The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1025: Equal Match

Equal Match . . .

Cha Eun Xiao became engrossed in deep contemplation.

In his previous existence as the Xiao Monarch, his life had commenced with its share of hardships, but it had culminated in him ascending to the heights of power and becoming a formidable cultivator. At that point, he had wielded immense strength and occupied a prominent social position, capable of undertaking grand and heroic endeavors.

Yet, he had never acquainted himself with the struggles and tribulations faced by the smaller clans in their quest for survival because he had never been a part of any clan.

Just as Cha Tianchen had stated, the Cha Clan was far from being a significant clan. It might have appeared as a regional power, but in the eyes of the truly influential figures, it held no stature. Their predicament was marked by awkwardness, susceptible to potential obliteration if they inadvertently offended a powerful entity.

The clan's position was a precarious one, residing in the liminal space between the mediocre and the exceptional. Lacking substantial external support, they remained inconsequential in the eyes of the truly mighty individuals. Their existence was marked by a constant struggle to survive on the fringes of society.

The price they had to pay for their survival remained a tale of sorrow and endurance too agonizing to recount.

The younger generation of the Song Clan, Cha Clan, and Li Clan might have paraded their influence in the Oracle District, carrying themselves with an air of divine invincibility. However, the clan leaders were acutely aware that beyond the confines of the district, they amounted to nothing in the eyes of the wider world. Their collective strength was insufficient.

This served as a deterrent to those in the Oracle District who rarely ventured beyond their hometown in pursuit of greater achievements. To the potent sects, any factions hailing from the Oracle District were viewed as mere feeble collectors of medicinal herbs, relegated to that solitary task.

In the grand scheme of things, these local residents were indispensable for the collection of herbs, but their utility extended no further.

In truth, there was no need for Xuan Bing to convey the veracity of Cha Tianchen's words through mental communication. Cha Eun Xiao grasped the authenticity of the Cha Clan's patriarch's words, recognizing the sincerity of his explanation. Cha Tianchen's purpose was to elucidate the circumstances, to implore Cha Eun Xiao to cease assigning blame to the Cha Clan's leadership.

With a composed tone, Cha Eun Xiao remarked, "I hold no vested interest in your clan's affairs. Nevertheless, I do appreciate your candid clarification, and I express my condolences."

Cha Tianchen spoke somberly, his smile tinged with bitterness. "Your appreciation is unwarranted, and there is no need for condolences. I have borne the burden of this agony for many years. In my twilight years, I believe it is my duty to elucidate our perspective. It has weighed heavily on my heart, tormenting me. I fear that one day the truth from my side might be interred with my lifeless body, and no one will ever come to comprehend it. No one will grasp the rationale behind our actions."

With a bitter smile, he continued, "When we learned that Nantian might establish a friendship with a saintess of the Qiong-Hua Palace, we rejoiced, for it represented a tremendous opportunity for us. It could have forged a lasting connection with the Qiong-Hua Palace, presenting an unparalleled chance for the Cha Clan to ascend to greater heights."

"However, Nantian's aspirations transcended the boundaries of friendship. He harbored dreams of betrothal, and therein lay the crux of the issue for the Cha Clan."

"Dragon to dragon, phoenix to phoenix, mouse to mouse," Cha Tianchen mused with a touch of self-deprecation. He wore a bitter smile as he continued, "Equality is the fundamental criterion for couples. The Cha Clan stands leagues apart from the Qiong-Hua Palace, existing in entirely different strata. Their union was deemed unacceptable. Furthermore, Cha Nantian's intention to marry a saintess from the Qiong-Hua Palace was a dream too lofty to be fulfilled."

"For instance, when a millionaire's daughter contemplates marrying a destitute and debt-ridden suitor, the father may not only harbor the desire to thwart his own daughter but would assuredly seek to disable the unfortunate man."

"It is not solely about matters of respect," Cha Tianchen elucidated. "This pertains to a myriad of aspects, encompassing one's personal dignity, emotional well-being, social circles, and reputation. The Qiong-Hua Palace could never permit itself to endure such a mortification. The Cha Clan was simply not of the caliber to be linked to them in such a manner. It is acceptable for a toad to dream of marrying a swan, but attempting to do so would be inviting calamity."

What Cha Tianchen had expressed was readily comprehensible to Cha Eun Xiao. He fully grasped the significance of these dynamics.

If Cha Nantian and Yue Gongxue were merely friends, or even close friends, she would still retain her esteemed status as the saintess of the Qiong-Hua Palace, a position that could greatly benefit the Cha Clan and propel them to prominence.

However, marriage would irrevocably taint the saintess of the Qiong-Hua Palace.

In the metaphor of a toad marrying a swan, the swan would lose its grace, elegance, and distinctiveness. A saintess who wed a man from a humble clan would no longer maintain her sanctity. In such an instance, if the Qiong-Hua Palace chose to censure only the individual responsible for sullying their saintess but spared the rest of his clan, it would be a gesture of profound leniency.

In reality, if Cha Nantian had occupied a loftier position within the martial world, the outcome might have diverged. Had he been a disciple of one of the seven major sects, he might have been deemed an appropriate match for Yue Gongxue.

But such was not the case.

He was a member of a local clan in the Oracle District. Despite his recognition as a talent within his clan, it failed to alter the outcome.

And thus began the tragedy.

"The notion of an 'equal match'..." Cha Eun Xiao heaved a deep sigh.

"The clan may have made decisions detrimental to its gifted members, and there may be countless unworthy individuals within the clan," Cha Tianchen remarked gravely. "Nonetheless, these are measures necessitated by our circumstances."

With a sincere tone, he continued, "The clan must endure. When the water is excessively pure, it teems with no fish. One should not insist on absolute purity, lest they find themselves bereft of companionship."

"I elected to make this journey today because deep within my heart, I knew it was the course of action I must take. I must seize this opportunity to seek your aid in ensuring the survival of our clan."

Cha Tianchen heaved a protracted sigh and gazed at Cha Eun Xiao. "I implore your forgiveness, dear brother. I have detailed our history. This expedition to the mountain necessitates the participation of the Cha Clan."

"No! Absolutely not!" Voices erupted from the Li Clan contingent before Cha Tianchen could conclude his plea. "Brother Cha is our esteemed guest. Agreements have been made... Why does the Cha Clan demand such a thing..."

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