The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 412: Killer King

Killer King . . .

The atmosphere exuding from this figure was chilling in its intensity, yet it wasn't the aura of a ruthless killer. It defied easy description, simply leaving an unsettling impression on all who encountered it.

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but feel that he should recognize this enigmatic character. Although he had never had a direct encounter with this man, Cha Eun Xiao was certain that someone must have previously mentioned him. The details, however, remained frustratingly elusive.

Moving with an air of casual indifference, Brother Zhao advanced three paces, positioning himself approximately fifteen meters away from Cha Eun Xiao. With a weariness etched across his features, he finally raised his gaze to lock it in an almost lifeless stare upon Cha Eun Xiao. In a tired tone, he spoke, "Feng Monarch, my apologies. I am about to initiate my attack."

Without betraying any hint of remorse, Cha Eun Xiao responded in a detached manner, "Well, if you were unapologetic, would you abstain from attacking?"

Brother Zhao appeared momentarily taken aback. His gaze fixed upon Cha Eun Xiao once more, the profound isolation in his eyes intensifying. His qi surged and grew denser with each passing moment.

Though Cha Eun Xiao's response had caught him off guard, he opted to withhold further dialogue. His desire to speak was undeniable, yet he chose to act rather than explain. In that instant, Cha Eun Xiao gained an epiphany. He mumbled, "I understand. There is an aura of lifelessness about you... A lack of desire for life. You are Zhao Pingtian, aren't you?"

Brother Zhao remained unemotional as he coldly replied, "A name is merely a label. The living possess names, while the deceased are nameless. The shared name of all the departed is 'corpse.'"

"Ah, I see," Cha Eun Xiao mused. "Well said. It's a reasonable perspective."

Brother Zhao continued, his tone retaining its cold detachment, "Life and death are demarcated by a boundary, and countless souls traverse the cycle. Regardless of one's identity, no one can escape it. To achieve greatness after a lifetime of training is a challenging feat, but death is the swiftest and most straightforward path."

"As the sword flashes, heads fall, and all is concluded."

Brother Zhao found his own words somewhat perplexing. [Why do I feel compelled to speak at such length today?]

[It's as though someone is urging me to engage in conversation with this man. It's an odd sensation... Unsettling...]

With that thought, he sealed his lips, his attention riveting on Feng Zhiling, ready to unleash his assault.

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but chuckle and commented, "Impressive discourse, both astute and logical. Yet, it originates from the mouth of the world's third-ranked assassin. I'm truly taken aback by your profound insights into life and death."

Having unraveled the enigma, Cha Eun Xiao now knew the identity of this renowned figure. He was none other than Zhao Pingtian, famed as the world's third-ranked assassin, a master of the lethal arts who could stand alongside the likes of Ning Biluo, another accomplished assassin.

Zhao Pingtian, the world's third-ranked assassin, held that position not due to any incompetence in his trade. Unlike other assassins such as Ning Biluo and Boundless Saint, who had experienced mission failures, Zhao Pingtian was unparalleled in his record of never having faltered. He maintained a low profile, paying little heed to rankings, a deliberate approach that meant only a select few were aware of his existence.

When compiling the assassin rankings, some had proposed that Zhao Pingtian deserved the top spot. Boundless Saint, however, held his ground. Their previous encounter had concluded with both men being evenly matched in strength, and in terms of known accomplishments, Boundless Saint appeared the more accomplished. Despite the debate, Zhao Pingtian remained unconcerned about his ranking, which eventually settled at the third position.

His title as the "killer king" was one that none dared to dispute or claim from him, including Boundless Saint. While Boundless Saint might have considered himself stronger, he knew that engaging Zhao Pingtian in combat could come at great cost. Victory might necessitate the sacrifice of a portion of his cultivation, and the Boundless Lake could face dire consequences. All this for the title of "killer king" was hardly a worthwhile endeavor.

Ning Biluo, already holding the moniker of the "king of assassins," had no interest in claiming the title either, preoccupied with his numerous concerns.

Cha Eun Xiao had previously heard of Zhao Pingtian during a discussion with Ning Biluo and Liu Changjun when they were talking about the top figures in the world of assassins. This earlier conversation had left an indelible impression on him. Seeing the lifeless expression on his opponent's face, Cha Eun Xiao suddenly recognized him.

However, now that he knew who he was facing, a sense of unease crept over Cha Eun Xiao, and his palms became clammy. It wasn't just that he recognized Zhao Pingtian's reputation as a top-ranked assassin, but something about this assassin left him deeply disconcerted.

This world-renowned assassin, a figure capable of annihilating whole realms, displayed an unyielding aura that set him apart from any of Ji Mengzhan's underlings.

Intriguingly, Zhao Pingtian didn't conform to Cha Eun Xiao's expectations. [Why does the world's third-ranked assassin always appear so despondent, as though devoid of any desire for life?]

[What is that peculiar, eerie cold qi surrounding him? It seems to emanate from within his body...]

[What could it be?]

Lost in his contemplation, Cha Eun Xiao hadn't noticed that Zhao Pingtian's withered hands were now firmly gripping his sword, his eyes ablaze with a fierce intent. The aura of death and slaughter had pervaded the atmosphere, almost shrouding the entire sky.

It was clear that Zhao Pingtian was on the cusp of launching an attack.

Sensing the imminent threat, Cha Eun Xiao swiftly activated his Yin Yang Eyes, one eye capturing the Yin essence while the other embraced the Yang aspect, an attempt to discern the truth hidden behind his opponent's menacing facade.

Faced with an adversary of such formidable power, Cha Eun Xiao dared not underestimate him. He was distinctly aware of his own inferiority, and a single miscalculation could spell his demise.

As Cha Eun Xiao gazed upon Zhao Pingtian through the eyes of Yin and Yang, what he saw left him utterly stunned.

Within the view of his Yin Eye, a mysterious gray fog encircled Zhao Pingtian, remaining in close proximity to him, a feature that perplexed Cha Eun Xiao.

[What in the world is this strange gray fog enveloping Zhao Pingtian?]