Opponent Is Opponent! . . .
At times, Cha Eun Xiao harnessed the power of others; sometimes, he schemed against someone, occasionally employing subtle plots, and on other occasions, he took a high-profile approach.
The relationship between the House of the Chaotic Storms and Feng Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall was peculiar.
On certain occasions, due to unforeseen events, they found themselves compelled to collaborate. However, more often than not, they stood at odds with each other.
Cha Eun Xiao had been facing an uphill battle. He had put in relentless effort to maintain his ground in this struggle.
As Wan and Xiu reminisced, throughout the extensive history of their floundering enterprise, whenever someone like Cha Eun Xiao appeared, they eventually surrendered. How could a mere mortal contend with gods and supernatural forces?
But Cha Eun Xiao refused to give up.
Despite constantly being on the weaker side and enduring the constant threat posed by the House of the Chaotic Storms, he persevered. He had succeeded. The truth was evident.
The House of the Chaotic Storms possessed the capacity to shape the world and sow discord with a mere wave of their hands. They had real potent energy at their disposal. Cha Eun Xiao, on the other hand, lacked such innate abilities, yet he still managed to create chaos and influence the world. It was truly remarkable.
"Feng Monarch," Wan of the Clouds smiled and said, "Throughout history, among those who opposed the House of the Chaotic Storms, you are the only one who has impressed my Master. He feels somewhat helpless when dealing with you."
Cha Eun Xiao gave a mild smile. "But I haven't won, and that's my regret."
"But you haven't lost either, have you?" Xiu-Er sighed.
Wan and Xiu had long viewed themselves from their own perspective, knowing their own power. However, they were now beginning to appreciate the suffering that Cha Eun Xiao had endured, the strength of his will, and the legend of his battle against a formidable adversary.
Ling Wuxie appeared somewhat conflicted as he remarked, "An opponent, no matter how distant, whether in the sky or on the earth, is still an opponent."
Cha Eun Xiao's eyes sparkled, and he replied solemnly, "You're absolutely right. Thank you, Brother Ling."
...
In the bamboo forest, Master Bai sat alone. He was perched in his customary position on his wheelchair, gazing at the bamboo around him. He pondered the journey he had undertaken since arriving in the Land of Han-Yang.
Thoughts of the adversaries he had encountered and the kingdoms he had toppled filled his mind.
As a gentle breeze wafted through the bamboo, he was suddenly struck by the name Feng Zhiling.
"The wind stirs, he descends..." Master Bai smiled blandly. His typically casual expression morphed into something more enigmatic. He murmured, "Perhaps when you become a formidable tempest that sweeps across the world, I will be pleased to have an opponent like you. A worthy adversary."
"An opponent remains an opponent."
"I eagerly anticipate that day. I sense that you yearn for it too."
Master Bai gazed into the empty air as he murmured, "Since the Heavenly Mystery was unraveled by Meng Wuzhen, I don't know why I spent nine thousand years here. Why? To create a shortcut for others?"
"If Meng Wuzhen is my true adversary, then I shouldn't have journeyed to the Land of Han-Yang. Yet I did. I have been here for nine thousand years. Throughout that time, I have had no opponents. I have been invincible for nine thousand years. I have been solitary for nine thousand years. Now, I have finally encountered someone who has rekindled my interest."
"But now I must depart. I haven't even had a chance to battle him, and I must leave."
"Why? Why has fate led me down this path?"
Master Bai's eyes took on a peculiar expression.
Cha Eun Xiao appeared to have an epiphany.
"Could it be... I've spent nine thousand years here just for this... Feng Monarch?" He was perplexed, his dark hair cascading in the breeze.
"There's only one possibility."
Master Bai stared ahead, his thoughts concealed as he considered this idea.
After some time, he exhaled and uttered two words, "...Destined opponent."
"But... is it possible?"
The wind sent clouds drifting across the sky.
The bamboo forest resembled an undulating sea below.
Dressed in pristine white robes, Cha Eun Xiao stood amid the rolling bamboo, exuding an air of casual confidence, as though he were the focal point of the entire world.
He remained silent for an extended period.
Eventually, he lowered his head and spoke softly, "When I return, I will kneel in the Destiny Hall..."
At the mention of the Destiny Hall, a glimmer of fervor appeared in his eyes.
...
"The second condition pertains to the people you've apprehended," Cha Eun Xiao said placidly. "I want you to release them, ensure their safety and well-being, and never speak to me about love. Such discussions would only tarnish it."
"We've only detained Bing Xinyue," Wan of the Clouds said in a nonchalant tone. "We won't capture ordinary people."
Her words carried an air of authority, indicating that they held little concern for common individuals.
Xiu-Er was more perceptive. She furrowed her brows and questioned, "Feng Monarch, you said 'let them leave,' not 'let them return.' Why is that? Don't you want to keep such a fine lady for yourself?"
Evidently, Xiu of the Heavens was advocating for Bing Xinyue. In truth, while Wan and Xiu were in different circumstances from Bing Xinyue, they shared some common ground. They may have been on opposite sides concerning Bing Xinyue, but they still wanted to protect her.
Cha Eun Xiao gave a rueful smile and spoke with earnestness, "Lady Xiu-Er, let me emphasize once more, we are only doctor and patient. We aren't what you think we are. I am a man, and it's alright for you to speak of me in that manner. However, Lady Bing is a virtuous woman. How can you tarnish her honor in this manner?"
Wan-Er and Xiu-Er exchanged glances and saw a hint of helplessness in each other's eyes.
"So... the lady who would sacrifice everything for this man... is caught in a one-sided love? All that passion, affection, and care, all in vain..."
"We will release her immediately!" Wan and Xiu pledged.