Slip of Tongue? . . .
Cha Eun Xiao attempted to ease the prevailing tension with a bit of humor, but his effort fell short. The truth was that nobody could predict when he would return once he set out on his journey. It weighed heavily on everyone's minds.
As Cha Eun Xiao watched Zuo Wuji leave, a feeling of melancholy settled over him. He couldn't help but be affected by Zuo Wuji's emotions.
In the days that followed, Cha Eun Xiao prepared for the impending attack by the two great sects. However, as the days stretched on with no sign of an attack, he grew increasingly puzzled.
"They acted swiftly last time," he mused to himself. "Why is it taking so long this time? Could they need another month to prepare for their next strike? It's oddly peaceful."
During this time, Xiu-Er and Wan-Er visited Cha Eun Xiao several times, each visit shrouded in silence and an air of nervousness. They appeared worried but never verbalized their concerns.
Cha Eun Xiao understood their preoccupation, recognizing that the issue at hand was one that held significance for them - the Agerasia Dan, a substance that concerned beauty and youth. For women, the allure of such a product was undeniable.
Despite his knowledge of their concerns, Cha Eun Xiao continued to reassure them, saying, "This time, I'm creating exquisite Agerasia Dan beads of an unprecedented level. While they may not remain unique in the future, they will undoubtedly be a historical milestone. Crafting dan beads of such quality demands exceptional materials, a skilled alchemist, and a bit of luck. Despite my proficiency in alchemy, I encountered three failures before I came close to success yesterday. Unfortunately, a minor error led to failure, and I ended up with a stove full of half-done dan beads."
This revelation left Xiu-Er and Wan-Er stunned. Xiu-Er inquired, "Master Feng, is it a shortage of materials? What should we do? We've already collected all the ten-thousand-year-old Snow Lotus in this world, and it's impossible to obtain more in a short period."
Wan-Er added, "If you're uncertain about producing the highest quality Agerasia Dan, perhaps we could use Snow Lotus that's less than ten thousand years old. The creation of prime-quality dan beads seems extremely challenging. As long as they're supreme in quality, we would be delighted to accept them."
Cha Eun Xiao's irritation grew, and he responded coldly, "Ladies, are you now questioning my abilities? Are you suggesting that I create lower quality dan beads? I'd prefer to produce a single, perfect dan bead than to craft numerous commonplace ones. I'm deeply disappointed by your lack of faith."
Quickly realizing their mistake, Xiu-Er and Wan-Er rushed to apologize. Xiu-Er pleaded, "We never intended to doubt your skills, Master Feng. We're fully aware of your expertise in alchemy, having successfully created the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan and numerous supreme dan beads. You're unquestionably the most accomplished alchemist in the world. We deeply regret not being able to supply more ten-thousand-year-old Snow Lotus, but please understand that we never doubted you."
It was a shocking sight - Wan and Xiu displaying such humility. Few would believe it if others, like Master Bai or Ling Wuxie, as well as individuals from the House of the Chaotic Storms and various sects in the Land of Han-Yang and Qing-Yun Realm, were to witness it.
Despite their heartfelt apologies, Cha Eun Xiao kept his composure, saying, "Ladies, there's no need to worry. I've encountered a few setbacks and wasted over a dozen Snow Lotus, but I'm confident now. There will be no further failures. I believe I'll have the Agerasia Dan beads within the next two days."
Wan-Er and Xiu-Er's anticipation was palpable as they hung on to his every word.
However, Cha Eun Xiao had no intention of immediately producing the dan beads for them. Revealing them so soon would surely lead others to view him as a prodigy. The heavens themselves couldn't accomplish such a feat, yet he could!
Furthermore, should others discover that he could effortlessly create supreme dan beads, they would constantly seek his aid. And so, the two women would have to wait a bit longer. However, they had waited ten days already, which felt like an eternity to them. Allowing them to wait a bit longer wouldn't seem strange.
In fact, they might begin to think it was taking too long.
That was the nature of human beings.
Cha Eun Xiao was well aware of this psychology.
To make amends, he gave them something different: Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan.
This time, he handed over twenty of these exceptional dan beads.
This brought the total to thirty-four Heaven Seizing Dan beads that he had given them!
Though he wouldn't provide lower-quality products, he had something even more valuable to offer: the exceptional creations of Brother Egg, who always produced the finest goods.
Cha Eun Xiao had given them a treasure that was nothing short of miraculous, and they would surely recognize its value.
His generosity was a testament to his character, and his unique skills had earned him the unwavering respect of Xiu-Er and Wan-Er.
Only half a month had passed, and there were still five and a half months before the deadline, yet Cha Eun Xiao generously bestowed numerous dan beads upon Wan-Er and Xiu-Er. Their jubilation was so great that they seemed on the verge of fainting. For them, the Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan was as coveted as the Agerasia Dan itself.
Cha Eun Xiao's astute understanding of their desires was evident when he inquired about Master Bai. In a casual tone, he asked, "Is Master Bai almost fully recovered?"
The question was nonchalant, as if inquiring about the weather. Yet, with their intense excitement, it became an easily exploited avenue to discern the answer.
Xiu-Er answered with eagerness, "Your Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan beads are truly remarkable. Master Bai has already recovered nearly fifty percent. If he takes these twenty..."
But her voice abruptly ceased.
Wan-Er intervened with a loud cough in an effort to stop her from continuing.
Xiu-Er's face slowly flushed, and her red complexion wasn't due to embarrassment. It was sheer anger.
She directed a fiery gaze at Cha Eun Xiao.
"Curse you!" her thoughts berated him. "You deliberately led me into that trap."
Once again, Cha Eun Xiao deftly changed the subject and pretended not to notice Xiu-Er's indignation. In a measured tone, he asserted, "It's not an unexpected response. I have put forth my full effort, and it should be successful. It will take me another three days to complete the remainder. I've been diligent, and the results should be favorable."
Wan-Er and Xiu-Er breathed sighs of relief. Cha Eun Xiao's boastful claims didn't bother them at all; they took them at face value. He had the skills to match his words. Even within the Human Realm Upon Heavens, no alchemist could casually craft supreme dan beads as if making sugar candies. Yet, Feng Zhiling could.