The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 446: Fight for the Head!

Fight for the Head! . . .

The sudden appearance of Feng Monarch caught everyone off guard, and the atmosphere grew tense.

[Is he courting death?]

For a brief moment, the crowd fell silent, then erupted into chaos.

"It's like looking at a mountain of gold, shining with dazzling light, right before our eyes," one assassin said, greedily eyeing Cha Eun Xiao, as if he were gazing upon a literal goldmine. Those who overheard him nodded in agreement.

Feng Monarch was akin to a colossal mountain of gold, and not just any gold mountain, but one that reached the heavens and the earth, an immeasurable treasure trove.

—Shh, shh, shh— They swarmed him like a rainstorm, in the blink of an eye, Cha Eun Xiao found himself surrounded by a massive throng.

There were at least four thousand men in this confined space, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Those on the outer fringes were already out of sight, and the clamor of approaching reinforcements could be heard in the distance.

Their avaricious gazes were fixed on Feng Monarch, or more precisely, on his head. To them, it was like staring at an immense pile of gold. Their eyes brimmed with greed.

Cha Eun Xiao sighed inwardly, contemplating the countless individuals gathered here, all eager to claim his head. Life had taken a challenging turn.

He had been pursued by numerous sects in his past life, but never in such a relentless, all-encompassing manner. He was now the world's enemy, hunted by all.

Many present were not professional assassins; they had adopted the role to try and kill Feng Monarch for the reward. To them, it didn't matter who took down Feng Monarch, as long as they secured the bounty.

"I'm aware my head is worth a fortune," Cha Eun Xiao said with a wry smile, pointing at his own head. "I must admit, I'm somewhat proud of it. Not everyone has a head as valuable as mine."

"At the very least, you all have heads that are worth next to nothing."

"Your heads are utterly worthless," he coldly declared.

His words left many, regardless of their affiliation, speechless.

[What on earth!

A substantial bounty has been placed on your head, and you're actually proud of it?]

It was an unusual source of pride, but it did hold a certain significance!

Yet, when Cha Eun Xiao stated, "your heads are cheap," it incited frustration among the assassins.

"Our heads may be cheap compared to yours, but our lives will last longer than yours," one assassin retorted coldly. "When a man's head is too valuable, it becomes exceedingly difficult to keep it attached. What do you think, Feng Monarch?"

This remark resonated with many of the assassins.

"Exactly. Our heads may be cheap, but they're still attached!"

"Whose head will remain on their shoulders by the end of the night? It's hard to say," Cha Eun Xiao said indifferently. "You're all assassins, so here's a piece of advice."

He continued, "If a man's head is valuable, then it must be challenging to take. The ones that are easy to remove must have cheap heads."

"Next time you accept a mission, don't fixate solely on the bounty. Take a moment to consider whether you'll be able to keep your heads attached to your necks after accepting that mission," Cha Eun Xiao's words resonated deeply with many assassins. They were words of wisdom, particularly in their line of work.

However, Feng Monarch wasn't your typical assassin.

"You want my head, and I get it. Whosoever claims my head will live a life of wealth and prosperity. Their descendants will be well-off for generations to come... In fact, I'd love to assist you with that."

His proclamation left the crowd astounded, their silence a testament to their utter bewilderment.

[What... What is wrong with him? We're here to kill him, to sever his head for a reward. He understands us and supports us? Is he even human? Is his brain malfunctioning?]

"I understand life can be challenging. We all desire a better life. I do too. We all share these common aspirations," Feng Monarch continued, seemingly oblivious to the absurdity of his words. "So, I can't just give you my head. I think it's important that you understand my perspective too. We all harbor similar intentions. I comprehend your position, so you should try to grasp mine as well, wouldn't you say?"

"After all, this is my head on my shoulders, right?"

[Understand?

Yes, we understand!

Nobody wants to lose their head for someone else's reward.]

"We are, in essence, mortal enemies on this matter. Regardless of the outcome, whether I kill you or you kill me, it's merely the way the world works. There's no need for animosity," Feng Monarch nodded courteously at the assembly of assassins.

"You want that reward, you'll have to take my head. I want to save my head, so I have to eliminate you... Isn't that correct?"

Feng Monarch repeatedly used the term "heads," as though enunciating a tongue twister, which left their heads spinning.

"Well, it's logical enough," an assassin said, looking at Feng Zhiling in perplexity. "Most of what Feng Monarch is saying is just gibberish. Are you attempting to stall for time? Frankly, it won't work!"

Cha Eun Xiao responded with a bland smile. "Stalling won't benefit me in any way. The more time I waste, the more people will gather. I don't have any reinforcements... So, I won't delay anything. I just want to ask one more thing before we commence this contest for these valuable heads. No matter who lives or dies, I promise that the one who perishes will do so in a blaze of glory, witnessed by all!"