. Now it's clear that the mountain gate closed earlier than expected. He hasn't even officially joined our ranks, and yet the gate is sealed..."
"I'll bet he'll get beaten three hundred times a day... I'm confident!"
"Sure, no one would bet against you. He'll surely break the record for the most beatings in a day."
"That's right; it's practically a guarantee..."
Laughter and conversation filled the air until one of the disciples somberly sighed. "It's a shame about Dalong and the others..."
A sudden silence overtook the group.
"This is the nature of life," Zhan Yunfei's voice emerged from the enveloping mist. "In the martial world, life is unpredictable. It's kill or be killed. Their fates remind us that we all share a similar destiny. So why grieve? If you have the time to weep, then you have the time to cultivate. Those who perish do so because they were weak, and thus they've earned their fate. If you don't wish to die, then strive to become the one who prevails."
"We reveal our strength by surviving. To die is a testament to one's inadequacy. You can moan about life's hardships all you want, but it's nothing but empty words. If you can't grasp this, then you don't belong in the martial world. You might as well settle down, marry, and start a family in some wretched backwater..."
Though Cha Eun Xiao and his fellow disciples listened in silence, a surge of indignation welled up within them. Zhan Yunfei's words, cold and ruthless, had left them reeling. They grappled with the disquieting notion that, perhaps, Zhan Yunfei had become excessively callous and merciless.
The disciples of Cold Moon Palace couldn't fathom how Zhan Yunfei could speak with such ruthless candor. Yet, he remained an esteemed cultivator within the sect, a presence none dared to challenge openly. They concealed their simmering resentment, allowing it to remain unspoken.
Only Cha Eun Xiao grasped the essence of Zhan Yunfei's words. Zhan Yunfei was not an unfeeling man; rather, he aimed to motivate these individuals, pushing them toward diligence rather than squandering time in lamentation.
Nevertheless, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but muse, "[Zhan Yunfei has an uncanny knack for unintentionally offending people and stirring animosity. It's truly remarkable...]"
"[At any rate, it appears I've become a member of Cold Moon Palace now. Escaping won't be easy, and I doubt it will happen swiftly.]"
"[I suppose I'll have to adapt and observe how things unfold in the Qing-Yun Realm...]"
The journey through the clouds continued for half a day, an uphill trek that had Cha Eun Xiao's legs aching. He couldn't believe that Cold Moon Palace was perched at such an altitude, much higher than he had anticipated.
Upon sighting a radiant light ahead, they emerged from the billowing clouds and were greeted by a colossal archway. It bore the inscription "Cold Moon Palace," shimmering in the sky.
Zhan Yunfei maintained his stoic demeanor, leading the disciples beneath the archway. A fellow disciple hastened toward them and paid respects. "Great Master Zhan, you've returned."
Clearly, Zhan Yunfei held a high position in Cold Moon Palace to warrant such a title.
Undisturbed by the fanfare, Zhan Yunfei proceeded with his group through the archway. As they passed, a resounding bell chimed, signaling his return to the sect.
For Cha Eun Xiao, who had once been a significant figure in the Qing-Yun Realm, this marked his first visit to one of the Seven Great Sects. The sight before them was grand, with the mountain resembling a colossal crescent moon and a vast plaza stretching out before the grand hall.
As they stepped onto the plaza, a middle-aged man hastened forward and paid his respects. He spoke in a hushed tone, "Master Zhan, the Grand Elders and the Prime Master have been waiting for you and Brother Chongxiao in the main hall."
Zhan Yunfei regarded Cha Eun Xiao with an expression of resignation. He thought, "[I doubt I'll have this young man as my personal disciple. They've made their intentions clear...and it's hardly subtle.]"
"[This isn't going to be an easy competition. The elders who once kept to themselves have resurfaced from their seclusion to await the arrival of this young man. It's evident they have no intention of making this a fair contest.]"
His irritation at the situation was palpable, and he blurted out, "Do you think I'm a fool who requires your guidance?"
The middle-aged man was taken aback, uncertain how to respond. He pondered, "[Should I remain silent?]"
"[What's wrong with him? All I did was inform him about the situation. Why did he respond with such harshness? Is he in a particularly bad mood?]"
He finally replied, "I apologize, Master Zhan. Please, lead the way."
Zhan Yunfei rolled his eyes and snapped back, "Why are you prattling on? Do you think I would loiter here if you hadn't instructed me to enter? Act with more purpose than words!"