The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 827: Adorable Cat!

Adorable Cat! . . .

Upon Yue Changtian's summons, a vast multitude of fish converged from all corners of the pond, creating a flurry of splashes. While their frenetic gathering was unmistakable, it did nothing to dispel their evident disquiet.

Yue Changtian began a rough tally of the fish. The results sent shockwaves of disbelief coursing through him. "My Saint Spiritual Fish... Thirty of them have vanished! The majestic Colorful Fish, ten in total... All gone! Where could they have disappeared to..."

Overwhelmed by a sudden rush of distress, he felt as though he might faint.

The pond still housed fish of every variety, but the notable casualties were the significant, aged fish. Particularly painful was the absence of the Chaos Fish, who had thrived for over a century.

Only those fish weighing less than two kilograms remained.

Yue Changtian grappled with a heartache that felt like a grievous wound.

Chaos Fish held a prominent place in the Qing-Yun Realm, known for the wisp of chaotic purple qi they carried after living for at least one hundred and ninety-nine years. Consuming the flesh of these fish granted one the coveted purple qi.

For years, Yue Changtian had patiently stockpiled his Chaos Fish, awaiting the day he could accumulate one hundred and attain the transformative purple qi, enabling him to ascend from the middle phase of level nine of Dao Origin Stage to its apex. This fortuitous transformation would, in turn, facilitate his entry into the Tittle Phase.

His dedication had seen him invest countless treasures and years into nurturing these fish. Over eighty had flourished in the ponds, each weighing more than thirty kilograms. The largest of them exceeded fifty kilograms.

Now, all were gone.

Those bearing the coveted chaotic purple qi, as well as those on the precipice of obtaining it, had vanished. Those weighing over twenty kilograms had been wiped out.

A tempest of fury erupted within him, and he thundered, "Who pilfered my fish!"

The rage he unleashed was an unfiltered outpouring from his very soul.

He quaked with an unbearable distress, his anguish building to a crescendo.

Yet, he remained oblivious to the fact that this was only the beginning of his monumental losses. It was but a prologue.

Chaos descended upon him.

The effort expended in amassing these fish had been herculean, requiring the mobilization of Cold Moon Palace's collective efforts. Finding and procuring the fry from the Qing-Yun Realm had consumed a significant amount of resources, including time, wealth, and even the lives of countless individuals. The fish now dwelling in the ponds were the fruits of these sacrifices, a source of immense pride.

He had reveled in the distinction of possessing the most spiritual fish in the Qing-Yun Realm, considering it a dual boon. Not only were these creatures an embodiment of his fondness for fish, but they also held the power to shape his temperament, elevate his cultivation, and provide him with the finest moments in life.

Endeavors such as this came at a significant cost, with the fish requiring a steady diet of treasures to spur their growth. Maintaining the water temperature alone had entailed the consumption of vast quantities of spiritual stones.

He had stood on the brink of reaping the rewards of his sustained dedication, only to watch it crumble to dust.

It had all been taken away!

But the torment of not knowing the identity of the thief intensified his misery.

"What in the name of the heavens..." he lamented, the phrase barely a whisper amidst the maelstrom of his emotions.

Yue Changtian found himself teetering on the precipice of a violent outburst, a rare tremor coursing through his usually unflappable demeanor. He longed for retribution, for the one responsible to face his wrath.

"Who dares!" The ferocity of his cry was like a tempest unleashed upon the world.

At his feet, concealed amidst the foliage, a diminutive, snow-white feline lay sprawled. Its posture was one of leisurely indifference, and it gazed up at Yue Changtian with wide, innocent eyes. It seemed to regard him with mild confusion, as though questioning the source of his ire. [What has provoked such anger in this man, who presides over the entire sect? Where is his equanimity and decorum? What a disappointment!]

Erhuo had indisputably taken up residence in this domain.

Upon discovering the vast piscine bounty, its spirits had soared. The ponds, however, were closely guarded, making illicit visits a hazardous endeavor, even for a creature as fleet-footed as Erhuo. A higher-risk alternative was to appeal to compassion.

And so, it endeavored to be "adorable."

Indeed, it was a paragon of cuteness.

One fateful day, Erhuo casually made its appearance before the eyes of Yue Changtian. This day had seen the recruitment of an exceptional disciple, and a sense of optimism for Cold Moon Palace's future swelled within the host. It was a day of buoyant vitality.

As he traversed the grounds with exuberance, a sight in the grass soon arrested his attention—a creature as pure as driven snow.

Upon closer inspection, he beheld a small cat of the most endearing quality, no larger than a human fist, each feature a masterpiece of feline grace. In every way, it resembled a feline from the heavens.

The creature's innocent countenance did not escape his scrutiny.

Yue Changtian was moved.

The little creature's appearance tugged at the strings of his heart. Such an enchanting creature was impossible to ignore. Even a figure as imposing as Yue Changtian felt the stirrings of desire to interact with it. The tiny feline appeared skittish, craving comfort. When Yue Changtian drew near, it would dart away in momentary panic, only to return, gazing upon him with its beguiling eyes.

[This is simply adorable!]

[I adore it!]

Though Cold Moon Palace was renowned for its mastery of beast training, how could its esteemed leader allow such a charming cat to slip through his fingers? [I am more than capable of taming this little cat!]

[My fish is doubtlessly irresistible to all feline creatures. Feeding it might be wasteful, given its petite size.]

Hence, Yue Changtian reached a decision, one that would leave an indelible mark of regret on his life. [Dear kitty, I sense your desire for some of my fish, for a place amidst these hallowed grounds.]

[You shall remain.]

[There is something comforting about the presence of a companion.]

[It's just a cat. It understands nothing. All I desire is its presence here. How adorable it is! I may feed it some fish.]

[Perhaps I will unburden my thoughts to you when faced with tribulations. You will not comprehend, but you will listen, won't you, little kitty?]