The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 180: All The Questions

All The Questions . . .

Cha Nan-Tian's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and questions as he confronted Song Jue. His deep frown and penetrating gaze betrayed the intensity of his curiosity and concern.

"Moreover," Cha Nan-Tian continued, "Cha-Eun Xiao's martial arts skills are truly extraordinary. They are of the highest caliber, and it's not merely their excellence that astonishes me. What baffles me more is the utter lack of information about these martial arts. How is it possible that I haven't even heard rumors or whispers about such techniques?"

He paused, his expression growing pensive. "In addition to his martial prowess, Cha-Eun Xiao's intellect has also seen a remarkable transformation. His thoughts are not only stable but also remarkably wise. He displays decisiveness that I've never seen in him before. It's as though he's become an entirely different person since our last meeting. How can such a profound change occur in such a short span of time?"

"But what surprises me the most," Cha Nan-Tian's voice lowered, "is that Cha-Eun Xiao possesses a deeper understanding of cultivation than I do. It begs the question: who has been his mentor in these matters? Who possesses the knowledge and capability to impart such wisdom?"

Cha Nan-Tian's eyes bore into Song Jue, his piercing gaze unrelenting. "I found solace in Cha-Eun Xiao's words, but I also find them shrouded in mystery. While it's a welcome change, I must ask you, Song Jue, why you've kept silent about all of this for so long. Is it some sort of surprise you've orchestrated for me? If it is, I must admit it's a pleasant one."

His tone then shifted, becoming more pointed. "And furthermore, how is it that Cha-Eun Xiao possesses knowledge about the Cha Clan? Did you divulge information about our lineage to him?"

Song Jue, feeling the weight of the questions and the gravity of the situation, wore a bitter expression as he contemplated his response. "Well, big brother... these matters... it's best that you inquire about them directly from your son. You shouldn't rely on me for answers."

Cha Nan-Tian, unwilling to let the matter rest, shook his head. "Cha-Eun Xiao has become a man in his own right, with his own secrets. If he wishes to share them with me, he will. Pushing him for answers may not be the wisest course of action. After all, the changes he has undergone are undoubtedly for the better. Do I truly need to pry into his affairs?"

Song Jue couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, but then his expression changed. "So, you're saying you'll keep questioning me instead?"

"Indeed," Cha Nan-Tian responded firmly. "Both you and Cha-Eun Xiao have undergone significant changes, and I can't simply let this matter go unquestioned. If my son chooses to remain silent on these matters, then it falls to you to provide some clarity."

Song Jue's brow furrowed as he grappled with the situation. "Changed? Me?"

"Yes," Cha Nan-Tian affirmed with conviction. "When I departed from our house of Cha, you were already a grandmaster of the Tianyuan level. I expected that, upon my return, you would have fallen below the Grade of Tianyuan due to the passage of two and a half years. And if you had been indulging in alcohol during my absence, the situation would have been even worse. Yet here you stand, still at the Grade of Tianyuan. It's nothing short of unbelievable. What astonishes me even more is that the Golden Mai Palm wound within your body has nearly vanished. It's nothing short of miraculous. I may not have noticed it initially, but now, I see it clearly."

Cha Nan-Tian's gaze bore into Song Jue once more, a silent plea for answers.

Song Jue, grappling with the complexity of his own situation, could only offer a vague response. "Well, you see... the matter you're referring to—the Golden Mai Palm wound—I hardly know where to begin. As for the wound's miraculous healing... Well, I must confess, I'm still quite puzzled myself."

Frustration crept into Cha Nan-Tian's voice as he pressed for answers. "Song Jue, do you truly expect me to believe such a convoluted explanation?"

Song Jue, his tone filled with resignation, could only offer a final response. "I swear by the heavens, Big Brother, that everything I've told you is the truth. I can't explain how it all happened any better than that. You're the only one who can seek the truth now."

Song Jue was in a state of near panic, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I really, really, reaaaaaally have no idea! I swear to God, I know nothing! We're brothers, please believe me. If I knew anything, I'd tell you, but I don't!"

Frustration and anxiety colored Song Jue's voice as he continued, "I don't understand how Cha-Eun Xiao came to know about the Cha Clan and its hunting system. I didn't tell him anything about it, I promise..."

Cha Nan-Tian regarded Song Jue with an annoyed expression, his patience wearing thin. "Am I to believe that you've lived like a recluse during the two and a half years you've been at home?" he retorted sharply. "You keep insisting you know nothing. Fine, I trust you. But the fact that something as significant as this unfolded around you, and you claim ignorance, only to provide an explanation that's utterly nonsensical...doesn't it strike you as strange?"

Song Jue, feeling the pressure and sensing he'd misspoken, frantically grasped at his own hair. "Why am I being interrogated here? I should be questioning you!" he exclaimed. "If I knew anything, would I be running around in fear from your son? I can't even get a good night's sleep!"

