It's All About Strength! . . .
"In this world, women find themselves in such a marginalized position," the woman mused, her eyes fixed on the ethereal white clouds drifting across the sky. Her voice carried a sense of quiet contemplation. "Men can revel in drink and merriment without reproach, while women are denied such pleasures. Men can hold multiple lovers in their embrace, even take multiple spouses, while women are expected to remain chaste. Men can act without constraint, while women face condemnation for even the slightest deviation from societal norms. The world is undeniably unjust. Why must we adhere to these rigid conventions? Why can't we lead lives filled with color?"
She posed these questions, seemingly directed at Su Ye-Yue, yet also directed at herself and the world at large.
Su Ye-Yue responded with simple sincerity, saying, "We are but women. Why must we impose such burdens upon ourselves?"
Her words, though simple, carried a profound weight.
The woman absorbed Su Ye-Yue's sentiment and drew in a deep breath. She felt compelled to voice her thoughts, yet found herself grappling with the futility of the endeavor.
"You speak the truth," Su Ye-Yue continued with unwavering resolve. "The world indeed shows bias against women. I do not deny it. However, even with your extraordinary power, your ability to command awe and intimidate all living beings, what can you truly change?"
The woman stood there, stunned into silence by Su Ye-Yue's candid observations.
"You possess remarkable cultivation prowess," Su Ye-Yue continued, locking eyes with the woman, "and you can command the fear and admiration of the world. But has that power altered the constraints imposed on women?"
For the first time in her life, the woman lowered her gaze, her expression tinged with melancholy. "No," she admitted.
Su Ye-Yue's gaze remained steadfast as she asserted, "I may not possess the abilities or promises you have offered, but I have him by my side. Is that not enough?"
The woman fell silent for a moment, then replied, "Indeed, you have him. However, he can only offer his life for you once. Is that truly enough? If I had not arrived in time, he would have perished. Would you not have lost him?"
Su Ye-Yue remained quiet, her face contorted with emotional pain. She held Cha-Eun Xiao's hand beneath the table with a grip so tight that he winced.
"I understand your perspective. I am in agreement with your sentiments," the woman said, her tone measured. "There must be something worthwhile in becoming my disciple. By mastering my world-shaking martial arts, you can vanquish your enemies, subdue them, and exert control. Strength is the key to safeguarding the life you desire and protecting your loved ones."
She continued, "It has nothing to do with gender. When we wish to safeguard or nurture something, we must defend it against any potential threats. Be it fame, status, possessions, love, or even life itself, everything hinges on one's strength, doesn't it? The ordinary people, they toil for money, for wealth! It is their strength. Only through wealth can they secure a better, longer, and happier life."
In the midst of wealth and the absence of financial concerns, people often find themselves driven by other desires such as the pursuit of immortality and the acquisition of power to dominate others. Invariably, the quest for these desires hinges on a crucial factor – strength.
Strength is the key to obtaining everything one desires. Without it, even leading an ordinary life becomes a challenge. In a world where strength is a prerequisite, being weak means leaving oneself vulnerable to the whims of those more powerful.
The woman pointed a finger at Cha-Eun Xiao to illustrate her point. "Consider this scenario," she began. "Let's assume he isn't strong enough when he marries you, a beautiful woman. The world is filled with lustful individuals, and although he might be an exception who remains faithful, it doesn't mean others won't covet you. If he lacks the power to protect you, what then?"
She emphasized, "This is why strength matters! The only universal currency across all realms is strength. Weak parents struggle to provide for their children, feeble husbands fail to shield their beloved wives, and powerless sons can only watch their fathers succumb to illness or violence. They are powerless to change their fate."
The woman's tone grew solemn. "That is what I offer you – strength, power, overwhelming power. Become my disciple, and this power will be yours. Reject this opportunity, and you forfeit your sole chance to learn my extraordinary martial art. In doing so, you and him will face repeated trials, perhaps not as fortunate as today. You may both meet your end."
