Finally Convinced . . .
The notion that Cha-Eun Xiao's martial art wasn't extraordinary was simply untenable; it defied all conventional wisdom. What set it apart, and perhaps its most remarkable aspect, was its relative safety. Even in the event of a failed breakthrough attempt, the practitioner could recuperate with time, thus opening the door to repeated use—an incredible and almost unbelievable prospect.
Curiosity and anticipation brimming within her, Bing Xin-Yue couldn't resist probing further. She ventured carefully, aware of the sensitive nature of her inquiry. "Master Feng, with this martial art, how long do you believe it will take you to reach the Grade of Lingyuan?"
Although she had been hesitant to pose such a question initially, her burning curiosity had overridden her reservations. Sharing the secret of a martial art between different sects was typically taboo. Still, the allure of this particular technique was too potent to ignore. She fretted that her query might be met with resistance or anger from Cha-Eun Xiao.
Pausing briefly, Cha-Eun Xiao mulled over her question before responding, "The path of cultivation is fraught with challenges; it won't be a straightforward journey. However, should everything proceed as planned, I anticipate entering the Qing-Yun Realm within two years."
He was aware of Bing Xin-Yue's unspoken concerns and chose to address them directly.
Bing Xin-Yue's eyes gleamed with newfound hope as she looked up at Cha-Eun Xiao. Her gaze resembled a radiant full moon emerging from behind dark clouds, casting a mesmerizing glow. The beauty of her eyes at that moment left Cha-Eun Xiao genuinely taken aback.
Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, too, couldn't contain her excitement. The news Cha-Eun Xiao had just shared was nothing short of astonishing.
With a solemn tone, Cha-Eun Xiao continued, "Allow me to inform you both that after several days of meticulous care, the seeds of the Regeneration Ink Lotus have sprouted. If all of them thrive... there will be a total of twenty-eight of them."
Bing Xin-Yue's plump lips trembled as an overwhelming surge of surprise and joy washed over her, nearly making her dizzy. Tears welled up in her eyes as she raised her hands to cover her chest.
"Our sect finally has a glimmer of hope," she whispered in awe.
"And if all goes according to plan, with sufficient resources, those twenty-eight Regeneration Ink Lotus will multiply to approximately six hundred within a decade," Cha-Eun Xiao added. "By then, I should have attained the status of a third-grade dan-maker, enabling me to excel in crafting Regeneration Ink Lotus, Regeneration Jade Lotus, and even the Renascence Jade Lotus."
A gentle smile graced Cha-Eun Xiao's lips as he replied, "Indeed, that may be the most I can offer. However, with all the Regeneration Lotus I provide, you should be able to restore your lotus garden."
Bing Xin-Yue nodded, her voice tinged with sentimentality. "You're right. It might take us longer, but as long as it happens within twenty years, and our sect still stands, the Renascence Saint Garden will at least be halfway restored. We won't have to fear its collapse any longer."
Cha-Eun Xiao's nod conveyed his understanding, and he added nonchalantly, "It's a shame, Lady Bing, but you may not live to see that day."
His words, though casually spoken, held a chilling and cruel undertone. He implied that Bing Xin-Yue was destined to meet her end.
Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, concerned for her master, inquired anxiously, "Brother Feng, with your assistance, my master will surely live to witness that day, won't she?"
Rather than offering a direct response, Cha-Eun Xiao fixed his gaze upon Bing Xin-Yue's face. Her complexion was pale on the surface but flushed underneath. Her visage was exquisitely sculpted, framed by calm and enigmatic eyes, adorned with two gracefully arched eyebrows resembling twin peaks.
Cha-Eun Xiao scrutinized her features meticulously, his gaze filled with an unusual compassion. Observing him boldly, there was an undeniable sense of pity in his eyes.
Bing Xin-Yue's countenance transitioned from pale to a sudden flush of crimson. She averted her gaze, her neck resembling the elegant curve of a swan's. Her voice was barely audible as she admitted, "Now that our sect has a glimmer of hope, I... I truly wish to witness that glorious day."
