The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1035: Nine-layer Valley Awaits Monarch

Nine-layer Valley Awaits Monarch . . .

Cha Eun Xiao and Han Bingxue walked at the back of the group, shrouded in the dense fog that had enveloped the third layer. In this hazy world, they were virtually blind, unable to discern the distance they had traveled. It had taken them at least an hour of slow progress before they noticed a faint, musky fragrance in the air.

When Erhuo suddenly halted, Cha Eun Xiao, still unable to see anything, extended his hand, and Erhuo leaped onto it. However, it felt different from what he had expected. As his fingers brushed over Erhuo, he realized the cat had just jumped down from a step—a step that was slightly higher than he had anticipated.

On that step, a peculiar door stood. This was the first object they had seen that was not veiled by the thick fog within this third layer.

The two men and one cat gazed at the door in amazement. It wasn't made of gold or wood, but they could sense its unyielding nature. It was evident that no weapon, no matter how sharp, could breach this door.

Cha Eun Xiao took his position in front of the door and channeled the East-rising Purple Qi with full force. Suddenly, the fog began to swirl and surge, resembling a pot of boiling rice, roiling and churning.

He extended his hand toward the door and touched it, eventually finding a hole just large enough to accommodate his hand. Without hesitation, he inserted his hand, encased in the energy of the purple qi.

As he did, he felt something rapidly rising from below the ground, rushing toward his hand with great urgency. It was as though whatever lay beneath was in a hurry to reach him. The moment his hand made contact, it grew cold. Then, he realized that he was holding yet another ring.

Cha Eun Xiao attempted to turn it to the left, but it remained immobile. Then, turning it to the right, he heard a resounding crack. The ring rotated half a turn, and the door vanished before their eyes.

The expressions of both men and the feline lit up in unison. It appeared that each level of the Mountain of All Medicines was distinct from the one before. The first layer was obscured by dense fog, rendering it impossible to see. The second layer was clear and offered unobstructed views. The third layer, however, returned to the fog, rendering them blind once more. But as they reached the fourth layer, their vision was restored.

The fourth layer was considerably more beautiful than the second, and notably more expansive.

Cha Eun Xiao thought to himself, [I was right. The higher up, the broader it becomes.]

[As it stands, it seems as though no one has ever set foot in this place before... It's such an enigmatic land...]

[I wonder if more formidable creatures await us. Can Erhuo handle them?]

Erhuo, the "primal spirit in chaos," had already bested the beasts they encountered earlier. However, the fourth layer presented a new world, and Erhuo was still quite young. Could it confront the creatures in this new layer as effectively as in the third?

Doubt gnawed at him, but despite his reservations, Cha Eun Xiao stepped through the door without hesitation. After coming this far, there was only one direction to move—forward.

Observing Cha Eun Xiao's action, Han Bingxue promptly followed suit. Both of them noticed a cinnabar fruit tree near the door, laden with numerous purple-red fruits. On closer inspection, the fruits emitted colorful, spinning glows, indicating that this cinnabar fruit tree was an extraordinary and invaluable treasure.

"Rainbow Cinnabar Fruit!" Han Bingxue, with his sharp Dao Origin Stage perception, recognized the fruit and exclaimed, "Boss, we're going to strike it rich this time... Just after opening that door, we've stumbled upon such a priceless treasure!"

Cha Eun Xiao remained composed and unwavering. He fixed his gaze on the tree bearing Rainbow Cinnabar Fruit and slowly conveyed, "Do not become overly jubilant... It appears there is something peculiar behind this scene. The treasure may be within our grasp, but I don't believe it will be easily acquired."

Around the cinnabar fruits, countless streams of iridescent light flowed continuously, encircling the tree. A soothing aroma wafted through the air. Yet, Cha Eun Xiao's words seemed prescient. Despite how closely Han Bingxie scrutinized the tree, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was distantly out of reach.

"As expected, there must be more to this," Cha Eun Xiao remarked, taking a deep breath. "We should exercise caution."

"Really? Must we? It's not very close, and while there may be hidden elements, I could quickly approach and return with my fast flying martial art. It should pose no issue," Han Bingxue replied, his impatience apparent. Without finishing his sentence, he ventured forward. "The cinnabar fruit..."

In the next moment, a collision resounded. An invisible barrier appeared and forcefully repelled Han Bingxue, who was sent hurtling back.

In front of the cinnabar fruit tree, a surge of purple qi materialized and formed words in the air.

'Nine-layer Valley Awaits Monarch!'

The words materialized one by one before coming to a halt.

"Nine-layer Valley Awaits Monarch?" Han Bingxue gazed at the words and inquired, "What does that mean?" He turned to Cha Eun Xiao, saying, "Can I interpret this as... the Nine-layer Valley, whatever it may be, has been anticipating your arrival, the Xiao Monarch?"

Cha Eun Xiao furrowed his brows and cast an exasperated look at Han Bingxue. "Bingxue, could you answer a question for me?"

Han Bingxue appeared startled. "Boss, are you alright? Why are you speaking so formally? It's quite unusual! Please, go ahead and ask whatever you wish. I'll share all the information I possess. Fire away!"

Cha Eun Xiao inquired, "In your estimation, how long has this mountain existed?"

"I doubt anyone knows the precise duration... But I'd venture to say it's been millions of years!" Han Bingxue scratched his head and continued, "I don't believe anyone in the Qing-Yun Realm could provide a definitive answer. I can only speculate it's in the millions. Does that help?"

Cha Eun Xiao appeared perturbed. "Yes, indeed, it does. You've given me the response I was seeking. You yourself mentioned this mountain is at least one million years old. Now tell me, how could these words be intended for me? Do you even think before you speak? Even if I had been reborn eighty thousand times, do you believe I could be older than this mountain?"

Han Bingxue suddenly found himself at a loss for words. He couldn't find any counterargument. However, his stubbornness and aversion to admitting fault remained strong. He replied, "There are many mysteries in the world. Perhaps there was a deity..."

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