The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 262: Secret; The Intent To Kill!

Secret; The Intent To Kill! . . .

Cha Eun Xiao, taking on the guise of Feng Zhiling, had meticulously chosen this secluded haven to conceal his true identity. He had frequented this covert spot on numerous occasions, its inconspicuousness ensuring that his transformation remained undetected. The importance of preserving his secret identity was paramount, thus warranting the utmost discretion.

However, the unpredictability of life always loomed. As Cha Eun Xiao completed his transformation and readied himself to depart, an unexpected gust of wind swept through the area, accompanied by a malicious and scornful male voice.

"Beyond expectations indeed. The sole heir to the illustrious General Cha, the leader of the 'Three Lords in Town' renowned throughout the capital, moonlights as the true mastermind behind the Ling-Bao Hall. Heh, heh. Should I address you as Lord Cha or Feng Monarch?" The voice dripped with icy derision, laced with a hint of sadistic pleasure.

It sounded as though the speaker had stumbled upon a priceless treasure in the hands of a feeble individual—a mixture of surprise, delight, and an ominous intent to seize it all.

Cha Eun Xiao, filled with anxiety and taken aback by the revelation, found himself pondering, **"I've exercised such caution, yet I've been exposed?"**

Slowly, he pivoted to confront the source of the voice, all the while extending his spiritual awareness to envelop the surroundings.

Emerging from the shadows, a cloaked figure garbed entirely in black strolled forth nonchalantly, hands concealed behind his back. His face bore a sinister smile, exuding an air of unwavering confidence.

In his eyes, Cha Eun Xiao appeared as nothing more than prey awaiting capture, effortlessly ensnared by simply reaching out. His demeanor exuded an arrogance that would undoubtedly provoke the desire in any man to deliver a resounding punch to his insolent countenance.

With cool detachment, Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "Who dares to address me?"

The man swathed in black attire couldn't help but chuckle, his gaze never leaving Cha Eun Xiao's composed countenance. He offered his praise in a mocking tone, "Indeed, Lord Cha , the Feng Monarch. Even in such dire straits, your composure is truly remarkable. You've left quite an impression on me. Haha."

Unperturbed by the man's provocations, Cha Eun Xiao maintained his calm demeanor and reiterated his inquiry, "I merely asked you a question."

His voice resonated with a serene and unruffled tone. Although he found himself in an inferior position, his demeanor exuded an air of self-assuredness and pride, akin to a sovereign reproaching his subjects. His bearing carried an air of unquestionable dignity.

Internally, Cha Eun Xiao felt a wave of relief. The man in black stood alone, and when he had first appeared, his weary countenance suggested he had just roused from slumber. This fortuitous timing indicated that the man had chanced upon Cha Eun Xiao's concealed location purely by accident.

The man, however, was visibly irked by Cha Eun Xiao's seemingly audacious tone. **[You're caught in my grasp, yet you dare address me thus! You clearly need to learn the meaning of impending doom!]**

Yet, as he pondered his retort, Cha Eun Xiao suddenly spoke again.

Eyes gleaming with insight, Cha Eun Xiao interjected, "Turtle Breath Art! You belong to the Sunshine Sect?"

Taken aback, the man responded, "Indeed, you are correct. Remarkable that you can discern my affiliation from my breathing technique. Impressive, though it's ultimately futile. Even if you escape, what about your household? The Ling-Bao Hall or the House of Cha, none shall elude their fate. Don't you think?"

Cha Eun Xiao offered a slow, measured nod and replied with nonchalance, "To be frank, I haven't contemplated escaping. There's simply no need."

A sudden surge of murderous intent welled up within him.

[This individual has captured me, and his intentions are far from benevolent. Moreover, he hails from the Starlight Sect. Regardless of how one views it, he warrants death!] Cha Eun Xiao concluded. [Given the circumstances, how could I possibly leave without confronting and eliminating this threat?]

A sense of vindication washed over him as he continued to speak, [So, he was employing the Turtle Breath Art of the Starlight Sect. It appears he was taking a respite while practicing this technique here. My spiritual awareness can discern the presence of living beings, but the Turtle Breath Art can render its practitioner virtually indistinguishable from a corpse. It's no wonder I remained oblivious to his presence.]

Cha Eun Xiao found himself puzzled by the man's sudden appearance, prompting his probing remark. To his surprise, the man in black exhibited a remarkable level of audacity by openly confirming his affiliation. Though unexpected, this revelation provided Cha Eun Xiao with some much-needed clarity.

**[I've been exceedingly cautious, so how did this man manage to apprehend me?]** Cha Eun Xiao questioned himself silently. **[The answer lies in the Turtle Breath Art of the Starlight Sect. Given my current cultivation level, it's entirely reasonable that I was unable to detect it.]**

While this discovery resolved the mystery to a certain extent, it also heightened Cha Eun Xiao's vigilance. He recognized the necessity of closely monitoring any information related to the Starlight Sect moving forward. After all, a prudent approach often ensured long-term safety.

As the saying goes, "A cautious boat stays safe for ten thousand years."

Amidst Cha Eun Xiao's contemplation, the man in black erupted in a boisterous laugh. "Hahaha, did I hear correctly? You're claiming that you have no intention of escaping? Hahaha," he chortled with derision. "Am I to interpret this as Lord Cha'sdesire to hold me captive indefinitely? Feng Monarch, are you implying that you wish to end my life? Ah, the dreams of an idealist!"

The man deliberately addressed Cha Eun Xiao as "Lord Cha" and then as "Feng Monarch," a subtle reminder that he was privy to Cha Eun Xiao's most significant secret.

In response, Cha Eun Xiao offered a cold, enigmatic smile but remained silent. His eyes, however, transformed into piercing orbs, brimming with unwavering determination.

In this moment, Cha Eun Xiao's spirit surged, rising to an unprecedented pinnacle. His entire being—body, heart, intent, soul, and spirit—operated at an extraordinary level of intensity. Whoever this man was, Cha Eun Xiao had no intention of allowing him to leave this place alive. His secret had attracted the attention of too many individuals in his vicinity, and if this man were to escape with knowledge of it, it would spell endless peril for him and his associates.

The man's casual demeanor as he strolled forward conveyed a sense of unwavering confidence. It was evident that he possessed a plethora of unique and formidable skills. Beyond any doubt, his piercing blue-glowing eyes hinted at a mastery of martial arts, at least at the pinnacle of the Sky Origin Stage. The man had keenly perceived Cha Eun Xiao's relative weakness and displayed a certainty that Cha Eun Xiao posed no threat to him. Hence, he nonchalantly stepped forward, exuding an audacious and bold aura.

**"Today, it seems we are destined for a life-and-death struggle,"** Cha Eun Xiao declared, his eyes brimming with escalating determination. He continued to probe, aiming to discern the true identity of this mysterious adversary and whether he had reinforcements hidden nearby.

**"Perhaps it would be wise for you to summon your comrades,"** Cha Eun Xiao suggested, with an increasingly pronounced air of imminent conflict. **"You wouldn't want to lament your lack of support when your life hangs in the balance."**

In response, the man in black, sporting an affected sigh and a furrowed brow, suggested an alternative path. **"It appears that Feng Monarch harbors lethal intentions toward me,"** he mused, feigning disappointment. **"However, there is no need to rush into a life-and-death battle. We could engage in dialogue, forge an alliance, and mutually benefit from this situation moving forward."**

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