Cha-Eun Xiao, slightly taken aback, remarked, "My lady, you've always carried yourself with a purity that rebuffed any advances. Do such concerns no longer trouble you?"
Bing Xin-Yue's blush deepened, extending to her neck, leaving her thoroughly embarrassed. She realized that Cha-Eun Xiao had deliberately teased her in reference to her earlier statement. Her intentions had been misinterpreted, and she felt compelled to clarify her position. "I've only changed my mind in that I desire your aid in curing my ailment. Nothing more. Why speak as if I'm offering myself up to you?"
Having grown up in a sect that strictly forbade romantic entanglements, she had limited experience with men and found herself ill-prepared for such unabashed flirtation.
Overwhelmed by her emotions, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu couldn't contain her frustration any longer. She addressed Cha-Eun Xiao with an edge of anger in her voice. "Feng Zhi-Ling, you... You... Are you intentionally trying to vex me?"
[My master had just made a profound change of heart after wrestling with her inner turmoil. Your teasing remarks could potentially push her back into doubt. What if she reverses her decision once more due to your nonsensical banter?]
Bing Xin-Yue, her gaze now locked onto Cha-Eun Xiao's eyes, began to speak with a heartfelt sincerity. Her voice resonated with conviction as she expressed her thoughts. "If the path that lies ahead is indeed as daunting as you describe, where only a select few may achieve perfection, then I am prepared to offer myself as a sacrifice to enhance our sect's prospects. I possess a serene disposition, and I am not naturally inclined toward martial prowess. I am fully aware that I may not be the most suitable candidate to serve as our sect's guardian."
The flush of embarrassment had now vanished from her countenance, replaced by unwavering determination. "However, even as there is hope for our sect, the journey ahead is bound to be long and fraught with challenges. The radiant future we envision remains distant. I am willing to relinquish everything I possess to safeguard this hope until it is realized."
She continued her impassioned speech, her voice steady and resolute. "While my virginity carries its own significance, there is something even more paramount to me. I aspire to maintain not only a pure heart but also an unsullied body. However, if I must choose between the two, I will steadfastly retain the purity of my heart. Why should I not willingly sacrifice my body?"
A gentle smile graced her lips as she added a touch of levity to the conversation. "Moreover, our interaction will entail nothing more than physical contact. To liken it to the loss of one's virginity would be a gross exaggeration."
Cha-Eun Xiao responded with a solemn nod, expressing his understanding and approval. "You are absolutely correct. I am genuinely pleased that you have contemplated this matter so thoroughly."
In response, Bing Xin-Yue offered a gracious bow and conveyed her gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding, Master Feng."
Cha-Eun Xiao replied earnestly, a note of admiration in his voice. "Your open-mindedness is truly admirable. You are akin to the refreshing wind that follows a heavy rain. I greatly admire you, and I will exert every effort to help you overcome your ailment, my lady."
With these words, Cha-Eun Xiao felt a profound sense of relief wash over him.
Bing Xin-Yue offered a gentle smile as she continued the conversation, attempting to ease the lingering tension. "Moreover, our interaction will entail nothing more than physical contact. To liken it to the loss of one's virginity would be a gross exaggeration."
In agreement, Cha-Eun Xiao nodded solemnly, expressing his understanding and appreciation. "You are absolutely correct. I am genuinely pleased that you have contemplated this matter so thoroughly."
Responding to his understanding, Bing Xin-Yue bowed slightly and conveyed her gratitude with a gracious tone. "Thank you for your understanding, Master Feng."
Cha-Eun Xiao's voice took on a more serious note as he addressed Bing Xin-Yue. "Lady, you possess a remarkably open mind. Your perspective is akin to the refreshing wind that follows a heavy rain. I greatly admire your resolve. I assure you that I will spare no effort in endeavoring to cure your ailment, my lady."
With these words, Cha-Eun Xiao experienced a profound sense of relief. The weight of their conversation had been considerable, but they now stood united in their determination to confront the challenges that lay ahead.