The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 686: Meeting

Meeting . . .

Wenren Jianying, now adopting a new perspective, found himself wearing a bitter smile. He turned to Cha Eun Xiao and said, "Chuchu, why would you entertain such an absurd idea? Do you not understand the kind of person Cha Eun Xiao is? If he possessed even a modicum of capability, our men in the capital of the Kingdom of Chen would have captured him long ago. Do not utter such notions... Hmm... are you implying..."

Cha Chuchu responded in a rather plain tone, "No matter what, Lord Xiao is currently on the battlefield, serving as the commander of our enemy forces. He is now our most significant adversary. The fact that Cha Nantian's son stands on the battlefield means he is a man of the army. That is the only relevant consideration. Generals perish in battle; it is both expected and reasonable. If we defeat him in combat, Cha Nantian should have no grounds for complaint. As you said, Uncle, we did not send him to this battle!"

Wenren Jianying took a deep breath, enlightened by the perspective. He exclaimed, "That makes perfect sense! That's it! If Cha Eun Xiao meets his end here, Cha Nantian should seek justice from Chen Xuntian instead of us!"

"Transmit the order! Arrange a provoking formation to taunt Lord Xiao. Let's witness this renowned and formidable figure in the Kingdom of Chen!" he proclaimed with newfound enthusiasm.

As the commander issued his orders, the soldiers responded as one, their voices echoing like the surging tides.

The million-strong army's battle cries raised clouds of dust into the sky.

Cha Eun Xiao sat atop Iron Peak, munching on Chinese baked bread when he heard the resounding shouts. His brows furrowed, and two piercing glints of cold light emanated from his eyes.

[These are elites!]

[Only elite soldiers can produce such an awe-inspiring shout!]

[The sound resonates with a palpable intent to kill, and their overwhelming spirit imbues their voices with murderous vigor!]

"That must be a formidable adversary," Cha Eun Xiao remarked blandly.

This was the first time he had commented on Wenren Jianying.

Zhu Chenggong's eyes brimmed with hatred. "That is the man who killed the Great General! I hope he meets his end! I will not only kill him but also every member of his clan!"

Cha Eun Xiao fixed his gaze on Zhu Chenggong and spoke in a calm tone, "Vice-Commander Zhu, you're holding onto this too tightly. It is one's destiny to die in battle. We are all soldiers on this battlefield. Our loyalty is to the country, not personal vendettas. Wu Gonglie was defeated, but it was not Wenren Jianying's fault. Commander Wu died honorably; it is a noble way to go. We can fight for him, but we cannot fight out of hatred and harm someone's family."

Zhu Chenggong retorted angrily, "Commander Cha, you don't understand. You can afford to be nonchalant about it. When you lose someone dear in battle, you will carry this hatred in your heart forever."

Cha Eun Xiao responded with a plain demeanor, "That's precisely why you are only a vice-commander."

"In war, there are always rules to follow," Cha Eun Xiao continued. He raised his head, locked eyes with Zhu Chenggong, and spoke in a low voice, "The reason you cannot stand shoulder to shoulder with figures like Wu Gonglie, Su Dingguo, and other heroes of their caliber isn't due to your lack of skill; it's because you lack the magnanimity of a true commander. One day, when you truly grasp the magnanimity displayed by Wu Gonglie, Wenren Jianying, Zhan Qianshan, and heroes of their stature, you will become one of them."

Zhu Chenggong was taken aback, gazing up at Cha Eun Xiao, unable to find words to respond.

The next day, as the sun rose and cast its first light upon the earth, horns sounded both inside and outside Iron Peak. It was a clear and resounding call to action.

At this moment, the resounding noise served as a greeting from the one hundred thousand soldiers of the Kingdom of Chen to the million-strong troops of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng, and vice versa. It symbolized the tense encounter between the two formidable forces.

Following this, the previously sealed gate of Iron Peak creaked open after a prolonged closure. From within, a group of men on horseback emerged, numbering fewer than a thousand.

However, after advancing a few hundred meters, they came to a halt, with only three riders continuing onward.

Cha Eun Xiao, Song Jue, and Ning Biluo were the trio in question. Clad in lightweight garments, they had foregone weapons and armor, as if they had embarked on a casual excursion.

To the left, Song Jue donned cyan attire and exuded an air of cold composure. On the right, Ning Biluo was dressed in black, his countenance stern.

Lord Xiao, Cha Eun Xiao, occupied the center position. He wore a smile, dressed in white robes, and sported a golden hat while astride a black steed. His hair was neatly tied up, and he looked exceptionally handsome.

With an air of indifference, he guided his horse towards the enemy's million-strong troops.

Simultaneously, a lengthy bugle call reverberated through the camp of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng. The camp gate swung open, releasing three horseback riders.

One of them was adorned in regal purple attire, featuring a solemn visage and a slender frame. He sported three long, beaded strands on his chin and a pair of phoenix-like eyes. On horseback, he seemed more like an erudite scholar with profound, contemplative eyes than a martial artist.

To his left, an elderly man in cyan robes rode with a stern countenance and piercing, cold eyes.

On the right was a young woman dressed in white, radiating an ethereal aura that seemed dreamlike. She concealed her face behind a silk mask, her eyebrows deep, and her eyes clear. Her mount was a fiery red horse, and her presence had an otherworldly quality that left onlookers entranced.

She was Wenren Chuchu.

Cha Eun Xiao laid eyes on her and offered a smile. He had never anticipated encountering her on the battlefield.

[Fate works in mysterious ways.]

"Are you the War God of Lan-Feng, Prince Wenren Jianyin?" Cha Eun Xiao, still mounted, inquired with an impassive countenance, his gaze akin to two sharp swords, fixed upon the man in front of him.

"I am," Wenren Jianyin responded, his demeanor composed. "May I address you as Cha Eun Xiao, the son of the War God of Chen, Cha Nantian?"

"No!" Cha Eun Xiao tilted his head slightly and replied blandly, "Wenren Jianyin, I formally inform you that the individual standing before you is Commander of the Western Army of the Kingdom of Chen, Cha Eun Xiao, not the son of the War God or anything else."

Wenren Jianyin nodded solemnly. "My apologies, Commander Cha."

"I am the one leading this honorable army into battle against your million troops." Cha Eun Xiao's eyes gleamed like sharpened blades. "Wenren Jianyin, prepare yourself for this encounter. Do not hold grudges when you meet your end."

Wenren Jianyin chuckled. "I have the courage to step onto this battlefield, so why should I fear death? The same applies to you! I hope you do not meet your end with regrets."

Cha Eun Xiao responded with a smug, indifferent smile.

Wenren Chuchu found Cha Eun Xiao strangely familiar from the moment he appeared. However, she had never personally encountered him, despite having heard about him. She pondered the source of this inexplicable sense of familiarity.