The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 927: Golden Hawk!

Golden Hawk! . . .

After a certain span of time, Cha Eun Xiao and Li Wuliang would regain their peak status. Cha Eun Xiao wouldn\'t need to resort to sneak attacks against their foes anymore. The two of them would be more than capable of confronting their adversaries head-on.

Even if the three factions consisted of powerful sects with numerous elite cultivators, they wouldn\'t stand a chance against both Fierce Blade and Xiao Monarch together.

It was indeed a solid plan, but Cha Eun Xiao found himself confronted by the harsh reality of his present situation. The climb along the new route was much more demanding, surrounded by ice and snow that had endured for millennia. The path grew progressively narrower as he ascended, and reaching the mountaintop seemed like a formidable task. Despite the challenges, he persevered. Cha Eun Xiao was no longer the weak individual he once was. Along the way to the summit, he even had the opportunity to collect a few Snow Lotus blossoms from the cliff, a fortunate discovery.

As he approached the mountain\'s summit, he found himself just under 100 meters from the top. The location was shrouded in mist and clouds, obscuring his vision almost entirely. Remaining cautious, he decided to push forward as rapidly as possible to reach the peak. Despite his efforts, it took approximately eight minutes for him to reach the summit.

Standing at the mountain\'s peak, he gazed down at the clouds below. He pondered, "The clouds conceal the precipice from here. How did those birds descend to Li Wuliang\'s cave? The birds he consumed over the past two years. Could it be some divine blessing? Did the gods send the birds to him?" He found this thought implausible, but the consistent appearance of birds in the cave was inexplicable.

As he contemplated this, a piercing hawk cry resounded through the air. Suddenly, something in the sky gleamed with golden light, exuding a strong aura of murder. Cha Eun Xiao sensed an overpowering presence approaching.

Unperturbed, he sought shelter within a crevice of a massive rock. Concealed within the rock\'s fissure, he cautiously observed the source of the formidable aura, realizing it wasn\'t directed at him. It appeared to be a creature tracking something powerful, and thus, Cha Eun Xiao considered it safe to observe.

In the skies, several grey hawks were frantically flying, appearing more like prey animals than apex predators. They were descending into the clouds.

Abruptly, a golden brilliance pierced the sky, and the heavens seemed to darken. A colossal golden hawk emerged, its wings spanning at least thirty meters, and it streaked through the sky like lightning. Within the blink of an eye, it reached the mountain\'s icy summit, and it was as massive as a pony.

Cha Eun Xiao was astounded. "How could a hawk grow so enormous? Is it even still a hawk? I suppose it rivals the mythical roc in size."

One of the grey hawks, which was comparatively larger than typical hawks, failed to enter the clouds in time and was caught by the golden hawk\'s massive talons, resembling bear paws with razor-sharp claws.

The desperate grey hawk emitted piteous cries while ensnared in the golden hawk\'s talons, but it couldn\'t put up a fight. Swiftly, it met its demise in the golden hawk\'s grasp.

The golden hawk seized the grey hawk and began to soar high into the sky, emitting a resounding screech. In a sudden motion, it hurled the lifeless grey hawk\'s body upward into the sky, and then, with astonishing precision, it pecked at the prey mid-air. After just a few seconds, the grey hawk was entirely stripped of its feathers, and it commenced its descent.

However, the golden hawk promptly seized it again, as if retrieving its own carefully prepared meal.

Cha Eun Xiao observed as the hawk gradually departed and took the opportunity to scrutinize it more closely. But this seemingly innocuous act led to an unforeseen turn of events.

The golden hawk appeared to have detected Cha Eun Xiao\'s gaze, for suddenly, its massive golden eyes locked onto him. It was as if a torrent of fierce energy had been directed at him, sending a shiver of dread coursing through Cha Eun Xiao\'s veins.

Aware of the looming peril, he promptly retreated. Merely ten meters from his initial position, the rock he had used as a makeshift cover crumbled into fragments. This was no ordinary rock; it was harder than steel and encased in millennia-old ice, a formidable substance that even a Dao Origin Stage cultivator with a divine weapon might struggle to penetrate. Yet, the golden hawk effortlessly shattered it with a single talon.

It was evident that the golden hawk possessed extraordinary strength. Although Cha Eun Xiao was certain he was more robust than a rock, he harbored doubts about withstanding the hawk\'s talons without sustaining severe injuries.

Suddenly, danger engulfed him.

A few seconds later, Cha Eun Xiao was startled by the golden hawk\'s immense eyes. They were sizable, vibrant orbs akin to twin golden suns, radiating an intense fierceness.

Realizing that his survival was on the line, he activated the East-rising Purple Qi with unwavering determination. The purple qi emanated from every pore of his skin, and he pushed his body to the limit to harness its tremendous energy. He channeled all of his strength at this pivotal moment.

He knew that survival was far from guaranteed, and even if he prevailed against the imminent peril, it was certain that he would emerge from the encounter gravely wounded, possibly jeopardizing his cultivation. Nevertheless, he was determined to do whatever it took to stay alive, for only the living could contemplate their future.

Cha Eun Xiao\'s entire being was imbued with the surging purple qi. In a split second, he rapidly backed off, retreating several dozen meters and nimbly vaulting over the precipice\'s edge. Yet, despite his swift and agile escape, the golden hawk managed to peck his posterior.

Cha Eun Xiao had already incurred injuries from his hasty maneuver, and the hawk\'s extraordinary speed had rendered escape an arduous feat.