The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 294: Cooperation!

Cooperation! . . .

Master Bai fixed his gaze on Cha Eun Xiao. "Given your knowledge about the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan, I assume you are aware of the identity of that great man."

Cha Eun Xiao nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. I possess comprehensive knowledge about this tale, including the background of the great man. His era marked a pivotal moment in the history of dan-making—a moment incomparable to any other."

"It took him three years of relentless dedication, combined with the collective efforts of ninety thousand dan-makers from various realms, as well as access to all the materials available in the universe. He encountered countless failures along the way. Yet, eventually, one of the esteemed dan-makers succeeded in crafting a batch of Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan beads."

"This achievement resolved his most pressing issue, freeing his son from the divine punishment. Remarkably, no Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan beads were ever produced again after that solitary success. Even the accomplished dan-maker who had succeeded just once never managed to replicate it despite numerous attempts. He carried the burden of disappointment until his last breath, attributing his success to mere luck."

Master Bai remarked dryly, "Your ability to produce supreme dan beads is beyond dispute. Your talent in dan-making is astonishing, possibly even unprecedented in the annals of history. However, the dan beads you have thus far presented are primarily of lower caliber, despite their supreme-level classification. They are suitable mainly for cultivation. Their efficacy is limited when used for other purposes. The Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan, conversely, possesses a single, supreme level. It is a genuine divine dan bead and should exist on an entirely different plane compared to the Nine Roll Golden Dan. In essence, it is worlds apart from any dan beads you have crafted thus far. So, I am intrigued. What makes you so confident that you can successfully create this dan and assist me in realizing my long-cherished plan?"

Cha Eun Xiao responded candidly, "You're correct, there are several formidable challenges associated with crafting such dan beads. The first challenge is crafting it at the supreme level, which is also the foundational requirement, as I previously explained. I won't reiterate it. The second challenge pertains to the materials it necessitates. While it does not require exceptionally rare materials, it does demand eighty-one pairs of materials."

"162 materials, classified into 81 distinct types, with each type consisting of two materials that counteract each other. All types oppose one another as well. These materials exhibit contradictory properties... It is a puzzle filled with countless paradoxes. Following my research, I've deduced that the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan thrives on striking the precise balance within these contradictions. Unraveling this balance is the sole path to success, for any slight error will result in failure throughout the entire process."

"The challenge lies not only in balancing the diverse efficacies of the materials but also in the methodology of dan bead production and the mindset of the artisan. It necessitates equilibrium on every front—more arduous than ascending to the heavens," Cha Eun Xiao elucidated with a sense of pride. "Hence, as you correctly surmised, it surpasses the complexity of crafting ordinary dan beads."

His countenance exuded confidence. "Nonetheless, the crux of creating the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan rests in attaining the supreme level. No matter how intricate the production process may be, it is an issue that can eventually be surmounted. It is the supreme level it demands that poses the formidable challenge. Throughout history, there have been few supreme dan beads."

Implicit in his words was the assertion: "Only I possess this capability."

Master Bai nodded in agreement. "You've grasped the essence of the matter. In the recent millennia, supreme dan beads have been virtually nonexistent throughout the universe. Surprisingly, an abundance of supreme dan beads has suddenly emerged in such a low-class realm. Therefore, if there is anyone capable of crafting the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan, it must be you and no one else."

Wan-Er beamed with delight. Since her master had commended Feng Zhiling, it indicated that Feng Zhiling held at least a fifty-percent chance of successfully creating the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan.

Cha Eun Xiao smiled and continued, "Well then, it appears you have given your approval to our collaboration."

Master Bai sported a sardonic smile as he replied, "Indeed. I accept your ace card. Nevertheless, how long do you estimate it will take to produce the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan? This is another crucial point I wish to discuss."

"It's a question that doesn't yield a simple answer, yet it isn't overly complicated either," Cha Eun Xiao explained. "I will require no longer than a year to produce a batch of dan beads. With ample materials, I could potentially shorten that timeframe to eight or nine months."

Wan-Er was quick to respond. "Material acquisition won't pose an issue. You need only provide a list of required materials, and I will gather them within three days."

"I have full confidence in your capabilities, Lady Wan-Er. However, the challenge lies in the quantity of materials I'll need, which exceeds that required for a single Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan bead," Cha Eun Xiao admitted ruefully. "I believe I can produce it eventually, but achieving supreme-level quality in a single attempt is a lofty endeavor. A Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan bead that falls short of the supreme level holds no value for Master Bai. In reality, if I were to claim that success in a single try is guaranteed, you would find it incredulous, wouldn't you?"

Wan-Er appeared to be in high spirits as she laughed and responded, "Certainly not. If you lack a sufficient number of supreme dan beads, I won't even grant you the opportunity to attempt it. If creating the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan were as simple as you suggest, it wouldn't be shrouded in myth. I fully comprehend. Materials are not an issue. You may continue your attempts. All I wish to witness is the end result."

"Not just an end result, but the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan within a year," Master Bai interjected with his calm, unwavering gaze. "In fact, you have only ten months. I will recuperate within that time frame. Your dan beads will be of no use to me."

"As Lady Wan-Er wisely articulated, the astute grasp the subtleties," Cha Eun Xiao acknowledged with a nod. "I will exert my utmost effort. Should I fail, the House of the Chaotic Storm may impose any penalty upon us. One year is but a brief period. It will not bridge the chasm between your power and ours."

Master Bai signaled his acceptance of the proposal with a nod.

In truth, Master Bai harbored reservations about this cooperative venture. He had never before entered into such an arrangement in his entire life. The concept of cooperation with another party was an unfamiliar and somewhat discomforting notion for him. It felt as though he were being cajoled or compelled into an agreement.

This unusual sentiment unsettled him, yet he couldn't ignore the glimmer of hope, happiness, and anticipation radiating from Wan-Er. He was reluctant to quash her enthusiasm and inflict emotional distress.

[Ever since I arrived in this world, my disposition has undergone a profound transformation," Master Bai reflected as he gazed upon Wan-Er's radiant countenance. Witnessing her joy had a softening effect on his heart.]