The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 754: Accidentally!

Accidentally! . . .

Despite Erhuo's valiant efforts to secure the fish in its mouth, the radiant pain of the rainbow gate scalded its feet. Momentarily loosening its grip, the fish had a chance to struggle, but Erhuo was too swift, preventing the fish from escaping. Yet as Erhuo returned to Cha Eun Xiao and collided with him, the fish inadvertently plummeted into Cha Eun Xiao's open mouth.

Cha Eun Xiao initially found the situation rather peculiar, but his initial surprise swiftly transformed into a warm sensation coursing through his body. The warmth flowed into his dantian, transforming into a profusion of vital energy that permeated his bones and muscles. It left him with an indescribable sense of comfort.

Unbeknownst to him, the inner core of the Golden Scale Dragon Fish was located in its head, and Cha Eun Xiao had unwittingly ingested the entire fish head.

Erhuo, witnessing this unexpected turn of events, lamented its carelessness. It had put forth considerable effort to retrieve the fish, only to have half of it devoured by Cha Eun Xiao. Filled with regret, it couldn't help but whine and fume inwardly. However, it quickly realized that if Cha Eun Xiao hadn't bitten the fish, it might have escaped. With its injured feet, Erhuo might not have been able to recapture it. In light of this, it chose to devour the remaining half of the fish. Its eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Inwardly, Erhuo mused, "He only ate the head, and it's not even the tastiest part. The true delicacy is the pure essence within the fish's body, which now resides in my stomach." Erhuo felt content, as if it had gained the upper hand.

The inner core was the most valuable part for humans, while the pure essence was incredibly beneficial to a spiritual creature like Erhuo. This unforeseen turn of events allowed both Cha Eun Xiao and Erhuo to obtain precisely what they needed, resulting in an unexpected yet harmonious outcome.

Just as they were savoring their newfound fortune, the rainbow gate suddenly exploded into a cascade of vibrant clouds that filled the sky. Cha Eun Xiao felt a prickling sensation wash over him. He turned to find the others gazing at him with expressions of greed, alongside emotions such as anger, surprise, and confusion. Happiness was conspicuously absent, despite their miraculous escape from death.

They had expended enormous effort, risked their lives, and paid a hefty price over the years in their pursuit of the Golden Scale Dragon Fish. This quest had involved generations of scouts and was funded by various sects. They toiled ceaselessly, motivated by the faintest chance to capture this legendary fish. Yet now, when their quarry had finally materialized, it had inexplicably ended up in the mouth of a newcomer to their world. Cha Eun Xiao had swallowed it whole.

The fate of their group had hinged on Cha Eun Xiao's unexpected intervention. If he hadn't captured the fish, they would have all met their demise. Now, their future remained uncertain.

Wordlessly, they assembled around Cha Eun Xiao, their gazes filled with complex emotions, while a heavy silence hung in the air. The Cold Moon Palace members who had been near Cha Eun Xiao for some time now watched him with peculiar expressions.

Initially, the old man with the white beard had worn a mixture of complex emotions on his face. However, his demeanor eventually shifted towards friendliness. "Young man, you've just arrived in this world. I'm certain you'll need a place to stay. Our paths have crossed for a reason. Why don't you consider joining Cold Moon Palace?"

The shock and surprise reverberated through the group of onlookers. The old man, his countenance warm and benevolent, continued his dialogue, offering a glimpse into the accumulated wisdom of his years. "I've journeyed through the long path of life. Many of my days have already slipped away. I can hardly aspire to greater heights. However, among the ten grand disciples of Cold Moon Palace, I still hold a position. I can vouch for you, Cha Eun Xiao, with the elders of our sect. This endorsement will open the door to a promising future for you."

He extended his guidance, "Regardless of your innate talents, you must seek a refuge in the vast expanse of Qing-Yun Realm. A sanctuary that can shield you from the dangers that lie in wait. Before you embark on the path of self-improvement, securing your safety is paramount. I'm not attempting to instill fear, but with your recent consumption of the Golden Scale Dragon Fish, you've unwittingly drawn the attention of martial forces across the entire Qing-Yun Realm. Please, consider your well-being. Do not recklessly expose yourself to peril."

The group surrounding Cha Eun Xiao understood the old man's unspoken intentions. The Golden Scale Dragon Fish had vanished within Cha Eun Xiao's grasp, and no amount of resentment could alter that irrevocable fact.

The fish's inner core had merged seamlessly with Cha Eun Xiao's vital energy, becoming an intrinsic part of his physical and spiritual constitution. Even if they were to swallow Cha Eun Xiao whole, they could never wrest this newfound power from him.

The inner core of the fish offered only a single opportunity for absorption, whether by a dragon or the individual who had ingested it. There were no second chances. Cha Eun Xiao now carried within him the essence of the Golden Scale Dragon Fish. The energy was intricately intertwined with his soul. Should Cha Eun Xiao meet an untimely end, this energy would gracefully return to the natural world.

The helplessness of the onlookers was palpable. It had become abundantly clear that there was no means to extract this power from Cha Eun Xiao. However, if Cha Eun Xiao chose to align himself with their sect, they would gain a powerful ally in the martial realm—a superstar with boundless potential.

In every sect, with persistent cultivation, Cha Eun Xiao would inevitably ascend to become a formidable guardian. Yet, if his potential exceeded even these lofty expectations, he could ultimately rise to the rank of a true dominator. Contemplating this future, the crowd's eyes shimmered with anticipation and fervor.