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Chapter 307: The Only Way Out - Seeking Refuge in the Moon Holding Sect?! (Part 2)
Chapter 307: The Only Way Out - Seeking Refuge in the Moon Holding Sect?! (Part 2)
"
"Lastly..."
"Don't forget, the Pill Tower has become part of the Moon Holding Sect."
"That's the Pill Tower!"
"With the Pill Tower's influence..."
"Adding the Moon Holding Sect's own strength, do you think the three sects and those loose cultivators outside can stop them?"
Lu Ming shook his head slowly.
"Not to mention anything else, but just the influence of the Pill Tower is probably enough to solve this problem."
As a Great Master of Alchemy, his words carried weight, and no one doubted him.
But at this moment, everyone's faces were filled with mixed emotions.
Damn, so surrendering to the Moon Holding Sect could really solve this crisis?
But this is too much, right?
"This..."
Lu Ming sighed. "Second Elder, earlier... I was wrong to blame you. Your method is feasible, but this..."
"Sigh!"
He sighed deeply, shaking his head in frustration.
The other elders remained silent.
In truth, everyone understood the situation.
If it were a matter of relying on others, it wasn't entirely impossible.
But for them to merge witherased by the Moon Holding Sect, that was a real kick in the teeth.
Indeed, very few could accept such a fate.
"I, too, understand the concerns of the Sect Master and the other elders."
The Second Elder had anticipated their reaction and sighed, "We all know that the Moon Holding Sect has the strength to resolve our crisis."
"I also understand everyone's hesitation and worries, or rather, the potential drawbacks of merging with the Moon Holding Sect."
"The most important issue is twofold."
"First, it's a matter of face."
"Second, we fear that after merging, the Moon Holding Sect will target us, treat us as slaves, and assign us all the dirty, exhausting, and life-threatening tasks."
"Perhaps there's a third point—the lingering hatred and resentment from the past, making it difficult to accept this arrangement immediately."
The elders nodded in agreement.
"Very well, a powerful analysis, and right on point."
The Second Elder continued, "Let's delve deeper into these points."
"First, regarding the issue of face, there's no need for concern."
Lu Ming, puzzled by this statement, asked, "Why is that?"
"Because we have the Fire Virtue Sect and the Pill Tower Orb as precedents, especially the Pill Tower! The Second Elder spoke with gravity. "In terms of influence and reputation, the Pill Tower is no less than our sect."
"If they can merge silently with the Moon Holding Sect, why can't we?"
"Most people won't think less of us for it. Instead, they'll speculate and wonder what mysterious and unfathomable methods the Moon Holding Sect used to consecutively absorb the Pill Tower and even our sworn enemy, the Moonlight Sect, within a matter of days."
"Furthermore, our sect can spread rumors and guide public opinion in this direction, minimizing any potential loss of face."
Gu Qingyun blinked, convinced, "It seems that's indeed the case."
The elders remained silent.
It made sense...
It really did.
Damn...
It's flawless!
"Second, the issue of past humiliation and enslavement."
"This is also resolvable. We can request that the Moon Holding Sect promises not to mistreat us. Even if there's inequality, the treatment or 'arrangement' for us should not exceed the gap between the inner and outer sect disciples of the Moon Holding Sect."
"Otherwise, our sect would rather die than comply!"
"I believe..."
"The Moon Holding Sect will agree. They won't let go of this opportunity to strengthen themselves!!!"
The elders were silent.
As they listened, some of their eyes began to shine with anticipation.
You bet.
You damn well bet.
Although the Second Elder's suggestion sounded outrageous and unprincipled, upon careful analysis, it was indeed flawless!
"As for the third point, the lingering hatred and resentment..."
"Let me be honest."
The Second Elder lowered his voice, "The initial hatred, if we're being honest, was simply a result of two neighboring sects rubbing against each other, leading to escalating friction. Over time, the Moon Holding Sect in its heyday had its victories and defeats against us, and they killed many of our disciples. I believe some of those lost were dear to you all, but over the past thousand years, the Moon Holding Sect has declined to the point of near annihilation. Who was behind this, you all know in your hearts, right?"
"If we're talking about resentment and hatred..."
"The one who should truly feel resentment and hatred is probably the Moon Holding Sect, isn't it?"
"After all, we've had the upper hand for a long time. We've even swallowed up their mountain gate, and many of their disciples and elders have died at our hands..."
The elders were silent.
"If we're being honest, what are we resentful about?"
"On the contrary, they should be resentful of us!"
"Let's think long-term."
"If Lin Fan agrees to our conditions, once we accept and let go of the past, forbidding any revenge, those few 'elders' of the Moon Holding Sect will likely be the ones resentful, extremely frustrated, and it's good news for us."
"What do you all think?"
The elders were speechless.
Damn...
They were all damn speechless.
They stared at the Second Elder, breathing heavily, their eyes gleaming.
But at the same time, they were utterly bewildered.
If what the Second Elder said was true...
Wouldn't it mean that our Moonlight Sect, by merging with the Moon Holding Sect, would only gain benefits without any drawbacks?
They wanted to refute this, but after thinking it through...
