《The Elysium Across Deep Space》 Chapter 1: The Old World Chapter 1: The Old World The train left the station, scattering in its wake the dried yellow leaves on the tracks. And in its wake, it also brought with it the bleakness of autumn. Wang Xuan stared at the departing train until it disappeared from his sight. This was farewell for a few more of his ssmates. They were each heading their own way after parting ways. No one knew when they would meet again in the future. Perhaps such indulgence might even be impossible. Around him, some of his fellow ssmates were still waving their hands slowly at the departed train. They could not stop. Some of them stared in silence. They were all shrouded in sadness. This parting of ways was especially hard for them after four years of friendship, bonded over their four years studying in the university. As the waning light of the setting sun shone down on the scattering leaves, it cast a motley light on the ground, bringing up reminiscence of all the good times that were past. A pretty looking girl turned away from a scene and silently wiped away the tears on her sses. In this special era, they would each be set upon their own paths after graduation. It was always a possibility that they would never meet each other ever again in their lifetime. The dried yellow leaves flutter in the air, scattered by the autumn wind. This season was one filled with hope for some, but was also a bringer of despair for the others. It had been four months since their graduation. Some of them, with bright futures ahead of them, decided to stay in the city. There were also others among their numbers who were waiting anxiously and clinging on to the hope that good fortune would eventually arrive. But many more had returned to their hometowns. Carrying with them their sorrows and disappointments and regrets. Wang Xuan¡¯s mind was filled with concern for his own future as he walked down the aging street covered by the fallen leaves from the trees on both sides of the road. He was not alone. ¡°Why are you not among those who get to stay? Are they giving up on you? This is ridiculous!¡± hispanion eximed. To his roommate and best friend Qin Cheng, Wang Xuan was the symbol of excellence. But much to his dismay, Wang Xuan was not among the chosen when the results were released. ¡°Enough about me. Let¡¯s talk about you. Any idea where you¡¯ll be going?¡± asked Wang Xuan. Qin Cheng told him with a voice that only they could hear that he might be headed to Luna Nova. ¡°Ahh¡­ The ¡®New Moon¡¯, a star lying beyond the stars. I wonder if we¡¯ll see each other again.¡± Wang Xuan stopped in his tracks. Even his best friend was about to leave. The setting sun shrouded his tall, well-built body as he looked at his friend with his clear, determined eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll be back. We¡¯ll definitely see each other again.¡± Qin Cheng was a man of sentiments. It was hard for him to say goodbye to his homnd. And the fact that he would be parted with his best friend added more to his sadness. ¡°Let me know when you¡¯re back!¡± Wang Xuan patted his friend on the shoulders. ¡°I really want to stay!¡± a voice filled with sorrow cut through the autumn wind. It belonged to one of their ssmates. ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave! There¡¯s still hope for me yet! I don¡¯t want to go back just like that!¡± He had worked hard during his four years here. But the future that he had nned for; the future that he paid for with his blood, tears, and sweat was still out of his reach. It would nevere. The student burst into tears. And standing there in the autumn wind, many shared his sentiments. In a spot not far away, a couple stopped and looked at each other. Tears flowed down their cheeks as they stared at each other in silence. They would be separated not by distances measurable by kilometers or miles, but by the vastness of space. This might be thest time they see one another. They held each other in their embrace. There were no words. There was only silence and tears. The city was what many would consider arge one, but it was old, with many remaining traces of the Old Era, or some might call the Golden Age of humanity. The trees that lined the streets of the city were ancient. Some, they say, were at least two hundred years old. There were many others just like it. Relics of a distant past that were abandoned, devoid of traces of humanity. Of course, life was not extinguished from these ces. It existed in the form of vines and undergrowth that were slowly swallowing the cities. Students were still allowed to stay on campus even after their graduation until all the candidates had been chosen. Qin Cheng was still livid when he returned to the campus with Wang Xuan. He wanted his friend to fight against his fate. He needed to know why the administration had given up on his best friend. It was a once in a lifetime chance. The chosen would then remain in the city where they will be shipped off to the colony. The New World or Terra Nova as they called it. It seemed that a great discovery had been made there. Qin Cheng was not among those who were lucky. Despite his family¡¯s greatest efforts, it only gave him a chance to enter the sea of the stars. He was headed for Luna Nova, a moon orbiting humanity¡¯s new home. It was mankind¡¯s most important outpost outside Terra Nova. ¡°You know,¡± Qin Cheng said under his breath, ¡°Even when all we get are nothing but rumors, those who have ess to insiders¡¯ news are worked up.¡± ¡°So you must secure yourself a spot no matter what!¡± he continued. Shadows of trees danced under the moonlight as Wang Xuan stretched himself on thewn. He was practicing the ¡°Scattered Arts¡±. It was a technique from an age long forgotten said to be highly practical inbat. Fallen leaves danced in the wind around Wang Xuan. His movements were quick, and yet his breath remained stable despite him not taking a rest. ¡°I¡¯m still waiting for the final selection.¡± Space was a vast ce, but it was cold, and it was filled with deathly silence. Terra Nova was the only inhabitable known to mankind other than the Old World. Immigration to humanity¡¯s newfound home stopped many years ago. Commoners from the Old World would find entry to the extremely difficult. It was a name given to mankind¡¯s homeworld when colonization began. The ball of dirt hurtling through space in an orbit around Sol was indeed oldpared to the newly discovered. In the past, the that was the cradle of humanity was once known as ¡°Earth¡±. And ¡°Earth¡± was indeed old. Its surface was filled with dested cities devoid of human life due to a war fought in a bygone era. Technology had reached such a height that warfare on a global scale wreaked destruction on an unprecedented and unimaginable scale. It destroyed the prosperity and wealth umted by countless generations and left the Earth in a state of destion. This was when arge part of humanity decided to flee into space. But technology back then was not as amazing as many were led to think. Construction of a base on the moon had just begun when war broke out. It was under such circumstances that mankind began its efforts to explore the stars beyond. It was then that a new capable of sustaining human life was discovered. And it was also a feat that people of the Old World could not fathom until now. Many questioned the history recorded during that period of time. They simply were unable to tell what led to the sudden boom in technology. It was impossible for humanity of that age to create a stable wormhole nor was it capable of building faster-than-light engines. Faster-than-light (FTL) travel was something that humanity had yet to achieve. It was a popr theory among the poption of the Old World that answers could be found on the moon, but the destruction wrought upon the was so great that technology had regressed to a point where even the moon was beyond humanity¡¯s reach. It took more than a hundred years for the Old World to recover but a mere fraction of its prewar poption. Most of its surface even until this day was covered with nothing but barren wastnd as a result of the war. Mass migration of survivors had also urred when Terra Nova was newly discovered. The huge drain in talent and manpowersted for decades until immigration to the New World was halted a hundred years ago. With an environment so hostile and its poption severely depleted, recovery of the Old World had been slow. Wang Xuan¡¯s movements grew even more rapid under the moonlight. With a loud thud, he left a clear handprint of a tree where he struck. The tree shook, and yellow leaves rained down on him. ¡°Wait, you¡¯ve mastered The ¡®Scattered Arts¡¯?¡± Qin Cheng eximed with a clear shock in his voice, ¡°They¡¯ll regret giving up on you!¡± Chapter 2: The Golden Age Chapter 2: The Golden Age ¡°You¡¯ve mastered the arts from the Old Era?¡± Qin Cheng was astonished when he saw the clear handprint left on the bark tree. Physicalbat, meditation, and Chi cultivation. Manuals regarding these techniques were gathered from scattered archives from all across the world. These are what remained from a vast collection of knowledge that was destroyed during the war. They were thenpiled by researchers to be what was known as the ¡°Scattered Arts¡±. Many among the poption of the Old World had a name for this collection of scattered knowledge as well: The Old Arts. Despite his close association with Wang Xuan that exposed him to the wonders of the Scattered Arts, Qin Cheng had always harbored doubt in his mind: Can it really be mastered? But Wang Xuan¡¯s demonstration hadpletely changed his mind. To be able to leave a dent in such a thick tree with nothing but flesh and blood¡­The Old Arts¡­ It might be his ticket to the New World! ¡°This but a fraction of what practitioners were capable of back in the days.¡± Wang Xuan shook his head. His well-honed form was shrouded with moonlight. ¡°Don¡¯tpare yourself with what they had in the past. In fact, I¡¯ve never actually believed in this stuff. Don¡¯t forget that many of these archives have been debunked.¡± Qin Cheng sighed. He knew how hard the Old Arts could be in practice. After all, he had been dabbling in it himself. And meditation alone was enough to drive him crazy. Besides, in an era where the stars were finally within mankind¡¯s reach, where technology had finally allowed stablemunication to be established between humanity¡¯s homeworld and its colony, would anyone even believe in the Old Arts? Most of them did not. But Wang Xuan, Qin Cheng, and countless others were approached when they were first years. ¡°Are you interested in the study and research of the Old Arts?¡± They were asked. Wang Xuan¡¯s interest was immediately piqued. He had learned about the Scattered Arts when he was younger. It did not take much convincing for him to sign up there and then. His best friend Qin Cheng, on the other hand, was never a believer. The only reason he even considered taking part in the endeavor was because of rumors that a powerful megacorporation had taken an interest in this field and was generously funding its research. They naively thought that it was something that they could easily juggle between their ss and their free time. But it did not take long for the duo to realize that ¡°research¡± involved copious amounts of training with specially prepared food provided by those in charge of the project. All for the sake of mastering the Scattered Arts, they had imed. Their naivety was finally shattered when they learned that the professors that were in charge of the research were transferred to their campus from Terra Nova. It was then that the duo came to the realization that the so-called ¡°research¡± was not as simple nor was it as easy as they imagined. Many of their peers were quick to give up. The hardship thatid out before them was simply too much to bear. It was tiring and repetitive. This made the research boring. It was ultimately the doubts people of the New Era held for the so-called arts salvaged from the remnants of the Old Era. But while many deemed the research a failed ordeal and left, many more were drawn in by the immense wealth of the megacorporation like sharks smelling blood in the water. With the resources at its disposal, the megacorporation was able to attract many willing participants from all corners of the world for its research. Many among the youths of the Old World were attracted by the high mary reward offered by the mysterious business entity. Through a careful process of selection, however, the vast majority of the participants were sent packing home. Within half a year, their number had shrunk to a mere fifty. These were then transferred to Wang Xuan¡¯s campus, where they would continue their majors while participating in the newly formed ¡°Old Arts Research¡±. Not many among them shared Wang Xuan¡¯s enthusiasm in the Scattered Arts. They were there simply because of the high paying jobs promised to them upon their graduation. But none of them truly understood the resolve of the megacorporation behind the research in unlocking the secrets behind the Scattered Arts. They were first astonished by the reading materials provided to the students of the ¡°Old Arts Research''''. They were copies and even genuine artifacts of books and scrolls gathered from museums, from the megacorporation¡¯s own collection, and even religious scriptures of the major religions of the Old Era. There was even a copy of a certain Chi cultivation technique that was said to be popr in the Old Era recovered after being deemed lost forever after the war. The diet they were required to take further amazed the students of the Old Arts Research. The department was very particr about what they could eat and what they could not during the research. ording to their professors, the food provided to them by the Old Arts Research Department were among some of the rarest and most expensive materials avable to mankind, existing in quantities so limited that they had to be shipped to the Old World across the gulf of space. Even on Terra Nova itself, the prices of certain food provided to them were simply astronomical. Some of them were so rare that even money was no guarantee that one could acquire them. Even food harvested from the depths of the New World¡¯s seas were introduced into their diet. These were said to be able to slow down aging, help with improving a person¡¯s vigor, and help with their concentration and drive. These foods, imed to be favored by the rich and powerful of the New World for their anti-aging properties, were said to be crucial in the practice of the Old Arts. The scope of the corporation¡¯s resolve to crack the mystery of the Old Arts and its willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve its goal finally dawned upon the students when twenty transfer students from Terra Nova arrived at their department. Migration had always been done from the Old World to the New World and not the other way around. With them they brought with them rumors about the project that shocked many in the Old Research Department to their core. ¡°They¡¯re trying to unlock the secrets of immortality!¡± It was a goal that seemed so preposterous to a modern human, but was also something that the rich and powerful sought to attain. Many had tried since the rise of China¡¯s Qin Dynasty, but they had all failed. It was something deemed impossible. Immortality was debunked as mere myth since the rise of technology. It had since been deemed unachievable. After all, something that did not exist technically could not be obtained. But it was from such a technologically advanced world that the quest for immortality once again began. ¡°Well, to be precise, it¡¯s the wish of one of the elders from a great megacorporation. They wish to live longer.¡± But the statement did nothing to cushion the shock they had already received. It had always been thus in history, that people in positions of power refuse to sumb to their old age. Youth was the only thing they wished to attain more than wealth. Wang Xuan had shared such a conversation with Qin Cheng back then. ¡°Of course the old men over there wish to be younger. I would want to live for 500 more years If I¡¯m as rich as them. Imagine all the money I have that I¡¯m not able to spend. Imagine lusting for beauties but unable to act upon your urge because your body has grown frail.¡± one of them mused. ¡°Yup!¡± the other agreed, ¡°I¡¯m sure thedies are even more desperate than the men. Aging is the biggest enemy of women who have attained vast quantities of wealth and immeasurable authority in exchange for their youth. If there¡¯s a chance for them to shed their wrinkled old skin, they will definitely grab it. Think about it. Who wouldn¡¯t want eternal youth?¡± A few among the neers rolled their eyes at the conversation that was not hard to overhear. After all, those that were being discussed were people who were rted to them.
Jimmi''s Thoughts I really like the premise that people in the future thought that literature and myths were legit history because so much of mankind''s collective knowledge got wiped out that they simply couldn''t tell fact from fiction anymore. Anything could be fact at that point.
Chapter 3: The Extension Of Life Chapter 3: The Extension Of Life They were desperate. Time was the only resource they found to be finite. The research must bepleted as soon as possible. They recruited youths into the Old Arts Research Department. Children were too immature, while the youths were sufficiently developed mentally and were more motivated. The Scattered Arts originated from the Old World. Thus the decision was made for the department to be established on Earth. They wanted to trace them back to its source. It was their understanding that the decision was most likely the best one. The possibility of a ¡°mystery genome¡± on the Old World that might be the key to immortality and long life. Of course, this was not recorded in any official papers for they were simply myths that originated from the Old World. One does not simply include sources of such unreliable origins in documents scientific in nature. But the study of the ult had always been the center of many beliefs by those who were rich and powerful ravaged by old age. These powerful individuals knew deep down that it could all be for nought. But rationality gave way to desperation as the clock ticked on. With the immense resources at their disposal, they decided to make a gamble. Their goal? The pursuit of a longer life. It was what they tried to achieve through myths and legends recorded in ancient texts. After all, what use would the resources they have managed to squander throughout their lifetime be, if they could not live long enough to enjoy them? This was how their greedy ambitions slowly turned towards the Old World. The wealth gobbled up by the ¡°researches¡± that they have conducted was something that amoner could not even begin to imagine. Mankind had tried to reach the realm of immortality since the days when the First Emperor of China still walked the Earth. But none have managed to escape death. The rich and powerful of this era too attempted to stand defiant in the face of such a fate. They funded researchers in every field in their quest to obtain the key that will finally free them from the shackles of mortality, determined to not let something as feeble as dying of old age be their end. The research of the Old Arts was only but one of the many projects under this effort. It only made sense for the capable to not put their eggs only in a single basket. Throughout the years, the megacorporations have funded research into life and gics and have obtained shocking results. These projects, dubbed the ¡°Life Extension Program¡±, were all closely rted, especially under the influence of the megacorporations behind them. They would often work together in cooperation. The food and supplements received by Wang Xuan and his ssmates was an example of such cooperation. This was the work of their department working closely with a medical research facility. This allowed the students in the Old Arts Research Department to recover from their daily fatigue quickly. It was a godsend for those involved, as they slowly began to realize an improvement in their physique as the experiments carried on. A group of scientists specializing in gic research had also stated their intent in coborating with the Old Arts Research Department. Gic engineering was proposed as a possibleponent in the improvement of the students¡¯ physique, but it was met with stiff resistance from the department. They were notb rats. They were living, breathing human beings. There was no way they would allow such an experimental idea to be implemented on their flesh and blood. Even Wang Xuan himself nearly quit the department. Such a thing was against his morals. Based on his understanding of the Scattered Arts, the improvements that they sought should only be attained after training in the realms of meditation and chi cultivation. Abruptly changing the gicposition of a human might achieve the same results, but it could also bring potentially adverse effects on the subject. This idea was also quickly rejected by those in power on grounds that gic engineering was not a perfected field at that time. There were even rumors iming that among the students was a scion from an influential family which refused the risky procedure being performed on their own. There was also a rumor that Qin Cheng believed but Wang Xuan did not. A fellow student with a powerful background revealed that there was a ¡°situation¡± in the New World. Someone had sessfully mastered parts of the Old Arts. And that was that the megacorporations were willing to invest so much in their research in the Old World. Wang Xuan had dismissed it as nothing but rumors at that time. He held firm to his belief that it was some sort of discovery on Nova Terra that had triggered their sudden interest. But Qin Cheng knew that it was likely the truth, because it was information he obtained after managing to get the student drunk. The moon had finally reached its highest spot in the sky. The chilly autumn wind was a sign of theing winter. Qin Cheng was nodding at whoever was at the other end of his call. He turned around and sighed at Wang Xuan who was standing behind him, ¡°I guess Zhou Kun was right after all.¡± The phone call carried news from the New World. There were clues hinting at several mysterious phenomena happening on the. The writing on the wall had already been there three years ago. Zhou Kun, the transfer student from Terra Nova, gave them a hint. Of course, it was not his intention to divulge the information in his drunken state. ¡°You must secure a spot in the New World no matter what!¡± Qin Cheng said before bidding his farewell. Due to a need to meditate and practice physical arts, the dormitory of the Old Arts Study Department was rtively quiet. The researchers do not wish for their students to be interrupted. They were each provided with their own room while being supplied with food delivered from beyond the stars. Wang Xuan woke up early in the morning to practice a form of physical arts known as the Vajra Fist before moving on to perfecting his chi cultivation under the rays of the rising sun. Techniques such as chi cultivation and meditation were things that must be mastered ording to his professors. They were the foundation of the Old Arts. The source of power for its practitioners. Physical arts such as the Xingyiquan[1] and the Vajra Fist[2] were all leaves supported by a strong bark with healthy roots. And Wang Xuan took their words seriously. Wang Xuan stood with his eyes closed in this most quiet part of the campus. In the midst of trees and fields covered with fallen leaves. It was a moment of tranquility for him. He was absorbing the chi around him, while also channeling his inner cultivation. In his mind¡¯s eye, he could imagine rays of golden light drowning out his form. The cultivation of his inner self was supposed to be a matter of the mind, but it felt as if his body was actually heating up, as if he was actually being covered by golden mes. Bystanders, if any were present, would observe something strange about him. It was like the morning sunlight shone brighter around him. The golden light that Wang Xuan could see in his mind¡¯s eye was materializing in real life. His body was boiling with heat, followed by a numbing sensation. He could feel energy worming in his flesh. Pain and fatigue threatened to overwhelm his senses before giving way to a wave of pleasant sensation. Wang Xuan knew that this was the fruits of hisbor after years of practicing chi gathering and inner cultivation. His ability to leave a mark of a thick tree bark was living proof that the ¡°base¡± of his cultivation was beginning to form. It was a big leap for him in the path of mastering the Old Arts. Many in his department including Qin Cheng and Zhou Kun were simply able to improve their physique by practicing the Old Arts. Wang Xuan was the only one among them who was able to slowly master the art of chi gathering and inner cultivation. But even the likes of Qin Cheng and Zhou Kun could take on ten fully grown individuals who were not practitioners of the Old Arts easily in a brawl. It was all thanks to the constant nutrients they received from the high quality food required of their diet. Wang Xuan himself was already stronger than most of his ssmates even before his mastery of chi gathering. This was also the reason why Qin Cheng refused to believe that Wang Xuan was not among those who made it through the cut. None among the Old Arts Study was a match for him when it came to the Old Arts. He was even able to easily suppress any of his peers using only one hand. Wang Xuan¡¯s body continued to boil. He could even feel electricity shooting through his flesh and bones. This was a sign that his chi gathering and inner cultivation technique has reached a new height. In his mind¡¯s eye, he imagined the rays of sunlight being absorbed into his body while ck mist was being repelled. He could feel his metabolism increasing. Thick sweat began covering his body as he continued. It was as if he was being baptized by the sunlight. He felt fresh and alert. His body was full of energy. Four of his ssmates happened to be walking through the area, enjoying the beauty of the rising sun. The two girls of the group seemed to be discussing something. Something that was also of interest to the two other guys. One of them, a beautiful girl who could not stop giggling as she talked, could easily be identified as someone with a boisterous personality. The second girl of the group was smiling gently. She was someone who seemed to be well studied. She was in and yet pretty at the same time. They were all transferred to the Old Asts Research Department from the New World. ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that Wang Xuan? Why does it look like he¡¯s glowing?¡± asked the lively girl as she stared at him with herrge, round eyes. Am I imagining things? She thought to herself. The quiet girl was surprised as well. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­ He seeded in mastering chi gathering?¡± ¡°Someone actually seeded in this experimental ss?¡± their malepanions were equally astonished. One of them quickly shook his head. He knew that it was meaningless. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that the Old Arts have been officially dered as obsolete. They¡¯re giving up on it. Soon we¡¯ll be recalled back to Terra Nova. They¡¯ve made some new discoveries there. It¡¯s an opportunity of a lifetime. The dawn of a new era is upon us.¡± The transfer students from the New World knew that the Old Arts would soon be something in the bygone. Better opportunitiesy ahead of them. Footnote: [1] Xingyiquan: ÐÎÒâÈ­, A form of Chinese martial arts. The name of the art trantes approximately to "Form-Intention Fist", or "Shape-Will Fist". [2]Vajra Fist: ½ð¸ÕÈ­, A traditional form of martial arts practiced by Shaolin monks. Chapter 4: Supernatural Chapter 4: Supernatural Much to the onlookers¡¯ surprise, Wang Xuan sensed people looking at him even when he was deep in his meditation. He opened his eyes and looked around. They were shocked. Wang Xuan was quite a distance away from them. ¡°Did you see that?¡± Zhou Kun¡¯s voice was low, ¡°That moment when he opened his eyes. I see a golden glow fading away from his eyes.¡± Wang Xuan stopped his process of chi gathering and internal cultivation. There was a slight tinge of red on his face, but he was filled with vigor. It was like he was glowing in the morning light. The New Worlders made their way to Wang Xuan. Su Chan, the most energetic among them, shouted at Wang Xuan from afar, ¡°Hey, I could¡¯ve sworn you were glowing just now!¡± With her tall form, the girl was not afraid of the cold despite the strapless shirt she was wearing coupled with the stocking wrapping around her long legs. Her beauty was brought out even further by her dark hair hanging naturally around her shoulders, her bright smile that was full of youth, and the vigor in her eyes. ¡°Can I take it as apliment of my good looks?¡± Wang Xuan chuckled. He was confident in his form as he stood facing them in the morning light. He smiled at them, revealing his healthy teeth that were a match for his bright and energetic eyes. ¡°Ew! What a narcissist!¡± Su Chan pursed her lips. ¡°Wang Xuan, did you just master the chi gathering technique?¡± quipped Zhou Kun, who was a handsome man with a depressing aura about him. Despite his good physique, observers would often note that the mancked training. All four of them came from the New World, but after many years spent together in the same ss, they have grown close to one another. ¡°Yes, but barely.¡± Wang Xuan nodded in affirmation. Xu Wenbo, who was the introvert of the group who barely spoke to others in his ss, spoke up at that moment. There was a hint of regret in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s been quite a while since the discovery of the Old Arts. Some have said that it has be obsolete.¡± he shook his head. The cold autumn wind blew past the students, kicking up leaves and sending chills down their body despite the presence of the morning sun. Li Qingzhu¡¯s[1] appearance was just like one would expect of someone with her name. She was gentle, quiet, and was a well-studied individual, ¡°It¡¯s not entirely the case. The Old Arts is indeed helpful in strengthening our bodies and prolonging our lives. Records suggest that the ancients have performed feats bordering miracles by practicing such arts.¡± But it was just a well meaning lie, and they knew it. The study of the Old Arts was no longer the key that many who joined the department had hoped for. It has been abandoned by those in power. Wang Xuan knew as well. He was moved, but he did not regret walking down this path. He chose it out of interest, and not for the wealth promised as a reward. Hope was still within his grasp for he was able to graduate from his major that was Automation. ¡°It¡¯s all baseless assumptions.¡± Xu Wenbo shook his head. ¡°In an era where technology borders magic, even the ancients could not stand up against starships capable of interster flight, soldiers armed with powered armor, and weapons of technological marvel.¡± Instead of despair, there was a burning passion behind his eyes. He knew that a groundbreaking discovery had been made in the New World. It would be a discovery that wouldpletely change their era, and he was excited to plunge himself into this new realm of mysteries. The transfer students from Terra Nova knew there was no return for those who chose to tread down the wrong path. Zhou Kun opened his mouth to speak. He wanted to console Wang Xuan, but found himself at a loss for words. What he knew was deemed highly ssified by his elders. He could not reveal any information about the discovery made back home before people more qualified than him were certain about what they actually found. That was why he resigned himself to only patting Wang Xuan on his shoulder. ¡°I wish you a safe return to your home. And take care!¡± Wang Xuan nodded at hispanions. He knew very well that they might never meet each other again. The doors to the New World were shut long before he was born. It was next to impossible for those of the Old World to migrate there without being selected. ¡°Hey, before you leave.¡± Wang Xuan smiled at the New Worlders who had turned around to leave for their dorm, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go out for a drink?¡± Zhou Kun staggered and almost fell. He knew Wang Xuan was making fun of him about something that happened three years ago. Despite his often depressive nature, Zhou Kun could be said to be a loose cannon once he was drunk. He was a man of many words under the effects of alcohol. He was out drinking with Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng at that time. The man had gotten so drunk that even he himself could not remember what he said that night. Wang Xuan¡¯s gaze remained on the four as they left. The next few days would be days filled with farewells, hopes, and sadness. It was especially hard for those who would be torn apart by the sea of the stars. The couple in Wang Xuan¡¯s ss took it the hardest. They silently bade their farewell, and the one that got left behind finally burst into tears when the train disappeared from view. It was known among their fellow ssmates that the couple had loved each other dearly. Autumn, for those who were sent away, would forever be tainted with sadness. They knew. All of them knew. It was known that despite theck of information from the New World, it was still a filled with opportunities. Those who failed to grasp the chance to migrate to mankind¡¯s new frontier were missing out on the biggest turning point they would ever get in their lives. The only console they had was that employment was already guaranteed by those who funded their research. Wang Xuan remained in the city as his home was in a nearby city. Even if he was denied entry to the New World, he would still work in the city. His best friend had been missing for a few days. He was a local, and he had been busy gathering information using the close links his family had umted with their interster trade business. Qing Chen appeared back on campus a few dayster, ¡°I finally know why they set up the Old Arts Research Department! It has something to do with the ¡®special situation¡¯ in the New World!¡± It was early in the morning when he returned. His face was a thin shade of red, but he was not gasping for air. Thanks to the nature of his family¡¯s business, he was able to receive information that supernatural phenomena had urred all around the New World. ¡°Some sort of supernatural force might actually exist in our universe!¡± he shouted. The discovery was unprecedented in human history. Qin Cheng, who was known to be sentimental, was exhrated. But when heid his eyes on Wang Xuan¡­ ¡°What the hell is that!? You¡¯ve actually managed toe this far!¡± Despite knowing beforehand that Wang Xuan had mastered the art of chi gathering, he was still surprised. His best friend was glowing under the morning light. It was as if there was a thinyer of me flowing around him. ¡°Hold on.¡± Wang Xuan stopped his channeling. He felt much better than he was a few days ago. His body was soaked in a slimy excretion when he expelled the ¡°impurities¡± within his body while he was practicing his inner cultivation. He was in need of a shower. When Wang Xuan emerged from his room again, he was freshly showered and had a change of clothes, ¡°I knew it. It must¡¯ve been some rich old folk over there who had taken an interest in the ult. That¡¯s why they¡¯re digging for myths and legends in the Old World. Tomit such an amount of resources here¡­ They must¡¯ve found something.¡± Despite their old age, they were all elites among elites. There was no way they would waste their resources on mere rumors. The existence of students from influential families in the department was also proof of that. ¡°They probably sought supernatural abilities through the study of the Old Arts.¡± Wang Xuan continued, ¡°But things seem to have changed.¡± He could guess the truth from his conversation with Xu Bowen, Su Chan, Zhou Kun, and Li Qingzhu. He could still remember the passion in Xu Bowen¡¯s eyes when he looked up into the sky. ¡°Perhaps they found another way to the ult. That¡¯s why the Old Arts have been abandoned.¡± It was the conclusion that came to Wang Xuan. Footnote: [1]Li Qingzhu (ÀîÇåÖñ): Çå carries the meaning of "clear", and "Öñ" or "bamboo" is often associated with books.
Jimmi''s Thoughts Just when you think that wuxia in-universe is just fiction, the author throws you a curveball and goes "Tadaa! It''s actually a thing in my novel!"
Chapter 5: Cast Aside, Abandoned Chapter 5: Cast Aside, Abandoned Wait, he figured it all out with just his own observation? Qin Cheng was shocked. Acquisition of such a valuable piece of information took him days and days of effort. He even had to seek help from the connections among his family¡¯s business. ¡°They¡¯re abandoning the research just like that?¡± Qin Cheng refused to face the truth. He was still clinging on to hope, no matter how small, that the Old Arts Research would be continued in some way. Through his connections, he was able to acquire insider news about the truth behind the Old Arts Research. He was excited. Never in his wildest dreams would he imagine that the research had something to do with the ult and the supernatural. At that moment, his passion was ignited. He swore to himself that he would walk down the path of Old Arts Research no matter the hardships he had to face. But learning now that there was an alternate way to reach his goal other than the path he chose was a blow to him. The mes of his passion were put out by a cold bucket of water that was the truth. It took him quite a while to snap out of his daze. What did they find in the New World? Is there really another way to reach beyond the realm of mortality? He started asking himself. ¡°It seems like it¡¯ll be harder to get to the New World now. If we can walk at the forefront of the research into the supernatural, the possibilities are limitless.¡± Qin Cheng said with a serious expression. Such a discovery wouldpletely change the universe as humanity knew it. Their conversation continued into breakfast. ¡°Ahh, we¡¯re getting less and less of the food they sent from outer space. Come to think about it, this stuff is good despite how bad they were when we first started.¡± the duo mused. Their diet consisted of rare food that came at an astronomical price. But all that rarity and value did nothing to help with the vor. ¡°Have you talked to our professor about this?¡± Qin Cheng asked, ¡°Perhaps he might be able to help you.¡± Wang Xuan shook his head. He might be the professor¡¯s favorite, but the old man did not hold much of an authority in the department. He was here to impart upon them knowledge of the Old Arts, but were never part of any decision making. ¡°What¡¯s the criteria for their selection anyways?¡± Qin Cheng still felt that the entire situation was unfair for his friend. ¡°If I really have to guess,¡± Wang Xuan responded after a slight pause, ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s based on the individual¡¯s sensitivity when ites to the matter of mind, or some sort of potential they possess that is way above the normal human being. Something¡­ Supernatural.¡± This was a guess he made after looking at the first batch of students selected for migration to Terra Nova. There was a pair of twin sisters in his ss that disyed such quality. There was some sort of connection between them. One might even say that it was a psychic connection. When the younger sister was frightened, the older one felt fear as well. And when the older of the pair injured herself when peeling an apple, her sister who was in another city at that time could feel her pain. The distance between them did not seem to severe such connection. It was a phenomenon that no one could exin. The two were among the first to be selected when the time came. ¡°What about He Qing then?¡± Based on his memory, the boy was the odd one out among the ss. He was extremely introverted and would barely interact with his peers. The only reason He Qing even considered joining the Old Arts Research Department was because of the high-paying job promised upon his graduation. Why was somebody like him selected? He was obviously not interested in the research! Qin Cheng was bewildered. ¡°Something happened to him when he was fourteen.¡± said Wang Xuan, ¡°He pushed his younger brother away from the path of an automobile. He was run over, but walked away from the incident unscathed. The only sign of an ident ever happening was the ck tyre marks left on his body.¡± The incident made quite a news back then. It was then deemed as a human¡¯s hidden potential that was triggered in life and death situations. Such was the conclusion reached by their sponsors based on research conducted on He Qing. They have even dug up reports about the incident that happened so many years ago. There was also a girl who seemed to be capable of precognition. She once boarded an aircraft and immediately felt sick. She thought something was wrong with her. Fearing that she might have a cardiac disease, the girl immediately went to the hospital. She did not board the flight, which was involved in a crash on that very day. ¡°For real?¡± Qin Cheng was gaping at Wang Xuan. This was a story he had never heard before. Wang Xuan sighed. He was shocked too when he first learned about it. She was the most special case among those who had been chosen. ¡­¡­ The final selection for migration to Terra Nova was announced on that day. None among the experimental ss were chosen. It was something that some among had already expected, but it was hard not to be saddened by the result. They had clung on to hope and stayed in the city. They had refused to give up until the final selection. But all their hopes and dreams were snuffed out when the list was announced. Wang Xuan remained calm. He knew this would happen. ¡°Damn it,¡± Qin Cheng sighed, ¡°You¡¯ve finally shown progress! But they gave up on you because of the new discovery they made from the stars beyond!¡± The rich and powerful on Terra Nova had given up on the Old Arts. The study of the ult and the supernatural was now the focus of their attention. They talked about their friends, and those who had left the city, and found themselves depressed. Wang Xuan, who would be staying on Earth, still had the chance of meeting them. But for Qin Cheng who would be sent across the sea of stars towards Luna Nova, it might be a parting of a lifetime. ¡°Are you not going to see your girlfriend? She¡¯s going home soon. You might not have the chance to meet her again.¡± Wang Xuan shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s been a year since we broke up. You know how her family is. It¡¯ll be troublesome for her.¡± He once had a girlfriend from the New World. But it was a rtionship not approved of, and was even aggressively opposed by her family. Members from her family would even arrive from the New World to deliver their warning directly to Wang Xuan. ¡°Could her family be behind why you¡¯re not selected?¡± Qin Cheng immediately thought of such a possibility. This was because her family was powerful. Even if the Old Arts was formally considered obsolete at that point, those who sent their children to the Old World did so because they had the realm of the supernatural in mind. To be capable of such a feat means that a family must wield a certain level of influence and power. ¡°I doubt it.¡± Wang Xuan understood her family well despite their rather few interactions. Besides, it had been more than a year since the end of their rtionship. He had fulfilled his promise to stay away, and he was confident that they would not interfere with his life in any way. There was also no way her family could directly intervene in the selection process and risk crossing the megacorporations funding the Old Arts Research Department. Their conversation continuedte into the night. ¡°Wang Xuan, I¡¯ll be heading to Luna Nova in a few days. I really hope that you can make it to the New World. From the bottom of my heart, I want to see you walking down the new path that will lead you to the supernatural. But I¡¯m angered at the same time.¡± Qin Cheng said to his best friend, ¡°Those bastards abandoned the Old Arts just like that! They abandoned us!¡± ¡°And that is why,¡± Qin Cheng continued after suppressing his anger, ¡°That is why I want you to master the Old Arts. If the legends are true, you¡¯ll be able to stand up against the so-called supernatural with the Old Arts and surpass whatever new discovery they made over there! Show them that they¡¯re wrong for casting us aside like garbage!¡± Despite the doubts he harbored towards the Old Arts in the past, the one thing Qin Cheng yearned for the most at that very moment was for the myths of the old to be real. But he realized that it was all based on unconfirmed reports of an age long past. Wang Xuan looked up into the sky. Do Gods really exist in the past? No. He shook his head. He was never a believer in the divine. Gods were merely the construct of their believers¡¯ imagination. They meant nothing to him. He had never once believed the divine to be real during his study of the Old Arts. This path was one he treaded by himself. By his own will, he wanted to see how far down the path of the Old Arts he could go. Chapter 6: A Real Beauty Chapter 6: A Real Beauty A silvery streak appeared in the dark sky, growing bigger with each passing second. It was headed towards the center of the campus. ¡°That¡¯s a starship from Terra Nova! Could it be her?¡± Qin Cheng was staring at it. There was anding pad on the campus. ¡°Who? The goddess of your dreams?¡± replied Wang Xuan. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go have a look.¡± Qin Cheng began tugging his friend towards the direction of thending pad. ¡°Your goddess, not mine.¡± came the retort. Qin Cheng had always been a good friend to Wang Xuan. He was used to his friend¡¯s many quips. He could be sentimental at times, but was also known for his temperamental nature. Wang Xuan had long deemed him extremely unreliable during such outbursts. ¡°Not just mine, buddy! She¡¯s everybody¡¯s sweetheart.¡± Qin Cheng was very insistent. ¡°Come on! This is thest chance we have! We might never be able to see her again!¡± ¡°You make it sound like we¡¯re attending her funeral.¡± Wang Xuan was speechless. ¡°Think of it as me admiring a piece of art. I have a girlfriend!¡± Qin Cheng insisted. Thending pad was situated near Professor Lin¡¯s room. Wang Xuan had originally nned to pay the man a visit. The professor would soon leave for Terra Nova. He had received a call from the man a few days ago, and received an invitation to his room. He understood the meaning behind Professor Lin¡¯s gesture. The old man wanted to help him in securing a spot to the New World. But Wang Xuan was not someone who would allow his troubles to be a burden to others around him. He knew that the professor intended to discuss ways that might help improve his situation. He respected the man deeply, and knew that the man meant well, but he also understood how the megacorporations behind the entire programme operated. Helping a mere student from the Old World might cost Professor Lin his career. Due to the sheer size of the campus grounds, their dormitory was a fair distance away from thending pad. There was nothing but silence when the duo finally arrived at where the starship hadnded. Qin Cheng¡¯s goddess, was as expected, nowhere in sight. ¡°Go forth, and feast your eyes upon your goddess.¡± Wang Xuan nced at the silvery starship, ¡°I have an appointment with Professor Lin.¡± ¡°Forget about it. I¡¯ll go to the professor¡¯s with you. It¡¯s easy to get mistaken in the dark. What if Zhao Qinghan¡¯s bodyguards are around? I¡¯ll get beat up for sure!¡± Qin Cheng was cowed by that thought. He opted to be a man of principles, and a boyfriend loyal to his girlfriend instead. Professor Lin was allocated a small house not far away from thending pad. It did not take them long to reach his ce, but they were shocked to meet a certain someone there. The person in question was Zhao Qinghan. The goddess of Qin Cheng¡¯s dream. Ranked 1 on the most popr leaderboard of the entire campus. She was indeed a beauty. Her corbone and white skin was visible through the unbuttoned cor of her shirt. The casual pants she wore did nothing to hide her beauty under the night sky. ¡°Zhao Qinghan!¡± Qin Cheng shouted at her. He did not expect to meet her at Professor Lin¡¯s ce. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you guys. What a coincidence.¡± Zhao Qinghan greeted them with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s been awhile since Professor Lin went home. Someone wanted me to pass some local delicacies from the New World along.¡± Her casual outfit intended forfort more than for show did nothing to hide her perfect physique. The curves on her body, her long legs, and her height standing at around 170cm was the perfect match for her gorgeous appearance. ¡°Delicacies from Terra Nova? Can we have some?¡± Qin Cheng took a step forward. Men in ck clothes immediately appeared between them. They were in a state of alertness, ready to spring into action at the slightest hint of danger. Qin Cheng¡¯s expression froze. He did not think of himself as a threat. After all, how could he have been mistaken for someone with bad intentions with his above average looks and kind looking face? ¡°Come on, guys. They¡¯re my ssmates.¡± Zhao Qinghan dismissed them with a wave of her hand. ¡°I¡¯m taking my leave. The trip from Terra Nova¡¯s been tiring.¡± She then smiled at Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng. ¡°What was that about?¡± Zhao Qinghan asked her bodyguard once she was sure that Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng were no longer within earshot. ¡°That young man is strong. He¡¯s dangerous. We can tell from his looks.¡± replied one of them. The man''s reply came as a surprise to Zhao Qinghan. Her response was something that would break Qin Cheng¡¯s heart, ¡°Are you talking about Qin Cheng? That¡¯s impossible. He¡¯s weak.Even I can beat him up with ease¡± His goddess had deemed him so weak that he could never be a threat to her. ¡°It¡¯s the other young man.¡± the bodyguard shook his head, ¡°The one who was smiling at you. We felt something was off when we met his gaze. He¡¯s very strong. I¡¯m sure of it.¡± ¡°Wang Xuan?¡± Zhao Qinghan nodded, appearing to be deep in thought, ¡°I¡¯ve always thought that he¡¯s not as well-versed in the Old Arts as I am. But it seems that he had mastered chi gathering while I was gone. Ahhh¡­ What a shame. I should¡¯ve paid attention to him.¡± Wang Xuan had simply smiled at her during their encounter. She could sense the confidence behind his calm demeanor. He was¡­ Not looking at her! His gaze was on the bodyguards around her all along! ¡°I need to find a chance to¡­¡± she muttered under her breath as she cast a backwards nce. Just to feel a gaze of someoneying upon her almost immediately. She had a feeling that it was Wang Xuan. He sensed her looking despite the darkness of night, and had met her gaze. ¡­¡­ ¡°Hey! That¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve been treated like someone dangerous in my entire life!¡± Qin Cheng was still confused by the reaction of the bodyguards before. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s because of me.¡± A constion from Wang Xuan was quick toe. ¡°What the hell did you do? Did you do something to Zhao Qinghan?¡± ¡°Dumbass,¡± Wang Xuan retorted, ¡°I sensed that her bodyguards were strong. I simply wanted to find out if they were practitioners of the Old Arts themselves, or if they have adapted to the new way discovered on Terra Nova.¡± ¡°Damn, Old Wang, you¡¯re able to tell with just a nce?¡± Qin Cheng was shocked, ¡°And you managed to gauge their strength without lifting a finger too. You sure are something.¡± ¡°Old Wang my ass!¡± Wang Xuan immediately retorted, which earned him a chuckle from Qin Cheng in response. ¡°But it does feel like the Old. I¡¯ve observed their reaction. There seems to be something else as well.¡± Wang Xuan mused. ¡°By the way,¡± he continued, ¡°Zhao Qinghan is not as weak as you think. You¡¯re no threat to her.¡± ¡°No way! She¡¯s mastered parts of the Old Arts as well?¡± Qin Cheng mumbled, ¡°So I¡¯m the weakest of all just now?¡± Just then, the doors to Professor Lin¡¯s courtyard swung open. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s you.¡± said the old man, ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn I heard someone talking.¡± Professor Lin was well-versed in the Old Arts. Despite his appearance of a sixty years old man with white hair and a plump body, he was an expert fighter by his own rights. But the injuries he sustained previously had rendered him incapable of actualbat. He dedicated his entire life to the research and theories of the Old Arts since that day. The papers and his experiences with the Old Arts made him a highly authoritative figure in the field. ¡°Professor Lin,¡± Wang Xuan immediately greeted the old man, ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to meet you, but I was afraid that my visit would cause you inconvenience. That¡¯s why I held it off until today.¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be a stranger!¡± Professor Lin invited them into his house, ¡°I was indeed unable to be of help. They rejected my request.¡± Wang Xuan was touched. He was gratified that Professor Lin had actually made the effort for his sake. But no matter how famous an individual he might be, the investors¡¯ say was final. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡± He truly felt bad for the trouble his professor had to go through. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± He did not mind the trouble at all. The small courtyard was decorated by flowers and a pond. The lotus and koi in the pond added much livelihood to the otherwise quiet ce. Professor Lin¡¯s living room had ample lighting. An albumid on his coffee table. It was old, and brings back nostalgia. Qin Cheng flicked open its covers, and saw the photo of a drop dead gorgeous beauty on the first page. ¡°Who is she, Professor Lin?¡± Qin Cheng asked. ¡°Oh, she¡¯s a painter. Sings well too. She was quite famous back in the days. Everybody loved her.¡± came the response. Wang Xuan could tell that the photo was old. The edges had been torn. It had been decades since the photo was taken, and it seemed that the photo was treasured by Professor Lin. It was a fact noticed by Qin Cheng as well. ¡°You sure are someone withsting affection, professor.¡± he cracked a joke. Something that he wasfortable with due to his close association with the professor, ¡°Your love for her has not changed for decades.¡± ¡°Yup,¡± Professor Lin nodded, ¡°I was but a third year when I started liking her. And now, in my old age, she still has a ce in my heart.¡± His response rendered his students speechless. ¡°So what do you n to do next?¡± he asked. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll look for a job. But I¡¯ll never give up on the Old Arts.¡± came Wang Xuan¡¯s reply. ¡°You need to go to Terra Nova!¡± Professor Lin eximed. The old man then stared at his album, appearing to be deep in thought. ¡°It¡¯s alright, professor. You don¡¯t have to call in any favors because of me.¡± Wang Xuan immediately spoke up. ¡°Do you really believe in the existence of gods?¡± Professor Lin asked after a long moment of silence. It was then that Wang Xuan realized that Professor Lin was not staring at the photo of the woman, but at an older photo. It was blurry, but he could see a stone table covered by bamboo slips. The bamboo slips were somethingmonly found in the graves of the early Qin Dynasty. ¡°What do you think they found in Terra Nova?¡± asked the old professor again before either of his students could response. Chapter 7: There Are No Gods Chapter 7: There Are No Gods Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng knew about the supernatural phenomena that was discovered on Terra Nova. But they were citizens of the Old World. Information had been very limited. As for the realm of the gods, they knew little to none. But Wang Xuan believed that there was indeed a group of individuals that was able to attain abilities beyond mortal men through meditation, chi gathering, and the conditioning of their body and will. His hypothesis was supported by ancient texts as well, something he read from a scroll known as ¡°The Yellow Emperor¡¯s Inner ssic¡±. It was recorded that the ancients were able to master the arts of yin and yang. This made them gods among men. It was known that humanity in ancient times once believed in a pagan system. Anything happening in nature that was out of the norm of mankind¡¯s beliefs would often be mistaken as the supernatural. There was a tale about a man who was able to defeat tigers with his bare hands. He was honored by the people of that time as something akin to a demigod. Of course, one should also take into ount the possibility of such a feat. Individuals capable of obtaining extraordinary strength through meditation and inner cultivation might just exist in humanity¡¯s long history. Such as the record of a human capable of lifting an elephant and tossing it away with one hand. Wang Xuan believed that when humans trained to the point where they exceeded theirtent potential, they would then enter the realm of the supernatural. In an era without technology, an era shrouded in ignorance, such individuals could easily be mistaken as gods. They were the embodiment of the myths sought so desperately by the elders of the megacorporations. They were, in a sense, living legends of their era. He never believed in the existence of gods. Practice of the Old Arts merely granted extraordinary strength to ordinary men. These individuals were so strong that they were then mistaken as gods. Never once had Wang Xuan believed in the ult and the supernatural during his studies of the Old Arts. And he was not shy in sharing his opinion with the professor and his best friend. ¡°There¡¯s no way of knowing if any of these extraordinary individuals managed to reach a height unfathomable even by us. But I guess we¡¯ll never find out. The Old Arts are a thing of the past.¡± But what if there were indeed cultivators and practitioners who truly transcend the boundaries of their mortal flesh? It was a question that Wang Xuan considered before throughout his studies. But he had reached a conclusion. Those individuals are perhaps truly unique exceptions. There was no way to truly find out. Be it myths passed down from the humans of old or the gods they so worship, traces of their existence were already washed away by the flow of time. ¡°You mean to say that these so-called gods in the ancient texts were actually humans? And that they no longer exist? That the gods are dead?¡± ¡°As long as they¡¯re human, there can only be one possible fate for these individuals. They''re all dead.¡± Qin Cheng¡¯s entire attention was focused on their conversation. The topic was apparently something that had interested him greatly, ¡°If the ancients were truly as capable, then do you think immortality is possible with the help of technology as well as whatever supernatural phenomena they found at Terra Nova?¡± ¡°Immortality has been the goal of those in power throughout history. There will always be part of humanity to yearn for an unending life.¡± Professor Lin was a highly authoritative figure in the research on the Old Arts. He knew exactly just how much resources had been poured into the programme, ¡°If you wish to continue your study on the Old Arts, I will not stop you.¡± He stood up and handed a piece of paper he took from one of his many racks to Wang Xuan with a grave expression on his face. Qin Cheng craned his neck to look at the content written on the paper as well. That earned him a look from the professor, ¡°I won¡¯t stop you as well. But your basics must be strong, or you¡¯ll have some serious problems. It might even cost you your life.¡± he cautioned. It was a clear warning: Those who have not mastered the technique of chi gathering and internal cultivation should not even consider learning what was written on the paper. Qin Cheng¡¯s face immediately paled. Wang Xuan could immediately tell that a very potent ¡°core technique¡± was what the professor had handed him. The techniques of chi gathering, inner cultivation, and meditation were said to the roots of the Old Arts. Practicalbat techniques learned through the Old Arts could be powerful, but they were nothing without the ¡°roots¡± to support them. ¡°I¡¯ve deciphered the contents of the bamboo scrolls from that photo and recorded them on that paper,¡± said Professor Lin. Wang Xuan was shocked. So that¡¯s what the paper is about! They were artifacts discovered from the tombs of Early Qin. It was truly a gift from the ancients. Scrolls from that era were hard toe by, especially those that were preserved as well as those held by Professor Lin. Many of them were lost to decay due to the flow of time even before the tombs were discovered. Even those that escaped the ravages of time were lost forever to mankind due to the drastic changes in environment when the tombs were first dug up. ¡°With improvement in technology, ancient artifacts were able to be preserved as the were the moment we dug them up.¡± exined Professor Lin. ¡°These are at least two thousand years old, professor.¡± mused Qin Cheng, ¡°Don¡¯t you think they¡¯re a little¡­ Outdated?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. New advancements are being made rapidly. But this does not diminish their value. Don¡¯t forget that this is what the ancients consider the breakthrough of their time.¡± ¡°Take it. This scroll has been certified by the relevant authorities. They¡¯re useful, if not extraordinary.¡± the professor continued. ¡°Thank you, professor.¡± Wang Xuan epted the piece of paper from the old man. ¡°I foresee two problems you¡¯ll be facing once the Old Arts Research Department has been disbanded.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll no longer be able to maintain your usual diet.¡± ¡°And you¡¯ll no longer be able to have ess to the rare scrolls and records of the Old Arts.¡± Those were issues that Wang Xuan knew he would face should he continue his path. But he was already able to master most of the Old Arts taught in ss. These were all materials sent to the Old World from the collections of museums and the megacorporations themselves. He had never considered the possibility of the existence of even rarer stuff. ¡°This is where you¡¯re wrong, young man.¡± said Professor Lin, ¡°The reading materials you receive are indeed rare, but they are iplete. Even I have not seen apleted version of those works yet¡± ¡°Due to how rare those things are, they have only provided you guys with the roots of those techniques. The n was to send some of the more advanced materials if someone actually managed to master the roots.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s a shame that they¡¯re disbanding the Old Arts Research Department. The entire project is being abandoned. They will not be sending more.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, professor.¡± Qin Cheng smiled, ¡°We¡¯re content enough to have half of Wang Xuan¡¯s problems being solved by these scrolls. Let¡¯s look forward to the day he bes a master of the Old Arts.¡± Professor Lin¡¯s next words shocked Wang Xuan deeply, ¡°Yes. If he can truly master the arts, he can solve his other problem as well. He will not have to rely on those rare foods anymore.¡± This means that what was recorded on the scrolls contains a terrifying secret! ¡°Is it really that amazing, professor?¡± ¡°Of course. The Old Arts were widely practiced back in the days. These scrolls are closely rted to the practitioners¡¯ journey to attain immortality.¡± ¡°And that was why the corporations from Terra Nova had been searching for tombs of the ancients no matter the cost. This is what they¡¯re looking for.¡± It was a widely known fact that almost all the tombs left behind by the ancients have been unearthed. ¡°This is why you need to go to Terra Nova no matter what if you wish to continue pursuing the Old Arts. Most of the artifacts left behind by the ancients are no longer in the Old World.¡± ¡°Is this some sort of fetish of theirs?¡± Qin Cheng grumbled, ¡°Why would the corporations be interested in so many scrolls?¡± ¡°They have their uses.¡± Professor Lin was indeed an authority in the field. ¡°These scrolls were sent for analysis by a life science organization. They contributed to some breakthroughs in modern science. In fact, it helped in slowing down the aging process for some of the elders.¡± Professor Lin continued to reveal more and more of the secrets he knew. A golden bamboo scroll was found during one of the expeditions into an ancient tomb. It was made from a special breed of bamboo that allowed it to withstand the flow of time. The scroll remained tough as steel despite its old age. This was a sign that whatever that was recorded on the scroll was of great value. Various organizations, researchers, and corporations were hunting for scrolls like this throughout the years. This meant that any discoveries made during this period would no longer be avable for the public eye. Professor Lin unbuttoned his shirt to reveal his old wounds. There were two fist-sized scars near his heart. The injuries he sustained in his earlier days were still a gruesome sight to behold. ¡°These are injuries I sustained just to get those scrolls. One of them was caused by a blow from someone¡¯s fist, while the other is from modern day weaponry.¡± This was how Professor Lin was rendered incapable ofbat. It was a miracle that he was even alive. The proof of how fiercepetition between the megacorporations had been was forever etched in his body. Professor Lin could see his younger self in Wang Xuan. They both shared a passion for the Old Arts. But his journey was already at its end. ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll soon invent medicine that can cure you, professor.¡± ¡°Hah, I¡¯ve already made my peace.¡± the old man shook his head. ¡°With all the good stuff already excavated and shipped to Terra Nova, does it mean that Wang Xuan will have to get to the New World for his journey to continue?¡± asked Qin Cheng. ¡°That¡¯s not all.¡± Professor Lin¡¯s expression was grave, ¡°The discovery there might change all our futures.¡± ¡°Of course, what I¡¯ve mentioned are all spections. They¡¯re not in any way rted to any research conducted by any organizations. You don¡¯t have to worry about keeping them a secret.¡± It was said that the discovery of supernatural phenomena on Terra Novel was closely rted to certain items with mysterious traits. Rumors about this discovery had been circted for decades, but only the partial truth was only made known very recently. This was also why the research on the Old Arts was abandoned. ¡°This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. With a new path discovered, there¡¯s a chance that all the treasures previously hoarded by the corporations would be made more easily essible.¡± The desire to travel to Terra Nova burned anew within Wang Xuan. ¡°But this is so unfair!¡± Qin Cheng¡¯s anger boiled, ¡°Just what did they find over there? What caused them to abandon uspletely?¡± ¡°It¡¯s probably not as simple as we all think,¡± said Professor Lin. Decades ago, new types of flora and fauna began surfacing on Terra Nova. One such discovery includes a type of tree dubbed as ¡°Tranquility¡±. Its fragrant white leaves were able to bring peace to those who consumed them. And consuming a few pieces of them daily could slow down the aging process of a person. It was said that the rare flora was found in the wilderness of Nova Terra when humanity expanded outwards on the. Scientists had also discovered many species of flora and fauna with potent medicinal properties. Even Professor Lin, an expert of the Old Arts back in the days who had traveled far and wide across the surface of Terra Nova had never encountered such species. ¡°I have a feeling that they have discovered a new capable of sustaining life. This might be closely rted to the realm of the supernatural.¡± This could be considered one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of mankind since the discovery of Terra Nova. The new seemed to have been found long ago by explorations conducted by the scientists of Terra Nova, but such knowledge had been hidden from the public. ¡°They must¡¯ve run into some troubles that they were able to solve only recently¡± the professor added, ¡°But no matter what they learned, it¡¯s not possible for them to tap into the power of the ult with it.¡± ¡°And whatever they found on this might help greatly with the study of the Old Arts.¡± he continued. He found himself staring at the photo of the woman in his album. He was hesitant. Should I call in a favor from her? He knew that she would definitely be able to secure a spot to the New World for Wang Xuan. Chapter 8: A Small Gathering Chapter 8: A Small Gathering Professor Lin stared long at the woman in his photo. He was reminiscing about something in the past. Qin Cheng could tell that she meant a lot to him, and she still had a ce in his heart. The old man sure is something. Wang Xuan thought. They barely knew anything about him. His exploits in the tombs of the Early Qin dynasty and his close call with death on two asions were impressive enough. His close association with a famous star, and a very gorgeous one at that, further cemented the fact that he was not the ordinary person he seemed to be. And these were just the tip of the iceberg that was the life of Professor Lin. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, professor. You can¡¯t change the past.¡± Qin Cheng was the one who broke the silence. Professor Lin shook his head in response, ¡°What are you on about? I¡¯m just feeling sentimental today, that¡¯s all. Besides, I''m simply admiring the photo.¡± His words sounded awfully familiar to Qin Cheng. He had said the same thing about Zhao Qinghan as well. ¡°Yup. I can understand that.¡± he gave the professor an understanding look. ¡°That woman¡­¡± Wang Xuan spoke up, ¡°She looks like Zhao Qinghan.¡± ¡°Wait a minute¡­¡± Qin Cheng stared intently at the photo, ¡°It does look like her!¡± ¡°Well, well, well, Professor¡­¡± he sighed. There was a nearical expression on his face, ¡°It seems that we share the same beauty standards.¡± This earned him a knock on the head by Professor Lin, ¡°She¡¯s her grandma.¡± Qin Cheng¡¯s expression grew even moreical. That¡¯s the grandma of my idol?! Realization dawned upon Wang Xuan. He finally understood why Zhao Qinghan appeared in front of Professor Lin¡¯s abode. They knew each other. Meeting the granddaughter of his old me had probably triggered his long buried sentiments. So that¡¯s why he¡¯s been staring at the photo. He¡¯s going to ask for a favor from her! Wang Xuan could tell what the professor had in mind. But he refused to allow his own troubles to disrupt the peace of mind that the old man had tried so hard to keep. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about me, Professor Lin. I¡¯ll solve my problems on my own. I think I have a way.¡± he said, much to the professor¡¯s surprise. Never had he thought that his intention would be telegraphed to his student just like that with that tiny gesture. The boy¡¯s perceptive. He thought, He¡¯s suitable to walk down the path of the Old Arts. ¡°The ancients fought against beasts and even fate with nothing but their own flesh and blood. They dared to dream of immortality even without the technological prowess we possess now. How am I supposed to follow in their footsteps if I can¡¯t even solve this problem on my own?¡± Wang Xuan was a person who knew gratitude. He was genuinely worried for his mentor. He did not wish for old wounds to be opened for his sake. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡± Professor Lin smiled. He was at the end of the road, but the young man before him still had a long way to go. He did not wish to see his journey ending prematurely, to have the ember in his heart snuffed out before it could be a ze. They spent the whole night in discussion about the Old Arts. Wang Xuan was captivated by the records found in the Early Qin tombs. He understood that he would eventually run into a bottleneck if he focused on meditation, chi gathering, and inner cultivation alone. They were extraordinary by ordinary standards, but it was iplete without a core technique. But the more Wang Xuan studied the content of the scrolls, the more confused he grew. The records became hazy. Is this even viable? He began to doubt himself. There were mentions about a realm of destion, and some form of ck earth. The more he read the more the words grew unfamiliar to him. ¡°Professor Lin,¡± he asked, ¡°What do these texts even mean?¡± ¡°Read up about the different schools of thoughts in the old era. Taoism and Buddhism would be a good start. They should be able to help with the terminology from the Early Qin dynasty.¡± the old man exined, ¡°This seems to have something to do with the ¡®Chart of the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court¡¯.¡± ¡°Languages used during that era are too different from ours. You need some books as reference. ¡®Baopuzi'' authored by Cao Hong and Chen Tuan¡¯s ¡®Wujitu¡¯ might be able to help.¡± Wang Xuan nodded at his mentor, ¡°I¡¯ll remember it, Professor.¡± The conversation continuedte into the night. Professor Lin imparted all he knew to Wang Xuan. It was knowledge he obtained through efforts of untold years reading throughrge numbers of scrolls and ancient texts. Wang Xuan learned a lot from the conversation, but he also knew that he still had much to learn from the texts left behind by the Old Era. Qin Cheng who was also listening intently to Professor Lin was gaping the whole time. He simply could notprehend the sheer effort required for those who wished to walk down the path of the Old Arts. ¡­¡­ The next morning saw changes to Wang Xuan¡¯s routine. He started practicing his chi gathering and inner cultivation based on the Early Qin texts, and his efforts did not go unrewarded. His metabolism became faster than before. He could feel the change as he sweated under the morning light. It was as if more and more impurities were being expelled by his body. The feeling was something he had never before felt in his life. His body was fresh and filled with vigor. He could feel a strong energy within his being, ready to be unleashed when the moment came. ¡°I¡¯m going to the New World!¡± he reminded himself with a firm voice. And to achieve that, he knew he had to grow even stronger. ¡°Wang Xuan!¡± someone shouted his name. It was Zhou Kun. The handsome man still had a depressed aura around him. But there was something different about him: A genuine smile on his face. ¡°I knew it! You¡¯re still here. I see that you¡¯re still practicing the Old Arts.¡± ¡°Listen to me, the Old Arts¡­¡± he said with a voice that only both of them could hear, ¡°They found something new on Terra Nova, and they¡¯ve given up on the Old Arts.¡± It was information that Wang Xuan already knew, but he felt nothing but gratitude for the small gesture. ¡°I¡¯m moving out in two days, but I¡¯ll still be in the city. I¡¯m reporting to my new job in five days.¡± ¡°I wish you the best of luck.¡± Zhou Kun sighed, ¡°I hope we can meet again.¡± ¡°By the way, there¡¯s a gathering tonight. Would you like to go?¡± It was a gathering held for those who would be leaving for Terra Nova in the next four days. They would then go their separate ways. As ssmates who spent thest few years together, they wanted to see each other for thest time. ¡°It¡¯s just a simple gathering.¡± Zhou Kun stated, ¡°In celebration of four years of friendship. We wanted tomemorate the simplest and purest period of our lives. Once we head into society, we¡¯re in for all sorts of trouble.¡± Wang Xuan remained silent. He did not mind such sentiments. The only thing in his mind was to avoid trouble, and not to cause any trouble for those around him. ¡°Just go. The person you want to meet the most will be there.¡± Zhou Kun wanted to have a final farewell with Wang Xuan. But he remained silent. He knew that the transfer student had misunderstood his intention. Meeting his ex-girlfriend would cause more trouble than good. ¡°Those that didn¡¯t make the selection and those who are still waiting for the results will still be here,¡± said Wang Xuan. ¡°I know, but some of them wanted to see you there.¡± The students have formed a close bond with each other, but Wang Xuan knew deep down that there would be sentiments between those that were chosen to go to the New World and those destined to stay. ¡°Very well then.¡± Wang Xuan nodded. He received a call from Qin Cheng right when Zhou Kun left, ¡°Hey, they¡¯re having a gathering tonight and I was invited. Are you going? I don¡¯t feel like going to be honest. I¡¯m not going to Terra Nova. I¡¯ll be headed to Luna Nova.¡± ¡°What are you hesitating for? You¡¯ll be looking down on them every waking hour from now on.¡± Wang Xuan responded, ¡°Fine! I¡¯m going!¡± Qin Cheng shouted, ¡°I was just worried that you won¡¯t show up!¡± Chapter 9: Classmates Chapter 9: ssmates The skies of the autumn noon were clear and lofty. Its azure blue threatened to spill down to the earth and cleanse the city of its hustle and bustle. Qin Cheng arrived with his car to pick Wang Xuan up from the campus. His family was well-off due to their trading business. Affording a car for their son was no big deal. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a little too early?¡± asked Qin Cheng. ¡°No. We¡¯ll get there right on time.¡± Wang Xuan gazed out of the window. The city was filled with traces of the past. Old buildings and monuments that had stood tall in mankind¡¯s bygone era still remained in this era. They were somehow integrated with a sea of skyscrapers that dominated the cityscape. It was a perfect blend of the relics of the past and the wonders of the modern world. ¡°I¡¯ve never thought highly of this city.¡± Qin Cheng sighed, gued by an emptiness in his heart. The roads near the business district were packed full of cars. ¡°You can travel freely between Terra Nova and this ce once you make it big.¡± Wang Xuan pointed out. It was autumn. A season where life said goodbye to the embrace of spring and prepared for theing of winter. Leaves began to fall, flowers began to wither, and even the grass were slowly taking up a faint yellow shade. Ancient maidenhair trees lined both sides of the roads, their silvery leaves falling with each sway of the autumn wind. Under the bath of the warm sunlight, it looked as if the ground was covered with gold. There were also a number of maple trees as well. Their falling fiery red leaves were like the evening glow brought to life. This was a sharp contrast to the bleakness of autumn. In the same city, in the same season, life was so different. The gathering was held at a ce far from the city in a mansion overlooking a hill with stunning scenery that afforded them a view of the entire city. The mansion was surrounded by acres ofwn, and there was even a grandiose swimming pool in thepound. While the students from Terra Nova might not have been unting their wealth, they were still from families that were rich and powerful. The choice of venue was not a surprise. There were even twonding pads on the top of the hill, where two spacecraft were parked. ¡°Don¡¯t even think ofparing yourself to the people from outer space.¡± Wang Xuan smiled at his friend who was openly gaping at the sleek, silvery outline of the spacecraft. ¡°Wait a minute¡­¡± Qin Cheng muttered. He had not realized it before, but there were quite a number of students who were not from this world, ¡°You¡¯re right! They¡¯re indeed from outer space!¡± Their conversation was overheard by Su Chan, ¡°Oi, Wang Xuan, your words are not as pretty as your face. Why do you make it sound like we¡¯re some sort of aliens?¡± the ever lively girl was dressed in an off-shoulder dress that highlighted her long legs. ¡°You have been singing my praisestely,¡± Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow, ¡°First you said I was glowing, and now you called me handsome. Have you perhaps¡­ Fallen in love with me?¡± Su Chan was young, this did not mean that she was a shy little girl, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t change the topic!¡± Even Li Qingzhu who was known to be quiet in nature could not help herself, ¡°I heard that too. You said that we came from outer space. I¡¯ll have you know that my ancestors came from the Old World as well!¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m sorry!¡± Wang Xuan chuckled and followed them into thepound. Preparations for the gathering were alreadypleted by the time they arrived. Barbeque racks were set up, and there was a long table filled with food Wang Xuan was greeted by many of his close friends who were from Terra Nova. ¡°Wang Xuan! Over here!¡± ¡°Did I just hear you calling me an alien? You better pray that you¡¯ve achieved some sort of breakthrough in the Old Arts, or we¡¯ll beat you up.¡± The gathering of so many people would of course be a lively one. They have always enjoyed a close rtionship. There was no distinction from the New World and those from the Old World. Over twenty among them were chosen. They would soon be sent to the New World, where their lives would forever be changed. But a dozen of them were destined to stay. These students would soon leave the city for their hometowns. Many among those who would be left behind would of course feel dejected. They have all heard the rumors. Failing to secure a spot in the New World mattered to them a great deal, especially when they knew that there was something going on over there. They have missed a once in a livetime opportunity. A number of them knew about the discovery of the supernatural. If any of their ssmates were to keep ahead of the times in this era of new discovery, a bright futurey ahead of them. ¡°Wang Xuan!¡± The students who did not make the selection greeted Wang Xuan. They were surprised that he did not make the cut as well. Wang Xuan returned their greetings, and they talked. About the future, and about the opportunities they lost. He genuinely felt sad for his ssmates. They have clung on to hope. The hope that new names would be added to the list during the final selection. But in the end, they were disappointed. But this was also a testimony of their confidence as well. It was a sign of their resolve. Many among them were able to achieve certain degrees of sess in the study of the Old Arts. It was still not enough. These criterias were simply not what the investors were looking for during the selection process. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a rumor that our blood samples were brought to Terra Nova for some sort of test. That¡¯s one of the deciding factors during selection.¡± said one of the students who did not make the cut. Wang Xuan was surprised. He thought he had it all figured out, but it seemed that there were still factors in ce that he had simply overlooked. ¡°Whatever. Let that be a thing of the past.¡± Qin Cheng joked in an attempt to console his ssmates, ¡°If we can¡¯t enter the realm of the ult, we¡¯ll just work hard enough that we form megacorporations of our own. We¡¯ll be their bosses instead.¡± The students erupted intoughter. Night fell, but the city, illuminated by countless lights, was still visible from the hilltop. The bustling of the city at night was a beautiful sight from afar. Many of them have been drinking. Some have gotten tipsy, while there were those among them who had gotten drunk. Spirits were high that night. Those who would be leaving were excited. A bright future awaited them. They could see themselves as individuals capable of wielding great power once they have stepped into the realm of the supernatural. They were the ones who truly went all out with the drinks that night. Students born in the Old World who would soon depart and those who came from the New World made a promise. They wanted to see ssmates again, and they would do their best to help those who were left behind. The city far away continued to flood the horizon with its dazzling disy. Its sea of light blended perfectly with the sea of stars in the night sky above. It was as if the sky had be one with thend. Someone began to cry. He was one of those who were not selected to go to the New World. The long night of drinking had finally broken the dams holding back his sorrows. Wang Xuan and some of his ssmates immediately snapped out of their stupor. They carried the sobbing man to one of the rooms. ¡°Here, take a rest. You¡¯ve drunk too much.¡± Someone made his way towards Wang Xuan, gently swirling the wine in his ss. Qin Cheng immediately stood beside his best friend when he saw the approaching man. ¡°Kong Yi, don¡¯t you dare,¡± he warned. The student was someone with slightly long hair. He was not one would call handsome, but the looks in his eyes were something that could leave asting impression. They gave him an imposing air. He was perhaps the only student in the department that shared a rough rtionship with Wang Xuan. And the only reason conflict arose between the two ssmates was because of Wang Xuan¡¯s ex-girlfriend. Kong Yi had fallen for Ling Wei when they first enrolled in the programme. But it was Wang Xuan who ended up bing her boyfriend. ¡°Do you think of me as an oaf who can¡¯t read the air?¡± Kong Yi retorted. ¡°Come, let¡¯s have a toast.¡± Wang Xuan nudged Qin Cheng aside and raised his ss, ¡°We¡¯re from the same ss. Let bygones be bygones. This might be thest time our paths cross.¡± Kong Yi cast a sideway nce at Qin Cheng and raised his ss, ¡°This way. I have prepared some delicacies from the New World for you. Think of them as my parting gift.¡± he gestured with his hand after gulping down the wine. Qin Cheng, worried for his best friend, tagged along. ¡°Look at this. Mackerel caught from the deep sea. I¡¯m sure you haven¡¯t seen it before. This is rare stuff even on Terra Nova.¡± ¡°And these are meat from snow cows found on the ins at the feet of the snowy mountains on Terra Nova. The quality of their meat is spectacr. I¡¯ve made sure that they were selected from the best parts. They make top grade sashimi over there with these for some old men with nothing to do with their money. Have a taste. They¡¯re very fresh.¡± Perhaps due to their previous hostility, Kong Yi¡¯s words did not bear well with Qin Cheng. They sounded like sarcasm to his ears. ¡°Fresh my ass. I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s fresh!¡± he snorted, ¡°I¡¯ll wake up before the first light and head to the Hulun Buir Grasnd. That¡¯s how I do it. I grab the fattest cow I can find and chomp on it. That¡¯s when the meat is at its freshest.¡± Kong Yi gaped at him, and even Wang Xuan was rendered speechless. ¡°Impressive.¡± a group of students entered the room,ughing as they came. ¡°Sure is fresh. I agree that this is probably the freshest meat you can get. I¡¯ll have to try it when I get back home.¡± even Xu Bowen, who was known for being a cold fish, cracked a joke at his expense. Kong Yi knew why they were here, ¡°Do you really think that I¡¯ll pick a fight at Wang Xuan at a time like this? I bet he¡¯ll beat me up without breaking a sweat at this point. I¡¯ve prepared some gifts for him to help with his study of the Old Arts.¡± ¡°I can vouch for him. He did put a lot of effort into it.¡± said Su Chan, ¡°He wanted to reconcile with Wang Xuan before he leaves.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Wang Xuan nodded, ¡°Let what happened in the past stay in the past. I¡¯m already over it. May your future be a bright one.¡± he toasted Kong Yi. Qin Cheng, with pieces of beef stuffed in his mouth, toasted his fellow student as well, ¡°This tastes better than the beef from Hulun Buir.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a goodd, Wang Xuan. We would¡¯ve been good friends, you and I, if not for the thing with Ling Wei.¡± Kong Yi patted Wang Xuan on the back after the three of them emptied their sses. ¡°It¡¯s still not toote to be friends.¡± ¡°Ling Wei¡¯s not here yet. I think she¡¯ll bete.¡± Zhou Kun whispered. The sight of Wang Xuan and Kong Yi emerging. from the mansion with their arms around each others¡¯ shoulders was definitely a shock to onlookers. They stared at the duo with disbelief. ¡°Those two¡­ They made up?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned!¡± Seeing the old enemies making up pumped a new wave of mirth and joy into the gathering. The drinking and the conversations continued into the night. The students who would be migrating to the New World were already excited for the future prospects. ¡°Do you have any good ces that I should visit?¡± asked one of them. ¡°When I settle down in Terra Nova, I want to build a mansion just like this in a spot yet untouched by civilization. Imagine the potential it has when the poption increases.¡± he voiced out his wish as well. ¡°You¡¯re probably not the only one who thought of that.¡± Wang Xuan chuckled, ¡°The ce you yearn for¡­¡± Qin Cheng interjected, ¡°The ce I yearn for is by Zhao Qinghan¡¯s side¡­¡± ¡°.... the ce you yearn for, would already be crowded by that time.¡± The crowd stared at Wang Xuan in awkward silence. ¡°You just have to ruin it.¡± He punched his friend on the shoulder. But the crowd remained silent. It took Wang Xuan a moment to realize that they were not staring at him. They were staring at something behind him. He turned around and saw¡­ Zhao Qinghan standing behind him. Chapter 10: The New Arts Chapter 10: The New Arts Zhao Qinghan stood there in silence. Her tall and slender figure was covered by a white dress that reached just above her knees. It highlighted her curves and long legs, showcasing her beauty for all to see. The night breeze caressed her smooth, ck hair. She was, as many would say, the perfect beauty. A smile hung on her delicate face. But it was frozen the moment those words left Wang Xuan¡¯s mouth. Someone of her stature had most definitely experienced her fair share of awkward situations. One would even say that she was a person of high emotional intelligence. But there Zhao Qinghan stood in total silence, d in her white dress, stupefied by what she heard. Wang Xuan turned around to find her standing right behind him. Behind her, the fiery red of the maple trees formed a beautiful scenery with the shimmering city lights. It was the perfect backdrop for the tranquil beauty of that moment. The appearance of Zhao Qinghan was unexpected. But the main culprit that led to the situation was still Qin Cheng¡¯s untimely interjection. ¡°You¡¯rete. Have a drink. It¡¯s your penalty.¡± Wang Xuan broke the silence. There was no hesitation in his action when he raised his ss and toasted Zhao Qinghan. Everyone was shocked by his ability to keep hisposure. He was even smiling in acknowledgement at Zhao Qinghan. Despite the natural confidence andposure she attained from the numerous events and grand asions she frequented, Zhao Qinghan was tense. She was in a daze. She began raising her ss as a response, but a smile quickly reappeared on her face. Her smile was radiant, but she remained silent. The slight moment of hesitation in her action was enough to afford her the time to regain herposure. The hand that was rising stopped. She projected her intention to not ept his toast. She wanted to know how well Wang Xuan could react to the sudden change. But Qin Cheng¡¯s untimely interjection came again much to her disappointment, ¡°Qing han, Old Wang is a goodd. I¡¯m the one at fault here.¡± Wang Xuan, who remained unperturbed up until now, nearly lost hisposure. But he was still able to maintain his poker face. Come on man! Just shut up already! You¡¯re making it worse. He understood that the best way to resolve the situation was to pretend that nothing had happened. There was no need for exnations. Both parties could very well simply move on from the ¡°unfortunate¡± ident. With her clever ploy ruined, Zhao Qinghan had no reason to stay. She bumped her ss slightly against Wang Xuan¡¯s, took a sip, and walked away elegantly. ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡± Qin Cheng asked, finally realizing that he was only making matters worse. Wang Xuan gave his friend''s shoulder an encouraging pat. "You''re not off the mark, my friend. In fact, you''ve managed to clear the air quite well. Just like that, she gracefully exited the scene. She was even kind enough to bring the awkwardness with her.¡± Qin Cheng exhaled, his breath carrying a hint of alcohol. "That¡¯s not my intention. I swear. I simply wanted to have a quick one-on-one with her, a quiet chat over a drink, you know? But I¡¯ve ruined it haven¡¯t I? She¡¯s gone now. What am I supposed to do?" ¡°Just approach her directly.¡± Kong Yi advised, ¡°She¡¯s still around.¡± He tugged Wang Xuan along, leading him to the edge of the hilltop. They leaned against the railing, gazing out over the expanse of city lights sprawling out before them in the distance. "Someone was speaking out for you. They really want you in the New World," Kong Yi disclosed, his hands resting on the railing. Wang Xuan knew that Professor Lin had been approaching the investors behind the Old Arts Research Department. He knew how hard the man fought for his spot on the starship to Terra Nova. He shot Kong Yi a sidelong nce, sensing that there was more to the story. "The person in charge of the Old Arts research was genuinely impressed by your contributions. He was even willing to actually give you a shot. Your performance in this field has been nothing but remarkable. They were actually going to make an exception for you even though you did not fit the selection criteria.¡± I knew it. Something is off about the whole thing. It was clear that there was something Kong Yi wanted to tell him. "Ling Wei''s family intervened. They wanted to stop you from ever reaching the New World," these words exploded in Wang Xuan''s ears like a sudden thunderp. He was immediately made sober. ¡°What did you just say?¡± Wang Xuan looked at Kong Yi with a piercing gaze. Kong Yi turned to face him and matched him with his own unyielding gaze, "If you think I¡¯m lying, you find out yourself. There¡¯s bound to be traces left behind. Besides, if I''m aware of this, surely others are too." ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± ¡°I¡¯m worried that you¡¯ll put the me on me when you find out about it. This is one me that I do not wish to be burdened with.¡± "Ling Wei''s family has far more power and influence than you might imagine." he left Wang Xuan with the words in a hushed tone before turning around to leave. Wang Xuan remained rooted in ce as he disappeared into the vi. There he stared out into the night, his gaze fixated on the glittering city light below. ¡°Have I been too soft?¡± he mused quietly. He had suspicions of his own back then, that the family of his ex-girlfriend was the one pulling the strings behind the scene to keep him in the Old World. But he quickly dismissed such an idea. And this was because he had met Ling Wei¡¯s father before. Or more urately, it was the middle-aged man who had sought him out. Ling Qiming was a stern man. But Wang Xuan saw another side of him as well: a concerned and caring father worried for his daughter. He was a man who was afraid that his daughter might have made the wrong choice. He was drilled and interviewed by Ling Qiming relentlessly back then. But he understood the intentions of the father. He would have done the same in Ling Qiming¡¯s shoes. If he had a daughter, and that daughter had fallen in love with a man on a distant star, he himself would be concerned. Like Ling Qiming, he would travel across the sea of stars as well to meet with the man. However, it soon became too overbearing for Wang Xuan. After numerous warnings from the man to stay away from his daughter, he eventually folded. That spelled the end of his rtionship with Ling Wei. But Ling Qiming had never once utilized his connections to take action against Wang Xuan. This left a less negative impression of him with Wang Xuan. He was a person who would often ce himself in the shoes of others to consider things from their perspective. He could see the father¡¯s intention to protect his daughter. While it might be too much, it was born out of good intention. At that moment, he found himself realizing that he might have painted some people and situations in overly rosy hues. He shook his head, and exhaled deeply. He headed back to the vi. There was no point in lingering upon events that were in the past any further. He had long made peace with himself. He knew he had to move on. "Wang Xuan, over here!" Zhou Kun called out, beckoning him to join for a drink. Wang Xuan looked incredulously at Zhou Kun. He knew his ssmate well. The man was a different person when drunk and knew no restraint. He was a chatterbox under the influence of alcohol. "Didn''t I tell you that we''re going to have a good drink and a proper chat tonight?" but Zhou Kun did not seem to mind. Not far away, the likes of Su Chan, Xu Wenbo, and the rest of the transfer students raised their eyebrows collectively. Zhou Kun was setting himself up. No secrets were safe with him when he was drunk. "Is he doing it on purpose?" Li Qingzhu whispered. Su Chan shrugged, "Let him be. The New Arts aren''t exactly a secret anymore. News about it is bound to reach the Old World in due time." Wang Xuan understood that Zhou Kun was deliberately sharing some information with him under the pretense of being drunk. But Qin Cheng arrived just in time to ruin the moment, ¡°I¡¯ve talked to my goddess. She promised to find the time to visit me on Luna Nova in the future. By the way, she also asked about Old Wang''s progress in the Old Arts. I told her that if we are to use you as a unit of measurement, then his strength would be equivalent to roughly 9.8 Kong Yis, 12.5 Zhou Kuns, and 11.6 Xu Wenbos." Zhou Kun, who was ready to y along with the drunken act, immediately snapped out of it. "Qin Cheng, did you seriously justpare us like that?" A displeased Kong Yi walked over to them "Can''t you choose your words better?!" He even seeded in provoking the anger of Xu Wenbo. The corners of his mouth were twitching when he protested "Qin Cheng, are you an idiot? Why am I being used as a unit of measurement?" "Come on, what¡¯s with the overreaction? Aren¡¯t small jests like thismon when we''re drinking? What''s with all the bruised egos?" Qin Cheng quickly grabbed Zhou Kun''s arm. "You know I love drinking with you the most. Let''s have a toast!" Zhou Kun cast a sidelong nce at him. He knew very well that Qin Cheng was aiming to get him drunk. The guy wanted him to spill some secrets while beingpletely unaware that he was ready to do so of his own ord. "Take it easy on the drinks." Wang Xuan swiftly intervened much to Qin Cheng¡¯s conclusion. He was afraid that his best friend might actually get Zhou Kun drunk. Zhou Kun seemed to loosen up after sipping half a ss of wine. "I''ve got something to share with you guys. There¡¯s a new form of technique and it¡¯s making waves in the New World¡ªthey''re calling it the Transhuman Arts, or as some dub it, the Divine Arts..." "Zhou Kun, you''ve got guts. Some of those things are still considered secrets by the elders. Are you sure you want to be caught saying that in public? I''m not sure if this is the smartest move." A sudden interruption came, and brisk footsteps approached. A young man sporting short hair and a sturdy build, towering at an impressive 185 centimeters appeared. His eyes gleamed with an intensity enough to bore through Zhou Kun¡¯s very being. ¡°Yun, I got a bit tipsy. I''ll be more careful next time," Zhou Kun immediately sobered up. It was clear from his calm demeanor that he knew the neer. The neer, older by a few years than Zhou Kun, Xu Wenbo, and the others, had a tannedplexion with a healthy glow. He exuded authority, his words direct and unwavering. He fixed both Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng a hard gaze, "And you. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re brave or just in stupid. Did you think you can get away with trying to get Zhou Kun drunk to pry some information from him?" Zhou Kun immediately stepped in, "Yun, this is a get-together among us ssmates. If you want to drink, we can get a room ready for you!" Kong Yi, Xu Wenbo, and the rest of the transfer students put themselves between Yun and the two as well. "Who do you think you are?" Qin Cheng confronted the man. Yun smirked when he noticed Su Chan and Li Qingzhu approaching as well, "Why so tense? I¡¯m not an unreasonable man." Zhao Qinghan stepped forward. "Yun, I know why you''re here. Please, can you do it some other day?" Yun chuckled. "I did note here looking for trouble. It¡¯s just that, you know¡­ I heard someone here''s quite skilled in the Old Arts and I thought we could exchange some pointers, you know?" "Wang Xuan, aren¡¯t you curious about the New Arts? Well,e on, let''s spar. I''ll show you!" The person known only as Yun offered him a challenge. Both the students from the Old World and the New World were stunned. He had actually... mastered the New Arts?! Wang Xuan remainedposed. He had already noticed the person arriving on a small flying craft, parked not far from the small opening near the two spacecraft. He headed straight for them when hended. Wang Xuan could tell then that person was heading for him. He could feel his gaze on him. The man had been sizing him up. With this young man addressing him directly by name, it was made clear now. "Care to have a spar? Let¡¯s put the Old Arts up against the New Arts, do you have confidence in your techniques?" the young man known as Yun asked again. Wang Xuan gazed at the challenger, deep in thought. If it was any other day, he might have ignored the challenge. However, the young man had piqued his curiosity. He had already mastered the so-called New Arts. Wang Xuan thought. He was genuinely intrigued to see just how potent that technique was. "The Arts, also known as the Transhuman Arts. Some would even go as far as calling it the Divine Arts." The cocky challenger continued, "The Old Arts are nearlypletely phased out in the New World. Some are even beginning to dub them as the ''Crude Arts.''" He beckoned to Wang Xuan. "Aren¡¯t you curious? Don¡¯t you want to see if the Old Arts can hold its brilliance against this new path?" Chapter 11: Showdown- The New Versus The Old Chapter 11: Showdown- The New Versus The Old The Old Arts. Bits and pieces of records from the Old Era, carefully collected and curated. They were also known as the Scattered Arts. These archives of ancient knowledge were once viewed as treasure to those in power. But now, it has fallen from grace. Many from the New World were even beginning to refer to it as the ¡°Crude Arts¡±. However, anyone immersed in the Old Arts and its research, would find this appetion quite grating. Shrouded by the darkness of night, Wang Xuan remainedposed, but he was ready to strike. He had made up his mind to ept the challenge. The other party had made it clear that it was his intention to seek him out, and that he was a practitioner of the New Arts, he saw no reason to back down. "What should I call you?" he inquired. "Zhou Yun," the young man known as Yun responded, his smile revealing a set of pearly white teeth. As he spoke, his entire demeanor changed. A dangerous aura emanated from the man. His gaze was sharp, almost piercing, as though he was looking at a prey, and he began to silently advance. "Funny, I could¡¯ve almost sworn that your surname is Ling," Wang Xuan met his gaze, unflinching by the approaching threat. Zhou Yun''s eyes narrowed slightly at that suggestion. The sharpness of his gaze intensified. His aura grew even more menacing. Wang Xuan was astute in perception. He was able to catch that slight movement. There was no need to continue probing about the matter. It was all the sign he needed. Zhou Yun beckoned, "Come, let''s see how your Old Arts fare against my New Arts. We¡¯ll see if the scattered remnants from the archives of the distant past should be put up for disy in a museum." He advanced with a smile on his face. He was like a beast ready to pounce. Despite his eagerness, he was not approaching his opponent in a straight line. This suggested a wealth ofbat experience. Qin Cheng shouted, "Why should he spar with you? Who are you? Where are you from? What do you want?" He was somewhat concerned for Wang Xuan. After all, their opponent came prepared. It was unlikely that he would pick a fight with Wang Xuan without preparation. The man was obviously confident of his abilities to take him on. Wang Xuan gestured for him to stop talking. There was little left to say. The decision was already made. He would spar with the person before them. Zhou Kun, Su Chan, Kong Yi, and others attempted to intervene, worries were written all over their faces. But Wang Xuan had already agreed to the duel. "Let''s make it clear from the start¡ªthis is a friendly spar. No excessive force, and let''s keep it controlled," Zhao Qinghan''s voice broke the silence. As her words faded, sounds echoed from the distantnding pad, and two humanoid robots swiftly approached. These frigid metallic automatons possessed intelligence and were armed with lethal, highly advanced weaponry. They positioned themselves at thewn''s edge, their focus trained on the would-bebatants. Zhou Yun eyed the two automatons. He knew it was a warning from Zhao Qinghan. She might not have worded it out, but it was directed at him. She feared he would go overboard and spill blood with his Transhuman Arts. He nodded, "Alright, it''s settled then. I was curious to see if those practicing the Old Techniques still have a path forward, or if they''ve truly declined." Zhou Yun was a tall man with short hair and tanned skin. His muscr form gave him a formidable appearance when he took on an offensive stance. Wang Xuan activated his internal cultivation technique, expelling the impurities and the alcohol from his body. He hadn''t exactly been sparing with his drinking tonight, which might put him at a slight disadvantage. "Do you need a break?" Zhou Kun inquired. Qin Cheng hastily nodded, "That''s right, after all that drinking, our reflexes might be a tad bit affected." "Give me a few minutes," Wang Xuan responded. Then, he closed his eyes, drawing upon the core techniques of the practitioners from the Early Qin tomb. He followed its distinct rhythm, envisioning the radiance of stars and moonlight transforming into a gentle rain of light, permeating his body. Simultaneously, he visualized impurities exiting his body through his pores, and being washed away by the lunar radiance and starry shower. These visualizations were not umon; various existing internal cultivation techniques and meditation methods were known to have such practices. However, it was the frequencies and rhythms that were crucial. The lineage of the Early Qin practitioners was truly remarkable, and the effects were astonishing. Many could see a pure white light enveloping Wang Xuan, as if he had garnered the favor of the stars and moon. It gave him an air of ethereal tranquility. This amazing spectacle left everyone in awe. They knew not that the Old Arts can be mastered to this degree. Perhaps the Old Arts are not obsolete yet! Are the words that appeared in many of their minds. After six minutes, Wang Xuan opened his eyes and said calmly, "I¡¯m ready." His tall, well-built frame radiated confidence in the moonlit night. "Just what I¡¯ve been waiting for!" Without hesitation, Zhou Yun charged forward, with a gust of wind following in his wake. His astonishing speed caught many of the onlooking students off guard. The only thing they saw were the deep footprints he left behind on thewn. The ground he tread upon shattered, leaving behind ruptured earth and grass, a testament to the immense power he wielded. Boom! Wang Xuan''s reflexes were lightning fast. He lifted his foot and sent a long wooden tableden with self-serve food hurtling toward Zhou Yun. What sent shivers down everyone''s spines was how Zhou Yun was not even fazed. It was like he was a human with the strength of a lion. He was able to shatter the sturdy wooden table with a strike of his palm, Showering the onlookers with splinters. The crowd ducked away with terror on their faces. Zhou Yun was ferocious. The sheer force of his attack could easily prove fatal if it struck a person. But Wang Xuan disyed an agility that was unprecedented. He was able to sidestep his opponent¡¯s lunge, allowing to charge past him harmlessly. With a swift twist of his hand, Wang Xuan''s palm sliced through the air, missing Zhou Yun by a hairbreadth. The force behind the strike sent ripples through the air. Zhou Yun was undoubtedly a formidable opponent. In the split second of he missed his mark, he swung his right elbow backward, colliding with Wang Xuan''s outstretched palm, resulting in a muffled thud. Both of thebatants recoiled from the impact, but Zhou Yun recovered quickly and pressed forward. He quickly pivoted himself and made another attempt to close in on Wang Xuan. He leaped into the air. There was an untamed wilderness in him. He was just like a tiger pouncing on its prey. He was aiming for Wang Xuan. This time, Wang Xuan decided to meet his attack head on. With a swift movement, he spun and delivered a kick at Zhou Yun who was in the air. A resounding thud echoed like a muffled thunderbolt, sending ripples of powerful sound that shook the onlookers. Zhou Yun was sent soaring, but his agility was impressive. Although slightly staggered, he was able tond on his feet. "You do have some tricks up your sleeve," he locked his gaze onto Wang Xuan, taken aback by the unexpected challenge. ¡°You¡¯re using techniques from the Old Arts. What about the New Arts that you¡¯ve been talking about?¡± Wang Xuan asked. "Wouldn¡¯t it be better if I can defeat you using the Old Arts? That way I wouldn''t need to resort to using the New Arts," Zhou Yun responded. Intense aggression was radiating from his body.He was still poised and ready to strike. He gave off the air of a dangerous man. "The technique I''m using might be from the Old Arts, but my strength doesn''t solelye from techniques like chi gathering and inner cultivation. I¡¯ve been keeping up with the times. Integrating my techniques with gic advancements was something I did long ago." Zhou Yun was not concerned about revealing the foundation of his strength. It was merely an enhancement of his own physical strength. The secrets of the Transhuman Arts were still safe. The New World transfers among the onlookers knew what he meant. Long ago, researchers on New World had been working in this field, focusing on gene optimization and editing for newborns. However, most of these efforts were conducted in secrecy to avoid public bacsh. Zhou Yun''s formidable physical strength didn''t originate from chi gathering and inner cultivation. It was purely a result of gic modifications. It made his strength terrifying and practically beyond the level of ordinary individuals. Wang Xuan ceased speaking. This time, he took the initiative to attack. Since it was clear that Zhou Yun¡¯s intentions were clear, there was no need for words. The only course of action left in front of him was to strike and defeat his opponent. The twobatants moved swiftly, their punches and kicks producing faint sounds reminiscent of thunder and wind, sending shivers down the spines of onlookers.Such force, if directed at a person, could cause severe injury, if not outright death. Boom! Thewn beneath their feet erupted as theynded, their immense strength creating deep craters, shattering the ground around them, and sending debris flying. The Old Arts, when practiced to a certain extent, indeed surpass the capabilities of ordinary individuals. In ancient times, they possessed immense destructive power, which contributed to their enduring poprity for many years. However, mastering these arts is no simple task. Whether due to changes in the environment or the distractions caused by the dazzling advancements in modern technology, fewer and fewer individuals are able to master the Old Arts. They could not continue to grow once they have reached a bottleneck, condemning their potential to be forever limited to that height. Consequently, the Old Arts have gradually faded into obscurity, making true masters a rarity. Wang Xuan''s performance was truly remarkable for someone his age. He has managed to overpower even Zhou Yun, who possessed exceptional gic enhancements. With the initiative seized by Wang Xuan, Zhou Yin was being forced back. He was rapidly losing ground. How is it possible for Wang Xuan''s lean frame to possess such explosive power? Boom! Wang Xuan''s fist sent Zhou Yun reeling, his blood churning as he staggered back. He could even taste blood in his mouth. Wang Xuan swiftly followed up with a leg sweep. His leg arced through the air, grazing Zhou Yun on the shoulder. Despite avoiding the full brunt of the attack, Zhou Yun could feel a searing pain shooting through him. His clothes were immediately torn upon impact. Blood was trickling down his back. His shoulder might have suffered a fracture had he not evaded. He¡¯s a monster! That was the only way Zhou Yun could describe him. Even with his robust physique and enhanced gic makeup, he could not withstand a direct hit from his opponent.. Others would likely fare even worse. Despite having undergone gic optimization, Zhou Yun found himself unable to fully defend against his opponent''s punches and kicks. The sheer strength behind each blow was terrifying. He did not even dare to imagine what would happen to his head if Wang Xuan¡¯s punch connected. "Hoo!" He exhaled a breath, quickly stepping back, and his entire demeanor changed.A faint blue mist appeared around him, clinging to his skin. It gave him a mysterious aura. "You wanted to witness the New Arts? Come on then! I¡¯ll show you!" Zhou Yun growled. Gasps erupted from the onlookers. They have not seen someone in such a state before. And even from a distance, they could feel the danger oozing from him. The New World transfers were tensed up. They understood that this was the manifestation of the New Arts, tapping into supernatural forces that, once unleashed, could have profound consequences. "Wang Xuan, if something feels amiss, call out to us immediately," someone reminded. The worry in their voice clear. Wang Xuan halted his movement, refraining from an immediate counterattack. He opted instead to observe the extraordinary power that he was sensing from Zhou Yun. His opponent charged, enveloped in a faint blue mist that looked like light. Heunched a full-fledged assault against Wang Xuan. "Not good!" Wang Xuan evaded, realizing that Zhou Yun''s torrential barrage was a mere smokescreen. The true threaty in the blue mist, its delicate azure radiance appeared to be distorting the space around it. Is that thing warping reality itself? A shiver of dread coursed through Wang Xuan. Yet, he swiftly rationalized that it could not be a spatial distortion. Zhou Yun was incapable of such a feat. Perhaps it¡¯s distorting my perception then? Drawing upon the legacy of the Early Qin practitioners, Wang Xuan rapidly bolstered his mental focus, dispelling the haze of confusion. He was shocked. Surprised by the fact that Zhou Yun''s supernatural ability¡ªthe azure light surrounding him¡ªcould influence one''s psyche. Had he been careless just now, it would have spelled certain defeat for him. Wang Xuan swung his right palm with tremendous force. The power behind would have sent a normal person flying with a force that could shatter their bones. Zhou Yun met his attack head on this time. His right fist emitted a faint blue light as it collided with Wang Xuan''s palm. They both let out a muffled grunt when their fists collided. Zhou Yun felt a surge of immense power crashing into him. It felt as if his fist was about to snap. He was even bleeding through the gaps between his nails. It sent a chill down his spine. His opponent was capable of harming him despite his supernatural abilities. He was fortunate that his finger bones were not shattered outright. Wang Xuan, on the other hand, felt something unusual. He retreated from his opponent, rmed. A mysterious force was seeping into his body. It must be the blue glow! In an instant, a tingling sensation spread through his arm, and even his internal organs felt ufortable. He quickly retreated. "Hah! Now you know the power of the Transhuman Arts! It is something that far surpasses your imagination. The Old Arts are truly outdated!" Zhou Yun dered, not stopping his advance. He swiftly shifted his body, moving like a gust of wind, his form enveloped in the faint azure glow. Zhou Yun could not afford to give Wang Xuan a chance to catch his breath. He knew that he had to end the battle quickly. "What is that thing? Old Wang, let me know if you can¡¯t hold on anymore!" Qin Cheng grew anxious. He nced around and grabbed a table. He was ready to intervene for his friend¡¯s sake. "That is the New Arts! It taps into the realm of supernatural forces!" Zhou Kun whispered. He was telling Qin Cheng the truth with his exnation. "In the Western world, they refer to that kind of energy as the God Factor. Here, we call it the Supernatural Element." The sparring match continued. Wang Xuan found himself caught between a rock and a hard ce. It was his first encounter with supernatural forces, a realm he was entirely unfamiliar with. He was being affected in mind and in body. Boom! Suddenly, with a faint crack of thunder, Wang Xuan activated an ancient Daoist technique, causing a resonance within his internal organs. It was a unique form of physical technique. "It''s the Five Organs Thunder Resonance Technique!" someone eximed. The onlookers were all students from the Old Arts Research Department, and they were well-versed in their field. It did not take them long to recognize Wang Xuan¡¯s technique. This particr physical technique was exceedingly challenging. One would say that it was almost impossible to master it through conventional means. At least, none of them had seeded in doing so. The fact that Wang Xuan managed to wield it was astonishing. His internal organs rumbled like they had thunder contained within them, elevating his metabolism significantly and elerating it further. Thin wisps of blue light emanated from his pores, casting a faint glow around him. Zhao Qinghan''s eyes sparkled with interest as she instructed her automatons, "Quick, record this. To think that there''s a way to counteract the New Arts like this. Even though Zhou Yun has tapped into supernatural forces, his initial attack was neutralized by the Old Arts on the first attempt. It''s truly remarkable." With his body returning to its normal state, Wang Xuan unleashed his most potent technique. Thunder resonated within his body and his hands cleaved forward with the force of lightning. Boom! Boom! Boom! The faint blue light enveloping Zhou Yun¡¯s body was scattered by the collision. He was sent flying backwards through the air. Blood was pouring through his mouth. Zhou Yun, who had mastered the New Arts, was defeated. This left the spectators astonished. Wang Xuan had defeated Zhou Yun with the Old Arts! Wang Xuan approached, intending to further observe the dissipating blue glow on Zhou Yun''s body. Boom! Zhou Yun swiftly rose andunched another attack at him. Wang Xuan quickly grabbed his arm, the resonating thunder within him dispersing the blue light substance. He then struck Zhou Yun''s abdomen with a powerful punch, causing him to bend over in pain. "You¡¯re still thinking of attacking me after your defeat?" Wang Xuan delivered another palm strike to Zhou Yun''s spine. It caused him intense pain and rendered him immobile. Wang Xuan''s body was sweaty and sticky due to the exertion from activating the Five Organs Thunder Resonance technique, which had elerated his metabolism and expelled a lot of sweat. Feeling somewhat fatigued, he sat directly on Zhou Yun, ¡°No sudden moves.¡± he warned. He was ready to react to any petty tricks his defeated opponent might try. "Tell me, who are you?" Wang Xuan inquired sternly. At that moment, a small airship descended, and a middle-aged man emerged, followed by a young woman in her early twenties. She remained silent, her displeasure evident as she walked behind the man. "Hmm?!" The middle-aged man''s expression changed when he saw Zhou Yun pinned beneath Wang Xuan. Chapter 12: Benevolent Condescendence Chapter 12: Benevolent Condescendence Zhou Yun''s abdomen throbbed with pain. He sat on the ground in a fetal position. Due strike to his spine had rendered the lower half of his body incapable of moving. Fatigued, Wang Xuan used him as a makeshift seat, sitting atop his back near the shoulders. The middle-aged man who disembarked from the airship was dressed in traditional Tang-style attire. Despite his slightly plump figure, strength radiated from his form. His expression was cold when heid eyes upon the scene unfolding before him. He did not speak, but his eyes bore into Wang Xuan with an intense gaze. Ignoring the man''s presence, Wang Xuan remained seated on Zhou Yun. A group of ck-d men shadowed the middle-aged man. Their burly physique was a sign that they were bodyguards, and they each armed with firearms. One of them shouted at Wang Xuan, "Get up!" Wang Xuan held his silence. His right hand descended, and almost casually, his two fingers settled upon Zhou Yun''s temple. Among those present, all well-versed in the Old Arts, the meaning of this gesture wasn''t lost on them. At Wang Xuan''s caliber, he was able to carry on his threat out of reflex even when faced with the unexpected. If his fingers buried themselves into Zhou Yun¡¯s temples¡­ "I didn''t quite expect you to join in as well. This situation isn''t exactly ideal," Zhao Qinghan stepped forward, her voice measured. Zhou Kun, Kong Yi, Su Chan, and the others politely greeted the middle-aged man. Their familiarity with him was unmistakable. The middle-aged man turned his gaze, his nce piercing, directed at the bodyguards. Wordlessly, they melted back, retreating to the shelter of the airship. "Wang Xuan takes the victory... and is Zhou Yun serving as his human cushion?" The young woman, who had walked behind the middle-aged man with an air of discontent, seemed to awaken from a reverie. Her eyes widened, clearly caught off guard. She was acutely aware of Zhou Yun''s strength, and he had often spoken about transcending the ordinary. In the past, Zhou Yun had more than once dered with great fervor that the new era had arrived and that the future might witness the emergence of immortals. It was simply unthinkable for someone like him, a master of the New Arts with an ambition to be immortal, and a strong personality to be defeated by his prey. He was even being used as a cushion! "Get up, Wang Xuan!" the woman snapped, she shot an icy re at Wang Xuan, who was perched atop Zhou Yun''s back. Wang Xuan, unperturbed, remained seated. He was silently employing his techniques to recover from his fatigue. The middle-aged man seemed surprised. Though not a practitioner of the Old Arts himself, his life experiences had imparted him with insights into many matters. "You''re quite young, yet you''ve managed to advance so far in the Old Arts," he remarked, ¡°Do you mind standing up from poor Zhou Yun there?¡± he then asked gently. Upon hearing the words, Wang Xuan promptly rose to his feet, his weariness all but gone. In the moonlight, he stood tall and poised, his gaze sharp and focused. If the other party was willing to engage in civil discourse, he saw no reason to hold a grudge. His decision to remain seated earlier was merely to convey his wish to be treated as an equal. Such had always been Wang Xuan''s way. He preferred to maintain a distance and a respectful demeanor when dealing with individuals ofmanding presence who were ustomed to overseeing the bigger picture. He projected an air of confidence to the middle-aged man, neither showing dominance over him, nor disying an intent to back down. Qin Cheng was quick to step forward, positioning himself beside Wang Xuan. The young woman hurried over to Zhou Yun, helping him up. ¡°Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡± she asked. "And how shall I address you?" Wang Xuan politely inquired of the middle-aged man. "My surname is Zhou. You can call me Uncle Zhou," the middle-aged man replied. He scrutinized Wang Xuan with an intense gaze, as if he was trying to see through the young man. Wang Xuan remainedposed. He was never fazed even by the likes of Ling Wei¡¯s father. The middle-aged man standing in front of him who was slightly less imposing was nothing he could not deal with. Qin Cheng nudged Zhou Kun and whispered, "Are all the people surnamed Zhou tonight rted to your family?" Zhou Kun shook his head. "Of course not. The New World is a big ce. How could everyone sharing the same surname be from my family? He¡¯s Zhou Mingxuan, Ling Wei''s uncle." Zhou Yun, who had mastered the basics of the New Arts, was Zhou Mingxuan''s eldest son and also Ling Wei''s cousin. The young woman who had seemed to be immersed in her own world earlier was Zhou Yun''s younger sister, Zhou Ting. Zhou Mingxuan remained motionless. He locked eyes with Wang Xuan for a full three minutes. He relented when even his own body finally felt numb. He let out a resigned chuckle at the young man. "Youth is truly a wonderful thing. I''ve heard your name before, and now that I see you, I find you quite impressive," he said with a smile, nodding in approval. Wang Xuan also smiled, such words were to be taken with a grain of salt. "Uncle Zhou, what brings you all here today?" Su Chan spoke up, voicing the discontent that resonated among some present. After all, this was a gathering of their ssmates, and Zhou Yun''s unexpected arrival disrupted the asion, even though many were aware of the situation. Zhou Mingxuan sighed, "It''s all for the sake of Zhou Yun. I¡¯m here to bring him home. He barely scratched the surface of the New Arts and yet here he is acting recklessly, challenging over a dozen people in just a few days. I came as soon as I heard word that he¡¯s here. I¡¯m not letting him off lightly this time. He¡¯s grounded for six months.¡± Zhou Yun, who was standing a distance away, stiffened. Zhou Ting, on the other hand, rolled her eyes. While Zhou Yun was wrong ining all the way here to pick a fight with Wang Xuan, it was far-fetched to believe that her father woulde such a long way just because he wanted to bring him back. He was even thinking of having Zhou Ting apologize on her brother''s behalf during the flight for injuring Wang Xuan as a show of goodwill.. ¡°What brings you to the Old World?¡± Kong Yi asked. ¡°Mainly for business, and to check on Ling Wei for her parents.¡± Zhou Mingxuan replied casually. "I heard Ling Wei''s parents are nning to visit in a couple of days," Zhao Qinghan casually remarked. "Oh, yes, they''ll beingter to pick her up themselves, so they won''t be traveling with you all," Zhou Mingxuan responded. Zhao Qinghan''s bright, clear eyes glistened as she continued, "Uncle Zhou, is it possible that your families have stumbled upon something significant in the Old World? Is that why everyone''sing over?" Zhou Mingxuan chuckled, "You''re quite the clever one, always connecting dots anding up with borate ideas. But this time, it''s not the case. It''s simply about our interster trade rtions. As you know, both the Zhou and Ling families have quite a bit of business dealings in this region." He then added, "What else is here in the Old World? The tombs of the Immortals remain elusive, and the grand tombs of the Early Qin practitioners have all been thoroughly excavated. It''s all barren underground, nothing left. Nowadays, the powerful organizations, influential factions, and even the government are all focusing their efforts on deep space exploration. They''ve uncovered things of far greater value than anything here." With that, he fell silent, realizing there were still students from the Old World present. He turned toward Wang Xuan with a friendly expression and said, "I heard that you''re dedicated to the Old Arts. You¡¯ve put your heart into your practice. I wonder if you could give me a little demonstration. When I was younger, I once encountered a master who could punch through steel tes with his bare hands. I''d like to see if you have that same determination. Of course, you won¡¯t be doing it for free. I''ll give you a scroll in exchange." "Wow, I didn¡¯t expect him to be so generous," Qin Cheng whispered under his breath. Wang Xuan smiled, "I can¡¯t hold a light to the master you mentioned. I¡¯m simply doing this for my own amusement." "You''re being too modest. How about this: give me a little demonstration. It''d be best if you have someone to practice with. Of course, I¡¯m not expecting you to fight another person again," Zhou Mingxuan exined. "You can fight a robot instead. We¡¯ll set it to defense only. You can go all out with your attacks, don¡¯t worry about breaking it. I just want you to showcase your skills." Wang Xuan chuckled and said, "I''m too tired today, and am not in the state for a demonstration. I''ll spare you from my mediocrity." Zhou Yun called out to him Zhou Mingxuan before he could offer a response. The middle-aged man gave Wang Xuan a nod with a smile before walking away. "Come on, man, just throw a few punches for him. The scrolls in his possession must be something rare. Whatever his intention is, just do it for the scrolls." Qin Cheng whispered. Wang Xuan responded, "Do you think he''ll hand me an ancient secret technique right after I''ve beat up his son? Even if he does offer an Old Art scroll, it probably wouldn''t be much stronger than Professor Lin¡¯s. Besides, have you forgotten that he''s Ling Wei''s uncle? Do you think he¡¯s genuinely caring for me?" He added, "This guy''s a sly old fox." "What do you mean?" Qin Cheng inquired. "He''s being benevolently condescending. He put on the mask of a kind elder, but his true aim was to subtly humiliate me through casual conversation. What sort of robots do you think he was talking about? It¡¯s either thebat automatons like Zhao Qinghan¡¯s, or their own domestic service robot.¡± Wang Xuan exined, ¡°I fight his robots and then what? I¡¯ll receive a reward from him and then realize that we¡¯re not on the same level.¡± ¡°That old man is leagues above his son.¡± Qin Cheng sighed, ¡°Well, if we can¡¯t handle him¡­ We¡¯ll just have to beat up his son again the next time we meet!¡± Su Chan and Zhao Qinghan, standing nearby, couldn''t help but burst intoughter at his words. "Uncle Zhou, I must apologize. I''m not in the best shape today. I¡¯m feeling quite fatigued. I won''t be able to put on that demonstration for you. But I¡¯m grateful for your offer to gift me your scroll." Wang Xuan called out to Zhou Mingxuan. Zhou Mingxuan hesitated before his smile returned, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Another chance wille, and then I shall witness your mastery of the Old Arts." With a casual wave of his hand, he signaled to one of his men to retrieve the Old Arts manual from their airship. Qin Cheng was shocked. "Way to go, Old Wang! You literally got it for free. And what do they say? If it¡¯s free, it¡¯s for me!" Zhou Mingxuan handed over a weathered paperback book to Wang Xuan personally. "Young man, you''ve certainly got something going on. It''s a shame you weren''t chosen this time, but since you''ve chosen to stay in the Old World, make the most of your time here. Do your best to be a master of the Old Arts." He then turned around to leave alongside Zhou Yun and Zhou Ting, vanishing into the night sky aboard their small craft. "It''s time for us to take our leave as well," Wang Xuan said to Qin Cheng. He was stopped by Zhou Kun, "Aren''t you waiting for Ling Wei? I suspect her uncle must¡¯ve did something to dy her arrival. She should be joining us soon." Wang Xuan shook his head, a hint of resignation in his voice. "I''ve said it several times already. There''s really nothing between us anymore. We''ve been apart for over a year. You''ve all seen how her family was like. I¡¯ve long since moved on, and I wish her well." The group started to disperse, fading into the night like the stars above. Chapter 13: The End Of The Road For The Old Arts Chapter 13: The End Of The Road For The Old Arts The mountaintop was a tapestry of dappled light and shadow. Nearby maple trees were presented hues of fiery red, while the distant woods cast sprawling patches of darkness. In the night sky, the startled calls of nocturnal birds echoed asionally. This was a night of drinks and conversations. Many among the students had their innermost thoughts flowing forth. Some were impassioned, their spirits ame, dering this to be an era of grandeur. They im that opportunities were bountiful, and for those willing, a chance to be a transhuman. Even the realm of the divine, they say, was within reach. "Kindle the divine me, ascend the lofty altar..." Even one of the usually reserved girls began loudly reciting a poem. Another young man proimed with his voice raised "What are immortals? I believe they are transcendent beings. The myths of old may not be mere fables¡ªBodhisattvas, Three Purities, immortals, and monsters might have actually existed in our world. Of course, this does not mean that they exist today. After all, time is relentless. These beings are not immune to the ravages of time. I believe they were human once. In their time, they were flesh and blood, albeit stronger than you and I. However, based on findings from excavated pagodas, temples, relics, as well as records from various ancient texts, they might not have been as formidable as we once believed. Several life research institutes once coborated in a project that involved experimenting on their remains. It was found that even the most powerful among them couldn''t withstand modern weaponry. Hell, a nuclear bomb would obliterate them all." He was a student from the New World, and it was clear that he was quite drunk. It was information that the Old World students had not heard before. The megacorporations from the New Star have unearthed some remarkable artifacts! Remains of demigods?! Is this even real? This was what went on in most of the Old Worlders¡¯ minds. The student continued, "It''s not as astounding as it sounds. For instance, certain religious sites, such as beneath pagodas, hold hidden chambers containing stone caskets, iron caskets, jade caskets, and even gold vessels, containing Buddhist relics and what they im to be sacred ashes. Discoveries like these are scattered throughout various regions of the Old World. Furthermore, unexpected findings have been made in Taoist sanctuaries. Multiple expeditions have been undertaken. The artifacts and inscriptions found underground have unveiled many tales from the past. Coupled with analyses conducted by some of the most esteemed institutes specializing in life research, there are now scientific and precise conclusions. Bodhisattvas, immortals, and the Three Purities are likely just regr humans¡­" Wang Xuan turned to Zhou Kun beside him, ¡°Is what he said a reliable source of information?¡± "Not exactly. To be honest with you, we can¡¯t be sure yet. The bones, hair, and various artifacts excavated from these hidden chambers don''t offer conclusive evidence," Zhou Kun responded in hushed tones. He was surprisingly quite sober. "But those discoveries are somewhat rted to the tales and myths of olden times. The remains are believed to belong to powerful individuals simr to Daoist practitioners." The stories of discovery made by those in the distant stars continued to unravel under the moonlit night, revealing the mingling of myth and history in the minds of these young souls. Wang Xuan asked, "So you''re saying that research from the New World has concrete evidence suggesting that even the most powerful ancient practitioners during the Early Qin era could be killed by modern weaponry?" "That is correct. Several research institutions have had the privilege of examining the remains of a few ancient practitioners. The tests have shown that they were indeed mortal beings susceptible to modern weapons." A rare sigh escaped Wang Xuan''s lips, an emotion seldom revealed by him. For someone dedicated to studying the Old Arts and determined to tread this path, hearing about such a discovery was a huge blow. This was disheartening to hear even for the most steadfast among those who have immersed themselves in the study of the Old Arts. The most powerful practitioners of the Early Qin era represented the pinnacle of the Old Arts. With the rise of technological civilization, even the power that allowed them to butcher thousands with ease were rendered impotent. In this era of ever advancing technology, the brilliance of the Old Art had been dimmed. A single neutron could y even the strongest practitioner that stood at the top of the food chain. "What about the Immortals?" Wang Xuan inquired. Zhou Kun responded, "Upon deeper investigation, some believe that the Immortals might have been the strongest of the practitioners of the Old Arts, or individuals slightly superior to the practitioners during the Early Qin era. Over time, their aplishments might¡¯ve been overexaggerated, but they were still human after all. Even they would face death when exposed to the destructive power of modern weaponry." Wang Xuan sighed for the second time. There seemed to be no way forward for those dedicated to the path of the Old Arts. It was a bleak outlook for him with not even a shred of hope. "Are you nning to walk down the path to its very end and be someone as powerful as the Early Qin practitioners?" Zhou Kun looked at him with astonishment, then shook his head and continued, "Your destination at the end of the road was already determined from the start. The only reason the megacorporations ever thought of investing in the Old Arts was to attain longevity and even immortality. They knew that thebat techniques of that time did not have the destructive power of modern weapons.¡± He added, "And with the emergence of the New Arts, they finally stood a chance to reach a realm involving supernatural forces. The Old Arts and the longevity it brings no longer mattered." Zhou Kun lowered his voice, "The New Arts hold vast potential. The prospect of bing gods in the future is not entirely out of reach. Several research institutions are already gearing up for studies in that direction." "When I''ve mastered the New Art in the future, if the opportunity arises, I''ll arrange for the materials to be sent to you. You can explore this path by yourself," Zhou Kun remarked, emphasizing that in his drunken state, he knew not what he had said. Yet, his mumbling continued, "The discovery of the New Arts is just a secondary game. The true value lies in the discoveries at the far reaches of deep space. Can you believe that there are those who are willing to venture to the stars beyond and into the unknown wielding the best of what technology could offer them? While I may not fully believe it myself, there have been whispers of such endeavors circting through unofficial channels." Having shared what he wanted to say, Zhou Yun retired to one of the rooms, stating that his head was spinning and that he needed some rest. Wang Xuan remained in silence after Zhou Kun¡¯s departure. He was contemting his future and his choice to walk down the path of the Old Arts. "Has the destination of my journey already been determined? The future does seem dim. But I still want to continue on. I want to see how far I can go moving forward," Wang Xuan mused to himself. Qin Cheng leaned in, remarking, "Old Zhou is quite a nice guy. He sure told us a lot." Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. Before long, he bid farewell to the others along with Qin Cheng and left the venue. In his state of intoxication, Qin Cheng was unable to drive. They were driven home by a designated driver. "I¡¯m leaving for Luna Nova soon. Got to put my own emotions in check. Be seeing you in a couple of days, Old Wang. I¡¯ve got to sort things out with my girlfriend," Qin Cheng muttered on the way. Qin Cheng appeared once again in front of Wang Xuan the following noon. His eyes were reddened, and an unusual sense of sadness hung around him. "I excitedly told her that I was going to Luna Nova, that we''d have a chance to migrate to the New Star. But she calmly said to me: ¡®Let¡¯s break up!¡¯¡± "I told her I would definitelye back and bring her with me, but she said ¡®I won¡¯t wait¡¯!" "Heartless. Simply heartless. She spoke a total of six words to me and it was all over!" Qin Cheng was almost on the verge of tears. Yet Wang Xuan found the situation amusing. What an interesting girl. He had met her before, and she was in her third year. He knew that she was a dependable person. "Didn''t you ask her why?" Wang Xuan inquired. "I did. She said she didn''t want to waste her time. She wanted to cut things off early, before we be strangers to one another," Qin Cheng replied. Hearing this, Wang Xuan sighed, "Remarkable. She was decisive and straightforward. But she¡¯s not wrong. The future is full of uncertainties. And with your personality, I¡¯m willing to bet that you¡¯ll forget about her in no time. "Old Wang, you''re underestimating me!" Qin Cheng eximed in frustration. "I genuinely like her!" Wang Xuan chuckled. He did not give him the reaction he was looking for. Out of exasperation, Qin Cheng continued, "You''re not seriously thinking I like Zhao Qinghan, are you? Not in this lifetime! When I call her a goddess, it''s just simple admiration.I¡¯m not thinking of marrying her! She''s the sort that should only be admired from afar. Who would want to end up with someone like her? Besides, even if I did have feelings, she had been avoiding me like the gue. I have self-awareness, you know. I''m pretty sure even if she had to choose between you and me, I wouldn¡¯t even be up for consideration." "Can you watch your words? You''re talking like she''d pick me only because there¡¯s no other choice." "You¡¯re quite full of yourself sometimes. Should I tell her the next time I see her that even if she chooses you as her partner, you¡¯ll probably not ept it." His words fell on deaf ears. Getting desperate, Qin Cheng pressed Wang Xuan for help "Old Wang, I need your advice urgently. If I don''t settle things with her now, I won''t be able to leave feeling right. Help me out on this, please!" Wang Xuan nodded. "I''ve met this girl before. We¡¯ve even had a meal before. She''s a good person. You''ve got to step up and make an effort to win her over. If there''s a chance, take it." "How should I do that?" "The challenge is the distance between you two. But your family''s business is connected to deep space trade, right? You can use those connections to find someone who travels that route often. They can help deliver your messages, photos, and more. Just let her know that distance shouldn''t end things now. Opportunities wille." "Understood. I''m on it!" Qin Cheng turned and hurried away. Thirty minutester, Wang Xuan left the campus, walking along a path lined with golden ginkgo leaves that covered the ground. He reached the end of the road and arrived at the entrance of a grand building. He entered without hesitation. The building was big, but there were not a lot of visitors around. It felt dested. He was stopped by a group of men as he approached the elevator. Without a word, Wang Xuan produced a card made of pure gold and handed it to them. The individuals blocking his way were shocked. One of them silently gestured for him to proceed and pressed the elevator button. Wang Xuan nodded in acknowledgment and stepped in. One of the men followed him in. They descended along with the elevator. It halted at the thirteenth underground floor, an unusually deep level beneath the surface. Upon stepping out of the elevator, Wang Xuan quickly adjusted to the dimly lit space. Illumination was sparse, and the environment below resembled not a modern construction but rather an excavation site. Guided by an escort, he maneuvered through intricate twists and turns within the underground caverns until they reached a stone chamber where they were greeted by brilliant light. The interior of the space had a modernyout of avish executive office. A man sat behind a mahogany desk. "So, you¡¯ve decided toe in the end," he said. The man had thick ck hair and wore a blue mask on his face. He was likely a middle-aged man in his forties. "I''ve graduated and left the Old Arts Research Department. I''m a free agent now," Wang Xuan calmly replied. Ding! Something in the middle-aged man rang. Wang Xuan¡¯s eyes widened when he saw what the man was toying with¡ªa pair of golden bamboo slips. Professor Lin had mentioned such extraordinary items before! "Oh, you recognize these? Since you''ve made your choice, let me give you one," the middle-aged man with the blue mask said casually. With a gentle flick, he tossed one of the golden bamboo slips into Wang Xuan''s hand. Itnded with a weighty thud, distinctly heavy in his grasp. Wang Xuan looked down, and noticed intricate engravings on the surface of the golden bamboo scroll. Chapter 14: Exploration Chapter 14: Exploration Bamboo slips were used extensively during the Early Qin period. They varied in length and were engraved with writing using a knife. The one in Wang Xuan''s hand had a warm, golden gleam in themplight. Measuring eight centimeters in length, three centimeters in width, and two centimeters in thickness, it was rtively short yet weighty and dense¡ªlikely to sink when immersed in water. Instead of text, the golden bamboo slip bore several intricate illustrations. A humanoid figure with a snake''s body was depicted in various postures. The figure spotted a flowing hair, but its gender was indistinguishable. Some depictions showed the body of the humanoid serpent coiled around, while others portrayed it rolling on the ground. There was even an image of the creature standing tall with its tail nted on the ground. No textual content adorned the bamboo slip. These engraved images were the only thing carved onto it. Their connection to the Old Arts was unclear. Wang Xuan could not tell its value, at least not immediately. "I¡¯ve had this in my posession for years, but I can¡¯t seem to unlock its secrets. It¡¯s about as useful as a decor," said the middle-aged man behind the blue mask. He sat quietly behind his desk. "I wasn¡¯t able to get many of them. Most of the golden scrolls fell into the hands of the New World megacorporations. These two are the only I managed to get my hands on.¡± he continued. Wang Xuan was convinced that he was a master of the Old Arts. Having the courage topete against agents of the megacorporations for the possession of these bamboo slips alone was a testimony of his strength. After all, they were rare artifacts that must be obtained at all cost in the eyes of these organizations. Things to be kept hidden from public view and researched discreetly behind closed doors. "Has anyone in the New World managed to decipher them?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Can''t say for sure," the middle-aged man replied with a terse response, clearly not eager to delve deeper into the subject. The room fell into silence. Wang Xuan met the man two years ago. It was during that time that he was first exposed to the enigmatic underbelly of the seemingly peaceful city. He met him on the ninth underground level of a certain prominentndmark, during the weekly Old Arts tournament held on Friday. It was a gruesome disy ofbat techniques betweenbatants in a steel cage. Spectators, all veiled by masks¡ªboth men and women¡ªwere cheering and shouting in a symphony of violence and excitement. The sheer carnage unleashed within the arena was something to behold. The defeated would often need to be carried out of the arena, as they would often find themselves with shattered bones and broken limbs. Wang Xuan had dismissed the man¡¯s proposition right there and then. He made it clear that he did not wish to be part of this debacle. He was passionate about the Old Arts, but he refused to take part in such a bloody spectacle for the entertainment of those who were willing to pay. The middle-aged man with the cropped hair chuckled then. ¡°I simply wanted to show you a glimpse of the hidden facet of this city. A world far removed from what you see in your everyday life.¡± His organization was not responsible for the gory matches in the iron cages. They were a band of adventurers, using the asion as a scouting ground for promising talent. Their endeavors were infinitely more exciting and terrifying than the arena¡¯s bloody fights. Theirs was an adventure into the unknown. A journey to explore the boundless realm of the stars beyond. Their adventures brought them far into the sea of the stars, their bases of operations limited not only to the New World. The middle-aged man had told him that the adventurers were a brilliant tapestry woven from both potential and prospect. It was iparable to the shadows that roamed the dark underbelly of the city. He had extended his invitation to Wang Xuan multiple times after the asion, but he was rejected each time. The man with short hair left him a golden business card, informing him that if he were to change his mind after graduation, he coulde to him. Even back then, which was two years ago, the man had predicted that the Old Arts Research Department would inevitably disband, and the project would be shelved. "Why did you approach me?" Wang Xuan had asked him earnestly back then. The man had exined that first, it was the establishment of the Old Arts Research Department that caught his attention. He had been observing the students who joined the programme since the first day, and found many among the studentscking in resolve. They harbored doubts about the Old Arts, and he knew that their achievements would be limited. Two individuals, however, caught his eyes. And Wang Xuan was one of them. Since he embarked on the journey of the Old Arts, his achievements have been astonishing. In just a few years, he had sessfully mastered chi Gathering and internal cultivation. The man believed that Wang Xuan had great potential and would likely achieve remarkable things on the path of the Old Arts. His organization, which was shrouded in mystery, was a loosely structured one. But its power and influence could not be denied. Its influence had extended into the stars beyond, and even into the New World itself. "Allow me to introduce myself formally. You can call me Qingmu," the man with short hair and the blue mask spoke, breaking the silence. "Does this mean I''ve officially joined?" asked Wang Xuan. Qingmu responded, "Not quite yet. You are one of the promising individuals I''ve selected over the years, but not the only one." "Do I have to take some sort of test?" "Yes, that''s the rule. Despite my belief in you, I can''t change that." ¡°An expedition will be held in the next two days. Its oue will be your assessment.¡± Qingmu exined, ¡°Would you like to take part in it?¡± "I''ll do it" Wang Xuan nodded. "You have an idea of what you''ll be facing by joining us, but I want to emphasize again what an expedition entails. There are risks involved, even potential danger to your life. Make sure you''ve thought it through." Wang Xuan assured, "No problem, I''ve thought it through." Qingmu''s expression grew serious. "You''ll stay here for now. We must ensure that no information leaks before the operation. This mission is of utmost importance." ¡°I understand. I have no problems with it.¡± ¡°Mind if I ask you a question?¡± Wang Xuan asked, with the golden bamboo slip still held in his hand. Qingmu replied, "It depends on the nature of your question. If it involves certain¡­ Secrets¡­ Then I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t tell you. Even if you¡¯re one of us, it¡¯ll have toe with a price." Wang Xuan asked, "I want to know about what lies ahead on the path of the Ancient Arts. Is there truly no other way forward once I¡¯ve reached the level of the practitioners of the old?" Qingmu sighed, "I understand your sentiments, for I, too, started down the path of the Old Arts. This journey is a long one. It takes decades of blood and sweat, and it might not even guarantee sess. The end is already set. We know where it leads.¡± The answer aligned with the conclusions drawn by the Institute of Life Studies on New Star. "In truth, what''s most disheartening is that even though you know where the end of the path lies, only a handful can ever ascend to such heights. Since the passing of the Early Qin era, individuals capable of reaching the level of ¡®Master¡¯ have grown increasingly scarce. In recent times, they have disappeared entirely." The Old Arts was in decline, and those that had reached its pinnacle a thing in the past. ¡­¡­ "Is the pinnacle of the practitioners of old where the road ends? Has no one attempted to continue pushing the limits?" Wang Xuan inquired. "It¡¯s far from easy," replied Qingmu with a touch of bitterness. "Throughout the ages, even true masters of the arts have disappeared. Those who have managed to reach the top grew fewer and fewer, until they ceased to existpletely. Theter generations could only dream of such matters? There were indeed ambitious individuals who attempted to go further, but s, none seeded." "Why could those practitioners push the boundaries of ancient arts to the extreme, while the people that tried after them remain unable to surpass them?" Wang Xuan posed his question. "Think not of it as the effort of a few practitioners alone," Qingmu responded. "It''s the result of generations upon generations of refinement of the Old Arts. Eventually, there was simply nowhere else to go, and the most powerful of these individuals could very well represent the apex of ancient human capabilities. We¡¯ve simply reached the full extent of our potential." ¡­ That evening, Qingmu had preparations made for Wang Xuan''s uing expedition, including knives, daggers, protective gear, lifelike synthetic masks, and more. And his preparations include firearms. They set off the following morning, leaving the city and arriving at a hidden estate where a small aircraft awaited, ready to take them to Qingcheng Mountain. The small spacecraft was highly advanced. It was able to avoid detection by the Old World¡¯s satellites. This was Wang Xuan''s first time aboard such a vessel, and he found everything fascinating. However, he remainedposed, and opted to quietly observe what was happening around him. He realized there was much to learn. Qingmu''s personal involvement underscored the significance of this mission. There were four others in the group besides Wang Xuan. They were all wearing lifelike synthetic masks to hide their real appearances. "Our destination is Qingcheng Mountain. A corporation from the New World has dispatched a team to secretly excavate a site there. That is also our objective." "What did they find at Qingcheng Mountain?" someone inquired. The mission had been shrouded in secrecy until now, even the team members were unaware of their destination prior to their departure. Qingmu''s expression was grave as he exined, "It seems that certain records were unearthed from bamboo slips attributed to an Early Qin practitioner, and they point directly to Qingcheng Mountain." "Are they still interested in the legacy of the old practitioners?" someone questioned. The Old Arts was something that had been abandoned in the New World in favor of the Transhuman Arts. Qingmu''s tone was somber, "The deciphered scrolls contain undisclosed information. There appears to be something intriguing about Qingcheng Mountain that has captured the attention of practitioners. Hence, the corporations have returned secretly." The excitement among the group surged, and even Wang Xuan shared their sentiment. A new discovery in Qingcheng Mountain? Something that even practitioners were eager for? Could it possibly be rted to... Immortality? The most powerful among the practitioners were considered as Immortals. However, there were dissenting opinions, asserting that the Immortals were leagues above the practitioners. "Members of the Zhou and Ling families have unearthed an underground pce. They''ve found the target!" Qingmu whispered, his voice carrying the weight of thetest confidential report. Wang Xuan''s heart raced¡ªboth the Zhou and Ling families?! It didn¡¯t take long for the party to reach their destination. Qingcheng Mountain, one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism and one of the Five Great Mountains of Immortality. It was also regarded as one of the birthces of Taoism. Zhang Daoling had once secluded himself on Qingcheng Mountain to spread his teachings. ording to some legends, he eventually ascended to immortality within its peaks. Chapter 15: Ascension Chapter 15: Ascension "Equipment checked!" with a quiet voice, Qingmu reminded the individuals in the spacecraft to prepare themselves for the imminent operation. The aircraft''s screen disyed the topography of Qingcheng Mountain in clear detail¡ªlush and verdant, with dense forests and peaks nestled against each other. It resembled a fortified city. Wang Xuan donned his protective suit, which felt slightly cumbersome. It offered some defense against bullets and cold weapons, which could save his life in crucial moments. The alloy de on his back was incredibly sharp, it was a potent weapon for closebat. The dagger, too, was handy¡ªan instrument of lethal precision. It was especially deadly in tight and enclosed spaces. "There''s one piece of equipment I''m not sure how to operate," Wang Xuan mentioned, indicating a small vial of liquid. ¡°That¡¯s your synthetic irises. Just wear them like contact lenses. They can help conceal your identity.¡± Following his instructions, Wang Xuan put them on and observed himself in a small mirror. His pupils were now a pale blue hue. Coupled with the lifelike synthetic skin mask, he bore the appearance of a Westerner. Falcon added, "We must stop them this time. We can''t allow them to seed in taking away whatever they''ve found. They''ve practically emptied out the Old World. All the treasures have been shipped off to the New World to be the private collections of research institutions and corporations." A sense of resentment hung in the air. Across various regions of the Old World, underground sites of famous mountains and rivers had been thoroughly raided. Even Qingcheng Mountain hadn''t been spared from the numerous expeditions of the agents from the New World. The recent discovery was a surprise even among the group. As a neer, Wang Xuan was not shy of asking questions, "But won''t attacking them like this lead to retaliation and potentially escte into arge-scale conflict?" Shaking his head, Qingmu replied, "No, even though the Old World is in decline, the power of one or two corporations is not enough to stir up trouble for us. Besides, the rtionship between our two stars remains quite well given ourmon origins. You need to have faith in the organization. We''ve already expanded into the reaches of outer space and we aren''t afraid of them." ck Tiger added, "Don¡¯t forget that they themselves are engaged in what is essentially thievery, so they''re in no position to make a fuss about it. Things will eventually settle down afterwards, and all parties will forget that it even happened." Of course, that didn''t mean there was no danger. On the contrary, conflicts like these could be highly intense and would often result in casualties.Wang Xuan fell silent. Expeditions like this was not why he made the decision to join the organization. His wish from the beginning was to explore hidden ces and to venture into uncharted territories. ¡­¡­ "They¡¯ve set up high powered energy weapons in the mountains. Teams Two and Three can handle them," a voice came through the screen. Qingmu responded, "Make sure they''re all taken care of. We don¡¯t want to get trapped underground by those things." "No problem, Team Four is on standby." ... Wang Xuan grew stern as he listened in on the conversation. It felt like they were waging a secret war. That was also when he realized that his group was not the only one taking part in the operation. Qingmu remainedposed. He seemed to be aware of Wang Xuan¡¯s thoughts, "If it intrigues the ancient practitioners, then its value is immeasurable. That''s why we must ensure nothing goes wrong this time. The organization has deployed multiple teams on this mission." "Stay focused, Old Mu. Be ready to unleash the electromaic pulse (EMP) at any time. That¡¯ll disable the robots in the pce and knock out their high tech toys," Qingmu gave the order. Old Mu would remain on the ship. He was their only way out, and was also in charge of destroying their enemy¡¯s heavy weapons. "Won¡¯t they have countermeasures?" Wang Xuan inquired. As a novice, he had much to learn. Qingmu''s expression was serious. "Worry not, we are professionals. You learn from us through the recordings afterwards." Qingcheng Mountain was lush with greenery throughout the four seasons. Stone steps led through the mountains, and its winding paths shrouded led to the ancient Taoist temples nestled on cliffs and amidst ancient groves. There were countless legends and tales about this ce. It was a renowned Taoist sanctuary. Unfortunately, ground underneath the mountain had been excavated throughout the decades into awork of tunnels. It was a real wonder that discoveries were still made in this ce. Qingmu, ck Tiger, Falcon, Kite, and Little Wang (Wang Xuan''s codename) ventured into the forest, leaving Old Mu to guard the ship. Qingmu took the lead, moving through the woods like an agile panther. Hispanions, who were also skilled practitioners of the Old Arts, followed closely. They did not take long to reach their destination: the entrance to the excavated pce. It was situated at the foot of a somewhat remote hill, on the periphery of Qingcheng Mountain. This was perhaps why it had been overlooked in the past. A group of robots were tirelessly excavating deep into the mountain''s belly and hauling out massive amounts of earth and stone. Despite the distance, the subterranean pce was now visible to the team. Qingmu gestured for them to remain in ce. They would wait outside to intercept the operatives of Zhou and Ling families once they essed the pce and obtained whatever they sought. There was no need to venture inside and risk danger at the moment. Amidst the resounding roar of machinery, several stone doors were forcibly breached in rapid session. "We''ve broken through! This ce is huge!" came a voice from within. "There''s an altar! We found it! It''s adorned with a golden casket!" Excitement echoed through the underground tunnels, followed by a chorus of cheers. Even the guards stationed at the entrance were joining in on the celebration as well. They were eager to catch a glimpse of the golden casket once the dust settled. They wanted toy their eyes upon the remains of a potential Immortal. ck Tiger, Falcon, and Kite were also visibly agitated. Their breaths grew ragged. As practitioners of the Old Arts, they revered the relics of the Immortals. Qingmu, however, remainedposed. He maintained a profound silence, waiting for the moment to strike. "These are precious treasures of the Old World. They¡¯ve plundered our bare over the decades. We can''t let them get away with it this time." said Falcon. "It''s about time," Qingmumunicated through a secure line with Old Mu. "Do it!" He then directed the second and third teams to simultaneously engage and neutralize the energy weapons deployed in concealed positions within the mountains. The robots in their vicinity were immediately knocked out by a strong EMP pulse. Some toppled over, while others emitted crackling sounds and showered the area with sparks. They were threats that must be taken out quickly. If left unchecked, they would pose a serious challenge to the advancing team. Armed with energy based weapons and impervious to conventional small arms fire, these robots were effective killing machines. They were lethal even when armed only with melee weapons. BOOM! A powerful shockwave rocked the mountain, signifying the sessful elimination of the energy weapons tforms deployed in advance by the two families. "Did you kill them all?" Wang Xuan''s expression was grave. He had never taken a life before. Qingmu responded calmly, "No, most of them were merely incapacitated, our goal is to disarm them." Boom! In the next instant, an explosion rocked the entrance of the pce, causing soil and rocks to copse and sealing it off. Angered roars could be heard from within the pce, a clear sign of frustration of those trapped within. The surroundings remained eerily quiet. There were no signs of enemy reinforcements. After a brief pause, Qingmu issued new orders, "Teams Five and Six, move in and make ready to ender the pce" "Are we going to suffocate them?" Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine. The adventure turned outpletely different from what he had imagined.. ck Tiger shook his head,, "No, under normal circumstances, we don''t take lives. We¡¯ll dig open the entrance once they¡¯ve fainted from oxygen deprivation." Qingmu continued, "I really wish we could discover techniques even more powerful than the Root Arts or the Old Arts is truly finished. Even skilled practitioners of the Old Arts are not immune to modern weaponry." His words flowed with a heartfelt sentiment. Born in this era, practitioners of the Old Arts were burdened with a profound sense of powerlessness. To them, the path ahead seemed hopeless. "Something''s not right. They''re using energy weapons to bore through the mountain in the opposite direction! They are trying to escape from another exit!" Qingmu sprang to his feet. He ordered Teams Five and Six to their location and instructed Teams Two, Three, and Four to redeploy quickly as well. ck Tiger raised an eyebrow, expressing his doubt. "How far can they go? This is a massive mountain." "Do note that Qingcheng Mountain has been excavated dozens, if not hundreds, of times. The ground underneath it is riddled with tunnels. They might just be able to dig into one of them. We¡¯ll never be able to catch up to them if they seed." BOOM! The entrance was sted open, revealing a cleared path. The other teams had also arrived at the same time. In silence, Wang Xuan readied himself, carrying the alloy de on his back and holding an energy gun in his hand. This weapon allowed adjustable energy output, with power levels set to kill and set to incapacitate. Due to his unfamiliarity with the weapon, he opted for the lower power setting that would stun an enemy. "Go! They haven''t breached the mountain yet! Be careful!" shouted Qingmu, sweeping his energy gun forward. Amidst groans, the sound of bodies falling echoed within the mountain. Without warning, Qingmu lunged forward. Wang Xuan could feel the hair on his back rising. He instinctively dropped to the ground as well. With a dull thud, a bloodied hole appeared in Falcon''s chest, piercing him through the front to back. The protective suit offered no defense. His blood sprayed everywhere. Falcon copsed onto the ground, his life snuffed out before he could even make a sound. Wang Xuan was stunned. It was his first time witnessing a person being killed, and it happened right before his eyes. He was what many considered to be mature, but he was deeply shaken by what he saw. A living person, who was alive and advancing beside him just moments ago, was now lying dead in a pool of blood. He questioned himself then, wondering if he had been too hasty in choosing this path. It was nothing like what he had imagined. He could not risk dying out here. His parents¡ªhis loved ones¡ªwere waiting for him back home. Wang Xuan forced himself to remain calm. He was determined to stay alive no matter what. His safety muste before the sess of the expedition. "Well, they did it. Don¡¯t hold back, boys! There''s no more room for negotiations now," Qingmu roared, adjusting his energy gun''s output to its lethal setting. He swept the gun horizontally, and unleashed a flurry of energy bolts at the enemy. In the darkness, beams of energynced towards him, but he was able to sidestep all of them, a feat of his surprising crity and perception. Wang Xuan was taken aback ¨C Qingmu was a formidable expert. He was a true master of the arts. With a swift motion, Qingmu unsheathed his alloy de and charged forward. His skill was evident as he swung the de in the midst of a group of enemybatants. His strikes were precise and lethal. It wreaked havoc among the enemy formation. "Charge!" ck Tiger, Kite, and the other members of the other teams rushed into the fray as well. Wang Xuan sprang into action as well. With his energy weapon at a low power setting, he was able to take down quite a few enemies. He was able to hit his enemies despite hisck of experience due to the close proximity between them. Exercising caution, Wang Xuan moved along the mountain wall, taking cover behind the rocks within the pce. A few energy bolts reached out for him, but he was able to reach safety unscathed. Soon, firing stopped as operatives from both sides crashed into one another in a furious melee. "Qingmu, I''m up against an expert here! He has mastered parts of the New Arts, I can¡¯t hold him back for long!" ck Tiger shouted, his body drenched in blood. One of the opponents struck at ck Tiger with fingers coated in faint light. The attack connected, and left ck Tiger¡¯s upper torso bloodied. With a roar, Qingmu charged at his opponent. BOOM! The mountain wall shattered at that moment. Someone had broken into an underground passage. As Qingmu had suspected, there was indeed awork of underground tunnels nearby left behind by the previous expeditions. The man locked in battle with Qingmu immediately disengaged. He grabbed a golden casketying on the ground and disappeared into the tunnel. The rest of his allies followed suit as well. "After them!" Qingmu took the lead, charging down the passage, with the others close behind. Kite shouted to Wang Xuan, "Stay here. You''re still getting used to your weapon. Saw you almost hitting some of our guys earlier. " Wang Xuan nodded, even though he was confident in his ability to shoot urately enough to avoid hitting his own allies. Whether it was out of concern for his well-being or his poor marksmanship, Kite had voiced out his opinion, and Wang Xuan decided to not argue against it. The underground pce fell quiet. Bodiesy scattered across the ground; some were lifeless, while many others had fallen simply unconscious from the effects of Wang Xuan¡¯s energy weapon. He remained vignt, taking cover behind arge boulder and carefully observing and sensing his surroundings. Indeed, there were individuals feigning unconsciousness nearby. One of them felt off. It was clear that he was still conscious, and that he was in a panic. Narrowing his eyes, Wang Xuan was taken aback as he recognized a familiar face ¨C Zhou Yun! He hadn''t expected that Zhou Yun, a prominent figure in the Zhou family, would be present in person. The young man was probably regretting his decision at the moment. He had likely never imagined that things would take such a disastrous turn. After all, the megacorporations had conducted excavations of various relics without much trouble in the past. They knew they had the advantage. Any setbacks they encountered back then were inconsequential in the grander scheme of things. This was the first time they have suffered such a defeat. ¡°Xiao Zhou, I''m sorry. Your father might be out of my league, but as Qin Cheng suggested, every time I see you... I should give you a good beating!" Wang Xuan muttered to himself. He noticed something unusual about Zhou Yun. It appeared that Zhou Yun had hastily changed into regr ck attire, without the higher-level protective gear. This seemed like an obvious attempt to blend in and escape unnoticed. He had also noticed the thing Zhou Yun tried to hide underneath his clothes near his chest. Wang Xuan silently and carefully lifted a stone and hurled it at Zhou Yun. With a muffled thud, the stone struck the man''s head. A startled Zhou Yun cried out in pain and stood up. Blood was flowing from the wound on his head. Wang Xuan did not hit Zhou Yun with the intention of taking his life. He had no qualms with the young man. No matter the circumstances, he could not bring himself to take a life. Moving with the swiftness of a gecko, Wang Xuan clung to the rocky surface of the wall and approached Zhou Yun silently. With a deft movement, he tore open the front of Zhou Yun''s clothing and snatched the jade box hidden within. Quickly retreating, he once again took cover behind arge stone. His decision to not incapacitate Zhou Yun with his energy weapon turned out to be fruitful. With Zhou Yun thrashing in agony, his men did not shoot, fearful that they would catch him in the crossfire. Bolts of energy reached out for Wang Xuan when he was finally a safe distance away. "Get him! He took the jade box from me" Zhou Yun roared in frustration. BOOM! An altar near Wang Xuan¡¯s cover took a direct hit. The altar shattered into pieces, and copsed with a resounding crash. Cries of disbelief rang out. A hidden chambery beneath the altar. There, on the far side of its wall, a figure sat motionless on a cushion. Draped in feathered robes, with long ck hair cascading down, hisplexion appeared vibrant and youthful. He appeared to be someone in his thirties. "This guy is dressed in feathered robes! He is... one of the top experts among the Taoists practitioners, and his physical body still exists!" The survivors within the chamber were struck with disbelief. Most importantly, the practitioner held a silver beastkin scroll in his hands. Even in death his posture was locked in a position he took while he was alive and reading the scroll. His body was still full of vigor, preserved in perpetuity. The corporate mercenaries present understood the situation all too well. They knew that this man had long since passed away. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Several figures darted forward, utilizing the rocky terrain for cover as they closed in on the legendary Taoist expert. What unfolded next happened silently and swiftly. The ck-haired figure disintegrated into dust, his feathered robes drifting away. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air. St, st, st! All six of the men met inexplicable ends. They shattered into pieces. Blood and feathers rained onto the ground simultaneously, staining the earth crimson. As the feathered robes disintegrated, dissipating into dust, all that remained was a silver beastkin scroll that fell gently onto the ground. This left Wang Xuan utterly stunned. Chapter 16: The Silver Beastskin Scroll Chapter 16: The Silver Beastskin Scroll Wang Xuan stood resolute. Had he not shown enough restraint just moments ago and leapt into the fray, he would have shared their fate. His life would end there and there, in the dark underground cavern. This practitioner, in his prime, wielded such formidable power that even in his demise was he able to unleash such carnage upon those who approached his earthly remains. He was starting to believe. The tales of the practitioner''s astounding feats and transformations weren''t merely exaggerations or legends. They held grains of truth. Was what I witnessed a state of spiritual ascension? Wang Xuan pondered this question. The practitioner''s condition was profoundly peculiar. At first encounter, his hair was a deep ck, hisplexion vibrant, lifelike. But in the blink of an eye, he vanished into dust. "Drifting and detached from the mortal realm, undergoing ascension to ascend as an immortal." Even renowned figures from history had penned verses. It was what they yearned for. Throughout the annals of various writings, the terms "ascension" and "immortal ascendence" were often intertwined. He could very well have just witnessed a manifestation of the timeless pursuit of transcending humanity, as passed down through the ages. Wang Xuan pondered deeply, realizing that the revtion of the truth might not be the best thing¡ªfor truth is cruel. Certain surviving esoteric records from various religions closely mirrored the scene before him. In the years during humanity¡¯s long forgotten past, venerable sages had sealed themselves within these stone chambers, secluding themselves from the world. But when these subterranean vaults were unlocked by the next generation, they were gone without a trace. The observers ofter times paid their reverence to these sages, believing that they had transcended earthly bounds into the realm of immortality. Wang Xuanmented. This is no ascension. It is metamorphosis into dust. The earthly remains of the practitioner had crumbled into nothingness. There was no doubt about it, this was far from good news for those who still practiced the Old Arts. It was affirmation that there was no such thing as an immortal. It was proof that gods did not walk among men. The practitioners of the old have all met their demise. A resounding thud echoed as a lifeless body was cast down,nding upon the patch of beast-skin parchment. A faint silvery glimmer danced, yet nothing out of the ordinary urred. Whizzing through the air, a series of hushed sounds followed. Three figures descended into the lower chambers of the pce and once again made an attempt at the silvery beastskin scroll. The practitioner d in feathered robes, one of the strongest among the practitioners, had their life in its study. They were so engrossed with the scroll that they had passed away trying to fathom its secrets. This was sign that the silver scroll held extraordinary significance. Wang Xuan was determined to get his hands on the scroll. He wanted¡ªneeded¡ªto learn its secret. Around him, fragments of rock splintered as gunfire tracked his movements. The corporate goons sought to suppress him with overwhelming firepower to prevent him from leaving his cover. Bolts of energy shattered the rock walls, enveloping the area in their pulsating glow. But he remained unperturbed. His eyes were on the prize. But first, he needed to incapacitate the enemybatants. Targeting the two ahead of him was a challenge from his current position, but the three individuals in the lower chamber of the pce were now well within his range. He took careful aim with his energy weapon andid down fire on the men below, honing his skills and adapting to the weapon''s uracy. Thud! One of them fell, brought down by his precise shot. Wang Xuan took a few more shots, and hit a second person squarely on the chest with a beam of light. The man dropped onto the ground, convulsing as he drifted into unconsciousness. However, the third man managed to reach the silver beast-skin scroll and sessfully sought refuge behind a rock. Wang Xuan was patient. Time was on his side. Qingmu, ck Tiger, and the other operatives would soon return. Zhou Yun, on the other hand, did not enjoy such luxury. He knew that his assants would be back soon from the pursuit of the bait, "Wrap the beast-skin scroll over and toss it up here!" he shouted at his subordinate. The ck-d figure below obeyed. With a sh of silver, the scroll was hurled upward,nding amidst a jumble of rocks above. Zhou Yun grew agitated. The scroll hadnded in a position too far away from his group. The man underneath was simply too far away from them to toss the scroll with precision. But Wang Xuan was in no hurry. He began peppering the ck-d figuresying on the ground with gunfire, regardless of their state. He could not risk more of them feigning unconsciousness. He had to make sure that they had truly been taken out of the fight. He felt assured once he had ¡°baptized¡± all the figures lying on the ground within the underground pce. Crack! Amidst this process, fragments were sted out from the rocks around him, as the opposing gunmen demonstrated uncanny precision in their firing. His position was rapidly bing untenable. Zhou Yun grew increasingly desperate. He dreaded the return of Qingmu, ck Tiger, and the rest of the assault teams. In hushed tones, he gave his men the order, "We¡¯re running out of time. That guy over there is pinned down. I need one of you to grab the beastskin scroll." The pair found themselves in a quandary. Although their opponent from across the cavern didn¡¯t seem to be out to take lives with his choice of turning on the stun setting of his weapon, it could still be a ruse. Such tactics have been employed in the past to lure the unsuspecting to their deaths. But they eventually relented under the weight of Zhou Yun''s insistence. He charged forward, dodging the beams of energy and narrowly avoiding a direct hit before ducking into cover. "Time is not on our side!," Zhou Yun urged. Zhou Yun gritted his teeth. He mustered the courage to pop out from behind the rock, aiming to utilize his nimble agility to seize the prize himself. But a beam of light grazed past his ear, sent him back to the safety of his cover. Sensing that the situation was rapidly turning against him, Wang Xuan quickly made a decision to go on the offense. If Qingmu, ck Tiger, and the others were to return early, he might miss his chance to study the beastskin scroll. A resounding rumble echoed in the cavern. Wang Xuan pushed a rtively round boulder forward, employing it as a mobile cover. He was getting closer and closer to the silver beast-skin scroll. "The guy is strong. Let''s follow his lead. Find a boulder and push it towards the scroll!" Zhou Yun shouted. He found one for himself, while the other two of his men joined up behind another boulder. With his position shifted, Wang Xuan was able to reach an angle where thest remainingbatant in the chamber underneath could be hit. He fired off a shot and dispatched the man. As both sides closed in on the scroll, Wang Xuan knew that confrontation was inevitable. The two individuals assessed when their paths would intersect, and positioned themselves to open fire from different angles. With superior numbers on their side, the odds were naturally tilted in their favor. However, things took an unexpected turn. They had underestimated Wang Xuan''s strength. With a sudden surge of strength, he pushed the boulder forward with incredible speed. He was hurtling towards the two men like a train. Boom! Two massive boulders collided abruptly, a miscalction on the part of the two men. They were swept away by the force of the collision. Their injuries were grave. One of them let out a muffled groan, his skull had smacked against the rocky wall. Blood streamed down from the back of his head as darkness clouded his vision. The pain overwhelmed him, and he slumped into unconsciousness. The other individual, who was flung into the air, was disciplined enough to still fire his weapon and Wang Xuan. With a disy of impressive agility, Wang Xuan evaded the iing shots and retaliated with his own gunfire. To his chagrin, his uracy provedcking. Multiple energy beams zipped through the air without striking their intended target, leaving him frustrated. With a quick flick of his wrist, he unsheathed a dagger and threw it at the man. With a thud, it embedded itself into the shoulder of his opponent, who cried in pain. Wang Xuan was speechless. His uracy with a cold weapon was actually higher than the precision he disyed with modern weaponry. He ducked down, narrowly avoiding shots from Zhou Yun¡¯s weapon. Lifting up a rock, he smashed it against the head of the man he had just hit with his dagger, knocking him out immediately. "Heh!" Zhou Yun eximed, with a mix of nervousness and excitement coursing through him. He had sessfully reached the beastskin scroll. But he knew it was no time for jubtion. He steeled his emotions and took cover behind a massive boulder, unleashing a continuous stream of suppressive fire towards Wang Xuan''s position. Wang Xuan retaliated, but his efforts were ineffective. He hunkered down behind a b of green stone, setting his energy rifle aside in favor of a long de, which he swiftly hurled in Zou Yun¡¯s direction. Zhou Yun remained behind cover while asionally firing off shots at Wang Xuan. He raised his arms out from cover to pop off a few more shots when suddenly, a bone-chilling coldness enveloped him. He heard a distinct snap, and found his weapon broken. His reflexes were lightning-fast. He quickly retracted his arm. A glint of sharp steel sliced through the air. It was an alloy de. It chopped through the energy rifle, simultaneously grazing his hand and drawing blood. A chilling sweat broke out over him. If his reaction had been even slightly slower, he might have lost his palm. Moreover, the alloy de had narrowly missed his skull, grazing the top of his scalp in a close call. Seeing what was happening, Wang Xuan leapt directly across the gap. He was already in close proximity to Zhou Yun, and was able to cover the distance in a single bound. He didn''t even bother picking up his energy weapon. In his assessment, relying on his Old Arts was a better choice in such close quarters. A smile crept across Zhou Yun¡¯s face when he noticed his intention, revealing his snow-white teeth. "You dare to engage me in closebat? You won¡¯t even have a chance! Witness my Transhuman Arts" With equal confidence, he vaulted into the air. He was confident in his abilities to put his opponent down. Wang Xuan''s stance clearly signaled that he was a practitioner of the Old Arts, which made his approach a reckless move. Zhou Yun stood tall at a height of 185 centimeters, his robust physique was now shrouded in a faint blue light. The same blue coated his palms as well. He sneered at Wang Xuan, and threw a punch at him believing that his New Arts technique was capable of punching through his opponent¡¯s defenses. He was seeking to knock Wang Xuan out with a single blow. In Zhou Yun''s perspective, his opponent stood no chance against his attack. After all, he was able to master the early stages of the New Arts. He had always considered his previous encounter with Wang Xuan as a mere fluke. Young individuals who could achieve such mastery in the Old Arts were rare. The blue-eyed mixed blooded youth before him thinks that he can defeat me with his Old Arts? He¡¯s in for a surprise. He¡¯s asking to be beat up. Wang Xuan remained remarkablyposed. He was unfazed. This was not his first rodeo with the heir of the Zhou family. He refrained from using the Five Organs Thunder Resonance Technique as it would have given away his identity. Instead, he employed a different form ofbat technique - the Golden Armor Technique. He had consulted Qingmu in the past, seeking effective means to counter the Transhuman Arts. Qingmu had mentioned the Golden Armor Technique, a discipline that imed to render its practitioners nearly impervious to physical harm, especially from supernatural sources. Wang Xuan had dabbled in this technique before, and was able to achieve a certain level of mastery. This was the perfect chance to put it to the test. His body tensed as a faint golden aura briefly shimmered across his skin. Boom! Zhou Yun felt as if he was hit by a moving mountain. He was sent hurtling through the air, his body twisting and turning, his palm stinging from the impact as the blue light surrounding it scattered. He was shocked. Despite his mastery of the New Arts, he had been defeated twice by practitioners of the Old Arts twice within a span of two days. To make matters worse, one of them was a person of mixed heritage. He roared in anger, stumbling as hended on the ground, only to spring back up immediately. He was ready for a counterattack. But once again, the opponent''s palm, protected by defensive gloves, came crashing down with a resounding thud. In an instant, Zhou Yun''s hands were turned into a gruesome mess. The impact had torn a wound between his thumb and index finger, and had torn his nails. Bang! Zhou Yun felt a searing pain as his opponent¡¯s hand mmed onto his forearm, apanied by a distinct cracking sound of bones breaking. Crack! What followed next was a chilling sensation that washed over his chest as his clothes were torn apart. The silver beastskin scroll was snatched away. "No!" Zhou Yun roared in anger and frustration. Wang Xuan silenced him with a hit on his nose. A sharp crack echoed through the air as the bones of his nose gave way to the punch that sent him flying backwards through the air. Zhou Yun''s anger dissipated when Wang Xuan approached him with a basketball-sized rock in hand. Fear gripped his heart. He dared not even scream. Clutching his nose, he forced a smile and said, "Friend, you''re strong, even more so than a certain person I know. I''m impressed. Let''s be friends, spare my life. I¡¯m a member of the Zhou family, the son of Zhou Mingxuan. You might not give a damn about who I am, but I assure you that it is wise to let me live. If I die, the Zhou family will hunt you down. Please, spare me, friend." The blue-eyed mixed-blood youth threw the basketball-sized stone at his head. Bang! ¡°Ahhh!¡± Zhou Yun yelped. He found himself alive and without pain. The stone had struck the ground right beside his head, the impact leaving his ears ringing and his body drenched in cold sweat. Terrified, he realized how close he hade to death. He had narrowly avoided the Grim Reaper¡¯s scythe. "Friend, I owe you my life!" He could barely hold back his tears. Never have he felt so good to be alive. Wang Xuan brought his foot down on the man¡¯s head and knocked him out cold. Chapter 17: Interception Chapter 17: Interception The beastskin scroll was a foot long, its surface gleaming with a silvery sheen. Hundreds of characters adorned its expanse, etched not with ink and brush, but with the precision of a masterful de. Wang Xuan''s fingers traced the contours, feeling the distinct textures beneath. The craftsmanship was extraordinary, each character exuding its own artistic essence, a tapestry of aesthetic beauty. But he could not understand a single character. What the hell is this? He thought. The strokes were intricate and bewilderinglyplex. He attempted to draw parallels with the calligraphy of Bronze Writing[1], but there was no resemnce at all. He scanned the scriptures quickly with his eyes, ruling out the oracle bone script as well. What ancient civilization did these characters belong to? Wang Xuan was left baffled, not a single character was familiar to him. Employing mnemonic techniques, Wang Xuan fixated on the array of characters as if capturing a photograph, etching them into the depths of his mind. While their meaning eluded him for now, he was determined tomit them to memory. He understood that although he couldn''t decipher them immediately, further investigation and expert assistance would ultimately unveil their secrets. What he had to do now was to engrave them firmly into his memory. In this covert operation, no one was permitted to carrymunication devices like cell phones, effectively barring Wang Xuan from snapping a photograph to aid hister inquiries. While he did possess a button-sized micro scanner on him, it was provided by the expedition team and would likely need to be surrendered eventually. Wang Xuanmitted the unfamiliar characters to memory, a challenging task given theirplexity. Memorizing the hundreds of intricate characters felt like deciphering an ancient tome. Fortunately, years of training had honed his memory skills. When practicing the foundations of the Old Arts, he had to visualize intricate scenes without missing a detail. He began treating the entire silver beastskin scroll as an intricate tapestry, etching its details deep into his mind through continuous contemtion. He was confident that he had sessfully memorized the characters, but to be thorough, he activated the micro scanner, capturing the characters from various angles to avoid missing any hidden secrets. "Even if I have to surrender it, I hope Qingmu will allow me to make a backup copy," Wang Xuan mused. He did not intend to hoard all the findings to himself. He believed this knowledge was a collective gain for all involved. He also considered the possibility that his micro scanner might have automatically documented the entire operation, viewing it as a prudent measure to ensure transparency. Many secret techniques and treasures exist in this world, but few have managed to truly master them. Just like the golden bamboo scroll that had been discovered by the New World corporations. No one had achieved significant results by studying these rare artifacts. Ultimately, it all depended on the individual to truly cultivate the essence detailed within these treasures. Wang Xuan held a grave suspicion that none would be able to sessfully decipher in the near future. Not a single person would be able toprehend its meaning. After all, even the figure adorned in feathered robes, acimed as the pinnacle among practitioners, had failed despite dedicating a lifetime to poring over this very beastskin scroll. His fixation on the scroll despite his apparent might was a testament to its value. He then retrieved the jade casket. It was a box carved from the finest jade. Most of its surface was pristine, radiating a soft white glow, with sporadic traces of crimson stains, a testament to its antiquity. Enclosed withiny several sheets of gold leaf, meticulously affixed together, resembling a slim volume of gilded pages. Upon inspection, Wang Xuan found five pages, with humanoid figures etched on their surfaces. Curiously, no textual annotations apanied these depictions, but the illustrations were remarkably detailed. He was convinced that this was a form ofbat technique. The images hinted at an advanced technique involving the maniption of the body''s internal organs. It was no easy technique to master. He continued tomit every tiny detail of golden pages to memories. The humanoid depictions on the golden pages were much easier to memorize than the unfamiliar characters on the silver beastskin scroll. He then conducted aprehensive scan of the entire golden book with his micro scanner. He understood that the insights from the beastskin scroll might note quickly, and he wasn''t counting on it. Such profound knowledge required the expertise of top-tier practitioners to decipher. To his current self, information recorded on the golden pages were infinitely more valuable. Wang Xuan sought out a concealed spot, cing his back against the stone wall and having his energy weapon close by. He carefully examined both the golden book and the silver scroll once more. Time passed silently, and there was no sign of Qingmu, ck Tiger, or the rest of the team. The intricatework of underground passage seemed to pose a challenge to their pursuit. A sudden shiver went down Wang Xuan''s spine. Acting instinctively, he raised his energy gun and swept it horizontally, sending a piercing beam that shattered the scattered rocks. A figure moved with the agility of a feline. With agile movements, the figure managed to dodge the intecing beams of energy. The reflexes were astonishing. The figure swiftly leaped behind arge rock, vanishing from sight. Wang Xuan''s expression grew deadly serious; he was facing a master. He had detected the presence of the person only when he was within five meters of him. He was also able to swiftly evade his barrage. Achieving such a feat was beyond the capabilities of ordinary individuals. This person was likely not weaker than Qingmu, having mastered an immensely potent form of the Old Arts. They were not to be trifled with. "Don¡¯t shoot, we¡¯re on the same side!" came a voice from behind the rock, revealing a middle-aged man partially concealed, dressed in a protective suit simr to Wang Xuan''s. Wang Xuan remained silent, positioned behind the rock with his energy gun ready to fire at a moment''s notice. This person was highly dangerous, especially considering their silent and nearly sessful approach just moments ago. It sent shivers down Wang Xuan''s spine. It was clear that the stranger intended to cause him harm. Several figures emerged, and more than a dozen people had gathered outside the underground pce. They were all armed with energy weapons, positioned strategically behind rocks and corners. A woman spoke up, "We have a longstanding connection with Qingmu. Do not worry. Quickly hand over the items you''ve found. The discoveries here are of great significance and must not be lost. We are here to assist and ensure the swift opening of the underground pce. Time is of the essence, as reinforcements from the Zhou and Ling families could arrive any moment now." Wang Xuan inquired, "If you''re here to assist, why did you sneak up on me?" He was convinced that if his energy gun hadn''t been constantly at the ready and if he weren''t exceptionally alert, the skilled individual who had approached earlier might have sessfully ambushed him. The middle-aged man who had made the initial move spoke, "You''ve misunderstood. We have to remain vignt as we enter the cave. I led my team stealthily, so it''s only natural to exercise caution and eliminate potential threats. You were lurking in the shadows, and I wasn''t able to tell that you were on our side. Your reaction time is remarkable though. I¡¯m impressed!" Wang Xuan remained unfazed, adopting a strained tone, "If we''re on the same side, then let''s wait for Qingmu and Heihu to return." The woman appeared somewhat impatient, "Why won''t you listen? We''ve already said that members of the Zhou and Ling families are on their way. If you don''t want to leave, hand over the beastskin scroll now. We need to secure it first." Wang Xuan''s trust in them dwindled further. It was impossible for them to recognize the beastskin scroll but not recognize his suit of simr design. They have snuck up on him with the intention of ambushing him. Wang Xuan wasted no time for words. Utilizing the cover of boulders and other obstacles, he made his way deeper into the underground pce. Sensing his intention, the strangers quickened their pace. Wang Xuan fired off warning shots in their direction with his energy weapon. "Qingmu, Heihu, are you back?" Wang Xuan shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice still hoarse. He could hear sound approaching from a distance. It was a sign that Qingmu, Heihu, and the others were on their way back. "After him!" The woman at the rearmanded, and the group hastened to close in. The middle-aged man posed the highest threat to Wang Xuan. Silent and swift, he was able to close in on Wang Xuan several times, only to be repelled each time by fire from his weapon. "Raaargh!!!" From the depths of the underground passage, Qingmu''s roar echoed. He had led his team back quickly, sensing trouble at the rear. Wang Xuan navigated theplex terrain in the underground pce. He quickly found cover and poured fire on the approaching enemies. The middle-aged man had reappeared from the dimly lit cavern, having circled around from another branching path. He was about to get the drop on Wang Xuan. "Jin Chuan, what are you doing here?" Qing Mu''s voice rang out, his speed remarkable as he quickly arrived and confronted the middle-aged man. Wang Xuan immediately interjected, "Qing Mu, I obtained the silver beastskin scroll left behind by the Early Qin practitioners. These people im to be here to assist us and want to take the scroll from me." He then recounted the events that had transpired to Qing Mu. "Jin Chuan, how dare you! You barged in on my operation just like that and tried to steal my stuff? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit too much?!" Qing Mu¡¯s voice wasced with anger. Simultaneously, a hint of joy shed through him. They had only obtained an empty golden casket, while Wang Xuan had managed to discover the true inheritance. Jin Chuan responded with a somewhat apologetic tone, "Qing Mu, you and I both know that what we found this time is extraordinary. You can¡¯t me me for that" "me you? Youe with your people to seize it, and you expect me not to be angry?!" Qing Mu retorted with a coldugh. Jin Chuan''s tone turned exceedingly solemn as he said, "I will only take a look and return it immediately. I won''t snatch it from you, you have my word." "No, it''s not possible. You''ve crossed a line. I won''t let you anywhere near it," Qing Mu tly refused. Jin Chuan waved his hand, and the group he brought immediately surrounded the area where Wang Xuan was hiding. Qing Mu''s voice turned cold, "You dare toy your hands on us. Don''t forget, our organization despises internal conflicts. Anyone caught doing that will face retribution from the rest of the factions. They will get you no matter where you are!" Jin Chuan shook his head, his smile faint, "No, it¡¯s a simple misunderstanding. I''m only here for a friendly match with you. The people I brought wanted to spar with young Wang. There will be no bloodshed today." Turning to hispanions, hemanded, "Put down your weapons. ce them on the ground. Let¡¯s show them our sincerity" ck Tiger, Kite, and the rest of the expedition were drawing near, their voices echoing through the tunnel as they warned Jin Chuan''s group to back off. Qing Mu shouted, "Wang Xuan, protect the scroll. ording to the rules of our organization, you only need to contribute half of your findings during an expedition. These are your own reward as well. Don''t let anyone take them away!" Wang Xuan nodded. He was displeased with these neers. If he hadn''t been vignt enough, his hard-earned gains could have been taken from him. Even if he survived the encounter, he would have lost the golden book and silver scroll. He was determined to teach them a lesson they would never forget. These people thought they could snatch the scroll from him. They would pay for their hubris. The men who had discarded their energy weapons and were closing in, taking advantage of the terrain, were slowly encircling Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan waited in silence. A man lunged at him In response, he gripped his weapon with both hands and swiftly swung it around. Thud! Thud! Several individuals fell to the ground, knocked unconscious by the barrage of gunfire. The rest of them were able to evade his shots. "This young man is ying it dirty. He¡¯s shooting even after we¡¯ve discarded our weapons!" someone shouted in discontent. Wang Xuan paid no heed. This was no time to y fair. The strangers were the one who were trying to ambush him and take from him what was his. ck Tiger and Kite returned just in time. They charged at the neers, engaging them in a sh of brutal melee. "Wang Xuan, why don''t you also give them a taste of what you¡¯re capable of," Qing Mu called out, locked inbat against Jin Chuan. He seemed confident in his capabilities to triumph over his opponent. Wang Xuan surveyed the situation and noticed that several of Jin Chuan¡¯s men remained unengaged, and they were unarmed. Without wasting any words, Wang Xuan charged into their mist and unleashed his Vajra Fist upon them. The ground cracked under the weight of Wang Xuan¡¯s onught. The force behind Wang Xuan''s attacks was so ferocious that the men could barely react. They did not expect someone so young to be a master of the Old Art. Thud! Within moments, a woman among the group received a kick to her face, spewing blood as she was sent hurtling through the air. She slumped onto the ground, motionless, after hitting the far wall. Crack! Wang Xuan struck another man on the shoulder with his Vajra Fist. His bones were snapped immediately. He copsed onto a pile of rock after emitting a faint groan. Thud! A third individual was sent flying by Wang Xuan''s kick. Three of his ribs snapped upon impact, and he coughed up blood as heid on the ground. He was out of the fight as well. In the next few minutes, Wang Xuan struck and knocked out five more of his opponents. He then charged towards the enemies that were rapidly surrounding ck Tiger and Kite. They have returned ahead of the others, and were each engaging multiple opponents. As Wang Xuan approached, he delivered a powerful blow that sent one of the men flying nearly eight meters away. The man coughed up blood. He was rendered incapable of fighting as well. It was worth noting that these were middle-aged individuals, each in their thirties or forties, who had honed their Old Arts to a high degree. Despite their experience, several of them were now lying defeated, with broken arms and ribs, at the hands of Wang Xuan. "Stop! That¡¯s enough!¡± shouted Jin Chuan, sensing defeat, quickly called off his men. "Impressive, this young neer is strong. Even my seasoned veterans couldn''t take him on. It seems that I¡¯ve made a mistake this time. I should have brought some experts with me." "Qing Mu, let''s call it quits, shall we? I owe you a favor now, and I''ll repay it next time," Jin Chuan conceded. Qing Mu nodded, saying, "Fine, show me your family heirloom next time then. I¡¯ve heard much about the White Tiger Scripts." "Get lost!" Jin Chuan departed with his group. "We''re leaving too!" Qing Mu gathered his team and left the pce. They soon departed from Qingcheng Mountain on an aircraft. Chapter 18: Chance Encounter Chapter 18: Chance Encounter Wang Xuan anticipated a fierce and bloody sh when Jin Chuan and his team appeared in the underground pce. But both parties quickly retreated after their brief encounter. Wang Xuan could sense that there was something going on between the two groups. During the return journey, a heavy atmosphere hung within the confines of the small aircraft. Kite bore a grievous wound, a gaping hole in his chest, with his upper body drenched in blood. The other teams too had their share of casualties. They departed with their wounded in tow. Qing Mu''s voice broke the silence, "I''ll personally see to it that Falcon''s family ispensated." His expression remained concealed behind a mask,, "You¡¯ll get used to it eventually after witnessing all that. Those who survive are adventurers. As for those who don¡¯t¡­ Well, I guess they¡¯re just along for the ride." Wang Xuan fell silent. The living, breathing human being who was still tough as nails moments ago was now being sent home in a body bag. The expedition was far from the exciting and mysterious adventure he was expecting. Its dark side was beginning to rear its head. It was telling Wang Xuan that there was a fine line between life and death for those who dared take part in something like this. They were, in a sense, selling their lives for money. The organization, dubbed as the Adventurer¡¯s Guild by Wang Xuan, had internally assessed the risk of the Qingcheng Mountain operation, and deemed it a low risk mission. Qing Mu revealed that some of their exploits would asionally ce them face to face against supernatural phenomena. Such situations were much scarier than their encounter in the underground pce. ck Tiger was sharpening his alloy de, Kite had her eyes closed, and Old Mu let out a sigh. Morale was low among the group, and they were reluctant to speak. Clearly, they had experienced this kind of thing more than once. They had witnessed countless deaths during their many expeditions. It wasmon for team members toe and go in their years of adventuring. "I''ll retire for good in another two years, once I''ve saved up enough money," Kite suddenly spoke up. ¡­¡­ The return journey went smoothly. The aircraftnded in an estate on the outskirts of the city, where several cars were prepared to send ck Tiger, Old Mu, and the others away separately. Qing Mu kept Wang Xuan at the estate for a conversation. "Keep the five pages of the golden book for yourself. It might be a powerful form of physical technique, but I suspect it is extremely difficult to master. You need to be mentally prepared," Qing Mu advised. Qing Mu had only nced at the first page of the golden book and already he felt overwhelmed. It involved resonance of the internal organs, exertion of force, blood exchange, and rejuvenation. He had heard of simr things before. "A long time ago, there was a master of the Old Arts in the New World who practiced something simr. He ended up killing himself in the process," Qing Mu recounted. Wang Xuan was left dumbfounded by the revtion. This was the first time he learned that the practice of the Old Arts could lead to death. "It involves blood exchange and organ regeneration. Though it focuses on revitalizing specific organs, the temptation for even a master is immense. Once mastered, it could undoubtedly extend one''s lifespan by several decades," Qing Mu exined. The fact that even a Master had sumbed to such a practice was rming. In the modern era, the Old Arts had been considered to be in decline. It was exceedingly rare for a person to reach the level of Master in this field. It was highly unlikely that someone of that caliber could be found in the current era. "I¡¯m not joking. The New World have plundered the riches of this in the early years. Naturally, there were individuals who achieved great sess. However, over the past few decades, the Old Arts have been increasingly disregarded, and this ''field'' has been left entirely fallow," Qing Mu added. Qing Mu''s words seemed to corroborate the information from the New World, suggesting that they had been researching supernatural phenomena and possibly even the ult for decades. "You must be patient with things like this. This isn''t something you can master with sheer determination. I experienced difort just by trying to practice what I saw on the first page. It felt like someone was tearing my internals apart," Qing Mu''s voice trembled. He turned away, swiftly removing his blue mask to wipe away cold sweat. He was gasping for air. Wang Xuan nced at his face, and found it to be deathly pale. But he was able to suppress his internal turmoil and handed the golden book back to Wang Xuan. He was reluctant to part with the golden pages, but he was able to exercise restraint through strong self discipline. "Don''t attempt it recklessly. It could easily cost you your life!" Qing Mu cautioned once again. He dared not look at the remaining pages, fearing he might sumb to temptation and put his own life in danger. Wang Xuan''s expression grew grave. For the first time, he realized that practicing physical techniques could be so dangerous. It was even more extreme than cultivating the core techniques. "The core techniques are the roots of the Old Arts. They enhance your inner constitution, while physical techniques are the trunk and branches that boost your outward strength," Qing Mu exined. Tracing back to ancient times and even stories recorded in myths and legends, descriptions of physical techniques be even more exaggerated. The ancients were said to be able to lift elephants with ease, and even change the flow of entire rivers by the sheer force of the strength. Wang Xuan handed over the silver beastskin scroll. It was the primary objective of this expedition. Qing Mu intended to take the silver scroll with him for assessment. Wang Xuan would bepensated greatly if the artifact¡¯s value was found to be higher than expected. "If you decipher those inscriptions, I want a copy of the tranted materials as well." he voiced his request. "No problem. It was you who discovered and brought it back," Qing Mu assured him, emphasizing the organization''s generosity towards its members. Before parting ways, Qing Mu once again cautioned Wang Xuan, urging him not to act recklessly. The techniques described in the golden book could be immensely powerful, and attempting them without proper understanding could prove fatal. He strongly suspected that those techniques might be rted to Zhang Dao Ling, a historical figure of great significance. Wang Xuan gasped. He was genuinely surprised. Could the five pages of golden script be connected to him as well? Upon closer consideration, it was indeed possible. There was a legend that Zhang Dao Ling spent hister years residing in Qingcheng Mountain and eventually achieved spiritual transcendence there. Wang Xuan suddenly realized that the technique recorded on the five golden pages might be as powerful as the one on the silver scroll. He carefully stowed them away, resolving to study them thoroughly and with great caution upon his return. Qing Mu agreed to let him take the micro scanner with and arranged for a car to send him back to the city. Back on campus, Wang Xuan packed his belongings, getting ready to leave. Today marked the final selection, and the end of the Old Arts Research Department. He had only a few changes of clothes and no substantial luggage. With a backpack on his back, he was ready to go. He took onest look at the familiar sights ¨C the towering academic buildings, the crystal-clear manmadeke, and the emerald garden with falling leaves before turning around and walking away. Everything behind him was merely the end of one of the chapters in his life. He would soon be introduced to the true nature of society. He had already rented a new apartment, and arranged for a cleaning service a couple of days ago. The only thing left was to purchase bedding, towels, toothpaste, and various daily necessities. He felt a touch of nostalgia. Now, he had to manage his own livelihood. It all felt strange to him. He had left Qingcheng Mountain moments ago, where he had been on an adventure, traversing the thin line between life and death. And now, he was in the middle of the city, and the beginning of his new life. He was fighting for his life moments ago, and now he found himself busy with tasks like buying towels and toothbrushes. In just two or three days, he would start working, hustling for his livelihood. He felt like he had lost his sense of time. The adventure on Qingcheng Mountain and the uing nine-to-five job and daily life were all segments of his life''s journey. A flurry of emotions rushed through him. He didn''t immediately bring up his ns to go to the New World with Qing Mu. Having just joined the Adventurer¡¯s guild, he had not contributed enough to be making such a difficult request yet. However, the opportunity woulde after the research and subsequent trantion of the silver beastskin scroll. He could have a chat with Qing Mu then. Wang Xuan moved swiftly and with purpose, acquiring all the necessary items in a single shopping spree. A taxi was able to amodate all his belongings. His new rented ce was situated in an older residential neighborhood. The environment was pleasant, with mature trees that had been nted long ago now towering overhead, lending an overall sense of tranquility. The downside, however, was that the facilities were somewhat outdated and not quite up to modern standards. He had leased a cozy one-bedroom apartment that had undergone a fresh renovation just a couple of years back, giving it a rather pleasing overall appearance. Wang Xuan swiftly arranged his everyday essentials, neatlyying out the beddings, and poured himself a ss of water before taking a rest. Having kept his phone turned off throughout the day, he eventually booted it up and was greeted by a deluge of messages and voicemails. He made sure to make a call to his parents first, assuring them that everything was well and informing them about his impending official jobmencement. Not long after, Qin Cheng''s call came through. "Hey there, Old Wang, just where in the world did you vanish to? I was seriously getting worked up here! I haven¡¯t heard from you for an entire day, and I was seriously beginning to entertain the thought that Zhou Yun did something to you. I was ready to gather the people from our ss to avenge you!" Qin Cheng''s words spilled out in an impassioned torrent, the rapid fire of his speech leaving Wang Xuan''s ears mildly ringing. Qin Cheng''s concern was genuine. It stemmed from his worry about potential retaliation from Zhou Yun. It might spell trouble for Wang Xuan. After all, he was the scion of a New World megacorporation. Wang Xuan was tempted to share stories about his encounter with Zhou Yunand the state he left the man in ¨C a broken nose, a fractured arm, and likely nursing a grudge against someone of mixed heritage. Yet, he refrained, wary of Qin Cheng''sck of ability to keep things a secret. Adjusting his phone''s volume and cing it at a safe distance, Wang Xuan offered an exnation ¨C he was deeply engrossed in meditation. This was why he had been unreachable. He had switched off his phone to avoid distractions. "I''ll be departing soon, and I''ve been trying to reach you all this time. How about having dinner tonight, at the top floor of the Azure Peak Tower?" Qin Cheng asked. The higher a restaurant is situated on the Azure Peak Tower, the heftier the bill. For a recent graduate like Wang Xuan, who solely relied on his earnings, it was something that he simply could not afford. Wang Xuan chuckled, "Ah, so you''ve finally managed to win back your girlfriend, and now it''s time to celebrate?" He was not concerned about Qin Cheng''s wallet, knowing that with his financial situation, he did not mind the expenses. "Sigh, the future doesn''t look optimistic. And how do we remedy this situation? By indulging in a feast tonight!" Sitting in his room, Wang Xuan flipped through the golden book, carefully studying it. Eventually, he couldn''t resist the temptation. Following the instructions in the first few pages, he resonated energy within his internal organs and then exerted force ording to a specific rhythm. In an instant, his internal organs felt a bit of difort, just as Qingmu had described ¨C this practice was indeed quite challenging. However, he also harbored some doubts. His condition was not as bad as Qing Mu¡¯s and the pain was somewhat manageable. "Better be cautious." He didn''t take any chances, because this could potentially be a technique left behind by Zhang Daoling, and the significance of that was immense. Taoism had existed for a long time, with ideas such as Huang-Lao¡¯s school of thoughts dating back to ancien times. However, Taoist practices as a distinct tradition emerged rtivelyter, and it was Zhang Daoling who founded it. There''s no doubt that even if Zhang Daoling were ced in the pre-Qin era, during the golden age of the Old Arts, he would undoubtedly be among the top experts in the realm of Taoist practices. ncing at the time, Wang Xuan realized the sun was about to set ¨C it was time to head out. The surroundings of the Cangding Tower were bustling, surrounded by a maturemercial district with a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Upon his arrival, Wang Xuan headed straight for the elevator, making his way to the top floor. The highest floor housed three restaurants. Despite the exorbitant prices, they were all thriving. He figured that Qin Cheng must have made a reservation in advance, and if all went as nned, they would be dining at Golden Years, the one he most likely reserved. Qin Cheng had treated his guests here before, and ording to him, Golden Years had the most exquisite vors. As Wang Xuan proceeded, he suddenly froze. Golden Years was fully booked! Someone¡­ had booked the entire ce? It was undoubtedly the work of someone with abundant wealth. The usual cost of a table here could easily amount to a few month¡¯s worth of an average person¡¯s sry. But someone had booked the entire joint. Wang Xuan peered inside and noticed that some private rooms were left unupied. Whoever that booked the restaurant was someone who simply wanted a quiet environment. "Wang Xuan?!" Suddenly, someone called out to him. It was not a friendly one. Golden Years was big. A group of women had spotted him from all the way across the main hall and were making their way over. He recognized two of them. The first was Zhou Mingxuan''s daughter, Zhou Ting, who was also the cousin of his ex-girlfriend. She was in a good state. There was no air of fatigue around her. She was dressed in a waisted long dress that entuated her elegant figure. The other woman was his former ssmate. She was a student from the Old World who had been chosen to travel to the New World. She was someone he did not expect to meet. The woman in a white evening gown, adorned with crystal ents on her high-heeled shoes, spoke with a disapproving tone. "Which Wang Xuan? Are you talking about Ling Wei¡¯s ex?" "It''s him." Zhou Ting nodded. These women were dressed more formally, predominantly in evening gowns. Their demeanor and appearance were quite appealing ¨C youthful and radiant, or perhaps sophisticated and elegant. The one in the white evening gown, with her chin held high, cast a disdainful nce at Wang Xuan, scrutinizing him. "Come on! It''s been over a year since you broke up, so why bother showing up here? You¡¯re ruining the mood!" Wang Xuan frowned when he finally pieced together the situation. However, it was impossible for him to have prior knowledge about the situation here. He was not the one to be med. The woman in the white evening gown lifted her chin and looked at him in a highly condescending manner. Arrogance oozed in her voice, "You¡¯re not wee here, nor is this the ce you should be. Please get out of our sight immediately!" Wang Xuan wasn''t one to tolerate such behavior. Calmly, he retorted, "Since when did my presence be any of your concern? You don¡¯t own the ce."
Jimmi''s Thoughts Techniques here might get confusing because author failed to mention MC learning them, but he''de up with new techniques from time to time. But this problem only persists for the very beginning of the novel. It gets better as our story progresses.
Chapter 19: His Ex Chapter 19: His Ex The woman in the white evening gown was visibly flustered, her heaving chest threatening to burst out of her dress. She was barely holding back her anger. It took all she had to stop herself from flinging her limited edition, exquisitely designed handbag at him. "Wu Yin!" Someone beside her reached out to grasp her arm, and whispered into her ears. Wang Xuan remainedposed, his expression indifferent, and he calmly regarded the group before him. His emotions were in check. The young woman in the white evening gown was Wu Yin. Seeing Wang Xuan''sposed demeanor, she took a deep breath, attempting to suppress her anger. "Since you¡¯re no longer a couple, you should stop seeing each other from now on. This is a big world, and she¡¯s not the only woman out there. You should go seek your own happiness instead. Give her some space!" Wu Yin said. Shaking his head, Wang Xuan responded, "You''re getting too caught up in the drama. It¡¯s all in your head. You¡¯ve always thought of me as the viin, so whatever I do is bad in your eyes. I''m just passing by. Someone invited me here for a meal." Wu Yin''s anger was reignited, her breathing grew heavier and her face reddened. This was not due to embarrassment; rather, she was a person with a fiery temper. No one had ever talked to her in such a manner before. The fact that the other person had verbalized even their assumptions¡­ Is he implying that I have a mental problem? Initially unaware of her beauty, Wang Xuan found her figure quite appealing after stealing a few more nces at her. The woman¡¯s evening gown was straining with eachbored breath. Objectively speaking, Wu Yin possessed a striking face and an alluring figure. Despite her annoying mouth, she was attractive. Unable to bear it any longer, Wu Yin red at Wang Xuan, "I''ve never seen a man like you. Your rtionship ended a long time ago, so what''s the point of you showing up here like this? I refuse to believe that a recent graduate like you can afford a meal in the Azure Peak Tower. You¡¯re here because you knew that she would be here, aren¡¯t you? Don¡¯t be stupid!" Wang Xuan had originally considered turning around and leaving the scene. But he was, after all, a young man fresh out of campus. His temper was still in check, but the smile had disappeared from his face. "Your temper is quite fiery. This might be the sign of an underlying health issue. Perhaps you''ve been experiencing insomnia or anxietytely? Despite being angry, yourplexion has turned rather pale. This might be a possible case of anemia. Additionally, your emotional fluctuations are quite intense, suggesting an underlying unease. It appears that both your physical and mental well-being might bepromised. You might need some care and recuperation. Don''t thank me, and don''t be surprised; I happen to be someone well-versed in the practices of the Old Arts and adept at traditional healthcare. By the way, I smell blood on you. Have you been in a fight recently? Oh well, I guess it doesn¡¯t matter. Goodbye!" At this point, Wang Xuan quickly halted, realizing he might have gone too far with his medical analysis and might have unintentionally revealed something he shouldn''t have. It seemed that this woman was about to explode in anger if he went on. As expected, Wu Yin¡¯s initial bewilderment gave way to anger. She had been facing those issues recently, but hearing it allid out like that pushed her patience to the limit. She grabbed her limited-edition handbag and lunged towards Wang Xuan, her embarrassment fueled her fury even further, "You bastard!" Zhou Ting was observing them silently from the side. Wang Xuan was not just remarkably skilled in the Old Arts, his tongue was sharp as well. He had managed to hit Wu Yin where it hurt the most, and made her lose herposure. He did not even break a sweat doing so. She quickly grabbed Wu Yin''s arm, understanding the delicacy of the situation. She understood very well how her friend felt, for even she would lose her temper under such circumstances. But today was a special asion, and causing a scene here would be highly inappropriate. Wang Xuan vowed to himself that it was an unintentional slip. He had started by analyzing her symptoms and was merely offering his observations. He did not expect it to coincide with a certain condition. "That¡¯s enough. Just leave!" another woman chimed in. She felt that ushering this rather handsome man away sooner rather thanter would be for the best. She wanted to prevent any further trouble. In truth, Wang Xuan had no intention of lingering here any longer. He turned and started walking away. "Don''t you dare!" Wu Yin protested, shaking off Zhou Ting''s grasp. It was evident that she was a capable fighter with a solid foundation in the Old Arts. What was most notable, however, was the faint blue mist emanating from her snow-white arm ¨C a sign of someone who had mastered the Transhuman Arts. In the current era, any young person who managed to master the Super Arts was from a prominent family. Wang Xuan paused in his tracks and nced at her, "Don''t try anything with me. My instincts will kick in if I sense you''re an enemy and pose a threat to my life. I won''t hesitate to defend myself even if you¡¯re a woman." Naturally, he had no intention of engaging in a physical altercation here. He was simply trying to intimidate her into backing off. He cast a quick nce at Zhou Ting as he spoke, who pursed her lips at him. Damn you, Wang Xuan! He forced her to intervene and was even dragging her brother into the conversation. "You don¡¯t want to try him, Wu Yin. My brother... He was the one who beat up my brother," whispered Zhou Ting. She did not wish to see the situation escting further. Thinking about her brother left Zhou Ting somewhat speechless. He had been carried back today, injured from the encounter with Wang Xuan. Apparently, her brother no longer held a grudge against him, considering him to be quite fair in their fight, as Wang Xuan had held himself back after defeating him. Now, her brother''s hatred was fixated on a certain half-blooded individual. He had been muttering about the unknown individual since he was carried back on a stretcher. In fact, Zhou Yun was still angry over it at a certain seven-star hotel, "You mixed-blood with blue eyes, I''m going to break your bones some day, don''t let me see you again!" On the top floor of Azur Peak Tower, Wu Yin''s body tensed slightly. She was afraid. There was a chance that Wang Xuan would beat her up without even the slightest hesitation. That would be quite embarrassing, especially when there were no automatons or bodyguards around to protect her. At this moment, Liao Yun, Wang Xuan''s university friend, stepped forward. She tugged at Wang Xuan¡¯s sleeve and said, "Just let it be. Ling Wei¡¯s parents are arranging a matchmaking for her." It was what Wang Xuan had guessed as well. He nodded in understanding. He had no right to interfere in her life since the end of their rtionship. Liao Yun whispered again into his ears, ¡°And he is from the Wu family.¡± Wang Xuan immediately grasped the situation. He finally understood why Wu Yin was not happy to see him. "The Zhou, Ling, and Wu family seems to have suffered a setback with their business today. That''s why Wu Yin is in a sour mood. This isn''t how she usually is," Liao Yun said in a soft voice. Wang Xuan regarded her in a new light. She might appear gentle and weak, but she was skilled at handling things and had a high emotional intelligence. In such a short time through Ling Wei''s connection, she had managed to be so close with Wu Yin, Zhou Ting, and the rest of their clique to form a close-knit group of friends. It impressed him. He had also realized that there were also people from the Wu Family involved in the altercation on Qingcheng Mountain today. He could only offer his apologies silently in his heart, as he was responsible for the trouble they were facing with their "business". Wang Xuan chuckled at that thought, "Sorry, I¡¯ll be taking my leave then!" He did not want to linger any longer. There was no need to make a big deal out of this. Wu Yin blinked. She was on the verge of exploding with anger. She had not expected him to suddenly offer a light-hearted apology. "Wang Xuan, you''ve decided to stay in the Old World, I heard you''re working in this city. So, settle down, focus on your work and life. Don''t involve yourself with Ling Wei. I wish you all the best." she said. Wang Xuan halted and turned around. He had fully intended to let the matter go, but now he felt the need to make this woman see reason. "Firstly, I had no idea that Ling Wei was meeting someone here, so your usations are incorrect. Secondly, if you don''t find this embarrassing, you can continue harassing me. The one who would look bad is you. This is a misunderstanding, so just let it go. Third, everyone has their own choices in life. It is a coincidence that we meet here, so let us part ways peacefully. There¡¯s no need for hysterics. I wish Ling Wei all the best. As for you, we¡¯re strangers from now on. Farewell.¡± Wang Xuan nced towards the Golden Era restaurant and caught Ling Wei''s gaze. Themotion had drawn the attention of those inside. He nodded at her, and turned around to leave without waiting for a reaction. Behind him, the women watched him leave in silence. For a short while, no one spoke. "Wang Xuan, over here!" Qin Cheng arrived at that moment, ¡°Some rich guy actually booked the entire Gold Era. Let''s go to the Worldly Millennium instead." He grabbed Wang Xuan and started walking away. In the distance, Wu Yin, Zhou Ting, and Liao Yun exchanged looks. They were staring at the pair silently. "Oh, Miss Zhao, are you here to dine as well?" Qin Cheng spotted Zhao Qinghan, who happened to be walking over from the direction of the elevator. She was apanied by two women, who seemed like bodyguards but also her friends. "Do you want to join us?" Qin Cheng shamelessly grinned. Zhao Qinghan, still breathtakingly beautiful, had a smile on her face as she replied, "What a coincidence, but not tonight. I already made ns to have dinner with a friend." Qin Cheng''s enthusiasm remained, "Sure, then let''s meet up another time. Don''t forget, when you pass by the New Moon, that''s where I will be. If you have the chance, go up to the moon and enjoy the view." Zhao Qinghan smiled and nodded. She then turned to Wang Xuan and offered him a smile, "Wang Xuan, maybe we''ll have the opportunity to work together in the future. Here''s my contact information." Her smile was sweet as she personally walked over to hand him a business card. She smiled at Qin Cheng as well when she noticed him staring at her, and handed him a business card as well. Qin Cheng was stillmenting the encounter long after Zhao Qinghan had left, "My goddess is so skilled at dealing with people. She is beautiful and thoughtful. What a rare beauty." Wang Xuan''s lips curled into a smile, "Just a business card and you''re already in a daze. I should tell your girlfriend about this. The pain might wake you up from your delusions." "No! Don¡¯t do that!" They entered the Eternal Realm restaurant, found a private room, and sat down. But Qin Cheng still could not let the topic go. "Setting aside everything else, regardless of appearance, I think Zhao Qinghan is a good person. Every time I see her, it feels like I¡¯m meeting my first love. It¡¯s exhrating" Qin Cheng said. Wang Xuan nodded, "That''s inevitable. Have you ever thought about her background? When you were still a naive and ignorant child, she had already apanied her parents to various important events." Qin Cheng continued, "I believe that human nature is innate. She''s the perfect example of beauty with a good heart." Wang Xuan had to enlighten him a bit, saying, "You need to see beyond the surface. Her smiles and sweetness have be something that she could project at will. You must understand that she has received various forms of education since her childhood. She knows how to deal with people and how to react in social interactions. She can easily control her emotions. It''s all part of her professionalism. If she wants to leave a certain impression on you, she''ll make sure to convince you that''s who she is." Qin Cheng remained unconvinced, "Old Wang, are you exaggerating it. Why does she feel so pure whenever I see her? It feels like just seeing her smile is enough to heal me." Wang Xuan rolled his eyes and retorted, "Look at you, you¡¯re someone who hasn''t seen much of the world. Her performance has to be at a professional level, okay? Different people will see a different side of her." Wang Xuan wouldn''t forget the time he saw Zhao Qinghan outside of campus. She had an authoritative aura around her as she reprimanded a well-known businessman as if he was a child. At that moment, Zhao Qinghan had a cold expression and was skillful with her words. One could say her mental age was way more advanced than her physical one. She was far from the goddess with a healing smile that Qin Cheng described. "So you see, your goddess''s education from academics to her way of speaking, social interactions, and various other skills, all yed a part in your interaction with her. She''s been through a lot. Compared to her, you¡¯re just like a child!" he sighed after describing what he saw. Qin Cheng eximed, "Oh my, Old Wang, to talk about Zhao Qinghan like that, you''re not exactly a saint either. You don''t sound like a good person!" Wang Xuan''s face turned dark, and he retorted, "I''m just trying to give you some friendly advice!" "Alright, so are you suggesting I should be wary of her from now on?" Qin Cheng asked. "Why should you? You''re of no value to her," Wang Xuan replied indifferently. "Ouch! That hurts! That¡¯s it, our friendship ends today!" Qin Cheng feigned anger. "I''m just helping you gain a proper understanding. Don''t spend your days foolishly grinning at Zhao Qinghan. She can be youthful when she wants to be, cold when it''s appropriate, pure or flirtatious when she needs to. Just have a bit of self-awareness," Wang Xuan concluded, then began to order dishes, signaling an end to the conversation. However, there was a feeling of unease in the air. He looked up to find Qin Cheng signaling him urgently. Wang Xuan turned his head, and was startled when he realized that Zhao Qinghan had appeared at the entrance of the private room. Chapter: 20 Good One, Little Wang! Chapter: 20 Good One, Little Wang! Another awkward situation? Wang Xuan found himself at a loss for words once again. The previous time wasrgely due to Qin Cheng''s interjection, but this time was different. He was the one who caused it. By the entrance of the private room, Zhao Qinghan stood elegantly. She wore a luxurious slim-fit dress that hugged her figure, entuating her curves from her hips to just above her knees. However, unlike theirst encounter, she was not smiling. Her once sweet and charming face was now staring at him icily. She waspletely different from her usual self. "Why are you still standing over there? Come on in." Wang Xuan greeted her. He stood up, and offered her a bright smile, "I was just telling Qin Cheng not to rush with ordering. I thought we''d wait for you to arrive so you can choose what you like. No need to spare my expenses. As a local here, it''s my duty to host you properly before you leave." As Zhao Qinghan entered, her gaze softened slightly, but she still projected a cold aura. "Thank you for your hospitality, Wang Xuan," she replied, her voiceposed and measured. Qin Cheng''s mouth opened slightly. It''s actually me who''s treating! He wanted to say. He was quite taken aback by Zhao Qinghan''s icy demeanor, finding it surprisingly captivating. He cast another nce at Wang Xuan. Good luck dealing with this. It¡¯s not my fault this time. Zhao Qinghan''s long, ck hair cascaded smoothly down her back, framing her fair, oval face. However, her usual sweetness was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was an air of distant rejection about her. Her beautiful,rge eyes bore into Wang Xuan with a gaze that was no longer as gentle as before. It carried a sense of slight anger. Her glossy red lips only entuated her icy demeanor. There was no smile on her face. She lifted her chin slightly, her snowy white skin standing out against her dark hair as she scrutinized Wang Xuan. Nheless, she entered the private room, the crystal-adorned high heels on her feet making a soft sound against the floor. It was the only noise in the otherwise silent room. Qin Cheng stood up and pulled out a chair for her. However, she did not ept his offer. Instead, she walked over to a nearby sofa. Without a word, she sat down, and in an elegant manner and ced her feet on the coffee table. Her legs were pressed together, so she did not have the worry of exposing herself. Zhao Qinghan''s legs were straight and exceptionally long, perfectly showcasing her well-proportioned figure. This image, this demeanor¡ªit waspletely different from the Zhao Qinghan that Qin Cheng had known. Now she truly exuded the queenly aura that Wang Xuan had described, overturning his previous perception of her. She was silent. With her arms crossed, her curves were highlighted even more though unintentionally. She stared at Wang Xuan, waiting for a reasonable exnation. This was the second time she caught him speaking ill of her. The look she gave Wang Xuan now could not be associated with gentleness. While she remained stunning, her demeanor was frosty. There was anger bubbling beneath her icy surface. Wang Xuan stood up, his expression deadly serious, and walked toward Zhao Qinghan. Oddly enough, Qin Cheng was calm. Rarely did he get to see Wang Xuan in such a predicament. He was quite eager to see how Wang Xuan would worm his way out of it. "Apologies!" Wait, he actually apologized?! Qin Cheng felt somewhat disappointed. He was enjoying the show and was looking forward to seeing Wang Xuan''s performance. Wang Xuan was someone who never yed by the book. However, what happened next exceeded Qing Chen¡¯s expectations. He nearly shouted out in disbelief. He could hardly believe his own eyes. Old Wang, you¡­ You¡¯re actually fighting Zhao Qinghan! After uttering the apology, Wang Xuan''s right hand struck out at Zhao Qinghan''s neck. A faint sound of wind and thunder apanied the movement. It was a terrifying disy of strength, executed with astonishing speed. The air seemed to resonate with explosive noise, and the turbulent airflow shook violently. The tissue paper on the coffee table was sent flying. Qin Cheng was shocked. While he knew that Wang Xuan would pull something off, this was just too much. He did not even hesitate as heunched his attack at Zhao Qinghan. He was incredibly nervous, but the only thing he could do was to gape at the two. What is this? What¡¯s going on? Way to go Old Wang! You didn¡¯t even hesitate! Zhao Qinghan was equally taken aback. Her expression immediately changed. Wang Xuan had truly done the unpredictable, and started a fight with her there and then. But her reaction was lightning-fast. Despite her initial shock, Zhao Qinghan immediately reacted. She immediately stabbed her right hand at Wang Xuan¡¯s hand. Even with the initiative taken by Wang Xuan, her attack was incredibly swift. Simultaneously, her left hand formed a fist. Her delicate limb packed a fearsome power. It emitted a resonating sound as it thundered toward Wang Xuan''s chest. Wang Xuan''s attacking stance with his right hand remained unchanged, but his left hand also moved to intercept Zhao Qinghan''s fist. Bang! The coffee table shattered as Zhao Qinghan''s legs retracted. It broke into pieces. While she attacked with her hands, she had also twisted her waist and sent her legsshing towards Wang Xuan¡¯s hand and chest with astonishing speed and uracy. Wang Xuan''s response was quick as well. He moved in swiftly, raising his right knee to block her legs. As their hands and fists collided, he tried to grapple her. Qin Cheng''s heart was pounding hard as he watched the ongoing fight. He leapt up from his seat and rushed towards the door, quickly shutting it to prevent anyone from witnessing the scene. Swoosh! Zhao Qinghan was graceful and agile. She shifted her body from the sofa, escaping Wang Xuan''s attack range. She bored holes into the carpet with her heels, a sign of the terrifying power contained within her tightly coiled body. Her face exuded a sense of ruthlessness, a far cry from her usual sweet and gentle demeanor. She maintained an incredibly powerfulbat posture. Qin Cheng swallowed hard. The entire situation came as a shock to him. Wang Xuan had previously told him that he was no match for Zhao Qinghan, but it was something he had refused to believe. He was stunned when she was able to take Wang Xuan head on. However, it wasn''t the time for overthinking. Qin Cheng quickly unplugged a power cable from a nearby device and whispered to Wang Xuan, "Do we need to tie her up?" Between his friends and his goddess, he naturally chose the former without hesitation. He intended to subdue Zhao Qinghan first. Wang Xuan sighed and let out a breath. He lowered his hands, no longer maintaining his attacking stance. Zhao Qinghan shot a fierce re at Qin Cheng and rxed her posture as well. She swayed her waist and hips, the sound of her high heels echoing on the ground. Wang Xuan was impressed, "Impressive, you have mastered chi gathering and inner cultivation!" He had always sensed that Zhao Qinghan had tricks hidden up her sleeves, but he hadn''t witnessed her strength until today. He was now convinced of her abilities. She had always the tendency of appearing silently behind him, and he only sensed her presence when she was very close. Although both instances were rted to a rxed atmosphere at the scene, when he was not on guard, it was still a testimony of her capabilities. Especially since Qing Mu from the Adventurer¡¯s Guild had mentioned to Wang Xuan that he was interested in two students from his ss, considering them to have great potential to be powerful experts. He was almost sure that Zhao Qinghan was the second student. Back then, Wang Xuan had realized that there was a powerful individual hidden among the students of the Old Arts Research Department. However, he had limited contact with Zhao Qinghan. She was often away from campus, and would disappear for weeks. Rarely would she be seen on campus. This made it difficult for him to ascertain the extent of her mastery of Old Arts. Zhao Qinghan smoothed her hair and said with a slight hint of sarcasm, "For a person who was caught talking about me behind my back, you sure are a bold one." Qin Cheng quickly tried to defuse the situation, ¡°Look, it''s all a misunderstanding. Why don¡¯t we all sit down and have a good conversation about it? Let bygones be bygones they say." Zhao Qinghan nced at the power cable in his hand and could barely hold back the urge to curse at the man. As a person who had been calling her a goddess, he chose to help Wang Xuan instead in a crucial moment like this. That disapproving gaze made Qin Cheng feel extremely embarrassed, and he quickly threw the power cable into a corner behind him. "Let''s order some food and chat while we eat," Wang Xuan suggested. Zhao Qinghan raised an eyebrow at him, "Are you just that forgiving of a person, or do you think I¡¯ll just let it slide?" "I fancy myself as a forgiving man," Wang Xuan said, "And you''re not someone who frets over the small stuff either. In my eyes, you''re open-minded, have a great figure, and are very beautiful." In an instant, Zhao Qinghan''s gaze turned sharp, and her expression grew hostile. She crossed her arms and sat down, and offered him a cold smile. Wang Xuan responded with a smile of his own, "Since you''ve mastered the Old Arts to such a degree, you should know that people like us have good senses. I felt like you''ve been watching me from a distance, but I¡¯m not sure what you''re up to. It felt like you¡¯re treating me as prey, That¡¯s why I was so guarded against you." Zhao Qinghan was frustrated by his answer. You call that being guarded?You¡¯re the one who went on the attack. I let it slidest time, but now you¡¯re not even hiding it! Wang Xuan continued, "Don''t be angry, Miss Zhao. Please, have a seat. We can eat and then we can talk about our cooperation." After having interacted with her a few times, Wang Xuan was sure that she had some business with him. She would not be reaching out to him when she was about to leave the city otherwise. There must be a reason behind her appearance on this day. "You are quite confident of yourself," Zhao Qinghan replied. She was ready to put aside their previous conflicts and have a discussion with him. The waiter was shocked when they entered the room. Just what the hell did they do to the ce?! What¡¯s with the shattered coffee table and all the holes in the ground? It was clear that a new room had to be arranged. Zhao Qinghan was generous enough to not mention what transpired earlier. However, she left for a moment and returned wearing a coat, and with a nagging feeling that Wang Xuan meant something different with his words. Once the three of them were seated, the atmosphere became harmonious again. They chatted andughed, as if nothing had happened before. Wang Xuan, in a very serious tone, began, "Miss Zhao, you¡¯re interested in me because of my skills, but let me make it clear from the start: if you require me to do something illegal, don''t think of counting me in. I am aw-abiding citizen of the city. I''ve never harmed anyone in all my life. Oh, right, that incident with Zhou Yun doesn''t count. I was acting purely in self-defense." Zhao Qinghan stared at him. She could not bring herself to believe that this ssmate of hers was what he imed himself to be. A thorough investigation might uncover some dark secret or past of his. She remained calm andposed as she continued the discussion with the demeanor of a seasoned diplomat. She did not rush straight to the point, and instead started talking about the Transhuman Arts. "Transhuman Arts, or some might call them the Divine Arts, are essentially unexpected gains from exploring certain realms," she exined what she knew slowly. Then, with a shift in demeanor, she remarked, "There are those harboring ambitious ambitions. They''ve barely scratched the surface of their inquiries and are already envisioning harnessing the power of the Divine Arts. And can you believe, there are even those whose dreams extend further with fantasies of bing some sort of divine being. It''s quite the spectacle. Yet perhaps they should address the issue of their limited lifespans first." As her narrative continued, a sudden realization struck Wang Xuan, "Are you contemting gathering a group to venture into uncharted territories? The pioneers are always the ones who end up in trouble. Count me out, I have no interest in bing cannon fodder!" Zhao Qinghan responded with an alluring smile, "Your imagination is indeed vivid. Fear not, as fellow ssmates, I harbor no intentions of sending you into danger. This is an opportunity that defies your wildest dreams!" But Wang Xuan was not interested. "No need to worry. It''s not what you imagine. This presents an opportunity for you. However, considering you''re currently blocked from going to the New Star, it''s too early to delve into such discussions." Both of them shared a heartyugh, continuing their conversation. Eventually, Wang Xuan cut to the chase, "If you''re determined to have me on board, would you be so kind as to rify whether an upfront payment is part of the deal? And, just out of curiosity, do you happen to possess any ancient Taoist scriptures?" Zhao Qinghan could barely hold back the urge to cuss at him. Ancient Taoist scriptures? The audacity to even bring that up! What was he thinking? Wang Xuan continued, "And what about gold bamboo slips from the Early Qin era?" Zhao Qinghan''s expression soured. She sensed the futility in continuing the conversation; Wang Xuan had made his disinterest crystal clear. He was even intentionally setting unreasonable terms to block this avenue. Qin Cheng sighed. He was shocked by how his friend was handling the situation. He fought Zhao Qinghan in hand to handbat, and somehow nonchntly steered the conversation towards cooperation and business, and now he was making Zhao Qinghan fume in anger. In an attempt to diffuse the situation, he raised his ss and said, "Let''s drink to life''s sesses and joys. By the way, Qinghan, I never expected you to have mastered the Old Arts to such a degree. How did you do it? You were able to stand toe to toe against Wang Xuan." Zhao Qinghan''s casual response was disarming. She attributed it to maintaining a well-toned physique, dedicating a portion of her day to practice. At that moment, Qin Cheng was left bbergasted. He lowered his head to take a sip of his drink, the desire to converse diminished. In fact, a twinge of mncholy settled in. Here he was, striving tirelessly to harness his inner power, while she effortlessly honed her abilities in pursuit of a wless physique. It was a stark reminder that life''s journey was far from equitable. Chapter 21: No Tricks Chapter 21: No Tricks In the following moments, a tacit understanding settled between them, and the topic of exploration was left untouched, allowing space for potential coboration in the future. They delved into the realm of the Old Arts. Wang Xuan had a lot of questions. He sought to gather insights into various aspects, such as the Early Qin golden bamboo slips. Zhao Qinghan made it unequivocally clear that dwelling on such "curiosities" would be fruitless. Only four instances of these artifacts had been unearthed over the years, and two had be the subject of fierce contention. The pages of these scrolls were scattered as a result. In terms of truly authentic Early Qin golden bamboo slips, there were only twoplete copies remaining, securely locked within the most fortified vault of thergest bank in the New World. Wang Xuan felt a pang of regret; these treasures were beyond his reach. Despite the decline of the Old Arts, the various organizations and corporations refused to relinquish their hold on the relics. There did not seem to be hope for now. Zhao Qinghan also made it clear that the golden bamboo slips were not the only artifacts that were being hoarded. Any legacy of the Early Qin Daoists was incredibly precious due to their rarity in existence. "So, you''re saying that even ordinary Early Qin bamboo slips hold immense value?" Wang Xuan inquired. Zhao Qinghan cast him a sidelong nce and replied, "There''s no such thing as ''ordinary'' when ites to bamboo slips connected to the Early Qin practitioners." Wang Xuan realized the true value of the tranted text Lin Professor had given him on the Early Qin bamboo slips. In fact, Professor Lin had nearly lost his life over these bamboo slips. He had barely escaped the grand tomb of the Early Qin era, facing countless dangers but miraculously surviving. "I''ve heard that someone at the New World had reached the level of a grandmaster, only to perish the strain ced on his body by the practice of some sort of physical technique. How strong do you think they are?" Wang Xuan asked. Zhao Qinghan was slightly taken aback when she realized that he was notpletely out of the loop. She did not expect him to know about the events happening on the New Star. He must have his own source of information. Wang Xuan''s question stirred various thoughts in her mind, but he did not mind. They were soon to part ways, and in normal circumstances, they were likely to rarely run into one another. Moreover, he had no intention of getting involved in her ns. Zhao Qinghan shared the same sentiment. The path of the Old Arts was filled with hardships. Not many had the will to venture down this path. "The grandmaster you mentioned practiced the very secret scripture from the Taoist Ancestral Court that you were just inquiring about. But the oue was tragic. His internal organs were in a sense liquified. His death was quite gruesome," she revealed. Wang Xuan''s expression turned serious. Is it really that dangerous? He began to hold his own copy of the golden book even more dearly, realizing that what Zhang Daoling had left behind was undoubtedly on par with the secret scripture of the Taoist Ancestral Court. Qin Cheng sighed, "What a waste. Achieving the level of grandmaster, only to end up having his internal organs literally melting. People tend to overestimate their limits." "You say that so lightly. Imagine as he feels himself growing older day by day, and learnt that this kind of bodily cultivation could rejuvenate his aging organs, potentially extending his life by decades. Do you think he could resist the temptation?" Zhao Qinghan retorted. "Well if you put it like that... I''d want to give it a try too!" Qin Cheng nodded. "How far apart are the levels of a grandmaster and those of an ancient practitioner?" Wang Xuan inquired. "They¡¯re not even in the same league, their strengths are just too far apart to bepared," Zhao Qinghan replied. Then she looked at Wang Xuan and asked, "You seem to be quite keen on continuing down the path of the Old Arts. Is your goal to be an ancient Taoist practitioner?" Wang Xuan replied, "I''m someone who''s been abandoned, cut off from the New Arts. The only path I have left is to go down the path of the Old Arts." Qin Cheng felt a pang of sympathy for his friend. Zhao Qinghan could sense that Wang Xuan had a natural aptitude for the Old Arts, but even she could not predict what the future held for him. Qin Cheng shook his head, "Old Wang was born in the wrong era. In ancient times, he might have grown to the point where he could subdue the entire world with his might. He would¡¯ve be a legend, or even a myth. But in this age of technological advancement, what can his mastery of the Old Arts achieve at its peak? It can''t stand up against modern weaponry. While the stars beyond continue to burn to their brightest, the emperors of Qin and Han are naught but dust. The practitioners who were tasked with finding the elixir of immortality for them have also perished in the passage of time. The path of the Old Arts is a tough one. Hope seems to be so very far out of reach." The conversation took a somber turn as they contemted the future of the Old Arts in their era. The relevance of Old Arts in a world dominated by modern technology seemed bleak. Against advanced weapons wielded by elite soldiers, even the most proficient practitioners of Old Arts stood no chance. Amidst this discussion, Zhao Qinghan observed Wang Xuan''sposure. His inner strength was apparent; he held steadfast to his beliefs. Does he truly believe that there was a future for Old Arts? "So,..." Qin Cheng interjected once more, picking up from their earlier conversation. He turned to Zhao Qinghan and continued, "Can you help Wang Xuan in some way, Qinghan? Perhaps by sharing techniques from the New Arts, or even bringing him to the New World?" After the extensive discussion, Qin Cheng''s intention was clear ¨C he was willing to swallow his pride and ask for Zhao Qinghan''s help on behalf of Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan waved his hand to cut Qin Cheng off. He then patted his friend on the shoulder and said, "I know my path very well." With a subtle gesture, he conveyed his appreciation to Qin Cheng. He did not want his friend to beg someone else for his sake. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best when I return,¡± Responded Zhao Qinghan, ¡°but there¡¯s no guarantees.¡± Wang Xuan expressed gratitude to her but politely declined her offer. He wanted to take some time to consider his own path. Nodding in understanding, Zhao Qinghan smiled and soon took her leave, ¡°We shall meet again.¡± As the pair got up to see her off, Qin Chengmented, "Wang, you seem reluctant to get too deeply involved with her. But don¡¯t you think you¡¯re missing out on a big opportunity by declining her offer? If she''s willing to help, she might be able to bring you to the New World." Wang Xuan shook his head, "The yers at the stars beyond are already starting to explore a mysterious region. It''s a situation I''d rather not get entangled in." Qin Cheng nodded in agreement, "You''re right. But what''s that ce she mentioned? And what did she mean by someone trying to attain godhood?" "The information we have so far is limited, so it''s hard to determine exactly what''s going on, but it sounds like it might be rted to the Western concept of deification," Wang Xuan exined. Qin Cheng eximed, "Seriously? In this era, there are actually people delusional enough to think they can be gods? Are they insane?" Wang Xuan responded, "Who knows what they''ve discovered? She mentioned that some of them are even thinking about achieving godhood, right?" Qin Cheng reflected, "It seems like something extraordinary is happening in the depths of the cosmos. I can almost sense a great upheaval there. The vast expanse of stars, the dawn of a new era... it''s so exciting. How I wish to be there." "Since the founding of our country, no gods are allowed!" Wang Xuan quipped. It was a joke that Qin Cheng found rather tasteless. Wang Xuan rified, "What I mean is, with technology so advanced, it''s fine for some of the powerful factions on New Star to fantasize, but if they dare to cross the line. It won¡¯t end well for them. Other organizations and major institutions will surely intervene, and the government won''t just stand by. Those who go against the tide will be crushed from all sides." ¡­¡­ In the evening, Wang Xuan returned to his residence and carefully studied the bamboo slips that Professor Lin had given him. He immersed himself in the sensations of the power buried within the passage of time. Qin Cheng''s words had somewhat touched him. In this era of dazzling technological civilization, even the top experts of the Old Arts couldn''t stand against those advanced weapons, and there seemed to be no way forward. The stars might have remained the same, but the world had changed over a millennium. Could the Old Arts still find its new height? Putting aside the bamboo slip scriptures, Wang Xuan turned his attention to the techniques recorded in the golden book. He practiced for a while, following the illustrations on the first page. When he felt a slight difort in his internal organs, he stopped, wary of pushing himself too hard. He understood that what Zhang Daoling had left behind was undoubtedly priceless, but the process could not be rushed. What reassured him was that the sensation he experienced was different from the pain Qing Mu had mentioned. He felt like he could gradually adapt to it and continue practicing after a short rest. Half an hourter, reaching his limit, he decisively halted the practice of the techniques from the golden book. "Now, let''s take a look at the Old Arts scriptures that Zhou Mingxuan gave me." It was an old manual that Wang Xuan had received from Zhou Mingxuan during his ss reunion a few days ago. He had brought it back but had not taken the time to thoroughly examine it. He was not expecting much. It was highly unlikely that Zhou Mingxuan would give him anything good. "Hmm, this is quite simr to the Golden Armor Technique I''ve been practicing. This might even be a sequel then?" Wang Xuan eximed in surprise as he began to read through it carefully. It was a form of body technique known as the "Golden Body," seemingly possessing impressive effects. ording to the description, in theter stages, practitioners could be impervious to weapons. Wang Xuan was skeptical. The description of this technique in the book seemed a bit exaggerated. He refused to believe that a technique could achieve such an effect. Why would Zhou Mingxuan even give me something like this if it were real? He thought to himself. As he continued reading, his expression changed. He mmed the secret manual onto the table in frustration. "Don¡¯t me me for giving your son a beating, old man. If there''s a suitable opportunity in the future, I''ll take every chance to do so!" Wang Xuan muttered angrily. He felt like he had been yed by Zhou Mingxuan. The manual is trash! Its contents are clearly fictions that are utterly unreliable. No wonder Zhou Mingxuan had given it to him. This technique, known as the Golden Body Technique, was described to be able to drastically enhance its user¡¯s resistance to physical attacks once the firstyer was mastered, which would take about a year of dedicated practice. Furthermore, the manual explicitly stated that the mastery of each subsequentyer required double the time of the previous one. Who could possiblymit to mastering a technique like this? Wang Xuan felt an intense urge to confront Zhou Yun immediately. ording to the scroll, unless he lived for several centuries, the prospect of attaining the higher realms of this technique seemed like an impossible dream. As he continued flipping the pages, he came to a realization. There were a whopping thirteenyers in the manual! No, wait, upon closer examination, he discovered references to ongoing discussions about the fourteenth and fifteenth levels. "Unbelievable!" Wang Xuan muttered, stunned. It would take centuries to master the techniquepletely. It was not meant for mortal men. "Damn you, old man. You¡¯ve really done it. Just wait and see!" Wang Xuan eximed, tossing the aged, seemingly antique book to the side. Chapter 22: Close Call With Death Chapter 22: Close Call With Death Wang Xuan set aside the aged manuscript and picked up a golden bamboo slip from the Early Qin period. It measured only eight centimeters in length but was surprisingly heavy. Unlike regr bamboo, it was smooth. This had been a gift from Qingmu when he first joined the organization. As Zhao Qinghan had mentioned, only four of these golden bamboo slips had been unearthed in the Old Land over the course of several decades of exploration. Two of them were lost and scattered due to fiercepetitions between corporations that seek to im them for their own. Wang Xuan spected that aplete golden bamboo slip might consist of several dozen pieces, making the task of assembling aplete set incredibly daunting. He studied the intricate carvings on the bamboo slip. The carving of a creature with a human head and a serpent''s body appeared lifelike, but the meaning of the patterns remain elusive to him. With not enough reading materials for references, it was nigh impossible to unlock its secrets. Wang Xuan set the bamboo slip aside. The path of the Old Arts was a culmination of much knowledge. He knew full well that there was no need to be fixated on the artifacts from the Early Qin era. The next morning, Wang Xuan practiced the core techniques of the old masters. With only a couple of days left before he returned to work, he cherished the tranquility of his current life. Upon returning, drenched in sweat, he once again noticed the Golden Body Technique manual on his desk and could not resist the urge to walk over to it. After studying it carefully, he was sure that the faded manual was a genuine antiquity instead of a counterfeit. But its content appeared to be more fiction than fact. Eventually, curiosity got the best of him. After getting ready for bed, he reced his standard SIM card with a specialized one and secretly contacted Qing Mu to ask for advice. After hearing his brief description, Qing Muughed, "People from ancient times had a tendency to exaggerate. Those ims of hundreds or even thousands of years are a bit inted, just to make their techniques seem more impressive. Don''t take it too seriously. I remember now, the ''Golden Body'' technique was quite famous. It appeared during the Northern Song era, but I''m not too clear on the details." Wang Xuan was impressed that Qing Mu knew even the history of the scripture. "You can try learning this technique if you want, but don''t get carried away by blind belief. Just getting through the first seven or eight levels would take centuries. Who are they trying to fool? Think about it, if the scripture is true, where would the author be? He lived in the Northern Song era. If he really achieved the thirteenth level, would he still be alive today? Interestingly, there are records of his tomb found inter times." ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan had mixed feelings about the information he received from Qing Mu. He had initially harbored thoughts that he now found unrealistic. What he imagined was a new realm at the end of the path for the Old Arts if the Golden Body technique held even a hint of credibility. However, Qing Mu''s words had swiftly shattered any such illusions, making him realize just how unreliable the ancients could be. "Damn you, the original author of the Golden Body Technique! And damn you too, Zhou Mingxuan! I¡¯ll remember this." Wang Xuan headed out not long after. The students who made the selection were about to embark on a journey across the stars. Professor Lin would also be returning to the New World on the same ship. It was only natural for him to pay a visit to Professor Lin once more before parting ways. He wished to bid him farewell in advance. He would not be able to get anywhere near the vessel the next day. With silver-streaked hair and a slightly plump figure, Professor Lin''splexion was fair, his face tinged with a healthy flush. He wasughing heartily. "Don''t go writing off the idea too hastily," Professor Lin offered, "the people from the past had a tendency to blow things out of proportion. But the Golden Body Technique is no simple trick. Word has it that once you master it, you might as well be immune to knives and spears. The founder of the technique, Zhou Yunkong, was quite the legend. His skin and flesh were tougher than the best armor, and he lived a good hundred and fifty years before passing away in the Shu Mountains. Grave robbers paid his tomb a visit during the Ming Dynasty, and found his manual on the Golden Body Technique. That man''s got quite the record in the annals of unofficial history." Wang Xuan found himself at a loss for words. A guy who had lived for over a century and a half managed to invent a technique that takes millennia to master? It was a real eye-opener, proving that the ancient world was not short on grand storytellers. Wang Xuan could not help but feel for Zhou Yunkong, for even his final resting ce was desecrated by grave robbers. Professor Lin, on the other hand,manded his respect. He knew more of the history of the Old Arts than Qing Mu. "Don''t brush aside the Golden Body Technique too quickly," warned Professor Lin. "The fact that it gave Zhou Yunkong a hundred and fifty-odd years of life speaks volumes. It was said that when grave robbers dug him up, his body hadn''t rotted entirely. It was tougher than stone, so much so that swords couldn''t leave a scratch. And remember, by then, the guy had been dead for a couple of centuries." Anticipation welled within Wang Xuan. In an era where modern weaponry could easily overpower even the most skilled practitioners of the Old Arts, mastering the Golden Body Technique would highly increase his survivability. "Zhou Yunkong and Zhou Mingxuan both share the same surname. Could the former be an ancestor of the Zhou family?" Wang Xuan mused. But he quickly shook his head. It wasn''t likely to be that coincidental. Besides, if it were a family heirloom, Zhou Mingxuan wouldn''t have been able to give it away. "This secret manual appears to have a history of just over two hundred years based on the paper, so it''s probably ater transcription. However, after studying it, I believe it to be authentic." Ever since Professor Lin was unable to engage in physicalbat, he had switched to theoretical research and the critical study of various old arts and ancient methods. He had a keen eye and an uncanny ability to make urate judgments. Wang Xuan sighed, "This secret manual has left a significant impact on me today. Since it exaggerates so much, I''m left wondering if other ancient texts about old arts are the same." This was the very reason he had sought Professor Lin''s advice. The secret manual given to him by Zhou Mingxuan had stirred his thoughts. Could the legends surrounding Old Arts still be trustworthy? For instance, the practices left behind by ancient Daoists from before the Qin Dynasty¡ªcould they also have been exaggerated beyond measure? Professor Lin shook his head and said, "It''s not as bad as you think. Exaggerations like the Golden Body Technique are part of a very small number of texts that go to such extremes, and it''s mainly tied to the historical context of that time. For instance, during that era, even official battle reports were like that. In a single battle, only a few hundred enemy soldiers might have been killed or captured, yet they''d inte the numbers to tens of thousands of enemies vanquished, bodies strewn across the field. If even the authorities did that, you can imagine how folk history and legends might have been embellished." Wang Xuan listened in silence. It suddenly felt like the mastery of the Old Arts required a broader understanding. Besides delving into the Daoist texts, he needed to brush up on history as well. Professor Lin added, "As for the strength of the pre-Qin Daoists, the final conclusions were drawn through rigorous testing at some of Nova''s Life Research Institutes." Various corporations and research organizations had exhumed a few Daoist corpses from the ancientnd, dating back to pre-Qin times. They had conducted analyses and tests, resulting in credible conclusions. "So, don''t doubt the brilliance of the old arts in their heyday. If you want to continue down this path, confidence is key." Wang Xuan''s expression turned serious,, "I got lost in my thoughts, lost sight of my purpose. I originally joined the Old Arts Research Department out of curiosity. But now that it captured my interest, and I wanted to keep exploring." ¡­¡­ In the realm of Old Arts, Wang Xuan never indulged in blind faith. His initial n was to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, but ultimately he aimed to validate this path through his own efforts. Professor Lin mused, "In this age of technological marvels, those who practice Old Arts will constantly face pressure." Wang Xuan nodded, yet his conviction grew even stronger. If he reached the end of this path and found that there was no way forward in the realm of old arts, he hoped he could make a difference with his own abilities. ... In the evening, Wang Xuan was in his residence studying the body techniques and contemting their foundational principles. Eventually, he descended to the wooded area outside theplex, illuminated by moonlight, and began the practice of gathering qi and cultivating his inner energy. He emptied his mind, feeling a profound rity. The soft, pure moonlight filled his soul. At this moment, he felt a deep connection between his inner and outer self, his perception heightened. Suddenly, Wang Xuan felt his forehead tighten and throb as if it were about to be pierced by a sharp, pointed weapon. A shiver ran down his spine, and his heart raced. Without thinking, he instinctively shifted his body, moving with rapid reflexes. Pshh! A soft sound rang out. Wang Xuan felt his temple grow warm, as a terrifying current of air brushed past his ear. A few strands of hair fell, giving off a burnt smell. Whoosh! In the next moment, Wang Xuan darted into the densely packed trees of theplex. This was an aged residential area, and the trees nted in the past had grown tall over decades, now towering giants. The lush foliage instantly concealed Wang Xuan''s figure. At this moment, Wang Xuan''s eyes were as sharp as daggers. He coldly fixated on a certain direction within the woods. His heart was pounding fast. He had just been shot at. Death had been just an inch away. If he hadn''t instinctively moved aside, he would have met certain death by a shot to the head. In that moment, he sensed the terrifying fluctuation of air brought by the bullet''s passage. A gust of wind brushed past his temple, and strands of hair fell from his head. Who is it? It was a reckless act to fire a gun in a residential area. Something like this was simply unimaginable. Gun control in the Old World had been strict. Ordinary citizens never had to worry about being shot at. Public safety has always been high. But Wang Xuan was personally experiencing a life-and-death crisis. Someone wanted him dead, and they were going to extreme lengths to make sure it happened. They were even willing to ignore coteral damage that would certainly follow by pulling off in the middle of a residential area. The assant had equipped their weapon with a silencer to avoid drawing attention from bystanders. In the silence, Wang Xuan sought out his enemy. He knew it was foolish to rush out, for he had no idea how many potential enemies were lurking in the shadows, and how many guns were pointed at him. Swiftly, he tore off his shirt and tossed it out. Bang! Bang! Bang! Three muffled gunshots rang out. His shirt, now falling, bore three bullet holes. The shooter¡¯s skill was astonishing. They had disyed quick reaction time and their frightening uracy. Wang Xuan''s expression turned icy. There were at least three highly skilled gunmen positioned just outside theplex''s fence, awaiting the opportunity to take him down. He had even managed to pinpoint the locations of the three gunmen. But he did not leave his cover. Instead, he slipped deeper into the woods, hiding behind a tree. The exact number of assants remained unknown, and he was not willing to take the risk. The first thought that crossed his mind was the Golden Body Technique. If he could master this technique, he would not have such worries. The technique would allow him to fight back and hunt down his attackers. Instead of the hunted, he would be the hunter. Wang Xuan remained remarkablyposed under the circumstances. He contacted Qing Mu using his specialized SIM card and provided a brief exnation of the situation. "You did the right thing. Stay hidden, you do not have a firearm with you. Professionals will handle it shortly. I''m heading over as well with some equipment for you." After hanging up, Qing Mu''s expression turned ice-cold. The unknown assants had crossed a line by pulling off such a move in a major city in the Old World. While shes might happen in areas devoid of civilization during explorations, among certainrge organizations to secure treasures and precious relics, it was simply unimaginable to involve ordinary citizens in their squabbles. They knew very well that reckless actions would plunge society into chaos. This was an unspoken agreement, a rule that had be a convention. All organizations and institutions followed it, and very few dared to disrupt the status quo.They knew that the government would step in if things got out of hand. Despite the Old World¡¯s decline, certain standards remained intact. Wang Xuan climbed arge tree. There, he had time to think. Who could possibly want him dead? He had barely left the campus and already found himself in this predicament. He contemted recent events and the people involved. He mentally reviewed all individuals and organizations connected to him, and cold fury lit up his eyes. The encounter on Qingcheng Mountain might have left some clues that attracted someone''s wrath. The forces involved included the Zhou family, the Ling family, and the Wu family. There were also individuals like Jin Chuan from the Adventurer¡¯s. Wang Xuan also considered Wu Yin, whom he had encounteredst night. Apart from these individuals and factions, Zhou Yun was the only one he had crossed. His father, Zhou Mingxuan, was a very capable man. Delving into more distant matters, there were also those who sought to stop Wang Xuan from leaving the Old World to Terra Nova. Although this incident might not be directly rted, the possibilities were still something that he could not afford to ignore. Wang Xuan seethed with a burning determination to get to the truth. Who? Who wants me dead so much that they¡¯re willing to pull off something like this? If he were to die, would someone silently erase all traces, without alerting anyone? The ones behind this seemed incredibly confident of their abilities.
Jimmi''s Thoughts A close call indeed! How can Wang Xuan hope to survive in the face of modern day weaponry?
Chapter 23: Hyper Perception Chapter 23: Hyper Perception Like a ghost, Wang Xuan vanished between the leaves. He moved from one side of the forest to the other with a murderous intent. He was hunting his hunters under the cover of night. Cold fury burned in his heart. Despite his usualposure, he could not simply overlook the audacity of his assants who were trying to kill him in the middle of the city. The beast within him demanded to be unleashed. He had never experienced such an intense bloodlust before. It was his way to hide his strength from those around him, but it did not make him a coward, and he was far from weak. Now that he was locked in a situation of life and death, there was no longer a reason to hold back. He would strike fast and hard in his counterattack. ¡°I knew it, there¡¯s more of them!¡± Wang Xuan''s perception was now extraordinarily acute. After the recent gunshot, and the near miss of a bullet, his inner vitality surged. His metabolism elerated, and he found himself in an extraordinary state. The nearby vegetation became remarkably clear to him. The calls of nocturnal birds and the footsteps of pedestrians on the street seemed to draw closer to his ears in an instant.He fixed his gaze on the fence on the opposite side of the agedplex. Within the shadow of the trees in that area, he detected the cold barrel of a gun pointed at the forest¡ªsomething that had escaped the notice of most. Wang Xuan was in an unusually heightened state. His senses were extraordinarily acute. In this state, his vision, hearing, and even his sense of smell became many times sharper than that of an ordinary human being. He was in a state of ¡°hyper perception¡±. In the realm of Old Arts, this was the activation of a cultivator¡¯s "superego," an instinctual self-liberation used to counter external threats. From a modern medical perspective, it would be exined as an intense "stress response." It involved heightened sympathetic nervous system activity, increased secretion of pituitary and adrenal cortex hormones, and a rapid surge in cardiac output, resulting in an all-epassing boost in both physical and mental faculties, aimed at self-defense. For practitioners of Old Arts, the situation was naturally more intricate. Wang Xuan''s current "hyper perception" was exceptionally acute, granting him visual and auditory capabilities beyond theprehension of ordinary people. In these fleeting moments, he continued to shift positions within the woods, meticulously tracking any activity outside theplex. His focus gradually cooled, and he was able to hold back the beast within him. Seven individualsy in quiet ambush, patiently awaiting his emergence from the dense forest. Disaster would have struck if he misread the situation and acted upon the information that there were only three shooters. He had a hunch that there were even more attackers hidden even further away. Wang Xuan continued to shift positions. He did not want to get boxed in. Yet, he knew that remaining purely on the defensive was against his instincts. Regardless, he needed to keep these individuals upied, prolonging the encounter and buying time for Qing Mu''s team. He picked up a fist-sized rock from beneath a tree root, weighing it in his hand. He chuckled at himself. The weapon in his hand was incredibly primitive, like a relic from the Stone Age facing off against modern firearms. Yet, he truly had no other options. His sole reliancey in the state of Hyper Perception that was growing stronger. His eyes gleamed with brilliance like two bright stars under the night sky. Although the distance was considerable, he sharply perceived the gunmen''s positions. He could even make out the eyes beneath the headgear and the tattoos on the exposed arms of one of them. He could not afford to step out of the dense woods as they would immediately lock onto him. In the open space where cover iscking, the enemy''s equipment and capabilities would be able to defeat his heightened senses. They would definitely prove lethal to him. That was why he opted to wait for the right opportunity. The gunmen beyond the fence would never imagine that someone in the darkness could clearly perceive their every move even without the aid of modern equipment. As Wang Xuan''s physical and mental states harmonized at this moment, his Hyper Perception became even more terrifying. As he focused, the movements of the distant figure were projected into his mind. He could anticipate the instant when the person would make a move¡ªultimately, the gunman would be somewhatx, not fully regarding his threat as a practitioner of Old Arts fully. Wang Xuan hurled the fist-sized stone with all his strength, propelling it with a force that was beyond theprehension of ordinary humans. Bang! In the fleeting moment when the person peeked out, the stone struck his forehead with remarkable uracy. Without even a stifled groan, he copsed backward, producing a muffled thud as he hit the ground. The two nearby individuals swiftly turned their heads to his direction. They were shocked. They simply could not believe their own eyes. Theirpanion''s forehead had caved in, with blood gushing out of the sizable crater. They were left gaping and utterly baffled as they struggled toprehend what just happened. It was like going against a caveman with advanced weaponry and having a highly advanced bomber being shot down by a thrown spear. They were both elites, professionals on a mission to kill a practitioner of the Old Arts. Yet, their target had just used a stone to crack open theirpanion''s skull. Having carried out numerous assignments, and having encountered and dispatched multiple adept ancient arts practitioners, they had never encountered a situation like this before. Bang! Bang! Bang! In the split second that Wang Xuan took to shift his position, several bullets whizzed past his original spot. Some struck the tree trunks, while others embedded themselves into the groun, producing faint sounds on impact. He slipped deeper into the woods, taking cover behind a thick tree trunk. A sense of warning gripped him as he realized that the individuals outside seemed to have been provoked into action. They were now firing into the forest without restraint. Wang Xuan''s movements were agile, nimble, and swift as he reached the back of arge limestone. It was a park decoration sometimes used as a makeshift bench. However, at this moment, it offered him the best cover. Bang! Bang! Bang! Shards of stone erupted as bullets struck the makeshift barricade. Wang Xuan''s eyes were burning with intense anger. His attackers knew no restraint. They had ignored the unspoken rules set by the many factions and were trying to murder someone in the middle of the city. They have even resorted for firing blindly at a target they could not see in the middle of a residentialplex. What allowed them to act with such impunity? And who is the one who shielding them from the consequences? "Don''t let me find out who you are. Otherwise, sooner orter, you''ll be rooted out. I don''t care if you''re from some organization or a corporation. There will be a reckoning," Wang Xuan vowed. He was regretting that he had not mastered the Golden Body Technique. His position would not be so precarious had he been able to master it. Suddenly, the woods fell quiet. Wang Xuan saw several figures carrying the fallen man retreat in different directions, disying nimble agility as they vanished. Swift as a feline, Wang Xuan leaped up and approached the electrical room in the woods. He found a steel rebar stick that was over half a meter in length which was the best option at hand. With cat-like grace, he moved through the woods, utilizing his heightened senses to the fullest. He then swung his arm, the air almost seeming to crackle with a sonic boom. Among the retreating figures in the distance, one person stumbled forward and copsed with a thud. His eyes widened as he groaned in pain. A clear hole had been pierced through his chest, front to back. His heart was torn apart. A steel rebar stick went clean through the wound and fell to the ground about twenty meters away with a loud metallic ng. The expressions of hispanions changed. They were stunned by the strength disyed by Wang Xuan. He was able to fling a steel rebar stick from such a distance, and was able to pierce through one of theirrades who was highly alert ¨C it sent shivers down the spines of the remaining individuals. "Quick, let''s get out of here!" someone whispered. They lifted the fallen man and wasted no time in retreating. Before leaving, one of them sprayed something onto the bloodstains on the ground. It was clear that they were professionals. Although Wang Xuan was filled with a vengeful fury, he ultimately refrained from chasing after them. Instead, he shifted to another position within the woods. He still sensed the presence of distant threats of guns being trained on the forest. Venturing from cover would ce him in the sights of the hidden snipers. Their retreat signaled to Wang Xuan that Qing Mu''s team had arrived. The attackers were either highly informed or had individuals stationed at a distance that detected their approach. Suppressing his urge to pursue, Wang Xuan remained in the woods, silently waiting. Before long, Qing Mu''s team did arrive. From the moment Wang Xuan had contacted them until now, their speed was astonishing, and their efficiency was exceptional. However, the assants were exceptionally vignt and had retreated early. "Go after them and find out who they are! They will pay for opening fire in the middle of the city" Qing Mu arrived personally, directing a group of men to pursue the retreating attackers. Meanwhile, he contacted Wang Xuan and entered the forest alone. He had brought along aplete set of top-notch equipment. Wang Xuan quickly changed his clothes. They were quite heavy,prising threeyers of bulletproof vests, and he also put on a specially designed windbreaker with some defensive capabilities. Additionally, he wore a casual-looking duckbill cap that was deceptively heavy. While he wasn''t ustomed to such attire on regr days, he equipped himself with the windbreaker and duckbill cap, then picked up a firearm. He was ready to head out of the forest. The events of today had ignited the fire of fury within him. He could not stay calm while there were those out there attempting for his life. "Wait a moment, I''ll change my clothes too. Let¡¯s head out together," Qingmu said as he removed his green mask and changed his coat. His true appearance was not hidden under the mask. He was still wearing a lifelike silicone mask. The group of professionals he brought with him had left in pursuit of the attackers in the direction projected by Wang Xuan. The two of them holstered their firearms and ran in the same direction as well. Unfortunately, due to the influence of the New World, Old Earth had seen a decrease in surveince cameras and monitoring devices due to increasing concerns about privacy. Many blind spots and dead zones existed along the roads. Qing Mu could have used his connections to directly ess the surveince footages, but there were simply too many spots that were left uncovered. Wang Xuan could feel the power of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. In such a short period, they mobilized a group of "professionals" to track down the gunmen. "You took down two gunmen with just a stone and a steel bar?" Qing Mu eximed in astonishment upon hearing about the incident. After all, Wang Xuan was still a novice, a young man in his early twenties, yet his experience and skills far exceeded those of Qing Mu in his prime. Maintaining hisposure, Wang Xuan''s gaze zed as he arrived in a densely popted area with numerous bars lining the sides of the road, where nightlife was just beginning. Qing Mu frowned, "This ce is chaotic and full of all kinds of businesses. Every establishment has their own way to ensure the safety of their customers. It''s not easy to find someone here." Wang Xuan had already realized that the assants were likely well-prepared and had probably been assisted halfway through. Chasing them down like this would be a challenge. At that moment, he looked up and spotted familiar faces on the lively bar street. A group, including Zhou Yun, Wu Yin, and Zhou Ting, were walking not far away. They seemed headed to a well-known bar on the street. Zhou Yun noticed Wang Xuan and approached. He was tall and had a somewhat wild look that might intimidate others. But Wang Xuan wasn''t fazed ¨C he had faced him before, more than once. "You''re dressed differently from before, but you look cool today. Are you here for a romantic encounter tonight?" Zhou Yun asked casually. However, Zhou Yun himself did not look good at the moment. He had bandages on his head, a cast on his broken arm, and his injured nail was treated with ointment. Even his broken nose had been fixed. "Every inch of you is covered in injuries. You¡¯re wrapped up like a dumpling. Who did you have a showdown with this time, to end up in such a state?" Wang Xuan''s words pricked at Zhou Yun, and his eyes immediately red. He thought about that mixed-race boy with blue eyes. At first, he had stopped hating Wang Xuan, channeling all his bitterness toward that mixed-race kid. But now, Wang Xuan''s words struck right at his sore spot. Wang Xuan continued, "You''re really something else. You¡¯ve picked more fights than I have fingers in just a few days. It''s like you''re either in a fight or on your way to start one. Don''t tell me you''re on your way to a brawl with someone?" Oh,e on! Zhou Yun nearly choked. He was so angry that he almost coughed up blood. He pointed at Wang Xuan, but words eluded him for a moment. Naturally, Wang Xuan was deliberately provoking him, eager to witness his most genuine emotional reaction. Simultaneously, he seized this chance to scrutinize the young people across from him, this serendipitous encounter was too convenient. He wouldn''t let any doubt or caution slip by. It was hard to tell who was making a move against him tonight. Chapter 24: The Correct Way To Interpret Early Qin Slips Chapter 24: The Correct Way To Interpret Early Qin Slips Wu Yin had a strikingly lovely face. Her casual sweater, though slightly loose, could not hide her alluring curves. She was not wearing clothes that were hugging her form tightly like thest time they met. Without uttering a word, she cast a cool nce at Wang Xuan, then turned her attention to the bustling crowd on the bar street. She was able to remainposed this time. The two women beside her were studying Wang Xuan. At this age, youth was their greatest asset. Both had fair skin and shapely figures, radiating vibrant energy. Their surprise was evident. Is he not afraid of being beaten up by Zhou Yun? They thought. One of them sported short hair. Unbothered by the autumn chill, she wore a skirt that showcased her snow-white legs. The other woman had slightly wavy long hair and sensual crimson lips. Under the streetlights'' glow, she gave off a captivating allure that caught the attention of passersby. "Wang Xuan, did you have gunpowder for breakfast today?" Zhou Ting stepped in to defend her brother. She was cautious. Her gaze was fixed on Wang Xuan and her brother. She was afraid that her brother might be provoked. He might have ended up being beaten up by Wang Xuan again. "Well, well, aren''t you Wang Xuan?" The woman with slightly wavy long hair, her figure graceful, took a step forward. Curiously arching one of her eyebrows, she approached with a smile. As she drew closer, her red lips grew even more appealing. She introduced herself, "Let''s get acquainted. I''m Li Qingxuan." "Qingxuan, don''t go too far!" Wu Yin interjected. She knew that Li Qingxuan had a longstanding feud with Ling Wei. This was clearly an attempt to stir up trouble. Wang Xuan nodded at Li Qingxuan, effectively excluding her along with Zhou Ting and Zhou Yun as the individuals responsible for his attempted assassination. Two other young men were standing nearby, bothposed. Unlike Zhou Yun, they wereposed. They stood calmly, watching the scene unfold. "Wang Xuan, am I getting on your nerves today?" Zhou Yun had to exercise great restraint. Although what Wang Xuan said was true ¨C he had been getting into fights quite frequentlytely. Can¡¯t he be a bit more subtle about it in front of others? His heart ached from the provocation. Wang Xuan said sincerely, "I''m sorry, it''s mainly because I ran into someone tonight who was radiating a faint reddish glow all over, he¡¯s quite arrogant... Never mind, I won''t say more. I''m not in the best mood tonight. Goodbye." With that, he turned and walked away. Except for Zhou Yun, the others remained calm andposed, their emotions difficult to tell. "Heh, you ran into someone with a red glow around them? That''s really unlucky." Zhou Yun finallyughed, as if he understood what Wang Xuan had gone through. He was certain that Wang Xuan must have met a formidable practitioner tonight and suffered a defeat. That would exin his irritable mood. He chuckled lightly and began to indulge in various imaginative scenarios. His spirits were immediately lifted. In this situation, he disyed a certain magnanimity. He chose not to dwell on Wang Xuan''s earlier probing and even offered a bit of advice in good faith. "Xiao Wang, let me give you some advice ¨C don''t cling to old techniques stubbornly. The New Arts is way more advanced than the Old Arts could ever be. Soon, there will be someone who goes beyond the Grandmaster level. It¡¯s a pity you¡¯re stuck in the Old World." Zhou Yun had a white bandage wrapped around his head, a broken arm encased in a brace and suspended by a sling. Despite this, he exuded an air of unwavering confidence, even using a term of endearment like "Xiao Wang." Wang Xuanplied as best he could, letting out a sigh to cater to his ego, then turned to leave, no longer willing to tolerate his boastful words. "Brother, you should be more humble!" Zhou Ting scolded him with a re. It had only been a few days, yet he had already been in two fights. He seemed to have a knack for stirring up trouble, causing unnecessary worry. Watching Wang Xuan''s departing figure, Wu Yin remarked, "This person needs to be careful. Keep an eye on him." Hearing this, Zhou Yun responded, "Wu Yin, not to criticize, but one should be magnanimous. Didn''t he offer you a thorough medical analysisst time? It wasn''t intentional." Wu Yin felt the urge to rush over and snap his broken arm that was wrapped in a bandage with her high heels. She had kindly given him a warning, only to be criticized for not being magnanimous enough. From her perspective, Wang Xuan had deliberately provoked Zhou Yun earlier, stirring his emotions with his words and then bolstering his superiorityplex. It was hard to deny that there might have been a purpose behind his actions, as if he was observing and probing something, but the attempt was subtle enough. Wu Yin was infuriated and thought to herself. What''s it to me? Why should I care? I won''t remind him again. She was so angry that she ignored Zhou Yun. "Zhou Yun, what''s the deal with Wang Xuan?" Li Qingxuan sweetly smiled, gathering her wavy hair with her delicate fingers. Her mesmerizing eyes nted charmingly, luring him into conversation. "You mean Little Wang..." While Zhou Yun might be unruly and prone to stirring up trouble, he was notcking in wits. He had intentionally provoked Wu Yin to rile her up. He harbored great dissatisfaction with the Wu family''s forceful involvement in the Qingcheng Mountain affair. It was precisely because they waited for the Wu family to divide the spoils that the Zhou and Ling families had held back from taking action, leading to the eventual disaster. Li Qingxuan''s smile was radiant. "Well then, why don''t you tell me more? My family is nning to form an exploration team for that ce, and we''re looking for some capable individuals." ¡­¡­ Wu Yin sighed internally. She had initially wanted to remind Zhou Yun that Li Qingxuan was up to no good, but she quickly decided to stay quiet. Out of sight, out of mind. Let them deal with their own mess. It was none of her concern. ... As soon as Wang Xuan turned and left, his expression immediately shifted. He began scanning the bar street, observing every passerby. Many people felt a shiver down their spines after being subjected to his gaze. It was as if they had been momentarily locked onto by a fierce tiger. This left many of them startled and in fear. Throughout the night, Wang Xuan and Qingmu visited various bars, but they were not able to find the individuals they sought. Clearly, those people had sessfully evaded them. "Don''t worry, this matter isn''t over. Regardless of who''s behind it, we need to escte it. They¡¯ve crossed a line. We''ll report it to the relevant authorities in the Old World," Qingmu spoke up. He informed Wang Xuan to rest early and assured him that he would deliver his gun license tomorrow. "Worry not, though. They won¡¯t be showing up again so soon. I''ll have someone keep an eye out!" Qing Mu patted his shoulder and took his leave. Although it was gettingte, Wang Xuan still made a call to his parents. He felt relief once he confirmed that everything was fine on their end. He knew these individuals were primarily targeting him. They were aiming to erase his existence. After returning to his residence, Wang Xuan retrieved the "Golden Body Technique." Tonight, his state of mind was quite unique. This enhanced the study of his bodily technique, leading him to grasp more insights. Within his room, he continuously stretched his body and followed the instructions from the secret manual to begin practicing the "Golden Body Technique." The night¡¯s incident had left a significant impact on Wang Xuan. In the face of modern weaponry, even seasoned practitioners of the Old Arts were vulnerable. If his reactions had been slightly slower, he could have been shot in the head. Even now, he could feel the cold sensation on his back. A strand of hair was clearly missing from his ear where the bullet had grazed him. The experience had been incredibly livid. He had gained a profound realization that demise could happen in an instant. He was unable to adequately defend himself, and would have been in deep trouble without Qing Mu''s intervention. He needed to be stronger. His desire to master the "Golden Body Technique" increased as well. He hoped to cultivate a powerful physical body that could withstand bullets. If he had even a modest level of proficiency in the "Golden Body Technique", his attackers would not have escaped tonight. As long as he could partially fend off bullets, making them less fatal, he would have the confidence to pursue and eliminate them. The firstyer of the "Golden Body Technique" was not unfamiliar to Wang Xuan. It was simr to the "Golden Armor Technique," making it easy for him to transition. Soon, he began practicing the secondyer of the "Golden Body Technique" that theoretically required two years to master. However, Professor Lin had once mentioned that one shouldn''t be overly concerned about the time factor, as the scriptures exaggerated the difficulty. "Bodily techniques primarily involve training the body ording to specific frequencies, such as resonating the five internal organs, elerating metabolism, and altering one''s constitution. This process might even stimte the adrenal nds, pineal nd, and so on." In essence, the "Golden Body Technique" aimed to transform the body, leading to a qualitative change in the mind, ultimately allowing one to withstand bullets. "Core techniques are actually aprehensive self-improvement. Professor Lin repeatedly reminded me that the roots of various bodily techniques should be anchored in the core techniques." After practicing for a while, Wang Xuan stopped. He took out the tranted texts of ancient bamboo slips from the Early Qin era and carefully studied them. Because he had spent a long time tonight in a heightened state of super-sensitivity without exiting it, he felt exceptionally keen. He had an underlying sense that something might happen. This heightened sensitivity provided him with a strong intuition. Afterpleting his practice of the "Golden Body Technique," he began studying the Early Qin Taoist heritage that Professor Lin had given him. Tonight, his state of mind was indeed extraordinary, leading him to perceive things differently. As he contemted and cultivated his inner self, he found that everything had changed. It was as if he had been pulled into a unique space of profound silence. All of this was so abrupt. Wang Xuan felt no fear and no panic. Instead, he remained calm to a degree that surprised even himself. He seemed detached from the world, observing everything with an air of detachment. A significant amount of time passed, yet there was only absolute silence while his thoughts were unusually active and acute, and his memory was astonishing. In an instant, the entire "Golden Body Technique" was etched into his mind. He could even recite it in reverse, as if he could flip through the secret manual from back to front. Then he tried the same with the tranted texts of ancient bamboo slips from the Early Qin era. He could recite them in reverse with ease. He could even think of a particr passage and recite it forward and backward. What he was experiencing was not merely super-sensitivity. To him, it felt like a state that transcended even that¡ªa state close to omniscience. What is this? What am I experiencing? Most crucially, it felt like a secluded space devoid of any sound. It was a deste universe stripped of stars. The space was icy and devoid of warmth. Not knowing the situation, he searched through the scriptures, and he could recite passages in reverse. He was able to study it with great detail. It did not take him long to find a passage within the inheritance of the Early Qin Taoists. The intuition from his omniscient state told him that the answery in this segment. This passage was located towards theter part of the tranted texts of ancient bamboo slips, and originally, it wasn''t something Wang Xuan would be able toprehend. It required him to attain an even higher state to understand it. However, his current state seemed to align with this passage. In this section of the scripture, it mentioned "emptiness¡± and "stillness" and referred to "vivid moments of emptiness and rity," all written in a quite intricate manner, with intermittent phrasing that made it difficult toprehend. Professor Lin also couldn''t fully grasp the meaning of this passage and had attached the ancient original text from the Early Qin era. Under ordinary circumstances, Wang Xuan would have found it challenging to fathom its true meaning. Yet, in his current state, his mind was extraordinarily clear. This allowed him to gradually understand certain aspects of it. Soon, some techniques fromter generations, along with exnations of cultivation, emerged in his mind. Meditation, Scriptures of the Yellow Court, Inner Emptiness and Inner Peace. Various terms and techniques fromter times surfaced, helping him gradually unravel the true meaning of this Early Qin scripture. In the realm of meditation, there was an achievement that could be called the pinnacle, something even so-called masters found elusive and spent their lifetimes pursuing. Ultimate meditation, sometimes referred to as supreme meditation, meant that when someone entered this state, they could spend several years or even decades within their own realm of tranquility, while only a few minutes might pass in the outside world. At this moment, if one were to describe it through the lens of meditation, Wang Xuan was in a state of ultimate meditation. Yet, if interpreted through the Scriptures of the Yellow Court, he had entered a special realm of the inner courtyard. The "Tao Te Ching" also mentioned: "Attain utmost emptiness, guard profound stillness." Clearly, this was veilednguage describing a unique state on the path of ancient techniques¡ªa state of emptiness and stillness, disclosing the conditions of the inner courtyard. Whether understood through the lens of meditation or the Huangting Daoist tradition, both perspectives highlighted the mysterious nature of this state, something that outsiders found hard toprehend. As Wang Xuan looked back, he realized that the descriptions of the highest level of meditation and the inner courtyard, even with their respective nuances, were both nothing but... specific states of the Early Qin Daoist core techniques. Even in his state of super perception, Wang Xuan was quite astonished. The highest meditation and the inner courtyard were just the correct execution methods of the Early Qin bamboo scrolls. He was deeply moved. If he understood this correctly, time was not an issue anymore. Through the lens of meditation, he could spend several years in this peculiar realm of tranquility. And ording to Daoist theory, by entering the inner courtyard, he was currently in the realm of bright emptiness, capable of staying for an extended duration. Wang Xuan didn''t feel overly excited or frenzied. Instead, he maintained a detached state of calm. He decided to give it a try. And so, he began to practice the Golden Body Technique in this ce.
Jimmi''s Thoughts I had a very funny random thought as I went through this chapter: Doesn''t this effectively mean that you''ll have to get ''high'' in order to understand the contents of the slips?
Chapter 25: Discovering the Mystery Chapter 25: Discovering the Mystery The Golden Body Technique, once mastered, allowed the practitioner to attain a level of physicality beyond the ordinary. Their body would initially be resistant to blows and impervious to weapons, before eventually gaining invincibility. To ordinary people, this was perceived as something transcendent. Wang Xuan immersed himself in practicing this technique, repeating it over and over again. In the meditative state of emptiness and silence, time seemed to stretch on endlessly for him. In this state, he could calmly analyze and perfect the poses of physical arts, correcting any ws that he noticed. Despite practicing the Golden Body Technique, Wang Xuan felt a sense of transcendence. He was able to objectively observe himself with a clear mind. ¡°The pinnacle of meditation is reaching the Solitary Void, where my mind is fully immersed in the practice of the Golden Body Technique.¡± Wang Xuan understood that this space ofplete silence and emptiness was a unique realm, giving him a profound sense of reality. Although his physical body could not be present in this realm, he could feel that his cultivation was being integrated into his physical form. With a clear mind and a deep sense of tranquility, Wang Xuan felt as if he had transcended his own self and was able to observe himself from a higher perspective. As he continued practicing the Golden Body Technique, he made fewer and fewer mistakes, until his movements perfectly matched the descriptions in the scriptures, without any ws. Through the emptiness and silence, he faintly sensed his physical body undergoing various changes and wlessly performing the Golden Body Technique. Unlike the countless attempts and rehearsals he had made in the Solitary Void, the movements of his physical body were slow, as if it were building muscle memories of the technique. ¡­¡­ In a state of absolute calmness, Wang Xuan contemted the pinnacle of meditation. He understood that a few minutes in the outside world could equate to years of time in this realm, but he wondered if he could truly bring the results of his cultivation here outside. He believed that he could bring his spiritual insights out of this ce once he left. The Solitary Void, where time flowed differently, primarily affected the spiritual level. However, he concluded that the physical body would not be able to match the progress made in this realm. Although it was an unfortunate conclusion, it made a lot of sense. After all, the physical body was not present in this realm. This made him wonder if it would be possible for him to elerate the formation of the Golden Body Technique in the real world by bringing back the insights and perfect memories of this technique he gained here. He also noticed something unusual. When he observed himself, he could vaguely sense that his physical body outside of the Solitary Void was also performing the Golden Body Technique with perfect precision. He could not help but wonder if it was simply his subconscious mind driving this movement. With his heightened perception, Wang Xuan realized that he had overlooked something important. After spending several days in the Solitary Void, a realm he could reach in his meditative state, he unexpectedly felt fatigued. This puzzled him because it was said that one could reside in this realm for several years or even longer. He pondered calmly, observing his own practice of the Golden Body Technique. He noticed his movements slowing down and bing wed. ¡°That¡¯s not how it should be,¡± he whispered softly, feeling rather mentally exhausted. Suddenly, two streaks of brilliance appeared before his eyes, and he understood where the problemy. He realized that he was able to enter this realm because he had the core technique from the bamboo slips of Early Qin activated in his Hyper-Perceptive State. Wang Xuan immediately made a change. Instead of practicing the Golden Body Technique in his exhausted state, he activated the core technique left behind by an Early Qin master once again. He instantly felt his fatigue fade away. His mental focus and overall condition improved rapidly, and soon, his spiritual perception and acuity continued growing. His divine perception fully recovered and expanded, revealing a newfound discovery. ¡°This core technique is attracting mystery factors!¡± Wang Xuan quickly made a precise judgment. A type ofplex factors was scattered throughout the Solitary Void. He could sense them drifting down into this realm, like manna from heaven. They were nourishing the Solitary Void and his mind. As time passed, he noticed that not only his mind but also his physical body, which he could vaguely sense, seemed to be changing. He realized that describing this phenomenon as the pinnacle of meditation was no longer sufficient. It had to be borated with the concept found in the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court. ¡°This is the Taoist¡¯s Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court¡ªa state of absolute emptiness and stillness that resided in the vivid moments of emptiness and rity where one could pick up mystery factors.¡± The Inner Landscape, as silent and empty as a barrennd, had the ability to attract substances that were highly beneficial to the body and mind. Wang Xuan only realized now that the roots of the Old Artsy in the Inner Landscape. He became further convinced that the most appropriate path to unlock the secret techniques of the Early Qin master was through the Inner Landscape. He even began to suspect that the origin of the Old Arts was somehow rted to it. To cultivate the techniques left behind by the Early Qin masters, one must be able to enter this realm in Hyper-Perceptive State in order to receive the mystery substance. Over time, fewer people were able to reach this realm, causing the Old Arts to fade away. As a result, the strength of future generations paled inparison to the masters. To practice the advanced core techniques in the bamboo slips of Early Qin, one had to reach the pinnacle of meditation and stand in the Inner Landscape Ground. This proved to be a challenging threshold that many people could not ovee. Wang Xuan soon felt the changes in his physical body and realized that it was pointless to keep the core technique activated as there was enough mysterious substance gathered in the Inner Landscape. As he continued to practice the Golden Body Technique, he observed that the effects were even better than before. He executed every move of the technique wlessly in the Inner Landscape. With each passing day, his physical arts also showed remarkable improvement. At the same time, he could feel his body being nourished, and the Golden Body Technique advancing with each movement. To his amazement, he discovered that the mysterious substance he obtained from the Inner Landscape could be absorbed by his body in the real world. This meant that the fruits of his training in the pinnacle of meditation could be fully manifested in reality. Despite Wang Xuan¡¯s unwaveringposure and transcendental state, the discovery caused a fleeting emotion to course through him, only to be swiftly erased. Once again, the Inner Landscape returned to a serene stillness. For two years, Wang Xuan diligently practiced the Golden Body Technique in the Inner Landscape. Whenever he felt exhausted, he would run the core technique from the bamboo slips of Early Qin to replenish the mystery factor and nourish this ce. As a result, he reached the secondyer of the Golden Body Technique, observing remarkable changes in his physical form as he shed ayer of skin. This remarkable progress was attributed to the acquisition of the mysterious substance from the Inner Landscape, which harmonized the improvement of his spiritual realm with his physical body. During this time, he also attempted to practice the other physical arts recorded on the golden pages. He was unable to resist the temptation as those were arts left behind by the founder of Taoism. Unfortunately, he soon realized that he had underestimated the difficulty of mastering those techniques as they were too intense and could even cause internal injuries. ¡°The ignorant is fearless¡± was all Wang Xuan could think of when he reflected upon his earlier practice of physical art prior to entering the Inner Landscape. In this realm, he gazed upon himself with an enhanced perception, bordering on transcendence, and uncovered a startling revtion. While practicing this type of physical art, even the slightest hint of pain was a sign of actual internal injury. In the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan could clearly see subtle bleeding on his internal organs. Such injuries were so faint that they could easily be ignored and would require sophisticated instruments to detect in the outside world. However, for those who practiced physical arts, these injuries could umte over time and have unimaginable consequences. Initially, Wang Xuan had mistaken the pain as something he could endure and push through, gradually adapting to it. Now, he realized that he had almost crossed into a dangerous zone in the past. ¡°I see. The physical arts in this golden book can only be mastered bying to the Inner Landscape.¡± Wang Xuan observed that when there was a subtle internal bleeding, the mysterious substance in the Inner Landscape gathered and rejuvenated the affected organs until they werepletely healed. As expected, the prerequisites for mastering the physical arts in this golden book passed down by Zhang Daoling were incredibly demanding. Without gaining ess to the Inner Landscape, one would never be able to practice these extraordinary arts. After two years of practice, Wang Xuan had only managed to perfect the first engraving on the first golden page. Unlike in the outside world where he attempted to practice all of the several engravings on the first page, this time he focused solely on one specific engraving. Through constant internal bleeding and two years of dedicated practice, he was able to perfect the first diagram. Whenever he performed this technique now, his internal organs were no longer susceptible to injury. ¡°What a challenging technique to perfect!¡± Wang Xuan realized that this type of physical art was not suitable for him in his current state. It was an achievement he had attained through suffering constant injuries. If the first diagram was already so challenging, he could only imagine how much more difficult the subsequent diagrams would be. Therefore, he decided to focus on improving the Golden Body Technique. He nned only to delve into the arts left behind by Zhang Daoling when his cultivation realm was higher. Time passed swiftly in the Inner Landscape. After three years of diligent practice, Wang Xuan¡¯s Golden Body Technique reached the thirdyer. He could feel that with just a few more months of practice, he would perfect the thirdyer. During this time, a strange sensation surged through his heart. He immediately sensed that his time in the pinnacle of meditation wasing to an end, and he would soon be returned to reality. As expected, sounds began to invade the Solitary Void. He could hear his own heartbeat, the gentle wind outside the window, and the distant noise of cars passing by on the streets. The Inner Landscape Land dissipated, and Wang Xuan¡¯s mind returnedpletely to reality. The first thing he noticed was the changes in his body. He had shed twoyers of skin. His new muscles were strong and resilient. His physical condition had significantly improved and was now stronger than before. In the real world, he had attained the thirdyer of the Golden Body Technique. He nced at the time and was astonished to find that despite spending five years in the Inner Landscape¡­ only a few minutes had passed in the real world!
