Once a Year . . .
"The second plan is certainly challenging due to the need for material collection," Cha Eun Xiao explained, his voice filled with determination. "We may encounter difficulties, but if we persist, success could be on the horizon. As for crafting the Yin Dan, you need not be concerned. I've given you my word, and divine wrath doesn't daunt me. While the materials for the Yin Dan are rare, we mustn't lose hope."
Addressing the matter of the spiritual beast's inner core, he continued, "I'm confident about obtaining the inner core, which depends largely on our efforts. The initial step doesn't warrant excessive worry, and I pledge to secure the inner core. As for the remaining eight materials, I must admit that I lack confidence at the moment. However, there is a course of action available to us. Beyond the Land of Han-Yang lies the Qing-Yun Realm, which is home to three martial courts. These courts open every century, providing a platform for exchange among denizens of the netherworld, heaven's realm, and our world. Through such exchanges, we may acquire the materials we need, which could be nearly impossible to obtain in the Yang World but relatively more accessible for individuals from the netherworld and heaven's realm."
Concluding his explanation, Cha Eun Xiao expressed, "That sums up the two plans, each with its challenges."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Pingtian released a long, heavy sigh and spoke with a sorrowful expression, "Today, I've come to realize the vastness of the universe. I once believed that my strength was sufficient to overcome any challenge and that I was impervious to external influence. Yet, I now see that I am naught but a mere jest in the grander scheme. Truly, there are heavens beyond heavens."
Turning his attention to Rou-Er, he expressed his longing, "Rou-Er, when will I have the pleasure of seeing you again and being reunited with you?"
The girl shrouded in the grey fog gazed at him intently, her demeanor evoking a sense of profound sorrow.
With a reassuring tone, Cha Eun Xiao addressed Zhao Pingtian, "With your current cultivation level, you stand on the cusp of entering the Qing-Yun Realm. Given your remarkable potential, I am confident that you will progress to the Dao Origin Stage within three hundred years."
Offering words of encouragement, he continued, "While it may seem unattainable within the Land of Han-Yang, the Qing-Yun Realm will reveal that the path may not be as arduous as it appears. The journey may appear formidable, but with unwavering determination and resilience, you will surmount any challenges. I trust that, with your indomitable spirit, the journey will be shorter than expected."
Zhao Pingtian's spirits were rekindled by this affirmation. He inhaled deeply and declared with unwavering determination, "If your words hold true, no matter the adversity, I will persist for the sake of my Rou-Er!"
Cha Eun Xiao then revealed a crucial detail, saying, "Yet, there is an aspect of uncertainty, or one might say, a condition..."
Perplexed, Zhao Pingtian inquired, "What is the condition? What uncertainty do you speak of?"
Cha Eun Xiao continued, "Firstly, the union of Rou-Er's body with the Yin Fruit, as you are aware, will only endure for one hundred years. While this surpasses the Yang Fruit's timeframe, it does present a potential challenge. If, after one hundred years, Rou-Er has not undergone reincarnation, she will inevitably vanish, as the Yin Fruit will have been completely depleted."
As the gravity of his statement sank in, Zhao Pingtian and Rou-Er were both stunned. Cha Eun Xiao offered a reassuring smile and explained, "I have yet to finish. Please don't be alarmed. The uncertainty is not inherently negative; it is merely a consideration. What I wish to convey is that I possess a method to extend the Yin Fruit's effect indefinitely. Periodically, I will craft Soul Protection Dan beads to ensure Rou-Er's continued existence."
He elaborated further, "In the initial one hundred years, a single dan bead will sustain her for ten years. However, it will not last indefinitely. Over time, the bead's efficacy will diminish. After one hundred years, she will require two beads to sustain her for a decade. Two hundred years later, she will need three beads, and so on."
Cha Eun Xiao reassured Zhao Pingtian, "The task of crafting the necessary dan beads and collecting materials won't pose a significant challenge. In this endeavor, quantity can indeed supplement quality. Ling-Bao Hall has the capability to address our requirements adequately."
Zhao Pingtian's emotions fluctuated with every revelation, but after a contemplative pause, he expressed his profound gratitude, saying, "Feng Monarch, your kindness is deeply appreciated. I would consider myself fortunate to see Rou-Er even once, regardless of the obstacles or the dangers that may lie ahead. If it takes three hundred years or even five hundred years, I will gladly embrace the journey, no matter how lengthy."
Cha Eun Xiao responded with a gentle smile, "Brother Zhao, you are setting your aspirations rather modestly. You're asking for far less than the possibilities I've presented to you. Don't you remember what I mentioned earlier? I made it clear that if either of the two plans succeeds, you and Rou-Er can be together eternally. If your only wish is to glimpse her presence once, then there is no need for either of these intricate plans."
Startled by this revelation, Zhao Pingtian inquired with a tremor in his voice, "Feng Monarch, are you suggesting that there is an alternative method to reunite me with Rou-Er?"
Cha Eun Xiao nodded and elucidated with a kind smile, "Reuniting you with her is simpler than you imagine, provided we adhere to the right conditions. On the 15th of July in the lunar calendar, the Yang World experiences its highest level of yin qi. All we must do is locate a site imbued with a profusion of yin qi and have Rou-Er ingest a Soul Restraint Dan bead beforehand. This arrangement will enable Rou-Er to materialize in this world for two hours."
He then cautioned Zhao Pingtian, "But remember, it's crucial not to get too close to her. She remains a spirit, while you possess a strong yang qi. A clash of your yang qi with the yin qi could incite other spirits to form a spirit tide, which might sweep Rou-Er away to the netherworld. We must exercise caution to prevent such a calamity."
Astounded, Zhao Pingtian sought confirmation, "So, I can truly see Rou-Er on the 15th of July?"
Cha Eun Xiao reassured him, "Indeed, and not just once. You can utilize this method annually. In other words, you and Rou-Er can reunite for two hours each year."
Overwhelmed by this revelation, Zhao Pingtian exclaimed, "Every year? For two hours? Is this truly possible?" His excitement was palpable, and his dilated pupils betrayed his astonishment.
In the misty realm, Rou-Er gazed at Cha Eun Xiao with unbridled excitement. Though now a soul, she was well-versed in the intricacies of the netherworld. Her joy was even greater than Zhao Pingtian's, as she recognized Cha Eun Xiao's revelation as a genuine and practical method that would enable her to communicate with her beloved once more.