The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 118: What’s Wrong?

What's Wrong? . . .

In the following days, Cha-Eun Xiao immersed himself in his cultivation, steering clear of any unnecessary trouble. The world continued to turn despite his absence, and many events unfolded.

The king had issued a decree for Prince Hua-Yang to prepare his army for the impending southern battle.

On the other hand, the Crown Prince's faction had grown strangely quiet, as if they were biding their time. Cha-Eun Xiao knew that the Crown Prince was essentially waiting for his impending doom. After all, he had been afflicted by the Melting Bone Palm for over a week, and yet it had not fully activated. The hidden wound was still biding its time, ready to explode.

As a result, Cha-Eun Xiao maintained his public appearances, even amidst his cultivation efforts. He felt the days were not long enough for all he had to do. Despite his time constraints, he had to make sure people saw that he was still going strong.

Guan Zheng-Wen secretly checked on Cha-Eun Xiao and reported back, "Cha-Eun Xiao seems fine, but his eyes have turned slightly blue. I believe the wound is nearing activation."

Hearing Master Guan's words, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess breathed a sigh of relief.

The Crown Prince remarked, "In truth, I can't help but feel a bit sorry for Ye Xiao."

He expressed pity for Cha-Eun Xiao, much to the Crown Princess's irritation. However, they both believed that Cha-Eun Xiao would soon succumb to the horrors of the Melting Bone Palm.

While the Mu Clan had disappeared from the capital, they tried relentlessly to apologize to Master Bai and the House of Chaotic Storm. However, the enigmatic House of Chaotic Storm remained unresponsive, regardless of their efforts.

During these days, Zuo Wu-Ji had remained out of sight, purportedly dedicating himself to scholarly pursuits at home, delving into knowledge from various fields. Yet he sent several bottles of Sunny Liquor to Cha-Eun Xiao.

The Sunny Liquor, despite its cheerful name, was essentially a potent aphrodisiac. Given Zuo Wu-Ji's own impotence, he decided to gift the liquor to Cha-Eun Xiao and Lan Lang-Lang.

Lan Lang-Lang was ecstatic to receive the gift, treating it as a precious treasure.

However, Cha-Eun Xiao's reaction was different.

He was chaste!

In fact, he was exceptionally chaste, having remained a virgin in both his current and previous lives. He had no clue how to use such a product and was completely oblivious to its purpose. Yet he knew who might benefit from it, so he arranged for a meal and invited his Uncle Song to share the liquor.

To Cha-Eun Xiao, this seemed perfectly reasonable. He thought it was a generous gesture to share his gift with a friend.

Song Jue, who had abstained from alcohol for over a decade due to the Golden Mai Palm, considered the prospect of drinking once again.

As the meal was set, Cha-Eun Xiao proudly revealed the Sunny Liquor to Song Jue.

"Uncle Song, look at this fine liquor!" Cha-Eun Xiao exclaimed.

Song Jue was taken aback.

["My nephew has prepared a delicious meal for me, which is wonderful. But why on earth would he bring out aphrodisiac liquor? I enjoy a good drink, but this kind of alcohol doesn't interest me."]

Song Jue's face contorted, and he wanted to decline but found himself unable to voice his refusal. He simply stared at Cha-Eun Xiao.

Cha-Eun Xiao, puzzled, asked, "Uncle Song, is something wrong? I thought you loved fine liquor. Why are you hesitating? Come on, put your cup down and let me pour you a glass."

Song Jue clutched his cup tightly, wearing a strange expression. "Xiao Xiao, you want me to... drink this with you?"

Cha-Eun Xiao responded with confidence, "Of course! I've heard it's a fine liquor that most people don't have the privilege to taste. Zuo Wu-Ji had a few bottles due to his grandfather's connections, and he sent them to me right away. Thankfully, he's a loyal friend who always remembers to share with me. I know how much you appreciate fine liquor, Uncle Song. How could I forget to share it with you? Drink to your heart's content!"

Song Jue's face continued to contort, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

Cha-Eun Xiao's words were indeed considerate, but Song Jue couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with the whole situation.

It had been an eventful few days for Cha-Eun Xiao as he continued his cultivation and navigated the complexities of the royal court. While the world carried on around him, significant developments were occurring.

The king had issued a decree directing Prince Hua-Yang to prepare his forces for the impending southern battle. This was a significant move in the kingdom's political landscape.

On the other hand, the Crown Prince's faction had adopted a subdued posture, seemingly waiting for something. Cha-Eun Xiao was well aware of the Crown Prince's precarious health. He had endured the effects of the Melting Bone Palm for over a week, but the true extent of the wound's impact had yet to reveal itself. It remained concealed, waiting for the right moment to manifest.

Cha-Eun Xiao, despite his dedication to cultivation, had to maintain public appearances. Time was precious, and he made sure to balance his responsibilities, even if it meant squeezing precious hours out of his busy schedule.

One day, Guan Zheng-Wen discreetly checked on Cha-Eun Xiao's condition and reported his findings. "Cha-Eun Xiao appears to be in good health, but his eyes have taken on a slight bluish tinge. I believe the hidden wound is nearing activation."

This news brought relief to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, who had been anxiously awaiting developments.

The Crown Prince couldn't help but express a hint of pity for Cha-Eun Xiao. He believed that the young cultivator's fate was sealed due to the Melting Bone Palm, which was slowly but surely taking its toll.

Meanwhile, the Mu Clan had been conspicuously absent from the capital. They were making efforts to reconcile with Master Bai and the House of Chaotic Storm, but their attempts proved futile. The enigmatic House of Chaotic Storm remained elusive and unresponsive.

During this period, Zuo Wu-Ji had chosen to stay out of the public eye. He was reportedly engaged in intensive self-study at home, immersing himself in various fields of knowledge. Despite his seclusion, he sent several bottles of Sunny Liquor to Cha-Eun Xiao.

While Lan Lang-Lang welcomed this gift with enthusiasm, Cha-Eun Xiao had a different reaction. He was, in fact, chaste, having remained a virgin in both his current and previous lives. The aphrodisiac nature of the Sunny Liquor was lost on him. Nevertheless, he recognized someone who might appreciate it and decided to share it with his friend.

To Cha-Eun Xiao, it seemed like a thoughtful gesture to share a gift with a friend. So, he arranged a meal and invited his Uncle Song to join him in trying the liquor.

As the meal was laid out, Cha-Eun Xiao proudly presented the Sunny Liquor to Song Jue, unaware of the implications.

"Uncle Song, look at this fine liquor!" Cha-Eun Xiao exclaimed.

Song Jue was taken aback and found himself in an awkward predicament. While he appreciated the delicious meal prepared by his nephew, the introduction of aphrodisiac liquor was an unexpected turn.

Cha-Eun Xiao, puzzled by Song Jue's reaction, asked, "Uncle Song, is something wrong? I thought you loved fine liquor. Why are you hesitating? Come on, put your cup down and let me pour you a glass."

Song Jue, torn between declining and not wanting to offend his nephew, found himself in a humorous yet uncomfortable situation.