Cha Eun Xiao Showed Up . . .
"I've painstakingly worked towards my current position for over a dozen years, not just for myself but for the future of my children. If your grandson's return threatens to ruin the bright prospects of my offspring..."
"There's no more to discuss. I cannot let that happen; I cannot allow such a possibility to exist."
"As long as you promise to hand over that child, we can resolve this matter. Wasn't that child the source of our clan's problems when it began to falter?"
Cha Shuxin clenched his teeth and continued, "I can step back. Let him prove himself on the stage, allow him to fetch some lotuses for the clan. If you insist on shielding him, then I will have to eliminate him today. I must remove the individual causing discord within our clan. I'm doing this for the greater good of our clan."
"Consider this, it's the best choice for everyone," Cha Shuxin earnestly continued. "I assure you, I won't kill him. I will merely place my seal on his dantian, and he will be a free man, with no obligations but to live his life freely. Isn't that an ideal situation for him?"
"It's the best offer I can make. There's only one path to take, brother, whether you like it or not, you must decide. If you don't, I'll be forced to act," Cha Shuxin sighed helplessly. "You see the situation; we will not win a confrontation, and more importantly, Cha Clan will suffer due to the conflict between us. You were once the Chief, and you dedicated your modest heart to the clan. Can you bear to watch our clan crumble and our kin kill each other for the sake of your interests?"
Cha Shuqing seethed with anger. "Modest heart? Dedication to the clan? These are the very words you used to force me from the seat! Today, are you going to harm my children in the same way? Who is the real villain here, one who only thinks of his own gain?"
He laughed bitterly and added, "Cha Shuxin, you asked whether it's bearable for me to witness this. Now answer me, is your heart even human?"
Cha Shuxin responded, "Brother, I'm doing this for the clan's sake. I have no regrets."
"Rubbish! Aren't you haunted by the heartless deeds you're about to commit?" Cha Shuqing shouted in anger. "Today, you won't harm my children unless you kill me first!"
"Brother, you've made your choice, and there's nothing more to be done. It seems I'll have to be disrespectful today," Cha Shuxin replied with a bland smile. Suddenly, he waved his hand.
- Swish! - A row of archers appeared on the yard's walls. Their arrows gleamed with cold light, aimed at those who stood with Cha Shuqing.
The participants in the conflict turned to witness this, aghast. In truth, neither those aligned with Cha Shuxin nor those who supported Cha Shuqing genuinely wanted to kill anyone within their own clan due to differing opinions.
Such situations had arisen before. The weaker third and sixth groups typically yielded without resorting to bloodshed.
This time, however, someone had unsheathed their weapons, signaling an impending clash.
Cha Shuxin's followers stood tall and resolute, while those on Cha Shuqing's side displayed somber expressions. They were no fools; they understood that Cha Shuxin had long prepared for this confrontation.
He might even be exploiting this conflict to banish or eliminate those who consistently opposed his wishes, eliminating any potential threats.
"Cha Shuqing and Cha Nantian are suspected of treason, conspiring with outsiders to hatch treacherous schemes against Cha Clan..." Cha Shuxin falsely accused, his eyes filled with increasing murderous intent.
The others knew that bloodshed would commence once he finished speaking.
"Prepare for battle!" Cha Shuqing sighed deeply and waved his hand, clearly disheartened by his own clan.
Cha Nantian sneered and seemed rather eager. He began to channel his spiritual energy, readying himself for the imminent battle.
The others aligned with Cha Shuqing formed a defensive half-circle, each armed and poised for combat.
The two factions had been locked in covert conflict for nearly two decades, but now the time for hidden rivalries was over.
"Cha Shuqing treacherously betrays the clan. Do any of you wish to follow in his footsteps? Those who recognize their errors and choose to end this conflict by eliminating Cha Shuqing will be spared and forgiven," Cha Shuxin declared with an air of disdain, his gloating eyes revealing his satisfaction.
He believed that his grip on Cha Clan was now unassailable, and there would be no more threats to his authority.
He cared little if external forces were lurking, waiting for a chance to strike. As the old saying goes, to withstand external threats, one must first establish internal stability.
"Nonsense!" A man standing beside Cha Nantian spat on the ground and retorted, "Cha Shuxin, I regret calling you uncle for all these years. Everyone sees through your intentions! You simply want to eliminate those who oppose you. Your attempt to deceive people with falsehoods won't succeed. I would rather die than serve someone as despicable as you!"
His words incited an uproar. Not one of them would bow to Cha Shuxin's authority.
Frustrated by his inability to sway his opponents, Cha Shuxin's eyes brimmed with murderous intent. He nodded slowly and said, "Very well! Excellent!"
He then shouted, "Everyone, let's..."
"Wait, wait, wait... As the central figure in this affair, I haven't had my say yet. Why are you all in such a hurry?" A clear voice laced with laughter interrupted the tension. "Come on, really? It's such a minor issue? You just want me to do something for the clan, right? Does it have to escalate into this chaos? Is this your way of making a fuss or simply a display of ignorance? Moreover, even if it's this important, there are plenty of ways to resolve it!"
A young man dressed in white hurried over from the guest room, speaking with an exaggerated pant. "I'm here... I'm coming. I am the central figure in this situation, aren't I? There's no need for conflict, folks. It's really not that big of a deal... How could it be so wrong?"
Both sides couldn't help but shake their heads when they saw this young man.
"Is this Cha Nantian's son?"
"Why does he sound so clueless, like he's not taking this seriously at all?"
"You're the focal point of this conflict, but it doesn't really concern you. Don't you get it?"
"Do you understand?"
"You..." Cha Shuxin smiled upon seeing Cha Xiao. "I could just resolve this issue by dealing with this kid, and all threats would be eliminated. Why must I escalate it into such a major confrontation?"