The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 409: Bound to Win?

Bound to Win? . . .

In their thoughts, the individuals whispered to themselves, a shared realization dawning upon them. In truth, they had overlooked a critical detail. The counsel, advising against squandering their manpower, had been put forth by all the cultivators at or above the seventh level of the Sky Origin Stage.

The rationale behind this recommendation was rather straightforward; it revolved around maintaining a semblance of honor. "How could we, as cultivators beyond the seventh level of the Sky Origin Stage, simply charge forth and engage in battle like common bandits?"

Amid their collective despondency, Ji Mengzhan found himself compelled to acquiesce to the suggestion…

…

Cha Eun Xiao drew in a deep breath, his gaze fixed upon Ji Mengzhan, his eyes narrow and filled with icy resolve. "Feng Monarch has concealed himself quite thoroughly. What an elaborate performance, revealing your vulnerability to your adversaries! Impressive! I must give credit where it's due. However, your fate is sealed today. Why put up a futile struggle…"

With a graceful, almost nonchalant motion, Cha Eun Xiao produced a pristine white napkin from the recesses of his attire. He wiped his hands with deliberate care before tossing the napkin aside, as if the neck of Wu Fei had stained his immaculate hands.

Raising his head to meet the enraged glares of the onlookers, he regarded Ji Mengzhan with an air of nonchalance. "The outcome, in truth, holds little significance to me. I've always been a man driven by impulse. When someone seeks my life, I am equally eager to return the favor in kind. It's a personal failing of mine, I admit. I tend to make it rather... emphatic, and inadvertently, others pay the price. Rest assured, I shall exercise caution this time."

The men in the vicinity were on the brink of spitting out blood upon hearing his words.

"That rascal is quite the performer, a master of pretense!"

"Now, his deficiency is striving for victory? He makes it 'too heavy' and brings harm to others. Careful, my foot, you despicable fellow!"

Ji Mengzhan turned away, his demeanor chilly as he whispered to the elderly men in a hushed tone, "Are you certain he is at the second level of cultivation?"

The two elderly men fixed their gaze on Cha Eun Xiao, scrutinizing him closely. After a pause, they both nodded in agreement. One of them remarked, "Absolutely! He is no more than in the middle of the second level. It is evident that he premeditated the attack on Wu Fei. He struck precisely when Wu Fei was about to release his lotus intentionally... I suspect the Kingdom of Chen has been studying us for an extended period."

Ji Mengzhan couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease upon hearing this revelation.

And then, Cha Eun Xiao made a conscious effort to steady himself. He contemplated his impending departure, a thought that would come to fruition once the enigmatic figure before him met his inevitable demise. Despite the meticulous preparations that the Kingdom of Chen may have made, they appeared powerless in the face of his resolve. After all, what could they possibly do to him?

A wry humph escaped his lips, and he called out, "Qin Wu!"

To err on the side of caution, he had dispatched a cultivator of the fourth level of the Sky Origin Stage this time.

Qin Wu, a towering figure in the fourth level, took center stage.

Ji Mengzhan, his tone laced with nonchalance, remarked, "If you fail to eliminate Feng Monarch, Qin Wu, you might as well purchase a block of tofu and end your own life with it."

Qin Wu, a colossal figure that resembled a moving mountain, responded, "Don't worry, Commander. If I can't defeat him, I won't consider myself worthy of living in this world. I'll simply buy a piece of tofu and strike myself to death with it." He smiled, but the transformation of his face into a grotesque visage was startling.

It was almost inconceivable that such a behemoth of a man would utter such facetious words!

As the third assault loomed on the horizon, Cha Eun Xiao stood there, his demeanor calm and composed. His hands hung at his sides, and he appeared entirely unguarded.

Yet, when he surveyed the assembly of over a hundred men, he couldn't help but be bewildered.

"What's going on with Ji Mengzhan? Does he believe he has an excess of men to spare, sending them to their doom one by one? The individuals he's dispatched lack not only in skill but also in mental fortitude and strategic acumen. Rumor has it that the members of the God Slayer Team possess unshakeable composure. I see none of that here. That fool Wu Fei carried himself as though victory were guaranteed, delivering his most formidable blow right after recovering. Regardless of the potency of that lotus strike, it displayed a glaring vulnerability. Wasn't he essentially courting death? I'm struggling to identify any redeeming qualities in this supposedly legendary team. All I perceive is their unwavering, albeit baseless, self-assuredness. With so many resources at your disposal, why not launch a collective assault? It would make capturing me so much simpler! Of course, it would also heighten my chances of escape... I have no real desire to spill more blood than necessary. Do you truly wish for me to annihilate you all right here? Am I perceived as that bloodthirsty?"

The situation unfolded with an air of bewilderment.

Ji Mengzhan's gaze bore the weight of solemnity as he observed the gradual advance of Qin Wu. He leaned in, his voice a hushed query, "Allowing Qin Wu to undertake this task should be a prudent choice, wouldn't you agree?"

The elderly man standing behind him responded with equal solemnity, "Qin Wu is destined for victory. The difference in their cultivation levels is substantial. However, it remains uncertain whether Qin Wu can maintain dominance throughout the entire confrontation."

With a heavy sigh, he continued, "Feng Monarch, in his previous encounters, secured victory with just a single strike, dispatching five adversaries with similar ease. Even when pitted against Wu Fei, he achieved the same feat. It is evident that he possesses an extensive understanding of martial arts. As long as Qin Wu remains composed and vigilant, he stands a solid chance of emerging victorious."

The elder raised his voice to ensure Qin Wu overheard his words. It was a warning, a directive to avoid recklessness, and an offering of strategic advice. He was guiding Qin Wu in his approach to the impending battle.

As Qin Wu continued his methodical approach, his immense figure unfaltering, he exuded an aura of suppression that weighed heavily on all those in his vicinity.

The elder contemplated Qin Wu's deliberate steps and mused aloud, "Qin Wu seems to have fully prepared for his assault. While he refrains from launching any overt attacks, the intent is clear. He has initiated the engagement by stepping forward. Remarkably, Feng Monarch remains stationary, refraining from either offensive maneuvers or interference with Qin Wu's preparations. It appears I may have underestimated his comprehension of martial arts. His proficiency in dealing with Wu Fei suggests a profound understanding. However, this time, it seems inevitable that Qin Wu will be the victor."

Another elderly man stroked his lengthy beard and spoke with a smile, "I beg to differ. Qin Wu has already taken six steps, and when he reaches the ninth, his vigor will reach its zenith. At that juncture, even a cultivator at the fifth level will find it challenging to evade his onslaught. Feng Monarch, who remains oblivious to the significance of Qin Wu's steps, is bound to falter."

At this very moment, a middle-aged man who had been silently observing the proceedings broke into laughter.