Chapter 815: Disciple Brother Cha
Disciple Brother Cha . . .
Cha Eun Xiao hadn't initially considered it. As the stories went, Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Lightning had once been four strikingly handsome men, all boasting formidable prowess at the ninth level of the Dao Origin Stage. Yet, over the past century, their pristine appearance had deteriorated into one of aged decrepitude, marked by white hair and grizzled beards.
It seemed inconceivable that such powerful cultivators could age in such a manner, and that's why Cha Eun Xiao had not immediately associated the names Wind, Cloud, and Thunder with their legendary counterparts.
Perhaps, he mused, they had sustained grievous injuries at the hands of Wu Fa, which might explain their premature aging. The injuries had forced them to seek out a disciple sooner than expected. Normally, with their level of strength, they would have many more years ahead of them to train a disciple.
Sighing at the thought, Cha Eun Xiao observed the three bickering elders, each adamantly vying for the privilege of taking him on as a disciple.
In the end, Lei Dadi seized Yue Changtian by the collar, effectively making him the arbiter of Cha Chongxiao's destiny. The other two elders joined the fray, each clutching Yue Changtian, one by the chest, the other by his sleeve. Their determination was evident in the loudness of their argument, as though they were willing to engage in a brawl if it meant securing Cha Chongxiao.
In an instant, Yue Changtian found himself in a quandary. He was apprehensive about provoking any of the three elders. They were already in a foul mood, and it appeared as though they were on the brink of engaging in a physical altercation right outside the hall to determine who would get the young disciple.
"Let's fight! The winner gets to make the call! The victor gets the young man!"
"Agreed! Do you think I'm scared?" Lei Dadi taunted. "I've defeated both of you throughout my life. Now you ask for more?"
"We respected you merely because you were the eldest! Do you truly think you're that capable?"
The three elders appeared poised for a confrontation.
The onlookers were taken aback by the prospect of an actual battle.
Yet, it was at this pivotal moment that Yue Changtian had an epiphany.
"Wait! Grandmasters, I have an idea," he proclaimed loudly. "You might want to discuss it."
The three grandmasters turned to face him.
The notion of an actual brawl was never more than a jest. None of them genuinely desired to engage in a physical confrontation. Although still powerful, they had exhausted their life energy and cultivation foundation long ago. They were merely shadows of their former selves, appearing elderly and frail, and they considered each day a blessing.
Xuan Bing's intrusion into Cold Moon Palace had left them injured, yet they had refrained from engaging her in battle. This decision was two-fold: on one hand, Xuan Bing was an overwhelmingly formidable opponent who required all three elders to have a chance of winning. On the other hand, they recognized that Xuan Bing's objective was not the destruction of Cold Moon Palace. Her visit was more a warning than a threat, which influenced their decision to remain in hiding.
An actual battle would require them to deplete their life energy, possibly hastening their deaths. The risk was too great; they might lose their chance to pass on their knowledge to a disciple forever.
Yue Changtian presented his plan, and it was met with unanimous approval from the three elders. Each would become Cha Chongxiao's personal master, an arrangement that satisfied all parties.
Cha Eun Xiao hadn't seen it coming, and it took him completely by surprise. He realized that his head disciple, Zhan Yunfei, was openly disdainful and resentful towards him. The three grandmasters had acted swiftly and had evidently premeditated their course of action. They must have considered it beforehand but allowed him to broach the subject to preserve their pride.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration and slight embarrassment. "If this was what you wanted, why didn't you just come out and say it? Why involve me in all of this?" he mused, a hint of exasperation evident in his thoughts. He was beginning to sense the subtle complexity of sect politics.
Nonetheless, amidst the mixed emotions, one thing was clear – Cha Chongxiao had officially become a disciple of Cold Moon Palace. His seniority within the sect was rather high, being a disciple brother to the Prime Master. The position came with considerable weight and importance, given his impending role as the heir to the three grandmasters.
For Cha Eun Xiao, this was an entirely new experience. He no longer held the position of a personal disciple, but had been elevated to a more significant role. "In the past, we were merely personal disciples to our masters. Now, he is much more than that," he contemplated, feeling a sense of awe and responsibility. Cha Eun Xiao understood that with this transition came a great deal of attention and scrutiny, not only from his fellow disciples but from the entire sect.
The other Dao Origin Stage cultivators in the hall concealed their confusion and unease behind insincere smiles as they presented Cha Chongxiao with gifts and congratulations.
Turning his attention to Zhan Yunfei, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but delight in the reversal of their roles. "You want me to be your disciple? Well, now we're equals in the sect," he thought, relishing the newfound status that came with his position.
Zhan Yunfei's reaction was less enthusiastic. With a strained expression, he curtly addressed Cha Eun Xiao as "Brother Cha" and promptly turned away. The tables had turned, and the two were now on an equal footing.
Yue Changtian, despite his initial discomfort with the situation, couldn't deny the significance of having a genius disciple within the sect. He realized that this was an opportunity for Cold Moon Palace to rise in prominence and secure its future. His concerns were twofold, focused on Cha Chongxiao's wellbeing and the practicality of his training.
The three grandmasters outlined their training plan, starting with a three-month intensive period. Then, depending on Cha Chongxiao's progress, he would participate in the ground competition of the sect. However, Yue Changtian expressed concerns about the safety of his new disciple, especially given his relatively low cultivation level. The grandmasters were unyielding, asserting their intent to push him regardless, with the belief that Cha Chongxiao would reach the peak of Spirit Origin Stage in less than a year and a half. Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but exhibit skepticism at this ambitious claim.
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