The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 742: Erhuo and Fish!

Erhuo and Fish! . . .

Erhuo's foremost desire was to nullify that agreement. It sensed Cha Eun Xiao placing it on a soft seat cushion.

[Humph. Now you realize you should treat me well? I still won't talk to you!]

[Do you think you can win me over with trivial favors?]

Curling up into a snowy ball, it shielded its face with its tail and drifted off to sleep, overcome by frustration. As it breathed, its soft little belly gently rose and fell.

In the next instant, an enticing aroma reached its nostrils, awakening a ravenous hunger within.

[That's utterly enticing!]

[I'm famished.]

As the aroma drew nearer, it felt as though it was right in front of its face.

Finally, it stirred, extending its tail and peering out with a single eye. Squinting, it endeavored to ascertain the source of this tantalizing scent.

[Why does it smell so delightful? How?]

As it focused on the object, its eyes widened dramatically.

Even its pupils took on a straight-line shape.

[Oh my goodness!]

[Fish!]

[A live fish!]

[It's right in front of me... That fresh fragrance...]

The fish was still wriggling.

"Mia!!!" Erhuo exclaimed excitedly and darted forward to snatch the fish with its two claws.

Yet, it grasped nothing!

—Darn!— The fish suddenly surged upward, and it was Cha Eun Xiao who had seized the fish's tail and lifted it out of reach.

Erhuo's attempt was futile. It sat on the floor, tilting its head back, and gazed at the fish with a hungry expression.

[I was born just a little while ago. I need this...]

Cha Eun Xiao dangled the fish, evidently teasing the cat. Predictably, Erhuo instinctively swiped at the air with its front claws and gave Cha Eun Xiao an imploring look.

Cha Eun Xiao smiled, understanding that he should cease his playful antics.

[At least I know this little one adores fish... It's a weak point.]

[If it ever dares to defy me in the future, I know what to do.]

He released his grip on the fish, causing it to plummet to the floor. Erhuo sprang into action, catching the fish mid-air. Before it could touch the ground, it clamped onto the fish's back with its teeth. Its eyes emitted a covetous emerald gleam.

A tiny cat, no larger than a fist, had a firm grip on a one-pound fish. After dropping to the floor, it departed gracefully.

As it moved, it emitted sounds from its throat.

These were not cries; they were expressions of enthusiasm and hunger.

Moreover, they served as a warning. Erhuo cautioned all living creatures in the vicinity not to even consider taking the fish from it. To seize that fish would be tantamount to declaring war against it!

Of course, it did express its gratitude to Cha Eun Xiao by rubbing its behind against him. [Thank you! Bring me more next time!]

Then, it strolled away nonchalantly.

After some time, in a shadowy corner, the unmistakable sound of an animal gulping down its meal reached Cha Eun Xiao's ears.

Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback.

[Well... It appears that everything I've done so far has gained me nothing. This little creature is about to become arrogant now that it's content... It doesn't even consider its master or anyone else...]

[Little rascal!]

Later, Erhuo, having sated its hunger, sauntered back, half-closing its eyes in a show of arrogance. As it moved, it shook its body to rid itself of any lingering fish scales. The scales simply vanished into thin air.

Its body began to emit a faint, radiant glow. Within a few seconds, not a hint of fishy odor remained.

It seemed that Erhuo had eaten its fill but hadn't imbibed enough. It approached the cup and dipped its head inside, taking a few sips of water... and then promptly spat it out.

It wasn't drinking; it was rinsing its mouth!

Did this imply that it was a cleanliness freak?

After this little hygiene ritual, Erhuo began to sniff itself to ensure it was spotless. Then it took a few steps away before leaping back into Cha Eun Xiao's arms.

It nuzzled Cha Eun Xiao affectionately. [I'm here...]

And then, it grabbed his arm and slid it beneath its backside once more. It squinted at Cha Eun Xiao, as if saying, [I've taught you how to hold me... Why can't you do it yourself yet?]

Subsequently, it stretched out its legs, wriggled slightly, and found a comfortable position, laying its head on Cha Eun Xiao's chest before closing its eyes.

Its tail curved over, cocooning itself.

What an adorable little snowball.

Cha Eun Xiao gazed at the small creature in his arms and couldn't help but sigh. [Heavens! Is this creature my pet? Or... am I simply its servant?]

Yet, in the next moment, he felt something peculiar. It appeared that the spiritual energy in his surroundings was gradually converging around him.

It was as though all rivers were flowing toward the ocean.

Suddenly, Cha Eun Xiao noticed that the spiritual energy within his Jing and Mai was stirring. Concurrently, the spiritual energy from the world began to gather around him slowly.

He gazed at the small cat in his arms, thoroughly astounded.

It wasn't even moving, yet it was commanding the spiritual energy of the entire world!

It was still an infant. What if it grew up...

What could it achieve then?

Contemplating this, he stroked Erhuo.

Erhuo squinted, emitting a low throaty sound...

Evidently, it was at ease.

Cha Eun Xiao, too, felt at ease. The little creature was soft and endearing, clean and snowy, a joy to the touch. Even if it couldn't manipulate spiritual energy for him, he would still adore having such a pet!

For the first time, his perspective shifted, and he found himself growing fond of this little creature.

As he pondered this, he observed the tiny cat more closely. He realized it was genuinely delightful. When it opened its eyes, they sparkled like two brilliant gemstones. It was so cute that Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but fall for it.