The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1062: So Long For Now

So Long For Now . . .

Cha Eun Xiao, puzzled by the scene before him, inquired, "What has transpired here?"

Han Bingxue couldn't help but respond with a hint of exasperation. "What else could it be?" she retorted. "Your Cha Clan and their Li Clan engaged in a fierce conflict, both sides suffering injuries. They plunged headfirst into a tumultuous brawl on their very first day outside, causing quite a commotion. Nevertheless, we simply didn't have the luxury of time to indulge in their senseless feud."

A wistful smile crossed Cha Eun Xiao's face. He was unsure how he would confront the situation within the Cha Clan. However, there was no escaping the fact that his father, Cha Nantian, resided there.

Irrespective of the circumstances, Cha Nantian was technically his father, to whom he owed a profound debt of gratitude. Cha Eun Xiao felt that it would be inhumane to withhold his assistance.

As they continued on their journey, a small town came into view. "Let's seek refuge in that town for the night," Cha Eun Xiao suggested. Despite their proximity to the Cha Clan's residence, they could reach it in under fifteen minutes, even accounting for Cha Eun Xiao's slower pace. Yet, he made the choice to pause and take shelter in the small town.

Internally, he wrestled with his emotions, displaying a hint of hesitation. ɴovelFɪre.net

Xuan Bing, her demeanor cool and collected, spoke up, "Very well. I shall cover the cost of dinner tonight. Come tomorrow morning, I must take my leave. I'm uncertain when our paths will cross again."

Despite her best efforts to maintain a fa?ade of indifference, she couldn't hide the sadness in her heart.

"Are you departing?" Both Cha Eun Xiao and Han Bingxue turned their gaze towards her.

Xuan Bing offered a smile in response. "All good things must come to an end," she began. "I embarked on this journey in search of the Regeneration Ink Lotus. Yet, to my astonishment, I've acquired a substantial number of Regeneration Jade Lotuses. It's an unexpected stroke of fortune. Countless individuals within Misty Cloud Palace are eagerly awaiting my return. With our newfound abundance of lotuses, I anticipate the swift revival of our Renascence Garden."

She strained to infuse her voice with an air of detachment and aloofness. "When we encounter each other in the martial world in the future, Little Brother Cha, I make you a promise. I'll do whatever you ask, to the best of my abilities."

Her gaze, piercing through her mask, locked onto Cha Eun Xiao. She repeated firmly, "Anything!"

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Even if you were to request the annihilation of the seven great sects."

The implications were glaring.

"All you need to do is give me the word, and I will exact vengeance for you. I will assist you in their extermination."

"Your concerns are as significant to me as my own!"

Furthermore, she reverted to addressing Cha Eun Xiao as "Little Brother Cha." This signified that the commitment was a personal matter, separate from her role as a representative of Misty Cloud Palace. In these circumstances, her promise held significant value.

Regrettably, it appeared that Cha Eun Xiao didn't fully grasp the depth of Xuan Bing's sincerity, despite her candidness. He responded with a smile, saying, "Thank you very much. If I ever require assistance in the future, I will reach out to you, Miss Xuan."

Han Bingxue couldn't help but furrow his brow, detecting the insincerity in Cha Eun Xiao's reply. He was well aware of the extent of Xuan Bing's offer, but he also understood that Cha Eun Xiao's pride prevented him from seeking revenge on his own behalf, even if he was unable to do so himself.

A man's death was as inconsequential as the pointing of a bird to the sky. Death didn't hold much significance for him.

Xuan Bing let out an exasperated huff and declared, "I will be waiting for you. My promise is unwavering!"

Cha Eun Xiao responded with gratitude, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, Miss Xuan. When the need arises, I will reach out. I have given away many valuable things, and perhaps at some point, I should remember to seek recompense."

Xuan Bing was taken aback when she heard the words "remember to seek recompense." She understood that Cha Eun Xiao might remember it but choose to ignore it.

As she recalled, Cha Eun Xiao was not one to yield. If someone offered assistance willingly, and he couldn't refuse the favor, he would accept it. However, if someone treated the favor as a transaction, he would never accept it.

Essentially, his message was clear: "I gifted you the lotuses out of goodwill, not because I wanted something in return. I acted in good faith, and I do not seek recompense. I value the purity of my intentions. It was never a transaction to me. Do not insult me by making it one. Since you wish to repay me with such conditions, I suppose our friendship need not continue. A business transaction within a friendship destroys the bond, and I have no use for an impure friendship. I'd rather let it go. I will never come to you for help."

Xuan Bing let out a sigh and lowered her head in apology. "You're right. I misspoke. My intention was to express my gratitude for your kindness, Little Brother Cha, but my words made it sound like a business transaction. I apologize."

Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback by the unexpected apology.

[Did Xuan Bing just apologize for this?]

People perceived situations differently based on their positions. From Cha Eun Xiao's perspective, he expected Xuan Bing to be infuriated and reprimand him for his lack of gratitude.

[What is happening?]

He felt a twinge of embarrassment.

Cha Eun Xiao had observed that the spiritual qi in the area was gradually diminishing, although the process was slow. Without East-rising Purple Qi, he might not have even noticed it.

He was certain that this phenomenon was related to what had happened to him, but he lacked concrete evidence.

That night, Xuan Bing hosted a lavish banquet at the town's most luxurious hotel. Unfortunately, this luxurious establishment only had three small separate rooms.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Xuan Bing placed a one-hundred-tael gold note on the table and requested that the hotel refuse all other guests.

The hotel proprietor was overjoyed. In over half a lifetime of work, he had never earned a hundred taels of gold in total. With the money he had earned that day, he no longer had to worry about his livelihood. He could even consider closing the hotel the next day, so he readily accepted Xuan Bing's request.

The hotel staff worked tirelessly to prepare for the feast.

Touched by the gesture, Cha Eun Xiao also ordered a few dishes. These dishes were Xuan Bing's favorites from her time in the Land of Han-Yang. Although Xuan Bing deliberately avoided these dishes, she couldn't resist taking a few bites. When the flavors she used to love entered her mouth, she couldn't help but smile with fond memories.