After hearing Si Yuanzhi's words, Xu Qingtong fell deep into thought.
The clan chief's concerns were not without reason. He had been intent on safeguarding the sect's interests, yet had failed to consider the Witch Clan's feelings.
He belonged to both the Human Race and the Witch Clan, so everything he did put the interests of both first. He wanted neither to harm humans for the witches' benefit nor to harm witches for the humans' benefit. But he truly had no confidence that others would act as he did!
After thinking for a long time, Xu Qingtong finally came up with a compromise.
"Clan Chief, what do you think of this?" Xu Qingtong said. "Any Gloomwind Valley disciple who wishes to learn the Wu Tribe cultivation technique must become a member of the Witch Clan and may never leave it for the rest of their life. Those unwilling to join the Witch Clan may not learn its methods, but they can become its dependents and receive its protection!"
Si Yuanzhi thought for a moment, then nodded. "Qingtong, that is a good solution. It benefits both peoples!"
Xu Qingtong said, "Clan Chief, Junior Brother Zhuang and Junior Sister Ding have followed me for many years, and I trust them absolutely. Could they join the Witch Clan while retaining their identity as humans, as I have?"
Warmth filled Zhuang Shengren's and Ding Jiayue's hearts when they heard this. The peak master truly valued affection and loyalty, thinking of them in everything he did!
"Since you have said so, Qingtong, I will naturally grant you this favor! But the two of them must swear a solemn oath never to pass our clan's cultivation technique on to a third person!" Si Yuanzhi said.
Xu Qingtong looked at Zhuang Shengren and Ding Jiayue and asked,