The Fourth Person . . .
In the midst of this crucial moment, Cha Eun Xiao began to fathom the perilous nature of the beastly assembly. The brute creatures exhibited such formidable strength that even Han Bingxue alone seemed inadequate to ensure the safety of Cha Eun Xiao. Xuan Bing pondered upon her decision not to accompany them from the very outset, a choice that now weighed heavily upon her. Moreover, she couldn't help but express her astonishment regarding Erhuo and his unexpected acquisition of a peculiar feline companion. She wondered how this creature possessed such overwhelming influence.
The sight of high-level beasts converging in a menacing crowd would have forced even Xuan Bing to consider a tactical retreat. What astounded her the most was Erhuo's newfound ability to command these formidable creatures effectively, a feat she found truly remarkable.
Yet, despite Cha Eun Xiao current safety, Xuan Bing remained apprehensive about potential dangers that might still lurk in the future. The fourth layer of the Mountain of All Medicines remained an uncharted territory, a region that no one in the history of the Qing-Yun Realm had ever ventured into. According to Han Bingxue's account, 'Nine-layer Valley Awaits Monarch' held significance, regardless of whether Cha Eun Xiao was the monarch it awaited. The mountain undeniably possessed nine layers.
The fourth layer, where Cha Eun Xiao currently resided, was already a place that no one had ever ventured into. There were five additional layers above the fourth, and Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but question their safety.
However, Cha Eun Xiao realized that her anger and anxiety were futile in aiding Cha Eun Xiao. Even if she had chosen to accompany him, her capabilities were limited, allowing her to reach only the third layer. It was Erhuo's intervention that had facilitated Cha Eun Xiao's access to the fourth layer. Cha Eun Xiao was acutely aware that she could not contend with the menacing beast crowd, and the fourth layer, along with the higher layers, lay well beyond her abilities.
Despite her inner turmoil, all Cha Eun Xiao could do was exercise patience.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Cha Eun Xiao had finally come into contact with the mysterious purple handprint.
Upon placing his hand on the handprint, he was astonished to find it perfectly matched the size of his own hand, creating a snug fit. Cha Eun Xiao was taken aback as he sensed a powerful suction force emanating from the platform. Recalling the cryptic advice to "operate the energy in dantian in the number of nine," he quickly channeled his spiritual power.
In an instant, a vibrant purple light surged from the platform, raising Cha Eun Xiao's hand by three inches. It formed a radiant bond between his hand and the handprint, almost as if they were united by a luminescent purple aura.
Upon closer inspection, Cha Eun Xiao made a startling discovery – the creases on the handprint were an exact match for those on his hand. They were a perfect replica of his handprint, down to the tiniest detail. This revelation sent shivers down Cha Eun Xiao's spine.
Two hands of the same size could be coincidental, but matching creases made it an extraordinary and seemingly impossible occurrence. As far as Cha Eun Xiao knew, hand creases were unique to each individual; no two people in the entire history shared identical patterns.
Yet, before him lay a handprint with creases that mirrored his own perfectly. It was, undeniably, an exact replica of his own handprint.
Amid the enigma that surrounded him, Cha Eun Xiao's mind was set into motion. Recollections of Han Bingxue's cryptic words resurfaced, causing Cha Eun Xiao to engage in contemplation. 'Can I understand it as… this Nine-layer Valley, no matter what it is, has been waiting for you, the Xiao Monarch, to come?' He directed his gaze toward the enigmatic purple handprint before him, a sense of trepidation coursing through his very being.
An internal question emerged, quivering in his thoughts. [Is it… is it?]
However, even if Han Bingxue's theory held merit, he was no longer the Xiao Monarch. He had become Cha Eun Xiao, and the hand now pressed against the handprint was no longer that of the Xiao Monarch.
In the midst of his contemplation, an unexpected convergence occurred. Two streams of purple qi, one emanating from the platform beneath him and the other from within Cha Eun Xiao himself, merged. The purple qi that had ascended from the platform began to infiltrate Cha Eun Xiao's hand, mingling with the energy originating from within him.
A peculiar power coursed through him—pliable and sinuous. Suddenly, his hand was thrust away from the platform, severing its connection. As his hand departed from the platform's surface, the once solid purple platform dissolved into a rolling mass of purple qi. The enigmatic handprint that had puzzled Cha Eun Xiao vanished in unison.
This transformation didn't come without consequences, however. Since the moment he had touched the handprint, Cha Eun Xiao had been expending his energy. While the exertion was brief, it left him fatigued and perspiring, his body swaying from exhaustion. The desire to sit down and catch his breath was overwhelming, but he managed to stand resolutely, taking a deep breath as he employed martial arts techniques to recuperate.
As he engaged in his recovery efforts, a resurgence of dense purple qi materialized in the location where the platform had initially manifested and then vanished. Additional words began to materialize in the ambient air.
Upon glimpsing the initial phrases, Cha Eun Xiao sensed an impending revelation that would surely astonish him. 'The fourth person, are you ready?' These words formed the introductory segment of the message. Puzzled and somewhat anxious, Cha Eun Xiao furrowed his brows, struggling to decipher the message's meaning within the context of this peculiar environment.
In a typical scenario, such a question might appear straightforward. The first three individuals had failed in their assigned task, and now Cha Eun Xiao, as the fourth person, was being asked if he was prepared to undertake the challenge. It seemed like a reasonable inquiry, given the circumstances and the failures of the previous three individuals.
However, the situation took a bizarre twist. Cha Eun Xiao's handprint was an exact match for the enigmatic purple handprint. This fact alone defied logical explanation. Were the three individuals who preceded him similarly endowed with handprints identical to the purple one? The notion seemed preposterous, surpassing the limits of human comprehension.
Intriguingly, even if he accepted the role of the fourth person, a prevailing sense of unease gnawed at him. What task had the previous three individuals failed to accomplish? And, more importantly, did Cha Eun Xiao possess the capabilities to succeed where they had faltered? Despite his typically fearless and audacious nature, he couldn't suppress the mounting dread that washed over him. The fear of the unknown, an inherent human instinct, took hold as he grappled with the enigmatic proposition before him.
As the mysterious words continued to manifest and vanish, Cha Eun Xiao was left in a state of deep perplexity. 'Nine-layer Valley has come through nine vicissitudes. Finally, you are here.' The script continued to evolve, each new line obfuscating the previous one, intensifying the enigma that enshrouded this surreal situation.