All Solved In One Night . . .
Liu Changjun couldn't help but be amused and slightly exasperated by Cha Eun Xiao's seemingly jovial mood amidst the grave danger surrounding them. He candidly inquired, "Are you seriously cracking jokes right now? Our situation is exceedingly perilous. What course of action do you intend to take?"
Rising from his seat, Cha Eun Xiao paced thoughtfully for a few steps before responding, "What decisions can I make in this dire circumstance? We must defend ourselves like we're fortifying a dam against a raging flood, Liu Changjun."
With his chest held high, Liu Changjun replied resolutely, his composure unwavering. "I stand ready."
Unfazed by the looming threat, Cha Eun Xiao continued with a grave expression, "When I mentioned that a crisis can also present an opportunity, I wasn't jesting. Perhaps this is our opportunity. You've been concerned about our lack of assassins, haven't you? Well, here's an exceptional chance before us. All the preeminent assassins will converge on this city, and each of them could potentially be a valuable addition."
Amused by his leader's optimism, Liu Changjun couldn't help but think, [Recruiting top assassins isn't as simple as Cha Eun Xiao makes it sound. These outlaws prioritize their personal interests over camaraderie or loyalty. They have a penchant for killing and are fixated on money. Their personalities vary greatly. How can I possibly enlist them as my subordinates while they're actively seeking my life?]
Cha Eun Xiao offered some encouragement, saying, "There are things you might not envision, but nothing you cannot achieve."
Liu Changjun nodded and replied, "Yes."
Despite the apprehension he felt moments ago, Cha Eun Xiao projected a facade of confidence. The bond of trust between him and Liu Changjun was unshakeable, providing the latter with a sense of security. He nodded once more and then departed.
As Liu Changjun disappeared through the concealed floor entrance, Cha Eun Xiao watched him intently until the hidden passage closed. Soon after, the confident visage he had worn began to fade, and he lapsed into contemplative silence. After a significant pause, a wry smile surfaced on his face.
[This is truly testing my limits. Everyone expects me to have all the answers, but do I appear to be a mastermind full of intricate schemes? I'm in dire need of someone who can offer counsel and guidance.]
Cha Eun Xiao was burdened with worry and frustration. His composure had waned, and his expression no longer radiated tranquility.
After some time, he made his way to the door. Yet, when he ventured outside, he wisely chose not to assume the guise of Feng Zhiling. Revealing himself as such on the streets would have been an invitation to an assassination attempt.
Only upon arriving at the entrance of Wenren Chuchu's residence did Cha Eun Xiao revert to his Feng Zhiling appearance. Bing Xinyue regarded him with concern and inquired, "How have you been holding up lately?"
Wenren Chuchu also scrutinized him with a worried expression. Both women were well-informed about the developments in the capital and were acutely aware of the mounting pressure Cha Eun Xiao, or Feng Zhiling, must be experiencing.
Displaying a demeanor of nonchalance, Cha Eun Xiao responded with a reassuring smile, "I'm perfectly fine. You know I've had a considerable windfall recently. Let's focus on treating the ailment, shall we? I might become rather occupied in the coming days, so I may not have much time for the two of you. Fortunately, my cultivation has seen marked improvement lately, which should allow me to make substantial progress in curing the illness without any adverse effects."
Wenren Chuchu contemplated practical ways to assist Cha Eun Xiao, considering that her aid could greatly alleviate the current situation. Even if it didn't lead to an immediate resolution, it would still offer a significant advantage. Cha Eun Xiao wouldn't find himself in a helpless predicament.
Nevertheless, the indomitable pride of the Xiao Monarch prevented him from seeking help from a woman, let alone one who might harbor reluctance. His stance was firm: "When have I, Cha Eun Xiao, ever needed assistance from a woman? Furthermore, it's unreasonable to impose my will on others, especially when their inclinations don't align with mine. Such a course of action lacks nobility."
Bing Xinyue heard his words but avoided making eye contact with Cha Eun Xiao. She and Wenren Chuchu had engaged in earnest discussions about this very matter.
Wenren Chuchu, being the princess of the Kingdom of Lanfeng, could be viewed as a turncoat if she refrained from fomenting unrest in the Kingdom of Chen. Consequently, aiding Cha Eun Xiao posed an ethical dilemma for her. Bing Xinyue, despite being immensely powerful, exceeded even the strongest cultivators in the Land of Han-Yang. She possessed the capability to shield Ling-Bao Hall effectively, making any attack an exercise in futility. However, supporting Ling-Bao Hall would inevitably pit her against the House of the Chaotic Storms, a force represented by Master Bai. Incurring his wrath would lead to her own demise and potentially bring catastrophe upon the Misty Cloud Palace.
Moreover, her involvement meant that she was standing in opposition to her own disciple. The more she aided Feng Zhiling, the more people from her disciple's nation would perish.
It was an intractable predicament, one that weighed heavily on her heart. She couldn't restrain herself from extending assistance to Feng Zhiling, particularly when she had accepted a favor from him. The internal conflict and emotional turmoil proved challenging to endure.
...
Throughout the entire night, Wenren Chuchu remained alone beneath the flowering tree in the courtyard, gazing up at the sky, with numerous thoughts clouding her mind. The dew gradually saturated her attire, but she made no effort to evade it.
It was evident to Wenren Chuchu that Feng Zhiling found himself in dire circumstances, a predicament aggravated by the House of the Chaotic Storms. Even if she made every possible effort to assist Cha Eun Xiao, the situation appeared irreparable.
This truth, this harsh reality, weighed heavily on Wenren Chuchu. She comprehended that even if she had a reasonable excuse not to offer her aid, regardless of the fact that nobody could fault her, an excuse remained just that—an excuse. The guilt lingering in her heart would persist.
Perhaps her efforts would be in vain if she attempted to help, but it was an entirely different matter if she refrained from extending her assistance.
Nonetheless, her allegiance lay with the Kingdom of Chen, and she could never support her adversary. Her rationale provided a compelling excuse, albeit just that—an excuse, albeit a potent one.
As the night grew late, the solitary illuminated room in the courtyard revealed its warm glow. The light remained ablaze throughout the night.
Cha Eun Xiao exerted himself tirelessly to address Bing Xinyue's ailment within this room. He had ascended two cultivation levels, and his East-rising Purple Qi had reached the second level. Resolving Bing Xinyue's issue had become significantly more manageable, delivering superior results compared to the previous attempt.
This time, he saved over five times the duration required for the prior treatment. Previously, he had to perform the martial art dozens of times to eradicate the death qi within Bing Xinyue, whereas now, he succeeded in clearing eighty percent of it in a single night. Just a mere twenty percent of the death qi remained within Bing Xinyue. Even if Cha Eun Xiao were to meet an untimely demise, Bing Xinyue's cultivation would remain unhindered for several centuries.
At daybreak, Cha Eun Xiao, utterly drained, withdrew his hands from Bing Xinyue, having made remarkable progress in her recovery.