The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 203: Irritated At Each Other

Irritated At Each Other . . .

Wan Zheng-Hao couldn't help but silently vent his frustration as he observed Liu Chang-Jun's peculiar behavior. In his mind, he couldn't fathom why Liu Chang-Jun was so different from anyone else he had encountered. He pondered, "He doesn't drink. He doesn't gamble. He doesn't engage with women. He's uninterested in any form of entertainment. It's as if nothing in this world holds any importance to him. Every time I see him, he's lost in a trance, fixated on that sword of his. He emits an aura that practically screams 'don't approach me.' All he seems to care about is that sword. Nothing else... Damn it. I can't believe there's such a weirdo in this world!"

He shook his head in bewilderment and proceeded to rub his substantial beer belly before heading off to his room for some much-needed rest.

However, just as he was about to escape into slumber, Liu Chang-Jun's cold voice pierced the silence, demanding his attention. Wan Zheng-Hao turned around, his face contorted with irritation. "What do you want?" he grumbled.

"I am out of money," Liu Chang-Jun responded with an indifferent expression. His gaze remained fixed on Wan Zheng-Hao's throat, repeating the same demand he had made before.

Angrily, Wan Zheng-Hao raised his voice, "I've warned you time and time again! I'll give you money when you need it, but please stop staring at me like that! My throat, my heart, every vital part of my body—please, I'm begging you!"

But Liu Chang-Jun remained unyielding, extending his hand silently while his cold eyes remained trained on Wan Zheng-Hao.

"Here! Take it!" Wan Zheng-Hao exclaimed in exasperation. He felt like tearing his hair out. Hastily, he withdrew a substantial stack of notes from his pocket and tossed them in Liu Chang-Jun's direction. Without wasting a moment, he spun around and hurriedly left the room, desperate to put some distance between himself and the enigmatic assassin.

As he retreated, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, "What in the world is wrong with that guy?"

Meanwhile, Liu Chang-Jun didn't depart from the Ling-Bao Hall as he usually did. Instead, he briskly made his way to the courtyard. There, he found a group of promising assassins he had recruited earlier, along with individuals who showed potential for becoming skilled assassins. He spent half an hour training them diligently before finally turning his attention to other pressing matters.

He was determined to heed his master's counsel to accelerate his growth and increase his capabilities. With unwavering resolve, he resolved to take whatever measures necessary to expedite his progress and maximize his efficiency.

...

By the time Cha Eun Xiao left the salesroom, the early morning light had already begun to paint the sky with hues of dawn. He strolled casually along the bustling streets, his thoughts wandering.

Suddenly, he found himself standing on a particular street and recalled the words of Su Ye-Yue, "Cha-Eun Xiao, I am your wife today! Cha-Eun Xiao, don't forget to find me! Cha-Eun Xiao..."

His hand instinctively reached for the jade pendant hanging around his neck, which seemed to warm under his touch. The pendant seemed to be reminding him of something important.

The girl with the enchanting face, the one who always moved with grace and lightness, who would jump playfully with every step she took, who tilted her head and looked at him with adoration, the girl who had selflessly shielded him with her frail body during that perilous moment. She had placed all her love and future in his care.

Cha eun Tian gazed up at the sky and let out a heartfelt sigh. The sweet and loving girl who had captured his heart was now somewhere in the Upper Realms of the Human Realm, Above Heavens. The realization that they might be separated for an extended period weighed heavily on his heart.

He couldn't help but long for the day when they would reunite.

In the midst of his melancholy, Cha Eun Xiao decided to express his feelings through verse. He recited a few lines of poetry, the words flowing from his lips like a gentle stream. Once he had voiced his sentiments, he turned and began to walk away.

Unexpectedly, the sound of applause filled the air, followed by a soft voice that praised his verses. "Good verse! Good ambition! You truly are the Monarch of the Ling-Bao Hall!"

Startled, Cha Eun Xiao quickly regained his composure and turned to face the source of the voice. A tall, slender girl dressed in white, her face veiled with a silken mask, stood before him. On her attire, a mist lotus pattern adorned her dress. She was none other than Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, the girl who had shared a previous connection with Feng Zhi-Ling.

Behind her mask, her eyes sparkled like stars, their radiance rivaling the beauty of precious pearls. In her captivating gaze, Cha Eun Xiao could sense a mixture of complex emotions—indifference and anger.

