The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 501: Too Risky

Too Risky . . .

In the heart of the kingdom's capital, Cha Eun Xiao pondered the complex web of politics and alliances. The king had publicly declared his support for Ling-Bao Hall, but behind the grand proclamations, the reality was quite different. Cha Eun Xiao, with his keen insights into the capital's intricacies, understood that the high-ranking officials displayed open agreement while harboring secret opposition. It was a charade, and the king was well aware of it.

Cha Eun Xiao felt a deep sense of responsibility. He believed it was his duty to ensure that those officials who undermined his father's authority would face consequences. It was a heavy burden to bear, but he had no other choice.

Sitting in his royal chamber, the king, remained silent for a moment, lost in thought. He looked at the grand chair that symbolized his power and said, "If I can bring lasting peace to this kingdom, there will come a day when I step down from this throne and embrace a simple and joyful life." His eyes reflected his yearning for a more relaxed existence.

He sighed and continued, "I am exhausted." The king's gaze shifted to the royal court, a place steeped in the blood and toil of his people. "It's difficult to fathom the pain that my subjects endure, and yet, a king must shoulder such burdens. Though it may seem glorious and powerful from the outside, it can be a lonely and cold place."

No one in the room dared to respond to the king's lament. What could they say? "Don't do it if you don't want to?" Many ambitious figures awaited an opportunity to ascend the throne. The unspoken truth hung heavy in the air.

The King broke the silence by inquiring about the situation involving the Crown Prince and the other two princes. He had heard rumors of attacks on their residences. "How goes the conflict at the Crown Prince's residence, and what about the other two princes? Are they also under attack?"

Master Sun, one of the king's trusted advisors, remained composed as he answered, "The assailants were individuals from the two powerful sects. They targeted all three princes. Members of the eight noble clans who had hidden within the princes' palaces were eliminated, and it's reported that many guards lost their lives. They did inflict significant damage upon us this time."

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The king's response was enigmatic, a mixture of knowing and not knowing. "So, the eight noble clans had infiltrated all three princes' residences?" he asked, as if seeking confirmation.

Master Sun nodded in response, unaware of the growing darkness on the king's face.

"Following this, I shall arrange a meeting with Feng Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall," the king declared.

...

Once Ning Biluo returned, Cha Eun Xiao had already bid farewell to Ling Wuxie and the two ladies. He had maintained the upper hand during their conversation, but a shiver ran down his spine as he recollected the encounter.

Fear gripped him. He knew the identities of the three individuals he had conversed with - they held power far beyond his reach. A single thought from them could lead to his instant demise.

Yet, against all odds, his meticulous planning had paid off. It was a combination of his abilities and a stroke of good luck that had led to his success.

In the vast realm of the Chaotic Storms, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't suppress his feelings any longer. He voiced his determination, "House of the Chaotic Storms... I eagerly await the day when you depart from this place. There will come a time when I encounter you in the Human Realm Upon Heavens, and we shall engage in combat. Relying on luck for everything feels burdensome."

...

As Ling Wuxie, accompanied by two ladies, returned to the serene bamboo forest, they were met with an unusual sight. Master Bai, who usually sat peacefully amidst the swaying bamboo, wore a troubled expression.

Wan-Er was the first to notice and inquired, "Master, is something amiss?" The sense of distress emanating from Master Bai was highly unusual, almost foreign. Throughout the thousands of years Wan and Xiu had known him, they had never seen him like this.

Master Bai was lost in his thoughts, his gaze firmly fixed on Ling Wuxie. The intensity of his stare was unnerving, and Ling Wuxie couldn't help but be taken aback. Anxious, he inquired, "What troubles you?"

Master Bai continued to scrutinize Ling Wuxie with solemnity and finally spoke, "Wan-Er, Xiu-Er, I need you both to establish a protective perimeter around the forest. Do not allow anyone to interrupt us during this time."

Although taken aback, the two ladies agreed, saying, "Yes," before promptly heading in opposite directions to carry out their task.

Shortly after, the esteemed cultivators of the House of the Chaotic Storms gathered, following the instructions of the two ladies. They stationed themselves at specific points surrounding the forest, forming a protective ring.

Meanwhile, the mystical array encompassing the bamboo forest gradually underwent a transformation.

Ling Wuxie's anxiety heightened, and he couldn't help but voice his concerns, "What's going on? Why all this secrecy? It's making me incredibly uneasy."

In a split second, it dawned on him that Master Bai was about to embark on something of profound significance. He felt his heart race and the hair on his skin stand on end.

With eyes widened in disbelief, Ling Wuxie finally exclaimed, "Are you out of your mind?"

Master Bai met Ling Wuxie's gaze with unwavering determination. He replied, "No, I'm not. I want you to join forces with me to activate the soul power and breach the boundaries of the firmament. I aim to reach out to the firmament and glimpse into the future."

Ling Wuxie was left astounded, his ability to articulate momentarily taken from him.

An eerie silence pervaded, and goosebumps covered Ling Wuxie's skin. After a prolonged pause, he let out a desperate plea, "Please, brother, I came here seeking your guidance, not to court our own destruction. Please, don't involve me in this. The consequences would be dire for both of us, and you know it."

Master Bai took a deep breath and explained, "It will be all right, my brother. If I fail to gain clarity on this matter, my existence will be in vain. The risks you're concerned about... This realm, although limiting our power, has its advantages. There's a natural protective barrier here. The divine punishment won't be as swift as it is in the Human Realm Upon Heavens. Please, have faith. We may endure suffering, but the knowledge we acquire will be invaluable."

Ling Wuxie vehemently shook his head, his refusal evident in his words. "No way. I'm not getting involved in that. You're on your own."

Master Bai maintained a steady gaze on Ling Wuxie, his eyes unwavering, unblinking.

Under the weight of that intense scrutiny, Ling Wuxie couldn't bear it any longer. He covered his face with both hands, the desperation in his voice evident. "Brother, please! Spare me that look. I'll do it, okay? Whatever it is you want, I'm in. I owe you more than words can express. That's why I'm willing to comply with your wishes."

In a sudden burst of determination, he shouted, "To my friends and family in the Human Realm Upon Heavens... Take care. Today, I'm willingly putting my life on the line for the sake of our brotherhood. Let's get this done!"

Master Bai was torn between laughter and exasperation. He couldn't help but mutter, "You, you fool."

Ling Wuxie let out heavy sighs and spoke with a mournful expression, "Tell me, brother, what is it that you truly desire? Why this sudden madness? If you're asking me to risk my life alongside you, at least provide a reason. Just be straightforward. Let me understand what I'm sacrificing myself for."