The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 751: Thousands Meter Ice; Golden Dragon!

Thousands Meter Ice; Golden Dragon! . . .

Cha Eun Xiao had no intention of obstructing the men in their pursuit. They surpassed him significantly in terms of cultivation prowess. They exercised caution in their use of true spiritual qi, reluctant to trigger any adverse consequences. Otherwise, their superior strength could easily end Cha Eun Xiao's life due to his inaction during the chase.

Fortune favored Cha Eun Xiao in this moment, as the urgency of the situation precluded their attention being directed toward him.

Initially, these men had embarked on this endeavor to capture the fish. However, their motivation had now shifted—it was a matter of survival.

A cold gleam sparkled deep within Cha Eun Xiao's eyes. Many of these individuals appeared familiar to him, from their attire and movements to their martial skills.

Some of them donned blue garments, signifying their affiliation with the Saint Sunlight Sect, while others in black attire with star patterns represented the Saint Starlight Sect. These several hundred people were drawn from three different factions.

Moreover, there were women dressed in white attire resembling Wenren Chuchu, likely hailing from the Misty Cloud Palace. Similarly, those in white clothing with red ribbons were likely from the Virtuous Flower Palace. Another group was clad in white attire with silver stripes, presumably originating from the Ice Cloud Palace. Virtually every martial force in the Qing-Yun Realm had dispatched representatives for this event.

Rogue cultivators were also present, and every individual among them exhibited considerable cultivation prowess.

A survey of the group revealed that the weakest among them were in the Dream Origin Stage. The most formidable participants were at least in the Dao Origin Stage, though it was challenging to assess their true abilities with a mere observation.

Nevertheless, the most potent figures in the Qing-Yun Realm were conspicuously absent, a reasonable absence given the incredible benefits offered by capturing the fish. The risk, however, was equally monumental. Failure equated to certain death, and the most influential cultivators were vital pillars of their respective sects. Their demise would precipitate the collapse of their sects.

Therefore, the preeminent figures in the realm opted against participation, eschewing the perilous endeavor.

Even so, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but be impressed by the overall strength of these cultivators, as they were sufficiently powerful to leave him awestruck.

However, the urgency of their situation compelled these formidable individuals to fight for their very lives. Despair began to encroach on some of them.

The ominous sound of ice freezing beneath the river echoed—like the steps of approaching death growing nearer.

As the cold qi intensified, frost covered the hair of the weaker individuals, and the ice solidified rapidly. The river was freezing at an alarming rate.

What remained a few meters thick just an hour ago had grown to dozens of meters. The ice's thickness increased rapidly, and it extended deeper into the river's depths.

Nevertheless, the red shadow continued its swift pace beneath the water, showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, it accelerated.

Then, a significant event occurred. Thunder rumbled in the sky.

A colorful mass of clouds swiftly approached from a distance.

"No! The colorful cloud has appeared!" exclaimed an elderly man with a white beard, a look of concern etched on his face. "The rainbow gate is forming! Everyone, we must take action!"

"Our lives are at stake! Let us do everything in our power now!" cried one individual, leaping into the air. The sword in his hand emitted a brilliant, lengthy sword light as it descended upon the ice.

This was the first attack directed at the ice. Previously, they had refrained from interfering with the gathering of spiritual qi, cautious not to disrupt the fish during its dragonization stage. However, they could no longer afford to hesitate, as their survival was at risk.

The sound of cracking ice resonated. The red shadow was headed directly for the crack, but the sword strike obstructed its path.

Cha Eun Xiao pondered whether the sword strike had made a significant impact. The man who had executed it had perished, having expended his entire reserve of spiritual qi. As he struck, he had fallen, but his sacrifice had not been in vain. It had managed to slightly impede the fish's progress.

This seemingly minor delay harbored the potential to alter the outcome, instilling hope in everyone present—a great hope.

A deluge of sword lights descended upon the river, causing the ice to shatter into countless fragments. Yet, despite these assaults by powerful cultivators, sufficient to lay waste to the entire river, the fish remained untouched, continuing to navigate amidst the attacks as though nothing had transpired.

While the ice was fragmented by the assaults, the fractures eventually mended, returning the river to its original state. The multiple cracks within the ice bore the colorful and dazzling traces of the attacks. Remarkably, the ice grew denser after each repair.

Individuals more potent than the rest made additional attempts, but their efforts were futile. With the river completely frozen, they found themselves utterly devoid of recourse. The myriad of attacks launched against the ice, however relentless, bore no fruit. They could only etch a few small, white scalloped patterns into the now-steel-like surface.

Time, heedless of the situation, continued its inexorable march. The vibrant, colorful cloud loomed over the ice river.

Simultaneously, a formidable, invisible force descended from the heavens, bearing down upon the assembled individuals. The appearance of the rainbow gate was imminent, and it dawned upon everyone in attendance.

The end was nigh.

"We are done for!"