We Never Need to Be Reasonable! . . .
"Two esteemed elders, Shuang and Han, please accept my warm welcome!" Cha Nantian bowed respectfully and made a cupped-fist gesture.
Li Yunxuan, mindful of the gravity of the situation, approached and paid her respects. "I am Li Yunxuan, a disciple of Misty Cloud Palace. I offer my humble respects, great uncle disciples."
Yue Shuang and Yue Han responded with stoic nods. "Cha Clan Chief, there's no need for courtesy. We are here to bring trouble to you, and politeness won't change that. It will only waste our time," they declared. Turning their attention to Li Yunxuan, they inquired, "Is Xuan Bing present?"
Cha Nantian appeared outwardly composed but harbored bitterness inside. "These two elders are just as people describe them—cold and aloof. Exceptionally distant yet straightforward," he thought. Yet, he realized that their words were not intended as a slight against him; they were simply stating their perspective, devoid of hostility or emotional entanglement.
The twin sisters exhibited a martial art known as the Ice Heart Formula, which rendered them emotionally detached, impervious to feelings of hatred, gratitude, love, or grievance. They were individuals of extraordinary purity.
Li Yunxuan shared Cha Nantian's sense of unease. In a solemn tone, she replied, "Elder Xuan is not present."
Yue Han coldly nodded and made a decision. "In that case, we will assume control of everything here."
In Qing-Yun Realm, the rule was straightforward—the one with the most significant power held sway. Given their unrivaled influence, the twin sisters' declaration was irrefutable. Li Yunxuan felt a mixture of emotions but remained silent. Very few dared to speak with such authority, and the twins were indeed part of that select few.
They were uninterested in scheming or plotting; they said what was on their minds and acted accordingly, swiftly and efficiently. Their message was crystal clear: "If Xuan Bing were here, a power struggle for authority might have been necessary, but since she is not, we will take charge."
Yue Shuang's gaze locked onto Cha Nantian as she coolly stated, "Members of Misty Cloud Palace should step aside."
Li Yunxuan hesitated but eventually spoke with determination. "Respected uncle disciples, allow me to clarify. When I arrived, Elder Xuan instructed me to safeguard the Cha Clan at all costs."
Yue Han responded with dispassion. "Your intentions are commendable, but can you protect the Cha Clan from our attack, even if it means surrendering everything you have?"
Li Yunxuan found herself at a loss for words, her resolve wavering. "What can we do to halt the two of them?" she wondered. "Who can safeguard the Cha Clan from Shuang and Han of Qiong-Hua Palace?"
Yue Shuang posed a direct question. "I will ask you this once: If we were to eliminate everyone here, would Xuan Bing risk her life to confront us?"
Li Yunxuan grappled with the question, recognizing that it wasn't a provocation but a genuine inquiry. "If we were to act now, would Xuan Bing risk her life for a few casualties?" That was the heart of the matter.
Li Yunxuan's expression underwent a series of shifts, reflecting her inner turmoil. The question posed by Yue Shuang was one that vexed her, and she grappled with the uncertainty that lingered in her mind.
As Yue Shuang astutely pointed out, Xuan Bing might indeed risk her life to protect the Cha Clan while its members remained alive. But what would be Xuan Bing's course of action when confronted with their lifeless bodies? The prospect of a confrontation with deceased individuals introduced a perplexing dilemma. Regardless of the Cha Clan's significance to Xuan Bing, their lives held value, but in death, they would be rendered inconsequential.
Li Yunxuan contemplated the situation and surmised that Xuan Bing, in all likelihood, would refrain from engaging in a battle under these circumstances. The specter of lifeless Cha Clan members cast a shadow on any aspirations of protection that Xuan Bing might harbor.
Had it been anyone else from Qiong-Hua Palace, even the esteemed Moon Queen herself, their presence would not have been cause for fear. However, Shuang and Han were an entirely different matter. They constituted the paramount power in the Qing-Yun Realm, a force to be reckoned with and an unwavering guarantee of victory.
Li Yunxuan wrestled with her internal deliberations, and the result of this mental struggle was a hesitant choice. She reluctantly uttered, "Off you go."
Yue Han issued the command in her customary unemotional manner. What followed was a bone-chilling surge of power that radiated from the twins and propelled Li Yunxuan and the three other disciples of Misty Cloud Palace off the ground. As they attempted to regain their footing, they were met with an insurmountable force that denied them access to the immediate vicinity. No matter how much they endeavored to approach, it seemed an impossible feat.
The twins' actions spoke volumes about their indomitable might. With Misty Cloud Palace disciples forcibly removed from the scene, Yue Shuang and Yue Han turned their glacial gazes upon Cha Nantian.
"Cha Nantian, we crossed paths nineteen years ago," Yue Han stated with her usual detachment.
Cha Nantian, undaunted, replied with a faint smile. "It is an honor that the two of you recall me, an inconspicuous individual."
Yue Shuang nodded and inquired directly, "I wish to know what the Cha Clan intends to do to bring an end to this turmoil."
Cha Nantian's laughter was tinged with serenity as he replied, "Honorable elder, your question is misdirected. The concern isn't what we, the Cha Clan, wish to do. The real question is what Qiong-Hua Palace desires as an end to this."
Having witnessed the twins' formidable display of power, Cha Nantian remained steadfast and composed. He believed that the course of action he chose to follow was a matter of personal principle. In the face of adversity, a true man would remain unwavering, for the stakes of life and death were of little consequence.
"It is not about our desires, but what Qiong-Hua Palace seeks," he declared resolutely.
Yue Shuang responded in her characteristic manner, "I am not one for extensive discussions. I am unconcerned with social conventions, nor do I make an effort to conform to the expectations of others. If I have posed an incorrect question, so be it. It may well be a fortunate error."
Cha Nantian's countenance contorted as he grappled with Yue Shuang's candid approach. "By the heavens, this is a level of straightforwardness I've rarely encountered. Indeed, it appears that I am now bearing witness to one such individual," he pondered. "A fortunate mistake...? Do you genuinely understand so little, or is this an act? It doesn't seem to matter whether it makes sense or not. Whatever you say sounds like law."
Indeed, any words spoken by Yue Shuang carried an air of unquestionable authority. Her statements held the power to make people believe in their validity, regardless of the coherence of her words.