To Revenge By Himself . . .
Bai Bufan was acutely aware that the situation was spiraling out of control. What had begun as an embarrassing exchange of words was now teetering on the edge of disaster.
Xuan Bing had not yet taken any action, but her intent was clear. She awaited their transgression, desiring a more righteous cause to justify their annihilation.
In Bai Bufan's estimation, if any of his sect members dared to attack, it would lead to their collective demise. There would be no exceptions. Moreover, such an incident might imperil the security of their sect.
While Saint Sunlight Sect might be considered an invulnerable force within the Qing-Yun Realm, Xuan Bing saw it differently. If she decided to bring about the sect's downfall, then it would inevitably crumble.
Though she appeared prepared to take this drastic step, Bai Bufan knew that he could not provide her with such an excuse. He turned around once more and took a deep breath before bowing his head in shame.
Bai Bufan began explaining the meaning of the term 'mistake' as Xuan Bing had instructed, despite the extreme humiliation he felt. This act was etched deeply into his memory, one that he could never erase.
As a Saint Elder of Saint Sunlight Sect, he knew he could never stand tall in front of other elders, let alone Xuan Bing. But it was a decision he had to make. The alternative was death for himself and everyone under his command, along with the potential ruin of their sect's history.
Bai Bufan chose to bear the humiliation to prevent such a catastrophic outcome. He apologized profusely and offered to do whatever it took to earn Xuan Bing's mercy.
His disciples clenched their teeth in anger as they witnessed this old man's act of submission. The disgrace they experienced was immeasurable.
Xuan Bing, her gaze cold and unyielding, regarded Bai Bufan. His actions had taken her by surprise. She had never expected him to endure this much for the sake of his sect, and it momentarily stifled her rage.
Xuan Bing asked, "What is his name?" She pointed at the middle-aged man who lay gasping and moaning beneath her feet.
Bai Bufan sighed and said, "Zhao Xingnan! Apologize to Great Elder!"
Xuan Bing uttered Zhao Xingnan's name indifferently and then inquired, "What should I do with him? Any suggestions, Saint Elder?"
It was a difficult situation. Zhao Xingnan belonged to Bai Bufan's faction, and regardless of his actions, he was still their disciple. Bai Bufan had a duty to protect him in some way. If Xuan Bing requested mercy for one of her own people in a similar situation, she would undoubtedly fight to protect them.
However, if Bai Bufan requested her to show leniency to Zhao Xingnan, it would provide her with a reason to exact retribution.
Bai Bufan remained silent for a moment and then let out a long sigh. Suddenly, he stepped forward, raising his hand and delivered a resounding slap to Zhao Xingnan's head. It resulted in a gruesome death as Zhao Xingnan's skull fractured, and his brain spilled out. Bai Bufan had killed him!
He slowly turned to face Xuan Bing, bowing his head as he spoke, "This disgraceful disciple offended Great Elder Xuan Bing. He deserved to die. As a Saint Elder of our sect, I accept responsibility for our sect's actions. Yet, it is also my fault that our disciple acted so shamelessly. I beg for punishment."
Xuan Bing's black robe seemed to dance in the air as she gazed at Bai Bufan with eyes as cold and distant as stars seen through a dark veil. Though she inspired immense fear in him, Bai Bufan had to maintain his composure. He appeared sorrowful and resigned to his fate.
Having come this far, he recognized that Zhao Xingnan would never survive the ordeal due to his affront to Xuan Bing. What Bai Bufan did was grant Zhao Xingnan a swift and merciful death, sparing him further agony.
Cha Nantian realized that if he attempted to protect Zhao Xingnan, it wouldn't just be Zhao Xingnan's life hanging in the balance; it could lead to the deaths of all involved.
While Xuan Bing maintained her cold and indifferent exterior, a sense of inner turmoil gnawed at her. She was no stranger to taking lives, but she also adhered to a sense of reason and fairness. She didn't want to act against her own conscience. Bai Bufan had shown extreme humility, keeping himself prostrate before her. If she were to proceed with a massacre at this point, it would be unjust.
In the Qing-Yun Realm, a clear rule governed such situations. Those who remained unyielding could meet a grim fate, while those who humbly knelt and apologized often received clemency. It was fine to end the lives of those who refused to bend, but improper to do the same to those who had submitted and shown remorse.
Throughout this tense standoff, Cha Eun Xiao had remained silent, observing the situation carefully. Realizing that it was time to put an end to this ordeal, he understood that Xuan Bing would not take Bai Bufan's life under these particular circumstances.
He stepped forward and respectfully addressed her, saying, "Great Elder..."
This action startled Han Bingxue. She wondered, "What is he doing? Is he about to add fuel to the fire? No, that's not necessary. We don't need to escalate this further. Wait, is he attempting to defuse the situation? Is he out of his mind?"
In reality, Cha Eun Xiao had a plan of his own. It was time to bring an end to this chaos. Xuan Bing had held the upper hand throughout the confrontation, but continuing to push the situation would be deemed improper. Therefore, he intended to mediate and bring an end to the tension.
This action would not only give Xuan Bing a reason to cease hostilities, but more importantly, it would pave the way for him to take vengeance against Saint Sunlight Sect, his most formidable sworn enemy. The events of his previous life had been a source of deep pain, and he felt compelled to exact retribution personally to find peace in his heart.
Moreover, he wasn't the sole one who required such retribution; there was also Li Wuliang.