Independence of Cold Moon Palace . . .
Yun Xiran and Wu Huitian possessed a history spanning many years, and both recognized that Yue Changtian's crimson countenance signaled a readiness to take action. The stakes were too high to risk further provocation.
Having achieved their objectives, the two Prime Masters opted to retreat rather than gamble with their lives. Yue Changtian's words had made it clear that even if Cold Moon Palace were to face devastation at the hands of the other two sects, their leaders would perish first.
"Dissent has rendered dialogue futile. Let's depart," Wu Huitian feigned anger, waving his robe in a theatrical gesture before walking away.
Yue Changtian, his visage darkened and his hands trembling, monitored their departure.
But Zhan Yunfei, his sword reverberating with an ominous tone, remained an insurmountable obstacle to the eight individuals' exit. His body emanated heat and intensity as he stood resolute, breathing heavily and displaying a flushed countenance.
"Let them leave!" Yue Changtian ordered with gritted teeth, repeating his command.
Zhan Yunfei, though visibly drained and filled with reluctance, refused to yield. He maintained his unwavering stance, casting a fierce glare at Wu Huitian before turning his gaze to the three cultivators accompanying him.
He did not budge.
Close by, Zhu Jiutian, Zhan Yunfei's steadfast ally, had his eyes half-lidded as he calmly placed a hand on his beast space jade plate and the other on his sword hilt. He was prepared to leap into action and stand side by side with his loyal comrade should the need arise. He had reconciled himself to the inevitable conflict, knowing that he wouldn't regret it, whether he lived or died.
Wu Huitian, now in proximity to Zhan Yunfei, surveyed him coolly. He noted, "Zhan Yunfei, you are a mere level eight cultivator. Your soul beast perished in battle against Cha Eun Xiao. You can't hope to prevail against any one of my companions, let alone myself. What do you intend to do?"
Zhan Yunfei's smile was tinged with coldness. "I shall not defy my Prime Master's command. Since Prime Master Yue has decreed their departure, they are free to leave." He stepped aside and added, "Prime Master Wu, you have enlightened me. While I may lack the strength to end your life, I can undoubtedly dispatch anyone of lower than level eight. Would you not agree?"
It was a thinly veiled threat, an assertion that, though he couldn't challenge Wu Huitian, there were many in the sect at lower levels who could be targeted.
Wu Huitian responded with half-lidded eyes, offering a nod of approval. "Splendid. Well said."
With a dismissive flick of his robe, Wu Huitian withdrew, followed by Yun Xiran, who offered a parting obeisance to Yue Changtian. "Farewell."
Yue Changtian remained silent, watching the departing figures as they disappeared into the mist. As the last of them neared invisibility, he uttered in a low but resolute tone, "From this moment forth, Cold Moon Palace stands alone."
This pronouncement carried immense significance, and it was Yun Xiran who, enshrouded by the receding fog, turned to voice his astonishment. "Prime Master Yue, you must remember the words you've spoken. There's no going back."
He then departed.
"I shall not forget a single word," Yue Changtian vowed.
The departure of the eight figures left Yue Changtian deep in contemplation. His eyes brightened with a sense of conviction.
His words had illuminated a path forward, reinvigorating the spirits of the sect's influential figures.
[This is it. What a significant decision!]
[Cold Moon Palace should have claimed its independence long ago!]
[We've had our fill of Saint Sunlight Sect and Saint Starlight Sect!]
"How is Cha Eun Xiao faring?" Yue Changtian inquired, turning to his companions.
Before anyone could respond, a thunderous clap rent the sky, as if it had torn asunder. Three individuals materialized before Yue Changtian, their countenances awash with seething anger.
"Where are they?" Lei Dadi's visage contorted with loathing, as if he could devour someone.
"Where in the world are those scoundrels?" Yun Piaoliu's usual composure had evaporated, and he bellowed so fiercely that the very earth seemed to tremble in response.
Yue Changtian's expression shifted from grim to wry. "Gone."
He had no intention of permitting the three grandmasters to engage Wu Huitian and his group. That's why he allowed them to depart without incident. The three grandmasters would have likely obliterated the eight men without hesitation.
These aged martial artists had extended their lifespans and remained at the pinnacle of their cultivation. They would never allow the eight to depart unscathed!
This would have presented a significant issue.
As long as Cha Eun Xiao was still alive, there was no need for Cold Moon Palace to be drawn into the quagmire of the other two sects' fate!
"Gone?" Feng Wuying seethed. He appeared on the verge of swallowing Yue Changtian whole. "They slew numerous of our people, and you simply let them escape? You set them free?"
Yue Changtian bowed his head and said, "We must exercise restraint for now. If I had detained them, it would have led to dire consequences. I don't even wish to contemplate the outcome... Three factions... Millions of disciples' lives... I'm afraid..."
"You wretch!" Lei Dadi bellowed in fury. "They openly invaded our domain and slaughtered our brethren. Do you believe they ever considered the consequences? They don't care! Why should we? If we lack the courage to defend our own territory, how can we venture out into the martial world?"
"Since when have you become such a spineless Prime Master?" Feng Wuying chided, arms crossed and an indignant tone. "They're stepping all over you now! You actually released them? How can you be such a cowardly Prime Master? Why don't you just return home and start a family or something?"
The trio of senior martial artists continued to berate him. Yue Changtian couldn't muster the courage to look up.
He appeared anguished and kept his gaze lowered, unable to respond.
"That little rascal Wuhui dared to target my disciple!" Lei Dadi fumed. "I'm going to catch up to him and tear him to shreds!"
Yue Changtian was terrified. He hurriedly interjected, "Cha Eun Xiao is alive!"
The three martial masters ceased their impulsive rush and demanded, "Where is he now? Where?"
It was evident that they cared deeply for Cha Eun Xiao.