Such A Big Mistake! . . .
Cha-Eun Xiao explained the situation with the Regeneration Jade Lotus to Bing Xin-Yue, emphasizing the uniqueness of his method. "I used a secret treasure from my sect during the development process, which allowed me to achieve such rapid results with high quality. However, this method is one-of-a-kind and cannot be repeated. It can only be used once."
Despite his best efforts to elongate the time required, he still found himself in a precarious position. The possibility of being captured and forced to utilize his medical skills was a looming threat that could ruin the remainder of his life.
Bing Xin-Yue sought clarification, "So, are you saying that you cannot develop any more Regeneration Ink Lotuses?"
Cha-Eun Xiao clarified, "Not exactly. I can still do it, but it will take much longer. If I were to develop another Regeneration Ink Lotus into a Regeneration Jade Lotus, it might take me three to five years. For it to evolve into a Renascence Jade Lotus, it could require three hundred to five hundred years. It's not a favorable outcome compared to the methods your sect employs."
Bing Xin-Yue frowned at the lengthy timeframe mentioned. She contemplated the situation before seeking further clarification. "So, if we have an abundant supply of materials and are willing to invest resources consistently, we can potentially reduce the timeframe to three hundred years, is that correct?"
Impressed by her understanding, Cha-Eun Xiao nodded, "That's absolutely right."
Bing Xin-Yue's frown gradually transformed into relief as she realized the implications. "In that case, apart from the Regeneration Jade Lotus we already possess, we have more than enough resources to achieve our goals."
However, Cha-Eun Xiao wasn't finished. He shared an even more ambitious plan. "Additionally, with a Renascence Jade Lotus and an ample supply of materials, I can invest five thousand years to develop it into a spiritual object that exists only in myth—the Great Heavens Golden Lotus."
Bing Xin-Yue couldn't contain her excitement and stood up abruptly. "You can create a Great Heavens Golden Lotus? Are you truly confident in this endeavor?"
With a confident smile, Cha-Eun Xiao replied, "I cannot be entirely certain if I were working alone, but as I mentioned, with abundant resources and unwavering dedication, I believe it's only a matter of time before we succeed in creating a Great Heavens Golden Lotus."
Bing Xin-Yue's delicate frame trembled, and a blush tinged her pale cheeks as her breath quickened. The concept of the Great Heavens Golden Lotus had shaken her to the core, as it was one of the nine legendary Grand Spiritual Objects that existed only in myth. This revered artifact held immense significance for her sect's members striving to attain the pinnacle of their cultivation. It was believed to grant them the ability to transcend the bounds of life and death, propelling them towards the path of ultimate success.
The mythic nature of the Great Heavens Golden Lotus meant that no one had ever truly seen it, not even the founders of her sect. Their encounters had been limited to relatively high-quality Renascence Jade Lotuses, making Cha-Eun Xiao's mention of such an object in the Land of Han-Yang astonishing.
Intrigued and eager to know more, Bing Xin-Yue asked, "Could you please clarify what resources you would require for this development process?"
Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't help but voice his surprise, "I understand that my revelations may seem odd, and the more I reveal, the greater the danger I place myself in. I am equally astonished by the situation. You may be wondering why you haven't attacked me or taken me captive. After all, I hold the key to the future of your sect." He then adopted a gentler tone, saying, "The reason I am divulging so much is quite straightforward. If you decline the Regeneration Jade Lotus, you will have a mere six months to live."
He continued, "It would be a great tragedy for a beautiful lady like yourself to meet such a fate. To keep you alive, all I can do is offer you hope and motivation. My words are intended solely to provide you with that hope and motivation."
Bing Xin-Yue was taken aback, and her face turned even redder. She retorted, "What do you mean by uttering such words? My life and death have no bearing on you whatsoever!" She glared at Cha-Eun Xiao, her anger palpable as she added, "Master Feng, please maintain your dignity."
Cha-Eun Xiao was dumbfounded, his mind a jumble of confusion. He couldn't believe the misunderstanding that had just occurred.
[Oh my goodness! What a colossal misunderstanding!
I'm not doing this for you! I merely wish to spare Lian-Lian (Jun Ying-Lian) from further sorrow. I don't want her best friend to die. That's all! Nothing more!
What on earth was she thinking?]
In truth, Bing Xin-Yue's misinterpretation wasn't entirely her fault.
Cha-Eun Xiao found himself in an awkward predicament, all due to his apparent ineptitude in matters of affection. In his well-intentioned attempt to convey his concern for Bing Xin-Yue's well-being, he had inadvertently sparked a misunderstanding that he was struggling to rectify.
The beautiful, single, and elegantly poised Bing Xin-Yue had heard him speak sentimentally, uttering the words, "I don't want you to die. If you die, someone will be in deep sorrow." To her ears, this declaration seemed to imply, "I don't wish for your demise and am willing to put myself in great peril to provide you with hope to carry on."
For Cha-Eun Xiao, the sentiment that "if you die, someone will be in deep sorrow" held true. He was deeply concerned about Jun Ying-Lian's emotional well-being and couldn't bear the thought of her suffering.
[How could I allow Lian-Lian to experience such profound sorrow? I simply can't let that happen!]
However, Bing Xin-Yue had interpreted his words quite differently.
[What does he mean by "someone will be in deep sorrow if I die"? Who is he referring to? Who would be upset?]
She contemplated her impending demise in the Land of Han-Yang, where only her disciple knew of her presence. Naturally, her disciple would be saddened by her passing, but Cha-Eun Xiao had used the vague term "someone," leaving room for confusion.
"I didn't mean it that way! Please don't misunderstand! You've completely misinterpreted my words," Cha-Eun Xiao exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment.
Bing Xin-Yue responded with a cold smile as she handed over the Regeneration Jade Lotus. "Heh, heh. I know what I heard. I trust my own interpretation. You, Master Feng, understand your own words quite well. Thank you nonetheless for your assistance with the Regeneration Jade Lotus. The responsibility for its development is now in your hands. Rest assured, our sect will provide all the necessary resources for the cultivation of Regeneration Ink Lotus and Regeneration Jade Lotus. You need not worry about any mistreatment. As for your concerns, it would be best to put them to rest," she concluded matter-of-factly.
Cha-Eun Xiao was utterly dumbfounded, realizing the gravity of the misunderstanding he had unwittingly caused.