Departure

In the Purple Mist Sect's mind, which family within the Stonecrest region would reject such offer from the overlord.

Not only the family received protection not only from one of the sect's higher ups, but from the entire sect as the family would become an external branch of a great sect. In short the enemy of the family would be the enemy of the sect.

It would even have it's designated name to fully announce to the entire continent that they belong to one of the Five Great Sects.

In the Shu family's case, the family head would now become a 'Hall Master' and would have the position of honorary elder in the sect.

Immediately the following day, an elder with high position in the sect and an inner disciple were sent to the Shu family to relay the Purple Mist Sect's intentions.

At the same time, Qai was once again summoned by the Sect Master to inform them of their intentions.

Upon hearing everything, Qai knew that he wouldn't be to decide for his entire family about it, since it wasn't like as simple as recruiting someone to the family.

"So that's how it is," Qai softly remarked.

"What do you think, little friend?" The Emperor Void asked.

ALthough the sect's offer better than he had imagined—in fact, it was too good to be true—it was slightly different nonetheless from what he initially planned.

But from the looks of it, the Sect's idea was a complicated one since he still felt that the Shu family would be somehow under the Sect's control should it really happen.

After some few moments of deep thinking, Qai sighed as he simply set aside this matter and hoped that his father and the family's elders could come up with a compromised solution if they couldn't really reject the Sect.

"Esteemed Emperor," Qai politely answered. "In as much as I the Sect's offer, this is not a matter that I can freely decide."

Of course the Sect Master completely understood what Qai said and that was why he sent for someone to directly meet the Shu family head.

What he needed to focus now was the upcoming Gathering of the Five Great Sects. By now, the sub-competition among rouge cultivators had started and Qai was hopeful that Shu Liang and her team had easily advanced to the next rounds.

"If there is one thing I can guarantee..," Qai suddenly said, "it is that our Shu family could swear our loyalty and continuously work with the Sect."

The Sect Master nodded.

In truth, even if the Purple Mist Sect was considered as the overlord of the entire Stonecrest region, it could be denied that other clans and families support some other major sects within the region.

And even if Qai was not interested in the politics among the powerful organizations in the region, he knew that it was a wise decision to side with the Purple Mist Sect.

Firstly, their family's territory was near the Purple Mist Sect, and secondly, they had already formed a deep connection with the Emperor Void.

"Alright," the Sect Master said. "I just hope your father and your family elders would approve of our offer.."

Qai simply smiled in response.

"And in addition to our willingness to give aid to your family..," the Sect Master quickly added, ".. I have also sent someone to your family's enemies to warn them."

"Ah."

Of course, there was an unwritten rule in the cultivation world that the overlord sects were not supposed to meddle with the feuds between clans or families in order to maintain balance but it didn't mean such sects could not indirectly inform the warring families of which side they support.

This was especially true since the Shu family was not yet integrated with the Sect. It would be a different story if the the Shu family had already agreed to be the Sect's Hall of Hunters. In such a case, even without warning, the sect could obliterate the enemies.

And although, Qai was confident that his own Shu family could handle their enemies he was nevertheless thankful to the Sect Master—at least he would temporarily have no worries as he was assured that his family would be safe while he was away.

**************

After another day, every corner of the Purple Mist Sect was upbeat about the Gathering of the Five Great Sects. Today was the day the sect's team was supposed to leave.

In one of its mountain summits, many disciples were sending off their participants which mainly composed of their core disciples. But the entire delegation included the Sect Master, two other elders and Qai.

Many disciples had ugly faces as to why some unknown cultivator would be going with the team. But upon learning that the person was the Emperor Void's little friend, they could just keep their dissatisfaction within themselves.

"It's time," the Sect Master suddenly exclaimed.

Upon hearing the words, one of the elders made a hand gesture and all of sudden his 'Spirit Mount' appeared right in front of everyone.

The participating core disciples quickly hopped on after the Sect Master and two other elders.

Qai on the other hand, did not stand on any ceremony and also hopped on the back of the 'Spirit Mount.'

"Let's go."