Chapter 1012: Eventful Clan
Eventful Clan . . .
While internal conflicts consumed the Cha Clan's attention, a grave misfortune befell them—a theft that would shake the very foundations of the Cha Clan. The theft was no ordinary act; it struck at the heart of the clan's prosperity, leaving its three most significant storehouses utterly depleted. The extent of the theft was so severe that even the most insignificant pests, the lowly mice, would find themselves shedding tears when they ventured into the emptied storehouses.
Within those three storehouses, the Cha Clan had stored a trove of essential materials, ranging from precious currency and vital cultivation resources to valuable medicines and medical supplies slated for exchange in return for further cultivation assets.
Compounding this misfortune was the disheartening fact that the sentinels of the storehouses, three members from the third branch of the Cha Clan, including Cha Liangchen's father and two of his uncles, were entirely oblivious to the audacious theft that unfolded under their watchful but unwitting eyes.
In response to this unprecedented crisis, the clan leadership imposed punitive measures against the hapless guards, subjecting them to confinement by the superior cultivators within the Cha Clan. The entire clan embarked on a desperate quest to recover the stolen materials, though deep down, they harbored little hope of success.
The reality of the situation dawned upon everyone—the thieves, whoever they might be, had achieved the unimaginable feat of emptying the Cha Clan's storehouses while guards remained blissfully unaware. The chances of reclaiming the stolen items grew increasingly slim.
Panic swept through the Cha Clan, for the stolen goods were not solely the property of the clan itself. They included materials slated for delivery to the esteemed Misty Cloud Palace, who had previously received a list detailing the expected materials. In essence, Misty Cloud Palace eagerly awaited the Cha Clan's delivery of these vital resources.
In the Qing-Yun Realm, none dared to provoke or defy the formidable Misty Cloud Palace. Even the realm's mightiest cultivator, Wu Fa, would demonstrate the utmost respect in the presence of Misty Cloud Palace's great elder, to say nothing of the Cha Clan's comparatively humble stature.
The predicament facing the Cha Clan was more daunting than even the notorious case involving Cha Nantian. To address the crisis and focus on their collective efforts, the clan decided to exile the members of the third branch, all of whom were dispatched to the Mountain of All Medicines to collect medical materials. While they knew they couldn't gather everything needed, it was at least a step towards ameliorating the crisis.
The Mountain of All Medicines, also known as the Heaven Treasure Mountain by locals, presented an opportunity for the Cha Clan's youth to seek resources, and Cha Liangchen and his two brothers had spent nearly half a month traversing its rugged terrain. As their peers returned home, their baskets laden with some medicinal treasures, Cha Liangchen and his brothers remained, hoping to chance upon valuable materials in their extended stay.
However, Heaven Treasure Mountain was no place for idle exploration, and despite their persistence, their search yielded no fruits. As they prepared to depart the mountain, their luck took an unexpected turn when they encountered Cha Eun Xiao, Han Bingxue, and Xuan Bing.
The three young men bore cultivation levels below the Dream Origin Stage, making it impossible for them to discern Cha Eun Xiao's and his companions' true powers. However, their youthful imaginations ran wild, as Cha Liangchen considered the possibility of befriending super-powerful figures. In the midst of despair, he hoped that forging connections with individuals of such extraordinary abilities could help alleviate the third branch's struggles and the suppression it faced. In their desperate situation, Cha Liangchen was willing to consider any opportunity that came their way.
He seemed to have overlooked the grave offense that the Cha Clan had committed against the formidable Misty Cloud Palace. In the entire Qing-Yun Realm, few would dare to provoke the wrath of Misty Cloud Palace and, more specifically, the enigmatic Lady Devil of the realm. To do so would be akin to courting utter destruction.
Indeed, it was an audacious and ill-advised course of action. Perhaps there existed individuals bold enough to challenge Misty Cloud Palace's dominance—individuals like Xuan Bing herself. However, even she would tread carefully when it came to the Lady Devil and Misty Cloud Palace. The reputation of this celestial organization was such that it cast a shadow over the realm, asserting its authority and holding all in awe.
Yet, there were others who, it seemed, refused to bow to the weight of their predicaments, even when confronted by the potent forces of Misty Cloud Palace. Cha Liangchen exemplified this unyielding spirit as he spoke, though his convictions were betrayed by the hidden tremor in his eyes.
He introduced himself with unwavering determination, as if the weight of his clan's troubles were merely a passing cloud, stating, "I am Liangchen of Cha Clan, and I have faith to navigate any tumultuous waters that come our way." His voice was filled with hope and assurance, and his clenched fists mirrored his resolve.
Despite the pretentiousness and the evident discrepancies in his demeanor, there was something pure in Cha Liangchen's heart, an unwavering dedication to his ideals. While his words were laced with a touch of absurdity, there was an honesty in his desire to remain true to his convictions.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but smile at the sight of this young man who yearned to be a hero, even if he occasionally appeared to be living in a dreamworld. He was a righteous soul, pretentious though he might be, and it was this purity of purpose that Cha Eun Xiao valued.
This young man's declaration that he would "never forget his true heart" struck a chord with Cha Eun Xiao, offering a glimmer of authenticity in a world filled with pretense.
As the conversation unfolded, a new arrival disrupted the exchange. A voice echoed from atop the ravine, followed by several figures descending to the floor below. Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback, and Xuan Bing, sensing a shift in the situation, subtly signaled to Han Bingxue, urging him to step aside and give Cha Eun Xiao the space to handle the new developments.
Both Xuan Bing and Han Bingxue recognized that while their presence had safeguarded Cha Eun Xiao, it had also impeded his personal growth. If he was constantly shielded by those stronger than him, he would miss valuable opportunities to develop his skills. Becoming a formidable cultivator required more than just protection; it necessitated experiencing challenges and adversity.
Therefore, Xuan Bing decided to distance herself and her companion, allowing Cha Eun Xiao to navigate this encounter independently. Han Bingxue, displaying his characteristic intelligence, promptly comprehended Xuan Bing's intention and followed suit, positioning himself at a remove from the unfolding events.
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