Punching Bag . . .
Cha Eun Xiao's inquiry seemed to strike a nerve with Xuan Bing, and her face grew inexplicably hot. She clenched her teeth, exasperation welling up within her.
[Why is he fixating on this? Can't we just move on?]
[This is exasperating.]
[Why? It's based on my personal experience. Even if I was mistaken and wronged you, you did share a bed with me. Why are you being so obstinate? What do you want from me? And why are you addressing me as Elder Xuan Bing? What's gotten into you...]
[Of course, I didn't fabricate it, but... I can't reveal it. I can tell you anything else, but not this! It's too embarrassing!]
She truly had no desire to divulge her true identity as Bing'er to Cha Eun Xiao. Her thoughts were in disarray, and she wasn't prepared to do so just yet. However, Cha Eun Xiao had asked the question, and she felt compelled to respond. If she didn't provide a reason, it would make her appear irresponsible and unreasonable.
"Ahem... Well... you know," Xuan Bing pondered for a moment before replying, "I once read an ancient text that mentioned... um... a mysterious method... it referred to a... um... special interaction technique... as the only means to resolve our martial arts problem... We... we couldn't accept such a method... I... I acted recklessly and wronged you. Please, forgive me."
When she mentioned "we couldn't accept such a thing," her tone became more subdued. She sincerely apologized at the end, displaying a rare humility.
[No one could accept it?]
[That's true. No one would willingly give up their virginity to a man to solve the problem...]
[But... I accepted it... Am I the only one?]
In this moment, Xuan Bing grappled with guilt and shame, her bashfulness increasing.
"I understand," Cha Eun Xiao responded, feeling a sense of relief.
It might not have been the ideal response for him, but he recognized that it must have been difficult for a lady to admit something like that. If he continued to press the issue, it might provoke her to anger. She had been honest and forthcoming with him, so he believed it was only fair to be respectful to such a super powerful cultivator. Given her current humility, persisting would be a mistake, tantamount to inviting trouble.
As they conversed, they eventually reached Han Bingxue. Xuan Bing quickly changed the subject and cast a cold glance at Han Bingxue, asking, "Is there a town ahead?"
"Yes, there is," Han Bingxue replied, appearing somewhat surprised.
[Didn't I just mention that not long ago? Is there something wrong with your hearing?]
However, he wisely kept his thoughts to himself. After all, he was not Cha Eun Xiao. He lacked Cha Eun Xiao's boldness and good fortune.
"Hmm. Is it a sizable town?" Xuan Bing inquired, attempting to steer the conversation away from her previous embarrassment.
Although Han Bingxue understood that the question wasn't particularly important, he felt obliged to respond.
Just as he was about to reply...
Suddenly...
—Bang, bang, bang... —
Figures flew towards them, emerging from the shadows with impressive speed and strength.
The heavens resounded with thunderous roars, and the clouds swirled ominously in the sky.
Cha Eun Xiao and Han Bingxue felt a chill of dread wash over them.
[What's happening? Are these Dao Origin Stage cultivators once again? And... it appears there may be level nine cultivators among them!]
Their past experiences had afforded them a keen understanding of different cultivation levels.
"Han Bingxue!" A voice called out disdainfully. An elderly man with long, white beards that gave him a sage-like appearance descended from the skies. His look of disdain, however, tainted his otherwise dignified demeanor.
More than a dozen others joined him on the ground, standing before the three of them. They gazed at Han Bingxue as if he were a mere plaything, a mouse toying with a cat.
Ye Xiao couldn't help but feel shocked.
[Those faces look familiar...]
[Eleven out of the nineteen I recognize. I've crossed paths with them before.]
[They were among those who pursued me in my previous life.]
[The Ten Great Elders of the Saint Sunlight Sect!]
[The leader is one of the three Grand Saint Elders of their sect, a peak level nine Dao Origin Stage cultivator!]
[This old man's power rivals that of the Thunder, Cloud, and Wind three grand elders combined! He exudes an air of rugged strength.]
Sending such an impressive group to capture Han Bingxue alone seemed extravagant. It was akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Their confidence was evident as they looked at Han Bingxue with a sense of triumph.
Cha Eun Xiao found it bewildering.
[Many of these faces are familiar...]
[Eleven out of the nineteen are recognizable. I've crossed paths with them.]
[They were part of the hunting party against me in my past life.]
[Members of the Ten Great Elders of the Saint Sunlight Sect!]
[Their leader is one of the three Grand Saint Elders in their sect, a peak level nine Dao Origin Stage cultivator!]
[This man's power is equal to that of the Thunder, Cloud, and Wind three grand elders combined! He's quite formidable!]
It was clearly an overkill to send such a formidable group to apprehend Han Bingxue. To the onlookers, it was as if they were dealing with a trifle, and they appeared utterly confident and at ease.
As the group turned their attention to Han Bingxue, their eyes seemed to gleam with anticipation.
Xuan Bing, clad in a black suit with a large rain hat obscuring her face, instinctively moved closer to Cha Eun Xiao as the nineteen men landed.
Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback. [Is she genuinely afraid? The renowned Great Elder Xuan Bing?]
Unbeknownst to him, her proximity wasn't a sign of fear but a gesture of protection.
Understanding such a concern would usually be second nature to him, but the recent quarrel had left lingering tension. He had yet to fully grasp her feelings. However, the truth would soon become evident.
Was she genuinely frightened?
Well... even nineteen individuals from the Saint Sunlight Sect, or even nineteen Wu Fa combined, would hardly provoke fear in her. She would likely engage them in battle at the earliest opportunity. She might lose, but her remarkable power rendered her immune to fear in the Qing-Yun Realm.
Rather than fear, she felt a strange sense of anticipation. Here were nineteen potential opponents ready to face her.
Xuan Bing's eyes gleamed with an aura of impending violence.
[My agitation from before... it's as though these men have offered me a pillow when I'm exhausted!]
Her eyes smoldered with intent.