The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 339: God Damned Feng Monarch

God Damned Feng Monarch . . .

Cha Eun Xiao also released a sigh, contemplating the impending turmoil these individuals were poised to create within Chen-Xing City. He queried Zuo Wuji, "You mentioned these individuals with known connections. Who are the ones whose affiliations you are uncertain of?"

Zuo Wuji sighed, appearing visibly troubled as he responded, "The latter are our true adversaries; they are the opportunists who thrive amidst chaos. Unfortunately, it's all Ling-Bao Hall's fault..."

Cha Eun Xiao cleared his throat, inquiring, "Could you provide more details, please?"

Zuo Wuji began his account with a tone of exasperation, "Ling-Bao Hall… I must say that the Feng Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall possesses no redeeming qualities aside from his audacious nature. He seems to operate without regard for logic or reason. It's as if he's using his knees for thinking, and his brain is purely decorative."

Cha Eun Xiao blinked in astonishment for a moment, then composed himself and urged Zuo Wuji to continue, "Please, go on."

"That individual," Zuo Wuji continued with a tinge of loathing, "orchestrated an auction that inadvertently stirred up a hornet's nest. He made it grow into a colossal catastrophe, only to eventually dismantle it himself."

He continued with evident disdain, "The mess he created is of titanic proportions, and to make matters worse, he vanished from the city after orchestrating such chaos. He hasn't been sighted for days. Perhaps he has met a well-deserved end. Frankly, he should have met his fate before the auction; it might have prevented all this trouble."

Despite the strong urge to respond with anger, Cha Eun Xiao refrained from confronting the man who was demeaning Feng Zhiling in front of him. He had to keep his identity hidden.

He interjected impatiently, "Could you share anything of substance now? Can we resolve this matter by simply disparaging people? Furthermore, Feng Zhiling generously contributed 70 billion to our kingdom. If he hadn't, would you be prepared to address our kingdom's financial issues?"

Zuo Wuji was taken aback, his tone reflecting his anger. "Are you defending that individual? Is his involvement relevant to you?"

Cha Eun Xiao retorted firmly, "I declare that Feng Zhiling is a hero of our kingdom! I won't tolerate anyone denigrating our esteemed hero!"

After a prolonged silence, Zuo Wuji spoke with a subdued tone, "I must admit, his actions may have been misguided, but he displayed great courage. Referring to him as a hero is not entirely unjust."

Cha Eun Xiao urged him to return to the main topic, saying, "Very well, please proceed with your explanation."

Zuo Wuji murmured, "I was indeed discussing someone else. What has come over you..."

Clearing his throat, Cha Eun Xiao spoke thoughtfully, "The auction undeniably resolved a significant problem for our kingdom. However, it inadvertently gave rise to a colossal predicament, thereby providing a one-time benefit while placing our future in peril."

Cha Eun Xiao delved into the issues Ling-Bao Hall had stirred up, saying, "Ling-Bao Hall has managed to incense not only the two paramount kingdoms in the world but also our adversaries to the north and south. The infusion of 70 billion currency disrupted their grand schemes. It has led to the ire of over three billion people within the Land of Han-Yang!"

The sheer magnitude of this revelation caused Cha Eun Xiao to shudder. He mused privately, "I hadn't considered the sheer number of people cursing my name during the auction. Three billion people... My God!"

Zuo Wuji continued with a rueful sigh, "Now, various factions from all across the kingdoms harbor a fervent desire to capture Feng Zhiling. They have all placed bounties on his head. In truth, this development is not entirely surprising. Feng Zhiling's current predicament is a direct consequence of his own actions."

However, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't let this assertion go unchallenged. He responded with a hint of annoyance, "Zuo Zuo, isn't it excessive to speak of a hero in such a disparaging manner?"

Zuo Wuji, noticing the intensity of Cha's defense, found it intriguing and inquired, "Xiao Xiao, why are you so invested in this? Why do you feel compelled to defend him?"

He regarded Cha with a knowing smile, his eyes betraying a wealth of underlying thoughts.

Cha Eun Xiao elucidated his stance with unwavering conviction, "I am not precisely defending him. My point is that after an individual has contributed so significantly to our nation, it is unjust to impugn his motives for benefiting our kingdom. I believe it is improper to vilify him in this manner."

Zuo Wuji retorted, "I am merely expressing an objective viewpoint. I am not maligning him."

A hint of exasperation crept into Cha Eun Xiao's voice as he responded, "If your words are not maligning, then what are they? Feng Zhiling is, after all, on our side. Must you speak ill of him?"

Zuo Wuji emphasized the importance of objectivity, stating, "Xiao Xiao, we are discussing the broader picture here. Our analysis necessitates absolute objectivity. Personal emotions should not color our perspectives. I have my reasons for forming this conclusion about Feng Zhiling, but in your case, your defense seems emotionally driven. Do you truly know Feng Zhiling well?"

Cha Eun Xiao stammered, "Well, we... Not really... No, not anymore..."

Zuo Wuji dismissed the issue with a casual remark, "It doesn't matter if you two know each other or not. Right now, he's missing. Even if you wanted to, you couldn't produce him for me. Let me elucidate the challenges currently facing Ling-Bao Hall. Once you comprehend their predicament, you'll understand the basis for my assessment of Feng Zhiling."

"Very well, I'm all ears," Cha Eun Xiao responded attentively.

Zuo Wuji commenced with his explanation, painting a vivid picture of Ling-Bao Hall's worldwide influence. "Ling-Bao Hall boasts an extensive network of branches that spans the globe. What sets it apart is its impartial stance towards kingdoms and their conflicts. By maintaining this neutrality and refusing to side with any kingdom, Ling-Bao Hall has thrived for millennia. It stands as an immensely powerful organization, always eschewing alignment even during times of war between kingdoms. This approach has ensured its enduring strength throughout history."

He then delved into the crux of the matter, his tone gravely serious. "However, Feng Zhiling has shattered this long-standing tradition. He openly declared Ling-Bao Hall's support for the Kingdom of Chen. This action has deeply offended a significant number of individuals. While it may have provided temporary gains to Ling-Bao Hall, it has also opened the door to considerable future dangers. I can assert with confidence that unless other forces come to Ling-Bao Hall's aid, this historic establishment, which has endured for centuries, is on the brink of collapse. Its very existence is at risk."

Cha Eun Xiao, however, expressed a more optimistic perspective. "I find it hard to believe that the situation is so dire. Feng Zhiling is a resourceful and capable individual, and Ling-Bao Hall should possess considerable strength. Furthermore, even though Ling-Bao Hall may have withdrawn its branches from other kingdoms, it can still find sanctuary within the Kingdom of Chen. Are you implying that the Kingdom of Chen might also turn against Ling-Bao Hall? Would they bite the hand that has supported them?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "Is such a scenario plausible?"