The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 869: Visitor in Cold Moon Palace!

Visitor in Cold Moon Palace! . . .

A sense of astonishment overtook the entire assembly, and what left everyone in disbelief was the manner in which the level five Dream Origin Stage disciple met his defeat—an utterly unsightly fall from grace.

It wasn't the level of power that rendered everyone dumbfounded. In fact, most present disciples surpassed him in strength, making his potential defeat an easy and unsightly affair. However, the astonishing element lay in the fact that the victor was none other than Cha Eun Xiao, a young disciple who had recently attained level two of the Dream Origin Stage. Just a day prior, he had suffered an unsightly defeat at the hands of the same level five disciple.

In a mere twenty-four hours, the tables had turned entirely.

Was it some kind of jest? A play?

Observing the three distinct footprints etched upon the fallen disciple's chest, clarity dawned on everyone—these were no ordinary imprints.

Cha Eun Xiao's final strike had shattered the opponent's protective barrier. With a swift leap and a spin through the air, he delivered an astounding twenty-seven kicks to the level five disciple's chest at an imperceptible speed.

Fortunately, being at level two of the Dream Origin Stage, Cha Eun Xiao had not honed the prowess to shatter the inner organs of his opponent with these rapid blows. Had he been more advanced, his twenty-seven strikes would have undoubtedly reduced the disciple's internal organs to pieces.

This was a testament to Cha Eun Xiao's adeptness as a combatant. The revelation wasn't so much about his cultivation level but the depth of his combat experience.

Silence reigned, and once again, Zhan Yunfei was left in a state of absolute shock.

As to why, well, it is a known fact. No further explanation is warranted.

Following this, a level six Dream Origin Stage disciple took the stage to face Cha Eun Xiao.

Cha Eun Xiao's senses were heightened.

Upon reaching level two, he detected an aura of hostility around him, one that swiftly dissipated but did not escape his notice. He suspected it might be envy initially. However, when he defeated the level five disciple, the same hostile aura resurfaced.

This time, the intent of killing was unmistakable within that aura.

Cha Eun Xiao grew vigilant.

"Could it be that someone within Cold Moon Palace wants me dead?" he pondered. He was unable to pinpoint the source but was certain that this malevolent intent loomed.

Henceforth, he exercised utmost caution in his fights. Zhan Yunfei, who kept a watchful eye on him, detected no recurrence of the hostile aura.

One fateful day, a piercing alarm resounded throughout Cold Moon Palace, its echoes reverberating across the mountains. The disciples swiftly assembled in response to the summons.

This wasn't just any gathering, but an urgent call for the superior disciples of the sect.

Zhan Yunfei, taken aback by the unexpected urgency, halted momentarily before announcing, "Disciples beyond the Dao Origin Stage, make your way to the main hall at once." Without further delay, he soared out of the area. Evidently, a pressing matter demanded their immediate attention.

Dozens of disciples at level six of the Dream Origin Stage were left in a state of shock, and Cha Eun Xiao was no exception.

"What's going on? Elder Zhan seems to be behaving oddly," Cha Eun Xiao inquired.

As a seasoned cultivator hailing from the Qing-Yun Realm, he was well-acquainted with the implications of such unusual occurrences. However, what intrigued him most was the extent of the adversary's power that would compel Cold Moon Palace's leadership to react with such alarm.

It had to be someone formidable.

Could it be the enigmatic Xuan Bing?

"We don't have all the details yet," gasped the level six disciple who had been engaged in combat with Cha Eun Xiao, "But it doesn't look good. I actually feel drained after sparring with you. My heart's still racing..."

As he spoke, the sect's welcoming melody began to play.

"Wait, something's odd. It sounds like important figures are arriving," the disciples collectively marveled.

Cha Eun Xiao was equally perplexed.

Initially, the alarm had been set off, signifying an emergency situation. But now, it had shifted to the welcoming music.

What on earth was happening?

"It seems we may not be dealing with a crisis. We could have some high-profile guests. Should we go and see who they are?" suggested a middle-aged disciple of level nine Dream Origin Stage, his enthusiasm apparent.

"Brother Cao, we don't have the full picture yet. I'm not sure if it's a good idea. What if we get caught? The consequences could be..." voiced a concerned disciple.

Cao Daqi chuckled, "Don't worry, we'll maintain a safe distance and observe. What harm could come from that? After all, we've done it before. The Prime Master won't hold it against us."

"Cao Daqi, unauthorized attendance at a significant ceremonial event will result in punishment," chided another disciple with a stern expression. He shifted his gaze to Cao, concern in his eyes. "I don't care if you get penalized, but think about Cha Chongxiao. He's only recently become one of us. Do you want to see him suffer the consequences?"

Cao smiled and responded, "It's precisely because of him that I propose this. He's the sect's extraordinary talent, hailing from the lower realm. Look at him now. We have a chance to show him something truly exceptional in the Qing-Yun Realm. Besides, we'll maintain a significant distance. The elders are bound to understand, given our previous actions."

"Chongxiao has been toiling tirelessly in the recent days. He must be exhausted from all those sparring sessions. He needs to rest and unwind. Do you intend to have him constantly engaged in combat? One day, he will venture out into the martial world, so it's wise to acquaint him with its ways. Furthermore, we're currently in seclusion, and the sect is concentrated here. Is there any issue we can't handle?"

The other disciples found Cao Daqi's arguments reasonable, and they were all eager to quell their curiosity regarding the mysterious visitor. No one voiced objections.

Cha Eun Xiao remained uncertain, and his instincts told him something wasn't right. Though he couldn't pinpoint any explicit cause for concern, a nagging unease persisted within him.