C646 Force

Chen Xi, an alias used by Yu Yuan, had settled temporarily in the Four Quarters Courtyard of the Obsidian Thunder Sect. In his spare moments, he would inquire about various matters from Xie Bin.

In Afnetalos City, the surname Chen was common, but these individuals had little connection to the Chen family that Chen Liangquan belonged to.

Yu Yuan disclosed to Xie Bin only that he hailed from the Shadowlight Empire and had come to witness the splendor of Afnetalos.

He had chanced upon the legacy of the God of Medicine in the Serpent Spine Mountains.

Possessing the Serpentflame and able to recount certain historical events, Yu Yuan did not arouse any suspicion from Xie Bin.

Xie Bin, a formidable Solar Spirit realm warrior with experience in extraterrestrial campaigns, held a comprehensive and insightful understanding of the Everlands' grand scheme and the inner workings of various sects.

Through Xie Bin, Yu Yuan had pieced together the transformations of sects and empires over the three centuries preceding his rebirth.

To Xie Bin, Yu Yuan was the hand-chosen disciple of the God of Medicine, Hong Qi, and he was an open book, sharing all he knew without reservation.

One day, as Yu Yuan and Xie Bin were discussing the Chen family of the Songbird Empire, Huang Chuan, a limping elder from the Obsidian Thunder Sect, made his slow entrance.

Yu Yuan had learned from Xie Bin that Huang Chuan was also a senior member of the sect.

Though younger than Xie Bin, Huang Chuan's talents for cultivation were modest, and a severe injury had left him disillusioned. The Obsidian Thunder Sect had stationed him in Afnetalos, where he led a listless existence.

Having abandoned any aspirations for the future, Huang Chuan found solace in alcohol during his idle hours.

"Xie Bin, I reckon it's going to get tougher for us to bring in new disciples," Huang Chuan remarked as he came over, tossing a bottle of 'Drunken Buddha' liquor to Xie Bin. After a moment's hesitation, he reluctantly handed another bottle to Yu Yuan.

Forgoing a cup, he took a hearty swig straight from the bottle and added, "Three of the youngsters we've recruited in recent months have already left."

Xie Bin took a sip in response, his silence speaking volumes.

Yu Yuan expressed his gratitude before joining Huang Chuan and Xie Bin in a hearty drink from the wine pot. With a gulp of "Drunken Buddha," he was hit by its intense spiciness.

He chuckled at the strong wine's aftertaste and inquired, "Why did they leave?"

"Zhao Jingzhi took that girl away from the Obsidian Thunder Sect right in front of us," Huang Chuan said, his face etched with frustration. "I was injured by Zhao Jingzhi and had to bear it. It just shows how weak our Obsidian Thunder Sect has become. People naturally gravitate towards strength. Those juniors who haven't even reached the Veil Breaking Stage started to abandon our sect, seeing it as too feeble..."

Huang Chuan let out a deep sigh.

Xie Bin, sipping his drink, remarked, "Let it be. Everyone chooses their own path; we can't force them."

He paused, then continued, "Our Obsidian Thunder Sect may not be as powerful as Winter's Bite, and we're not a lower sect, but our mastery of thunder magic is second to none! We're only lacking in cultivation resources. With enough pills and spiritual tools, our disciples could certainly rise to prominence."

"Indeed, with the right guidance from the Obsidian Thunder Sect, there are those with exceptional talent who could dazzle the entire Everlands!"

Xie Bin's voice carried a hint of defiant pride as he spoke.

"Thunder Sect, Qi Jinghai, pays respects to Mr. Xie!"

A robust and cheerful call suddenly rang out from outside.

"Thunder Sect!"

"Qi Jinghai!"

The shout sent a wave of excitement through the crowd of minor sect members gathered at the street corners.

Hearing the name, Xie Bin's face showed a trace of concern as he drank with Yu Yuan and Huang Chuan.

Huang Chuan drew a deep breath and declared, "This guy is even tougher to handle than Zhao Jingzhi."

"Qi Jinghai..."

Yu Yuan squinted, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "That name sounds familiar."

"The top disciple of the current Thunder Sect Master, and the unofficial heir to the next." Huang Chuan's expression was grim. "Qi Jinghai hails from the Qi family of the Songbird Empire. In Afnetalos, their influence is second only to the Chen family. They may not be on par with the Chens, but within the Songbird Empire, the Qi family is undeniably the most powerful after the Chens."

