The Crazy General Cha! . . .
If Wan Zheng-Hao had been driven by madness, he would never have been able to transform a modest salesroom into the vast commercial empire that Ling-Bao Hall had become.
Every major sect and clan, including some enigmatic organizations that had remained hidden from public view, made preparations to participate in the upcoming auction. Scores of esteemed cultivators and expert dan-makers were converging on Chen-Xing City, forming a veritable tide of talent and power.
The Kingdom of Chen was on the brink of a tumultuous gathering of influential forces. This occasion, in comparison to the previous auction, bore all the hallmarks of a grand spectacle. The elite figures of the Land of Han-Yang seemed inexorably drawn to Chen-Xing City, transforming it into an event of extraordinary influence.
It was happening amidst an ongoing war, a circumstance that left people speculating about hidden motives behind such an assembly. Then came a surprising revelation from Wan Zheng-Hao.
While the decision to host such a grand event in the midst of a war initially seemed questionable, Wan Zheng-Hao unveiled a development that resonated deeply with the Kingdom of Chen. Consequently, the kingdom offered significant support to Ling-Bao Hall, bestowing upon it newfound official recognition.
"In this time of war," Wan Zheng-Hao declared, "I, as a loyal citizen of the Kingdom of Chen, recognize my responsibility to protect our homeland. As such, we shall allocate 60 percent of the profits from this auction to the national treasury, with the hope that it may contribute to the success of our soldiers in their battles."
He continued, "Furthermore, an additional 10 percent of the profits shall be dedicated to supporting the families who have lost their loved ones in this war. Although it may be a modest gesture, I hope it will offer some solace."
Even the king himself was taken aback by this announcement. Given the anticipated scale of the auction, it was conceivable that it could generate tens of billions, perhaps even reaching a hundred billion in total transactions. At this rate, the profits alone could amount to fifty billion, with ten billion designated as tax revenue for the kingdom. This left Ling-Bao Hall with a staggering forty billion, 60 percent of which would translate to a monumental 24 billion.
Such a sum was beyond the wildest dreams of the Kingdom of Chen and could potentially tip the scales in the ongoing war. It was an act of benevolence that would significantly impact both the nation and its citizens.
In light of these extraordinary circumstances, the king issued an unequivocal decree: "No one, and no force, shall disrupt this auction. It must proceed without interruption!"
In times of peace, the king would never issue such a direct and unwavering command. However, given the prevailing danger, the auction represented a formidable pillar of support for the kingdom, providing warmth and hope amidst the cold and tumultuous season of war.
The military leadership welcomed Ling-Bao Hall's pledge, particularly the commitment of ten percent of the profits to the families of fallen soldiers. Although ten percent may not have seemed substantial on its own, it translated into a substantial sum of several billion, significantly improving the lives of those affected.
For the families of the fallen, it meant not only better living conditions but also the assurance of a more secure future.
The military establishment threw its unequivocal support behind the forthcoming auction, demonstrating their commitment by dispatching a cadre of elite cultivators to safeguard the event. Numerous troops stationed around the city even opted to forego their scheduled leaves, dedicating themselves to assisting with the auction's security.
Such was the confidence inspired by Wan Zheng-Hao's declaration. Those who knew him were acutely aware that he would never dare to deceive on such a matter. It wasn't just an announcement; it was an imperative mandate that carried grave consequences if breached.
The emphasis on the auction being orchestrated by Monarch Feng, Feng Zhi-Ling, of Ling-Bao Hall, had a profound impact on the populace. Overnight, Feng Zhi-Ling became a renowned hero and an idol within the Kingdom of Chen, despite the fact that very few knew what he looked like. Citizens created altars in their homes as symbols of reverence for him, their imaginations conjuring an image of a generous, handsome, kind-hearted, magnanimous, and robust figure.
In the midst of this adulation, some women in the Kingdom of Chen boldly declared, "I will marry none but Feng Zhi-Ling!" His name echoed throughout the kingdom, and the event was christened "Feng Ling Tian Xia" by some.
As the lady in white and Wen-Ren Chu-Chu embarked on their journey to the Kingdom of Chen, the former couldn't help but inquire, "Feng Zhi-Ling? Is he the person everyone is talking about? Why is he so popular?"
Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, her expression filled with uncertainty, replied, "Well, I didn't realize he was the monarch of Ling-Bao Hall... I didn't even know there was a monarch in Ling-Bao Hall, to be honest. I can't say for certain."
