Chu Xinghe suddenly felt like he had found a new direction in life.
Not only do others owe our Grand Sky Sect debts, but our Grand Sky Sect also owes others!
Don't be fooled by the fact that the Grand Sky Sect is the number one sect in the world; it also has debts.
Even if we haven't owed anything in recent years, what about the early years? If necessary, we can trace back to the time when the sect was first established... As long as it's recorded in our sect's history, I, Chu Xinghe, am determined to repay it this time!
Regarding Xinghe's idea of repaying debts, even the Great Elder didn't dare to make a decision on his own. Instead, he immediately took Xinghe to the Grand Sky Palace to find Sect Master Gu Mingchao.
Seeing the sect master's shocked and incredulous expression, Chu Xinghe knew he had finally found the right direction.
If the sect owed less external debt, the sect master and the Great Elder wouldn't have such expressions.
Soon, Sect Master Gu Mingchao invited all the Head Elders of the various palaces to the Grand Sky Sect for a meeting. They were all equally shocked by Xinghe's desire to repay all the debts owed by the Grand Sky Sect.
Seeing the confused looks on the faces of the Head Elders, Chu Xinghe realized that it had always been others who owed the Grand Sky Sect without repaying, and the idea that the Grand Sky Sect owed others had probably never even crossed the minds of the Head Elders.
Elder He, known for his vast knowledge, was evidently aware of the sect's debts.So, Elder He was the first to speak.
"Everyone, since the founding of our Grand Sky Sect, we have received help from countless people and forces. It is precisely because of their assistance that we have overcome numerous challenges. As far as I know, Ma Biao has records of those past events. Personally, I think Xinghe is right; if we owe, we should repay."
After hearing Elder He's speech, the Great Elder ordered someone to find Ma Biao and bring the records. Even the Great Elder wasn't entirely sure how much debt the Grand Sky Sect owed.
Soon, several large chests were carried in from outside, but instead of Ma Biao, it was Ma Liang who came in with them.
Seeing Ma Liang, the Great Elder asked with a displeased expression, "Where's Ma Biao?"
"Great Elder... Senior Brother Ma Biao had some matters to attend to outside the sect and hasn't returned yet, so I'm temporarily managing these records for him."
After the Great Elder nodded, he ordered the chests to be opened.
Once opened, everyone was stunned.
Inside these chests were books and sheets of IOUs, some even dating back to the first Grand Sky Emperor of the Grand Sky Sect.
The Grand Sky Sect never dared to forget those who helped them, so anyone who had ever lent or helped the Grand Sky Sect could be found in these records.
But as the Great Elder mentioned earlier, it wasn't that the Grand Sky Sect didn't want to repay; rather, over the years, many forces had vanished before the Grand Sky Sect had the chance to repay them.
Even so, the Grand Sky Sect still preserved these records.
Looking at these IOUs, Chu Xinghe's eyes began to shine.
Individually, these IOUs might not amount to much, but the sheer number of them was staggering.
Without needing to calculate, Chu Xinghe knew that even if he only repaid half of these debts, his status as a Seventh Grade Martial Saint would be secure!
Without hesitation, Chu Xinghe spoke up, "Sect Master, Great Elder, esteemed elders... I'm sure you're all aware of the recent debt collection efforts by Ma Liang and Ouyang Ling. Although their methods might have been a bit excessive, ask yourselves, isn't it because those who owe us are shameless?"
Hearing Chu Xinghe's words, many elders nodded in agreement, including the Great Elder.
The Great Elder, who had also been involved in debt collection, knew all too well how shameless those who refused to repay could be. Many times, he had wanted to deal with them on the spot.
"As the number one sect in the world, our Grand Sky Sect has a reputation to uphold. Yet, we owe so many debts that haven't been repaid. How can we maintain our dignity if this becomes known?"
"Xinghe... these debts aren't as simple as you think..." the Great Elder began to speak.
But Chu Xinghe didn't give the Great Elder a chance to continue, "Repaying debts is a matter of principle, isn't it? As the number one sect, we owe so many external debts. How can we face the world if this gets out? So, my proposal is that no matter how difficult the path to repayment is, no matter how many years we owe, we must repay everything we owe!"
Ma Liang nodded vigorously beside him, like a chick pecking at rice.
Ma Liang looked at the passionate Senior Brother Xinghe with teary eyes.
Look at him... this is the magnanimity of my Senior Brother Xinghe, this is his awareness!
Others might not know how difficult debt collection is, but Ma Liang certainly does.
If it weren't for Junior Sister Ouyang's help, Ma Liang doubted he could have collected any debts.
As the number one sect, even collecting debts is hard for us. Who would dare to come to us for debts we owe?
