A Palm Hit Promise . . .
Ling Wuxie silently contemplated, [If this individual were truly killable, Cha Nantian would have taken care of him long ago. Why delay the matter?]
[Bai Chen isn't a fool...]
[If this man can be eliminated, it implies that Cha Nantian can be vanquished as well. Cha Nantian faces adversaries far more formidable than Feng Monarch. If Bu Jingtian grasps this truth, he might start praying for Cha Zhiling's survival.]
...
On the ground, Bu Jingtian endured the perplexing gazes of cultivators from the two prominent sects, his inner fury smoldering. His anger became increasingly difficult to suppress. Feng Monarch's lack of respect stirred the desire to end his life, had it not been for his dire need of supreme dan beads.
Bu Jingtian's gaze fixated on Cha Eun Xiao, and an epiphany struck him. He spoke with a nonchalant tone, "Feng Monarch, you find yourself encircled by adversaries at this moment. You exhibit a deep concern for your comrades. When you regained the upper hand earlier, you swiftly avenged your fallen allies. Your actions reveal everything, am I correct?"
Cha Eun Xiao's eyes gleamed with icy determination. "So what? What's your point?"
Bu Jingtian adopted a casual demeanor as he continued, "I don't dispute my limited time left to live. I also don't dispute your ability to produce supreme dan beads. In fact, you are the sole individual capable of crafting them."
He paused, allowing his words to hang in the air before adding, "In other words, Feng Monarch, you represent my sole chance of survival. It appears that I must concede to being your pawn since you hold my weakness hostage. You, Feng Monarch, place too much importance on something."
A subtle shift occurred in Bu Jingtian's mood, and his countenance transformed into one of apparent contentment. In stark contrast, Cha Eun Xiao grew serious. "What are you aiming to achieve, sir? Just state your intentions clearly. Why the need for subterfuge?"
Bu Jingtian spoke nonchalantly, "Feng Monarch, I have no intention of killing you. You are my lifeline. However, I can eliminate those dear to you. They hold significance in your eyes, but they are of no consequence to me. Why should I refrain from killing those I feel no attachment to?"
He elaborated on his intentions with an air of determination. "I will take their lives one by one. I look forward to observing how long you can bear witness to their deaths. I wonder how many lives I must extinguish before you reconsider your stance and attitude toward me. I await the day."
His eyes brimmed with murderous intent once more as he directed his gaze toward the assassins surrounding Cha Eun Xiao, including Wan Zhenghao.
A clear message emerged from his declaration.
[I won't plead for your assistance!
I have my pride!
Nonetheless, you must assist me. If you refuse, I will take the lives of your associates! Should you persist in your refusal after I claim one life, I will claim another. I will continue until you yield!]
This was undoubtedly a threat—a direct attempt at coercion!
[I will compel you to seek my aid!]
Cha Eun Xiao's expression underwent a visible change, appearing far from content. He regarded Bu Jingtian with quiet intensity for a moment before speaking, "Are you absolutely certain? Do you truly wish to tread this path?"
Bu Jingtian responded with a sardonic smile, "You possess keen insight. You have discerned my vulnerability, which serves as your advantage. Yet, your arrogance has grown unchecked. You have exposed your own weakness to me. Who am I? I hold the title of No. 1 in the world. How dare you flaunt your juvenile stratagem in my presence! Today, you shall discover that legends are not so easily shattered!"
Cha Eun Xiao nodded solemnly, his emotions a complex mix of reluctance and obligation. He inhaled deeply before admitting, "To be frank, I have no desire to assist you. Your actions are contemptible... But you have discerned my vulnerability. I hesitated to confront you directly, but considering your standing as the No. 1 in the world, a legend in the Land of Han-Yang... Very well, I will acquiesce."
He sighed with an air of resignation, his countenance mirroring his inner turmoil.
Bu Jingtian responded with a dry smile, "A wise individual accepts the inevitable."
Cha Eun Xiao let out a discontented grunt before contemplating. "Bu Jingtian, I find it deeply disheartening to be subjected to your threats. If you truly hold the title of No. 1 in the world, you should be invincible. Here's a proposal: If you can withstand a single palm strike from me and pledge not to harm my associates, I will craft ten Life Extending Dan beads for you. This will grant you an additional three hundred years of life. What do you say?"
Onlookers displayed a mixture of emotions, their expressions perplexed. Their gazes, directed at Feng Monarch, held a sense of bewilderment.
[What in the world is happening? Feng Monarch barely ranks at level 3 of the Sky Origin Stage, placing him at the lower echelon of the current assembly. Bu Jingtian, on the other hand, boasts a mastery exceeding level 9 of the Sky Origin Stage, marking the pinnacle in the Land of Han-Yang. The gap is insurmountable. Not even a hundred palm strikes, and not even the utilization of a sword in combat, could possibly overcome such odds!]
[Listen to his words. There's a hidden motive behind them. He seeks an exit from this uncomfortable situation, prioritizing the safety of his comrades. However, why does he cling to this false sense of honor after deciding to surrender? He has devised such a senseless notion to secure an escape...]
[A palm strike from him would be as effective as an ant striking a towering tree. There's no way it could harm Bu Jingtian with his power.]
[Initially, Feng Monarch should have accepted his terms. It would have been a gracious favor to the No. 1 Cultivator. A favor of immeasurable value, one that would forever bind Bu Jingtian in gratitude.]
[No matter how detestable Bu Jingtian may be, he still cares about his reputation. When people wish to confront you, they will pause and reflect. At the very least, should he accept your dan beads, he would be too ashamed to harm your companions. It would have been a win-win situation!]
[What a tangled web you've woven. In the name of your honor, you've made an audacious promise. Yet, you relinquished numerous opportunities that could have benefited you greatly.]
[You have agreed to help him, yet you continue to label him as despicable. A most ungrateful task.]
Bu Jingtian's eyes gleamed with cold light as he spoke, "Whether I am considered contemptible or honorable is not for you to decide."
As anticipated, his anger had not abated.