Separate Ways! . . .
In retrospection, it was undeniable that the events leading to the conflict had been set in motion by a certain individual. This figure's actions had incited Li Wuliang's unrelenting animosity toward the three factions. In the ensuing chaos, Fierce Blade bore the brunt of their collective focus, which ultimately resulted in his demise. The ramifications extended to the tragic end of Xiao Monarch as well. The scars ran deep, and the vendetta lived on as Sky Ice Palace's Jun Yinglian now embarked on her journey for vengeance.
The three factions had paid a heavy toll. The fight against Fierce Blade cost them thousands of lives, including many Dao Origin Stage disciples, which accounted for nearly ten percent of their most formidable forces. The confrontation with Xiao Monarch had further depleted their elites, siphoning away thirty percent of their power. The trio of sects was no longer the same as they were four years prior. The looming specter of Jun Yinglian, bearing a year-long grudge, cast a pall of foreboding, and the outcome appeared bleak.
For Feng Wuying, this ongoing ordeal was punctuated by a heavy sigh. The battles that lay ahead, with Jun Yinglian as the harbinger of vengeance, could very well prove to be another calamity. The situation was dire, and the future of the three factions seemed precarious.
Yun Piaoliu added his own concerns, suggesting that Xuan Bing's unwavering strength had revealed vulnerabilities among the sects. Any further weakening of the three factions could lead to their subjugation by the other four great sects, two great halls, and three great palaces. The prospect of losing their status as one of the great sects loomed, and the path to resurgence would become far more treacherous.
Cha Eun Xiao remained silent for an extended duration, his thoughts churning beneath his calm exterior. His heart, however, harbored turbulent emotions. The revelation of Fierce Blade's plight and the truth of what transpired had stirred deep within him.
As the discussion continued, Cha Eun Xiao directed his inquiries toward the fate of Sky Soul Hall. He queried whether they would abandon it, now that they were no longer affiliated with the three factions.
Lei Dadi firmly asserted their continued interest in Sky Soul Hall. It remained the most promising prospect for their future, an opportunity they were unwilling to relinquish.
Yun Piaoliu elaborated, indicating that while the three factions might have parted ways, Saint Sunlight Sect and Saint Starlight Sect would persist in their pursuit. The prospect of building Sky Soul Hall in Cold Moon Palace would, however, be abandoned. The activation of Sky Soul Hall required the power of the three lights, a feat only attainable through the combined strength of the sun, star, and moon.
A realization dawned on Cha Eun Xiao. While Cold Moon Palace might be unable to harness the power of three lights, the other two sects faced a similar dilemma due to their inability to wield the power of the moon.
The three masters shared Cha Eun Xiao's realization, their expressions reflecting the surprise at this newfound perspective. Indeed, it wasn't just Cold Moon Palace that would be hindered in its efforts to construct Sky Soul Hall, but the other two sects were equally handicapped.
With a newfound sense of purpose and determination, Cha Eun Xiao broke the silence with a contemplative statement, hinting at a potentially transformative idea. The three masters, intrigued and inquisitive, focused their attention on him, awaiting further elucidation.
Cha Eun Xiao conveyed his thoughts in a measured and resolute manner, addressing his concerns with utmost clarity. He began by reflecting on the recent events, particularly the orchestrated attack by Wu Huitian, which, in Cha Eun Xiao's estimation, had been a direct targeting of him. He pondered aloud how he had expressed his reluctance to attend the welcoming ceremony. Still, a group of fellow disciples insisted on his participation, despite his clear reservations.
Intrigued by their insistent actions, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but consider the presence of spies within their ranks. He had little doubt that his insistence on staying back had raised suspicions among his comrades. The abrupt assault, precisely when Wu Huitian and his forces had pinpointed their location, only cemented his suspicions. In his perspective, the infiltrators had unknowingly aided Wu Huitian in identifying their location.
Moreover, he expressed a belief that these spies were not isolated incidents. Instead, he posited the existence of an extensive network of spies throughout the sect. These covert operatives may have infiltrated high-ranking positions within the sect, taking advantage of the closed-off environment to relay information to external parties.
The revelation of Cha Eun Xiao was met with stark realization by Yun Piaoliu, who turned visibly pale. The implications of having spies within their midst, potentially from both Saint Sunlight Sect and Saint Starlight Sect, raised the stakes significantly.
With clarity of thought, Cha Eun Xiao articulated that the departure of Cold Moon Palace from the three factions wouldn't necessarily deter the other two sects from pursuing their construction of Sky Soul Halls. In fact, he believed they might have already been cultivating their own disciples in the unique martial arts of Cold Moon Palace.
The martial arts lineage of the three sects had common roots, which meant that, with sufficient time and effort, individuals from Saint Sunlight Sect and Saint Starlight Sect could potentially acquire the knowledge of Cold Moon Art, undermining Cold Moon Palace's competitive advantage.
This sobering realization weighed heavily on the minds of the three masters. They had been oblivious to the extent of espionage within their sect, as well as the possible intent of the brother sects to appropriate their martial knowledge.
Aware of the gravity of the situation, Cha Eun Xiao suggested deferring the decision until the return of the Prime Master. The future of Cold Moon Palace was at stake, and the discussion would require the Prime Master's wisdom.
With the fog shrouding them and a heavy atmosphere prevailing, the three elders contemplated the unforeseen challenges that lay ahead. Their deep dedication to Cold Moon Palace and its long-standing legacy had been shaken by the specter of betrayal and espionage. The dream of the Sky Soul Hall, cherished for generations, now hung in the balance, the very essence of their legacy at risk.