Set Up! . . .
"You've laid your hands on me. Don't think you can escape without repercussions. I'll ensure you face the consequences. You won't get away easily," Master Bai's countenance remained impassive as he declared his intention.
...
Cha Eun Xiao emerged from the mountain, a mixture of exhilaration and trepidation coursing through him. His unease didn't stem from fear of the repercussions of his actions; he was confident that Master Bai wouldn't resort to killing him, at least until he successfully crafted the Heaven Seizing Dan.
The recent altercation had arisen from Master Bai's irrational behavior, and Cha Eun Xiao had acted in the heat of anger, never harboring any intent to kill him. Reciprocally, Master Bai had no desire to terminate Cha Eun Xiao's life. However, what had truly perturbed Cha Eun Xiao was the revelation of Master Bai's latent might.
Restricted by the divine punishment, Master Bai hadn't employed his full strength. A mere exhale, and Cha Eun Xiao had been sent flying. The unbridled force at play had shaken him to the core. The knowledge of Master Bai's genuine capabilities weighed heavily on him—a somber reality he couldn't deny, even if he had never experienced it firsthand.
In the wake of this terrifying revelation, Cha Eun Xiao's fear was somewhat subdued, eclipsed by an intense and exhilarating sensation. Clenching his fists, he relished the memory of landing blows on Master Bai. In a low murmur, he declared, "I don't care how awe-inspiring you may be once you're free of your constraints. For now, you're nothing more than a vulnerable invalid. The next time I visit, I'll seize the opportunity to pummel you once again. I'm willing to take the risk for that exquisite pleasure!"
As Cha Eun Xiao reached a secluded corner, he halted abruptly. His keen ears picked up the sound of a rapidly approaching group. A sense of urgency gripped him, knowing that he was now Feng Zhiling, a figure with a price on his head, hunted by virtually every inhabitant of this world.
Evasion was his paramount concern. Yet, when he attempted to transform his visage through martial arts techniques, he was stunned. His countenance seemed locked in place like an iron mask, incapable of undergoing even the slightest alteration.
Cha Eun Xiao found himself unable to alter his facial expression, let alone transform his appearance. The unexpected impediment jolted him. He had mastered the technique of using his spiritual power to modify specific facial features, making no errors in the process. So, why was he suddenly encountering this issue?
Deep in thought, Cha Eun Xiao retraced his recent experiences, specifically what transpired after his confrontation with Master Bai. A connection began to form in his mind. During that altercation, Master Bai had unleashed a peculiar breath that sent him hurtling away. But what if this breath had served a more sinister purpose than merely displacing him?
Could it be that this was the reason behind his inability to change his appearance?
The revelation dawned upon him, and he couldn't help but curse. "That cunning old fox! He's a thousand-year-old mastermind, and he's managed to complicate matters for me in mere seconds!"
Master Bai had effectively forced Cha Eun Xiao to remain in his current guise as Feng Zhiling. This predicament meant that he had no knowledge of when he would regain the ability to change his appearance and escape the relentless pursuit of the assassins. It was no laughing matter.
As the thundering hoofbeats of the approaching riders grew louder, Cha Eun Xiao was faced with a difficult decision. If he proceeded further along the path, he would reach an open plain without any cover, leaving him exposed. It was then that he spotted a small hollow on the mountain.
A glimmer of hope arose. He could conceal himself in the hollow until the riders passed. Though he dared to entertain the thought, he also understood that these men might not be the hired assassins he anticipated.
Cha Eun Xiao took a deep breath, pressing his back against the mountain as the horsemen drew nearer. The deafening sound of galloping horses was like a rolling thunderstorm. Their voices became audible, demanding his attention. One of the voices, dripping with icy hostility, pierced the air.
"Feng Zhiling! Where do you think you're going? You carry a five-billion-tael bounty on your head! Stay right where you are!"
Cha Eun Xiao's heart pounded in response to this unexpected shout, but he couldn't help thinking, "Who dares to challenge me? Show your face, and I promise a swift death!" The presence of such an enticing shout undoubtedly piqued his interest. After all, a five-billion-tael reward was nothing to scoff at.
The moment Cha Eun Xiao heard the command to "hold," he could discern the horsemen stopping their mounts. The clattering hoofbeats ceased, transitioning into a cacophony of sloppier sounds as the riders maneuvered.
As swiftly as giant birds in flight, several figures soared overhead. Their agile search covered the area within minutes, and they converged upon Cha Eun Xiao's concealed position.
In the blink of an eye, over a dozen more figures ascended into the sky. Although they were not yet privy to the details of the situation, their strategic positioning demonstrated their seamless coordination. It was evident that they were a formidable and well-trained team of assassins.
The leader of this group of assassins, with a jubilant expression, fixed his gaze upon Cha Eun Xiao. There was a palpable sense of delight in his narrow eyes. He produced a document from the recesses of his clothing and opened it with a puzzled expression.
His demeanor suddenly transformed into one of unbridled elation.
"Feng Monarch! We have searched tirelessly for you..." The man's eyes radiated joy as he regarded Cha Eun Xiao. His smile conveyed a sense of discovery, akin to unearthing a long-lost treasure. With great respect, he bowed and saluted, addressing Cha Eun Xiao as "Feng Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall."
It was as if he had chanced upon a colossal mountain of gold that pierced the very heavens.