Burnout? . . .
"That means... over one hundred thousand soldiers who are loyal to you, who serve you, who risk their lives for you and the kingdom, left their wives, sisters, and daughters under your protection in the city. Yet, your son forced them into prostitution. If these brave soldiers discover that the women they loved were subjected to such treatment by your son, the king's own flesh and blood, what will they think of you? What actions might they take? I wonder what goes through your mind."
Cha Eun Xiao sneered.
His words cut through the king's heart like an exceedingly sharp needle, causing even the resolute king to tremble, his face paling. Complex emotions surged within him—anger and sorrow.
The king couldn't suppress a sudden exclamation, spitting out warm blood. His face took on the pallor of gold paper. "You scoundrel!"
Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback. "Your majesty, are you alright?"
In truth, as the king had ordered an investigation into this matter, he should have been aware of the information Cha Eun Xiao had presented. He hadn't expected to provoke such a strong reaction from the king; he had merely sought to mock him.
The king gasped for breath and eventually regained his composure, offering a weak smile. "It's nothing serious. Just a minor setback."
He fell silent for a moment before stating, "I bear the responsibility for this. In any case, I must strive to make amends for the soldiers."
His eyes gleamed with determination, making it a solemn promise. "I will never fail the soldiers."
Then he sighed. "Feng Monarch, your connections to the Kingdom of Chen are relatively limited. Today, I am certain of it... I believe there is no need to conceal anything from you. I... do not have much time left."
Cha Eun Xiao was surprised and asked quietly, "Why is that?"
The king explained, "I have spent my entire life journeying from the southern to the northern territories, accumulating numerous wounds along the way. My life essence has been grievously damaged. While I have been in seclusion during recent years, it has merely prolonged the inevitable. I can feel myself gradually fading away. I fear that my time is running out."
He added with determination, "These past years, I have been frail. As a result, I didn't pay enough attention to the upbringing of my sons. I had hoped that they could ascend to the throne through just and honorable means..."
"I never anticipated... such a monumental mistake."
"Your life essence is damaged?" Cha Eun Xiao frowned. "I recall that the royal house acquired several supreme dan beads at a previous auction. I am confident that my supreme dan beads can certainly help you!"
The king managed a wry smile. "Your supreme dan is remarkable. We procured some as well, and I was greatly enthusiastic about it. After taking these dan beads, my condition did improve, offering me more time. Nevertheless, my body is like an immense funnel... no matter how many medicinal materials are poured in, they are rapidly consumed."
"Supreme dan is potent and wondrous. It created a significant wave of medicinal benefits and invigorated me for several months. However, as powerful as it may be, it can be exhausted. It can provide temporary relief but cannot rectify my fundamental problem. My life essence is beyond repair." The king chuckled bitterly. "I suppose this is my fate. Even supreme dan cannot change it."
"So, please do not concern yourself, Feng Monarch." The king took a deep breath. "I have come to accept it. I merely wish to ensure the peace and stability of my kingdom... I simply desire to leave it in a better state before my time comes... I hope one of my sons can ascend to the throne through honorable means. I do not want to leave behind a kingdom in turmoil... That is my sole wish before my passing."
Cha Eun Xiao fell silent.
The king had been candid and sincere, expressing his innermost desires. Cha Eun Xiao found it heartfelt and trustworthy.
However, the king had underestimated the efficacy of Feng Monarch's dan beads. The supreme dan beads he possessed were merely Supreme Pei-Yuan Dan beads, considered the fundamental dan beads in the martial world. Despite their supreme grade, they were still Pei-Yuan Dan, and there were other dan beads capable of saving lives from the brink of death.
Any of the dan beads that Cha Eun Xiao had previously bestowed upon Bing-Er could potentially save the king. There were more than enough options available.
Cha Eun Xiao hesitated, contemplating, [Should I save him or not?]
Yet the king's honesty puzzled him. [Why is the king being so open and truthful with a stranger? It's quite unusual for a monarch.]
Sensing Cha Eun Xiao's confusion, the king addressed him, saying, "Feng Monarch, does my candor surprise you?"
Cha Eun Xiao nodded. "Yes."
The king smiled, explaining, "It's a lonely existence for a king. The king is always the loneliest person of all. The only thing a king cannot have is a true friend. Although I am not truly alone, I believe I have friends. In the world, there are only two people I can confide in like this: Cha Nantian and you."
"Cha Nantian is like a brother to me. As for you, this is our first meeting, so you aren't yet my friend, but I sense that I can genuinely communicate with you."
"Cha Nantian. I've held him in captivity for so many years. If I were to tell him these things, he might choose to remain here indefinitely... You know what a man of honor he is..."
"So I can only confide in you."
"Feng Monarch, you possess a broad perspective on the entire world."
"You donated seventy billion for the people of the Kingdom of Chen. You spent five hundred billion to save the people and quell the chaos. You eliminated a prince because you believed it was an act of justice. You did it for the innocent women and for people across the world."
"While you may not be a citizen of this kingdom, I am certain that you are a friend to this kingdom."
"If I cannot confide in you, then with whom can I share my thoughts?"
The king smiled.
Cha Eun Xiao appeared composed, but internally, he grappled with conflicting emotions. [Am I truly that noble and great? Am I genuinely a hero? Is that even plausible? Is it a reality?]
He sighed and responded, "I am honored, your majesty, but it doesn't hold much meaning for me. The truth is, I am planning to depart the Land of Han-Yang sooner or later."
The king smiled. "I am aware that you will eventually leave this world. It doesn't surprise me. However, Ling-Bao Hall cannot depart with you, can it?"
Cha Eun Xiao bitterly smiled; he understood what the king was truly seeking.
"No matter if I am here or elsewhere, Ling-Bao Hall will never be controlled by others," he said with a blank expression. "So I must advise you to abandon such intentions, as they will only lead to trouble."