The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 567: What Are You Afraid Of?

What Are You Afraid Of? . . .

Every single one of the men assembled for the mission to ensnare Cha Eun Xiao boasted a cultivation level exceeding that of the eighth Sky Origin Stage. More than half of them stood head and shoulders above even that impressive threshold.

Hitherto, these powerful individuals had refrained from launching any concrete attacks against Cha Eun Xiao, focusing instead on suppressing him through the sheer force of their spiritual energy. On the surface, it appeared that annihilating Cha Eun Xiao should have been a straightforward task, given the strength of the team, composed of eighteen formidable men.

However, their relentless efforts to channel Cha Eun Xiao in a specific direction aroused his suspicions. There seemed to be a deliberate purpose behind this maneuver. They might intend to lead him to a more favorable location for their scheme, or perhaps there was an exceptionally formidable figure waiting at the end of this path, concealed by the shadow of mystery.

Cha Eun Xiao contemplated potential solutions, all the while grappling with the intensifying suppression that bore down upon him.

Eventually, a revelation dawned upon him. "This isn't right," he mused. "The Sunlight Sect and the Starlight Sect, formidable as they may be, still reside in this lower realm. The superior cultivators within their ranks should not surpass the strength of Bu Jingtian."

Bu Jingtian, however, was no longer a factor in the equation, having met his end. Yet, Cha Eun Xiao could not ignore the fact that the three individuals who had initiated the ambush were all more powerful than Bu Jingtian. A perplexing question arose in his mind. "Why would they go to such lengths for me? Could it be that I possess something they desire?"

Suddenly, it became clear. "Ah, I see now. They fear my poison. I am the only one privy to the truth that I no longer possess it, while they remain unaware."

The debilitating potency of Feng Monarch's poison was the sole reason these exceptional cultivators refrained from engaging him in a direct confrontation. Cha Eun Xiao realized that if they were to encircle him and he unleashed his poison, many of them would meet their demise.

Consequently, their strategy involved surrounding him while still providing an avenue for escape. By compelling him to flee continuously, they aimed to drain his spiritual energy. With a considerable advantage in terms of numbers and cultivation level, they could afford to expend more resources than he could. The objective was clear: exhaust Cha Eun Xiao to the point of vulnerability, obviating the need for a full-scale assault.

In this expansive and open field, even with the poison at his disposal, its effectiveness would be compromised. It was a cunning and comprehensive plan, considering every conceivable facet. If executed successfully, it had the potential to eliminate Feng Zhiling, the most influential figure in the world.

Yet, what they did not comprehend was the boundless spiritual energy reservoir residing within Cha Eun Xiao. For as long as he drew breath, the spiritual energy within the Space would continue to flow, an endless font of power. He would never run out of spiritual energy. Furthermore, as they pushed him with their spiritual energy, they inadvertently played into his hands.

As he ruminated, Cha Eun Xiao implemented a subtle tactic. He appeared to slow down, maintaining a facade of weariness, which was meticulously designed to catch their keen attention. His purpose was to deceive them into believing that he was on the brink of exhaustion, a masterful ruse.

In response, twelve of them intensified their efforts, doubling down on their exertions to exploit what they believed was Cha Eun Xiao's vulnerability. In their minds, this was the opportune moment to strike at Feng Monarch, as he displayed signs of fatigue.

A bit further behind, the remaining six members of the group eventually closed the distance. As they neared Cha Eun Xiao, their formidable presence added yet another layer to the converging force, raising the stakes.

These six individuals surpassed Cha Eun Xiao in terms of power, creating an insurmountable chasm between them. The disparity in power levels was pronounced and seemingly impossible to bridge. It was a stark reminder of the dire circumstances Cha Eun Xiao found himself in.

The eighteen pursuers all observed Feng Monarch's gradual decline in speed, a scenario that unfolded precisely as they had anticipated. His countenance wore an agonizing expression, marked by visible strain and labored breathing. He struggled to maintain an outward appearance of control over his breath, yet his facade crumbled under the physical and spiritual exertion. It was evident that his energy reserves were waning.

Despite the growing fatigue, Cha Eun Xiao fought to forge ahead, though his pace grew increasingly sluggish. The pursuing eighteen cultivators could hardly contain their delight, intoxicated by their belief that victory was within their grasp. They relentlessly pressed him, and some among them even raised triumphant shouts, their voices resounding through the open space.

Their victorious cries pierced the air, echoing into the distance, where they found an unexpected response. Cha Eun Xiao's ears caught the distant sound of someone shouting back in answer. It was a revelation that sent shivers down his spine, confirming his suspicion that more adversaries lay in wait ahead.

True to his intuition, additional hidden individuals had emerged in the path he was coerced to follow. The approaching shout bore with it the wind's gust, drawing nearer with each passing moment. The six powerful masses of suppression continued to close in, their relentless force pressing down on Cha Eun Xiao.

The enemies, who had patiently awaited Cha Eun Xiao's arrival in the lone direction he had been channeled, had finally revealed themselves. Six of them materialized, standing as an ominous barrier.

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but sigh inwardly, reflecting, "So this is the entirety of their forces? The last of their reinforcements have arrived, and now I am surrounded in four directions. I am well and truly trapped."

He grappled with the weight of this seemingly insurmountable challenge, contemplating possible strategies. The reality was stark: they had deployed twenty-four cultivators, each exceeding level eight of the Sky Origin Stage, against a level five Sky Origin Stage cultivator. It was an astounding numerical and power differential, one that, while flattering, presented an overwhelming obstacle.

Cha Eun Xiao keenly felt the encroachment of this relentless hunt, like a tightening noose. His eyes flickered with determination as he came to a sudden halt, his gasps for breath heavy and strained. He feigned exhaustion, appearing on the brink of collapse. He staggered, as if barely clinging to consciousness.

This facade, however, concealed the fierce blaze of Cha Eun Xiao's killing intent. In his drooping eyes, there was no hint of surrender, only a burning resolve to confront the overwhelming odds arrayed against him.