With a gentle yet penetrating gaze, the woman told Su Ye-Yue, "I don't wish to impose my choice on you. Take your time to ponder it thoroughly. I await your answer."
Su Ye-Yue grappled with her decision, her expression reflecting her inner turmoil. Undoubtedly, the woman's words had struck a chord within her.
Recalling her father in the southern lands, their sudden, life-threatening assassination attempt, and the image of Cha-Eun Xiao drenched in his own blood, Su Ye-Yue shuddered. "That's true," she thought. "If I were strong enough, I could bring peace to my father's realm, and our nation could thrive. With strength, I could defy assassins. I wouldn't need Cha-Eun Xiao to protect me; perhaps I could even protect him."
The allure of such possibilities was undeniable, even to a young woman like her.
The woman watched as Su Ye-Yue's contemplation unfolded, a growing conviction that she was on the verge of persuading the girl.
However, at that pivotal moment, Cha-Eun Xiao interjected, his voice calm but resolute. "Ye-Yue, what she says is true. Strength is undeniably important. However, there's a fundamental truth that cannot be denied. Not everyone in this world can attain such strength."
The woman scoffed at Cha-Eun Xiao's words, retorting, "You are like a frog dwelling in the depths of a well. Your perspective is limited by your own experiences. Allow me to enlighten you. Every living soul possesses their unique strength, regardless of their abilities or cultivation level."
Cha-Eun Xiao fell into contemplative silence, then acknowledged, "Your words hold profound wisdom. Indeed, everyone, regardless of their realm or capabilities, possesses their own strength."
He felt as though a veil had been lifted from his understanding, realizing the depth and universality of the concept of 'strength.'
Yet, it was clear that Su Ye-Yue remained uncertain, and she turned to Cha-Eun Xiao for guidance.
Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't help but let out a silent sigh as he observed Su Ye-Yue's inner struggle. It was evident that the woman's words had deeply moved her, prompting her to seek his counsel. In truth, he acknowledged that if he were in her shoes, making an immediate decision would be a formidable task. With a measured pause, he addressed the woman, seeking answers to his questions.
"We appreciate your kindness and concern for us," Cha-Eun Xiao began, gratitude apparent in his tone. "However, before we make any decisions, we must learn more about you. Who are you, and from whence do you hail? If Su Ye-Yue chooses to accompany you, when can she expect to return? Where can I find her if she decides to go with you?"
Meng Huai-Qing, the woman, appeared taken aback by Cha-Eun Xiao's inquiry. After a moment's contemplation, she responded with a soft and measured tone, "You are a rather astute young man. Though I typically keep such information to myself, I will make an exception today. My name is Meng Huai-Qing, which translates to 'Dream, Embrace, and Good Person.' As for my origin, it is from the Human Realm Above Heavens, a vast realm that exists far above your world."
She gazed at Cha-Eun Xiao, her expression earnest. "I understand your desire to aid her in achieving great heights while also grappling with the reluctance of parting ways. Such complex emotions are not uncommon for a man. Hence, I cannot deceive you. Once she departs with me, the likelihood of your reunion is exceedingly slim. In all probability, you may never cross paths again. To be candid, you may never even encounter the term 'Human Realm Above Heavens' again, let alone locate it."
With unwavering resolve, Cha-Eun Xiao nodded in understanding. "I concur," he affirmed. "It matters little whether you believe me or not. I recognize that you hail from a place of great significance and that this is a remarkable opportunity for her. I refuse to be the one to deny her such a promising future. Keeping her by my side would be akin to squandering her brilliant prospects, and I cannot bear the weight of that guilt."
With gentle conviction, he continued, "I agree to her accompanying you. I am prepared to accept our separation. What I struggle to accept is the idea that I may never find her again."
Meng Huai-Qing regarded Cha-Eun Xiao with a newfound appreciation. A smile graced her lips as she spoke, "The very fact that you comprehend the concept of 'billions of realms' suggests that you are no ordinary man. I had underestimated you, and for that, I offer my apologies."