Jimmi''s Thoughts This reminds me of the Boxer Rebellion. Where the rebels were told to not worry because their technique renders them impervious to weapons. The term used was "µ¶Ç¹²»Èë", literally tranted as "swords and spear will not be able to go through". Ironically, the Chinese word for sprear "ǹ" were also used for "guns". Which in earlier days they called "Ñóǹ", or "Western spear". So what if... What if the boxers were immune to spears, but just not the Western ones? XD (Now that''s just my head canon)
Chapter 26: Closely Guarded Chapter 26: Closely Guarded The gentle sound of yellow leaves falling outside the window reached Wang Xuan¡¯s ears. He could also clearly see the trajectory of the night birds in the dark sky. Something felt different, his senses of hearing and vision had improved to some extent even when he was not in a Hyper-Perceptive State. He felt a strong connection with the world around him. Running his finger along his body, he immediately noticed its pliability. As he applied more pressure, his flesh and blood lightly vibrated and resonated, causing his fingers to slide away. Wang Xuan¡¯s fingers could leave deep marks on tree trunks and carve words on furniture, but they could no longer leave any marks on his skin. ¡°Is this the direct effect of the Golden Body Technique?¡± he wondered. He knew that the benefits extended beyond this. He could sense the energy in his flesh and blood, indicating an overall improvement in his physical condition. It was likely that if he were injured, his wounds would heal faster and the recovery time would be shortened. Additionally, his five senses and mind were sharper than ever before. ¡°The Golden Body Technique is truly remarkable!¡± Wang Xuan thought to himself. In this era, the technique held extraordinary significance for him. It provided protection against spears and could even defend against gunshots. This alone made it worth practicing the Golden Body Technique at any cost. If those people dared to appear again, none of them would be able to escape. Most importantly, the effect of the Golden Body Technique made Wang Xuan realize the value of Old Arts. Despite their decline, there were surely many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered among the old manuals. In the faded past, there were countless legends of strange and mysterious techniques. Some were incredibly legendary, and the mere thought of finding and practicing them excited Wang Xuan, who was usuallyposed. However, he quickly regained hisposure. It was pointless to dwell on these thoughts at this stage. He needed to proceed slowly and steadily. ¡°The thirdyer of the Golden Body Technique already provides strong defense. Although it can¡¯t block bullets yet, it makes me less vulnerable to spears.¡± Wang Xuan firmly believed that his tough body could effectively reduce the effectiveness of firearms against him. As long as the bullets did not hit his heart or other vital organs, it would be difficult to take him down in a short period of time. If those mercenaries were to reappear, Wang Xuan was confident that he could eliminate them all quickly, as long as he was willing to pay the price. ¡°You guys better run while you still can!¡± Wang Xuan was determined to continue investigating and find out who wanted him dead. ¡°The Golden Body Technique, even at the thirdyer, is still not sufficient. If I were to advance to the sixth or seventhyer, bullets would mostly be ineffective against me.¡± Naturally, the more powerful firearms would continue to pose a potential threat to him. However, this might cease to be a concern if he were to progress beyond the tenthyer and further. For now, Wang Xuan could not predict the effect of the Golden Body Technique in its Perfection Stage. Even the founder of the technique, Zhou Yunkong from the Northern Song Dynasty, did not reach that stage. The scriptures he left behind were only deductions he made on his own. Wang Xuan calmed his emotions and emptied his mind, trying to immerse himself into that special state where he could reach the pinnacle of meditation and gain ess to the Inner Landscape. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, he failed to achieve it. Even if he activated the core technique from the bamboo slips of Early Qin countless times, the Inner Landscape remained elusive to him. He attempted meditation several more times, in hopes to reach the pinnacle of meditation and stay in the Solitary Void for a few years, but the result was the same. Wang Xuan sighed, epting that this was the oue. After all, even the most prominent figures in the field of meditation had dedicated their entire lives to pursuing the pinnacle of meditation, with few actually seeding. In recent times, there had been no reports of anyone achieving it. As for entering the Taoist Inner Landscape, it seemed even more impossible. Wang Xuan believed that since the end of the Old Era, no one had ever set foot in the Inner Landscape. Back then, a grandmaster of the Old Arts had finally emerged in the Terra Nova, but he perished while practicing the secret scriptures of the Taoist Ancestral Court, sumbing to the deterioration of his five organs. Had the grandmaster been able to ess the Taoist Inner Landscape, this unfortunate event would have been averted. Within the Inner Landscape, he could have effortlessly observed the transformations urring within his five organs and nourished himself through the mystery factors. Even if he had failed to master this technique, his life could have been spared. Wang Xuan even suspected that those who studied the Old Arts in recent times werepletely unaware of the mysterious existence of the Inner Landscape. While some ancient sects still mentioned it, it was often dismissed as a mere legend. Their descendants did not believe that the human consciousness could reach such a special ce either. Wang Xuan did not panic. He believed that since he had entered once, another opportunity would present itself in the future. He had a rough idea of how to enter that mysterious ce, as he had personally experienced it and understood every detail. ¡°I have to be in a Hyper-Perceptive State before activating the core technique of that Early Qin master in order to seed. But how do I reach that state in the first ce?¡± Wang Xuan could not help but wonder if exposing himself to extreme danger in the outside world would work. Perhaps the surge of adrenaline that apanied such perilous situations would somehow resonate with the Old Arts and trigger the Hyper-Perceptive State. ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush. I can take my time and experiment different ways to reach that state,¡± Wang Xuan concluded. In fact, he even considered participating in various adventure activities, as the likelihood of triggering the stress response and activating the Hyper-Perceptive State would increase dramatically. Wang Xuan stood up and cleaned up the shed skin, marveling at the bizarre sight before him. He could not imagine what kind of force had caused his body to undergo such drastic changes that yielded such a result within just a few minutes. Unfortunately, his mind was immersed in the Inner Landscape at that time, and he only had a vague sense of the outside world. He was not able to clearly perceive that brief but astonishing metamorphosis. However, he understood that all creatures in the world were constantly evolving, and that species that could not keep up would eventually be eliminated. This process of adaptation to nature and self-improvement was slow and required generations to carry on. Yet, there were rare historical periods when certain species experienced rapid and intense evolution. For instance, when humans diverged from other creatures, there was a period of rapid and extraordinary evolution, resulting in a significant advancement in the quality of life. Many people spected that this sudden and drastic evolution was triggered by some unexined change, leading to the brilliance of humanity. In Wang Xuan¡¯s opinion, those who followed the path of Old Arts also underwent various ¡°changes¡± that could greatly elerate the process of transformation. That could exin why masters in the Early Qin dynasty were capable of diverting rivers, lifting elephants, and splitting mountains, while average humans were unable to. It made Wang Xuan wonder what kind of power they received and how they came to attain such power within a short period of time. As for the immortals, Wang Xuan¡¯s perception had subtly shifted after reaching the Inner Landscape. He began to doubt the existence of such beings. He still believed that these so-called immortals were simply exceptional humans who, like all humans, were actually mortals. Wang Xuan took a cold shower, changed into loose pajamas, and searched through the Scriptures of the Yellow Court for information about the Inner Landscape. Unfortunately, he found nothing new. The ancient text spoke in vague terms, relying on the reader¡¯s own understanding. The true knowledgey in the bamboo slips of Early Qin, and these books merely served as supplementary information for understanding ancient terminology and terms of the Old Arts. ¡°Empty yourself and remain in rity¡­¡± Unsatisfied, Wang Xuan continued his search for other information, but even after going through the ancient texts, he could not find a method to instantly trigger the Hyper-Perceptive State. ¡°There must be a regr method, as the practitioners from Early Qin couldn''t have been so powerful without it. Their achievements surpassed those ofter generations precisely because they frequently entered the Inner Landscape.¡± Wang Xuan resolved to pay attention to all kinds of bamboo slips of Early Qin in the future, He would diligently collect and search through anything rted to these ancient practitioners. He was convinced that he could find a conventional method to enter the Inner Landscape in some old manuals. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that all the valuable resources are in the hands of life science organizations and powerful megacorporations in Terra Nova. If only I could ess all those bamboo slips and ancient texts, I would surely find what I¡¯m looking for.¡± Wang Xuan¡¯s desire to visit Terra Nova intensified as he reflected on his regrets. Yet, he swiftlyposed himself, understanding the importance of maintaining a peaceful state of mind on the path of Old Arts. ¡°I should be content. In a matter of minutes, I have attained a golden body that others might not even be able to attain in five years,¡± he reminded himself. Considering the magnitude of this achievement in such a short time, it was a miracle. If word of this were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar even though New Arts were on the rise. After careful reflection, Wang Xuan realized that he might have been too optimistic. It dawned on him that even the practitioners from Early Qin might not have been able to enter the Inner Landscape at will. If they were able to do so, they could simply remain inside for a very long time and be immortal. This would inevitably lead to a sudden surge in the number of immortals, despite their supposed scarcity in the world. A few years in that mysterious realm only equated to a few minutes in the outside world. However, Wang Xuan waspletely unaware of how many years would pass in that mysterious realm for every day he spent outside. He spected that the practitioners from Early Qin could only ess that ce once in a blue moon, and the method to enter remained a closely guarded secret known only to a select few. ¡°Is this reason for the decline of the Old Arts?¡± He also wondered if the changes in the external environment had made it more difficult for the future generations to enter the Inner Landscape. He could not shake off the feeling that he might be the only person who had entered the Inner Landscape in recent times. ¡°Despite spending five years inside, I did not feel the effects of time on me. On the contrary, I feel even more energized, both physically and mentally.¡± Wang Xuan attributed this to hisplete immersion in theprehension of Old Arts. His istion from the world, and the absence of distractions had protected him from the influence of the secr world. Most importantly, he believed that the mystery factors from the Solitary Void had nourished his body and mind. That night, despite facing gunshots and being attacked, Wang Xuan slept soundly. With a newfound direction in life, he was confident that he could handle any future encounters. The next morning, Qin Cheng informed him that he was leaving for Luna Nova, and Wang Xuan wished him well. At nine in the morning, Professor Lin also announced his departure, leaving Wang Xuan with his address and contact information in Terra Nova. This implied that all of his ssmates who were heading to Terra Nova would also be departing soon to begin a new chapter in their lives. Shortly after, Wang Xuan received the expected farewell messages from Zhou Kun, Kong Yi and Su Chan. Half an hourter, Wang Xuan unexpectedly received a letter from Li Qingxuan, inviting him to join her family¡¯s expedition and offering a generous pay. In the letter, she left behind an address and contact information of her family in the Old World, and assured Wang Xuan of her assistance in arranging his journey to Terra Nova if he epted the offer. ¡°Li Qingxuan¡­¡± The woman whom he had crossed paths with on the bustling bar streetst night appeared in his mind¡¯s eyes. She was a stunning young woman with long, slightly curly hair, a pair of captivating phoenix eyes and luscious red lips. However, their encounter was brief, a mere brush of fate. Wang Xuan found himself perplexed as to why she had sought him out. He could not help but ponder if there was an underlying motive behind her invitation. He set the letter aside to contemte, as he had also received an invitation from Zhao Qinghan to coborate. The organizations and powerful megacorporations in the Terra Nova side must be preparing something significant. ¡°Wang Xuan, I¡¯ve found them. Do you want to hunt them down?¡± At noon, Qing Mu called and informed Wang Xuan that he had discovered the whereabouts of the mercenaries. Having recently attained the thirdyer of the Golden Body Technique, Wang Xuan was determined to personally hunt them down. ¡°The origins of these mercenaries seemplex. Based on our most recent intel, eliminating you was merely their secondary mission. Their primary mission was the excavation of the Great Tomb of the Immortals, which they have sessfully located.¡± Qing Mu¡¯s voice trembled with excitement as he ryed this information. If their intel was urate, it was truly mind-blowing. The existence of the immortals was often disregarded by many, and now someone had not only discovered the tomb of such a being but was also determined to unearth its secrets! Chapter 27: The Immortal Tomb Chapter 27: The Immortal Tomb The origins of those mercenaries seemedplex. Eliminating him was merely their secondary mission? When Wang Xuan heard this response, he lifted his right hand and effortlessly sliced a leaf that fluttered in front of him into two. It was noon, and he was on his way to have lunch. Since he was walking outside, he only informed Qing Mu that he would be joining the operation. Although they did not talk much on the phone, Xuan Wang already had a rough understanding that the mercenaries belonged to an organization known as the ¡°Ashen Blood¡±. They could be hired for explorations and even¡­ assassination. ording to Qing Mu, this organization was very powerful. They were mainly active in Terra Nova, and had even intercepted Qing Mu and his Adventurer¡¯s Guild during a major discovery. Upon learning of their arrival, Qing Mu immediately made a report. Soon after, several groups of powerful experts arrived, gathering their strength to prepare for a confrontation and settle their old scores with them. Even if it was not for that, the discovery of the Great Tomb of the Immortals was still big news in the Old Earth. Anyone who caught wind of it would surely get involved if strength allowed. ¡°Hiring the Ashen Blood to kill me¡­ The people behind this must be quite wealthy and aren¡¯t willing to expose themselves. themselves. It doesn¡¯t matter though, I¡¯ll eventually get to the bottom of this,¡± Wang Xuan thought. Wang Xuan could not let the fact that he was being stopped and almost killed in the city slide. He knew that unless he uncovered the mastermind orchestrating these events, there was no guarantee that something worse would not happen. Despite all this, his interest was still piqued by the shocking discovery of the Great Tomb of the Immortals. He could hardly believe that yet another significant discovery had been made in the Old Earth and found himself rather skeptical about this news. Over the years, there had been several ims of discovering the burial ground of immortals, but they all fell short of expectations. Following the excavation of those dungeons, it was confirmed that they were merely grand tombs of powerful individuals from the Early Qin dynasty. ¡°If this turns out to be true, the scriptures and artifacts rted to the immortals that will be unearthed should have a profound impact on this world,¡± Wang Xuan mused. In an era where Old Arts were declining, such a discovery could potentially change this decline. After lunch, Wang Xuan got himself a fresh haircut to ensure that the strands around his ears appeared normal as he was going to start his new job the next day. While preparing to start his new job, he thought about how he would soon be venturing into the deep forests to partake in an operation filled with violence and bloodshed. The stark contrast between these experiences and thoughts left Xuan Wang with a strange feeling. Fortunately, Qing Mu did not contact him the next day, and Wang Xuan did not have to take a day off from his first day of work. He joined a branch of a design institute that was a subsidiary of the Star Group. Although it sounded prestigious, it was actually quite the opposite. When it came to the technologies involved for deep space exploration and interster travel, the Terra Nova side proved to be much more reliable as the technology groups on the Old Earth were seriouslygging behind. The design institute of a subsidiary of the Interster Group had been unable to achieve any noteworthy results for several years and was essentially abandoned. The branch that Wang Xuan joined was no exception, as it had be a ce for people looking to retire, with a leisurely work pace. On his first day of work, Wang Xuan noticed that some desks in the office area were unupied, and there were only five or six people present. As he approached them to introduce himself, he noticed a guy with ck-rimmed sses was already dozing off in front of hisputer while watching the news. Only an energetic little girl, who was applying lipstick in front of a small mirror, greeted the neer with enthusiasm. Wang Xuan speechlessly looked at his unenthusiastic and bored colleagues. He had chosen to work here because he had heard it was a leisurely job, but he did not expect it to be this slow-paced. He could already hear two seniordies making ns to y mahjong after work. Another colleague in his fifties had been on the phone for over half an hour, arranging a fishing trip for the weekend. Despite theirck of motivation, everyone was kind to Wang Xuan, making him feel wee. They even offered to take him out for lunch instead of waiting until dinner. When Wang Xuan suggested treating them as a neer, they all opposed the idea, forcing him to give up. In the morning, Wang Xuan tried to find tasks to work on, but was told to familiarize himself with the work environment first. It seemed like there were no urgent tasks to be done, further confirming his thoughts that this ce truly operated like a retirement home. The only person younger than Wang Xuan in the office was a girl named Liu Xue. She paid a lot of attention to her appearance and was the most energetic person there. She had started the job in July, just a few months before Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan ended up spending his entire morning reading ancient texts on theputer, which he considered a good use of his time. Now that he thought about it, this job was not too shabby after all. It was a position that many people probably prayed for. During lunch, there was a small incident. Liu Xue enthusiastically tried to help Wang Xuan retrieve his windbreaker, but it slipped from her grasp and almost hit her feet. She shrieked in surprise. The windbreaker probably weighed about ten kilograms, which she found difficult toprehend. She stared at Wang Xuan in disbelief, as if he were some sort of monster. Doubting her own perception, she tried picking up the windbreaker up from the ground and discovered that it was indeed outrageously heavy. The others gathered around and marveled at its weight when they attempted to pick it up too. Wang Xuan quickly exined that he had been working out recently and had specially customized the windbreaker to add weight, so that he could continue training during hismute to and from work. Everyone immediately praised Wang Xuan for his perseverance, stating that his fitness habits were inspiring. When he noticed Liu Xue attempting to help him retrieve his baseball cap, Wang Xuan quickly grabbed it before she could and put it on his head. Since it was a bulletproof cap, it was also made of special materials and weighed about a kilogram. Everyone was very friendly during lunch and Wang Xuan had initially wanted to use this opportunity to ask for advice on the job, but decided against it when his colleagues told him to just take it easy. After lunch, the office, which was already rtively empty, had three fewer people. The guy with ck-rimmed sses said he had a headache from drinking too much and decided to go home. The other two also made simr excuses and left. There were no punch cards, face scans, or checkpoints here. It was truly a free and rxed environment. Although this was a great ce for him to research on Old Arts, Wang Xuan knew that he could not remain here for too long. After all, it was often easy to observe strange things around people who practiced the Old Arts. Fortunately, Wang Xuan knew that he would be going to Terra Nova soon, so his secrets should be safe for the time being. Such a rxed atmosphere in the office also meant that Wang Xuan¡¯s colleagues would not suspect anything even if he were to take his leave after only working for two days. Wang Xuan was picked up by someone in a car and once again arrived at the manor outside the city. He received his equipment, put on a human face mask, and immediately set off. However, Wang Xuan did not remove the thickened bulletproof vest he was wearing. Instead, he reced his windbreaker with a protective suit. The weight of his protective gear was not something ordinary people could bear. Since he would be actively hunting this time and it would likely be more dangerous than his previous mission in Qingcheng Mountain, he made sure he had ample protection. During the journey, Qing Mu announced they were heading to the Greater Khingan Range. It was in this mountainous region that the Great Tomb of the Immortals was said to be located, hidden deep within the old forests. Their destination today was just an ordinary mountainous area. From the outside, it appeared unremarkable, but somehow it had been discovered that there was a buried immortal corpse there. This was different from what Wang Xuan had initially anticipated. He had expected it to be among some famous mountain or river, ces associated with myths and legends. As usual, Old Mu was piloting the starship, while ck Tiger and Kite were busy polishing their knives and checking their energy weapons. ¡°Brother Qing Mu, have you ever experienced a time when your five senses and intuition were exceptionally sharp?¡± Wang Xuan asked cautiously, not wanting to reveal to anyone that he had managed to enter ¡°Inner Landscape¡±. After all, there was no telling what the megacorporations and research departments would do if they were to discover his secret. Even so, Wang Xuan wanted to indirectly tell Qing Mu about it, hoping that he would give it a try. Before Qing Mu could respond, ck Tiger chimed in, sharing that he had experienced something simr a long time ago. He described feeling an emptiness in his heart and having the illusion that he was about to ascend the heavens. This revtion surprised Wang Xuan, who promptly asked when it had happened. If ck Tiger had truly experienced Hyper-Perceptive State, perhaps he could do so again in the future. Wang Xuan did not mind indirectly suggesting this possibility. ¡°It happened about ten years ago, when I was with my first girlfriend. But I haven¡¯t felt that way again since then. Once you have witnessed the vastness of the oceans in life, it bes challenging to develop affection for the smaller rivers. The same principle applies to love.¡± ck Tiger sighed. Wang Xuan was stunned for a moment before feeling the urge to p ck Tiger for hisck of seriousness and shamelessness. Noticing that Kite also wanted to share his thoughts, Qing Mu interrupted him by smacking the back of Kite¡¯s head. ¡°Although it¡¯s important to rx before a big battle, don¡¯t get too carried away. By the way, Wang Xuan, did you receive any insights when you were practicing Old Arts?¡± Qing Mu''s keen perception allowed him to notice that Wang Xuan seemed different this time, with a significant improvement in his strength. ¡°I think I managed to enter a special statest time. My vision, hearing, smell and intuition became incredibly sharp and powerful at that time¡­¡± Wang Xuan was still trying to find the right words to articte his thoughts about the Inner Landscape when Qing Mu appeared surprised before letting out a sigh. ¡°Such a state is extremely rare, even grandmasters struggle to achieve it. Different ancient sects have their own names for this state, such as the Bodhisattva¡¯s Clear Expanse or Celestial Union. Legend has it that in ancient times, one was very likely to receive great benefits through such a method with the guidance from a powerful master or sect ancestor. However, in the present world, finding someone to guide and provide such benefits is nearly impossible.¡± Qing Mu sympathized with Wang Xuan, realizing that he had missed out on a unique opportunity without anyone to guide him. In the legends of ancient sects, this was considered a great opportunity. Based on the information given by Qing Mu, it seemed like one could only gain ess to the Inner Landscape with the help of a very powerful figure after reaching the Hyper-Perceptive State in ancient times. Wang Xuan was quite surprised and realized that he had a different experience. However, he decided not to delve further into the matter at the moment and nned to continue this conversation with Qing Mu at ater time. Shortly after, they arrived in an ancient forest in the Greater Khingan Range, where they closely monitored a mountainous area. The Adventurer''s Guild had brought more people this timepared to their exploration of Qingcheng Mountain, with Qing Mu alone bringing twelve teams of his own. The other teams were also made up of very seasoned elites. ¡°Look, something strange is going on there!¡± Old Mu suddenly called out. An inexplicable haze filled the mountains ahead, causing the entire area to appear distorted and blurred. It gave off an eerie feeling amidst the holy aura. ¡°There can¡¯t really be an immortal, can there?!¡± Qing Mu felt his heart pounding, feeling intensely uneasy even from a distance. Chapter 28: Used as Bait Chapter 28: Used as Bait Haze filled the densely forested and mountainous area in the Greater Khingan Range, creating a distorted and blurred view of the mountains and forests. ¡°Supernatural force!¡± Qing Mu, recognizing the presence of a very powerful supernatural force, instructed everyone to remain still and observe the situation. Throughout the years, the Adventurer''s Guild had encountered several strange phenomena, gaining extensive expertise in the process. In an instant, the tranquil mountains were shattered by the thunderous roar of a ferocious beast, its echo piercing through the thick fog. The very air seemed to tremble, and the leaves danced in a frenzy. Even through the screen, the distant roar sounded as if it were close to them. Wang Xuan could not help but feel astonished, contemting the existence of other enigmatic creatures concealed within this untamed forest, where the corpse of an immortaly. Yet, a perplexing question lingered in his thoughts: if this were the case, how did these mythical or ancient beasts of the ancient legends elude discovery in this modern age? As the clouds dispersed, the scenery returned to normal, revealing a massive creature hidden within the dense forest in the distant mountains. With cold and menacing eyes, it nced towards the group before disappearing from sight. ¡°ck tiger!¡± Kite eximed. ¡°What is it?¡± ck Tiger turned to look at him. Kite shook his head and said, ¡°No, not you! I was saying that the creature was a ck tiger, about five or six meters long! I could sense great hostility from the depth of its eyes!¡± Wang Xuan and Qing Mu also suspected the same. The creature had a huge body, pitch-ck fur with light markings. Everyone in the group found themselves lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. A haze surrounding an immortal¡¯s tomb, followed by the appearance of a legendary ck tiger¡­ This was undeniably a strange urrence. ¡°In the past, I was skeptical about myths and legends. Ever since I joined the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, my beliefs have started to shift, especially after witnessing that kind of creature today,¡± Kite whispered, his voice trembling with awe. If this had happened anywhere else, it would not have been as unsettling. However, they were in the vicinity of an immortal¡¯s great tomb, where strange phenomena and mysterious apparitions were present. Wang Xuan gazed ahead, his eyes fixed on the distance. ¡°We¡¯re in the Greater Khingan Range, known for its poption of Siberian tigers. Perhaps the creature we saw was a mutated Siberian tiger.¡± The creature moved very quickly and had vanished into the wilderness. ¡°Whether it¡¯s a mythical beast or a mutated Siberian tiger, we can¡¯t underestimate it. There¡¯s something off about those eyes, so proceed cautiously when you go over there,¡± Qing Mu warned. Once Qing Mu had regained hisposure, his worries subsided as he knew that the starship¡¯s arsenal of weapons would be more than capable of eliminating any living creatures, especially if the rumors of an immortal tomb ahead were true. The immortal had met his demise and found his final resting ce there, it was unlikely the other creatures could be more powerful than an immortal. Kite muttered under his breath, ¡°Perhaps that ck tiger was the immortal¡¯s pet when he was still alive. Even after thousands of years, it¡¯s still alive and kicking. Didn¡¯t you guys see how the clouds of haze it released could almost distort space? I wonder if it¡¯s even more powerful than the immortal himself when he was still alive.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Qing Mu pped Kite across the face, reminding him that with all the resources they had gathered, even if a mythical creature did appear, they could st it into oblivion. ¡°Did the Ashen Blood excavate the wrong ce? People areing out from the depths of the mountain!¡± Old Mu stared at the screen, tracking the movements of their opponents. The Ashen Blood had arrived a while back, utilizing towering automatons to excavate through the mountain. They remained hidden underground until the resounding tiger¡¯s roar reached their ears. Several people emerged and engaged in what seemed like a dispute. Suspecting that they might have been digging in the wrong direction, a group of automatons was eventually seen moving toward a ravine, where the ck tiger had disappeared. ¡°Interesting. Let''s see what happens when they encounter the mythical creature.¡± Kite could hardly contain his excitement. The Ashen Blood had been so focused with their task at hand that they had failed to notice them. A thunderous roar echoed from the mountain forest adjacent to the deep ravine, apanied by clouds of haze that seemed to be imbued with supernatural force. The group of automatons emitted electrical sparks and malfunctioned, copsing to the ground. The ck tiger flickered on the screen and vanished from the mountains and forests. Qing Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, wondering if it had been the cause of all this. The clouds of haze that apanied his appearance contained a supernatural force. That could have affected the automatons. ¡°Old Mu, let¡¯s keep our distance!¡± Qing Mu cautioned. If that force could affect the automatons, it could also interfere with their starship. Now, he was starting to worry if that ck tiger really was a mythical creature. In any case, It did not seem like an easy opponent to deal with. Old Mu, who had been analyzing the various monitoring data on the screen, assured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re far away enough. Additionally, the starship detected abnormal energy levels, mainly caused by the clouds of haze. Its effects are even more powerful than the effects the ck tiger had on the automatons.¡± ¡°So the main cause is the supernatural forceing from the immortal¡¯s tomb?¡± Meanwhile, all the Ashen Blood members had withdrawn from the depths of the mountain. Some were headed toward the mountain forest on their small starships to eliminate the ck tiger. A group of advanced automatons with anti-surge features also rushed into the hazy region, undeterred by the supernatural force. ¡°The Ashen Blood is really going all out this time by bringing a group of elites. They even have a batch of advanced automatons designed to minimize the effects of supernatural forces on themselves,¡± Qing Mumented. Wang Xuan¡¯s heart skipped a beat upon hearing Qing Mu¡¯sment. He could not help but wonder if these were newly developed automatons from Terra Nova. ¡°Ever since the discovery of supernatural elemental energy on Terra Nova, efforts in enhancing automatons have yielded noteworthy results,¡± Qing Mu exined. An automaton swung its long alloy de with incredible force. Like a lightning bolt, it streaked across the sky and made contact with the ferocious tiger with a resounding thud. The ck tiger¡¯s roar echoed throughout the mountain forest. Despite its swift movements, it failed topletely dodge the attack. A bloody gash appeared on its side, so deep that a few bones were visible. Wang Xuan¡¯s heart trembled at the realization that these so-called mythical creatures were also made of flesh and blood. It seemed like their bodies could not withstand the might of these advanced automatons. Boom! A small energy cannon unleashed a beam of light, piercing through the body of the nearly six-meter-long ck tiger. After letting out a fierce roar, the tiger¡¯s body convulsed and crashed to the ground with a thud. The advanced automaton stepped forward and brought its long alloy de down. The massive tiger head rolled off, and the mountain ground was soon stained crimson by its fresh blood. ¡°Dead¡­ That mythical creature died just like that?¡± Kite eximed, unable to believe what had just happened. ck Tiger on the starship muttered under his breath, ¡°How unfortunate.¡± Wang Xuan¡¯s mind was also reeling. At this point, he was still uncertain if that tiger was a mythical creature, or just a mutated Siberian tiger. It did not seem as strong as he had imagined, considering how swiftly it was in. Undeterred, the Ashen Blood members pressed on, pushing deeper into the ravine. Clouds of haze rolled in and the fog grew thicker. Boom! A small starship opened fire, its energy cannon unleashing a wild st. The ravine shook violently, the ground cracked, the rocky walls exploded and crumbled. All of a sudden, a piercing brilliance erupted, violently impacting the small starship. The vehicle shook uncontrobly as it veered away from the area. Meanwhile, the advanced automatons wielding alloy des and energy weapons malfunctioned. Electric sparks were seen flying everywhere. ¡°There''s intense supernatural radiation in the ravine!¡± Old Mu eximed with a grave expression on his face. They could not venture any further without risking severe consequences. Massive shadows began emerging from the ravine. A group of tyrannical apes covered in thick ck hair, standing at a towering three to four meters tall, charged out from the thick fog. The Ashen Blood members immediately found themselves in a precarious situation. With automatons leading the way, the others donning protective suits at the rear swiftly retreated. In the distance, starships raced to their aid. Violent energy beams were unleashed, sting dozens of towering tyrannical apes into oblivion. ¡°Something¡¯s not right here.¡± Old Mu frowned. These creatures, suspected to possess supernatural powers, were no match for modern weapons. They were easily defeated, unable to withstand the Ashen Blood. The only threat to the automatons and starships was the hazeing from the depths of the ravine. However, this supernatural force seemed to be waning and on the verge of depleting. The Ashen Blood continued their advance, utilizing energy weapons to forge ahead. Since it was dangerous for the members to proceed into the ravine wearing only protective suits, high-level mechas were deployed. ¡°A fallen phoenix is no better than a chicken, the same goes for a dead immortal,¡± Qing Mu mumbled. He jolted all of a sudden and a serious expression crossed his face. It was a secret transmission from the Adventurer¡¯s Guild top management. An elderly voice came through. ¡°Qing Mu, your starship¡¯s cloaking device is impressive, providing strong protection. Now, pay attention. Divert all powers to your defense systems and cloaking device." Wang Xuan was standing near Qing Mu. With his sharp hearing, he could not help but overhear the conversation. Besides, Qing Mu made no efforts to keep the conversation a secret from them. The voice sounded oddly familiar though. It immediately reminded Wang Xuan of an older colleague from work who spent half an hour on the phone discussing his fishing ns on his first day at work. The two voices bore a striking resemnce. Perhaps the person speaking to Qing Mu was not using a voice changer as they seemed to know each other well and share a deep level of trust. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qing Mu inquired. ¡°Another group from the Ashen Blood is on their way to surround you. Some medium-sized battleships are almost reaching the Greater Khingan Range,¡± the old man calmly informed him. Qing Mu felt his anger boil, realizing they had fallen into the enemy¡¯s trap. The Ashen Blood had intentionally leaked the information to them and now, they were ready to strike. Wang Xuan heard the conversation clearly too. The nonchnt and unhurried tone made Wang Xuan want to grab the old man and pummel him. So, they were being counter-hunted. ¡°Your investigation on the Ashen Blood has alerted your enemies. They deliberately leaked the news to you, luring you into their trap. They are ready to unleash a barrage of fire from their high-altitude positions. As soon as you mobilize your men there, they will send all of you to your doom.¡± A chill ran down Qing Mu¡¯s spine. It was noughing matter if the enemy¡¯s medium-sized battleships were indeed deployed. It was highly likely that they would all meet their demise right here. ¡°Are there holes all over the Old Earth? How are they able toe and go so freely?¡± Qing Mu eximed anxiously. Wang Xuan could not sit still either. This news hit them like a thunderbolt. They were deliberately lured into a trap and about to be hunted down. Even with the thirdyer of the Golden Body Technique, it was not enough for his protection. He needed to reach a dozen or moreyers to guarantee his own safety. The old man continued, ¡°Don¡¯t panic. Everything is still going ording to n. Just activate the highest level of cloaking and defense as instructed. Reinforcements are on their way and ready to strike.¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on? Exin clearly!¡± Qing Mu demanded, feelingpletely in the dark. The old man exined, ¡°We have already decided to cooperate with the authorities from the start this time. We are targeting both the Ashen Blood and the secret research department conducting experiments on immortals in the Greater Khingan Range." Boom! A bright fire erupted in the distant sky beyond the Greater Khingan Range. The massive explosion shook the air, causing some starships to disintegrate. Boom! Boom! Under a barrage of violent energy beams, all the Ashen Blood¡¯s starships and battleships were obliterated, wiped out in an instant. ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± Qing Mu seethed. The old man calmly exined the situation. ¡°A powerful research department on Terra Nova discovered something in the Greater Khingan Range. For the past few years, they have been conducting secret experiments without reporting to the Old Earth. The authorities have finally caught wind of it and are prepared to ¡®have a conversation¡¯ with them. They leaked the information to the Ashen Blood to test the conditions of the underground facility. Additionally, they wanted to teach the Ashen Blood a lesson, reminding them to abide by the rules of the Old Earth. Unfortunately, the Ashen Blood were very vignt and only sent a small group of their members, so we had to use you as bait to attract their attention.¡± ¡°Bastard!¡± Qing Mu cursed angrily. Chapter 29: A Living Female Practitioner Chapter 29: A Living Female Practitioner ¡°The danger has passed, all of the Ashen Blood¡¯s battleships have been destroyed.¡± Qing Mu let out a long sigh of relief upon receiving the news. ck Tiger, Old Mu, and Kite also visibly rxed. They had been on the brink of bing the hunted, trapped in a deadly game with the Ashen Blood. Today had been a close call. Wang Xuan, however, remained silent. He could not shake off the unease that lingered within him. The feeling of beingpletely at the mercy of others, his safety and fate out of his control, was unsettling. This was not what he had signed up for. From the perspective of the older man, there was no denying the sess of their mission. The trap had been sprung, and the Ashen Blood had suffered a significant blow. The battle had been executed wlessly. Yet, Wang Xuan could not help but see things differently. A slight misstep today, and their starship would have been reduced to mere scrap metal, with none of them surviving. What are you thinking?" Qing Mu, as an expert of the Old Arts, was very perceptive and could sense Wang Xuan¡¯s low spirits. Wang Xuan did not hesitate to share his feelings either. ¡°While today¡¯s mission was sessful, we were mere bait, always at risk of being devoured by a bigger fish. Our survival ultimately depends on luck.¡± ck Tiger, Kite, and Old Mu remained silent, but their agreement with Wang Xuan¡¯s sentiments was evident. The only difference between them was that they had faced countless crises before and had grown somewhat ustomed to the constant danger. ¡°I will provide your feedback to my superiors,¡± Qing Mu assured, attempting to gloss over things. Wang Xuan pondered silently. The Adventurer¡¯s Guild was undoubtedly powerful, reaping great rewards with each mission. However, the feeling of being a pawn and having his fate dictated by others, gnawed at him. It made him extremely ufortable, to the extent that he contemted the idea of pulling out entirely. He wanted to be able to explore Old Arts freely, without being tied down to any organizations. Deep within the ravine, clouds billowed and energy cannons continued to st. Unbeknownst to the Ashen Blood members, their escape route had been cut off, and their medium-sized battleships had been obliterated. Oblivious to the danger, they pressed on. Their progress was soon hindered. Deep within the ravine, a multitude of advanced weapons fiercely retaliated against their invasion. It became clear that something was amiss. How could an Immortal Tomb possess such advanced technology, with more energy cannons than they had? Automatons armed with energy weapons emerged, relentlessly strafing the invaders. Realizing that the situation was amiss, the Ashen Blood members swiftly retreated and immediately called for reinforcements. However, to their dismay, they were unable to establish anymunication. ¡°Who are you people, and why are you ambushing us?¡± one of the Ashen Blood members shouted. The person hidden deep in the ravine retorted angrily, ¡°You attacked our undergroundb and have the audacity to ask that question? How absurd!¡± Both sides shed violently, causing chaos within the ravine. Automatons, armed with energy weapons and alloy swords, fought at the forefront, unleashing beams of light and shing with precision. The Ashen Blood still had small starships nearby, but they could only helplessly watch the battle unfold. The mingling of both sides in the ravine made it impossible for them to intervene. Eventually, the Ashen Blood members sumbed to defeat and began a hasty retreat. Their starships took to the sky, but before they could escape, they were struck. A series of explosions ensued in the sky. The relevant departments and the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, who had been observing from a distance, seized the opportunity and swiftly moved in. They had been waiting for this moment, and when they witnessed the copse of the Ashen Blood, they showed no mercy. Silence fell upon the individuals within the depths of the ravine as they realized they were being targeted. It became apparent that multiple forces had entered the heart of the Greater Khingan Range. They had a sinking feeling that this time, they would not be able to confront the iing forces. They could only specte on the identity of the new arrivals, ming themselves for conducting secret research for so long without reporting it to the relevant departments of the Old Earth. Even so, they were still unwilling to surrender their research and decided to showcase the extraordinary nature of their location to facilitate negotiations. As they connected with the opposing side, they retrieved an object from the depths of the ground¡ªa golden bamboo with leaves, brimming with vitality. As they activated it with a peculiar instrument, a haze surged forth, emanating a powerful supernatural force. Instantly, nearby starships were affected, as if they had been struck by a shockwave. ¡°Is that the raw material of golden bamboo slips?¡± Wang Xuan stood in front of therge screen in the starship, unable to tear his eyes away. The leaves of the bamboo emitted a golden haze, releasing a shower of light that interfered with the precision instruments in the vicinity. Qing Mu was astounded. ¡°Supernatural force is being released through that bamboo, and it seems to only affect the surrounding area, leaving them unharmed.¡± He could not help but wonder what kind of secretsy hidden within this undergroundb for the research department from Terra Nova to reveal this extraordinary nt without any hesitation. Over the years, the major organizations and megacorporations of Terra Nova had discovered four golden bamboo slips on the Old Earth, but they had never obtained a living specimen of such bamboo. It surprised him that there was one among the Greater Khingan Range. Boom! The top management of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild and the representatives from the relevant departments obviously received a report. Without hesitation, theyunched an attack on the remnants of the Ashen Blood, swiftly bringing an end to the conflict. They then established contact with the undergroundb, preparing for negotiations. ¡°Qing Mu, escort the people from the relevant departments inside the ravine together with Jin Chuan to see what¡¯s going on with the undergroundb.¡± The old man¡¯s voice came through again, instructing Qing Mu to bring a few of his reliable men to go deeper into the underground. There was no doubt that the Adventurer¡¯s Guild had always had close dealings with the relevant departments. Otherwise, the coboration today would not have happened. ck Tiger, Kite, and Old Mu watched with bated breath. Knowing that it would not be dangerous to venture into the ravine, they were all eager to witness the discoveries and the scientific results that the research department from Terra Nova had made and produced. With so many starships flying across the sky outside and all sorts of advanced weapons aimed at the ravine, the people in the underground would not start a war unless they were crazy. ¡°Little Wang, ck Tiger, you two follow me.¡± Qing Mu got off the starship first, then he selected six more people from the other groups to join him. Kite and Old Mu were slightly disappointed, but they understood Qing Mu¡¯s decision. Although there should not be any danger, it was wiser to pick better fighters to join him. Jin Chuan also brought eight people along and waited at the entrance to the ravine. Seven people from the relevant departments arrived. Their leader was a man in his forties, wearing ck-rimmed sses. He would be the person in charge of approaching the other party for preliminary negotiations. Wang Xuan was startled when he caught sight of the man¡¯s profile. Ever since Wang Xuan had heard the voice of the person talking to Qing Mu, he had been suspicious if that old man was his colleague. Now, this middle-aged man was wearing the ck-rimmed sses, just like his colleague, further fueling his paranoia. Fortunately, his keen intuition as an expert in Old Arts assured him that this person was definitely not his colleague, despite his face being covered by a human face mask. Beside the man with the ck-rimmed sses were two people from the military. Likewise, both of them were also experts in Old Arts. The remaining four people were professionals in the field of life science research. They were the ones who would be escorted inside the facility and confirm the activities in it. A small starship emerged from the ravine that had been badly destroyed, taking everyone deeper into it until they reached a huge cavern at the end of it. As soon as they stepped out of the starship, they saw the underground fortification. It was well-built, with all sorts of facilities built to modern standards. It was a brightly lit, spacious underground facility with a modern touch. It looked no different than the interior of a skyscraper, equipped with arge lounge and the most advancedboratory. The group rode the elevator more than a hundred meters down before stopping. Then, they left the modern looking area and headed toward a cavern. The representatives from Terra Nova apanied them, exining along the way, ¡°This was where we made the most amazing discovery. Since we decided to share it with the Old Earth, we won¡¯t withhold any information¡­¡± The organization, known as ¡°Origin¡±, was far from small and boasted a ster reputation on Terra Nova. Despite its name suggesting a focus on scientific research, Origin was actually involved in various fields and held significant influence in the industry. This was evident in their ability to finance the construction of an extensive researchb on the Old Earth. Their substantial security force also proved that they had no fear toward mercenary groups like the Ashen Blood. The middle-aged man wearing ck-rimmed sses asked, ¡°How did you guys find this ce?¡± This was the Greater Khingan Range, a region covered with dense primitive forests, not some famous mountains or rivers. There were no myths or legends, so toe here and randomly dig down hundreds of meters without reliable information would be either crazy or stupid. A female researcher from Terra Nova exined, ¡°We deciphered a volume of bamboo slips from the Early Qin dynasty and found a mention of this ce. We explored for many years and finally found it.¡± ¡°What was written on the bamboo slips that motivated all of you to pursue all the way here?¡± the man wearing ck-rimmed sses continued asking. Wang Xuan, who was standing nearby him, was equally interested in these questions. ¡°The bamboo slips mentioned a renowned female practitioner who aspired to ascend to immortality. Although the bamboo slips were damaged and the text was iplete, the location was mentioned, so we searched for it all the way here.¡± The people from Nova Terra once dug up several iplete corpses of practitioners from the Early Qin dynasty in the Old Earth. They had extracted abnormal substances from their bones and hair, which had amazing scientific research value. Since there was a female practitioner who aspired to ascend to immortality here, their interests were naturally piqued.. The most powerful practitioners were considered legendary figures known for their incredible abilities. Unfortunately, information about them was extremely rare toe by. Any news about them would garner the attention of major organizations, even in an era where New Arts were flourishing. Furthermore, many believed that these so-called immortals were all exceptional practitioners from the Early Qin dynasty. ¡°Did you all manage to find that female practitioner?¡± the middle-aged man wearing ck-rimmed sses asked. ¡°We did.¡± The female researcher, who apanied them all the way toward the cavern, answered the question affirmatively as she ordered the people to open the stone chamber in front of them. With a loud rumble, the stone door was opened and an inexplicable aura immediately flowed through it. Although Wang Xuan had not gone in yet, he believed the words of the female researcher. It was an extremely familiar aura. He felt like he was in the ¡°Inner Landscape¡±. He caught some mystery factors. That substance was actually drifting in the air down here! Everyone was shocked. There was a golden bamboo with the diameter of a meter in front of them. It was cut open in a way that it looked like a small boat. A young woman was lying in it. She looked alive, as if she had just fallen asleep not long ago. This woman was undoubtedly a beauty, even by modern beauty standards. Her delicate skin was as fair as snow and her hair flowed like dark silk. She had a wless and exceptionally beautiful face. ¡°There¡¯s still life in her!¡± Qing Mu¡¯s expression was grave. It was the first time he spoke, and he actually sounded a little nervous. Although the woman remained motionless with her eyes closed, Qing Mu could not help but feel an unsettling presence from the faint aura surrounding her. He felt like a herbivore in the face of the king of beasts¡ªfilled with unease and an instinctual desire to flee. Wang Xuan was also staring at the woman in the golden bamboo boat, clearly sensing powerful vitality from her. The young woman¡¯s body showed no signs of dposition, and the clothing she wore had a distinct design from the Early Qin dynasty. Despite the passing of many years, both her body and the clothes remained remarkably well-preserved. ¡°That''s right, her body seems to be alive!¡± The female researcher from Terra Nova nodded solemnly. Chapter 30: Failure In Ascension Chapter 30: Failure In Ascension For many years, various organizations and departments from Terra Nova had continuously unearthed peculiar objects from the Old Earth. However, a golden bamboo with a diameter of one meter was an unprecedented discovery. The massive bamboo was cut and converted into a small boat. Such an object was certainly considered a significant find, even in the Early Qin dynasty. In the past, the major organizations from Terra Nova had fought fiercely over a few golden bamboo slips. One could only imagine their reaction over the emergence of a bamboo filled with the breath of life. A dozen branches, all adored with leaves, were still attached to the bamboo boat. asionally, a rain of golden light would cascade down from the branches, gentlynding on the body of the female practitioner, whoy as still as a deep sleeper. The female researcher from Terra Nova further exined that the smaller golden bamboo with leaves that they brought out earlier was plucked from this small boat. ¡°You¡¯re saying that there¡¯s a possibility she maye back to life?¡± Qian Lei, the man wearing ck-rimmed sses, cautiously sought toprehend the situation. The underground facility had attracted a great deal of attention from those above ground. In fact, anything connected to immortality was regarded as a major breakthrough, not just by the megacorporations from Terra Nova, but also by Old Earth. ¡°No. She¡¯s been dead for several millennia. Her self-awareness, the most essential characteristic of humans, has long vanished. All bioelectrical activities in her brain have ceased.¡± Zhou Yu, one of the project leaders, knew better than anyone that the female practitioner had been deceased for over three thousand years. The only perplexing aspect was that her physical body continued to exhibit signs of activity. After extensive testing and experiments, they concluded that it was somehow linked to the golden bamboo boat and her own supernatural abilities. Qian Lei pressed for more details, as he needed aprehensive understanding. The Old Earth would undoubtedly be involved in the subsequent research of this underground research facility. Several researchers from Terra Nova borated on the discovery of the underground relic, the direction of their recent research, and the preliminary results they had obtained thus far. They provided a rough overview and Zhou Yu provided additional information, being well-informed about the interests of people from Old Earth. ¡°After the test, we determined that her biological age before her passing was around twenty-five years old.¡± ¡°That young?¡± Qian Lei was taken aback. Being part of a special department, he had extensive knowledge about the practitioners from the Early Qin dynasty. It was unheard of for someone to be an elite among the practitioners at such a young age. ¡°Not really. To be precise, it means that she was like someone in their twenties physically. Through multiple tests and analysis, we scientifically calcted that her actual age at the time of her death was around two hundred and thirty years old. It is truly astonishing. Her indicators, from the number of cell divisions to the depletion of telomeres, were far beyond the norm.¡± Despite her age, she maintained a youthful appearance. Qian Lei¡¯s expression grew serious at the revtion. He pushed his sses up the bridge of his nose and asked, ¡°Can we trust the uracy of the data?¡± Zhou Yu quickly grasped the underlying interest of Qian Lei and those behind him. Throughout history, the pursuit of immortality had always been the most enigmatic subject. Countless people had dedicated themselves to unraveling its secrets, starting from the Early Qin dynasty and continuing to the present day. The megacorporations of this era took a more direct apoproach, investing massive resources and already making significant progress. Zhou Yu continued, ¡°The cause of her death is unknown, but it was definitely not natural. Based on her physical activity projection, she could theoretically live to at least seven hundred years old, with an upper limit of around nine hundred and fifty years old.¡± Qian Lei felt unsettled. He knew what this meant. Once this information was reported, this underground facility would be one of the most importantboratories on Old Earth. Security would be upgraded to the highest level. Several researchers from Old Earth were reviewing data reports, nodding constantly. Some of them were visibly excited. This undergroundb had conducted numerous experiments using the blood, bone marrow, and muscle fibers of the female practitioner. The data was detailed and the conclusions were credible. Wang Xuan paid close attention, observing and listening. The fact that the two hundred and thirty year old female practitioner still maintained the physical activity of a person in their twenties was truly remarkable. He knew that a practitioner with such great achievements must have visited the Inner Landscape. ¡°Her telomere length is far beyond normal, which theoretically increases the upper limit of her lifespan drastically drastically.¡± The researchers from Old Earth were filled with enthusiasm, eager to be part of this project. Zhou Yu added, ¡°We have extracted a strange substance from her blood. It can extend the lifespan of ordinary people to a certain extent.¡± ¡°Do you have any milestones? I mean clinical trials or real cases showing how long a normal person¡¯s lifespan can be extended?¡± Qian Lei asked with a serious expression. ¡°Yes, we do. One of our important clients from Terra Nova, who has also contributed thirty percent of the funds for this research facility, has received an injection of the active substance extracted from the female practitioner¡¯s blood. After more than two years of tracking and observation, we found that he, despite having a short lifespan, can theoretically live for more than fifteen additional years.¡± Zhou Yu¡¯s words surprised the researchers from the Old Earth. Even Wang Xuan was secretly amazed. The female practitioner had been dead for more than three thousand years, yet her body still possessed some longevity attributes. It was truly extraordinary, almost like the flesh of a monk, which was believed to be a life extension agent. Qian Lei¡¯s expression immediately changed and he continued asking, ¡°Do you have other simr clients? How much of such active substance have you extracted from the female practitioner¡¯s blood?" Zhou Yu replied, ¡°We still some important clients waiting for our samples. However, we don''t want to drain the pond just to get all the fish. We have been attempting to artificially cultivate her cells for years, but the results have not been ideal. For example, her blood contains supernatural force, but once it leaves her body, its traits be extremely unstable, leading to numerousboratory explosions.¡± ¡°We also have an experiment in which we n to upload the memories of one of volunteers from Terra Nova into the woman¡¯s brain, in hopes of reactivating the bioelectrical activities in her brain. The goal is to verify if her immensely powerful body can give another person a second chance in life.¡± ¡°No way!¡± Qian Lei objected loudly, losing hisposure. Wang Xuan was also dumbfounded. He could not believe such an experiment was even being considered. ¡°The technology on Terra Nova has reached a certain level. From the perspectives of our researchers, all people are essentially no different from automatons; we¡¯re just more delicate. Human thoughts are merely a set ofplex programs that can theoretically be replicated.¡± ¡°This experimental program you¡¯re talking about must be suspended. You cannot proceed,¡± Qian Lei said firmly. He then asked, ¡°Who is the volunteer?¡± Their objective of borrowing the female practitioner¡¯s body must be so that can living for hundreds of years without dying. He then inquired, ¡°Who is the volunteer?¡± He believed that ordinary people would never have such an opportunity. Their intention behind taking possession of the female practitioner¡¯s body must be to increase their lifespan and live for hundreds of years without facing death. ¡°The founder of Origin, Miss. Zheng,¡± Zhou Yu answered, then calmly revealed that sixty percent of the funds used to build this underground facility came from Miss Zheng. ¡°If we¡¯re going to cooperate, we need toe up with a more foolproof n. This experiment of yours is too risky and should not be pursued at this stage.¡± ¡°I personally do not support the idea of reviving another person¡¯s memories in her body. I prefer the alternative approach of fully dissecting the female practitioner¡¯s body. That way, we can use the most advanced instruments avable in Terra Nova to record and decode her gic information. This will allow us to fully analyze andpile the microstructure of an individual who surpasses the limits of human life¡­¡± Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan was left speechless. He mourned for the female practitioner, who had been dead for thousands of years and was not allowed to rest in peace. Her blood had been continuously drawn, and now she was even being considered for dissection. Qian Lei was startled, he did not expect such an extreme suggestioning from a gentle-looking woman. He quickly spoke up, ¡°Hold on. Some experiments need to be put on hold. Let¡¯s wait for our program to be finalized before discussing further. If we are going to cooperate, we need to ensure a win-win situation.¡± ¡­¡­ ¡°This particr bamboo possesses supernatural force and exhibits remarkable activity. After refining it, we discovered that the number of genomes in it isparable to the number found in the body of the female practitioner.¡± Zhou Yu immediately regained her enthusiasm when the conversation returned to the small boat made of that massive bamboo. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan could not help ask the researcher next to him, ¡°Have you found any other discoveries like bamboo slips in this underground cavern? It seems unlikely that such a powerful female practitioner would not have left behind anything else.¡± The researcher shook his head and replied, ¡°No, when we entered the cavern, it appeared as though there had been a massive explosion. Many areas were charred ck. Even if there were bamboo slips, all of them would have been reduced to ashes.¡± As the researcher described the scene, the expressions on the faces of Qing Mu, the two experts from the Old Earth military, and Qian Lei grew increasingly serious. Qing Mu spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Based on your description, this closely resembles what was recorded in the bamboo slips left behind by the another practitioners of the Early Qin dynasty.¡± The expert from the Old Earth military nodded in agreement, ¡°Indeed, it is very simr to the description of arge explosion that will ur during the failure of an ascension.¡± Ascension had been a topic of debate inter generations. Some believed that it was a path to certain death, where individuals would burn themselves with the aid of supernatural forces. Others believed that ascension represented the imminent ascension to immortality, pushing the boundaries of life to its extreme. Unfortunately, over the years, there had been no evidence of sessful ascension, and all those associated with it were confirmed dead upon discovery. Even the ¡°archaeological team¡± sent by megacorporations from Terra Nova had unearthed the ashes of these individuals on the Old Earth, revealing their undignified deaths. The woman before them was mentioned in the other bamboo slips from Early Qin dynasty. She was considered the strongest among the practitioners, aspiring to achieve immortality. It was only natural that she had performed the ascension to in order to achieve immortality, but it seemed that she had also failed. This would exin why she died despite having a long physical lifespan ahead of her. From a scientific standpoint, the cause of death remained unknown because no injuries could be detected. However, ording to the beliefs of Old Arts, her spiritual consciousness hadpletely faded and ceased to exist. Such a person would never be able to return to life. As Wang Xuan listened to this, he could not help but feel a sense of despair. It was yet another case of failure in ascension to immortality. Chapter 31: The Everlasting Species Program Chapter 31: The Evesting Species Program There were countless legends surrounding the immortals, but upon investigation, it was revealed that they had merely achieved longevity, not true immortality. In this era of technologically advanced civilization, multiple life science organizations and wealthy megacorporations relentlessly pursued the secret to immortality. They delved into the depths of the Old Earth, and on more than one asion, they stumbled upon the characters mentioned in the ¡°Biographies of Immortals¡±. The sight of their lifelike physical forms upon opening the ancient tombs was initially breathtaking, but it quickly turned into disappointment. These legendary figures had turned to ashes in a remarkably short period of time, confirming that they had never truly achieved immortality. For instance, the grave mound of Master Chixuzi, a true immortal mentioned in the Biographies of Immortals, was discovered during the Old Era. However, his remains had been reduced to a pile of ashes. Even Master Guanling Yin, whose coffin had been unearthed and disyed as a cultural relic in a museum for many years, had met the same fate. Wang Xuan was not bothered that the existence of the immortals had been debunked. He was already content to be able to learn about the lifespan limitations of practitioners today as this piece of information held great significance to him. The woman lying in the bamboo boat, an elite among the practitioners, could live for at least seven hundred years, with a maximum lifespan of nine hundred and fifty years. This was undeniably a substantial amount of time. Drawing upon well-known historical examples, such as Ancestor Peng who also lived to be eight hundred years old in the legends, Wang Xuan grew confident that if he were to achieve the same status one day, he would have ample time to contemte whaty beyond the path of the Old Arts. However, as he pondered further, he could not help but consider certain issues. If this woman still had plenty of life left, why was she in such a rush to ascend to immortality? Did something significant ur back then? Was it a personal matter or a consequence of the prevailing circumstances? These questions swirled in his mind. ¡°The reason why she failed to ascend to immortality, yet was able to preserve her physical form and retain her vitality, is closely tied to this thick golden bamboo,¡± Zhou Yu exined. The research team had named this bamboo the Divine Ascension Bamboo, as it contained a potent supernatural substance and abundant life force. ¡°Do you have any other scientific research ns or experiments in different directions?¡± Qian Lei inquired. ¡°Indeed, we have another program called the Evesting Species,¡±Zhou Yu responded. ¡°Tell me more,¡± Qian Lei urged. He knew that the researchers at the New World likely had reservations, but he was willing to patiently uncover the detailster. ¡°Despite the fading spiritual consciousness of the female practitioner, her physical vitality remains remarkably strong. It¡¯s as if she has been dormant all this time. Her physiological age is that of a young woman, primed for marriage and pregnancy.¡± Upon hearing this, even the twoposed military experts were astonished. Their jaws dropped, thinking that the researchers from the New World had gone too far with their ambitions. Qian Lei was equally dumbfounded. He instinctively adjusted his ck-rimmed sses, as if afraid they might fall off. ¡°Are you saying that you¡¯re nning to make this female practitioner give birth to a child after she¡¯s been dead for three thousand years?!¡±. ¡°That¡¯s correct. She is the closest being to immortal that we have discovered, someone who has surpassed the limits of human lifespan. The gic material she left behind for her future offspring is absolutely extraordinary and worth exploring through experiments,¡± Zhou Yu eximed, her excitement even greater than when she was talking about dissecting the female practitioner. Qing Mu, the head of one of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild¡¯s departments, usually maintained a calm and collected demeanor. However, he was taken aback by this revtion. He suddenly realized that when a well-mannered scientific researcher became ¡°enthusiastic¡±, they could be even more terrifying than him. Xuan Wang, on the other hand, was mind blown. He felt a deep sense of sympathy for the female practitioner, who, even after three thousand years of death, was unable to rest in peace and was now forced to bear a child. He reminded himself that if he failed toplete the path of Old Arts, he must burn himself to ashes on thest day of his existence. With this new resolve in mind, he could not help but wonder if the other elite practitioners had already foreseen this day when they chose to reduce themselves to ashes during the ascension. Qian Lei''s expression turned serious as he dered, ¡°This experiment mustn¡¯t be conducted at this stage.¡± Zhou Yu, despite being one of the project leaders with decision making power, acknowledged the statement without any intention of arguing. She simply nodded and said, ¡°We have no immediate ns to proceed either. Although the mother¡¯s body is strong enough, we have yet to find a suitable candidate as the father. Let¡¯s wait for another ten years. If the right person emerges in the field of New Arts, then we can consider it. As for those who practiced Old Arts, it''s best we don¡¯t consider them. This path is less viable now and individuals like those practitioners from the Early Qin dynasty can no longer exist in today''s era.¡± Wang Xuan could not help but sigh inwardly, relieved that the female practitioner had just narrowly escaped a humiliating fate. He quickly shook his head again, reminding himself that honor and disgrace were ultimately meaningless to someone who was already dead. Qian Lei had a lengthy discussion with Zhou Yu and the other leads from the New World. Before he departed, he requested to take a part of the Divine Ascension Bamboo with him for further research. Zhou Yu and the others seemed to have anticipated this request and generously gave him the bamboo they had cut off earlier. Qing Mu, unable to contain his excitement, wanted to ask for a piece of the golden bamboo on behalf of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Before he could make the request, the researchers from the New World took the initiative to address the matter. ¡°We can no longer provide additional samples of the Divine Ascension Bamboo from the bamboo boat due to concerns about the potential negative impact on the boat¡¯s activity and, more importantly, the stability of the female practitioner¡¯s body. In such a scenario, all our experiments would go awry and be impossible to carry out.¡± Qing Mu was left speechless. The other party had effectively refused his potential request, and insisting on it would only disrupt the experiments and hinder the overall progress of this research facility. Zhou Yu expressed her apologies and presented a golden leaf, stating that it was all they could offer. Comparing the bamboo branch in Qian Lei¡¯s hand to the leaf in his own left a bad taste in Qing Mu¡¯s mouth. There was no denying the discrepancy. ¡°Forget it,¡± he consoled himself. Wang Xuan then spoke up, ¡°Excuse me, may I take a few stones from this cavern?¡± The people present were taken aback, and those from the New World wore puzzled expressions. Wang Xuan quickly rified, ¡°As a practitioner of the Old Arts, I have a deep reverence for the early practitioners. Ascension seems almost mythical to me, and having the opportunity to personally witness these relics brings me immense satisfaction. Nevertheless, I would appreciate the chance to take a few pieces of fragmented stones from this site as a memento. They will serve as a constant reminder and source of motivation, affirming that the path of the Old Arts is indeed still viable and that achieving the ascension brings me closer to immortality!¡± Qing Mu was surprised by Wang Xuan¡¯s request. He knew Wang Xuan well and was aware that he was not particrly reverent towards the immortals. He could not help but wonder if Wang Xuan had undergone a change of heart today. The middle-aged man from the military, a fellow practitioner of Old Arts, smiled. ¡°That¡¯s impressive, young man. You¡¯re a martial arts enthusiast, just like me when I was young. Let¡¯s keep in touch in the future. Although I¡¯m transitioning to the New Arts, I haven¡¯tpletely abandoned the Old Arts. If you ever have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. We can have a good chat.¡± Wang Xuan¡¯s face immediately lit up with gratitude, and he eagerly exchanged contact information with the middle-aged man. Of course, he made sure to leave behind the same phone number that was specifically connected to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Seeing Wang Xuan¡¯s sincerity and the support from the military, the project leader and the other researchers from the New World agreed to Wang Xuan¡¯s request. In truth, they had already thoroughly searched the area, and the female practitioner had indeed left behind some artifacts in the past. However, most of them were burned to ashes, and there was nothing else of value. Furthermore, they had used the most advanced instruments to conduct multiple scans, and there was no evidence of any hiddenyers or special substances or energy in the cavern. Wang Xuan casually extracted a few stones from the cracked cavern wall with his bare hands. The sheer strength of his grip left the people from the New World in awe. Despite the cavern being cleaned before, there were still scorched ck traces between the cracks. It did not appear to be caused by the explosion during the ascension, but rather a lightning strike. Wang Xuan calmly collected a total of six stones. He silently stepped back, disguising the excitement he felt inside. Qing Mu sighed and confessed, ¡°I, too, practiced the Old Art. Although I have a deep reverence for the early practitioners, I have also unfortunately diverted to the path of the New Arts due to myck of strength. I shall take two stones for myself as a memento too.¡± The people of Nova had no objections. After all, they had already given him a leaf; it would not be nice to deny him a few stones. ¡°s, our old path hase to an end. From now on, we can only ce our hopes on the New Arts.¡± The middle-aged man from the military stepped forward with a sad face and also grabbed two stones for himself. ¡°How sad!¡± Jin Chuan sighed and silently joined the others, tucking two fist-sized stones into his arms. Wang Xuan was dumbfounded. He could not believe that these three individuals, who actually knew nothing, were following his lead. He was not sure whether they were worried about losing out on something or they were simply mimicking him. The people from the New Worldughed at their pathetic attempts in taking advantage of the situation. The cavern had been thoroughly searched multiple times. If there was anything valuable, it would have been discovered long ago. ¡°You guys!¡± Qian Lei sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. Qing Mu, Jin Chuan, and the middle-aged man from the military immediately felt slightly embarrassed. After all, they were civilized people. Soon, all of them took the elevator back to the surface with Qian Lei leading the way and were transported out of the ravine by a small starship. ¡°Little brother, I noticed you collected quite a few stones. If myrades were to ask me for some, I only have two on me, which won''t be enough to share. Could you spare another one or two?¡± the middle-aged man from the military asked Wang Xuan earnestly. Wang Xuan sighed. This man had been so polite earlier, talking about how he was also a true martial arts enthusiast when he was young. In the end, it seemed like he had an ulterior motive for saying all that. Qian Lei adjusted his sses and added, ¡°Little brother, could you also give me a piece? After all, it¡¯s a rock from the explosion of an ascension. I need to bring it back to have it analyzed by a specialist.¡± Wang Xuan was speechless. These people really put up a great act back there! However, he did not really mind sharing his stones. He had anticipated this possibility and had collected a few extra stones. Besides, there were only two pieces that he cared about the most. Without saying a word, he silently threw a piece to the middle-aged man and Qian Lei. Noticing the awkward look on Qing Mu¡¯s face, he took the initiative to toss him a piece as well. Jin Chuan immediately spoke up, ¡°Brother, since we belong to the same Adventurer¡¯s Guild¡­¡± Before he could finish speaking, Wang Xuan cut him off and firmly refused. ¡°No!¡± He could not resist adding, ¡°That¡¯s because you intercepted mest time!¡± Jin Chuan was taken aback and wanted to correct Wang Xuan that it was not an interception, but he decided against it. He turned around, not wanting to provoke Wang Xuan any further. Wang Xuan looked at the group of middle-aged men and said, ¡°Did you all misunderstand something? I genuinely want to bring these stones back to disy and remind myself that Old Arts can be incredibly powerful. What were you all thinking?!¡± ¡°Haha, life experience taught us otherwise!¡± The middle-aged man from the military replied honestly this time. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go. It¡¯s time to go home!¡± Qing Mu patted Wang Xuan on the shoulder. Shortly after, they boarded their starship and returned safely. Although the mission had been thrilling, Wang Xuan had already decided to pull out from the guild. He did not want to leave his fate in someone else¡¯s hands. Instead of sadness, he was filled with excitement. He was itching to return to his residence with these stones. The fact that he could barely contain his excitement only showed how valuable these rocks were. Once Wang Xuan arrived back in the city, he wasted no time and headed straight to his residence. He could not bear to wait a moment longer! Chapter 32: Odd Stones Chapter 32: Odd Stones There was not a single cloud in the night sky, allowing the brilliant constetions in the deep universe to inspire endless reverie. As Wang Xuan hurried back into the old neighborhood, he could not help but notice a spacecraft streaking across the sky like a meteor. It vanished in an instant, leaving behind only a faint trail. The speed was astonishing. Before he could fully process what he had just witnessed, another battleship soared above the city. Its alloy hull emitted an eerie glow, a testament to its ability to traverse deep space. The ship zoomed into the distance at an incredible speed. Wang Xuan, with a meat sandwich in one hand and soy milk in the other, gazed up at the spectacle in surprise. What could be happening? Even therge battleships were taking flight, disappearing into the sky above the city. Wang Xuan was almost finished with his dinner on his way home when his phone rang. It was a call from Qing Mu, even though they had only recently parted ways. Curiosity piqued, he answered the call, only to be greeted by Qing Mu¡¯sughter. Clearly, he was in a good mood. ¡°The Ashen Blood¡¯s strongholds in the Old Earth have been eradicated. Their starships and battleships have nowhere to run. The authorities have issued stern warnings to organizations that defy the rules of the Old Earth. From tomorrow onwards, those organizations from Terra Nova will have to keep a much lower profile.¡± Wang Xuan felt a surge of satisfaction upon hearing this news. He couldn''t forget that fateful night when he was ambushed in this very forest before his eyes. Finally, that organization had met its demise. Returning to his room, Wang Xuan ced the stones on his desk. He examined two of them carefully under the light, ignoring the third one. Both rocks were the size of a fist, slightly charred as if they had been burned or struck by lightning. Their exteriors bore traces of molten crystallization. ¡°They actually couldn¡¯t sense the strong mystery factors...!¡± Wang Xuan mumbled to himself. This was the reason for his excitement and his determination to find a way to bring back these two stones. Although it was right in front of their eyes, neither Qing Mu, Qian Lei, nor the military experts could sense the mystery factors. Even the people from Terra Nova, who had been there for years, remained oblivious to its presence. Wang Xuan believed that his ability to sense the mystery factors was connected to his experience in the Inner Landscape, where he first encountered this mysterious substance. Despite the silence and destion, he could gather the mysterious substance by activating the core technique of the Early Qin master. It seemed to descend from the void, nourishing both his body and mind. When he entered the underground cavern where the female practitioner slumbered, Wang Xuan could vaguely sense mystery factors in the air. At first, he thought he was close to the Inner Landscape. However, he soon discovered that aside from the female practitionerying in the golden bamboo boat, part of them wereing from the rock wall. To his surprise, no one else seemed to notice any of this. Despite their strength, Qian Lei, Qing Mu, and Jin Chuan, remained oblivious to the mystery factors. Their attention was solely focused on the Divine Ascension Bamboo and the female practitioner. Wang Xuan wondered if only those who had absorbed the mystery factors in the Inner Landscape could detect their presence. He eventually became convinced that the others could not detect this special substance and simply regarded it as air. Despite the calm expression on his face, excitement grew in Wang Xuan¡¯s heart. He fixed his gaze on the rock wall and used his Hyper Perception to pinpoint its core location. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and he sessfully retrieved two stones. While traces of the mystery factors overflowed from the entire rock wall, these two pieces were the most unique. Aside from confirming that there was a rare substance inside the stones that was so dense it could not be melted, Wang Xuan also felt that they could bring him closer to Inner Landscape. Such a discovery caused his heart to race and ignited his excitement. Furthermore, he also confirmed that the people from Terra Nova were ignorant of these apparently different mystery factors even though they could detect supernatural substances. Even their most advanced instruments failed to detect them. ¡°It appears that the Inner Landscape holds extraordinary objects,¡± Wang Xuan murmured. He ran his hands over the rough, charred stones, feeling theforting substance drift into his body. ¡°Since these are the relics of ascension to immortality, I¡¯ll name them the Ascension Stones.¡± He decided, finding the name to be very fitting. His mind wandered back to those middle-aged men. They had not only mimicked him and taken some stones, but had also asked for more from him when they came out of the cavern. A smile appeared on his face as he rejoiced in his quick-thinking to take extra stones with him, allowing him to keep a few for himself even after sharing. There were traces of mystery factors all over the cavern, so the stones that those people received were more or less stained with some too. Wang Xuan deduced that the explosion urred when the female practitioner had failed to ascend to immortality. As a result, the mysterious substances she had taken out from the Inner Landscape erupted violently too, sttering everywhere. The cavern itself melted during that time, causing a significant amount of these precious substances to blend into the rockyers. It could be said that the entire cavern was a huge piece of treasure itself. Unfortunately, the cavern was constantly being impactedter on, causing dense cracks to form on the wall. Due to this, the mystery factor managed to escape once more through the cracks. If this was not the case, there would have been a greater abundance of Ascension Stones, rather than just two. Wang Xuan was confident that these two Ascension Stones were considered invaluable treasures by experts in the field. As he held the stones in his hands, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Before he even began to crack open the Ascension Stones, wisps of mystery factors were already being absorbed by his body. They nourished his mind, and also cleansed his muscles and bones. Most importantly, he could faintly perceive the boundary of the Inner Landscape once more! Wang Xuan took a deep breath and meditated, preparing to activate the core technique of the Early Qin master. His heart was filled with a strong desire to explore. The sound of falling leaves drifting past the window reached his ears, followed by the sound of autumn rain hitting against the window. All of a sudden, Wang Xuan snapped open his eyes and quickly chucked the two Ascension Stones in an inconspicuous corner. He dashed to the balcony and silently crouched down. Various sounds reached his ears. Faint noises came from below the balcony, indicating that someone was stealthily climbing up. These sounds were so soft that they would go unnoticed by most people, especially when they were drowned out by the pitter-patter of rain. However, Wang Xuan possessed an extraordinary sense of hearing, surpassing that of the average individual. Since thest time he achieved the hyper-perceptive state and entered the Inner Landscape, he had experienced significant growth. He not only attained the thirdyer of the Golden Body Technique, but his mental focus had improved significantly and his spiritual sense had be exceptionally sharp. He could not fathom who would take advantage of the rainy night to climb up to his balcony. After fully liberating his perception, Wang Xuan heard other faint movements. His ears could pick up the subtle footsteps approaching in the corridor outside. The footsteps were very light, and two people came to a stop outside his door. Before reaching the thirdyer of the Golden Body Technique, Wang Xuan would have easily overlooked these sounds. However, things had changed now. He was able to detect these barely audible sounds and sense that danger was drawing near. A hand emerged silently on the balcony, followed by half a human head and then a gun. Wang Xuan could not make out the person¡¯s face, but from his crouched position on the balcony, he could see the ominous gun aimed at the room. Things would have turned out very badly if the two people outside the door broke in and Wang Xuan went to fend them off. This person could have fired the gun at him from the balcony. Wang Xuan knew right away that these were professional assassins. Someone even more formidable than the previous group was targeting him. These three assassins were rather powerful. Tonight, the stronghold of the Ashen Blood in the Old Earth was eradicated. Were these assassins driven by anger, or did the employer of the remaining Ashen Blood members increase their payment, thus motivating them to eliminate Wang Xuan on this chaotic night? Whichever reason it was, ignited an uncontroble rage within Wang Xuan. He had always treated others with nothing but kindness and could not fathom why he was repeatedly being targeted by people seeking to wash their hands with his blood. The rain outside intensified, relentlessly pounding against the windows. The wind was blowing the raindrops into the balcony, drenching the assassin who had stealthily climbed onto it, intending to hide behind the curtains and ambush the target inside the house. However, she had underestimated her target. As soon as she gracefully rolled over and stepped onto the balcony, a hand swiftly twisted her arm that held the gun. With a barely audible click, her bone snapped, causing her to involuntarily drop her weapon. Before she could even yell to warn her aplices, Wang Xuan swiftly twisted off her arm with one hand and delivered a powerful p to her face. The force of the p not only silenced her, but also caused the seven orifices in her head to bleed, nearly incapacitating her. Wang Xuan was slightly surprised. He had confidence in his own strength. His physical body had be incredibly powerful after attaining the thirdyer of the Golden Body Technique. If an average person had been pped by him like that, their face would have caved in, rendering them unconscious. This female assassin, however, remained partially conscious. A strong force surged within her body, as she attempted to break free from Wang Xuan. She was far from an ordinary assassin; she was an expert in the Old Arts who had mastered the art of chi gathering. With a gun in her hand, she presented a true danger. It was evident that a team of highly skilled assassins had been dispatched to eliminate Wang Xuan tonight. The female assassin, not fully unconscious, earned herself another p from Wang Xuan. With his achievements in the Golden Body Technique, Wang Xuan proved to be a much more formidable opponent than someone who had just mastered the art of chi gathering. The ppletely distorted the female assassin¡¯s attractive face, causing tiny cracks to form in her frontal bone. Before she copsed, a chilling realization dawned upon her¡ªthe man possessed far greater strength than the information provided in her intelligence. A seemingly half-hearted p from him had nearly incapacitated her, leaving her feeling as though her skull had been bashed in. At this moment, she felt like a defenseless rabbit being pawed by a ferocious tiger. Wang Xuan lifted the female assassin from the floor using one hand, while simultaneously retrieving her gun with the other. He swiftly returned to the room just as the door made a faint sound and silently swung open. Two individuals swiftly entered, rolling on the ground instead of walking in directly. Wang Xuan¡¯s shot missed and failed to hit anyone. However, the female assassin, whom he had forcefully tossed, collided with one of the intruders. The intruder was equally ruthless. He kicked the female assassin¡¯s body aside, then threw a dagger at Wang Xuan¡¯s face while getting up from the ground. The moment Wang Xuan dodged the flying dagger, the intruder pounced on him. The second intruder arrived almost simultaneously, disying incredible skill that far surpassed the woman¡¯s. It was clear that both of them were also experts in the path of Old Arts. None of them carried firearms. One was armed with a short de and the other was unarmed, relying solely on their skills to kill their target. Wang Xuan let out a sigh, acknowledging the need to improve his marksmanship. The numerous missed shots served as evidence of his poor uracy. However, the primary factor behind these missed shots was the remarkable skill possessed by the two intruders. Their movements were quick, nimble, and clearly honed through extensive physical training. Both of them had already mastered the art of chi gathering long ago and were experienced experts in inner cultivation, having practiced for many years. If this encounter had urred a week ago, Wang Xuan would have found it extremely difficult and even perilous to confront them. However, his recent journey to the Inner Landscape hadpletely changed the situation. He dropped his gun and faced the two men with his bare hands. Bang! One of them swung his palm toward Wang Xuan, only to be effortlessly blocked by Wang Xuan¡¯s right hand. The dull sound of the impact echoed through the room. The assassin was taken aback. No one knew better than him how powerful his palm strike was. It could easily break the bones and tendons of someone who had mastered the art of chi gathering and inner cultivation. Yet, this young man stood unharmed before him. Wang Xuan was equally taken aback as he noticed the assassin¡¯s unusually thick and wide palms. He recognized this as a sign of practicing the Iron Sand Palm technique, which could deform the palms and cause bone thickening. A strike from such palms could prove fatal. Bang! The intruder struck harder, smashing Wang Xuan¡¯s desk into pieces. He was confident in his Iron Sand Palm technique, yet its ineffectiveness against this young man perplexed him. Wang Xuan¡¯s face darkened. He was the target of these intruders, yet they were destroying his belongings. At this point, they were being assholes. Enraged, Wang Xuan retaliated fiercely,nding powerful punches on the intruders relentlessly. The two assassins were confused, wondering why this young man, who seemedposed during their initial attack, was suddenly filled with rage. Unbeknownst to them, Little Wang had just started his job and it seemed like a portion of his first paycheck would be going to hisndlord due to the damaged desk. This unexpected expense would surely leave him in a financially tight predicament. The assassins were also astonished by the incredible strength of this seemingly ordinary young man. Each strike from him felt like being hit by a charging rhino. Their bodies were sent flying and they had broken quite a few bones in their bodies. When their Iron Sand Palm technique collided with Wang Xuan¡¯s palm, all they felt was excruciating pain and blood trickling from their calloused palms. The two men crashed to the ground, unable to move. Their arm bones, leg bones, and breast bones were all fractured. They could not help but wonder if the organization had sent them to their deaths. How could they have been defeated by someone who had only recently mastered the arts of chi gathering and inner cultivation? The intel department must be blind! Wang Xuan finally spoke up, ¡°You¡¯ve destroyed my desk and hindered my progress in the pursuit of immortality¡­¡± A chilling fear, mingled with confusion, filled the hearts of the two assassins. They could notprehend Wang Xuan¡¯s anger over a cheap broken desk and the pursuit of immortality he mentioned. Chapter 33: Shortcut To The Inner Landscape Chapter 33: Shortcut To The Inner Landscape The two male assassins, both around forty years of age, bore unremarkable faces. They were practitioners of Iron Sand Palm martial arts with bulky frames. But it was their right hands that stood out most. They had once been massive, but now they were a bloodied mess. They had honed their physical skills for over thirty years, and had just begun to feel a sense of extraordinary aplishment by this age. Yet they were defeated by a young man in his early twenties. It was a reality that was hard for them to swallow. Not far away, the female assassin had regained consciousness. Her face and arms throbbed with pain. Wang Xuan walked over to her, grabbed her, and broke her other arm as well with a crisp snap. The pain nearly made her scream out loud. Wang Xuan thought to himself, All three of them are desperados. They¡¯re killers. If he had not incapacitated them, there was no telling what other tricks they might pull. They might suddenly draw a gun or attempt to knock him out with some sort of poison. His caution did not go unnoticed by the trio, who now saw him as an increasingly formidable force, a monster who treated human lives as disposable. "End it quickly," rasped one of the Iron Sand Palm practitioners. His voice was hoarse, and his body was riddled with fractures as he was left sprawled on the ground. He had barely any energy left. "Which organization do you belong to?" Wang Xuan asked. "Ashen Blood," surprisingly, the man on the ground responded willingly. He did not attempt to conceal the information. Wang Xuan''s expression remained unchanged, but inwardly, he was somewhat surprised. The man was unexpectedly cooperative; he had not expected such open disclosure of his background. In truth, the assassins trained in Iron Sand Palm were unnerved. Having witnessed Wang Xuan''s casual brutality¡ªbreaking arms, and disfiguring the once-attractive face of the female assassin¡ªthey believed he could be exceedingly savage. Fearing further suffering, they figured they might as welle clean. After all, they held no secrets that could jeopardize the Ashen Blood organization. The trio answered every question posed to them. They were not die-hard loyalists, but assassins who acted solely for payment. Their allegiance was never absolute. The Ashen Blood organization had suffered heavy losses tonight as their strongholds in the old territories had been taken down one by one. Still, some members remained hidden and unscathed. The three had been tasked to kill Wang Xuan amid the chaos of that night. Regardless of the oue, they had been instructed not to act recklesslye morning. Wang Xuan''s expression remained impassive. The upheaval in the Old World had had its intimidating effect, but the audacity of these assassins to target him on this final night was outrageous. Do they really think of me as a weakling? "Indeed, someone has upped the bounty on your head, but we truly do not know who," one of the assassins admitted. After receiving their orders, they were merely responsible for carrying out the assassination. They had no way of knowing who was behind the staggering amount of bounty for Wang Xuan''s life. As for the inner workings of the higher echelons of the Ashen Blood organization, they werepletely out of the loop. The organization waspartmentalized. Security was tight, and there were many fail-safes in ce. Even if arge number of their assassins were captured, it would not disrupt the operations of the Ashen Blood. Targeted time and again, even the meekest of men would reach their breaking point. Wang Xuan was no exception. He was growing increasingly intolerant of being the continual target of the Ashen Blood organization at the behest of some unseen mastermind. He looked at the trio sprawled helplessly on the ground, and raised his hand to deliver blows that would end their lives. But ultimately, his hand did not fall. Wang Xuan knew full well that these three were merely tools of murder. They were far removed from the mastermind orchestrating this vendetta. Killing them would neither affect that shadowy figure nor significantly impact the Ashen Blood organization. When the assassination attempt had urred, Wang Xuan¡¯s heart had been filled with rage. But his murderous intent faded away as he slowly calmed down. Upon reflection, the idea of executing the assassins in his own residence seemed distasteful. It would soak his ce of living in blood. That was why he hesitated. "Where are the people who were sent to kill mest time?" Wang Xuan inquired. "They''ve retreated. One of them is now in aa, and another is barely hanging on to life with an artificial heart. Their lives are as good as over," replied one of the Iron Sand Palm-trained assassins. Even this middle-aged man, known for his cold-bloodedness, felt a shiver crawl down his spine when he considered the fates of his predecessors. The young man standing before him was truly a force to be reckoned with, his actions inducing not just fear, but sheer terror. Wang Xuan felt a tinge of surprise. The stone he had thrownst time had caved in one assassin''s forehead, turning him into a vegetative state. Another had suffered a torn heart due to a steel rod impaling him, yet had somehow survived. "Well, at least I''ve never taken a life yet," Wang Xuan mused. To the three assassins, this statement was anything but benign. They even thought he was being sarcastic. Wang Xuan looked down at them and suggested, "Why don''t the three of you take your own lives? Or perhaps assist each other in doing so." The color drained from the assassins'' faces, their bodies tensing in terror. Is that a joke? Wang Xuan was not even willing to get his hands dirty; he was making them consider killing each other or themselves. He was undoubtedly a ruthless person. Of course, they had misunderstood him. Wang Xuan genuinely had no desire to kill, but he also felt that he could not be overly merciful when facing down the individuals, who moments ago, were attempting for his life. Frozen on the ground, the trio simply did not know what to do next. Should we really end it ourselves? The thought was profoundly disheartening. They still believed that Wang Xuan, a dangerous man in their eyes, would have other ways of making them suffer. "Forget it, I can''t bring myself to do it," Wang Xuan finally said, sighing and shaking his head. "After all, I''ve never killed anyone and don''t wish to make an exception now." Wang Xuan¡¯s words were like a ray of sunshine had suddenly pierced through the dark clouds looming over the trio¡¯s lives. Could destiny really take such a favorable turn? He nced at them and said, "What are you thinking? Your hands are stained with the blood of others. To let you go would be to condone evil. I won''t give you another chance tomit murder. I¡¯m simply leaving you to the professionals." He immediately contacted Qing Mu to handle the situation. After all, disposing of the bodies of the three men would be a problem, and he had always been aw-abiding citizen. The assassins on the ground felt their hope rise, only to be dashed momentster. The emotional whish was torturous. They were convinced that Wang Xuan was a dangerous man who was merely toying with their emotions as some form of cruel sport. It was even worse than if he had killed them outright. He was truly a mastermind at psychological maniption. Wang Xuan remained oblivious to their internal turmoil. He simply sighed, "I''m still too soft, aren''t I?" Upon hearing this, the trio felt even more terrible. It was as if they had plummeted into hell. They became increasingly convinced that they were dealing with the Devil himself. Qing Mu arrived in person upon receiving the message, clearly angered. He had recently spoken to Wang Xuan about the Ashen Blood organization being uprooted in the Old World and advised him that everyone would have to keep a low profile. "Is this their final act of insanity, or have they just be overly arrogant?" Qing Mu thought when he found out that the Ashen Blood organization had made another attempt on Wang Xuan''s life on this final night. Upon entering the room and seeing the situation, Qing Mu grinned, "Wow, Little Wang, you really did a number on them. What did you do to that female assassin''s face?" "Why don''t you give them a quick end?" he suggested. "I''ve never taken a life before," Wang Xuan firmly declined. Sucking his teeth in irritation, Qing Mu replied, "Fine, I''ll interrogate them myself and then take care of it." With a wave of his hand, a few people came in to remove the three assassins. They also professionally cleaned the room, removing all traces of blood. Wang Xuan asked him about the silver beastskin scroll he had acquired during hisst adventure on Qingcheng Mountain. He wanted to know if its value had been assessed, and when he would receive hispensation. Qing Mu had mentioned that the beastskin scroll was too astonishing a discovery, far surpassing the usual findings of their expeditions. ording to the organization''s internal rules, there would be additional rewards. "No, it''s still being deciphered. The strange symbols on it have stumped our group of experts. ¡°Why? Are you in need of money right now?" Qing Mu looked puzzled. Wang Xuan sighed, "You see, thendlord said that this desk is made of mahogany. I''m just a recent graduate who hasn''t even received his first monthly paycheck. I can''t afford to pay for the damages." Qing Mu looked at Wang Xuan''s serious expression, then at the three paralyzed assassins who were being dragged away. He was speechless. The situation was strangely incongruent. "Fine, I''ll lend you some for now." Qing Mu asked Wang Xuan for his ount information and then turned to ask, "Haven''t you thought of other ways to get money? You could have had those assassins transfer funds to you." Wang Xuan responded, "I''m afraid of attracting attention from the authorities. I don''t want any illegal money flowing into my ount. Everything I have must be earned legitimately." "You''re something else," Qing Mu pped him on the shoulder,pletely at a loss for words, and left the room with his team. Left alone in the room, Wang Xuan cleaned up and muttered to himself, "I hope those two Ascension Stones don''t disappoint me." It was precisely because he had recently mastered the Golden Body Technique, and thus had sufficient strength, that he had been able to subdue the three powerful assassins so easily. "What the future holds, I don''t know. But I must rise swiftly to calmly face all challenges ahead, including the Ashen Blood organization," Wang Xuan mused. "If I be powerful enough to make them fearful, they might even willingly expose their backer to me." He believed that, at all times, his true power should exceed what others expect of him. This would allow him to better protect himself and be more efficient when ites to dealing with enemies. Wang Xuan held the two Ascension Stones in his hands with a smile, full of expectations and hopes for a pleasant surprise. The room was silent. Mysterious energies from the Ascension Stones surged into Wang Xuan''s body, nourishing his mind and rejuvenating his bones and muscles. Soon after, he found himself once again near the edge of the Inner Landscape, albeit quite blurry. He longed to approach it. Even though he had not activated his Hyper Perception today, he could still see that destend through the power of the Ascension Stones. Wang Xuan was incredibly eager. If he could enter that ce again, there was no doubt that it would be a significant gain for him. However, even though his spirit was vibrant and he was currently utilizing the core technique from the Early Qin practitioners, he was still unable to get close to that elusive territory. Though he could see it, Wang Xuan felt a persistent distance separating him from that elusive ce. "Crack!" With no hesitation, Wang Xuan crushed one of the Ascension Stones. A surge of potent mystical energies instantly enveloped him, and he found the distance to the Inner Landscape closing dramatically¡ªit was almost within arm''s reach now. "Crack!" He shattered the other Ascension Stone just as decisively, and was swathed in an even thicker cloud of mystical energies. In the blink of an eye, Wang Xuan found himself within the Inner Landscape. He had truly seeded. However, he noted that this Inner Landscape appeared slightly different from the one he had essed previously. Chapter 34: Oops, A Wardrobe Malfunction Chapter 34: Oops, A Wardrobe Malfunction In utter silence and amid destion, the Inner Landscape stretched endlessly, resembling an exhausted cosmos devoid of stars. It represented the pinnacle of meditation, where mere minutes in the outside world could trante into years spent within. Taoist interpretations of this Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court seemed most appropriate. This was a realm of emptiness and serenity. Time seemed to stall here, and one could remain detached andposed in a way that defied understanding. Thrilled to be here for the second time, Wang Xuan was fully aware of what this ce symbolized. This was the core reason behind the tremendous power of the Early Qin practitioners. "Signs of lightning strikes!" Wang Xuan focused intently, observing that some parts of the usually dim and chilling Inner Landscape were scorched ck. It was different from what he had seen during his previous visit. As soon as he entered the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan''s perception heightened, and his mind transitioned into a state of extreme serenity. Even in such a tranquil state, he proceeded cautiously while surveying the scorched regions. Amidst the oppressive stillness, he felt as though destructive forces were seeping out. Suddenly, with a resounding boom, it was as if history had rewound. Wang Xuan saw a vivid shback of a thunderbolt that once tore across the Early Qin sky like aet colliding with the Earth¡ªdeafening, devastating, and unstoppable. For a fleeting moment, he envisioned an Ascended Taoist Master in white robes, looking up. Although powerful beyond measure, even the master could not withstand the thunderbolt and was dispersed into a shower of light that was scattered across time and space. A shiver ran down Wang Xuan''s spine. How can humans possibly hope to weather the force of such phenomena? He wondered. But his absolute state of detachment allowed him to quickly return to a quiet and tranquil state of mind. He continued observing in silence. Therge swaths of scorchednd within the Inner Landscape still bore remnants of the thunderbolt. It was something that exceeded Wang Xuan''s wildest imaginations. In Wang Xuan''s understanding, the Inner Landscape was isted from the mortal world. Only the spirit could traverse this barren and quiet realm; the physical body had to remain outside. What he saw was nothing but destion. A sense of decay loomed over the eerily quietndscape. The flickering remnants of the thunderbolt disappeared into the scorched earth, overturning his previous assumptions. As he took a step forward, he found that even the slight breeze caused by his movement led to drastic changes ahead. The expansive areas of scorched earth and remaining lightning swiftly vanished, copsing like sandcastles in the tide. As Wang Xuan advanced, all the things that had differed from his previous visits disintegrated into ashes. Scorched and dimnds, remnants of thunderbolts, all vanished. Everything ceased to exist. Wang Xuan halted, looking at the surroundings that had reverted to their original deste and vacant state, deep in thought. "Is the Inner Landscape free from the influence of the mortal world? What I just witnessed turned to ashes and decay as I moved forward." Standing in ce, Wang Xuan silently attuned himself to his surroundings and eventually let out a soft sigh, "What I see before me is a re-enactment of history, not the current reality." As he uttered these words, the Inner Landscape seemed to grow even more deste and was filled with an air of death. Wang Xuan gradually understood that what he had witnessed was the residual spiritual energy left by the female practitioner, not an actual lightning tribtion from the past. "Ascension Stones are rare treasures. They are priceless artifacts!" Enlightenment dawned in his eyes, and he felt more confident than ever in following the old path of cultivation. He could see many future possibilities. At this moment, he fully understood why he was able to appear in this ce. Back then, the female practitioner had been incredibly powerful and aspired to ascend to immortality. However, her attempt had ended in failure, and her essence was shattered by a massive bolt of lightning. In the underground cave, a horrifying explosion caused by an Ascension had taken ce. Her spiritual energy and the mystery factors she had brought from the Inner Landscape had dispersed. "Mystery factors, along with remnants of her spiritual energy had impacted theyers of rock. They have mostly dissipated and only a fraction remained, forming the Ascension Stones," Wang Xuan pondered. With this understanding, Wang Xuan could see the great value of the Ascension Stones and how they yed a role in his own journey. This revtion further solidified his resolve to be powerful enough to face whatid ahead of him, be it dealing with the Ashen Blood organization or unraveling the mysteries of the Inner Landscape. In this state, even without activating his heightened senses, Wang Xuan was able to catch a glimpse of the periphery of the Inner Landscape and returned to it once more. This was because the residual spiritual energy of the female practitioner contained within the Ascension Stones. Although she had long passed away, the energy she left behind still held considerable value for future generations. This residual spiritual energy naturally resonates with the Inner Landscape she had once opened. Once activated, it enables one to delve back into this deste realm. "The mystery factors within the Inner Landscape are the key," he mused. He believed that these energies were preserved when they were enveloped by the mysterious substances and were then infused into stones. His ability to sense the Ascension Stones and enter the Inner Landscape again was also rted to the mystery factors he had absorbed before. Wang Xuan pieced together these causal rtionships, but could still not fully grasp what the Inner Landscape truly was. In fact, no one had ever been able to exin the secrets of this deste and seemingly lifeless ce. Though he could see the outlines of objects in the distance, Wang Xuan did not immediately explore the ce any further. He had not forgotten the original purpose of entering the Inner Landscape: He wanted to gain power swiftly so that he could confidently face all that the mortal world had to offer. This was like a shortcut for Wang Xuan. He was unsure if he could still practice martial arts within the moment of emptiness and rity he had in the Inner Landscape and increasing his strength. Wang Xuan recited the scripture of the Golden Body Technique silently and proceeded to practice it from the firstyer, advancing up to thetter stages of the thirdyer¡ªthe point he had reached during hisst session. "It works!" He felt his body aligning perfectly with the technique''s descriptions, wlessly executing the postures. His movements were perfect. Fully engrossed in his martial practice, he forgot about everything else. His thoughts were solely focused on the Golden Body Technique, using it to improve his physique. It was only when he felt fatigued one day that he paused and began practicing the core technique taught by the Early Qin practitioner. Mystery factors seemed to emerge from the void, scattering within the Inner Landscape to nourish Wang Xuan''s spirit and sweep away his fatigue. Once again, he felt revitalized, and was filled with vibrant energy. He let out a sigh of relief. Despite his unconventional entry to this ce, nothing had changed. The Inner Landscape remained as it was, a ce where he could practice his body cultivation techniques and boost his strength. Wang Xuan was already close to advancing to the fourthyer of the Golden Body Technique. When he practiced it again, everything fell into ce naturally. His body was enveloped in a golden glow, which then burst into an intensely bright beam of light, before returning to normal. At the same time, his spirit flickered like a mass of golden mes before finally calming down. The fourthyer of the Golden Body Technique¡­ I¡¯ve achieved it! Wang Xuan was certain that the Inner Landscape had not lost its mysterious properties. Standing here was just like entering the highest realm of meditation. His mind felt even more peaceful and serene than before. Taking slow steps forward, he decided to explore the scenery he saw at a distance. Before himy a sea of buildings that showed signs of decay and neglect. Dried upkes, copsed towers dotted thend. Is this also the result of the residual spiritual energy left behind by the female practitioner? Wang Xuan could not help but wonder as he continued his journey. Only a few buildings still stubbornly stood among the ruins, with decay sprawled all around them. In one room, a window was left open. A long table inside was stacked with bamboo slips from the Early Qin era. Among them was a golden bamboo slip. Even in his transcendent and tranquil state of mind, Wang Xuan could feel his heart rate elerating and his breathing became heavy. How many scriptures can so many Early Qin bamboo slips contain? What sort of core techniques and body cultivation methods might they cover? And a golden slip among them too! Wang Xuan was tempted. However, he dared not move any further, fearing that even the slightest gust of wind created by his movements could disintegrate everything in sight. After contemting for a while, he let out a soft sigh. Even if he could approach the table, it would do him no good. All the bamboo slips were closed. If he were to try to read them, he would likely be left with nothing but fading light and decaying dust. Wang Xuan was so close, and yet so far. He did not like such a feeling. It was hard for him to just stand there, unable to approach or touch these invaluable scriptures thaty on the table just beyond his reach. "Forget it. I already have the core techniques from an Early Qin practitioner, as well as body cultivation methods left behind by Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism. These are already going to require a lifetime of study. There''s no need to be greedy. Even if I can take all the bamboo slips on that table, I wouldn''t have the time to practice them," Wang Xuan consoled himself. Taking a step back, he suddenly felt a sense of freedom and spiritual elevation. Is this¡­ Enlightenment? But he was quick to realize that it was not the case. The scenery around him had changed¡ªit was no longer a cluster of buildings but an expansivendscape that left him in awe. What is happening? Why has the scene changed without my intervention? Is it the residual spiritual energy left by the female practitioner that''s causing this? That was the first possibility that came to his mind. Standing there, he silently practiced the core techniques of the Early Qin practitioner.. In an instant, everything returned to its previous state. The ruined, decayed buildings reappeared, and the long table in the empty room was once againden with invaluable bamboo slips. Suddenly, Wang Xuan felt an eerie change in the atmosphere. Spinning around, his pupils constricted involuntarily, and he took several steps back. Before his eyes was a pair of blood-red shoes, hovering at his eye level. Clearly, they belonged to a woman. The unexpected appearance of these red shoes in the dim ruins set even the usuallyposed Wang Xuan''s heart racing. Blood dripped from the shoes, almostnding on him as he stepped back. A streak of blinding lightning then fell from the heavens, descending like a river of light from the sky and piercing through the red shoes. At that moment, a pair of jade-white feet appeared from within the red shoes, followed by straight, white legs. Almost instantly, a long, white skirt unfolded, draping around her body. Is she a ghost? A haunting feeling enveloped Wang Xuan. Although he had not seen the woman''s face, he felt certain it was rted to the female practitioner. Wang Xuan felt extremely uneasy. Despite not seeing the woman''s face, he felt she must be rted to the female practitioner. In this deste, lifeless environment filled with a creepy and terrifying atmosphere, he blurted out an unexpectedment: "You''ve had a wardrobe malfunction!" Chapter 35: Angel Or Demon? Chapter 35: Angel Or Demon? "What on earth did I just say?" Wang Xuan regretted his words instantly. In such a deste ce, with such unsettling atmosphere, he knew he couldn''t afford to speak carelessly. A pale moon made its sudden appearance high in the sky, casting its ghostly light over the weed-choked ruins, making the scenery even more unsettling. The woman floated in the air, her long hair cascading down to conceal her face. She was less than a few feet away from Wang Xuan, her eye-catching red shoes almost within reach. His heart raced. Are these remnants of the female practitioner''s spiritual energy? And why has a moon appeared? The moon bore no resemnce to the pristine celestial body but looked more like a bloodless, pale face. He fell silent, recognizing the wisdom of keeping quiet in such a crucial moment. Silence is golden, and adaptability is key. He began channeling the core techniques of the Early Qin practitioners, drawing mysterious elements from the void. These elements, like tiny stars, floated down and settled amidst the eerie, broken ruins. Suspended in the air, the woman remained still. Her white robes were starkly visible against the night. While her figure was graceful, the fact that her long hair concealed her face gave her the appearance of a faceless female ghost. She remained unsettlingly quiet in front of Wang Xuan. He waited for a moment, but the woman under the ghastly moonlight remained silent and motionless. The two were locked in a standoff. Feeling that this could not go on, he spoke earnestly, "I did not mean any offense. I identally entered this innerndscape. As someone from ater era, my behavior may not align with the customs of the Early Qin period. However, this does not reflect anyck of respect on my part; it''s just that times have changed and this is how peoplemunicate now. If you believe any formalities are needed, I can certainly oblige." Still, there was no response. Silence filled the air as the weeds continued to sway in the deste ruins. Wang Xuan considered whether he should be more proactive¡ªperhaps stirring up a few gusts of wind beneath his feet might dissipate these remnants of spiritual energy. He opted to walk around the woman and leave the ruins. As he moved, debris on the ground and partially copsed walls disintegrated. Yet, the woman remained suspended in the air. Moreover, despites his attempts to walk around her, she would always suddenly appear before him again, her eye-catching red shoes level with his forehead. Something is off. Wang Xuan thought. A chill ran up his spine; something was definitely wrong within this innerndscape, and it had to do with the woman. How has she appeared? A bolt of blindingly bright lightning had descended from the heavens, and then she had manifested. Shouldn¡¯t she be fearful of lightning If she is some form of evil spirit or demon? So what¡¯s with her? Could she be a concentrated remnant of spiritual energy? As Wang Xuan walked away from her towards the ruins'' exit, the woman followed, hovering ever so closely in front of him. He was exasperated. Why is she following me around? What does she want from me? After some thought, he found his fears dissipating. The woman had been dead for three thousand years. What can her residual spiritual energy do to me anyways? Refusing to give in to fear, he walked out of the ruins and focused on practicing his golden body technique, choosing to ignore her presence. His energy flowed, and specks of golden light flickered before his eyes. His spiritual energy was vibrant, and he remained calm andposed. If there were any truth to the tales of ghosts, then the strong Yang energy radiating from him should be enough to ward such entities off. After all, he was young and brimming with vitality. There was nothing he should fear from them. Wang Xuan remained incrediblyposed, continuing his practice of the golden body technique. Due to the degree of his movements during his practice, he identally touched the woman with red shoes and white robes. And just like that, she vanished. Wang Xuan felt no joy. He continued his practice with unflinching resolve. When dealing with the peculiar, one must not show fear, and it will defeat itself. His strength continued to grow steadily as he stood within the vivid space of emptiness and rity. It was a vital source of power for Early Qin practitioners. The same could be said for Wang Xuan at his current stage. As time passed, the surface of his skin shimmered with a faint golden hue as he executed his powerful physical techniques. Only when he feltpletely drained did he finally stop. It¡¯s time to channel the core technique to draw in the mystery factor, he thought. Suddenly, he sensed an anomaly¡ªa chilling breeze brushed against his neck. It was only then that he realized the hovering woman had shifted her position. So engrossed had he been in his golden body technique that he had ignored his surroundings. Now, turning in shock, he found the woman¡ªher white gown floating and her red shoes ring¡ªright behind him. "A breeze..." The realization sent a jolt through Wang Xuan''s heart. Something had gone wrong. Can the residual spiritual energy of the female practitioner interfere with the innerndscape? He turned around, only to find the woman mirroring his movements. She remained suspended behind him, her red shoes almost touching his shoulders. It was growing increasingly unbearable. She was just like a thorn in his side at this point. He began to analyze the situation. Theoretically speaking, when someone dies, they leave nothing behind. The female practitioner had died three thousand years ago¡ªif she could return to life, she would not have waited until now. "The residual spiritual energy..." He was certain the issuey there. Was it originally dispersed throughout the innerndscape, or had it... entered when he did? The idea of thetter unnerved Wang Xuan. Had the "mystery factor" and the female practitioner''s residual spiritual energy rushed in when he shattered the Ascension Stone and caused the anomaly? In theory, the dead can nevere back to life. But the innerndscape differed from the known world¡ªit was beyond mortalprehension and was poorly described by ancient texts. It was mysterious and unpredictable, and anything could be possible here. "I don¡¯t know if you were originally here or I brought you in, but what is it that you want? Following me around without telling me anything will not solve your problem," Wang Xuan spoke, and turned away from her. He wanted to understand what this lingering spiritual energy aimed to aplish. He held no romantic notions towards the ancient female practitioner. He knew very well that should he entertain such thoughts and if the residual energy from the female practitioner were indeed malicious, it could lead to his immediate death. Unfortunately, the woman remained silent, hovering quietly behind him. The scene was unsettling: her flowing hair, white robes, and red shoes were visible, but her face remained concealed. She resembled a hanged ghost under the ghastly moonlight. After several failed attempts to elicit a response, Wang Xuan finally abandoned the idea ofmunicating with her. If something is to happen, then so be it! He thought. He refused to concern himself with it anymore. Back in the innerndscape, mysterious substances began to float down. As Wang Xuan''s spirit regained its vitality, he resumed his practice of the golden body technique, indifferent to the woman who continued to hover behind him. Years passed in the innerndscape. On his seventh, or what seemed to be the eighth yeah, Wang Xuan was able to reach thete stage of the fourthyer of his golden body technique. By advancing from thete thirdyer to thete fourthyer, his strength had leapt by a significant margin. asionally, golden glows flickered in the depths of his eyes. "Ordinary daggers would not even be able to pierce my flesh now," thought Wang Xuan, his passion that had almost been snuffed up was rekindled.. Stepping into the innerndscape had significantly enhanced his abilities. For him, this mysterious and unexplored space held both hope and enormous power. The mysterious factors that drifted down could alter the fading state of Old Arts. In the Early Qin period, the Old Arts bloomed at the pinnacle of its potential. Powerful practitioners could muster energies capable of allowing them to ascend into the realm of immortality. The early years of Taoism also held various myths and legends. However, as time passed to the present day, very few people still walked the path of the Old Arts. It was exceedingly difficult for even a grandmaster to emerge, let alone someone transcendent. Soon, the innerndscape began to waver and grow unstable. Wang Xuan knew that his time here wasing to an end. The two Ascension Stones had allowed him to remain in this deste ce for up to eight years, and it was an incredibly valuable experience. Wang Xuan spoke earnestly, "I''m about to leave. If my strength allows it, I''ll try to protect your physical body once I''m out there. I¡¯ll stop them from doing things to it." He was about to leave with the hope that the woman would not prevent him from exiting smoothly. Of course, he wasn''t merely giving lip service; he sincerely felt that if he could make progress in the Old Arts in the future and have influence over the experiments happening beneath the Greater Khingan Mountains, he would offer his assistance. He truly pitied female practitioner. Boom! A dazzling bolt of lightning cut through the sky. The pale moon in the sky descended directly behind the woman, transforming into a blood moon that rendered her even more eerie. As the thunder roared and the blood moon shone, the woman lifted her head. Her long hair floated up, revealing her true face. As expected, she was the female practitioner, her skin as white as snow and her beautiful face almost unreal, as if she were a fallen angel. There was not a single w to be found. She hovered in front of the blood moon, dressed in white with red shoes. Her unique auray somewhere between that of a celestial being and a demon. It left an indelible impression on Wang Xuan. A woman who had died three thousand years ago, now looking at him in the innerndscape. Right before the innerndscape dissipated, he wasn''t sure if it was his imagination or a trick of the fading light, but he thought he saw her smile. A beauty both celestial and demonic, her extraordinarily unique aura made Wang Xuan shudder even as he found her breathtakingly beautiful. In the next moment, he left the innerndscapepletely. His eyes flicked open, and for a split second, it seemed as if two faint golden rays crossed the room. Wang Xuan rose to his feet, the golden light at the bottom of his eyes disappearing. He felt the incredible strength within his physical body; his cultivation in the "Golden Body Technique" had truly advanced to thete stage of the fourthyer. He picked up a dagger and slid it across his arm. The de was promptly repelled, leaving behind only a faint trace of blood. His powerful life force surged, and the small amount of blood that had oozed out quickly vanished. The fourthyer of the Golden Body Technique had not only enhanced the resilience of his flesh and blood but also made his mental strength more vigorous and potent. Additionally, it had improved his body''s regenerative capabilities remarkably, invigorating him with abundant vitality. His physical attributes had been elevated across the board. As for his attack power, he didn''t even have to think about it¡ªit was far superior to before! Wang Xuan smiled, filled with a sense of aplishment and satisfaction that was hard to put into words. His body and mind felt invigorated and joyful. What was even more important was that because of the two Ascension Stones, he had found a viable path. This could potentially revitalize the Old Arts, whose efficacy had been slowly waning over time. "Some ancient temples have stood for thousands of years, always apanied by legends of great monks transforming into rainbows. Could this be equivalent to Ascension?" "In some famous Taoist mountains, as well as in their ancestral temples, there has never been a shortage of tales about Ascending and bing immortals. If nothing unexpected has urred, there should be some remnants left behind." Wang Xuan believed that wherever an Ascension explosion had urred, there would most likely be Ascension Stones left behind. Chapter 36: Something Went Wrong Chapter 36: Something Went Wrong The honking of cars early in the morning, the crowded buses, hurried office workers, and students running with their backpacks¡­ These are the signs as a new day of tense and busy life officially began. Wang Xuan found time for a quick breakfast at a small roadside restaurant. A pancake, a cup of sweet soy milk, and a bowl of salty tofu pudding was what he chose to start his day with. On that day, he put an end to the age-old argument between the northern and the southern region of the country about whether their breakfast should be sweet or salty. "Am I early?" he wondered, realizing he was the first one to arrive at the office. About ten minutester, the youthful and fashion-conscious Liu Xue arrived. The rest of their colleagues trickled in half an hourter.. With little to do in the morning, Wang Xuan sent and received some emails and made quick work of two drawings. Then, he discreetly resumed his research on Taoist texts. At the same time, he was also keeping an eye on his older colleague Chen Yongjie, who seemed to be always on the phone, inviting people to go fishing. Something''s definitely off. Wang Xuan thought, his heart racing. Throughout the morning, his older colleague made several phone calls, mentioning things like "going fishing," st night''s storm," and "today''s fine weather." To Wang Xuan, it all sounded like codednguage. He did not even want to think about the "fishing" part. Having experienced things in the Greater Khingan Range firsthand, he was certain that the st night''s storm" was a reference to the elimination of the Ashen Blood organization. As for the mention of "today''s fine weather," it likely meant that various factions were now keeping a low profile. It was at that moment that Wang Xuan began to find everyone suspicious! For instance, the guy wearing ck-framed sses, who had been on the phone talking about "killing all night long," was now looking sleepy. The two older women who loved ying Mahjong were whispering about the "turn of fortune," and how luck doesn''tst forever. They nned to have a rematch the next time one of them dealt the tiles. And then there was the poetic colleague, who was a bit sentimental and liked to write poems when he was free. Early in the morning, he recited a new one: "I take the sky as my stage and hang a string of fireworks. With a loud bang, they explode so splendidly, astonishing the mortal world." Wang Xuan had the nagging feeling that something was very off. Wang Xuan found his heart pumping. His mind was filled with unsettling thoughts. Who are these people?Were they all part of some sort of operationst night? Are they the crew of a starship that shot down a bunch of enemiesst night? Finally, his eyesnded on Liu Xue, the young woman next to him who was applying lipstick while looking into a small mirror. Even she seemed off. She remarked that the lipstick wasn''t the right shade; she preferred a mncholy red, a hue imbued with a sad and mournful air. She believed that only such a color could achieve a sort of ethereal beauty. Listening to the veilednguage used by everyone around him, Wang Xuan found himself getting a headache. He forced himself to sit still and focus on his Taoist texts, despite his growing unease. Finally, lunchtime mercifully arrived. His colleagues, ever so cheerful, invited Wang Xuan¡ªthe neer¡ªto try out a newly-opened restaurant outside their design institute. Wang Xuan ate absentmindedly, his thoughts were elsewhere. He wanted to ask them about their strangements but he was afraid of being too direct. After lunch, the older colleague, ever the steady one, approached Wang Xuan privately. Yet his first words nearly made Wang Xuan turn and walk away: he asked if Wang Xuan wanted to go fishing. Given his dangerous experience in the Greater Khingan Range, where he''d almost been targeted by an Ashen Blood space warship, Wang Xuan had no desire to tread in muddy waters any further. "You''re still young. You still have the capacity for passion," the older colleague said. "You should cherish that." "Are you trying to use me as bait again?" Wang Xuan asked, deadpan. "What are you talking about? I''m just inviting you to go fishing at an abandoned machinery factory behind our design institute. There''s ake there, the size is just nice. It is surrounded by reeds and full of wild fish. Boy, I can imagine how fat and juicy they are." Wang Xuan eyed him suspiciously. Is he indirectly admitting that he is a senior member of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild? "It''s me," the older colleague admitted, as if reading his mind. "Let''s go. We''ve just had lunch, so we can talk while we walk. Let''s fish for a bit." His car, an old and faded sedan, had its trunk filled with all sorts of fishing gear. As they headed out, Wang Xuan could not bite back the question, "Just what sort of people are our office colleagues?" Chen Yongjie, the older colleague, first appeared to be lost in thought before bursting intoughter. "What are you thinking? You think our office, which is as good as a retirement home, is filled with extraordinary people? Nah, they''re just ordinary men and women who enjoy ying games, Mahjong, reciting sentimental poetry, dressing up, and watching horror movies. The only ones who are abnormal here are you and me." Wang Xuan, who was speechless for a long while, finally retorted, "You''re the one who''s abnormal, not me!" Chen Yongjie looked at him with surprise and said, "Normal, you say? I heard you disfigured a woman with a p and killed five people over the span of a few days." "That''s baseless nder! I''ve never killed anyone!" Wang Xuan hurriedly corrected, emphasizing that he wasw-abiding and had only injured five people in self-defense. "Semantics," his older colleague nodded. Not wanting to exin further, Wang Xuan was more interested in learning about Chen Yongjie''s identity and why he worked in such an inconspicuous ce. As they arrived at theke within the abandoned machinery factory, Chen Yongjie set up his fishing rod and said, "I''m Qing Mu''s master. I move between the new and old worlds. Regardless of where I am, I need a leisurely job as a cover. Don''t you like it here too?" Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan understood instantly. Qing Mu had been nning and preparing all along. As soon as Wang Xuan graduated, he was steered toward his master. Even if Wang Xuan had initially chosen not to join the Adventurer''s Guild, having such a senior colleague nearby meant he''d likely be roped in sooner orter. "You guys nned this, didn''t you?" Wang Xuan sighed. What more could he say? His senior colleague had already revealed his true identity in an act ofplete sincerity. "Don''t worry about it. Last time, our operation was meticulously calcted and nned. The Ashen Blood organization''s spaceships never stood a chance against you; they''d be shot down the moment they showed themselves. Anyway, enough of that. I heard you''re practicing the Golden Body Technique. Here''s a gift for you." His senior colleague handed over a book that looked like it had seen its share of years, imbued with an aura of aged wisdom. After flipping it open and reading carefully, Wang Xuan looked up with a sense of astonishment. The book was filled with information on various nts, minerals, and strange creatures. "Is this legit?" he asked, feeling as though he''d just opened a gateway to a new world. For instance, the book mentioned Moonlight Silver, an incredibly rare and unique mineral. Cracking open the mineral would cause a silver liquid to flow out, which needed to be consumed immediately before it evaporates and vanishes as though it were the ethereal light of the moon. For an average person, consuming some of this would rejuvenate their body. For those practicing the Golden Body Technique, it would be especially potent as a powerful supplement to elerate the advancement of their physical constitution. Wang Xuan was growing increasingly skeptical as he leafed through the pages. The book mentioned something about a ''Golden Mushroom,'' a bizarre nt that could be ground into a powder and brewed into a broth. The text imed it could bolster bone density and enhance the vitality of one''s marrow, leading to an overall improvement in constitution. "Where on earth do these things even exist?" Wang Xuan thought, shaking his head in disbelief. He''d never heard of such extraordinary ingredients, and he had his doubts that even the mostprehensive encyclopedias would list them. And it didn''t stop there. Another entry spoke of a rare mountain snail, an obscure creature that, when captured, dried, and ground to powder, could apparently extend one''s life by a staggering five years when ingested consistently for half a month. "The more I read, the less I believe," Wang Xuan thought, skeptical to the core. He''d flipped through ssic works like ''Ben Cao Gang Mu'' in his leisure time but had never encountered anything as peculiar as these. Chen Yongjie, his elder colleague, chimed in, catching the disbelief on Wang Xuan''s face. "Don''t be so quick to dismiss these. All these items have been documented in the archives of Taoist and Buddhist sanctuaries. This book is merely aption of those,bined with other strange phenomena documented in bamboo slips from the Early Qin era." Wang Xuan paused, asking, "But who has seen these things? They must have disappeared for years now." "Just because you can''t find them on the Old Earth doesn''t mean they don''t exist deep in space," his older colleague smiled, and Wang Xuan keenly noted that the man mentioned ''deep space¡¯ instead of ''New World,'' sensing the nuance in the words. With a swift pull of his fishing rod, the older colleague sighed in disappointment; the fish got away. He continued, "In the past decade or so, some of these rare items have indeed been acquired, albeit in small quantities. They''ve caused quite a stir. Ah, someone even found Earth Immortal Grass, although, unfortunately, it couldn''t be harvested." Wang Xuan quickly leafed through the pages to find the entry on Earth Immortal Grass. Its description was enchanting: consuming a single nt could extend one''s life by two hundred years. "That''s why people in the New World are going mad. To extend life by two hundred years is like being reborn twice for ordinary people. As for the old moguls, the heads of life science institutes, they''re practically frantic and are all taking action." Wang Xuan''s emotions surged, but he quickly grew alert again. He could not shake the feeling that the old man was "fishing" for something, perhaps setting him up for another one of his schemes. "Sounds like things are pretty lively over in the New World. You give me this ancient book, whet my appetite with all these tales. What do you want from me? Tell me!" Wang Xuan demanded. "Ah, youngsters these days are so suspicious. Not like our generation¡ªwe were all so naive and pure-hearted. You''re overthinking it," the old colleague sighed. Then, with a sudden jerk of his fishing rod, he finally pulled up... a soft-shelled turtle. "Stop messing around, I''m fishing here!" The old man promptly tossed the turtle back into the water. ording to him, the creature had clearly just been released not too long ago, half-dead and not worth keeping as nourishment. "Opportunities to go to the New World are rare. You''ll have to earn your ce, young man," the old colleague offered as he prepared to leave. However, ever since the conversation took that turn, Wang Xuan found himself on guard around his former colleague. He felt a tingling unease; even if he did decide to go to the New World, it would probably be wise to avoid involving the old man. That evening, Wang Xuan returned home, practicing his old techniques and contemting the Feather Transformation Stone he had been studying. His thoughts also lingered on the exotic nts and rare minerals mentioned in the ancient book he''d received. "Spending my days diving into the Daoist scriptures and my nights practicing the old arts¡ªthis life isn''t bad at all. I''ll think about going to the New Worldter. For now, let''s focus on finding the Feather Transformation Stone," he mused to himself. Not far from the city was an ancient temple that had stood for a millennium. Wang Xuan nned to visit it soon. Tomorrow being a Saturday, he intended to visit his parents first thing in the morning. It wasn''t a far trip; he usually returned home every two weeks or so. "There''s a mountain near my home, steeped in legends. I think there''s a story about a fairy or a celestial maiden," Wang Xuan pondered. While he couldn''t visit the ancient temple just yet, he could certainly take a detour through the mountain when he visited home. But as the old adage goes, "Man proposes, God disposes." That night, Wang Xuan was troubled by a nightmarish dream. In it, a woman¡ªd in white, wearing red shoes, her long hair flowing freely¡ªapproached him. Her beautiful face was marred by two lines of blood. She got so close that her face almost touched his, jolting him awake with a start. Since he began practicing the old arts, Wang Xuan had enjoyed uninterrupted sleep, free from nightmares. But tonight was strangely different. Regting his breath, he managed to calm his nerves and soon drifted back to sleep. But within an hour, he was jolted awake once again, feeling as though a chill wind brushed against his face. The same woman, tears of blood staining her cheeks, haunted his dream once more. Realizing something was terribly wrong, Wang Xuan was gripped by an unsettling sense of impending doom. Though he had never been one to believe in such things, the reality remained that every time he fell asleep, he would dream of that woman. "It looks like I won''t be going home tomorrow," he thought. Uncertain of what was happening to him, Wang Xuan hesitated to head home, sensing that he''d somehow be tainted by something ominous. That night, the cycle of falling asleep and waking in terror repeated itself, over and over again, until the dawn finally broke. He immediately contacted his old colleague, Chen Yongjie, feeling that even Qing Mu couldn''t help him with this one. "Really? Something like that happened?" The old colleague, Chen Yongjie, took Wang Xuan''s im seriously. As an experienced adventurer, he''d encountered inexplicable phenomena that he himself couldn''t quite exin to this day. "Don''t worry. Later, I''ll have someone deliver a talisman to you. It was personally crafted by an old Taoist who has lived for more than a hundred years. It should be quite effective," the older man assured. True to his word, the talisman was delivered that afternoon. However, as night fell, the eerie and unsettling phenomenon urred again. To make matters worse, the Taoist talisman that was supposed to protect him spontaneouslybusted, nearly setting his bedding and hair on fire. Wang Xuan was left utterly dumbfounded. The second half of the night was even more horrifying. Just when he''d finally managed to fall asleep, he was abruptly woken by a bone-chilling coldness. He felt something in his arms¡ªsomething covered in fur and staring at him with a pair of terrifying eyes!
Jimmi''s Thoughts Would you have been this paranoid after going through what Wang Xuan did? I think I would too!
Chapter 37: Accompanied By A Celestial Beauty Chapter 37: Apanied By A Celestial Beauty Wang Xuan felt his hair stand on end. Given his current intuitive instincts, it was virtually impossible for someone to be able to sneak up on him unaware. Even in deep sleep, he should have been able to sense any intrusion. Now, in the dead of night, to wake up in such horror and find a furry creature beside him gave him goosebumps. Worse still, as he looked down, he found those cold, ghostly eyes already locked onto him. With a high-pitched, gut-wrenching howl that stung his eardrums, the creature screamed. Given the stillness of thete night and the pitch-ck darkness of the room, anyone else just waking up from sleep would''ve been frightened into unconsciousness by such a startling urrence. Thwack! Wasting no time, Wang Xuan swung his hand down in a heavy p. With the force he currently possessed, not only could he obliterate a face with one p, but he could probably also crush a skull. However, the creature was agile. Letting out another cry, it leapt away, disying a level of nimbleness far exceeding that of a human. Wang Xuan retracted his hand at thest moment, finally recognizing what the creature was¡ªarge ck cat with sleek, shiny fur and glowing green eyes. It was quite big, weighing close to nine pounds, almost asrge as a medium-sized dog. How did it get in? Turning on the light to look for clues, he found that a window had not been securely closed. Therge ck cat had managed to squeeze through the gap. "Get out. If you dare toe in again, I''ll p you into a pulp," Wang Xuan said as he opened the window to shoo the cat away. "Meow!" The cat darted out and leapt onto a branch of arge tree extending in front of the window. Before leaving, it let out a piercing meow at Wang Xuan and looked back at him. Its eyes were cold and eerie, and its mouth was slightly open, revealing what looked like a sinister smile. For a moment, Wang Xuan felt the urge to chase after it and give it a good p. Something about this cat seemed off. He could feel the malevolence oozing from the creature. What a night this had been¡ªfirst, the dream about the woman in white with red shoes, weeping tears of blood, and then this chilling scream from a creature in his bed. It was too much. Wang Xuan washed his face and sat down to center himself. He suspected that this cat was probably rted to the woman in his nightmares and might have even been sent by her. It was all too eerie. "I''ve said before, when I have the ability, I''ll go to the Greater Khingan Range to rescue your physical form. But right now, I''m not qualified to intervene," Wang Xuan spoke aloud, unsure if the other party could hear him, but feeling the need to emphasize and rify his stance once more. "Could someone have taken your blood again?" Wang Xuan wondered, growing increasingly suspicious. He had always believed that death was the end, like amp being extinguished. But now, in the middle of the night, he was being disturbed by this mysterious woman. She prevented him from sleeping. It was quite unnerving. Wang Xuan practiced his foundational techniques for a while and then began to visualize the woman. Normally, he would meditate on the visualization of a "Red Makeup Skull," but this time he hypnotized himself to think of her as beautiful and pure, with blood streaks on her face. If Qing Mu knew about this, he would be impressed by Wang Xuan''s audacity. Wang Xuan was so bold that he was able to turn a frightening apparition into a celestial figure in his mind. Having set his visualization, Wang Xuan went straight to sleep. Sure enough, in the middle of the night, the woman with disheveled hair appeared again in his semi-conscious state. "Ah, you''vee?" Wang Xuan greeted her in his dream, before drifting back into sleep. The woman in disheveled hair seemed to pause for a moment, but she continued to approach him. With red shoes on, her pale face still had disturbing blood streaks. She was now so close that her face was almost touching Wang Xuan''s, as she stared at him intently. "I get to share my sleep with a celestial beauty?" Thanks to his self-hypnosis and "alternative visualization," Wang Xuan found himself face-to-face with what he now saw as an exquisite beauty in his dream. Rather than being horrified this time, he felt that her eyes were incredibly tender. Without thinking, he reached out to touch her face. The mysterious woman almost exploded with fury. She did not expect him to be delighted to see her appearance, and was even reaching out for her. "Boom!" A bolt of thunder came crashing down, brilliantly white like a fallen starry river, echoing through Wang Xuan''s consciousness. The deafening sound awoke him with a start. What¡¯s going on?Was there a thunderstorm outside? He pulled back the curtains and saw a sky filled with moonlight and twinkling stars; there was no sign of a thunderstorm. Upon reflection, he realized that the woman had used a bolt of thunder in his subconscious to wake him up. Wang Xuan looked down at his right hand; it felt like he had touched a face that was smooth, delicate, and stic, but no blood was left behind. He had gained some understanding. No matter how extraordinarily beautiful and powerful she had been in her prime as a Early Qin practitioner, she had still met her end. At least at this stage, she couldn''t interfere with the world directly; she could only act through dreams and unleash some of her extraordinary abilities within the depths of his subconscious. Wang Xuan once again steadied his mind for meditation. He not only imagined the female practitioner with blood on her face as a celestial fairy but also transformed the ring thunderbolts into ethereal celestial music. Additionally, he added various sceneries and adorned them with poetic verses and dances. He then dove back into sleep, hoping tost until dawn this time. The female practitioner appeared more quickly than he had expected. He had barely fallen asleep when she manifested, her white robes billowing, feet not touching the ground. This time she kept her distance, her palm beginning to glow with imminent power. However, as the thunderbolts drew near with a rumbling noise, the scenery surrounding Wang Xuan and the female practitioner changed. In an instant, an atmosphere of music and dance filled the air, petals fluttered down, and the sky was filled with a fragrant aroma. Amidst the barely visible shes of thunder, translucent petals began to fall continuously from the void. Nearby, women started to dance, musicians yed zithers and guzheng, hermits recited sacred texts, and voices sang: "Delicate clouds artfully float, flying stars spread sorrow, the Milky Way subtly stretches across the sky. When golden winds and jade dews meet, they eclipse countless encounters in the mortal world¡­" The female practitioner was momentarily stunned. Her palm still glowed, but she refrained from unleashing the energy. Her focus wavered as she watched the dances and heard the songs of thister world, her mind bing fuzzy in the midst of the musical setting. Her gaze soon regained its rity, indicating she was well aware that this whole setting was orchestrated by Wang Xuan, who had pre-configured every aspect of the dreamndscape. She understood that she was in his home field. She floated over to where Wang Xuany and looked down at him. Her palm glowed, suggesting the impending presence of thunderbolts. "You''re back?" Wang Xuan, still in the realm of dreams, continued to perceive her as a celestial beauty. Even though this was a subconscious action on his part, the arena was his to control. His thoughts and feelings materialized almost instantly. Delighted at the sight of a celestial being, he grabbed one of her delicate hands. Boom! The thunderbolt in her hand struck him squarely, jolting him awake with a loud scream. He hastily checked his physical condition and then introspectively examined his inner vitality, finding no harm done to either. This reassured him. It appeared that the practitioner could do no more than this. She was unable to harm his body nor was she capable of injuring his spirit. "Celestial beauty, apany my sleep!" Wang Xuan proimed before drifting off to sleep again. There was nothing to be afraid of now; he considered it an ethereal adventure, a spiritual interaction with a celestial being. Throughout the night, he did wake up several times, but he had gained a certain sense of assurance, rendering him moreposed and unfazed. On the other hand, the practitioner seemed a bit bewildered, and shepletely disappeared before dawn. After the sun had risen, Wang Xuan finished his morning routine and breakfast, then immediately sought out his old colleague. Although he had been calm in his dream, calling for a heavenly fairy to apany his sleep, he knew he couldn''t sustain this night after night. While the practitioner couldn''t interfere with the real world, being frequently disrupted in his sleep was still a major nuisance. His old colleague, who loved peace and quiet, had a secluded courtyard on the outskirts of the city. He was practicing Tai Chi when Wang Xuan arrived. "Old Chen, we need toe up with a solution. I can''t spend every night in my dreams singing and dancing with her. Our paths are fundamentally different; I can''t keep meeting her like this." Wang Xuan didn''t dare divulge the details about his inner spiritual realm. He merely mentioned that the female practitioner had sought him out for two consecutive nights, which was already more than enough to handle. "Greater Khingan is thousands of miles away from here, and she managed to follow you? Moreover, she''s been dead for three thousand years, yet she can still create such unpredictable disturbances? She must be extraordinary indeed," Old Chen, formally known as Chen Yongjie, sat down, pondering the matter seriously. "That''s strange. Nothing has happened in the Great Khingan Range¡¯s undergroundb yet." Old Chen wondered aloud. Wang Xuan contemted, thinking to himself that the matter was likely due to the spiritual energy he had released from the Ascension Stone into his inner spiritual realm. For now, it was following him. Perhaps, once it regained some energy within that realm, it would start to appear in other people''s dreams as well. "Old Chen, could you reach out to your contacts to ask whether they''ve drawn her blood again recently? And could they possibly pause that for a while? I''m worried that something severe might happen. As you know, she''s now capable of intervening in people''s subconscious. Who''s to say she won''t be able to intervene in the real world soon?" Wang Xuan framed the issue as gravely as possible. "Don''t worry. I''ll make some inquiries and think of what steps to take next," Old Chen assured him, then left to make a phone call. He returned shortly, nodding his head. "It turns out the undergroundb in Greater Khingan has indeed drawn blood from her recently." "Did you tell them how serious the issue is?" Wang Xuan was hopeful that Old Chen wouldmunicate the project''s inherent risks. At the same time, deep down, he also wished to help the female practitioner. After contemting for a moment, Old Chen said, "I don''t have much sway over them. How about this: you behave yourself for a while, and I''ll give you my uing business trip to the New World as an opportunity for you to temporarily evade this issue. Surely she can''t follow you all the way to a New World, can she?" Old Chen quickly added, "It''s not a permanent position, don''t even think about staying there indefinitely. It''s incredibly difficult to get someone sent there these days. It¡¯s just a business trip." Wang Xuan immediately became alert. Could Old Chen be using this opportunity to transfer him for some mysterious expedition? Ever since Old Chen had given him that book, he had suspected that the old man wasying the groundwork for something. At the same time, he thought of his ssmate Zhao Qinghuan, the ''goddess'' of his cohort, and the mesmerizing Li Qingxuan with her charming phoenix eyes from the New World. Both women¡ªor rather, both families¡ªappeared to be assembling expeditionary teams and had tried to recruit him. People on the New World, ranging from tycoons to life research institutes and various alliances and organizations, seemed increasingly restless. Could it be that they, including the Old Chen standing in front of him, were all eyeing that Immortal Herb? "You have two choices for your cover while you''re there. One is to serve as a bodyguard for a wealthy conglomerate''s heiress. The other is to be the driver for a renowned, extraordinarily attractive widow," Old Chen said casually. Then, with a look of earnest gravity, Old Chen said, "Young man, you have to seize the opportunity. Many renowned explorers who go to Nova don''t get chances like this. Although it''s just a temporary job for identity concealment, it''s something many people would die for." Wang Xuan''s taste for the conversation soured the more he listened. What was this about being a bodyguard for a wealthy heiress or a driver for an attractive, wealthy widow? All sounded eerily familiar. Staring at Old Chen, he said, "Old Chen, you''re really going to great lengths to get me to Nova, aren''t you?" "What''s wrong? Isn''t it good? I''m fully considering your needs here. You''re young, skilled in the Old Arts, and highly capable¡ªaren''t you the type who would enjoy these kinds of jobs?" Old Chen countered. Wang Xuan was speechless. Where did Old Chen even get such conclusions? The more Old Chen wanted to send him to Nova, the more he resisted the idea. He was afraid of being involuntarily drawn into unpredictable adventures and bing cannon fodder. "Can you just help me with the issue at hand? Stop beating around the bush. My parents wouldn''t want me to go far away; going to Nova is out of the question right now." "Young man, you have to seize the opportunity," Old Chen patted his shoulder and turned to make a phone call. Later that morning, two elderly monks arrived. They chanted scriptures and sprinkled water over Wang Xuan, fussing around for a good part of the day before finally leaving. After they left, Wang Xuan finally asked, "What kind of water is this? Why do I feel so dirty after it''s been sprinkled on me?" "It seems they used incense ash from the temple''s brass burner, mixed it with water, and then sprinkled it on you," Old Chen told him calmly. "Those two venerable monks from the thousand-year-old temple outside the city only agreed to do this as a favor to me." Looking down at his gray and grubby clothes, Wang Xuan was speechless. He politely excused himself and left. In the evening, Qing Mu called him to inquire about his potential trip to the New World, offering to advance him an exploratorypensation fund of around 5 million in old currency. Wang Xuan was instantly thrilled; he''d just graduated and had never seen so much money. With this sum, he could offer his parents some security, even if he left for a while. However, his excitement soon gave way to caution. Old Chen''s subtle preparations, followed by this tempting offer, made it clear that there was more to his being sent to the New World. He couldn''t just blindly ept the offer. "Sigh, should I continue looking for the Ascension Stones? I''m already dealing with issues now. If I find more, would that mean even more spectral entities attaching themselves to me? Celestial maidens, monks, female alchemists, Taoist sages, female demons... If they all got together, who knows what would happen!" Sighing, Wang Xuan knew he couldn''t make any rash moves until he resolved the issue with the female Taoist practitioner. During the night, she did indeed reappear. "Talking to me is useless," Wang Xuan exined, wearied, "I don''t have any say right now, I can''t interfere with what''s happening in the underground testing facility at Daxing''anling. You''d have more luck speaking to Old Chen." Perhaps the female Taoist was reasonable, or at least open to his argument. In any case, she didn''t appear again that night, allowing him to sleep peacefully. His peacested until dawn broke when Old Chen showed up, hammering loudly on his door to wake him prematurely. One look at Old Chen and Wang Xuan found it almost impossible not to burst intoughter. He was a sight to behold. With dark circles under his eyes, which were bloodshot, it was clear that he did not sleep well. But what was truly striking was that he was covered in talisman papers. The calm demeanor he usually maintained was shattered; he looked anything butposed. "What''s the meaning of this? Why is she bothering me now?" Old Chen growled through gritted teeth. Wang Xuan was surprised. "How should I know? Maybe she''s figured out that you have more sway than I do. Why don''t you help her out?" Old Chen cracked a smile so painful it looked like he was about to cry, then turned and left, presumably to figure out how to save himself. It took a good while for Wang Xuan to regain hisposure. Had his problem just solved itself? The ups and downs of life were indeed unpredictable. The next day at work, Wang Xuan noticed Old Chen still had dark circles under his eyes. More intriguingly, Chen was carrying a Bagua symbol on his back. A quick nce revealed he was still stered with talisman papers under his clothes. "What''s going on, Old Chen?" a colleague inquired. "I''ve recently taken an interest in the I-Ching and am exploring it through the Bagua Eight Trigrams," Old Chen responded nonchntly. For two straight days, Old Chen looked increasingly haggard. On the third day, he didn''t show up at all. Wang Xuan received a call from Qingmu, who got straight to the point: "What did you do to my master?" "What could I have possibly done to him?" Wang Xuan retorted. "I''m the one who''s supposed to be confused. Where did he go today?" Qingmu sighed, "Old Chen has fled. Early this morning, he hopped on an interster ship to New Star, muttering something like, ''There''s great terror associated with this young man; this old man needs to get out of here to avoid disaster.''" "You''re kidding!" Wang Xuan was stunned. So, in the end, it was Old Chen who had run off to New Star to escape some cmity. What sort of horrors is he facing in my stead? It then dawned on Wang Xuan that the 5 million in Old World credits was about to be transferred into his ount. With his troubles seemingly behind him, he could probably start looking for a couple more Ascension Stones. His spirits lifted at the thought, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Chapter 38: Searching In The Rain Chapter 38: Searching In The Rain As the sun dipped below the horizon, its fading light painted the sky in shades of amber and rose. Qing Mu leaned against his car, chain-smoking cigarettes while he waited for Wang Xuan to exit the design institute where he worked. His mind was clouded with worry; it had been years since he''d seen his master, Old Chen, act so erratically. What on Earth happened to send him fleeing to the New World? Wang Xuan was in high spirits as he left the building. A heavy weight had been lifted from his chest, and he exchanged jovial banter with his colleagues as they left for the day. "Hey, Little Wang. Over here," Qing Mu called out. "I''ve got someone waiting for me. See you guys tomorrow." Wang Xuan waved to his colleagues and quickly made his way toward Qing Mu''s car. As the evening sky deepened into twilight, a flock of birds flew off into the distance, further bringing out the beauty of autumn. Qing Mu drove Wang Xuan to a restaurant and wasted no time grilling him for information. When he heard that Old Chen had scheduled an appointment with an ascended Immortal¡ªlikely referring to someone rted to the Ascension Stones¡ªhe nearly ran into the car in front of him. "Watch the road! Be careful!" Wang Xuan hastily warned. In the midst of the bustling streets, filled with cars stuck in the after-work gridlock, Qing Mu felt equally stifled. What on earth is going on? Has Old Chen really been spooked by a deceased female practitioner? He knew full well that Old Chen was an exceedingly formidable person who was a rarity even among those skilled in the Old Arts. The man was both shrewd andpetent, and was a person who would never lose his cool. And yet, he was apparently in a peculiar situation. On the other hand, Wang Xuan was rather rxed. With the female practitioner no longer haunting his dreams, his attention was free to wander. He nced out the car window at the red maple trees lining the road. Their leaves seemed especially vibrant in the evening light, and he wondered if the female practitioner had followed Old Chen all the way to the New World. "Do you think my master will be alright?" Qing Mu asked, once he''d gotten the gist of the situation. The notion that someone dead for three millennia could appear in dreams felt preposterous to him. "Old Chen is a good man. I¡¯m sure he''ll be just fine," Wang Xuan reassured him. As a person who was never short on money, Qing Mu chose a high-end restaurant. The private dining room was spacious there. It provided the perfect setting for a serious conversation. Once they had ordered, he began to quietly inquire about the details of what had transpired. "So, you''re saying Old Chen took on some sort of curse in your stead?" Qing Mu choked on his smoke, feeling rather incredulous. "Don''t read too much into it. This has nothing to do with me. The female practitioner haunted me in dreams because everyone involved in the underground experiments at the Greater Khingan Range isplicit in some way. Old Qing, you should also be careful these days," Wang Xuan warned while enjoying his dinner. Wang Xuan felt refreshed, his appetite was back. As he indulged in the meal, he advised Qing Mu to prepare some talismans, a subject in which Old Chen was particrly knowledgeable. After the incidents began, Old Chen had immediately covered himself with numerous talismans. Wang Xuan also mused to himself that Old Chen was being stingy. When he had sought Old Chen''s help over the weekend, the old man had only given him one talisman. Yet when trouble struck Old Chen, he stered himself with so many talismans that he looked like a mummy. Listening to Wang Xuan''s nonsensical warnings andints, Qing Mu grinned wryly as he wordlessly puffed out a ring of smoke. "With great poweres great responsibility, " Wang Xuanmented. Qing Mu shot him a look. What sort of nonsense is that? You''re acting like you''re doing him a favor after benefiting from him. "So, how do we help him?" Qing Mu furrowed his brows, genuinely concerned for Old Chen. After all, the old man was his master. "I don''t think it''s a big deal. Old Chen has gone to the New World. The female practitioner will be out of her element there. I suspect she''ll eventually make hime back," Wang Xuan spected. What kind of logic is that? Qing Mu shot Wang Xuan another incredulous look before discussing the possibility of sending him to the new star to assist and take care of Old Chen. Wang Xuan immediately declined. "I''ve just gotten out of trouble. Who in their right mind would jump back in?" He nced at Qing Mu, adding, "Instead of worrying about Old Chen, maybe you should start worrying about yourself." "What do you mean?" Qing Mu extinguished his cigarette. Wang Xuan looked back at him, exining, "What else could I mean? Old Chen chickened out and ran off to the New World. He''s definitely not solving the female practitioner''s problems. If shees back, it''s probably your turn." "Shut it! Your words are like poison," Qing Mu was genuinely unnerved now. He had a nagging feeling that this was probably how Old Chen got involved in the first ce. He seriously suspected that the female practitioner might have sought out Old Chen because she could hear Wang Xuan''s reckless spections. The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. He sternly warned Wang Xuan, "Eat your meal, and leave as soon as you''re done! Don''t contact me for a while, and don''t mutter any nonsense when you''re alone. In fact, don''t even mention my name for the foreseeable future!" "Old Qing, that''s really not fair. You make it sound as if my words are cursed or something," Wang Xuan argued, dissatisfied. He felt that he had nothing to do with this and was a victim himself. "No more talking. Let''s just keep our distance for now. Don''t contact me," Qing Mu insisted, ready to pay the bill and leave. He had barely touched his food and couldn''t wait to get out of there. Wang Xuan interjected, "Don''t rush off. When will that five million be deposited into my ount? That''s mypensation for risking my life at Qingcheng Mountain." "It''ll be in your ount tomorrow," Qing Mu said, getting up to leave. He didn''t mind parting with the money. The silver beast scroll they had obtained hadn''t been deciphered yet, but experts unanimously believed its value to be astonishing. Otherwise, a Transcendent Practitioner wouldn''t have kept an eye on it until his dying moment. "Great!" Wang Xuan was thrilled. For a recent graduate, a windfall like this was nothing short of astonishing. "You should eat something." Wang Xuan urged Qing Mu before adding, "Are you really leaving? You''re not going to drop me off?" Ignoring him, Qing Mu quickened his pace and disappeared in no time. He made up his mind to steer clear away from Wang Xuan for the time being. The next day, Wang Xuan received a text message from his bank notifying him of arge deposit. After counting the zeros, he confirmed it was indeed 5 million yuan and was ted. But then a thought crossed his mind: are taxes being covered? He hurriedly called Qing Mu to inquire, but Qing Mu ignored him and hung up on him five times straight. Finally, probably unable to take it anymore, Qing Mu texted Wang Xuan to let him know that he had already handled the tax payments and that the 5 million was post-tax. "Old Qing, you''re amazing!" Wang Xuan texted back immediately. Upon reading the text, Qing Mu blocked him. He felt more and more that mingling with Wang Xuan these days would spell trouble. Reflecting on it, he should not have invited him for dinner; Old Chen served as a warning. That evening, Wang Xuan called his parents to inform them he''d being home for the weekend. As a preemptive measure, he said, "I won the lottery!" For the next two days, Wang Xuan delved into studying Taoist scriptures, practicing foundational methods, and contemting the mysteries of the Ascension Stones. When he went home this time, he was determined to visit that mountain to see if anything had been left behind. After work on Friday, Wang Xuan rushed to the station. His home was in a neighboring small town just over a hundred kilometers away. It was rtively close to the city whenpared to many other townships. Upon arriving home that evening, his parents were initially very happy to see him, but their excitement was much more subdued than he had expected. In his father''s words, "What''s the use of having so much money? As long as you have enough to spend, that''s all that matters." This attitude perhaps contributed to Wang Xuan''s somewhat carefree disposition. "Keep it for yourself. Buy a house and get married soon," his father said cheerfully, never missing an opportunity to nudge him toward marriage. Wang Xuan visited his parents every week or two, so while they were pleased to see him, their excitement was rtively tempered. "I''ve just graduated. It¡¯s too soon to get married. Let''s wait a couple of years. For now, I''ll let you keep the money for me," Wang Xuan said, and promptlypleted the transfer. After dinner that night, he inquired about Dahei Mountain, located several dozen kilometers away from their small town. The mountain was always the subject of legends about some fairy or goddess. Wang Xuan recalled that when he was a child, there used to be a Taoist temple on the mountain. However, due to years of neglect and ack of caretakers, the temple hadpletely copsed. He wondered what the current state of the area was. Old Wang reminisced, "Ah, that ce does have its legends. When I was young, the incense offerings were quite popr. But over time, the viges at the foot of the mountain were demolished, people moved away, mostly into the city, and the worship gradually declined. In the end, not even a single Taoist priest remained. Nowadays, the ce is overgrown with weeds, and I heard you can''t even find the foundation of the old temple." Wang Xuan said, "I n to go there with a couple of my childhood friends tomorrow. It''s been a long time since I''ve been to Dahei Mountain. Autumn is the perfect time to look for hazelnuts and wild walnuts." That evening, he began to make ns with his friends, both of whom were thrilled to hear he was back in town. One promised to prepare a car for the journey, and the other offered to borrow some hunting dogs to chase rabbits in the mountains. However, the weather had other ns. Though the forecast had initially promised a transition from sunny to cloudy, it ended up raining steadily and increasingly heavily. Disappointed, his friends suggested rescheduling their Dahei Mountain adventure to the following Sunday. Wang Xuan could not despite the heavy rain. As someone who practiced the Old Arts, he was not affected by it. That was why he opted to move out on his own. Donning his rain gear, he left his home and exited the small town, then began to sprint all the way to Dahei Mountain. Part of the reason for this was that the legend of the immortal woman seemed to be rted to rainwater. Taking advantage of this environment, he decided to enter the mountain to take a look. After reaching the fourthyer of his Golden Body technique, even a distance of several dozen miles was not a big deal for Wang Xuan. Finally, he entered the mountain. The rocks on the mountain were dark, and if not for the grass and trees, it would indeed look like light ink from a distance, hence the name Dahei Mountain. Following his memory, Wang Xuan headed straight for one of the peaks and quickly climbed it. However, once he reached the summit, he became puzzled. There was no sign of the Taoist temple. Even in such a state, there should be foundations and debris scattered nearby. Why is it bare? He thought. Someone must¡¯ve dug up the foundations! Wang Xuan searched on other peaks, climbing several of them in session, but still failed to find any ruins of the copsed Taoist temple. Boom! A p of thunder echoed in the heavens and earth. A blinding sh of lightning cut through the curtain of rain, illuminating the dark sky and briefly lighting up the entirety of Dahei Mountain. Inadvertently, Wang Xuan looked up. What did I see? On the main peak where he originally thought the copsed Taoist temple was located, a creature had appeared. It wasrge, a Hou¡ªa mythical creature resembling a monkey¡ªcarrying a person as it descended the mountain. Moreover, as the Hou ran down, the ground began to tremble slightly, and it seemed to be heading towards him! Chapter 39: Battle In Great Black Mountain Chapter 39: Battle In Great ck Mountain The dark clouds were thick, carrying booming thunder and shes of lightning. The heavy rain poured down mercilessly from the sky, hitting so hard it would sting an ordinary person''s face. Wang Xuan moved swiftly, leaping into the dense forest, andpletely disappearing from sight. After the thunderous explosions faded, darkness once again enveloped thend. Despite the distance, Wang Xuan was certain that the ck Hou was carrying a man. The uninhabited Great ck Mountain, the dense, ancient forest, and the vicious ck creature radiating a malicious aura allbined to create a spine-chilling atmosphere. Ordinary people would undoubtedly be filled with terror upon encountering this scene, as if they had run into an ancient corpse deep in the mountains. For decades, people living near the Great ck Mountain had moved away, making it increasingly deserted. Yet today, there was a rare sight: an unusual creature carrying a person was approaching. Silently, Wang Xuan moved quickly through the forest, taking circuitous routes and constantly changing his position. He felt something was off. Danger was approaching. "Roar!" Suddenly, a loud roar erupted in the forest like a p of thunder, and a massive dark figure leapt forward, crashing through trees and lunging at Wang Xuan. With a single jump, Wang Xuan moved seven meters away, dodging the creature''s ferocious attack. The ground behind him trembled violently, the sound of breaking branches filled the air, and the deafening roars of the beast grew even closer. A sh of lightning illuminated the dim forest, revealing the creature. It was nearly two meters tall and about five meters long, covered in thick ck fur. Its face was distorted with menace, its gaping maw filled with teeth as sharp as daggers and eerily white. As it moved, the ground quivered. With a swipe of its w, it snapped a tree as thick as a bowl in two, which then crashed to the ground. Wang Xuan dodged the attack and quickly moved to the creature''s side, smacking it with an open palm. With a loud thud, even this gigantic beast staggered, shaking violently. Then, it let out an even angrier roar, louder than the thunder in the sky, causing a ringing noise in Wang Xuan''s ears. At the same time, the man riding the ck beast leapt down, quick as lightning. While he was in the air, he aimed a vicious kick at Wang Xuan''s chest. Wang Xuan''s reactions were quick. Not only was he able to dodge the gaping maw of the ck beast, he was also able to evade the heavy kick. Snap! After the man''s airborne kick missed its mark, he took advantage of the momentum tond on a nearby tree, instantly breaking its trunk. Using this as leverage, he remained in mid-air andunched another swift kick at Wang Xuan. Simultaneously, the ck beast charged at him again with terrifying ferocity. Its huge body shook the forest, causing branches to splinter and break. Wang Xuan''s eyes were icy cold. Caught between the beast and its rider, he had no room to dodge. So he leapt into the air and aimed a kick at the giant creature, while at the same time swinging both palms to counter the flying kick from the man. "Roar!" Although the beast, being five meters long, was highly aggressive, it found it somewhat difficult to move freely in the dense forest. Several thick trees obstructed its path, making it hard for it to maneuver. Its wide-open mouth missed Wang Xuan''s foot. Instead, Wang Xuan''s kicknded squarely on its nose, causing the creature to howl in pain. The nose was the creature''s most vulnerable spot. It was instantly cracked by the kick, blood gushing forth. Its massive head seemed somewhat dizzy, and it stumbled backward, trampling and breaking smaller trees and shrubs in its wake. Of course, this was also due to the immense force behind Wang Xuan''s kick. Had an ordinary person attempted it, they wouldn''t have been able to move the creature''s nose, despite its vulnerability. At the same time, Wang Xuan''s palm connected with the man''s foot, producing a muffled sound, as if a subdued thunderp had reverberated through the forest. Wang Xuan felt numbness in his right hand, but showed no signs of retreating. His left hand followed suit, aiming at the man''s calf. The man was incredibly agile, akin to a monkey in mid-air. He grabbed onto a branch for leverage, pulled up his leg sessfully to avoid hitting the fragile part of his calf bone, and switched to using the sole of his foot to unleash a powerful counter-kick. With another muffled thud, Wang Xuan was propelled through the air,nding several meters away. He crushed many low-lying shrubs beneath him, and even some rocks were cracked as hended. One could only imagine how terrifying the collision between the two was. Wang Xuan had absorbed an incredible amount of force. Under such power, many experts who have mastered energy cultivation and internal nourishment would be coughing up blood. Even if their palms weren''t shattered, they would likely suffer multiple fractures. Wang Xuan shook his hands, feeling some numbness and quite a bit of pain. However, the flesh at the base of his thumb and index finger hadn''t split, and his hand bones remained intact.This was a testament to the fourthyer of his Golden Body Technique. Even a normal dagger might not be able to slice through his skin. This was a testament of his incredible defensive power. However, this also further highlighted the strength of the man he was facing. The man was agile, his strikes were ferocious, and the power behind his kicks was immense. But his opponent was also quite surprised, shocked even. Based on the intelligence he had gathered, he had already rated Wang Xuan highly. He believed that despite his young age, Wang Xuan had surpassed experts of traditional martial arts like Iron Sand Palm. Wang Xuan was considered a rare young prodigy in the field of the Old Arts. The man only truly realized that he had underestimated Wang Xuan when they fought. The young man had managed to parry two of his attacks. "Roar!" The ck creature let out a roar that shook the forest. Despite the torrential downpour, Wang Xuan was able to see the pair clearly. The man had the appearance of someone who was in his forties, with rosy cheeks and a full head of ck hair. However, the crow''s feet at the corners of his eyes betrayed his true age. He seemed well-preserved, and Wang Xuan guessed he must be in his fifties. As for the menacing ck creature, it wasn''t a species from the Old World but rather a creature bred in the New World. Its physique bore some resemnce to the mythical creatures known as "Hou" from ancient stories. It was said that these creatures were only recently sessfully bred and domesticated in the new world within thest two decades. Stronger and more robust than lions and tigers, they had quickly be favorites among the wealthy in the New World. In recent years, some people in the oldnds had also started keeping these creatures. However, they were not something the average person could afford to maintain; just the high-quality fresh meat they required could weigh up to a hundred pounds per day. The one before them seemed even more massive and ferocious than others that had been bred. It was clearly an unusual and exceedingly violent variant. Many experts in the field of ancient techniques might not be able to withstand its ferocious attacks. "Young man, you are truly remarkable," the man said, smiling slightly but with a serious undertone. "When I was your age, I was far from being as strong as you. It took me years of practicing the Old Arts to achieve what I have. If you continue down this path, there''s a good chance you could be a grandmaster in the field of the Old Arts. You might even outshine that title and achieve some of the legendary feats told in ancient stories." The man in ck blended seamlessly into the dark forest, his physical vigor betraying no signs of his age. His eyes were bright and piercing, and his voice resounded like a striking gong¡ªclear and powerful. Wang Xuan''s eyes were cold. This was a premeditated attempt to ambush him. The man knew in advance that he would being to the Great ck Mountain and had been waiting for him. Justst night, Wang Xuan had informed two of his childhood friends that he nned to venture into the mountains. And yet, here this man was, armed with that information and waiting for him on his monstrous beast in the woods. Wang Xuan trusted his two friends. He reasoned that the man in ck could not possibly know everything. How does he know that I¡¯ming here with my friends? Someone must have eavesdropped on my conversation. "Are you from the Ashen Blood Organization?" Wang Xuan asked coldly. He had been attacked three times in recent days and had reached the end of his patience. The man in ck was candid. "No, I''m not. I''m somewhat disappointed in them, actually. Their stronghold in the Old World has been uprooted. Those who escaped are hiding like cowards. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan felt a surge of killing intent. The person who had been pulling the strings from behind the scenes had finally revealed himself. Wang Xuan''s rage surged within him. To be targeted repeatedly for no apparent reason, as though he were easily exploited and bullied¡­ It was something he refused to tolerate. He had never imagined that he had done anything to deserve multiple assassination attempts. And yet it happened. Now that the instigator had personallye forth, it was time to settle this matter once and for all. "I don''t know you, and as far as I''m aware, I''ve not done anything to wrong you. Why do you keep targeting me?" Wang Xuan asked sternly. Suddenly, he lunged to the side as a bullet whizzed by, shattering a nearby tree with the thickness of an arm. The trunk splintered, and the crown of the tree fell to the ground. Wang Xuan''s eyes were icy cold. Not only was this man in ck highly skilled, but he was also cautious. He had even arranged for a sniper, likely as a backup. The conversation had likely been a tactic to stall him. Clearly, the heavy rain today had also taken them by surprise. They probably thought Wang Xuan wouldn''t show up, taking shelter from the rain in some cave. It was only when the man in ck, with his acute senses, spotted Wang Xuan that they started to move, seeking favorable positions for their ambush. Wang Xuan''s senses were razor-sharp, honed by his practice of the Golden Body Technique up to its fourthyer and by the spiritual power he had gained from entering the inner realm twice. He had a keen awareness of impending danger. Without a moment''s hesitation, he lunged again. The spot he''d just left was now the site of a terrifying bullet hole in arge tree. The tree trunk had burst apart, clearly struck by some sort of specialized, restricted ammunition. In a short period of time, two hidden snipers had already taken their shots. What grudge could they possibly hold against him to warrant this level of aggression? And now, their leader was taking the stage. Wang Xuan decided on a direct approach. He lunged toward the man in ck and his fearsome beast. He didn''t believe the hidden gunmen could urately shoot him without risking their leader or the beast. The speed of his and the ck-clothed man''s movements made it very difficult for the snipers to get a clear shot at him, especially with the monstrous creature blocking and lunging at him as well. Wang Xuan''s immediate n was clear: take out the beast and the man in ck first, and then deal with the hidden snipers. The man in ck was extraordinarily strong. His hands emanated a faint golden glow, suggesting he had mastered some incredibly powerful form of ancient technique. His blows had an astonishing force behind them. When he asionally struck arge tree, the trunk would explode on impact. It was somewhat terrifying to witness. This was not going to be an easy fight, but Wang Xuan was prepared. He had honed his skills for moments like this. And now, with his anger fueling his strikes, he was ready to confront and, if necessary, annihte those who sought to harm him. In addition, the man''s feet were equally powerful. When he stepped on rocks, they shattered, and when he used the trees to propel himself into the air, the trunks cracked and fell over with a snapping sound. For the first time since mastering the ancient techniques, Wang Xuan encountered an opponent like this. Had he not reached the fourth level of the Golden Body Technique, he would have certainly died today. The two men moved quickly, smashing numerous trees in their path. Even the ck beast had trouble keeping up with their speed and almost lunged at its own master several times. Bang! Another tree, as thick as a water barrel, was snapped in half and fell to the ground. The two men maneuvered around each other, their fists and feet continuously colliding, creating thunderous booms that reverberated through the forest. Wang Xuan discovered that the skin on the base of his thumb had torn open, and droplets of blood were falling. This revtion was shocking. The man''s fists and palms were incredibly tough, to the point that even the fourth level of the Golden Body Technique was struggling to withstand the blows. "Is that¡­ The Great Vajra Fist?!" Wang Xuan eximed, his eyes widening as he spected on the martial art the man had practiced. He himself had also practiced Vajra Fist but only at an elementary level. Theplete form, known as the Great Vajra Fist, was a martial art of extraordinary power, a secret technique passed down within Buddhist traditions. The man in ck approached with cold intent, not bothering to respond. His agility surpassed that of monkeys and his ferocity exceeded that of lions or tigers. He attacked again, causing Wang Xuan''s arms to go numb and redden. The tear at the base of Wang Xuan''s thumbs worsened, deepening further. Boom! Suddenly, Wang Xuan elerated, his fists and palms struck out in a flurry of explosive blows. Finally, he seized an opportunity he had been waiting for and lunged his entire body into the man''s torso. With a cracking sound, he broke two of the man''s ribs with his body, causing him to cough up arge amount of blood and fly backwards. Wrapped in severe pain, the man in ck felt deeply shocked. He had initially assumed that, like himself, Wang Xuan had mastered some secret, unparalleled martial arts technique that gave him astonishingly hard fists and overwhelming strength. In addition, Wang Xuan had intentionally concealed his true strength, avoiding direct confrontations with the man''s Great Vajra Fist, thus giving him the wrong impression. The man had not realized just how resilient Wang Xuan was. "Fourthyer of the Golden Body Technique?!" The man was shocked, finally realizing what Wang Xuan had mastered. The reason for the extraordinary hardness of Wang Xuan''s fists and palms wasn''t so much his martial art skills, but rather the reinforcement from his Golden Body Technique. Roar! Seeing its master at a disadvantage, the ck beast lunged at Wang Xuan with renewed ferocity. It opened its massive jaw as a disy of its strength. Bang! Bang! Bang! Chapter 40: A Path For The Old Arts Chapter 40: A Path For The Old Arts The rain continued to fall. In the dark forest, the ck Houid on the ground, still trembling but no longer a threat. Despite stubbornly clinging on to life, the beast was out of the fight for good. The man in ck stood opposite of Wang Xuan, swiftly setting his broken bones back in ce. He did not hide his astonishment. "The Golden Body Technique is indeed powerful, but few people practice it. This technique requires a long time to master. Results are often slow to show. Besides, any slight mistake can lead to serious problems that will harm the practitioner," he said. He stared at Wang Xuan, whose Golden Body Technique had clearly reached thete stage of the fourthyer. That would usually require at least thirty years of practice, yet Wang Xuan was only in his early twenties. "How did you manage to reach such a level?" His eyes were burning with an intense desire to know. "Who sent you to kill me?" Wang Xuan asked calmly. He did not know the man in ck, who was in his fifties, and there had never been any interaction between them. He suspected that someone else was behind this assassination attempt, and this man was merely acting on someone else''s behalf. The man in ck responded with a calm expression, "If you win today, don''t investigate this matter any further. Let it end here. The one who contracted the Ashen Blood Organization to kill you was me, and the one who''s taking matters into his own hands now is also me. You can consider me the true mastermind behind all this. It was I who sought for your death." A faint glint of gold shed in the depths of Wang Xuan''s eyes, a sign of his mastery in the Golden Body Technique. This served only to intensify the mysterious man''s desire to understand how he had achieved it. Of course, the man in ck was not interested in practicing the Golden Body Technique himself. But he wanted to know if there were secrets or shortcuts. This was a discovery that might breathe new life into the study of the Old Arts in this era. He had practiced the arts for decades and had reached an esteemed level. But he understood that he had reached a bottleneck in his path. . Wang Xuan responded coldly, "Why would I tell you anything when you¡¯vee to kill me and refuse to reveal who sent you?" The man in ck stretched, loosening his joints and muscles. "As a practitioner of the Old Arts, I respect the fact that you''ve reached this level at such a young age. Consider this a word of advice: if you''re the one who walks away alive today, let it end here. Live the rest of your life in peace and don''t pry any further. No one wille after you again." The mes of fury ignited in Wang Xuan¡¯s heart. Although he kept a low profile and generally avoided trouble, being attacked repeatedly and then being told to endure and not investigate further just to stay alive was uneptable. The man in ck sighed lightly, "Those of us who tread the path of the Old Arts have it hard, especially in this era where our ways are bing obsolete. It is about to bepletely reced by the New Arts. I''m not willing to give up. I''ve been obsessed, perhaps to the point of madness, with finding a new path for the Old Arts." It was clear that he was not feigning his sentiment. His deep attachment to the old ways was genuine. The man in ck continued without rushing to attack, "Ever since I learned that a legendary text from our field had surfaced but was locked away as a mere collector''s item, I''ve been restless. I wanted to get closer to it, in hopes of glimpsing its true teachings and uncovering the secrets to transcend into immortality." Wang Xuan listened quietly without interrupting. "So, I purposely got closer to that family, knowing that they had some grievances against you. They want you dead, you know that? I subtly implied that as a schr and a professor, I could ''educate'' you, while also hinting that I wanted to take a look at their ancient text." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan frowned. As he pondered over the people he knew, he still was not able to figure out who would want him dead. He had never caused trouble for anyone. Up to now, he still had no idea who he had offended to the point where they wanted him dead. At the same time, he was also somewhat surprised that the man in ck turned out to be a schr and a professor. This made his identity ratherplicated. The man in ck seemed to sense what he was thinking and said, "There was a time when the Old Arts was not in decline yet. As a researcher in the field, I even taught some students at a university in the New World. Sometimes I was even invited to give lectures on wellness to some very important figures. You could say I had some fame back then." Heughed at himself and shook his head. Wang Xuan understood the man¡¯s sentiment. Before the rise of the New Arts, the Old Arts had indeed garnered some attention. Ancient texts like the Early Qin bamboo slips were hoarded by corporations and major research institutes. For a few years, those on the New World had hoped to activate supernatural powers through the Old Arts to integrate them into the New Arts. Therefore, it was normal for the man in ck to be a guest among somerge organizations or even megacorporations. His identity as a schr and professor was not surprising. "The day I expressed my interest, the person secretly took out that solitary ancient text from their family collection and showed me the first page. My mind was instantly captivated, for I knew it was an invaluable treasure. It aligned perfectly with the path I had been exploring for many years, piercing through ayer of opaque paper and opening a new window for me. You have to understand that this was just the first page; it encapsted the essence of my lifelong pursuit and research. How astonishing must the rest of the text be? It''s a shame that it falls into the hands of people who, although they''ve studied it, cannot grasp its true essence. My desire only intensified because I am confident that I can make that legendary text shine brilliantly once again, even in an era where the Old Arts are waning." As he spoke, the man¡¯s eyes were aze with passion, as if mes were flickering within them; his emotions were highly charged. "s, I only saw the first page!" Finally, he regained hisposure, and the fire in his eyes extinguished. He then looked at Wang Xuan again, "I seem to have discovered something even more incredible about you. Have you been practicing the Golden Body Technique since you were young, and do you possess some mysterious shortcuts that have allowed you to reach the fourthyer at this young age? Or is it something even more astonishing than I can imagine?" "ording to my investigation, Zhou Mingxuan gave you a manual of the Golden Body Technique at a gathering. You managed to reach the fourthyer in such a short period of time. Something is definitely amiss!" The man¡¯s eyes were intimidating as he spoke. Wang Xuan remained calm. He did not speak up. In this era, no one could enter the Inner Court anymore. But in ancient times, those who walked the path of the Old Arts had to be aided by Early Qin schrs or guided by revered masters to enter the Inner Courtyard after triggering their extrasensory perception for the first time. However, when Wang Xuan first entered, he received no guidance. He had stepped into that realm by himself. Should this information be revealed, those who knew the details would be spooked. "I''ve be somewhat obsessed, deluded by my own fixations. To obtain that legendary text, I even harbored the intention to kill you. Now that I think about it, we who walk the path of the Old Arts are ultimately driven by ack of hope. It''s somewhat tragic," the man sighed, his gaze returning to Wang Xuan. "Thus, I advise you not to dig any further into this matter. The person who wanted you dead might have been acting on temporary rage and may not pursue it further. Act as if nothing has happened. Some people and powers are far beyond what you and I can handle or confront. After all, we''re no longer in the Early Qin era where schrs could transform and ascend to immortality." His tone was one of regret and a bit of sorrow, as ifmenting the limitations and challenges that stood in the way of both their pursuits. Without warning, the man¡¯s demeanor changed. His eyes shot out two rays of light, and his internal organs began to resonate with a thunderous sound. A faint aura appeared around him as if he was enveloped in a halo. In an instant, he disappeared from where he was standing, lunging at Wang Xuan with incredible speed. Wang Xuan had not let his guard down. He knew that while the man in ck had a genuine obsession with the Old Arts, it did not make him inherently good or trustworthy. His own dark beast had been severely wounded and was close to dying, and yet the man had shown no emotion. This was a sign that the man was not apassionate one. With a loud crash, Wang Xuan quickly dodged, elevating his Golden Body Technique to its full capacity. He was ready to fight the man in ck. Where he had stood just a moment before, the man in ck reappeared, his feet creating arge pit in the ground as theynded. The force was terrifying, even more so than before. The man in ck was breathing heavily; his internal organs continued to make a thunderous sound. His blood seemed to emit a faint light, which made him look as if he were surrounded by a weak halo. This extraordinary phenomenon appeared to have boosted his strength significantly. Wang Xuan was deeply shocked. He suspected that the power the man in ck was demonstrating likely came from the first page of the very book the man had so desperately sought. Thump, thump, thump! Wang Xuan dodged the man''s powerful strikes, aiming his counterattacks at the man''s arms and torso. Despite this, he still felt the astonishing might behind his opponent''s moves. For a moment, the man in ck seemed almost invincible. Even a brief contact with him had resulted in Wang Xuan''s fingernails being torn off. Blood spilled from his wounds. His arms felt like they were about to break, and the pain in his finger bones was unbearable. Even his Golden Body Technique could not withstand the man¡¯s attacks. The situation was bing increasingly dire. Wang Xuan had been flung through the air multiple times, each impact causing him to cough up more blood. He was on the verge of being severely wounded. Seeing the state the man in ck was in, Wang Xuan instantly thought of a particr physical technique he had once practiced¡ªthe Five Golden Pages left by Zhang Daoling. He had practiced the first diagram in the Inner Courtyard but had never thought it could be so powerful. Now, as he watched the man¡¯s formidable abilities, Wang Xuan suddenly felt that he had tapped into a simr force, one that also relied on stimting the vitality of one''s internal organs. Boom! Wang Xuan was fighting for his life. Summoning everyst bit of his willpower, he gritted his teeth as blood flowed from his mouth. He fully activated the bodily technique described in the diagram, causing a violent resonance within his internal organs. At this critical moment between life and death, he sensed something extraordinary: as his body reached its limits and his internal organs vibrated as if about to rupture, a novel force surged within him, rapidly spreading through his flesh and blood. Thump! Thump! Thump! His heartbeat felt incredibly strong, and his blood flowed like a long river, emitting a faint golden glow. He sessfully blocked the ck-clothed man''s ferocious attacks. His arms and finger bones were miraculously intact; they hadn''t shattered. In the end, the man in ck could no longer hold on. After the resonance of his internal organs, he coughed up a mouthful of blood. With a loud thump, Wang Xuan sent him flying over ten meters away. The man''s chest copsed inward, and a horrifying hole appeared, through which even light could be seen from his back. Moreover, the secret energy he had produced through the resonance of his internal organs was too potent. It was now threatening to copse his internal structure. Fracture lines appeared in his organs; he waspletely incapacitated, and it seemed like his time was running out. "Heh, it seems that you''ve also practiced simr techniques," the man in ck wheezed as blood spilled from his nose and mouth. "You''re so young; perhaps there''s a sliver of hope that you might pave a new path for the Old Arts..." Such were the man¡¯sst words for Wang Xuan. His mouth was filled with bloody foam and his breathing becamebored, and his strength rapidly waning. Wang Xuan did not fare much better. Even after he quickly deactivated the bodily technique described in the golden book, he still felt severe pain in his internal organs. He was utterly drained and did not even have the energy to move. However, the imminent danger from nearby snipers remained. Just as he thought, in an instant, he felt as if he had entered a life-or-death situation. A sharp pain radiated at the center of his forehead, as if an acute weapon was pointed right at him, about to pierce through. Am I being targeted? Am I about to be shot? Wang Xuan had a feeling that he had never been so close with the touch of death before. Ignoring the pain, he turned his body around with what remaining strength he had. A bulletnded where his head was a mere fraction of a second after. At that moment, pain spiked on multiple parts of his body. It felt as if someone had locked on to him. But in his extremely disadvantageous state, Wang Xuan knew that he would never be able to react in time. Is this it? Is this how I¡¯m going to die? Hemented. This did not mean that he had resigned himself to such a fate. Activating his core technique, Wang Xuan attempted to force his body to turn again. Boom! This time, it felt as if time itself had slowed down. His body was shrouded by the shadow cast upon him by death itself. He could barely breathe. And in this condition, he entered a state of hyper perception. But is this enough? Can I survive this? His chances of walking out of this alive were extremely slim. Chapter 41: For The First Time In His Life Chapter 41: For The First Time In His Life In this desperate situation, Wang Xuan could feel his impending death looming. His Hyper Perception, which was triggered by the intensity of the moment, made him acutely aware of the danger surrounding him. Despite his keen senses, he could not bepletely certain of sessfully avoiding the fate of being shot. In this Hyper-Perceptive State induced by his desperation, Wang Xuan could see the Inner Landscape. Knowing that he had no other choice, he sprinted toward it with the sole purpose of acquiring the mystery factors. His aim was not to enhance his strength, but rather to swiftly regain his stamina and heal his severe injuries. The Landscape remained unchanged, characterized by its eternal silence and destion. It was a mysterious ce that eluded those who could not reach the Hyper Perceptive state. Time flowed differently here, where mere minutes in the outside world tranted to numerous years in this realm. Without any hesitation, Wang Xuan stood up and activated the core technique of the bamboo slips from Early Qin dynasty in this deste realm. Although time passed slowly here, he could not afford to spend several years in this ce when his life was in grave danger in the outside world. He sighed. Although he felt that it was a pity, he did not think of this as a wasted opportunity. After all, his main focus of triggering his Hyper Perceptive State and making his way here was to save his own life. Standing in the vivid moments of emptiness and rity, he absorbed the mystery factors that had drifted into the Inner Landscape, allowing it to boost his mental focus. Meanwhile, his body outside of this realm also received an abundance of mystery genomes, rejuvenating his exhausted body and replenishing his stamina. With a frown on his face, Wang Xuan wondered if he could leave before his time in this realm ran out. He had never attempted to leave this way, as entering this realm was a very rare opportunity. Through experimentation, he soon realized that exiting was not as challenging as he initially believed. His consciousness withdrew and returned to his physical body. Moments before the Inner Landscape faded away, time in the outside world remained frozen. Wang Xuan once again sensed his vital points being locked on by what felt like a multitude of spears that could easily pierce through his body. The only difference now was that his body no longer felt exhausted and drained; it overflowed with renewed vigor. Although it was toote topletely dodge every single bullet, he could at least choose where to be hit. In a split second, he made calcted choices, avoiding bullets aimed at his head, heart, and other vital organs. Suspecting that the bullets were of super special grade with great pration power, he also avoided being struck in ces where it hurt the most. Most of the bullets hit the spot where he had been lying before, sending mud, water, and debris flying in all directions. Shrubs and other nts were damaged as chaos ensued. Wang Xuan tumbled out. Two bullets struck his body in quick session, delivering powerful impacts that shook his body. The front part of his shirt was shredded, and his threeyers of bulletproof vests disintegrated one after another. One of the bullets was sessfully blocked during this process, while the other partially prated his flesh. Fortunately, it was ultimately stopped. A small amount of blood trickled from Wang Xuan¡¯s body. He exerted a slight force, the bullet was expelled from his flesh and fell to the ground, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. As expected, they were special bullets with great pration power. Wang Xuan had only been able to stop them by wearing threeyers of bulletproof vests, along with the protection provided by the fourthyer of the Golden Body Technique. Not far away, more powerful bullets and beams of light from energy guns rained down on the spot where Wang Xuan had been lying just moments ago. With a swift motion, Wang Xuan rushed forward, using rocks and the body of the massive ck howler as a shield. His eyes gleamed with determination as he realized there were six skilled snipers targeting him with impable timing. They had chosen the moment when he was exhausted and vulnerable, making it nearly impossible for him to evade their shots. The man in ck copsed on the ground, still alive but in disbelief. He had witnessed the young man¡¯s miraculous escape despite his weakened state, sessfully evading the snipers and enduring two bullets on top of that. It was truly a shocking sight. He a copious amount of blood came out from his mouth and nose, momentarily allowing him to breathe better before his body was consumed by severe pain. The fist-sized hole in his chest left him unable to do anything but lie on the ground, gasping heavily. Wang Xuan paid him no mind and entered the Inner Landscape without second thought because he realized that he was still in Hyper-Perceptive State, though it was close to fading. Even in the ancient times, when the Old Arts were at their peak, such an opportunity was rare. If someone managed to trigger it, even the sect ancestors would personally assist and guide them into the Inner Landscape. Wang Xuan had to exit earlier due tock of choice, but now he seized the moment to enter again. He quickly meditated and began practicing the Golden Body Technique, repeating it over and over again to strengthen himself. He ignored the five-page golden book left behind by Zhang Daoling. The engraved diagrams were too profound for him to fullyprehend at this stage. The first diagram alone already took up a lot of his time. At his current level, he could only utilize the first diagram, and even then, he could only sustain it for a few moments before exhaustion and excruciating pain set in. If he pushed himself any further, he feared his internal organs would be torn apart. This type of physical art was too overwhelming for him at this stage. Nevertheless, he could not deny the power and profoundness of the first diagram. It had allowed him to tap into a novel secret power that greatly increased his strength, enabling him to block and strike the man in ck with a force that surprised even himself. The man in ck was also in a Hyper-Perceptive State at the time. With an ultimate secret technique activated, he was incredibly powerful, almost god-like. If it was not for mastering that initial stance that Zhang Daoling had left behind, Wang Xuan would have surely perished at the hands of the man in ck, even with the fourthyer of the Golden Body Technique. The man in ck had only read the first page of that scripture, so his knowledge was iplete. Wang Xuan could only imagine how profound and unfathomable that scripture truly was. Wang Xuan continued to practice the Golden Body Technique in the Inner Landscape, determined to improve himself. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly in this ce, and Wang Xuan estimated that the six snipers who had destroyed the ck howler would not be able to harm him for a while. Therge rocks also provided him with cover, making it difficult for them shoot him unless they approached or found higher ground. Wang Xuan understood that if he chose to exit the Inner Landscape once again, his Hyper-Perceptive State would likely dissipate, making it difficult for him to reenterter today. He immersed himself in the practice of the Golden Body Technique until fatigue set in, at which point he would switch to the core technique to gather the mystery factors in the Solitary Void. During his breaks, he would carefully survey the outside world, fully aware that time was of the essence. The man in ck, who was not far away, observed Wang Xuan and noticed the halo of light surrounding him as he moved slowly. Instantly, he recognized what was happening. ¡°He has reached the pinnacle of meditation and entered the Inner Landscape?¡± the man in ck murmured to himself. As a great expert in the Old Arts, the man in ck possessed a broad insight and a relentless desire to forge a path forward. Suddenly, everything became clear to him, exining why Wang Xuan had achieved such heights at such a young age. However, he was puzzled. In this current era where masters from Early Qin dynasty and sect ancestors no longer existed to serve as mentors, how did Wang Xuan manage to stay in the vivid moments of emptiness and rity and gain ess into the Inner Landscape? He had dismissed the idea earlier, assuming that no one would be able to ess the Inner Landscape due to theck of guidance in the current world. It was only now that he realized that Wang Xuan had managed to enter it on his own. ¡°A person like him cannot die. Perhaps he truly can revive the Old Arts in this era¡­ and forge a path forward!¡± The man sighed as his eyes sparkled with a strange gleam. ¡°Stop¡­ Don¡¯t shoot him!¡± He coughed up blood as he attempted to shout at his men. Unfortunately, his voice was too weak to be heard. His face was turning purple from theck of oxygen, but there was nothing he could do to intervene. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was making progress in the Inner Landscape. He had attained the fifthyer of the Golden Body Technique, but it was not because he had spent years practicing here. It was mainly because he had already practiced the Golden Body Technique to thete stage of the fourthyer long ago and was very close to advancing to the nextyer. Therefore, attaining the fifthyer did not require too much effort. Although he was only at the early stage of this newyer, it was enough. The recent breakthrough had elevated his overall strength and further boosted his mental focus! He suppressed his greed and decided to exit. Although he was reluctant, he knew his current situation was not conducive to further his progress. He could be discovered and attacked at any given moment, so he knew he had to be cautious. Furthermore, he believed that the fifthyer of the Golden Body Technique would be enough to save his life in normal circumstances. However, if he were caught off guard and shot in the head, he would still meet his demise. As Wang Xuan exited, he felt better than before. He had shed ayer of skin and the bullet wound had expelled some contaminated blood. The wound had almostpletely healed, and it seemed that any remaining traces would vanish within a couple of days. Additionally, the wounds on his hands, caused by the man in ck, had long stopped bleeding and closed up. The cracks on his nails, caused by the powerful vibrations, had also disappeared. Wang Xuan estimated that within another night or two, every scar on his body would be gone. This was mainly due to his recent entry into the Inner Landscape and the breakthrough in his Golden Body Technique, which had led to aplete metamorphosis of his body. His newfound vitality also yed a role in this. When Wang Xuan heard the hoarse voice of the man in ck, he could not help but be stunned. The man had actually ordered a cease-fire. In that instant, Wang Xuan understood the man¡¯s intentions. This person had a deep appreciation for the Old Arts and had once desired to walk that path himself. He saw hope in Wang Xuan and wanted to preserve him at thest moment. ¡°The person who wants to kill me is¡­¡± Wang Xuan began to speak. ¡°Run! Hurry! They have... energy cannons!¡± The man in ck shook his head and anxiously yelled at him, spewing out another mouthful of blood. Almost simultaneously, Wang Xuan felt the shadow of death approaching once again. This area had been surrounded. Fortunately, he was now in his most powerful state. As soon as his spiritual senses detected the impending danger, he immediately charged into the dense forest. In the distance, the men had assembled a small energy cannon and activated it. They grumbled about misjudging Wang Xuan¡¯s arrival due to the rain. If they had known, they would not have wasted time disassembling the energy cannon earlier. Boom! The energy cannon blew apart the ck howler. The forceful st sent rocks flying, and one of them struck the man in ck in the chest. He let out a muffled grunt and tumbled a long way. He was already heavily injured, but now his condition was even more critical. It seemed unlikely that he would survive. The light in his eyes dimmed, and he sumbed to his injuries. Had it not been for the fatal blow, he could have survived if he had been immediately taken to the hospital, given the current advancements in medical technology. Wang Xuan was heading straight for the location of the energy cannon. He maneuvered through dense forest with agility and speed, fearlessly pushing through thistles and other obstacles in this path. His physique was incredibly strong, thanks to his practice of the fifthyer of the Golden Body Technique. He soon found himself not far from the energy cannon. ¡°H-He¡¯s here!¡± Some voices trembled with fear. Despite having advanced instruments to capture Wang Xuan¡¯s figure, they could not lock onto him as he constantly shifted his positions. The hunt had turned into a counter-hunt! Half an hourter, Wang Xuan left the Great ck Mountain, his emotions in a state of turmoil. For the first time in his life, he had to steel himself and kill his own kind. Chapter 42: The Return of Old Chen Chapter 42: The Return of Old Chen It waste autumn, the heavy rain caused arge number of yellow leaves in the mountains to fall, exposing the naturally dark appearance of the Great ck Mountain. Rain and fog shrouded the mountain, gradually intensifying its gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. Wang Xuan rushed into the rain without looking back. The six snipers, experienced and merciless, feared that Wang Xuan woulde after them once dealing with the man in ck. They made the decision to fire the energy cannon, even if it meant they had to sacrifice the man in ck in the process. These mercenaries were willing to stain their hands with blood for money and goods. It was only natural that they would not hesitate to abandon and kill their employer to ensure their own survival. After Wang Xuan had dealt with them, he experienced no remorse. Nevertheless, the act of killing people for the first time left him deeply unsettled. In order to relieve this unspeakable emotion, he sprinted through the rain for over five kilometers. Covered in sweat mixed with rainwater, he finally reached a small city. He gradually slowed down and regted his breathing, then went shopping. He got himself some new clothes and got rid of his tattered jacket. With an umbre in hand, he took a walk around the smallke. He contemted his next moves and the possibilities that awaited him. Ever since he began practicing Old Arts, his once peaceful life had been disrupted. Unable to undo his past decisions, he was left with no option but to grow stronger and strive for legendary heights on the path of the Old Arts in order to live in peace. ¡°Qing Mu¡­ T-That guy¡­ actually blocked my number!¡± Wang Xuan attempted to contact Qing Mu, only to be met with a deadline. It was only at this moment, he realized that Qing Mu had likely blocked his number two days ago. Wang Xuan was at a loss for words, but soon the anger within him erupted. ¡°Qing Mu, you¡¯re next! You won¡¯t be able to escape, no matter what!¡± he cursed vehemently. Meanwhile in a certain manor in Terra Nova, Old Chen, dressed in a Taoist priest robe underneath a purple gold monastic robe on top, looked listless. He had an alms bowl in one hand and a fly whisk in the other. Red cinnabar writings were painted on his face, but they failed to hide the heavy dark circles under his eyes. He could not wait any longer for the person he was waiting for. If that person did not show up soon, he would return to Old Earth in a couple of days. When ck Tiger contacted Qing Mu on the phone and informed him that Little Wang was looking for him, the cigarette between Qing Mu¡¯s fingers slightly trembled along with his hands. He was somewhat reluctant to speak to Wang Xuan. Shortly after, Kite and Old Mu also contacted him, both telling him that Little Wang was desperately searching for him. Qingmu sighed, realizing he had no choice but to get in touch with Wang Xuan. He wanted to hide for a few days because he had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. As expected, his call was answered by a resentful voice on the other end of the line. ¡°Old Qing, you¡¯re dead meat. I have a feeling that it¡¯s going to be your turn soon!¡± Qing Mu was annoyed and snapped, ¡°Shut up! Are you picking on me again because you¡¯re alone?¡± ¡°No, you¡¯re overthinking about it. Something happened on my side!¡± Wang Xuan quickly recounted the vicious ambush at the Great ck Mountain. ¡°Old Qing, isn¡¯t our Adventurer¡¯s Guild supposed to be cooperating with the country and semi-official in nature? Yet, I¡¯ve been targeted and ambushed three times in just half a month. Some parties are so audacious that they are treating the Old Earth as if it were their own backyard. Why aren¡¯t you guys taking action against these megacorporations and organizations?!¡± Even through the phone, Qing Mu could feel Wang Xuan¡¯s anger. ¡°All right, I¡¯ve heard enough. I¡¯ll arrange someone to take care of this. In the meantime, try to act as if nothing happened and ensure that the lives of your loved ones and friends around you are not disrupted,¡± Qing Mu assured. This was precisely what Wang Xuan had hoped to hear. He knew that the discovery or the his report to the authorities about the bodies on the Great ck Mountain would undoubtedly plunge the small city into chaos. He could not bear the thought of his loved ones being impacted by this matter. Therefore, he believed that the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, being semi-official, was the most suitable entity to manage the situation. Wang Xuan ended the call and went straight home. After taking a shower, he buried his head in his pillow and tried to fall asleep. He was still feeling extremely unsettled and reflected on his emotions. Before drifting off, he organized his thoughts and calmed his mind in an attempt to restore a sense of peace within him. His mental capacity was strong, given the fact that he was able to delude himself into believing that the horrifying female practitioner from before was a beautiful fairy, singing and dancing in his dreams. Naturally, this resilience quickly helped him to deal with his current problems too. In the evening, Wang Xuan woke up feeling revitalized and full of energy, dispelling the previous gloom as he faced this matter head-on. From now on, he would approach the future with apletely different mindset. The sky outside was red, withrge rosy clouds that signaled a promising day tomorrow. Wang Xuan¡¯s mood gradually improved, and he sat down to dinner with his parents, his appetite returning with gusto. Throughout the evening, Wang Xuan enjoyed thepany of his parents. It was not until after nine that he finally retired to his room. As he gently tapped his fingers on the desk, he reflected on the day¡¯s events and realized just how dangerous it had been. The man in ck had disyed surprising strength, and his expertise in Old Arts was extraordinary. Wang Xuan had exhausted all his strength, unable to move as hey on the ground and was nearly shot to death. ¡°The Inner Landscape... is such an elusive ce. There¡¯s no telling when it will appear or disappear.¡± He sighed. In his desperation, he managed to trigger his Hyper Perceptive State today. It was a stroke of luck that allowed him to escape. Depending on this particr state during critical moments was simply unwise. Who could guarantee that he would be so fortunate next time? He had reason to believe that bing psychologically dependent on triggering his Hyper Perception would ultimately lead to his demise. If he believed there was a possibility of activating this state during a critical moment, would a life and death situation still be considered as such? His subconscious mind and body would definitely think otherwise. Once that happened, it would be a dead end for him. Even having nine lives would not be enough to save him! Wang Xuan sighed. After experiencing this ordeal, triggerring his Hyper Perception became increasingly difficult. The masters from Early Qin dynasty must have had some conventional methods of entering this state. Unfortunately, all relevant bamboo slips and ancient scrolls had been taken away to Terra Nova. He had no ess to the knowledge he sought. ¡°Perhaps I should start with meditation. In theory, reaching the pinnacle of meditation, known as the Bodhisattva Realm, one can find themselves standing in the vivid moments of emptiness and rity,¡± Wang Xuan mused. His current method, entering the Hyper-Perceptive State, could be ssified under the Taoist concept of the Celestial Union. Naturally, the Buddhists also had a simr approach. ¡°Attempting to reach the pinnancle of meditation is quite challenging,¡± Wang Xuan frowned. Even the so-called holy monks, who dedicated their entire lives to cultivation, would find it difficult to reach such a state. In fact, those who had experienced it were already extinct since the Old Era. Sunday morning arrived with a clear blue sky, the morning sun casting its warm glow over the small city. Wang Xuan brought gifts to meet his two childhood friends. One received a variety of new model battleships, while the other was presented with exquisite female figurines. Wang Xuan warned his friends against going near to the Great ck Mountain, informing them of the presence of blind bears in that area and emphasized the importance of keeping a distance for the time being. ¡°I absolutely adore this Deep Space Battleship model. I''ve been searching for it everywhere, but it¡¯s always out of stock. Finally, today, I got my hands on it!¡± Zhao Mo eximed with delight. Looking at Lin Xuan, who stood beside him, he could not suppress his urge to mock him and called him a ¡°forever teen¡±. Lin Xuan, who was busy arranging the beautiful female figurines in various poses, responded, ¡°A forever teen will retain his youthful spirit until the day he dies. A man like that can appreciate beauty, unlike you. You¡¯re only in your early twenties and you¡¯ve already lost interest in beautiful women. It only shows that you¡¯re an old man trapped in a youthful body. Look at me and Wang Xuan, we perpetually exude youthfulness and constantly revel in beauties that surround us.¡± Zhao Moughed and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll be getting married in a year and a half. You can go on ying with your figurines. And as for Wang Xuan, well, his aesthetic preferences have already moved beyond figurines. He prefers real women now.¡± Both of them then presented Wang Xuan with a cardboard box. Inside it was a brown puppy, the offspring of a mountain guardian dog. They wanted him to take it back to the city and raise it. Wang Xuan shook his head and declined. ¡°I don¡¯t have the time to take care of it right now. I won¡¯t be able to keep it.¡± He recalled raising a spotty dog when he was just eleven or twelve years old. Sadly, it did not live more than six months. Wang Xuan was devastated by its death for days. Since then, he had been too afraid to raise another pet. Cloud City was a small ce. The three friends spent the afternoon walking around after lunch, enjoying each other¡¯spany. Wang Xuan knew he would be leaving this peaceful life behind very soon, so he cherished every moment. He had a feeling that the day he would depart for Terra Nova was quickly approaching. ¡­¡­ In the afternoon, Wang Xuan bid farewell to his parents before returning to An City, where he worked. For the next few days, everything was quiet. Wang Xuan spent his days studying the Taoist scriptures, practicing core techniques and physical arts at night. He was pleased by his own productivity. Wang Xuan reached out to Qing Mu over the phone, expressing his continued concern for his former colleagues. He kindly asked Qing Mu to pass his regards to Old Chen and inquired about Old Chen¡¯s expected return date. Qing Mu nearly threw his phone away in shock. Earlier in the day, he had received word from an acquaintance in Terra Nova, informing him that Old Chen had requested his assistance in securing amodation at the ancient temple outside the city. Old Chen intended to stay there for a period of time, hinting at his imminent return. Qing Mu began to panic a little. It was obvious that Old Chen¡¯s trip to Terra Nova had been futile. Just as Wang Xuan had predicted, Old Chen would eventuallye back here. As Qing Mu pondered Wang Xuan¡¯s warning about him being the next target, a sense of unease washed over him. He couldn¡¯t shake the thought that perhaps Wang Xuan¡¯s words held some truth, like a dark curse hanging over him. Trying to maintain hisposure, Qing Mu shared some news with Wang Xuan. ¡°The man in ck is not an ordinary individual. He was once a prominent figure in the world of megacorporations. His name is Sun Chengkun, a schr and professor. He used to possess great strength, but suffered a serious injury in his forties. His health declined significantly, and his strength diminished. If it wasn¡¯t for this setback, he would be even stronger than he was in his prime.¡± Wang Xuan was taken aback by this revtion. The man in ck was even stronger than he had imagined. Clearly, he had achieved great things on his journey through the path of Old Arts. ¡°Now that we have identified him, we must continue the investigation. The fact that he hasunched three attacks indicates that his intentions go beyond just targeting me. It is a grave provocation to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild,¡± Wang Xuan asserted. This matter must not be left unresolved. There had to be a resolution. The man in ck had advised Wang Xuan to endure the attacks as he was no match for the mastermind behind it all. While Wang Xuan was able to withstand the onught, pretending as though nothing had urred went against his nature. He was determined to uncover the truth. The next day, Old Chen returned and stayed in the ancient temple outside the city. Qing Mu was uneasy as he was away from An City and could not make it back in time. Therefore, he entrusted ck Tiger with the responsibility of ensuring that Old Chen wasfortably settled in. On the same day, Old Chen specifically instructed Qing Mu not to leak the news about his return. He made it clear that Wang Xuan should be kept unaware of his presence, as Old Chen had no desire to meet that boy at the moment. To be fair, Wang Xuan also had no desire to meet him either. After all, who would willingly subject themselves to a potentially unpleasant experience for second time? At this stage, Wang Xuan¡¯s main focus was to improve his own strength. Therefore, on the weekend, he made an effort to wake up early and venture outside the city to reach the ancient temple. He wanted to see if there were rare treasures there, specifically the Ascension Stones. Chapter 43: Attracted A Buddha Chapter 43: Attracted A Buddha Early in the morning, Pufa Temple appeared to be glistening in gold, bathed in the radiant light of the rising sun. The gentle and divine glow it emitted evoked a sense of reverence in those fortunate enough to behold its magnificence. Wang Xuan, too, sensed the solemnity of the ce. Regardless of his faith, he made sure to conduct himself properly in such a sacred space. His intention for visiting the temple today was to search for the peculiar Ascension Stones. Although it was still early in the morning, there were already people offering incense. Throughout the year, the temple attracted arge number of visitors due to its immense significance in Buddhism. The toll of a bell resonated through Pufa Temple, its deep and long peal reaching even An City in the distance. Apanied by the rising sun, the sound of the bell brought an otherworldly calm upon those who heard it, as if it possessed the power to purge all the troubles of the world. From a distance, Wang Xuan stood, silently observing the temple as it bathed in the gentle rays of the morning sun. He nodded solemnly, acknowledging the timeless influence of Buddhism that had persisted across dynasties. The atmosphere of the temple, the tolls of the bells, the lingering scent of incense, and the roof tiles gleaming in the sunlight had the power to soothe and bring tranquility to one¡¯s mind. ¡°This ancient temple truly lives up to its reputation,¡± Wang Xuan thought to himself. He came here today hoping to witness the wonders left behind by the great sages. As it was still early, Wang Xuan did not hurry into the temple. Instead, he leisurely walked around its perimeter, taking in the vastness and the grandeur of the building. Ancient trees, ranging from thousand-year-old pines to centuries-old ginkgo trees, stood tall outside the temple. In the morning mist, illuminated by the sunlight, they appeared even more otherworldly, creating an enchanting aura. ¡°I sense mystery factors here,¡± Wang Xuan thought as he passed by these ancient trees. His heart filled with anticipation. The temple held many legends, often associated with the senior monks who had resided there. Over the course of a thousand years, it was said that two senior monks had left behind their preserved bodies serving as testaments to their rigorous cultivation and pure heart. Wang Xuan had always been intrigued by the remains of such monks, desiring to witness them up close and verify their authenticity. Moreover, Pufa Temple was known for its high number of senior monks who had left behind relics. Whether these relics were true or could be exined scientifically, they were all worthy of Wang Xuan¡¯s exploration. He believed that if there were genuine relics, they would be simr to the Ascension Stones, containing the mysterious substances brought forth from the Inner Landscape by the great sages. Afterpleting a full circle around the temple, Wang Xuan was convinced that his journey would be worthwhile. Among the ancient trees outside, he had already sensed something peculiar. He could not help but wonder what awaited him inside the temple. As the sun rose higher, more visitors arrived at the temple, yet it was not overcrowded. Wang Xuan finally made his way inside and noticed arge copper cauldron in the courtyard. The incense within never stopped burning, leaving behind ashes that nearly filled the cauldron to the brim. He curled his lips, realizing that the two senior monks Old Chen had invitedst time must have taken the incense ash from this very cauldron, then mixed it with water and sprinkled it on his body. Wang Xuan walked over to the cauldron and offered a stick of incense as a gesture of goodwill. He then proceeded to explore the various halls of the temple. Theyout of temples was usually standardized, starting with the Mountain Gate Hall, followed by the Heavenly King Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Bodhisattva Hall, and finally the Dharma Hall with its collection of scriptures. ¡°Hmmm, interesting,¡± Wang Xuan remarked with a frown. Since entering the temple, he had found it increasingly difficult to sense the mystery factors. He looked up at the Mahavira Hall, its interior decorated with intricate carvings and gilded splendor. The hall enshrined the Three Worldly Buddhas, radiating a golden light. However, Wang Xuan could not help but feel that something was amiss. The absence of the mystery factors within such an important ce of Buddhism left him extremely perplexed. Wang Xuan was impressed that the significantly more advanced techniques employed by the Buddhist Sect, certain secrets were beyond hisprehension as an outsider. He realized that he would need to progress gradually, patiently seeking answers. Unrushed, he continued his exploration of the Pufa Temple. After walking through all the halls and searching every corner, Wang Xuan still found no trace of any mysterious substances. This left him wondering if it was possible that there was another dimension concealed within the temple, isting the mysterious substance. If that were the case, then the Buddhist Sect was undeniably remarkable. After all, this was no longer the Old Era; they were now in the new era of a brilliant technological civilization. A temple that held such a secret technique was just as prestigious as a Buddhist ancestral temple. ¡°I refuse to believe that I can¡¯t find even a clue!¡± Wang Xuan persisted. He thoroughly searched every corner of the temple that he was allowed to explore, but to his dismay, he still found nothing. No clues could be found. He was dumbfounded and began to question his own perception, wondering if there was some hidden power within the ancient temple that was inhibiting his abilities. However, this was not the case. He carefully assessed his mental focus and discovered it to be remarkably strong. He could even hear the faint chirping of birds in the dense forest surrounding the temple. Intrigued, he ventured outside and re-entered the forest, where the thousand-year-old trees stood tall. Once again, he sensed the presence of the mysterious substance. ¡°This ancient temple, this sacred Buddhist site¡­ It¡¯s truly impressive,¡± Wang Xuan mused as he returned to the temple. This time, he steathily explored areas that were off-limits. He even ventured deeper into the pagoda, where the bones and relics of the deceased monks were buried underground. Still, he found nothing. Wang Xuan was astonished, struggling to believe that the Pufa Temple could still hold so many secrets in the present era. In his desperation, he went as far as removing two floor tiles, hoping to uncover something hidden beneath the ground. Yet, his efforts proved fruitless. "Something is amiss,¡± Wang Xuan thought, his mind distracted as he aimlessly wandered through the temple. He continued his careful investigation until the stars were visible in the sky. Frustrated with hisck of progress within the temple courtyard, he decided to observe from a higher ground, hoping to find some clues. As he walked outside, he sensed something peculiar again. When he reached a higher ground, he spotted a pool in the distance. Although very faint, he could sense the presence of mystery factorsing from it. He was surprised. Even from a distance, he was able to detect the mysterious substance. This indicated that it was no ordinary matter; there might be a significant discovery waiting to be made. As he approached, he became certain that this ce was truly special. The pool was adjacent to a stone wall, from which the mysterious substance was actually flowing out from. Its enigmatic aura surpassed even that of the ancient temple. After carefully exploring the area, Wang Xuan was slightly disappointed. The mysterious substance was evenly distributed throughout the rock wall,cking in intensity. He soon figured out how it was formed. Senior monks in ancient times had sat here for years, facing the wall. The remnants of their mysterious substance had permeated the rock wall. Unfortunately, the quantity was not substantial enough to create Ancesion Stones. Undeterred, Wang Xuan leaped up and scaled the stone wall. Once at the top, he found a suitable spot to meditate. He believed that the senior monks must have sat in this very ce back in the days. Closing his eyes, he silently activated the core technique of the Early Qin master, hoping to find some answers. His perception sharpened, sensing the evenly distributed mysterious substance on the stone wall stirring and converging towards him. However, this ce was no different from his initial assessment. The mysterious substance was not dense enough to form anything extraordinary. Nevertheless, he persisted. He continued to sit, absorbing this rare substance with the help of the core technique. After all, it held great benefits for nourishing the body and mind, which were difficult toe by in the modern world. Time passed, and the mysterious substance on the stone wall gradually dissipated. It became almost impossible to capture. Wang Xuan exhaled a breath of frustration and prepared to stand up. A chilling sensation suddenly washed over him. There was something strange surrounding him. It seemed that while he absorbed the mysterious substance, something beyond his imagination had attached itself to him. In an instant, he leaped to his feet, a foreboding feeling settling in his heart. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me I have now attracted a great Buddha¡­ I just got rid of a celestial beauty not long ago!¡± Wang Xuan hair stood on it end. His perception was sharper now than before, thanks to his increased strength and improved mental focus. If things went awry again, he felt the need to reassess the truth about the ascension to immortality. Perhaps there was another possibility or exnation to it. ¡°Could it be that¡­ they didn¡¯t fail back then? Is there still a chance for them to reappear?!¡± Wang Xuan¡¯s mind raced with this spection. The deeper he delved into his thoughts, the more shocked he became. He felt that there was an unimaginable secret lurking in this world, one that could shatter the very fabric of reality. Feeling very unsettled, he swiftly left the area and hurried toward An City. He needed to confirm whether he had truly attracted another old-timer or a Buddha to his side. Chapter 44: A Buddha Seeking Assistance From A Mortal Chapter 44: A Buddha Seeking Assistance From A Mortal The evening drums at Pufa Temple had long been sounded, and most of the visitors had left. Outside the temple, the gnarly branches of an ancient pine tree reached towards the sky like a dragon. The moonlight illuminated the ancient temple, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. The brilliance of the Milky Way and the stars in the deep sky illuminated Wang Xuan¡¯s path back to An City, yet his heart was filled with an unsettling feeling, as if he had unknowingly provoked something beyond hisprehension. He quietly chastised himself, knowing that inexplicable phenomena that go against scientificprehension tend to arise in the presence of the mystery factors. Nervousness gripped him as he pondered what would transpire tonight. He desperately hoped he would not get caught up in yet another trouble. At this point, he realized something profound: there was a delicate equilibrium in everything in this world. In order to gain something, one must relinquish something in return. He had absorted the mysterious factors, thinking that by delving into the myths buried by time, he would be able to forge a path forward in Old Arts. However, he now recognized the peril thaty ahead, like a treacherous abyss disguised with an alluring scent, enticing unsuspecting victims. Perhaps this was a trap that the ancients had intentionallyid. Wang Xuan no longer dared to underestimate the people of ancient times. Those who had a glorious past undoubtedly possessed immense power and terror. He now harbored serious doubts about the truth of immortality. ¡°I hope I can make it through tonight unscathed!¡± he muttered to himself. Wang Xuan had set out early in the morning, only to end up returning home under the stars and moonlight. After a simple meal at a street vendor, he finally arrived home around nine. After freshening up, he visualized a golden sun in its mind, its radiant light and mes soaring, burning away the clouds in the sky. The golden light rained down, creating a sacred and peaceful atmosphere. ¡°Begone, evil spirits!¡± he dered, taking a deep breath before lying down on his bed. It did not take long for him to fall into a deep sleep. Never suffering from insomnia was a benefit of practicing the Old Arts. True to his fears, even though he had activated the core technique before sleeping, visualizing a radiant sun to dispel darkness, something still happened. Beside him, an old monk sat on the edge of the bed. His body was ckened and seemed to be festering. Crimson blood flowed from his eyes as he stared at Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan¡¯s hair instantly stood on end. He quickly threw off the nket, jolting awake and sitting up abruptly. The encounter felt incredibly vivid, and he could almost smell the scent of decay. Did this visitore with malice? Wang Xuan turned on the light, drank a ss of water, and silently activated the core technique. He knew the rest of tonight would not be peaceful. Moreover, he could not shake the feeling that something was off about this old monk. There was no air of kindness or divine aura surrounding him, unlike the female practitioner. Instead, this old monk¡¯s body was ckened and seemed to be rotting. However, they shared one simrity: both bled from their eyes, as if they had experienced a deeply horrifying event and were unable to rest in peace after death. ¡°What a stick situation. It¡¯s more terrible than I imagined!¡± Wang Xuan¡¯s heart weighed heavily. He could not shake the growing realization that the truth of immortality might be far moreplex than he had initially thought. His first glimpse had already filled him with terror. Previously, he had been incredibly confident. In this world, he was the only one who could enter the Inner Landscape and navigate the vivid moments of emptiness and rity without guidance. But now, fear crept in. His extraordinary achievements, while impressive, might not necessarily be a good thing. He seemed to be unintentionally peeling back theyers of heavy and mysterious curtains that time had drawn and in doing so, he might have unknowingly invited danger. In recent days, he had been contemting how to find other relics simr to the Ascension Stones, hoping to enhance his own strength. Back then, he had thought that even if he encountered some residual spiritual energy from ancient times or witnessed abnormal phenomena, it would not be a big deal. But now, he felt a sense of rm. He had been too optimistic. If he continued triggering mysterious events and attracting such inexplicable beings to his side, it would be far from the harmonious scene he had imagined, where they could all gather around a table, ying mahjong in a cordial atmosphere. ¡°This time, I have an old monk with bleeding eyes following me around even before I enter the innerndscape. Does this mean that as long as I encounter mysterious factors in the present world and absorb them, something unpredictable will happen?¡± Wang Xuan felt that he was at a loss this time. At the very least, he was able to enter the Inner Landscape with the help of the female practitioner¡¯s residual spiritual energyst time, allowing him to significantly increase his strength. This time, the old monk gave him nothing and simply followed him home, emitting the stench of decay and sitting at the end of his bed, watching him. After some visualization, Wang Xuan fell asleep once again. As expected, the old monk with ckened skin and bleeding eyes returned. He sat at the foot of the bed motionlessly, observing Wang Xuan silently. The sight was enough to send shivers down anyone¡¯s spine. Wang Xuan did not panic upon waking up. He visualized himself holding a crowbar and striking the old monk¡¯s head without hesitation. He had decided that there was no need to show any mercy to this residual spiritual energy that could not intervene in the present world or harm him. Otherwise, he would exhaust himself if he had to handle every inexplicable being he might encounter in the future as if they were his masters. As the old monk disintegrated, a deep surprise was reflected in his lifeless, gray eyes. ¡°If you have a request, speak properly and drop this menacing facade!¡± Wang Xuan, wielding the crowbar, scolded. Meanwhile, his physical body remained dormant, in a state of sleep." Momentster, the old monk reappeared. This time, he no longer sat on the edge of the bed. Although his eyes still bled and his body remained ck and rotting, he seemed more self-aware. He stood farther away, his back straightened, and put the palms of his hands together. In an instant, a hazy Buddha light enveloped the room, casting an indistinct scene. An Arhat sat peacefully, and a Bodhi tree swayed, emanating Zen chants. While Wang Xuan slept, his subconscious mind was incredibly active, filled with blurry scenes that seemed on the verge of disintegrating. Rather than being jolted awake, he found himself strangely drawn to these images. Was it possible that a Bodhisattva had truly existed in the past? In these sights, stone pagodas crumbled, ancient temples were destroyed, the Bodhisattvas soared into the air, the golden-bodied Arhats rose, and the Bodhi trees were uprooted. As the rain of light showered upon them, these sacred sights gradually vanished into the depths of space. Wang Xuan found himself perplexed by the significance of these sights. He wondered if the old monk was showing him the hints for his request. Before long, the old monk appeared to lose his strength. The hazy scenes shattered and vanishedpletely. The old monk¡¯s figure also faltered, his decaying body also began to fade away. At that moment, Wang Xuan noticed something surprising. In the old monk¡¯s unstable state, he had overlooked a detail. When the old monk faded away and was about topletely disappear, it was as if there was a heavy curtain covering his decaying body. With this revtion, Wang Xuan woke up abruptly from his sleep, his subconscious mind still in a state of violent activity. ¡°Something¡¯s odd here,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°The old monk seemed to havee from a distant realm, exerting all his strength to manifest himself here. On the other hand, the female practitioner has always been close to me, so I didn¡¯t notice the finer details that were supposed to be there. Perhaps they were both in fact in some very distant realm. It seems that the female practitioner is extremely powerful, far surpassing the old monk.¡± After some visualization, Wang Xuan made up his mind to ¡°have a good chat¡± with the old monk. At time like this, it was important to remain calm andmunicate effectively. The old monk reappeared, emerging from the darkness as usual. His figure was blurry, but he seemed to have stepped out from a stone wall, breaking free from the chains that bound him. Although Wang Xuan¡¯s subconscious mind did not awaken, it shook violently once again. He started to specte if the old monk had been trapped in the stone wall and was released by him through absorbing the mysterious factors that evening. Another Wang Xuan appeared, still holding a crowbar like he had visualized earlier. ¡°If you have a request to make, why not show sincerity? Mortals seek Buddha¡¯s assistance by offering incense, shouldn¡¯t a Buddha do the same too? A female practitioner once entered my dream and passed on to me a technique in return.¡± While Wang Xuan did not share any more details, the purpose of him mentioning this was to request for benefits from the old monk. At this moment, the Wang Xuan felt truly fearless and was ready to extort a Buddha. The old monk was dumbfounded and then silently demonstrated a fist technique. Wang Xuan wondered if this was the benefit bestowed upon him. Wang Xuan¡¯s subconscious mind could naturally see and quickly memorized the technique. It seemed to resemble the Great Vajra Fist, but with a few distinct variations. The old monk demonstrated every move clearly, showing Wang Xuan how to apply force and vibrate all parts of his body. The Great Vajra Fist technique was definitely a secret masterpiece. Sun Chengkun, the man in ck, ever performed it on the Great ck Mountain. Even Wang Xuan, who practiced the Golden Body Technique, could barely withstand its power. It nearly broke his fingers and his nails were ripped by an incredible force. The old monk¡¯s performance was iplete. He was trying to stretch his body, but his strength was running out. He could only demonstrate up to a certain point before he started to fade away. Once again, Wang Xuan woke up and sat on the bed. ¡°If you can continue to demonstrate that fist technique for me, appear in my dreams. If you can¡¯t, then don¡¯t disturb my sleep. I¡¯ll think carefully about your question when I wake up tomorrow,¡± he spoke to the air. He recalled the fist technique, realizing that it was somewhat different from the Great Vajra Fist that the man in ck had performed back then. After pondering for a while, he was deeply impressed by itsplexity and transcendence. Eventually, Wang Xuan fell back asleep, and the old monk did not reappear. Wang Xuan woke up early in the morning and tried to recall his dream experience. He began to slowly perform the fist technique, realizing that while the external posture was easy to emte, vibrating various parts of the body and generating power was quite challenging. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t rush in this. I still need to visit Pufa Temple today to solve the mystery of the old monk.¡± Wang Xuan believed that the scenes in his dream could be rted to some historical events in reality. If he understood the inside story, he could solve the enigma surrounding the old monk and put an end to this mysterious event once and for all. Wang Xuan arrived at Pufa Temple again while it was still early in the morning. Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice. He was not sure if his ears were ying tricks on him or if the voice really belonged to Old Chen. After all, that old colleague of his had fled to Terra Nova out of fear. Thest time Wang Xuan had spoken to Qing Mu on the phone two days ago, he had not heard anything about Old Chen¡¯s return. In fact, Qing Mu had mentioned that Old Chen would be staying there for a while. ¡°No, it¡¯s definitely Old Chen!¡± Wang Xuan was certain he had not mistaken the voice, given his incredibly sharp perception now. To confirm, he quickly rushed towards apound and indeed found Old Chen. Wang Xuan could detect an ominous auraing from Old Chen, due to the female practitioner who was following him around. Wang Xuan turned around and left, not wanting to have anything to do with Old Chen again. However, as he turned around, Old Chen noticed him and surprisingly... ran faster than him! Wang Xuan was astonished and deeply surprised. He could not understand why Old Chen ran away when he saw Wang Xuan? He thought Old Chen woulde over and beg him to send the ¡°celestial beauty¡± away. Wang Xuan quickly realized that Old Chen was hiding something. Fortunately, he reacted swiftly and chased after Old Chen. ¡°Old Chen, I see you! Stop right there!¡± There were many visitors offering incense at the temple this morning. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Old Chen abruptly stopped and calmly walked back. ¡°Our paths cross once again,¡± Wang Xuan greeted. ¡°Indeed, fate brings us together,¡± Old Chen replied, despite the heavy dark circles under his eyes. ¡°Karma works in mysterious ways,¡± a passing old monk interjected, ncing at the two of them in amazement before continuing on his way. Chapter 45: Moving The Buddha Chapter 45: Moving The Buddha Old Chen, dressed in a gray monk''s robe, slowly drifted away, his bald head shining under the sun. Both Wang Xuan and Old Chen remained silent for a moment, visibly ufortable, staring at the retreating figure. "Little Wang, for your sake, I have traveled through the gulf of space. How will you repay me?" Old Chen finally broke the silence. Wang Xuan quickly patted himself down, saying, "Old Chen, act your age. You''re giving me goosebumps." "Aren¡¯t I shielding you from misfortune?" Old Chen stared at him, as if demanding an exnation. Wang Xuan felt somewhat guilty but tried to defuse the situation. He did not expect the female practitioner to be haunting his colleague just because of his thoughtless words, "Old Chen, let''s not put it that way. A few days ago, Qing Mu and I were discussing that ''with great poweres great responsibility.'' You''re one of the leaders in our organization, and your abilities and responsibilities have finallye to light. Qing Mu agreed with my statement." I want to punch him! Thought Old Chen as he stared at Wang Xuan, who was acting serious while pretending to be paying him respects. Old Chen sighed deeply, his gaze drifting off into the distance, tinged with a sense of mncholy. "You don''t understand how deep this pool is. You can''t imagine how horrifying the truths about the Ascension from the Early Qin period really are. I''ve paid a hefty price this time." Wang Xuan was surprised. He himself had only recently begun to view the phenomenon of Ascension with caution, a realization that had unsettled him justst night. And now, Old Chen was speaking in such a tone. Did he see thising long ago? It clicked for Wang Xuan rather quickly. Their organization had been coborating with the government, and being semi-official in nature, they naturally had ess to secrets and truths that ordinary people could not even begin toprehend. And this included historical realities. After all, who could dig deeper into the annals of history than the state? Ancient documents, rare books, and secret manuscripts must have recorded something. "Those years were so full of turmoil and depth," Old Chen''s voice grew heavy, his sighs filled with a sense of destion and helplessness. "They''re not just history; they''re also an epic tale so luminous that it could move heaven and earth, and even shake the stars from their courses." "The appearance of the female practitioner is a very bad omen. Her return means... never mind, I can''t say." Old Chen massaged his temples, looking incredibly worn out. "You''re still young. You don''t understand how serious this matter really is." Wang Xuan found it difficult to reconcile the dejected Old Chen in front of him with the usuallyposed and self-assured man he knew. It was clear that Old Chen was emotionally and mentally drained. "Don''t think of this as a small matter. A single mistake could lead to disaster. That''s why I took her far away, visited some ces, in the hopes of solving the problem. Unfortunately, I failed. Despite my best efforts, I was still led back here by her," Old Chen said, a touch of sorrow in his voice. Patting Wang Xuan on the shoulder, he continued, "Little Wang, the future belongs to your generation. If therees a time when... I am no longer here, you and your peers must do everything in your power to uncover the secrets of the Old Arts. You must find the correct path that has been lost in the river of history. You may even call it a shortcut!" A chill ran down Wang Xuan''s spine. Is Old Chen implying that he¡¯s going to die soon? "Life is full of ups and downs. No one knows how their story will end," Old Chen mused, staring into the horizon. As he stood there in the morning light, a faint golden glow seemed to radiate from his body. Wang Xuan hadn''t paid much attention before, but now he noticed that despite Old Chen''s haggard appearance, he stood straight and exuded an indescribable charisma. "Master, don''t force yourself. If we can''t learn about Ascension from the female practitioner, it''s fine. Wang Xuan has made rapid progress and maybe..." Qing Mu''s voice came from outside the courtyard. He had heard Old Chen''sment and wanted to advise him not to be too stubborn. As he stepped into the courtyard andid eyes on Wang Xuan, he wanted to p his mouth shut and wished he could disappear on the spot. He dared not look at Old Chen. My God, Old Chen is preparing for some sort of ultimate skill! Wang Xuan was bbergasted. He was momentarily speechless. In his eyes, the faint golden glow around Old Chen vanished instantly, as did any sense of the man''s upright posture and noble aura. In reality, Wang Xuan had never fully brought into the act and was now more skeptical than ever. Having caught Old Chen red-handed, it was now his turn to want to punch Old Chen. "Way to go, Old Chen," Wang Xuan sighed. Old Chen didn''t feel embarrassed at all. His previous expressions of sorrow and mncholy vanished in an instant, reced again by his usual calm andposure. "Such are the ups and downs of life, its trajectory ever-changing," he mused. He turned to his disciple and said, "Qing Mu, you''re not a child anymore. Why are you still so impulsive? You''re giving Wang Xuan something tough about." What could Qing Mu say? He also had a deeper understanding of Old Chen''s intentions after in-depth discussions following his return. Wang Xuan nced at Old Chen and felt no sympathy for his haggard appearance. His old colleague was relentless, clinging to life for so many days just to acquire the mysterious technique from the female practitioner, without even thinking of finding a sessor. That''s a realmitment! He leaned closer and whispered, "Is there really such a thing as Ascension?" Qing Mu couldn''t stand it anymore and interrupted, "Enough, Wang Xuan. Be courteous. Don''t provoke Old Chen any further." Wang Xuan nced at him and said, "Qing Mu, if I were you, I''d turn around and walk away. You''re really following in your master''s footsteps. I have a feeling your turn ising soon." "Shut up!" Qing Mu felt a shiver run down his spine and took a few steps back. He then felt his heart beating in his chest. His entire being felt ufortable. It was as if his mental realm was under some kind of pressure, and he broke out in cold sweat. At the same time, Old Chen exhaled deeply, sensing something. "I feel that thedy has left and is no longer exerting mental pressure on me." To be able to sense the departure of the female practitioner, Old Chen was indeed a powerful individual. But it came as a surprise to the old man himself as well. He stared agape at Wang Xuan.. Had this young man''s words immediatelye true? Is there really some sort of connection between him and the female practitioner? "Is it really... my turn now?" Qing Mu was on the verge of tears. All the unfortunate events he had been warned about days ago had been urately predicted by. Wang Xuan also became more serious. The female practitioner doesn¡¯t even need to enter dreams anymore?And she¡¯s doing it even in broad daylight?This is scary. Old Chen now had aplex expression on his face. It was a mixture of relief and regret. He first felt as if a great burden had been lifted, but then sighed deeply. Despite all the hardship and struggle, it had alle to naught. Wang Xuan spoke up, "Old Qing, you should head straight to the Greater Khingan Range. Don''t waste your time like Old Chen. I think it''s best if you bring Jin Chuan and Qian Lei with you. You might need the extra pair of hands anyways." Qing Mu shot him a re, clearly wanting to point out that Jin Chuan had once cut him off and Qian Lei had demanded stones from him. However, he did agree internally; having extra help in the Greater Khingan Range would be necessary. He probably couldn''t handle it alone. Old Chen spoke: "These days, I have conversed with the celestialdy respectfully and devoutly, spending sleepless nights doing so. I believe she is reasonable and understanding. Qing Mu, you should go." What could Qing Mu say to that? He certainly couldn''t talk back to his master. The old man had suffered enough and was now even trying to cast himself in a golden light. Worst of all, he seemed to be handing down his "legacy" to his disciple. Only Old Chen and Wang Xuan were left in the courtyard. They exchanged gazes. But it was Old Chen who broke the silence with a smile. "Wang Xuan, speak up. You''ve got your fair share of secrets. Even that celestialdy seems to regard you differently. But at least she''s gone now, back to wherever she came from," Old Chen said, regaining his usualposure and tranquility. Although his tone remained calm, there was an undeniable sense of invisible pressure emanating from him. Wang Xuan remained silent, his face a mask of serenity. "Don''t deny it. I know just how strong you were when you first graduated, and how effortlessly you defeated two killers trained in the Iron Sand Palm technique upon returning from the Greater Khingan Range. It was then I knew that a veil of mystery had shrouded you," Old Chen said, his voice steady and without any emotional fluctuation. He continued, "Your growth in strength has been astoundingly rapid. You even managed to defeat Sun Chengkun, which has left Qing Mu feeling quite uneasy. Although he didn''t say anything, your rate of progress has left him at a loss, feeling anxious and rmed. If this continues, even I will feel uneasy." Clearly, Old Chen was still able to keep hisposure, evidence that his skills ran incredibly deep. He was a rare master of the highest order. Wang Xuan let out a sigh. He had known that sooner orter, someone would notice the abnormal pace of his own progress. Especially anyone close to him who was observant would eventually be suspicious. Old Chen was clearly aiming to uncover whatever secrets he held. "Old Chen, would you believe me if I said I truly don''t possess any Ascension techniques?" Wang Xuan looked serious as he posed the question. "What are your secrets then?" Old Chen inquired. "I do have secrets, but they''re not universally applicable. Sharing them could only invite more substantial issues," Wang Xuan responded, equallyposed and unafraid. Old Chen shook his head, patted Wang Xuan''s shoulder, and advised, "Don''t overthink things. I won''t push you. However, you might want to ponder whether you should disclose anything. No need to rush with your answer; let''s go fishing tomorrow, and we can talk more then." Then, he spoke cautiously, saying, "Don''t get any funny ideas, and don¡¯t think too much about it. The female practitioner has definitely returned underground this time, as her physical body resides there." Wang Xuan didn''t care at all and evenughed. "Old Chen, you''re overthinking it. Get a good night''s sleep; you''ve been up for so many days." At that moment, Old Chen''s eyelids started to twitch. Why do I have a bad feeling all of a sudden? He quickly called Qing Mu to check on his whereabouts, wondering if he hade back to the area. Wang Xuan said, "Where''s your mind going? Am I that sort of person? The female practitioner has already left; do you think I could call her back? I''m scared of her messing with me, too." Old Chen nodded. That made sense; he also felt that Wang Xuan couldn''t possibly control the female immortal. Next, Wang Xuan and Old Chen started talking about Pufa Temple. "Old Chen, do you know the history of this temple? Any major events that have happened here? It feels like, despite its sacredness and grandeur, itcks a sense of Buddhist spirituality." Old Chen shook his head and yawned, admitting he really didn''t know. He needed to catch up on some sleep; finally, he could have some peace. Soon after, Wang Xuan consulted an old monk within the temple, inquiring about the history of this ancient monastery, any legends, and any major events that had urred. The old monk spoke at length, mentioning many myths and legends, including the story of a saintly monk from Pufa Temple who had achieved the status of a Bodhisattva through profound spiritual attainment! Wang Xuan listened carefully, filtering the information for what was valuable, and finally heard a historical event that shocked him to the core. "Three hundred years ago, this area where Pufa Temple is located experienced an earthquake, causing ancient temples and pagodas to copse." "So, you''re saying, although it''s called a ''thousand-year-old temple,'' the buildings themselves are no more than three hundred years old?" The old monk sighed, looking somewhat dejected, and shook his head. "These structures are actually only a few decades old." "What?" Wang Xuan was astonished. "Several decades ago, people from the XinXing area started excavating various relics from the oldnd, including ancient temples and Taoist shrines. Some wealthy elders who are believers in Buddhism and Taoism were willing to spend a fortune to ''acquire'' entire temples and Taoist shrines." Hearing this, Wang Xuan suddenly understood what had happened. Chapter 46: Chance Encounter Chapter 46: Chance Encounter Back then, a wealthy corporation funded the restoration of the ancient temple. During the process, they negotiated discreetly with the temple and local authorities, offering a substantialpensation, intending to relocate the temple to the New Star. Ultimately, afterpromises and approvals from all parties involved, the entire temple was relocated in its entirety. From each brick and tile, the old roots of the Bodhi tree, to the Buddha statues, everything was transported away. And in its original location, an even more magnificent temple emerged, grander than its predecessor, with thriving incense offerings. From a distance, it looked solemn and divine. Wang Xuan pondered, understanding that such feats were not merely a matter of money. It highlighted the influence wielded by the corporations. "No wonder I couldn''t find the Ascension Stone here. There¡¯s nothing left¡­" He sighed softly, realizing the original temple had long been moved away. Does it mean that even the Buddha had been relocated to space? Soon, Wang Xuan thought about the situation back home, in the Taoist temple inside ck Mountain... Not only were the tiles gone, but even the foundation had disappeared. He suspected it was the work of those from the New World. Not only had they excavated the oldnd below; they also moved temples and Taoist monasteries with rich mythical legends from the surface. Wang Xuan was speechless. The Old World had truly been emptied. The items he sought were almost all gone. This meant he seriously needed to consider making a trip to the New World. From the ancient bamboo slips of the Early Qin period, to millennia-old temples, to the ancestral homes of various religions, and various relics rted to the Feather Transformation, all were relocated, almost disappearing from the Old World. What Wang Xuan yearned for was now in the New World. "I¡¯ve got to get prepared," he murmured to himself. With no other options, he had to set out. Wang Xuan turned and left the temple. Looking back at the grand temple bathed in the morning glow, it seemed to have lost its divine brilliance. He sighed, realizing that first impressions heavily influence one''s judgments. As Wang Xuan continued on his way, he thought about the old monk with bleeding eyes, gradually understanding what he was seeking. "All the Ascension artifacts have been moved into space along with the temple. Is that why he wants to follow?" However, in the blurry visions the old monk demonstrated in the dead of night, there were clear images of Bodhisattvas soaring into the sky, Arhats rising, and the Bodhi tree uprooting. All of them had been brought into space. Why was he left behind? Was it because the old monk had made mistakes in the past and was locked into the stone wall? Or was it because the residual spiritual energy of the former Buddhist Transcendents scattered everywhere? Is the monk just a fragment of them? Having been revived, he too wanted to go to the Taoist temple in the New World. Regardless, everything seemed to be rted to the New World. "Old Chen, get a good night''s sleep. You''ve had it toughtely. The capable are indeed burdened with more tasks," Wang Xuan muttered to himself, a smile spreading across his face. He felt that since he was considering going to the New World, he should soon have a serious talk with Qing Mu. However, he needed to either calm down Old Chen or send him away. Old Chen had too many thoughts and was quite difficult to handle. "Old Chen, you''ve really outdone yourself this time, actually trying to plot against me!" Wang Xuan felt that since Old Chen couldn''t get anything from the female Daoist, he would probably resort to any means to scheme against him. If not for the idental disruption and Qing Mu¡¯s timely intervention, he would have been leftpletely unprepared. "But I''m a generous man. Aren''t you the tenacious type who can endure to the end? Since you are so desperate to learn about the Ascension Techniques, I''ll give you another chance!" On his way back, Wang Xuan chuckled to himself. It was Sunday, a day off from work. After returning to An City, there was still plenty of time, so Wang Xuan took a leisurely stroll. Having lived in this city for over four years, he held a certain fondness for it. Knowing he might leave soon, he walked through some familiar ces, taking in the sights. Without him realizing it, his wandering took him to Yun Lake, one of An City''s famous attractions. Theke was serene, with a few ancient structures on its banks. Birds soared low over the water. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this tranquilkeside scenery was indeed refreshing. Every day, people would jog around theke or row boats on it. It was never short of visitors. "What''s going on? Are they filming something?" There was amotion up ahead, with people voicing theirints. The bluestone path by theke was congested. Those taking a leisurely stroll or admiring the scenery were obstructed, and many were clearly displeased. "They¡¯re not a film crew, but I guess it¡¯s the same. Apparently, there''s some celebrity up ahead." Someone spoke out and mentioned a name. There was a gasp from the crowd. The name mentioned was that of a celebrity from the New World, who also enjoyed significant poprity here in the Old World. As soon as it was said, many recognized it immediately. "Make way!" A voice shouted loudly, pushing people by thekeside, trying to clear a path. Immediate displeasure emerged from the crowd. "Why should we? This isn''t your private road! Why do we have to give way?" "Don''t push! I''m about to fall into theke!" Someone yelled. A group of men dressed in ck walked in front, blocking and shoving bystanders aggressively with their arms. They seemed to be bodyguards, their gestures exaggerated and rude. Behind them was a woman in sunsses. Even though they concealed most of her face, she seemed genuinely beautiful. However, the manner of her procession was causing discontent among the public. "Why should we give way? This is a public path! Just because you''re traveling doesn''t mean everyone else has to move!" A voice protested. Although many were starstruck and shouted the name of the celebrity from the New World, many more were quite unhappy, feeling the intrusion was utterly inappropriate. "In this day and age, just because she''s a celebrity, does that make her so special? I hope her career takes a downfall soon!" someone yelled. However, the group of men in ck remained unfazed, persistently clearing a path through the crowd. Wang Xuan, who had just arrived at this spot, was slightly taken aback, not just by the scene unfolding before him, but by unexpectedly spotting another familiar face by thekeside. It was a woman in a flowing dress that danced with the breeze, emphasizing her stunning silhouette. A lock of her hair caught the wind, revealing a delicate and beautiful face. With the scenic Yun Lake as a backdrop, she radiated a unique charm. It was Wu Yin. Wang Xuan''s most distinct memory of her was her fiery temper. Additionally, her remarkable figure was hard to forget, especially after she almost burst out of her evening gown in anger thest time he saw her. It was a surprise to encounter her again in the Old World . Soon, Wang Xuan realized why she was there. The celebrity from the New World seemed to be heading directly towards Wu Yin, seemingly acquainted and perhaps having made a prior appointment. Wu Yin frowned, clearly displeased by the unwanted attention. She gestured dismissively to the female star, indicating that she wasn''t interested in meeting here and bing a spectacle for everyone else. Turning away, she began to walk in the opposite direction. Objectively speaking, Wu Yin''s grace and allure surpassed that of the celebrity from the New World. While walking away, Wang Xuan suddenly heard gasps and shrieks. He turned around, only to find that a little girl was being pushed by one of the bulky men in ck. She was on the verge of falling backward. Without thinking, Wang Xuan squeezed through the crowd and the men in ck, catching the little girl just in time. In such a dense crowd, if the girl fell, there was a risk of her getting trampled. Wang Xuan''s swift intervention had clearly upset the men in ck. They immediately surrounded him, viewing his act as a provocation. Holding the little girl''s hand, Wang Xuan stepped back, trying to get her out of the thick of the crowd to ensure her safety. "Stay away from me," he said calmly. However, the men in ck misunderstood his words as a further challenge and continued to press forward. Wang Xuan had no intention of causing trouble, but he could not stand by and watch these men act recklessly. If he confronted them directly, it would surely turn into a chaotic scene. Instead, he thought of addressing the issue from its root. Guiding the little girl with him, he made his way to thekeside where Wu Yin was. "You guys are way out of line! What era do you think this is? Acting like you''re escorting royalty? The days of kings are long over!" Wang Xuan shouted. His intention was clear ¨C he wanted Wu Yin to intervene, hoping that she would reprimand the celebrity she obviously knew. He believed that it would be more effective to address the issue at its source, ensuring such incidents would never happen again in the future. Wang Xuan noticed that Wu Yin was not too keen on all the attention. She had gestured dismissively at the star, probably wishing she could just melt into the background and disappear. But as he nudged through the crowd to approach her, he saw her already frosty demeanor go a few degrees colder. Spotting him, she quickly crossed her arms, her bodynguage screaming "stay away." He rolled his eyes internally. Really? Is this necessary? He suspected she was still peeved at him. After all, theirst encounter did not end on the best of terms. He had provided some rather blunt medical advice, which were uncalled for. Wu Yin shot him an icy re and deliberately turned away, making it abundantly clear she had no desire to exchange pleasantries with him. "Hey... Wu Yin!" Wang Xuan nearly blurted out a different, less ttering nickname. He remembered too well that aside from her fiery temper, his most vivid impression of her was her more ¡°ample¡± attributes. He had to bite his tongue to avoid a slip of the tongue. Wu Yin was sharp. She immediately caught onto what Wang Xuan had almost called her from just the first syble. Fire seemed to shoot from her eyes. "Look, don''t get the wrong idea," he quickly said, trying to defuse the situation. "I saw you signaling to that actress. You two clearly know each other. Maybe you could get her entourage to tone it down a bit? They nearly pushed me into theke." Wu Yin did, in fact, intend to call over the actress and ask her to leave. But seeing Wang Xuan getting closer gave her the impression that he was purposely drawing attention to them. She huffed in annoyance, choosing to give him the cold shoulder. Turning her back on him, she made it crystal clear that she was not interested in a chat. The looming bodyguards, in their dark suits, approached with clear hostility, clearly thinking Wang Xuan was looking for trouble. "Keep your hands to yourself!" Wu Yin warned sharply. But Wang Xuan did not budge. He was now standing right by theke''s edge. With a doctor''s sense of duty and a wish to teach everyone involved a lesson, he adeptly sent each bodyguard into the water with a well-ced kick. This sparked the ho''s nest. The swarm of dark-d bodyguards charged forward. Clutching the little girl, Wang Xuan cast a desperate look towards Wu Yin, silently pleading for her to intervene before they both ended up in theke. Wu Yin, however, was having none of it. She tried to sidestep the chaos, shooting Wang Xuan an icy re. Noting her ongoing defensive posture, Wang Xuan figured he might as well set everyone straight. As the bodyguards neared, he swerved to protect the little girl. While he didn''ty a hand on Wu Yin, he wasn¡¯t exactly polite either, cheekily sending her tumbling with a swift kick to her rear. As for the bodyguards, any who dared approach found themselves on the receiving end of Wang Xuan''s powerful kicks. In no time, the area was cleared, much to the delight of the onlooking crowd who had grown tired of the overbearing entourage. Before long, the actress herself was pushed forward by the crowd. Wang Xuan was quite surprised to find her ending up in the water as well. "I''d like to note that I didn¡¯t kick her in," Wang Xuan announced to the gathered audience. "Uncle, it kind of looked like you did," the honest little girl whispered to him. Laughter erupted from the crowd. Shaking his head, Wang Xuan dialed an old contact. "Hey, Old Chen. Fine, I¡¯ll share some of my secrets with you. But first, I need some help cleaning up a small mess."
Jimmi''s Thoughts Ahhhh yes.. Don''t you guys just HATE celebrities who are douchebags?
Favorite Chapter 47: An Heiress As His Chauffeur Chapter 47: An Heiress As His Chauffeur Wu Yin''s eyes red with fury. She was thoroughly enraged. With her status, she rarely found herself inpromising situations. She did not even trouble Wang Xuan today, but the audacity he had to raise his hand, or rather, his leg against her was unforgivable. It made her seethe with anger. Moreover, a throbbing pain lingered in her buttocks, testament to the intensity of that kick. It had been so forceful that she almost let out a yelp at the moment of impact. By nature, she was quick-tempered. As she simmered in her anger, her chest heaved rapidly. She was itching to immediately swim to the shore and settle scores with the man responsible. Yet, she dared not move. Her long skirt waspletely soaked, clinging tightly to her body. Given her striking silhouette, stepping ashore would undeniably make her the center of attention. Using her long hair to shield her face out of fear of being photographed, she felt the cold creep in, amplified by thete autumn season. Between the cold and her indignation, she could only clench her teeth in frustration. Elsewhere, the actress was far lessposed. Uponnding in theke, she let out a piercing scream. This experience was nothing short of a nightmare for her. This caused her to gulp down water in panic. Fortunately, the bodyguards who had fallen into theke with her were dedicated to her safety. Among the group, a few female bodyguards swiftly swam towards her, ensuring she didn¡¯t drown. However, her makeup waspletely ruined. Witnessing the scene, Wu Yin''s assistant refrained from acting rashly, fearing she too would be kicked into the water. Instead, she quickly dialed a number, seeking assistance from the shore. A bodyguard tried to climb ashore, but the onlookers jeered and kicked him back into the water. Seeing this, the other bodyguards stayed away from the shore as well. "Everyone, step back! We need to rescue those in the water. They might catch a cold if they stay in there,¡± Wang Xuan called out, not wanting the situation to escte. He felt it would be best to let them climb out first. One after another, the ck-d bodyguards made their way to the shore, noticeably more subdued and not pushing around the onlookers anymore, instead assisting theirrades out of the water. "Da Wu, let me help you up!" Wang Xuan shouted to Wu Yin. Acting in the spirit of kindness and believing that it''s better to reconcile than feud, he reached out, offering to help Wu Yin up. Thoughtfully, he avoided using her full name, knowing her background as part of a prominent family, and thus a sensitive topic. Wu Yin remained unmoved. After hearing him address her with the prefix ''Da''[1], her eyes ignited even more fiercely. She felt no warmth or care from his attempt at assistance. On the contrary, she believed that he was deliberately mocking her, probably in retaliation for her previous overreactions. Noticing herck of response and how she hung her head low, using strands of hair to shield her face - reminiscent of an ostrich burying its head - Wang Xuan decided not to bother further. After all, they were mere acquaintances. Wu Yin, sensing his gaze, felt he was doing it intentionally with the intention of witnessing the embarrassing sight of her drenched skirt clinging to her figure. A woman in her thirties hurriedly approached the young girl beside Wang Xuan. Tears stained her face as she spoke with a shaky voice, "Lei Lei!" "Mommy!" the little girl eximed joyfully. The crowd had been so dense earlier, and the chaos caused by the bodyguards resulted in the mother and daughter being separated. Seeing this, Wang Xuan promptly handed the little girl over to the woman. The mother, voice quivering with relief and gratitude, tightly embraced her daughter. Just then, a man in his fifties approached, nked by several individuals. Wang Xuan immediately grew wary, for the people apanying the older man were no ordinary individuals. "Little Yin, what happened to you?" he asked. "Uncle, I was pushed into the water," Wu Yin informed him, her gaze shifting to Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan sighed internally. Old Chen is a bit slow. Why isn''t he here yet? He had not thought of leaving earlier, and with things as they were, he would not leave. Instead, he calmly stepped forward. Portraying himself as a concerned bystander, he took the initiative to exin to the middle-aged man. "That actress caused a scene. She was blocking the way of the pedestrians here. Her bodyguards even nearly pushed onlookers into theke." "It''s absolutely disgraceful!" Wang Xuan shook his head, adding, "Even after causing such a scene, the actress had the audacity to whisper that she knew one of the victims in theke. It''s simply..." The middle-aged man in his fifties was named Wu Chenglin, and he was indeed Wu Yin''s uncle. Being an astute individual, he instantly grasped that this young man, Wang Xuan, might be telling a somewhat embellished version of events. "Do the two of them really know each other?" Wang Xuan asked, pointing at Wu Yin in the water, the so-called "victim", and then gesturing toward the actress not far away. "No, they don¡¯t!" Wu Chenglin immediately replied. Swiftly, he removed his coat and handed it to Wu Yin who was now by the edge of theke, helping her up.It was natural for him to deny any acquaintance. Their modus operandi was to maintain a low profile, staying behind the scenes, away from the limelight. They didn''t want to be the center of attention or the subject of public scrutiny. Moreover, the images from today would undoubtedly make for negative press if they were to appear in the news. Not far away, the actress and her assistant appeared discontented. They wanted to voice their grievances, but a mere nce from Wu Chenglin silenced them. Addressing the onlookers, he said, "There''s nothing more to see here. Everyone, please move along." The first to leave were the actress and her entourage. They departed quietly, without causing furthermotion. Wang Xuan also turned to leave. However, before he could get far, a car sped toward him,ing to a halt by the roadside. It was Old Chen arriving at the scene. "Old Chen, let¡¯s head back. Here¡¯s what happened..." Wang Xuan spoke over the phone without approaching the vehicle, briefing him briefly about the events before preparing to depart. "Oh my, it''s Old Wu. He''s our partner this time. Little Wang, do you want toe over and get acquainted? We''ll be dealing with each other more in the future," said Old Chen as he chatted with Wang Xuan over the phone and looked towards thekeside, appearing somewhat astonished. Wang Xuan felt something was amiss. Didn''t the guild interfere with the Ling, Zhou, and Wu families at Qingcheng Mountainst time? Why are they coborating now? However, it was something that was not beyond hisprehension. When interests align, even foes can coborate. Furthermore, it''s likely that the two parties have always had some groundwork for cooperation. The previous interference was secretly instigated by Old Chen, and carried out by Qing Mu¡¯s hand. The operation might have even received the tacit approval of the other party. "Old Chen, I won''te. I forgot to tell you, I kicked Old Wu''s niece into theke earlier. You handle it. But if you sell me out, you can forget about the great opportunity of achieving ''Ascension'' in this lifetime. I''ll take it to my grave!" Upon hearing this, Old Chen gritted his teeth in frustration. As a renowned master in the Old Arts, sought after by the elites of the New World, he was now faced with handling such a trivial matter. It was somewhat beneath his dignity. In the end, he approached and beckoned at Wu Chenglin, and the two went for a tea, leaving thekeside incident to be handled by others. The next day, which was a Monday, Wang Xuan went to work as usual. He felt that this phase of his life was nearing its end. It was a silent farewell to his colleagues, with whom he had spent such a brief time. Before long, Old Chen arrived, looking radiant and revitalized. Unlike his previous state of severe sleep deprivation, the current Old Chen was full of energy. ¡°Old Chen, it''s been a while! You look great. How''s your study of the ¡®Book of Changes¡¯ing along?¡± A colleague greeted. "That darn book, I''ve given up on it!" Old Chen replied. Without further ado, he beckoned Wang Xuan out, intending to have a serious talk. "I''m working," Wang Xuanmented as he stepped out. "I can give you an extended leave. Take a good rest. It''s no big deal." Old Chen was exercising his authority to offer him some downtime. "In that case, why not change my environment entirely? I''m thinking of heading to the New World," Wang Xuan suggested. Rather than dragging it out, he felt it was better to make a swift decision, having already made up his mind. Old Chen was taken aback. He did not expect Wang Xuan to actively request a transfer to Terra Nova. He rubbed his hands together and said, "Sure, but you know, thepetition''s fierce there, especially with the position to work for heiress of therge corporation and that widow''s n." Wang Xuan cast a sidelong nce at him, replying, "Old Chen, have you been reading too many old-timey novels? Here''s how you should arrange it: once I''m in Terra Nova, the heiress should be my bodyguard, and some stunning widow should be my driver. That sounds about right." Old Chen sighed, "Today''s youth are so shameless. You don''t appreciate the virtue of hard work, and you want everything served up on a tter like some fast food. Your demands are a bit high, aren¡¯t they?" Seeing Old Chen''s serious demeanor, as if he could actually make such arrangements, Wang Xuan pretended to be profound, saying, "For someone like me who can uncover the truth behind the Immortal Ascension Technique, don''t you think I deserve some top tier experts by my side? My demands are reasonable." "That makes some sense," Old Chen surprisingly conceded. "I''ll make the necessary arrangements for you." Wang Xuan did not bother to respond. To him, it seemed Old Chen would throw all decency out the window for the secrets of the ''Immortal Ascension Technique''. The elder was making tant fabrications with a straight face. After a moment''s thought, Old Chen said, "How do you feel about the youngdy you kicked into theke? What about letting her be your driver?" Wang Xuan ignored him. He was in the mood for Old Chen''s nonsense. "You seem to have little respect for me and our organization," Old Chen observed, looking squarely at Wang Xuan. "In the past, it might have been a bit challenging, but this time it was Old Wu and his folks who approached us. Why not have that girl you kicked serve as a driver? It would be a good cover for your identity. If we are to work together, you''re a pivotal piece of the puzzle. Why wouldn''t they be eager to¡­ Cooperate?" Suddenly, Wang Xuan whirled around to face Old Chen. Had this old man been pushing him towards the New World because of some preconceived scheme? Had he been set up all along? "Old Chen, are you nning on seeking the celestial herb? I won''t be part of this!" Wang Xuan instantly declined. Despite the efforts of powerful organizations and corporations, nobody had ever managed to obtain the celestial herb. The challenge was evident, and Wang Xuan had no intention of being a sacrificial pawn. Old Chen chuckled, "Where did thate from? The celestial herb mission is scheduled forter; it''s not the immediate concern. The current operation is rtively safe. You have my personal guarantee." Staring at him, Wang Xuan thought, if he ever truly trusted this so-called senior colleague, hell would freeze over! Old Chen said, "Think about it: the young Miss Wu from the Wu family is all in, serving as your pilot for that mini spaceship. Trust me, she''s more thanpetent. If she''s in it, how risky could it be?" Wang Xuan gave him a sidelong nce, feeling that Old Chen''s words were overflowing with imusibility, and he was acting a tad too flippant for the moment. "Let''s talk business, Old Chen. And just so we''re clear, don''t entertain the idea of selling me off to the Wu family. Because if you do, even if I introduce you to the ''Immortal Ascension Technique'', you''re bound to face consequences." Old Chen, eyes shining at the mention of the ''Immortal Ascension Technique'', chimed in, "Look, Wang, don''t dismiss my words so readily. This time, they genuinely approached us. In the realm of ancient practices, my voice carries weight, making me a worthy invitee. Now, they''re even more aware that some issues can only be sorted out by those skilled in the Old Arts." Intrigued, Wang Xuan asked, "Judging by your confidence, Old Chen, just how advanced are you in these ancient practices?" With a hint of pride and a smirk, Old Chen exined, "Here''s a perspective: Sun Chengkun, whom you shed with at Dark Mountain - before his prime was disrupted, despite our simr age, always greeted me with ''Master Chen'' in reverence." Suspicion! Wang Xuan''s eyes narrowed. "Is this some truth or just some theatrical exaggeration? Is Old Chen that much of a powerhouse?" By now, they had ventured to the back of the design institute, into the derelict machinery yard where Old Chen often went fishing. "See that? Those abandoned steel contraptions, the huge cogs, and crushers? I used to hit them with my bare hands frequently during my younger days, using them as part of my training regimen." He gestured towards a sprawling mass of rusted machines, theirbined weight unimaginable. Pausing briefly, he then went on, lightly tapping a thick b of discarded steel, "I haven''t flexed my muscles in quite some time." He then nudged Wang Xuan, suggesting it was time to disclose the secrets of the "Immortal Ascension Technique". Wang Xuan did not n to be cursory. He intended to genuinely show Old Chen the technique passed down from the ancient monk. As he demonstrated, he began exining the first move. However, he couldn¡¯t unleash the true essence of the punch since it required the synchronization of internal organs for power, a technique quite challenging for beginners. At this stage, he could only articte it verbally. Old Chen, being well-versed, was astounded. He remarked, ¡°It''s impressive. It has hints of the Vajra Fist but is distinctly unique. For someone like me, mastering it will be a formidable challenge, but it''s worth the effort.¡± Wang Xuan only taught him one move, suggesting that Old Chen could head home and that the remaining moves would be shared the next day. ¡°All right, no rush. I''lle by again tomorrow,¡± Old Chen responded, nodding. He seemed eager to practice and left in a hurry. Wang Xuan mused to himself, thinking that the old monk, with his bleeding eyes, would likely visit Old Chen that night. By the end of their pleasant evening, Old Chen would probably have grasped everything. After Old Chen left, Wang Xuan patted the same thick steel te. To his astonishment, the spot Old Chen had touched earlier crumbled into fine fragments. He gasped in disbelief. Is Old Chen really that formidable? Reflecting on the moment, Wang Xuan realized Old Chen hadn¡¯t exerted much force, just a light tap, and the oue was both astonishing and eerie. ¡°I need to be more respectful towards Old Chen in the future. Having such an rmingly capable old colleague keep an eye on you is unnerving,¡± Wang Xuan sighed. That evening, upon returning home, Wang Xuan began murmuring to the old monk, suggesting he might visit Old Chen¡¯s bedside since Old Chen frequently visited the new star and might help fulfill his desires. The next morning, Old Chen sought out Wang Xuan with eyes as red as a rabbit''s. He confronted Wang Xuan, "Little Wang, you''ve done it again! First, you sent a female practitioner my way, and now a ghostly monk is haunting me. What''s your intention? I just got rid of one of them, and now I have to deal with another problem!" Wang Xuan was surprised and asked, "Didn''t he teach you the technique?" Old Chen grumbled in frustration, "Teach!? He sat at the foot of my bed, staring at me all night. Every time I tried to fall asleep, he''d lean in closer, his ashen eyes being truly unsettling. The heavenly fairy from before was at least better; she maintained her distance, and her true form was exceptionally beautiful. Unlike this one, all dark and exuding a rotting smell. He didn''t say anything, just loomed over me the entire night!" Considering Old Chen''s abilities, Wang Xuan decided to genuinely teach him the technique to avoid any potential outburst from Old Chen. He went on to recount his experiences in detail. The following day, Old Chen appeared even more exhausted and aggrieved. He came to Wang Xuan and eximed, "Little Wang, you''ve yed me!" "No, I did not! I told you everything in detail!" Wang Xuan genuinely felt wronged. "I followed your experience and aimed a punch at his head. But then, he chased me all night long within my mental domain!" Old Chen said, exasperated. Footnote: [1]Da: ´ó, the word "big". Here he was hinting at her big... Chest Chapter 48: A Letter From Across The Space Chapter 48: A Letter From Across The Space Old Chen was beaten up all night?! Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan didn''t find it pitiable. For some reason, he had the overwhelming urge to burst intoughter. But to avoid provoking Old Chen, he held back, pretending instead to massage his temples and rubbed his face. He was afraid that Old Chen would take it out on him after seeing hisughter. Using this as a distraction, Wang Xuan was able to contain hisughter before putting on a solemn face to look at Old Chen. There was no choice, Old Chen was in an extremely agitated state, he had to appear serious. "Old Chen," Wang Xuan began, "You have to understand that the world is bnced. When you gain something, you are also sacrificing something in return. To acquire a martial art technique that surpasses the Vajra Fist isn''t easy." To emphasize his point, Wang Xuan sighed heavily at the end. As someone who was intelligent and strong, Old Chen could not be easily fooled. He sneered, "What about you? Why weren''t you beaten?" Wang Xuan was puzzled. Why did the same method, which worked for him, backfire for Old Chen, leading him to be thrashed by the old monk? In reality, Wang Xuan wanted to suggest it might be due to a difference in their character, implying Old Chen''s might be questionable. But he did not dare bring that up and instead insisted, "I paid a price too!" Old Chen would have been better off not hearing that. Upon listening, he grew even more irate. His voice turned icy as he retorted, "What did you sacrifice? From the female practitioner to a ghost monk, it seems the one paying the price is always me!" Old Chen was filled with resentment. The more he thought about it, the clearer it became - every single time, he was left holding the short end of the stick. Anticipated benefits eluded him, and instead, he seemed to face an unfair share of tribtions. "Come on, Old Chen," Wang Xuan chided, "No need toy it on so thick." Naturally, he wasn¡¯t going to ept any me. He had to paint his own experiences in even darker hues to keep the bnce of pity in his favor. After regaling Old Chen with a long list of his supposedly sorrow-filled episodes, Wang Xuan added, ¡°And if we''re going by your reasoning, Old Chen, then you dragged Qing Mu into this as well.¡± Old Chen''s expression shifted to one of offense. "Are you implying that you threw both of us under the bus?" Wang Xuan found himself genuinely baffled as to why it was Old Chen who bore the brunt of the old monk''s ire. Was it some form of karmic transfer? The monk might have been exacting his revenge on Old Chen. "Listen, Old Chen," Wang Xuan began earnestly, "I can swear that all I did was give him a light smack, and everything fell into ce! But let¡¯s not jump to conclusions. Share your side of the story, and we¡¯ll brainstorm a solution." A dangerous glint appeared in Old Chen''s eyes. "Are you just fishing for the juicy details of my misadventures?" Even though Wang Xuan''s curiosity was piqued, he chose safety over satisfaction. He swiftly changed the topic of their discussion, "By the way, do you know which Buddhist lineage Pufa Temple is associated with?" ¡°Eh?¡± Old Chen blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, as realization dawned, he became grave, sensing the heart of their conundrum. Wang Xuan, in passing, intended to delve into the ancient roots of the millennium-old temple to find more clues. But once the words left his lips, a lightbulb went off. ¡°Zen Buddhism!¡± They dered in unison. ¡°The mind itself is Buddha!¡± ¡°To see one¡¯s nature is to be a Buddha!¡± The Sixth Patriarch''s tform Sutra records: Upon hearing the word, one attains great enlightenment and instantly sees the true nature; all truths lie within this nature. ¡°Old Chen,¡± Wang Xuan began, ¡°Zen is all about sudden enlightenment and following one¡¯s heart. Like when I acted on instinct ¨C even though it might''ve seemed a bit impertinent ¨C it was... epted. You, on the other hand, were clearly harboring ulterior motives, trying to glean their scriptures, and yet, you feigned righteousness and went so far as to smack them. If I were that monk, I''d be peeved at you too! Why wouldn¡¯t I give you a proper thrashing?¡± Old Chen just looked skyward, seemingly drained of words, letting out a long, forlorn sigh. The mere mention of Zen had made everything crystal clear. Without another word, he turned to leave. ¡°Old Chen,¡± Wang Xuan called out enthusiastically, ¡°Want me to show you the remaining moves?¡± ¡°No need,¡± Old Chen retorted disdainfully, ¡°I fear your form might not be up to par.¡± He had made up his mind to face the ghostly monk that night, with intentions to acquire everyst bit of scripture from him. True to his prowess, Old Chen achieved his goal that very night. Moreover, he no longer suffered from insomnia. From then on, he secluded himself in a small courtyard outside the city, shutting himself off from visitors, to diligently practice that martial art. As for Qing Mu and the others, they had ventured deep into the Greater Khingan range and had not been heard from for quite a while. With Old Chen engrossed in his training, Wang Xuan found his days quieter. Thanks to Old Chen, he was given extended leave, granting him ample time to delve into ancient arts. He also sifted through the Taoist scriptures. Not so much to unearth legacy teachings but more to decipher obscure terms and specialized nomentures, enabling a deeper understanding of even older mystical practices. At one point, Wang Xuan returned home to have a heartfelt conversation with his parents. He told them thepany appreciated his performance so much that they wanted to send him for advanced studies on the New World, a rare and golden opportunity he did not want to miss. To his surprise, his parents were wholly supportive. No sentimentality, no reluctance. It made all theforting words he had prepared seem redundant. Reflecting on his past, his parents had always been this way ¨C broad-minded, without a hint of mncholy. This eased Wang Xuan''s heart. If they had shed tears and couldn''t eat for sorrow, he might have hesitated and dyed his departure. Soon, news came from Qing Mu. In his messages, he conveyed that he was suffering miserably. He was experiencing firsthand the torments Old Chen endured at night. He experienced many sleepless nights and, shockingly, was actually struck by lightning! As he exined, he was the unlucky fish caught in the. He suffered the consequences of others'' actions. The female Taoist practitioner''s ability to manipte the current world grew ever more astounding. In an undergroundboratory, she subjected everyone to massive "spiritual lightning" assaults. Researchers from the New World initially dismissed these events as hallucinations caused by some super-material factors. They brought their most advanced equipment from the New World to differentiate, detect, record, observe, and research. Furthermore, neither Ms. Zheng, the founder of the Origin Research Institute from the New World nor certain individuals from the Old World, wanted to halt the experiments. Both harbored great hopes for the subject of life extension. Clearly, the experiments at the research institute would either be pushed to their limits, or the female Taoist''s interference in the present world would escte further, allowing both Ms. Zheng from the New World and individuals from the Old World to experience these phenomena firsthand. The situation reached an impasse, much to the surprise of many. Wang Xuan, however, remained patient. He bided his time, awaiting any word from Old Chen and Qing Mu. Every day, he dedicated himself to mastering the ancient arts and the old monk''s martial techniques. After a little over a week, a few letters from afar found their way to him. The first letter was from Qin Cheng, delivered to Wang Xuan through a deep-space trading team coborating with Qin''s family. "Old Wang," the letter began, "I''ve firmly nted my feet here. Through a twist of fate, I had the chance to rmend you. If sessful, I can arrange for you toe to the New Moon." Qin Cheng provided an address within the letter. It was the local branch of apany from the new star, suggesting Wang Xuan initiate contact himself to increase the chances of sess. "Old Wang," the letter continued, "The New Moon has treasures. There are several rare and precious nts undergoing mutation experiments and being cultivated on arge scale. Every day, a certain number of nts are allowed to die. I find both pain and joy in this. Due to my limitations, I can''t handle the potent effects of what they call the ''Tiger Wolf Elixir''. Consuming one every half a month is already pushing my body to its limits." Wang Xuan''s heart raced. Just what is this Tiger Wolf Elixir? It sounds very potent! "The New Moon even has its own Guanghan Pce. I nearly lost my mind when I arrived. It''s touted as the most luxurious resort in deep space. It''s worth a visit. But with my limited wealth, I can only gaze at it longingly from afar," the letter concluded. Qin Cheng''s letter was filled with more than just key details; it also delved into some peculiarities. "On the New Moon, there''s something odd. There''s an ancient temple iming a history of two thousand years, supposedly transferred from the Old World. Also, one of the ancestral homes of Taoism has been reconstructed here. They say every brick and tile was transported from the original site. I have a feeling there''s a secret behind this." Upon reading this, Wang Xuan was both intrigued and puzzled. The subsequent letters were from Su Chan and Zhou Kun, informing Wang Xuan about the unexpected deaths of two of their ssmates. They wrote with a tone of sorrow and did not borate on the causes of death. However, Wang Xuan could infer that behind the allure of the New Moon, there was a cruel price to pay. He sighed deeply. In less than a month, two of his peers had tragically passed away. The news was unexpected and unsettling. Wang Xuan recalled thest night they had all gathered together, celebrating the uing journey to the New Moon. Everyone had been brimming with hope, ambition, and youthful exuberance. How had such misfortune befallen them so quickly? It was heartbreaking. As Wang Xuan prepared for his own journey, he reminded himself to be cautious and vignt. He also received a personal letter from Zhao Qinghan, confirming the deaths of their ssmates. Once again, Zhao broached the subject of coboration. Two dayster, Qing Mu returned, indicating that the matters in the underground of Greater Khingan Range had temporarily concluded, though he did not borate. Instead, he focused on Wang Xuan''s situation. With a solemn expression, he said, "There''s been an unexpected development. Someone wants to keep you anchored to the Old World and prevent you from ever stepping foot on the New Moon or the New World." Wang Xuan frowned. Some people were simply just insufferably bold. Their meddling hands were everywhere. Their efforts to stonewall his journey to the New World was impressive. When Old Chen got wind of Qing Mu''s return, he finally stepped out of his seclusion, hisplexion flush with excitement. "The monk''s martial arts techniques are simply brilliant," he said, a twinkle in his eye, "I''ve gained so much and see a clear path now." Wang Xuan observed him with a hint of amusement. The same Old Chen who not so long ago had cursed the "ghost monk" was now singing praises of the "divine monk." He would not be surprised if, in time, he would be referring to him as a deity. "To think that they¡¯re trying to keep Little Wang grounded in the Old World? They''re delusional. They¡¯ll not seed. Not if I have something to say about it." Old Chen scoffed. He then addressed Wang Xuan, his voice dripping with intrigue. "There''s a storm on the horizon. You''ve always wondered about my real capabilities, haven''t you? Curious about the ''new arts''? Join me, and you shall see." Qing Mu''s face was drained of color at this. "Master, it''s far too risky this time. It''s not about pride or ego; a single mistake could be fatal." Old Chen leaned in, his voice low and intense. "It''s been years since I''ve shown my true strength. With my oldrades fading away, they believe that the practitioners of the Old Arts are a dying breed, looking down on us. If this continues, the Old Art''s legacy will crumble. Moreover, that artifact has emerged once more. I''m bound for this journey." Finally, locking eyes with Wang Xuan, he whispered, "Join me, and witness my real strength." Chapter 49: A Lantern That Attracts Moths Chapter 49: A Lantern That Attracts Moths Wang Xuan looked at Old Chen with newfound respect. It seemed that Old Chen was stepping up, willing to pave a way for the Old Arts in these challenging times. The current atmosphere was tense. The Old Arts had been formally discarded, and many believed that the New Arts represented the future. Those practicing the Old Arts were seen as having no path forward. If this trend continued, the practice of the Old Arts would vanish, and this once-vibrant path would bepletely forgotten. "Three years ago, Old Zheng passed away. Old Miao left us the autumn beforest. Old Sun departedst winter, and Old Zhong in the spring of this year. All lived past a century, yet none could break through that particr boundary, unable to cross that threshold. What a loss," Qing Mumented, his tone heavy with sorrow. "With the passing of the four elders of the Old Arts in quick session, it feels like the end of an era." He didn''t vocalize certain thoughts. Precisely because these influential figures in the Old Arts had died over the past few years, the future seemed even more uncertain. After all, during their lifetimes, these figures had great reputations, forging rtionships with major powers. Decades ago, when their personal strengths were at their peak, they had coborated closely with many organizations and had connections everywhere. But with their recent departures, the Old Arts'' rtionships with these powers had dwindled. "Am I not still here? In the realm of Old Arts, wouldn''t you say I''m one of the elders?" Old Chen interjected. Qing Mu''s face turned somber. "That''s precisely why you shouldn''t act. If you were to fall, the legacy of the Old Arts would dim even further. The era that your generation upheld would definitively close. To many, the Old Arts would be viewed as having reached its end." Wang Xuan was genuinely surprised. Is Old Chen really that powerful?He looks to be in his sixties, yet his reputation matches those who are over a hundred years old? Those revered as the elders of the Old Arts? Qing Mu seemed to discern Wang Xuan''s thoughts and spoke, "My master''s reputation has been built upon genuinebat achievements. While he may not be as old as the four elders or hold the same level of fame, his strength is well-known among all circles." Wang Xuan''s heart raced. It seemed he had underestimated Old Chen''s capabilities. No wonder Old Chen had mentioned that Sun Chengkun, of the same age, would naturally defer to him in terms of seniority. "Take care, Old Chen. Qing Mu seems pessimistic about all of this. Don''t push yourself too hard," Wang Xuan voiced his genuine concern, seeking rity on the situation. "There''s nothing new under the sun. The Old Arts, mechanized armors, gene-enhanced beings, coupled with the current New Arts - power struggles resurface from time to time. An artifact, legendary in historical tales, has been unearthed from the Old Lands. Various factions are converging to stake their ims. Some wish to suppress the Old Arts, ensuring we never rise again. Hence, after all these years, I find myselfpelled to act," Old Chen exined, his tone casual. Yet, Wang Xuan immediately grasped the gravity and peril of the situation. This impending confrontation seemed to harbor ill intentions towards the Old Arts. "Someone has to step forward," Old Chen stated calmly, his unwavering conviction evident. Qing Mu naturally understood the intricacies at y. If Old Chen didn''t step up, and other powerful practitioners in the Old Arts realm couldn''t withstand the onught of mechanized armors, New Arts, and gene-enhanced beings, the Old Arts would inevitably fade into obscurity. Unable to hold back, Wang Xuan asked, "Old Chen, can you further enhance your strength in the short term? What do you need?" He genuinely feared for Old Chen''s life. At his age, it would be heart-wrenching to see him risk his life for a cause still burning brightly in his heart. He hoped Old Chen wouldn''t pay the ultimate price. Old Chen nodded, saying, "If there are any unique techniques or ancient secrets, I might consider taking a look." Wang Xuan pondered for a moment before replying, "I have a profoundly potent body technique. It''s incredibly risky to practice, often lethal, but its depth is unparalleled. I wonder if it might provide you with some insights." He was referring to Zhang Daoling''s five-page golden script. Practicing this technique was exceedingly difficult, but once one had a glimpse into its mysteries, they could potentially harness an unimaginable power. Wang Xuan had only mastered the basics and it allowed him to stand his ground against Sun Chengkun, surviving a near-death encounter. Qing Mu, rmed by this, quickly interjected, "That''s out of the question. Anyone who practices that technique meets a fatal end. My master once practiced half of it. Ever since his hair turned white, it''s never returned to its original color. It''s a miracle he even survived. There''s no way he should approach it again." Wang Xuan was astonished. Old Chen had practiced an advanced level of this body technique? Despite the years that had passed, while Old Chen''s hair hadn''t turnedpletely ck again, it hadn''t fully turned white either. It remained in the state it had been, without significant deterioration. ¡°Back then, the Four Elders of the Old Techniques ascended to one of the ancestral courts of Taoism. Together, they exerted pressure to obtain the sect''s foundational secret techniques for me. It feels as though it happened just yesterday. It''s such a pity that all four have passed away,¡± Old Chenmented, immersed in nostalgia. Wang Xuan was deeply moved. The care the Four Elders showed to the younger generation was profound. To exert pressure on one of Taoism''s ancestral courts for Old Chen was indeed remarkable andmendable. ¡°Sadly, I could only get halfway through the techniques before I could no longer sustain them. If it wasn''t for the Four Elders going to great lengths to save me, I wouldn''t be here today,¡± Old Chen said with a sense of sadness and gratitude. Qing Mu was equally mournful. He had, of course, apanied his master to visit the Four Elders and had received their kind attention and care. Yet, he found his journey on the path of the Old Techniques to be challenging and couldn''t measure up to Old Chen. Wang Xuan, through the little snippets of information, already held the Four Elders in high regard. It was truly a pity that they had all passed away in recent years. ¡°I''ve let Master down,¡± Qing Mu admitted, his head lowered in regret. Old Chen shook his head, ¡°I''m open to New Techniques, genes, mechas, and any methods that can strengthen oneself. We should embrace and learn from them. If you have reached a teau in the Old Techniques, you can still integrate other methods into your journey.¡± Qing Mu felt disheartened. Despite his relentless effort and training, his aplishments equaled Sun Chengkun''s after he was injured. In the end, Qing Mu sighed, ¡°I hope Brother Wei seeds and shines brightly in the domain of the Old Techniques, not letting Master down. But it''s been a decade since he left, and we''ve heard nothing. I''m genuinely concerned.¡± Old Chen chose not to dwell on past topics, shifting his gaze to Wang Xuan. "The martial arts left by Zhang Daoling? I wouldn''t dare train in them now," he confessed. "I''ve found that the foundational teachings of Taoism aren''t really my cup of tea. But that enigmatic fighting style I picked up from the elder monk? That''s given me some direction." He leaned in, giving Wang Xuan a cautionary look. "As for those pages of the golden book, I''d advise against getting too wrapped up in them. I haven''t seen them myself, but word has it, they contain techniques so potent that even at an advanced stage, they could be too overwhelming. Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew." Wang Xuan acknowledged with a nod, admitting, "I''ve only dabbled in the introductory moves from the first page. And even then, I needed the mystical energy of a secluded realm to constantly mend my internal state." Raising an eyebrow, Old Chen inquired, "Any other ancient techniques in your repertoire? Like what the legendary monk passed down? Or perhaps something from the female practitioner?" Wang Xuan let out a sigh, "That''s ssic Old Chen, always curious. I once was so engrossed by the tales of the Four Elders of Old Arts that I volunteered information about the five-page golden book. Now, I''m beginning to think Old Chen had a hidden agenda all along." "She didn''t leave me with anything. When I find something new, I''ll send it your way," Wang Xuan said with casual frankness. Old Chen jumped in surprise. He knew all too well: whenever Little Wang offered something new, trouble was sure to follow! Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, he pressed on, "What''s your deal, anyway? You''ve got connections to the female practitioner and even managed to bring out an elder monk. Don''t tell me you have something else hidden up your sleeve..." Old Chen seemed rather unsettled and on edge, feeling very wary. He seriously doubted what was lurking around Wang Xuan; he just couldn''t quite see through him. "Nothing else for now. When the timees, I''ll send them over," Wang Xuan said, shing a toothy grin. At this moment, Old Chen felt a chill run down his spine, and Qing Mu was outright horrified. "Again? What''s up with Wang? Is he some sort of spirit ma?" "I think, perhaps, the ancient immortals favor me. From the heavenly nymph to the old monk, it seems they''ve all indirectly proven this point. So, Old Chen, don''t fret. I''ll keep sending gifts your way in due time!" Qing Mu was itching to make his exit, thinking, ''He ims not to attract spirits?!'' Old Chen felt a cold shiver down his back, thinking this youngster was truly bizarre. Who could handle someone who keeps sending troublesome spirits their way? He''d personally experienced it twice: the incident with the female practitioner and even the elder monk''s appearance, both times after Wang Xuan''s intervention. If Wang Xuan were to sneakily introduce a few more "holy figures," Old Chen felt he might lose his sanity. Not wanting to dwell on the matter further, Old Chen looked at Wang Xuan and said, "Rest and recharge over the next few days. We''ll be attending a gathering in four days, and you might get a chance to y your part." "Alright!" Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. Then, Old Chen brought up the matter of going to the New World. "It''s pretty straightforward. We don¡¯t need to do much on our own. We''ll let the Wu family handle it. They¡¯re quite proactive and have firmly decided to coborate with us." "Old Chen, did you sell me out?" Wang Xuan looked at him questioningly. "Not at all," Old Chen replied, shaking his head. He then curiously asked, "Did something happen between you and the youngdy from the Wu family? I didn¡¯t sell you out, but it seems she''s keen on getting you on her side. She¡¯s been inquiring about you in Ancheng, possibly trying to recruit you for her family''s expedition team. Impressive, young Wang. Be careful with whatever''s going on between you two. You wouldn¡¯t want Mr. Wu to catch wind of it." "What are you implying? As for... Miss Wu, she clearly wants to keep her friends close and enemies closer. She¡¯s so petty, which contrasts starkly with her physique," Wang Xuan retorted. Wang Xuan then asked Qing Mu to keep an eye out for him, to make sure Wu Yin wouldn''t cause any unwarranted trouble. Over the next few days, Wang Xuan lived in rtive peace. He conditioned his body to its peak and his spirit was exceptionally vibrant. He was just waiting for Old Chen to signal their departure. Chapter 50: Rare Divine Artifact Chapter 50: Rare Divine Artifact The day of departure had finally arrived. Wang Xuan arrived early at the familiar mansion on the outskirts of An City. Once everyone gathered, they would set out from here. "Do you want to wear a synthetic human-skin mask?" Qing Mu asked him. Wang Xuan nodded. At this stage, he still could not fully withstand the firepower of energy weapons and specially made bullets. He knew that it was in his best interest to have a low profile and keep his identity hidden. "It''s not the old days anymore. Everyone''s movements leave a trace. If someone really wants to investigate an individual, sooner orter, they will be able to find the clues," Qing Mu said. He informed Wang Xuan that even with utmost caution, one''s true identity could not remain concealed forever. It was only a matter of time before it got exposed. Wang Xuan naturally understood this. However, he simply needed this buffer period. Once he practiced the Golden Body Technique to the seventh or eighthyer, he would gain more confidence. By then, conventional firearms would likely not be able to harm him. "Where''s the location this time?" Wang Xuan inquired. "It was originally supposed to be on the moon or Mars. But considering their unfriendly approach to the Old Arts this time, it¡¯s safer to choose the Old World." After all, venturing deep into space posed risks. In case of any unforeseen events, it was hard to predict the oue. Moreover, those with powerful mechs would clearly have a significant advantage. In the end, the chosen location was the Pamir teau area of the Old World. Old Chen then arrived. His short, densely packed silver hair shimmered brilliantly, and his demeanor had changed entirely. His eyes were sharp as a de, and piercing like needles. Wang Xuan almost did not recognize Old Chen when he spoke. Compared to the calm demeanor he was used to seeing on Old Chen''s face every day, it was as if he was looking at apletely different person. And when Old Chen put on that icy silver mask, any semnce of familiarity vanished. No trace of the gentle colleague Wang Xuan once knew could be glimpsed behind that metallic visage. Old Chen gave a slight nod of acknowledgment to Qing Mu and Wang Xuan but refrained from speaking. He moved to a quiet room to rest. He was silent and still, just like a mountain that could not be moved. As for Wang Xuan, the realistic synthetic human-skin mask he had chosen for himself depicted the face of a young Eastern man who was vibrant and full of youthful zest. Qing Mu mentioned that their adversariesprised various ethnicities, representing different organizations and alliances. This prompted Wang Xuan to purposely pick the mask he now wore. "It''s time to leave," Qing Mu, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, said as he watched a silver-grayrge spaceship emerge from the horizon. It slowed down, gradually descending to thergending pad at the back of the estate. It appeared the Wu family had arrived. Influential figures from the family were there to apany Old Chen to the Pamir teau, presumably to witness a fierce showdown. Regardless of the uncertainties and potential risks they faced, the Wu family''s decision toe and personally escort Old Chen spoke volumes of their sincerity. Wang Xuan was puzzled. It seemed that the Wu family was in some sort of trouble, and only those who practiced the Old Arts could offer any help. "Is it just the three of us?" Wang Xuan asked in surprise. He realized that aside from himself, Old Chen, and Qing Mu, no one else would be joining them on the journey. "Three of us from our side is enough. My master will be the one to take the center stage," Qing Mu replied, his voice heavy. Gazing at his master''s retreating figure, uncertainty filled him. He borated that other experts in the Old Arts would also head to the Pamir teau, where they would rendezvous. Additionally, the official departments of the oldnd would also be present to provide support and deterrence. Wu Chenglin personally greeted Old Chen with considerable respect. Walking beside him was Wu Yin. She was dressed appropriately, her curvaceous figureplimenting her attire. A gentle yet slightly sweet smile yed on her beautiful pale face. After paying her respects to Old Chen, she warmly greeted both Qing Mu and Wang Xuan. Thetter was taken aback. He had never seen this side of Wu Yin before. From his prior encounters with her, she always had a fierce temperament. "And this is...?" Wu Yin''s question hung in the air, her smile polite yet filled with grace, as she looked at Wang Xuan with inquisitive eyes. "This is Wang Xiao," Qing Mu introduced. "You can just call me Xiao Wang[1]," Wang Xuan replied, his voice rich with a maic quality. After all, after changing his voice, this tone was the most natural and, fortunately, also pleasant. Wu Yin''s smile remained undiminished, but there was a hint of difort lurking beneath her expression. The name ''Xiao Wang'' had triggered certain associations in her mind. Recently, the same Wang Xuan, who had managed to anger her, was often affectionately called "Old Wang" by acquaintances like Qin Cheng. However, in her eyes, the young man standing before her had an open, clear gaze that sparkled with sincerity. When heughed, his face lit up brightly. No matter how she looked at it, this man seemed far superior to Wang Xuan. If Wang Xuan could read her thoughts, he would surely reflect on how powerful biases and first impressions could be, enough to sway someone''s aesthetic judgments and opinions. In his opinion, this face he wore was a tad inferior to his true appearance. "Xiao Wang is quite exceptional. Don''t be deceived by his youth; he''s incredibly gifted in the realm of the Old Arts. Even now, I''m not entirely sure I could match him in skill," Qing Mu remarked, a trace of mncholy evident in his voice. There was a raw honesty in his words, an unguarded moment where he seemed to concede that his own journey might be nearing its end. Wu Yin was taken aback. Can this man, barely into his twenties, be as formidable as imed? The revtion was startling. In this era, with the decline of the Old Arts, it was rare for young people to dedicate themselves to its study. And even if they did possess some skill, it was never anything outrageous, given their age. Could he be the next Chen Yongjie? The thought startled her. While he might not be on par with a young Old Chen, the gap probably wasn''t that wide either. Many were aware that from a young age, Old Chen had practiced the Old Arts, making rapid strides in his expertise. By his twenties, he had already gained significant fame. Wu Yin immediately realized the gravity of the situation. The coboration between her family and the expedition organization was primarily to solicit the services of these masters of the Old Arts. Even if they failed to persuade Old Chen, they aimed to recruit some of the renowned masters in this domain. The fact that Xiao Wang was so young and yet so proficient meant he was undoubtedly someone worth investing significant efforts in. Another idea began to form in Wu Yin''s mind. If she could draw Xiao Wang into their family''s expedition team, have him on their side, and perhaps even have him ''educate'' the insufferably ill-behaved Wang Xuan, it would certainly be an entertaining development. Without a doubt, the ensuing conversation between them flowed naturally and pleasantly. Wu Yin, with her graceful posture, guided Wang Xuan on a tour of the ship. Even after Qing Mu excused himself to apany Old Chen, leaving just the two of them, the conversation never hit a lull. Wang Xuan cast a sidelong nce at her. She wore minimal makeup, her face delicate and beautiful. With a prominent nose, lustrous red lips, a soft voice, and sharp wit, she exuded a mix of sensuality and intellectual beauty. He could not help but wonder: Had there been a switch? Could it be that Da Wu had a twin sister? The Wu Yin in front of him seemed different in both demeanor and the way she interacted with others. "People can really be so different. Xiao Wang, you''re so humble. Despite being clearly skilled, you chose to stay a low profile. That''s a rarity, especially among our peers..." Wu Yin remarked, shaking her head slightly. At this, Wang Xuan could sense an underlying motive in her words. She was a master of subtlety, mentioning just enough to pique interest but not enough to give away her intentions. He had an inkling that future encounters with her would always be filled with such underlying tones. He mused to himself, somewhat irritated, "Wu Yin, you''re certainly ying a game here. Are you plotting to have me fighting against myself?" Although the journey to the Pamir teau region was long, their ships made quick work of the distance. Soon, the vast teau appeared beneath them, its average altitude surpassing 4,500 meters. Many of the imposing mountains reached impressive heights of over 6,000 meters. Known as Congling in ancient times, the region yed a significant route in the ancient Silk Road. In modern days, it was referred to as the Pamir teau inter times. The altitude, especially during the deep autumn months, rendered thend barren and brown, with vegetation having long withered away due to the harsh conditions. Numerous ships had already docked in a vast clearing, while smaller warships could be spotted stationed atop some of the peaks. Other vessels hovered in the air, not alighting. Wang Xuan recognized the strategic cement of these ships. Every faction seemed prepared, positioning themselves to ensure they couldn''t easily be cornered or ambushed byrger warships, creating a delicate bnce of power. Moreover, authorities from the Old World were present. Their purpose was not solely to offer legitimacy and deterrence; they were also drawn by the allure of a recently unearthed relic from ancient legends. Wu Yin softly remarked, "The Marquis of Sui¡¯s Pearl isn''t some insignificant artifact. It''s documented in historical texts, ranked alongside the n He¡¯s Jade, as one of the most renowned treasures from the Warring States period." Wang Xuan was well aware of the current contention. Some wished to take the Suihou Pearl, while others aimed to prevent its removal. The meeting at Pamir teau was set to find a resolution. Old Chen had mentioned in private that this pearl was supposedly obtained by a Ear Taoist magician after ying a dragon. Legend has it that intricate scriptures are etched upon it, making it an incredibly rare and divine object. However, he wasn''t entirely certain about the authenticity of this particr Suihou Pearl. Over the centuries, several alleged "real" pearls had been unearthed, only to be found to be counterfeits. Carrying a delicate fragrance, Wu Yin stood beside Wang Xuan, both having disembarked from the airship to gaze upon the expansive mountain range. Upon Old Chen''s descent, a group immediately approached him. Whether they were adversaries or old friends reuniting after years, they held him in high regard, not treating him lightly. Of course, this wasn''t universal. Some maintained a chilly demeanor, and were staying a distance away from him. "Mr. Chen!" someone loudly called out. The voice belonged to a man, encased in apact humanoid mech suit, nearly three meters tall. With each forceful step on the ground, the mech exuded an imposing aura. "I grew up on Mr. Chen''s tales and have always admired him. However, it''s been years since Mr. Chenst showcased his skills. Now, approaching sixty, can he still step into battle? Those who practice the ancient arts often start to decline at this age, with their vitality slowly withering. For safety''s sake, I suggest I first test the condition of old Mr. Chen''s abilities. This might prevent any unforeseen mishaps that could lead to bloodshed when he truly enters the field." In an instant, the entire open space fell silent. Many were caught off guard, never expecting such a scene to y out. Qing Mu was immediately incensed. This meeting was, after all, infiltrated with ill-intent. They''d barely left the airship when this rtively unknown mech warrior started with his provocations. Who was he trying to impress? Who wouldn''t understand the underlying message here? The challenger''s intentions were clear ¨C to purposefully ruffle Old Chen and irritate those who practiced the ancient arts. The antagonist was well aware his actions were far from wise and were, in fact, quite lowly. Yet, he still proceeded in this crude manner. The tant provocation was squarely aimed at Old Chen. To Qing Mu, it was also an affront to his master. Old Chen''s reputation was significant, and for someone to so casually challenge and disrespect him like this was utterly uneptable. In fact, even those who weren''t aligned with Old Chen or belonged to opposing factions found the challenge hard to stomach. Many wore deep frowns, feeling that a line had been crossed. Voices from various factions¡ªmech warriors, gically enhancedbat forms, and New Arts martial artists¡ªraised in condemnation. A chorus of disapproval echoed, indicating that many felt this provocation was too much. Old Chen gestured for Qing Mu to step back, taking it upon himself to address the challenge. He walked forward, saying straightforwardly, "Alright then,e and test my condition." The mech warrior responded, "Out of respect for the elderly, I''ll refrain from using firearms." With a resonant ng, he drew a nearly two-meter-long broadsword. Charging forward, the ground trembled under his weight. As he approached, he swung the sword with great force, casting a brilliant gleam that was as blinding as lightning. Initially, Old Chen remained still, waiting for the warrior toe closer. Only when the de was almost upon him did he deftly sidestep. Then, with lightning speed, he lunged forward and, with a loud thud, pped the mech warrior squarely on the chest. Crack! A horrifying sound echoed. The mech''s external shell flickered with sparks and rapidly formed a densework of cracks. Then, with a loud bang, it shattered into countless pieces, scattering across the ground. A man, who looked to be in his thirties and of mixed heritage, tumbled out from the wreckage, his mouth frothing with blood. He copsed onto the ground, motionless. Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in disbelief. "This..." He was lost for words. Old Chen had just demolished a mech suit with his bare hands¡ªa feat that surpassed any of his expectations! The entire scene fell into eerie silence, the pupils of many attendees constricting in shock. "After a decade without showing my skills, many seem to have forgotten who I am," Old Chen stated coldly. With his thick silver hair and a matching icy silver mask, he surveyed the crowd. Wherever his gazended, many found it difficult to maintain eye contact. Footnote: [1] Wang Xiao: ÍõÏö, and СÍõ. A word y due to how both words were pronounced in a simr fashion. Chapter 51: Principles vs Profit Chapter 51: Principles vs Profit Wang Xuan was genuinely taken aback. He knew Old Chen was powerful, but he hadn''t imagined the man capable of such feats. With nothing more than his bare hands, Old Chen had taken down a mech suit! Memories of a day in an old machinery factory shed in Wang Xuan''s mind, where Old Chen had lightly tapped on a steel te. At that time, Wang Xuan had wondered if Old Chen had some trick up his sleeve¡ªmaybe he had rigged the steel beforehand? But now, he realized he had underestimated his old colleague all along. A rush of inspiration filled Wang Xuan. This wasn''t a thing of legends or tales from ancient books¡ªit was the achievement of a living, breathing man. This observation ignited the deep-seated ambitions within him. He had often pondered: if one could harness enough physical power, could they stand against the peak achievements of technological civilization? Trying to y off his astonishment, he jested, "It¡¯s a waste that Old Chen is not into mining. With those hands of his¡­ The possibilities¡­" "What are you on about?" Wu Yin looked over, a yful confusion in her eyes. "I mean, any real man should be able to dismantle a mech with his bare hands!" Wang Xuan eximed, setting an internal goal for himself. Nearby, the crowd snapped back to reality, deeply impressed by Old Chen''s disy of power. Especially those from the gically enhanced warrior and New Arts practitioner, they were extremely wary now. Some of them turned their gaze to Wang Xuan, seemingly amused and somewhat offended. "How many can actually dismantle a mech with their bare hands? Is this younger generation trying to mock us, implying that most men are inferior?" "Old Chen, no matter how respected you are as a senior figure, don''t you think you were too ruthless?" A voice coldly remarked. Approaching was a sleek, silver-gray mech standing at an imposing four and a half meters. Its streamlined design and metallic sheen were undeniably impressive. "Is this your first time meeting me?" Old Chen responded calmly, his silver mask making him appear even more aloof. "Most who''ve shown murderous intent towards me, or pointed a weapon in my direction, are now dead. The man lying there is fortunate to merely be incapacitated for the next few months." Many remained silent. Those who were familiar with Old Chen knew this was his way. Over the years, the number of enemies Old Chen had dwindled, partly because many had met their end by his hand, and partly due to the growing apprehension surrounding his name. "After all these years, let''s see if you''ve still got it," came a voice from within the silver-grey mech, now glowing all over. Old Chen retorted, "Having once been defeated by the Old Arts, and now aligning yourself with a different faction is understandable. But harboring such hatred for the old ways is quite excessive. Your mech is heavily modified, brimming with energy weapon ports everywhere. Are you certain this is meant to test your skills against mine, instead of fighting using weapons?" Indeed, the silver-gray mech glowed ominously, with weapon ports scattered from its torso to its arms and even its head, all capable of emitting energy beams. Old Chen added, ¡°I warn you: if you can''t hit me in a short span, I''ll use my warship to obliterate you. If you''re really looking for a fight using weapons, why bother piloting this pile of junk? Let''s have our warships duke it out directly!¡± At that moment, a medium-sized warship from the Old World¡¯s government cast a beam onto the silver-gray mech as a stern warning. The mech was locked onto; any erratic move, and it would be sted to pieces. "Fine," the voice from the silver-gray mech responded, "I''ll switch to thetest model and duel with you in a bit." The mech then backed away and departed with heavy steps. Wang Xuan''s heart raced. If the opponent didn''t y by the rules in this situation, could Old Chen dodge in time? This was far riskier than the two ambushes Wang Xuan had encountered, given their close proximity and the greater firepower of the mech. Turning to Qing Mu, he quietly expressed his concerns. Qing Mu whispered back, "My master''s mental capacity has undergone numerous transformations, forming his own mental domain. He can sense dangers beforehand and can evade mech weaponry for a short period." Wang Xuan was taken aback. He realized that from now on, he should pay closer attention to Old Chen''s words. Some of them seemed to be quite insightful. Old Chen himself had mentioned before that he was once beaten up in the "spiritual realm" by a ghostly monk for an entire night. Wang Xuan had brushed off thatment at that time, but now he realized that there really was such a thing as a spiritual realm, and Old Chen was profoundly strong in it. Seeing Wang Xuan''s puzzlement, Qing Mu borated, "By ''spiritual transformation,'' I mean the multiple urrences of heightened sensory states, which eventually lead to a metamorphosis of the spirit, giving birth to a spiritual realm." He sighed, "It''s a pity that the ancient practitioners from the pre-Qin period are gone. Even the founders of our practice have all passed away. In this era, there''s no one capable of guiding my master into the innerndscape. Otherwise, his power would be far beyond what it is now." Wu Yin nodded, saying, "My father once mentioned that if Old Chen lived during the peak era of Old Arts, he might have be a prominent figure in the mystical world." Qing Mu expressed his sorrow for his master. The four elders of the old art had an even higher opinion of Old Chen. They believed that if he were in ancient times, at the very least, he could establish his own school of mysticism. If conditions were optimal, he might even attain the status of a Bodhisattva within the realm of Old Arts. Wang Xuan now understood why Old Chen, despite disregarding his pride, was so keen on extracting the Immortal Ascension Technique from him. It was due to Old Chen''s unwillingness to settle for less. Old Chen had always been ambitious, but the current era was not favorable for the old techniques. Even though Old Chen had experienced heightened sensory states multiple times over the past few decades, there was no one to guide him further into the innerndscape. At that moment, Wang Xuan felt that perhaps Old Chen wasn''t as frivolous as he''d initially believed. Perhaps this version of Old Chen was the true representation of himself. "Old Chen, you¡¯re just like how you¡¯ve always been. Your temperament hasn''t changed a bit," an elderly man in traditional clothing descended from an airship, exuding an aura of authority. He continued, "But times have changed. The Old Arts are waning, soon to fade from the stage of history. You know well what the New Arts represent: they have built a bridge to transcendence in this era." Clearly, this elder in traditional clothing was no ordinary individual. He directly mentioned the origin and significance of the New Arts, implying their capability to tap into supernatural powers. The vast expanse ofnd was a dull brown. In this season, the weather in Pamir teau was harsh, turning the ground into ice. Old Chen paced slowly, showing no sign of emotional disturbance. Behind that cold silver mask, his heart seemed equally detached. He responded, "I have never been against other paths. I''ve always advocated for the integration of all knowledge. With technology being so magnificent, who would willingly revert to the primitive days of consuming raw meat and blood? As you mentioned, the New Arts offer a connection to the divine, a way to transcend the ordinary. Who would forsake that? I have always been inclusive and open to learning. Even if my disciples reach the end of their journey with the Old Arts and can''t find further potential, I''ve always suggested they study the New Arts to break through. But why do some of you insist on burying the Old Arts, suppressing them without giving them a chance to thrive?" Wang Xuan listened intently, silent. Wu Yin, standing beside him, whispered her analysis, "It''s not just an ideological conflict but also a matter of vested interests. I''ve heard that recently, a grandmaster from the realm of the New Arts visited the Old World''s authorities, offering to join their exploratory organizations and assist in various matters. This is still a ce where Old Chen holds sway. It hints at the intricate rtionships and the vast interests at y behind the scene. As for the state of other organizations and institutions dedicated to the old techniques, their situation now is even more precarious." Wang Xuan was surprised, realizing just how unaware he was. "My interpretation might be wed. Just take it with a grain of salt," Wu Yin said with a smile. "The situation is precarious," Wang Xuan whispered. Wu Yin nodded, adding, "The exploration organization led by Mr. Chen is indeed extraordinary. Be it the Immortal Caves, the preserved flesh and blood of a female practitioner from three millennia ago that can prolong modern lives, or other even more significant discoveries... His team has always been at the forefront." Wang Xuan nodded, appreciating Wu Yin''s logical analysis. Clearly, the situation was far moreplicated than what Wu Yin described. The deeper reasons were not being explicitly shared by the elders. Even Old Chen, despite his evident anger, did not fully disclose his grievances but rather hurled veiled usations. "During the era of the Hundred Schools of Thought, different philosophies flourished andpeted brilliantly. Butter, all other philosophies were suppressed in favor of Confucianism. Do you want to replicate that scenario in this era, following the ancient practices?" Old Chen challenged. "Old Chen, you know that is not true. We''re merely having a friendlypetition. We have no intention of killing off anything," the elderly man in Tang attire responded. "Oh? You¡¯re even thinking of killing the Old Arts off? To even utter such words. That¡¯s rather confident of you" Old Chen retorted with a coldugh.
