The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 756: I Am Cha Chongxiao!

I Am Cha Chongxiao! . . .

Following this, Xiao Mufei gave a cold, unapologetic laugh. He had cast aside any semblance of shame, driven by the pressing needs of his sect's future. There was no turning back for him now.

Mu Wuchen's face contorted with frustration, but he remained silent.

The rest of the onlookers held their tongues as well, recognizing the truth in Xiao Mufei's words. If any of them had held the most power, they would have acted in the same manner.

Over a thousand years, Xiao Mufei had reigned as the most formidable presence among those tasked with safeguarding the area. As the mission's leader, Cold Moon Palace had committed more resources to the task than any other martial force—well over half of the total number. Consequently, they were now the most influential sect in this region. Xiao Mufei was resolved to secure the future of his sect, particularly after this young man had devoured the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish. While the others may have desired to halt his actions, they lacked the means to do so.

Yet, their inability to thwart him didn't preclude them from considering the possibility of eliminating this newcomer. After all, Cha Eun Xiao was an outsider who had recently entered this world from a lower realm. Taking his life wouldn't be too difficult.

When Xiao Mufei provocatively suggested tearing Cha Eun Xiao into pieces, with each faction claiming a share, the sentiment was unanimous. Though they yearned to have him join their ranks, the alternative of ensuring he couldn't empower other sects was just as appealing. ["If we can't have him, we won't let anyone else have him! I won't stand by and allow him to become the supremely powerful figure that oppresses our sect for centuries to come!"]

The atmosphere turned stifling, as the air filled with the unspoken intent to kill.

They only required an opening, a provocation, or perhaps the initiation of hostilities by someone to spark a battle over the young man who had consumed the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish.

Cha Eun Xiao, though reticent, couldn't help but sense the impending danger. He found it rather ironic, considering that he had been the one to rescue them from the dragon's imminent attack.

["Now, they're no longer grateful. They haven't even uttered a word of thanks. Instead, they're plotting my demise."]

["Ungrateful lot."]

["The Cold Moon Palace sect members only want me to live to serve their own interests. If I refuse them, they'll be more than willing to take my life along with the others."]

["Just look at these individuals from the mighty sects of the Qing-Yun Realm!"]

Mu Wuchen boldly took a step forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. A palpable aura of murderous intent enveloped him as he began to speak.

Xiao Mufei keenly perceived the aura and was aware that a confrontation would erupt if Mu Wuchen took the initiative. His expression turned cold, and he said flatly, "Listen. The hunting mission has concluded. It would be best for Cold Moon Palace to depart now. We'll meet again soon."

Without waiting for Mu Wuchen's response, he seized Cha Eun Xiao and prepared to depart.

In that critical moment, a voice rang out among the tension-filled silence, inquiring, "Young man! What is your name?"

Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but roll his eyes and, perhaps too hastily, responded, "Me? I am... Cha Chongxiao..."

The old man accompanying him furrowed his brow, silently berating Cha Eun Xiao's naivety. Why had he so readily shared his name? Did he not realize the world was rife with danger?

Despite his internal musings, the old man chuckled and commented, "Cha Chongxiao, a fine name! You shall someday ascend to great heights after your cultivation in Cold Moon Palace! Hahahaha..."

With those words reverberating in the air, he had already distanced himself from the rest, carrying Cha Eun Xiao several hundred meters away.

The others from Cold Moon Palace followed suit, armed and walking in orderly formation, leaving the members of other sects behind, seething with murderous intent as they stared at their retreating figures.

"Cha Chongxiao," Mu Wuchen murmured. "This name... it sounds significant."

Though no one replied, the air grew thick with mounting murderous intent.

Names were but symbols, yet among these renowned figures, none bore ignoble monikers. There were no heroes by the names of Li Dogsh*t or Wang Secondbull. Wang Chongxian, for instance, appeared to be the name of a person of importance, at the very least.

"Should we take action?" Mu Wuchen queried once more, his expression dark and cold.

"We came here for the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish, not a male disciple. Our mission is complete; we should depart," a middle-aged woman in white from Misty Cloud Palace decreed with a wave of her hand. She and her companions promptly left.

"Misty Cloud Palace has no use for a male disciple, and neither do we. He's just a fortunate youth. Let's go," declared another woman from Ice Cloud Palace. "We are leaving."

Yet another lady spoke in a bland tone, "We represent the three great palaces of the realm. If you two do not wish to take that young man, then neither will Qiong-Hua Palace! We can't afford to become a laughingstock."

With that, she led her retinue away, and the three great palaces departed gracefully.

The remaining onlookers stood in stunned silence for a moment before they comprehended what they should do next. Still, no one uttered a word.

The three great palaces occupied a prestigious status in the world, eclipsing even the seven great sects. While they hadn't dispatched many participants for this expedition, the strength of their members was evident. No one dared to provoke them.

Moreover, it was common knowledge that the three great palaces didn't accept male disciples. They had long been known for this practice. They couldn't be faulted for adhering to their principles.

With their unparalleled power, the three great palaces couldn't be bothered by the good fortune of a young man who had devoured the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish. Hence, their female members had left without hesitation.

Mu Wuchen cast a brief look around at the remaining individuals. He spoke with a solemn tone, "The three palaces are formidable, and they've ignored this young man. But we aren't on their level. If we desire to measure up to the three great palaces, we must fight. We have a long road ahead before we can stand shoulder to shoulder with them."

"Cold Moon Palace may have obtained this young man, but it will take time for them to harness his potential. The three palaces disregarded him, yet we should be vigilant. We mustn't allow him to thrive and become a formidable asset that Cold Moon Palace can use to dominate us."

"We cannot permit them to ascend to such heights. Once Cold Moon Palace rises too far, they will target us first!"

Mu Wuchen's eyes grew frigid. "Moreover..."

He didn't complete the sentence, but everyone understood what he was about to say.

"In that case, let us..."

And so the discussions began, the aura of murderous intent growing denser by the moment...