The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 652: Preparation

Preparation . . .

Cha Eun Xiao observed as the fourteen assassins departed and then turned his attention to the remaining members. He inquired, "What about you guys?"

Ning Biluo, Liu Changjun, and Zhao Pingtian appeared perplexed. "What do you mean?" they responded.

"Your aspirations are no different. If you seek to lead the life of their dreams," Cha Eun Xiao murmured, "I can provide you with more wealth than they possess. You won't experience any financial pressures. You will have families, children, and a content, stress-free existence."

The trio remained stunned, unsure of how to react.

Ning Biluo managed a wry smile, as did Zhao Pingtian, while Liu Changjun chuckled.

Ning Biluo spoke up, "To be completely honest, if you had presented this offer to me a month ago, I would have been overjoyed. I might have left the martial world immediately. For assassins, leaving this world has always been a dream."

"People perceive assassins as ruthless killers who murder for money, and there is some truth to that," Ning Biluo continued. "However, many assassins are compelled by the harsh realities of life. It's not a noble profession. Many assassins will do whatever it takes to obtain money, and there is no integrity within our world."

"But if given the chance to retire, none of them would refuse it. No one wishes to endanger their life indefinitely. I'm no exception. I was eager to retire, to accumulate enough wealth to sustain me for the rest of my life and support the people I care about. I would have left without hesitation if I had acquired enough money. It seemed like an impossible goal, though. Even as one of the world's top assassins, it was incredibly challenging to amass such wealth."

"In truth, if I had truly achieved that and started leading a peaceful life in the countryside, it would have been wonderful. At least, that's how I felt a month ago."

Ning Biluo's eyes twinkled as he said, "But our vision is often limited. I couldn't see the vast possibilities before me. My perspective was confined to this world."

"However, since you provided me with the sword art and cultivation method, I've come to realize that this world isn't the extent of our potential. The future stretches out expansively before me, and I now have something to strive for. How could I quit?"

"I have the chance to reach godhood, so I'll give it my all to achieve it. I want to become a supreme martial artist. I no longer need to worry about everything in this world."

"Why not pursue a grander dream? I believe most cultivators would make the same choice as I did," Ning Biluo declared with a deep breath. He lowered his head, gazed at his hands, and continued, "I've learned everything you've taught me, Monarch. The sword strike I executed today is proof of that. I sense that the gateway to the higher realm is right in front of me. If I work harder to step through it, I can enter."

"I'm staying here, waiting," he added emotionally. "I'm waiting for the day we rise together."

Zhao Pingtian nodded in agreement, saying, "I'm just like Ning. I've never even considered quitting. Never…" He looked to the side and smiled warmly. "I want to ascend to the higher realm, to find a way to bring Rou-Er back. I want to marry Rou-Er and live as a genuine couple with her. I must continue to better myself..."

"I don't want to stop. I want to keep improving."

"The stronger I become in cultivation, the more I can achieve, and the longer I'll have to spend with Rou-Er!" Zhao Pingtian spoke earnestly. "Even if I become a god, I don't want to be an ordinary god. I aspire to be… a god like Master Bai!"

"A god like Master Bai…" Cha Eun Xiao smiled wistfully.

That was an incredibly high standard!

Master Bai transcended the boundaries of Land of Han-Yang and even Qing-Yun Realm. He was a preeminent figure in Human Realm Upon Heavens. If not for Cha Eun Xiao possessing Boundless Space and East-rising Purple Qi, he doubted his capacity to reach the same level as Master Bai one day, though he loathed admitting it. Even for Cha Eun Xiao, Zhao Pingtian's dream was a formidable challenge.

Cha Eun Xiao contemplated the matter. He chose to keep certain thoughts to himself, as he believed the others might not comprehend the truth even if he explained. Revealing it would only undermine Zhao Pingtian's confidence. Turning to Liu Changjun, he inquired, "And you?"

Liu Changjun displayed unwavering resolve as he stood tall and spoke with determination, "My desires are simple and pure. I wish to go wherever you go, Master. I am content to serve as your assassin and undertake the grim tasks on your behalf. I hope that wherever you journey, you will take me along with you!"

Cha Eun Xiao fixed his gaze upon Liu Changjun. Although his aspirations might seem less ambitious than those of Zhao Pingtian and Ning Biluo, Cha Eun Xiao was aware that Liu Changjun possessed the greatest ambition among the three.

While Zhao Pingtian aimed to achieve a level of power akin to Master Bai, it paled in comparison to Liu Changjun's ambitions. Even without the Boundless Space and East-rising Purple Qi, Cha Eun Xiao believed that he could eventually catch up to, and perhaps surpass, Master Bai. If Liu Changjun continued to stand by his side, he had the potential to become even more formidable than Zhao Pingtian and Ning Biluo over time.

"So you wish to follow in my footsteps?" Cha Eun Xiao smiled and added, "Very well. I will provide you with the opportunity. However, you must be prepared to catch up."

Upon hearing Ning Biluo's assertion that a single step could lead to the upper realm, Cha Eun Xiao recalled what Master Bai had told him before his departure. The tunnel would be sealed within half a year.

Master Bai's words were not to be taken lightly. Within half a year, Cha Eun Xiao would need to return to Qing-Yun Realm.

Cha Nantian and Song Jue had the capability to ascend to the higher realm. As for Bing-Er, she was an astonishingly talented prodigy, demonstrating rapid progress that seemed almost unbelievable. Nevertheless, reaching such a level remained a formidable challenge.

Furthermore...

"Liu Changjun, what is your current level?" Cha Eun Xiao furrowed his brows and inquired, "At what stage of the Sky Origin realm are you now?"