Chapter 474: Debate "Those Who Gather Firewood for Others Should Not Freeze in the Snow"
In the main hall of the Great Thousand Palace branch on the Saint Abyss Continent, Xiao Tiance's resolute declaration echoed:
"Even if Abyss Continent is a den of dragons and tigers, if there is a chance to rescue that senior, I will charge in without hesitation."
The room fell silent as many senior experts turned to look at him. Though they were ancient figures who had lived for countless years, none voiced dissatisfaction over Xiao Tiance referring to himself as "this seat" (本座). With his current strength surpassing or equaling theirs, he commanded natural respect.
Yet, for someone as wise and composed as Xiao Tiance, such determination seemed uncharacteristic. He had long been known for his meticulous planning and careful consideration of consequences. Was he truly acting solely out of gratitude for that senior's past assistance?
Facing their curious gazes, Xiao Tiance smiled knowingly. He could read their doubts without effort.
Xiao Tiance's Philosophy: For Those Who Brave the Cold for Others
"Everyone," Xiao Tiance began, his tone steady yet impassioned, "I understand your concerns. Why, despite knowing this might be a trap laid by the Demon Clan, would I insist on venturing into the Abyss Continent the heart of enemy territory to rescue that senior?
"I once heard a saying: 'Those who gather firewood for others should not be left to freeze in the snow.'
"This senior has been gathering firewood for the Great Thousand World for countless years. He has risked his life to provide warmth and safety for us all. Now, he is on the brink of freezing amidst the blizzard. How can I, having once been warmed by the fire he brought, stand idly by?"
Xiao Tiance's words struck a chord. Understanding dawned on the faces of the gathered experts, and admiration glimmered in their eyes.
Qin Tian was the first to respond. "Well said, Tiance! 'Those who gather firewood for others should not freeze in the snow.' This senior has silently safeguarded our world for generations. Now that he is in danger, how could we abandon him?"
Lu Tong nodded firmly. "I agree. Even if the Abyss Continent is a death trap, we cannot ignore this senior's plight. Should we fail to rescue him, at the very least, he would know that the world he protected did not forget him.
"And consider this: if any of us were in his position, would we not hope for others to come to our aid? Would we want to be abandoned in our time of need?"
Concerns About the Plan
Lu Tong's words brought a solemn silence to the hall. At last, the Ancient Desolate Clan patriarch spoke, his expression contemplative.
"Friends," he began, tapping the Abyss Continent's location on the map with a bamboo stick, "I understand your sentiments. But look closely this is the heart of the Outer World Demon Clan, and more critically, the stronghold of the Saint Demon Clan.
"If our movements are discovered, the entire Demon Clan will converge on us. We would face hundreds of Demon Emperors, including the Saint Sky Demon Emperor and the Blood Sky Demon Emperor, as well as the top twenty Sky Demon Emperors.
"In such a scenario, not even the combined might of everyone here, along with the Great Thousand World's other top experts, could match them. The consequences would be catastrophic."
He paused, then turned to Xiao Tiance with a faint smile.
"Tiance, your words are admirable. 'Those who gather firewood for others should not freeze in the snow.' This sentiment resonates deeply with me.
"But we must weigh our responsibilities carefully. As protectors of the Great Thousand World, our duty is to safeguard its countless lives. If we act recklessly and suffer heavy losses, who will protect this world after us?"
The Weight of Sacrifice
The Desolate Clan patriarch continued, "Fifty years ago, when you entered the Demon Clan's territory, we were tasked by Qin Tian to intercept the Saint Sky Demon Emperor and his forces.
"We succeeded, but at a great cost. The Tai Ling Ancient Clan lost one of their Sacred Heavenly Sovereign experts. The Futu Ancient Clan lost their strongest elder. These were heavy losses. Surely, everyone remembers this."
His words stirred bitter memories. The Tai Ling Clan's patriarch nodded solemnly, and Elder Fu Tu Xuan of the Futu Clan lowered his head, his expression filled with sorrow.
