Chapter 93

Chapter 92. If we lose to those brats, we're all dead. (2)

Sima Sheng quietly observed Xianzong, the leader of Huashan, who was sitting opposite him.

'Xianzong, huh.'

Xianzong is the one who managed to hold onto the declining Huashan and prevent its downfall. The leader of Zhongnan once evaluated Xianzong, saying that if it weren't for these times, he would have been an outstanding leader.

'Overrated.'

Xianzong has never shown any exceptional qualities. Adding "in a family" before any evaluation, no one would fail to receive high praise. A person's excellence is judged by their achievements, not their character.

Sima Sheng slightly turned his head to look around.

On Xianzong's left and right, the elders of Wujiao and Zaijing, as well as the Yunzi elders like Yunyan and Yunjian, were seated.

They had all gathered to welcome him. Although this was not the first time he had seen this scene...

'Indeed.'

It feels a bit different from before.

The people he saw at the previous Zonghua Assembly were all worn out by life and seemed somewhat suppressed.

But now, there is no sign of suppression, and instead, a subtle sense of ease can be felt.

'I don't like it.'

Sima Sheng's eyes narrowed slightly.

The source of this confidence is not particularly important. Whether it's money, martial arts, or just baseless arrogance, Huashan cannot have something that surpasses Zhongnan.

Sima Sheng was simply displeased that the Huashan elders had this confidence.

"Do you find the tea to your liking?"

As Xianzong casually asked, Sima Sheng lightly nodded.

"The aroma is deep."

"I'm glad you like it."

Sima Sheng smiled faintly.

"The aroma is indeed strong, but I don't particularly enjoy the scent of plum blossoms."

Xianzong's eyes twitched slightly.

"But is there a reason?"

"In the forest, various scents can be found. The smell of the earth, the fragrance from the trees, and the scent of dew. But in a place where plum blossoms are in full bloom, only the scent of plum blossoms can be smelled. It's too strong, overshadowing all other scents."

Just like the Huashan of the past.

"The world is a place of harmony. Therefore, I prefer the subtle aroma of green tea over the overpowering scent of plum blossoms."

The Huashan elders managed to maintain a calm demeanor, but the Yunzi elders could not hide their flushed faces. Criticizing the tea offered by a sect leader is no different from openly provoking a conflict.

However, the Huashan elders interpreted Sima Sheng's words differently.

'Is he implying that the Huashan of the past, which pursued the path of dominance, rejected harmony?'

By bringing up this topic now, it means that Zhongnan still harbors past grievances.

A mere elder would not dare to speak this way in front of a sect leader. But no one present could point out Sima Sheng's rudeness.

As Sima Sheng said, etiquette depends on those who observe it. The moment rudeness cannot be punished, etiquette becomes nothing but a facade.

With a few words, Sima Sheng had set the tone as he wished and smiled.

"Leader."

"Speak."

"In Zhongnan, we have decided not to continue this Zonghua Assembly after this one."

Xianzong furrowed his brows.

"May I ask the reason?"

"It's simple."

Sima Sheng slightly curled his lips.

"The martial competition with Huashan offers no benefit to Zhongnan. The gap is already too wide, isn't it?"

Xianzong closed his eyes slightly.

It was a deeply humiliating statement to hear and see. The elders seated on either side of him could not hide their anger.

'This guy...'

Xian Ying's beard trembled.

This is nothing short of outright contempt. How could he say such things in front of a sect leader?

At that moment, Xianzong, who had been quietly closing his eyes, slowly opened them.

"The Zonghua Assembly is not just a martial competition. It was originally intended to foster friendship between Huashan and Zhongnan..."

"Isn't it just a facade?"

Sima Sheng cut Xianzong off.

"Y-You..."

Just as Xian Ying was about to burst, Xian Xiang pressed his knee, signaling him to remain calm.

Xian Ying, alternating his gaze between Xian Xiang and the leader, bit his lower lip.

'Is he going too far?'

Who doesn't know that the current Huashan and Zhongnan are incomparable sects? Even the disciples of Huashan are painfully aware of this.

However, Huashan is a sect with a rich history and tradition. For a hundred years, it was one of the Nine Great Sects, and at one point, it aimed to be the top martial sect in the world.

Even if it were a third-rate sect with no disciples, it would be impolite to treat its leader this way. Sima Sheng, who knows this, is now openly being rude.

Sima Sheng glanced at Xian Ying and sneered.

Xian Ying, understanding the meaning behind the smile, could only clench his thighs and endure.

The world of martial arts is ruthless.

Those without power can only endure.

After scanning the room, Sima Sheng continued in a low voice.

"Zhongnan and Huashan have never had a good relationship. To be honest, we are more like enemies. I'm sure you all want to tear me apart right now."

"Is it really that bad?"

"Is there anyone here who has good feelings towards me? Or towards Zhongnan?"

No one answered.

