What He Aspired Most . . .
Master Bai's eyes shimmered with a hidden agenda, a thought he held tightly to himself.
"[What's more, there's no way of knowing if he'll make it through the crisis in Chen-Xing City this time. If he doesn't, it might be a blessing in disguise. A deceased man, even one with a supposed destiny, can pose no threat. Such a destiny holds no sway over the deceased...]" Master Bai's mind whispered dark thoughts.
…
In the secluded confines of the mystical Space, the egg reveled in a frenzy of joy. It twirled and danced through the ethereal plane after having absorbed the radiant, colorful spiritual qi.
If anyone could decipher its silent exclamations, they would discern that it was chanting, 'I've found it! He's still alive. This is marvelous! Exceptional! Incredible…'
'I have a clue to follow now. I won't let it escape. No matter where you hide, I will track you down. Ahhhhh… I shall consume every leaf of yours! Devour all your fruits! Absorb every morsel of your essence! Ahhhhhh…'
'It's been countless eons of longing. Ahhhh…'
The egg whirled excitedly!
'As long as that tree stands, I shall locate it!'
'Humph! You're nothing but a tree, chastised by the natural forces of the cosmos. Do you believe you can elude me? Yayyyy…'
…
"Brother Feng, your unwavering principles and moral values ascend to the heavens. You're a man of your word. Even in the midst of chaos and turmoil, you remember your promise and make your way here to honor our agreement. Bai Chen is truly in awe of you," Master Bai commented casually as he extended the small tea bag toward Cha Eun Xiao.
"This is but a small bag of tea. Accepting it is a mere formality. With respect, I offer it to you. Please take it."
Cha Eun Xiao gazed at the diminutive tea bag, his thoughts veiled in a fog of uncertainty. He had initially made that remark in jest and had never anticipated that Master Bai would genuinely bestow upon him this unique and unparalleled treasure.
Cha Eun Xiao was conflicted. [This must be an exceptionally rare and wondrous treasure! I can't afford to miss an opportunity like this. There might never be another chance like it.]
However, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Master Bai had undisclosed motives. He wouldn't part with such a significant treasure without ulterior motives. Cha Eun Xiao was apprehensive about what lay beneath the surface.
Still, what Master Bai had offered was undeniably valuable. In the absence of complete information, Cha Eun Xiao reasoned that accepting the gift was the prudent course of action. It would be impolite to reject such a generous offer. With a respectful nod, he extended his hand to receive the tea bag.
The future held countless uncertainties, and Cha Eun Xiao believed that time would ultimately reveal whether this gift would prove a boon or a burden.
"By the way," Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "did you mention the need to keep one leaf for yourself? As a memento?"
"No need," Master Bai replied, his smile placid, his gaze fixed on the now-glowless cup in front of him. "I've already retained one."
"I see. Your generosity is admirable," Cha Eun Xiao remarked. He turned his hand and carefully placed the tea into his spatial ring.
He dared not entrust it to the Space. Upon entering that ethereal realm, the Cosmic Hades would undoubtedly greedily consume the tea, leaving Cha Eun Xiao helpless to prevent it. It would be akin to offering a lavish feast for the voracious egg, which might result in the cataclysmic eruption of the Cosmic Hades.
Such an explosion, given Cha Eun Xiao's current condition, would render him vulnerable, possibly freezing him into an eternal, inescapable stasis.
"Life is a strange thing," Cha Eun Xiao mused, his voice deliberate. "Especially after encountering you, Master Bai, things have taken an even stranger turn. For someone of your elegance and power, you should not be entangled in this tumultuous mortal world. Even if you choose to partake in these worldly games, you need not repeat them so many times."
Master Bai nodded thoughtfully, his gaze steady on Cha Eun Xiao. "Indeed, that seems to be true. Yet, every action has its underlying reasons."
He contemplated Cha Eun Xiao, his expression curious. "In fact, you are quite enigmatic as well. Despite the dire circumstances you currently face, you've kept your promise to confront my legs, even though I am your adversary. What drives you?"
Cha Eun Xiao wore a wry smile as he explained, "There is only one thing I desire above all in my life."
Intrigued, Master Bai inquired, "And what is that?"
Cha Eun Xiao's words concealed a deeper meaning, one unknown to Master Bai.
"In my life," he replied coldly, "there may be those who betray me, plot against me, but I will not initiate conflicts without reason. I will not allow those who wrong me to escape justice. And I will not forget the kindness of those who aid me. My promises are ironclad, and I shall fulfill them without exception."
"The worth of my word is akin to the value of gold. I may employ shameless methods, act indelicately, and do whatever is necessary to achieve my goals, but my promises, once given, will be honored. It matters not if they are made to friends or foes."
He continued with unwavering determination, "My aspiration is that, when I close my eyes for the final time, I shall harbor no regrets."
His eyes shone with unwavering conviction as he spoke, addressing both his interlocutor and himself with resolute sincerity.
In this moment, a flood of memories rushed through Cha Eun Xiao's mind, harkening back to promises he had made in a previous life, commitments he had ultimately failed to honor. He couldn't help but think about the individual who had suffered due to his inability to keep those vows.
Now, he was determined to act differently. This time, he made a pledge that he intended to fulfill, driven by his past shortcomings and the person who had once been hurt because of him.
"For you," Cha Eun Xiao declared silently, "I am determined to make a change in this life. I make this promise, and I will uphold it. Can you even hear me?"
He continued within the confines of his own thoughts, "If there is a next life, I promise I will accompany you to explore the world. Do you remember?"
Master Bai observed Cha Eun Xiao closely, seeing the genuine sincerity reflected in the man's eyes and in every word he spoke. Cha Eun Xiao's resolve was tangible, and it was evident that this promise held immeasurable significance for him.
Indeed, this was the commitment he would strive to fulfill in this life, with no room for regret. Master Bai, overhearing Cha Eun Xiao's heartfelt words, muttered quietly to himself and let out a bitter laugh.
"This Feng Zhiling," he pondered, "he is capable of making such a promise. Can I?"
It was a moment of self-reflection and, strangely enough, a pang of jealousy. Cha Eun Xiao had thrust Master Bai into several unprecedented situations that day—being spat upon, feeling troubled, experiencing unpleasant odors, and now, even igniting a spark of jealousy.
Master Bai sighed lightly, pondering the question that had arisen in his mind. "How could that be an easy thing to do..."