Jimmi''s Thoughts Yeahhh!!! Don''t mess with my man Old Chen!!!
Chapter 52: Showdown: New Arts Against Old Arts Chapter 52: Showdown: New Arts Against Old Arts ¡°Don¡¯t be so stubborn, Old Chen. No one is trying to drive you into a corner. In the end, it¡¯s just a sparring match to fosterpetition and achieve the goal of advancing together,¡± the old man in traditional clothing said amicably. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m not aware that someone wants to suppress the Old Arts?" Old Chen said with a cold tone. ¡°You¡¯re as stubborn as always, Old Chen. After the passing of the Four Elders of the Old Arts, there are only a few strong and thoughtful individuals left in this field, like you and maybe a couple more.¡± The old man in traditional clothing shook his head. He wore a calm expression, but spoke with confidence. Old Chen remarked, ¡°How confident of you, Chang Heng. It seems that discovering a pathway to transcendence and experiencing a significant boost in strength haspletely transformed your introverted nature.¡± Chang Heng, the old man in traditional clothing, had short ck hair. Despite a few wrinkles that appeared when he spoke, he bore little resemnce to an old man. His eyes held a profound strength that came from his heart. What was most astonishing was the faint halo surrounding his body, as if he possessed some enigmatic power. He stood on the brown frozen ground, his body radiating a hazy light. Just a short distance away, a battleship loomed, blending the elements of mythology and technology into a surreal scene. Everyone¡¯s heart raced as they witnessed this spectacle. Terra Nova had seen the emergence of many new species over the years, and recently, it had been revealed that these species were brought from somewhere else. Rumors suggested that the New Arts was connected to that ce. Old Chen stepped forward and asked, ¡°You want to fight me again after all these years?¡± The intense conflicts between the New Arts and the Old Arts had started long ago, although outsiders failed to grasp its significance. Chang Heng shook his head and replied, ¡°No, I''m only conducting theoretical research at the moment.¡± The crowd was stunned by this revtion. ¡°Let¡¯s settle it directly and see if the declining Old Arts can serve its final purpose!¡± someone shouted from a distance. It was a three meters tall muscr man who carried a ck steel baton that made a resounding sound as it struck the ground. Despite his towering stature, he disyed remarkable agility and strength. The steel baton in his hand weighed about one hundred kilograms. Wang Xuan was amazed by the sheer height of this person. ¡°He¡¯s one of the recent human species who had undergone multiple gic modifications while still in the womb,¡± Wu Yin whispered. ¡°Is he very strong?¡± Wang Xuan asked. Wu Yin nodded solemnly and replied, ¡°Very strong. His physical abilities alone allow him to leap ten meters high in the air. He possesses incredible strength, like the fierce generals of ancient times who could lift heavy cauldrons effortlessly. He can also run as fast as the tigers and leopards in the forests.¡± These were the capabilities of a super body, and the best among them were even more terrifying, simr to Superman. The three-meter tall super body was incredibly muscr with tough but translucent skin. The tall man challenged, ¡°Those who practiced the Old Arts,e duel with me. I shall spar with you using your cold weapons!¡± Before Old Chen could respond, a voice came from mid-air. ¡°Chen Yongjie, I am your opponent!¡± The middle-aged man, who had previously piloted a silver-gray mecha, now appeared in a blue, nearly translucent mecha. It had a soft metallic luster and seemed to be made of unusual materials. Standing next to Qing Mu, Wu Chenglin¡¯s face contorted in surprise as he softly murmured, ¡°That¡¯s a new type of mecha developedst year. The material is highly unique, sourced from the ce where the New Arts was founded. It¡¯s incredibly strong and is exceptionally resistant to external damage.¡± Old Chen looked up and said, ¡°I bet that mecha isn¡¯t cheap, right? It probably costs a few hundred millions Novadors. If I were to strike it down, wouldn¡¯t you all be heartbroken?¡± ¡°Chen Yongjie, you are still as conceited as ever!¡± The blue shiny mecha hovered above, as the voice of the middle-aged man echoed from within. ¡°Times have changed. Mechas can now be mass-produced and scaled up to be as powerful as experts. In the field of Old Arts, how many experts can possibly emerge in an era?¡± ¡°When the Old Arts defeated you and you switched sides, your disdain for the Old Art became apparent. Your actions are truly despicable. I firmly believe that individuals like you have yed a major role in the ongoing efforts to suppress the Old Artspletely.¡± Old Chen''s voice carried a chilling tone as he locked his gaze on the blue mecha hovering above. ¡°In the end, this is still a battle between the New Arts and the Old Arts. What does it have to do with people like you who are piloting mechas? Once a practitioner of the Old Arts enter the right mecha, they can easily defeat all of you!¡± Old Chen exuded a murderous aura. His words made everyone¡¯s heart skip a beat as he dismissed the mecha faction as if it were not even a worthy rival. ¡°The Old Arts are difficult to master, so those who had been gically modified or piloting mechas began exploring the New Arts. Eventually, some seeded in venturing down this path. In the end, it boils down to a battle between the Old and the New Arts, with no other third-party factions involved!¡± Old Chen said coldly and disdainfully. ¡°How dare you look down upon those in the mecha faction?!¡± the man in the blue mecha retorted indignantly. Old Chen shot him an indifferent look and said, ¡°Your past defeat has clouded your judgment. How powerful do you think you are? The moment I get into a mecha, you¡¯re nothing more than a humanoid target concealed in a pile of scrap metal. Not just you, but all of you!¡± Wang Xuan marveled at Old Chen¡¯s courage and scornful attitude toward everyone on the opposing side. His words could easily incite public anger. ¡°Old Chen, do you truly believe that you can single-handedly take on everyone? Even if you achieve impressive battle results, you won¡¯t be able to sustain it for long. While it proves your remarkable mastery of the Old Arts, it doesn¡¯t reflect the overall strength of the Old Arts. Once you die, so will the Old Arts, with no one left to continue its legacy. No one will even mention the Old Arts again!¡± Chang Heng said. Other experts in the field of Old Arts were also present, and upon hearing Chang Heng¡¯s words, a surge of indignation washed over them. Although Chang Heng was not addressing them directly, his words struck a nerve, provoking them and challenging their skills, daring them to respond. An expert from the field of Old Arts stepped forward and said, ¡°Old Chen, today is not solely about you. Don¡¯t stand in our way.¡± It was a burly man in his forties. Standing at nearly two meters tall, he carried a long alloy sword. While he was considered tall and robust among ordinary people, he appeared petitepared to those with super bodies. With little exchange of words, the two immediately engaged inbat. The sh of their weapons created an ear-splitting symphony of metal as sparks flew everywhere. The middle-aged man managed to block the three-meter tall super body. Their strength seemed evenly matched, indicating the middle-aged man¡¯s considerable skill in the Old Arts. After all, he was born as an ordinary person, while his opponent was born a different species. In an ancient battlefield, both of them would have been regarded as fierce generals. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that practicing the Old Arts cannot transcend the limits of the mortal body. In a cold weapon duel like this, it ultimately bes futile,¡± the old man in the traditional clothing remarked. Suddenly, the three-meter tall man¡¯s super body emitted a hazy blue light, causing his strength to skyrocket. He effortlessly shattered his opponent¡¯s long alloy sword and impaled him with a steel baton. Blood gushed out as the middle-aged man¡¯s face contorted in excruciating pain. The steel baton had pierced through his chest. He tried to grasp it with both hands, but was unable to muster his strength. ¡°Brother Li!¡± Qing Mu shouted, recognizing this man as an old acquaintance of his. The man with super body lifted him up and swung the steel baton with tremendous force, hurling the middle-aged man like a scarecrow over ten meters away. He crashed to the ground with a sickening thud, covered in blood, and never moved again. Qing Mu and a group of Old Arts practitioners swiftly rushed over to the middle-aged man¡¯s side. After assessing his condition, it became evident that his injuries were fatal. He had been pierced through the heart and his internal organs had been destroyed by the piercing blue light. ¡°Too ruthless!¡± ¡°Brother Li!¡± someone cried out in sorrow. ¡°I guess the experts of the Old Arts aren¡¯t as impressive as they im,¡± a voice from the opposing side remarked. A middle-aged man in his forties stepped forward. Despite his withered and thin appearance, his eyes shone like goldenmps. He added, ¡°As a practitioner of the New Arts, I must express my deep disappointment in all of you. Other than Mr. Chen, I highly doubt anyone else in the field of Old Arts is worthy of my attention.¡± Old Chen stepped forward and made his way toward the middle aged name. The middle-aged man within the blue mecha spoke, ¡°Old Chen, are you finally ready to make a grand entrance?¡± Chang Heng let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Old Chen, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s about time to acknowledge that, apart from yourself, there isn¡¯t much remaining in the field of the Old Arts? It¡¯s a dying art!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t provoke me, or I''ll ughter all of you in an instant!¡± Old Chen snapped, his voice dripping with murderous intent. Among the group of Old Arts practitioners, an old man in his sixties stepped forward and said, ¡°Old Chen, I¡¯m sure you know about my circumstances. My practice has gone awry, and I don¡¯t have much time left to live. Let me take the fight, even if it means my death. I don¡¯t want to die without challenging those who follow the path of the New Arts.¡± He had every intention of going out without knowing who his opponent would be. The idea of Old Chen being the only person among those who practiced the Old Arts to fight was simply unbearable. It would be a blow to their collective pride and only serve to validate the ims of what those people across the street had said¡ªthe Old Arts had declined to the point where it was no longer worthy of attention. Old Chen sighed. He knew this old man well, stubborn and determined. He would not back down even if someone tried to stop him. Although he appeared old and frail, there was a hidden strength within him. His fists emitted a faint halo of light, and there were faint rumblesing from within his body, subtly hinting at the power he possessed. He directed this force toward the thin middle-aged man, who had taken the path of the New Arts. The middle-aged man¡¯s face paled. Realizing that he could not match the old man¡¯s strength, he quickly retreated, avoiding a direct confrontation. Only when the old man¡¯s fists dimmed did he seize the opportunity to counterattack. The two men engaged in a fierce battle, their movements so swift that the sound of wind and thunder apanied each strike. After a few exchanges, the old man suddenly stopped moving. His body began to wither, and a red haze escaped from him, as if his soul had been drained. His eyes lost their spark, and he stood there, motionless. The red haze reached the withered middle-aged man, who condensed it into a sharp sword. With a swift swing, he severed the old man¡¯s head. ¡°No one should interfere!¡± Old Chen¡¯s voice thundered with anger, causing the ears of those present to ring. ¡°Old Chen, can¡¯t you see? The decline of the Old Arts is inevitable!¡± someone coldly remarked. ¡°So, what¡¯s next, Old Chen?¡± The middle-aged man in the blue mecha sneered coldly. Old Chen looked up at his blue mecha in the air and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll start with you!¡± He drew a ck sword that measured over a meter in length. The swordcked any cold gleam and did not seem particrly sharp. He pointed it toward the sky and the back of his clothes ripped open, revealing a pair of silver wing-like extensions on his back. Without dy, streams of silver light burst forth,unching Old Chen into the air. ¡°Those propellers were developed by my family. They¡¯re incredibly fast, capable of catching up to mechas,¡± Wu Yin exined to Wang Xuan. The middle-aged man was shocked by its astonishing speed. Nevertheless, he fearlessly swung hisrge sword at Old Chen. ¡°I would love to see how you can break this new material¡­¡± ng! The next moment, the alloy sword in his hand shattered. Old Chen had only swiftly passed by him, then gracefully returned to the ground and sheathed his ck sword. Blood rained from the sky as the blue mecha in mid-air was split in half. It was astonishing to see how effortlessly an advanced mecha constructed with revolutionary materials was destroyed! The middle-aged man, severed at the waist, plummeted from the sky, meeting a gruesome end upon impact. Old Chen, who hadnded gracefully on the ground, silently strode toward the three-meter-tall man with super body. With a powerful strike, Old Chen pped the steel baton out of his hands. The force was immense, causing the hands of his opponent to bleed and all his nails to be broken. The steel baton flew several meters away, and the man with super body staggered backward, overwhelmed by the impact. Old Chen moved like a streak of light, closing the distance in an instant. Hended a forceful p on his opponent¡¯s chest. The three-meter-tall man was sent flying twelve meters before his super body disintegrated in mid-air, transforming into a horrifying rain of blood that crashed to the ground! ¡°Old Chen, are you sure you want to fight alone?¡± someone shouted. ¡°If you¡¯re afraid, then you cane at me all together!¡± Old Chen¡¯s voice echoed, as he effortlessly leaped over ten meters in an instant to confront the withered middle-aged man who had chosen the path of the New Arts. Chapter 53: The Last Glory of the Old Arts Chapter 53: The Last Glory of the Old Arts Old Chen moved with astonishing speed, leaving behind a lingering shadow as he effortlessly leaped over ten meters with each bound. The spectators were stunned by his remarkable agility, unable to follow his movements. The withered middle-aged man, undoubtedly an unrivaled expert, was able to strike swiftly despite Old Chen¡¯s speed. A red haze swept across his hand, aiming for Old Chen¡¯s neck. The haze rose like a round of red sun before exploding, ready to engulf his opponent. With lightning-fast reflexes, Old Chen countered the attack with a palm strike. The resulting boom echoed like thunder, shaking the ground and sending sand swirling through the air. The crowd¡¯s hearts raced, wondering if Old Chen could summon a real thunderbolt if he kept up with the attacks. Such mastery of the Old Arts would be considered legendary, even by the standards of ancient times. With a deafening ring, reminiscent of heavenly thunder striking a demonic being, the red haze shattered into pieces. These pieces then turned into a crimson blood light, scattering in every direction before bursting. A shower of red light fell upon the frozen ground, while others struck the distinct brown rocks of the Pamir teau, either leaving behind holes orpletely destroying them. The crowd''s faces paled, realizing the immense power contained in those seemingly harmless droplets of light rain. It was no wonder the withered middle-aged man had been so confident and dismissive of other Old Arts experts, excluding Old Chen. His performance was undeniably impressive. Old Chen, undeterred by the disy of power, continued his assault. His palm dispersed the eye-piercing red haze. In a sh, he closed the distance between himself and his opponent. The withered middle-aged man¡¯s pupils contracted and his hair stood on end. He could not forget how Old Chen had effortlessly sent a three-meter tall man with super body flying more than ten meters away, causing him to explode in mid-air. It was truly terrifying. If he were struck, he would likely be reduced to a heap of blood-stained bone fragments. At the critical moment, the withered middle-aged man took a deep breath, activating a secret power within him. His pores stretched and the blood in his body boiled as he prepared to y his trump card against Old Chen. Old Chen could feel the life force in his body being pulled away from his body by what seemed like a mysterious force. He now understood why the old man, who practiced the Old Arts, had suddenly withered away earlier and became motionless. His life force had been drained, leaving his body devoid of life. Fortunately, Old Chen was no ordinary individual. The five major viscera in his body vibrated and rumbled loudly. His blood and chi remained contained, and surged like a mighty river instead, infusing him with incredible vitality and causing his blood to radiate a luminous glow. A thunderous explosion erupted as a faint white light shot out from Old Chen¡¯s five viscera, colliding with the withered middle-aged man¡¯s body. The impact was devastating, tearing his opponent apart. The crowd gasped in shock, uncertain if Old Chen¡¯s level of mastery in the Old Arts had transcended its limits. It had been many years since the Old Era hade to an end, and experts of this caliber were no longer seen. Yet, today, Old Chen had effortlessly destroyed a New Arts expert using the Five Viscera Thunder Light Technique. Everyone recognized the immense power possessed by the withered middle-aged man, and there were only a few who could stand up against him. Yet, he was swiftly annihted by Chen Yongjie with just a single palm strike and a faint lightning that came from his chest! Everyone, including those on opposing sides, could not help but marvel at the terrifying power of this silver-masked Old Arts expert. He could soar through the sky and effortlessly slice through a new type of powerful mecha with a single swing of his sword. Afternding, he swiftly defeated a few formidable New Arts experts with just a few moves. The practitioners of the Old Arts were deeply moved. They understood better than anyone the immense difficulty of reaching such heights. It had been far too long since a true expert had emerged in this world; they had all be legendary figures of the past. If they had been the ones to fight, the oue would have been extremely dire. None of them stood a chance against the withered middle-aged man who followed the path of the New Arts. Old Chen¡¯s performance was exceptional, instilling fear in all his opponents. An Old Arts practitioner of his caliber was undeniably terrifying. ¡°I better treat Old Chen with more respect in the future.¡± Wang Xuan, who had been also stunned by Old Chen¡¯s disy of power, wiped his cold sweat as he mumbled to himself. Having witnessed the true extent of Old Chen¡¯s power, he now realized how kind Old Chen had been to him. Old Chen could have easily obliterated Wang Xuan with a single p if he wanted, all for the sake of obtaining the Immortal Ascension Technique. Wu Yin, who overheard Wang Xuan¡¯s mumble, was both surprised and perplexed. On the other hand, Qing Mu was trembling from excitement. ¡°Fifteen years ago, my master rarely showed off his skill andpletely stopped fighting ten years ago. I thought that something had happened, but it turns out that he has already attained the Grandmaster Realm long ago!¡± A group of the Old Arts practitioners nearby were equally astonished. Old Chen had indeed broken through ten years ago as they suspected, possibly even fifteen years ago. ¡°No wonder why the Four Elders of the Old Arts seemed so relieved when they saw Old Chen before their passing. They closed their eyes with a smile, free of regrets,¡± someone eximed, as the pieces of an old puzzle finally fit together. A tall figure emerged from the crowd, standing at almost two meters in height. He had a frail and bald appearance, reminiscent of an ascetic. His skin was unusually pale, almostcking any trace of color, unlike that of ordinary people. As he walked, his body underwent a remarkable change, emitting a radiant glow resembling the luster of a white jade, which gradually enveloped him. As the loose sleeves of his robes opened, six arms were revealed. He bore a striking resemnce to the mythical creature with three heads and six arms. Wang Xuan looked at Wu Yin, silently questioning her if this person was one of the recent human species with a super body. Wu Yin nodded, confirming his suspicion. Wang Xuan fell silent, pondering the extent of the research conducted by the Nova faction. Were they attempting to recreate mythical creatures? The abnormality of it all was unsettling. Wu Yin, a member of an influential family from Terra Nova, had a wealth of knowledge and shared some information with Wang Xuan. ¡°ording to reports, someone had discovered a Bodhisattva finger with flesh in the underground pce of an ancient temple. After decades of research and gene deciphering, fruitful results were obtained. Newborns¡¯ genes were gically modified and optimized, resulting in the creation of the Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body, which is ssified as one of the strongest branches of the new human race.¡± ¡°I feel ignorant, only hearing about this for the first time today.¡± Xuan Wang sighed, realizing hisck of knowledge. Wu Yin shook her head, revealing that not many people in Terra Nova were aware of such advancements. The gic field was ostracized by the public due to ethical concerns, and many details were kept hidden from the public eye. Standing beside Qing Mu, Wu Chenglin, who was more knowledgeable in the subject, added, ¡°The Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body is unparalleled in terms of physical prowess. Not only that, this person has achieved great sess in the field of the New Arts. He is considered a very powerful individual.¡± In terms of physical strength alone, the grandmasters paled inparison to him. The New Arts he practiced were specifically focused on enhancing his physical abilities. ¡°He might even be a grandmaster himself!¡± Wu Chenglin told Qing Mu with a serious expression. All of a sudden, the man with Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body started sprinting. With each step, the ground shattered beneath his feet, resulting in enormous craters. Rocks crumbled beneath his feet, unable to withstand his tremendous power. This person looked no different than a humanoid crusher surrounded by a white light. His strength was so terrifying that even massive boulders obstructing his path would disintegrate with a single kick. He charged toward Old Chen with incredible speed, leaping into the air. His six arms swung forward, emitting a dazzling white light. The wind howled and thunder roared as the broken rocks and gravel were torn apart by an unstoppable force, creating a horrifying spectacle. Wearing a silver mask, Old Chen stood still and waited patiently. When the man with Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body approached, Old Chen extended his palms, shing through the air with lightning speed. Old Chen¡¯s arms moved so fast that they left phantom-like trajectories and palm prints suspended in mid-air. The deafening explosions reverberated through the surroundings, causing difort in the eardrums of the spectators. Everyone was stunned by the incredible speed and overwhelming power disyed by Old Chen. Stones, approximately the size of a teacup, that were scattered on the ground suddenly began to spin and fly around the two men like a chaotic whirlwind. The man with Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body emitted a soft, hazy white light, as if it was connecting with a realm beyond. An unexinable force field materialized, posing a threat to Old Chen, as it seemed capable of tearing him apart. However, the most terrifying aspect was the continuous collision of their palms, creating thunderous echoes that resonated throughout the teau. The fist-sized rocks that were sent flying around shattered upon contact with the two men¡¯s bodies, proving their immense strength. The two men¡¯s palms shed and collided for about a hundred or two hundred times as they fought relentlessly. Finally, the rocks and gravel that had been swirling around them fell to the ground. The man with Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body staggered backward, blood dripping from his mouth. To everyone¡¯s shock, his six arms broke off one by one, crashing to the ground or bursting open with a sickening sound. ¡°The man with Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body is someone who has attained the Grandmaster Realm,¡± someone from the New Arts faction eximed, feeling a chilling fear as they witnessed the terrifying strength of Old Chen. It was at this moment that many finally understood what had happened. Old Chen had crippled a grandmaster! The man with Six-Armed Bodhisattva Super Body stumbled backward. After the loss of his six arms, he eventually copsed to the ground with blood gushing from his mouth and nose. A group of people rushed over to carry him away, knowing that even if he survived, he would be crippled. Old Chen, still wearing the icy silver mask, advanced towards the New Arts faction. A hush descended upon the Pamir teau, as everyone was left in a state of utter astonishment by Old Chen¡¯s overwhelming strength. ¡­¡­ In the sky, aboard a powerful battleship, a prominent grandmaster from the field of the New Arts was conversing with the deputy head of a relevant department from the Old Earth. ¡°This battle will mark the end of thest glory of the Old Arts. After today, Chen Yongjie will bepletely crippled, even if he manages to survive. In his youth, he had foolishly delved into a secret technique in a scripture from the Taoist Ancestral Court, resulting in a near-fatal incident. Despite being saved by the Four Elders of the Old Arts, he was left with lingering health issues. While it didn¡¯t hinder his progress, he has been rtively inactive for many years as he can no longer fight like he used to. It seems unlikely that we will see any more significant actions from Chen Yongjie after today.¡± ¡°Old Chen is thest expert in the field of the Old Arts. Once he falls, the Old Arts will be considered a dead art. The others are too far behind, incapable of adequately supporting the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. As the followers of the New Arts, we are willing to cooperate and take over Old Chen¡¯s position. I believe our coboration will be more harmonious,¡± the supreme grandmaster of the New Arts remarked calmly. The Adventurer¡¯s Guild had been involved in the excavation of the Immortal Cave, the incident with the female practitioner, and even had a ¡°mysterious contact¡± that had caught the attention of the megacorporations. Because of this, someone sought to seize control and take over the guild. Wu Yin¡¯s words were not onlyprehensive but also valid. The conflict between the Old and New Arts extended beyond mere ideology; it epassed various aspects of interest. ¡°It seems a bit audacious for you to approach us at this time, don¡¯t you think? We have been working quite well with Old Chen,¡± the deputy head of a relevant department from the Old Earth responded tly. ¡°I¡¯m sure our cooperation would be even more fruitful. We would bepletely at yourmand. I¡¯ve heard that the project at the underground facility in the Greater Khingan Range has been temporarily halted. We can help resolve the issues there and ensure its continuation. Additionally, we have acquired something from the deep space that can extend a person¡¯s lifespan by a few years¡­¡± Chapter 54: Grandmasters Chapter 54: Grandmasters The Pamir teau, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, was known for its harsh climate. The soil appeared grayish-brown, transforming into frozen ground as autumn approached. In the sky, a massive super battleship loomed, its icy exterior reflecting the unforgiving cold. Inside the cabin, the deputy head of a relevant department sat calmly, tapping his fingers gently on the table. He remained silent, deep in thought. ¡°Old scriptures, ascension, Inner Landscape... It seems like you are constantly digging and seeking understanding of these concepts. Your sole motivation for reaching out to us is personal gain.¡± The deputy spoke calmly, his gaze cold as he addressed the grandmaster of the New Arts. ¡°We have coborated with Old Chen for many years, and we will not participate in any actions that betray the trust of our people.¡± The supreme grandmaster of the New Arts, dressed in pristine white attire, possessed an otherworldly aura despite his middle-aged appearance. He nodded, acknowledging the statement. The deputy head¡¯s response did note as a surprise to him. After all, it was unthinkable for someone in his position to take any actions that would betray the trust of his people at this time. However, the supreme grandmaster was confident that he would eventually coborate with the Old Earth and fully take control of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. This endeavor involved the interests of multiple parties and no one could stop him once the momentum was built. Others within the battleship observed this exchange with furrowed brows or in silence. They understood that the head of the relevant department was not young and sought to prolong his life. In the end, someone stepped forward to voice their concerns, cautioning against the excessive reach of the New Arts faction. Their intention was to issue a warning and establish boundaries before granting permission for any further advancements. After all, everything needed to be done gradually and with careful consideration. ¡­¡­ Today, numerous battleships from different organizations arrived at the Pamir teau. Among them were some important figures from various megacorporations. Renowned figures from the field of the New Arts personally paid visits to some of the super battleships and engaged in secret talks with the representatives from the megacorporations. Meanwhile, various forces also gathered on an interster ship to discuss matters together. ¡°Old Chen was thest beacon of hope in the Old Arts. With his fall, there is no one left to carry on this path. The so-called Old Art experts are far too inferior andck the ability to rise again. The old arts have met their demise!¡± "I believe the resources should now be directed towards the New Arts. From the perspective of growth and sustainability, the Old Arts simply cannotpare. It is a lost cause.¡± ¡°In the past, it was believed that the so-called immortals had the ability to observe everything from above. However, the path to bing a Bodhisattva or an immortal is now inessible and impossible. It is likely that the immortals themselves had perished in ancient times. We are currently living in a time of great change, where new techniques are emerging and gaining support. These advancements offer tangible short-term benefits, as everyone fears aging and death. The new techniques have the potential to prolong life!¡± ¡°Supporting the New Arts in the short term is inevitable, but we must not forget the significance of the Old Arts in the long run!¡± ¡­¡­ This secret negotiation began with a cordial atmosphere, but as it unfolded, intense bargaining took over. Certain powerful forces could not let go of their long-held beliefs, even if short-term benefits were evident. Unfortunately, none of the representatives from the Old Arts were present at the negotiations. Old Chen, the only qualified individual, was on the brink of death. Meanwhile on the Pamir teau, the people from the New Arts faction wore somber expressions as they watched Old Chen press on. The frozen ground trembled violently, and a ten-meter tall figure appeared from behind a mountain. The towering mythical giant had long golden hair, dark pupils, and a bronzeplexion. He effortlessly wielded a meteor hammer weighing six hundred kilograms, swinging it with ease as the iron chain ttered. Massive beasts generated wind as they moved, let alone a giant like him. With each thunderous stride, he stirred up gales that whipped up sand. Witnessing this spectacle, Wang Xuan could not help but express his concern, ¡°What have those people on Terra Nova been doing? I fear that in a thousand years, the human race will be divided and hostile toward each other. These new human species with super bodies might even refuse to identify themselves as humans and dere themselves as a separate race!¡± At the same time, he began to wonder if the so-called demons and the likes in ancient times had been a result of human gic mutation, giving rise to alternative evolution. Surprised by Wang Xuan¡¯s remarks, Wu Chenglin turned around and smiled. ¡°You have quite the foresight, young man. No need to worry, precautions and measures have been put in ce to ensure the ability to reproduce super bodies fades away after three generations.¡± Meanwhile, the ten-meter tall giant continued charging toward Old Chen. He swung his meteor hammer with the force of andslide, causing the six hundred kilograms weapon to be an unstoppable force capable of turning anything it touched into a pulp! Old Chen knew better than to take such an attack head-on and swiftly dodged with lightning-fast reflexes. The powerful hammer crashed into the ground with tremendous force, creating a massive crater where he had previously stood. The frozen ground exploded, resulting in numerous cracks that stretched far into the distance. Despite standing at a towering height of ten meters, the giant with super body moved with remarkable agility and boundless strength as he continued attacking Old Chen relentlessly with his meteor hammer weighing six hundred kilograms. The other Old Arts practitioners anxiously watched as Old Chen faced this formidable opponent. Despite being a grandmaster, Old Chen was still a mere mortal with a body made of flesh and blood. The impact of the six hundred-kilogram meteor hammer would undoubtedly obliterate him. ng! Old Chen unsheathed his ck longsword and swiftly sprinted toward the giant, skillfully evading the meteor hammer raining down from above. The giant raised his foot and aggressively stomped toward Old Chen. Despite his impressive strength, he failed to match Old Chen¡¯s incredible flexibility and speed. Old Chen¡¯s movements were lightning-fast and powerful. With a swift motion, his ck longsword effortlessly sliced through the giant¡¯s ankle, causing a sudden gush of blood. The giant howled in agony, nearly copsing from the pain. He lowered his injured foot on the ground, afraid to put any pressure on it. Old Chen seized the opportunity, driving the ck longsword into the giant¡¯s other ankle, causing blood to stter. The giant cried out in misery before copsing to the ground, unable to stand. Old Chen approached with lightning speed, his sword poised at the giant¡¯s temple, ready to deliver a fatal blow. However, Old Chen hesitated, realizing it was not easy for someone to grow so big. He left the giant and a special vehicle arrived to transport his injured opponent away. A sudden bolt of lightning swiftly rushed out from the New Arts faction and collided with Old Chen, creating a loud ng. The man moved with such incredible speed that no one could see him until he abruptly came to a halt. It was only then that people noticed the pair of light wings on his back, granting him the ability to fly. He wielded arge sword, and had swooped down on Old Chen at incredible speed. To his astonishment, Old Chen effortlessly snapped off a piece of his alloy sword with a simple flick of his fingers. The opponent possessed incredible speed, with light wings that granted him the ability to fly. He navigated from one side to another, seeking out any openings that would allow him to strike with his alloy sword. However, Old Chen leaped toward him and swiftly disintegrated his opponent in mid-air with a powerful palm strike, causing a shower of blood to rain down. ¡°The New Arts epassesmunication with supernatural substances, facilitating personal transformation, and harnessing supernatural forces. That is the general exnation you provide to the public. However, I can¡¯t help but notice that each of your New Arts is distinct in its own way. I¡¯m curious to know what exactly you have discovered.¡± Old Chen frowned, perplexed by the different New Arts he had witnessed. Some bore resemnce to divine abilities that one could achieve after mastering the Old Arts to a certain extent, while others resembled ancient tales of demons feeding on souls through dark and sinister techniques. One by one, more than a dozen experts emerged from the New Arts faction, only to be swiftly eliminated by Old Chen¡¯s sword. They were either chopped up or beheaded. Some were even blown apart by Old Chen¡¯s unstoppable palm strikes. Wang Xuan marveled at Old Chen¡¯s performance from afar. It was not that those people were not strong enough; some of them were incredibly skilled practitioners of the New Arts. Yet, Old Chen¡¯s skills were unmatched, effortlessly defeating each and everyone of them. Wang Xuan felt a lot more relieved and turned to Qing Mu. ¡°Old Qing, your pessimism was proven wrong today. Your master is truly formidable.¡± Qing Mu red at him, unsure if he should feel offended by Wang Xuan¡¯s remark. Wang Xuan marveled, ¡°Old Chen is truly formidable. He defeated everyone in the mecha, super body, and the New Arts faction. No other powerful grandmasters emerged to challenge him. Old Chen will go down in history as God, leaving future generations in awe and admiration. Everyone would wish that they had sons like Old Ch¡­¡± ¡°You can stop right there!¡± Qing Mu thought that Wang Xuan¡¯s initial statement was decent, but theter part kind of spoiled it. From the look of things, Wang Xuan believed that he had no opportunity to fight. Old Chen had single-handedly destroyed the confidence of other factions, as well as those who were foolish enough to challenge him. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day, Old Chen. That¡¯s enough for today.¡± Chang Heng, the man in traditional clothing, sighed. ¡°Fine.¡± Old Chen had no objection to the suggestion. He sheathed his sword and turned around, ready to leave. ¡°Hold it right there!¡± A voice came from the valley. A middle-aged man in pristine, white clothes stepped forward. He seemed to be an amateur in the field of the New Arts, yet he exuded an inexplicable Taoist aura. Simultaneously, a woman in alloy armor approached, her cold metal battle suit entuating her well-built body. As the two approached from different directions, an unseen force stirred up a terrifying wind, causing stones on the ground to float, shatter, and explode. Everyone¡¯s heart raced in their chest, as they sensed an overwhelming pressure. The presence of these two people seemed to expand and fill the atmosphere. They were both¡­ grandmasters! Not only that, they were exceptionally formidable. Their presence was even more intimidating than the man with Six Armed Bodhisattva Super Body! How could anyone possibly survive a fight with two grandmasters at once! Old Chen sighed, realizing that the other party was aware of his weakened state and intended to exploit it. They were determined to push his failing organs to their breaking point and get rid of him for good! Qing Mu¡¯s face turned pale, wondering if his master could handle two grandmasters alone. At this point, he was still unaware of Old Chen¡¯s deteriorating health. Wang Xuan sensed the danger in the air and realized the situation was dire. The calmness of those two grandmasters indicated their absolute confidence in defeating Old Chen. He feared that Old Chen would find himself in a perilous situation. ¡°No more fighting, Old Chen. We¡¯re leaving!¡± some of the old men who practiced the Old Arts shouted, rushing forward to stop the battle between the grandmasters. Though they were far weaker than Old Chen, they sensed the impending danger and feltpelled to intervene. However, many people from the New Arts factions quickly stepped forward, blocking their path. Old Chen waved his hand, signaling them to stand down. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to finally meet you and battle you today, Mr. Chen,¡± said the middle-aged man in pristine white clothes. It was the same man who had spoken to the deputy head of the relevant department from the Old Earth, expressing his desire to take over the Adventurer''s Guild. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking forward to sparring with you, Mr. Chen,¡± the female grandmaster in metal armor added. Though she appeared to be in her thirties, her true age exceeded fifty. Those who knew the inside story understood that the two grandmasters had joined forces to prevent Old Chen from leaving. They were determined to push Old Chen to his limits, ensuring he would not leave this ce alive. This n was widely supported by some members of the New Art faction who believed that if Old Chen were to break through further, his health issues would be fully resolved. Chapter 55: Uncovering The Roots Of The Old Arts Chapter 55: Uncovering The Roots Of The Old Arts Old Chen stuck his ck longsword in the frozen ground. His aura mirrored the coldness of the silver mask he wore, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. The two Grandmasters approached with slow steps. An invisible wind swept up the rocks, causing them to spin in mid-air before inexplicable forces shattered them. Ordinary people would not even be able to get close to them without being torn apart by the invisible force! ¡°Do you both want to fight me individually or together?" Old Chen asked calmly. He remained unfazed even when facing two Grandmasters. The middle-aged man named Mo Hai, dressed in pristine white, remained untouched by the swirling dust and flying gravel. Despite the wind, his clothes remained perfectly still. A radiant white light began to emanate from his body, enhancing his sacred and unapproachable presence, evoking a sense of reverence. It was not an illusion. Many people nearby were creeped out, as they wondered if the man could manipte the emotions of others. They were baffled by their own inexplicable desire to get closer to the man, some even finding themselvespelled to kneel in reverence. ¡°A Devil?!¡± someone whispered in a low voice. Both practitioners of the Old Arts and New Arts were strong-willed individuals; it was impossible for them to worship any gods! ¡°Please take a brief respite, Mr. Chen. I shall be your opponentter,¡± the man in white said with kindness. Although there were whispers of him being a devil, it was undeniable that he exuded an ethereal presence in his pristine white attire. ¡°What a gentleman. It looks like Old Chen¡¯s situation isn¡¯t as dire as we imagined,¡± a middle-aged practitioner of the Old Arts remarked. They were all prepared to join the battle at any given moment. Should the two Grandmasters decide to attack at the same time, all of them would unite in a desperate effort to eliminate them. Even Wang Xuan was fully focused and prepared to rescue Old Chen at a moment¡¯s notice. However, Old Chen¡¯s calm demeanor suggested he could handle one or two Grandmasters on his own. Wang Xuan was unaware of Old Chen¡¯s physical issues. During his youthful and impulsive days, Old Chen believed he could seed and dedicated himself to practicing the secret techniques of the Taoist Ancestral Court. Regrettably, this pursuit resulted in unforeseenplications that he carried with him. For some reason, Wang Xuan¡¯s heart was filled with intense unease. The two Grandmasters disyed an unusual calmness, as if they were absolutely certain of their ability to eliminate Old Chen. This unwavering certainty left Wang Xuan feeling unsettled. ¡°No need for that. Let¡¯s do this together!¡± Old Chen rejected the suggestion, knowing that the longer he dragged it out, the more unfavorable it would be for him. He kept his sword sheathed and walked toward the man in white empty-handedly. ¡°I apologize in advance!¡± Mo Hai said in a deep voice, his aura intensified as his white clothes billowed around him. A blinding white light erupted from his body and shed towards Old Chen, who swiftly moved to stand in front of him with a single fluid motion. With a powerful swing of his bare hand, Old Chen shattered the white light with an explosive force from his palm. The collision created a thunderous sound that shook everyone¡¯s eardrums. In the distance, spectators were rendered speechless as the white light from Mo Hai shed with Old Chen''s palms, creating a startling effect akin to a sudden thunderp on a clear day. Old Chen¡¯s palm shattered the white light, turning them into a shower of light. Likeser beams fired from an energy weapon, they struck the frozen ground, leaving behind numerous holes and destruction. Furthermore, a portion of the white light cut through rocks as tall as a man, like iparably sharp des effortlessly slicing through decaying wood. In an instant, Old Chen appeared before his opponent. Fearless of the mysterious white light, he swiftly raised his bare hand to sh through the air. The two Grandmasters engaged in a fierce battle, their bodies moving with incredible speed. They shed repeatedly, creating explosive thunderous sounds that reverberated through the clear sky. The noise was so intense that it made the spectators¡¯ ears ring and their heads spin. Many people found it hard to believe. The thunderous sounds produced by their sh surpassed anything they had ever heard before. The sheer intensity of their fight created an inexplicable energy field, causing debris to fly andrge stones to hover and spin around them before exploding with a resounding bang. ¡°He¡¯s Grandmaster Mo Hai!¡± Beside Qing Mu, Old Wu finally recognized the identity of the other grandmaster. His expression turned grave as he had heard that Grandmaster Mo Hai was a renowned figure in the field of New Arts. ¡°Mo Hai could control a type of purification beam, capable of extending a person¡¯s life by several years at a price. This had earned him great fame among the magnates,¡± Wu Chenglin exined. Even so, Old Wu had never anticipated that Mo Hai¡¯s Purification Beam could also be transformed into such a devastating attack. Any other Old Arts experts would have been swiftly annihted by this technique. The Purification Beam was truly divine, causing him to question if it was a form of transcendent power. As the two Grandmasters moved at incredible speed, thunderps echoed through the air. Lightning bolts streaked across the sky, seemingly intent on obliterating any demons that dared to tread on the Pamir teau. Suddenly, an astonishing phenomenon urred. Strange white lights came out of Mo Hai¡¯s mouth and nose, forming chains that snaked their way toward Old Chen. Not only that, beams of light also emerged from Mo Hai¡¯s seven orifices, transforming into seven white chains of light. These chains blocked all of Old Chen¡¯s escape routes, effectively trapping him in ce! Many spectators gasped in horror upon witnessing this. The practitioners of Old Arts were all anxious, deeply concerned for Old Chen¡¯s safety. It seemed like he was in grave danger! As expected, the seven white chains of light emitted a thunderous sound and an incredibly fearsome aura upon contact with Old Chen¡¯s body. Yet, in that critical moment, a deafening rumble erupted from Old Chen¡¯s chest. A faint white light burst forth, shattering all seven chains of light with a resounding impact. The force of his counterattack struck Mo Hai, causing his body to tremble violently before he desperately pulled back to evade Old Chen¡¯s onught. Old Chen moved like a shadow, his speed unmatched. Like two streaks of light, both of them swept across the barren ce. The air exploded with a deafening noise as a brilliant red haze materialized in Old Chen¡¯s heart. It resembled a rising sun, radiating a bright red and dazzling light. Finally, with a tremendous boom, the red haze in his chest surged, as if the great sun was aze. It bloomed fully, transforming into a beam of red light as thick as an arm. Its brilliance was unparalleled, marking the pinnacle of Old Chen¡¯s power. BOOM! Shocking thunder shook the teau as a red beam of light pierced through Mo Hai¡¯s body. Arge, bloody hole appeared in his chest as his body was sent flying through the air. Old Chen¡¯s chest heaved violently, but after a moment ofposing himself, he pressed forward with determined strides. The grandmaster in alloy armor stopped him and helped Mo Hai to his feet. Her name was Xia Qing, a rare female grandmaster in the field of the New Arts. She was half a head taller than most men, with a slender yet powerful figure. ¡°Go and tend to your wounds,¡± she said in a low voice. Mo Hai¡¯s injuries were severe, evident from the gaping hole in his chest where his heart had been ripped and a piece of his lung was missing. Without timely treatment, his cultivation would be greatly affected. ¡°None of you are allowed to leave,¡± Old Chen said indifferently, his voice devoid of mercy. He had no intention of showing mercy to those who hade to push him to his limits so that his lingering health issue could kill him. Even if his opponent was a renowned grandmaster of the New Arts, Old Chen remained resolute in his determination to spare no lives! Mo Hai clutched his chest, his body emitting a white light as he stopped the bleeding with New Arts. He reassured Xia Qing that he could hold on and would not retreat. He was determined to wait for the battle to reach its conclusion and even make a powerful move if opportunity allowed. Xia Qing¡¯s alloy armor gleamed with an icy metallic luster as she spoke coldly, ¡°Mr. Chen, I must admit, your skills are impressive. Rest and calm your boiling blood. We shall battle each other in a short while.¡± This time, Old Chen did not refuse. He stood there silently, everyone on the Pamir teau fell silent too as they all waited with bated breath. Near the Pamir teau, many airships had gathered that day. Among them was a massive, powerful and sleek-looking super battleship. Inside the battleship, a supreme grandmaster was talking with an old man. Three Grandmasters of the New Arts were present today, and thest one had just arrived. On the other hand, the old man was a prominent figure within the megacorporations. ¡°The path of the Old Arts is incredibly challenging, filled with numerous obstacles. Apart from Chen Yongjie, no one else has risen to prominence. It¡¯s unrealistic to ce all hope on P;d Chen to progress further and extend your life. Even the Grandmasters in the field of the Old Arts have hit a wall and are unable to attain such extraordinary heights. On the other hand, you have personally witnessed the oue of our two years of research. Your vitality is thriving, and the changes are evident¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling dizzy andcking energytely. Am I dying?¡± The old man satfortably, his legs draped in a nket crafted from the skin of a legendary creature. Owning such a rare material served as a testament to his strength. His question left the grandmaster of the New Arts with an immense headache. He was Chen Kai, a man in his fifties. In Chen Kai¡¯s opinion, the old man was healthy and had at least five years of worry-free life ahead of him. However, the old man stubbornly refused to acknowledge the benefits he had received from them and intentionally made things difficult for Chen Kai. Negotiating with him was exhausting and challenging, even more so than facing a grandmaster inbat. ¡°In today¡¯s era, there¡¯s no one in the field of the Old Arts who can reach those heights. Deciphering the golden bamboo slips is impossible, unless a practitioner or a sect ancestor figure from the Early Qin dynasty returns to life. Why not let us analyze them with the New Arts? We may be able to unravel its secrets and extend your life.¡± ¡°I¡¯m tired, my energy is waning and my body is falling apart. I fear that I will die soon. If you want to uncover the roots of the Old Arts, you must show sincerity. Let me experience the vitality in my body, give me hope that I can live for at least twenty more years. Only then will I consider waiting for the results of your work.¡± The old man''s eyes gleamed with vigor, his voice full of life. However, he had made it clear that no further negotiations could take ce unless he received another ten years of life extension. Chen Kai was taken aback. He briefly felt the urge to beat the old man to death, but he quickly regained hisposure and realized hecked the courage to do so. ¡°Chen Yongjie has emerged victorious,¡± the old man informed Chen Kai. Turning his attention to therge screen, Chen Kai remarked, ¡°Old Chen is indeed formidable. He¡¯s considered thest hope of the Old Arts. However, his time is running out.¡± Unspoken words lingered in the air. Regardless of the battle¡¯s oue, Old Chen would die due to the detonation of his five major viscera. His victory or defeat was inconsequential; death was inevitable. The old man questioned, ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about your twopanions?¡± ¡°No matter. I will personally go over there shortly,¡± Chen Kai replied as he observed Old Chen¡¯s physical condition through the screen. Chapter 56: Dealt A Major Blow Chapter 56: Dealt A Major Blow The Pamir teau, a bitterly cold ce since ancient times, remained silent year-round. Today, many influential organizations gathered here. Inside a starship, a small group of prominent figures were seated, discussing, negotiating, and bargaining with each other. Someone tapped on the table, signaling the others to look at the big screen. ¡°Mo Hai has lost.¡± The representative for the New Arts had a calm look on his face as he said, ¡°The New Arts is still in its infancy, while the old art has already dwindled. One is like the rising sun, and the other is like the setting sun. The New Art holds infinite potential, where everything is possible. The only remnants of the Old Arts lie with Old Chen, but even his days are numbered. The old path is arduous, and its end is near in this era.¡± It was a pity that no one from the field of the Old Arts was qualified to sit among them. Even so, the representative of the New Arts was interrupted by someone who coldly reminded him that substantial resources had been given to the New Arts over the years. All of the seated individuals had impressive backgrounds, having unearthed remarkable artifacts that temporarily revived the fading path of the Old Arts. They had a n in motion, but that abruptly changed just as they were getting started. ¡°Last time, the secret medicines intended for several experimental sses of the Old Arts around the world were redirected and sent to the New Arts instead.¡± As these words echoed, a chill settled over the atmosphere. This decision had been a collective investment and agreement by all parties. The shocking news of a ¡°new oue¡± from the New Arts, apanied by a request for a shift of resources in their favor, had disrupted the original resolutions. It could be said that the Old Arts had been dealt a major blow because of this. ¡­¡­ On another supreme battleship, Grandmaster Chen Kai of the New Arts remained humble for the sake of the golden bamboo slips. So far, only twoplete golden bamboo slips had been unearthed, and one of them was in the possession of a magnate by the surname of Zhong. However, dealing with Zhong Yong proved challenging. Despite the benefits Chen Kai had provided, the old man refused to let go of the bamboo slip. Chen Kai sighed inwardly. If it were a different ce with a different person, he would have resorted to violence. Unfortunately, this old man was the person in charge of a powerful megacorporation. Any rash moves on his part would result in the eradication of his organization along with himself. It did not matter how many grandmasters they had in their organization. The presence of a single super battleship alone was enough to obliterate them. This was the reason why the grandmasters yearned to be stronger and venture into the Mythical Realm. ¡°We have sacrificed everything, pushing ourselves to the limit to create a life-saving elixir for you. However, this is all we can do for now. It¡¯ll take time. Once we be stronger and uncover more secrets from that ce, we¡¯ll be able to extend your life once again. Forget about ten or twenty years. If we acquire the Immortal Grass by then, we can extend your life up to at least two hundred more years. The golden bamboo slip in your possession will only gather dust. Why not let us study it? We might be able to uncover its secrets.¡± Zhong Yong lifted the nket made of mythical beast skin and stood up. After stretching his body, he looked at Chen Kai with a serious expression. ¡°I¡¯m not showing it to you for your own good. You¡¯re on the path of the New Arts, why are you so eager to uncover the roots of the Old Arts?¡± Chen Kai replied, ¡°We take history as a lesson to understand the rise and fall of the Old Arts, using the Old Arts as a guide to predict the future of the New Arts. The Old Arts thrived during the Early Qin dynasty. Unfortunately, inter generations, the path leading to immortality waspletely severed. Because of this, we hope to preserve as many artifacts as we can. Who knows, it could also help revitalize the Old Arts in the future.¡± Shaking his head, Zhong Yong said, ¡°It¡¯s useless. It¡¯s impossible for those who follow the path of the New Arts to decipher the engraved diagrams on the bamboo slips, let alone the texts. I spent a great deal of money to gather the most renowned schrs and professors to decipher it, but not a single word could be analyzed. Even if I showed it to you, would you understand? Your proficiency in ancient writtennguage and understanding is far inferior to them.¡± The grandmaster of the New Arts fell silent, cursing internally at the old man¡¯s stubbornness and offensive remarks about their poor ancient cultural knowledge. He knew that unless he could extend the old man¡¯s lifespan by twenty years or more, negotiations would be difficult. He had encountered a master who was indeed notoriously ¡°difficult to talk¡± to. He decided to take his leave, believing that with some time and space, the negotiation might go smoother next time. Currently, the New Arts could prolong a person¡¯s life, albeit through an extremely challenging process. Mastering this method meant that even the most powerful weapon could be set aside for negotiation, including acquiring more resources and cooperating with relevant departments from the Old Earth, as well as taking over the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. On the Pamir teau, Old Chen¡¯s chest rose and fell violently. He only gradually calmed down when a faint white light finally emanated from him, apanied by wisps of reddish haze and the sound of thunder. Without saying a word, he gestured to Xia Qing, and the two of them engaged in a direct confrontation. Despite Xia Qing being a woman, her tall stature and fierce movements stirred up the surrounding stones and gravel. She moved with the grace and agility of a female panther, leaping more than ten meters and striking toward Old Chen¡¯s chest. Moreover, she was glowing. Her skills in the New Arts emphasized physical body resistance, so every pore on her body seemed to emit a hazy light, giving her the appearance of being engulfed in mes. It was a powerful and intimidating sight. Old Chen swiftly countered her sweeping foot with a single palm strike. A loud bang echoed through the air as a blinding light exploded. Xia Qing, propelled by the force, spun through the air beforending on the ground, causing the frozen ground to crumble beneath her, leaving behind a deep crater. Just moments ago, anyone struck by Old Chen''s palm would have either been torn apart or exploded into pieces. However, Xia Qing, a true grandmaster, possessed an incredible physical prowess that was further enhanced by the radiant light enveloping her body. It granted her extraordinary battle power. In an instant, the light surrounding her intensified, transforming her into a figure that resembled the golden sun. Her flesh seemed to bloom with divine radiance. She engaged Old Chen in a fierce exchange of blows, their fists and palms colliding with thunderous force. Each strike emitted a blinding light, taking their battle to an otherworldly level. The grayish-brown frozen ground they fought on was littered with rocks, some as tall as two or three people. These massive boulders shattered or exploded into pieces when touched or struck by Xia Qing. The sheer strength of her physical body, amplified by the blinding light, was truly astonishing. Wang Xuan¡¯s expression turned gloomy as he observed Old Chen from a distance. He noticed that something was not right. Old Chen¡¯s breathing was rapid and his face showed signs of anxiety. Unable to contain himself any longer, he stepped forward. Boom! Suddenly, Old Chen transformed his palms into fists, executing a physical technique reminiscent of the Great Vajra Fist Technique. With a thunderous boom, Xia Qing was sent flying backward. The alloy armor she wore partially crumbled, and her protective helmet shattered as it crashed to the ground. Her long golden hair cascaded around her. Her light blue pupils contracted sharply, the immense force causing excruciating pain throughout her body. Her arms grew numb, and her right hand was fractured, leaving her heart pounding in her chest. Undeterred, Old Chen advanced, his chest heaving with each breath. He had mastered a physical art that surpassed the Great Vajra Fist Technique in just under half a month, and today was the first time he put it into practice. A faint mist enveloped him, emanating from his body as he took heavy and powerful steps toward his opponent. Xia Qing, avoiding a direct confrontation, continued to radiate the fiery aura. Haze erupted from her pores, further enhancing her physical defense against Old Chen. With each collision, Old Chen unleashed unstoppable might. The impact was so powerful that Xia Qing coughed up blood. Her right arm was hanging limply as the bones in it were shattered into three pieces. Old Chen¡¯s speed broke through its limits as Xia Qing desperately dodged left and right, but she could not escape. She was forced to take another hard hit, causing severe pain to surge through her body. With each blow, her bones shattered one after another. Xia Qing harnessed the blinding haze, moving like a stream of fire across the field. However, Old Chen was even faster, catching up to her and delivering a devastating blow to her back. Left with no choice, Xia Qing turned to face her enemy. But it was futile. She could not block the punch, and the force twisted and deformed her left arm, nearly breaking it. A loud bang echoed as the alloy armor protecting her chest exploded. Old Chen impaled her with his fist, sending her flying through the air beforending on the ground in a crumpled heap. Just as Old Chen prepared to deliver the final blow, Grandmaster Mo Hai intervened, using seven white chains of light to restrain Old Chen¡¯s limbs. Old Chen turned around and broke free with a powerful punch, shattering the chains that bound him beforeunching himself at Mo Hai. Mo Hai fought back with all his strength, but to no avail. The white light that enveloped him dispersed. Even though he reacted with speed and dodged in a fairly timely manner, his left shoulder armor still shattered into pieces, half of his body was bloodied, and he was sent flying before crashing to the ground. The two grandmasters of the New Arts Domain sustained severe injuries. The irreparable damage rendered them unable to stand up. Nearly twenty of their bones were fractured, and there were gaping wounds in their bodies. Old Chen also appeared to be in critical condition, pausing and clutching his chest while gasping for breath. The spectators from the New Arts factions were shocked and horrified at Old Chen''s disy of power. It was clear that he was a formidable opponent, defeating two grandmasters on his own. Some onlookers could not bear to watch the two grandmasters being defeated and werepelled to step forward. At the same time, others sensed that something was amiss with Old Chen and saw an opportunity to strike, hoping to end the Old Arts. Wang Xuan was the first toe out. The other practitioners of the Old Arts joined him upon sensing the strange atmosphere. They could not stand by and watch Old Chen fight alone. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s call it a day, Old Chen.¡± Chang Heng, the old man in traditional clothes, sighed regretfully with a conflicted look on his face. He knew that after today, he would never see Old Chen again. Old Chen¡¯s health issues had been triggered, and he was aware that the two grandmasters likely would not survive either. Given Old Chen¡¯s nature, he would not spare their lives. ¡°Are you going to stop me, Chang Heng?¡± Old Chen asked, his eyes filled with a cold glint. Chang Heng¡¯s heart raced at the question. He had known Old Chen since they were young and understood him well. Seeing the determination in Old Chen¡¯s eyes, Chang Heng turned and boarded the starship. ¡°I pursued the New Arts to strengthen my body, but my sole focus now is on theoretical research.¡± After saying this, Chang Heng gestured for his allies to board the ship. ¡°Old Wang, did you see the killing intent in the eyes of those who stayed behind? They fear me and don¡¯t wish to see the revival of the Old Arts,¡± Old Chen said. Everyone was puzzled, wondering who Old Chen was talking to. Spection arose that this Old Wang must be an old man who followed the path of the Old Arts. Only Wang Xuan and Qing Mu knew whom Old Chen was referring to. Old Chen added, ¡°Old Wang, remember these people. Be cautious in the future. Kill them if you must. They are those who despise the Old Arts the most. Many of them were unsessful in their own pursuits and switched to the New Arts.¡± Wang Xuan looked at the other spectators across from them,mitting each face to memory. Unease filled his heart as those words sounded like Old Chen¡¯s final words. ¡°Who is Old Wang?¡± Wu Yin, standing next to Wang Xuan, asked in a low voice. Wang Xuan remained silent, but wanted to ask Wu Yin if she was asking him that on purpose. However, his face remained expressionless as he replied, ¡°No idea.¡± ¡°I thought Old Wang was your uncle,¡± Wu Yin teased, noting their shared surname. Wu Chenglinughed and chimed in, ¡°He¡¯s probably just an old guy from the other group that also practiced the Old Arts." Wang Xuan said nothing but vowed silently to settle the score with Old Wuter. Old Chen¡¯s chest heaved heavily, but he managed to pull out his ck longsword from the frozen soil. Slowly, he began to walk toward the two injured grandmasters. ¡°Forget it, Old Chen. We¡¯re calling it a day.¡± Grandmaster Chen Kai appeared in the distance. By the time he finished speaking, he had reached the battlefield with astonishing speed. Everyone understood that another grandmaster had arrived. ¡°After waiting for so long, I knew you woulde.¡± Old Chen kept his hand on the ck longsword, his chest heaving less violently. From a distance, Wang Xuan¡¯s heart raced. He had no idea what Old Chen ws nning. He prayed that this old man who always loved fishing was not thinking of using himself as bait today. Grandmaster Chen Kai spoke again, ¡°Don¡¯t continue pushing yourself, Old Chen. We both know you¡¯re in a critical condition. I¡¯ve arranged for the best medical team to treat you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be a hypocrite,¡± Old Chen retorted, his silver mask gleaming as he raised the ck longsword in his hand. ¡°Didn¡¯t you three grandmasters show up here together just to trigger my old illness? Spare me the talk of getting me treated.¡± The crowd erupted in shock. Many failed to grasp the hidden agenda, including Qing Mu, whose face turned pale. ¡°I deliberately spared the lives of the two grandmasters so that you would appear. I know that all of you wouldn¡¯t stand by and watch them die. Sacrificing one for one is your bottom line, right?¡± Old Chen sneered. ¡°Too bad, you guys have underestimated me. I intend to kill all the three of you this time!¡± Old Chen¡¯s murderous intent soared, even though his chest heaved once more. The aura of superiority he exuded sent shivers down everyone¡¯s spines. Looking toward the New Art camp, Old Chen¡¯s voice turned chilling. ¡°And all of you, who stayed behind and frowned upon me and the Old Arts, you don¡¯t deserve to live. I¡¯ll kill every single one of you today!¡± Chapter 57: A Dazzling Finale Chapter 57: A Dazzling Finale Chen Kai was in his early fifties and, at a nce, was no ordinary man. Though he tried to maintain the appearance of someone who was unremarkable, there was an unmistakable, almost tangible beam of light that shed when he blinked. "Is there no room for negotiation?" Chen Kai inquired. Old Chen had known him when they were younger. Chen Kai was once a part of their organization. Later, he ventured off to the New Star and vanished for almost three decades. Without a doubt, during those thirty years, he and a group of like-minded individuals delved deep into the mysteries of the New Arts in a farawaynd. Now, he stands as a Grandmaster. "What do you think?" Old Chen retorted, his voice icy. Chen Kai sighed. They had triggered a major health issue within Old Chen, initially assuming it would quickly end his life. Yet, seeing him now, it was clear Old Chen still had fight left in him. "Well, then there''s nothing left to discuss!" Chen Kai responded bluntly. Suddenly, Old Chen retreated with blinding speed, leaving behind a mere afterimage. With a resonant boom, the ground where he once stood exploded into a vast crater, with rocks and soil melting away. Old Chen had long cultivated a spiritual realm few had ever achieved, granting him an almost precognitive awareness. This allowed him to evade danger just in the nick of time. In an instant, silver light trailed behind him, as if a pair of shimmering wings had unfurled. This was a thruster developed by the Wu family, propelling him forward at breakneck speed. His target was a mech, the very one that had just fired an energy cannon at him. The mech unleashed a barrage of shots, attempting to halt his advance. But it was toote. With a dazzling silver tail light tracing his rapid maneuvers, Old Chen was already up close. "Crack!" In his grasp, a 5-foot ck sword descended, cleaving the mech with brutal force. Blood oozed from the gash as the shattered mech copsed. Swiftly changing his stance, Old Chen showed no signs of relenting. He cleaved through another three mechs in session, with sparks flying and blood spilling. When Old Chen got close within the ranks of the mechs, his onught was unstoppable. Of the fourtest model mech that stood in his way, none survived. All were annihted by Old Chen''s de, both pilots and mechs destroyed utterly. Without a hint of mercy, he struck the three other mechs down in one fell swoop. They had attempted to lock onto him previously. Their intentions were clear. There was no reason to hold back. The onlookers were astounded. A practitioner of the Old Arts, achieving such prowess, was nearly godlike! With his ck sword in hand, Old Chen steadily made his way back. Though his breath wasbored, his presence remained awe-inspiring, causing a palpitation in the hearts of many. Every step he took on the ground resonated unease amongst those in the realm of the New Arts. Grandmaster Chen Kai sighed softly. Indeed, Chen Yongjie was an enigma. He had always feared that once Old Chen broke through certain barriers and ovee the limits of his flesh, no one could match him. And now, he felt that handling Old Chen was proving to be a formidable challenge. Old Chen''s voice was deep and resonant. "In truth, had you not sought me out, within a few more years, I would''ve been unable to contain the problems with my internal organs. But you feared my potential breakthrough and wished to eliminate me preemptively. So, I apologize, but today, I will not hold back." By the end of his statement, Old Chen let out a mighty roar, causing the entire teau to tremble. Even the nearby mountains echoed back his terrifying scream. Qing Mu''s face turned ashen. It was evident that he was deeply concerned about his master''s state. Wang Xuan sighed, "Don''t worry, Old Chen is tough." At this moment, Qingmu wished Wang Xuan''s words would ring true, praying for the safety of his master. He desperately hoped his master would remain unharmed and not meet his end in the Congling Mountains. Boom! The battle erupted with Chen Kaiunching the first strike. A blinding beam of light shot out from his forehead. Around him, space seemed to distort, bing hazy and blurred. "Ah..." Screams of agony echoed nearby. Many clutched their heads, overwhelmed by intense pain, and hastily retreated. Others, with weaker wills, felt a mysterious force assail them, their vision darkening and bodies faltering. "What kind of sorcery is this?" Many were taken aback, scrambling to retreat. Wu Yin felt a nagging headache. It was an unsettling sensation. She and Wang Xuan were both quite close to Old Chen, positioned not far from the heart of the looming confrontation. Compared to others, she seemed to fare better, as some nearer the frontlines had already been incapacitated by the pain. "Fall back!" Qing Mu ordered, rallying those who practiced the Old Arts, hoisting unconsciousrades over their shoulders, and swiftly distancing themselves from the battlefield. Those from the New Arts faction experienced simr distress, with many copsing. "It''s a form of psychic assault, apanied by hallucinations. Keep your distance, and you''ll be fine!" Wang Xuan diagnosed the situation, guiding Wu Yin away from the heart of the conflict. Old Wu shot a re at Wang Xuan, who coolly returned it with a brief nce, guiding Wu Yin''s arm as they retreated to a safer distance. "Is Old Chen going to be alright?" Many of them stared at the fight, their faces pale, their heads spinning. Even Old Wu could not spare a moment to re at Wang Xuan any longer, his gaze was fixed on the battlefield. The area felt ominously sinister, as if it possessed the capability to kill using a psychic force field alone. If Chen Kai got any closer with such a technique, he could instantly take many lives. Many were uneasy, their concerns mounting for Old Chen. Because there he stood, holding his ck sword, motionless, neither stepping forward nor swinging his weapon. Only Wang Xuan remained unfazed. He felt utterly at ease. To challenge Old Chen in a battle of mental prowess? It¡¯s a death wish. Just who he thinks Old Chen is? Despite his age, the man was a formidable figure with a powerful mental fortitude. He once shed with a monk from the Buddhist sect, a man renowned for his ethereal abilities. The monk tried to assault Old Chen psychically all night, yet by morning, Old Chen was unscathed and even sought out Wang Xuan to settle scores. Qing Mu too wasposed, fully aware that his master had developed a spiritual domain many years ago. Indeed, as those who followed the Old Arts path worried, and as those who championed the New Arts were both shocked and ted, the tides turned. Grandmaster Chen Kai screamed in agony, his psyche seeming to be in disarray. He violently shook his head and then charged at Old Chen in a maddened rampage. In the psychic realm, the confrontation between Chen Kai and Old Chen was overwhelmingly one-sided. In a mere instant, Old Chen''s psychic domain tore through the white glow emanating from Chen Kai''s forehead, leaving him critically wounded. Lifting his sword, behind his cold silver mask, Old Chen''s eyes were ruthless and emotionless. With a swift, sharp sound, the dark, ominous gleam of the de danced, followed by a surge of fresh blood. Chen Kai had once been revered as a master of the Old Arts, but when stacked against Old Chen, he was clearly outmatched. Now, with his psyche in tatters, the gap between them seemed insurmountable. The de, dark as the night, shed with deadly precision. A hairline crack appeared at Chen Kai''s forehead, quickly widening and traveling downward until, shockingly, he was split in half. Blood sttered as onlookers stared, mouths agape. A Grandmaster had just been effortlessly sliced in two before their very eyes. Amidst the shocked whispers, Old Chen stood tall and solitary, his ck sword dripping blood. Beneath himy the split corpse of the Grandmaster. With a cold, unyielding stare, he resembled a god of war, silencing the entire field. The magnitude of what had just urred left everyone reeling. The speed and precision with which Old Chen had dispatched the Grandmaster were unparalleled. Even aboard the super battleship, Zhong Yong, a key figure among the financial elites, found his hands shaking, dropping the valuable beast-hide he was holding. "It''s more brutal than I''d imagined," he muttered. "I had hoped their contrasting paths would make them natural adversaries, acting as checks and bnces against each other. But now, three Grandmasters have fallen, and even Chen Kai lies defeated by his feet. We should send some reparation to Chen Kai''s faction, as a gesture of respect." Zhong Yong took a deep sigh and added, "Little Chen, Chen Yongjie, their losses are deeply felt. If what Chen Kai hinted at is true ¨C that Little Chen''s internal injuries are terminal ¨C then his days are numbered. Later, let''s send him a wreath. I¡¯ll personally pen a few words of condolence." ¡­¡­ Clearly, Old Chen''s remarkable performance had left many in awe. Key institutions, organizations, and influential families found themselves reevaluating their positions, leading to several significant decisions. "With the recent advancements in the new technique realm, we thought about intervening. But after witnessing what happened, maybe it''s best to hold off. They''ve suffered enough for now," one of themmented. "Regarding the Old Arts, we should channel more resources their way. They still warrant our support." ¡­ "Old Chen''s power is truly something else," Wang Xuan marveled, noting the ease with which he defeated a Grandmaster. It was an achievement that would certainly be remembered. Wu Yin mused, "This striking victory of Grandmaster Chen will likely serve as a turning point for thosemitted to the Old Arts. The major families and organizations might shift some resources back to them." "What resources are you referring to?" Wang Xuan asked, puzzled. Wu Yin borated, "There had been a n in ce, starting with a few Old Arts experimental sses, to try and expand support for these methods. Additionally, there was a batch of powerful elixirs set aside for the students of these sses. However, just as this was about to proceed, news arrived from the new technique domain about a significant breakthrough, a method to extend life. So at thest moment, the elixirs were reallocated to them." At that moment, Wang Xuan seemed lost in thought, piecing together various implications. A surge of anger welled up within him. Had the proponents of the new technique essentially... undercut him? And they had done so without his knowledge. Wu Yin borated, revealing a closely guarded secret. Major families, research institutes, and other organizations had once coborated to unlock an ancient relic site underground. From it, they extracted several seeds which still held vitality. They attempted to cultivate these seeds, and to their surprise, each one sprouted. The records within the relic site indicated that these herbs were once treasured by major sects in ancient times. They were intended specifically for the cultivation of young disciples, known to considerably enhance one''s constitution and drastically reduce the time needed for training. Upon sessful cultivation and subsequent testing, the organizations were convinced they had acquired potent elixirs, too intense for ordinary people. Yet, for those practicing the traditional techniques, these elixirs were immeasurably valuable, offering incredible benefits. "It''s clear. The proponents of the new technique deliberately leaked information at a critical juncture to snatch this opportunity away!" Wang Xuan concluded, convinced of this narrative. The battle was nearing its end. Old Chen, with his dark de in hand, advanced toward Mo Hai and Xia Qing. The two Grandmasters of the New Arts realm stood up, left with no choice but to desperately attempt a breakout. They felt an ominous aura around Old Chen. They were fully aware that they could not possibly match his power at the moment. Boom! A blinding burst of white light erupted as Mo Hai struck first,unching a beam of energy at Old Chen, using the distraction to make a swift escape.Xia Qing seized the opportunity to flee as well. Pride mattered little at this point; survival was paramount. Falling here would be the ultimate loss. Swinging his mysterious ck de, Old Chen dissipated the blinding beam and pursued Mo Hai. Along the way, he dealt a crushing blow to Xia Qing. Xia Qing''s arms broke upon impact. She tried to lift them in defense but was overwhelmingly outmatched. Her arm exploded in the sh, and previous injuries were exacerbated. Wounds tore open, revealing ghastly holes that oozed blood. Yet, even in this dire state, she managed to evade death, being hurled away and scrambling to safety. Nearby, Mo Hai was cornered. Letting out a resigned sigh, he turned to face his adversary, fighting back with all he had. But his efforts were in vain. Old Chen delivered a decisive blow, severing Mo Hai''s head from his shoulders. The head rolled several meters away, marking a grim end for the Grandmaster. Old Chen turned, attempting to pursue Xia Qing once more. However, his body suddenly wavered. A searing pain surged from his chest, making him gasp for breath. Unable to maintain his pace, he clutched at his heart, halting his chase. Wang Xuan, noticing this, was the first to rush towards him, deeply concerned for his elder''s well-being. "Master!" Qing Mu shouted in distress. Soon, a group of followers were sprinting towards the scene. As Wang Xuan raced forward, his path inevitably crossed with the fleeing Grandmaster Xia Qing. Xia Qing''s eyes were cold and filled with disdain. It seemed she had misunderstood Wang Xuan''s intentions. "A mere youngster dares to stand in my way?" she thought, anger evident in her gaze. With one of her arms already lost, with her remaining arm broken and hanging limply by her side, Xia Qing gathered strength from her legs. She pushed off the ground, aiming a fierce kick in Wang Xuan''s direction. Wang Xuan''s pupils shrunk, the very idea of facing off against a Grandmaster made every hair on his body stand on end. He felt trapped. There was no way to evade her attack. But if fate had thrown this challenge his way, then there was only one choice: fight with every ounce of strength he possessed. Without hesitation, he activated the martial art technique left behind by Zhang Daoling, the initial move recorded on the Golden Book. Worried of being instantly in by the Grandmaster, Wang Xuan''s heart raced, and his strength surged to its utmost limit. He leapt into the air andunched a powerful kick, deciding offense was the best defense. However, Xia Qing''s injuries were too severe. As she pushed off the ground, the gaping wound on her chest tore even wider due to the force of her movement. She grunted in pain, an agony iprehensible to most, especially since part of her heart had been shattered by Old Chen''s earlier attack. Rather than sessfully leaping, she stumbled, nearly copsing onto the ground. Seizing this opportunity, Wang Xuan''s eyes zed with determination. Hended a solid kick near the gory hole in her chest. The impact of that kick exploded within her, its potency drawn from the martial technique left by Zhang Daoling. Even though it was just the initial move, its power was astoundingly fearsome. Xia Qing screamed as her internal organs ruptured. The force sent her flying backward, crashing heavily onto the ground. She rolled violently for a moment and theny motionless. This marked the death of yet another Grandmaster.
Jimmi''s Thoughts My man Old Chen, bane of Grandmasters
Chapter 58: Carrying The Fate Of The Old Arts On His Shoulders Chapter 58: Carrying The Fate Of The Old Arts On His Shoulders That night, I took down a Grandmaster with a single kick at the Pamir teau! Wang Xuan mused that if he had already sessfully retired, he could start his memoir with that line. Sadly, that was pure fantasy. Right now, under the watchful eyes of countless onlookers, a young man in his early twenties had defeated Xia Qing with just one kick. Avoiding attention was impossible. However, this put tremendous pressure on him. He was acutely aware of the implications of his actions. Without a doubt, he was now the center of attention. Not just the individuals from the old and new camps on the ground, but even the tycoons and various organizations on the battleships above were probably taken aback. And indeed, they were. All eyes were on him; from the battleships in the sky to the crowd on the ground, men and women alike looked on with expressions of disbelief. He was simply too young. Even if Xia Qing had been gravely injured, the fact that she had been defeated by a single kick was a bit much toprehend. "Who said the Old Arts is dead? Where did this young fellowe from? He''s good," remarked an elderly man from a distant super battleship, watching therge screen. ¡­¡­ A man like him would naturally have no short of experts in his employment. A middle-aged man spoke up, "We continue our observation. Perhaps it was a fluke, caused by Xia Qing¡¯s injuries." In the super battleship where the authorities of the Old World were present, the deputy chief remained silent. He intently gazed at the screen, first focusing on Old Chen, then shifting to Wang Xuan. He uttered not a word. ... On the ground, practitioners of the Old Arts were deeply shocked. As insiders, they knew all too well the might of a Grandmaster. Such a figure was esteemed and revered. Even if they were severely injured, they could easily defeat practitioners of the Old Arts. Wu Yin was astonished. Just how powerful is Xiao Wang? What level of expertise did he possess? He had managed to defeat a Grandmaster at such a critical moment. Wu Chenglin also kept his eyes on Wang Xuan. They intended to coborate extensively with the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, which required the involvement of experts in the Old Arts. Wang Xuan was the perfect candidate. Qing Mu realized that the impact of Wang Xuan''s kick would not just cause a small ripple. Being the center of attention was thest thing Wang Xuan wanted. He was perfectly calm and lucid. His swift and decisive kick might have made him the center of admiration and astonishment. It might seem morous, but it also meant he would now be under intense scrutiny, even through a metaphorical magnifying ss. This was contrary to his original intent. Wang Xuan wanted to maintain a low profile and stay away from scrutinizing eyes. Being in the spotlight came with its fair share of risks, unpredictabilities, and even imminent dangers. Wang Xuan was the first to rush over, supporting Old Chen. He was genuinely worried, as his old colleague''s condition was terrible, breathing heavily with his chest heaving. Additionally, his body was burning hot. "Master!" Qing Mu, on the verge of tears, held onto the other arm of Old Chen. "Don''t panic. I won''t die so soon. I can hold on until we leave," Old Chen replied in a deep voice. Beneath his cold silver mask, his voice still carried an icy tone. He signaled to Qing Mu to remain calm and not to loseposure here. Any matters should be discussed after they leave the scene. A group of people rushed over, surrounding Old Chen. "Old Chen, are you okay?" Wu Chenglin asked. "I''m fine," Old Chen replied calmly. The calmer Old Chen appeared, the heavier Wang Xuan''s heart became. He could sense that Old Chen''s condition was critical. Although the crowd was expressing their concern, they were unaware of the true situation. Seeing Old Chen''s breathing be more steady, they mistakenly believed everything was fine. A collective sigh of relief filled the air, and smiles appeared on their faces. "Young man, you''re quite impressive!" an old martial artist remarked, looking at Wang Xuan with a mix of astonishment and admiration. Today, Old Chen was the star, having single-handedly cut through the ranks of the new school, defeating three Grandmasters and personally killing two, causing a sensation in the battlefield. But this young man in front of them was bound to draw attention as well. Even if Xia Qing was exhausted and had her own significant issues, the way she was defeated would undoubtedly stir up some discussion. "Kid, you''re young, but your strength ismendable," Old Wu remarked with a warm smile. Internally rolling his eyes, Wang Xuan remembered how Old Wu had previously, in a less-than-generous way, mentioned "Old Wang". Now he was suddenly praising him as an impressive young man. Staying grounded, Wang Xuan quickly rified, "It was purely idental. When I rushed over, she was already drained. Grandmaster Xia Qing essentially died at the hands of Old Chen." Hearing this, Wu Chenglinughed, finding himself even more fond of Wang Xuan. He appreciated the young man''s rity of his situation and not letting the glory get to his head. It was a form of self-preservation. Wu Yin smiled gently and nodded in agreement. Wang Xuan was taken aback. What was Wu Yin doing? She had crossed her arms and turned slightly sideways. Her pronounced silhouette made her standout, with a figure that was imposing from any angle. Mainly because, when Wu Yin saw Xia Qing being kicked, as a woman, she felt it deeply. It looked painful, and subconsciously, she crossed her arms over her chest and turned to the side. Internally, she mused about Wang Xuan''s brutal action. It felt almost too ruthless, and she felt somewhat offended. She also thought of someone else who had once kicked her from behind, causing her to tumble into ake. Even now, the memory of it made her grind her teeth in annoyance. Could it be that the young practitioners of the Old Arts preferred to use their legs over their hands? Her mind wandered with these random thoughts, but she quickly dismissed them. In any case, the Xiao Wang in front of her seemed to be much more formidable than Wang Xuan. . "We should go!" Qing Mu voiced out, concerned about Old Chen. They needed to get him immediate medical attention. Their aircraft was equipped with the most advanced medical equipment and staffed with professionals. Wang Xuan personally supported Old Chen, his eyes scanning their surroundings cautiously. His pupils contracted as he noticed movement. As he had anticipated, the other side was getting restless. From the faction of the New Arts, a group slowly began to approach them. They had noticed Old Chen''s weakened state and seemed eager to exploit the opportunity. They were just impulsive young men, but mainly middle-aged individuals. They all had cold, hostile eyes, ring with clear animosity towards the Old Arts faction. The implications of today''s battle were evident to everyone. Old Chen had not only defended, but also elevated the prestige of the Old Arts, and he did it single handedly. Prior to this, the ascent of the New Arts seemed inevitable. They''d brokered deals, held ndestine meetings with powerful factions, and even siphoned off resources traditionally linked to the Old Arts. Their dominance was built on the premise that the modern methods had birthed several Grandmasters and could extend the lifespans of the rich and the powerful. The narrative they spun was one of the old ways fading away, suggesting that once Old Chen was out of the picture, the legacy of the Old Arts would fade into obscurity. But today, Old Chen had shown them otherwise. He navigated through mechanized defenses, took on three elite masters, and vanquished two without breaking a sweat. His prowess was nothing short of legendary. With such a disy, who would dare dismiss the Old Arts as outdated? The three Grandmasters had once personally convinced the power brokers, subtly suggesting to major groups that resources should favor the New Arts. But now, with all three defeated by Old Chen''s hands, the tide was turning. This was a serious blow to the faction believing in the New Arts. Especially in the final moments, the unexpected emergence of that young man, who effortlessly slew Grandmaster Xia Qing with a single kick, essentially signaled that the Old Arts had a promising future. This move ignited the fury and indignation of those in the New Artsmunity. They felt like they had been cast down from the center of the stage. They recognized the aftermath of today''s battle. It signified the resurgence of the Old Arts. The major corporations and various organizations would surely resume pouring resources into their camp. The slowly advancing group, unsurprisingly, had close ties to the three Grandmasters. Their contempt was evident. They had discerned that Old Chen was now severely weakened. The fact that he had not pursued Xia Qing at the end was a clear sign that he was no longer capable of fighting. "Attack!" From the ranks of the New Arts camp, a voice took the lead, bellowing the battle cry, unable to contain their urge to charge forward. He was backed by a sea of followers. In their eyes, apart from Old Chen, the Old Arts camp was negligible, nowhere near a match for their own side. Those at the forefront were either close friends or disciples of the three Grandmasters. Their intent was clear: capitalize on the moment, rush forth as one, and take down Old Chen. Their needs to avenge Mo Hai, Xia Qing, and Chen Kai were burning. Wang Xuan quickly positioned himself at the forefront. There was not much to say. Even if he wished to stay unnoticed now, it was impossible. Seeing the frenzied onught of the group, he braced himself for the inevitable battle. "Let go!" Old Chen murmured, signaling Qing Mu to let go. Then, gripping his blood-drenched ck sword, he stepped forward.The approaching adversaries instantly tensed up, their steps slowing. Fear gripped their hearts. They had witnessed Old Chen''s prowess today, which had an almost godlike aura of death, chilling them to their cores. Wang Xuan paused, eyeing the resolute figure of Old Chen as he ventured forth. A suspicion dawned upon him; had his old colleague intentionally waited for these foes to emerge? Given their recent interactions, where Old Chen had repeatedly baited opponents, Wang Xuan felt increasingly wary, unable to discern the old man''s true intentions. As Old Chen passed by him, he whispered so softly it was almost inaudible, "I''m reaching my limit. Once I deal with their top-tier experts, the rest...I¡¯ll leave to you." With that, Old Chen leaped, covering a distance of over ten meters in a blink. Brandishing his dark sword, he charged straight into the heart of the crowd! Although Old Chen''s physical state was deteriorating, his valor remained unparalleled. Like a tiger among sheep, he tore through his enemies with an unseen ferocity. His sword gleamed mercilessly as he cut down expert after expert. None of them could halt his onught. Witnessing this, Wang Xuan was stirred. There was no way he could stand idly by, watching Old Chen push himself to the brink of death. There was no more room for subtlety or hiding. A burning resolve ignited within him, propelling him forward into the fray. Others followed after him as well. They roared as they joined in charge. Old Chen''s perilous state deeply concerned them, causing a pang of anguish to strike their hearts. The old man continued to dominate the battlefield. His de shimmered brilliantly, ensuring every stroke meant death for yet another master of the New Arts. However, blood trickled continuously from his nose and mouth. His chest heaved violently, as if on the verge of exploding. It was a terrifying sight to behold. Many realized the grim truth: Old Chen would likely not make it out alive today. His injuries were irreparable, and now he was expanding hisst ounce of strength to vanquish as many foes as possible. The eyes of many from the Old Arts faction reddened with emotion. They felt powerless, witnessing Old Chen carry the weight of the battle almost single-handedly. Nheless, they were determined, pushing themselves forward, aiming to join the heart of the battle. In this moment, many beheld Old Chen shining brighter than ever before, radiant and dazzling. His sword mirrored his brilliance, shining with an unrivaled edge that dominated the battlefield. However, this brilliance seemed to be his swan song. He had not coughed up blood during his sh with the three Grandmasters, but now his garb was stained with it, and blood flowed continuously from his nose and mouth. "Fall back, Old Chen! Stop fighting!" Wang Xuan shouted, unable to contain his emotions. A sour sensation tinged his nostrils. Pushing his own limits, he once again tapped into the arts recorded in the Five Golden Pages. "Charge!" With a final roar, Old Chen swung his sword, heads rolled, and the remaining masters were swiftly vanquished by his de. Bathed in the same glow as his sword, he gasped, "Had I lived in ancient times, before the Old Arts were lost, I''d have been destined to be a founder, ascending to near-immortality. Who do you think you arepared to that?!¡± Standing tall with his sword by his side, Old Chen radiated light. His voice echoed through the mountains. There was a hint of mncholy in his demeanor, mixed with suppressed pride and passion. It was tragic, he was simply born in the wrong era.
Jimmi''s Thoughts I wonder what sort of character Old Chen would be if he was born in a world with Wuxia or Xianxia
Chapter 59: Awakening The Will To Fight Chapter 59: Awakening The Will To Fight A brilliant light radiated from Old Chen. With his long sword in hand, he surveyed all his opponents. Not a single one dared to approach. Wherever his gazended, those caught in it felt their hearts race, and they involuntarily stepped back in fear. Many came to the realization: Old Chen was likely on the brink of death. No matter friend or foe, they could see that something was amiss. Thunderous bolts of electricity emanated from his chest, and from within came ominous, deep rumblings. Old Chen¡¯s body trembled, looking as if he might copse at any moment, but he stood his ground. With sword in hand, he looked to the horizon of the mountain range, his once sharp gaze gradually dimming. The four elders of the Old Arts oncemented that had Old Chen been born in ancient times, at the very least, he would have founded his own sect. If he''d reached his full potential, he might even have be an immortal level master in the realm of the Old Arts. Wang Xuan''s nose tingled with emotion. He keenly sensed the diminishing life force within Old Chen. The old man¡¯s life wasing to an end. Leaping forward, Wang Xuan sent an expert flying with a single kick. His eyes burned with intensity as he rushed toward Old Chen. He never imagined that his old colleague might actually be facing death. "Master!" Qing Mu''s voice was a low growl, filled with despair and sorrow. In his eyes, Old Chen had always been an invincible and incredibly astute figure. How could he possibly die? "Old Chen!" Many cried out, unable to ept the stark reality before them. Just moments ago, Old Chen was a force to be reckoned with, seemingly possessed by a war deity, single-handedly defeating three grandmasters. His invincibility was clear for all to see. But now, the light in his eyes dimmed, signaling the imminent end of his journey. Many from the Old Arts faction raced towards him, consumed with anguish. Old Chen had audaciously and single-handedly carved a path through the New Arts ranks, whereas theygged far behind. "How dare you!" Wang Xuan roared in fury. He spotted someone from the New Arts side advancing towards Old Chen. Bolstered by newfound courage, the man was seeking to behead Old Chen with his alloy de. In the present circumstances, even many from the New Arts sect refrained from making a move. While many held a deep grudge against Old Chen, they still held respect for his unparalleled valor. Seeing him on the brink of death, there seemed to be no reason to desecrate his body further. However, a few thought differently. Even with Old Chen''s eyes devoid of light, some were eager to step forward, aiming to decapitate him and subject him to an ignominious death. Wang Xuan''s prowess was undeniable. When Old Chen had punched through the New Arts faction¡¯s lines, he was not very far behind, positioned much closer to Old Chen than the other Old Arts practitioner. Wang Xuan, seething with rage, picked up a corpse. He swung it around and hurled it with tremendous force, striking the young man who was rushing towards Old Chen. With a loud thud, the young assant was sent flying backward, blood gushing from his mouth and nose. His alloy de ttered to the ground. Holding his bleeding nose, the young man scrambled to his feet, shooting Wang Xuan a furious re. Disregarding the dangers, he snatched up his de and made another attempt at Old Chen. He was hell-bent on achieving a feat that shall be remembered by all. No matter how others might see him, he was resolute in his desire to behead the grandmaster of the Old Arts. Apart from him, several others approached, all young and equally hot-blooded. With their judgment clouded by fervor, they were single-mindedly focused on iming the head of Old Chen, giving no thought to the potential storm they would ignite. Wang Xuan was incredibly close now, his eyes burning with a terrifying intensity. If someone were to decapitate Old Chen right before him, he believed he would never forgive himself for the rest of his life. He did not have the time to grab another corpse to fend off the attackers. However, the ashen, frozen soil was riddled with rocks. With a forceful kick, Wang Xuan sent a basin-sized stone hurtling towards the chest of the young man brandishing the alloy de. The impact was staggering. Those nearby heard the unmistakable crack of breaking bones. The young man had several ribs shattered by the sheer force of Wang Xuan''s attack. As someone who had cultivated the Golden Body Technique to the early stages of the fifthyer, his flesh was brimming with immense strength. The young man from the New Arts domainy on the ground, constantly coughing up blood. While he was not dead, his chest had caved in, and the intense pain filled him with regret. The other young men rushing towards Old Chen had their pupils contract in rm, but they did not stop. They were still desperate to be the first to sever Old Chen''s head. However, they were toote. Wang Xuan had finally reached them. He leaped towards them, and while mid-air, he drove his foot through the chest of one of the young attackers. One could only imagine the sheer terror of such strength when he used this very body as a stepping stone tond. The young man screamed in agony, for the pain was unbearable. The scene was quite gruesome, and was difficult for many to bear. However, shouts of exhration erupted from the side of the Old Arts camp; they were immensely fired up. Just moments ago, many felt like they were on the brink of defeat. Old Chen had never been defeated, and if he were to be humiliated post-mortem, it would be a sight too unbearable for them. Observers from all directions saw this unfold. Some focused their gaze on Wang Xuan. The force of his kick was sharper than a steel de, astonishingly able to pierce straight through a human. With some force, Wang Xuan was able to shake off the man, and with a quick step, he moved to the young man he had knocked over earlier with a rock. Without any hesitation, he delivered a fatal kick to his head, efficiently dispatching the second opponent. The remaining three involuntarily retreated. Seeing Wang Xuan''s killing intent, they felt as if cold water had been poured over them. They stepped back, effectively cowed from making another attempt at Old Chen. Even in such a state, Old Chen''s eyes had gonepletely dim, and he was silent. Still, he held his sword and did not fall. Wang Xuan gently touched Old Chen''s nose and then supported him. "Master!" Qing Mu''s eyes looked as if they were about to burst. He also reached the spot, embracing his master, and tears immediately rolled down. "Don''t hold him too tightly. Your master may be silent, but there are still interweaving lightning shes in his chest. It could easily explode entirely!" Wang Xuan whispered. Old Chen''s condition had deteriorated to the extreme. His breathing had stopped, but lightning still flickered in his internal organs. Any carelessness could cause his body to be torn apart, a horrifying and undignified death for a Grandmaster of the Old Arts. Wang Xuan coldly stared at the three young men across from him. Instead of attacking them, he slowly began to retreat while holding Old Chen, fearing any abrupt movements might trigger the lightning within Old Chen''s body to erupt. ¡°Things are getting messy here. We need to ensure Old Wu''s safety,¡± Wang Xuan murmured. Qing Mu nodded in agreement. Old Chen was known for his sharp wit, and Qing Mu, being his disciple, was not someone to be trifled with either. Considering how Qing Mu had secretly arranged for Wang Xuan to work with Old Chen even before Wang Xuan''s graduation, it was evident that Qing Mu was quite the strategist. ¡°Get Mr. Wu to safety,¡± Qing Mu ordered, leading a group towards Wu Chenglin. They quickly brought him over to be with Old Chen. Both he and Wang Xuan felt an increasing sense of unease. They feared a surprise energy attack could be unleashed at any moment. Holding someone ountable after the fact would be meaningless if irreversible damage was done. Old Wu looked bewildered. He was aware of the undercurrents at y. Hailing from a distinguished family on the New Star, he was confident not many would dare target him recklessly. Having ensured Old Chen''s safety, Wang Xuan immediately turned his attention back to the approaching figures from the New Arts realm. Seeing Old Chen''s current plight had Wang Xuan fired up. He believed these individuals were major contributors to Old Chen''s downfall. With resolute determination, Wang Xuan dove back into the battle, ready to face the impending threats. He desperately wanted to save Old Chen, and he sought to ignite his heightened senses amidst the deadlybat. Every punch and kick he unleashed carried tremendous force. His internal organs resonated softly, emitting a faint glow almost piercing through his body. This was the physical art passed down by Zhang Daoling. He engaged a middle-aged man who was fully enveloped in a green luminescence, making his body incredibly durable, their collisions were intense. However, Wang Xuan''s overpowering strength caused the green aura to shatter, and with a single punch, he pierced through the man''s body with his fist. This sight took many by surprise. Old Chen, being the killing machine that he was, having taken down a slew of experts was one thing. But this young man, taking down an expert of the realm New Arts all by himself, drew astonished nces from all sides. Some red at him with cold intent, activating their intrinsic power which made their bodies glow crimson. They aimed to strip Wang Xuan of his vital essence. However, as Wang Xuan''s organs continued to harmonize and hum softly, he leapt forward, swiftly shing with one such adversary. Four punches in, and he had obliterated the man! The practitioners of the New Arts were taken aback. Though it was true their elite experts had been in by Old Chen''s ck sword, the two who just fell were no pushovers either, and they met their end at the hands of this young fighter. Again, another practitioner of the New Arts lunged forward. Standing at a towering four meters tall, a faint blue glow enveloped him. Clearly, this was a Neo-Human¡ª a gically enhanced superhuman with tremendous power. He lunged at Wang Xuan, delivering a punch that erupted with a sound akin to thunder. Gracefully sidestepping the blow, Wang Xuan retaliated with a sweeping kick. A soft white glow emanated from his internal organs, extending to his foot, which he mmed with full force into the Neo-Human''s knee. With a sharp crack, the giant howled in pain, dropping to one knee. Wang Xuan jumped up, his foot connecting with his opponent''s head. Without sparing him a second nce, he surged forward, ready to face yet another adversary. He sent a fifth opponent flying, causing his chest to cave in, and swiftly retreated. Using the physical art inscribed in the Five Golden Pages had taken a toll on him, and he was nearing his limit. He sighed softly. It seemed the harder he tried to trigger his heightened senses, the more elusive they became. Simultaneously, he regained hisposure, realizing that today''s battle was nearing its conclusion. Regardless of the desires of either side, it was almost time to call it a day. Opponents on the other side pointed at Wang Xuan, their gazes filled with hatred and resentment. None had expected that, at the final juncture, the Old Arts faction would produce such a formidable young warrior capable of taking down several of their experts. Wang Xuan paid no heed and swiftly retreated. Wu Chenglin''s eyes sparkled, and his gaze was fixed on Wang Xuan. Finally, he turned to Qing Mu and said, "The ''Old Wang'' that Old Chen mentioned... Could it possibly be this young man?" It was undeniable that Old Wu was quite astute to make such a connection so quickly. "It''s not!" Qing Mu immediately denied. Wang Xuan smirked inwardly. This Old Wu was quite cunning, trying to dig into his background. Quite audacious. Wu Chenglin sighed, "Young man, you''ve genuinely taken me by surprise with your strength. Truly, heroes emerge in their youth." Wang Xuan was well aware that the Wu family was looking for experts in the old arts to coborate with. This ttery and ingratiation were likely aimed at trying to recruit him for their endeavors. "All the top-tier experts were killed by Old Chen. Those I defeated were significantly weaker," Wang Xuan responded, shaking his head. Suddenly, he paused, asking, "Where''s Old Chen?" "He was immediately taken aboard a spaceship by the relevant authorities. They''re providing urgent medical treatment," Qing Mu said, a heaviness evident in his voice. ¡­¡­ Old Chen''s impending death garnered attention from all corners, with varied reactions from different factions. Most were filled with a sense of regret, feeling it was a pity. After a long time, the realm of the Old Arts had finally produced someone of Old Chen''s caliber. Yet, it seemed he could not escape his fate and would never be able to further illuminate the path of the Old Arts. Many were closely monitoring the situation, waiting to see when Old Chen¡¯s life would be extinguished. Chapter 60: Old Chen’s Guardian Chapter 60: Old Chen¡¯s Guardian Aboard a sleek, gleaming battleship, Zhong Yong, a prominent figure even among the titans of the megacorporations, dered, "Give Little Chen a dose of the Elixir of Longevity I use." A middle-aged attendant hesitated before responding, "Do you mean the Elixir of Longevity... or the Elixir of Wellness?" He wondered if the elder might have misspoken. The Elixir of Longevity was insanely valuable, requiring a trek across the stars to gather rare minerals and herbs. Its production was notoriously difficult, with many batches ending up worthless. It was not something that could be mass-produced and that made it virtually priceless. Only the super-elite had ess to it, and on the rare asion, it appeared on the ck market, it fetched astronomical sums. Though Zhong Yong was thin with thinning, snow-white hair, he radiated authority. A mere look from him made the attendant sweat. "I''ll see to it immediately," the attendant said, dipping his head. Zhong Yong gestured for him to be at ease and move along. "Do you really hold Chen Yongjie in such high regard? He might not even pull through," remarked an elderly man with silvery hair nearby. He was Zhong Yong''s younger son, Zhong Changming. Zhong Yong spoke calmly, "It''s about cultivating goodwill. People should understand gratitude." Zhong Changming was slightly taken aback. Has father grown soft because of his old age? Regardless, facing his authoritative father, he could only nod in agreement. Zhong Yong added, "What I mean is, after presenting the elixir in public, those practicing the Old Arts should know how to be grateful." Zhong Changming was at a loss for words. After a moment, he inquired, "Do you have a favorable view of the Old Arts?" "It''s not about favoring one over the other," Zhong Yong replied. "Back then, when we unearthed seeds of potent medicines from the relics, it evidently strengthened the practitioners of the Old Arts. Who knows what we might discover next?" Zhong Changming suggested, "Should we also send something to those in the New Arts domain?" Old Zhong shook his head, "Didn''t we already provide them with a sizable amount of money? Don''t send anything. In the future, directly acquire thetest research results from within their domain, even if ites at a premium." He then said evenly, "Power must always remain in our hands. It''s a simple truth that remains unshaken through the ages. Add another use to my will: to be an heir, one must ce immense importance on the transcendent domain. The Zhong family must always be at the forefront!" Subsequently, with deep emphasis, Zhong Yong said, "It might not seem like much now, but what if mythical creatures emerge decades or centuries from now? Among the descendants of the Zhong family, some must retain their advantage and be at the pinnacle of that domain. My time is limited, and I don''t have many years left, but you must be proactive to avoid future regrets. It''s crucial not to fall from the top of the pyramid and be subservient to others." Zhong Changming grew solemn instantly, but deep down, he could not help but roll his eyes. For all his father''s qualities, sincerity wasn''t one of them. His father had a profound fear of death and a strong attachment to life''s pleasures. Over the past two decades, he had faced death''s door multiple times. Yet, each time, he''d poured vast resources into life-extending treatments, managing to hold on. He had even outlived his eldest son, the main heir. Zhong Changming let out a weary sigh. He figured he might not even oust his father. Perhaps it was best to step aside and leave the battle for session to the younger generation. A striking young woman breezed in. Her easy ess showed just how much favor she held with Zhong Yong. With a radiant smile that made her eyes dance, she assured, "Great-grandpa, don''t you worry. My expedition team is on the job. We''re determined to find that Immortal Grass for you, promising you another five hundred years. I''ve even got a few talented folks in mind to join the team soon." Internally, Zhong Changming couldn''t help but think, "Darling, if you genuinely get your hands on that Immortal Grass, you might as well give up any hopes of the top spot. The old man will just keep holding onto it, ousting every single one of you!" ¡­¡­ This is just the tip of the iceberg; all the major conglomerates and organizations have simr stories. "How''s it going?" Qing Mu asked anxiously. As a small spacecraft descended, he rushed over to inquire about his master''s current condition. "The situation is quite grim," Qian Lei from the concerned department, who had once joined Qing Mu and Wang Xuan on an expedition to the undergroundb in Greater Khingan Range, reported. "Upon examination, all of Old Chen''s internal organs are cracked, densely so. If we tried to separate them, they''d shatter into hundreds of pieces." He continued gravely, "All avable treatments are ineffective. That''s because Old Chen''s organs are intertwined with mysterious lightning. If we were to take certain measures, the organs might explode on the spot." Qing Mu''s face turned ghostly pale, his body going limp. If even the most advanced medical procedures were useless, then there was no hope left for his master. "Hmm?" Qian Lei suddenly received a call. When he returned, he brought some positive news to Qing Mu: The Zhong family, one of the super-rich conglomerates, had sent over a vial of longevity serum. Although it couldn''t revive the dead, it had stabilized Old Chen''s condition. "It''s more precious than the life-saving medicine we had en route, isn''t it?" Wu Yin whispered. Wu Chenglin nodded, saying, "This is definitely Zhong Yong''s style¡ªalways about give and take. If Old Chen doesn''t pull through, I bet Old Zhong will send a condolence letter written personally by him. With all the practitioners of the old arts gathered here, they will surely remember his kindness." Wu Yin: "..." Old Wu added, "Of course, he must have cated those from the new arts as well." Wu Yin murmured, "I''m curious to see just how long he can actually live." Soon after, Qian Lei informed Qing Mu that, after a consultation by a team of medical experts, the consensus was that after consuming the longevity serum, Old Chen could hold on for two days. Old Wu timely stepped forward and told Qing Mu that the Wu family had also sent a powerful remedy that had nearly half the potency of the Serum of Longevity. "That means Old Chen can hold on for another two or three days," Wang Xuan said, his furrowed brow slightly rxing. Pulling Qing Mu aside, he whispered so faintly it was almost inaudible, "I have an ancient method we can try. Now is the time to test your connections. Reach out to the relevant departments for assistance. Seek out ancient relics rted to the ascension of the ancients¡ªrelics like Buddha''s relics, the golden bones of Taoist priests, artifacts from pre-Qin dynasty alchemists... Gather everything! If you can''t find those, even broken stones or tiles from legends of immortals will do. Just try to gather as much as you can." Qing Mu blinked, taken aback. What is this all about? "Alchemy!" In an instant, Wang Xuan shook his head, saying, "Don''t ask. Just say it''s from a secret manuscript your master had, detailing rituals from Zhu You and ancient shamans. Using objects for rituals... Anyway, don''t mention me at all. Keep my name out of this. Otherwise, there will be trouble!" Wang Xuan leaned in, whispering urgently to Qing Mu, dishing out a slew of cautions. However, behind those whispered warnings was a sigh of resignation. Sometimes, to save a life, risks were unavoidable. His anxiety was palpable. These top-tier organizations, the power-brokers, and government officials were notoriously shrewd. No matter how careful or covert they were, it was almost certain they''d leave some trace behind. "Old Chen," Wang Xuan eximed, throwing his hands in the air, "Ever since our paths crossed, my life''s been a roller-coaster of chaos!" He paused for a moment, his gaze sharpening, "And don''t forget the Marquis Sui''s Pearl. When the momentes, have it close to your master. Let this ancient talisman, renowned for its protective aura, shield him." Wang Xuan''s eyebrows knit together as he withdrew to a quieter corner of the room. Restlessly pacing, he voiced his frustrations, "Old Chen, you''ve given me nothing but trouble since day one. I''ve been dragged into your messes. I¡¯ve sent you the female practitioner and that ghost monk. I¡¯ve given you everything! And here we are, on the brink of another unpredictable storm." Qing Mu, having been away arranging for resources, used every connection he had to gather ancient artifacts. He imed they would employ the lost arts of Zhu You and ancient shamans to extend Old Chen''s life. Upon his return, Qing Mu caught the tail end of Wang Xuan''s monologue. He rolled his eyes, thinking, "Who asked you to send them in the first ce?" Wang Xuan, catching Qing Mu''s exasperated expression, shot back with a defiant, "Your master did!" Qingmu wanted to argue, but upon reflection, it seemed that Wang Xuan might actually have a point. While others were terrified, his master indeed seemed... thoroughly entertained by it all. "Do we have a way to save Old Chen?" Wu Chenglin approached them, seeking answers. Wang Xuan quickly responded, "Old Qing just consulted with an elder. They mentioned the need for rare ancient relics, like golden bamboo slips from the pre-Qin period, which might save a life." Old Wu ignored Wang Xuan and turned his gaze to Qingmu. Sighing deeply, Qingmu said, "I spoke on the phone earlier. That elder said we need rare artifacts associated with the legends of the immortals." Wang Xuan sidled up to Da Wu, trying to curry favor. "Does the Wu family have any golden bamboo slips?" Wu Yin rolled her eyes at him but finally whispered, "The super-wealthy Zhong family has them. But we won''t be able to borrow them. They keep those items highly secretive." "Does Old Zhong have a granddaughter?" Wang Xuan inquired. "She does have a great-granddaughter. Why? What are you thinking?" Da Wu asked him, her tone indifferent. "I think you might know her, right? Close friends perhaps? You could try approaching her. Saving Old Chen''s life would benefit you greatly. When the timees to coborate with your Wu family, Old Chen would certainly go above and beyond, and even risk his life to help," Wang Xuan suggested. "I''ve always hoped someone would take that girl down a notch!" Da Wu remarked, hinting at some past grievance. Wang Xuan found himself at a loss for words. He tried to console her, suggesting she should not get too upset and that there would be opportunities to settle scorester. He then went off to curry favor with Old Wu. Wang Xuan noticed that Old Wu was deep in thought. In the end, he dared not bring up any more ideas, fearing he might give himself away. He could only rely on Qing Mu to tap into his connections. Setting out using the name of Old Chen, Qing Mu indeed managed to gather some items. The rted parties seemed quite amodating. Wang Xuan moved to a corner, pondering over the situation and weighing his options. Eventually, with a heavy heart, he murmured, "Old Chen, you''ve brought me so much trouble. I offered you the ghost monk, passed on the martial arts technique that surpasses the Great Vajra Fist, and now I''m risking everything trying to save your life. Ever since our paths crossed, I''ve been continuously watching over you. I''ve truly be your guardian angel in every sense of the word!" Chapter 61: Artifacts Of An Immortal Chapter 61: Artifacts Of An Immortal On the Pamir teau, several small starships touched down, transporting away all the bodies and clearing the debris left behind by Old Chen¡¯s rampage. Mo Hai, Xia Qing, and Chen Kai were no exceptions. Their lifeless forms rested on cold stretchers, draped with long white cloths. Wang Xuan took a moment, reflecting on the fragility of life. The sight was a harsh reminder that even the mightiest could fall. He knew he was still leagues away from their prowess. "Wang Xuan," Wu Chenglin interjected, "Lost in thought? Don''t forget, you''re the one who took down one of those Grandmasters." Wang Xuan shot him a look, feeling that Wu Chenglin was purposely poking at him. He had hoped to keep that particr aplishment low-key. Soon, mid-sized starships touched down, focusing on rescuing the wounded. Inside, the state-of-the-art medical equipment buzzed to life, operated by a team of expert medics. Those critically injured were rapidly escorted away, while the ones with minor injuries received immediate on-site care. It did not take long before everyone was tended to. Wang Xuan, seeing an opportunity, nudged Qing Mu for some assistance. Feigning a grave injury, he spoke of his ruptured heart and lungs. All of this was for the sake of keeping a low profile. Wang Xuan did not want to be seen as the up-anding star in the realm of the Old Arts, nor did he wish to bebeled as Old Chen''s sessor. Qing Mu went to get help, but midway through, a new female medic approached Wang Xuan, assuring him he was in excellent health, and that the state of his body was far superior to the average person. He quietly whispered to her about his ¡°condition¡±, emphasizing on the pain. However, the medic, being the straightforward person that she was, retorted loudly, "There''s absolutely nothing wrong with you! Your heart and lungs are even stronger than those of an ox!" Wang Xuan turned away immediately, not wanting to entertain further conversation. Ironically, her promation drew attention, and several people sneered and chuckled at him. The battle at Pamir teau had concluded. It was a brutal encounter where three Grandmasters of the New Arts have perished. Although the Old Arts emerged victorious, their only prominent figure had fallen. Cold warships and starships streaked across the sky, leaving the teau behind. Wang Xuan and Qing Mu escorted the injured Old Chen back to An City. ording to medical experts, conventional treatment methods were futile, and all human efforts were exhausted. Many experts in Old Arts followed them to the city, looking somber as they prepared to bid Old Chen their final farewell. In reality, organizations and corporations from both the New World and the Old World sent representatives to An City, ready to offer their condolences for Old Chen. Wang Xuan found the atmosphere eerily anticipatory. It felt like everyone was pre-ordering wreaths and preparing for a memorial service. He pondered: what would happen if he miraculously managed to save Old Chen? Qing Mu''s face was etched with sorrow. Sensing the movements from all parties, he felt deeply distressed. He feared that Old Chen might not make it. He regarded Wang Xuan''s determination to save Old Chen with skepticism and saw it as ast-ditch effort. Being overwhelmed by the current situation, he was even preparing for Old Chen''s final arrangements. Wang Xuan mused that if Old Chen dide around, he''d surely want to give a piece of his mind to everyone present. Qing Mu took Old Chen to an expansive estate on the outskirts. The ce was vast, suitable for amodating the group devoted to the Old Arts. A calm, deep-eyed deputy from the rted authorities arrived in person and had a conversation with Qing Mu. He then handed over a box containing two vibrant golden bamboo leaves, a Early Qin era marvel from the depths of the Greater Khingan Range, known as the "Ascension Divine Bamboo." While the quantity was limited, it was the sentiment that mattered. This deputy was genuinely considerate, and even advised Qing Mu to let Old Chen try the leaves. If there was a noticeable improvement, he promised to find more solutions. Though the two leaves might not have miraculous effects, but his gestured meant a lot to the old man''s disciple. As he left, he mentioned to Qing Mu that he would return in two days to check on Old Chen, subtly suggesting that he might attend the uing memorial. Observing this, Old Wu quickly advised Da Wu to reserve funeral wreaths soon. Given the imminent visit from the department officials, they anticipated a flurry of activity and did not want to be caught without proper arrangements. Wang Xuan looked down at the still figure of Old Chen and sighed. "Old Chen, it feels like I''m swimming against the tide trying to save you. Am I taking on the world''s disapproval for this?" By nightfall, every party who had promised artifacts from the Old World had them delivered. They came in small ships, and soon an entire room was brimming with relics. Wang Xuan decided to keep a low profile and did not engage immediately. In fact, he and Qing Mu intentionally limited their interactions. However, Wang Xuan did receive an itemized note, and the contents stirred his emotions. Among the relics was a peachwood sword, previously owned by the famed Lu Dongbin. It was believed to be unearthed from his meditation site in the Zhongxiao Mountains. Wang Xuan¡¯s surprise deepened when he read about a cracked alchemy furnace once used by Ge Hong. Recognizing Ge Hong''s significant contributions, including famous works like "Baopuzi '''' and "Yuhuan Fang," Wang Xuan grew more skeptical. If such prized relics were so easily acquired, Wang Xuan wondered if he should even bother heading to the New World. Perhaps staying in the Old World was the wiser choice. Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Wang Xuan seized an opportunity to meet Qing Mu and decided to personally inspect these so-called treasures. The room was filled with arge collection of ancient items, ranging from bronze arrowheads and meteorite knives to cracked alchemy furnaces. There were even bamboo scripts of the Tao Te Ching and everyday utensils, which were allegedly excavated from ancient cave dwellings. At a mere nce, Wang Xuan felt his heart sink. What were these items? Perhaps they were ancient, but they surely had nothing to do with the ascension relics he was seeking. The supposed peachwood sword, once wielded by Lu Dongbin, looked charred, as if struck by lightning. Yet it bore no trace of the mystical aura Wang Xuan was hoping for, prompting him to dismissively cast it aside. Qing Mu quickly intervened, saying, "Hold on! That sword is a prized possession of an old acquaintance. It''s been disyed in his study for years, believed to ward off evil spirits!" "Alright," Wang Xuan sighed, picking up the cracked furnace, said to have been used by Ge Hong for alchemy. But upon closer inspection, he felt the urge to discard it too. He felt a profound disappointment; not one item in the room met his expectations. He sighed, realizing that relics associated with ascension were indeed elusive. But upon reflection, he found sce. If every old artifact had ties to ascension, that would indeed be peculiar. "These won''t do," Wang Xuan dered, shaking his head in disapproval. A sense of disappointment shed across Qing Mu''s face. "Let''s try the other room then," he suggested. "There''s more?" Wang Xuan eximed, taken aback. Qing Mu nodded, exining, "We ran out of space here, so the items that came inter were stored in another room." Upon stepping into the next room, Wang Xuan immediately sensed the presence of a treasure, the very kind of ascension relic he was seeking. It appeared that there was hope for saving Old Chen after all. Without waiting for Qing Mu to brief him, Wang Xuan quickly rummaged through the pile of artifacts. He unearthed a jade box and promptly opened it. Insidey a pitch-ck bone, emanating a mysterious substance that would be imperceptible to the average person. Wang Xuan was certain this was the rare ascension relic he had been searching for. What a fortuitous find! As he rubbed the bone, some of the ckness faded, revealing a faint golden sheen underneath. His heart raced. Could this be the legendary golden bone? The charred exterior, he spected, might have been caused by a lightning strike. "Who sent this? Where did they find it?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but ask. "Some government department sent us a batch, which included this bone. Wait a moment, let me check the description in the inventory," Qing Mu said, bowing his head to consult the list. After a short while, he found it. "This was discovered near a copsed, unnamed small Taoist temple. Upon excavation and cleanup of the site, no other important items were found, just this lone bone." Wang Xuan mused, "It''s not the height of the mountain, but the presence of an immortal that grants it fame. It''s not the depth of the water, but the dragon within that gives it spirit. A humble, nameless Taoist temple, yet it held a relic of past ascension." Qing Mu was somewhat skeptical. Could Wang Xuan really ascertain the celestial significance of a relic just by examining a ck bone? He had his doubts. Wang Xuan nced at him, asserting, "Trust my judgment. I believe this bone might even belong to a celestial being." "You''re overthinking it," Qing Mu countered, eyeing him skeptically. "In some remote, dpidated Taoist temple, buried alongside a creepy ck bone, any anomalies are more likely rted to a demoness or demon." Wang Xuan quickly interrupted, "Watch your words! This concerns the life and death of your master, Old Chen. Beware of what you speak." Qing Mu immediately fell silent. At that moment, he chose to believe in Wang Xuan''s discernment. Without dy, Wang Xuan quickly moved to another corner and grabbed a wooden box. He opened it, and his face lit up with joy. This was yet another valuable find. Inside the boxid a piece of jade, partially covered in its rough outeryer. The exposed section of the jade was pure, delicate, and lustrous. It was an exquisite piece of raw jade. "This piece was excavated from the ruins of an ancient city dating back to the Han Dynasty. It was collected by an elder, who admired it as a natural raw stone decoration," Qing Mu exined. Wang Xuan instantly surmised that after someone had undergone the ascension process, a dense mysterious substance had fused with this jade, making it an authentic ascension stone. He then identified another unique artifact: a bone, white as jade and over half a foot in length. At first nce, it was challenging to discern which part of the body it hade from. "This was left behind in the underground pce of a Buddhist ancestral temple when they relocated to the New World," Qing Mu remarked. "Is it the bone of a revered monk?" Wang Xuan asked, taken aback. Qing Mu shook his head. Like the other items, this too was sent by the higher-ups. They were meticulous, providing the provenance for each artifact. "It''s said that the bone was unearthed from a very deepyer of soil beneath the ancestral temple''s underground pce. At the time of discovery, it was bound by iron chains," Qing Mu borated. "Could it be the remains of a notable demon or person that the Buddhist ancestral temple suppressed in the past?" Wang Xuan spected with a hint of doubt. Qing Mu responded, "The bone appears to be entirely ordinary, with no unusual urrences ever reported." "We''ll find out when we test it," Wang Xuan suggested. "There''s nothing to be afraid of. Even if its origins are ancient, could it be more formidable than the female practitioner from over three thousand years ago?" The female practitioner was truly extraordinary; her physical body was incredibly preserved to the present day. Yet, even she did not pose a threat to Wang Xuan. Therefore, he was quite fearless in the face of such mysteries now. "While these findings are slightly different from what I anticipated, they might suffice. I hope they will sessfully help to revive your master." Wang Xuan decided to proceed with the operation that very night, venturing into the Inner Landscape! Chapter 62: United We Stand Chapter 62: United We Stand Seeing the conviction in Wang Xuan''s words, Qing Mu felt a budding hope. Does Wang Xuan possess some otherworldly abilities? "What do you believe is the safest approach?" Qing Mu inquired carefully. Wang Xuan pondered for a moment. "It''s like a legending to life. Above, the immortals light up the heavens; below, bodhisattvas spin prayer wheels. Celestials float on clouds, demonesses control dragons, and fairy maidens tread along mystical paths, reuniting under the moonlit jade terrace..." He spoke with a distant nostalgia, then sighed heavily. The great immortals and bodhisattvas of old are now but remnants of the past. Listening to this, Qing Mu felt overwhelmed. Is Wang Xuan speaking of a divine intervention?Or perhaps a chaotic assembly of supernatural creatures? He was utterly confused. And given the rumors that Wang Xuan had an uncanny ability to attract spirits, Qing Mu''s unease grew. Doubts clouded Qing Mu''s mind. Was Wang Xuan nning to infuse a host of supernatural beings into Old Chen''s fragile body? Considering Old Chen''s frail state, would he even be able to withstand such a thing? Qing Mu''s worries continued to mount. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan was deep in thought, considering how to keep a low profile. Even though Old Chen was out of action, he was still the focal point, and countless eyes were fixed on him. If Wang Xuan rashly stepped in and Old Chen miraculously recovered, it would undoubtedly lead to breaking news that would put Wang Xuan in the crosshairs. People would surely dig deeper, and the secrets of his Inner Landscape mighte to light. These considerations sent a chill down Wang Xuan''s spine, as if a cold knife was pressed against his throat. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on him, each thought increasing his anxiety. This was not child''s y. Rescuing Old Chen could endanger his very life. The implications were massive. How could he navigate this without exposing his own secrets? While Wang Xuan was usuallyid-back, he was visibly distressed that night, his face etched with concern. He knew he had to carefully n every move. In the end, he methodically refined his approach. Wang Xuan looked at Qing Mu earnestly and said, ¡°Old Qing, everything hinges on you this time!¡± Qing Mu was puzzled. How am I suddenly involved? With a grave tone, Wang Xuan continued, ¡°When we were collecting the antiques, I mentioned that your master once obtained a secret manual that recorded ancient rituals, including the Zhu You and ancient witchcraft. With these, one could perform rites using objects. And since you''re Old Chen''s disciple, it naturally falls to you to oversee this!¡± Noticing Wang Xuan''s seriousness, Qing Mu became more attentive and anxious, ready to cooperate fully. He observed Wang Xuan engrossed in his phone, seemingly searching for something, asionally furrowing his brow in deep thought. ¡°Old Qing, I''ll teach you some techniques. You need to learn them quickly and master them,¡± Wang Xuan said with utmost gravity. ¡°Alright,¡± Qing Mu responded. Seeing Wang Xuan''s intense demeanor made him feel uncertain, but he was prepared to give his full support regardless. Being a master of the Old Arts, Qing Mu could pick up movements quickly. But as time went on, he started feeling something was amiss. It increasingly seemed to him like... he was learning a religious dance ritual. During a short break when Wang Xuan took a sip of water, Qing Mu quickly did an online search. Immediately, he found the original tutorial. He felt like spitting out blood in frustration. He had been so diligent in his learning, and Wang Xuan had been teaching him with such a serious face. Is this a joke? They were indeed learning a religious dance. It was madness. ¡°What are you trying to pull, Wang Xuan?¡± Qing Mu asked, his face clouding over with anger. Wang Xuan still wore a grave expression, but Qing Mu''s unease had been reced by skepticism. He was beginning to think that Wang Xuan might be a bit unreliable. "If we''re going with the pretense of the Zhu You rituals and ancient witchcraft to save someone, you should at least learn to look the part. It would be even better if you could master it ande up with your own variations," Wang Xuan advised. "You could''ve mentioned that earlier!" Qing Mu retorted, visibly irritated. Without waiting for Wang Xuan''s guidance, he began to mimic the movements, capturing an enigmatic essence. Having been a disciple of Old Chen, Qing Mu had naturally learned many Old Arts. What he performed was a dance from an ancient text, believed in antiquity to connect with the divine and even wielded as a martial form. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but admire, "Old Qing, you truly are a talent. I can already envision your brilliant future." "What are you rambling about?" Qing Mu was starting to get fed up and didn''t want to engage further. "I''m not speaking nonsense. Tonight, you''re destined to astonish the world with your dance!" Wang Xuan pped him on the shoulder, emphasizing the need for mastery in his moves. Qing Mu''s face stiffened. With his sharp instincts, he immediately pieced together a troubling thought. If he managed to revive his master, would the future see him being frequently summoned by various tycoons and organizations to perform this witchcraft dance? "All of this is for Old Chen," Wang Xuan said with a solemn face. Qing Mu wanted to point out that for all of Wang Xuan''s serious demeanor in wanting to save Old Chen, it was him, Qing Mu, who was doing the heavy lifting. But what could he say now? No matter how hard it was, he knew that he had to ept it. Wang Xuan added, "It''s not enough for just the two of us to be involved. Let''s get everyone practicing the Old Arts on board as well. They can line up to visit Old Chen, transferring to him the energy of the living. Coupled with your ritual dance, it might just bring him back." Without a word, Qing Mu listened to what he considered Wang Xuan''s nonsensical ns. Deep down, he knew it was to cover for Wang Xuan to prevent his exposure. "Everyone should enter in an orderly manner, one by one," Wang Xuan proposed. "Depending on their skills, they can spend anywhere from a minute or two to up to forty minutes inside the room. I believe, considering my ability, a few minutes to several tens of minutes should be ample. After all, a year or two in the internal realm might only trante to a minute in our world." He continued, "It might seem strange if they juste in and look at Old Chen without doing anything. It''d be like they''re paying theirst respects or something. To make it more believable, they can touch Old Chen''s hand or foot, and im that it''s a transfer of life energy. This way, it will seem like those from the realm of the Old Arts are collectively trying to save Old Chen." Hearing all this, Qing Mu was speechless. This young man, Wang Xuan... To clear his own name, he truly was going to great¡ªand questionable¡ªlengths. "Can''t you exclude me from this?" Qing Mu couldn''t help but ask. "It''s not possible. You''re his disciple. You can''t just do nothing in such a crucial moment," Wang Xuan responded. "Anything else you need to add?" Qing Mu inquired, his face void of any emotion. "That''s about it. Keep things simple!" Wang Xuan waved his hand dismissively. Qing Mu looked at him, exasperated. How is this "keeping things simple"? So many people are getting involved just to provide Wang Xuan with a cover. And hold on... Is everyone really going to touch Old Chen? The idea suddenly hit him¡ªthe dying Old Chen was essentially going to be groped by almost everyone. Wang Xuan thought to himself, "Old Chen, just bear with it for tonight. Even if dozens of people touch you or hundredse into contact, just endure it. All of this is to save you. Besides, you''re in a deep unconscious state, so you might not even realize what''s happening." A concern suddenly popped into Wang Xuan''s mind. Even if he could enter the internal realm without triggering a heightened state of awareness, would it be possible with Old Chen in his unclear, unconscious state? If his consciousness isn''t revived, can he be brought along? In that scenario, he''d have to make direct contact with Old Chen''s body, transferring the mysterious factor through touch. There was also the possibility that Old Chen was simply pretending to be unconscious. It was not entirely impossible. Wang Xuan had actually considered something like this. Old Chen could be ¡°fishing¡±, he had thought. But if it was real, he might actually give the old man a beating for his pranks. Perhaps he might be the one who ended up being beaten up by Old Chen. He considered all possibilities. But one thing was certain: Old Chen would not know what to do when he first entered the Inner Landscape. He would need guidance from Wang Xuan. ¡°Where¡¯s the Marquis Sui¡¯s Pearl?¡± he asked. Such a rare artifact would of course not be forgotten. Qing Mu pulled a box out from his pocket and said, ¡°It¡¯s a rare artifact. I¡¯ve been keeping it safe.¡± It¡¯s so near, and yet¡­ Wang Xuan could not sense any Mystery Factor on the pearl. He was disappointed, ¡°Put it away. It''s a fake.¡± he waved his hand dismissively. But Qing Mu ignored his words and opened the box to reveal a brilliant white pearl. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not the real pearl, but it certainly is an ancient artifact.¡± he observed. The Marquis Sui¡¯s Pearl was said to be engraved with scriptures by practitioners of the pre-Qin era, but the item before him was anything but that. It might be ancient, but it had nothing to do with the object described in myths and legends. ¡°How can you tell it¡¯s fake?¡± Qing Mu did not buy into Wang Xuan¡¯s words. Wang Xuan responded with a shrug, ¡°I¡¯m an experienced archeologist.¡± The operation to save Old Chen from the brink of death would begin shortly. Qing Mu left to inform the practitioners of the Old Arts that their bined efforts¡± were needed to snatch their oldrade from the jaws of death. Wang Xuan sighed as he held the piece of ck bone in his hand. Please, let this seed. Qing Mu, who was done exining the ritual to the rest of the practitioners, returned just in time to see Wang Xuan fiddling with the bones between his fingers. He could feel his heart in his mouth. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± he asked, afraid that he would once again be haunted by the youngster¡¯s thoughtless action. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s creepy? ying with that bone like that.¡± he asked with a low voice, ¡°And are you actually going to summon some sort of spirit?¡± ¡°Old Qing,¡± Wang Xuan replied, ¡°These things might look dull, but what do you think they were? They might belong to some immortals back then.¡± Qing Mu rolled his eyes and retorted, ¡°And don¡¯t you think you¡¯re disrespecting them by ying around with their bones?¡± He does have a point. Thought Wang Xuan, ¡°Alright, move. Let¡¯s go save Old Chen!¡± This would be a sleepless night for the people involved. Old Chenid on a bed surrounded by flowers in the hall. Artifacts of ancient origins filled the room. It was very likely that they would not work, but at this point, nobody cared. The Pearl of Marquis Sui was ced on Old Chen¡¯s head as a ward that could protect his life. One by one, the practitioners of the Old Arts filed in. Some of them could barely hold back their tears, while others were openly sobbing. It was starting to look like an actual funeral. Qing Mu did his best to perform the ritual dance. He was sweating from head to toes as the procession continued. When it was time for Wang Xuan to make his move, he was ovee by his emotions. It¡¯s not easy being your guardian angel you know? Hemented as he looked at Old Chen¡¯s battered form. Especially when I have to save your life without being noticed. Now¡­ Which artifact should I use first? The demeanor of each immortal was different. He was worried that the Mystery Factor he infused into Old Chen might belong to someone with a bad temperament. The pressure was on. Wang Xuan settled with the bone charred by lightning. After all, it was from a small monastery, and its interior was gold in color. This symbolized purity and holiness. He attempted to crack the bone to release the Mystery Factor within, but no matter how much force he exerted on the bone, it would not budge. Now that¡¯s a surprise. At that moment, his eyesid upon the ck sword beside Old Chen. It was an artifact shrouded in mystery. He lifted the sword and swung it on the bone. Whoosh! The sword managed to leave a mark on the ck bone. While the cut was not deep, it was enough. Mystery Factors poured out from the bone, and the Inner Landscape was unlocked. This phenomenon remained invisible to onlookers, but Wang Xuan found himself in the Solitary Void. At the same time, he saw the sh of a sword that split the very mountains itself. A beauty soared across the sky with the grace of an angel.
Jimmi''s Thoughts The part where Qing Mu realized that Old Chen will effectively be "groped" by everyone made meugh
Chapter 63: Female Sword Immortal Chapter 63: Female Sword Immortal The sight was mesmerizing. A female sword immortal stood in mid-air, her clothes fluttering. In this serene ce, she seemed ethereal and otherworldly, a transcendent being untouched by worldly matters. "Old Chen,e out and see the celestial being! I told you I''d bring you all the gods and deities, the great demons from all generations. Now, a banished fairy is right in front of us. Wake up!" Wang Xuan called out. For some reason, he felt uneasy, thus he beckoned Old Chen, hoping that he would appear. However, there was silence behind him. Old Chen did not respond. "Old Chen, are you pretending to be unconscious? Don''t be shy,e out and walk with me." Throughout this, Qing Mu continued his ritualistic dance, oblivious to everything. He only noticed that Wang Xuan had be silent. Wang Xuan realized that as he channeled the techniques of the Early Qin practitioners, he had unknowingly stepped into the Inner Landscape, isted from the material world. He was certain that he had not willingly stepped into this ce. How did I end up here? The surroundings were eerily quiet, the Inner Landscape was dark, and a thick fog seemed to be expanding around him. Was I brought in by this mist? He was on high alert because this situation felt different from previous encounters. An aura of unease pervaded the environment, and he felt a sudden surge of anxiety. In the dim surroundings, a light rain seemed to pour down from the high skies, making it the only luminous area. Wang Xuan looked up at the female sword immortal. Even though she was far away, within this Inner Landscape, everything was perceived through one''s spirit. He could clearly see her face. The female sword immortal appeared to be no older than twenty. Her actual age was unknown, but her external appearance was astonishingly youthful, pure, and radiant. Wang Xuan remained silent, observing her intently. She was undeniably beautiful, but what stood out the most was her ethereal demeanor, as if she was not from this world. Incredibly mesmerizing, she could capture anyone''s attention instantly. Wang Xuan stood still, lost in thought. He felt that his sense of awe was deeply rooted in the modern fascination with ancient myths and legends. For generations, the idea of sword-bearing immortals had captivated the human spirit. Hence, seeing one firsthand was nothing short of surreal. But his reverie was shattered by a sudden sh of sword energy from above. This radiant beam cut through his admiration, making it clear that the sword immortal was not there for pleasantries. She lunged at him with clear intent to harm, radiating a coldness that felt like it could pierce through his very soul. Danger, he realized, was palpable. Reacting quickly, Wang Xuan sidestepped, dodging the lethal attack. It took him by surprise. How did I even manage to evade such an overpowering strike? "Right," he thought, "the remnants of past spiritual energy were activated by my presence. What I see isn''t the real her but just an echo of her past grandeur. It can''t hurt me." Each time Wang Xuan entered this realm, his senses would sharpen. It allowed him to find rity, distancing himself from any potential danger. He understood that the sword immortal, though formidable, was not her true past self and did not possess the same immense power. If she could truly influence the present, she would not have waited for future generations to activate the mysterious catalyst, only to emerge from the remnants of her own remains. The residual spiritual energy she possessed was nothing to be feared. However, Wang Xuan soon paid the price for his overconfidence. A rain of sword energy descended, with dozens of beams covering the entire area. The majority of her attacksnded on him. Intense pain surged through Wang Xuan''s body. It was almost unbearable, as if he had been thrust up into the heavens. The sword energies relentlessly struck him one after another. Thankfully, they were just residual spiritual energies, peculiar in nature and incapable ofpletely destroying him. The only effect they could achieve as to cause immense pain. A chilling thought crossed his mind: Is the sword immortal just beginning to exert her influence on the real world? It was a terrifying notion. "My body is invincible; all external illusions cannot harm me," he roared. If the residual spiritual energies could tear him apart, then things would truly be dire. He firmly believed that energies from beings long gone could not possibly have real power over him. He channeled his Golden Body Technique, and a faint golden glow emanated from him. Suddenly, like a thrown spear, his body plummeted from mid-air,nding with both feet firmly anchored to the ground. In this realm, a strong will can change everything and effectively counter the attacks of residual spiritual energy. Indeed, as Wang Xuan became increasingly resolute in his beliefs, continuously using the Golden Body Technique to protect himself and strengthen his spirit, he felt a subtle shift in the entire world around him. The radiant sword energies in the sky began to fade. As they descended, they transformed into dimmer sword glows. He either dodged them or took them on directly with his Golden Body. Although still painful, the sensation was no longer as unbearable as before. Finally, the attacks ceased. Wang Xuan stood his ground, channeling the core techniques of the Early Qin sages to draw in the mystery factors. He remembered why he hade: to heal Old Chen''s wounds. The peerless female sword immortal stood in the sky, her sword illuminating the dark expanse. Her moon-white robe danced in the wind, revealing a beautiful face. Her cool, transcendent demeanor gave off an ethereal beauty. Due to her continuous attacks on Wang Xuan, all sense of admiration he had for her were lost. His heart was serene. In this realm, he was in a state of absolute calmness, sweeping awayplex emotions and focusing solely on channeling the mysterious substance. In the outside world, Wang Xuan held onto Old Chen''s wrist, with the mystery factor permeating through and entering Old Chen''s body, heading straight for the damaged internal organs. However, since it was not Old Chen himself who channeled the energy, many of the mystery factors were diminished. Regardless, it was undeniably effective. The cracks and injuries that riddled Old Chen''s organs were nourished, the deteriorating condition was halted, and even began to slowly heal. "Those who leave their true bones in this world after transcendence seem a bit different. The spiritual energy remaining in the bones is more abundant. But why did she attack me on sight?" Wang Xuan pondered in the Inner Landscape, finding the situation highly unusual. Whether it was the female practitioner or the old monk, none had greeted him with such hostility upon their first encounter. The worst they did was to disturb him in dreams, and that too was to entrust him with a task. He slightly suspected that touching the female sword immortal''s bone had caused this trouble. Yet it felt unlikely at the same time. After thousands of years, that bone had turned charred ck. Nobody would harbor any ill intensions towards such an artifact. Moreover, it was precisely because he acquired the bone that her residual spiritual energy was released. After Wang Xuan had channeled enough of the mystery factors, he began to practice the Golden Body Technique. It was a rare opportunity, one he could not waste. After the battle at the Pamir teau, many had set their eyes on him. This meant his fame had skyrocketed, but it also implied that danger was drawing near. He had to ensure his growth in strength so that it exceeded what others perceive of him. The female sword immortal seemed to truly harbor animosity towards him,unching yet another flurry of attacls. Wang Xuan was in agony, his practice of the Golden Body Technique severely disrupted. "I released you from the Ascension bone. I don''t expect gratitude, but surely you shouldn''t be attacking me like this?" He couldn''t help but voice his thoughts, feeling utterly wronged by the relentless hostility. Time and again, beams of sword energy rained upon him. Whether she could notprehend his words or bore an inexplicable grudge that refused to abate, the female sword immortal continued her relentless attacks. While they posed no mortal threat, Wang Xuan found himself tormented with pain. "Venerable Monk, where are you? There''s a malevolent female sword immortal here;e and release her spirit!" Wang Xuan called out for the ghostly monk, hoping he might intervene. Yet there was no response. Wang Xuan wondered if the old monk was either concealed within Old Chen''s own Inner Landscape and could not hear him, or simply chose to stay out of it. For the sake of Old Chen, Wang Xuan persevered for a full four years, enduring the constant barrage of sword energy. He was on the brink of insanity; his practice of the Golden Body Technique was sporadic and disjointed, producing subpar results. The female sword immortal unleashed her celestial sword again and again, cascading beams of light from the heavens, attacking him from every angle. For a moment, he even contemted escaping from the Inner Landscape. In the fifth year, as Wang Xuan''s external body trembled under the weight of the relentless spiritual assault, his palm identally brushed against the ck sword. Then, within the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan felt a sudden sensation. The next moment, a ck sword energy appeared in his hand. What¡¯s happening? He was shocked and quickly checked the situation outside. The ck sword was still on Old Chen''s bed, but since his palm was gripping the hilt, it had now been brought into the Inner Landscape. He immediately realized that this ck sword must have a significant origin! Inside the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan grasped the sword formed from the dark light and, without hesitation, shed towards the Female Sword Immortal. Even if he couldn''t defeat her, he had to make his stand. Suddenly, Wang Xuan felt something was off. The entire Inner Landscape seemed as if it was about to boil over, with countless sword energies erupting from the ground, and everywhere was filled with thunderous rumblings. Then, he saw many mountains, shaped like swords, piercing the skies. Numerous young men and women practiced their swordsmanship on each of these steep mountainous forms. Is this a Sword Sect? Many youngsters and young adults danced with their swords on various mountain peaks, asionally sending forth bursts of sword energy. However, while their sword techniques were strong, they were still far from the true prowess of a Sword Immortal. The scene shifted, and suddenly, on a day with torrential rain, a man in ck, wielding an exceptionally long ck sword, arrived. He entered the mountain range, challenging the Sword Sect all by himself. Boom! Bright lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the dancing sword energies. The man in ck, wielding a 1.5-meter long ck sword, wreaked havoc within the Sword Sect. He moved through the sect, unstoppable and unopposed. On this stormy night, apanied by thunder, heavy rain, and the glow of swords, he single-handedly massacred everyone in the Sword Sect. Leaving behind a blood-soaked sword, he turned his back and walked away. The next day, after the rain had stopped, a young girl of about thirteen or fourteen years old returned to find the scene of carnage. Although the scene was blurry and no sound could be heard, her heart-wrenching pain was palpable as she knelt down amidst the corpses, crying inconsbly. Wang Xuan immediately realized the situation. He was being wrongfully used. A long time ago, the owner of the ck sword had massacred a sword sect, and now, the karmic retribution was unfairly falling upon him, a modern-day man. He felt deeply wronged. "What does this have to do with me?" he thought. "They should be seeking vengeance on the man in ck or maybe they should get Old Chen instead!" The scene continued to change. The young girl rapidly matured. She practiced swordsmanship obsessively, reaching perfection and transcending the ordinary. She became increasingly powerful, yet despite her travels all over the world, she could never locate the man in ck to exact her revenge. Many yearster, after reaching the pinnacle of her swordsmanship and being on the brink of Ascension, she stood tall on the peak of a mountain where a secluded Taoist temple was located. Boom! Terrifying bolts of lightning raged from the sky, illuminating a night when the moon was full. The incessant shes obscured the gleaming moon, rendering it invisible. In the final scene, the female sword immortal soared towards the heavens only to shatter into pieces, vanquished by the thunderbolts. Her flesh and bones turned into a radiant shower of light amidst the lightning, emanating the brilliance of Ascension. This tragic end evokes deep emotions. Even a swordswoman of such formidable power met her end during the process of Ascension. Ultimately, the only remnant of her that endured the thunder''s wrath was the right hand she had wielded her sword with for years. A fragment of her bone survived the onught and fell from the skies,nding near the small Taoist temple. This fragment was her sole mark left in this world. Although the female sword immortal had tormented Wang Xuan for five years, in this moment, he felt a wave of sympathy. He no longer harbored resentment towards her, believing she likely mistook him for a descendant of the man in ck. "Such a mighty female sword immortal, in the end, didn¡¯t truly ascend to immortality but merely underwent Ascension, dissipating between the heavens and the earth," Wang Xuanmented, feeling an ineffable sense of loss. Then his thoughts drifted to the female practitioner, the ghost monk, and the ancient Buddha statue outside An City ¨C none of them truly ascended to immortality either. "Or perhaps, such a state is indeed considered as having achieved immortality?" He had pondered this question before, but he was reluctant to delve into it any further. Because what he was currently embroiled in seemed to be a trap set by ancient beings, it sent shivers down his spine. Boom! Endless beams of sword energy erupted, illuminating the surrounding area with peaks that appeared to pierce the sky. Bathed in the luminous glow of the moon, the female sword immortal stood atop the highest mountain, preparing to strike at Wang Xuan with greater vigor than ever before. Even within this Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan felt his heart race, gripped by an overwhelming sense of dread. "Wait!" he shouted loudly, "It has nothing to do with me. If you wish to investigate the events of the past, let me bring someone into this realm for you. Just wait a moment, and I''ll guide him into this world!" Chapter 64: Sect Master Wang Chapter 64: Sect Master Wang Surrounding him, steep mountains rose and fell, resembling a multitude of massive swords embedded into the ground. Every mountain seemed to emit beams of sword light, rushing towards the heavens. Apanied by the ethereal glow of ascension, the female sword immortal in the air swung her de. The ancient grounds of her former sect and the many mountains resonated with her, threatening to tear apart the Inner Landscape. Whoosh! Wang Xuan made a run for it. There was not much to say. He did not want to be the scapegoat. He had suffered enough for the sake of Old Chen, enduring hardship after hardship. It was about time for the me to find its rightful owner. With a swoosh, Wang Xuan burst forth, carrying with him a thick aura of mystic energy. It was then that he noticed that Qing Mu was not performing his ritualistic dance anymore. Has he grownzy because no one else ising in? Qing Mu had moved a chair closer and was sitting right in front, staring intently at Wang Xuan, seeming a bit anxious. He was startled. Even though they were close by, he could not sense or see the sword energy rising to the sky in the Inner Landscape. All he observed was that Wang Xuan seemed to be possessed by some entity. Within a few minutes, Wang Xuan''s body started to tremble gently, slowly swaying. Then, he grabbed the ck sword and slowly raised it. Is he trying to save someone? It felt more like he was about to strike down Old Chen! Qing Mu, rmed, rushed over immediately. If things went south, he would have to intervene. However, he held back because he had heard that in such situations, one should not act recklessly. Thankfully, Wang managed to get a hold of himself and slowly lowered the sword. No harm was done to his master. Wang Xuan paid no attention to him, entirely consumed by his own world. Behind him, the mist from the Inner Landscape expanded, trying to roll over and envelop him once more. Was it attempting to pull him back in? Indeed, this experience was unlike any other he''d had before, extremely unusual. "Old Chen, have youe back to life?" Wang Xuan shouted. He surmised that after being immersed in the mystery substance for so many years, Old Chen must be more alive than dead. Despite his calls, Old Chen showed no sign of life as heid motionless, oblivious to his surroundings. Wang Xuan was in a peculiar state, his back covered with a thickyer of the mystery factor. Even though he had left the Inner Landscape, he had not returned to his physical body. He feared that if he left the Inner Landscape fully, he would never be able to enter again. He was in a dilemma. How do I guide Old Chen into the Inner Landscape? He realized that it would probably be quite difficult. No wonder the scriptures of various sects emphasized that even if a disciple has an extraordinary talent and can trigger a heightened sensory state, they still require the sect founder to guide them. This made sense. Wang Xuan was not a sect founder, so he did not know how to lead Old Chen into the Inner Landscape. When I first entered the Inner Landscape, no one guided me. I did it on my own, which was a bit special. I suspect it''s recorded in the esoteric scriptures of Taoism and Buddhism, but there''s no time to check now. Wang Xuan spected that he wasn''t the only one. Who was the first to discover the Inner Landscape? Perhaps they identally ventured into it, bringing the practice of the Old Arts to a new pinnacle! "Strictly speaking, apart from my realm not being as advanced as theirs, looking from an early stage, the fact that I entered on my own means there should be some recognition of this in the glorious ancient times. In the long run, would I now be considered a minor sect founder? Maybe I could try bringing someone in." Inside the Inner Landscape, the Female Sword Immortal stood in mid-air, the light of ascension sprinkling down. It almost looked like something sacred. The mist surged yet again and expended outwards. Wang Xuan took a deep breath. A decision was made then. With the dense mystery factor surrounding him, he rushed towards Old Chen, who was lying down. There is still hope! He was not drawn back into his physical body, indicating that being close to the Inner Landscape and carrying arge amount of the mystery factor allowed him to temporarily stay outside. "Old Chen, wake up! Sect Master Wang is here to lead you to immortality!" Having reached the side of Old Chen, Wang Xuan felt a wave of fatigue. He quickly utilized the core techniques of Early Qin practitioners to absorb the mystery factor that he brought along. Upon closer inspection, he saw Old Chen''s condition. The cracks in his internal organs had decreased slightly in size, but they were still densely packed, intertwined with shing lightning. A mere touch could possibly set off an explosion. "Old Chen, you''ve actually hidden inside the internal organs. No wonder I couldn''t find you!" Wang Xuan peered closely. With the power of the Inner Landscape, in this unique state, he could clearly see what was going on within Old Chen''s body. Old Chen''s condition was very peculiar. His spiritual domain was locked within his internal organs rather than inside his head. At the moment, Old Chen dared not move. He feared that the lightning would annihte his spiritual domain. The lightning trapped within his organs was incredibly unique, carrying with it a mystical hue. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though he heard Wang Xuan''s shouts, but they sounded distant and unclear. "Is this an illusion? Young people are so unreliable. If he doesn''t show up soon, I''m going to die." Old Chen sighed. Wang Xuan remained silent. As expected, Old Chen had long guessed his secret. Reflecting on his recent experiences, Wang Xuan realized he had been careless. Even Sun Chengkun, right before his death on the Great ck Mountain, could reference ancient texts and guess that he might have entered the Inner Landscape. Old Chen was a Grandmaster in the realm of the Old Arts. His insights, experiences, and the ancient texts he''se across surely surpassed those of schrs and Sun Chengkun. As colleagues, Wang Xuan was always around Old Chen. Thetter probably deduced something by observing the rapid progression in Wang Xuan''s skills over a short period. The main issue was that Wang Xuan had no idea back then that Old Chen was such a powerful Grandmaster. If he had known earlier, he would have run away and never taken the job in the first ce. Wang Xuan''s expressions changed rapidly, moving between anger and surprise. Was I being manipted by his old colleague? Did Old Chen actually use his own life as bait to "fish" for something? "Forget it, my conscience is clear. I faced them down alone, armed only with my sword. In that battle, I shattered the ims that the New Arts surpassed the Old Arts with a single strike. This turned the tide for the Old Arts. More resources would now be directed our way..." Old Chen murmured. Wang Xuan could now grasp his mindset. Old Chen, his old colleague, was truly a magnificent character. From a broader perspective, he indeed held his head high with honor. When he went to the Pamir teau, facing all the experts in the New Arts domain on his own, his performance was nothing short of spectacr. With his sword, he took down three Grandmasters and showcased the might of the Old Arts. He demonstrated to everyone the renaissance of the Old Arts. Once rejuvenated, its brilliance was dazzling. Old Chen paved a way for the Old Arts, heralding a significant turning point. On a more personal level, Old Chen was also ruthless. Without leaving any way out for himself, after breaking through the domain of New Arts, he detonated the issues within his body, baiting Wang Xuan to the rescue. In such circumstances, even though Wang Xuan felt the urge to thrash him, he could still not bear to watch him die. Old Chen might be a cunning strategist, but he had an undeniable sense ofmitment. Few could match his level of dedication. Whatever Old Chen did for himself, he never strayed from the primary objective of showcasing the brilliance of the Old Arts. He was genuine. No individual is painted in a single shade; everyone isplex. "Old man..." Wang Xuan sighed softly. He then approached Old Chen, closely observing his spiritual domain. It was truly majestic, reminiscent of clouds and mist, revolving around him. "Old Chen!" Wang Xuan eximed. In this unique state, it seemed like the material world couldn''t obstruct him. "Little Wang, is that you?" Old Chen sounded thrilled. His spiritual domain pulsed with emotion. "You finally came. I knew I hadn''t misjudged you." Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt a surge of annoyance. "Old Chen, it seems I was the one who misjudged you!" Old Chen sighed, "Little Wang, you must understand. For an old man who cherishes the Old Arts more than his own life, the obsession runs deep. If I don''t witness the revival and resplendence of the Old Arts in this lifetime, I won''t rest in peace. Waiting here for you was merely to witness, and to ensure, that you truly found the right path." Wang Xuan was deeply moved. However, he quickly became cautious once more. Old Chen had always been a seasoned yer, and even if he was genuinely emotional now, who could tell if he wasn''t merely reverting to his old habits or setting another trap? "Having heard the Dao in the morning, one can die in the evening!" Old Chen''s voice was firm and resonant, echoing with conviction. His entire spiritual domain vibrated, radiating a dazzling brilliance. Wang Xuanmented, "Do you have any idea the price I''ve paid? To save you, to activate the Inner Landscape, I''ve burned through my own life potential." Old Chen looked incredibly grateful, "If you ever open the Inner Landscape again, call on me. I am willing to burn all my potential to light the way for you." "Old Chen, enough with the drama," Wang Xuan gave him a sidelong nce. Old man, are you trying to pull some weird stuff off even now? "Do you know the root technique of the Early Qin practitioners?" Wang Xuan inquired. "I''ve practiced it for decades!" Old Chen responded simply. Wang Xuan was not surprised. Given where Old Chen had reached, his experiences were likely anything but ordinary. "Enough talk. Start channeling the core techniques now!" Wang Xuan ordered. In reality, theirmunication through spiritual perception took mere moments. "Where? How do I enter?" Old Chen looked puzzled. "You can''t see the Inner Landscape right next to you?" Wang Xuan asked suspiciously. "I really can''t!" Old Chen replied anxiously and then quickly exined, "Even after establishing my spiritual domain, when I triggered my heightened senses, I only got a vague glimpse of it once. It remained elusive and distant, never letting me approach." Wang Xuan was taken aback, realizing that he truly was unique in this respect. ¡°Forget it, I''ll guide you in!¡± Hearing this, Old Chen immediately cooperated. He remained still and rxed. Wang Xuan tried to lead him, but it was so taxing that he felt almost drained halfway. "Old Chen, can''t you move by yourself? Just follow me!" "Alright!" Old Chen hurriedly responded, but within moments, the distance between them had grown. The Inner Landscape was right under Wang Xuan''s feet, but Old Chen became increasingly blurred and seemed unable to get any closer. "Stop!" Wang Xuan quickly shouted. This was beyond bizarre. For Wang Xuan, the Inner Landscape was within easy reach, but for Old Chen, it seemed as vast as a chasm,pletely out of reach. "Just stay still; I¡¯ll pull you over!" Wang Xuan decided, not daring to let him flounder anymore. Otherwise, they¡¯d both be exhausted without achieving anything. Soon, Wang Xuan himself felt on the verge of copse, gasping for breath. He had never felt so exhausted before. After what seemed like an eternity, he was tempted to give up on Old Chen entirely. It felt like an insurmountable task. He felt as if his spiritual energy was about to implode, but he finally managed to get Old Chen near the edge of the Inner Landscape. ¡°Old Chen, from now on, you should call me Sect Master Wang!¡± Wang Xuan panted heavily. If it wasn''t for the fact that Old Chen was on the brink of death, he wouldn¡¯t have subjected himself to such torment. He finally realized how difficult it was to bring someone into the Inner Landscape. The challenge was staggering, and it was no wonder that ancient records stated only those of the patriarchal level could achieve it. "Little Wang, the Sect Master!" Old Chen, thick-skinned as ever, eximed without hesitation. Then he added, "I''ve backed you up so many times, but today is finally different." On the brink of entering the Inner Landscape, Old Chen was overflowing with excitement. He looked forward with the pure anticipation of a child, as his long-held wish was about to be fulfilled. "Old Chen, once inside, don¡¯t say a word. Use the core techniques of the Early Qin practitioners to heal and revive the ailing body," Wang Xuan instructed. He felt on the verge of copse from exhaustion. It was time for Old Chen to step in, allowing him to rest and enhance his golden body technique. Moreover, he contemted that, although the Female Sword Immortal was powerful, she ultimately couldn''t interfere with the real world. Even if millions of sword lights fell upon Old Chen, they probably wouldn''t kill him but would only cause immense pain. Furthermore, Old Chen had previous battle experience, having endured the "baptism" of the Ghost Monk. There shouldn''t be much of an issue this time. With a sincere tone, Wang Xuan said, "During the battle at the Pamir teau, your swordsmanship was extraordinary. You could even slice through mechs. Not pursuing the path of the Sword Immortal is a waste. You must thank me this time. I''ve gone through a lot to find you a Sword Immortal master. Later, be humble, show respect as a disciple, and learn diligently." Hearing this, Old Chen became solemn and reverent. Using thest of his strength, Wang Xuan ushered him into the Inner Landscape. Once inside, Old Chen finally saw the realm clearly. It was no longer distant and elusive, like before. He was so exhrated that his blood boiled. "I''ve finally made it in! From now on, I can soar as high as a bird and swim as freely as a fish in the sea. Old Chen is here!¡± Chapter 65: The Sword Disgusts Me Chapter 65: The Sword Disgusts Me Old Chen stood tall and proud, hands casually tucked behind his back, emanating an air of confidence. Overflowing with zeal and fervor, he was determined to rise to the very top and match wits with legends of old. He felt an overwhelming urge to shout triumphantly to the skies. But just as he tilted his head upwards, a cascade of gleaming sword energy rained down like a heavy downpour. The entire realm shimmered with these radiant des, and they threatened to swallow him whole. A shiver of dread crept up his spine. What is going on? Has the Inner Landscape always been this treacherous? Freshly arrived, he found himself under siege, with the entire space awash in blinding sword radiance. Summoning all his strength and knowledge, Old Chen deployed every Grandmaster technique he knew, erecting a spiritual shield to fend off the relentless onught of luminous beams. Boom! He felt like a tiny boat in a turbulent sea, caught amidst monstrous waves that tossed him skyward, and yanked him into the eye of a terrifying whirlpool. Old Chen was utterly bbergasted. The Inner Landscape was too perilous for words. Could Wang Xuan''s warning about the realm sapping one''s vital essence be true? The pain was unbearable! He felt as if he wasing apart at the seams. The spiritual domain that once encased him like a misty veil was now being cleaved into thin wisps, spiraling upwards like tendrils of smoke. It was a hellish introduction ¨C being bombarded as soon as he entered. Old Chen was seriously having doubts about this entire endeavor. The scene was tragically breathtaking. His once vast spiritual realm was now fraying, and smoke seemed to rise from the top of his head. But Old Chen was no ordinary individual. Although in excruciating pain and feeling as though he might explode, he miraculously remained alive amidst the endless sword energies. Gritting his teeth, he summoned the foundational methods of the Early Qin practitioners, showcasing his resolve as a Grandmaster. He entered this realm to grow stronger. The moment he detected mystery factors, he began absorbing them fervently despite the agony, eager to restore his spiritual realm. It was then that he gazed upwards and spotted her ¨C a celestial maiden, unmistakably a female Sword Immortal. She stood in the void, clothed in moon-white, her sword resting beside her, exuding an unparalleled elegance and sprinkling the surroundings with sacred luminescence. This young-looking Sword Immortal perfectly fit every detail from the legends. Draped in white, challenging the very heavens alone with nothing but her de. She exuded an unmatched aura. Given Old Chen''s skeptical nature, he had taken Wang Xuan''s words with a grain of doubt. Yet now, he was in awe and then filled with deep reverence. This was a true Sword Immortal. In all his years of practicing the sword, never had he encountered such a figure. Merely witnessing her suspended in the air, unleashing those radiant sword energies had left him utterly captivated. It was profound and beyondprehension. He was determined to learn from her. "The path of the Sword Immortal ¨C a single frosty de spanning fourteen provinces, its energy piercing the heavens, challenging the celestial constetions. In leisure, one can traverse from the Northern Sea in the morning to the Cangwu at dusk. I''ve yearned for this since my youth," Old Chen mused. But then, reality gave him a brutal wake-up call. He was ruthlessly battered by attacks from the Sword Immortal. Sword energies rained down as the ethereal fairy showed no such sentimentality. With a mere flick of her hand, beams filled the sky, relentlessly attacking Old Chen. On the outskirts of this Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan witnessed this scene. He dared not enter. As he absorbed the overflowing mystical energy to alleviate his fatigue, he began to mimic the Sword Immortal''s techniques. Over the years, even though he had not acquired the Sword Immortal''s teachings, he had been ''schooled'' through experience. Now, as he imitated her, he felt enlightened. Seeing Wang Xuan, Old Chen felt a pang of guilt. "Even Little Wang is dedicated to learning the sword. As a Grandmaster, what reason do I have to ck off? I must learn!" With that determination, he earnestly began to mimic and learn the art of the sword. The female Sword Immortal had already identified him as the current master of the ck Sword due to the weapon''s aura emanating from him. Watching him dare to mimic her techniques, she intensified her assault. The sword light transformed into roaring rivers, crashing down incessantly. Old Chen felt on the verge of copse, almost wailing in despair. Even a Grandmaster was no match against a Sword Immortal. "Why isn''t she attacking Wang Xuan? Could it be that... he¡¯s not here at all?" Old Chen''s eyes reddened with the realization that he might have been yed by the younger man. Witnessing Old Chen''s plight, Wang Xuan was deeply shaken. However, he ultimately decided to enter the Inner Landscape, recognizing the significance of this unique opportunity, especially for those who tread the path of Old Arts. "Even if the weight of the heavens bears down on me, even if I''m mired in endless suffering, I must go in!" He gritted his teeth, resolved to push through, determined to practice the Golden Body Technique in this deste realm. Then he moved, painstakingly controlling his body to grasp that ck longsword once again, only to quickly release it and thrust it into Old Chen''s hands. This was the first decisive and swift action he took upon entering the Inner Landscape. In an instant, Old Chen felt as if the ck sword was an extension of his own flesh and blood. Is this... a weapon from the legends?! He was both astonished and touched. Could this weapon be brought into the Inner Landscape? Did it sense my peril and rush in to defend its master? He was on the brink of tears. His understanding of the Inner Landscape was still limited, and he had not taken the time to sense the external environment. He was unaware that it was just a manifestation of the ck sword. With the legendary sword in hand, Old Chen''s spirits soared. No pain, no hardship, no agony that tore at his body mattered anymore. He was determined to learn the art of the sword from the female Sword Immortal. That day, Old Chen endured the darkest pain of his life, the greatest pain he had ever felt. Pierced innumerable times by the dense sword energies, he remained unyielding, fiercely continuing to learn the sword. Wang Xuan practiced the Golden Body Technique from afar, wincing in empathy just by watching. Eventually, unable to bear the sight any longer, he shouted, "Old Chen, don''t forget, your physical body needs to be saved! Quickly activate the core techniques of the Early Qin practitioners!" Old Chen felt as if his wits were being split apart. Shaking his head forcefully, he tried to clear his mind and quickly became suspicious, feeling as though he''d been duped. Why wasn''t Wang Xuan "disciplined" after entering? Why was he the only one undergoing the "baptism" of sword light? And the more he swung his sword, the worse the beating became?! Old Cheny on the ground motionless, trying to figure out what was happening. It seemed like he''d... taken the bait again, and this time the consequences were immense. He recognized his unfamiliarity with the Inner Landscape made him susceptible to deception. He needed to quickly understand the rules of this ce. Sure enough, as hey t, discarding the ck longsword and ceasing resistance, the frequency of the sword energies striking him visibly decreased. Using the core techniques of the Early Qin practitioners, Old Chen rejuvenated his spirit. As time passed, he could vaguely sense his external physical body, and the injuries to his vital organs seemed to be slowly healing. "This is..." he was astonished. At his level of expertise, he naturally understood more, sensing the changes in his physical body. He quickly realized how precious this mysterious substance truly was ¡ª an invaluable treasure! So even if he was continuously struck by swords, Old Chen wasn''t afraid. As long as he wasn''t fatally injured, he''d spare no effort in absorbing this extraordinary treasure from the world to strengthen himself. He marveled, realizing that this mysterious substance was far superior to any life-extending methods known in modern techniques. If the corporations learned of this, they would undoubtedly go berserk. They would deploy countless super warships, using every means possible to force assistance in essing the Inner Landscape. Keeping this secret is crucial, as the implications could be catastrophic. Old Chen understood the lurking danger and terror. If not managed properly, those well-versed in the Old Arts could be captured and exploited to their fullest extent. Undoubtedly, the powerful elites and major organizations aimed to harness this method for their own gain. Old Chen recognized that this method wasn''t universally applicable. For now, only Wang Xuan seemed to have mastered it. Even he, a Grandmaster, needed Wang Xuan''s assistance to gain entry. Outsiders would not understand it that way. Should he speak out, they''d dismiss his words, opting instead to use any means to coerce the information from him. "Wang Xuan, the secrets of this ce... we can''t ever disclose them, not even at the cost of our lives," Old Chen uttered, his face etched with worry. Watching Old Chen''s battered state while practicing his Golden Body Technique, Wang Xuan felt a surge of remorse. "Old Chen," he began, "you should''ve approached it like this..." Old Chen focused intently on Wang Xuan''s words, while internally berating the young man. He was certain Wang Xuan was holding back, withholding essential information from him. But Old Chen was sharp, ready to coax the truth out of him. Though Wang Xuan felt pity for Old Chen, he suspected the old drama king was putting on an act for sympathy. He halted midway through his sentence and sighed, "Old Chen, you shoulde clean. How did you get that ck sword? Did you inherit its teachings from an Evil Sword Sect?" "What''s going on?!" Old Chen eximed, rmed as the female sword sage set her sights on him once again. This time, it wasn''t just the sword energy. There were also ethereal thunderbolts, with enormous bolts of lightning relentlessly striking down. It did not take long for Old Chen to understand the reason. Visions of the sword sect being destroyed on a rainy night reappeared. He gasped, feeling as if his reputation was in tatters. "Spill everything from the beginning. Make it clear!" Wang Xuan demanded. "Wait, I''ll tell you. The sword isn''t mine. I found it in a deste mountain range..." Old Chen confessed painfully, revealing the sword''s origin. Wang Xuan disregarded Old Chen''s tale, focusing intently on practicing his Golden Body Technique in the background. He aimed to advance to the sixth realm, hoping to be so invincible that perhaps not even regr bullets could prate him. It''s worth noting that Old Chen was quite the talker. He spoke at length about the ck sword''s history, exining how he had found it next to a corpse and that he wasn''t a descendant of its lineage. To prove his innocence, he recounted his life story non-stop for two whole days. Suddenly, with a whoosh, the female sword sage burst out of the Inner Landscape, disappearing without a trace. "Why did she leave?" Wang Xuan wondered aloud. "Little Wang, you''re going to pay for this!" Old Chen snapped back to reality, ready to settle scores with him. Wang Xuan quickly replied, "Now''s a golden opportunity! If you don''t heal yourself now, when will you? She might be back any moment." Old Chen was seething with resentment, but eventually suppressed his anger and hurriedly used the ancient Qin technique to heal himself. Yearster, the female sword sage appeared once again. In the outside world, it might have only been minutes. Upon arriving in the Inner Landscape, she didn''t waste time and began attacking Old Chen immediately. "Why always me?" Old Chenmented, feeling the injustice of the world and the tragedies of human life. Soon after, Wang Xuan also felt the wrath of her sword, once again experiencing the formidable power of her endless sword light. "Old Chen, is there something problematic about the location where you found the ck sword? Speak now," Wang Xuan shouted, retreating as he spoke. "Times have changed,ndscapes have shifted. I''ll describe to you how the present terrain aligns with the ancientndscape," Old Chen quickly recounted, taking two days to cover the entire history of the region. And then, the female sword sage left again. She was gone for many years until one day, she returned, forlorn and, without a word, resumed her attack on Old Chen. "Why?!" Old Chen felt like he was losing his mind. Why was he always the target? From a distance, Wang Xuan yelled, "Old Chen, you need to put yourself in the shoes of the sage. Understand her perspective. The ck sword did end up in your hands. After all these years, the main culprit remains elusive, so naturally, you''ll bear some of the karmic burden." Old Chen stared nkly, bearing the intense pain, feeling absolutely helpless. For two grueling years, Old Chen endured the relentless onught. Then, in a stroke of genius, he started giving the female Sword Immortal a series of history lessons. He began with the Early Qin period, leading to the Han and Tang dynasties, then exined the Old Arts of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era, and culminated in a detailed description of modern marvels, touching upon ancientnds and new stars, and borating on the nature of super battleships. He made historye alive withpelling twists and turns, making it an exhrating journey. Yet, this historical discourse consumed half a year, during which Old Chen persistently endured her strikes, all while unwaveringly recounting tales from the past. He surmised that the fading history and the unfamiliarity of the current era bewildered the female Sword Immortal, causing her temper to re and making her seek vengeance on him. Thus, he patiently enlightened her about the present world. As expected, once she fully grasped the essence of the contemporary era, the female Sword Immortal disappeared and didn''t return for a very long time. "The immortal... her powers are vast," Wang Xuan marveled. "In such a short time since her awakening, she can freely move in and out of this Inner Landscape." By now, his Golden Body Technique was bearing fruit, his form emanating a gentle golden glow. When the female Sword Immortal returned, she relentlessly attacked Old Chen for a decade within the Inner Landscape. Of course, Wang Xuan didn¡¯t escape her wrath either and received his fair share of punishment. Yet, both endured, stubbornly refusing to retreat from the realm. Until one day, having seemingly vented all her frustrations, the female Sword Immortal, without uttering a word, swept both Wang Xuan and Old Chen out of the Inner Landscape using a radiant sword beam, cleanly and decisively ejecting them. "How are you, Old Chen?" After returning to his physical body, Wang Xuan immediately opened his eyes and checked on Old Chen. It was clear that Old Chen''s condition had improved, but he was far from fully recovered. After all, during their years in the Inner Landscape, he had spent most of the time under relentless attacks from the sword''s radiance, and when he wasn''t, he was recounting history, leaving him little opportunity to concentrate and absorb the mysterious element. "I''m not quite there yet," he responded weakly. Qing Mu was shocked and almost eximed. "Shh!" Wang Xuan stopped him, saying, "Keep your master in this state and don''t let anyone know." With a feeble voice, Old Chen beckoned, "Qing Mu...e here and toss that sword away for me." "What?" Qing Mu was taken aback. Had his master been possessed? This was clearly not right. The sword was his master''s most cherished weapon; why would he want to discard it? "I''m sick and tired of looking at swords recently. Just the sight of one makes me nauseous," Old Chen said weakly but with a firm conviction. He insisted it be ced out of his sight. Chapter 66: The Rich And Powerful Of An City Chapter 66: The Rich And Powerful Of An City How could Old Chen not feel disgusted? How had he managed all these years? He had been relentlessly subjected to a ceaseless barrage of sword energy. Every time he blinked, he saw only swords. It felt like he had been under this onught for an eternity! For now, the thought of practicing with a sword was not simply just off the table; even its mere sight rattled him. The trauma he endured was immense. He had, for the time being, gotten sick of swords. When Wang Xuan tried to check Old Chen''s pulse, he was instantly pushed back with a force that would''ve injured any ordinary man. "Old Chen," Wang Xuan asked, "when you say you''re ''almost there'', are you hinting at a breakthrough?" "I''m still not quite there," Old Chen replied with a shake of his head. Qing Mu was taken aback. His master had been teetering on the edge of death not long ago, and now he was on the cusp of a breakthrough. Upon a thorough examination, Wang Xuan found that while many of Old Chen''s wounds had started healing, the damage to his internal organs had not fully mended. Still, he was no longer in mortal peril. Bemused, Wang Xuan asked, "Old Chen, as a Grandmaster, what on earth have you been up to all these years? Were you so bent on achieving a breakthrough that you overlooked your own injuries?" Old Chen looked at him, his eyes deep and filled with tales of hardships, "You wonder what I''ve been doing? I''ve been endlessly shed by swords, struck by celestial thunder, and not to mention lecturing the Sword Immortal on everything from geography to history, spanning over five millennia. But the icing on the cake? I''ve been covering for you the entire time!" Qing Mu shivered, grappling with the weight of his master''s long-held burdens and sacrifices. Wang Xuan gave him a reassuring pat, "Your recovery seems a bit slow, doesn''t it?" Old Chen sighed, "Do you really think time in that Inner Landscape works like years passing in mere moments? That''s amon misconception." Wang Xuan blinked in confusion. Wasn''t that the case? Old Chen, with an air of someone who had unraveled life''s mysteries, mused, "Most people just don''t get it, so they choose to believe and stick with that version. There are those who swear that while only minutes pass in our world, years psed in the Inner Landscape. I have a different take on this." He gestured to his beaten and bruised body, "Remember, we''re grounded in the real world. Do you honestly think that, in this reality, someone can heal from such injuries in mere minutes? It''s just not feasible." Old Chen''s insights made a lot of sense. Even in the realm of legends, instantaneously healing from such wounds, even with the most potent of elixirs, seemed far-fetched. Wang Xuan''s interest was piqued, and he was eager to know Old Chen''s perspective on the Inner Landscape. "Hold that thought. We can discuss itter." As he spoke, Old Chen shakily stood up, wanting to take a shower. He felt damp all over from sweat. In just a short time, his body had significantly healed. The rapidity of his metabolic recovery was astounding. But now, he felt ufortably sticky all over. Wang Xuan stepped in front of him, "Wait, you can''t go. Just let Qing Mu wipe you down for now. There will be manying to see you soon. Together, they''ll channel their energy to help heal you." Old Chen looked baffled. "What''s going on?" An ominous feeling crept up on him. As they were talking, half of Wang Xuan''s face began to peel off. Qing Mu stared in amazement ¨C not out of fear, but admiration. Is this even possible? He realized that Wang Xuan was furthering his practice in the Golden Body Technique. Is the shedding of his skin a sign of his progress in the technique? "Wow, have you reached the sixthyer?" Old Chen remarked, genuinely impressed. Attaining the sixthyer of the Golden Body Technique at Wang Xuan''s age was a remarkable achievement. "Not quite," Wang Xuan replied, adding, "That Sword Immortal is too petty. She keeps attacking me with her sword energy, which distracts me." Aren''t you the guilty one here? Old Chen thought, resisting the urge to hit him. I have been on the receiving end of those attacks more than you did! The memories were very painful. Qing Mu, on the other hand, felt a bit lost. To him, their conversation sounded like they were speaking in some sort of code! Suddenly, Wang Xuan felt a chill. There was an almost imperceptible sensation, like the cold edge of a de, directed at him. It felt as though the Sword Immortal was drawing near again. A shiver ran down his spine. Is it possible for the Sword Immortal to subtly influence the real world? Gathering hisposure, Wang Xuan said, "Old Chen, you need to understand, the Sword Immortal is gracious and forgiving. She chose not to harm you. We both owe her our gratitude, especially you. It was by her grace that you were able to recover in the Inner Landscape. She saved your life." Catching Wang Xuan''s intense reaction, Old Chen knew something was amiss. With a quick nce, his heart raced. The piece of the Sword Immortal''s bone, shimmering with a golden hue beneath its charred surface, seemed to flicker momentarily. Furthermore, it felt as if the bone had quivered just a bit. Wang Xuan felt a rising unease. Can she really exert influence over the physical world? He swiftly advised, "Qing Mu, we shouldn¡¯t return this bone piece to the authorities. Keep it aside for now and ensure no outsidersy eyes on it." Both Wang Xuan and Old Chen shared a tacit understanding and chose not to delve deeper into the topic. They both grasped the exceptional nature of the relic of the true bone. At the same time, they conjectured that this bone fragment might have significant value to the past Sword Immortal. "Old Chen, you''re not fully recovered. Do you wish to proceed?" Wang Xuan asked. In the room, a piece of rough jade and a radiant white bone sat, both imbued with potent energies, presumably capable of essing the Inner Landscape. Old Chen replied with a hint of fatigue, "Let¡¯s pause for now. Everything I look at resembles a de. Even when Qing Mu approaches, it feels like a massive sword beam is bearing down on me." Qing Mu''s eyes widened in surprise. He was lean and slender; did he really seem that imposing to Old Chen? Wang Xuan stared at the milky-white bone, another legacy of an ascended being. Feeling increasingly unsettled, he decided to wrap things up for the evening, sensing the need for some respite. Old Chen cast a nce at the white bone, his expression shifting subtly. By now, the mere sight of it cast a shadow over his heart. Wang Xuanmented, "Old Chen, considering your recent experiences, you won''t be back on your feet anytime soon. You''ll need to lie low for several months, maybe even a year or more." Qing Mu nodded, believing that Wang Xuan''s estimate was prudent. After all, this situation was incredibly mysterious. A man who was on the brink of death was now about toe back to life. If Old Chen was to step out into the world, it would surely create a huge stir. While Old Chen grasped the gravity of their concerns, seeing his disciple and Wang Xuan discussing and specting about the timeline of his near-death and potential revival made him feel as though the world was in decline. It was as if his fate was being preordained, and he had no say in the matter. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, he wanted to shout, "Is there no justice in the world? It feels so dark!" "Rest up, Old Chen. A lot of people will being to see you soon," Wang Xuan advised, indicating he was preparing to retire for the night. It would not be wise to linger in this ce. "A lot of people? What''s going on?" Old Chen inquired. Qing Mu informed him that after the battle at the Pamir teau, many Grandmasters of the Old Arts, teetering on the brink of death, followed them to An City. Influential figures from the world of Old Arts, financial magnates, and other spheres were all present. For the first time that night, Old Chen heard something uplifting. He smiled and remarked, "Seems like my reputation still holds some weight." "Indeed," Wang Xuan agreed, adding with a hint of irony, "Nowadays, the social circle in An City is in an uproar." "What do you mean?" Old Chen, always sharp, felt there was more to the statement than met the eye. Wang Xuan calmly replied, "Just as it sounds. The funeral wreaths in An City are notably expensive today." Old Chen, who had justid down, immediately sat up upon hearing this. His eyebrows twitched, and his gaze became quite hostile, demanding from Qing Mu an exnation. Wang Xuan cast a sidelong nce at him and said, "With so many peopleing, what do you think they''re here for? Obviously, they''re preparing for your memorial service." Old Chen was speechless. He clenched his teeth in frustration, nearly tearing the bed apart in his anger. This is outrageous and shameful! he thought. How could they n a memorial while I, Old Chen, am still alive?! Wang Xuan continued, "After consulting with the experts, they concluded that nothing more could be done for you. They believed you''d onlyst another two or three days, so everyone gathered here, just waiting for your burial." Old Chen stared nkly, at a loss for words. Hemented once again, "The world is truly a dark ce!" He was still alive, yet a horde of people were eagerly rushing over, ready to hold his memorial service. Is there no justice left in the world? Wang Xuan sighed as well, "Old Chen, I must admit, your reputation is truly impressive. From the deputy heads of multiple Old World departments, to representatives of major corporations as well as variousrge organizations, all the experts from the Old Arts realm, prominent figures from An City, and people from all walks of life havee. Wave after wave, from the New World and Old Earth itself, everyone is here to show respect to you. So many people are mourning your departure, they''ve nearly bought out all the flower wreaths in An City." Old Chen stared back at him and then shifted his gaze to Qing Mu, utterly confused by this bizarre turn of events. Qing Mu appeared uneasy, almost guilty. It seemed that he had also believed that Old Chen''s end was near and had begun organizing funeral preparations. Wang Xuan said, "But there''s a bit of an issue. Everyone who should be here has arrived, and any stragglers will likely show up by tomorrow. But they''re all waiting for you to, well... move on. If you keep hanging on, who knows what they''ll do? Maybe they''ll just wait a bit longer?" "Just shut up!" Old Chen snapped, exasperated. "I''ll make them wait an eternity! What''s wrong with these people? This is absolutely outrageous!" Wang Xuan calmly headed off to bed. His recent advancement in the Golden Body Technique left him in high spirits. He slept peacefully that night, the kind of deep sleep one gets after a satisfying day. Meanwhile, Qing Mu continued with his ritual dance, greeting each new visitor. Old Chen was on the brink of frustration. Who on earth thought that this procession is a good idea? People lined up, one by one, to not only pay their respects but also to touch him everywhere, as if trying to feel his lingering life essence. It was maddening. He was covered in goosebumps and had to y dead throughout the ordeal. The incessant touching made him feel like they were wearing away the very hairs on his limbs. It was pure torture! The procession did not end until the wee hours of the morning. Qing Mu was practically spent from his relentless dancing, and Old Chen was teetering on the edge of an emotional outburst. By daybreak, Wang Xuan, feeling rejuvenated from his deep slumber, sought out Qing Mu. He asked him to convey to Old Chen about their n to venture into the Inner Landscape that evening. ¡­¡­ "You mean there''s going to be another round of that life-transference ritual tonight?!" Old Chen felt the urge to p Qing Mu. ¡°Wang Xuan said that to avoid any suspicions, he couldn''t visit you in private. The ritual is the only asion he can use," Qing Mu exined sheepishly, given that he was also involved in the charade. Old Chen was furious. "Why didn''t he mention this earlier? If I''d known, I would have braved any sword or monsterst night just to avoid another round of this nonsense tonight!" ... That day, the mansion in the suburbs saw another influx of visitors, all supposedly here for Old Chen''s ''meeting,'' and all of them were significant figures. That evening, both Wang Xuan and Old Chen decided against using the bone fragment. Having been tormented by it, they opted to activate the Inner Landscape using the jade piece instead. "Old Chen, can you see the Inner Landscape? Can you enter on your own?" Wang Xuan inquired. Old Chen was lost in darkness, sensing nothing. It seemed he still needed Wang Xuan''s guidance to ess it. Exhausted to the point of copse and feeling as if his spiritual energy was on the brink of shattering, Wang Xuan managed to send Old Chen into the Inner Landscape. Both had braced themselves for a confrontation, but the Inner Landscape was surprisingly serene. No battles were to be fought. There was, however, a figure¡ªa refined middle-aged man. He offered them a warm smile, raised his ss in a gesture of greeting, and then... he flew away. He left the Inner Landscape, disappearing without a trace. Chapter 67: A Comparison With The Ancients Chapter 67: A Comparison With The Ancients "He just up and left?" Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged surprised nces. Both had braced themselves for a confrontation, whether to challenge the immortal or to face the being''s challenge. "He seemed to float above our world, as if effortlessly ascending to immortality," Old Chen remarked. "That''s precisely how immortals should appear ¡ª majestic!" Wang Xuan chimed in. Though the figure had vanished, the two couldn''t help but express their admiration. Their words echoed their genuine feelings. "If all immortals acted this way, we wouldn''t constantly be on edge," Old Chen pondered. "We could focus on honing our skills in this inner realm without the constant fear of a sh." "It''s a breath of fresh air, not seeing any pettiness. If only every immortal could be like this," Wang Xuan mused. Upon hearing that, Old Chen winced, wishing Wang Xuan would think before speaking. Suchments could be risky. Almost immediately, a chilling atmosphere engulfed the inner realm, signaling something amiss. Wang Xuan, sensing the change, whispered, "Old Chen, did you see that? There was a brief shimmer, like the gleam of a sword, near the entrance. And I think a celestial maiden just floated by." Old Chen resisted the urge to rebuke him. Instead, he urgently said, "Master Wang, watch your words. Let''s keep ourments to ourselves." The sudden shift had genuinely spooked Old Chen. They had stumbled upon a serene inner realm, and they certainly did not want a certain immortall swordswoman disrupting it, leaving them without any defense. Wang Xuan was unsure of what he''d glimpsed. Yet, he hesitated to voice his thoughts. After all, who willingly put themselves in the line of fire? Quietly, he mentallybeled the ethereal swordswoman as ''touchy.'' The two men shared a knowing nce and decided to drop the matter. They began their individual meditations, cherishing the tranquility that surrounded them. Wang Xuan delved deeper into his training of the Golden Body Technique. Previously, he had only just brushed against the cusp of the sixth level, achieving a breakthrough that felt slightly inadequate. One month turned to two, and then... Half a yearter, Wang Xuan experienced a powerful jolt. A brilliant golden aura radiated from him, signifying hisplete mastery over the sixthyer of the Golden Body Technique. He felt an intense power coursing through his veins. His spirit, too, seemed supercharged, as if ignited by a golden me. Outside, in Old Chen''s recovery room, Qing Mu was astonished. Wang Xuan had been only inside for what felt like mere moments, and yet his skin is already renewing itself? "Young people these days have such resilience, sheddingyer afteryer," he mused with a hint of envy. This suggested that Wang Xuan''s Golden Body technique had reached new heights. Inside the spiritual realm, Wang Xuan exhaled deeply. With his current prowess in the Golden Body Technique, he spected that regr bullets might not even pierce his skin. In a typical scenario, a bullet might cause a mere graze or slight bleeding, but not deep pration. If transported back to the age of hand-to-handbat, ordinary weapons wielded bymon men would find it challenging to harm him, let alone end his life. "How''s your progress, Old Chen?" Wang Xuan nced over. Old Chen replied withposure, "I''m almost there. Just need to settle my thoughts and refine my technique a bit more. I''m on the right track." From his response, Wang Xuan could tell Old Chen had already made a breakthrough. When it came to deciphering his old colleague''s words, one could not always take them at face value. "That''s great news!" Wang Xuan sighed in relief. "Why do I get the feeling you''re more invested in my sess than I am? It''s as if a burden has been lifted off your shoulders," Old Chen remarked, slightly puzzled. "Of course," Wang Xuan said. "With you alive and progressing, all eyes will likely be on you. That takes the pressure off me. It wasn''t in vain that I went to such lengths to save you." One could only imagine the uproar when news broke that Old Chen, after being incapacitated for months, was back on his feet. He would certainly be the center of attention for quite some time, and his newfound abilities would undoubtedly draw scrutiny. "From the way you put it, it seems I''ll be weathering the storm while youfortably cultivate in the shadows?" Old Chen visualized the looming challenges. Wang Xuan shook his head, "I have my fair share of issues too. Some want to keep me grounded, obstructing my path to the New World. Others want me dead, and I still haven''t identified the main culprits. On top of that, influential individuals and organizations are setting their sights on me. Like Old Wu, for example, he''s trying to poach me for his exploration team. Who knows what''s awaiting me next?" It was almost surreal to think that just the previous night, they were on the verge of life and death in the spiritual realm. Now, they were calmly cultivating and chatting. Both of them were now practicing the core techniques of the Early Qin practitioners. With no immediate threats, their demeanor was rxed, reminiscent of lounging in a mystical spa, engaging in leisurely conversation. Wang Xuan probed, "Old Chen, where do you currently stand in terms of mastery? Could you delineate the levels of the Old Arts and what lies ahead?" "In today''s world, few match me. But if we speak of ancient times..." Old Chen paused, a wistful look crossing his face. "Perhaps it''s best left unsaid." "What are you alluding to?" Wang Xuan''s curiosity was piqued, especially about the benchmarks set in ancient times. Old Chen exhaled deeply. "If I were to delve too deep into it, it might be disheartening. Some aspects of the ancient lore seem so enigmatic and beyond belief." Wang Xuan, eager for rity, urged him on. "Do you perceive me as powerful?" Old Chen queried. "Certainly. Your sword can cleave mech armor, and given your recent advancements, perhaps even prate a small warship?" Wang Xuan spected. Chen chuckled ruefully. "In your dreams. If a warship had me in its crosshairs and unleashed its firepower, one energy st would finish me off." He paused, reflecting. "This isn''t the age of hand-to-handbat. Even someone of my stature must tread carefully in our tech-driven world, or risk a swift end." He continued, "But suppose I could ascend into the realms described in ancient mythologies..." Growing serious, Old Chen proposed, "Consider the ranking system of Go for perspective. In our age, I''ve surpassed the grandmaster tier, cing me among the elite. Yet, set against the luminous backdrop of ancient times, I''d merely be a top-ranking amateur. In the league of professional Go yers... I''d barely be setting foot on the path." Wang Xuan was astonished. Old Chen had just achieved a breakthrough that made him even more formidable than when he had cleaved through mechs with his sword on the Pamir teau. And to think, this was just the beginning of his journey in ancient times! "So, I didn''t want to mention these things and scare you," Old Chen sighed. "It hasn''t scared me, rather, it''s a pleasant surprise," Wang Xuan said with fervent eyes. "So you mean to say, if one keeps getting stronger, eventually even warships might not pose a threat to our physical bodies? Like you, Old Chen¡ªif you continue to progress, you could one day slice through warships with your sword, right?" Old Chen looked deep into the distance. "Old Wang, it turns out you''re that kind of person!" Wang Xuan made a face. "Don''t twist this onto me, we''re talking about you. I wouldn''t do such things. Of course, unless the person wanting me deades from some major organization, then sooner orter, even if I have to face a super energy cannon, I''ll settle the score!" "Do you practice the Golden Body Technique in the hope of reaching the highest level, where one day you might tear apart warships with your bare hands?" Old Chen askednguidly, as if the question was of no consequence. "Is that possible?" "Highly unlikely!" Old Chen mercilessly snuffed out Wang Xuan''s somewhat violent and impractical thoughts but then added, "Zhang Daoling''s physical techniques... perhaps they could." "I''m not that kind of person, I wouldn''t do such things. I practice the old ways for strength and health, for self-protection!" Wang Xuan dered passionately, his words resonating with conviction. Wang Xuan then probed Old Chen further about the nuances and levels of the ancient techniques¡ªwondering just how potent they were at varying stages. Old Chen shook his head, ¡°I haven''t delved too deep into those ssifications. When you reach a certain level of mastery, you inherently understand them." Skeptical, Wang Xuan countered, "Could it be, Old Chen, that you were overwhelmed by these levels? That revisiting them only brings sorrow, which is why you shy away?¡± A shadow momentarily passed over Old Chen''s face. "Let me enlighten you on something worthwhile¡ªthe ancient techniques have pathways far beyond the inner realms.¡± Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in surprise, his intrigue palpable. "There¡¯s more?¡± Nodding, Old Chen borated, "The pathways of the Old Arts might seem intricate to us now. Some concepts are so profound that even I find them hard to fathom. Take ¡®Meditation¡¯, for instance. We directly essed the inner realms without it. Then there''s ¡®Pathfinding¡¯¡ªseeking a genuine, walkable route that remains invisible to the average eye. And the concept of ''Herb Gathering¡¯; it doesn''t pertain to tangible herbs but to the elusive ''Celestial Elixirs''¡­" Listening intently, Wang Xuan was mesmerized. The profound depths of the ancient techniques seemed almost surreal. Even if Old Chen''s exnations felt nebulous, the possibilities sparked Wang Xuan¡¯s imagination. All these mysterious paths promised untapped power! And at present, having just discovered the inner realms, a plethora of secrets awaited his exploration. The two resembled schrs of olden techniques, lounging in a bathhouse. As they practiced their techniques, their discussions meandered¡ª the essence of leisure encapsted. Regrettably, the inner realm opened by that jade piece began to wane by its fourth year. It seemed that in another year or so, they would bepelled to leave. They chatted about anything and everything. Their rxation was so profound; it was unparalleled. Wang Xuan inquired with great curiosity, "Old Chen, what exactly is this process of ''Ascension''? As far as we know, no one seems to survive it. They all get shattered by the thunderbolts. Given this, do Immortals really exist? It seems as though they''ve all perished. Take, for instance, the female sword immortal¡ªso powerful, and yet, only a fragment remains of her..." As he spoke these words, Wang Xuan abruptly closed his mouth. He thought he spotted a glint of sword light passing by the entrance, a graceful shadow fleeting behind it. "Oh no, this Sword Immortal... is she eavesdropping on us?" Wang Xuan mentally gasped, wiping away a bead of cold sweat, murmuring only to himself. Fortunately, Old Chen seemed oblivious to the female sword immortal''s presence, and didn''t mention her. Wang Xuan guessed that the traumatic past might have made Old Chen overly cautious, ensuring he''d never utter her name. Nevertheless, Old Chen continued speaking about the phenomenon of Ascension, captivating Wang Xuan. He added, "You know, I believe these Immortals... they might still be among us..." Chapter 68: Problems Within The Inner Landscape Chapter 68: Problems Within The Inner Landscape Old Chen stopped speaking, his gaze fixed intently on Wang Xuan. Feeling a bit unnerved by the scrutiny, Wang Xuan quickly said, "What are you getting at, Old Chen? Are you implying that I''m one of these Immortals?" Old Chen shook his head slowly, not breaking eye contact. "Not at all. I don''t buy into that reincarnation folklore. But I do think that our current actions, and the path I''ve be part of, could have deep repercussions. Whether they''re good or bad remains to be seen." Wang Xuan''s pulse quickened. Old Chen was voicing some of his own suspicions. Old Chen''s voice took on a reflective tone, "From the mysterious female Taoist practitioner to that spectral monk, and then there''s the sword immortal who is breathtakingly beautiful. They might very well be these so-called Immortals, hiding in in sight." Wang Xuan nodded slowly, absorbing Old Chen''s words, realizing how simr they were to his own thoughts. Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, Wang Xuan spotted a shadow near the entrance of the Inner Landscape. The female sword immortal seemed to be eavesdropping again. Not only was she sensitive, but she seemed to enjoy being praised a little too much. Old Chen continued, his voiceced with intrigue, "The Inner Landscape has always been a ce of mysteries, even in ancient legends. Only the highest of masters could guide others into its depths. It wasn''t just because of its challenges, but perhaps due to the vast secrets it holds. What if it''s a treasure trove of untold mysteries?" "Do you think, by unlocking the Inner Landscape, I might have inadvertently released or admitted something? Perhaps even paving the way for the return of the Immortals?" Wang Xuan voiced his lurking fears. These thoughts are just the tip of the iceberg. If they hold any truth, it would be an implication that those from ancient times had even more profound intentions. It was unsettling to think where this could lead. Take, for instance, the sophisticated gentleman within the Inner Landscape. As soon as they opened the realm, he chuckled, toasted them, and just flew off. Trying to figure out his intentions was a mystery. He seemed so cultured and calm, but he was so unpredictable at the same time. "That''s why I believe, Old Wang, that this Inner Landscape is unfathomable. The deeper I think about it, the more anxious I be. We might''ve been here for years, feeling all peaceful, but something doesn''t sit right with me. Maybe, in the future, we should avoid the Inner Landscape. Instead, we could explore other mysterious paths that promise even greater marvels," Old Chen reflected. Wang Xuan shot him a look, "Funny how you¡¯ve changed, Old Chen. When you need my expertise, it''s ''Master Wang''. But when you''re done, it''s just ''Old Wang''? Remember this the next time you need a favor." "My apologies, Master Wang!" Despite his esteemed position, Old Chen could be remarkably rtable at times. He softly added, "The reason I brought up the other paths is that I believe if you could find the Inner Landscape, you might be able to uncover those other hidden domains. Exploring them might be a safer bet." Wang Xuan smirked, "Now I get it, Old Chen. You''ve been so keen to enlighten me about these secret paths because you''re hoping I''ll take the lead for you, right?" "Mutual support, for mutual benefit," Old Chen replied with an unexpectedly sincere grin, which made Wang Xuan so irritated that he wanted to give him a good beating right then and there. Shifting the conversation, Wang Xuan added, "Your hints are so vague. How am I supposed to find these ces without any clear clues?" Aware of these mysterious realms, Wang Xuan''s interest was naturally piqued. Even though he knew Old Chen was baiting him, he could not resist the temptation to know more. "Such knowledge, even during the zenith of the ancient grand religions, was considered the most secretive and exceptional. Ordinary people wouldn''t have known about it. And now, even if the ancestral daoist records still mention it, no one can find these mysterious realms. When I was young, I happened upon a note from an elder of the old techniques. It talked about a divine herb. It mentioned an old daoist who searched for this herb for years, and just when he was about to give up, he saw the divine herb in the glow of the evening sun amidst a bustling crowd," recounted Old Chen. Wang Xuan was left in shock, eventually blurting out, "You want me to ascend to the skies to gather these herbs? They indeed sound heavenly!" "I don¡¯t know how to exin this. I''m merely conveying what I''ve read," Old Chen admitted somewhat sheepishly. Wang Xuan no longer wanted to discuss this matter. To him, Old Chen seemed to have an iplete understanding, having onlye across some random notes. Who knows what these so-called ''notes of the elders'' truly were. "Old Chen," Wang Xuan shifted the topic, "Have you noticed that those who leave behind their true bones after transcending seem to be quite special, even stronger? And there seems to be a lot of emphasis on these... cultivator¡¯s bones." He nced cautiously towards the entrance after mentioning the sensitive topic. "I''ve noticed the same. Could it be rted to a more potent pathway they might undertake in the future?" Old Chen whispered. "Considering what you''re saying," Wang Xuan mused, "what about the female practitioner buried beneath the Greater Khingan Range? She left behind her entire body, and after three thousand years, she hasn''t aged a day. Sounds like she''s destined for some world-shattering event in the future." Each time Wang Xuan recalled the female sage, an uneasy feeling gnawed at him,rgely because of how extraordinary her tale was. The revered Golden Transcendent Bamboo is a treasure. Throughout history, only four sets of golden bamboo slips have been discovered, and of those, just two were intact. This speaks volumes about its rarity. Yet, this female sage audaciously carved an entire ship from this bamboo and ced her body within. Even when cataclysmic events rocked thend, with thunderbolts raining down and her resting ce sinking deep into the earth, her body remained untouched. Had she orchestrated this entire scenario? Fast forward six months, the Inner Landscape seemed to fade, and both Wang Xuan and Old Chen retreated to their domains, quickly regaining their bearings. Throughout their journey, the elegant man from the Inner Landscape was conspicuously absent. Once he departed, he never came back. "The Inner Landscape is just like Pandora''s Box," Old Chen began, an edge of caution in his voice, "and it might be concealing something genuinely ominous. This bone shard, as pristine as white jade, is peculiar. I think we should hold off on using it." "I agree," Wang Xuan nodded, a shiver running down his spine. The thought of unleashing a horde of ancient figures was unnerving, to say the least. ¡­¡­ The night was still young, but Wang Xuan felt the urge to leave. He stood up and made his way out. Meanwhile, Old Chenid on his bed, visibly upset, watching the ritualistic dance unfold. Unable to move, Old Chen braced himself for the inevitable stream of visitorsing to "pay their respects." They would touch and prod at him while hey motionless, his face etched with despair. It was as if life had lost all meaning. ... The evening was anything but peaceful. Delegates from various groups seemed to be everywhere, and whispers suggested that Old Chen would probablyst only until the following evening. Many were already preparing to attend what they believed would be his impending funeral. Around nine, Wang Xuan hoped for some quiet time to ponder the mysteries of Transcendence. However, that wasn''t to be. An individual approached him, bearing an unmistakable air of genuine intent. They presented him with a captivating piece titled "Purple Mansion." It was clear that a particr organization was trying to court him with this enticing gift. Fresh from his venture in the Pamir teau, he realized he was already on someone''s radar. To his unease, they had even located him to this secluded manor. Wang Xuan let out a silent sigh. As anticipated, his involvement in the skirmish had not gone unnoticed. He declined their offers gracefully, not wanting any affiliations. Naturally, he also turned down their gifts. "My lungs are damaged during the battle; I need some rest!" he dered exasperatedly to the third group of visitors. He had no energy left for any more of these interruptions. A visitor greeted Wang Xuan with a gentle smile, seemingly unfazed by the rejection. Without any sign of impatience, he handed over a gift¡ªa potent medicine for heart and lung nourishment. Wang Xuan was speechless. Who is this person? Back on the Pamir teau, when he had imed his lungs were damaged, a blunt female medic had ruthlessly debunked his excuse in front of many witnesses. Now, when he used that flimsy excuse as a way of indicating his desire to be left alone, someone had promptly produced a remedy for it! It was almostical. Without pause, the visitor presented two more gifts: a renowned meditation technique titled "Bodhi" and a manual on a martial art form known as "Great Vajra Fist." These were no ordinary gifts. Offering such renowned texts from the ancient arts on a first meeting was a gesture few could match. Suspicion grew in Wang Xuan''s mind. Which powerful entity is behind this remarkably generous outreach? The visitor, a middle-aged man, was clearly just an envoy and not the decision-maker. With a continued pleasant demeanor, he handed Wang Xuan a letter. In this era, writing letters had be rare, reserved for asions when someone was so far away¡ªperhaps across different gxies¡ªthat directmunication was impossible. There was the asional spaceship that might pass through such vast distances, allowing for such traditionalmunication. Alternatively, writing letters signified deep respect and a ceremonial gesture. Curious, Wang Xuan unfolded the elegant script. The handwriting was refined and graceful. The letter was filled with high praise for him, enthusiasm for the Old Arts, and promises of a brilliant future coboration. The words were eloquently crafted, sincere and pleasing, making them pleasant to read. Only at the end did the letter touch upon the hope for a potential partnership. The letter went on to mention that the gifts were simply tokens of appreciation. Even if a coboration was not on the horizon, there was no obligation to return them. Wang Xuan did not know how to react. IThe gesture was ssy, but the more generous it seemed, the more wary he became. epting such gifts coulde with strings attached. When he nced at the signature, an elegantly penned "Zhong" caught his eye. Could it be from the affluent Zhong family, known to have the golden bamboo slips? Suddenly, Da Wu made a surprise appearance in the reception room. Sneaking a peek at the letter, he teased, "Judging by this rather unique handwriting, it must be Little Zhong''s handiwork." Thatment was clearly a jab¡ªthe handwriting was actually rather exquisite. Da Wu had a known beef with ady from the Zhong family. Seeing someone from her n here made him jump into the fray, likely looking to stir the pot. She leaned in and whispered to Wang Xuan, "Listen, Little Wang, anything from Little Zhong isn¡¯t without strings. No matter how sweet the offer, if you ever let her down, she won''t think twice about throwing you under the bus." Reading the room, Wang Xuan, initially reaching for his chest, swiftly moved his hand to his forehead. Switching up his excuse, he said, "Since the confrontation at the Pamir teau, I''ve been dealing with lingering headaches. I need to take a break." ¡­¡­ With Da Wu conveniently present, if Miss Zhong had any grievances, she''d probably take it up with her. For now, Wang Xuan felt slightly distanced from the brewing conflict. He decided to cross that bridge when he got to it. ... By dawn, the vi on the outskirts of An City had even more guests. They hade for a "meeting" on behalf of Old Chen, eagerly waiting for the main event to begin. In the midst of this, Qing Mu approached Wang Xuan discreetly. He whispered, "My master suggested that since we''re left with only that one piece of bone, instead of leaving it alone, perhaps... we should activate it." Wang Xuan was not surprised. Despite Old Chen''s cautious nature, he must have grown too curious to resist. Wang Xuan felt the same. After pondering over it the entire night, he was curious about what would emerge from the bone and how much it might enhance his own abilities. Chapter 69: Silence Before The Storm Chapter 69: Silence Before The Storm "Let''s meet at the usual spot, same time. I¡¯ll be seeing you there!" Wang Xuan quickly responded. Qing Mu''s eyebrows shot up, clearly caught off guard. Because Old Chen had made it clear that under no circumstances would he be in the sickroom tonight for a public "viewing." He was done with people lining up to touch and prod him. He had even threatened that if it happened again, he would pretend to drop dead right then and there. Enough was enough! Hearing Qing Mu''s message, Wang Xuan sighed, "Come on, Old Chen. You''ve faced tougher challenges and shone so brightly in the Pamir teau. And now this? It''s not like a few touches will hurt. It''s just not your style." Was that even a fairment? Qing Mu just shook his head. I mean, Old Chen had been subjected to two straight nights of such treatment. Who would be alright with all that? "Alright," Wang Xuan conceded. "We''ve still got time. Let''s n another meeting when they least expect it." As the morning sun began to rise, painting the sky in fiery shades, a soft mist enveloped the surrounding area. With the transition from autumn to winter, the sprawling estate was bathed in a serene, ethereal glow. Tall trees dotted the property, and under thebined effect of the dawn light and fog, it looked like something out of a painting. Having finished breakfast and with time on his hands, Wang Xuan picked up a fishing rod Old Chen had left behind and headed to the pond in the estate''s backyard. Given the increasing bustle and noise of the gathering guests at the estate, Wang Xuan would rather spend the morning fishing in Old Chen''s stead than endure the mor. The pond wasn''t small by any means, connecting to a river nearby. Wild fish were abundant, and tall reeds lined its banks, providing a home for various water birds. Every so often, a bird would flutter its wings and take to the sky. Wang Xuan found a cozy spot and, with a fishing rod in one hand and camera in the other, began taking photos. He sent some over to Qing Mu, hinting that they might cheer up Old Chen, who was probably getting stir-crazy in bed. But instead of amusing Old Chen, the photos did quite the opposite. Is that boy seriously using that special edition rod like a stick, thrashing about and sshing water everywhere? The sight almost gave Old Chen a heart attack. He wished he could jump up and show Wang Xuan the right way to fish. If Wang Xuan was going to be this clueless, maybe it would be better if he just fell into the pond and left the rod alone. "Check this out! I got a 22-pounder!" Wang Xuan texted, with another photo attached. Without a word, Qing Mu showed the message to Old Chen. The picture showed Wang Xuan, rod held upside down, seemingly using it to spear a fish. To Old Chen, it was nothing short of sphemy. That rod, a custom-made gift, was now in the hands of aplete novice. Old Chen silently vowed to give Wang Xuan a piece of his mindter that evening. Wang Xuan could hear faint sounds of someone approaching. He sighed, realizing that his moments of peace wereing to an end. He cherished these simple times, like teasing Old Chen or enjoying a quiet fishing session. Before long, he''d be venturing into the vastness of space, and who knew what awaited him there. Despite their efforts to appear nonchnt, the intentions of the people drawing near were obvious. Some were casually walking by the pond, others snapped photos of the birds, and a few even decided to try their hand at fishing. Is someone important about to arrive? Wang Xuan could not help but wonder as he observed the unfolding scene. These early arrivals were clearly skilled individuals, yet they blended in seamlessly, making it challenging for an average person to notice anything unusual. The fishermen nearby seemed leagues ahead of him in technique, carefully selecting and preparing their spots with precision. The bird photographers appeared even more dedicated, brandishing cameras worth a small fortune, indicating they were top-tier professionals. And those taking leisurely strolls or practicing Tai Chi? They exuded an aura of seasoned wellness enthusiasts. In total, about twenty individuals had quietly dispersed into the area. To a casual observer, there seemed to be no connection among them. However, their strategic positioning made it evident they could work together seamlessly if required. Having mastered the sixthyer of the Golden Body Technique at his age, Wang Xuan''s abilities were beyond impressive. Not only did this enhance his physical prowess, but it also sharpened his mental acuity. With his heightened senses, he had a keen awareness of every subtle movement and intention of those around him. That was why he was concerned. This group was no ordinary one; they were a formidable, well-trained bunch. Yet, he was relieved not to sense any hostile intentions from them. It appeared they were merely setting the stage, likely to escort or guard some high-profile individuals. If he''d sensed otherwise, Wang Xuan was ready to act. However, just as he thought he''d figured out the situation, another five or six groups seamlessly integrated into the scene, further heightening his alertness. Before long, figures appeared in the distance. Against the backdrop of the morning mist and dawn''s rosy hue, their silhouettes looked enchanting. Walking on the soft grass, their youthful vitality was a sight to behold. "Is that Da Wu? Is she arguing with someone?" Wang Xuan was taken aback, quickly recognizing the distinct figure of Da Wu amidst the group. To his surprise, it was her. It seemed he might have overthought the situation earlier. Those people weren''t here for him. Da Wu and herpanions hadn''t approached him, and they were still engrossed in their dispute. Then again, he thought, it seemed imusible for such an elite group to be prepping and guarding for Da Wu and her young friends. Wang Xuan spected that a more important figure might be due to arrive, and the youngsters had inadvertently arrived early. Not too concerned, Wang Xuan continued fishing... or rather, "spearfishing", then sent his catch to Old Chen. It was amusing to test the old colleague''s patience and cardiovascr endurance. "Hmm, Da Wu''s approaching," Wang Xuan pretended not to notice, continuing his leisurely fishing spree. "Xiao Zhong, don''t push it..." Da Wu''s voice trailed over. Wang Xuan''s eyebrows shot up. The person Da Wu was arguing with was clearly influential, not even daunted by Da Wu. Given the name "Zhong", could it be someone from the Zhong family, who presented the Bodhi Techniquest night? He frowned. What is Da Wu up to? She led Xiao Zhong right to me. Logically, Da Wu wouldn''t want the Zhong family to get close to him, considering she disrupted the ambiancest night. He felt that Da Wu was being deliberate. Besides being outspoken and broad-minded, she was also crafty. Was she trying to pit him against Xiao Zhong, hoping for an unexpected confrontation? Or did Da Wu know of Xiao Zhong''s "ns" and purposely brought her over to throw her off track? Wang Xuan, without hesitation, dropped the precious fishing rod - a prized possession of Old Chen - ready to make himself scarce. With both influential figures and "ambitious young people" crowding this ce, he didn''t want any part in the unfolding drama. "Little Xuan!" Da Wu called out to him, walking briskly across the grassy field, waving her hand as she neared the reed pond. Sighing, Wang Xuan resignedly turned back and approached her with a smile. Now closer, he could clearly see the young individuals apanying Da Wu. Undoubtedly, they were at that age where youthful vigor and early maturity coexist. Among them were faces representing both the East and the West. The four men, though varied in appearance, all had amanding presence. The three women were vivacious and full of youthful charm. Da Wu and another woman stood out the most, albeit with contrasting styles and demeanor. The brilliant morning sun highlighted Da Wu''s impressive silhouette. Her fiery temperament was not apparent at the moment. Instead, her other captivating attributes were entuated. The other woman, with her natural beauty, looked extraordinarily pretty. Her youthful exuberance and clear, lovely eyes reminded one of a freshman entering college. This pure essence,bined with her unadorned appearance, would easily earn her the title of "campus beauty." Standing at around 172 cm, with her long hair fluttering, she could easily captivate both young and older men alike. Whether it was Da Wu or this young woman of about twenty, both were undeniably eye-catching. Wang Xuan observed them with an appreciation for beautiful things. He marveled at them. The two women, each embodying a different form of beauty, were a feast for the eyes when standing side by side. The innocent looking girl smiled serenely under the sun, introducing herself gently and courteously. As he suspected, she was Xiao Zhong. "Zhong Qing?" Wang Xuan was taken aback by the name. "Love at first sight can lead to a lifetime of regret. Don''t be deceived by her appearance, Little Wang. Xiao Zhong has a history of taking people for all they''re worth," Da Wu warned with a yful grin, her arms crossed, already undermining Xiao Zhong. "It''s Zhong Qing," Xiao Zhong corrected with a smile, emphasizing the ''Qing'' for rity. She stood tall and elegant, saying, "Da Yin Yin loves to tease and make up stories. She has quite the temper, and honestly, I''m scared of her." Wang Xuan was touched. Xiao Zhong might appear like a student, but her words subtly showcased her formidable prowess. Da Yin Yin''s reputation as a big-tempered tease was yfully highlighted. Da Wu, with her head held high, adjusted her hair and nced mockingly at a certain part of Xiao Zhong, saying, "Don''t be fooled by Xiao Zhong''s innocent face. She''s deceived many and has very little scruples." "Little Wang," Da Wu said, herbative spirit evident, "I must tell you, not too long ago, Xiao Zhong was plotting against you. Her cunning nature has been nurtured by the influence of her family, especially Old Zhong." Da Wu spilled the beans, speaking so swiftly that Xiao Zhong couldn''t interrupt. "Just a while ago, thisdy from the Zhong family was discussing ns to assess yourbat capabilities and gauge your true strength, all while keeping herself uninvolved. She nned to meet you on this beautiful morning, hoping for a seemingly idental and beautiful encounter. Trust me, she would havee across as graceful, pure, and sincere, leaving you with a splendid impression before waving goodbye. But her true motive? She just wants you to be her pawn in the future. That''s so Xiao Zhong!" Wang Xuan was stunned. Not because he was afraid of being used by Xiao Zhong, but because Da Wu was surprisinglybative and confrontational today, especially against Xiao Zhong. Note: Retained the name ¡°xiao¡± for Wu Yin¡¯s nickname for Zhong Qing to differentiate the word y by Wu Yin aimed at thetter¡¯s unfortunately less developed breasts. Only the nicknames for Wu Yin and Xiao Zhong will remain exclusively this way to highly the jabs those two threw at each other''s'' way. Chapter 70: Popping The ‘Balloons’ Chapter 70: Popping The ¡®Balloons¡¯ Xiao Zhong, tall and poised, looked on with clear eyes and a calm demeanor. "Da Yin Yin has always had a prejudice against me, singling me out every time, and now she''s twisting my intentions," she began. "I indeed wanted to approach Mr.Wang for a good opportunity. I represent a young organization called ''New Star'', and we''d like you to join. But first, we need to assess your strength, which is standard for all new members." Quickly and concisely, Xiao Zhong exined that the organization, named after the bright star in deep space that was newly discovered by mankind and became its colony, symbolized the promising futures of its members. It exclusively epted super-geniuses or standout individuals in their respective fields, all of whom were undoubtedly young. Wang Xuan listened silently, reminded of the Mensa club from a century or two ago on Old Earth. There was a simr vibe between the two. However, he was not at all interested. Whether it''s "New Star" or whatever, he didn''t want to be a part. He realized that if the club was full of super-geniuses, they would undoubtedly attract the attention of major organizations and megacorporations. Theplications and troubles that would arise from such associations would be endless. While a newbie might jump at the chance to join for the rare opportunity to make a name for themselves, Wang Xuan would rather stay away. He did not want fame. In fact, he preferred ying the role of silent "guardian" for Old Chen, pushing his former colleague to the forefront for a while. He politely declined Xiao Zhong''s offer, expressing his gratitude and informing her of his desire to immerse himself in refining his craft in the Old Arts. He did not want to be burdened by fame. "Mr. Wang is a pure cultivator. I understand and admire that even more," Xiao Zhong nodded, not pressing him further. She praised him highly, saying, "I have a feeling that before long, a Grandmaster will swiftly rise." Wang Xuan took her words with a grain of salt, not letting them get to his head. Wu Yin attempted to speak several times, but each time, Zhong Qing cut her off. Persisting, she said, "Traditionally, anyone we invite for evaluation receives a valuable gift, regardless of the oue. For Mr. Wang, we''ve chosen the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique." Wang Xuan scoffed at her silently. By its name alone, the technique did not strike him as a precious martial art scripture. He felt that Xiao Zhong might be underestimating him and promptly declined the offer. Recently, his focus had been on mastering the Golden Body Technique. He felt a growing urge to ask Old Chen for more scriptures to broaden his knowledge. As his guardian, he had invested so much and felt it crucial to know if those he protected were on the right spiritual path. But he kept most of these thoughts to himself, wary of offending Old Chen''s ego. A direct confrontation might get ugly. Wu Yin could barely contain her delight. She had not anticipated Xiao Wang''s outright refusal and chuckled heartily. It was a rare sight to see the usually unppable Zhong Qing taken aback. "It¡¯s a rather renowned form of martial arts," Zhong Qingmented, genuinely surprised. "I didn''t expect Mr. Wang to be so indifferent." Wang Xuan quickly messaged Qing Mu, seeking more details on the ''Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique''. He was keen to gauge its worth. Qing Mu, well-versed in martial arts, acknowledged its fame and told Wang Xuan that even Old Chen hadn''t procured it. Hearing this, Old Chen chimed in, intrigued, "Long ago, Zhang Daoling witnessed a fierce battle between a flood dragon and a sacred crane at Heming Mountain. This inspired him to develop the ''Dragon-Crane Dispersing Technique''. The term ''dragon'' waster reced with ''serpent'', in line with Daoism''s philosophy of simplicity." Heming Mountain is revered in Daoism, with many considering it the birthce of the tradition. Zhang Daolingid the foundation of Daoism there, leaving an indelible mark on its history. Old Chen remarked, "Let him know that he should obtain this scripture first. After mastering the ''Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique'', delving into his five-page golden book should be easier." When Wang Xuan received Old Chen''s message through Qing Mu, he paused immediately and retraced his steps. The five-page golden book was of utmost significance to him. Having just grasped its basics, he believed that understanding the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique might offer deeper insights. It was certainly worth his effort. Wu Yin, upon seeing Wang Xuan return, put on a dramatic facade, feigning disappointment. It was unclear whether she was genuinely upset or simply putting on an act. "This technique isn¡¯t just vital for me," Wang Xuan said, directing a smile at her. He borated, "During his prime, Old Chen highly praised it, yearning for a chance to witness its mastery. I''d like to fulfill that wish for him." Zhong Qing nodded with understanding and then turned her attention to a woman beside her. The woman, with golden hair and piercing blue eyes, was beautiful in her own right. While not as stunning as Zhong Qing or Wu Yin, her figure was noteworthy, possibly due to her Western diet. She was not far behind Wu Yin in that aspect. "Mr. Wang, your performance on the Pamir teau was truly unforgettable," the woman remarked, speaking fluent Eastern dialect. She introduced herself as Lorena. Wang Xuan pondered. He was most renowned for his feat at the mountain pass, especially for his kick that fatally wounded Grandmaster Xia Qing, leaving a massive hole in the man''s chest. Clearly, Lorena was hinting at something. Warm and enthusiastic, Lorena greeted Wang Xuan with a Western embrace, stating, "I''ll be the one assessing your skills shortly." As she spoke, Wang Xuan sensed something amiss. Lorena''s limbs tightened around him with steel-like strength, threatening to trap him. Anyone less skilled would have been instantly incapacitated. She utilized a blend of techniques from jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and joint dislocation, aiming to subdue Wang Xuan in a swift move. The grip she had on his shoulder seemed to be an attempt to dislocate his scap. Is this her so-called "assessment"? Though proficient in the Golden Body Technique and unafraid of physical harm, Wang Xuan''s expression shifted the next moment. A radiant light emitted from Lorena''s forehead, signaling a psychic attack. She wasn''t just skilled in ancient arts but also practiced modern ones. Amidst what seemed like a simple embrace of greeting, a struggle ensued. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan flexed his arms forcefully, responding with even greater strength, challenging her in a test of endurance. He was not concerned at all. Her psychic assault was futile against him. He was on the verge of forming a rudimentary spiritual domain. Lorena let out a painful yelp. Choosing to engage up close with someone who had mastered the sixthyer of the Golden Body Technique was clearly a miscalction on her part. Her curvaceous figure, which was already noteworthy, now seemed on the brink of rupture, especially when she realized her psychic attack was ineffective. Fear took hold. A sharp, breaking sound echoed, followed by an even more agonizing scream from Lorena. "Let go!" Several voices cried out in rm, faces filled with horror. Had he literally crushed her? Lorena''s eyes rolled back, clearly indicating something was amiss. Coupled with the gruesome sound of what seemed like flesh tearing, the situation became eerie. Wang Xuan froze in ce. The person he held tightly in his arms appeared to be genuinely injured. He hesitated to release his grip, fearing the sight of blood and gore, suspecting that something on her chest might have ruptured. I¡¯ve already defeated a Grandmaster with a single kick before. If I crush another expert like this, what kind of infamy would I gain? The thought greatly concerned him.Finally, he slowly let go of the woman he was embracing. To his relief, there was no blood on her chest, and his worst fears did not materialize. Wait, why is the front of her dress torn apart? What just happened? Fortunately, her skin seemed unharmed beneath the shredded fabric. He quickly averted his eyes and let go of Lorena, allowing her to copse onto the ground. "No one''s dead, and nothing''s broken!" Wang Xuan exhaled, relieved that he would not have a dark incident tarnishing his reputation. "So it was a ''beauty enhancer'', huh? No wonder, the Zhong lineage always loves their deceptions," Da Wu remarked proudly, giving Zhong Qing a disdainful look as he spoke. Behind them, four young men had figured out the situation. They exchanged whispers andments among themselves. "Ahhh¡­ Lorena had enhancements. No wonder her figure seemed so impressive. Seems like no one can trulypare to Wu Yin." "But man, he really went all out on her! Talk about being cold-blooded!" Another young man, clearly of Western origin, gave Wang Xuan a thumbs-up and, speaking in broken Eastern dialect, remarked, "Awesome!" Wang Xuan''s face twitched slightly before he approached Zhong Qing with a nk expression. Zhong Qing instinctively took a step back before stopping herself, a momentary loss for words crossing her face. After all, Wang Xuan had previously taken out Xia Qing with a single kick, and now he had nearly crushed another in his embrace. His reputation was indeed fierce. She managed a smile, exining, "Actually, our n today was to have someone don the newly-developed transmaterial armor and spar with you. But since Lorena jumped the gun, let''s say you''ve passed." She then handed him an ancient-looking scripture book. The cover read: "Snake-Crane Eight Style Technique." "Thanks," replied Wang Xuan, eager to leave the scene. From afar, he noticed a representative of the Old Earth authorities making his way to the scene. It now made sense why so many had arrived earlier ¡ª to ensure safety. Additionally, three elderly gentlemen seemed to be approaching with intent. They likely had important matters on their minds. Wang Xuan quickened his pace, keenly aware of the scrutinizing gazes from the deputy and the three elders. Am I bing a person of interest? He decided he should discuss this with Old Chen. He needed toy low and not be too much of a focal point. As the day wore on, Old Chen''s condition did not improve. The sentiment grew that he might not survive the night, prompting many high-profile figures to pay their final respects. By evening, most of the expected visitors had paid their respects, all waiting for tomorrow''s "conference." Wang Xuan also made his appearance, going through the motions of paying hisst respects to Old Chen. Before long, the two of them gathered, lifting the ck sword to delicately cut a fine mark on the pristine, jade-like bone. In an instant, a strong surge of mystery factors erupted, swiftly permeating the surroundings. "Old Chen, this is the mystic bone buried beneath the Buddhist ancestral ground. I''m having second thoughts," Wang Xuan whispered. "And you thought shoving me inside by myself was a good idea?" Old Chen felt a chill down his spine, realizing Wang Xuan had pushed him in, while staying outside himself. Wang Xuan was again exhausted to the point of feeling faint. Breathing heavily, he stared into the mysticalnd, sensing that something was off, but it wasn''t the demonic chaos he had imagined. Inside the realm, a gentle rain drizzled, water flowed beneath a quaint bridge, and the silhouette of an ancient town appeared and disappeared in the misty rain. It painted a serene picture reminiscent of the ancient river towns of the South. In a fleeting glimpse, Wang Xuan saw an enchanting beauty in a red dress, holding an oil-paper umbre, her figure graceful. As she strolled through the misty rain in a picturesque and poetic way. Chapter 71: A Cat Ran Away With Old Chen Chapter 71: A Cat Ran Away With Old Chen In the misty rain, the woman walked on the cobblestone streets, winding her way through the ancient town. With a soft sigh, she suddenly exploded amidst terrifying thunderbolts, transforming into droplets of red rain that scattered and rained down. "She''s... gone?!" "Did you hear that? A real voice was made?" Wang Xuan and Old Chen were both shocked and stunned. Previously, no matter how powerful or active the creatures they encountered within this realm were, none ever spoke. Today was an exception. The two waited for a long time, but the woman never reappeared. After her explosion, she seemed to merge with the rain, even the red glow fading with time. After all the anticipation and waiting, just as the sessors were about to ess the realm, she vanished. Did she hold on to mortality just to catch a glimpse of the future? Not far away, a colorful kitten opened its mouth, seemingly meowing, but no sound was heard. It ran from the rain, tears rolling down its eyes in pairs. It''s rare to see a cat so mournful. However, Wang Xuan and Old Chen dared not underestimate it. No creature in this realm was simple, and there was no telling its origins. Moreover, the appearance of two creatures in one realm was unusual, different from the past. Especially notable was the woman''s sigh that seemed so real, as if it whispered right beside them. The spotted cat pounced onto the ruins of the town shattered by thunder, its silent calls continuous, tears unceasingly streaming. Old Chen let out a sigh. "Do you think that cat belonged to the woman? When she was struck by that thunder and shattered, did her cat almost be immortal? Thatdy in red must''ve been incredibly powerful. The lightning that hit her seemed unusually intense." "You shouldfort that kitty, Wang Xuan. It looks so distraught," Old Chen remarked. Wang Xuan gave him a sideways nce, "Why don''t you?" "Even if it''s some spirit, it doesn''t mean we should be heartless. Go check on it," Wang Xuan countered. "You just want me to go first, don''t you?" Old Chen responded with a smirk. As they quietly debated, the cat started moving closer, still making silent mewls, tears streaking down its face. When it reached Old Chen, it looked up with an innocent and confused expression. Old Chen, clutching his sword, and Wang Xuan, standing just outside the scene, both stayed silent. The two men and the cat found themselves in a quiet standoff. This peculiar feline seemed to resonate with an invisible energy each time it tried to meow. Old Chen''s grip on his sword tightened, but he restrained himself from acting on impulse. Eventually, the little cat backed away a bit, its gaze filled with puzzlement. "Have you been trapped in here for ages?" Old Chen finally inquired. The cat, still appearing somewhat lost, took its time before gently nodding. It then gestured towards the outside, seeming to ask a silent question. "The world outside has changed greatly, almost unrecognizable from your era," Old Chen began, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. Wang Xuan stepped further inside, pondering his next steps. Should he continue refining his Gold Body Technique or the Five Golden Pages? Now that he had acquired the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique, it seemed he could further delve into the mysteries of the Five Golden Pages. Old Chen said reflectively, "I believe this time you should focus on Master Zhang''s technique. Consider the vast reputation he garneredter on." "Right," Wang Xuan agreed. Memories of the ''Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique'' were imprinted in his mind. He could revisit them at will in this mystical realm. As Old Chen continued reminiscing about the past, he adjusted his posture and began his own practice. Six years swiftly passed. Wang Xuan had thoroughly mastered the ''Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique''. Unlike the overwhelming power of the Five Golden Pages, which even immortals would fear, this was merely a technique inspired by Master Zhang''s insights at the time. Its power wasparable to the Great Vajra Fist, effectivelypensating for Wang Xuan''sck of a regr attack technique. After all, the Gold Body Technique had enhanced every aspect of his physique, from flesh to spirit, emphasizing defense. Its offensive prowess wasn''t as formidable, but now, he felt more bnced. Over the years, Old Chen had been studying the Ghost Monk''s fist technique. At a nce, it seemed akin to the Great Vajra Fist, but it surpassed it. In private, Old Chen once mentioned to Wang Xuan that this might be the legendary Bodhisattva Fist, a top-tier Buddhist martial art, with unparalleled potency. "The most crucial part," Old Chen started, "is that I feel the Bodhisattva Fist aligns well with my temperament. It resonates with me deeply, and hasn''t caused any harm to my internal organs during practice." Wang Xuan couldn''t help but roll his eyes internally. How can Old Chenpare himself to apassionate Bodhisattva? Such a im was an audacious affront to the ancients. Time flew by, and before they knew it, two decades had passed within this mysterious realm. Surprisingly, Wang Xuan felt no signs of aging or decay. Whenever his spirit felt drained, he''d be rejuvenated by the mystic essence that pervaded the realm. During these peaceful times, Wang Xuan managed to master the second technique inscribed in the Five Golden Pages. His organs suffered multiple injuries during the training, but they continuously healed, thanks to the mystic substance in the realm. His breakthrough in achieving the second technique felt like a natural progression given his elevated state. While Old Chen would asionally drift into tales from the past, he also took time to stroke the cat, appearing utterly content. He had made significant progress with the Bodhisattva Fist. "Old Chen, do you believe that time here flows at the same rate as in the outside world?" Wang Xuan inquired, as he approached the cat, giving its head a good rub. The cat seemed to meow in response, but no sound came out. It had been years, and the feline creature seemed to have grown fond of listening to Old Chen''s tales. But over time, Old Chen''s stories began to wane. After narrating tales up to modern battleships, he eventually resorted to weaving tales of the future. "It''s not about the flow of time," Old Chen exined. "I don''t believe we''ve spent as many years here as we think. I feel our minds and bodies are in a unique and highly active state. Our spirit and physique are rapidly transforming due to our active practices. It''s our heightened cognitive perception that''s elerated, giving us the illusion that time has slowed down." He continued, "Just as humans managed to rise above all creatures in the grand evolutionary race, they weren''t initially any more advanced than the fiercest of beasts. But when a crucial juncture in time came, some humans evolved differently, enabling us to climb to the top of the food chain. There''s a period in history where humans suddenly took the lead, and no transitional phase can be pinpointed in historical records. This might exin it." Wang Xuan nodded, saying, "That makes sense. However, the interpretation that one minute outside equals several years here is also usible, and both exnations don''t necessarily conflict. Our spirits don''t age here because they''re nourished by the mystical substance. Here, our minds are in a state of utter tranquility and sharp focus. All other distractions are gradually eliminated, leaving only our dedicated objectives for cultivation. It''s like practicing the foundational techniques of pre-Qin mystics in our purest form, strengthening ourselves, and with the nourishment of the elixir, we remain unaged." Old Chen agreed; both theories were logically sound. "And what do you think, kitty?" Wang Xuan yfully stroked the spotted cat. The cat bared its teeth and extended its ws, looking fierce. Wang Xuan patted its head and quickly stepped back, saying, "Old Chen, the deputy of the authorities was seen meeting with those three old men. Do you think they''re discussing matters after your... departure? Also, I feel like I''m being watched. Once we''re out, make sure to arrange things properly for me." Old Chen responded, "For now, your identity remains concealed. Qingmu has been cautious. When you went to Cang Ridge under the name of Wang Xiao, he had someone wear a mask resembling your face and stay in An City." Wang Xuan sighed, "Old Qing is a good man, much better than you!" Pausing, he added, "Since you''vee in here, I have no reason not to take care of Old Qing." With that, Wang Xuan turned to leave. "Be quick and return soon," Old Chen called out anxiously. ¡­¡­ Qing Mu''s face showed utter disbelief. Upon truly witnessing the Inner Landscape, he couldn''t trust his own eyes. Was there really another realm beyond the real world? Now, he began to understand all the cryptic discussions between his master and Wang Xuan; they weren''t as absurd as they seemed. This time, Wang Xuan felt genuinely on the brink of death, and that wasn''t an exaggeration. He believed that transporting two people into the same Inner Landscape was pushing him to his very limits. Hey inside the Inner Landscape, taking deep breaths and greedily consuming the mysterious substance, replenishing his near-broken spirit. "Where''s my master?" Qing Mu inquired. Then, he was taken aback. What was that creature lurking in the ruins, gnawing at his master? Half of his master''s body was already swallowed, with only a pair of legs frantically kicking outside. "Oh my God! So this is the Inner Landscape. I want to go back, no, I need to save my master first!" Qing Mu eximed, rushing forward. "Did... did the cat get Old Chen?" As Wang Xuan slightly recovered, he hurriedly pursued, realizing the situation had spiraled out of control. At the same time, Wang Xuan sensed an unusual fluctuation. Deep within the Inner Landscape, a silhouette of a woman in red faintly appeared. It seemed as if a massive curtain separated the two realms, preventing her from crossing over. She merely stood there, quietly observing. Wang Xuan felt overwhelmed; this experience was truly unlike any other. "The pristine bone, belonging to the White Tiger demon, serves as a key to ess this Inner Landscape. But it appears that the White Tiger demon might have merely been a pet to some greater being." As Wang Xuan sprinted to save Old Chen, countless thoughts shed through his mind.
Jimmi''s Thoughts Beautiful woman in red... Could she be....?
