The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 522: Bad Guests in the Dark Night

Bad Guests in the Dark Night . . .

As she adjusted her clothing, Bing-Er couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief, even though it went against her desires. It was a peculiar sensation. In her heart, an enigmatic conflict brewed.

Why was she relieved when Cha Eun Xiao had paused in his advances? Shouldn't she feel disappointment instead?

Some part of her resisted, an inner battle waging within. It was as if her own subconsciousness was at odds with her desires.

"I like him," she quietly muttered to herself, a mere whisper in her thoughts. "I want to be his woman. Isn't that natural?"

Yet, the internal conflict persisted. It was as if she was cautioning someone, though she didn't even know who. It was an inner struggle that defied explanation.

With a silent plea to stay out of her thoughts, Bing-Er urged herself to silence the inner resistance, although she remained oblivious to the source of this internal struggle.

Peace descended upon her, and Cha Eun Xiao carefully rose from the bed. His resting place was within the inner chambers of the room.

It was well past midnight.

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In the highest watchtower of the House of Cha, Song Jue sat in quiet contemplation. He harnessed his spiritual qi, forming a spiritual net that had lain dormant for some time.

This night was of utmost importance. Song Jue understood that failure was not an option.

Among those who had known Bing-Er the longest, apart from Cha Eun Xiao, Song Jue had watched her grow and evolve. He had recognized that, provided she could grow up in safety, she would become Cha Eun Xiao's most formidable pillar of support.

In her maturity, Bing-Er would be Cha Eun Xiao's most cherished companion.

Song Jue was convinced that she would be the most formidable woman in the history of Qing-Yun Realm. He believed she could ascend to the pinnacle of cultivation, surpassing even the apex of the Dao Origin Stage in Qing-Yun Realm.

This conviction prompted Song Jue to present this plan to Cha Eun Xiao. He had conveyed his understanding to Cha Eun Xiao, hoping to prepare him for what was to come. He believed that, no matter how talented Bing-Er was, she needed to face the trials of the world.

Surviving the martial world required navigating countless hardships.

Bing-Er was destined to be a supreme cultivator, but Song Jue knew that she had to experience the harsh realities of life.

Without such experiences, she would be unable to fulfill her potential. Being sheltered throughout her life would not result in true strength.

In the martial world, even a petty thief had to endure numerous hardships before establishing themselves.

Bing-Er's path was set to be extraordinary, and Song Jue was determined to ensure that it was built upon a foundation of wisdom.

With a vision of Cha Eun Xiao and Bing-Er embarking on their epic journey across the Qing-Yun Realm, Song Jue felt a sense of fulfillment. He envisioned them being invincible, with no one daring to cast a disparaging glance their way.

He might not have the opportunity to witness this vision in person, but he was prepared to give his life for their benefit. Despite the misunderstandings that might arise, he was willing to do everything in his power to secure a brighter future for them.

In a world filled with pitfalls, sometimes the lack of a particular experience was the only cause for regret.

Song Jue knew that tonight, no matter the strength of the Second Prince's forces, they wouldn't be able to harm Cha Eun Xiao and Bing-Er. Nevertheless, he remained patient and cautious, acutely aware that reckless actions could jeopardize everything.

In that moment, an eerie silence enveloped the Cha residence. The usual sentinels and guards had mysteriously vanished, a strategic move orchestrated by Song Jue in anticipation of Second Prince's impending arrival.

The blood guards, loyal to Cha Eun Xiao, had been instructed to remain hidden. Their martial prowess was unparalleled when dealing with ordinary foes, with each of them capable of single-handedly taking on hundreds of soldiers. However, they weren't equipped to handle adversaries of the same calibre as the elite cultivators under Second Prince's command.

Knowing Second Prince's treacherous nature, Song Jue understood that he would stop at nothing to keep the entire operation a closely guarded secret. His callousness knew no bounds, and he would readily sacrifice innocent lives to achieve his sinister objectives. On the other hand, Cha Eun Xiao and his team had only aimed to provide Bing-Er with a practical lesson, an eye-opening experience about the darkness that lurked in the hearts of men and within the world itself.

They had no intention of trading their comrades' lives in the process. Thus, Song Jue had opted for a silent confrontation, to face the enemy with the utmost discretion.

As the clock struck midnight, a tangible tension hung in the air, suffocating in its intensity. Darkened figures swiftly emerged on the horizon, drawing closer and closer to the Cha residence. Eight formidable individuals, each possessing considerable power, approached at an alarming pace.

In the grand scheme of the world, they were considered strong, but to Song Jue, their strength was no match for his own. To him, these cultivators were like mere ants, easily dispatched with a single strike.

"Here they come," Song Jue's cold smile betrayed his anticipation, although he carefully concealed his burgeoning desire for bloodshed. "It appears that Second Prince indeed commands some formidable individuals. Numerous cultivators at the Sky Origin Stage under his leadership. All dispatched for a single woman. How wasteful. I wonder if he'll weep for his losses tonight."

"Tonight, all of his formidable men will meet their end," Song Jue coldly continued. "It's as if he's sending them willingly to their own deaths."

"Here they come!" Simultaneously, Cha Eun Xiao in his room bore a similar smile. "The allure of beauty blinds the wise. Second Prince, you've brought this upon yourself. You have no one to blame but yourself."

In the tranquil night breeze, eight shadowy figures moved stealthily, as if riding upon dark clouds. Their rapid approach carried them like the wind, and they effortlessly scaled the walls surrounding the Cha residence. Silent as ghosts, they sought strategic hiding spots within the estate.

These eight operatives were masters of stealth and subterfuge, moving with the grace and precision of seasoned professionals.

"How strange. Where are all the guards?" one of them wondered aloud, puzzled by the lack of resistance. "It's a significant General's residence; one would expect more robust defenses."

Another operative offered an explanation. "They've enjoyed too much peace for too long. After the incident last night, they probably grew complacent, believing themselves invulnerable. Their guards lack the vigilance and discipline required for a situation like this."

"Indeed," concurred another. "But we have a task to complete. Let's retrieve the girl for the prince, and we're done."

"Agreed. The sooner, the better."