Cha Clan's Good Harvest . . .
The Cha Clan found themselves at a numerical disadvantage compared to the Cha Clan, yet they managed to return safely from their encounter.
Under such circumstances, it was rare for the Cha Clan to back down from a fight. However, there was one exception to this rule. Li Chongshan, a member of the Cha Clan, chose to submit and relinquish most of the profits to avoid further conflict.
In the end, it was the Cha Clan that emerged as the clear victors, gaining a significant advantage from the situation. The Cha Clan did manage to obtain some gains, but nothing of substantial value.
An elder from the Cha Clan berated the four individuals who had fled during the confrontation, calling them "four useless fools." His anger was palpable, and the four men trembled in fear, fully aware of the consequences awaiting them.
In retrospect, they realized that it might have been a more favorable outcome if everyone had perished inside the mountain, considering the punishment that now loomed over them.
In stark contrast, the Cha Clan members returned to their camp in jubilation, celebrating their success and good fortune.
On the other side, the six members of the Cha Clan wore expressions of profound sorrow, as if they had just lost their beloved parents.
However, a concerning turn of events came to light when Cha Tianchen, a key figure in the Cha Clan, inquired about the whereabouts of his friend, Eun Xiao. His previously jubilant demeanor quickly turned to one of worry and confusion.
This sudden revelation left everyone in shock. It had never occurred to them that one of their companions was missing.
This oversight might not have troubled them greatly, except for the disconcerting power they had witnessed from Xuan Bing. The possibility of her being able to annihilate both clans simultaneously had left a lasting impression. The fact that she cared for and protected someone who was now unaccounted for raised questions and concerns among the group.
Both Cha Tianchen and the elder from the Cha Clan directed their gaze toward Xuan Bing, who stood at a distance with Han Bingxue. She appeared solemn and detached, seemingly uninterested in the return of the cultivators, while not showing any intention to accuse anyone.
As individuals of high status and power, they did not need to concern themselves with the opinions of others. Xuan Bing, having communicated with Han Bingxue, was confident that Eun Xiao was safe within the fourth layer. The worst that could have befallen him was expulsion from the area. On the contrary, a remarkable opportunity awaited him if he encountered something extraordinary within the fourth layer, which might help him establish a significant presence in their world.
For now, all they could do was wait.
Han Bingxue, who bore evident signs of injury, had evidently been harshly reprimanded by Xuan Bing for his failure to protect Eun Xiao effectively.
As Cha Eun Xiao witnessed Xuan Bing's relentless beating of Han Bingxue, she displayed no concern for any potential onlookers. The intensity of her actions left both Cha Clan and Li Clan members in a state of terror. Most observers simply regarded her as a cruel woman mistreating her own friend.
However, Cha Tianchen and the elder from the Li Clan knew there was more to this than met the eye. Watching Xuan Bing mercilessly pummel Han Bingxue filled them with dread. Both Xuan Bing and Han Bingxue concealed their true strength so well that they appeared like ordinary cultivators. The two elderly men, Cha and Li, were aware that Xuan Bing's power surpassed their own. Her brutal assault on Han Bingxue, though appearing severe, was, in reality, just causing superficial injuries.
While Han Bingxue's body automatically activated its protective energy, it proved futile against Xuan Bing's incredible power. She had complete control over him, and nothing could deter her.
Though the two elderly men were uncertain of the full extent of Xuan Bing's power, they were convinced of its horrifying nature. She must have been even more dreadfully potent than Han Bingxue, who already possessed considerable strength beyond their comprehension.
Subsequently, they dared not make eye contact with Xuan Bing and Han Bingxue, who exuded an intimidating aura.
"Go!" the Li Clan elder ordered with a dark and cold countenance. He swiftly departed on horseback, leading his men away.
This time, the Cha Clan had reaped the most significant benefits. The major setback was the loss of the man who could guide them into the third layer of their journey.
The Li Clan's plan had ultimately failed, and they had no alternative but to leave.
The Li Clan elder's swift departure was motivated by multiple factors. The situation had grown complex, and the presence of two immensely powerful cultivators, Xuan Bing and Han Bingxue, meant that either of them could effortlessly annihilate both the Cha Clan and the Li Clan in a confrontation.
"Cha Clan has enjoyed the lion's share of the spoils; it's only fair they deal with the troubles. Just continue with Cha Eun Xiao!" voiced the general sentiment.
...
Not only the Li Clan but also Cha Tianchen contemplated leaving. Yet as he observed the Li Clan members departing, he found himself lost in thought, hesitating to follow suit.
He simply couldn't bring himself to do it.
He couldn't dare to.
The Li Clan had made a substantial contribution to the Cha Clan in this endeavor, and their departure was understandable, albeit born from anger. However, the Cha Clan had acquired a significant quantity of valuable materials, including a substantial portion of the Li Clan's resources. Moreover, Cha Tianchen had fostered a favorable rapport with Cha Eun Xiao during their interactions. Leaving now might jeopardize his standing and possibly even his life.
Cha Tianchen sought to gauge the true extent of Xuan Bing and Han Bingxue's power and arrived at a conclusion that defied imagination. If these two superlative cultivators decided to eliminate the Cha Clan, it would be a trivial task.
How could he recklessly abandon this situation?
"My lady, we have lost contact with young Brother Cha, but perhaps it signifies a fortuitous opportunity for him. He may be experiencing a remarkable blessing... In lieu of waiting here, why don't both of you accompany us and await Brother Cha at our location?"
After a brief pause, Cha Tianchen continued, "Brother Cha possesses an extraordinary constitution and a serene countenance. He is undoubtedly favored by the heavens. He will not meet an untimely end. Please, do not worry."
Xuan Bing, however, responded coldly, "No. We will remain here."
Her powerful aura surged, pushing all outsiders away, signaling her reluctance to engage further in conversation.
Cha Tianchen heaved a profound sigh and remarked, "Since you insist, we shall leave you in peace. Farewell."
With that, he began to depart with his companions.
"Shangxin, how many Regeneration Ink Lotus did we obtain from there?" Cha Tianchen inquired in a hushed tone.
"Forefather, we have acquired forty-eight Regeneration Ink Lotus, all of the highest quality. Furthermore, we have secured numerous other valuable materials. This has been a bountiful harvest. The additional materials are worth a total of three hundred Regeneration Ink Lotus. When we departed, we even took ten Regeneration Ink Lotus from the Li Clan, leaving them with only one," Cha Shangxin excitedly reported. "In total, we now possess fifty-eight top-quality Regeneration Ink Lotus and approximately four hundred other medicinal materials."