The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 326: Can’t Bear It Anymore!

Can't Bear It Anymore! . . .

In light of the recent influx of people into the Kingdom of Chen, it became increasingly apparent that the city was teetering on the precipice of chaos. The metropolis had transformed into a colossal powder keg, its future hanging in a precarious balance. The slightest spark, one ill-fated moment of ignition, had the potential to reduce the entire city to rubble in an earth-shattering explosion.

Amidst this burgeoning tumult, the elation that the king had initially experienced gave way to anxiety and unease. Despite taking refuge in the royal palace, he was far from feeling secure. The presence of numerous formidable cultivators from across the Land of Han-Yang had instilled a deep-seated sense of vulnerability within him.

Each evening, as he retired to his chambers, he found himself reflexively checking his head and neck, as if questioning his own mortality. It was only upon waking the following morning that he could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he had endured another day.

Such a life, even for a king, was torture. While he was a man of vast experience, well-versed in the ways of battle, and adept at the art of combat, the ever-present peril of this situation was enough to keep him perpetually on edge. His days were marred by an incessant undercurrent of worry, as his furrowed brows became an enduring feature of his demeanor.

The king mused bitterly on the predicament he found himself in, wondering when a monarch had been reduced to such a state of caution. He grumbled, "Since when has a king had to be so vigilant? What in the world is this madness?"

"This is an unprecedented historical anomaly!" he exclaimed, venting his frustration. "I must hold a singular place in history—a king unlike any other. I yearn to disrupt the very fabric of this reality!"

Meanwhile, within Ling-Bao Hall, the influx of resources from various factions had resulted in a substantial windfall. As the Land of Han-Yang's foremost emporium, it boasted an impressive inventory. Even after Feng Monarch's previous consolidation efforts, its storage capacity remained vast. Yet, despite the ample space, within a mere four days, the storage areas were rapidly filling up.

The absence of Space Rings, which Feng Monarch had taken with him upon his departure, was notably felt during this resource surge.

What exacerbated the situation was the mysterious absence of Feng Monarch, a disappearance that had stretched on for several days. As valuable resources continued to pour into Ling-Bao Hall, Wan Zhenghao found himself in a quandary. The storage areas were already brimming with precious items, and the lack of space was beginning to take a toll on him. Anxiously, he was forced to resort to storing newly delivered items in the courtyard outside the storage facility.

Observers couldn't help but be taken aback by the sight.

"Incredible! Look at all these valuable resources and treasures collected over years by noble clans and prominent sects, now sitting out in the open. What's the meaning of this?" they wondered aloud.

"It's a display of opulence," they concluded. "A testament to the notion that the wealthy have a tendency to be ostentatious."

Wan Zhenghao was indignant and felt unjustly accused. "I'm not flaunting my wealth," he protested. "Honestly, there's no room left in the storage. I have no other choice!"

Yet, the skeptics were far from convinced. "If this isn't a display, then your current explanation surely is!" they retorted.

Wan Zhenghao was disheartened by their skepticism. He had a heavy heart and wished Feng Monarch would return. As he pondered the unfolding situation, he reached a painful epiphany: he had unwittingly thrust himself into a hornet's nest.

It was a hornet's nest far more terrifying than anything he had ever imagined, a trial that stretched his limits to the point of being unbearable, magnitudes greater than he could endure. When he overheard the conversations and discussions among the attendees, his emotions overwhelmed him, and he burst into tears.

Inconsolable and desperate, he wailed, "I don't think I can carry on with this life any longer..." Tears streamed down his face as he cried out in despair.

Picture this: a colossal man weighing over 500 kilograms, seated on the floor with legs splayed, pounding the ground in anguish, his sobs flowing like a spring in spate. It was a spectacle of sorrow, unlike anything anyone had ever witnessed before.

Liu Changjun, poised to offer a comforting word or two, had entered the room only to be greeted by the sight of this mammoth figure in tears. He was rendered speechless and promptly made a hasty exit.

In his mind, he couldn't help but think, "This is beyond grotesque!"

Cha Nantian was unwavering in his response to Liu Changjun's emotional outburst. He didn't waver, nor did he sympathize. With a stoic demeanor, he simply dismissed the emotional display as though it was beneath his notice.

"Crying won't change a thing. If you wish to sob your heart out, feel free to do so. However, your tears won't be the savior you're hoping for."

...

In the midst of the chaos engulfing Chen-Xing City, the native forces dared not make a sound or engage in reckless actions. They were like errant spouses who had committed a grave error and were keen on avoiding any further trouble. Even the young royals and princes from the court were exceedingly cautious, refraining from venturing outside for fear of making missteps. Any thoughts of recruiting martial forces had vanished, dismissed as inordinate ambitions.

Those who had previously suggested such an idea found themselves receiving reproach and censure. "What kind of reckless proposal is this? It's like pushing me to my own death," they lamented.

Yet not all young men from the court adhered to such extreme caution. Zuo Wuji, in particular, exhibited a renewed vitality. Unbeknownst to many, he regularly accompanied Chen Zhi, seeking to broaden his understanding of the world outside the kingdom. Zuo Wuji meticulously analyzed the knowledge he had accumulated and the lessons he had learned during these days, gradually unraveling the workings of the world beyond their realm.

Chen Zhi's guidance played a pivotal role in this educational journey.

...

During this period, both Bing Xinyue and Wenren Chuchu were fervently searching for Feng Zhiling. Wenren Chuchu, in particular, hoped that Feng Zhiling could heal her master, allowing her to return to the Kingdom of Lanfeng as soon as possible. She yearned to contribute to her country and family during her remaining time in the Land of Han-Yang.

However, after the auction, Feng Zhiling had inexplicably vanished, leaving no trace behind. It was as if he had been swallowed by the earth, and all attempts to contact him proved futile. He remained shrouded in mystery and out of reach.