While she outwardly expressed doubt, her heart harbored no such ambiguity. She was fairly convinced that Feng Zhi-Ling was indeed the person in question.
"Apparently, he's managed to keep a very low profile," Wen-Ren Chu-Chu added with a slight edge of frustration.
"No wonder that rascal was able to obtain the supreme dan bead that day," she muttered, her teeth gritted in annoyance.
Wen-Ren Chu-Chu seethed with anger, her frustration evident. "Humph! What a prick! He actually treated me as a fool! I'm going to give him some lessons the next time we meet!"
Her words didn't go unnoticed by the lady in white, who fixed her apprentice with a stern gaze. "You should always behave yourself. Do not make any mistakes," she cautioned.
Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, her lips once again bitten, replied softly, "Yes, master. I will."
The lady in white proceeded to impart a solemn lesson, her voice filled with wisdom. "The martial art of our sect requires a virgin body. Once you lose your virginity, you lose everything you've achieved. You are the only hope among the young generation of our sect. Do not falter on your ascent to the pinnacle of cultivation. Regret will haunt you for the rest of your life."
Taking a deep breath, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu expressed her determination. "Master, please don't worry. I know what to do." With confidence, she added, "I believe it is difficult enough to steal my heart…" She then chuckled playfully.
As they conversed, events were unfolding in Chen-Xing City.
On the city's border wall, a vigilant guard spotted an exceptionally bright sword-like light approaching at lightning speed—a figure drenched in blood hurtling toward the city gate.
"Open the gate!" the figure bellowed with resounding vigor, causing the very walls to tremble.
The general in charge of the gate recognized the newcomer with awe and urgency. "The General Cha of the north!" he exclaimed. "Open the gate! Quickly!"
The city gate creaked open, and Cjha Nan-Tian rushed in, his arrival almost instantaneous.
"Why is General cha in such a hurry? He's covered in bloodstains. I wonder if he's injured," curious voices inquired.
A knowledgeable observer explained the situation. "He must have braved countless enemy traps to rush back… His son is in dire straits. I heard that he's barely clinging to life, with just a few days left. General Cha's urgency is well justified."
Others chimed in, expressing outrage. "Those scoundrels! They should have been punished long ago! With General Cha back, they're going to face the consequences now!"
"They will certainly suffer. But I hope the young Lord Cha can survive this. It would be beneficial for both the House of Cha and our country."
Heads were bowed in prayer as the guards hoped for the young lord's recovery.
Suddenly, an explosion shattered the sky above the city, a firework rocket detonating with a black burst resembling a single word: 'Cha.'
The booming sound that followed was a proclamation to the world.
"Soldiers of the north army! Gather at the House of Cha!"
The booming shout reverberated through the air, unmistakably the voice of the House of Cha's patriarch, Cha Nan-Tian.
The people in the capital were jolted from their routines, and a palpable sense of shock washed over them.
"General Cha must be acting irrationally this time!" they murmured among themselves.
Cha Nan-Tian had not even reached his residence before issuing the summoning command. He had ordered every soldier of the northern army to assemble without delay. It appeared that if the young lord couldn't survive, he was fully prepared to bring the entire city to its knees.
In the following moments, the city resounded with the resolute voices of soldiers from all corners.
"Yes, General!" they bellowed in unison.
The thundering hoofbeats of their horses reverberated throughout the city, a deafening chorus that silenced the bustling streets. It was as if the entire city had been plunged into an eerie calm, as though the end of the world was upon them.
The hearts of the citizens quivered with unease, sensing the gravity of the situation. Those who had previously crossed paths with Cha-Eun Xiao were gripped by a deep sense of dread, their faces drained of color. It felt as though the specter of death loomed over them.
The soldiers of the northern army swiftly gathered within the city. Some of them approached the city gates and assumed the positions of the guards, effectively taking control of the city. Cha Nan-Tian had ordered them to secure the city completely. While people could enter, no one was allowed to leave.
The resounding call of Cha Nan-Tian had sent shockwaves throughout the kingdom. The entire capital now knew that Cha Nan-Tian, the General of the North, had returned in all his might.
Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace, the king let out a heavy sigh, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.
In the Crown Prince's Palace, the crown prince's countenance turned pallid as he heard the commotion from the air, causing his entire body to tremble. This was the first time they had borne witness to the wrath of Cha Nan-Tian.