The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 887: So Long!

So Long! . . .

The mere thought of the numbers sent a shiver down Yue Changtian's spine. He realized that he was about to embark on a monumental task – a housecleaning of unprecedented scale.

"Housecleaning!" When he made this resolute decision, Yue Changtian experienced a mix of emotions. There was sorrow for what had to be done, but there was also a thrilling sense of responsibility. It was a moment when the Prime Master believed he held the future of the entire great sect in his hands.

To traverse the vast martial world was a dream that stirred the hearts of countless young men. The very phrase "martial world" had the power to ignite the imagination.

In their eyes, the martial world was a realm of legends and endless opportunities, replete with heroes and heroines, swords and songs, grace and strength, grudges and gratitude. It was a place teeming with stories and adventures.

Yet, the reality of living in the martial world often differed from the romantic ideal. Initial excitement could turn into apathy, and the allure of adventure might wane with time.

What did it truly mean to travel the martial world? People had diverse interpretations. Was it merely a journey through landscapes and natural beauty? No, it was far more than that.

Many youths, initially filled with enthusiasm when they embarked on their martial world odyssey, eventually found themselves lost in the complexities of this harsh realm. Traveling the martial world wasn't just about wielding a sword and exploring the land.

Cha Eun Xiao was journeying through the martial world, but his quest held a distinct purpose. His destination was the Sky Soul Mountain. He had recently learned of his brother's tragic fall from the cliff during a confrontation at the mountain.

While Cha Eun Xiao held little hope of his brother's survival, he felt compelled to confirm his fate. What if, against all odds, his brother had survived? Cha Eun Xiao had been granted a second chance at life, and he couldn't help but wonder if his brother had experienced something similarly miraculous.

Even if his brother had indeed perished, Cha Eun Xiao was determined to find his body and provide a proper burial. He intended to visit his brother's grave and share his innermost thoughts, whether his brother was alive or not.

This single-minded determination led him to the Sky Soul Mountain, but he approached the journey with utmost caution. In fact, his vigilance surpassed even the precautions he had taken during his escape in his previous life.

Unbeknownst to Cha Eun Xiao, he had a secret guardian following his every move. Zhan Yunfei, one of the few individuals in Cold Moon Palace who knew of Cha Chongxiao's survival, had undertaken the responsibility of secretly tracking and protecting him.

Cha Eun Xiao remained unaware of Zhan Yunfei's watchful presence. Initially, Zhan Yunfei had felt a sense of satisfaction, thinking, "Go ahead, young man, explore the martial world." In his mind, Cha Eun Xiao had the benefit of a powerful guardian, setting him apart from others.

However, after just one day of travel, Zhan Yunfei faced an unexpected turn of events. As they traversed a dense forest, he suddenly lost sight of Cha Eun Xiao.

No matter how hard Zhan Yunfei tried, he couldn't locate a single trace of Cha Chongxiao. His efforts were in vain, and frustration gnawed at him.

"I'm a formidable level eight Dao Origin Stage cultivator," he mused, bewildered by the situation. "He's merely at level two of the Dream Origin Stage. The power gap between us is enormous. How could I lose him?"

The disgrace he felt was almost unbearable. He couldn't wrap his mind around it. Cha Chongxiao had strolled along the road with a nonchalant demeanor, carrying a small package on his shoulder. He had seemed completely unguarded—a hundred percent greenhorn in the world of martial arts.

However, after about half a day, Cha Chongxiao had appeared to be in a hurry. He had suddenly ventured into the forest. Zhan Yunfei knew Cha Chongxiao wasn't taking a pit stop to relieve himself. Yet, as time passed, he hadn't seen Cha Chongxiao return. No birds had taken flight from the forest, and Cha Chongxiao had seemingly vanished amidst the trees.

Zhan Yunfei's patience was running thin. He couldn't wait any longer. After about an hour of anxious waiting, he decided to venture into the woods.

There, he discovered traces of dried urine at the base of a substantial tree. It was unmistakably Cha Chongxiao's mark, indicating he had left the spot long enough for the urine to dry. Further evidence was present—the tree had been gouged, exposing the pale interior beneath the bark. It resembled a conspicuous tombstone in the dim forest, more conspicuous than the urine itself.

However, the most striking feature was the inscription on the tree, etched with the blood of rats. A few deceased rats lay scattered on the ground.

"Disciple Brother Zhao, thanks for your hard work," the message read. "But it is enough to escort me this far. I believe I can navigate the martial world independently, especially without an overbearing protector. Farewell, brother."

Reading these words, Zhan Yunfei felt a surge of anger. Cha Chongxiao had been aware that the sect had dispatched guardians to protect him. He had also known that Zhan Yunfei was specifically tracking him. And yet, he had managed to evade his pursuer.

Zhan Yunfei seethed with rage. He channeled his mental powers, meticulously scanning the area, convinced that Cha Chongxiao couldn't have left the vicinity within an hour. But despite his relentless efforts, he found nothing – not a trace, not a single blade of grass disturbed.

It was as if Cha Chongxiao had vanished into the ground after finishing his business.

Underground?