The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 704: Lousy Idea!

Lousy Idea! . . .

Song Jue's expression took an unexpected turn, a bemused look crossing his face. "Honestly, Cha Eun Xiao, I haven't quite figured out the reason behind it myself. I wholeheartedly admire the Xiao Monarch, no less than a hundred and twenty percent. Curiously, when your father, Cha Nantian, wasn't particularly sorrowful about the Xiao Monarch's passing. When you were born, he had the intention of naming you 'Cha Eun Xiao,' but not just 'Xiao' (笑), but 'Xiao' (霄) as in 'clouds.' I'm not entirely certain how it transpired to your current name. Perhaps he aspired for you to become a remarkable figure like the Xiao Monarch, someone who could astonish the world and traverse the universe..."

Cha Eun Xiao never delved too deeply into this enigma, but he couldn't help but feel there was a significant purpose behind it. Cha Nantian was undoubtedly aware of another individual named Cha Eun Xiao, yet he still insisted on giving his son the same name. Cha Eun Xiao believed there had to be a meaningful rationale behind this choice.

One would think that such a naming convention should be avoided, but the mystery lingered.

The relentless assaults from the Kingdom of Lan-Feng resulted in uproar and turmoil. This marked the ninth attack of the day, and Cha Eun Xiao knew it was merely a temporary pause before the storm would return, each subsequent assault maintaining its ferocity.

Cha Eun Xiao ordered his men to prepare large vats and set them to boil water. In each vat, he dropped two dan beads, a precious and limited resource. The injured soldiers would receive a bowl of this water, after which they would be allowed to rest. Cha Eun Xiao's wealth was substantial, but even he had his financial limits. Those who were fatigued but not wounded had to take turns resting, while only the severely injured had the privilege of consuming the dan water. If everyone were to partake freely, Cha Eun Xiao would quickly exhaust his remaining dan supply.

Meanwhile, on the opposing side, General Wenren Jianyin observed Iron Peak through a spyglass, a perplexed expression on his face. "They've endured such frequent attacks, yet... something doesn't feel right," he muttered, furrowing his brow.

"I know what you mean," added a burly general with a substantial beard, sharing the sentiment of confusion.

Wenren Chuchu, clad in pristine white attire, remained silent, deep in contemplation. The battle had raged on for an extended period, and there was a palpable sense of wrongness. However, she couldn't quite pinpoint the source of the issue.

"We've sent two hundred thousand men in wave after wave, and this is the ninth assault. They should be utterly exhausted, even if they were made of iron. Yet, the soldiers on their wall...why are they still displaying such fierceness and stamina? Can they truly be this untiring? It defies reason. It can't be possible," Wenren Jianyin mused, knitting his brows.

Wenren Chuchu mirrored his concern. "Indeed, I'm acquainted with some of the men on their side, and I'm certain they sustained injuries in the previous attacks. But...after two more waves of assault, they managed to ascend the wall once again. I couldn't even discern any wounds on them. They seemed even more vigorous than before..."

"Absolutely! You're right!" A general, equipped with a spyglass, affirmed as he nodded. "Their soldiers as well...they get wounded, yet they return as if they were unscathed!"

Wenren Jianyin's countenance grew increasingly somber.

"I fear that Feng Monarch is indeed partaking in this war. That much is undeniable," Wenren Jianyin declared, his voice laden with conviction. "I believe that only the Feng Monarch from Ling-Bao Hall possesses dan beads with such remarkable properties. He may be utilizing far superior dan beads than we can fathom."

"That's correct. Only Feng Monarch could pull off such feats," Wenren Chuchu added, her expression shrouded in gloom. "Wounded soldiers, as long as they draw breath, he can restore them to full health and even fortify them with his dan beads. Only he could possess a surplus of dan beads capable of supporting his entire army."

The other generals were seized by trepidation. "Does this mean... we're facing an invincible army? How...how can we possibly emerge victorious? Feng Monarch doesn't even have to join the battle; he simply continues supplying his soldiers with dan beads, and we'll be inexorably drained."

They exchanged anxious glances, words failing to convey the depth of their anxiety.

[No matter how much we damage their troops, as long as they survive, they'll swiftly return to their former vigor.]

[We've exerted ourselves to inflict harm on them, but after we exhaust ourselves fighting them into the ground, they rejuvenate with newfound vigor...]

[The only outcome for us is defeat!]

[If this continues unabated, we'll not only lose a million men, but even ten million will perish!]

[Reality is harsh. How do we contend with this?]

Regrettably, they were unable to conceive of any practical solution.

"The only recourse at our disposal is to assassinate Feng Monarch in their stead. That would resolve all our problems," one general proposed after considerable contemplation.

In essence, he was correct. If they could eliminate Feng Monarch in such a manner, it would indeed resolve all their predicaments. However, as he completed his suggestion, his comrades regarded him with disdain.

[He must be out of his mind!]

[Is he insane? How else could he propose such a 'brilliant' idea?]

"What? Why are you all looking at me like that?" The general was bewildered. [I genuinely believe it's a viable solution!]

"You're quite something! How can you come up with such an absurd notion?" another general sneered. "Let's not even consider the fact that Feng Monarch is notorious for seeking vengeance. Think about it. The individuals who placed an astronomical bounty on his head—billions of units—every single one of them perished due to Feng Zhiling's extravagant retribution! Assassins from across the globe were dispatched to slay him..."

"Suppose we overlook that. He is a recognized rival to Master Bai, remember? Who could possibly assassinate him? Two major sects endeavored to eliminate him. Well, where are they now? They were eradicated within a day. Mountains were reduced to dust, and he even created a lake!"

"Tell me, who do we send for this task? Who could possibly end his life? It's akin to targeting the existence of a deity walking among us."

"And don't forget Ning Biluo, Zhao Pingtian, and Liu Changjun! We don't possess a single individual of Ning Biluo's caliber on our side. Yet you propose assassinating Feng Monarch? Are you completely out of your mind?"