The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 523: Invasion

Invasion . . .

The intruders had encroached silently and skillfully upon Cha Eun Xiao's residence. They displayed an uncanny familiarity with every nook and cranny within the General's House. Their navigation through the house was seamless, unhindered by any opposition, leading them directly to Cha Eun Xiao's courtyard. They followed the most efficient path to their destination, demonstrating a level of knowledge that surpassed even the master of the house himself.

Reaching the courtyard, they communicated with each other using covert hand signals and, in perfect harmony, leaped into the air. In the nighttime sky above the House of Cha, eight phantom-like figures ascended gracefully. Simultaneously, they conjured dark smoke by swaying their sleeves, causing the yard to be veiled in a shrouded darkness.

The next moment, the windows to Cha Eun Xiao and Bing-Er's room were pierced from all angles, creating small openings through which the dark smoke infiltrated. Those within were ensnared by the encompassing cloud, leaving them no escape from its all-encompassing presence.

The precision and dexterity with which these intruders executed this operation revealed their extensive training and experience in covert affairs.

Atop the roof, Song Jue observed the situation with his eyes radiating cold determination. He muttered, "I never expected them to be so proficient at this. They must have engaged in countless nefarious assignments for Second Prince. Disgraceful individuals... nothing more than savage beasts..."

The intruders pressed on with their meticulous and perfectly coordinated plan. Two of them stationed themselves outside the room, while another two ascended to the roof. An additional pair remained along the exterior wall, poised to intervene if needed. The remaining two infiltrated the room, moving like phantoms and making their way towards the door. Their mission was to listen and gauge the situation inside, ready to seize Bing-Er at a moment's notice.

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Their plan was executed with an impeccable level of synchronization and cooperation.

At the room's entrance, the two intruders listened attentively to the sounds emanating from within. Suddenly, their eyes lit up with understanding. One of them remained still, while the other extended a hand to quietly push against the door. Without a sound, the bolt securing the door was shattered into fragments.

The door was gently pushed open.

In perfect harmony, the eight intruders thought, "That went smoothly."

Cha Nantian had held the position of the highest-ranking military commander in the Kingdom of Chen. Their information indicated a lack of Sky Origin Stage cultivators within his house. Instead, the residence was guarded by retired soldiers, battle-hardened warriors who had developed a heightened sensitivity to danger through countless military campaigns.

The intruders' careful preparations and knowledge had allowed them to identify the path to Cha Eun Xiao's room with such precision. They were confident in their ability to overcome any potential resistance. After all, they were formidable Sky Origin Stage cultivators, while the guards consisted of retired soldiers.

Nonetheless, the intruders preferred a clean operation with no unexpected complications, and they had taken great care to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.

In the midst of the darkness, a delicate and trembling voice quivered, "W-who... who's there?"

The voice betrayed a deep-seated fear.

Simultaneously, a sound resonated - a metallic clang. A brilliant white light, imbued with frigid energy, dispelled the encroaching darkness. Within that luminous glow, the silhouette of a delicate young girl emerged.

Bing-Er!

"Hmm? Why hasn't this girl lost consciousness? She..." the apparent leader of the intruders grumbled.

The only voice they could hear was Bing-Er's, with no sign of any other presence in the room.

Another intruder entered the room quickly, conducting a thorough examination. He sighed in relief, confirming, "This girl possesses a resilient spirit. She's gifted and impervious to our smoke. That arrogant fool, on the other hand, has succumbed to unconsciousness. It won't be a problem. Everything will proceed as planned."

The intruder, so confident in his knowledge, remained blissfully unaware that the young girl contained a substantial reservoir of energy within her. Even the most potent of subterfuges was rendered ineffective, for this girl was impervious.

Beside the door, the man let out a sigh of relief. He attempted to soothe the terrified girl in a hushed tone. "Hush, little one. Be still, do not panic. That's it, dear. Accompany your uncles, and we shall transport you to a most extraordinary place."

His demeanor eerily mirrored that of a malefactor.

Bing-Er's fear was palpable. Her doe-like eyes flickered with trepidation. "I... No, I don't want to..."

Then, she cried out, "Brother Xiao... Master... Master... Where are you? Please answer me..."

Her pleas, however, fell on deaf ears, as no response reached her from the sprawling expanse of the House of Cha. In her solitude, she seemed to be the sole occupant.

"Quiet!" barked the black-clad man, his voice laden with irritation. His frustration stemmed from the girl's refusal to heed his supposed goodwill. He feared her cries might attract the attention of Cha's guards, a confrontation he was keen to avoid. Although they did not dread the House of Cha's guards, they preferred to keep the mission covert.

Undeterred by the absence of a response, the man by the door sported a lecherous grin. "So, this is the renowned General's House? The soldiers of Kingdom of Chen's unparalleled Military God, Cha Nantian?" His laughter echoed. "An extraordinary man, undefeated in countless battles. A veritable marvel."

Before he could finish, he reached out to seize Bing-Er.

In terror, Bing-Er shouted and, instinctively, swung her sword. A magnificent arc of frigid energy erupted in a brilliant display.

The black-clad man cried out and retracted his hand hastily, but his reaction was too sluggish. The blade sliced through his finger, drawing blood.

Despite the man's superior strength and the presumption that Bing-Er, a mere concubine of a seemingly foolish young lord, was feeble, she was a formidable combatant. Gifted and resourceful, she astutely wielded her sword.

The intruder had acted rashly while Bing-Er remained cautious. Consequently, she delivered a near-fatal strike, catching him off guard.