The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 458: Interested

Chapter 458: Interested

Interested . . .

Cha Eun Xiao had ingeniously offered a tantalizing alternative to the assembly, one that appealed to their very essence – a chance for wealth without the dire consequences of pursuing his own demise. It was a testament to his strategic prowess, a gambit that the assassins present couldn't help but ponder.

He had opened their eyes to a new path, one that capitalized on the universal allure of wealth. With compelling persuasion, he emphasized that despite their inability to claim the bounty on his head, they still had an opportunity to amass substantial riches. Cha Eun Xiao took pride in highlighting his unprecedented wealth, surpassing any fortune in the world, assuring the assembly that no expense was beyond his reach.

The idea was straightforward – while they might forfeit a significant bounty for his head, they could embrace an alternative that was not only more accessible but also safer and more lucrative. The sheer amount of money at stake was so substantial that it rendered the difference between a hundred million and six billion negligible for any individual.

He punctuated this by stating, "For a person, it truly makes not much difference to get one hundred million or six billion."

The sentiment resonated throughout the gathering.

This astute maneuver allowed Cha Eun Xiao to gain control of the entire situation. Importantly, the enigmatic members of the five noble clans, having been enlisted by him, had yet to make their presence known. This fact alone had deterred the intervention of super powerful sects. This scenario favored assassins, making Cha Eun Xiao's proposition particularly appealing to their sensibilities.

His primary objective was retribution for his fallen comrades. To that end, he generously distributed the necessary resources, ensuring that anyone with the means could avenge their fallen brethren. In the process, a framework of cooperation was established. Whether they were willing participants or not, the assassins found themselves drawn into this web, their fate intertwined with Cha Eun Xiao's designs.

Disobedience would spell certain doom, as the cunning Monarch Feng would swiftly mark them as targets. Boundless Saint, for all his prestige as the No. 2 Assassin, dared not oppose this shift in power, recognizing the futility of resistance.

While Cha Eun Xiao had not yet unveiled his darker inclinations, the assassins gathered there had initially harbored murderous intentions. His nature was to ensure that none of them would escape unscathed.

Those who had already received payment were merely taking the first steps in a calculated dance that would likely lead to further treacherous opportunities. Cha Eun Xiao understood the psychology of assassins – their predilection for wealth – and he was poised to exploit it to the fullest. The tantalizing prospect of supreme dan beads, for example, could incite a bloodlust among these killers, elevating their greed to a fever pitch.

Wan of Clouds interjected, explaining the intricacies of Cha Eun Xiao's strategy. He emphasized that the wealth would largely be claimed by the Kingdom of Chen, should their enigmatic adversary meet his demise, thereby dissuading most assassins from pursuing this course. The inherent dangers in targeting Monarch Feng and the impossible odds stacked against them deterred the majority of the assembly. In this perilous contest, pursuing Cha Eun Xiao's offer was by far the more attractive proposition.

Xiu of Heavens raised a valid point regarding the potential fortune for Cha Eun Xiao's killer. However, Wan of Clouds countered with the understanding that while the reward might be substantial, it was dwarfed by the perils of challenging a figure as powerful as Monarch Feng.

In the end, Cha Eun Xiao's calculated approach had completely redefined the landscape. From the brink of disaster, he had transformed the situation into a golden opportunity for his own design. His cunning had forged an unbreakable bond between himself and these assassins, compelling them to dance to his tune.

Wan of Clouds concluded, "What would you choose if you were one of them?" It was a question that resonated with the entire assembly, one that pointed to the inexorable force of Monarch Feng's strategy.

Nevertheless, Cha Eun Xiao's seemingly audacious stand was built upon a shrewd understanding of the landscape he faced. Ling-Bao Hall, formidable as it may appear, had its limits. While it might appear that the combined might of these assassins could swiftly obliterate it, the crux lay in their individualism and disarray. The profound and innate distrust among these solitary practitioners ran deep. They had become accustomed to a life lived in isolation, where self-reliance was the ultimate virtue. Trust was a scarce commodity, shared only with the shadows they moved in.

Wan of Clouds expounded on this intricate web of assassins, acknowledging that their fundamental nature was the antithesis of unity. In the cutthroat world of contract killing, trust was a luxury, one they couldn't afford to indulge in. As such, an assembly of assassins working in perfect harmony was an elusive fantasy.

Their motivation was as simple as their trade – Cha Eun Xiao's head meant riches beyond their wildest dreams. Their profession boiled down to a stark equation: kill for profit. The ruthless efficiency of this philosophy was what propelled them, making the prospect of collaboration outside their mercenary pursuits a dubious proposition.

Wan of Clouds explained, "They all want is Feng Zhiling's head. Why would they kill other people in Ling-Bao Hall? Assassins kill for profits. They won't do things that don't mean any money."

It was this profound comprehension of his adversaries that set Cha Eun Xiao apart. He realized that this disorganized assembly could be manipulated and that its inherent divisions could be used to his advantage.

The implicit subtlety of his plan was not lost on Wan of Clouds. He emphasized that Cha Eun Xiao's scheme might appear deceptively simple but was, in fact, a complex tapestry, where each thread had to be expertly woven into place. Any miscalculation could spell his demise, but his mastery lay in the details. It was not just about wealth; it was about understanding the psyche of these assassins, their vulnerabilities, and their avarice.

Ling Wuxie, with his unmatched insight, marveled at Cha Eun Xiao's strategic brilliance. He envisaged a scenario in which, had Cha Eun Xiao existed in their realm, Meng Wuzhen, the arch-nemesis of Wan of Clouds' master, might not have stood as the greatest adversary. It was a profound compliment from the Lord Ling Wuxie, one that left Wan of Clouds and Xiu of Heavens astounded.

As the conversation continued, Lord Ling Wuxie's interest in Cha Eun Xiao was palpable. He even hinted at the possibility of recruitment, a prospect that promised further intrigue in this multifaceted web of power and intrigue.