The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 394: The Unique!

The Unique! . . .

Cha Eun Xiao may not have been familiar with the concept of the Heavenly Destined Tree, but he held no doubts about Master Bai's veracity. His pride and elegance left no room for deception.

The revelation about a tree that bore fruit roughly once every one hundred and thirty thousand years was nothing short of astonishing. "The fruit itself is already wondrous," Master Bai explained in hushed tones, "and its effects are nothing short of miraculous. However, the fruit's flesh is but a fraction of its splendor. Within the fruit lies a kernel, and within that kernel, a dan book is concealed."

With great solemnity, Master Bai continued, "This dan book contains the core teachings of the supreme martial principles required to attain the Saint Stage. Only one copy appears every era."

Cha Eun Xiao's astonishment was evident. The Heavenly Destined Tree and its associated martial principles were nothing short of legendary.

"The chance of encountering the tree, let alone securing its fruit, is close to impossible," Master Bai continued, his voice low and deliberate. "Those chosen by the heavens alone are granted this privilege, a select few among humankind."

"Many have heard of the tree's existence," he explained further, "yet only a handful have ever beheld it. They simply weren't destined for such an encounter. They lacked the divine favor necessary to glimpse this sacred tree."

Master Bai divulged more about the tree's history. "Throughout the ages, the tree has borne an indeterminate number of fruits. The fruits' ultimate destinations remain shrouded in mystery, but without exception, those who partook of the Heavenly Destined Fruit ascended to the Saint Stage."

The implication was clear: the Heavenly Destined Tree had played a pivotal role in the cultivation of Saint Stage practitioners.

Master Bai recounted a personal experience. "During my youth, I encountered a tree while venturing outside. On one of its branches, I spotted a fruit, though it had not yet ripened."

With a tinge of regret, he confessed, "I may not have been chosen at the time, and I remained ignorant of the tree's true identity. Being a lifelong tea enthusiast, I harvested hundreds of its tender leaves and brewed them into tea."

Master Bai paused, reflecting on that fateful encounter. "By chance, I stumbled upon an ancient tome while preparing the tea. It contained detailed information about the Heavenly Destined Tree, and its description perfectly matched the leaves I had plucked. It was then that I realized I had encountered the Heavenly Destined Tree."

Returning to the scene, he discovered that the tree had vanished without a trace. Master Bai recalled, "It was gone forever. I had been chosen, but the tree had departed. I had missed the greatest opportunity of my life."

Master Bai sighed, revealing a deep sense of loss. "Regret is a futile emotion, and it is far too late to amend past mistakes. Thus, I have refrained from drinking that tea ever since."

Turning to face Cha Eun Xiao, he concluded, "This tea is the one that fulfills your request. Inside this small bag, there are ninety-nine leaves. I was reading that book while making the tea, and my hand trembled, causing some leaves to be damaged. These are the ones that remain."

"This must be destiny, the will of the heavens," Cha Eun Xiao mused, contemplating the rarity of the Heavenly Destined Tree and the singular opportunity he had been presented.

"In history," Master Bai continued, "those who encountered the Heavenly Destined Tree and recognized it would not have considered making tea from its leaves. Thus, Bai Chen, I am likely the sole individual in history to have committed such an act."

As he spoke, a rare, self-mocking tone overcame his usual casual demeanor. Though he appeared unaffected by worldly concerns and challenges, discussing those tea leaves evoked a well of emotions. Lingering beneath his laughter, a veil of regret and pain shone through. It was an experience he had often concealed, attempting to suppress those emotions, yet he was not entirely successful.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime, divinely granted opportunity, possibly the only one he would ever receive. It had come so near, and he could have reached it with ease, yet he had allowed it to slip through his fingers. The only word that truly captured the essence of this experience was 'tragedy.'

"So, until today, no one has ever tasted it," Master Bai sighed, his smile bittersweet. "And after today, no one else shall taste it either."

He revealed the melancholy truth, "There are only these ninety-nine leaves in history."

"Once you have savored it," Master Bai admitted with a touch of resignation, "I will abstain from it. I have no desire to partake, reserving a single leaf in case, by some miracle, I should ever encounter the tree again. The likelihood is exceedingly slim, but I still hold onto that hope..."

Cha Eun Xiao, however, was invigorated by this prospect. "If you won't drink it, why not just give me the rest?"

Once more, Master Bai's smile turned bittersweet. He gazed at Cha Eun Xiao, astonished, and then gently shook his head. "Feng Monarch, I never imagined that there could exist such a shameless individual as you. Do you comprehend the significance of what you're asking?"

Cha Eun Xiao responded with nonchalance, "The origin of the tea and its ingredients are irrelevant. What matters is that you should prepare the tea for me. The fact remains that only I can partake of it now, as you have no intention of drinking it yourself. In fact, you cannot drink it anymore. Why not keep one leaf for yourself? Wouldn't it be a constant reminder of your missed opportunity, making you feel like a fool each time you see it? What would you gain by holding onto them all? Are you not condemning yourself to perpetual regret?"

With a smile, Cha Eun Xiao explained his intentions further, "I am simply trying to set you free from those shackles. By accepting the offer, you release yourself from the burden of regret. You do not need to express gratitude; it is of little consequence. I genuinely desire those leaves, as the tea can only be savored by me..."

Master Bai burst into laughter, shaking his head in disbelief. "Today, I have truly come to know the renowned Feng Monarch. You act as though you are doing me a favor, yet you are clearly seizing an opportunity. You even told me not to express gratitude. You are a unique individual, a true eccentric."

Despite their playful exchange, Cha Eun Xiao was determined to taste the fabled tea, and Master Bai had chosen to oblige him.