The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 703: Cha Eun Xiao? Cha Eun Xiao?

Cha Eun Xiao? Cha Eun Xiao? . . .

"Men all possess ambitions; it's an inherent trait. In fact, it's impossible for a man to be without ambition. Let's not bring up great saints or mythical figures now. Even those revered saints of legends harbored ambitions," Song Jue stated with a mild tone. "Some aspire for invincibility, some for immortality, some for wealth, some for power. Even the saints, mythical beings of great virtue, longed to etch their names in history, leaving behind a legacy...

"Generals and leaders have their own set of ambitions. The capable ones aim to expand their kingdom's territories and secure a place in the annals of history. The common ones seek promotion, to wed a beautiful wife, and to father children. Soldiers are content with their pay, hoping to provide for their families, or perhaps attaining the prestigious rank of a general in the future.

"Ultimately, everyone pursues personal interests."

Song Jue continued, "My standpoint mirrors this perspective. People in different roles view things differently. As a soldier ascends to become a general, his desires evolve, encompassing more than just providing for his family. He aspires to attain higher ranks, more wealth, and the power to lead an army. However, when he becomes a commander, a distinguished general, his goals shift towards acquiring fame and a lasting legacy.

"Sometimes, it's essential to be in a specific position to pass judgment on certain matters. A beggar, struggling to even feed themselves, couldn't realistically contemplate how to improve the world for others. Even if such a possibility existed, people would scoff at the idea. How can you work towards bettering the world when you can barely secure your own survival?

"As people progress through various stages in life, their ambitions evolve. What might seem mundane to ordinary folks is a dream come true for beggars. The wealthy might take their affluence for granted, while the less fortunate yearn for it. Officials in high-ranking positions are living the dream that scholars and wealthy individuals desire. Influential figures within the court achieve what those yearning for power dream of... and the list goes on!

"Ambition propels the world forward, making it the most valuable force humankind possesses.

"When a person holds a minor official role, they may be enticed by bribes. But once they reach a certain position, say, wielding power just shy of the king himself, would they even consider chasing wealth? Their desires change..."

He laughed, "So what do you think? Will you regard me in the same way as your father does? He always claims that my perspectives are extreme."

Cha Eun Xiao chuckled. "No, I won't. Your views may be extreme, but you are right. I believe my father wouldn't consider you wrong in this matter."

Song Jue laughed contentedly. He effortlessly swung his sword, sending over a dozen soldiers from the Kingdom of Lan-Feng tumbling from the wall. As he continued speaking, he said, "Martial artists like us also possess ambitions. However, what we seek is something that people in the Land of Han-Yang wouldn't grasp. Indeed, for individuals in the Human Realm Upon Heavens, our desires are insignificant.

"In their eyes, those who have reached the pinnacle of the Qing-Yun Realm, such as Xue Danru, Xuan Bing, and Xiao Monarch, no matter how remarkable they are within the Qing-Yun Realm, they're considered weak. From their perspective, these figures are a source of amusement. To them, it's presumptuous for these figures to act as conquerors given their limited abilities, a viewpoint shared by those in the Human Realm Upon Heavens."

"Now think about it. Aren't you, in essence, like those lofty figures in the Human Realm Upon Heavens?" Song Jue remarked.

Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback. Although he didn't seem overly interested in the lengthy discourse, he inquired, "Xue Danru? Xuan Bing? Are they both women? Xiao Monarch? Who is that?"

He asked, knowing the answer.

Song Jue responded with a humph. "Yes, they're women. What of it? Women can certainly be formidable cultivators. Xue Danru and Xuan Bing are two of the most powerful figures in the Qing-Yun Realm. As for Xiao Monarch... well, his name is Cha Eun Xiao, the same as yours!"

Cha Eun Xiao spoke in a low voice, "Xiao Monarch, Cha Eun Xiao."

Song Jue half-closed his eyes and stated, "Exactly, Xiao Monarch, Cha Eun Xiao. Does that make you feel proud? Well, compared to him, you're weaker than an ant! He could eliminate you with a puff of air! He could extinguish you with a mere fart!"

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but smile. "Really? Is he that remarkable?"

Song Jue, observing the situation, raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of frustration creeping in. He found himself slightly taken aback by Cha Eun Xiao's reaction. "Of course, Cha Eun Xiao is exceptional! Unlike you! Arrogant and foolish! What goes on in that head of yours?"

Cha Eun Xiao's face contorted with annoyance, and he muttered an expletive under his breath. It was a moment he couldn't control.

[Alright, what should I say now?]

"Oh, it appears there's another individual with the name Cha Eun Xiao in the Qing-Yun Realm," Cha Eun Xiao murmured.

"Hmph. Cha Eun Xiao, the Monarch of Qing-Yun, was a legend! He possessed intelligence, handsomeness, courage, strength, and generosity. He was unbeatable! You could never measure up to him!" Song Jue expressed, full of admiration. "During his time, Cha Eun Xiao roamed the Qing-Yun Realm with nothing but a single sword. He vanquished evildoers and aided the righteous. He acted on his own accord, taking countless lives, yet he never committed anything vile. He only eliminated those who deserved it."

"Cha Eun Xiao, Cha Eun Xiao, what a remarkable hero he was. He embodied both righteousness and wickedness. People both praised and chastised him. Even his adversaries didn't question his character," Song Jue continued enthusiastically. However, he eventually sighed, "It's such a pity. This heroic figure perished without a trace."

"Ah? He's dead? Really? Cha Eun Xiao is dead? Wasn't he an invincible hero? How did he meet his end?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired. He knew exactly how he met his own demise. There was no reason for Song Jue to be aware of it, nor should Cha Nantian have that information. Both of them had been away from the Qing-Yun Realm for numerous years. Why would they be informed about Cha Eun Xiao's death?

Song Jue held his breath and revealed, "Members of the Cha Clan in the Qing-Yun Realm came to visit, and we had a conversation. They mentioned that Cha Eun Xiao had fallen into a trap and was pursued by various factions until his demise. Such a valiant figure meeting his end in a vile conspiracy! What a tragedy!"

Cha Eun Xiao raised another question, "Uncle Song, if there was a renowned figure named Cha Eun Xiao, then why was I named Cha Eun Xiao as well? Did my father hold Cha Eun Xiao in such high regard?"

This question had been lingering in Cha Eun Xiao's mind for quite some time. Cha Nantian had hailed from the Qing-Yun Realm, where Cha Eun Xiao was a world-altering presence. So, why did he name his own son Cha Eun Xiao? It was indeed perplexing.