The moment these words were spoken...
the last veil of shame was utterly torn away, laying the bloody truth before every Ten Thousand Immortals Sect cultivator left behind.
"The sect has been unjust, so do not blame us for being disloyal!"
Red Cloud abruptly shifted his tone, his voice resolute as iron.
"We were all kept in the dark regarding this treasonous plot. What crime have we committed?
Now, the Cultivator Association has offered us a way to live. They distinguish right from wrong, punishing only the chief culprits and pardoning the innocent.
This is an opportunity bestowed by Heaven!"
He suddenly raised his voice, which rang out like a great bell and resounded in all directions:
"I, Red Cloud, am willing to take the lead in opening the grand formation and welcoming the Association's inspection, to prove our innocence!
Those willing to follow me may preserve their lives and may even receive fair resettlement from the Association!
As for those who remain stubborn and wish to be buried alongside this doomed ship—"
His gaze abruptly turned cold as it swept over several cultivators below whose flickering eyes seemed to betray their opposition. He said icily:
"They will be cutting off their own path to survival, and they will also be the enemies of those of us seeking to live!"
"Elder Red Cloud is righteous!"
"Elder Red Cloud is right!
We were the ones abandoned. Why should we be buried with those who abandoned us?"
"Open the grand formation!
Welcome the inspection! We want to live!"
"Elder Red Cloud, we are willing to follow you!"
Red Cloud's words were like a spark thrown onto dry tinder, instantly drawing the support of more than seventy percent of the cultivators left behind.
Especially the non-core disciples and Guest Elders of low standing—they