Their minds were filled with the same realization: You're damn right!
It was at this moment that the Second Elder's words truly resonated.
He felt his perspective broadening!
"Furthermore, if you all consider it carefully, if the Moon Holding Sect agrees to equal treatment, what does that signify?"
"What does it signify?" Gu Qingyun, now thoroughly confused, couldn't help but ask.
"It signifies that from now on, the Pill Tower is our 'backyard'! They will serve us, and we won't have to worry about alchemy pills anymore!"
"Sect Master Lu won't have to exhaust himself with pill refining."
"Hahaha, Elder, you're so funny! You're just like a Watermelon Rind, always trying to get us to do what you want!"
"The changes in our Outer Sect Disciples are so obvious, you can't deny it!"
"With high-quality Alchemy Pills, our growth will be so impressive!"
"If our entire sect has a sufficient supply of Alchemy Pills..."
"The benefits are obvious, no need to say more!"
The crowd exclaimed in surprise, "What?!~!"
Damn, another benefit!
You...
It's hard to believe you're not a Watermelon Rind.
But on second thought, it does make sense!
If I imagine myself consuming high-quality Alchemy Pills like candy every day, my cultivation speed...cough, cough, cough."
Fuck!
Why am I suddenly feeling tempted?
My heart...is also wavering!"
"Yes!"
"I must have the potential to be a Watermelon Rind and a 'Sect Traitor'!"
This is too fucking ridiculous!
They looked at each other, their faces filled with uncertainty.
Although they were all tempted and their hearts wavering), their bodies remained still.
No one voiced their agreement.
Even though everyone understood that Elder's words made sense, there was still one issue that couldn't be ignored—how would they explain this to the Ancestral Founders?!
We've worked so hard to establish the Moonlight Sect, and now you want to turn our backs and betray the entire sect?!
So...
No matter how tempted or wavering their hearts were, their bodies didn't move.
After all, it would be too rebellious and ungrateful!
When Elder brought it up, they could still criticize him.
But if they were the first to agree...
It would be hard not to be considered accomplices, just like Watermelon Rind.
Lu Ming's face showed his inner conflict. "Elder, please stop."
"This matter...is still inappropriate."
"Why is it inappropriate?" Elder countered, "Is it because we have to consider the consequences for our entire sect?"
"How can we decide their lives and deaths?"
"Moreover, Sect Master Lu, you've said more than once that as long as we can contribute to the sect and make it better, you'll spare no effort, even if it means serving our enemies as cattle!"
"Now, we don't even have to serve our enemies as cattle...why not give it a try?"
Lu Ming let out a bitter laugh. "What I say represents my own thoughts, how can I speak for the entire sect?"
"If I alone were to serve the Moonlight Sect as cattle, I would agree without hesitation. But, based on what you said, how can I make decisions for the entire sect?"
"Just because...I'm the Sect Master?"
"I believe I don't have the qualifications."
"Then that's it!"
Elder took a deep breath and asked sternly, "If even the Sect Master doesn't believe she has the qualifications to decide for the entire sect, do we have the right to decide the fate of millions of disciples, leading them to a tragic end?"
The crowd fell silent.
Their expressions darkened.
This matter was truly difficult to decide.
It involved the lives and deaths of so many people!
But to survive, one needed unimaginable courage.
This situation...
Was truly a dilemma.
Seeing the crowd's silence, Elder spoke solemnly, "I believe that this matter should be decided by everyone together, not just by us."
"Therefore, I propose!"
"To make this choice public, let all sect members decide together. Should our Moonlight Sect..."
"...bend our backs, survive, and embrace a better future?"
"Sect Master!"
"You just said it clearly, why are you still hesitating?!"
Lu Ming was still in doubt.
But Supreme Elder Gu Qingyun frowned, "Actually, Elder's words are not without reason."
"Everyone..."
"What do you think?"
Someone spoke up, and the matter was settled.
After all, who wouldn't want to live instead of dying?
Moreover, Elder's proposal made perfect sense!
Letting all members vote to decide their fate was very fair!
A Watermelon Rind?
It couldn't be that most of the sect members were Watermelon Rinds, could it?
Thus, many elders expressed their agreement one after another.
But Lu Ming...
Remained silent, still in doubt.
Although his heart was already filled with joy, the act had to continue.
Soon, most of the elders agreed to let all sect members vote to decide their fate.
A small number of elders refused.
And a smaller number chose to abstain.
It was at this moment...
That everyone's gaze turned to Lu Ming.
"Sect Master."
"Make a decision!"
"But, I..."
Lu Ming was still hesitant.
But...
Suddenly!
Boom!!!
Within the sect, one of the Array Cores suddenly exploded! And it was the Array Core of the Sect Protection Array!
Then the second, third, fourth...Boom! Boom! Boom!!!
Explosions rang out one after another as the Array Cores burst.
The Sect Protection Array was instantly weakened multiple times over!
In just an instant, it was weakened by more than half!
"Damn it!!!"
"The Watermelon Rind has a backup plan?!!!"
"Quick, we must ensure the remaining Array Cores don't fail!!!
