It Was Me . . .
- Cracks! -
Cha Nantian clenched the teacup in his hand, his voice laced with tension. "You're aware that there's something amiss regarding my brother's death, yet you've chosen to ignore the harsh reality. It's because, deep down, you cling to the belief that we're all part of the Cha Clan. I, on the other hand, am not like you. To be frank, I've been conducting an investigation recently. It was undoubtedly Cha Shuxin and his associates who were responsible for it!"
"I had concrete evidence!"
"The elders confiscated the evidence from me to conceal the truth. They destroyed the proof and denied everything! Does this sound like the actions of your cherished family? The Forefather, of course, takes their side. He has never allowed me to pursue justice."
"You were ousted from the position of Clan Chief because of my actions, according to their claims. But who doesn't know the real reason behind it? Do you still contend there was no conspiracy involved?"
"Why must you be so forgiving?"
"Are you genuinely willing to tolerate all of this just because you consider the family name more significant than anything else?"
"Do they genuinely regard us as their kin?"
"I know who the murderer is, but I can't lay a hand on him! I can't exact revenge! I can only watch him!" Cha Nantian seethed, his voice cold and steady despite his fury. "Father, tell me! We've been suffering, enduring, and tolerating it all for what?"
"For the sake of a mere name that we share with them?"
"For the sake of one-sided sacrifice?"
"Should we jeopardize our family's lives?"
"Is it worth it?"
"Is this clan still the Cha Clan that was once our foundation and shared our blood?"
Though Cha Nantian's visage remained composed, his eyes concealed smoldering anger.
Cha Shuqing sighed deeply. He found himself at a loss for words. The flame of indignation that had briefly flared in his heart was now extinguished. What he felt was a profound sense of powerlessness. His heart had grown cold and weary.
Indeed, just as his son had stated. Did this clan still merit his unwavering dedication?
He had risked his life to safeguard the clan. Yet, those who had profited were the ones who had framed him, framed his son, and claimed the life of his other son.
He had deceived himself, seeking self-assurance. Yet, it had only brought death to his kin and a bleak future for the group. Ultimately, no one would extol or recognize his sacrifices. He would merely become an object of mockery.
"Tell me the truth. A few days ago, Cha Shude went out to gather, but he was found dead a hundred miles from our old residence. Was it your doing?" Cha Shuqing sighed.
Cha Nantian remained still, a wicked smile dancing on his lips. "Impressive deduction, Father. Not only Cha Shude but also Cha Piaoliu and Cha Chengdong were dispatched by my hand... Since you've brought it up, allow me to be candid. Since my return, six members of our clan at the Dream Origin Stage had unfortunate accidents and died in the wilderness. I was responsible for all of them! I've laid it all out for you now. Are you contemplating betraying me and revealing my actions to them?"
Cha Shuqing drew in a sharp breath.
"But all six of them appeared to have died from..." Cha Shuqing trailed off in shock.
"It seemed like they were killed by spiritual beasts, right?" Cha Nantian smirked coldly. "Crafting a false appearance of that nature is a walk in the park for me."
"What transpired back then?"
"When my brother was murdered, those six individuals were the perpetrators!" Cha Nantian raised a sharp eyebrow. "Father, you know me. I may not have many strengths, but one thing I excel at is protecting my family. I'm willing to risk my life for them! I did, I do, and I will always do the same!"
"Perhaps you're unaware, but when your grandson caused trouble in the Land of Han-Yang, I threatened the entire world to protect him! I would destroy the world for my son!"
"My brother is my beloved family! He was murdered, and I must avenge him! I may lack the power right now, but if I ever obtain it, I'll obliterate their group without a second thought!"
"I don't care about righteousness, and don't lecture me on your family name theory. While it might mean something to you, for me..." Cha Nantian's determination shone through. "I simply reject it. I only know that no one can mess with my family! Those who bully my family, those who harm my family, they will pay the price! Whoever took my brother's life will see their entire family pay with their own lives at my hands."
"I'm indifferent to matters of righteousness, positions, or the consequences it may bring to me," he declared while gazing at the sky with a calm resolve. "This is who I am, Cha Nantian."
"Even if I must bear the weight of countless sins, I'll bear them, no matter how many sins I must commit," he asserted firmly. "I will not stay silent just for the sake of appeasement."
"Absolutely not!"
"I would rather die."
Cha Shuqing was left in a state of shock. He couldn't decide whether to feel relieved or concerned.
On one hand, he understood that Cha Nantian had exacted vengeance for his younger son, quelling his anger. But when he realized the unwavering determination of his older son to seek retribution, he felt a deep-seated worry.
"It doesn't matter much whether others live or die, but Cha Shuxin and his family are another matter," Cha Nantian muttered.
"Nantian, I understand and respect your actions for the sake of our family. But have you considered that if the younger generation becomes reckless in the future, your actions could turn them into an audacious and unrestrained bunch of fools?" Gramp Ye offered his sincere advice. "In many clans, there are people like you who ultimately raise a generation of overconfident youths. These young ones may eventually cross paths with someone they shouldn't, leading to their clan's ruin in a single night."
"Don't assume I'm speaking nonsense. I've lived decades longer than you, after all. I've witnessed and heard countless examples that serve as cautionary tales for us."
Cha Nantian scoffed and replied, "You're talking about those foolish people. My son reached the peak of cultivation in the Land of Han-Yang at seventeen. He ascended to the Qing-Yun Realm on his own! With his strength, talent, and effort, he is incomparable to the youth of the Qing-Yun Realm."
"You..." Gramp Ye was left speechless and infuriated.
Cha Nantian was clearly biased and irrational, offering no room for debate. However, his words regarding Cha Xiao's exceptional abilities were undeniably accurate. Gramp Ye had no argument against it. His son might be overconfident, but what could he say?
"Let me be straightforward. This arena at such a low level is ridiculous. If your grandson were here, he'd effortlessly outclass every contender on that stage," Cha Nantian proudly proclaimed. "I'm not underestimating or belittling these young lads from other clans. In comparison to Xiao Xiao... well, these youngsters are like fireflies, while my son is the radiant moon. Actually, that might be overestimating them. In any case, they don't even come close to my son."