The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 1016: Different Intentions

Different Intentions . . .

Cha Liangchen walked some distance away, but he could still hear the conversation between Cha Eun Xiao and Li Qingzhou.

...

"When do you propose we go there?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired.

"As soon as possible," Li Qingzhou replied.

"How about tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow morning, it is."

"Excellent! It\'s a deal!"

"Deal!"

"Brother Cha, you\'re welcome to come to Li Clan and stay at our place. We can journey there together tomorrow. It would be more convenient," Li Qingzhou suggested.

Cha Eun Xiao declined with candor, "No need. I\'m not particularly fond of the rules and restrictions in large clans like yours. I\'d rather mind my own business. I\'ll wait for you here tomorrow morning, and I\'ll leave Oracle District as soon as I\'ve collected the materials. I know local powers rarely venture outside."

Li Qingzhou sighed and said, "Well, Brother Cha... I can only apologize. I understand your reservations. I\'ll see you tomorrow."

"See you."

"Take care."

"You too."

Li Qingzhou and his associates departed with anticipation.

Only Cha Eun Xiao, Han Bingxue, and Xuan Bing remained.

...

Li Qingzhou had distanced himself, and from that distance, Cha Eun Xiao was no longer visible. The malicious and ruthless expression returned to Li Qingzhou\'s face.

"My lord, are we really going to allow him to take away half of our medicines tomorrow? The third level of Heaven Treasure Mountain has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. There must be abundant resources inside. Wouldn\'t it be..." a guard began, his voice hushed.

Li Qingzhou broke into a hearty laugh. His delight was palpable.

"Ah, I see," the guard replied, understanding his master\'s intention.

"Indeed. Well done. You\'re not as foolish as you sometimes seem. Tomorrow, when we finish collecting the materials, this story will come to an end. People are often left dissatisfied. We must be the ones to feel content. Tomorrow, when you handle it, be sure to bring along a few more capable individuals, just in case things go awry."

"Yes, I will. However, those two individuals who stayed with the young man appear formidable. We couldn\'t discern their true abilities. Are you..." the other guard began, his tone more cautious.

Clearly, the second guard was more seasoned and not blindly optimistic.

Cha Eun Xiao had effectively concealed his true level of cultivation, making himself appear weaker than he truly was. Both guards believed they had accurately gauged his abilities. However, the two women, Han Bingxue and Xuan Bing, were unable to hide their immense strength. Despite their best efforts, the auras they exuded revealed them as formidable cultivators.

The experienced guard was uncertain of Han Bingxue and Xuan Bing\'s exact cultivation levels but felt they exceeded his own abilities. This was also the reason they had not initially engaged Cha Eun Xiao in combat.

Li Qingzhou recognized the wisdom of "preparing for danger in times of safety."

"I understand. I will inform my father to arrange for more skilled cultivators to assist us. I will ensure that everything goes smoothly."

"Very well. You possess a comprehensive perspective. I am impressed."

Li Qingzhou laughed and remarked, "I never expected this when I decided to venture out for a walk, hoping to collect some medicinal plants from the mountain. It turns out I encountered an exceedingly valuable treasure. Cha Clan is doomed. It\'s bound to collapse."

"My lord, you are indeed fortunate. Good fortune smiles upon you!"

"Haha. That man who shares our name. He appears clever, but in reality, he\'s a bit of a blockhead. He actually thinks he can claim half of our medicinal treasures? How absurd! He clearly underestimates the true worth of the Regeneration Ink Lotus. If he were to negotiate with Misty Cloud Palace, he might secure an excellent deal with them. However, what he possesses is now destined to be mine!" Li Qingzhou chuckled malevolently. "Tell me, where can I find another simpleton like him? I wish I could encounter ten of such gullible folks every day, and it would never grow dull!"

"Hahahaha... That\'s true..."

"He\'s just an ignorant man who comprehends nothing of our might. If he could find the way on his own, perhaps he\'s entered the third layer multiple times. He requires our guidance to lead him down the correct path. So, we will guide him onto the path into the third layer, but ultimately, we will guide him onto the path to hell!"

"That\'s true, my lord."

"So... the heavens have bestowed this opportunity upon Li Clan and, particularly, upon me, Li Qingzhou!"

"As long as you complete this, you will become the most esteemed member of the clan. You will be the chosen heir! Please, my lord, when you ascend as the heir, do not forget us."

"Of course. Work diligently, and I shall treat my loyal subordinates well!"

"Thank you, my lord! We shall be prepared to give our all!"

The three of them spurred their horses and soon vanished at the end of the road, their laughter echoing through the air.

By the edge of the ravine, Xuan Bing regarded Cha Eun Xiao with a complex expression on her face.

"You intend to enter it," Xuan Bing sighed.

"Yes, I can ascend to the peak. This mountain holds the key to the issue in the entire Oracle District," Cha Eun Xiao smiled. "Once I unravel the secret of this mountain, I will simultaneously uncover the truth behind the peculiar atmosphere in this place."

"Nevertheless, it must be fraught with danger," Xuan Bing cautioned him.

"That\'s why I need a guide. The natives have better knowledge of the area," Cha Eun Xiao replied.

"It\'s a clever move, and it\'s even more brilliant because the guides won\'t be Cha Clan members," Xuan Bing huffed. "If you encounter peril, you won\'t have to fret, as you can simply offer up the Li Clan individuals. Am I correct?"

"You\'re absolutely right. Lady Xuan Bing knows me well," Cha Eun Xiao chuckled.

"Boss, I do have a few questions," Han Bingxue rubbed his head, his expression perplexed. He sought clarification.

"Go ahead," Cha Eun Xiao said, and both Xuan Bing and he gazed at Han Bingxue, seemingly anticipating his questions.

"As far as I\'m aware, this is your first visit to this mountain," Han Bingxue began.

"That\'s correct. I\'ve never been to this place before," Cha Eun Xiao admitted honestly.

"How did you deduce that the path was changing?" Han Bingxue furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled. "That\'s my first question."

"You simpleton!" Cha Eun Xiao and Xuan Bing scolded him in unison.

Their voices were perfectly synchronized!