Chapter 72: The Scaredy Buddha Chapter 72: The Scaredy Buddha That was no mere kitten. Before them stood a ferocious White Tiger, its malevolence filling the air. Its jaws were wide, and the sharp fangs within looked as deadly as daggers. Blood oozed from between its teeth as it savagely tore at Old Chen. Witnessing the scene, Wang Xuan felt his heart sink. Old Chen was severely wounded! Bleeding profusely in the inner world signified grave injury. It might even be life-threatening. This Inner Landscape was different, unlike any they had experienced before. He raced forward, quickly overtaking Qing Mu, and picked up the ck sword that Old Chen had dropped. As he neared the beast, he leaped into the air, holding the sword with both hands. A brilliant sh emitted from the de as he fiercely thrust it towards the tiger''s rear! With a soft thud, the sword, now gleaming with radiant light, pierced right into the creature''s backside. Perhaps it should indeed be referred to as the White Tiger now. And one thing was clear: its rear was off-limits. "Meow! Roar!" Even if the sound was inaudible, the creature''s open maw signaled a furious roar, apanied by a terrifying surge of energy. The tiger nced coldly at the ck de protruding from its rear and then at Wang Xuan, who was hanging onto the hilt. Its gaze was... piercing. "Roar..." The White Tiger was on the brink of madness. One moment it''s merely feasting, and the next, its tail end is unexpectedly pierced. It was pure humiliation. The tiger''s eyes, once calm like tranquil pools, now ignited with a fiery rage. With a swift flick, it flung the ck sword aside and lunged at Wang Xuan with its colossal paw. A silent roar, filled with pure anger, emanated from it. "You sickly cat[1], how about another roar? Maybe even serenade me with a song?" Wang Xuan taunted, deftly dodging the attack. He was hoping that by provoking the White Tiger, it would release Old Chen from its jaws. If not, Old Chen was in serious trouble. The White Tiger unleashed a deafening roar, its sheer force making the entire Inner Landscape quiver. It wasn''t merely reacting to the taunt; being jabbed in the rear was an unspeakable humiliation for such a formidable creature. Furious, the tiger''s ws gleamed menacingly as they swiped through the air, causing the mystical substances of the Inner Landscape to scatter in every direction. Wang Xuan wasted no time and sprinted away. If Old Chen, despite his masterful abilities, was reduced to mere prey, then Wang was certain he''d fare no better and risked bing the tiger''s next snack. Desperately fighting, Old Chen managed to extricate himself from the vice-like grip of the tiger''s teeth, blood soaking his entire body. It looked grim. But given they were in the Inner Landscape, an area abundant with mysterious energy, there was still a glimmer of hope. In his dire state, Old Chen summoned the strength to deploy his Bodhisattva Fist,unching two fierce punches at the tiger''s eyes. The tiger, unfazed, merely blinked, deflecting the blows. It then readied its massive ws, aiming to grab Old Chen once more, intent on finishing what it started. Bang! Bang! Wang Xuan dashed back into the fray, pummeling the White Tiger with a flurry of punches. To his dismay, they barely made an impact. In a desperate bid to do some damage, he tried yanking out the tiger''s fur. He managed to pull only a few strands, but it was enough to further enrage the beast. In the crucial moment, Qing Mu emerged as the silent hero. A man of few words, he seized the ck sword and with all his might, thrust it into the tiger''s rear. "I... am... gonna... get you all!" Though the White Tiger did not emit any sound, its intentions were clear from its furious expression as it red at Qing Mu. Both Old Chen and Wang Xuan had narrowly escaped the tiger''s maw but they couldn''t stand by and watch Qing Mu face the peril alone, so they resumed their taunts. Wiping the blood from his face, Old Chen shouted, "Sickly cat, did you really think I didn''t know you were a demon? I figured it out long ago, that''s why I kept teasing you!" The tiger''s eyes turned icy. All these years, it had yed dumb, hoping to learn about the changes in the world beyond. Little did it know that these infuriating humans were onto it and had been toying with it all along! "Of course, I knew you were a great demon," Wang Xuan added mockingly. ncing at his palms, he remarked, "Feels no different from petting a regr cat. So much for being a formidable demon. It''s just... meh." He was not lying. From the day he had entered, he had always been on guard against the cat. asionally petting it was just his quirky sense of humor. As for Old Chen, despite his calm demeanor, he was secretly nervous. Hence, his frequent "cat petting sessions" and long-winded stories were merely tactics to buy more time for cultivation. Both Wang Xuan and Old Chen recalled that a bone had once been sealed deep within the sacred grounds of a Buddhist temple. Undoubtedly, it belonged to a formidable entity of pure malevolence. Wang Xuan had honed his skills with Zhang Daoling''s martial techniques, while Old Chen mastered the Bodhisattva''s fist, both gearing up to subdue the demon. Legends had it that these specific arts were the perfect arsenal for exorcizing evil. But now, it was clear they had vastly underestimated the power of this behemoth. Not only were they outmatched, but they also struggled to even evade its clutches. They were essentially just a snack for this creature. The White Tiger allowed the trio to regroup, seemingly unperturbed. It advanced slowly, having eyed Old Chen as its meal for quite some time. Being forced to listen to his rambling stories only whetted its appetite further. Wang Xuan sighed, "Old Chen, it looks like we''ll be holding a memorial for you soon. Fate''s already made its decision. Even if I could somehow save you, destiny seems unchangeable." "Shut it! I''ve yet to get the thrill of tearing apart a warship!" retorted Old Chen. Qing Mu waspletely unnerved. On his very first venture into this ce, he faced such a formidable demon. The sheer magnitude of what stood before him was hard to digest. Thud! Thud! Thud! All three of them put up a fight, but each was effortlessly swatted away by the White Tiger''s powerful paws. Bruised and battered, neither Old Chen nor Wang Xuan stood a chance against this monstrous creature. "Hey, woman in red! Your missing cat''s right here,e im it!" Wang Xuan yelled out. All of a sudden, a melodious, bell-likeughter resonated, chilling to the bone. From the depths of this mystic realm, a woman dressed in red, sheltered under an oil-paper umbre, emerged,ughing in their direction. At that moment, Wang Xuan and Old Chen felt their hearts race. The sound was so close, it seemed to echo right beside them. They sensed the looming shadow of death. They were now face-to-face with an unimaginably powerful entity! Old Chen muttered urgently, "Wang Xuan, shut it! Don''t provoke her any further. We can''t even handle her cat!" Upon seeing thedy in red, the White Tiger''s demeanor shifted entirely. Its tail wagged energetically, resembling more of a docile white dog than the fierce beast it once was. Obediently, it turned and, grabbing Qing Mu in its jaws, dashed toward the woman. One could only imagine Qing Mu''s sheer terror, experiencing such a hellish initiation on his first venture into this ce. Both Wang Xuan and Old Chen raced behind, but attacking the mighty White Tiger proved fruitless. Fortunately, the beast didn''t swallow Qing Mu. Instead, it ced him in front of the barrier that separated them from the red-ddy. Was it an offering? Yet, due to the barrier, it couldn''t pass Qing Mu to her. Old Chen, dripping in sweat and trembling, eximed, "I should''ve known better than to meddle with what was sealed beneath the Buddhist temple! That bone of the White Tiger seems to be the key to unlocking this realm. And that formidable White Tiger? Merely a pet to the woman in red!" Wang Xuan whispered, "Old Chen, did you notice? Thedy in red seems to be trapped." Looking closely, Old Chen noted that thedy stood amidst a misty backdrop, with a gentle rain falling around her. She seemed infinitely distant, separated by a shroud-like barrier. Wang Xuan observed, "When we first entered, we witnessed her shattering amidst thunderbolts, probably an illusion. The real her is far away, unable to cross over to us." It was reminiscent of the time when the spectral monk appeared in Wang Xuan''s dream, performing the Bodhisattva martial techniques, seeming as though he stood worlds apart, with his silhouette fading over time. Old Chen shuddered, "This realm hides so many secrets. The waters are too deep. Where exactly is she standing beyond that barrier?" The two continued to retreat, nearing the exit. Yet, the White Tiger advanced, closing the gap. Wang Xuan said gravely, "Old Chen, hang in there and ensure that Qing Mu isn¡¯t devoured. I''ll go get someone to put an end to this monstrous White Tiger. I have this gut feeling that if we don''t defeat it, it will give an advantageous edge to that ''extremely powerful entity''." "Who are you going to call for help?" Old Chen asked, desperation evident in his tone. How could he and Qing Mu possibly hold off such a beast? "I''ll call the Ghost Monk!" "Ahh, calling upon a Bodhisattva? Hurry!" eximed Old Chen. Wang Xuan was taken aback. Old Chen had suddenly elevated the Ghost Monk''s status. While practicing the Bodhisattva fist, he was revered as a divine monk. On regr days, he was simply referred to as the Ghost Monk. But now, Old Chen addressed him directly as a Bodhisattva. Without wasting another second, Wang Xuan dashed out, shouting near Old Chen¡¯s physical form, "Divine Monk, Bodhisattva,e swiftly and vanquish this demon! The creature that your ancestral temple had suppressed is now wreaking havoc. Come and subdue it at once!" To Wang Xuan''s astonishment, the Ghost Monk did appear. Following Wang Xuan into the realm, the venerable monk immediately started assaulting the White Tiger without uttering a word. The White Tiger was utterly confounded. Who was this formidable bald assant? It was so brutally battered that blood gushed from its mouth and nostrils, and stars seemed to dance before its eyes. The Ghost Monk''s power was awe-inspiring. Bathed in radiant golden light, he channeled the mysterious energy of the realm with his Bodhisattva fist. Like tumultuous waves, his blows caused the White Tiger''s ears to bleed profusely. Qing Mu, seizing the moment, scrambled back to safety. Old Chen was astounded. If he had known earlier, why wouldn''t they have brought the Ghost Monk... or rather, the Bodhisattva, along from the beginning? Their training session would have been utterly safe and secure. The venerable monk seemed to have a faint barrier around him, separating him slightly from the Inner Landscape. Nevertheless, he disyed incredible bravery, mounting the White Tiger and pummeling it relentlessly. The monk was indomitably formidable, and terrifyingly powerful. Even with the barrier between them, he managed to severely injure the White Tiger demon. "He''s incredibly strong!" Wang Xuan eximed. "Could it be... the famed ''Tiger Taming Monk''? No, the ''Tiger Taming Bodhisattva''!" Old Chen praised, further elevating the monk''s title. A chillingughter pierced the air, resonating in everyone''s ears. The woman in red, holding her oil-paper umbre, stood behind the veil, watching the monk intently. The monk''s face changed instantly. Without a word, the moment he locked eyes with the red-clothed woman, he turned and... fled, disappearing into the entrance of the Inner Landscape. "Bodhisattva, Ghost Monk, why did you run?!" Old Chen shouted. He was panicking. The White Tiger, now fueled by unparalleled wrath, lunged at them, intending to annihte them all. At the critical juncture, a silhouette shimmered into the entrance of the Inner Landscape. A brilliant sword light streaked by, severing one of the White Tiger demon''s massive ws. The beast recoiled in silent agony, limping away in retreat. "Sword Immortal... You¡¯re so majestic! Your strength is truly unparalleled!" Wang Xuan cried out, nearly moved to tears. In his eyes, the Sword Immortal, without any hint of pettiness, was far more reliable than the old monk. She arrived without even being summoned. The female sword master floated past Wang Xuan, her chin raised high in disdain towards him, flying overhead with her snowy robe fluttering. With her sword levitating beside her, she stared intently at the woman in red, separated by the mysterious veil. Footnote: [1]Sickly cat: ÀÏ»¢²»·¢Íþ, ÒÔΪÊDz¡Ã¨. A Chinese saying that tranted literally as ¡°a tiger that does not show its might is mistaken as a sickly cat¡±. Old Chen was making a word y at the white tiger demon. Chapter 73: The Formidable Demoness Chapter 73: The Formidable Demoness Old Chen spoke in hushed tones, eyes cast downward, "A swordmaster unparalleled through time, rising above the world''s dust. Mortals like us can only gaze in admiration. Ahead, the zenith of the immortal path is unseen; behind, no trace of those who ventured before. Only now does the sword''s aura dominate across the epochs." As he spoke, sweat beaded on his brow, and he discarded the ck sword. Qing Mu''s eyes widened in disbelief. Had his master not tossed the sword, he might''ve taken those words to heart. Now, however, it looked as though his master was overwhelmed with a desperate urge to survive. It dawned on Qing Mu swiftly: This must be the same immortal who once left his master torn between life and death, the mere sight of a sword making him sick to his stomach. She had returned, sending shockwaves of fear through his master. Wang Xuan, clearly irritated, turned to his old colleague. "Old Chen, what''s with the theatrics? You''ve spoken every thought I had!" He chided, "Stayposed, Old Chen. Refrain from speaking out of turn." But Old Chen paid him no mind. Hastily, he kicked the ck sword out of sight and took a deep breath. Thest encounter, as brutal as it was, left him with immense psychological scars. However, observing today''s scenario, it seemed the female swordmaster had shown restraint, venting on him and Wang Xuan but stopping short of delivering a fatal blow. Had she not held back, both he and Wang might not be here now. They would likely have been reduced to mere slivers of flesh. At best, they would''ve been forcibly removed from this Inner Landscape, potentially maimed. Deep within this Inner Landscape, the female sword immortal¡¯s moon-white gown billowed around her. She exuded an ethereal aura, untouched by worldly impurities. She gracefullynded, drawing ever closer to the grand curtain before her. Wang Xuan, Old Chen, and Qing Mu all fell silent, tension palpable as they fixed their gazes ahead. To them, the woman in red was an enigma, exuding an intimidating aura. Despite the misty rain blurring their vision, her graceful silhouette was apparent. Her stunning red attire, along with eyes that seemed to enchant the mortal realm, made it clear: she was a seductive yet potentially terrifying immortal. If her pet had ascended to immortality and withstood celestial thunderstorms. What might she be capable of? The thought was chilling. Deep within this Inner Landscape, a plethora of mystery factors began to fall. Their origin was unknown, and in the absence of anyone channeling magic, these substances descended automatically. Beyond the curtain, the scenery of the southern river towns remained. The woman in red, wearing a subtle smile, approached. Startlingly, she reached out, seemingly trying to touch the face of the female sword immortal. Though separated by the luminous barrier, this unexpected gesture was unnerving. The woman''s demeanor was somewhat flirtatious, her red oiled-paper umbreplementing her coquettish movements. Swoosh! The female sword immortal remained still, her dainty feet firmly on the ground, but the gleaming sword in her hand shone brightly, thrusting forward like a cascade of stars. With a loud boom, the entire Inner Landscape quivered. mystery factors surged, the luminous curtain rippled like water, yet it remained intact. The gleaming silver de of the female sword immortal shed against the snowy palm of the woman in red through the curtain, causing the realm to tremble. The woman in red, holding her oiled-paper umbre against the drizzling rain, remained poised. She retracted her outstretched palm and gracefully brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she spoke. Her voice was melodious, but the words were indecipherable to Wang Xuan. Old Chen furrowed his brows, remarking, "It''s an ancient dialect from the southern river regions, dating back two to three millennia." Qing Mu was not surprised at Old Chen''s knowledge. Old Chen often delved into ancient studies in his spare time and had a vast reservoir of understanding. The woman in red spoke with a soft, mellifluous voice. Though Wang Xuan couldn''tprehend the words, he found them enchanting. It was the soft lilt of a Wu dialect from over two millennia ago. "She''s essentially saying, ''Little girl, have you heard tales of me? Quite arrogant, aren''t you?''" Old Chen tranted in a whisper, fearing any impropriety might earn them retribution. Wang Xuan was taken aback. This red-d woman clearly had a significant history. To address such an ethereal being as the female swordmaster so casually, even calling her "little girl", showed audacity. The usually detached "little girl" appeared vexed. She tilted her fair chin upward and thrust her radiant sword forward. The gleaming de''s aura pushed against the curtain, its pointed tip aimed directly at the woman in red''s forehead. Unfortunately, the barrier between them held, and despite the intense energy, her de couldn''t pierce through. A chill descended upon the face of the woman in red. Her enchanting eyes turned icy, seemingly offended by such insolence directed towards her. Her previously gentle demeanor vanished, reced by dominance. With a swift motion, she raised her pale right hand, aiming a strike directly at the Inner Landscape, countering the luminous sword''s thrust. Thud! The entire Inner Landscape seemed to have been breached. Mysterious forces churned, causing the once still domain to ripple intensely. Wang Xuan, Old Chen, and Qing Mu felt as if they were on a raft, tossed about in a turbulent sea. "This is... seriously overwhelming!" Qing Mu eximed, today''s events offering him an onught of novel experiences. He had seen the formidable side of the Inner Landscape, and now, covered in his own blood, he had barely escaped a deadly encounter. The female sword immortal ced her sword in front of her, using its side to deflect the iing blow. She stood firm, her sword emitting an intense light. The woman in red''s attempt to breach the barrier was thwarted, even though her fist managed to press the curtain and meet the de. Energy swirled around them, with mystery factors surging like great tidal waves. This caused the female sword immortal''s gown to flutter and her hair to whip about, but she remained steadfast and unyielding. The female sword immortal was truly formidable. The woman in red smirked, effortlessly holding her paper umbre in one hand while preparing to strike with the other. Exuding confidence, she advanced, pressing the curtain and closing in on the swordmaster, readying another punch aimed at her face. The Inner Landscape''s tumultuous movements threw everyone off bnce. It was a stark reminder to Wang Xuan of the dangers inherent in venturing recklessly into unknown territories. Fortunately, this was the realm of the White Tiger Demon and not the woman in red''s dominion. Her presence was indeed unique, different from the typical ascended beings. "She''s incredibly powerful. Just who exactly is she?" Wang Xuan pondered. While the female sword immortal had a dignified aura, she was not reckless. Seeing the aggressive approach of the woman in red, she elevated herself, floating and creating a distance between them. Her stance was both challenging and cautious. "Is she what they call a true celestial being?" Qing Mu wondered aloud, referencing the woman''s association with the White Tiger. Whispering, Wang Xuan asked, "Old Chen, she''s from over two millennia ago, right? That period had its fair share of philosophers and sages. There were many prominent figures, even from the Early Qin era. Were there renowned women then who could possibly be her equal?" "If she''s human, we can research her historyter. But if she''s a supernatural being, then that''s beyond my expertise," Old Chen remarked. No matter how they looked at it, the woman in red, seemingly a seductive celestial being, was profoundly intimidating. Even the revered Buddhistmunity seemed to fear her, and not without reason. The woman in red maintained her cold demeanor, using only her fist to advance. Her elegant punches, pristine as white jade, caused the Inner Landscape to continuously quake with each strike. At one point, Qing Mu was nearly thrown off bnce. Step by step, she pushed against the barrier, inching closer to the female sword immortal. The fact that she waspressing two separate domains, drawing the barrier closer to them, was nothing short of terrifying. The female sword immortal, revealing a different side of her, retreated yfully into the air,ughing and cradling her sword. She seemed unbothered by the woman in red''s disy of power, no longer exuding her divine presence. However, when Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged surprised nces and sneaked a peek at her, she immediately raised her chin and put on a cold, detached face, preventing them from seeing her more carefree expression. She then continued to challenge the woman in red. The woman in red remained unfazed, a faint smirk on her face. Amidst the misty rain, she held her umbre in one hand and continued her relentless assault on the barrier with the other. "Could she be trying to pierce through the barrier and fully emerge on our side?" Old Chen mused, feeling a chill run down his spine at the thought. From all appearances, the woman in red seemed to possess some means of intervening in the mortal realm. If she truly crossed over, there was no telling what might ensue. Boom! A thunderous noise echoed, and a crack appeared in the barrier! The power of the woman in red was overwhelming. Was she on the verge of breaking through and revealing her true form? "Who on earth is she?" Although Old Chen was typicallyposed, he now felt his hair stand on end, consumed by an overpowering sense of unease. At that moment, the female swordmaster also looked gravely serious, holding her celestial sword upright. She had heard tales of the woman in red in the past, but the real entity appeared even more terrifying than the legends. Boom! The barrier trembled, and another crack emerged, slowly spreading. The situation was bing increasingly dire. What would happen if she truly broke through? Wang Xuan suggested, "Old Qing, how about I get you out of here? Quickly board a flying ship and head to the underground of the Greater Khingan Range to summon the ancient female mystic. She''s from three thousand years ago, and she might know this woman in red. Maybe they can have a conversation and persuade her to stand down." "Old Wang, don''t make things moreplicated!" Qing Mu vehemently refused. Bringing another person from the past might escte the situation. What would happen if ancient immortals, demons, buddhas, and mystics all gathered? Would it be peaceful negotiations or an ultimate showdown? Qing Mu wasn''t optimistic. "What''s there to fear? I believe the ancient female practitioner will be on our side!" Wang Xuan seemed confident, keen on summoning the woman from three millennia ago to intervene. Chapter 74: First Blood In The Inner Landscape Chapter 74: First Blood In The Inner Landscape Old Chen wore a grave expression. "It''s toote," he dered. "By the time Qing Mu returns with reinforcements, everything here will have concluded." Wang Xuan frowned, realizing the oversight. Given their unique state in this timeless space, everything would be over by the time Qing Mu could possibly return. By then, the woman in red would likely have pierced through the barrier. If she stepped into this realm, it would turn into a bloodbath, possibly annihting them all. Boom! Another fissure formed in the barrier, causing the entire Inner Landscape to quiver, amplifying the oppressive atmosphere. The identity and origins of the woman in red from over two millennia ago must be astoundingly significant. Otherwise, she would not have been so presumptuous as to assume the female swordmaster would have heard of her legend. At that moment, the white tiger, despite having one of its ws severed earlier, rose again. Seeing the woman in red''s indomitable progress, it seemed invigorated and silently moved toward Wang Xuan and the others. "The big cat is back!" Qing Mu eximed, his body stiff with trepidation. Several gaping wounds on him were transparent from front to back. Only because they were in the Inner Landscape was he still alive. Elsewhere, a fewps carried by the white tiger in its jaws would have left him lifeless. Old Chen also felt a deep resentment. He had only recently transcended the level of a Grandmaster when a formidable beast had bitten into him, tearing through almost half of his body. The white tiger grinned menacingly, as ifughing, its aura malevolent. There was a savage glee in its eyes,ced with palpable malice. With its master poised to break through, it seemed increasingly unrestrained. "Do you want another taste of my sword?" Old Chen challenged. Wang Xuan teased, "Little kitty that''s been coddled for so long, behave or do you fancy another poke with a sword?" Qing Mu joined in, "Who ever said you can''t mess with a tiger''s tail? I managed to get a hit in. It''s just too bad this cat''s thick skin meant my de only went in halfway." The tiger seemed genuinely baffled. Are these three seriously taunting me? Do they want to die? It cast a nce towards the woman holding the umbre. Memories of its glory days shed by, a time when it stood unmatched, making even the most formidable foes bow to its might. With an air of elegance, the tiger began its approach towards the trio. Thinking quickly, Wang Xuan tried to engage the swordmaster. Their yful jabs at the white tiger were meant to get her involved. Yet, as the tiger gracefully strutted towards them, she remained unmoved. "Sword immortal," Wang Xuan called out, "this beast has the audacity to defy you! Instead of lying down in deference to your teachings, it dares to strut about." The tiger''s stride paused momentarily at the words, but its eyes red with more indignation. What sort of twisted logic was that? Since when was standing up a sign of defiance? But more than that, it felt these humans were getting too cocky, and they needed to be put in their ce. In a sh, the tiger bared its sharp white fangs menacingly at the three. The female sword immortal spared a brief, casual nce their way. Almost immediately, therge tiger... obedientlyy down, its eyes downcast, embodying the picture of submission. "This tiger has absolutely no backbone!" Old Chen remarked in surprise. Wang Xuan nodded, "If this big guy had any self-respect left, it would not have let us tease it for all these years." The tiger, seemingly trying to maintain its dignity, focused on grooming its paw, perhaps counting its whiskers. Boom! A harrowing noise echoed. Six simultaneous cracks spidered across the barrier, making it look like a fragile piece of ss about to shatter, pushed beyond its limits. The red-cloaked woman radiated an effortless yet overwhelming presence. With just her right hand, the power from her pristine white fist seemed unending, threatening to rupture the barrier between their realms. The female sword immortal sprang into action, not directly at the red-cloaked figure, but aiming her de at the white tiger''s brow. With a pain-filled roar, the tiger crumpled, thrashing about. Though it did not perish, its size was noticeably reduced. Suddenly, the woman in red disappeared, with the cracks on the barrier gradually healing. A distant silhouette, draped in red, hinted at the vast space she''d been pushed back to. She started approaching again, her gaze icy and unwavering, locked onto the swordswoman. Undaunted, the swordswoman jabbed her de into the tiger''s head once more. It cried out, shrinking yet again. Just as swiftly, the red-cloaked woman found herself relocated even further away. Wang Xuan, Old Chen, and Qing Mu exchanged surprised nces. It soon dawned on them: the bone within the tiger was undeniably a pivotal element. Once this internal realm had been activated, the resurrected tiger became a conduit for the woman in red to draw closer to their world. The woman in red, her eyes a haunting mix of depth and intensity, did not strike this time. She merely stared coldly ahead. The swordswoman, firmly gripping her weapon, stood tall and confrontational, refusing to be cowed by the mythical figure before her. Out of the blue, the spectral monk reappeared. He peeked into the Inner Landscape briefly, then swiftly made his move. With surprising strength, he began dragging the wounded tiger away as if it were mere baggage. His intentions, however, remained unclear. The monk, it seemed, had an uncanny knack for timing. With the swordswoman and the legendary figure locked in a tense standoff, he opted to y his own hand. With surprising strength, he began dragging the wounded tiger away as if it were mere baggage. His intentions, however, remained unclear. The white tiger was enraged. Where did this darn monk think he was taking it? In the past, it had suffered at the hands of those baldies, and thest thing it wanted was to set foot in their monastery again. It fiercely struggled, biting and rebelling, ready to face off with the old monk. Yet, the monk seemed undaunted. He was able to handle the monstrous tiger without even breaking a sweat. The tiger roared in anger, likely thinking, "Baldy, what does this have to do with you?" But then blood spurted from its every orifice. The tiger was overwhelmed and unable to break free. The monk had pinned it down, raining down blows on itsrge form mercilessly. Wang Xuan was at a loss for words. He did not even know how to react. Old Chen was equally speechless. The monk was truly unpredictable, knowing how to gauge the situation and act ordingly. Having taken his time to assess, he had brazenly returned to lend his "assistance." The female sword immortal nced at the monk with disdain, gracefully drifting closer. Without a word, she drew her sword and swiftly severed one of the tiger''s hind legs. The monk froze momentarily, sttered with the tiger''s blood. His form rapidly emitted a golden radiance, emanating an aura of serenity. The Buddha''s light seemed to purify him, evaporating the blood stains from his robes. The swordswoman gracefully lifted the enormous tiger leg. A short distance away, she swung her sword, skillfully skinning the leg. She cleansed it with a mysterious substance, then started a fire, grilling it. Soon after, she sliced off pieces, savoring each bite. Is this even possible? They were inside a spiritual realm. Even though they bled, it was not actual blood; it was a physical manifestation of spiritual energy. The wounds on Old Chen and Qing Mu were not real, but spiritual scars. The expression on the face of the woman in red grew chillingly cold. Holding the oil-paper umbre in both hands, she fiercely struck it against the veil, causing a blinding red light to envelop everything. A thunderous sound followed, and countless cracks appeared on the veil, which nearly burst apart. With a swift motion, the swordswoman shed at the white tiger''s head, leaving another mark. The beast shrank once more, and the woman in red, frustrated and vexed, found her connection to this realm weakened, distancing her even further. Wang Xuan said with grave seriousness, "The white tiger beast might be one of the links that connects the woman in red to our world. Through it, she could sense everything here from an immense distance and step into this realm." Old Chen nodded solemnly, asserting, "We must get rid of that beast today!" "Absolutely!" Wang Xuan echoed with equal severity. Then, to Qing Mu''s astonishment, Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged a nce, quickly grabbed a ck sword, and eagerly hacked at the injured leg of the tiger, which was pinned down by the monk. They began to slice off pieces of meat and, unbelievably, started... eating it raw! Qing Mu was dumbfounded. Are we not supposed to eliminate the tiger beast? Why are they eating it?! "Qing Mu, hurry up! This is not just raw meat; it''s the essence of the mystery factor!" Old Chen beckoned his disciple to join the feast. Once Qing Mu grasped the situation, without hesitation, he lunged forward, gnawing on the injured tiger leg without even waiting for it to be cut off! He was even more ferocious than Old Chen and Wang Xuan! The white tiger roared in anger, causing the entire spiritual realm to tremble with its anguish. Yet it was pinned down by the old monk and could not break free, even while being beaten. The old monk observed the situation for a moment, and then, gritting his teeth, he... also tried to take a bite out of the tiger. The actions of the monk left Old Chen, Wang Xuan, and Qing Mupletely stunned! However, a faint barrier surrounded the monk, separating him from this ce. Try as he might, he could not taste the tiger meat and eventually had to resign himself to... simply beating the tiger once more. A crisp sound echoed, and a gleaming sword sh severed the head of the white tiger. The swordswoman, with a stern expression, pointed towards the tiger''s severed head, signaling Wang Xuan and the others to not touch it. What did she mean? After some collective pondering, Wang Xuan, Old Chen, and Qing Mu guessed that the residual spiritual energy of the white tiger might be concentrated in its head, while the body contained none. At least after they had begun eating, what they absorbed was the pure essence of the mysterious substance, without any remnants of the tiger''s spiritual energy. This realization brought them great relief! Shortly after, both Old Chen and Qing Mu''s injuries remarkably healed in full. The old monk, in silence, removed the tiger''s two legs and handed them to Wang Xuan and Old Chen with a resigned sigh. In the distance, the massive head of the white tiger drooped, exuding both sorrow and resentment. It seemed eager to roar out its frustrations,menting its ill fate of crossing paths with such an unmerciful group. The white tiger meat was indeed a rich delicacy, but soon the trio were too sated to eat any more. Rising, Wang Xuan quickly began practicing the third technique from the five-page golden book. Feeling overwhelmed by the energy coursing within him, he knew he needed to expend some of it. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of his organs continuously taking damage and being instantaneously repaired by a mysterious force inside him, he mastered the technique. Old Chen approached, patting Wang Xuan''s shoulder. "Do not get lost in your thoughts," he advised. "It''s time to move on. While you were engrossed in your practice, time flew by. Years have passed." He whispered closer, "We should probably leave this ce soon." Nudging Wang Xuan to look in a different direction, they saw the swordswoman elegantly float from the spiritual realm''s barrier. She shot a brief nce at Wang Xuan and then, with a swift motion, cleaved the white tiger''s head in two. After this, the spiritual realm started to tremble and shake, hinting at its imminent dissolution. A chillingugh from the red-d woman echoed throughout. Her fury magnified with the death of the white tiger in the spiritual realm. She turned away, walking deeper into the world beyond the barrier. Ahead, templesy in ruins, walls crumbled, statues of bodhisattvasy shattered, but she confidently strode over the debris, unfazed. To everyone''s astonishment, a petite white tiger, about a foot long, pranced beside her. It paused to shoot a defiant smirk at Wang Xuan and Old Chen, baring its teeth in a cold sneer, then yfully swiped the air with its tiny paws. Wang Xuan looked deeply troubled. "Could it be that the White Tiger Demon had sessfully ascended to immortality in its time? Or perhaps it survived the thunderous strike, only to be saved by the demonic woman, leaving a piece of its bone behind as a connection to this realm?" The old monk brought his hands together, a profound sorrow in his eyes, before letting out a silent sigh and rushing out of the spiritual realm. The female sword immortal also departed, vanishing in a sh of sword light. Wang Xuan fixed his gaze in the direction of their departure. "Old Chen, your theory might be on point. The passage of time seems consistent between both realms. When the female sword immortal and the monk left, they moved just as swiftly as they did within the spiritual realm. But when you exited, I noticed you moving much slower outside. It might be a matter of one''s power." "We''ll delve into these mysteriester," Old Chen urged from the edge of the spiritual realm, signaling for him to leave promptly. Soon, the trio returned, all having reaped significant benefits. Upon waking, Qing Mu hurriedly jotted down notes: "I once stood alongside the unparalleled female sword immortal. I witnessed her battle against the legendary demon from over two millennia ago. I dined heartily with a Bodhisattva, and together, within a realm graced by ancient immortals, we defeated the White Tiger Demon!" Wang Xuan was initially amused, but his smile soon faded to mncholy. These experiences, taking ce within the spiritual realm, walked the line between reality and illusion. Once in the outside world, all traces disappeared. These immortals, demons, and deities belonged to an ancient era, long passed away. Their physical forms shattered by thunder, their lingering spiritual essence manifested in the present. Wang Xuan pondered if there would evere a day when they could genuinely meet these figures and witness the majestic world of ancient deities and immortals. Wang Xuan could not help but sigh deeply. If the old monk had truly passed away, leaving only his desire to journey deep into the void, then everything they had just experienced might merely be the resonance of his lingering thoughts. If the swordswoman had been shattered by thunder in ancient times, with only her spirit retained in the charred bone fragment, then any future encounters would be fleeting and dreamlike within the spiritual realm. If the scarlet-robed demonic woman was indeed unique, the possibility of her reappearing in the future would be far from pleasant. Wang Xuan hoped that the monk was still alive and wished for the swordswoman''s safe return to the living world. Thest thing he wanted was for a terrifying being like the scarlet-robed demon to emerge. He gazed out of the window. The moonlight was bright and pure, the sky studded with stars. Starships journeyed to far-off ces, and silver warships streaked across the horizon. A surge of determination welled up within him, rejuvenating his spirit. This was the real world, an era of technological marvels. With advanced medical breakthroughs, even resurrection from death might be possible in the future. Navigating the old arts amidst this modern backdrop, constantly growing stronger, Wang Xuan believed that anything could happen in the future! Chapter 75: Little Wang Showing His Might Chapter 75: Little Wang Showing His Might Wang Xuan found himself nodding along with Old Chen''s insights. Time in the Inner Landscape seemed to align with the real world, suggesting their minds were operating at an extraordinary pace. It was entirely possible that they were experiencing everything more intensely, their very cells were going through a process of ultra rapid regeneration. Stepping out of the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan felt more alive than ever. There was no trace of weariness or the weight of added years. Instead, his mind was sharp, and he was at peace. Even if this newfound vitality was due to the mysterious energy, and even if he had truly aged decades, there would still be some signs of mental fatigue. The sprawling suburban estate was peaceful. Walking under the moonlit sky, Wang Xuan admired the pond filled with reeds, its surface mirroring the stars and moon. Further in the distance, the city lights painted a vivid picture. Everything felt incredibly real, grounding him and reminding him of the importance of living in the moment. Whether it was the captivating woman in red with unmatched powers or the otherworldly swordswoman radiating pride, both seemed to be striving for a connection with the present. Wang Xuan felt an inkling of their desires; if these ageless beings yearned for the present, then he, being in this reality, should cherish every moment. His path was clear: to dive deep into the ancient arts here and now. Back in his room, Wang Xuan quickly fell into a restorative sleep. Yet, for many others, sleep was hard toe by that night. They whispered amongst themselves, fearing Old Chen might not make it through the night based on how things were unfolding. By morning, people were up and about. In a seemingly coordinated fashion, everyone wore somber ck outfits, their faces etched with concern and reflection. Many people believed that given Old Chen''s deteriorating health, it was only a matter of time before they would be reading his obituary. Wang Xuan, however, seemed to be the only one with an appetite, heading to the restaurant for a buffet breakfast. He indulged in every bite, in stark contrast to the others, who appeared lost in their thoughts and whispered conversations. Throughout the morning, everyone Wang Xuan encountered had solemn expressions, as if they were mentally preparing for a funeral service. Among the crowd, he noticed Da Wu, dressed entirely in ck. The dark attire entuated her paleplexion, and in spite of the somber mood, her figure was undeniably alluring. Old Wu was also around, frequently sighing. He approached Qing Mu when the man appeared, and ced a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Thankfully, he held back from offering premature condolences. Qing Mu appeared forlorn and seemed at a loss for words. To onlookers, he was clearly weighed down by sorrow. In a hushed voice, Old Wu remarked, "I''ve reached out to the monks from the ancient temple outside Ancheng. They''ll be arriving soon and will be ready outside the estate when needed." He wanted to do his part, and had even arranged for the monks to conduct the necessary rites for Old Chen when the time came. Overhearing this, Qing Mu suddenly choked on his drink, coughing so hard tears formed in his eyes. Without knowing what else to do, he took another sip, trying topose himself. By mid-morning, panicked shouts emanated from Old Chen''s room. His condition had taken a turn for the worse. His weakening pulse sent the medical team into a frantic rush. Discreet messages were dispatched. They bore news of the grim state of affairs. The estate was soon buzzing with activity as representatives from various factions hurried over. Cars filled the driveway, and several small aircraft touched down on thending pad. Prominent figures from different walks of life were in attendance. A high-ranking official from a key department personally came over, apanied by several esteemed elders who wasted no time in entering Old Chen''s room. Outside, a sea of mournful faces in dark attire stood in silent anticipation, young and old alike. Some captured this somber moment on camera for the news broadcasts. Wang Xuan smirked to himself. Old Chen had quite the ir for the dramatic. Ever since Old Chen found out about the premature memorial preparations in his honor, he seemed to be silently tallying every single person involved. True to form, Old Chen had the gathering wait all morning, while he himself wasfortably asleep. Several of the older dignitaries, having stood and waited all morning, started feeling their age. One by one, they left the room, backs aching and fatigue evident on their faces. The crowd outside grew increasingly restless. Didn¡¯t the doctor announce in the morning that Old Chen was in critical condition? How had the morning gone by without any significant updates? By noon, the crowd began to slowly dissipate, their expressions unreadable. Around 9pm, after a day-long slumber, Old Chen began to show signs of distress. At one point, he stopped breathing for a full five minutes. Despite being resuscitated, his breaths were weak and irregr, and his skin took on a pale, waxy hue. The medical staff quickly alerted everyone, feeling that this might truly be the end. They urged anyone wanting to say their final goodbyes toe quickly. People hurried back, only to leave quietly by 1am, their faces a mix of sadness and frustration. The next morning, before the crack of dawn, the medical team noticed another rming episode with Old Chen. But this time, they held off on any immediate notifications. After another failed attempt to revive him and confirming he hadn''t breathed for nearly half an hour, they finally sent out the message. Strangely, there was a palpable sense of relief among the medical staff. They had always tried their best to bring patients back, but this time, the mounting pressure was simply too much. They hoped Old Chen would find peace. As morning broke, those who had been kept awake by the previous night''s events once again made their way back to the estate. ¡­¡­ By nine in the morning, several small aircrafts started to depart from the estate, carrying away some of the elder dignitaries. They were drained. The constant back and forth,bined with a restless night and an early morning dash to Old Chen''s side, only to find he was still alive and kicking, was an extremely tiring ordeal. "Qing Mu, keep me posted if anythinges up. I need to get back and rest up," one elderly figure said, leaning on his aides as he boarded a departing ship. Despite the odds, Old Chen clung to life, wearing out some of the elder attendees to the point of exhaustion. Everyone was at a loss for words. Several decided to pack up, preparing to leave the estate, tired of the relentless waiting. "Old Chen sure is a fighter," someone remarked. "That old horse has been battling death around the clock, and was able to pull through time and again!" There were murmurs about some considering withdrawing their condolence wreaths. However, not everyone left. Throughout the day, practitioners of ancient arts held discussions and friendly challenges. Their mutual exchanges and learnings drew quite the crowd. Many felt this gathering of Old Arts enthusiasts was a unique way of paying tribute to Old Chen. "There seems to be some mischief brewing," Old Chen deduced from his bed upon catching snippets of conversation. He was unperturbed. With his grandmaster status, he felt untouchable. Even if the top figure from the modern arts tried something, he was ready, even somewhat eager. He had intended to be bedridden for several months, to observe the drama and test loyalties. But his main hope was to meet the leading figure in the modern arts realm. Should they show up with ill intentions, Old Chen was ready to take them on. Yet, he didn''t expect the signs of imminent trouble to surface so soon. "Little Wang, if things go sideways, I''m counting on you to handle it. You''ve be quite the force," Old Chenmented. After mastering the third technique from the Five-Page Golden Scripture, Wang''s capabilities were undeniably impressive. Wang Xuan preferred to stay out of the spotlight, so he was hesitant to intervene in these issues. Getting involved seemed like a lot of hassle that might stir up more trouble. Despite some leaving, many representatives from different groups had stayed behind, believing that Old Chen''s end was imminent. For instance, Old Wu had already preordered a funeral wreath and even arranged for monks in anticipation. Yet, all these preparations proved premature, and Da Wu gave him several disdainful nces as a result. Old Chen suggested, "You''re nning your deep-space exploration, right? Why not give this your best shot before leaving? And speaking of being under the radar, maybe it''s time to put the Wang Xiao identity on hold. Before everythinges to a head, you can let loose. Test your strength, and when the timees that they discover who you truly are, I''m guessing you''ll be far advanced and unfazed by these old records. And remember, I''ve always got your back." Wang Xuan replied with a smirk, "By the time my identity gets unveiled, or the next time we meet, I might just be the one watching over you." Old Chenughed, "Got quite the confidence, huh? Maybe I should bring you back down to earth while I still can." Lost in thought, Wang Xuan considered the consequences of venturing into deep space. If his true identity was revealed, Da Wu would certainly be the first to react, and not positively. He sighed, feeling the weight of the challenges ahead. Those who wanted to keep him in the old world, away from the new realms, might intensify their tactics. And the shadowy figure who wanted him dead, there was no guarantee that they would not employ even more drastic measures to get to him. Ultimately, Wang Xuan decided to decline Old Chen''s offer, thinking it wiser to remain discreet. Old Chen responded confidently, "I''ll take care of everything. Trust me." His growth in mastery had bolstered his confidence like never before. "I''ll be having closed-door discussions with the relevant authorities soon. The issues you''re concerned about? They won''t be problems at all," Old Chen said with a grin. "And about those ancient levels of mastery you''ve been curious about? Once this is over, I''ll fill you in. I''m close to mastering the art of sending dreams." Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in surprise. "Old Chen, we''ve just taken down a massive White Tiger demon, and now you''re dabbling in this spectral realm?" Old Chen waved off his concerns. "Don''t let your imagination run wild. It''s just a minor technique from the ancient arts. I''m trying to perfect it." Soon after, Qing Mu entered, looking ashen-faced, his chest heaving. Old Chen swiftly stood up and ced a gentle palm on his chest, causing Qing Mu to spit out a mouthful of blood. "What happened?" Old Chen demanded in a deep voice. Wang Xuan also approached, inspecting Qing Mu''s injuries. Considering Qing Mu''s current strength, it was surprising to see him so gravely hurt. "My long-time expedition partners, ck Tiger and Kite, were injured during a spar. When I went to intervene, I was ambushed..." Qing Mu recounted. It seemed like a harmless sparring match on the surface, but once he returned, Qing Mu felt something was amiss. He had encountered a master of the old arts, whose seemingly simple strikes concealed insidious intent. Old Chen''s voice was icy as he identified the technique. "The Phantom Palm. When mastered, it releases a corrosive force. On the outside, nothing seems amiss, but inside, it causes decay. If not treated promptly, it can rot the internal organs." His voice grew colder, "They''re really getting impatient. Targeting my disciple even before I''m gone. While Qing Mu, with his status, will receive treatment and survive in the short term, this is a lingering injury. It will severely affect his health in the long run." "Such audacity! If I had died, that''d be one thing. But I''m still here, and I''ve even advanced further!" Old Chen dered, his aura emanating fury. He knew that since someone had made their move, injuring Qing Mu was just the beginning. More tactics were sure to follow. Wang Xuan remarked, "Attacking Qing Mu in this manner could mean multiple things; it''s hard to pin down." The current scenario was indeed intricate. It could be a sh of interests or a personal vendetta. Perhaps it was an old rival seizing the opportunity, thinking that Chen''s faction was weakened. Or, it might be power struggles within the exploration organization. Additionally, it could be a feeler to gauge reactions. Shaking his head, Wang Xuan said, "It''s genuinely hard to guess. There are so many possibilities. It could even be that the top figure from the modern arts realm suspects you''re still in good shape, Old Chen. By attacking Qing Mu, they''re testing to see if you''d react." Old Chen''s face darkened. He too had thought of these possibilities. His mood darkened the more he pondered, growing more irate. If he hadn''t made it this time, wouldn''t someone casually dispose of Qing Mu, even causing his internal organs to rot? "Wang, I can''t venture out right now and need to rest for a while longer. You''ll have to step in. Don''t hold back. Whoever it is, give it your all, don''t hesitate. If things go south, I''ve got your back, even if the sky falls," Old Chen said, his voice frosty, indicating his heightened anger. Sighing, Wang Xuan responded, "With Qing Mu in this state and you still bedridden, it looks like it''s up to me." Having identified Qing Mu''s condition, Old Chen naturally wouldn''t let him suffer further. He massaged Qing Mu and delivered a series of palm strikes, significantly alleviating the damage. A move by someone who has surpassed the grandmaster level was unquestionably effective. Old Chen asserted, "I can''t move about for a while, but we still need someone to establish our dominance in the ancient arts. We must show them that our path consistently produces prodigies and powerhouses. Nobody can halt our progress. Wang, make our power known today!" Wang Xuan and Qing Mu made their way to the reed pond behind the estate. A vast grassy expanse stretched nearby, where a crowd had gathered, all keen to watch practitioners from the ancient martial arts spar. "Qing Mu, back for another round?" A middle-aged man greeted them with a smirk. The two had briefly engaged before, but nothing had been concluded. "I''ll sit this one out. Not feeling my best," Qing Mu responded withposure. "But maybe you''d like to try it with Little Wang." Upon Wang Xuan''s entrance, many eyes shifted to him, curiosity evident in their nces. An idea suddenly urred to Wang Xuan. He had pondered many scenarios but hadn''t taken his own role into ount. Was the opponent''s real motive to draw him out all along? Regardless, since he was here, and considering he was nning to put the "Wang Xiao" identity on hold, there wasn''t much to lose. Wang Xuan stepped forward, offered a brief nod, and squared off against the man. "Dark Abyss Palm!" Wang Xuan announced as he recognized the man''s technique, eliciting surprised murmurs from the onlookers. This technique was notoriously deceitful and dangerous within the ancient martial arts. The crowd''s perception of the middle-aged man shifted. After several exchanges, Wang Xuan mentally acknowledged the man''s skill. The power behind the "Dark Abyss Palm" was truly remarkable. "Wang Xuan''s up! Let''s check it out!" Da Wu said as he stood by the reed pond, watching the sparring with Lao Wu. The Wu family was eager to find skilled practitioners from the ancient martial arts to help with something, so they wouldn''t miss this chance. After a few exchanges with the middle-aged man, Wang Xuan hesitated no further. With no intention to hold back, he sent a swift, airborne kick that shot out like a lightning bolt, sending the man flying six or seven meters away. Several of the man''s ribs were broken! From afar, Zhong Qing, with her delicate and exquisite features, looked on in astonishment. She turned to an elderly man beside her, seeking confirmation with her gaze. "That''s from the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique, the ''Dragon-Snake Tail Whip''. He''s just gotten his hands on the manual and he''s already mastered it? His talent is... terrifying, even surpassing the young Old Chen!" the elder whispered. He recognized the power behind that kick, capable of shattering massive rocks weighing tons. Wang Xuan had perfectly controlled his strength, channeling it through flesh, bones, and vital organs, creating a lethal impact. The precision was impable. "He''s already mastered a move this quickly?" Zhong Qing asked, taken aback once she received confirmation. She then gracefully approached the scene. Wang Xuan narrowed his eyes. He sensed a hostile presence drawing near. It seemed he would indeed have to disy his full prowess today. Chapter 76: Flame In His Heart Chapter 76: me In His Heart The moment Wang Xuan decided to go all out, his demeanor changed drastically. His eyes sharpened with a fierce intensity. How could one practice the Old Arts without a fiery passion in their heart? In this era of technological marvel, he had always kept a low profile, primarily for self-preservation. Yet, time and again, he had be a target and nearly lost his life. Despite these threats, he had always shown restraint. Initially, when faced with those out for his life, he could not bring himself to deal the killing blow, leaving them for Qing Mu to handle. But today, once again, he sensed a strong animosity. With his spiritual domain close to formation, his senses were incredibly sharp, detecting those who wanted him dead. At this moment, he no longer wanted to hold back. Given that Old Chen had promised to have his back, Wang Xuan decided it was time to unleash his full might. "Friend, you''ve gone too far," a voice called out as someone approached Wang Xuan. "What you did back there was reckless. His chest is even slightly sunken. How could you be so ruthless?" The man did note alone. At that instant, five other individuals joined the first. They surrounded Wang Xuan with palpable agitation, and even pushed him aggressively. Wang Xuan''s expression turned icy. "Don''t touch me," he warned, his voice cold. "Stay away." "Are you saying that just because you attacked someone in broad daylight, no one is allowed to speak up? The practice of the Old Arts requires righteousness, not reckless bravado," a man in his thirties retorted, shoving Wang Xuan once more. "Why did I retaliate? Because of his actions, just like yours right now," Wang Xuan''s eyes zed, his voice dripping with cold disdain. "Using the Dark Abyss Palm on me while approaching me, pretending to be a friend. Is this what you call righteousness?" With barely a pause, Wang Xuan''s right legshed out, delivering a forceful kick to the man who tried to push him again, attempting to secretly use the Dark Abyss Palm. The impact was undeniable. The man''s chest bore the unmistakable imprint of Wang Xuan''s foot. The chilling sound of bones fracturing echoed around them. The worst part? His internal organs bore the brunt of that kick, with a mysterious force continuing its devastation internally. The man was lucky as Wang Xuan did not use his full strength. At his current power level, he could shatter a boulder with a single kick, but he was not aiming to kill. In fact, having bits of flesh and blood everywhere was just what he was aiming to avoid. The man was still done for. There was no chance of him ever practicing the Old Arts again. In Wang Xuan''s perspective, he had always stayed within the bounds of thew and was simply defending himself. If anyone could peek into Wang Xuan''s mindset ¡ª his hesitance to take a life, his worries about Qing Mu''s potential tax evasion on his behalf, and his convictions of self-defense ¡ª they would be taken aback by his intricate thought process. People would probably be saying: "Now that''s aw-abiding young man!" The remaining assants, seeing Wang Xuan''s decisiveness and unwavering intent to deal a blow that shattered theirpanion''s sternum, did not hesitate. They were a ruthless bunch. Whooosh! The air crackled with tension. All of them were practitioners of the ''ck Abyss Palm''. They beganunching a barrage of rapid strikes targeting Wang Xuan''s temples, heart, and the back of his head with malevolent intent. Yet Wang Xuan remainedposed. Raising his arms to deflect their moves, he wasn''t the least bit concerned about their famed technique. With his Golden Body Technique, bullets could hardly harm him, let alone these attackers who were not even top-tier fighters. Having restrained himself for so long, Wang Xuan''s fervor was ignited. His eyes glinted, sharp as swords, showing no mercy. After several parries, their arms were swiftly broken. With resounding thuds, Wang Xuan sent all four assants flying a distance of six to seven meters. Each of them had their chest bones crushed and spat out mouthfuls of blood as theyy motionless on the ground. The fight ended in mere moments. The attacks, though fierce, had no effect on someone who had mastered the sixthyer of the Golden Body Technique like Wang Xuan. An eerie silence enveloped the scene. Everyone looked on in awe, their gazes inevitably drawn to Wang Xuan''s feet. It''s no wonder he''s rumored to have defeated a grandmaster in the Pamir Mountains with just a kick. From then until now, in the eyes and perceptions of many, Wang Xuan''s most formidable weapon... was still his leg! The men sprawled on the ground gazed up, their faces a blend of humiliation and excruciating pain. They felt as though their insides were being shredded, teetering on the brink of copse. Wang Xuan, his piercing eyes now softened, said, "Had you not slyly targeted Qing Mu, exploiting his unfamiliarity with the ''ck Abyss Palm'' and blindsided him, I wouldn''t have had any issue with you. We were simply defending ourselves." Those writhing on the ground tried to rise, fury zing in their eyes. They started realizing they might never tap into their special arts after the beating they took. Wang Xuan warned, "Stay down. Trust me, it''s for your own good. You¡¯ve sustained grave injuries. Do not let anger cloud your judgment now. Stay calm. With injuries like these, keeping a cool head is crucial. Anger could further aggravate your condition." He stressed that he had been lenient with them. Many spectators were rendered speechless by the scene. It was indeed a spectacle ¨C to make one''s opponents stay calm in such a precarious situation. But Wang Xuan had not been bluffing. Their conditions were indeed grave, and getting riled up could prove fatal to them. Da Wu chimed in, nodding approvingly, "Given Xiao Wang¡¯''s prowess, finishing them off would''ve been a cakewalk. Yet, he showed restraint. This speaks to his inherent decency." Old Wu couldn''t help but roll his eyes. "What a strange way to define ''decency''," he thought, "Nearly mauling them and then expecting them to keep their cool? But, oddly enough, he didn''t entirely disagree. When it came to adversaries, he was simrly no-nonsense: submit or suffer. While Old Wu preferred staying out of brawls, he wasn''t one to go easy on foes either. "If these guys truly acted as despicably as you say, then they got what wasing to them," another voice interjected. Aposed man in his forties stepped forward, exuding an aura of undisturbed confidence. Wang Xuan looked at the middle-aged man with a hint of surprise, remarking, "If these men had faced Qing Mu head-on, none would''ve stood a chance. Resorting to underhanded tactics is simply disgraceful." The middle-aged man replied, "While that may be true, young man, your retaliation was excessive. They might not die, but they are gravely injured, possibly facing a lifetime reliant on artificial organs. Even if you intended to mete out punishment, this seems excessive." "Indeed," a few voices in the crowd murmured in agreement. Wang Xuan cast a chilly nce across the group, quickly sizing them up. "You and several others here seem unfamiliar. Who exactly are you? Most familiar faces practicing the ancient arts here have journeyed through the Congling Mountains, fighting alongside Master Chen against practitioners of the new arts. I never saw you at the battle of the Pamir teau, yet now you show up offering critiques. Your group attacked Qing Mu first, and now you use me of excessive force. Why not address the root of the conflict? After Master Chen paved a brilliant path for our ancient art, you plot against his disciple during his time of vulnerability. How deep must one''s grudge be tomit such an atrocity? Your intentions are nefarious!" Although he didn''t have solid evidence, Wang Xuan noticed subtle exchanges of nces among them. He was certain they were in cahoots. As a result, he didn''t hesitate to throw usations their way. Caught off-guard, the middle-aged man''s expression faltered. He hadn''t expected this young man to be so astute. Wang Xuan didn''t mince words, instantly calling them out, making it clear he believed they harbored malicious intent. Many in the crowd shifted ufortably. They had never seen this group before. Why were they suddenly in the midst of practitioners of the ancient arts? It was evident they were trying to stir up trouble. The middle-aged man shook his head,menting, "There are many practitioners of the ancient arts, epassing all sorts. After hearing about Master Chen''s glorious achievements at Congling, many of us were inspired. We called our friends and associates, many emerging from seclusion, wanting to contribute to the cause of the ancient arts. That''s why we''re here. However, it''s a misconception to lump us with those practicing the ''ck Abyss Palm'' technique and assume we all have malicious intentions." "And how do you intend to contribute?" Wang Xuan inquired. "By exchanging knowledge, making friends, and uniting practitioners of the ancient arts. We aim to create a powerful alliance to further elevate our arts!" the middle-aged man exined calmly. Wang Xuan responded icily, "Are you here because you perceive Master Chen''s vulnerable state and see an opportunity? Are you nning not only to harm his disciples but also to assimte everyone practicing the ancient arts into your organization, integrating them into whatever shadowy power you represent? You seem to be getting ahead of yourselves." The man''s expression shifted subtly. Wang Xuan''s astute observation had caught him off guard. They indeed had ns, but they hadn''t expected to be exposed so tantly. He retorted, "You''re overthinking it. We came here to exchange insights and make friends!" Wang Xuan, his eyes sharp as drawn des, confidently addressed the unfamiliar faces, "Then let''s not waste time on pleasantries. You, and all of you, step forward. I''ll take you all on!" He strode forward, alone yet unyielding against the group. Wang Xuan knew this was just the beginning. Whoever was behind this had considerable influence, rallying such a group to execute dark deeds here. Whatever came next, he was ready. Simultaneously, he sighed inwardly, realizing he''d been yed by Old Chen again. That cunning old man was probably waiting for a storm to brew, and he had been pushed into the eye of it. "Young man, your arrogance knows no bounds," the middle-aged man retorted, refusing to admit any hidden agendas. "Do you think yourself invincible just because you defeated a dying grandmaster? You seek to challenge us, us who have done our best to contribute to the Old Arts? You''re pushing it!" Wang Xuan looked at them disdainfully, "At the very least, I''ve been to the Pamir teau, bravely facing the New Art practitioners in a decisive battle. My heart burns with passion and courage to fight and bleed for the ancient arts! Where were you hiding back then? Now you emerge to stir the pot for your own gains. Do you not find it shameful?" He continued coldly, "Enough with the pretenses. You know exactly what you''re worth - just rusty des in someone else''s arsenal, not even sharp enough to count as weapons! Today, I stand here. Come at me, one by one or all together, and I''ll take you all on!" "You''re crossing a line!" The group was enraged, feeling as though he''d struck a nerve. Ignoring their outbursts, Wang Xuan shifted his gaze further, challenging, "Those practicing the New Arts, the instigators behind all this, and anyone else who dares, step up. I''ll take all of you on!" Qing Mu''s heart raced. Wang Xuan was different today. On this day, it seemed that he was ready to show his full might. He was no longer holding back. Chapter 77: Facing Them Alone Chapter 77: Facing Them Alone The vast grassy expanse stretched out beside the reed pond, now teeming with spectators. Several of the injured had been whisked away for medical treatment, their blood stains still fresh on the ground. The atmosphere was teeming with the intention to kill. Wang Xuan confidently moved forward, standing alone against a throng of people. His gaze was so piercing it felt like it could kill. Those who caught it found themselves feeling a strong sense of difort and even pain. This was a testament of his immense spiritual prowess. Many were reluctant to meet his eyes directly, feeling utterly dwarfed by his formidable presence. A tense silence filled the area, with no one daring to break it. Wang Xuan''s footsteps resonated with a unique rhythm, initially subtle but growing louder and more pronounced, as if the earth itself trembled with each step. "The Dance of Dragons and Snakes," murmured the elderly man next to Zhong Qing. He recognized Wang Xuan''s buildup of energy. When it was released, the destruction would be unparalleled. Zhong Qing, poised and graceful, voiced her curiosity softly, "How did he master two martial arts techniques in such a short time?" "In ancient times, there were such talents. But in recent years, they''re a rare find. Even the revered Old Chen might not have aplished this," the elder whispered back. Having practiced the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique himself, he was well aware of the intricacies involved. Legends said that at the peak of their skills, practitioners like the disciples of Zhang Daoling could shatter mountains with their kicks. "A prodigy indeed. We should recruit him. I don¡¯t care how you do it, just get it done," Zhong Qing concluded, falling into contemtion. The group felt an overwhelming pressure. It felt like they were being cornered by just Wang Xuan alone. The sight ofrge cracks forming under his feet made several of them shudder with fear. "He''s just a young brat! How dare he act so arrogantly?" "We shouldn''t be afraid of him. Since he''s so eager to take us all on by himself, let''s teach him a lesson!" One individual took the lead, rallying the rest group. He knew that the group would lose their fighting spirit entirely if it kept on. They would be humiliated by the fact that they were defeated by a lone youth. Boom! The first to make a move was a man in histe forties who practiced the Iron Sand Palm technique. His mastery over the technique was evident. His hands were as dark as ink, the backs of which were thick and rough, resembling a hammer and coated with a unique keratinyer. His palm struck out like a ck lightning bolt, with the speed that almost broke the sound barrier. The force caused the air to ripple and nearby reeds to snap. It was an awe-inspiring disy. True practitioners of Old Arts like him were rare in this era. Crack! However, when Wang Xuan retaliated with a p, the powerful strike was effortlessly blocked, along with a chilling sound of breaking bones. Thud! Wang Xuan struck out a second time. His attack caused the man''s chest to copse and sent him flying a good ten meters before crashing into the reeds. The scene left many shocked, but now that they had started the fight, retreat was not an option. A group charged towards Wang Xuan. Some were clearly masters, their palms radiating a dim light. As they struck, faint sounds of thunder echoed from within their bodies. One particr expert unleashed the Bodhi Palm, an immensely powerful technique that emanated a faint, buddha-like glow with its strikes. On the other side, another individual was employing a unique technique. As he heaved his chest, he spewed a radiant beam of white light that was simr to sword energy at Wang Xuan. The force was so powerful it sounded like an explosion, cutting through the air. Harnessing a mysterious energy stored within his lungs, this ''sword'' was capable of slicing through solid rock and easily piercing the human body. In ancient times, masters of this technique could release a beam into the night sky, creating a spectacle reminiscent of a starlit gxy. The spectators were taken aback. This group was formidable indeed, with some of the masters truly awe-inspiring. Yet, despite their prowess, Wang Xuan remained stalwart against his opponents. Using his Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique''s Dance of Dragons and Snakes, he countered the Bodhi Palm strike. With a crack, the man''s palm broke, contorted out of shape, with flesh and blood bursting forth, a testament to the terrifying power behind Wang Xuan''s strike. He simultaneously dodged the radiant beam, not because he could not counter it, but because he found it distasteful. It was, after all, emitted from the man''s mouth. The Dance of Dragons and Snakes was abination of consecutive strikes. As Wang Xuan''s palms moved, he soared, and with consecutive thuds, four experts were sent flying. Some had their shoulders blown open, with entire arms nearly torn off, held only by mere threads of tendons. Some of the men even almost had their body cavities pierced through by Wang Xuan, their bones snapping and copsing inward. Screaming in agony, they fainted immediately. But it was evident that Wang Xuan was still holding back. Although his intent to kill was boiling, he did not wish to turn the fight into a bloodbath. With his current capabilities, any hit could potentially turn a person into nothing but bloody mist. None could withstand the full force of his thunderous "Dance of Dragons and Snakes." Floating in mid-air, Wang Xuan did not even once touch the ground. Utilizing the momentum of his kicks, which sent several experts flying, he continued to maneuver agilely in the air,unching more attacks. His movements, embodying the essence of the "Dance of Dragons and Snakes," resembled a majestic serpent transforming into a dragon, soaring through the skies, creating ferocious gusts of wind. From the moment he jumped, Wang Xuan did notnd. Continually pivoting in mid-air, his relentless kicks sent so-called experts crashing away. With his incredible aerial advantage and leveraging the momentum, he was able to inflict injuries upon dozens of individuals who were immediately taken out of the fight. They were either thrown over ten meters away, incapacitated, or in dire need of medical attention. The group dispersed swiftly, like they had encountered a humanoid sea dragon attacking from above. It was a terrifying sight. "Indeed, he''s truly mastered the ''Dance of Dragons and Snakes.'' With such explosive power, these people simply can''t stand a chance. His skills are even beyond what I have seen," the elder next to Zhong Qing eximed, a mix of surprise and admiration evident in his voice. Uponnding, Wang Xuan immediately sprung forward, covering nearly ten meters in one stride. He quickly caught up with his adversaries, this time employing the Vajra Fist technique. If he had opted to use the third form of the Serpent-Crane Eight Style, it would''ve left seasoned martial artists in awe. To master two techniques in such a short span was unheard of in modern times, though some ancient texts did mention such prodigies. Thud! Thud! His Vajra Fist was just as fierce. With every punch, Wang Xuan''s fists shimmered with a subtle luster, and the powerful strikes echoed like a massive drumbeat. His opponents struggled to parry or block his furious attacks. He was a whirlwind of power and precision, chasing and defeating numerous foes on the open field. He moved with a grace and force that made him seem unstoppable, and sent his enemies tumbling with each punch or aerial kick. Many of his opponentsy injured, their bodies battered, and spirits broken. Some were so overwhelmed that they just dropped, too defeated to fight any longer. "You think you have strength in numbers? You mere insects are nothing even if youe at me together! You''reughable!" Wang Xuan dered, his clothes stained with a few specks of blood from the scuffle. "Who''s next? Practitioners of the New Arts, or those instigating this chaos, step forward! I''m ready for all of you, whether youe one by one or as a group." Wang Xuan confidently stood his ground, surveying the distant crowds. He felt the presence of hidden adversaries, their hostile gazes focused on him. They seemed uncertain, yet eager to challenge him. Today, Wang Xuan felt invincible and was prepared for any confrontation, especially if Old Chen was behind it. Soon after, four individuals stepped forward. Among them, a blond man in his thirties stole the spotlight. With a fluid gesture, he conjured a gleaming golden spear, leaving the crowd in utter astonishment. "The amalgamation of supernatural elements. His material maniption is impressive!" someone whispered. Clearly, the misty golden spear was not a tangible object but was formed instantly through the maniption of supernatural elements. Without uttering a word, the blond man hurled the spear from a distance. As Wang Xuan dodged, the golden weapon embedded itself into the ground, detonating on impact and creating a sizable crater. Wang Xuan vanished from his spot and rushed towards the group of four, his speed nearly blinding. As he advanced, two more golden spears soared towards him. He evaded one and to the astonishment of onlookers, shattered the other with a punch. The entire scene erupted into chaos. Many quickly realized that Wang Xuan''s strength was not just in his kicks but also in his punches. He was a human wrecking ball, and many shuddered in fear at the thought of fighting him. In the blink of an eye, he was upon his adversaries, battling these four elites single-handedly. Each opponent showcased unique abilities. One disturbed Wang Xuan with powerful psychic energy while another ensnared him in chains of shimmering silver, like a web intending to bind him. Boom! However, their momentary triumph was short-lived. With a surge of strength, Wang Xuan shattered the chains, which were also formed from supernatural materials. Once he was able to engage them in closebat, the oue was inevitable. With a series of explosive punches, the renowned experts of the New Arts domain were sent sprawling meters away. They were decimated by Wang Xuan single-handedly in mere moments. "Who''s next?!" His aura emanated lethal intent. He was prepared to face any opponent with his full might. He cared not for the consequences. They could take their qualms to Old Chen when it all ended. The atmosphere became tense and silent, with everyone present utterly taken aback by the unfolding events. After a moment, a figure approached. Dressed in a gleaming silver armor that emitted a soft radiance, it was evident at first nce that this was no ordinary armor. The man was helmeted, his face obscured save for a pair of crystal-clear eyes. "I''vee for a duel, no ulterior motives," he announced without any trace of hostility. Without rushing tobat, he added, "This is armor forged from supernatural elements, superior to the rarest of mech suits. It harnesses the power of these exceptional materials, granting me enhanced strength and speed until its energy is depleted. Tread carefully." He then lunged at Wang Xuan with incredible speed. The silver armor, infused with supernatural powers, allowed him to exhibit exceptional strength and agility. Boom! As he neared Wang Xuan, he unleashed a punch, his movements reminiscent of the "Dance of Dragons and Snakes," hinting at his training in the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique. Wang Xuan, quick as lightning, dodged and retaliated with a sweeping kick targeting his opponent''s waist, resulting in a blinding silver explosion and a powerful energy discharge. Indeed, the armor lived up to its reputation. It took Wang Xuan''s blow without a dent, retaining its luminous shine. The man was not only quick in his physical responses but was also a master of both Old and New Arts. Furthermore, his armor seemed to amplify his psychic abilities, further enhancing his overall prowess. The culmination of his martial arts expertise,bined with the capabilities of the supernatural armor, clearly set him a cut above the rest. Boom! Boom! Boom! In a stunning twist, Wang Xuan engaged this armored opponent in hand-to-handbat. This left many in disbelief, notably Zhong Qing. Her pupils contracted in shock. She could recognize the armor''s design as a product of her family''s research. Moreover, she identified the wearer as her own younger brother, whom she had not expected to challenge Wang Xuan. Thud! In the end, afternding repeated kicks on the same spot on the supernatural armor, Wang Xuan finally seeded in diminishing its radiant glow. A cracking sound emanated from the chest piece of the armor. Zhong Qing''s heart raced, fearing that her brother might be grievously injured by Wang Xuan''s infamous kicks. In truth, Wang Xuan was indeed not showing any mercy. With multiple kicksnding on the same spot, he delivered one final sweep, shattering the armor to reveal a young man underneath. Just as Wang Xuan was about to deliver another blow, an elder suddenly leaped forward to engage him inbat. Wang Xuan was taken aback. The elder had mastered theplete Serpent-Crane Eight Style and was genuinely an elite martial artist. After a few intense shes, the elder was eventually forced back by a sweeping kick from Wang Xuan that narrowly missed his shoulder. The old man staggered back in shock despite the ncing blow. His face was a mask of astonishment. I wasn¡¯t able to withstand a near miss by this young man? It seemed to him that Wang Xuan¡¯s skills seemed even more refined than Chen Yongjie in his prime. Wang Xuan leaped forward, intent on finishing off the young opponent. Yet, in the final moment, he chose restraint, opting to deliver a p instead. After all, anyone who challenged him should bear some consequences. This was Wang Xuan¡¯s special ¡°courtesy¡± towards Old Chen. Since the participants of this duel were affiliated with Old Chen, Wang Xuan felt obligated to ¡°educate¡± them. Old Chen could deal with the aftermathter. A swift figure quickly intercepted Wang Xuan, deploying a mix of Old Arts techniques and a protective New Arts barrier. As Wang Xuan''s hand descended, it shattered the light barrier. He recognized the figure as Zhong Qing. Wang Xuan momentarily hesitated. If his strike ended up seriously injuring her, even Old Chen would be in a tough position. After all, Zhong Qing belonged to a prominent financial dynasty, and it would be tricky even for Old Chen to clean up such a mess. Although he tried to pull back, Wang Xuan did not fully withdraw his attack. He aimed to strike Zhong Qing lightly, while ensuring that she was not gravely hurt. This would demonstrate to onlookers that Wang Xuan had done his best to control his strength, and any harm caused was purely unintentional. His decision to punish her was partly because Zhong Qing had once set her sights on him. This slight retribution would also serve as a warning to Old Chen. Did Old Chen really think he could use me without facing any consequences? Thus, even as Wang Xuan attempted to retract his airborne strike, it seemed inevitable that his hand wouldnd on Zhong Qing''s pristine and incredibly beautiful face. Zhong Qing''splexion turned ashen. A hit from Wang Xuan could not only disfigure her but might even obliterate half of her face. Overwhelmed by terror, she let out a piercing scream. Given your previous edits, here''s a more naturally rendered version of the text: Undeniably, the elder who had mastered the Serpent-Crane Eight Style was a formidable force. At the crucial moment, he swiftly intervened, gripping Zhong Qing by the cor and abruptly yanking her backward. However, panic was evident on his face. He had miscalcted, pulling her up too high. Wang Xuan''s palm brushed past Zhong Qing''s cheek, and then with a resonant thud, inadvertently struck her in the chest. The mistake wasrgely due to the elder''s hasty intervention. Zhong Qing shrieked, primarily out of fear. She was acutely aware of Wang Xuan''s capabilities: he could easily prate a chest or obliterate someone with a single blow. The very thought of enduring such a fate was unbearable to her. "Such a powerful Vajra Fist! That''s it, Zhong Qing must be finished!" Da Wu eximed from a distance, a hint of... excitement in her voice. She seemed oddly pleased. Chapter 78: The Prodigious Young Man Chapter 78: The Prodigious Young Man Although Da Wu lowered her voice, the surroundings were so quiet that her words could be clearly heard by many. "Finished?" Hearing those words, Zhong Qing''s vision dimmed and she almost passed out. She waspletely flustered, her face turning ashen. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan immediately threw his coat over Zhong Qing. Thankfully, they were near the reed pond and away from most onlookers. With Zhong Qing''s back facing the audience, there was no need to worry about any embarrassing moments being witnessed. Da Wu and Zhong Qing often had skirmishes in private. Every time they met, they nearly came to blows. Having been on the losing end multiple times, Da Wu approached to express her "sympathy". As she walked by, she shot Wang Xuan an appreciative nce. Her eyes sparkled with approval and seemed to say, "Well done, Little Wang!" Zhong Qing, still in shock, felt an intense pain in her chest. As Da Wu approached, Zhong Qing''s anger intensified. "You''re fine, how much worse can it get?" Da Wumented, her words dripping with sarcasm. Then, swiftly, she lifted the coat to take a closer look. Da Wu wore a look of disappointment. So Wang Xuan showed restraint after all. Only some clothing was damaged, and Zhong Qing wasn''t truly harmed. Sighing, she quipped, "A ce that wasn''t already abundant just became more barren." Hearing that, Zhong Qing felt a surge of rage. Her eyes med with fury, wishing she could kick Da Wu right into the reed pond. She was usually the one with the upper hand in their frequent bickering and private spats, but today she had suffered a defeat so humiliating that she almost burst into tears. The snide remarks from Da Wu, coupled with the earlier events, intensified Zhong Qing''s distress. However, she started regaining someposure. As she looked down to assess the ''damage'', all she saw was the blood-stained coat Wang Xuan had thrown over her. The sight was too much. Mistaking the blood for her own, she fainted, her body beginning to tilt backward. The elder who had caught and supported her earlier now shot a menacing re at Da Wu, Zhong Qing''s ever-taunting "frenemy". He grunted, quickly pressed a specific acupressure point on Zhong Qing to stabilize her, and then scanned the crowd warningly, cautioning them to stay silent and prevent Da Wu from getting any closer. From a distance, Qing Mu wiped sweat off his brow, murmuring to himself, "Is Old Chen going to handle this? This looks bad. It''s a messy end, and I''m sure Old Chen is going to have a headache." Indeed, manipting Wang Xuan was proving to be far more challenging than anyone had anticipated. With a sense of urgency, Qing Mu snapped some photos to inform Old Chen of the situation. Zhong Qing quickly regained consciousness. With Da Wu right in front of her and the intimidating Wang Xuan not too far off, her emotions surged wildly. "It''s alright!" The elder reassured her swiftly. He could not see for himself, but he felt that at thest moment, Wang Xuan had restrained himself from causing any real harm. Upon seeing the smirking Da Wu, Zhong Qing quickly regained herposure. Recognizing whose coat she was draped in, and realizing that she hadn¡¯t suffered any severe ¡°injuries¡±, her first impulse was to throw off the coat. However, after a nce at the surrounding crowd, she feltpelled to clutch the manly-scented garment closely. She briskly walked away, finding the scene too embarrassing to bear any longer. If word of this reached the New Star, she could only imagine what her friends and sisters would say. Especially with Wu Yin, who was known for her loud mouth, present at the scene, Zhong Qing was sure this would be a dark chapter in her story. "Wu Yin, let''s talk," she called out to her as she left the area, deciding to pay whatever price necessary to keep her rival quiet. The elder quickly followed, fearing that the two might end up in a fight. Wang Xuan remained silent, realizing that the more he tried to exin, the more awkward it would be. Hergely unconcerned ¨C Old Chen would handle the fallout, and at worst, he had only lost a coat. "Zhong Qing, not bad at all. Little Xuan is known for his chest-exploding kicks and chest-shattering palms. Yet you''re the only one who took it and remained unscathed. Your chest is well and truly tougher than a steel te!" On their way, Zhong Qing almost came to blows with Da Wu. Fortunately, the elder was there, or there might have been a bloody altercation between the two heiresses. "Enough! Don''t be mad. I apologize," Da Wu approached, as she and Zhong Qing continued to distance themselves. Faintly, a voice could be heard: "I took a look just now; it''s not a bad thing. For you, a little swelling might be a beautifying touch!" ¡­¡­ Thement was quite sharp. With Wang Xuan''s keen hearing, he naturally caught it. Even he thought that Da Wu was particrly biting in her remarks on this day, as if she wanted to tear her rival down once and for all. Inevitably, the two women started fighting. For the first time, Zhong Qing found herself at a disadvantage under Wu Yin''s sharp tongue. How she wished that she could take Wu Yin¡¯s life there and then. ¡­ The young man encased by the shattered supernatural armor stood up. He looked unexpectedly young. A quick rough estimate by Wang Xuan told him that he was no older than sixteen. With a handsome face and sparkling eyes, he stared at Wang Xuan as if he were some rare treasure. Wang Xuan recognized that this must be someone from the Zhong family. Otherwise, both Zhong Qing and the older man would not have rushed to his rescue with such urgency. He was extremely wary. The depth and influence of such a powerful family were undeniable. The fact that a mere sixteen-year-old boy who already qualified as an expert in the family was evidence itself. "My name is Zhong Cheng," the boy introduced himself, somewhat shyly. He expressed a wish to learn Old Arts from Wang Xuan and sought advice on how to quickly master and hone theseplex and powerful techniques. Zhong Cheng was well aware that the Serpent-Crane Eight Style was a treasure in the Zhong family''s collection. It was a martial art left behind by Zhang Daoling and was extremely difficult to master. The elder who demonstrated it earlier had taken many years to perfect it. Upon hearing the name ''Zhong Cheng'', Wang Xuan immediately thought of Qin Cheng and wondered how he was faring on the New Moon. Knowing that there were potent remedies there, Wang Xuan guessed Qin Cheng would be experiencing both pain and pleasure. "I''ve just been dabbling in it," Wang Xuan turned to leave, not wishing to engage further with the young boy. Nearby, many of those present felt a mixture of awe and envy upon hearing the mention of the Serpent-Crane Eight Style. What rank was this scripture? It was one of the renowned protective martial arts of Taoism! "We have many unique and confidential scriptures at home. The rooms are nearly overflowing. Several of them are more intricate and profound than the Serpent-Crane Eight Style, and no one has ever managed to master them," said Zhong Cheng, his youthful face radiant with eagerness and hope. "If you can teach me the tricks, enabling me to quickly master these profound scriptures, I can show you some top-level secret manuals that have been lost for years." Many in the vicinity were taken aback upon hearing this. Who wasn''t aware of the Zhong family''s collection? They had one of the twoplete golden bamboo scrolls from the pre-Qin period! Not to mention countless other scriptures ¨C all renowned works. Several individuals eyed Zhong Cheng covetously, seeing him as a veritable treasure trove of a boy. However, others sneered. Does he really think the Zhong family''s treasures were so easily essible? Wang Xuan paused briefly but then continued walking. He was well aware that, despite the boy''s seemingly pure and slightly shy demeanor, it was probably all an act. He found it hard to believe that a young man from such aplex family could truly be so naive. Was he trying to emte Old Chen''s tactics? Still a bit too green, thought Wang Xuan. He had no real hopes of acquiring any scriptures from the young boy. It just didn''t seem realistic. Even if he managed to win over the boy, the Zhong family would certainly never allow their vast collection of powerful scriptures to be shared. Thus, Wang Xuan didn''t see the need to invest too much effort. He nodded politely, saying, "Alright, the next time you visit, bring along a couple of secret manuals surpassing the Serpent-Crane Eight Style. We can validate and exchange knowledge then." Detecting Wang Xuan''s perfunctory attitude, the boy followed and whispered, "You don¡¯t need to worry about my sister. She¡¯s always been understanding, and I''ll also talk to her." Wang Xuan nced at him. Who do you think I am? Do you think Sect Master Wang is afraid of your sister? With Old Chen backing me up, I have nothing to fear. He said calmly. "Just tell your sister to wash and return my clothes." The young man was stunned. Qing Mu, observing the scene, felt Wang Xuan was truly audacious, seemingly aiming to make the situation even more challenging for Old Chen. "Do you intend to purposely get my sister''s attention?" Zhong Cheng hurried after him, whispering, "If you help me master the Serpent-Crane Eight Style and another ancient manual called ''The Scripture of Immortality,'' I can assist you in return, like gifting you a private photo collection of my sister." Wang Xuan shot him a look, thinking, This kid''s audacious! He replied, ¡°Bring the secret manuals when youe next time.¡± Then, he directly walked away, mulling over the need to "educate" the youngd who clearly needed a reality check. Attempting to outsmart me? Still too green! People around them cleared a path for him. The present Wang Xuan was undoubtedly an awe-inspiring figure. His demonstrated strength now was even more fearsome than what he had showcased at the Pamir teau. Many believed he had purposely downyed his abilities during his previous appearance. Now, with Elder Chen in critical condition, he stepped up without hesitation, reminiscent of a young and even more powerful Chen Yongjie. ¡­¡­ In Zhong Qing¡¯s room, she paced around, still seething with anger. Dressed in high heels, she stomped on Wang Xuan¡¯s coat, leaving a trail of punctures in her wooden floor. Da Wu,fortably sprawled on the sofa, cradled a crystal wine ss in one hand. Taking a sip, she remarked, "Stop being so sour. If you had any dignity, you wouldn¡¯t squabble with me over him. Let¡¯s face it, our expedition team could really benefit from someone with his expertise in the old arts. He¡¯s a rare find - young, yet so proficient. The fact he dared to hit you is just the icing on the cake." Zhong Qing retorted with a smirk, "Dream on, Wu Yin. After he hit me, it would be a travesty if he doesn''t join my team." "Challenge me, and I won''t hesitate to spill your recent embarrassing incident all over New Star." "I¡¯m not afraid! I''ve got some dirt on you too. Remember that time you were kicked into theke? Yeah, I''ve got that on camera." "Really, Zhong Qing?" ... Old Chen was restless in his hospital room. After getting the report about Wang Xuan''s audacious actions, especially against the influential Zhong family, unease gnawed at him. He wondered if Wang Xuan would continue his brazen ways, possibly targeting even more prominent figures next. His thoughts drifted to the Zhong family, which inevitably led him to memories of his own master, who mysteriously vanished three decades ago. With a heavy sigh, Old Chen was swamped with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. Will I ever see my master again? They had once coborated with the Zhong family on a significant operation, but it had ended tragically, decimating the ranks of the old arts experts. During that mysterious encounter, two of the Zhong family''s most formidable warships were lost with all hands. It shook the ever-cautious Old Zhong ¡ª Zhong Yong ¡ª to his very core. Wang Xuan returned, addressing Old Chen, "I''ve sorted out the issues on my end. It''s time for you to handle my troubles rted to New Star. Oh, and keep an eye out tonight. Make sure none of those top figures from the New Arts or even Grandmasters sneak into the mansion causing chaos." Towards the end, his tone turned grave, "Surely they''ve got more tricks up their sleeves than what we''ve seen so far. These are probably just probing tactics to gauge our strength and assess the situation." "I''d be disappointed if no one shows up. But if they do, they''re not leaving," Old Chen''s eyes gleamed with a hint of danger. "Old Chen, I''m about to leave. Is there anything else you''d like to discuss?" Wang Xuan inquired. With a smirk, Old Chen asked, "What would you like to know? About the mysterious encounter, or perhaps about the stages within the realm of the Old Arts?" Wang Xuan was caught off guard. He had never broached the subject of the ''mysterious encounter'' before. The fact that Old Chen was bringing it up now felt like a tantalizing bait. It was cunning, and Wang Xuan had a feeling that he was being yed. Chapter 79: The World Shall Experience Unimaginable Horrors In Three Years Chapter 79: The World Shall Experience Unimaginable Horrors In Three Years "I have absolutely no interest in finding out what this ''mysterious encounter'' is all about!" Wang Xuan asserted, making it clear he was immune to the temptation. He was convinced that the topic was a rabbit hole. Does Old Chen think he could lure me into some quest and manipte me into working for him for free? That is not going to happen. "You''re overthinking things," Old Chen said, shaking his head. He continued with a touch of nostalgia, "You young folks today oveplicate matters. Our generation was much simpler." Wang Xuan shot him a skeptical nce. "If you''re representative of that generation, can it truly be called ''simple''? You''d be disgracing an entire age!" Old Chen looked like he was about to chase him with his sword, but the medical staff came in for a routine check up. This forced him to stay still. After what felt like an eternity, Old Chen finally sat up. "Fine, if you don''t want to hear about it, I won''t bring it up. As for your situation, it¡¯ll be a piece of cake. I made a call when I woke up that day." Wang Xuan took a deep breath. He had a feeling that Old Chen would soon spill the beans about the mysterious encounter. At the same time, he was amazed. Does Old Chen n to return so early? To trust someone with such news on the very day of his supposed revival must signify deep trust. Wang Xuan deduced that Old Chen probably informed this person in advance to alleviate any concerns of the other party. This hinted at a profound rtionship between the two. Unable to contain his curiosity, he inquired, "An old me of yours, perhaps?" Just as their conversation was ongoing, Qing Mu walked in, a twitch evident on the corner of his mouth. ''Old'' me? Wang Xuan seemed to be pushing it; he''d surely earn himself a thrashing from Old Chen soon. Qing Mu surmised that the only reason Old Chen was holding back was that he needed something from Wang Xuan. Old Chen shot him a nce, expression unreadable, and said, "She''s an old... a good friend of mine who works in a certain department. She¡¯s utterly trustworthy. She wouldn''t leak my status prematurely, and at my request, she''s looked into a few matters for me." Given Wang Xuan''s acute senses, he could tell that Old Chen''s tone held an ominous note. He immediately straightened up, ready to listen intently. "Do you know who''s out to kill you?" Old Chen inquired. Wang Xuan shook his head, clearly taken aback. Had they uncovered the perpetrator so quickly? This friend of Old Chen''s must wield significant influence! "Surely, they have been monitoring me for a while?" he asked, a tinge of worry in his voice. Old Chen reassured him, "Previously, you never even appeared on their radar. It''s only due to recent events that they''ve started piecing together the puzzle surrounding you." "Who is it? Who wants me dead?" Wang Xuan, growing impatient after the recent assassination attempts on his life, demanded an answer. "Why don''t you take a wild guess?" Old Chen replied with a sly smile. "The Wu family?" Wang Xuan hazarded. It was a somewhat naive guess, but there might be some truth to it. In rtion to his past, his interactions with the financial magnates of New Star were limited, primarily revolving around his ex, Ling Wei. He recalled an incident at the Flowing Gold Epoch Restaurant when the Ling and Wu families were dining, setting up a meeting between Ling Wei and a young man from the Wu family, all under the watchful eyes of their parents. Wang Xuan happened to be there and had a brief verbal spar with the fiery-tempered Wu Yin. "You''re on the right track," Old Chen confirmed, then dropped a bombshell. "That young man from the Wu family had a near-death experience recently. He''s now equipped with some artificial organs." Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in shock. The audacity and cruelty behind this act were palpable. But how did he fit into this puzzle? "Under normal circumstances, such an incident wouldn''t even register on New Star''s radar," Old Chen remarked. "But when two powerhouse families are involved, it''s impossible to ignore." The targeted attack on the Wu family''s heir, which left him teetering on the brink of death, demanded thorough investigation. "It implicated another notable family''s offspring, stoking the mes between the two dynasties. But thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and the tensions were swiftly de-escted," Old Chen borated. "Ling Wei had an admirer, the obsessive kind. Even during their school days, his fixation was evident. It might be why she relocated here to the Old Star, possibly to escape his overbearing presence." A chill ran down Wang Xuan''s spine as he connected the dots. "Let me get this straight. This lunatic not only targeted the young man who was potentially courting Ling Wei but also has his sights set on me, her ex?" The sinister nature of this plot was something Wang Xuan hadn''t anticipated. And now, realizing the Wu family was more a victim than a perpetrator added anotheryer to this twisted narrative. "This guy is unhinged. Once I reach New Star, he won''t know what hit him," Wang Xuan said, his voice dripping with resolve. He was prepared to confront this nemesis, no matter the cost. "Temper your ambitions for now," Old Chen cautioned. "The Song family has confined him. In a bid to pacify the Wus, they''ve offered certain reparations, effectively putting a lid on the situation. Unless young Song decides to make an untimely escape, I wouldn''t bet on a showdown anytime soon." After sharing all of this, Old Chen brought up the topic of someone trying to keep him grounded on the Old Star. "Old Ling?" Wang Xuan inquired, a hint of nonchnce in his voice. He had some inkling about this matter. His ssmate from the experimental ss, Kong Yi, had warned him about this during theirst reunion. The Ling family wanted to keep him on the Old Star. Kong Yi, who once pursued Ling Wei, wanted nothing to do with this mess. That night, heid out everything to Wang Xuan, and by the end of it, their rtionship had taken a positive turn, reminiscent of adversaries burying the hatchet over shared drinks. Ling Wei''s father, Ling Qi Ming, had made quite an impression on Wang Xuan during his student days. The older Ling had sought him out for a serious talk, leaving asting impression. Back then, Old Ling had maintained some semnce of propriety. Despite his stern words and overpowering presence, he hadn¡¯t acted against Wang Xuan. He had clearly stated that once they graduated, he and Ling Wei would lead separate lives in different parts of the gxy, implying that a future together was unlikely. From this perspective, it seemed Old Ling had nned to keep Wang Xuan grounded on the Old Star, blocking his path to New Star. Old Chen nodded in affirmation. "Old Ling did hint at his intentions, but it was more of a symbolic gesture. He probably assumed a young man from the Old Star like you wouldn''t have the means or influence to venture to New Star. He didn''t exert his vastwork topletely bar your path." Pausing momentarily, he added, "However, someone else is determined to keep you grounded here for three years, and it''s somewhat unexpected. When I asked my trusted friend to look into it, she was taken aback as well." "Who?" Wang Xuan''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Was there someone even more adamant than Old Ling? He always considered himself aw-abiding citizen who maintained a low profile. Why was he constantly under scrutiny? "It''s the Zheng family," Old Chen revealed. Wang Xuan was puzzled. Were they also one of the influential families from the New Star? He had no recollection of any interactions with them, at least not recently. "The Origin Life Research Institute was founded by Madam Zheng of the Zheng family," Old Chen reminded him with gravity. "The underground testing ground in the Greater Khingan Range?!" Wang Xuan eximed, a chill running down his spine. Unpleasant thoughts began to emerge, and he felt a foreboding sensation. "Some members of the Zheng family recently visited the underground testing site in the Greater Khingan Range. ording to my trusted source, they... seem mentally disturbed after returning," Old Chen mentioned, his expression grim. "So, these mentally disturbed individuals are the ones using their influence to keep me on the Old Star for three years?" Wang Xuan''s voice quivered slightly as he spected. "Yes," Old Chen confirmed with an utmost serious demeanor. "So it''s her... she wants to ground me here for three years?" Wang Xuan felt an overwhelming weight on his shoulders. Old Chen silently nodded, affirming his suspicion. Wang Xuan was genuinely stunned. What did she want? Why was this three-year period so crucial? "What is she keeping me here for?" Wang Xuan felt a growing sense of unease mixed with bewilderment. He believed he hadn''t wronged her in any way. In fact, he had aided her, especially by releasing her residual spiritual energy. Growing increasingly anxious, Wang Xuan implored, "Old Chen, you need to make arrangements for me, book a ship ticket or something. I have to get off the Old Star as soon as possible! If she can influence the real world and I get stuck here for three years, who knows what might happen!" "She''s the first person you released after unlocking the Inner Landscape, right?" Old Chen questioned. Wang Xuan nodded, recalling the underground area scarred everywhere with signs of lightning strikes, where the ground was scorched and the rocks had melted, bearing testimony to a terrifying event of a massive transformation explosion. "Not only was she the first transformed individual I encountered, but she also left the most traces behind," Wang Xuanmented. She was a unique female practitioner, whoseplete physical body remained, lying inside a ship carved from the rare and precious transformational bamboo. Old Chen nodded in understanding, "The first to awaken because of you and retained her physical form. She must have been quite exceptional in her time." He continued, "This is likely just the beginning. Think about it; she''s not the only one you''ve released from transformation. And someone like you, capable of essing the Inner Landscape on his own, might have been quite special in ancient times. Her approach towards you might have a reason. Whatever traps or scenarios the ancients set, the winds are starting to stir. I suspect things will slowlye to light." Wang Xuan turned solemn, "Old Chen, don''t frighten me with such talk. Delving too deep into this would be utterly horrifying. Let''s not specte!" Old Chen shook his head, "I''m not making wild guesses. This situation is more than just horrifying. There''s a lot more beneath the surface. Not only the female practitioner but also the others might have their intentions. Especially that formidable woman in red, she''s clearly trying to make a connection to the present world, even if it means breaking free from some special realm. And you, with your ability to unlock the Inner Landscape, might have a specific significance." "Enough! Just book me a ticket! Can''t I just hide in deep space?" Wang Xuan eximed, his anxiety evident. Old Chen cautioned, "What if she follows you into deep space? Remember, I once took her on a long journey around. She''s familiar with the surroundings." Wang Xuan suddenly felt he had set a trap for himself and was genuinely concerned. After some contemtion, he said, "Old Qing, where''s that bone fragment of the female sword immortal? Why not give it to me? I think she''s the best option. I can take her with me to explore the endless wonders of space." Qing Mu, who had been silently listening, shot Wang Xuan a disdainful look but immediately rose to retrieve the bone. Wang Xuan was indeed worried, uncertain of the female practitioner''s intentions. After considering his options, he figured that the sword immortal was rtively easy to deal with. Moreover, she was powerful, so having her by his side would offer added security. The ghost monk was not troublesome, but in tight spots, he was known to flee faster than anyone. Wang Xuan couldn''t rely on him as he was too opportunistic! The Sword Immortal seemed aloof and ethereal, appearing indifferent to worldly matters. However, in reality, she was somewhat prideful, enjoyed receivingpliments, and could be a tad sensitive. As long as one praised her often, she was easy to handle. Most importantly, she was very responsible. Even when confronted by the formidable red-clothed enchantress, she stood her ground without fleeing, making her far more reliable than the old monk. Qing Mu carefully ced a jade box on the table, looking reverent. Wang Xuan immediately opened it to reveal a ckened bone with a faint golden luster from within. "Why do I feel so sleepy?" he wondered, feeling a sudden drowsiness. ncing outside, he noticed that it was just getting dark. Old Chen was puzzled. He had been recently researching dream maniption, and this situation seemed familiar. He was rmed, "It''s not even fully dark yet, and the Sword Immortal can already influence the real world like this?!" In a daze, Wang Xuan noticed the golden part of the bone shing faintly three times. He jolted awake, the drowsiness slightly fading, and said, "Lady, you aren¡¯t going to issue a three-years term to me as well, are you?" The bone responded with another faint golden sh, as if acknowledging his words. Old Chen felt overwhelmed. He sensed that the situation was far from simple and potentially dangerous. Wanting no part in it and unwilling to feign death any longer, he quickly made his exit, pulling Qingmu with him. "Master, make sure no one sees you!" "Don''t worry, it''s dark out. No one will notice me. Stay away from Little Wang for the time being. I have a bad feeling about this!" With that, Old Chen disappeared into the night. Wang Xuan felt the weight of sleep pressing down on him, pulling him into a dream state. He felt a rising anxiety. What are the immortals nning? What horrors shall fall upon the world in three years? Chapter 80: The Three-Years Deal Chapter 80: The Three-Years Deal Wang Xuan couldn''t resist the overpowering weight of drowsiness any longer. He yawned, burdened by his worries, and gradually drifted into a dream. Deep down, he feared the world might truly undergo dramatic changes in the next three years. He dreaded the possibility that his worst spections might turn into reality. Outside the window, stars began to twinkle as a silver crescent moon hung at the horizon. asionally, a few yellow leaves, carried by the evening breeze, wouldnd on the window, producing faint tapping sounds. Inside the room, the bone quivered ever so slightly, returning to stillness so quickly it would be almost impossible for an average person to notice. In his dream, Wang Xuan wielded an ethereal sword andy intoxicated amidst clouds. Surrounding him were magnificent pavilions with interweaving celestial rivers, falling petals, and wafts of fragrances. Before him stood a jade table adorned with ripe peaches and fragrant mushrooms, and a jade pot filled with ambrosial nectar, its aroma lingering in the air. Mist and clouds swirled, transforming thendscape into a paradise reminiscent of the mythical Jade Pool. At a distance, celestial maidens danced gracefully to the enchanting tunes of flutes and zithers. In this realm, Wang Xuan was the unparalleled swordmaster. By day, he roamed the Northern seas; by dusk, the green forests. He consumed the essence of the sun and moon, savored the fruits of the Jade Pool, and lived freely, intoxicated amidst the magnificent pces. Suddenly, a blinding sword energy sliced through the air, connecting the heavens and earth. It invoked fierce storms and shattered the pces of the Jade Pool, reducing the magnificent pavilions and peach orchards to rubble. Wang Xuan was knocked from his lofty heights, plummeting towards the mortal realm. He cried out, almost waking from the shock, only to find himself crashnding amidst a rugged wilderness. The ethereal sword he bore was now broken, leaving just the hilt behind. Bathed in the chilly moonlight, atop a barren, low-lying hill, the Sword Immortal stood, gazing at the moon. Her white robes danced in the wind, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly appearance, as if she were about to ride the winds away. She possessed an icy demeanor, untouched by worldly desires. She nced at Wang Xuan, her expression showing clear disdain. Does he really believe that upon achieving immortality, he''d enter the fabled paradise atop clouds, amidst magnificent pces? How naive! Wang Xuan was at a loss for words. He oftenbeled the Sword Immortal as someone who is arrogant, smug, and loved to be praised behind her back. It now seemed that she too had her set ofbels for him, as she often looked down on him. He felt less guilty now. After all, both of them, mortal and celestial, asionally talked behind each other''s backs. It was normal. "I''m not yet immortal. I don''t understand the ways of the immortals, so I simply crafted this scene based on legends, and waited for your arrival," he exined. Upon hearing his justification, the Sword Immortal seemed somewhat appeased. At least he had put in effort, even if his understanding of the celestial realm was wed. She tilted her chin upwards, a hint of her arrogant nature showing through. But Wang Xuan thought this was still better than being sliced by her sword. He surmised that when she ascended, she must''ve been quite young, hence maintaining her candid nature, unlike the deceptive old monk. Using her pristine white sword, the Sword Immortal pointed at a mountain, then at herself, and finally at Wang Xuan, nodding her head. "A mountain, you, and me... What are we supposed to do on that mountain?" Wang Xuan blurted out. In an instant, a gleaming sword light shed at him, sending him flying from one mountain peak to another. With her face expressionless, the Sword Immortal gracefully followed, her baster legs gliding in mid-air. She gave him a sidelong nce, seemingly very put off by his presence. "Didn''t you mean us, on the mountain together?" Wang Xuan quickly rified, noticing the intensifying gleam of her sword. "Or did you imply that when a person bes one with the mountain, they achieve immortality?" Without hesitation, he continued, "True immortals aren''t always found in the highest heavens. Sometimes they''re simply atop a secluded, forgotten peak." The Sword Immortal looked at him, slightly surprised. For a moment, her icy demeanor seemed to thaw. She seemed to regard him with a newfound respect, but then quickly returned to her aloof stance. Wang Xuan felt he had touched on something, and quickly reflected, "Genuine immortals possess an inherent nobility. Why yearn for superficial allure? Residing in the Moon Pce or the Heavenly Pond only brings more worldly chaos." She gave him a thoughtful look, visibly intrigued. But she quickly refocused, looking up to the starry expanse. However, she soon caught a hint of mischief in Wang Xuan''s eyes. In an instant, she swung her sword, sending him tumbling down the hillside. Wincing in pain, Wang Xuan chided himself for his recklessness. Her insights were piercingly sharp, and just when he thought he had an upper hand, she swiftly reminded him of their difference in prowess. Gracefully descending from her perch, she held up three elegant fingers, her face a mask of solemnity. A heavy realization dawned on Wang Xuan. The significance of the three-year period was haunting him again. What did she want from him? What were these beings truly after? "Immortal maiden," he entreated, "please share your thoughts. I need to understand the ancient ones'' intentions." Raising her pristine hand, she sketched an image in the night sky, revealing a vision of undting hills. Among them, a dpidated Taoist temple stood, its remnants scattered and roof tiles in disarray. Wang Xuan had a sudden realization. ording to the records attached to the bone fragment sent by the relevant department, the Sword Immortal''s hand bone seemed to have been discovered right at this depicted location. The scene shifted, showing Wang Xuan''s figure carrying the bone fragment, making his way to the deste hill and burying it deep beneath the remains of the Taoist temple. "Are you asking me to escort the true bone fragment, left behind after your transformation, back to its original resting ce?" Wang Xuan was astonished. He hadn''t expected the Sword Immortal''s dream message to be about such a simple request. Was this aboutying her to rest once more? He let his imagination wander, but his mood notably lightened. The Sword Immortal held up three fingers again. Was she referring to the three-year period again? Was she implying he should stay in the old world for three more years, or that she would need him when the time came? Wang Xuan offered, "Immortal maiden, can''t you speak? Let me teach you how to write. The modern script has been simplified and is easier than in the past." Using a mysterious technique, the Sword Immortal delved directly into Wang Xuan''s thoughts. Instantly, she visualized a whimsical scene in his mind where she was grinding ink for him in a charming manner. Indignant, Wang Xuan found himself struck multiple times! The Sword Immortal had delivered numerous shes. ¡­¡­ After enduring that episode, Wang Xuan felt deeply aggrieved. Couldn''t he even have private thoughts? Resignedly, he decided to observe in silence, aiming to be the embodiment of a calm young man. The Sword Immortal, unable to speak, conveyed several scenes. With Wang Xuan''s astuteprehension, he finally grasped her intentions. She was solemn. Her dreammunication, it seemed, was to request Wang Xuan to return to that deste burial ground three yearster, where she wished to meet him. This was certainly no simple matter, and Wang Xuan''s thoughts churned wildly. If the female sage wanted to keep him in the Old Star, was it to lead him underground in the Great Xing''an Range three yearster? It seemed she was beginning to intervene in the present world in anticipation of that. The Sword Immortal appeared exceedingly grave, even anxious. This demeanor was uncharacteristic, deviating from her usual prideful and aloof nature. It was evident how critical and significant this matter was to her. ... Meanwhile, in the real world under the moonlit night, Old Chen''s heart bled figuratively. In the reed pond behind his manor, he retrieved the fishing rod gifted by his close friend. The rod was entangled with aquatic nts, and, surprisingly, arge ck fish was snagged at the end of the line. The casual disregard made Old Chen fume with anger. Wang Xuan had thrown the fresh fish into the pond as if it were a discarded shoe, causing Chen''s resentment to skyrocket. Old Chen resolved that upon his return, he would give Wang Xuan a good thrashing. He believed in acting fast; if he dyed, opportunities to do so might diminish in the future. Sitting by the reed pond, Old Chen expertly cast his line, his face reflecting deep enjoyment. He hadn''t gone fishing in days, and the long-lost pleasant feeling was now revived. However, his brow soon furrowed. "Qing Mu," he ordered, "instruct the staff not to approach the sickroom, so as not to disturb the dream meeting of the two. Also, bring over the energy cannon. We''ll need it to swat some mosquitoes!" Understanding the situation, Qing Mu swiftly disappeared. Now transcending the realm of the Grandmaster, Chen had heightened senses that detected even the faintest of disturbances within the manor. He noticed an intruder, and that immediately soured his fishing mood. Soon after, Qing Mu returned, carrying an impressively powerful energy cannon. He quickly set it up. "Aim at the northwest corner," Old Chen directed. "Yes, now adjust slightly more to the west. Perfect. Fire at him!" As someone who had surpassed the Grandmaster level, Chen''s psychic domain was extremely formidable. He could urately trace the intruder''s trajectory. Boom! ¡­¡­ In the distance, a figure was blown to bits. "Aim towards the north now. Lower the angle a bit... there! Fire!" Old Chen instructed, not even allowing Qing Mu to utilize any technological means of positioning. The only task for Qing Mu was straightforward: shoot. Amid the blinding sh, another intruder was obliterated. The sudden uproar alerted many within the manor, leaving them in utter shock. "At what level was this person?" Qing Mu inquired. Old Chen replied with disdain, "Mere cannon fodder. Probably just a quasi-Grandmaster. Too weak. Not worth the risk of me personally intervening." Qing Mu was left speechless, thinking that perhaps Old Chen was bing a bit arrogant. Maybe it was time for him to endure another night of thrashing within the psychic domain of the ghost monk or suffer another round of beatings from the swordswoman. With his fishing rod in hand, Old Chen left the reed pond. It seemed that fishing was off the table for the night. He decided to head back to the sickroom, anticipating that the dream meeting between the two would soon conclude. Wang Xuan was deeply troubled. What did these transcendent beings truly desire? Could the ancient ones'' traps or machinations soon unleash catastrophic events? "Can you tell me if all the immortals are gone? And what are you really after?" Wang Xuan asked cautiously. Instead of answering, the Sword Immortal disyed a remarkable ability, transporting Wang Xuan from the dream realm into a mystical inner sanctuary. Such a disy of power, seemingly interfering with the real world, set Wang Xuan''s heart racing. Within this serene and barren realm, there was utter silence, save for enigmatic particles that descended from an unknown origin. The Sword Immortal moved forward, heading into the heart of this space. Reaching a luminous veil, she pushed against it with great force, causing the entire domain to quiver. Wang Xuan''s astonishment was evident, his eyes wide with amazement. Beyond that shimmering veil, in a far-off distance, a graceful figure began to emerge. She walked across an expansivend, navigating through a dpidated temple, her footsteps soft against the scattered debris. Though her image was faint, Wang Xuan could see familiar features. She looked strikingly simr to the Sword Immortal beside him. It was as though he was gazing upon another version of her! Chapter 81: A Binding Contract Chapter 81: A Binding Contract "Is she your sister, or... are you two the same?!" Wang Xuan nced at the Sword Immortal beside him, his heart fluttering with unease, witnessing another entity from the hidden realm. This time was different. The figure bore an uncanny resemnce to the Sword Immortal next to him, right down to their clothing. Beyond the veil, the woman gracefully strode forward. Her pristine white robe remained untainted by the world''s grit. She carried a celestial sword on her back, her flowing hair wafting behind her. With every step she took over the debris, she moved closer to the Inner Landscape''s forefront. The Sword Immortal stepped forward, cing her hand on the shimmering veil. Both their palms, identical in every detail, touched from either side of the curtain. The two Sword Immortals gazed at each other in a prolonged silence. A soft sigh resonated, clear as day right beside Wang Xuan. He instantly became alert, his mind racing. Previously, the only being capable of producing sound within the Inner Landscape was the powerful red shirt demoness holding an oil-paper umbre. She had nearly broken through the veil, a truly daunting sight. Is the familiar immortal beside me about to cause chaos now? "We are one and the same!" The ethereal Sword Immortal beyond the veil dered. Her words were concise, revealing the truth: both sides of the veil depicted the same being. Her voice was soft and melodic, hinting at her youth. Even with her distant and cool demeanor, she seemed to be holding back her true emotions, just like the feisty Sword Immortal on this side. They were, unmistakably, the same person. "Are you trying toe over?" Wang Xuan asked with caution. The ethereal Sword Immortal on the other side quickly nodded, reminiscent of a chick pecking at feed. Her celestial presence momentarily faded, making her seem unexpectedly endearing, almost like she was filled with anticipation. But her enthusiasm faded just as quickly, and she whispered, "I can''t get through." Looking defeated, she kicked at the gravel beneath her feet. Witnessing this side of the usuallyposed and capricious Sword Immortal was unexpected. Wang Xuan felt, for the first time, that she was not as fierce as she appeared. She might even be... kind of cute? It was obvious that the Sword Immortal beside him noticed his change in expression. She quickly tapped the veil and raised her chin, signaling her counterpart to stay poised. "She will sleep for three years," said the other Sword Immortal. Wang Xuan was taken aback. The Sword Immortal wanted him to take her post-ascendent remains to the barren hill. Was that her resting ce? She added, "Avoid ces like this in the future." This advice was enough to show her genuine concern. She was warning Wang Xuan about the lurking dangers of such realms and the profound mysteries they contained. As her words faded, a sudden sh of lightning streaked across the distant sky, punctuating the stillness with a thunderous roar. Wang Xuan, with a mix of concern and curiosity, asked, "Are the Immortals still among us? What''s truly transpiring? And Sword Immortal, what is your current state? Where does your true essence reside?" Beyond the shimmering veil, the Sword Immortal raised her gaze. With a deep intensity in her voice, she whispered, "The age-old covenant... sealed... sacred words." Without warning, a torrent of fierce lightning bolts erupted from the skies of her world. Their power was so immense that the crystalline barrier dividing their realms began to tremble and fracture. With unwavering resolve, the Sword Immortal drew her de, releasing a radiant beam of pure energy. It shed through the onught of lightning, shattering the thunderous barrage and illuminating the entire expanse. She was besieged by a relentless storm of thunderbolts, each one aimed directly at her heart. Using all her might, she held her sword firm, cutting through the tempest until calmness was restored. But the ordeal took its toll,pelling her to step away from the veil''s edge. From afar, she gave a gentle wave, then hoisted her sword onto her back. With grace, she traversed the vastndscape, journeying alone into the horizon. The vision of the Sword Immortal receded. Her counterpart remained still, watching intently until the distant silhouette vanished into the ethereal mist. Wang Xuan understood. The Sword Immortal had brought him here to offer a deeper insight into theplexities and dangers of the situation. He had long suspected that the ancients hadid traps, setting a series of events into motion. Now it seemed the situation was even more intricate and perilous than he''d imagined. What is this "ancient covenant"? He could not help but feel that the problems left by the ancients were ensnaring. Perhaps they were waiting for future generations to set them off. While there might be opportunities hidden within, the dangers were palpable. Given his unique ability to ess the Inner Landscape, something incredibly rare even in ancient times, it was no surprise that the Sword Immortal had sought him out. Wang Xuan was not filled with pride or honor. On the contrary, he felt a sense of urgency. Somehow, he had been thrust into this intricate and perilous game. He really had no desire to be entangled in the affairs of the ancients, but escape now seemed unlikely. A sense of foreboding gripped him. The future would surely be fraught with mystique and danger, a continuation of terrifying events from the past. "No Immortal is simple. To reach that pinnacle, each must have possessed extraordinary qualities, having once overseen an entire era." He spected that in addition toying traps for future generations, the ancients might also have been warring among themselves. If that was the case, the future looked even grimmer. In a modern era armed with state-of-the-art warships, any disruption could lead to conflicts between the past and present, old rivalries resurfacing, and a world shrouded in danger and mystery. "A person like Master Wang should have lived a brilliant life. How did he end up navigating through traps, mysteries, and enigmatic events?" Wang Xuanmented. The Sword Immortal cast a sidelong nce at him, finding his self-pity almost amusing. Was he really voicing such thoughts? She, bathed in a cascade of radiant light, soared towards the exit of the Inner Landscape. Wang Xuan felt a fading sensation, as though he was being drawn out of this ce. During this transition, he did not question the Sword Immortal further about the ancient covenant. After all, her words from within the barrier had already hinted at the risks associated with the phrase "The Ancient Covenant Seals the Truth". Wang Xuan awoke, realizing that he had not been asleep for long. To his surprise, Old Chen was entering the room, holding the fishing rod Wang Xuan had carelessly tossed into the reed pond. "Given to you by an old me?" Wang Xuan, still groggy, blurted out. Upon hearing this, Old Chen''s grip on the rod tightened noticeably. He could no longer contain himself and eximed, "Master Wang, how about a little sparring session?" Wang Xuan, fully alert now, sensed Old Chen''s antagonistic intentions. It was clear he was in for a beating! With firm resolve, he declined, "No way!" "Yes way!" Old Chen insisted, advancing menacingly. Wang Xuan looked earnestly at Old Chen and said, "The Sword Immortal has a message for you. She said you need to focus on your cultivation. Your strength is too insignificant. In three years, terrible events will likely unfold in this world. Old Chen, you must prepare!" Old Chen gave him a skeptical nce, clearly doubting his words. Wang Xuan continued, "Old Chen, I advise you to do good. And by the way, you should send the Holy Monk to the New Star as soon as possible. I suspect he''s preparing to hibernate. If you do not do it soon, you''ll surely get a beating again!" "Master Wang, are you threatening me with someone else''s power?" Old Chen moved closer, but his expression quickly changed. He began to yawn uncontrobly, sensing what was about to happen. Qing Mu nced at Wang Xuan''s lips. Were they really that prophetic? His words wereing true immediately! "Let''s talk this out!" Old Chen tried to resist, keeping his eyes wide open against the overwhelming drowsiness. But he could not hold back and soony down on the bed, closing his eyes in peace. It was not long before he woke up, looking at Wang Xuan as if he had seen a ghost. Wang Xuan''s prediction had been spot on; the old monk was urging Old Chen to set off. Fortunately, this time Old Chen was not beaten up. The benevolent monk kindly demonstrated once again the secrets of the Buddhist martial art¡ª the Bodhisattva Fist. Old Chen pondered for a moment and decided to be kind to Master Wang. He was somewhat fearful of Wang''s ability to attract spirits. He hoped Wang would not summon any more ancient figures to him.Previously, in his ignorance, Old Chen was curious and even excited about the idea of possessing the ancient immortals to learn their mystic arts. Now, having seen a glimpse of their intentions, he realized these ancient beings were full of cunning and hidden motives. If they got involved, it would undoubtedly lead to significant trouble in the future. Wang Xuan fixed Old Chen with a serious gaze. "The Sword Immortal sent a message for you. She urges you to concentrate on your training. Your current power is inadequate. In three years, there might be tumultuous events in the world. You need to be ready, Old Chen." Now, Old Chen actually felt a twinge of sympathy for Wang Xuan. It was clear he was being targeted, and just witnessing it gave Old Chen the chills. "How do you see the future unfolding?" Old Chen inquired, probing for insights. Wang Xuan waved his hand dismissively. "It''s not the end of the world. We still have time, right? Just focus on your training. As long as we''re strong enough, everything else is trivial. Any supreme seductress in red who dares to bother me in the future will regret it. As for those monstrous demons, if they do notply, I swear I''ll beat them into submission! If not, I''ll suppress them to the point where they''re mere beasts of burden!" Qing Mu was speechless. Wang''s confidence seemed to be soaring through the stratosphere! After his bold deration, Wang Xuan grew pensive. He drummed his fingers on the table, lost in thought for a while, and finally sighed, "The situation is intricate; the future is uncertain." He looked at Old Chen, "Help me find some records about the ancient ascended beings. See if there''s any mention of the ''Old Covenant Seal of Truth''." Wang Xuan was transparent, recounting his recent experiences within the Inner Landscape. Old Chen''s face turned grave, sensing the gravity of the situation. He realized that they needed to delve deep into research about these matters. Wang Xuan said, "Old Chen, please book me a ship ticket. I believe it''s best for me to embark on a journey soon. And tell me about the ancient practices and the issues surrounding them. I estimate I won''t be back for at least a year or two." Old Chen looked taken aback. After all Wang Xuan''s bold derations, he still nned to flee? Was all that bravado just a front? He sighed, then nodded. "I''ve been reluctant to discuss the ancient spiritual hierarchies with you, not wanting to pigeonhole your journey. Those old practices are intricate and fraught with issues. From the age of Early Qin mystics to early Taoism, spiritual methods underwent significant changes. Furthermore, there was another shift in theter stages of Taoism. I suspect there are some ominous truths hidden within these transitions. And certain illustrious individuals from those eras might have met with unsavory ends." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s eyes sharpened. "Old Chen, during your studies, did you stumble upon any anomalies concerning the ascended beings? Could the dangers and borate schemes set by the ancients be tied to these practices? I need to know more!" Chapter 82: History Of The Old Arts Chapter 82: History Of The Old Arts Old Chen shook his head, saying, "It''s just a suspicion of mine. I haven''t reached the enlightened status of a Bodhisattva to definitively point out their mistakes. It''s challenging." He had meticulously studied the ancient techniques, tracing the lineage from ancient times to the present, and identified potential discrepancies. However, pinpointing specific mistakes of the ascended ones proved to be a tall order for Old Chen. Nevertheless, the fact that he held such suspicions and identified possible pitfalls underscored his dedication. Of course, the difference in times yed a role too. The ancients, shaped by their era, had their own limitations. Today, in an age of information explosion and rapid technological advancements, perspectives have changed dramatically. Experiencing this era and being at the forefront of ancient techniques has certainly broadened Old Chen''s vision. Wang Xuan urged him to outline all the problematic areas. This was crucial for him, as he would inevitably encounter pitfalls set by the ancients. Whether these ancient beings were dead or alive, the traps and schemes they set in ce still had significant influence and needed to be cautiously navigated. "During the Early Qin period, the focus was on core techniques, which were incredibly profound and still influence practitioners today," Old Chen began, methodicallyying out the context. These core techniques, which revolved around chi cultivation, meditation, and internal cultivation, were invaluable for enhancing one''s physical and spiritual prowess. They were irreceable. Using their core techniques, practitioners made a breakthrough by essing the Inner Landscape. This was a pivotal moment that reshaped thendscape of Old Arts, offering a path to true ascension and enlightenment. "One of the hallmark achievements of that era was alchemy," Old Chen began. "Instead of themon herbs we think of today, they primarily focused on smelting rare minerals within alchemical furnaces. The goal? To refine and extract their purest essences, aiming to produce the ultimate elixir of immortality. Although records from that time are scarce, it''s widely believed they used the rarest and most divine materials avable." Raising an eyebrow, Wang Xuan interjected, "I thought they turned herbs into elixirs?" Old Chen smiled, "Initially, they did prioritize smelting rare minerals and celestial objects that fell from the heavens. The herbs cameter." It was only after the discovery of the secret path to divine herbs that practitioners expanded their methods, incorporating these exceptional nts into their alchemy. As Old Chen once mentioned, finding such a rare herb might be as elusive as capturing the moment where the evening glow meets the bustling world beneath. Following the discoveries of both the Inner Landscape and the divine herbal path, the Old Arts soared to unprecedented levels of mastery. In that golden age, top-tier practitioners were often apanied by several mythical beasts or divine birds. Travels became grand affairs, with journeys often undertaken atop a qilin beast or while soaring high above the East Sea on the back of an undying phoenix. As future generations revisited this glorious era, they looked back in awe. Such grandeur seemed nearly impossible to replicate today. The world''s divine creatures, once abundant, had beenrgely captured or vanquished by these masterful practitioners. "During that period," Old Chen continued, "many elite practitioners embarked on their celestial journeys, facing fierce thunderous tribtions. A number seeded in their transcendence. But as more and more ascended, the vibrant era of the practitioners came to a swift, echoing end." Old Chen sighed, reflecting on the swift decline after the zenith of the practitioners'' era, sparking a whirlwind of doubts and theories in his mind. "Given what''s happening with you and my past experiences, I''m convinced the Inner Landscape is deeper and more enigmatic than we know," he mused. "Moreover, the Divine Herbs have be almost mythical and notoriously hard to find, let alone harvest. The obstruction of these two vital pathways, I believe, led to the downturn of the practitioners." He delved deeper into his hypothesis, "This is likely why, when Emperor Qin Shi Huangmissioned the practitioners to find the elixir of immortality, Xu Fu, one of the alchemists, opted to escape overseas. By then, it was evident that the elixir was out of reach." Emperor Qin''s ambitious pursuit seemed destined to falter from the outset. "I have this inkling that some prominent figures among the practitioners might''ve faced unforeseen cmities, contributing to their collective descent. Those who did ascend might''ve uncovered some perturbing truths along their journey," Old Chen remarked, his tone heavy with seriousness. He admitted that despite his rigorous exploration of ancient scriptures, he could only theorize without concrete proof. Wang Xuan''s brow furrowed in thought. The ancient arts'' history was an intricate web of enigmas. To fully understand, he realized he''d have to strengthen his abilities and seek deeper insights. Old Chen pressed on, "As the era of the practitioners waned, they began incorporating contemporary medicinal herbs into their alchemical practices, often merging them with precious minerals. This evolutionid the groundwork for Daoism, which took it a step further by weaving in a broader spectrum of fungi and various herbs into their concoctions." In Old Chen''s view, as eras shifted, newer generations discerned certain challenges, prompting them to expand their horizons. "Early Daoism ced immense value on ''Xinzhai,'' or the cultivation of a pure heart," Old Chen exined. "The focus was inner serenity and harnessing spiritual energy. Daoist teachings advocate that the supreme path embodies utmost emptiness and tranquility, striving to align one''s heart and spirit with the cosmos." Old Chen sighed deeply. "These ancient teachings were so elevated, almost out of reach for many. Consider the originators of these profound paths - Laozi and Zhuangzi. Laozi wrote in the Tao Te Ching about embracing simplicity and retaining tranquility. And Zhuangzi expounded on this in his writings, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a tranquil heart. But, truthfully, such a path is too esoteric for most." Wang Xuan quickly checked his phone, raising an eyebrow. The early Daoist practices did focus on deep introspection and breathing techniques. Old Chen noticed his reaction and continued, "Yes, the practice of ''Xinzhai'' is lofty, necessitating tangible techniques to be essible. That¡¯s where Zhexies in - it''s all about deep, controlled breathing that aligns our inner energies." He quoted from Zhuangzi, "The True Man breathes from his heels, while ordinary people breathe from their throats." Over time, Taoism introduced more concrete methods like channeling energy and specific breathing techniques. Without these adaptations, sticking strictly to Laozi and Zhuangzi''s teachings would be a daunting challenge, given their abstract nature. "In that era," Old Chen continued, "Daoism significantly refined alchemy, creating elixirs that, when consumed, transformed one''s inner essence. This emphasis on the transformation from yin to yang energy is evident in Daoist philosophies." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And then there was the monumental discovery, a secret path parallel to the Inner Landscape and Divine Herbs ¨C known as ''Seeking the Way.''" He described it as an actual but hidden path, invisible to the ordinary eye, yet walkable for those in the know. Finding this way could offer benefits akin to essing the Inner Landscape or harnessing Divine Herbs. However, as eons passed, the traces of this enigmatic path have faded, eluding seekers of the present. Wang Xuan''s eyebrows furrowed in thought. From what Old Chen was saying, it sounded like the time-honored techniques of ancient practices, though once radiant, might not be wholly relevant today. "The foundational techniques are timeless," Old Chen remarked. "They''ve always been the cornerstone from which subsequent methods emerged, ensuring theirsting significance. Yet, when considering theter sections of the early Qin bamboo slips, I''d suggest caution. While they might have been groundbreaking during the Early Qin era, they could haveter faced certain challenges." Old Chen then shifted to a discussion about theter evolutions within Taoist practices. "In the early stages, Daoist alchemy wasrgely centered around external elements, giving rise to what we know as ''External Elixirs'' or Waidan." However, as Daoism gained prominence, its methodologies adapted, leading to the inception of Neidan, or ''Internal Alchemy''. "The union of the dragon and tiger''s energies, coupled with a renewal process, results in the creation of the Internal Elixir," Old Chen detailed. In this context, ''internal'' refers to processes within the practitioner''s body, while ''elixir'' symbolizes the fusion of the body''s essence, vitality, and spirit. "This evolution symbolized a pivotal shift in the ancient arts. The progression of Neidanterid the foundation for the renowned Golden Elixir, believed to eventually give rise to one''s ''Primordial Spirit'' or Yuan Ying." Old Chen''s voice carried a hint of reverence. Prominent figures from this epoch included luminaries like Zhongli Quan, L¨¹ Dongbin, and Chen Tuan. "Zhongli Quan drew inspiration from ''Cantong Qi'' andter integrated his insights with Sima Chengzhen''s ''Zuowang Lun'', giving birth to a distinct Neidan technique. His teachings and doctrines can be found in seminal texts like ''Lingbao Bifa'' and ''Zhong-L¨¹ Chuan Dao Ji''." Old Chen''s depth of knowledge held Wang Xuan and Qing Mu spellbound. "And of course, the illustrious L¨¹ Dongbin took this art to unparalleled heights. His renowned text, ''L¨¹ Gong Golden Elixir Secrets'', pioneered the majestic path of the Golden Elixir." Wang Xuan massaged his temples, trying to absorb everything. "So, the intricacies of the ancient practices are why you were so hesitant to discuss the levels earlier?" he mused. Old Chen nodded, picking up where he left off. "Beyond the core principles of Daoism, there was also the art of creating talismans. These powerful symbols had a myriad of uses and were primarily associated with the three major mountains: Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Maoshan, and Gezaoshan." He sighed wistfully. "Later in Daoist history, another secret path emerged. But sadly, most details about it have been lost over time, leaving only tantalizing hints." "And sword cultivation?" Wang Xuan probed, "It evolved after the Golden Elixir phase?" "Yes," Old Chen confirmed. Piecing things together, Wang Xuan pondered the age of the enigmatic female sword immortal. "She must have risen to prominenceter, not belonging to the ancient times then?" Old Chen nodded, shifting the topic. "But every era had its challenges. It''s probably why these teachings diminished over time, bing almost lost in the modern age." Then, with a frown, he touched on Buddhism. "It''s disconcerting how many ancient Buddhists chose to abandon their physical forms. Such practices always felt... unnerving to me." He borated, "These ''Flesh Body Bodhisattvas'' in Buddhism are essentially their preserved remains. While revered, they don''t really have the ethereal qualities many im. In fact, several such relics are simply stored away in modern facilities." Clearing his throat, Old Chen continued, "And that''s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many sects and schools of thought I haven''t covered, like the enigmatic Red-Robed Female Immortal. She''s believed to have been a formidable force, perhaps even preying on elite mystics of her era." Wrapping up, he mused, "All this to say, the real renaissance of these ancient arts hasn''t even begun. It''s waiting for people like us to reignite its glory." Observing Old Chen''s earnest demeanor, Qing Mu secretly thought, "If any of those ancient figures are still around, they''d definitely give my master a good thrashing. Who else would they go after?" Before Qing Mu could continue his silent musings, he noticed Master Wang nodding gravely, dering, "The ancients had their pacts; I think it''s time for a new covenant." Boom! A thunderous explosion resonated in the heavens, startling Old Chen. Hastily, he interjected, "Master Wang, don''t you think you should show some respect for our predecessors?" Wang Xuan nced outside, noting the thick clouds hiding the stars and the moon. The sky had turned overcast, and a heavy rain began to pour. He wasn''t one to believe in superstitions. Old Chen realized the atmospheric shift was merely coincidental and opted to remain silent. "Alright, Old Chen," Wang Xuan said, breaking the momentary silence. "Give me your consolidated insights on the levels of attainment. How should they be categorized, suitable for both ancient and modern contexts?" "The first level is ''Mist,'' and the second is ''Illumination''..." Old Chen began, exining that these stages have a universal application. From the Early Qin period to the present day, many have trod this path, and he believed it was devoid of issues or risks. Chapter 83: Old, But Not Obsolete Chapter 83: Old, But Not Obsolete Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow in confusion, momentarily interrupting Old Chen. "Hold on, Old Chen. Something doesn''t add up. Ever since you picked up the Bodhisattva Fist from that ghost monk, you haven¡¯t been considering a switch to Buddhism, have you? Why am I hearing terms reserved for ancient Buddhas in the stages you''re describing?" Old Chen chuckled, shaking his head. "Theplexities of Buddhism are overwhelming. Their frequent choice to renounce the physical world unnerves me. I''m alright learning their martial techniques, like the Bodhisattva Fist, but delving into their core spiritual teachings? That''s daunting. I fear I might get too engulfed and, in a moment of folly, immte myself, hoping to be a sacred relic." Qing Mu blinked, finding a newfound appreciation for his master''s prudent nature. Meeting Wang Xuan''s gaze, Old Chen remarked with a tinge of amusement, "You immediately linking ''Illumination'' to Buddhism is unexpected. You should immerse yourself more in the literature of the old arts to deepen your insights." Wang Xuan suppressed a smirk. Is Old Chen indirectly teasing him with this seemingly earnest advice?With genuine concern, Old Chen rmended that Wang Xuan dive into the Daoist scriptures and pore over the old arts'' annals, highlighting their transformative potential. Biting back a retort, Wang Xuan resignedly nodded, realizing that now wasn''t the time for banter. He had to attentively absorb Old Chen''s delineation of the stages of attainment, bridging the ancient and modern realms. Old Chen further rified, "When I speak of ''Illumination,'' I refer to the kindling of the innermost light, the heart''s me. This spiritual brilliance pierces the perpetual darkness, guiding us through uncertain terrains and revealing the path ahead." Wang Xuan pondered for a moment, then asked, "From the beginning, what exactly is this ''Mist'' stage? Have I reached it?" Old Chen looked surprised. "Didn''t I exin before? If we were topare it to the ranks in the game of Go, I''ve just be a professional yer, whereas you''re still honing your skills among the amateurs." At that moment, not only did Wang Xuan feel slighted, but Qing Mu also felt like he''d taken a direct hit. "The ''Mist'' stage represents those who''ve just begun their genuine spiritual journey," Old Chen borated. "Upon introspection, they can perceive some internal aspects, as if obscured by a hazy fog." Noticing the duo''s disgruntled expressions, Old Chen added, "Do you want me to define the ranks for the ''amateurs''? Simply put, it''s Grandmaster and below, followed by the Grandmaster, then the Great Grandmaster. Breaking through that would make you a ''professional yer'', a genuine practitioner in the realm of ancient arts." By this point, even Qing Mu felt the urge tosh out at his master. The phrasing wasn¡¯t just mildly offensive ¨C it was tantly condescending. To think that the title of Grandmaster was now considered transitional was astonishing. If word of this got out, everyone would likely want Old Chen''s head on a tter. "Enough," Wang Xuan interrupted, not wanting to hear more of Old Chen''s grandstanding. "Focus on exining the rest. One day, when I''ve grown stronger, I''ll have a chance to teach you a lesson." Old Chen nodded, continuing, "I''m currently at the ''Mist'' stage, taking my first introspective look. Everything within appears dim and obscured, with the surrounding environment remaining out of view." Wang Xuan couldn''t help but reflect. Old Chen had finally stepped into the enigmatic world of the ancient arts. It marked a transformation, where he started interacting with the terrifying and the supernatural. Wang Xuan furrowed his brow, trying to digest the information. "Let me get this straight," he began, "when you talk about the ''Mist'', you''re speaking of a literal fog that you''ve witnessed in your inner journey, not just a metaphor?" Old Chen nodded emphatically. "Exactly. It''s a tangible experience. Should you find yourself within this must one day, don''t let fear take hold. Instead, seek out the dim light within it and follow its path." "That faint glimmer, you''re talking about the spiritual realm?" Wang Xuan interjected. "Yes," Old Chen replied with a reminiscent smile. "I remember those heightened moments of perception from years past. Even though I never fully entered the Inner Landscape, those experiences transformed my spirit. And with some more focus and meditation, I''m on the brink of reaching the ''Ignition'' level." Wang Xuan pondered for a moment. "This ''Ignition''... it''s about refining and concentrating one''s spiritual energy, right? Making it shine brightly in the vast darkness of our inner world, guiding us forward?" "You''ve got it," Old Chen affirmed. "While I haven''t fully immersed myself in the ''Ignition'' realm, I have inklings of what lies beyond. My readings from Daoist texts and ancient bamboo slips indicate the third level is known as the ''Land of Destiny''. This isn''t a realm to be taken lightly. It''s pivotal for our future growth. Both the ancient Daoists and pre-Qin schrs held it in the highest regard. It''s a ce of rejuvenation, where one''s essence truly begins." Recognizing Old Chen''s humility in admitting he hadn''t reached that stage yet, Wang Xuan appreciated the insights, knowing they were rooted in profound wisdom and extensive study. Wang Xuan''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The fourth level is ''Herb Gathering''? Do we start depending on herbs for cultivation at this stage?" Old Chen shot him a sidelong nce, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Every day at work, I''ve caught you sneakily reading Daoist texts. Have you missed the part about ''Herb Gathering''? It''s a vital process highly regarded in Daoism." Wang Xuan retorted, slightly flustered, "Were you spying on me daily?" With a stern expression, Old Chen replied, "As your supervisor, it''s my duty to ensure productivity. Not calling you out or docking your pay for being distracted during work hours is me being lenient. And you use me of spying?" Feeling cornered, Wang Xuan sighed, tempted to retort that their workce felt more like a retirement home than a bustling office. "Let me exin," Old Chen began, "In the realm of ''Herb Gathering'', the focus is not on external herbs but extracting the ''essence'' from within oneself. Mastery over this requires impable precision. Being careless can have dire consequences. I''ll lend you a couple of books that delve into this. Such teachings are traditionally passed down from master to disciple, rarely ever written down. They are invaluable." Old Chen continued, "However, since you practice the foundational techniques from the ancient bamboo slips, you have a solid foundation. You might not need these texts, but they''ll serve as a good reference." Wang Xuan nodded, appreciating the depth of knowledge Old Chen was sharing and keenly continued his inquiries. Old Chen remarked, "Let''s pause here, discussing these four levels should suffice for now. Remember, always tread with caution and humility. Progress step by step." Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow, probing, "You haven''t deciphered the subsequent levels, have you?" Old Chen, surprisingly, nodded in agreement. "The stages I''ve exined are universally applicable across all cultivation paths, free from any pitfalls. But beyond these, I still have reservations." He borated, "Once you''ve traversed these four realms, whether you decide to transform essence into a golden core, follow the ancient Daoist path of seeking profound stillness and emptiness, or continue the illustrious journey of the pre-Qin alchemists, you''ll be on solid ground. The path is seamless." With hands sped behind his back, Old Chen exuded an air of serene confidence. In a way, the roadmap he extracted from ancient texts appeared to be remarkably dependable. "Throughout history, no matter the path chosen, these four stages remain consistent and unavoidable," he reflected. "Perhaps it''s mere coincidence, but after extensive research, I found subtle hints in various ancient scriptures that these four universally applicable stages might indirectly corrte to the secretive paths." He murmured, more to himself than to Wang Xuan, revealing a rather astonishing revtion. "These aren''t directly documented insights. They''re deductions made from cryptic references. Take, for instance, the ''Mist'' level, which we''ll set aside for now. The ''Lantern Illumination'' possibly rtes to the act of ''Seeking the Path.'' As for the ''Realm of Life''s Soil,'' legends say that the very first pre-Qin alchemist who ventured into the Inner Landscape might have been triggered post-attainment of this realm. And if one is able to gather celestial herbs after achieving the ''Herb Gathering'' stage, the benefits would be exponentially magnified." Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in astonishment, and Qing Mu was equally taken aback. That Old Chen had unearthed such insights from ancient scriptures was truly remarkable. These stages, as Old Chen described, were evidently profound. "However,mon folk shouldn''t hold their breath. Even geniuses should temper their expectations. Only those who are exceptionally unique or, let''s say, abnormal, might stand a chance of gaining something," Old Chen remarked, casting a pointed nce at Wang Xuan. After all, Wang Xuan was an anomaly, already possessing the ability to enter the Inner Landscape on his own. Wang Xuan felt oddly rebuked, shooting Old Chen an irritated re. They delved deep into the subject for what seemed like hours. Eventually, Old Chen''s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, "As for what lies beyond, it''s for you and me to pioneer, to carve our own path. The golden era of ancient arts hasn''t yet dawned. It awaits our ascendancy!" For once, Qing Mu refrained from silently judging his master. Unexpectedly, he felt that Old Chen might actually be onto something significant. Wang Xuan pondered, finally voicing an epiphany, "The Old Arts aren''t outdated." "Exactly, and the new methods aren''t truly new," Old Chen agreed with a nod. "What do you mean?" Wang Xuan asked, his curiosity piqued. He had never extensively explored the so-called new techniques. Old Chen chuckled derisively, "The new techniques are a massive trap. Many will eventually fall in and be reduced to nothing." He then turned to Qing Mu, advising, "You can dabble in the new techniques, but never immerse yourself entirely. Always juxtapose them with the old methods." Qing Mu looked puzzled. In the past, Old Chen had encouraged him to explore newer techniques. Why the sudden change in stance? "Previously, I believed you had reached the end of your journey with the ancient arts, which is why I suggested you explore new techniques," Old Chen exined. "But now, with Wang Xuan beside you, another trip or two to the Inner Landscape might just pave the way for you. And soon, you''ll have Chen, the ''Lantern Illuminator,'' by your side. With all this support, you don''t really need to venture deep into the new techniques. You can borrow some ideas, at most." Old Chen sounded confident. Both Wang Xuan and Qing Mu fixed their gaze on Old Chen, eagerly awaiting further boration. True to form, Old Chen had insights to share. ¡°It was only after I recently experienced the Inner Landscape that a jolt of realization hit me. Comparing both experiences, I started doubting the simplicity of the new techniques." He then posed a question, "Do you know the origins of the new techniques?¡± Wang Xuan responded, ¡°Wasn''t it said that some supermaterial was discovered in a mysterious location, and from that, they derived the new techniques?¡± Old Chen scoffed, "You believe they could develop such things on their own? They''re simply giving themselves too much credit. The reality is, it was all unearthed from the ground." His demeanor turned gravely serious. "Haven''t you ever wondered? Many of these new techniques are eerily reminiscent of the manifestations of the ancient arts achieved by skilled practitioners. And yet, the practitioners of these new techniques start with such art-like methods from the get-go. It''s truly peculiar. However, their power doesn''t hold a candle to the original techniques.¡± Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. The new techniques were indeed puzzling. Old Chen continued, "The ''new'' techniques aren''t new at all. They were dug up from the earth, possibly buried centuries ago. There might even be more astonishing finds in the future. But the more I think about it, the more it feels like a potential pitfall. I suspect someone deliberately left them behind, luring future seekers into a deeper exploration." Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in astonishment. "Your exnation feels uncannily shrewd and familiar. Why does it remind me so much of the traps left by those who transcended in the Inner Landscape?" Old Chen nodded gravely, saying, "After my experience with the Inner Landscape, I too began to sense a resemnce in methods, which led to my growing unease and suspicion." "I think the ancients were all too cunning," Wang Xuan blurted out. "They all deserve a good beating ¨C whatever needs to be buried should be buried, and whatever should be burned should be turned to ash!" He then quickly nced at the jade box not far away, which contained charred bone fragments, and hurriedly added, "Of course, exceptions exist for benevolent, kind-hearted, stunningly beautiful sword immortals who are worthy of respect and are destined to be remembered through the ages!" "That''s why I worry," Old Chen sighed, "about what kind of terrifying troubles those in the new technique realm might eventually bring upon themselves." Wang Xuan looked puzzled, asking, "Could it be that the immortals ventured into deep space even before the modern people equipped with super battleships?" Moreover, he thought of the female immortal''s wish to keep him in the oldnd for three years. Could it be that after she ventured into deep space, she discovered something profound? Chapter 84: Can A Battleship Kill An Immortal? Chapter 84: Can A Battleship Kill An Immortal? "Could it be that these ancient immortals ventured into the depths of space before us modern humans?" Qing Mu''s eyebrows furrowed, the gravity of the thought evident on his face. If there were any traces of truth to this, the ramifications would be astounding. "It''s within the realm of possibility," Old Chen mused, his gaze drifting towards the window. He had hoped to see the glimmer of the moon, but instead, thick clouds masked the sky and raindrops drummed persistently against the ss. "With our current tech, could our super battleships stand against these immortals?" Wang Xuan questioned, sensing the lurking dangers of the ancient world. It was bing clear that he needed to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Old Chen replied with unwavering certainty, "If they can get a lock on them, then yes, our super battleships can certainly take down these immortals." Qing Mu, astonished, echoed, "Our contemporary technology has the power to take on those legendary beings?" Old Chen motioned towards the window, where sporadic bolts of lightning illuminated the rain-soaked world. "Every ascendant, when reaching the pinnacle of their transformation, must face the trial of thunderbolts. The ancient elites we''ve discovered met their end at the hands of these very bolts. This serves as a stark reminder that even such formidable entities aren''t invincible." Thus far, both early ascendants and the subsequent immortals seemed to share this fatal vulnerability. Their corporeal forms were consistently annihted by these celestial surges of energy. Those rare entities shielded by the Ascendent Bamboo were outliers and remained outside the scope of their discussion. Old Chen continued, "Even with the formidable thunderbolts during ascension, considering the firepower of our modern battleships, breaking through the defenses of celestial beings should be possible." Wang Xuan looked up at the night sky, lost in thought. If ancient entities ever emerged from their dormant traps, he envisioned unleashing the might of a super battleship upon them. That would teach them the power of the modern age. He shook his head, pondering theplex tapestry of human emotions. Not long ago, he dreamed of tearing battleships apart with sheer force, and now he was strategizing against ancient deities. The more he thought about it, the less conflicted he felt. If ever he faced off against powerful modern factions, he''d tap into the ancient arts he''d mastered. But if ancient celestial beings ever crossed his path, he''d undoubtedly harness the technological prowess of his time, using battleships to challenge them. Chuckling to himself, Wang Xuan remarked, "The takeaway here is, don''t mess with Wang Xuan. Raised in the modern age and adept in the most profound techniques, I''m ready to tackle challenges from both the past and the present." Old Chen raised an eyebrow and said, "That''s all well and good, as long as we can urately track these celestial entities. If they remain elusive, we could be in for a real challenge." Suddenly, an idea struck Wang Xuan. "Old Chen, what if we were to ask the Ghost Monk? If, hypothetically, we obliterated that ancient temple¡ª the one the magnates moved to their new star¡ªusing our battleship, would the divine entities within it be affected?" Old Chen was indeed curious, but would he dare to ask such a question? He suspected that the Ghost Monk would not simply give him a beating for a night; it could very wellst for years! "Why don''t you ask?" Old Chen said with a hint of irritation, ncing at the jade box holding the charred bone fragments. The topic became too risky to discuss further. Deep down, both men contemted the same idea: if they eradicated the traces left behind by these celestial entities, could they possibly end their threat for good? "Why don''t we test it by destroying the jade-like bone of the White Tiger Demon?" Wang Xuan suggested. Old Chen raised an eyebrow, "You wish to test it? To see if the unparalleleddy in red can still reach out to you in your dreams?" Wang Xuan hesitated, a flicker of unease crossing his face. That woman genuinely terrified him. Her sheer power, conveyed through her immacte fists, had almost breached the barrier to confront him directly. Outside, a blinding bolt of lightning streaked across the dark rainy sky, its immense glow illuminating the night as if it were day. Standing by the window, Old Chen peered into the distance. "I have a feeling tonight might get eventful. If there''s an intense storm, be ready." He emanated a fierce determination, seemingly unworried. Wang Xuan and Qing Mu shared the same confidence, not expecting any surprises. In their midst was Old Chen, sharpening his skills and preparing for action. He had been holding back for a long time, probably itching to gauge the strength of the top figure in the realm of New Arts. Regrettably, there was no guarantee that his adversary would venture to the Old World. Wang Xuan pondered aloud, "Given the current situation where we need to enhance our strength as much as possible, if there was another celestial bone before us, would we use it to venture into the Inner Landscape again?" Both Old Chen and Qing Mu exchanged uneasy nces. After their singr experience in the Inner Landscape and the rapid surge of power they had gained, they were... addicted. Just like thest time when Old Chen, traumatized by the sword fairy''s "lesson" and swearing off ever entering the Inner Landscape again, had eagerly asked Qing Mu the very next day to approach Wang Xuan for "onest trip." The allure of such rapid empowerment was hard to resist. Yet they were all acutely aware of the lurking dangers within the Inner Landscape. Delving too deep could spell doom without warning. Qing Mu suggested, "We should tread cautiously. Restrain the urge as much as possible." Old Chen sighed softly, "We need to stay resolute." Wang Xuan nodded but then added, "In desperate times, who''s to say I won''t gather all the remnants of past celestials and Buddhists. When pushed to the edge, one might do anything." "Don''t be so extreme!" Old Chen eximed, taken aback. "You could try to trigger a heightened sensory state, entering your own Inner Landscape, just as you initially did." "Is there a difference between one''s own Inner Landscape and that of others?" Qing Mu queried. Old Chen frowned, "That''s... a difficult question." The mysteries of the Inner Landscape were profound. Whether these realms were distinct or interconnected was an enigma. Old Chen remarked, "Entering the Inner Landscape without relying on the remnants of those who''ve ascended, like bones, should be safe. There shouldn''t be any issues." Wang Xuan agreed. His situation was akin to the very first individuals in history who ventured into the Inner Landscape. Both entered this realm on their own ord, which made exploring further an enticing prospect. However, the challengey in the fact that, without facing imminent death, one couldn''t typically ess this domain. Deliberately courting death as an entryway was ying with fire. One wrong step and... the end might truly be near. Qing Mu, still rtively new to these concepts, asked, "Is the passage of time inside the Inner Landscape consistent with the outside world?" Wang Xuan replied, "I''m now inclined towards Old Chen''s perspective that there''s no difference in the flow of time. It''s our mind, pushed to its limits, and our bodies undergoing rapid transformations that give the illusion of an altered time perception." Qing Mu mused, "If people knew about your unique experiences with the Inner Landscape, they''d be stupefied." Old Chen chuckled, "One can imagine some thinking that without the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan might be lesser than them. And if they had ess to it, they could achieve... all sorts of wild things!" Old Chen continued, "That''s the typical mindset of the ordinary. Little do they understand that this very capability showcases Wang Xuan''s true strength. It''s like the underachievers scoffing at the top students, iming that without their academic talents, they''d outshine them." Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow, "Old Chen, it''s rare for you topliment me. Out with it¡ªwhat are you plotting?" "Nothing this time," Old Chen replied earnestly, "Regarding your ability to enter the Inner Landscape on your own, even I, Chen Randal, genuinely admire it." Wang Xuan wasn''t convinced. Having been misled before, he had be wary of Old Chen''s motives. After some thought, he suspected it had something to do with that "mysterious contact" Old Chen had hinted at in the past. ¡­¡­ "In this world, many mysteries remain unsolved. Some are incredibly enigmatic, even unnerving, yet they beckon exploration," Old Chen began, unable to contain his excitement any longer. Wang Xuan paid little attention to his old colleague and continued stuffing his face with food. He had only just started his dinner after being interrupted by a dream of the female sword master at dusk. Being the loyal disciple, Qing Mu chimed in while eating, "With such advanced technology, how many mysteries can truly remain unsolved?" Old Chen, polishing the ck sword in his hands, replied, "Countless. There are files stored away in government archives that, if leaked, would cause mass hysteria. So, these top-secret documents have been buried underyers of dust, untouched for fear of the chaos they might unleash." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before adding, "For instance, we were just discussing whether a super battleship could defeat the Immortal Realm. Yet, in one of those ssified documents, there''s an ount that exceeds this. The Zhong family, one of the representative super conglomerates on the new star, reportedly lost not one, but two of their super battleships..." Wang Xuan''s heart raced, intrigued by this revtion. Such an event was unheard of. Suddenly, Old Chen''s gaze sharpened. Discarding the cloth he was using to clean his sword, he stood up and looked out into the rain-drenched darkness. "Atst, they''vee. They didn''t disappoint me. We''ve hooked a big fish, no, perhaps a super great white shark!" His ck sword was now firmly gripped in his hand. His entire demeanor changed ¨C fierce, ready, and oozing with intent to kill. Wang Xuan, sensing the urgency, also got to his feet, staring intently out the window. Old Chen cast a sidelong nce at Wang Xuan, remarking, "Tonight, you might have to step into the spotlight. Ready to give it your all?" "Absolutely!" Wang Xuan nodded with determination. Outside, the world was enshrouded in darkness with a torrential downpour, promising a night that was anything but calm. Many representatives from various groups still lingered on the property, their forms barely discernible in the mistymplight filtering through the rain. "Old Chen, someone''s approaching. He''s flying!" Wang Xuan eximed in astonishment. "Is this merely a big fish? I wonder if even you can handle this one." Amidst the rain, a silhouette floated, emanating a soft glow. He moved silently, gravitating towards theirpound and was clearly aiming for Old Chen''s room. Even though the figure hadn''te too close yet, Wang Xuan could already feel an overwhelming pressure. An enigmatic power was expanding, surging towards them. This neer was iparably formidable.
Jimmi''s Thoughts It really got me thinking though. Let''s take Warhammer 40k as a power level gauge. Can the MCs in xianxia take a direct hit from a macro cannon shell? Or ance strike from an Imperial ship? And can their mountain-splitting attacks punch through the void shields of said Imperial ships?
Chapter 85: Massacre In The Rain Chapter 85: Massacre In The Rain Wang Xuan had never seen anyone fly before. Can Old Chen handle such an astonishing ability from the world of the New Arts? Wang Xuan felt a surge of concern. Old Chen''s demeanor turned serious. "I''ll draw him towards the reed pond and do my utmost to eliminate him. You both must remain alert. Wang Xuan, tonight is not the time for your unwavering adherence tow and order. If you don''t give it your all, things might take a turn for the worse." Wang Xuan nodded solemnly. "I get it." Then he asked, "If they''re audacious enough to kill, might they also use a small battleship for an attack?" Old Chen replied calmly, "They wouldn''t dare. Such an act would have dire consequences. Several influential figures have recently visited, and representatives from various organizations still linger. Any reckless actions would challenge everyone''s patience and limits. Such rogue elements are exactly what the agencies and conglomerates dread. They''d surely be dealt with swiftly and publicly." As Old Chen concluded, he noticed Qing Mu readying an energy cannon, aiming at the approaching silhouette. Old Chen signaled to his disciple, "Your shot might notnd. Let me handle it." His gaze fixed on the figure emerging from the rain. "It¡¯s very likely that he''s a prominent figure from the New Arts faction. He might have ventured here for crucial negotiations and took this opportunity to inspect my condition. If I weren''t nearly spent, his job is probably to ensure I am. But he''s mistaken if he believes there won''t be consequences. He''s unaware that I''ve been waiting for this encounter." With those words, Old Chen, sword in tow, vanished from the room. The intruder, radiating a soft glow, seemed untouched by the rain. He looked to be in his mid-fifties with long golden hair, and his piercing eyes shone brightly in the darkness, like two gleamingnterns. He wore armor reminiscent of the ancient Western bronze age, with a massive alloy broadsword nearly as tall as himself slung across his back. Clearly, he wasn''t one to be taken lightly. He suddenly halted, hovering about a foot off the ground, his gaze fixed on Old Chen, who had appeared ghost-like from the shadows. His golden eyes emitted an intimidating radiance. Old Chen gave him a brief nce before making his way toward the reed pond. The armored elder did not hesitate, following confidently, his own prowess unquestionable. The man was clearly no ordinary opponent. "There are others near the manor; it''s our turn to act!" Wang Xuan dered, his spirit surging. A radiant glow crowned his forehead, an early sign of the emergence of his psychic realm. With his recent training in Zhang Daoling''s physical techniques, Wang Xuan''s offensive capabilities were nearly at the level of a master sage. To reach such a feat at his age was terrifying. News of a young man in his early twenties approaching the mastery of a sage would surely send shockwaves throughout both the old and new eras. "Get me an energy cannon!" Wang Xuan ordered. If they were going into battle, he had no intention of holding back. Qing Mu, ever prepared, led him to the adjacent armory stocked with an array of heavy weaponry. Wang Xuan hoisted an energy cannon weighing nearly a thousand pounds. Qing Mu''s eyes widened in surprise. "I didn''t expect you to be this strong! Are you nning to shoot down a spaceship with that hefty cannon?" "Indeed," Wang Xuan responded earnestly, "you never know when you might face one." Qing Mu held back his words. If Wang Xuan could manage the weight, who was he to question? At the same time, he was setting up a defensework, ensuring that anyone daring to approach would face a devastating counterattack. "Old Chen has started his fight!" Wang Xuan murmured, adding, "I have to see this." In the dark, rain-drenched night, the reed pond''s vicinity became a battleground. Brilliant sword lights streaked through the shadows, illuminating the conflict. "This isn''t what we expected," Wang Xuan dered as he and Qing Mu arrived with their hefty energy cannon, stunned by the unfolding scene. The golden-haired elder, arms in motion, unleashed a barrage of immense fireballs. Upon impact, they carved out vast craters in the earth. Boom! Some fireballs struck the pond, causing massive plumes of steam as they evaporated sections of the water. "It feels... surreal," Qing Mu observed. The elder''s tactics were reminiscent of magical techniques from Western legends. Yet, the ferocity of his fireballs was unparalleled. One such projectile melted a hefty boulder by the pond''s edge. In stark contrast to the "mild" fireball magic of ancient tales, this man''s power was genuinely formidable. Near his fireballs, rainwater sizzled away, and rocks turned molten. "He''s a force to be reckoned with," Wang Xuan whispered. Despite his majestic sword and ancient Western bronze armor suggesting a master swordsman''s persona, the elder surprisinglyunched his assault using these arcane magical projectiles. Old Chen, seemingly caught off guard at first, navigated the onught. His ebony sword glinted with fierce light, slicing the relentless fireballs one by one. Thud! The aftermath of the exploding fireballs was a spectacle in itself. They erupted into cascades of shimmering light, turning rainwater into a misty haze and setting the grasnds aze. The impacts formed craters, emphasizing the sheer might behind each strike. This was the embodiment of a transcendent battle! Old Chen was truly taken aback. What sort of entity was he up against? An adversary that could levitate off the ground, unleashing a barrage of potent fireballs, evaporating portions of the reed pond with sheer heat. A troubling thought gripped him: Could this individual''s level of prowess surpass his own? More bewilderingly, was his opponent wielding actual magic? Has Old Chen misjudged the situation? While the innovations of the new era were rooted in Old Arts, could there be elements intertwined with myths from Western legends or the arcane arts? "No, this could be a simplified version of the legendary Samadhi True Fire from ancient texts. No, not as potent, perhaps some other pyro technique," Old Chen spected as he dodged and deflected, grappling with the unexpected challenges his opponent presented. The opponent''s ability to fly and the sheer magnitude of his attacks vexed Old Chen. He had only recently achieved a breakthrough into the transcendent realm, and now, he faced someone even more formidable. Boom! Another fireball plummeted, narrowly missing Old Chen. Its impact left a crater nearly two meters deep, its severity marked by the molten earth that crystallized upon cooling. "Don''t let him intimidate you!" From a distance, Wang Xuan shouted, offering a piece of advice. "He''s a crafty old fox! That''s not some ancient armor he''s wearing; it''s a newly developed super-material armor that grants him the ability to fly. And, it''s probably the most advanced armor of its kind!" Had it not been for Zhong Qing''s younger brother challenging Wang Xuan in a gleaming super-material armor, Wang Xuan would be just as baffled as Old Chen. The boost that this armor provided was staggering, elevating the wearer''s abilities significantly. Ever since the onset of their duel, Old Chen had been evading, knowing full well the lethal potency of those metal-melting fireballs. If he were struck, the consequences would be dire. In mere moments, theke''s waters were on the verge of evaporating. Old Chen''s spirit waned, and he started questioning hispetence. It was disconcerting to realize that individuals from the new realm had advanced faster, surpassing him. The golden-haired elder''s ability to fly and unleash devastating fireballs, potent enough to annihte transcendent beings within the mist realm, was a rude awakening for Old Chen, fresh from his Inner Landscape training. "You old fox! Do you think you can defeat me, Chen Yongjie, with a silly trick like that?" Old Chen''s gaze turned icy, feeling somewhat humiliated. He had always been the one dominating adversaries, but today, he met his match. Estimating the elder''s capabilities, Old Chen deduced that they were on par within the mist realm. However, the enhancement from the super-material armor gave the elder a significant edge. For now, all Old Chen needed to do was evade and deplete the super-material energy in the elder''s armor. Whether the adversary employed magic or pyro techniques, the tide would soon turn, and it would be Old Chen''s time to shine! ¡­¡­ "Boom!" Wang Xuan, unable to hold back, released a st from his energy cannon, cutting a bright path through the rain. However, it missed its target. The eyes of the golden-haired elder sharpened, and he swiftly made his way toward Wang Xuan, intent on ending the confrontation quickly. Suddenly, Old Chen took to the skies, silver wings spreading behind him. His sword, now gleaming even brighter, moved into the path of the approaching elder. The elder''s expression shifted, realizing that Old Chen had been prepared for aerialbat all along. Relying heavily on the power of his state-of-the-art armor, the elder had believed that he could escape any situation. But now, facing Old Chen, doubt crept in. "We''re sitting ducks here; we need to move!" Wang Xuan said, urging Qing Mu as they dashed back into the safety of the manor. "We''ve got mechs iing!" Wang Xuan, with his heightened senses nearing a spiritual realm, could perceive threats clearer than most. Only Old Chen had sharper instincts. "Let''s head to the guest rooms," Qing Mu suggested. Some guests, including influential figures like Wu Chenglin and Da Wu, were staying there. If an attack was imminent, the presence of these dignitaries would surely deter the use of heavy firepower. Carrying their hefty energy cannon, Wang Xuan and Qing Mu hurriedly chose a courtyard to take cover in. It wasn''t long before they spotted four sleek mechs gliding silently through the rain, converging from different directions. Wang Xuan quickly took aim and fired a barrage. Knowing his precision wasn''t perfect, he unleashed a volley of radiant beams, illuminating the darkened sky. Wu Chenglin had been sound asleep in the courtyard, but the deafening sts rudely awakened him. The room shook so violently that he tumbled out of bed. Wang Xuan''s heightened senses proved invaluable. He released more than a dozen beams, sessfully hitting two of the mechs. The sky erupted with explosions, scattering debris everywhere. With impable precision, Qing Muy in wait for the perfect moment. He fired two beams, each striking and destroying a mech. For a brief moment, the night sky was a brilliant disy of blinding lights and roaring thunder. The courtyard was a continuous scene of ascending beams and explosive radiance. Old Wu was stupefied. On the ground, he was initially disoriented, thinking the courtyard was being struck by continuous lightning. As he gathered his wits, he realized they were in the middle of a firefight. Wu Yin, residing in the adjacent room, had also been jolted awake. The sight of mechs exploding in the sky and beams shooting up from the courtyard left her astonished. The entire manor was alerted. It was a night of unparalleled intensity. Once the courtyard quietened down a bit, Old Wu peeked out. He was astounded to see Wang Xuan holding what appeared to be a massive energy cannon, weighing at least a thousand pounds, ready to make his exit. The sheer strength of Wang Xuan left Old Wu in disbelief. Was it Wang Xuan who had fired those devastating sts? "Little Wang!" Wu Chenglin hurried out, demanding, "What¡¯s with themotion? What happened?" "Just passing by," Wang Xuan replied curtly, turning to leave. The noise had awoken many. Wu Yin, after hastily dressing herself, emerged with a slightly pale face. She caught sight of Wang Xuan with his massive cannon preparing to leave. "Wang Xuan, what are you doing here in the middle of the night with that thing?" she asked, still disoriented from the recent upheaval. "Oh, this? I¡¯m just trying to disperse the rain," he replied with a smirk. "I thought I''d help clear the clouds and stop the storm for you. We just wanted to ensure that everyone has a peaceful night''s sleep!" Chapter 86: Master Wang! Chapter 86: Master Wang! Stunned, Wu Chenglin looked down at the scattered remains of the mech, struggling to reconcile Wang Xuan''s words with the scene before him. Suddenly, a downpour washed away a severed hand from the rooftop, narrowly missing his head andnding at his feet. The chill that ran down Wu''s spine was not from the rain but the stark reality of the destruction. Wu Yin managed to hold herposure, her gaze following Wang Xuan and Qing Mu as they retreated into the shadows. Nearby, some of the roused guests had varied reactions. Some women shrieked, their voices echoing sharply against the backdrop of the rainy night. Wang Xuan had no time for exnations. His keen senses detected several intruders in the manor. He and Qing Mu proceeded stealthily, their hefty cannon in tow, ready to face any potential Master-level threats. But their caution might have been misced. Despite its rapid advancement, the New Arts did not boast many Grandmasters. The losses they suffered on the Pamir teau were still fresh wounds. It was unlikely that the top figure from the New Arts faction, visiting this oldnd, would be apanied by another Master. Such high-profilepanionship would be too conspicuous, drawing unnecessary attention. Soon after, Wang Xuan gave Qing Mu the nod. They aimed their cannon at a wall, and with a resounding explosion, both the wall and the figure lurking behind it were obliterated. The vicinity was now fully alert. Many peered out, horror evident on their faces as they took in the scene of devastation. While the rain diluted the blood, bones littered the courtyard. It was clear that nobody in the manor would be sleeping soundly for the remainder of the night. Zhong Qing rose to her feet and cautiously cracked open a window, only to see two figures stealthily approaching. Her eyes widened in disbelief upon spotting Wang Xuan carrying an incredibly heavy energy cannon. "I''ll go check it out!" dered an elder who had mastered the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique, preparing to investigate. However, no sooner had he dashed out than he hastily retreated. Wang Xuan and Qing Mu had directed their firepower at the wall near him, mistaking it for an attack aimed at him. With a thunderous st, the entire wall crumbled, revealing a bloodied man in histe forties, exuding immense strength. His special armor was shattered. Though he hadn¡¯t been directly hit by the energy beam, a ncing blow had rendered one arm useless, and the exploding wall had thrown him off bnce. With a swift lift of his head, he lunged toward Wang Xuan and Qing Mu, intent on attack. Unfortunately, dazed by the shockwave and his senses dulled, he didn¡¯t notice the estate¡¯s defense system activating. Energy bullets struck him, rendering his body rigid. Boom! Wang Xuan and Qing Mu fired their energy cannons again, hitting him squarely this time. He disintegrated instantly, bursting into pieces. The elder practicing Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique turned and left without uttering a word, hurrying back to Zhong Qing. His scalp tingled with unease. The man who had just perished was at least a quasi-grandmaster, yet he had been obliterated so effortlessly. ¡­¡­ Zhong Qing stifled a scream, her eyes wide in disbelief. The two men had unleashed chaos mere feet from her. The remnants of an arm ¨C likely from some high-ranking figure ¨C had mmed against her window, shattering it. Specks of blood were everywhere, with several droplets even staining her face. In the eerie silence of the night, this macabre event left her pale and shaken. Byparison, the horror films she often watched felt like light-hearted roms. "It''s fine, just go back to sleep!" Wang Xuan called out, retreating with Qing Mu. As they disappeared into the shadows, he cheekily added, "Sorry for the ruckus, goodnight!" But who could possibly return to slumber now? An exasperated Zhong Qing nced down, watching as the severed arm thudded onto her floor, blood oozing around it. Paired with Wang Xuan''s sarcastic ''goodnight'', she nearly let out a shriek. ..... As they proceeded, a shadowy assant lunged at Wang Xuan and Qing Mu without warning. With impressive agility, he disarmed Qing Mu, sending the heavy cannon flying. His knife shimmered threateningly, its glint especially prominent amidst intermittent lightning shes. Wang Xuan realized a confrontation was unavoidable. No matter how sharp his senses were, detecting every single intruder in the vast manor was improbable. Without hesitating, he hoisted his enormous cannon, charging at the attacker. In a swift motion, he swung it with all his might. The attacker''s de met the cannon with a brilliant sh. But with unmatched skill, he parried, redirecting the weapon into a nearby wall and causing a ssh of water. "Qing Mu, find cover! I''ve got this!" Wang Xuan ordered. He recognized the significance of this battle, especially given that his foe was donned in a state-of-the-art suit of armor. Qing Mu showed no hesitation as he vanished from sight. The figure in his armor approached silently with steady steps. He was like a phantom in the dead of night. He raised an arm, and conjured a golden spear out of thin air. With a sudden lunge, he drove his spear at Wang Xuan. Golden light sliced through the darkness of the night like a sh of lightning. The spear strike was quick and deadly. White mist emanated from its tip, a sign of its sheer power that was able to evaporate the raindrops around it. Wang Xuan dodged to a side, narrowly avoiding the deadly attract that punched through the trunk of a thick tree right behind him. With a loud crack, the bark exploded into many little splinters. The tree fell upon a house next door with a deafening rumble. As he stood in the rain, ring at his opponent, Wang Xuan could tell that he was facing someone dangerous. His opponent was someone who was just a small gap away from being a Master. Armed with his super-material armor, the man was deadly. A strike from his transmaterial enhanced attack would be able to shatter the flesh and bones of a human being with ease. The figure red at him through the slit of his helmet, still standing in silence. Boom! With a sudden moment, the armored figure leapt at him andnded with a loud boom, sshing muddied water everywhere. His movements were quick when heunched his next series of lunges with his golden spear. Wang Xuan knew that he would be gone even if one of these attacks grazed his flesh. He was quick on his feet, avoiding the attacks as he sought an opening. Should I fight him just like how Old Chen did? Do I just chip away at his armor bit by bit before finishing him off with one devastating blow? Despite those thoughts, Wang Xuan knew that time was not on his side. This was not the only opponent he would be facing on this rainy night. Many more were waiting for their chance to strike. They had him surrounded. Thunk! As Wang Xuan swiftly sidestepped, the gleaming golden spear embedded itself in the courtyard wall behind him. With a slight tremor, the solid wall shattered explosively. The sheer power on disy was both domineering and terrifying. Wang Xuan decided it was time to make a bold move; there was simply no time left. The man before him was almost a Master in skill, and with the added advantage of the advanced armor he wore, hisbat capabilities surged considerably. He was stuck between a rock and a hard ce. Should one or two more of such opponents appear, Wang Xuan would be cornered. Escape would be his only chance of survival in such a scenario. Taking a deep breath, Wang Xuan''s internal organs pulsed rhythmically. The faint sound of thunder echoed from within him, mirroring the lightning above. From his pores emanated a soft luminance. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan activated Zhang Daoling''s technique. So far, he had mastered the first three diagrams from the first page of the golden tome. As his adversary lunged forward with the golden spear again, the surroundings were illuminated brilliantly, turning the rainy night dazzling. Despite the pouring rain, the air around them was supercharged with raw energy. The houses in the spear''s trajectory copsed due to the shockwaves. Evading the tip of the spear, Wang Xuan lunged at the man''s chest, aiming to use Zhang Daoling''s technique to pierce through the armor and neutralize its source of power. However, his opponent was no amateur. Reacting quickly, the golden spear retracted, melding into his fist which then burst with sunlight-intense brilliance, shing with Wang Xuan''s palm. The opponent forced a direct confrontation, proving his seasoned expertise. But Wang Xuan, undeterred, channeled the power from the golden tome. His internal organs illuminated his chest, as a formidable energy circted throughout his body, converging on his palm. Crack! A deafening explosion sounded in mid-air, as blinding beams erupted between their shing fists, lighting up the vicinity. This was a manifestation of their raw, tangible energy. The realization hit the attacker hard. Despite his advanced armor, equivalent to the prowess of a Master, he was unable to overpower the mere mortal standing before him. The surprise was evident on his face. Taking advantage of the moment, Wang Xuan lunged with swift blows. His chest pulsed intensely, as if on the brink of explosion. He drew upon the formidable energy from the first page of the golden book, unleashing a torrent of power. The ensuing sh was epic. Luminescent streaks spiraled around Wang Xuan, looking like bolts of lightning wrapping him. They fought fiercely, blow for blow. Crack! Finally, the sound Wang Xuan had been waiting for rang out. All his strikes had targeted a single spot on the attacker''s chest, and the armor shattered. There was a resounding bang as the sophisticated armor splintered into pieces. Amidst the downpour, the fragments flew in all directions, glittering like shimmering petals in the wind. Wang Xuan felt his chest burning with intensity. The secret technique, bestowed by Zhang, was a marvel but equally taxing. It wasn''t something the average person could harness. Considering Wang Xuan''s profound Inner Scenery training, this power was extraordinary. A novice would likely have been consumed by such force. Pushing his surging emotions aside, heunched himself at the quasi-Master. The man''s shock was palpable. His once-unbreakable armory shattered. But now wasn''t the time for shock. The two threw themselves into a desperate battle. Their intensebat tore down several walls and smashed through buildings. As a bolt of lightning illuminated the stormy night, spectators gazed on,pletely captivated by the unfolding drama. Wang Xuan''s foot mmed onto the ground, propelling him forward as he spun, kicking the quasi-Master into the air. The sheer force of the move left the man''s chest caved in, likely damaging his internal organs. As Wang Xuan retracted his leg, he soared upward,unching a punch that went straight through the descending figure. Tonight, mercy wasn''t in Wang Xuan''s vocabry. The aftermath was grisly ¨C blood spattered everywhere, and the man''s torso was obliterated. As thest streak of lightning vanished, spectators saw Wang Xuannd gracefully, his eyes piercing through the rain-drenched night. Without even ncing at the fallen body, he moved forward with purpose. "That''s got to be the same Little Wang that Chen Yongjie talked about after the battle at Pamir teau," Old Wu whispered from a rooftop, clearly awed. "He just took down a quasi-Master in that advanced armor!" "He''s practically defeated a Master! And he''s only in his twenties," Big Wu eximed, standing beside him. "How can someone so young master such ancient techniques?" In the enveloping darkness, many watched, sharing the same shock. "Before we know it, he''ll be a full-fledged Master. It''s hard to believe given his age," the elder from the Zhong family murmured, known for his expertise in the Serpent Crane style. Earlier, Zhong Qing, despite being sshed with blood, hadposed herself. She now stood beside the elder, her gaze fixed on the distant storm, sharing his astonishment. Her younger brother, Zhong Cheng, eyes shining with admiration, added, "I never realized he was this formidable. He must''ve been holding back all along. Soon, he''ll earn the title of Master Wang." Chapter 87: Myth Chapter 87: Myth The rain poured down without respite, asional shes of lightning momentarily brightening the vast manor. On many of the taller buildings, windows creaked open. Their upants, robbed of sleep, gazed out into the tempestuous night, their minds on the brink of anticipation, waiting for a battle that could erupt at any moment. What they did not know was that, hidden behind the manor, an even more intense duel was unfolding between Chen Yongjie and the foremost figure from the New Arts. Every now and then, streaks of sword light would pierce the night. To the casual observer, these seemed like regr shes of lightning, their deadly intent cloaked by the storm. The sh of swordsbined with fiery explosions created a mesmerizing disy of lights, almost making the rain around them evaporate. A thick white mist enveloped the scene, transforming it into a mythical battleground above the clouds. Suddenly, the blonde elder, armored in what looked like bronze but was in fact a superior material, paused, hovering in mid-air. "Should we call it quits?" he suggested. Old Chen, with his unyielding gaze, stayed rooted to the spot, his dark sword unwavering and aimed at his opponent. The elder tried to reason, his voice heavy with urgency, "Once we showcase our true powers, we''ll be targets. We risk constant surveince, even attracting high-powered weapons aimed at us. If we be more potent, we might need to disclose our every move, losing our autonomy. Let''s just walk away now, as if this never happened." "You started this. You wanted me dead," Old Chen responded sharply. In an attempt to cate his opponent, the elder said, "Misunderstandings can be put behind us. Both the New Arts and Old Arts can coexist. We both have potential. There are boundless opportunities ahead. It''s unwise to be the focus of elites, agencies, and big organizations. We should explore the vastness of space, its enigmas, and uncharted worlds together. Gods and immortals aren''t far-fetched dreams for us. We can make them a reality." Old Chen shot back, "Your words are seductive. But, with my spiritual insight, I sense your hidden malice. What are you really getting at?" The blond elder released a weary sigh. The situation would have been simpler if he had seeded in eliminating Chen Yongjie, thus keeping himself as the sole paragon. Deep down, he genuinely believed in his words about not revealing their full might prematurely, to avoid drawing unwanted attention. To many, he was seen as the pinnacle among Grandmasters. Two years prior, in a bid to transcend his limitations, he had depleted a vast amount of his life force. Yet, he faltered, dimming his hopes of ever reaching the extraordinary realm in this lifetime. Now, with Chen Yongjie not only surviving but potentially exceeding his own power, secrecy became more crucial. Eliminating him appeared to be the most prudent choice. However, the challenge was immense. Recently, relics unearthed from an enigmatd held almost mythical properties. By harnessing them, he felt he stood peerless among all cultivators. With enough time, perhaps centuries, he believed he would even draw close to divinity. Chen Yongjie''s survival and subsequent ascension presented an unforeseenplication in his calctions. During the skirmish at Pamir teau, while he remained behind the scenes, Chen Yongjie had dispatched three Grandmasters. The confrontation had been fierce and, to his expectation, had left Old Chen seemingly dead. But Old Chen had defied those odds, not only emerging alive but also breaching into the extraordinary realm. This sparked unease. The blond elder mused, "Every man has his limits. I''ve contemted every scenario. By all logic, you should no longer be alive. Yet here you stand, suggesting you''ve stumbled upon something legendary, perhaps linked to the tales of immortals and gods, unlocking a mysterious force akin to my own discovery." Chen replied with a chilling edge, "With all you''ve revealed, it''s clear that only one of us can leave with the secret intact." Without warning, silver wings unfurled from Old Chen''s back ¡ª a marvel of Wu family''stest tech ¡ª propelling him with astonishing speed towards his airborne foe. As he advanced, a brilliant aura burst from his core, enveloping him, increasing his velocity even further. The rain-soaked night was momentarily illuminated as Chen Yongjie lunged forward, his sword carving a radiant streak across the darkness. Shock shed in the blond elder''s eyes. Caught off guard, he quickly drew his broadsword to parry Old Chen''s attack. With a precise tap from Old Chen''s left hand, the metal of the broadsword shattered, the deafening sound echoing in the stillness. As Old Chen readied another strike with his sleek ck longsword, a dazzling silver de unexpectedly emerged from the fragments of the elder''s broadsword. The swift, divine sword was aimed straight for Old Chen''s forehead. Old Chen was momentarily taken aback, not only by the hidden de within the broadsword but also by the elder''s chillingly adept swordsmanship. The brilliance of the de was as threatening as any fireball Old Chen had encountered. Clearly, this had been a trap set by the elder. Indeed, as the silver de''s glow intensified, the elder''s faux shock melted away, reced by a cold, calcting determination. Skillfully evading Old Chen''s ck longsword, the elder''s divine de skimmed past, leaving a shallow gash on Old Chen''s forehead. Blood trickled down, a mark left by the sword''s fierce aura. If not for the surge of electric energy from Old Chen''s chest, deflecting the de''s energy, he might''ve faced a lethal blow. Narrowly evading a deeper cut, Old Chen felt a strand of his hair get sliced off, and a slight nick on his scalp. Anger bubbled within Old Chen. Creating some distance, he leveled a steely gaze at the blond elder, his ck sword brimming with raw energy. Yet, he soon reigned in his emotions. He couldn''t afford to let anger cloud his judgment. With steely resolve, he readied himself, preparing for the next round of the duel. ¡­¡­ In the midst of the battle, Chen Randeng found himself reflecting on recent arrogance. "I''ve been too presumptuoustely, even using the name ''Chen Randeng'' to address myself," he thought, recalling his past alias, which means "burningmp" in English. "It led to my current predicament. I should be called ''Chen Mingtu'' instead, setting a more distant, more challenging goal for myself." And with that, he charged forward once more, knowing full well that only one would leave the battlefield standing. Their swords shed with a resonant ng. The 1.5m ck sword in Old Chen''s hand collided with the elder''s slightly shorter, radiant silver de. Sparks flew and brilliant lights red, weaving together like intertwining lightning bolts. Old Chen felt confident that his adversary''s weapon was of a caliber equal to his own legendary de. "Chen Yongjie," the blond elder dered with gravity, using Old Chen''s full name, "It''s not just you who possesses a mythical weapon. I too am favored by the heavens, blessed with the strongest of secret arts. It''s a tragedy that one of us has to fall today, but fate is often ruthless. Let''s give it our all!" Lifting his shimmering sword, heunched himself at Old Chen. ... Elsewhere, under the curtain of rain, Wang Xuan moved silently through the estate, steadily approaching a target. His adversary noticed him, advancing under the weight of the downpour. Wang Xuan''s clothes clung to him, soaked through, as raindrops slid off his face. A soft, golden glow flickered in his eyes. Now that he had fully unveiled his strength, some traits of his ''Golden Body Technique'' started to manifest. These traits were subtle in the dark, but Wang Xuan no longer cared about keeping them hidden. With life and death hanging in the bnce, he could afford no distractions. After a moment to recalibrate, the heat from his body subsided. He stood still, focusing intently on the approaching figure. Another quasi-Master, wearing that otherworldly armor, approached. The armor emitted a faint red glow, guarding its wearer securely. The top figure from the New Arts faction had arrived in the Old World. To avoid drawing too much attention, he had not brought true Master-level warriors with him. Instead, he was apanied by several quasi-Masters. Wang Xuan''s gaze was deep and resolute. The past battles yed in his mind, reminding him of his recent triumph over a simr foe. He braced himself, preparing to unleash Zhang Daoling''s powerful martial technique once more. In desperate times, he had to go all out, or risk being overwhelmed by an enemy encased in that fearsome ultra-material armor. Zhang Daoling''s ancient technique had unparalleled strength, and while it took a toll on Wang Xuan at his current stage, it was his trump card against any Master-level opponent. His adversary''s ultra-material armor made them as formidable as a true Master. Given Wang Xuan''s current limitations, he knew he had tobine the techniques inscribed on the first page of the Golden Book to prate such resilient armor. Wang Xuan felt a faint glow emanating from within him as the enemy swiftly closed in. As he steeled himself for another battle against a Master-ss foe, a sudden chill ran down his spine, sensing another looming threat. From behind, another figure emerged from the heavy rain, also donning the ultra-material armor, its dark green metallic sheen glistening in the dim light. He found himself trapped, sandwiched between two formidable warriors, a deadly pincer attack. Wang Xuan''s heart sank. This was the worst possible scenario. A duel against two opponents of Master caliber was a life-threatening situation. It seemed that Old Chen''s warning had been prophetic; tonight, Wang Xuan was truly in a battle for his life. In quiet contemtion, Wang Xuan assessed his condition. Using the three techniques from the Golden Book consecutively to breach the armor would leave him severely drained. Following that with a triple strike would likely injure him, possibly beyond his body''s endurance. "After executing the triple strike, I''d need at least a half-minute break before I can use the techniques again," he thought, "otherwise, my body might break down entirely." This was Wang Xuan''s assessment, implying that after shattering the first ultra-material armor, he might not have the time to finish off its wearer. He would need to prioritize self-preservation, requiring a pause of over thirty seconds before targeting the second armored foe. In a split-second decision, Wang Xuan sprinted forward, directing his attack at the adversary donning the dark red armor, seeking to widen the distance from the pursuer behind him. All around, many onlookers from the surrounding courtyards were observing the battle discreetly. They were all taken aback, feeling the sheer intensity and determination radiating from Wang Xuan. With a sharp sound, the veteran warrior in the dark red armor made his move. Instead of evading Wang Xuan''s onught, he activated his palm, from which a chain burst forth, glowing with a crimson hue, aiming to bind Wang Xuan. The warrior''s strategy was clear: he aimed to restrain Wang Xuan, buying time for his ally to arrive and jointly eliminate this formidable young man. But Wang Xuan maneuvered strategically, allowing the chain to wrap around his torso while keeping his arms free. He was already intent on closing the gap. His fists glowed, pounding relentlessly towards his opponent. The two engaged in fierce close-quartersbat. Soon enough, Wang Xuan unleashed the techniques inscribed in the three diagrams, and with a resounding boom, he shattered the opponent''s armor to pieces. "It''s horrifying! He shattered the ultra-material armor barehanded. What level of martial art is he demonstrating?" Many were in awe. "It bears a resemnce to the esoteric techniques of the Taoist ancestral lineage. Yet, there are differences¡ªit''s familiar but distinct," whispered the elder next to Zhong Qing, known for mastering the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique, with astonishment evident in his voice. To him, no one of this age could possibly master the esoteric techniques passed down from the Taoist ancestral lineage. Even Chen Yongjie had injured his internal organs when he forcefully practiced it in his youth. After the ultra-material armor shattered, the crimson chain that had bound Wang Xuan disintegrated and vanished from his body. As he exchanged onest blow with his opponent, Wang Xuan used the force to leap into the air, attempting to disappear into the darkness and momentarily evade the other formidable foe wearing ultra-material armor. Suddenly, sharp pricks of pain erupted at multiple points on his body. He immediately realized he was being targeted by a firearm; someone was attempting to assassinate him! But he was mid-air, with no solid ground for leverage. There was no way to dodge! Gritting his teeth, his eyes shone with a golden light. He had no choice but to brace for the impact. From a nearby window, the dark muzzle of a gun protruded. This wasn''t a new enemy; it was a guest who had been present from the beginning, now preparing to pull the trigger on him. What provided Wang Xuan with a sliver of reassurance was that, although he felt pain in various parts of his body, it wasn''t the piercing agony he had expected. He believed he could withstand it. For a long time, he had been diligently cultivating his "Golden Body Technique", elevating it to the sixth level. Now was the time to put it to the test! At the same time, his gaze was fierce, and a surge of murderous intent bubbled within him. In this critical moment, one of the original guests was attempting to shoot him. This betrayal angered him even more than the two foes behind him. He was determined to eliminate this traitor! Chapter 88: Times Have Changed Chapter 88: Times Have Changed Amid the echoing gunfire, Wang Xuan was hit multiple times¡ªin his chest, neck, and both legs. He should have taken a bullet to the forehead too, but in mid-air, he twisted his head as best he could, narrowly evading the bullet aimed at it. Time seemed to stand still. Everyone saw Wang Xuan''s body shivering in mid-air. Those with experience knew he had been shot, and repeatedly at that. They could see that his body was being riddled with bullets. Wu Yin turned her head away, unable to bear the sight of such brutality. Old Wu sighed softly upon seeing Wang Xuan lose his bnce and start plummeting to the ground after being shot repeatedly. From a neighboring courtyard, a middle-aged man standing by a window remarked, "In the end, we live in a technologically advanced era. No matter how proficient one bes in the Old Arts, they cannot withstand the onught of modern weaponry." At that moment, many gasped in shock, feeling sorrow for Wang Xuan. How could such a powerful young practitioner of Old Arts be taken down by surprise gunfire in this manner? Others, however, watched silently in the rain-soaked night. To them, the oue was only to be expected. Times have changed; the Old Arts, no matter how masterfully executed, cannotpete with modern weaponry. To some, it mirrored the earlier scene where Wang Xuan and Qing Mu wielded energy cannons, annihting several foes with ease. Both the New and Old Arts were overshadowed by modern weaponry. Someone calmly remarked, "In this age, what does individual power really amount to?" Representatives from various powerful organizations were present, watching from a distance. While some felt sympathy for Wang Xuan, they believed this to be the inevitable trend of the future. In this era, nothing could challenge the might of technology and the entrenched position of the financial elites. After Wang Xuan hit the ground, hey still for a moment. Pain shot throughout his body, but it was not severe. The bullets had only prated less than half a centimeter into his flesh. With a slight effort, he expelled the bullets from his neck, chest, and thighs. As the bullets left his body, trickles of blood appeared on his skin. These were not high-powered weapons designed to cause maximum harm. Such weapons were not allowed in the manor. Instead, these were hastily assembled conventional firearms, which posed little real threat to someone of Wang Xuan''s caliber. "It seems I really need to keep honing my Golden Body Technique," Wang Xuan mused, pretending to be dead, seizing every opportunity to buy time for his overheated body to recover. Many sighed with regret as they watched him lying lifelessly on the ground. "Someone among the guests dared to make such a treacherous move. We must find and punish them!" shouted an individual practicing the Old Arts, leading a group towards the tower from where the gunshot hade. "Had he not leapt into the air at that moment, he might have been able to dodge those bullets in advance given his capabilities" anothermented. A member of the financial elite, standing amidst the rain,mented coolly after witnessing the entire scene, "This is ultimately the age of technology. Regardless of the art one practices, it remains merely an ''art'' and can never rise to the level of a ''path.'' Technology is the supreme path, and it''s firmly in our grasp." ¡­¡­ During this time, Qing Mu had reached out to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild and had a small gunship on standby at a distance, ready to strike hard and eliminate the top figure of the New Arts. Heid in ambush, quietly waiting for the perfect opportunity to deliver a fatal blow that would knock out the blonde-haired elder. With enemies already at their doorstep, Qing Mu could no longer afford to y by the rules. He was resolved to use any means necessary to send the blonde-haired figure of the New Arts faction to his end. However, as time passed, he noticed that his master and the blonde-haired elder were deeply engrossed inbat. He hesitated to fire off a shot from his energy cannon, fearing he might hurt his own master in the process. "What? Wang Xuan was shot?" Upon receiving this unexpected news, Qing Mu felt the veins of his head bulging. If Wang Xuan died, even killing the top figure of the New Arts could not make up for the great loss. "Didn''t we thoroughly inspect every guest entering? We prohibited any lethal weapons!" Qing Mu''s eyes zed with fury. Learning that it wasn''t an energy weapon but a hastily assembled firearm gave Qing Mu a momentary relief. He was aware that Wang Xuan had cultivated his Golden Body technique to the sixthyer. In Master Chen''s sickroom, Qing Mu had witnessed Wang Xuan''s skin peeling multiple times, a sight that filled him with envy back then. "Demolish that tower!" Qing Mumanded with murderous intent. This would definitely end the attacker¡¯s life. But in the very next moment, he collected himself. Recalling that representatives from various factions were residing there, and wanting to avoid a massivemotion or a potential stampede, he quickly changed his orders. "Let''s not create a scene. Seal that ce off. Shoot them, but not to kill. We''ll investigate this thoroughlyter!" ¡­¡­ Only when the two formidable foes closed in did Wang Xuan abruptly rise. He rushed toward a tower, the very source of the bullets. It wasn''t new adversaries that posed the threat; an earlier guest had chosen this pivotal moment to betray him. This treachery kindled an intense fury within Wang Xuan,pelling him to prioritize this traitor above all. For the next half-minute, he could not employ the techniques from the golden book. This assant, however, seemed to be the perfect opponent to engage in the meantime. ¡°He survived multiple gunshot wounds and is still alive?¡± Zhong Cheng eximed, his disbelief palpable. Beside his sister, the elder who had mastered the "Snake Crane Hands" technique whispered with awe, ¡°What kind of art has he cultivated? Is it a secret method from Taoist ancestry or has he achieved the revered Buddhist ''Vajra Body''? How can he withstand such firepower?¡± Suddenly, Wang Xuan sprang into action, darting toward the tower with a fierce determination that stunned onlookers. This disy was extraordinary, especially to the contemporary audience. ¡°He was shot multiple times and yet he lives?¡± Faces shrouded in the rain mirrored disbelief and amazement. Old Wu pondered deeply, considering the depth of Wang Xuan''s mastery over Old Arts. ¡°Wang Xuan''s resilience is nothing short of miraculous,¡± Wu Yin mused, her expression osciting between astonishment and admiration. In a distant courtyard, an elder remarked with a hint of reservation, ¡°He has seemingly advanced his Old Arts to a point where he''s impervious to conventional firearms. If he continues to soar at this rate, he could indeed be a formidable force. Such individuals warrant close monitoring and perhaps even regtion.¡± Wang Xuan charged forward, raindrops blurring his silhouette. His eyes, a cool shade of molten gold, simmered with fury and intent. With every step, he deftly dodged the rain of bullets. Reaching the tower, he darted, avoiding any windows. In an agile move, he smashed the wall with a powerful strike of his palm, making a grand entrance. Inside, two startled faces met his gaze. Their pale expressions spoke of pure terror, realizing they were up against someone seemingly impervious to bullets. Before the first assant could react, Wang Xuan was on him, disabling him with brutal efficiency. The other man¡¯s arm, which was poised to fire, was shattered in a swift kick by Wang Xuan. A barrage of blows soon rendered him equally defenseless. Having neutralized the threat, Wang Xuan refrained from delivering the killing blow, opting instead to interrogate themter. But his brief respite was interrupted as two formidable adversaries entered through the breach in the wall. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan vaulted through a window, melting once more into the rainy canvas beyond. His agility was staggering; the anticipated thirty seconds had barely psed. Behind him, his relentless pursuers pressed on, their deadly intent clear. There was a silent understanding between them; if they didn¡¯t incapacitate Wang Xuan now, he might soon evolve into a legendary master. From afar, allies rushed to Wang Xuan''s aid, ready to support their seemingly undefeatablerade. However, Wang Xuan quickly signaled them, "Stay back! Deal with those snipers in the tower." He recognized the reality. The Old Arts practitioner, despite their skills, would be swiftly outmatched against these technologically advanced adversaries armed with their transmaterial armor and were in the Grandmaster realm. In recent times, the realm of Old Arts had seen a decline. Those who have reached the stage of Masters were rare, let alone those that were able to achieve the title of Grandmaster. The path was fraught with challenges. Legends spoke of hidden routes and celestial elixirs. But once these avenues vanished, the Old Arts lost their transcendental qualities. This decline became more evident in an era of rapid modernization. Conversely, the New Arts flourished, notably because they held the promise of extending one''s life. This potential attracted the attention of wealthy conglomerates, resulting in coborative endeavors, such as the development of the advanced armor made of super-material. The benefits of pouring resources into the New Arts were clear. Hence, practitioners of the New Arts were wary of Chen Yongjie''s breakthrough. They plotted to exploit his internal vulnerabilities at Pamir teau, hoping to forever bury the Old Arts. Wang Xuan melded into the shadows, with two formidable foes hot on his trail. Suddenly, a silhouette ahead halted and turned to face the pursuers. As raindrops sttered around him, his breath misted the air, and his chest heaved from exhaustion. The two approached slowly but with purpose. Each step resonated, echoing a distinct rhythm. They moved with caution, knowing full well they had to give it their all to subdue the young prodigy, given Wang Xuan''s astonishing prowess. The figure d in the transmaterial armor advanced, enveloped in dark green metal. He brandished a glowing green de, shing it towards Wang Xuan. This weapon, formed from transmaterial, emitted a formidable aura. As it swung through the rain, droplets evaporated, leaving a trail of mist in its wake. As Wang Xuan sidestepped, he lunged forward with a surge of power aimed at his opponent''s forehead. His body resonated with an internal harmony, and a faint luminescence seeped from his pores. He invoked the martial techniques inscribed in the golden book, determined to shatter the adversary''s dark green armor in one fell swoop. However, his opponent avoided direct confrontation. Even when they had the upper hand, the two elite warriors retreated to avoid the brunt of Wang Xuan''s charge and refrained from closebat. Wang Xuan quickly diffused his internal power, cooling down his body and silencing the rumble within. But in an instant, the two adversaries pounced back, unleashing a torrential onught. Boom! The shimmering green de seemed to break the sound barrier, causing a massive air explosion around it. The air turned white, and the de''s luminance intensified as it consistently aimed for Wang Xuan. He remained undeterred, recognizing he faced two battle-hardened foes with a keen sense of strategy. They were fully aware of the potency of his martial techniques. Every time he invoked Zhang Daoling''s techniques, they evaded. But the moment he dissipated his energy, they retaliated with relentless fervor! Wang Xuan dodged with unmatched speed, but even with his prowess, he found himself cornered under the relentless assault of the master-level warriors. A glint of the de grazed his arm, and blood spurted out, leaving a deep gash. However, this scene shocked the figure d in the super-material armor. He recognized the devastating power of a master''s de. If it had been him receiving that strike, his arm would''ve been rendered useless. Yet, Wang Xuan''s forearm vibrated intensely, seemingly stopping the de''s momentum, resulting only in a bloody wound, not a debilitating injury. "Golden Body Technique!" he realized in an instant. His gaze shifted, acknowledging the depth of Wang Xuan''s mastery in ancient martial arts. At such a young age, Wang Xuan had cultivated a defensive technique that usually required decades to achieve! Could it be that Wang Xuan had discovered a secret path in the realm of ancient martial arts? The thought weighed heavily on him. Those who walked the path of modern techniques coveted the golden bamboo slips precisely because they were eager to uncover legendary secrets like Inner Landscape. Chapter 89: A Night Of Spilled Blood Chapter 89: A Night Of Spilled Blood The armorless quasi-Master poured all his might into the battle, persistentlyunching attacks. Seizing an opportunity, he delivered a powerful palm strike to Wang Xuan''s shoulder. However, instead of inflicting damage, his own palm tingled and numbed, leaving him in utter shock. It was a strike that could easily shatter a mountain boulder weighing a ton or two. Had it been someone else, they would have been obliterated. But Wang Xuan merely stumbled back, while the attacker''s palm throbbed with pain. The twobatants exchanged nces, wordlessly understanding the weight of their current situation. Tonight, they had two options: either capture this young man and extract the incredible secret he possessed or kill him outright. They had to ensure that he would never be a threat to the New Arts. For they began to specte: Wang Xuan might have discovered a secretive path within the realm of Old Arts. If he survived tonight''s ordeal, there was no telling the heights he might reach in the future. He was a significant threat to the New Arts. Wang Xuan narrowly escaped death, relentlessly pressured by the individual d in the super-material armor. He was essentially dueling a master-level adversary. His arms trembled from the impact of the blows. Had it not been for his Golden Body Technique, he might have already been cleaved apart by the enemy. Despite his resilience, several gruesome wounds appeared on his body, with blood profusely streaming out. Suddenly, seizing an opportunity and invoking Zhang Daoling''s martial technique, Wang Xuannded a fierce punch on the shoulder of the man adorned in the dark green metallic armor. However, as he took the advantage, Wang Xuan was suddenly struck in the back by the other quasi-Master, using his most domineering and signature fist imprint. Wang Xuan was sent hurtling through the air. The quasi-Master watched with an icy stare, feeling confident in capturing Wang Xuan that night. Without the protection of his Golden Body Technique, Wang Xuan would''ve been impaled by that very punch. His organs might''ve been torn apart. Even with his defenses, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Quickly regaining his stance, his eyes shed with cold determination. He was up against two exceptionally skilled and wily opponents, making this fight an uphill battle. But with unwavering focus, Wang Xuan targeted the injury he had inflicted on his opponent¡¯s shoulder earlier. If one strike could damage it, he reasoned, sessive blows might break through entirely. By this point, the stakes were clear: he was literally fighting for his life. In one particrly close call, the shimmering green de narrowly missed his head, shing across his shoulder and leaving a gory wound in its wake. With a thunderous sh, Wang Xuan''s hand met the armored assant''s in a head-on collision. Blood seeped through the gaps between his fingers, his knuckles split open, and his arm numbed. Only his Golden Body Technique enabled him to withstand such a blow. Any other quasi-Master might''ve had their entire hand blown apart. As the sh reverberated, Wang Xuan took two fierce punches from the other quasi-Master, making his body quake. Yet, in the midst of their brutal exchange, he managed to grab the armored assant''s arm, pulling him in close and unleashing the full power of the martial techniques from the golden scripture. With a deafening crash, hended several heavy blows, causing the armor to fracture and eventually shatter. Capitalizing on this, he delivered a soaring kick, sending the armored foe flying through the air, blood spurting from his mouth. ¡­¡­ Inside the mansion grounds, numerous spectators watched the battle unfold. Although the downpour hindered most of their views, the disintegration of the super-material armor, illuminated by asional shes of lightning, was clear for everyone to witness, leaving them in utter shock. "It''s truly astounding. That''s a newly-developed transmaterial armor, touted for its immense power. And yet, it was shattered, not once but repeatedly, by bare hands!" one elder eximed. Another mused, "To cultivate the ancient techniques to such a level is truly rare. Even in death, Grandmaster Chen can rest in peace knowing this." A bystander gently corrected, "Grandmaster Chen is still in the infirmary. He hasn¡¯t passed away." ... Wang Xuan quickly deactivated his special power, trying to soothe his boiling blood and cool his overheated body. But in that very moment, he sensed the overwhelming threat of death. Emerging from the rain was a figure exuding boundless murderous intent. A sense of despair overtook Wang Xuan. Another figure d in the super-material armor was approaching. "How many of them are there? Will this ever end?" he thought. Standing in the pouring rain, he panted heavily, realizing he was surrounded. Among the two quasi-masters who had lost their armors, one was critically injured by Wang Xuan¡¯s kick, but it was clear he could still fight. Alongside his counterpart, they blocked Wang Xuan''s escape routes. "Why are you here?" The armorless quasi-masters were equally surprised upon recognizing the neer. "Our ship was destroyed!" The newly arrived figure''s voice was filled with anger, amplifying his already terrifying killing intent. Earlier, Qing Mu had coborated with allies from An City to locate a small spacecraft on the outskirts. He deduced it was the vessel that brought the New Arts practitioners. Upon confirmation, he acted swiftly to obliterate the spacecraft. Amid the tempest, most mistook the resultant explosion for thunder. The armored man, however, had seen it all, and his heart went cold. Originally positioned outside the mansion for support, his grief and fury propelled him into the fray. Among those who perished in the explosion were his cherished nephew and a dear friend. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, the armored man was poised for revenge. With Wang Xuan cornered, the triounched a relentless assault, showing him no mercy or respite. Wang Xuan, his lips stained with his blood, faced his attackers with a steely gaze. This was undeniably his most dangerous battle yet, with the shadow of death looming close. He silently cursed Master Zhang''s technique. Once activated, he could not employ its mysterious power immediately, lest it consume him. Evading the armored adversary''s continuous strikes, Wang Xuan fiercely engaged with the two quasi-Masters, striving to find an escape route. He knew that remaining cornered would lead to a grim fate. Yet, his efforts to break free were consistently thwarted. The trio seemed unstoppable, expertly pinning him down. The limited arena and inevitable collisions with the armored adversary exacerbated Wang Xuan''s predicament. Agony surged through Wang Xuan''s wounded hands. Blood streamed from the gashes between his fingers, symbolizing the ferocity of the battle. "What''s with him?" The middle-aged man, sheathed in the otherworldly armor, asked the two beside him, bewildered. He was in a state where he could shatter any quasi-master with ease, yet this young man withstood his strikes, only bleeding from his palms. The resilience was almost inconceivable. "He''s either cultivated the Vajra Body or the Gold Body Technique. He''s undoubtedly mastered one of those time-consuming defensive arts. Our spection is that he''s discovered some hidden path," one of the others theorized. Hearing this, the armored master intensified his assault. If they could capture this youth tonight, any losses would be worth it. If not, there was no hesitation ¡ª he would kill. All of this transpired in mere moments, with only about twelve seconds having passed since their fierce confrontation began. Despair sank in Wang Xuan''s heart. He was grievously injured and knew he couldn''t hold out for more than half a minute against theirbined might. Again, hemented the double-edged nature of Master Zhang''s technique. Even if he wanted to bring his enemies down with him, employing the technique now would cause his own body to disintegrate first. Of course, deep down, Wang Xuan realized that the potency of the technique from the five golden pages was just too terrifying for someone of his current level. The fact he could utilize it even briefly was an aplishment in itself. Regardless, he had to endure for at least eighteen seconds. After that time, using Master Zhang''s art wouldn''t lead to his immediate demise, though the repercussions would still be severe. This timeline was the bare minimum he could gamble on. "Wait! I have something to share regarding the Inner Landscape..." Wang Xuan spoke, aiming to buy some time and momentarily divert their focus. The pupils of the trio constricted, their hearts pounding. As they had surmised, this young man harbored monumental secrets that needed unveiling. But then, without warning, the threeunched into a ferocious attack, eager to incapacitate Wang Xuan as swiftly as possible. Wang Xuan felt a rising sense of despair. With anyone else, his mention of the Inner Landscape might have granted him a fleeting distraction, and even a moment of respite. But against these seasoned warriors, his words fell on deaf ears. Their focus remained unyielding. Each passing moment edged him closer to death''s door. Pushed to his limits, Wang Xuan grappled against the triad of elite adversaries. In this high-stakes skirmish, every tick of the clock bore the weight of a lifetime. A resounding impact left Wang Xuan''s palm in tatters. Despite his best efforts to evade the armored figure''s relentless assault, there were moments of inevitable collision. The nails on his right hand were brutally ripped off, adding to the searing pain that consumed him. Every twitch and sensation intensified the agony. Yet, Wang Xuan bore the pain stoically, his resolve unwavering. He knew that his survival hinged on this tenacious battle. Critical spots, like his heart and throat, bore the brunt of the two quasi-Masters'' fury. Although Wang Xuan''s defenses held, preventing fatal injuries, the taste of blood in his mouth bore testimony to the gravity of the onught. Amidst the relentless rain, Zhong Qing turned to the elder by his side, querying, "The transmaterial armor was a recent innovation. Yet, its presence tonight is puzzling. Where was our oversight?" The development of the ultra-material armor had been a coborative effort of several influential ns, with the Zhong family contributing a lion''s share. The elder mused, "I doubt it was inadvertently leaked. The research institute likely distributed a few sets for field testing to the new technique domain. We never anticipated they''d be deployed here." "Should we step in? He might notst much longer," Zhong Cheng suggested. The elder, a master of the Snake Crane technique, gave a rueful shake of his head. "The vigor of youth is often underestimated. Truth be told, I might be outmatched myself. Jumping into the fray now could be a deadly mistake. Those three are too far gone in their bloodlust; even revealing our identities might not deter them." As they exchanged words, precious seconds slipped by. Wang Xuan managed to withstand past the critical eighteen-second mark, advancing to the twenty-second. ng! The armored adversary manifested a de,unching a fierce assault. In a briefpse, Wang Xuan sustained a cut on his neck, blood gushing forth. Yet, his Golden Body Technique''s regenerative prowess kicked in, rapidly sealing the wound. By the twenty-third second, Wang Xuan''s restraint reached its limits. Amidst the pouring rain and roaring thunder, his determination to fight grew fiercer. He readied himself to unleash the formidable techniques from the golden tome. "In this storm, amidst the thunder, it''s the perfect night for a duel!" Wang Xuan''s voice thundered. A palpable aura of intent to kill emanated from him, momentarily staggering the three masters. This brief hesitation allowed the clock to edge towards the twenty-fourth second. With newfound confidence, Wang Xuan felt victory nearing. He believed that using his Triple Technique wouldn''t debilitate him irreparably; a brief rest would rejuvenate him. "I¡¯ll kill you!" With his cry, the threebatantsunched their devastating strikes, determined to cripple or fatally wound Wang Xuan. ¡°Watch out for his unique technique!¡± cautioned the two quasi-Masters. In close quarters, should the armored adversary retreat, Wang Xuan would surely seize the chance to escape, gather himself, and counter-attack. Understanding this, the armored figure steeled himself, positioning to bar Wang Xuan''s way. Wang Xuan¡¯s body hummed, resonating with an internal power. This energy pulsed, illuminating his very pores with a mesmerizing, ethereal glow. Thud! Thud! Thud! Channeling his utmost strength, Wang Xuan fixated on his foe. Amidst the brilliant backdrop of a vast lightning strike, he shattered the man¡¯s protective armor. Grasping his opponent firmly, Wang Xuan, fuelled by the remnants of his power, unleashed a devastating strike. As the lightning''s brilliance dimmed, a chilling scream echoed in the ensuing darkness. The subsequent sh painted a harrowing tableau: Wang Xuan, with razor-sharp precision, had split the man in twain. Casting aside the lifeless form, Wang Xuan shifted his focus to the remaining adversaries. Although he had expended his special energy, confronting two unarmored quasi-Masters hardly intimidated him. The battle intensified. One foe managed tond a punch, but it couldn''t breach Wang Xuan''s Golden Body defense. Conversely, Wang Xuan''s counterstrike effortlessly pierced the man''s torso, rendering him critically wounded. The final quasi-Master, pale with fear, knew further resistance was futile. He chose to flee, realizing a prolonged duel with this formidable force would be his end. The scene was electrifying. The young man, Wang Xuan, had undoubtedly stumbled upon a ndestine technique, and the urgency to convey this revtion was palpable. But Wang Xuan was not one to grant such liberties. In a swift motion, he bridged the ten-meter distance, his features stoic and his intent deadly. Without hesitation, his fist thundered forth. The desperate master attempted a defense, only to witness his hands gruesomely ravaged; skin yed, blood spilling, and several fingers shattered. Harnessing his formidable inner strength, even without resorting to the cryptic maneuvers from the golden scriptures, Wang Xuan dealt a sequence of devastating blows. He fractured the master''s defenses, snapped both arms, and with a conclusive strike to the chest, the master disintegrated into a haze of crimson. Having neutralized the threat, Wang Xuan seamlessly blended into the rainden obscurity, vanishing without a trace. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and an unsettling silence enveloped the surroundings. The spectacle of a young warrior dismantling advanced armors with sheer physical might was an unprecedented sight, deeply etching into the minds of the witnesses. "Is Wang Xuan... on the precipice of ascending to the Master tier?" Wu Yin whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief, grappling with the evening''s extraordinary turn of events. The intense face-off had left many ruminating. A collective realization dawned: they might soon witness the rise of a Master, remarkably, in his early twenties. "Such a prodigious Master has the potential to transcend the mundane, nearing the legendary echelons. How did he achieve this prowess?" Zhong Cheng pondered, visibly awestruck. His gaze sharpened, and turning to his sister, Zhong Qing, he inquired, "Sis, your phot- I mean phone, can I use it for a bit?"
Jimmi''s Thoughts Young Zhong Cheng is up to no good! He''s asking for a smackdown!
Chapter 90: What Will Tomorrow Be Like? Chapter 90: What Will Tomorrow Be Like? "Where''s your phone?" Zhong Qing asked with a knowing smirk, clearly having been through this routine before. Trying to hack into my ount for a transfer? Childish! "I left my phone behind," Zhong Cheng defended, pointing at the rain-veiled horizon. "Earlier, I should have recorded hisbat maneuvers. We could have analyzed and scrutinized his techniquester." He adopted a grave expression, emphasizing, "Individuals like him are exceptionally rare. His fighting style deserves thorough study. And sis, you need to be proactive. If we don''t get him to join your expedition team and Sister Da Wu snatches him up, you''ll regret it. We''re on the cusp of witnessing the emergence of a Grandmaster in his early twenties! Just pondering the implications is overwhelming. Isn''t he precisely the kind of asset we need for our journey into the mysteriousnds?" "Stop it! Don''t you dare call her ''Wu Da Jie'' in front of me. Either address her by her name or call her ''Old Wu''!" Zhong Qing snapped, ring at her brother. She was still rankled by the snide remarks and insinuations made by Wu, particrly the insinuation about her ''impoverishednd bing even more barren''. The mere thought made her blood boil. With a warning nce towards her mischievous brother, signaling him not to snoop around her personal stuff, she reluctantly handed over her phone. ¡­¡­ Hidden within the veil of the rain, Wang Xuan took deep breaths, each exhale carrying a misty hue of blood. Tonight''sbat had pushed him to the brink; several times within those perilous twenty-four seconds, he had teetered on the edge of death. Allowing the rain to cascade over him, he sought its coolness to soothe his inmed body. A subtle ache resonated from his internal organs, but he was confident that with some recuperation, he''d be as good as new. The remarkable resilience he disyed tonight, even after repeatedly tapping into Old Zhang''s teachings, seemed almost supernatural. Any other practitioner, in his estimation, might have sumbed to such rigorous strain. His enhanced prowess, Wang Xuan surmised, wasrgely due to his proficiency in the Golden Body Technique. This discipline had amplified his physical resilience, imbuing him with an abundant life force, thus allowing him to withstand the harrowing dance on death''s precipice. A realization dawned upon him: the intricate techniques detailed in the five pages of the gold scripture were perhaps designed for those transcending mundane realms. "To delve deeper into the golden scripture''s secrets at my current level, I must continue refining the Golden Body Technique," he contemted. This intention was rooted in his earlier insights; devoid of the Golden Body Technique''s shield, he could easily have fallen prey to assassins. He found a concealed nook and settled into meditation, channeling his foundational energy to rejuvenate his body. The night still held its mysteries, and he remained vignt for any lurking adversaries. A sharp twinge pulled his gaze to his battered fingers. His right hand, bereft of its nails, revealed tender and raw flesh beneath, a grim testament to the battle''s ferocity. The scars on Wang Xuan''s left hand narrated tales of his recent battle. Three fingernails were missing, the flesh beneath raw and torn. The remaining two nails were on the brink of detaching. Yet, his prowess in the ''Golden Body Technique,'' refined to an advanced sixthyer, became his savior. The technique''s innate vitality surged, mending wounds and halting the bleeding with remarkable speed. ¡°This ordeal, though harsh, bore fruit,¡± he reflected. That night, he had faced and defeated multiple near-invincible Grandmasters. Their advanced super-material armor seemed almost a futile defense against him. His triumph, against such seemingly insurmountable odds, was nothing short of legendary. Such a feat wouldn''t go unnoticed in the martial world. Wang Xuan knew he had to act discreetly and tie up any loose ends. After a short recovery, he ventured once again into the curtain of rain, his movements silent and ghost-like. As he navigated the previous battlegrounds, he discreetly collected the stray bullets and, more intimately, his lost fingernails. Leaving behind such personal remnants was unthinkable. ¡°Where could Chen Randeng be? Has he fallen to his foes? I sincerely hope he remains unharmed,¡± Wang Xuan''s thoughts were tinged with concern. "Being a guardian is more taxing than I anticipated," he sighed. Retrieving an energy cannon from a secluded storage, he stealthily headed towards the rear estate''s reed pond. Zhong Qing, epitomizing grace and beauty, peered into the rain-soaked distance. "I caught a glimpse of him. Were you able to document it? His agility is uncanny. Traversing vast spaces in a single stride is a testament to his unparalleled physical prowess." ¡­¡­ She soon felt something was amiss. Turning her gaze to her brother, Zhong Qing realized that Zhong Cheng wasn''t capturing the distant figure amidst the rain. Instead, he was snooping through her photo album. A chill frost enveloped her normally radiant face, and without uttering a word, she began to mete out a series of blows on her younger brother. The usually sweet and vivacious Zhong Qing was nowhere to be seen as she furiouslyshed out at him. ... In the rainy night, a dense mist enveloped the vicinity of the reed pond. Illuminated by the shes of lightning, it appeared as though they had entered a celestial abode, where clouds danced gracefully. Not a single drop of rain fell in the immediate area. Amidst the fog, a fiery figure shone brightly, exuding an astonishing transcendent energy that evaporated the surrounding rain. The water in the reed pond was consumed by a ball of fire. The golden-haired elder, with disheveled hair, descended from mid-air, bearing grievous wounds. A terrifying sword gash marred his chest. mes spewed from his pores, indicating a terrifying energy. His once-powerful super-material armor was shattered and began to melt upon the ground. Gasping for breath, he said, ¡°People like us may one day approach divinity. Do not dismiss my words as mere arrogance. Everyone has dreams. If gods truly exist, why can''t modern humans aspire to such greatness? Both of us have already started on this path. Unfortunately, we ended up as adversaries. Tread carefully. After my demise here, it''s likely you won''t be able to hide your true strength for long. You might be a subject of intense scrutiny, restricting your freedom.¡± With that said, he charged forward, the silver sword in his hand now reduced to half its length, seemingly a transcendent divine sword that had astonishingly broken. His body was enveloped in brilliant mes, shining like the sun, burning through the rain and emitting a thunderous rumble as he approached. "Safe travels," said Old Chen indifferently, his ck sword radiating a brilliant light. It seemed like a bolt of lightning shing across the pitch-ck night. Swish! A blinding ray sliced through, extinguishing the golden-haired elder''s mes. The world was plunged into darkness as his life force rapidly faded. Arcs of electricity lit up the sky, revealing the elder''s severed head, drenched in blood, hurtling through the falling rain before thudding lifelessly onto the ground. A small spacecraftnded, and Qing Mu hurriedly approached, inquiring, "Master, are you alright?" "It''s fine," Old Chen replied, gesturing dismissively. Soon after, Wang Xuan appeared, lugging the energy cannon with him. Seeing the golden-haired elder''s body scorched on the ground, he was taken aback. The death of the top figure in the New Arts realm was undoubtedly a major event! "Old Chen, impressive. I thought I''d need toe to your rescue," said Wang Xuan. "Please, call me Chen Mingtu!" Old Chen stood with his sword as a support, panting heavily. He was exhausted. The opponent he faced tonight exceeded his expectations, nearly luring and killing him. Wang Xuan was silent. Just a short while ago, he was Chen Randeng, and now he had quickly ascended to another level? Chen Mingtu indeed had a formidable aura! "How should we handle this?" Wang Xuan nced at the body on the ground. The implications of this incident were vast, sure to alert all parties, and they needed to n their next steps carefully. "Truly, this man was exceptional," Old Chen remarked. "I originally intended to bury him in the reed pond, offering him the respect he deserved, allowing him to rest alongside my beloved fish." He pointed towards the now-empty pond. It was evident how destructive the golden-haired elder had been in his final moments, turning all the fish into ashes. Chen Mingtu continued, "But Qing Mu suggested a different approach. It might be best to ce him at the site of the destroyed spacecraft, making it seem as if he''d been there all along, making his ''death'' appear more natural. It would simplify matters afterward." Currently, Qing Mu was reaching out to their most trusted contacts, arranging for thewn to be restored overnight. He was nning to divert water from a nearby river to refill the pond, aiming to return everything to its original state. Soon, Qing Mu approached. Seeing Wang Xuan unharmed, he sighed in relief. The night had been perilous, with both his master and Wang Xuan encountering formidable adversaries. "We can discuss thister. For now, I''ll take care of the ''aging'' process." After saying this, Qing Mu took the body and boarded the small spacecraft, disappearing into the night sky. Without a doubt, once the golden-haired elder was "aged," his "cause of death" would be linked to a spacecraft malfunction. Wang Xuan was left in a state of shock and disbelief. The top figure in the New Arts realm had been killed so easily. He wondered what kind of uproar this would cause. "We should head back," Chen Mingtu gestured, picking up the broken divine sword from the ground. He had decided to keep it, sensing its extraordinary nature. "Once reforged, it will remain a formidable weapon," he mused, examining it closely. Wang Xuan noted Chen Mingtu''s grievous injuries: a blood-soaked arm from a significant sword cut, a gash on his forehead, and another slice on his scalp. "Calling yourself Chen Mingtu? You almost lost your life tonight," Wang Xuan remarked, visibly stunned by the prowess of their adversaries. "I encountered a shrewd opponent," Chen Mingtu replied, gingerly touching his wounds. Tonight''s challenge wasn''t just about oversight; they were up against a truly formidable adversary. "Referring to yourself, perhaps?" Wang Xuan joked as they made their way back, with him lugging the energy cannon. A hint of annoyance shed across Chen Mingtu''s face. He was ustomed to ying strategic games, but tonight, he nearly became a pawn himself. However, he finally conceded, "The enemy was exceptional." Later, in the privacy of Chen Mingtu''s quarters, Qing Mu, Wang Xuan, and Chen Mingtu convened. They dissected the evening''s events, shared insights, and brainstormed potential responses to any repercussions. "We can''t keep this a secret for long," Chen Mingtu began. "Once word gets out, we might be subjected to restrictions. We should keep things quiet as long as possible." "The aftermath of tonight is unpredictable. Especially since a prominent figure in the New Arts realm has been killed. Even with our cover story, who''d believe he died from a lightning strike?" "Wang Xuan''sbat in the rain didn''t go unnoticed. He overcame the elites of the New Arts realm, those donned in the super-material armor, a feat likened to battling Grandmasters!" "The most astonishing part is, Wang Xuan, you survived gunshots in in sight and continued fighting. That''s beyond impressive!" Chapter 91: Bane Of Demons And Gods Chapter 91: Bane Of Demons And Gods Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow, his toneced with disbelief. "Really? Is that how we''re talking now?" Should he have been expected to be shot dead for things to seem ''normal''? While Chen Mingtu dabbed medicine on his forehead wound, he sighed, "What I meant was that your actions were too conspicuous. Taking bullets like that will, no doubt, spark questions." Laying out the bullets from his pocket, Wang Xuan turned to Qing Mu, "Find me three bulletproof vests and a simr firearm. We need to recreate the scene." Qing Mu nodded thoughtfully. "That could be a usible exnation." Instead of revisiting the harrowing event, he would present evidence: a vest marked by bullets and a bullet held as proof. As Wang Xuan suited up, he mentioned, "The downpour tonight has washed away all traces of blood. I''ve collected every piece of evidence, especially my nails. There''s nothing left behind." But Chen Mingtu remained pensive. "It''s a temporary cover, but be ready for a deeper probe." He nned to travel to the capital in the next couple of days. While Qing Mu would be tasked with presenting his ''injured'' body to the authorities for recovery, Chen Mingtu''s true purpose would be ndestine meetings with influential figures. "Wang Xiao" would shadow Chen Mingtu, staying away from external prying eyes. Wang Xuan''s genuine identity would, for the time being, be detached from the swirling chaos around. It was evident that Chen Mingtu''s trip was about forging deeper alliances and ensuring future coboration. Wang Xuan, with genuine concern, advised, "Be vignt, Old Chen. It''s a treacherous path ahead." While he might have managed to sidestep this crisis, Chen Mingtu''s freedom seemed to be on the line. ¡­¡­ Chen Mingtu gestured dismissively, indicating that there was no need for further fuss. He was well-aware of the situation''s gravity but felt he had it under control. "Make your choice, Wang Xuan. Head to the new star or reunite with the female practitioner in the Greater Khingan Range," he suggested. With a hint of irony, Wang Xuan replied, "Why would I journey to the Greater Khingan Range? I''d rather find sce in a tranquil Taoist temple, keeping thepany of the sword fairy." After a brief pause, Chen Mingtu advised, "Venture into deep space. I''ll see to the arrangements." He then warned Wang Xuan about the transient nature of secrets and emphasized the urgency of honing his skills. ... As the rain lightened, Qing Mu led a security patrol, reassuring everyone of the present calm. He stressed they had informed the authorities, ensuring themunity''s safety. Yet, many remained dubious. Call the authorities? They had seen firsthand how Qing Mu''s group, armed with energy cannons and mech suits, had managed everything on their own. Wang Xuan timely made his presence, joining Qing Mu on the rounds. Several individuals braved the drizzle, eager to gauge his condition post the recent events. Old Wu approached, greeting Wang Xuan warmly. Given the Wu family''s pressing need for an adept in Old Arts and with Chen Mingtu''s imminent ''departure'', their hopes were now pinned on Wang Xuan. Wu Yin approached, her eyes filled with concern as theynded on Wang Xuan''s hand, the blood seeping through the gauze. Without hesitation, she called upon the family''s trusted physician to attend to the injury. Wang Xuan sighed inwardly, bracing himself against the sting as the gauze was removed, revealing his raw, injured fingers underneath. He had chosen to reveal his injuries for a reason. He wanted to dispel any doubt about their severity, and simultaneously, disy the bulletproof vest he wore. "Give him some space!" Old Wu admonished the crowd that had gathered too close, her voice edged with frustration. Their intent was evident: they were scrutinizing Wang Xuan, trying to gauge if he had mastered the fabled Golden Body technique. As the physician treated the injury, the severity became clear to all, with some even catching a glimpse of the exposed bone. "What about your gunshot injury? Have that looked at as well," a voice called out, trying to confirm Wang Xuan''s true state. "I''m alright. I had on... threeyers of bulletproof vests!" Wang Xuan replied, slightly lifting his shirt to reveal the outer vest, marked by a clear bullet impact. The onlookers were taken aback. Threeyers? They marveled at Wang Xuan''s extreme caution. "Disperse, and let the doctor work in peace. Honestly, what''s with all of you?" Old Wu said, her tone sharp with disapproval. She motioned for them to leave. With a final reminder to Wang Xuan to get ample rest, Old Wu turned away. Her elegant form receded gracefully into the night, each step entuated by her high heels. ¡­¡­ As Wang Xuan made his way back to his residence, he spotted Zhong Cheng getting an earful from his sister. Yet, upon seeing Wang Xuan, Zhong Cheng had the audacity to wink and even smirk. "What''s his deal?" Wang Xuan muttered to himself, unimpressed. Without another thought, he reached out and flicked Zhong Cheng on the back of his head. To be in that pathetic state and still cheekily wink at him? Wang Xuan mentally noted to give him a piece of his mind when the opportunity arose. ... The next morning, the manor was abuzz with activity as everyone awoke early. Their primary concern was to check if Old Chen had "departed." To everyone''s surprise, he appeared hale and hearty. Speechless, they all decided they couldn''t keep waiting any longer and chose to leave the manor for the day. Then, attention shifted to the news, searching for any reports regarding the previous night''s incidents. Word had spread that besides the intense battle at the manor, there was a spaceship crash on the outskirts of town. The guests at the manor, representatives of various organizations and including some tycoons, were privy to inside information. Many had received updates early in the morning. A sense of foreboding grew amongst the crowd. Something significant had urred. "Following the city''s thunderstorm warning, a spaceship still took off and was unfortunately struck by lightning..." "Breaking news from our on-site reporter: A model ''F'' spaceship, disregarding the thunderstorm warnings, was tragically hit by lightning. The crash site was located on the outskirts of An City. Currently, no survivors have been found." ¡­¡­ The assembly was awash with shock. Despite Old Chen''s precarious health, his influence in An City remained indomitable. The manner in which those from the New Arts faction met their end was tragic and spoke volumes. Rumors circted that Qing Mu had tracked the ship''s location the night before. It seemed apparent: Qing Mu had been behind the cmitous strike. Should a detailed investigation ensue, satellite surveince could potentially unravel the true sequence of events. "It''s understandable," one attendee noted. "With Chen Yongjie nearing his end, and the provocations from the New Arts faction, Qing Mu''s retaliation, albeit drastic, makes sense." Many expressed sympathy for Qing Mu, casting a critical eye towards the aggressors from the New Arts faction. However, a distinguished gentleman from the financial elite observed, "Many witness the oue, few discern the root." He steered clear of the buzz, focusing on his imminent departure. His confidential sources hinted at the possibility that the leading figure of the New Arts faction was among the casualties. Such a revtion would have profound implications. By morning, as guests prepared to leave, the undercurrent of whispered secrets became palpable. "The head of the New Arts faction might be gone?!" "Qing Mu''s audacity ismendable. With a single st, he exacted revenge. Old Chen, no doubt, found sce in this act of retribution. He can finally rest." ¡­¡­ Early in the morning, Wang Xuan was summoned to Chen Mingtu''s sickroom, where Old Chen was meticulously sharpening a fractured pale sword with his own dark de. "This sword is exceptional," Old Chen remarked, genuinely impressed. "When energized by super-materials, it''s nearly as resilient as my ck de. It would effortlessly cleave through armor." When the golden-haired elder had depleted a significant amount of his super-materials during their confrontation, this sword had be inferior to the ck one and was broken by Old Chen. The remnants were now in his possession. "Last night, youbated the super-material armor barehanded, nearly meeting your end. Had you had a formidable weapon, it wouldn''t have been so challenging," Old Chen informed Wang Xuan. He intended to melt down this silvery extraordinary de and forge a weapon that Wang Xuan would find suitable. Such material was rare, imbued with mystical properties. With a resonant ng, he attempted to segment the pale sword further, using his ck de. His intention was to alter its original form so that no one could recognize it as the renowned weapon of the leading figure from the New Arts faction. The idea appealed to Wang Xuan. Had he had a celestial de the previous night, he wouldn''t have experienced those perilous "24 seconds of near-death", and his fingernails wouldn''t have been blown away. Suddenly, as the ck de struck the pale broken one, an unusual sound echoed. The de quivered, failing to cut through the remaining fragment. Old Chen, with his sharp instincts, set his ck sword aside. Examining the dwindling pale de, he discerned something amiss. "Is there another sword?!" Even Old Chen was taken aback. The previous night, the golden-haired elder had drawn this extraordinary de from a broadsword. Old Chen understood that it was a deliberate move by the opponent, an attempt to entrap him. The discovery of a dagger concealed within the extraordinary sword left everyone dumbfounded. Qing Mu, equally puzzled, moved closer for a detailed inspection. "It seems... bronze," hemented. Old Chen, trying to retrieve the hidden de, found it securely fused inside therger sword. Undeterred, he methodically worked on the pale broken de to extract the concealed weapon. After considerable effort, Old Chen unveiled an ancient-styled dagger, barely a foot long. This short de, reminiscent of a Early Qin artifact, had a heft that belied its size. With intricate patterns that spoke of a bygone era, the dagger''s design was undeniably antique. Yet, its location deep within a contemporary weapon was an enigma. Old Chen mused, "The pale sword, excavated from that mysterious region, concealed this dagger. It''s evident that even the top figure of the New Arts faction was unaware of its existence." He continued, "Its design clearly hails from the ancient world, perhaps the Early Qin period. However, its presence deep in space is a conundrum." Intrigued, Wang Xuan tried cutting a fragment of the pale sword with the dagger, seeding effortlessly. "It''s remarkable," Wang Xuan remarked. "Despite its bronze appearance, it can prate a transcendent weapon. It must be crafted from some extraordinary material." Old Chen agreed. He gently tapped the dagger with his ck sword, and both emitted a radiant glow, unscathed by the contact. "An exceptional de, its quality rivaling my own ck sword. The original wielder must have been legendary," Old Chen remarked, clearly impressed. After a moment''s admiration, he handed the dagger to Wang Xuan, "Keep it close. It holds immense potential." Qing Mu added with a hint of astonishment, "It emanated a luminous glow earlier." Nodding, Old Chen exined, "Indeed. That''s a testament to its uniqueness. Just like my ck sword, it possesses an aura that repels malign entities. Its mystical attributes are profound, and will require time to fully understand." "Repels malign entities?" Wang Xuan inquired, curiosity evident in his voice. "Throughout our expeditions, we''ve encountered numerous anomalies," Old Chen began. "Over the decades, I''ve faced my fair share of tribtions. Yet, there were instances when I encountered inexplicable entities and forces. My ck sword was instrumental during those times, shielding me and causing the entities to dissipate upon contact." Feeling the weight of the bronze dagger in his hand, Wang Xuan pondered its potential uses. With itspact size, it could easily be concealed in a boot or strapped to his forearm. "I''ll have to craft a sheath for it," he mused. Old Chen turned to Qing Mu, "As for the fragments of the pale sword, have them melted down and forged into a weapon for your personal use." ¡­¡­ Upon stepping out of Old Chen''s sickroom, Wang Xuan was met with an overcast sky. The dark, foreboding clouds were intermittently illuminated by streaks of lightning. He sighed softly, pondering on the imminent farewell with Old Chen and Qing Mu. When they''d meet next remained uncertain. Suddenly, he paused, gazing intently at the clouds above. There seemed to be something amidst the clouds, a faint shimmering golden light, moving mysteriously. Its nebulous form conveyed a sense of sanctity. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan dashed back into the sickroom. "Qing Mu,e to the window! There''s something amidst the clouds!" Taken aback, Qing Mu approached the window, looking up. However, he saw nothing but the dark clouds and the asional lightning. "It can''t be an illusion," Wang Xuan asserted, "I saw it clearly - a hazy golden radiance, both majestic and serene. But it was just too far to discern clearly." Old Chen, upon hearing this, leapt from his bed and rushed to the window, fixing his gaze on the heavens above. Yet, he too, was met with only the bleak canvas of clouds. "I''m certain of what I saw," Wang Xuan whispered, a mixture of confusion and awe in his voice. "It was there, shimmering amidst the clouds, exuding an aura of profound mystique." Chapter 92: Finally, An Actual Funeral Chapter 92: Finally, An Actual Funeral Oldd Chen leaned out the window, but he still saw nothing. Instead, rain droplets from the outstretched branches of a tree hit his face. Qing Mu stepped into the courtyard with a high-powered telescope. After an exhaustive search, he only managed to spot two crows pping away into the distance. "Are you certain about what you saw?" Old Chen''s gaze became unusually intense, resembling the luminous eyes of a cat in the dark. He pulled Wang Xuan inside with an air of anticipation and urgency. "There was indeed a faint golden glow, floating amidst the clouds," Wang Xuan asserted, trying the telescope once more. The image remained hazy. Qing Mu considered piloting a small aircraft to get a closer look, but Old Chen firmly stopped him. "Don''t act rashly. This could be... a secret passage!" Old Chen whispered, nearly trembling with excitement. His agitation was so intense that the wound on his forehead threatened to reopen. Given his prowess, it was evident that whatever Wang Xuan had spotted was of monumental importance. Chen wished he could ascend immediately to decipher the mystery. "It could be the Heavenly Herb," Old Chen spected, drawing parallels with notes he had encountered in ancient manuscripts. Qing Mu felt a jolt of anticipation. Was this the emergence of another secret path? The decline of the Old Arts in this era wasrgely attributed to the disappearance of these mystical paths, cutting off ess to otherworldly attributes. If this was another such path, it could mean a resurgence of power and knowledge thought lost to time. In the early morning stillness, Old Chen''s eyes shimmered with anticipation. "We must exercise patience and not disturb it. We cannot risk losing this heavenly herb." Wang Xuan expressed his astonishment, "Is it capable of eluding us? Are we dealing with a sentient being?" Old Chen replied thoughtfully, "We need to observe intently and remain passive. The mysteries surrounding the heavenly herb are profound. Even our ancient teachings only provide cryptic clues." Despite his urge to get a closer insight, Qing Mu''s attempts to utilize sophisticated technology were futile. Wang Xuan''s gaze fixed on the mesmerizing golden luminescence, which danced gracefully amidst the thickening clouds, but it remained unchanged. "What if it''s still in its nascent stage?" The anxiety was evident in Old Chen''s voice. He recalled ancient texts suggesting that the more one yearns for the heavenly herb, the more elusive it bes. It''s akin to a distant dream; just when you least expect it, it might manifest itself on the horizon. "And if that''s the case?" Wang Xuan questioned, his voice filled with urgency. "It might retreat into hiding, only to emerge once it reaches maturity in the distant future," Old Chen said, a shade of mncholy in his voice, suspecting their current observation might align with this scenario. Wang Xuan mulled over it, "How perplexing," attempting to unravel the intricate nature of the heavenly herb. Old Chen sighed, "The mysteries of these secret pathways are beyondprehension." ording to the vague descriptions in the ancient manuscripts, when the heavenly herb matures, it might naturally descend to the ground. Throughout the morning, Wang Xuan could be seen craning his neck and wandering around the mansion grounds, his gaze perpetually fixed upon the sky. In his quest for the heavenly herb, Wang Xuan was intensely focused. His eyes grew weary and his neck stiffened from hours of skyward gazing, asionally pausing to stretch his tensed muscles. Several individuals covertly observed him from the shadows. Whispered conversations hinted at admiration for his dedication. "Sess is no ident. True mastery requires unwavering concentration. His imminent ascension to Master status is well-deserved," remarked one onlooker. "Have you noticed? He''s been like this all morning. Completely immersed in understanding his path. Watching the clouds form and disperse, pausing at times to practice his moves. He''s on his way to be a full-fledged Master," another remarked. During this, Qing Mu discreetly reminded Wang Xuan of the prying eyes observing him. Acknowledging this, Wang Xuan stealthily slipped into the kitchen for a quick respite, sipping on some tomato juice. As he returned to his watchful vigil, he spat out a mouthful, which appeared like ''bloody froth'' staining his attire. Savoring the remaining juice, he swallowed it, enjoying its taste. "He must''ve been grievously injured inst night''s battle; he''s still spitting blood," one person observed. "If such a dedicated individual doesn''t achieve the status of a Master, then it truly defies the natural order," another admirer noted. Hushed conversations surrounded Wang Xuan. Each observer saw a different aspect of him, but they unanimously agreed: here was a young man with relentless drive and determination. Wang Xuan''s behavior only bolstered their perceptions. Whenever the strain of looking skywards took its toll, he would rx his body and practice some arcane techniques. It was this dedication and fervor that drew the observers'' attention. When Wang Xuan seemingly "spat blood", Da Wu, concerned, appeared by his side. She feared that Wang Xuan might suffer internal injuries, reminiscent of the fate that befell Old Chen. Chen Yongjie, in his youth, had rigorously practiced a formidable Taoist technique, which had eventually resulted intent internal vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities were exploited yearster in the Pamir teau. Wu Yin wanted to have Wang Xuan examined thoroughly. However, Wang Xuan tactfully declined her offer. He expressed his gratitude to Da Wu but adamantly kept the handkerchief stained with the tomato juice. While he didn''t particrly suspect Da Wu''s intentions, he was wary of the cunning Old Wu potentially analyzing the stain. Da Wu, with a displeased nce at Wang Xuan, did not persist. With her high heels clicking, she gracefully departed. "Breaking news: Our sources have confirmed that the F-type spaceship that crashed on the outskirts of An City hailed from Xin Xing. Among the deceased is Mr. Olesha..." By midday, this explosive piece of news spread. Olesha, a Grandmaster from the New Arts realm, had died in the crash. Olesha was somewhat of a legend. He kept a low profile in his early days, dabbling in the Old Arts. Mysteriously disappearing for years, he resurfaced as a revered Grandmaster in the New Arts realm. The revtion that Olesha had ventured into the Transcendent realm two years prior and had ostensibly seeded shook the core of many. Contrary to popr belief, he hadn''t failed; he had achieved the near-impossible. "The formidable Olesha from the New Arts faction is gone?!" The news took many by surprise. While some insiders had been clued in earlier, most were now grappling with the magnitude of this loss. For the average denizen of the Old World, the name Olesha was not something they knew very well. Their knowledge of him, let alone the intricacies of the New Arts, was scant. It was only the widespread attention garnered by the Battle of Pamir teau that unveiled some facets of the New Arts to them. "We''re truly in turbulent times. The beacon of the New Arts realm has been extinguished?" In this epoch, influential magnates and pivotal figures from significant factions shared intricate rtions with the elite of the New Arts realm. This was predominantly due to the tantalizing promise of life extension the New Arts held. Olesha''s abrupt departure thus sent tremors across select circles, creating an undercurrent of unrest and conjecture. By noon, once thorough checks affirmed Olesha''s demise, an official obituary was released. The mediandscape was awash with this news, dissecting every possible angle. The deluge of reports was so overwhelming that even ordinary citizens began to understand the depth of Olesha¡¯s contributions. Whispers and conversations hinted at him possibly being one of the most formidable humans ever. After encountering a news update, Old Chen remarked dismissively, "He met his end by my hand." Qing Mu mused, "In a twist of fate, his reported ''aircraft ident'' might serve to immortalize his legend." The underlying currents of Old Chen''s viewpoint were undeniably tainted by personal feelings. However, the major factions and influential figures were not so easily swayed. They had a keen sense of the unfolding events. The narrative shifted, and many fingers pointed at Qing Mu, crediting him with Olesha''s demise. His alleged retribution¡ªa devastating energy st¡ªwas thought to have consigned Olesha''s spirit to the void of the Old Earth. Suddenly, Qing Mu''s reputation was in the spotlight. To many, he was the embodiment of audacity and ruthlessness, a figure who dared to defy conventions. Yet, some admired his dedication and valor. They saw a man who, driven by allegiance to his mentor, braved dire consequences to seek justice, challenging even the most towering of hierarchies. The release of Olesha''s obituary intensified the mor for an exhaustive inquiry. There was amon sentiment that such a prominent figure from the New Arts realm shouldn''t meet an ambiguous end, and Qing Mu must be held ountable. In response, a formidable female luminary from Old Earth voiced her objections through secretive channels. She questioned the motives behind the usations. Why was Olesha near An City in the first ce? With Chen Yongjie on the brink of passing away, why couldn''t these adversaries find peace? Their audacious attempt on a rainden night showed their recklessness. Chen Yongjie, despite his impending natural end, was a respected figure in Old Earth. Did they consider the Old Earth a mere pawn in their games? Though these sentiments were fervently expressed, they were carefully kept from public scrutiny. The authorities, in due course, formally expressed their sorrow over Olesha''s tragic mishap. Upon catching wind of these whispers, Qing Mu felt a chill. He realized the ndestine power ys that had taken ce in the shadows, acknowledging how close he hade to a perilous fate. Old Chen, ever the pir of strength, simply murmured, "All is well." ¡­¡­ Upon hearing of Olesha''s death, the delegates, originally preparing to leave the suburban manor for their respective homes, realized that their waiting had not been in vain. Now, they were bound for An City, where they would have the opportunity to attend a memorial service. Many were taken aback. They had missed the funeral for Chen Yongjie, and now unexpectedly, they were presented with the obituary of the leading figure in the New Arts domain. The turn of events was truly bizarre. Some could not help but muse over the unpredictability of fate. Old Chen had managed to outlive his greatest adversary. His unyielding spirit seemed determined to witness Olesha''s end before his own. "Looks like we won''t need to return the wreath we got for Old Chen," one remarked. "Just have the florist change thememorative words and send it to An City!" Many found the situation surreal, almost dreamlike, given the uncanny events that had transpired in just a couple of days. Even Old Chen was reflective, jesting to Qing Mu, "Do you think we should send a wreath for Olesha on my behalf? He was quite a formidable figure; it''d be a mark of respect." Qing Mu''s response was one of sheer astonishment, "What?!" ¡­¡­ By noon, almost all the guests in the manor had left, heading to An City to mourn for Olesha. Many were relieved, thinking that this time, their trip would not be in vain. Wang Xuan hadn''t even had lunch, his gaze still fixed on the celestial herb in the sky. From a distance, Zhong Cheng, panting, approached Wang Xuan, waving and shing a radiant smile. Wang Xuan shot him a nce, well aware that despite Zhong Cheng''s innocent appearance, he was no naive youngd. He had no intention of engaging with him. "Brother Wang, I''vee to seek guidance," Zhong Cheng blurted out hurriedly, "I''ve brought a secret manual. I need to understand why you''re progressing so quickly in your cultivation." He waved the manual tantalizingly. Unmoved, Wang Xuan kept gazing skyward. Did he really need any manuals from others? Unless it was an unparalleled manuscript or the legendary golden bamboo slips, he wouldn''t be interested. However, he then noticed the manual in Zhong Cheng''s hand. It was unusuallyrge, almost the size of a photo album. Furthermore, itcked the aged appearance of historical manuscripts. It seemed too modern, as if it had just been freshly printed. Before Wang Xuan could think any further, Xiao Zhong appeared, her long legs swiftly carrying her towards them. "Let me have a look then. I''ll offer some guidance." Replied Wang Xuan as he swiftly took the manual from Zhong Cheng''s hands and started skimming through. Zhong Cheng was taken aback. Wang Xuan''s actions were so swift and precise that it caught him off guard. Just a moment ago, Wang Xuan was gazing at the sky, seemingly lost in thought, and in the next moment, he had snatched the book, all without Zhong Cheng even registering the movement. Chapter 93: With Words And Pictures Chapter 93: With Words And Pictures With her tall and slender figure, Zhong Qing''s attire, a cashmere top paired with sleek ck pants, entuated her elegance. While her visage was youthful and innocent, her demeanor spoke of a maturity that often overshadowed even theposed Wu Yin. Yet now, she raced forward with a rare urgency. Striding forward, her fiery eyes locked onto Zhong Cheng, as if wishing to confront him for some wrongdoing. Witnessing Wang Xuan engrossed in the manual, she raised her voice, a note of desperation evident, ¡°Stop reading that!¡± Zhong Cheng involuntarily flinched,pletely blindsided by his sister''s sudden appearance. Wang Xuan looked up, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. He quipped to Zhong Cheng, ¡°Your sister seems quite protective. The Zhong family surely has many such manuals. What''s the harm in perusing just one?¡± Feeling trapped and cornered, Zhong Cheng''s anxiety was palpable. He attempted to reim the manual, but Wang Xuan''s grip was steadfast, his attention undeterred. A couple of pages in, Wang Xuan''s eyebrows furrowed. Wang Xuan was unimpressed with the so-called manual in his hands. "This is it? Just printed words with no apanying imagery? Aren''t secret manuals supposed toe with diagrams illustrating the postures?" he remarked, clearly disgruntled. "Even Master Zhang''s five-page golden book has etchings. Howe the Zhong family''s doesn''t?" He stared at the manual with a critical eye, his tone assertive, "Is this some kind of iplete edition? Text without apanying illustrations is like a soulless body. Practitioners could go astray!" Caught off guard, Zhong Cheng stuttered, "This is a scripture left behind by Chen Pun. The illustrations are towards the end." Upon hearing the name, Wang Xuan''s attitude shifted. He quickly engrossed himself in the text, repeating it silently, memorizing it with urgency. Chen Pun, after all, was a legend, a supreme figure in the world of internal alchemy, ranking alongside giants like Zhong Li Quan and Lu Dong Bin. His scriptures couldn''t be ordinary! Wang Xuan swiftly recited the content,mitting every word to memory, before flipping the pages. There weren''t many. Zhong Qing finally reached them, her eyes icy cold as they darted between her brother and Wang Xuan. Her temper red. "This audacious man," she thought, "even at this point, he dares to continue?" "Come on, don''t be so stingy. Just a few more moments," Wang Xuan coaxed, gripping the manual even tighter, continuing to memorize. Zhong Qing''s temper reached its boiling point. "Who does he think he is?" she thought, infuriated. Resolute, she lunged forward to snatch the manual back. This audacity wouldn''t go unpunished. As Wang Xuan held the manuscript with one hand and fended off Zhong Qing''s efforts with the other, he earnestly said, "Just a couple more pages. I''m doing this for Old Chen. He can hardly see anyone now. Once I memorize this, I n to burn a copy for him to see in the afterlife." Zhong Qing''s face contorted in disbelief. "Burn it for him to see?" she wondered,pletely baffled by Wang Xuan''s statement. Beside them, Zhong Cheng was drenched in sweat, not daring to move a muscle. It soon dawned on Zhong Qing that despite Wang Xuan''s absurd remarks, he appeared utterly sincere, showing no signs of jest. The stark contrast between his words and his demeanor was baffling. Looking down at the manuscript, she froze in realization. Contrary to her initial suspicion, it truly was a scripture. There were no private photos as she''d imagined. The printed words on the manuscript were clear and legible. She recognized portions of it as a critical work attributed to Chen Pun. With an air of grace, Zhong Qingposed herself and said, "There seems to have been a misunderstanding. Mr. Wang, please feel free to read. I apologize for my earlier behavior." Zhong Qing''s magnanimity was refreshing, and her apology came across as genuine and heartfelt. "Thank you," Wang Xuan replied, not sparing any more time for pleasantries. He was engrossed in the scripture,mitting every word to memory. To the Zhong family, this might just be one among many treasured books. But for Wang Xuan, it was invaluable ¨C an important chronicle from a wise predecessor, filled with profound insights that warranted deep reflection and study. Zhong Cheng¡¯s anxiety was palpable. His body trembled, especially when Wang Xuan turned to the sixth page. He felt as if the weight of the world was pressing down on him. "What are you so nervous about?" Zhong Qing''s sharp intuition sensed her brother''s unease. Trying to maintain a fa?ade ofposure, Zhong Cheng confessed, "I brought an important scripture without the family''s consent. I''m afraid of the consequences. You won''t report me to grandfather, will you?" Zhong Qing shot him a sidelong nce and reassured, "No, I won''t. Sharing it with Grandmaster Wang isn''t a big deal. I''d nned to coborate with him anyway." She gave Wang Xuan a knowing smile, addressing him with a title that she believed he would soon rightfully earn. Wang Xuan''s expression changed dramatically as he read the sixth page. He continued leafing through, each page deepening his bewilderment. By the time he reached the twentieth page, Zhong Cheng was quaking in fear. He knew that all his sister needed to do was take a single nce downward to see the "scripture" for herself. When Wang Xuan finally closed the book, intending to spare Zhong Cheng any trouble, Zhong Qing''s sharp senses detected her brother''s odd behavior and she swiftly looked down. Shock and disbelief painted her face a deep shade of red. How could they both dare? One dared to share, and the other dared to read, right under her nose! Recalling the kind words she''d spoken to Wang Xuan earlier, a wave of embarrassment washed over Zhong Qing, making even her ears turn a deep shade of crimson. In a fit of rage, she snatched the book back. She first gave Wang Xuan a couple of whacks with it, then turned her fury on her brother, pummeling him repeatedly. Zhong Cheng, overwhelmed by the situation and his sister''s wrath, cowered on the ground, using his arms to shield his head, offering no resistance. After witnessing Zhong Qing''s escting anger, Wang Xuan stepped in, "You misunderstood your brother. Those photos were all modestly clothed." Zhong Qing''s re was scalding. She seemed on the verge of asking if he wanted to see any less-covered photos, but Wang Xuan continued, "Hear me out. Your brother has questionable taste. The photos he chose were either voluptuous or seductive. What was he thinking? Your face is so delicate and pretty, yet he chose such distasteful images. Why neglect the natural elegance of his own sister for such hodgepodge choices?" Zhong Cheng was on the brink of tears, wishing Wang Xuan would stop talking. His sister detested certain descriptors, especially ''voluptuous''. Hearing that he used such images toposite the photos only made things worse. As expected, upon hearing Wang Xuan''s exnation, Zhong Qing''s anger towards him somewhat diminished. However, her fury redirected back to her brother, as if she was ready to banish him to the underworld. Without hesitation, she began to relentlessly hit Zhong Cheng, who quickly bore the marks of her wrath. Wang Xuan then added, "Thest two photos were quite aesthetic. One showcased you in a school uniform, exuding an air of peaceful nostalgia. The other was an image of you, in a modest swimsuit, running on the beach during sunrise. To be honest, you have an impressive figure. It¡¯s vibrant, filled with youthful vitality. I must say, despite everything, your brother did get some things right." With that, Wang Xuan gracefully departed, looking as if he had truly appreciated a piece of art. Zhong Qing, though ttered, was still a whirlwind of emotions. She resumed her attack on Zhong Cheng, demanding, "Did you include my real photos?" Zhong Cheng cried out, "Only two! Besides, all of them are decent, even the beach photo goes past your knees. Why worry? Look, even Master Wang praised your figure! Beauty, when appropriately shared, receives appreciation." Then... He was beaten up again. Upon leaving, Wang Xuan quickly gazed skyward, verifying that the celestial herb remained intact and in ce. Relieved, he immediately returned to the ward, sharing the newly acquired fragments of the scripture with Old Chen and Qing Mu. Though it wasn''tplete, the material hinted at vast knowledge. Old Chen''s eyes widened with realization. "Chen Pan''s scripture? That''s invaluable! He''s a renowned master in Daoism. To think the Zhong family could so casually produce it speaks volumes of their collection." "This scripture is peculiar. It''s encrypted, revealingyers of mysteries like mist, the burningmp, the soil of destiny, and the harvesting of herbs. Furthermore, it appears to narrate a mysterious and terrifying tale. This warrants further scrutiny." The trio delved deeper into the scripture, all sharing the sentiment that the text contained an underlying story. By evening, the thunder lessened, and the dense clouds began to dissipate. A break in the clouds unveiled a radiant sunset, bathing the horizon in a rosy hue. But as Wang Xuan focused on the celestial herb, his face contorted in concern. "Something''s amiss. The herb... it''s shifting, swaying unpredictably. It hasn''t fallen but seems to be partially concealed within the clouds." Old Chen''s face paled. After a tense moment, he gritted his teeth. "It appears the celestial herb hasn''t fully matured. We must ascend, approach it, and attempt a harvest." He instructed Qing Mu to ready their small airship. That day, they were determined to venture close to the herb. Whether they''d be able to harvest it or not, they had to try. Soon, the sleek vessel rose into the sky, making a beeline for the turbulent cloud that concealed the precious herb. The journey became more perilous as they approached the heart of the tempest. Wang Xuan clutched the bone relic of the female sword immortal tightly, shouting over the storm''s roar, "Qing Mu, be cautious! Olesha''s airship met its end in conditions like these. We can''t afford a strike from these bolts." Qing Mu responded confidently, "Fear not, our ship is equipped with anti-lightning measures. Today''s mission is to harvest the celestial herb amidst this storm!" As they prated deeper into the storm, the ethereal golden glow of the herb became more discernible. Even amidst the chaotic tapestry of lightning, the herb''s luminescence seemed sacred, its golden radiance flickering and mingling with the natural splendor of the storm. "This is indeed... the celestial herb!" Old Chen whispered in awe. Though he couldn''t see, from this distance, a delicate fragrance wafted to his senses. Both Wang Xuan and Qing Mu also detected the scent. The peculiarity of this was not lost on them; they were still quite a distance away, and inside a sealed ship. How could the aroma of the herb reach them? Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in realization, "This isn''t a typical scent. It''s not something our noses are detecting. It feels more like a spiritual experience. Is the celestial herb''s fragrance permeating our very souls?" The implications were staggering. They were dealing with something far beyond the realm of the ordinary. The celestial herb''s aura and influence had the power to transcend physical barriers and affect them on a deeply spiritual level. Chapter 94: Gathering The Heavenly Herb Chapter 94: Gathering The Heavenly Herb Amidst the confines of the sealed spacecraft, an evocative fragrance permeated, bypassing the physical barriers to resonate directly with one''s spirit. It felt as if they were immersed in a tranquil forest, bathed in the freshness of nature. This experience was extraordinary, especially given they were surrounded by thick clouds asionally streaked with bolts of lightning. Yet, the invigorating aroma persisted. "Old Chen," Wang Xuan inquired with a hint of surprise, "are there more records about this Heavenly Herb? How can a nt thrive amidst these storm clouds and frequent lightning?" Old Chen shook his head gravely. "No more than what we know. I surmise even the Taoist ancestral recordscked detailed information. Such a herb is truly enigmatic. If it were easily deciphered, this secret pathway wouldn''t have remained obscured for so long." As they conversed, Qing Mu piloted the spacecraft, cautiously approaching the hazy glow within the clouds. A sudden thud caused a minor tremor, prompting both Wang Xuan and Old Chen to exchange concerned nces. "It''s nothing to worry about," Qing Mu assured. "We didn''t get struck by lightning. It''s just some turbulent air currents. This ship is designed to withstand even the fiercest of thunderstorms." True to his words, the ship regained its stability, continuing its ascent. Wang Xuan, however, looked contemtive. "That¡¯s strange. The luminescence was on our left earlier, but now it seems to have shifted to the right. Can it change its position?" "It might be due to the air currents," Qing Mu proposed. "While our ship remains unaffected, they might have jostled the Heavenly Herb off its original position." He adjusted the ship''s course based on the new position. The dark, tumultuous clouds were a spectacle to behold. Bolts of lightning resembling cascading silver waterfalls streaked nearby. Their magnificence was awe-inspiring, but also treacherously perilous. Even Old Chen harbored some reservations. "I hope nothing befalls this vessel. Even if I were closer to achieving the ''Chen Ignition'' phase, let alone being the actual ''Chen Herb Gatherer'', I doubt I could withstand a direct lightning strike." "Qing Mu, take it slow," he cautioned further. "Even if we can''t obtain the Heavenly Herb, it''s vital we don''t push our luck. Navigate around the lightning, don''t brazenly pass through." With a calm demeanor, Qing Mu responded, "Master, please rest assured. I''ve been a ship captain for over a decade and have more than twenty years of piloting experience. I''ve frequently journeyed to the moon and asionally to Mars. I''ve even ventured into deep space, always piloting solo. This cloudyer is rtively tame inparison." On hearing this, Wang Xuan''s curiosity peaked. While guiding Qing Mu closer to the Heavenly Herb, he broached the topic of space exploration. "Qing Mu, how about some hands-on training? I''ve never piloted a ship before. Which man doesn''t dream of steering a ship through the vast expanse of space? Of course, except for Old Chen. He looks like he might get motion sick any moment." Old Chen shot him a re. "When I was off exploring space, you were probably still ying with paper boats in your bathtub. I''ve been piloting for thirty-two years!" Suddenly, the spacecraft jolted once more, causing a pronounced disturbance. Even Qing Mu''splexion slightly altered, considering that the protective systems had already been activated and still the turbulence persisted. Crack! A blinding bolt of lightning streaked across the sky right in front of their spacecraft. Its brightness was so intense that it obliterated the surrounding darkness, leaving behind only the terrifying luminance that was both awe-inspiring and unsettling. The three felt their scalps tingle in the face of such formidable natural power. What chance would a human stand if struck directly by such force? "Now I finally understand the peril of the ascension process," Wang Xuan mused. "Facing these overpowering forces of nature, trying to transcend with just our mortal bodies seems an almost impossible task." He continued contemtively, "Humans are so insignificant. Amidst these lightning bolts, in the face of nature, and in the vast expanse of the cosmos, we''re nothing more than mere specks of dust." As the piercing light faded, Qing Mu remarked, "The temperature of that lightning exceeds the sun''s surface by threefold. To think, if someone could truly ascend, they''d have to be extraordinarily formidable." Old Chen added, "Those who have ascended, none of them are ordinary. The lightning they face is more intricate than what we witness. Apart from the visible electric discharges, there''s likely some enigmatic power contained within." Suddenly, Wang Xuan looked rmed, "We''re nearing the Heavenly Herb, but something feels off. It''s as if these lightning storms are targeting us!" Guided by Wang Xuan, Qing Mu navigated the ship closer to the Heavenly Herb. However, the surrounding lightning grew more frenzied and hostile, bombarding them relentlessly. In mere moments, their spacecraft was jolted multiple times, with terrifying beams of light crisscrossing around them, producing a deafening roar. Qing Mu was confident that the anti-lightning system was functioning, as their vessel remained intact. The turbulence they were experiencing was merely the result of the energy aftershocks within the cloudyer. "Is that a plum tree?" Wang Xuan eximed in surprise as he neared the object, gradually discerning the nature of the nt. Amidst the serene golden mist, a tree stood, glowing in a rich hue of gold from its trunk to its leaves, an ethereal sight rooted within the cloudyer. By its appearance alone, it bore a striking resemnce to a plum tree. Standing just taller than a man, its trunk was as thick as an arm. Each patch of its golden bark unfolded like scales, emitting a sacred golden light from the gaps. Its branches, soft and willow-like, exuded a vibrant life force. The elongated golden leaves shimmered with a hazy brilliance. The tree bore only one flower. It looked much like a plum blossom but was several times fuller, about the size of an adult''s fist. The petals were in full bloom, suggesting that it was not far from withering and bearing fruit. "The Golden Plum!" Old Chen eximed, taken aback by the description. Such a Heavenly Herb, rooted amidst the clouds, apanied by thunderstorms. He expressed his regret, now certain that the Heavenly Herb had not yet matured, with the fruit still in formation. However, the tree''s leaves and branches might also be extraordinary, reigniting their hope. "Why did we pass through it?" Guided by Wang Xuan, Qing Mu piloted the spaceship closer to the mysterious tree, only to find themselves traversing the golden glow. It appeared to be just a luminous mist, devoid of tangible substance. "Could it be that there''s no actual tree?" The three grew anxious, fearing the prospect of leaving empty-handed aftering so close. With determination, Qing Mu activated a mechanical arm to harvest the Heavenly Herb''s leaves. Acquiring even a fragment of such a specimen would be a monumental gain. However, as the mechanical arm extended into the golden light, it came back empty. The supple, life-infused golden branches swayed with the tempestuous storm, remaining tantalizingly out of reach. "What species is this? Is the tree not a physical entity?" The three were filled with astonishment. As they drew closer, the scent of the flowers intensified, sharpening their thoughts, but it didn''t provoke any supernatural changes. The fragrant aroma, directly affecting their minds, was truly enchanting. "Times have changed. We can navigate spaceships, ascend to the heavens, and cross the cloud barriers and thunderstorms, which ancient people considered impassable. Yet... we still can''t harvest this Heavenly Herb," Old Chenmented, discontent evident in his tone. Although he couldn''t see it, the overpowering fragrance suggested that they were incredibly close to the herb. Yet, they couldn''t tap into its secret path. After pondering for a moment, Wang Xuan said, "Let''s review the ancient texts and county annals rted to Ancheng when we return. Let''s see if there are any myths or legends in this region, especially regarding this Heavenly Herb." He suggested delving into legends since the herb was so elusive, and they were presently unable to harvest it. Qing Mu reflected, "This Heavenly Herb seems to operate on a spiritual level, as if it''s not part of our world. Why does it appear? Could some factors in reality prompt it to reveal itself?" Wang Xuan perked up, saying, "If it''s connected to the mortal world and rtes to the vast sea of humanity, could its emergence be due to Old Chen''s impending ''departure'' and the recent ''ident'' involving the leading figure in the new medical field? Their consecutive incidents have strongly disturbed the hearts of Ancheng''s inhabitants, perhaps prompting the herb''s appearance?" Qing Mu nodded in agreement, saying, "That makes sense!" Wang Xuan''s eyes gleamed, and he spoke emphatically, "If that''s the case, Old Chen, then it¡¯s time for you to put on a show. Announce a death notice tonight, saying you sumbed to severe injuries. How old are you now?" Qing Mu perked up, "If such news is released, there will probably be overwhelming coverage. In one day, figureheads from both new and old fields have died. It will undoubtedly ignite public opinion." Old Chen red murderously and remarked, "While it''s one thing for Olesha to ''die in a crash,'' do you two really want to announce my ''untimely death'' as well?" He then sighed, "You''re overthinking it. It has nothing to do with people''s emotions. I recalled something. During my time training in the Taoist ancestral court''s secret techniques, I came across a mention of a ''Golden Thunder Fruit'' that can help one master the highest Taoist technique. It seems to refer to this Heavenly Herb, very simr to this Golden Plum Tree here. However, the tree is averse to worldly desires. If there''s a strong disturbance in human emotions, it might quickly retreat." Wang Xuan blinked in realization, "Did we get it all wrong? Is it because of Olesha''s death and the subsequent news reports that disrupted human emotions and intensified worldly desires, causing the Heavenly Herb to recede?" Old Chen softly said, "The Heavenly Herb is profoundly mysterious. Neither the ancient fangshi nor Taoists have ever truly understood its essence. No one has ever identified the specific factor that prompts its appearance." Finally, he frowned, "Taoist scriptures vaguely mention that long ago, not only did the Taoists desire the Thunder Fruit, but unparalleled demons also contended for it. The Taoists even suffered losses." Wang Xuan, taken aback, said, "Considering the Taoists existed during the pre-Qin period, I feel... there''s something familiar about all this." Both Old Chen and Qing Mu also immediately thought of the unparalleled red-clothed demoness they had seen in the inner realm. Given her ancient dialect from thousands of years ago, it seemed she might be from that very era, speaking in a soft, melodic tone. The three were startled, piecing together a puzzle. The emergence of this Heavenly Herb was no mere coincidence; it might be intertwined with the enigmatic red-clothed demoness. "Is she setting a trap for us?" Old Chen was quick to draw this corrtion. Wang Xuan arched an eyebrow, pondering. "It seems improbable. She couldn''t breach the barrier of the inner realm, let alone exert such a strong influence in our world." Regardless of their conjectures, a palpable tension mounted among them. Wang Xuan briefly checked the bone shard he held, but there was no reaction from the female sword immortal. Navigating their spacecraft, the trio made several attempts to secure the Golden Plum using the mechanical arm, all ending in vain. "It''s time to retreat," Old Chen dered with a resigned sigh, "The herb isn''t ripe for the taking." Given the thick web of lightning surrounding the area, Qing Mu was also reluctant to linger. He piloted the craft to pull back a little, creating distance from the mysterious tree. Suddenly, Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in rm. Following suit, Old Chen instantly looked up, sensing an unusual disturbance. Wang Xuan noticed a significant transformation. The Heavenly Herb , towering over them, exuded streams of golden mist, and at its base, there was now a patch of golden soil, expanding about ten feet in circumference. Is the herb bing more tangible? The reason behind Old Chen''s surprise was the tingling sensation on the wound on his forehead, indicating an elerated healing process. In an instant, Wang Xuan too felt a peculiar itch on all his fingertips. Were his nails regenerating at an unusual pace? "The Heavenly Herb... it''s materializing!" Wang Xuan whispered. Old Chen mused, "Perhaps it''s truly as the legends say ¨C after a fruitless journey, when you finally let go and look back, that''s when you see it." Qing Mu was taken aback. Did the Heavenly Herb truly respond to the desires of the heart? Was it that only by letting go of one''s longing could one truly obtain it? The golden soil became even more distinct, and the Golden Plum swayed with the surrounding thunderstorm, its fragrance intensifying with every passing moment. Chapter 95: Snatched Away Chapter 95: Snatched Away Amid the vast search, the celestial herb seemed within grasp just as the old saying goes: "In countless searches, when you least expect, there she stands." The trio''s hearts raced. The elusive pathy tantalizingly close, its allure impossible to ignore. Old Chen, ever the voice of reason, cautioned, "Perhaps the herb is revealing its final glory before fully vanishing into the deeper realms of the clouds." Taking a measured approach, Wang Xuan directed Qing Mu, "Let''s pull the ship back. We must appear indifferent, not desperate. We should respect the whims of nature." Yet, regardless of their position, the herb and the gilded soil stood unyielding and unchanged. Wang Xuan pondered aloud, "That golden patch seems like a medicinal garden." He was confused by the enigma of nature. How could such a terrain exist amidst turbulent thunderclouds? Old Chen intoned, "With this rate of healing, my injuries on the forehead, arm, and scalp will recover by dawn." Though Wang Xuan''s injuries were more pronounced, a tingling sensation in his fingers suggested a rapid recovery. He surmised that his nails would regenerate within a day. In ast act of hope, he invoked, "Sword Immortal, are you there? This celestial herb is present; could it aid you?" He silently willed the Sword Immortal to emerge. To his dismay, only silence greeted him. The bone relic remained motionless. Recalling theirst encounter, he remembered that the Sword Immortal would slumber for three years. It seemed she had alreadymenced her rest, and he considered returning her to her original resting ce. Unexpectedly, a wave of drowsiness washed over Old Chen, making him yawn incessantly. Soon after, a wave of lethargy also overtook Wang Xuan and Qing Mu. In their dazed state, they saw the ghost monk, not the Sword Immortal they had hoped to summon. The old monk, with eyes full of desire, seemed to dash towards the golden celestial herb, desperate to harvest its power. Boom! A surge of unique lightning streaked the sky, connecting numerous orbs of electricity that glowed a sinister red, engulfing the area. The very fabric of the void tore apart, the luminance from the explosive orbs illuminating the vast expanse. Through the monk''s eyes, the ck clouds transformed into a blood-red hue, drowning in the electrifying brilliance. Yet, to the inhabitants of An City, all remained oblivious. Those who did chance a nce upward only witnessed the usual obsidian sky with asional arcs of lightning. The old monk''s face turned ashen, a stark contrast against the vibrant backdrop. He returned to his initial spot, looking at the celestial herb with palpable longing and fear. He could faintly discern multiple veils behind the herb, and behind them, a subtle crimson silhouette seemed to stand in a world apart. Gazing at his own hands, the old monk noticed a luminescent barrier separating him from the external realm. With a sigh of resignation, he vanished. As Wang Xuan and Qing Mu slowly opened their eyes, their fatigue was gone. They exchanged a puzzled look, sensing something amiss. Old Chen, now awake, eximed, "The ghost monk appeared in my dream! He attempted to pluck the celestial herb but was repelled by the lightning." Wang Xuan nodded gravely, "I too saw the skies bathed in a fiery red as he was driven back." The three pondered deeply on how to harvest the celestial herb. Missing out on such an opportunity would undoubtedly be a lifelong regret. Suddenly, an idea struck Wang Xuan¡¯s mind. "What if the celestial herb, like the Inner Landscape, isn''t truly present in this world?" Qing Mu inquired, "What are you suggesting?" Wang Xuan borated, "If I activate my Inner Landscape here and then leap towards the herb, do you think I can capture it and nt it within my inner world?" Old Chen''s eyes widened, intrigued by this unorthodox idea. It seemed audacious, yet feasible. Qing Mu hesitated, "The key is that you can''t voluntarily activate your Inner Landscape. If you could, there''d be no need to take such risks here." Wang Xuan replied with gravity, "I''ve never tried to force myself into the heightened sensory state; it''s always been a reflexive response to external threats. Today, I''m willing to push my limits. I''ll attempt to self-hypnotize, jump from the ship, and see if nearing death can trigger the activation. And Qing Mu, you must ensure my safety. Activate the energy shield to protect me. We can''t afford any mishap; I don¡¯t want to be struck dead by lightning. Think about it, even the ghost monk risked it all just to pluck the celestial herb. Its value and power are beyond our wildest imaginations!" Qing Mu nodded confidently, "Don''t worry, our ship''s energy shield will protect you. It''s designed to withstand dense lightning." Old Chen, however, was more cautious, "I remember seeing a peculiar ball-shaped lightning earlier. It was hauntingly beautiful, resembling a series of connected Buddha heads. It was genuinely terrifying." "I saw it in my dream. I can''t be sure if it was real or not," Old Chen responded with uncertainty. "Enough with the scare tactics. I''ll give it a try," Wang Xuan announced. His primary challenge was self-hypnosis, convincing himself that he was in a life-threatening situation to activate the heightened sensory state. Old Chen shook his head. "I doubt this method will trigger the heightened state. No matter what, it''s challenging to deceive one''s subconscious." Ignoring the skepticism, Wang Xuan, ever the man of action, began the process of self-hypnosis. To everyone''s surprise, he was remarkably effective. In no time... he was sound asleep! Qing Mu stared in disbelief. Had Wang Xuan overdone the hypnosis? The goal was to trick his mind, not to genuinely fall asleep! Old Chen was equally bbergasted. He had been anticipating a dramatic leap from the ship. Instead, Wang Xuan had just lulled himself to sleep. In his dream-like state, Wang Xuan found himself in his forming spiritual realm. Soon enough, he encountered the ghost monk. "Venerable monk, what brings you to my domain again? Are you here to coborate on harvesting the celestial herb? How shall we split the spoils?" Wang Xuan inquired eagerly. Without uttering a word, the monk lunged forward and... started beating him up! Wang Xuan was dumbfounded. What¡¯s happening? This was the first time he had ever been attacked by the monk, who was stopping him from reaching the herb... He was in sheer agony! ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan awoke with a start, his entire body aching as if he''d been pummeled. Frustration and anger painted his face. "The audacity of that monk to beat me up in my own dreams!" he fumed. "Once we reach the new star, I swear I''ll confront him in that ancient temple of his." Qing Mu looked at Wang Xuan with evident confusion, while Old Old Chen wore a mischievous grin. "So, the monk gave you a beating too?" Old Chen remarked, amusement twinkling in his eyes. Wang Xuan shot him a re. "How''d you know?" Old Chen shrugged nonchntly. "Let''s just say I''ve had the... displeasure of experiencing the monk''s wrath in my own dreams. Not a pleasant memory." Wang Xuan grumbled, "The sooner we get rid of that ghost monk, the better." However, upon further reflection, he realized that the monk might''ve been trying to warn him. In the final moments of his dream, the monk had conjured a vast sea of crimson mist, amidst which stood a hazy, graceful silhouette. Recalling this detail aloud, Old Chen''s face turned serious. "I had a feeling," he mused. "That heavenly medicine isn''t just something you stumble upon. We''re in for some trouble." Wang Xuan gulped. "Maybe we should leave?" Without waiting for a reply, Qing Mu hastily steered the ship away. But just as they were retreating, a potent medicinal fragrance wafted over, even stronger than before. They watched in astonishment as the golden tree underwent a drastic transformation. The glittering, gold soil around it dimmed and transformed into a fiery radiance, which the tree swiftly absorbed. Then, before their very eyes, therge golden blossom withered and gave way to a fruit. It started as small as a fingernail but quickly grew to the size of an egg, shimmering with an ethereal, bluish hue. The intoxicating aroma of the fruit pervaded the air, its richness seeping deep into their souls, stirring their very essence. Old Chen hastily removed the bandage from his forehead. Astonishingly, the gash there began to mend itself, scabbing rapidly and then vanishing without a trace. Wang Xuan unwound the medical wraps from his hands, watching as the tattered ends of his fingers rejuvenated and new nails emerged. In mere moments, his hands looked untouched by any harm. As for Qing Mu, a sense of euphoria enveloped him. His pores seemed to expand, hinting at a surge in his physical prowess. "Should we depart or remain?" Qing Mu''s voice held a hint of tremor, sensing that continued exposure might further boost his capabilities. "We need to get closer to that mystical tree," Wang Xuan asserted. "Are you out of your mind?" Old Chen countered, ever the voice of caution. Wang Xuan exined, "I''m thinking clearly. If it''s that damned demoness in red pulling the strings, her influence is likely waning. She can''t truly affect our realm. Had she the power to harm us, she would''ve acted by now. She might be setting a trap, but she risksing up empty-handed." "Do you think she''s unaware of our conversations?" Old Chen posed, eyebrow raised. "If she could perceive our every thought and action, she wouldn''t resort to baiting us like this. I suspect she''s limited to observing our proximity to that unique location," Wang Xuan gritted his teeth. "Qing Mu, move us closer, ready to bait but be prepared to bolt at any sign of danger." "All or nothing," Qing Mu muttered. While he recognized the danger in the situation, he was inclined to agree with Wang Xuan. If their opponent had the power to directly intervene in their reality, they wouldn''t be facing such subterfuge. The spaceship edged closer to the mystical tree, a vision of resplendent gold. The soil around the tree seemed drained, nurturing the tree and its single green fruit, which cascaded mesmerizing rays. These very rays prated the ship, invigorating the trio with a surge in metabolic energy and enhancing their constitution. Wordlessly, the three of them began to meditate and cultivate their powers. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan seized this golden opportunity and channeled the tree''s mystic radiance to practice his Golden Body Technique. As hours¡ªor perhaps minutes¡ªpassed, his skin began to peel in ces, revealing a more robustyer beneath. Incredibly, Wang Xuan''s ''Golden Body'' technique, which was initially in the early phase of the sixth level, advanced to the mid-phase. Typically, mastering the sixth level would demand over thirty years of dedication. Yet, how much time had actually passed? The remarkable progress of his Golden Body Technique astounded even Wang Xuan. The legends about the tree''s power held true; without even consuming the fruit, they were experiencing profound transformations. As the sensations intensified, Wang Xuan felt the familiar surge of his hyper-sensitive state. He was teetering on the edge of essing his Inner Landscape. But instead of tion, an icy dread gripped him. Was this a maniptive ploy to force him into unveiling his Inner Landscape? Was the mysterious being attempting to use it as a conduit for a return? "Qing Mu, be on high alert! We might need to evacuate!" Wang Xuan warned, resolute in his decision not to employ the ancient method from the Qin dynasty. Here and now, he wouldn''t risk opening his Inner Landscape. Even amid this tension, he diligently honed his Golden Body Technique. His form started radiating a brilliant light, and as he underwent another transformative shedding, his Golden Body Technique soared to the advanced stages of the sixth tier. With this newfound resilience, Wang Xuan believed that he could easily repel any mundane attacks, including bullets. The marvel of the tree was undeniable. Without even sampling its fruit, in this brief window, his Golden Body Technique had scaled new heights, almost brushing the threshold of the seventh tier. "We need to leave, now!" Wang Xuan''s voice sliced through the charged air. For, even without activating the foundational technique of the Qin dynasty sages and solely concentrating on his Golden Body Technique, he had inadvertently skimmed the surface of his Inner Landscape. The ramifications were chilling. Could the elusive red-robed sorceress be infiltrating their realm? This revtion made Wang Xuan''s skin crawl, drenching him in a cold sweat. Despite his reservations, Qing Mu, with his unwavering resolve, steered their escape. "Hurry!" Old Chen seconded, as the sense of impending danger intensified, his own unease palpable. Suddenly, the skies were aze with a dance of lightning, all converging around the luminescent tree. Emerging behind its radiant form were ethereal veils, behind which a shadowy crimson silhouette seemed to lurk. Endless lightning, tinged with a sanguine hue,shed towards the flying ship, causing Qing Mu''s heart to skip a beat. The bolts were vast, reaching both the heavens and the earth, threatening to engulf them whole. Qing Mu felt a sinking feeling, his eyes tightly shut. Yet, Wang Xuan''s voice pierced through the turmoil, "It''s alright! They can''t influence our realm. The blood-red lightning dissipated as it neared the ship!" As the ship pierced through the clouds, speeding away, the illusory silhouette of the heavenly herb receded into obscurity. While the ordeal was harrowing, Wang Xuan truly felt like he had dodged a bullet. As his hyper-sensitive state waned, he harbored no regrets. He was convinced that had he beenpelled to unveil his Inner Landscape at that moment, cmity would have been certain. He might''ve taken the bait, but he hadn''t been reeled in. Overwhelmed by a sense of triumph and aplishment, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but shout into the electrified clouds, "Red-robed enchantress, next time, instead of cold calctions, bring an oil-paper umbre and perform a bewitching dance for me!" Within the stormy embrace of the clouds, at the very spot where the herb had once been, a faint crimson apparition appeared. The silhouette was graceful, an epitome of allure, holding an oil-paper umbre and ncing downward. Wang Xuan: "!!!" He immediately mped his mouth shut, words evaporating, as a chill shot up his spine. Had the woman in red be so powerful that she could nearly interfere with their world? Had she actually heard him? The ethereal figure at the copse point slowly vanished, leaving no trace behind. Chapter 96: Will Of A Master Chapter 96: Will Of A Master The interior of the ship was silent, save for thebored breathing of the trio. Their recent encounter had shaken them to the core. The ethereal appearance of the woman in red, although alluring, felt like a terrifying scene from a nightmarish fantasy. "Would it have hurt her to dance a little for us? If the Old Monk were to charm me with his celestial moves, I''d probably look the other way!" Wang Xuan quipped, wiping away the sweat that clung to his brow, in a bid to alleviate the palpable tension. After a brief pause, relief washed over them, making the recent ordeal seem like a distant memory. Looking up at the inky sky, Qing Mu pondered aloud, "When she fully emerges in our world someday, I''m curious about what words you''ll have then." A shiver ran down Wang Xuan''s spine. "Let''s not joke about such things, Qing Mu!" Upon their safe return to the manor, the ship made a steady descent to thending pad. It was only when they set foot on solid ground that they truly felt at ease, exhaling deeply in unison. The shroud of night had already settled in. Shielded by the soft luminescence of the evening and the gentle drizzle, they quickly retreated to their rooms, where they began to unpack the day''s harrowing events. As Wang Xuan peeled skin from his arm and face, Qing Mu looked on with a mix of astonishment and envy. It was clear that Wang Xuan''s dedication had enhanced his physical resilience. Old Chen, eyes wide in disbelief, remarked, "Are you pushing yourself too far? Practicing the Golden Body Technique again?" In Old Chen''s eyes, investing so much time in such a draining technique was unfathomable. He himself would never attempt it. "The skin I''ve shed from the sixthyer of the Golden Body Technique is quite a treasure," Wang Xuan observed. "Light, yet resilient. I think I''ll keep it as a sheath for your sword. It''s much more robust than any crocodile hide." Old Chen, looking both surprised and pleased, posed the question, "Guess my age based on my appearance now." Wang Xuan studied him briefly before venturing, "Around fifty-five?"A shadow of displeasure crossed Old Chen''s face. "I''m only fifty-two," he retorted a touch frostily. Seeking to smooth things over, Qing Mu added, "Master, you certainly look rejuvenated. Some of your wrinkles have vanished." Old Chen, unable to hide his excitement, quickly grabbed a mirror. He noted that he did look several years younger. His previous premature aging was a side effect of practicing an arcane Taoist technique. "Now I look like I''m in my early fifties," Old Chen remarked with a twinkle in his eye. Wang Xuan, taken aback by this revtion, was about to express his initial assumption when he noticed Old Chen''s yful threat of rolling up his sleeves. Switching topics swiftly, Wang Xuan inquired, "Have you attained the ''Enlightenment Realm'' yet?" "Just a bit more to go," Old Chen replied with a hint of mncholy. Pondering his spiritual journey, he mused, "Advancing in the transcendent realm is infinitely harder than the struggles you mortals face." Qing Mu gave an exasperated nce. He had gained immense insights from their recent venture and was on the cusp of achieving the ''quasi-Master'' status. The once perceived end of his path now appeared to open into new horizons. Wang Xuan also felt significantly empowered, both mentally and physically. He felt confident that a rematch with the foes from the previous night would yield a very different result. Qing Mu observed with widening eyes. "Has Wang Xuan ascended to the Master Realm?" He mused. "The rumors were true! There is indeed a prodigious Master in his early twenties!" If word of this spread, it was bound to create a sensation. Influential corporations and organizations, particrly those keen on exploring the practice of both arts, would scramble to buy Wang Xuan over, pulling out all stops to have him on their side. Old Chen, having assessed Wang Xuan, sighed. "While his defensive capability is unparalleled and his offense rivals that of a Master, there''s a key element he''s missing." Eager for rity, Wang Xuan pressed, "What''s the missing piece?" "The essence of a Master," Old Chen replied gravely. "You''ve cultivated formidable physical abilities, and the initial formation of your spiritual domain ismendable. Yet, its full power remains untapped." To illustrate, he signaled Qing Mu to bring forth a wooden block. With grace, Old Chen''s right hand, resembling a de, smoothly sliced down along the wood''s grain. The block was cleaved effortlessly in two, showcasing technique over raw power. "How do you presently engage inbat?" he inquired of Wang Xuan, "By taking on your opponents with brute force? Itcks the elegance of truebat." To further his point, Old Chen executed a horizontal strike against another block''s grain. The force needed was visibly greater. Even though the block split, the internal damage was more pronounced, suggesting the amplified force used. "In battle," Old Chen expounded, "it''s not just about strength. There''s a rhythm, a sophistication. That''s what you need to master." "Do you see?" Old Chen began, holding the split wood for emphasis. "A skilled woodcutter can effortlessly split logs, saving both time and energy. Others might forcefully hack and chop, yet they can''t achieve what a skilled one does with a single, precise strike." His exnation was lucid and straightforward. Without mincing words, he critiquedst night''s skirmish. "Those adversaries, just like you, Wang Xuan, donned transcendental armor that granted them Master-like strength and speed. However, they toocked the essence of a Master. Had you faced a true Masterst night, you would have died. There would''ve been no doubt!" "When a Master acts, it''s not just about raw strength. It''s about finesse, a subtlety that''s hard to trace. Their moves are not just devastatingly effective; they''re an art, sometimes even transcending ordinary limits." Though Wang Xuan felt the weight of the critique, he also saw the wisdom in Old Chen''s words and reflected upon them. Continuing, Old Chen remarked, "A tiger is a beast of raw power, yet it stalks its prey, waiting for the right moment to deliver a fatal blow. You, on the other hand, overpower with sheer force, crushing your opponents into submission. But if you face someone with both an extraordinary physique and the essence of a Master, you might find yourself in hot water." The insights were not overlyplicated. Wang Xuan stood up and began to practice his old techniques within the room''s confines. Slowly, a certain elegance infused his movements. This ''Master essence'' was simply a sophisticatedbat intuition. With a nudge in the right direction, and with diligent practice and introspection, it could be understood and mastered over time. With his formidable physical and mental prowess, Wang Xuan, once enlightened by Old Chen, could rapidly grasp the essence of a Master. He had the foundation, and now with the right direction, it was only a matter of time. "Individual styles vary," Wang Xuan mused. "I believe I can quickly grasp what you''ve pointed out, but I''m inclined to lean towards a more forceful style ofbat." While he intended to address any shorings, the aggressive approach would likely still dominate his techniques. With this understanding, Wang Xuan''s mood lightened. Chuckling, he teased, "You mentioned the tiger''s hunting technique. Would a hyena''s ''sneaky snatch'' count as an effortless and intuitive strike?" Old Chen red at him for a moment before sighing, "It would be considered an entric yet intuitive strike within certain circles." Qing Mu looked perplexed. "Can that really be considered intuitive?" Wang Xuan nodded and said, "It seems the harmony of orthodox and entric ways is the true path." Chapter 97: His Old Flame Chapter 97: His Old me Wang Xuan, having understood the essence of a Grandmaster''s consciousness, decided to leave the room. He felt a pressing need to wash away what remained of his freshly shed skin. Upon his return to the sickroom, he was met with a curious sight. Old Chen was preening in front of a mirror, fussing over his usually untamed short hair. "What''s the asion?" Wang Xuan asked, looking at Qing Mu for an exnation. "We have an esteemed guest arriving shortly," Qing Mu answered, his face hinting at something more. A smirk tugged at Wang Xuan''s lips. "An old me of Old Chen?" No sooner had the words left his mouth than Old Chen''sb hurtled towards him, barely missing his forehead. In due course, a spaceship touched down on the manor''snding pad. Qing Mu personally went to receive the visitor. A woman, looking to be in her vibrant mid-thirties, was led into the sickroom by Qing Mu. Her entourage was courteously ushered by the manor''s staff to a dinner arrangement. Rising in respect, Wang Xuan greeted the woman. He was struck by her ageless beauty. Contrary to what he had envisioned, this ''old me'' was considerably younger than Old Chen, perhaps by nearly two decades. His gaze darted between the woman and Old Chen, eyes gleaming with yful astonishment. Recognizing Wang Xuan''s obvious and yet unspoken tease, Old Chen rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, as if to say: Never underestimate the charm of experience. In that brief moment, Old Chen felt an urge to school Wang Xuan on the virtues of silence. "I''m actually the same age as Old Chen," the elegant woman interjected with a hint of amusement, having instantly read the yful exchanges between the two men. "Sister... you look so young!" Wang Xuan praised genuinely, a glint of mischief in his eyes. He wondered, half-jokingly, if Old Chen''s previous aged appearance was a result of him sacrificing some of his vitality to his beloved. Old Chen introduced the woman as Guan Lin, a cherished friend he had known for over three decades. She hade personally to escort Old Chen to the capital to recover from his injuries. She was to attend the memorial of Olesha, a leading figure in the New Arts faction, the next morning. Otherwise, she would have embarked on the journey tonight. In a hushed tone, Qing Mu confided in Wang Xuan. Throughout their explorations, they had encountered numerousnds full of mysteries. Old Chen had once risked his life, venturing into one such perilous zone, just to procure a rare flower for Guan Lin ¨C a flower mentioned in ancient texts. This flower was possibly the reason behind Guan Lin''s ageless beauty. Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in astonishment. To think that Old Chen would brave such treacherous terrains, risking life and limb for a woman, their rtionship must be something special. Wang Xuan''s curiosity piqued, and he could not resist probing further. Qing Mu shook his head, whispering, "My master has always been a loner. Sister Guan, as far as I know, has remained unmarried. Their past together is... intricate." As Qing Mu chose not to delve into the details, Wang Xuan, sensing the depth of their history, chose not to pry any further. There was undoubtedly a tale waiting to be told. Guan Lin''s voice carried a hint ofmand. "Little Qing, will anyone from your side attend Olesha''s memorial tomorrow? Given it happened on your watch, you should at least send a wreath as a gesture." Wang Xuan nearlyughed hearing Qing Mu referred to as ''Little Qing''. But looking at Qing Mu, he found the manpletely at ease, evidently used to this affectionate nickname. Guan Lin''s subtle authority was evident. She was advocating on behalf of Old Chen and Qing Mu, ensuring their stance was appropriately conveyed. With the recent pressures on Qing Mu to make a life-for-life trade, Guan Lin was the one to challenge such requests. Her insistence on a representative from the old arts realm at the memorial underscored her dominant position, hinting at silent tugs of power in the background. Qing Mu offered a bashful smile. "My master suggested I go in his stead and present a wreath for Olesha." Guan Lin shook her head gently. "That won''t be needed. Wang Xuan can attend on behalf of all of you. I''ll be there too, so rest assured." A frown crossed Old Chen''s features. "There won¡¯t be any Grandmasters attending, will there?" Guan Lin confirmed, "No. Lately, Grandmasters from the New Arts faction have faced peril when entering the Old World. They wouldn''t dare risk it now." Old Chen responded with a subtle nod, his eyes reflecting relief. Guan Lin''s gaze lingered on Wang Xuan, her expression suggesting she''d deduced something about his prowess. The next day, Wang Xuan, after his routine morning preparations, boarded a vehicle arranged by Qing Mu, destined for a funeral parlor in An City. "Isn''t that... someone from the Old Arts faction?" Recognizing Wang Xuan as he disembarked, a murmur rippled through the onlookers. The indelible image he''d left during the nocturnal rain battle still haunted many memories. Upon arriving at the entrance of the funeral parlor, Wang Xuan recognized many familiar faces from the rural mansion. The entire entourage had seemingly relocated to this somber setting. Old Wu, dressed in ck, spotted Wang Xuan as he descended from his car. "Little Wang, why are you here?" "To pay myst respects to Olesha. He''s gone now, and I don¡¯t want to harbor any grudges," Wang Xuan responded somberly. Old Wu was momentarily taken aback. "Are you the one holding a grudge though? It''s folks from the New Arts faction who might still be resentful." Wu Yin, in a sharp ck suit, hurried over, her silhouette impossible to hide. "Wang Xuan, you shouldn¡¯t be here without a clear reason. I''m worried someone might pick a fight with you." There was a suddenmotion as someone eximed, "Can you believe it? Mr. Zhong Yong, a representative of the megacorporations, personally penned a condolence note for Olesha!" Old Wu snorted, "I bet that note was initially meant for Old Chen. But since Chen proved too resilient, the old man from the Zhong family just repurposed it for Olesha." "We need to greet some old acquaintances. We''ll catch upter, Wang Xuan," said Old Wu, leading Wu Yin away to mingle with the elite from the conglomerate circles. On their way, Old Wu whispered to his niece, "I have a feeling Wang Xuan''s confident presence here means one of two things. Either he''s advanced his skills and is unafraid of any bacsh from the New Arts faction''s Grandmasters, or he has strong backing, signaling a defiant stance." Finally, he added, "We should act quickly regarding the mysterious region. Wang Xuan seems reliable and kind-hearted. If hees to regard you as a confidante, I believe he might assist us." "Uncle, what exactly are you suggesting?" Wu Yin inquired, a hint of perplexity evident in her voice. The influence of Olesha was undeniable, especially given his ability to extend the lives of the elite. This had attracted a multitude of dignitaries to the memorial. Nearby, Zhong Cheng, ensconced in bandages, leaned in to whisper to Zhong Qing, "Sis, did you notice? Old Wu and Wu Yin seem quite keen on building a rapport with Wang Xuan. Perhaps you should too." Zhong Qing offered him a fleeting, enigmatic nce but chose not to respond. "With your charm and tactics," Zhong Cheng continued, his voice barely audible, "it shouldn¡¯t be too challenging to have him regard you as a trusted confidante. Let me initiate the conversation, and you can join in shortly." Without waiting for a response, he approached Wang Xuan, exuding a warmth, "Brother Wang!" Wang Xuan, amused by Zhong Cheng''s rather dramatic appearance, asked light-heartedly, "Been roughhousingtely?" Zhong Cheng gave a hasty, embarrassed shush, ncing around, especially in the direction of his sister. "Mind your words. If she overhears, I might just end up in more bandages." Wang Xuan chuckled, "Your sister has a delicate demeanor, but she''s clearly not someone you¡¯d want to mess with." Zhong Cheng, attempting to steer the conversation, mentioned, "She''s been wanting to have a chat with you." Wang Xuan, always to the point, inquired, "Is she bringing any scriptures?" Zhong Cheng was momentarily caught off guard by Wang Xuan''s candidness. Chapter 98: A Deviant Who Longs For The Immortals Chapter 98: A Deviant Who Longs For The Immortals Zhong Cheng gazed intently at Wang Xuan, trying to discern his genuine interest in the revered scriptures. "Have you deciphered all of yesterday''s texts?" he asked in a hushed tone. Wang Xuan nodded, "Indeed. For such anrge tome, the actual teachings within seemed rather sparse. And here you were talking about it as if it was some sort of grand collection." Ignoring the subtle tease in Wang Xuan''sment, Zhong Cheng pressed on, "Setting that aside, I''ve browsed through some of the scriptures. Can you shed light on the nuances of mastering these ancient arts? My family holds the prestigious teachings from distinguished Grandmasters, including the golden bamboo scrolls linked to the ''Order of Immortals''. We''re guardians of a treasure, yet it remains dormant in our hands." In many circles, such precious knowledge would be jealously guarded. But for the Zhong dynasty, a prominent financial powerhouse, secrecy was not a concern, particrly since their vast collection was already an open secret. In this era of relentless technological advancements of mighty starships exploring the universe the age-old scriptures, once revered, were now just decorative pieces adorning the bookshelves of the wealthy. Wang Xuan''s thoughts deepened, reflecting on his painstaking efforts to gather these scriptures and his underlying fears of their insufficiency. For Old Chen, who had reached profound levels ofprehension, the thirst for even more knowledge burns deeper. He believed the truly transformative scriptures were bing rarer by the day. Hence, his ongoing efforts to foster ties with influential sectors were driven by an eagerness to study these age-old writings more closely. Wang Xuan shot Zhong Cheng a sidelong nce. It was evident that, contrary to his apparent naivety, Zhong Cheng was trying to entice him, showcasing the illustrious scripts of the Zhong family to whet Wang''s appetite. With an indifferent demeanor, Wang began, "To master the Old Arts, one must be whollymitted. Dive deep into the context of a scripture, ponder its essence right from its origin, and immerse yourself into the mindset of its creator. Only then will you progress." Zhong Cheng blinked in surprise, then pressed, "Is your rapid advancements due to these insights that you speak of?" Wang Xuan continued, "There are no shortcuts to mastering the Old Arts, nor a magic form that grants instant transcendence. You need to immerse yourself in a scripture,prehending all its facets. Take the Snake-Crane Eight Style Technique as an example. Have you practiced it?" "I have," Zhong Cheng sighed, "I''ve spent years on it, yet your initial few days of practice outdid my progress." "Let''s begin by dissecting the scripture of that technique," Wang decided. Having perused the Zhong family''s scriptures, he felt obligated to offer some insights, while also subtly probing. Zhong Cheng''s demeanor became earnest. His desire to master the family''s secretive arts was not just mere talk. While he had explored the vast collection of his family, he yearned for the tales of the ascended immortals, hoping that someday he could pierce the heavens with a de of light and stand resilient against starships with just his physical being. The Zhong family had an array of mystical scriptures, some rumored to be remnants from those very immortals. Yet, much to his chagrin, they remained elusive to him. In the contemporary age, while many of his peers craved thetest starships, he aspired to attain the ethereal realm. But what vexed him most was that despite his years of dedication to the ancient arts and practicing the new, he still couldn''t best his sister in a duel. "As context, remember that in those days, the renowned Old Zhang had..." Wang began narrating. Zhong Cheng interrupted with care, earnestly asking, "Who''s this ''Old Zhang'' you speak of?" "Zhang Daoling!" Wang Xuan nced at him with slight exasperation. How can he not even know this? Swallowing hard, Zhong Cheng marveled at the difference in their perspectives. While he might refer to Wang as ''Old Wang'' in his mind, here was Wang Xuan casually naming a foundational figure in the Old Arts. He was humbled. "Old Zhang, attuned with the universe, retired to Crane Cry Mountain," Wang began. "There, he witnessed a fierce battle between a dragon and a divine crane amidst clouds. That''s the context. When practicing this scripture, you need to possess Old Zhang''s innate unwavering belief in supremacy and his detached worldly view post-retirement. Moreover, the battle between the dragon and crane was intense and bloody. It was a fight to the death, which means while practicing, one must nurture a fierce heart, unafraid of death, and cultivate a boundless, menacing aura. With this background in mind and immersing oneself in it, sess is inevitable." Zhong Cheng listened intently, finding Wang Xuan''s words profoundly insightful, yet he felt lost amidst the depth. "Could you be more specific?" he pleaded eagerly. "A person like Old Zhang have surely transcended worldly affairs. So, when practicing the Serpent Crane Eight Style Technique, one should push forward with an air of emptiness, with confidence embedded deep within, subtly emanating a sense of invincibility. External movements may seem ethereal, but internally, a formidable energy brews, ready to erupt. Channel Zhang''s reclusive yet dominant aura and essence. Only at the moment of striking down an enemy should one''s body resonate violently, releasing that intense aura. Once finished, everything should revert to peace and tranquility." With a calm demeanor, Wang Xuan continued, demonstrating the technique on the spot. Only when he targeted a decorative stone weighing several tons at the funeral home did he release that intense aura before resuming his tranquilposure. Zhong Cheng, mesmerized, touched the shattered stone fragments. He was thoroughly impressed, acknowledging Wang Xuan''s reputation as the youngest Grandmaster of the era. Zhong Cheng''s enthusiasm was palpable. "Wang Xuan, your perspective has opened my eyes. It''s not just about practicing the ancient arts through scriptures; it''s about understanding the nuances of the era, the context, and the emotions behind each text. Your approach is nothing short of enlightening." With a glint of genuine admiration in his eyes, Zhong Cheng added, "It''s clear now why you rose to the stature of a grandmaster so young." Suppressing a smirk, Wang Xuan mused internally, ''Young man, you think you''re baiting me with ttery? A few words of wisdom, and you''re already reeled in.'' Leaning closer, Zhong Cheng whispered, "Are you still interested in yesterday''s scripture?" "Absolutely. I believe it offers valuable insights," Wang Xuan affirmed, truly eager to ess the full depths of Chen Pan''s writings. Zhong Cheng nodded. "Got yourmunicator with you? We can exchange contacts, and I''ll transmit the scripturester." After a quick exchange of their devices, Zhong Cheng added, "I remember only fragments of the text. I''ll gather it from my archives on New Star and send it your way." Without missing a beat, he swiftly sent Wang Xuan five images. To Wang Xuan''s surprise, they were all candid shots of Zhong Cheng''s sister. Wang Xuan''s eyebrows arched subtly. Zhong Cheng, that''s not what I had in mind! I''m here for Chen Pan''s wisdom, not photos of your sibling. But Wang Xuan kept hisposure, choosing to sidestep the trivial misstep. After all, why make a fuss when there were grander things at y? In a hushed tone, Zhong Cheng admitted, "Brother Wang, I used to think you were a bit of an opportunist. But now, I see something unique in you. I genuinely believe you might step into the realm of legends one day. Since we''ve now forged a good bond, if you ever reach those heights, don''t forget to bring me along." He then whispered even more softly, "Once I gain ess to our family''s unparalleled scriptures and the golden bamboo scrolls of the pre-Qin dynasty alchemists, I''ll surely seek your guidance." Wang Xuan was genuinely taken aback, but a quick nce at Zhong Cheng''s radiant smile made him take those words with a grain of salt. Young heirs of financial empires, like Zhong Cheng, were rarely straightforward. If Zhong Cheng was now putting on such a heartfelt act, it only meant he had be more adept at his game. Still, Wang Xuan made a silent vow: if Zhong Cheng did hold true to his words, he would reciprocate in kind. Out of nowhere, Zhong Qing appeared. Upon seeing her leisurely photos sent via her brother''smunicator, her face turned a shade of crimson. Infuriated, she thought, ''This foolish, unrepentant brother of mine has traded my privacy for the sake of his passion for the Old Arts once again!'' Chapter 99: Hidden Land Deep In The Cosmos Chapter 99: Hidden Land Deep In The Cosmos Wait, he¡¯s actually sending her pictures through the phone? Shocked, Wang Xuan watched as Zhong Qing, with her pure and pristine appearance, rapidly approached her brother. Without a hint of hesitation, she delivered a resounding p that sent him sprawling to the ground. Wang Xuan could not help but marvel at the young woman. For someone who looked so delicate and youthful, her strength was astounding. Momentster, Zhong Qing''s gaze shifted to Wang Xuan, a hint of usation in her eyes. He blinked in surprise. How is this my fault? Opting to sidestep the brewing storm, Wang Xuan quickly moved to attend the memorial for Olesha. From the side, an elderly man, known for his proficiency in the Snake-Crane Eight Style Techniquemented, "What an impressive young man. His words just now sent chills down my spine. I''ve practiced the Old Arts all my life, focusing only on the texts and never deeply contemting the birth of these scriptures. His revtion today left me with a mix of enlightenment and regret." He looked somewhat distant, gazing at the horizon, a sense of mncholy clouding his thoughts. "He''s that impressive?" Zhong Qing''s eyebrows shot up. Picking himself up, Zhong Cheng said, "Absolutely. My excitement earlier wasn''t entirely feigned. Did you know? What he said closely mirrors what I stumbled upon in an old manuscript back in our library. The author of that note was a quasi-immortal! That was why I dangled some enticing bait ¨C our family''s ancient scriptures, the golden bamboo scrolls, and...you. Slowly, we''ll reel him in. Considering how capable you are, I''m sure you can make him fall head over heels for you in no time..." "Using me with old scriptures and bamboo slips as bait? Are you out of your mind?" Annoyed, Zhong Qing''s palm came down again, sending her brother sprawling once more. ¡­¡­ She walked confidently, her long, straight legs carrying her with a sense of authority, stepping right over Zhong Cheng. "You''ve lost your way," she scolded. "What era are you living in? Still lost in tales of the Immortals? If they were truly that powerful, they wouldn''t have disappeared. Once I find the Elixir Herb, I¡¯ll live longer than any of them. While the Zhong family will never abandon the mystic and the ult, we won''t be confined by them. We must rise above it all and take control of everything. Look at you! Years of training and still, you¡¯re nowhere near my level. One hand is all I need to beat you up!" Zhong Cheng wanted to protest, to say that he was strong in his own right. But, in truth, he had never bested his sister. "Dare to share my photos again, and I''ll exile you to our barren barren outpost on a remote for two years," she warned, adding pointedly, "It''s full of cold-blooded male mercenaries, and some Masters of the Old Arts as well. Since you admire them so much, it¡¯ll be a perfect opportunity for you to interact with them and learn from." Zhong Cheng''s eyes widened, but he dared not utter a word. In a serene garden within the funeral home, a group of middle-aged men were engrossed in a conversation, discussing the mysteriousnds. ... The funeral home was grand and solemn. Tall green pines and cypress trees were nted around some areas, making the architectural spaces in between even more tranquil. Many hade to pay theirst respects to Olesha, including representatives from major financial conglomerates. Even more attendees than when Old Chen had nearly met his end, and of a much higher stature. Mainly because Olesha had once prolonged the lives of a few influential elders, forming significant bonds of ¡°good karma.¡± Wang Xuan stood tall, his demeanor enhanced by his practice of the Old Art6s. There was a unique vitality to him, his eyes bright and alert. Some recognized him and immediately frowned. His reputation was notorious, especially among those of the New Arts. He was a malevolent presence, and his most infamous act was the execution of Master Xia Qing with a single kick on the Pamir teau. "In that remote area, mystery loomsrge. Even on its outskirts, we''ve uncovered the rare minerals crucial for crafting the ''Elixir of Immortality'', and the reserves are significant. But with an array of disturbing incidents, it''s be treacherous to explore," one middle-aged manmented. The influential families of the New World had be agitated. They were eager to unlock the secrets of this enigmatd. However, their endeavors were continuously met with unforeseen challenges. Worryingly, reports of advanced warships crashing and going dark had emerged. Prominent figures onboard were missing, sparking an immediate need for rescue missions. "It reminds me of the ''Promised Land'' we discovered earlier,den with the pervasive ''X-substance''. Prolonged exposure invariably causes even our most advanced devices to malfunction," another added. While various factions had upgraded their ship''s defense mechanisms, they seemed powerless against the relentless intrusion of the ¡°X-substance.¡± "Also, those who have embraced the new arts are not spared. The X-substance seems to decay the ''Divine Particle''. Extended exposure can lead to rming physiological mutations," a third voiced. Yet, in the face of these overwhelming risks, the allure of otherworldly discoveries kept them pushing forward, with every faction eager to uncover the secrets lying within. "Two days ago, the Zhong family managed to momentarily negate the X-substance''s interference, capturing an image so profound that it nearly drove the typically stoic Elder Zhong Yong to the brink of insanity. He''s now eager to personally explore these depths, seeking rity on what they chanced upon," another shared. Two prominent figures of the New Arts soon joined the conversation, imploring the middle-aged men for assistance and suggesting that Qing Mu be dispatched, regardless of the evident danger. The men exchanged uneasy nces. Some had already attempted interventions, only to be met with fierce resistance. Moreover, official word from the Old World''s authorities pinned Olesha''s demise on an aerial mishap. In this intricate web of politics and power, some truths were better left untouched. Pushing further might lead to an irrevocable confrontation, a scenario neither side truly wanted. Without tangible benefits, they saw no reason to risk offending anyone on behalf of the deceased Olesha. Such confrontations could lead to unpredictable repercussions. Their expressions softened as they tried to console the two masters of the New Arts faction. "Mourn Olesha now," they suggested gently. "Some matters can be settledter, with patience and strategy." The two leading figures from the New Arts faction sighed in understanding. The foundation of their alliance had always been mutual benefits. Without significant incentives, it''s hard to persuade these men of influence. While the financial magnates are undoubtedly powerful, they wouldn''t rashly offend others without reason. Making a symbolic gesture would be their limit; they wouldn''t stick out their necks without proper cause. Master Zhou Wei from the New Arts faction spoke with a calm demeanor, "Despite the hostility of that mysterious region towards the Divine Particle ¡ª or the super-material ¡ª some of us in the New Arts faction have already refined our physical bodies to an astonishing level. Even without using the super-material, we can tread in that area, perhaps even venturing deeper." The other master, Sun Chuan, was more blunt. He mentioned that Chen Yongjie, the only Master from the old arts, would pass away in a few days. With his demise, the old arts wouldn¡¯t even have a Master, marking its decline. They could no longer rely on them. The middle-aged men nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth in their words. Chen Yongjie''s time was indeed nearing its end, rendering the idea of seeking his assistance for the exploration of the mysteriousnd unfeasible. Zhou Wei continued, "The Old Arts can be likened to a candle me in the wind. While asional gusts might make it burn brighter for a moment, such res also signify its imminent extinguishment." He added, "Take, for instance, the recently emerged young practitioner. He''s akin to a brief re in the wind, merely a quasi-Master. If he dares to set foot in thatnd with his unstable foundations, his light will quickly be snuffed out." Sun Chuan nodded in agreement. "He won''t be able to reach the Master level anytime soon. The Old Arts are notoriously slow in yielding results." The group of middle-aged men then made their stance clear to the two masters from the new arts. As long as they can retrieve certain unique items from the Hidden Land, they would have a say in the distribution of benefits. Furthermore, they subtly indicated that as long as the actions of those in the new arts realm aren¡¯t excessively disruptive, they would provide a safety. Content with the assurance, Zhou Wei and Sun Chuan nodded and made their exit. ¡­¡­ As Wang Xuan moved forward, several figures stepped into his path, their expressions cold and uninviting. In any other setting, they might have considered more aggressive measures against him. Meeting their gaze, Wang Xuan calmly stated, "I''vee to genuinely pay my respects as a novice in the world of cultivation. You needn''t overthink my intentions." "You''re not wee here," a New Arts practitioner responded with disdain. His presence had clearly drawn attention. Many mourners turned their heads, intrigued. They were looking at the young man rumored to have taken down quasi-Masters. His youthful appearance only fueled their astonishment. Wu Yin, sensing potential unrest, contemted intervening. Zhong Cheng, however, opted to observe the scene in silence. Wang Xuan replied calmly, "I am here on behalf of a section of the Old Arts faction. My intention is merely to present a wreath and convey our respect. This is no ce for hostilities. We should focus on the bigger picture." His level-headed demeanor unsettled many in the New Arts faction, realizing any esction might make them appear overly confrontational. "Proceed," Sun Chuan, a Master of the New Arts faction, interjected, giving Wang Xuan a nod of allowance. Yet, as Wang Xuan entered, Sun Chuan''s gaze sharpened, an unmistakable glint of challenge within. To most, it was a mere exchange of nces, but Wang Xuan sensed a covert spiritual assault, an attempt to undermine him before the gathered audience. A glint of defiance shed in Wang Xuan''s eyes. Does Sun Chuan truly believe his Master status gave him an edge in the spiritual realm? Wang Xuan had his own spiritual strengths. The real battle was to see who would stand tall and who would yield. Chapter 100: The Dazzling Master Wang Chapter 100: The Dazzling Master Wang Wang Xuan stood tall and bnced, an embodiment of strength in his prime. The morning sun bathed him in a golden hue, making him a radiant figure against the somber backdrop of the memorial hall. For those present, it seemed he was glowing, his impending rise to the level of Master drawing every eye. Inside, the two Masters of the New Arts faction exuded a cold aloofness, their expressions stark in contrast to Wang Xuan''s radiance. The atmosphere grew thick with tension. Wang Xuan''s eyes sparkled brilliantly, while Master Sun Chuan''s hands, clenched tightly, betrayed a hint of tremor. The disparity in their reactions sparked whispers among the onlookers. An invisible force seemed to manifest between them, causing nearby mourning ribbons and flowers to flutter and then shred, signaling an intense silent confrontation. Even those not versed in the ways of cultivation could sense the power sh between these representatives of Old and New Arts. The crowd was astonished. They had believed Wang Xuan was not yet a Master. Yet, here he was, seemingly holding his own against a seasoned Master of the New Arts. Wu Yin looked on, anxiety evident in her eyes. She recognized Wang Xuan''s prowess, but facing a true Master was another matter entirely. Will he prevail? "Unbelievable! He''s holding his ground!" Old Wu eximed, noting the evident strain on the face of the Master of the New Arts. Beads of perspiration appeared on Master Sun Chuan''s forehead, and his frame began to quiver. As moments passed, the signs became clearer. Sun Chuan seemed to waver, struggling to maintain his stance against Wang Xuan''s formidable presence. "This is unreal! Has Wang reached the level of a true Master in just a day?" Zhong Cheng voiced his astonishment. More onlookers began to realize the reality as well ¡ª the young man was merely trying to enter the hall, and it was the seasoned Master who had sought to bar his way. And now, the tables had turned dramatically. The funeral home in An City was vast, filled today with representatives of major organizations, influential figures from both the New World and the Old World. All eyes were now focused on the entrance where Wang Xuan stood, his aura sharp and dazzling, forcing Sun Chuan to gradually stoop. The crowd was abuzz with whispers. For a neer to overshadow an established Master was simply astounding. How had he achieved such progress in such a short span? Many recalled the stormy night at the suburban mansion where they had witnessed Wang Xuan''s prowess firsthand. Their astonishment was now doubly intensified. Yet, Wang Xuan seemed reluctant to push Sun Chuan too far. After all, it was a memorial service for Olesha, and it would seem overly aggressive to have a Master bow before him in such a setting. While Wang Xuan was inclined to show mercy, especially given the somber environment of the memorial, he knew the importance of restraint. Not wanting to cause a scene or be the topic of gossip, he began to retract his aura and spiritual power. However, not everyone was willing to let the confrontation end just yet. Sun Chuan slowly straightened himself, clearly energized. With a subtle nod, Zhou Wei, who was his ally, signaled him to unleash his full power. The touch on his arm was the cue he needed. In an instant, Sun Chuan realized Zhou Wei''s intentions. Together, they nned to covertly overpower the rising star of the Old Arts and publicly put him in his ce. Such a sh in the realm of spiritual power was perilous. If the two of thembined their energies, not only could they suppress Wang Xuan, but they might also inflict severe damage to his spiritual foundation. Fueled by determination, Sun Chuan recognized that with Chen Yongjie gone, if they could cripple this prodigious young man, the Old Arts would be in dire straits. If both the old and new generations of the Old Arts were defeated, it would be nearly impossible to find another formidable practitioner. With resolute determination, Sun Chuan knew what must be done. Seizing the moment when Wang Xuan was least expecting it, heunched a fierce spiritual assault. Simultaneously, Zhou Wei erupted with power, his forehead gleaming as if illuminated by an internal light ¨C a phenomenon unique to the realm of New Arts. Their secret techniques ensured that, regardless of one''s spiritual proficiency, such phenomena would manifest even without reaching the realm of Master. Nearby, a wreath spontaneously shattered, a highly unusual urrence in such a setting. Wang Xuan''s gaze sharpened. While he often chose to keep a low profile, it did not mean he was naively good-hearted. His heightened spiritual senses, far superior to the two masters, kept him vignt. He immediately sensed the impending threat and decisively activated his nascent spiritual domain. A faint mist hovered before his forehead, and from his eyes shot twin beams of intense light, akin to razor-sharp des. "Ah...!" Sun Chuan screamed in agony, clutching his head as if his skull was about to crack. Blood trickled from his eyes, and his face contorted in excruciating pain. Overwhelmed and disoriented, he knelt, his groans echoing in the hall. Zhou Wei, too, staggered back, a muffled grunt escaping his lips. He would have fallen had he not collided with the crowd. Unscathed, Wang Xuan stood his ground. His partial mastery over the spiritual domain made him an anomaly among Masters. Typically, a significant shift in spiritual capabilities was witnessed only at the realm of Enlightenment. Wang Xuan''s unique prowess, resulting from multiple super-sensory experiences and venturing into the "Secret Paths," set him apart. Bathed in sunlight, he appeared radiant, contrasting sharply with the two overshadowed masters in the hall. Wang Xuan refrained from pushing his advantage further. He genuinelycked advanced spiritual attack techniques; his response was purely instinctual. Sun Chuan''s downfall was his hubris. He intended to force Wang Xuan to kneel publicly but was met with a fierce counterattack, causing the very humiliation he sought to inflict on Wang Xuan. The scene descended into chaos. The attendees were astounded, hardly believing their eyes. A youthful figure, brimming with vitality, had just overpowered two formidable figures from the New Arts realm, forcing one of them to kneel. It was sensational. Among those present were representatives from various factions, many from influential financial ns. Their expressions shifted as they watched the unfolding events, realizing the immense potential of this young master. A master in his early twenties was unheard of. Just days ago, there were whispers about Wang Xuan''s potential to reach this level, but nobody anticipated it would happen so soon. And now, right before their eyes, he wasn''t just a novice but a fully-fledged master, overshadowing even the most seasoned ones. His future seemed limitless, prompting awe and admiration from all. "Little Wang...no, Master Wang, has genuinely taken me by surprise. This was beyond my expectations!" Old Wu eximed sincerely, then whispered to his niece, "What do you think?" Elsewhere, Zhong Cheng was visibly excited. "That''s typical of Wang. Such audacity to see himself on par with the great Zhang. He''s already a master? His rise has been meteoric! At this rate, I''m willing to acknowledge him as the forefather of his realm. What a promising future!" He then turned to his sister, Zhong Qing, and teased, "What do you think of him, sis? Maybe you could catch his eye!" Chapter 101: Prodigy Chapter 101: Prodigy Wu Yin nced at Old Wu without saying a word. However, when she looked at Wang Xuan, her expression was notably more amiable than when she gazed at her uncle, even gracing him with a smile. She then noticed Zhong Qing from the corner of her eye. With her tall stature and striking beauty, she appeared like the quintessential college belle - pure and gracefully alluring. But when Zhong Qing turned to look at her and slightly lifted her chin. Is that a hint of provocation? Wu Yin, unfazed, took a few graceful steps in her high heels. Her movements radiated grace and confidence. She threw a dismissive look at Zhong Qing, exuding unparalleled self-assurance. Zhong Qing, always perceptive and detail-oriented, felt an urge to confront Wu Yin directly. She felt Wu Yin had been stepping over the line recently. Her confident gaze was rather irritating. It''s just a nce, what''s the big deal? "Did you see that, sis? Miss Wu is quite confident. With Old Wu backing her up, if we don''t act proactively, they might win over Little Wang," Zhong Cheng whispered, with a mock-serious face, as he moved closer to his sister. "Little Wang is in his prime now..." Suddenly, he felt immense pain in his arm. His sister had grabbed him tightly with her slender, white hand. Hurriedly, he whispered, "Don''t get violent. I wasn''t implying anything about you and him. What I meant was, Little Wang is young and energetic. He¡¯s at the perfect age for adventure. If he leads our expedition into the Hidden Land and finds the Immortal Herb, we''d hit the jackpot!" As he continued, his excitement outpaced even his sister''s, "The Immortal Herb! It can extend one''s life by centuries! If he can find me one, I''d dly call him ''brother-inw'' every day and night!" And just like that... he was subjected to yet another vicious beating. Zhong Cheng could barely suppress a scream as blows rained down upon him. Had they not been in public, Zhong Qing would have surely knocked him to the ground and trampled over him with her high heels. However, she was attentive. She realized that the Hidden Land indeed required top talents from the Old Arts domain. Observing Wang Xuan at the entrance, she pondered how to win him over to her side. The ¡°Substance X¡± in the Hidden Land is abundant, causing spaceships to crash and delicate instruments to break. Moreover, it corrodes the mystery factors, making it a ce suitable only for those with strong physiques to explore. Wang Xuan proceeded into the memorial hall, garnering attention. Some greeted him. Given the somber nature of the event, most people simply nodded. Yet, seeing this, Zhou Wei''s face turned pale. He felt utterly humiliated, believing he had made a mess of things. He had incited Sun Chuan to strike again, hoping to deal a decisive blow to the only rising star of the Old Arts domain. To their surprise, they were defeated in their spiritual contest, even when theyunched abined ambush against the young man. Zhou Wei felt an overwhelming pain in his head. Feeling the contrasting gazes of the attendees on him and the young man, his face turned beet red from embarrassment. The oue was deeply humiliating. Not long ago, he had told several middle-aged representatives from wealthy families that the Old Arts domain was merely a fleeting me in the wind. He argued that the young man would not attain the realm of a master anytime soon and might soon fade away. Now, he felt as if he had been pped twice¡ªonce for the actual pain on his head and another for the embarrassment he felt. Sun Chuan''s low growls persisted for what seemed like an eternity. Gradually, his fury dissipated, but the weight of his public humiliation remained. To be forced onto his knees in front of a rising star of the Old Arts was the ultimate disgrace. As the memorial service proceeded, orchestrated by an eloquent emcee, the atmosphere amongst the attendees had unmistakably shifted. Those from the New Arts realm wore gloomy expressions, the day''s events a blow to their collective pride. To them, this felt like a public blood sacrifice of two veteran Masters to elevate the reputation of the youngest Old Arts Master of the era. The emcee meticulously recounted the illustrious life of Olesha, a figure described as having made "monumental contributions" in the New Arts realm, only to be tragically cut down in his prime due to an aircraft ident. Wang Xuan observed with a calm demeanor, confident that if the final truth were revealed, it would shock everyone. The real perpetrator of the crime wasn''t Qing Mu, but rather, ''Dying Old Chen'', who mercilessly cut down Olesha. Moreover, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but critique Old Chen''s peculiar inclinations. The wreath presented today, handwritten by Old Chen using his left hand, was a matter of personal insistence, even attracting disapproving nces from Guan Lin. As attendees lined up to pay their respects, many bowed. Wang Xuan, however, merely offered a brief nod. He couldn¡¯t bow in front of the man. Underneath the white cloth, Olesha''s ''peaceful'' face was hidden from view. Wang Xuan pondered over Olesha''s unfortunate fate: first butchered by Old Chen, and then ''aged'' by Qing Mu. The pungent odor of charred flesh, even amid the fragrant flowers, was unmistakable. Wang Xuan barely lingered. With his heightened senses as a Master, the smell emanating from Olesha was almost unbearable. He resolved to avoid any grilled foods that day, associating the scent with the charred remains. He noticed that many attendees shared his sentiment, taking a swift nce and promptly exiting. Some didn''t even venture in, like Old Chen''s confidante ¨C Guan Lin. Her mere presence was already a significant gesture. She clearly had no desire to gaze upon the charred remains. Regret welled up in Wang Xuan. If he''d known earlier, he would''ve indulged Old Chen''s wish, allowing him to wear a human-skin mask and personally attend Olesha''s memorial. The putrid smell would''ve served as a stern lesson to Old Chen. Guan Lin was engaged in amiable conversation with several middle-aged individuals. They seemed like old acquaintances. Their camaraderie was evident, despite the somber setting. Old Wu approached discreetly, informing Wang Xuan that these individuals hailed from the New Star and had strong affiliations with financial magnates supportive of the New Arts. Realization dawned on Wang Xuan. It was likely that pressure from this group had intended for Qingmu to be the scapegoat, but Guan Lin had sessfully intervened. Observing their jovial interaction, there was no sign of tension. He mused that some confrontations are best resolved through amiable exchanges. Guan Lin''s upbeat demeanor indicated that most issues had been addressed. Soon, a throng of people approached Wang Xuan, all with intentions of wooing him. The emergence of such a young Master in the Old Arts realm had piqued many interests. Organizations capable of exploring the "secret region" were particrly eager to enlist Wang Xuan''s expertise. Wang Xuan responded amiably to all, ending up with a handful of business cards by the end of the interactions. As the memorial concluded, many attendees prepared to depart. The two Masters from the New Arts domain wore stormy expressions, their disgruntlement evident. In a move to salvage their reputation, they discreetly approached Wang Xuan, suggesting a more secluded duel. Their earlier public humiliation, having been dominated by a neophyte, was a sting they couldn''t overlook. Word of this impending rematch soon spread, and many who''d nned to depart opted to stay, eager for the showdown. Wang Xuan, known for his preference for subtlety, was suddenly thrust into the limelight. But, seeing Guan Lin''s silent approval, he felt encouraged. It seemed Guan Lin had brokered some discussions with the middle-aged men, and now expected Wang Xuan to demonstrate his prowess against the New Arts'' representatives. Wang Xuan also acknowledged that he''d soon set aside his current identity for a time. Given this, he was determined to leave an indelible mark on the New Arts domain, serving them a lesson they''d long remember. With Sun Chuan, still reeling from his previous defeat, overseeing Olesha''s funeral, Zhou Wei was eager to challenge Wang Xuan. Although Zhou Wei acknowledged Wang Xuan''s considerable mental strength, he believed the younger mancked the specific secret techniques to mount an effective offensive. Zhou Wei¡¯s intention was to engage Wang Xuan in a private duel, intending to dere his victory post-battle. But as news slipped out, an audience congregated. The confrontation took them to an expansive terrain on the outskirts, a fitting stage for an intensebat. The gathered spectators stood back, observing in hushed anticipation. None intervened; the atmosphere was charged as they awaited the climactic face-off between the Masters of the Old and New Arts. Recognizing that he''d soon revert to his true identity, Wang Xuan decided there was no further need for discretion. Once he chose to strike, he unleashed his formidable techniques without reservation. Stepping forward, Wang Xuan seemed to levitate just above the ground, moving fluidly like a serpent ascending into a dragon, enveloped in a mystical mist, aggressively charging his opponent. At his side, a faintyer of mist clung, giving the impression of a dragon soaring the skies, assertively seeking to overpower his adversary. "Snake Crane Eight Style Technique!" Zhou Cheng muttered, recalling Wang Xuan''s teachings. He watched, captivated, not daring to blink. The elderly figure beside Zhou Qing was equally engrossed, his gaze unwavering and filled with anticipation. Both began to appreciate Wang Xuan''s profound wisdom in action. As he seemed to glide, surrounded by the white mist, his ethereal form epitomized the sentiments of Taoist founder Zhang Daoling during his reclusion. Moreover, Wang Xuan''s radiant gaze was deeply intimidating. Is this the manifestation of profound confidence, which, after being pent-up, now exploded? Boom! A massive explosion resounded mid-air, energies colliding ferociously. The two shed repeatedly in an intense aerial ballet. The elder next to Zhou Qing, trembling with excitement, eximed, "Precisely! From a serene, detached form to a sudden, fierce, aggressive stance. Such a swift transition, embodying the true essence of the Snake Crane Eight Scatter Hands!" Within moments, after dozens of rapid exchanges in mid-air, Zhou Wei was sent hurtling backward, blood spurting from his mouth. Wang Xuannded gracefully but instantly pursued his wounded opponent, initiating their final showdown. To Wang Xuan, Zhou Wei was a stepping stone, helping him grasp the consciousness of a Master. He disyed ethereal grace, but when provoked, his formidable might and fierceness resonated exactly with his earlier teachings. Zhou Cheng was utterly awestruck. He felt he had grasped the concept and believed he was on the cusp of mastering the two styles of the Snake Crane Eight Style Technique. The elderly master was so engrossed that he began to enact the movements on the spot, gleaning new insights and enhancing one of the techniques to an even more sophisticated level. "A divine epiphany!" he eximed, his fervor reaching palpable heights. Thud! Zhou Wei was thrust through the air, his chest caved in. Even at the pivotal moment, while Wang Xuan maintained a serene demeanor emblematic of a Master, he unleashed a devastating chest kick. A collective gasp swept through the crowd. The fight had ended so abruptly. Master Wang Xuan was evidently more formidable than they had presumed, efficiently and dominantly besting the seasoned master. "I''ve grasped it! I trulyprehend those two techniques now!" Zhou Cheng excitedly dered, seemingly oblivious to any forting reprimands from his sister. He mused aloud, "At this moment, I still wholeheartedly regard him as Master Wang. And adding the title... ''Brother-inw''... might not be too far-fetched, right?!" Chapter 102: Crescendo Chapter 102: Crescendo Zhou Cheng''s cheeky remarks once again earned him a reprimand, as Zhou Qing''s palm swiftly found its mark. Yet, when he staggered back to his feet this time, he ignored her disapproving re and immersed himself in practicing the Snake-Crane Eight Style technique. With each move, a resonating hum echoed, reminiscent of distant thunder. Zhou Qing watched, torn between annoyance and admiration. The fluidity of Zhou Cheng''s movements suggested that he might genuinely have had a revtion. Has he, after six arduous years, finally grasped the core of the technique? Her attention shifted to the elder master nearby. With a serene focus, he channeled energy through his body. A soft luminescence radiated from his chest, culminating in the ethereal projection of a dragon. In one swift, powerful movement, he cleaved a stone b nearby. She approached him, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What insight have you gained?" The elder seemed lost in thought for a moment before replying, "Some individuals are destined for greatness in their chosen paths. I find myself drawn to follow him and learn." Surrounded by her brother''s newfound zeal and the elder''s profound reverence for Master Wang, Zhou Qing felt a tad overwhelmed. Their admiration felt so surreal that she found herself swatting at her brother yet again! Clocking in at just seventeen, Zhong Cheng bolstered his confidence with every internal affirmation, "There''s still ample time. Someday, I''ll ascend to great heights. Even if I were to affectionately address her as ''Little Zhong,'' she wouldn¡¯t dare retort.¡± It was clear that Wang Xuan''s words were not just rhetoric; they sprang from deep personal insights. However, the primary catalyst for both Zhong Cheng and the elder''s breakthroughs was their own extensive foundational training. The elder had diligently practiced for decades and, with a mere hint, all those years ofprehension and insight culminated in mastery. As for Zhong Cheng, six years of rigorous practiceid a solid foundation. With newfound belief in Wang Xuan''s teachings and an unwaveringly devout mindset, mastery seemed within grasp. Now, surrounded by representatives from various organizations, Wang Xuan found himself at the center of attention. The powerful and influential, once somewhat skeptical, were now approaching him, swayed by his unparalleledbat prowess. Several affluent middle-aged men, the representatives various prominent families, greeted Wang Xuan with genuine warmth. They didn''t hold back, directly expressing their desire for coboration. They hinted that any favor he might need could easily be fulfilled. Wang Xuan, although ttered, had different aspirations. He mused internally about acquiring a golden bamboo slips from the Early Qin period, though he never voiced this. Instead, he engaged in pleasant banter, notmitting to anything just yet. He knew that although these men were not the highest authorities in their respective organizations, they were no mere pawn. These people were sharks in the water, ready to take everything and give nothing. epting a favor from them woulde at a price, one that might mean risking his life for their cause. In this era of technological marvels, where super warships prated the depths of space, powerful corporations and major organizations held vast resources. To them, the title of "Master" was little more than a ceremonial honorific. If it weren''t for the secret realm that required individuals with robust physical constitutions, Wang Xuan might have nevere into contact with these magnates. Both the modern and traditional sectors prioritized the deep exploration of prolonging life. When it came to sheer power, they''d rather invest in more warships than in individuals. Of course, those who were genuinely transcendent posed a threat. These exceptional individuals were often monitored closely due to their potential for assassination. "Young Master Wang is truly a prodigious talent in the traditional arts," one middle-aged man mused. "Seeing you reminds me of Old Chen in his prime, both rare and exceptional. Sadly, we''ll likely be paying our respects to him soon." He spoke with genuine reverence for Wang Xuan while subtly referencing Chen Mingtu. At his side, Guan Lin''s expression darkened. She wished she could retort, "Even if you were to die decadester, Old Chen would be perfectly fine. He has a long life ahead and will surely surprise you." Regardless of the veiledments, they were overtly courteous, showering Wang Xuan with lofty praise and extending their business cards. Gracious as ever, Wang Xuan''s face was all smiles, maintaining the convivial atmosphere of the gathering. After all, he was willing to y the game of diplomacy as well. Wang Xuan''s spiritual energy pulsed vibrantly, granting him a keen intuition. He could discern the facade of warmth the individuals disyed. Beneath the surface, an unmistakable distance lurked. It was obvious that they couldn''t match Old Wu''s genuine camaraderie. Over their recent encounters, Old Wu, while calcting at times, genuinely sought to forge a bond with Wang Xuan. Interrupting the group, Guan Lin dered, "Wang is truly remarkable. I consider him a younger brother. He''ll be escorting Chen Yongjie to the capital for recovery. I suggest you all put your concerns to rest." The group''s intentions were clear: they wanted to broach the subject of the secret realm expedition with Wang Xuan. But with Guan Lin stepping in, they werepelled to hold off. As the gathering came to an end, everyone began to leave. Old Wu, who had hoped for a brief exchange with Wang Xuan, was left behind. He had already been quickly led away by Guan Lin into a ship bound for space. ¡­¡­ Inside a spaceship, several middle-aged men from prominent financial factions were engaged in casual conversation. "Do you think Chen Yongjie will really die? Something feels off about the whole situation," one of them suddenly remarked. Thement drew contemtive expressions from the others. After a pause, another added, "It does raise suspicion. His internal organs shattered into countless fragments, yet he still clings to life. Could he possibly be on the verge of a miraculous recovery, or even reaching the transcendental realm?" The gravity of the discussion deepened as they deliberated. Some believed that Chen Yongjie might not only survive but also deepen his coboration with departments associated with the old earth. "The ''idental death'' of Aulesha was likely more than just a sentimental act," one mused. After much contemtion, one suggested, "If Chen Yongjie recovers, perhaps we can approach him about exploring that secret region. After all, we''ve coborated in the past." The group was confident. In this era, even if legendary figures were to emerge again, they could easily be obliterated by super warships. Even if Chen Yongjie surpassed the realm of the Grandmaster, it was not anything rming. "Old Chen should understand the times we''re in. If ever there arises an irreconcble conflict, even the mightiest can be taken down," one said thoughtfully. "Before any of that, we must respect Chen Yongjie," another added. "In this intricate world, everything boils down to interests. I believe we can find a middle ground that''s eptable for both parties. After all, Old Chen is a smart man." ¡­¡­ Chen Mingtu was preparing to depart for the capital city, where he would formally deepen his coboration with relevant departments. Before leaving, he engaged in a long conversation with Wang Xuan. "Consider going to the New Star," Chen suggested, "There are more opportunities there. Guan Lin brought me a book that reaffirms my belief that those who practice should actively approach the transcendental realm." "What have you discovered?" Wang Xuan inquired, studying Chen closely. With a serious expression, Chen replied, "The realm of ''herb gathering'', though it emphasizes the extraction of powerful substances from our own bodies, seems to hint at something else in that book I read. It implies that real-world interactions with various mystical herbs and proximity to extraordinary objects of the transcendental realm can greatly benefit one in reaching the ''herb gathering'' stage." He paused, musing, "If the book borates only on this one level, might there be other realms that also require such extraordinary encounters?" Chen continued, "Most scriptures are now in the hands of the New Star''s financial elite. The Elixir of Immortality and other miraculous substances are deep in space, filled with opportunities. I''d suggest you explore while you''re young." Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow, "Why do I feel an intense urge from you for me to leave immediately?" Chen hesitated, then began, "It all started with a mysterious encounter thirty years ago..." Clearly, Chen couldn''t help revisiting this topic. "Stop!" Wang Xuan interjected, turning to Qing Mu. "Old Qing, can you pilot a ship for me? I want to return the Sword Immortal to her original sanctuary for her eternal rest." Chen seemed deted at the interruption. He gestured dismissively, "Qing Mu, use Guan Lin''s ship. It won''t be tracked." In a short while, Qing Mu piloted the spaceship, delivering Wang Xuan to a deste mountain range about five hundred miles away. The ce was untouched by human presence. The wild grass, bristling thorns, and overgrown bushes of the mountainous terrain seemed an unlikely abode for a legendary figure. In the heart of a low mountain, Wang Xuan searched diligently. After some time, he stumbled upon remnants of a small Taoist temple, now mostly covered by wild grass and dirt, with shards of tiles buried beneath. "This is the ce!" Wang Xuan confirmed, recognizing the site from the dream where the Sword Immortal had shown him this very temple. He took out the jade box, containing the immortalized bones, but suddenly felt an overpowering urge to sleep and was quickly pulled into another dream. The ethereal Sword Immortal appeared once more, her presence as otherworldly as before, approaching him with graceful strides. Unlike their previous encounter, she showed no disdain or aggression towards him. She revealed that he should take some dark remnants of the celestial thunder mark from the immortal bones. Wang Xuan was taken aback. "Such a modest parting gift?" he thought cheekily, implying the Sword Immortal was being miserly. Much to his surprise, she seemed to have heard his inner thoughts and looked ready to strike him with her sword in annoyance. However, she demonstrated that by keeping these remnants with him, he would be protected once from impending danger. In his awe and gratitude, Wang Xuanvished praise upon her, "The celestial beauty, transcending time and captivating the heavens with unparalleled magical prowess, can easily suppress any formidable foe!" The Sword Immortal, pretending to be indifferent, turned away, but as she did, Wang Xuan caught a fleeting glimpse of a radiant, hidden smile that she reserved only for herself. As the dream was about to end, Wang Xuan saw her waving him goodbye, her figure fading into the distance. In the veryst moments, an intense scene shed before his eyes. He saw another realm, where another Sword Immortal, with an awe-inspiring sword aura, was challenging a mighty adversary in fiercebat. Waking with a start, Wang Xuan found himself back in the real world, the dream''s intense emotions still lingering. "I''ll wait here for you, three years from now," he whispered to himself, confident in the belief that the Sword Immortal meant him no harm and sought to ensure his safety. Whatevery in the future, he felt certain she would be there to protect him. Chapter 103: A Tearful Farewell Chapter 103: A Tearful Farewell In the vast expanse of wilderness, Wang Xuan pondered the events for three years hence, genuinely curious about their potential global impact. He sighed deeply, reflecting on his own limitations. "I''m simply not powerful enough. I should at least be able to defend myself," he murmured. In his heart, he felt dwarfed whenpared to legendary figures from tales past. Lost in thought, he quipped, "When the dayes that the woman in red dances at my whim without protest, maybe then I''ll see myself as formidable." As Qing Mu approached, he caught snippets of Wang Xuan''s musings. At first, he felt sympathy, sensing Wang Xuan''s destion. But as Wang Xuan''s whimsical aspirations became clear, Qing Mu''s empathy turned to bemusement. "Maybe keep the daydreams for nighttime," Qing Mu remarked with a hint of sarcasm. "Dream of confronting the demoness once you''ve managed to best Chen Randeng." "Qing Mu," Wang Xuan responded, "Everyone needs dreams. Two centuries ago, mankind was ignorant of the New World''s whereabouts. Look at us now, delving into the depths of space. If fate ever brings me face to face with the demoness, I''d much prefer her serenading me over her attempting to end my life with a mere snap." Acknowledging Wang Xuan''s point, Qing Mu replied, "Fair enough. I look forward to the day you stand toe to toe with the famed Red Robed demoness." Wang Xuan, growing a bit frustrated with Qing Mu''s constant cynicism, wished for a change in the narrative. Why couldn''t Qing Mu paint a brighter, more poetic picture? Shaking off the conversation, Wang Xuan carefully used a short sword to scrape off the charred remnants from the immortal bones, ensuring he took only what was necessary. "It''s time to leave," he announced, pulling himself to his feet. On the way back, Wang Xuan felt a pang of mncholy. He was about to set off for the New World and hoped that when he returned, things would remain as familiar as before. "Old Qing, did we manage to decipher the text from the silver beast-skin scroll we obtained from Qingcheng Mountain''s underground pce?" Wang Xuan suddenly recalled. He had obtained Zhang Daoling''s five-page golden book from that underground chamber, and a beast-skin scroll had been handed over to the exploration organization, which he presumed to be equally extraordinary. Qing Mu sighed deeply. They had hired a slew of ancient text researchers to decode it, but none could make heads or tails of the script. "My master looked at it and seemed deeply perturbed," Qing Mu revealed. "He said the symbols looked vaguely familiar, possibly rted to the mysterious encounter." Surprised by this revtion, Wang Xuan wondered if Qing Mu was intentionally setting up a narrative for Old Chen, or if there was indeed a significant issue with the text. Wang Xuan was about to put his current identity on hold, concealing his brilliant aura as a Grandmaster and embarking on a more ordinary life. However, many issues needed addressing, such as identity confidentiality, mobile phone security, and his double continuing to apany Old Chen. "That''s easily handled," Qing Mu reassured. To him, these weren''t challenges. For instance, the mobile would be non-registered, with ever-changing addresses. He continued, "By the way, the ''Wang Xuan'' in An City met with a car ident. Fortunately, it was a minor injury." Wang Xuan was taken aback. Now going by the pseudonym Wang Xiao, there was a stand-in in An City wearing a lifelike mask to act as Wang Xuan. An "ident"? Qing Mu exined, "It was an issue left behind by the young man from the Song family in the New World. But everything''s sorted now, and all ''loose ends'' have been tied up." Wang Xuan was stunned. That lunatic from the Song family had made several assassination attempts on him. He had thought it ended when the man was imprisoned, but the man had left a final "loose end" for him - a car ident. Qing Mu added, "It was a n he hadid out a long time ago. The hitman activated the n recently, not knowing his employer was already incarcerated." Now, it seemed that the lunatic from the Song family aimed to eliminate all men associated with Ling Wei. The young man from the Wu family was the most unfortunate, having been rendered disabled after just meeting Ling Wei''s family. On the journey back, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but dwell on the relentless killing intent of the Song family''s madman. If he ever got out, he''d probably still target Wang Xuan, especially considering he was Ling Wei''s ex-boyfriend. "Little Song, once I get to the New World, I''ll find a way to finish you off," Wang Xuan muttered to himself. They soon reached the estate outside An City. Before parting, Old Chen reminded Wang Xuan of a few precautions, emphasizing the importance of always carrying the short sword with him. In crucial moments, it could save his life. Especially in the face of unexined phenomena, the sword might hold unique powers. "If I''m going to the New World, can I bring it onto the spaceship?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Let Qing Mu handle it. He''ll get you a modern art authentication certificate. Ask Master Swordsmith Old Zheng for help, saying it''s histest creation, a replica of the Yuchang Sword. Yes, a masterpiece from a renowned person like him won''t face any issues, and you can carry it to the New World after purchase," Old Chen advised. Surprised, Wang Xuan asked, "Is this short sword simr to the legendary Yuchang Sword?" Qing Mu nodded, "After checking various records andparing with diagrams found on some decaying bamboo slips, it seems to be quite simr." In the living room, Guan Lin lounged on the sofa, casuallymenting, "If it''s genuinely the Yuchang Sword, some old-timers from the New World conglomerates would probably go crazy trying to purchase it, regardless of the cost. After all, it''s one of the ten famous swords from ancient legends. But selling it to them would be a waste. Ancient texts, precious old manuals, even rare books from various teachings ¡ª they all treat them as antiques, cing them on shelves. If it indeed were the Yuchang Sword, they''d likely use it as decoration, hanging it on a wall or disying it on a desk." "Could it really be the Yuchang Sword?" Wang Xuan drew out the short de, barely longer than a palm, examining it closely. Old Chen shook his head, "No, the Yuchang Sword forged by Ou Yezi was primarily made of copper and tin. Preliminary tests on your short sword show no traces of copper or tin. Its material is indestructible. It looks like bronze but is a peerless de!" On their return journey, the topic shifted to Wang Xuan''s forting journey to the New World and concerns surrounding his identity. "I want to keep a low profile," Wang Xuan stated. He hoped for a simple transition, ideally with an ordinary job awaiting him in the New World. He mentioned his college friend, Qin Cheng, who was facilitating this move. Old Chen contemted for a moment. "While you can pursue the route your college mate hasid out, I can also discreetly provide you with the credentials of an inspector. This would allow you greater mobility across regions." To Old Chen, orchestrating this was a trivial matter. The exploration organization he represented was not only influential but also had vast resources. Sending someone to the New World was barely a challenge for them. It was only then that Wang Xuan understood the organization''splete name ¨C ''The Secret Path Exploration Organization''. In the oldnd, its reputation was unmatched; just its name brought instant recognition. Its name hinted at its primary goal: uncovering the elusive routes to the ancient arts'' inner sanctums and finding the fabled elixirs of life. Old Chen revealed a significant detail; his own master had founded the organization. This revtion sent Wang Xuan into a brief introspective spell. That venerable elder had disappeared for thirty long years! After a detailed discussion with Qing Mu, Old Chen approximated that wrapping up the remaining details and ensuring future arrangements would take about five to six days. Chen suggested, "Secure a spaceship ticket for a departure in ten days. This interval will allow you to spend time with your family and friends." Wang Xuan''s eyes widened when he discovered that a deep-space ticket came with a staggering price tag of two million Novadors. In the currency of the oldnd, this was almost four million coins! He was momentarily stunned. Was he looking at a ticket that equated to his entire life''s work? Seeing Wang Xuan''s disbelief, Qing Mu chuckled and reassured him, "Count your blessings. Thanks to technological progress, ticket prices have already seen a significant drop. Otherwise, in the earlier days, even the thought of vacationing there would have been a luxury for me." Staring in disbelief, Wang Xuan eximed, "Old Qing, you''re so wealthy that you can afford leisure trips to the New World?" Qing Mu raised an eyebrow, replying, "What''s the point of money if you don''t spend it? Imagine if I died one day only to realize I''ve been grappling with mundane chores my entire life. What a waste that would be." Swallowing hard, Wang Xuan responded, "The problem is, I don''t have that kind of money to spend." "Weren''t you paid five millionst time?" Qing Mu looked at him, puzzled. "I gave it all to my parents," Wang Xuan said softly. "In case something happens to me, I want them to have some security." Guan Lin, overhearing the conversation, couldn''t help but chuckle. For all his prowess, Wang Xuan still retained a refreshing simplicity. Understanding, Qing Mu nodded, "Alright, I''ll cover your ticket this time." But then, with a stern face, he added, "This won''t work in the long run, you know. Once you''re on the New World or even just on the new moon, you should consider taking on some exploration jobs now and then. Otherwise, you might not even afford the ticket back." The sting of Qing Mu''s words was palpable, and Wang Xuan was rendered speechless, confronted with his current financial reality. Seeing Wang Xuan''s crestfallen face, Qing Mu continued, "Over at the New World, while the standard of living is generally good, the gap between the rich and the poor is stark. If you don''t hustle, as a neer, you might find yourself renting a ce indefinitely." Even though he hadn''t ventured into deep space yet, Qing Mu''s candid perspective on material matters was a timely education for Wang Xuan. It was a blow to his ego, but it was rooted in reality. Chen Mingshu sighed, interjecting, "That''s precisely why Old Ling disapproved of your rtionship with his daughter. Look at your situation. If you''re struggling to buy a round-trip ticket, other considerations are out of the question." On their departure, Wang Xuan hastened them, "It''s best you both leave now. I need a break from your presence." Patting Wang Xuan''s shoulder, Old Chen replied, "We''re on our way. Take care in the New World." "You too," Wang Xuan said with genuine concern. "Coborating with the authoritieses with its risks. Be safe out there." Smiling faintly, Old Chen responded, "I''ve been working with them for years, and there''s mutual respect. Plus, my enhanced abilities present more coborative opportunities. Most crucially, our objectives are aligned." "Aligned objectives?" Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow. Old Chen nodded. "In various ways. But most notably, our shared pursuit of understanding the ¡®Mysterious Encounter¡¯." With a sigh of resignation, Wang Xuan said, "Alright, since I''m heading to the New World, enlighten me." Handing him an envelope inscribed with ''Mysterious Encounter'', Old Chen chose to let the contents do the talking. That day, Chen Mingtu, apanied by Guan Lin, Qing Mu, and "Wang Xiao", journeyed to the capital to "recover", leaving Wang Xuan to revert to his true identity. Chapter 104: Mystery Encounter Chapter 104: Mystery Encounter For days on end, the gentle rain persisted. But finally, by afternoon, the looming clouds cleared, revealing a vibrant rainbow stretching across the sky. Many stopped to gaze upwards, capturing its beauty with their cameras. Upon returning to his rental ce, Wang Xuan settled down at his desk. Slowly, he began to unseal the envelope, ready to confront the information it contained. "The Mysterious Encounter", a story that had been buried for thirty years. Right from the start, Old Chen shared specific time frames, leading Wang Xuan to instantly think of Old Chen''s master, who had inexplicably vanished three decades ago. "Recently, figures from the New Arts realm have taken an interest in the Mysterious Encounter. During thest great battle at the Pamir teau, Mo Hai, a Grandmaster from this realm, had personally boarded a super warship of the Old World." To emphasize the gravity of the situation, Old Chen made direct mention of their adversaries. This wasn''t mere hearsay. Mo Hai had indeed met with a deputy from the relevant department, openly discussing and expressing his desire to obtain specific details about the past Mysterious Encounter. However, upon disembarking the warship, he met his demise at the hands of Old Chen. In his letter, Old Chen conveyed to Wang Xuan that both his own master and the aforementioned deputy''s master had been ensnared by this event, disappearing without a trace for thirty years. "The old man''s final gaze was one of sheer despair. His form began to fade right before my eyes, not far from where I stood. As he took hisst nce at me, he attempted to mouth something, but no sound came out..." Between the lines, Wang Xuan could palpably feel Old Chen''s deep sorrow and lingering mncholy. Back then, it wasn''t just the two elder individuals with unparalleled strength who vanished. A host of skilled practitioners from that era, adept in the ancient arts, also found themselves ensnared by the same event. They disappeared without a trace, leaving behind no sign of their existence. "At the time, a particr region in the Old World exhibited abnormalities. For several consecutive days, it was enshrouded by a hazy light¡ªa light that devoured people!" Old Chen didn''t conceal his lingering anguish. On that fateful day, they had little understanding of the dangers that lurked there. They cautiously approached the luminous area. In a sudden whim, Old Chen''s master hurled him away. Tragically, the elder and the rest were wholly consumed by the mysterious radiance. This incident became asting emotional scar for Old Chen, one he couldn''t ovee even after three decades. The ethereal glow covered the mountains, resting on the flora, exuding an aura of sanctity and tranquility. But, to everyone''s horror, any who dared approach it would vanish without warning. Moreover, the Zhong family, known for its prominence, was also deeply involved. They were at the heart of the Mysterious Encounter episode. As a result, two of their super warships were swallowed whole, leaving not even a ripple behind. Upon reading this, Wang Xuan was profoundly shocked. The situation seemed deeply mystical. "Old Zhong Yong was scared out of his wits back then. He fled to the New World overnight and for many years, never dared to return to the Old World." The mysterious glow vanished after a few days, but in its ce, a set of enigmatic symbols were left behind. For thirty years, numerous renowned schrs and experts had been called upon, but no one had deciphered its meaning. "These symbols bear a striking resemnce to the text found on the silver animal-skin manuscript unearthed from the Qingcheng Mountain tomb." Wang Xuan''s heart raced as he read this. A manuscript, which a feathered ascetic studied until his death, surely held monumental significance! "After the mysterious light dissipated, aside from the enigmatic symbols, an ancient ck sword was found embedded in the ground." Old Chen hid nothing in his letter. That very sword was the ck sword that was in his possession. Wang Xuan was astounded. Old Chen''s weapon had such a profound history! Beside the ck swordy a decayed skeleton, long rotted away. "The ck sword and the skeleton might not necessarily have been left behind by that hazy light. I witnessed it firsthand. I observed closely and felt as though they had been there for a very long time. Only the mysterious symbols seemed recently etched." This was the mysterious encounter from thirty years ago, which ensnared a group of ancient art masters. Even the formidable super warships couldn''t withstand its power and were swallowed whole, two in total. "After three decades, a message has emerged from deep space!" "Six months ago, the hazy light astonishingly reappeared. This time, it manifested on the New World and left behind another set of mysterious symbols, known only to a select few." Further in the letter, Old Chen mentioned updates about this incident, his tone heavy with concern. In the New World, after the hazy light disappeared, an ancient knife was found embedded in the spot. However, after thorough inspection, some believe that the knife had been there for ages. Moreover, just two monthster, the light appeared again on another part of the New World. Once more, it left behind mysterious symbols, apanied this time by an ancient spear. "I believe its manifestations are bing more frequent. Sooner orter, it will settle and consistently emerge in one ce. When you head to the New World, you must remain vignt and cautious!" ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan set the letter down, lost in thought. Naturally, his mind began weaving a tapestry of possibilities. The ck sword might be a weapon of the celestial beings. After all, its owner was the sworn enemy of the Sword Immortal. Shockingly, it reappeared after the mysterious encounter. Three weapons - the ancient sword, dagger, and spear ¨C were they dropped from the light or had they been embedded in the ground all along, activated by some ritual? Did this event rte to the ancients? Did it intersect with the celestial beings? "If I had the power of the red shirt demoness, I''d smack that light straight through!" Wang Xuan mused, shaking his head. The possibilities he conjured were endless, each more terrifying and thrilling than thest. He wasn''t keen to delve too deep. After all, even if he figured it out, what could he change with his current abilities? Clearly, Chen Mingtu had hopes for him, believing he had an unusual potential to venture into the inner realms. "Old Chen, I''m sorry, but I really can''t help with this. Thanks for sharing, and I promise to avoid that light in the future." In the afternoon, the weather was splendid - the rain had stopped, a rainbow hung high, and the air was fresh. Decisively, Wang Xuan went out shopping, preparing gifts for his parents and friends for his visit tomorrow. In just ten days, he would leave this oldnd, feeling somewhat reluctant. Before leaving, he wrapped a bandage around his left hand due to a "car ident." Thankfully, it wasn''t his real body that got hit; otherwise, the car might have crumpled upon impact, startling passersby. Wang Xuan was a man of action. In just over an hour, hepleted his shopping and returned home, impressively efficient. During his outing, he noticed the whispers and murmurs about him. "Did you see that? That young man is so efficient. He grabbed a bunch of items in just ten minutes and is heading to check out now," remarked a man, cautiously nudging his femalepanion. "Look at us, we''ve been wandering for ages and still haven''t picked anything. Should we speed things up?" Hispanion replied nonchntly, "Well, that''s because he''s shopping solo, while you have the pleasure of mypany." "That''s true!" the man agreed with a nod. Wang Xuan was almost tempted to approach them and set things straight. It was one thing to unt their rtionship, but why take an unsolicited jab at him? But just as he turned to give them a piece of his mind, the woman added with a softer tone, "He is quite handsome though." Deciding to be magnanimous, Wang Xuan took thepliment in stride and left without causing a scene. However, he couldn''t help but reflect ¨C it seemed as if the female sword immortal had rubbed off some peculiar habits onto him. After dinner, Wang Xuan took a stroll around Yun Lake, the most renowned attraction in An City. He nned to return home the next morning and, in ten days, head into deep space. He realized he might not have the chance to appreciate An City''s beauty for several years. Thus, under the lingering glow of the setting sun, he peacefully admired the serene reflections on theke. Now, without the notable status of a master, and blending back into the life of an ordinary person, he could stand amidst the bustling crowd without drawing attention. He relished this tranquility: basking in the evening glow, watching birds glide gracefully across the sky, asionally spotting a fish leaping, disrupting the shimmering golden surface of theke. His heart felt a sense of peace he hadn''t experienced in a long while. The representatives of the financial magnates and major organizations had all departed, with the super battleships vanishing into the depths of the starry sky. The individuals from the new arts realm had also left, bringing calm to the once bustling An City. All the opulence and splendor had faded, leaving only tranquility in its wake. Wang Xuan felt a profound sense of rity, almost as if he had achieved some sort of enlightenment. He seemed to grasp a strand of the mindset of Old Zhang when he chose to seclude himself in the Crane''s Cry Mountain ¡ª after experiencing all the glitz of the world, one might long for a simple, genuine life amidst nature. The "Snake-Crane Eight Style Technique" martial technique matured within him. Furthermore, the first three diagrams from the golden book he had practiced also took on a new meaning. There was a distinct, otherworldly aura about him. However, he soon returned to reality and shook his head, "There''s no true distinction between being worldly and unworldly. It''s all just different perspectives at different moments. This vibrant world, with all its allure, I won''t leave." As he strolled around theke, he felt apletion in his master consciousness. Both his Eight Scatter Hands technique and the three diagrams had evolved, further enhancing his strength. "Xiao Zhong, we''re heading back tomorrow. I really don''t want to travel with you. Did you choose Flight A or C? Honestly, I think something between A and C suits you best. Let''s try to avoid each other," a voice said yfully. "Wu Yin, you''ve been so aggressivetely! But I won''t stoop to your level. Let''s just enjoy the view. By the way, wasn''t it right here where someone kicked you in the rear, and you fell into theke?" another voice teased. Hearing such a conversation and recognizing the figures ahead, Wang Xuan turned, intending to leave. However, he was quickly spotted. Wu Yin, with her long strides, dashed over, scrutinizing him with a puzzled expression. Soon after, her gaze turned icy, and she let out a disdainful huff. Wang Xuan observed that Wu Yin really held a grudge. A single kick from him, and she still looked like she wanted to devour him whole. He mused about how meeting the same person at different times and ces could yield varying oues. Wu Yin was so friendly towards his alternate persona, Xiao Wang, always greeting him with a smile. Yet when faced with his true self, she seemed to harbor a desire to punch him on sight. Ultimately, Wu Yin''s anger subsided. Her gaze fixated on his left hand, wrapped in bandages, then shifted to his right hand, nestled in his loose pocket. A pang of apprehension hit Wang Xuan. Could she be that intuitive? Was she suspecting something? When he transformed into his Master Wang persona, his appearance, hairstyle, and even build were distinctively different, with added shoulder pads for a more muscr silhouette. How could she possibly discern any resemnce? Even Old Chen, Qingmu, and Guan Lin, upon examining him in his true form, couldn''t find any simrities between the two personas. Yet Wu Yin seemed suspicious? Zhong Qing approached, her youthful beauty evident. She inquired if he was a friend of Wu Yin''s and extended her hand for a shake, her smile bright. Was she too trying to ascertain if there were any injuries on his hand? After all, everyone knew about the grievous injuries he had sustained, with his fingers blown off during a battle on a rainy night. Maintaining hisposure, he stretched out his right hand, grasping Zhong Qing''s soft and delicate fingers. Relief was evident on Wu Yin''s face, but Zhong Qing''s expression remained inscrutable. "Dude, you can let go now. That''s my sister," Zhong Cheng interjected, walking over. Wang Xuan felt relieved. If everyone he encountered began to harbor suspicions, that would spell trouble! He deduced that his silhouette, as he turned in the evening glow, likely bore a resemnce to Master Wang. Additionally, the bandaged left hand probably gave the two women a strong initial impression, leading to their doubts. But now that his right hand was on disy, with its smooth, slender fingers and pristine nails, whatever inklings or suspicions the two women may have had would need to be quelled within them. With the evening glow surrounding him, Wang Xuan waved and walked away, leaving only his retreating figure for them to watch. The next day, he returned home and informed his parents about his uing journey to the New World. To his surprise, they were thrilled and showed no signs of sorrow. Instead, they began nning their own travels around the Old World. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but wonder, "Are they truly my parents? They seempletely unfazed by my departure, as if they''re more excited about their uing trips." He caught up with a couple of childhood friends and met a few others, distributing a myriad of gifts. The following days were filled with feasting and celebrations. During this period, Qingmu discreetly reached out, informing him that all loose ends were tied up. He even sent a package containing an antique sword certification and a bunch of other items. Ten dayster, Wang Xuan bypassed An City and headed straight to the outer city spaceport, ready to depart from the Old World! Chapter 105: An Interstellar Journey Chapter 105: An Interster Journey The deep-space spaceport was situated thirty kilometers from An City. It was expansive and ranked among the top four in the Old World. Anyone from neighboring provinces who wished to travel to the New World would have to depart from here. From a distance, it appeared as a steel jungle, housing a plethora ofrge spacecraft. Its vastness also ensured that the security measures were of the highest caliber, with robots densely arranged and surveince scanners omnipresent. The surrounding area was beautifullyndscaped with evergreen trees. However, these trees seemed diminutive when juxtaposed with the colossal spacecraft. Even the six or seven-meter tall trees appeared like mere shrubs beside the cold, gleaming metallic behemoths. Having never traveled into space before, Wang Xuan arrived three hours early, wary of unforeseen hups orplications. After passing through the automated security checks, he sat in the waiting area, realizing that there were still over two hours left for boarding. The wait felt extra long. Time ticked by, and finally, the boarding announcement was sounded. Wang Xuan cast onest lingering gaze at the Old World before resolutely stepping aboard the spacecraft. The massive ship surged forward like a streak of luminescence, heading into outer space. Once it was beyond the Old World, its warp drive activated, propelling it faster than the speed of light. It rapidly picked up speed, and it seemed as if the ship was journeying within a giant bubble, transcending the constraints of time and space. Their first destination was Proxima Centauri B, located 4.2 light-years away from the Old World. It was the closest ex to our sr system. A wormhole existed there, serving as a shortcut across the vast stretches of the cosmos, bringing them nearer to the New World. Originally, a wormhole connected the moon of the Old World to the new moon of the New World, making travel between the two locations quite easy. However, due to the close proximity of the stargates to the life-bearings and concerns about various security issues, they were eventually relocated. Proxima Centauri B reced the Old World''s moon, and Deep Space Star 8 took the ce of the New Moon, establishing themselves as the new transportation hubs. At present, spaceships cannot directly reach the New World. The stargates erected can be shut off or even self-destructed at any time, severing connections with the external universe. The distance from the Old World to Proxima Centauri b is 4.2 light-years. But once the warp drive is activated, the journey only takes a little over four hours. Wang Xuan mused that this kind of space travel felt akin to flying between two distant cities on the Old World in the early days of aviation. Regrettably, the metal cabin was fully enclosed. Unlike airnes with ss windows, he could not view the wonders outside, dashing his hopes of gazing upon the brilliant stars up close. Though seats came equipped with a "full sensory image" feature for passengers to enjoy the grandeur of the cosmos, Wang Xuan gave it a try and quickly abandoned it, finding it less than impressive. Space travel was not consistently smooth. asional jolts, which caused murmurs of surprise among the passengers, were a result of the ship''s shields neutralizing debris in space. Inside the cold ship, the atmosphere was stiflingly silent. Most people rested with their eyes closed, taking the opportunity to have a rest. Wang Xuan too shut his eyes, but not sleep. He wanted to daringly attempt something new. With the initial formation of his psychic domain, he intended to try projecting it outward. Facing the golden cabin wall, a faint mist appeared on his forehead. Wisps of this mist seeped into the metal, slowly permeating through. This was an ability he acquired after the initial formation of his psychic domain: even separated by barriers, his spirit could seep through, allowing him to perceive whaty beyond. The next instant, Wang Xuan witnessed the true nature of the universe. All the images of brilliant gxies and the majesty of deep space were mere fabrications¡ªproducts of technical enhancements that overly romanticized reality. What did he truly perceive now? It felt like plummeting into an abyss¡ªoppressive, endless, and enveloped in darkness, as if the universe sought to devour one''s very soul. The experience was overwhelming, evoking a sense of despair and suffocation. Everywhere he looked was pitch ck, eerily silent, as if he''d entered the realm of the afterlife. Only at unimaginable distances could faint specks of light be seen, twinkling erratically amidst the vast darkness. The cosmos was so immense that its stars appeared as mere specks of dust, nothing like the brilliance depicted in images. Experiencing this firsthand elicited feelings of emptiness, coldness, destion, darkness, and a profound fear of the vast expanse. Wang Xuan gasped for breath, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead without him realizing. With his psychic domain attached to the external surface of the spaceship, he detected tendrils of super-material, simr to the energy manifested by those in the domain of new arts. Additionally, there were speckled patches of strange energies¡ªimperceptible to the naked eye but palpable to his spirit. Among these, a massive energy cluster, akin to a dark cloud, floated by. It was eerie, mysterious, and enveloped shards of broken metal. Chills ran down Wang Xuan''s spine. Is my psychic perception urate? What was that bizarre cloud-like substance, and why was it entangled with shattered metallic fragments? What on earth is that?! Unfortunately, the phenomenon was fleeting and too distant for him to probe deeply. During his attempt to approach, his heart raced and his skin crawled. For a split second, he felt he might lose a part of his psychic domain, so he decisively withdrew. Reeling from the sensation of feeling as if his soul was detached from his body and trailing behind it, Wang Xuan was inundated with dread. Thankfully, the intrinsic bond between his physical form and spirit provided a lifeline. The recovery of his spirit, which hadn''t strayed too far, was challenging but he managed it just in time. He took a considerable while to collect himself, gratefully epting a cup of water from an attendant to soothe his dry throat. He had narrowly evaded catastrophe. Deep in thought, Wang Xuan mulled over the enigmatic forces at y in the vast, inky darkness of space. These unseen energies were fraught with peril. And what of the broken metal fragments, shrouded in that ominous neb? Were they remnants of a destroyed spaceship? He could not be sure. Surprisingly, he discerned a slight enhancement in his spiritual prowess. His thoughts meandered to ancient lore, where near-immortal beings braved the heavens, harnessing its boundless energies to fortify themselves. By his deduction, this ancient rite mirrored the modern act of venturing into space to harness its exotic forces. But then, a stark realization hit him¡ªthe prohibitive cost. A spaceship ticket was priced at a staggering 2 million Novadors. He sighed deeply. Whether in age-old times or the present, harnessing the energies of the heavens came at a hefty price. For the first time, the importance of financial stability dawned on Wang Xuan. Upon stepping out of academia, he recognized that, be it emotions or ancient practices, material support was indispensable. Soon, they reached Proxima Centauri b. Orbiting a red dwarf, this closest ex to the sun wasrgely barren. Its sole defining feature was a meticulously constructed base, mirroring a quaint city. Two centuries ago, long before humanity ventured beyond the Sr System, Proxima Centauri B was spected to be a potentially habitable. Clearly, such hopes were overly optimistic. Uponnding, the spaceship underwent stringent inspections, underscoring the rigorous security measures one must endure before setting foot on the New World. The thorough checks both inside and outside the spaceship, along with its upants, took more than an hour. It was evident that Wang Xuan wasn¡¯t the only space travel novice on board. Murmurs filled the air as passengers shared their anxieties and spections about the New World. "What if our bodies disintegrate while passing through the wormhole? Where exactly is the New World?" "Just rx," another passenger reassured, "You''ll wake up and we''ll be there. It''s likely that the New World isn''t even in the Milky Way Gxy. Think about it, the Old World could be the only in our gxy capable of sustaining life. There might be nothing else out there that could bear life in the vast expense of our gxy." This revtion took Wang Xuan aback. Was the New World truly located outside the Milky Way? If so, reliance on wormholes was indeed imperative. Even with warp engines, leaving the confines of the Milky Way could take years. Soon, the spaceship smoothly entered the wormhole. Attendants assured passengers they''d arrive at their destination after a brief slumber. Given his recent harrowing experience, Wang Xuan decided against any adventurous forays of his spiritual realm into the unknown territories of the wormhole. As his consciousness blurred, an unspecified time psed before a brilliant vista greeted him. The spaceship had exited the wormhole, arriving at the Deep Space Eighth Star. Upon reaching, Wang Xuan had to transfer to a mid-sized spaceship to continue his journey to New Moon and reunite with Qin Cheng. The Eighth Star''s position in this gxy was akin to Proxima Centauri b''s in the Milky Way, lying 4.5 light years away from New Moon. Five hourster, Wang Xuan smoothlynded on New Moon aboard a medium-sized spacecraft. The moon orbited the New Star. "It''s been two months since Ist saw Qin Cheng," thought Wang Xuan as he stepped off the spaceship, eagerly wanting to meet his dear friend. The vast distance between their locations, stretching beyond the confines of the Milky Way, had made regrmunication impossible. New Moon boasted impressive urban nning, teeming with life. Everywhere he looked, flourishing nts painted a picture of a garden-like city ready for habitation. Soon, a holographic advertisement caught Wang Xuan''s eye, depicting an ethereal pce with fairy-like women floating mid-air, fragrant osmanthus trees, and flying rabbits. This indicated the presence of a pce called "Guang Han Gong'''' on the New Moon. Although Wang Xuan felt a mild sensation of weightlessness, the rest of his surroundings feltfortably familiar. He hailed a hover car, intending to visit Qin Cheng at the given address. On his way, he was deeply moved by the sight of a modest temple, not grand in size, but radiating a divine aura under the sunlight. This wasn''t just his imagination ying tricks on him. Wang Xuan stared intently, extending his spiritual field, and sensed an overwhelmingly dense mystical energy emanating from the temple. For a split second, an intense urge overwhelmed him, urging him to explore its depths immediately. "That''s a historic templeplex with a history of two thousand years," the hover car driver exined. "Every brick and tile here was transported from the Old Earth, embodying the vicissitudes and weight of history. It''s said that the Bodhisattvas here are especially efficacious." Not only was there this ancient temple on New Moon, but there was also an incredibly old Taoist temple, considered a primary sanctuary for Taoism. It, too, was entirely relocated from the Old Earth. Wang Xuan was torn, his emotions in turmoil. He pondered whether he should visit these ancient structures. Hesitation gripped him, fearing he might not be able to control his own reactions. Both these historicplexes were extraordinary. If he were to meddle carelessly, there was no telling what might be unleashed. He even half-jokingly wondered if, amid all the mysteries, he might identally release the "Old Zhang" he frequently mentioned!
