The Ethereal Domains

The Battle Art Of A Thousand Troops . . .

Cha-Eun Xiao adopted a serious demeanor, addressing the gathered individuals with a measured tone. "Allow us to consider a different approach—one that eschews physical conflict. Instead, we shall engage in dialogue, which poses no threat to our relations. An elderly gentleman such as yourself should not rely on physical strength, and I have noticed that you have been grappling with weakness for some time now. Opting for a verbal combat will ensure that no one can accuse me of taking advantage of your condition. Following this exchange of words, all enmity between us will be extinguished. I believe this to be the most ideal resolution."

Guan Zheng-Wen and the Crown Prince exchanged incredulous glances, utterly baffled by Cha-Eun Xiao's perception.

[Do they truly believe that our sole intent is to stage a farce?

Verbal combat?

How did he even conceive of such an idea?

Furthermore, it appears that he believes he has the upper hand!]

Guan Zheng-Wen offered a bemused smile and replied, "Your proposition is indeed intriguing. However, verbal combat is typically reserved for discussions of a more civil nature. Moreover, I have long admired your father's martial prowess and have yearned for an opportunity to glean knowledge from his rightful successor."

Cha-Eun Xiao furrowed his brow. "Must we truly resort to physical combat?"

Guan Zheng-Wen hesitated before offering a subdued response. "Regrettably, it would be the preferred course of action..."

"But..."

Cha-Eun Xiao hesitated, his gaze meeting Guan Zheng-Wen's. He subtly conveyed his message through his eyes while lowering his voice. "Couldn't we explore alternatives? A verbal combat seems a more reasonable course for both parties involved. It would also help to resolve the lingering enmity between us and the Mu Clan, as the Crown Princess is here as a witness. This could be a step toward reconciliation."

Glancing toward the corner of the middle hall, Cha-Eun Xiao noticed the Crown Princess's intense gaze fixed upon him, brimming with hostility.

[Why does she harbor such enmity toward me? A Crown Princess should exhibit some degree of magnanimity... After all, I haven't committed any grievous offenses beyond ending her brother's life. I haven't desecrated her ancestral tombs or annihilated her entire family. It's hardly a significant matter...]

He couldn't help but curl his lips at the thought.

"Since you insist," Cha-Eun Xiao finally conceded with a nod and a smile. "I will engage in combat with you. Do take care, and don't strain yourself or sustain injuries. I mean, I'm certainly no match for you, so there's no need to exert yourself. Let's go through the motions."

To Guan Zheng-Wen, Cha-Eun Xiao's words seemed peculiar, but he was preoccupied with his own concerns. He smiled amiably and replied, "I appreciate your consideration. We are both aware of the circumstances."

The Crown Prince remained composed, while the Crown Princess's eyes sparkled with anticipation. She believed that this fight would finally afford her the opportunity for vengeance.

"Shall we?" Guan Zheng-Wen extended his hand gracefully, leading Cha-Eun Xiao out of the middle hall.

In the courtyard, a crowd had gathered in a circle, all awaiting the impending clash.

Evidently, the Crown Prince had orchestrated a sizable audience to bear witness to the event.

Cha-Eun Xiao scanned the faces around him and recognized a number of familiar acquaintances. 𝒃𝒆𝒅𝙣𝒐𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎

"Why is Xiao Xiao suddenly embroiled in a combat?" came a voice from the crowd. "Weren't you invited to dine with the Crown Prince to discuss matters of state? How did this escalate into a duel? You truly have a knack for stirring up trouble, don't you?"

The voice belonged to none other than Zuo Wu-Ji.

Cha-Eun Xiao directed his gaze toward a pair of familiar figures—Lan Lang-Lang and Zuo Wu-Ji, who stood together, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of him. Even amidst the crowd, Lan Lang-Lang's distinctive and pitiable scalp condition remained conspicuous.

Lan Lang-Lang and Zuo Wu-Ji had also been invited to the event by the Crown Prince. It was a logical choice. If they hadn't been present and Cha-Eun Xiao met an untimely demise during the combat, there would be no credible witnesses to exonerate the Crown Prince. Testimony from an unfamiliar bystander would be met with skepticism.

While not the ideal witnesses, the presence of these two eccentric lords would at least lend some credibility to the proceedings.

Lan Lang-Lang and Zuo Wu-Ji, concerned for Cha-Eun Xiao's well-being, had accepted the invitation without hesitation.

As Cha-Eun Xiao emerged from the gathering, those who awaited him knew that the impending confrontation was indeed a reality. Concern etched their faces, and they silently conveyed their support to Cha-Eun Xiao through their eyes.

Cha-Eun Xiao acknowledged their unspoken worries with a solemn nod, waving his hand to reassure them. He had garnered the attention of a group of guards from the Crown Prince's Palace, who formed a protective circle. In doing so, they delineated a spacious arena within the courtyard where the battle would unfold.

However, Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't help but furrow his brow. His instincts, honed by his experiences, screamed at him, alerting him to the impending danger that loomed. It appeared that he would have to relinquish his guise as the foppish Lord Ye, at least for the duration of this encounter.

Yet, Cha-Eun Xiao was reluctant to let go of this charade, one that had provided him with amusement as the foppish Lord Ye.

How could he so readily part with a title that he had so effortlessly assumed?

However, a glance at his opponent compelled a hearty laugh from Cha-Eun Xiao. "Hahahahaha..."

He soon realized that he wasn't the only one displeased with being scrutinized by onlookers.

Guan Zheng-Wen wore a deep frown, his expression mirroring his dissatisfaction. He appeared as if he had just ingested something repugnant, his obvious unhappiness etched across his features.

Evidently, he shared Cha-Eun Xiao's sentiment. Guan Zheng-Wen had come to the realization that his true capabilities would be unveiled before the public eye, a prospect that unsettled him deeply.

In fact, the situation was more precarious for him than it was for Cha-Eun Xiao. Throughout his life, Guan Zheng-Wen had cultivated a low-key image, portraying himself as an erudite scholar who excelled in literature while shunning physical combat. His true strength remained a well-guarded secret, known only to a select few.

However, at this moment, he was compelled to relinquish his facade and openly exhibit his martial prowess. All the painstaking effort he had invested in concealing his true abilities threatened to be rendered futile. Worse still, if Cha-Eun Xiao were to meet an unfortunate fate during the battle, whether it took days or months, it would forever be attributed to the conflict that Guan Zheng-Wen had initiated.

In such a scenario, Cha-Nan Tian's wrath would know no bounds. Even if he refrained from directly confronting the Crown Prince, Guan Zheng-Wen would undoubtedly bear the brunt of his fury. How could he defend himself against the formidable Ye-Nan Tian and his formidable army?

Guan Zheng-Wen couldn't help but ruefully reflect on the situation.

Yet, there was no room for regret at this juncture. The circumstances had progressed beyond the point of no return, and he had no recourse but to forge ahead with the battle.

As these thoughts whirled through his mind, Guan Zheng-Wen couldn't help but sigh, "A hero is shaped by the times in which he lives..."

Meanwhile, Cha-Eun Xiao observed Guan Zheng-Wen's discomfiture and realized that someone was experiencing an even greater degree of discomfort than himself. He couldn't help but chastise his own tendency to find amusement in others' misfortune. "What have I become? Finding enjoyment in another's suffering... I feel rather wicked," he mused, though the fleeting sense of victory remained undeniable.

Cha-Eun Xiao's demeanor radiated delight, which led the onlookers to erroneously perceive that he was brimming with confidence. To their judgmental eyes, it appeared as though a young man would effortlessly conquer a frail elderly adversary. In their collective thoughts, they couldn't help but harbor a sense of scorn, thinking, "What glory is there in triumphing over such an aged opponent? How shameless it is to derive pleasure from such a circumstance?"

Among the spectators, Wang Da-Nian and Meng Zi-Xiao were present, fully aware of Guan Zheng-Wen's true martial prowess. Their malevolent grins betrayed their anticipation of Cha-Eun Xiao's swift defeat, a fate they ardently wished for.

However, Cha-Eun Xiao, locking eyes with them, could not hide his disdain. With a simple whistle, he seemed to beckon his metaphorical dogs, Wang Da-Nian and Meng Zi-Xiao. Then, in a gesture akin to commanding his canines, he pointed at the duo with a bent finger. The unspoken message was all too clear: "You two are no better than obedient dogs."

Wang Da-Nian and Meng Zi-Xiao's faces flushed with anger, their retorts stifled by the Crown Prince's icy gaze. Their voices wavered into silence, but their eyes continued to burn with animosity.

"Please, Lord Ye," Guan Zheng-Wen reluctantly uttered, realizing that there was no turning back.

"Please, Old Master Guan," Cha-Eun Xiao responded with a calm and seemingly casual smile.

The continued use of the title "Old Master Guan" by Cha-Eun Xiao only added to Guan Zheng-Wen's discomfort, as he wondered why his opponent persisted in addressing him as such, particularly when they were about to engage in combat.

In the presence of the assembled witnesses, Cha-Eun Xiao initiated the assault. With an abrupt surge forward, he moved with the intensity of a hurricane, his fists akin to ferocious tigers and his legs emulating the sinuous power of dragons. This daring and explosive attack bore with it an aura that seeped dread into the very atmosphere.

Despite executing just a single move, a palpable air of murderous intent pervaded the surroundings.

Within the crowd, a few astute observers murmured in hushed tones, "Dragon in the Battle! It's a technique from the Battle Art of a Thousand Troops."

This move was a well-known technique in the Kingdom of Chen, favored by soldiers for its bold and resolute execution, which emitted an aura of terrifying decisiveness. Under the present circumstances, it seemed an apt choice for Cha-Eun Xiao, the son of a general, and the martial art was a fitting complement to his current situation.