The elders' scalps went numb, and they were instantly terrified. "The Formation Array has been weakened by more than half, we can't hold it much longer, at most we can support..."
"...half an hour!"
"No, we only have an incense stick's worth of time!"
"We must make a decision quickly, or else...it'll be too late to say anything!"
"Sect Master!!!!"
"Sect Master, this concerns the lives of our entire sect, we..."
"The Formation Array has been weakened?!"
"Some of their Array Cores have malfunctioned, and they're exploding one after another!!!
"Yes, good news, great joy! Quickly, destroy the Sect Protection Array and annihilate the Moonlight Sect!"
The people from the three sects and many Loose Cultivators rejoiced.
And at this moment...
The people of Blazing Sun Divine Palace were secretly shocked. "Damn, is it the Star Sea Alliance or the Shadow Demon Palace? They actually have such means, and they've even infiltrated Moonlight Sect! Damn it! I must investigate thoroughly when I return!"
The Star Sea Alliance members were also terrified. "Damn, is it Blazing Sun Divine Palace or the Shadow Demon Palace? They're hiding so deeply! Could it be... that even we Loose Cultivators have their Watermelon Rind?"
The Shadow Demon Palace members exclaimed, "Damn, Blazing Sun Divine Palace... or the Star Sea Alliance? They're hiding so deeply!..."
The Loose Cultivators were astonished, "Damn, this is the strength of these top-tier powerhouses and major sects? They've even infiltrated Moonlight Sect! This is the gap between us Loose Cultivators and the major powers. Their means and resources are endless. It seems like Moonlight Sect is doomed today."
...
Lu Ming sighed, "Alas."
"It seems like this is the only way now," Lu Ming thought.
"But I never imagined that as soon as I became the Sect Master, I'd have to lead the sect down this path. I'm the greatest sinner of the sect!"
The elders fell silent.
Damn it!
You know what, these words are spot on.
As he pondered, he even felt a sense of being forced to shoulder the blame, like a scapegoat.
This...
Holy shit.
We're truly doomed!
They felt immense self-blame.
"There's no need for you all to feel this way," Lu Ming said with a carefree smile. "It's just a matter of reputation. As long as it's for the sake of the sect, what's there to fear?"
"I'll take the risk!"
"However, Second Elder, you've overlooked one issue. Even if everyone agrees to seek refuge with Moon Holding Sect, how can we contact them?"
"Therefore, I need to go and forge a path, break through the blockade, and send out the message."
"And I'm the one to contact Long Ao Jiao and Moon Holding Sect."
"So, I'll leave the voting to the elders. Please complete it within the shortest time possible, and..."
Lu Ming took a deep breath.
"I'll forge this path to survival!"
"Sect Master!" Second Elder choked up.
From his perspective...
This was clearly Lu Ming's decision to 'face disgrace rather than live with this damning reputation.' He wanted to use his life to fight for that glimmer of hope.
He...
He never intended to live!
This was his suggestion, but was it right or wrong?
But upon further thought, he felt relieved.
If not, he'd accompany the Sect Master in battle.
After all, if he didn't propose this, everyone's future would only lead to death... Hmm? Wait, that's not right.
The Sect Master is a master of Sword Dao, a highly sought-after talent!
Although those three sect members were fiercely vocal, if given the chance, they'd surely capture him and force the Sect Master to refine pills for them. In other words, the Sect Master's chances of survival were actually... the highest.
Perhaps even if everyone in Moonlight Sect died, the Sect Master could still live comfortably and be treated as an honored guest.
Therefore...
As expected, it's the best choice!
"Everyone," Lu Ming said as he rose into the air, his voice carrying throughout the sect. "Moonlight Sect disciples, listen up. Currently, our sect is surrounded by powerful enemies, and there's even a Watermelon Rind working from within. Moonlight Sect is at a life-or-death juncture."
"There's only one path to survival!"
"That is..."
"I understand that this is hard to accept and might even be considered rebellious, but I, as the Sect Master, can die standing or live kneeling."
"However, as the Sect Master, I can't decide the fate of everyone's life and death. Your lives and futures should be in your own hands!"
"Therefore, I've decided that whether we seek refuge with Moon Holding Sect will be decided by a vote from all of you."
"The voting will be overseen by the elders."
"As for me..."
"I'll go first and truly open up this path to survival!"
Lu Ming drew his sword, his expression calm as still water, and flew towards the Formation Array...
"Sect Master!!!" Wen Ruyan cried, her tears already flowing uncontrollably, her heart aching to the point of breathlessness.
The Rank and Direct Disciples couldn't believe what they were seeing, and at the same time, they felt worried for Lu Ming.
"Sect Master!!!"
Among the Inner and Outer Sect Disciples, countless were crying and shouting.
"You can't do this!"
"We haven't repaid your great kindness and virtue..."
"We..."
"Enough!"
Second Elder sternly interrupted, "Time is of the essence, no time for crying. Don't let the Sect Master's sacrifice be in vain. That's the greatest respect we can show him!"
"Make your decision!"
"Those in favor, raise your hands!!!"
(End of Chapter)
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