Jimmi''s Thoughts Hmmmm... A friendly reunion between good friends? I wonder what Qin Cheng''s been up to!
Chapter 106: Meeting By Chance Chapter 106: Meeting By Chance The intense mystical aura of the ancient temple lingered in Wang Xuan''s mind. Even as the hovercar carried him further away, he found himself frequently looking back, unable to let go of its allure. However, he knew that for now, a mere glimpse would suffice. He''d already encountered enough mysteries; further meddling might lead to unforeseen consequences. Being on the moon meant there was no atmosphere, implying there would be no scattering or refraction of light. Whether day or night, the sky remained pitch ck. Without atmospheric impurities, the moon offered an unadulterated view of space. However, there would never be a blue sky. The dark, silent expanse was the raw face of deep space. Stars were visible, but they didn''t twinkle, a stark contrast to the view from the Old World or the New World. "Is that the New World?" Wang Xuan inquired, gazing up at a notablyrge celestial body that seemed overwhelmingly vast from the moon''s vantage point. "Yes, that''s the New World," the hover car driver confirmed. He had ferried numerous passengers, and all of them, upon their first sight of the living from the moon, felt an undeniable sense of awe. From the surface of the Old World, the moon visually appearedrger than any other celestial body save for the sun. But from the moon''s surface, the New World appeared even more magnificent due to its radius being three to four times that of the moon. The seemed especially massive against the backdrop of space. Interestingly, the New World looked eerily simr to the Old World when viewed from the moon. It stood out as a lone ssh of blue in the inky ckness of space. Wang Xuan felt an odd sensation, as if he was staring at the Old World rather than the New World. The twos, when observed from space, bore a striking resemnce to each other. The hover car driver had transported people from the Old World before, so he was familiar with their mindset. Without hesitation, he mentioned, ¡°The continental tes on the New World might differ from the Old World, but it too has abundant water resources. Additionally, its diameter and mass are strikingly simr to Old World.¡± Wang Xuan nodded. This was crucial. In the vast universe, humanity is so minuscule that it was not evenparable to dust. Life, consequently, appears incredibly fragile, relying heavily on its environment. If the mass and gravity of the New World varied significantly from the Old World, humans would be incapable of inhabiting and thriving there. The best scenario for a new home would be if the environments of boths were nearly identical. However, what stunned Wang Xuan was the uncanny resemnce between the twos. They were almost like twins. He began to ponder. In the vast cosmos, the chances of finding two simrs are slim. There had to be a moreplex underlying reason for their simrities. Naturally, he thought about how the New World was discovered. In the past, when a war broke out in the Old World, some people fled to the moon. Soon after, there was a surge in advanced technology, enabling interster exploration. Not long after, the New World was discovered, and colonizationmenced. Many spected about what humans might have discovered or inherited on the moon that led to the technological boom. In fact, many inhabitants of the New World believed that thetest technological advancements were still reaping the benefits of what was discovered on the moon years ago. It''s still in the phase of understanding and decoding what they found. Some even believe that the emergence of certain advanced technologies isn''t truly original but is based on past findings. With the ongoing unveiling of the "Lunar Legacy," today''s humanity is bing more confident. Technology is progressively advancing, and it''s believed that one day, mankind will journey even deeper into space. However, at the current stage, the inhabitants of the New World seem to be primarily focused on replication. They struggle to understand the essence of certain aspects, making it challenging to utilize them to their full potential. Naturally, there''s a group of individuals filled with a mix of fear and reverence. Who left behind the technological inheritance on the moon? Where are they now? What became of them? As a precaution, the higher-ups of the New World have ensured that the stargates they built can be shut down or destroyed at a moment''s notice, severing ties with the external universepletely. Still, in recent years, a small subset of the poption has been growing more confident, and their ambitions continue to expand. Qin Cheng works at apany called Top Martial. In reality, this is a vast organization primarily providing security services. The New Moon branch is just one part of the broader Top Martial establishment. The organization holds significant influence on New World, with rumors suggesting they have their own mercenary troop stationed on a deste, ready to venture into "secretnds" when needed. The defense of New Moon is primarily managed by the regr military. However, organizations like Top Martial y a supplemental role, ensuring no vulnerabilities exist. Top Martial''s branch on New Moon isn''t far from the misty, osmanthus-scented ancient buildings. So, Wang Xuan decided to alight from the hovercar a little earlier. He nned to explore the vicinity before walking over to meet Qin Cheng. The Guanghan Pce is the most luxurious vacation spot on the moon, resembling a paradise with its dreamlike settings and unparalleled service. The hovercar driver couldn''t hide his envy when Wang Xuan chose to disembark near it, mistakenly thinking Wang Xuan was staying there. Wang Xuan shook his head, merely wanting to take a nce around. Qin Cheng had once written to him, explicitly stating how exorbitant the costs were at Guanghan Pce. Even though Qin Cheng''s family was affluent, he emphasized "frugality," opting not to spend unnecessarily at such an extravagant ce. On the New Moon, one side always faces the New World. Although the moon itself rotates, it does so quite slowly, taking almost a month toplete one rotation. This means that the duration of day and night cycles is exceptionally long. However, Guanghan Pce is different. Its overhead protective shield is specially treated to simte the day-night cycles of New World. Inside, a white mist perpetually lingers. "See that mist? Do you know what it is?" someone remarked, filled with awe. "It''s moonlight silver, diluted and mixed with other beneficial substances in a precise ratio. It''s always present in the Guanghan Pce." Wang Xuan was taken aback. He recalled a previous discussion with old Chen about Earthly Immortal Grass. Chen had mentioned rare items, including mountain snails, golden mushrooms, and among them, moonlight silver. Moonlight silver is a rare mineral, found within specific rocks. Once the rock is broken, the mineral needs to be consumed immediately, or it will evaporate, fleeting like the radiant moonlight. It''s known for revitalizing flesh, extending lifespan, and enhancing physical constitution¡ªa genuinely invaluable tonic. The fact that Guanghan Pce uses such a pricey mineral as "Immortal Mist" d¨¦cor, even in a diluted form, speaks volumes of their opulence. Although the protective shield prevents the moonlight silver from escaping, there''s still daily consumption, which is quite costly. "They''re emting the Immortal Mist," Wang Xuan mused, realizing why even Qin Cheng, with his affluence, refrained from frequenting this ce. Thevish use of moonlight silver said it all¡ªit was sheer extravagance. The entire architecturalplex had an ethereal feel to it, with white mists swirling around, majestic buildings reminiscent of fairy tales, and osmanthus trees so vast they''d need several people to wrap their arms around them. Wang Xuan suspected these were fake trees. Such colossal osmanthus trees on New Moon seemed unlikely, given he hadn''t seen ones this size even on the Old World. As if confirming his thoughts, someone nearby questioned, "They''re fake, aren''t they?" Many people travel to and from New Moon daily, and being such a renowned attraction, it''s natural for crowds to gather nearby. "It''s a real tree," someone replied to the earlier query. "It was transnted from Wangyue Cliff on New World. Rumor has it that the trees inside Guanghan Pce are even older than the one at the entrance." Wang Xuan nced around, realizing he couldn''t gain entry. Feeling the visit was bing pointless, he decided to leave. However, as he turned, a middle-aged man emerged from the mist, looking radiant as though he''d just experienced a rejuvenating spa session. Upon spotting Wang Xuan, the man''s demeanor changed instantly, his eyes radiating an intense, oppressive aura. "It''s you!" The man recognized Wang Xuan immediately and approached him briskly. "Old Ling!" Wang Xuan blurted out, genuinely surprised to encounter Ling Wei''s father, Ling Qiming, here. Wang Xuan''s memory of Ling Qiming was of a man with a formidable presence. The first time they''d met, Ling''s decisive and firm character was unmistakable. Ling Qiming paused momentarily, his gaze even sharper. Wang Xuan had once respectfully addressed him as "Uncle Ling." Now, he was just "Old Ling." "How have youe here?" Ling Qiming demanded. True to his nature, even a simple question was posed with immense authority. His piercing eyes scrutinized Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan had initially wanted to exin his unintentional use of the informal address. But recalling Ling''s earlier warning to stay away from the New World, he decided not to. Instead, he retorted, "Why can''t I?" Ling Qiming remained silent, his stern gaze locked onto Wang Xuan, radiating an intense energy. Two years ago, Wang Xuan was able to hold his own in a conversation with him. Now, he felt even moreposed. Lately, Old Wu had been reaching out to Wang Xuan quite frequently, looking to strengthen their bond. As a result, when Wang Xuan saw Old Ling, he felt that the man¡¯s aura seemed diminishedpared to the past. It no longer intimidated Wang Xuan anymore. Upon seeing Ling Qiming''s stern re, Wang Xuan didn''t respond directly. Instead, his attention was drawn to a youthful figure behind Ling. The young individual had ear-length hair that shimmered brilliantly, captivatingrge eyes with longshes, and a delicate, oval face. This teenager was strikingly attractive. "What a handsome young boy!" Wang Xuan eximed, not addressing Old Ling butmenting on the teenager instead. The corners of Ling Qiming''s mouth twitched, but he said nothing. However, the "boy" took offense, stepped forward with head held high, and retorted in a clear, feminine voice, "Who are you calling a young boy?" Wang Xuan was genuinely taken aback. The teen''s short hair and neutral attire had misled him initially. He had not recognized her as a girl. As an attempt to make amends, he gently patted her head, but she moved away from his touch immediately and retreated to Ling Qiming''s side. Wang Xuan, not wanting to get entangled in an argument with a child, quickly rified, "My apologies. You''re a truly beautiful and adorable youngdy." To lighten the mood, he added, aiming apliment at Ling Qiming, "She somewhat resembles you." The girl continued to re at him, clearly irritated. Upon hearing this, Ling Qiming''s eyebrows raised. He felt that Wang Xuan was much more audacious than before, daring to casuallyment on his daughter''s appearance and then, to top it off, likening her to him. ¡­¡­ "I meant to say that your family''s genes are impressive, making you all good-looking. Just like you!" Wang Xuan added quickly. Ling Qiming''s face darkened, remaining silent. Seeing this, Wang Xuan decided not to push any further. He waved dismissively and turned to leave, heading off to find Qin Cheng. "Go, intercept your sister. Try to dy her for a bit. Don''t let here out for now," Ling Qiming instructed the young girl by his side once Wang Xuan was out of sight. "Do you recognize the man from earlier? Make sure your sister doesn''t see him." The little girl nodded rapidly, akin to a chick pecking at grains, before turning and dashing into the Guanghan Pce. "Can''t even have a peaceful vacation. How did that young man end up here?" Ling Qiming muttered to himself. --- Upon arriving at the Top Martial organization''s lunar branch, Wang Xuan stood outside the office building, wondering how to find his contact. To his surprise, he spotted him right away. Qin Cheng was walking leisurely with a young woman trailing behind him, seemingly enjoying a casual stroll. "Qin Cheng!" Hearing his name, Qin Cheng instantly looked up, visibly shocked. He couldn''t believe his eyes. How could Wang Xuan possibly be on the moon? Was he seeing things? Chapter 107: What Happens On The Moon Chapter 107: What Happens On The Moon "Unbelievable!" Qin Cheng eximed, momentarily forgetting about thedy beside him. His surprise at seeing Wang Xuan here, on the moon of a system beyond the Milky Way, was palpable. They were not in their familiar gxy anymore, with a massive expanse of at least a hundred thousand light-years separating them from their home. Having stepped out for a simple stroll, encountering his oldrade here was beyond Qin Cheng''s wildest imagination. "How on earth did you end up here?" An ted Qin Cheng sprinted over to embrace Wang Xuan tightly. "I flew across the celestial expanse on my magical sword and got here," Wang Xuan replied with a yful smirk. "Stop joking! Even legendary immortals would be drained to theirst breath traversing such vast distances," Qin Cheng retorted with a chuckle. He then enthusiastically pulled Wang Xuan''s arm, "Come with me. I''ll get you settled in. Once you''re rested, we''ll have a proper celebration." Concerned that Wang Xuan might be weary from his voyage, Qin Cheng suggested he first eat and recuperate. "I''m good. I''m full of energy and can go without sleep for days," Wang Xuan declined, his words echoing his evident vitality. Having ascended to a master''s stature, his vitality and vigor were beyond that ofmon folks, enabling him to radiate such immense power. Casting a discreet nce at the woman standing a distance away, Wang Xuan murmured, "What''s the story there? Staying loyal to your old me back home, are we? No wonder she decided to end things when she heard you were venturing into the depths of space. She certainly saw the writing on the wall." With a resigned sigh and a fleeting nce towards thedy, Qin Cheng replied, "It''s not what you''re thinking. She''s rather... insistent on being around. It''s almost as if she''s glued to me, and I can''t shake her off." "Showing off, are we?" Wang Xuan teased. "It''splicated. She annoys the hell out of me. I''ll fill you inter." With just a casual wave to thedy, Qin Cheng turned and led the way. "Let me give you a tour," Qin Cheng, noticing that Wang Xuan was genuinely refreshed, took his backpack and gestured towards a small unmanned airship nearby. With a fixed route, the starship cruised slowly at a low altitude across the base, passingndmarks such as the Guanghan Pce, the ancient Daoist observatory, and the mutated medicine experimental fields. "Back on our home, people refer to this moon as ''New Moon''. However, over here, most simply call it ''The Moon'' or ''Lunar''. Many on New Star refer to our old moon as ''Old Moon''," Qin Cheng exined. Both moons shared strikingly simr characteristics. "What I found most challenging to adjust to here is the perpetual ckness of the sky, even during daytime. At first, I was so disoriented, I genuinely wanted to ssh paint across the expanse to turn it blue," he continued. The lunar day-night cycle,sting about twenty-seven to twenty-eight days, was something he found quite taxing. "This base has protectiveyers enveloping each sector," Qin Cheng pointed out. Made of a transparent, resilient, and durable space material, it resembled a series of interconnected bubbles. These ''bubbles'' could interlink or iste instantaneously, ensuring that if an incident urred in one sector, it wouldn''t spread to the others. With these protectiveyers,bined with real-time adjustments to internal air temperature and humidity, the environment within the base became rtively habitable. It was lush with greenery, resembling a verdant garden city. Aboard the starship, Qin Cheng provided Wang Xuan with an overview of the lunar conditions, emphasizing various research bases located elsewhere, not connected to their current location. Starships and warships require performance testing in outer space, collecting crucial data. Additionally, various precision instruments, along with cutting-edge advancements in technology, all necessitate experiments and testing away from their home. "Those bases on the moon are pivotal. They don''t allow outsiders anywhere near, with the highest level of security. I wouldn''t take you there because I''ve never been myself," Qin Cheng remarked. The current base they were at primarily catered to tourists. While it housed some less hazardous research facilities, at least it wasn''t like the weapons base where energy beams asionally shot into space. "Why did youe to the starry expanse, Old Wang?" Qin Cheng inquired. "I came for work, but I might soon head to the new star," Wang Xuan answered honestly. Qin Cheng was taken aback. He knew all too well the challenges his friend must have faceding here. Although he''d actively sought opportunities and even sent Wang Xuan a letter pointing out a potential path, he felt the chances were slim. "So, you''ve actually made it? Working at the samepany as me?" Qin Cheng asked, brimming with excitement. In the past, using some connections, Qin Cheng had managed to join the Top Martial organization''s branch on the moon, under the title of a security expert. His r¨¦sum¨¦ proudly mentioned: "Expert in traditional techniques, sessful in energy harnessing and internal nourishment." Clearly, there was some exaggeration. His work here was rtively rxed, mainly overseeing an experimental field for mutated tiger-wolf medicines. "With what credentials did youe here, Old Wang?" Qin Cheng asked curiously. "I''ve been specially hired as a security consultant," Wang Xuan replied. He also had another role, affiliated with Old Chen''s exploration organization, which allowed him to travel conveniently everywhere. However, he currently didn''t need that identity. "A special consultant?!" Qin Cheng was genuinely astounded, as he was familiar with the inner workings of the Top Martial organization. Given his own title, achieved through connections, those in the know realized he was here merely as a stepping stone to get to the new star, which is why his position was so rxed and free of critical responsibilities. In the Top Martial organization, those who are specially appointed are always incredibly skilled. On ordinary days, they aren''t bothered and merely hold a title with generouspensation. They are only called into action when real trouble arises. "Old Wang, just how advanced have you be in your traditional techniques to be specially appointed by them? That''s incredible!" Wang Xuan spected that this must have been the doing of Old Chen and his team. The Secret Route Exploration Organization probably had a close coboration with the Top Martial organization. However, possessing the strength of a grandmaster indeed made him worthy of the title of a special consultant. Yet, he could not show his full capabilities, so he humbly remarked, "If there were an unrestricted freebat tournament in the oldnd, I''d probably rank within the top one or two in a province." "Holy cow!" Qin Cheng eximed again, genuinely shocked. "Old Wang, aren''t you being a bit too arrogant?" "I''ve already been as modest as I can be," Wang Xuan sighed. Qin Cheng was stupefied, "So, by that logic, even in the oldnd, you would at least rank within the top forty or fifty in the traditional technique domain? Including the new star, you''d be among the top hundred experts in traditional techniques?" What could Wang Xuan say? There really was no way to be any more modest. "Come on, while it''s still afternoon and before everyone clocks out, I''ll take you to handle the formalities. With your status as a special consultant having free reign, the benefits are excellent, far better than staying in a hotel," Qin Cheng said, leading Wang Xuan to switch to a hover car and head toward the Top Martial''s moon-based branch. "Such a pity that annoying guy isn''t here. Otherwise, introducing a special consultant like you would probably give him quite the scare," Qin Cheng grumbled with some dissatisfaction. Everything went smoothly, and Wang Xuan officially became a special consultant for Top Martial. Everyone in thepany knew that people with this title were extremelypetent, specially hired to solveplex problems, earning him quite a few nces of envy and admiration. Wang Xuan''s residence was located close to Qin Cheng''s and had a favorable environment. It boasted a small courtyard spanning two hundred square meters filled with flowers. This left Qin Cheng utterly envious; with the lunar base''s premium on space, such a dwelling was a rare luxury. Even though it was night, the area was still as bright as day. To celebrate Wang Xuan''s arrival, Qin Cheng chose a high-end restaurant for dinner. As they dined, Qin Cheng poured out his grievances. The head of a certain department in thepany saw Qin Cheng as a cash cow, continuously demanding a total of three million Novadors. Yet, after all the payments, he did nothing and still kept pressuring Qin Cheng for more money. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s expression turned serious. Three million Novadors was equivalent to one and a half deep space tickets. The man''s greed was outrageous. "It''s mostly my fault. I wanted to go to the New World, but there were specific benchmarks I couldn''t meet. I''ve always been just a step away from gathering energy," Qin Chengmented, downing his drink. "It might''ve been better if you hadn''te to the New Moon so early. Maybe by now, your strength would have increased significantly," Wang Xuanmented calmly. "What do you mean?" Qin Cheng asked, puzzled. "I am the protector of the number one figure in the traditional technique domain. Of course, his position as the top is soon to be jeopardized," Wang Xuan remarked with a hint of mncholy. "I''ll think of a way to help you out soon." Qin Cheng was baffled, thinking Wang Xuan was speaking in riddles again. Given his worries and the constant thought of that greedy individual, Qin Cheng didn''t have much of an appetite. All he could do was watch as Wang Xuan heartily enjoyed his meal. "We''re not far from that ancient temple; let''s take a stroll over there and check it out," Wang Xuan suggested, preparing to scout the area. "Wait, Wang, do you believe in that stuff now?" Qin Cheng eximed in surprise. Wang Xuan responded, "I''m doing this for your benefit. Although I can''t turn you into a top-tier expert, I''m sure I can help you deal with your issues. Boosting your strength to rank among the top hundred in traditional techniques shouldn''t be too challenging." "Are you for real, Wang the Immortal?" Qin Cheng''s voice quivered with excitement, knowing that Wang Xuan was always reliable and never made empty promises. "All the things I''ve just shared with you¡ªkeep them to yourself and never utter a word about it!" Wang Xuan warned. As they approached the ancient temple, Wang Xuan immediately sensed a strong, mystical aura. It was evident that several enlightened figures had once graced this ce, making it truly extraordinary. The intensity of the mystical aura was unusually strong, seemingly drawn to him, as if celebrating and leaping with joy. Qin Cheng noticed Wang Xuan''s difort, asking, "Wang, you look off. What''s wrong?" "I kind of want to go back to our home," Wang Xuan replied, his face grim. Even from this distance, the mystical force was trying to merge with him. "Come on, Wang! You promised to help me. Why are you thinking of leaving as soon as you arrive?" Qin Cheng was baffled. "Alright, alright, we''ll check it out," Wang Xuan conceded hesitantly. He then murmured to himself, "Maybe it''d be better to seek out old Zhang. He retired to Heming Mountain in hister years and is quite detached from worldly affairs. But if we identally release something, and he finds out I''ve been casually calling him ''Old Zhang'', I wonder how he''d feel about that?" Chapter 108: The Bodhisattvas Are Too Nice Chapter 108: The Bodhisattvas Are Too Nice The millennium-old temple stands as a testament to time itself, having witnessed countless dynasties rise and fall. Its timeworn facades carry the indelible marks of ages past, now looking out towards the vast cosmos, casting its gaze across the Milky Way and recalling stories long gone, lost to the winds of history. Yet, a certain consciousness, ancient and deep, persists. Wang Xuan believes that ensconced within the temple''s heart lies the residual spiritual energy of a bodhisattva, sealed in a unique artifact, awaiting his touch to unlock its secrets. This mystical essence seems to rejoice, dancing in anticipation of his arrival. Where do the true immortals find their haven of eternity? And where is the promisednd of the bodhisattva? Lost in thought, Wang Xuan wonders why these ancient beings, with their boundless powers, left nosting presence. The rekindling spiritual energies seemed to beckon, trying to ensnare the unwary into their embrace. Were these remnants truly echoes of the legendary immortals and bodhisattvas? Could they have been left purposefully, as anchors to this very world? "I never truly appreciated the profound aura of this ancient temple," Qin Cheng remarked, eyes glistening with awe. "It may not tower into the sky, but it possesses an immense spiritual gravitas. The weathered bricks and tiles, scarred with time, glow with an age-old wisdom. The legacy they represent feels overwhelmingly grand. The eternal me of enlightenment, it seems, spans the vast expanse of the cosmos, exuding an evestingpassion. It''s incredibly moving,pelling me to bow in reverence." His demeanor suggested a deep-seated desire for a sacred pilgrimage. Acting swiftly, Wang Xuan held him back. Had Qin Cheng inadvertently awakened the dormant energies of the temple? Was he being summoned for a higher purpose? "Snap out of it!" Wang Xuan urged, lightly tapping Qin Cheng''s shoulder. "You''re under the sway of some lingering spiritual aura. With all the wonders we''ve seen, would you really consider renouncing the world now?" A serene aura radiated from Wang Xuan, epassing both men. It resonated with a calming frequency, clearing the daze from Qin Cheng''s eyes. Qin Cheng looked around, bewildered. "Something''s different about this temple today, Wang. It feels so... divine, like it''s calling out to me." "Try standing ten meters away and see if the feeling persists," Wang Xuan suggested. He hypothesized that the residual energies of ancient bodhisattvas were drawn to his presence, unintentionally influencing Qin Cheng in the process. Stepping back, Qin Cheng remarked, "It''s strange... the pull is weaker now." Wang Xuan, opting for caution, didn''t delve into exnations. Instead, he led the way to a clearing near the temple and said, "Here, practice your Diamond Fist technique." "Why this ce?" Qin Cheng queried, curiosity evident in his voice. "The area near the temple enhances the practice of such martial arts," Wang Xuan exined. Nodding, Qin Cheng began his routine, silhouetted against the backdrop of the ancient temple, imbuing the scene with an ethereal grace. As Qin Cheng practiced, Wang Xuan silently invoked the ancient methods he''d learned, maically drawing even more mystical energies. The temple seemed to shimmer even brighter. However, Wang Xuan remained grounded, staying just beyond the temple''s perimeter. Establishing a resonance with the energies, he deftly channeled them towards Qin Cheng. Of course, Wang Xuan could aplish this because he could willingly activate his Inner Landscape, making these mysterious substances inherently drawn to him. While the density of the Mystery Factors drifting down around him couldn''tpare to what was within his Inner Landscape, for Qin Cheng, it was more than enough. He had never encountered these substances before, and their presence now was invaluable. Wang Xuan spected that if he were to cultivate here himself, he might ascend to the realm of Grandmasters within a year or two! Now, he channeled all these mysterious energies toward Qin Cheng, a monumental boon for someone who hadn''t even begun the chi gathering phase. As the recipient, Qin Cheng might not detect these Mystery Factors, but he felt a marked surge within him. His metabolism sped up, and practicing the Diamond Fist felt increasingly profound. "Am I about to gather Qi?" He could hardly believe it. ncing down at his hands and body, he felt a tremor of anticipation. Truthfully, he had already been close to this threshold. After arriving on the New Moon and overseeing the tiger-wolf herbal test fields, he had been given various concoctions. He had tried desperately to assimte and benefit from them, with evident results. However, the barrier to chi gathering loomedrge, always just out of reach. But now, everything was different. Nourished by the Mystery Factor, his vitality soared, and his spirit surged. He could feel that he was on the cusp of a breakthrough. A wave of emotion overcame Qin Cheng. He had yearned for this level for so long, always thwarted at thest moment. But now, it was tantalizingly within reach. Lately, he had beenden with guilt for spending so much of his family''s money. After arriving here, he had been taken for a ride, handing over a whopping three million Novadors with nothing to show for it. Naturally, Wang Xuan''s capability to attract these mysterious particles was linked to his unique ability to activate his Inner Landscape, making these mysterious elements gravitate towards him. The concentration of these particles in the air might not match the richness within his Inner Landscape, but for Qin Cheng, they were invaluable. This was a first-time encounter for him, and their presence was truly a treasure. Wang Xuan surmised that if he cultivated in this spot, he could possibly elevate himself to the Grandmaster realm in a mere couple of years. Now, he funneled all these esoteric energies towards Qin Cheng, presenting a significant advantage to someone yet to embark on the chi gathering journey. While Qin Cheng could not directly sense these mysterious elements, he unmistakably felt a heightened vigor within. His metabolic rate elerated, and every move of the Diamond Fist seemed infused with deeper insight. "Could I be on the verge of chi gathering?" The thought was so overwhelming that he found himself constantly checking his own hands, almost expecting them to betray some sign of change. He had been inching closer to this phase for some time. His responsibilities at the New Moon, overseeing the experimental herbal fields, had granted him ess to potent mixtures. He had strained to absorb their benefits, with visible effects. Yet, the chi gathering threshold remained just beyond his grasp. But now, it felt different. Fueled by the mysterious particles, his very essence seemed to surge with newfound potential. A breakthrough felt imminent. A tide of emotion threatened to overwhelm Qin Cheng. His longing for this progression had been a long-standing one, and now, its realization seemed tantalizingly close. His recent guilt over squandering his family''s resources weighed heavily on him. Despite his expenditure, especially the staggering three million Novadors, he had seen no tangible returns. But perhaps now, there was hope on the horizon. "Time to head back," Wang Xuan suggested after another hour of exploration. Together, they began their return journey. Although it remained brilliantly illuminated outside, by the New World''s time, it was already night. Inside their amodations, they could block out all external light, creating a soothing darkness. Wang Xuan fell into a deep, uninterrupted sleep almost immediately. As a Grandmaster, his slumber was profound, untouched by dreams unless specifically invoked. Upon his return, emotion welled up in Qin Cheng. He quickly wrote a heartfelt letter to his parents, conveying his imminent transition to the New World. He emphasized that there was no need to appease anyone with offerings, as he was on the verge of meeting the required standards on his own. The next morning, the duo visited Ding Wu Corporation''s lunar outpost. There, they encountered the avaricious department chief, Li Kun ¨C a man whose sincerity seemed only skin-deep. After exchanging superficial courtesies, Li Kun excused himself. Shortly after, Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng departed for the ancient Taoist temple. As they approached the temple, Wang Xuan felt an unmistakable aura enveloping the ce. The temple grounds radiated a serene yet profound energy, suggesting the presence of powerful relics from ages past. "This temple, steeped in a thousand years of history, likely holds relics from a legendary Taoist figure," Wang Xuan reflected, absorbing the temple''s ambiance. The mystical energies here felt contained, almost reserved. While they wafted through the surroundings and were drawn to Wang Xuan, they weren¡¯t overbearing. "Is the spiritual energy within these artifacts dormant and potent, or is it inherently calm?" Wang Xuan contemted, standing at the temple''s entrance. It felt like he was gazing into a vast chasm, its depths enigmatic. He had learned that this revered Taoist temple was among the foundational seats of Taoism. "Never mind. What if the dormant spiritual energy here actually belongs to Old Zhang? If I identally release it and he takes offense, he might give me a beating," Wang Xuan mused half-jokingly. He felt slightly guilty for having casually referred to such a venerable figure as "Old Zhang" for so long. However, that wasn¡¯t the main reason for his hesitation. He resolved to venture deeper into the ancient temple grounds, believing that it was time for a favor to be returned. "I once freed the ghost monk, effectively saving one of your bodhisattvas. Later, I battled and vanquished various malevolent entities, from the White Tiger to the red-robed witch, barely escaping with my life. All these events were a result of the demonic bone relic from your Buddhist underground sanctuary being lost to the outer world," Wang Xuan whispered, bolstering his resolve as he stepped into the temple. At this point, he had no intention of releasing any spirits. Releasing more bodhisattvas might spell trouble. He wanted to observe carefully. For now, his mere presence here attracted enough mystical energies to satisfy Qin Cheng''s needs. As Wang Xuan led Qin Cheng into the ancient shrine, they immediately sensed an anomaly. The temple''s central hall, where the bodhisattvas were enshrined, was now enveloped in a thicker, more vibrant mist of incense. The smoke spiraled upward, seemingly drawn to the gilded statues of deities, slowly enveloping them. It felt as if something was about to materialize. Rich mystical energies emanated, gravitating towards Wang Xuan. The bodhisattvas, it seemed, were overly weing. Wang Xuan hurriedly escorted Qin Cheng out of the central hall and into the courtyard. He gazed in bewilderment at therge copper burner, thinking, "What on Earth do these bodhisattvas intend to do in broad daylight?" "What''s going on, Wang?" Qin Cheng inquired. "It''s fine. Practice here in the courtyard. Center yourself and then pierce through that final barrier," Wang Xuan advised, adding, "Achieving chi extraction is just a small step. You have much more potential to tap into!" Soon after, within the temple grounds, an elderly monk apanied a middle-aged man into the courtyard, directing him towards the main shrine. Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in surprise. Fate seemed to have a sense of humor, for he once again crossed paths with Ling Qiming. Unperturbed by Wang Xuan''s presence, Ling, with the monk by his side, proceeded without a word. "That man looks familiar," Qin Cheng murmured, puzzlement evident in his eyes. "It''s Ling," Wang Xuan whispered back. Ling, having overheard them, hesitated momentarily, his face twitching in restrained annoyance. He, however, chose to remain silent, continuing his path into the shrine. The elderly monk, observing Ling''s offering, remarked, "Today, the temple''s aura is particrly vibrant. The incense smoke encircling the deity signifies good omens, likely due to the presence of an esteemed guest." Wang Xuan noted that Ling, rather than being flustered, responded with a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Without further ado, Wang Xuan gestured to Qin Cheng, and they swiftly began to make their exit. However, as they retreated, the enveloping smoke from the deity seemed to trail them, drawing the attention of both the monk and Ling. The monk immediately uttered a prayer, sensing the deviation. Ling, on the other hand, was taken aback, his demeanor shifting to one of difort. He promptly exited the shrine, catching up to them and eximing, "Hold on a moment!" Chapter 109: Old Ling Showing Off Chapter 109: Old Ling Showing Off Wang Xuan''s steps did not falter as he continued on his way, his thoughts upied by Ling Qiming''s previous chilly demeanor. Is he¡­ Actually calling out to us? Standing firmly at the courtyard''s entrance, a group of men giving off the aura of capable fighters stood around Ling Qiming. It was clear that security around the man was tight, even when they were in an environment as safe as the New Moon. In addition to these human guards, thetest models ofbat automaton stood ready. Their formidable reputation preceded them: they were known to be capable of overpowering multiple adversaries and even downing small aircrafts. Wang Xuan''s expression turned steely. Is this Ling Qiming¡¯s way of flexing his power? Qin Cheng, too, wore an icy expression. His bond with Wang Xuan ran deep, and he knew very well about the tension between Wang Xuan and Ling Qiming. Ling Qiming approached the duo, appearing to be aloof. He eyed Wang Xuan, then shifted his focus to Qin Cheng. With a subtle gesture, he directed his entourage to withdraw, but to remain on standby outside the courtyard. The ambient aroma from the copper incense persisted, but the mysterious smoky tendrils no longer seemed to gravitate toward the deity or any individual. The equilibrium had returned. Ling Qiming, who viewed the temple more for its historical value than its religious significance, appeared moreposed now. He might''ve overreacted earlier. "Why the rush to leave?" Ling Qiming''s voice cut through the silence. "Just two years ago, you both addressed me as ''Uncle Ling''. And now you¡¯re pretending to not know me?" His tone was usatory, a sharp contrast to his earlier indifference, putting them on the defensive. Wang Xuan replied with a touch of humor, ¡°It seemed to us that your presence was so overwhelming that we¡¯re nothing but thin air. We thought you¡¯re clearing the temple of visitors for some private reflection, and it would be rude if we stay.¡± Ling Qiming''s gaze lingered on Wang Xuan, finding the young man increasingly irksome. He then turned to Qin Cheng, remarking, ¡°Ah, young Qin, Ling Wei has spoken of you. Youe across as a solid, down-to-earth fellow, not prone to impulsiveness.¡± Qin Cheng, loyally siding with Wang Xuan, offered a modest smile and a nod in response. Wang Xuan, perceiving the underlying message in Ling Qiming''sment, carried on nonchntly. ¡°It¡¯s great you remember Qin Cheng. He was indeed a great help to Ling Wei when she first arrived in An City. He stepped in to address the relentless attention she received from a persistent businessman and some influential students at the school. Without Qin Cheng, Ling Wei would have been overwhelmed by their unwee advances.¡± Ling Qiming listened with increasing disapproval. He realized that Qin Cheng''s interventions were inadvertently clearing obstacles for Wang Xuan. This realization only added to his growing disdain for Wang Xuan. Ignoring Wang Xuanpletely, Ling Qiming gave Qin Cheng a nod of acknowledgment for his good character but continued to tantly disregard Wang Xuan, speaking only to Qin Cheng. Unperturbed by the cold shoulder, Wang Xuan maintained his conversational stance, seemingly unaware of the tension in the air. "Qin Cheng has been caring for Ling Wei in the past, but do you know that he was extorted and taken advantage of upon his arrival in your territory?" Wang Xuan remarked, an air of calm around him. He met Ling Qiming¡¯s gaze head on with an unflinching resolve. Wang Xuan wished to alleviate Qin Cheng''s troubles, but they were now in the New World, a ce governed by stringent rules. With hovering warships and formidable robotic enforcers, any rash action could have dire consequences. This was not the archaic society they knew; under the shining technological advancements of this cosmos, even the strongest had to conform. Despite the might of the influential tycoons who shaped these rules, they too had to abide by them in the public eye, ensuring no arbitrary vitions. As for behind-the-scenes machinations, Wang Xuan was not keen toment. After all, he was far from possessing the power that could challenge celestial realms. Ling Qiming''s lips curved into a faint smile, the first semnce of emotion on his face since their encounter. Is this insistent young man seeking my favor? Qin Cheng was anxious. He was unwilling to see his friend bowing to Ling Qiming''s whims. He opened his mouth to interject, but Wang Xuan silenced him. Wang Xuan calmly continued, "I considered informing Ling Wei about her old friend, who was mistreated so severely in her territory." Ling Qiming''s fleeting smile vanished. With a scrutinizing look, he finally said, "Don''t involve Ling Wei. Tell me." Suppressing the increasingly restless Qin Cheng beside him, Wang Xuan sinctlyid out the issue at hand. Ling Qiming nodded, his expression remaining cold. Yet, there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. This new, somewhat deferential approach from the young man was a refreshing change from their past encounters. "In life, stepping out of thefort of school means facing hard truths," Ling Qiming stated, his toneden with a world-weariness. He felt that once someone showed even a hint of concession, they risked losing sight of their core principles. Observing Wang Xuan seemingly seeking his help, Ling concluded that the once-defiant youth was no longer a formidable contender, especially regarding any ties to Ling Wei. A perturbed Qin Cheng interjected, "Wang Xuan, this isn''t necessary. There''s no need to approach him in this manner." Wang Xuan sighed softly, sensing Qin Cheng''s misinterpretation. To Wang Xuan, Qin still harbored a mindset of the oppressed, feeling they were in a position of subservience. But was Wang Xuan one to kowtow? He''d never felt that impulse. Though Ling Qiming''s regard for him seemed to have worsened, Wang Xuan''s perspective on Old Ling had also shifted unfavorably. Yet given their coincidental encounter, he decided to leverage Old Ling''s stature to address some pressing concerns. "I have certain dealings with Top Martial," Ling Qiming began, an authoritative note in his voice. "If Qin Cheng has encountered issues, bring the responsible party here." It was a trivial matter for someone like Old Ling. Wang Xuan caught the nuance in Ling''s demeanor. Did Ling believe Wang Xuan was bending the knee, seeking his favor? A faint smirk touched Wang Xuan''s lips; if Ling surmised he''dpromised his values, he was gravely mistaken. Lately, Wang Xuan had interacted with the likes of esteemed figures like the female sword immortal, the ghost monk, and the enigmatic red-robed demoness. Furthermore, the influential Old Wu often sought his counsel, and Zhong Cheng, an ardent aspirant, was keen to learn about the Old Arts from him. Most importantly, Wang Xuan had assumed the role of the guardian for the topmost figure of the Old Arts. All of this had imbued Wang Xuan with an elevated sense of purpose and power. In this light, Wang Xuan''s request to Old Ling wasn''t a submissive plea but a strategy, rooted in mutual aversion, to elicit some beneficial oues. Soon, at Wang Xuan''s subtle insistence, Qin Cheng, albeit reluctantly, summoned Li Kun, the department head, mentioning that an esteemed guest from the Ling lineage desired an audience. Shortly after, Wang Xuan remarked with an air of casualness, "You know, we''ve got many acquaintances here in the New World. People like Zhao Qinghan, Zhou Kun, and Su Chan will definitely give us a hand if we reach out to them. But the real challenge is Qin Cheng''s immense pride. He¡¯s always painted a rosy picture of his situation, masking his actual struggles." This portrayal of Qin Cheng was spot-on. His pride had made him reluctant to seek help, especially after leveraging connections to get to this New World. Continuing his narrative, Wang Xuan said, "When I learned of his issues, I felt you should be informed. Considering how Qin Cheng once aided Ling Wei, it wouldn''t reflect well if tales of his mistreatment here surfaced." "Stop right there!" Ling Qiming interjected sharply. He had pieced it together - Wang Xuan was not being humble at all. He was brazenly delegating a task. The audacity of this young man! Ling Qiming''s patience with Wang Xuan thinned considerably at that realization. The audacity on disy was staggering. Wang Xuan, however, harbored his own set of grievances. ''After everything Ling did to hinder my path here, he''s upset over a minor request?'' Wang mused, irritated. As Qin Cheng started grasping Wang Xuan''s approach, he recognized it wasn''t mere assertiveness. Wang wasmanding, leveraging Ling''s position without offering reciprocity. Ling Qiming¡¯s mood soured further with every nce at Wang Xuan, his distaste growing palpable. Unfazed, Wang Xuan directed Qin Cheng, "Focus on your Diamond Fist technique. Aim for a breakthrough." Qin Cheng nodded and resumed his practice of the Buddhist martial technique, generating an aura of power and elegance within the temple grounds. Wang Xuan subtly channeled the mysterious essence towards Qin Cheng, enveloping him in its powerful influence. This energy invigorated Qin Cheng''s body, pushing it beyond its limits. The temple, though distant from the Buddha''s main hall, took on a more divine and revered appearance than usual. The old monk nced back. Earlier, he had sensed a peculiar presence emanating from the Buddha statue. But now, with the tranquility restored, he wondered if it had been merely an illusion. Ling Qiming remained silent. While he was open to extraordinary phenomena, he preferred scientific exnations over blind faith in ancient deities. Recently, his consortium had reaped immense benefits from exploring hidden terrains, collecting treasures that promised extended lifespans. Suddenly, a loud burst resonated. It was Qin Cheng. His fists emitted a powerful sonic boom, creating a gust of wind as he underwent a dramatic breakthrough. Ling Qiming was taken aback, witnessing firsthand someone practicing the ancient arts achieve such progress, especially someone he knew. "From gathering energy to internal cultivation, I''ve achieved it in one step!" Qin Cheng eximed, his eyes gleaming with joy and aplishment. For many, achieving internal cultivation after gathering energy was a long journey, but Qin Cheng had managed it seamlessly. Aided by the mysterious essence provided by Wang Xuan, Qin Cheng''s body had been primed perfectly. Anything less than this rapid advancement would have been surprising. The monk''s expression changed. Was the earlier anomaly a result of Qin Cheng''s practice? And his simultaneous achievements indicated an extraordinary talent. The monk intoned a chant andmented, "Young man, you share a profound connection with the Buddha." "I thought so too. Last night, I dreamt of the Buddha emitting light, as if calling out to me. Hence, I arrived," replied Qin Cheng, aligning with Wang Xuan''s intentions to distance himself from any direct involvement, although he felt the disclosure was unnecessary. "You are always wee here," the monk said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. ¡¡¡¡¡­¡­ Upon arriving, Li Kun''s anxiety was palpable as he noted the formidable array of bodyguards and cutting-edge robots guarding the courtyard. Recognizing Ling Qiming and then seeing Qin Cheng, he was drenched in sweat. Ling Qiming looked upon him with evident disdain. Instead of speaking directly, he spoke in a manner that was both guarded and vague, a habit forged from years of cautious dealings. Frustrated by Ling Qiming''s indirectness, Wang Xuan intervened, directly instructing Li Kun to return the three million Novadors. "Make it five million," Wang Xuan quickly added, believing in holding people ountable for their errors. Once he saw Li Kun''s trembling nod of agreement, Wang Xuan forcefully kicked him, sending him flying out of the courtyard. This bold move drew a sharp re from Ling Qiming. "Old Ling," Wang Xuan began, attempting to ease the thickening tension. Standing on the periphery, Qin Cheng felt uneasy, while the monk observed the unfolding drama with deep concern. Ling Qiming''s displeasure towards Wang Xuan seemed to amplify. Wang Xuan sighed, "I''ve sought your help and even used such an informal address. Isn''t that clear enough? Perhaps it''s best if we go our separate ways." Reflecting on Wang Xuan''s words, Ling Qiming couldn''t deny the truth in them, but his face remained stony. "To protect myself," Wang Xuan dered, "if anything happens to me, a pre-set email will be broadcasted worldwide, using you. Ling Wei won''t overlook such an act." Given Ling Qiming''s influential standing in the New World, Wang Xuan''s precautions seemed prudent. "By calling you ''Old Ling'', I''m setting a clear boundary," Wang Xuan emphasized. With a conflicted nod, Ling Qiming departed, his expression neutral. When they were finally away from the temple, Qin Cheng could no longer contain his curiosity. "Old Wang, was whatever you mentioned real?" Wang Xuan responded calmly, "Regardless of its veracity, I won''t change how I address them. It remains consistent." Qin Cheng expressed concern, "If Ling Qiming finds out the truth..." Wang Xuan interrupted with a casual shrug, "Whatever he thinks about it, it doesn''t matter to me." Chapter 110: Ideals And Practice Chapter 110: Ideals And Practice For two days, Qin Cheng, at the behest of the elderly monk, visited the ancient temple to practice the Vajra Fist. The monk, recognizing Qin Cheng''s innate spirituality and his radiant aura resembling a Buddha''s light, imparted to him the Great Vajra Fist technique. Each training session seemed to invoke an ethereal charm in Qin Cheng, causing nearby Buddha statues to react in unusual ways. This enigmatic urrence wasrgely influenced by Wang Xuan''s presence. His association with Qin Cheng catalyzed the activation of mystery elements in the vicinity of the temple that helped in reinforcing and refining Qin Cheng''s core technique. However, Wang Xuan''s time on the moon was limited, as he nned to depart for the New World in a few days. Determined to maximize Qin Cheng''s potential before his departure, Wang Xuan focused on solidifying his friend''s foundation. During this visit, Wang Xuan restrained himself, especially in the temple. He discovered at least eight celestial relics but refrained from releasing even a single "old monk" from the relics, wary of the potential consequences. He knew that unleashing a celestial monk might trigger a chain reaction, drawing out all the Transcendent beings hidden in the ancient pits of the temple, which could lead to unpredictable and potentially dire oues. "As expected of¡­ the White Horse Temple," Wang Xuan marveled. He didn''t just ept the elderly monk''s words at face value. Instead, he meticulously investigated, corroborating the temple''s historical significance. Some parts, like certain steles, pagoda foundations, and underground chambers, revealed a history spanning over two thousand years. The depth of historical resonance within these artifacts was unmistakable to Wang Xuan''s finely tuned spiritual senses. The temple''s walls and tiles, often damaged and rebuilt through wars and changing dynasties, represented various historical periods. The temple¡¯s fame as the foremost and most ancient Buddhist monastery was indeed well-deserved. Historical records clearly document that the White Horse Temple was established in the year 68 AD, during the eleventh year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty, marking it as the first temple of ancient China. As Wang Xuan neared the temple''s underground chambers, he felt as though he was confronting an endless sky¡ªvast, serene, and unfathomable. His heart pounded with the realization that, ording to legends, these chambers might house the Buddha''s parietal bone. After much contemtion, he cautiously retreated. The emergence of a single ghost monk had already been unexpected. Releasing a being from the origin of Buddhism was a thought so daunting that it unsettled him. Without a clear understanding of the ancient figures'' conditions, he decided to restrain himself for the time being. "There''s something odd about this," Wang Xuan mused, puzzled by the temple''s location. "Here lies the primary ancient monastery of Buddhism, and possibly Zhang''s Taoist sanctuary. Why were the ancestral grounds of both Buddhism and Taoism relocated to the New Moon?" Theyout provoked his curiosity. "Legend has it that when they were constructing this base on the moon, they unearthed something. By then, it was toote to change locations, as construction was almostplete," Qin Cheng shared what he knew. This exnation seemed rather mystical, and what was discovered remained undisclosed to the public. Eventually, the ancestral grounds of both Buddhism and Taoism were brought to the moon, asserting their presence over it. "Really? There''s such a story?" Wang Xuan''s interest was immediately piqued. Qin Cheng nodded, recalling his own initial curiosity upon arriving at the New Moon. He had sought to understand more about the ce and had dug into some internal records at the Top Martial branch, a security service organization known for keeping track of unusual events. ¡­¡­ ¡°Over a hundred years ago, during the early construction phase of this lunar base, a severe safety incident urred. Many lives were lost, though the details were never explicitly described,¡± Qin Cheng exined. ¡°In the years that followed, the ancestral grounds of Taoism and the first ancient monastery of Buddhism were sessively relocated here.¡± ¡°About eighty years ago, a group of about a dozen people on the base inexplicably went mad. They continuously shouted incoherent and strange sybles that no one could understand.¡± Qin Cheng shared many such stories before eventually taking Wang Xuan back to thepany to review the documented records himself. Wang Xuan browsed through the materials, his interest visibly piqued. Fifty years ago, a professor defied thews of life and reverted to a youthful state, only to die abruptly half an hourter. All six eyewitnesses to this event passed away within the next three years. Twenty years earlier, an individual was found levitating in the air, only to dpose rapidly and die upon touching the ground. All these unusual incidents were briefly documented and had urred in the same location: the ¡°Lunar Pit¡± where strange artifacts had been unearthed. Now, the entrance to this site had long been sealed. Setting aside the documents, Wang Xuan inquired, ¡°Hasn¡¯t there been a thorough investigation?¡± Qin Cheng replied, ¡°Of course, there has been. While the general public may not be aware, numerous exploration teams are drawn to the site each year. I recall that as recently as half a month ago, someone ventured there. Most return unharmed, typically finding nothing of note. However, the less fortunate teams that enter the pit never seem toe back out.¡± ¡°Moreover,¡± Qin Cheng added in a lower tone, ¡°there were rumors of a warship crashing there in the early years. After that incident, there haven''t been any major expeditions to that area. Basically, as long as you stay away from it, you''ll be safe.¡± He looked at Wang Xuan solemnly, cautioning him against any curiosity. The Lunar Pit was ssified by Top Martial as one of the most dangerous ces on the moon, without equal. Wang Xuan nodded in understanding. He wasn''t about to recklessly head there for an adventure. ¡°It¡¯s intriguing,¡± he mused softly, ¡°On Old Earth''s moon, they unearthed ck technology, but here we have these mysterious incidents. Both moons are truly enigmatic.¡± Qin Cheng sighed, ¡°Rebuilding the ancestral grounds of Taoism and Buddhism on the moon has really turned into a huge attraction. It sessfully draws numerous visitors to the moon. After all, on the New World, people are most interested in things with historical significance.¡± Wang Xuan remained silent, finally understanding why the tycoons were so eager to excavate Old Earth. Every city on the New World was newly built, only having a little over a hundred years of history. It seemed they were keen on acquiring what theycked, thus the aggressive ¡°supplementation¡±. As the conversation shifted to lunar tourism, Qin Cheng''s spirits lifted. ¡°That jerk Li Kun promised to transfer five million to my ount within a day. Once the transaction isplete, I want to give you the extra two million.¡± He also nned avish expenditure of his three million, intending to take Wang Xuan to the Guanghan Pce for a visit. ¡°Are you crazy to spend so much on a sightseeing trip?¡± Wang Xuan admonished him. It was just a tourist spot; such extravagance and waste seemed unnecessary. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why, Old Wang, you don¡¯t understand. I want to repay you, even if it means biting the bullet and taking you there,¡± Qin Cheng exined. ¡°The Guanghan Pce is all about prolonging life. Everything there, from food to drink, is designed for life preservation. Their slogan is ¡®Restoring the Ancient Immortal''s Mansion¡¯.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a soup in Guanghan Pce made from golden mushrooms. I heard it¡¯s a rare ingredient gathered from the Hidden Land. It nourishes the bone marrow and creates more vital blood. After consuming it for a while, it¡¯s said to enhance one¡¯s physique substantially,¡± Qin Cheng shared with evident envy. This immediately piqued Wang Xuan¡¯s interest. The business at Guanghan Pce must be extraordinary. A powerful corporation must be behind it. Otherwise, it was simply unthinkable to have such rare and exotic items be made avable for consumption. The golden mushroom was something Old Chen had mentioned before, known for its ability to improve physical constitution, especially beneficial for those practicing ancient arts. ¡°If it¡¯s really three million Novadors, let¡¯s go all out!¡± Even Wang Xuan was tempted, thinking of joining Qin Cheng to ¡®nourish life¡¯ in Guanghan Pce. The golden mushroom alone made it worth the visit. Qin Cheng¡¯s face reddened slightly as he admitted, ¡°Spending three million will definitely get us in and provide some life-nourishing services, but I¡¯m not sure if they can arrange for golden mushrooms.¡± Wang Xuan understood immediately. It was unlikely they would have golden mushrooms, considering how precious they were. ¡°No worries, no rush. In a while, I¡¯ll go to the Hidden Land and pick a basket full of golden mushrooms. Then, I¡¯ll treat you to a chicken stew with mushrooms!¡± Wang Xuan promised grandly, waving his hand dismissively at Guanghan Pce, ¡°Look at them, being so miserly with just a couple of mushroom slices in their soup. That¡¯s too petty!¡± ¡°Old Wang, you¡¯re more generous than a conglomerate. I¡¯ll hold you to that,¡± Qin Cheng swallowed hard, allowing himself to dream of such a day, ¡°In a little while, I should be transferred to the New World. I¡¯ll be waiting for your treat then!¡± "The ''Immortal Brew'' of Guanghan Pce is a real marvel," Qin Cheng continued with awe in his voice. "Many heads of big organizations have visited just for a taste, and they¡¯ve all praised it endlessly. The wine is rumored to contain a kind of snail essence, incredibly rare and valuable. Only a few pots are avable each month, and they sell out on the first day of every month." Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt a surge of excitement. Mountain snails, ording to what he learned from Old Chen''s book, were a rare treasure grown in rocks. Capturing and grinding them into powder for daily consumption could prolong life by five years. To think that such a life-extending treasure was being used in a monthly brew was astonishing. He now understood why Guanghan Pce was like a money ma. The items on their menu alone were beyond ordinary imagination. By releasing a limited amount of mountain snail brew each month, they attracted key members of major organizations and conglomerates, creating awork of influential connections. Realizing why Ling Qiming looked so radiant after leaving Guanghan Pce on his first day on the New World, Wang Xuan guessed he must have been there for a substantial health boost. "These are nothing," Wang Xuan dered, patting Qin Cheng on the shoulder. "Wait until I treat you to garlic-roasted mountain snails. We''ll eat them grilled by the kilo until you''re full!" Qin Cheng''s eyes lit up at the thought, eventually sighing, "Old Wang, you''re so generous! Just thinking about it is enough to make my mouth water." Wang Xuan pondered for a moment. The hiddennds held many treasures, and he wasn¡¯t just talking big; he was setting goals based on what was avable there. Qin Cheng, returning to reality, informed Wang Xuan that life in the New World was generally good, but the divide between social sses was vast. The few at the top of the pyramid were already pursuing longevity, a realm beyond the reach of ordinary people. Wang Xuan nodded, "There¡¯s no need to rush. Everything they¡¯re chasing, I¡¯m already on the path to achieving." Chapter 111: Slaying An Immortal Chapter 111: ying An Immortal "Wear your protective gear," Qin Cheng reminded as he led Wang Xuan into his specialized experimental herb garden. "There might be pockets of anomalous radiation here." The area exuded serenity, with a few stationary robots amidst a sprawl of advanced sensors and monitors. While rooted in ancient cultivation techniques, the ce was filled with state-of-the-art equipment. "We''ve allowed certain herb plots to receive a controlled amount of cosmic rays, aiming to see if they induce mutations," Qin Cheng borated. Monitoring data highlighted certain areas where radiation readings were unusually high, suggesting they were not ideal for prolonged visits. Soon, Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in astonishment. The herbs grew densely, almost like a vast crop field. Contrary to legends that spoke of ancient grand sects housing limited quantities of sacred herbs, these plots boasted herbs growing in their tens of thousands in each patch. It felt as though he was walking through a modern greenhouse. Prominent among the herbs were the ethereal blue-leaved Teng Snake Grass, the fiery red-toned Fire Ginseng, and the lustrous Golden Sun Vines. "Take a momentter to sample these herbs; they might be beneficial to you," Qin Cheng suggested. He further borated on the objectives of the lunar research: inducing benign mutations to makerge-scale cultivation viable and shortening the growth duration of these herbs. Many of the more potent herbs traditionally require decades, if not centuries to mature fully and attain their optimal medicinal properties. Here in theb, the goal is to condense that growth period to a mere few years, or ideally, achieve annual maturation. "By referencing various texts and through extensive experimentation, we''ve identified the optimal soil and environmental conditions each herb thrives in. Achieving mass farming and expedited maturation is the logical next step," Qin Cheng exined. Currently, most experiments are promisingly close to fruition. Once certain herbs stabilize, their seeds will be harvested forrger-scale cultivation elsewhere. Wang Xuan was deeply impressed. If this trajectory continues, some conglomerates and major organizations might indeed realize their long-term goal of achieving near-immortality. Yet, Qin Cheng was quick to temper the optimism, "Unfortunately, none of these are transcendent herbs. Those are notoriously hard to cultivate, let alone mass production and the shortening of their growth." The revtion that certain entities had obtained seeds of such extraordinary herbs surprised Wang Xuan. Qin Cheng sighed, "That''s why some organizations here in the New World are feared. In their pursuit of longevity, they''re exploring various avenues. Herbs are just one facet. I''ve heard that they''ve recently made breakthroughs in gics as well. Despite the current uproar about the Old Arts, they might soon overshadow everything with their life-science research." "What do you mean?" Wang Xuan asked, intrigued. "They found a preserved finger that was very much alive in an ancient temple''s underground chamber. After thorough analysis, they believe it might be a relic left behind by a Bodhisattva..." Qin Cheng continued sharing information that Wang Xuan was partially aware of. Some life science institutes had previously created a Six-Armed Bodhisattva super organism. This entity had shown up in Pamir teau and possessed the power of a Master, but was defeated by Old Chen with ease. There had long since been new developments. The Moonlight Bodhisattva super organism was a new product of the corporations. Cloaked in a radiant white light, appearing as if standing in the midst of the moon, this super organism was even more formidable than its predecessor. This trend indicated that continuous advancements were possible from studying that severed finger. The ultimate projection was the emergence of the true form of the Bodhisattva. Wang Xuan inhaled sharply. The researchbs on the New World were indeed truly capable of astonishing feats. Will there be a future where true forms of Bodhisattvas were mass-produced? If this trajectory continued, the few dominant life research institutions might very well overshadow even the thriving New Arts. However, Wang Xuan pondered on the aspect of the soul, murmuring, "The physical form can be decoded, but the study of the spiritual realm, and most importantly the soul will pose a significant challenge." As they prepared to leave, Qin Cheng nonchntly received arge parcel from a researcher. The bundle contained numerous herbs, probably around twenty or thirty stems. Wang Xuan looked at him quizzically. Is Qin Cheng taking a bribe? Qin Cheng shook his head, saying, "Don''t look at me like that, I¡¯m not taking any bribes." There were twelve different fields in this area, and each field contained thousands of herbs. Regr checks on their potency and mutation levels were done daily, and some level of wastage was epted. "These herbs are typically ted for disposal. Yet, more often than not, everyone just divides them up and takes them home," Qin Cheng rified. He had fostered good rtionships with the local researchers and, after a prior arrangement, had managed to umte a two-day portion, all of which were handed to him. Back at their quarters, the two stared at the gathered herbs. With over thirty different varieties either wafting a pleasant scent or an odd, pungent aroma that made the thought of consumption rather daunting. From past encounters with such potent herbs, Qin Cheng harbored reservations. Previous intakes had either led to sleepless nights or consecutive days of nosebleeds. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was concerned about the mutated nature and elerated maturation of these herbs. Yet, curiosity prevailed, and he sampled a few aromatic petals. A discernible warmth coursed through him, invigorating his metabolism. But for a master of his stature, the effects were nuanced. Considering his previous experiences with the mystical Inner Landscape and his encounters with divine herbs, Wang Xuan found these herbs rather mundane. Their potential benefits, which would demand prolonged consumption, felt less enticing. "Nheless, I should sample each for future reference," he mused, recalling Old Chen''s counsel. Ancient manuscripts had alluded to the preparation for a transcendent realm associated with herbology. Exposure to a plethora of herbs now could be beneficialter on. Intriguingly, post consumption of twelve diverse herbs, Wang Xuan detected a fleeting yet profound shift within himself. If not for his advanced spiritual acuity, this sensation would have remained imperceptible. The anomaly soon dissipated, realigning his internal equilibrium. His recent experiences underscored the need to ord due respect to age-old doctrines. They encapsted timeless wisdom that warranted a closer examination. "Come on, let''s go. There¡¯s something interesting that you should see." Qin Cheng said after receiving a call. Another team was setting out to explore the enigmatic Lunar Pit. The allure of that mysterious ce had never faded over the years. Every now and then, thrill-seekers ventured into its depths, hoping to unravel its mysteries. The Lunar Pit, as it was known, now stood outside the protection of the base''s perimeter. Given the frequent disturbances and incidents linked to the location, it was considered ominous enough that the decision was made to sever it from the centralpound. Notably, its positioning was equidistant from the White Horse Temple and the Millennium Taoist Temple, that formed an equteral triangle. When Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng arrived, they watched from behind a protective barrier as a group of about twenty people, d in thetest spacesuits, began their descent into the Lunar Pit. At a distance, the terrain appeared scarred and pitted. These were marks of ancient meteorite impacts. At the center, a significant portion was concealed beneath alloy tes. "That''s the Lunar Pit," Qin Cheng pointed out, "That ce is always sealed off. Those folks... they''re brave to dive into a ce like that." He could not fathom why anyone would be drawn to such danger simply for the thrill of it. A bystander chimed in, "No matter which period we¡¯re in, people seem to revel in the dance between life and death." "Hey, you''re from the Old World right?" Qin Cheng inquired, raising an eyebrow. The term ''adventurer'' sounded antiquated, reminiscent of thenguage from the old world. "Indeed," the man replied. "And judging by your appearance, you probably used connections to get transferred here to the New Moon, with ns to head to the New World next, right?" ¡­¡­ The alloy tes slid open, revealing the long-concealed Lunar Pit. Its depths yawned darkly ahead, swallowing the group in mere moments. Dozens watched with bated breath. While ordinary citizens might be ignorant of the Lunar Pit''s terrors, elite organizations like the Top Martial were painfully aware of the dangers it posed. It was primarily the members who stood here among the watching crowd. Among the observers was an aged monk from the White Horse Temple, clutching a curious artifact ¨C a Demon Subduing Mallet. Close by, a Daoist priest held a scorched peach wood sword, eyes fixed on the pit, alert and wary. Wang Xuan observed them keenly. The mallet and the sword radiated distinct energies, which he sensed through his spiritual realm. He deduced that powerful remnants from the Buddhist and Daoist ancestral temples might be preserved after all. An rmed shout broke his train of thought. "There''s an anomaly! Their emotional readings are erratic as they delve deeper," someone eximed. Monitors provided a real-time glimpse of the explorers below. Every official exploration necessitated the team to wear tracking devices, allowing those topside to monitor their situation. Abruptly, a horrified gasp echoed as one of the monitors was drenched in red. Panic ensued as every tracking device malfunctioned simultaneously. A chilling silence engulfed the Lunar Pit. After what felt like an eternity, a group of blood-streaked explorers resurfaced. The blood on them told a silent tale of loss and horror. They sprinted towards safety, their frantic pace hinting at unseen horrors trailing them. Yet, behind them, the Lunar Pit stood silent and undisturbed. The eerie stillness contrasted their desperate flight. Navigating through safety protocols, they first breached the istion zone, then essed the buffer area, subsequently transitioning into the intermediateyer. Only after these careful measures were they admitted into the primary protectiveyer. They hastily shed their specialized gear, each person''s face drained of color. They copsed to the ground, seemingly drained of all strength. Their breathing came in heavy gasps, sweat drenched their bodies, and their hair looked as if it had been drenched in water. "What happened down there?" was the immediate question on many lips. Their primary reason for being here was to ascertain the actual situation within the Lunar Pit and report back to their respective organizations. Suddenly, muffled sounds echoed around, drawing everyone''s attention. ¡­¡­ Within moments of their return, eleven of the sixteen escapees horrifically burst into pieces. Blood sprayed violently, scattering bone fragments everywhere. The grisly scene was a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the Lunar Pit. "Back away!" bellowed the elderly Daoist, brandishing his charred wooden sword, shing at seemingly invisible forces. Simrly, the monk from the Bai Ma Temple swung his demon-subduing staff, attacking unknown adversaries in every direction. "I''ve never witnessed such a horrifying spectacle," whispered Qin Cheng, visibly shaken by the nightmarish scene. Pulling Qin Cheng back, Wang Xuan wore a deeply concerned look. While others might be oblivious, Wang Xuan''s heightened spiritual sense allowed him to perceive more. From the remains of the eleven, he saw faint luminescent wisps rising and coalescing into a radiant silhouette. The world hadyers of truths, some visible only through spiritual realms. Wang Xuan deduced that a mysterious being had emerged from the Lunar Pit''s depths. While the Daoist and the monk sensed its sinister presence, they couldn''t truly see it. "It''s the true immortals... They''re..." The voice of the twelfth individual broke through the eeriness before he too exploded, adding another glowing wisp to the ethereal figure. Suddenly, this spectral entity fixed its gaze upon Wang Xuan and lunged. Is this what legends referred to as an immortal? A chill ran down Wang Xuan''s spine. Etched in blood on the entity''s forehead was the ancient character for "immortal." Reacting swiftly, Wang Xuan pushed Qin Cheng to safety, drew his de resembling the legendary fish-intestine sword, and struck decisively. The de connected, decapitating the ghostly figure. A brilliant burst of white light followed, creating a tempestuous whirlwind around them. Heart pounding, Wang Xuan grappled with the realization, "Did I just kill... an immortal?" Chapter 112: The Attention Of An Immortal Chapter 112: The Attention Of An Immortal The wind howled ominously, bringing with it an icy chill that permeated the entire area. Bone fragments, stained with traces of blood, were caught in the gust, scattering them all around. Droplets of blood misted the surrounding onlookers. Panic ensued as a chorus of shocked cries rang out. The abrupt gusts left everyone bewildered, with no one having glimpsed the radiant figure that had been in the midst of the storm. Wang Xuan observed as the luminosity of the beheaded entity rapidly faded. The figure became increasingly transparent until it disintegratedpletely amidst the cold winds. Is the Immortal actually dead? Of course, Wang Xuan found it hard to believe that this entity was a true immortal. He recalled previous encounters with formidable beings. The haughty female swordsman who''d once overwhelmed his friend, Old Chen, and the mighty white tiger that had whisked Old Chen away in its transformed kitten form. Such celestial beings defiedprehension. Nobody seemed to realize Wang Xuan''s role in neutralizing the mysterious entity. Still, the chilling wind and sudden blood spatters left everyone deeply unnerved. Only the elderly Daoist and the monk remained unaffected. To avoid drawing attention, Wang Xuan discreetly smeared some blood on himself amidst the chaos, hoping to blend in and stave off any unnecessaryplications. His mind raced. The short de he wielded was indeed exceptional, just as Old Chen had mentioned. It had proven its worth in life-threatening situations. When the fierce wind finally subsided, an eerie silence enveloped the area. Although such bizarre urrences were not unprecedented, today''s blood-soaked event was especially unsettling for those who witnessed it firsthand. Murmurs spread, each personmenting the treacherous nature of the Lunar Pit. Yet, in spite of its notorious reputation, adventurers were still irresistibly drawn to it, month after month. The Daoist continued to wave his sword, and the monk swung his staff, both operating on a mere hunch. Neither seemed to fully grasp the magnitude of what had just transpired. "Ugh! I came to observe, not to be sttered with blood!" Qin Cheng groaned, his voice tinged with distress. Amplifying his dismay, a shard of bone dropped from his cor. A rush of nausea overwhelmed him, making him hastily distance himself by several meters, trying to stave off the urge to vomit. The ghastlybination of blood and bone had rattled him thoroughly. Suddenly, four individuals who had been lying motionless began to stand in an unnaturally synchronized manner. One of them, disying a remarkably enhanced stride, started advancing rapidly towards the inner depths of the base. With a single effortless leap, he traversed an astounding ten meters. Wang Xuan''s eyes sharpened, recognizing the formidable strength disyed. Yet, as the man prepared for another leap, he abruptly exploded in mid-air, showering the vicinity with a rain of blood. Qin Cheng, already in shock, looked up only to discover his hands stained in a deep shade of red, with a piece of mangled flesh adhering to his fingers. And, adding to the grotesque scene, a blood-soaked severed hand rested beside his foot. In horror, Qin Cheng recoiled, frantically trying to rid his hand of the clinging flesh. His voice trembled with urgency, "We need to leave, Wang! I vow never to witness such ''entertainment'' again! This surpasses the terror of any midnight horror flick!" Wang Xuan, rooted in ce, tried to decipher the unfolding events. What caused that man to disintegrate? Wang noticed the synchronized illumination from the Bai Ma Temple and the Daoist Sanctuary. They seemed to have ensnared the man, leading to the violent eruption of the shadowy figure within him. This event underscored the wisdom behind relocating the prominent temple of Buddhism and the Daoist Sanctuary to this location over a century ago. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but wonder: was this move motivated by ancient superstitions, or was there a sage behind the scenes, aiming to restrain the moon''s mysterious forces? "They''re headed back to the Lunar Pit!" Someone eximed in disbelief. Of the three surviving individuals, two suddenly burst from the protectiveyer, running headlong towards the pit filled with craters. Despitecking the protection of their space suits, their movements were swift, and they leapt nearly ten meters with each stride, eventually disappearing into the dark abyss of the Lunar Pit. "What are they thinking?" Another voice chimed in. "They''re clearly under some influence," someone remarked. "It''s broad daylight now. Without the protectiveyer, the moon''s surface reaches over a hundred degrees. They must be getting roasted alive!" The sole remaining young survivor''s face was flushed, his body trembling. He staggered a few steps and then began to speak with great difficulty, "Within the Lunar Pit... there''s a celestial glow... a group of immortals..." Everyone instinctively distanced themselves from him, fearing another explosion. However, drawn by his revtions, many approached again, eager to catch every word he said. "Don''t you dare explode!" Qin Cheng shouted, his voice tinged with genuine fear from the previous experiences. "I... I think I''m already dead," the young man murmured, and then suddenly, he disintegrated. Everyone in the vicinity was sttered with blood. Many red at Qin Cheng, thinking that perhaps, if he hadn''t shouted out his warning, the young man might not have realized his fate so soon, and they would''ve been spared the gruesome scene. Wang Xuan''s senses were on high alert, his spiritual realm pulsating. A veil of white mist appeared before his forehead, and he intently stared at the ground. He had caught a fleeting glimpse of something disappearing underground and waited expectantly for it to emerge. But after a prolonged period of inactivity, everything seemed to return to normal. Given the scale of casualties, the incident was undeniably significant. The area was quickly cordoned off, shielding the general popce from the horrific events that had just transpired. The dim lighting of the room was interrupted only by the faint sounds of movement, a tense stillness reigning after the harrowing face-off. With his senses sharp, Wang Xuan strained to pinpoint the creature''s direction. The sudden assault and the grotesque nature of the invader had unnerved him, but he also realized this wasn''t an isted incident. Swiftly donning his clothes and clutching his trusted short sword, Wang Xuan was ready to alert the security and delve deeper into the night''s mystery. The corridor outside was bathed in a muted glow, the light creating long, ominous shadows. Concerned for his friend, Wang Xuan quickly made his way to Qin Cheng¡¯s room. After knocking without a response, he cautiously entered only to find it vacant. A sinking feeling hit him as he noted Qin Cheng''s absence. Returning to his chamber, Wang Xuan''s keen eyes caught a faint mark on the floor, reminiscent of a scorching trail. Following it led him to a barely visible ancient emblem etched into the wooden floor. The emblem seemed to pulsate with a familiar energy. Piecing things together, Wang Xuan discerned that the creature was bound to some deeper, age-old power, which this emblem represented. Gently brushing his fingers over the design, the emblem responded with a gentle radiance, revealing a maze of symbols within. Suddenly, an ethereal voice whispered in Wang Xuan''s mind, "The barriers between worlds are weakening. They are drawn here, and they are relentless." A shiver went down his spine. It became clear that the challenges of the night were just the tip of the iceberg. Strengthening the defenses, alerting others, and locating Qin Cheng were immediate priorities. The ethereal glow radiated from Wang Xuan''s feet as the sounds of thunder echoed, brightening the entire room. A haunting shriek emerged from the creature as it vanished through the wall. As Wang Xuan realized he could see beyond the walls, he understood that his heightened spiritual realm was at y, making him perceive things that the ordinary eye couldn''t. Chasing the entity into the courtyard, Wang Xuan hurled his short sword. The creature wailed, disintegrating into a thin mist. Suddenly, a distant bell chimed, and the ancient Daoist temple nearby shone brilliantly, dissipating thest traces of the eerie fog. Nothing remained. Stepping outside, even though it was nighttime ording to the clock, the surroundings were illuminated as if it were day ¨C a typical, yet always unsettling, aspect of life on the moon. "This isn''t like the ghostly legends," Wang Xuan murmured to himself. "They''re unafraid of the sunlight. What are these beings? Those explorers imed they were ''immortals'' from the lunar crater. By that ount, I''ve already in two of them." He was particrly bothered by being disrupted from his sleep. He yearned to venture into the lunar crater and eradicate this menace. Such audacity was a hallmark of Wang Xuan, who never backed down from a challenge. However, he pondered on the dangers of the crater, realizing its reputation wasn''t for nothing. After all, it was closely guarded by temples from both the Buddhist and Taoist traditions. "Why do these ''immortals'' keep targeting me?" he wondered. Despite the ordeal, Wang Xuan''s courage remained intact. He went back to his room and soon drifted into sleep. The following morning, Qin Cheng came rushing to Wang Xuan with news. "Wang, we''ve got a problem!" he eximed. "One of the explorers from yesterday''s expedition belongs to a powerful financial dynasty." Wang Xuan shrugged, "So? Being wealthy doesn''t make you immune to dangers." "It''s the Qin family," Qin Cheng rified. "They are amongst the elites on the new star. And now, they''ve put out a massive reward for anyone who can retrieve the body of Qin Yunfeng from the lunar crater." "From your family lineage?" Wang Xuan teased with a smile. "I''ve got nothing to do with him!" Qin Cheng sighed. Despite sharing the same surname, Qin, their destinies were as prized as the difference between an ordinary woman named Qin Xianglian and the great Emperor Qin Shihuang. Of the two young men who had fled back into the lunar crater the previous day, one was Qin Yunfeng. It didn''t take much to deduce that he would''ve sumbed to the crater''s extreme temperatures by now. "Some things people strive for their whole livese easily to him," Qin Cheng remarked. "Perhaps when lifecks challenges, you seek thrill in the extremes. He went on an expedition for that adrenaline rush and ended up paying with his life." Qin Cheng was contemtive, recognizing the vast disparities in people''s starting points in life. For some, what others saw as a distant dream was their everyday reality. The incident stirred up a storm in the socio-politicalndscape. In recent years, while the power and influence of financial dynasties had been growing, they usually operated behind the scenes, preferring discretion. It was rare for a heir like Qin Yunfeng to recklessly endanger himself in such a manner. "Want to go check it out?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Yes, let''s see who dares to venture into the lunar crater," responded Qin Cheng, unable to resist the allure of the unfolding drama. Many people were gathered near the protectiveyer, engaged in whispered conversations and debates. A state-of-the-art robot, designed to withstand maic fields, pulses, and energy interferences, had been deployed into the lunar crater. However, it had lost contact soon after. "Still no luck," someonemented. "Despite the new model being designed to resist all sorts of interferences, it seems the mysterious forces within the lunar crater are still too powerful." "Look, it''s Old Ling!" Qin Cheng whispered, using the familiar name for the approaching figure. Wang Xuan followed his gaze and sure enough, saw Ling Qiming making his way towards them, apanied by a small entourage. They positioned themselves close to the protectiveyer, their eyes fixed on the enigmatic lunar crater. "Why would Old Ling be interested in this?" Wang Xuan mused aloud. "Word has it that the Ling and Qin families are closely connected," Qin Cheng responded. "Given Old Ling''s presence on the moon, the Qin family likely requested his oversight." Nodding in understanding, Wang Xuan''s curiosity piqued, "So, what exactly is the Qin family offering as a reward?" Having already gathered the details, Qin Cheng exined, "It''s rather tempting. The Qin family has lined up several rare treasures. You can choose two items. Options include the Golden Mushroom, Earth Marrow ¨C both exceptionally rare. Then there''s an ancient tome about spiritual cultivation, notes from the renowned Olesha, and a sword manuscript unearthed from the historic Shu Mountain. Although no one has mastered the techniques from the sword manuscript, it''s believed to rte to the legendary flying sword technique. All in all, they''re precious items. And if these don''t appeal, there''s always the option to exchange them for a hefty sum of new star coins." "It''s certainly enticing," Wang Xuanmented, "but I doubt they could match my value!" Yet, as he finished speaking, he felt an unsettling shift. Silently, a few luminescent figures floated up from the lunar crater. Their aura was both serene and divine, and unsettlingly, their attention was firmly on him! Chapter 113: Myths Do Not Exist Chapter 113: Myths Do Not Exist Wang Xuan''s heart raced, realizing he had been singled out. Is it because of the two "immortals" I killed, or is it because of my luck with spectral entities? Above, a void of endless ck contrasted starkly against the moon''s radiant surface below. However, figures emanating light from the Lunar Pit shone with an unmatched brilliance, even against the lunar day''s backdrop. One luminous figure started approaching, making its way slowly towards the protective barrier. Is this some spectral entity? Every muscle in Wang Xuan tensed as he prepared for a confrontation. "Qin Cheng, head to the White Horse Temple, now!" Wang Xuan whispered, his voice urgent. The nature of the entity was not known to him, and he was not sure what to expect. "What''s happening, Old Wang?" Qin Cheng''s voice quivered. "Don''t question it, just keep moving!" Wang Xuan''s grip on his short sword tightened, eyes unwaveringly fixed on the approaching figure. "Stay safe!" Qin Cheng called out, making a quick exit. The depth of their bond meant words were often unnecessary. Wang Xuan could now distinguish the figure as a man, tall and enigmatic, veiled in a blinding white radiance that masked his face. The ethereal glow that surrounded him, apanied by the cascade of white petals, gave him an almost divine presence. A frown creased Wang Xuan''s brow. It¡¯s just a man amidst a shower of petals? Is this a disy of power or merely a theatrical facade? Wang Xuan''s gaze remained steely and defiant. He thought, If I am the one you¡¯re looking for, then bring it on! The figure approached, his steps deliberate and unhurried. To the oblivious bystanders, the area remained calm, with no hint of the luminous presence drawing closer. But then, mere meters from the barrier, twin beams of light hurtled towards the figure, each apanied by a thunderous roar. The ensuing explosion was blinding. The man retreated hastily. Though he was not hit directly, his figure momentarily wavered, bing fainter from the sheer force of the explosion. Wang Xuan''s gaze darted to the White Horse Temple and the ancient Taoist temple. He felt a mix of awe and disbelief, the sheer magnitude of the event was simply iprehensible. Thunder in broad daylight, arcing across the sky to banish a malevolent entity? It felt surreal. Yet, as he scanned the crowd, he noticed their casual demeanor. Many were engaged in light-hearted discussions about the Lunar Pit''s peculiarities. Inhaling sharply, Wang Xuan''s mind raced. The resounding thunderbolts seemed to have eluded everyone. It was as if they were shielded from witnessing this celestial event. Could it be that the legacies of Taoism and Buddhism, ancient and profound, operated on a ne beyond mortalprehension? A fleeting daze gripped Wang Xuan. His limited understanding of these religious depths seemed trivial in the face of such power. Suddenly, realization dawned on him. He was certain that the Bodhisattvas of the White Horse Temple, and perhaps the foundational spirits of Buddhism, were still confined in the ancient chasms. They have yet to ascend! The intricacies of the Taoist ancestral temple appeared to mirror a familiar pattern. Do the two esteemed ancestral temples only exert influence on the spiritual ne? Wang Xuan reflected. By retracting his spiritual domain, he would be rendered oblivious to the celestial thunderbolts streaking across the lunar sky, bing merely another onlooker. "The entities they''ve released seem to invade only dreams, and are incapable of altering reality." He pondered, "So even if I managed to extract these Bodhisattva-level beings from the abyss, or even summon the foundational spirits of Buddhism, their manifestations would be limited to the spiritual realm, but would not be able to affect reality?" "Is it possible that ancient myths were only tales of events within the ethereal domain?" These revtions prompted Wang Xuan to re-evaluate his perceptions of Immortals and Bodhisattvas. Although these entities might wield immense powers, they seemed anchored to spiritual or metaphysical realms, distant from our palpable world. "It seems once they ascend to their exalted state, theyrgely detach from the terrestrial sphere," he mused. "This suggests that while the world remains predominantly human, spiritual transcendence may not be as grandiose as imagined." Wang Xuan''s insights brought calmness to his heart. Even the once-intimidating red-robed demoness seemed less foreboding. His attention then refocused on the radiant figure beyond the protective shield. This entity, he felt, was perhaps not as formidable as he had initially perceived. These beingsing out of the Lunar Pit could at best inhabit hosts, and not without a toll. They certainlycked the capabilities described in ancient tales. Moreover, they remained under the watchful restraint of the Taoist and Buddhist sanctuaries. In facing someone like Wang Xuan who was practically immune to possession and armed with a mystical short sword, these entities were vulnerable. He contemted, weighing the risks and rewards of delving into the Lunar Pit to confront these entities that seemed fixated on him. At this moment, Wang Xuan was feeling confident. He began to believe that myths were just tales told among the ancient times after all. He temporarily shut off his awareness of the deeper world beyond the realm he was familiar with. His thoughts returned to the present, and rity returned. He decided against making any rash moves. His initial intent was to avoid drawing undue attention, and he intended to stick to it. "There are people approaching the crater," someone remarked. Attracted by the immense bounty, an exploration team of six swiftly made their way to the entrance of the Lunar Pit. Spectators watched as they abruptly copsed by its pitch-ck entrance. Some even tumbled into the abyss, vanishing from sight. "They''ve definitely been ensnared. They must all be dead!" murmured the onlookers, a sense of suffocation gripping them. This was not a movie; they were witnessing real deaths. Wang Xuan observed closely, deducing that the explorers had been possessed by the spirits. The next two hours saw no one daring to approach the pit. As enticing as the bounty was, it was pointless if one lost their life in the pursuit. Throughout this period, the spiritual entities asionally approached the protective barrier but never dared cross its boundary. Wang Xuan noted that the ancestral temples asionally emanated light and unleashed formidable lightning. On one asion, a pendant on Ling Qiming''s chest sparkled, and a bracelet on his wrist gleamed brilliantly. Wang Xuan sighed softly. The wealthy always have their secrets. They wear ancient relics, probably unaware of their true power, treating them merely as ornamental treasures. He reached out to Qin Cheng, urging him to return from his usual penchant for being in the thick of things. Historically, it was skilled predecessors who ensured stability by situating two ancestral temples in their current locations. Not long after, Qin Hong, a middle-aged representative from the Qin family, made his appearance. His somber demeanor was evident ¨C he was the grieving father of Qin Yunfeng and hade to the moon in hopes of finding his son. "Whoever retrieves Yunfeng will be handsomely rewarded," Qin Hong proimed, his gaze sweeping over the assembled specialists and elite advisors from various factions. Ordinary citizens, unaware of the mysteries of the Lunar Pit, were not given ess without proper clearance. Leaning closer, Qin Cheng whispered to Wang Xuan, "No matter the allure of the reward, resist the temptation. Some offerse at a price too steep." Wang Xuan acknowledged with a nod. The prospect of getting involved with the influential Qin family was not worth the promised ancient sword manual or the mental cultivation text. While the Golden Mushroom was even less appealing in the face of his own uing expedition. Indeed, Qin Hong''s generous proposal was met with silence. The recent tragedies were a stark reminder of the risks. Historically, explorers had dared to probe the pit mainly during its dormant phases. However, the mystery of the Lunar Pit had persisted for more than a century, making any venture a gamble with life. After offering some words of constion to Qin Hong, Ling Qiming took his leave. Having spent nearly three hours at the site, it was time to move on. "These so-called experts, is their courage so easily shaken? Not one of them is willing to take the risk! Do they truly merit their esteemed titles?" Qin Hong''s voice dripped with scorn as he was led away. While the average person could not hear Qin Hong''s words due to the vast distance, Wang Xue''s heightened senses, honed since the formation of his spiritual realm, captured every word with terrifying rity. "What''s the use of employing such people? Both the practitioners of Old and the New Arts are utterly worthless. Even a dog would do better! At the very least, it would obeymands. Push those martial artists into the Lunar Pit! Don''t they understand their purpose?" Qin Hong''s low growl resounded, leaving the attendants apanying him sweating profusely, too fearful to utter a word. It wasn''t just the pain of losing his child that fueled his anger. It seemed his words, spoken under duress, truly reflected his inner beliefs. From a distance, Wang Xue observed with a cold detachment. However, he was not particrly surprised. He expected such sentiments from high-ranking individuals of prominent dynasties like Qin Hong. This was their view of those devoted to spiritual and martial cultivation. Although some organizations attempted to mobilize their members, no elite advisors stepped forward. After all, they were not bound by servitude, and given a choice, who would risk their life recklessly? Soon after, a spacecraft touched down on the lunar surface, bringing with it explosive news ¡ª the Qin family had deployed four Bodhisattvas! Without a doubt, a prominent life research institute had the backing of the super-wealthy Qin dynasty. This time, they had summoned four gic super-beings, known as the Moonlight Bodhisattvas ¡ª the pinnacle of their kind. Wang Xue''s heart skipped a beat as he glimpsed the so-called Moonlight Bodhisattvas from a distance. His face immediately turned grave, recognizing them as beings of Grandmaster caliber! The four Bodhisattvas bypassed the protective shield and headed straight for the Lunar Pit. Simultaneously, a warship hovered in the sky above. Qin Hong''s expression darkened. He was prepared for the worst. He had informed all parties involved that they would use the "N-material" ¡ª a substance retrieved from a once-bountiful haven in times past. Should the four Bodhisattvas fail, he nned to pour the entire batch of this material into the pit, aiming to obliterate it entirely. This was not just his decision. Over the years, therge corporations and major organizations had been devising a strategy. This was their long-concocted ultimate weapon. Chapter 114: Explosion In The Lunar Pit Chapter 114: Explosion In The Lunar Pit ¡°Something¡¯s amiss.¡± Wang Xuan stared intently at the four Bodhisattvas, noting subtle differences in their aura. He, being a Master, immediately grasped the core of the matter. While these Bodhisattvas possessed formidable physical strength, their spiritual energy paled inparison to that of a genuine Grandmaster. To any observer, this was their clear vulnerability. Intriguingly, Wang Xuan spected that if he had ess to a specific tome about the spiritual realm, he would be confident enough to shatter the spirit of one of these Moonlight Bodhisattvas. The scene was tense, with every expert and safety advisor from various organizations watching closely. As the Bodhisattvas moved, they seemed to glide just above the lunar surface, traversing a great distance with astonishing speed. Their immense prowess was evident, but the reduced gravity of the moon yed a role in their movements too. A misty veil appeared before Wang Xuan''s eyes as he observed closely, trying to ascertain his own theories. Near the lunar crater, a fierce battle erupted. With their masterful skills, one of the Bodhisattvas, equipped with an alloy de, shed through the air. Another stomped the ground, causing the rocky terrain to crumble, revealing massive ck chasms. Their power was evident; they were at the Grandmaster level. Wang Xuan''s expression grew stern. The mysterious entities used their signature move ¨C a sudden, aggressive attempt to possess their opponents. As one of the Moonlight Bodhisattvas swung his alloy de, it seemed ineffective. It merely grazed the radiant entity, which remained unscathed and continued its descent. The silence of the moon''s vacuum was eerie. Yet, observers felt the torment of the Bodhisattva, who seemed to scream in agony, though no sound reached their ears. He dropped his de in desperation, clutching his head, appearing on the brink of madness. Wang Xuan sighed inwardly. The weakness of the Moonlight Bodhisattvas was now ringly evident. While they had formidable physical capabilities, their spiritual defenses were inadequate. Now, with their spirits overtaken, they were vulnerable. Boom! A thunderous crash echoed silently. Wang Xuan watched in awe as one of the Moonlight Bodhisattvas effortlessly kicked a four-meter-tall meteorite into the air, shattering it mid-flight. The spectacle left all onlookers in shock. However, Wang Xuan''s keen gaze caught something more sinister. A luminescent being darted into the Bodhisattva''s head, vanishing bit by bit, creating an eerie sight that sent shivers down his spine. "How utterly brutal!" Wang Xuan muttered to himself. He could see the Bodhisattva''s spirit dimming, gradually being snuffed out by the intruder. Yet, he also noted a problem. The invading entity was evidently paying a price for its possession. The Moonlight Bodhisattva''s physical prowess seemed to scorch the creature, causing its radiant white light to disintegrate. Even so, the creature persisted, seemingly eager to im the powerful body as its own. Eventually, its light faded entirely as it fully submerged into the Bodhisattva''s form. Wang Xuan''s heart raced. Could it be that the newest type of Bodhisattva, a creation of the Life Science Institute, perfectly suited the needs of this mysterious being? A chilling snap echoed. The possessed Moonlight Bodhisattva, in a final act of defiance, tore at his spacesuit, eliciting a roar of rage from the entity within, causing ripples of psychic disturbance. Onlookers on the other side of the protective barrier gasped. Although they had not witnessed any battle between the Bodhisattva and the spectral entities, they saw his madness and self-destruction. They realized the grim truth: he was doomed. Even a Grandmaster could not survive being exposed to the moon''s surface for long. In a final desperate leap, he vanished into the inky abyss of the Lunar Pit. Nearby, the other three Moonlight Bodhisattvas were simrly engaged in fiercebat and struggles. Who or what were they contending with? A palpable dread hung in the air. The fear of the unknown was paralyzing, leaving everyone on edge. One of the Moonlight Bodhisattvas exploded, with blood and bones scattering near the meteorite. From his body, the mysterious entity emerged, looking fainter than before. Possessing the Grandmaster hade at a significant cost, and in the end, it couldn''t retain the powerful body. Soon after, another Bodhisattva met the same fate. The fourth leaped into the Lunar Pit, never to be seen again. The protective barrier''s side was eerily silent. These were Moonlight Bodhisattvas, among the most formidable beings, yet they had been obliterated in mere moments. Though the scene was harrowing, Wang Xuan discerned something crucial. The entities within the Lunar Pit couldn''t exert vast, sweeping control over humanity. Even possession had its price. His gaze shifted to the distant White Horse Temple and Daoist ancestral grounds. The tales of Buddhism and Daoism seemed to mirror this truth. He grew more convinced that many ancient myths might have taken ce within the spiritual realm. "Let the immortals keep their tales; the mortal realm belongs to Wang Xuan," he whispered to himself. This perspective offered a fresh interpretation of legends and Bodhisattvas. Qin Hong looked on with a grim face. To witness such a scene firsthand, seeing even four Moonlight Bodhisattvas obliterated without making a dent, stirred agitation within him. He turned to leave, contemting the use of the "N-substance," an extract from a fabled "blessednd" of the past. But the thought of leaving his younger son''s body behind, buried with those mysterious creatures, sent shivers down his spine. "Based on years of observation, the Lunar Pit''s beings seem linked to the spiritual realm. If we want to retrieve Yun Feng, we need someone with immense spiritual power," said one of Qin Hong''s aides, having scoured over a century''s worth of data regarding the moon''s strange events. Back at his residence, Qin Hong, brooding and icy, responded, "Where would we find such a person on short notice?" "There might be a few with heightened spiritual prowess among the security experts and special advisors from the various organizations based on the moon," his aide suggested. Qin Hong, in a fit of rage, retorted, "These warriors shrink away when they''re most needed. They''re less reliable than the guard dogs at my feet!" In his frustration, he kicked a nearby guard dog away. His closest confidants remained silent, understanding that in such moments, words could be more harmful thanforting. After what seemed like an eternity, Qin Hong finally regained hisposure. Turning to his aides, hemanded, "Apply more pressure on them." Soon enough, major organizations began rallying their in-house security experts and special advisors. The word was out; the Qin family had increased the rewards. Given that the Qin family was a significant client for organizations like Top Martial, these firms were genuinely trying to mobilize their veterans. However, no one stepped forward. The problem was that the moon-based units were regrpanies, not the mercenaries or zealots that these organizations kept on other destes. Thus, they were at a loss for solutions. Before long, notifications came in. The Qin family wanted a face-to-face meeting with the security experts and special advisors. There were six or seven organizations on the moon that offered security services, and they summoned hundreds of experts and advisors to a grand hall. Even Qin Cheng, who was often considered subpar, was in attendance. However, after his recent achievements, he was now recognized as a novice security expert. When Qin Hong arrived, he emanated an aura of deep sorrow. He began, "I understand that many of you here are the elite in your field, with some being top practitioners. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience of this summoning. But I implore you to understand the anguish and pain of a father who has just lost his child." His voice was heavy with grief, and he came across as genuinely sincere, humbling himself before the experts. Wang Xuan was taken aback. If it weren''t for his heightened senses that once caught Qin Hong''s disdainfulments from afar, he might have beenpletely fooled by the man''s disy. Back then, away from the crowd, Qin Hong had openly expressed to his closest confidants that these warriors were useless, cowardly, and not even as reliable as a dog. Now, with everyone gathered, Qin Hong wore an expression of profound grief. He spoke earnestly, his voiceden with emotion, highlighting the challenges of both old and new forms of cultivation. "Whose life isn''t valuable?" he questioned, emphasizing that he wouldn''t have asked anyone to take risks if it weren''t absolutely necessary. Wang Xuan mentally noted to be wary of Qin Hong. The man''s duplicity and cold demeanor meant he''d be a challenging adversary in any future interactions. Qin Cheng, meanwhile, seemed impressed. "Qin Hong is quite grounded, and very sincere in what he says," he mused aloud. Wang Xuan could only sigh in response, "We''re still young. We have much to learn, observe, and be vignt about." Finally, Qin Hong had various treasures disyed on the table ¡ª golden mushrooms, marrow of the earth, ancient manuals for spiritual cultivation, notes of a schr named Oleisha, and more. He informed the assembly that he also had bamboo slips from pre-Qin sages, moonlight silver, and mountain snails; they just weren''t with him at the moment. Additionally, he offered a staggering reward of three hundred million Nova coins. It''s one thing to hear about treasures and another to see them in person. The rare items, ancient manuscripts, and the hefty bounty, all within arm''s reach, made some attendees'' hearts race. Predictably, one of them could not resist asking, "If someone were to die inside, would there bepensation for their family?" This was someone willing to risk it all. Qin Hong responded promptly and decisively, "Of course! Every life is valuable. Should an unfortunate event ur, we''ll ensure the family of the deceased is well taken care of." While the majority still weren''t willing to risk their lives, many felt Qin Hong was indeed sincere in his promises. But Wang Xuan''s attention shifted. He was intently studying the manuscripts on the table. With his heightened spiritual senses, obstacles like angles and barriers were hardly an issue for him. Qin Hong meticulously presented each treasure to the assembly, taking care to flip through the pages of the ancient manuals for everyone to see. This gesture greatly aided Wang Xuan, who was keenly observing. The ancient spiritual cultivation manual was surprisingly brief, spanning just two pages with a handful of words. Wang Xuan recalled an old saying: "Thousands of scrolls can deceive, but the truth lies in a single phrase." The sword scripture contained six pages, each bearing cryptic annotations paired with detailed illustrations. Capitalizing on Qin Hong''s emotive presentation, Wang Xuan discreetly memorized both texts. Whispers circted among the attendees, many voicing their admiration for Qin Hong''s authenticity. While none were willing to risk the treacherous expedition, their respect for him remained undiminished. Engaging in the conversation, Wang Xuan echoed the positive sentiments about Qin Hong. As he left the hall with the crowd, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. Ultimately, six intrepid individuals dared to probe the lunar abyss. Their bravery, however, led to their doom. After this, the protective barrier became an impassable threshold for everyone. The lunar pit''s menacing aura, especially post-resurgence, suggested imminent danger for a long time toe. "All six perished," a confidant urgently reported to Qin Hong. "Is a warrior''s life of such great value?" Qin Hong remarked coldly, staring contemtively out the window. "These archaic methods will soon be relics of the past." He paused, his face shadowed by a grave decision. "Reach out to the other families. If they hold no reservations, I will take action. We must relinquish Yunfeng''s remains." Over the years, New World''s major organizations and tycoons had consistently researched the lunar pit. They couldn''t afford to ignore such a looming threat any longer. Through their efforts, they identified the existence of a substancebeled "X-material" within the pit. Although its concentration was lower than that previously found in the so-called "Blessed Lands," its properties were extraordinary. This X-material emitted a powerful interference that severely disrupted spaceships and sophisticated machinery, rendering it highly dangerous. Additionally, it had the ability to corrode the "God Particle," another transcendent element discovered in the realm of New Techniques, which presented a major challenge for researchers. Yet, after countless studies, these organizations had unearthed a rare "N-material" that also bore exceptional properties. Crucially, it could counteract the negative effects of the X-material. "If all factions are in agreement, let''s act!" Qin Hong dered resolutely. A warship hovered above the moon''s surface, primed and ready. In an instant, a blinding light erupted from the lunar pit, momentarily obscuring it, only to be followed by another explosion. "Has the lunar pit''s menace finally been neutralized?" Onlookers gasped in astonishment. Wang Xuan observed radiant beings escaping the pit, only to disintegrate mysteriously one after another. "Myths from the spiritual realm falter in the face of the present reality," he mused. Suddenly, an overwhelming sensation of impending doom gripped him. "Old Wang, I feel an inexplicable tightness in my chest. What''s happening?" Qin Cheng gasped, his breathsing fast and heavy, sensing the change too. "The Immortals have taken back what is theirs; but what belonged to the human world hasn''t wholly returned to me," Wang Xuan whispered. Grabbing Qin Cheng, he sprinted towards the ancient Taoist temple. "The White Horse Temple is closer!" Qin Cheng argued. "I have stronger ties with the Taoist temple. If we need assistance from the ancient pit, better to seek allies," Wang Xuan reasoned as they continued their dash. Muttering to himself, he added, "Old Zhang, if things go south, I leave this world in your hands for now." Chapter 115: Who Owns The Mortal Realm? Chapter 115: Who Owns The Mortal Realm? Why are Wang Xuan and Old Zhang suddenly in charge of the human world? Qin Cheng mused, puzzled by Wang Xuan''s words. Suddenly, a deafening boom reverberated. The ground quaked as the Lunar Pit copsed, creating massive ck fissures radiating in every direction, threatening to tear the moon apart. Realization dawned on Qin Cheng. He quickly grasped the gravity of Wang Xuan''s words and shouted, "Where''s Old Zhang?!" Wang Xuan felt as though the very universe itself was copsing upon them, as if space and time itself would be reset. He felt an intense pressure, perhaps because his spiritual realm allowed him to perceive more than Qin Cheng. The Lunar Pit seemed on the verge of releasing something colossal. Without answering, Wang Xuan grabbed Qin Cheng, sprinting at breakneck speed. Due to the moon''s weaker gravitational pull, it felt as if they were skimming just above its surface. Finally, they arrived at a millennium-old Taoist temple with three ancient characters inscribed: "Zheng Yi Temple" This renowned Taoist sanctuary, originally from Dragon Tiger Mountain, had been relocated here. Over sessive dynasties and amidst various conflicts, the temple had been rebuilt multiple times. Yet its foundation remained intact, and remnants of older bricks and structures had been preserved. Most importantly, the original "Dao soil" and some relics of Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism, were housed within this temple. Upon entering, Wang Xuan urgently called out, "Old Zhang! Something bad is going to happen on the moon. I need your guidance now!" In the heart of the ancient Taoist temple, monks scurried about, engrossed in their duties, barely noticing Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng. Feeling increasingly uneasy, Qin Cheng whispered, "You sure you know this Old Zhang you¡¯re speaking of?" "We share a bond, one that transcends the physical realm," Wang Xuan replied, scanning the intricate architecture. "I need to locate the exact spot where Old Zhang''s spirit lingers." "Be cautious with your words!" warned Qin Cheng, fearing the attentive ears of the monks. "We might end up being beaten up if they hear you." "Look there," Wang Xuan pointed ahead, his voice steady but eyes revealing deep concern. He was hyper-aware of the situation at the Lunar Pit. The power energy emanating from it threatened to breach his spiritual defenses. He theorized that an entity, either demonic or celestial in nature was about to emerge. The templeplex seemed alive with anticipation. Age-old pines and cypresses swayed, age-marked stone towers crumbled slightly, and the haunting sound of massive bronze bells rang spontaneously, echoing throughout the sanctuary. The sheer magnitude of the power from the Lunar Pit was palpable. "There!" Wang Xuan eximed, directing his gaze to a luminous structure. "Old Zhang''s essence resides in the Ancestral Hall." At first, the hall seemed bathed in a soft glow, but as the disturbances from the Lunar Pit amplified, it shone more brilliantly, radiating a beacon of light amidst the shadowed temple grounds. While the temple exuded a resplendent glow, it was not within Qin Cheng¡¯s capabilities to perceive it. Such visions were exclusive to those who transcended the ordinary or had developed a spiritual realm. Wang Xuan sighed, feeling a hint of loneliness. This ethereal spectacle, the luminous mes from the Lunar Pit, could only be appreciated by him. There was no one else to witness or discuss this marvel. It seemed the wonders of this world were solely his to behold. But then, a startling change caught his attention. The Ancestral Hall, an ancient structure, began to pulsate and breathe as if alive. Although Qin Cheng remained blind to the light, he could sense the violent tremors of the hall. His face paled as he whispered, "I think Old Zhang''s coffin can no longer contain whatever''s inside anymore!" Mystery factors, resembling a dense snowfall, floated down onto the ground. In Wang Xuan''s eyes, this was the most concentrated disy of this mysterious substance he had ever seen in the real world. Soon, the entire Ancestral Hall was consumed by an intense radiance, as if the sun itself had descended upon it. The spectacle was so overwhelming that Wang Xuan hesitated to approach. "Can''t you see it?" he asked Qin Cheng. The loneliness of witnessing such a phenomenon, without another soul to share in its marvel, felt isting. "I only see the hall shaking and hear the echoes of the coffin''s lid," Qin Cheng admitted, hisplexion ghostly white. The idea of Old Zhanging back to life was terrifying to him. Wang Xuan felt uneasy as well. The sheer power of Old Zhang made him wonder if trying to pull him from the ancient pit might be a bad idea. And a nagging question arose: Is what lying in the coffin really Old Zhang, or is it some malevolent entity? Suddenly, the ancient hall was rocked by powerful tremors, radiating auspicious rays. Wang Xuan felt an unseen force pulling him towards it. The deafening roar of a tiger echoed through the temple, so intense that it threatened to shatter his spiritual realm! Wang Xuan was shocked. "This is madness!" he eximed. Grabbing Qin Cheng''s arm, they bolted. The haunting roars in the distance tugged at Wang Xuan''s memory. He remembered a previous narrow escape from a white tiger in the Inner Landscape. Could that beast be here as well? "Weren''t we here to find Old Zhang?" Qin Cheng questioned, panting. "Let''s first see if this world remains intact without my presence," Wang Xuan replied, pausing at a safe distance to survey the scene. He pondered whether the resonating roars of dragons and tigers might be linked to the ancestral temple that was relocated from Dragon Tiger Mountain. Positioning himself strategically, Wang Xuan ensured he could either sprint back to release Old Zhang or flee further based on the unfolding events. Given that both the beings attempting to emerge from the Lunar Pit and Old Zhang shared the same origin, neither option seemed very appealing. "There are things that we can¡¯t rush in life," Wang Xuan murmured, urging himself to remainposed. Suddenly, rmed whispers rippled through the crowd. Eyes were cast skyward, beyond the protective shield, where the spacecraft was clearly malfunctioning. It had been shaking violently earlier, and now it was being slowly drawn towards the Lunar Pit, as if some unseen force was pulling it down. As the scene unfolded, Wang Xuan noticed that the Daoist ancestral temple, ''Zheng Yi Temple,'' started to shimmer and glow. This luminance, stemming primarily from the temple''s sacred foundational soil, streamed through its ancient stones. Even the timeworn bricks and tiles gleamed, forming mystical symbols that soared into the Lunar Pit. "I''m d I held back," Wang Xuan thought. "Is Old Zhang located in the temple''s main hall? While his remains might be in the Ancestral Hall, they likely serve a purpose simr to those in Buddhist underground chambers: to seal away something terrifying." Wang Xuan felt a chill crawling down his spine. He was thankful that he had refrained from any rash decisions. Above, the battleship, though damaged, began a shaky ascent. Jubnt cheers broke out below, a collective sigh of relief as the ship seemingly broke free from the mysterious force binding it. From a distance, Qin Hong, having already evacuated to another spacecraft, received thetest updates. He stated coldly, "In our age of technological marvel, every mystery has a solution. The legends of ''Immortals'' have faded, but our grasp on eternity grows closer." From the White Horse Temple, beams of light prated the lunar crater, bringing a brief respite to its chaotic tremors. Wang Xuan, watching the scene unfold, felt an overwhelming sense of solitude. He was witnessing a power that could tame the abyss, echoing ancient tales, yet no one else could share this vision. Both sacred temples manifested their power, stabilizing the turbulent crater. Turning his gaze to the Ancestral Hall, Wang Xuan''s unease deepened. The mystical aura surrounding it felt like a silent snowstorm, yet a dark, ominous energy also intermingled. "The foundation of the Ancestral Hall is made of blue stone," he mused, "with the hall itself constructed above. Is it designed to contain something formidable?" Just as Buddhist crypts sometimes seal away powerful entities, the Taoist temple might house simr secrets. "Is there a hidden stone tower beneath? If Old Zhang''s remains are there, what else might they be concealing?" Suddenly, the ground quivered, casting a wave of anxiety among those present. The lunar crater, an abyss of darkness, appeared to be expanding, driven by an unseen force. rmingly, the battleship above started its descent, drawn directly towards the chasm. "It¡¯s a disaster! The ship''s engines have failed," someone shouted. Another voice added, "Something¡¯s wrong. Even in a catastrophic failure, the ship¡¯s descent shouldn''t lead directly into the crater. Things might not be as they seem" ¡¡¡¡¡­¡­ Many onlookers gazed upward, their anxiety palpable. The unfolding events were causing dread in their hearts. In an era of technological marvels, it was unsettling to think that a dark crevice on the moon could exert such a mysterious force, strong enough to bring down a spaceship. Are the mystics really that powerful? But there was more. Just as Wang Xuan believed that ordinary people remained oblivious, believing this to be his own private "extraordinary realm," a chorus of gasps echoed within the protective barrier. Mysterious entities from within the Lunar Pit had unleashed their might, drawing mythic tales perilously close to reality and causing severe energy fluctuations. For the first time, many bore witness to the otherworldly phenomena emanating from the pit. A radiant light began to expand, casting a surreal brilliance over the abyss. This luminous "rain" appeared gentle and resplendent. Yet its beauty belied its menace. It moved with breathtaking speed, extending into the sky to ensnare the falling battleship. Soon after, the cascading light converged, forming a massive hand that effortlessly sped the ship. With an eerie crunch, the vessel was crushed in its luminous grip. Chapter 116: Battleship vs Immortal Chapter 116: Battleship vs Immortal The Lunar Pit was a zone steeped in mystery and shrouded in secrecy, and had always been whispered about amongst elite circles. For the first time, its extraordinary nature wasid bare for ordinary eyes to see, and the magnitude of the spectacle was earth-shattering. Panic surged within the Moon''s protective barrier. The air was filled with screams, a mix of terror, disbelief, and sheer chaos. The swiftest among them made a beeline for the spaceship bases, desperate to escape the looming threat. In the sky, a sight of unparalleled horror unfolded. A battleship, once a symbol of unmatched might, was effortlessly dismantled by a hand, materialized from a cascade of luminous rain. It was as if mythology had collided with reality, presenting a spectacle both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Wang Xuan was frozen in disbelief. He had often wondered about the true power of the Old Arts, even debating with Old Chen about their capability to rip apart a battleship. Now, reality was unfolding right before him. The base was in utter disarray. Who, in this modern age, had ever witnessed such raw, otherworldly power? A spacefaring battleship, the pinnacle of human technology, was reduced to nothing but scrap. The implications were clear: if that colossal hand decided to strike the base, the oue would be catastrophic. Survival would be a mere fantasy. A profound realization swept through the crowd: Could legends of gods and demons actually hold a kernel of truth? The inevitable came to pass: the once-mighty battleship was shattered, its remnants tumbling from the lunar expanse. The sight sent shivers down spines of onlookers, leaving them ih shock. Though Qin Cheng was trying to put on a brave front, the terror of their situation was palpable. With the looming possibility of being ttened by that colossal hand, he stammered, "Wang Xuan, maybe it''s time to summon Master Zhang." "Stay calm! Panicking won''t help," Wang Xuan replied, trying to instill some semnce of confidence. But the rhythmic thumping of his heart betrayed his own anxiety. But neither the Zhengyi Temple nor the White Horse Temple reacted to suppress the growing menace. Instead, a palpable restlessness pervaded both temples, underscored by a faint malevolent aura. Wang Xuan nced back towards the Ancestral Hall within the Zhengyi Temple. The mysterious energies swirling around it were eerily reminiscent of those from the Inner Vision Realm, and the shadowy outline of a stone tower seemed to materialize. "Is there truly a tower beneath the Ancestral Hall meant to imprison malevolent entities?" he pondered, his throat feeling dry. Had they, during their relocation from Dragon Tiger Mountain, transported not just the temple but also this tower of containment? The realization left Wang Xuan reeling. Thankfully, he mused, not everyone could tap into the Inner Landscape as he could. This meant others were spared from witnessing these unfathomable entities. Qin Cheng, oblivious to these undercurrents, noticed nothing out of the ordinary. This suggested that, for the moment, the events within the temple had yet to impact the physical world. Wang Xuan''s gaze shifted skyward. "Is it manifesting directly from the spiritual realm and actively intervening in our reality?" he mused. He reasoned that if the entity beneath the Lunar Pit had the ability to emerge into their world, it would have done so long ago. Perhaps it had now been provoked by the actions of the mega corporations and wasshing out in retaliation, even at its own peril. From a safe distance in space, Qin Hong watched the unfolding drama, his face pale. Gathering his resolve, he announced, "Prepare the contingency n." Qin Hong promptlymunicated the unfolding events on the moon to his family. While the Qin n was undeniably influential, decisions about the moon were not theirs alone to make. Keeping other major factions informed about the situation was paramount. He knew that several dominant powers were observing intently, keenly monitoring every move. In the remote expanse of space, a vast battleship emerged, its sights set on the enormous, luminous hand. The ship was primed to deliver a catastrophic blow, waiting only for its finalmand. Inside various chambers, a group of elders debated fiercely. Through a series of video transmissions, their serious faces flickered on screens. "The Qin family may have acted prematurely. If chaos ensues, they might be ill-equipped to handle the aftermath," one elder voiced. "Perhaps we should be patient. This could be seen as a test," another countered. "Typically, these entities find it challenging to even manifest in spirit, let alone exert widespread influence in our realm. But if they make a significant sacrifice to prate our reality, theoretically, we can vanquish them," a third elder added. It was evident that powerful corporations and elite organizations were delving deep into the mysteries of these celestial beings, keen to unravel the supernatural mysteries. Theirprehension had expanded significantly over time, especially after unearthing invaluable ancient manuscripts which hinted at profound secrets, far beyond general understanding. "What about Old Zhong? Is he still on the line? He''s been awfully quiet," an elder remarked. "Who''s looking for me? Age has dulled my senses, and I dozed off briefly. I believe it''s best if I abstain from this discussion. My aging memory might justplicate things for you younger folk. The decision is yours." And with those words, the elder from the Zhong family vanished from the transmission. ¡­¡­ The few remaining elders exchanged weary nces, each silently thinking, "How typical of the Zhong family." Another elder stifled a yawn, remarking, "This situation is somewhat foreign to me. The Qin family''s sudden actions have left me with little guidance to offer. I''ll abstain from this discussion." Shortly after, three elders departed from the conversation. ... After some deliberation, the Qin family gave the green light, allowing Qin Hong to initiate an attack. This resolution was reached quickly as the echoes of panic and screams still resonated across the moon. From the shimmering hand in the sky, iron-like particles began to drift down, resembling a cascade of metallic sand, the sight was simply too terrifying for the citizens on the moon. Suddenly, an intense beam of light reached across space, and with a powerful wave of energy, collided with the radiant hand. The sky became a canvas of fluctuating brightness and shadows. The majestic hand began to disintegrate, leaving behind remnants that looked like a rain of blood. They emitted a mournful red glow before vanishing swiftly. The audience was dumbstruck. To see such monumental events unfold one after another was overwhelming. The celestial hand, seemingly of either divine or demonic origin, had been obliterated. "A battleship versus an Immortal?!" Even Wang Xuan was shocked. He had daydreamed of such events, but he had not expected to witness them with his own eyes so soon. In that pivotal moment, Qin Cheng longed for the familiarity and safety of the Old World. With a pallor overtaking his face, he murmured, "Today''s events have shattered my perception. The melding of technology and legend has upended my foundational beliefs. Is this still the reality I once knew?" Wang Xuan was equally shaken, trying to grasp the gravity of the spectacle before him. He also took note that, throughout the conflict between the luminous hand and the battleship, both the Zheng Yi Temple and White Horse Temple glowed brilliantly but refrained from intervening. ¡­¡­ "What do we do now, Old Wang?" Qin Cheng asked anxiously. The prospect of a lunar war and the potential risk it posed to their lives was unsettling. Wang Xuan furrowed his brow before responding, "For now, Old Zhang seems at peace. We''ll observe quietly. If circumstances shift, then the world will be shared between Old Wang and Old Zhang." Currently, a peaceful atmosphere hung over the Zheng Yi Temple. Wang Xuan believed it best to stay calm and face the situation withposure. Qin Cheng, bbergasted, nced at the vastness of space and then down at the moon beneath their feet. He jokingly mused that Wang Xuan must have floated his way into space rather than arriving by spacecraft. Furthermore, he''d been hearing the ceaseless noises emanating from the temple, suggesting that things were far from peaceful. ... Meanwhile in space, beads of sweat formed on Qin Hong''s forehead. Despite issuing themand, he felt the weight of the situation. A tense silence enveloped the interior of his ship. No one spoke; all waited, hoping the troubles had been resolved. One second passed, then two... By the thirtieth second, the monitor showed another abnormal scene: the radiant rain appeared again, more tumultuous than ever. "Fear not. If they emerge, we¡¯ll hit them again!" Qin Hong dered with determination in his voice while instructing the crew of the super battleship to gather all possible data of the anomaly. It was evident that Qin Hong''s aggressive approach was not just a personal decision. He had received approval from certain parties. This move was not only a probe but also a test of their own capabilities. "They struggle to manifest in our reality. If they have to pay a heavy price to make a grand appearance and intervene in our world, then they be vulnerable and can be eliminated!" From the boiling lunar pit, a vague humanoid silhouette emerged, hurling a gleaming silver axe. This formidable weapon sped through the radiant rain, surging out of the moon''s confines. From a distant location, the battleship unleashed a blinding beam of light, striking the colossal silver axe with resonating echoes. Eventually, the silver axe shattered. At the lunar pit, the radiant rain intensified, soaring skywards, eventually morphing into a nebulous figure. An entity charged into the depths of space. Midway, it gestured, and the fragments of the silver axe converged, manifesting an axe in its grasp once again. "No matter what you are, manifesting in reality means you must employ tangible material energy and be one with the material world. This means your entire being is vulnerable to our weapons!" A voice roared from within the super battleship, as it unleashed a barrage of fire. The hazy figure shifted positions, trying to dodge the onught, but was still hit. Of course, the full might of the battleship was not unleashed upon its true form, but a manifestation achieved at a cost. In this reality, the entity was bound by thews of physics, rendering it unable to replicate its full mythological prowess. Apart from evading the barrage of energy unleashed by the battleship, it could only resist the onught. With a final thud, the vast silhouette disintegrated. Itsst assault saw the silver axe getting very lose to the super battleship. Then, with a deafening crash, the axe was shattered once again. Only a fragment struck the battleship, obliterating a section of the mighty warship and triggering a massive explosion. "Disconnect the front-left section!" someone on the bridge shouted. The battleship, now rocking, discarded the damaged section, steadying itself and hovering in the void. Qin Hong, aboard his spaceship, was drenched in sweat. He observed the super battleship''s performance through arge screen. As the final scene unfolded, he heaved a sigh of relief, subsequently breaking into a silentugh. He waited for ten minutes, noticing no anomalous urrences. Then, with a cold chuckle, Qin Hong proimed, "What''s gone is irretrievable. Once weapons infused with X and N substances emerge, our world will be even more brilliant and dazzling. This is an era of technology, an era where we''ve already mastered everything! All primitive arts will fade into insignificance!" ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan gazed intently at the lunar crater, unease gnawing at him. Both the Zhengyi Temple and the White Horse Temple shimmered with dazzling light, seemingly threatening to consume the entire base. However, this spectacle was visible only to him. The strange phenomena around the crater faded, obscuring the truth from the general popce once again. Wang Xuan''s heart thudded loudly, its rhythm echoing his anxiety. A thought resonated within his spiritual domain, "Could it be that most myths and legends primarily ur within the spiritual realm?" Visions began to manifest in his spiritual consciousness, yet for the average onlooker, the world remained unchanged. Mysterious entities from beneath the moon''s surface started to emerge, revealing themselves in the lunar expanse. Chapter 117: The World Behind The Great Veil Chapter 117: The World Behind The Great Veil Wang Xuan''s heart weighed heavy, his face etched with an unprecedented seriousness. He had finally identified the phenomenon before him, confirming his earlier suspicions. The Great Veil. There it was, an expansive, hazy and intimidating spectacle, even grander than before. Now, it was on the verge of touching reality. The first time Wang Xuan encountered this entity, it had almost caused a disaster. Back then, deep within the Inner Landscape, a demonic maiden dressed in red and carrying an oiled paper umbre had nearly breached the veil from its other side. But now, he was witnessing this marvel in the tangible world. The light from the depths continued to spread across the moon''s surface, slowly transforming from blurry to clear. How could the world beyond the Great Veil manifest in the real world? Suddenly, Wang Xuan perceived something different, snapping him back to reality, making him realize the gravity of the situation. While the Great Veil neared the real world and the underground light expanded, pockets of still, silent darkness emerged from the crater, gently rising to the surface. In that quiet, it was a vastndscape of shadows ¡ª an Inner Landscape in itself. It was like a vast shadow connected to the luminous Veil, anchoring itself to the real world. What divine entity was it trying to usher back? Wang Xuan stared intently at the emerging Inner Landscape, catching a glimpse of an unsettling truth: a hand. This hand was straining to bridge the divide, pushing through the Great Veil from a realm beyond, as if attempting to bridge two worlds after years of istion. He nced around, feeling a sense of istion. None around him, not even the senior Taoist priests of the Zhengyi Temple, seemed to notice the peculiarities unfolding within the moon crater. Unbeknownst to all, a pivotal event was in motion, one that threatened to disrupt the very bnce of their world. If this entity sessfully transitioned, its implications were unfathomable. Immediate intervention, perhaps from the super battleship, was imperative. Should the entity escape and adapt to their world, the consequences could be dire. The vision grew sharper, offering Wang Xuan a clearer look. Beyond the luminous curtain of the Great Veil, a decaying world unveiled: dpidated structures, strewn rubble, and mountainsid to waste painted a picture of destion. Life seemed scanty in this forsaken realm. Sparse vegetation clung to life, barely surviving in an environment of stark barrenness. Although the Great Veil shimmered invitingly, the world it concealed was a stark testament to ruin and destion. Floating inds dotted the sky, and one began its descent, its structures copsing on impact, sending up clouds of dust. In the distance, forlorn cities were overshadowed by silent viges, an overwhelming destion reigning supreme. As the Great Veil grew increasingly tangible, drawing nearer to the real world, the enigmatic world behind it seemed to loom closer, casting its reflection deep within Wang Xuan''s psyche. Wang Xuan''s gaze was maically drawn towards the enigmatic Great Veil. Just beyond it stood a haunting figure: a lean man with untamed hair and peculiar, vertically aligned eyes. His hand, stretched through the Veil, seemed caught in a liminal space, with the weight of the effort bearing heavily on him. Surrounding him were other figures, their features blurred by a thick mist, each attempting to puncture the Veil with their weapons in an effort to create an opening for the man. Yet, every thrust seemed futile, unable to pierce through the barrier. On the other side of the Veil, in the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan noted an eclectic assembly. Ancient monks in meditative postures shared space with astronauts in gleaming suits and individuals d in modern day attire. Wang Xuan''s confusion deepened. How had contemporary humanse to reside within this ancient realm? The sight of a spirit, bearing the semnce of a Moonlight Bodhisattva, brought a sh of insight. These figures were not truly alive, but rather spectral remnants, echoes of souls that had ventured too close to the moon crater in times past. Some had been consumed, their spirits forever lost, while a few had been assimted into this realm. Dominating the spectral gathering was an aged figure, meditating in perfect alignment with a skeletal form behind him. But while the spirit belonged to the Inner Landscape, the skeleton was real, positioned eerily outside the spectral boundary. Wang Xuan''s spine tingled with a cold dread as the pieces fell into ce. The elder in front of him held the ability to unlock the Inner Landscape, acting as a bridge between the two worlds, binding the Great Veil''s mysteries to reality. This realization held dark implications for Wang Xuan''s own fate. If captured and manipted, his future could mirror that of the elder. Moreover, he suspected that he would be even more enticing to those ancient beings in the crater. Though he hadn''t fully transcended his mortal limits, his rare ability to ess the Inner Landscape made him exceptional. Surveying the surroundings, Wang Xuan noticed a hierarchy of seated figures around the elder, d in traditional garments. It seemed as if they represented an ancient order or discipleship, with the elder as the spiritual linchpin. As for the modern souls, they appeared to be recent additions, relegated to the periphery. The physical remains of the elder, though long dead, still resonated with an uncanny vitality. His bones gleamed, untouched by the ravages of time, exuding an almost sacred aura. Could it be that the elder had approached the level of ascension in his lifetime? Wang Xuan pondered. The elder''s spirit, bound to his tangible remains, bridged the gap between the two worlds, providing a pathway for those beyond the Great Veil to return. As the gravity of the situation weighed on him, Wang Xuan''s face was a canvas of conflicting emotions. He resolved to tread carefully in the future, guarding against the gaze of these ancient entities. Being ensnared by them could mean a tragic fate. But one question gnawed at him: How had this spiritual leader, capable of essing the Inner Landscape,e to be on the moon? Was it the doing of the celestial beings, or was there another, unknown force at y? Wang Xuan''s gaze was filled with perplexity. The central mystery that gnawed at him was the origin of the elder. Was he a relic from the old world or perhaps an ancient native of this newfound star? Wang Xuan''s grasp of the new star''s history was cursory, knowing only of its resemnce to the old world, and its teeming biodiversity. But had humans ever walked itsnds before? His musing was disrupted by the unfolding drama within the moon crater. The Inner Landscape, a shadowy enve within the crater, appeared to be in distress. The persistent writhing of the hand from behind the Great Veil caused the realm to wane, reminiscent of a balloon losing its air. The once luminous spirits inside seemed to be ebbing away. The prolonged connection between this Inner Landscape and the world behind the Veil had evidently sapped its vitality. The spirits seemed weakened, and the once-potent energy of the Inner Landscape was now rmingly diminished. In Wang Xuan''s experience, this current state felt like a parched wastnd. The realm''s decay was elerated by the hand''s fervent efforts to pierce through. This Inner Landscape, far from a sanctuary, seemed on the brink of oblivion. Several silhouettes behind the Great Veil sprang into action, aiding the vertical-eyed man. With determination, they wielded their weapons against the Veil, causing it to quiver. Theirbined efforts bore some results, allowing the hand to edge further. But the exertion was visibly taxing. Their intense onught threatened the very integrity of the Inner Landscape. Eventually, the assisting figures retreated, while the vertical-eyed man intensified his efforts. From the Inner Landscape, a dazzling beam of light erupted, taking aim at the lunar base. This radiant onught surged, testing the resilience of the base''s protective shield. But before the cascade of light could prate the defenses, a blinding gleam emerged from the confines of Zhengyi Temple. Countless runes appeared, eventually coalescing into a formidable seal. Boom! Wang Xuan felt a surge of dizziness, his spiritual domain nearly shattered by the overwhelming force. The seal hurled itself towards the moon crater, obliterating the tidal wave of luminescence. Simultaneously, from Bai Ma Temple, a radiant swastika glyph appeared, beaming towards the crater. Its Buddhist light cleansed and purified the deluge of ethereal "tides." The assault from the hand was utterly defeated! Within the moon crater, the vertical-eyed man let out a weary sigh. It was a sound of resignation, amentation for the tremendous price paid and the failed incursion into the physical realm. The undertones of his sigh were tinged with a hint of despair. "The Seal of Yangping Metropolitan Command!" Wang Xuan gazed in astonishment towards Zhengyi Temple. There, a modest glowing seal was evident, the source of the radiant onught that had descended into the crater. The Seal of Yangping Metropolitan Command, as documented in the "History of Taoism," was described in great detail. Impressively, it remained preserved and intact to the present day. This very seal had once been the exclusive emblem of Zhang Daoling and was considered the most treasured artifact of Dragon Tiger Mountain. Wang Xuan marveled at the seal''s presence. The fact that the moguls hadn''t imed this artifact for themselves and locked it away in a vault spoke volumes. Clearly, over a century ago, enlightened figures had strategically positioned these artifacts here. With a resonating roar, the entity within the moon crater surged once more, again unleashing a tidal wave of radiant light. However, its efforts were in vain as the Seal of Yangping Metropolitan Command and the swastika glyph of Bai Ma Temple crushed its advance. But what ensued was even more rming. The ethereal realm within the crater, unable to withstand the intense turbulence and energy depletion, began to disintegrate. The spirits within opened their mouths, perhaps trying to convey a message, but before a word could be uttered, they dissipated entirely, leaving no trace behind. Such a phenomenal sh of transcendent powers had just urred, and yet the average person remained oblivious, witnessing nothing of the spectacle. Wang Xuan reflected on the experience, realizing that the world held countless enigmatic mysteries, and what he''d just witnessed was likely only a fraction of the entire truth. "Is it the end?" A voice echoed from the crater, which Wang Xuan unexpectedly understood. He was taken aback for a moment, then realized it wasn''t a matter of understanding thenguage. Instead, the vertical-eyed man''s spirit resonated, allowing anyone with a refined spiritual domain to grasp his intentions. A memory shed across Wang Xuan''s mind: Old Chen once imed he could understand the red-robed banshee due to his research on ancient dialects from two millennia ago. Now, it seemed Old Chen might have embellished the truth. As the ethereal realm faded away, the majestic curtain of light also dimmed, causing the world behind it to blur and eventually vanish. "The splendor of ascension is not forever, yet the vibrancy of the mortal realm remains..." The vertical-eyed man from behind the curtain growled, despair and defiance evident in his tone. His hair transformed into a fiery shade of red, reminiscent of moltenva flowing. With one final, anguished roar, his voice faded into the abyss. Chapter 118: The Cost Of Breaking The Old Testament Chapter 118: The Cost Of Breaking The Old Testament In the vast silence of space, within the confines of a sleek silver spacecraft, Qin Hong sat in contemtion. He was pleased to find that the moon was once again peaceful from the reports he received. "We live in a technological era," he whispered, his eyes aze with passion. "If gods were to emerge, they would arise from amongst us." The ancient texts, recently excavated from hidden mystical caverns, held unmatched treasures. A cadre of schrs and experts had been assembled to decode these scripts, diving deep into the enigmas of transcendence, unearthing profound secrets. "The legends of the immortals are being torn apart bit by bit. They won''tst long in this day and age," he mused, "But our journey for true immortality shall prevail." With renewed vigor, he stood and gazed into the boundless starry canvas through the ship''s expansive screen. The horizon of the future gleamed with promise. Theirtest super-battleship was just the beginning. Future, more advanced iterations awaited, and today''s trial had proven its unmatched prowess. "On the matter of individual might," he pondered, "We possess superior alternatives." He firmly believed that their life research institute was on the precipice of revolutionary breakthroughs. The emergence of Sr Bodhisattvas was imminent, and in time, the Ultimate Bodhisattva would also be within their grasp. "Those who do not know their ce might soon be mere footnotes in history," his tone chilled, thinking of the practitioners of both the Old and the New Arts. Their worth was diminishing very quickly in his eyes. His demeanor grew even more icy. It was perhaps time to confer with figures from other megacorporations, to craft guidelines, to curtail certain figures. In this age of dazzling technological advancement, what role did these individuals serve? Their only merity in the exploration of "life extension". Any aspirations towards wielding individual power would be deemed treacherous. He was not the only one to share such sentiments. Prominent figures of many powerful families had long harbored this viewpoint - the modern era had no ce for elements deemed "excessively hazardous". Although a few magnates ventured into these esoteric "arts", desiring to capture the power of the beyond, this desire coexisted with their intent to regte and restrain. For even the Qin family sought such transcendental capabilities, venturing down the path of gic evolution. ¡­¡­ As the Lunar Deep copsed deeper, its ancient secrets vanished into oblivion. The ethereal veil that bridged both worlds waned, leaving the man and his hidden realm to fade into nothingness. Yet, in those final moments, Wang Xuan caught a whisper of despair, "Old Covenant, did I betray you or have you forsaken me? The debt is yours to settle." Puzzled by the cryptic message, Wang Xuan''s gaze was abruptly drawn to the dim moon''s surface. A macabre sight awaited: a massive, blood-soaked hand emerged, its appearance more nightmarish than anything he''d seen. The hand fragmented, with therger part transforming into a luminescent downpour targeting the base. This radiant rain was visible to all. Onlookers stared in horror as the gleaming droplets prated their protective dome. There was no escaping it. Both the Zhengyi Temple and the White Horse Temple remained eerily passive. The powerful Yangping Seal and the revered Buddhist swastika failed to manifest. Reacting instinctively, Wang Xuan brandished his dagger, positioning himself as a shield and drawing Qin Cheng close. Together, they watched the sky, anticipating the next move from the mysterious entity. The fading veil shifted, traversing iprehensible distances before evaporatingpletely. The residual part of the severed hand soared upwards, bing one with the boundless cosmos. While most were entranced by the shimmering light rain, they remained ignorant of the ominous severed hand''s trajectory. "It''s a reckoning," Wang Xuan murmured, piecing together the hand''s intent. The fragment zed on, shedding its radiant trail in its wake. To influence this realm, it seemed one had to synchronize with its tangible essence. "Intercept that radiant downpour, fire!" The super-battleship''s sensors detected the aberrant energy, triggering deafening rms. "Engage the warp engine!" However, they appeared to be a step behind. Despite their countermeasures against the radiant onught, the relentless rms persisted. Their real threat, the spectral severed hand, remained unnoticed. Aboard the battleship that hung in the silence of space, chilling screams resonated as minds were overwhelmed and shattered, causing immediate and numerous casualties. "Engage the protective barriers!" Amander''s desperate voice echoed. But even as the words left his mouth, his gaze grew vacant as his spirit was shattered. In the aftermath, the phantom remains of the severed hand solidified, transforming into an incandescent ze. With a cataclysmic force, it decimated the crew of the super-battleship. Space was illuminated with a searing burst of light. Numerous factions observed the spectacle, each caught off-guard. When they believed that the situation had stabilized, this unexpected twist jolted them. A forlorn sigh reverberated through the void, mirroring the timbre of the vertical-eyed man. The hand''s manifestation, though potent, was fleeting. Its time in this dimension was running out. Having wreaked havoc on the warship and the minds aboard, the residual essence of the hand detected another presence. Deep in space, another ship''smands pierced the silence. The waning fragments of the hand, even on the brink of dissolution, surged towards it with unyielding determination. Qin Hong, watching the unfolding drama via the main screen, felt a cold dread clutch his heart. His ship was now perilously close to the trajectory of the catastrophic relic. "Iing! The radiant fragment is almost upon us!" An officer''s voice trembled, as the luminous shard hurtled towards their vessel. "To the escape pods!" A chorus of voices surged in panic. Qin Hong, showcasing remarkable agility, was the first to secure himself in a solitary escape pod, hastily initiating its departure sequence. And then, with an explosive resonance, thest vestiges of the hand fully manifested, casting a blood-red aura. With a final, deafening roar, it collided with the ship, engulfing it in a blinding inferno. The horrifying scene left an indelible mark across the cosmos. Major factions watched in stunned silence, grappling with the magnitude of the devastation. ¡­¡­ The aftermath of the day¡¯s audacious experiment loomed for all to see. While the test had started off wlessly, the unforeseen turn of events had cast a disquieting shadow over the participants. Breaking the silence, a representative from the Qin family remarked, "This is merely a hup. Our Star Destroyers will render such mishaps obsolete. These vestiges of the past find it difficult to manifest and exert lesser influence on our modern world." Another added, "Exactly, and our research into the secrets of ascension is advancing. Soon, one among us might achieve such unparalleled capabilities." An unsettling quiet settled in, punctuated only by the collective introspection. The severity of the situation was inescapable. ... Inside Zhengyi Guan, Qin Cheng observed, "What on earth is transpiring, Old Wang? Is the moon experiencing... rainfall?" "Just remain by my side and refrain from straying," Wang Xuan advised, wielding his short sword. The luminous rain seemed to evade both him and Qin Cheng. Simultaneously, the central hall of Zhengyi Guan, the sanctuary of the Yangping Zhidu Seal, remained undisturbed by the mysterious rain. The elderly Taoist priests within appeared unaffected. Swiftly guiding Qin Cheng away, Wang Xuan ensured they remained unseen, preserving their peculiar immunity to the rain''s effects. As they meandered through the streets, they discerned a concerning pattern: a significant portion of the popce appeared to have experienced memorypses. "Why does everything seem so blurry? I distinctly recall amotion outside the protectiveyer. Why is that memory fading?" one citizen pondered aloud. "It''s peculiar. There''s this nagging sense of forgetfulness. Wait, wasn¡¯t there a disturbance at the Lunar Pit? How could I nearly overlook that?" another echoed. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan realized the Lunar Pit was now relegated to history. Everything had concluded, and the world behind the grand curtain had vanished for good. Yet itssting impact was eerily unsettling. The final luminous rain, was it an act of "purification"? An attempt to make ordinary folks forget the extraordinary? Upon reflection, the implications were chilling. A significant portion of the celestial being''s severed hand was seemingly used to erase its own trace. What was this "Old Covenant" that the vertical-eyed man had paid such a hefty price for? Clearly shaken, Qin Cheng sighed, "I''m just an ordinary man with no grand ambitions in this lifetime. Ancestors of the heavens, please overlook me." Wang Xuan, engrossed in his thoughts, barely acknowledged him. He''d glimpsed the world behind the curtain several times, but each experience differed. When the red-clothed female demon departed, Wang Xuan had seen a world bursting with life. The Female Sword Immortal''s realm was equally vibrant, where she''d dueled with foes. "Old Wang, I''m genuinely perturbed. Look at these people. They''re swiftly forgetting recent events, as if bewitched, struggling even to recall what had happened," said an uneasy Qin Cheng. Looking up and seeing the sky cleared of the luminescent rain, Wang Xuan sheathed his short sword. He quickly surmised that if the elite and major organizations were aware of the base''s current situation, they''d likely downy the truth. An event of this magnitude could easily spark widespread panic and frenzied discussions. "Let''s hurry to thepany and find out what transpired in deep space," Wang Xuan suggested, anticipating that much of the information might be erased. Top Martial was a major organization specializing in security services. With its private army, fleet of battleships, and advanced surveince equipment, it was no surprise they had established a branch on the moon, equipped to the hilt. "The super battleship was blown up, and another spaceship... it was shattered by that luminous entity. This is absolutely explosive!" Qin Cheng eximed in disbelief. Wang Xuan sighed, "Once you''ve seen it, keep it to yourself. Let''s pretend we know nothing." Stepping outside again, Wang Xuan gazed upwards at the vast, enigmatic expanse of space, realizing he had only scratched the surface of the truth. Old Covenant... Seal of Truth. His thoughts inevitably returned to the words once spoken by the female swordswoman. It seemed that the seal not only locked away the ancient truths but also concealed the extraordinary realities witnessed by ordinary people. "When are you going to pay me back, Li Kun?" Qin Cheng suddenly spotted the department head he despised. Distracted and pondering over the memories he felt he had lost, Li Kun looked up at his words, replying, "I''ve transferred the money. Check your ount." Checking, Qin Cheng indeed found a notification from the bank. Due to the recent unsettling events, he hadn''t had the chance to check earlier. "Old Wang, let''s split the money!" He was determined to transfer two million New Star currency to Wang Xuan, keeping only three million for himself. Wang Xuan declined outright, "Why? It''s as if I profited from lending you money." "You must take it. You helped me recover this debt," Qin Cheng insisted, unwilling to ept a refusal. After some thought, Wang Xuan agreed to ept one million, effectively splitting the "earned" two million between them. "That''s enough. Stop rambling. If you continue, I won''t ept anything," Wang Xuan said, letting Qin Cheng know about his ns to buy a ticket to New Star and leave soon. "What? You''re leaving, Wang? Won''t you wait for me? I should be able to head to New Star in about half a month. Nobody will hold me back now!" Qin Cheng replied. Today''s events had shaken him deeply. The epic battle on the moon, where ancient celestial beings confronted modern warships, was something he would never forget, even if others might. Given all the mysteries surrounding the moon, he felt Wang Xuan was an enigmatic yet reliable ally in these uncertain times. "Don''t worry, there''s nothing left in the Moon Pit," Wang Xuan assured him. "There won''t be any more disturbances. You can rest easy." Wang Xuan felt an urgent need to move on. Today''s revtions were just the tip of the iceberg, revealing only a fraction of the true, vast world. He feltpelled to head to New Star and explore the secret ces. The world he had witnessed today was daunting, and he realized the importance of quickly enhancing his capabilities. Furthermore, the three-year time frame was not as long as it seemed, especially given the gravity of the issues he had just encountered. The problems seemed far more serious than he had initially anticipated. Chapter 119: Exploring A New World For The First Time Chapter 119: Exploring A New World For The First Time With a penchant for swift decisions, Wang Xuan was eager to secure his passage to the New World. Yet, sensing the imminent information suppression from powerful conglomerates and organizations, he decided to exercise patience and align with their strategies. Promptly, severalrge spacecraft descended onto the moon. The personnel, including Qin Cheng, sprang into action under their directive, primarily to manage and potentially tamper with various surveince systems. ¡°The widespread memory loss is unsettling,¡± remarked the operation''s lead, visibly shaken by the event''s implications. While they acted swiftly, they were also acutely aware of potential information leaks. "In this age, even our most fortified systems aren''t impervious. Containing such a massive event entirely is nearly impossible." But the conglomerates had a strategy. They banked on the fact that, with most having lost memories of the event, steering the mainstream narrative would be pivotal. Simply attributing the incident to a weapons test on the moon should suffice. The few in the know wouldn''t significantly impact the overarching public perception, especially amid the continuous deluge of news from New World. "You''re leaving so soon?" Qin Cheng said, a note of sadness in his voice. Their brief camaraderie had meant more to him than he''d realized, being a lone figure in an unfamiliarnd. As he contemted his own future in the New World, he couldn''t help but wonder if his decision to distance himself from loved ones back home would eventually lead to regret. "It''s not a final goodbye, just a temporary farewell. We''ll reconnect in the New World," Wang Xuan replied, trying to alleviate the mncholy. By the next dawn, his bags were packed, and he was ready to embark on his journey. As the two walked out of their temporary abode, their path converged with a woman''s. ¡°New Moon''s girlfriend, huh?¡± Wang Xuan cast a quick, teasing nce at Qin Cheng. ¡¡ ¡°She¡¯s nothing of the sort,¡± Qin Cheng responded with a hint of irritation. Not holding back this time, he shared his grievances with Wang Xuan. ¡°Not only did Li Koon extort three million from me, but his distant niece decided to join in on the ¡®fun¡¯ as well. She pretended to befriend me, but all she wanted were extravagant gifts.¡± ¡°She has expensive tastes, just like her uncle. Always wanting top-tier luxury brands: Xiang Wu lipsticks, Zhong Yi handbags, and more,¡± Qin Cheng grumbled. Wang Xuan mused that these luxurious brands might be owned by familiar conglomerates. ¡°And you actually bought them for her?¡± he asked with a hint of disappointment. Those products could cost tens of thousands of Novadors each. ¡°I had to. I was in a position where I needed their favor,¡± Qin Cheng sighed. Noticing Wang Xuan''s growing frustration and readiness to confront the woman, he hurriedly added, ¡°Don''t worry. I got in touch with a trading team we do business with back in the Old World. They sent over top-quality counterfeits. She couldn¡¯t tell the difference and even seemed keen on getting closer to me for a while.¡± Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°So, you almost had a real rtionship over fake luxury items?¡± ¡°Rx, I didn¡¯t entertain her advances,¡± Qin Cheng responded, patting his chest. ¡°From our first interaction, I knew she was trouble. During our first dinner together, she invited two of her so-called ¡®guy friends¡¯, chose the most expensive restaurant, and ordered the priciest dishes on the menu. She even announced it was one of her friend''s birthdays.¡± ¡°You let that slide?¡± Wang Xuan stopped in his tracks, believing Qin Cheng''s approach was far too passive. In his eyes, the young man needed some guidance, and perhaps the woman in question needed a lesson as well. Sighing, Qin Cheng admitted, ¡°That dinner alone cost me over 20,000 Novadors, including the tip.¡± Wang Xuan shook his head, seemingly on the brink of scolding Qin Cheng for his timidity. However, before he could say anything, Qin Cheng hastily added, ¡°But, before leaving, I chose some of the finest cigars from the counter and stormed out, leaving her with the bill.¡± ¡°Did you pay the bill?¡± Wang Xuan inquired. Qin Cheng shook his head with a smirk, ¡°No way. Why should I pay for all three of them when I barely atepared to them? They should pay for their own extravagant meals. Oh, and the cigars? They paid for those too.¡± Wang Xuan was left speechless. It seemed that there was no need for him to intervene after all. Qin Cheng had handled the situation just as effectively, if not more so, than he would have. ¡°Ever since that incident, she''s constantly nagged me for luxury bags,¡± Qin Cheng continued. Wang Xuan waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Enough of that. It seems you might have been pressured by Li Koon, but you surely knew how to handle that woman.¡± Qin Cheng escorted Wang Xuan to the lunar spaceship base, giving him a firm handshake and a heartfelt farewell as he boarded his ship. ¡­¡­ ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for choosing Zhong Deep Space Company, a member of the Gxy Alliance...¡± As Wang Xuan settled into his seat on the spaceship, he couldn¡¯t help but ponder whether this venture was one of the many business extensions of the Zhong family. It was evident to him that the reach of these major conglomerates and organizations spanned wide, and their influence permeated almost every sector of industry. Everywhere he looked, he saw the mark of their power and influence. Wang Xuan sipped on a ss of water and immersed himself in studying the spiritual tome etched into his memory. The short document, named "Yuan Furnace Divine Forging," described a method that utilized an ''elemental furnace'' to temper and refine one''s spirit, aiming to nurture it until it''s as radiant as the moon and as fierce as the sun. Having never explored any spiritual techniques primarily focused on mental cultivation, Wang Xuan was unsure of the rank of this doctrine. He decided to practice it first and then switch to a better technique if he encountered er. ¡°Dear passengers¡­¡± The flight attendant''s voice announced their impending arrival at New World. To Wang Xuan''s surprise, it felt like he had just closed his eyes for a brief moment. He had merely delved a little into the spiritual book. Having only sipped half a ss of water and contemted having lunch onboard, he hadn''t expected to arrive so soon. Indeed, the thriving tourism industry on the moon made sense now, given the recent technological breakthroughs that had essentially annihted the constraints of time and space. ¡°New world, here Ie!¡± he eximed in his heart, casting away any lingering thoughts. Upon reaching Yuan City, he was greeted by a sprawling urban jungle. Skyscrapers reached for the heavens, while numerous small aircraft flitted about in the skies. The mid-to-low altitudes were upied by hover cars, all adhering to designatednes and routes. The pace of life in the New World was fric. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, and fast modes of transportation were the norm. Wang Xuan didn''t head straight to the local branch of the Dingwu Organization in the city. As a special advisor, he had a degree of autonomy. A quick notification of his presence would suffice for now. He hade with a singr purpose this time: to explore the mysteriousnd and did not wish to be dyed in unrted endeavors. The central area of Yuan City had a distinct industrial atmosphere. Each skyscraper''s rooftop was upied by a parked spaceship. Many organizational branches had set up their offices here. A bit farther out were the bustlingmercial districts. Beyond that, residential areas dominated, where even the towering buildings were adorned with greenery. Rooftops were transformed into gardens, and balconies were spacious, lined with nts. Naturally, these residential areas also had their own shopping districts. Though not as busy as the centralmercial areas, they bnced activity with tranquility, making for a pleasant living environment. Wang Xuan''s first order of business was to find amodations, then gather information on the mysterious area, hoping to enter discreetly. However, he felt a bit out of ce. Both the hover cars and airships required biometric identification, but he hadn''t registered any of his information. A youngdy approached him, strikingly beautiful. Her ear-length hair gave her a refreshing look, and when she smiled, her beautiful eyes curved like crescents, revealing a set of immacte teeth. "Do you need assistance, sir?" she asked cheerfully. Soon, Wang Xuan realized she offered her services for a fee. She could act as a guide, introduce him to the city, help him find amodations, and more. Charging a hundred Novadors an hour, her services were on the pricier side. Being new to the New World and unfamiliar with everything, Wang Xuan recognized the value of having a guide. "Though registering your biometrics allows you to use short-distance transportation for free, most people in the New World highly value their privacy. They usually use intelligentmunication devices for payments and transport. It''s straightforward, all you need to do is..." The youngdy was warm and attentive. She guided Wang Xuan in purchasing a New World intelligentmunication device. Essentially, it was a mobile phone, but far more advanced than those on the oldnd. It could project holographic images and enable face-to-face conversations. "You can rest assured, as long as you haven''t vited thew or posed a threat to society, your device won''t be located or tracked in the interest of preserving your privacy," she assured him. Wang Xuan would have to be naive to believe that. Back on the oldnd, during the era of big data, every trace of an individual''s activity was precisely captured. Casual real-life conversations would immediately prompt WaterBaoNet to send shopping suggestions rted to the topic. He surmised that on New World, due to strong public objections, service providers imed not to infringe on citizens'' privacy. However, the actual scenario didn''t need much spection. Yet, he felt it was much better than having to provide direct biometric information like iris scans. Along the way, he had an engaging conversation with the youngdy and gathered much information about the New World. Although her service wasn''t cheap, it was undoubtedly worth it. The full name of the New World was "New Hope World." When people first explored and settled on this, they had immense aspirations and hopes for the future, hence the name. In no time, the lovelydy helped Wang Xuan find amodations, introduced him to the nearby smart mall, and assisted him in purchasing some daily necessities. "Xiao Zhao, what''s your full name? Do you have a business card or contact info? I might need your services again in the future," Wang Xuan inquired. Her cheerful demeanor and meticulous attention to detail made her service indispensable, especially given Wang Xuan''s unfamiliarity with the city. "My full name is Zhao Shi 1025. Here''s my card. It was a pleasure serving you," she responded, bowed slightly, and departed gracefully. Wang Xuan was perplexed. Having just arrived in a new environment, he didn''t want to employ his psychic field around a youngdy, fearing he might unintentionally see something he shouldn''t. However, it seemed he had overlooked something crucial. Extending his psychic field, he observed the retreating figure of the youngdy, noticing the intricateponents and chips inside her body. She was an android. Their lively conversation, and she wasn''t even human. Wang Xuan stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought for quite some time. His chosen residence had a fantastic environment with a green cover of about 70%. The aroma of various flowers from the garden wafted through the air. Tall trees with dense foliage lined the paths. Nearby, there was a pavilion, a water feature, and a bridge, giving the ce a garden-like ambiance. "Happy,e down!" A little girl, around four years old, looked up and waved at an apartment on the eleventh floor, where a palm-sized, snow-white kitten perched. Then, unexpectedly, the little cat began to dive downward. Wang Xuan''s first instinct was to rush forward to save it. However, to his amazement, the palm-sized beautiful cat spread its fluffy wings and began to glide down gracefully. As it approached the little girl, it pped its wings energetically, adjusting itsnding trajectory and eventually settling gently into her arms, eliciting giggles from the girl. Wang Xuan was taken aback - it was a new species to him. The little girl had strikingly beautifulrge eyes with a rare shade of pale purple, and even her hair had a subtle purple hue. Suddenly, she clutched her chest, her face turning ghostly pale. Unable to hold onto the winged cat any longer, she ced it on thewn and painfully crouched down. "Little girl, are you okay? Where are your parents? Do you need help?" Wang Xuan hurried over, preparing to dial the emergency number of the New World. Cradling her chest, the little girl shook her head, murmuring, "It''s okay. It''s an old ailment of mine ¨C the Five Declines of Heaven and Man. I just need to rest a bit." Wang Xuan was taken aback. That illness sounded terrifying! The little girl nced up at him and whispered, "I am an indigenous inhabitant of the New World." This revtion further surprised Wang Xuan. He realized he knew very little about this new world and needed to invest time in understanding it better. Chapter 120: An Indigenous Person Of The New World Chapter 120: An Indigenous Person Of The New World The revtion that the New World had native inhabitants took Wang Xuan aback. He had never encountered such information back in the Old World. Was it intentionally hidden? He sighed softly, pondering the tales that might have unfolded during the New World''s colonization. As neers, did they inadvertently harm the original dwellers? His hope was for a kinder narrative, one that would not echo the tragic colonization of the Americas back on the Old World. But any retrospective now felt moot; over a century had psed, and the events of the past were irreversible. "Regardless of the past century or the present, the East has always been formidable. I can only hope we weren''t as callous as those blond-haired conquerors," he mused with empathy. His gaze softened considerably when he looked at the young girl, reflecting on the dwindling number of such indigenous residents. "Are you certain you''re alright?" Wang Xuan''s concern was palpable. The pain was clear on the child''s pallid face covered in cold sweat, yet she endured without a tear or cry. He reached for his phone, preparing to call for emergency help. He was reluctant to rely solely on the child''s reassurances; the stakes were too high. "Uncle, I''m okay. A little rest will do," the young girl assured, her features exuding an unexpected resilience, especially for someone so young. "Meow, meow, meow!" The petite snowy white cat, seemingly intuitive, pped its furry wings, pacing restlessly around the girl. "Lele!" A striking woman, appearing to be in herte twenties, emerged. With porcin skin and shoulder-length hair shimmering with hints of purple, her nearly ck pupils contrasted her overall appearance. She quickly approached, cradling the young girl tenderly, murmuringforting words and patting her soothingly. Her expression danced between concern and a radiant maternal warmth. The sight of the little girl writhing in pain brought tears to the woman''s eyes. Every ounce of her being yearned to shoulder the child''s suffering. Whispers floated from the crowd nearby, hinting at a terminal illness. Wang Xuan''s sharp senses caught the cruel spection: the young girl might not survive past her fifth birthday. The weight of this reality stunned and saddened him. As bystanders approached, suggesting a hospital visit, the mother gently declined, her tears breaking through her fragile facade. "Mom, please don''t cry. I''ll be better soon," the little girl said, her maturity shining through her years, as she reached out to dry her mother''s tears. The emotional depth of the scene tugged at Wang Xuan''s heartstrings. He let out a soft sigh, invoking the ancient Early Qin techniques, attempting to harness an esoteric energy from within. Unseen to the onlookers, but visible within Wang Xuan''s spiritual realm, were delicate snowke-like particles. He directed them cautiously towards the child. However, inside the girl, something seemingly insurmountable dissolved his mysterious essence. This oue was unprecedented for Wang Xuan. His esoteric force, revered for its restorative properties, should not have dissipated this easily. He recalled his past experiences practicing Taoist techniques where minor damages to his organs were rapidly healed by this essence. The little girl''s condition, the "Celestial Decay," might be far more intricate and formidable than he had initially assessed. He tried once more, pouring more of his essence into her. There was a minor alleviation in her difort, but the overall healing was minimal. After some time, the girl''s distress subsided. She nestled quietly against her mother for a long stretch before whispering, "Mom, could you give me a little brother? If I''m not around, he could keep youpany." Overwhelmed by her daughter''s words, the mother''s tears flowed uncontrobly. She tightly embraced her child, hurrying home, her heart heavy with unspoken agony. "Meow!" The petite snowy-white cat, norger than a hand''s span, trailed behind, chasing after the mother and daughter. Sighs rippled through the nearby onlookers, many of whom resided in the same neighborhood. Their familiarity with the girl''s predicament was evident. Despite the advanced technology of the New World, her ailment remained incurable; no solutions existed. Hushed conversations and murmurs of sympathy filled the air. "That''s a hereditary condition," one person whispered. "The girl''s father passed away two months ago. She still doesn''t know, thinking he''s simply away on a business trip." Another added, "It must be gic. The family is incredibly intelligent. Both parents work at top research institutes. Despite being just four, the girl learns faster than most seven or eight-year-olds. But fate has been so cruel to them..." ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan''s apartment was located on the 25th floor of a 30-story building, boasting exceptional natural lighting. Prompted by his recent encounter, he delved into researching the indigenous inhabitants of the New World on his phone. The vulnerability he witnessed earlier struck a chord within him, eliciting deep empathy. He couldn''t simply turn a blind eye and feltpelled to help if possible. Many older articles he attempted to ess returned "404" errors, suggesting they had been removed or were unavable. However, he did find some articles, albeit with potentially sensitive details redacted. An article detailed the discovery of indigenous inhabitants during early expeditions to the New World. While initial encounters were marked by conflicts, both groups eventually coexisted peacefully and integrated. A notable topic in thements section was a hereditary disease prevalent among the indigenous poption. A standoutmentbeled it as the mythical "Tianren Wushuai Disease." But, further insights on this were limited. After much digging, Wang Xuan unearthed aprehensive article. It confirmed the existence of the indigenous people, albeit in limited numbers. Their notably low fertility rate seemed to be the primary reason for their declining poption, indicating a bleak future. Distinctively characterized by purple hair and eyes, the indigenous people were not only aesthetically pleasing but also exhibited remarkable cognitive abilities. Their rudimentary dwellings in wooden houses within dense forests were a stark contrast that caught the settlers from the Old World off guard. Recognizing the potential value of their superior gics, these settlers believed in the importance of a swift integration. Back in the day, the indigenous people imed to be descendants of genuine immortals, which led the settlers from the Old Earth to ponder deeply about the truth behind such statements. The article mentioned that notable magnates from yesteryears once intermarried with these purple-haired and purple-eyed indigenous inhabitants. However, this practice ceased due to the discovery of a severe hereditary disease prevalent among the indigenous people. This disease, having no known cure even with the advancements of modern medicine, manifested in some at a very young age while others exhibited symptoms only in adulthood. Strikingly, once the symptoms appeared, the afflicted had only a few years left. The ailment was localized within the internal organs, the "five viscera". Even when technological advancements allowed for organ transnts, it proved ineffective. The description of their death, apanied by a foul stench, eerily matched the tales of "Immortal Decay Disease." Wang Xuan was deeply lost in thought as he read. It was distressing to realize that even modern medicine was powerless against this disease. He sighed,menting his inability to help. After settling in, Wang Xuan spent the next two days acquainting himself with everything about the New World, and subsequently delved deep into studying maps, preparing to explore the mysterious regions. His old friend, Chen Mingtu, had told him about the enigmatic area believed to be located in the Misty teau - an expansive, uninhabited region that seemed the likeliest ce to hide any secrets. Wang Xuan chose to reside in Yuan City primarily because of its proximity to the Misty teau, providing easy ess to this uncharted territory. In this New World, the influence of Eastern civilization was dominant. Most of them resided in thergest continent named "Middle State," a name that distinctly echoed Eastern culture. It was named so by the settlers from the Old Earth over a century ago. Naturally, there were other Eastern settlers in different continents too. To the west of the Middle Statey the Misty teau, elevated over two thousand meters above sea level. Majestic mountains pierced the skies, their peaks shrouded in perpetual snow. Mist enveloped their mid-sections, while lush greenery flourished at their bases, radiating life and vitality. It could be said that some of these towering mountains disyed the characteristics of all four seasons throughout the year. Covering over nine million square kilometers, the Misty teau remained undeveloped and deste. Its vast expanse, however, was fraught with dangers. Every time Old Chen visited the New World, he would venture into this teau with his ck sword in tow, driven by his relentless quest to locate the ancient blessednds and theter-discovered hidden regions. ording to him, besides these two locations, several other mysterious areas existed within. He was steadfast in his belief, convinced that they were discoverable. He had even marked specific regions for Wang Xuan, narrowing down the areas of interest. ¡°Old Chen, can I really trust your guidance? Don''t set me up for aimless wanderings in this deserted area!¡± Wang Xuan resolved to embark on his journey in a day. Over the past two days, Wang Xuan had frequently crossed paths with the little girl, Lele. She was a picture of innocence and beauty, wise beyond her years. Each time, she held her snow-white kitten close, affectionately addressing him as "uncle." Wang Xuan couldn''t help but sigh. It was heartbreaking to think of the girl¡¯s ailment; sources indicated she had little over half a year to live. ¡°Uncle, are you nning to watch the starry fish tonight?¡± Lele, with her head tilted upward, inquired one day. ¡°What starry fish?¡± Wang Xuan responded with a smile. Being a neer, Wang Xuan''s primary focus had been on daily life and preparations for his uing exploration. He hadn''t had the chance to familiarize himself with other aspects of the New World yet, making him seemingly less informed than even the young girl. ¡°It''s a breathtaking species, also known as thentern fish. Currently, it''s their migration and spawning season. They journey from downstream, heading westwards until they approach the Misty teau. The spectacle is both grand and mesmerizing. Now, they''ve reached the vicinity of Yuan City. Would you like to join the throngs of spectators lining the riverbanks tonight?¡± Lele exined, her voice full of enthusiasm. Whenever she wasn¡¯t under the weight of her illness, Lele was bubbly and articte, narrating tales with the grace of someone far older. She further informed Wang Xuan of the strategic location of the river stretch just outside Yuan City, attracting countless tourists annually, all eager to witness the mesmerizing migration of the starry fish. "When I was one, two, and three years old, my parents always took me to see this spectacle. Unfortunately, this year, my dad is on a business trip, and I''m not sure when he''ll be back. This year, only my mom will apany me." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, but her childlike optimism quickly took over, making her look forward to the stunning view at night. She was oblivious to the fact that her father had passed away two months prior. Wang Xuan, being familiar only with her, had met Lele''s mother just once, so to avoid any misunderstandings, he didn''t n on joining them for the event. However, he did venture out of the city that evening. As expected, there were throngs of spectators. From a distance, he could make out the silhouettes of many people lining the banks. The Zhou River, ranked as the fifth longest river in the Middle State, appeared especially majestic outside Yuan City. Soon, Wang Xuan was left in awe. The entire sky seemed to be dotted with "stars," with their brilliance stretching from the river''s surface to the high skies. These fish, upon leaping out of the water, would quickly inte and glow, resembling beautiful floatingnterns above the river. Some of the smaller nterns," after being bumped by their peers, would soar even higher, filling the sky with dazzling luminosity. From a distance, the entire stretch of Zhou River was illuminated with this starry brilliance. "I''ve overlooked so many of life''s beautiful moments. Since arriving on this new, I''ve been so focused on exploring its mysteries. This view is truly worth witnessing," he mused. Wang Xuan meandered along the extensive riverbank for over an hour. Suddenly, he spun around, spotting familiar faces. Lele was right; every year during this season, many tourists would visit to admire the spectacle. He saw three women walking together, chatting andughing. How did those three end up together? They seemed to get along quite well. All of them had previously approached him for partnerships, eagerly trying to convince him to join their individual exploration groups. Yet here they were, unexpectedly, all in one ce. Choosing discretion, he evaded them, focusing on his silent mission into uncharted realms. Not long after, he caught sight of Lele and her mother, Jiang Xue. "Mom, why the tears?" Lele inquired, gazing up at Jiang Xue. That evening, Lele looked ethereal, reminiscent of a storybook fairy. Dressed in a lc dress, her softvender hair fluttered with the breeze, and her luminous eyes sparkled with innocence. Jiang Xue swiftly brushed her tears away, pulling her daughter into aforting embrace. "Mom, are you missing dad? I do too, but let''s not shed tears," Lele said, showcasing a maturity well beyond her years. There was a pause before the little girl, with a hint of mncholy, whispered, "Mom, do you fear I won''t be with you for much longer? If I leave, I''ll be one of these stars, watching over you every year. Promise me you''lle here annually to remember me. Perhaps, in time, you''ll have a younger brother for me, apanion for you both. He''ll surely be delightful. And one day, introduce him to this ce so I can see him from above." Jiang Xue clutched her tighter, shielding her face so that her daughter couldn''t see the tears that continued to fall as she looked out over the expansive Zhou River. Wang Xuan averted his gaze, the scene too poignant to endure. He sighed deeply. Moments ago, he had been ruminating over missed opportunities to appreciate life''s beauty. Now, amidst the majestic Zhou River and the infinite stars, he realized that the brilliance of the universe often concealed the quiet tears of its inhabitants. Chapter 121: Where The Hidden Land Is Chapter 121: Where The Hidden Land Is In life, brilliance isn''t always a given. Reflecting on the past, the world is awash with vibrant hues, encapsting the essence of human existence. Amidst the allure of the mundane, there''s an undercurrent of sorrow, weaving a tale of birth, aging, sickness, and death, a cycle from which escape seems elusive. Along the Zhou River''s banks, Wang Xuan''s gaze spanned its vast expanse. Moonlight shimmered upon its waters, and myriadntern fishes painted the night sky, their luminance rivaling the vibrancy of human life. The Zhou River, beginning from the mist-d hignds and meandering eastward, presented a spectacle of grandeur interspersed with formidable rapids. As Wang Xuan ambled along, the river bore witness to his introspection. Amidst myriad faces and diverse vistas, he pondered his path, resonating with the aspirations of many to live a life full of color and purpose. The pathways of spiritual cultivation, whether tread by ancient sages, Daoists, or Buddhists, seemed to Wang Xuan to harbor inherent ws and challenges. Youthful and resolute, he believed that by charting his course, he''d unveil a destiny uniquely his. But the way forward demanded vignce against the age-old pitfalls. During this season, the Zhou River was alive with festivity, evoking images of ancient celebrations. Crowds flocked its banks, all entranced by the ethereal glow of thentern fishes. Amongst the throngs, Wang Xuan recognized three familiar faces: Wu Yin, Zhong Qing, and Li Qingxuan. What surprised him was the harmonious air between them. He had known Wu Yin and Zhong Qing for a while, with their interactions often punctuated by spirited debates. Li Qingxuan, with her distinct curly locks and piercing phoenix eyes, had previously crossed paths with Wang Xuan. Her overtures back then, he felt, had hidden agendas, especially given her rivalry with Ling Wei. Interestingly, Wu Yin, who shared a bond with Ling Wei, had always maintained a delicate bnce in her interactions with Li Qingxuan. Seeing the trio together, strolling along the Zhou River while observing the starry fishes dance in the sky, made Wang Xuan wonder if they had set aside their differences for coboration. Could there have been unforeseen circumstances in the secretnd? He resolved to venture there the next day and uncover the truth. Under the moonlit sky, Wang Xuan made his way back to Yuan City. After settling in his residence, a thought struck him about the native residents and the missing part 404. Could it have contained sensitive information about the financial tycoons? The evening''s encounters with Lele and the three women had inevitably led him to draw connections. In the past, several tycoons had intermarried with the native residents. Wang Xuan pondered if, amongst their descendants, some asionally exhibited the signs of the "Five Decays of Heaven and Man." Could this be the reason certain records were expunged? The following day, with his bag packed, Wang Xuan set out for the Cloud Mist teau. No matter the era, many were passionate about exploring the wilderness, with some turning it into a profession, live-streaming their adventures. Wang Xuan boarded an airship to the uninhabited western outskirts. It had a dedicated route, making the journey convenient. As he progressed, the terrain began to elevate, lush greenery in sight, radiating vitality. Even from afar, snow-capped peaks were discernible. "Hey, your gear isn''t suited for the Cloud Mist teau," remarked a veteran explorer and live-streamer, approaching Wang Xuan for a shot. Wang Xuan deftly sidestepped, ensuring he was out of the frame and swiftly vanished into the woods. "Did you see that? A rookie!" The streamer eximed. "Charging headfirst into the Cloud Mist teau, he''ll surely struggle in a while. Come on, let''s follow and capture the moment he exhausts himself and possibly throws up!" The experienced streamer, brimming with confidence, pursued determinedly. Owing to his live audience, he feltpelled to catch up with the "rookie." To his chagrin, he ended up exhausted and retching, with no sign of Wang Xuan. Still unwilling to admit defeat, he rationalized that the newbie must have lost his way and might be throwing up elsewhere. The vastness of the Cloud Mist teau was overwhelming, spanning over nine million square kilometers. Such expansiveness discouraged most from venturing too deeply. Initially, Wang Xuan did spot a few people on the outskirts, but as he delved deeper, where wild beasts roamed, human adventurers became scarce, with only asional traces of their presence. As evening approached, the forests of the teau teemed with life, and various wild creatures began to emerge. A giant predatory bird persistently circled above, shadowing Wang Xuan. In the midst of the evening glow, a bear-like creature with a coat of vivid red fur appeared. Sensing Wang Xuan, it charged directly towards him. Its massive build, easily weighing over 1,200 pounds, made the ground shake as it sprinted, startling all nearby creatures. "Looks somewhat like a bear," Wang Xuan mused, standing his ground. He had heard tales of the ferocious beasts that inhabited the teau''s depths, and he wondered if he was nearing the teau''s perilous zones. As the bear-like creature neared, it rose on its hind legs, aiming a massive swipe at Wang Xuan. Its wide-open maw lunged forward, attempting tond a devastating bite. Boom! Unintimidated by the unfamiliar beast, Wang Xuan countered with a p of his own. The creature let out a loud roar, taken aback by Wang Xuan''s audacity. The bear-like creature, cloaked in red fur, howled in pain. Its massive paw retracted swiftly, a mix of disbelief and fear evident in its gaze as it stared at the man before it. Truth be told, Wang Xuan had already shown restraint. Otherwise, that paw would have been obliterated. "Come, let me ride you," he beckoned, intrigued. Since bing a grandmaster, this was the first time he had encountered such a gigantic beast. Legends from the past often spoke of immortals riding majestic creatures, and while he might not be on par with them, surely he could tame a mere beast as his steed. Furthermore, Wang Xuan recalled a photoshopped image from the old era, depicting an emperor riding a galloping brown bear. Now, the idea of traversing the Cloud Mist teau atop a bear seemed thrilling to him. But reality differed from imagination. As Wang Xuan tried to mount the colossal creature, it bucked and lunged wildly, driven by sheer panic. No amount of coaxing seemed effective. Riding it felt like bncing atop a wildly swaying seesaw. "Get lost! If I see you again, expect to be a roasted bear paw dish," Wang Xuan warned, dismounting in frustration. As nightfall enveloped the woods, Wang Xuan treaded cautiously. Although he had encountered the bear-like beast, which was already considered arge predator, he had yet to spot any other formidable creatures. This hinted that the legendary hiddennd might not be in this vicinity. At dawn, Wang Xuan resumed his journey, following the Zhou River upstream, guided by an objective marked by Old Chen. But after two days, his hopes were dashed ¨C the terrain ahead clearly wasn¡¯t the concealednd he sought. On the fourth day, he felled a predatory bird weighing over 200 pounds. This avian predator, diving from the skies, could effortlessly pierce through human skulls. Although this renewed some of Wang Xuan''s hope, he soon realized that this bird was the apex flyer of the teau ¨C there was no more fearsome avian predator around. On the seventh day, Wang Xuan scaled a towering snowy peak that rose several kilometers high. From the summit, he deduced that the snow-covered region couldn''t possibly hide the mysteriousnd. By the eleventh day, deep within the heart of the Cloud Mist teau, Wang Xuan encountered a massive feline by a pristine freshwaterke. Resembling a blend of a tiger and a leopard, but even more ferocious and majestic, it weighed nearly 1,700 pounds. The powerful feline creature was undoubtedly the most formidable being Wang Xuan hade across on the Cloud Mist teau. However, it paled inparison to the legendary beasts described in tales. Wang Xuan sighed heavily. He had scoured every potential spot Old Chen suspected, but the elusive hiddennd remained undetected. On the twelfth day, Wang Xuan''s eyes caught a glimmer of gold amidst the green ¨C a field of golden mushrooms. He rushed over with palpable excitement. Could these be the mythical Golden Mushrooms? But within minutes of feeding them to a groundhog and a wild fox, both animals frothed at the mouth, blood dribbling from their lips, as they convulsed on the ground. Wang Xuan sighed again, feeling a growing sense of helplessness. He had crossed vast stretches of the uninhabited region, and all his efforts had proven fruitless. "Old Chen, you''ve really led me astray," hemented. Days of braving the elements, and he hadn''t unearthed a single valuable clue. Wang Xuan concluded that the hiddennd might not even be on the Cloud Mist teau. Perhaps Old Chen had been wrong from the start. "Am I left with no choice but to coborate with Zhao Qinghan or Wu Yin?" Wang Xuan pondered, slightly reluctant. Coborating with the goddess-like Zhao or integrating into Wu Yin''s exploration team would undoubtedly expose his true capabilities. More importantly, he had many secrets, which if discovered, could lead to endless spections and theories. "Could there be another theory? What if there''s a mysterious realm on the new star, essible only through a specific entrance, leading to an entirely different world within?" Wang Xuan mused to himself. If that was the case, major organizations would surely guard such an entrance, making sneaking in nearly impossible for him. "Or could the hiddennd be on a different continent?" Wang Xuan''s quest for answers seemed never-ending. Wang Xuan firmly believed that the secretnd was unlikely to be on the Cloud Mist teau. After Old Chen had been searching for so long, and now with him having explored all the remaining potential sites, they had found nothing. Deeply disappointed, Wang Xuan began his journey back, sprinting across thendscape so swiftly that various creatures scattered in fear at his approach. Several dayster, he arrived back in Yuan City. After nearly half a month of fruitless search, Wang Xuan, feeling a mix of frustration and desperation, decided to visit the local branch of the Secret Path Exploration Organization in Yuan City. He intended to send a covert message to Old Chen, informing him that his spections were utterly wrong. However, upon his visit and after using a coded phrase to establish trust, the representative of the organization handed him a secret letter first. After reading it, Wang Xuan''s first impulse was to head back and give Old Chen a good beating. How misleading could one be? If his decoding of the letter was correct, it implied that both the blessednd and the secretnd were not part of the new star. Instead, they were separate, distincts. It seemed that in the days Wang Xuan spent on the Cloud Mist teau, Old Chen had e back to life" and had gained ess to ssified information, discovering the truth. Remembering the past weeks he spent wandering aimlessly on the Cloud Mist teau, interacting with wild creatures and subsisting on nd, charred meat, Wang Xuan felt an overwhelming mix of emotions. Such a grave misinformation could have been lethal. The idea that the hiddennd was an entirely new life-bearing sent shivers down his spine. "Do I really have to coborate with Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin?" After all this, he found himself back at square one. Wang Xuan frowned, contemting. Was there another way out of this? Chapter 122: To Have The Entire Expedition Killed? That’s Normal Chapter 122: To Have The Entire Expedition Killed? That¡¯s Normal The Hidden Land lies deep within uncharted cosmic territories. There, treasures capable of prolonging life abound, luring the great financial magnates to continually send teams in search of its secrets. "If it has the legendary Immortal Herb, could there be powerful primates or even truly transcendent beings?" Wang Xuan pondered. The Immortal Herb, a rare herb mentioned vividly in the ancient texts of the old world, often conjured associations with myths when mentioned. But the current information flow is asymmetrical. The intricacies of these secrets remain tightly gripped by the wealthy elites, leaving Wang Xuan with minimal understanding. He suspects that the Hidden Land is far more dangerous than imagined. Numerous expeditions have been organized, but what wonders have they truly uncovered? Old Chen''s Secret Path Exploration Group has a branch in Yuan City. They''ve been gathering news about the Hidden Land, but they only know of the achievements of some expeditions and have no clue about the actual location or details of the Hidden Land. ... The Zhong family''s study room exuded an ancient aura, with many artifacts bearing an air of mysticism. Some were linked to myths and legends, while others were once owned by the mightiest of sorcerers. Zhong Yong sat on a jade-green wicker chair. Behind the backrest, a vine sprouted a couple of fresh tender leaves. A sacred animal hide, imbued with a potent life force,y across hisp. He sighed gently, summoning his second son, Zhong Changming, "My days may be numbered. You must prepare yourself and strategize for the future." Barely seated, Zhong Changming abruptly stood up, shocked. "What''se over my father? He''s always feared death. Why speak of it now?" Behind Zhong Yong, a bookshelf showcased five colored jade books, golden bamboo slips, a misty luminous jade bottle, and a stone b engraved with nine humanoid figures... And this was merely a fraction of his vast collection. The relics stored in his vault were countless. Even if the top powerhouses of ancient times were to be reborn and glimpse some of his artifacts, they would be astounded. Many of these items had disappeared a long time ago, bing stuff of legends. "Sit down, and listen to what I have to say." ¡­¡­ After two days of rest, Wang Xuan pondered about how he should enter the Secret Realm and which faction he should coborate with. "Or perhaps, I shouldn''t go to the Secret Realm at all and continue my research on the Inner Landscape," Wang Xuan thought. He believed he shouldn''t be stuck on one path; if he couldn''t ess the Secret Realm, there had to be other options. With his unique capability to ess the Inner Landscape even before transcending, perhaps some ancient records from prominent sects might mention something about this. He wondered if there was an efficient way to utilize the Inner Landscape without releasing ancient beings. Were there any ancient methods to restrict them? "Could the Old Covenant Locking Mantra be used to seal away the traps from ancient times?" There were numerous scriptures and artifacts in the New World, almost as if they had emptied out the Old Earth. This was one of the reasons why Wang Xuan hade to the New World. Three dayster, the Ding Wu organization, where he served as a special consultant, asked him to visit their branch in Yuan City to register some information. Soon, he realized what was going on. The authorities on New World were logging details about practitioners of both new and old techniques under the pretext of serving them better. Wang Xuan pondered, was it truly for the betterment of the practitioners, or was it to control them more effectively? He quickly grasped that the New World was being preemptive, wary of the emergence of true transcendents, and they were already preparing for such eventualities. If things continued this way, there might be various restrictions imposed in the future, like reporting one''s whereabouts upon reaching a certain level of cultivation. He spected that people like Chen Mingtu would probably be under "special care" by now. Resisting the idea, Wang Xuan said, "I''m not from the New World. I''ve been temporarily transferred from Old Earth to work here, and I''ll be returning after a while." "That doesn''t matter. As long as you''re in the New World, registration is mandatory. Don''t overthink it. We''re only recording basic information like name and cultivation level; nothing else will be involved." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan realized there was no escaping the inevitable. Currently, only minimal information was being registered, akin to a "census" for cultivators. What mighte next was uncertain. Reluctantly, he made his way to the Top Martial''s branch in Yuan City. "Actually, we asked you toe in person because some matters aren''t suitable for discussion over the phone and need to be conveyed face-to-face," exined the official. The person in charge of the registration was a middle-aged woman, not a member of the Top Martial organization''s branch. She was assigned by the higher-ups, signifying the importance of this matter. Wang Xuan remained silent, merely looking at her. "It''s good news," the woman said on her own ord, lowering her voice and sounding mysterious. "Being a special consultant, you must have heard of the Secret Realm, right?" Wang Xuan''s expression remained unchanged, but a hint of turbulence shed deep within his eyes. He had been researching the Secret Realm extensivelytely, and now someone was unexpectedly broaching the subject with him. "While some cultivators are aware of the Secret Realm and search for it across the New World, without proper guidance, they will never truly discover its location," the woman said with a smile. Wang Xuan could rte to her words deeply, having aimlessly roamed the Misty teau for nearly a month! She continued with a gentle grin, "Don''t look at me that way. I don''t know the exact location of the Secret Realm either. However, once youplete this registration, you''ll have an opportunity to enter it." "How so?" Wang Xuan inquired. She exined, "After discussions amongst various factions, there''s a consensus that the Secret Realm should be opened to certain powerful cultivators, offering them a precious opportunity." She added with a hint of a smile, "Remember, the purpose of this registration is to better serve the cultivators. Just be patient. I believe someone of your caliber will be among the first to receive invitations to the Secret Realm." Exiting the building, Wang Xuan''s face remained impassive. Serve the cultivators? To him, it seemed more like a strategy for therge organizations to streamline their selection of explorers for their missions. Only two days passed before he got his first call: an invitation from the prestigious Qin family''s exploration team. He listened attentively, gleaning essential information from the representative''s spiel. He neither epted nor declined but instead chose to mull it over. In the subsequent days, more calls came in. Different exploration teams pitched their offers, including one particr agent acting as a middleman. This agent was intriguing. He rified that Wang Xuan wouldn''t be charged any fees, as they would be shouldered by the employers. "Listen," he began, "It''s not just the major conglomerates interested in the Secret Realm. Other stakeholders see its potential too. But have you considered how these conglomerates and teams allocate their profits? They pocket 70%, leaving you with a meager 30%. The treasures you''d be risking your life for in the Secret Realm arergely taken by them. The employers I can introduce you to offer a much fairer fifty-fifty split!" Wang Xuan remained nonmittal, engaging with these contacts primarily to glean as much information as possible. The agent, sensing Wang Xuan''s caution, added him to a specialized messaging group, connecting him with fellow cultivators. "Trust me, avoid the teams backed by the big tycoons. They''re only after the Secret Realm''s rarities, like mountain snails and terrestrial immortal grass. The dangers are high and survival rates? Abysmal," a cultivator remarked. Another chimed in, "Did you hear about the Song family''s disaster? All three of their exploration teams got wiped out. Now, they can''t recruit a soul. Too dangerous!" A different voice pitched, "Let me tell you, our New Origin exploration team may be a fresh face in this game, but we put safety first and offer a higher profit share. Of ourst team of eight, four returned safely. A 50% survival rate is unmatched in this field!" ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan quietly observed the ongoing conversation, not uttering a single word. A mocking smile crept onto his face. Was he being swindled by a group of con artists working in tandem? Without hesitation, he reached out to Old Chen''s Secret Paths Exploration Organization based in Yuan City. He ryed his findings to the person in charge, asking for insights on this "New Origin Exploration Team". Later that day, feedback arrived, catching Wang Xuan off-guard. The recently established New Origin Exploration Team did indeed boast the highest survival rates. Half of its members managed to safely return from the Secret Realm. In contrast, other exploration teams had rmingly high fatality rates. On a good day, only about 20% would make it back alive. Furthermore, in recent times, there were instances where entire exploration teams backed by the major tycoons were decimated. "How did the Zhao, Wu, and Zhong families fare?" Wang Xuan inquired. "I''m not sure about the Zhong family; we don''t have any direct contacts there. The Wu family has been trying to coborate with us for a while now, so we''re quite familiar with their situation. I heard they suffered twoplete team losses recently, and in another expedition, fewer than 15% made it back. The Zhao family''s situation is simrly grim." A sense of disbelief washed over Wang Xuan. He had initially thought, if all else failed, he''d seek refuge with the Wu and Zhao families. Yet with such dire circumstances where even the strongest perished, he began to question the viability of this n. Wang Xuan had long anticipated that the Secret Realm would be treacherous. Now, it was evident that this ce was akin to a death trap. Even the exploration teams backed by the ultra-rich tycoons were repeatedly suffering setbacks. Subsequently, Wang Xuan visited the Top Martial''s branch to further inquire about the New Origin Exploration Team. Why did they have a higher survival ratepared to others? "They aim low," the representative began. "They don''t target the rare and coveted Earth Immortal Grass or Mountain Snails. They operate mostly in the outer regions of the Secret Realm and know when to quit. They never stay longer than a week." Other exploration teams typically spend over ten days in the Secret Realm, with some staying nearly a month before departing. Wang Xuan nodded in understanding. It seemed he wasn''t being fooled by a group of con artists after all. "Has anyone ever sessfully harvested the Earth Immortal Grass?" he inquired. "Impossible," the representative scoffed. "That''s a divine herb. In ancient times, it was said to be guarded by beings of the Earth Immortal caliber. Many have tried and died attempting to get close, but none have seeded." ¡­¡­ Through various sources, Wang Xuan may have had limited knowledge about the Secret Realm itself, but his understanding of the status of the various expedition teams was growing increasingly thorough. "The end of the month is nearing," a voice from the deep-spacemunication group chimed in, "All the teams should be returning soon. We''ll soon see their achievements. I''m curious if the major conglomerates'' expeditions have been wiped out again." "The second expedition of New Origin is also about to return. I''m waiting to see their casualty reports," another person added. "If they still have a 50% survival rate this time, I''m going all in! I''ll join New Origin''s next expedition," dered another. Amidst the discussions in the deep-space signal group, Wang Xuan quietly waited. He was particrly eager to learn about the status of the expedition teams from the families of Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin. He was also curious about the overall situation of the teams backed by therge organizations. Would those teams have suffered anotherplete loss? Chapter 123: Old Zhong Carrying A Warship?! Chapter 123: Old Zhong Carrying A Warship?! Several dayster, by the expected timeline, all the expedition teams should have returned. Everyone in the know was waiting in anticipation for them to announce their "achievements." "There might be a lull now," a voice in the deep-spacemunication groupmented, "But secrets can''t be kept forever. We''ll soon hear about the situation of each expedition and how many didn''t make it back." The discussion group instantly became active with spections andments. "It''s a pity," one member said, "The universe is a vast ce. The major powers on our have long explored the Hidden Land, yet themon folk remain in the dark." It was true. The major organizations had always kept their ventures into the Hidden Land a tight-lipped secret, never revealing the truth to the general public. Over the years, various new species had emerged on the new star, leading some to have their suspicions. Yet, all they had were conjectures. "Why the secrecy?" another voice in the group pondered, "It''s for control and monopoly. They want to hold onto the benefits and advantages from the Hidden Land." Wang Xuan stayed silent, preferring to absorb information rather than engage in conversation. At this stage, his primary goal was to gather as much knowledge about the Hidden Land and the experiences of the major conglomerates'' expeditions. "Another possibility," someone else proposed, "Is that they can''t control the Hidden Land. The risks are too high, and they fear that the dangers could spill over to our new star. They might be withholding information to prevent public outcry." Initially, Wang Xuan had thought this group to be a scam, people trying to deceive him collectively. Now, he realized that some members indeed had valuable insights. At the very least, he could gather substantial information about the Hidden Land here. By midday, the New Origin expedition team returned and immediately shared their results. The group erupted in fervent discussions. Some were visibly thrilled. This time, out of the twenty-one members of the New Origin expedition, eleven made it back alive ¨C a survival rate of over 50%! In the shadows of the vast universe, news of a 50% survival rate would typically cause widespread rm. In today''s age, no profession carried such high stakes. However, within the treacherous realms of extraterrestrial exploration, this was seen as a remarkable sess. Especially when juxtaposed against the grim fates of other teams, many of which often sumbed entirely to the perils of their journey. Wang Xuan observed quietly, emotions churning. To him, these explorers were heroes, willingly venturing into the unknown, where the line between life and death was precariously thin. Yet, the tantalizing allure of potential rewards beckoned. Those who made it back were not only survivors but also bearers of rare treasures. Once sold, these artifacts could secure a lifetime of opulence. The equation was clear: high risk, but even higher reward, making it an alluring proposition for the boldest souls. Within the encrypted deep-spacemunication channels, an image emerged. It depicted a blood-streaked explorer, his grin a stark contrast to his battle-worn appearance. In his grasp was a golden mushroom, its sheer size rivaling that of a human head. "That''s easily worth a hundred million New Star coins! He''s made for life," someone eximed. The group was abuzz, a mix of awe and envy palpable in everyment. "You''re underestimating its worth," another argued. "That''s a relic, a spiritual medicine from ancient epochs. Its reputed benefits, longevity and youth, make it even more priceless. The conglomerates would easily part with one and a half billion New Star coins for it!" "The legendary Golden Mushroom! For practitioners of the ancient arts, it''s a leap towards unparalleled prowess." Wang Xuan, previously an observer, now felt an undeniable pull. The treasures of the unknown were seductive. As dusk approached, more news trickled in, particrly about the ventures of the elite organizations. These tidbits weren''t official releases, but whispers from those with insider knowledge. "The Song family has had a slight reprieve this time. Three made it back alive, although two are gravely injured, in dire need of organ transnts," a voice disclosed. Recalling the ill-fated expeditions of the Song family from previous months, this was, in a tragic way, a step forward. "How many did the Song family send out this time?" "I heard it was over a hundred and sixty. All were skilled practitioners." A brief hush enveloped the deep-spacemunication channel, followed by a flood of messages, each expressing shock. The icy bite of fear was palpable through the digital realm. Historically, the Song family dispatched roughly a hundred explorers on their ventures, regardless of how they were grouped. While this month didn''t witness their total annihtion, the death toll was rmingly higher than before. With such staggering casualty rates, who would be audacious enough to venture into these treacherous territories in the future? Surely only those with a death wish. A chill coursed down Wang Xuan''s spine. The grim reality of expeditions to the secretivends was now clear. When even the mightiest conglomerates suffered such devastating losses, the dangers were too evident. Such mortality rates would surely haunt anyone daring enough to set foot on that perilous terrain. Wang Xuan''s heart raced with caution. His quest was for self-improvement, for transcendence. But that necessitated staying alive. No treasure was worth his life. Soon after, news regarding the Qin family''s expedition reached the chat. This time, they''d dispatched a smaller team of just over fifty individuals. Tragically, not a single one returned. The air grew heavier with each revtion. The secretivend was bing more perilous, and the once abundant wonders now seemed increasingly elusive. "Why did the Qin family, one of the super-conglomerates, send out just fifty-plus members?" a message read. "Because their previous expeditions frequently faced annihtion. Many are now too fearful to join their ranks." The deep-spacemunication channel was filled with sighs and murmurs of disbelief. Some pondered that even if the Qin family were to offer exorbitant rewards in the future, it would prove futile. Who would dare to undertake such perilous expeditions? Reports kept flowing in. The Origin Life Research Institute had fared slightly better, boasting a survival rate of 15%. However, a top-tier mercenary group known as "Divine Movement" sent out nearly two hundred of their finest, only to have a mere six return. Then news regarding the Zhao family''s expedition surfaced, revealing a staggering death rate of 93%. Wang Xuan felt the urge to light a cigarette for some sce, though he didn¡¯t smoke. He remembered Zhao Qinghan''s invitation for him to join her family''s expedition team. With such a mortality rate... who would dare? Was Lady Zhao holding a grudge against him? The two times he mentioned Zhao Qinghan, it seemed she had caught him speaking behind her back. The first time was a mere slip, a candid sentiment. The second time was when he was telling Qin Cheng how aloof yet alluring Lady Zhao was, how her demeanor could shift in an instant, and that her skills were profound. "Is Zhao trying to get me killed on purpose?" Wang Xuan pondered, shivering at the thought. With such daunting odds, he was determined: unless Zhao Qinghan herself ventured into the secretivends, he wouldn''t touch her family¡¯s expedition with a ten-foot pole. As expected, almost every family suffered considerable losses, with several facingplete annihtion. Only a handful had members that made it back alive. The evening was filled with grim tales, turning themunication channel into a ''miserypetition''. "The Kong family¡¯s warshipnded and from it, bloody stretchers emerged one after the other. The onlookers were first stunned into silence, then, oddly, a burst ofughter followed." "Is that even appropriate to share?" Someone interjected, "They''ve been through enough. Why add the detail ofughter?" The conversation intensified. ¡°Isn''tughter the natural response? Only those severely wounded are brought back. The rest either lie abandoned in the Hidden Land or be prey to unknown predators. There''s no time or means to reim their bodies.¡± ¡°That kind ofughter, though... it''s eerie.¡± Predictably, the deep-spacemunication channel hummed with messages. Wang Xuan sifted through each, attempting to discern thetest updates. He tapped his table, reflecting on the rmingly high mortality rates from the mysterious region. It was evident that conditions there had changed. In earlier times, the explorers from various ns had far better odds of survival. What had shifted? His thoughts wandered to Wu Yin, Zhong Qing, and Li Qingxuan''s recent meeting beside the Zhou River, likely a negotiation for an alliance and strategizing for whaty ahead. The data registration from days past now seemed less an effort to benefit the explorers and more a ploy for the elite families to handpick their representatives. With the rising death toll, even the major factions found it tough to secure willing explorers, irrespective of the rewards. Such expeditions served the elite families twofold: many unearthed treasures would invariablynd in theirp, and potential threats would be simultaneously eliminated. The conservative Qin family and others like them were particrly wary of the emergence of powerful individuals and the chaos they could bring. And then there was the Zhong family. News of them was conspicuously absent, but Wang Xuan was patient. His interest was piqued by their golden bamboo slips. Now that he had cultivated a spiritual domain allowing him to perceive scriptures from afar, he harbored hopes of a dialogue with Elder Zhong. While it might be a long shot, perhaps fate would someday grant him ess to the elder''s storied library. As Wang Xuan pondered the possibilities, a startling message broke his reverie: ¡°Old Man Zhong is going to pull something incredible!¡± The deep-space group buzzed with incredulity. Amid the flurry of messages, a bombshell dropped: Old Zhong Yong had ventured into the mysterious and dangerous territory known as the "Hidden Land." This confirmation came from none other than the leader of Old Chen''s secret route organization in Yuan City. It was as if a nuclear bomb had been unleashed underwater, leaving everyone astounded. In all these years, no influential member of the elite families had ever set foot in this enigmatic region, let alone the leaders of such families. Once reaching such stature, they rarely appeared in public. Even their descendants avoided the treacherous terrain of the Hidden Land. Many refused to believe the news. Why would Zhong Yong, notorious for his extreme cautiousness, risk his life now? It was well-known that he had gone to great lengths to save his own skin, even at the expense of his eldest son. He had, remarkably, survived grave illnesses at over a hundred years old, purportedly having revitalized his life four times. Many spected that his second son, Zhong Changming¡ªthe current heir apparent¡ªwould meet his fate before the elderly Zhong did. Was it madness or sheer audacity that drove the old man now? Only the top-tier organizations could discern Elder Zhong''s intentions upon hearing the news. They sighed in unison. Zhong Yong might have gone mad, but he disyed incredible audacity, risking his life even at his elevated status. Recently, rumors surfaced about a legendary item appearing within the Hidden Land, an object whose description matched ancient texts perfectly. ording to these texts, this unique item was incredibly rare, perishable, and couldn''t be preserved or transported. It had to be consumed on the spot, and it was said to extend one''s life by over fifty years! "The Zhong family paid a heavy price to pave a path and validate the existence of this item. To think that Elder Zhong would personally go there the second time!" others mused. Many had to concede that Elder Zhong disyed a certain mad, decisive genius in this crucial moment. "Do we need to intervene? If something happens to him, the Zhong family..." someone murmured, hinting at the possible ramifications. However, before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by the leader of the organization. "Each megacorporation family is an entity unto itself, and they won''t waver just because something happens to one member. Moreover, given Old Zhong''s cautionary nature, by the time we hear of such news, he is either already dead or has sessfully returned. There will be no window of opportunity for outsiders to take advantage of!" Indeed, his prediction was spot on. While the public spected about potential mishaps befalling Zhong Yong, a photograph shattered the rumors. Wang Xuan saw it too, someone in the group had posted a picture of Old Zhong. Captured within the Hidden Land, the image depicted Old Zhong carrying a lifeboat, with his long legs powering a sprint. The snapshot was taken by a drone belonging to an organization. Rumor had it that the drone had been severely damaged, and the photograph had been taken a day or two before but had been dyed due to intense interference before finally being transmitted today. "Old Zhong is incredible; he actually did it. Based on the timeline, he must have already returned to the new star!" Everyone staring at the photograph was immensely shocked. Old Zhong, who once had a nearly bald scalp, now sported a shade of ck. Was that a hint of new hair growth? Furthermore, he appeared somewhat rejuvenated. What was even more astonishing was the sight of him lugging around a lifeboat. Those things could weigh hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. How could an ordinary person manage such a feat? "He may not necessarily have been sessful. From the photograph, it''s evident Old Zhong was in danger, being chased by something. He probably didn''t have time to activate the lifeboat, so he had to carry it and flee. Maybe he''s already dead in the Hidden Land!" "Why not have some influential people inquire about the Zhong family? Has Old Zhong returned?" Regardless of the opinions, Old Zhong was the talk of the town, drawing attention and discussions from all corners. Some even spected that Zhong Yong might be an unparalleled master in the realm of ancient arts, just maintaining a low profile on ordinary days. Eventually, someone photoshopped the lifeboat into a super battleship, with Old Zhong carrying it as he fled. The edited picture caused a sensation and quickly became the hottest image on the circuit. Chapter 124: Goddess Zhao Chapter 124: Goddess Zhao Old Zhong''s rumored consumption of the legendary rejuvenating artifact sent shockwaves through the circles familiar with the forbiddennd. This centenarian''s actions spoke louder than words. When he made a move, it was with unstoppable momentum, clearly aiming for a renewed lease on life. Despite his age, he openly expressed his reluctance to leave the world, primarily due to his love for his children and the vibrancy of life. In the world of the elite, his passion for life was unmatched. Time and again, he mused about the beauty of life and his longing to embrace it for another five centuries. The ripple effect of this incident was profound, garnering attention from all sectors. Recent times had been tough for major organizations, with numerous expedition teams getting annihted. Thepensations were so enormous that even these organizations found them daunting. Yet, in the wake of Old Zhong''s audacity, many seasoned magnates found themselves intrigued. The allure of rejuvenation was hard to resist. Several tycoons scrutinized the now-famous photograph. Using magnifying sses, they verified that Old Zhong had indeed sprouted a dense growth of ck hair. His previously deeply lined face seemed smoother, suggesting a man transitioning into mid-life. The man seemed reborn! Elders in their advanced years felt a cocktail of emotions: envy, admiration, and irritation. To them, Old Zhong''s photo seemed almost provocative, unting his regained youth. On their usual visits, Old Zhong had always presented a frail front, often found resting under a quilt crafted from the hide of a mythical Kirin, symbolizing his fight against life''s ebbing tide. "Old Zhong is baiting us into the forbiddennd, hoping for our downfall!" one elder remarked. But in a softer tone, he added, "Yet, as much as I resent him, the allure is undeniable." Notably, attempts to visit the Zhong residence were thwarted. Zhong Changming cited his father''s health reasons, stating he would not be receiving guests. This only solidified the belief: Old Zhong had returned, possibly as a youth once again. Wang Xuan stared at the photo of Old Zhong carrying what seemed like a super battleship, a mixture of disbelief and awe washing over him. This elder was truly defying fate, and it looked like he had seeded. Examining the original image, Wang Xuan estimated the weight of the lifeboat that Old Zhong was carrying ¨C it had to be at least a thousand pounds. And from the way Old Zhong was sprinting effortlessly with such long strides, he must possess the strength of a master! Is this strength acquired after consuming some mystical artifact, or had Old Zhong always been a martial expert? The Zhong family was renowned for possessing various secret scriptures, even including the pinnacle teachings of Taoism. If Old Zhong was indeed a top-notch master in the old arts, it wouldn¡¯t surprise Wang Xuan. "At over a hundred years old, with most of his life behind him, he still pushes boundaries. What excuse do we, the younger generation, have for not striving hard? To break free from the chains of fate and tread the path of the immortals is within our grasp!" Wang Xuan remained calm, but the chat group was already boiling with fervor. Passionate exmations flooded the group, with many eager to embark on their destiny-changing expedition to the forbiddennd. "Our lives are riddled with challenges, but the future is luminous. What reason do we have to waste away? Prepare for the journey. Sign up!" The group was filled with fiery enthusiasm, with many shouting their intention to join the New Origin Expedition Team. While Wang Xuan wasn''t swayed by their heated sentiments, the image of Old Zhong did shake his equanimity. An elderly Zhong dared to venture into the treacherousnds, risking his life with a lifeboat in tow. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was contemting fleeing under the cover of night, buying a boat ticket to escape the imminent peril. He feared the brutal nature of the major organizations and considered the forbiddennd a death trap, preferring to tread cautiously. Could it be that hecked the drive of an aged man on the brink of death? Soon, Wang Xuan regained hisposure, realizing the storm surrounding Old Zhong was far from over. It was just the beginning, this was not his final form yet. Wang Xuan stared at the screen, the weight of Old Zhong''s photograph resonating deeply within him. If an old man like Zhong Yong could challenge fate and emerge victorious, then what held back the younger generation? The elderly leaders of major organizations, many on the brink of their own mortality, would undoubtedly see this as an opportunity to risk everything. Meanwhile, the audacious young bloods of the financial elites would be enticed by the allure of adventure. "That single photograph of Zhong is a catalyst," Wang Xuan contemted. "It''s set to ignite a frenzy, leading to more bloodshed in the enigmatds." By the next morning, his intuitions were confirmed. Calls flooded in from premier organizations, all willing to up their stakes for another expedition. Old Zhong, it seemed, had skillfully stirred the waters, now observing as other power yers scrambled to dive in. Soon after, New Origin forwarded Wang Xuan a contract, emphasizing the limited slots¡ªjust twenty-one¡ªfor this expedition. After skimming through it, Wang Xuan discerned the conditions: an upfront payment of four million New World Credits, free warship escorts, and a fifty-fifty split on any unique treasures obtained. Considering the offer, Wang Xuan''s thoughts were interrupted by a message from the head of Old Chen''s covertwork in Yuan City. "We live in intricate times," the message read. "Modern cultivators have lost their esteemed stature from ancient days. Now, they risk life itself, gambling for a brighter future. Journeying into deep space is akin to a coin flip ¨C life or death bnced on a knife''s edge." For these influential organizations, four million New World Credits were mere pocket change, a meager price for the promise of the unknown. ¡­¡­ Walking through the neighborhood, Wang Xuan found himself lost in thought. After several days, he once again spotted Lele. She sat beneath the shade of a tree, cradling a tiny white kitten in her arms, murmuring to herself. I¡¯ve been fainting from paintely and can¡¯t attend school anymore. I think I might not have much time left. Why hasn¡¯t my father returned yet? He might not see me again if he''s muchter,¡± she whispered with sadness, holding the kitten closer as tears welled up in her eyes. Wang Xuan, standing a short distance away, chose not to interrupt. His heart ached for the young girl. Thest time she had an episode, she endured the pain without shedding a tear, even going as far asforting her mother. Now, alone and without any imminent pain, she was the one shedding tears. It was clear that the young girl was deeply troubled but hid her feelings to spare her elders. ¡°Huan Huan,¡± she spoke softly to the kitten, ¡°When I¡¯m gone, how aboutying me to rest by the woods near Zhou River? I made a promise with mom. Every year, when the starfish light up the night sky, she and dad would visit me. I truly wish to see them every day. I don¡¯t want to be apart from them. But I also don¡¯t want them to be constantly grieving, so we decided they''d visit just once a year on that day.¡± Wang Xuan found himself rooted to the spot, deeply moved. Lele¡¯s maturity and her concerns about her parents'' well-being in the future were heart-wrenching. ¡°I had hoped that by asking mom for a little brother, they''d have someone to keep thempany. But as the years go by, will they forget about me?¡± Tears dripped onto the kitten. After wiping them away, she continued, ¡°Huanhuan, whenever you hear someone mention the starfish, remind them to visit me. And you muste too. I¡¯ll miss you.¡± ¡°Meow!¡± The kitten mewed softly in response. ¡°They think I don¡¯t understand, but I know everything. I¡¯m aware that my time is running out, perhaps by next month,¡± whispered the young girl, Lele, hugging her white kitten tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t want to leave you all.¡± ¡°I¡¯m genuinely scared. I fear being alone by the Zhou River and even more terrified ofpletely disappearing after death.¡± She looked into the distance, her voice quivering, ¡°Before I pass away, I wish to donate my corneas. The eyes of the indigenous people, like mine, are believed to be spiritual and see far beyond the ordinary. Our hereditary illness doesn¡¯t affect our eyes. I hope to give them to a child my age, so she can asionally check on my mom for me¡­¡± She paused, her tone increasingly somber. Tears trickled down as she whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the ocean. Mom says it''s too humid and the sea breeze isn¡¯t good for my ailing body. I wish that child could see it for me. I¡¯ve always been in Yuancheng, never venturing far. I hope, with my corneas, she¡¯ll explore ces and see the world for me...¡± Wang Xuan sighed quietly, deeply moved by the little girl¡¯s sentiments. Listening to her words tugged at his heart, yet he felt helpless. After a while, Lele regained herposure, wiping her tears, and gazed dreamily at the clouds. It was only then that Wang Xuan approached, greeted her, and started to chat, sharing some amusing tales from the past. It was evident that Lele enjoyed conversing and hearing stories. They were engrossed in the conversation. "Is your mother at work? Who''s with you in case you need help?" Wang Xuan expressed his concern, mindful of the girl''s fragile state. Lele responded, "An AI caregiver is nearby. I wanted some alone time with Huanhuan, so I kept her at a distance for now." She paused before curiously asking, "Uncle, did you manage to see the starry fish like you mentioned?" Wang Xuan nodded with a soft smile, "I did. It was an awe-inspiring sight." "Are you nning to go again next year?" There was a hopeful twinkle in Lele''s eyes. "Absolutely. It''s an experience I''d want to relive every year," he assured her. Lele''s face brightened at his words. As he said his goodbyes and walked away, he could feel her gaze watching him. Not long after, his phone vibrated. Seeing an unfamiliar number, he suspected it was another organization reaching out for some covert meeting. On picking up, he directly inquired, "Another confidential meeting invitation?" A brief silence followed, then a familiar, melodic voice replied with a hint of mischief, "Getting popr invitations these days?" The tone wasn''t that of a professional operator. Recognizing the voice, Wang Xuan was taken aback. It was Zhao Qinghan. How did she know he was in the New World? He quickly surmised that Qin Cheng, ever the chatterbox, must have inadvertently shared his whereabouts. He had only given his New World contact to his trusted friend, Qin Cheng. "Qinghan, I''ve been meaning to reach out since I arrived on New Star. Being a neer here, I hoped you might help me settle in. I was a bit hesitant at first, but now I think it''s about time. How about I treat you to dinner soon?" Wang Xuan offered. "Insincere," Zhao Qinghan teased with a mock sigh. Earlier, while she was talking to Qin Cheng, she sensed something unusual when she inquired about Wang Xuan''s whereabouts. Her sharp instincts kicked in. "Which city is Wang Xuan in on New Star? Give me his number," she demanded. Her directness caught Qin Cheng off guard. Before he coulde up with a convincing response, Zhao Qinghan had already deduced that Wang Xuan was on New Star. She coaxed Qin Cheng into sharing Wang Xuan''s contact and immediately dialed him. After hanging up, Qin Cheng quickly tried to notify Wang Xuan, hoping to give him a heads up, only to realize he was already on a call. He muttered, "Goddess Zhao really is something else, always one step ahead." "You''re in Yuancheng, right? Join me for lunch," Zhao Qinghan said decisively, leaving no room for Wang Xuan to decline. Thoughts raced through Wang Xuan''s mind. If Zhao Qinghan invited him to join her expedition team, how would he tactfully decline? And if heter appeared in the Hidden Land and they crossed paths, how would he exin himself? He was so lost in thought that he blurted out, "Little Zhao..." "What did you just call me?" There was a noticeable rise in Zhao''s tone. "Goddess!" Wang Xuan corrected himself instantly without a hint of embarrassment. "You never called me that back in school. Say it again," Zhao Qinghan said with a touch of amusement. "Goddess!" Wang Xuan repeated, unfazed. After all, repeating a title wouldn''t cost him anything. At noon, in the centralmercial district of Yuancheng, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan sat facing each other in a restaurant. Zhao Qinghan''s choice wasn''t some top-tier dining ce, but the environment was still pretty good. She imed this ce had an exceptional taste that she particrly enjoyed. "Do you live nearby Yuancheng?" Wang Xuan inquired. Zhao Qinghan shook her head, "No, but every time Ie to Yuancheng to see the starry fish, I dine here." Dressed for the summer, she wore a simple tee with slightly elongated shorts that stopped just above her knees, showcasing her pale and stunning legs, which made for a refreshing sight. Even with such casual attire, she looked exceedingly charming. Her shoulder-length hair, radiantplexion, beautiful and clear eyes, and glossy red lipsbined to give her a graceful yet slightly aloof appearance, which turned incredibly sweet when she smiled. Thebination attracted asional nces from other patrons. When she mentioned the starry fish, Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat, fearing she would bring up the Hidden Land. He sighed softly, saying, "Speaking of starry fish, I met a young girl who left a heart-wrenching and poignant impression on me." Zhao Qinghan nced at him, immediately pinpointing the essence of his diversion. "You''re trying to avoid talking about the Hidden Land, aren''t you? Starting off with a story?" "No, you''ve got it wrong. You must know about the indigenous people here. That little girl was so pitiable..." Wang Xuan spoke earnestly, recounting the girl''s soliloquy in detail. Zhao Qinghan sighed softly, "The five decays of heaven and man disease." Wang Xuan asked, "The tycoons who intermarried with the indigenous people back then, do their descendants asionally suffer from this condition? Is there a cure now?" Zhao Qinghan nodded and then shook her head. The Wu family currently has members with the condition. She informed Wang Xuan that while there isn''t aplete cure, there is a drug that can mildly alleviate the symptoms. "The Wu family?" Wang Xuan expressed his surprise. "There are members in the Wu Yin family line who have this condition now?" "Even the ''palliative medicine'' is extremely rare and needs to be harvested from the Hidden Land. The two patients are very important to the Wu family, but their current situations are quite dire. The family hopes to find even more astonishing items in the Hidden Land that could ease their suffering or perhaps even cure them." Hearing this, Wang Xuan immediately understood why Wu Chenglin had gone to the old earth, seeking the expertise of Chen Mingtu. He was in a hurry to save lives. He then looked at Zhao Qinghan, who effortlessly steered the conversation back to the Hidden Land. Zhao Qinghan nced back at him, "Rest assured, I have no intention of taking you to the Hidden Land. It''s too dangerous. I''m afraid I might not be able to protect you adequately." Wang Xuan stared at her, taken aback. She was going off-script. Did she mean that if they did go to the Hidden Land, it would be him needing protection from Goddess Zhao?! Chapter 125: The Coming Of A Great Era Chapter 125: The Coming Of A Great Era Wang Xuan stared at her with widened eyes, the smile on his face slowly fading. He could feel his consciousness being enveloped and swayed by Zhao Qinghan''s mysterious power. That she had such a capability, even just for a moment, astonished him. "Master Zhao?" Wang Xuan looked at her with a smile. It was impossible for her to have reached such a level in such a short amount of time. But as he looked into her changed eyes, he realized that perhaps he had underestimated her. Those eyes, shimmering in an unusual violet hue ¨C a mark of the indigenous people ¨C held a power that was both mesmerizing and terrifying. "Did you mix blood with the indigenous people?" Wang Xuan questioned, genuinely curious. She chuckled softly, "Wouldn''t you like to know?" His smile faded, reced by a serious expression, "You have indeed progressed. Your abilities are beyond my expectations." Zhao Qinghan''s eyes twinkled, "And you were caught off guard. Never underestimate anyone, Wang Xuan. We all have our secrets." Wang Xuan nodded slowly, realizing that the woman in front of him was more than she appeared to be. He had always seen her as an exceptional talent, but today, she had shown him a side that was both unexpected and intriguing. The atmosphere between the two shifted, from yful banter to mutual respect. They both realized that the other was not to be taken lightly. The lunch continued, with the two engaging in a deeper conversation about their past, their future, and the mysteries of the world they lived in. In an ambient restaurant in Yuan City''smercial heart, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan sat opposite each other. Zhao Qinghan had chosen a modest eatery she often visited for its delectable dishes, especially when she came to Yuancheng to gaze at the "starry fish." Her casual summer attire - a simple t-shirt and knee-length shorts - entuated her captivating legs. Her minimalistic ensemble couldn''t overshadow her elegance, with her shoulder-length hair, wlessplexion, and bright eyes making her the center of many admiring nces. As the duo chatted, Wang Xuan artfully dodged discussing their secret location by recounting a poignant tale of a young girl. Zhao Qinghan, quick to catch on, teased him about his diversion tactic. The conversation soon delved into the mysterious ailment, "Celestial Decay." This affliction, known to trouble those with indigenous roots, had even reached the influential Wu family. While there were medicines that offered temporary reprieve, a genuine cure was elusive, driving many to seek answers in perilousnds. Suddenly, the atmosphere tensed. With a mischievous gleam, Zhao Qinghan exhibited her potent psychic abilities, aiming to exert a mental influence over Wang Xuan. However, he was no easy prey. Feigning a momentarypse under her spell, he soon broke free, seizing her finger as if grounding himself from her psychic tug. Amused, Zhao Qinghan remarked, "My, what a surprise." She then jovially broached a past episode when Wang Xuan had once tried to bind her, revealing her yful yet slightly vengeful side. Wang Xuan pondered the benefits of being more transparent about his skills, thinking it might foster future alliances. Amid their yful exchanges, a mutual respect and curiosity simmered, hinting at a deeper bond in the making. "What did you do to me?" Wang Xuan gasped, looking drained and weary. "Let go!" Zhao Qinghan''s gaze was sharp and piercing, though she remained collected. She tried to free her finger, but he held it firmly. "I won''t release you. I feel mentally fogged andpletely drained. What did you do to me?" Wang Xuan''s grip remained unyielding as he stared at her, demanding an exnation. Zhao Qinghan tried to pull her finger away again, realizing that without using her special techniques, she might not break free. But she didn''t want to cause a scene either. "I merely disrupted your consciousness, which shouldn''t affect your actions or words. I was just testing you and didn''t expect such a reaction," she replied calmly. Although he held her captive, she didn''t seem flustered. Instead, she examined Wang Xuan closely with a challenging, prating gaze. Wang Xuan didn''t relent, maintaining intense eye contact with her. "Someone affected by mental interference wouldn''t feel any difort. Besides, I was only testing your resilience and didn''t exert much force. It seems you''ve exposed yourself, proving to be much stronger than I anticipated." Releasing her delicate finger, he sighed, "Is there no trust between us? Zhao, from the moment we met, you''ve been trying to decipher me." His fingers still tingled from her touch. Zhao Qinghan shot him a nce, retorting, "You''re the one who''s always so guarded and secretive, and you me me? I was just conducting a simple test, and now you''re using me?" Wang Xuan swiftly changed the subject, suggesting, "Let''s not point fingers anymore. Let''s move on from this." "Miss, do you need assistance?" A well-dressed young man approached, asking politely. Wang Xuan sighed, noticing several men around ready to step in. He mused about the difference in treatment. There were women nearby too; why didn''t anyone stand up for him? Zhao Qinghan thanked the young man, declining his offer. She quickly finished lunch with Wang Xuan and the two relocated to a quiet, refined tea room. In the tea room, a delicate aroma wafted through the air. With perfect lighting and serenity, it was an ideal ce for a conversation. Zhao Qinghan satfortably,menting, "It''s evident that you''ve had some unique experiences in the oldnd. With your current strength, you should be able to protect yourself if you enter the hidden domain." Wang Xuan''s face momentarily froze, feeling that Zhao still held a grudge. She had just mentioned Qin Cheng''s n to bind her, and now she spoke about him entering the hidden domain. Did she have some vendetta against him? "What''s with that look? Do you think I''m petty?" Zhao Qinghan could tell he was on guard, being overly cautious. "Of course not. You''re magnanimous," Wang Xuan responded, ncing at her. Zhao Qinghan elegantly crossed her slender, pale legs and tapped lightly on the tea table. She said, "I used to think you were very talented. I wanted to bring you into the hidden domain to explore opportunities, hoping you''d progress further in mastering the ancient techniques." She informed Wang Xuan that the hidden domain had recently be perilous, resulting in numerous deaths. Even those skilled in energy harvesting and inner cultivation might not be able to survive. Zhao Qinghan was certain of Wang Xuan''s mastery, deeming him perhaps capable enough to venture into the Hidden Land. While she was astute, the notion of him being a Master seemed far-fetched. Even granting Wang Xuan''s prodigious aptitude and exceptional training, reaching such an esteemed level seemed improbable. This wasn¡¯t a mere matter of estimation but intertwined with the enigma of ancient techniques - the ''Hidden Path.'' Here, conventional assessments faltered. In her eyes, Wang Xuan had more to traverse before touching the Master echelon. Transparent in her perspective, Zhao felt Wang Xuan had significant potential in mastering the ancient techniques. As explorations deepened into space, the dawn of a monumental era seemed imminent, with the prospect of surpassing normal realms not far behind. She candidly spoke of impending star-destroying vessels, hinting at an exponential amplification in the power of new celestial bodies. The obliteration of an entire life-sustaining could be a mere momentary act! Yet, as the enigmatic domain loomed closer, if these transcendent entities prated the New World, it would mutate into an internal predicament. No technological weaponry, regardless of its might, would ever annihte its own star. Should major factions within the New World pioneer breakthroughs in this arcane domain, birthing legendary entities, it would indubitably instigate profound transformations. Wang Xuan marveled. For someone as youthful as Zhao Qinghan, freshly stepping out of academia, her foresight wasmendable. "Though the silhouettes of transcendent beings remain shrouded, their emergence is inevitable. In this uing epoch, the New World will witness inherent confrontations. Predicting the oue is intricate. I yearn for formidable allies by my side as this majestic epoch unfurls," she dered, her faith in the forting metamorphosis unwavering. Wang Xuan, absorbed in her words, held Zhao in high regard, sensing the validity in her prophecies. "I intend to journey into the hidden domain," Zhao stated. "Old man Zhong truly is troublesome," Wang Xuan remarked, noting how even the formidable Zhao couldn''t resist the allure, prompting her to personally journey to that enigmatic. "You imed you had no interest in the Hidden Land? The image of Old Zhong escaping with the lifeboat only circted within a specific circle. The fact that you saw it implies that you''ve been integrated into this group and are keen on approaching the hidden domain." "Zhao, could you possibly be a bit kinder to me? Stop testing me!" Wang Xuan unintentionally exposed a w in his facade. Zhao Qinghan shot him a nce, then continued, "Old Zhong is remarkable. He likely foresaw various future oues, refusing to fade into obscurity and defying the odds, astonishingly granting himself a second life. With such a game-changer entering the scene, other elders will surely be unsettled, itching to make their own moves." Wang Xuan nodded, saying, "Indeed, he''s formidable. While other elders exploit the hidden domain to drain practitioners, Old Zhong strategically eliminates a bunch of them, forcing various factions to act more aggressively." Zhao Qinghan was momentarily at a loss for words. "You don''t need to take such risks," Wang Xuan advised. Zhao Qinghan shook her head, stating, "If I don''t go now, I might never get another chance. The treasures that Old Zhong acquired will likely soon be depleted. Moreover, the creatures emerging from the Hidden Land are bing increasingly powerful and strange. I fear that it will be even more perilous in the future, potentially spawning formidable transcendent entities." She candidly expressed that, with an impending transcendental revolution on the horizon, it''s essential to prepare ahead. Recognizing her aptitude, she yearned to exert more effort. Wang Xuan recalled the words she once said to Qin Cheng: Why practice the ancient arts? Just to maintain a good physique. Yet she sessfully mastered them, which deeply disheartened Qin Cheng, who had devoted himself but struggled. Wang Xuan surmised that Zhao Qinghan was someone with exceptional innate talent. "Since you''ve noticed my purple pupils, you must''ve guessed that, a long time ago, my family had intermarried with the indigenous people." Although there weren''t any manifest problems in Zhao Qinghan due to recessive inheritance, she was concerned about potential issues with her descendants. She hoped to venture into the Hidden Land to resolve this lingering concern, aiming to eliminate the issue entirely starting with her generation. "Always prepare for the worst," Wang Xuan reminded her again, genuinely concerned for her well-being. Zhao Qinghan shook her head, asserting, "This might be thest decent opportunity!" "A decent opportunity?" Wang Xuan was puzzled. "With the elders growing restless, they''re bound to lead a horde of elites into the fray. We''ll just follow in their wake," she exined. Zhao Qinghan admitted candidly that a few young people n to tail the elders, waiting for them to pave the way and hoping to capitalize on the opportunities they create. "You young people always have so many schemes," Wang Xuan sighed. He realized that Zhao Qinghan had a clear vision for herself. Anticipating the transcendental revolution, she aimed to amass strength early on and gain control of the Zhao family. Considering her various considerations, it was evident that Zhao Qinghan had ambitions to assert her authority in the future. Moreover, she was actively encouraging those around her to grow stronger and approach the realm of transcendence so they could support each other in the days toe. Zhao Qinghan asked him, "Are you considering venturing into the Hidden Land? If you wish, you can apany me. If I''m safe, I can assure you''ll be too." Undoubtedly, apanying her would significantly enhance one''s safety. "The steps of the transcendents are drawing closer. No one can obstruct the inevitable momentum of the future. Now is the perfect time to rapidly umte and enhance oneself. The Hidden Land possesses certain mysterious items that can elevate someone to transcendence overnight. With the mobilization of various families this time, some of these items are bound to be harvested. After this expedition, some might step into the realm of transcendence." Wang Xuan''s emotions were tumultuous. If even young Zhao dared to venture there, and he, with his master-level skills, naturally felt tempted. He contemted visiting the Hidden Land in hopes of transcending! "Alright, I''ve decided to venture into the Hidden Land!" Ultimately, he made this decision. Sometimes, one needs to be decisive. Being overly cautious can lead to missed opportunities. Chapter 126: Sea Of The Stars Chapter 126: Sea Of The Stars There were manyrge organizations in the New World, but joining those unfamiliar groups might easily result in being treated as expendable cannon fodder. Such tactics weremonly employed by many of the powerful factions: using neers to attract monsters, sending them as scouts, or sacrificing them to cover the retreat of the more important members. All the dirty and tiring work was tailored for outsiders like him. However, Zhao Qingcan was his ssmate. Regardless of any differences, she would never purposely put him in harm''s way, especially since she explicitly stated he should stay by her side. Unless the overall situation became too perilous, the artificial uncertainties would be considerably reduced. He also knew Wu Chenglin, Wu Yin, and the siblings Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng. But he had known them in his identity as Master Wang. Now, as Wang Xuan, he could not approach members of those families. Back in the Old World, he once kicked Wu Chenglin into ake. If he now approached the Wu family in his real identity, he surmised that Wu Chenglin might consider throwing him into the Hidden Land as a scout! "When are we setting off?" Wang Xuan inquired about the specifics. Zhao Qingcan smiled, "Once some of the older generation have paved the way, we''ll start our journey. It should be in the next few days. Some are more eager than us." Once the elder generation made up their minds, they would act decisively, fearing they might fall behind others and miss out on the mysterious items. Clearly, some among the elder generation might coborate. With them leading the way, those following would be rtively safer. "In the next few days, I''ll be discussing with members of the Zhong family, aiming to bring along Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng," Zhao Qingcan informed him of this piece of news. "Why the Zhong family?" Wang Xuan queried. Zhao Qingcan brushed her hair back and replied, "If my suspicions hold, allying with them might be safer." She calmly elucidated that perhaps Old Zhong had not returned yet. This revtion left Wang Xuan in shock. The idea that Old Zhong was still in the Hidden Land was beyond his expectations. Zhao Qingcan sighed, "It''s just a slight possibility, not necessarily true." But as long as there''s a chance, it''s worth a shot. Bringing the Zhong siblings along would be beneficial in its own right. The Zhong family had substantial influence, and allying with them would undoubtedly be advantageous. If Old Zhong had not returned, there might be two reasons: he was pursued by dangerous entities and had to abandon his rescue pod, losing contact with the outside world in the process. Alternatively, he intentionally stayed behind to cause enoughmotion and waited for other elders to forge the path in their frenzy. This would certainly cause them to sustain heavy losses. He might be scheming something big, looking to take advantage of the chaos. Zhao Qingcan deduced, considering Old Zhong''s notorious fear of death, the former possibility seemed more likely. However, Wang Xuan disagreed. He felt thetter scenario was the more probable one between the two. He always believed that the old man was ruthless. When he took action, it was bound to be groundbreaking. For instance, this time, who could have imagined that the Old Zhong who was perceived to be afraid of death would venture into the Hidden Land while he still had years left to live? He was the first among the affluent families to take such a risk. If he dared to act so recklessly, he might also dare to y big, leveraging the situation. While the group of elders were provoked and united to advance into the Hidden Land, he might opportunistically pluck the heavenly herbs. Zhao Qingcan, with a gentle smile, noted, "There''s a high likelihood, over 80%, that he has already returned to the New World. The probability of him remaining in the Hidden Land is scant, less than 20%. Rather than getting bogged down in spection, our primary goal should be to secure an alliance with the Zhong family." She was of the view that if Old Zhong, an acknowledged master in Old Arts, were indeed in the Hidden Land, they''d have a formidable advantage. While Wang Xuan nodded outwardly, inwardly his ambitions were taking shape. Upon entering the Hidden Land, he envisioned harnessing its power to ascend to greater heights. An elevation in rank would make him a Grandmaster. Moreover, if he managed to procure certain relics from this realm, he could potentially transcend to an even loftier domain. Once there, the celestial would be relegated to their sphere, while the terrestrial would be under Wang Xuan''s dominion. Any adversary, even the likes of Old Zhong, would be effortlessly subdued. Wang Xuan then presented Zhao Qingcan with a contract from the ''New Source Exploration Team,'' asserting theirmendable survival rate. Yet, herughter upon a cursory nce hinted at the underlying deceit. She pointedly remarked that this was nothing but a ruse. The team, as it turned out, was a smokescreen for a wealthy dynasty. Their present recruitment challenges had led them to employ such subterfuge. A shadow crossed Wang Xuan''s face. Was he being yed? The passionate speeches from the previous night, proiming the bravery of Elder Zhong as motivation, now seemed like a well-rehearsed charade. It dawned on him that these connivers had targeted him, meticulously plotting their deception. Although Wang Xuan had always maintained a cautious stance, he now felt a simmering anger. Their long con made it evident that they were certain of luring him into the Hidden Land, viewing him as nothing more than a pawn in their game. "Which family''s puppet?" Wang Xuan demanded. Seeing his current demeanor, Zhao Qingcan had to stifle a chuckle. "Looking for trouble, are you? It''s either the Qin family or the Song family." Wang Xuan clenched his teeth,mitting the names to memory. "Once we''re in the Hidden Land, they''ll get a lesson they won''t forget!" Zhao Qinghan''s tone shifted to one of grave concern. Her porcin face turned solemn as she advised Wang Xuan to undergo training before venturing into the Hidden Land. Merely relying on her briefings wouldn''t suffice. The Zhao family maintained a base in the western region, geared toprehensively enhance one''s survival capabilities in the Hidden Land. Wang Xuan didn''t decline. His knowledge of the Hidden Land was fragmented at best, garnered mainly from deceptive sources. Now, with the veil lifted, he realized how misinformed he was. He loathed being yed by those swindlers. Even if they hadn''t directly exploited him, merely being their target felt like a slight to his prestige. "Do you want to meet with our ssmates from the New World?" Zhao Qingcan queried. Wang Xuan shook his head, "Let''s gather once we''re back from the Hidden Land. For now, I need to focus on understanding the real nature of that extraordinary ce." He viewed this as a life-or-death mission. He wasn''t taking it lightly, especially considering how the perilous realm was notorious for wiping out entire groups! Wang Xuan swiftly packed up his belongings back at his ce, ensuring he took his short sword with him. He then reached out to the secretwork run by Old Chen and initiated a call with the person in charge of its Yuan City division. "Kindly pass a message to Qing Mu," Wang Xuan instructed, "Let him know that their guardian angel is heading to the Hidden Land. Soon, I''ll be gathering medicinal herbs. Please inquire if the esteemed Elder Rendleng wishes to join." The head of the Yuan City division was utterly confused by Wang Xuan''s cryptic words. What on earth is this young man talking about with all his codednguage? When Wang Xuan departed, he did not spot the little girl, Lele. Yet, deep down, he made a resolution: once inside the Hidden Land, he''d be vignt and hopeful that Lele could hold on until his return. He boarded Zhao Qingcan''spact spacecraft, which journeyed westward. To his astonishment, their path led them to the Misty Hignds. Memories, some painful, associated with this region came rushing back. Seeing the anguish evident on Wang Xuan''s face, Zhao Qingcan couldn''t help but tease, "Have you been here before?" "Never!" Wang Xuan denied. ¡­¡­ The vast expanse of the Misty Hignds stretched endlessly, covering over nine million square kilometers. The massive uninhabited regions made it an ideal location for a base, and the Zhao family had imed a portion of thisnd. Wang Xuan recalled glimpsing a simr ce during hisst visit and had wisely chosen to keep his distance. "I''ll leave you here to undergo systematic training. I''lle to check on you in a couple of days," Zhao Qingcan said, dropping him off. She had a plethora of tasks to handle¡ªforming alliances, determining the safest routes within the Hidden Land, and deciding which extraordinary herbs to gather. All these required meticulous nning. The base was expansive. The distant view showcased a dense primeval forest and soaring snow-capped mountains. Upon his arrival, Wang Xuan''s initiation was an overview of the environmental conditions of the Hidden Land. A benevolent-looking middle-aged woman educated him. The gravity of the Hidden Land was slightly stronger than their home, with a marginally higher atmospheric pressure and denser oxygen levels. This implied that anyone venturing there needed to have a more robust cardiopulmonary system. Fortunately, the differences between the Hidden Land and their home weren''t drastic. They were variations humans could adapt to. If the gravitational force had been several or even dozens of times stronger than their home, it would have been a suicide mission for anyone to even consider going there. The woman exined, "The most significant challenge within the Hidden Land is the dense presence of a substance we''ve termed ''X-substance''. Over time, this can cause sophisticatedponents to malfunction." Even formidable warships had met their demise there. The X-substance had a terrifying ability to prate defenses, making it an insidious threat. Spacecrafts ferrying explorers in and out of the Hidden Land had strict time constraints. Lingering was not an option; they needed to adhere to their schedules rigorously. Otherwise, the risk of a catastrophe was imminent. Many of the sophisticated and powerful technological weapons were rendered useless in the Hidden Land. A mech suit worth billions could likely operate for just half an hour before it became inoperative. Such losses were unbearable for anyone. "The region is also hostile to those who pursue the path of arcane arts. The X-substance erodes the ''Divine Factor'', and prolonged exposure can result in horrifying physical mutations," the middle-aged woman warned. Wang Xuan''s understanding of the Hidden Land deepened with each revtion. Subsequently, an elderly expert embarked on detailing the fauna and flora of the realm. The old man presented Wang Xuan with a botanical book filled with descriptions and images of rare herbs, precious minerals, and notably, the legendary "Earth Immortal Grass." "Imagine venturing into this treasure trove of a ce and encountering a rare artifact, only to let it slip by because of unfamiliarity. That would be an immense loss," the old man said. Wang Xuan recognized the importance of the book. It was even moreprehensive than the one Chen had given him, and hemitted its contents to memory. Next, the old man handed him another book, chronicling various venomous entities, dangerous beasts, and bizarre creatures. Knowledge of these creatures was vital. Being forewarned could significantly enhance one''s survival rate. The old man mentioned that this book was a culmination of countless explorers'' experiences, many of whom paid with their lives. He cautioned, "The threats in the Hidden Land are far more than what this book captures. Many are yet to be discovered. Always tread with utmost caution and vignce." The elderly schr was thorough, delving intomon animals and fruits that could serve as sustenance if one were stranded. "Remember well. Look at these two fruits¡ªthey seem identical, but while the former is edible, thetter is deadly poisonous!" Wang Xuan felt immense gratitude toward the old man, having gained invaluable insights. Given his exceptional memory, stemming from his spiritual domain, he absorbed the knowledge rapidly, earning repeated nods of approval from the elder. Afterward, Wang Xuan was led to learnbat. "Some creatures in the Hidden Land are very unique. You might be skilled atbat with humans, but initially, fighting these creatures might throw you off bnce." Experts taught Wang Xuan techniques to efficiently handle the creatures of the Hidden Land, vastly expanding his understanding. Like a sponge absorbing water, he incessantly acquired new knowledge, gradually grasping the intricacies of this enigmatd. Its perils were so profound that even he felt the weight of caution. Two dayster, Zhao Qingcan arrived with apanion in tow. Even from a distance, Wang Xuan recognized her and mused to himself, "Life indeed has a way of bringing old acquaintances together. Who would''ve thought I''d meet her here?" Upon spotting him, Wu Yin''s eyes widened in surprise, followed by disbelief. "How is it possible to run into him even here in the New World? Why is he everywhere?" Wang Xuan ruminated internally. While Wu Yin''s allure and graceful poise remained undeniable, her demeanor turned noticeably frosty upon recognizing his true form. Why was their dynamic so drastically different nowpared to before? When he was known as Master Wang, their conversations were filled with mirth. But now, her eyes seemingly shot daggers at him. Reflecting on their history, he realized that their first meeting involved him giving her a somewhat intrusive "diagnosis," and during their second encounter, he identally stepped on her foot. Could these minor mishaps truly warrant suchsting resentment? "Do you two... know each other?" Zhao Qingcan inquired with a hint of astonishment. "Yes, Wu Yin and I crossed paths frequently on the old Earth. We''re old friends," Wang Xuan responded, trying to lighten the mood. But Wu Yin only responded with a cold chuckle. It seemed the slights of their past encounters remained vivid in her memory, and she wasn''t one to forget easily. ¡­¡­ Wu Yin didn''t stay long and left in short order. Zhao Qinghan informed Wang Xuan that an alliance with the Wu family had been formed, and an agreement with Xiao Zhong was also in ce. Wang Xuan was intrigued. It seemed the moniker "Xiao Zhong" held some significance, given that even Zhao Qinghan casually mentioned it. During his five-day stay at the base, Wang Xuan immersed himself in rigorous learning. The instructors were pleased with his progress, noting his quick grasp and thorough understanding. On the seventh day, Zhao Qinghan told Wang Xuan it was time to depart. The allies were to rendezvous near the Hidden Land, and the Zhao family''s expedition team was set to embark. Wang Xuan boarded the warship with a team of thirty-six explorers. Their numbers might have been modest, but their role was to capitalize on discoveries made by the veteran explorers leading the way. After departing the New World, their journey led them to a named "Deep Space Star 19" from which they would travel through a stargate. Wang Xuan was taken aback by the revtion of traveling through a wormhole. The sheer distance from the New World to the Hidden Land must have been immense if even warp-capable warships couldn''t make the journey directly. He also pondered how the inhabitants of the New World discovered the Hidden Land. Did they construct the wormhole themselves? Emerging on the other side of the wormhole, the ship entered apletely unfamiliar expanse of space, light-years away from the gxy of the New World, drawing them closer to the enigmatic Hidden Land. Chapter 127: Reminiscent Of That Kick Chapter 127: Reminiscent Of That Kick Emerging from the wormhole, they were greeted by the vast expense of space with its shimmering brilliance, casting an enveloping silence around them. This vastness often invoked feelings of insignificance in observers, reminding them of their triviality in the face of the cosmos, where evens seemed like mere specks of dust. At this moment, the location of the new eluded them. Their warship''s advanced scanning capabilities could not pinpoint the familiar star cluster they once called home. It boggled their minds just how many light-years they might have traversed, how far they had ventured from familiar terrains. Wang Xuan found himself questioning whether they might have crossed over into an entirely different universe. And he wasn''t alone in this spection. Several members of the expedition wondered whether they had entered a new ster region or, perhaps, a parallel universe. Only the top organizations with warp technology might have the answers. ncing over at Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan saw her engrossed in a set of documents, her expression somber. He decided against broaching the topic with her. Their primary concern now was the exploration of the Hidden Land. Distracting thoughts could be shelved for another time. In the midst of this contemtive silence, a young man approached Zhao Qinghan, offering her a cup filled with a fragrant natural beverage. "Take a break," he whispered gently. This was Zheng Rui, an influential member of the team, hailing from the Zheng family, renowned for their "Origins Life Institute". He and Zhao Qinghan shared a professional bond. Of the thirty-six team members set to explore the Hidden Land, twelve were under Zheng Rui''s lead. "Thank you," Zhao Qinghan responded, setting aside her documents to ept the drink. An air of solemnity pervaded the warship. Over theing days, they would tread the thin line between life and death. Some among them, they knew, might not return from the uncharted world they were about to explore. The warship''s warp engines roared to life, thrusting the vessel forward through the vastness of space. They weren''t close to the Hidden Land right after emerging from the wormhole; a decision likely rooted in safety concerns. Their anticipated journey to the star system that housed the Hidden Land was roughly four hours. During the voyage, Zhao Qinghan began introducing some pivotal members of their team. "Meet Grandmaster Yang Lin," she said, pointing towards a distinguished figure. He was a celebrated master in the realm of New Arts. In the Hidden Land, the so-called God Factor or super-matter would be vulnerable to the corrupting influence of X-matter. Despite this limitation, Yang Lin, with his intense physical training and prowess, stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was amon belief that masters of the Old Arts were best suited forbat within the Hidden Land. But such masters were rare nowadays, given the significant decline of their arts over time. Standing next to Zheng Rui was a middle-aged man, a gically enhanced super-being. His power was palpable, and he, too, held the title of a grandmaster. "And here''s Wang Xuan," Zhao Qinghan continued. "Ah, your ssmate, right?" Zheng Rui remarked with a yful smirk. She nodded, leading the introductions onward. Many cast curious nces at Wang Xuan, wondering if he was merely there due to connections. But they brushed the thought away, knowing the deadly nature of the Hidden Land wouldn''t spare the ill-prepared. The warship traveled at an impressive pace. Soon they were entering the star system of the Hidden Land, drawing closer to itsary belt. "Do you see it? That''s the Hidden Land!" Zhao Qinghan pointed out, directing their gaze to a life-bearing detected by the warship''s scanners. Wang Xuan stepped forward, peering intently. The appeared lush and green, but a hazy mist obscured a clear view. The abundant X-matter within the Hidden Land made it impossible to get a crisp visual. The warship started decelerating, aligning its course with a brownish nearby. It wasn''t the Hidden Land but bore a rtion to it, much like Mars does to Earth in our sr system. The Hidden Land was perilous for starships, making prolonged stays in its vicinity impossible. As a result, the neighboring, known as the "Brown Star," became the prime base for explorers. All expeditionary forces, their battleships, and other vessels anchored here. Only when ferrying exploratory teams did they dash to and fro the life-bearing of the Hidden Land. The facilities on Brown Star weremendable. While they couldn''t rival the advanced bases on New Moon, they were more than equipped to provide brief recuperation for the injured and refuel starships. Littering the Brown Star''s shipyard were magnificent battleships. These were the vessels of veteran explorers, who had already embarked on their journey into the Hidden Land. Zhao Qinghan''s ship touched down, nning to stay for a day. The strategy was to let the seasoned pioneers forge ahead first. They also intended to rendezvous here with the Wu and Zhong families. The resting quarters of the Brown Star base resembled a small, fortified town. A sturdy protectiveyer shielded its tranquil interiors, while outside, sandstorms raged, blotting out the skies. Upon their entry into the base, Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan, Zheng Rui, and Yang Lin drew the curious gazes of several onlookers. Their presence certainly didn''t go unnoticed. "Qinghan!" A familiar voice greeted with a broad smile. "Zheng Rui!" A group of young men and women approached, clearly acquaintances of Zhao Qinghan and Zheng Rui. They hailed from other powerful families, representing the brave and ambitious young generation. With audacity to match their lofty ambitions, they hoped to follow in the footsteps of the veteran explorers into the Hidden Land. Their goal? To find and harvest rare treasures that might change their fates. The group engaged in lively conversation. Despite any underlying intentions or rivalries, everyone wore a friendly smile and spoke of supporting one another within the Realm. However, many knew that such promises were just pleasantries. In the face of true danger inside the Hidden Land, one might only have the chance to fend for themselves. To prevent conflicts over discoveries, each party had nned different routes within the Hidden Land, ensuring a safe distance between them. No one dared to risk their lives for another; to do so was akin to burning one''s own lifeline. Wang Xuan''s gaze was drawn to a holographic advertisement nearby. His eyes widened at the exchange offers disyed by major organizations. "300 grams of Earth''s Marrow can be exchanged for 50 million Novadors." "100 grams of Sr Gold can be traded for 500 million Novadors." The allure of such rewards emphasized the gravity and potential of their uing expedition. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Sr Gold? What is that?" The sheer value of this substance was staggering, marking it as a titan among rare treasures. A middle-aged man with a weathered face and only one arm chuckled at Wang Xuan''s astonishment. "Drawn to that list, aren''t you? The first time Iid eyes on it, my heart raced with excitement. But aftering back from the Hidden Land, that enthusiasm cooled rapidly. Some of those treasures... you might pay with your life and still not obtain them." He spoke candidly of his previous journey into the Hidden Land, a trip that had left him scarred but alive. Now, he worked in this base as part of the support staff. Curiosity piqued, Wang Xuan asked, "What exactly is Sr Gold?" "It''s a rare metal from the Hidden Land," the man began, his voice tinged with reverence. "Legend has it that the weapons of ancient celestial beings contained traces of Sr Gold. Nowadays, major research institutions are studying how best to harness its extraordinary properties." Wang Xuan nodded in understanding. The allure of the Hidden Landy in its myriad mysteries, but most were so elusive that they could only be admired from afar. Some of the rarest treasures were even rumored to be guarded by transcendent creatures. Who, at their current level, could confront such monstrosities? The frequent stories of entire expedition teams vanishing without a trace spoke to the ruthless nature of the Realm. Showboating within its confines was tantamount to signing one''s own death warrant. His gaze swept over the dazzling array of treasures on offer. Many were items of legend, yet they''d all reportedly been found within the Hidden Land. The ce was a staggering blend of wonder and terror. Then, a specific listing caught his eye: the Celestial Herb. It could be exchanged for a whopping 60 billion Novadors. And that was just the base price; negotiations were weed for higher offers. Wang Xuan stared at the listings intently. After a moment''s reflection, he felt the quoted price for the Celestial Herb was surprisingly low. After all, this herb was believed to extend one''s life by centuries or even propel one to transcendence. The valuation seemed understated. Indeed, as he scanned further, several powerful families had outbid the base price with astonishing offers. For instance, the Song family not only offered avish vi in a prime location andmercial storefronts, but they also added a rare script from the Taoist tradition, a secretive text penned by the legendary immortal Lu Dongbin that provided insights into the alchemical path. The Qin family''s offer was equally staggering: billions of Novadors as a foundation, paired with an unparalleled Buddhist scripture, the True Sutra of Sakyamuni. However, it was the Zhou family''s offer that truly caught his attention: the inclusion of ancient golden bamboo scripts from the pre-Qin dynasty! Who wouldn''t be tempted by such treasures? At the present stage, a single Celestial Herb could be traded for legendary tomes and scriptures. Yet, the cruel irony was clear to Wang Xuan. Most who possessed the Celestial Herb likely wouldn''t dare to trade it. Once procured, it had to be consumed immediately, for keeping it would almost certainly lead to one''s demise. Anyone caught with such a precious item would likely be targeted and assassinated. Even the most distinguished elders from the wealthiest families might turn on each other, all for a taste of its fabled power. Moreover, should someone consume the herb, they''d have to hide the truth. Certain research institutions, in their unbridled ambition, might go to extreme lengths, including extracting the medicinal properties directly from a living person. Such was the madness fueled by the chase for immortality. It was the reason such astronomical prices were being offered. Wang Xuan''s eyes widened further as he continued to peruse the list. Beyond the Celestial Herby mentions of even more elusive treasures - the Eternity Stone, Destiny Elixir, and the Feathering Tree. However, these were mere spections, elusive hints of their existence, as parts of the Hidden Land were too treacherous to explore. Inparison, the current area they were in seemed to be just the outskirts. Having exchanged greetings with old acquaintances, Zhao Qinghan and Zheng Rui regrouped. Together, they led the team to their reserved amodations, nning to rest and recuperate for the day. Hourster, members of both the Wu and Zhou families arrived, joining Zhao Qinghan and Zheng Rui. The three groups, now assembled, began to acquaint themselves with each other''s members. Beside Wu Yin, stood a young man in histe twenties. Sporting a short haircut, his tall frame stood out at an imposing 185 cm. What was most striking were his piercing eyes, sharp and intense. "Zhou Yun!" Wang Xuan recognized him immediately. Their paths had crossed more than once, and more often than not, those encounters ended with Wang Xuan besting Zhou Yun. Zhou Yun was the close cousin of Ling Wei. Their first confrontation saw Zhou Yun unveiling a novel technique, challenging Wang Xuan. s, he was soundly defeated. Their next encounter took ce beneath Qingcheng Mountain. The Zhou, Wu, and Ling families were jointly excavating an underground pce when Wang Xuan and Qing Mu got the jump on them. During that meeting, Wang Xuan, disguised by a lifelike mask that made him appear of mixed descent, once again defeated Zhou Yun. The defeat was so severe that Zhou Yun sustained injuries, including a fractured arm and was left unconscious. From that day on, he harbored a deep animosity towards the ''man of mixed descent.'' However, Wang Xuan''s recollection of Zhou Yun was more favorable. After all, he had once retrieved the five golden pages from the legendary Zhang Daoling''s book right from Zhou Yun''s grasp. So, when their eyes met, Wang Xuan greeted him with a friendly smile. Surprisingly, Zhou Yun, who had a mild case of face blindness, couldn''t recognize Wang Xuan immediately amidst the crowd, thus momentarily overlooking him. However, Wu Yin''s keen eyes caught Wang Xuan''s friendly gesture. In response, she coldly turned her back on him, her raven-ck hair flowing gracefully, presenting her elegant silhouette as a barrier. "Old Wang!" A surprised exmation echoed. Upon seeing Wang Xuan''s silhouette, Zhong Cheng hastened toward him. His shout drew the curious nces of many. Wang Xuan turned, his expression stern. Zhong Cheng usually showed great respect to Grandmaster Wang. Now, to his surprise, he''d inadvertently revealed the more informal nickname he used in private. Seeing Wang Xuan''s face, Zhong Cheng looked somewhat disappointed. "You''re not Old Wang." Wu Yin looked puzzled. She nced at Wang Xuan again, focusing intently on his profile. In fact, she''d encountered Wang Xuan by Yun Lake in An City just a day before leaving the oldnd and had felt something unusual then. "My name is Wang Xuan," he rified. "Oh, so you''re Little Wang. I know one of your rtives, people call him Old Wang. He''s incredibly powerful, overshadowing even the elders. He''s someone you should aspire to surpass in your lifetime," Zhong Cheng said, his youthful face oddly mature. He patted Wang Xuan on the shoulder before walking away. Wang Xuan''s face remained impassive, but he silently resolved to give Zhong Cheng a piece of his mind the next time they met, for repeatedly referring to the revered Elder Wang as ''Old Wang''. Meanwhile, Zhou Yun, with his mild face-blindness, was deep in conversation with Zhao Qinghan and Zheng Rui, still oblivious to Wang Xuan''s presence. ¡­¡­ The following morning, they set out, steering their course towards the enigmatic territory. All three factions shared a moderately-sized aircraft. Considering the mysteriousnd''s uncanny ability to corrode flying vessels, their decision to use a smaller ship was both pragmatic and cost-effective. Their destination appeared quicker than anticipated: a forest clearing, previously carved out forndings such as theirs. As Wang Xuan''s feet touched the ground, an overwhelming surge of vibrant energy enveloped him. The atmosphere was so charged and invigorating that he had to restrain himself from letting out a triumphant shout. Each breath he took seemed to rejuvenate his spirit, as though thend and he were intrinsically connected. The sheer affinity he felt for this ce caught him off guard. However, before he could further immerse himself in the surroundings, an unsettling sensation pricked at his heightened senses. Something stirred beneath them. An impending threat loomed. "Everyone, rest assured. This area is generally safe," an elderly explorer announced, his voice echoing his numerous visits to thisnd. "Move!" Wang Xuan''s voice cut through the calm, as he instinctively sprang into action. Wielding his alloy de, he darted forward, unintentionally pushing Zhong Cheng out of his path. Recognizing the urgency, he swiftly extended his leg, nudging Wu Yin into the air, saving her from the unidentified peril. Confusion reigned. Zhong Cheng let out a pained grunt, his face contorted from the unexpected shove. Suspended in the air, Wu Yin''s gaze met Wang Xuan''s, her eyes a fiery mix of bewilderment and anger. Chapter 128: Arrival In A New Star Chapter 128: Arrival In A New Star Caught in mid-air, an overwhelming surge of anger welled up inside Wu Yin as she stared at Wang Xuan. It was an all-too-familiar sensation, reminiscent of their previous encounter. Yet, this time, the sting of embarrassment was intensified by the fact that they were surrounded by familiar faces. Each shocked gaze from the onlookers amplified her humiliation. The color rose to her cheeks, a zingbination of anger and embarrassment. The sensation was almost like fire coursing through her veins, consuming every bit of herposure. Zhong Cheng, who had been unceremoniously shoved by Wang Xuan, was sprawled a fair distance away. He groaned in pain, clutching his waist and cursing his misfortune. Wang Xuan remained steadfast, des at the ready, anticipating a threat to emerge from beneath the ground. However, an unexpected silence ensued. Hisplexion paled. Was he being mocked? Were the creatures of this ce ying a cruel joke on him? Frustration gnawed at him. Without a legitimate threat, his actions would be indefensible. He felt the weight of impending confrontation, especially from the fiery-eyed Wu Yin. In a fit of impatience, he stabbed his de into the ground, hoping to coax whatever lurked below into action. Regaining her footing after the abrupt flight, Wu Yin subtly massaged the spot where she''d been struck. Her fiery gaze, full of anger and reproach, was locked onto Wang Xuan. She seemed to silently use, "Not you again!" Her hand instinctively reached for a weapon. She was resolved to not let this incident slide. Beginning her journey in a new realm on such a discordant note was unthinkable, and she was set on confronting Wang Xuan. "Something is definitely lurking beneath us!" Wang Xuan eximed, continuing his fervent attempts to pierce the ground with his de. Hoping to clear his name, he added, "While I may not be as powerful as many here, my senses, especially in detecting spiritual presences, are incredibly sharp." Many in the group turned to look at him with a mixture of skepticism and intrigue. However, Yang Lin, a renowned Master of the New Arts, tilted his head slightly, evidently picking up on something. He was not the only one, for other gically enhanced individuals in the group with simr capabilities began to sense it too. The expressions of seasoned explorers within their ranks darkened. "Run! Get out of here! There''s a Sand Worm lurking underground!" shouted one of the experienced adventurers, leading the charge to flee the scene. Instantly, a ripple of panic washed over the group. In this unfamiliar territory, even the slightest hint of danger could send the less experienced into a frenzy. Out of the three teams, which consisted of over a hundred members, the majority were novices. Watching them scatter in disarray was like witnessing an army in full retreat. Without any hesitation, Wang Xuan joined in the frantic escape. Had no one sounded the rm, even diving into the Yellow River wouldn''t have been enough to absolve him of me. As Zhong Cheng managed to stagger to his feet, he was once again knocked down, this time by a rookie from the Wu family''s team. As Wang Xuan raced by, he swiftly grabbed Zhong Cheng by the cor, hauling him up. Boom! In a sh, there was a sudden explosion from behind. Wild grass was thrown into the air, and dirt and rocks scattered everywhere. From the ground, a creature burrowed its way to the surface. It was as thick as a water barrel, with a unique circr mouth as wide as its body. Its maw was filled with sharp, closely-packed teeth. "Thanks, Wang! I owe you one!" eximed Zhong Cheng. Even though he was still grimacing in pain from Wang Xuan''s earlier shove, he couldn''t help but express his gratitude. Without a word, Wang Xuan pushed him towards Zhong Qing. The mage hired by the Zhong family had already rushed over, grabbing Zhong Cheng and taking off. Boom! From the disturbed ground behind them, nearly two dozen creatures, each nearly ten meters long, emerged and gave chase. It became apparent that the first creature had deliberately remained hidden, waiting for itsrades below. These creatures disyed a surprising level of intelligence, seemingly preparing for a coordinated group attack. Fortunately, the group were quick to react, or they would definitely have taken severe casualties. ¡°There¡¯s a whole nest of Sand Worms down there!¡± someone shouted, having identified the life forms that were attacking them. These monsters had the appearance of worms, but were farrger than their counterparts on Earth. With a formidable length of ten meters and covered by thick exoskeleton, these monsters were lethal to the humans around them. Theirrge maws could easily snap a person in half. Escape from these creatures were not easy, for they were able to burrow underground, and crawl at astonishing speed onnd. But the members of the exploration team were all practitioners of the Arts. They were able to escape to safety with rtive ease. "Are you okay?" As Wang Xuan sprinted forward, he spotted Wu Yin nearby and reached out to her with concern. With a physique that epitomized grace, Wu Yin''s escape seemed like a dance of elegance. Clutched in her hand was an alloy knife, its sharpness reflecting her recent urge to turn it against Wang Xuan. Her emotions now were a mix of gratitude and lingering frustration. She considered voicing her thanks but pride held her tongue. "You''ve got soil on you," Wang Xuan pointed out gently, fearing she might react impulsively if someone else made the observation. Checking herself, Wu Yin''s eyes widened at a conspicuous footprint, a tant testament to where she had been kicked. She discreetly adjusted her attire, hoping few had noticed. But when she sought Wang Xuan again, he had cleverly melted into the crowd, likely maintaining distance from her. Then, her gaze met Little Zhong''s, who was unabashedly staring. "Focus on escaping, not gawking!" she snapped. "It''s fine. Only two of the bigger creatures pursued us. We can handle them," another voice chimed in. A Master of the New Arts then stepped forward, ready to confront the danger. He waited for the right moment to strike. Wang Xuan, too, reentered the fray, moving fluidly within the group, his knife at the ready. Maintaining restraint to avoid unleashing his full power, Wang Xuan delivered a precise cut towards the menacing worm. The de glinted coldly before making its mark. Thud! Emerald-hued liquid spurted out, the lifeblood of the Sand Worm. Though Wang Xuan''s de prated deep, it was shy of splitting the creature entirely. Without hesitation, he pulled back. Within the expedition group, a handful of seasoned veterans who had navigated this treacherous terrain before, swiftly took charge. Their expertise shone as they efficiently beheaded the two giant worms. All the while, Wu Yin, driven by a surge of frustration,unched herself at the worms, hacking with unbridled fury. Long after the creature was lifeless, she continued her barrage. It took a moment for her to realize her overzealousness, after which she retreated, a mix of horror and revulsion on her face. One could only wonder if her anger was solely for the worm or someone else in her imagination. The incident left the novices in the group unsettled. Their initiation into this mysterious domain had offered a stern warning: unseen perils were omnipresent, and any distraction could be deadly. "Sharp reflexes, Wang Xuan," a seasoned explorermented appreciatively. "Exceptional psychic abilities," a Master of the New Arts observed, giving a nod of approval. Gratefully, Wang Xuan responded, "Thank you. My senses might be heightened, but I''m still green in actualbat. If I can provide early warnings of any dangers, would you ensure my safety?" The group agreed unanimously. They continued their journey and soon paused for a much-needed respite. Taking a momentary pause from their ordeal, the group finally had the chance to absorb the beauty of the unfamiliar world around them. Stretching out before them was a lush forest, teeming with life. Among the majestic trees, colossal golden mushrooms stood tall, appearing like ornate umbres anchored to the earth. "Be wary," an experienced explorer advised, "those mushrooms areced with potent toxins. But aside from that, this area seems rtively benign." Wang Xuan observed the verdant expanse. The trees were immense, with some so wide that they would require a group to encircle their trunks. Yet, what captivated him the most was the tangible aura of varied energy substances in the atmosphere. To his astonishment, he felt the presence of ethereal particles, previously encountered only in mythical realms. Although these particles were dispersed thinlypared to those mystical worlds, their mere existence here was profoundly intriguing. Could there be a link between this world and the Old Arts? A sense of kinship with this world surged through Wang Xuan. A deep-seated urge to embrace his full strength and perhaps even engage in a thrilling duel bubbled within him. "Should we continue separately as nned?" Wu Yin queried. The initial strategy had been for the three factions to explore in separate groups, simultaneously delving deeper into this enigma. However, after the recent near-miss, Wu Yin felt the collective strength of unity was essential. "I believe we should stay united," Zhong Qing proposed. "I''m of the same opinion," Zheng Rui added. Zhao Qinghan''s nod solidified the consensus. With the decision made, they decided to journey onward as one. The day had reached its peak when the group settled for a brief pause, munching on the provisions they brought along. Surprisingly, Zhou Yun sidled up to Wang Xuan. "Never expected you to step out of the ancient realm and journey into this mystic territory. Quite a daring move!" "It''s been a while, Old Zhou! Missed you," Wang Xuan replied warmly, genuine gratitude evident in his tone. The Five-Page Golden Book Old Zhou had shared was pivotal for him. "Call me Brother Zhou," he corrected with a yful re, then whispered, "You''ve kept our little duel a secret, right?" Wang Xuan held back a chuckle. For all of Zhou Yun''s formidable aura, he was rather conscious about keeping that incident under wraps. "Of course," Wang Xuan affirmed. Relieved, Zhou Yun added, "Now that I''ve honed my skills to perfection, I reckon I could handle eight of you at once. But I won''t challenge you. We''re allies in this adventure." Wang Xuanughed softly. While he considered another yful confrontation with Zhou Yun, he decided it wouldn''t be right to always target him. Suddenly, a deep humming interrupted their conversation. A group member scrambled up a nearby tree to survey the surroundings. Their faces went ashen. "Wild bees! Swarming in masses. Oh God!" Another teased from below, "Afraid of some bees?" "These aren''t ordinary bees," the scout shot back, panic evident in his voice. "They''re massive, over two meters each, evenrger than freaking cattles!" The murmurs grew louder when the news spread: the hos they feared were the dreaded Murder Hos, infamous for their lethal sting. The adventurers climbed trees to witness the spectacle unfolding in the distant skies. "It''s a duel between two Murder Ho swarms. We need to stay within this mushroom area for safety," an experienced explorer remarked, his voice thick with anxiety. From his elevated vantage point, Wang Xuan saw the dark sky awash with an eerie shadow, as if dusk had arrived early. It was the hos, battling fiercely, with fallenbatants dropping continuously. Their imposing size was evident even from a distance¡ªmaking it clear that a single sting would spell doom. His eyes traveled further to discover a colossal hive, standing as tall as a small hill. Its gray, ominous presence was a testament to its dangers. "We shouldy low until the ho conflict subsides," came a cautionary voice. Interestingly, the hos refrained from approaching the mushroom territory, making it a temporary safe haven. As night crept in, the group had no choice but to camp. The day, meant for exploration, had been unexpectedly unproductive. Following a modest dinner, they decided to rest early, hoping to set out at dawn. "Wang Xuan, join me here," Zhao Qinghan beckoned. Obliging, Wang Xuan settled his sleeping bag a short distance from Zhao, readying himself for sleep. Muted conversations continued, with some specting about Wang Xuan''s possible influential affiliations. The night''s events seemed to further cement these whispers. ¡­¡­ Amidst the unnerving silence of the forest, the bond between Zhao Qinghan and Wang Xuan became palpable. While esteemed figures like Master Yang Lin and Zheng Rui opted to rest in a secluded area, Zhao Qinghan made a deliberate choice to keep Wang Xuan, her old school friend, close by. Her actions, while subtle, did not go unnoticed by the group, hinting at a deeper understanding between the two. Although appreciative, Wang Xuan remained mum, not wanting to draw attention to the protective veil he seemed to provide. However, the eerie tranquility of the night was shattered when Wang Xuan awoke with a start, sensing a fleeting shadow''s swift movement. Momentster, a panicked voice echoed through the stillness, intensifying the night''s suspense. "Where are those who were beside me? They''ve vanished!" Pandemonium ensued as others chimed in, announcing the mysterious disappearances from their respective areas. "My group''s missing five!" a voice trembled. "Four have disappeared from mine!" another cried out. The chilling realization that thirty-seven members had evaporated into thin air without any signs was paralyzing. The palpable tension was almost tangible. Trying to restore some semnce of calm, Zhao Qinghan, though visibly distraught, emerged, seekingfort and answers. Wang Xuan, attempting to be the group''s pir of strength, reassured, "Stay calm. We''ll find a way through this." Chapter 129: Revealing True Colors Chapter 129: Revealing True Colors In the oppressive stillness of the night, the unexpected disappearance ofpanions was an unsettling realization that haunted everyone present. An astounding thirty-seven individuals had vanished. Without a trace, without a sound. The weight of their sudden absence hung heavy in the air. In the inky ckness of the forest, vision was limited to mere inches. The environment was eerily quiet, with the only audible sound being the frantic pulsing of heartbeats that seemed to echo menacingly. "Even the night guards... all three of them have disappeared," a voice trembled amidst the silence. Tension saturated the atmosphere. With eachbored breath, dread thickened, as they pondered if, from the unseen depths, unseen eyes were surveying them, weighing their fates. Several neers were overtaken by uncontroble shivers, the biting cold of fear racing up their backs, making their hairs stand on end. This real-life horror surpassed any fright from a cinematic thriller. But this wasn''t any scripted drama. This was a visceral terror unfolding in real-time. Dreadful questions gued their minds: What predatory entity was concealed in the shadows? Would it strike again? They were no longer on familiar terrain. Whether on a distant in an alien gxy or possibly trapped within a parallel universe, they were faced with unknown dangers. Suddenly, a mournful sob shattered the oppressive quietude, its chilling timbre amplifying the group''s terror. Who is it? What had they witnessed? Amid the rising panic, the group braced themselves, anticipating the unknown horrors that might follow. The chilling cry echoed again from the forest''s depths, pushing everyone to instinctively recoil. "What''s lurking nearby?" A rookie''s voice trembled, her regret palpable. "Why did I ever venture into this cursed ce?" Her body shook uncontrobly. Another mournful wail pierced the stillness, even more haunting than before, its tone colder and more ethereal. "It''s merely a mourning bird," an experienced explorer calmly noted. His prior visits to the area equipped him with the knowledge that helped stabilize the group''s mounting panic. "We''re not being haunted by phantoms." However, he silently acknowledged a grim reality: the mournful cries of such birds were often drawn to the scent of fresh blood. Given the unsettling disappearances, he dreaded imagining the possible fates of the vanished. The night, fraught with anxiety, allowed little rest. Everyone was on edge, acutely aware of their unfamiliar and perilous surroundings. But as the first light of dawn began to break, it heralded a much-needed respite from the enveloping darkness. Several neers exhaled deeply. The night had tested their limits, mentally and emotionally, with the abrupt loss of so many of their peers. As daylight permeated their surroundings, the grip of fear and anxiety loosened. "We need to search the area," Zhao Qinghan suggested, hoping to uncover any remnants or clues from the enigmatic events of the night. The lingering unknown was a pressing weight on everyone''s minds. New Arts Master Yang Lin finally stirred. Despite his unparalleled prowess, he had yet to exert his might in this bewildering situation. Eager to get to the bottom of the mysterious events, he made his move. Wang Xuan, gripping his long de, began heading towards the forest''s edge. "Wang Xuan!" Zhao Qinghan''s voice held a note of concern. The incident had urred in just one night, and it was under her leadership that everyone hade. She bore the weight of responsibility and was especially worried for her old ssmate. Around them, several people wore expressions of unease. "My perception is sharp. I''ll inspect," Wang Xuan dered, intent on investigating the eerily silent force that had spirited away theirpanions. His usually calm demeanor was tinged with seriousness. As dawn broke, the early morning rays filtered through the mists, casting the forest in a hazy glow. But this gentle light did little to lift the oppressive darkness in everyone''s hearts. A gruesome sight awaited Wang Xuan and Master Yang Lin a couple of miles out: skeletal remains, dripping with fresh blood, hung eerily from the trees. When the news spread and more from the group arrived to witness this chilling scene, a few of the neers felt their calves tremble involuntarily, their hands, even as they held weapons, shook uncontrobly. Fragments of flesh clung to these skeletons, and the bones themselves were stained withrge swaths of bloody sinew. Like gruesome pendulums, they swung in the breeze. Some skulls still bore their eyes, capturing the terror of their final moments. The sheer horror of the scene incited a mix of fear and burgeoning fury in the witnesses. Every individual yearned to avenge the fallen, but the true enemy remained unknown. Zhao Qinghan, Zheng Rui, Wu Yin, Zhou Yun, Zhong Qing, and others wore furrowed brows, deeply troubled by the ominous beginning to their journey. "Traces of sedatives are present in these remains," remarked a female explorer, using a specialized detection kit on the skeletal fragments. An anguished voice nearby observed, "They must''ve been drugged before being abducted. It exins our unnaturally deep sleepst night. We might''ve been exposed to a lesser dose." Several veterans, familiar with the forbiddennd, convened for a hasty discussion. Despite pooling their knowledge, they couldn¡¯t identify the nocturnal assant, having never faced such an event before. Zhong Qing proposed, "We should vacate this area immediately. The creature''s den is likely close by; it''s too risky to stay." The gruesome discovery deeply unsettled the group. There was unanimous agreement to move on without dy. As dawn broke, their journey continued. Wang Xuan felt an increasing affinity with this new world, particrly for those well-versed in ancient arts. His inherent energy seemed to be amplifying. He mused that with enough time in this ce, even without consuming special substances, he could naturally evolve to Grandmaster status. Amid the lurking dangers, the forbiddennd''s beauty was undeniable. The forests and mountain ranges were adorned with luminescent streaks of light. Unique energy particles floated in the air, shimmering like mist and smoke, creating a dazzling disy when illuminated by the sun. ¡¡¡¡¡­¡­ By mid-afternoon, the team reached a vast riverbank. Their initial n to cross was halted when they observed an unsettling sight on the opposite bank: the radiant glow of what first appeared to be a sunset was, in fact, a massive swarm of blood ants, each asrge as a chicken egg, moving in a dense, rippling mass. The sight unnerved those with a phobia ofrge groups. "We should tread carefully," a seasoned adventurer warned. "Suchrge-scale migrations of blood ants often indicate disturbances ahead." Their journey into this hidden realm had been anything but ordinary¡ªencounters with aggressive poison bees, the migrating blood ants, and unexined nocturnal ambushes. Following the river''s path, they settled in a unique location by nightfall: a dense forest awash in deep purple hues. From leaves to trunks, the entire forest radiated this color and gave off a peculiar scent. The trees bore fist-sized, dark purple fruits that seemed tempting. However, on peeling them, they released a sharp, acrid juice with an overpowering odor. An elder member of the group counseled, "Despite its off-putting scent, we must apply this juice to our bodies. It''s not just repugnant to us, but to the wild creatures too. It''ll keep them at bay." Although the aroma was pungent, Wang Xuan, along with others, grudgingly smeared it on. Wu Yin seemed especially distressed while applying, and Zhong Qing, doused head to toe by her brother, responded with a swift retaliation. Even the resolute Zhao hesitated but eventually applied the juice, opting to don a gas mask afterward. Seeing the potential advantage, the entire group followed suit, bracing for another unpredictable night. "Qinghan, join us here," Zheng Rui murmured, gesturing to two formidable individuals at his side. He invited Zhao Qinghan and the New Arts Master, Yang Lin, to rest nearby. Zhao Qinghan beckoned Wang Xuan to stay close, fearing the unforeseen dangers that lurked in the shadows. Zheng Rui disyed a hint of dissatisfaction. He had feelings for Zhao Qinghan and felt no obligation to be as amodating to Wang Xuan. Zhao Qinghan calmly responded, ¡°Everyone else came here willingly for the hefty reward. Wang Xuan is here because I invited him. I have to ensure his safety.