The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 904: Why?

Why? . . .

"Don\'t grieve, Chief. Power has always had a blinding effect on people. Long Yingtai\'s actions were nothing short of madness and moral bankruptcy. He received his due," Yin Wuqing declared, his tone frigid. "Anything he said in the moments before his death was a desperate plea for mercy. As the old saying goes, men often display kindness in the face of death. If he had been spared, he would have continued his malevolence, and perhaps even intensified it."

Yin Wuqing\'s assessment found agreement from Cha Eun Xiao. The sinister motives that had driven Long Yingtai\'s actions were clear, and his pleas for leniency could not obscure that fact.

Shangguan Zhuifeng heaved a profound sigh and allowed warm tears to escape his eyes. He turned to face Cha Eun Xiao, his voice strained. "Brother Cha, you are the one who helped us root out the traitor. We are now relying on you to ensure my son\'s safety as well."

Cha Eun Xiao responded with a solemn pledge, "I will exert every effort. Please rest assured, the young chief will be protected. Divine intervention will guide us."

Perhaps Cha Eun Xiao\'s reassurance was meant to console Shangguan Zhuifeng or simply to highlight his own involvement. When he mentioned divine intervention, he inadvertently raised the question of who this divine force might be, should Shangguan Tie be miraculously cured.

"All right. I am exhausted, both physically and mentally. I should rest now," Shangguan Zhuifeng said, his visage pallid and lifeless. He nodded and directed someone to wheel him out of the room.

The weight of his grief and desolation was evident in his silhouette.

For patients, each day was a trial, and time was of the essence. Hope and agony became inextricably entwined as the illness receded, fostering a sense of anticipation in the hearts of those who were on the path to recovery.

Cha Eun Xiao had spent ten days in Black Cavalry Alliance, an extended stay for him. During this period, the valley was suffused with optimism and hope.

Shangguan Tie\'s health had dramatically improved within these ten days. He regained consciousness and, astonishingly, his cultivation rebounded. It was evident that a full recovery was imminent, and his resilience in the face of adversity was noteworthy.

As for Shangguan Zhuifeng\'s stroke, Cha Eun Xiao, though not well-versed in medical arts, possessed the knowledge and abilities conferred by Erhuo and the Boundless Space, which made him adept at handling ailments. Shangguan Zhuifeng, too, began to experience recovery.

These two pieces of good news disseminated throughout the valley, enveloping the Black Cavalry Alliance in a jubilant atmosphere. Grief and sorrow, which had lingered ominously, were abruptly dispelled.

Astute individuals discerned that Shangguan Zhuifeng was not only appreciative of the young man for rescuing his son but exhibited profound respect for him. This respect seemed to exceed the bounds of gratitude.

Shangguan Zhuifeng\'s respect was tinged with a hint of apprehension, and this astute observation left many perplexed.

Shangguan Zhuifeng, a Dao Origin Stage cultivator, wielded significant power in the Qing-Yun Realm and held command over a formidable force. Previously, he had been known for his uncompromising demeanor. Why then had he adopted this attitude towards a seemingly inexperienced young man, who appeared to be no more than Dream Origin Stage?

The enigma was palpable.

Even Shangguan Tie, upon awakening, couldn\'t help but question his father. "Why?" he inquired, perplexed by the reverence Shangguan Zhuifeng displayed towards Cha Eun Xiao.

While gratitude and respect towards a life-saving benefactor were expected, the Chief\'s attitude had grown curious, suggestive of a deeper connection.

Shangguan Zhuifeng\'s response was cryptic but intriguing. "This pertains to a matter I\'ve long regretted. The Black Cavalry Alliance has faced its share of challenging days, and we\'ve been waiting for a certain day. It\'s not the right moment to discuss this any further. You\'ll learn the details when the time is appropriate."

Shangguan Tie accepted the vague response but stored the query in the recesses of his mind, awaiting the day when clarity would finally be granted.

Regret had cast its shadow.

Shangguan Tie was tormented by a question that lingered in his mind: What was his father regretting?

He pondered this mystery as he contemplated his own role in the unfolding events.

The day Cha Eun Xiao prepared to leave the valley arrived. His preparations were complete, and he decided it was time to take his leave. He revealed his intention to visit Sky Soul Mountain. However, Shangguan Zhuifeng, upon hearing the name of the mountain, expressed his desire to accompany Cha Eun Xiao.

This proposal resonated with the deepest recesses of his heart.

"I\'m only planning to make a brief excursion to Sky Soul Mountain. What are your plans, Shangguan?" Cha Eun Xiao questioned. He raised a legitimate concern, emphasizing that having Shangguan Zhuifeng accompany him might draw undue attention and lead to unwanted complications. "I am not seeking assistance; I aim to avoid unnecessary trouble. Your presence would likely bring unwanted consequences."

Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback by the Chief\'s immediate acceptance of their newfound alliance. Shangguan Zhuifeng\'s desire to join forces and act without hesitation seemed unusual to him.

"Uh... I\'ve waited long enough. I can\'t wait any longer," Shangguan Zhuifeng admitted, his excitement evident. He was eager for action now that he could move freely and ride. His fervor was contagious. "I\'m itching for a good fight, even if it costs me my legs..."

Cha Eun Xiao was rendered speechless by the Chief\'s statement, unsure whether to be amused or exasperated by his thoughtless words.

"I didn\'t mean that literally," Shangguan Zhuifeng clarified, recognizing his previous misstep. "I was referring to our revenge, especially for Brother Li."

Cha Eun Xiao facepalmed at the Chief\'s lack of subtlety. Shangguan Zhuifeng\'s enthusiasm for revenge seemed to border on recklessness.

"Grey Wolf once visited me," Shangguan Zhuifeng continued, his recollection marked by a heavy sigh. "He was more concerned about my inactivity and my son\'s ailment than my physical disability. He scolded me, saying, \'Why must you choose now to become a wretched egg? You can\'t even move. What a miserable situation...\'"

Shangguan Zhuifeng paused before clarifying, "He was the one calling me a wretched egg, not the other way around."

The incongruity of the Chief\'s intentions, veering between revenge and reckless combat, baffled Cha Eun Xiao. Shangguan Zhuifeng\'s eagerness to plunge into conflict presented a dangerous proposition. While seeking retribution for Black Cavalry Alliance\'s wrongs might lead to conflicts with the three factions, it would also solidify their union, ultimately resulting in the downfall of Black Cavalry Alliance. In essence, Shangguan\'s pursuit was not for justice but, in Cha Eun Xiao\'s view, an indirect path to self-destruction.

Indeed, Shangguan Zhuifeng appeared to welcome this outcome with excitement.

The enigmatic puzzle of his attitude left Cha Eun Xiao both amused and concerned, a testament to the multifaceted nature of the Chief\'s character.