Chapter 987: Song Clan’s Domain
Song Clan's Domain . . .
Xuan Bing explained with a sly grin, "I am quite familiar with this area, which is why I know of the Town of Cha. The valuable medicinal resources there are no secret, but your companion, Bingxue, managed to spin a persuasive story as an excuse."
She nodded knowingly in Han Bingxue's direction, which he interpreted as a commendation from Elder Xuan. Pleased with himself despite the pain he still endured, he struck what he thought was a handsome pose with his hands behind his back, attempting to look dashing.
However, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but laugh at Han Bingxue's antics, considering him quite the entertaining character.
Xuan Bing continued to elaborate on the unique circumstances of Oracle District. She revealed that people living in this region were often weak in cultivation but included individuals with exceptional talents. The distinctive environment endowed its inhabitants with determination and a strong sense of righteousness, making them naturally gritty and red-blooded.
She expressed with an implicit smile, "These traits are incredibly attractive to women. Men here are known for their bravery and integrity, setting them apart from the effeminate individuals outside. These are real men, far superior to those dandy fellows."
She went on to recount a famous story from this area, which involved Cha Clan in the Town of Cha. The story featured a remarkable young man, Cha Nantian, who captured the heart of Yue Gongxue, the saintess of Qiong-Hua Palace, when she came to collect medicinal materials. It was, as she put it, love at first sight.
Cha Eun Xiao's expression turned odd upon hearing this tale. His thoughts raced as he mulled over the information.
[Cha Nantian... Yue Gongxue...]
[Could it be... they...?]
A tumult of emotions surged within him, and he struggled to contain them. He commented skeptically, "Isn't that a bit... peculiar? Love is a natural occurrence between a man and a woman, unrelated to the uniqueness of this area. You're connecting two unrelated things, and it doesn't make sense."
Xuan Bing responded with a mysterious smile, "You may be right, or you may not." She chose not to delve any further into the topic.
Cha Eun Xiao had a perplexing feeling that Xuan Bing might be aware of his true background and identity. He contemplated how she could have obtained this knowledge.
After some thought, he reasoned, [Bing Xinyue and Wenren Chuchu, my two companions, may have shared some details with her about my connection to the Land of Han-Yang. They may have also informed her about my identity, my father Cha Nantian, and our joint effort to cultivate Regeneration Ink Lotus. Since Regeneration Ink Lotus is of great significance to her sect, they would have likely reported to her.]
Feeling relieved that he had deciphered the situation, he continued their conversation, keeping up appearances. "Certainly, I understand the importance of Regeneration Ink Lotus to your sect."
In reality, he couldn't help but find her insistence on justifying her presence rather amusing. [She appears to be hung up on this explanation. She started with Han Bingxue's excuse, stressing the coincidence of her joining us. She then delved into a story about her sect's interest in the lotus, as if she's trying to cover up a lie.]
[But we're not concerned about it!]
[Isn't she making a mountain out of a molehill? Spinning tales needlessly?]
Han Bingxue interjected, "Thousand Peak Mountain. At its base lies the territory of the Song Clan."
They were now on the right path, headed to Thousand Peak Mountain, and the mysteries of Oracle District awaited them.
Han Bingxue had a good idea why Cha Eun Xiao wanted to visit the Town of Cha. He was aware of Cha Eun Xiao's background and knew the intricate relationship between Cha Eun Xiao and Song Jue. He believed that the Song Clan must have connections with Cha Eun Xiao, or at the very least, be his friends.
As they neared the entrance of Song Clan's territory, Han Bingxue expressed his thoughts, "We're almost there..."
Cha Eun Xiao observed the rising smoke from the town and realized it was noon. He remarked, "Look at the smoke coming from the houses. They must be cooking."
Turning to Han Bingxue, he inquired, "Shall we?"
Han Bingxue looked at him and suggested, "Let's find a place to rest."
Cha Eun Xiao then turned to Xuan Bing and sought her opinion. She responded, "Sure."
He couldn't help but be amused by her response, "You've already made the decision... You asked me after you decided. What's the point of asking me now? Can I say no?"
Their destination appeared deceptively close but remained just out of reach, a valuable lesson in the concept of proximity. Though they had spotted the smoke from the town, it took them an hour to reach it.
Once they entered the town, they began searching for a place to rest. Suddenly, a cacophony of hoofbeats echoed through the streets as a cavalry troop emerged like a tempest. If they hadn't swiftly sidestepped, they could have been trampled by the onrushing horses.
Cha Eun Xiao furrowed his brow at the audacious display. "They raced through the town like that? Without slowing down or making turns? I could have been killed if I weren't agile enough. How could they be so reckless?"
The leader of the cavalry, a young man in a white suit, exuded both handsomeness and arrogance. He rode a magnificent, snow-white steed, and his regal posture was impossible to ignore. He seemed invigorated as he galloped through the town center.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but overhear fearful whispers from the townsfolk, "Clear the way... It's the third young lord of the Song Clan..."
"The third young lord of the Song Clan?"
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