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Zheng Rui replied, casting a nce at Wang Xuan with the unspoken implication that he saw him as a burden. Uninterested in the drama, Wang Xuan simplyy down beside Zhao Qinghan and soon drifted into sleep. However, in the dead of night, Wang Xuan was jolted awake. Expanding his spiritual senses, he searched intently for the source of unease. To his astonishment, the threat emanated from the sky above. Hovering about a hundred meters above were shadowy figures, grotesquely humanoid in appearance. Their prominent fangs, chilling gaze, and monstrous demeanor set them apart. With human faces, animalistic bodies, and leathery wings, these beings silently approached, their intent evident in their menacing countenance. Eventually, these creatures clung to the tree branches, exuding a green mist below. It was evident that this was a type of toxin meant to render humans unconscious. Acting swiftly, Wang Xuan flicked stone after stone, hitting several people''s faces as a silent warning. Many, as it turned out, were already on high alert, anticipating another encounter with these carnivorous creatures. The group''s emotions teetered between fear and anger. These monsters had evidently followed them, viewing them as delectable prey. Even the repellent fruit juice hadn''t deterred them. As the moonlight revealed the creatures more clearly, their horrifying features became evident:rgely human faces with protruding fangs, sunken eyes, bat-like wings, feline bodies covered in ck fur that allowed them to blend seamlessly into the darkness, and razor-sharp ws. ¡°Attack!¡± As these silent predators descended, intending to snatch some of their group, the adventurers unleashed a barrage of strikes with their long des. Sshes of crimson marked the night as several of these monsters were felled, their forms copsing onto the forest floor. The creatures'' tactic of using the cover of darkness and toxins suggested they didn''t have a clear advantage over the group. When their true nature was revealed, the group''s fear lessened. They weren''t confronting actual demons, so what was there to fear? A burning resolve to retaliate ignited among them. Wang Xuan brandished his sword with deadly efficiency, cutting down four creatures in quick session. ¡°Leader-level monsters are among them!¡± a voice shouted, moments before its owner was savagely torn apart. Two formidable beasts, presumably a male and female, disyed unmatched brutality. Once their positions were disclosed, theyunched a fierce onught. ¡°Circle them and strike!¡±manded Zhao Qinghan, signaling the Master of the New Arts, Yang Lin, to lend his expertise. Other seasoned fighters were already shing with these dominant foes. Several from their ranks charged, aiming to subdue the monstrous duo. In the heat of the battle, Wang Xuan was relentless. The ground around him became a pool of crimson as he slew creature after creature. Yet amidst this chaos, he went unnoticed. Everyone was deeply engrossed in their personal duels, fending off their airborne adversaries. One of the pack leaders, seeing Wang Xuan''s onught, made a swooping dive towards him. Evading Wang Xuan''s strike at thest moment, it abruptly redirected its attention towards Zhao Qinghan, swiftly capturing her. Fortuitously, Zhao was d in elite protective armor, which shielded her from immediate harm. Nearby, Zheng Rui''s face was drained of color. Although he yearned to save Zhao Qinghan from the menacing beast, paralyzing fear held him back, prompting a hasty retreat. The creature, unable to subdue Zhao instantly, spread its vast wings and ascended, silhouetted against the moon, its ascent so forceful that it splintered the surrounding treetops. Under the shimmering moonlight, Zhao Qinghan''s flowing hair framed a pallid face marked by vulnerability. She cast a despairing nce downward, her lips moving without uttering a scream, only a faint sigh escaping. Her poignant and ethereal beauty, as she was taken, left an indelible mark on all who watched. Zheng Rui, overwhelmed with guilt, averted his gaze. The rest clutched their alloy des, weighed down by a crushing sense of powerlessness. Out of the blue, a silhouette darted upwards. Wang Xuan, who had been determinedly trying to bridge the distance, adeptly scaled a towering tree. Launching himself with remarkable agility, he managed to grasp onto Zhao Qinghan''s ankle. From the ground, a collective gasp rose. The audacity disyed at this crucial moment caught everyone off guard. Recognizing Wang Xuan, their previous perceptions of him shattered. In that selfless act of bravery, he had earned the respect and admiration of all. The color drained from Zheng Rui''s face, a mix of remorse and sorrow. He held little hope for Zhao Qinghan''s return; history was a cruel reminder that none ever survived these monsters in the forbidden realm. The creature, with its haunting speed, ascended into the night. Its eerie silhouette against the moon gave it a chilling, almost demonic aura. With its captives in tow, it vanished into the horizon. Chapter 130: Bloody Romance Chapter 130: Bloody Romance In the expansive night sky, the creature''s rapid flight echoed with the howling wind. Its formidable body, spanning over three meters without counting its wings, bore an intimidating presence. The distinct scent of blood emanating from it hinted at the previous night''s carnage. Wang Xuan quickly surmised that the creature''s prowess was beyond most Masters'' capabilities. He initially aimed to tear away Zhao Qinghan''s protectiveyers and allow them both to fall to the ground. But the beast''s swift ascent disrupted his n. Fearing a lethal drop, Wang Xuan hesitated. With powerful wingbeats, the creature pierced through the forest''s hovering mist, heading into an enigmatic domain. Zhao Qinghan''s face was drained of color. Her initial despondence, however, was reced with deep appreciation upon witnessing Wang Xuan''s audacious leap into the unknown. She had felt utterly forsaken moments before. The revered master she had enlisted retreated, and no one dared to follow. epting her grim fate, she remained silent, realizing that if even the renowned masters were reluctant, others would be rendered helpless. Zheng Rui, who had once subtly expressed his feelings for her, was conspicuously absent. Simrly, the quasi-Master from her family''s old art realm had also paused. But, to her astonishment, Wang Xuan, almost unnoticed until the final moment, heroically lunged into the air, seizing her ankle. In that fleeting moment, she was overwhelmed with emotion, teetering on the brink of tears. It was as if she had been brought back from the edge, finding her ce in the world once again. Amidst the vast expanse of the night, Wang Xuan acted decisively. Letting go of his alloyed knife, he quickly scaled Zhao Qinghan''s delicate frame,tching onto the creature''s robust hind leg. As they ascended, the earth receded beneath them; even mountains seemed like mere hillocks from this vantage. Pale with fear, Zhao Qinghan tried tomunicate over the whipping wind. "You shouldn''t havee. It might cost you your life too." Her voice, at first a whisper, became a shout to pierce the gusty air. "Stay calm!" Wang Xuan responded, his voice firm. He briefly entertained the idea of grounding the creature, but the grave risk of both of them crashing deterred him. "Hug me tight," he urged, anticipating the creature''s move. "If it lets go, we''ll fall!" Reading the urgency in his voice, Zhao Qinghan tightened her embrace. Soon enough, the creature tried to shake them off. It sought to free itself from the persistent man clinging to its leg. Undeterred, Wang Xuan drew his short sword, shing at the creature''s menacing w as it lunged. Its sharp talons, though intimidating, stood no chance against the precision of his de. Cut cleanly, the creature trembled in shock. With deftness, Wang Xuan inflicted a controlled wound on the creature''s leg, ensuring not to deliver a fatal blow that might send them plummeting. Clutching Wang Xuan, with the world far below them, a fearful Zhao Qinghan inquired, "Where is it heading?" "Likely its nest," Wang Xuan spected, attempting tofort her, "Consider this a moonlit tour of the Hidden Land." With a firm grip on the creature and sword at the ready, he pondered their next steps. In the silent embrace of the night sky, Wang Xuan''s swift actions echoed with a metallic cadence as he deftly disabled the sharp ws on the creature''s hind legs. This unexpected pedicure left the beast more vulnerable to their intervention, significantly reducing the threat from its sporadic thrashing. Yet, the creature''s forews remained tantalizingly out of reach. Wang Xuan was ever wary, ensuring his actions wouldn''t inadvertently cause Zhao Qinghan to tumble into the abyss below. Suddenly, a guttural growl pierced the air ¡ª the creature''s first vocal response to its unwee passengers. Its eyes, gleaming with icy rage, reflected its anger at this unsolicited grooming. "Why the outcry?" Wang Xuan chided, a smirk on his lips. "Consider yourself lucky to receive a pedicure from none other than Wang the Elder. It''s a tale for the ages!" Undeterred, he jabbed his de deeper into the creature''s leg, eliciting a fresh stream of blood. "But, of course," he mused, "you won''t live long enough to recount that tale. I n to ensure that tonight." Wang Xuan continued strategizing, aiming to sap the creature''s energy and facilitate a controlled descent. The creature''s resilience was evident as it wrestled against Wang Xuan''s restraint. On a couple of asions, it sought to rid itself of its human burdens by attempting audacious mid-air maneuvers. Recognizing the creature''s tenacity, Wang Xuan opted for patience, hoping the beast wouldnd of its own ord. He frequently reminded Zhao Qinghan to maintain her grip, urging her to alert him if fatigue set in. She responded with a confident nod. "Think of me as a seasoned fighter. I won''t tire easily." For Zhao Qinghan, this was an adventure like no other ¡ª astride a formidable beast, traversing the fog-enshrouded heavens with Wang Xuan by her side. With her anxiety momentarily sidetracked by intrigue, she inquired with a yful wrinkle of her brow, "What do you have on you? It¡¯s unusually hard." Wang Xuan looked at her, a touch bewildered. "What are you insinuating? Do you honestly see me that way?" Zhao Qinghan''s earlier warmth towards him momentarily dissipated, reced by mild irritation. She shot back, "What''s running through your mind then?" Under the moon''s gentle glow, her visage radiated a captivating beauty, her cheeks flushed, and her hair billowed with the breeze. Realization dawned on Wang Xuan. "It''s a steel te, for added protection," he quickly exined. With a mixture of curiosity and relief, Zhao Qinghan gave a gentle tap against his waist, feeling the unmistakable hardness of the steel te that was impressively thick. In this Hidden Land, Wang Xuan was not just relying on his protective clothing; he had fortified himself further with steel. It spoke volumes about his caution. As they soared through the night, the creature''s passage startled a number of nocturnal avians. "This creature is in a league of its own, far surpassing its counterparts," Wang Xuan mused. "It has likely consumed something unique that caused it to transform. We might find rare medicinal herbs near itsir." Zhao Qinghan''s face clouded with concern. The beast''s prowess was akin to that of martial arts grandmasters. She feared that once they touched down, they might be torn asunder. An unsettling thought gnawed at her - were they being taken to feed its young? She leaned in, whispering with urgency, "If it descends, we must separate immediately. This time, prioritize your own safety over mine. If even one of us escapes, it''s a victory. Don''t look back." Zhao Qinghan sighed softly. Although Wang Xuan was formidable and fearless, she doubted if he could hold his own against a creature of the Grandmaster caliber. Her unfamiliarity with arcane arts and mystical elixirs prevented her from urately gauging his true prowess. Holding his short sword, Wang Xuan confidently said, "This de was crafted by a renowned master. Its edge is iparable. Before we touch the ground, I''ll strike the beast''s vital points. We''ll carve out a chance for survival; we''re not dying tonight." She had already noticed the peculiar design of his weapon, and now, curiositypelled her to ask, "Doesn''t it bear a resemnce to the ancient Fish Intestine Sword?" With a nonchnt demeanor, Wang Xuan replied, "It''s a replica crafted by a master from the Old World. It''s undoubtedly sharper than the original, made of a unique alloy rather than bronze." In the distance, another beastly roar sounded. A second creature, on par with the first, was fast approaching. The two monsters, likely a male and a female, were about to unite. With a rueful smile, Wang Xuan remarked, "It seems a battle is inevitable tonight. Touring the moonlit wilderness, painting it with the blood of beasts, it''s a crimson romance of its own." He had a feeling that he''d have to reveal the full extent of his Master-level abilities. Chapter 131: Miracle In The Night Chapter 131: Miracle In The Night The looming beast''s eyes burned with fury. From a distance, it had already discerned the damage to its partner''s ws. It let out a roar that echoed ominously through the still night. In response, the creature carrying Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan issued a throaty growl, hinting at some untold conversation between the two. "You think you''re intimidating? I''ll face you head-on!" Wang Xuan dered, defiance clear in his tone. Zhao Qinghan clung tighter to him, a wave of dread washing over her. She drew a deep breath, bracing herself against the grim reality: two grandmaster-level monsters against them seemed like insurmountable odds. In her heart, she began to reconcile with the possibility of an impending end. "Always believe in the unexpected," Wang Xuan voiced calmly, his grip firm on his short sword, ready for whatever mighte their way. He feigned nonchnce, hoping to lift their spirits. "This might not be our downfall, but a serendipity¡ªa chance to harvest rare herbs from their nest. Stay close to me and try to savor this moonlit voyage through the enigmatic expanse. If it bes overwhelming, just shut your eyes," he suggested gently. His words, and the unwavering confidence with which he spoke, left Zhao Qinghan in quiet admiration. Could he possibly possess the prowess of a grandmaster? She quickly dismissed the thought¡ªit was unlikely he could progress from mere Qi cultivation to grandmaster level in such a short span. Yet, before she could ponder any further, the second beast''s roar pierced the air as it dived menacingly toward them. "A moment of wonder is upon us!" Wang Xuan dered, his eyes radiating a powerful brilliance. From them emanated beams of tangible light. Determined to give his all, he prepared to tackle one of the monstrous creatures with all the force of a raging storm. Zhao Qinghan felt a sudden surge of emotion. Observing Wang Xuan''s intense gaze, she couldn''t help but wonder: had he truly achieved the rank of a grandmaster? Suddenly, a resplendent golden beam shot out, and blood sttered everywhere. Droplets descended as the air itself seemed to shiver from the aftermath of a colossal st. Wang Xuan, with his short sword in hand, looked slightly taken aback. He hadn''t acted yet. Where had the creature gone? A startling vision came into focus. At the pivotal moment, a swift golden bird had darted across the sky with an unbelievable velocity, resembling a bright lightning strike slicing through the obsidian night, before swiftly fading away. It was clear that the creature''s speed surpassed that of sound. The ear-splitting sonic boom arrived only after it had passed, echoing ominously, with mist swirling in its wake. As the golden creature retreated, its trailing light dimmed until it was lost to the vast expanse. The speed was breathtaking. Such mysteries and dangers were synonymous with thisnd. What caliber of creature was this? The beast that had them in its clutches emitted a low, ominous growl, its entire form quivering. Overwhelmed with fear, it began a rapid descent, eager to find refuge on solid ground. The creature was drenched in the blood of its fallen mate, its fear reaching unparalleled heights. "Was that entity... the ''miracle'' you mentioned?" Zhao Qinghan asked, her voice quivering. She hadn''t anticipated the actualization of the miracle Wang Xuan had prophesied. "It appears... the miracle has manifested." Wang Xuan uttered, his throat parched. He had been ready to disy his grandmaster prowess when this enigmatic being unexpectedly stole the spotlight. A shiver of reverence ran through him. The golden bird was immensely formidable. It consumed the beast with ease, much like a swallow catching a night insect. "We''re nearing the ground. Focus on our escape," Zhao Qinghan urged. As their beastly mount descended, it began to slow down, preparing for a gentlending. "The miracle... it''s approaching again!" Zhao Qinghan announced, her voiceced with rm. A gleaming gold streak shot across the horizon at a blinding pace. The silent luminescence pierced the night, reminiscent of a radiant sword shing the moonlit expanse. "Land! Now!" Wang Xuanmanded. This golden creature was transcendental, hunting without restraint and viewing even grandmaster-level beasts as trivial prey. Their carrier beast, gripped by sheer terror, was even more eager to find refuge, plunging desperately towards the shelter of the thick forest below. "We won''t make it in time!" Zhao Qinghan''splexion turned ghostly pale. The golden avian was almost upon them, its velocity unmatched. As Wang Xuan watched the creature''s gleaming beak widen in anticipation, dread settled in his chest. The impending threat of them being engulfed loomedrge. Then, an abrupt sound: Thud! In a pivotal moment, Wang Xuan deftly shed with his sword, severing the creature''s hind leg. The beast, eyes ame in a deep red, let out a heart-wrenching howl. The agony triggered its raw, primal instincts. Its wings beat wildly, an uncontroble response to the searing pain. This gave Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan a brief respite. Taking advantage of the creature''s momentary imbnce, the two made a daring plunge towards the dense canopy below. "Brace yourself! Protect your eyes from the branches!" Wang Xuan shouted in warning. The beast''s disarray, induced by its pain, was fleeting. Regainingposure, it charged headlong into the forest depths. Yet, despite its efforts, the golden avian pursuer seemed relentless and inescapable. The beast''s frantic movements merely gave Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan a fleeting window for escape. A resonating crash marked the creature''s sudden disappearance, leaving behind a mist of blood cascading onto the verdant forest below. A radiant golden streak surged through the woods, obliterating ancient tree canopies in its wake and unleashing explosive impacts. Nothing in its path stood a chance. Subsequently, a sonic echo reverberated from the direction the creature had fled, sending the region''s wildlife scattering in terror. Wang Xuan stowed his de and reached for the robust tree branches beneath them. His mastery of the ''golden body'' technique now shone through, allowing him to handle impacts with ease. Ensuring Zhao Qinghan was safe from the gnarled branches during their descent, Wang Xuan snapped multiple limbs and even used his back to break some tree trunks, effectively slowing their fall. Ultimately, the duo stabilized themselves, gripping a sturdy branch. With a sharp crack, the branch gave way, sending Wang Xuan plummeting to the ground. He crashed with a resounding thud, shattering a stone beneath him, his descent cushioned in part by a steel te strapped to his back. Despite Wang Xuan''s best efforts to shield her, Zhao Qinghan was left dazed from the impact. Could they really have survived this ordeal? To Zhao Qinghan, the entire night felt like an ongoing miracle. From afar, the howls of creatures¡ªdriven away by the golden predator¡ªechoed. An unexpected tranquility settled over the nearby woods. "Will it continue hunting? Could we be its next prey?" Wang Xuan asked, his expression grave. There was indeed a chance; the golden avian predator seemed to have a penchant for circling back on its targets. No sooner had he spoken than a golden streak shed across the sky, apanied by an explosive sound. Both were taken aback. The predator might still be nearby, potentially considering them as its next meal. For a moment, theyy still, side by side on the ground, waiting with bated breath. After several tense minutes, they rxed; the golden bird did not return. "It''s no miracle. Something must have happened to you before," Zhao Qinghan said, her eyes bright in the moonlight, as she turned to face Wang Xuan. Chapter 132: Human Nature Chapter 132: Human Nature "Miracle? My back feels broken!" Wang Xuan eximed, lying still. "What?" Zhao Qinghan eximed, quickly sitting up, prepared to inspect his injuries. "It''s fine," Wang Xuan reassured her. "Probably just a bruise from hitting a tree trunk. I just need to lie down and rest a bit." "We should take advantage of the lull, with all the wild creatures having fled," Zhao Qinghan suggested. "Rest up, and we''ll leave as soon as dawn breaks." Wang Xuan nodded, quickly settling into sleep amidst the woods. It was crucial for him to maintain his optimal condition, ready to face any unexpected challenges. Bathed in moonlight, Zhao Qinghan watched over him, thoughts racing. Her astute mind was filled with spections, mainly because of howposed Wang Xuan had remained throughout their ordeal. Regardless of everything, the image of Wang Xuan leaping through the air to save her at the crucial moment was etched in her heart. To her, he was a true friend, one she could entrust her life to. Feeling a mix of gratitude and emotion, she finally closed her eyes under the soft glow of the moon. The past couple of nights had been eventful, leaving her sleep-deprived. Now, in this moment of tranquility, she quickly drifted into a deep slumber. By dawn, Wang Xuan remained motionless. His arm was pinned under Zhao Qinghan. He contemted pulling it out but hesitated, not wanting to disturb her restful sleep. He thought it best to let her sleep a little longer. Finally, Zhao Qinghan''s eyelids fluttered as she gradually awakened. Realizing she had been clutching Wang Xuan''s arm, she released it in embarrassment and adjusted her clothing. "It''s alright; you didn''t drool much while sleeping," Wang Xuan teased, trying to lighten the mood. "You''re the one who drools! I never do," Zhao Qinghan retorted, her cheeks flushed. "Why is my hand wet then?" Wang Xuan asked, standing up. He paused, noticing a slight dampness on his right hand. Could it be? "It''s just dew!" Zhao Qinghan said defensively as she got up. The two then determined their direction, aiming to head back to reunite with their group. Even though they had only been captured by the beast for a brief moment, Wang Xuan estimated that they had been carried dozens of miles away. "We missed the creature''sir and a potential rare herb. What a pity," Wang Xuan remarked with a sigh. "Let''s not dwell on lost treasures," Zhao Qinghan advised. "We need to get back first. I''ll need to reassess this mission; the dangers of this wilderness far exceed my expectations." The information she had received didn''t match the reality. The wilderness seemed to have grown significantly more perilous, hinting at unforeseen changes. With caution, the two embarked on their journey back, navigating through mountains and forests. Along the way, Wang Xuan''s keen senses helped them avoid numerous dangerous zones. Considering this was still the outer regions of the wilderness, encountering a formidable creature like the golden predator was quite unexpected. "There''s someone there!" Wang Xuan paused, spotting a figure seated by akeside ahead in the woods. It was a human. The middle-aged man''s attire was marred with blood stains, and even his protective gear had seen better days. Despite this, he looked unscathed. Spotting Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan, he gestured for them toe over. "Who are you, and why are you here?" Wang Xuan inquired, approaching with a confident stride. He quickly sized up the man: a gene-enhanced individual of master level, seemingly unhurt and at his prime. Wang Xuan wasn''t particrly threatened by him. "I''m an explorer who got separated from my team," the man responded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I stumbled upon some spiritual herbs here and decided to wait until they ripened for harvesting. Theke houses five ''Soul-Nourishing Lotuses''. How about a deal? I''ll im three, and you both can share the other two." A delicate aroma wafted from theke, from which five radiant lotus flowers shone brilliantly, signaling their rare nature. The Soul-Nourishing Lotus, as its name implied, was revered for both its physical and spiritual rejuvenating properties. The optimal benefits were reaped from the seeds of its pod, but the luminous petals also provided a potency of their own, albeit lesser. No explorer, however, would typically wait for the lotus to mature fully. Feeling an enticing pull toward the lotus, Wang Xuan believed its consumption would undoubtedly elevate his capabilities. "Why don''t you pluck the lotuses yourself?" the stranger probed with a grin. "There''s an unsettling presence in theke," Wang Xuan replied, his heightened intuition detecting a disturbance beneath the cid surface, ¡°You didn¡¯t pluck them yourself because you¡¯re afraid of it.¡± Wang Xuan directly confronted the man''s sinister intentions. In thiswless frontier, far from the oversight of New Star''sws, some seemed to cast aside their moral restraint, behaving even more ruthlessly than wild beasts. Veteran explorers had often warned of the danger of encountering unfamiliar adventurers in the wild. Some of these wanderers exhibited disturbingly low morals, making their actions even more treacherous than the native creatures. "Just do what you''re told," the man snapped, gesturing for Zhao Qinghan to join him. "Miss,e here. We''ll wait for him to collect the herbs." His smile was duplicitous, and the menacing glint in his eyes was clear. Feeling superior due to his gic enhancements, he intended to send Wang Xuan into the perilouske. And the lecherous gaze he fixed upon Zhao Qinghan was nauseating. "In ces removed from societal norms, humanity''s true nature is unveiled, be it pure goodness or profound wickedness," Wang Xuan stated coldly. "Unfortunately, you embody thetter." When faced with such depravity, kindness was misced. "And who do you think you''re speaking to?" the middle-aged man retorted with disdain. He was confident, knowing that most Master-level experts were over thirty years old. The young man in front of him was barely in his early twenties, yet he dared to challenge him? It was true that a prodigious youth had emerged from the old territory, a rare specimen who had never ventured beyond those stars. "You stand before a Master!" he dered coldly. Upon hearing this, Zhao Qinghan''s face changed slightly. She quickly grabbed Wang Xuan''s hand, intending to retreat. She might have had some inklings about Wang Xuan''s capabilities, but she was still concerned. The person before them was undeniably a seasoned Master. Wang Xuan chuckled, "Qinghan, you almost fell for his ruse. This man is severely injured. He''s too proud to share the spiritual herbs here with anyone else and aims to deceive us away." The gically enhanced individual approached, finding the young man''s naivety endearing. It even prompted a smile from someone like him, a Master who had blood on his hands and wouldn''t hesitate to kill his ownpanions. Releasing Zhao Qinghan''s hand, Wang Xuan confidently stepped forward. "Trying to act tough but weak inside, who are you trying to fool? I see through your fa?ade, you paper tiger!" The middle-aged Masterughed. However, a fleeting coldness shimmered in the depths of his eyes. He reached out, attempting to grasp Wang Xuan''s arm, seemingly intent on breaking it. Wang Xuan reacted swiftly, grabbing faster and with more force than his opponent. In an instant, apanied by a sickening snap, he broke the man''s arm. Turning to Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan said, "Look at him, all bluster and bravado. His arm had been broken before, and it hasn''t even fully healed. And yet, such a person dares tomit evil?" The gically enhanced individual''s forehead glistened with sweat from the intense pain. A moment of sheer astonishment swept over him, followed by a chilling horror. He thought, ''What sort of creature is this?'' Before he could finish his thought, he started to speak, "I am a..." He was about to dere himself a Grandmaster, but another quick movement and snap from Wang Xuan silenced him, leaving his other arm broken and his words turning into stifled moans. "It''s ludicrous," Wang Xuan remarked with a shake of his head, "How audacious that anyone would pretend to be a Grandmaster." The middle-aged man desperately wanted to protest, to rify that he was no imposter but a true Grandmaster. However, before he could, Wang Xuan touched his shoulder, and it dislocated with a crunch. Gasping for breath, the man tried to speak. Yet, he was overwhelmed by a formidable psychic force, rendering him mute. Terror and shock coursed through him, pushing him to the brink of madness. Chapter 133: Couple Chapter 133: Couple The gically enhanced individual''s body quaked, his skin slick with cold sweat. In the face of this overwhelming adversary, his usual confidence shattered. He was as fragile as ss before the might the youth could bring to bear. The power disparity was staggering. A casual touch from his opponent felt like a sledgehammer blow to him. This was the might of Wang Xuan, who had mastered the Golden Body Technique to the sixthyer. His body was now honed to a degree that made him strong beyond words. Desperation wed at the gically enhanced individual''s throat. "Wait!" he rasped, yearning for a chance to negotiate, to appeal to any semnce of mercy the youth might possess. Yet, before another word could escape his lips, the menacing youth, with an almost chillingly serene smile, caressed the gically enhanced individual''s chin. A sharp snap echoed, signaling the breaking of the gically enhanced individual''s jaw. Excruciating pain surged, blurring his vision with tears. The depth of his despair was profound ¨C not only was he rendered powerless, but the very freedom tomunicate, to plead or even to question, was cruelly denied. Retaliation was a distant dream. With a power gap so vast, he knew that even the slightest act of defiance would be met with catastrophic consequences. Given the choice between enduring agonizing pain or facing certain death, the gically enhanced individual chose the former. It was a desperate bid to cling to life, even if just for a few moments more. From the back, Zhao Qinghan watched in astonishment. At first, she believed that the man, the gically enhanced individual, was gravely injured and merely putting on a brave face. But the more she observed, the stranger the situation seemed. "Could this really be a Master?" She doubted. Even if Wang Xuan was formidable, could he effortlessly render such a powerful being helpless, breaking his arms with ease? The scene before her was shocking. Slender and graceful, Zhao Qinghan approached to get a better grasp of the situation. the gically enhanced individual, sensing her approach, pinned his hopes on her. Despite his ruthless nature, he was adept at reading people. This young woman seemed kind-hearted, perhaps curious or wanting to ask him something. He made every effort to appear pitiable, hoping this stunningly beautiful woman might intervene against the young man''s apparent malevolence. However, his hopes were dashed when the exquisite Zhao Qinghan delivered a swift kick straight to his chest. Zhao Qinghan wanted to see for herself. Was he genuinely injured or just ying it up? Nothing beats first hand assessment. With a thud, the gically enhanced individual felt as if his world spun out of control. Had he stumbled upon a pair who took delight in tormenting others for their amusement? "Why couldn''t I seriously injure him?" Zhao Qinghan queried Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan hadn''t expected her to act so impulsively. Feigning a diagnostic touch to the gically enhanced individual''s sternum, he remarked, "He wasn''t initially hurt here. But your kick fractured his bone. It might break soon. Care to try again?" Exasperated, the gically enhanced individual internally screamed, convinced that Wang Xuan had manually caused the injury. "Demons!" he thought, "Powerful young monsters!" At that moment, the gically enhanced individual wondered if Wang Xuan could be some mythical creature in disguise. After all, they were in an enigmatd, shrouded in legends and mysteries. Anything seemed possible. In the dim light, Zhao Qinghan''s bright eyes pierced through the gloom, her gaze unwavering. "Enough with him," she interjected. "It''s pitiable how every touch from you breaks his bones." The gically enhanced individual, feeling a spark of hope, nodded vigorously in agreement, gratitude evident in his eyes. But Zhao''s next words shattered that hope, plunging him into depths of despair. "Perhaps it would be kinder to end his suffering," she suggested casually. The gically enhanced man felt like he''d encountered a demonic duo. Despite Zhao''s ethereal beauty, akin to a celestial being in this eeriend, her words held a chilling ruthlessness. Her determination was evident; she wasn''t the weak, gullible type. Given her convictions about the middle-aged man''s ill intentions towards both her and Wang Xuan, she deemed him irredeemable. She had heard tales of women adventurers who had faced nightmarish experiences in these uncharted territories, and to her, the man in front of her was more monstrous than any wild beast. Wang Xuan, realizing Zhao''s uncanny ability to see through pretense, paused. He addressed the broken man, "I''ll ask, and you''ll answer. Speak only the truth, understood?" The middle-aged man, his fractured jaw hanging limply, nodded. Such ruthless characters, when faced with an even greater menace, often turned submissive. "What''s your story? Which expedition group are you with? Why are you here, and where''s the rest of your team?" Wang Xuan demanded. The man began hesitantly, "I joined the Song family''s expedition..." He detailed how the patriarch of the Song family had gathered an elite group, determined to prate a specific area in this mysteriousnd. Their goal was to consume the "Earth Essence Liquid" in hopes of rejuvenating themselves, much like Zhong Yong had once done. Deep within the mysterious territory, the expedition faced a nightmarish onught of monstrous creatures. Even their team''s Master, the Moonlight Bodhisattva, was obliterated. Witnessing this bloodbath, the middle-aged gically enhanced individual before them had turned tail and fled, unaware of the fate that befell the rest of hisrades. He''d managed to escape to this location, spotting a potent spiritual herb which he longed to harvest. However, theke harbored two menacing beasts, and he found himself powerless against them. All he could do was anxiously watch from a distance. "How many people have you killed on your way here?" Wang Xuan interrogated. "No..." The man began, but as Wang Xuan exerted a mental pressure, the man broke out in a cold sweat, feeling as though his very soul was on the brink of shattering. "Six," he admitted through gritted teeth. Desperately, he pleaded, "I''ve told you everything. Esteemed couple, grant me a chance. This territory is fraught with danger. I''ll scout ahead, serving as your vanguard." Wang Xuan smirked, remarking, "Quite the silver-tongued devil, aren''t you?" Zhao Qinghan cast him a nce, tersely suggesting, "Just put him out of his misery." With a nod, Wang Xuan unleashed a powerful kick, sending the man flying, his chest caving in. Life swiftly fading, the gically enhanced man bitingly whispered, "Demonic... duo," as resentment and regret clouded his dying gaze. "I thought you''d use him as bait to lure theke''s monsters," Zhao mused. Wang Xuan approached the water''s edge, "If he''s as weak as he appeared, the beasts would''ve torn him apart, staining theke with blood. I wouldn''t want that tainting the spiritual herb. It''d leave a bitter taste." As he dipped a toe into the water, Zhao warned, "Be cautious. That man, he was a Master, wasn''t he? He sensed danger in these waters." "He wasn''t," Wang Xuan responded, shaking his head. Zhao Qinghan arched an eyebrow skeptically, not quite convinced by Wang Xuan''s im. Suddenly, a glimmering golden figure surged towards Wang Xuan from the water, revealing a monstrous maw, ready to snap at him. The creature resembled an alligator but sported a set of horn-like protrusions on its head. Its entire body shimmered with a pale gold hue. Measuring around six meters, its powerful body generated massive waves. But what stood out the most was its astonishing speed! Wang Xuan swiftly sidestepped, but the creature lunged out of the water,nding on the shore with a ssh, its body radiating a soft golden glow. It aggressively lunged at Wang Xuan. With a resonating thud, Wang Xuan, gauging the creature''s strength,nded a solid kick, sending the creature rolling away and nearly fracturing one of its ribs. He had quickly assessed the situation. While this creature was stronger than the gically enhanced individual from earlier, it was still within the level of a Master and posed little threat to him. "See? It''s pretty ordinary," Wang Xuan remarked, "It''s nowhere near a Master''s level. In fact, it''s two levels below a quasi-Master." Without hesitation, he lunged at the creature, pinning its head down and delivering a flurry of blows. The creature appeared stunned. Who was this human? Despite being considerably smaller, Wang Xuan exhibited colossal strength, overpowering the creature with a fierceness it hadn''t anticipated. It barely had time to process what was happening before Wang Xuan''s relentless onught threatened to crush its skull. "It''s not some unique monster," Wang Xuan mused after his barrage, eyeing the now motionless creature. "Just a mutated alligator. It''s miles away from a Master''s level. Quite weak, really." Chapter 134: A Dragon? Chapter 134: A Dragon? In the early morning, the secluded area was rich with various energies. Mist intertwined with colors, enveloping the forest in bands of light. Zhao Qinghan approached thekeside, her slender silhouette highlighted against the vibrant luminescence of the forest mist, creating an ethereal beauty. She fixed her gaze on the pale golden creature lying on the ground, mulling over it. Before entering this secretnd, she had studied various records, somepiled by explorers and others excerpts from archives detailing the medicinal herbs and exotic beasts. "It''s a Croc-Dragon hybrid!" She shot Wang Xuan a nce, incredulously amused. To think he''d relegated such a creature to mere ''alligator'' status. But what astonished her more was how Wang Xuan had, with his fists, managed to break the bones of this formidable beast. Although it hadn''t died, it looked to be on the brink. "A dragon? That can''t be!" Wang Xuan expressed genuine surprise. Running his hand gently over the golden creature, he mused, "If this truly is a dragon, every inch of it would be a treasure." Zhao Qinghan was left speechless, observing Wang Xuan tenderly caressing the massive creature as if petting a dog or stroking a cat. "What are you doing?" she finally asked, bemusement evident in her voice. "I''ve never even tasted alligator meat before," Wang Xuan admitted candidly. Growing up, he led a simple life, with nothing extraordinary. Now, in contrast to Zhao - a woman ustomed to opulence - he disyed no hint of inferiority, his interest clearly piqued by the creature before them. "When we return, I''ll treat you to all kinds of feasts," Zhao Qinghan responded, her tone softening as she recalled his past feats. "If this is indeed a dragon, its meat would be incredibly nourishing," Wang Xuan mused, thinking of the high praise dragon meat received in various ounts. He turned to Zhao Qinghan with a curious tilt to his head, "Can you cook?" "Why?" Zhao Qinghan had an inkling of what wasing but still nodded. "I''ve asionally cooked, just to test my skills." "Great! We won''t wait to return then, let''s roast the dragon!" Wang Xuan circled the creature on the ground with an enthusiastic glint in his eyes. Feeling a bit out of her depth, Zhao Qinghan hesitated, "I''ve only ever cooked basic dishes. Never grilled meat for anyone. You''ll have to make do." "As long as it''s cooked through," Wang Xuan replied optimistically. He imagined it would be better than the charred game he''d eaten in the Cloudy Hignds. However, he had not lost sight of the main task. The most valuable item here was the five Spirit Nourishing Lotuses in theke. To avoid any mishaps, he intended to dive in and collect them. "There''s another Croc-Dragon in theke. Be careful," Zhao Qinghan cautioned. A golden shadow loomed ominously beneath the water''s surface, casting cold, menacing nces at Wang Xuan. After witnessing the fate of itspanion, it dared not approach the shore. To Zhao Qinghan''s surprise, Wang Xuan began removing protective gear. He took off several steel tes that were a few inches thick from his chest and back. "How heavy must that be?" she wondered. And there was more. From his arms and legs, Wang Xuan removed thinner tes. "Such thorough protection," she marveled silently, recalling her earlierment about him being hard to the touch. No wonder, he was practically armored! Once disarmed, Wang Xuan, with his short sword in tow, prepared to dive. Without those heavy tes, he would not sink straight to the bottom. "It''s too dangerous," Zhao Qinghan voiced her concern. Fighting underwater was apletely different challengepared tond. "Don''t worry. These Croc-Dragons are still juveniles, pitifully weak. Like that gically enhanced creature, they''re just for show. Paper tigers," Wang Xuan assured. Feeling fearless, especially after mastering his unique martial technique, he wasn''t afraid of the dragon''s bites. With the sharp de by his side, taking it down wouldn''t be too hard. With a ssh, Wang Xuan dove in. The eyes of the golden-scaled creature grew cold and menacing. It shot through the water like a golden missile, the waves rolling heavily at its sides, its speed almost iprehensible. In the water, it was a force to be reckoned with. With a swift lunge, it opened its mouth wide, aiming to trap Wang Xuan in its deadly jaws and initiate a lethal roll. Wang Xuan sized up his opponent, ncing at the short de in his hand. It felt almost insignificant against the immense creature. But his mastery of the "Golden Body Technique" endowed him with extraordinary agility. Dodging swiftly, the sharp teeth of the beast, each over a foot long, narrowly missed him. With a powerful smack, Wang Xuan''s palm connected with the side of the creature, flipping the massive 6-7 meters long beast and causing a surge of water to erupt, turning theke''s surface into a turbulent, white froth. On the shore, Zhao Qinghan''s face turned pale with worry. The idea of Wang Xuan battling such a monster underwater was terrifying, and she had never wanted him to take the plunge in the first ce. Wang Xuan dived, ruthlessly plunging his de into the creature''s underbelly. With a swift cut, the waters around them turned a deep shade of crimson. The creature, now wounded, iled in pain. With a quick swipe of its tail, it attempted to escape, sensing the looming shadow of death. Such creatures, while monstrous, possessed a certain intelligence. It had not expected to be bested by a human in its own territory. Desperate and in pain, it made a beeline for the heart of theke where five precious "Spirit Nurturing Lotuses" grew. It had hoped to bide its time until the lotuses bore fruit, but now, it wanted to devour them ahead of time for sustenance. Wang Xuan, however, was prepared. Grabbing hold of the beast''s tail, he followed it to the heart of theke. Leaping onto its back, he brandished his de without hesitation. The crocodile dragon''s eyes glinted a fiery red. Wang Xuan, relentless in his assault, clung to its back like a persistent pest, repeatedly driving his de into its flesh, leaving gaping wounds that oozed dark blood. Despite nearing the Spirit Nurturing Lotuses, the creature feared it might meet its end here. It tried to dive deeper, hoping theke''s depths might deter the human clinging to it. But Wang Xuan held on resolutely, continuing to bury his short sword into its scales. In its desperation and frenzy, the creature thrashed about, its tail identally severing the stems of two of the lotuses. Witnessing the potential damage to the precious herbs, Wang Xuan released his grip, propelling himself to the surface to salvage the glowing lotuses. The crocodile dragon, meanwhile, red-eyed and filled with a mix of anger and despair, red at Wang Xuan onest time before retreating to the farthest reaches of theke. Wang Xuan acted quickly, ensuring the two glowing lotuses did not fall and get lost in theke. He managed to harvest all five nts sessfully. Then, before leaving the water, he dug up several segments of lotus root, curious about their medicinal properties. As he emerged, dripping wet, Zhao Qinghan rushed over, her eyes filled with concern after witnessing the violent underwater confrontation. She quickly checked him for injuries, her heart still racing. "Combining the spiritual herbs with dragon meat should be incredibly nourishing, don''t you think?" Wang Xuan said with a gleam of triumph in his eyes. He felt certain thisbination would significantly boost his strength. A hint of color crept into Zhao Qinghan''s cheeks at his words. She was well aware of the older men around her who would go to great lengths, spending vast sums on rare delicacies all in the name of "nourishment" and "midlife health". Their true intentions, however, were an open secret. Oblivious to Zhao Qinghan''s subtle reactions, Wang Xuan cheerfully suggested, "Let''s prepare these together, Zhao. They''re excellent for health and beauty." Zhao Qinghan just looked at him, her response lost amidst the silence. Suddenly, a strange cry echoed in the distance. It carried an indescribable emotion. The source? The crocodile dragon. It had migrated from theke to the nearby river. Wang Xuan''s expression briefly faltered, then hardened into one of intense focus as he tuned into the sound. Zhao Qinghan turned towards the river, her brow furrowed, contemting the dragon''s cries. "The way it''s fluctuating in pitch... Could it be calling out to its kind?" "There''s definitely something going on," Wang Xuan replied, concern evident in his tone. "I just heard a deep, thunderous response from downstream." His face paled as a second booming growl reverberated in the distance. While Zhao Qinghan had not achieved the level of a Master to perceive distant sounds, her instincts were sharp. She quickly surmised, "Could there be an even more powerful dragon lurking below?" Given the ancient records, the crocodile dragon was no ordinary creature; it was transcendent, setting it apart frommon beasts. "Let''s go!" Both Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan eximed in unison, realizing that staying was no longer an option. After gathering the five mystical nts, Wang Xuan couldn''t resist slicing off a chunk of the dragon''s meat with his short sword, still fixated on its purported "restorative" properties. Every member of their expedition team carried a specially crafted "collecting bag" designed to hold such treasures without letting their fragrant aroma escape and attract unwanted attention. Zhao Qinghan, seeing Wang Xuan''s unwavering focus on the meat, rolled her eyes and urged, "Come on, let''s move!" "Right!" Agreeing, they both sprinted into the forest, running as fast as they could. Wang Xuan didn''t even bother to pack up the steel tes; there simply wasn''t time. From the distant river, a deafening roar boomed, so powerful that it sent waves surging hundreds of meters into the air. A "Majestic Dragon" was indeed present, its roar causing thunderous echoes throughout the mountains. A thick golden light streaked upstream towards theke. "It''s a giant!" Wang Xuan eximed in awe. He trusted Zhao Qinghan''s words ¨C this creature belonged to a ss of dragons that, once matured, transcended the ordinary. He realized that the massive dragon was beyond his current capabilities. It had surpassed ordinary lifeforms, ranking at least among the enigmatic, higher-tiered beings. Waves rose to the sky as a monstrous dragon, spanning over thirty meters, burst forth from the river. Its aura was filled with malice, a testament to the countless creatures it must have in. Its roar resonated so powerfully that all creatures in the vicinity were paralyzed with fear. Wang Xuan, clutching Zhao Qinghan''s hand, raced through the forest. They had already covered several miles, but it became apparent that Zhao Qinghan couldn''t keep up with Wang Xuan''s pace. He was practically dragging her along, and she nearly collided with trees on several asions. From behind, a massive figure appeared atop a mountain, casting a menacing gaze in all directions. With a swing of its tail, it shattered a cliff, shaking the entirendscape. Peering through the trees, Wang Xuan stole a nce back and was met with the sight of the fearsome creature on the distant mountain peak. Goosebumps covered his skin. The transcendent dragon was hunting them! "Qinghan," he whispered urgently, "you can''t keep up like this. I''ll carry you." Panting heavily, with her chest heaving, Zhao Qinghan shot him a nce. Had he just belittled her? Without waiting for a response, Wang Xuan scooped her up and sprinted even faster. Their immediate survival was the priority. The dragon was an undeniable threat, capable of annihting any expedition team. Resting on his back, Zhao Qinghan hesitated for a moment before correcting him, "Don''t call me ''Little Zhao'', especially not in front of Wu Yin and others. In our circle, it''s considered... disrespectful, even offensive." Wang Xuan instantly made a connection. "So, is ''Little Zhong'' a ssic example?" However, he soon realized his blunder. Chapter 135: Evolution Of The Golden Body Technique Chapter 135: Evolution Of The Golden Body Technique Was it an inadvertent revtion that he had prior knowledge of the situation? Zhao Qinghan, clinging to Wang Xuan''s back, felt her body stiffen in response to this unexpected revtion. "You definitely aren''t!" Wang Xuan quickly attempted to rectify his statement, but he soon realized that further exnations would only dig him into a deeper hole. This was a topic best left untouched, especially now that their priority was escaping the looming threat. The colossal, otherworldly creature atop the distant mountain seemed to have sensed their presence and was relentlessly pursuing them. "These spiritually-attuned creatures are truly terrifying; they can detect us!" Wang Xuan''s expression darkened as he spoke. In the background, ancient trees shattered, and the massive crocodile''s pursuit left a trail of destruction. Thorny underbrush was obliterated, and sturdy trees were snapped like twigs. The situation grew increasingly dire. Wang Xuan had an epiphany; the young crocodiles they encountered earlier were indeed just juveniles, as he had inadvertently deduced. "Am I some kind of ma for unusual creatures?" he pondered. He knew that this wasn''t mere happenstance. The secret realm was teeming with diverse and extraordinary creatures, and it seemed he was attracting them all. "It''s getting closer!" Zhao Qinghan, her grip firm on Wang Xuan''s back, observed the terrifying silhouette of the creature on the distant mountain peak. Its presence was overwhelmingly oppressive. In their desperate bid to escape, Wang Xuan knew that outrunning this colossal and formidable pursuer was their only chance for survival. The colossal crocodile left a trail of chaos in its wake, effortlessly tearing apart a colossal mountain tortoise, standing three stories tall. The sight of blood sttering across the forest painted an unsettling image. This mountain tortoise boasted incredible defensive capabilities, impervious even to Grandmasters. Yet, in the face of the colossal crocodile, it proved utterly defenseless, disintegrating into pieces in a matter of seconds. Wang Xuan was drenched in cold sweat,ing to terms with the staggering disparity. Despite his Grandmaster status, within the confines of the hidden realm, he was little more than an infantpared to certain extraordinary creatures. The gap was simply insurmountable. If they were discovered and caught by the colossal crocodile, there would be little doubt about their fate. A single swipe of its tail would render them a gruesome concoction of flesh and bone. As they sprinted for their lives, Wang Xuan contemted the possibility of turning the tables. Could he master the Golden Body Technique to its ninth or tenth level, allowing him to confront the colossal crocodile and turn it into minced meat? Fortunately, though the colossal crocodile relentlessly pursued them, it failed to pinpoint their exact location. It would periodically veer off course, only to correct its pathter. Wang Xuan took a daring leap from a high vantage point, covering over a mile in one go. Behind them, the cliff edge from which he had descended exploded as the colossal crocodile revealed its menacing form. Numerous rocks tumbled into the nearby forest, sending startled beasts of all kinds fleeing in a panic. Thankfully, as it drew perilously close this time, the colossal crocodile once again strayed from their path. "Could it be after the crocodile meat?" Wang Xuan pondered aloud. "Crocodile meat!" Zhao Qinghan chimed in, sharing his concerns. Despite the specialized collection bags designed to mask their scent, there was no guarantee the colossal crocodile wouldn''t still detect them to some extent. Wang Xuan moved with incredible agility, easily overtaking arge feline creature that measured over two meters in length. He swiftly subdued the creature, deftly binding the crocodile meat to its body, and then continued his breakneck sprint. Zhao Qinghan''s world spun around her. While she had previously acknowledged Wang Xuan''s impressive speed, she hadn''t trulyprehended the extent of his abilities until now. Watching him catch up to arge feline creature that resembled a tiger or leopard made her realize that he possessed extraordinary talents. Wang Xuan remained silent, pouring all his energy into the escape. He pushed his physical limits, crashing through thorny thickets and shrubs with abandon. Despite his remarkable strength, having cultivated the Golden Body Technique to the pinnacle of the sixth level, he was drenched in sweat and felt the weight of fatigue. His heart pounded like a drum, its thunderous beats echoing loudly. Zhao Qinghan, lying on his back, could vividly feel the powerful pulsations. Within his youthful physique coursed a remarkable vitality. Wang Xuan''s sweat poured down like rain as he refused to stop or nce back. The recent close encounter with death was etched in his mind, driving him to disregard everything else in favor of escape. At times, Wang Xuan leaped off low cliffs, the impact making Zhao Qinghan feel as if the world was turning upside down. Yet her ssmate seemed undeterred. He shattered the ground beneath his feet, quickly regaining his bnce even after the asional stumble, and kept running. Clutching Wang Xuan''s neck tightly, Zhao Qinghan dared not let go, fearing she might be flung away. The rush of wind in her ears was exhrating. She realized that the faster Wang Xuan ran, the more invigorated he seemed, as though his stamina would never diminish. Wang Xuan traversed mountains, crossed streams, and leaped off cliffs, all while showing no signs of fatigue. Meanwhile, Zhao Qinghan, whose expertisey in mental cultivation, experienced a sensation akin to motion sickness as she clung to him. As they made their escape, Wang Xuan experienced several harrowing tumbles down steep inclines. After what felt like an eternity, he finally began to slow his pace, the absence of the giant crocodile''s bone-chilling roars suggesting that they might have sessfully evaded their pursuer. With some distance between them and the relentless predator, Wang Xuan came to a halt, panting heavily. "I think we''ve managed to shake it off," he gasped. Zhao Qinghan swiftly climbed down from his back, relieving him of her weight. The intense physical exertion had left Wang Xuan''s clothes alternately soaked by theke''s waters and dried by the wind, only to be drenched once again by his own perspiration. Despite his exhaustion, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. He hadn''t had the chance to taste the crocodile meat, a missed opportunity for a unique culinary experience. Zhao Qinghan, ncing down at her damp attire, sensed the awkwardness of the situation. Her clothes too had sumbed to the same fate, but she chose to pretend not to notice, discreetly tidying herself up. Before long, Wang Xuan, who was known for his fastidiousness, discovered a crystal-clear spring nearby. Without a second thought, he waded into the water fully clothed, using the opportunity to cleanse himself. "Aren''t you going to wash up?" he inquired upon his return. Zhao Qinghan shot him a wry smile, acknowledging the irony of cleanliness in their current predicament. Soon, she too made her way to the spring, her soaked garments clinging to her like a second skin. "It''s time to divide the spoils, or perhaps, the treasures," Wang Xuan dered, momentarily diverting his attention from her glistening figure. In this perilous wilderness, their top priority was enhancing their strength. Seating herself nearby, Zhao Qinghan hugged her knees, determined to maintain herposure despite the lingering tension in the air. Wang Xuan''s face radiated an exuberant smile as he eagerly consumed the vibrant petals of the spiritual lotus. The tion of their incredible discovery had him almost slipping up in referring to Zhao Qinghan with a more affectionate nickname than he intended. He had previously downgraded her, and now, the words "Big Zhao" were at the tip of his tongue. Swiftly, he halted himself, recognizing the potentialplications of such an affectionate moniker. Returning to the urgency of their situation, Wang Xuan urged, "Let''s consume these swiftly before too much time pses; otherwise, we risk losing some of the medicinal properties." Zhao Qinghan gathered her damp, resplendent locks and offered aposed smile. Her already fair and delicateplexion now shimmered with a soft radiance, entuated by the glistening water droplets. She replied, "You go ahead. If it proves highly beneficial to you, consume them all. In this perilous wilderness, your immediate strength gain is of paramount importance." "Am I the type to hoard everything for myself? Come on!" Wang Xuan insisted, extending the lotus towards her. Shaking her head, her wet tresses adorned with transparent droplets, Zhao Qinghan declined. Even though her elegant face bore the marks of recent exertion, she resembled a water nymph emerging from a serene pool. "I''ll be safer if your strength is bolstered. So, don''t hesitate, Xiao Wang," she said earnestly, her decision unwavering. Her resolute nature didn''t allow for dawdling over decisions. However, as she leaned forward to push away the offered lotus, there was a fleeting break in her usualposure. She quickly righted herself, mindful of her drenched clothes, ensuring her graceful contours remained concealed. Her words fell silent. Wang Xuan responded with a warm smile, his countenance beaming. Understanding her wishes, he didn''t press the matter any further. Instead, he wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity, consuming the spiritual lotus with a hearty appetite. Then, closing his eyes, he immersed himself in quiet contemtion. The spiritual lotus continued to work its wonders as Wang Xuan''s mental faculties stirred and his spiritual domain expanded. Its effects exceeded his initial expectations. Originally, Wang Xuan possessed only a partial and iplete mental domain. However, the spiritual lotus activated his innate spiritual energy, amplifying his mental strength and allowing his spiritual domain to develop more fully. Sitting in a meditative position, Wang Xuan focused on the intricate text of "Elemental Forge of the Divine," a scripture he had learned from Qin Hong during their previous encounter. With each passing moment, his spiritual domain became more solidified, and his mental power grew stronger,ying a solid foundation for advancing into the coveted "Enlightenment" stage within the realm of the extraordinary. After this profound experience, he decided to consume the second spiritual lotus. However, he stopped halfway through devouring half of the delicate flower. The effects had diminished significantly, and his mental domain had achieved a remarkable state of stability, showing no further discernible changes. Wang Xuan ced the half-eaten flower down and noticed that Zhao Qinghan was looking at him with an unusual expression¡ªa mixture of surprise and realization. "What''s wrong?" he asked, not sure what might have gone awry. "Your face... it''s peeling," Zhao Qinghan remarked. Startled, Wang Xuan touched his face, and he immediately understood. While he had been focusing on his mental domain, his body had undergone a slow transformation. His Elemental Body Technique, having reached the pinnacle of the sixth stage, was now slowly transitioning to the seventh stage. After practicing the Elemental Body Technique for so long, every cell in his body remembered the technique. With the nourishment from the spiritual lotus, the Elemental Body Technique was advancing alongside his physical form. "How did you start shedding your skin?" Zhao Qinghan noticed that Wang Xuan wasn''t only experiencing peeling on his face but also on his neck and hands. Wang Xuan realized that he had unintentionally revealed some of his secrets. Zhao Qinghan was exceptionally perceptive and was likely forming various urate spections. "The sun in this remote area is quite intense," he replied calmly while subtly adjusting his posture, allowing the Elemental Body Technique to fully unfold. He could feel his strength increasing substantially. Zhao Qinghan continued to stare at him, her curiosity piqued. She couldn''t help but think that Wang Xuan''s excuse was quite the fabrication. After all, his newplexion was incredibly smooth. She secretly yearned to touch it, thinking that this technique would be perfect for her. Chapter 136: Grandmaster Chapter 136: Grandmaster Zhao Qinghan''s eyes sparkled with an unusual brightness, as if they were lit from within. She looked on with intense envy. Upon shedding ayer of skin, Wang Xuan''s face revealed a newyer that was smooth and wless, much like pristine jade. The fresh skin radiated a vibrant, rejuvenated aura. Curious and without any reservation, Zhao Qinghan reached out, intending to inspect Wang Xuan''s newly rejuvenated skin. She pinched and pulled at his cheek to get a better feel. Wang Xuan turned his head, puzzled. "What are you doing, Goddess Zhao? Why are you touching my face?" He noted her appearance: her body was damp, and droplets of water still clung to her hair, giving her a fresh and ethereal beauty. However, the brilliance in her eyes was almost too intense to look at directly. This did not seem like an act of flirtation, as Zhao Qinghan was often more reserved and aloof. "What kind of technique have you been practicing?" Zhao Qinghan''s voice was tinged with excitement, her typicalposed demeanor momentarily forgotten, her eyes filled with eagerness to learn. With a yful and mysterious grin, Wang Xuan whispered, "It''s the Daoist Dual Cultivation Technique." He wore a smile that beamed with pride, lighting up his entire face. Zhao Qinghan was momentarily stunned, then she lightly punched him in jest, rolling her eyes in disbelief. "Why are you asking?" Wang Xuan, undeterred by the yful punch, continued his exercises, savoring the newfound strength coursing through him. He felt invincible, confident he could now overpower a creature of masterful strength. Zhao Qinghan replied, "After shedding your skin, yourplexion improved so dramatically. It''s far more effective than any beauty treatment I''ve seen. I believe this technique is worth mastering!" Wang Xuan was momentarily at a loss for words. The earnest expression on Zhao Qinghan''s face could have convinced anyone that they were discussing matters of life and death. Yet, all this fuss was just about her desire for beauty! He recalled a previous conversation where she had mentioned practicing certain techniques to maintain her figure. Her rapid mastery of ''qi'' gathering and internal nourishment techniques had indeed left Qin Cheng utterly impressed. "You''re telling me that your sole purpose of rigorously training is to achieve a wless appearance and maintain your figure?" Wang Xuan asked incredulously. Zhao Qinghan nodded earnestly, "Indeed. It''s a major motivation for me. By mastering these techniques to the highest level, I can not only preserve my youth but also extend my lifespan." "But don''t you want to achieve transcendence?" Wang Xuan probed further. "Of course, I do. But the two goals aren''t mutually exclusive. As I move forward, I''m inching closer to both," she replied with utmost seriousness. Wang Xuan could only nod in response. Zhao Qinghan had her priorities straight. She was determined to achieve both beauty and transcendence. And if her will was bolstered by the former... It was formidable indeed. Should she seed, Wang Xuan mused, she would likely boast about her journey for years toe¡ªhow her path to spiritual cultivation began with a desire to maintain her figure. Deciding to be forthright, Wang Xuan informed her that the technique he was practicing was called the ''Golden Body Technique''. Zhao Qinghan''s face instantly changed. Her gaze fixed on him, a hint of rm evident in her eyes. "You mean, practicing it to the point where even des and bullets cannot harm you? To the point where your body is as hard as iron? I won''t practice something like that!" It took Wang Xuan a moment toprehend her reaction. Then, ncing at her delicate and wet silhouette, he realized her concern: Is she actually worried that the technique will turn her graceful body into a rigid block of iron? Wang Xuan decided not to borate further. After all, the ''Golden Body Technique'' was not for everyone. It was an energy-intensive practice that took a considerable amount of time, and under normal circumstances, most couldn''t master it. "I''ll review some techniques when I get back and decide on the right direction for my training," Zhao Qinghan dered. She was currently honing her older techniques while learning new ones. But witnessing the prowess of her ssmate, who had taken an old technique to such a mysterious level, invigorated her anticipation for what she might achieve. "You should consume the Spirit Nourishing Lotus soon. Two petals should suffice, but after that, its efficacy will diminish considerably," Wang Xuan advised her. He proceeded to consume the remaining half petal of his lotus, unwilling to let it go to waste. Once separated from its stem, the lotus began to lose its essence by the minute unless immediately preserved. For Wang Xuan, the effect of this half petal was now subtler than before. He had reached a pivotal point in his training. As he transitioned to the seventh level of the ''Golden Body Technique'', his prowess soared to the pinnacle of the master tier. It was astounding considering he had just recently ventured into this realm. He swiftly surpassed the mid-tier masters to stand at the apex. Furthermore, he believed that he was on the cusp of breaking into the realm of Grandmaster. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but marvel at the wonders of the mysteriousnd they were in. The journey had truly been worthwhile. There was no doubt in his mind that the Spirit Nourishing Lotus was an extraordinary elixir, likely crafted with utmost care by the transcendent creature, the Great Serpent, for its offspring. Now, Wang Xuan felt that even in the face of a real Grandmaster, he wouldn''t flinch. He found himself in a unique state where every aspect of his being was enhanced to an exceptional degree. In some respects, he felt even more potent than a Grandmaster. By all ounts, considering his current prowess, he was undoubtedly on par with them. However, Wang Xuan understood that upon truly entering the Grandmaster realm, peculiar transformations would ur. These were changes he had not yet manifested. Signs of such advancements included abilities verging on the supernatural. Some Grandmasters could unleash an energy beam from their mouths, capable of decapitating foes. Others could harness the element of fire from within their bodies, casting brilliant mes that would grievously wound or even incinerate adversaries. Some could invoke the resonance of their internal organs, emitting bursts of lightning to vanquish enemies. Elder Chen had once demonstrated this art of thunder, its immense power dismantling various secret techniques from other domains. While Wang Xuan could produce a resonance within his organs, it manifested merely as a rumble apanied by a faint glow. He could not project an energy beam to directly harm opponents. Therefore, he did not consider himself a Grandmaster yet. However, he wasn''t disheartened. This just emphasized the depth and sturdiness of his foundation. He was still in the phase of umtion. Once he manifested the distinctive traits of a Grandmaster, his prowess would undoubtedly be awe-inspiring. For now, he was confident that his current strength was a match for any Grandmaster. He looked forward with anticipation to the day he would truly step into that esteemed realm, curious about the changes it would bring. "Great Serpent, perhaps when I attain the Grandmaster level, I won''t wish to seek you out for trouble. It''s best we avoid crossing paths in the near future," he mused, revealing his thoughts on the transcendent creature. Casting a nce at Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan noticed she had consumed the Spirit Nourishing Lotus. She sat with her eyes closed, a luminous glow radiating from her forehead. He realized that Zhao, with her unique spiritual techniques, was likely deriving immense benefits from the lotus. Wang Xuan, eager to test his newfound strength, approached a nearby cliff and unleashed a powerful palm strike against its surface. Without hesitation, he turned and sprinted away, moments before a massive section of the cliff crumbled and thunderously copsed. Such force would surely reduce any creature of the Grandmaster level to mere pulp! After a short time, Wang Xuan returned to find Zhao Qinghan behaving strangely. She cast fleeting nces his way, her face flushed, before quickly averting her gaze. At first, he was puzzled. Then, spotting a wisp of luminescent mist before her forehead, understanding dawned on him. The ethereal mist resembled the spiritual realm, though Zhao seemed far from fully manifesting it. In fact, she seemed less advanced than he was at the onset. Zhao Qinghan''s spiritual prowess was exceptional and unique. Back in their novice days, she had once hypnotized him using this power. When she harnessed her spiritual force, her pupils transformed into a vivid shade of purple¡ªa trait stemming from the union between the Zhao family and the indigenous inhabitants. "Could she possess certain abilities even before establishing her spiritual realm?" Wang Xuan pondered. True to his suspicions, on two asions, Zhao cast him uneasy nces. Only when the luminous mist receded and her eyes returned to their normal hue did she seem to regain herposure. Wordlessly, Wang Xuan surmised that Zhao, driven by her intense curiosity, had been probing him. However, she soon regained her calm demeanor and refrained from tapping into her surging spiritual energy again. Choosing not to confront her, Wang Xuan empathized with her actions. Anyone newly endowed with heightened spiritual perception would surely be driven by curiosity. The duo resumed their journey, hoping to rendezvous with theirpanions. However, Wang Xuan soon made a startling discovery. "Something''s amiss. There are stone houses in this region!" he eximed. Glimpsed through the dense forest was a cluster of structures, meticulously crafted fromrge stones. Clearly, it was a dwelling. Upon closer observation, Wang Xuan noticed that the stone formations seemed to make up a quaint vige. An unsettling stillness hung in the air, devoid of any signs of life. "Could this be the home of beings simr to humans?" Wang Xuan wondered aloud. Zhao Qinghan, her face clouded with apprehension, shook her head. "No expedition has ever reported such a discovery," she whispered. Their unexpected find¡ªan array of constructed dwellings in this secluded realm¡ªwas profoundly perplexing. More unnerving, though, was the haunting silence that pervaded the vige. Deciding that caution was the better part of valor, they chose not to delve deeper. In and as treacherous as this, excessive curiosity could prove fatal. "Perhaps, in our frantic flight from the mighty serpent, we inadvertently veered off course," suggested Zhao Qinghan. Since no previous explorers had encountered such structures, they reasoned they had ventured into unexplored territories. Thus, they sought to recalibrate their path and find familiar ground. The hidden realm was vast, teeming with mysteries. As they journeyed, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan kept their eyes peeled for its many treasures. They had already experienced the benefits of the Nourishing Lotus. If they were fortunate enough to discover the legendary Elixir of Destiny or the Earth Immortal Grass, Wang Xuan was confident that his prowess would ascend to unparalleled heights¡ªenough to confront and perhaps best the fearsome serpent. Yet, thend didn¡¯t yield its secrets easily. While they pinpointed intriguing locations, there were ominous hints of formidable entities nearby. With his acute spiritual awareness, Wang Xuan sensed these lurking dangers. Charging forward recklessly might spell doom. Zhao Qinghan reassured, "We''re still within the boundaries of this concealed realm. We haven''t strayed." Suddenly, Wang Xuan pointed ahead. "There''s a fierce battle unfolding!" His voice tinged with awe, he continued, "The forest is ame with energy. This suggestsbatants of Grandmaster strength, at the very least!" Explosions and dazzling bursts of light punctuated the horizon. Cliffs disintegrated, and towering trees were felled. Gazing in wonder, Wang Xuan whispered, "Could those be... Pegasus? A herd of the legendary celestial steeds right before our eyes?" Both Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan stood in awe as a herd of horses took flight from the mountains. These weren''t ordinary horses. These were majestic, snow-white steeds, unblemished from mane to tail, each sporting vast, white wings. They soared gracefully over the mountains, enveloped by a radiant mist. Yet on the ground, another group of horses galloped at astonishing speeds. Their bodies shimmered with a golden luster, making them resemble living tapestries of gilded silk. Their speed was astounding, even scaling cliff faces with ease, seemingly in pursuit of the winged horses in the sky. Once the herd had departed, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan cautiously approached the area. The forest floor was marred by hoof prints, and many towering treesy shattered, testament to the intensity of what had transpired. "There''s an injured one!" Wang Xuan pointed out. "A Pegasus?" Zhao Qinghan wondered aloud. In a clearing, they found a white horse, its body as lustrous as polished marble, radiating an otherworldly beauty. However, a grievous wound marred its head, staining the ground with blood. Ity there, letting out soft, mournful whinnies, its gaze lingering in the direction the herd had vanished, a palpable sense of longing in its eyes. It was evident that this horse had shed with either the winged ones or the golden ones, resulting in the devastation around them. "This horse is incredible," Zhao Qinghan remarked with awe. "It doesn''t have wings and can''t fly, but look - it seems to be just a youngling, not yet fully grown." Many people in their world had a penchant for horse racing, breeding various exotic equines. Zhao Qinghan recalled that one of her uncles owned several high-priced, rare horses. But byparison, she realized, even the most prized horse her uncle boasted of paled beside the injured white one before them. Wang Xuan nodded in agreement, equally impressed. Though the injured white horse wasn''t small, it was evidently more youthful than the others that had departed. The battlefield bore the hallmarks of a sh between Grandmasters. Wang Xuan felt a momentary crisis of belief. Could it be that these horses were all at the Grandmaster level of power? The very thought suggested that the more formidable horses within the herd must be transcendental beings. "Are we still on the outskirts? This isn''t right. We''ve encountered a herd of Grandmaster-level pegasi, and perhaps even a Transcendent lead stallion," Wang Xuan remarked, a note of wonder in his voice. He then approached the injured white foal on the ground, which was possibly dazed earlier from a blow to its head. As Wang Xuan neared, the horse''s eyes widened, and it began to struggle. "Don''t be afraid," Wang Xuan gently said, crouching beside the creature. "I mean you no harm. Come with me. I even have a spiritual herb you can eat." He extended his hand, trying to soothe the wary steed. Zhao Qinghan watched with anticipation. Taming a Grandmaster-level spirit horse and taking it to their home world would undoubtedly drive the horse-racing enthusiasts mad. Besides, having such a powerful mount in this mysteriousnd would undoubtedly offer them a significant advantage. But suddenly, the seemingly cid moment took an unexpected turn. While still lying on the ground, the spirited horseshed out, aiming a powerful kick at Wang Xuan. Zhao Qinghan braced herself, expecting Wang Xuan to continue his patient attempts to calm the feisty creature. But, to her astonishment, Wang Xuan retaliated with a swift p. The echoing sounds of their skirmish filled the air. The subsequent scene was far from a graceful depiction. Wang Xuanmunicated with the young horse using brute force. In the end, he subdued the sentient creature, forcing it to lower its head in temporary submission. Clearly, the horse had a strong will to live and had no desire to meet its end. Once it realized it was outmatched by Wang Xuan, it ceased its resistance. Later that day, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan sessfully mounted the magnificent steed, journeying through the mountains in search of their acquaintances. Riding a Grandmaster-level spirit horse came with benefits ¨C its pace was astonishing. It effortlessly navigated rugged terrains, making the journey both swift and efficient. However, Wang Xuan remained on guard, continuously disciplining the horse. It had tried to escape or even retaliate against him on several asions, but each attempt was swiftly quashed. Clinging to its mane, Wang Xuan seemed almost glued to the creature''s back, ready to reprimand it at its slightest fuss. Needless to say, Wang Xuan was immensely satisfied. Not only did he possess thebat prowess of a Grandmaster, but his mount was also a formidable force to be reckoned with. Zhao Qinghan sat behind him, holding onto the sides of his clothing. But whenever the horse leapt over uneven terrain, the jolt would force her to wrap her arms tightly around Wang Xuan''s waist. By the afternoon, they returned to their initial location, only to find theirrades missing, reced by numerous blood stains and signs ofbat. An intuition told Zhao Qinghan they were close to finding their friends. She whispered into Wang Xuan''s ear, "I''ll keep your secret safe." As evening approached and just before the sun set, they came upon some familiar faces. Through the dense woods, Wang Xuan spotted Zhong Cheng and Zhou Yun, both bloodied and battered. They were apanied by only a handful of their initial group. At the same moment, Wang Xuan''s eyes caught the breathtaking sight of the herd of flying horses once more. Their vast snow-white wings stretched across the sky, making a majestic traverse across the mountains. Their divine aura was amplified against the backdrop of the evening''s afterglow. Below, a group of golden horses galloped over a cliff, seemingly in pursuit. "Are those... Pegasus?!" eximed Zhong Cheng in shock. "How incredible would it be if we could tame such creatures and breed them on our new star?" Zhou Yun mused aloud, imagining the betting odds if he had such a horse. "No horse would ever outpace them." However, an experienced member of the surviving expedition dampened their excitement. "Don''t even think about it. A Grandmaster once tried to tame one, only to get crushed by its hoof. It was a gruesome end." Zhong Cheng remarked, "Sounds like something Xiao Wang would do." Hearing this, Wang Xuan''s patience wore thin, and he felt the urge to give Zhong a piece of his mind! Zhou Yun nodded in agreement, "I''ve heard about it too. That powerful hoof stomp is notorious." The young horse Wang Xuan was mounted on remained silent, seemingly mncholic. It gazed longingly at the distant herd as they slowly walked out of the woods. "Little Wang, Sister Zhao!" Zhong Cheng gasped in surprise. "How are you both alive after being taken by those beasts?" Zhou Yun, equally stunned, quipped, "A Pegasus? Impressive, Little Wang! How much would you sell it to me?" Suddenly, from the departing herd of flying horses, a few turned back, gazing in their direction and letting out a haunting neigh. Could they be rallying for an attack? Wang Xuan''s skin tingled with apprehension. He quickly covered his mouth, fearing that any words he might utter could inadvertentlye true. Chapter 137: Dark Side Of The Hidden Land Chapter 137: Dark Side Of The Hidden Land The seasoned member of the expedition team spoke up, "Generally, these flying horses have a gentle temperament and won''t harm humans." However, uponying his eyes on the young horse beneath Wang Xuan, he quickly silenced himself. The wind suddenly picked up, heralding the descent of three majestic flying horses. Their arrival stirred the forest, causing a whirlwind of leaves to flutter about. Two mature flying horses, with icy res, fixated their attention on Wang Xuan. Their hooves scraped the earth, diggingrge holes and crushing rocks underneath. Before approaching Zhong Cheng and the others, Zhao Qinghan had already dismounted. Now, only Wang Xuan remained atop the young white horse, and he was growing increasingly uneasy. These two adult horses were easily on the level of Grandmasters. More rmingly, a whole group of their kind had settled on a distant mountain peak, their gazes trained intently on the scene unfolding before them. What did this mean? An entire cohort of equine Grandmasters! Even for someone as formidable as Wang Xuan, the prospect of facing sixty or seventy equine Grandmasters, perhaps even apanied by a transcendental "Superior Horse," was a battle he couldn''t hope to win. So, with a resigned determination, Wang Xuan gracefully dismounted. His eyes softened with an expression of reluctance. Gently patting the young horse''s head, he whispered, "Reunite with your family." But unexpectedly, the young white horse didn''t move away. Instead, the sorrow and reluctance in its eyes transformed into defiance. It nced back at the two mature horses and took a few steps back. Then, its gaze shifted to another young flying horse of simr age. The broad wings of this other horse bore bloodstains that tinted some of its white feathers red. The two young horses locked eyes, clearly adversaries. White mists puffed from their nostrils, and the tension in the air suggested they were moments away from charging at each other. Amid the tension, a young pegasus with pristine white wings stepped back, its head tilted, as though urging the solitary colt by Wang Xuan to rejoin the herd. But the lone colt defiantly exhaled a white mist, signaling its decision to stay. It continued backing away, silentlymunicating its reluctance to rejoin the two elder pegasi. Quick to act, Zhao Qinghan presented thest rejuvenating lotus to the colt. After a fleeting moment of contemtion, the colt nibbled and swallowed the sacred herb. A palpable exchange passed between the two elder pegasi, ending with a pointed gaze directed at Wang Xuan. To everyone''s astonishment, one pegasus began to shimmer, exuding an aura so powerful it brought Zhong Cheng, Zhou Yun, and the other expedition members to their knees. Stunned, Wang Xuan recognized the magnificent creature as the legendary "Superior Pegasus." He subtly leaned on the young colt, feigning exhaustion, while Zhao Qinghan genuinely clung to the colt for support. Eventually, the two elder pegasi and the white-winged youngster took to the air, soaring toward their kin. The young pegasus was notably shepherded protectively within the flock. Reflecting on the recent confrontation, Wang Xuan theorized that the colts were contending for a princely title within the herd. The wingless colt''s tenacity and refusal to yield hinted at its potential greatness. A sense of anticipation ignited within Wang Xuan. He envisioned the wingless colt''s evolution into a "Superior Pegasus" in time, given its audacity to vie for future leadership. He voiced his respects aloud, dering, ¡°Farewell to the Superior Pegasus and the revered Grandmasters.¡± As the expedition members gradually regained theirposure, their faces etched with confusion over Wang Xuan''s unfamiliar titles. The atmosphere lightened with the herd''s departure. But the seasoned explorer looked thoughtful as he mused, ¡°I''ve encountered this herd deep within the hiddennd. What brings them here now?¡± A palpable sense of dread weighed down the group. The seasoned veterans had forged ahead, apanied by elite fighters, and now their status was uncertain. All the troubling signs from the forbidden area indicated that a grave incident had taken ce. "Why are you here? What about the others?" Zhao Qinghan questioned. "We were scattered during an ambush," Zhou Yun exined, his face shadowed with a mix of rage and sorrow. "We found a rare medicinal nt today and wanted to harvest it. But we were ambushed by hordes of monsters. We had no choice but to flee. Do you know what they were?" He hesitated, then spat out the word, "Mantises!" The shame was evident; they had been chased for miles by mere insects. Zhong Cheng borated, "These weren''t ordinary mantises. They resembled a beastly species, each about four meters long, covered in dark fur. Their forelimbs were as sharp as des. Ordinary men stood no chance. Our team was decimated on the spot, with over twenty to thirty casualties." They recounted that even a master-level gically-enhanced individual had been in by a unique silver mantis. This devastating turn of events had sent them into disarray, fleeing in every direction. "Your sister has gone missing, and you seem so rxed. Haven''t you thought of mounting a rescue?" Zhao Qinghan remarked, a hint of usation in her voice as she gazed at Zhong Cheng. Zhong Cheng''s face crumpled, "After the initial chaos, my sister shouted for everyone to scatter, hoping it would save more lives. I got separated from her, and then all the formidable warriors chased after her. Look around; there''s not even a sub-master level person with me." Zhou Yun added, visibly frustrated, "I ran in a different direction from Wu Yin. Those master-level enhanced beings didn''t spare me a nce, but chased after Wu Yin instead." Zhao Qinghan remained silent, biting back a retort about their evidentck of appeal. But Zhong Cheng sought to bring some sce, "We managed to survive, which means they likely did too. Those mantis beasts seem focused on guarding that rare nt; I doubt they''d stray far from it." Zhong Cheng struggled with his feelings of inadequacy. Even the mighty guardian assigned to protect him had eventually left him to follow his sister. How could there be such a vast disparity between individuals? "In the face of death, some instinctively seek safety and avoid danger," Zhao Qinghan consoled, drawing from her personal experiences. She remembered being lifted into the air by a monster while the elite guards from her household hesitated, too fearful to ascend and rescue her. "What extraordinary find did youe across?" Wang Xuan inquired. "A ck Gold Date Tree," Zhou Yun began, his voice quivering with emotion. "Imagine a four-meter-tall tree bearing over a hundred ck Gold Dates. I''ve never seen such a bountiful spiritual medicine before!" Their group had been exhrated, rushing forward to pluck the nearly ripe dates, anticipating that each of them would obtain a share of this rare remedy. But their tion was cut short when the mantis beasts attacked, nearly annihting them. "Over a hundred spiritual dates within our grasp, and now... lost," Zhou Yun sighed deeply. He then approached Wang Xuan, a gleam in his eye, "Wang, sell me that white horse of yours. We can negotiate a price." Wang Xuan chuckled, "Are you sure? Let me warn you, it''s a creature of great power, a spiritual horse of grandmaster caliber. It could easily trample a person to death." "Why is it following you?" Zhou Yun asked skeptically. "We found it injured during our journey," Wang Xuan exined. "After we nursed it back to health, it refused to leave and insisted on apanying us." In reality, after feasting on the Spiritual Lotus in Zhao Qinghan''s possession, the horse wasn''t as attached as they believed. It had already begun wandering off into the forest, clearly indicating a desire to depart. "See? This spiritual horse and I share a special bond," Wang Xuan said, hastily catching up to the horse, grabbing its neck, and forcefully pulling it back, making it appear as if they were closepanions. "Zhao, how did you two manage to survive?" Zhong Cheng asked, echoing the curiosity of the group. "As the creature flew near the treeline, a golden bird of extraordinary power swooped down and bit off half its body," Zhao Qinghan recounted. "Wang and I plunged into a river within the forest, and miraculously survived." The profound weariness in her eyes conveyed the gravity of their brush with death, a tale of narrow escape. "After a brush with death, one often finds good fortune," echoed amongst the group. They all believed the sentiment, deeming it imusible for the duo to have defeated such a creature on their own, or else they wouldn''t have been captured in the first ce. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the woods were nketed in darkness. Everyone shared a light meal and decided to rest there for the night. Zhong Cheng''s earlier bravado waned, reced by growing anxiety for his sister''s safety. They had been separated in the afternoon, and as night deepened, there was still no word from her or her group. The looming shadow of the forest only intensified his unease. "Is this truly a grandmaster-level spiritual horse?" Zhong Cheng asked, his voice wavering between excitement and anxiety. Finally, he grabbed Wang Xuan''s hand and blurted, "Can you ride this horse and look for them? I''m genuinely worried. If you help me with this, I promise a generous reward once we''re back at the New World." In this critical moment, Zhong Cheng''s deep concern for his sister was evident. Tears formed in his eyes, and his voice trembled with emotion. Zhou Yun, sympathizing with the distress, also urged, "Brother Wang, if this is indeed a grandmaster-level horse, please help. We''re all from the New World after all." Making up his mind, Wang Xuan nodded, "I''ll go check." If he had the capacity to help, he wouldn''t remain indifferent. "Just... be careful," Zhao Qinghan advised, emphasizing the importance of Wang Xuan''s own safety. As Zhong Cheng babbled a few more words to the white horse, he nearly received a swift kick in return. Under the moonlit night, Wang Xuan mounted the seemingly reluctant white horse and rode in the direction indicated by Zhong Cheng. Around twenty miles out, Wang Xuan encountered a man, bloody and on the brink of death, sitting beneath a tree, gazing weakly at the moonlight. Hopping down, Wang Xuan noticed the bloodied handprints on the man''s tattered clothes and the missing right shoulder and arm. It was evident that this injury was inflicted by another human, not a creature. "The Qin family... they''ve ordered the Moonlight Bodhisattvas to kill," the man uttered with great difficulty. "Why?" Wang Xuan pressed urgently. "In the afternoon," the gravely wounded man began, "we encountered members of the Qin family. They deceived us into returning to that spot to jointly harvest the ck Gold Dates. They were already familiar with the location and the Mantis Beasts there. They sabotaged us, turning many of our own into bait for those creatures to pursue... All the while, the Qin''s went about harvesting. Even worse, they then unleashed Moonlight Bodhisattva to exterminate any of us that survived." With a surge of determination, Wang Xuan quickly mounted the Grandmaster Horse, racing forward. The head of the Qin family had clearly lost his moralpass, sacrificing lives with impunity and covering up their heinous acts. Wang Xuanmented the depth of darkness in this mysteriousnd. It was a brutality that even established exploration teams could stoop to, readily destroying another team. No news of such urrences ever reached the New World¡ªthese vile acts were well-hidden. From a distance, Wang Xuan spotted a luminous figure¡ªthe Moonlight Bodhisattva¡ªshattering a near-grandmaster with ease, then scattering the surrounding Mantis Beasts with powerful blows. But the unfolding scene was not as Wang Xuan had anticipated. The radiant figure, clearly a Grandmaster-level Moonlight Bodhisattva, advanced menacingly towards a pale-faced young man. "What are you doing, rebelling?" The young man questioned, his face drained of color but defiance evident in his eyes. With an icy tone, the Moonlight Bodhisattva responded, "It''sughable. You think your ruthless cunning qualifies you to lead? Using those explorers as bait, sending them to their deaths, and then ordering us to finish the job. But did you ever stop to consider where we are? This isn''t the New World. Do you still see us as mere tools or dogs? Sure, we did the dirty work on the explorers. But who are you to im the spiritual herbs? You fail to grasp that this is a secretnd, a new world, governed by a dark code you know nothing about!" With a swift move, the Moonlight Bodhisattvaunched a kick, gravely injuring the young man who screamed in agony, looking on the brink of death. "My brother is nearby... He won''t let you go!" were the young man''s final words, brimming with menace, before he took hisst breath. The Moonlight Bodhisattva chuckled coldly, "Are you asking me to go after your brother?" Chapter 138: Alone Into The Enemy Camp Chapter 138: Alone Into The Enemy Camp In the mysterious distinct from the New World, individuals would often lose themselves. The young man from the Qin family, once a paragon of decorum and grace on New World, nowy in a crimson pool of his own making. Whether at elegant soirees or intimate gatherings, he was always the epitome of geniality. Yet, in this realm, a darker side of him had been unleashed. Equally transformed was the Moonlight Bodhisattva. Previously known for his reticence and impassivity, here he exhibited a chilling ruthlessness, mercilessly maiming the young Qin without a second thought. Freed from societal norms and moral confines, the true nature of many revealed itself. "Who approaches?" The Moonlight Bodhisattva''s heightened senses detected even the softest tread of the Grandmaster Horse. In a swift, graceful leap, he distanced himself, surveying his surroundings with wariness. Although his aura radiated a pure, ethereal glow akin to moonlight, it was marred by the harsh stters of blood on his visage and attire. "Where are the rest?" Wang Xuan''s voice held an edge, cold and sharp, deducing the grim fate of the others. "They''re scattered in various parts of the forest, guarded by other grandmasters. I can lead you to them. I''ve in only a few; their remains are here," the Moonlight Bodhisattva replied, his stance defensive yet calcted. He remained wary of Wang Xuan, discerning an underlying threat despite his young age. Interrupting Wang Xuan''s thoughts, Moonlight Bodhisattva added swiftly, "Navigating this dense forest without guidance would be a futile endeavor. Despite appearances, I am not your adversary. After all, it was by my hand that those of the Qin family met their end." Wang Xuan, mounted confidently atop his steed, realized the source of the Moonlight Bodhisattva''s caution. The familiar presence of the horse, a recognizable entity, must have betrayed something significant. "Do you intend to lead me to them or not?" Wang Xuan prodded. Moonlight Bodhisattva retreated, a tinge of resignation in his voice. "You still want to kill me. But truly, there might be no need. Without the gic stabilizer from the Qin family, my body might already be on the verge of copse. All I wish is to live out my days in the deste regions of thisnd, striving to transcend my limits. If I fail, at least my demise would be silent and unnoticed." "Time is of the essence. Lead the way, and I''ll spare you," Wang Xuan replied tersely. Despite Wang Xuan''s assurances, doubt clouded Moonlight Bodhisattva''s eyes. "Trust is a luxury I can''t afford," he responded, drifting toward a cluster of rugged boulders. Growing impatient, Wang Xuan sprung forward in pursuit, only to be halted by the other''s raised hand. "Stop!" the Moonlight Bodhisattva gestured towards the sloping terrain, which revealed a vast river beneath, teeming with eerie silhouettes and shining, armored creatures reflecting the moonlight. A sight both mesmerizing and terrifying. "I''d rather take my chances with that river than trust a stranger." Wang Xuan stopped in his tracks, taken aback by the Buddha''s unwavering resolve. The river''s expanse and the lurking dangers beneath seemed a daunting gamble. The older man''s gaze softened as he spoke, "Seeing you reminds me of my younger self. On my first venture here, I nearly lost my life trying to save another. In thisnd, mercy and kindness will get you killed." Meeting his gaze, Wang Xuan asked, "You''ve been to thisnd years ago? Weren''t most of the exploration teams from various families reported to have been decimated?" The middle-aged man''s affirmation caused Wang Xuan''s eyes to narrow. "Indeed, many expeditions have met their end. But often, the truth is cloaked. These families frequently misrepresent their own losses, painting a picture grimmer than it really is. This ce," he gestured around, "is teeming with individuals more treacherous than you can fathom. My urge to escape is rooted in this dread. And if we''re trading secrets, be warned: the Qin family has a base in these parts." Wang Xuan''s gaze intensified, realizing thebyrinthineplexities of this realm. "The ones you seek have taken refuge in a convoluted terrain ¨C a ce ofkes, marsnds, and towering stone forests. It''s perilously close to their of some formidable beasts," the Moonlight Bodhisattva said, indicating a distant direction. "Without my guidance, you''d undoubtedly stray from their path." After a brief pause, he added, "This is where we part. But remember, fate may have us join forces against the Qin in the future." Wang Xuan''s stance became more assertive. "Share your stash of the ck gold dates with me." Moonlight Bodhisattva was resolute. "They might not offer you much advantage, but they''re my lifeline. Ever wonder the Qin''s fervor in harvesting them? They are the cornerstone for a rare gic potion." With little warning, he heaved a boulder at Wang Xuan, who nonchntly shattered it with a deft kick. Witnessing this feat, the man''s tone held a hint of admiration. "You wield the prowess of a master, despite your youth. Which faction achieved such a marvel to mold you?" Having gauged Wang Xuan''s capabilities, the man''s decision was swift and unwavering. Without a second thought, he took a daring leap into the river below, submerging himself in its depths. Wang Xuan''s expression hardened. The man''s determination was chilling, seeking potential salvation even in the face of mortal danger. With urgency driving him, Wang Xuan swiftly mounted his ethereal steed, racing through the unevenndscape. The rapid thud of hooves and the swirling of fallen leaves marked their relentless pursuit. As Wang Xuan pressed forward, he stumbled upon a grim tableau. Strewn about were bodies, some belonging to familiar faces he''d once apanied on their airship journey to this secretivend. They''d once stood shoulder to shoulder, battling the mighty Qiulong dragons. Now, their remains painted a gruesome picture of violent deaths. Some were cleaved at the waist, others had their torsos obliterated. Their faces were smeared with blood, their eyes still wide with horror and disbelief, their final moments encapsting despair and a yearning for understanding. They had prepared for the threats of thisnd but never anticipated that the fatal blows woulde from their own kind. Most of these fallen souls were novices, venturing into the secretivend for the first time. Among the victims, Wang Xuan noticed a young couple, their lives cruelly ended as they held each other, a de having pierced both their hearts. Their final expressions were a mix of sorrow and perhaps a hint of relief. Nearby, the decapitated head of an older adventurery next to his body. His temples had grayed with age, his eyes wide but void of life. A furious me ignited in Wang Xuan''s heart. Every new sight intensified his rage, the cruel handiwork of treacherous humans proving more chilling than any beast or monster. Each atrocity seemed to reverberate, "Monsters! Devoid of any shred of humanity!" The sheer brutality, colder and more fearsome than any creature of thisnd, left Wang Xuan seething. His chest echoed with a subtle rumble, like distant thunder. He resolved then and there to show no mercy. Whether it be the elusive Moonlight Bodhisattva or anyone from the illustrious Qin family, he''d ensure that justice would be mercilessly meted out. Sensing Wang Xuan''s heightened danger and intent, the white steed beneath him seemed to grow unusually docile. It sped obediently, navigating the intricate terrain ahead. As they pushed forward, figures emerged from the distance ¡ª unmistakably the perpetrators of the recent atrocities. Their clothes stained with blood, they wielded their des with ruthless intent, ensuring the demise of those who alreadyy motionless in pools of blood. Their depravity knew no bounds as they severed the heads of the fallen to ensure no chance of survival. "Halt!" A voicemanded, drawing Wang Xuan''s gaze. A man with a metallic de blocked their path, but the steed, unyielding, raced forward. In the moonlight, Wang Xuan unsheathed his sword, which gleamed like a streak of lightning. "Attack!" The shout came from the opposing side, even before Wang Xuan could voice his intent. des shed, their gleaming arcs painting the forest with trails of light. But Wang Xuan, with his superior speed and skill, made short work of them. With swift, deliberate strikes, four heads were sent tumbling through the air. The lifeless bodies that remained spewed crimson, painting the ground below. The white steed, showcasing its formidable strength, reared up, crushing weapons and adversaries beneath its powerful hooves. Together, they made an unstoppable duo. The strength of two Grandmasters against the rtively weaker opponents proved insurmountable. "Who goes there?" A voice echoed from afar. Although the distance was considerable, the speaker could discern the white steed and its young rider. "Curious," he mused, "to see a horse galloping through thesends. What magnificent breed might that be? Capture it, but ensure the horse remains unscathed!" The directive came from a youth, no older than seventeen. Unaware of Wang Xuan''s previous feats, he spoke with unwavering confidence. The scattered bodies near him went unnoticed, a testament to his cold indifference. Wang Xuan''s eyes grew icy as he surveyed the scene. It appeared the Qin family had established a stronghold nearby, even sending this young adolescent to oversee its operation. Were they nting their roots in this area? Close to the youth stood seven or eight individuals. Among them was a near-Grandmaster, and the others too exhibited formidable strength. Heeding the young boy''s order, they began to encircle Wang Xuan. "Be cautious!" a voice cautioned from behind the group. "It may not have wings, but that creature bears a resemnce to the mythical flying horses. Let them approach; do not obstruct them!" ncing over, Wang Xuan''s gazended on an expansive clearing where around thirty individuals stood. Astonishingly, two of them bore the mark of Moonlight Bodhisattvas. As their eyes locked onto Wang Xuan, they radiated a chilling white glow. The young boy, realizing the impending danger, attempted to flee. But no matter how swift he was on foot, how could he ever outrun a steed of Grandmaster prowess? With a powerful signal from Wang Xuan, the white horse sprinted ahead, its hooves shaking the ground, effortlessly sending three adversaries flying into the air. Each one suffered grievous wounds, their chances of survival slimming with every passing second. In a sh, Wang Xuan overtook the young boy, his de sweeping through the air. The boy''s head was severed, tumbling several meters away before his body crashed to the ground. Wang Xuan showed no mercy. He was determined to eradicate this base. Whether foe or mere youth, he deemed none innocent. Their hands, he believed, were all stained with blood. The sight of that young boyughing amidst a pile of corpses was proof enough of his malevolent nature. "How dare you?!" An anguished cry echoed from a middle-aged man in the distance, a mix of fury and deep sorrow. Wang Xuan''s expression remained cold and unwavering. Was this the man''s idea of heartbreak? Tough at others'' misfortune and then buckle when tragedy befell him? With an impassive gaze fixed forward, Wang Xuan abruptly turned his steed around, charging back the way he came. The middle-aged man, mistaking this action for retreat, shouted authoritatively, "Stop him at all costs! He cannot escape today. I will personally deliver him to theboratory, and there, I shall y him alive!" A faint smirk lingered on Wang Xuan''s lips. Retreat? The very notion wasughable. He had turned back only with the intention of eliminating those who had stood with the youth earlier. His resolve was clear: he would not spare a single one. Tonight was set to be a night of relentless retribution. Everyst executioner would meet their end. From behind, a synchronized movement arose. A group of seasoned warriors, brandishing alloy des, silently split up, aiming to block Wang Xuan''s path using shortcuts. Among them, one of the Moonlight Bodhisattvas pursued with uncanny agility, leaping distances of over ten meters in a single bound. As Wang Xuan surged forward, his de wreaked havoc. These foes were no match for his prowess. Even the near-Grandmaster was cleaved in two, meeting a grisly end. "Such power in one so young. There''s something amiss with him. Seize him! We must find out whichboratory has made this breakthrough, releasing such a monster into the world," a voicemanded from the crowd. With a thunderous battle cry, Wang Xuan showed no hint of retreat. After dispatching the initial wave of attackers, he decisively wheeled around to confront the next group. His gaze locked onto a Grandmaster-level superhuman. With a graceful leap off his steed, Wang Xuan''s de glinted with a brilliance that resembled a bolt of lightning, illuminating the entire forest. With one swift strike, the Grandmaster-level superhuman, despite all his efforts to dodge, was cut diagonally across his shoulder, sumbing to death almost instantly. The sight rendered everyone present speechless. To bring down a Grandmaster with just one strike ¨C what kind of monster were they dealing with? Another battle cry echoed, this time not needing any orders. A second Moonlight Bodhisattva charged forward, emanating a radiant glow that seemed especially ethereal against the backdrop of the dark night. The two Moonlight Bodhisattvas, gleaming like twin orbs of light, converged on Wang Xuan from different angles, aiming to strike him down. "Come then," Wang Xuan challenged, brandishing his de, "None of you will escape tonight. I''ll ensure everyst one of you meets your end." Undeterred, he stood firm, facing off against two powerhouses of the Grandmaster tier. Chapter 139: Rescue Chapter 139: Rescue In the heart of the night, the two Moonlight Bodhisattvas seemed like shooting stars as they streaked across the forest. Both were on a singr mission: to eliminate the young threat before them. They couldn''t fathom how someone barely in his twenties could match the might of two Grandmasters. Fully alert, Wang Xuan tensed his entire frame, his skin shimmering with a subtle golden glow. He pushed his Golden Body technique to its limits, ready to test the true power of these renowned Grandmasters. The alloy de in his hand gleamed brilliantly, quivering slightly, as if struggling to contain the potent force Wang Xuan was channeling through it. Sensing that the de might shatter after a few more uses, Wang Xuan swung it with immense force towards one of the Grandmasters. The resulting de radiance seemed to meld with the stars above. With a roar echoing like thunder, the targeted Moonlight Bodhisattva caused many to stumble backward, their faces turning ashen from the sheer force of the sonic wave. As he moved, he mustered all his strength into his fist and, incredibly, shattered Wang Xuan''s alloy de with a single punch. Fragments of the de scattered in all directions, injuring bystanders and drawing cries of pain. But the danger was not over for Wang Xuan yet. The other Grandmaster approached, unleashing a dazzling white-lit kick aimed directly at Wang Xuan''s back. Unexpectedly, before Wang Xuan could react, another force intervened. The Grandmaster-tier stallion counterattacked, positioning his hind legs towards the attacking Bodhisattva and delivering a powerful double kick. With a resonant thud, the Bodhisattva collided with the stallion¡¯s counter. He was sent flying backward, and when hended, he limped noticeably. While his bones weren''t crushed, the pain in his foot was evident. The potency of Grandmaster Ma''s hooves was legendary, with the ability to shatter alloys and prate steel. Noticing this, one of the Moonlight Bodhisattvas became wary as the horse scraped its hooves against the ground, signaling its readiness to unleash a powerful blow. Simultaneously, Wang Xuan, having let go of the remnants of his broken de, squared off against his adversary with unshielded fists. Their collision echoed with a thunderous resonance, creating a maelstrom of disced vegetation and airborne debris. The atmosphere grew tense with the thickening haze of dust and the chaos of the ensuing battle. Even though Wang Xuan was technically still at a master''s level, he effortlessly matched the Moonlight Bodhisattva''s grandmaster strength. The Bodhisattva struggled to reconcile this reality, his hands bleeding from the force of their sh, the red droplets staining the earth beneath. Nearby, a middle-aged man from the Qin family observed with growing concern. Quickly, hemanded his troops to encircle Wang Xuan, setting the stage for a coordinated assault. Suddenly, the Moonlight Bodhisattva unleashed a brilliant, blinding ray of light. Having ascended to the grandmaster realm, he now exhibited semi-divine powers. Wang Xuan nimbly sidestepped the attack, which cleaved through an array of ancient trees, leaving devastation in its wake. The falling trees created a cascade of destruction, snapping branches and showering the area with leaves. Meeting the Bodhisattva''s gaze, Wang Xuan evaluated his opponent''s strength. While confident in his own abilities, he saw no advantage in dragging out their duel. Without hesitation, the two warriors shed once more in a fierce battle. While most feared the opponent''s unique ability to unleash beams of light reminiscent of sword strikes, Wang Xuan saw it as his only real challenge. A soft luminescence began to radiate from his forehead, signaling his mastery over the spiritual realm, which he unleashed upon the Moonlight Bodhisattva. Wang Xuan had previously discerned the Achilles heel of such enhanced beings. Despite their physical prowess reaching grandmaster stature, they were spiritually vulnerable. While an ordinary grandmaster might overlook this w, against a formidable opponent like Wang Xuan, such weaknesses became ring. Gripped by pain, the Moonlight Bodhisattva let out an agonized cry, his hands wing at his head. It felt as though his very skull had been shattered, his consciousness disintegrating. Seizing this opportunity, Wang Xuan leaped, readying a deadly strike. However, at thest moment, he shifted his approach. Landing, he firmly pressed his hand onto the Bodhisattva''s cranium, causing a visible indentation, heralding imminent demise. Even the hardened mercenaries of the Qin family, typically unbridled by morals, were left stunned. Here was a grandmaster, effortlessly subdued by a young man not even in his prime. The spectacle was chilling. Not far off, the second Moonlight Bodhisattva, who had been engaged with Grandmaster Ma, was in disbelief. Witnessing the swift defeat of hisrade, he became a blur of white light, choosing retreat over confrontation. His escape wasn''t about pride but survival. In the face of such an adversary, valor had its limits. Without hesitation, he sped away, leaving even the Qin family''s middle-aged man in his wake. Wang Xuan had vowed to eradicate this group of ruthless assassins, ensuring none would escape his wrath, not even a grandmaster. He gave chase, his spiritual domain erupting with intensity, casting a radiant light across the shadowed woods. The fleeing Moonlight Bodhisattva soon grasped the terrifying ordeal hisrade had faced. Overwhelmed by Wang Xuan''s spiritual onught, his mental defenses shattered, leaving him screaming in torment. Disoriented, he almost stumbled and fell. Catching up swiftly, Wang Xuan delivered a powerful p, sinking the man''s head partially into his chest. There was no hope of survival after such a blow. Wang Xuan had restrained himself just enough to avoid a gruesome mess. "Grandmaster Ma," Wang Xuan called out, "the seven on that side are yours to handle, while I''ll take care of the fourteen here. Let none escape!" He gestured for the young horse, Grandmaster Ma, to join the pursuit. Wang Xuan was on a relentless mission. Any survivor could inform the Qin family, forcing him into hiding and preventing his return to the New Star. As for the middle-aged man from the Qin family, Wang Xuan had already incapacitated him, breaking his legs to ensure he remained for questioning. During the chase, Wang Xuan picked up a de from the ground. Initially using it for decapitation, he swiftly dispatched seven or eight men. Then, snapping the de into segments, he hurled the shards, piercing and eliminating the rest. It was clear that Wang Xuan''s speed was unmatched. While the furthest runners managed barely a hundred meters, the closest barely took a few steps before meeting their end. If the assants had managed to scatter into the forest, even Wang Xuan might have struggled to hunt each one down. But the real surprise came from Grandmaster Ma, the horse, which disyed a seemingly telepathic understanding. When Wang Xuanmunicated using his spiritual realm, the horse seemed to grasp most of the intent. It charged with fury, trampling seven individuals to death, while the eighth was spared by Wang Xuan. Apart from the middle-aged man from the Qin family, only this one brute survived. Wang Xuan proceeded to interrogate them separately. The Qin representative, once cold and detached, was shaken to the core after witnessing Wang Xuan''s overwhelming power. Hisplexion turned pale as the horror of it all hit him, and he readily spilled every detail. The Qin family had maintained a secret base in the area for many years. It housed elite warriors, remnants of various expeditions who weren''t allowed to return to the New Star. "I see something in your eyes. What else are you hiding?" Wang Xuan intently asked, employing his spiritual realm, which almost made the man unravel in fear. And just like that, another secret was unveiled. This base was also aboratory. Earlier versions of the Moonlight Bodhisattva underwent gic modifications, benefiting from the flesh and blood of ancient, genuine Bodhisattvas. Later, they were nourished by an unearthly material known as the ''supermatter''. Discovered in a mystical realm by the schrs of the New Art domain, it was often termed the "God Factor" and was coveted by major research institutions. However, upon its arrival at this concealed location, the supermatter became corrupted by an entity referred to as X-substance. Over the years, they were developing new Moonlight Bodhisattvas, rooted in the X-substance, believing this to be the righteous path. More so, they were even cultivating a higher echelon called the Sunlight Bodhisattva in the same locale. "In truth," the man divulged, "the basecks sophisticated equipment. Devices brought here are eroded by mysterious energies. This location mainly serves to supply the natural existence of the X-substance to the test subjects." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s initial urge was to storm the base and destroy it. However, he soon received a piece of crucial information that would change his course. The information was chilling. The so-called mad elder from the Qin family hadn''t ventured deep into the hiddennds but was hiding in their base, surrounded by a group of elite warriors lying in ambush. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s eyes turned icy cold. So the cunning elder was hiding in the rear, using the younger generation as bait, anticipating them to pave the way, hoping to reap benefits without much effort. However, reality had dealt them a bloody lesson. "And what about Wu Yin, Zheng Rui, and Zhong Qing? Were they captured by you and taken to your base or killed on the spot?" Wang Xuan demanded to know. "They were driven into the great rift valley ahead," the middle-aged man from the Qin family revealed. The Qin''s ruthless nature became evident. They viewed human lives with sheer disdain. Whenever they believed they could get away with no loose ends, they would not hesitate in their heinous acts. Recently, they had noticed injured transcendent beings escaping from the depths and entering this grand canyon. While seeking refuge, these beings shed with a nearly horned ancient serpent residing there, their battle raging for half a day before it went silent. The Qin family had been eyeing the remains of these beings, but they didn''t dare approach. So, they deliberately drove the remaining explorers into the canyon to gauge the situation. "You are truly malicious!" With a swift p, Wang Xuan dislocated the man''s shoulder. Despite his current fearful demeanor, this man had been particrly treacherous when in power, orchestrating all manner of deceit. Before their true intentions had been revealed, he had lured the young explorers under the pretense of cooperative efforts to gather the ck Gold Dates. In reality, he''d cunningly smeared mantis hatchling blood on some explorers, leading to them being chased by the mantis beasts. After their cover was blown, the survivors were driven into the canyon to scout the way. "On my journey, I encountered a young man from the Qin family apanied by a Moonlight Bodhisattva. He mentioned his brother being nearby. Why haven''t I seen him?" Wang Xuan inquired. "It was me," the middle-aged man replied bitterly. Wang Xuan swiftly ended his life with a single p. The testimony of another captured brute corroborated with the Qin family member''s ount, with one exception: they had initially wanted to capture Wu Yin and Zhong Qing alive. However, the two had escaped into the rift valley on their own. Following this, the brutes forced the remaining explorers in the same direction. Wang Xuan ensured the brute faced his fate, leaving no survivors behind. Wang Xuan left the corpses untouched, knowing that by nightfall, the scent of blood would attract various beasts and monsters. They would feast on the bodies of the fallen. No trace of them would be left behind. This was a fate they deserved. Soon enough, the glint of predatory eyes began to shimmer in the dark, casting their gaze in his direction. The rift valley''s expanse, which stretched for dozens of miles, served as the only exit from this region. If any transcendent creatures stirred within this chasm, the distance would provide ample time for a safe retreat from this vantage point. With a heavy sigh, Wang Xuan resolved to search the peripheries of the great rift. He dared not venture too deep, acutely aware of the vast disparity in strength between himself and the transcendent beings. Challenging such creatures would undoubtedly lead to his demise. "I can only risk going so far. It''s not a matter of unwillingness but capability," he mused, realizing that one swipe from those creatures could mean instant death. Traversing through stone forests and passing bykes, he soon reached a vast marsnd. Upon entering, Ma, his esteemedpanion, exhibited signs of unease, his nostrils radiating a white glow. After journeying another ten miles, Wang Xuan unexpectedly discovered surviving members of the expedition, submerged in the marsh, their mud-caked faces barely emerging for air. Had it not been for Wang Xuan''s keen senses, he might have missed them entirely in the shadow of the night. "Come out. The Qin family''s goons have left," he called out. Zheng Rui, one of the trapped explorers, almost cried out in shock upon recognizing Wang Xuan. Having witnessed Wang Xuan being abducted by a creature earlier, he was astounded to see him now. "Did we both die and meet in the afterlife?" he pondered in bewilderment. "Get out quickly! If the Qin return, escape will be impossible," Wang Xuan urged. "I can''t. If no one came for me soon, I''d have been suffocated under the mud," Zheng Rui replied with a strained voice. Using a sturdy tree branch, Wang Xuan managed to pull him out of the mire. Covered in mud from head to toe, Zheng Rui presented a pitiful sight. Nearby, another expert, Yang Lin, was also found hiding within the sludgy waters. Continuing his search across the marsh, Wang Xuan rescued six more ''mud men.'' To his surprise, the seventh individual he found was Zhong Qing. Her once-beautiful hair was now coated in mud, and she was almostpletely submerged. Given more time, she would have beenpletely buried. Snakes swam nearby, and Zhong Qing, with an innate fear of such creatures, was paralyzed with terror. Rescuing her proved challenging as her strength had waned considerably. But with effort, Wang Xuan managed to pull her to safety, her limbs limp from exhaustion. Looking at Zhong Qing''s mud-drenched form, which resembled a muddy monkey, Wang Xuan felt a pang of distaste. Not wishing to carry her himself, he nonchntly ced her on Grandmaster Ma, the esteemed horse Grandmaster. However, in a swift act of rebellion, Grandmaster Ma bucked, flinging Zhong Qing back into the mud with a st. Zhong Qing was on the verge of tears, both shocked and hurt. Throughout her life, she had never felt so rejected. It was one thing for Wang Xuan to act this way, but now even a horse deemed her unworthy? After pulling her out of the mud once more, Wang Xuan tried to hold his breath against the pungent smell of muck and attempted to carry her. But no sooner had he touched her than he recoiled, tossing her aside again. "What on earth do you have on you? It''s not just hard but prickly too!" he eximed. He had mastered the art of the imprable golden body, so he wasn''t genuinely hurt ¨C he merely feigned it for effect. Zhong Qing, usually so eloquent, was rendered speechless in her embarrassment. It dawned on her what was causing the difort. She sheepishly removed two spiky steel tes hidden within her clothing ¨C one from her chest and another from her back. Wang Xuan was taken aback. He''d only ever used thick steel tes for protection, yet here was Zhong Qing with spiky ones! Everyone else, too, stared in disbelief. Reflecting on their past, Wang Xuan recalled a time when, in the Old World, he had unintentionally struck Zhong Qing. The impact had almost knocked her out then. Had she equipped these steel tes as an extreme self-defense measure since that incident? This time, when Wang Xuan ced her on Grandmaster Ma''s back, the horse, though still visibly irritated, refrained from throwing her off. The mood turned somber as Wang Xuan proceeded to discover several other expedition members in the vicinity. Tragically, they were lifeless, sumbing to grievous wounds. "Where is Wu Yin?" Wang Xuan inquired. "She probably fled further in," Yang Lin, a Master of the New Arts, suggested. Ahead, thendscape was no longer marshy. Instead, it was riddled with fissures, craters, and a plethora of rocky caves. Shortly after their searchmenced, Wang Xuan pulled a pale-faced female explorer from one of the crevices. She was known to be apanion of Wu Yin''s. "Where is Wu Yin?" Wang Xuan pressed. Tears streamed down her face as she uttered, "Wu Yin... she was taken by a monster!" "What did you just say?!" Wang Xuan stared at her in disbelief. Zhong Qing, having gathered some of her strength, was equally shocked by the revtion. "That''s impossible!" The woman sobbed, "A creature, radiating a dark light, grabbed her and soared into the sky. Blood rained down... I was paralyzed with fear." Indeed, there were traces of blood on the ground, as well as stters on the woman''s clothes. Wang Xuan sighed deeply, rendered momentarily speechless. He spent considerable time searching the area but came up empty-handed. The group remained silent; the weight of the losses they had suffered that day bore down on them heavily. "Did Wu Yin leave anyst words?" Zhong Qing asked. Even though she and Wu Yin had been rivals, the probable news of Wu Yin''s demise was heart-wrenching. "We hid separately in different crevices," the female explorer replied, her voice choked with emotion. "Wu Yin mentioned that if Qin''s people found us, she''d end her life. I never imagined a monster would..." She trailed off, holding back tears. "She carved something where she was hiding. It looked like ast message." Wang Xuan entered the said crevice and indeed found inscriptions. Zhong Qing leaned in, confirming, "These are Wu Yin''s handwriting." The majority of Wu Yin''s message conveyed her deep longing and concern for her family, fearing she might never see them again. Yet, one final line stood out, initially scratched out butter rewritten: "Deliver the scripture I found to Xiao Wang of the Old World. His name is Wang Xiao." Upon reading this, a deep pang of emotion welled up in Wang Xuan. Wu Yin''sst thoughts had included him, and now she was gone forever. Chapter 140: Anything Beneath Transcendent Is Trash Chapter 140: Anything Beneath Transcendent Is Trash Thest line of Wu Yin''s final message, intriguingly, rted to him, hinting at a scripture she wished to be delivered to him. This realization left Wang Xuan engulfed in an overwhelming silence, a void filling his heart. In the olden days, under the alias Wang Xiao, he had been the sole grandmaster in the domain of ancient arts, inheriting the title after the legendary Old Chen. His prodigious talents were unparalleled. Yet, in her premonition of impending doom, Wu Yin had made a point to mention the scripture for him, asking her kin to ensure it reached him. "Proceed outside the canyon. I will search a bit more," Wang Xuan said, pressing forward alongside his trusty white horse. He delved another twenty miles into the canyon''s depths until an imposing, dark abyss blocked his path, shrouded in clouds and mist, signaling the canyon''s deepest reaches. There was no way forward. The evidence of an intense battle was apparent. The ground was littered with fragments of silvery scales and tufts of ck fur. Large swaths of dried blood, although now desated, still emanated a terrifying aura of malice. Parts of the cliff had copsed, spanning several hundred meters, with innumerable ck cracks, each a couple of inches wide. The signs pointed unmistakably to a battle of the extraordinary. Wang Xuan murmured, "Wu Yin..." After being taken by the creature and missing for such a long span, how could she possibly still be alive? It seemed inevitable that she was gone. Had he not read herst words, perhaps the weight of it all wouldn''t have borne down on him so heavily. But now, having seen her final message, Wang Xuan felt a tightness in his chest. He stood there, transfixed by the abyss, for what felt like an eternity. Eventually, he turned away with a heavy heart. The white horse remained silent, sensing an innate wariness of this ce. "I''m still too weak," Wang Xuan whispered into the enveloping darkness. At its core, it was a matter of strength. He yearned to venture into the abyss, even if only to retrieve Wu Yin''s remains. But his present abilities fell short, leaving him with a lingering feeling of frustration. As Wang Xuan returned, Zhong Qing, Zheng Rui, and Grandmaster Yang Lin waited anxiously. The horrors they''d experienced that day would forever be seared into their memories. Watching familiar faces be hunted and in by their own kind, witnessing beheadings, and seeing friends fall into pools of their own blood was like a nightmare they couldn''t escape. And they, too, had narrowly escaped death, as if they''d taken a tour through the very depths of hell itself. "Is Qinghan still alive?" Zheng Rui''s voice broke the silence, a hint of guilt seeping through. He had witnessed Zhao Qinghan being snatched by the creature, and in that critical moment, he had faltered. The memory weighed heavily on him, leading him to wonder if given another chance, would he have mustered the courage to intervene? "She''s alive," Wang Xuan reassured him, briefly recounting what he could of his journey. His brave attempt to find them was met with genuine gratitude from everyone. "Thank the young horse," Wang Xuan deflected, shaking his head. "Without it, I wouldn''t have dared toe here." The group was taken aback. This was a Grandmaster-level horse? The realization shifted their perspectives. Wang Xuan exined, "It was injured in the forest. Qinghan treated its wounds. After that, it refused to leave, perhaps out of gratitude." The majestic horse snorted, a beam of white light emanating from its nostrils. It turned its head to Wang Xuan as if suggesting, "Could I leave now if I wanted?" Wang Xuan chose to ignore the horse''s yful hint. Exiting the canyon, they approached the area where the Qin family had once blocked their path. The pungent odor of blood was overpowering. The previous carnage had vanished, but in the woods, pairs of glowing green eyes lurked ominously. Evidently, the forest''s predators had feasted on the fallen not long ago, leaving nothing behind. "There''s a creature approaching!" someone whispered in rm. Emerging from the shadows was a white-furred beast with the face of a feline, the muscr body of a primate, and upright posture. Fresh blood dripped from its mouth. It had already feasted on the deceased but seemed eager for more. "It''s a Tiger-Faced Ape! Possessing immense strength, it''s a Grandmaster-level creature!" an experienced member of the expedition eximed, dread evident in his voice. However, as the creature closed in, sensing the unparalleled power of the Grandmaster Ma, it immediately turned tail and fled. The atmosphere was momentarily pierced by a resounding thud. In the moonlit forest, the white creature, Grandmaster Ma, unexpectedlyshed out, striking the fierce creature known as the Tiger-faced Ape. The ape yelped in pain, an arm broken by the force of the blow. It scrambled away without looking back, its once-menacing figure reduced to a fleeting shadow. The lurking eyes that gleamed green from the shadows soon extinguished their glow. In an instant, a cacophony of running creatures echoed, and then a hush fell over the woods. Everyone was taken aback by Grandmaster Ma''s power. "Those of you who are injured, mount up," Wang Xuan ordered, noting that three among them were limping. The injured members looked up with gratitude, moved by the gesture. Especially since the wealthy heirs, Zheng Rui and Zhong Qing, were walking despite their status. Not long after, Wang Xuan noticed Zhong Qing wasgging. Teasing her, he asked if she too wanted a ride. Zhong Qing, who hadn''t been physically hurt but was traumatized from a recent encounter with water snakes, was frustrated by Wang Xuan''s offhand remarks. Wang Xuan, on the other hand, seemed lost in his thoughts, reflecting on the day''s tumultuous events. He thought about the brutal beheadings of his acquaintances and how he, in a fit of rage, had taken the lives of over twenty men. He would have intervened again, given another chance. His heart harbored sympathy for the weak, but against those whomitted heinous acts, it turned cold and ruthless. "We must hurry," Wang Xuan finally broke his reverie. Worried about the advancing night, he scooped up Zhong Qing and ced her behind Grandmaster Ma''s neck, much to her surprise. She was torn between indignation and gratitude; after all, this was the man who had saved her. By midnight, they reached their destination without further incident, reuniting with Zhao Qingcan and Zhou Yun. The joyous mood was, however, slightly marred when Zhong Cheng remarked on his sister Zhong Qing''s disheveled appearance. Thement earned him a yful scuffle. The camp was abuzz, a mixture of tion for the survivors and mourning for the lost. Zhou Yun sighed, his usually cheerful demeanor shadowed by sorrow. The bond between the Wu and Zhou families was strong. Wu Yin''s death would be a grievous message to deliver back home. In the dim light of the camp, Zhou Yun approached Wang Xuan with a somber expression, expressing his gratitude. "Wang," he began, his voice heavy with emotion, "I owe you for what you''ve done. When we get back to Xinxing, if you need anything, you know where to find me." After getting a yful scolding from his sister, Zhong Cheng also approached Wang Xuan. "The Wang family members are truly remarkable," hemented, extending his gratitude. "Once we''re back in Xinxing, I''ll gift you a unique scripture. Don''t hesitate to reach out if you need anything." Many of those rescued had already showered Wang Xuan with thanks during their journey. Grandmaster Ma, the protective creature, was revered by many, almost seen as a divine being ensuring safety. Even in the dead of night, some brought fresh bundles of grass for the creature as a gesture of gratitude. In hushed tones, Wang Xuan informed Zhao Qingcan about the Qin family''s base. "Once we return to Xinxing, I suspect there will be abined move against the Qin house," Zhao responded. But her brow furrowed in thought; the Qin family might not be the only ones with a stronghold. There must have been simr incidents in the past, but they never caused a significant stir in Xinxing. The tranquility of the night was shattered when a crushing weight seemed to press upon them. The vast expanse of stars vanished, reced by an eerie darkness. Above them, two blood-red moons hung ominously against the night sky, casting an eerie glow. A gust of wind howled, whipping leaves and breaking branches. The chilling atmosphere was palpable. The twin moons began to move rapidly, eventually disappearing into the distance. A chilling silence followed. "How can there be two blood moons?" someone whispered in horror. Wang Xuan, with a heavy voice, rified, "It wasn''t moons. It was a monstrous creature flying close to the ground, obscuring the celestial bodies." Once more, Wang Xuan was reminded of how insignificant he felt in the grand scheme of things. He recalled Old Chen''s words that in ancient times, even Grandmasters weren''t considered true practitioners ¨C they were just "amateurs." One had to attain a transcendent level to be truly on the path. The creature that passed them resembled a giant bear with massive, dark wings. With a mere p, it could unleash ferocious winds, making the ancient trees sway and leaves whirl in a tumultuous dance. It seemed to be in a hurry, just passing through their vicinity. Wang Xuan, along with many others, had caught a fleeting glimpse of the creature''s imposing silhouette, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability had enveloped them. Facing such a behemoth, they realized they''d likely need an armada. After the creature passed, however, a serene silence nketed the forest, recing the previously heard disconcerting cries of unknown beasts. Embracing this momentary peace, the group soon drifted into a deep sleep. As dawn broke, distant roars reminiscent of thunder resonated, and the horizon lit up with what seemed like explosions tearing through the forest. An intense skirmish was underway. Soon after, the cacophony subsided, only to be followed by two shadowy figures darting through the sky, their swift movements causing them to appear as if they were merely skimming over the treetops, escaping an unseen danger. Their pursuer wasn''t far behind - a misty white apparition that vaporized everything in its wake. Emerging from this mist was a creature both fascinating and terrifying: a rat, but on a scale farrger than any had seen. Cloaked in sleek, jet-ck fur and stretching over two meters, its golden eyes gleamed with determination. Most striking was its mode of pursuit - it ran bipedally, with an agility that belied its size. The chase culminated atop a mountain. Theirnding was so forceful that the surrounding flora seemed to explode on impact. An epic battle began, with such ferocity that parts of the mountainside crumbled. It was clear: this was a sh of titans, beings of a realm far beyond the ordinary. "Old Zhong!" Wang Xuan murmured, exchanging a knowing look with Zhao Qingcan. As she had predicted, Zhong Yong had never left but had been lurking in the shadows. His aura now suggested power beyond imagination, a transcendental strength. Yet, even more startling was another presence beside him, an elderly man emanating simr strength. That two such beings had been concealed amidst them was astonishing. Zhou Yun, in disbelief, remarked, "Who would''ve thought Old Zhong, always so wary of mortality, would dare challenge such an adversary?" Panic then clouded his face. "We must leave," he urged, fearing the implications if the battle veered their way. Heeding his advice, the group sprang into action, sprinting away to distance themselves from the brewing tempest led by the menacing, colossal rat. "You''ve led me into a trap, Zhong Yong!" another elderly man yelled furiously. "If you think I''ve betrayed you, Xiao Song, then stop following me. Let''s part ways and save our own skins," Zhong Yong retorted. Yet, despite his words, Zhong Yong darted off, and the elder, whom they addressed as "Little Song" despite his advanced age, pursued closely behind, evidently fearing the wrath of the giant rat if left alone. "Isn''t that the elder from the Song family? I thought he passed away two years ago. They even built a tombstone for him! How is he here in the secret realm, and how did he achieve such power?" Zhou Yun murmured, baffled. Turning to Zhong Cheng, Zhou Yun added with an using tone, "Your family''s Old Zhong really caused a mess this time. It''s clear to me now that he won''t rest until he obtains the heavenly herb." Both Zhong Cheng and his younger counterpart frowned, choosing to ignore Zhou Yun''s remarks. "But seriously, even after transcending, Old Zhong''s being chased by a mere rat. What on earth did he do to warrant such retribution?" Zhou Yun mused aloud, even as he continued to flee. During all this chaos, Wang Xuan felt an even stronger urge to be more powerful. Only by increasing his strength could he venture deeper into the great canyon''s abyss to search for Wu Yin. He''d never find peace unless he had a chance to see her onest time. He aspired to reach the transcendental realm. Suddenly, the distinctive sound of rapid footsteps grew louder. It was none other than Old Zhong, recognizable by the long legs that were characteristic of the Zhong family, sprinting in their direction. Zhou Yun eximed in panic, "By heavens! Not only is Old Zhong risking his own life, but he''s also endangering his descendants! Is he trying to sacrifice all of us so he can eternally be revered in the annals of the Zhong family?" Chapter 141: Getting Married In The Unfamiliar Realm Chapter 141: Getting Married In The Unfamiliar Realm The elder from the Song family seemed to skim over the grass, his pursuit of Zhong Yong relentless, even with the distance between his long strides. The younger group''s eyes widened in collective fear. Were they destined to face their end? In their midst, a giant rat, measuring a mere two meters, barreled forward, its aura more intimidating than the most armored tank. "With members from the Song and Zhong families leading the fray, it feels like we''re racing to our own funerals," Zhou Yun eximed, panting as he ran. "Bound by these formidable elders, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be able to escape." Their energy waning, Zhou Yun''s words only deepened their collective despair. But as Zhong Yong neared them, he stopped abruptly, tossing two radiant purple peaches in their direction, evidently for Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng. "This isn''t your battleground," he scolded. "There''s chaos brewing deep within this realm. Signal the spacecraft. Return to the New World immediately!" Then, turning resolutely to confront the approaching beast, he shouted with urgency, "Send the distress signal without dy! I too will seek an exit." Zhong Yong then directed the skirmish further away. His alert demeanor clearly conveyed his deep concerns. His offering of the mystical fruit seemed almost an afterthoughtpared to his dire warning of the impending danger. He wouldn''t think of using these youths as a shield; in his view, they were all too fragile. A mere attack from the monstrous creature could easily wipe them out. As the distance grew between the two battling elders and the creature, their silhouettes faded, merging into the horizon. An icy realization gripped the group. The events had spiraled beyond their wildest fears. Even the mighty Zhong Yong was thinking of fleeing, abandoning his quest for the elusive herb. There they stood, naively having ventured deep into this peril, initially fueled by opportunistic ambitions. The gravity of their situation, coupled with the recent adversities, now weighed heavily on their spirits. In a span of just three nights, they had dwindled from a hundred-strong to a mere thirty. Zhao Qinghan, Zheng Rui, Zhong Qing, and Zhou Yun converged, each swiftly producing their respective signal transmitters. The pressing nature of their predicament made it clear: they needed an immediate exit. But their expressions soon morphed into deep dismay. To their horror, all their transmitters had malfunctioned. This enigmatd was saturated with potent energy substances known to degrade electronic devices. These transmitters, whilepact and sealed against most odds, had prematurely failed. Only three nights in, and they couldn¡¯t reach their base on the adjacent brown star. The weight of their situation settled heavily upon them; it was far more perilous than they had initially realized. Were they doomed to remain entrapped here, meeting an inevitable end? "What''s transpiring deeper within thisnd to cause such rapid deterioration of our devices?" Zhong Qing pondered aloud, his face a shade paler. Zhao Qinghan voiced the lurking dread, "And the other teams? If we''re all in the dark, nobody is getting out." Zheng Rui, ever the optimist, proposed, "If none can send a signal, perhaps the crew at our spacecraft base will notice the silence ande for us." "But can we endure long enough for that?" Zhong Qing countered, anxiety etched in his features. Already, the three days behind them had been fraught with danger. The looming uncertainties threatened even greater perils. Then, a resonating crash punctuated the air. From the direction of a nearby cliff, the figure of Old Zhong appeared, visibly drained. He grappled with a grand beast beneath him, pummeling it with force. The scene would''ve been majestic, if not for the irony that the creature was a colossal rat. "Have you signaled for help?" Old Zhong hollered. "Our transmitters are allpromised," replied Zhong Cheng, despair evident in his voice. Regret shadowed Old Zhong''s features. "I had such fears. This is the worst-case scenario. Other teams are likely facing simr challenges." In his heightened frustration, Old Zhong escted his attack on the beast. As blood seeped from the creature, it emitted agonized shrieks. With Elder Song joining the fray, theirbined efforts dealt a grievous blow to the creature. Desperately, Zhong Cheng cried out, "What''s our next move, Grandfather?" "Brace yourselves; there''s a chance we might never return home. Remember what happened at Fudi!" Elder Song''s voice rang out with a sense of urgency. "Keep your distance and stay alert! With those two formidable creatures lurking around, I can''t protect everyone," Old Zhong warned as he spotted unsettling movements from afar. The group was forced into another hasty retreat, pursued closely by the two enormous creatures. Wang Xuan, puzzled, asked, "What''s this Fudi situation?" Zhao Qinghan, Zhong Qing, and Zheng Rui exchanged apprehensive nces. "Fudi is a teeming with life and abundant in powerful energy sources," Zhao Qinghan began, offering a sinct overview. "It was explored before this currentnd. Initial expeditions yielded rich rewards. However, a dramatic event five years ago led to an intense energy surge, rendering spacecraft approaches lethal. The explorers there were marooned and eventually all contact was lost." A heavy realization settled on Wang Xuan. By thisparison, was he fated to remain trapped on this alien indefinitely? He couldn''t bear the thought of never seeing his parents again, not to mention themitment he''d made to return to the female sword sage within three years. Tension gripped the group. Each one had families,mitments, and bonds back home. None would willingly remain stranded in a foreign world, especially one fraught with such palpable danger where an entire team could face extinction in a matter of weeks. "I can''t stay here," Zhou Yun confessed, trembling. For him, born into affluence, the unpredictable dangers of this world paled inparison to theforts of the advanced civilization he knew. Yet Zhong Cheng, ever the optimist, mused, "Perhaps this is an opportunity in disguise. We can carve out a new life here, reach unprecedented heights, even approach the legendary status of immortals. Maybe, just maybe, we''ll find our way back someday." His hopeful outlook earned him a swift rebuke from Zhong Qing. "You struggle to best me, and you dream of ascension?" Although she had less training than her brother, her prowess overshadowed his, a fact that consistently bruised Zhong Cheng''s ego. "You must face the reality before us," Zhong Cheng told his sister, trying to mask his anxiety with a veneer of courage. "Given what''s transpired in Fudi, it''s possible you might have to make a life here, perhaps even start a family." His audacity was promptly countered by a stern look from his sibling. Intrigued and hoping to understand more, Wang Xuan inquired, "How well does the New Worldprehend Fudi? Have they discerned its true essence?" Zheng Rui replied with a hint of weariness, "It remains a mystery. Fudi is teeming with creatures of unparalleled power, mirroring the dangers of our current environment. From what I''ve learned, all attempts to explore Fudi have only skimmed its surface. The heart of Fudi, dense with energy and veiled in ethereal mists, remains a riddle." A thought urred to Wang Xuan. "Might there be civilizations, perhaps even sects of genuine cultivators, nestled deep within Fudi and thisnd?" Zhong Qing considered his question, then replied, "It''s uncertain. Our instruments falter when probing its deeper regions, always falling before revealing any secrets." Adding to the discourse, Zhao Qinghan remarked, "Various theories suggest the core of these ces might shelter humanoid entities, possibly a potent variant of primates. The mere fact that the fringes brim with such exceptional beings implies the depths conceal even mightier creatures. These extraordinary beings, by their nature, exhibit considerable intelligence. Some might even rival human cognition. Thus, many New World schrs theorize that a sophisticated civilization reigns in the secluded depths." Puzzled, Wang Xuan pressed, "Why haven¡¯t we encountered them? Why do they remain hidden?" Zhao Qinghan pondered for a moment, then spected, "Maybe they''ve ventured out but found us too trivial to engage. The upheavals we''ve witnessed might be their orchestration, signaling their wish to remain undisturbed." She added thoughtfully, "All our spections are wed and inconclusive. If they weren''t, they''d be truths, not guesses." Zhou Yun let out a heavy sigh, "Are you all really preparing to stay here? At this moment, all I want to do is cry. I yearn to return to the New World, rather than remain in thisnd overrun by monsters." Zhong Cheng tried to console him, "Zhou, we should prepare for the worst and aim to flourish here, perhaps even establish a foothold on this life-bearing." "I don''t want to talk to someone who''s lost his senses," Zhou Yun retorted sharply, clearly in no mood to entertain such ideas. Zhong Cheng shot back with a smirk, "Perhaps in the future, I''ll be among the immortals, while you''ll remain ordinary." Zhao Qinghan interjected, "There might still be a chance to return. If the Heixing base detected anomalies earlier and dispatched a spacecraft to retrieve us, we might have a chance to escape." She believed that the immediate situation might not be so dire, and some spaceships might still approach the. "Let''s pray for a miracle," Zhou Yun muttered. Wang Xuan firmly stated, "Regardless, we must be prepared in every way. Right now, it''s crucial to gather unique items and enhance our capabilities." Zhong Qing, trying to lighten the mood, handed Wang Xuan a purple peach¡ªa token of gratitude for saving their lives. Wang Xuan declined with a shake of his head. Being nearly a grandmaster, such a peach had limited effects on him. For Zhong''s siblings, however, its benefits could be profound. Plus, if the elderly Zhong found out, who knew what he might think? Wang Xuan found himself missing old Old Chen. If Old Chen were present in this treacherousnd, Wang Xuan would have him wield his ck sword to fend off a couple of extraordinary creatures to lighten the mood. More importantly, the vicinity of these creatures often harbored rare items and extraordinary medicinal herbs. To everyone''s surprise, Old Chen had indeed arrived! Having received a message from Wang Xuan, and with some maniptions from influential figures, he had joined an exploration team from the New World¡ªalbeit in disguise. Unfortunately, he was in dire straits. Despite being a true elite among humans, he was currently on the run for his life! Two creatures resembling national treasures, with dark rings around their eyes and upright postures, were hot on his heels. "All I did was eat one of your glowing bamboo shoots! There are three left, and yet you chase me relentlessly," Old Chenmented, dashing desperately. He bore scratches, and his clothes were stained with blood from their ws. In his haste, he regretted not bringing his distinctive ck sword, mainly due to its conspicuous nature. "Once I return, I swear I''ll deal with your distant rtives in Shu!" Old Chen vowed amidst his frantic escape. ¡­¡­ Zhong Cheng spoke up, breaking the quiet that enveloped the group. "With the presence of Grandmaster Ma, gathering spiritual herbs should be a smoother task. We pinpointed a few zones harboring unique treasures just yesterday." Yet their unfortunate decision to approach the ck Gold Date Tree had led to a bitter incident. They soon embarked on their expedition, and despite the uncertainties ahead, Wang Xuan was determined to break into the transcendent realm. Their journey led them to a secluded mountain valley. Inside, they observed six ethereal trees, their trunks a muted gray and their leaves shimmering in a captivating blue. Each tree was adorned with a handful of luminescent blue fruits. Although the team had scouted this valley the previous day, noting the absence of any creatures, an unspoken apprehension had kept them at bay. The very idea that these enchanting fruits hadn''t drawn any monstrous protectors was unsettling. Their instincts warned them, and they had chosen prudence over courage. "Could there be a Transcendent guardian beast lurking nearby?" Wang Xuan pondered, concern evident in his furrowed brows. A confrontation with such a creature could be catastrophic. He chose to patiently observe from a nearby hill, resisting the impulse to venture further. But a sudden stir from behind interrupted his contemtion. The woman whom Wang Xuan had previously rescued from the chasm voiced her astonishment. Blood stains on her clothing, initially presumed to be Wu Yin''s, were now believed to be of non-human origin. "This suggests that Wu Yin wasn''t injured. The blood must have belonged to that creature," she said, piecing together the memories. She had seen the creature, wrapped in a sinister aura, whisking Wu Yin away into the sky and bleeding mid-flight. It was an assumption, born from dread, that Wu Yin had been gravely hurt. Intervening, Zhong Qing expressed relief, "This revtion offers a glimmer of hope. It''sforting to know that Wu Yin remained unscathed at that moment." A surge of hope filled Wang Xuan''s heart. Was it possible the beast had sustained serious injuries, giving Wu Yin a chance to survive? And the fact that an eyewitness, close to the scene, was left unharmed hinted that the creature might not be inherently aggressive, or there was something else afoot. While surveying the valley, Wang Xuan found no signs of any significant threats. With utmost caution, he gently projected his psychic energy outward, ensuring no transcendent entities lurked nearby. As he expanded his psychic exploration, he made an unexpected discovery. Blue-glowing insects inhabited the six fruit trees in the valley. Some rested peacefully on the leaves, while others nibbled on the luminous fruits. Seeing the discarded fruit pits on the ground, Wang Xuan deduced that many fruits had already been consumed by these insects. What intrigued him further was that these creatures emitted a rare mystical essence,monly found in inner realms but seldom in the real world. Intrigue gripped Wang Xuan. What were these enigmatic insects? Feeling certain that these creatures were not of a transcendent nature, he proposed a n. "I''ll approach on Grandmaster Ma. If things take a turn, I can swiftly retreat." He cautioned the group, "Keep your distance. We don''t want to disturb anything that might be hidden." Zhong Cheng, concerned, chimed in, "Wouldn''t it be less risky to send Grandmaster Ma alone?" Wang Xuan responded with a smirk, "You give Grandmaster Ma too much credit. Left on its own, it might just return with nothing but fruit pits." The group looked at each other, at a loss for words. Grandmaster Ma''s nostrils red, emitting a stark white light, as he stared intently at Wang Xuan. Zhao Qinghan, knowing the depth of Wang Xuan''s abilities, still discreetly urged him to be cautious and to retreat immediately if the situation went awry. With caution etched in their hearts after enduring a slew of harrowing events, the group swiftly retreated. Wang Xuan rode Grandmaster Ma into the valley, but soon decided to dismount, advising the horse not to venture too close to the mysterious insects. He worried that if the insects were venomous, Grandmaster Ma might meet a tragic fate. Wang Xuan felt assured due to his invulnerability granted by his golden body technique. "Stay here, old horse," Wang Xuan teased, "I''ll fetch those fruits for you. But if you wander off and I have to chase you down, expect roasted horse legs for dinner." Grandmaster Ma''s eyes widened, almost delivering a swift kick in response. As Wang Xuan neared the trees, a soft buzzing resonated in the air. Suddenly, he felt a sharp thud against his back. Streaks of blue, like shing lightning bolts, darted towards him at an rming speed. Wang Xuan took a sharp breath. Were it not for his golden body technique, these creatures might have easily pierced through a regr person. Reacting swiftly, he seized one of the creatures, squeezing it hard. It exploded like a burst of blue jelly, revealing a soft interior encased in a shell as hard as iron. Most astonishingly, as the creature disintegrated, a potent essence filled the air. Using the ancient Qin techniques, Wang Xuan tried to harness the essence, but could only gather a fraction of it as the majority scattered in the wind. He whispered in awe, "This insect... if one can overlook its nature, it might be more valuable than these fruits!" Harnessing his psychic domain, Wang Xuan incapacitated the insects, rendering them immobile. He collected them all, each shimmering brilliantly like a blue gemstone, about two inches in length. Holding them in his hand, he marveled at their beauty before safely stowing them away. Even a grandmaster, Wang Xuan pondered, might get skewered by these insects. If Grandmaster Ma were to approach, he too might face a bloody lesson. While the destructive power of these creatures was undeniable, their Achilles'' heel was evident. Anyone who could project psychic energy externally could eliminate them with ease. Wang Xuan harvested the fruits. There were neen intact ones and eight nibbled by the insects ¨C a surprisingly fruitful haul. Eager to explore their potential to enhance his abilities, he chose not to disturb the insect eggs he found on the trees. Mounting Grandmaster Ma, Wang Xuan departed from the valley. As he approached the entrance, he noticed Zhao Qinghan and the exploration team engaged in a standoff with ten unfamiliar figures. Drawing closer, Wang Xuan observed notable differences. These strangers didn¡¯t wear the garb of the New World explorers. Their attire, gleaming metallically, was distinctly novel. Some had raven-ck hair, others shimmered silver, but all were unmistakably youthful. Their chatter was indecipherable, a cascade of unfamiliar sybles that Wang Xuan couldn''t grasp. Simrly, when Zhong Cheng and the team attempted tomunicate, the strangers only exchanged puzzled nces, clearly just as bewildered. A chill ran down Wang Xuan¡¯s spine. Not long ago, the group had spected about the existence of humanoid creatures, cities, and factions deep within this secret realm. Could this encounter be the proof they were pondering? Who were these mysterious individuals? What was their origin? The questions whirled in his mind. Chapter 142: Transhuman In The Hidden Land Chapter 142: Transhuman In The Hidden Land We were just discussing the possibility of a sentient humanoid species deep within this concealed terrain, and now, suddenly, here they are? Wang Xuan approached for a closer look. The strangers'' attire was unlike anything he had ever seen. It wasn''t reminiscent of ancient wear. Intricate protective gear adorned their heads and faces, not in the form of cumbersome helmets but rather delicate, ornate designs of floral motifs and birds. These pieces, while allowing for venttion, were also aesthetically pleasing. Wang Xuan marveled at the craftsmanship. The intricate designs were sophisticated and even by modern standards, they were undeniably stunning. "Jili... Eura!" One from the group shouted something. Most of it was unintelligible, but thest word stood out as if it signified something. Zhao Qinghan whispered, "They suddenly emerged from the woods and disyed significant hostility upon seeing us. However, they seem hesitant to make a move." Were these individuals the beings from the depths of the secret realm? The immediate hostility wasn''t a promising sign. Wang Xuan extended his psychic senses towards them, instantly realizing that each one was formidable. In the event of a sh, his group would likely face disaster. Some, even with their aura concealed, possessed strength on par with grandmasters. A sinking feeling gripped Wang Xuan''s heart as his hand subconsciously reached for his short sword. If conflict was inevitable, they would have to fight with everything they had. A young man from the opposing group sensed Wang Xuan''s action and locked eyes with him, a shimmering haze on his forehead signifying potent psychic energy. Wang Xuan grew apprehensive. Their opponents had both grandmasters and individuals with profound psychic abilities. None seemed easy to contend with. He worried about how many of his team would survive if a fight broke out. The strangers appeared youthful, simr in age to his group. Some even looked quite younger, not even twenty. Yet, this didn''t surprise Wang Xuan. In the vast expanse of this otherworldly, where myriad wonders thrived, Wang Xuan wasn''t entirely taken aback by the might of these enigmatic strangers. If they indeed hailed from thisnd''s hidden reaches, their astonishing prowess was fitting for such a transcendent realm. Gracefully dismounting his horse, Wang Xuan affectionately caressed its mane. He subtly directed the creature towards Zhao Qinghan, his gaze conveying a silent message: if peril arose, she must escape on horseback without a moment''s dy. The seriousness in his eyes conveyed the impending danger, hinting at the formidable nature of their newfound acquaintances. Zhong Cheng, usually outspoken, chose his words carefully. He reached out with an emphasis on their shared lineage, hinting at a potentialmon ancestry and a shared historical homnd. All eyes from the mysterious group turned to Wang Xuan. With unguarded intent, he expanded his psychic aura, meticulously analyzing each individual. With each observation, a growing unease settled within him. Every figure stood out with unique abilities that hinted at their formidable nature. Some pulsed with dormant energies, evoking the imagery of magma beneath a volcano''s crust, waiting to erupt. Others showcased a skin glistening with a metallic hue, reminiscent of the fabled golden body arts that granted unparalleled protection. ¡­¡­ Amidst the scene, there was astonishment on the other side as well, with all eyes fixated on Wang Xuan. In hushed tones, a few individuals discussed the neers from the New World side. Wang Xuan''s psychic realm demonstrated its profound capabilities. He could perceive the subtle ripples of their conscious thought, not by understanding their words, but by piercing through the very fabric of their thinking. "Barbarians!" Such disdain for his group made Wang Xuan''s heart race. It seemed these beings, who appeared to emerge from some concealednd, possessed an overwhelming sense of superiority. "The one on the celestial steed, he has an unusual psychic energy. It seems even more potent than mine. Could he have formed an Inner Realm?" One of them remarked, his gaze unwavering from Wang Xuan. "Impossible, isn¡¯t the formation of an Inner Realm rted to Transcendence?" another replied. "Quiet! I fear he might pick up on our thoughts." Soon, silence enveloped the group of ten, their focus solely on Wang Xuan. Their psychic energies turned dormant, hinting at some hidden technique. Theirprehension of cultivation and transcendence seemed vastly superior to that of the New World people. The ten exchanged silent gestures, and with onest nce at Wang Xuan, they began to recede, disappearing into the forest. "Which backward do these barbarianse from? Their protective gear is so fragile, and even their sense of aesthetics is outdated. Just look at their unsightly attire." "Quiet! He might still sense our thoughts." "Shall we not confront them?" "There''s no rush." ¡­¡­ The ten figures vanished as if they had never been there in the first ce. Their power was overwhelming, surpassing even that of the revered Moonlight Bodhisattva. Wang Xuan gazed in the direction of their departure, exhaling softly. The thought of encountering such a group had been so daunting that he had considered instructing Zhao Qinghan and the others to flee first. "It makes sense," he murmured. "Having trained from a young age with unwaveringmitment over the years, they are bound to be powerful." Yet, their arrogance was hard to stomach. They looked down upon Wang Xuan''s group not just in terms of strength but even from an aesthetic perspective. What vexed him most was their audacity in considering them "barbarians" from an uncivilized. Rtively speaking, the individuals from the New World were indeed weaker. Wang Xuan himself was a novice, having delved into the old arts just a few years prior. And some among them practiced the ancient arts for whimsical reasons, such as to maintain their physique! The adventurers were unsettled. The previous spections about the existence of new human-like beings had just materialized. This was the first time New World''s inhabitants had encountered humanoid lifeforms in the secretivend. A breakthrough discovery, confirming the presence of a highly intelligent race. "It''s a shame we can''t ry this information back,"mented Zheng Rui. Zhong Qing voiced her concern, "They seemed hostile. Do you think they''ll cause trouble?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but notice Zhong''s growing penchant for seeing the dark side of things. He responded with a stark reality, "Those ten individuals might all operate at the Grandmaster level." The revtion silenced the group. The disparity between them was staggering. Even more concerning was the palpable intent to kill they felt from the group. Facing just one Grandmaster-level creature was a challenge. But ten? It would be a massacre. "We need to leave immediately," advised Zhao Qinghan. "If only we could reach Master Zhong and Master Song. Perhaps we should try to track them down." Master Zhong and Master Song, with their transcendent capabilities, seemed to be their only safeguard now. Zheng Rui agreed, "Let''s follow the trail left by Master Zhong and his team." However, such a path was fraught with risks, especially if they encountered superior beings. The group decided to tread cautiously, maintaining a safe distance. They all felt that it was only a matter of time before the ten would make their move. Swiftly, they ventured into the forest. Days on the run had left them on edge, a never-ending state of alertness weighing heavily on them. At that moment, everyone''s thoughts drifted back to the New World, their home. The bustling metropolis, the rich aroma of fine wines, delectable gourmet meals, and thefort of soft, expansive beds all seemed so far away. In dire situations, the heart yearns for theforts of the past. Zhou Yun''s memories were particrly vivid: the dazzling nightlife, luxury vehicles, beautiful women, and the brilliance of life itself. He often recalled flying in his small spaceship with a beautifulpanion by his side. "I miss my three girlfriends!" hemented, lost in memories even as they fled. Zhong Qing, with her slender frame, ran swiftly, darting ahead of most. Hearing Zhou Yun''s wistful thoughts, she couldn''t help but look back with disdain. Zhao Qinghan, with her long strides, was swift, staying close to Wang Xuan''s side. At this point, Grandmaster Ma, revered as the most skilled amongst them, did not carry anyone on his back. Instead, he remained alert, prepared to confront any threat, should the need arise. Eventually, exhaustion took its toll. After crossing countless mountains and valleys, they felt their lungs might burst. Slowing down, many copsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. "Eat these spirit fruits to restore your energy!" Wang Xuan suggested. He opened his collection bag to reveal luminescent blue fruits emitting a pleasant aroma. They looked incredibly appetizing. The sight of the fruits changed many expressions. Such spirit fruits were rare and precious, few had ever tasted them. In terms of value, they were worth a fortune. However, many hesitated to take the fruits. After all, they had been collected by Wang Xuan and Grandmaster Ma. Wang Xuan handed one to Zhao Qinghan and took a bite from another. The fruit was sweet and crisp, but its effects were minimal on him due to his formidable strength. He suspected the fruits might not be as valuable as another resource he had. Many refrained from taking the fruits, feeling they hadn''t contributed enough to deserve them. Wang Xuan spoke up, "There might not be enough for everyone to have a whole fruit. Let''s share. If those ten figurese after us, our chances of survival are slim. We should restore our strength and boost our abilities while we can." With silent agreement, the group began consuming the spirit fruits. Some in the group felt a pang of guilt, suggesting that perhaps Grandmaster Ma and Wang Xuan should receive arger share of the spirit fruits, considering their pivotal roles. "Grandmaster Ma himself mentioned he''s not particrly fond of these fruits; one suffices for him," Wang Xuan rified. Grandmaster Ma, however, darted a pointed re at Wang Xuan. Contrary to what was stated, he thoroughly enjoyed the sweet taste of the fruits. Yet Wang Xuan believed that, given Grandmaster Ma''s profound abilities, the fruit might not benefit him as much as it would the others. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan selected another spirit fruit and graciously handed it to Zhao Qinghan. It was widely believed that the effectiveness of such rare fruits diminished after consuming just a couple. The group settled into a period of rest, eagerly awaiting the invigorating effects of the fruit. Wang Xuan, in particr, stayed close to Zhao Qinghan, watching as a delicate blue radiance emanated from her face. He recognized that she was on the verge of ascending to the next realm in her spiritual journey, having already been on its cusp. Subsequently, Wang Xuan turned his attention to Grandmaster Ma, offering him an insect that gleamed like blue agate. Grandmaster Ma initially looked aghast, finding the gesture slightly belittling. However, when Wang Xuan peeled back the insect''s exterior, revealing its enticing insides, Grandmaster Ma was hard-pressed to resist. He swiftly gulped down the creature and, with a hopeful glint in his eyes, nudged Wang Xuan for more. "We should observe for a moment," Wang Xuan cautioned, "What if it¡¯s harmful? Let¡¯s ensure there are no adverse reactions first." Pushing away Grandmaster Ma¡¯s insistent nudges, Wang Xuan sought some distance. Growing increasingly sentient with time, Grandmaster Ma almost erupted in indignation, but Wang Xuan''s firm grip around his neck cated him. To onlookers, it seemed as though Wang Xuan had a unique rapport with the majestic creature, fostering a bond few could understand. Watching their interaction, Zhou Yun remarked with a hint of envy, "Wang Xuan has an undeniable gift. His camaraderie with a being of Grandmaster Ma''s stature is truly remarkable." "I win the horse''s loyalty through virtue," Wang Xuan responded calmly. Grandmaster Ma, however, snorted in disdain, beams of white light emanating from his nostrils. He clearly didn¡¯t think highly of Wang Xuan. Before long, the group realized they couldn¡¯t stay stationary for too long, with survival at stake. The urgency of their situation spurred them into a desperate sprint. Unexpectedly, Wang Xuan slowed his pace and looked over his shoulder. Drawing closer to Zhao Qinghan, he directed her with a meaningful gaze toward the white horse. "See, Grandmaster Ma?" Wang Xuan started, disying a handful of shimmering blue insects, "If you protect thisdy, these are yours to feast upon." With that, he gently guided Zhao Qinghan onto the horseback. Her face drained of color, reflecting her deep concern. Having developed a bond with Wang Xuan, she sensed an impending challenge. "I have a n," Wang Xuan whispered reassuringly, urging Grandmaster Ma to elerate. Drawing a short de from his side, he took cover behind a dense thicket, anticipating the approach of foes. Soon enough, shadowy figures emerged, murmuring amongst themselves. "These natives are peculiar. Which do they hail from that they seem so... vulnerable?" "Do you think they could be the indigenous people of this? Maybe descendants of those who couldn''t escape all those years ago, leading to an isted lineage?" As Wang Xuan eavesdropped on the conversation, he was taken aback. The origins of these strangers didn''t align with his initial assumptions. Chapter 143: Killing An Alien Chapter 143: Killing An Alien Wang Xuan''s initial assumptions were off. These weren¡¯t the native inhabitants of this mysteriousnd. Astonishingly, they were extraterrestrials hailing from the vast reaches of the unknown cosmos! These strangers seemed to know a lot about thend, indicating that they were not just any visitors. Previously, explorers from the New World had discussed the possibility of distinct races deep within the mysteriousnd, leading Wang Xuan to a narrow frame of mind. But this revtion, although startling, also provided Wang Xuan with a sense of relief. A weight lifted from his shoulders. Engaging with natives in a bloody conflict would have been a tragedy even if he won in the short term. On such an exceptional, the depth of potential power among its indigenous inhabitants was hard to estimate. Now, he felt emboldened. If these ten strangers sought to hunt them down, he had no qualms about defending himself, even if it meant a fatal duel. "There''s no threat of endless native retaliation or inscrutable sects seeking revenge. It''s just a sh between beings from different worlds," he murmured to himself. In this context, he too was an alien. Even though his spirit was somewhat lifted, Wang Xuan remained alert and took the situation seriously. These beings, albeit young, were masters of their craft and would certainly pose a significant challenge. Silently, Wang Xuan navigated through the woods, hunting. So far, he''d only identified three of them. Weren''t there supposed to be ten masterful opponents? Had the others not arrived? His search yielded no further insights. The forest was deep and riddled with strange creatures. Stealthily, Wang Xuan tailed the three, looking for an opportunity to strike. One of the extraterrestrial beings voiced out, "The first rule of survival here is to kill any humanoid on sight. But these primitive earthlings don¡¯t seem to pose much of a threat." His words dripped with disdain for the people of the New World. Among the trio, the sole woman was particrly vignt. "The man with the unique mental energy is curious," shemented. "Even if he isn''t from any extraordinary origin, it''s best to tread carefully." Wang Xuan couldn''t decipher their words, but through his psychic sense, he grasped the gist of their thoughts. "Zhuo Yang warned us against hasty moves," one of the men whispered. "He suggested we trace their path to ensure no powerful members lurk among them, possibly fearing the man with pronounced psychic strength." In hushed voices, they continued their discussion. Zhuo Yang and some of their group had chanced upon rare herbs and would begging behind. "We might be overthinking this," one mused. "These earthlings appear feeble. Our team of ten could''ve easily overwhelmed them." "Let''s regroup first," the other advised, urging patience. Their condescension towards the new star inhabitants was evident, yet their cautious maneuvers hinted at a grudging respect for Wang Xuan''s potential. He remembered their earlier retreat at the mere detection of his psychic aura. Their routine was predictable: they''d scatter briefly, then quickly reconvene. Seeing an opening, Wang Xuan chose to act, wary of the remainder of their group catching up. When a towering silvery-furred creature darted past, the trio momentarily dispersed. Wang Xuan seized the chance to close in. In a blur of motion, he lunged with his gleaming short sword, aiming for a swift beheading of one of the men. Simultaneously, his left hand, shaped like a de, was ready to strike if needed. The target, possessing lightning-fast reflexes, narrowly sidestepped the lethal blow, but not entirely. The de nicked the back of his neck, causing blood to gush dangerously close to a vital artery. Undeterred, Wang Xuan pressed on, sword and hand poised for another onught. The alienbatant, evidently a Grandmaster in his own right, disyed an uncanny mastery over his movements. Each evasion was marked by systematic training, defyingmon expectations of physical prowess. Incredibly, he managed to avoid Wang Xuan''s sword, which had aimed for his heart, by deftly sidestepping to the left. However, dodging Wang Xuan''s left hand proved far more challenging. With a powerful swing, Wang Xuan''s de-hand met the top of the man''s head, producing a deep, thunder-like resonance, as an unexpected sh of light burst forth. Surprisingly, a luminous halo appeared around the intricate protective gear the man wore on his head, shielding him from the full brunt of Wang Xuan''s attack. Taken aback, Wang Xuan recognized the sheer force he had just unleashed. His entire form gleamed with a subtle golden hue, and his hand vibrated intensely. The power of his Gold Body Technique was evident, and itsbined force with his de-hand was truly fearsome. Finally, with a resonating thud, the protective gear on the man''s head caved under Wang Xuan''s relentless assault. The man was thrown back, partly due to Wang Xuan''s strike and partly from his own momentum. A visible dent on the back of his head bore testament to the severity of the blow. Yet, disying resilience befitting a Grandmaster, the man remained alive. He quickly rebounded, proving his exceptional vitality. To an ordinary observer, it would seem monstrous ¨C who could continue fighting after such a grievous head injury? However, despite his undying spirit, his movements were slightly staggered. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but be awed. Compared to this formidable foe, the Moonlight Bodhisattva seemed almost inconsequential. Despite giving it his all, shining with that enigmatic golden aura, Wang Xuan hadn''t managed to decisively defeat his opponent. Undoubtedly, the mysterious protective headgear yed a role. At a nce, it appeared ornamental, but its radiance and intricate patterns suggested profound hidden powers. This was the first time Wang Xuan had encountered such a marvel. With no hesitation, Wang Xuan charged forward, his figure reminiscent of a soft golden streak, aiming to deliver a finishing blow to his adversary. From a distance, a female extraterrestrial figure emerged, dashing forward like a swift ray of light, clearly attempting a rescue. Recognizing the urgency, Wang Xuan was determined not to falter again. If both of the alien allies regrouped, the unpredictability of the situation might intensify. As he lunged forward, he deployed his psychic domain. A misty glow emanated from his forehead, aiming to assault his opponent''s mental consciousness. But yet another surprise unfurled. The protective gear atop the opponent''s head, disying an emblem of a bird, seemed toe alive. It emitted a blurry luminance, apparently acting as a shield against the psychic onught. Aghast, Wang Xuan thought, "Such intricate and fine headgear can produce this effect? Surely, it must be a treasure!" Observing that each of their kind wore such gear, he realized that this was not good news for him. No wonder these beings seemed so nonchnt about his psychic prowess; they had a unique protective tool safeguarding their minds. However, the ethereal glow from the bird emblem dimmed. The gear, previously dented by Wang Xuan''s de-hand strike, waspromised. Both sides of the battle were filled with unforeseen twists. The alien man, in evident pain, groaned. He had started to spew a kind of true fire from his mouth, aiming to incinerate Wang Xuan. But now, the fire failed to propel forward. The earlier sparks that had fallen onto the ground had scorched a piece of blue stone until it glowed red-hot and nearly melted. Wang Xuan''s expression shifted. One of these beings was hard enough tobat; a group would be insurmountable. Without a moment''s dy, he lunged forward, swinging his short sword. With a swift motion and a sttering sound, the bronze-like de sliced through the alien''s neck, and the head dropped to the ground. Despite the swift unfolding of events, filled with surprises, Wang Xuan had managed to defeat his foe. But his trials were far from over. The approaching female, with her face contorted in anger and screaming in fury, looked hell-bent on avenging her fallenrade. As she neared, she unleashed her own psychic energy, attempting to infiltrate Wang Xuan''s defenses. A smirk yed on Wang Xuan''s lips as he pushed his psychic domain forward in retaliation. However, in an instant, he sensed deception. While his attention was fixated on the female, another figure had made its move. Having stealthily closed the gap, this third entity suddenly sprung into action. Almost soaring through the air, the figure reached Wang Xuan, with both hands already pressed against his back. With a sigh, Wang Xuan acknowledged the prowess of the trio. Their seasoned battle experience and terrifyingbat instincts put them in a league far above the Moonlight Bodhisattva, who inparison seemed like a fragile sprout shielded in a greenhouse. Yet, Wang Xuan remained undeterred. Despite the impable coordination between the male and female adversaries who sought his downfall, his confidence never wavered. Thanks to his mastery of the Golden Body Technique, he felt almost invincible, undeterred by threats of sneak attacks. What harm could a mere blow do? Suddenly, like a scorpion tail''s sting, he kicked backward, intending to counter the impending palm strike from behind. Bothbatants managed tond hits, but the oues were drastically different. Wang Xuan''s face disyed shock as his kick hit the man''s leg. The impact caused the assant to tremble, but no sound of breaking bones followed. It dawned on Wang Xuan that he had met a kindred spirit; his attacker had cultivated a protective technique, making his body as tough as iron. Wang Xuan surmised that the attacker had not reached the realm of ''inner sight'', but had possibly honed his body using rare elixirs and artifacts. However, the man who ambushed Wang Xuan, despite his formidable strength that almost approached an indestructible state inmoners'' eyes, now wore a ghastly expression. Wang Xuan felt a powerful force pushing him forward as the impact from the terrifying palm strike sent shockwaves through his organs. Yet, he managed to stabilize himself, emerging unscathed. But the scene behind him was gruesome. The attacker screamed in agony. His hands, which he considered his most powerful weapons, were now bloody and perforated, resembling a sieve filled with tiny holes. Stunned, Wang Xuan couldn''t fathom what had just transpired. When realization dawned upon him, it was almost unbelievable. Recalling a past event, he remembered rescuing a woman named Zhong Qing from a marsnd. She had angrily presented two spiked steel tes which she insisted on carrying. Eventually, Wang Xuan had ended up holding them for her. Later, when he tried returning them, Zhong Qing seemed conflicted, seemingly disgusted that he had touched them. Reading her reluctance, Wang Xuan decisively attached one of the tes to his back. The slender te only covered a small portion of his back, right above his heart. What he hadn''t anticipated was that these spikes would pierce through the hands of an opponent with a refined body. It was clear that this was no ordinary alloy. Astonished, Wang Xuan was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. Their brief encounter had been riddled with unforeseen twists and turns. ¡°You¡­¡± The man red at Wang Xuan, enraged. He had never anticipated encountering such a ruthless opponent who would use a protective gear crafted from a rare and secretive metal, designed to inflict severe injury. He gazed down in agony at his hands, counting a total of twenty-two puncture wounds on the back of his hands, which were trembling uncontrobly. The femalepanion, who had now caught up, was equally shocked. She knew the man''s diamond-like technique was one of the top defensive skills. Yet, the formidable defense had been breached, leaving his strongest weapons, his hands, in a pitiful state. ¡°Come on,¡± Wang Xuan taunted, sheathing his short sword. ¡°Let''s test our strengths. Hand to hand.¡± He beckoned, inviting a direct confrontation. Although the alien man didn''t understand Wang Xuan''snguage, the gesture was clear. His eyes zed with fury. This was a tant challenge. Was Wang Xuan mocking his injured state? Even with his injuries, his diamond technique was formidable. Without hesitation, he lunged, wanting nothing more than to crush Wang Xuan then and there. However, he wasn''t just a brute. As they approached each other, he stealthily lifted his right foot, aiming a vicious kick at Wang Xuan''s groin. Wang Xuan was no novice, having experienced the man¡¯s deceitful tactics before. He braced himself for the move. A resounding ng echoed as their feet collided, reminiscent of a thunderp, with the ground shaking and dust billowing around them. The subsequent sh of their hands was even more explosive, sending shockwaves that splintered the surrounding trees. While Wang Xuan merely grunted in response, the alien man, although initially fearless, now found himself in excruciating pain. With every impact, the twenty-two puncture wounds on his hands spurted blood, worsening with each blow. The confrontation had opened up new wounds, leading to further bleeding. Overwhelmed by pain and the sight of his mangled hands, he retreated. Seizing the opportunity, the female attacker lunged at Wang Xuan with a lightning speed, her right hand wielding a curved de aimed directly at his neck. Simultaneously, a burst of electrical energy surged from her core,shing out at Wang Xuan. Chapter 144: Little Zhong’s Treasures Chapter 144: Little Zhong¡¯s Treasures The curved de, forged from a unique alloy, sliced through the air, reminiscent of the Grim Reaper''s scythe. As it descended, it emanated an icy chill, distorting the surroundings with an inexplicable force field. Even with his body reinforced by the art of the Golden Body Technique, Wang Xuan had no intentions of using his neck to test the de''s sharpness. He swiftly dodged, avoiding a direct hit. Yet, as the de passed, distorting the reality around it, it grazed his skin, tearing at his flesh. Without his protective Golden Body Technique, the de''s force field would have undoubtedly peeled off arge chunk of flesh from his neck. Wang Xuan felt the weight of the situation; every individual he had encountered thus far was formidable. They must hail from an advanced, possessing astonishing secret techniques. As he moved quickly, his body shimmered with a faint golden aura, managing to dodge the de but unable to evade the bolt of lightning that followed. With a resounding boom, a ray of lightning shot from the woman''s core, striking Wang Xuan''s shoulder, leaving a charred mark. Had it not been for his Golden Body Technique, the impact would''ve shattered his shoulder de. Though half his body felt numb and his shoulder bore a darkened hue, Wang Xuan stood his ground. He observed the female assant from a distance, realizing the immense power of these extraterrestrial grandmasters. It was imperative for him to ascend to their level soon. Whether it was the ability to breathe out real mes or resonate lightning from their inner organs, these traits belonged to the realm of grandmasters, inching closer to transcendent abilities. Suddenly, Wang Xuan activated his spiritual domain,unching an attack on his adversary. Without any prompt, the intricately designed protective gear on the woman''s head autonomously revived itself, glowing patterns and birds deflecting the assault. Wang Xuan''s interest was piqued; such a relic was indeed a treasure. The more he observed, the more he became convinced of the advanced civilization these individuals originated from. Cold light shed in the woman''s eyes, indicating her own concerns. She too feared that if her protective gear failed, the consequences could be dire. The twobatants traded blows, employing their strongest techniques. Wang Xuan noted that the woman''s protective gear also disrupted his perception, making it harder for him to anticipate and dodge some of her lightning attacks. The gravity of the situation weighed on Wang Xuan. He was not, after all, a true grandmaster. His circumstances were perilous, with parts of his shoulder, arms, and legs charred ck, his clothes shredded from the explosions. Anyone else in his ce would have been struck down by the lightning long ago. Nearby, the injured man quickly dressed his wounds and lunged back into the fray. However, he refrained from ambushing Wang Xuan from behind this time. To his frustration, Wang Xuan audaciously presented his chest without any defense, seemingly challenging his opponent to strike. The man quickly deduced that Wang Xuan must have spikes on both his chest and back, making both areas dangerous to attack. In reality, Wang Xuan had only protected his back with a metal te, bluffing about his chest''s defense. This realization left the man feeling constrained, unable to fully unleash his strength. Eventually, he discovered that Wang Xuan''s limbs were unprotected and chose to target his head and limbs instead. The battle was grueling for Wang Xuan. If he hadn''t managed to severely damage the man''s hands, his situation would have been far worse. Thankfully for Wang Xuan, this opponent, despite his near-transcendent abilities, relied on his physical prowess rather than emitting mes or lightning. After multiple lightning strikes, Wang Xuan felt overwhelmed. Upon sessfully breaking the opponent''s curved de with his short sword, Wang Xuan''s arm was hit by lightning thrice, causing him to drop his weapon. Drawing a deep breath, Wang Xuan''s eyes shone with determination. He activated a powerful technique recorded in the Five Golden Pages. His organs radiated light, resonating and amplifying his innate strength. He then shed fiercely with the man, delivering a devastating palm strike. With a pained grunt, the man swiftly retreated. He stared in horror at his hands, which now bore twenty-two bleeding holes. Some of the flesh had been shattered, revealing the underlying bones. In all his years practicing the Diamond Technique, he had never suffered such a grievous injury. After incapacitating the man, Wang Xuan retracted his power, returning to a state of calm. He was conserving energy, knowing that after three consecutive uses of the technique, there would be a thirty-second cooldown. He had used it once and was now cooling his overheated body, preparing a powerfulbination for the female opponent. Despite enduring two more lightning strikes, Wang Xuan activated the technique from the Five Golden Pages again. Bursting with immense power, he lunged at the woman. If he couldn''t subdue her now, he would be in grave danger. His flesh illuminated, and he mustered his strength, confronting her lightning strikes and engaging in closebat. In the blink of an eye, the woman was at a disadvantage, her arm nearly torn apart, and her palm dripping with blood. Crucially, during their intense sh, Wang Xuan managed to damage and then knock off the intricate protective gear from her head. The woman''splexion paled. She vigorously channeled energy from her organs, sending a lightning bolt towards Wang Xuan. At the same time, she rapidly retreated, trying to put distance between them. From the distance, the man with exposed finger bones, undeterred by his injuries, charged back into the fight. Wang Xuan, despite the peril of being struck by lightning, was determined to subdue his foes. He channeled an ethereal glow from his forehead, exerting immense spiritual pressure. A piercing scream escaped the woman. She could not shield herself from this strange psychic assault, and agony seared through her mind. Just as Wang Xuan felt triumphant, a bolt of lightning struck his heart. His once heated body froze, leaving him almost immobile. The man from behind advanced menacingly. He targeted Wang Xuan''s lower back with a forceful palm and simultaneously aimed for his head with a deadly strike. Though Wang Xuan barely dodged the head attack, the impact on his waist caused him to lurch forward. Seizing this opportunity, he grabbed the mentally disoriented woman, exerted all his might, and with a chilling snap, broke her neck. Her scream ceased, her head hanging lifelessly to the side. As Wang Xuan took a moment to recover, the man closed the distance,nding a powerful stomp on Wang Xuan''s back, intending to shatter him then and there. But to his dismay, despite the excruciating pain, Wang Xuan¡¯s resilient body, fortified by his Golden Body Technique, withstood the potentially fatal blow. Although blood dripped from his lips, he wasn''t critically wounded. In retaliation, Wang Xuan swiped at the man. The man, seeing Wang Xuan''s cold and determined gaze, felt a chill run down his spine and turned to flee. Wang Xuan quickly retrieved his fallen short sword, ensuring the woman was truly defeated with onest thrust. He then pursued the fleeing man. Such formidable adversaries couldn''t be left unchecked. But soon, Wang Xuan cursed his luck. Thendscape was dotted withkes and rivers. As the man reached a wide river, he plunged in without hesitation. Watching intently, Wang Xuan noticed a creature with silvery scales grip the man''s leg, pulling him underwater, and swiftly disappearing downstream. Realizing the futility of the chase, Wang Xuan returned to the battleground. He surveyed the scene, discovering various vials containing colored liquids on the bodies. Some emitted a sandalwood aroma, while others had a slightly pungent smell. Though hesitant to taste, he stored them all. The treasures he valued most were the intricate protective headpieces worn by the duo. Regrettably, both were damaged in the battle. Wang Xuan tried reshaping one to its original form, suspecting its efficacy might have diminished. Upon wearing it, he felt his senses sharpening. Additionally, the peculiar metallic sheen clothing worn by the two seemed incredibly resilient, impervious tomon des, piquing Wang Xuan''s interest. Surveying his attire, charred and tattered from the lightning strike, Wang Xuan decisively stripped down a set of unique, metallic ck-gold clothes from the fallen. His usual meticulous nature was set aside; a battle could erupt at any moment, and he needed to be prepared. Donning the outfit, he felt an immediate sense of security. Despite his victory, a weight bore down on Wang Xuan''s heart. The trio had posed a formidable challenge, nearly overwhelming him. If not for his preemptive strike on one and the injury to the man skilled in the Vajra Technique, the oue might have been grim. "How can they be so incredibly strong?" he pondered aloud. Even though he had given it his all, he had only managed to defeat two. The thought of another eight such powerful adversaries seeking revenge left him sighing deeply. "Are all youths from that advanced this mighty?" The pressure he felt was unprecedented. Wang Xuan, deep in thought, murmured, "Perhaps these individuals are among the elites of their." It made sense to him; only the cream of the crop would dare venture into such a perilous realm. "They could be core members of an advanced organization or even direct disciples of some cosmic sect." His spirits lifted at a realization, "That means I''ve already made quite a mark by taking down two of their prime seeds." A confident, radiant smile spread across Wang Xuan''s face. "Moreover, I''m only a nominal Grandmaster. Once I truly ascend to the next realm, my power will surge." His mind started to race with questions about these otherworldly visitors. "What is their likepared to this secretnd? Did theye solely to harvest rare artifacts? Did they travel by interster ships or some other means exclusive to their advanced civilization? How do they perceive this ce ¨C a backyard, an abandoned medicinal field, or something more strategic? Are they the only group from that here?" However, Wang Xuan shook his head, bringing himself back to the immediate concerns. From the three he encountered, he deduced that their group was led by a young man named Zhuo Yang. They were currently preupied with a rare medicinal herb. "Such treasures are usually guarded by formidable creatures," he mused, hoping the adversaries would meet their end attempting the acquisition. Suddenly, the sound of buzzing wings reached his ears. Looking up, he saw a swarm of toxic bees, each the size of a bull, flying overhead from the nearby forest. In the distance, an evenrger, more ominous swarm approached, darkening the skies like a foreboding storm cloud. "Have I just disrupted a hive?" Wang Xuan mused. Regardless of his prowess, he knew better than to confront an endless swarm of formidable beasts. Without hesitation, he turned on his heels and sprinted away. Navigating treacherous terrains, scaling peaks, and descending into valleys, Wang Xuan ran for what felt like miles until the ominous hum of the massive swarm faded into the distance. These creatures were the stuff of nightmares. As he caught his breath, he stumbled upon several members of the exploration team. Evidently, they had also altered their paths to escape the deadly swarm, resulting in their scattered formation. If the eight foes were adamant about pursuing, few, if any, would likely survive. "To divert any pursuers, I must change my direction," Wang Xuan resolved. Staying with the group could jeopardize their safety. Hemented not finding Zhao Qinghan in this area; he had wanted to present her with the protective headgear and unique armor he had acquired. Suddenly, his senses tingled, recognizing the familiar presence of the Zhong siblings. Wang Xuan had initially nned to move on, but recalling how young Zhong''s metal te had proven invaluable in the skirmishes, he felt a need to acknowledge their assistance. "They''reing after us!" Zhong Cheng eximed, spotting a figure d in unfamiliar attire. As he prepared to flee, recognition dawned, and he blurted out, "Wang Xuan? Why are you wearing their clothes? Did you... defeat them?" His voice teetered between exhration and disbelief. Wang Xuan calmly replied, "Two of them met an unfortunate fate, overwhelmed by the toxic bees. I merely scavenged from the aftermath." "Good riddance!" An out-of-breath Zhong Cheng copsed onto the ground, fatigue evident from their escape. Zhong Qing, looking equally exhausted, eyed Wang Xuan skeptically, her pure face slick with perspiration. "Where is Qinghan?" Wang Xuan inquired. Before their venture into this secretivend, Zhao Qinghan had assured Wang Xuan of his safety, promising to keep him close. Since their arrival, she had honored her word, even insisting he remain near her during nightly rests. In return, Wang Xuan felt duty-bound to protect her at all costs. Now, concern welled up within him. Still, he took sce in the thought that with Grandmaster Ma by her side, she would be safe. "When the poisonous bees swarmed," Zhong Cheng began, "panic ensued, and all of us fled in different directions. Qinghan tried to save an injured member by pulling him onto her horse. She called out for us to join her. However, Grandmaster Ma, in his panic, sped away with them without waiting." "With the bees in an uproar, even the creatures in the mountains are likely fleeing. This region might be rtively safer," Wang Xuan reasoned. "You both should find a cave and take shelter." He handed over the intricately carved protective gear and an extra suit of armor to the siblings. "These should offer some protection." He had initially intended to give them to Zhao Qinghan. But since she had been whisked away by Grandmaster Ma, he felt it was more beneficial to equip someone he knew. Wang Xuan then took off the steel te from his back and handed it to Zhong Qing. Little Zhong, usually quick-witted and sharp-tongued, was momentarily speechless upon seeing the te. A blush of embarrassment swept across her face, and she finally eximed, "Wang Xuan!" "What''s going on? Isn''t this my sister''s protective te?" Zhong Cheng''s eyes widened in shock. "Sister, did you let him wear your protective gear?" He pressed further. Zhong Qing, increasingly flustered, snapped, "Shut up!" "Isn''t this the same te you wore on your back?" He narrowed his eyes usingly at Wang Xuan. "You didn''t make her wear the other one, did you?" Staring intently at Wang Xuan''s chest, he demanded, "What did you do to my sister?" His tone and posture resembled someone confronting a wrongdoer. Wang Xuan looked at him, slightly amused. Did he seriously jump to such conclusions? Zhong Qing, with a swift motion, knocked her younger brother down, wanting to stop his wild spections. Lying on the ground, Zhong Chengmented melodramatically, "A grown sister is as uncontroble as spilled water. The ancients were right. Now she''s even siding with outsiders against me!" Even as articte as Zhong Qing was, she now found herself in a tight spot, too embarrassed to respond to her brother''s antics. Zhong Cheng, trying to divert the conversation, asked, "What is this te made of? A bee asrge as a horse stung me, and its spear-like stinger was repelled by this te." Zhong Qing, after ensuring Wang Xuan wasn''t jesting, revealed, "It''s infused with some Sun Gold." Wang Xuan was taken aback by the revtion. Before entering the secretive region, Wang Xuan had seen, with his own eyes, the incredible values the major organizations in the He Star base had set for various rare items. Fifty grams of Sun Gold was worth a staggering five billion New Star coins ¨C an absolutely astronomical sum. Later, he had learned that the weapons of the celestial warriors, the Lie Xian, were believed to contain traces of Sun Gold. "Little Zhong, you''re something else! To have Sun Gold and use it sovishly!" Wang Xuan was genuinely astounded. For Zhong Qing to incorporate an ingredient that even the Lie Xian cherished into a spiked steel te was the height of luxury. "What did you just call me?!" Zhong Qing''s eyes widened in anger. She couldn''t believe Wang Xuan had dared to address her so informally, hinting that he might frequently refer to her in this manner behind her back. Zhong Cheng jumped in, his urgency evident, "Wait, what are you both talking about? Sun Gold? Sister, did you sneak into Grandpa''s study and misuse his prized material to craft this?" Wang Xuan connected the dots quickly. Elder Zhong was gathering Sun Gold, likely to forge a powerful celestial weapon! It also became clear that Zhong Qing had unrestricted ess to the old man Zhong Yong''s study. Wang Xuan''s gaze turned to her, imagining the treasures she might know about, like the golden bamboo slips from the Pre-Qin period or the multi-colored jade books. His eyes gleamed with excitement. In her defense, Zhong Qing argued, "I came here to save Grandpa. Going into such a dangerous territory means I need the best protection possible. I intend to melt it down and return it to himter." She then focused on Wang Xuan, demanding, "What did you call me just now?" "Da Zhong!" Wang Xuan replied without hesitation. In his eyes, Little Zhong was a walking treasure trove, a repository of knowledge worth befriending. Chapter 145: Hunting The Transcendent Chapter 145: Hunting The Transcendent Upon hearing the nickname "Da Zhong," Zhong Cheng was utterly taken aback. It was a fresh perspective, for no one had ever referred to his sister in such a manner before. As for Zhong Qing, her delicate face seemed calm, betraying no emotion. However, the tight clench of her slender fingers hinted at an inner turmoil that belied her tranquil facade. "The hollow protective gear that can be worn on the head possesses exceptional properties," Wang Xuan began, diverting from the previous topic. "I suggest you take it back to the Zhong family for research. If decoded correctly, it might lead to a significant breakthrough. In return, I would like certain scriptures..." His sudden shift in conversation left Zhong Cheng surprised and a tad disoriented. Initially, he had assumed there was aplicated rtionship between Wang Xuan and his sister. Yet, here was Wang Xuan, smoothly transitioning into a potential coboration. "By the way," Wang Xuan continued, pointing at the steel te he had returned earlier, "do you have more protective gear like this, perhaps for the arms or legs?" "I''m serious. I have no other intentions," he rified upon seeing their expressions. To his astonishment, Zhong Qing proceeded to remove two spiked, elongated steel tes from her arms. Zhong Cheng''s eyes widened. His sister was truly extravagant! "I''ll give you some containers in exchange for these tes," Wang Xuan said, producing some of his acquired items. He exined that these were looted from the deceased and would need careful examination to determine their utility. He then affixed the elongated steel tes to his own arms. Deep down, Wang Xuan felt the man who had jumped into the river might not have perished. After mastering the Diamond Technique, it was likely that the creatures in the water could not harm him. If that man rejoined his group and informed them about Wang Xuan''s capabilities, then their next encounter might not bring the surprise advantage of the steel tes. "Be careful," Wang Xuan advised, turning to leave. Zhong Cheng muttered to himself, "He''s growing more confident by the day. What''s he up to on his own?" He then whispered to his sister, "You seemed awfully calm when heplimented you earlier. Were you trying to y it cool?" Infuriated, Zhong Qing felt like hitting her brother with one of the steel tes. "He was driving me insane!" she eximed. Suddenly, Zhong Qing''s eyes narrowed in curiosity as she held up the steel te Wang Xuan had returned. Tilting it to catch the sunlight, she examined it closely. Blood traces! Though it had been cleaned, the sunlight revealed minute traces of blood on it, a detail that could not havee from the sting of a ho. "What are you looking at?" Zhong Cheng asked. "Smell this. Does it have a particr scent?" Zhong Qing urged her brother. "It just smells like a man. Do not tell me you''re actually interested in Wang Xuan. I thought of introducing you to the older Wang. He''s a young master in his early twenties, bound to achieve greatness in the future! Wait... stop!" Thud! Thud! Thud¡­ ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan deliberately left clear footprints pointing away from the direction of the New World explorers, a trail easy for someone of his caliber to follow. Most provocatively, he dragged the bodies of the two he had killed, dropping them miles apart along his path. It was a tant taunt, an open invitation to those tracking him to follow his route. Venturing deeper into the woods, he took an extensive detour before circling back towards the direction of the pursuers. If they had set out, they would be tracing his misleading path. But if they had not left yet, Wang Xuan intended to sneak a peek at the extraordinary herbs they were seeking and improvise based on the situation. Finding them was not challenging. The three experts left many traces of their movement. A grandmaster''s step covered more than ten meters. Their sprinting caused the very ground beneath them to explode with the force of their footfalls. An hourter, after scaling mountains and crossing a marsh, Wang Xuan located the team''s tracks. Their audacity astonished him. Were they genuinely intending to gather the rare items near a creature''s den that housed a transcendent-ss beast? The surrounding area was lush with flora, but thend near the creature''s dwelling was barren and silent. There was a cave there, its entrance adorned with fiery-red vines, the only sign of life. Clusters of deep red, almost purple fruits dangled from them, emitting a faint, tantalizing fragrance even from a distance. A look of intrigue crossed Wang Xuan''s face. How patient must this creature be to resist such tempting fruits? Did it consume them annually, growing bored of their taste over time? Then, he saw the beast¡ªa creature that looked part snake and part something else. It was massive, with a diameter of over four meters and a length of approximately fifteen meters. Its body was covered with aqua scales, each asrge as a palm fan. The creature resembled a mix between a serpent and a giant blue caterpir. Despite its seemingly cumbersome appearance, it moved with an astonishing swiftness. Within moments, it darted into the nearby forest and returned with two bear-like creatures, each over three meters long, clenched in its jaws. The massive serpentine creature held the tworge bears in its mouth as if they were mere mice. The bears, still very much alive, were tossed near the cave''s entrance, only to be immediately ambushed by two slightly smaller offspring of the creature. Each of these younglings, with a diameter of about two meters and a length of seven to eight meters, devoured a bear whole, much like a snake would swallow its prey. After their meal, the offspring acted with caution. They each approached the fiery-red vines and plucked only a single purple-red fruit with their tongues, showing restraint despite the abundance of the fruits. Wang Xuan had an epiphany. The parent creature was not indifferent to the extraordinary fruits. Instead, it was preserving them for its young. Consuming such rare herbs from an early age, it was no wonder that these creatures grew to be so formidable. The very idea that the group nned to plunder these fruits from the den of such creatures seemed insane to Wang Xuan. Sneaking closer, Wang Xuan decided to observe the team more closely, curious about their audacious n. What he discovered next was even more startling. Not only did this group aim to harvest the rare herbs, but they also intended to hunt the transcendental creature itself! It was sheer madness. Even if they were all elite grandmasters, together they stood no chance against such a powerful beast. Wary of drawing any attention, Wang Xuan refrained from actively using his spiritual realm. Instead, he discreetly extended tendrils of his consciousness, trying to pick up on any critical information. After what felt like an eternity, he gleaned a fragmented understanding of the group''s discussions. The group was divided, having already debated numerous strategies without settling on one. Their ultimate n, however, seemed to involve luring the creature to a specific location. If sessful, not only would they obtain the coveted herbs, but they would also manage to y a transcendent beast. From the group''s discussions, Wang Xuan learned that the monstrous creature was called the "Silkworm Serpent," a name fitting its appearance. Shortly after, Wang Xuan began scouting the nearby regions, in search of the particr area the group had alluded to. He soon found it¡ªa ce shrouded in a thick, eerie mist. Despite the bright sun hanging high in the sky, this area remained cloaked in a mystical fog. As Wang Xuan circled this mysterious region, he made an even more shocking discovery. Not just the Silkworm Serpent, but a total of eight otherworldly creatures had nested around this fog-covered zone, positioned evenly around its periphery. Were these people ying with fire? Provoking activity in an area densely popted with such formidable creatures was asking for disaster. It became clear to Wang Xuan why the group had been so hesitant to act, carefully scouting the terrain. They were making thorough preparations, perhaps also seeking the best escape routes. But Wang Xuan grew invested in this as well, tracing pathways all over the area to find the best routes of escape in case things went south. Indeed, he was nning to get involved¡ªbut not to target the Silkworm Serpent. Instead, he aimed to outmaneuver the group and seize the opportunity for himself. Upon returning to the mountainous area where the Silkworm Serpent dwelled, Wang Xuan spotted a familiar face¡ªthe man who had previously jumped into the river. Although he had survived, the man was drenched in blood, having clearly encountered some terrifying creature within the river''s depths before reuniting with the group. The group was visibly agitated. Some clutched curved des, while others pointed skyward, uttering harsh words. Tuning in with his spiritual realm, Wang Xuan quickly caught onto their intentions. They sought vengeance. Arrogantly, they derogatorily referred to the native inhabitants of this New World as "savages," uncivilized beings that needed to be "cleansed" with blood. They regretted not confronting a particr individual earlier, whom they believed to possess exceptional spiritual power and suspected of being a semi-transcendental master. They had retreated, nning to attack him under the cover of night. "All these savages will die," seemed to be the consolidated sentiment among them. Once they had procured the rare herbs, they would pursue and kill this individual with heightened spiritual abilities. The man who had returned from the river warned, "Do not target his front or back¡ªhe wears an armor made from a rare secret metal that resembles a porcupine''s quill. Aim for his limbs or head instead." ¡­¡­ The group resumed their preparations, set on hunting the supernatural creatures. "Are we truly going after the mature Silkworm Serpent? It''s incredibly menacing," one of them voiced his concern. "If it remains alive," another responded, "even if we manage to harvest the rare herbs, the serpent will pursue us relentlessly, engaging us in a never-ending battle. We must neutralize it first." Wang Xuan, having observed them from a distance, deduced their strategy against the Silkworm Serpent. The myriad vials they possessed were not for mere show. They contained elixirs to allure otherworldly beings, particrly a potion designed to attract serpents and another that would momentarily drive creatures mad. Wang Xuan''s senses sharpened. This group had a profound understanding of these creatures'' habits. Their familiarity hinted at an advanced and mature extraterrestrial civilization from which they hailed. Moreover, they were not strangers to this mysteriousnd. Their conversation alluded to prior knowledge or advice from predecessors. At the very least, they were aware of the misty region. Their discourse frequently revisited the stern warnings from their elders about the extreme dangers within. "It''s a shame," one of them sighed, "no one has ever made it through. It could be a secret pathway." While Wang Xuan could notpletely grasp theirnguage, by tapping into his spiritual realm and capturing fragments of their thoughts, he made a startling realization. They might be discussing an arcane route linked to ancient practices. He also caught the term "passing" associated with the misty region but struggled to fathom its precise significance. Afterpleting their preparations, they began from the misty region and led up to where the Silkworm Serpent resided, sprinkling their potions across crucial points. Their n was to herd the serpent into the treacherous terrain and harness the power of "passing" to destroy the supernatural entity. Wang Xuan felt a knot of anxiety, even more than them. He had the dual challenge of guarding against the mystical creature and preempting the group''s move. Any misstep could make him the first casualty. Suddenly, a loud thud resonated from afar. The group had set their n into motion. Massive rocks, weighing hundreds of pounds, were hurled near the serpent''s den. Elsewhere, wild beasts were being chased, and some captured creatures released, their screams echoing. The Silkworm Serpent, known for its ferocity and territorial nature, swiftly darted out with a hiss and vanished into the dense woods. "It worked! The Silkworm Serpent fell for our trap. Our potions are indeed effective!" someone eximed. "Quick, let''s harvest the supernatural herbs!" another urged. One among them, a woman, moved swiftly, like a wisp of smoke through the woods, making her way to the supernaturalir. Once there, she hastily plucked tworge clusters of red-purple fruits, their aroma rich and intoxicating. While several more clusters still hung from the fiery vines, her presence had roused two adolescent serpents from within the cave. "Damn! They''re not mere juveniles anymore. They possess power equivalent to grandmasters!" she eximed, panic evident in her voice. She did not dare to harvest any more fruits and turned to escape. Two of herpanions were in the woods, ready to back her up. Noting the direction in which the mature Silkworm Serpent was heading and confirming that it was delirious and would soon enter the misty region, they rushed to their. They confronted the younger serpents, not only to prevent them from pursuing the woman but also to kill them and procure the remaining supernatural fruits. The woman, having achieved her objective, continued her sprint without looking back, deeming the trip a sess with just the two fruit clusters. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan seized his chance. He felt no remorse about ambushing those destined to be his adversaries. Instead, he was thrilled. Emerging silently from the woods, he stealthily approached from behind, unsheathing his sword and directing it at the woman. "Damn it! That scoundrel actually followed us!" shouted the man who had previously been injured by Wang Xuan, his eyes zing with anger. Recognizing Wang Xuan''s distinctive headgear and the unique ck-gold attire, his rage intensified. The others too were incensed. How dare this native provoke them in their quest? Was he seeking death? Wang Xuan''s surprise attack was initially sessful. Although he did not manage to behead the woman, his sharp short sword grazed her left shoulder, causing a deep gash that sent blood spraying. The pain was unbearable, making her left arm tremble and the supernatural fruit she held dropped to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Xuan snatched it up, sessfully procuring his first cluster of supernatural fruits. Infuriated and shocked, the woman could not fathom being ambushed at such a crucial moment and losing half of her precious harvest. In a frenzied state, she lunged at Wang Xuan, her weapon slicing through the air. "Do not strike him on his chest or his back!" warned the man from a distance, recalling his earlier confrontation with Wang Xuan. Chapter 146: The Kiss Of Transcendence Chapter 146: The Kiss Of Transcendence The audacity of this native to seize my Immortal Herb! The woman was seething with anger, wishing she could obliterate Wang Xuan with a single blow. A faint white glow emanated from her pristine palm, initially aimed at Wang Xuan''s heart. However, heeding the distant warning, she swiftly altered her trajectory. Wang Xuan cunningly pretended to guard the crimson fruit and used his arm to fend off her attack. The woman, with an intricately carved headgear and a metallic-textured dress that entuated her delicate features, had murder in her eyes. She channeled a unique energy, resonating from her internal organs to her palm. Intent on unleashing her deadliest move, she aimed to shatter Wang Xuan''s defensive armpletely. Those at the Grandmaster level underwent strange transformations, and her internal luminance could amplify immense strength to certain parts of her body. Boom! The atmosphere quaked with the force of her strike, making contact with Wang Xuan''s arm. With a steely gaze, she thought, "How dare you steal from me? You shall pay the consequences!" Yet, to her dismay, the ensuing moment didn''t unfold as anticipated. Excruciating pain radiated from her palm, contorting her otherwise graceful features. Blood spattered everywhere, a brilliant shade of red, but it wasn''t Wang Xuan''s ¨C it was hers. Her powerful strike hadn''t shattered Wang Xuan''s arm; instead, it had severely backfired, causing her palm to be gruesomely mangled. Reeling from the pain, she swiftly retreated, disying remarkable reflexes despite her injury. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan, with silent determination, aimed a kick at her midsection. As a Grandmaster, she reacted almost instantly, swinging her right leg to meet his. Using the force of their sh, she pushed herself further back, all the while casting a deadly re towards the woods, her body trembling with pain and rage. In the dense forest, the male onlooker was bbergasted and at a loss. The vital intelligence, for which he had paid a hefty price, was drastically inurate? "Damn it!" He could only curse in frustration, realizing that there wasn''t an immediate way to rectify or exin the situation. Outside the transcendent den, Wang Xuan seized the opportunity to press forward aggressively, determined to eliminate the woman. If they were destined to be enemies, he would take down as many adversaries as he could. As the skirmish inside the cave ceased, two other figures burst out, charging toward Wang Xuan. The woman, although injured, managed to halt her retreat. Her face was etched with cold ferocity, and her eyes bore a deep-seated resentment towards Wang Xuan. Despite the punctured palm, even with bones damaged, she still wished to join herrades in killing him. He was too contemptible to be left alive. Unable to bear the thought of letting Wang Xuan escape, shemunicated softly but urgently, "Give it your all. Kill this native!" Wang Xuan''s body started glowing as he activated the body techniques recorded in the Five-Page Golden Book. Facing their unyielding intent to kill, he was equally determined to fight back. It was a life-or-death situation for both sides, and seizing the right moment to strike was crucial. As a pale golden halo radiated from Wang Xuan, with his organs resonating, the woman lunged forward to counter. Simultaneously, one of the men from the cave approached with a curved de, shing ferociously. Unexpectedly, Wang Xuan swiftly pivoted, turning his back to the woman and brandishing a short sword at the attacker. Such a choice was unanticipated by the onlookers. Using the body techniques passed down from Old Zhang, Wang Xuan''s internal power surged. His vitality and physique were greatly enhanced, giving him astounding speed and explosive power. He swiftly cut the curved de and lunged further, drawing a chilling arc with his sword. With a swift thrust, he created a gruesome wound across the man''s chest, revealing bones. The incredible sharpness of the sword,bined with Wang Xuan''s amplified power and speed, made his attacks overwhelming. The sudden change in his target, coupled with his swift counterattack, caught his adversaries off guard. Meanwhile, as the woman aimed a strike at Wang Xuan''s head, he leaped forward, avoiding her attack and exposing his back. Just as her hand was about to make contact, she hesitated, recalling the words of the man by the river about the anomaly on Wang Xuan''s back. Fearing the barbed metal tes, she slightly altered her angle, slowing down andnding her strike on Wang Xuan''s shoulder instead. The woman''sst-second hesitation clearly reduced the force of her blow. Wang Xuan had intentionally exposed his back to her, anticipating she might hold back, fearing his spiked armor. In the dynamic ebb and flow of battle, anything could happen, and Wang Xuan could miscalcte. But with his golden body technique protecting him, even a solid strike wouldn''t cause any significant harm. His gamble paid off. Using the momentum from the woman''s blow, Wang Xuan lunged even more fiercely at the man in front of him. The man felt a sharp pain in his chest as Wang Xuan''s short sword shed through, grazing his heart and sending shivers of terror down his spine. One sudden assault and he had nearly met his doom. All these swift exchanges happened in the blink of an eye. The man''s two allies, one behind him and the other behind Wang Xuan, could only watch. As Wang Xuan pressed on, his entire body seemed to boil with energy, his sword humming as he aimed another attack. Facing imminent danger, instincts often kick in. The man tried to muster all his strength, preparing for a counterstrike. However, a ssh of blood erupted from the wound on his chest, which was exacerbated by the resonance of his powers. The pain in his heart was so intense that he nearly copsed, vision blurring. With Wang Xuan''s sword swiftly approaching, he barely dodged, avoiding a fatal strike to his neck. Instead, he lost an arm in the process. Wang Xuan sighed. Despite all his predictions and strategies, he hadn''t managed to kill his opponent and decided not to pursue further. From behind, the woman, her face pale with fury, aimed a strike at Wang Xuan''s head. Another man was closing in from the front. He didn''t want to get entangled with them any longer. If they cornered him, it could end tragically, especially with more of their allies lurking in the distant woods, ready to join the fray. Without a moment''s hesitation, Wang Xuan broke free from the encirclement. "I''ll kill him!" A voice growled from a distant hilltop. Cold eyes fixed on Wang Xuan. They were furious at him for not only intercepting their treasured elixir but also for injuring theirrades. The disdain was palpable. "They should''ve taken him out earlier!" the others muttered in agreement. This was a mix of old grudges and fresh resentment. Once, they had looked down upon what they considered the local inhabitants. Now, they found themselves repeatedly bested by one. "Stay calm," one of the men cautioned, gritting his teeth. "If the transcendent creature isn''t dead, it could spell disaster. Stick to the n. His end is imminent. Let him live a little longer." "Hold back!" another echoed. Suddenly, a piercing shriek, nearly deafening, emanated from the perimeter of the misty region. The once-rampaging transcendent silkworm-snake, for some reason, seemed to regain some rity. Instead of venturing further into the forbidden zone, it made a swift turn and darted back the way it came. "We need to leave, now!" Those atop the distant hill looked rmed, witnessing their worst fears unfold. "What about the three of them near the transcendent cave?" someone inquired, referring to theirrades. "Forget them for now!" These hilltop watchers had positioned themselves at a safe distance, ensuring a quick escape if needed. They all had roles. The woman was tasked with gathering the mystical herbs, the riskiest job, but with the highest reward. The two men, her backups, weren''t initially meant to enter the transcendent creature''sir. Had they stuck to the n, they''d likely be safe. But greed had driven them deeper, seeking more precious herbs, deviating from the initial strategy. "We''ll be fine. We''ve nned our escape route meticulously. Move!" Despite their concerns, the trio remainedposed. Two men and a woman dashed into the woods where they had preid various substances, likely to deter the silkworm-snake''s pursuit. Suddenly, ncing back, they spotted Wang Xuan. He was following them, escaping the same danger! "That wretched thief!" The woman couldn''t contain her rage upon seeing him. The man who''d lost an arm was even more incensed, his eyes zing with fury. As much as they wished to turn back and deal with Wang Xuan first, the pressing danger forced them onward. Wang Xuan paid no heed to their remarks and continued his chase. He had already noted the escape route as optimal, much like the trio. In his view, as long as he could outrun them at the critical moment, he''d be safe. After all, the slowest would bear the brunt of any danger. He held back, however, following closely to avoid losing his way. He nned to overtake them once they reached clearer terrain. As he ran, he began to consume a fruit, savoring its luscious taste and sipping its rich purple-red juice. To him, consuming it now was the safest bet against unforeseen mishaps. A faint reddish hue appeared around his nostrils and mouth with every bite of this extraordinary fruit. Wang Xuan was determined to enjoy every bit of this precious find. The trio, upon looking back, were momentarily shocked to see him gorging on the fruit. Yet, they maintained theirposure, sparing him only a fleeting nce before returning their attention to their escape. Wang Xuan marveled at their stoic demeanor. The trio''s calm and focused response, without even a word of rebuke, was astonishing. Nevertheless, he continued to relish the fruit, which was indeed a rare delicacy. After swallowing thest piece, he felt a sense of aplishment and satisfaction. But what came next from the trio nearly made him explode with rage. "He''s finished it all! Truly a primitive local. Consuming it directly will turn him into a monster within three days!" one whispered. "The Blood Grapes should be given to beasts first, allowing them to ''filter'' it. Then one should consume the ''spiritual meat''. Only a local would be so ignorant!" another murmured. Wang Xuan was taken aback. "Why didn''t you say this earlier?" Anger surged within him. The revtion that humans weren''t meant to directly consume the fruit infuriated him. No wonder the trio had calmly watched him consume it without uttering a word. "Cunning devils," he cursed under his breath, feeling a sudden coughing on as he attempted to regurgitate the fruit. "It''s toote to spit it out now; once ingested, its effects are immediately absorbed," one of the trio sneered. "Any guesses on what kind of monster he''ll turn into?" another said, relishing in the schadenfreude. Their taunting was interrupted by a piercing shriek from behind. The supernatural creature was closing in, hunting them with relentless fervor. With no time to regret his earlier decisions, Wang Xuan cast aside his apprehensions and sprinted with all his might. Drawing on his powerful bodily techniques, he maintained a tireless pace, soon outpacing the trio. "How is he elerating?" one eximed. "He''s probably beginning his transformation into a demon!" another quipped. Wang Xuan, upon hearing this, wished he could silence them for good. Their words stung, especially when he couldn''t predict the changes taking ce within him. Suddenly, a thunderous noise erupted from ahead. The forest gave way to a vastke, its waters now being disced by a monstrous emergence. Wang Xuan came to a sudden halt, his skin prickling with unease. Had the serpentine creature somehow moved to theke ahead? The incessant shrieks from behind and the new threat in front sent shivers down his spine. To his horror, he realized there were two of these serpentine creatures. The trio, equally shocked, felt theirposure shatter. They had painstakingly scouted the vicinity near the creature''sir, only ever spotting a single serpent tending to its young. They had never anticipated the existence of a second mature serpent. They were now trapped between two deadly threats. One of them spoke with a grim tone, "From what we know, only the female serpent cares for its young while the male wanders. Little did we anticipate it would inhabit this region." Wang Xuan felt the weight of despair; even the bestid ns could be upended by unforeseen variables. Nothing was going as expected. With the looming possibility of turning into a demon and being trapped by two supernatural beasts, Wang Xuan felt as if all paths to survival were blocked. The two serpentine creatures closed in, one from the front and the other from behind, trapping the group amidst the dense forest. Their cold, merciless eyes bore into them, bringing a stench of decay and blood. These colossal creatures towered over them, exuding an oppressive aura that was palpable in the air. One of the men, driven by desperation, tried to make a break for it. But before he could get far, a blur of movement from one of the serpents resulted in his demise ¡ª devoured in one swift bite. The remaining man, woman, and Wang Xuan stood frozen, barely daring to breathe. The gap in their capabilities was ringly evident. These creatures were leagues beyond even the most skilled human masters. With a swift move, one serpent lunged and took the other man into its mouth. The man, stricken with fear, struggled briefly before the creature''s sharp fangs pierced his abdomen. He instantly became still, too terrified to move. The woman''s face was drained of color, rigid with terror. Wang Xuan, though pale, recalled a scene he had witnessed earlier. He remembered the serpent offering its young live prey to eat, without killing them first. Did these creatures prefer their food alive? Holding on to this thought, he stood motionless. His intuition proved right when the other serpent descended, taking both him and the woman into its mouth without impaling them with its venomous fangs. The sensation was akin to being kissed by the serpent. Inside the serpent''s mouth, the woman''s face contorted in a mix of fear and rage as she found herself pressed next to Wang Xuan. He remained expressionless, choosing to ignore her. She, after taking a deep breath, tried to mimic Wang Xuan''sposure, staying as still as a log. Soon, they were taken back to the serpent''sir, where two younger serpents eagerly awaited their return. With agitated movements and piercing cries, the young serpents approached the neers hungrily. Laid on the ground and faced with the prospect of being devoured alive by the young creatures, the man and woman were on the brink of hysteria, believing their end to be near. However, Wang Xuan, ever the strategist, remained silent. In a bold move, he chose to cooperate with one of the young serpents, willingly letting himself be taken into its mouth. Chapter 147: Against A Transcendent Chapter 147: Against A Transcendent Inside the serpent''s wet mouth, Wang Xuan found himself slipping and sliding. In his determination to survive, he reasoned that if he could not defeat these creatures, perhaps his best chancey in willingly bing their prey. Voluntarily cing himself inside the mouth of the younger serpent seemed a better fate than being torn apart by therger one. The stench inside the serpent''s mouth, however, was nearly unbearable. For Wang Xuan, who was particrly fastidious about cleanliness, this experience was pure torment. He inhaled deeply several times, trying to fill his lungs with as much fresh air as possible before he was inevitably swallowed. The woman, witnessing Wang Xuan''s choice, seemed torn between despair and incredulity. Was this truly how her journey would end? In an act of desperate mimicry, she too jumped into the gaping maw of the other young serpent. The remaining man shouted in rm, "Have you lost your mind? While Wang Xuan might have mastered some protective technique, what do you have?" In his panic, he gestured usingly towards Wang Xuan, hoping to divert the creature''s attention. His attempt was in vain. With a swift movement, one of the adult serpents snatched him up, ending his life in an instant. It was a stark reminder that even the most skilled practitioners stood little chance against these supernatural entities. As he was drawn further into the serpent''s throat, Wang Xuan took onest look at the outside world, his emotions a tumultuous blend of disbelief and resignation. He had never imagined a day where he''d willingly offer himself as a meal to a beast. Inside the serpent''s belly, the environment was warm, sticky, andden with corrosive enzymes capable of dissolving flesh and bone alike. Wang Xuan recognized the remains of the bear he had seen earlier, its form now a gruesome, partially digested pulp. Alongside it was another creature, arge feline, already mostly broken down by the serpent''s digestive juices. Closing his eyes, Wang Xuan reached out with his spiritual senses. Unsure of how long he could hold his breath in this treacherous, enzyme-rich environment, a faint golden glow emanated from his body, protecting him from immediate digestion. In ancient times, it was said that Buddha, before his enlightenment, was swallowed by a peacock andter emerged unharmed to attain enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Wang Xuan drew sce from this story,forting himself that if even Buddha had been devoured once, what was so shameful about his current predicament? If he could find his way out alive, he''d be renowned like Buddha. He mused, perhaps they were kindred spirits, reflecting each other''s experiences across different times. Wang Xuan had always been resilient, and even now, trapped inside the beast, he refused to wallow in despair. Instead, he fortified himself with bright beliefs and reassurances. "Were not the stories of Buddha merely tales? Perhaps he was not swallowed by a peacock but by some odd,rge bird," Wang Xuan pondered. "While Buddha had a peacock, I was swallowed by a creatureparable to a mighty dragon." Amidst Wang Xuan''s internal pep talk, he suddenly felt an onught. An adult silk snake used its psychic power, scanning the insides of the juvenile snake, sweeping its contents. Wang Xuan froze, feeling the young snake''s stomach walls contract violently, its digestive juices threatening to break him down. He dared not move or defend himself with his spiritual field for fear of alerting therger serpent. His protective headgear was long lost, leaving him vulnerable. The mental power of these supernatural creatures was undeniably strong. Wang Xuan felt as if his head would split open, but he knew this would not be the end of him. Faintly, he sensed movement from the belly of another serpent ¨C the woman seemed to be struggling. On impulse, Wang Xuan too writhed and contorted within his fleshy prison, before falling silent once more. After a moment, the probing from therge serpent ceased. It seemed the creatures were wary of some live meals and felt the need to assess their catches. Wang Xuany still, a hazy halo surrounding him, relying heavily on his protective skills, hoping the snake would soon move on. In time, their''s vibrations signaled the departure of the male serpent. Yet, the female remained, basking in the sun outside the cave, her menacing aura radiating outward, dominating the surroundings. Minutes turned to hours. After an agonizing wait of nearly two hours, Wang Xuan felt the strain on his body. After all, he was still just a master at the pinnacle of his training, and holding his breath for this long was a testament to his exceptional skills. Growing increasingly anxious, Wang Xuan wondered why the mother snake still had not moved. With every passing second, he feared the worst. If he were to die and reincarnate in another form, he''d never rest in peace! By the third hour, desperation crept in. Wang Xuan was on the verge of killing the juvenile snake from within just to end his plight. However, a glimmer of hope arose when the two young snakes began to stir, calling out and wriggling about. It seemed like they were signaling their hunger to the mother snake. Just as Wang Xuan was bracing for a final, desperate move, he felt the ground vibrate¡ªthe mother snake was moving away. Cautiously, he extended his spiritual senses to confirm there was no longer any immediate threat. Drawing his short dagger, Wang Xuan decided against cutting open the snake''s belly immediately. Instead, heunched a fierce psychic assault on the juvenile snake''s consciousness, intending to render it unconscious. If the young creature were to cry out, it could easily summon the mother snake back. Fortunately, while the snake''s physical form was formidable, its psychic defenses were rtively weak. It copsed, unconscious. Gratefully, Wang Xuan cut through the belly and emerged, gulping down the fresh air. He had barely avoided suffocating within the snake''s stomach. Noticing the other young snake observing him, Wang Xuan quickly incapacitated it with another psychic st. Breathing deeply, he relished his newfound freedom. "On this day, the very first day of the first month of the first year in the Mitu calendar, Wang Xuan emerged from the belly of a legendary serpent, proiming his enlightenment and daring to rival even the Buddha!" Despite the life-threatening ordeal, Wang Xuan''s optimism shone through, putting a triumphant spin on his near-death experience. Without missing a beat, Wang Xuan began to sprint away, sticky residues from the snake''s insides dripping from his body. He knew that silk snakes were incredibly fast hunters and that it would not be long before they returned. For his survival, he needed to distance himself from the area as quickly as possible. "Look! That bastard is still alive," someone eximed. "See him? He''s sprinting away from that extraordinary den, covering dozens of feet in a single stride!" From a distant mountain peak, the man who had once been forced by Wang Xuan to jump into the river yelled out, summoning hisrades. After their hasty escape, they returned in hopes of finding any survivors among their ranks once the danger seemed to have subsided. To their astonishment, after about half an hour of observation, they saw Wang Xuan, the man with the unusual psychic strength, sprinting away from the scene. "He''s still alive? How is that even possible? I saw the giant snake leave with my own eyes; how on earth did he survive until now?" one eximed in disbelief. All eyes turned to Wang Xuan, noting the slimy residues that covered him and the corroded state of the armor they recognized as their own. Their shock deepened as they pieced together his miraculous escape. "He''s ruthless! He hid inside the belly of the young snake, used his indestructible body to withstand the peril, and then escaped when the giant snake left," one surmised. The group exchanged nces, their expressions hardening. They signaled to each other, preparing to hunt down Wang Xuan. "You might''ve escaped the jaws of the snake, but you won''t escape us!" one dered coldly. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan raced forward, disgusted by the stench that clung to him. His shoulder bore remnants of undigested bear flesh, a nauseating reminder of his recent ordeal. The slimy residue left a trail wherever he went, and the pungent smell could easily give away his location to the hunting serpent. "I need to wash off this stench," he thought. Fortunately, the dense forest was dotted withkes and rivers. Wang Xuan soon spotted a pool of water and, with a ssh, dove in, eager to cleanse himself. From a distant peak, the men watched. "He''s trying to wash away his scent. He fears the mother snake will hunt him down," one observed. "We should wait. If we run into the snake, we might inadvertently be its target instead of him." After a quick bath, Wang Xuan emerged, feeling rtively clean. However, a residual odor still lingered. "I might as well peel off ayer of skin at this rate," he mused, flicking away the strange fish that hadtched onto him during his brief swim. Suddenly, a deafening shriek echoed throughout the forest. The enraged mother snake, finding its young ones unconscious, was on a rampage. And it was not alone; the male serpent, stirred by the female''s cries, was quickly approaching. Its terrifying presence, even more formidable than the female''s, seemed to fly across the trees and descend upon a nearby hill, causing a massive explosion that brought down the mountainside. Wang Xuan''s heart raced. The odds of escaping seemed slim, especially since he felt an uncanny sensation ¡ª a feverish heat enveloping his body. Upon closer inspection, he found rming red patches forming on his skin. Strangely, his vision seemed to sharpen. In a moment of rity, he recalled the blood-red grapes he''d consumed earlier. "Could I be transforming into a demon?" he wondered. In the distance, the thunderous roars of the male serpent continued, its terrifying might causing even the mountains to crumble. The male serpent unleashed its extraordinary senses, scanning the surrounding forests with precision. The mother snake''s sharp, piercing cries filled the air, its fury palpable. Its distressing calls, signaling the danger that had befallen their young ones, sent all creatures, both winged and four-legged, into a chaotic frenzy, unsettling the entire mountainside. Wang Xuan felt a chill down his spine, believing that his odds of survival were slim. The unmatched speed of the two exceptional creatures meant they would catch up to him in no time, especially if they were to track him by his scent. The bleak turns his life had taken that day weighed heavily on him. He had barely escaped death once, and it seemed inevitable now. True to his fears, amidst the thunderous explosions in the forest and the toppling of massive trees, the male serpent, with its unparalleled agility, leaped from a mountain peak, zeroing in on Wang Xuan''s location. "Da Wu, I never had the chance to find your remains," Wang Xuanmented, wondering if his end was near. "Qing Han, I hope you make it back to Xin Xing alive," he wished as he mustered all his strength to flee. And to his old friend, he whispered regretfully, "Old Zhong, I never got to explore your library, to see the golden bamboo scripts and the five-colored jade books. What a pity!" ¡­¡­ Determination red in Wang Xuan''s eyes as he sprinted towards the enigmatic mountain region. With no other alternatives, he decided to make ast-ditch effort, choosing to face death head-on. That area, shrouded in mist, was notoriously known to be at the heart of the territory where eight exceptional creatures made their nests. "I promised to return to my homnd within three years. I can''t possibly die here," Wang Xuan murmured to himself. As he raced, the world around him seemed to blur, withndscapes whizzing past him. He could now see the colossal figures of the two pursuing creatures rapidly approaching. Undoubtedly, they had tracked him by his scent. "Let''s see what mysteries this forbiddennd holds. If I survive, I''ll find an opportunity to settle the score with you beasts!" Wang Xuan vowed, takingrge strides. As he neared the enigmatic area''s periphery, an eerie silence greeted him. Not even the faintest chirp of insects could be heard. Casting a nce over his shoulder, he saw the male serpent''s massive form skimming the ground, its eyes cold, ruthless, and locked onto him. With a thunderous crash, the serpentnded, causing the earth to fracture and disrupting the stillness. Soon after, the female serpent arrived, rearing up on its tail to loom menacingly over Wang Xuan. "I won''t die. The world outside awaits my brilliance," Wang Xuan dered resolutely. And with that, he disappeared into the mist. Chapter 148: Becoming A Demon Chapter 148: Bing A Demon As Wang Xuan ventured into the mist, the world transformed around him. It seemed as though the fog had served as a boundary between life and death. Outside the mist, the sun zed fiercely, with vast forests, numerouskes, and monsters roaming freely. It was brimming with vitality. But inside this veil of fog, a full moon hung in the sky, casting a deep nocturnal shade, making everything eerily silent. Wang Xuan wondered if he''d stepped into a different realm. Has some twist of fate transported me to an unknownnd? He had read tales of time-travel and alternate universes, but he had never met any of the clich¨¦d fates one reads about. There was no car, nor was there a suicide attempt. Hisst memory was of battling extraordinary creatures. The silence in this new world was deafening; Wang Xuan couldn''t even hear his footsteps. As he nced down at his body, he noticed bleeding from various ces. Panic gripped him; something felt profoundly wrong about this ce. Turning around, hoping to trace his way back through the mist, he froze. The fog that he''d passed through had vanished, leaving only the dark of the night. Had he trulynded in a new world? Doubtfully, Wang Xuan gazed at the barren ground where his faint footprints were the only mark. He decided to retrace his steps, hoping to break through the barrier and return to the sunlight. Yet, as he walked deeper into the darkness, a suffocating sensation gripped him. It felt like drowning, and his consciousness began to blur, threatening to shatter. Desperate, Wang Xuan retreated quickly, gulping down air once he felt he was out of immediate danger. He stood, lost in this unfamiliar world, with no way back. To add to his distress, Wang Xuan could feel sharp pains throughout his body. Red blotches were spreading, seeping blood¡ªthe aftermath of consuming the blood grapes. Was he turning into some demonic creature? As Wang Xuan''s eyelids twitched with difort, he felt a stinging pain, and soon, crimson tears streamed down his face, appearing eerily like tears of blood. No ancient technique from the Early Qin sages nor the martial arts of the Five-Page Golden Book could stem his grotesque transformation. It seemed this silent, otherworldly realm only intensified his slide into demonhood. Disturbingly, the red patches on his skin started to swell, hinting at something alien wanting to emerge. His body was in turmoil. Blood and cold sweat seeped from every pore. Despite employing the formidable defenses of the Golden Body Technique, it couldn''t fend off this malevolent change. It felt like creatures were wrestling their way out from his very soul. A peculiar call emanated from the heart of this new domain, tugging at his now emerging demonic instincts. Curiously, the deeper he ventured, the more his agony dulled. But with every step, the physical manifestations grew more shocking. His hair, once of amon shade, transformed to a deep blood-red and elongated wildly. His shoes split open, revealing newly formed, razor-sharp talons. Most horrifyingly, his shoulders bulged and, to his utter disbelief, two small heads began to sprout. The easing of pain did little tofort him. The horror of his morphing body gripped him tighter than any previous encounter. For Wang Xuan, a modern man of flesh and blood, the prospect of evolving into a demon was inconceivable. His past brushes with the supernatural¡ªa sword-wielding fairy, a confrontation with a red-robed demoness¡ªpaled inparison to this current terror. How could his human essence shift so dramatically in mere moments? rmed, he hastened his retreat. He pondered whether this fog-shrouded expanse housed elements that elerated one''s demonic transformation. Earlier, he had overheard alien entities specte about secret passages within this realm. But his current predicament cast doubt on any such hopeful rumors. As Wang Xuan neared the boundary of this area, the demonic alterations in him were undeniable. He gazed at his elongated talons,menting, "Can this monstrous transformation not be undone?" Wang Xuan''s very spirit seemed to quiver, echoing the tremors in his physical being. An inexplicable yearning gnawed at him, luring him deeper into this strange new world. Yet he resisted the pull, skirting the edge of darkness. He felt that the impulse beckoning him was not of his true self, but rather a sinister transformation taking root. A scream ripped through him. The agony was unbearable, which was saying something for someone like Wang Xuan, whose strong-willed spirit had forged its own dominion. All over his body, the ominous red patches tore open. This wasn¡¯t merely skin deep; even his bones felt the cruel shift. The sensation was akin to being yed and deboned. He had endured numerous trials since embracing ancient arts, but this was uncharted torment. It wasn''t an enemy inflicting pain, but his very body betraying him. Suddenly, a searing heat emanated from his spine. In horror, he twisted to nce back, and his heart plummeted. Protruding from his backbone were fiery red spines, each over two feet long, reaching out as if to pierce the moonlit sky. No human bore such aberrations. Was he truly turning into a demonic entity? His clothes tore further as more grotesque transformations manifested: radiant red feathers sprouted along the outsides of his arms and thighs. "What kind of monster am I bing?" he gasped, refusing to ept his metamorphosis. Desperately, Wang Xuan stretched and contorted his body, employing ancient grounding techniques and the martial arts he had learned from Old Zhang, hoping to suppress the monstrous changes. Touching the spines on his back and the new crimson feathers, he eximed, "These aren''t solid... they''re made of energy!" Was there still hope to counter this escting transformation? The deeper these anomalies took root, the more intense hispulsion to venture deeper into the alien world. Like moths irresistibly drawn to light, he struggled to contain this overpowering instinct. In an act of sheer desperation, Wang Xuan sprinted along the periphery of darkness, soon realizing that this peculiar realm wasn¡¯t as vast as it appeared. A full loop around was but a few dozen miles, eerily mirroring the distance he''d run around the foggy periphery in the outside world. From the raw flesh of Wang Xuan''s shoulders emerged two energy-formed skulls, each the size of a fist. Their forms were nebulous, making it impossible to determine the creatures they might finally manifest as. To add to his horror, a pair of ox-like horns sprouted from his forehead, causing him excruciating pain. "Perhaps death would be a mercy," he thought. Resigned to his fate, Wang Xuan decided to venture into the very heart of this mysterious realm. Even as he held onto the edges, trying to resist the dark pull, the demonic transformation within him persisted unabated. He figured a direct confrontation at the realm''s core might at least bring a swift end to his torment, preferable to the slow torture he currently endured. As he approached the central region, low, barren hills obstructed his view, ensuring the heart remained shrouded in mystery. The chilling silence persisted, rendering the world lifeless. Yet, as Wang Xuan drew nearer, his transformation into a demon seemed to elerate. Scales began to adorn his skin, and a serpentine tail of pure energy sprouted from his back. But when he scaled the low hills, what he saw left him spellbound. Contrary to the barrenness of the wastnd, a serene sceney before him: a luminescent blue pond pulsated with mysterious energy. A few vibrant lotus flowers floated atop, their verdant leaves dotted with glistening dewdrops. Above, a pristine moon hung high, bathing the pond in a surreal glow that appeared as a fine mist. This tranquil setting, reminiscent of a lotus pond bathed in moonlight, stood in stark contrast to the nightmarishndscape he''d anticipated. There was a sense of ethereal calm, a stark departure from the chaos of his transformation. And for the first time since his arrival, he heard sound. He was no longer deaf. A resounding boom echoed through him. His hair, now a fiery red, grew at an rming rate, reaching down to his feet. The scales on his body clinked against each other, hinting at their shift from ethereal to tangible. The feathers and the skulls on his shoulders followed suit, bing more solid. The two skulls swelled and, in a spine-chilling moment, opened their eyes. Slowly, they turned to regard Wang Xuan with icy, eerie stares. They still bore human features; one even had an ancient appearance, adorned with a bamboo pin. The horror of his transformation and the contrasting serenity of the pond threw Wang Xuan''s mind into a tumultuous conflict. The second skull on Wang Xuan''s shoulder bore a distinct otherworldly charm. It had long, flowing hair, and despite its masculine appearance, carried an eerie beauty reminiscent of a demonic transformation. The presence of these inscrutable skulls, staring at him with a chilling coldness, was disconcerting. Suddenly, Wang Xuan cast his eyes downward, catching sight of his own shadow beneath the moonlight. What he saw sent chills down his spine: his silhouette was far more terrifying than his current physical form. The shadow was alive with movement, revealing hundreds of hands reaching upwards, as if a horde of vengeful spirits were trying to snatch the moon from the sky. Faintly behind, the shadow grew immense, with dozens of huge skulls swaying ¡ª some of beasts, some of birds, and some of horned demons. Aghast, Wang Xuan realized that while he remained motionless, his shadow was performing a frenzied dance, with various demonic forms emerging. He was convinced this wasn''t merely the aftereffect of consuming the blood grapes; it had everything to do with this cursednd. "Is this the secret path of demons?" he pondered. This ce was sinister, not meant for humans. It seemed designed to elerate one''s transformation into a monster. "I refuse to be a demon! I cannot fall here!" Wang Xuan roared, taken aback by the monstrous timbre of his own voice, which now sounded like a formidable demon''s. Struggling with his sense of self, Wang Xuan realized his physical form remained stationary, but the horde of shadows behind him seemed to push him forward. His feet dragged deep tracks in the ground. Even as he tried to resist, his shadowy entourage propelled him closer to the luminescent blue pond. Behind him, cacophonies of beastly roars and birdlike screeches resonated, as if a throng of mythical creatures were wrestling and howling. Although he had only one physical body, there appeared to be hundreds of shadows writhing and twisting behind him. "What unholy transformation is this?!" he eximed, filled with dread and confusion. As he neared the edge of the blue pond, the scenery shifted abruptly and dramatically. With a deafening crash, everything changed. Waves surged, seeming to kiss the heavens. What met Wang Xuan''s gaze was an expansive ocean, its raging tides crashing onto the shore. Along the coast stood towering tforms, each surrounded by countless beings, human and otherwise. "I want to be the Golden Winged Roc!" From beneath one of the tforms, a humanoid creature roared this deration. Around him, both humans and creatures joined in, their cries fervent. Above them, on the tform, a radiant golden glow encased a silent bird with its eyes closed ¨C a magnificent roc. On another tform, another group of zealous beings shouted, waving their arms dramatically, "I want to be the Thousand-Armed Deity!" Their tform was graced by a divine glow, within which sat a hazy figure, a man with a thousand arms. Reaching the coast, Wang Xuan felt as if he was being torn apart. The shadows behind him danced frantically, trying to pull him towards different tforms. Hundreds of such tforms stood tall, each representing a legendary entity shrouded in a mysterious glow and worshiped by legions below. "This isn''t real! Everything I see is an illusion! I want none of this!" Wang Xuan yelled. However, his body bled in reality. The shadows tore at him, almost ripping him apart, causing intense pain throughout his being. "If you wish to be monsters, go on your own! Wings, horns, tails, demonic wings, three heads, a thousand arms, whatever! Just get away from me! Stop tormenting my body!" His voice raspy with effort, Wang Xuan struggled fiercely, refusing to be abducted or transformed into one of those grotesque creatures. As he fought, the vast ocean seemed to caress the moon in the sky. Deep within the waves, Wang Xuan spotted a t boat, shimmering golden, tossed asionally skyward by the tides, nearly touching the moon. It was a boat carved from the Ascension Bamboo. He had seen such a craft before in the undergroundb of the Greater Khingan Range, where a female alchemisty in such a bamboo boat, full of life after three millennia. Now, he encountered this unique bamboo boat again, only this time, it was muchrger. With a diameter of three meters, the body of the Ascension Bamboo floated resiliently in the ocean, unfazed by the roaring waves. Chapter 149: Ascendent Ferryman Chapter 149: Ascendent Ferryman In this ce, where the Transcendent Divine Bamboo was evident, Wang Xuan, despite his agonizing pain, couldn''t help but draw conclusions. The bamboo seemed paramount in this transcendent realm. Why else would he encounter two bamboo boats, both wrapped in mystery? Moreover, in the pre-Qin era, the most powerful and enigmatic scriptures were inscribed on such bamboo. Pain overtook him, cutting short his musings. He felt as if his body was being ripped apart, and his blood painted him a deep shade of crimson. The monsters and demons behind him desperately tried to pull him towards the tforms. "Can anyone tell me where I am?" he shouted. Beside the coast, beneath the countless tforms, were beings too many to count, their voices rising and falling in a chaotic melody. Yet, none turned or responded to his plea. Frowning in pain and frustration, Wang Xuan could not help but think, wasn''t there a single kind soul in this tumultuous ce? Doubts clouded his mind. Was this reality or illusion? Touching his wounded flesh, feeling the blood seep out, it all seemed undeniably real. Resolute, Wang Xuan headed towards the tform with the Golden Winged Roc, hoping to glean some understanding of this perplexing situation. As he moved forward, monstrous roars echoed from behind. Most of the creatures eventually released him, fading into nothingness. But a loud cry of a bird of prey rang out, and ncing down at its shadow on the ground, Wang Xuan recognized it as a roc. "Excuse me, sir," Wang Xuan greeted, hoping to gain some insights. Yet, those around acted as if he was invisible, tantly ignoring him. Growing desperate, Wang Xuan tapped a frail-looking man on the shoulder, hoping to engage him. Unexpectedly, the man disintegrated into a shower of light and vanished. Startled, Wang Xuan stepped back, identally bumping into a woman who simrly fragmented into shimmering motes, evaporating into the surroundings. He gasped in shock, "Who are these beings? Untouchable, so delicate..." Had he taken a life? Or were these not genuine life forms at all? Amidst the mystery, the frail man and woman who had disintegrated remained strangely serene, their faces devoid of pain or anguish. Suddenly, from the grand tform above, the Golden Winged Roc ensconced within a brilliant aureole opened its eyes. The world seemed to stand still; a deafening silence spread, swallowing every sound. The Roc''s gaze met Wang Xuan''s briefly before its eyes closed once again. A faint, almost ethereal voice resonated, "Do you choose the path of the Golden Winged Roc?" Wang Xuan felt a surge of warmth in his hands, which began radiating intense energy. Astonishingly, the energy morphed into shimmering golden wings. Concurrently, other anomalies on his body like the red feathers, snake tail, and multi-arms began to fade, reced by golden feathers. Was he undergoing a transformation into the Roc? Thankfully, it seemed more of an ephemeral projection than a genuine change. "I refuse!" Wang Xuan eximed, shaking his head vehemently. While the Roc was a revered, powerful creature in legends, Wang Xuan''s heart yearned to remain human, not be some mythical beast. Retreating, he heard the desperate cries of a bird from behind. The shadow of arge avian on the ground screeched and thrashed. The transformative pull ceased, and Wang Xuan''s body reverted to its previous bleeding state. Observing the scene before him, he noted multitudes beneath the tform undergoing metamorphoses into avian forms. Yet, amidst loud bangs, many exploded, reduced to blood and scattered remnants. Of the hundreds, only a few soared into the sky as golden birds, resembling the majestic Roc in their essence. They were transcendent beings with the bloodline of the Roc, not yet fully transformed but setting the course for a future as the Golden Winged Roc. Among the sessful few was a human. Wang Xuan mused, "Do some myths speak of humans turning into mythical creatures?" It appeared that not only beasts but humans too had the choice to tread this transformative path. "Both the sessful and the fallen ones wear ancient attire. These scenes must be remnants from years long past," Wang Xuan deduced. Recollecting the words of some young individuals, he remembered the term "passed" associated with this ce. "Echoes of the past?" Wang Xuan whispered to himself. These old events, though from a distant past, still held a potent force here. He believed that had he consented to the transformation, he might have genuinely be one of those mythical creatures. Amid the eerie silence, a resonant cry echoed from the fierce bird behind Wang Xuan. In a startling instant, it disintegrated, leaving no trace of its existence. Yet, before he could find sce, the haunting shadows of countless demons emerged. The ones that had momentarily disappeared now returned with renewed vigor, wing relentlessly at him, subjecting him to agonizing pain and fresh wounds. Determined, Wang Xuan approached the second majestic tform. As he''d hoped, the mass of demons began to recede, leaving behind just a singr, roaring shadow. From the summit of the tform, a voice echoed from a colossal, enigmatic figure veiled in haze. "Will you embrace the path of the Thousand-Armed True God?" As the words faded, Wang Xuan found himself sprouting an innumerable set of arms, their frenzied motions leaving him disoriented. "No!" He asserted forcefully, swiftly retreating. As he looked below, he noticed various entities undergoing simr transformations. Yet, of them all, only sevenpleted this metamorphosis. Among them was an elderly monk with eighteen arms, cloaked in a radiant mist, drifting serenely away. Could the legends of multi-armed deities from Buddhist tales have roots in such a phenomenon? Wang Xuan pondered, awestruck. The tform''s base was a grim scene. Those unsessful in their transformations met a brutal end, erupting in bursts and staining the ground with their remnants. Despite being tales from ancient epochs, the raw violence unnerved Wang Xuan. These were mighty beings, their potentials untold, yet they had met such a gruesome fate. Once the cacophonous cry of the Thousand-Armed demon subsided, its looming shadow dissolved entirely. Empowered, Wang Xuan transitioned from one tform to another, steadfastly declining each beckoning call. With every refusal, the number of pursuing demon shadows lessened. "Would you consider our lineage? The elite beings of the mortal realm can metamorphose into human forms, or manifest their original essence. The choice is yours," a voice enticed from a splendid tform. The origin, a demon immersed in a violet glow, appeared to discern Wang Xuan''s fondness for his human form. "I decline!" Wang Xuan responded unwaveringly, leading to the fading of another trailing demon shadow. Then, atop a tform, stood a man radiating celestial grace. Surrounded by an ethereal aura, he embodied the essence of a sage. "Do you desire the path of the human... demon?" he inquired softly, studying Wang Xuan intently. A hybrid between human and demon was not truly human after all. At that moment, Wang Xuan sensed a profound change within himself. Though his outward appearance remained unchanged, a tumultuous energy resonated from within. He gasped. The Human-Demon Hybrid might appear human on the surface, but their internalposition was vastly different. However, this was merely an evolution of energy; his physical form remained unaltered. From then on, Wang Xuan''s choice became unwavering. He rejected each beckoning, regardless of their humanoid appearance, seeing them as nothing but demonic entities. Even when the so-called Human-Immortal race emerged, Wang Xuan observed that their internal structure bore no rtion to humans. As he journeyed past hundreds of grand tforms, he encountered numerous beings from ancient myths and legends. Yet, he declined every single one. Eventually, no demonic shadow trailed him. Looking down at himself, covered in blood, Wang Xuan saw that he had retained his human form. "This is the secret path of demons," he whispered to himself, rejecting its allure. Suddenly, he detected a medicinal scent emanating from his own blood. Was it the expelled medicinal properties of the Blood Grapes he had consumed? Such a surprising revtion, that it could be purged in this manner! While countless tforms remained, the once-teeming creatures below had vanished. The entire coast fell silent. The vast ocean also settled, its raging waves now tranquil. A boat, crafted from the Transcendent Divine Bamboo, approached the shore. "Board the boat!" A voicemanded. Startled, Wang Xuan looked up sharply. Atop the golden bamboo boat sat a man, dressed in a rustic cloak, holding a fishing rod made from the Transcendent Divine Bamboo, gazing away from the shore. The man hadn''t spoken aloud; his intentions were conveyed through a psychic medium. "Why should I board the boat?" Wang Xuan queried. "Have you not rejected the paths of the elite ''True Forms''?" The man seemed genuinely surprised. Wang Xuan quickly grasped his meaning. By ''True Forms'', the man referred to beings like the Golden Winged Roc, Human Immortals, and other mighty entities. "If you''re not choosing the path of the elite True Forms, being an outsider, your only option is to embrace the human path. Will you not board?" The cloaked man still hadn''t turned to face him. Feeling a sting of betrayal, Wang Xuan believed he''d been deceived by the extraterrestrials. It now seemed evident that this was indeed the demonic secret path. In a hushed tone, he questioned, "If I''m already human, do I still need to board?" Uncertainty gripped him. What if this man was a formidable demon, ready to devour him? Everything he had experienced today was beyondprehension. The enigmatic man remainedposed, not even ncing back as he said, ¡°Both humans and otherworldly beings can follow the path of the demon''s ¡®True Form¡¯ or choose to be human. Being human, you might still have that option.¡± There was a trace of doubt in his voice that Wang Xuan couldn''t ignore. Gathering his courage, Wang Xuan decided to approach the boat. After all, he had already encountered a myriad of supernatural beings; what else could surprise him? However, as he neared, the man''s expression twisted in evident distaste. ¡°In my time ferrying souls, whether they be human or demon, they''ve always carried the scent of orchids or a divine aura. Even the weakest, those justmencing their spiritual paths, have never smelled as... off as you.¡± Feeling affronted, Wang Xuan bristled. True, he hadn''t bathed after his harrowing escape from the serpent, but the man¡¯s frankness bordered on rudeness. A momentter, the man¡¯s tone changed from disdain to puzzlement. ¡°Hold on. You''re not a spiritual cultivator, but merely a mortal. How did you enter this realm and remain alive?¡± It became evident that the man''s words were telepathically transmitted, bypassing the need for speech. Wang Xuan, piecing things together, realized that the man''s mention of beginning a spiritual journey referred to entering the domain of the transcendent ¨C a mere initiation in ancient traditions. The man, appearing contemtive, said, "Your aura carries a potent resonance with the Inner Realm. No wonder." He then motioned Wang Xuan to board, adding, "Your ancestral guardians have guided you to the Inner Realm multiple times." After a moment of introspection, the man¡¯s gaze sharpened. "Tell me, did you happen to secure an artifact from the Inner Realm?" Curiosity piqued, Wang Xuan asked, "What artifact are you referring to?" ¡°It''s the remnants of a legendary master who met an untimely end. In their final moments, they merged an aspect of the Inner Realm with a tangible relic, creating a distinctive treasure,¡± the man elucidated. A realization dawned on Wang Xuan, ¡°So, it¡¯s like a condensed version of the Inner Realm?¡± The man nodded affirmatively. As he turned around fully, Wang Xuan was taken aback. Instead of a person, all he saw was an ethereal mist swirling within an empty cloak. "You seem surprised." The mist within the cloak animatedly shifted, forming the semnce of a male visage. With a sigh, he said, "Countless ages have psed. There''s no true living being here. It''s all to uphold an ancient pact. These extraordinary powers are in control, ferrying souls and guarding this sacred ce. I''m just a fragment of such power." Their conversation deepened, and the man gradually adopted contemporary phrasing. "Given that, I can guide you to a trade. Many would surely covet a relic from the Inner Realm." As he spoke, a gentle luminance surrounded him, and the bamboo boat gracefully began its journey across the vast sea. "Who will I be trading with?" Wang Xuan inquired with a furrowed brow, finding the ferryman enigmatic. "We''re almost there," the ferryman responded. The bamboo boat, in a streak of light, glided seamlessly across the boundless sea, finally halting at its mysterious depths. The ferryman''s gaze flitted momentarily over the short sword Wang Xuan had with him. "That dagger seems intriguing. Would you consider trading it with me?" Despite the ferryman''s casual tone, Wang Xuan felt an instinctual pull that the dagger might be of far greater value than what was being suggested. "I''d rather not, for now," he declined. The ferryman simply nodded. "ording to an ancient pact, I''ve brought you here to engage in a trade with them." "Where are these people?" Wang Xuan questioned, seeing no one around. "Patience," counseled the ferryman. With a deft motion, he waved a fishing rod crafted from transcendent bamboo. He then cast the line with a powerful flick towards the moonlit night sky. Baffled, Wang Xuan wondered if the man intended to fish in thin air. He then realized the line and hook never descended, seemingly suspended somewhere unseen. After a short while, a luminescent halo emerged mid-air. Wang Xuan gasped, witnessing an ethereal curtain upon which shadows of celestial beings seemed to dance. How did the ferryman cast beyond this veil? What level of power did he possess? Surely he was of the transcendental tier! "Someone is very interested in a trade with you," the ferryman intoned. Although Wang Xuan had a myriad of questions swirling in his mind, he suppressed his curiosity. He was wary of interactions with ancient beings, rumored to have left profound legacies. But now, the ferryman seemed to have bridged a connection with these celestials, offering him a chance for a fabled exchange. Chapter 150: A Deal With The Immortals Chapter 150: A Deal With The Immortals The vast expanse of the sky was illuminated by the radiant moon, casting a hazy, mist-like glow. The vast ocean beneath rippled gently, breaking the moon''s reflection into shimmering fragments of gold. "I don''t possess the Inner Realm Treasure," Wang Xuan dered, reluctant to confront beings who might very well be of the Celestial order. Even with the protective veil of the curtain between them, he felt an unsettling reverence for these inscrutable entities. Having previously encountered the Red-clothed Sorceress, he''d grown wary of venturing into ancient domains. "No matter," the ferryman replied with a calm demeanor. "Meeting alone is a matter of fate. This boat hasin dormant for years, and it''s rare for someone to board it now. Just a casual chat here might lead to opportunities for coboration." The ferryman''s gaze shifted once more to Wang Xuan''s dagger, adding, "Besides, you have some impressive artifacts with you." The sea was calm, and the bamboo boat remained steady. The ferryman, rod in hand, sat at the bow, gazing into the void. The curtain approached, descending slowly from the sky, aligning with the sea''s horizon, its edges shrouded in a gentle mist. A faint luminosity traveled between the Transcendent Bamboo boat and the curtain, connected by the fishing line. "Some beings wish to coborate with your ancestral master. They''re offering a scripture of the Transcendental Tier," said the ferryman, turning to face Wang Xuan. However, within the cloaked figure, there was nothing but darkness, shrouded in mists. Such a generous offer left Wang Xuan astounded. If he wasn''t privy to certain truths, he might have been tempted. But having witnessed the fate of the supreme master of an entire teaching in the Inner Realm at the depths of the moon crater, the proposal only evoked a sense of dread in him. Realization dawned on Wang Xuan. These entities were no mere beings; they sought to prey on the master of a sect. The vastness of the realm around them was silent, punctuated only by the gentle sway of the bamboo boat and the distant shimmer of the curtain. "My master is currently in seclusion, and I doubt he will be emerging anytime soon," Wang Xuan responded with genuine seriousness and humility. He treaded carefully in this ce, ensuring that sincerity and caution were evident in every gesture. The ferryman nodded understandingly. "Some have spoken of your resolute decision to abandon the pursuit of the ''True Form'' path. After all these years, you are one of the rare individuals to board this vessel. They find you worthy and wish to instruct you." Wang Xuan, ever cautious, inquired, "What are the conditions?" The prospect of ancient Transcendental Tier masters imparting secret techniques was bound to incite frenzy among cultivators. "You will venture into the world behind the curtain for three years. In the future, you willplete three tasks for them," the cloak-draped ferryman exined. Steadfast, Wang Xuan replied, "With my master in seclusion, I cannot journey too far. I''m uncertain about his sess upon emerging from this retreat, and I dare not distance myself." The ferryman simply smiled without furtherment. Perplexed, Wang Xuan ventured, "Can ordinary mortals like me enter the world behind the curtain?" "Your consciousness can temporarily transition, but your physical form will struggle," the ferryman answered. This revtion sent a shiver down Wang Xuan''s spine. If he ventured forth, would he still be the same person when he returned? Feeling vulnerable, he proposed, "Considering I''m a low-tier cultivator, I probably possess nothing of value to the venerable beings. Maybe you can inquire if there''s any unfulfilled wish they hold in this world? Perhaps I can be of assistance, and we can coborate that way." The entities behind the curtain fell silent upon hearing the ferryman''s ry of Wang Xuan''s proposition. It was as if they were lost in memories of times long past. The persistent mist before the curtain continued to shroud their true appearances. Eventually, a query emerged, "Can your ancestral master vanquish a ck Prison Bird of the Earthly Immortal tier?" Wang Xuan was taken aback. The mere thought of sending his master to confront such a formidable creature seemed ludicrous! He shook his head, finding himself unable to agree to such a request. The ferryman remarked, "It''s a pity. It''s rare for someone to request your master to vanquish a creature below the Transcendental Tier. It would''ve been a rtively easy task for him." Wang Xuan stood there, at a loss for words. To these beings, eliminating an Earthly Immortal was considered a minor task? Reflecting on their origins and powers, he supposed he could grasp their perspective. "But if this ancestor is so mighty, why didn''t they take revenge on their enemy personally?" Wang Xuan probed. The ferryman exined, "The Earthly Immortal they seek vengeance upon existed several eraster and destroyed their sanctuary. It''s a grudge borne out of their legacy being tarnished." Wang Xuan shuddered at the thought. To ascend to immortality and then have your legacy eradicated was indeed a tragic fate. It also served as a stark reminder of how entering the world behind the curtain could mean losing all influence over the mortal world. He addressed the entities behind the curtain: "Respected ancestors, if you seek vengeance, it''s best not to involve my master. Times have changed, and the environment of our world has shifted drastically. Ascension has be a thing of the past, and Earthly Immortals are now but legends." The ferryman ryed Wang Xuan''s words, and the entities remained silent. It seemed many of them recognized the truths of his statement. Continuing, Wang Xuan proposed, "If any of you have descendants who need protection or care, please inform me." The ferryman shook his head. "They have declined. They fear your master might eliminate their descendants for the treasures they left behind." Wang Xuan was momentarily speechless at the cynicism of these entities. Yet, he also understood that reaching such heights often involved navigating treacherous paths. "No wonder they set traps even after departing the mortal realm," he mused to himself. Hoping to offer another form of service, he continued, "Ancestors, if you have elders or loved ones you remember fondly, I could help locate their old graves to pay respects and hold memorial rites." The ferryman was taken aback, wondering if this traveler intended to undertake all manner of mundane tasks like grave hunting and people searching. Wang Xuan sighed in resignation. "I''m still but a mortal." The ferryman ryed the response of the entities: "Once we''ve passed and ascended, all connections to the mortal realm are severed. Even if memories linger, they remain buried within our hearts." He added, "I believe they''re worried you might end up desecrating their graves." Wang Xuan eximed, "What did these ancestors experience to have such a bleak view of humanity?" The ferryman remained silent for a while before revealing, "One of them asks if your has entered the interster era. Can you journey into deep space?" Wang Xuan nodded in affirmation. "In that case," the ferryman said, "someone will provide you with coordinates in space, offering a handsome reward for you to confront a mortal." Wang Xuan''s eyes widened, "Cross the vastness of space? It''s too remote. I won''t ept this task!" The unknowns of such a journey unnerved him. Even as a mortal, or perhaps especially because of it, the boundless cosmos felt daunting. "Wait before you decline," the ferryman urged. "She says the target has waned, devoid of cultivators. And the reward she offers, it might be too tempting to resist." Intrigued, Wang Xuan inquired, "What kind of reward?" Simultaneously, he pondered the depth of enmity that would make an ascended being fixate on a mere mortal. Could it be a newly formed vendetta from recent interventions in the mortal world? The ferryman conveyed her message, "She is willing to offer you a portion of the medicinal soil left behind by a legendary enchantress. Should you venture into the realm of herbology in the future, you''ll understand its invaluable worth." Wang Xuan frowned, "Medicinal soil? Is it that important?" The ferryman responded with conviction, "Believe me, it is. There was indeed an enchantress of unmatched caliber in her time. The remnants of her medicinal soil are an unparalleled treasure." He added, "To rify, it''s not actual soil, but more urately, a form of medicinal essence. I suspect it contains traces of a divine herb." "But what if she deceives me?" Wang Xuan countered skeptically. "All this for handling a mortal? It doesn''t quite add up." Speaking with a calm assuredness, the ferryman replied, "I am bound by my oath. I guarantee a fair exchange; there will be no deceit." Nodding in acquiescence, Wang Xuan said, "Fine. Ask her who she wants dealt with and what needs to be done." "She wants you to target a mortal named Wang Xuan," the ferryman began, which made Wang Xuan''s heart skip a beat, realizing the target was none other than himself. "All you need to do is embed a divine bamboo, engraved with runes, into his body. Avoid lethal spots, and the task will be deemedplete. If you ept, she''ll provide detailed information and even give you a weapon capable of cutting down entry-level transcendents. It can be used for self-defense, though only twice at most. Uponpletion, the unparalleled medicinal soil will be yours." Wang Xuan''s face remained stoic, but his mind was a tempest of thoughts. Even in the vastness of space, someone was out to get him. Was his reputation in the realm of the immortals so widespread? It was clear to him that he was being targeted because of his unique ability to initiate innerndscapes even as a mortal. A glint of realization shed in Wang Xuan''s eyes. "The immortals are restless, wanting to meddle in the mortal world again! Offering mere medicinal soil would be nothing if they could truly return. They''d probably give away even more valuable treasures." He knitted his brows, questioning, "Is it right for them to intervene in the mortal realm like this? If immortals keep acting so recklessly, won''t they plunge our world into chaos?" The ferryman replied with a hint of amusement, "You''re overthinking it. Only in this unique ce can such transactions take ce. It''s been centuries since anyone boarded this vessel." A sigh of relief escaped Wang Xuan''s lips. With a firm resolve, he dered, "Alright, but I must receive the medicinal soil upfront." The ferryman shook his head. "She insists that the soil is too precious. Without thepletion of your task, the trade can''t proceed." Wang Xuan stood his ground, "I don''t even know if I can return here again. If I don''t take my reward now, I might never get another chance." The ferryman nodded, acknowledging the logic. "True, this hidden pathway isn''t easy to tread." After some haggling, they agreed that the powerful being would part with a portion of the medicinal soil upfront. "Be content," the ferryman said gravely. "Even a pinch of this essence can alter your fate." Wang Xuan set a condition, "Under no circumstance should my safety bepromised. I''ll only target Wang Xuan if this condition is met. Otherwise, I reserve the right to refrain from action without breaking our agreement." "Very well, she agrees," confirmed the ferryman. Suddenly, from behind the curtain, a divine bamboo engraved with intricate runes appeared. It glided towards Wang Xuan, followed by a silver hairpin. Though it seemed like a woman''s essory, it was transformed into a transcendent weapon with a simple ritual. Additionally, a jade stone containing detailed information was handed over. Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow, "These items originate from the realm of immortals. What if they''re rigged or turn against me in the end?" "You have my word," the ferryman reassured. "These items adhere to the ancient covenant''s guidelines. Moreover, they can be used by anyone, so guard them well." Feeling relieved, Wang Xuan nodded gratefully. "I trust you." The ferryman announced, "By the old covenant, this trade is sealed!" As he spoke, a terrifying bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, solidifying their pact. He reminded both parties of the terms they agreed upon, emphasizing the irreversibility of the deal. Meanwhile, behind the curtain, the other trader seemed suddenly whimsical and slightly uneasy. In a spontaneous move, she was willing to offer an exorbitant fee to the ferryman to dissipate the mist, curious to catch a glimpse of the person she was dealing with on the other side. Chapter 151: This Immortal Is Familiar Chapter 151: This Immortal Is Familiar Wang Xuan''s heart swelled with delight, but he concealed his jubtion, wearing an expression of solemnity in this ce as if fretting about the task at hand. He scrutinized the precious artifacts, knowing they hailed from the hands of the immortals. Holding artifacts from behind the grand curtain for the first time made Wang Xuan''s heart race. From these items, he deduced something pivotal¡ªthe world behind the curtain wasn''t just a spiritual realm; tangible objects from the mortal world could be transported there, and the items in his possession were proof! The divine bamboo, named Immortal Ascension Bamboo, shimmered in a golden hue. It was no longer than a thumb but weighed surprisingly heavy. At least a thousand intricate symbols adorned its surface, making Wang Xuan''s head spin just by ncing at them. He realized the lengths the devious immortal went to ensnare him. She had clearly poured tremendous effort into this bamboo. Wang Xuan spected about its function. If this pointed bamboo were to be inserted into someone, what might ur? Would it provide a direct conduit to the mischievous immortal? A wicked thought crossed his mind: "Perhaps I should stick it into a pig''s head to infuriate her." Yet, he soon dismissed this whimsical idea, recognizing the waste it would represent. The bamboo, inscribed with countless runes, was no ordinary artifact. Wang Xuan resolved to keep it safe, convinced that it would y a significant role when the time was right. The silver hairpin exuded grace and elegance. Wang Xuan could imagine it adorning a woman''s hair, adding allure to her every nce and smile. However, chuckling to himself, he couldn''t help but find humor in the fact that he now possessed the very hairpin of the elusive immortal. Gently caressing it, Wang Xuan mused on its limited usage¡ªonly twice before its magic would wane. Still, he bore no grievances. After all, having such treasures funded by an enemy was a boon he intended to exploit. Most crucial, however, was the jade stone. A mere touch ryed vast information, revealing detailed intel about him. Among the data, was a set of Old World coordinates. The very heart of the jade stone held its most invaluable treasure, encapsting the so-called ''Medicinal Earth''. Contrary to its name, it wasn''t soil but rather a mysterious substance with medicinal properties that hovered between reality and nothingness. It emanated a dense golden glow, though in quantity, it was merely a pinch. Wang Xuan mused internally about the stinginess of the immortal. Yet, as the Ferryman reminded him, even this small amount could alter one''s destiny, hinting at the potency akin to a divine elixir. "How do you find our trade?" the Ferryman inquired. "Very satisfactory. The trade was fair," Wang Xuan responded earnestly. Seated at the bow of the boat, rod in hand, the Ferryman said, "There''s a matter to discuss. The trader from behind the curtain wishes to dispel the mist and meet you in person." "Is itpulsory?" Wang Xuan hesitated, yearning to conclude the deal swiftly and depart without confronting the immortal behind the curtain. The Ferryman, slightly taken aback, replied, "You can decline." "I refuse," Wang Xuan quickly decided, fearing any unforeseen reactions from the immortal. For his safety and to err on the side of caution, he chose discretion. "It''smon for trading parties to meet once, especially when an agreement is amicably reached. Who knows? You might coborate in the future," the Ferryman reasoned. "Though I''m a mere mortal, I aspire to immortality. I wish to preserve this anticipation as motivation. In the future, I hope to meet her as a true immortal," Wang Xuan firmly stated. "I admire your ambition," the Ferryman nodded in acknowledgment before adding, "But she''s insistent on seeing you and is willing to pay a heftymission." "Then let her pay," Wang Xuan retorted. The Ferryman silently turned to face him, his face hidden within the shadowy recesses of his cloak, an obscured visage formed by the swirling mist. Sensing theplications between the trading parties, he asked, "May I know your name?" Hesitant to reveal his identity but considering the possible power of the Ferryman, Wang Xuan whispered his real name, "Wang Xuan." The Ferryman, for a prolonged moment, remained silent, his hand in a gesture as though he was rubbing his temples. Wang Xuan grew uneasy. What if this being, capable of reaching into the world behind the curtain, became displeased? Atst, the Ferryman spoke, "Fear not. Under the witness of the ancient pact, the transaction is finalized. All must adhere to what was agreed, and there shall be no room for regrets." Wang Xuan exhaled, relieved to hear of the binding agreement. There was need to fret any longer. The Ferryman mentioned that the party on the other side was still gathering some rare treasures as coteral, which would take some time. Wang Xuan surmised from this dy that the promisedmission must indeed be substantial. He was tempted to inquire if he would get a share, given that the other party was paying just to see him. However, he decided against it, thinking it best to remain quiet and not push his luck. The Ferryman continued, ¡°Someone took an interest in your dagger. I informed them it wasn''t up for trade. However, there''s interest in the secret metal you have. Are you willing to sell it?" Wang Xuan was taken aback, removing the spiked steel tes from his arm. Even a celestial being was interested in these? Rumors had it that immortals would incorporate sun-gold into their weapons. It appeared the tales weren''t baseless. "What are they offering in exchange?" Wang Xuan inquired. While the steel wasn''t his, merely borrowed, he felt he couldpensate its owner with other items in the future. In fact, he was keen to trade with the celestial beings again. To him, any object from such beings would be a treasure in the mortal realm. The Ferryman listed the offerings, ranging from arcane techniques to artifacts and even hidden treasures from the mortal realm. Wang Xuan was skeptical about the ''hidden treasures''. Decades might have passed, and who knew if they still existed? Even with coordinates, it would be perilous to retrieve treasures from unknown celestial bodies. Among the arcane techniques, names like ''Celestial Bone Forging'', ''Sr Spirit Cleansing'', and ''Void Herb Gathering'' sounded intriguing, yet intimidating. Wang Xuan felt they sounded like techniques more suited for demons and might not be appropriate for him. "What''s this ''Fragment of Blessed Land''?" Wang Xuan inquired, pointing to an item on the list. The Ferryman exined it was a shard from a once-great blessed realm, shattered by a powerful being. Inside this shard, one could store personal items, making it rather practical. Hearing this, Wang Xuan''s eyes widened in astonishment. Such an artifact was extraordinarily rare, at least in his experience. But then again, perhaps the affluent, like Old Zhong, with his vast collection of rarities, might possess one. "Are the listed arcane techniques more suited for the demon race?" Wang Xuan probed further. The Ferryman simply nodded without boration. "Then I''ll exchange for the Fragment of Blessed Land," Wang Xuan decided promptly. From behind the curtain, a seemingly unremarkable, grubby stone piece, norger than a fingernail, flew out, tethered by a fishing line. At first nce, it seemed so insignificant that one might overlook it if it fell to the ground. Thankfully, it was threaded with a chain, making it wearable and harder to lose. This modest gray-brown fragment of blessednd came at a steep price, requiring one and a half of Wang Xuan''s steel tes. The leftover steel fragment? That was the Ferryman''smission. In both transactions, the Ferryman adhered to the old covenant, strictly following the rules to extract his duemission. In fact, he also charged the powerful beings behind the curtain. Wang Xuan sighed, reflecting on the universal truth that those who set the rules always profit handsomely, a principle unchanged through the ages. Once he tested the Fragment of Blessed Land, he was immensely satisfied. Its internal space, though not vast at two cubic meters, was more than sufficient for his needs. This extraordinary item required the use of his mental domain to open and close. He ced his dagger, a jade stone sealed with medicinal soil, a silver hairpin, and a piece of divine bamboo covered in runes inside it. The utility and convenience of this item were unparalleled. In his world, it would certainly be considered a rare treasure of the immortals! The Ferryman received several peculiar items from the fishing line, dering, "She has paid a heftymission. I must fulfill my duty now." With that, he dispersed the mist veiling the curtain, allowing those on both sides to see each other. Behind the curtain were six individuals, three men and three women, each radiating vibrant life, their faces young and fresh. Discerning their true ages would be no easy feat. In their world behind the curtain, the sun shone brilliantly over majestic mountains and rivers¡ªit was daytime. In contrast, Wang Xuan''s side was bathed in the silvery glow of the moon, deep into the night. Among the figures behind the curtain, one woman in white particrly stood out. Her somewhat plump, baby-faced features were pleasant to the eye. Yet, uponying eyes on Wang Xuan, she seemed on the verge of exploding. Her eyes, wide with fury, ignited as if mes erupted from them. This was no exaggeration¡ªher gaze literally zed with light, the mes spreading onto the curtain. She was infuriated beyond measure, feeling as if she had inadvertently aided the enemy. Most vexing of all, the conditions proposed by the other side now seemed cunningly crafted to avoid all risks, ensuring his safety under the old covenant. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but grin, sensing the depth of her fury. Behind the woman in white, a massive spectral white tiger materialized, its aura formidable and menacing. It too red at Wang Xuan with fiery eyes, mirroring its master''s rage. "You two knew each other before?" The Ferryman inquired, a hint of amusement in his tone. "What did you do to infuriate her to this extent?" "Oh, it was just a chance encounter," Wang Xuan replied nonchntly, trying to downy the situation. "I mistook her for a mere cat. She looked adorable, so I petted her a bit. Seems she held a grudge over that." The Ferryman looked at him incredulously. "You''re telling me you mistook that enormous and ferocious white tiger spirit for a cat? Who are you trying to fool?" From behind the curtain, the plumpdy in white and therge tiger shadow roared in tandem, theirbined fury echoing loudly. They sounded as though they wished nothing more than to burst through and exact their revenge. Taken aback, Wang Xuan thought, "Not only can she see me, but she can also hear me through this curtain? The Ferryman never mentioned this. Feels like a trap." Inside the curtain, the reactions of the other five individuals ranged from shock to suppressedughter. One woman, barely able to contain her amusement, managed to say between fits ofughter, "The mighty white tiger demon, a renowned spirit, was mistaken for a cat and petted? Oh, the shame! I heard it all! Hahaha¡­" Wang Xuan wished he could retort, "Who even are you? Why are you fanning the mes?" But he thought better of it, guessing they were all formidable spirits. The white tiger spirit quickly defended herself, "He''s not talking about me! That was just a spiritual manifestation I left behind in my homnd!" There were some secrets she would take to her grave and certainly not reveal to this crowd. Realizing he had reaped benefits from the situation, Wang Xuan thought it best to tread lightly and not further provoke her. He turned to the Ferryman, "The transaction isplete. Shouldn''t you lead me through the secret path now? I need to get going." "You''re already experiencing the secret path," the Ferryman informed him. And added, "She has paid a substantialmission to meet you face-to-face. The time for your meeting hasn''t ended." Wang Xuan had no choice but to wait, feeling somewhat trapped. "Scoundrel, return my medicinal soil!" The white tiger spirit fumed, never imagining she''d encounter her nemesis in such a ce. "No, I won''t return it. The transaction''splete, and there''s no going back. You''ve already given it to me," Wang Xuan said confidently, refusing outright. "That medicinal soil belongs to my master. You can''t simply take it!" Thedy in white, her plump face reddening with a mix of shame and anger, was on the brink of exploding. "Today''s been a disaster." "Rx," Wang Xuan tried to pacify her, adding with a hint of amusement, "See, we''re fated. Even in the vast expanse of the void, we still crossed paths. Fate is truly mysterious." "I have no fate with you! I''m so frustrated!" she almost screamed. Her patience was waning. Why had she taken such a bizarre step today? It was beyond herprehension. "Don''t push me. I''ll descend into the mortal realm just to end you," she threatened. Tired of the threats, Wang Xuan retorted, "Thene. I haven''t petted a cat in a long time. My hands might''ve gotten rusty." The white tiger spirit felt like she was about to burst from sheer exasperation. The other demon spirits present, all of them powerful beings, watched the exchange with keen interest. Their vast experiences made them quickly piece together the underlying dynamics. "You should stop, White Tiger Spirit. We can tell you''re feigning your rage to hide some truth," a male demonmented. Another female spirit whispered, "This young man isn''t ordinary, is he? You''re trying to hide something about him." "Give it up. He''s someone my master has taken an interest in," thedy in white, her chubby face still beautiful despite her anger, replied coldly. She then vanished, warning, "I''m going to inform my master. If you don''t rify the situation with her after taking her medicinal soil, there will be dire consequences." Exasperated, Wang Xuan turned to the Ferryman, "Can I leave now? If that white tiger spirit actually attacks, can you even fend her off?" "The secret path hasn''t concluded. You can''t leave," replied the Ferryman, shaking his head. What a mess, Wang Xuan thought. He had not sensed any secret path! After a brief moment of contemtion, he shouted into the void, "White Tiger Spirit! Tell your master we can negotiate. But she needs to show sincerity. It all depends on whether she has treasures, secret techniques, or unique artifacts that can entice me." Chapter 152: Encountering The Red Shirt Demoness Again Chapter 152: Encountering The Red Shirt Demoness Again In the vast panorama before them, majestic mountains stood tall, shimmeringkes bathed in radiant light, and waterfalls cascaded from floating inds. The scenery was a magnificent blend of grandeur and beauty. From the distance, a powerful roar echoed, vibrating through the mountains. This roar was an embodiment of the white-ddy''s emotions. Her rosy cheeks turned an intense shade of red, as if they might bleed. The audacity of that mere mortal to convey such a message through her! For a moment, she felt an overwhelming urge to break free from this realm and exact her vengeance on the man who dared to humiliate her. She felt this humiliation was even worse than that one time he had poked her with a ck sword, an incident she tried to erase from her memory. The other demon spirits looked on with varied expressions. Someughed, while others greeted Wang Xuan warmly, with clear intentions of getting closer to him. The moon''s light glimmered like liquid silver, making the vast sea appear tranquil. On the golden bamboo boat, the Ferryman turned to face Wang Xuan. Emerging from the shadows of his hood, a vague face looked silently at him. It had been centuries since someone boarded his boat, and today''s passenger was truly... unique. Was this how people of the current age behaved? "Senior," Wang Xuan began in a hushed tone, "I am just a mortal, struggling to survive under the gaze of the immortals. I''m already pitiable. Please, let me go." Seeing his humble and earnest demeanor, the Ferryman felt a mix of admiration and amusement. Here was a mortal who had outsmarted a demon spirit, and now, was he trying to make a quick escape after having his fun? "Why did you provoke her if you''re so afraid now?" the Ferryman asked. "Even a y figure feels anger. I was cornered. When someone is weak and powerless, they sometimes shout louder to muster courage," Wang Xuan replied candidly. This unexpected honesty made the Ferryman study him more intently, wondering if this was a genuine confession. "The secret path will end soon," the Ferryman reassured. Wang Xuan felt a bit skeptical. Until now, he hadn''t sensed this so-called secret path, let alone felt any empowerment from it. "Is this secret path just a dream? Will you soon tell me that the dream has ended?" Wang Xuan inquired. The Ferryman responded calmly, "This ce is the Land of the Departed." Wang Xuan recognized the keyword "Departed" from what he had heard previously. The red-d demoness had not yet appeared, and the other demon spirits had made numerous attempts to probe him, no doubt with hidden motives, cing him on the defensive. Now, he seized this opportunity to distance himself and sought more information about this mysterious path from the Ferryman. It gave him a legitimate reason to avoid further interaction with the spirits within this realm. "The Land of the Departed, perhaps, is the true source of transcendence. The starting point of cultivation, where everything bes divine," Wang Xuan mused, echoing the concept he had gathered. "It''s known as the ancient secret path." However, he added a caveat; this was just one interpretation. Some believed there were even older paths, shortcuts that the earliest creatures took to transcend their ordinary existence and stand out among their peers. Wang Xuan was familiar with concepts like ''Inner Realms'' and ''Elixirs of the Heavens'', but what the Ferryman was discussing was foreign to him. The Ferryman exined that when the Land of the Departed was first discovered, almost every creature that approached it met its demise. But there were exceptions. Those few humans or animals that survived the mysterious energy of the Land started a slow process of transcendence. "Radiation?" Wang Xuan eximed, drawing a parallel to what he knew. He became anxious, wondering if this might cause mutations or malignant changes in the body. Understanding the modern term, the Ferryman shook his head. "This transformation strengthens the living beings, with no ill effects," he reassured. In the age where survival was brutal and the world savage, some creatures that encountered the energy from the Land of the Departed became immensely powerful, towering above the rest. "The transformation in the Land of the Departed primarily begins with the physical body, leading to either divinization or demonization of beings," the Ferryman added. He believed that the enhancement of all creatures began with the physical body, suggesting the Land of the Departed might be the original and most primitive secret path. Wang Xuan reflected, "I had thought the discovery of the ''Inner Realms'' marked a unique turning point for humans, setting us apart in a race against monsters. But it seems even earlier, there existed a path like the Land of the Departed, giving rise to divine or demonic champions among various species." To Wang Xuan, the Land of the Departed seemed like a form of transcendent radiation. The mystery deepened. "How did the Land of the Departede into existence?" Wang Xuan asked. The Ferryman shook his head. "Very few can truly tell the origin of the Land of the Departed." The name ''Land of the Departed'' was derived from its peculiar trait of asionally disying shadows of species long extinct in the current world. Hence, it was also sometimes referred to as the ''Landscape of Departed Time'' - a vista of the past. "Is this the only such mysterious ce in the world?" Wang Xuan inquired. The Ferryman shook his head. "No, there are eight major Lands of the Departed, each with its distinctndscape and renowned reputation. There are also lesser ones that are not as powerful." But what was most intriguing was the mobility of these potentnds. They did not remain in one region for long. "From my experience," the Ferryman began, "since you''ve managed to arrive here sessfully, this particr Land will likely depart from this within a year or two." Wang Xuan was taken aback. These Lands of the Departed were not stationary; they were elusive, constantly shifting. Given his new understanding, he perceived them as fleetingndscapes that moved and emitted a transcendent radiation. "And what dangers do thesends present?" Wang Xuan probed, wanting to grasp the full extent of the threat. "Didn''t you feel it yourself?" the Ferryman retorted. "When you first set foot in the Land of the Departed, your body underwent an intense transformation, exhibiting both divine and demonic characteristics. It felt as though you were being torn apart." Typically, the very moment someone entered thisnd, they would be overwhelmed by its extreme transformative forces. Nine out of ten individuals would perish instantly, unable to withstand the intensity. But something seemed amiss to Wang Xuan. He only experienced demonization, not divinization. "That''s because you consumed a lower-tier fruit of the demons. The Blood Grape, I presume?" the Ferryman postted. Wang Xuan was at a loss for words upon hearing this exnation. The Ferryman was candid about the nature of this ce. Why was the perimeter of this Land barren, devoid of any vegetation? It was due to the overwhelming deathly aura from countless beings that had perished here. A staggering 99% of creatures entering would disintegrate almost instantly. Upon learning all this, Wang Xuan felt a sense of satisfaction. His body had endured the transcendent radiation and remained intact, proving its resilience. "Are the legendary creatures that reside on the high tforms by the coast inherent to the Land of the Departed?" Wang Xuan inquired. "No," replied the Ferryman, "Each species believes the Land to be too perilous. Those tforms were established by powerful beings from the past as safeguards. They left behind their extraordinary methods to guide future beings on their paths to divinization." Despite these precautions, the mortality rate was rmingly high, to the point of being frightening. Wang Xuan had witnessed it firsthand. Of the many beings beneath each tform, only a handful could withstand the intense radiation and eventually leave alive. Even the Ferryman remarked with a hint of sorrow, "The secretive path of the Land of the Departed has such a low survival rate that few dare to tread it nowadays." Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. Clouds swirled, obscuring the sun and casting darkness across thend, followed by a misty rain. "Wise elder, can you restrain her if she vites the rules?" Wang Xuan whispered, sensing the arrival of the woman in red, a notorious demoness. "The ancient pact will hold her back," said the Ferryman. This worried Wang Xuan. The woman in red was constantly challenging the restrictions of the ancient pact, always testing its boundaries. Inside the mystical boundary, other demonesses bowed in respect upon spotting the elegant figure in the distance. Their reverence highlighted the woman in red''s formidable power and stature. She was a sight to behold, dressed in a ravishing red, her umbre discarded, strolling gracefully in the rain. Her wet hair dripped with raindrops, and her porcin face seemed ethereal in the mist. Her mesmerizing eyes held a bewitching charm, making the other demonesses humble themselves even more. With a mere gesture of her hand, the demonesses retreated, yielding the area before the mystical boundary to her, not daring to stand by her side. The White Tiger Demoness stood at a distance, ready to serve. "After so long, you seem even more enchanting than before," Wang Xuan greeted her politely. Hoping to defuse the tension, he thought, "Surely she wouldn''t strike someone who''s trying to be amicable?" The woman in red indeed stood out, not just for her captivating beauty, but also for the aura of power and elegance that made others revere her. She remained silent, her eyes naturally beguiling. However, there was an unmistakable chill in her gaze, suggesting she wasn''t inclined to be friendly. Born with an ethereal beauty, whether she smiled or frowned, she exuded a captivating charm. She chuckled softly and, with a flick of her slender finger, created a minute crack in the mystical barrier. This act heightened the trepidation of the other demonesses who had consciously distanced themselves. They subconsciously bowed their heads even lower. The Ferryman''s indistinct face appeared from beneath his cloak, eyeing the scene intently. The audacious act of the woman in red was a tant vition of the ancient pact. "What do you think would happen if I were to capture you?" she asked with a yful smile, her crimson lips and perfect teeth making her look even more enchanting. Wang Xuan grew wary, wondering if she could indeed breach the barrier and drag him in. He cast a doubtful look at the Ferryman, questioning whether the guardian could truly ensure their safety. "Under the ancient pact, no one is an exception," the Ferryman dered sternly. Wang Xuan felt uneasy about the Ferryman''s vague assurance. Trying to defuse the tension, he said, "My message through the White Tiger Demoness wasn''t mere talk. I believe there''s no need for conflict between us. I''m aware of your goals, and they don''t sh with mine. We needn''t be adversaries; coboration might be possible." His sincerity was evident; he aimed to resolve the tension. The Ferryman cast a disapproving nce at Wang Xuan, clearly perturbed by the notion of them discussing a potential pact vition in his presence. Wang Xuan continued, "I genuinely believe that there''s always room for dialogue. We can transform animosity into friendship and coexist harmoniously. For instance, you could invest in my growth, elerating it, so that I can better assist you in the future. Surely, this is a more constructive approach than constantly seeking to capture and coerce me?" In a room thick with tension, the woman in red robes, known as the Red Clothed Demoness, gazed at Wang Xuan with an air of derision. "Do you take me for that foolish cat? So naive to nurture enemies and raise threats," she mused. Behind her, the White Tiger Demoness flushed with anger and resentment, ring at Wang Xuan as if she could pierce him with her gaze. "I came here with honest intentions," Wang Xuanmented, "hoping for a coboration with you, sorceress. I didn''t expect outright rejection." Before he could say more, the White Tiger Demoness snapped, "Deceiver! Return the sacred soil first. Where''s your sincerity in that?" However, Wang Xuan paid her no heed, his attention unwavering from the stunning Red Clothed Demoness. "We can still talk about coboration. Join me under the grand canopy and stay by my side for three years," she proposed. "Three years? My body outside would rot by then," Wang Xuan retorted, his mind racing. The three-year term she mentioned ¡ª did it imply she too was bound by some limitation and couldn''t force her way out? The Red Clothed Demoness smirked, "I can pull both your spirit and body within." Wang Xuan declined immediately, "With the ancestors watching, I won''t risk it. Once in, who knows if I''d ever get out?" From the back, the White Tiger Demoness scoffed at his words. Her round face puffing with suppressedughter, she mused, "Ancestors? Who are you trying to fool?" The Red Clothed Demoness, with a smile that seemed to illuminate the misty surroundings, shifted the terms, "How about another deal? Bring me the bone of the Female Sword Immortal that remains in this world." Wang Xuan''s face paled instantly. "You''ve shown your true colors. That''s insincere." He wondered how he could possibly hand over the bone, rich with life force. It could very well hold the key to her future. "Do think it through," she cooed, her allure undeniable, "Even without you, I''ll soon be free. How about a delightful encounter in the mortal realm? Would you look forward to it?" His heart raced. Did she have other means to break free? She continued, her voice teasing, "Last time, I overheard you wanting me to perform a dance for you?" Wang Xuan was dumbfounded. During his previous adventure with Old Chen and Qingmu, he had indeed made such a promation. Had she really heard? The ferryman nearby was equally astounded. A mere mortal daring to ask a legendary demoness to dance for him? Unthinkable! In the shadows, other demons whispered among themselves, taken aback by Wang Xuan''s audacity. It had been ages since they''d encountered someone so fearless. Some even recalled immortals who were killed for harboring such thoughts! Though Wang Xuan remained silent at first, he felt that coboration was now impossible. Their differences seemed irreparable. But what did he have to lose? With newfound determination, he dered, "One day, you''ll dance for me!" Chapter 153: An Appointment Chapter 153: An Appointment When Wang Xuan uttered his bold deration, a profound silence nketed the area, both behind the grand canopy and over the azure sea. It was as if the very world paused, holding its breath. Even the gentle patter of the rain ceased momentarily, as if it dared not fall any further. The assembled demon immortals lowered their gaze to the ground, pretending they heard nothing, wary of incurring wrath by association. For how could a mere mortal be so audacious? In terms of sheer power, the Red Sorceress was nothing short of a legendary figure amongst them. The audacity of Wang Xuan to suggest she perform a dance for him left them in awe. Such temerity from a human was unheard of! "I now believe you won''t coborate with her," the ferryman remarked, nodding his approval. He had never encountered such a daring mortal in his time. Facing the unparalleled beauty and power of the Red Sorceress and speaking such words only reinforced his belief in the boldness of the young generation. The White Tiger Demoness, on the other hand, seemed to roar with indignation on her master''s behalf, as though she desired to make Wang Xuan regret his words. Yet, the Red Sorceress remained unperturbed, her face adorned with a serene smile. If she truly cared about hisment, she wouldn''t have brought it up in the first ce. She gracefully adjusted her damp tresses, her eyes shimmering and her red robe fluttering with a distinct charm. "Soon, I''ll venture to the mortal realm in a different guise," she informed Wang Xuan, "I look forward to our encounter." Wang Xuan felt as if he was on the verge of an explosion. Wasn''t she bound for three years? He had thought he still had time to prepare, to grow stronger. If she was to emerge so soon, how was he supposed to survive her ire? A whirlwind of emotions stormed Wang Xuan''s face, ranging from shock to dismay. The impending doom of meeting her sooner than expected spelled nothing but misfortune for him. Lost in his own thoughts, he contemted the numerous possible oues. "If you''re so fond of the demon dance, I''ll have a surprise for you when we truly meet," the Red Sorceress said with a captivating smile, turning to leave. Wang Xuan was left stunned, staring at her receding figure, grappling with the question - What should he do now? "It''s been a long time since I''ve visited the mortal realm. I''m quite looking forward to it," she mused. Her scarlet gown billowed gracefully, making her a vision of unmatched beauty. As she gradually faded from view, herst lingering nce was filled with tantalizing allure. However, Wang Xuan was in no mood to appreciate this captivating sight. He felt a genuine threat to his existence. "Do you think the ancient pact means nothing?" the Ferryman remarked coldly. Her audacious deration of her impending visit to the mortal realm, made right in front of him, was a brazen challenge to the age-old agreement. "Elder, shouldn''t you chase after her? Exorcise this demoness!" Wang Xuan turned to him, relying heavily on this guardian of the pact. "I... cannot break the agreement," the Ferryman replied. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but feel that the Ferryman seemed a bit hesitant. Was he too afraid to confront her? "Don''t worry. Though she met you here, shielded by this grand curtain, she has no idea which you currently inhabit, given your unpredictable journey," the Ferryman reassured. He implied that the Red Sorceress might not be able to locate Wang Xuan in the mortal realm. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan seemed momentarily taken aback. Soon, a wave of calm washed over him. He was far from his home soil, not even on the new star, separated by countless light-years from his homnd. He found it hard to believe that despite the vast distances, spanning multiple gxies, and his location at the very edge of deep space, the red-robed demoness would be able to find him. Impossible! Hence, he confidently responded, "I''ll await you in the mortal realm. Let''s not miss our rendezvous." He deliberately avoided mentioning his homnd to prevent giving any hints. The Red Sorceress had already departed, offering no reply. Wang Xuan sighed, feeling a bit uneasy. The idea of being pursued by such a formidable demoness across gxies was indeed unsettling. "It''s about time. I''ll guide you out," the Ferryman offered. Wang Xuan was displeased. "That''s it? I haven''t undergone any transformation. What kind of mystic path is this?" "If you had chosen the path of the prime entities, like turning into a Golden-Winged Roc, a Thousand-Armed Deity, or a Human-Demon hybrid, your power would have naturally escted," the Ferryman exined. "That would be turning into a demon!" Wang Xuan emphasized. "Entering the Land of the Departed and experiencing its transcendental radiation offers paths other than demonization; there is also divinization," the Ferryman exined. As per his ount, divinization allowed beings to retain their original form, be it human or demon, offering a choice that didn''t deviate drastically from their nature. However, this process wasn''t without its changes. Some might develop vertical pupils, pointed ears, or even a third eye on the forehead. In others, certain organs might undergo mutations; hearts could erge, grow stronger, and turn silver, while some might find their bones adorned with golden patterns, bing thicker and more robust, elevating their stature to towering heights. Divinization didn''t stray too far, yet it still brought noticeable changes to one''s original form. Wang Xuan pondered, could he ept such transformation? In an instant, his thoughts turned to the Five Pages of Gold, relics left by Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism. The figures depicted on the golden pages were distinctly human, and the patterns rted to the resonance of internal organs didn''t show any abnormality; they aligned perfectly with those of a regr human. He realized that at this stage, divinization wasn''t necessary; the Five Pages of Gold seemed to provide an answer. Wang Xuan posed his question: "Are demonization and divinization the only options offered by the transcendental radiation of the Land of the Departed?" "I knew you''d ask that," the Ferryman replied, gesturing towards the sea. "There''s a more radical approach: diving into the waters while envisioning transformation into a certain creature. If you survive, you''d undergo a violent metamorphosis into that being. With some luck, various organs might even divinize." Wang Xuan was contemtive; this sounded like a fusion of demonization and divinization. He shook his head, "I just wish to remain human. I don''t need to dive in and recreate myself as a person." "The reason I merely ferry you across is that I saw this resolve in you. You''re suited for the most serene path through the Land of the Departed," the Ferryman said. "What do you mean?" "With the protection of the Feathered Divine Bamboo Boat, you can gently absorb the transcendental radiation of the Land of the Departed, enhancing the vitality of your physical body. Once you leave this ce and continue your cultivation for a while, your strength will naturally and gradually increase." Hearing this exnation, Wang Xuan felt unsatisfied. He had entered the Land of the Departed seeking a rapid breakthrough. If it required waiting, he would have chosen a different path. The Ferryman spoke, "Everything is about bnce. Divinization and demonization are the results of the Land of the Departed''s potent radiationbined with its mysterious energy. Since you''ve chosen the gentle path, your physical form has been activated. However, the energy needed for your transformation now has to be slowly supplemented from external sources, hence the dy in progression." He continued, "Actually, if you had consumed more blood grapes beforeing here, even while resisting the demonizing effects, the expulsion of the demonic properties from the fruit would leave behind its beneficial potency. This energy might suffice for your chosen gentle path, allowing for a quick breakthrough." Wang Xuan pondered, "So, you''re saying that even a demonic fruit can be purified here, removing its harmfulponents? If I gather enough, can I achieve my breakthrough smoothly?" "Exactly," the Ferryman affirmed. Regret filled Wang Xuan. While escaping the cave of the silk serpent, he had the opportunity to collect the remaining bunches of blood grapes but had paid them no mind, having known of their demonic nature. "Quickly, get me to the shore!" Wang Xuan urged. "Why the rush?" The Ferryman queried, surprised. "I''ll return shortly, to breakthrough here," Wang Xuan dered, resolute in his decision to harvest the demonic fruit. He''d made careful calctions. Whenever the mature silk serpent went hunting, it would grant him enough time to collect the blood grapes. Attempting to flee far would inevitably lead to failure, but escaping to the proximity of the Land of the Departed, given its closeness, was undoubtedly feasible. Moreover, around the Land of the Departed, eight transcendent creatures had made their nests. It was likely each nest bore a trove of rare and potent herbs. For a moment, Wang Xuan''s eyes shone brilliantly. He was determined to make the most of the Land of the Departed''s secrets to advance his abilities. He believed it wouldn''t be long before he caught up with Old Chen. The Ferryman interrupted Wang Xuan''s reverie, stating, "Do you think it''s easy toe here? Unless you possess an internal scenic treasure or your ancestral teachings have particrly favored you by refining the essence of mysterious genes and depositing them within your flesh. Be aware that the world has changed, the strength ofter generations'' ancestors is not as formidable, and they can''t umte much of the essence of these genes." He knew that Wang Xuan carried within him the mysterious genes of the internal scenic realm, but adhering to ancient covenants, he hadn''t utilized his psychic or heavenly eye abilities, leaving Wang Xuan''s true potential a mystery. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan felt even more assured. Having opened his own internal scenic realm, he was akin to his own ancestor! Additionally, he recalled consuming the meat of the White Tiger demon with Old Chen and Qingmu, which the Sword Immortal had mentioned wasposed of the essence of mysterious genes. "So, this might be ourst encounter. Take care of yourself," the Ferryman said. Wang Xuan, confident he could return, disregarded his words. He addressed the immortals present, "Any among the true immortals fancy a taste of the wild delicacies of the present world? I''ll being back shortly. If there are any requests or desired trades, feel free to make them now." He wasn''t sure if he could bring the wild game intact into this realm. "Wild game of the Earth Immortal grade might be worth considering," a demon immortal responded. Wang Xuan, losing interest in further conversation, urged the Ferryman to set sail. The feathered divine bamboo boat transformed into a streak of light, rapidly departing and soon arriving at the shore. Wang Xuan leapt off, finding himself beside a shimmering blueke where the golden bamboo boat rested in the center. He was taken aback, "Is thiske the Land of the Departed?" "This Land of the Departed is indeed ake," the Ferryman confirmed. "See you in a bit!" Wang Xuan turned and dashed off. "You act as if this ce is your own backyard," the Ferryman muttered, shaking his head as he guided the small boat away, gradually vanishing into the mist. As Wang Xuan hastened from this strange domain, he sensed a surge in vitality within himself, an ongoing transformation that seemed to falter, hindered by a deficiency in energy, preventing its continuation. While the residual energy from the blood grapes provided some vitality, it wasn''t sufficient for Wang Xuan. Pondering his next move, he retrieved the luminous blue worms he had gathered and crushed them one by one against his body, channeling the ancient techniques of the Qin sages. To his delight, these worms possessed an abundance of mysterious genes, greatly benefiting his physique. Their potency far surpassed that of conventional spiritual herbs. "My apologies, Master Ma," Wang Xuan murmured to himself, "I''ve used these worms now. I promise to provide you with the demonic fruitster." With this newfound source of energy, Wang Xuan felt an itching sensation all over his body¡ªa sign that he was about to molt again. But it wasn''t just the mysterious genes from the worms taking effect; a surge of potent substances stored within him also began to activate. Momentster, he shed his tattered clothing and an entireyer of skin. Unlike before, there was no odd odor¡ªinstead, his new skin gleamed with a crystalline shine. Previously, his Golden Body technique was teetering at the initial stages of the seventh level. Now, he had progressed to the mid-stages of this level. "At the same time, I''ve broken through to the Grandmaster realm!" Wang Xuan silently acknowledged the transformation within him. With a subtle vibration of his internal organs, a streak of lightning shot out. A snap of his fingers and a beam of fiery light melted a nearby rock. The enhancements to his physique were significant, strengthening his constitution greatly. The mysterious power within his flesh and blood surged, marking a culmination of his persistent efforts. He surmised that if he encountered those extraterrestrials again, he''d be more than a match for them¡ªnone would escape his grasp. "Merely being a Grandmaster isn''t enough," Wang Xuan resolved, staring at the enigmatic path of the Land of the Departed, bordered by the nests of eight extraordinary creatures. "I must strive to reach the true transcendent realm while I''m here!" Chapter 154: A Sudden Change Chapter 154: A Sudden Change Wang Xuan took a moment to internalize the immense improvement in his physical abilities. With just a light leap, he vanished from his original position at a speed much faster than before. elerating a few times caused sonic booms, indicating that he could effortlessly break the sound barrier. Approaching the edge of the restricted area stood a towering stone wall. Instead of using his fists, Wang Xuan emanated a soft golden glow from his body and charged into the wall with great force. As a result, the wall crumbled, leaving a human-shaped indentation at the point of impact. Radiating outward from this dent were intricate patterns of dark cracks. Emerging from the wreckage, Wang Xuan assessed the newfound strength that his advanced Golden Body technique had granted him. Both his speed and power had experienced a dramatic surge, making him feel significantly stronger than the average Grandmaster. Interestingly, throughout this period of experimentation, Wang Xuan had been devoid of clothing. After being ingested by the snake, his old torn garments had acquired a pungent smell, prompting him to discard them. He dismissed this thought for the time being. Driven by the intense vitality flowing through him, he felt an overwhelming urge to practice Zhang Daoling''s body techniques, hoping for further advancements. Wang Xuan''s flesh, bones, and entire body pulsed with a vigorous life force, as if reborn. Every attribute had undergone a substantial uplift. Most importantly, after traversing the mystical path of the Departed Realm, his bodily vitality was in an extraordinarily heightened state. Wasn''t this the perfect moment to practice the Five-Page Golden Scripture? Taking a deep breath, Wang Xuan assumed the fourth stance. He began harmonizing the various sections of his body and, following the unique rhythm of the scripture, his blood, bones, and organs resonated in soft harmony. The techniques described in the scripture demanded synchronized full-body vibrations at a distinct frequency. A slight misstep could result in injury. Some organs, while delicate, were reservoirs of powerful energies¡ªa paradox that was both confounding and mystical. Exercising caution, Wang Xuan vowed to halt the practice immediately at the first sign of difort. Muchter, he exhaled a turbid breath, barely mastering the fourth stance. He dared not proceed any further, but reaching this point was already beyond his expectations. When he used his spiritual sense to examine himself, he found his body brimming with vibrant life. His organs shimmered slightly, emanating an aura reminiscent of a dawn''s first light or the fresh sprouts of spring, symbolizing rebirth. Wang Xuan reveled in the prime condition of his physical faculties, realizing that practicing the fourth stance from the Golden Scripture hadn''t inflicted any harm upon him. He walked over to the discardedyer of skin he''d shed, and for caution''s sake, decided to dispose of it. It was evident how resilient this shedyer was¡ªbeing a product of his perfected Golden Body technique. He had to use a short sword and unleash a Grandmaster-level true fire to destroy it. After some hesitation, Wang Xuan also burned his foul-smelling, tattered clothes, musing that he''d rather wear tree bark than don those again. Upon his exit, the mysterious powers of the Departed Realm didn''t deter him. As Wang Xuan stepped out of the mist, he was momentarily captivated. Outside, the sun zed intensely, its energy creating a vibrant haze that danced between the mountains, casting vivid rainbows of light. In stark contrast, the realm he had just left was submerged in deep nocturnal shades, dominated by a bright, hanging moon¡ªan entirely different celestial view. Ambition surged within Wang Xuan. Now that he had discovered the secret path of the Departed Realm, he was determined to rise to prominence there. However, reality quickly gave him a harsh lesson. Thew of the jungle in the Hidden Land was brutal. A moment''s inattention could lead to one''s demise. As he ventured further, he discerned his bearings, trying to understand the terrain, realizing that he was no longer in the same region as when he entered. Suddenly, he spotted a giant turtle, as big as a table, basking on a rock cliff opposite him. Its shell was intricately patterned in a bronze hue. Having not eaten for a while, Wang Xuan mused, "Half a day without food, perhaps I can feast on this turtle..." But he quickly sensed something amiss. Why did the turtle seem to be salivating at the sight of him? In a sh of realization, Wang Xuan felt through his spiritual sense that he might have encountered one of the eight extraordinary creatures rumored to nest around the misty regions. Without hesitation, he turned to flee. Even as a Grandmaster, he dared not challenge such a creature. A direct confrontation could quickly turn him into turtle prey. Contrary to its appearance, the bronze-hued turtle was far from sluggish. It moved with the agility of a swift swallow, leaping off the cliff and darting across tree-tops. Its movements resembled a creature walking atop grass, covering vast distances with each jump. Before Wang Xuan realized, the turtle hadnded, closing the gap between them to less than ten meters. ¡­¡­ The turtle snapped its jaws, emitting a blinding ze. Wang Xuan narrowly evaded the fiery onught, with every pore of his body emanating a golden mist, guiding him back into the protective veil of the fog. Behind him, the fiery aftermath scorched the ground, turning it to molten magma. Wang Xuan panted heavily. That brief escape was a brush with death, and had he been a fraction slower, he would''ve been devoured by a turtle! This encounter was a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the Hidden Lands. No matter how discreet he tried to be, a superior creature might emerge from any corner. The bronze turtle gave a fleeting nce in his direction and ambled away. Reflecting on the episode, Wang Xuan realized that although he might be fearless before immortals in other settings, primarily due to their intangibility, in this very real world, they could annihte him in an instant. "This world is a ruthless ce," he thought. "Even Old Zhong, a person who''s endured over a century of hardship, is chased down by creatures here. I see no reason to be overconfident?" Recognizing this reality, Wang Xuan refocused with newfound seriousness. ... Meanwhile, Zhong Yong and Old Song were exhausted to the brink of nausea. Their hair disheveled, theyy on the ground, panting heavily, covered in the blood of the creatures they had fought. After an intense battle, the duo had finally vanquished a pair of formidable rodents ¨C a male and a female. The surrounding woods bore the scars of theirbat,ying in ruins, forcing all the fierce beasts and birds to flee. "Old Zhong," began Old Song, his eyes alight with curiosity, "that final move of yours, the one where your fingers shimmered with a five-colored glow, was it derived from the legendary Five-Colored Jade Scripture of your family?" Zhong Yong shook his head, "No. I couldn''t decipher that scripture. The move you saw was a technique of Chen Tun." Who was Chen Tun? He was a legendary figure in the realm of inner alchemy, seeding greats like Zhong Li Quan and Lv Dong Bin, and had greatly expanded the path of the Golden Elixir. Old Song was taken aback. Was Zhong Yong nning to tread the Old Arts of the Golden Elixir in his cultivation? "Was that the Five-Colored Golden Elixir Qi from Chen Tun''s Golden Elixir Path?" Old Song asked, a hint of bitterness evident in his tone. Having devoted over a century to cultivation, was this ever-cautious old man finally about to witness the dawn of his achievements? "Don''t get ahead of yourself," Old Zhong replied with a sigh. "The Five-Colored Golden Elixir is legendary, with only a few in ancient times having supposedly achieved it. Given where we are now, let''s not concern ourselves with such distant prospects." He paused, his expression turning grave. "Song, you felt it too, didn''t you? An incredibly powerful celestial beastmunicated with us telepathically, issuing a stern warning: either leave this ce or delve deeper into the Hidden Lands. We can''t remain here." Old Song, well into his nies, paled at the revtion. He had indeed sensed the warning. "What''s going on? How powerful is this celestial beast tomunicate with humans? And why can''t celestial humanoid creatures remain in this outer region?" Old Song was filled with questions. With a grave expression, Zhong Yong said, "During our escape, I glimpsed two groups of young people confronting each other from afar. Judging by their attire, neither seemed to be from our new world." "People from the depths of the Hidden Lands... venturing out now?" Old Song felt a shiver down his spine. Zhong Yong continued, "We''ve been warned. And given that we can''t leave this at the moment, our only option is to venture deeper." He hesitated before adding, "I need to find my descendants. I have a growing sense of foreboding about this region. It''s best to take them with us." ¡­¡­ In a distant area, nestled within a dense forest, Old Chen perched atop a crooked tree, savoring thest of his silver bamboo shoots. Earlier, after he had taken just one of these shoots, he found himself pursued for miles by two creatures. With ck rings around their eyes, they bore a striking resemnce to pandas - a revered national treasure. They gave chase fiercely, leaving gashes on his back that dripped with blood. In a fit of frustration, Old Chen outpaced these "national treasures" and swiped the remaining three bamboo shoots, eating them all. Remarkably, the deep wounds on his body were already healing, forming scabs. The medicinal properties of the bamboo shoots were indeed astonishing. "That''s more like it!" he eximed with a satisfied burp. After being chased such a distance, this felt like sweet revenge. "When I return to the oldnds of Sichuan, I''ll feed your distant rtives more bamboo shoots," he promised aloud, feeling a strange energy circting within him. Suddenly, Old Chen''s hairs stood on end. Looking up, he spotted a luminous white peacock, quietly perched above him, watching intently. He recognized this creature as one of the formidable transcendent beings. Even he felt its overwhelming power and doubted his ability to confront it. "Human," the peacockmunicated telepathically, its intent rippling through the air, "Your power has exceeded the allowed limit. Venture deeper into the Hidden Lands." Taken aback, Old Chen recalled the extensive research he did beforeing to this ce, but nothing had mentioned this. He sensed something unusual was unfolding. Elsewhere, Wang Xuan moved stealthily. Once past the foggy region, he surveyed eight transcendentirs, ever-ready to dash in and gather any extraordinary herbs. Someirs were instantly deemed too risky, like the one on a cliff housing a golden avian creature. Provoking a flying transcendent being would mean there was no escape. "Could it possibly have a diluted lineage of the mythical Golden Roc? Maybe its ancestors were humans who transformed into demons after entering thesends," Wang Xuan mused. He shifted his focus to anotherir. He had observed the cave of the silkworm serpent before, noticing both its young ones were alive, and the male serpent had returned. "Better to leave them be," he decided. "It''s heartwarming to see their happy family." Finally, Wang Xuan''s attention was captured by their of a brass mountain turtle. Nearby grew a tree that appeared to be cast from brass, with a few yellowing fruits hanging from it. They didn¡¯t seem fully mature, but Wang Xuan believed their efficacy wouldn''t be too far off. However, that was just one target. Two other transcendentirs also piqued his interest. One was home to a silver bear, rotund in its appearance. Wang Xuan surmised it wouldn''t be very fast. Yet, recalling how the supposedly slow mountain turtle could sprint up trees with ferocity, he remained wary of the bear. He spent a long time observing, noting that the bear wasn¡¯t particrly swift during its hunts. It might just be the slowest of the eight transcendent creatures. "My apologies, dear Silver Bear," Wang Xuan mused, staring at the creature''sir from a safe distance. "You currently don''t have any cubs to care for, and I assume you''ve grown weary of feasting on that cluster of white transcendent herbs. Allow me to borrow them for a while. Rest assured, I won''t uproot them entirely. I''ll leave their roots intact, so after a brief recovery, you can continue enjoying them." Having set his sights on his target, Wang Xuan prepared to make his move. Before proceeding, he cast a nce towards thend of the departed, which remained shrouded in a dense, unyielding fog that barred any sunlight. Wang Xuan hadn''t forgotten the words of the ferryman. Thend of the departed could shift and vanish at any moment. If Wang Xuan harvested and consumed the herbs, only for thatnd to disappear, he would find himself in a perilous predicament. "I''ll hold off on consuming the herbs until I safely enter thend of the departed," he resolved. Demonstrating immense patience, Wang Xuan waited for the opportune moment when the Silver Bear left its den for hunting. He calcted the time required for his escape towards the foggy region and felt confident in his chances. The ferryman had once told him that their paths would never cross again in this lifetime. However, Wang Xuan believed that he''d soon surprise him. "I''ll be seeing you shortly," he whispered with a grin, gazing at the foggy horizon. "I haven''t had my fill of the shimmeringke and moonlight just yet." And with that, his face lit up with a radiant smile. Chapter 155: All For Getting A Chance Chapter 155: All For Getting A Chance "Look there! The savage emerges again! Quite the sight, isn''t he?" From a distant vantage point atop a mountain, a group of figures stared in disbelief at Wang Xuan. Who was this man? He wore no clothing, save for a crudely fashioned shorts made from tree bark. Sprinting wildly across thend, he seemed more like a primitive wild man than a civilized being. "Clearly an uncivilized native," one of the figures remarked with a mix of amusement and disdain. "He shamelessly roams around nearly naked!" "Careful," another figure cautioned. "Despite his appearance, he''s proven his tenacity and strength by surviving against all odds." The group, stationed in the area, had two purposes: one, to kill Wang Xuan; and two, to continue their quest for precious herbs. "Remember how he daringly hid inside the belly of the silkworm snake? I suspect he might''ve hidden inside a giant fish in the nearby river to mask his scent and go undetected," one mused. "Indeed," replied a man who had once narrowly escaped a threat by jumping into a river. "His technique, the ''Golden Body Art'', would allow such a feat. Brilliant in its audacity." Their eyes narrowed, imagining Wang Xuan''s primitive tactics. "We must hunt him down this time. We cannot afford to let him slip away again," they resolved. The group, now reduced to five members, harbored deep resentment towards Wang Xuan, ming him for their dwindling numbers. "Our team is down to half. We stand no chance against other groups now,"mented one member. "Especially after I spotted the members of ''Feathered Star''. Their leader, a woman, showcased abilities bordering on the supernatural!" Another member nodded in agreement, recalling his own hasty retreat after witnessing such a disy of power. Encounters between different groups in the outer region of the secretnd meant inevitablebat, with one side always facing certain doom. Feeling defeated and outnumbered, their only hope now was to remain hidden near the habitats of the supernatural creatures and survive. "It''s evident," another mused, "some individuals are holding back their breakthrough to ascendancy, aiming to dominate this outer region and reap the rumored benefits." ¡­¡­ "Some teams have ambitions even greater than you can fathom," a man named Zhuo Yang interjected. He believed that some were strategizing to secure the greatest treasures in the outer region before advancing to the transcendent realm. After that, they would venture deeper into the secretnd, where they would engage in the battles of the transcendent to seize the legendary fortune. In the realm of the transcendent, everything was considered legendary, hinting at rare and priceless treasures. They had the potential to alter a cultivator''s fate. Otherwise, why would all these practitioners risk everything for a merepetition in this hiddennd? ... Seizing his opportunity, Wang Xuan charged towards their of the Silver Bear. He could already smell the enticing aroma of the cluster of silver-white herbs. Intermingled with the herbal scent was a tantalizing fragrance, not unlike that of blood grapes, drawing him irresistibly closer. In a moment of insight, Wang Xuan realized that being close to the Departed Lands and adjacent to the eight transcendent nests, it was probable that the ancestral beings here had followed the true physical path, undergoing a demonic transformation. Consequently, the herbs around their dwelling were likely demonic fruits. Suddenly, a stone weighing several pounds fell from the sky, narrowly missing him. It created arge crater upon impact. More stones began to rain down, creating a hugemotion. Swiftly turning around, Wang Xuan caught a glimpse of several figures on a distant peak. They vanished as quickly as they appeared. They were attempting to use the bear to kill him. Fury surged within Wang Xuan. Just when he was on the verge of sess, these individuals had rmed the forest, essentially alerting the Silver Bear to his presence. Though he was near the herbs, Wang Xuan decisively retreated, dashing towards the misty region. To obstruct him from harvesting the herbs and advancing was akin to a deep-seated vendetta. His anger boiled over, wishing he could immediately chase and ughter those responsible. He had clearly recognized them as the alien grandmasters. They hadn¡¯t left, and were obviously targeting him for elimination. Well, if that''s the case, Wang Xuan thought, a retaliation is imminent. Deep within the dense forest, an overwhelming surge of malevolent energy erupted, causing the massive trees to explode in every direction. Surprisingly, the rotund Silver Bear shot up into the sky. As it fluttered, its once chubby form slimmed down. Hidden beneath its bulky frame, a pair ofrge, furry wings unfolded. They had been concealed, making the creature appear cumbersome on regr days. With its wings fully extended, the bear radiated a blinding silver light. It streaked across the forest canopy like a luminous bolt of lightning, overseeing its den from above. Wang Xuan''s heart raced in fear. The once slow-moving beast was now as fast as lightning, even swifter than the golden exotic bird. Who could withstand its speed? Thankfully, Wang Xuan had made a quick decision earlier. When his path was blocked and disrupted, he had immediately fled instead of stubbornly trying to harvest the herbs. Otherwise, he would''ve undoubtedly be a meal for the Silver Bear by now. Following the deep footprints Wang Xuan left behind, the Silver Bear pursued relentlessly, its senses extraordinarily sharp. It was a close call. Just as Wang Xuan vanished into the mist, the bear caught only a fleeting glimpse of his retreating figure. With a thunderous roar, the Silver Bear unleashed a bolt of lightning. The ground erupted, forming a vast pit so deep that even a few giant creatures couldn''t fill it. The edges of the crater were charred ck. Wang Xuan was profoundly shaken. It seemed that those who kept a low profile were often the most formidable. He had underestimated the Silver Bear''s terrifying abilities. In his estimation, even two silk snakesbined couldn''t rival this lightning-spewing bear. Still, he felt that had it not been for those individuals'' interference, he would''ve harvested the miraculous herbs and managed to escape the Silver Bear''s pursuit, making it safely here. "Those who stand in my way should be fed to the bear!" Wang Xuan fumed, regretting the missed golden opportunity. After waiting cautiously at the edge of the mist for some time, he employed his potent spiritual senses to scan the surroundings. Confirming no dangers, he finally ventured deeper into the woods. Attempting to tackle the flying Silver Bear, capable of summoning thunder, was too perilous. He had to find another transcendent nest. "I bear no grudge against the Silver Bear, so I''ll leave its extraordinary herbs alone. Revenge has a rightful target. I''ll seek vengeance on the mountain tortoise instead!" Wang Xuan consoled himself. Before venturing further, Wang Xuan wanted to deal with the extraterrestrial interlopers first. Their potential ambush during his journey could pose a grave threat. Seated deep within the woods, he pondered. Where did these aliense from? Where was their spaceship? And were there more of them? "Are they here just to harvest the demonic fruits?" Wang Xuan doubted it. Their youth and their status as grandmasters suggested that their home was profoundly advanced, likely rivaling this secretnd. With a mature extraterrestrial civilization, they wouldn''t be here solely for herbs. "What could they possibly be after? Something must have driven them to traverse the vast expanse of space," he thought, a smirk forming, "Whatever it is, I''ll im it for myself first!" However, before Wang Xuan could act on his thoughts, the aliens revealed themselves, venturing deep into the heart of the forest. "We''ve found him!" The five of them quietly encircled him, determined to eliminate the earthling they had targeted. Thanks to his heightened spiritual realm, Wang Xuan''s senses were razor-sharp. Spotting them, a chill overtook him. Before he could settle scores, they had preemptively sought him out. Standing up calmly, Wang Xuan looked at the approaching group withposed ease. "Well, this saves me the trouble of hunting them down," he thought. "Perhaps this earthling''s ancestors were of our On lineage, who chose to remain on this," one of the aliens remarked. "Dressed in nothing, truly reverting to a primitive state," another added with a sneer. Their animosity towards Wang Xuan was palpable, especially since he had killed one of theirrades before. "Where do youe from?" Wang Xuan inquired. However, even though they had potent spiritual energy, they didn''t possess a defined realm, makingmunication challenging. Resignedly, Wang Xuan pointed at them and, using theirnguage, addressed them one by one: "Primitive!" Relying on his spiritual realm to capture thoughts, he could only match a few terms with theirnguage. Infuriated by being referred to as ''primitive'', especially by someone they considered an uncivilized native, tensions quickly escted. In a sh, the battle began! Wang Xuan, being at the intermediate phase of a grandmaster, was undeterred by his opponents, some of whom were at advanced stages. Having previously defeated one of their kind, he had little to fear post-evolution. Eager to test the resilience of his golden body technique, he charged fearlessly, especially targeting one opponent. Like a fired cannonball, he used his entire body tounch a ferocious assault. The targeted alien retreated rapidly, opening his mouth to spew a beam of light. However, Wang Xuan remained undeterred. A jolt shot through his chest, manifesting into a burst of lightning that not only dispelled the fiery beam but also struck the alien, causing half of his body to go numb. With an explosive sound, Wang Xuan''s momentum remained unstoppable. Utilizing his entire body as a weapon, he crashed into the paralyzed opponent. The collision felt to the man as if he had been hit by a rampaging beast; the pain was excruciating. The impact fractured several of his bones and sent him hurtling away. Wang Xuan, with his astonishing speed, quickly closed in, preparing to deliver a fatal p. But remembering hisck of attire, he hesitated, not wishing to stain himself with blood. Instead, he grabbed the alien, and with a swift, crisp sound, snapped his neck, neutralizing one of the threats. He was quite pleased with hisbat prowess. The remaining four, however, were horrified. They had barely engaged, and one of their Grandmasters was already down? "Attack!" They shouted in unison. Knowing fully well the extent of Wang Xuan''s golden body technique, they dared not confront him head-on. Instead, they unleashed Grandmaster-level powers, deploying beams of light and bolts of lightning. Yet they soon realized their efforts were in vain. Even when bolts of lightning made Wang Xuan stagger, they couldn''t kill him. His body radiated with a golden aura, resiliently fending off their attacks. Not only were they adept in these secret techniques, but Wang Xuan was equally proficient. Whether it was lightning or beams of light, he could summon them at will. Normally, within the realm of a Grandmaster, one would master only a singr special ability. Boom! Wang Xuan''s internal organs glowed, and heunched a lightning bolt that sent another opponent flying, his chest charred and his body convulsing, rendering him on the verge of incapacitation. Rushing forward, Wang Xuan aimed to deliver a final blow. However, the sole female among the aliens screamed, unleashing a psychic assault on Wang Xuan, in an attempt to halt his murderous advance. Her spiritual energy was formidable. But it was of no consequence to Wang Xuan. He remained undeterred. As the female alien unleashed lightning bolts from her chest, Wang Xuan smirked. Radiating a golden aura from head to toe, he charged towards her with unyielding determination. The woman intensified her barrage of lightning while sending forth a flurry of hand strikes. However, up close and personal, how could she match the might of someone who had mastered the golden body technique? Aware of her perilous situation, she gritted her teeth, opting for ast-ditch effort. Drawing close to Wang Xuan, she sought to self-detonate, aiming to unleash a powerful bolt of lightning to obliterate her opponent. Her n went awry. The very moment she got close, Wang Xuan''s arms wrapped around her, squeezing with such might that the sound of her bones cracking echoed in the air. In this state, her organs were nearly crushed, making it impossible for her to channel the energy required for the lightning attack. With a swift move, Wang Xuan snapped her neck and cast her aside. Suddenly, the air seemed to split, and a chilling gleam raced towards Wang Xuan. Despite his heightened reflexes and robust physique, he couldn''t dodge it. Blood gushed from his shoulder, revealing a deep, ghastly wound. To his astonishment, even his golden body technique had failed to repel this icy sh. From the shadows, a man named Zhuo Yang, holding a gleaming dagger, watched closely. He had expected his lethal strike to finish off Wang Xuan, and its failure sent shivers down his spine, hinting at impending doom. The cold gleam emanated from this very de. He tried once more, urging the dagger to reveal its mysterious patterns,unching another shing beam at Wang Xuan. This time, prepared, Wang Xuan evaded the attack. The radiant sh continued on its path, cutting down numerous ancient trees, showcasing its terrifying power. Zhuo Yang''s face paled, a sense of impending doom settling in. His dagger, crafted and engraved with unique runes by his elders, was a treasure nearing transcendence. Bringing such a weapon into this hidden realm was risky; its discovery would surely spark controversy. After all, external areas were reserved for those below the transcendent tier. Although his de tiptoed along the boundary, one could argue it wasn''t truly transcendent. After releasing a third chilling beam from the dagger, Zhuo Yang knew its limit had been reached. With only three transcendent-like shes at its disposal, he discarded the de and turned to flee. Wang Xuan was even more prepared this time. As his organs resonated, he summoned a massive bolt of lightning which collided with the advancing de''s beam. Surprisingly, the formidable energy of the de didn''t dissipatepletely but continued its trajectory. Leveraging a secret technique passed down from Zhang Daoling, Wang Xuan''s palm radiated with a mysterious energy, and with a mighty strike, he neutralized the dimming de beam. His intention was clear ¨C he wanted to measure the ultimate strength of this energy, ensuring he was always a step ahead. Suddenly, bolts of lightning erupted from Wang Xuan, targeting two slower opponents. One, having been struck earlier, was paralyzed and crumpled to the ground. The other, after a powerful p from Wang Xuan, spat blood and was thrown several meters away. In the heat of the moment, Wang Xuan restrained himself, deciding to spare the two, foreseeing a future use for them. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan pursued Zhuo Yang deep into the forest. After a fierce confrontation, this renowned figure from the Zhuo family met his end, obliterated amidst the trees by Wang Xuan''s might. Returning to the aftermath, Wang Xuan stripped both the living and the dead of their armor, selecting the cleanest set for himself. Various containers, weapons, and other valuable artifacts were seized and stored in his realm shard. Among the possessions, a unique metallic badge covered in intricate patterns was found on Zhuo Yang''s body. Wang Xuan attempted to interrogate the two captives, one of whom was the man who had previously escaped by leaping into the river. The man''s hands bore the unmistakable marks of twenty-two puncture wounds. However,munication proved futile. While Wang Xuan could sense their thoughts, theycked the spiritual understanding to grasp his intent. All he could gather was that they weren''t the only party in this hidden realm, and that victors of this contest would obtain immense rewards. Deemingmunication too difficult, Wang Xuan grew frustrated. He couldn''t truly probe their consciousness. In a spur of the moment, he gagged them and approached their of the transcendent creature. From a distance, Wang Xuan observed the mountainous turtle. He patiently waited until it left its nest to feed. Turning to the captives, he said, "You''ve had enough rest. Soon, I''ll give you a chance to escape." Wang Xuan stripped them down to their undergarments, leaving their upper bodies exposed, and then bound them together. He took them to the outskirts of the turtle''s nest, swiftly plucking four golden-hued fruits from a tree that gleamed like brass. "To the turtle who wishes to feast on me," he addressed the creature''sir, "I bear no grudges. I only take a few of your fruits." Noticing three empty stems on the tree, Wang Xuan deduced that the turtle had consumed three ripe fruits earlier. "Time to part ways," Wang Xuan said to the captives as he released them. "We each fend for ourselves. Until fate brings us together again." Without another word, he sprinted away. It wasn''t that Wang Xuan was particrly fearful, but he believed in caution. If any mishap urred, the captives would serve as a diversion. He made a beeline for the misty region, running as fast as he could. To his dread, the turtle returned to its nest sooner than anticipated, emitting furious roars as it pursued them. Toplicate matters, a silver bear, roused by themotion, soared into the sky. Spotting Wang Xuan and the two half-naked captives fleeing in different directions, the bear recalled an earlier intruder into itsir ¡ª a man without armor. It lunged at one of the captives. Wang Xuan stole a nce behind and pondered. If it weren''t for the captives drawing attention, the unexpected appearance of the silver bear might not have posed much threat. However, now, there was undeniable risk. The mountainous turtle was long left behind in Wang Xuan''s wake. As he entered the misty region, he didn''t hesitate to bite into the demonic fruit. Its juicy flesh was a mix of sweet and sour, and the taste was exquisite, filling his mouth with a rich aroma. As he continued to eat, Wang Xuan''s body began to radiate a gentle warmth and glow. Especially when he stepped into the barren wastnd, where not even a de of grass grew, he felt as if his body was tearing apart. The harrowing experiences he faced previously resurfaced, and this time they were even more intense. Undeterred by the pain, Wang Xuan pressed on, making his way to the shimmering blueke. Everything was unfolding just as he had experienced before; the raised tform materialized in front of him. Then, at the end of the azure expanse, specks of gold began to appear, heralding the emergence of the bamboo boat from the mist. A smile crept onto Wang Xuan''s face. Their reunion was imminent, and it signaled another significant boost in his power. "How peculiar. Another has managed to breach this ce," mused the Ferryman, who had just awakened from his slumber. "After centuries of silence on this life-bearing, it''s remarkable to see multiple extraordinary beings stepping onto the path of the forsaken realm in session." He recalled the previous visitor who had dared to provoke the red-clothed enchantress, leaving an indelible impression on him. The Ferryman wondered if this new visitor would be just as audacious. Chapter 156: The Night Is Not Spent Chapter 156: The Night Is Not Spent The eternal night of the Departed Realm remained unchanged. A perpetual moon shone brightly above, and the sun never dared rise. Perhaps, with its ascent, this realm would dissipate forever. The still waters of the azure sea were broken by the golden streak of a bamboo boat, swiftly slicing through the mist and speeding towards the shore. The Ferryman stood at the bow, eyes fixated on the vast night sky. He sighed deeply, "Epochs havee and gone, dynasties have risen and fallen, and legends have been born and vanished. Yet, through all this constant change, only you, the moon, remain unaltered." A plethora of memories weighed on him. "Generation after generation of prodigies havee and gone. I wonder how they fare now. Can they still admire this ever-present moon?" The Ferryman had seen them all off ¨C radiant talents of new eras, some morphing into wondrous creatures like the golden-winged Roc or the Thousand-Handed deity, while others remained true to their forms, walking the path to divinity. However, he hadn''t seen them again after their departure. Even if some managed to establish divine kingdoms, in the grand scheme of the eternal night, they were but flickering candles. Intervening in the present world was a challenge for any being. "Some have regrets, while others still search for their paths," hemented. "The waves of an era eventually dissolve into the vast ocean, leaving no trace." As the boat neared the shore, the Ferryman remarked softly, "Another neer arrives. Let''s see what kind of individual stands before me this time." But then, he paused, a feeling of unease washed over him. The figure on the shore wasn''t showing the typical signs of a neer ¡ª no anxiety or unease. Instead, the individual gazed up at the moon, as calm and serene as the Ferryman himself. Even without using his divine sight, and despite the vast distance between them, the Ferryman recognized that silhouette. The realization hit him like a tidal wave. The sight of the familiar figure left the Ferryman stunned. "Is it really him again?" Just moments ago, he had beenmenting the impermanence of those he had ferried, and now he was confronted by a face he recognized. That very man turned to look at him, his face breaking into a brilliant smile, and he greeted the Ferryman as though they were old friends. "You''re a bitte. I''ve been waiting for you," Wang Xuan remarked casually. Without waiting for the Ferryman''s response, he expertly leaped aboard the boat. Sitting down, he mused, "Few in the mortal world can appreciate the serene beauty of this realm. If only we had a pot of celestial wine now. To sip under this moon, journeying across the sea towards divinity, would be truly poetic." The Ferryman stared at the young man for a moment, trying toprehend the reality of his presence. "Has he been possessed by some formidable creature?" he wondered. Wang Xuan was still a mortal, not a true cultivator. It was inconceivable that he''d returned so soon. The image of Wang Xuan with glowing green eyes briefly shed in the Ferryman''s memory. "How do you spend your days here alone? Don''t you ever fancy a drink?" Wang Xuan inquired. The Ferryman remained silent for a moment before replying, "I''m but a vestige of transcendental power; I have no physical form or substance to indulge in such luxuries. No one can linger in this world for long." However, his astonishment was evident. "But you''ve truly surprised me, returning within a day." He studied Wang Xuan, resisting the urge to use his divine vision to see through him. "I n on visiting more often!" Wang Xuan dered with a grin. The Ferryman cast a skeptical nce at Wang Xuan. "Are you serious?" As the bamboo boat set sail across the sea, Wang Xuan chuckled internally, well aware that it was merely a voyage across a blueke and not an expansive sea. Trying to lighten the somber mood, he asked, "Do you have any unfulfilled desires from your time in the mortal world? I could help fulfill them." The Ferryman seemed unusually introspective tonight, and Wang Xuan felt an urge to help. "There''s nothing left for me in the mortal realm," the Ferryman replied. "What you see of me is merely the remnants of a mysterious power. Don''t think of striking a deal with me; I can''t assist you." Recognizing an opportunity, Wang Xuan pressed on, "Do you have any celestial scriptures or knowledge that should be passed down? It would be a misfortune for the world to lose such wisdom. I can reintroduce it to the mortal realm." Recalling his earlier entry, Wang Xuan now realized that the Ferryman was likely a treasure trove of knowledge from the celestial ranks. The Ferryman couldn''t help but chuckle at Wang Xuan''s audacity. "I''ve never met someone so bold in this ce. Not only did you take the White Tiger Demon''s belongings without hesitation, but you also dared to confront the Red-Cloaked Sorceress, and now you''re keen on my knowledge too." He found Wang Xuan''s serious demeanor amidst all this almost endearing. "But, you needn''t worry about such matters. I''m bound by rules and cannot intervene in the spiritual progress of those on this path." He teasingly asked Wang Xuan if he''d like to trade with the celestials, hinting at the grandeur they offer. But Wang Xuan shook his head. "I have nothing left to trade, and it''s best if they remain unaware of my second entry." Contemting further, Wang Xuan sought the Ferryman''s advice on how the Red-Cloaked Sorceress might enter the mortal realm, so he could prepare ordingly. "It''s hard to predict, but any entryes at a significant cost to her. She wouldn''t risk entering with her full strength, fearing retaliation from an ancient pact," the Ferryman revealed. Musing over this, Wang Xuan pondered, "If her strength is limited, can I trap her in the mortal realm and use that as leverage against her?" The Ferryman stared at Wang Xuan in admiration. Just how vast was this young man''s ambition? "Are you serious about this?" Wang Xuan nodded resolutely. "One should always have dreams. What if theye true?" He resolved to enhance his strength in the immediate future. If the sorceress''s powers were indeed weakened in the mortal realm, he''d be ready to give her a considerable surprise. As the bamboo boat sailed on, the Ferryman, who typically didn''tmunicate with beings beyond the veil, noticed an anomaly on the sea''s surface. Wang Xuan saw it too. "A message in a bottle? Here in this realm?" Wang Xuan expressed his surprise as a silvery bottle drifted towards the boat. The Ferryman acknowledged, "Yes, it''s sent from beyond the curtain." He opened the bottle, and a streak of light shot out, which he quickly captured, gleaning its content. "Somebody is willing to pay a high price to thwart the Red-Cloaked Sorceress and is seeking coborators," the Ferryman ryed the message. This very message was appearing across other significant realms. "Great news!" Wang Xuan eximed joyfully. "Do you wish to connect with this entity? Perhaps coborate?" the Ferryman inquired. "No," Wang Xuan declined, adding, "What if this is a trap set by the sorceress herself, luring me into her grasp?" The Ferryman paused, pondering. Have the young ones of this era lost their innocence? Were they learning too early from the sly old beings? Standing up, Wang Xuan felt a peculiar itchiness. His vitality surged, hinting at an enhancement in his constitution. He began practicing his golden body technique, eager to grow stronger. "Have you ever ventured to the moon up there?" Wang Xuan stretched, making conversation with the Ferryman. He remembered the craters on the moons of both the old and the new worlds. One was linked to advanced technology, the other with celestial beings. He wondered if this realm''s moon hid secrets too. "I haven''t," replied the Ferryman. "The rules forbid me from getting too close." Wang Xuan, curious, pressed on, "Doesn''t that moon resemble a gateway? I wonder where it might lead." "Your face is peeling off!" The Ferryman abruptly pointed out. Unperturbed, Wang Xuan replied, "It''s just natural shedding. I''m used to it. And the next time Ie in, you will be too." The Ferryman held his tongue, though he wanted to challenge, ''You n on returning?'' But recalling theirst encounter, he refrained. After all, Wang Xuan had already proven his uncanny ability to surprise him once. Wang Xuan was filled with regret. Despite shedding ayer of skin, his advancement had only reached thetter stages of the Grandmaster level and not the transcendent realm, leaving him somewhat disappointed. The Ferryman couldn''t help but roll his eyes. In just a day, Wang Xuan had journeyed through the secret paths of the Realm of the Departed twice, soaring from a mere mortal master level to thetter stages of the Grandmaster. Yet, he seemed insatiable. "Much of the essence from the demon fruit was expelled from your body. One should learn to be content," the Ferryman advised. With a sigh, Wang Xuan replied, "What else can I do? I guess I''ll have to return some other time." Growing weary of the conversation, the Ferryman offered a final piece of advice, "Don''t take this ce lightly. A single misstep might spell disaster." He then hastily ushered Wang Xuan off the boat, hoping not to see him again anytime soon. Wang Xuan discarded the skin he''d shed, practicing the body techniques of Zhang Daoling as he journeyed on. The fourth move, which he had previously struggled with, now flowed seamlessly. He could execute the first four moves in one go, a testament to his newfound strength. Furthermore, his practice of the Golden Body Technique had advanced to thete stages of the seventh level, bolstering his defense. This technique wasn''t widely practiced, as even the seventh level usually demanded sixty-four years of dedication. Only beings from the transcendent star realm, with the aid of medicinal herbs, stood a chance. The average person would deem it impossible. Yet, Wang Xuan, with his two trips through the secret paths, was on the verge of mastering this level, a feat that would surely astonish many. By the time he reached the outskirts of the Forbidden Land, it was deep into the night. The sky was dotted with stars, and eerie howls of strange creatures echoed in the distance. Wang Xuan rested at the edge of the Realm of the Departed, and by dawn, he surveyed his surroundings with a touch of frustration. He had, in session, targeted the rare medicinal properties of the silkworm snake, silver bear, and bronze mountain turtle. This had put all the creatures in the vicinity on high alert, making it nearly impossible to approach theirirs in theing days. Early in the morning, he spotted a bronze-hued mountain turtle patrolling its territory. It glided effortlessly over cliffs and through treetops, as if dancing on water or perhaps practicing the ethereal steps of the Spirit Turtle. With an agility belying its size, the mountain turtle almost seemed airborne as it scoured the forest and hillsides. It was evident that it harbored a grudge and was determined to find Wang Xuan. The turtle was convinced that Wang Xuan was alive and hiding nearby, as it had personally witnessed him traversing the Forbidden Land unharmed. Left with little choice, Wang Xuan stealthily maneuvered around the edge of the mystical mist, circumventing the mountain turtle. He made his escape from the Realm of the Departed via a different route, deciding to steer clear of the area for the next few days. He surmised that any humanoid approaching this area would be in for misfortune. "I wonder how Zhao Qinghan and the others are faring," Wang Xuan pondered with concern. A day and a night had passed since he had managed to divert and eventually vanquish the foreign Grandmasters. However, heter discovered that there were more than just one group that had arrived. Although he was a bit anxious, he believed that with Grandmaster Ma by her side, Zhao Qinghan would remain unharmed. Still, the possibility of unforeseen mishaps lingered in his mind. Following the same route, Wang Xuan''s expression grew grave as he once again encountered a group of young powerhouses, all of whom were at the Grandmaster realm. Eavesdropping on their conversation and tapping into his spiritual realm, Wang Xuan gathered invaluable intel. In the vastness of space, three transcendents were in alliance. They had simultaneously decided to converge on this secret location, representing twelve organizations from the three worlds. The motive was clear; this secretnd contained relics left behind by ascended immortals, which held the promise of unimaginable opportunities and was hence a prize worth fighting for. Outside this sacred area, non-transcendent battles raged on. The victor would acquire the treasures left behind by the ascended immortals. For those who hadn''t reached transcendence, this treasure held the potential to alter their destinies. Deeply moved by this revtion, Wang Xuan pushed these concerns to the back of his mind, deciding first to seek out Zhao Qinghan. Chapter 157: A Reunion Chapter 157: A Reunion In the early dawn, Wang Xuan set out, the morning light painting a rosy glow on his path as he sought his old friends from the new star. His thoughts wandered to Wu Yin, who had been taken by the beast and had vanished without a trace. "I''m not far from the realm of transcendence. I''ll visit that grand canyon," he mused, determined to explore the area once he attained his newfound power. Elsewhere that morning, another group ventured deeper into the Hidden Land, moving away from its outskirts. An elderly figure from the Song family nced over at Zhong Yong and remarked, "Old Zhong, I never took you for one to care so much for the younger generation." At that moment, Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng, Zhong Yong''s offspring, were grilling rat meat. Despite the rats being creatures of transcendence, the siblings wore grim expressions. This was, after all, their first time eating such fare out of necessity. Zhong Yong sighed, "My own children have disappointed me. I must now pin my hopes on the fourth and fifth generations." The elderly Song sneered, "You''ve always been so fearful of death, aiming for that Five-Colored Elixir. I reckon you might just wear out these young ones if they don''t reach the transcendent realm." Zhong Yong replied, "Song, I entrust them to you. Take them to the ruined city of the earth immortals and stay hidden for a while." It was unforeseen that beings from the transcendents woulde topete in this mysteriousnd. A majestic white peacock had informed them that the journey to transcendence was treacherous. If they wished to avoid the battles of the transcendent, they could take refuge in the ruined city of the earth immortals, safe from harm. Although explorers from the new star had ventured into this Hidden Land for many years, none were aware of the ancient remains of the city where earth immortals once resided. Song tried to reason with Zhong, "Old Zhong, you''ve lived over a century. What more do you seek? Why risk yourself in these battles of the transcendent? Sometimes, I just can''t fathom your decisions." Song had always known Zhong as a cautious man, always choosing the path of longevity. Yet, his decision to join the transcendent battles had taken Song by surprise. Gazing at the horizon, Zhong Yong dered, "If I don''t indulge myself onest time, I''ll truly be old." Song looked at Zhong''s face, which still resembled that of a man in histe forties. He thought to himself, it hasn''t been that long since you escaped in that life-pod, rejuvenating your life. And now, you''re alreadymenting about aging? "If you refuse to age any longer, Zhong, everyone in your family might just lose their minds!" the elderly Song eximed. Zhong Yong shook his head and responded, "When I speak of growing old, I mean in terms of my spiritual cultivation. If I find no more breakthroughs, if there''s no significant progress ahead, then my journey in this lifetime is drawing to its end." Song argued, "There''s no need for you to join these transcendent battles. They''re perilous. Just one look at those from the three transcendents and you can tell they''re not to be trifled with." "But neither am I," retorted Zhong with a smirk, his tone confident. "My training and techniques surpass theirs. I''ve a foundation built over a century, which is deeper than theirs. I''m not aiming for the top ten positions; I merely seek the reward for the twentieth rank." His regrety in the fact that the New Worldcked transcendent materials, and he felt he had missed out on much. Song, however, had no response. Although the New World wasn''t a transcendent, Zhong Yong had managed to amass a collection of the most astonishing scriptures. From the secret texts of the Daoist ancestral halls to the legendary Five-Colored Jade Book and the path of the Golden Elixirid out by Chen Tuan, Zhong''s collection had it all. Suddenly, Zhong squinted into the distance, "I believe I recognize someone. Song, lead the children into the ruined city of the earth immortals ahead. I need to investigate." And without waiting, he dashed forward. Old Chen disappeared in a sh, not having anticipated encountering Zhong Yong in the depths of this Hidden Land. By now, he was convinced of the legends. Zhong, with his century of rigorous cultivation, was the pinnacle figure of the old arts. "Little Chen!" Zhong Yong called out as he closed the distance, "I knew you weren''t dead. Never expected to reunite in such a ce. Don''t run! Let''s team up,bine our strengths, and seize the transcendent opportunities here!" With long strides, he sprinted in pursuit. Old Chen grimaced. In this era, only this old fiend from the New World had the audacity to address him as ''Little Chen''. ¡­¡­ Deep within the Hidden Land lies the Ruined City of the Earth Immortals, a sanctuary for those who withdraw from the transcendent battles. Within the city''s walls, conflict is forbidden, ensuring the safety of its inhabitants. However, outside the city, such protective measures are absent. Those who haven''t reached the transcendent realm receive no protection, a notion acknowledged both in the Hidden Land and on the three transcendents. If you''re not transcendent, you''re still considered a mortal, unworthy of the attention of a transcendent civilization. Wang Xuan sprinted through the wilds, brushing past the inhabitants of the three transcendents several times. He paid them no mind, cutting a path through the woods. "That man from the Eura Star is formidable!" one onlooker remarked from a distance, apprehensive about confronting Wang Xuan. Dressed in a refined, intricate helmet and a metallic, glossy battle armor, Wang Xuan was mistaken for a young powerhouse from one of Eura Star''s top four organizations. Despite his long search, Wang Xuan couldn''t locate anyone from the new star. The only signs he found were traces of blood along the way, causing a sinking feeling in his heart. People from Eura, Yuhua, and Heluo, the three transcendents, began to emerge in groups. Eventually, twelve organizations,prising 120 young warriors, would wander the outer regions of the Hidden Land, making it the most perilous phase. However, Wang Xuan had already eliminated one organization from Eura Star. The regions of the Hidden Land were differentiated based on energy concentration. Although the outer regions were less concentrated, terrifying creatures still lurked there. As a day and night passed, the dangers multiplied. "The Grandmaster Ma is elusive," Wang Xuan mused. "It moves so silently, leaving hardly a trace behind." Unlike the horse, Wang Xuan''s powerful strides, covering twenty meters at a time, crushed the ground beneath him, leaving distinct footprints. By the afternoon, he finally stumbled upon the hoofprints of the Grandmaster Ma, surrounded by a web of cracks on the shattered ground. Wang Xuan''s expression changed; this indicated that the Grandmaster Ma had faced danger and sprinted away. Not good news. Wang Xuan followed the intermittent hoofprints, noticing that asionally they disappearedpletely, a sign of the Grandmaster Ma''s mystical abilities to conceal its tracks. As the sun began to set, Wang Xuan spotted the Grandmaster Ma deep within the dense forest. His heart sank at the sight of wounds on the majestic white steed, especially a bleeding wound on its hindquarters that resembled an arrow injury. The absence of Zhao Qinghan by the horse''s side signaled potential trouble. Grandmaster Ma, meanwhile, angrily grazed on the fresh grass, a glowing white mist exhaling from its nostrils, as if nursing a grievance. Deep within the Hidden Land, Wang Xuan approached Grandmaster Ma, the mystical beast renowned for its keen perception. Even at a distance, the creature sensed his approach, raising its proud head to survey him. Wang Xuan''s spiritual senses extended beyond the dense foliage, and he was relieved to detect the presence of Zhao Qinghan nearby. Drawing closer, Grandmaster Ma snorted, ncing sideways at Wang Xuan before pointedly directing his gaze to Zhao. It seemed as if the majestic creature was seeking appreciation or perhaps a reward. Brushing off the creature''s imposing head, Wang Xuan proceeded forward, his footsteps echoing softly. Zhao Qinghan, who was preparing some crushed medicinal herbs for Grandmaster Ma, heard his approach. Ready to defend herself, she quickly hid behind arge tree, her alloy dagger in hand. Upon recognizing Wang Xuan, her guarded expression transformed into one of radiant joy. For someone who had always remainedposed in the New World, her radiant smile was a rare sight, revealing genuine emotion. The perils of the Hidden Land, with its monstrous creatures and hunters from foreignnds, had made her raw and vulnerable. "Are you hurt?" Wang Xuan inquired. "I''m fine," she responded, her voice tinged with mncholy. "But we lost one explorer, and Grandmaster Ma was injured by an arrow." She recounted the tale of a deadly archer from another realm who had, from an incredible distance, managed to strike down one of their team members and injure Grandmaster Ma. If not for the sheer distance separating them, both she and Grandmaster Ma might have met a simr fate. Zhao Qinghan''s resilience was evident; after a brief moment of mourning, she quickly regained herposure. "Why are you dressed like one of them? You''re not hurt, are you?" She approached Wang Xuan, examining him for injuries. "I had a close encounter with a group from another world. They didn''t fare well against a transcendent creature, but I managed to escape unscathed," Wang Xuan exined. Just then, Grandmaster Ma intruded, leaning in with an indignant expression. When Wang Xuan brushed the creature''s head away, it only seemed to infuriate the proud beast further. With determination, Grandmaster Ma wedged his head between Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan, eyes fixed on Wang Xuan. Zhao Qinghan chuckled. "He''s thinking about the insects you promised him," she remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Zhao Qinghan''s protective gear was tattered from thorns and brambles, leaves caught in her disheveled hair. Even in her disarray from the hasty escape, her beauty remained unparalleled. The torn protective suit revealed her statuesque figure, long slender legs, and a face of delicate beauty, offering a unique allure. Grandmaster Ma, the majestic beast, nodded impatiently, clearlymunicating that it was time for Wang Xuan to fulfill his promise. "The insects... I used them up..." Before Wang Xuan could finish, Grandmaster Ma lunged, as if intending to tackle him. Quickly, Wang Xuan pushed him away, saying, "Hold on, I have something even better for you." He pulled out four golden-yellow kernels and shoved them towards the creature''s mouth. "Recognize these? These are the seeds of the Demon Fruit. I saved them especially for you." Grandmaster Ma''s eyes widened in disbelief, then fury. The flesh of the fruit? Eaten by you? And you left only the seeds for me? This was beyond an insult! With anger shing in his eyes, the beast snapped at Wang Xuan''s fingers. Clearly, he felt deeply slighted. Dodging quickly, Wang Xuan avoided the bite. The beast was proving to be more sentient by the moment. Signaling Zhao Qinghan to mount him, it seemed he intended to whisk her away, presumably to distance her from Wang Xuan. Zhao Qinghan burst intoughter, hurrying to calm the creature and tend to its wounds. Despite the recent perils, herughter was youthful, radiant, and sweet. Her eyes sparkled with mirth, and her beautiful face radiated a sunny disposition. "You crafty beast! Trying to steal her away from me?" Wang Xuan eximed, yfully pping Grandmaster Ma. "Do you think I dared eat the Demon Fruit''s flesh? I risked my life to retrieve these seeds for you. They contain some extraordinary energies. If you don''t want them, I''ll give them to another beast." Crack! Grandmaster Ma immediately bit into one of the seeds, chewing it quickly. His eyes widened in realization of its vor and potency, seeming to fall under some irresistible allure. In an instant, he crushed and devoured the remaining seeds, scampering to a quiet spot to savor them. It was evident that the Demon Fruit had a profound effect on creatures with extraordinary bloodlines. Throughout the night, Grandmaster Ma was restless, glowing from within as his power surged. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan cooked some game meat by the campfire, apanying it with a handful of berries they had gathered. As they ate, they shared stories and ns. Wang Xuan decided thate morning, he would lead Zhao Qinghan away from this area, leaving the battlefield to the people of the three extraordinarys. He chose to abstain from their confrontations for now. However, he vowed to returnter and exact his revenge. After all, these individuals had pursued and tried to kill Zhao Qinghan, wounded Grandmaster Ma, and killed some of their expedition members. The treasures left behind by the celestial beings in the external regions, capable of changing destinies, were not something Wang Xuan was willing to hand over to the people from the threes. After their meal, the twoy side by side on the grass, less than a foot apart, gazing up at the star-studded night sky. To their side, Grandmaster Ma glowed like a light bulb, undergoing a slow transformation. "The outsiders are formidable," Zhao Qinghan mused, "If they can threaten the White Horse Colt, it means they are all grandmasters..." Her rity was evident. The existence of so many young grandmasters concerned her, making her fear they might never return to their home, Nova. "Don''t worry," Wang Xuan reassured, "It won''t be long before we safely leave this hidden realm and return to Nova." Zhao Qinghan turned to look at him, finding his eyes bright and radiant as they reflected the starry sky above, brimming with confidence. This gave her a sense offort and security. As dawn broke and the first rays of the sun painted the forest with a vibrant array of colors, the atmosphere shimmered beautifully with floating energy. Wang Xuan abruptly rose to his feet, sensing the approach of outsiders. He surmised that they had likely spotted the radiant Grandmaster Ma from afar and were now closing in on their position. The usually calm Grandmaster Ma seemed agitated, his nostrils emanating a white glow. As Zhao Qinghan awoke, she quickly adjusted her attire, her gaze soon settling on the approaching figures from the foreignnds. From four distinct directions, a person approached, including the formidable archer with his signaturerge bow, already nocked with an iron arrow. Although tension initially gripped her, Zhao Qinghan gradually found her calm, standing by Wang Xuan''s side. "It seems we couldn''t escape them after all," she remarked. Without uttering a word, Wang Xuan gently pulled her behind him, positioning himself between her and the bowman. That particr individual, with his weapon poised to strike, was the primary threat. "You stand before me, shielding me once more in the face of grave danger," Zhao Qinghan whispered, her usually astute andposed demeanor giving way to a rare moment of emotion. She sighed softly, wrapping her arms around Wang Xuan for a fleeting moment. "Thank you," she whispered. Intent on standing beside him, ready to face whatever oue awaited them, she attempted to step forward. But Wang Xuan held her back, his focus unwaveringly fixed on the man with the bow. Chapter 158: His Strength Revealed Chapter 158: His Strength Revealed As dawn broke, a multitude of vibrant energy particles danced in the air, intertwining with the fresh scent of grass and trees. Bathed in sunlight, they shimmered brilliantly, revealing their true splendor. But this tranquil beginning to a new day was soon disrupted by unexpected visitors. Wang Xuan stood in a standoff against four masterful warriors. He remained stoic, the morning sunlight casting a soft golden hue upon his upright figure. "Are you from Eura?" One of the figures inquired coldly, hisnguage awkward and challenging, distinct from that of Eura. Deciphering the meaning through a spiritual connection, Wang Xuan recognized them as people from Heluo, another group of young Grandmasters who had ventured into this mysteriousnd, known for their formidable prowess. "Eura!" Wang Xuan responded aloud, emphasizing the name of his home, hoping they''d understand. "Send the woman behind you to us, leave your steed, and you may leave," the man holding a brownish bowmanded, a chilling smile ying on his lips. Dressed in blue armor, crafted from a unique alloy that partly covered his face, he exuded a sense of icy detachment. All four of them wore simr metallic protective suits, exuding an aura of menace, with the bowman clearly the most dominant and powerful amongst them. Wang Xuan''s gaze met theirs, feigning misunderstanding. However, inside, a storm of rage brewed; this man dared to harbor intentions against Zhao Qinghan? Since their arrival in this secretive region, thepeting and warring parties had started showing their true colors, some acting more on primal instincts than rationality. Amongst the four, a woman seemed visibly displeased by the bowman''s demands, expressing her discontent with a cold snort, yet she did nothing to intervene. Feigning confusion, Wang Xuan uttered, "Ji li... Eura?" His intent was to make the bowman lower his guard, preferably gesturing and exining, taking his fingers off the bowstring. If that happened, Wang Xuan would seize the opportunity to strike with full force. At this distance, both Zhao Qinghan and the white horse colt were gravely endangered by the expert archer. The archer, adorned in blue alloy armor, was a formidable figure. His instincts were sharp, and the sole reason he hadn¡¯t struck instantly was the unease the man before him evoked¡ªa feeling so intense it made his heart flutter. By demanding Zhao Qinghan and the white colt, he was indirectly threatening them, implying he could swiftly and efficiently eliminate both. Meanwhile, he was also gauging Wang Xuan''s reactions, testing if the Euran would show any signs of hesitation. From another direction, a young man gestured at the archer, pointing at Zhao Qinghan. With a sly grin, he beckoned her over. Zhao Qinghan''s face darkened. Typically calm andposed, she felt cornered in this unfamiliar territory, especially against foreign Grandmasters whose tactics she couldn''t anticipate. "We''ll break through. Hold on tight," Wang Xuan whispered. He quickly ced a protective gear from his own head onto hers. He had observed the archer''s caution: a hand always on the bowstring, always on guard against him. Clearly, this was a formidable adversary. Deciding not to wait any longer, Wang Xuan prepared to strike. Despite the looming danger, Zhao Qinghanplied swiftly, without hesitation. She clung to his back, arms wrapped around his neck. "Resisting to the very end?" a voice drawled from another direction. The archer''s demeanor shifted to an even more serious mode. "Something''s off about this Euran," he warned. The other three paused. They deeply respected their leader, especially for his sharp instincts and powerful senses. The trio immediately tightened their formation, advancing in a coordinated hunt. "Stay alert!" Wang Xuan warned the horse, then began striding towards the archer. The man from Heluo, d in shining blue armor, readied his bow. The iron arrow glowed a matching blue. "Attack!" The remaining three moved in perfect harmony with the archer¡ªone unleashed thunder, another brandished a spear¡ªall aiming for Wang Xuan''s vital points. In this critical moment, the majestic horse sprung into action, intercepting one attacker with a powerful move known as the "Tan Leg". Boom! Wang Xuan''s stance erupted with such force that the ground beneath him cracked and shattered. His immense strength caused the terrain to crumble as he propelled himself, seemingly teleporting to a spot more than twenty meters away. Zhao Qinghan, clinging to his back, felt the gusts slicing like knives. The speed was so tremendous that she closed her eyes, resigning herself to whatever fate awaited them. A glowing iron arrow whizzed past, narrowly missing Wang Xuan''s temple. The shaft of the arrow seemed red-hot, radiating an astonishing heat, apanied by a peculiar energy that tugged and tore at everything in its path. Even a near-miss from such a missile could rip through flesh, its lethality was terrifying. Back on Heluo Star, this ace archer once single-handedly took on five adversaries of equal standing. Keeping his distance, he managed to eliminate all five Grandmasters within a quarter of an hour, a testament to his formidable skill. As the iron arrow passed by, its strange energy failed to harm Wang Xuan. A soft golden glow shimmered around his cheek and temple, rendering him seemingly invincible. The arrow continued its trajectory, piercing through seven towering trees before causing the eighth to explode into splinters. The mighty crown of the tree crashed down, the ground shaking as if from an earthquake. Wang Xuan surmised that, given the level of his defensive techniques, these dreaded arrows couldn''t easily prate his skin. However, he had no intention of standing still as a target. He feared that the immense impact from an arrow might cause pain or even slightly throw him off bnce. His primary concern was to keep Zhao Qinghan safe. Even a graze from such an arrow could result in dire consequences. "Come on, Euran!" What Wang Xuan dreaded most was the archer turning his attention to the majestic horse. Pointing at his own head and heart, he taunted the adversary. The man in the blue alloy armor, gripping hisrge bow, red with icy determination. He released one arrow after another. Each iron missile, luminous and swift, streaked like shooting stars through the dense woods. The ace archer was also on the move. Not only did he strive to maintain a consistent distance from Wang Xuan, but he also adjusted his position. He aimed to align Wang Xuan and the grandmaster horse in a straight line, so that a single shot could threaten both. Naturally, Wang Xuan wouldn''t allow this tactic to seed. He constantly shifted his direction, ensuring that the archer wouldn''t have an opportunity to take them both out with one arrow. The arrows were terrifying. Each one produced an explosive sound as it flew, reminiscent of thunderbolts erupting through the forest, the noise almost deafening. Large swathes of trees fell in their wake, shattered by the power of the arrows. Streaks of radiant light crisscrossed the dense forest, with every arrow shining brilliantly like intertwined bolts of lightning. The archer''s face darkened. His earlier apprehension wasing to fruition. Wang Xuan''s keen senses had him in awe, as every shot was expertly evaded. What did this mean? Wang Xuan''s mental prowess was astonishingly superior, even more so than his own. "You cowardly Euran! All you do is run with that woman on your back? Come on, fight us! I can crush you with one hand!" An irritated voice from behind attempted to taunt and bait Wang Xuan into confrontation. "Stop shouting, he doesn''t understand!" another pursuer eximed, continuing the chase. Unperturbed, Wang Xuan zigzagged, constantly changing his course. He had managed to close the gap with the archer to about eighty meters. For a grandmaster, this was treacherously close. Given their speed, a few steps could bring the enemy right before one''s eyes. The continuous hum of the bowstring filled the air. In a split second, the archer notched five arrows simultaneously. As he drew the bow, he vibrated the string, releasing all five arrows at once, aiming to corner Wang Xuan from every direction. This signature technique had previously enabled the archer to single-handedly defeat several Grandmasters from a great distance without a scratch on him. Wang Xuan''s expression shifted. This archer was truly formidable. Any other opponent of the same caliber would have undoubtedly been vanquished by now. In a snap decision, Wang Xuan chose a direction to break free. An illuminated arrow, pulsating with its peculiar energy, approached swiftly. With lightning-fast reflexes, Wang Xuan reached out and grasped the arrow shaft firmly. However, this was no ordinary arrow from the ace archer. Mysterious runes lit up on its shaft, sending a jolt through Wang Xuan''s fingers, causing them to slightly loosen their grip. The arrow''s shaft was as slick as a fish, effortlessly slipping from his grasp and continuing its trajectory. The arrow struck Wang Xuan squarely in the chest. Holding onto the arrow shaft with a look of sheer surprise, he inwardly marveled at the advanced techniques of the extraterrestrial worlds. They were indeed unpredictable and hard to guard against. This was truly a killing arrow! Ordinarily, most Grandmasters would find it nearly impossible to dodge such a volley of five enchanted arrows. Laughter erupted from behind. "Haha, you''ve been hit! Since you''ve declined our offer, now you''ll face the consequences. Your woman and your pegasus are doomed," someone jeered. Zhao Qinghan''s eyes snapped open, witnessing Wang Xuan gripping the tail of the arrow, its head embedded in his chest. "Wang Xuan!" Her slender, fair hand trembled as she reached out, intending to touch the wound. However, the archer''s reaction was unexpected; he was retreating rapidly. His keen senses and astounding perception allowed him to gauge the true impact of his arrow. Even if a top-tier grandmaster was hit, their chest would explode, leaving a gaping, bowl-sized hole. But there was no ssh of blood on Wang Xuan. Though he staggered as if faltering, the archer realized the truth. The arrow hadn''t pierced through Wang Xuan. It was a trap, meant to lure the archer closer. In the next moment, Wang Xuan regained hisposure and gave chase. The adversary, seasoned and experienced, wasn''t fooled. The forest erupted as the two mighty beings raced, their footfalls creating massive craters. The sheer force crushed the stones beneath them. The archer''s face turned pale. He realized he was up against his worst nightmare. Wang Xuan must have mastered some invincible defensive technique, like the ''Diamond Body'', perfected to an unparalleled level among mortals, capable of blocking his enchanted arrows. In the realm of Grandmaster, someone of Wang Xuan''s caliber would have few rivals. If one got close to him, the oue would be grim. With a thunderous crash, amidst exploding vegetation, Wang Xuan caught up with the archer and struck without mercy. The young grandmaster from Heluo Star was indeed formidable. Even in closebat, he was remarkably skilled. However, in the sessive shes with Wang Xuan, he found himself outmatched. His arm, under the gleaming golden palm of Wang Xuan, fractured, prompting a cry of resentment. With one swift move, Wang Xuan''s palm struck his adversary''s head, causing the skull to cave in, killing him instantly. Wang Xuan refrained from shattering the skull entirely, admiring the exquisite alloy armor the man wore. It seemed to possess formidable defensive properties. The two men who had been in pursuit arrived just in time to witness the abrupt end of thebat. Their expressions shifted instantly, suspecting a trap. Without uttering a word, they turned and fled. Wang Xuan, with a surge of energy resonating within him, and employing the martial techniques taught by Elder Zhang, gave chase to one of them. He was determined not to let any dys allow the other escapee a chance to get away. The martial techniques recorded in the Five Golden Pages represented Wang Xuan''s utmostbat strength. And as expected, the pursued man met a tragic end with a single palm strike from Wang Xuan, his skull fractured and he copsed. Of course, Wang Xuan ensured that he didn¡¯t get his hands too messy with blood and brain matter. In no time, he caught up with the second escapee, and after a brief skirmish, that man too was vanquished. Zhao Qinghan, who had been watching, found the scene surreal. Has Wang Xuan just defeated three Grandmasters consecutively? Her usualposure was nowhere to be found. Wang Xuan hastened back, intent on confronting the fourth opponent. In the nearby forest, the grandmaster Ma showcased his prowess. Seemingly, the core of the demon fruit had transformed him, making him glow through the night and amplifying his strength. With abination of biting and kicking, he was evenly matched with his opponent, neither giving an inch. Slowing his pace, Wang Xuan nced back at Zhao Qinghan on his back and said, ¡°Now that you''ve seen my true strength, what do you think I should do next?¡± Chapter 159: There’s Still Space For A Lover Chapter 159: There¡¯s Still Space For A Lover Wang Xuan turned his gaze to Zhao Qinghan, who sat just behind him. Their faces were close, and the delicate scent she carried filled the air between them. Her bright eyes met his, and the gentle breath she exhaled caressed his face. As she opened her mouth to speak, Wang Xuan gently set her down. The reason was not her words, but the clear dissatisfaction from the Grandmaster Ma. Grandmaster Ma, the horse, was visibly agitated. Its nostrils red, emitting a white glow. It had been fiercely engaged inbat, using abination of biting and kicking to keep its foe at bay. Yet, amidst this intense battle, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan appeared to be having a tender moment, locking eyes and losing themselves to each other. Grandmaster Ma neighed loudly, expressing its immense displeasure. It seemed on the verge of abandoning the fight, thinking perhaps it would be easier just to let its adversary go. However, when Wang Xuan approached the scene, the mood shifted immediately. The enemy Grandmaster, from the Heluo, felt a spine-chilling dread. Seeing Wang Xuan''s return only confirmed his worst fears that hispanions likely met their ends. An attempt to flee was thwarted when Grandmaster Ma unleashed a bolt of lightning from its mouth, temporarily paralyzing him. The power of the lightning had been amplified after consuming the demon fruit''s core. As Wang Xuan advanced, with a mere flick of his finger, he sent forth a terrifying me. The fire struck the enemy, turning his alloy armor a glowing red. The man screamed, desperately channeling his inner energy to fend off the mes, narrowly avoiding being burned alive. Seizing the opportunity, Grandmaster Ma shot out another bolt of lightning, sending the enemy soaring through the air. With unmatched agility, the horse lunged forward, performing a graceful move reminiscent of a horse stepping over a swallow in flight. Landing triumphantly atop the fallen foe, it seemed quite pleased with its deft move. In a flurry of kicks and stomps, Grandmaster Ma took over, leaving the adversary half-dead in no time. Wang Xuan, seeing this, decided to let the horse handle the rest, standing back and letting the Grandmaster finish what it started. As the sun began its ascent, the world came to life. Dewdrops glistened on the leaves of flowers and vines, shimmering in the soft glow of dawn, hinting at the boundless vitality of nature. The sun-kissed forest radiated an ethereal light, a sight both serene and treacherous. Breaking the calm, a massive bird of prey soared across the sky, its piercing cry slicing through the dawn''s tranquility. From a distance, the roar of some unknown creature resonated, disrupting the picturesque morning. It was a reminder: this was the Forbidden Forest, and vignce was essential. Zhao Qinghan, tall and poised, gracefully made her way through thendscape, seemingly indifferent to the distant calls of beasts. The morning light illuminated her delicate, baster face. The strands of her shoulder-length hair seemed to glow, and her eyes sparkled as she approached Wang Xuan without uttering a word. "Do you not fear I might kill you to keep a secret?" Wang Xuan asked, his gaze shifting from Grandmaster Ma, the horse, to her. "I''m not afraid," Zhao Qinghan responded, standing directly in front of him. She was tall, almost reaching a height of 170 centimeters. She looked up into his eyes and smiled. "I''ll keep your secret." Zhao Qinghan, often known for her cold beauty, now beamed radiantly. Her smile was youthful and sweet. "No one else will know you became a grandmaster in such a short time. This will be our shared secret," she said with a hint of joy in her voice, seemingly delighted at the idea of sharing such an intimate secret. Today, she had witnessed Wang Xuan effortlessly defeating foreign grandmasters, and it left her in awe. She had never imagined that Wang, a familiar ssmate, possessed such astounding capabilities. The revtion had left her in a daze, struggling toprehend the full extent of his power. After all, he was someone she knew well, yet his true strength was astonishing. Beneath the soft light of the rising sun, Zhao Qinghan smiled, her lips curving up at the corners. She ced her hands gently on Wang Xuan''s shoulders, gazing intently into his eyes. Slowly, she tiptoed and swiftly nted a kiss on his cheek. As she pulled away, her vibrant red lips appeared even more enchanting amidst the glow of dawn. Wang Xuan was taken aback by her unexpected gesture. Wang Xuan''s mention of "killing to keep a secret" was clearly in jest, a fact that Zhao Qinghan understood. Wang Xuan trusted her implicitly, confident that she wouldn''t betray his secret. He saw Zhao as a bright, principled individual. She was shrewd, capable of handling situations adeptly, and she had always been kind to him as a ssmate. Before they ventured into the Forbidden Forest, she had assured him that as long as she remained unharmed, he would face no danger. True to her word, once they arrived, she had ensured his safety, even ensuring they camped close to each other during the nights. It was her unwavering dedication to his safety that hadpelled Wang Xuan to rescue her from the clutches of a monster, with the two of them soaring through the night sky together. Their shared experiences, especially their close brushes with death in the Forbidden Forest, had naturally drawn them closer. They wererades who had faced adversity together, forging a bond of trust and reliance. However, as for taking their rtionship a step further, into the realms of romance, Wang Xuan believed they weren''t quite there yet. He was a rational person and had a clear perspective on matters of the heart. He was sure that Zhao Qinghan, even more level-headed than him, felt the same. While their shared perils had fostered a deep bond and Wang Xuan had gone to great lengths to save her, he believed Zhao''s feelings were more of gratitude than romantic affection. He felt he understood her well. She had clear aspirations for the future and was incredibly poised. Even during their school days, she was actively involved in managing her family''s affairs. Living in a technologically advanced city, Zhao Qinghan wielded a portion of her family''s resources and power. She was a woman of strong convictions and a defined sense of self. Wang Xuan had once told his friend, Qin Cheng, that ordinary men stood no chance with a woman of Zhao''s caliber. He had advised him to stay grounded in reality. This perspective was not just for his friend''s benefit; it reflected Wang Xuan''s own realistic understanding. That''s why Zhao Qinghan''s recent gesture took him by surprise. Reflecting on their shared experiences in the Forbidden Forest, Wang Xuan realized the bond between him and Zhao Qinghan had indeed deepened. On multiple asions, he had saved her from life-threatening situations, and perhaps those moments of vulnerability led Zhao to show an umonly sentimental side. Yet, they had only truly been close for a short time, and Wang Xuan was clear-headed about this. He believed their bond was stronger than that of mere friends but not yet at the level of lovers. Taking a step back, Zhao seemed briefly tense after giving Wang Xuan an unexpected peck on the cheek. Yet, she quickly regained herposure, standing unapologetically in the soft morning sunlight, her beautiful eyes glinting. She smiled, saying, "Even though we''ve known each other for a while, our true connection only began recently. You''ve saved me multiple times, and for that, I am both grateful and deeply moved. There was a moment when my heart fluttered. But to call what we have a romantic rtionship would be premature." She candidly admitted that the dangers of the Forbidden Forest had made her more vulnerable than usual. Acting on impulse and knowing she was the only one privy to his secret, she had kissed him on the cheek. All Wang Xuan could do was sigh in admiration. Zhao was so poised and collected, unlike many other women who might have been flustered in such situations. "Do you have anything to say?" she asked, a yful smile gracing her delicate features. "You''ve said it all. What more can I add?" Wang Xuan said, slightly exasperated. He felt as though he''d been put on the back foot, an unusual feeling for him. "I think I was taken advantage of, and it''s only fair I return the favor." Without hesitation, he held her face and nted a firm kiss on her cheek. Then, attempting to kiss her lips, he was stopped by a gracefully raised finger. Undeterred, he kissed her other cheek. In his mind, he felt he''d redeemed himself, ensuring he wasn''tpletely passive in their exchange. Zhao Qinghan pulled out herpact mirror and inspected her reflection. For the first time, a faint blush colored her cheeks, and two distinct red marks were visible. She shot Wang Xuan a reproachful look. Why were you so forceful? With a bright smile, Wang Xuan jokingly remarked, "Those who practice the Golden Body Technique have excellent physical stamina!" Suddenly, both felt something amiss. Turning swiftly, they caught sight of Grandmaster Ma, the horse, stealthily peeking at them with deep, mysterious eyes. "Has this horse gained sentience? Sneaking up on us like this!" Wang Xuan eximed, giving the horse a yful p to shoo it away. Zhao Qinghan, always the observant one, noted with surprise, "Look, there''s a bulge on either side of the white horse''s body. Could it be developing wings?" Studying the horse closely, Wang Xuan spected, "A second growth phase, huh? Alright, be a Pegasus, and soon enough, you''ll carry us through the skies to explore the heart of the Forbidden Forest." Grandmaster Ma, the horse, proudly raised its head, appearing almost disdainful of Wang Xuan''s remarks. ncing at a spot not far from them, Wang Xuan noted that the grandmaster from Heluo Star had already met his demise, trampled to death during the white horse''s frolics. Subsequently, Wang Xuanbed through the forest, not only stripping the armors off the fallen grandmasters but also searching them for any other valuable spoils of war. Later, seizing an opportunity, he took out a battle uniform from the Eura star people hidden in the shard of the blessednd and handed it to Zhao Qinghan. "We have plenty of armors. We should armor up Grandmaster Ma too," Wang Xuan suggested. Gratefully, Zhao Qinghan epted the battle gear, urging Wang Xuan to remove his Eura star battle uniform so she could wash it in a nearby spring. But as he did, she caught a glimpse of Wang Xuan''s undergarment ¨C made entirely of tree bark. She couldn''t hold back herughter. Feeling a tad embarrassed, Wang Xuan didn''t know how to respond. He quickly diverted his attention, heading deeper into the forest to retrieve the iron arrows scattered around. He appreciated the weaponry of the master archer and thought they mighte in handy in the future. Upon returning, Wang Xuan noticed Zhao Qinghan diligently cleaning each piece of battle armor. He remarked, "We don''t really need to wash the armor for Grandmaster Ma." Grandmaster Ma, taking offense, looked at Wang Xuan with growing displeasure, contemting whether to part ways with him. However, recalling the mysterious bugs and the core of a demonic fruit he had consumed recently, the horse reconsidered. Those delicacies had been instrumental in its transformation. "We should clean it anyway," Zhao Qinghan interjected. Grandmaster Ma immediately nodded in agreement, though momentster, it seemed to grow disinterested in watching the two humans. Zhao Qinghan smiled, adding, "After all, we''ll be riding on him." As Wang Xuan sifted through the spoils of war, he discovered a unique metal tag he had taken from the archer. He had seen something simr among the belongings of the Eura star people, and he quickly retrieved it from his pouch. Both tags, no bigger than a palm, were silvery-grey, ornate with intricate designs, and made of a sturdy alloy. Previously, Wang Xuan hadn''t given them much thought, but now, he couldn''t help but be curious. Extending his spiritual senses, he examined the tags, sensing an unusual presence within them. His exploration was met with resistance, as if a mysterious force blocked him. Taking a deep breath, Wang Xuan exerted more pressure, but hastily withdrew when he felt a strange pull. Intrigued, he realized that each tag contained a dense, mysterious substance. Wang Xuan pondered, "Could these teams be battling andpeting to collect and snatch these metal tags from each other?" Noting her attention, he asked Zhao Qinghan, "What do you think these tags resemble?" While washing the armor beside a clear spring, Zhao Qinghan nced at them and said, "Keys. They remind me of ancient keys used in old locks." A flurry of thoughts raced through Wang Xuan''s mind. An excited realization dawned on him, "Could there be a secret chamber that requires this mysterious substance to unlock?" If that were the case, he wouldn''t need to gather more tags; he already had the keys! "Could there be a hidden sanctum in the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest? Perhaps a ce holding a unique treasure?" Wang Xuan spected. "A relic left behind by the ancient immortals, concealed within this treasure?" His eyes gleamed with anticipation. Chapter 160: She Came From The Old World Chapter 160: She Came From The Old World The treasures left behind by the Immortals were tantalizing. Elites from three extraordinarys ¨C Eura, Heluo, and Yuhua ¨C had traveled through the vast expanse of space, engaging in fierce battles and rivalry to seize these unique items that held the power to change their destinies. Wang Xuan delicately felt the two metal tags, inspecting their intricate designs. However, he couldn''t discern any hidden secrets. The real value of these tagsy in the mysterious substances within, the essence infused by the powerful beings of the threes. "These tags evoke endless spection," Wang Xuan thought, his heart racing at the possibility of them being rted to the inner sanctums, with which he had multiple encounters. What could be so special that it would be stored within such sanctums? He couldn''t miss out on this potential treasure. His anticipation grew. He was determined to find the location and unlock the "ck box" left by the Immortals, which, he believed, contained a reward powerful enough to rewrite one''s destiny. After washing all the battle armors, Zhao Qinghan spread them out to dry in the forest. Under the sun''s rays, the armors gleamed brilliantly. Wang Xuan prepared breakfast by roasting an animal resembling a muntjac. In these mysteriousnds, their diet mainly consisted of meat and berries. "Have you deciphered anything from those keys?" Zhao Qinghan inquired. "I have some theories," Wang Xuan replied as they ate. "We should search this outer region. There''s bound to be a special ce that holds tremendous opportunities." As they dined, Wang Xuan shared his n to outpace the others, hoping to cut off their advancement. Zhao Qinghan, taken aback, listened intently. Drawing on the ground, she sketched a rudimentary map based on her knowledge. The inhabitants of the new star had explored these secretnds for years. While they knew more about the outer regions, their knowledge was still quite general,cking details. The was shrouded in mystery with a thick aura of peculiar energy that interfered with sophisticated instruments, making exploration a challenge. As they discussed their ns, Zhao Qinghan suddenly eximed, "It''s eating the meat!" To their surprise, Grandmaster Ma had quietly snatched the remaining half of the roasted muntjac. The creature first tasted a bite, then voraciously devoured the rest in the clearing. In the shimmering light of the Hidden Land, Wang Xuan remarked, ¡°It seems Grandmaster Ma is transitioning, possibly into a mythical creature.¡± He knew that as Grandmaster Ma continued to evolve, the formation of wings demanded substantial energy. And now, the creature had developed a taste for meat. After savoring his feast, Grandmaster Ma licked his lips, showing an insatiable appetite. Closing his eyes to savor the taste, it seemed he had discovered an entirely new culinary world. Under the abundant sunlight of the Hidden Land, it wasn¡¯t long before their armor driedpletely. Grandmaster Ma donned two sets of azure alloy armor, while Wang Xuan remained in his dark, gold-tinted Euran battle attire. Zhao Qinghan wore the soft ck battle dress from Eura beneath the blue-gold armor of the Old World ¨C a doubleyer of protection. Naturally beautiful, she now appeared even more radiant with the armor. The ssic armor gave her an aura reminiscent of an elegant, ancient female warrior. Wang Xuan couldn¡¯t help but appreciate, ¡°It suits you perfectly, and you exude charisma!¡± Everyone has a desire to look good, and it seemed Grandmaster Ma was no exception. Adorning the armor, he strutted gracefully, even performing a turn as if showing off. Both Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan felt that Grandmaster Ma had truly attained a level of sophistication. ¡°Impressive!¡± Wang Xuan praised. But as Grandmaster Ma raised his proud head high, Wang Xuan jokingly added, ¡°A pegasus like this would surely be a showstopper on the streets.¡± Grandmaster Ma shot him a re. Had he not been aware of his inability to defeat Wang Xuan, he might have given him a kick then and there! ¡­¡­ In the outer region of the Hidden Land, passersby gasped in astonishment upon spotting Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan. "People from Eura and the Old World have joined forces? How did theye together?" Some felt a foreboding sense of seriousness and considered long-term implications. Typically, encounters between different factions led to instant confrontations as they were natural rivals. One of the onlookers mused, "You''re overthinking it. Didn¡¯t you see that horse in armor? The people from the Old World must have been ambushed by those from Eura." Anothermented, "Such a beautiful woman, reduced to a prisoner of Eura." Although Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan seemed outnumbered as a pair, their swift passage through the dense forest deterred any pursuit. Those who witnessed their capabilities assumed they were powerful enough to annihte an entire troop. This misconception spared Wang Xuan many potential confrontations and conserved their energy. Initially, Wang Xuan had undertaken several covert operations, getting close to these foreigners, employing his psychic domain to grasp the essence of their conversations, aiming to gather valuable intelligence. In the end, with a gleam in his eye, he became convinced of the existence of an exceptional ce which required metallic ques for ess. His hypothesis had been proven right. Whether it was a realm within or a treasured artifact, it concealed wonders that could only be essed using a significant amount of mysterious elements. Regrettably, the details of this specific location eluded him. Soon, Wang Xuan made a startling realization. He would need all twelve metallic ques to get any indication or guidance. However, he felt confident in his innate ability to locate any region suffused with the mysterious elements. Both Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan opted for a cautious approach, evading individuals from the three transcendents, keen on avoiding futile confrontations. For the next two days, they explored the more remote areas in search of this peculiar ce. With two of the ques in his possession, Wang Xuan was unworried about others finding the destination first. Studying the terrain, Zhao Qinghan advised, "We shouldn¡¯t proceed further. We are getting close to the deeper parts of the Hidden Land. It''s dangerous there!" As the sun began to set, the colors in the forest ahead gleamed vibrantly, revealing a richer concentration of energy than the surrounding areas. Wang Xuan felt a surge of vitality with every step forward. A thought crossed his mind. "Could it be that the cautious old man from the Zhong family took a risk at a crucial moment and obtained a wondrous item from this very region?" "Yes, but it''s dangerous out there," Zhao Qinghan gravely confirmed. Wang Xuan''s intrigue deepened. Whatever artifact Elder Zhong had discovered was no ordinary item, especially if it could extend one''s life. The prospect tempted him. "What exactly did Elder Zhong find? Do the other wealthy families know about it?" he inquired. "Don''t venture there. It''s truly dangerous," Zhao Qinghan implored, her beautiful face solemn in the evening glow, fearing he might recklessly plunge into peril. Understanding her concern, Wang Xuan nodded. At his current level of mastery, there was no need for rash actions. A systematic progression would still lead him to great heights. However, the impending arrival of the red-clothed enchantress into the human realm weighed heavily on him, fueling his urgency to grow stronger. Even though she didn''t wish for him to take risks, Zhao Qinghan shared what she knew. "There''s a rare wonder in that ce called the Earth Immortal Spring. Many mighty creatures frequent it, making the area incredibly hazardous. That Elder Zhong emerged unscathed is truly remarkable." "Earth Immortal Spring?" Wang Xuan eximed, captivated by the name. Anything associated with Earth Immortals was far from ordinary. Zhao Qinghan rified, "The name might sound grandiose, butpared to the Earth Immortal Herb, it''s likely not as potent. Ancient texts describe it as the spring water used by Earth Immortals for brewing tea¡ªa spiritual water source. To them, it''s just water with a touch of spirituality. But for ordinary folks, it promises an additional fifty years of life." "That exins why Old Zhong looks considerably younger," Zhao Qinghan remarked. Wang Xuan''s eyes lit up with desire. "Such a treasure! We may not be Earth Immortals, but to us, this spring water might as well be the fountain of life." "It can nurture and sustain life," Zhao Qinghan exined, "but it''s not a potent elixir for breaking through barriers. The Earth Immortal Spring is mild. It nourishes the body, heals wounds, and enhances potential¡ªit''s a tonic, really." As she nced towards the deep heart of the mysticalnd, a gleam was evident in her eyes. After all, who wouldn''t yearn for eternal youth and beauty? The prospect of extending one''s life by a lifetime held immense allure for everyone. "You''ve got that sparkle in your eyes," Wang Xuan teased her. "Of course, I''d love to preserve my youth for a very, very long time!" Zhao Qinghan admitted candidly, her eyes twinkling as she gazed at the mesmerizing vista bathed in the evening glow. Still, she reiterated the need for caution. "If even Old Zhong could drink from the Earth Immortal Spring, so can we. We should head back there and bathe in that thing!" Wang Xuan dered. Upon hearing this, the grandmaster horse, apanion on their journey, eagerly perked up, looking eager and hopeful. Wang Xuan nced at the horse and assured, "Don''t worry; there will be some for you too." The horse wagged its tail in delight, but Wang Xuan added, "After we''ve had our turn, you can go have a drink too. You can even jump into the spring if you want." The horse seemed slightly annoyed, feeling as though it was always thest in line. Wang Xuan could not help but chuckle at its antics. Yet, Wang Xuan was not hasty in pursuing this newfound goal. Firstly, he still sought the mysteriousnd, and secondly, he wanted to make adequate preparations. He hoped the white horse could grow wings in theing days and also wished for Zhao Qinghan to be stronger. With the mysticalnd teeming with spiritual herbs and given Wang Xuan''s prowess, he was confident in collecting some rare items. Soon after, fortune smiled upon them. They stumbled upon a cluster of fiery-red exotic herbs called Fire Cloud Grass. Before entering this mystical realm, every explorer had been trained, and this particr herb was well-documented in herbalpendiums. Unlike some exotic fruits of myth, this one was known, unlike others which remained elusive and undocumented. In the heart of the mystical realm, a golden beast stood guard¡ªa massive cat gleaming with an aureate sheen, stretching over ten feet in length, possessing an aura nearly rivaling that of the grandmasters. Suddenly, even before Wang Xuan could approach, he spotted two figures in the distance, both familiar faces from the New Star. "Zheng Rui? Zhou Yun?" Zhao Qinghan eximed in surprise. How had they ventured so deep into this perilous territory? Zheng Rui stood poised atop a cliff, gazing intently into the depth of the realm, while Zhou Yun seemed listless, resting on a nearby boulder. Something about Zheng Rui''s demeanor was off. Hesitating, Wang Xuan signaled Zhao Qinghan to remain silent. Before long, a majestic white peacock, radiant in the evening glow, soared towards them. Even from a distance, its overwhelming presence emanated an intimidating aura, unmistakably marking it as a creature of extraordinary power. Yet, facing this mighty being, Zheng Rui remained unfazed, his face a mask of impassivity. "Something''s amiss," Wang Xuan murmured, his intuition on high alert. "It''s her. She followed us from the Old World!" Wang Xuan''s heart raced. The reach of that enigmatic figure meddling in the mortal world seemed to expand with every turn, now even making her presence felt in this secluded realm. Using his spiritual perception, Wang Xuan detected a shimmering light hovering above Zheng Rui. His heart sank, and a cold dread washed over him. For when that ethereal silhouette turned its gaze upon him, it graced him with a smile. It was¡­ Enchanting. Chapter 161: No Longer Immortal Chapter 161: No Longer Immortal The ethereal light resembled a bubble, gently bobbing in the void. Within it, a woman nced briefly at Wang Xuan before her gaze returned to the white peacock, as if she was intently listening to something. Celestial light asionally emanated from the apparition, falling upon the rocky cliffside. Without a doubt, this woman wasmunicating with the white peacock, and the process seemed to deplete some of her energy. Wang Xuan watched the falling light intently, pondering whether any residue would remain. Gradually, the luminous apparition blurred and vanished, absorbed into a beaded bracelet worn by Zheng Rui. The names - Zheng family, Origin Life Research Institute, and the Da Xing''an Range Underground Laboratory - when put together, revealed the identity of the woman. The female practitioner had arrived! Although she appeared only fleetingly before disappearing, Wang Xuan was certain of her identity. Had members of the Zheng family been manipted? The female practitioner was unique. For three millennia, her perfectly preserved physical bodyy resting in a boat made of the Feathered Divine Bamboo. Presently, of all those who ascended, it seemed only she had left behind an intact body. While an immortal leaving behind just a fragment of bone could serve as a conduit, maintaining a strong connection with the mortal realm, and potentially ying a significant role in the future, the female practitioner leaving her entire body raised many questions. Back in her time, she seemed to have meticulously prepared for every possible oue, an escape route for unforeseen circumstances. Many who ascended did so with contemtion, for from antiquity to the present, there was no established path or experience, only exploration. Why did the aplished Fang sorcerers of the Early Qin era suddenly vanish at the height of their prowess? As the most powerful among them ascended, their path became deste. These premier sorcerers once hunted divine birds and captured mythical beasts. Their travels were marked by auspicious omens, yet they vanished without a trace. The Daoist traditions followed a simr trajectory, facing numerous challenges and changes over the ages. In the evolving traditions of Daoism, the focus had initially been on achieving inner serenity and umting spiritual energy, as encapsted by the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi. Yet, as these practices required an elevated spiritual aptitude, the sect incorporated more tangible rituals like Qigong and breathing exercises. The rise and eventual fading of the alchemical arts and the golden elixir philosophy hinted at a broader sentiment: that the age of immortals was but a distant memory, and those once present had been irrevocably lost. Yet, the enigmatic Priestess stood out as a beacon of exception. Wang Xuan had inadvertently reawakened a sliver of her spirit that she had strategically concealed within the Inner Landscape. This fragment of consciousness seamlessly integrated back into her meticulously preserved body, prompting Wang Xuan to question her state of being. Could it be that she had, in some mysterious way, been reborn? His head swam with the implications, for her possession of the Feathered Divine Bamboo boat highlighted her significant influence during her time¡ªan evident sign of her foresight and meticulous nning. "Zheng Rui seems... different. He''s departed with Zhou Yun," Zhao Qinghan noted with unease. "We should steer clear. I suspect they''re under the influence of otherworldly entities," Wang Xuan advised, his voice dripping with caution. Hovering momentarily upon a cliff, the majestic white peacock took to the skies, disappearing into the heart of the mysterious territory, leaving a trail of enigmatic energy in its wake. "Could that peacock be a demonic entity?" Zhao Qinghan queried, his gaze lingering on the horizon where the creature had vanished. Wang Xuan responded with a solemn nod. "It''s highly probable, and it exudes an aura of danger. I¡¯m not eager to cross its path anytime soon." With the imminent arrival of the Red-d Fairy and the unexpected emergence of the Priestess, one couldn''t help but wonder about their motivations. Were they exploring or in search of something elusive? Wang Xuan harbored deep skepticism about the Priestess appearing here without any particr reason. He pondered if he could somehow persuade the Priestess to counteract the Red-d Fairy. Intuitively, he felt that both women were immensely powerful, and any confrontation between them would be catastrophic. But there was also the fact that the Priestess had her sights set on him, with intentions to confine him for three years. Merely reflecting upon this gave him a headache. Moreover, if the Red-d Fairy and the Priestess decided not to duel but instead recognized each other and joined forces, he''d be in grave danger. At their level, mutualpromises and alliances were more probable than conflicts. "Perhaps," he mused, "the Priestess present in this realm only embodies a fraction of her consciousness, while her main essence ascended to immortality, operating behind the scenes." This realization made him wonder if he was just overthinking and scaring himself. Although the Priestess had her physical body and some remnants of her spirit¡ªpotentially allowing her to be powerful, maybe even live again¡ªit seemed unlikely she''d cause any immediate turmoil. He concluded that if she were truly powerful, she wouldn''t have needed to use Zheng Rui''s body as a vessel and hide within his bracelet. Suddenly, Wang Xuan was seized by apulsion to gauge the true extent of the Priestess''s capabilities. He didn''t intend to confront her directly, but merely wished to meet, exchange greetings, and closely observe her through his spiritual realm. He believed that by assessing her strength, he could estimate the power level of the Red-d Fairy who was about to enter their world. However, he managed to rein in his impulsiveness. "She''s at least at a transcendental level; otherwise, she wouldn''t have dared to face that formidable white peacock," he surmised. "What are you pondering?" Zhao Qinghan inquired, looking puzzled. "The entity controlling Zheng Rui was powerful, but now it''s departed. Let''s move closer and investigate," Wang Xuan suggested. The area had since returned to calm. With caution, the duo approached and eventually ascended the cliff. Wang Xuan hadn''t forgotten the radiant light left behind by the Priestess. He immediately extended his spiritual realm to probe the rocky cliffside, searching for any residual energy. "She''s transcendent, even stronger than the Silk Serpent," he concluded after his inspection. Wang Xuan closed his eyes, immersing himself in deep reflection. When he opened them a momentter, there was a newfound confidence in his gaze. "I get the feeling," he began, "that while the realm of Transcendence is powerful, it''s not entirely out of reach." His intuition told him that his earlier predictions were proving urate. Judging from what he''d felt, the Red-d Fairy likely upied a simr tier, probably a stronger figure within the transcendent realm but certainly not divine. "Perhaps she''s a step above the ''Enlightenment¡¯ stage, probably around the ''Life Soil'' or ''Herb Gathering'' levels?" Wang Xuan mused, feeling a surge of motivation. If he could elevate himself into this transcendent domain, the scales of power might tip in his favor. Having discerned their strengths and weaknesses, Wang Xuan''s apprehensions about them began to wane. While they might be unparalleled forces elsewhere, in this world, their dominance was not unchallenged. "The realm of mortals belongs to Wang Xuan!" he whispered to himself, realizing that bolstering his capabilities was now imperative. If destiny were to set them on a collision course, he was determined to turn the tables on the Red-d Fairy. Zhao Qinghan''s jade armor glinted red in the evening glow, draping her as if she wore a crimson robe. Sheughed lightly, teasing, "What about realms beyond the mortal coil?" "Be it the realm of immortals or mortals, Wang Xuan shall have a say in it!" He dered with unwavering conviction. Bolstering his self-confidence was crucial, and he was determined to find ways to prate the transcendent realm in theing days. ¡­¡­ Before long, a roar echoed through the forest, startling the surroundings. Approaching the cluster of the fiery-red medicinal herb once more, Wang Xuan and hispanions caught the attention of a golden cat over a meter long. The formidable beast had been eyeing the same herb, known as the Firecloud Grass. Grandmaster Ma, full of enthusiasm, took it upon himself to face the golden feline, driven by a desire to consume the herb. With a startled "Meow!", the majestic creature scampered off, leaving the Firecloud Grass to its fate. However, no sooner had Grandmaster Ma tried the herb than he let out a yelp of distress. Grimacing and almost spitting the grass out, he was overwhelmed by its sheer bitterness. Half of his face seemed to go numb from the taste. Wang Xuan remarked, "The Firecloud Grass isn''t mature yet. If it''s this overpowering for Grandmaster Ma, I reckon any human who consumes it would lose their sense of taste for days and be left with lingering bitterness." Zhao Qinghan nodded in agreement. "It''s just as the herbology texts describe. I never expected it to be this bitter." Grandmaster Ma shot them an using re. Had they known about the bitterness all along and chosen not to partake? Their silent acknowledgment made his irritation all the more apparent. "Though it''s not mature, its medicinal properties are potent. Better consume it and not let it go to waste," Wang Xuan consoled. "The next spiritual herb we find won''t be bitter, I promise." The very next day, the group stumbled upon another unique medicinal nt. Glowing in a radiant purple and exuding a rich fragrance was a fruit resembling an apple. Eagerly, Grandmaster Ma took a bite but soon grimaced again, the bitterness still prevailing. Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan relished the remaining fruits, finding them sweet and juicy. Wang Xuan rified, "The Purple Jade Fruit is indeed delicious and not at all bitter. However, after consuming the Firecloud Grass, everything will taste bitter to you for days." Grandmaster Ma growled in frustration. Days of enduring the lingering bitterness? The prospect was not at all appetizing. ¡­¡­ Drawn by an irresistible pull, Wang Xuan cautiously delved deeper into the concealed realm, yearning for a mere glimpse of the legendary Celestial Spring. However, sensing the presence of ethereal beings, he quickly retraced his steps, marveling at Old Zhong''s fortunate escape from such a perilous domain. ¡°Enough with the dilly-dallying! Grow your wings so we can savor the waters of the Celestial Spring together," Wang Xuan quipped. In the ensuing days, Wang Xuan tirelessly prepared meats and sourced spiritual herbs for Grandmaster Ma. He hoped that these offerings would elerate the manifestation of the mythical wings he envisioned for hispanion. A couple of dayster, while wandering through a less vegetated terrain, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan stumbled upon an intriguing discovery. "The enigma lies just beyond!" Wang Xuan eximed, sensing a powerful and unparalleled aura, distinct from anywhere else they''d been in the realm. "It appears to be the remnants of an ancient temple," Zhao Qinghan observed, awe evident in his voice. Thendscape was strewn with the remnants of a bygone era¡ªbroken tiles and fragmented wallsy in a mncholic disarray. Dominating the center was a peculiar two-tiered mound, painted in stark ck and white, evoking images of ayered cake. This formation was the very source of the intense, mysterious aura. Wang Xuan theorized that this might be the Inner Landscape Relic. Legends spoke of supreme entities who, upon their untimely demise, would merge a fragment of their spiritual realm into a physical relic, creating wondrous artifacts. ¡°The Celestials'' treasure is likely sealed within this dual-colored mound,¡± Wang Xuan mused, his heart racing with anticipation. Yet, he hesitated to proceed. Lurking beside the mound was a massive spider, its body adorned with ck and white patterns that mirrored the mound''s hues. To Wang Xuan''s astonishment, this was no ordinary spider¡ªit hailed from the transcendent realm. Anchoring its vast web to the ruined walls, the guardian spider vigntly protected the mound''s secrets. In the depths of the Hidden Land, a location untouched by many, Wang Xuan wondered what kind of creatures might inhabit such a ce. It was evident that the beast in their vicinity, a creature of transcendence, was attracted to the mystical energies here. It had probably chosen this spot for its cultivation. The presence of such a transcendent creature was unexpected and rming. "We shouldn''t provoke it for now," Zhao Qinghan whispered, "let''s wait until Grandmaster Ma''s wings are fully grown." She believed there was no need to rush into danger. Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. He had encountered transcendent creatures before and knew well of their lethal potential. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Ma, the white horse, strutted proudly. Faint golden wings had sprouted from its sides. However, they were still small. While Grandmaster Ma could now fly short distances, he wasn¡¯t yet strong enough to carry them swiftly across vast expanses. "If they continue to grow at this rate," Wang Xuan spected, "in three days, Grandmaster Ma should be able to soar through the sky and navigate the earth. Then, we cane back here and seize our destiny." He was eager to discover the relics left behind by the immortals in the Hidden Land''s treasures, which were said to have the power to alter one''s fate. Suddenly, the distant echo of a massive explosion resonated through thendscape, causing a part of a nearby mountain to crumble. From the cloud of dust and debris, a familiar figure emerged in a frantic retreat. To Wang Xuan''s astonishment, it was none other than Old Chen, appearing in such an unexpected ce. Reacting swiftly, Wang Xuan grabbed Zhao Qinghan, seeking refuge behind a pile of boulders. Grandmaster Ma, demonstrating intelligence beyond a typical horse, followed suit, gracefully slipping into hiding. Given that Old Chen was fleeing, it was evident that he was being pursued by another transcendent creature. Thankfully, they were a good distance away. "Chen, did you even try to fight back? Always running!" From not too far behind Chen, another voice rang out. It was the old man, Zhong Yong, dashing with unparalleled speed, his feet barely touching the treetops, appearing almost as if he were flying. "Old Zhong," Chen called out, "give me your Five-Color Golden Pill technique, and perhaps I can enhance mybat capabilities!" "In exchange for your Buddha Fist!" countered Zhong Yong. Both men were in a pitiable state, covered in blood and running for their lives. Wang Xuan was taken aback. One was the sly old fisherman and the other, a cunning veteran who hadid low for a century. Surprisingly, these two had teamed up. Representing the pinnacle ofbat power from both the Old World and the New World, and known for their own cunning strategies, their coboration was indeed a formidable union. Yet, seeing them bloodied and on the run was a revtion. Behind them, six transcendent warriors were in hot pursuit. They chased the pair, who took them on a wild, circuitous route before diving deeper into the Hidden Land. It became evident to Wang Xuan just how fierce and brutal battles among the transcendent beings could be. Both old men were clearly at a disadvantage and on the run. Zhao Qinghan, with a touch of admiration in her voice, remarked, "It''s bold of Old Zhong to partake in such a transcendent battle." Known for his usual caution, Old Zhong had shown a surprising audacity, challenging fate when the stakes were high. With a solemn expression, Wang Xuan dered, "I need to be stronger, and quickly!" He yearned to venture deeper into the Hidden Land and partake in the transcendent battle himself. "If I don''t intervene, they might both perish," he muttered, realizing that saving Old Chen was imperative. As for Old Zhong, his household possessed a treasure trove of unparalleled scriptures that Wang Xuan had coveted for long. Zhao Qinghan, ever observant,mented, "Don''t be overly concerned. From the looks of it, our two acquaintances aren''t exactly at a disadvantage. On the contrary, it''s their pursuers who seem infuriated, hunting them down with palpable malice." Chapter 162: Fishing? For Real?! Chapter 162: Fishing? For Real?! In the stillness of the evening, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghany side by side amidst a bamboo grove. Through the gaps between the bamboo leaves, they could glimpse fragments of the starry sky, each star shimmering with its soft, silvery light. Not far from them, Grandmaster Ma glowed with an ethereal aura. His pristine white wings, kissed by the moonlight, were expanding and adorned with a faint golden hue. But something peculiar caught their eyes - blood dripped from the base of his wings, and mystic symbols, resonating with a demonic force, were emerging. These intricate symbols spread densely across the expansive wings and even half of the creature''s body. Both Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan approached the Grandmaster with heightened curiosity. It was evident that Grandmaster Ma was undergoing a powerful metamorphosis. His wings had grown significantly, stained with blood and bearing the mysterious symbols. "He''s nearly reached his optimal state, almost seventy to eighty percent there," Wang Xuan remarked, visibly impressed. "If he continues growing like this, thanks to the four demonic fruit cores, he''ll be even more formidable than others of his kind. He''s awakened the bloodline of his demonic ancestors, and their symbols are now manifesting!" The shimmering gold now enveloped both Grandmaster Ma''s wings and the half of his body covered in symbols. Zhao Qinghan, taken aback,mented, "Considering how powerful his bloodline seems, could he possibly transform into a celestial steed if he consumed actual demonic fruits?" The following morning, as the first rays of the sun pierced through the bamboo grove, Grandmaster Ma stood enveloped in a crystal-clear glow, his golden fur radiating brilliantly under the dawn sky. With a swift motion, he took to the sky, carrying Zhao Qinghan with ease. However, when attempting to carry both travelers, he struggled. "We''re still a bit short," Wang Xuan murmured. "He can''t quite bear both of our weights yet. But the treasures I have my eyes set on - the relics of the immortal ranks, the Earth Immortal Spring, theirs of the eight transcendents - I aim to im them all!" Filled with determination to grow stronger and to confront his formidable adversaries, Wang Xuan was ready to seize every opportunity thaty ahead. Central to their mission was leveraging the incredible speed of Grandmaster Ma. Wang Xuan made a decision: he would set out alone, seeking rare treasures. His primary objective was to gather herbs powerful enough toplete the Grandmaster''s transformation. With the newfound abilities of Grandmaster Ma, who could now soar through the skies and traverse vast terrains with a passenger, Wang Xuan was confident that Zhao Qinghan would be safe. Additionally, their current location was far from the contested territories and devoid of any transcendent beings, making it rtively secure. "As you embark on this journey, ensure your safety first before pursuing anything else," Zhao Qinghan said, approaching Wang Xuan. Bathed in the morning glow, she looked radiant. Embracing him gently, she knew well that every journey Wang Xuan undertook into the Hidden Land, teeming with the unknown and fraught with danger, could be hisst. A single mishap, and they might never see each other again. Acknowledging her concerns, Wang Xuan donned the armor from the Eura star and slung a massive bow on his back, ready to head out. "Grandmaster Ma, take good care of Qinghan. I promise, this time, I''ll bring back a genuine demonic fruit for you ¨C it''s absolutely delicious, a hundred times tastier than just the core!" With palpable excitement, Grandmaster Ma nodded vigorously. But after Wang Xuan had disappeared from sight, a realization struck him. How could Wang Xuan possibly know it tasted a hundred times better than the core? Annoyed and bemused, he thought, "He''s really trying my patience!" As Zhao Qinghan stood on the outskirts of the bamboo grove, watching Wang Xuan''s retreating figure, her thoughts were preupied. The previous night, Wang Xuan had shared some of the potential threats they might face, mentioning the Red Cloaked Sorceress. Deep in thought, Zhao Qinghan knew she had tasks to tackle upon returning to the New World. Every being has a vulnerability, and those emerging from the shadows inevitably leave traces behind. She nned to employ discreet agents to delve deep into the annals of history, searching for tales that might reveal the true identity of the Red Cloaked Sorceress, thereby exposing her weaknesses. Goddess Zhao sensed the strain behind Wang Xuan''s seemingly confident facade. Hisughter and bravado barely concealed the immense internal pressure driving him to take increasingly perilous risks to be more powerful. Back in the New World, within the modern society, she had the capacity to wield some of her power, swiftly and decisively, to address certain challenges and lend Wang Xuan a helping hand. However, aplishing this wouldn''t be simple. It would require meticulous nning, the coborative efforts of a formidable team, and a thorough, well-crafted strategy. Goddess Zhao even pondered the idea of involving the powerful conglomerates that held animosity towards the Zhao family. Perhaps, she could discreetly orchestrate events so that these two rival factions "discover" the information she wanted them to know. Both conglomerates had previously profited from the "benefits" of celestial beings. If they were to learn of the return of a weakened sorceress, they would undoubtedly go to great lengths to capture her. ¡­¡­ "Eura!" Standing firm in the face of confrontation, Wang Xuan exuded confidence. His intentions were clear ¨C he sought mutual benefit and hade to negotiate. Ahead, four extraterrestrial Masters ¨C three women and one man ¨C stood near the mouth of an active volcano. They''d just harvested a pristine white orchid, its fragrance potent and petals glowing with a soft white me. They had battled and defeated a formidable swarm of fiery bats to im this orchid, known for its medicinal properties even potent for beings of their caliber. Wang Xuan unveiled a metallic key, signaling a desire to barter for the celestial herb. The risk of a surprise attack from the extraterrestrials didn''t perturb him; his confidence stemmed from his inherent strength. "Has this Euran lost his mind?" one of them whispered. "Exchanging a key to the Cosmos for a mere herb?" "It''s the genuine key, not a replica. Should we make the trade?" another mused. "Of course! But do we need to engage in battle?" Listening intently, Wang Xuan subtly raised five fingers, signaling he wanted five times the amount of the orchid. The group hesitated. "Why not eliminate him?" "Hold on," another intervened. "His boldness ining alone speaks volumes of his backup. The value of five rare herbs is minusculepared to that key. It''s a profitable deal for us. But his motives remain a mystery. Let''s be cautious. Let¡¯s trade." After making Wang Xuan wait, two additional members joined them from the nearby forest, bearing more herbs. Even with their superior numbers, they refrained from attacking. Their transaction with Wang Xuan was conducted cautiously. Though both parties left seemingly satisfied, the six extraterrestrials felt uneasy, watching warily as the enigmatic Euran disappeared into the distance. "Could he be injured and in desperate need of that medicine? So desperate that he''s willing to part with the key to Cosmos?" one mused, looking back in the direction Wang Xuan had gone. "Why should we care? We got a good deal. Let''s leave," another replied. "But what if, after he''s healed, hees after us? To reim that metal key?" a third spected. As their imaginations ran wild, they swiftly retreated. But one of them paused, "Why are we fleeing? If he truly has ambitions, our paths will cross again. Why not follow him now?" "No," another countered. "Let''s spread the word instead. Say the Ouran is injured and trading the Cosmos key for medicine." Overthinking can indeedplicate matters. Wang Xuan hadn''t gone far. He was trying to establish contact with other teams. While aware this could escte into conflict and make him a target, he wasn''t deterred. Those with malicious intent would simply be dealt with. Soon enough, a new party approached him, inquiring about trading for medicine. Wang Xuan nodded in affirmation. This five-member team hailed from Heluo Star, originating from the same as the archer Wang Xuan had previously encountered, though they weren''t from the same group. They quickly struck a deal, exchanging five rare herbs for the metal key. They informed him that the intel about his supposed injury was circted by the group from Yuhua Star. Essentially, they were painting a target on his back, implying he was weak and an easy prey. Clearly, this Heluo Star team had their own motives. While they didn''t want to be used as pawns, they were curious about Wang Xuan''s strength and whether he''d confront the Yuhua Star team. "I am indeed injured," Wang Xuan sighed, shaking his head. Without any intent of retaliation, he continued on his path. With ten rare herbs in his possession, some of which were of Grandmaster caliber, Wang Xuan felt sufficiently prepared. "Is he truly injured?" The figures behind him watched as Wang Xuan confidently retreated, their expressions filled with surprise. "Why are we hesitating? Let''s retrieve the herbs!" One among them eximed, unable to contain his greed. After all, Grandmaster-level herbs were at the pinnacle of all earthly medicines. Though they couldn''t offer breakthroughs in power, they were invaluable in rapid recovery from injuries. Wang Xuan''s expression shifted. He had no intentions of exploiting these men; he was simply in a hurry, hoping to hasten Ma Dayao''s transformation. However, their aggression left him no choice but to retaliate. "Boom!" His body illuminated, escting his golden body technique to thete seventh stage. At this level, weapons could barely harm him; he was nearing the pinnacle of mortal strength. As he unleashed his power, he charged forward, making quick work of the five aggressors. Coupled with techniques from his golden book, his strikes were precise and crippling, though not lethal. He held back intentionally, observing their techniques and secrets, as his real goal was the transcendence battle. Any insight into diverse abilities at this stage would be beneficial. Ultimately, Wang Xuan retrieved his metal key and took their cosmic keys as well. "He''s a baiter!" The five adversaries grumbled in frustration, retreating and supporting one another. Exhausted, Wang Xuany on the ground, panting heavily. Soon, the original team he had traded with, consisting of six members, approached. They had intended others to probe Wang Xuan''s strength and potential weaknesses. Seeing him now, drained of energy and vulnerable, they exchanged knowing nces. "The men he fought with earlier are gravely injured, but they managed to flee alive. This indicates Wang Xuan''s might. However, he too must''ve reached his limit, otherwise, he''d have eliminated them," one analyzed. Indeed, this team had been careful from the start. Their cautious dealings with Wang Xuan, their reluctance to confront him despite numerical advantage, and their tactic of using others as probes spoke volumes. But now, their patience was running thin. These men were overly cautious. Having hidden at a safe distance, they hadn''t witnessed Wang Xuan''s earlier confrontation, leading them to naturally assume that both parties had been grievously wounded, and Wang Xuan was at his breaking point. "It''s our time to strike; there''s nothing to worry about now!" "What a delightful surprise! He most likely possesses the cosmic keys from the previous group. They''ll all be ours!" Despite their confidence, the six remained cautious, advancing collectively with decisive determination, leaving no room for hesitation. But in the blink of an eye, they noticed the faint golden sheen on the skin of the figure lying on the ground. Wang Xuan sprang to his feet, charging at them with unrestrained ferocity. "Bang!" A scream echoed, signaling the shattering of bones. A fierce battle erupted in the woods. By the time the dust settled, all six were sprawled on the ground, defeated but still breathing. Wang Xuan now had four metal keys on him. His expression was one of genuine surprise. He hadn''t intended to bait anyone; all this was purely idental! Previously, the two keys he had given away had a portion of their mysterious factors extracted by him. He wasn''t worried about the recipients collecting all and unlocking the inner treasures. This left Wang Xuan feeling a tinge of guilt, which is why he refrained from delivering fatal blows. "He''s a baiter, this man... Damn him," one of them muttered. In the woods, the group of six, consisting of young men and women, had faces darkened with rage. The regret was palpable among them. They wished they hadn''t been so inquisitive, for had they not pursued, none of this would''ve happened. ¡­¡­ "The metal keys contain the essence of the mysterious factors, and even though they offer limited benefits to me, for Qing Han and Ma Da Yao Mo, they are undoubtedly treasures," Wang Xuan mused as he ambled through the area. By the end of the half-day, he had umted two more keys, bringing his total count to six. During this time, two separate groups had been soundly defeated, leaving the scene filled with anger and resentment. "That baiter is shameless!" "The people of Eura Star intentionally showcased several cosmic keys to exchange for rare herbs. They''re fishing for prey!" Rumors of the infamous "baiter" spread rapidly throughout the region. "Don''t trust anyone from Eura Star!" This sentiment, when heard by the other two squads from Eura Star, immediately weighed heavily on them. ... Wang Xuan was in high spirits. With six metal keys in his possession and a dozen rare herbs, he ventured forth. He wouldn''t admit to baiting anyone. To him, those people''s greed forced his hand, and he merely defended himself. In Wang''s eyes, he was justified. He considered himself a good man. Regardless of the tales surrounding him, he now had enough herbs. Coupled with the invaluable and dense essence of the mysterious factors in the metal keys, he believed Ma Da Yao Mo would surely undergo a wless metamorphosis. Additionally, these unique items might help elevate Goddess Zhao to new heights. Wang Xuan felt a flurry of emotions. Possibilities like the immortal relics and the terrestrial spring beckoned him, promising that they were almost within his grasp! Chapter 163: Earth Immortal Chapter 163: Earth Immortal As dusk settled, Grandmaster Ma tumbled through the bamboo grove, snapping many of the green stalks beneath its heft. Its body, drenched in blood, painted the earth beneath it in somber reds. After consuming a variety of miraculous herbs in the afternoon, its body was enveloped in mysterious symbols, undergoing a violent transformation that had persisted until now, with blood continuously seeping from its pores. The creature''s fur was stained a deep crimson as it let out low, anguished roars. The dormant demon bloodline within it was partially awakened, prompting a renewal of its very lifeblood. If this continued, signs of a transcendental evolution were inevitable! Its wings had grown noticeably amidst the tumult, with the runes adorning them dazzling more brightly, crackling with tiny arcs of electricity. Like the ancient pegasus that relied not on the pping of wings but on the shimmering runes to propel themselves at breakneck speeds across the heavens, Grandmaster Ma was evolving. Meanwhile, Zhao Qinghan was a portrait of tranquilitypared to the tormented Grandmaster Ma. With her eyes closed, she felt every subtle shift within her, her long eyshes trembling slightly. Her visage glowed faintly in the evening sun¡¯s dying light. Wang Xuan produced several metallic tokens, abruptly extending his spiritual domain to attract the mysterious essence within. He drew this arcane substance out steadily, channeling it into Zhao Qinghan¡¯s being. Her body quivered slightly under the influx, the effects of the extraordinary herbs already at work now amplified. Wang Xuan monitored her condition with a touch of awe. Zhao Qinghan had imed her practice of ancient techniques was to maintain her figure, and now, it appeared there was truth in her words. She was exceptionally attuned to the old ways; the potent mystical essence from the tokens,bined with the herbs, made her inner organs luminescent, significantly vitalizing her flesh. She was rapidly advancing into the domain of a grandmaster. Though herbat prowess remained a topic for further scrutiny, her breakthrough speed was undeniably swift. It seemed Zhao Qinghan''s initial desire for beauty was beginning to be fulfilled in an extraordinary journey of transformation. Wang Xuan watched as Grandmaster Ma, the demon horse, underwent its transformation. Holding the metallic token, he too began to channel the essence of the mysterious factor for it. With nightfall, Grandmaster Ma finallypleted its blood renewal. In the soft lunar glow, it emitted a faint luminescence, its expansive wings gently pping, casting about electrical arcs. To replenish its expended strength, Wang Xuan roasted a bear-like beast for it. The demon horse had officially stepped into theter stages of a grandmaster''s power, almost ascending to the pinnacle of its kind. Meanwhile, Zhao Qinghan sought refuge in a clear spring. Even the most beautiful and pristine of maidens could not escape bing sticky and sweat-soaked amidst the grandmaster-level metamorphosis¡ªa result of the violent changes within her body, where metabolism raged with intensity, honing and optimizing her physique, imbuing her with vibrant life force. Soon after, dressed anew, her hair damp, Zhao Qinghan emerged. Her face, under the moon''s caress, was radiant and fair. "It turns out that after a bodily transformation, no matter what physical technique one practiced before, the effect is extraordinary; the skin bes better," she remarked, admiring her snow-white arms. Pulling out a small mirror from her makeup kit, she gazed at her own face, now glowing with a pearlescent luster, and her joy was palpable. She hadn''t forgotten Wang Xuan''s own skin-shedding episode. "Wait for me in the bamboo grove tomorrow; it''s safe here for now," Wang Xuan instructed. Although Grandmaster Ma had evolved, traveling alone would be faster. Even so, he harbored concerns, for the ces he intended to visit brimmed with danger, guarded by extraordinary beasts. His first destination was the Land of Wonders, to retrieve the mysterious treasures left by the immortals from the innerndscape''s treasure trove. Since these treasures were meant to alter the fates of those below the transcendent level, it was prudent to acquire them before venturing to the eight great transcendentirs in the Land of the Departed. The spider was a lesser worry now. Grandmaster Ma had acquired the ability to fly and burrow, making it possible to provoke and draw the creature away. What weighed on Wang Xuan''s mind was the potential of unleashing something untoward from the treasure trove. Because of this concern, he nned to scout the innerndscape''s treasures himself first. If all proved safe, he would lead Grandmaster Ma and Zhao Qinghan to be baptized by the mystical substances. At dawn, Grandmaster Ma emerged from a distant waterfall, cleansed of bloodstains, its newly awakened demonic bloodline rendering it even more majestic and spirited. As dawn''s light stretched over thendscape, Grandmaster Ma''s transformation wasplete. It stood resplendent, its fur aglow as if bathed in the light of the morning sun. Its magnificent wings, now wide and powerful, were streaked with golden arcs, echoing the mythical Pegasus of lore. Wang Xuan turned to Zhao Qinghan with assurance in his voice, "Once I''ve ensured the path is clear, I will have Grandmaster Mae for you." She nodded in understanding and handed him the great bow, a silent pact between them. Armored for the journey ahead, the duo¡ªthe man and his mystical steed¡ªsurged forward, their ascent a gleaming streak across the sky, reminiscent of an arrow seeking its target in the heavens. Alone with his thoughts, Wang Xuan recognized that despite Grandmaster Ma''s swiftness, it had not quite matched the velocity of the silver bear that roamed near the Land of the Departed. Yet, as he contemted the potential of riding the beast into an aerial assault on the earthbound dens of other transcendent monsters, a strategic confidence took hold. They arrived over a deste stretch of mountainous terrain, marked by the remnants of what was once verdant¡ªnow overrun by the vestiges of decay and a sprawling web that seemed to hold the ruins in an eternal embrace. The vitality that once pulsed through this secretnd was now confined to memory, leaving a haunting stillness in its wake. Atop his valiant mount, Wang Xuan released a wild boar from the sky, its fall stirring the dust of the ancient rubble. "Spider, consider this a gift," he announced into the still air. "I ask for but a moment''s passage to retrieve an item, and then I shall depart." The behemoth spider, with its striking dichromatic patterns, awakened fully at his approach. Its eyes, cold and calcting, fixed upon the intruders, their gaze like icynces in the morning air. Tension crackled between them as Grandmaster Ma''s instincts kicked in, carrying them higher into the safety of the sky. The creature''s sense of rm was palpable, a testament to the spider''s hidden might, which had been nurtured by years spent near the mystical treasures of the innerndscape. When a subtle psychic threat whispered through the air, Wang Xuan steeled himself. Diplomacy had failed, and the time for action hade. He drew the great bow with measured calm, the iron arrow notched and ready. With a swift release, the arrow, empowered with runes and the might of his intention, descended in a furious arc. It struck, disrupting the ancient silence, as earth and stone erupted in protest. The spider, now provoked beyond patience, readied itself for a battle it had not sought but was fully prepared to wage. The spider, with a monstrous fury, opened its maw and unleashed a beam of white light. What would typically be strands of silk now transformed into a lethal weapon, soaring over two hundred meters into the sky in pursuit of its target. Wang Xuan, recognizing the impending danger, gestured to Grandmaster Ma to maintain a safe distance and descend to the ground ahead. He turned his body once more, drawing the great bow with the intent of further inciting the wrath of the extraordinary arachnid. Thud! His arrow struck true,nding upon the spider¡¯s ck and white head. However, the creature''s exoskeleton was like iron, its dark sheen shing as the iron arrow shattered upon impact. Despite the spider¡¯s formidable strength, its limited sentience was evident¡ªthe brute savagery of the beast overshadowing any glimmer of wisdom. With a thunderous burst, it broke the sound barrier, leaving a trail of mist in its wake, relentlessly pursuing the provocateur. In this deste ce, devoid of anything precious for the spider to guard, it was unrestrained, chasing down its agitator with primal ferocity. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Ma disyed a newfoundprehension of strategy, hugging the terrain in flight, ncing back in defiance, its posture proud and challenging. It seemed almost as if the creature was hurling insults, maintaining a constant distance of three hundred meters from the spider. Wang Xuan, too, continued his provocations, sending arrow after arrow, each one a deliberate taunt. An explosion disrupted the forest as Grandmaster Ma and Wang Xuan led the enraged spider away from the ruins, drawing it into the depths of the secretnd, inciting its anger further with every passing moment. Over mountain ridges and across rivers, they journeyed on for what seemed an eternity, eventually luring the spider into an expanse of primeval woond. ¡°Let¡¯s go, return. It is time,¡± Wang Xuanmanded. At his word, Grandmaster Ma soared skywards, racing back towards their origin. Before long, they descended amidst the rubble once again. Wang Xuan made haste towards the ck and white pedestal, where indeed, he discovered twelve indentations¡ªsockets for metallic tokens, keys to some greater mystery. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation¡ªfor there was no time for doubt or fear¡ªhe marshaled the mysterious essence within him. Then, sparing no cost and guided by his will, he poured this essence into the twelve hollows, as if sowing seeds of ancient power into the heart of the enigma before him. The pedestal, swathed in shades of ck and white, began to quiver. The mysterious essences that Wang Xuan had poured into it now boiled and swirled, enveloping the space in a misty dance of energies. Wang Xuan''s expression shifted; he realized the amount of essence he had expended was significant. He made a mental note that once inside the Inner Landscape of this strange relic, he must recoup his investment, with interest. In an instant, the ck and white dais roared to life, and to Wang Xuan¡¯s heightened senses, it underwent a profound transformation, morphing into a current of dark and light qi. Finally, the swirling energies gave birth to a pathway, a conduit where shadows and mists flowed together. Wang Xuan found his spirit inexplicably drawn out from his physical form, guided by the dual qi into this newly formed passage. He traversed through the mingling ck and white haze, propelled ever onward. Within this journey, grand ripples of power expanded throughout the passageway, echoing like an ancient seal, issuing a warning to posterity: "Those transcendent should not approach, retreat swiftly!" Was this truly a marvel left for beings less than transcendent? As Wang Xuan ventured further along the undting corridor of dual qi, he felt his soul tremble. Ahead, there were figures aplenty. ¡°I am a Terran immortal, and here I perish?!¡± cried one silhouette before it burst apart, leaving nothing behind. Another voicemented, ¡°I stand on the verge of metamorphosis, the strongest sage of the Heluo era. Here to seek the legacy of sages past, I find my end beneath a mere pedestal. This is not my destiny!¡± With a thunderous crash, a nearly transformed and formidable being disintegrated, exploding into oblivion. ¡°I hail from the pure-blooded Jinchi Peng n, my magic supreme, dominating an extraordinary. I came in search of the legendary treasure, yet here my divine feathers crumble, unable to even enter the Inner Landscape, dying within this passageway. How did ite to this?¡± A Jinchi Peng burned to nothingness in that ce, its feathers detonating into the void. ¡°And I, the premier Earth Immortal of the Heluo, Eura, and Yuhua stars, unmatched in my time across three transcendents. Even an immortal such as myself dissipates like a soap bubble here. Who, then, is the Inner Landscape¡¯s treasure meant for?¡± The preeminent immortal of a grand era, revered across three extraordinarys, was crushed to dust within the tumult of ck and white qi, perishing in an instant. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan felt a chill crawl down his spine. Was this truly the ce he was meant to find? In a sh, his mind raced back to the grandiose voice, the imprint, the projection of some transcendental rule that had warned the future. "The transcendent shall not approach? The mundane may enter," he realized with a start. Undoubtedly, the figures that had burst apart were the imprints of ancient beings of terror, showcasing their final, desperate struggles. Earthly immortals, masters of metamorphosis, the Jinchi Pengs that had trodden the true path beyond their demonic forms... These top-tier warriors from various realms and races had all perished here. Such imprints, such scenes, were truly daunting. As Wang Xuan advanced, he encountered even more shattered figures. "I was consumed by greed,"mented one, "For centuries, I allowed those who had not transcended to seek fortune here, to grasp a chance to alter their fate. I should have been content. Yet, I coveted that mysterious artifact, leading to my own doom. For five hundred years I reigned supreme on Yuhua Star, only to die in such a lowly manner." "I am the Thousand-Handed True God, and here I perish..." Wang Xuan became numb to it all; the passageway wasn''t long, but in its brief span, he witnessed countless silhouettes of beings who had been the pinnacle of their times explode into nothingness. Now, where would one find an earthly immortal? Not a single one was left. And yet, among the multitudes that had died here in the past, earthly immortals were far from the strongest. "I am but a mortal, with nothing to lose," Wang Xuan murmured to himself. Without hesitation, he surged forward, breaching the tumultuous corridor of ck and white qi, and entered the bizarre space within the Inner Landscape of the artifact. Chapter 164: An Artifact Beheld By The Immortals Chapter 164: An Artifact Beheld By The Immortals In the heart of the Inner Landscape, a veil of darknessy still and profound, as mystical elements silently descended from the realms of the unknown. At first nce, it appeared akin to the fabled inner sanctums, a ce of tranquil void, disconnected from the earthly bounds, standing in the clear light of eternity, reminiscent of a bodhisattva''s realm in the depths of meditation. Wang Xuan''s brow furrowed in contemtion; everything seemed real and yet, not. The darkness within the treasure ebbed and flowed, a stillness that was intermittently shattered, incapable of sustaining the rity of the true inner realms. Most notably, the density of these mystical elements was much sparser than that of the genuine inner sanctums. Could it even measure up to a tenth of his own realm''s concentration? It seemed unlikely. ncing back, he saw the pathway entwined with swirling ck mists and white vapors, dense with mysterious patterns that wove into each other without rhyme or reason, tangled andplex. Had the mighty earth immortals, the feathered ascetics, the Thousand-Handed True Gods¡ªhad they all fallen to this intricate trap? Standing amidst this enigma, Wang Xuan felt his own status¡ªinsignificant as a mote of dustpared to the towering presence of those who had burst apart in their final moments. It dawned on him in an instant; the ck and white strands of the corridor were like an immense, ensnaring the transcendent as if they were great fish, cleaving them into fragments. And he, a mere minnow, had slipped through the vast gaps of this. The contrast was stark and humbling. Even the beings at the level of an earth immortal seemed like colossal prehistoric predators inparison. As Wang Xuan progressed, his presence seemed to slice through the surrounding gloom, as if his arrival had stirred the Inner Vision Treasure to life. The entire space began to hum, tremble, and flicker between illumination and shadow. He felt called, lured by a lethal allure that was irresistibly drawing him nearer. Something in the distance was awakening. As Wang Xuan strode forward, he channeled his foundational techniques to absorb the mysterious substances around him, replenishing what he had expended not long ago. Deeper within the Inner Vision Treasure, therey a unique region where the mystical elements cascaded like snowkes, their concentration exponentially greater. It was this very ce that beckoned, drawing one closer with an irresistible pull. In this shadowy domain, there was a pool, its surface a repository of these elements, thick as syrup. Upon Wang Xuan¡¯s arrival, it seemed as though a torrential downpour had begun, drenching him in a baptism of the arcane substance. The deficits he had suffered were not only restored but returned with interest. A mist rose from the pool, enveloping him rapidly¡ªcould this be the opportunity left by the legendary immortals? In an instant, Wang Xuan sensed the importance of this mist; it followed his spirit, pierced the veil into the present world, and merged into his flesh. This miraculous relic, left by the immortals, held the power to alter destiny¡ªand had he just obtained it? Wang Xuan felt an inexplicable connection to his physical form, a sense of ease throughout his being, as if undergoing a wondrous transformation. It was as gentle as a celestial being tenderly straightening his bones andbing through his meridians. This was not mere illusion, for Wang Xuan saw numerous visions, presumably the imprints left by predecessors. Every century, young elite seeds from the extraordinarys of O, Heluo, and Yu Hua made their pilgrimage here, to absorb the miraculous mists and receive their baptism. Within these imprinted memories, some were shown to have their constitutional ws ''corrected'', their meridians reinforced, and even their organs reshaped. For mortals, this was indeed a rewriting of destiny¡ªfrom bones to internal organs, everything wasbed through and optimized. Such a notion was nearly inconceivable: changing one''s inherent nature, enhancing one''s potential. For those who tread the path of the old ways, this was akin to rebirth¡ªa fundamental change that broadened the horizons for cultivators. Wang Xuan was in awe of such a relic. He never believed in preordained fate; those who followed the old paths were constantly breaking through the established trajectories of their lives. Through the efforts of theter days, in a race against all creation, they reshaped themselves, rewriting their destinies. This journey was inevitably lined with blood and tears, and for some, it cost their very lives. Standing in the brilliance, looking back, one could always see the darkness that had been traversed. Wang Xuan found himself deeply unsettled by the miraculous substance that promised to fundamentally reshape one''s physique. Such was the technique of the immortals, it seemed, capable of remolding a person from the bones up. Yet he paused, puzzled, as his spirit, dwelling within the Inner Vision Treasure, sensed that his physical form in the outside world¡ªcovered by the mystic mist, undergoing its baptism¡ªremained obstinately unchanged. His bones and organs glowed with a stubborn light, resonating but not yielding to transformation. Reacting to this resistance, Wang Xuanmenced the practice of ancient pre-Qin techniques, coupled with the art of Golden Body, and even adopted the physical exercises of Zhang Daoling. The curious mist began to disintegrate, transforming into a pure, supreme energy that he absorbed as he practiced the physical techniques from the Five Pages of the Golden Scripture. What was the nature of this mystic fog? It seemed to unravel, consumed by him as if he were feasting, bringing a sense of wellbeing to every part of his body as though an immortal was aiding the flow of his blood, imparting a sensation of near weightlessness, as if he was on the verge of ascension. Could it be that his very sinews and bones needed no alteration? Such a revtion would suggest that Wang Xuan''s potential was beyond astonishing. Wang Xuan, ever confident, had reason to be. After all, he had essed the Inner Vision realm as a mere mortal through his own efforts! Even in the luminous age of the old ways, he would be considered an exceptional individual, scarcely mentioned in the annals of the great teachers'' courts. Or perhaps, it was thepletion of his Golden Body practice that caused his physical form to reject this mystical reformation? If that was the case, then the seemingly simple and energetically taxing Golden Body technique held a unique value, rendering the miraculous mist ineffective. Or maybe, the idea of using the mystic fog to reshape one''s physical form and rewrite one''s destiny was not inherently correct, hence his body''s rejection of it. Wang Xuan mulled over these possibilities. He wasn''t being arrogant; he possessed a lucid self-awareness that the methods and paths from the ancient sages of the pre-Qin era to the Daoist philosophers had undergone many changes, and the standards of old may not all hold true. Wang Xuan felt that his body, having prematurely opened the realm of Inner Vision, exhibited some anomalies¡ªits rejection of the mystic substance was not entirely surprising to him. "Whatever it is, consuming it as nourishment isn''t a loss," Wang Xuan thought, his keen senses picking up that his physique had benefited from the peculiar energy, finding it greatly advantageous to his body. He seriously considered that instead of seeking out demonic fruits, diving deeper into the recesses of thend of the dead and leveraging the strange energy within him might enable another substantial leap in strength, another breakthrough. His gaze settled on a pool where the mysterious substance umted, thick as liquid. Crucially, the fog seemed to originate from within it. The true treasure that Earth Immortals, Transcendent Masters, and the Thousand-Handed Divine Beings sought was likely not the mist itself, but something at the bottom of that pool. Should he attempt to take it? The item that drove Earth Immortals to madness and even the Golden-Winged Great Peng coveted must have an unimaginably significant origin. Wang Xuan nced back at the pathway woven with dense, intersecting patterns capable of killing even beings of the Transcendent order. But such snares were not designed to trap small fish like him. Why shouldn''t he entertain some ambition? "I''ll just take a look to see what it is," Wang Xuan murmured as he squatted near the pool, his body submerged in the mysterious substance. He proceeded with caution, not daring to make any rash movements, testing the waters first. Yet, the bottom of the pool remained inscrutable, shrouded in darkness beyond sight. Even the domain of his spirit revealed nothing but void. "I''ll just touch it." Since he couldn''t see, he decided to use his hand, extending his spiritual form. As soon as Wang Xuan''s hand entered the pool, the mysterious substance began to boil, and the entire space of the strange treasure oscited between brilliance and darkness, trembling violently. He turned to look back at the pathway where the various runes had be incredibly blinding, weaving incessantly. The energy of extraordinary rules had been activated; if an Earth Immortal were to barge in at that moment, they would be annihted on the spot. He observed the scene before him and felt a sense of indifference; the''s hole had not shrunk, and he could still make his exit. Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Wang Xuan felt an object at the bottom of the pool. It didn''t seem to be of a spiritual nature but an actual, tangible artifact. Could it be possible to bring a real object into the realm of Inner Vision? The moment his fingertip brushed against it, the world around him shifted. Had he been transported back to ancient times, or had he traversed to a foreign realm? What he saw next was staggering¡ªthe light of ascension bloomed, and figures were disintegrating amidst the cacophony of battle cries that pierced the heavens. The sky was aze with light, and he could see no one; the entities moved too swiftly, surpassing even the speed of thought. Wang Xuan gasped for air, steadying his mind, as his fingertips traced the artifact, slowly moving it and altering his perceptions with it. He felt as if he had detached from the epicenter of that world, and now, transcending it, he gazed down upon a session of terrifying scenes. Could it be... Immortals locked in deadlybat? The expanse before him was obscured by veils, within which shadowy figures dominated the cosmos, their sword energies tearing through the skies. Some were in, their blood raining down to the earth below. Was this the world behind the veil? Not just a singleyer, but were these multiple worlds intertwining, or was it that beyond each veily another,yers uponyers of worlds? A chaotic battlefield where Immortals vied for supremacy! They were all scrambling for an artifact, shrouded in a hazy light. Whosoever imed it sparked a frenzied pursuit from the others. Wang Xuan was astounded. What sort of extraordinary item could incite such desperate contention among the Immortals? He began to suspect that very artifact might be lying at the bottom of this pool. Could the object he was touching be that very item? Beyond the manifold veils, Wang Xuan glimpsed a red shadow, mighty and overwhelming, cutting through all like a hot knife through butter. A pair of pristine white fists swung, and all adversaries burst asunder upon impact! The figure in red moved with an enchanting grace, yet such was her overwhelming might that all who dared to vie for the wondrous object in her grasp were brutally swept aside. Wang Xuan''s heart raced. Could this possibly be the Scarlet Sorceress, that same enchantress he seemed to encounter wherever he went? He realized that this was likely a vision of her past, an imprint of events long transpired. The red shadow was formidable, but amidst theyered veils, she was not the sole terror; there were other formidable beings. A group of them charged at her, striking in unison to wrest the mysterious object from her hands. Then, Wang Xuan found himself dumbstruck once more, suspecting he had seen another familiar figure. Amidst the ferocity of battle, a woman d in white swept through her adversaries with ease, seizing the softly glowing artifact and darting towards the depths of theyered veils. From a distance, her silhouette resembled the Daoist Priestess he knew. However, her path was barred; within the myriad veils, supreme masters were no rarity. A man emerged from the deeper veils, engaging her in a fierce duel. The battle raged, a scene of utter brutality and chaos. Within that tumultuous struggle, Wang Xuan witnessed the Scarlet Sorceress and the Daoist Priestess shing over the artifact, their confrontations intense and repeated. Wang Xuan was astounded and found himself filled with anticipation. These two had crossed paths in history, and if they were to meet again in the present, surely sparks would fly. A thunderous rumble echoed as theyered veils trembled. The supreme mastersunched their full might in the chaos, jostling for the artifact. In the end, it was sent flying through the veils, piercing through to the present world. Was this the very artifact at the bottom of the pool? With no room for hesitation, Wang Xuan felt that having seen and touched it, he should im it. He reached into the depths, determined to retrieve the object. To miss it would be a lifelong regret¡ªit must be taken. This was the treasure coveted by the extraordinary immortals behind the countless veils. Both the Scarlet Sorceress and the Daoist Priestess had battled fiercely over it. "Now that it has fallen into this world, it shall belong to Wang Xuan!" he proimed, with a resolve as unwavering as the immortals'' own. Chapter 165: Change In The Inner Landscape Chapter 165: Change In The Inner Landscape "Rise!" This wasn''t the first time Wang Xuan hadmanded the object with such authority. He had attempted to move it thrice with sheer force, but it had not budged an inch, as if it were rooted to the bottom of the pool. He finally understood why other mortals, despite their spiritual forms entering this realm to alter their destinies, could not take this object with them. Even he, a person who had formed a spiritual domain, couldn''t move it; it was unthinkable for anyone else! "Come forth!" He exerted his full power, his spirit form glowing brightly as he harnessed the surrounding mysterious energies for his own use, causing a tumultuous upsurge of energy around him. Yet, the object remained immovable, like he was trying to lift a mountain! This vessel was described as a bowl, yet it was deeper than any bowl, its insides etched with a dense array of minute characters. This stirred something within him; engravings on an item of such caliber were far from ordinary¡ªthey must represent an earth-shattering secret scripture. Perhaps it was these inscriptions that the immortals had battled over. Digging further, Wang Xuan sensed a base that seemed akin to that of a holy grail. "It... it has a special fragrance?" Wang Xuan was astounded. Even in his spiritual form, a medicinal scent wafted from his fingertips. It was a moment of sheer amazement; what kind of medicine could affect the spirit? He had only encountered such a phenomenon once before when he, Old Chen, and Qingmu had navigated a flying ship through thunderous clouds to harvest herbs¡ªa lure set by the Scarlet Sorceress, a heavenly medicine! Could it be that this object had been refined with heavenly medicine, or had once contained it, or perhaps it even had the innate ability to nurture an astonishing ''spiritual secret medicine''? His thoughts raced with wild spections, but one thing was certain: this was an exceptionally rare treasure. "Rise for me!" Exhausted to the point of near copse, Wang Xuan tried seventeen times, his spirit form feeling as if it were about to shatter, yet he still couldn''t shift the artifact. The mysterious substance in the pool had thickened into a viscous slurry, churning violently. Below, Wang Xuan found a lid made of the same material, also densely inscribed. Finally, when he felt his spirit form was on the verge of fragmentation, he managed to nudge the lid slightly, causing it to strike the main vessel. With a resonant thud, a mere vibration sent shockwaves through Wang Xuan, threatening to tear him apart from the inside. He recoiled swiftly, fleeing from the source of the tremor. A hazy light blossomed, slowly unfurling where the mysterious objecty. Wang Xuan beat a hasty retreat, a primal instinct warning him of grave danger should the creeping light touch him¡ªa touch he instinctively felt could be lethal. What in the world was this thing? Even at a safe distance, the pressure on his spirit was immense, as if it was on the brink of disintegration, his very soul seeming to tear at the seams. Boom! Under the crushing suppression, teetering on the edge of shattering, Wang Xuan¡¯s Inner Landscape flung open unexpectedly. He had almost forgotten this ce, having not entered it for a long time. From outside, mystical energies cascaded like andslide into his Inner Landscape, and the treasures within seemed on the verge of disintegration. "Could it be that the Inner Landscape should not be activated within the presence of these mystical treasures?" Wang Xuan had no answers. Before his eyes, the moment the Inner Landscape was opened, the external treasures began to crack and crumble, seemingly not far from their demise. Then, in a fleeting moment, two fuzzy orbs of light¡ªonerger, one smaller¡ªemerged. They were the vessel and its lid, which whooshed into Wang Xuan¡¯s Inner Landscape in the blink of an eye. Wang Xuan staggered back, fearful of being suppressed again by the formidable force that had nearly overwhelmed him moments ago. However, as soon as he made his exit, the Inner Landscape snapped shut! Wang Xuan was left dumbfounded and frustrated. The vessel had brazenly barged into his sacred space, and after its abrupt intrusion, the Inner Landscape sealed itself, leaving its very owner stranded and locked out. Standing in silence, Wang Xuan pondered his situation. Eventually, he lifted his gaze with resolve. There was no point in dwelling on the wasted opportunity to ess his Inner Landscape. After all, it wasn¡¯t as if he could never enter it again. The most crucial aspect was that the coveted object of the immortals'' desire was now in his possession. He must keep this a secret. If the likes of the red-robed demoness and the female alchemist were to learn that such a treasure had fallen into his hands, they would surely go mad with envy. Wang Xuan scoured the remaining mystical treasures within the Inner Landscape, searching for additional fortunes. ¡°It¡¯s a pity,¡± he thought, ¡°that I couldn''t bring the fragments of the blessednd into this space. Otherwise, I could have harvested the essence-rich fluid from the pool, a substance capable of altering the vitality of flesh and nourishing the spirit.¡± He continued to draw energy from his surroundings, depleting only a tenth at most. To his relief, he found that the mystical treasures ceased to crack and had stabilized. With the closure of his Inner Landscape, this ce was saved from destruction. Safe for the moment, and nning to return in the short term, he considered bringing Zhao Qinghan and Grandmaster Ma into this realm, provided he could ensure safety outside. Wang Xuan walked toward the exit, unworried about being ensnared by any trappings¡ªthe celestial treasure was not on his person. As expected, he traversed the passage without incident. Along the way, the imagery of Earth Immortals exploding, the Golden-winged Roc disintegrating, and the Thousand-Handed Deity shattering imparted a somber reflection on the path of cultivation¡ªfull of temptations and tribtions. Returning to his physical body, Wang Xuan opened his eyes to find the ck and white altar quiet and the mystical energies diluted. The pathway had vanished. Grandmaster Ma poked hisrge head over, eyes gleaming mischievously, silently inquiring about any fortunes gained. Now, even if Wang Xuan were to shoo him away, the Grandmaster seemed unlikely to leave. In less than ten days, he had consumed over a dozen spiritual herbs, including four demon fruit cores. He considered Wang Xuan amendable human¡ªquite the horse keeper, a perfect steward. Although Wang Xuan noticed something amiss in Grandmaster Ma''s eyes, he was blissfully unaware of the creature''s true thoughts. Had he known, he might have seriously considered the prospect of barbecuing Pegasus wings for a meal! Suddenly, a shiver raced down Wang Xuan''s spine as he sensed a familiar presence¡ªthe extraordinary spider¡ªbut its life force was rapidly fading. "Move, quickly!" he bellowed, vaulting onto the back of his steed. Grandmaster Ma responded with lightning speed, his wings beating powerfully as they shot into the sky. Hovering mid-air, Wang Xuan pushed his psychic senses to their limit, scanning the terrain below. His intuition was correct; something was amiss. Three humans were rapidly approaching, their prowess evident by their recent kill of the formidable spider, marking them as extraordinary beings in their own right. "Fly towards the sunrise!" Wang Xuan urged, clutching the beast''s neck to steer it, for Grandmaster Ma had yet to detect the approaching threat. One of the pursuers drew an arrow, notched it to his great bow, and took aim at the mighty Grandmaster Ma. It was clear to Wang Xuan that despite their foray into the extraordinary realm, these assants were intent on seizing the treasures of the Hidden Land. They had trailed back from its depths, determined to cut off their escape. "That mist can transform a person¡¯s constitution, marrow, and organs," one of the attackers remarked coldly. "Extracting it from someone immediately could grant us a share of that transformative power." "Has the one fleeing captured the mist?" wondered another. "I''ll bring them down," dered the archer, as blinding radiance emanated from his weapon. The arrow, imbued with secret forces, streaked across the sky like a rainbow piercing the sun, trailing a long tail of energy as it flew towards Grandmaster Ma. The Grandmaster was in despair, pping desperately, arcs of electricity tracing its path, veering sharply to avoid the relentless volley of arrows that sought to close off all escape routes. The explosion of sound when an arrow narrowly missed was terrifying, a sonic boom that sent tremors through the air as the energy ripples from the arrow''s wake were palpable in their intensity. Grandmaster Ma strained for distance, evading several extraordinary arrows that could have sted it apart, but some secret arrows were unavoidable. As it dodged one, another arrow aimed for its belly¡ªits light brilliant and deadly, the kind of projectile that could tear a mountain peak asunder. Every arrow that flew was of a secret make, etched with extraordinary runes and imbued with a stunning force by the archer. Such arrows were unstoppable by mere mortals. Wang Xuan, using his psychic domain to anticipate the attack, swung himself off the saddle and clung to a horse''s leg, dangling in mid-air. His chest glowed, unleashing a burst of thunderous energy in a desperate attempt to block the iing arrow. However, the runes on the arrow zed with power, piercing through his electric barrier with only a slight dimming of their luminescence. His body shimmered with a pale golden sheen as he grasped a short sword, shing at the terrifying arrow speeding towards him. ng! The sharp de, meeting the mystic runes, cut through the arrow, diverting its trajectory to graze past the horse¡¯s belly. A mere foot away from a clean miss, the runes on the arrowhead activated, slicing through Grandmaster Ma''s hide and leaving a foot-long gash from which blood poured freely. Below, having cleaved the secret arrow, Wang Xuan faced a lethal crisis. As the severed head of the arrow flew by, the remaining shaft, now a deadly projectile, turned and plunged into his chest with a sickening thud. Throughout this ordeal, the thunder at his heart shattered most of the runes bursting from the arrow shaft, and his body radiated a golden light¡ªa manifestation of the secret power of the Golden Body Technique. Yet the arrow shaft prated his chest, a testament to the extraordinary might it carried. The runes, although partly destroyed by the lightning at his chest, were not entirely nullified by his mortal form. His advanced seventhyer Golden Body Technique did wear away some of the runes on the shaft, but not all. The archer on the ground, his ck hair loose and wild, eyes cold and detached,mented, "Even a broken arrow is certain to shatter its target!" The other two extraordinary beings nodded in agreement. The gulf between mortals and the extraordinary was insurmountable; such an arrow could not only kill a man but if a line of Grandmasters stood together, it could st them all in a single shot! In the sky, blood rained down as the rune-etched metal arrow shaft pierced through Wang Xuan¡¯s chest, burrowing into his flesh and lung, delivering a grievous blow. This was the gravest injury Wang Xuan had suffered since embarking on the path of cultivation; his very organs were pierced through. Despite the moment his Golden Body Technique''s defenses were breached, he quickly activated a body technique from the five-page golden scripture, causing his five viscera to resonate, their brilliance soaring as they ground away many of the runes on the arrow shaft embedded in his flesh. Nevertheless, the shaft that prated him still bore remnants of secret power, tearing several gashes in his lungs, the severity of the injury was extreme. Clenching his teeth, Wang Xuan swung himself back onto his horse''s back. Agonizing pain triggered coughs, and he spat out mouthfuls of bloody froth ¡ª blood that had seeped into his lungs. For the first time in his life, he suffered such a heavy blow, nearly losing his life to an archer¡¯s skill. The horse, a formidable demon in its own right, beat its wings desperately, crackling with arcs of electricity as it soared towards the heavens and away into the distance. At this moment, the eyes of Grandmaster Ma were bloodshot with rage and gratitude. It knew that had it not been for Wang Xuan''s intervention, it would have been shot dead. "That''s somewhat interesting; he wasn''t blown apart. The short sword in his hand is far from ordinary, capable of effortlessly severing secret extraordinary rune arrows,"mented an extraordinary being from the ground. "Indeed, it''s beyond my expectations. His physique is strong, almost as resilient as our own," remarked the bow-wielding man, his gaze icy as he drew his great bow once more. "He''s out of my precise range now. Switch to explosive arrows, and let''s send him on his way. We won''t be needing his flesh any longer!" Clearly, his inability to fell the flying horse or obliterate the young man had sparked a fire within him, his urge to kill undting wildly. Several arrows tore through the sky, each one more terrifying than thest. No matter how the Grandmaster Ma attempted to evade, it was impossible to avoid them all. Wang Xuan unleashed his thunder, striking at the unavoidable arrow, resulting in an explosion akin to igniting a keg of gunpowder, causing a horrendous st. He quickly turned, lying t against the horse''s back, resigning himself to fate. Fortunately, the thunder Wang Xuan had summoned was cast far enough to prematurely detonate the arrow. Had the arrow closed in any further, the strike, akin to an extraordinary being''s full-force blow, would have undoubtedly obliterated both him and Grandmaster Ma. The demonic horse, Grandmaster Ma, surged with a frenzy, expending every ounce of strength in its escape. As the explosion swept over them, searing pain scorched Wang Xuan''s back. The extraordinary runes burst into light, shredding his armor and battle garments to tatters. Once more, his Golden Body Technique faltered. His back was a mangled mess of flesh, with ribs nearly exposed in ces, but he was grateful that, this time, his internal organs had been spared. Grandmaster Ma fared hardly better; one wing was punctured through, bloodied, and one of its hind legs bore a ghastly wound ¡ª not fatal, but grievous. "Seems I''ve gone a bit soft; half a year without killing, and now I''ve let even a mere mortal escape," the man on the groundmented as he lowered his great bow, shaking his head in disappointment. "It''s just a mortal. If we cross paths again, he''ll be crushed with a flick of the wrist," another one of them dered dismissively. "Ah, but that short sword of his, that''s a fine treasure. I hope we meet him again soon," the third remarked, his eyes sparkling with a cold mirth as the trio disappeared into the forest. In the sky, Wang Xuan coughed up blood, his body ravaged by wounds for the first time to such an extent. ncing back towards thend that almost imed his life, he fixed his gaze on their receding figures, and vowed, "You are pushing me to step into the extraordinary realm. Our reckoning wille soon!" Chapter 166: Earth Immortal Spring Chapter 166: Earth Immortal Spring A gentle breeze rustled through the sea of bamboo on the mountain, their verdant leaves whispering secrets in the wind, imbuing the air with a freshness that teemed with vitality. Amidst this tranquility, however, a faint scent of fresh blood permeated the air. Wang Xuan sat shirtless, his upper body bared to the elements, as he meticulously inspected his injuries through the realm of his spirit. A bloody hole marred his chest, and his right lung bore four terrible gashes, rendering the organ torn and ragged. His back was a rawndscape of flesh, with his ribs faintly visible through the torn skin. In solemn reflection, he acknowledged that despite the perils he had faced since embarking on the path of ancient arts, he had never suffered such grievous wounds. He hadn''t evene into direct contact with his assant and had nearly lost his life to an attack from the skies. Had he been careless? No, he had been cautious, heeding early warnings and fleeing preemptively. In the end, it was a stark disparity in strength; even his trusted Golden Body Art had been insufficient to fend off the transcendent power of his enemy''s enchanted arrows. This was the first time he had experienced such a brutal defeat. Zhao Qinghan ground the remaining few spiritual herbs to a paste and carefully applied them to Wang Xuan''s external wounds. These injuries were severe, but the more critical damagey within¡ªhis organs were shattered in ces. For an ordinary person, survival would have been impossible. "Don''t overthink it, just focus on healing," she said softly as she tended to his bandages. Nearby, Grandmaster Ma was grunting and snorting in pain, its wings and legs punctured and bleeding. The creature''s horse-like cries suggested a stream of curses in its uniquenguage. It had memorably etched the image of its assant into its mind, vowing that once its master nursed it back to transcendent strength, it would seek out that person for a thorough trampling into the ground. Zhao Qinghan applied the remaining medicinal herbs to the majestic creature''s wounds as well. "How perilously close it was," Wang Xuan mused, deeply aware of his brush with death. Without the protective measures of his Golden Body Art, without diminishing the potency of the arrow''s runes through Zhang Daoling''s physical techniques, he would have been obliterated. He understood profoundly the chasm thaty between him and the transcendent, and even though his physique had reached the pinnacle among mortals, it still could not withstand the force of that otherworldly domain. Perhaps, he pondered, he had not yet reached the true zenith of mortal strength. Zhao Qinghan spoke up, her gaze stretching past the bamboo thicket to the distant woods. "A flock of ck prison crows just took flight from that forest over there!" she announced, standing at the edge of the bamboo forest, looking towards the far-off trees. The leader of the crows was of the quasi-Grandmaster level. These gregarious birds of prey hunted and feasted on carrion alike, always descending upon any carcass in sight. "There are also some beasts fleeing from the mountainside nearby," she observed with a meticulous eye, noting that ordinarily, these areas were rtively quiet. Wang Xuan rose to his feet, his expression changing subtly as he noticed more disturbances in another direction. "Let''s go," he said, giving Grandmaster Ma a pat to signal it was time to depart. "Could it be those three who are following us?" Zhao Qinghan asked. Themotion in the forest, with birds and beasts stirring on arge scale, was typically caused by the passage of transcendent beings. "Possibly!" Wang Xuan nodded. Grandmaster Ma, despite its pain, swore in its equinenguage that one day, once it transcended, it would trample those people to death. With resilience, it carried the two of them on its wings, ascending into the sky. From his vantage point in the air, Wang Xuan surveyed thend and, indeed, spotted the man with the great bow standing on a mountaintop, looking in their direction. Soon after, the other two men appeared, joining theirrade. Wang Xuan''s gaze was cold as he watched them from afar. A me of anger flickered in his chest; these three had set their sights on him, relentlessly pursuing him with the intent to hunt him down. Was it the mysterious mist that enveloped him they coveted, or was it simply that they felt their reputation was at stake after a failed attempt, eager to nt that final arrow in him? All three were of the transcendent realm, yet they had returned to the external region to seize opportunities, which, from what Wang Xuan understood, vited the rules. He wondered if any power existed that could correct or constrain them. A killing intent began to seethe within him. These three transcendent beings had targeted him time and again, and he felt no need for others to intervene for justice. He was preparing to settle the score himself, and soon. Atop the mountain peak, the three men watched as the flying horse carried its passengers into the distance. "Not releasing a transcendent aura would make us vulnerable to attacks from many beasts who might mistake us for prey," one of them mused. "But to release such an aura would send the creatures of the forest fleeing, alerting that young man." "Do we really need to go back and kill him?" hispanion inquired, his gaze fixed on the man with the great bow. Xiong Kun, with untamed ck hair fluttering in the wind, carried a fierce look in his eyes. "The nce he cast before he left... it unsettles me upon reflection. I fear he might be like my grandfather, a formidable figure. And look, he''s indeed simr, having tamed a beast just as well." The discussion shifted towards urgency. "Let''s head back quickly. Although this area is under the jurisdiction of the ck Horn Beast, if our trail is discovered, the White Peacock that knows we''ve ventured into the outer region will pose a danger." "Indeed, if it learns that we''ve hunted someone not yet of the transcendent realm, there''ll be trouble," they agreed. "In the ck Horn Beast''s domain, we''ll be safe. Let''s go pay it a visit," Xiong Kun proposed, knowing that the metallic badges in the outer region had not yet been consolidated by one individual¡ªthere was still a chance for him. A century ago, Xiong Kun''s grandfather had also participated in the hiddennd''s contest, obtaining the miraculous mist left by the immortals, which altered his constitution and reformed his organs. This propelled his rapid rise on the Heluo, where he was now a figure of renown. Thus, Xiong Kun was aware of the location of the Inner Landscape''s treasures and understood the heaven-defying effects of the mist. Even if he could only refine his opponent''s marrow to extract its medicinal properties, he was prepared to consume it directly. His grandfather was a living testament: those who obtain the miraculous mist are destined to soar to the heavens! It was known that his grandfather had once saved a creature on the outskirts of the hiddennd¡ªa ck Horn Beast. ¡­¡­ A man and a beast had journeyed together for many years, and now, a centuryter, the ck Horn Beast had evolved into a formidable creature of transcendent realms, ruling over its domain. Throughout these years, Xiong Kun''s grandfather had returned to the hiddennds multiple times, maintaining an unbroken rtionship with the creature. This time, Xiong Kun had breached the rules by entering the outer region of the hiddennd, relying on the ck Horn Beast''s tacitplicity¡ªit turned a blind eye to his transgressions. "At first, I didn''t think much of it, but now a sense of unease creeps upon me. He couldn''t possibly be aiming to replicate my grandfather''s path, could he?" Xiong Kun mused, his ck hair cascading like a waterfall, his eyes cold and wild. ... Sufficiently distant from the scene of conflict, the Grandmaster Ma finally halted, its wings dripping with blood, its legs a stark crimson against the darkened wounds that had begun to fissure open. It was visibly exhausted. Sitting upon a moss-covered stone, Wang Xuan focused on harnessing mysterious energies to mend his severely damaged right lung. Confident in his healing, he still anticipated it would require no less than five days. To any onlooker, the prospect of healing a split lung in such a short period would be nothing short of astonishing. This elerated healing was only possible because Wang Xuan had recently emerged from the Inner Landscape''s treasure trove,den with a plethora of mystical substances. Otherwise, his recovery would have been a far more grueling process. Yet, even with this aid, satisfaction eluded him. He yearned to recuperate even faster. In the ever-shifting danger of the hiddennds, every day brought change and potential peril. In his current condition, he was rmingly vulnerable. Furthermore, the outlook for Grandmaster Ma was not promising. Weakened, should they encounter a formidable enemy, swift escape might no longer be within its capabilities. "We''re off to find the Earth Immortal Spring!" Wang Xuan dered, determined to delve deeper into the Hidden Land to baptize his flesh with the waters of the Earth Immortal Spring, to swiftly heal his wounds. With his current condition, venturing into the treacherous secret paths of thends of demise would be akin to suicide. "Isn''t that a bit too reckless? That ce is riddled with monsters," Zhao Qinghan frowned in concern. "It''ll be fine. If Old Zhong, at over a hundred years of age, can risk his life and emerge not only alive but decades younger, surely we''re stronger than an old man at the twilight of his years," Wang Xuan argued confidently. The goddess Zhao fell silent. Old Zhong was far from being a frail old man; he was a centenarian ascetic, potentially the foremost in the domain of ancient arts! "Grandmaster Ma, do you crave the fruit of demons, the swift recovery of your body, to be a transcendent being among horses? Then let''s go drink our fill from the Earth Immortal Spring!" With those words, Grandmaster Ma leaped to its feet, its vitality restored. The horse grinned, almost crookedly, with excitement¡ªit seemed that its master was finally going to nourish it again. Initially cautious, Zhao Qinghan couldn''t remain unmoved. To drink from the Earth Immortal Spring promised an extension of life by fifty years. For someone who had embarked on the path of ancient arts in pursuit of beauty, the temptation was boundless. Thus, even the typicallyposed Zhao Qinghan ceased her cautions, now looking forward to the venture. "Is that the Earth Immortal Spring?" Wang Xuan and hispany arrived atop a mountain, peering down at the wondrous expanse. Even from a distance, they could feel the extraordinary essence of spiritual substances filling the air. Wang Xuan was momentarily speechless; the Earth Immortal Spring was not gushing forth as expected. To his surprise, it was rather "feeble," trickling like raindrops from the eaves, seeping through the crevices of a cliff face. Below was a small puddle, barely holding a couple of liters of crystal-clear liquid at most. As for soaking in the Earth Immortal Spring, that was a thought to be abandoned. With such a scant amount, they would be lucky to wash their faces, or at most, indulge in the extravagance of a footbath. The Earth Immortal Spring shimmered with rity, emitting wisp after wisp of misty radiance. The spectacle was extraordinary, yet the quantity was disappointingly meager. "I had hoped to invite you to bathe in the Earth Immortal Spring, but with just this tiny puddle..." Wang Xuan expressed his disappointment, the reality falling short of his expectations. At his words, Zhao Qinghan rolled her eyes at him dramatically. Grandmaster Ma was equally dumbfounded. The scant amount of water present could bepped up in one go by itsrge tongue¡ªhardly enough for anyone to drink! Their alertness quickly sharpened when they spotted some creatures lurking around the base of the cliff. A ck lion, with a mane incredibly long, sauntered by and effortlessly gulped down the Earth Immortal Spring''s waters. Measuring over a dozen meters in length and radiating an aura of transcendental energy, the beast was clearly a formidable monster, not to be trifled with. The meager pool was barely sufficient to moisten its throat. "We probably couldn''t defeat it even if webined the strength of four silk snakes," Wang Xuan sighed. Atop the cliff, the water trickled down from the crevice, slowly refilling the puddle over time, amassing a volume of a few kilograms. This time, the ck lion didn''t reappear. Instead, a snow-white scorpion approached. Bathed in sunlight, it glistened like a carving of white jade, a dazzling beauty that belied its deadly venom. It was asrge as a grinding stone and drank the spring dry, then slowly scuttled away. Once the puddle was replenished with the luminous liquid, a fiery beast arrived. It resembled an elephant, yet its tusks were sharply honed. Chewing on the flesh and blood of some unfortunate creature, its body glowed red and was wrapped in mes¡ªan unmistakably formidable creature that radiated danger. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan realized that the monsters took turns drinking from the Earth Immortal Spring without conflict, each seemingly adhering to an unspoken schedule of ¡°meal times.¡± If they wished to intervene, it would be a challenge. The spring was surrounded by extraordinary monsters, each one looking more formidable than thest, and none seemed easy to contend with. Grandmaster Ma became unusually subdued, watching the procession of beasts quenching their thirst at the spring. It did not dare to curse orin, only ncing at Wang Xuan as if to say, "It''s all up to you now!" After observing for a while, Wang Xuan was relieved to note that there were no flying beasts in the vicinity. However, Zhao Qinghan was less optimistic. The area was perilous, teeming with too many extraordinary creatures. She shared that the region was rumored to house an Earth Immortal¡¯s dwelling, which was why numerous monsters were entrenched here, awaiting the day when the Earth Immortal Pce might emerge. Some extraordinary monsters were known tomunicate telepathically with humans, and such news had been circting for a long time. Moreover, as the spring''s flow had diminished over the years, the monsters had be increasingly vignt. Wang Xuan mused, "Old Zhong was practically buried in the ground, yet he managed to return to vigor, fought for his life amongst the creatures, drank his fill, and escaped alive." He surmised that Old Zhong must have used some special means to distract the monsters; otherwise, he couldn¡¯t have seeded. Zhao Qinghan reminded him not to take Old Zhong lightly. The man was formidable and shrewd, and they might well cross paths with him soon in the Hidden Land. Wang Xuan nodded in acknowledgment, aware that he shouldn¡¯t provoke Old Zhong. However, he couldn''t help but wonder who would be more surprised if they were to meet after he became transcendent and ventured deeper into the Hidden Land for a confrontation. "So, all these monsters, and Old Zhong too, just charged over and slurped up the spring?" Wang Xuan visualized the scenes. A scheme began to form in his mind as he eyed the crevice in the cliff, "See that bulge where the crack is? I''m convinced there¡¯s a reservoir of hundreds, maybe thousands of kilograms of Earth Immortal Spring inside. If we can quickly create arge opening and collect the water in containers to make a quick getaway, I bet we could reap a substantial bounty!" Zhao Qinghan shook her head and said, "People have tried before. The cliff is so tough, it''s almost impossible to split open. It''s suspected to be made of sunstone." Wang Xuan paused, then dismissed the concern, "It''s not actual sunstone, at most it''s just mixed with some. I think it won¡¯t pose much of a problem." He was confident; having once used his short sword to pare down Zhong Qing''s steel te with ease and even sever a sharp spike, he believed in his ability to cut through the cliff wall. Eventually, Wang Xuan found a giant wild gourd that, once hollowed out, he estimated could hold at least fifty or sixty pounds of the Earth Immortal Spring. But the gourd was not his primary container¡ªthe fragment of his blessednd was, with its internal space of approximately two cubic meters. They observed for a long time and chose a safe moment when the puddle below was drained and no monsters were around. With Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan aboard, Grandmaster Ma sped towards the cliff like a bolt of lightning. Zhao Qinghan held the split gourd ready, while Wang Xuan forcefully swung his short sword. With a hiss, the cliff was cleaved open, releasing a fragrant liquid. Zhao quickly positioned the gourd to capture the precious fluid¡ªafter all, it was a beautifying elixir to her. Wang Xuan, however, felt the opening was not big enough. He wielded his sword with more force, carving out arger hole, and reached in with the shard of his blessednd to gather the Earth Immortal Spring. Soon, he felt the shard was full. "Why has the flow stopped?" Zhao Qinghan wondered aloud. As Wang Xuan withdrew his hand, the Earth Immortal Spring gushed once more, filling the wild gourd to the brim. "Let''s go!" Wang Xuanmanded, aware that the noise they made might have alerted the nearby creatures. But then, he noticed something glittering within the stone. The water inside had receded, revealing something shiny. He reached in and pulled it out! Chapter 167: An Opportunity Chapter 167: An Opportunity The moment the shimmering object touched Wang Xuan''s palm, he was enveloped by a potent life force. Vitality coursed through his hand, invigorating his flesh and blood as if they were rejoicing. It was, without a doubt, a treasure! He swiftly tucked it into his shard of blessednd. Could there be more? This ce was indeed peculiar; the special rock wall could block the probing of mental fields, and he had spotted the treasures with his naked eye. In the final instant, Wang Xuan erged the opening with his short sword, plunging his upper body through to scoop out the remaining glowing crystals. The Earth Immortal Spring soaked his clothes and washed over his wounds, which tingled pleasantly as the rich life essence nourished them, rapidly revitalizing his cells. "Quickly!" Zhao Qinghan urged Grandmaster Ma. They had to move; time was running out. A terrible malevolence surged from within the mountains, like a tidal wave crashing into the sky, a phenomenon they had never witnessed before. With its neck crooked and mouth agape, Grandmaster Ma guzzled a mouthful of the cascading spring, barely pausing before rocketing into the sky. ted and grinning sideways, the creature was soaking wet¡ªhad it just bathed in the Earth Immortal Spring? Such a boast would be the envy of many extraordinary beings in the secret realm who had never been granted this privilege. A colossal lion''s roar, more terrifying than thunder, exploded beside the trio, nearly causing Grandmaster Ma to tumble from the sky. A massive ck lion, over a dozen meters in length, stood upon the mountain terrain. Itsrge, yellow pupils, sharp as des, bore into them. With its roar, manyrge trees shattered; its energy was rampant, sending sand and stones flying¡ªa clear sign of a great demon''s emergence. The lion''s roar shattered the heavens, and a dark energy, akin to tidal waves crashing upwards, struck. Several birds of prey flying overhead burst instantly, their blood and flesh torn asunder. Wang Xuan summoned thunder from his chest to fend off the wave of darkness. His organs vibrated in forced resonance, channeling a secret power that caused the blood from a wound on his chest to spurt afresh. His back wound also ripped further, staining his skin crimson. Fortunately, they had ascended to higher altitudes where the dark wave had weakened, reduced to mere aftershocks. Even so, the impact left Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan, along with their mount, in difort, their chests heavy and congested. Grandmaster Ma''s wounds partially burst open, blood drenching its body. "Fly to the right!" Wang Xuanmanded. His psychic senses had detected a beam of light emitted from the tail of a white scorpion, like a spear thrown towards the heavens. There was no need to think; a direct hit would either obliterate them with its extraordinary energy or kill them with its potent poison. "The elephant can fly!" Zhao Qinghan alerted. From the mountains emerged a crimson elephant, its body wrapped in mes, with fierce tusks and a wide mouth. Itsrge ears glowed with runes, weaving a brilliant tapestry of symbols that expanded, transforming into blood-red wings. With a p of these magical ears, the elephant took to the sky. Surprisingly, it ascended by pping its ears, engulfed in a boiling aura, unleashing a terrifying red firelight that streaked across the sky, the heat searingly intense. Thankfully, the elephant wasn''t as swift and couldn''t keep pace with Grandmaster Ma. The extraordinary fire was daunting, scorching and partially melting the mountaintops it touched. Terrified, Grandmaster Ma fled desperately, its mouth wide open in an rmed bray, its tail singed with flickering mes. Wang Xuan quickly drew his sword, severing the burnt ends of the creature''s tail. Wang Xuan wasn''t faring much better. Using thunderous strikes to dispel the remnants of the fire, his wounds were now fully ripped open. Zhao Qinghan applied the Earth Immortal Spring to his injuries, staving off further deterioration. Atst, they made their escape. The red elephant, unable to catch them, let out an enraged roar that copsed a mountaintop, causingva to flow like rivers on the ground. Theynded in a mountainous area popted by herbivores and devoid of monsters, where Grandmaster Ma came to a pitiful stop. Covered in wounds and bleeding profusely, ity on the grass, too wounded and exhausted to move, nearly spitting out foam from its mouth. Had it not drunk from the Earth Immortal Spring earlier, it wouldn''t have made it back at all. Zhao Qinghan carefully cradled therge gourd, using its contents to cleanse the wounds of both Wang Xuan and Grandmaster Ma. It was an extravagant use of the Earth Immortal Spring''s water. "Old Zhong must have transcended the ordinary to dare to steal the Earth Immortal Spring; the old man has kept his secrets deep," Wang Xuan was convinced. He believed that even with thorough preparations and luring away a horde of monsters, Old Zhong, if merely a grandmaster, wouldn''t have survived. "What did Old Zhong do to you? Why are you always thinking about him?" Zhao Qinghan asked with a smile. "To be honest, I''ve got my eye on the treasures in Old Zhong''s house," Wang Xuan confessed unabashedly. "Zhong Qing?" Zhao Qinghan nced at him, her eyes full of amusement. "With a goddess by my side, why would I pine for little Zhong?" Wang Xuan shook his head vigorously, denying any such interest at the crucial moment. He was forthright in admitting his true desire: Old Zhong''s library and the various secret tomes it contained. "Which book are you interested in? I could try exchanging with little Zhong," Zhao Qinghan offered calmly, her confidence suggesting she could persuade little Zhong. "The golden bamboo scrolls, the five-colored jade books," Wang Xuan replied. Upon hearing this, Zhao Qinghan sensed the enormous difficulty of the task. There were only twoplete sets of the golden bamboo scrolls, and Old Zhong possessed one, which he never revealed to others. "I''ll give it a try," she decided, undeterred. Wang Xuan shook his head. "No need for now; I''ll find a way once I transcend," he said. He did not wish for Zhao Qinghan to trade her own advantages, knowing Old Zhong was not one to engage in a losing deal. "We said, ask little Zhong," Zhao Qinghan said with a smile. "We have the Earth Immortal Spring here, and we can''t consume it all. If little Zhong knew I had it... you''d never understand a woman''s obsession with youth and beauty. I bet she''d be willing to turn Old Zhong''s library upside down for it!" She sighed, however, adding, "It''s a pity the active substances in the Earth Immortal Spring won''tst long. I hope we can get back to Xinxing soon." "It''s time to divide the spoils of war!" Wang Xuan dered. They had risked their lives to collect the Earth Immortal Spring; now, it was time to reap the benefits and extend a lifetime. Grandmaster Ma, who had previouslyin on the ground weak and motionless as if dead, suddenly sprang to his feet with a vibrant glow in his eyes, saliva nearly dripping from his mouth in anticipation. Wang Xuan found arge piece of bluestone and expertly carved a stone basin with his short sword, pouring twenty kilograms of the Earth Immortal Spring into it for Grandmaster Ma. The Grandmaster was immensely pleased. He guzzled the magical liquid with deep, resounding gulps. The astonishing vitality of the spring took immediate effect; his wounds, which had already begun to close from the spring''s previous application, now healed at an elerated rate. As he drank the twenty kilograms in one go, a radiant light shimmered from his pores, and his physical vitality surged, closing the wounds with rapid new growth. Then, he turned his head and hisposure slipped. The other two were delicately sipping from silver cups. Why was he given a stone basin? "You think a mouth as big as yours fits a silver cup?" Wang Xuan joked, pushing Grandmaster Ma''s head gently to the side. "Next time, I''ll bring you a silver basin," Zhao Qinghan said with a suppressed smile, the delicate utensils clearly part of her personal collection. Although Zhao Qinghan''s movements were graceful, she drank eagerly, nearly obsessed with the fragrant divine liquid that promised prolonged youth. With each cup she consumed, she would close her eyes as if savoring the taste, her lips glistening a fresh, sensual red. Wang Xuan too indulged in the drink, feeling his wounds mend and his cracked lung tissue regenerate, his overall condition improving dramatically. Despite his capacity for drink, Wang Xuan consumed only a few liters, with Zhao Qinghan drinking even less. But this was sufficient; a kilogram or two of the Earth Immortal Spring was enough to achieve the desired effect, and more would make little difference. "This can extend life by fifty years? Life is indeed filled with wonders!" Zhao Qinghan mused, thrilled at the prospect of another fifty years of youth and beauty. "Strive in your cultivation, advance to the transcendent realm, and you can retain your youth even longer," Wang Xuan encouraged with a smile. Zhao Qinghan nodded, picked several small gourds capable of holding a few liters each, filled them with the Earth Immortal Spring, and handed them to Wang Xuan. "Take these back for your parents and close friends," she said. Then, her curiosity piqued, she noticed something different about him. "What are those new bundles you have? Are those armors?" The goddess had a keen eye; she had spotted several new packages on Wang Xuan. In order to store the Earth Immortal Spring, Wang Xuan had cleared out the fragments of the blessednd, naturally carrying the armor and misceneous items on his person. He pushed several small gourds toward Zhao Qinghan, saying, "You keep these, I have more." Hesitating briefly, he decided to reveal to her the wonders of the blessednd fragments. Zhao Qinghan was astounded¡ªwere these items of legend reappearing in their time? Even in an era where new star technology was highly advanced, such mythical artifacts were unheard of. When Grandmaster Ma learned that Wang Xuan still had a substantial amount of the Earth Immortal Spring, he stretched his neck out, indicating his eagerness for more. Wang Xuan obliged, pouring over thirty kilograms for him. Without Grandmaster Ma, the spring would have been unreachable, so fulfilling his desire was only fair¡ªthere was as much for him to drink as he wanted. Eventually, Grandmaster Ma''s belly swelled. Hey on the ground, his body radiating light, motionless¡ªhe had drunk to his limit. Wang Xuan then took out two glistening objects, each the size of a pigeon''s egg, exuding a remarkable vitality. He handed one to Zhao Qinghan and kept one for himself, specting, "I found these in the belly of the mountain. They seem like a concentrated essence of life¡ªcould they possibly be crystals of the Earth Immortal Spring?" "That''s... very likely!" Zhao Qinghan agreed. Wang Xuan ced the crystal in his mouth and was amazed to find it slowly dissolving, transforming into a powerful surge of vital energy that flooded his body. He trembled involuntarily as his injuries healed at an astonishing rate, his wounds scarring over, his metabolism fiercely rejuvenating. Looking inward, Wang Xuan saw his lung tissue mending! At this rate, he would recover in no time. A good night''s sleep and he would likely wake up brimming with vitality. Zhao Qinghan also ced the crystal in her mouth, her joy undeniable. "With this, and the spring, I feel like I could live an extra hundred years!" she eximed. In fact, the vitality contained within these crystals far surpassed that of the Earth Immortal Spring itself, but due to the body''s resistance, absorbing too much vitality was wasteful. Otherwise, given their sheer volume, the potential of these crystals was astonishing! "It''s a pity that there''s a saturation point to how much of this active substance the body can take, otherwise, the effects could be even more astounding!" Wang Xuan marveled. He had a feeling that these crystals could extend life by a century¡ªan absolutely miraculous blessing. Being so young, the baptism his physical body had received through the substance immensely boosted his potential. This life-giving material could not induce a breakthrough, but what it replenished was inherently more profound and valuable¡ª the very essence of one''s being. "I can feel subtle changes in my body, as if thetent strength within is bing more robust," Zhao Qinghan spoke up, her beautiful eyes gleaming, now a faint shade of purple. A part of her bloodline, that of the indigenous people of the new star, had been awakened! Grandmaster Ma, on the other hand, widened his eyes in disbelief. He had been fed so much of the Earth Immortal Spring that he couldn''t move from the ground, and here these two were... consuming glowing divine crystals? And none were offered to him! Struggling to stand, he spat out a mouthful of water¡ª he had imbibed too much. Then he began to grumble in his equinenguage,menting his great contributions, did he not deserve even a glinting stone? Wang Xuan, intending to save a couple of crystals for his parents, still had a considerable surplus. Naturally, he wouldn''t shortchange Grandmaster Ma. Without a word, he popped a crystal into the creature''s mouth. He sighed, "If you don''t transform into a heavenly steed, or be an unparalleled great demon, it would be a disservice to the way I''ve nurtured you." After consuming a crystal, Grandmaster Ma did not experience a breakthrough. However, the substance within surged, enhancing his inner essence and potential. Runes, moreplex and mystical than before, appeared on his wings and body, purifying his bloodline even further. Meanwhile, in the external regions of the secretnds, a well-known area called ck Horn Mountain, a transcendent named Xiong Kun and two others were paying a visit to the territory''s formidable master. A demon beast of extraordinary strength resided there¡ª the ck Horn Beast. More formidable than the average transcendent creature, in the outer regions, it had few rivals. The ck Horn Beast, a subordinate of the White Peacock, was responsible for ensuring that no transcendent being from the depths of the secretnds caused chaos. In some sense, it was one of the enforcers of the outer regions. At this level, the beast couldmunicate with humans through telepathy, and itsir was impressivelyrge, deliberately designed to mimic the legendary demon beast pces of lore. The ck Horn Beast resembled an aged wolf, with a jet-ck body, a pair of wings on its back, and a single horn protruding from its head. Upon his arrival, Xiong Kun bowed respectfully and greeted it as "Great-Uncle," prompting the two other transcendent beings apanying him to follow suit, albeit with some reluctance. "How fares your grandfather?" inquired the ck Horn Beast, its voice a mental vibration that carried its thoughts. "My grandfather is on the verge of another breakthrough, all is well," replied Xiong Kun. "He has sent me to deliver a cultivation scroll, a rare and secret tome of the demon race." Xiong Kun presented an ancient scroll, exining, "I had the opportunity to meet you deep within the secretnds before, but there were too many onlookers to give this to you in person." The ck Horn Beast''s eyes brightened as it took the scroll, expressing gratitude for the thoughtfulness of Xiong Kun''s grandfather. Without dy, Xiong Kun stated his purpose. He aspired to partake in the fortunes of the outer regions, to vie for the mystical fog contested by the youths, eager to emte his grandfather''s ascendance. The ck Horn Beast frowned, understanding the implications of bending the rules. Should it be discovered, the repercussions would be dire. "This is a difficult request," the beast sighed. "Return to the depths of the secretnds for now. I will have my subordinates monitor the situation. Should anyone im the mystical fog... we will see." "Please ensure you inform me promptly, Great-Uncle!" Xiong Kun implored, bowing deeply, beseeching the beast''s assistance. He then added, "There''s also a man and a horse. I would appreciate it if you could ''look after'' them and locate their whereabouts in the outer regions; they unsettle me." "You seem overly concerned for mere mortals, don''t you think?" The ck Horn Beast nced at him skeptically, feeling put upon by such a request. "Great-Uncle," Xiong Kun pressed on, "the young man carries a short sword, which I suspect might be an Earth Immortal-grade weapon!" "Hmm, I understand," the ck Horn Beast nodded, acknowledging the gravity of Xiong Kun''s suspicions. ¡­¡­ The following day, Wang Xuan and Grandmaster Ma had made a full recovery, brimming with vitality that surpassed their previous states. Zhao Qinghan, unscathed, glowed with an even more radiant beauty, her delicate skin seemingly effervescent with youth. She whispered to herself in wonder, "Is this the power of a century''s youth?" They set out towards the Secluded Land, Wang Xuan intent on enhancing his own capabilities. Along the way, however, they sensed something amiss. Strange birds appeared sporadically, keeping a distant yet deliberate watch over them. "Something''s not right, let''s turn back!" Wang Xuan called out. But it was toote. Silently, a creature resembling an aged wolf materialized behind them. With a horn twisting from its head and a pair of dark wings pping, the beast hovered ominously. "Come here," it demanded coldly. Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine; a creature capable of mentalmunication was undoubtedly powerful, and now it had them in its sights. Grandmaster Ma, dejected, realized it could not outrun this creature. With no choice, they followed it down to a forest clearing and into a cavernousir carved into the mountain¡ªa den of extraordinary nature. "I''ve heard you''ve been causing quite a stir," the ck Horn Beast said, its voice dripping with disdain. "Challenging transcendent beings, exploiting loopholes in the rules, knowing they dare not leave the depths of the secretnds. Riding high and mighty, making bold derations. As an enforcer of this region, I have some questions for you, some situations to rify." Grandmaster Ma bristled with indignation at such tant misrepresentation. "And your short sword, show it to me. Have you uncovered an Earth Immortal''s cave?" the ck Horn Beast prodded further. Anger surged within Wang Xuan. This transcendent creature, aw enforcer? Absurd. The ck Horn Beast pressed on with a nonchnt authority, "You wouldn''t have found an entrance near the Earth Immortal Spring, would you? Discovered the Earth Immortal Pce, perhaps? Some fortunes are too great for you to bear." Faced with the Beast''s impudence and at such close quarters, a thought shed through Wang Xuan''s mind¡ªto simply end this overbearing old wolf and be done with it. Chapter 168: Slaying A Transcendent Chapter 168: ying A Transcendent The audacity of the ck Horn Beast was pushing Wang Xuan to the limits of his temper. He could hardly resist the urge to retaliate. Does this creature truly believe that those who transcend the ordinary were invincible? Before he would let his anger dictate his actions, Wang Xuan needed to ascertain a few things. Was this aged wolf-like beast in cahoots with the three transcendent beings they had encountered earlier? How else would it know about the short sword, and why was its interest so pointedly specific? Additionally, Wang Xuan wondered if the mention of the White Peacock would invoke a sense of dread in the beast. He was loath to reveal his trump card unless absolutely necessary. "We are mere mortals; how could we dare to provoke transcendent beings within the Hidden Land?" Zhao Qinghan''s voice broke through, measured and clear. "Someone is misleading you." She informed the ck Horn Beast that on their journey they had encountered another transcendent creature, also an enforcer, who had assured them of impartial justice. "That enforcer discovered the three transcendent beings crossing boundaries and has gone to apprehend them," Zhao Qinghan stated calmly. Grandmaster Ma was initially puzzled; when had they met another enforcer? Then, realization dawned upon him¡ªit was a ruse by the cunning Zhao Qinghan. Upon hearing this, the pupils of the ck Horn Beast contracted slightly, but it kept itsposure, its gaze fixed on Zhao Qinghan. The intensity in its eyes was terrifying, pressing down on her with immense force. "We have been pursued and nearly killed by three transcendent beings. The enforcer assured us that should any harm befall us, the matter would be investigated thoroughly." Zhao Qinghan spoke with aposure that belied the gravity of their situation, her steady demeanor aiming to deceive the demon and protect not just her own life but those of Wang Xuan and their equinepanion. Wang Xuan remained silent; Zhao Qinghan had said everything that needed to be said. He stood ready, vignt for any sudden aggression from the beast. The ck Horn Beast''s gaze was cold and unfathomable as it queried, "What did this other enforcer look like?" "A peacock, over five meters in length, with plumage as white as snow and surrounded by an aura of auspicious light," Zhao Qinghan replied truthfully, for she had indeed seen such a creature. The ck Horn Beast''s eyes held a chilling coldness as it scrutinized Zhao Qinghan. "You are quite astute, responding withposure, daring to extort me with tales of a great demon to intimidate and threaten. Indeed, not bad. But, you do not truly understand that White Peacock. It may act, but it never offers verbal guarantees." The creature continued, its voice as sharp as its mind, "You see, your heart rate increased just now. Moreover, you¡¯re consolidating your thoughts, afraid that my powerful mental abilities will detect the finer details and seize the fragments of your thoughts, revealing the truth that you never encountered the enforcer." The wily old wolf-creature was cunning and observant, its vignce high, piercing through the veil of their ruse. Zhao Qinghan, about to speak, was silenced by a gesture from Wang Xuan, who stepped protectively in front of her. This ck Horn Beast was no benign entity; it could turn hostile at any moment and was not easily fooled. "I understand your stance," Wang Xuan finally spoke, his earlier deductions affirming that the ck Horn Beast had been incited against them by the three transcendent beings. "The short sword is indeed rted to the Earth Immortal, but I am puzzled as to why you side with those three." The old wolf''s eyes gleamed with a glint of greed at the mention of an Earth Immortal Pce, its entire body cloaked in ck fur over three meters long. Although it sat as if in meditation, an aura of malice was barely concealed. "Yes, there is," Wang Xuan replied, locking eyes with the creature. "I alone know of it, having stumbled upon and picked up this short sword by chance. If you wish for me to guide you there, then you must not harm any one of us. Otherwise, I assure you, not a word will I divulge, for I am known to be quite steadfast." The ck Horn Beast feigned nonchnce, setting down its dark, menacing ws. It had intended to attack them outright, to maim both the humans and the horse to prevent anyplications. Wang Xuan warned, "The ce is perilous; I feel a single transcendent being is not enough to face its dangers. I would advise against venturing there alone." "It''s of no concern. I have a nephew who has also broken through to the transcendent realm. He can apany me," the beast replied indifferently, its mind set on discovering the Earth Immortal Pce to explore and investigate at leisure. A shiver went down Wang Xuan''s spine; his probing had inadvertently revealed the existence of another transcendent monster. It was fortunate that he had not acted rashly. A low growl emanated from the old wolf, and soon, an answering roar echoed through the mountains. Momentster, a wild boar, as massive as an armored vehicle, entered the cave. Its bristles were like steel spikes, scratching the stone walls of the cave as it passed, leaving visible marks. Grandmaster Ma''s gaze flickered with surprise¡ªthis was the wolf''s nephew? Clearly, it was a boar! "Let''s go, lead the way!"manded the ck Horn Beast as it rose to its feet. After a moment''s thought, as if an afterthought, it demanded brashly, "First, show me the short sword." To ''show'' it the sword was, of course, tantamount to surrendering it¡ªonce in its grasp, would they ever see it returned? "Why do you favor those three and target me, a mere mortal, with such intent? Why break the rules so grantly? Aren''t you afraid that the White Peacock will take issue with you?" Wang Xuan asked as he withdrew the short sword, disying it before the beast. "Why? Because I owed a debt to their grandfather. me your bad luck," the old wolf responded, its gaze locked onto the sword. "It has a certain depth that I can''t see through, an ancient relic." "Is it right for you, an enforcer, to not restrain transcendent beings from wanton killing, and instead, turn against me, the victim?" Wang Xuan''s voice was cold as he stepped back, adjusting his stance. "Right or wrong is for me to decide. You provoked the transcendent beings, causing trouble from nothing. As the enforcer, it''s my right to correct your mistake," the ck Horn Beast retorted with augh, dismissing morality with the wave of a hand. Grandmaster Ma''s eyes bulged with indignation. Was there no justice left? The enforcer was supposed to uphold thew, not twist it to such dark purposes! "So you mean to say, even if I lead you to the Earth Immortal Pce, you won''t let us off?" Wang Xuan shuffled his feet again, positioning himself strategically. He felt the time for dying was over. "It depends on your behavior. If you show sincerity, naturally I won''t harm you. Who knows, you might be the chosen ones and find great fortune in the Earth Immortal Pce," the ck Horn Beast said with a grin, not wanting its prey to despair just yet. It had already resolved that once they arrived, it would crush both man and beast with a swipe of its mighty w¡ªbest to eliminate any chance of unforeseen urrences. "A deal''s a deal!" With a flicker of hope, Wang Xuan tossed the short sword toward the beast. The old wolf snatched the short sword from the air and held it up for inspection, its ancient de drawing its attention. Without a moment''s dy, Wang Xuan moved. He activated the silver hairpin in his hand, unleashing a blinding beam of light that cleaved forward. The ck Horn Beast, outraged, attempted to dodge but found the light upon it far too swiftly. It roared in full defiance as a surge of dark energy erupted from it, but it was futile. The white light sliced through the beast''s body with unstoppable force, causing it to spurt blood from its wounds. The relentless beam didn''t stop there; after cleaving the old wolf, it continued its deadly arc toward the enormous boar spirit behind. Wang Xuan had deliberately chosen this position, ensuring all three adversaries were aligned so that a single strike from the silver hairpin might fell two transcendent creatures. With a wet thud, the boar spirit, as massive as an armored vehicle, was bisected, its blood spilling freely. Though split in two, the ck Horn Beast was not yet dead. A bright light began to shine from within its torn flesh as it made a desperate lunge towards Wang Xuan. In that instant, between the torn bodies of the beast and boar, surged a white energy apanied by the roar of a tiger. A spectral white tiger materialized, its roar thunderous as it tore them asunder. The ck Horn Beast and the boar spirity dead, the ground around them strewn with blood and flesh. Grandmaster Ma stared, dumbfounded and in disbelief. Was the coachman truly this formidable? To dispatch two transcendent monsters with a mere flick of his hand was terrifying! Zhao Qinghan covered her mouth in shock; the two demons had been so effortlessly in! Wang Xuan sighed, looking down at the silver hairpin in his hand. It could only be used twice, and now one chance had been squandered. But then, considering that the hairpin was a prize coaxed from the hands of a white tiger demon fairy, an adversary, his spirits lifted. There was, after all, a sense of achievement in using an enemy''s treasure against them. "Don''t look at me," Wang Xuan confessed openly. "This was a killing device given by the white tiger reared by the red-dressed demon fairy." He then urged them, "Collect the spoils and let''s make haste to leave!" After all, they were in a demon''s den, and there was no telling when another transcendent beast mighte calling. "Hey, there''s an ancient map here," Zhao Qinghan eximed, discovering a parchment. "It has many sub-patterns, like a monster swallowing the essence of the sun and moon, and meditative images, like the cultivation methods of otherworldly beings." Upon hearing Wang Xuan¡¯s instructions, Grandmaster Ma''s excitement was palpable. He leapt forward eagerly, his head darting in to scrutinize the map. "Let''s get out of here first!" Wang Xuan insisted. He hastily gathered up a half-eaten pig leg and grabbed a pair of tattered hind legs from the ck Horn Beast, finding it a rare feat to salvage such substantial morsels after the silver hairpin''s deadly assault. In an instant, the two men and a horse vanished from the scene. Soon, the pungent scent of blood lured various wild beasts to the site, their roars constant as they fought to feast on the remains of the transcendent monsters. On a quiet mountaintop, Zhao Qinghan stood speechless. The old wolf that had once threatened them was now being skinned by Wang Xuan. After being washed in a clear spring, its flesh was roasted to perfection. "Come, eat while it''s hot. This is transcendent flesh, highly nourishing!" Wang Xuan offered Zhao Qinghan several slices of the delicately wrapped meat in lotus leaves. He then tossed a wolf''s leg to Grandmaster Ma and alternated between bites of pig and wolf flesh himself. "The best way to honor a fallen foe is to give them a proper burial¡ªor in this case, digest them," Wang Xuan mused, savoring the taste that whetted his appetite. Zhao Qinghan was astonished, remarking, "The vor is truly exquisite... If we brought this back to Nova Star and had top chefs prepare it, these transcendent ingredients could be a renowned delicacy." Meanwhile, deep in the secrecy of thend, within the abandoned city of earthly immortals, the siblings Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng were gnawing on dried transcendent rat meat. Despite its pleasant taste, they ate with furrowed brows and eyes shut tight, as if they were undergoing torture. The thought of consuming rat meat was enough to turn their stomachs, but recalling their elder''s advice on its nutritional value, they steeled themselves and continued to eat. "We must never let anyone we know see us like this!" they muttered to themselves. ¡­¡­ In the distance, Xiong Kun and two other transcendent beings were all smiles, eagerly awaiting good news from the ck Horn Beast. "With the strength of the ck Horn Beast and its multitude of minions, it must have already discovered and dealt with those two men and the horse by now. Such a pity to lose that short sword, though," they mused among themselves. "The mysterious fog is even more precious, capable of remolding one''s very foundation and truly defying fate. We must obtain it!" They conversed leisurely, with a rxed air. ... It was time for departure. Wang Xuan bid his farewells, "Take care and stay safe. I''m off to thend of the dead, preparing to advance into the transcendent realm. Soon, I''ll be able to venture deep into the secretnds." Grandmaster Ma hurried over with a trot, his head shaking, mouth agape, tongue lolling out in an all-too-equine attempt at a smile. Wang Xuan was momentarily baffled, as if he had caught sight of a silly, grinning dog. But he quickly grasped Grandmaster Ma''s intent ¡ª a reminder not to forget to harvest the demonic fruits. Grandmaster Ma aspired to transcendence too! "Alright, I understand. I''ll bring some back for you. Take good care of Qinghan!" Wang Xuan assured him. Grandmaster Ma nodded vigorously, grinning from ear to ear, filled with anticipation for Wang Xuan''s return with the rare demonic fruits. He dreamed of transforming, of charging alongside Wang Xuan into the depths of the secretnds, hooves thundering in transcendent glory! "Be careful, safety first!" Zhao Qinghan called out, watching him depart into the distance. Chapter 169: The Rankings Chapter 169: The Rankings The mountainous terrain surrounding thend of the dead was entwined with bands of light, where the density of energy was exceptionally high. Eight transcendent beasts had constructed their nests around this no-man''snd, forming a daunting perimeter. Wang Xuan gazed into the distance, wondering what expression the Ferryman would wear upon seeing him. Would there be a warm reunion, or would the Ferryman think he''s seen a ghost? Perched atop a peak, Wang Xuan spied a family of Silk Serpents, two adults and two younglings,zily basking in the sun outside their snake hole. He had no desire to disrupt their peaceful moment and decided to leave them be. He also noticed the Mountain Tortoise, as lively as ever. Since the transcendent fruits had been plucked, it had been practicing its Spirit Tortoise Steps daily, ever vignt for foes in that area. The herbless tortoise seemed somewhat pitiful, and he resolved not to disturb it. Then, his eyes fell upon a Silver Bear, almost perfectly spherical from indulgence, which hardly ever strayed from its den. The bear''s homely nature stirred a sense ofpassion in Wang Xuan, and he chose not to intrude. Moving on, he observed from afar a golden monstrous bird perched on a cliff, ferociously tearing into an elephant, its talons soaked in blood that stained the rocks red. Witnessing the savage bird''s feast, Wang Xuan thought it best to leave this fierce creature to its meal. After circling around, he found the eight great nests were heavily guarded, and approaching them seemed unwise¡ªlikely a consequence of his frequent, uninvited visits that had left the eight transcendent beasts less than weing. "Some Earthlings from O," he heard someone mutter, spotting him. They could not hide their anger, and they stealthily retreated to gather more people for a hunt. Wang Xuan had noticed them already, ncing indifferently in the direction of their departure, too disinterested to bother with them. His sights were set on transcending. He was ready to enter directly into thend of the dead. The demonic fruits were now out of reach, with all the creatures on guard. He felt the energy umted within him should suffice; the mysterious fog had been assimted, he had drunk plenty from the fountain of the earth immortals, and he had consumed a significant amount of the transcendent beasts'' flesh. As Wang Xuan stepped into the shrouded mists, all sounds ceased. The abundant sunshine of the Hidden Land morphed into a cold, moonlit night scene with the silver moon hanging high above. Upon entering, his body writhed in pain once more, pores bleeding, yet he shrugged off the difort as an old acquaintance. This time, however, something was different. On the path that must be taken to reach the blueke, a massive golden-yellow metallic lump appeared, standing over five meters tall. Clearly weathered by the ages and coated in dust, it emitted an extraordinary presence, inexplicably unseen in his previous visits. Approaching the metal, Wang Xuan wiped it with his hand, revealing beneath the dust a surface that dazzled brilliantly, like a sun breaking the horizon, its true magnificence unveiled. Astonishment seized him at the thought that it might be Sun Gold¡ªa legendary material said to be used by immortals in forging weapons. How could such a sizable piece lie here, in this ce? He drew his short sword, tentatively aligning it against the Sun Gold. With a careful stroke, a jolt of excitement ran through him as the sword sliced through the metal. Could this be destiny''s offering to him? He remembered well the value of Sun Gold; a mere hundred grams couldmand a price of five hundred million New World Credits, a veritable fortune. He inspected it closely, poised to carve off arge chunk with his short sword. Such mythical material, fit for the weapons of celestial beings, would be an offering fit for a goddess like Zhao Qinghan. To trade with Elder Zhong for sacred texts seemed not just possible, but promising. With a decisive ng, he struck the Sun Gold, and a deep crack appeared. Judging by the size of the fissure, a few more strikes would likely cleave off a piece weighing dozens of pounds. As Wang Xuan recoiled, the colossal nugget of Sun Gold came alive, emanating a light so intense it cast a radiant barrier between him and the precious metal. Although tinged with a slight sense of loss, he couldn''t harbor much regret; he was well aware that the relics of the Eura did not surrender themselves easily. Inscriptions caught his eye, a myriad of enigmatic glyphs densely packed and cascading down the height of the monolith. They were a puzzle, their meanings elusive, characters from a lexicon Wang Xuan could not decipher. A cautious brush of the golden barrier at its base, and he felt a vibration¡ªa resonance with something intimately familiar. The script before him shifted, morphing into a narrative uniquely his own. The once arcane symbols spelled out a new truth: "Wang Xuan, who has thrice walked the Eura, remains but a mortal." What was this towering testament of Sun Gold, bearing enigmatic symbols that seemed to catalog names and tales? His own name was etched into this chronicle for his repeated ventures into the Eura as a mortal. But who were the others whose stories were etched in the lines above? He reached out, attempting to trace the glyphs above his own, only to be met with a rebuff: "Rank insufficient, viewing restricted." "A cursed rank of enigma with a less than satisfactory interface," he quipped, a smile fighting the edges of his frustration. Each sessive line he touched rebuffed him with the same denial of ess until a celestial melody pierced the silence. The monolith of Sun Gold burst forth with light, and amidst the undting mist, a high-ced line was suddenly highlighted and made legible. A spiritual imprint bore forth its message: "Chen Tuan of the Western Lands, achieved mastery under the Wutou Tree with the Nine-Color Golden Pill, and with the inception of the Nine Turns Ascended Immortal Technique, he vanquished..." Before his very eyes, the entry for Chen Tuan climbed higher upon the monolith, moving up over a dozen ces in rank. Astonishment rooted Wang Xuan to the spot as he recognized the name belonging to a figure of legend, whose deeds were now actively updated on this luminous ledger. Chen Tuan, a name that resonated through the epochs of inner alchemy, seeding the revered Zhongli Quan and Lu Dongbin, had been renowned acrossnds for his Five-Color Golden Pill technique¡ªa technique that had carved his name into the very fabric of the olden lore. And here stood confirmation, etched in Sun Gold, that Chen Tuan was still carving his epic, his existence a mystery yet vibrant and forceful, a revtion of newws and formidable might inbat. ¡­¡­ As the details of Chen Tuan¡¯stest conquest remained shrouded in mystery, Wang Xuan''s eyes mirrored aplex tapestry of awe and curiosity. Could there indeed be a ledger of names, a celestial ranking, for those rare and mighty souls who dared to traverse the enigmatic pathways of the Hidden Land? He didn¡¯t allow himself to dwell on these thoughts for long. Resolute, he walked toward the beckoning blueke, his attention partly seized by the unnaturallyrge moon above. A curious metamorphosis began within him, inexplicably drawing his gaze and his desires skyward. Without warning, a pair of luminescent white wings, etched with energetic runes, sprouted from his back. An impulsive longing to ascend to the moon seized him. And as he was wrestling with this newfound desire, another pair of wings, these ones bathed in gold, manifested, magnifying his longing to soar high and caress the moon¡¯s radiant surface. The peculiarity of his transformation perplexed him. This wasn''t the result of consuming any demonic fruit, so what could it signify? This wasn''t just any transformation¡ªit was an impulse to race to the moon, a yearning without rhyme or reason. It was a conundrum Wang Xuan could not unravel. Tonight, the moon shone with a divine aura, its effulgence dense and tangible. For a brief, disorienting moment, he believed he could see ptial structures and shifting shadows upon its surface¡ªan impossibility at such a vast distance, surely a trick of the mind. In the midst of his bewilderment, a golden bamboo boat approached rapidly, carried by the ebullient sea. The Ferryman aboard, tasked with guiding the vessel, wore a look of astonishment. This young man, Wang Xuan, had braved the Hidden Land thrice in quick session and yet remained hale and hearty. Had hee to regard this mystical realm as a mere extension of his own domain? "Ease into it, no worries," Wang Xuan quipped with a familiarity born of his recent adventures as he boarded the bamboo craft. Settling himself, he poured a cup of the Earth Immortal Spring water, casually extending the offer to share it with the Ferryman. "No, thank you!" was the swift rebuttal. Undeterred by the refusal, Wang Xuan cut straight to the chase. "Elder, about that giant lump of gold I encountered¡ªwhat''s the story with it?" The Ferryman¡¯s reaction wasced with astonishment. "You can see it? And a mere mortal like you has managed to inscribe your name upon it?" There was a flicker of disbelief in his eyes, as if Wang Xuan had inadvertently unearthed one of the profound mysteries of the Hidden Land. Clearly, the Ferryman was aware of the enigmatic object Wang Xuan had encountered¡ªthe Sun Gold Lump. Although he had never mentioned it before, his recognition of it was evident in his expression. ¡°That ce is tied to beings beyond the ordinary, each unique in their own right, capable of leaving their name upon the Sun Gold List. Yet, you are not beyond the ordinary...¡± the Ferryman mused, a note of wonder in his voice. ¡°Is it because I¡¯ve entered this ce three times without transcending the ordinary that I was recorded?¡± Wang Xuan spected. ¡°What is your ranking?¡± the Ferryman inquired. ¡°The veryst line describes me,¡± Wang Xuan admitted. ¡°Last... that makes sense,¡± the Ferryman nodded, as if something about Wang Xuan''s position on the list was self-exnatory. ¡°I want to know, who inscribes names on the Sun Gold Lump, and what significance does it hold?¡± Wang Xuan pressed further. The Ferryman shook his head, ¡°I do not know. Since ancient times, many have passed through the eight great Hidden Lands, but few have had their beings inscribed upon the gold list.¡± Wang Xuan, still full of questions, mentioned the moon, ¡°Tonight¡¯s moon is also peculiar, exceptionallyrge, as if it¡¯s about to plunge into the sea.¡± The oddities of the evening were not lost on him. A jolt went through the Ferryman''s heart as he swiftly raised his head to the sky, then turned back to Wang Xuan, murmuring to himself, ¡°Are you that special? Has something happened to you recently?¡± ¡°Nothing!¡± Wang Xuan denied at first, only toter add, ¡°Just ate some extraordinary flesh, drank some from the Earth Immortal Spring.¡± He would never divulge the secrets of the treasures vying for the Immortals'' attention, which had been cast into his Inner Landscape. Should word get out, all forces would converge upon him. Next time he explored his Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan resolved to scrutinize the inscriptions on the treasure closely. Were they coveted secrets desired by the immortals, or something even more profound? He was eager to find out. Suddenly, he was startled by an anomaly, ¡°Something fell from the moon!¡± Indeed, the night was full of surprises. White light cascaded down like a celestial rain of ascension, dousing the sea. It appeared as if treasures from the heavens themselves were descending upon the world. Wang Xuan''s gaze was locked on a curious sight¡ªa scroll cascading from the moon with an ethereal grace. "A scripture from the moon itself?" he marveled in quiet disbelief. The Ferryman, meanwhile, seemed unsurprised. "So it hase. You''ve ventured into the Hidden Lands thrice as a mere mortal and now find your name etched on the Sun Gold List. The heavens seem to look upon you with favor," he mused with a note of reverence. Skepticism edged into Wang Xuan''s voice. "Senior, you''ve never truly set foot on the Passing Moon, have you?" he prodded. "I''ve not, yet I''ve observed its enigmatic behaviors," the Ferryman admitted, his eyes carrying the weight of untold stories. The scripture floated above the raft, bathed in a ghostly glow, hinting at otherworldly origins. Wang Xuan felt a twinge of unease as he noticed a shimmering thread, fine yet formidable, tethered to the scroll¡ªreminiscent of a fisherman''s line. Upon inspection, the lunar thread was infinitely more intricate and durable than any mundane fishing line, embroidered with runes pulsing with the breath of cosmicws. The cover of the scripture was inscribed with cryptic symbols, initially indecipherable to Wang Xuan. However, a mental sh suddenly decoded their meaning: "Sixteen-Foot Golden Body Technique." A surge of connection stirred within him. His own practice involved the cultivation of a golden body, and now, as if by destiny, a possibly Buddhist manual on corporeal refinement had literally fallen into his life. The serendipity was as unsettling as it was exhrating. Despite the allure, the knowledge of Buddhism''s sacrificial climax¡ªa self-consuming fire¡ªquelled his eagerness. Turning back to the Ferryman, Wang Xuan sought historical context. "Has such an event urred before? What became of those who imed the scripture?" "The thread led them to the moon, or so it seems," the Ferryman replied, his certainty clouded by ambiguity. "Led to the moon? It feels more like they were being fished out of this world," Wang Xuan remarked, his suspicion growing. He envisioned the thread as a celestial angler''s line,plete with bait and an unseen hook. The Ferryman shook his head, a gesture of resignation. "The mysteries of the moon are beyond my ken," he confessed. Wang Xuan pondered the origins of the Passing Lands, specting they might predate even the ancient immortals. "Could it be that this Passing Moon is older than the array of immortals themselves?" he mused, a hint of concern crossing his features. There was a creature¡ªor perhaps a person¡ªfishing from the moon. The notion was absurd, and no matter how little he understood of the lunar enigma, Wang Xuan was resolute: he would not ascend to its surface. He scoffed at the scripture titled "Technique of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body" before him. "What worthless secret is this? It''s nothingpared to the texts in Old Zhong''s library. To think I haven''t seen the world¡ªtake it back!" In a mix of disbelief and bewilderment, he watched the fishing line retract, taking the volume back into the night sky. Soon after, another scripture descended from the heavens, suspended above their bamboo raft, dangling from yet another line. "Have you set your sights on me, thinking me a fish to be hooked?" Wang Xuan unsheathed his short sword. If the text proved valuable, he would consider it; if not, he would send it back. He scrutinized the cover of this new scripture, eventually deciphering its title through an imprint in his mind: "The Primordial Cleansing Spirit Technique." The name alone was imposing, promising exceptional profundity. He nced at the ferryman, seeking confirmation. "It''s a renowned spiritual technique from the early days of Taoism¡ªa truly sophisticated piece of knowledge," the ferryman responded with gravity. Wang Xuan examined the scripture thoroughly, yet restrained himself. "There are even more powerful secret texts in Old Zhong''s library. This one doesn''t measure up." Without a sound, the scripture was reeled away, vanishing into the ether. The ferryman spoke softly, his curiosity piqued. "May I ask, who is this Old Zhong, and what sort of secret teachings does his library hold?" As they conversed, the moon cast another fishing line downwards, spilling radiant light like a celestial shower. A vibrant scripture emerged, its daoist essence shining, brimming with runes, and slowly descended towards them. Chapter 170: Everything Will Decay Eventually Chapter 170: Everything Will Decay Eventually Under the silent watch of the moon, another sacred text made its descent, positioning itself above the humble bamboo raft. Wang Xuan, his hand resting on the hilt of his short sword, looked on with a furrowed brow, a mix of skepticism and wariness in his eyes. The persistence of this celestial angler, casting from the moon itself, was unnerving. The very existence of the Departed Land had brought forth the extraordinary, predating even the ancient lineage of the immortals. "What kind of entity is up there, angling from the lunar sphere?" Wang Xuan pondered, his face a canvas of shifting thoughts and emotions. Suspended in the air, the manuscript radiated a soft, rosy luminescence, encapsting the very essence of Taoist mystique. Though its pages remained sealed, a plethora of enigmatic symbols shimmered into view, each one a testament to the text''s profound significance. "The Divine Illumination of Inner Landscape," Wang Xuan whispered, fixated on the cover. His heart quickened at the thought¡ªthis book might illuminate the much-revered Inner Landscape, an aspect of his practice about which he knew startlingly little, having always experienced it as a passive participant. Could this volume hold the key to understanding those depths? He turned to the Ferryman and asked, "What do you make of this scripture?" "It is a treasure among Taoist scriptures," the Ferryman responded with earnest veneration. "Its wisdom is typically entrusted from master to disciple, seldommitted to the written word." "And where does it stand in the annals of texts on the Inner Landscape?" Wang Xuan asked, his curiosity piqued. "With its unique perspectives on the Inner Landscape, it''s undoubtedly prestigious. I would ce it within the top seventeen," the Ferryman answered, his voice tinged with respect. "Not in the top ten?" Wang Xuan scoffed, disappointment tinging his voice. "A scripture more impressive in appearance than in wisdom¡ªit does not tempt me." He stepped back, ensuring not to make contact with the tome. The Ferryman, having predicted this line of thought, ventured, "Are there better within Old Zhong''s collection?" A nod from Wang Xuan was all the confirmation needed. As the text took flight once more, retreating into the night, Wang Xuan shouted after it, "Such a subpar scripture! It pales inparison to the treasures amassed by the mortal realm''s most schrly elder. Who would waste their time on such readings?" The Ferryman could no longer contain his skepticism. "Tell me about this Old Zhong," he demanded, "Who is he to possess such treasures that could overshadow the profound ''Divine Illumination Inner Visions Scroll''?" Old Zhong, Wang Xuan exined with a touch of reverence, was a jack-of-all-trades: a health enthusiast, collector, and archaeologist rolled into one. To care for his children and grandchildren, he delved into the art of longevity, ironically aging himself in the process. His collection was vast and varied, epassing everything from earth-immortal calligraphy and ascensdent scriptures to the writings of esteemed immortals and ancient relics¡ªall housed within his study. A man of considerable literary taste, Old Zhong spent his days appreciating antiques and cultivating his sentiment. The Ferryman pressed on, his expression stern with incredulity. "How does a mere mortale to possess such an extensive trove of arcane texts?" Wang Xuan responded, "As I mentioned, he''s an archaeologist. Are you aware of the Old Earth? He and his group of seasoned explorers have nearly excavated itpletely." "That''s preposterous," the Ferryman countered with disbelief. "Not even to mention the sanctified grounds of the Ascended, a mortal like him couldn''t possibly enter the sanctums of earth-immortals, which can conceal themselves in the void. How could he locate them?" Wang Xuan elucidated, "Times have changed, elder. The Old Earth is no longer a ce where one can cultivate. Devoid of any transcendent substances, all these texts are mere historical artifacts now, to be admired and studied. Those so-called ''crypts'' and ''ruins'' are quite ordinary. Despite some anomalies and dangers, they could be sted open with warships." Heid bare some hard truths. The Ferryman stood dumbfounded, then mncholic, as he sighed deeply, "This signifies the nadir of transcendent energy. When a transcendent falls into decay, allws crumble, and every divine feat bes but an illusion. Even the abodes of immortals degrade to merebyrinths devoid of celestial might. All that was extraordinary fades away... and the great Dao decays." Otherwise, ording to his ims, if even the abodes of earth-immortals could remain hidden in the void all year round, how could ordinary people possiblye into contact with them? And as for the residences of the transcended immortals, there was no need to even consider it. Merelyying eyes on them was a distant dream, let alone approaching. To do so would invite a thunderous retribution from the heavens, powerful enough to shatter warships. "The thing is, Old Zhong has even dug through the ruins of the immortals," Wang Xuan stated with an unsettling calm. The Ferryman was lost in thought, almost in a trance. "I have a foothold in the Old Earth myself," he muttered, a hint of concern in his tone. "Surely, he hasn''t dug that up too, has he?" "I would say it''s quite likely," Wang Xuan nodded. Even the small Taoist temple in the Great Dark Mountain near his home had been excavated, let alone other ces. Take for instance the famed Mount Qingcheng; not just the main peak, but even the most peripheral areas and beyond were hollowed out. "That''s outrageous! They''re digging up the roots of the immortals. If someone were to return from beyond the boundaries, this Old Zhong... huh!" Clearly, even the Ferryman was struggling to maintain hisposure as he started to grumble. He added, "This Old Zhong, once those behind the great curtaine to know of his deeds, he is bound to be... a ''celebrity''." Deep within his secluded dwelling, Old Zhong suddenly sneezed nine times, ovee with a sense of foreboding. After a moment of confusion, he became alert. He, who read every book, immediately cast a divination for himself and became visibly unsettled. How could it be an unsolvable divine hexagram? Back on the bamboo raft, Wang Xuan quickly attempted to mend the situation. "Elder, you mustn''t speak carelessly. The human world has changed, and you can''t be too harsh on the descendants. Old Zhong is not an anomaly; he represents a group. The Qin family, the Song family, they''ve all dug their share!" "Alright, it''s all noted," the Ferryman dered, his vague face emerging from beneath his straw raincoat, making a silent note. "If Old Zhong invites me to his study in the future, I''ll take charge of his affairs. After all, the matters of the human world should ultimately be decided by humans," Wang Xuan remarked humbly, not daring to im dominion over the human realm. It was a while before the next event; the moon was silent until the two had conversed at length. Then there was a stir above, and a fishing line descended once more, bringing with it a swiftly falling scripture. The tome emitted a quintet of lustrous glows, encircled by a miasma of celestial mists, at its core a five-colored elixir orbited, embodying the lofty heavens¡ªan awe-inspiring aura. It was but a single scripture, and yet it summoned the profound and all-epassing ambience of the Golden Pill Path. "The Technique of the Five-Colored Golden Pill? Touted as the unsurpassed scripture within the golden pill realm, upon fruition, it boasts a quintessence of hues, predestined to evolve into an exalted pill beyondpare," Wang Xuan appraised the scripture with discernment. This art belonged to Chen Tuan, with whom Wang Xuan was well-acquainted. The volume Zhong Cheng had bestowed upon him, apart from the likeness of Xiao Zhong, was interspersed with Chen Tuan''s scriptural excerpts. Furthermore, his recent acquaintance with Chen Tuan''stest undertakings had been through the golden nugget¡ªthe great way of the Nine-Colored Golden Pill achieved under the Western Lands'' Pentatubr Tree. Hence, he regarded this scripture with a measure of disdain, asserting, "The era of the Five-Colored Golden Pill Technique has passed; now, the Nine-Colored Golden Pill Technique reigns supreme." The Ferryman perceived Wang Xuan''s discerning taste as excessively fastidious, his expectations lofty. "What treasures, pray tell, does Old Zhong''s library hold, that your standards soar so high?" he questioned. "It houses golden bamboo slips from the pre-Qin dynasty," Wang Xuan disclosed. The Ferryman was viscerally shaken by the revtion, grappling with disbelief, "You... who are but mortals, haveid hands upon such relics?" "Is there an issue?" Wang Xuan inquired, unphased. The Ferryman was thoroughly unsettled, "Golden bamboo slips are rarities from time immemorial, only a handful exist, and I have yet to scrutinize or even handle them. Does Old Zhong truly possess such a collection in his study, nonchntly disyed upon a shelf?" Through the Ferryman''s agitated state, it was evident to Wang Xuan that to a being of his echelon, the golden bamboo slips were not just artifacts of significance but of monumental veneration. Having resolved to do so, upon his return to the new star, he was determined to find a way into Old Zhong''s study. The night was long, and dreams abounded, even for a grand entity such as the Covenant Keeper who harbored thoughts of it. In three years, a significant shift was foreseen; some of the celestial immortals might return, and who''s to say that the golden bamboo slips wouldn''t mysteriously vanish by then? "Why not journey to the human realm with me, elder? There, every scripture can be found. I even possess a piece of golden bamboo slip, engraved with the image of a being with a human head and a serpent''s body, but it bears no textual exnation, and it''s beyond my understanding." Wang Xuan''s words once again stirred the Ferryman. He was taken aback¡ª even this youth possessed a golden bamboo slip? The times had truly changed, leaving him speechless and somewhat terrified! To the Ferryman, the current human world seemed like and strewn with treasures! Wang Xuan did indeed possess a segment of golden bamboo slip, bestowed upon him by Qingmu when he opted to join the secret exploration group. Regrettably, it was a single fragment, vastly ipletepared to a full set which could be dozens, if not hundreds, of pieces. "What scriptures are not to be found in the human realm? With diligence, I will eventually gaze upon them all." Wang Xuan observed the fishing line and scripture that lingered unusually long, proiming, "Thus, these so-called profound and secret teachings need not be disyed before me, they fall short. Unless it is the strongest scripture, one that even the immortals would envy, the most supreme secret tome, do not bother sending them down; they fail to pique my interest!" The Ferryman, though his heart was far from calm, found himself without words. Was this youth looking down upon the anglers from the moon from the pinnacle of disdain? The scroll of scripture departed, lingering no more. Wang Xuan added, "By the way, Old Zhong''s study also houses a Five-Colored Jade Book, which is said to be equallyplex." In an instant, the scroll elerated away, vanishing into the night sky. "I forgot to mention, this is but the study of an elderly man whose candle of life flickers in the wind. There must be at least a dozen more studies like his among the other families," Wang Xuan shouted into the night sky. Having resolved to do so, upon his return to the new star, he was determined to find a way into Old Zhong''s study. The night was long, and dreams abounded, even for a grand entity such as the Covenant Keeper who harbored thoughts of it. In three years, a significant shift was foreseen; some of the celestial immortals might return, and who''s to say that the golden bamboo slips wouldn''t mysteriously vanish by then? "Why not journey to the human realm with me, elder? There, every scripture can be found. I even possess a piece of golden bamboo slip, engraved with the image of a being with a human head and a serpent''s body, but it bears no textual exnation, and it''s beyond my understanding." Wang Xuan''s words once again stirred the Ferryman. He was taken aback¡ª even this youth possessed a golden bamboo slip? The times had truly changed, leaving him speechless and somewhat terrified! To the Ferryman, the current human world seemed like and strewn with treasures! Wang Xuan did indeed possess a segment of golden bamboo slip, bestowed upon him by Qingmu when he opted to join the secret exploration group. Regrettably, it was a single fragment, vastly ipletepared to a full set which could be dozens, if not hundreds, of pieces. "What scriptures are not to be found in the human realm? With diligence, I will eventually gaze upon them all." Wang Xuan observed the fishing line and scripture that lingered unusually long, proiming, "Thus, these so-called profound and secret teachings need not be disyed before me, they fall short. Unless it is the strongest scripture, one that even the immortals would envy, the most supreme secret tome, do not bother sending them down; they fail to pique my interest!" The Ferryman, though his heart was far from calm, found himself without words. Was this youth looking down upon the anglers from the moon from the pinnacle of disdain? The scroll of scripture departed, lingering no more. Wang Xuan added, "By the way, Old Zhong''s study also houses a Five-Colored Jade Book, which is said to be equallyplex." In an instant, the scroll elerated away, vanishing into the night sky. "I forgot to mention, this is but the study of an elderly man whose candle of life flickers in the wind. There must be at least a dozen more studies like his among the other families," Wang Xuan shouted into the night sky. At this moment, he was practicing the physical techniques described in the five pages of the golden scripture, seamlessly executing the first four movements and even advancing to the fifth. To his delight, he sessfully mastered it as well. "Have I really perfected the fifth movement?!" Wang Xuan eximed in joy, slightly surprised yet it seemed within reason. His Golden Body Technique had advanced a level, furnishing the necessary vigor to sustain the more strenuous subsequent movement. The golden scripture¡¯s secret methods demanded a formidable physique as the foundation. Wang Xuan noted that even after executing all five movements, his body no longer felt excessively hot, negating the need for a prolonged "cool-down" period. This indicated that his offensive capabilities would surge substantially! "See this? I¡¯m practicing the physical techniques of Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism, as recorded in these five pages of golden scripture. I havee across all manners of techniques, so truly, spare me any mundane tomes!" he dered, his tone hardly endearing. At the very least, even the Ferryman seemed wearied by his manner¡ªwas this young man angling for scriptures? In a low voice, Wang Xuan said, "Elder, the secrets of the waning moon surpass even those of the immortals. What sort of creature lies above? If you tell me, I might just reward you with a piece of golden bamboo slip." "One piece? I don''t want it!" the Ferryman asserted firmly. Wang Xuan grimaced. Even he had not yetid eyes on aplete section, so he wouldn¡¯t offer it. He pondered that once his second metamorphosis wasplete, he would make his departure immediately, unwilling to linger any longer. At that moment, there was a stir upon the moon. A fishing line descended, and a scripture fell from the heavens. But this time, there was no spectacr phenomenon, only a faint mist shrouding a stone b, silently hovering above the bamboo boat. "I desire only the supreme scriptures; otherwise, they are no match for Old Zhong''s collection!" Wang Xuan proimed. Wang Xuan perceived the stone b to be rather ordinary at first nce. It was riddled with cracks, adorned with human figures and script, but only a corner was exposed. The rest was shrouded in an enigmatic mist that obscured any further insight. Uponying eyes on the b, the Ferryman was visibly shaken. His body trembled within his straw raincoat, and even from his obscured visage, one could discern the quivering of his lips¡ªa clear sign of profound astonishment. Witnessing the Ferryman¡¯s reaction, Wang Xuan instantly recognized the extraordinary origins of the stone b, potent enough to unnerve a being as stoic as the Ferryman. "Is this b truly exceptional?" he whispered. "Of course!" The Ferryman reached out, his hand nearly trembling with the desire to touch it, yet he restrained himself, affirming, "This must be what you seek, the scripture you yearn for." "Would it be normal for a being from the moon to fail while fishing?" Wang Xuan inquired, considering that if the lunar entities could directly interfere with the mortal realm, they would hardly need to resort to suchborious methods as fishing. The Ferryman nodded in agreement. Without another word, Wang Xuan acted with decisive swiftness, swinging his short sword with a resolute arc. With a ng that sent sparks flying, he managed to sever the fishing line¡ªa challenging yet effective strike. Chapter 171: A Stone Tablet Dyed In Immortal Blood Chapter 171: A Stone Tablet Dyed In Immortal Blood The Ferryman''s eyes were saucers of shock, his mouth agape as if to catch falling stars from the disbelief that wrapped around him. Before him stood Wang Xuan, who had sliced through celestial threads with an air of nonchnce, as if severing the fates decreed by the heavens were but child''s y. The young man''s previous finickiness, his unabashed bluntness¡ªit was all a meticulously orchestrated ruse to secure the most exceptional "bait" before daring the grand act of snapping the line that tethered an artifact of the moon. But the most shocking revtion for the Ferryman was the extraordinary sharpness of the short sword in Wang Xuan''s grip. He had long surmised the fishing line was of extraordinary make, etched with innumerable symbols of resilience, far surpassing the sturdiness of his own fishing line, and thought to be indestructible. Yet now, ity severed. Wang Xuan perched on the bamboo raft, his silhouette etched against the moonlit sky, short sword in hand as if it were an extension of his own will. The line that had proven more formidable than even sun gold, woven with the essence of the Dao, was clearly a treasure beyondparison. The Ferryman''s gaze intensified, his thoughts reeling. Had this young man overstepped? After iming the bait, it seemed he was poised to slice through the fishing line itself. The Ferryman half-expected Wang Xuan to inquire next if he intended to yank down the fishing rod¡ªor perhaps even the moon''s fisherman himself. With the stone tablet no longer anchoring it, the celestial line danced whimsically in the night breeze, its crystalline thread glinting with symbols, emanating a profound aura of the Dao. Wang Xuan''s hands moved through the air, hovering over the line, his resolve battling the temptation to cut it. Despite his belief that the entity from the moon couldn''t intervene in the Departed Lands, caution told him not to provoke such an enigmatic being. A grin of sheer delight spread across Wang Xuan''s face, reflecting on his deliberate boldness, his final audacious act of iming the stone tablet inscribed with sacred lore. "You''re not the only one skilled in the art of fishing," Wang Xuan boasted with a chuckle. "My method¡ªbaiting with my presence alone, without need of rod, line, or hook¡ªhas proved sessful." He stepped down from the raft''s canopy to stand beside the Ferryman, who was still peering at him as if he had conjured miracles from thin air. Suddenly serious, Wang Xuan extended his hand and said with solemn regard, "Elder, please." "Please what?" The Ferryman returned his gaze, a flicker of confusion crossing his age-old face. Wang Xuan addressed the Ferryman with a respectful tone, "Please, do take a moment to peruse this most profound scripture. Without your guidance to unlock its enigmas, this stone tablet would likely have remained beyond my grasp." The Ferryman, momentarily taken aback, struggled to find words that would appropriatelymend Wang Xuan withoutpromising his own integrity. Despite his initial reluctance, the allure of the stone tablet was undeniable. Few could resist the draw of such a relic, steeped in mystery and power. "Would you truly allow me to examine it?" the Ferryman asked, his fingers quivering with restrained anticipation, betraying his eagerness to explore the artifact resting upon the deck. Wang Xuan nodded earnestly, "There¡¯s no need for formalities between us, Elder. I foresee us engaging in many more exchanges in the future." The Ferryman''s voice grew somber as he recounted a tale from the past, "Back then, two of the top ten immortals perished because of scriptures inscribed on a stone tablet like this. My own master''s father, despite not being as highly ranked, met with a tragic fate after acquiring such a scripture. Once others became aware of it, he was relentlessly hunted down." Moved by the story, Wang Xuan regarded the seemingly mundane stone tablet with newfound reverence. This tablet, marked by the blood of immortals, bore witness to countless untold tales. It could very well hold the key to the scriptures he would dedicate himself to mastering. The Ferryman expressed his astonishment at Wang Xuan''s willingness to share such a potentially powerful scripture, "You''re offering to share a document of such significance? Truly a gesture of grandeur, surpassing even some of the immortals I''ve known. If they had been more open-minded back in the day, perhaps the heavens wouldn''t have been stained with the blood of their kin." Acknowledging thepliment, Wang Xuan humbly replied, "Elder, your integrity and charactermand my respect. You stand before a scripture of immense origin with such honesty. Rest assured, my offer to have you examine it is sincere." He then added, "However, there is a mist enshrouding the stone tablet that I fear I cannot disperse on my own. I must ask for your assistance. Furthermore, should you glean any insights, I would be indebted if you could share them with me." Recognizing Wang Xuan''s magnanimity, the Ferryman couldn''t help but reflect, "I underestimated you. To share what may be one of the mightiest scriptures in existence so freely, you possess a spirit more generous than many immortals. Had they possessed such vision, perhaps the tragedies of the past could have been averted." The Ferryman was solemn as he cautioned Wang Xuan with an earnest gravity that betrayed his usual calm demeanor. "I shall impart to you a stark truth," he began, his voiceced with a seriousness thatmanded attention. "This scripture, it might be best left unpracticed. For even among the ancient ranks of the transcendents, two who attained the pinnacle of enlightenment perished due to its practice." Wang Xuan was visibly shaken. "They perished not from conflict or strife, but from practicing this very scripture?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "One suffered grave injuries and turned to the scripture in hope of recovery, only to pass away shortly after. Another, unscathed, sought the scripture¡¯s power and yet met the same end," the Ferryman exined, his form shrouded within the dark recesses of his cloak, a remnant of a once formidable existence cautioning Wang Xuan of the scripture''s hidden perils. "But if the scripture is wed, why pursue its practice? Can it truly be deemed supreme?" Wang Xuan''s skepticism was palpable. "The scripture itself is faultless. The mighty transcendents who coveted it affirmed its theoretical soundness; itspletion promised unparalleled might. Yet, the arduous reality of its practice has proven insurmountable," the Ferryman replied, lifting the fog-enveloped stone b with a reverent touch. The b, over three feet in length and two in width, bore the marks of time and conflict ¨C its cracksced with the ckened blood of the transcendent, untouched and uncleaned. "I merely reflect on the past with a sense of longing. I hold a deep reverence for the scripture, yet I dare not gaze upon it or practice it, fearing the consequences," he confessed, dispelling the mist from the b with a single gesture and hastily severing the ethereal line that tethered it to the moon. Turning away, he resisted the temptation to delve into the scripture, wary of the self-destructive path it might lead him down. Wang Xuan, standing beside him, scrutinized the b with an unwavering focus. Nine intricate diagrams adorned its surface, each apanied by a dense array of indecipherable symbols. Yet, through the psychic imprint that emanated from the b, the true essence of the scripture was unveiled to him, revealing the secrets behind the cryptic symbols. Whether to practice or not was a decision forter. For now, he etched the scripture''s wisdom firmly into his memory. Suddenly, the Ferryman sensed an anomaly. A fleeting luminescence sparked from the stone b, intertwining with his being like an indelible mark. Within the darkness of his cloak, his obscured visage underwent a tumult of emotions as he silently absorbed the experience. Then, abruptly, he lifted his gaze towards the distant and enigmatic moon above. As he observed the Ferryman''s reaction, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. The Ferryman''s using re suggested he believed Wang Xuan had deliberately set him up to bear the brunt of the moon fisher''s cunning ploy. "Senior, I truly had no idea the moon fisher was so devious," Wang Xuanmented, feigning ignorance and innocence. His expression conveyed a sense of shock and trepidation, as though he had narrowly escaped a great peril. The Ferryman, meanwhile, was scrutinizing the mark on his body with growing unease. Wang Xuan''s words only seemed to deepen his suspicion. The Ferryman''s demeanor grew colder, and he couldn''t help but voice his suspicion: "Why do I feel like it was you who set me up?" "I swear it wasn''t intentional!" Wang Xuan protested, adamant in his denial. "How could I have anticipated the moon fisher''s myriad schemes? Such a malevolent old creature, always looking to ensnare the unwary!" In a quieter tone, Wang Xuan then inquired, "Senior, the scripture is legitimate, right?" The Ferryman''s annoyance was palpable. He was almost convinced that Wang Xuan had been aware of the potential risks all along and had used him as a shield. "Are you still concerned about the authenticity of the scripture?" he asked, his frustration evident. In response, Wang Xuan raised his short sword, seemingly ready to destroy the stone b in a gesture of retaliation. "I shall avenge you, Senior!" "Stop! Don¡¯t destroy the stone b!" the Ferryman quickly intervened. He harbored hopes of negotiating with the moon fisher, using the b as leverage. Wang Xuan''s suspicions were confirmed by the Ferryman''s reaction: the scripture was genuine. He returned his attention to the b, thoroughly memorizing every diagram and cryptic symbol, ensuring not a single detail escaped his keen observation. The atmosphere on the bamboo raft grew tense as the tranquil night was shattered by an unexpected event. The ferryman''s hair stood on end as he looked up at the sky, where the previously vanished fishing line had reappeared. This time, however, instead of a descending scroll of scriptures, a set of golden hooks, glittering with the sheen of sun-forged metal, hurtled towards him. The hooks were enormous, each twisted and curved like a bent spear, capable of inflicting grievous wounds. The ferryman, in a state of shock, evaded swiftly. He wielded his rod, made of the divine bamboo of ascension, attempting tomunicate with the iing hooks. ¡°I am the ferryman of the Hidden Land, the guardian of our pact,¡± he pleaded while dodging the relentless pursuit of the hooks. ¡°There has been a misunderstanding; I¡¯ve inadvertently shielded someone from harm. I can return the scripture b to you!¡± Wang Xuan watched the scene unfold with a mixture of awe and trepidation. The ferryman, transformed into a streak of light, maneuvered deftly to avoid the hooks, leaving trails of afterimages in their relentless chase. ¡°This is a relentless trap, one scheme after another,¡± Wang Xuan muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. He then shouted to the ferryman, ¡°I thought there would be some camaraderie between you and the moon¡¯s fisherman, but it seems even you are not exempt from their ruthless tactics!¡± ¡°Silence! I have no desire to speak with you,¡± the ferryman retorted, his voice tinged with frustration and anger. Despite being a remnant of transcendent power, he was well aware of his origins from the era of the immortals. As for the fisherman on the moon, their era was a mystery, predating even the age of the immortals. Finally, with a swift move of the divine bamboo, the ferryman managed to momentarily stall the momentum of the sun-forged hooks. He continued to mutter rapidly, as if exining or negotiating. However, the hooks still vibrated intensely, showing no signs of relenting. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Xuan leaped up and, with a swift rotation of his short sword, cleaved through the fishing line. The mighty hooks, now severed from their celestial tether, plummeted downward, their threat neutralized. The Ferryman, with his gaze fixed on Wang Xuan, was dumbfounded. While he was still negotiating with the celestial entity, Wang Xuan had brazenly acted, severing the link with the moon. The Ferryman¡¯s expression oscited between shock and exasperation. Wang Xuan''s tactics were unexpectedly ruthless and crafty. "Precedent dictates that when faced with such celestial overreach, a firm response is necessary," Wang Xuan asserted, observing the Ferryman''s disbelief. "One must be resolute yet adaptable in dealing with the unknown." The bamboo raft rocked violently under the weight of the sun-forged anchor hooks, nearly capsizing. Wang Xuan approached the pile of hooks, his eyes shining with anticipation. Each hook, an embodiment of celestial craftsmanship, glowed with a brilliance only sun-forged gold could manifest. "Don''t even think about it. They all must be returned," the Ferryman insisted firmly. "Why should they?" Wang Xuan protested. "If the celestial angler sought to fish, consider this a counter-fishing endeavor!" The Ferryman advised caution, "I admit my knowledge of the moon''s inhabitants is limited, but provoking them might lead to unforeseen consequences." Wang Xuan, however, was adamant. "Let''s keep one hook. Straightened, it''s a spear forged from sun gold, known to vanquish evil spirits and phantoms. Who wouldn''t be tempted?" The Ferryman, rendered speechless by Wang Xuan''s audacity, eventually relented. "Fine, keep one hook for your spear, but the scripture b must be returned." Reluctantly, Wang Xuan conducted one final scrutiny of the scripture b before parting with it. With the b and the remaining hooks positioned near the fishing line, they were swiftly whisked away, vanishing into the night sky, returning to their lunar origin. A tense calm settled aboard the raft, the Ferryman''s gaze still fixed on Wang Xuan, his expression fraught with unease. Abruptly, his demeanor shifted as the mark imprinted within him from the scripture b began to glow and vibrate subtly, conveying a startling message: "Imminent interdimensional conflict in the Hidden Land. Seed yers, prepare for battle. Whether in ten years or today, remain vignt for the call to arms." The Ferryman stood petrified, his mind reeling. In a world rife with deceptions and traps, he never imagined he¡¯d be ensnared in the most intricate of them all. In the wake of unwittingly shouldering Wang Xuan''s burdens, the Ferryman found himself embroiled in a relentless cascade of predicaments. Not only did he inadvertently shield Wang Xuan from cmity, but now he was also being roped into an impending expedition on his behalf. The situation seemed almost farcical to him ¨C how had he, a mere bystander, be so deeply entangled in this web of intrigue? Upon learning of the situation, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but marvel at the cunning of the celestial entity residing on the moon. It was a veritable maze of traps, each leading into another. He had thought himself clever for not being reeled in by the lunar angler, for securing the scripture b, basking in a false sense of triumph. Yet, he was beginning to realize that the real snare was just beginning to unfold. "I''m still too inexperienced," Wang Xuan mused, a mix of admiration and wariness in his tone. "Such an intricate series of traps... One misstep could have led to disaster." The Ferryman, shrouded in the darkness of his cloak, felt on the verge of exploding. Wang Xuan''sments only added fuel to his simmering frustration. "It''s me who capsized, not you! I''ve shouldered everything on your behalf!" Determined not to let Wang Xuan off the hook so easily, the Ferryman resolved to correct this mishap. He could not, and would not, be the one to march into battle for Wang Xuan''s misadventures. Sensing the tide turning against him, Wang Xuan hastily interjected, "Precedent, I shall immediatelymence training with the scripture from the b. Once I enhance my strength, I vow to avenge you and set things right!" The Ferryman, rmed, urgently cautioned him, "Don''t practice it; it''s lethal! Let me first rectify today''s error before you proceed with any training." Wang Xuan, however, was adamant. "I must train. I feel on the cusp of another transformation. My cells are brimming with vitality, and I intend to capitalize on this rare opportunity to switch to a new technique andy the foundation for my future." "You''re going to train yourself to death!" The Ferryman, now frantic, had initially nned to somehow transfer the imprint to Wang Xuan. Undeterred, Wang Xuan asserted, "Then, Precedent, please guide and protect me as I begin." He settled himself into a meditative posture on the bamboo raft. The Ferryman, at his wit''s end, felt an overwhelming urge to end Wang Xuan''s antics with a single p. Yet, he knew he couldn¡¯t; Wang Xuan''s survival was now inexplicably crucial. Despite his irritation, he found himself reluctantly assuming the role of protector for the very person who had ensnared him in this celestial quagmire. Chapter 172: The Strongest Roots Requires Nourishment Chapter 172: The Strongest Roots Requires Nourishment Under the serene radiance of the moon, the golden bamboo boat gently bobbed on the undting waves of the azure sea. The Ferryman, with a mix of emotions, alternated his gaze between the celestial moon above and Wang Xuan below. Never in his years of guardianship at the Hidden Land had he encountered such a unique young individual. "I think I''ve grasped the essence of it," dered Wang Xuan, opening his eyes and rising to his feet. "Tonight, I n to practice the first of the depicted figures." The Ferryman, bound by the ancient pact and unable to intervene in Wang Xuan''s actions, responded with disinterest, "Don''t talk to me about it!" Wang Xuan, solemn and determined under the moonlit night, was ready to forsake the foundational techniques of the Early Qin practitioner and the Golden Body Technique. Instead, he set his mind on mastering the teachings inscribed on the stone b. The b, etched with nine human figures and dense, enigmatic script, was profound and mysterious. Though not lengthy, the text was startlinglyplex, involving resonances and activations across various body parts, nurturing secretive powers, making it an exceptionally challenging practice. Any slight miscalction risked tearing organs or damaging the psyche. Yet, Wang Xuan felt an affinity with the first figure ¨C a path seemingly tailored for mortals like him, awakening hidden potentials, including protective techniques. In a sense, it epassed the essence of the Golden Body Technique. The first chapter of this scripture focused not on mystical abilities but on the cultivation of the physical body, likening it to the roots of a nt. For a nt to thrive and grow into a towering tree, its roots must be free of afflictions and robust. The scripture posited that if the roots ¨C the physical foundation ¨C were not well-nurtured and left withtent issues, then even an attempt at ascension or facing divine tribtions would result in the physical form copsing under thunderous forces, an ominous sign indeed. The profound implications of the scripture sparked contemtion; was it critiquing the ws of the Immortals, known as the Celestial Beings? Interestingly, the text made no direct mention of them. Yet, the reality was even more startling ¨C the scripture possibly predated these Celestial Beings, which only added to its awe-inspiring nature. In an era before the Celestial Beings emerged, this scripture had alreadyid bare the pitfalls of ascension to immortality, a revtion that could not but send shivers down one''s spine. One could only imagine the turmoil and fear that must have gripped the Celestial Beings upon encountering these teachings. They would have seen in them a critique of their own path, a mirror reflecting their potential failings. The first figure''s scripture, imbued with the essence of the Early Qin practitioners'' foundational techniques, was shrouded in mystery. Under the moonlit sky, Wang Xuan adopted the stance depicted in this first figure, following the scripture''s guidance to fully activate his body''stent potential. Upon closer examination, this ''True Form'' figure suggested a bnce between offensive power and the hidden, dormant forces within. It spoke of repelling and insting against external energies, doubling as a defensive technique. The challengey in the scripture''s demand for a harmonious flow of secret forces throughout the body. An internal view would reveal organs and various bodily regions imbued with energies of different hues. A single misstep risked catastrophic physical copse. Taking a deep breath, Wang Xuan''s body resonated faintly as he began to embody the teachings inscribed on the stone b. With his current heightened vitality, he was confident that any injuries could be swiftly healed, making it an opportune moment to adopt this new scripture. Indeed, almost immediately, he encountered difficulties. His skin ruptured, oozing crimson blood as he delved deeper into the scripture''splex practice. The sight before the Ferryman was startling. Wang Xuan, who had mastered the Golden Body Technique, was supposed to be impervious to bullets. He now bled merely from practicing this new scripture. The Ferryman''s expression shifted with concern ¨C if Wang Xuan sumbed so early in his practice, correcting the errors and transferring the mark back to him would be impossible. However, the Ferryman refrained from intervening. If Wang Xuan could not withstand the initial stages, an early demise might be a mercy. The path of this scripture was only going to be more arduous. Wang Xuan, undeterred, continued to stretch and align his body into the True Form depicted in the scripture, seeking resonance in the secret forces within each part of his physique. Despite the increasing bloodshed, there was no fear in his eyes, only a sense of resolve and rightness in his path. He was breaking barriers, transitioning from the Golden Body technique to the realms explored in this scripture. This new scripture seemed to epass a broader spectrum, detailing a more intricate and sophisticated flow of secret forces throughout the body. Where the Golden Body technique primarily utilized the main channels, this True Form included the finer branches and even the leaves, offering aprehensive approach. The first True Form figure, a study for mortals, was an ideal bridge to transcendence for Wang Xuanat this stage. His Golden Body technique, having advanced to the early stages of the eighth level,id a solid foundation for tackling this scripture. As Wang Xuan bled from his pores, he was not facing a dead end but opening up uncharted pathways, connecting a myriad of mystical routes within his body. His journey was not just about sustaining the old paths but about forging new ones in pursuit of a more profound transformation. The integration of the Golden Body technique and the Early Qin core technique into this scripture was not a task of extraordinary difficulty for Wang Xuan, for he had already mastered the crucial aspects of these teachings. However, the true challenge, which warranted his utmost caution,y in the maniption of the vital organs¡ªthe primary centers for unleashing secret forces. Before attaining a higher level of mastery, these areas remained vulnerable. A single misstep could result in catastrophic fragmentation of the organs. This particr scripture was even more daunting. Anypse in concentration could lead not just to the tearing of organs but to theirplete disintegration into unrecognizable pulp. The newly born secret forces were overwhelmingly potent, hinting at a formidable increase in offensive power. As Wang Xuan underwent this transformation, his entire body emanated a deep crimson hue. Blood seeped from his pores, clearing pathways through previously uncharted regions of his body and reaching the most minute areas. Eventually, his body resonated with a newfound harmony, shedding the umted blood and revealing a surface that, devoid of the Golden Body''s characteristic golden sheen, appeared more restrained yet unmistakably tougher. The Ferryman observed with astonishment. Wang Xuan''s transition seemed almost too seamless; the transformation of his flesh was nearingpletion. Yet, the most perilous phase was just beginning. The scripture''s narrative shifted, introducing new forces to rece the old, now extending its influence into the delicate realm of the organs. At the outset of his endeavor, Wang Xuan felt as if an immense hand was clenching his heart, while his lungs seemed pierced again by an extraordinary runic arrow. Pangs of pain pricked at each of his organs, reminiscent of needle stabs. He momentarily ceased the cirction of the scripture, standing still as he contemted its entirety. Wang Xuan visualized the human form depicted in the scripture as his own, imprinting it deeply in his mind, merging it with his very being. After considerable rumination, he rmenced the practice. His organs, the five zang and six fu, began to emit light and resonate like thunder. Bursts of energy akin to lightning sprang from his flesh, while a mist of celestial energy permeated around him. Inside him, a realm of mystique unfolded; clouds of fairy mist curled and twirled, creating an ethereal scene. At this moment, even Wang Xuan himself was astounded. Visions both clear and obscure appeared to him: mythical mountains shrouded in mist, the legendary Yaochi floating in the air, and forests of Pan Peach trees stretching as far as the eye could see. Within his flesh, he perceived fields of medicinal herbs, nurturing rare and potent nts that invigorated his body, enhancing its vitality and reinforcing his physical form to an unparalleled degree. Then, as if transcending even further, he envisioned celestial herbs floating in the sky above him, representing the elusive heavenly medicines that ebbed and flowed in the firmament. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan, enveloped in amazement, questioned whether this was truly his physical form or merely an illusion. The scripture he was practicing seemed exceptionally otherworldly. Shaking off the sense of disbelief, he focused inwardly, closely observing his internal state, and continued to resonate with the true form depicted in the scripture. He guided the nascent secret energy, allowing it to flow gently through him. The transformation of the scripture brought forth a new, more potent secret energy, which Wang Xuan could distinctly feel, rendering him considerably more powerful than before. As this fresh energy coursed through him, the fantastical visions shattered into fragments, transforming into a spectrum of light that nourished and produced unique secret energies. This novel secret energy born from the scripture reinstated the reality, saving Wang Xuan from getting lost in the mesmerizing yet enigmatic visions. However, trouble soon arose. Minute injuries began to manifest within his organs¡ªimperceptible to the naked eye but acutely felt by him. The Ferryman, observing with a sinking heart, understood the gravity of the situation. Once the scripture began affecting the internal organs, the practice would be exceedingly difficult and perilous. "One misstep could lead to an explosion," he murmured in warning, advising Wang Xuan to proceed with utmost caution. "I must continue on this path," dered Wang Xuan with unwavering resolve, before inquiring, "Do you have any immortality-level elixirs? If not, Earth Immortal pills will suffice to protect me." The Ferryman''s vague face vanished from within the straw cloak, evidently exasperated with Wang Xuan. Taking on burdens and shielding him, now even tasked with guarding his practice¡ªwhere was the justice in that? Wang Xuan closed his eyes, knowing he had to rely on himself; external assistance was not something he could depend on. He activated the mysterious factors within him, nurturing and repairing his organs. Having absorbed a substantial amount of these mysterious factors from the pool within his innerndscape treasure, he now found the perfect application for them. In essence, transitioning to a new scripture was the most challenging part, as it required forging apletely new path and altering everything established prior. Fortunately, Wang Xuan''s previous practices of the core technique and Golden Body Technique were in harmony with this new scripture. Otherwise, the repercussions might have been dire, possibly leading to catastrophic internal failure. The mysterious factors within Wang Xuan worked diligently, mending his injuries as he pressed on with his practice. This day marked a pivotal moment in his journey¡ªthe cultivation of what might be the strongest scripture''s "roots." The process teetered on the brink of death, yet Wang Xuan harbored no thoughts of retreat. Having been granted ess to such a potent scripture, how could he not be stirred? With the imminent arrival of the red-clothed demoness into the mortal realm, who would undoubtedly seek him out, Wang Xuan needed this formidable scripture. How else could he confront such a being? Even if she returned in a diminished state, she remained a peerless demoness, a formidable adversary within her echelon. If Wang Xuan could master this scripture and reach the transcendent realm, he might stand a chance against the demoness, even in her superhuman form. Amidst his practice, his organs conjured visions of celestial mountains and divine herbs floating amidst thunder, along with other mysticalndscapes drawn from legend. "Is this a manifestation of the secret energy corresponding to my organs, or does it suggest a deeper resonance between the human body and the universe?" Wang Xuan pondered. As if the essence of sr fire swept through the cosmos, the nascent secret energy within him surged violently, obliterating these ethereal visions and transmuting them into rejuvenating energy. However, this transformation process was not without its toll on Wang Xuan''s body, which sustained new injuries each time. After several iterations, his wounds had be grave. Sensing the severity, he decided against further depleting the mysterious substance, opting instead for the Earth Immortal Spring. He took several hearty gulps, hoping for relief. During the most critical phase of his practice, his organs sustained tearing injuries, rmingly severe. The Ferryman, witnessing this, felt a deep sense of foreboding. Such grievous harm seemed excessively perilous, even for a practitioner of Wang Xuan''s caliber. Under the pressure of urgent necessity, Wang Xuan remained focused, ready to deploy the potent essence of the Earth Immortal Spring. Its rich, life-affirming properties were his bulwark in the perilous endeavor of scripture transformation. Amidst the inherent dangers of the Hidden Land, he was keen on swiftly enhancing his strength. The acquisition of the stone tablet scripture only intensified his desire to shift his cultivation techniques while still in his mortal phase, aiming to establish a formidable foundation for future ascension. Any further dy risked precipitating an untimely ascent into the transcendent realm. Wang Xuan aspired to master this profound scripture in his mortal state,ying a robust groundwork for his journey ahead. Just as he was about to utilize the concentrated vitality of the Earth Immortal Spring, the Ferryman exhaled a resigned sigh and spoke, "Very well, I shall assist you." With a gesture, the Ferryman activated the ethereal powers of the transcendent bamboo vessel. The entire golden ship erupted in a scintiting aura of divine light. Innumerable bamboo leaves fluttered in a radiant dance, creating a spectacle reminiscent of a celestial ascension. This shower of luminous rain cascaded over Wang Xuan, revitalizing his flesh and repairing his internal organs, significantly boosting his life force. It was a clear disy of the Ferryman''s magnanimity. "Thank you, elder," Wang Xuan expressed with deep sincerity. "I am immensely grateful and will ensure to reciprocate your kindness." Although he had the means to navigate through the danger independently, he deeply appreciated the Ferryman''s intervention. His acknowledgment was heartfelt, recognizing the benevolence bestowed upon him. Indeed, the celestial rain showered by the transcendent bamboo far exceeded Wang Xuan''s expectations. This truly was a rare treasure, evidenced by its usage by the female ascetic to preserve her flesh for over three millennia, retaining life and vitality. "You may not fullyprehend the rarity and value of a mature transcendent bamboo," the Ferryman spoke. "Each droplet of its light rain is worth a fortune, a potent agent for enhancing potential. Many exalted beings have sought this bamboo to nurture their progeny, yet it remains elusive. Remember, you owe me a great debt for this favor." Wang Xuan felt an eleration in his scripture transformation process, courtesy of the transcendent bamboo''s miraculous properties. His flesh and spirit were nourished, and even someone with his formidabletent potential sensed an elevation in his upper limits. His organs and various parts of his body, resplendent with vibrant colors of secret energies, resonated in unison. This transformative phase signified a renewal of blood, evidenced by the mist of blood exuding from his pores. There was no doubt in his mind; he had sessfully transitioned to a new scripture. This advancement had unmistakably augmented his strength, surpassing even the eighth intermediate stage of the Golden Body Technique. "The transition in scriptures has immediately reflected in my strength," Wang Xuan mused to himself, marveling at the unexpected leap in his capabilities. He surmised that this metamorphosis would persist, with his power inevitably climbing even higher over time, independent of any active cultivation efforts.
