Sky Soul Power Aura . . .
This time, Cha Nantian remained exceptionally vigilant. The moment dizziness began to encroach upon his senses, he activated the East-rising Purple Qi at full throttle. He understood that conventional martial arts held no sway against such an enigmatic energy, and he harbored doubts that any martial art within the Qing-Yun Realm could contend with the energy residing in the red and white clouds. However, East-rising Purple Qi was the unparalleled primary martial art in the universe, and it was precisely this confidence that emboldened him to embark on this perilous journey.
As the East-rising Purple Qi coursed through him, a radiant aura of purple enveloped Cha Nantian. His eyes took on a distinct spiritual glow as he gazed at his feet, planted firmly upon the clouds. He breathed a sigh of relief, for the dizziness that had momentarily assailed him had been vanquished upon the activation of East-rising Purple Qi. The presence of Yin Yang Eyes allowed him a limited glimpse into the obscure darkness, which was undeniably advantageous in navigating through the clouds. The energy he encountered appeared to be guided by some form of intelligence, honing in on a specific point of attack. Fortunately, the East-rising Purple Qi had erected a protective barrier around his ankles, temporarily thwarting the clouds' malevolent force.
Cha Nantian was under no illusion that this defense would hold indefinitely. The clouds would inevitably breach the fragile shield, and when that moment arrived, the energy would once again assail his soul, which, due to his current limitations, would be a battle he could not win. This served to illuminate why Saint Sunlight Sect had faced continual failure in their endeavors to harness the soul power within the mountain.
He contemplated his glowing ankles, a symbol of his newfound vulnerability. To successfully navigate and master the red and white clouds, he understood that his mastery of the East-rising Purple Qi needed to be elevated to a much higher plane. For now, he would need to abandon his quest, recognizing that any premature continuation would only diminish his prospects for future success.
"Brother, I had hoped to visit you and bring you home, but I never anticipated the gravity of this challenge," he expressed with a heavy heart.
To his astonishment, at this pivotal moment, Erhuo emerged from his pocket, casting its gaze towards the clouds. It displayed a range of expressions in rapid succession, from bewilderment to revelation and, ultimately, jubilation. Cha Nantian couldn't comprehend Erhuo's intent, but he recognized the cat's mystical capabilities and chose not to interfere. Instead, he considered that Erhuo might offer a surprising opportunity amid this peculiar situation.
Erhuo, with one paw extended, made contact with the very clouds that had hitherto proven untouchable. It struck the air, as if combatting an invisible adversary. Cha Nantian watched in amazement as the red and white clouds responded. They formed into a stream, coiling around Erhuo's paw.
Erhuo lifted its paw, eyes scrutinizing the peculiar interaction, and its ears playfully twitched. The sight was undeniably endearing. Cha Nantian was left in awe.
"How...how did Erhuo manage to grasp that cloud?" he wondered. The mystifying ability to manipulate the normally impervious clouds had left him astonished and curious. It ignited a sense of hope and possibility within him.
Fueled by this unforeseen development, Cha Nantian contemplated reaching his own hand into the clouds. With meticulous caution, he probed the enigmatic mass. While he was able to make contact with the clouds and feel their presence, withdrawing his hand left him empty-handed. Instead, he experienced only a renewed sense of dizziness.
"I may not be able to contend with these clouds, but Erhuo can!" Cha Eun Xiao exclaimed with eyes wide in astonishment. His voice conveyed admiration as he continued, "A peerless spiritual beast amidst the chaos... an incredible feat. It might be 'just' a cat, but right here and right now, it's nothing short of remarkable."
Erhuo, however, responded to Cha Eun Xiao's comments with a furrowed brow, a manifestation of displeasure. Uncharacteristically, three distinct stripes appeared on its forehead, an indication of its annoyance. Although Erhuo typically bore no markings on its brow, at this moment, it resembled a fierce tiger.
This display of disdain didn't sit well with the spirited feline. Erhuo's internal monologue seethed with indignation: [How dare you underestimate me!] It vocalized its frustration with a sharp "Meow!"
Without hesitation, Cha Eun Xiao delivered a swift slap to Erhuo's small head, setting the cat into an impromptu spin. But Erhuo was far from deterred. Instead, it spiraled in the air with even more intensity, expressing its profound vexation.
Unperturbed, Cha Eun Xiao seized Erhuo by the neck, lifting the feline like a dried fish. He issued an ultimatum: "Are you finished? Tell me what you know, or you'll find yourself plummeting to the bottom of this cliff!"
Erhuo, realizing the futility of its resistance, submitted with a resigned "Meow..."
[Very well. I am a cat of unwavering resolve. I can endure this current humiliation and bide my time for a future opportunity to exact revenge. Just you wait, you obtuse master. Once I ascend to greater strength, you'll confront your own misjudgments...]
[Wait, what exactly can I do when I'm stronger?]
[Oh, bother. No matter how potent I become, it somehow ends up benefiting him in the end. That imbecilic, brutish fart of a master!]
[He always comes out on top!]
[Drat!]