The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 606: Strange!

Strange! . . .

Cha Eun Xiao pondered the situation at hand, his thoughts crystallizing with remarkable clarity. "Royalty truly has no genuine kinship. Had it not been for the life-extending dan bead I granted him, the Crown Prince would have delayed his treacherous actions. He knew that, given his deteriorating health, he couldn't handle the situation. His condition was so dire that, without intervention, he might have succumbed to it. However, my Reconstruction Dan has extended his life significantly, granting him the potential to live several more decades. The issues plaguing the kingdom today would no longer be problems by then. He could even raise another heir, ensuring the continuity of his lineage. That is where his confidence lies."

"Perhaps, when he believed his time was limited, he sought to secure the throne for his own offspring. He would have gone to great lengths to ensure his child's survival and upbringing, fearing that his demise would plunge the kingdom into chaos before his successor was adequately prepared. Yet now, with the prospect of an extended life and the Crown Prince's threat to his own position, he will not tolerate it. Instead, he will opt to groom a new heir. He possesses ample time to do so."

"The king may be wise and resolute, a brilliant monarch, but he is just as self-centered as any king throughout history. Royalty is often characterized by an inherent selfishness."

With a wistful sigh, Cha Eun Xiao concluded his contemplation.

---

Switching the topic to a more uplifting one, Cha Eun Xiao inquired about the ongoing battles. He inquired, "What's the latest on the warfront?"

A senior officer with valuable insights offered a comprehensive update. "General Ye is overseeing the northern front, patiently awaiting the right moment to annihilate the Grassland Wolf. In the east, the situation remains stable. While we may not defeat the enemy outright, we are likewise secure from a devastating defeat. In the southern front, General Lan is steadfastly holding his position. His son, Lan Langlang, has undergone a remarkable transformation since joining the southern campaign. He has chosen to fight side by side with his father, a formidable combination."

The intelligence officer recognized Cha Eun Xiao's particular interest in Lan Langlang and thus emphasized his achievements in the south. "It is known that Lan Langlang has risen to the rank of vice general. The soldiers under his command greatly respect him."

He added with a cough, "I understand that you hold a special regard for him."

Cha Eun Xiao contemplated this information and acknowledged, "I see. It must be true..."

He couldn't fathom General Lan tolerating his son's ineptitude if he hadn't made a genuine contribution. Therefore, Lan Langlang had undoubtedly played a significant role in the southern campaign.

He couldn't help but feel genuinely pleased for him. It was an unexpected turn of events that Lan Langlang, the seemingly most frivolous of the three lords, had become a significant contributor.

It was an illustration of how destinies could take unexpected turns. Cha Eun Xiao mused, "Who would have thought that the three lords, including Zuo Wuji, who seemed destined for an official position, would follow such distinct paths? Zuo Wuji is likely to pursue an official career, Lan Langlang is making a name for himself in the military, and I have become Feng Zhiling, the Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall, a figure that astounds the world. Fate often surprises."

"Nonetheless, the situation in the west remains a cause for concern. The Kingdom of Lan-Feng is mounting an aggressive offensive. Although our forces are evenly matched, they have deployed a considerable number of superior cultivators who have disrupted the balance. I suspect that the front lines may have already buckled. If not for the unexpected rainstorms, which altered the course of battle, the Kingdom of Lan-Feng would likely have been defeated by now."

Cha Eun Xiao agreed. He had faith in his father's ability to manage the northern front. Defeat at the hands of the Grassland Wolf would be a mockery of his military prowess. Yet, the west remained a troublesome dilemma.

Sighing, he remarked, "My father should have complete control of the north. Defeat at the hands of nomadic tribes would be an embarrassment. However, the situation in the west is genuinely worrying. Let's set national affairs aside for a moment. Share some pleasant news."

With a relaxed stretch of his legs, Cha Eun Xiao inquired further. "What other tidings can you provide?"

The senior officer revealed the news that had been the cause of much anticipation, "The rewards warrant for the beheading of over fifty individuals from noble families has been circulated throughout the Land of Han-Yang. These noble clans in the Kingdom of Tian-Yu and the Kingdom of Lan-Feng feel their survival hanging in the balance, unable to quell the prevailing panic. Their every move is tinged with apprehension."

"Several heads are being transported in our direction."

Cha Eun Xiao's response was swift and decisive. "Ensure that the bounties are prepared without delay. We will pay for each head delivered. No excuses."

He then summoned a particular individual. "Wan Zhenghao!"

"I am here!"

The matter at hand was of utmost importance and Cha Eun Xiao understood the gravity of the situation. "This pertains to the future of Ling-Bao Hall. It demands your full attention. You will be responsible for it without error."

"Yes, Monarch," came the obedient response.

...

After Cha Eun Xiao had concluded his duties within Ling-Bao Hall and returned to the House of Cha, the sun had already moved well into the afternoon. Waiting for him there was Song Jue, who had been keeping an eye out for his return. As soon as he laid eyes on Cha Eun Xiao, he couldn't contain his disapproval. "Where on earth have you been? Are you addicted to that again? Let me make something clear, boy. It's not too late to mend your ways. Don't regress to your old self. If you dare to engage in foolish escapades, I'll show you the true might of my fists!"

In response, Cha Eun Xiao laughed heartily and replied, "Haha... I was just out and about... Didn't do anything improper. You know me, Uncle Song. Haha..."

With that, he made a hasty escape.

"Wait... You haven't explained anything yet..." Song Jue shouted, but Cha Eun Xiao had already retreated into his quarters. "Ahem, Uncle Song... Well, now I have a lady in my small courtyard... I don't think it's a good idea to have you there. Take a look..."

Song Jue was left speechless.

"You little rascal! How dare you say that to me?" Song Jue grumbled.

Cha Eun Xiao, however, was nowhere to be found. Song Jue contemplated barging in to confront him, but the mention of a lady in his courtyard made him reconsider. Perhaps it was best not to intrude there, and so he let Cha Eun Xiao be.

"That was a close call..." Cha Eun Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. "Getting yelled at by my steward in my own home, and unable to retaliate... How peculiar I have become as a young lord."

His maid, Bing-Er, appeared flushed and hesitant.

Ever since that fateful night, Bing-Er had sensed a significant transformation in her master.

Cha Eun Xiao now possessed a voracious appetite, and every evening upon his return, he would pounce on her like a ravenous wolf.

What followed was hours of rigorous physical activity.

Once they were done, Bing-Er found herself completely spent, her legs too weak to support her weight. The strenuous activities had left her exhausted, rendering her incapable of continuing her martial arts training.

Strangely, after each encounter with her master, Bing-Er experienced an alteration within her body. It was as if something had been affecting her life force, but this malefic influence would gradually diminish with every subsequent "activity."

It was an inexplicable sensation that defied rational understanding.

Bing-Er couldn't fathom what this internal phenomenon might be. How could there exist something within her body that threatened her life? And why did this threat recede with each encounter?

It was a puzzling and unsettling conundrum.