You Know That? . . .
Cha Eun Xiao's swift recovery could not solely be attributed to the presence of the purple qi, Supreme Dan Beads, and Water Drops, though they undoubtedly played a pivotal role. His injuries had been grievous, having driven his saint soul, soul, and life energy to their lowest ebb. Under normal circumstances, it would have necessitated a protracted period to regain full vitality.
Yet, an essential factor had altered the equation—his recent breakthrough to a new stage. This advancement had drained his reserves of energy, leaving him momentarily depleted. However, the energy surge following this breakthrough was akin to a rebirth from the brink of death, a unique opportunity to restore himself to peak condition.
This time, Cha Eun Xiao's self-healing surpassed all prior instances in both efficacy and swiftness. Merely minutes after commencing the process, a gentle, azure radiance enveloped his form, with the purple qi enveloping him like a protective shroud. Progressing from the exterior to the core of his being, it rejuvenated his ailing physique. As moments flowed into minutes, his pallid complexion gradually transformed into a healthy, rosy hue.
As this restorative process unfolded, the sun ascended over the entirety of the land, casting its radiant light upon all.
The passage of time was inexorable.
Before the Ling-Bao Hall, a sizable throng of people had congregated, their multitude filling the visual canvas.
However, despite their numbers, an eerie hush prevailed, and scarcely a whisper escaped anyone's lips.
At the forefront of this assembly stood six individuals, organized into two distinct groups. Their collective demeanor exuded an air of composure, vitality, and unyielding pride, seemingly impervious to their surroundings.
These six individuals hailed from the two esteemed sects, the Starlight Sect and the Sunlight Sect.
In their wake, adherents of other influential sects maintained a stoic silence. Even though they occupied positions behind the Starlight Sect and the Sunlight Sect, they upheld an aura of dignity and propriety.
Though aligned side by side, it was evident that these various factions embodied distinct styles and sensibilities.
In the third row, representatives of the eight noble clans manifested a facade of indifference, yet beneath the surface, palpable nerves betrayed their composed exteriors. In truth, many among them contemplated a hasty withdrawal from the auction, recoiling from any engagement with the formidable big sects that now loomed before them.
However, the primary focus for these noble clans resided in the impending auction, for it bore profound implications for their clans' future. Despite the awareness that they were entering the lion's den, snatching morsels from voracious predators, they forged ahead out of necessity.
Within their hearts, two seemingly conflicting emotions—apprehension and yearning—coexisted, like twin forces tugging at their souls.
The collective assembly anticipated their moment of ingress into the grand hall.
Yet, situated far removed from this throng, a solitary figure stood perched upon a tree. His gaze, fixated upon the gathering, bore an air of frigidity and resoluteness.
Inside the Ling-Bao Hall, anxiety coursed through Wan Zhenghao like a rabbit on a scorching griddle, propelling him to pace ceaselessly.
"Why has the Feng Monarch not made an appearance yet? How am I to navigate such a momentous occasion without him..." Beads of sweat gathered upon his brow, his countenance fraught with disquietude.
[What if the Feng Monarch fails to materialize when the appointed hour arrives? What if the two great sects pose queries beyond my capacity to answer? How shall I confront their might?
If I exhibit vulnerability, they will extract concessions with ease, and we shall incur grievous losses. However, should I rashly assert my resolve, it is likely to incur their enmity, with dire consequences, including the jeopardy of my own life and that of my entire family.
In such a precarious juncture, all outcomes hang in a precarious balance.
If I do indeed provoke their ire, the Ling-Bao Hall shall undoubtedly confront dire straits.
Should I be the one to bear this burden?
Perhaps they will raise no objections, but in truth, I lack the qualifications to bear this mantle any longer. I am no longer the one in command here!]
The burden of worry had exacted a tangible toll on Wan Zhenghao, his weight visibly diminished by nearly five kilograms.
In stark contrast, Liu Changjun continued to exhibit an impassive countenance. Possessing an unflappable demeanor, he remained seated, projecting an aura of detachment and unyielding resolve.
He resembled an immovable mountain, seemingly impervious to the concerns that plagued Wan Zhenghao and the multitude congregated beyond. The current predicament appeared to hold no sway over him.
Indeed, Cha Eun Xiao's current preoccupation diverged significantly from the expected concerns. His thoughts were consumed by the pressing matter of his assassination team—what further resources were required, how the team could be fortified, and where he might source high-caliber assassins.
The present inventory at his disposal fell markedly short of his lord's expectations, heightening his sense of urgency.
Wan Zhenghao, beset by escalating anxiety, repeatedly wiped the perspiration from his brow while muttering to himself. "What's transpiring? Why has the Monarch not made his presence felt? This is disconcerting... Has something gone awry? Why has he not arrived yet? What could possibly be transpiring?"
In response to Wan Zhenghao's harried soliloquy, Liu Changjun cast a sidelong, disdainful glance in his direction before turning away.
[What an incessant, corpulent fellow!
Endless murmuring... How many times must you reiterate the same concerns... Perhaps it's time to desist.
Is this incessant fretting contributing anything of substance?]
Wan Zhenghao continued to pace fretfully, his brow deeply furrowed. At length, he pivoted toward Liu Changjun, his voice tinged with desperation. "Liu, what course of action should we pursue if the Monarch fails to materialize? What am I to do... This is an intolerable predicament, and I discern no practical resolution."
Liu Changjun remained unyielding in his disinterest, not deigning to make eye contact as he delivered a flat response. "It is of no concern to me."
Wan Zhenghao couldn't help but hear this retort and felt as if he'd been compelled to ingest something repugnant. He simmered with anger.
[How can you be so callous? You seldom speak, but when you do, it is consistently unhelpful and antagonistic!
Curses upon you! We are comrades now! In the event of any mishap, neither of us will emerge unscathed. Neither I nor you!
I simply cannot comprehend how you maintain such unflappable composure.]
Though these thoughts surged within him, Wan Zhenghao refrained from vocalizing them. Instead, he fixed his gaze upon Liu Changjun, recognizing that the latter was genuinely indifferent to the outcome of the auction.
[What a cold-blooded assassin!
All that concerns him is his own assassin team!
Nothing else registers on his radar!
What an insufferable individual!
But... should I hurl insults at him, what recourse do I have if he decides to pounce and subdue me?]
He cast an assessing glance upon his own physique, realizing the futility of attempting to best Liu Changjun in physical combat. In fact, evading him would prove equally futile, for Liu Changjun's readiness to spring into action was perpetually palpable, even though Wan Zhenghao couldn't discern the man's feet.
Thus, discretion became the better part of valor, and Wan Zhenghao opted against provoking Liu Changjun.
With a sigh, he implored, "Liu, you bear a responsibility to our salesroom, regardless of your disinterest in other matters. Your perpetual indifference only serves to exacerbate my distress, do you comprehend?"
Liu Changjun's only response was to roll his eyes once more, maintaining his silence.
Exasperated, Wan Zhenghao raised his voice to a deep bellow. "Should anything untoward transpire, Ling-Bao Hall will be utterly ruined... Are you cognizant of that fact? The demise of Ling-Bao Hall would entail the demise of your assassin team as well! Do you grasp the gravity of the situation? Your intelligence division would likewise meet its demise. Is that perfectly clear to you?"