Man's Responsibility . . .
Cha Eun Xiao was utterly shocked as he beheld the eight individuals before him. He didn't recognize any of them by name, but the vigor they exuded and their attire, their distinctive clothing, struck a chord with him.
The memories of his past life stirred. These eight individuals were the very enemies he despised the most from his previous existence. They were dressed in two distinctive sets of garments. Four wore attire adorned with a sun emblem, radiating warmth and brilliance, while the other four donned clothing featuring a sky full of stars.
"They are unmistakably members of the Saint Sunlight Sect and Saint Starlight Sect from the Qing-Yun Realm!" Cha Eun Xiao silently noted. Puzzled by their presence, he mustered a polite smile and spoke, "I'm simply enjoying some leisure time, casually exploring the surroundings. It's always more enjoyable to explore in the company of friends. I hope you're having a pleasant time as well."
The eight men returned his smile. They understood that Cha Eun Xiao was a formidable figure within this world, even though he was less powerful than they were. However, his vitality and the air of righteousness surrounding him made them keen on forming an acquaintance with him. He projected a highly favorable image.
One of them introduced himself, saying, "I am Du Qingpeng. May I inquire about your name?" Du Qingpeng, the strongest among them, was the leader of their group. A single step away from advancing to level two of the Dream Origin Stage, he was an imposing presence.
Du Qingpeng had a shrewd idea that when individuals like them encountered someone of exceptional ability, their thoughts invariably turned to recruitment. He contemplated, "If I can recruit this man and make him my subordinate in this world, it will be highly lucrative in the days to come. This man possesses remarkable strength, charisma, and appearance. In comparison, Wan Zhenghao is merely a portly fellow. Yet, he has lived as the richest man in this world for many years. With someone of this man's caliber, I could surpass Ling-Bao Hall."
As such, he cast a gaze upon Cha Eun Xiao, his eyes gleaming with colorful ambitions.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but be taken aback by this stranger's forwardness. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He considered the possibility that these individuals might try to force him into servitude. With a sense of foreboding, he hesitated to reveal his identity.
Before he could formulate a response and withdraw from the situation, another four men arrived, displaying a sense of elation. Yet, Cha Eun Xiao quickly realized his initial apprehensions were unfounded. These newcomers greeted him in a friendly and affable manner.
"Feng Monarch, unexpectedly, you are hiding here! What a leisurely mood! Hahaha! Nice to meet you!" one of them exclaimed with a wide grin. "We've searched every nook and cranny of Chen-Xing City, but couldn't find you. Fortunately, you're here, far removed from the city's hustle and bustle. It's funny how you can search in vain and still stumble upon what you're looking for!"
Another individual scrutinized Cha Eun Xiao and declared, "Feng Monarch, the debt you owe our sects will be settled today!"
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but narrow his eyes as he replied in a restrained tone, "I was wondering who you were. As it turns out, a pair of fish that slipped through the net... Those two men who spoke happened to be among the twenty-eight individuals who had conspired against him in a previous incident. Cha Eun Xiao had been so focused on evading capture on that day that he hadn't had the opportunity to study their faces carefully.
The conversation provided the eight superior cultivators with a revelation. They were confronted with the unexpected revelation that Cha Eun Xiao was Feng Monarch, the man they had been ardently searching for. "So you are Feng Zhiling, the Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall?" Du Qingpeng inquired with a furrowed brow, his eyes now taking on a fierce glint.
Cha Eun Xiao responded blandly, "I am. So?"
Despite the veneer of calm and indifference, a wave of apprehension washed over him. He knew that he was now facing an imminent and life-threatening danger.
The dire circumstances had Cha Eun Xiao's heart pounding within his chest. Normally, he could employ a tactical retreat when the odds were against him, but the foes he currently faced were no ordinary adversaries. Even the weakest among the group were at the Sky Origin Stage, all wielding a might surpassing his own. Those eight from the Qing-Yun Realm, by all indications, were even more formidable, likely dwelling in the realms of Spirit Origin.
However, despite the odds stacked against him, Cha Eun Xiao was confident that he could flee if the need arose. He might endure injuries in the process, but he could make a hasty escape. This strategy seemed feasible, but there was one critical factor he couldn't overlook: Bing-Er remained atop the mountain, engrossed in her cultivation.
Cha Eun Xiao grappled with a moral dilemma. Leaving Bing-Er in her current state while he absconded was not an option. The thought of forsaking her and allowing her to fall into the clutches of these men was unbearable. He couldn't shirk his responsibility to protect her; abandoning loved ones was a price he couldn't pay.
Determined, he decided that since fate had cornered him, he would face it head-on. He accepted the possibility of death without regret, resolute in his commitment to safeguard Bing-Er.
The transformation was evident in his eyes. Once filled with trepidation, they now exuded a sharp and unwavering resolve.
Du Qingpeng, the leader of the eight, noticed the change. His amiable demeanor shifted, and he nodded in appreciation, saying, "Pleasure! I've heard much about Feng Monarch, and you certainly live up to your reputation."
Cha Eun Xiao took a deep breath and, with his hands behind his back, inquired, "Qing-Yun Realm? Saint Sunlight Sect? Saint Starlight Sect?"
Du Qingpeng appeared taken aback, responding with a grave tone, "Feng Monarch, you are well-informed. You've astutely recognized our origins."
With a swift gesture, Du Qingpeng signaled the other seven men, who promptly assumed strategic positions surrounding Cha Eun Xiao.
- Shoot, shoot, shoot... -
The seven men repositioned themselves, creating a perimeter around Cha Eun Xiao and their leader. Their stance was prepped for an imminent confrontation, and a palpable aura of bloodlust pervaded the surroundings.
Suddenly, Cha Eun Xiao found himself ensnared within an encirclement.
The four Sky Origin Stage cultivators from the Sunlight Sect and Starlight Sect, however, retreated quickly, putting a significant distance between themselves and the impending skirmish. It was clear that whatever Cha Eun Xiao had done had deeply impressed them, leaving them wary of facing him head-on.