Different People Have Different Aspirations . . .
When Cha Eun Xiao inquired about his disciple's progress, Liu Changjun proudly and enthusiastically responded, "Master, thanks to your guidance, I reached level seven of the Sky Origin Stage earlier. However, after you bestowed that martial art upon me, I experienced a sudden surge of inspiration. I am currently positioned at the middle of level nine! The rate of my improvement is truly remarkable, and I owe it all to you, Master."
Liu Changjun was not only satisfied with his cultivation achievements but also profoundly grateful to Cha Eun Xiao. He recognized that his progress would have been impossible without Cha Eun Xiao's guidance and support.
Cha Eun Xiao nodded but wore a thoughtful expression. "Your progress is commendable, but it is still not enough. You are improving too slowly."
"What do you mean, not enough?" Liu Changjun, along with Ning Biluo and Zhao Pingtian, expressed surprise.
"It has only been a short time, and the improvement to the middle of level nine is substantial, considering it is within the Sky Origin Stage," Ning Biluo said. "Why do you consider it not enough? Are your standards too high, Master?"
Cha Eun Xiao reiterated, "It is not enough. I am giving you three months. You must elevate your strength to a level where you can break through to the upper realm in that time. If you fail, you will not have another opportunity in this lifetime."
The three disciples were taken aback by the strict ultimatum. Liu Changjun, in particular, realized that Cha Eun Xiao was entirely serious and meant every word. The prospect of not having another chance in this lifetime left him with a somber countenance.
However, he pledged, "Do not worry, Master. I will reach that level within the allotted three months. I would rather devote myself to cultivation than give up."
Cha Eun Xiao then handed them several dan beads, explaining their uses. The dan beads would bolster their spiritual power, gather more qi, and enhance Liu Changjun's cultivation capability. He expressed his reluctance to use the dan beads as they might lead to hidden troubles but emphasized that time was of the essence. After acknowledging their understanding, he snapped his fingers, and three dan beads shot off toward them.
As the disciples accepted the dan beads, Cha Eun Xiao redirected his attention to Zhao Pingtian and mentioned Lady Rou-Er's improvement, who had been assisted in stabilizing her soul. Zhao Pingtian was grateful for the dan beads, acknowledging their significant impact on Lady Rou-Er's condition.
Cha Eun Xiao then instructed Ning Biluo to return and make the necessary arrangements, emphasizing that time was running out. As they all departed to address their respective preparations, Cha Eun Xiao remained deep in thought. His concern was centered on Bing-Er, and there was something amiss that weighed heavily on his mind.
Bing-Er had shown remarkable progress in her cultivation. She had advanced to level seven of the Earth Origin Stage, a notable accomplishment. Nevertheless, the gap between her current level and the level nine of the Sky Origin Stage, required to break through to the upper realm, was vast. Achieving such progress was close to impossible. Even Cha Eun Xiao couldn't expedite her advancement, no matter how many supreme dan beads he used to aid her cultivation. This wasn't merely about reaching a particular level; it entailed accumulating combat experience and strengthening her mental fortitude. The prospect of Bing-Er attaining the realm-breaking level in a short period was unrealistic, given the limited time they had.
Cha Eun Xiao was deeply troubled. He was acutely aware that the tunnel to the upper realm would close in six months, as Master Bai had asserted. The urgency of the situation had led to the creation of fifty Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan beads. If Bing-Er failed to ascend with them, it would likely be the last time they could ever be reunited.
His mind swirled with conflicting emotions. Leaving Bing-Er behind was inconceivable, yet the challenge of aiding her rapid ascension seemed insurmountable.
At that moment, Wan Zhenghao unexpectedly entered the room. Addressing Cha Eun Xiao respectfully, he said, "Monarch."
In a somber tone, Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "What is it?"
Wan Zhenghao hesitated as he observed Cha Eun Xiao's troubled expression before cautiously revealing, "The reward warrants are nearly completed, but our funds are depleting. If it weren't for the targets eliminated by Ning Biluo and Zhao Pingtian, we would have run out of money long ago."
Clearly, Wan Zhenghao was eager to replenish their financial resources.
Cha Eun Xiao contemplated for a moment before deciding, "Very well. Go ahead and issue the announcement. Ling-Bao Hall's second auction will commence in half a month."
Wan Zhenghao expressed his enthusiasm, but before he could leave, Cha Eun Xiao halted him with a question. "Wan, tell me something. If I go, will you come with me? What are your plans for the future?"
Wan Zhenghao appeared perplexed by the inquiry, prompting Cha Eun Xiao to clarify, "I mean, will you accompany me to the upper realm?"
Anxiety gripped Wan Zhenghao as he looked at Cha Eun Xiao and confessed, "Monarch, I can't. I'm too weak, and I'm not suitable for such a journey. I'm afraid."
Cha Eun Xiao understood Wan Zhenghao's reluctance; his ambitions were confined to wealth in the mortal realm, and the upper realm held no allure for him.