Now I Will Leave! . . .
Wan Zhenghao's spirits lifted upon hearing Feng Monarch's words. "Really?"
"Have I ever lied to you?" Cha Eun Xiao retorted, his gaze fixed on Wan Zhenghao.
"No... Okay! Let's do it!" Wan Zhenghao's usually plump face now exuded determination. He had had enough of being seen as nothing more than a plump piece of meat on a plate.
This time, with the Monarch's decision, he was eager to take the fight head-on.
"Of course, we need a strategy for this. You four should discuss the details... As for those with hefty bounties, let Ning, Zhao, or Liu handle them. It will save us money and ensure safety. For less significant targets, our assassins can go after them, saving us some expense. It's always better to have our own people secure our funds," Cha Eun Xiao imparted. "Don't be overly honest in this cruel world. When you need to strategize, do it. It can lead to better publicity and draw more participants to our bounty hunt. But be cautious, leave no traces."
Wan Zhenghao's eyes sparkled with newfound insight. "Right, you're absolutely right. Right, right, right..."
"Discuss the specifics among yourselves. Remember, make it secure and effective. I have other matters to attend to. I'll leave you to it," Cha Eun Xiao instructed. "And remember, we must conclude this before tonight. I want the entire martial world to be aware of it by morning!"
Having delivered his message, he nodded and strolled out of Ling-Bao Hall.
The four left behind immediately commenced their discussion. Wan Zhenghao, in particular, adopted the role of a legendary businessman, sharing his insights and plans.
The three assassins listened attentively, offering occasional advice. Evidently, they were eager to participate in this audacious, colossal scheme.
...
Cha Eun Xiao had just exited Ling-Bao Hall when he spotted a lady standing serenely in white attire. Her graceful form and ethereal hair lent her an otherworldly aura. Despite standing on the ground, she appeared as if she might be carried away by the wind at any moment.
Her enigmatic beauty was captivating.
Her clear eyes locked onto Cha Eun Xiao as he emerged.
Bing Xinyue!
In her eyes were complex emotions. She appeared calm and composed, resembling a tranquil well. As Cha Eun Xiao approached, she finally graced him with a smile.
"Feng Monarch," she said, offering a slight bow. Her white attire fluttered in the breeze as she smiled sweetly. "I'm embarrassed. I didn't help you; instead, you saved my life once again. It's futile to express my gratitude, but I still feel compelled to convey it."
Cha Eun Xiao found himself momentarily at a loss for words.
This lady had nearly sacrificed everything to confront Xiu of the Heavens for his sake. She was willing to forsake her life, her family, and her people. What's more, she didn't want him to be aware of her attempt, success or failure.
Typically, the House of the Chaotic Storms would undoubtedly eliminate every faction connected to Bing Xinyue.
Why did she take such a reckless action? Was it truly just to repay a debt to Feng Monarch?
She knew she had given too much, yet she was now here to express gratitude to him.
Cha Eun Xiao was genuinely unsure how to respond.
"I should thank you for your actions this time," he sighed, "but why go through all this trouble?"
A simple question seemed to moisten her eyes, and a hint of mist appeared in her gaze.
"Why bother?" Cha Eun Xiao queried.
Her answer remained unspoken but understood.
[Why bother?]
[How can I explain? I knew I wouldn't be able to bear the outcome, yet I still did it for you.]
[I did it without regrets!]
"Even now, I find it challenging to articulate my emotions. The only phrase that seems fitting is 'thank you!'" Bing Xinyue mused.
"Is that unusual?" she wondered. "Is it meant to be this way? Is fate toying with me? No!"
"I attempted to repay you, Feng Monarch, for saving my life," Bing Xinyue continued. "But I never anticipated accumulating yet another debt to you. The whims of fate are truly unpredictable."
Her demeanor was nonchalant, calm, and gentle as she added, "I owe you more and more. I genuinely don't know if I can ever repay you."
Cha Eun Xiao responded with a profound tone, "No need. We're friends. Friends assist each other. There's no need to mention repayment anymore."
"Friends," Bing Xinyue contemplated for a moment, her lips curving into a smile. "Yes, we are friends. Well then, I'll graciously accept your kind heart. Haha."
Cha Eun Xiao nodded. "That's right. We are friends. I hope you can lead a happy, healthy, and comfortable life. I don't wish for anything more in return."
Bing Xinyue lowered her eyelids and spoke softly, "Having a friend like Feng Monarch in my life is a great comfort. Feng Monarch, I've come to bid farewell."
"Farewell? Why?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired.
"I'm returning to the Qing-Yun Realm," Bing Xinyue explained. "The Land of Han-Yang, this mortal realm, is no longer where I belong. I need to return to protect my sect. That's where my destiny has placed me."
Cha Eun Xiao fell silent for a moment before suggesting, "Can you stay for two more days? There are still impurities in your body. It will take just two days to completely cleanse it. You'll greatly improve, and it will never trouble you again."
"No need," Bing Xinyue smiled. "I'm content with my current condition. At the very least, I can live for another hundred years. As for the remaining wounds, I suppose I'll leave them be. They won't affect me any further. Whether I improve or not, it means the same to me..."
Cha Eun Xiao fell silent once more.
Remaining the same or improving would make a significant difference. If the remaining wounds were removed, she would have a bright and unburdened future. If not, she would only have a few hundred more years to live. However, any progress in her martial arts would trigger the impurity's return and potentially lead to a powerful explosion that could either harm her slightly or prove fatal. The contrast was substantial.
Cha Eun Xiao understood that Bing Xinyue didn't want to accumulate more debts to him. She wished to distance herself from his influence. That was why she was relinquishing this opportunity.
However, Cha Eun Xiao remained unaware that behind Bing Xinyue's smile lay profound pain.
"Wounds?" she reflected. "If they're all removed, I might forget you, forget the story between us. If I let them remain within me, when they cause me pain again, despite the suffering, they will remind me of the days with you. I don't want to forget. I won't forget. Those beautiful memories!"