That Man! . . .
A hundred miles further into their journey, they found themselves ensnared in another ambush. This time, it was Xiao Mufei who took the lead, charging ahead to confront the danger.
Emerging from the forest after a period of intense combat, Xiao Mufei walked with his longsword in hand, its blade tainted with the crimson stain of his adversaries' blood. His visage bore an icy, unwavering resolve, covered in an aura of unrelenting menace.
"Press on!" he bellowed in a deep, commanding tone.
This particular skirmish stood as the sole exception where no disciples of Cold Moon Palace succumbed to the onslaught.
It's worth noting that when Xiao Mufei fell victim to poisoning earlier, it was Cha Eun Xiao who saved him. With the aid of a supreme dan bead, he managed to stave off certain death.
Three hundred miles onward, they faced another battle. This time, luck eluded the disciples of Cold Moon Palace as several sects united against them, presenting an overwhelmingly formidable opposition. While Xiao Mufei battled valiantly, the cost in lives was profound. The Cold Moon Palace eventually managed to repel the attackers, but over forty of their disciples had perished.
The toll of fatalities had reduced their number to fewer than one hundred disciples.
Each passing day brought fresh conflict and further loss of life. The smoldering hatred within Cha Eun Xiao grew in intensity, and the malevolence within him deepened.
One fateful day, within a densely wooded forest, Xiao Mufei appeared brooding and somber, silently consuming the roast wild boar before him. His eyes surveyed their surroundings with a razor-sharp intensity.
Around them, over twenty disciples of Cold Moon Palace sat in varying states of disarray, some nursing injuries that still bled. As they inched closer to their sect, the enemy sent increasingly formidable forces to assail them. The casualties continued to mount.
Now, less than a hundred disciples remained. The losses had exacted a heavy toll.
For Xiao Mufei, who had forged deep bonds with his disciples during their tenure in the Polar Ice River, the anguish was evident in his eyes.
For over a decade, these disciples had become like family to him, and watching them perish one by one took an immeasurable emotional toll.
Xiao Mufei, driven by a burning desire for vengeance, clung to his mission, else he might have crumbled under the weight of their collective loss.
In contrast, Cha Eun Xiao, despite offering assistance and sparing lives with dan beads when necessary, had chosen a different path, dedicating his efforts to cultivating his skills. While he may have appeared introspective, he was undergoing significant growth.
Xiao Mufei couldn't help but be awestruck by Cha Eun Xiao's rapid progress, even as a sense of unease crept over him.
"How has your cultivation fared today?" Xiao Mufei inquired.
"I've attained level three of the Spirit Origin Stage. I've cultivated over a dozen new qi vortexes," Cha Eun Xiao reported.
"Excellent."
And this pattern continued.
"What about today?" Xiao Mufei pressed.
"I've reached the final step of level three of the Spirit Origin Stage."
"Good."
Their dialogue continued.
"What of today?" Xiao Mufei inquired once more.
"I've ascended to the pinnacle of level three of the Spirit Origin Stage, with over fifty new qi vortexes formed," Cha Eun Xiao responded.
"That's exceptional."
And it went on.
"Today?"
"Level four," Cha Eun Xiao revealed.
Xiao Mufei couldn't help but exhale in awe.
Xiao Mufei found himself profoundly content with Cha Eun Xiao's remarkable progress. Such rapid cultivation was rare and had seldom been witnessed in the annals of history. Cha Eun Xiao's astonishing speed left Xiao Mufei pondering whether there would ever be another cultivator who could match such astounding growth.
Despite the elation, Xiao Mufei felt the need to counsel Cha Eun Xiao. He recognized the importance of fostering a solid foundation for the future. It was imperative that Cha Eun Xiao's power was built steadily and surely.
"Don't merely focus on speed," Xiao Mufei cautioned.
"I understand," Cha Eun Xiao replied.
"Steady and sure progress is crucial," Xiao Mufei emphasized. "A strong foundation is necessary. When the moment comes to exact revenge upon the other sects, you will be prepared to do so with a heart filled with joy and satisfaction."
"Yes," Cha Eun Xiao affirmed.
Recognizing the limits of his own cultivation and age, Xiao Mufei knew that he would be unable to carry out his own desire for vengeance. This fact weighed heavily upon him.
"I might never see my revenge come to fruition," he admitted. "I may not advance beyond level three of the Dao Origin Stage. While I may be among the strongest in the world, eliminating those sects is beyond my reach. I might be struck down before I can approach their gates."
He turned his attention to Cha Eun Xiao. "To enact revenge on those sects, you must become much stronger than me. Chongxiao, you are brimming with potential. Stay focused on your cultivation. In less than one hundred years, you will surpass me in power, and perhaps by a considerable margin. Never doubt your talent."
"But," he continued, "until you attain level nine of the Dao Origin Stage, do not entertain thoughts of revenge. Until then, maintain a low profile. Do not reveal your true strength. I can display my power without concern, as I will never grow stronger than I am now, and they are unlikely to take notice. However, if they discover your extraordinary talent and animosity, they will stop at nothing to eliminate you. Do not underestimate their determination."
"I comprehend," Cha Eun Xiao replied.
"Good," Xiao Mufei said. "Remember, your talent harbors the potential to undermine the very foundations of these sects, and they will not permit it to flourish. They will not tolerate your rise to power or your becoming a figure as formidable as... as that man."
Without delving further into the identity of "that man," Cha Eun Xiao understood the gravity of the situation. Xiao Mufei's somber tone conveyed the importance of the message.
He then went on to offer one final piece of advice. "Stay low until you are fully prepared," Xiao Mufei counseled.
"I understand," Cha Eun Xiao replied, resolute in his purpose.
"'As horrible as that man'!" The reference went unexplained, but Cha Eun Xiao knew it referred to himself, to Xiao Monarch, Cha Eun Xiao.
As the night passed without incident, both Xiao Mufei and Cha Eun Xiao remained vigilant, sensing that this was but the calm before a tempestuous storm.
And indeed, it was. The following morning, as they prepared to depart, Xiao Mufei abruptly halted, his posture reminiscent of a stone statue. A strange cry escaped his lips as he appeared to be communicating with an unseen entity, his shout directed at the heavens. The disciples watched in puzzlement, wondering what had come over Elder Xiao.
Their puzzlement was short-lived. In an instant, it became clear as two small birds hurtled from the sky like arrows, descending with astonishing speed.