Chapter 384: Force!
Force! . . .
Based on the intelligence gathered by Ning Biluo, it wasn't long ago, about half a year earlier, that Cha Eun Xiao, who was known as Lord Cha, held the position of one of the 'three lords in town'. He had exuded the image of a carefree young lord. Yet, in a matter of months, he had transformed into a formidable and commanding presence.
Ning Biluo couldn't help but wonder how Cha Eun Xiao had harnessed such overwhelming vitality, concealed beneath his enigmatic exterior. The intensity of this newfound vigor was impervious to challenge, leaving Ning Biluo in awe.
Ning Biluo's allegiance lay with Cha Eun Xiao, so his astonishment was tinged with admiration. However, the ten individuals representing the five clans had contrasting emotions. In the face of Cha Eun Xiao's unspoken authority, they felt their collective stature diminish.
Though Feng Monarch had not uttered a single word to them, the pressure he exerted was substantial. The two figures flanking him further compounded the sense of vulnerability among the assembled emissaries.
For the ten representatives, these two individuals appeared to transcend mere humanity. They were akin to two finely honed swords—one overtly visible and the other shrouded in subtlety. Their presence was akin to navigating a perilous forest of blades and knives, with the mere gaze of these enigmatic figures conjuring visceral fear.
A shiver coursed through them, and they sensed a looming threat, even though there were no actual blades poised to strike. An intangible, foreboding presence enveloped them, as if a lethal sword might descend at any moment, piercing their defenses.
Their spines grew cold, and apprehension took root. These were master-level cultivators, their skills honed to the pinnacle of human potential, yet they experienced an instinctive dread.
Protected by these two enigmatic figures, it was easy to envision Feng Monarch strolling unperturbed amidst a sea of adversaries, hands casually tucked behind his back. With an aura of invincibility, he could survey the battlefield, leaving a trail of fallen foes in his wake.
Amid these sentiments, the ten emissaries couldn't help but ponder: who were these enigmatic companions of Feng Monarch?
Cha Eun Xiao sat in his luxurious chair, exuding an air of undeniable power. It was a power that left everyone present in awe and apprehension.
Liu Changjun, a former top-ten assassin, had indeed demonstrated his martial prowess during the auction, but the metamorphosis in his strength was astounding. The emissaries couldn't help but speculate whether it was Cha Eun Xiao who had unlocked Liu Changjun's hidden potential, creating this overwhelming aura.
However, Liu Changjun had already been considered one of the top ten most formidable cultivators globally. The notion that someone could enhance his abilities raised perplexing questions. Just how formidable must that individual be to accomplish such a feat?
These musings sent shivers down the spines of the representatives from the five clans. While they didn't sense literal swords at their throats, they felt a genuine fear and trepidation. Among them, Long Tianyun's unease was the most pronounced.
His premonition that Feng Monarch, Cha Eun Xiao, had an ace card up his sleeve was spot on. But the hope of circumventing any confrontation with that ace was dashed when Feng Monarch made his grand entrance.
Long Tianyun watched as Cha Eun Xiao appeared, and a cold realization washed over him. Feng Monarch wasn't a subservient figure who would kneel before others, especially considering their previous treatment of Wan Zhenghao. Their haughtiness had been a colossal blunder.
In the presence of the sword-like atmosphere, Long Tianyun had another epiphany. Feng Monarch's proud demeanor wasn't merely a display of superiority. It was a pointed response to their earlier arrogance.
The power balance had shifted drastically.
Cha Eun Xiao, calm and collected, performed simple yet calculated actions. He displayed no sign of haste, as if the entire room were assembled solely for his convenience. The maid deftly laid a towel on his outstretched hand, and Cha Eun Xiao wiped his hands with the insouciance of a ruler, the act akin to a regal ritual.
He then lifted a cup of tea and gently blew on it, the aromatic scent wafting through the air. Sipping the tea, he maintained an air of detachment, his entire demeanor conveying the message that he was the focal point of this gathering and the world revolved around him.
His actions conveyed an unmistakable privilege—a divine mandate from the heavens.
After a leisurely bout of tea-drinking, Cha Eun Xiao offered a faint, self-satisfied smile. He spoke with an air of authority, addressing the representatives of the eight noble clans, "I have heard word that representatives from the eight noble clans wish to converse with me. I am a man who values my leisure and is accustomed to tardiness. I haven't made the effort to greet you personally, but please, don't take it to heart…"
As Cha Eun Xiao spoke, Long Tianyun observed every motion, every gesture, every nuance. The meticulous scrutiny led him to a singular conclusion: Feng Monarch, Cha Eun Xiao, harbored no intention of acquiescing to the demands of the five clans. His words were veiled in courtesy, but they dripped with pride and a hint of dismissiveness.
In this critical moment, Cha Eun Xiao conveyed a sentiment that went beyond mere neutrality or assertiveness. He made it clear that he considered the five clans to be of little consequence.
As they observed the unfolding scene, the representatives from the five clans shared similar thoughts. While they might not have analyzed the situation as deeply as Long Tianyun, they were acutely aware that Feng Zhiling displayed a certain level of condescension. They were unaccustomed to such treatment. In their dealings, they were accustomed to being genuinely respected, and this encounter was an unfamiliar experience. If they hadn't been desperate for assistance, they might have chosen to depart out of pride.
Cha Eun Xiao had broken the cold silence with a remark that further strained the atmosphere in the room. His words were laden with disrespect, leaving the envoys of the five clans at a loss for an appropriate response. Uncomfortable silence settled in once again.
Long Tianyun recognized that it fell upon him to thaw this icy deadlock. He masked his inner turmoil and maintained an outward appearance of confidence and composure. With a strained smile, he addressed Cha Eun Xiao.
"Feng Monarch, your presence here, forsaking wealth and worldly pleasures, is truly appreciated by us," he began. His words were chosen carefully to convey respect and gratitude. "Since we've come to Ling-Bao Hall today, our greatest desire is to have the honor of meeting you in person. Now that we see you, we can't help but acknowledge your exceptional stature. Your overwhelming presence, Feng Monarch, has indeed left a lasting impression.".
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