The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 408: Level Two of Sky Origin Stage?

Level Two of Sky Origin Stage? . . .

The two seasoned men from Ling-Bao Hall observed Cha Eun Xiao's rapid approach, apparently predicting a brutal descent to the ground, resulting in a mutilated body. In their eyes, the outcome was clear: his severed head would soon become a colossal fortune, accumulating like a mountain of six billion.

"Hmm, it appears we forgot to instruct our operative not to damage Feng Zhiling's visage. His identity must be preserved. However, I believe he must have grasped the gravity of such an important matter," Ji Mengzhan stated, revealing a cold, malevolent smile.

Yet, before Ji Mengzhan could conclude his thought, he was abruptly silenced.

In the next heartbeat, Ji Mengzhan's eyes nearly bulged from their narrow sockets as Cha Eun Xiao's velocity escalated while he traversed the midway point towards Wu Fei.

- Whoosh! - He transformed into an ebony tempest, an embodiment of dark lightning surging directly towards the heart of the burgeoning blade lotus.

Wu Fei, who had been suspended mid-air, descended menacingly upon his adversary. The colossal blade lotus unfurled its luminescent petals, each gleaming with a lethal intensity. As the petals drew nearer, their malevolent radiance augured death.

At this moment, the blade lotus began to constrict, and the cacophony of blades created an infernal atmosphere.

Simultaneously, a cerulean radiance erupted. Cha Eun Xiao transformed into a sable vortex, his form akin to a dark bolt of lightning racing directly towards the core of the lotus.

- Whoosh! -

In an instant, he breached its defenses. As he passed through the lotus, a shadow of his former self lingered momentarily before fading. At the epicenter of the lotus lay the pistil, the most potent and lethal aspect of the formation. However, it had not yet reached the zenith of its ferocity. The petals remained open, and the pistil had yet to fully take shape.

This moment represented the pistil's vulnerability.

- Click! -

An audible snap echoed through the arena. All eyes were fixed on the dramatic scene. Cha Eun Xiao had nonchalantly navigated through the lotus, disregarding the menacing blades surrounding him. With blinding swiftness, he reached out and grasped Wu Fei's neck with one hand while securing the back of his head with the other.

In a clockwise motion, he twisted Wu Fei's neck three complete revolutions, transforming it into a grotesque, misshapen deformity that resembled a twisted dough treat.

What infuriated Ji Mengzhan most was not merely the brutal dispatch of Wu Fei but the utter disregard Cha Eun Xiao displayed as he did so. When breaking Wu Fei's neck, Cha Eun Xiao did not even glance at his victim. Instead, he somersaulted and peered down at Ji Mengzhan with a sardonic, malevolent grin. Wu Fei's lifeless form dangled in his grip, his eyes devoid of any mercy or empathy.

The adversary crumpled to the ground, the radiant blade lights dispersing as their power dissipated. Cha Eun Xiao didn't spare it a glance; instead, he delivered a powerful kick to the narrow blade wielded by Wu Fei. With a forceful trajectory, Wu Fei's weapon soared through the air like a meteor, hurtling toward Ji Mengzhan's chest with lightning-like swiftness.

In the same breath, Cha Eun Xiao exerted pressure with his right hand, propelling Wu Fei's lifeless body into the distance. Wu Fei's visage still bore an expression of cruelty and cold determination, as though he remained in command.

Even in death, he clung to the belief that he could eliminate Feng Zhiling.

Yet, in his demise, Wu Fei remained blissfully unaware that it was Feng Zhiling who possessed the upper hand.

- Clang! -

An aged figure positioned behind Ji Mengzhan unsheathed a sword and expertly deflected the incoming blade, which was hurtling towards them like a streak of lightning. The clash emitted a clear, resonant ring, causing the blade to shatter into two fragments that pierced into the mountain, half of the weapon embedded within the rock, while the other components swayed, producing an eerie, hissing sound.

- Thud! - Wu Fei's body collided with the earth, its limbs twitching briefly before he lay still.

Even in death, his twisted neck positioned his face skyward, reflecting an unwavering air of assurance.

This spectacle cast a solemn hush over the onlookers. All eyes remained fixed upon the lifeless form of Wu Fei, who had met a most bizarre and unsettling end. Their gazes then shifted to Cha Eun Xiao.

The smirks that had previously adorned their faces vanished, replaced by an aura of caution and reverence.

The individual purported to be a mere level 1 Sky Origin Stage cultivator had vanquished a level 2 counterpart in the midst of his masterful performance. This inexplicable feat left them baffled, prompting internal queries about the nature of this prodigious event.

- What on earth had transpired? -

- How could he have accomplished such a feat? -

While it was reasonable to expect a skilled practitioner to identify a vulnerability in an enemy's attack, it remained a baffling enigma when a level 1 cultivator triumphed over a level 2 opponent. Could he have possibly possessed the ability to breach the higher-level opponent's formidable defensive aura?

- An implausible feat, or is it not? -

It might have been conceivable if Cha Eun Xiao had been equipped with an exceptional weapon. Yet, all witnesses had seen it unfold. Cha Eun Xiao had achieved this remarkable victory with nothing but empty hands. Such was the undeniable reality!

Ji Mengzhan, consumed by rage and astonishment, fumed, "Is this what you consider a level 1 Sky Origin Stage cultivator?"

The two venerable elders found themselves in an awkward predicament. They cleared their throats, and one of them ventured forth to rectify their earlier assessment, remarking, "Our apologies. We were mistaken in our estimation. Cha Eun Xiao hadn't revealed his true capabilities. He must undoubtedly be at level 2!"

"In addition," the other elder chimed in, "this individual, Feng Zhiling, must possess an intimate knowledge of Wu Fei. He seized the opportune moment to strike when Wu Fei was on the verge of unleashing his most potent attack. It seems improbable that he could discern Wu Fei's vulnerability at their initial encounter. Such a development appears highly unusual."

Until Cha Eun Xiao terminated Wu Fei's life, no one had been privy to the critical flaw in Wu Fei's deadly maneuver. Remarkably, this revelation had eluded Wu Fei himself.

Ji Mengzhan harbored an overwhelming desire to unleash a profusion of curses upon the situation. His inner monologue seethed with frustration and resentment.

- Level 2? Concealing his full potential? Without a doubt? -

- Why did they not disclose this earlier? -

He had acted upon their initial assessment, deploying Wu Fei under the pretext of Cha Eun Xiao's supposed level 1 stature. Now, he had suffered the loss of a Sky Origin Stage cultivator, and it was too late to rectify the situation.

Meanwhile, the two elders positioned behind him couldn't help but contemplate, - If only the command had been issued for a concerted group assault, regardless of Cha Eun Xiao's strength, he would have been subdued by now. -

- It is the terrain of our enemy kingdom. Our commanding abilities must be showcased. Yet, this bungled approach has proven utterly ineffectual. -

- To avoid wasteful endeavors, one must only be victorious over their adversary.