Threat! . . .
These were the unfiltered sentiments coursing through Cha Eun Xiao's heart; there was no pretense in his actions.
In his perspective, if an individual lacked dignity and a fundamental code of conduct in their life, it would become stagnant, much like dead water - devoid of any joy or vibrancy. Cha Eun Xiao abhorred threats above all else.
If someone attempted to coerce him by issuing threats, be it something he had no desire to do or even something he was inclined to do, he would adamantly refuse. Whether the threat pertained to a task he was keen to undertake, he still would not yield. Cha Eun Xiao firmly believed that if he had the inclination to do something, no external force could hinder him. Conversely, if threatened into compliance, he would opt for death rather than submission. Such was the resolute nature of his character.
Cha Eun Xiao's disposition was a vital aspect of his personality, rooted in unwavering determination. The names Wan of the Clouds and Xiu of the Heavens carried a weight of infamy in the Land of Han-Yang, extending even into the Qing-Yun Realm. Despite their formidable abilities, they found themselves being summarily dismissed by him.
Ling Wuxie, though even more formidable than the two women, was similarly met with a request to depart. This left him at a loss, while Wan of the Clouds and Xiu of the Heavens found themselves perplexed. They hadn't even delved into the negotiation terms, and the meeting seemed to be coming to an abrupt conclusion. Cha Eun Xiao's resolute stance left them concerned about the potential delay in their master's recovery.
Wan of the Clouds, always composed and astute, made an attempt to salvage the situation. She conjectured, "Perhaps Feng Monarch is unaware. A few days ago, during the most precarious period, Xiu of the Heavens returned from the southern region. On her way back, she encountered a formidable adversary—a woman."
Cha Eun Xiao's complexion turned ashen, but he remained silent, as if he hadn't heard a word from Wan of the Clouds.
"It is said that this woman is your beloved, Feng Monarch," Wan of the Clouds sighed. "I'm delighted for you, for you have a woman in your life who is willing to sacrifice everything for you. She understood that stopping us would bring about misfortune no matter the outcome. Even her sect, her family, and her clan would face ruin. Yet, she stood resolute, all because of you."
"This attests to her profound love for you, Feng Monarch. She is willing to do whatever it takes for your sake. This woman is no ordinary individual. If we hadn't arrived to aid Xiu-Er in time, both she and Xiu-Er would have been grievously harmed. Eventually, we managed to overcome her, but she remains a guest in the House of the Chaotic Storms. Her power is staggering, and for now, we cannot release her."
A glimmer of recognition flickered in Cha Eun Xiao's eyes. Wan of the Clouds maintained her unwavering gaze, saying, "This compassionate and sentimental woman is none other than Bing Xinyue, Feng Monarch. Are you acquainted with her? Have you shared mutual affection, or is it an unrequited love?"
Cha Eun Xiao's countenance twitched, and he muttered, "Bing Xinyue."
A trace of bewilderment crossed his features, but a sense of relief washed over him. He had contemplated earlier that if the House of the Chaotic Storms unleashed its full might, he might not escape unscathed.
This was the reason why Cha Eun Xiao had spared no effort to honor the promises he had made prior to the unfolding of recent events. He was determined to fulfill his commitments, which included the healing of Bing Xinyue and, furthermore, the recovery of Song Jue.
While engrossed in these endeavors, he sought the solace that came with keeping his word. Regret was a sentiment he wished to avoid at all costs. Eun Xiao never demanded anything in return for his actions.
However, something troubled him deeply. Even though Bing Xinyue was well aware of his precarious situation, surrounded by adversaries, she had departed without a word after being healed by Cha Eun Xiao. Her departure left him feeling disheartened, as he had never sought recompense for his actions but couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about her abrupt and unexplained exit.
It was at this moment that Eun Xiao came to a realization - Bing Xinyue was not a heartless person. In fact, she was prepared to sacrifice everything to aid him, a fact she did not feel compelled to reveal. He was certain that if Bing Xinyue had managed to halt Wan of the Clouds without being captured by the two women, she would have taken her secret to the grave.
Eun Xiao comprehended her intentions well: "You assisted me selflessly, seeking no reward. In turn, I shall support you without the need for recognition." Such was the purity and pride of Bing Xinyue's character.
Now, however, she was in the custody of the House of the Chaotic Storms due to her association with him. Could he simply stand by and do nothing?
Mixed emotions surged within him. He concealed his turmoil behind a dark countenance and uttered a cold, sardonic smile. "Well, isn't this yet another form of coercion? Wan of the Clouds certainly excels in the art of manipulation. You've truly enlightened me today."
Wan of the Clouds, however, countered, "No, Feng Monarch, you misunderstand. We are merely conveying a fact. In reality, whether you consent or not, we have already decided to release Bing-Er. We both understand the sentiments of women in love, the willingness to sacrifice everything for a beloved one. As women, we share this sentiment. How could we tarnish the purity of her heart by using it as a means of intimidation? We would never employ her pure-heartedness as a threat. That would sully its innocence."
Eun Xiao retorted sharply, "Your words may be beautiful, but in practice, you are precisely doing just that! If I take no action, won't I be the one tainting the purity of her heart?"
Wan-Er remained silent and sighed, a look of regret evident in her eyes.
Cha Eun Xiao's tone grew more neutral as he continued, "Bing Xinyue became acquainted with me because she fell ill some time ago, a malady that nearly claimed her life. She had mere months to live. Fate has a way of bringing people together. I did all I could to restore her health, achieving an eighty percent recovery."
Suppressing the emotions that churned within him, he stated, "This is why we remain friends, or more precisely, a patient and a doctor. Bing Lady is grateful for my assistance and wishes to reciprocate."