Cha Eun Xiao Burst . . .
Cha-Eun Xiao found himself utterly perplexed as Bing Xin-Yue reassured him about her life and death. Her determination was resolute, and her words were laden with an air of finality. As she rose from her seat, Cha-Eun Xiao watched her depart in disbelief, rendered momentarily speechless by her unwavering resolve.
He had wanted to intervene, to convince her that her life was invaluable and worth preserving. Yet, in that moment, he was rendered mute, unable to voice his concerns effectively.
Suddenly, a white figure darted through the doorway, a slender silhouette that blocked Bing Xin-Yue's path. It was none other than Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, and she implored her master not to leave.
Bing Xin-Yue's face remained somber as she chided her disciple. "Why are you behaving like this, going back and forth? You are a grown woman; this isn't dignified."
With tears in her eyes, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu clutched her waist and declared, "I won't let you go, Master! I was raised in a royal family, yet you have treated me better than my own mother. If you give up this opportunity to live, I... I will die alongside you!"
Sighing deeply, Bing Xin-Yue responded, "Silly girl, there is only one Regeneration Jade Lotus."
"Even though there's only one, it should be yours!" Wen-Ren Chu-Chu insisted stubbornly. "If not for you, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths to find the Regeneration Ink Lotus. Now that it's become the Regeneration Jade Lotus, it's a divine blessing meant for you, Master. The heavens intend for you to take it. If you want me to give it to someone else, I simply can't muster that level of generosity."
Bing Xin-Yue's expression darkened, and she advised, "Chu-Chu, we are Misty Cloud disciples. From now on, you must learn to be as magnanimous as this."
She sighed and continued, "Women in this world often find themselves in subordinate positions. The Misty Cloud Palace has bestowed upon us the potential to dominate the world and look down upon all realms. Without our sect, we would be fragmented and powerless. As long as the sect stands, we will be revered and honored—a source of pride.
We must protect that pride, even if it means sacrificing ourselves. It is a cause worthy of such sacrifice!"
Bing Xin-Yue tried to convey the weight of her decision to Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, explaining that her abilities were not sufficient to elevate their sect within the Qing-Yun Realm. She felt incapable of protecting the sect and propelling it to prominence. Tears welled up in Chu-Chu's eyes as she pleaded, "No! I don't care! I want you to live!"
Bing Xin-Yue let out a weary sigh, unsure of how to respond to her disciple's fervent entreaties.
However, Chu-Chu's expression suddenly shifted as she wiped away her tears and suggested, "Right! There's this man, Feng Zhi-Ling... His Purple Sky-Fire can burn away the disease caused by our martial art. I've tested it, and it works effectively. Master, you..."
Bing Xin-Yue cut her off sternly, "Never mention that again."
Refusing to give up, Chu-Chu held her master tightly and implored, "Master, please, just listen to me once."
Bing Xin-Yue's frustration mounted, and she snapped, "Let go!"
Finally, Cha-Eun Xiao broke his silence, addressing Bing Xin-Yue with a calm tone. "Lady Bing."
Bing Xin-Yue responded curtly, "What?"
He began to speak slowly, acknowledging the Misty Cloud Palace's staunch stance on virginity and marriage, but highlighting the significance of life. He emphasized that life should always take precedence, as all other considerations become irrelevant when one is deceased.
Moreover, he pointed out a critical detail. "I can make the Regeneration Jade Lotus, and naturally, I can make the Regeneration Ink Lotus too... Maybe you're too troubled at the moment to notice, but this Regeneration Jade Lotus doesn't have any seeds! You are specialists in cultivating Regeneration Lotuses. You must know how a Regeneration Ink Lotus becomes a Regeneration Jade Lotus. After the Regeneration Ink Lotus withers, it blooms again. Only when it blooms again can it transform into a Regeneration Jade Lotus after undergoing structural changes with certain special materials... Am I correct?"
Bing Xin-Yue's eyes brightened with realization, and she turned to him. "Of course, I'm aware of that. The seeds of the Regeneration Ink Lotus typically grow and instantly fall to the ground, melting upon contact. Collecting them is extremely challenging... Did you manage to collect them successfully?"
Cha-Eun Xiao nodded, revealing over a dozen black seeds in his hands, resembling dark pearls. Bing Xin-Yue couldn't tear her gaze away from them, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and desire. She understood the immense significance of those seeds, not only to herself but also to her sect.
She took a deep breath, her beautiful face displaying a blend of sorrow and resolve. She addressed him slowly, "Is this your bargaining chip, Master Feng?"
Cha-Eun Xiao was taken aback. "Bargaining chip? What do you mean?"
Bing Xin-Yue explained her perception, "I mean, are you showing us these seeds as a means to strike a deal or negotiate something?"
Cha-Eun Xiao shook his head, his expression sincere, "No, Lady Bing. These seeds are not a bargaining chip. I offer them freely as a gesture of goodwill. I genuinely want to help, and in return, I only ask for a chance to continue my cultivation in peace. I harbor no ulterior motives."
Bing Xin-Yue scrutinized him, her gaze unwavering. She then spoke with determination, "Very well, Master Feng. We accept your offer of these seeds. They are invaluable to us, and we appreciate your generosity. However, please understand that we cannot make any promises regarding your request for peaceful cultivation."
Cha-Eun Xiao nodded in understanding, "I appreciate your understanding, Lady Bing. I will do my utmost to assist you with the Regeneration Jade Lotus and other matters. If circumstances permit, I hope to cultivate in harmony with my surroundings."
Bing Xin-Yue handed over the Regeneration Jade Lotus and said, "Then, Master Feng, please take care of the Regeneration Jade Lotus. We will provide you with the necessary materials for your work. However, please remember that you are not yet a member of the Misty Cloud Palace, and we will be watching your actions closely."
Cha-Eun Xiao accepted the lotus, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you, Lady Bing. I will treat this responsibility with the utmost care and dedication. Rest assured, I understand the stakes involved."
With this understanding, they began to work together, each with their own hopes and goals, united by their shared mission to unlock the potential of the Regeneration Jade Lotus and secure the future of the Misty Cloud Palace.