Level One of Sky Origin Stage? . . .
Gazing upon the lifeless forms of his subordinates, Ji Mengzhan remained an epitome of stoic indifference. He shook his head slightly, but his expression betrayed nothing. Two aged individuals flanked him, their ancient eyes meeting in silent acknowledgment. Their voices resonated with a weighty solemnity as they spoke in unison, "One strike, five lives—Level 1 of Sky Origin Stage!"
Ji Mengzhan's brows furrowed, and his eyes narrowed as the confirmation hung in the air. The two senior individuals, masters he had spared no expense to enlist, both stood at the pinnacle of the eighth level of the Sky Origin Stage. Their expertise lay in accurately gauging the strengths of potential adversaries. Now, their synchronized assessment proclaimed Cha Eun Xiao's martial prowess—Level 1 of the Sky Origin Stage.
A sense of relief washed over Ji Mengzhan as their joint proclamation settled upon him. The two venerable elders were known for their perceptive discernment, and their consensus lent credibility to their pronouncement. If they deemed Cha Eun Xiao to be of Level 1 Sky Origin Stage, then so he must be.
Within the encirclement, Cha Eun Xiao appeared oddly at ease, his demeanor masking the turbulent maelstrom of emotions that swirled within. Deep within him, a fierce, fiery battle spirit blazed like an untamed inferno, reaching for the heavens.
Amidst the torrent of emotions, there was an unmistakable undercurrent of killing intent. And, mingling with the intensity was a touch of surprise, a sense of seamless fluidity.
Cha Eun Xiao contemplated the unforeseen sense of mastery he had experienced during the skirmish. While his strategic moves had gone according to plan, an uncanny feeling of ease flowed through him, like the smooth passage of water along a meandering river.
The catalyst behind this newfound dexterity became apparent—Heaven Destined Tea. Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but attribute this unexpected benefit to the tea. Initially, he had underestimated the potential advantages of partaking in the Heaven Destined Tea, yet it had remarkably enhanced his sensitivity and flexibility by an estimated one hundred percent, a development that had gone unnoticed.
This subtle transformation promised to have far-reaching implications in the challenges Cha Eun Xiao would face ahead.
A peculiar amalgamation of emotions coursed through Cha Eun Xiao's veins - a curious blend of delight and exasperation. While he reveled in the newfound capabilities stemming from his recent ingestion of Heaven Destined Tea, there lingered a vein of irritation that snaked through his thoughts. The tea had undoubtedly bolstered his powers, but it had been consumed voraciously by the egg within him, leaving him to savor only a fraction of its benefits. Inwardly grumbling at this distribution of resources, he contemplated how his minuscule share left him wanting more. His reverie on the matter resembled the egg's past culinary indulgence. "Annoying," Cha Eun Xiao mused, likening the egg's voraciousness to a soup that had its meat devoured, leaving only a meager broth behind.
Certainly, Cha Eun Xiao recognized the impracticality of acquiring a more generous helping of the tea's colorful spiritual qi. Such excess would inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences, but his internal quarrel with the egg remained nonetheless.
As these thoughts flitted through his mind, a fervor for battle began to stir within him. The powerful surge of energy left him yearning for a skirmish akin to those he had experienced in his previous life.
Focusing on his opponent, Ji Mengzhan, Cha Eun Xiao registered the subtle inflection in the man's words. The statement contained elements of both admiration and derision, teetering between a compliment and sarcasm. Ji Mengzhan, with narrow eyes shimmering coldly, acknowledged Cha Eun Xiao's formidable capabilities. However, he swiftly attempted to undercut Cha Eun Xiao's confidence by asserting that his prowess was limited to the first level of the Sky Origin Stage.
Cha Eun Xiao found himself momentarily baffled by this estimate. It was a stark reminder of his penchant for concealing his true abilities, a skill that had served him well during his time in the Land of Han-Yang. Native cultivators in this realm remained incapable of ascertaining his actual strength due to his uncanny ability to veil it. These individuals were only able to estimate his power by observing his movements, an observation that they had incorrectly used to classify him as a mere Level 1 Sky Origin Stage cultivator.
