Yone grinned as he responded, "What demands does Sword Cliff have for my clan?"
Yone knew Chester wouldn't let the Albon Clan off the hook without gaining something in return. If he had to guess, Chester's presence here, dropping everything else, was precisely for this moment.
In a world where strength decided everything, all experts sought benefits. With enough resources and incentives, even the deepest hatreds could be erased. There was no such thing as a purely evil or good person; everyone acted in their own interest, striving to enhance their strength and prolong their lifespan.
Conflicts between individuals and powers were often rooted in their enemies' resources.
Chester's smile widened as he said, "I want you to participate in the Snow Lake tournament under my faction's name. Naturally, to earn the right to compete in such a prestigious event held every century, you'll need to defeat all the geniuses of Sword Cliff and become its chosen one."
"Deal!" Yone responded without hesitation.
He had already anticipated that Chester wouldn't ask for anything related to his clan, given that he was just a child with no significant influence.
The tournament was within Yone's expectations, and although he didn't know the details of such a grand event, he knew the rewards would be extraordinary. Chester wouldn't search for talent outside his sect unless the stakes were incredibly high.
However, Matheo's expression grew grim. His body trembled, and sweat drenched his back. "Kid, you need to ask for details and reconsider your choice," Matheo urged, trying to maintain his composure. "It's obvious you don't know the ins and outs of the tournament, which is why you accepted so quickly. Listen to me."
He paused, glaring at Elder Chester, then continued, "The Snow Lake tournament is known across every kingdom on this continent, and all major powers participate in it every century."
Taking a deep breath, Matheo wiped the sweat from his forehead and spoke seriously, "Let me warn you, for a thousand years, only two people have survived that cursed place. The two individuals who did survive had their cultivation crippled, lost a few limbs, and even had their minds severely damaged. Think this over, Yone."
Except for the expert Matheo hoped was still around where his father had told him to look, Yone was his only support—the only strong ally he could rely on for now.
Matheo couldn't allow Sword Cliff to destroy this vital connection before the Albon Clan could regain their footing in Lake City and begin expanding after his father returned.
"I understand Sect Leader Matheo's concerns, but the decision is mine, and I'm not afraid of such events," Yone replied with a warm smile.
"But..." Matheo began, attempting to persuade him again when suddenly, a cold voice interrupted.
"Enough, Matheo," Chester's voice was laced with authority as he released a bit of his aura, clearly displeased with Matheo's persistence. "You heard Yone's response."
Chester had always been eager to step into the bone-tempering realm and cultivate closer to Snow Lake, hoping to comprehend its mysteries.
Now, he had found a candidate who could not only participate in the tournament but also enter the cursed land itself, a feat that would grant him unprecedented cultivation opportunities. The benefits were immense, and if Yone won a spot in the Snow Lake tournament, Chester's status and cultivation life would ascend to an entirely new level.
Yet, Matheo was openly trying to persuade his only hope for crossing such a huge step into declining his request.
Hell, Matheo didn't even care about his clan's safety if he got mad and decided to erase Albon Clan from existence, yet acted like the threat didn't exist.
His behavior and lack of respect towards him really enraged him, and he almost ordered their death if not for Yone's presence and his answer.
As Chester indulged in thoughts of his bright future, Yone's voice brought him back to the present.
"I also have a request if you want me to participate in the tournament," Yone said, his tone serious.
This was the primary reason he had gone out of his way to save Sara and her declining clan in the first place.
Protection!
Yone needed protection until his body matured and his cultivation grew strong enough to defend himself.
The dangers lurking behind him were too great, and he knew his parents, who had ordered his death without hesitation, would stop at nothing to finish the job once they learned he was still alive.
He didn't fully understand their ruthlessness—he doubted it was solely due to his perceived lack of talent—but the reason was irrelevant.
What mattered most was staying alive long enough to reach a point where he could protect himself and venture out without fear.
"I want Sword Cliff to protect me until the end of the Snow Lake tournament," Yone stated his demand.
Blanking out for a second, Chester took back his aura locked into Matheo and laughed, "Ha-ha-ha. No problem, come live in my peak and I myself will ensure your safety till you finish the snow lake tournament."
'So this is his true reason for protecting the girl and her clan,' Chester thought, as a momentary look of pity crossed his face when he glanced at Sara.
Chester had already anticipated that Yone would make such a request, even though he didn't know the specifics of what Yone would ask for. It was something he had expected all along.
After all, when Chester observed Matheo and his daughter, he couldn't find any logical reason why Yone would go to such lengths to protect them.
He found it highly unlikely that it was a matter of friendship or love.
Geniuses associated with hidden clans are typically raised with a strong focus on their clan's interests and elevating their status above all else. Therefore, Yone's demand fell squarely within Chester's expectations.
"Well, since my job here is done, I'll head back to the clan and make the necessary arrangements for your stay and everything related to our deal," Chester said, pausing for a moment. His tone slightly trembled as he added, "I...I also need to report the appearance of the Snow Lake Guardian outside its usual patrol area."
He tossed a jade token toward Yone and instructed, "Once you've finished your business and are ready, head to the Sword Cliff branch and show them this token. The guards there will know what to do and show you the way to my peak, where I cultivate."
In the next instant, the old man's figure vanished, leaving only three people standing in front of the store.
'Snow Lake Guardian huh,' Yone thought, his gaze flickering with a demonic glee as he recalled the image of the ferocious beast that attacked them.