Red and White Clouds . . .
Cha Eun Xiao glanced at Erhuo, who was exuding an air of self-importance. With calculated nonchalance, he took a bite of his ration, all the while extending his hand to capture Erhuo by the neck. Swinging the feline gently within his grasp, he playfully gave the impression of preparing to eject it from the cave.
Having endured a harrowing experience not long ago, Erhuo was fully cognizant of the potential fate that awaited it. The cat responded by emitting a series of meows while shivering. Its fear was readily apparent through the bristling of its fur.
Cha Eun Xiao harrumphed and, rather than ejecting Erhuo, placed the feline into his pocket with a casual yet stern admonishment. "You choose to boast, do you? Remember your true nature – a mere cat. Why strive for arrogance akin to that of a human?"
Erhuo obediently remained within the pocket, coiled into a compact form while emitting plaintive meows. Its demeanor, although still appearing cute, was now tinged with a sense of pathos. If any young woman were to witness this scene, it was highly likely that she would be tempted to challenge Cha Eun Xiao for custody of the adorable cat and assert herself as its guardian.
However, within the confines of the cave, only one human presence existed. Well, that was the case until Cha Eun Xiao exited the cave, initiating another descent. - Whee! -
...
After an extended period of time, Cha Eun Xiao abruptly came to a halt. A realization struck him. [I've been descending for eight hours continuously. I should be nearing the point where we previously paused.]
[Despite having progressed to a different level of cultivation, this is merely a descent. The altitude of our previous stopping point should be nearly reached by now.]
In his past life, he had attained the pinnacle of Dao Origin Stage at level nine. Even in pitch darkness, he possessed the ability to perceive his surroundings with startling clarity. Regrettably, that capacity had diminished in his present existence.
Nonetheless, Cha Eun Xiao was equipped with Yin Yang Eyes, allowing him to perceive the landscape ahead. And just as he had anticipated, the red and white clouds came into view. He had seen them in his dreams, typically accompanied by feelings of dread. These red and white clouds were now directly beneath him, inspiring trepidation even in a figure as fearless as him.
Recollections of his past experiences with these clouds filled him with fear. The red and white clouds were a significant obstacle in this region.
At first glance, they resembled ordinary clouds, easily dispelled by a gust of wind. However, they were semi-solid, remaining fixed within the middle section of the cliff. Unlike regular clouds that could be dispersed by the wind, even if the entire mountain crumbled, these clouds would still linger, undisturbed by the upheaval. They appeared to flow ever so slightly but remained impenetrable.
Moreover, they were impervious to division, dispersion, or any other form of manipulation. A peculiar force permeated the red and white clouds. While this force had no effect on the human body, it exhibited a pronounced attraction toward the human soul.
No matter how advanced one's cultivation level, no one could resist the force exerted by these clouds. Not even individuals of Xiao Monarch and Fierce Blade's stature had successfully opposed it. The two supreme cultivators had engaged in extensive discussions about this phenomenon afterward, conjecturing that the cloud's force specifically interacted with the human soul.
In the Qing-Yun Realm, cultivators of martial arts did not focus on their souls, nor did they harness their souls to facilitate their techniques. The soul naturally improved as one's cultivation level advanced. It was this very reason that the formidable cultivators were incapable of resisting the force of the clouds.
The deeper they were drawn into the clouds, the stronger the force acted upon them. When they ventured one-third into the core of the clouds, the force reached an unprecedented intensity, threatening to shatter mountains and rupture the very sky.
In light of these considerations, Cha Eun Xiao realized the magnitude of the challenge that lay ahead. He was positioned at a significantly lower level of cultivation compared to his previous life. How long could he endure the force of the clouds now?
Regardless of the adversity he might encounter, he steeled his resolve. There was no other option but to press on and persevere through the trial ahead.
Cha Nantian was resolute in his conviction. "His body must be nearby. I have to bury him properly!" He inhaled deeply, and his breath had an inexplicable effect on the surrounding clouds, causing them to quiver slightly. "My brother was a dominant figure in his lifetime. He was a paragon. He experienced love and death, yet never once took the life of an innocent. He embodied the essence of a true hero. Now that he's no longer among the living, I cannot allow his remains to wander aimlessly in the wilderness."
His determination was evident as he fortified himself for the endeavor ahead. Each step he took was deliberate and cautious. He recognized the imperative to enter the clouds, but he was also acutely aware that recklessness could prove fatal. It was imperative that he proceeded methodically and circumspectly; his own life could not be sacrificed in the process, as he had the solemn duty of retrieving his brother's body.
The moment of truth was upon him, and Cha Nantian remained undaunted. Like a conqueror before an uncertain battlefield, he ventured forward, fully expecting the red and white clouds to part and grant him passage. With a hint of hesitation, he extended a foot toward the clouds as if reaching into a mass of ordinary mist.
However, upon actual contact with the cloud, he was immediately overcome by dizziness. The sensation oscillated between clarity and disorientation, repeatedly assaulting his senses. The effects, though bearable, could not be entirely ignored.
Cha Nantian recognized that he was subject to the pulling force of the clouds. In its initial stages, the force was relatively mild and manageable. Despite being a cultivator of only the fourth level of Dream Origin Stage, he possessed the necessary fortitude to endure the pull.
Recalling the past, he was reminded of the time he and his brother embarked on this journey, intoxicated and oblivious to the clouds' power. It was only when the force began to intensify that they realized the true extent of the peril they faced.