Even Xiao Tiance, hearing this, showed a hint of guilt. Although he was not directly responsible, his mission fifty years ago had indirectly led to the deaths of two powerful allies.
Balancing Risks and Morality
Fu Tu Xuan suddenly spoke, his tone resolute. "Patriarch, what's past is past. There is no need to dwell on it further."
"Indeed," the Tai Ling Clan patriarch agreed. "We've already moved on from those losses."
The Desolate Clan patriarch nodded but maintained his stance.
"My point is not to blame Tiance. In fact, Tiance's subsequent actions lending twenty powerful Heavenly Monster Puppets and helping craft replacements have more than compensated for those losses.
"The presence of those puppets, along with Tiance's contributions to the Great Thousand World, has significantly tipped the scales in our favor against the Demon Clan.
"But I raise these past events to urge caution. If we act recklessly again, the consequences could be far more dire."
Xiao Tiance's Resolve
Xiao Tiance listened patiently before responding, his tone steady.
"I understand your concerns, Patriarch. And you are right recklessness is not the answer.
"But I firmly believe that no risk is too great if it means rescuing the senior who has given so much for our world. His sacrifices have saved countless lives.
"If the Demon Clan's trap awaits us, then let them come. I am willing to risk everything to honor that senior's legacy.
"And if we, the strongest of the Great Thousand World, are not willing to take this risk, then who will?"
A Call to Action
Xiao Tiance's words reignited the room's resolve. After a moment of heavy silence, Qin Tian rose, his expression determined.
"Tiance is right. This mission will be dangerous, but it is our duty. That senior risked his life for our world countless times. If we abandon him now, what does that say about us?"
One by one, the others nodded in agreement. Though concerns lingered, the group collectively decided to proceed with the mission, prepared to face whatever dangers awaited them in the Abyss Continent.
As they finalized their plans, Xiao Tiance's heart remained steadfast. He knew the risks, but he also knew that some sacrifices were worth making for the sake of honor, gratitude, and the world they sought to protect.
Amid the solemn atmosphere in the Great Thousand Palace's branch hall, the Desolate Ancient Clan Patriarch sighed deeply and voiced his concern:
"Why must we repeat the same mistake? Haven't we already suffered once? Why haven't we learned our lesson?"
He paused to let his words sink in, then continued:
The Patriarch's Warning
"Friends, the Great Thousand World is finally showing signs of recovery. First, the rise of White Jade Capital; then, the emergence of two more superpowers, Endless Flame Territory and the Supreme Martial Realm.
"As long as we hold the Saint Abyss Continent and the northern Zhu Xian City front, we can gradually wear down the Outer World Demons and keep them outside our world.
"Yet, here we are again, risking it all for one senior's life. Must we repeat the tragedy of fifty years ago? Who among us will fall this time me, you, or perhaps him?"
His words fell like a heavy hammer, silencing the hall.
The logic was undeniable: comparing the survival of a single unknown senior to the catastrophic consequences of failure, the pragmatic choice was clear to abandon the rescue mission.
A Proposal to Vote
Qin Tian furrowed his brow but eventually bowed respectfully toward the Desolate Ancient Patriarch.
"Senior, your reasoning is sound. Truly, we cannot afford another tragedy like the one fifty years ago.
"Therefore, let us put it to a vote. Those who wish to proceed with the rescue mission, raise your hands. Those against, keep them down."
Reluctantly, Qin Tian proposed this course, suppressing the unease gnawing at his heart.
The hall fell into a tense silence as the gathered experts exchanged uncertain glances. In the end, only two hands were raised.
One belonged to Qin Tian.
The other, unsurprisingly, was Xiao Tiance.
The Experts' Concerns
The Desolate Ancient Patriarch sighed again and addressed them both, his tone tinged with frustration.
"Qin Tian, Tiance… Did neither of you hear anything I just said? Or is it that the billions of lives in the Great Thousand World mean less to you than the guilt in your hearts?"
