Nothing to Do with Me . . .
Cha Clan certainly wouldn't approve of the plan put forth by the other clans. [Are you kidding me? Even if we're forced to accept your terms, we should at least have sufficient lotuses to provide you with! We don't have hundreds of them!]
For a full month, Cha Clan found itself in turmoil.
Trouble kept appearing on their doorstep.
Cha Tianchen, the patriarch of Cha Clan and its most powerful cultivator, had been embroiled in daily conflicts. Despite his formidable level-two Dao Origin Stage cultivation, he fought alone and refrained from killing his adversaries. He feared that any deaths caused by his hand would provoke the other clans into collective retaliation, potentially leading to a full-scale war against Cha Clan. Unable to endure the mounting pressure any longer, Cha Clan decided to convene a meeting to negotiate with the other clans.
"You all seek Regeneration Ink Lotus? Very well! Let us hold a combat arena to determine the allocation!
"One victory equals one lotus.
"We, Cha Clan, possess only sixty lotuses! That is the extent of our holdings, and we cannot yield more even if our lives depend on it.
"But we cannot be the sole contributors to the prize pool. Otherwise, we would rather fight to the death!
"You all must also contribute your lotuses as prizes! Each clan must provide a minimum of twenty lotuses!
"I, Cha Tianchen, make this declaration today! If you refuse to comply, we will wage war! After today, I will show no mercy! Anyone who encroaches upon Cha Clan's interests shall perish!"
Following thirteen successive battles, Cha Tianchen, blood oozing from his mouth, spoke through gritted teeth.
The leaders of the other clans realized they had pushed Cha Clan to the brink. It seemed that Cha Clan might only possess sixty high-quality Regeneration Ink Lotus plants. Upon reconsideration, the proposal for a combat arena appeared to be fair and possibly the most effective means to resolve the issue.
The clans would have to contribute a certain number of lotuses, although far fewer than what Cha Clan would be contributing, and of significantly lower quality than Cha Clan's lotuses. Therefore, it was beneficial for them. Consequently, the clans began to focus on establishing the arena's rules, stipulating that only individuals under the age of twenty from each clan had the right to participate. The reward for a victorious combat would be one lotus.
A date was agreed upon for the arena—set for the following day.
Huang Clan members raced urgently towards the arena.
"This situation has truly escalated," Cha Eun Xiao mused as he rubbed his jaw, "I wonder if I were to compete in the arena, could anyone possibly defeat me? What do you think?"
Han Bingxue rolled his eyes.
"You intend to participate?" he asked.
"Brother, your power has seen a remarkable increase since your rebirth, and your audacity has grown as well. In the past, you never displayed such scheming and shameless behavior. There's a saying that describes your current demeanor: your cheek is thicker than the city wall's thickest point. I've had enough. You can't bully people in such a ruthless manner."
"Given your current abilities, you could easily dominate all of Oracle District. Don't you understand?"
"Am I not right?"
"You genuinely want to compete against a group of youngsters..."
"Can you please cease being so shameless, cruel, and vile?"
Aware of the circumstances, Han Bingxue chose not to push further and advised, "Well then, off you go. But let me offer you some advice: avoid rampaging recklessly on the road in the future. You're lucky I'm in a good mood. If you'd encountered someone else, you would likely have met a dire fate."
The Huang Clan members humbly accepted the advice and departed. Yet, they shared a common sentiment: ["He's in a good mood?"] ["When he stomped, he killed a hundred and eighteen of our horses! We haven't done anything wrong..."]
Indeed, their horses lay dead, forcing them to continue on foot to the Town of Cha.
However, nobody dared to voice their thoughts. Their relief was palpable upon hearing Han Bingxue's instructions.
They scattered in haste, moving with a swiftness that might have given the impression they were rushing to relieve themselves.
Their speed was truly remarkable.
...
"We've obtained what we need. Let's make our way," Cha Eun Xiao declared excitedly. "After all, I'm still a member of Cha Clan, right? I can't skip out on the arena."
Han Bingxue stared at him in bewilderment. "Boss... Are you seriously planning to participate? Don't you think it would disrupt the balance?"
Cha Eun Xiao turned and looked at Han Bingxue with a raised eyebrow. "Why not? How would my participation upset the balance? I'm under the age of twenty, I'm a Cha Clan member, and I meet all the requirements. Why shouldn't I be able to participate?"
Han Bingxue appeared shocked. "Boss, I've just discovered another facet of your character. Why are you so eager to attend these grand events now? It seems a bit... diabolical, doesn't it?"
...
In the Town of Cha.
The town was bustling with people from various clans.
The Misty Cloud Palace would be sending their envoy in five days.
This placed considerable pressure on the clans, as they needed to redistribute the lotuses within four days.
Cha Clan's mood had shifted from happiness to despair.
In the backyard of Cha Shuqing.
Cha Nantian sat at a table, leisurely sipping a cup of tea.
Having led an army in the Land of Han-Yang for many years, he possessed a commanding presence that permeated every facet of his life.
In stark contrast to the anxious elder Cha Shuqing, Cha Nantian exuded an air of absolute calm.
"Nantian, I fear Cha Clan may be in dire straits," sighed the elder Cha, his face etched with concern.
Cha Nantian remained composed as he responded, "So be it. Why fret so much? Even if the sky were to fall, those of us who stand taller can bear its weight. As for you, I might mistake you for the clan's head."
The elder Cha shook his head in resignation. "I understand your grievances, Nantian. Nevertheless, Cha Clan is our foundation. The survival, honor, and disgrace of Cha Clan affect each one of us. You must keep that in mind."
Cha Nantian displayed a sardonic smile. "Foundation? What sort of foundation? Must I truly keep it in mind? Allow me to be frank. If not for you and my mother, I would have departed long ago. I couldn't care less if Cha Clan were to fall into the abyss. It means nothing to me."
"Nantian, Cha Clan may have wronged you, but you bear the Cha name. Cha Clan's blood runs in your veins! You cannot alter that, even if the heavens themselves were to descend upon us!" the elder Cha admonished, growing agitated. "You stand unmoved while our clan faces a calamity. How can you be so heartless?"
Cha Nantian's eyes flared with intensity as he retorted, "Would my brother still have perished had they treated everyone as true Cha Clan members? Is it truly worthwhile to sacrifice ourselves unconditionally? Does it merit such one-sided devotion? If you persist in your stance, then I have nothing more to say."
The elder Cha was taken aback, momentarily frozen by Cha Nantian's words.