Not Giving in to Neither Soft nor Hard Tactics! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao vehemently defended his relationship with Bing Xinyue. His eyes, like lightning bolts, pierced into Wan-Er as he spoke with a deep and resolute voice. "Our relationship is not what you think. It is such a pure and beautiful bond between us. Why do you have to insinuate that she's having an affair with me?"
Although his tone remained consistent, a tumult of emotions roiled within him. "I saved her life, and in gratitude, she sought to help me in my dire straits. Even if it means risking her own life, she sees it as repaying the debt of her life to me. It may be astonishing to me, but it is logical. Is it truly so difficult for you to grasp?"
Eun Xiao's words carried a veneer of steadfastness, but beneath the surface, his heart ached. "Why would such a beautiful young woman willingly sacrifice herself for me? She doesn't even want me to know the extent of her sacrifices."
This was a pivotal juncture in their negotiation. Surrendering the upper hand could make it exceedingly challenging to regain control. If he displayed even a sliver of vulnerability, Wan and Xiu would exploit it to its fullest extent, eroding his position bit by bit.
Eun Xiao had to be unyielding, even ruthless. He couldn't afford to show weakness.
"You're using her as a bargaining chip," he accused, his voice as cold as ice. "And yet, I still refuse to acquiesce."
"Even if we were lovers, I would reject your proposition. Even if it means watching her perish, or both of us meeting our end together, I shall not yield. I will never say yes."
His countenance remained as implacable as steel, his voice unwavering.
Wan and Xiu exchanged glances, a mutual sense of frustration evident in their eyes. They were at a loss for how to break through his unyielding stance.
Ling Wuxie, with a nonchalant demeanor, interjected, "I recall you insisted on silence a moment ago, urging us to depart. Yet, after we mentioned Bing-Er, you suddenly became quite talkative. Are you still intent on sending us away?"
He grinned mischievously, "I'm genuinely curious. What is it about this Bing-Er that could prompt Feng Monarch to change his mind? I have a feeling she won't disappoint me."
Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback, his gaze hardening as he fixed it on Ling Wuxie. The latter simply chuckled, saying, "No offense, but I have a quick tongue."
Eun Xiao retorted in a bland tone, "None taken. Swift or measured, you'll eventually discover whether I'm sincere or not. I'm here to listen, not to argue."
Relaxing into his chair, Eun Xiao closed his eyes. He had made his stance clear.
He conveyed his message silently: [Speak if you must, but I won't engage.]
[The mention of Bing Xinyue hasn't altered my determination.]
[Proceed with your threats, if you wish.]
[I won't interrupt, and I'll hear you out. But my mind remains unchanged.]
Ling Wuxie came to a stark realization. Mentioning Bing Xinyue had indeed triggered a subtle shift in Feng Monarch's demeanor. It appeared they might have stumbled upon an opportunity. Yet, he had made a critical error; by openly acknowledging it, he had compromised their position.
Cha Eun Xiao, as resilient as ever, retained his composure. With his eyes closed, he began to address their actions, his words carrying the weight of his unwavering spirit.
"Having strength, energy, noble lineage, and power… you might believe you can wield these to achieve your every desire. You might think you can manipulate a man by controlling his woman or coerce all living beings by holding dominion over the fate of the world," he calmly began.
He made it clear, "You've erred."
"You've overstepped."
"You've achieved much, but you've demanded too much."
"You seek nothing from this world. You care for nothing within it. Kingdoms crumble, people suffer, and you remain unfazed. That's precisely why you've persevered."
"But circumstances have shifted."
"Now, you need something from me."
"So I won't be swayed by your threats. You have two options: end my life or contend with your own machinations. Go lead your mundane existence for perhaps thousands or millions of years. Or, alternatively, you can simply depart at once!"
"I won't produce more Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan beads for you. The one I pledged is not forthcoming any sooner. Crafting dan requires the serenity of the alchemist, or failure is assured. No matter how many attempts you make, they will all end in failure. Mark my words, approximately seven months from now, I shall deliver a Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan bead to Master Bai. But for the additional beads you seek, I recommend seeking assistance elsewhere. I am simply unable to fulfill your request."
"Let me make this perfectly clear: I do not yield to gentleness, nor do I capitulate to coercion. Neither softness nor force can compel me."
"Kindly take your leave."
Wan of the Clouds, Xiu of the Heavens, and Ling Wuxie were left at a loss for words and actions. They recognized that this man did not lie, particularly when it concerned his own choices. Their earlier observations of how he dealt with assassins and representatives of the two major sects confirmed this.
However, they were now faced with a daunting dilemma. If Cha Eun Xiao remained steadfast, impervious to all methods of persuasion, what recourse did they have?
Both Wan-Er and Xiu-Er found themselves on the verge of sighing. [How can there exist a man with such an unwavering disposition in this world?]