The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 761: Unable to Escape!

Unable to Escape! . . .

Nature Exquisite Body and ten thousand years of cultivation… Cha Chongxiao possessed both of these extraordinary gifts, making him more than just a gifted youth; he had the potential to become an immensely powerful being, one capable of challenging the very heavens. If he could be integrated into their fold...

Xiao Mufei's chest heaved as his eyes sparked with intensity. He ruminated, [In that case… not only will we assert dominance over the other six sects… but we might also surpass the standing of one figure, two saint halls, three divine palaces... and ascend to the position of rulers of the entire Qing-Yun Realm!]

[It's within the realm of possibility! The only condition is for Cha Chongxiao to join us and seize the opportunity to develop. Time is inconsequential for him, given his remarkable advantages. All he needs is an opportunity to focus on his cultivation. With unwavering dedication, hundreds of years down the line, he could emerge as one of the most potent cultivators in the world, if not the most dominant! This is no mere fantasy!]

His eyes shimmered with determination.

[If it comes to that... even if I have to sacrifice my current companions or even stake my own life... I shall not hesitate!] He uttered a long sigh while seated beside the campfire.

[Our sect defines our existence...]

...

After extended contemplation, he extracted a ring from his pocket. It appeared entirely ordinary, marked with peculiar green patterns that held no intrinsic value.

He flipped it over and began to rub the ring...

In time, a pitch-black bird silently ascended into the sky. Within seconds, it had disappeared beyond the darkness.

[I hope the sect... will soon dispatch additional personnel. The burden on my shoulders is becoming unbearable...] His face reflected concern. [I... I fear I may not be up to the task much longer...]

...

The following morning, just after sunrise, when the air was crisp with morning dew, Cha Chongxiao slowly opened his eyes. He observed over three hundred Cold Moon Palace disciples ready to depart. They were waiting for him.

He was taken aback, pondering, [Why didn't they wake me? They're all vastly more skilled than me. Why would they wait for a novice like myself? Is it because I consumed the Golden-scaled Dragon Fish? But this level of respect is disproportionate.]

"We observed you meditating, and we decided not to interrupt. We didn't wish to disturb you. Master instructed us not to awaken you unless your safety was at stake," Fang Dalong explained with a humble smile.

"I see. Chongxiao is grateful to you all for your consideration," Cha Chongxiao responded with a smile. However, he was inwardly perplexed. [This seems reasonable, but it's strange. I'm far too inexperienced to warrant this special treatment.]

[Morality, kindness, and other virtues hold little significance to cultivators, particularly the formidable ones in the Qing-Yun Realm.]

[They could end my life in an instant!]

[If I were to perish, they would be absolved from further conflict.]

[Why would they treat me this way, with such respect?]

Cha Chongxiao found it difficult to comprehend. Yet, such treatment was nothing new. Cha Nantian had extended the same kindness to him, although the circumstances were entirely different.

[But... Cha Nantian is my father.]

[These individuals—Xiao Mufei, Fang Dalong, and the rest—they are unrelated to me.]

[There's no basis for such deference.]

[Isn't this treatment odd?]

Cha Mufei observed Cha Eun Xiao completing his cultivation and promptly ordered the group to resume their journey. They continued onward, covering another three hundred miles without encountering any peril. The journey felt unexpectedly tranquil, resembling a leisurely tour rather than a harrowing escape.

Despite their departure from the Ice Land, no pursuers had materialized. The absence of danger lightened the mood of the group, and they began to jest and tease one another.

However, Cha Mufei remained vigilant, growing increasingly anxious as time passed. He scarcely slept at night, choosing instead to sit cross-legged and extend his mind's reach to scrutinize the surroundings.

In his unwavering vigilance, even the passage of animals drew Cha Mufei's scrutiny. His cautious demeanor permeated the group as a whole.

As the journey progressed, his wariness escalated. Influenced by his demeanor, the others also became more guarded. All of them remained vigilant, no matter where they were.

Cha Eun Xiao was invariably stationed at the group's center, considered the safest position. Cha Mufei's eldest disciple acted as a dedicated guardian, escorting Cha Eun Xiao even when nature called.

Cha Eun Xiao found this behavior perplexing and felt at a loss. He had no desire to be a disciple of Cold Moon Palace. Regardless of their strength, it held no allure for him.

He even contemplated the possibility of escape. However, as they journeyed further, he realized it was an unattainable prospect.

Positioned at the group's core, he was the safest member but also the most conspicuous. Cha Eun Xiao was the weakest among the hundreds of individuals, while the least powerful among the group was at the fourth level of the Dream Origin Stage. In contrast, Cha Eun Xiao was only at the third level of the Spirit Origin Stage. Although his cultivation had advanced due to the group's protection, he had initially been a mere level two upon arriving in this world.

While he had been invincible in the Land of Han-Yang, he was now the weakest within the Qing-Yun Realm. It was a harsh reality he had to confront. It was impossible to escape under the watchful eyes of these individuals. Cha Eun Xiao's freedom was beyond his grasp.