Chapter 1010: Eldritch Youngsters
Eldritch Youngsters . . .
Xuan Bing's upbringing within the Misty Cloud Palace had fortified her, shaping her character. Her most trying moments stemmed from being abandoned as a child. Upon reaching the Dream Origin Stage and entering the martial world, her life took a different trajectory. She became known for her decisiveness, a trait that greatly bolstered her cultivation, ultimately propelling her into the ranks of the most distinguished master cultivators.
In her journey through martial arts, Xuan Bing had been relatively untouched by misfortune. No one dared to bully her, and as she traversed the martial world, she left no traces of her presence. Her life revolved around the realm of cultivation, leaving no room to explore a more ordinary existence.
There was one notable challenge she had faced – a battle against Xue Danru in the Land of Han-Yang. While it had been a daunting confrontation, Xuan Bing emerged victorious. Rather than regret the experience, she held it in high regard, as it granted her unique insights. Furthermore, it led to the removal of her ailment, rendering her even more powerful.
The present journey presented a different kind of experience. It was a novel and peculiar encounter for a renowned figure accustomed to occupying a lofty position in the world.
Cha Eun Xiao took the lead in addressing the three young men who had drawn their attention. He was well aware of Xuan Bing's growing indignation, and if she reached the newcomers first, the situation could escalate into a volatile confrontation.
Facing Xuan Bing directly would not bode well for the three young men. Thus, despite his own annoyance, Cha Eun Xiao initiated the conversation, potentially saving the lives of the trio.
His inquiry cut through the tension. "Who are you?" he asked before Xuan Bing could intervene.
The response came from one of the three young men, who appeared somewhat childlike in demeanor but was determined to project an air of maturity. He explained, "This is Sky Treasure Mountain. On the other side of this mountain lies the Town of Cha. Who do you think we are? In the Town of Cha, there is a Cha Clan, divided into three branches. The third branch houses three young lords. Among them, the second eldest goes by the name Second Young Lord Cha."
With a feigned air of experience and wisdom, he continued, "The Second Young Lord Cha's name is Cha Liangchen."
He then smiled, stating, "I am indeed Liangchen of the Cha Clan."
This revelation elicited twisted expressions from Cha Eun Xiao and Han Bingxue. Cha Eun Xiao exchanged glances with Han Bingxue, his eyes conveying the thought, "I thought you were the master of pretense. I believed no one could outdo you in this art, but it seems we have a rival here. Be on your guard, my friend."
Recognizing the message in Cha Eun Xiao's eyes, Han Bingxue responded with a dark expression.
In response to their exchange, Cha Liangchen, now aware of their skepticism, humbly deflected any unwarranted praise. Lifting his chin, he said, "I, Liangchen of the Cha Clan, would like to know the origins of your group. I am quite fond of making friends from all corners of the world."
Despite his attempts to sound humble, Han Bingxue couldn't help but let sarcasm creep into his response. "Honorable Second Young Lord, may I inquire if this is your typical mode of conversation?"
His irritation stemmed partly from Cha Eun Xiao's earlier look, and although he had managed to maintain a modicum of respect in his tone, the sarcasm was evident.
However, Cha Liangchen either failed to pick up on the sarcasm or chose to ignore it. With a placid smile, he continued, "In my view, the size of mountains, the clarity of water, the nobility or lowliness of people, and the influence or insignificance of officials matter not. I, Liangchen of the Cha Clan, approach everything with fairness. I speak in the manner to which I am accustomed. Why should it concern you?"
Cha Eun Xiao found Cha Liangchen's words to be rather eccentric, bordering on the absurd.
Cha Eun Xiao observed as Cha Liangchen continued to perform his act with precision. His demeanor and speech were theatrical, as though he were playing a role on a stage rather than engaging in a real-life conversation. What made it even more disconcerting was that Cha Liangchen executed his pretentious act flawlessly, setting a new standard for affected behavior.
His inquiries, delivered with an air of faux-humility, only added to the absurdity of the situation. "I should like to ask, where you are from and where you are heading for?" Cha Liangchen spoke with a broad smile, "If there is anything I can help, please do ask. Cha Clan is the landlord of this place, and as a member of the Cha Clan, I, Liangchen of Cha Clan, am more or less an influential person in this thousand-mile land. Perhaps there's something I can offer to assist you."
The feigned humility concealed an undercurrent of arrogance, and Cha Eun Xiao found himself unable to endure it any longer. He finally interjected, "No, we are fine. We wouldn't want to trouble the honorable Liangchen of Cha Clan."
Feeling the need to put an end to the charade, Cha Eun Xiao decided to halt the exchange. Cha Liangchen's performative manner had left a distinct impact on him.
The two other young men accompanying Cha Liangchen wore puzzled expressions, stifling their laughter with visible effort. One of them couldn't maintain his composure any longer and spoke in a solemn tone, "Cha Liangchen, are you unwell? These three individuals appear to be daydreaming. Why are you feigning politeness in front of them? We should return home as soon as possible. Your absence during dinner won't bother me, but I'm not interested in going hungry. When will you stop with this pretentious act in front of strangers?"
It became apparent that this individual was the one who had initially spoken disrespectfully about Cha Eun Xiao's group.
Cha Eun Xiao was able to discern the connection between Cha Liangchen and the tough young man, now identified as Cha Meijing. Cha Liangchen turned to give Cha Meijing a piercing glare, responding with a hint of arrogance, "Cha Meijing, we may share the same mother, but our personalities differ significantly. I am aware of my actions and their implications. Do not push me, or I will set in motion forces across a thousand miles against you. You are well aware of the consequences. Consider for yourself if you can handle it."
Cha Meijing was left unsure whether he should laugh or frown in response. "Very well, I momentarily forgot that it is impossible to converse with you in any rational manner. Tell me, are you coming with us or not?"
Cha Liangchen asserted his independence, "I, Liangchen, have my own plan, and I do not require your incessant nagging. We are unaware of their origins or their destination. Given that this is our clan's territory, I believe it is prudent to inquire. What if they are spies? Conversely, what if they are genuinely friendly? I prefer not to have any regrets."
He then turned his attention to Cha Eun Xiao, smiling casually. "Brother, do you concur?"
Cha Eun Xiao, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, responded, "I concur, wholeheartedly."
Inwardly, he sighed and reflected on the peculiar nature of these young men. "Indeed, an eccentric group," he thought.
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