The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1024: Survival Rule

Survival Rule . . .

Cha Eun Xiao had traversed the vast expanse of the world, amassing a wealth of experiences and insights that had rendered him privy to the inner workings of the Cha Clan. He was well-versed in the clandestine machinations of the clan members.

"I belong to the elder generation, and we share the same lineage," Cha Tianchen expressed, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "We bear the name Cha. I find it perplexing why you have chosen to align with the Li Clan's influence rather than assisting your own kin."

He sighed and continued, "At the very least, we are all Chas."

However, Cha Eun Xiao responded blandly, "In the vast Qing-Yun Realm, a realm teeming with over seventy billion inhabitants, the Cha surname, while not commonplace, is borne by more than two hundred million individuals. Are you suggesting that all two hundred million must perpetually stand on the same side?"

Cha Tianchen furrowed his brow and conveyed his sentiments earnestly. "We share a common surname, signifying a shared ancestral lineage. In days of yore, our forebears were one united family. Each one of us should act in the best interests of our kin."

Cha Eun Xiao smiled with a hint of scorn and posed a question, "Are you insinuating that we can sacrifice an individual for the greater good of our clan? That we can even betray our own kin? That we can bow and demean ourselves when necessary? Is that the essence of it?"

Cha Tianchen's eyes welled with sorrow as he comprehended the implications of Cha Eun Xiao's words. He likely understood the allusion to how the Cha Clan had wronged Cha Nantian and subsequently expelled him. Cha Eun Xiao's initial animosity toward Cha Tianchen stemmed from this knowledge.

[Could this be why he opted for the Li Clan over the Cha Clan?]

[This young man... What could have piqued his interest in this particular matter? Why did he choose to bring it up?]

With a cautious tone, Cha Tianchen inquired, "Young man, the matters you've raised belong to the past. They are our clan's internal affairs. I fail to see how they concern you or why you are preoccupied with them."

Cha Eun Xiao responded with a deep voice, "Is it none of my concern? I suppose you must have been jesting when you spoke of our shared lineage and all the rhetoric about our common surname. You're absolutely right. The Cha Clan holds no significance for me. I am merely a stranger in your eyes! How profound! I am genuinely impressed! Your words are inspiring, and I find myself motivated to make my own choices, unfettered by any consideration for the Cha Clan. Thank you!"

It was evident sarcasm.

Cha Tianchen sighed at length. "We undertook those actions to further our clan's ascendancy. When compared to an entire clan, the individual rarely bears an excessive burden."

In a cold and resolute tone, Cha Eun Xiao retorted, "Your perspective is indeed quite advanced and unique, old man. You were willing to compromise, to bend, and to destroy a talented member of your own clan. Now you claim that these actions were necessary to elevate your clan. Truly?"

Cha Tianchen sighed and expressed his despondency. "Yes, that's correct."

Cha Eun Xiao's pupils contracted. [He has actually admitted it!]

At this moment, he felt genuinely astounded.

[Expelling one of their own talented individuals, allowing mediocrity to rise within the clan. How bewildering! And yet, he has openly acknowledged it?]

"All things considered, there is but one underlying reason for all of this. The Cha Clan simply lacked the strength," Cha Tianchen's visage aged considerably as he continued. He spoke with a sense of resignation, "I have never felt at ease with the course of events. The anguish has lingered long after the fact."

He added sorrowfully, "However, if I were granted the opportunity to revisit those decisions, I would still make the same choices."

"I recognize the cruelty, the shamefulness, and the injustice inflicted upon Cha Nantian," he said, his tone heavy with grief. "But in this realm, justice and fairness often have limited room to thrive. Had Cha Nantian not departed, the entire Cha Clan would have been eradicated by the Qiong-Hua Palace, and we would have all perished."

"Cha Nantian was wronged and expelled, but his sacrifice was instrumental in preserving the clan. Regardless of the anguish it caused him, it saved the Cha Clan. No matter the internal struggle, the Cha Clan would never have confronted the Qiong-Hua Palace on his behalf. We sacrificed one to safeguard the many. I feel shame, but I bear no regret."

"I was powerless to protect Cha Nantian. All I could do was make the sacrifice and prostrate myself to ensure the clan's survival."

"One day, when the Cha Clan ascends, our actions will be the catalyst. No matter how ashamed we may feel about the past, our paramount duty is to preserve our people's lives."

"If we had opted to engage in battle, a single word from me would have sufficed," Cha Tianchen asserted, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "I could have rallied everyone, and they would have fought valiantly until the last drop of blood was spent. It would have been an act of heroism, a display of unwavering resolve, but should we have been willing to sacrifice all, merely for the sake of etching our name in history? Was it truly meaningful? I, for one, would never take any action that severs our bloodline.

"That is my rationale.

"Cha Nantian's absence notwithstanding, I make this declaration. Even were he here by my side, my stance would remain unaltered.

"My decision remains unwavering.

"I harbor no fear of making sacrifices, of embodying heroism, bravery, and honor. In fact, I yearn for such virtues. However, I am no longer a youth. I can no longer entertain such ideals."

His eyes brimmed with profound sentiments. "I have aged. The opportunity for personal growth has passed me by. I possess but few days left to me. The Cha Clan must never face extinction. This is the solitary choice available to me, a member of the Cha Clan who lacks the requisite strength.

"I cannot lead the clan to reach the pinnacle of glory, to conquer the world. Nor will I steer the clan toward ruin. The sole role I can fulfill is to safeguard our bloodline, even if it necessitates bearing shame and regret, even if I may never be deemed worthy of joining our ancestors in the heavens.

"I am burdened with shame, yet I carry no regrets for my actions.

"This is an issue pertaining to the welfare of our clan.

"This is the sacrifice a clan must endure.

"We had no alternative. The Qiong-Hua Palace loomed before us. We had no recourse but to make concessions. It was our sole recourse."

Cha Eun Xiao maintained a solemn silence. For a protracted duration, he refrained from uttering a single word.

Not only Cha Eun Xiao, but also Han Bingxue, Cha Xuan Bing, and even those from the Li Clan who had been at odds with Cha Tianchen, were enveloped in a shared melancholy.

Cha Tianchen's once dark locks were now interwoven with strands of grey, billowing in the morning breeze. His countenance bore the weight of sorrow as he continued, "The grand sects endure through the ages due to their illustrious histories. Small clans like ours must find our own path to survival.

"Otherwise, we shall not endure for long."

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