The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 950: Brother, It’s Me!

Brother, It's Me! . . .

Han Bingxue was overcome with enlightenment. As he gazed at Cha Eun Xiao, a profound solemnity washed over him, leaving him in a state of disbelief.

[Could it be…]

Cha Eun Xiao locked eyes with Han Bingxue and, in a hushed tone, revealed the truth. "Brother, it's me."

Those three simple words conveyed everything.

Han Bingxue stood there, dumbfounded. His gaze never left Cha Eun Xiao's face. His emotions ran the gamut from shock to disbelief, and his face turned an array of colors, first red, then pale. His lips trembled as he uttered, "Are you… Is this real?"

Tears welled up in Han Bingxue's eyes, his entire being shaking with emotion. "Boss? You're truly here?" he quivered.

His eyes misted over, and he continued, "Boss… You saved me, and I swore to avenge you when I thought you were gone. Now that you've returned to me, I'm grateful beyond words. I know you've never asked for anything in return, but I pledge to avenge you, even if I have to brave flames and blades. I promise, Boss. I'll eradicate the three factions to ease the grievances in your heart. Rest in peace, Boss!"

Han Bingxue spoke through clenched teeth, his eyes closed.

Cha Eun Xiao was touched by Han Bingxue's words at first. However, as the latter part of Han Bingxue's speech unfolded, Cha Eun Xiao's astonishment turned to exasperation.

[What in the world…]

[Why does he see me as a ghost?]

[Is there anything about me that resembles a ghost? Why is he so sure I never ask for anything in return?] Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on N(o)vᴇl(F)ire

[While it's true I've never sought his help in return, I'm not a ghost! I'm not dead! Why on earth is he telling me to rest in peace?]

Cha Eun Xiao felt like he could smash Han Bingxue's head open to examine what might be causing this baffling confusion.

[Isn't it more logical to assume that I've taken on another body, given what's happened? But no, he's convinced I'm a ghost! Is he out of his mind? What a foolish man!]

"You're… unbelievable," Cha Eun Xiao said, staring at Han Bingxue. "I'm not dead! What are you doing here? Mourning for me? I'm right in front of you, alive! Do you really want me to die that badly? Do you wish for my death?"

Han Bingxue was in shock. He opened his eyes wide, still struggling to accept the truth. After a moment, he blinked and stammered, "What… What did you just say?"

"What did I say?" Cha Eun Xiao retorted. "I said I'm alive! Are you having trouble understanding human language now?"

After a stunned pause, Han Bingxue finally registered Cha Eun Xiao's words. "Alive," he mumbled in astonishment. "You're not dead. How is this even possible?"

Cha Eun Xiao's patience wore thin. "What do you mean 'how is this possible'? Of course I want to stay alive! But why do you keep going on about it? Can't you see that I'm not dead?"

"Yeah, I want you to live. I mean, how is it possible…" Han Bingxue was baffled but gradually managed to calm himself down.

"Oh, for the love of… I'm alive! Do you understand? I'm not dead! Why are you so shocked, and what's with the 'possible or not' question? Just be quiet or I'll beat you until you can't take care of yourself for the rest of your life!"

Cha Eun Xiao's frustration reached its peak. He was ready to resort to physical violence to silence Han Bingxue's bewildering questions.

[I'm not dead. It's such a simple fact, yet he's so overwhelmed and astonished. He even asked how it's possible? Seriously?]

Cha Eun Xiao was exasperated and contemplated a sound beating to restore some sense to the situation.

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't be blamed for his impatience. After all, Han Bingxue was acting incredibly foolish. Cha Eun Xiao realized that his brother's peculiar behavior stemmed from sheer surprise. Still, it was as if Han Bingxue didn't want Cha Eun Xiao to have returned from the dead.

Han Bingxue continued to jump and shout, with little regard for what he was actually saying. It seemed he was merely spouting gibberish at the top of his lungs.

Cha Eun Xiao frowned and retorted, "Can't you just stop? The only reason I'm not beating you right now is that I'm too weak at the moment. If I try, you might end up beating me instead. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to stand."

He emphasized the precariousness of their situation, saying, "Do you remember where we are? You're drawing attention from our enemies! Can't you just calm down? Before anyone locates us?"

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Han Bingxue suddenly quieted down and suggested, "You're right… Let's go. We should find somewhere else to stay."

Without further ado, he grabbed Cha Eun Xiao's arm and jumped nearly a hundred meters away. In mid-air, he performed a bizarre acrobatic maneuver, shouting, "Holy hell! You're not dead! You're alive! What a shock!"

[This is beyond belief!]

Cha Eun Xiao was on the brink of losing his composure.

[Is he serious? Does he want me to die that badly? What is he...]

But Cha Eun Xiao had no choice. He had to allow Han Bingxue to lead him away, despite his apparent lunacy. Even though Han Bingxue was acting foolish, he remained a formidable cultivator. As such, Cha Eun Xiao could only go along with whatever Han Bingxue did.

Four hours later, they had left the vicinity and arrived in a forest. The cold wind had finally jolted Han Bingxue back to his senses. Once they reached safety, he held Cha Eun Xiao's arms and inquired with an exhilarated tone, "Boss, is it truly you? Are you real?"