It's not difficult to answer, but who doesn't know it's a lie? They know, and Sima Sheng knows.

"There's nothing more futile than trying to mend a broken thread."

Sima Sheng's voice was firm.

Everything has already been decided, and this is just a notification.

When an elder of a sect speaks with such certainty, it means the discussion with the leader is over. This is not just Sima Sheng's opinion but the collective decision of Zhongnan.

Furthermore, Zhongnan is officially declaring that they will place Huashan beneath them. They will no longer consider Huashan as a rival.

It's a humiliating situation.

Extremely humiliating.

When no one could bring themselves to speak, Yunyan cautiously interjected.

"Isn't this too sudden?"

"It should have been done long ago."

"Elder."

As Yunyan persisted, Sima Sheng glanced at him condescendingly.

"Do you think Huashan is qualified to be a rival to Zhongnan?"

Yunyan fell silent. He couldn't answer that question.

Sima Sheng chuckled softly and continued.

"By treating Huashan so far, Zhongnan has already fulfilled its duty."

"Treating? Your words are too harsh!"

As Yunyan raised his voice, Sima Sheng sneered.

"What do you mean by too harsh?"

"..."

"Zhongnan has forgotten past grievances and consistently helped Huashan. Isn't it unfair that the Zonghua Assembly has always been held at Huashan? Yet, Zhongnan has always provided financial support to Huashan during the assembly. Are you going to blame Zhongnan for that?"

That's not the case.

Yunyan gritted his teeth.

The reason the Zonghua Assembly was always held at Huashan was obvious.

To come and mock the declining Huashan and to show the victory of Zhongnan to all the disciples of Huashan.

The financial support was just a bait to prevent Huashan from refusing the assembly.

"Leader."

Sima Sheng firmly interrupted and said.

"If you find it hard to understand, I'll make it clear. After this Zonghua Assembly, Huashan will be the one to say they won't hold it again. If you don't want to ruin the future of the young ones, think carefully."

Sima Sheng stood up and walked out of the room, even though no one had dismissed him.

As everyone was at a loss, Xianzong casually asked Sima Sheng's back.

"Is Zhongnan pursuing the path of dominance?"

Sima Sheng stopped and slightly turned his head to look at Xianzong.

Xianzong's face showed no emotion, making it impossible to gauge his intentions.

"That's not for me to decide."

Sima Sheng then opened the door and left.

The faces of those left behind were filled with sorrow.

"How can he be so ruthless?"

Xian Ying, unable to contain his anger, slammed the table. The table split, and the tea spilled onto the floor. But no one could blame him.

Yunjian spoke heavily.

"Every time the Zonghua Assembly was held, they always acted maliciously, but this time it's worse than ever."

"You're right. This is beyond the line!"

"How can a mere elder speak this way in front of a leader!"

"Shouldn't we directly protest to Zhongnan?"

Everyone, unable to contain their anger, added their voices.

But among them, only Xianzong shook his head with a somber face.

"Let it be."

"Leader!"

"Words are sometimes futile. What can our words achieve?"

Yunyan bowed his head. The others also bowed their heads, their faces twisted with anger.

Xianzong said.

"We can endure any humiliation. Even if they spit in my face, I can laugh it off. What I'm worried about is not that."

"Then what?"

"I'm worried about the young ones."

"Ah..."

Yunyan's eyes trembled.

"From his direct words, I can tell that this Zonghua Assembly will be extremely difficult. I can endure being hurt and humiliated, but how can I protect the young ones from suffering?"

Xianzong's face was filled with sorrow. The burden he must bear as the leader of a weak sect is too heavy.

"Then, should we..."

Yunyan stopped mid-sentence.

What he originally wanted to say was, "Should we stop the Zonghua Assembly now?" But he realized how futile that would be before he could finish.

For a martial artist to give up a competition out of fear is a humiliation worse than death.

Moreover, the competitors are not of equal standing. To surrender without even fighting an equal would tarnish the reputation of the disciples for life.

"My sins are too great."

Xianzong sighed deeply. The others could not find words to comfort him and remained silent.

At that moment, Yunjian, who had been listening quietly, spoke.

"Leader, that's not the only thing to consider."

Xianzong's gaze turned to Yunjian.

"They will use this competition to show the clear gap between Huashan and Zhongnan and spread the word that Huashan no longer qualifies as a prestigious sect throughout the Western Regions. This will be a decisive blow to our already declining status. That's likely their plan, isn't it?"

"That's true. But do you have any other strategy?"

"There's no real strategy. If we can't stand up to them in the competition, that's it, isn't it?"

"..."

"Leader."

Xianzong, at a loss for words at this absurd answer, saw Yunjian slightly curl his lips.

"Trust the young ones. Perhaps there will be good news."

"..."

Yunjian smiled at the skeptical gazes of everyone.

'Now it's your turn to prove yourself, Qingming.'