In reality, Cha Eun Xiao had already reached the third level of the Sky Origin Stage, with Level 4 within arm's reach. However, the denizens of the Land of Han-Yang remained oblivious to this hidden strength. His true might was shrouded in an impenetrable veil that not even those one stage above him could penetrate.
Ji Mengzhan's tactics, Cha Eun Xiao surmised, had led to the unwitting sacrifice of five lives for the sole purpose of ascertaining his strength.
With a contemptuous sneer, Cha Eun Xiao taunted his adversary. "You sacrificed five men simply to gauge my abilities, Ji Mengzhan? You are indeed a man of tremendous energy."
Ji Mengzhan's countenance darkened at the mockery, and he promptly issued an order, summoning Wu Fei from the crowd. Wu Fei, with crossed arms and an air of condescension, stepped forward, eyeing Cha Eun Xiao with disdain. He was unimpressed by what he perceived to be a Level 1 Sky Origin Stage cultivator.
Following Ji Mengzhan's directives, Wu Fei brandished his narrow and singular-bladed weapon with an unspoken promise of impending battle. The call to action was issued, resonating with an eerie, expressionless audience that awaited the outcome.
Wu Fei, a Sky Origin Stage cultivator who had already reached the pinnacle of level 2, viewed this skirmish with Cha Eun Xiao as a straightforward task. After all, his adversary was merely at level 1 of the Sky Origin Stage. It should have been a walk in the park for someone of Wu Fei's caliber. In the black-clad ranks surrounding them, some of the other level 2 Sky Origin Stage cultivators remained dispassionate, their countenances tinged with disappointment. They had silently wished for the honor of this opportunity, vexed that Wu Fei had seemingly secured a rewarding task. The prospect of decapitating Cha Eun Xiao, which would likely result in substantial rewards, had left them feeling overlooked and unappreciated.
Wu Fei, with swift and efficient movements, readied his blade and propelled himself into the air. His weapon emanated luminous trails like a descending lotus, each stream homing in on Cha Eun Xiao with lethal intent. His strike was quick and unequivocally designed to terminate his opponent.
Cha Eun Xiao, his countenance displaying a frigid smile, tersely remarked, "Another soul seeking its demise."
In response to the enemy's silent resolve, Cha Eun Xiao opted for minimal discourse. Instead, he initiated a whirling motion on the ground, spiraling upwards with the grace and fluidity of a dragon. The ensuing blade lotus that Wu Fei unleashed was met head-on by Cha Eun Xiao, who refused to evade the impending assault. It was a testament to his unwavering courage.
Ji Mengzhan, half-closing his eyes, observed the confrontation with a tranquil demeanor. To him, this confrontation was an experiment. If a level 1 cultivator could be subdued by a level 2 cultivator, there would be no reason to deploy a master-level cultivator. Such a decision would be extravagant and redundant.
Respecting the dignity and resourcefulness of superior cultivators, Ji Mengzhan sought efficiency and victory. He deliberated on the consequences of deploying a cultivator of higher rank than Wu Fei, ultimately deeming it unnecessary. He had, however, made a rare exception in Wu Fei's case. Wu Fei's proficiency at the top tier of level 2 Sky Origin Stage had instilled confidence in his abilities.
The two elderly men standing behind Ji Mengzhan calmly conversed, providing insight into the unfolding clash. "Pendulous Lotus is Wu Fei's signature technique. He initiated it right at the onset of the battle. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Although Wu Fei might seem dismissive of Feng Zhiling, he is, in reality, exercising caution."
His companion agreed, sharing his perspective. "Indeed, Pendulous Lotus is a formidable move. When Wu Fei takes to the air and faces downward, even a level 3 Sky Origin Stage adversary would find it challenging to evade. Attempting to retaliate from below could potentially exacerbate the situation. Using this move against Feng Monarch is akin to using a sledgehammer on a walnut."