"Did I? That was not fast!" Wen-Ren Chu-Chu responded with a bland smile. "If I didn't arrive promptly, how would I have discovered that Brother Feng possesses such literary talents? I truly admire you."

Cha Eun Xiao modestly replied, "It's nothing. I was merely expressing myself."

Sensing the underlying tension in the air, he wisely decided to steer clear of sensitive topics. He knew that Wen-Ren Chu-Chu was not as delicate as she appeared; she was a formidable presence. Recalling the painful experience of being beaten by her, Cha Eun Xiao still couldn't fathom the reason behind her outburst.

He chose to tread cautiously in his conversation with her, as he couldn't predict when or why she might become enraged.

However, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's curiosity remained unsatisfied. She continued, "It feels like a dream spanning lifetimes, with everything in the mortal world appearing as transient as dissipating mist. The most unforgettable aspect is the genuine love of a girl... Brother Feng, may I inquire about the meaning of 'the love of a genuine girl'? Perhaps you could enlighten me."

Cha Eun Xiao responded coolly, "I have nothing to explain to you. Isn't the love of a genuine girl self-evident?"

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu persisted, "I do understand the difficulty of losing the sincere affection of a girl. However, when you spoke those words, I detected a profound sadness in your voice. It seems that such love holds a deeper significance in your heart."

Before Cha Eun Xiao could respond, she continued, "The sadness in your tone appears to originate from the depths of your soul. I suspect it may be linked to someone special in your heart, is that not the case?"

Frowning, Cha Eun Xiao retorted, "This is my own business. I don't see why you should be concerned."

He believed his response was justified, but it sparked anger in Wen-Ren Chu-Chu.

She seethed internally, thinking, [What do you mean I shouldn't be concerned? You're thinking about other girls, even after you've touched me all over! And you dare to say these things in front of me? If I'm not concerned, then who is?]

Cha Eun Xiao, unaware of her internal turmoil, would have been perplexed. [Madam, I'm thinking about my beloved. What does that have to do with you? Why can't I think about other girls? Who do you think you are to me?]

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu had come with a serious purpose in mind, but the conversation had taken an unexpected turn. She felt compelled to address it.

"Heh heh, of course, I have nothing to do with it," she replied calmly. "I am not particularly significant to you, after all. However, I am simply curious. Who could be so fortunate and discerning as to choose you over all the other heroes and handsome men?"

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but furrow his brows in response to Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's comments. "Sharp eyes? Are you implying that I'm unattractive? That no one should fall in love with me at first sight?"

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu smiled playfully, "I didn't say that, but you're close. What I mean is, there must be something peculiar about her eyes if she fell for you."

Now, Cha Eun Xiao was clearly irritated. "You're twisting words and betraying your conscience. I'm Feng Zhi-Ling: tall, handsome, well-built, in a good position, wealthy, and powerful. I must be a golden catch, the kind of man all women dream of."

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu couldn't contain her laughter, bending over as mirth overcame her. "Fine, I won't comment on your looks, no matter how you exaggerate. Your self-confidence is truly unparalleled. No one can match it."

She continued, teasing, "I wonder, who could be this beautiful girl who has captured Brother Feng's heart so deeply? Who is she?"

With feigned shyness, she added, "It couldn't possibly be me, could it?"

Cha Eun Xiao was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled, "Your self-assuredness is also quite unique. I think I might not be able to compete with you in that department. I won't accept your 'number one' ranking; I'll return it to you."

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's amusement gave way to annoyance, and her eyes turned cold. "Brother Feng, you certainly possess a sharp tongue and quick wit."

Cha Eun Xiao responded earnestly, "You, too, have keen insight, a sharp mind, and clever strategies. Despite any flaws in your appearance, you possess enough qualities to make others envious. Don't dwell too much on it; no one is perfect. When one's life is too perfect, the gods tend to punish them..."

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's patience reached its limit, and she finally erupted. "Enough! Brother Feng, your words have crossed the line when speaking to a lady!"

Cha Eun Xiao adopted a more sincere tone, "In the face of your... unique appearance, words like 'pretty,' 'beautiful,' or 'gorgeous' simply wouldn't do justice. I'm not like you, able to speak against my conscience. Please accept my apology."

Despite their verbal sparring, they were on equal footing. In reality, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu was the one seeking assistance. Cha Eun Xiao had been vexed and irritable before their encounter, and their conversation was unlikely to yield pleasant exchanges.