Leave With Joy! . . .
Ling Wuxie's frustration was evident. "God damn it. I put in so much effort to come here. Isn't it all for your benefit?" He didn't hold back his feelings, directing his anger towards Cha Eun Xiao. "You heartless guy! You won't even spare me two dan beads? You're the type who'd betray a friend for women!"
Bai Chen responded to Ling Wuxie's outburst with a disdainful look and a dry retort. "Shut up, you rascal."
The exchange left Ling Wuxie irked, but he chose to remain silent. He couldn't help but resent the two words Bai Chen had uttered, ones he dreaded hearing.
Wan-Er and Xiu-Er were left astounded by this display of bickering. When they received the two bottles containing the precious dan beads, their hands trembled with gratitude. "Thank you, Feng Monarch, for this incredible favor," they said with deep sincerity. They were well aware of the immense value these dan beads held for them.
In the Human Realm Upon Heavens, people might not dare harm Bai Chen, but Wan-Er and Xiu-Er faced a different situation. They were not widely accepted as Bai Chen's companions; they couldn't be his wives or concubines, and as such, they encountered stress and danger on countless fronts. Many in that world harbored ill intentions toward them.
However, with the dan beads in their possession, they could survive dire situations three times over. There was no gift more valuable.
Wan-Er, her face slightly flushed with embarrassment, spoke up, "Feng Monarch, we were enemies in the past. We caused you a fair amount of trouble. Now, you've granted us this incredible gift, and I feel regret."
Cha Eun Xiao responded with a smile. "I suspect that we may become enemies again in the future," he admitted candidly. "I've never harbored any intention of being friends with you. Even when I eventually venture to the Human Realm Upon Heavens, I'll still be your master's adversary, not his ally."
The ladies were taken aback by his forthrightness. "Even so," Cha Eun Xiao continued, "I feel a sense of gratitude for what you've done for me. Furthermore, when we do cross paths as adversaries in the future, despite our inevitable life-and-death struggle, I hope that your demise will come at my hands, not another's."
He spoke in earnest, "I wish you don't meet your end at someone else's hands."
Wan-Er and Xiu-Er remained silent for a moment, understanding that Cha Eun Xiao was trying to comfort them and help them accept the dan beads. They bowed deeply and expressed their gratitude, "Thank you, Feng Monarch."
They stood up and solemnly added, "Feng Monarch, your kindness is noted. Whether we become friends or enemies in the future, we will always remember the gesture you've made today."
"If we become friends, we will be loyal and true to you. If we become enemies, we will show no weakness, out of respect. We are willing to be your adversaries as much as your friends," Wan-Er and Xiu-Er pledged.
"Well said!" Cha Eun Xiao laughed heartily. "When that day comes, I won't show mercy either. I never show mercy to my enemies. Ladies, be on your guard. I can be quite cunning. And you've had a taste of it."
The two ladies responded with sincere smiles, their faces radiant. Their initial doubts about Cha Eun Xiao's character had given way to admiration and gratitude.
"Then, shall we depart?" They bowed again, this time with genuine respect.
"Wait," Cha Eun Xiao stopped them once more.
The two ladies turned around, and then they turned around once more, their curiosity piqued.
They saw Cha Eun Xiao smiling and addressing them, "Ladies, it seems you're about to leave without experiencing something truly splendid. Why rush? Don't you desire the Agerasia Dan?"
With a graceful gesture, he produced two more crystal jade bottles. Inside each bottle rested a supreme dan bead, surrounded by swirling dan clouds, resembling the simultaneous blossoming of countless flowers.
Xiu-Er couldn't contain her joy and let out an exclamation. She was on the verge of rushing over to Cha Eun Xiao to express her delight.
Their emotions ranged from surprise to shock, and everything in between. They left, elated, resembling two contented birds.
Cha Eun Xiao watched them depart with a warm smile. Regardless of their future relationship, he believed that fulfilling a girl's dream was always a worthwhile endeavor. After all, girls were, without a doubt, the most beautiful beings in the world.
Ling Wuxie turned to Master Bai with a puzzled expression and remarked, "Bai Bai, something feels off about this, don't you think?"
Master Bai inquired, "What feels off? I don't sense anything unusual."
Ling Wuxie elaborated, "He keeps giving things to those two girls. Just look at his sly expression. Friends and foes alike. Isn't it obvious? Is he trying to woo your ladies? You should be a little cautious. Don't let him snatch your women. He's quite adept at charming the fairer sex. Didn't you see how Xiu-Er nearly wanted to befriend him?"
After his somewhat dubious remark, Ling Wuxie let out an odd laugh.
Master Bai, his patience running thin, delivered a smack to Ling Wuxie's head and admonished him, "You shameless rascal! You ought to abandon such wicked thoughts! Be a man of honor, for heaven's sake! Come with me now to see him."
Ling Wuxie held his head, rendered speechless.
"Here you go again, and you've hit me now. I was just joking. Look at how devoted the two girls are to you. I suppose nobody can take them away from you, you miser! You'd probably kill a friend for the sake of women! You rascal!"
As Ling Wuxie muttered under his breath, Master Bai had already descended to meet Cha Eun Xiao, with Ling Wuxie begrudgingly following suit.
...
Cha Eun Xiao sat in contemplation after bidding farewell to Xiu of the Clouds and Wan of the Heavens. He appeared lost in thought, as if waiting for something. A hint of disappointment crossed his features.
He sighed softly.
At that moment, a clear voice sounded from behind him. "Brother Feng, why the sigh? What could possibly trouble you now?"
Without turning around, Cha Eun Xiao responded with a smile, "Not everything goes according to plan. My sigh carries a particular meaning. Brother Bai, you possess wisdom and discernment. Why don't you take a guess as to the reason behind my sigh?"