The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 333: Formidable Pride

Formidable Pride . . .

The night had passed, and Cha Eun Xiao hadn't taken any time to rest.

Upon removing his hands from Bing Xinyue's delicate skin, he experienced a peculiar sensation. Swiftly, he suppressed this unusual feeling and rose from his seat. His tone remained composed as he addressed Bing Xinyue, "It worked quite effectively. We will only need one more session, and by the end of a half night, the issue will be entirely resolved. However, it's not advisable to rush through this process when it is crucial to exercise caution during the slower stages of recovery. The slightest mistake could result in a reversal of the progress, which is exceedingly perilous. I would suggest that you become accustomed to your current situation. I will return in two days."

A bland smile graced his lips as he approached the door. Two steps into his departure, he was suddenly gripped by dizziness, causing him to stagger dangerously. The martial art operation had pushed him to his physical limits, and he had pushed himself well beyond his boundaries.

Collecting himself with a shake of the head, he glanced at Bing Xinyue and casually remarked, "I'm experiencing some numbness in my feet."

There was no hint of apprehension in his voice or demeanor. Bing Xinyue gazed at him with an array of complex emotions. Her eyes betrayed a mixture of feelings.

"Feng Zhiling dedicated an entire night, risking his own well-being, to attempt to cure me. He exerted his utmost efforts, and now he stands on the brink of exhaustion, barely able to remain steady on his feet," she thought. "The capital is currently in a state of utter chaos, with events taking unforeseeable turns. Feng Monarch is embroiled in this turmoil, and under such circumstances, he cannot be certain if he will still be alive tomorrow, can he?"

Then, a realization struck her: "This is why he pushed himself to eliminate eighty percent of my ailment in a single session. If he had the strength, he would tackle the remaining twenty percent at any cost. However, it is apparent that he has depleted his reserves. Despite his extreme exhaustion, he remains focused on reassuring me. He is well aware that there are countless assassins lurking outside, thirsting for his demise. Yet, he makes no request for help. In his current situation, such a plea would be entirely reasonable. Only if he survives can I hope to survive as well. However, he hasn't made any such fair request. He hasn't mentioned it at all."

Even though he didn't explicitly mention it, Bing Xinyue couldn't feign ignorance.

But awareness did not necessarily translate into action. Could she truly bring herself to assist him?

Undoubtedly, she had the capability to help. A few strategic moves on her part, and the situation could potentially be resolved with relative ease.

However, one question loomed large in her mind—how would she explain her actions to her disciple?

A tumult of thoughts consumed her: "Moreover, I once told him that it is the House of the Chaotic Storms that has played a pivotal role in steering events to their current state. Any attempt on my part to alter the situation would place me in opposition to the House of the Chaotic Storms. Declaring war against Master Bai would spell certain death for me and inevitably invite disaster upon the Misty Cloud Palace. But… how can I live with the guilt of inaction?"

Bing Xinyue wrestled with her emotions, her silence conveying her internal turmoil.

Feng Zhiling, who had taken some time to rest, was now ready to leave. He waved his hand toward Bing Xinyue and Wenren Chuchu before making his way to the door. While walking, he nonchalantly remarked, "I will be back in two days."

Inwardly, Bing Xinyue questioned: "Can you truly return when faced with the entire martial world, the two kingdoms, and the two great sects?"

Overwhelmed by self-contradiction, she suddenly uttered, "Wait."

Cha Eun Xiao didn't halt his stride. Instead, he calmly responded, "I know what you want to say. I understand what you wish to do. But you needn't concern yourself. I have never sought repayment for my deeds in my life. Do not underestimate me, or yourself. Farewell."

"I know the path ahead will be incredibly arduous for me. Yet, I will never plead for assistance. I made every effort to cure you because I am aware that I may not survive this turmoil. It is my way of preparing in advance. If I don't do it and should I meet my end, Jun Yinglian would lose her dearest friend. As for others… I am a man of pride. Since when have I ever begged for anything?"

Deep within, a formidable sense of pride resided. "I won't accept even if you extend your help. Me seeking your assistance? Never!" With his last word, "farewell," he was no longer in the room; instead, he had already reached the yard.

A mere ten meters ahead was the door, and in that moment, he encountered Wenren Chuchu.

Only one night had passed since Cha Eun Xiao's last encounter with her, yet she appeared noticeably more frail. Her once-sharp eyes now carried a vacant, misty gaze. She was drenched in dew, her clothes clinging to her body, and as her eyes met Feng Zhiling's, she quivered. Her lips quivered, and her eyes filled with a complex emotion that defied easy description.

Cha Eun Xiao offered a gentle smile and nonchalantly remarked, "See you around..." He casually waved his hand and exited through the door.

Behind him, Bing Xinyue, who had followed him outside, and Wenren Chuchu both bore intricate expressions on their faces. A prolonged silence enveloped the space.

Cha Eun Xiao was gone.

Bing Xinyue took a hesitant step forward before stopping, her demeanor a picture of inner conflict. With an air of frustration, she said, "This man possesses an immense pride. He would sooner face death... than seek assistance."

Wenren Chuchu, her voice filled with sorrow, inquired, "If he did... would you help him, master? Would I?"

Bing Xinyue was taken aback, and her reply was decisive: "Chuchu, you must understand. Feng Monarch must not meet his end under any circumstances."

Wenren Chuchu's eyes dimmed momentarily. She averted her gaze, attempting to suppress the emotions surging within her. In a soft voice, she murmured, "Master, your clothes..."

Bing Xinyue blushed upon noticing her disheveled attire. Consumed by her frustration after watching Feng Zhiling's departure, she had rushed outside and failed to notice her disarray.

After adjusting her clothing, Bing Xinyue resolutely stated, "No matter the situation, even if the Kingdom of Chen ceases to exist, we must ensure that Feng Zhiling remains alive. The House of the Chaotic Storms seeks only to bring down the kingdom itself. They are not targeting anyone in particular. The key difference is..."

Wenren Chuchu nodded, took a deep breath, and said, "Master, I understand your intent. I believe I should return to the Kingdom of Lanfeng this afternoon."

Bing Xinyue was taken aback and inquired, "Hmm?"

Wenren Chuchu bit her lip, her face paling as she spoke in a hushed tone, "I truly don't want to confront all these troubles here... I wish to escape."

"It might be... the sole escape I take in my lifetime."

Wenren Chuchu stared blankly at the door, though there was nothing left there now. Perhaps her choice was influenced by the fact that it was the place where Feng Zhiling had departed.