Shadowless Assassin! . . .
"Could it be... the soul power absorbed below was fueling my cultivation?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired with an inquisitive expression.
"Meow," Erhuo replied.
"So, the power contained in that Ghost Ganoderma you extracted from Li Wuliang's body was assimilated within the Space?" Cha Eun Xiao further questioned.
"Meow," Erhuo confirmed.
"During my escape from the hawk when I pushed my body to its limits with life energy, it didn't actually harm me, but rather activated the energy I had suppressed within?" Cha Eun Xiao continued.
"Meow..."
"If the ganoderma can make Li Wuliang invincible in the realm in ten years... then what has it done for me?" Cha Eun Xiao pondered.
"Meow..."
"East-rising Purple Qi demands a much higher power level from me, which is why I feel weakened by it... Although I could be much stronger if not for that," he stated, processing this newfound knowledge.
Cha Eun Xiao bombarded Erhuo with questions for a considerable time, gradually uncovering the extraordinary circumstances that led to his sudden cultivation improvements. Initially, Erhuo had been enthusiastic to answer, but as the interrogation persisted, it grew less animated. It couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.
"I feel humiliated. These are rather straightforward matters. Why does he need to inquire about every detail? Must he interrogate me on everything?" Erhuo couldn't help but feel exasperated.
After an extensive line of questioning, Cha Eun Xiao finally pieced together the events that had unfolded. The power surge that had seemingly propelled him to new heights in cultivation was a result of a combination of factors. When he had been pursued by the golden hawk and had sprinted beyond his limits, he believed he would be injured in the process. However, given the significant energy he had recently accumulated, along with the incredible soul power and the essence of the ganoderma now inside him, he experienced no harm. Instead, his energy had erupted, releasing the suppressed power within him and causing a profound transformation.
Furthermore, mastering the Sword Art of Stars had played a pivotal role in this transformation. It had only been a single move, but it had been highly potent and served as the catalyst for his cultivation improvement. However, to fully utilize the potential of the sword art and the sword itself, Cha Eun Xiao needed to operate his entire cultivation power. He had unconsciously released the suppression he had been imposing on himself during the three days he had spent learning the sword art, leading to this unexpected development.
Ultimately, it was the accumulation of power, the soul power from the ancient heroes, the essence of the ganoderma, the influence of the golden hawk, and the unique spiritual environment atop the realm's highest mountain, that had synergistically propelled him forward.
Although his cultivation had surged dramatically, it was constrained by the finite energy he had accumulated in his meridians. To continue upgrading, he needed to replenish his energy.
"Unbelievable. This is truly astonishing! I've actually experienced a cultivation breakthrough?" Cha Eun Xiao was filled with disbelief and amazement. Yet, he soon decided to accept this incredible turn of events as yet another inexplicable occurrence.
Despite having gained a deeper understanding of his recent transformation, one question remained unanswered—what had transpired with the golden hawk? However, by the time he realized this, they were already on the move.
Suddenly, a menacing voice disrupted the tranquility. "Where do you think you're going? Why are you fleeing so hastily? Humph! You've killed many of our people, and it's about time you surrendered, don't you think?"
Responding with an air of indifference, Cha Eun Xiao's voice was feeble but resolute. "Flee? I haven't even considered running. I'm merely in a low point of my life, akin to a tiger descending to the plains. You, insignificant individuals, are simply seizing this opportunity by chance. If I had even ten percent of my energy remaining, would you even have the chance to converse with me in such a manner?" His words, though weak, carried an air of haughtiness, as though he were addressing ants.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but shake his head. "Well, my friend, if you're as powerful as you claim, maybe you could maintain that arrogance. However, the reality is you're hardly even a shadow of your former self. Speaking so defiantly, aren't you just inviting humiliation?"
As he had anticipated, the venomous voice piped up again. - Pah! - followed by a resounding slap.
"Pah! I see now," Cha Eun Xiao retorted. "Your most formidable weapon is clearly your foul mouth. Never mind your past might, because you're now under my control, my prisoner. If you persist in this tone, I'll ensure you experience every conceivable form of torment. I may even play you to your demise. And what then? Do you imagine you can prevent it?"
Once more, the indifferent voice spoke up. The man couldn't help but emit a derisive humph as he continued, "Since I left the Northern Lands, I've had no illusions of returning alive. Regret lingers, but I've come to accept my fate. However, there's one thing I truly cannot forgive myself for—being apprehended by a bunch of imbeciles. Frankly, this outcome is beyond any rational expectation. It appears that justice is in short supply these days. People like you can still roam freely."
Unperturbed, the venomous voice responded with a hint of gloating and newfound strength. "Shadowless Assassin, hahaha… I never imagined that one day I, Pu Feitian, would ascend in the world. And all it took was delivering you back to our sect. The leadership will undoubtedly shower me with ample resources. Hahaha..."
In a tone of indifference, the captive spoke disdainfully. "Congratulations."
Pu Feitian chuckled and retorted, "Do you think you can flatter me at this late stage? You've been a thorn in our side for a year, Shadowless Assassin. We represent three factions, yet none of us could uncover your true identity. Well, here we are now, and I'm eager to glimpse the face behind the mask, Shadowless Assassin."
Unperturbed, the indifferent voice responded coolly, "Pu Feitian, as a disciple of the three factions, you should be aware that humiliation can be more grievous than death."
Pu Feitian laughed and retorted, "Oh, you think I can humiliate you? Allow me to clarify, I have three life interests. First, I savor the act of humiliation. Do you comprehend? I derive pleasure from humiliating others. Above all, I delight in capturing a virtuous maiden, defiling her chastity, and transforming her into a wanton harlot. This gives me the most profound sense of accomplishment, the ultimate ecstasy in life!
"My second passion is humiliating mighty cultivators, such as yourself—a formidable figure I can only aspire to be in my wildest dreams!" His voice grew fierce. "But I won't degrade you, will I? No, instead, I'll leave the humiliation of powerful figures to the most despicable ruffians. They'll revile you, beat you, spit on you, and subject you to cruel torture… Witnessing their disgraceful actions delights me beyond measure! Do you understand?"