Troubles to the East! . . .
When he gazed upon Cha Eun Xiao, he was astounded. Cha Eun Xiao stood there unscathed, his demeanor seemingly unaffected by the thunderous shout that had shaken the surroundings.
It became evident that Xuan Bing had promptly erected a powerful shield, enveloping both herself and Cha Eun Xiao within its protective confines. This shield had prevented Cha Eun Xiao from being adversely affected by the earth-shaking shout. He remained at ease, his posture composed.
Deep within Cha Eun Xiao's heart, he retained the power of a peak level nine Dao Origin Stage cultivator. Although not as potent as before, his experience had grown. The power he had unleashed in response to the shout had been an involuntary reflex, leaving him taken aback by its intensity. However, as he observed the consequences of that shout on the surrounding area, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. He looked at Xuan Bing with gratitude.
[This Elder Xuan Bing... She appears to care for me.]
[How considerate of her!]
[Had she not acted swiftly, I might have suffered severe injuries from that formidable shout!]
[I might have survived, but I would surely have been harmed.]
A middle-aged man from the group, appearing vigorous, proclaimed, "Han Bingxue, regardless of your words, your fate is sealed!" He gazed coldly at Han Bingxue. "Your verbal slip will cost you dearly today. Not only you but also your foolish son will meet their demise."
His cold demeanor was laced with satisfaction as he continued, "Like father, like son. What an amusing coincidence. Look at him. In the midst of such a perilous situation, your foolish son flirts with a lady. Ha! Truly impressive."
"Well, this lady was unlucky enough to be captivated by your son," he mused, "Today, she will perish alongside him. What a tragic couple, sharing the same destiny. It could even become a tragic love story."
Han Bingxue remained unruffled by the man's words; instead, he welcomed them with a sense of delight.
[Haha! You fool! That's precisely what I want you to do! Taunt the lady!]
[I was concerned she might stand aside and observe me fight. I was troubled about how to involve her.]
[I wanted you to provoke her on your own!]
[Ultimately, she did mention that we should assist each other. However, if she chooses not to participate...]
[If she abandons us and departs, Cha Eun Xiao and I will appear as complete imbeciles.]
[She doesn't need to do anything more than reveal her identity, and I wager you won't dare to act!]
[I haven't devised a concrete plan yet, and you've already humiliated her.]
[I... Hahaha... I like you, hahaha...]
"The martial world has its code of conduct, as does the Qing-Yun Realm. We don't involve the families of our adversaries. It's a principle upheld for generations," Han Bingxue asserted with righteousness. "I'll take responsibility for my actions! Come for me, but leave innocent people out of this!"
"Particularly this lady. We encountered her on the road, and we're merely traveling in the same direction. She has no connection to us. If you spare her..." He spoke earnestly, "I promise, I won't escape today."
"Hahaha... I've heard that Frost Sword has great concern for women, but I found it hard to believe. Yet here you are, in a life-and-death situation, going out of your way to protect a girl. Impressive!" The middle-aged man laughed. "However... Oh, you claim she has nothing to do with you two? Han Bingxue, do you truly believe your own words?"
Han Bingxue seethed, "Why wouldn't I? Am I such an unscrupulous man?"
The middle-aged man declared, "I absolutely trust in Frost Sword's honesty. Nevertheless, our intent was never to spare any of you. Do you comprehend? Anyone who remains in your company will meet their end today! All of you are marked for death!"
"Furthermore, how am I to discern the nature of your relationship with this woman?" he continued, his gaze cold and unrelenting. "Of course, you might claim she doesn't know you, but why should I believe that? Perhaps she's your daughter-in-law, or even pregnant with your progeny. Han Bingxue, you must understand that we must eliminate any potential threats. We won't tolerate anyone associated with you causing problems for us in the future."
He turned his malevolent gaze toward Xuan Bing and added, "Furthermore, observe her. She stands there impassively, concealing her visage. She exudes an air of composure. She must be a cultivator in her own right. Perhaps she is your confederate! You're two peas from the same pod! Regardless of your protestations, none of you will escape our clutches!"
A few others jeered, and one of them chimed in, "Absolutely. You're trapped, and this place will become your final resting place!"
The white-bearded old man coolly asserted, "Han Bingxue, you're powerless to alter the situation. Accept your destiny! If you believe in an afterlife, remember not to oppose Saint Sunlight Sect!"
Han Bingxue's anger flared. "What? Are you disregarding the time-honored rules that we've upheld throughout history? Is this not unreasonable?"
All nineteen men burst into laughter in unison. One of them remarked, "We are forever reasonable, Han Bingxue. Bear in mind that the strongest fist is the most reasonable force. Don't you agree that this is the cardinal rule in this world?"
The resounding clang of swords being drawn echoed through the air, signifying their readiness for battle.
Han Bingxue began to perspire, and he stepped forward to address Xuan Bing with an embarrassed tone, "Um... My lady... This situation has surpassed my capabilities. They wield superior strength. I cannot confront them alone. I believe... I must request your assistance."
[I've done everything I can. They've used some truly vile words against you. It's time for me to step aside.]
[Allow Elder Xuan Bing to take the reins.]
[I suppose I'll merely stand by and observe.]
[Members of Saint Sunlight Sect? They're about to receive their comeuppance. Cha Eun Xiao and I have been terrorized far too often. It's your turn to experience it. You may never again have the opportunity to witness this spectacle. Well, your future might come to an end here!]
His excitement was palpable.
He eagerly anticipated what would unfold next.
He wanted to witness the expressions of those men once they realized the truth, that it was Elder Xuan Bing they had so derisively insulted, referring to her with derogatory names. That would undoubtedly be a spectacle!