The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 327: I See You!

I See You! . . .

Wenren Chuchu couldn't help but clench her teeth in frustration upon realizing that the search for Feng Zhiling had proven futile. She harbored a deep sense of urgency. "Feng Zhiling, you may have the luxury of wasting time, but I don't!" Ling-Bao Hall's actions had significantly altered the course of the war, making matters even worse for the enemies of the Kingdom of Chen, among whom the Kingdom of Lanfeng was a prominent adversary. As the princess of Lanfeng, Wenren Chuchu was consumed with worry and had little time to spare.

In stark contrast, Bing Xinyue maintained her composure. She remained calm and collected, even though she also longed for Feng Monarch's reappearance.

Bing Xinyue understood that her desire had nothing to do with her own health.

...

In this tense atmosphere, every faction made strategic maneuvers, with everyone exercising caution. Strangely, the House of the Chaotic Storms, who had boldly declared their intent to unleash chaos upon the world, had remained unusually quiet for several days. They seemed indifferent to the ongoing war and had even called back their operatives from the field.

This was a puzzling turn of events. Throughout the annals of history, it was a well-known fact that when the House of the Chaotic Storms chose to disrupt the Land of Han-Yang, they did so swiftly, dispatching their targets with ruthless efficiency. Yet this time, the House of the Chaotic Storms had vanished from the scene.

The disappearance of the Kingdom of Chen's formidable adversary raised numerous questions. What could have compelled Master Bai and the House of the Chaotic Storms to make such an unexpected decision? For generations, it had been an unwavering belief that when the House of the Chaotic Storms moved, they moved decisively. This time, they had set their sights on the Kingdom of Chen, which was besieged from all sides. However, a series of unforeseen developments had taken place, culminating in the House of the Chaotic Storms' sudden retreat.

What did this enigmatic turn of events signify? And who possessed the influence to sway the indomitable Master Bai and his house to alter their course of action? As the leaves of the bamboo forest rustled, it was as if waves undulated upon the surface of the sea.

Master Bai maintained an air of tranquility as he sat in his customary wheelchair, his gaze affixed to the bamboo forest. A gentle smile graced his countenance, indicating that no concerns weighed on his mind.

Silence reigned, unbroken by any spoken words. It was as if he had become an integral part of the bamboo forest, a seamless fusion with the mountains and the environment, breathing in harmony with the sun and the moon. He appeared detached from worldly affairs, the mysteries of the Heavenly Mystery itself seemingly inconsequential.

Master Bai projected the image of a sage who had unraveled the deepest secrets of existence, contentedly admiring the captivating beauty of the bamboo forest before him, his heart brimming with gratitude for the blessings of nature.

A figure, seemingly suspended in mid-air, tread lightly on the bamboo leaves. Witnessing Master Bai's serene contemplation of the scenery, she refrained from disturbing him and silently positioned herself by his side, joining him in appreciating the view.

In a brief span of time, their minds seemed to meld into perfect alignment, absorbing the rustling symphony of leaves that enveloped them, and basking in an overwhelming sense of tranquility.

After a prolonged interval, Master Bai let out a gentle laugh and spoke, "Wan-Er, your state of mind has made remarkable progress. I am pleased to see it."

Indeed, it was Wan of the Clouds who stood beside him. She responded softly, "It was a stroke of luck. Thanks to Master Bai's guidance. Your words urged me to take a step forward on the day of the auction. In that moment, my state of mind was momentarily disrupted. The spirit of the martial world returned to me for a brief interlude, and it unexpectedly contributed to an improvement in my state of mind."

Master Bai's smile held an air of serenity as he replied, "Indeed, you are right. This temporary alteration in your disposition provided you with an opportunity. Wan-Er, you should recognize that you are innately gentle and kind. Your character bears traces of vulnerability. In the martial world, such weakness is incongruent. You must not appear weak; you should not even harbor the semblance of weakness. While such attributes may be admirable in typical women, they should not define you."

"It doesn't befit Lady Wan-Er of the House of the Chaotic Storm."

Wan-Er responded with a thoughtful "Hmm."

Master Bai continued, "You must undergo a transformation. However, you inherently abhor violence. Bloodshed and brutality are repugnant to you. In each rebirth, you are required to commence anew. While a specific moment facilitates your transformation, it runs counter to your innate disposition."

"It's a deviation from your free will."

"That's why you remain dissatisfied."

"And that's why your fundamental nature remains unchanged."

Master Bai drew a gentle breath, his demeanor exuding serenity. "Personally, I genuinely appreciate the gentleness in you. The blend of a hero's resilience and a beauty's softness forms a harmonious union, akin to a beautiful wife tending to her scholarly husband at night. It bestows a sense of profound contentment upon me."

"I cherish that feeling."

"Rest assured, once I can fully regain my peak condition, there will be no adversary capable of defeating me. At that juncture, you are free to embody that soft and gentle beauty, and I shall derive immense pleasure from it."

"However, the present moment is not the time for that."

Master Bai tenderly held her hands and continued, "Neither you nor I wish for you to undergo this transformation. Nevertheless, given the unique circumstances, I must insist upon it."

Wan-Er felt her heart fill with warmth. She leaned against Master Bai's chest and conveyed her happiness, saying, "Please, Master... I harbor not even a trace of grievance. I am prepared to undergo any transformation for you. Merely remaining by your side brings me the utmost contentment. I possess no other dreams..."

"Don't be concerned, Master. For the sake of your grand design, I will readily undergo any transformation that it demands of me."

Master Bai extended his hand to gently hold her waist. "I see you," he whispered.

After a brief pause, he continued, "You see me as well."

Wan-Er's tears welled up, and with a quivering voice, she uttered, "Master..." She turned to face him and fervently sealed their sentiments with a desperate kiss.

They eventually drew apart after a protracted moment. Master Bai, typically calm and composed, now sported a blush that accentuated his handsome and endearing appearance. Observing the scene before him, he said, "Wan-Er, you see... My favorite plant is bamboo. My most cherished moments involve watching bamboo leaves cascade through the air, whether borne by the wind, rain, mist, or snow..."

"I delight in holding a glass of wine while observing the snowfall in a bamboo forest. I relish sipping tea as I listen to the mellifluous sounds of the bamboo grove during the summertime... These are the moments of profound delight that I cherish most."