Black Heaven, another powerful figure, joined in. "I must agree with the Patriarch. Qin Tian, Tiance, your roles in the fight against the Outer World Demons are too vital to risk. If we lose you, the Great Thousand World won't stand a chance against their next invasion.
"Have you considered the consequences of failure? The Demons will flood into our world, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake. Can you bear such responsibility?"
The Mahā Clan Patriarch nodded. "As much as I want to save the senior, Qin Tian and Tiance, you must reconsider. The stakes are far greater than any single life, no matter how significant."
Several others echoed these sentiments, urging caution and restraint.
Qin Tian's Resolve
Once the room quieted, Qin Tian spoke, his voice calm but unwavering:
"I understand all of your concerns. But without that senior, there would be no Demon Slaying King of the Great Thousand Palace there would be no Qin Tian.
"Yes, this mission is fraught with peril, and it may cost me my life. But to me, this is not a choice. If sacrificing myself can bring him back, I will do so gladly."
His firm resolve left no room for doubt, and the room turned its attention to Xiao Tiance, waiting for his explanation.
Xiao Tiance's Bold Plan
Xiao Tiance clasped his hands and addressed the room:
"My esteemed seniors, everything you have said is correct. A single senior's life cannot outweigh the billions in the Great Thousand World. However, I have my reasons for insisting on this mission.
"First, I do not plan to march straight into the Abyss Continent. Instead, I propose starting here."
He pointed to a specific location on the map with his spiritual energy.
Everyone leaned in, scrutinizing the glowing point.
"Divine Demon Continent?" the Desolate Ancient Patriarch said, surprised. "But why there? It's the farthest point from the Great Thousand World within the Outer World Demons' territory."
"Indeed," added the Mahā Clan Patriarch. "To reach the Divine Demon Continent, we would have to cross the entire Demon Realm. Any mistake along the way would bring the full force of their armies down upon us."
Even Lu Tong was perplexed. "Tiance, can you explain your reasoning?"
The Three Step Strategy
Xiao Tiance nodded. "Of course. My plan involves three key steps:
Attack the Divine Demon Continent:
"If this is truly a trap set by the Demons to ensnare our strongest, their focus will be entirely on the Abyss Continent.
"This leaves the Divine Demon Continent the farthest and least guarded territory vulnerable. By launching a surprise attack, we can annihilate the Demons there and draw their forces away from the Abyss Continent.
Exploit Their Weakness:
"As the only Saint Heavenly Sovereign late stage Grandmaster of Spirit Arrays present, I can eliminate all Demons on the Divine Demon Continent in a short time. The resulting chaos will divert their attention, forcing their top experts to converge on the Divine Demon Continent.
"While they scramble, I will leave quietly and bypass their forces to infiltrate the Abyss Continent."
Strike at the Abyss Continent:
"The Abyss Continent is sacred to the Demons it's where their Heavenly Evil God was born. If we can destroy their holy land, the psychological blow will cripple their morale like nothing else.
"By the time they realize the deception, it will be too late."
A Room Divided
The room fell silent as Xiao Tiance's daring plan sank in. Gasps and murmurs spread as many experts absorbed the implications.
"Such audacity!" someone whispered.
"An astonishingly bold move…" another murmured.
Finally, the Desolate Ancient Patriarch spoke, his voice laced with concern.
"Tiance, your plan is brilliant, but have you considered the risks? If you destroy the Divine Demon Continent, it could provoke an all out war with the Outer World Demons something we're not prepared for. I cannot support this."
Others nodded in agreement, though their faces betrayed hesitation.
Xiao Tiance's Response
Xiao Tiance's gaze swept across the room.
"I understand your concerns, but the Outer World Demons will not wait for us to be ready. War is inevitable.
"My plan will not only rescue the senior but also deal a devastating blow to the Demons' morale, forcing them into disarray.
"If we continue to delay, we risk facing an even stronger Demon army in the future. I'm willing to bet everything on this mission are you?"
His words left the room in contemplative silence, the weight of the decision pressing down on everyone.
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