Chapter 301: He Said The Thing!

For a moment, Han Xuhan felt terror unlike anything he had ever felt. If the expansion phase of the Crimson Snow Sect started anytime soon...

But an odd expression appeared on Xiao Wu’s face as he explained, "The thing is, I have no idea what’s going on in this sect from that perspective. It’s been bothering me ever since I became a disciple here.

"As far as I can tell, in the last two centuries, the Crimson Snow Sect has never tried to expand itself or attack other sects, big or small. But it doesn’t look like they’ve been consolidating themselves for a challenge either.

"Before that, my ancestors lived in a faraway place. So I’m not sure if any significant phase of expansion or decline had taken place back then, either. One of the reasons why I joined this sect was because I was sure that it was close to another expansion phase, since two hundred years is more than enough to fill up these mountains with talented, ambitious, and powerful cultivators.

"But like I said, after entering here, I realized that no such things were happening! The mountains look spacious enough to hold ten times more disciples. The inflow of resources seems abundant enough to support everybody.

"The older generations rarely appear in the sect, and even the fresh graduates are forcibly kicked out under the excuse of tradition. It’s so bizarre!"

Han Xuhan didn’t know whether to feel relieved or even more worried. The good thing was, his peaceful (mostly) cultivation life wasn’t about to be turned upside down anytime soon!

But then again, a situation that can be predicted is a situation that can be countered. Without any idea of what was even going on, it would be difficult to prepare for the sudden changes that might take place.

From that point, their conversation shifted towards mere speculations and rumors. There was no shortage of those in the outer court. From vague conspiracies insisting that Crimson Snow Sect was slowly being weakened by malicious forces, to outlandish theories claiming that this malicious force was none other than the Inner Court of the sect...

"You know, I’ve even heard recently that our sect master has secretly murdered many Elders of the sect in the past to fortify his control over the sect," Han Xuhan whispered.

"Ridiculous! Does the sect master look like that sort of person?" Xiao Wu hissed. Han Xuhan had to agree to that sentiment, not absolutely, of course. In his heart, there was always room for suspicion, regardless of the probabilities.

Looking around furtively, Xiao Wu gestured to him to get closer before speaking again.

"Speaking of the Inner Court, don’t you ever wonder where it is? Of course, you did. Most of us have seen one or two inner court disciples passing by during our time in the sect. But where do they come from?"

"...." Han Xuhan’s reply died in his throat. He did know where the Inner Court of the sect was. Senior Sister Qing Hua had explained it to him without going into specifics.

It was either on a different planet, altogether, or inside a secret spatial pocket, just like the Holy Land of Laws. To get there, the only means of transportation was something called a Voidboat.

While Xiao Wu probably knew about Voidboats, thanks to his connections to the Xiao Clan, he didn’t seem to have any idea that riding on one could take him to the Inner Court of the Crimson Snow Sect.

"Those senior disciples surely don’t live here anywhere nearby, judging by how mismatched their attires seem compared to the current season or fashion trends here. Have you ever spoken to any of them, Xuhan? If you did, you’d notice a slight foreign accent that doesn’t match any of the localities around here either."

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Han Xuhan decided to switch Xiao Wu’s focus towards something else. He asked with a hint of excitement, "Doesn’t that mean our sect has a secret base full of stronger experts somewhere else?"

Xiao Wu gave him a disdainful look. "Is that supposed to be a surprise? Haven’t you been listening to me? This sect has been quietly churning out generation after generation of disciples, keeping their activities more or less hidden.

"Everyone knows that the talented ones get recruited into the Inner Court. But I’d not be surprised if we have multiple branches hiding across this continent or behind, filled with disciples of older generations who didn’t manage to enter the Inner Court."

Seeing Han Xuhan’s blank stare, Xiao Wu chuckled. "What? Do you think you’re the only one who can come up with outrageous ideas?"

"Not at all. I think the only one who can truly come up with outrageous ideas is Martial Brother Mu Ran."

Xiao Wu: "...Well, I can’t compete with him. He’s not right in the head."

"Don’t let him catch you say that."

Xiao Wu shivered, craning his neck around to check the vicinity. Having dueled with Mu Ran a few times for practice, he understood how terrible the consequences could be if Mu Ran wanted to beat him up.

"Anyways, is this what you came here to talk about?" Han Xuhan asked curiously.

Considering how Xiao Wu was bringing up the same matter over and over, he couldn’t help but feel that this fellow had a specific motive. What was he plotting?

Xiao Wu shrugged. "I was just frustrated after ending my seclusion. I haven’t made any progress. And judging by the rumors flying around these days, it doesn’t look like I’ll be making much progress in the future either. So I was thinking..."

Han Xuhan immediately went on guard, sensing something ominous in the winds.

"The worldwide tournament that’s about to be held soon might be my only chance to do something great, something worth a gamble. I must accomplish big things in that tournament so that it becomes the pivot of my destiny. To reclaim the glory of my ancestors and make my family proud-"

"Courting death!"