In the meeting room, after a long conversation, the three venerable elders finally revealed their true intentions. The sect leader's guess had been correct—they didn't want to give their rivals any advantage. Still, they didn't want to pressure the Mist Sect to the point where their relationship would break.
The sect leader smiled, confident he had the upper hand in this discussion, but life is unpredictable, and no one knows when things can change in an instant.
"Hahaha, dear sect leader, I hope you don't take this proposal the wrong way. The supreme Moon Sect doesn't like to see its allies wasting their time on insignificant battles."
"My brother is right, sect leader. A wise person avoids fights that would lower their standing."
The sect leader took a sip of his tea, speaking calmly, "Honored elders, I truly appreciate the supreme Moon Sect's kindness. But nobility doesn't fill an empty belly. A penniless cultivator is like a bird with no wings. Such a bird will take its dreams of flying to the grave."
"That said, I'm not short-sighted. I weigh the circumstances and act accordingly. Now that it's time to repay our debt to the supreme Moon Sect, how could I forget all these years of support?"
As he spoke, a cold gleam flickered in his eyes, as if old grudges were stirring.
"That's why we must understand each other's positions and offer fitting solutions. I hope my boldness hasn't offended the venerable elders, but this is the way of the world. The weakness of our sect will be seen as the weakness of the supreme Moon Sect."
"If we don't act against these rebels, will you take responsibility for the rumors that will spread?"
"An enemy determined to destroy you will either find your weakness or create one. So, holding back is simply giving them the advantage."
The elders nodded in agreement but said, "True. When the lion's roar goes unheard, its sharp teeth are soon forgotten. But the barking of a few dogs isn't enough reason to walk into a wolf's den."
The sect leader chuckled. "Hahaha! Exactly. That's why you need to get the dogs on your side, so the wolves stay deluded. And before they even realize it, they'll have been playing into your hands the entire time!"
One elder stroked his beard and said, "The sect leader is a clever strategist, but don't forget—a wild dog knows nothing of loyalty. Even a loyal dog is still just a dog. You can't expect it to fight like a lion."
The sect leader nodded. "Of course. But a lion is just one drop, while dogs are an ocean. Even the strongest lion tires eventually."
"Your approach is interesting, sect leader. It may suit the Mist Sect, but the supreme Moon Sect follows a different path."
"That's right. You've probably heard the story of the Ant's Prayer, haven't you? This situation is just like that."
The sect leader was seething inside but kept his composure. "Yes, it's a well-known tale."
One of the elders continued, "Indeed, though I think most people misunderstand it."
The Ant's Prayer was a famous tale in the cultivation world, used to show that no matter how much one prays, the gods will never notice.
It told of a colony of ants that worshipped humans. To them, humans were powerful beings capable of miraculous feats. The ants believed humans were eternal and occasionally provided for them. So, when disaster struck, the ants prayed to humans in desperation.
Generations passed, and some ants even claimed to communicate with humans. They built underground shrines and bowed every time they saw one.
The ants believed that humans held up the sky and created oceans with their footprints. They thought humans had created ants, trees, fruits, and many other things just for their chosen creatures—the ants.
Years went by, and the ants remained steadfast in their worship.
Humans gave them commandments and blessed their kingdom. The ants were told to worship humans several times a day and night. It was said that ants who died in service to humans would be reborn as humans and roam a vast world.
Becoming human was every ant's dream.
But their glory didn't last. Darkness fell over the ant kingdom. The ants were terrified and had no choice but to continue their prayers.
Things grew worse. Drought and death spread among them, yet they never lost hope and kept praying.
One day, their prayers were answered. A human came to them. But as the ants bowed in reverence, the human crushed them underfoot, wiping them out.
One of the elders said, "This story is filled with wisdom. Just because someone stronger than you claims to be a god doesn't mean they are. Just because someone makes a promise doesn't mean it's true. And just because your prayers are answered doesn't mean it's a blessing. Bowing doesn't guarantee a good fate."
"But the most important lesson is that the weak are powerless before greater strength. Even a sea of dogs trembles at the roar of a lion."
"That's why I have a better suggestion. They may know the Mist Sect is allied with the supreme Moon Sect, but they don't know how deep that bond runs. Even if the lion's roar is forgotten, the dragon's fire will never be."
"I propose sending one of your disciples to join the supreme Moon Sect. This will make the bandits realize that angering the supreme Moon Sect is a risk they don't want to take. Fear will make them retreat, and the conflict will end without a fight."
"In fact, one of your disciples caught our attention when we arrived. She showed great potential, worthy of such an opportunity. If I'm not mistaken, her name is Su yun"
[What??! Elder Su's daughter?]