The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1144: A Difficult Choice

A Difficult Choice . . .

Cha Eun Xiao grinned, undeterred by Jun Yinglian's demeanor. He responded, "The technique of spatial extension was a unique skill that my master imparted to me. It requires a practitioner to be at least at the fifth level of the Dao Origin Stage to wield it. I believe I mentioned this before, but it's ultimately your decision. Would you like me to continue?"

Jun Yinglian let out a disdainful huff and said, "Proceed! I'm eager to hear what you have to say."

"Within the depths of that cave," Cha Eun Xiao continued, "I employed my energy to tend to your injuries. They were not particularly severe, and given our strength at the time, these minor wounds were inconsequential. Without my intervention, you would have naturally healed, albeit over an extended period."

He elaborated further, "The injury on the right side of your waist was the most challenging to address. It was caused by a needle and should have been the least harmful wound. The proper course of action was to extract the needle and stimulate blood flow over the wound. However, the needle had embedded itself in a precarious spot on your body, and the unique methods of the West Hall had dislodged it. As a result, half of your body was numb, and your limited mobility made it difficult to access the wound."

Cha Eun Xiao's narrative continued, "Due to the moral boundaries between a man and a woman, you were reluctant to permit my assistance."

Jun Yinglian blushed, but her response was punctuated by a derisive snort.

"After several days, your condition did not improve; rather, your spiritual qi began to wane. This was when we discovered the lingering poison from the needle. It had been silently corroding your Jing and Mai channels over the course of a few days. While you considered returning to your sect for treatment, such a course of action was impractical," Cha Eun Xiao explained.

He continued, "Both of us recognized the needle as a unique weapon of the West Hall. If it were to be discovered, our actions would be exposed. Ultimately, you decided to allow me to remove the needle."

Cha Eun Xiao recounted the situation, "At the time, you were understandably anxious, as the needle had lodged itself in an embarrassing position."

Jun Yinglian's face flushed scarlet, and she gritted her teeth.

"While I was removing the needle," Cha Eun Xiao said, "I incidentally noticed... beneath the wound, there were three crimson moles on your waist, resembling a line of stars. I found it rather intriguing."

Jun Yinglian's face grew even redder, and she scolded him, "You pervert! Shameless rascal! What nonsense are you spouting?"

Cha Eun Xiao appeared surprised and responded, "I'm merely providing context to substantiate my identity. What I mentioned is simply a cherished memory shared privately between us. How is that shameless? Besides, you consented to my removal of the needle, and if you had continued to resist, I might have resorted to coercion. The urgency of the situation demanded that I act to save your life."

Jun Yinglian exclaimed, "Enough of this! Please continue with your narrative!" She stamped her foot, and her eyes were now tinged with redness.

"It took quite some time to heal," Cha Eun Xiao explained. "The poison was particularly insidious, and we didn't initially detect it. It took eleven days of concerted effort to suppress the poison within your body with our combined spiritual qi. While the ailment wasn't entirely eradicated, it did grant you the ability to move freely."

Jun Yinglian responded with a haughty snort.

"On the thirteenth day," Cha Eun Xiao continued, "you posed an unexpected question. Do you recall what it was?"

Jun Yinglian regarded him with cold, angry eyes.

"You inquired," he said, "whether, during all your years in the realm, you had ever loved any women."

He carried on, "I responded by saying, 'I'm a wanderer. A solitary figure without such dreams.'"

"Then you asked," he continued, looking somber, "if there were a woman who loved me, would I be inclined to love her in return?"

Jun Yinglian maintained her icy demeanor and asked, "Are you certain I asked that? Did I really say those things?"

Cha Eun Xiao affirmed, "Yes, those were your words. I could never forget that conversation. In response, I foolishly said, 'One man, one sword, journeys the world. I dare not envision a family. If a lady takes an interest in me, I would flee.'"

Jun Yinglian gritted her teeth and sneered.

"Subsequently," Cha Eun Xiao sighed sorrowfully, "I departed without even bidding farewell. Three years passed before our paths crossed once more."

"Three years later, I ventured to Soul Broken Town in search of the Marvelous Blood Jade. I became embroiled in a confrontation I couldn't win due to overwhelming enemy numbers. You arrived and fought alongside me, securing a resounding victory."

"Afterward," Cha Eun Xiao stated, "you inquired, 'I've been contemplating you for a thousand days. If you possess any warmth in your heart, you should accept me.'"

Jun Yinglian responded with another haughty snort, her eyes appearing momentarily distant before hardening once more.

"I replied," he continued, "'A long and arduous journey awaits me. I cannot entertain any other thoughts beyond cultivation.'"

He added, "And again, I left without bidding farewell."

"We had occasional encounters over the years but always found ourselves in different locations. Sky Ice Palace announced you as its new Prime Master, with your name now known throughout Qing-Yun Realm. A once obscure figure had risen to lead one of the world's most potent sects, causing quite a stir."

"I covertly visited you and recognized your true identity," he said, "though you had adopted the name Jun Yinglian."

"Throughout the years," Cha Eun Xiao lamented, "we crossed paths occasionally, but circumstances often kept us apart. We never mustered the courage to define our relationship. It was indeed regrettable, yet even in the face of death, I harbored no regrets. I only felt a profound sense of sorrow."

He sighed deeply and then met Jun Yinglian's gaze, declaring, "I simply felt remorse."

Jun Yinglian, her cold gaze unwavering, softly inquired, "You claim to be Xiao Monarch. Very well, let me pose a question. If, during your time as Xiao Monarch, you didn't wish to accept me, why are you here now? Why have you pursued me? What is it that you seek?"

With utmost seriousness, Cha Eun Xiao responded, "I never said I didn't wish to accept you. I yearned for it, I dreamt of it. However, I couldn't—because it was an exceedingly challenging decision."

At the words "I yearned for it, I dreamt of it," Jun Yinglian's frosty expression appeared to thaw briefly. She continued to question him seriously, "Naturally, you faced a formidable decision. But what about now? There shouldn't be a challenging decision to make currently, should there? Am I mistaken?"

Cha Eun Xiao nodded firmly. "Indeed, you are correct. I no longer face such a dilemma."

Jun Yinglian's anger flared, and she retorted, "What? Just a game? You previously claimed that Cha Eun Xiao, the Xiao Monarch, had a formidable decision to make. Yet now, you assert that there's no decision at all! How can you, who contradicts your own theory, dare to pretend to be Xiao Monarch? It's absurd!"

Cha Eun Xiao appeared taken aback, but he eventually offered a smile, responding, "You're right. You don't yet understand why it was such a difficult decision for me."

Jun Yinglian's gaze turned icy, and she demanded, "Very well, then explain it. Why do you say that you no longer face this difficulty?"

Cha Eun Xiao was genuinely surprised, pondering for a moment. Afterward, he made a decision and revealed, "Alright, I'll tell you. The main martial art I practiced was the Pure-Yang Martial Art. Losing my virginity would have dire consequences. It would devastate my Jing and Mai, rendering me utterly powerless. I would become a mere cripple! You're a seasoned cultivator. Reflect on the intimate moments we shared, and you'll realize the truth. You'll understand I'm telling the truth here."

"Because of this," he concluded gravely, "accepting you would have spelled your ruination."

Jun Yinglian's response was swift, "What?"

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