The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 685: Taboo!

Taboo! . . .

Wenren Chuchu was perplexed. "I... I don't know. I've never heard of Lord Xiao!"

"Think! Can you recall any prominent figure with the name Xiao? He must be an important young figure from the Kingdom of Chen," Wenren Jianyin mused. "He must hail from a significant family to use such a title..."

"As far as I know, among all the young elite figures in Chen-Xing City, there's only one man named Xiao," Wenren Chuchu responded thoughtfully. "He is Cha Nantian's son, Cha Eun Xiao."

Wenren Jianyin frowned. "Cha Eun Xiao? Cha Nantian's son? This complicates matters."

Wenren Chuchu inquired, "How so?"

"If it were the son of anyone else from the Kingdom of Chen, we could simply eliminate him without much concern. We are, after all, on opposing sides. However, as he's Cha Nantian's son... that's a problem," Wenren Jianyin remarked.

Wenren Jianyin forced a smile. "Cha Nantian's son is a touchy subject for all kingdoms. In fact, Cha Nantian himself is a sensitive figure for every kingdom."

"Take Prince Hua-Yang, Su Dingguo, for instance. He is a skilled general known for his success in battle. But he is still just a mortal man. Su Dingguo will grow old and eventually taste defeat, which is why I'm confident I can defeat him one day. However, Cha Nantian is in a league of his own."

"Cha Nantian holds the title of War God of Chen, though it doesn't quite do him justice. He operates like a god on the battlefield, appearing unbeatable. His men execute his commands with unparalleled precision. He's not just the War God of Chen; he's the War God of Han-Yang."

"Even if he only used a fraction of his true capabilities, often opting for strategic cunning, he could have conquered the world years ago if not for the House of the Chaotic Storms constraining him. Cha Nantian is a taboo figure for all kingdoms, and his son is a delicate matter. To understand Chen Xuantian's full support, one must know that Chen Xuantian used a secret medicine to save Cha Nantian's son."

"In other words, if his son is harmed here, we'll face Cha Nantian's unrelenting vengeance, regardless of whether we conquer the Kingdom of Chen. His rage will never subside, and the Kingdom of Chen won't be able to shield him."

"That's why I'd rather face Cha Nantian himself than his son. Not only would it be an ignoble act to battle a young lad, but the prospect of facing him is daunting. Additionally, I may emerge victorious if I were to face Cha Nantian, but fighting his son, I wouldn't dare to kill him, even if I bested him. It's a predicament."

Wenren Jianyin sighed. "If the passage to the higher realms is not sealed, you wouldn't need to leave. With your sect's assistance, we might stand a chance against Cha Nantian. As it stands, there are only four months left before your departure, and it's a grave issue."

Wenren Chuchu's eyes glinted with determination as she said, "If it's truly that dire, perhaps I should attempt to assassinate Cha Nantian before I leave."

Wenren Jianyin turned to his niece and, after a while, spoke in a subdued tone, "Chuchu, my dear, you possess incredible power, and you've exceeded my expectations. But you are not a match for Cha Nantian. Killing him within his formidable army is nearly impossible. No one from your sect remains in this world to aid you. You would be fighting alone, making it even more challenging."

"Furthermore... even if you were capable of doing so, I would not allow you to take such a risk," he added. "This is a war in the mortal world. Your father and I would rather see you free in the world beyond this one. Let us handle the battle. We don't want you to endanger yourself."

"There have been several legendary duels among renowned figures in the world. They've typically been one-on-one battles, and if I were to fall at the hands of Cha Nantian, I would meet my fate without regrets. In the same vein, if Cha Nantian were to meet his end by my hand, he, too, would have no regrets. However, if either of us were to meet our demise by the hand of an outsider, it would be a dishonor to us both. Cha Nantian has led his army for years, and he's rarely relied on his personal martial skills to secure victory. It wouldn't be fitting for me to resort to ignoble methods."

He offered a smile. "In the mortal world, there are rules to be followed. We employ all manner of schemes, tricks, covert attacks, and poison to gain an advantage in battle because that is the nature of our fights."

"Consider the battle between Wu Gonglie and me. His exceptional defense genuinely impressed me. However, I had to employ a deceitful ploy to triumph. That's my kind of victory. If you were to land a strike and kill Wu Gonglie, that would be excessive. It would be an ignoble victory."

"A soldier's fate, duty, and honor lie in dying on the battlefield," he continued. "Myself, Su Dingguo, Zhan Qianshan, Cha Nantian, and the late Wu Gonglie – we won't harbor regrets no matter the outcome. Striking an opponent down outside of battle goes against our core moral principles. Our self-respect forbids it."

"We're soldiers, and we can't soar through the skies, achieve immortality, or dominate the entire world. Nevertheless, we excel on the battlefield, fighting by our own means and refusing to resort to underhanded tactics."

"Cha Nantian could have eliminated us effortlessly if he chose to use such methods. It would have been a piece of cake for him. However, he has never considered it, and I know he never will," he affirmed. "That's why I can't do it either, even if I know it might lead to my failure."

He gazed at the white flag and spoke solemnly. "So, Chen Xuantian resorted to a cunning maneuver by sending this man. It seems like his only viable option, and it's a clever one."

Wenren Chuchu responded matter-of-factly, "Uncle, you seem to have doubts about Lord Xiao's capabilities. Why is that? Like father, like son. Cha Eun Xiao must be quite confident to lead the army this time!"