The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1052: Life Path!

Chapter 1052: Life Path!

Life Path! . . .

"Very well," the man in black declared. "If you emerge victorious, I will offer my assistance in completing your mission, allowing you to enjoy your leisure. However, should you lose, when I am called upon to make the decision regarding the candidates, you shall bear the consequences." His voice carried a hint of disdain.

The utterance prompted hearty laughter from the assembled group. "Haha... Chief, you certainly have a narrow heart," they chortled. Ji Mo's gaze then fell upon Ji Mo, awaiting his response. "What say you, Ji Mo? Will you accept the challenge? Speak now."

Ji Mo appeared conflicted, a sour expression on his face. "Chief, this... it seems rather... inappropriate," he hesitated.

"You don't have the courage to wager?" his companions jeered. "Aren't you the boldest of us all? It's easy to talk big, but who among us dares to accept such a bet? Come on..."

"It's not as simple as it sounds! Who among you would willingly accept this wager? Who would dare to voice such an outlandish proposition?" Ji Mo protested vehemently, perturbed by the audacity of the bet. "To disguise myself as a woman and warm that man's bed? Chief, this is crossing a line. It would tarnish your reputation."

Ji Mo grew increasingly frustrated, his expletives flowing. "Why don't you offer yourself up for the task?"

The others promptly fell silent, and the man in black, their Chief, chuckled in amusement. "It appears you lack the fortitude to accept the challenge, Ji Mo. Very well, let it be known that you are the one who declined."

The man in white offered an alternative. "Perhaps we can modify the terms. Ji Mo, your daughter seems uninterested in anyone, even the Chief's son. Let her descend and face this trial in the next round."

Ji Mo's temper flared at this suggestion. "Are you harboring designs on my daughter? Absolutely not!"

"Let's not beat around the bush," the others chimed in. "Ultimately, it should be your daughter's choice. If she refuses to participate, no one can compel her. Who can force her hand?"

Ji Mo was irate, protesting against the jests aimed at his family. "Why must you bring my wife and daughter into this? It's inappropriate to jest about such matters."

The others, cognizant of their overstep, fell silent, acknowledging that there were limits even among brothers. Ji Mo capitalized on this momentary restraint and shouted, "Is it true that my daughter has the final say?"

Tianji, their enigmatic leader, offered an affirmative nod. "Indeed."

"Very well, then," Ji Mo declared with gusto. "In the next round, it should coincide with a time of chaos and the disordering of the heavens. If not, I'm not convinced that none of you will meddle. My daughter will carry with her protective talismans. Each of you will be responsible for providing her with the necessary safeguards."

The Chief, donned in black, and the man in white, Tianji, exchanged knowing glances. "Agreed," they affirmed.

Ji Mo's confidence swelled, and he exclaimed, "I don't believe I'll lose!"

Under the Heaven's Will Witness, their pact was sealed, rendering it immutable by any party.

Following their accord, their attention shifted back to the screen displaying Cha Eun Xiao, who remained bloodied and battered. Surprisingly, his countenance remained tranquil, despite the grievous injuries. He continued to be ensnared within the delusion.

Ji Mo, finding the situation rather favorable, began with a philosophical remark. "As the movements of the heavens remain vigorous, so should a gentleman persistently strive forward. I vowed that I wouldn't..."

However, before he could conclude his emotional reflection, he was suddenly overcome with astonishment, leaping to his feet and bellowing, "By the heavens! Why?"

The others couldn't contain their laughter upon witnessing his incredulity. The scene on the screen still depicted Cha Eun Xiao, covered in blood, his face demonstrating greater emotional stability. He had yet to escape the delusion, but there was a burgeoning presence of trial qi surrounding his body.

Ji Mo's eyes bulged in disbelief as he murmured, "Why... how is this possible? It's unthinkable that he could break free from the delusion unassisted... How... How is this possible?"

His distress was palpable as the others observed in bemused silence, refraining from taunting him, for once.

On the screen, Cha Eun Xiao blinked as he muttered, "Such power has the capacity to directly influence the heavens and the earth. It's truly mesmerizing. Every one of them has attained an incredible level of mastery. It implies that every path can lead to the same destination... If one day, I can possess such capability..."

As he spoke, his eyes displayed a yearning and profound respect for that formidable power. Yet, for Cha Eun Xiao, it remained a distant daydream. The mere contemplation of such power made him feel like an arrogant and ignorant youth, unwittingly belittling these immensely powerful figures.

His apprehensions led him to draw back slightly, wondering, "Perhaps I can't attain their level of power, but becoming a distinguished cultivator within the Human Realm Upon Heavens would suffice. After all, within the Human Realm Upon Heavens, a powerful figure is someone the entire Qing-Yun Realm would revere."

Yet, just as he contemplated this aspiration, his veins, Jing, and Mai suffered a catastrophic rupture, plunging him into an even more perilous predicament. Had it not been for the East-rising Purple Qi instinctively rushing to his protection, the reverse impact of his inner power might have reduced him to a mist of blood.

Observing this, Ji Mo couldn't conceal his excitement. He watched with bated breath and exclaimed, "He's breaking down! I'm winning... They say kindness never goes unrewarded, and today, heaven is favoring the righteous. Hahaha..."

However, as Ji Mo reveled in his perceived victory, an unexpected transformation unfolded on the screen. Cha Eun Xiao's eyes emitted a resolute and intense light, filled with determination and fervor. He began to speak with unwavering conviction, enunciating each word carefully, "It shouldn't be mere conjecture... I can certainly achieve it! To exact vengeance on that wretched Ji Mo, I must excel! I must surpass him!"

His voice grew increasingly resolute, echoing through the environment. "I will pummel him to death! I must beat him to death! I must transcend him and avenge the wrongs he's committed against me!"

"I can do it!"

"I am capable!"

"This is the path of my current existence!"

His proclamation was marked by an overwhelming surge of determination, creating a powerful aura that resonated in the surroundings. In that very moment, he exhibited greater resolve than ever before, and the vibrant purple qi of the world spontaneously surged into his body.