But Senior Brother Xinghe, even if you don't ask for it, he insists on repaying you. Such awareness makes Ma Liang deeply ashamed.
He only thought about collecting debts but never considered repaying the sect's debts. It had to be Senior Brother Xinghe to think of this critical point.
Moreover, the methods he and Junior Sister Ouyang used previously had caused some criticism from the outside world, even slightly affecting the sect's reputation. Now, Senior Brother Xinghe's actions are also an attempt to restore the sect's reputation, proving that Ma Liang is indeed Senior Brother Xinghe's closest confidant.
Senior Brother Xinghe is still thinking of helping me at this time!
"Xinghe's words make sense. As the number one sect, we've recently attracted a lot of criticism due to debt collection. By actively repaying our debts, we can show the world the magnanimity of our Grand Sky Sect!"
Sect Master Gu Mingchao spoke up.
And as the sect master spoke, many elders nodded in agreement.
Recently, Ma Liang's actions had sparked quite a bit of controversy, with some people maliciously slandering the Grand Sky Sect, saying things like how the number one sect was so aggressive.
It made debt collection seem unjustified.
But Xinghe's proposal this time was clearly aimed at silencing those critics.
By actively repaying all debts, our Grand Sky Sect would set an example for the world.
Even if the original creditors and forces have disappeared, our Grand Sky Sect will go to any lengths to find their descendants and repay them. So, tell me, what reason do you have to owe our Grand Sky Sect?
The Great Elder nodded secretly after hearing the sect master's words.
He hadn't understood Xinghe's intentions earlier.
He had been puzzled about what Xinghe was trying to achieve.
Now, the Great Elder fully understood. Xinghe's move seemed like an attempt to repay past debts, but that wasn't the true intention.
This move by the Grand Sky Sect would likely shock the entire world.
Who doesn't have some debts? But who can actively repay all debts like our Grand Sky Sect?
Even for those creditors who can't be found, we'll find their descendants to repay them.
In this way, those who owe our Grand Sky Sect, what reason do you have not to repay us?
This move of retreating to advance was truly brilliant, and not only that, it would also bring a good reputation to the sect.
It would show the world that the Grand Sky Sect didn't become the number one sect by chance, because we never forget our roots and never forget those who helped us.
Xinghe's move was truly virtuous!
Even though repaying so many debts would be a significant expense for the Grand Sky Sect, we've become so prosperous over the years that we can afford it.
Moreover, with Xinghe leading this effort, it would not only bring a good reputation to the Grand Sky Sect but also showcase the virtue of our Xinghe to the world, earning him a good name. So, the Great Elder saw no fault in Xinghe's approach!
The other elders also nodded in agreement.
"In that case, let's proceed with this matter!" Gu Mingchao nodded with a smile.
"Sect Master, let me handle this!" Ma Liang eagerly volunteered.
But as soon as Ma Liang spoke, he noticed that the sect master and all the elders were looking at him with a somewhat unfriendly gaze.
Ma Liang quickly realized why everyone was looking at him that way and hurriedly said, "Sect Master, I meant that I would assist Senior Brother Xinghe in handling this matter. I'll follow Senior Brother Xinghe, and whenever there's dirty or tiring work that Senior Brother Xinghe can't do, I'll take care of it!"
After Ma Liang's words, Gu Mingchao and all the elders' expressions softened.
The Great Elder's face even blossomed into a smile.
Ma Liang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead... Ma Liang wasn't a fool. Debt collection was a thankless task, and it was perfectly reasonable for him to handle it. The Great Elder's punishment might seem severe, but it was just for show.
But repaying debts was an opportunity to earn a good reputation... Was this something Ma Liang should do?
The opportunity to earn a good name had to be for Senior Brother Xinghe!
Ma Liang was destined to become the future Great Elder!
He already knew exactly what a sect's Great Elder should and shouldn't do.
The position of Great Elder was, frankly, a role for taking the blame and offending people.
Good things went to the sect master, and the blame went to Ma Liang, the future Great Elder.
If he couldn't see that, how could Ma Liang become the Great Elder?
This debt repayment, the good name must go to Senior Brother Xinghe, and Ma Liang's intention was to participate... In case there was any dirty or tiring work during the repayment process, wouldn't it be inconvenient for Senior Brother Xinghe to do it?
Wouldn't it be effortless for Ma Liang to handle these tasks?
As the future Great Elder of the Grand Sky Sect, Ma Liang knew his role well.
Rest assured, sect, Ma Liang isn't afraid of dirt or fatigue. What does reputation have to do with me?
If you care about your reputation, you can't be the Great Elder!
To become the Great Elder, you must first endure the dirt and fatigue!