Cha Nan-Tian shot a quizzical look at his sworn brother, his patience wavering.

Internally, Song Jue berated himself, [Oh no, I've let my mouth run again. That was a slip-up!]

Despite Song Jue's frantic explanations and Cha Nan-Tian's persistent questioning, no further information emerged.

"Very well, let's leave it at that," Cha Nan-Tian finally relented, his tone cooling. "Things are generally in our favor. Cha-Eun Xiao has grown into a man, and if he wishes to keep certain matters secret, we needn't pry. It's a positive development. Whoever has been teaching him and healing you seems to mean us no harm. That much is undeniable..."

He continued in a measured tone, "Cha-Eun Xiao's knowledge extends to the Qing-Yun Realm, matters of true nature, responsibility, the essence of being a man, and even the Cha Clan itself. It's safe to assume that whoever guided him possesses noble intentions. Moreover, they likely hail from outside the Land of Han-Yang, probably the Qing-Yun Realm. There aren't many individuals, even within the Qing-Yun Realm, with such profound cultivation skills."

Cha Nan-Tian looked pensive. "I don't believe we should confront this person. Doing so might create unnecessary tension and risk exposing their true identity. Instead, let's act as if we're unaware of Cha-Eun Xiao's newfound knowledge. The days ahead will be challenging."

Song Jue interjected with a question, "Could this individual be related to the Cha Clan?"

Cha Nan-Tian's response was swift and unequivocal. "Absolutely not," he stated firmly.

Regret etched across Song Jue's face as he absorbed the implications of Cha Nan-Tian's words.

Cha Nan-Tian decided to move the conversation forward. "Tomorrow, I'll attend the court and initiate the cleanup process," he declared resolutely. "Just as Cha-Eun Xiao suggested, our soldiers are shedding blood on the battlefield. We must ensure their families feel safe and protected here. Soldiers should not weep as they bleed."

As they discussed their course of action, the mystery surrounding Cha-Eun Xiao's transformation lingered in the air, an enigma they dared not unravel further.

"I will make those men in the capital weep and bleed!" Cha Nan-Tian declared with a steely resolve. "This is what I must do. Let me see it through this time."

Song Jue, his unwavering support evident, nodded emphatically. "Brother, you can count on me."

Cha Nan-Tian acknowledged Song Jue's loyalty with a nod of appreciation. "I've been consumed with worry, not just about Cha-Eun Xiao, but also your wound. Now, finally, I am free to act."

Song Jue felt compelled to share more about the mysterious healer. "The individual who cured me possessed remarkable power. Strangely, I initially thought they were only at the third level of the Grade of Diyuan. How could someone of that level heal my Golden Mai Palm wound? What baffles me, though, is why they had to render me unconscious during the process. If they could help me, there was no need for such measures."

Cha Nan-Tian chuckled and praised Song Jue in his own way. "You truly embody Song Jue, my brother. You've been as obtuse as a pig since childhood. I've never been mistaken about you."

Song Jue's initial shock gave way to a grin, and he retorted, gritting his teeth, "I never knew you had such a talent for ridiculing people!"

Before Cha Nan-Tian could proceed to the royal palace, the king himself arrived at the House of Cha. Traditional protocol dictated that when the king visited an official's residence, he should be greeted with warm enthusiasm, an air of gratitude, and an honor befitting his status. However, Commander Cha chose to remain in his study, anticipating the king's arrival.

"Waiting" would be a generous term for what he was doing.

Throughout the House of Cha, not a single soul extended a warm greeting to the king, nor did anyone offer to lead him. Instead, a palpable air of hostility and disdain radiated from every member of the Cha Clan, particularly those under Steward Song's influence. Their eyes gleamed with a predatory green light, and their demeanor left no doubt of their readiness to engage in violence at a moment's notice.

The king, therefore, had no choice but to navigate the labyrinthine halls of the House of Cha on his own, fortunate that he was familiar with the layout. The royal guards accompanying him appeared lost and disoriented, their spirits visibly shaken. They had never encountered a situation where officials refused to escort the king personally.

Such behavior bordered on regicide, but Cha Nan-Tian seemed unfazed. He remained ensconced in his study, carrying out his enigmatic plan.

The king, however, was undeterred by the ominous atmosphere. He knew the Cha Clan well and understood that their loyalty was unwavering. Trusting in Cha Nan-Tian's commitment to his safety, the king chose to walk unaccompanied to the study, dismissing the advice of his guards and officials.

In his mind, the king was resolute: "If Cha Nan-Tian has any intention of harming me, the number of guards surrounding me would mean nothing. But if Cha Nan-Tian harbors no ill will, as long as I am with him, even if the world turns against me, I will be safe."