Strong Brotherhood! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't hide his frustration. While he had been delighted to see Han Bingxue again after two years, the endless barrage of questions and odd behavior had left him exasperated.
"How did you become like this?" Han Bingxue's confusion showed on his face as he gazed at Cha Eun Xiao.
"You're a Dao Origin Stage cultivator, brother. Why ask such a foolish question? It's complicated, sort of a walk-in situation... but not quite. Let me start from the beginning," Cha Eun Xiao explained with a bitter expression.
Han Bingxue, staying close, urged Cha Eun Xiao to act on his earlier words, saying, "Alright, alright, I understand. But you mentioned wanting to punch me earlier. Go on, do it. Use your special technique, the Laughing Eight Blast. Come on, beat me up."
Cha Eun Xiao was infuriated. "You idiot! It's a footstep technique! How do I attack you with a footstep technique? You want me to be as foolish as you?"
Han Bingxue suddenly looked up at Cha Eun Xiao, and realization crossed his face. "Boss, you're real..."
[He's testing me. He still doesn't believe I'm Cha Eun Xiao!]
In response, Cha Eun Xiao decided to provide definitive evidence and, with a wave of his hand, conjured the word "Cha" into the air, which floated over and struck Han Bingxue's face.
Unable to tolerate it any longer, he had to show Han Bingxue conclusive proof to make him stop badgering him.
As expected, Han Bingxue collapsed to the ground like a limp stick after being struck by the word "Cha." He soon rose to his feet with tears in his eyes, overjoyed. "Boss... it's really you... I can't believe it. I never dared to dream that you were still alive. You have no idea what I went through when I thought you were dead. I nearly went mad. The only thing on my mind was avenging you. Without you, there's no Xiao Monarch in the world, and there won't be a Han Bingxue. There's no me without you."
Cha Eun Xiao sighed and spoke gently, "Brother... Brother..."
After a while, Han Bingxue composed himself. Wiping his tears, he said, embarrassed, "I must look like a fool."
"You've shown me your true feelings," Cha Eun Xiao replied. "If I ever thought you should be ashamed of it, I'd be the fool. Brother, thank you for everything you've done for me. You've gone through a lot in these two years."
Han Bingxue was on the verge of tears again. "As long as I have you back, there's nothing I wouldn't do."
Straightening up, Han Bingxue laughed, "The three factions are the real fools! They believe they've killed the great Xiao Monarch. What a joke! That's the biggest joke in the universe!"
Cha Eun Xiao agreed with a nod and a smile, saying, "There's more than one joke, I assure you. Li is also alive."
"Li Wuliang?" Han Bingxue couldn't believe it. He was astonished. "Li Wuliang is alive too? How is that possible?"
"Stop! Stop asking questions that you shouldn't be asking. I said he's alive, so he is. Don't ask anything else about it," Cha Eun Xiao said, putting an end to Han Bingxue's relentless questioning.
"I meant no harm. Truly. It's great that both of you are alive. Wonderful... So, how's Li Wuliang doing? Is he okay? The three factions spread the story that he fell off a cliff and died. Nobody could have guessed he's still alive. Heaven blesses the good." Han Bingxue said.
Cha Eun Xiao replied, "He's fine, just like me. After the battle, he survived, but his strength is shattered. He hasn't fully recovered to Dao Origin Stage. It will take some time for him to reach his prime condition."
"That's not a problem," Han Bingxue was still happy. "As long as you're alive, there's no issue in recovering. Just take the time you need. When you're ready, we'll wipe out the three factions for good."
Cha Eun Xiao nodded, but in his heart, he couldn't let go of Cold Moon Palace and its inhabitants.
Cha Eun Xiao sighed deeply, his thoughts swaying between the daunting task that lay ahead and the enigmatic specter of Cold Moon Palace. The three formidable factions stood as a formidable challenge, and their defeat would require time and meticulous planning. However, a more perplexing question gnawed at him: how could he face Cold Moon Palace?
His mind was entangled in this dilemma, casting a shadow over his thoughts.
"Bingxue, I'm alive, as is Li. It's best to put your revenge plan on hold," Cha Eun Xiao suggested, concern lacing his words. "You can't go after them alone anymore. It's too reckless. You're fortunate that I happened by today. But we can't rely on luck forever. If such a situation occurs again, you could lose your life in vain."
"Let's wait until we've both fully recovered."
Han Bingxue considered Cha Eun Xiao's counsel, his lips curving into a wry smile. "Brother Ye is alive, and he's the boss. I'll follow your lead. We'll launch our attack when we're fully prepared. A powerful and unexpected strike is our best approach. I've no intention of acting recklessly anymore. I'm not a fool."
Cha Eun Xiao nodded, his face mirroring satisfaction. "Agreed. No more Shadowless Assassin."
"Never again!" Han Bingxue declared. "Xiao Monarch is back, as is Frost Sword."
They shared a moment of laughter, a rare display of mirth in the face of uncertainty.
Shortly afterward, Cha Eun Xiao stepped out of the forest, Han Bingxue trailing him. With eyes that shone like stars, brows sharp as swords, and clad entirely in white, he exuded an air of icy aloofness that could freeze the very world. His eyes, in particular, held a bone-chilling coldness, reminiscent of the vast and towering snow-capped mountains.
He had unveiled his true self, a figure of elegance and implacable determination. Every inch of him seemed exceptional, a swan amongst mere chickens in the world.