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“Eh?” Lin Xiao looked over at the trio in surprise.
“Apologies, Brother Lin,” Zhao Yunxiao waved an arm, and his earthen clone crumbled to the ground. “My name is Zhao Yunxiao. That was just a clone that I’ve summoned.”
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A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
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The physical prowess he displayed when lifting up the black death...
The finesse with which he controlled the flames, both for something as violent as combat and for something as delicate as cooking...
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“Did something bad happen?” Gu Qiansi asked. “We might not be of much help, but we can at least lend you a listening ear. That is only if you don’t mind sharing, of course.”
“I guess there’s no harm in telling you,” Lin Xiao said. “To start with, I am a member of an orthodox sect.”
“Mm,” Zhao Yunxiao nodded.
That much was to be expected, considering the manner with which he carried himself.
“A month ago, I was part of a sect mission to purge an unorthodox sect in the area,” Lin Xiao continued. “However, what happened there gave me a rude awakening.”
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Unfortunately, there were many young cultivators who did not fully appreciate this concept, until they were actually forced to partake in such enforcements to defend their faction’s interests.
For these people, suddenly being plunged into such a situation would come as a huge shock, especially for the tender of heart.
This was not just limited to those at lower cultivation levels, either.
It was also possible for someone to have been groomed within the sect all their lives, sheltered from the harsh realities of this world, until they finally left the sect with a high cultivation level.
In fact, those were usually the ones who were impacted the most, as their worldviews could crumble completely upon realising how different the world was, as compared to the one that they had in mind.
“Yes, it’s the killing,” Lin Xiao admitted.
“The first few times are always difficult,” Zhao Yunxiao agreed.
“No, that’s not it,” Lin Xiao shook his head. “If it’s about eradicating unorthodox cultivators who have done wrong, then I am all for it as well. However, what I experienced this time is slightly different.”
“Hmm?”
The trio turned their attention to him.
“This time, we killed innocents,” Lin Xiao said through gritted teeth.
“You killed innocents?” Gu Qiansi frowned. “Didn’t you say that you are from an orthodox sect?”
“What happened exactly?” Zhao Yunxiao probed.
“Before I continue, perhaps I should ask you this. What is considered orthodox? And what is considered unorthodox?” Lin Xiao said. “Because on that day, we even killed babies who are tied to the so-called unorthodox cultivators – babies who never had the chance to choose their paths. We call ourselves an orthodox sect, but is this really what an orthodox sect should be doing? Are these babies really considered to be on the unorthodox path as well?”