The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1034: Asking For Direction

Asking For Direction . . .

Han Bingxue found himself enveloped in the dense fog, unable to see Erhuo's eyes. However, he sensed that Erhuo was peering at him with a gaze brimming with disdain.

"Meow," Erhuo muttered, its thoughts not mincing words. 'This Han Bingxue character is quite the blockhead! Can he truly protect my master? Is he overestimating himself? Does he believe they pose any threat to us? They are beneath us! Just look at you, nervously fidgeting. They call you famous... Ridiculous!' That was the essence of Erhuo's sentiments.

"Boss, what did it say? Is it bad-mouthing me?" Han Bingxue inquired, his discontent evident. Despite his apparent foolishness, he had a knack for picking up on such vibes and couldn't resist asking.

Cha Eun Xiao tried to suppress a grin and responded, "You're overthinking it. It simply wants to swap names with you. Henceforth, you're Han Bingxue, and the cat will be Erhuo [1]. I think it's rather fitting. Just look at its snow-white fur; it's as pure as freshly fallen snow. It won't tarnish your name. Erhuo suits you just perfectly. Don't you think?"

"F***!" Han Bingxue seethed with anger.

[Damn it! Your cat is tormenting me! And you, as its master, are joining in the torment! Do you think you're so grand just because you're the boss?]

"Fine, you're magnificent. But this is taking it too far!"

Suddenly, an intense bloodstain wafted through the air. A colossal presence had rapidly drawn near. Although they couldn't make out the creature's face or discern its species, they could sense its immense size, like a mountain exuding a murderous aura.

It felt like facing a colossal mountain.

Cha Eun Xiao remained nonchalant, standing with his arms crossed over his chest, waiting for the next development. He understood the situation naturally.

Erhuo piped up with a weak and gentle voice, "Meow? Meow? Meow, ah?"

The unknown formidable beast replied, "Ohhh... Roar... Hoh... Ah."

Erhuo persisted, "Meow? Meow, meow?"

The beast responded, "Oh, wow, wow..."

"Meow."

"Aw..."

"Meowm, meow..."

"Aw, ohm, oh..."

Then their conversation ceased. The beast began slowly retreating, stating, "Wow, oh, oh?"

"Meow!"

—Bang!—

The acrid odor of blood lingered in the air...

The beast vanished at an astounding speed. If they could see it, they would behold a massive white tiger over a thousand feet tall, drenched in sweat.

Not because it had exerted itself... but because it had been drenched in fear...

"Heavens! That utterly terrified me!"

Han Bingxue's eyes flew wide open. While he had overheard their exchange, he couldn't decipher a single word.

"Is it... communicating with that beast?" he inquired.

Cha Eun Xiao clarified, "It appears that you are not the one communicating with the beast."

Curiosity overwhelmed Han Bingxue, and he pressed for more information. "What did Erhuo say? Can you translate it for me, Boss?"

Cha Eun Xiao added, "Nothing too substantial. It was merely inquiring about directions. Need me to translate it for you?"

Han Bingxue's curiosity deepened. "You understand cat language? Come on! Enlighten me!"

Cha Eun Xiao smiled and quipped, "Someone! Come here! I need directions!"

Han Bingxue was befuddled. "What? Boss? Who are you calling?"

Cha Eun Xiao glared at Han Bingxue and retorted, "What do you mean, who am I talking to? I'm translating Erhuo's words. That's what it said initially! It's calling for somebody! Please, refrain from making any more absurd guesses."

Han Bingxue wavered and nearly tumbled to the ground, his face contorted as he responded, "Alright, I get it. That's quite commanding! Extremely domineering! What happens next?"

Cha Eun Xiao grinned and proceeded, "Second thoughts? Never mind. Let me walk you through the entire conversation. Listen carefully and don't interrupt. After the initial exchange, Erhuo inquired, 'Where is the way? Where should I go?' The beast queried, 'Way to where?' Erhuo clarified, 'To the fourth layer.' The beast replied, 'Right ahead of you. Take a turn there, and you'll catch a delightful scent. Once you do, make a right. That's where you're headed.' Erhuo pressed on, asking, 'How far is it? Tell me more!' The beast answered, 'Approximately three hundred miles. Not very far.' Erhuo quipped, 'You fool! Are you as daft as this guy beside me? Three hundred miles, and you think it's not far?' The beast appeared chastened, admitting, 'I stand corrected. You're right. You're absolutely right.'"

Cha Eun Xiao hadn't concluded, but Han Bingxue was already flabbergasted. He clenched his teeth and inquired, "What happened next?"

"Erhuo then uttered 'Alright.' The beast responded with 'Great!' The beast then inquired, 'Can I go now, boss?' Erhuo's response? 'Piss off. You're more aggravating than Han Bingxue. A complete jerk...' The beast, seemingly pleased, retorted, 'Fortunately, I'm not Han Bingxue. Just say the word, and I'll pulverize Han Bingxue into pieces.' Erhuo snapped back, 'Get lost! Don't disgust me. Dealing with one Han Bingxue is already enough to make me look foolish. Do you think I need a second dose of that torment? Just get lost!' And with that, the beast departed, happily..."

Cha Eun Xiao concluded the tale, nodded, and said, "That's the whole story. Any questions? Anything unclear?"

Gritting his teeth, Han Bingxue spoke with a pallid expression, "No! I comprehend it all! I never realized that you not only understand cat language but also the language of spiritual beasts... Now I see you as an extraordinary individual, akin to some rare and unique spiritual beast..." ɴo(v)elFɪre.net

Cha Eun Xiao replied with a smile, "That's quite a compliment. I'll remember your words and cherish them. I understand that for someone like you, who is even worse than animals, this could be seen as a considerable blow to your ego. Take your time to accept it."

Han Bingxue looked dejected and began to sigh.

[This is becoming increasingly challenging.]

[The boss is becoming more adept at humiliating people.]

[For some reason, he concocted a story to humiliate me out of their exchange...]

[How brilliant!]

[I never realized he possessed such a talent. People change over time. It's quite typical!]

In truth, while Cha Eun Xiao didn't deliver the translation in the most polite manner, he hadn't lied or exaggerated a single word. He spoke the truth.

Erhuo did utter those words.

The white tiger, too, spoke those words. It was all undeniably real.

With the correct direction in hand, Erhuo didn't hesitate; it dashed off towards its destination.