The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 219: Impossible

Impossible . . .

Bing Xin-Yue listened intently to Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's confession. The complex emotions in her disciple's eyes intrigued her, and she urged her to continue.

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu hesitated for a moment before continuing her story, "Well, as you know, Master, I brought him back to my room, and he examined my condition. I thought he was just another swindler trying to take advantage of me. But then... he actually cured me."

Bing Xin-Yue's eyes widened in surprise. "Cured you? But your illness was supposed to be incurable."

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu nodded. "Yes, that's what we believed. But he... he used some kind of technique or medicine, and it worked. I couldn't believe it. My condition improved drastically, and I felt like a new person. It was like a miracle."

Bing Xin-Yue was both amazed and puzzled. "That's incredible. If he possesses such knowledge and skills, why would he keep it hidden?"

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu shrugged helplessly. "I asked him the same question. He didn't give me a clear answer. He just said he didn't want to get involved with our sect's affairs. Master, I know it sounds strange, but I can't help but feel a connection to him. He saved my life, and I can't forget that."

Bing Xin-Yue placed a reassuring hand on her disciple's shoulder. "It's only natural to feel grateful to someone who saved your life. However, you must be cautious. We know very little about him, and we can't be sure of his true intentions. Trust your instincts, but also trust your training. We must prioritize the well-being and stability of our sect."

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu nodded, her conflicted emotions still evident on her face. "I understand, Master. I won't let my feelings cloud my judgment. But I can't deny that I'm curious about him and what he's capable of."

Bing Xin-Yue smiled gently. "Curiosity is a natural trait, my dear. Just remember to be vigilant, and we will watch over this Feng Zhi-Ling together. Now, let's focus on finding a way to save our sect and our fellow disciples. That's our top priority."

As they continued their conversation, the master and disciple shared a bond that went beyond their roles in the sect, and they resolved to face the challenges ahead with determination and unity.

As the two women, Wen-Ren Chu-Chu and Bing Xin-Yue, sat in their quiet chamber, their thoughts were consumed by the enigmatic Cha-Eun Xiao. The encounter with him had stirred emotions that neither of them had anticipated.

"He saw nothing during the whole process," Wen-Ren Chu-Chu confessed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "In fact, I didn't take off all my clothes. But he has touched my body with his hands after all…"

She spoke haltingly, struggling to articulate her feelings. "Before that… no one had ever seen my body… Not to mention touch it…"

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu had long held a particular view on women who insisted on marrying men who had touched them. She regarded them as foolish and couldn't understand their choices. Yet, her recent encounter had left her questioning her own convictions.

"I thought that those women who insisted they should marry the men who had 'touched' them were fools," she continued. "I couldn't understand them. However, when such a thing happened to me, I found that I couldn't forget the feeling of that moment… He is the first guy who has touched my body after all…"

Her voice wavered as she struggled to convey the indescribable sensation she had experienced. "It was a… It is hard to describe… It was a… maybe… a feeling of resignation…" Wen-Ren Chu-Chu admitted, her eyes searching for understanding. "Can you understand, master?"

Bing Xin-Yue, who had remained silent, furrowed her brows and finally spoke, "In fact, I don't know him that well. We've had only a few interactions. That's all. There's only one strange feeling in my mind… But it doesn't necessarily mean I like him, I suppose…"

The complexity of their emotions left them both in a state of uncertainty. They were navigating uncharted territory, grappling with feelings they had never encountered before.

Bing Xin-Yue, still contemplating their situation, offered, "Maybe it is a feeling… A feeling of confusion?"

Their shared uncertainty mirrored their inexperience with matters of the heart. They were both women who had dedicated their lives to martial arts and had never allowed themselves to become entangled in romantic sentiments.

"Besides," Wen-Ren Chu-Chu continued, "the two kingdoms are at war. I am on the side of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng, while he is aligned with the Kingdom of Chen. We may be destined to be enemies forever. The war could endure indefinitely… The Ling-Bao Hall, under his leadership, recently declared its full support for the Kingdom of Chen. We are already in opposing positions. Regardless of my martial prowess, we are still incompatible."

She wore a bitter smile, acknowledging the harsh reality of their circumstances. Bing Xin-Yue sighed in response, a reflection of the difficult choices they might face in the future.

"Maybe one day we will have to fight until one of us falls because we are on different sides…" Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's voice carried a note of sorrow. "Even if I do like him, how can I express it? What can I do about it?"

Bing Xin-Yue sighed again, her tone gentle as she suggested, "But you showed him your true face today. As far as I can remember, for all these years, you have never shown any young man your true face. Am I right?"

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's blush deepened as she admitted, "Yes. That is another strange thing I keep thinking about. Why would I do that…"

Bing Xin-Yue offered her insight, saying, "I have an answer for that. A girl will make an effort to look her best for the person she loves…" She sighed, understanding the complexities of romantic feelings.

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's blush persisted, and she pondered aloud, "But after he saw my true face, he didn't react with surprise at all. He seemed unaffected… It's as if he truly possesses composure. At least, as he mentioned, he can remain without desires, so he doesn't need a woman to satisfy him… Doesn't it mean that he had never placed me in his heart at all…"

Bing Xin-Yue affirmed, "He is indeed a very enigmatic figure." Their shared glance conveyed their awareness that the presence of Cha-Eun Xiao in their lives had introduced a level of complexity and uncertainty that neither had anticipated.

"I have the answer for this one. A girl will doll herself up for the person whom she loves…" Bing Xin-Yue sighed, her words carrying a touch of understanding and empathy. "That is reasonable."

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu's blush deepened, and a pallor crept over her face as she mulled over the recent events. "But after he saw my true face, he didn't act surprised at all. He seemed completely composed… Almost unattracted… Oh. It seems he truly possesses remarkable self-control. At least, as he claimed, he can exist without desires, negating the need for a woman to fulfill his desires… Doesn't it imply that he had never held me in his heart at all…"

Bing Xin-Yue responded with unwavering conviction, "He is a very enigmatic figure. Of that, there can be no doubt."

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu was taken aback by the realization. She let out a sigh, her voice filled with melancholy. "He always knew I was wearing a false face. He must be in disguise as well… I… I don't even know what he looks like or who he truly is… His age remains a mystery too… It's baffling…"

Bing Xin-Yue, equally surprised, pressed for more information. "You mean… You know nothing about him?"

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu nodded, her face tinged with embarrassment. She lowered her head, feeling a profound sense of regret for not investigating further.

Bing Xin-Yue couldn't hide her exasperation. "How can you be so naive, my girl? How could you not inquire about this?"

Wen-Ren Chu-Chu, emotionally torn and shedding tears, had come to a somber realization. Regardless of her feelings for Feng Zhi-Ling, it had become painfully evident that a future together was an impossibility.

While their hearts were burdened with these thoughts, something significant was unfolding in the Qing-Yun Realm. Deep within a mist-shrouded mountain, a majestic palace stood tall.

At its heart, an eerie dark cloud swirled and floated ominously. Within the thick, obscure mist, a figure remained obscured, their face and form concealed from view. It was impossible to discern whether this enigmatic presence was male or female.

This palace was none other than the most sinister sect in the Qing-Yun Realm—the Misty Cloud Palace, also known as the No.1 Evil Palace. Rumors had circulated, describing the denizens of this palace as fearsome female monsters who could slay with a mere glance.

The dark cloud churned and roiled, growing increasingly turbulent. It exuded an unstable aura of aggression and unrest, as if something momentous were about to occur.