The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 432: No!

No! . . .

Ning Biluo found himself taken aback by Cha Eun Xiao's unexpected query. He appeared somewhat bewildered as he responded, "To what level... Well, I've never given it much thought. My primary aim is to settle my debts. Once that's accomplished, I might consider ascending to the higher realms, to explore the boundless future. As for the extent of my potential, it largely hinges on my diligence and the opportunities that come my way. I don't believe I can forcibly dictate how far I'll go."

Cha Eun Xiao contemplated the answer for a moment and nodded appreciatively. "Well put. Life is fleeting, while the possibilities of the future are limitless. A wise perspective," he acknowledged.

He then posed the same question to Zhao Pingtian, who responded without hesitation. "I aspire to reach the pinnacle of the Dao Origin Stage within three hundred, or better yet, two hundred years. No, perhaps even one hundred years! I haven't given much thought to what comes beyond that. My immediate focus is on realizing this life goal. Only when I achieve it can I contemplate further aspirations."

Cha Eun Xiao nodded once more, absorbing Zhao Pingtian's resolute ambition. Meanwhile, Ning Biluo and Liu Changjun exchanged puzzled glances. They couldn't quite grasp why Zhao Pingtian seemed so fixated on attaining the top of the Dao Origin Stage. The term "Dao Origin Stage" itself left them perplexed. They wondered if it was a stage higher than the Sky Origin Stage or simply another name for it.

Turning his attention to Liu Changjun, Cha Eun Xiao noticed a hint of embarrassment in his response. Liu Changjun was caught in a dilemma, feeling dwarfed by the grand ambitions of his two idols. He feared that his own aspirations would seem insignificant in comparison.

Nonetheless, under the watchful gaze of his two idols, and in response to a question from his half-idol, Liu Changjun couldn't help but be honest. "I don't have any grand plans, Master. My desire is simple—I want to follow you, no matter where you go. I wish to be a sword in your hand, perpetually by your side, even if it means remaining in the shadows."

As Liu Changjun spoke, both Ning Biluo and Zhao Pingtian couldn't help but perceive his aspirations as somewhat lacking. He appeared to have resigned himself to a limited future at a young age, which left them feeling uncertain.

However, Cha Eun Xiao saw something that the others didn't. He recognized that among the three, Liu Changjun harbored the loftiest ambition, whether he articulated it consciously or not.

"In my previous life, I trod the path alone, eventually reaching the pinnacle of the Dao Origin Stage. In this life, I am determined to surpass the Dao Origin Stage and ascend to greater heights, to become a sovereign and gaze down upon the entire world, mocking all beings in the universe. If Liu Changjun remains with me on this journey, he too will undoubtedly transcend the Dao Origin Stage. It's a future certainty," Cha Eun Xiao thought.

A gleam of determination shone in his eyes as he continued, "I possess three volumes of different martial arts techniques. The first is 'Sun Burns in Heaven,' consisting of three sections: fist, sword, and footwork."

Cha Eun Xiao addressed them with a calm and measured tone. "I've arranged it systematically. Follow the guidance within this book, and you can reach..." He directed his gaze toward Zhao Pingtian, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. "You can break through two stages beyond the Sky Origin Stage."

Initially, the three of them were perplexed, finding it hard to fathom that a martial art could facilitate such a substantial leap in cultivation. Their initial reaction oscillated between disbelief and awe. "An all-powerful martial art? An invincible martial art? Unbelievable!" they thought in unison.

But then, a moment of enlightenment washed over them, dispelling their doubts. They reasoned that the name, "Sun Burns in Heavens," suggested it might be a pure yang martial art, a style that suited Zhao Pingtian exceptionally well.

Without a moment's hesitation, Zhao Pingtian stepped forward, his excitement evident as he expressed his gratitude. "It's truly an honor and an incredible opportunity. Thank you, Monarch!" He struggled to contain his elation, his face flushed with the anticipation of what lay ahead.

To ascend by two stages implied surmounting at least eighteen levels. Zhao Pingtian could potentially reach the Dream Origin Stage or even ascend further, a prospect that had always eluded him. It was akin to a pauper discovering a mountain of gold or a map to a great treasure. With this martial art, he was significantly closer to realizing his aspiration.

Taking hold of the "Sun Burns in Heavens," Zhao Pingtian flipped open the first page, immediately drawn into its teachings, the world around him fading into insignificance.

Observing this, Ning Biluo and Liu Changjun couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. A martial art that engrossed someone with a mere glance was a testament to its greatness. It was a rarity, difficult to acquire, and perfectly suited to the practitioner's attributes. Most significantly, it led to a leap of two stages beyond the world's limitations—beyond the scope of imagination.

It was a story that typically befell the protagonist in a novel, and Zhao Pingtian was living that narrative. With this martial art, he was on the cusp of godhood, a stroke of unparalleled fortune.

For Cha Eun Xiao, it was a gratifying sight. He retrieved a second book, casually presenting it to Ning Biluo. "This one lacks a strong attribute and should be an intermediate martial art. I believe it suits you the most, Old Ning. Here."

Ning Biluo didn't rush to accept it. He first examined the book's cover, and the title ignited a blazing fire in his heart. "Heaven Formula of Prime!" It was a martial art shrouded in mystery, unheard of by anyone, yet Ning Biluo sensed its potency rivaled the one bestowed upon Zhao Pingtian.

In his heart, Ning Biluo understood that this opportunity could potentially forge his destiny in the future, but it also came with an unspoken price—a debt he might never repay.

He hesitated, wrestling with the inner turmoil he rarely displayed. Despite his usual calm demeanor, anguish was etched across his face.

Cha Eun Xiao's smile remained unwavering as he spoke with reassurance. "Ning, have I ever forced you into anything?"

Ning Biluo was taken aback, his surprise evident as he replied, "No."

"Exactly. I haven't, and I won't in the future," Cha Eun Xiao nonchalantly assured him. "Do you think you can ever repay all the favors I've extended to you?"

Ning Biluo was left dumbfounded, forced to confront the unassailable truth that he could never fully reciprocate the immense debts he owed. With a bitter tone, he confessed, "No."

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