"Oh, it seems we have quite the notable person here," Yu Yuan concurred.

"Please come in!"

Xie Bin had already stepped out, standing in the courtyard, taking a moment to straighten up his appearance.

Qi Jinghai, clad in green, approached with a commanding presence.

His demeanor was calm, his eyes deep like dark pools, exuding an air of mystery.

His skin was a healthy bronze, with his forearms bare, showcasing a tapestry of fierce scars.

The scars, dense and jagged, appeared to have been etched by blades.

Given his level of cultivation, he likely had the means to heal the scars on his arms, yet he chose not to, not even bothering to cover them with long sleeves.

Qi Jinghai stood in the courtyard, offering a respectful bow to Xie Bin and Huang Chuan. Upon noticing Yu Yuan by a room's doorway, he even gave a slight nod.

"Is your master doing well?" Xie Bin inquired.

"My master's true form and Solar Spirit are presiding over the extraterrestrial Star River, leaving only a Lunar Spirit at the Thunder Sect," Qi Jinghai replied with a no-nonsense tone. "My master is in good health, as is the Thunder Sect. My visit is on his behalf. He..."

"He wishes for Mr. Xie to sever ties with the Obsidian Thunder Sect and join our Thunder Sect."

"My master has proposed a solution to reassemble the fragments of your shattered Solar Spirit. Should you publicly declare your separation from the Obsidian Thunder Sect, the Thunder Sect will welcome you. Furthermore, my master has mentioned that if you can reunite your Solar Spirit, and potentially reach the Unbound Realm in the future, the position of deputy sect master of the Thunder Sect will be yours."

Qi Jinghai spoke with earnest sincerity.

Outside the courtyard, disciples from various sects were astounded by Qi Jinghai's declaration.

They began to speculate about Xie Bin's origins and his significance.

Many were unaware of Xie Bin's history, not knowing that he was once a prodigious cultivator of the Obsidian Thunder Sect, a man who had ascended to the Solar Spirit and witnessed the vistas beyond the stars.

They were unfamiliar with Xie Bin, but they recognized Qi Jinghai as a prominent figure within the Thunder Sect's ranks.

"I acknowledge your master's goodwill," Xie Bin said, shaking his head decisively. "He has been our old sect master's sworn enemy for centuries. The old sect master has been good to me. Under no circumstances could I abandon the Obsidian Thunder Sect to join the Thunder Sect."

"I see," Qi Jinghai replied, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Then, Mr. Xie, would you consider returning the Glacial Storm Seal to the Thunder Sect?"

"The Glacial Storm Seal!" Huang Chuan exclaimed, staring at Xie Bin in astonishment. "You have it?"

"Since when did the Glacial Storm Seal belong to the Thunder Sect?" Xie Bin retorted angrily. "The Glacial Storm Seal has always been the Obsidian Thunder Sect's most prized possession!"

"The two sects were once united; surely you haven't forgotten," Qi Jinghai responded calmly. "Don't you agree that the Obsidian Thunder Sect no longer has the standing to wield the Glacial Storm Seal? It should be returned to the Thunder Sect, where my master can unlock its full potential."

"I disagree," Xie Bin declared firmly.

After a moment of silence, Qi Jinghai continued, "The extraterrestrial situation is perilous, and my master needs the Glacial Storm Seal!"

"What does that have to do with me?" Xie Bin scoffed.

"I'm heading to the Scarlet Dunes. Upon my return, before I go back to Euwrea, I expect you to hand over the Glacial Storm Seal," Qi Jinghai stated matter-of-factly, no longer seeking Xie Bin's consent. "You may keep the seal a little longer. But when I return, you must either accompany me back to the Thunder Sect or relinquish the Glacial Storm Seal."

"You're living in a fantasy," Xie Bin replied, shaking his head.

"Mr. Xie, I truly apologize. The demand to reclaim the Glacial Storm Seal comes not only from my master but also from the three great upper sects, who face external pressures and share this sentiment," Qi Jinghai explained.

With those final words, Qi Jinghai bowed once more and departed.

Left alone, Xie Bin seemed to age years in mere moments, muttering to himself, "The three great upper sects feel the same? By what right do they demand we surrender the Glacial Storm Seal? Our Obsidian Thunder Sect is in this state because of the Everlands and their commands."

As he spoke, tears streamed down his face.

Huang Chuan slumped to the ground, suddenly finding the wine in his flask had lost all its flavor.

"Glacial Storm Seal!"

Yu Yuan's expression darkened.

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