Chapter 1013: Crisis on the Cha Clan
Crisis on the Cha Clan . . .
Han Bingxue's thoughts raced as he observed the unfolding situation. Inside, he pleaded with Xuan Bing, recognizing that Cha Eun Xiao didn't require such rigorous training. After all, he was none other than the renowned Xiao Monarch, with a destiny that was uniquely his own. He believed that Cha Eun Xiao needed time to accumulate power, rather than arduous trials.
These thoughts remained internalized, though, as Han Bingxue dared not voice his concerns. Instead, he fell in line with Xuan Bing's intentions, knowing that she was the type to take swift, decisive actions. It was her reputation for efficiency and directness that had earned her respect and fear in equal measure.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but notice their retreat, but he didn't object. His focus remained fixed on the newly arrived individual who had spoken.
The young man, donned in royal purple attire, stood flanked by two middle-aged men who exuded strength. A quick mental assessment revealed that they were both at the third stage of Dream Origin, and this revelation astounded Cha Eun Xiao. While such guardians were commonplace outside the Oracle District, within this hallowed enclave, these two guards' presence spoke volumes about their master's power.
The purple-clothed man, Li Qingzhou, bore a smug grin as he examined Cha Liangchen and his brothers. His demeanor exuded condescension, and he delighted in their predicament.
"What's it to you if I have or haven't?" Cha Liangchen challenged, shifting from his previous demeanor to one of arrogance. "Li Qingzhou, don't act as if you have a reason to gloat. What? Did you succeed?"
Li Qingzhou's laughter was filled with scorn. "Whether I have cause to gloat isn't the point. What's important is whether you have found the Regeneration Ink Lotus. Isn't it? Although, I must admit, your Cha Clan is in quite the conundrum. The Li Clan will seize control from Misty Cloud Palace, and we'll handle the order on our own. Cha Liangchen, next time you address me, remember to call me 'boss.' Don't forget."
A pallor washed over Cha Liangchen's features, his expression increasingly severe. "Cease your daydreaming! We will not fail to fulfill our commitment!"
"Daydreaming? Are you sure the dreamer isn't you? Look at the state of your Cha Clan. You have nothing left. Do you believe I am unaware?" Li Qingzhou taunted. "When you accepted the order from Misty Cloud Palace, you pledged to deliver fifty Regeneration Ink Lotus. Let's not even consider the other materials. Tell me, where are those Regeneration Ink Lotus? Can the Cha Clan truly make up for this shortfall in time? Fifty? I'd wager you can't even procure five!"
Cha Liangchen seethed with anger, his face reddening. Desperation had overtaken his youthful composure, and he couldn't restrain himself any longer. In his uncertainty, he implored, "You... How did you find out?"
At his age, he was incapable of masking the Cha Clan's most glaring vulnerability, and his capacity for maintaining composure dwindled. He sought answers, desiring clarity on how this confidential matter had been exposed.
Li Qingzhou chortled, dismissive of any concerns. "Hahaha, it's hardly a secret now. What does it matter if I know? Forget about the details of your losses. The fact remains that you've deceived Misty Cloud Palace. I wonder how the Cha Clan intends to rectify this issue!"
He continued his mocking laughter, "What manner of a renowned sect is Misty Cloud Palace, you ask? Not even Qiong-Hua Moon Palace can rival it now! In days of old, Qiong-Hua Moon Palace had brought your clan to its knees. Today, history repeats itself, and with a greater twist. You've deceived Misty Cloud Palace, effectively tricking their formidable elder, Lady Devil, Xuan Bing. Such a staunch protector of her own will likely raze the entire district, despite the wrongful act! The Cha Clan is inevitably doomed! Hahaha. Consider it retribution for your years of servitude to Misty Cloud Palace! Perhaps divine justice prevails."
Han Bingxue's thoughts raced as he considered the younger generation of aristocratic clans in the Oracle District. He couldn't help but marvel at the situation unfolding before him, especially for this unfortunate young man. To openly insult Lady Devil Xuan Bing like Song Fei had was audacious. But now, Li Qingzhou had gone a step further and called her "Lady Devil." To Han Bingxue, Li Qingzhou was a brave and lucky individual, possessing a fortune that seemed almost scripted, as if taken from a novel.
However, he misconstrued Xuan Bing's emotions. The name "Lady Devil" held no significance for her. It was not the first time she had been addressed in such a manner, and she had long accepted that it was better to be feared than bullied, adhering to Qing-Yun Realm's rule.
What truly vexed her was Li Qingzhou's insinuation that she would protect her own people, even when their actions were unjust. This implication irked her, for it tarnished her image. Xuan Bing was aware of her temper and knew that she sometimes acted to safeguard her own, just as anyone would. Even if she were to consistently prioritize her people over justice, Li Qingzhou had no right to judge her. She felt that her reputation was being compromised in front of Cha Eun Xiao.
Though she may not have noticed, Xuan Bing had begun to care more about Cha Eun Xiao's character as well as Bing'er's. She was concerned about him gaining valuable experience and didn't want him to perceive her as having a negative personality.
In this regard, Cha Eun Xiao's personality significantly influenced Xuan Bing, and though she might not admit it, she was aware of the impact.
Xuan Bing thought deeply about Li Qingzhou's words, even though Cha Eun Xiao, in most cases, adhered to reason. She knew he would protect his own people when faced with external threats.
"Cha Liangchen, you're not so naive as to think that Misty Cloud Palace would simply forgive your colossal mistake, are you?" Li Qingzhou began to wear a malicious smile. "If you believe in such naivety, I can only sigh on your behalf. Miracles are rare in this world, and even if they do happen, they won't be in your favor.
"Come on. You'll pay for your Cha Clan's debts little by little. Everything you owe us over the years will be reclaimed. When we take over Misty Cloud Palace's orders, you will serve us, and Cha Liangchen, I assure you, you will receive special kindness on that day!
Li Qingzhou's laughter grew more sinister as he continued, "The four of you, Cha Liangchen, Cha Meijing, Cha Naihe, and Cha Tian… I will pay special attention to each of you."
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the names Li Qingzhou listed. [Liangchen, Meijing, Naihe, Tian? Cha Clan certainly has a knack for bestowing unique names upon their members.]
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