The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 228: You Risk Your Lives While I Cultivate

You Risk Your Lives While I Cultivate . . .

It was often said that professionals placed a higher value on their skills, whereas those less experienced simply reveled in the excitement. While Cha-Eun Xiao might have been considered weak by some standards, he was undoubtedly a professional. This distinction allowed him to perceive subtle nuances that others might overlook.

As he observed the celestial clash unfolding above, Cha-Eun Xiao couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the confrontation. The two combatants displayed an overwhelming prowess that was nothing short of breathtaking. Their movements were nothing short of extraordinary—sitting like immovable mountains, standing as majestic as rainbows, and attacking with the ferocity of a surging storm and the swiftness of a lightning bolt.

In Cha-Eun Xiao's knowledgeable eyes, it was clear that these two formidable individuals were no ordinary cultivators. They were undoubtedly masters of the Daoyuan Grade, and their prowess had likely reached the pinnacle of that grade. In fact, they seemed to hover on the precipice of transcending the boundaries of the Qing-Yun Realm itself.

Such a revelation left Cha-Eun Xiao in a state of profound astonishment. In his previous life, he had been among the most formidable cultivators within the Qing-Yun Realm, and while he was aware that there were others more potent than him, these individuals were enigmatic figures who seldom revealed their true strength. They refrained from engaging in conflicts without grave cause, especially life-and-death battles such as the one unfolding before his eyes.

The presence of two superlative cultivators in the relatively insignificant Land of Han-Yang, embroiled in a high-stakes battle, was perplexing. Cha-Eun Xiao grappled with questions that defied easy answers. What had driven them to unleash their might in this lowly realm? Were they not concerned about inadvertently laying waste to the entire land?

It was a conundrum that challenged Cha-Eun Xiao's comprehension, particularly as the rain grew increasingly torrential, and thunder reverberated with greater frequency. The intensity of the celestial turmoil continued to confound him.

However, Cha-Eun Xiao harbored no intention of drawing nearer to the spectacle. If he were still the formidable Xiao Monarch, he might have ventured closer without hesitation. While he would still pale in comparison to these two titans, he could have watched the battle safely, hidden from their view as a mere Daoyuan cultivator. Witnessing such an extraordinary conflict, an event that occurred once in millennia, could greatly benefit his cultivation.

Yet he was acutely aware of his current vulnerability. If he ventured too close, even a brush with their titanic clash could annihilate him, body and soul. The risks were too great for him to contemplate.

Still, Cha-Eun Xiao found solace in the knowledge that the battle's aftermath yielded a wealth of energy in the form of water vapor. He had no intention of remaining inconspicuous. Instead, he stood steadfast in the pouring rain, wholeheartedly channeling the East-rising Purple Qi to absorb the abundant moisture in the atmosphere.

High above, the two formidable women engaged in a life-and-death battle, their every move resonating with an overwhelming intensity. Yet, amidst this celestial clash of titans, Cha-Eun Xiao found himself making the most of an unexpected opportunity—the water vapor generated by the tumultuous battle became a source of cultivation.

The Boundless Space within Cha-Eun Xiao's being automatically absorbed the copious water vapor that enveloped the world, although it did so without the guidance that would have maximized its efficiency. As the water vapor had permeated the atmosphere for an entire day, it had grown increasingly dense, and Cha-Eun Xiao seized the opportunity to operate the East-rising Purple Qi with unwavering dedication.

This time, the efficiency was unparalleled. A massive amount of water vapor transformed into pure water-element energy and flowed into the Water Space, a previously barren expanse now teeming with potential. Cha-Eun Xiao could sense the staggering volume of water-element energy merging with the space, a process that seemed inexhaustible.

With ceaseless dedication, he continued to harness the power of the East-rising Purple Qi, tirelessly drawing in water vapor from his surroundings. Within mere minutes, the Water Space had reached its capacity, with water vapor condensing on the walls and forming countless blue crystal water droplets, adorning the chamber like precious gems.

One by one, these azure gems clung to the walls, far surpassing the lone water droplet that had been the fruit of Cha-Eun Xiao's earlier laborious efforts. In just two hours, the Water Space was inundated with an ever-growing collection of these precious water droplets, each one a testament to his diligence.

Simultaneously, Cha-Eun Xiao was astonished to find that the East-rising Purple Qi, linked to the influx of water vapor, was also undergoing a transformation. It became more potent and refined, seemingly in response to the abundance of water element energy.

Contemplating this development, Cha-Eun Xiao realized the significance lay in the surge of water vapor within the Water Space. "The increase in water vapor has a direct effect on the improvement of the East-rising Purple Qi," he deduced. "It must be due to the surge in water element energy."

Regardless of the precise mechanics, Cha-Eun Xiao was elated by this unexpected boon to his cultivation. He recognized the fleeting nature of such opportunities, especially considering the rarity of witnessing a battle between two superlative cultivators. As he absorbed the water vapor and enhanced his martial skills, he understood that such an event might not occur again for thousands of years.

So, he dedicated himself to the task at hand, extracting every ounce of benefit from this extraordinary situation. With his martial arts focused and his senses attuned to the battle raging above, Cha-Eun Xiao made the most of this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.

In the skies above Chen-Xing City, as the fierce clash of two superlative cultivators raged on, Cha-Eun Xiao diligently harnessed the energy-rich water vapor, determined to seize this unique opportunity to strengthen his cultivation.

The potency of the water vapor was astounding, transforming the streets of Chen-Xing City, the capital of the Kingdom of Chen, into glistening rivers. Even the usually lower-lying areas had been transformed into small lakes, while outside the city, the situation was far worse, resembling a vast floodplain. Rivers surged beyond their banks, submerging the surrounding land in an unrelenting deluge. The rain showed no signs of abating, casting a foreboding shadow over the city.

As the downpour continued, the populace grappled with the looming catastrophe. Water invaded every nook and cranny, forcing the denizens of Chen-Xing City to confront the urgent challenge of flood management.

Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict between the western and eastern forces was momentarily quelled by the unrelenting rain. In the northern region, Cha Nan-Tian watched the rising waters with a mixture of confusion and disappointment. Traps had been meticulously laid, anticipating the arrival of the Grassland Wolves, yet the deluge had submerged the entire battlefield.

The unexpected turn of events was a mixed blessing for the northern army. On one hand, the relentless rain had disrupted their plans and thwarted the Grassland Wolves' expected advance. On the other hand, the bountiful precipitation would stimulate the growth of grass, ensuring a steady supply of food for the Northern Tribes in the coming months.

However, Cha Nan-Tian was well aware that allowing their adversaries respite could prove detrimental in the long run. Given the opportunity to recuperate, the enemy forces would swiftly regain their strength, becoming a formidable challenge to overcome. The situation demanded careful consideration and strategic planning, as they navigated the delicate balance between natural forces and the exigencies of war.