"Nine Records United concerns the great undertaking of unlocking the secret of immortality. In pursuit of our goal, even if a thousand hardships and ten thousand perils lie ahead, we must do all we can. Only then will we live up to the name of cultivator."
"However, I also understand your concerns. Chief among them is the difficulty of safeguarding your own interests. Some of you even suspect that I will use Nine Records United as a pretext to seize what is yours through trickery and force."
"Beyond that, each of you belongs to a different faction. Your allies, friends, and relatives may not support your involvement in this undertaking. If we unite the Nine Records, you may well have to part ways with them, or even turn against one another as enemies."
"Allow me to address these matters one by one."
Tian Heng spoke again, his voice measured.
"In truth, you can put your concerns to rest."
"Though this is now the age of declining dharma, with no Great Dao to bear witness and no Heart Demon to enforce our vows, public judgment still exists. Integrity and reputation live in the hearts of the people."
"This is no mere repetition of those tired sayings about the strong devouring the weak, or history being written by the victors."
"After all, we are all people who abide by order. Even the bandits and gangs of the greenwood punish those who break their rules with three knife thrusts and six holes. How could we cultivators fall short of ordinary mortals?"
"We can issue a public joint declaration and let the entire world bear witness, placing ourselves under its scrutiny at the same time. Any who violate it will be reviled by men and gods alike, losing the very foundation of their standing