Only One! . . .
"You are Cha Eun Xiao's successor!" These words hung in the air as Han Bingxue and Cha Eun Xiao found themselves in a different setting. Han Bingxue appeared relieved, his countenance transformed into one of warmth and amiability.
"Successor of Cha Eun Xiao..."
"Cha Eun Xiao was truly a remarkable figure. His successor is every bit as extraordinary!"
"I can't say when he took on a personal disciple, but I'm willing to stake my life on protecting his legacy!"
"The name of the Xiao Monarch is destined to endure through this young man."
Han Bingxue reveled in his happiness and contentment, entirely convinced that Cha Eun Xiao was the torchbearer of his late master's legend.
In stark contrast, Cha Eun Xiao was rendered speechless and bewildered by Han Bingxue's "enlightenment."
"What I've been doing all this time was to reveal my true identity," Cha Eun Xiao pondered, perplexed by the unexpected conclusion drawn by Han Bingxue. "But now, you actually think I'm the successor of Cha Eun Xiao?"
This realization perplexed Cha Eun Xiao, and he couldn't help but feel that Han Bingxue was taking advantage of the situation.
He retorted, his tone moody, "Come on. It shouldn't be that difficult to discern who I truly am."
The question caught Han Bingxue off guard, causing him to laugh. "Hahaha... What are you talking about, kiddo? I just figured it out. It's simple, isn't it? Alright, you can call me uncle. I suppose I can be forgiving!"
Kiddo? Uncle? The terms left Cha Eun Xiao stunned, his thoughts racing.
"Have you grown weary of your existence?" Cha Eun Xiao pondered internally, his frustration mounting. "I swear, I'll kill you if that's what you wish for. How dare you exploit this situation?"
Exhaling deeply, he frowned and continued, "You see, the Frost Ninefold Martial Art..."
"I understand," Han Bingxue interrupted confidently. "Your master told you about it, right? It's hardly surprising. There were no secrets between him and me."
He casually extended a hand and tapped Cha Eun Xiao's head. "Impressive, kiddo. You've been progressing rapidly, and you've got those remarkable dan beads. In fact, that's better than what your master ever had. So, do you have any more of those dan beads? Spare one for your fellow master. The sooner I'm fully recovered, the sooner I can go out and eliminate our enemies. I will demonstrate to you the unrivaled might of your master's brother. I am world-shaking, overwhelming, lethal, and invincible!"
Cha Eun Xiao grumbled inwardly, vexed by the bizarre turn of events. Han Bingxue's audaciousness irked him, and he couldn't help but feel taken advantage of.
However, he acknowledged to himself that he couldn't forget this incident and would revisit it later.
"Alright, you may not have any more," Han Bingxue continued casually. "I know it's not easy to come by such superb dan beads. But you must remain vigilant when you're out there."
With a tone of earnest advice, Han Bingxue addressed Cha Eun Xiao, "Particularly when making new acquaintances, be cautious. Learn from your master. He chose his friends wisely, tough allies like me... It's crucial to understand what genuine friendship entails."
Cha Eun Xiao remained speechless and embarrassed, grappling with the surreal nature of the situation.
"Is this truly Han Bingxue?" Cha Eun Xiao pondered. "He never nags like this unless he's with me."
"But he doesn't recognize me... He believes I am my own disciple. Why is he so persistent in his advice? This doesn't make sense!"
Han Bingxue prattled on, expounding on his greatness and virtues. The only thing he appeared to forget was the overt declaration of his superiority: "I am exceptional, splendid, magnificent, and wonderful..."
"You wish to impart a lesson to the younger generation. That's all well and good. But must you go about it this way? Bragging incessantly?" Cha Eun Xiao sighed audibly, casting a bemused glance at Han Bingxue. "I always knew you were a talkative person, but I never realized you could be so narcissistic."
To those who didn't truly know Han Bingxue, he came across as cold and aloof, someone who would choose death over speaking an unnecessary word. This persona evoked admiration and respect, making him appear cool and awe-inspiring. However, for those who had the privilege of knowing him more intimately, especially those who had earned the status of being able to converse freely with him, like Cha Eun Xiao, Han Bingxue was a different kind of character. He defied easy categorization.
It was challenging to define precisely what Han Bingxue was. He seemed like a true enigma, perhaps even a singular entity within the entire realm.
Unrivaled in the universe.
Peerless in the world.
Cha Eun Xiao let out a deep breath and continued, "The Frost Ninefold Martial Art, step by step, becomes increasingly formidable. Frost in the world, distant from the heavens. Frost from the sky, freezing the earth. How many trials must one endure? Not even a saint could fathom it. By the time you ponder such a question again, you've already surmounted countless challenges..."
His words reverberated through the air.
Han Bingxue's eyes widened with disbelief. He couldn't fathom what he was hearing.
This was the core formula of the Frost Ninefold Martial Art.
Only two individuals in the world should be privy to it: Han Bingxue and Cha Eun Xiao, the Xiao Monarch.
Han Bingxue was convinced that no one else could possibly possess this knowledge. Not even the disciples of Xiao Monarch would have had the chance to learn it. Xiao Monarch, he believed, would have taken this secret to his grave, not even divulging it to his own child, let alone a disciple. It was a matter of integrity and honor, and Xiao Monarch had been a man of profound integrity.
The question now haunted Han Bingxue: How had Cha Eun Xiao become privy to this information?
Cha Eun Xiao must be highly skilled in Xiao Monarch's martial arts, suggesting that he was, without a doubt, the disciple of Xiao Monarch. But there was another possible explanation that lurked in Han Bingxue's mind, an alternative he couldn't ignore.
Perhaps there was one more person who held this martial knowledge.
Another individual who possessed the secrets of Xiao Monarch's martial arts.
Han Bingxue's thoughts converged on this possibility, intensifying the intrigue surrounding Cha Eun Xiao and his connection to Xiao Monarch.