Jimmi''s Thoughts Look at our boi Wang Xuan go, getting more OP by the moment
Chapter 173: The Last Practitioner Chapter 173: The Last Practitioner "Is this the pinnacle of the mortal realm?" Wang Xuan pondered, feeling the transformations within himself. Reaching this point, he could clearly foresee that one more step would usher him into the transcendent realm. The Ferryman, with his indistinct face, regarded Wang Xuan with aplex expression. Was this still a mortal being before him? "Your physical and spiritual realms have transcended the mortal bounds," the Ferryman confirmed. "Just a resonance between the two, and you''ll undergo a transformation into the transcendent realm." He was sure now; Wang Xuan was a force to be reckoned with, even among some in the transcendent realm. The mere switch to a different scripture had immensely boosted his strength. The inscriptions on the stone tablet were enigmatic,manding the Ferryman''s respect. "Worthy indeed of a legacy that even the ancient immortals fought over!" The Ferryman reflected with emotion. Even among the most ancient immortals, two who had achieved enlightenment had fallen. These two were among the best of the immortals, ranking in the top few. Gratefully, Wang Xuan bowed deeply to the Ferryman, who had bestowed upon him the rain of light from the Ascension Divine Bamboo. This favor was immense. He inquired if the Ferryman had any unfulfilled wishes or tasks that needed attention in the ancientnds. "Previously, no. But now, indeed, there is something. That Old Zhong... did he really follow my path and dig up my final resting ce?" The mention of this stirred a fiery anger in the Ferryman. Old Zhong dared to tamper with the ancient immortal''s site, most likely unearthing his very foundations! Wang Xuan nodded, already nning to visit Old Zhong. He was curious about what heaven-defying items Old Zhong had unearthed and whether any could be traded for. "Where is your hermitage, elder? Old Zhong has dug up so many; without an address or name, he''ll have to recall them one by one, which won''t be easy." Upon hearing this, the Ferryman felt a mix of awkwardness and irritation. Old Zhong had excavated more than one immortal relic, and even he, the victim, had lost count. Now, he had to dere his identity. "I am from the Pre-Qin era, well-versed and skilled in the Taoist arts of the subsequent eras. During the Qin dynasty, I was known as Xu Fu," the Ferryman stated calmly. Wang Xuan stood agape, his eyes shimmering with astonishment. Before him was a historical legend incarnate - the great practitioner Xu Fu, a name resonant with fame throughout the annals of history. Xu Fu, thest great practitioner of the Early Qin era, heralded the dawn of Taoism''s golden age. "You ventured out to sea for the First Emperor of Qin, in search of the elixir of immortality, and somehow ended up here in this azure sea, or rather, thiske?" Wang Xuan''s eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to unravel the mysteries of this ancient figure, a living embodiment of history, who mastered both the ancient practitioner''s arts and Taoist secrets - a true treasure trove of wisdom. The Ferryman, however, was not in the mood to indulge Wang Xuan''s barrage of questions. His face clouded over as he spoke of his demands, "All I care about is whether Old Zhong unearthed my sanctuary. If he did, I only ask that he preserves a small fragment of my leg bone." The prospect of returning the bone fragment to the Hidden Land seemed unlikely, as he foresaw the imminent relocation of this mystical realm, destined to drift to an unknown celestial body, perhaps even to the distant reaches of space. To him, this meant a potential farewell to Wang Xuan, with little chance of their paths crossing again. "Does a bone struck by celestial thunder during ascension hold special significance for immortals?" Wang Xuan pondered aloud, eager to unlock the secrets behind such relics. The Ferryman brushed off the question, redirecting the conversation, "I must also return the imprint to you." He cautioned Wang Xuan about the uing interdimensional expedition of the Hidden Land, emphasizing it as a grand opportunity not to be missed. Wang Xuan feigned reluctance, "Then let this opportunity be my way of thanking you." The Ferryman red at him, attempting several times to transfer the imprint back to Wang Xuan. To his dismay, the imprint stubbornly refused to leave, binding him with an issue he couldn''t immediately resolve. Wang Xuan, barely concealing a smirk, eyed the golden fishhook on the bamboo boat, inquiring softly, "Elder, can this hook be straightened?" The Ferryman, his expression fluctuating, was deep in thought about the imprint dilemma. After a moment, he suggested, "You should leave. Try to return soon, and I''ll forge a divine spear for you." "Or perhaps I could take it with me," Wang Xuan proposed. "Modern metallurgical techniques are highly advanced. I''ll find someone to refine it, so you needn''t trouble yourself." Sensing the Ferryman''s brewing storm, Wang Xuan thought it wise to part ways, at least for the near future. The Ferryman cast a sidelong nce at Wang Xuan and remarked, "I was actually considering guiding you on how to practice the mystical scripture inscribed on the stone tablet..." "Please enlighten me, Elder," Wang Xuan responded eagerly, cutting off the Ferryman before he could finish. Hemitted to returning to the Hidden Land to break through his limits after gathering demonic fruits. Truthfully, Wang Xuan wished to venture into the deeper realms of the Hidden Land only after transcending into the supernatural domain. While he was not intimidated by some transcendent beings, the deeper realms undoubtedly harbored entities of formidable power, and he had no desire to be outmatched. Upon their next meeting, he mused, it would surely astonish Old Chen. "Do you feel your transition to this new scripture was smooth?" inquired the Ferryman. "It was perilous, and I owe much to your assistance," Wang Xuan replied, seizing the opportunity to express his gratitude again. "In truth, you fared quite well. Do you know how many have sought to practice this scripture but failed? They often end up with damaged organs or shattered psyches," the Ferryman observed, his gaze on Wang Xuanden with a mix of admiration and contemtion. "The reason for your sess," he continued, "is your formation of a spiritual domain at the mortal stage and your acute awareness and control over your body. Crucially, youid a solid foundation by mastering both the Golden Body Technique and the ancient practitioner¡¯s Root Method to an advanced level, almost reaching the limits achievable by mortals." Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. "This further illustrates the scripture''s formidable nature. Even at the pinnacle of the mortal domain, it has elevated my strength substantially, pushing the boundaries of human potential." "That''s not my point," the Ferryman interjected. "I want to discuss a viable approach to practicing this mysterious scripture." Wang Xuan listened intently, his demeanor serious. "The Golden Body Technique underpinned your physical form, and Zhang Daoling''s physical techniques honed your internal organs. These were crucial to your survival and sess. Imagine, had you not practiced these two arts, would you have sessfully transitioned to this new scripture?" Wang Xuan acknowledged the validity of his statement. "As you step into the transcendent realm, you can apply a simr method to practice the second True Form Figure," the Ferryman suggested. "I surmise that besides the physical body, the second scripture might involve the psyche, given the significant role of mental elevation in the transcendent domain." He advised Wang Xuan to start practicing mental scriptures in advance and to develop his physical form to its utmost limit. This approach, he posited, would ease the practice of the second True Form Figure. Wang Xuan pondered, ¡°I thought having this scripture would negate the need for others, but it seems that various texts are still necessary to supplement my practice.¡± His thoughts drifted to Old Chen''s library. ¡°How does the golden bamboo slip from the Early Qin periodpare to the scripture on the stone tablet?¡± Wang Xuan inquired. ¡°I personally believe it''s not inferior to the scripture inscribed on the stone tablet,¡± the Ferryman surprisingly asserted. Wang Xuan was utterly astounded, not expecting such an evaluation. ¡°Among the top practitioners of the ancient immortals, two practiced the scriptures from the golden bamboo slips. They both had the opportunity to pursue the stone tablet scripture but chose not to engage in the strife for it,¡± the Ferryman revealed. ¡°There are four parts to the golden bamboo slips. Possessing one could grant ess to the pinnacle domain of the ancient immortals. Legend has it that whenbined, these four parts form aplete scripture, reputed as the greatest Early Qin mystic tome and the most powerful cultivation manual. Unfortunately, no one has ever seeded in gathering all four.¡± Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt overwhelmed by the information. The Ferryman nced at him and advised, ¡°I must caution you not to ce undue faith in a single scripture. Times are evolving, and even the most potent scriptures may have their limitations and ws. It¡¯s important to learn from various sources.¡± ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± Wang Xuan agreed earnestly. ¡°In addition to the practitioners¡¯ golden bamboo slips, several jade books of Taoism are also formidable, each holding their own against the mysteries inscribed on the stone tablet,¡± the Ferryman added. Wang Xuan took a deep breath, etching these details into his memory. He had sensed something during his recent transition to the new scripture. The stone tablet¡¯s scripture epassed the physical secrets unlocked by the Golden Body Technique and the Root Method, spanning a broader and more intricate area. At that moment, he had wondered whether he could integrate insights from other top-tier scriptures to explore new potential areas and unearth more profound secrets. Each part of the human body harbors distinct powers. Now, when Wang Xuan introspects, he sees a kaleidoscope of colors within, each part capable of unleashing formidable force when fully activated. The Ferryman¡¯s insights shattered Wang Xuan¡¯s metaphorical window, illuminating his understanding. Now deeply immersed in a supreme scripture, Wang Xuan knew he must cherish any opportunity to delve into the golden books and jade scrolls, earnestlyparing and validating their teachings. The Ferryman continued, ¡°The spiritual exploration undertaken by Buddhism is not to be underestimated. They have forged the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, a realm of real existence within the spiritual dimension. Beyond this Pure Land lies deeperyers of spiritual domains. The vibrant powers of the spiritual world, buried within the subconscious, can significantly enhance one¡¯s strength in specific areas.¡± Wang Xuan was moved by this revtion. The concept of multipleyers within the spiritual realm, each harboring its unique spectrum of mystic forces, was a profound discovery. ¡°The practitioners and Taoists, too, have made astonishing strides in exploring the spiritual realm. The Inner Landscape is a product of such explorations. In its deepest reaches lie even more remarkable levels that even the process of ascension and immortality have drawn upon for reference¡­¡± These words resonated like thunder in Wang Xuan¡¯s ears, revealing aspects of ascension and immortality that were hitherto unknown to him. He yearned to ask more, but the Ferryman, engrossed in his monologue, paid him no heed. ¡°This era is truly one of boundless opportunities for mortals like you,¡± the Ferryman mused. ¡°Scriptures once hidden at the edges of the void are now unearthed and ced on shelves by people like Old Chen. Such rare chances are everywhere; seizing them is honoring the privilege of living in this age.¡± Wang Xuan nodded solemnly, fully grasping the essence of the Ferryman¡¯s message. As the conversation dwindled to silence, Wang Xuan reflected deeply. The myriad scriptures he could explore represented the quest to unearth the myriad mystic forces hidden within the physical body and the various nes of the spirit ¨C a world vibrant and colorful in itsplexity and potential. ¡­¡­ Having glimpsed just a fraction of the obscured truths of the cultivation world, Wang Xuan found himself able to n his future path from a higher perspective. The words of the Ferryman had left an indelible impact on him. After a long pause, Wang Xuan inquired, "During my scripture transition, when new mystical forces emerged within me, I witnessed celestial mountains, gardens shrouded in immortality mist, and orchards of t peaches in the Jade Pool. Are these manifestations of someyer within the spiritual realm?" The Ferryman nodded affirmatively. "For you to perceive such visions in the mortal realm is indeed remarkable," he acknowledged. He advised Wang Xuan that upon their next encounter, he should not crush these visions deliberately, as they were reflections of spiritual power resonating with his physical form, signaling his impending transcendence. Wang Xuan, lost in thought, mused aloud, "Could it be that some mythical tales actually transpired within these spiritual worlds? Like the banquet at the Jade Pool or the feast of t peaches?" The Ferryman remained silent, offering no response to his musings. ... As Wang Xuan left the Land of Expiry, his mind was adrift, pondering various questions. His understanding of cultivation had profoundly changedpared to before. Meanwhile, Xiong Kun and his twopanions appeared once more in the outer area of the Land of Expiry. Unwilling to wait for further word from the ck Horn Beast and fearing they might miss the miraculous mist at the site of the extraordinary treasure in the Inner Landscape, they returned. "I believe the twelve keys are nearly assembled. It¡¯s time to lie in wait, to refine their blood essence for our use," they plotted, simultaneously specting about the fate of the man and his steed. They surmised that the pair must have been annihted by the ck Horn Beast,menting only the loss of that short sword. "Nothing unexpected could have happened. A mere mortal could never contend with a transcendent," they confidently asserted, certain that the realm of mortals could never challenge the transcendent ne.
Jimmi''s Thoughts To have met a figure from the Old World in such a bizarre realm... The plot thickens, my friends!
Chapter 174: Wu Yin The Fox Demon Chapter 174: Wu Yin The Fox Demon In the Hidden Land, a vista of azure skies stretching to infinity was a rare sight. Thend, enriched with various energy substances, shimmered with floating bands of light across the skies and forests, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Lost in thought, Wang Xuan emerged from the realm of the deceased, his mind still echoing with the conversation he had with the ferryman. The notion that not just the material world, but even the spiritual realm had itsyeredplexities, spurred a whirlwind of contemtion within him. Could it be that the Buddha existed not in the physical world but within a spiritual realm like the ya consciousness? And those mythological banquets at the Jade Pool, were they akin to this phenomenon? He pondered over the varied spiritualyers, each with its distinct hues of mystical power, demanding deep exploration to uncover higher realms and thereby unlock unimaginable strength. A suspicion dawned on him ¨C perhaps even the process of ascension to immortality, the ''Ascension'', was a journey into one of these spiritual dimensions. Yet, he dismissed the thought, reminded of the tangible reality of the grander universe beyond; after all, the hairpin bestowed upon him by the White Tiger Immortal was still a physical object in his possession. Meanwhile, at a distance, Xiong Kun and his twopanions noticed Wang Xuan, who seemed lost and disoriented, wandering aimlessly outside the realm of the deceased. Their expressions shifted to curiosity. "Look, that kid is actually alive. Wandering around like a lost soul, has he just faced some great trauma?" one of them mused. "Quite possible," another agreed. "The ck Horn Beast is a century-old demon with inscrutable intentions. It must have tormented the boy to the brink of madness. His spirit seems broken." "It''s likely," the third chimed in. "His femalepanion and the Pegasus are nowhere to be seen. Perhaps the ck Horn Beast devoured them before his eyes, leaving him alive just to torment him." Xiong Kun was about to draw his bow when hispanions swiftly intervened, stopping him in his tracks. ¡°Without that horse, he won¡¯t be able to escape. Why are you even worrying? Your arrows will be the end of him.¡± The trio approached them with smiles on their faces. Under the veiled sky of the Hidden Land, Wang Xuan, seemingly adrift in his thoughts, sensed the approach of Xiong Kun and his twopanions. Concealing his awareness, he continued to feign distraction, his mind ostensibly engrossed in contemtions about the mystical spiritual realms. Despite his newfound resilience against certain transcendent beings, Wang Xuan chose not to reveal his true strength. He preferred the guise of vulnerability over making himself an easy target in battle. One of the transcendent beings, spotting an opportunity to taunt, derided Wang Xuan''s apparent stupor with a cold sneer, ¡°Poor fool, lost in grief for hispanion?¡± Unbeknownst to them, Wang Xuan was already within striking distance. Though typically reserved, he decided to respond with a string of foreign curses, ¡°#%$@!!!¡± It was a rare departure from his usual demeanor. The transcendent beings, initially puzzled by the unfamiliarnguage, soon grasped the fierce intent behind his words through their heightened spiritual perception. One, in a burst of rage, threatened to reduce Wang Xuan to a mere stick. In a final act of defiance, Wang Xuan eximed "Eura!" as if to assert his identity, drawing a furious response from the transcendent beings. Recognizing him as an Euran, they roared in challenge. ¡°Euran, do you want to die?¡± one of the Transcendents shouted. Then, in a swift and unexpected twist, Wang Xuan, the young man who seemed lost and broken, suddenly sprang into action, lunging at them with explosive force. The close proximity, insignificant at their level of power, meant that mere meters tranted into instant engagement. Choosing not to engage the other two adversaries immediately, Wang Xuan targeted Xiong Kun, the man bearing arge bow. Anticipating potential ambushes from ranged attacks, Wang decided to neutralize this threat first. To Wang''s surprise, Xiong Kun proved to be formidably skilled. Beyond his mastery of archery, his physical prowess was terrifying, reminiscent of a dragon thrashing its tail as heunched a powerful kick. Simultaneously, Xiong Kun unleashed his spiritual domain, attempting to both intimidate and assault Wang. In response, Wang Xuan also released his spiritual domain, which manifested as a mountain wreathed in misty clouds, hurtling towards his opponent. This was the very scene he had witnessed within himself after changing his cultivation scripture - a glimpse into the firstyer of the spiritual world. Astonishingly, it now materialized externally. The three opponents were utterly shocked. "How is this possible?!" they eximed in disbelief. How could a mere mortal reach such a level? Even as they had ascended to the transcendent realm, achieving this level of spiritual domain had eluded them. Yet, here was Wang Xuan, undoubtedly still mortal, devoid of the dense transcendental aura, his breath not infused with transcendental substances, achieving the impossible. In the midst of their lightning-fast confrontation, Wang skillfully dodged Xiong Kun''s sweeping leg, closing the distance between them. With a swift move, he grabbed one of Xiong Kun''s arms. "It''s a facade," Xiong Kun realized aloud. "His spiritual domain may disy these elements, but he can''t wield the mountain from the first spiritualyer against my domain. He''s merely brushing against the edge of that world, unable to fully harness it." However, as soon as he uttered these words, his expression changed drastically. The strength in Wang Xuan''s arms was astonishing; Xiong Kun found himself unable to break free or even to shake off his grip. As the other two closed in, Xiong Kun exerted his own power, his arm glowing brightly as a thick bolt of lightning crashed down upon Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan''s understanding of the chasm between himself and transcendent beings crystallized in that moment. Upon attaining the transcendent realm, they wielded abilities nearing divinity, their thunderous powers surpassing those of Grandmasters by leagues. Unlike the techniques that radiated from the core organs of the body, these powers now emanated directly from their limbs, capable of unleashing the legendary palm thunder. Wang Xuan, with his formidable physical and spiritual strength, withstood the assault. Despite his resistance, his clothes on the affected arm disintegrated, his skin ckening under the impact. Yet, he remained steadfast, demonstrating the terrifying resilience of his physical form, now even surpassing that of his previously mastered Golden Body Technique. Amidst the agonizing pain of the thunder strike, Wang Xuan put his newly adopted first True Form to the test. With a forceful action, he tore Xiong Kun''s forearm apart, blood spurting violently. Xiong Kun''s screams echoed, his face contorting in excruciating pain. Unthinkable to him was the reality that a mere mortal had inflicted such grievous harm. The other two assants, their eyes aze with divine radiance,unched a ferocious onught. One attacker''s hand sent fiery sparks flying, melting nearby rocks, while the other enveloped Wang Xuan in a whirlwind, his fist rocketing towards Wang Xuan amidst the tempest. Wang Xuan, finding himself at a disadvantage against the storm technique, seized an opening as a fist came hurtling towards him. He grasped the fist, using the momentum to break free from the vortex andnd firmly on the ground. Securing a grip on his opponent''s arm, Wang Xuan began to drag him towards the entrance of the Hidden Land, not far from their location. The assant''s body crackled with electricity, striking at Wang Xuan, who countered with his first True Form, effectively resisting the thunderous assault that failed to prate his body. Behind him, the other two pursuers, including Xiong Kun, despite the agony of his severed limb, red with murderous intent, their hostility surging uncontrobly. ustomed to emting his grandfather''s soaring ambitions, Xiong Kun now faced a grim reality, his dreams shattered by a mere mortal who had crippled him, rendering his bow-wielding aspirations futile. Wang Xuan''s clothes were torn asunder by lightning and singed by fire, turning to ash, but his grip remained unyielding as he dragged his opponent into the foreboding mists of the Hidden Land. The man''s screams echoed with terror and desperation as he struggled in vain against Wang Xuan''s superior strength, plunging into the enigmatic fog. Aware of thend''s notorious reputation, ordinary beings dared not venture here, and his fears were swiftly realized. Upon entry, his body nearly tore apart, blood oozing from every pore. Then came the grotesque transformation: golden wings sprouted wildly, and a silver heart swelled unnaturally. Unable to withstand these violent alterations, his body could not hold together, rapidly disintegrating into a grotesque mix of bone and flesh. Such was the terrifying nature of the Hidden Land: ordinary creatures, upon entry, would undergo monstrous mutations, and without control over these changes, a ghastly death was inevitable. Hence, thendy in perpetual silence, either avoided by all living beings or acting as the final resting ce for those who dared enter. Wang Xuan released his grip upon stepping into this realm, sparing not a second nce at the disintegrating figure, and promptly exited. ¡°You... How are you even alive?!¡± Xiong Kun, witnessing the improbable survival, stood utterly astounded. The other opponent¡¯s expression shifted as well, his knowledge of the Hidden Land deepening his rm. This mysterious realm, with its forbidden path, was notorious for its lethal nature; those who dared to enter were fated to perish. Ancient tales whispered that only extraordinary individuals, those who emerged unscathed, were destined for greatness. Realizing they had provoked such an individual, it became clear why this young man, still a mortal, exhibited such extraordinary prowess. Wang Xuan, without uttering a word, advanced with resolute strides. Seizing the moment of their shock and unease, heunched a fierce assault. He employed the body techniques from Zhang Daoling, countering their thunder and fire with his own body''s secret power. His hands and fingers glowed, dispersing their fearsome radiance. The techniques from the Five Pages Gold Book were indeed remarkable and, despite having learned the enigmatic teachings from the stone tablet, Wang Xuan had no intention of abandoning these powerful moves. Yet, the speed of their thunderous attacks was blistering, impossible to fully block, forcing him to endure the brunt of the onught. In the rapid exchange, akin to lightning shes, Wang Xuan shifted his tactics, fully executing the first True Form from the stone tablet. With a thunderous impact, he shattered the hand of one of the transcendent beings. These opponents, despite their transcendent status, were relentless. Even as one''s hand was shattered by Wang Xuan¡¯s True Form, he did not retreat. His body radiated with intense light, almost engulfing him, and his spiritual power surged dramatically, engaging Wang Xuan in a desperate struggle. At this moment, Xiong Kun, driven by rage and not deterred by his severed arm, charged ferociously into the fray. For Wang Xuan, this was a grueling battle. Despite the injuries sustained by his opponents, their desperation lent them formidable destructive power, engaging him in a fierce and intensebat. With only a short sword in hand, Wang Xuan found himself bereft of other possessions, either lost or destroyed by the relentless barrage of light and thunder. Even his clothing bore the brunt of their fury. Standing in the realm of mortals, yet contending against transcendent beings, the struggle was arduous for Wang Xuan. Enduring a st of fire, he activated the secret powers of his True Form to resist the erosion of transcendental substances. With a swift movement, his sword swept through the air, decisively beheading one of his adversaries. Left with only Xiong Kun as his opponent, the oue was inevitable. Wang Xuan''s decisive punch pierced through Xiong Kun¡¯s chest, causing it to explode. The man met an untimely demise under Wang Xuan''s relentless assault. After the battle, Wang Xuan meticulously gathered the spoils of war before locating his own belongings. He approached a tranquil pond to cleanse his blood-stained body. Some parts of his skin bore a slight charred hue, the aftermath of the lightning strikes, yet the damage had not prated deeper. Having in three transcendent beings within the realm of mortals, such a feat, if known, would undoubtedly cause a stir ¨C a sensational piece of news that could shake the foundations of their world. Dressing himself, Wang Xuan remained grounded, devoid of arrogance orcency. Instead, he acknowledged the pressing need to ascend to the transcendent realm; the mortalbats were proving too strenuous, his victories reliant solely on his formidable physical resilience against their transcendent techniques. Meanwhile, a conversation amongst a group from Eura caught his attention. ¡°It¡¯s so strange to encounter a benevolent transcendent beast that doesn¡¯t attack humans but instead takes disciples,¡± one mused. ¡°Yes, it ims to recruit on behalf of the Celestials, which is quite peculiar. But that fox doesn¡¯t seem long ascended to transcendence. Is it really as mystical as it ims?¡± ¡°So far, it''s only taken one disciple, a woman it ims is a descendant of the Celestials. ns to take her deeper into the Hidden Land.¡± Wang Xuan listened, intrigued by their discussion. ¡°That woman, with her slender waist, long legs, ample figure, and delicate beauty ¨C what a pity to be led away by that fox. She seemed quite reluctant.¡± ¡°There¡¯s something unusual about her, not just her attire and speech. She doesn¡¯t seem to be from any of our three transcendent worlds.¡± ¡°Why are you even thinking about that? That woman is a fox spirit in human form, ying a role. The transcendent fox apanying her is just a cub.¡± The words of these young grandmasters from Eura struck a chord of curiosity in Wang Xuan. He stored this information, pondering the implications of such an extraordinary urrence in the realm of transcendent beings and their interactions with mortals. ¡­¡­ Upon hearing the conversation, Wang Xuan''s heart churned with concern. His first thought was of Wu Yin ¨C could the mentioned fox spirit be her? Without hesitation, he approached the group, pressing them to the ground and repeating key phrases from their discussion in a somewhat crude rendition of the Euranguage. ¡°Fox, fox spirit, taking disciples¡­¡± he inquired urgently. The group, visibly shaken by Wang Xuan''s overpowering presence, realized they were dealing with someone of extraordinary strength, possibly even a transcendent being. ¡°There, in that direction!¡± one of the women, in a moment of rity, pointed out the way, perceiving his intent. ¡°Hurry! They are about to venture deep into the Hidden Land. To be the disciple of a fox spirit, no, a Celestial, is a rare opportunity!¡± she eximed, attempting to persuade him. Wang Xuan, paying no heed to her further words, leaped into action. With a step that caused a massive air explosion, shattering the surrounding trees, he vanished from the spot, following the direction indicated. It wasn''t long before he spotted a woman in the distance. Her graceful figure, long legs, slender waist, and beautiful face were unmistakable ¨C it was indeed Wu Yin, who was miraculously alive. Chapter 175: Wu Yin The Fox Queen Chapter 175: Wu Yin The Fox Queen In the lush Hidden Land, where verdant forests intermingle with tranquilkes and ethereal mists, Wu Yin emerged, alive against all odds after days of absence. She stood amidst this natural splendor, her figure statuesque andmanding attention. Sunlight danced through her hair, casting a subtle purple hue that added to her ethereal beauty. Beside her trotted a fox, modest in sizepared to the other formidable creatures of this realm. Its sleek, ck fur shimmered like satin under the light, and its wings, emitting a dark, fluid radiance, marked it as a being of the skies. The fox¡¯s eyes, deep and lustrous like polished obsidian, radiated a keen intelligence. This unusual pairing, with Wu Yin¡¯s striking beauty and the fox¡¯s enigmatic presence, naturally ignited the imaginations of onlookers. Her reluctance to be in thispanionship, however, was palpable. The fox, imitating Wu Yin¡¯s walk with an almost deliberate mimicry, suggested an eerie attempt at human-like behavior. Wu Yin¡¯s own strides, though not an intentional catwalk, were a dance of elegance. Her long, slender legs moved with a grace that added a rhythmic sway to her steps. Together, they appeared almost like two ethereal fox spirits, one grand and the other quaint, weaving their way through the mysticalnd. ¡°Stop copying my walk. I want to go home!¡± Wu Yin¡¯s voice broke the silence, her eyes bright with a blend of stubborn resolve and a longing for the familiarforts of home. The prospect of a solitary life in the Hidden Land, amidst unknown beasts and away from human civilization, filled her with an overwhelming sense of loneliness and trepidation. Amidst the lush greenery and sparklingkes of the Hidden Land, Wu Yin, missing for many days, reappeared in a setting of transcendent beauty. The sunlight caught her hair, lending it a subtle hint of purple luminescence. By her side was a unique fox, modest in sizepared to other transcendent beasts, its ck fur shimmering like satin. Notably, it bore wings that glinted with a dark sheen, suggesting its ability to soar the skies. Wu Yin''s graceful figure,plemented by her delicate, fair face, and the presence of the extraordinary fox, naturally stirred up misconceptions among onlookers. Their paired walk through the perilous Hidden Land only intensified these suspicions. Wu Yin, however, seemed reluctant, as if being led against her will by the ck fox, which intriguingly mimicked her gait. Longing for the familiar skyscrapers and spacecraft of New World, Wu Yin yearned for thefort of her known universe and the people she cherished. The ck fox, disying an unexpected gentleness in its tone, seemed to be trying to console her. Its search for disciples had brought several young people from the forest, a surprising behavior for a creature of the Hidden Land, where most beasts would attack humans on sight. Observing from a distance, Wang Xuan assessed the fox''s capabilities. While intelligent and rtively newly transcendent, it didn''t appear particrly threatening, likely owing its savvy more to its unique lineage than to raw power. As the ck fox prepared to lead Wu Yin deeper into the Hidden Land, her resistance grew. She vehemently refused to continue the journey, aware that the fox intended to leave the outer region of the Hidden Land with her. Silently, Wang Xuan approached, swift as lightning, cing himself protectively in front of Wu Yin. He was prepared to confront the ck fox, knowing that if it took flight with Wu Yin, he might lose her forever. Recognizing the familiar silhouette, Wu Yin''s eyes widened in disbelief. The presence felt unmistakably like Wang Xuan''s. The ck fox, agile and quick, skillfully dodged Wang Xuan''s initial assault. With elegant, cat-like steps, it tilted its head, eyeing him curiously. "Are you here to be my disciple?" it asked through its spiritual realm, its voice resonating in the air. Undeterred, Wang Xuan readied himself for another strike. "You''re just a mortal, your breath devoid of the dense transcendental essence, no match for me. To be a disciple in the Fox Immortal Cave, you must pass my test," the fox dered with evident narcissism, strutting around Wang Xuan with feline grace. Unfazed, Wang Xuanunched a powerful punch, shattering the surrounding vegetation with its devastating force. The ck fox, its face betraying rm, vanished in a sh of dark light, swiftly evading the strike. "Xiao Wang, stop attacking! It''s a transcendent fox spirit!" Wu Yin cautioned urgently. She knew all too well the fox¡¯s deceptively amiable demeanor, recalling its ruthless and merciless defeat of a transcendent serpent in the great canyon. It was only then that Wang Xuan turned to face Wu Yin. His gaze met her fair, joyous visage, momentarily freezing before her expression shifted dramatically. Her voice rose in surprise and recognition, "It''s you, Wang Xuan, Old Wang!" Wang Xuan was taken aback, his emotions mingling with a sense of irony. He couldn''t help but feel slightly aggrieved at the stark contrast in her reaction. Despite his efforts to save her, she mistook him for another. Indeed, Wu Yin, observing his silhouette, had mistaken him for the Grandmaster Wang Xiao from the Old World. Admittedly, their profiles were strikingly simr, given they were the same person, though Wang Xuan had previously donned shoulder pads that altered his appearance slightly. Yet, Wu Yin''s preconceived notions led her to immediately identify him as Grandmaster Wang Xiao, her reaction revealing her belief in his identity. Wang Xuan found himself at a loss for words, grappling with Wu Yin''s apparent disdain for his true self. It was perplexing that his alter ego was affectionately referred to as "Xiao Wang," while his real identity received such lukewarm acknowledgment. Despite being the same person who hade to her rescue, the disparity in treatment was both baffling and frustrating. Wu Yin''s expressions fluctuated as she processed herplicated feelings toward Wang Xuan. Her encounters with him in the Old World had left an indelibly negative impression. Their first meeting had been marred by his diagnosis of her physiological issues, an experience that had left her feeling humiliated and frustrated, almost bursting out of her evening gown. In their subsequent encounters, her irritation only deepened, especially when Wang Xuan had unceremoniously kicked her into ake, an act that inmed her temper to its breaking point. Yet, it was this very man who had saved her from the jaws of a monstrous serpent on her first day in the Hidden Land, albeit in a manner that was difficult for her to ept. Once again, he had kicked her, propelling her away from danger, an act that was as mortifying as it was lifesaving. Wu Yin, who had never been treated with such disrespect, especially since her adolescence, seethed at the memory of being kicked twice in the same spot. The recollection caused her ample chest to heave with indignation, straining against her clothing. Despite her anger, Wu Yin managed to regain herposure and, albeit begrudgingly, thanked Wang Xuan. After all, he had twicee to her aid, and she was not one to ignore the merit in his actions. However, her initial negative perception, coupled with her close rtionship with Wang Xuan''s ex-girlfriend Ling Wei, had ingrained a deep-seated aversion towards him. Beneath her conscious resistance, however,y a nagging suspicion and recognition, which she hesitated to confront. The more she observed Wang Xuan, the more she found his demeanor and aura reminiscent of Grandmaster Wang Xiao. This subconscious realization had instinctively prompted her to address him as such, despite his altered appearance. The essence of his character, particrly evident in the heat of battle, remained unchanged. In a low voice, Wu Yin urged Wang Xuan to leave, fearing that provoking the ck fox might spell disaster. She reassured him that her life was not in danger, as the fox merely intended to guide her in her cultivation at a celestial immortal''s cave dwelling. Though she longed for the modern world and its familiar faces, she was not prepared to risk Wang Xuan''s life for her own sake. "Nothing to worry about, it''s just a little fox. I''ll take you away from here, ensuring you won''t be cut off from human society, secluded in some remote mountain forest," Wang Xuan said, turning his back to Wu Yin, his posture a shield before her. His words, brimming with confidence and resolution, ignited a warmth in Wu Yin''s heart. The prospect of a lonely life amid deste mountains, in thepany of beasts, was a dreadful thought she couldn''t bear. Feeling a surge of gratitude and reassurance, Wu Yin''s perception of Wang Xuan softened significantly, especially as she considered the possibility that he might indeed be Xiao Wang. Her emotions were a tangle ofplexities. Suddenly, Wu Yin rushed forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Wang Xuan, her arms spread wide towards the ck fox. This unexpected gesture took Wang Xuan by surprise. Wu Yin, convinced that Wang Xuan stood no chance against the transcendent creature, was ready to sacrifice her freedom to appease the fox''s anger. "Hurry, go!" she urged him, her voiceden with resolve to follow the ck fox into the depths of the Hidden Land, thus quelling its rage. "It''s toote," the ck fox spoke, its spiritual vibrations clearly conveying its annoyance. "This human has repeatedly disrespected me and even dared to attack. He must be taught a lesson." Its small vulpine face, norger than a palm, radiated hostility, its slender eyes gleaming with a cold light. "There''s no need to worry. This fox is just bluffing. What ''transcendent fox''? All I see is a show-off parading around," Wang Xuan remarked dismissively, moving in front of Wu Yin and gesturing for her to step back. Wu Yin, anxious and feeling powerless to alter the situation, red at the ck fox. She was irked by its imitation of her walk, exaggerated for effect. The ck fox, with a twist of its waist and a leisurely step, suddenly unleashed its spiritual domain, attempting to hypnotize Wang Xuan. Its knowledge of the intricate arts of the spiritual realm was indeed not to be underestimated. Feigning susceptibility to the hypnotic assault, Wang Xuan stood motionless, feigning dazed vulnerability. The ck fox, with a swish of its lustrous tail and an air of disdain, approached him. "Stupid man, dare to be arrogant before me? Now you can''t even move, can you? And you dared to call me vain. I only mimicked Wu Yin!" it said with a haughty tilt of its chin. Wu Yin was both anxious and indignant at the fox''s tant imitation, feeling unfairly caricatured. The ck fox, with its elegant gait, drew closer to Wang Xuan, examining him with a tilt of its head before turning to Wu Yin. "He''s not your partner, is he?" it asked. "No!" Wu Yin replied swiftly, her voice tinged with embarrassment and annoyance. The fox shook its head, remarking, "I knew there was something between you two. But in the path of cultivation, detachment is key. Let me help you sever this connection." Upon hearing these words, Wang Xuan''s patience snapped. How dare this fox, sashaying around and spewing venomous words, threaten to ''sever'' him? "You can''t harm him!" Wu Yin cried out, rushing forward to intervene. But Wang Xuan acted too, seizing the moment as the fox sauntered into reach. With a swift motion, he grabbed and immobilized the ck fox, his arms locking it in ce. Despite the fox''s struggles and its use of spiritual domain attacks, it proved futile against Wang Xuan''s hold. The moment the fox released a bolt of lightning, Wang Xuan pped its palm-sized face, sternly warning, "Dare to electrocute again, and I''ll smash your head into pulp!" Enraged yet impotent in Wang Xuan''s grip, the ck fox iled desperately. Incredulous at its own helplessness against what it perceived as a mere mortal, it shrieked, "What kind of monster are you? Not yet transcendent, how can you..." Wu Yin stood petrified, witnessing a scene that defied her understanding. In her mind, the ck fox was a formidable creature, capable of tearing apart ferocious beasts and ying transcendent serpents, its battles causing the earth to quake and cliffs to crumble. Never had she imagined a human standing a chance against such a fearsome being. Wang Xuan effortlessly subdued the ck fox, searching for something to bind it with. He found a two-meter-long, crystalline fment ¨C a remarkably tough fishing line, once belonging to the mysterious angler on the moon and stronger than even the sun gold. It had once ensnared the stone b, now serving as a trophy of Wang Xuan''s victory. With swift and efficient movements, he bound the ck fox tightly, rendering the once-mighty creature powerless. The fox, whose ancestors had served alongside the legendary immortals, guarding their sanctums and hailed as a divine beast, was now helplessly trussed by a mere mortal. It was a humiliation too profound to bear. The ck fox screeched in fury, writhing and rolling on the ground in its bindings, unable to ept this turn of events. "See? It''s just an ordinary little fox. You were fooled by its bluster. It''s nothing special; I could subdue it with one hand," Wang Xuan said, smiling radiantly, instilling a sense of ease in Wu Yin. But Wu Yin quickly realized the absurdity of his words. This was no ordinary fox; it was a powerful and cunning spirit, capable ofmunicating with humans through its spiritual essence. "You better stop screaming, or I''ll throw you into the Hidden Land!" Wang Xuan threatened the fox. "Don''t! I''ve only juste of age, so beautiful and young, how can you be so heartless to take me away? I want to go home!" the ck fox wailed. Wang Xuan was taken aback by these nonsensical pleas. Nearby, Wu Yin blushed with embarrassment. The ck fox was imitating her tone perfectly, but she had never uttered such words! Regaining herposure, Wu Yin approached Wang Xuan, scrutinizing him closely, and then leaned in to catch his scent. With a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, she asked, "Who are you, really?" Wu Yin''s gaze was deep and probing as she stared intently at Wang Xuan. "Who do you think I am?" Wang Xuan countered her question. Wu Yin, with her tall and elegant figure and beautiful face, initially wore no expression. But soon, her eyes began to sparkle as she scrutinized him closely, her gaze drifting to his hands. She remembered vividly the night of the torrential rain, the battle where Wang Xuan''s (known to her as Wang Xiao) nails had been torn off, and she had helped bandage his hands. Suddenly, she grabbed one of Wang Xuan''s hands and bit down hard, eximing, "You liar, you two are the same person!" Wang Xuan wasn''t so much worried about the pain as he was about injuring her. His current cultivation of the scripture had rendered his body far tougher than any ordinary flesh. Hastily, he withdrew his spiritual power to avoid any harm to her delicate teeth. As he tried to retract his arm, Wu Yin stumbled forward, still biting his hand, and collided against him. Wang Xuan stepped back, attempting to disengage. Wu Yin, off-bnce, leaned against him. In that moment, Wang Xuan was certain Wu Yin wasn''t wearing any protective gear like Zhou Qing, making her more vulnerable to physical contact. Flushing red, Wu Yin felt a tightness in her chest from the awkward contact. Meanwhile, the ck fox, pinned under Wang Xuan''s foot, yowled in frustration and anger. Despite its ims about Wu Yin and Wang Xuan not being involved, their current entanglement suggested otherwise. "Watch where you''re stepping!" it cried out indignantly, aggrieved at being squashed underfoot. Chapter 176: Losing The Bet With Two Humans And A Beast Chapter 176: Losing The Bet With Two Humans And A Beast The ck fox yowled under the pressure of Wang Xuan''s foot, indignantly protesting, "What''s the meaning of this? Both of you are squeezing together, squashing poor little Celestial Fox. Lift your foot already, you''re killing me!" Wang Xuan nced down; indeed, he was stepping not just on one of the fox''s legs but also on its tail. "Is it necessary to make such a fuss?" he thought. Yet, he made no move to shift his weight off the fox. "Help, Wu Yin! Get your smelly man to lift his foot. Continue whatever you are doingter!" the ck fox cried out. Wu Yin''s face flushed with embarrassment at the fox''s choice of words. Just moments ago, she had stumbled into Wang Xuan, leaning against him in an unstable posture. The ck fox''s loud remarks only added to her difort. She quickly pushed herself away from Wang Xuan, standing upright and releasing his hand from her bite. "You should¡­ maybe lift your foot," she suggested softly. Despite the fox''s actions in the canyon, it had saved her life and protected her from many threats in the treacherous Hidden Land. Without its intervention, she doubted she would have survived. Wang Xuan lifted his foot and examined the ck fox. It was a Transcendent spiritual beast, yet here it was, acting pitiful. He picked up the fox, securely bound with the resilient fishing line, and scrutinized it with a stern look, contemting roasting it for a meal. "How does fox meat taste?" he casually inquired of Wu Yin. Hearing this, the ck fox became utterly terrified. "You want to eat me?" "Please don''t eat me," the fox begged, its eyes filled with tears. "I am a kind-hearted and beautiful spirit. I''ve never done anything atrocious. You can''t do this to me!" Wu Yin was infuriated by the fox''s antics; it was tantly imitating her in both expression and tone. "Who did you learn this from?" Wang Xuan asked, holding the fox, feeling that there was something peculiar about it. "I learned from Wu Yin!" the fox dered boldly. "We are like sisters, walking and behaving alike. Therefore, you can''t kill me!" Wang Xuan was at a loss for words. Wang Xuan''s question about eating the fox was merely rhetorical, yet the fox''s reaction was unexpectedly genuine. Wu Yin''s face flushed with embarrassment and indignation. Though some of the fox''s exaggerated phrases were indeed hers, the creature had taken too many liberties in its imitation. "It''s infuriating! How dare it use my words like this?" Wu Yin fumed internally. Overwhelmed by the fox''s audacity, she suggested, "You might as well eat it!" With a thud, Wang Xuan dropped the ck fox to the ground, warning it against further nonsensical talk and momentarily ignoring it. The fox, feeling aggrieved and belittled, couldn''t believe its unfortunate fate. ustomed to reverence and respect in the depths of the Hidden Land, it found its current situation deplorable. Turning his attention to Wu Yin, Wang Xuan inquired about her well-being, recalling her final message in the canyon and her mentioning of him. He had been concerned about her fate, even contemting searching for her remains if she had perished. "I''m fine, thanks to you," Wu Yin replied, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude. She recounted how the ck fox, despite being injured, recognized her as a descendant of the Immortals. It insisted she had an ''Immortal''s mdy'' ¨C a reference to the ''Five Declines of Heaven and Man,'' an ailment peculiar to the original inhabitants of New Star. For Wu Yin, the condition wastent, not manifesting rapidly, but it posed a potential risk to future generations. This revtion exined the relentless endeavors of her family in the Hidden Land, seeking remedies to alleviate the effects of this affliction. The air grew still as Wu Yin''s gaze settled on Wang Xuan, her emotions a tangled web. If only he were Master Wang Xiao, things would have been simpler. But he was Wang Xuan, the man whose character she found so vexing. The transformation from the upright, radiant Master to this exasperating figure left her speechless and bewildered. Wu Yin harbored a distinctck of fondness for Wang Xuan, the real person behind the persona. Hisck of courtesy, the ungentlemanly act of pushing her into theke, and various other unpleasant interactions had left a sour taste. It was only after his interventions in the Hidden Land, where he twice stepped forward to save her, that her perception of him began to shift slightly. Yet, reconciling these two identities¡ªWang Xuan and Xiao Wang the Master¡ªinto one was a challenge she found hard to ept. The reality that these contrasting personas belonged to the same individual was a bitter pill to swallow. "It''s good to hear you''re fine. I''ll take you to a safe ce," Wang Xuan said with a smile, which only added to Wu Yin''s inner conflict. His radiant smile was reminiscent of Xiao Wang the Master, but the face it adorned was unmistakably Wang Xuan''s, deepening her turmoil. Caught in a whirlpool of conflicting emotions, Wu Yin struggled to merge these two images into one coherent person. Unable to contain herself, she voiced her confusion, "Why are you sometimes so despicable, Xiao Wang?" Herint, apanied by a pronounced eye roll, signaled her effort toe to terms with reality. Wang Xuan, feeling somewhat wronged, responded, "In the Old World, you were always hostile towards me, prejudiced from the start. Besides, throughout our interactions, I never really wronged you. I evenplimented your figure often." He conveniently omitted the instance of kicking her, focusing instead on the more positive aspects. "Was your sincere and upright side just an act?" she asked sharply, skeptical of the disparity in his behavior. Internally, Wu Yin grumbled about the stark contrast in personalities, both belonging to the same individual¡ªa master of deception, she thought. Feeling unjustly used, Wang Xuan began to defend himself ¡°Listen, Da Wu¡­¡± But was immediately met with a murderous re from Wu Yin. Her intense stare was a silent rebuke to his casual slip-up, addressing her as "big¡± Wu ¨C a nickname he evidently used in private. Touching his forehead in realization, Wang Xuan chastised himself for being too rxed, letting his guard down, and inadvertently revealing his true thoughts. Wang Xuan, unapologetic, retorted, "I heard it from Zhao Qinghan. Honestly, it''s apliment to your figure." "That''s nonsense, ''little bell'' has a different connotation!" Wu Yin red at him fiercely. Their exchange was abruptly interrupted by the ck fox''s dissatisfied voice, "Can you two stop being so lovey-dovey and feed me some fox food first?" "Did she teach you that too?" Wang Xuan asked in astonishment. "When Wu Yin saw a pair of swans, she referred to it as ''throwing dog food'', though it was clearly ''goose food''," the ck fox corrected, unforgetful of the details. "Shut up!" Wu Yin fumed, frustrated by the fox''s relentless mimicry and its knack for revealing her secrets. If this continued, she would have no privacy left. With a swift motion, Wang Xuan picked up the fox and flung it several meters away, showing no mercy, much to the fox''s irritation. "Help!" Suddenly, the ck fox began to scream for help, its spiritual domain pulsating as it sent distress signals into the distance. Wang Xuan''s expression darkened. He suspected the fox wasn''t crying wolf¡ªit might genuinely be summoning some Transcendent creature. "What creatures has it been in contact with recently?" he asked Wu Yin urgently. Herplexion paled as she replied, "I didn''t see any, but there were times it seemed to bemunicating with something afar." "Let''s go!" Wang Xuan swiftly grabbed Wu Yin. Hesitating briefly, he also scooped up the ck fox, deciding against killing or abandoning it. Wang Xuan''s strides, covering twenty to thirty meters in a single step, were too fast for Wu Yin, causing her to lose her bnce. "I''ll carry you. Get on my back," he offered. But then, recalling something, he quickly produced a soft yet incredibly sturdy battle suit from Eura and urged her to put it on, advising her to cover her face and hands for protection. Aware of the gravity of the situation, Wu Yin wasted no time in donning the sleek ck-gold battle suit of Eura, covering her entire body for protection. She then mounted Wang Xuan''s back, ready for the rapid escape. Wang Xuan, ensuring the ck fox wouldn''t cause any trouble during their flight, delivered a firm smack to its head, rendering it unconscious. He then grasped it securely andmenced a frenzied dash through thendscape. Wu Yin felt as though she was soaring through the clouds, the velocity of their movement astonishingly rapid. Nestled within the protective confines of the battle suit, she was acutely aware of the roaring wind outside. Had she been d in ordinary attire, the sheer force of their passage could have easily torn it apart. The suit¡¯s exceptional sturdiness, coupled with a perforated protective gear she wore over her head, safeguarded her from harm. However, her face soon flushed with difort. The vigorous motion, coupled with her generous physique ¨C a fact that even Zhao Qinghan had yfully noted ¨C made the journey unsettling for her. "Da Wu¡­" Wang Xuan began, intending to ask her something. In response, Wu Yin pinched him sharply, a mixture of irritation and embarrassment in her action. Wang Xuan, though momentarily perplexed, soon grasped the reason for her difort. His mind, however, was preupied with more pressing concerns ¨C the formidable creature the ck fox might have summoned. After a while, as the unsettling sensation subsided, Wang Xuan slowed down, taking care to leave no tracks. He then changed direction, swiftly navigating through the terrain. It was only after traversing several mountains and covering a considerable distance that he finally halted, gently setting Wu Yin down and tossing the ck fox onto the ground, ready to incapacitate it again if necessary. Wu Yin, once on solid ground, felt a sense of weightlessness and had to steady herself against Wang Xuan''s arm. The intense escape, leaping ravines and cliffs in their path, had been incredibly taxing. "Are you okay?" Wang Xuan asked with concern, observing her with an involuntary nce. She seemed even more exhausted than himself, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. "You''re even faster than that Transcendent fox when it''s flying!" Wu Yin deflected, shifting the focus of their conversation. Indeed, the intense and erratic speed of their journey had left Wu Yin feeling uneasy, an experience far more disconcerting than any car ride. The constant leaping and plummeting, akin to an elevator in freefall repeated over rugged terrains, proved overwhelming even for someone with her training. "Big Wu, if there''s a fightter, stay back," Wang Xuan advised. "Don''t call me Big Wu; call me Wu Yin from now on!" she retorted sharply, ring at him while her face flushed slightly and her chest heaved with emotion. A sudden voice behind Wang Xuan made his hair stand on end ¨C an enemy so close, yet undetected by his spiritual domain? He instantly pulled Wu Yin with him, moving twenty-odd meters away in a blink. "Rx, I mean no harm. If I wanted to attack, I would have done so already." Surprisingly, another ck fox appeared, evidently older with slightly graying fur. Standing upright and dressed in coarse linen clothes, it had an almost human appearance. "Grandfather, he bullied me! Help me get revenge!" The younger ck fox, now awake and indignant,ined to the elder fox, urging it to cut Wu Yin''s ties to the mundane world and force her into ascetic cultivation, thereby severing her connection with Wang Xuan. "Get up." The elder fox waved its paw, emitting a beam of ck light aimed at severing the fishing line binding the younger fox. However, the line remained intact, unscathed by the attack. Surprised, the elder fox tried again, only to achieve the same result. Approaching for a closer inspection, it attempted to cut the line with its w, but still, the line held firm. The elder fox was visibly taken aback. Even a creature as powerful as itself couldn''t destroy a mere thread. This revtion about the young man¡¯s origins and his possession of such an extraordinary object was truly astounding. Wang Xuan, understanding his inability to overpower the elder fox, approached and deftly untied the fishing line, addressing the creature. "This treasure, bestowed by my ancestral master, is known as the Binding Saint Rope." The elder fox''s keen senses detected something intriguing. "Ah, I smell the scent on you. You''ve recently been with another descendant of the Immortals. It''s good news indeed, that the Immortals'' lineage continues." Wang Xuan realized the elder fox was likely referring to Zhao Qinghan, whose family had intermingled with the original inhabitants of the New World. Zhao''s eyes had even started to show a hint of purple. The fox continued, "A young woman, radiant with vitality, also bearing thetent Immortal''s mdy. She seems well-suited for cultivation." Wu Yin, turning to Wang Xuan, inquired, "There''s another woman''s scent on you? You two..." "Think nothing of it. Your scent is on me too. If you don''t believe me, ask the elder fox," Wang Xuan replied. The elder fox nodded in agreement. "Indeed, her scent on you is quite strong, almost leading me to mistake you as an Immortal''s descendant." "Let''s proceed. Lead the way. I won''t harm them. I''ll provide them an opportunity, something befitting the descendants of Immortals," the elder fox spoke. Wang Xuan was reluctant to guide the way, unsure of the elder fox''s true intentions. However, the elder fox, demonstrating its extraordinary abilities, led the way and soon they encountered Grandmaster Ma and Zhao Qinghan on a mountain peak. Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine at the old fox''s immense power. "This little horse is also quite remarkable. Suitable to apany me in cultivation," the elder fox remarked. Wang Xuan sighed, realizing that both Grandmaster Ma and the two women might be lost to the elder fox''s intentions, and he was powerless to stop it. The elder fox then turned to Wang Xuan, "If you''re worried, you can apany us as well."
Jimmi''s Thoughts Oh no! More trouble for Wang Xuan! How will be get himself out of this one?
Chapter 177: The Origins Of The Immortal Disease Chapter 177: The Origins Of The Immortal Disease Wang Xuan felt a chill of apprehension. Am I too being subtly coerced into joining this unexpected journey? Peering into the inscrutable depths of the elder fox''s intentions, he found himself unable to discern whether it harbored genuine benevolence or more calcting motives. Wu Yin, with a soft sigh,mented, "So Qinghan was here... it''s my fault she''s involved now." Initially, it was only she who had been abducted, but now, it seemed none of them could escape the situation. "It''s to the Immortals'' cave, not a den of monsters and demons. A great opportunity awaits!" the young celestial fox interjected, casting a side nce at Wang Xuan and muttering, "You should break it off with him." Under other circumstances, Wang Xuan might have feltpelled to educate the fox on how to show proper respect, but with the elder fox present, he restrained himself. This young fox was truly adept at cunning remarks, a trickster in its own right. The elder fox levitated effortlessly into the air, soaring without unfurling its wings, like a streak of ck lightning heading towards the distant mountain peak. Wang Xuan''s heart raced at the sight. It was his first time witnessing a creature ascend to the skies without the aid of wings, potentially the most formidable demon he had ever encountered in the modern world. Even with his trump card, Wang Xuan doubted he could contend with the elder fox. The white tiger immortal from the great curtain had clearly stated that her silver hairpin was only effective against beings in the early stages of transcendence. Against a more powerful entity, it would likely be ineffective. The immortals from the great curtain were constrained from directly intervening in the current world; the energy and ''weapons'' they could send over were limited unless they were willing to pay a dire cost. This predicament underscored Wang Xuan''s urgency to advance into the transcendent realm and significantly bolster his own strength, fueling his determination to eventually confront the red-robed female demon. But now, with the presence of the elder fox, an unassable obstacle had arisen. "Take the opportunity to leave while the elder fox is away and hasn''t shown any hostility," Wu Yin stood before Wang Xuan, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She urged him to avoid following them deeper into the Hidden Land, uncertain of the trustworthiness of the ck fox n. "You, who have bullied me, can''t leave!" the young celestial fox protested, prancing around Wang Xuan in an intricate dance of steps, its grudge from being previously bound still fresh in its memory. Wu Yin approached the fox, trying to calm it and insisting on Wang Xuan''s departure. "Little Celestial Fox!" she called gently. "Stinky man!" the little ck fox snorted disdainfully, turning its back to them, no longer paying any attention. "Please go, and thank you for saving me," Wu Yin whispered, briefly embracing Wang Xuan before quickly pulling away. "Take care, Xiao Wang," she added softly. Wang Xuan, however, couldn''t bring himself to flee in such a manner. "I''ll talk to the elder fox, see if we can reason things out," he resolved, knowing full well that escaping from an entity capable of floating effortlessly through the air was futile. He looked towards the mountain peak where the elder fox hadnded. Zhao Qinghan, unafraid, was gazing down towards them, likely having witnessed Wu Yin''s tender embrace with him. With determined strides, Wang Xuan made his way towards the peak. "Break it off with him," the little ck fox suggested to Wu Yin, swaying its body and batting its longshes. "Look at that beautiful woman on the mountain. He''s so besotted with her that he can''t even think of escaping!" "What are you talking about?!" Wu Yin was tempted to tug at its ears, but restrained herself, remembering its transcendent nature. Grandmaster Ma was behavingpliantly, quietly and submissively acknowledging the elder fox''s superiority over even the leaders of the flying horse herd, showing due deference. Zhao Qinghan, despite facing a formidable demon, maintained herposure and calm, listening attentively to the elder fox''s words without any sign of panic. The elder fox expressed its approval of Zhao Qinghan, remarking, ¡°Truly a descendant of the Celestial Immortals. Far moreposed than ordinary mortals. Cultivation indeed requires a heart unperturbed by external distractions. Such a quality is essential.¡± As Wang Xuan arrived atop the mountain and heard these words, he couldn''t help but internally scoff. Zhao Qinghan''s poise was a result of her upbringing in New World, shaped by exposure to myriad experiences; what did it have to do with being a descendant of Celestial Immortals? "Can I refuse?" Zhao Qinghan asked the elder fox directly. "You should not," the elder fox responded firmly, emphasizing that what was left by the Celestial Immortals for their descendants was their rightful inheritance and Zhao Qinghan was entitled to such fortunes. Since breaking into the realm of Grandmasters, the faint purple glow in Zhao Qinghan''s eyes had be increasingly pronounced, instantly catching the elder fox''s attention and convincing it of the need to bring her to the Celestial Immortal''s abode. Wang Xuan interjected, "Elder, what exactly can the Celestial Immortals leave for their descendants? On our, we have various scriptures ranging from the secret texts of the Taoist ancestral court, the Buddhist sutras of Shakyamuni, to the silver beast skin scrolls of the Pre-Qin sorcerers. We are notcking in legacies." The elder fox smiled subtly, "I havee to understand that your world has regressed, no longer a realm of transcendence. The cosmic energies have ebbed, and thews of nature have decayed. The abodes of the Celestial Immortals, fallen from the void, are no longer suitable for cultivation." Wang Xuan shook his head, countering, "While it¡¯s true that the energy on our has be scarce, my family''s patriarch has zed a new trail, establishing a dojo in outer space. The cosmos is still rich in various energies, akin to the realms where ancient Immortals of ascension would ascend to the heavens to gather qi. Modern humans, through technological means, can ascend to the heavens and harness what is necessary." "I am aware of what lies beyond the heavens," the elder fox responded, unswayed. "While there may be a plethora of cosmic energies, if it''s not a transcendent realm, they remain sparse." Wang Xuan extended his hand, insisting, "Look, our patriarch has innovated, bestowing us with such substances." He disyed the mysterious factor, infusing it into Zhao Qinghan''s body. Invisible to the ordinary eye, but unmistakable to the elder fox, its eyes widened in shock and surprise upon encountering this extraordinary essence. The elder fox acknowledged Wang Xuan''s words with a serious nod, impressed. "Indeed, your patriarch has opened an Inner Landscape, quite an extraordinary feat!" However, it then shook its head, adding, "As for such top-tier energetic substances, they exist in the depths of the Hidden Land as well, within the Celestial Immortal''s abode, where the Inner Landscape treasures reside. Moreover, you should know, the Celestial Immortal''s disease isn¡¯t easily cured. Only by undergoing a purification in the sanctified pools of the Celestial Immortal''s abode can this affliction be resolved." It exined that as long as Zhao Qinghan''s strength was not too advanced, and she hadn''t stepped into the transcendent realm, there was still a chance for aplete cure. Otherwise, the disease might still be passed on to future generations. Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt conflicted. Zhao Qinghan slightly shook her head at Wang Xuan, then stepped forward, "My reluctance to stay stems from not wanting to part forever with my family, to separate from those around me, to be divided by the cosmic sea, never to meet again. If cultivation means leaving behind all that is familiar and unforgettable, turning them into mere memories, even if one achieves ascension, what significance does it hold?" "Cultivation isn¡¯t about severing all ties with the mundane world," the elder fox patiently exined. "True cultivation doesn¡¯t mean losing all genuine emotions, bing as indifferent as ciers or as numb as stones and earth. That¡¯s not the way of true immortals but a deviation from the path." It continued, exining that receiving the fortunes of the Celestial Immortal would allow one to revisit their family, though it was advisable to return to the Hidden Land periodically to replenish the celestial blessings. "What kind of fortunes?" Wu Yin, having climbed the mountain, couldn''t help but inquire. Although she had been with the little celestial fox, she remained unclear about these matters. She gracefully approached, taking Zhao Qinghan''s hand, "I''m sorry, I''ve dragged you into this." Zhao Qinghan shook her head, "Perhaps this is an opportunity." She smiled and embraced Wu Yin, patting her back reassuringly, "There''s no need to worry so much. Your heart is not at peace, full of tumultuous waves." "Zhao, you¡¯re too frank, saying such things!" Wu Yin yfully chided her. ¡­¡­ Although their whispers were barely audible, Wang Xuan''s exceptionally keen perception caught every word, leaving him speechless. The two women, having faced near-death experiences, shared a light-hearted joke in their reunion, a small moment of levity in the aftermath of their ordeal. However, their mirth quickly subsided, weighed down by the gravity of their situation, facing an ancient demonic fox that could determine the course of their destinies. The elder fox spoke solemnly, "The so-called celestial fortunes are special elixirs prepared exclusively for those with Celestial Immortal lineage. They bloom and wither over many years, inessible to others. There are dozens of such rare medicines." "Venerable Fox Immortal, how did the Celestial Immortal disease originate?" Zhao Qinghan inquired, keen to understand the root cause of the affliction. Wang Xuan nodded along, equally interested in the answer. "In ancient times, several powerful beings resided deep within the Hidden Land. Capable of ascension, they nheless hesitated to leave the mortal realm. Over time, they began to suffer various ailments, the Celestial Immortal''s disease being one, which subsequently infected their descendants." Ultimately, those beings had to undergo a thunderous purification to address the disease, propelling them into the depths of the Great Curtain. "So, because of their immense power, akin to Celestial Immortals, residing in the mortal world led to the Celestial Immortal''s disease?" Wang Xuan pondered, sparking various thoughts. Could this also be rted to the ancient covenants? But probably not, as those were meant to limit beings from beyond the Curtain. For a moment, Wang Xuan was struck by the profound mysteries surrounding the true nature of ascension. Far from the descriptions in legendary tales and novels, even after eons, questions still surrounded the process of ascension. Everyone seemed to be groping in the dark, without a definite path to follow, with even the methods of cultivation undergoing several changes over time. "Venerable one, regarding ascension, does it involve unlocking higher levels of the spiritual world?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but ask. "Ascension is too distant a concept for us to specte on. When one reaches that stage, they will understand," the elder fox replied, not venturing too far into conjecture. However, it did reveal that mundane treasures and items beloved by ascendants could be taken along in their journey to transcendence. "Does everyone destined for ascension, yet remaining behind, contract Celestial Immortal''s disease?" Zhao Qinghan inquired. The elder fox shook its head, rifying, "Not necessarily. In earlier times, those who followed the path of physical cultivation, possessing formidable bodies, seemed immune to the disease. However, they too eventually departed." Such revtions resonated deeply with Wang Xuan, corroborating the teachings of the first true form diagram inscribed on the stone tablet, which criticized the dangers of ascension for those with insufficient physical strength. "You will find great benefits in the depths of the Hidden Land, receiving gifts from your ancestors," the elder fox assured them. "Can you truly ensure our safe return?" Wu Yin asked cautiously, her skepticism inadvertently bordering on disrespect. The elder fox nodded solemnly, "Our n, tasked with guarding the Celestial Immortal''s abode, once swore to look after their descendants. Once you receive your inheritance, we will honor your wishes." In the past, when the Celestial Immortal''s disease first erupted, there was no cure. Several powerful beings hastened to send their descendants away before ascending themselves. It was onlyter that, throughmunication across the Great Curtain, they provided the fox n with solutions like nting miraculous herbs. "Now, with an unprecedented surge in energy substances, our spaceships cannotnd. How do we leave?" Zhao Qinghan posed her concern. Wu Yin echoed the sentiment, questioning whether the elder fox was deceiving them, using their status as Celestial Immortal descendants to ess the abode. The elder fox smiled, understanding their thoughts. "It''s good to be cautious, but if I intended harm, I wouldn''t waste time talking. I''d simply take you by force." It further exined, "The Celestial Immortal''s abode contains a spaceship, crafted with celestial techniques. It can navigate through outer space." Such a marvel? Wang Xuan and the two women were visibly moved. The elder fox added, "Moreover, the surge of energy in the Hidden Land is temporary. In time, it should subside, restoring calm." Wang Xuan, upon understanding the situation, made a decision. "I''ll go to the Earth Immortal City, to find Old Chen and Old Zhong." The thought of heading to the bustling city, a hub of extraordinary activities, reignited a spark of excitement in him. The prospect of meeting with these renowned figures from the Old World and learning from their wealth of experience was too enticing to pass up. The little fox, with its newfound respect for Wang Xuan, agreed to guide him. It seemed to understand the significance of his journey, perhaps sensing the potential for pivotal encounters and crucial knowledge to be gained. As for Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, their path was set towards the deeper realms of the Hidden Land. They would embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of their celestial lineage and perhaps find the cure for the Celestial Immortal''s disease. Wang Xuan, with a renewed sense of purpose, set off towards Earth Immortal City. The city, known for its ancient ruins and the fierce battles of transcendent beings that took ce in its outskirts, held the promise of untold secrets and powerful allies. His mind was abuzz with possibilities and ns. He knew this journey to Earth Immortal City could be a turning point, not just for him, but perhaps for the entire bnce of power within the Hidden Land and beyond. With each step, Wang Xuan felt the weight of the responsibility he carried and the excitement of the unknown thaty ahead. This was more than a journey; it was a quest for truth, power, and perhaps, the key to his ascension. Chapter 178: Dance Of The Immortals Chapter 178: Dance Of The Immortals As they approached the deeper regions of the Hidden Land, the small ck fox carefully guided their path, cautioning against certain areas where flight was perilous due to the presence of irascible transcendent demons. A single misstep in these territories could lead to a swift and unforgiving end. Grandmaster Ma, upon understanding the significance of their journey into the depths of the Hidden Land, exhibited an eagerness to please that bordered on the absurd. His antics around the small ck fox were a far cry from his usual majestic demeanor. In an almostical disy, he began imitating the fox''s catwalk, wagging his tail and circling around the creature in a disy of submission. Zhao Qinghan, observing this spectacle, couldn''t resist teasing Wu Yin about her supposed modeling aspirations. "Wu Yin, the little fox''s catwalk must be something you taught it, right? I heard you wanted to be a supermodel at one point?" she joked. Wu Yin vehemently denied this, her face flushing with embarrassment. The little ck fox, however, continued its act, twisting its body and batting its eyshes in imitation of Wu Yin''s alleged mannerisms. Frustrated and embarrassed, Wu Yin finally snapped, grabbing the fox by the ears and scolding it for spreading such nonsense. "I didn''t teach it anything like that!" Wu Yin protested, even as the little fox insisted it was simply emting her. Wang Xuan watched the interaction with a mix of amusement and curiosity, while Zhao Qinghan couldn''t help butugh at the absurdity of the situation. Eventually, Wu Yin''s protests seemed to take effect, and the little fox ceased its exaggerated strut. Grandmaster Ma, seeing this, also stopped mimicking the fox. Instead, he sought to impress by presenting the demonic cultivation chart he had acquired from the ck Horn Beast. The little fox, however, was unimpressed with the chart, dismissing it as basic and underdeveloped, the work of a solitary demonic cultivator. Grandmaster Ma seemed even more dejected at this dismissal, his admiration for the little fox growing to the point where he almost seemed ready to be its mount. In the midst of these light-hearted moments, Wang Xuan remained vignt, aware of the unpredictability and potential dangers thaty ahead in their journey into the enigmatic depths of the Hidden Land. ¡­¡­ "You''re using me wrongly," Zhao Qinghan replied. "What nonsense are you talking about! I heard about you being kicked into ake in the Old World." "Zhao Qinghan, you rebellious girl, you must have heard that from Little Zhong. That damn Little Zhong!" "Who''s rebellious? I was only eleven or twelve years old then. That was called being spirited, Big Wu. You''ve been quite irritabletely, very emotional. Look, even the little fox is imitating you now, proudly puffing its chest." ... Their conversation, though whispered, was full of pointed remarks. Wang Xuan found their exchange somewhat ear-burning but admittedly intriguing. "Up ahead is the Earth Immortal Spring. Do you want to call your grandfather to collect some?" Wang Xuan teased the little fox. The Earth Immortal Spring continued its gentle cascade down the mountain wall. "The springs in the deeper part of the Hidden Land gush more vigorously than this one," the little fox dismissed. "There are crystals here," Wang Xuan informed. "Which Earth Immortal Spring doesn''t have them?" The little fox then became suspicious. "Did you damage this part of the mountain wall?" "No!" Wang Xuan denied immediately, losing interest in offering Wu Yin the spring water after learning about the springs deeper in the Hidden Land. Grandmaster Ma, brimming with pride, raised its head as if to boast of their joint effort, only to receive a beating from Wang Xuan. As evening approached, they discovered a pine forest, where each tree required several people to encircle. Thickyers of pine needles carpeted the ground. "Golden mushrooms!" Wang Xuan eximed, amazed to find a cluster of about thirty golden mushrooms, each asrge as a human head, shimmering with a radiant golden light. These mushrooms were rare even among spiritual herbs, known for their ability to enhance physical constitution, create more vital blood, rejuvenate the body, and prolong life. Once on New Moon, Wang Xuan had promised Qin Cheng to treat him to chicken stewed with mushrooms. Now, it seemed this promise could be fulfilled. "I''ll catch some mountain chickens!" Before treating Qin Cheng, he decided to taste the dish himself. Soon after, several flustered chickens were caught and brought back, while Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin washed and sliced the golden mushrooms, preparing for their meal. Wang Xuan, having crafted a makeshift pot from arge b of stone with his short sword, had everything set up for a feast. Soon, a rich and tantalizing aroma wafted through the forest. But then, an unexpected mishap urred. The golden mushrooms indeed nourished the body, offering a delectably rich vor. Upon consumption, a warm current surged through their bodies, invigorating their blood and qi. However, amidst the golden mushrooms, there lurked a doppelganger ¨C the deceptive and dangerous bewitching mushrooms, which they had inadvertently sliced and stewed along with the others. Wang Xuan felt his vision swarming with tiny stars. Shaking his head vigorously, he saw celestial constetions seemingly tumbling down from the sky. The potent hallucinogenic effects of the bewitching mushrooms momentarily ensnared him in their delusive grasp. He then envisioned the Red-Dressed Demoness turning back with a smile that could captivate any soul, gracefully dancing an enchanting demon dance, exuding a passion both seductive and mesmerizing. These bewitching mushrooms, growing alongside the spiritual golden mushrooms, were indeed extraordinary. Even powerful creatures would fall victim to their effects. Grandmaster Ma, now acting like a monkey, believed itself to be a divine simian, capable of agile maneuvers among the towering ancient trees. It mbered up only to crash down to the ground, repeating this cycle, creating craters throughout the forest floor. The little fox, with its wings unfurled, wobbled through the air, eximing, ¡°I am Wu Yin, beautiful as a flower, ravishing and stunning, with a slender waist and long legs ¨C who could match my beauty?¡± On the ground, Wu Yin herself began to sashay in a feline manner, giggling, ¡°I am the fox spirit, graced with the allure of the mortal world, bewitchingly charming in this dustden realm.¡± Wang Xuan, who had trained in the most potent scriptures from the stone tablet and possessed formidable mental strength, quickly shook off the hallucinations, banishing the image of the Red-Dressed Demoness dancing before his eyes. However, what he saw next was Wu Yin, proiming herself a fox spirit and moving with a catwalk that was indeed a sight to behold. Her lithe waist and long legs, coupled with her graceful poise, left him utterly astounded. At this moment, Wang Xuan was reminded of an old, bewitching song from a bygone era: "Red umbre, white handle, together we...". They had all indeed fallen prey to intoxication, mistaking deceptive mushrooms for the nourishing golden ones. Fortunately, it was merely hallucinogenic, causing no physical harm beyond their surreal experiences. Observing Zhao Qinghan''s struggle against the toxin''s effects only to eventually lose herposure was a revtion for Wang Xuan. Normally poised and aloof, the transformation in her demeanor was astounding. Zhao Qinghan, typically the epitome of cool elegance, now unleashed a passionate dance, embodying a wild beauty and a seductive charm that was utterly spellbinding. This was aplete inversion of her usual persona, revealing a side of the ''Ice Goddess'' that was rebellious and uninhibited. Wang Xuan spected that Zhao Qinghan, as a girl of eleven or twelve, might have been quite the rebel. Witnessing her now, he felt sure of it. Wu Yin approached, determined to involve Wang Xuan in their merriment, urging him to join in the catwalk. "Little Wang, Wang Xiao,e learn with me. Let''s leave that odious Wang Xuan to Zhao Zhao, the rebellious girl!" "I really can''t learn this!" Wang Xuan, having regained his senses, was not inclined to join the madness. Participating would be a blemish he''d never live down. He quickly made his escape. The scene unfolding before him was eerily reminiscent of old reports about the effects of consuming poisonous mushrooms: dancing, flying, crashing into trees ¨C it was all happening. Wu Yin soon called down the little ck fox and coaxed it into joining their dance. Before long, the trio ¨C two women and a fox ¨C were engulfed in a feverish dance. "I am the fox spirit,e to the mortal world to cultivate..." Infectious enthusiasm spread among them, and even the usually reserved Zhao Qinghan dered herself a fox spirit. Wang Xuan watched the trio, utterly dumbstruck. He considered intervening, perhaps knocking them out with a well-ced punch to spare them further embarrassment. But then he thought better of it. Suppressing their natural instincts wasn''t right; it was better to let them express themselves freely, at least for now. Wang Xuan stood aside, thoroughly enjoying the visual feast before him. Having himself experienced hallucinations of a demon fairy''s dance, he now witnessed descendants of celestial immortals performing their spirited dances. Could this, he wondered, be considered a dance of celestial beings? Grandmaster Ma, after repeatedly scaling and crashing down from towering trees, had eventually knocked himself unconscious, now lying in a state of "peaceful" repose. Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and the little ck fox danced vigorously well into the night, eventually transitioning into a collective catwalk. Exhausted and finally sobering up in the deep hours, they ceased their antics. Wu Yin clutched the little fox like a cushion, burying her head as if emting an ostrich. Zhao Qinghan, her usual poise abandoned, flushed with embarrassment, feigned sleep to hide her face. Come morning, both Zhao and Wu, with their strong inner resolve, acted as if nothing unusual had transpired, resuming their journey as usual. Only the little ck fox remained blissfully unconcerned, cheerfully suggesting on the road, ¡°Wu Yin, your catwalk was excellent, and Sister Zhao''s dance was so enchanting! You must teach me sometime.¡± Instantly, the facade of normalcy shattered for both women, each fighting the urge to reprimand the little fox. Guided by the small fox of the ck fox n, they encountered no fierce creatures and smoothly reached the deeper parts of the Hidden Land, arriving at the Earth Immortal City. The city, once bustling with residents and rich history, nowy in ruins, a shadow of its former glory. Its once magnificent buildings, pces, inns, and taverns had crumbled, leaving only stone structures standing. Within the city, they found a mix of people: former transcendent beings who had retreated frombat to recover from their injuries, and ordinary humans from Eura, Heluo, and Yu Hua worlds apanying their transcendent elders for experience. To their surprise, they discovered Old Song, and learned that the siblings, Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng, were also there, residing in a stone temple ahead. ¡­¡­ "Wu Yin, is it true that you''ve been feasting on rat meat?" Zhao Qinghan chimed in with excitement. Upon their entry, they overheard Zhong Chengmenting about being sick of eating dried rat meat every day. Zhong Qing, caught off guard by the unexpected guests, covered her face in embarrassment. Usually eloquent andposed, she nearly broke into tears, fearing this dark chapter of her life, if spread back to the New World, would be unimaginable. "Little Zhong, does rat meat taste good?" Wu Yin teased. "Little Zhong, I have some Earth Immortal Spring water here¡­" ... Wang Xuan spent a day in the city, finally encountering Old Chen and catching a distant glimpse of Old Zhong. Participants of the transcendent battle could rest in the Earth Immortal City at night, a rare safe haven where they were forbidden from engaging inbat. "Little Wang, how did you end up in the depths of the Hidden Land?" Old Chen asked in surprise, noting the bloodstains on his clothes. Despite having recently ambushed and defeated several adversaries alongside Old Zhong, their situation was increasingly precarious. "Seeing you like this, how could I rest easy? As your protector, I''vee to guard your way," Wang Xuan stated calmly. He nned to transfer a substantial amount of the mysterious factors in his body to Old Chen and then replenish his own reserves from the Inner Landscape treasures. His goal was to break through to the transcendent realm and return to protect Old Chen. "Don''t joke around. The beings here are terrifyingly powerful. Even Old Zhong, after over a century of arduous cultivation, was left vomiting blood and nearly killed by the palm strike of a foreign entity," Old Chen warned gravely. "It''s alright. When Ie back here next time, I''ll avenge both of you," Wang Xuan assured him serenely. He hesitated on whether to inform Old Chen about the secret path through the Seishi region. Although having arge amount of mysterious factors in the body should ensure greater safety, he remained cautious of unforeseen dangers. Chapter 179: Top Tier Technique Chapter 179: Top Tier Technique Old Chen, a seasoned fisherman, was undoubtedly daring and adventurous. This trait was evident in the grand battle at the Pamir teau and his subsequent venture into the Inner Landscape, led by Wang Xuan. Given his bold nature, Old Chen would undoubtedly be willing to venture into the Departed Lands and traverse its secretive path. However, should any misfortune befall him, Wang Xuan knew he would be powerless to intervene. A mishap could mean an irrevocable loss, far graver than any staged demise or the incidents involving his withdrawal from the affluent circles of Ancheng. "Old Chen, I''m torn. By withholding this information, I fear you might miss a great opportunity. But by revealing it, I risk leading you to your doom. What should I do?" Wang Xuan spoke in a hushed tone, pulling Old Chen aside to a secluded spot. In the Earth Immortal City, amidst the crumbling structures and the remnants of a bygone era, they conversed under the fading glow of the evening sky. "Tell me first, and I''ll make my decision afterward," Old Chen responded. "I''ve discovered a secret path..." Wang Xuan began, exining the nuances of the Departed Lands with a solemn expression. Predictably, Old Chen''s eyes lit up with excitement upon hearing this, his spirit invigorated at the prospect of exploring uncharted territory. His entire life''s ambition had been to uncover the hidden paths of the ancient ways, and this revtion was too enticing to ignore. "Calm down. Let me remind you, for centuries no one has dared to traverse that secret path. Recently, I was the only one to seed," Wang Xuan cautioned him, pouring cold water on his enthusiasm, emphasizing the perilous nature of the journey. Old Chen nodded solemnly, his demeanor bing contemtive. "If I shy away from this opportunity, then in the future, even if I encounter the Departed Lands again, I would definitely not dare to venture in," he stated. Wang Xuan understood Old Chen''s bravery and his willingness to take risks. However, this decision could potentially lead him down a path of no return, a concern that weighed heavily on Wang Xuan. Old Chen analyzed his situation calmly. "You needn''t worry about me. I, Chen Yongjie, am no ordinary person. I''ve triggered super-sensory perception multiple times and formed a spiritual domain even as a mortal. In the annals of history, such feats are extremely rare." Indeed, Old Chen''s aplishments were noteworthy. In ancient times, his capabilities would have been enough to establish him as the leader of a sect, and breaking through to the Earth Immortal level wouldn''t have been unusual. "The Old World has regressed, no longer a transcendent, but I have still risen to prominence. I have confidence in myself!" Old Chen dered, his posture radiating a formidable aura of determination and fierceness. He added, "Regardless, I am considered the foremost individual of a teeming with billions of lives. Can''t I traverse the secret path of the Seishi region?" "You''re about to be the second," Wang Xuan reminded him, seeking to temper his overconfidence. Reflecting further, Wang Xuan acknowledged the exceptional nature of both Old Chen and Old Zhong. Their rise to prominence during a phase of waning transcendent energy was indeed no small feat. Considering Old Zhong as the foremost figure of the New World was unquestionably fitting ¨C his depth and cunning were profound. However, Wang Xuan had his reservations, especially regarding Old Zhong. While in the Earth Immortal City, Old Zhong''s influence was limited. But once back in the New World, the situation could drastically change. As the helmsman of a super conglomerate, Old Zhong''s ruthlessness was well-known. If he learned some of Wang Xuan''s secrets, there was a real possibility that he might turn hostile, capturing Wang Xuan for dissective study and exploitation. "Come, let Old Chen receive your blessing, Wang Patriarch!" Wang Xuan gestured for Old Chen to draw near, exining that only when one''s body is suffused with dense mystical substances can one hope to unravel the mysteries of the Departed Lands. Old Chen, whose body already contained some of these mystical substances, was vastly inferiorpared to Wang Xuan. At this moment, he felt truly awestruck. The mystical substances cascaded towards him like a heavy snowfall, converging and enveloping him in a boundless expanse. In this instant, Old Chen was willing to address Wang Xuan as the ''Patriarch'', a title befitting his role as a guardian. The processsted for a full half-hour, a testament to the sheer abundance of mystical substances within Wang Xuan, permeating every inch of his flesh and blood. He did not dare to transfer all of it to Old Chen, reserving a portion to activate the Inner Landscape''s unique treasures. "Patriarch, should you require anything, please feel free tomand me!" Old Chen''s eyes sparkled with vitality, his entire being revitalized, pulsating with top-tier energy and significantly enhanced vitality. Wang Xuan pondered for a moment. Indeed, he had a request. Engrossed in the strongest scriptures, he needed the assistance of other secret techniques, especially as he was on the brink of venturing into the Departed Lands to practice the second true form image. "I require top-tier physical techniques and also secrets to train the spirit," he stated straightforwardly to Old Chen. Without hesitation, Old Chen nodded, "I do possess a supreme physical technique, one revered even in mythological lore." After coborating with certain departments in the Old World, Old Chen had gained ess to part of their secret archives. Recently, he had been practicing the Bodhisattva Fist of the Ghost Monk and had taken an interest in a Buddhist protective secret technique ¡ª the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body. Wang Xuan was genuinely surprised. It was this very technique that the Moon''s fisherman had once used as bait. At the time, Wang Xuan was extremely tempted but ultimately resisted. No wonder the Ferryman hadmented that with the ebb of transcendent energies, allws had decayed, and treasures and scriptures from the Celestial Immortal''s abode had fallen to the mortal realm, littering the Earth. Missing this opportunity would be a disservice to living in such an era. "This technique surpasses your Golden Body Art," Old Chen exined. "The Sixteen-Foot Golden Body not only tempers the physical body but also refines the spirit, a transcendent secret text." Inparison, the Golden Body Art was still a mortal technique, bing less cost-effective as one progressed further in cultivation. Intrigued, Wang Xuan responded, "Old Chen, when you return to the Old World, search the department''s treasury again. There might be even more powerful techniques." After all, living in such an era, one should strive to practice the very best of techniques! "You think it''s my family''s treasury? Even cooperative rtionships have their limits unless I perform some great service for them," Old Chen sighed. Wang Xuan asked him to take out his water bag and then filled it with Earth Immortal Spring water. He was genuinely worried about Old Chen''s safety in the Departed Lands, preparing all kinds of life-saving items for him. "Earth Immortal Spring?!" Old Chen was shocked, casting an odd look at Wang Xuan, as if to ask, ''Who''s the real transcendent expert between us?'' He had not managed to gather any Earth Immortal Spring water himself, yet here was Wang Xuan, a mortal from the mortal realm, filling his water bag with it. He knew well that even Old Zhong, after much toil, had managed to drink only a little over two kilograms of Earth Immortal Spring water, which was less than what was now in his bag. "Is there more? If you have more, I could trade it with Old Zhong. Heined that the amount he drank was too little to rejuvenate him by a few years," Old Chen suggested. "That old man is no easy opponent!" Wang Xuan warned him. "Yes, he''s quite terrifying and difficult to deal with. There was a time when I contemted whether to find an opportunity in the Departed Lands to eliminate him, fearing his schemes once we return to the New World," Old Chen mused. Heter thought that Old Zhong probably wouldn''t go to such extremes, especially considering the department behind him; Old Zhong likely wouldn''t tear their facade of cooperation. Wang Xuan was speechless, realizing that he and Old Chen were thinking along the same lines. Regardless, being cautious about Old Zhong was undoubtedly prudent. "Drink up first, and once you''ve had your fill, I''ll transfer more to you. As for dealing with Old Zhong, you can decide. But when revealing the origin of the Earth Immortal Spring, just say it was given by the ck Fox n''s little fox..." The two engaged in a hushed conversation. "Old Zhong might havee into contact with mystical substances, too. Once when he was healing, I sensed something simr emanating from him," Old Chen revealed. Wang Xuan was surprised. If Old Zhong possessed mystical substances, could it be because he had essed Inner Landscape treasures? What exactly had the financial conglomerates unearthed? He felt more and more that for some, this might indeed be the best of times. ¡­¡­ Not long after, Wang Xuan met Zhong Cheng and decided to try a piece of the dried rat meat he had, finding the vor... tolerable. Zhong Cheng felt like crying, especially after seeing Zhao Qinghan offer him and his sister a drink of Earth Immortal Spring water and some ck Horn Beast meat, making his own situation seem all the more pitiful. ¡°Women love beauty, and I feel that my sister can''t resist Qinghan''s temptation. For an extra fifty years of youth and beauty, she''ll definitely act irrationally and raid Old Zhong''s study!¡± Zhong Cheng sighed, surprisingly referring to his great-grandfather simply as Old Zhong in private. Wang Xuan said, ¡°Isn''t having an extra fifty years of youth a good thing? You too could live an extra lifetime. Why should only your sister get to drink from the Earth Immortal Spring?¡± ¡°You make a good point, Wang. Little Zhong is destined to squander family resources. I should go ask her for my share!¡± Zhong Cheng turned and ran off. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan knew that no matter how much Little Zhong loved beauty, she would never truly ravage Old Zhong''s study. At most, she might obtain a few top-tier scriptures to study. In the end, it would likely be a fair exchange. Given Old Zhong''s shrewdness, his beloved granddaughter Zhong Qing would certainly not be a naive simpleton. At the very least, Wu Yin often found herself at a disadvantage in their encounters. Soon after, Zhao Qinghan arrived, having already received a "deposit" from Zhong Qing in the form of a part of the "Five-Colored Golden Elixir Primordial Spirit Technique," a powerful mental cultivation method. She recited it for Wang Xuan to memorize, though it was only a few hundred words. Then, Zhao Qinghan shared with him her own mental cultivation method, the "Purple Mansion Nourishing Spirit Technique," which was incredibly profound! "Wu Yin hasn¡¯t reached the stage of cultivating her spirit, and Little Zhong was only recently taught by Old Zhong in the Hidden Land," Zhao Qinghan exined. "I won''t say thanks," Wang Xuan replied. Expressing gratitude seemed too formal. He memorized both mental cultivation methods, which would greatly aid him on his next journey through the secret path of the Hidden Land. Seeing Zhao Qinghan¡¯s usually cool and distant demeanor, Wang Xuan couldn¡¯t help but recall her wildly dancing, yfully strutting, and proiming herself a fox spirit. The contrast between her rebellious allure then and herposure now was striking. "What are you thinking about?" Zhao Qinghan quickly sensed his thoughts, guessing what might be on his mind. "I''m regretting not having a phone or camera. Those unforgettable, beautiful moments could have been recorded," Wang Xuanmented. Zhao Qinghan shot him a re and quickly left, clearly reminded of those scenes herself. Old Chen had indeed made a deal with Old Zhong, bringing back half of the "Nine Cmities Mysterious Body" scripture. "Old Zhong said it''s only half of it. He hasn¡¯t practiced or read the other half, but he can provide it when we return to the New World. It''s indeed a transcendent method from the myths, very powerful," Old Chenmented. "Old Zhong''s collection must be extensive. We must explore his library and read all his golden scriptures and jade scrolls when we have the chance. Otherwise, we¡¯d be doing a disservice to this era!" Wang Xuan eximed. Old Chen replied, "..." "Unless you marry Zhong Qing, there''s no hope," Chen Yongjie remarked, feeling that with Old Zhong''s character, he would never invite someone to his study. In his lifetime, he never suffered a loss. Wang Xuan and Old Chen agreed on a time to venture together into the Hidden Land. The next day, as Wang Xuan prepared to set off, the ck little fox apanied him, serving to deceive onlookers and avoid drawing too much attention to his presence as a mortal in this area. ¡°Take care of yourself, Little Wang!¡± Wu Yin bid him farewell with a sense of concern in her voice. Zhao Qinghan waved her hand in parting, thenforted the nearby Grandmaster Ma, assuring the creature there was no need for worry. Nevertheless, the horse couldn''t help but rush over to Wang Xuan, nodding at him before turning to the little fox and wagging its tail several times. Wang Xuan unceremoniously thumped it back, irked by the horse''s apparent betrayal. ¡°I think I look quite simr to Little Zhong. We both have slender, attractive figures,¡± the ck fox proudly proimed as it walked upright. Zhong Qing immediately bristled at theparison, retorting with a hint of irritation, ¡°Just go already!¡± No sooner had Wang Xuan and the ck fox left the ruins of the Earth Immortal City than someone atop the crumbling city walls readied a bow, aiming to shoot them down. ¡°Yu Shan, you dare attack mortals?!¡± Old Chen, angered by the audacity, quickly intervened to prevent the assault. ¡°Heh, once they leave the Earth Immortal City, they are no longer under its protection. Shooting them doesn''t break any rules,¡± the archer retorted, though his shot was disrupted by Old Chen and missed its mark. ¡­¡­ Indeed, Old Chen wasn''t overly worried; he was aware of Wang Xuan''s impressivebat achievements and knew that the fox was a creature of extraordinary power. His intervention was more about preventing Wang Xuan from having to reveal his true strength. "You two, go after them and eliminate both the man and the fox!" Clearly, Yu Shan and his cohorts, who bore animosity toward Old Chen, intended to kill Wang Xuan right under his nose. Wang Xuan and the little fox quickly disappeared into the forest, swiftly distancing themselves from the city. "I can''t run at my full speed right now, or my feet will shatter the ground and reveal my true power. You''ll need to fly us out of here," Wang Xuan said, grabbing hold of the little fox''s hind legs. "Damn it, you annoying man!" Despite its grumbling, the little fox reluctantly took to the air, carrying Wang Xuan with it. Two superhumans swiftly followed in pursuit. "Let''s reduce some pressure for Old Chen and Old Zhong before we leave!" Wang Xuan suggested. He knew the two elders, despite having eliminated some foes, were in dire straits, forced to ally themselves with a group from Heluo Star, barely scraping by while often being targeted by pursuers from Yuhua Star. "How about we each take down one of these superhumans?" Wang Xuan proposed to the little fox. "Hmph!" Although the fox snorted in disdain, it eventually agreed to attack. The two pursuers, totally unprepared for such resistance, had not expected to encounter a formidable spirit beast and a young powerhouse. Under normal circumstances, they might have held their ground in a fight, but caught off guard, they were swiftly and fatally ambushed, dying with disbelief in their eyes. "Why haven''t they returned after chasing two mere mortals for so long? What are they doing?" Yu Shan grew impatient and discontented. ... Racing through thendscape, Wang Xuan eventually arrived at the outskirts of the Hidden Land, at the site of the Inner Landscape treasure. "Superhumanity starts from here," he muttered to himself, understanding the necessity of breaking through this barrier. In the Hidden Land, one''s strength was the key to their fate. Chapter 180: Chaos Of Demons Chapter 180: Chaos Of Demons This region was strewn with debris, sparse in vegetation, ever since the demise of the Transcendent spider. It had since be devoid of monstrous inhabitants. The ck and white pedestal remained as it was, the sole gateway to the Inner Landscape treasure. The little ck fox, having fulfilled its duty, had scampered away midway, clearly holding a grudge against Wang Xuan for having once bound it. Wang Xuan circled the nearby woods, cautious of any superhuman entities lurking in ambush. He was wary of "hunters" who might seize the opportunity to strike when his spirit left his body. The woods were silent and deserted, with no sign of powerful creatures or human presence. Wang Xuan surmised that the group of young people from the outer region of the Hidden Land would not venture here again, as several of the metallic tags necessary for entry remained in his possession. Approaching the ck and white pedestal, he began to mobilize the mysterious particles within his body, channeling them into the "keyhole." Instantly, the area transformed, with ck and white energies swirling and eventually forming a passageway. Wang Xuan''s spirit detached from his physical form and rushed into the misty corridor. He was not overly concerned; being within the Inner Landscape granted him a sense of connection to the outside world. Should any unforeseen event ur, he was ready to return to his body at a moment''s notice. Familiar scenes unfolded around him as he traversed the passageway: earth immortals exploding, ascendants disintegrating, the thousand-handed deity vanishing, and the golden-winged roc perishing... Without hesitation, Wang Xuan darted through the passageway and entered the Inner Landscape treasure. In an instant, the mysterious substance surged around him, swiftly replenishing what he required. The mystical particles permeated his spiritual form, then cascaded over his physical body outside in the Inner Landscape. In a fleeting moment, the mysterious substance revitalized Wang Xuan''s flesh and blood, which had been on the brink of depletion, causing a surge of vitality and jubtion within. Wang Xuan made his way to the depths of the Inner Landscape treasure, approaching the pool that once harbored the enigmatic mist. Now, with the treasure gone, only a dense,ke-like concentration of mystical particles remained. He ingested these particles in great gulps, his spirit swiftly invigorated. Concurrently, his physical body, outside in the realm, absorbed the rich substance through every pore. Aware this was likely his final visit, Wang Xuan resolved to absorb as much of the substance as possible. Ultimately, he immersed himself in the pool, baptizing his spiritual form in the mystical essence. In the outside world, his physical body was engulfed in a downpour of mystical particles, akin to being buried in a nket of goose feathers. The particles infiltrated his body from all directions, infusing his internal organs with their essence, akin to a celestial fog cleansing his entire being. His flesh, organs, and bones resonated in unison, enriched with vibrant, active substances. Not only did he recover what he had lost, but he also absorbed more than before, thanks to the advancement in his abilities since hisst visit. Finally reaching a saturation point, Wang Xuan felt his physical and spiritual states at an unprecedented peak, his body thoroughly nourished by the mystical particles. This process was akin to a sacred baptism. His internal organs glowed, resonating in harmony; his bones shone with a crystalline luster, and his blood became even more vibrant and luminous. Rising from the pool, Wang Xuan surveyed the Inner Landscape treasure one final time, confirming the absence of any other treasures. His spirit returned to his body, and he stood, contemting the ck and white pedestal. It had indeed been a ce of great fortune. After a moment''s thought, he ced the metallic tags he carried onto the pedestal, infusing them with some mystical particles. Should the young ones from Eura, Ascension, or Heluo stars find this ce, he decided to leave it as a legacy for those destined to discover it. Wang Xuan''s absorption of the mystical substance had been smooth and undisturbed. Wang Xuan, having agreed to rendezvous with Old Chen for their journey into the Land of the Departed, found himself waiting at the agreed location. However, Old Chen had to stealthily make his way out, avoiding the watchful eyes of the extraordinary beasts and abiding by the unspoken rules of their world. Choosing a serene spot amidst a lush green forest, with a gurgling stream and a picturesquendscape, Wang Xuan delved into the study of several texts. From the "Sixteen-Foot Golden Body" to the "Nine Cmities Mysterious Body", and then to the "Purple Mansion Nurturing Spirit Technique" and the "Five-Colored Golden Elixir Spirit Technique", each of these methods, revered in ancient myths, were invaluable texts capable of fetching astronomical prices in the outside world. For a day and a night, Wang Xuan immersed himself in these texts, sparing only a few moments for sustenance. As dawn broke, he opened his eyes, now fullyprehending the profound teachings they held. Following their n, he headed towards the eight great supernatural dens, ready to embark on a venture that would see the mighty Silver Bear trimmed down in size and pushed to exercise beyond itsfort zone. However, Old Chen was nowhere to be seen. Concern creased Wang Xuan''s brow. Could something have gone wrong? It wasn''t until midday that rustling from a nearby forest heralded Old Chen''s arrival. He appeared haggard and bloodied, as if freshly escaped from a chase. Remarkably though, Old Chen seemed to have shed years off his appearance, now looking a mere thirty-something ¨C a testament to the astounding effects of the Earth Immortal Spring. "If this continues, he may even regain more of his youth," Wang Xuan thought. Greeting Old Chen, Wang Xuan couldn''t help butment, "Why is it that every time I see you in this hiddennd, you''re either bleeding or being hunted?" Though Old Chen bore signs of a recent skirmish, his injuries were superficial, most of the blood staining him belonging to his adversaries. "Cursed Yuhuaians," Old Chen grumbled. "They''ve allied with the creatures of thisnd. There''s an enforcer siding with them, offering them all sorts of aid, and eventually even joining in their pursuit to hunt me down!" The revtion painted a grim picture of the challenges they faced, yet Wang Xuan remained undeterred, ready to confront whatever perilsy ahead in their quest into the depths of the hiddennd. Old Chen wiped the bloodstains, his face filled with resentment. He had unexpectedly discovered that some of the Enforcers in the Hidden Land were in cahoots with the people from the Ascended Star, plotting to kill him. If it weren''t for his quick reflexes and expertise in escape, he would have died at their hands. Wang Xuan immediately became very serious and said, "I also encountered this situationst time, where I was blocked by a ck Horn Beast. It seems some of the monster Enforcers in the Hidden Land can''t be trusted!" He then asked how strong that creature was and whether they should just kill it off. "It''s a kind of earth dog, which I suspect has been deliberately raised in the Hidden Land by people from the Ascended Star many years ago," Old Chen replied. "Never mind, when wee back from the Departed Lands, we''ll have dog meat!" "There''s trouble; they''reing after us!" Old Chen''s expression changed. These people were no ordinary foes, especially that earth dog, which was incredibly formidable. If it weren''t for Old Chen managing to injure one of the dog''s paws with his tactics, he definitely wouldn''t have been able to outrun it. Soon, Wang Xuan saw the so-called earth dog. Damn it, was this really an earth dog? It wasrger than an elephant, covered in dense golden fur, with dazzling golden light flowing all over it, and its eyes asrge as washbasins emitted a fierce glow. It emerged from the shrubbery, immense and intimidating, more terrifying and fierce than any supersized saber-toothed tiger. With a roar, it shattered the trees, sending leaves flying everywhere. Moreover, there were four people following it, all in pursuit of Old Chen. This was indeed a significant effort aimed solely at taking down Old Chen Yongjie. Even Wang Xuan felt indignant. As Enforcers, they were breaking the rules first by aiding the people from the Ascended Star in hunting down their targets, more despicable than executioners. "Let''s go, let''s pick the demonic fruits!" "Let them share the damage!" Wang Xuan and Old Chen said simultaneously, thinking alike. They turned and ran, heading towards the eight major Transcendentirs. Even Wang Xuan, now emboldened by his enhanced prowess, dared to prate their, albeit with the understanding that some of the Transcendent beasts there were still beyond his capability to provoke. The formidable Transcendent Mastiff, instead of emitting a canine bark, let out a thunderous roar reminiscent of distant, rumbling thunder.Wang Xuan, in a low voice, voiced a concern: "What if this terrestrial hound is familiar with the creatures in this vicinity?" Old Chen, unflustered, replied, "That seems unlikely. This canine dwells deep within the Hidden Land, not in these parts." After a moment''s contemtion, Wang Xuan cast aside his reservations. They were set on forcefully harvesting the mystical herbs, and should the situation turn dire, they were prepared to retreat into the nearby Departed Lands. Would their pursuers dare follow into such perilous territory? Addressing the beast ahead, Wang Xuan called out, "Chubby, I have brought a dog to visit you! Better step aside, or it shall be unleashed upon you!" Gazing into the distance, he observed the Silver Bear, roused from its slumber, fixating its intense gaze upon them from the entrance of its Transcendent den. The bear recognized the intruder. Although Wang Xuan had not previously seeded in his endeavor, he had managed to infuriate the bear on hisst attempt. Now, with an imposing roar, it sprang forth, intent on assault. Old Chen, without a moment''s hesitation, dashed forth, intent on confronting the rotund bear head-on. He was swiftly repulsed by a forceful swat from the bear, causing him to stagger and nearly be propelled through the air. "This is unexpected; the bear is more formidable than anticipated!" Old Chen eximed, realizing he had nearly suffered a severe setback from the onset. With urgency, he shouted behind him, "Earth dog, hasten to your master''s aid!" The golden Mastiff responded from the rear with a fierce howl, sending vibrations through the trembling mountain. It charged with the ferocity of a primeval predator descending from the heavens. The silver bear, once again, swatted a massive paw in their direction. Old Chen, in a disy of exaggerated cooperation,unched himself backward with a theatrical wail. Wang Xuan, seizing the moment, allowed himself to be swept backward as well. In the ensuing chaos, the bear, its fur bristling like silvered spikes, emitted an electrifying roar. From its maw burst forth a torrent of silver lightning, striking the mastiff with such ferocity that it trembled violently amidst a cascade of electric sparks, letting out a pitiful yelp. However, the mastiff remained steadfast, attempting tomunicate with the silver bear through a mental connection. Unperturbed, the bear unleashed another salvo of lightning, advancing with a ferocious intent to engage in closebat. "Come on, you cur! Protect your master!" bellowed Old Chen in desperation. Seizing the moment of distraction as the bear engaged with the mastiff, Wang Xuan and Old Chen dashed towards the cave, swiftly harvesting the cluster of pristine white herbs before making their escape. The area erupted into tumultuous chaos, with bestial roars resounding through the sky, stones tumbling down the mountainside, and lightning violently crisscrossing the air. Wang Xuan and Old Chen, without a backward nce, fled the scene at breakneck speed. Despite their initial skirmish with the mastiff, they knew well that the silver bear''s wrath would soon be directed at them. Their audacity knew no bounds. Without venturing into the realm of Death''s Pass, they set their sights on the nextir, convinced that a single type of demonic fruit was insufficient for their needs. At the secondir, they encountered a copper-hued pangolin, formidable yet no match for the duo''s relentless tenacity. In an outrageous disy of brute force, they managed to seize the creature by its tail and fling it out of its own den. The pangolin, enraged and bewildered, had never before encountered such ruthless and unscrupulous adversaries. Harvesting six half-green, half-purple fruits from their, the pair made their escape. These fruits, while potent, were not fully ripe - had they been, their''s inhabitant would have surely consumed them. Their retreat was swift, but not swift enough to escape the silver bear''s lightning-fast pursuit. Old Chen and Wang Xuan, with every stride covering dozens of meters, remained tantalizingly out of the bear''s reach. Despite their narrow escape, a lingering dissatisfaction drove them to risk further encounters with the bear, their desire for more fruit outweighing their caution. In an unexpected turn, Old Chen revealed his own formidable power, spewing thunderous bolts in retaliation against the bear''s assaults, turning their flight into a running battle. Fortune favored the brave, as they stumbled upon a bird''s nest perched upon a cliff, within whichy a trove of golden herbs. Their journey, fraught with peril and audacity, had led them to yet another remarkable discovery in thisnd shrouded in mystery and danger. In the midst of their tumultuous adventure, Wang Xuan and Old Chen discovered themselves amidst the nest of a formidable avian creature. Fortunately for them, the beast was out hunting, leaving itsir momentarily unguarded. "Let''s harvest one final kind!" Old Chen eximed, his face contorted in a grimace as the relentless silver bear continued its assault, its power far exceeding their expectations. Despite their best efforts to dodge the thickest arcs of electricity, they were still asionally caught by the surrounding electrified. The enforcer beast, the mastiff, was equally relentless in pursuit, its fur standing on end, some parts singed to a crisp, consumed by unbridled fury. Thankfully, the dense forest provided Wang Xuan and Old Chen with the perfect cover. Diving into the thicket, they managed to momentarily elude their pursuers, even as the silver bear bombarded the forest from above, its vision hindered, relying solely on its keen spiritual sense for tracking. Their persistence paid off when they sessfully harvested a fragrant herb from the nest of a slumbering silver porcupine. However, this creature was not one to trifle with. Startled awake, itunched its quills like arrows, piercing through rock walls and snapping giant trees, pursuing them with a vengeance. In a desperate bid for escape, Wang Xuan and Old Chen leaped off a cliff, evading the wrath of the fearsome porcupine and swearing off any further forays. Behind them, the world erupted into chaos ¨C lightning and thunder, arrows raining down like a monsoon, the howls of the mastiff and pangolin piercing the air, apanied by the distant cries of the golden avian predator swiftly returning to its nest, signaling yet another imminent chase. Wang Xuan and Old Chen''s escape was nothing short of harrowing. They darted past their of a mountain turtle, leaped over cliffs and bounded across streams. The mountain turtle, practicing its mystical Turtle Step, red red-eyed at Wang Xuan ¨C the thief who dared to pilfer its fruits. Its days spent plotting revenge were in vain; Wang Xuan was not the same as before. With Old Chen''s assistance, the turtle was sent flying, crashing against a mountain wall, its eyes wide in disbelief, questioning its very existence. At the precipice of danger, Wang Xuan and Old Chen narrowly escaped into the mysterious expanse of Death''s Pass, evading the lethal clutches of the monstrous creatures that pursued them. Once safely within, they wasted no time in consuming the four demonic fruits they had so perilously gathered. The transformation was agonizing. Old Chen, enduring this excruciating process for the first time, felt his body seethe and rupture from within. Blood oozed from his pores as he grimaced and writhed in pain, his body on the brink of a violent metamorphosis. ¡°Ughh! It hurts!¡± Amidst his torment, Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat as a dense fog enveloped them, severing the mere two-meter distance that separated them. "Old Chen!" he called out repeatedly, but to no avail. They were isted, each set upon their own solitary path within the enigmatic realm of Death''s Pass. Wang Xuan''s concern for Old Chen''s well-being grew. He hoped fervently that hisrade would emerge unscathed from this treacherousnd. A sudden thought struck him, further unsettling his mind. If Old Chen were to converse with the ferryman, Xu Fu, and mention their shared battles alongside Old Chen... The consequences could be dire. Wang Xuan realized with dismay that he had neglected to warn Old Chen of the ferryman''s deep-seated animosity towards Old Chen. The ferryman, harboring a vehement grudge for having his secrets plundered and his ns foiled, would undoubtedly extend his wrath to anyone associated with his nemesis. Chapter 181: Of Course Old Chen Takes The Blame Chapter 181: Of Course Old Chen Takes The me Wang Xuan found himself lost amidst a sea of fog, a perplexing situation he had never encountered before in the Land of the Departed. Directionless, he relied solely on instinct, navigating through the misty enigma. The pain of his body tearing apart, the blood oozing from every pore, and the vague, haunting shadows of demons trailing behind him were all too familiar for Wang Xuan, and he paid them no heed. Soon, a faint glimmer of golden light beckoned him through the murky darkness, like a lighthouse piercing the night''s veil. He approached the source and, as expected, found himself before the colossal lump of gold that towered over five meters tall, cast entirely in sr gold and radiating a splendid luminosity. Eager to see if his ranking had changed, Wang Xuan scanned the golden mass for his position. Suddenly, a spurt of blood erupted from his mouth - had he consumed too many demonic fruits this time? Despite feeling as if his body might shatter into pieces, his will remained unyielding, his concern not for himself but for Old Chen''s safety in this treacherousnd. Attempting to divert his focus from the pain, Wang Xuan''s gaze settled on the gold monolith. His name was not among thest; he was no longer at the bottom of the list. His previous advancement, having mastered the first true form diagram on the golden bamboo raft, seemed to have propelled him upwards in the ranks. From the bottom up, he located his name: fourteenth from thest, surpassing thirteen others. Satisfaction filled him at this considerable leap, his respect for his own resilience growing. Yet, something seemed amiss. Beside his name was an inscription that seemed to mock him: "A mortal who has entered The Departed Land four times, defying the Fisher." "Does this not reflect pure strength in ranking?" Wang Xuan mused, awakening to a realization. Throughout history, those who ventured into the eight realms of Death''s Pass were few in each era, but collectively, they were numerous, the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of transcendental beings. This list, beginning at the transcendent level, was a testament to their exceptional might. Wang Xuan knew his limits. While he could hold his own against an ordinary transcendent,pared to those immortalized on this list, he was stillcking. "My rise in the ranks... is it because I defied the Fisher?" he pondered, lost in thought. "What value does this ranking hold?" ¡­¡­ Battered and bloodied, Old Chen found himself adrift in the misty expanse of the Departed Lands, his body undergoing a grotesque transformation. Horns sprouted on his head, a multitude of tails emerged behind him, and even his internal organs bore the mark of change. Yet, he persevered, driven by a resolute heart. Despite the harrowing pain that ravaged his being, Old Chen''s indomitable spirit persevered, leaving behind a haunting trail of blood as he journeyed towards a serene, azureke that mirrored the tranquility of the skies above. The sight of the vast sea, once a mereke, lined with elevated tforms upied by beings of myth and legend, stirred within him a fleeting desire. Yet, Old Chen''s resolve was unwavering; his destiny was his to forge, not to be swayed by the beckoning call of ancient, wed paths. "True forms and demonic ways are not my doctrine. Future generations will know me as Patriarch Chen, the architect of my own fate. Ancient methods, marred by their imperfections, demand correction. The path to transcendence will be redefined, for the most resplendent era awaits our pen to inscribe its glory. You, remnants of bygone myths, disperse from my sight," Old Chen dered, his voice resonating with a rity that pierced through the foggy veil, using the tforms as crucibles to purge the demonic afflictions from his body. As his promation echoed across the seascape, the upants of the high tforms opened their eyes, casting cold, scrutinizing gazes upon him. Old Chen''s heart pounded with uncertainty ¨C these beings deviated from Wang Xuan''s descriptions, focusing their ancient, knowing eyes upon him. Yet, as quickly as they stirred, they returned to their meditative states, their forms dissolving into the mists of time. Upon the golden bamboo raft that sailed across the expanse, the ferryman remained aloof, his back turned in silent disregard. Old Chen''s heart sank in silent protest ¨C had he not avoided transgressing the sacred angler''s domain? Yet, the indifference weighed heavily upon him. ¡°Ah, someone¡¯s here,¡± said the Ferryman.Suddenly, the ferryman''s voice broke the silence, only to halt abruptly. With a swift, unexpected turn, he faced Old Chen, his gaze piercing the veil of fog that separated them. He was a being of his word, a ferryman who bridled his powers of mind-reading and irvoyance while in service,mitted to transporting souls across the spectralke. Distraction had clouded his vignce, the resolution of an irksome matter leaving him disengaged. The fact that his unexpected visitor was not Wang Xuan was something that he did not expect. Approaching the shimmering sea, he respectfully greeted the ferryman, a figure shrouded in mystery, standing by the spectral shores. "I have seen much in my time," the ferryman mused, "but never before have two souls seeded in these paths so close together." Old Chen, boarding the radiant bamboo vessel, was immediately taken aback by its opulence. The teapot and cups, forged from sun gold, sparkled brilliantly, while thenterns of the same precious material added to the vessel''s grandeur. Engaging in conversation, the ferryman inquired about Old Chen''s origins. "I hail from the Old World," Old Chen replied earnestly, sensing a shift in the ferryman''s demeanor, a flicker of connection. Sensing an opening, Old Chen probed further, "Do you, venerable one, yearn for unfulfilled desires in the mortal realm?" The ferryman,posed yet touched, spoke of his longing for his descendants, a tender bridge to his past life. The revtion that the ferryman asionally visited the mortal realm in spirit form intrigued Old Chen. He leaned forward, "Have you, perchance, encountered anyone I might know?" The ferryman, with a gentle smile, responded, "Old Zhong, Zhong Yong - does the name ring familiar?" Old Chen''s mind reeled at the implications. Had the ferryman, in his celestial wanderings, guided Old Chen to his transcendent state on New World? The mere thought reshaped Old Chen''s understanding of the pathways to supernatural realms, intertwining destiny with the mysterious will of the Departed Lands'' enigmatic steward. Old Chen, maintaining aposed demeanor, solemnly informed, "My ties with Old Zhong run deep, akin to an eight-lifetimes bond. Not long ago, we stood shoulder to shoulder in battle, facing life and death together. He is on the path of the Golden Elixir, currently umting the energy of the five-colored golden elixir..." However, the oue vastly exceeded his expectations. In an instant, his world spun wildly; the moon seemed to touch the ground, and the sea appeared to hang in the sky. Old Chen found himself upside down, dangled by the Ferryman''s rod made of Ascension Divine Bamboo, rmingly close to the water''s surface. Then, he saw the waters part, revealing a skeletal dragon lunging at him, its bony jaws wide open. "What''s happening, Elder?" cried Old Chen in distress. "Old Zhong! He''s dug up my grave, stolen my bones! What do you think?" roared the Ferryman, unable to contain his fury. Breaking his usual restraint, he used his fishing rod to repeatedlysh Old Chen, causing him excruciating pain as he swung perilously above the skeletal dragon, like a fish on a line. This was a grave injustice for Old Chen. Merely by expressing his close rtionship with Old Zhong, his life had turned into a tragicedy. "Damned Old Zhong," he thought bitterly, "bringing disaster upon others!" In desperation, Old Chen blurted out, "Elder, Old Zhong is right outside, just beneath your gaze, in the realm of Death''s Pass!" He had no intention of bearing the brunt of Old Zhong''s misdeeds. If possible, he would dly drag Old Zhong onto this boat himself, letting him carry his own burdens. "Old Zhong is outside? And that young Wang Xuan never told me... fearing I might drain all of Old Zhong''s secrets beforehand," murmured the Ferryman to himself, followed by a sigh. "But I can''t leave... Could you, perhaps, bring Old Zhong here for me?" Old Chen''s mind raced as he spoke, "Old Zhong is over a hundred years old and of very poor aptitude. What if he explodes upon entering Death''s Pass? Perhaps, Elder, you might bestow a treasure upon him first?" With a ssh, another skeletal figure emerged from the depths - a ferocious bird, hundreds of meters long, which promptly swallowed Old Chen whole. The giant avian skeleton hovered in the air, tossing Old Chen in its beak before finally dropping him back onto the bamboo boat, leaving him utterly baffled and unjustly battered. "Stay still, don''t move!" the Ferryman called out in an urgent tone, eventually sighing in resignation. Regaining his senses, Old Chen rose from the boat''s deck, his hands bracing against something cold behind him. It was a spear, dark gold in color, its tip honed to lethal sharpness as if a cleaver had been finely ground. The weapon seemed to be a blend of sr gold among other materials. It wasn''t as dazzling as pure sr gold, but upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a fearsome tool of destruction. A realization dawned on Old Chen - something wasn''t quite right. A ball of light from within the spear had entered his body. Astonished, he wondered, had this divine weapon chosen him as its master? Feeling somewhat guilty, he exined, "Elder, I assure you, I had no covetous intentions towards this divine weapon." The Ferryman, pointing at him, struggled for words before eventually letting out a sigh. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan arrived, waving enthusiastically towards the sea, his face beaming with a familiar smile, as if he were returning to his own home. The golden bamboo boat swiftly approached, and Wang Xuan leaped aboard, relieved to see Old Chen unharmed. "Good to see you''re okay," he said. "I feel... not so good. Something seems to have happened to me," Old Chen replied, hinting at an underlying issue. Wang Xuan, surprised, noticed the additional set of sr gold tea utensils on the small table of the bamboo boat. Even thentern''s frame and a mat in the cabin were crafted from sr gold. "Elder, did you split part of my sr gold divine spear to make these household items?" he inquired. The Ferryman nced at him and responded, "Why are you shouting? Which ancient immortal weapon is made purely of sr gold? They must be blended with other materials to be more durable. Besides, taking a pure sr gold divine spear into battle would make you the target of everyone. So bright and precious, who wouldn''t covet it?" Wang Xuan argued, "Isn''t it a bit wasteful to melt down sr gold to make tea sets,nterns, and mats? I was nning to trade them with the immortals beyond the curtain for some rare treasures." "The Old Zhong is right outside the Departed Lands. Bring him to me, and I''ll help you fish beyond the curtain. You can then trade these items as you please," the Ferryman proposed. Chapter 182: The Realms Of Ancient Cultivation Chapter 182: The Realms Of Ancient Cultivation Wang Xuan faced a dilemma. He was unwilling to force Old Zhong to enter this ce. Old Zhong, well past a century in age, was in the twilight of his years. Entering the Departed Lands could spell immediate death for him. Wang Xuan shared a good rapport with Zhong Cheng, having previously received scriptures and Zhong Qing¡¯s portraits from that young man. How could he, in good conscience, harm the elder of a friend''s family? Furthermore, after objectively assessing the situation, Wang Xuan realized that Old Zhong''s strength was a mystery, perhaps even more formidable than Old Chen''s. Old Zhong''s persona was that of a cunning strategist, his apparent fear of death merely a front to hide his shrewd and somber nature. Wang Xuan pondered the possibility that his attempt to capture Old Zhong might backfire, leading to his own capture instead. "Elder, I have no quarrel with Old Zhong, and to do this would go against my principles. He is an elderly man, and such torment in the Departed Lands could lead to his end, which would be a pitiable fate. You mentioned a leg bone that only Old Zhong might know of; it would be prudent not to bind him for this reason." Upon hearing this, the Ferryman hesitated. Not everyone could reach this point safely like Wang Xuan; most would perish at the fringes of the Departed Lands, while the rest would die en route. "Let me think about this," the Ferryman said, considering the significance of the bone with great care. Through various encounters tied to the Immortals, Wang Xuan had started to believe that their remnants were more than mere locators in the mortal world. He strongly suspected that the bones of the Immortals might be connected to some form of their rebirth. He hade across the bone of a female sword immortal, brimming with life force. Part of her spiritual consciousness resided within it, and she had requested Wang Xuan to bury the bone at her ce of tribtion, a request of considerable significance. The idea of the female sword immortal''s return to the world was appealing to Wang Xuan, but he remained cautious. The mortal realm was not to be dominated by the Immortals alone. Under the night moon, with the rolling waves of the azure sea breaking the moon''s reflection into a sparkling dance, Old Chen inquired, "Wang Xuan, is this spear yours?" In a low voice, he continued, "I identally touched it earlier, and a misty light entered my body, as if the divine weapon had epted me as its master. No worries, I will find a way to return it to you." Old Chen wore an apologetic expression, tinged with embarrassment. Wang Xuan, however, felt a chill run down his spine. He nced at the Ferryman. Is this a trap set by the old man wearing a raincoat? Since boarding the boat, Wang Xuan had noticed the long spear but had dared not touch it. Now, it seemed that there was indeed a problem with it, and it was prematurely triggered by Old Chen. The Ferryman,ing to his senses upon hearing Old Chen''s apology, seemed at a loss for words. Finally, he looked towards Old Chen and said, "That burst of light is a mark. It is the sign that you will be summoned into an inter-ner war. You must be mentally prepared." Old Chen stiffened. After being beaten, he was now inexplicably bound to participate in an alien war of unknown nature? You cruel old man! He thought at the Ferryman. "Don''t re at me; we''re both in the same boat," said the Ferryman, his straw coat faintly glowing. A vague mark flickered within, dimmer than before, yet it seemed impossible to eradicate. "If you¡¯re summoned, I might not be able to escape either," he sighed. "Senior, I still don''t understand what''s going on," Old Chen said, his heart filled with worry. "You tell him," the Ferryman said grimly, pointing at Wang Xuan. He had never seen someone take such a secretive path, while he, the keeper of promises, had to bear the consequences. He felt like punching Wang Xuan to death but sensed something special about the young man, which was worth his investment despite his frustrations. Wang Xuan looked at Old Chen, genuinely feeling that the number one in the Old World was in a pitiable state. It was not his intention to trap Old Chen, and yet the man had unwittingly fallen into the situation. After a quick exnation from Wang Xuan, Old Chen''s face turned green with fury and disbelief. He felt like vomiting blood. What kind of divine assembly had he stumbled into? This was an undeserved disaster,pletely unrted to him. And to think he had just apologized to the one who had caused the trouble. Old Chen, his face etched with a mix of regret and bitterness, felt the weight of an unjust burden. "So, both of you are destined to fight together in the war? That''s quite an awkward predicament," Wang Xuanmented, his voice tinged with genuine remorse as he fidgeted with his hands. The Ferryman, his eyes narrowing, shot a look that could kill. Old Chen, at a loss for words, could only stand in silent bewilderment. Wang Xuan lifted the long spear, feeling its heft and resilience. As he shook it, a formidable aura of death emanated from it. Activating his secret powers, the spear''s tip gleamed with a daunting brilliance, a disy of its fearsome might. "I''ll do whatever I can toe to your aid!" he promised earnestly. The Ferryman, casting a skeptical nce at Wang Xuan, doubted the feasibility of freely entering such a perilous battlefield. It wasn''t a realm for the uninvited. "Additionally, senior, I noticed a significant rise in my ranking on the Golden List," Wang Xuan said, seizing the moment to seek rification. "There''s a note using me of desecrating the Angler. What does this mean?" "You''ve probably made it to the ck List, gaining a notorious reputation. This infamy has likely catapulted you onto the Golden List!" replied the Ferryman, his toneced with annoyance. Was the Golden List, then, more than a mere testament to one''sbat abilities, perhaps a reflection of one''s notoriety as well? Wang Xuan stood there, dumbfounded. Who would have taken the trouble to cast such a dark shadow over his name? Old Chen interjected, "My physical vitality has surged. I might need to breakthrough right here." "Old Chen, are you still in the Mist phase?" inquired Wang Xuan, concern evident in his voice. If so, Old Chen¡¯s venture into this realm seemed a costly affair. In the Old World, he had been on the verge of advancing to the Enlightenment stage, given his formidable spiritual domain. "Enlightenment!" "Have you achieved the Enlightenment stage already?" Wang Xuan asked, his voice filled with astonishment. "Yes, I broke through a few days ago in the Hidden Land," confirmed Old Chen with a nod. The stages of Mist, Enlightenment, Life Soil, and Herb Picking were, as Old Chen had once exined, universal milestones of profound significance. Without a doubt, if Old Chen were to breakthrough here, he would enter the realm of Life Soil. "Soon you''ll be at the third major realm," Wang Xuan remarked, impressed by Old Chen''s rapid progression. The Ferryman scoffed but said nothing. Old Chen shook his head, rifying, "The stages I mentioned are just minor levels within the first major realm." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan was momentarily stunned. Old Chen continued, "I believe the cultivation methods of the ancients had their ws, to some extent. I didn''t mention the subsequent major realms to avoid misleading you." "I won''t be misled. I''m just curious to know how many major realms did the ancient cultivators have?" Wang Xuan asked earnestly. "There were only four major realms from the time of the Pre-Qin alchemists to the Taoists," the Ferryman spoke leisurely, the authority in his voice underscored by his experience as a witness to those times. Wang Xuan, eager to learn, inquired about the strength levels of the ancients. The Ferryman informed him that the four major realms of ancient times were: Mortal World, Free Wanderer, Life Preserver, and Transcendent Immortal. Still filled with doubts, Wang Xuan questioned, "Only these four realms? What about Earth Immortals?" "The disparity in strength between each major realm is vast, nearly insurmountable. Thus, each major realm epasses several minor realms," exined the Ferryman. ording to him, Earth Immortal was just a minor realm within the Free Wanderer. Wang Xuan was lost in thought. The Earth Immortal, so revered in some scriptures and ancient documents, was merely a minor realm within the second major stage. It''s noteworthy that in this era, Earth Immortals had already be extinct! As for the third and fourth major realms, they were even more elusive, with no such beings in existence anymore. Unperturbed, Old Chen boldly stated, "The path of the ancients had its faults. Their ssification was not very standardized and requires refinement byter generations." The Ferryman, ancient and renowned as the great alchemist Xu Fu, nced at Old Chen without much concern. Wang Xuan continued to seek knowledge, inquiring about the intricacies of the various realms. "The Mortal World is based on the present world, just stepping into the transcendent domain. Free Wanderer involves exploring the spiritual world. As you have heard, realms like the Jade Pond, Pure Land of Bliss, Mount Buzhou, and Lunar Pce are part of very advanced spiritual worlds. As for Life Preserver, well, discussing it might indeed mislead you, as there are certain problems," even the Ferryman himself admitted. Wang Xuan was deeply moved. The Mortal World was one thing, but the Free Wanderer was astonishingly profound. Just hearing about it sent his mind racing with endless thoughts. Old Chen added, "ording to ancient records, cultivators in the Free Wanderer realm who explore the highest levels of the spiritual world and acquire terrifying spiritual powers can even kill those in the Life Preserver realm. How chaotic is that?" Xu Fu, with his unique insights, spoke, "The initialyers of the spiritual world are already filled with mysteries, never to be underestimated, let alone the higheryers, where endless power awaits discovery." "Is the elusive spiritual realm that terrifying?" Wang Xuan asked, slightly dazed. "How do you know that the higher levels of the spiritual world are necessarily illusory?" the Ferryman challenged in return. Old Chen remarked, "See, even the ancients didn''t fully understand it. All these are waiting forter generations to redefine. The brilliance belongs to us, this generation." "What about other transcendents? Do they also follow this ssification?" Wang Xuan inquired. Xu Fu pondered, realizing this probably didn''t involve the Old Covenant. Shaking his head, he replied, "Certainly not. There are cultivators who ignite divine mes and elevate their godly nations, beings who advance through radiation contamination, and even Taoismter developed the Golden Elixir Path. As for the demonic races, it''s even more diverse. Transcendent civilizations are varied; they can''t all follow the same path. What I''ve described is just the early path of the Old World. Listen, but take it as a reference. The true, correct path for the future is for you to explore." "How do the people of the transcendents O, Yu Hua, and He Luo ssify their realms?" Wang Xuan asked. Old Chen, having recently interacted with beings from these threes, had some understanding. "Their paths are simr to those of the Old World, but they rely on a strange stone to aid their cultivation, called ''Departure Stone,'' which emits strong radiation." Old Chen, having delved into the knowledge of those threes, understood that their realm divisions were: Transcendent Radiation, Spirit Radiation, True Path Radiation, and Transcendent Radiation. Indeed, this bore a close resemnce to the ancient paths of the Old World. The key difference was their reliance on the radiative energy of Departure Stones during cultivation, to stimte and unleash theirtent potential. "It seems their path of cultivation originated from the Departed Lands," Xu Fu mused, but he refrained from borating further, wary of viting the Old Covenant. "Have the Westerners from the New World not seen in the Hidden Land? Do they have another destination?" Wang Xuan suddenly pondered, his question spurred by Xu Fu''s mention of other transcendent civilizations and the inevitable associations that followed. Old Chen nodded. Since his deep coboration with the relevant departments, he had uncovered many secrets. "They explore other transcendent realms, seemingly linked to their own mythological lore," he shared. Wang Xuan''s subsequent inquiries ventured into sensitive territory, prompting Xu Fu to withhold further answers in adherence to the Old Covenant. At this moment, Old Chen began his breakthrough, leveraging the secret paths of the Departed Lands for his advancement. Soon, Wang Xuan felt a surge in both his physical and spiritual vitality, stimted by the radiation of the Departed Lands. He, too, was on the brink of a breakthrough. He understood that bing a transcendent being today was not difficult, but the real challengey in mastering the second true form diagram. For now, he did not need to focus on it, as the first true form diagram, a scripture for the transition from mortal to transcendent, was still effective. Boom! An astonishing secret power erupted from Wang Xuan''s body, his spirit resonating in unison. Within him, various scenes manifested ¨C from the distant Lunar Pce to the awe-inspiring Mount Buzhou. Was this a glimpse into the formidable spiritual world he had just caught sight of? He knew he was on the verge of transcending, his body and spirit resonating together, about to enter a whole new realm of existence. Chapter 183: Stepping Into Transcendence Chapter 183: Stepping Into Transcendence Wang Xuan awaited his transformation. His body hummed lightly, resonating spiritually, generating mysterious active factors. Apanied by strange visions, he edged closer to transcendence. Inside Wang Xuan, a kaleidoscope of colors burst forth, signaling the full activation of different body parts, each releasing its unique secret power. His spiritual domain was even more enigmatic, with distant, hazy spiritual worlds partially revealing themselves ¨C thunder appearing out of nowhere, and medicinal fields faintly visible among the clouds. Wang Xuan practiced the secret scripture recorded on the stone b, cultivating the first true form diagram to enhance the resonance between his flesh and spirit. It was one of the most powerful scriptures, notoriously difficult to master. Having narrowly escaped death in his previous attempt, Wang Xuan had finallyprehended it, making its execution now less arduous. His entire body resonated, with different areas of flesh cultivating diverse,plex secret powers. Some regions glowed golden like the sun, others crimson as fire, some dark as the abyss, and some shimmering blue like crystal. Each part trembled slightly, activating their secret powers. This was the power of the strongest scripture, mobilizing all thetent secret forces within the body, humming at different frequencies, and converging them together. As Wang Xuan assumed the posture of the first true form diagram, the secret powers of various attributes erupted in unison, creating a colorful and tumultuous force, akin to a roaring mountain torrent. This was his march towards transcendence! His body glowed, its vitality skyrocketing, almost as if undergoing a transformation akin to ascension, bathing in a shower of light. This connected to and merged with his spirit, resonating to create various mysterious and unpredictable scenes. In his spiritual domain, ethereal immortal mountains settled within his flesh, celestial inds appeared in his abdomen, and above the clouds, the Lunar Pce scattered moonbeams. Wang Xuan''s heart quivered. Was this his spirit capturing glimpses of the spiritual world? Streams of secret power in various colors, from differentyers of the spiritual world, flowed towards him, materializing before him as he endeavored to absorb them. Boom! In his spiritual domain, thunder roared, his spirit undergoing a tribtion-like experience. He felt the immense power between heaven and earth, carrying a destructive aura. Was this the power of a higher spiritual world that his spirit captured while advancing towards transcendence? The clouds churned tumultuously, with thunder rolling menacingly. Above the thunder, there appeared a garden, where the shadowy outline of a vast peach orchard flickered into view. Wang Xuan yearned intensely for it. s, it was too distant, beyond his reach. Transitioning from mortal to extraordinary involved a fundamental transformation, allowing only a rare few to glimpse a corner of the higher spiritual worlds. Now, Wang Xuan was experiencing this rarity, his gaze fixed on the spiritual thunder above, wishing he could ascend to it. Eventually, the faintly fading peach orchard released a wisp of delicate fruit fragrance, filling Wang Xuan''s spirit to the brim, as if ready to burst! Merely capturing a trace of this medicinal scent from the high-level spiritual world had brought about such a harvest,pleting his spiritual metamorphosis. Soon, this change transmitted to his physical body, resonating and erupting in secret powers of various colors, merging with his spirit. At this moment, Wang Xuan officially stepped into the transcendent realm! His body and spirit were elevating, undergoing a transformation rooted in the deepestyers of life. He was experiencing a transformation from quantity to quality. Lost in thought, he realized that he no longer needed to lead the process himself. He pondered deeply; having only glimpsed a corner of the high-level spiritual world, he reaped such benefits. What would happen if he delved deeper? He also strongly suspected that the divine medicine originated from these high-level spiritual worlds. The blurry peach orchard he had seen above the thunder might very well be a type of divine medicine! Regrettably, such realms were far beyond his current reach, and he wondered if he would ever encounter that high-level spiritual world again. He endeavored to remember the essence of that world he had just glimpsed, hoping to encounter it again in the future and seize the opportunity to explore. Hum! Wang Xuan''s transformation reached a pivotal moment, his spirit and body resonating with a profound rumble, signifying a fundamental elevation in the essence of his life. Suddenly, his entire being was enveloped in a thick fog, a darkness so profound that it obscured all surrounding vistas. This was the enigmatic Mist phase, the threshold of the transcendent realm. His physical and spiritual selves underwent a profound sublimation, with secret forces coursing through him. Now, even a mere gesture held the power to effortlessly vanquish grandmasters of the mortal realm. The Mist, the inaugural stage of the Mortal World realm, presented a unique challenge. Typically, those who first enter this phase find their inner vision clouded, akin to a dark and barrenndscape with only a distant glimmer of light ¨C a beacon emanating from their spiritual domain. Initially, Wang Xuan experienced this obscurity, but quickly, his spiritual domain illuminated, casting a radiant brilliance that soon spread to various parts of his body. Within his organs and flesh, etherealndscapes began to manifest. Vast, towering mountains, inds suspended in a radiant glow, andkes shimmering in crystal blue hues emerged, all awash in a radiant mist. This was the beginning of his spiritual powers drawing upon the secret forces from the firstyer of the spiritual world. Many novices in the transcendent realm long to connect with this spiritualyer but find it beyond their reach, a realm typically explored by those in the advanced Free Wanderer stage. Only a select few, even at the Mortal World stage, can sense and extract a fragment of the outer spiritual world''s secret forces for their own use. It is an unbreakable rule ¨C only a fragment can be essed, with no exceptions, not even for the most prodigious. Inside Wang Xuan, darkness gave way to light. His organs and sections of his flesh radiated with mystical scenes, a testament to the integration of spiritual secret forces with his physical form. Halting his introspection, Wang Xuan abruptly opened his eyes, now fully immersed in the transcendent realm. His newfound strength was formidable, a stark contrast to his former self. Facing those transcendent beings who once pursued him would now be a matter ofposure and ease. Wang Xuan, with his flesh''s vitality still robust and even slightly ascending, immediatelymenced practicing the second true form diagram. This marked his foray into the realm of genuine transcendent scriptures. As anticipated, the second scripture proved immensely challenging. He believed that practicing it through conventional methods would be perilously risky. Despite Wang Xuan''s exceptional abilities, evidenced by discovering multiple secret paths and several ventures into the Departed Lands, attempting to forcefully master the second true form diagram still resulted in him coughing up blood. He hurriedly drank several sips of the Earth Immortal Spring, knowing that even minor injuries could not be ignored at this stage. The difficulty of this scripture was daunting indeed! He could potentially mitigate the risk by dividing the practice and dedicating a substantial amount of time to it, but that would be a lengthy endeavor. Moreover, he felt that practicing it in parts, rather than resonating his entire body and spirit together, might lead toplications. For the present, forcefully practicing was akin to courting death. Heeding Xu Fu''s advice seemed more prudent ¨C first, to cultivate other scriptures to unearth his hidden powers and establish a strong foundation before attempting the second true form diagram. Wang Xuan then put this n into action. He initially tried the Golden Body Technique but soon abandoned it. After reaching the transcendent level, its cost-benefit ratio was low ¨C time-consuming and energy-draining, yet failing to yield the ideal results. The Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, a transcendent scripture, proved a suitable recement, aligning well with his current stage. Moreover, it epassed almost all the secret force areas involved in the Golden Body Technique. Seated in the lotus position on the bamboo boat, his demeanor dignified, Wang Xuan''s flesh vibrated at a unique frequency. His pores exuded traces of blood ¨C a process of blood exchange, but his transcendent blood was already so pure that there was little left to rece. Even in the initial stages of practice, he experienced extraordinary effects. The Buddhist practices, known for their ease of entry but increasing difficulty at advanced stages, were manifesting their profound truths in Wang Xuan''s journey. Currently, Wang Xuan devoted himself to the first chapter of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, a transcendent scripture marking the beginning phase. Fortunately, this stage presented no significant hurdles, aligning perfectly with his goal to cultivate the second true form diagram. A warm golden light enveloped him, the scripture transcending mere physicality to epass profound spiritual secrets. The dual resonance of body and spirit yielded impressively potent results. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but be astounded. The Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, a scripture of mythical status, once offered to him by the moon¡¯s Angler, truly lived up to its legendary repute. Internally viewing his own body, Wang Xuan observed his flesh suffused with golden energy, each part releasing a harmonious and divine power. In the Departed Lands, under the influence of transcendent radiation, his progress was exponentially elerated, significantly reducing his cultivation period. He was on the verge of mastering the initial chapter of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, his solid foundation in the Golden Body Technique proving invaluable. "Patience and stability are key. I have ample time to build a strong foundation," he reminded himself, recognizing that traversing a secret path was akin to several years of intense cultivation elsewhere. When he finally concluded his practice, he had sessfully cultivated the early stages of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body. Next, he embarked on practicing the Nine Tribtions Mysterious Body, a scripture from Taoist tradition, starting at a transcendent level and equally enshrined in myth. As he activated this scripture, his body was surrounded by a misty purple aura, with an energy fog rising around him. His spirit vibrated in harmony, the practice engaging his spiritual domain. This scripture, a prized tome from Old Zhong''s library, was no less powerful than the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body. Though the Golden Body Technique, the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, and the Nine Tribtions Mysterious Body each had their nuances, they sharedmon ground in the secret forces they explored within the body. Given the finite nature of the human body, no scripture couldpletely revolutionize one''s physical and spiritual being. Thus, mastering the Nine Tribtions Mysterious Body proved less challenging, as many areas of his flesh and blood had already been cultivated. Wang Xuan then turned to the spiritual secret methods. During the new moon, he had obtained the Primordial Furnace Refining God Method, a concise but powerful scripture that remained relevant to his current level. It was a secret text from the affluent Qin family, initially offered as a reward by Qin Hong for retrieving his son''s body from a lunar crater. However, Qin Hong''s contemptuous attitude towards cultivators led Wang Xuan to secretly learn the scripture using his spiritual domain, without fulfilling Qin Hong''s request. A fiery glow erupted within Wang Xuan, forging his spirit in a manner reminiscent of being hammered and refined a thousand times. A tide of crimson spiritual power permeated his being, flowing into his flesh. Simultaneously, the mysticalndscapes within him ¨C the merged immortal mountains, floating inds, and azurekes ¨C all resonated in unison, reflecting his connection to a fragment of the firstyer of the spiritual world. It was precisely because he had preemptively drawn upon a part of the firstyer''s power that his spiritual force now surpassed even his physical strength. Smoothly, he cultivated the transcendent stage of the Primordial Furnace Refining God Method. Next on his path was the Five-Colored Golden Elixir Primordial Spirit Technique, still another treasure from Old Zhong''s collection, acquired by Zhao Qinghan through an exchange with Zhong Qing. Streams of five-colored spiritual force flowed into Wang Xuan, weaving through his body. Finally, he practiced the Purple Mansion Nourishing Spirit Technique, a scripture from Zhao Qinghan¡¯s family. The purple spiritual energy, emblematic of Taoist traditions, enveloped his entire body, steaming with auspicious clouds and resonating with the myriad of mystical sceneries within him. The Ferryman couldn''t help but marvel. Upon stepping into the transcendent realm, Wang Xuan had managed to connect with a corner of the firstyer of the spiritual world, drawing upon its secret forces. The benefits he gained were immense ¨C otherwise, mastering such spiritual secret techniques would not have been so feasible. Even the spiritual secrets of the initial transcendent stage presented significant challenges. However, now fully prepared, Wang Xuan began to practice the scriptures recorded on the stone b. With his body and spirit already thoroughly explored multiple times, he found the process considerably easier. His entire body vibrated at a special frequency, igniting secret forces. A spectrum of dazzling colors flowed within him, each region distinct in its hue. Having practiced the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body and the Nine Tribtions Mysterious Body, his pores still exuded traces of blood, undergoing a transformation. This spoke to the formidable nature of the strongest scripture he was now cultivating, still unveiling unexplored areas of secret force. His strength continued to grow. Starting from the initial phase of Mist, he rapidly progressed into the middle stage, and then towards thetter part of the Mist phase... Wang Xuan¡¯s power was in a state of constant ascension! Chapter 184: The Ferryman Is Scared Shitless Chapter 184: The Ferryman Is Scared Shitless This process of breakthrough filled Wang Xuan with a sense of aplishment and joy, yet the inherent dangers soon emerged. The second true form diagram was exceedingly difficult to cultivate. Despite his ample preparation and the foundationid by the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, the Nine Tribtions Mysterious Body, and the Purple Mansion Nourishing Spirit Technique, he eventually encountered problems. His skin tore, not from the blood exchange, but from genuine injury to his flesh. Fortunately, the physical wounds were not life-threatening, and he stabilized his condition by consuming the Earth Immortal Spring. The Ferryman frowned in concern. The real challengey ahead. Within Wang Xuan''s body, powerful secret forces flowed through his organs. If these forces were to detonate, it would obliterate his physical form. Crucially, half of the second true form diagram''s scripture rted to the spirit. If his spiritual power were to spiral out of control, it would result in catastrophic consequences. The destruction of both body and spirit would mean aplete annihtion of his being. Such was the peril of the mysterious scripture recorded on the stone b. Even with thorough preparation, there was a high likelihood of practicing oneself to death. "Better to stop if it''s too risky," the Ferryman suggested, prioritizing safety over progress. Just affecting the superficial flesh had caused Wang Xuan''s body to crack. Delving deeper would be even more hazardous. Yet, Wang Xuan didn''t cease his practice, not reaching a point of surrender. As expected, when the practice touched his internal organs, the secret forces injured his viscera, nearly grinding them to dust! The situation was critically grave, a matter of life and death. "Stop!" the Ferryman urged. Wang Xuan''s spiritual domain began to oscite, the fluctuations intensely turbulent. If it were to lose control entirely, the spiritual power would detonate his body in a far more terrifying manner. Contrary to the Ferryman''s expectations, a kaleidoscope of misty radiance flowed within Wang Xuan. The mystical sceneries within him, the mountains, inds, andkes, surfaced and submerged within his flesh and organs, stabilizing his physical form against the brink of copse. At this critical juncture, Wang Xuan''s spiritual domain connected to a small section of the firstyer of the spiritual world. From the void, a cascade of colorful secret forces, imbued with the rich fragrance of grass and wood, fell upon him. This influx gently mended the minute fissures in his organs. Upon closer inspection, the connected segment of the first spiritualyer revealed a field of medicinal herbs, from which a stream of wondrous secret forces flowed. Wang Xuan''s spiritual domain captured these forces, integrating them into his body. "This..." The Ferryman was visibly moved. At this stage, only a select few could connect to a fragment of the outer spiritual world. Sess in doing so evidently brought immense benefits. Clearly, Wang Xuan had used the firstyer of the spiritual world to navigate through the most perilous phase of life and death. When the connection to the first spiritualyer faded and finally vanished, Wang Xuan had sessfully cultivated the main part of the true form diagram. However, the vitality in his flesh began to wane, indicating that the transcendent radiation in the Departed Lands was diminishing ¨C his journey on this secret path was nearing its end. He halted his practice, leaving a small portion of the second true form diagram upleted. Since it didn''t involve the internal organs, he anticipated no significant issues. He nned to continue its cultivation in the outside world, confident of its eventual mastery. With the remaining time, he consumed some Earth Immortal Spring to ensure no injuries lingered. His strength was nearing thetter stages of the Mist phase, poised at a transitional juncture. He felt a sense of satisfaction with his progress. Given more time in the outside world to fully master the second true form diagram, his strength was poised for a significant boost. Moreover, his spiritual domain had grown exceptionally powerful. Having connected with a fragment of the first spiritualyer, his capabilities now appeared even more extraordinary. When he fullypletes the Mist phase, stepping into the Lamp-Lighting realm would be a natural progression, given its connection to spiritual power. "This time, the stimtion of the secret forces in the viscera dyed my progress," Wang Xuan remarked. The Ferryman responded, "Once the Mortal World realm is fully mastered, the five viscera and six bowels will undergoprehensive strengthening. They will not only provide an unceasing flow of secret forces but also be incredibly resilient and powerful, iparable to their current state." Old Chen''s transcendent radiation session also concluded, and he opened his eyes, which sparkled brilliantly. At the center of his brows, it seemed as if a divinemp was shining from within. "Old Chen, you haven''t entered the Life Soil realm?" Wang Xuan asked in surprise. At this level, he could clearly discern the true state of other transcendent beings. "I had just stepped into the Enlightenment realm and deliberately held back. Now, I''m at the peak of the Enlightenment stage. I wanted to pause and reflect. It¡¯s important not to rush through without gaining a deeper understanding," Old Chen replied calmly. Despite sometimes being daring enough to stake his life on the line, he knew when to exercise restraint and patience. "I''ll catch up to you soon," Wang Xuan said with a smile. "If I wish, I can step into the Life Soil realm at any time," Old Chen said, appearing calm. However, internally, he was anything but serene. He was astounded by the anomaly that was Wang Xuan, a Mist-level expert in his twenties, advancing thirty years faster than him, the renowned first person of the Old World. Having risen in an era when transcendent substances in the Old World were receding, making cultivation challenging, Old Chen''s journey was already miraculous. Yet, Wang Xuan''s rapid progress left even him speechless. "If we were back in the New World, the major corporations would go crazy knowing Wang Xuan''s age and realm," Old Chen thought to himself. "I''m a transcendent being now. How do I project dreams?" Wang Xuan asked Old Chen, recalling a conversation from their time in the Old World. "Your spirit leaves the body to intervene in the mortal world," Old Chen exined, a seemingly simple process, but he advised against attempting it until Wang Xuan''s spiritual power was sufficiently refined. Confident in his own spiritual strength, especially after connecting with the firstyer of the spiritual world, Wang Xuan decided to give it a try. The next moment, he was utterly astounded. This time, his spirit didn¡¯t journey into an innerndscape but wandered in the mortal world, an entirely different experience. What were those things? The surroundings were pitch ck, devoid of moonlight, shrouded only in thick fog. And then, those pairs of ring red eyes, one after another, chilling to the bone, all focused intently on him! In this eerie environment, the smallest eyes were asrge as water basins, resembling blood-rednterns hanging in the darkness, emitting a chilling aura. What was this situation? What kind of beings were these, and why were they all staring at him? Even more pairs of eyes,rger than millstones and blood-red, looked down at him with a cold and intimidating gaze. And there were eyes asrge as mountains, icy and merciless, looming in the distant fog. Wang Xuan shuddered. Whose dream had he entered, only to find himself surrounded by such terrifying eyes, none of which seemed benign and all seemingly ready to pounce at any moment? He was in the Departed Lands, within the azure sea. What sort of monstrous creatures were these? With a whoosh, Wang Xuan''s spirit swiftly returned to his body, and he opened his eyes, still trembling from the experience. "How was it? Quite novel, isn¡¯t it?" Old Chen inquired, though inwardly he was somewhat startled. How had this young man, newly transcendent, managed such an feat? Wang Xuan spoke hurriedly, "Novel, but terrifying! The darkness around, the sea shrouded in dense fog, and those blood-red eyes everywhere. I don¡¯t know what kind of monsters they were!" Xu Fu gave him a stern look. "Don¡¯t speak nonsense. The Departed Lands are filled with deathly stillness and eternal silence. There can''t be so many creatures observing you." "It''s true! I was indeed being watched. You should see for yourself! It''s strange, why can''t I see them when my spirit is in my body?" Wang Xuan was perplexed. "Old Chen, you try!" urged Wang Xuan, adamant he hadn''t been mistaken. Old Chen was doubtful. If there were indeed creatures, they should be visible in the mortal world. Then, he too let his spirit leave his body. He felt the bone-chilling cold in the dark, fog-covered seascape, sensing something around him, but he didn''t see any eyes. Feeling uneasy, Old Chen quickly retreated back to his body. Wiping a bead of cold sweat, he said, "I didn''t see those eyes, but I felt something around us, chilling to the bone." The Ferryman was stunned. Having spent many years here, he had never encountered anything of the sort. Were these two individuals particrly special, capable of detecting such an extraordinary "scenery"? "I''ve lived here for countless years and never witnessed any hauntings. Howe these strange urrences begin as soon as you arrive?" Xu Fu, a grand alchemist of his time, had seen many wonders and quickly deduced that the two were not lying. Although he had never encountered such beings, he was aware of their existence, now startled to realize a whole nest of them had been apanying him in the Departed Lands. "What are those things, senior?" Old Chen asked. "Chilling Spirits," the Ferryman said gravely. Then, a light emerged from his straw coat, sending a fragment of his spirit into the void to investigate. Like Old Chen, he sensed something but saw nothing. When the Ferryman''s spirit returned, a blurred face appeared on his straw coat, looking quite disturbed. He asked Wang Xuan about the number of eyes he had seen. "There were countless, from near to far, like a continuous stretch of stars. Everywhere, the smallest resembling rednterns and thergest bigger than mountains," Wang Xuan described what he had seen. "What are Chilling Spirits, senior?" Old Chen inquired further. "They are terrifying entities, almost ethereal, invisible and intangible to cultivators," the Ferryman''s blurred face appeared troubled. "How is it possible that even cultivators can''t see them?" Old Chen was skeptical. "On ordinary days, you can¡¯t see or touch them, so naturally, you wouldn¡¯t know about them," the Ferryman exined. He then asked, "Can ordinary people see ghosts? The rtionship between ghosts and humans is simr to that between Chilling Spirits and cultivators." Old Chen replied, "They can''t see them because there are no ghosts, just spirits temporarily lingering in the world after leaving the body, but they eventually fade away quickly." The Ferryman nodded and added, "But for cultivators, Chilling Spirits do exist, yet only a rare few with special abilities can see them." The Ferryman turned to Wang Xuan and said, ¡°Your spirit is unique, belonging to that rare group that can see Chilling Spirits.¡± Wang Xuan was lost in thought, amazed at the existence of such entities as Chilling Spirits, unheard of in his past experiences. ¡°Even special cultivators, traversing vast territories, rarely encounter even one or two Chilling Spirits. Yet here, you''ve seen an entire horde?¡± As he spoke, the Ferryman¡¯sposure faltered, a sense of dread creeping over him. Legends spoke of Chilling Spirits devouring beings as powerful as Earth Immortals and even Transcendent experts. His words left both Wang Xuan and Old Chen eager to leave the Departed Lands, a ce swarming with previously unknown, eerie creatures. ¡°Normally, if you can¡¯t see them and there''s no contact, nothing happens,¡± the Ferryman exined. Yet, he couldn''t shake off his unease. Ignorance had been bliss, but now knowing that countless Chilling Spirits surrounded him was unsettling. ¡°I hope the cross-realm war starts soon. That way, I have a reason to leave. It¡¯s an irresistible force, freeing me from the Old Covenant, so I don¡¯t have to stay in the Departed Lands,¡± he said, longing for an escape. In that moment, both Wang Xuan and Old Chen were eager to reach shore, disturbed by the thought of Chilling Spirits, an anomaly in their usual experience. ¡°Senior, about the sr gold I gave you...¡± Wang Xuan began. ¡°I n to use the sr gold to craft some small items to take to the cross-realm war. I can share some with Old Chen,¡± the Ferryman replied. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan resigned himself to let go of the gold, only taking his spear with him. ¡°Could the Departed Lands be the nest of Chilling Spirits in this world?¡± he wondered aloud, increasingly ufortable. ¡°How can there be such entities as Chilling Spirits? It¡¯s iprehensible,¡± Old Chen said, shaking his head in disbelief. "The world is full of things you don''t understand," the Ferryman sighed, adding, "Some phenomena are beyond even theprehension of the Immortals, not just you." The mist over the azure sea grew thicker, casting an eerie and solemn atmosphere. "Could these unseen, intangible Chilling Spirits possibly invade the mortal world?" Old Chen asked, his voice tinged with apprehension. Finally, the boat reached the shore. "Take care, senior!" As soon as the bamboo boat touched the bank, Wang Xuan and Old Chen hurried off, disappearing in the blink of an eye, eager to leave the haunted ce behind. The Ferryman stood there, somewhat dazed. He hadn''t intended to rush them away and had hoped to spend more time conversing, but they hadn''t given him the chance, fleeing as if their lives depended on it. Outside the Departed Lands, several individuals from the Yuhua Star and a golden mastiff were still searching. They refused to believe that the two men had fled into the Departed Lands, suspecting them to be hiding near the misty edges of the forbidden area. "Even if they entered the Departed Lands and survived, I will ensure they die," the mastiff dered with a cold and resolute spirit. It informed the others from the Yuhua Star that it had sent a message through a telepathic bird of prey to another enforcer, asking for assistance in eliminating the two "rule-breakers." "But is this the right thing to do, senior? Aren''t wemitting a more severe breach of the covenant? Those two didn¡¯t really do much wrong," someone from the Yuhua Star hesitated, fearing the other enforcer might target them instead. "My friend will help us. No worries, what counts as a breach of the rules is for us to decide," the mastiff stated indifferently, revealing the cold machinations of their world. Chapter 185: The Avengers? Chapter 185: The Avengers? "Let''s take one more look, see what''s going on!" Wang Xuan, filled with endless curiosity and a touch of reluctance, gazed towards the distant blueke. Normally, it was a tranquil scene of lotus ponds under the moonlight, serene and ethereal. However, when his spirit left his body, he saw an endless azure sea shrouded in fog. In the darkness, myriad terrifying eyes covered the entire sea surface, ranging from the size ofnterns to the size of inds, in all shapes and sizes. With a swift whoosh, Wang Xuan''s spirit snapped back to his body, sensing something amiss in his surroundings. He and Old Chen sprinted away frantically, no longer daring to linger. To call this ce merely a nest of Chilling Spirits was an understatement; it seemed more like their birthce, a veritable hell. "How big must Xu Fu''s psychological trauma be by now?" Wang Xuan pondered as they ran. "Infinite!" Old Chen replied in a low voice. In the mist-covered azure sea, the golden bamboo boat floated aimlessly. The Ferryman was trembling, his mind far from peace. He had always thought of the Departed Lands as a peaceful haven, akin to a paradise away from the world, living alone in arge house, undisturbed and serene. Yet, now he realized that outside his house were countless blood-red, monstrous eyes, massive and unblinking, watching him every day. At any moment, these beasts might burst into his abode, tearing him apart, turning his sanctuary into a bloody horror. With this realization, how could the Ferryman remain calm? He had always been under observation, like a monkey in a cage. His newfound understanding brought with it a chilling revtion. Could all eight Departed Lands be like this? Filled with Chilling Spirits, the other seven locations might harbor simr entities. Perhaps in the stronger Departed Lands, even more formidable creatures lurked ¨C like the mythical "Departed Beings" spoken of in legends, entities beyond even the Immortals''prehension. ¡­¡­ Amid his shock, the Ferryman spected that the transcendent radiation of the eight Departed Lands and the birth of their secret paths were likely rooted in these iprehensible creatures. This thought made the very concept of the Departed Lands'' transcendent radiation chillingly disturbing. ... Wang Xuan broke the silence, "Old Chen, why do you think I can see those things when my spirit leaves my body? Have I opened some kind of spiritual third eye?" "What third eye? It¡¯s like those rare individuals who im they can see ghosts. You have the Yin-Yang Eye of the spiritual realm," Old Chen asserted confidently. "You¡¯re just jealous. It¡¯s clearly a spiritual third eye," Wang Xuan corrected. He then sighed, wondering why every secret path they ventured on seemed to reveal terrifying truths towards the end, making it difficult to continue. It was no wonder these paths became less traveled over time. Clearly, the ancients too had discovered these horrors and dared not venture near. "It¡¯s fine for now," Old Chen reassured him. "ording to the Ferryman, Chilling Spirits prey on Earth Immortals and Transcendent experts. Seeing you, they probably think you''re just a budding flower. They''ll wait for you to ripen into a sulent fruit before they strike. You''re far from being an Earth Immortal." There was no humor in Old Chen''s words; upon deeper reflection, this situation was akin to a gruesome horror tale. Wang Xuan recalled the book Zhong Cheng had given him, containing photographs of Zhong Qing and scriptures left by Chen Tuan. At that time, he had shared it with Old Chen, and both had felt there were eerie tales interwoven in it. Reflecting on it now, he was struck by the simrity between those stories and their recent experiences. "Old Chen, do you remember that book? Not the one with the photos, the other scriptures. I recited them to you," Wang Xuan revisited the past. "Those..." Old Chen pondered deeply. Among Chen Tuan''s scriptures, there were misceneous chapters describing strange urrences along the path of cultivation. There was a tale of a prodigy among cultivators, unparalleled among his peers. His exact realm wasn''t specified, but from the descriptions of his supernatural abilities, it was likely that he surpassed even Earth Immortals. He could see creatures invisible to ordinary people. Once, when his spirit left his body to visit a friend ¨C a trivial task at his level, like traveling from the northern seas to the southern forests in a day ¨C he encountered something horrifying. Upon his nocturnal return, other cultivators heard his spirit scream in the darkness, then saw it gradually disintegrate as if being devoured by invisible monsters. Soon after, the prodigy awoke, but who or what resided in his body remained a mystery. Not only him, but his wife and even the animals in his household seemed different, as if possessed. Eventually, the prodigy ascended, and bizarrely, his wife and the household animals ascended with him. "I feel like that prodigy had opened his spiritual third eye..." Wang Xuan spected doubtfully. "He was devoured by Chilling Spirits, who then inhabited his body and summoned more of their kind, all ascending together!" Old Chen surmised directly. Chen Tuan, in his misceneous writings,mented that the prodigy ¨C or rather, the monster ¨C who had ascended by borrowing a body, might bring unforeseen consequences. "Chilling Spirits prey on those who''ve opened their Yin-Yang Eyes. Be careful!" Old Chen seriously suspected that the top-tier Chilling Spirits were as powerful as the Immortals. "Could the power of the Departed Lands originate from those countless Chilling Spirits?" Wang Xuan pondered, suspecting that the truth behind the transcendent radiation might be terrifyingly grim. The Departed Lands were considered among the earliest of the secret paths, suggesting that the earliest transcendent beings, perhaps even the Immortals, might have originated from the radiation of Chilling Spirits. Upon hearing Wang Xuan''s theory, Old Chen shook his head, "Don''t scare yourself. The Departed Lands are just one of the earliest secret paths, not the only one." At that moment, Wang Xuan and Old Chen officially left the Departed Lands. Looking back at the fog-covered area, they felt a lingering sense of horror. With a rumble, the fog churned as if expanding, then the whole Departed Lands trembled violently before suddenly contracting. It became unstable, and then, in a shocking moment, the entire Departed Lands vanished, leaving behind nothing but a barren, lifelessnd. The Ferryman had previously mentioned that the Departed Lands were leaving this, but they hadn¡¯t expected it to happen so suddenly. Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged nces, astounded at the sudden disappearance of the Departed Lands. Old Chen pragmatically suggested, "Let¡¯s not worry about that now. We live in the mortal world, far from those entities. They are not our concern." Wang Xuan nodded in agreement, his mind focused on enhancing his strength. His greatest immediate threat might be the red-dressed demoness, and soon, he nned to turn the hunt against her. The barren, treelessnd, now free from the obscuring mists, offered a clear view of the surroundings. Not far away, a golden mastiff, colossal like a small hill, was coldly observing them, nked by four transcendent beings. Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged nces, deciding to leave the area quickly to avoid alerting the monstrous inhabitants of the eight great transcendentirs. "We won¡¯t let them escape!" roared the mastiff. With a single bound, it covered a terrifying distance, its sharp ws ripping through the ground and stirring up gusts of wind and dust. "Did they enter the Departed Lands?" one of the transcendent beings whispered. "Do you ever hear of anyone entering the Departed Lands together and bothing out alive?" the mastiff replied coldly. "It¡¯s rare enough for one to survive. I¡¯ve never heard of two doing so." As they dashed into the forest, the mastiff¡¯s massive body crushed trees in its path, exuding a murderous aura and shredding leaves in the air. It was evidently a powerful being in thetter stages of the Life Soil realm. Old Chen, who had just entered the Lamp-Lighting realm, naturally fled from their pursuit. "But what if they did enter the Departed Lands and came out alive¡­" another voice expressed caution. "Even if they did and gained a level, they''re still not as powerful as me. Plus, my friend, who''s at the Herb Gathering stage, will soon arrive. Killing them will be easy," the mastiff said confidently, its voice chilling. It then sneered, "Besides, do you think our allies in this area are few?" Its roar shattered the nearby trees, sending ripples of transcendent energy. Soon, howls responded from the eight great transcendentirs. Various monstrous cries echoed through the mountains, sending shivers down spines as an alliance of monsters mobilized, charging towards them. The silver bear was the fastest, like a streak of silver lightning, followed by the golden bird soaring on expansive wings, diving down as a beam of light. Behind them were the pangolin, silver porcupine, mountain turtle, and silk serpent, all joining the chase like an avengers'' alliance. "This is my territory. No outsider dares to oppose me here," the mastiff dered ominously, continuing its pursuit. Wang Xuan felt the situation turning dire. He had thought that stepping into the transcendent realm would allow him to easily defeat external enemies. Yet, faced with an army of monsters, the situation was far from simple. "That fat bear and the golden bird are too fast. They''ll catch us soon. We can''t keep running on the ground. There''s a cave ahead. Let''s escape into it and negate their aerial advantage!" Old Chen directed, recalling the special area he had seen when previously chased by the mastiff. With no other choice, the duo dived into the underground cavern, provoking the silver bear and the golden bird into a furious rage. The mastiff sneered, "We''ll follow them in. They can''t escape. Some of you stay and guard the exit, blocking their only way out." The silver bear and the golden bird remained outside, vigntly guarding the entrance. Within the cavern, Old Chen and Wang Xuan stood at a narrow passage, turning to face the first to pursue them down ¨C the mastiff. Old Chen challenged, "As an enforcer, isn''t this going too far? Participating in the hunt yourself, breaking the rules of the secret realm? Since when do referees join the battle?" "Rules? My word is the rule. I want you dead. What can you do about it?" the mastiff retorted with a coldugh. The four transcendent beings from the Yuhua Star, along with the mountain turtle, silk serpent, silver porcupine, and pangolin, also arrived at the scene. However, the passage was rtively narrow, and the mastiff¡¯s huge body almostpletely blocked the way. The mastiff dered coldly, "You two vited the rules. Reaching the transcendent level, you came from the depths of the secret realm to the outer area, maliciously attacking the young cultivators of the Yuhua Star. As the enforcer, it''s my duty to eliminate you!" Wang Xuan and Old Chen were taken aback, infuriated by the false usations. Even a dog knew how to twist the truth and me others, they thought. The mastiff continued sternly, "ording to our ancestral teachings, we allow humans from the three transcendents topete here for opportunities left by the Immortals. But those who break the rules will face our punishment! I, as the enforcer, dere that these two have repeatedly broken the constraints of the secret realm and offended you all. Please assist me in killing them!" Its words had a provocative effect, striking a chord with the avengers'' alliance. Filled with animosity, they were united in their hostility. "Kill!" the mastiff bellowed, leading the charge. Relying on its higher realm, the mastiff unleashed its spiritual energy. A golden mini-sun materialized in front of its forehead, sending ripples in all directions, shattering the cave walls and widening the path. These golden ripples of spiritual energy surged towards Old Chen and Wang Xuan. Old Chen felt indignant. Was he really going to be hunted down and killed by a dog leading a pack of monsters? The thought was unbearably frustrating. With a roar, a bright light emanated from his forehead, unleashing the spiritual secret forces of the Lamp-Lighting stage, contending against the formidable spiritual energy of the mastiff in thetter stages of the Life Soil realm. His spiritual cultivation was exceptionally high, managing to block the golden ripples. But behind the mastiff, a horde of monsters loomed, and if they all released their spiritual energy, his defenses would inevitably crumble. The mastiff was shocked. The middle-aged man it had once pursued had such formidable spiritual power? "I''ll join in!" Wang Xuan immediately activated his spiritual secret forces, eager to test his strength after advancing to the transcendent realm. His spiritual force, apanied by the mystical scenery of immortal mountains, collided with the mastiff''s energy, forcefully breaching the golden ripples and approaching the golden sun in front of the mastiff''s forehead. Wang Xuan grimaced, feeling the overwhelming spiritual presence of his opponent, which caused him considerable difort. Yet, the fusion of his spiritual force with the scenery of immortal mountains, like a sharp knife, managed to break through, nearing the golden sun. "Impossible!" The mastiff was astounded. Had this transcendent being connected to a corner of the firstyer of the spiritual world, drawing upon its power? Legend had it that only a few select individuals could achieve this feat. Even the great founders of ancient times, in their early transcendent years, didn¡¯t possess such capabilities. Those capable of such feats were individuals who had left indelible marks in the annals of cultivation history. Wang Xuan''s spiritual force, carrying the imagery of an immortal mountain, neared the mastiff''s golden sun, causing it to tremble. The mastiff''s massive spiritual energy orb was formidable, yet it sustained damage, fragments chipped away by the impact of the mountain. At that moment, Old Chen struck fiercely, following close behind the celestial mountain. His vast spiritual energy thundered and collided with the golden sun. The mastiff howled in agony as its golden spiritual energy sphere shattered. It writhed in pain, its consciousness blurring. With no hesitation, Wang Xuan hurled his spear, alloyed with sr gold, at the mastiff. The spear, incredibly sharp, pierced through the mastiff''s flesh and embedded into its forehead despite its instinctive attempt to block with its massive paw, blood sttering everywhere. "Kill them, don''t let anyone from the Yuhua Star escape! They have jade tokens on them. Collect them, and we can gain the fortunes left by the Immortals!" Old Chen shouted, rushing forward. He kicked the protruding end of the spear, driving it deeper into the mastiff''s skull. With a final roar, the golden beast fell silent, swiftly and brutally in by the duo. The other monsters and beings, initially eager to gauge the true strength of Wang Xuan and Old Chen through the mastiff''s assessment, were stunned by the abrupt end of the battle. The mountain turtle was the first to flee, swiftly followed by the silk serpent and then the pangolin. None of them were as formidable as the mastiff, and sensing the danger, they decisively withdrew from the alliance, overtaken by fear. Morale was important. Their low morale saw the beings, who were initially eager to take their lives, flee for their lives. ¡°After them! Get their jade tokens!¡± shouted Old Chen. Wait, did we take out a powerful monster of the Life-Soil realm just like that? Wang Xuan pulled out his spear and continued the pursuit. Chapter 186: Old Zhong, Transcending? Chapter 186: Old Zhong, Transcending? In the cavern, the escaping monsters, with their massive bodies, caused the tunnel to shake violently, followed closely by the four transcendent beings from the Yuhua Star. Wang Xuan, gripping his sharp war spear, hurled it with force. The spear whizzed past Old Chen''s ear, ruffling his hair with its explosive airstream. Old Chen shot a wide-eyed look at Wang Xuan, wondering if he was also a target. But the spear struck one of the transcendent beings from the Yuhua Star squarely in the back, piercing through his chest and pinning him to the ground, blood pooling beneath. Old Chen was taken aback by Wang Xuan''s swift and fierce attack, even quicker in dispatching an enemy than himself. He sped up, his entire being shining brilliantly, practicing the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body technique, resembling a golden Bodhisattva. With a thunderous crash, he caught up with another transcendent being, obliterating him on the spot. As a fully aplished practitioner of the Lamp-Lighting realm, Old Chen easily overpowered his opponents in the Mist stage, rendering them utterly defenseless. Wang Xuan quickly unpacked hisrge bundle, retrieving a transcendent-level bow and arrows, recent spoils from the transcendent being Xiong Kun, recing those acquired from the divine archer. He drew the bow and aimed at the fleeing enemies. The arrow, adorned with runes, burst forth with a blinding light, tearing through the air with a terrifying sonic boom, only to... embed itself in the cavern wall. He missed! Old Chen, speechless, had just witnessed Wang Xuan''s solemn and radiant preparation, but his aim was abysmally off, veering several meters wide of the mark. "I haven''t practiced archery much. I''ll study itter," Wang Xuan remarked casually. "Leave one alive!" Old Chen caught up with one of the men, knocking him to the ground without killing him. Their way was blocked by the massive bodies of the silk serpent and the pangolin, almost filling the cavernpletely. The remaining transcendent beings from the Yuhua Star were helplessly trapped. Thest one turned to face Old Chen in a desperatest stand. He too was at the Lamp-Lighting stage. But Old Chen, resplendent in his Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, exuded a majestic aura. The brilliant golden light filling the cavern overwhelmed his opponent, shattering him to pieces. Old Chen''s strength was indeed formidable, a rare match within his own realm. The transcendent monsters, rmed by the mastiff''s demise, recognized their disadvantage and chose not to stay for a direct confrontation. At the cave entrance, the silver bear and the golden bird were stunned to see the transcendent creatures fleeing. Wang Xuan, approaching the entrance, adopted a conciliatory tone. "We have no past grievances, and our recent disputes are trivial. We merely borrowed some fruits from you. Such things, like flowers and nts, wither and bloom annually. Fellow Daoists, let''s be magnanimous. We bear no deep grudges, so how about we let bygones be bygones?" The silver bear and the golden bird, known for their vtile tempers, red coldly at him. The other transcendent creatures, still nearby and led by these two, also watched them with icy detachment. "We probably still have to fight," Old Chen concluded. Standing side by side, Wang Xuan and Old Chen didn¡¯t hide their strength, disying their powerful spiritual forces to intimidate the transcendent creatures outside the cave. Especially Wang Xuan, whose spiritual force manifested surrealndscapes. Majestic mountains and floating inds appeared, blending with his vibrant spiritual energy in a spectacr disy. The creatures at the cave entrance became exceedingly cautious, retreating a few steps. The silver bear and the golden bird, experienced and perceptive, sensed a real threat. They pondered the situation: was it worth risking their lives over a few fruits? As descendants of demons with acute senses, they felt the looming shadow of death. The mastiff, not necessarily weaker than them, had been swiftly killed inside ¨C a clear warning. "Fellow Daoists, our conflicts are minor, not worth a battle to the death. I offerpensation," Wang Xuan proposed. He was aware that engaging in a bloody fight with all eight transcendent creatures, including the newly arrived two, woulde at a significant cost for both him and Old Chen. He had no desire for a meaningless battle. Wang Xuan retrieved a demon cultivation chart from his bag, a prize taken from the ck Horn Beast. Initially given to Grandmaster Ma, the chart had lost its appeal to him after he became preupied with ttering a young fox spirit, disregarding such a method meant for solitary practitioners. The transcendent creatures fixated on the cultivation chart, their eyes lighting up. As scattered practitioners, theycked systematic methods of cultivation, their ancestral teachings having been lost over time. The chart sparked a dazzling interest in their eyes. Thus, a potentially devastating battle was averted, with the transcendent creatures retreating with the cultivation chart in tow. In the forest, the rich aroma of cooking meat filled the air. Wang Xuan and Old Chen were feasting on dog meat, drinking the immortal spring water. They had decided not to waste therge transcendent mastiff they had in, turning it into a nourishing meal. The surviving transcendent captive from the Yuhua Star shivered with cold at the sight. The powerful mastiff, so swiftly defeated and now being consumed, was a chilling reminder of the duo''s might. Old Chen remarked, "We need to keep a witness alive. If those creatures from the eight transcendent nests report us for killing an enforcer, we need someone to corroborate our side. Right now, we can''t afford to silence them all." In truth, Old Chen had been chased out of the secret realm by the mastiff and the beings from the Yuhua Star, though he had nned to leave covertly himself. He then brought up the jade tokens, exining that each token reflected different values, depending on the bearer''s stage. The highest level allowed in the secret realm, ording to the standards of the Old Earth, was the Herb Gathering stage, epassing four stages from Mist to Herb Gathering. "In the depths of the secret realm, defeating an opponent yields points based on their stage divided by ours," he exined. Thus, a transcendent being in the Mist stage defeating one in the Herb Gathering stage would earn four points, while the reverse would yield only 0.25 points. This system effectively restrained higher-level transcendent beings from exploiting their power. Indeed, the four stages were merely subdivisions within arger realm, and some transcendent beings were strong enough to defeat opponents above their own stage. Wang Xuan turned to Old Chen and asked, "You started in the Mist stage when you first entered the secret realm, and now you''ve advanced to the fully aplished stage of Lamp-Lighting. Is this situation good or bad?" Old Chen smiled and replied, "Even with advancements, it''s not a problem. When hunting opponents, your calctions are still based on your initial stage upon entering the secret realm. This encourages talents who can continuously break through." As they feasted on the roasted transcendent dog meat, which sizzled and dripped fat onto the fire, the energy and vitality surged through them. Hearing about the mastiff''s call for reinforcements, including a creature at the Herb Gathering stage, Wang Xuan and Old Chen used their spiritual power to intimidate their captive into revealing this information. Each carrying a hefty chunk of roasted meat and taking the captive with them, they decisively left the peripheral area of the secret realm. Their journey was smooth, as even formidable creatures hesitated to obstruct such powerful transcendent beings. Arriving at the deeper part of the secret realm, Old Chen led Wang Xuan straight to a cliff area outside the Immortal City, where the white peacock resided. The white peacock, known for its fairness and impartiality, was more powerful than other enforcers in the realm. The white peacock, perched on the cliff, was a splendid sight at five meters tall, with a wless body resembling that of a celestial bird. It showed surprise upon seeing Wang Xuan, recalling their previous brief encounter when it was speaking with a female Taoist practitioner. Back then, the peacock had identified Wang Xuan as a mortal. Now, within a short span, he had stepped into the transcendent realm. The white peacock asked for Wang Xuan''s name and handed him a jade token engraved with demonic characters: "Wang Xuan, Mist." Old Chen presented the captive from the Yuhua Star to the white peacock, carefully exining the situation and how they had been hunted in collusion with an enforcer. He suggested, "If the venerable one doesn''t believe us, you can search his spiritual realm for the truth." The captive from the Yuhua Star copsed, knowing the peril of having his mind probed by a powerful demonic being ¨C his spiritual realm would likely be shattered. After a swift confession, the white peacock pped its wings, signaling for Wang Xuan and Old Chen to leave without furtherment. With the situation resolved smoothly and no loose ends left, Wang Xuan and Old Chen quickly departed, relieved that they had avoided any lingeringplications. Soon after their departure, Wang Xuan and Old Chen sensed something amiss. Outside the City of Immortals, in the forest, multiple figures emerged, all radiating intense murderous intent, seemingly intent on hunting them down. The deep-seated hostility and potent resentment made both of them extremely uneasy, wondering what had transpired in the area. They couldn''tprehend why they would provoke such wrath, as they hadn''tmitted any egregious acts. Suddenly, they both thought of Old Zhong. Could he have been the cause of this turmoil? "Kill these outsiders!" a group shouted as they charged. There were dozens of transcendent beings, creating a truly impressive scene. Wang Xuan and Old Chen immediately fled, fighting fiercely to break through the encirclement. They carved a bloody path and escaped in one direction. It didn''t take long for them to discover the reason behind the fury. Old Zhong, true to his unconventional ways, had stirred a ho''s nest ¨C quite literally. Deep within the secret realmy a nest of silver bees, far more fearsome than the toxic bees in the outer areas. The hive was as massive as a hill. Old Zhong had collected a pollen fatal to these silver bees and, during an excursion, sprinkled it on a group of transcendent beings. He then fired an arrow wrapped in mmable material, igniting part of the hive. This act unleashed swarms of the giant silver bees, each meters long, relentlessly attacking the transcendent beings. Old Zhong had forged an alloy armor from the sun gold he collected, protecting himself thoroughly. He had also prepared a hiding spot in a fissure in the ground for critical moments. Wang Xuan was speechless. No wonder Zhong Qing dared to use the sun gold for protective gear. Old Zhong had amassed quite a collection, even managing to forge an alloy armor before their venture into the secret realm! ¡­¡­ Hidden within a crevice in the ground, Old Zhong miraculously survived the chaos unscathed. He then seized the opportunity to collect corpses, acquiring numerous jade tokens. This allowed him to prematurely end his participation in the confrontation, a move permitted by the rules. Now, he was holed up in the City of Immortals, avoiding any further exposure. "This old schemer! He''s extricated himself from the mess and left me to be the scapegoat!" Old Chen raged furiously. He felt utterly betrayed by Old Zhong''s cunning and ruthless tactics, which left him speechless with indignation. "Cursed be Old Zhong!" Old Chen couldn''t hold back his curses. Old Zhong''s machinations had put him in an extremely precarious situation. Now, in the secret realm, Old Chen faced hostility from all sides. Everyone knew about his association with Old Zhong, the notorious duo. With Old Zhong nowying low within the city, Old Chen was left to bear the brunt of everyone''s wrath. In a moment of frustration, Old Chen even contemted storming into the City of Immortals to confront Old Zhong, questioning his conscience for leaving him in such a dire situation. Wang Xuan, equally stunned, couldn''t help but acknowledge Old Zhong''s ruthlessness and the perilous nature of his character. Meanwhile, it seemed that Old Zhong was under scrutiny from the enforcers, facing interrogation within the City of Immortals. In the city, the little ck fox was chattering non-stop about the incident to Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin. "That old codger is the meanest old man I''ve ever seen, even sneakier than my grandfather!" the fox eximed, recounting the events with animated expressions. Chapter 187: Zhao And Wu Chapter 187: Zhao And Wu In the Earth Immortal City, the old fox, hidden in the shadows, listened intently to the conversation between Zhao Qinghuan, Wu Yin, and the ck Fox n''s little fox. His expression darkened with displeasure at his granddaughter''s disrespectful remarks. Near them, Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng were embroiled in an ufortable silence, their minds a whirlwind of conflicting emotions about their great-grandfather''s controversial actions. Despite their unease, they couldn''t deny the truth in the old saying: with agees cunning. Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin had initially intended to reunite with Wang Xuan before setting off with the ck Fox n. However, the little fox advised against it, exining the dire situation: "There''s no point in waiting. After Old Zhong''s rampage, anyone associated with him, like you, can''t enter the Earth Immortal City without being ambushed outside." The recent events had alerted the inhabitants of the three extraordinarys, inciting a fervent desire to eradicate alien cultivators, including Old Zhong and Old Chen. Zhong Cheng expressed his concerns about Wang Xuan''s safety, "He hasn¡¯t ascended to the extraordinary realm yet. What if he¡¯s caught and killed? Although Old Chen is with him, their odds of survival seem bleak. It''s unfortunate; I had high hopes for him, almost considering him a match for Old Wang." In a silent rebuke to Zhong Cheng''sments, Wu Yin nonchntly produced a piece of dried rat meat from her bag and shoved it into his mouth. His reaction was immediate and repulsed, a stark contrast to his recent appreciation of the ck Horned Beast meat brought by Zhao Qinghuan. "Big Sister Wu, that''s uncalled for! I didn¡¯t say anything about you!" Zhong Cheng eximed, his expression a mix of shock and curiosity, as he gazed at Wu Yin. Meanwhile, Zhong Qing observed the scene with a contemtive gaze. She harbored a growing suspicion that Wang Xuan was no ordinary individual. Recalling thest time he had given her a spiked steel armor, she remembered noticing faint bloodstains under the sunlight, which sparked a series of intriguing thoughts and theories about his true nature. Zhong Qing blushed at Zhao Qinghuan''s teasing inquiry about Wang Xuan, her innocent and pure face adding to her beauty. "He''s exploring an ancient cultivator''s abandoned medicinal field, hoping to find some nearly ripe spiritual herbs and possibly some inscribed scriptures," Zhao Qinghuan replied casually, her radiant smile captivating. Her teasing continued, "Little Zhong, you seem quite interested in my ssmate these past few days, always asking about him. Do you have a special feeling for him? I could introduce you." "Zhao Zhao!" Zhong Qing eximed, hinting at their deep understanding and shared history. The little fox, ever interested in human interactions, chimed in, "That stinky man isn''t worth mentioning. Little Zhong, don''t fall for him!" "Who says I like him!" Zhong Qing retorted, yfully threatening the fox. "What are you good at, Little Zhong?" the little fox asked, curious about human talents and arts. "Zhong Qing sings beautifully. Maybe she can teach you a fox spirit song," Wu Yin suggested with a smile. "Sure, let''s sing together. I am a millennium-old fox, cultivated for a lifetime, only to be with you in the next life..." the little fox began, eager to learn the human art of singing. ¡­¡­ Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin, having gathered information in the Immortal City, learned that the ck Fox Tribe indeed descended from celestial beasts that once apanied the ancient immortals. This tribe, typically residing in the deepest parts of the secretnd, rarely ventured out. The area around the Immortal City,pared to the vastness of the secretnd, was rtively deeper in the territory. After bidding farewell to Zhong Qing and her brother, Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin decided to leave the city to explore the rumored immortal cave dwelling guarded by the ck Fox Tribe. However, some cultivators on the city walls had set their sights on the two women and the little fox spirit, along with Master Ma. A few suggested a feigned attack, not to harm but to draw out potential rescuers from the alien realm. Most refrained from acting rashly, fearing to offend the ck Fox Tribe, descendants of celestial beasts. A small group followed Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin under the guise of a mock hunt, their true intention to avenge family and friends fallen victim to Old Zhong''s schemes. Wang Xuan, standing on a high peak, watched Zhao Qinghuan, Wu Yin, and the little fox leave the city, with Master Ma cheerfully trailing behind. He felt reassured, knowing Old Fox would secretly protect them, but still wished to see them off personally. "I''m going to see them off," Wang Xuan said to Old Chen, sharing some information about the ck Fox Tribe and the women. Old Chen agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to possibly gain more jade tokens. They gazed at the silver Snow Moon Tree, a stunning spectacle hundreds of meters tall, its white bark and petals shimmering like moons hanging in the sky, a radiant and ethereal sight to behold. The path chosen by the little fox spirit was picturesque, showcasing variousndscapes along the way. When they reached a cluster ofkes, they paused to admire the dance of the m spirits. Theseke-dwelling beings, resembling small humans within their opened shells, danced gracefully in the waters, their movements ethereal and captivating. Suddenly, the little fox''s demeanor changed as she sensed approaching figures. "Someone''s following us!" she alerted, her usual yful gait turning into a stance of alertness. Sure enough, shadows of cultivators emerged from the woods - all of them were beings of extraordinary power. Zhao Qinghuan whispered, "They know about the ck Fox Tribe, yet they dare to pursue us. Their overt target is us, but it''s likely they''re trying to lure out Wang Xuan and Old Chen." Wu Yin scanned the surroundings, noting, "We were seen leaving the city. They seem to be staging a hunt on us to attract Wang Xuan and Old Chen for a confrontation." The intentions in the eyes of their pursuers were chillingly clear, filled with cold murderous intent, not sparing even the little fox spirit, let alone Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin. A few of the hunters smirked maliciously, taken by the unexpected beauty of the two women. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan and Old Chen were rapidly approaching, sensing the tense atmosphere from afar. "Could they really dare to make a move?" Wang Xuan wondered aloud. "Old Chen, I''ll use the short sword; you can take this spear," Wang Xuan said, handing over the sun-gold blended spear. Old Chen declined, "I prefer hacking and shing to thrusting. I''ll stick with this longsword." He had grown ustomed to a captured longsword, which was equally sharp. They observed twelve cultivators, including two at the Life Earth level, six at the Illumination level, and four at the Mist stage. "Their strength is formidable," noted Wang Xuan. Before, Old Chen might have hesitated, but now at the Illumination Great Perfection stage,bined with Wang Xuan''s abilities, they were unphased. They had already faced downw enforcers and repelled the eight great extraordinary beasts together; confidence wasn''tcking in facing this group. One of the pursuers from the Heluo Star, captivated by the beauty of Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin,mented with a faint smile, "What unexpected beauty, truly rare gems!" Their demeanors, one coldly elegant and the other boasting impressive curves, were not lost on him. A member of the pursuing group addressed the little fox spirit, ¡°We mean no offense to the Fox Tribe, but we need to borrow these two women. Theirpanions must pay for their actions.¡± The little fox retorted sharply, ¡°Your cold and greedy gazes make me ufortable. I detest and despise you. Leave us alone!¡± Zhao Qinghuan, usually calm, now spoke with pride and arrogance. ¡°Why bother making enemies with the Fox Tribe for nothing? You rush here, only to leave empty-handed. What¡¯s the point?¡± Her demeanor was a deliberate act of defiance, knowing well that the Fox Tribe wouldn¡¯t let any harme to her. If these men dared to attack or kidnap her, the elder fox would surely strike back. This was her way of alleviating pressure on Wang Xuan and Old Chen. The provocations from Zhao and Wu Yin angered the pursuers, their faces reddening with humiliation. Wu Yin added fuel to the fire, ¡°You¡¯re just bullies, picking on the weak. If you¡¯re so brave, why don¡¯t you confront Old Chen in the Earth Immortal City? Chasing us is pointless; you''ll just slink away in defeat.¡± The little ck fox, realizing the gravity of their situation, whispered urgently to Zhao and Wu Yin, ¡°Stop provoking them! If my grandfather isn¡¯t nearby and they attack, I can''t fight them off.¡± Throughout this, Grandmaster Ma remained silent but resolute, firmly standing beside the two women and the little fox, ring at the aggressors, ready to defend hispanions. As Zhao Qingci considered their situation, she believed the old fox, if genuinely concerned for their safety, would have stealthily followed them since their departure from the Earth Immortal City. Aware of the imminent dangers outside, she expected his hidden vignce. Casually brushing her hair aside, her eyes, tinged with a hint of purple, briefly scanned the restless transcendents nearby. With a mix of disdain and confidence in her voice, she addressed them, "Direct your anger towards Old Zhong. Strutting around here, you''re the epitome of cowardly men!" Wu Yin, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, added, "Disappear already, would you?" Their dismissive and taunting remarks hit a nerve with the group of men, particrly those teetering on the brink of madness. One, with a cold and cruel sneer, boldly dered, "I was already inclined to act, but now, with such enticing beauties beckoning, the temptation is irresistible!" With a confident stride, he reached out to grab Zhao Qingci. His eyes were a turbulent sea of desire and malice, hisughter echoing with a disturbing sense of delight. The little celestial fox, reacting with lightning speed, spat out a stream of dark light that morphed into a sword-like energy de, targeting the man''s wrist. In an instant, it whisked the two women away, moving them thirty meters to safety in a mere blink. "Don''t provoke them," the little fox urged Zhao Qingci and Wu Yin, its voice tinged with urgency. "My grandfather is a wily old fox. Even if he''s lurking nearby, he''d rather watch us suffer before deciding to show himself. Remember how he just stood by when that viin Wang kidnapped me? He even let him knock me out!" In that moment, the little fox''s voice was thick with anger and resentment, its feelings towards its grandfatherplex and deep-seated. ¡­¡­ "In the midst of the forest, Lao Chen queried, ''Should we make a move?'' Initially, Wang Xuan had nned to scavenge for spoils after Old Fox took action. However, observing the current situation, it seemed Old Fox had vanished upon detecting their presence. Wang Xuan spected aloud, ''Something¡¯s off. It¡¯s likely Old Fox spotted us and disappeared. Such a cunning one, not willing to fight our battles for us. Is he forcing us to take matters into our own hands?'' Just then, several supernatural beings stepped forward, brazenly aiming to capture Zhao Qing and Wu Yin. Boom! Wang Xuan, unable to restrain his frustration any longer, hurled his glowing spear with full force. Thud! The man reaching for Zhao Qing and Wu Yin stared in disbelief as his ribs were pierced. The spear had transversed his body, leaving gaping holes the size of bowls on either side. His body nearly split in two, he let out a blood-curdling scream before copsing to the ground. In the aftermath of his throw, Wang Xuan charged forward like a streak of lightning, shattering the ground beneath his feet. Leaping tens of meters in a single bound, he almost caught up with his own spear. He reached thedies'' side in record time, reiming his war spear firmly in his grasp." Chapter 188: Miracle Of A Transcendent Wang Xuan Chapter 188: Miracle Of A Transcendent Wang Xuan Before they could even act, the adversaries, poised to strike at Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, were jolted by the sudden demise of one of their own. Wang Xuan stood with his spear aglow, a solitary barrier against their onught. Wielding his spear with the elegance of a staff and the precision of a de, he advanced, the spearhead cutting through the air with a brilliance that was both deadly and dazzling. His adversaries beat a hasty retreat. They had intended to take out Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin swiftly, but were forced back by the onught of the young man bathed in mes. They could barely breathe as the tip of the spear sliced through the air with an explosive force during Wang Xuan¡¯s approach. Despite their best efforts, one among them sustained a ghastly wound, his chest torn open by the spear''s mere graze, flesh and boneid bare in a bloody spectacle. Wu Yin, witnessing this disy, felt a surge of relief. Wang Xuan¡¯s arrival just before they were surrounded and almost captured was a godsend. Zhao Qinghan observed him with a mix of admiration and contentment. The life force emanating from him was palpable, a testament to his newfound strength and entry into the extraordinary realm. Her smile, radiant and peaceful, betrayed her confidence in the transformative power of the scriptures they had gathered. There in the forest, Wang Xuan, spear in hand, faced down multiple Transcendent opponents. Illuminated by the sun''s rays, he and his weapon cast a gentle, luminescent aura. The attackers, now repelled to a safer distance, were rendered speechless and powerless in the face of his formidable presence. On the other side, Old Chen wielded his long sword, his body radiating golden brilliance. He channeled his Six Feet Golden Body Technique, and was enveloped in dazzling light, like a warrior Bodhisattva ready to unleash his fury. He charged at an opponent of the Life-Soil Realm, his intent to kill apparent. Wang Xuan, in seamless coordination with Old Chen, simultaneously unleashed their psychic powers, targeting the Transcendent opponent. Even a creature in thete stages of the Life-Soil realm, like the Mastiff, had fallen to theirbined psychic assault. Their opponent let out a scream as his nascent sphere of psychic energy nearly shattered under their attack. His physical form reeled from the impact, coughing blood. His psyche was momentarily paralyzed. This briefpse was all Old Chen needed. His sword shed through the air, severing the man''s head in a swift, diagonal arc. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan withdrew his psychic power, gripping his spear tightly, now turning his attention to the few opponents going after Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin. All of these events unfolded in mere moments, with Wang Xuan and Old Chen striking like thunder, each taking down an adversary. The group, incensed by their swift and ruthless efficiency, converged in a furious hunt against the two. "Take them down!" Some focused on Wang Xuan, while others, aiming to divide his attention, advanced aggressively towards Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin. Wang Xuan, with spear in hand, targeted one of the attackers. With his left, heunched a forceful palm strike towards another, eager to test the strength of his unarmedbat skills, honed through the mastery of the most potent scriptures, far surpassing the prowess of his previous golden body technique. With a thunderous boom, the man reaching towards Zhao Qinghan, only at the initial phase of the Radiant Lamp realm, met Wang Xuan''s block. Their fists and palms collided, emitting a sound akin to muffled thunder, the surrounding vegetation exploding under the shockwave of their sh. The Transcendent who thought he could match the young man in front of him who was in the early stages of the Enlightenment realm, was met with a harsh reality. Upon contact with Wang Xuan''s palm, his fist shattered instantly, followed by the rest of his arm. The upper half of his body was immediately sttered with blood. Wang Xuan''s single palm strike, interwoven with mystery energies, had almost obliterated him. Wang Xuan rapidly followed up with another p, and the man''s face twisted in agony. Half of his body almost disintegrated, torn apart by the mystery energy. He was flung aside by the force of the blow, leaving him incapacitated on the ground. Throughout the battle, Grandmaster Ma, who had been watching silently and intently, finally sprang into action with a loud cry. Fulfilling its long-held desire to ''trample the Transcendent'', it shattered the doomed man''s already broken body, crushing him to death under its hooves. Another Transcendent, driven mad, attempted to bypass Wang Xuan to target Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin with the intent of dealing to them killing blows. Just as the little fox spirit prepared to lead the women to safety, it realized there was no longer a need. Wang Xuan''s psychic power surged out, manifesting an ethereal mountain that merged with his spiritual energy, overwhelming the assant. The madman, only in theter stages of the Mist realm, was in agony as he tried to resist, but he was no match for Wang Xuan in the realm of spirit. His once-prized psychic techniques were useless against Wang Xuan''s overwhelming might. His psychic form shattered, like a cicada against the thunderous power of the heavens. As the celestial mountain descended, Wang Xuanpletely dispersed his opponent¡¯s psychic field. The madman fell to the ground without a sound, his spirit utterly annihted. This disy of power startled the onlookers. Zhao Qinghan watched with an emerging smile, confidently aware of Wang Xuan''s significant increase in strength. She refrained from greeting him, not wanting to disrupt his focus in the heat of battle. Wu Yin''s chest heaved with emotion, her shock evident even though she knew of Wang Xuan''s prowess. Witnessing his relentless takedown of multiple Transcendents left her speechless, her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. "This guy is really strong!" the little ck fox muttered, equally stunned. Wang Xuan, spear in hand, charged at an adversary, his body radiating with the tremendous power of the supreme scriptures. Histent potential was fully unleashed, radiating dazzling light that enveloped him like a halo of divine mes. "Attack!" someone from the opposing side yelled, rallying others to advance with him. In the midst of shing weapons and palms radiating beams of light, figures tumbled amidst flying sand and stones, energy swirling violently in the air. With a thrust of his spear, Wang Xuan impaled a Transcendent in the early stages of the Radiant Lamp realm, lifting him into the air. A forceful shake of his weapon, and the man exploded into pieces. Wang Xuan had now vanquished four Transcendents in quick session. As another Transcendent, in theter stages of the Mist realm, attempted to flee, Wang Xuan leapt after him. His body, pulsating with secret forces and surrounded by a dazzling divine light, appeared as if he had sprouted wings, swooping down like a majestic roc from the skies. Ditching his spear, Wang Xuan opted to test the strength of his physical form in a direct collision. The moment of impact was met with a scream from his opponent, who rapidly disintegrated under the sheer force of Wang Xuan''s physical might. Old Chen, observing with raised eyebrows, was astounded at Wang Xuan''s swift five consecutive kills, outpacing even him who had just managed four. With a soft shout, Old Chen''s golden aura boiled around him, his Six Feet Golden Body technique reaching its zenith. He resembled a Buddha descended to earth. He shed head-on with another strong Transcendent from the Life-Soil realm, simultaneously bombarding his opponent with psychic forces. The two engaged in a rapid, intense exchange of blows. Old Chen, abandoning his sword, unleashed a barrage of Bodhisattva punches amidst the blinding golden light. After exchanging a fierce series of blows with his opponent, hended a final, devastating punch, piercing the chest of the Life-Soil realm master. The opponent disintegrated instantly, meeting his end right there. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan nted his spear into the ground and stood still, deploying only his psychic realm to lock onto another adversary. His psychic energy sphere blossomed, merging with an unusualndscape ¨C this time, a shimmering blueke instead of a mountain. He was testing thesendscapes for any peculiarities. Waves roared in the distance, echoing like a tsunami. As he propelled the psychic force of the blueke forward, his formidable opponent''s eyes filled with despair, feeling his own psyche crumbling under the immense pressure. The blueke transformed into a vast sea, with tumultuous waves crashing ashore and rocks flying through the air. This terrifying and grand spectacle was visible to all nearby. A colossal wave struck, shattering arge part of the enemy''s psychic energy sphere, pushing it towards total copse. Wang Xuan understood now. By connecting with a corner of the firstyer of the psychic world, he not only drew on strange psychic energies but also manifestedndscapes likekes and seas, with terrifying power. Stones flew as waves surged. These were manifestations of his psychic energy impacting the enemy, ultimately causing the opponent''s psychic form to explode. The man¡¯s physical body, now devoid of consciousness, fell silently to the ground. Wang Xuan contemted the immense power unleashed when his psychic force merged with these mysteriousndscapes. Indeed, it was a formidable weapon. He even felt that his psychic power was more fearsome than his physical strength. No wonder the second great realm, "Carefree Wander," corresponded to various mythological tales. Even this mere glimpse was so powerful ¨C to fully explore those higher psychic worlds, to see the Peach Orchards, to approach the Boundless Mountain, was beyond imagination! As he wielded his psychic power, Wang Xuan sensed several other mysteriousndscapes within him, but there was no time left to test them now. Observing Wang Xuan''s swift defeat of six adversaries, Old Chen hastened his actions. With a swift motion, his long sword cleaved through the air, bisecting thest fleeing opponent. All twelve Transcendent beingsy fallen, none left standing. Zhao Qinghan approached Wang Xuan, who was stained with blood. She found a clean cloth and began to gently wipe the blood from his body. "Zhao Zhao, remember to be reserved. Why are you helping this stinky man clean his blood?" the ck little fox spirit chided, itsrge eyes ring disapprovingly. "He''s my ssmate and he came to save us," Zhao Qinghan responded, gesturing for the little fox spirit to join in. "You should be grateful and help him too." Wu Yin pulled the little fox spirit over, coaxing, "Come on, transform and show some gratitude." The little fox spirit rolled its eyes, turned its head away, and sashayed off with a huff, showing them only the back of its head in defiance. Old Chen, noticing the blood on his own body, decided to clean himself up. Grandmaster Ma approached him curiously, admiring his impressive Six Feet Golden Body Technique and wondering if such a skill could be learned by a demon spirit like itself. It raised a hoof towards Old Chen, as if offering to help him clean up. "Whose horse is this?" Old Chen asked, eyeing the unusual creature. "It''s mine!" The little fox spirit spoke up and imed ownership of Grandmaster Ma before Wang Xuan could respond. Old Chen nodded, understanding why the horse seemed so whimsically mischievous. Turning to Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, Wang Xuan spoke seriously, "As you head to the Immortal''s Cave, be cautious. It''s an opportunity, but it might hold unforeseen dangers. I hope you both can sessfully obtain the legacy left by the immortals." ¡°Worry not, I¡¯m here.¡± proimed the little fox spirit confidently, ¡°And don¡¯t forget about my grandpa. He¡¯s as sly as Old Zhong, but many times more powerful.¡± Her im was met with silence. The humans present knew that she was up for a beating. If the old fox was indeed behind them, the little fox spirit would be in for a bout of ¡°education¡±. And that is exactly why we¡¯re worried. Thought Wang Xuan. A mixture of feelings surged through Wu Yin as she stared at Wang Xuan. She then proceeded to straighten up his cor and smoothen out the wrinkles of his clothes caused by the battle carefully. Zhao Qinghan eyed her with a curious expression. ¡°What is it, Zhao Zhao?¡± Wu Yin met her ssmate¡¯s gaze, ¡°Your ssmate saved me multiple times, and for that I¡¯m thankful. In fact, I want to thank you as well for bringing him to the Hidden Land.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You can be quite a sentimental person, Da Wu.¡± observed Zhao Qinghan, smiling at Wu Yin. Chapter 189: Am I Beautiful? Chapter 189: Am I Beautiful? Wu Yin shook her head, "I''m just speaking my mind, showing my true feelings. During this journey in the Hidden Land, there were moments I thought I was done for." Then, turning to Zhao Qinghan, she inquired, "Zhao Zhao, do you see yourself as more emotional or rational? Can you maintain yourposure even in life-or-death situations and crucial decisions?" The little ck fox spirit, tilting its head curiously, suddenly interjected, "Emotional? Don''t you mean sexy? You''re both saying it wrong." It then began to sing teasingly, "Look at the beauty of Wu, with her slim waist and long legs!" Wu Yin felt exasperated. The fox always seemed to provide the most unhelpfulmentary at critical moments. She tapped it lightly on the head, no longer afraid of it like before, now seeing it not as a man-eating monster but as a vain little fox spirit. Zhao Qinghan couldn''t help butugh and asked, "Wu Yin, have you ever sung like that before?" "Yes," nodded the fox spirit while swaying its waist and showing off its legs, strutting a few steps with a coquettish air. "That fox is always talking nonsense!" Wu Yin red at it, wishing she could swat it away, if only she could best it in a fight. Wang Xuan listened quietly, feeling it wasn''t his ce to join the conversation. Changing the subject, Wu Yin asked Zhao Qinghan, "When personal choices conflict with family interests, can you remain objective?" Zhao Qinghan looked at her with a clear, thoughtful gaze, "In this world, nothing is perfect. To gain something, we often have to let something go. A sacrifice now could mean a win in the future. Or, by seizing the moment, we can wait for a turn of fate." "What are you all talking about? It''s so mysterious,"ined the little fox spirit, transforming into an enigmatic gossiping fox. "Zhao Zhao, I heard that you weren''t always so aloof and elegant. Rather, you were rebellious and passionate!" "Yes," Wu Yin added, "The rebellious Zhao Zhao who once defied her family and dared to run away from home is so different from theposed Goddess Zhao of now." "Who said that?" Zhao Qinghan''s expression turned stern, her eyes shing like lightning as she nced at the little fox spirit and then at Wu Yin. "It was Little Zhong," the ck little fox spirit promptly betrayed Zhong Qing, feeling no guilt since Zhong wasn''t there. At this point, both Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin lost interest in engaging with it. The little fox spirit, seemingly dissatisfied, continued, "Men are all stinky, none as good-looking as me! Such a big man, can''t he clean his own blood or straighten his clothes? Utterlyzy, a sloth!" Wang Xuan looked at the fox, who was now critiquing him. He red back, his gaze filled with threatening and intimidating intent, urging it to behave. The little ck fox spirit, fearless as ever, retorted, "I warn you, stop scaring me and don''ty a hand on me. Or else, after I cultivate for five hundred years and be an immortal, I will seek revenge!" With their departure imminent, Wang Xuan didn''t want to offend the creature further. Instead, he paid it a couple of insincerepliments, asking it to take good care of Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin. Zhao Qinghan, looking at Wang Xuan, adjusted his cor and advised him to be cautious, especially around the perilous vicinity of the Immortal City. Wu Yin even suggested, "Why don''t youe with us to the Immortal''s Cave guarded by the ck Fox n?" She felt the area had be a veritable inferno, especially after Old Zhong''s ruthless tactics had turned the inhabitants of the three Transcendents against outsiders. Wang Xuan, however, shook his head. The battle of the Transcendents was not something he could miss. He had already gained fortune in the outer areas and was more eager for the opportunities deep within the Hidden Land. Zhao Qinghan nodded at Wang Xuan, ready to set off with the little ck fox spirit. In a surprising move, Wu Yin embraced Wang Xuan, saying, "Take care, Xiao Wang." Zhao Qinghan watched her, her hair fluttering in the breeze, her gaze clear and tranquil, radiating a natural, cool elegance. Wu Yin, with grace and openness, stepped closer to Zhao Qinghan and gently hugged her, whispering in her ear, "Zhao Zhao, are you and he just ssmates?" ¡­¡­ "What do you think?" Zhao Qinghan countered Wu Yin''s question with one of her own. "I wanted to see if there was any murderous intent or cold electricity in your eyes, but I haven''t seen any," Wu Yin whispered back. Zhao Qinghan let Wu Yin embrace her, whispering in response, "Wu Yin, your emotions are tumultuous right now. What exactly are you thinking about?" "You''re speaking so cheekily, Zhao Zhao!" Wu Yin lightly tapped her, continuing, "Now, I think I can sense a bit of that cold edge. But once we''re back on the New World, will you still have this aura? You''ll probably return to your usual cool demeanor." Zhao Qinghan smiled faintly, "Wu Yin, why do I feel like you''re harboring dangerous thoughts, wanting something to happen with my ssmate? It seems like you''re trying to embolden yourself by talking to me. What are you afraid of? Is it facing your friend Ling Wei?" "Wu Zhao, what nonsense are you talking about? It''s so indecent. Who would want to get involved with him in that way? I see now, you''re doing this deliberately, trying to corner me, aren''t you?" ... Wang Xuan didn''t intend to eavesdrop, but his enhanced psychic abilities allowed him to catch every word clearly. He nced at Old Chen, who was amusing himself with Grandmaster Ma while sneakily listening in, thoroughly enjoying the conversation. Grandmaster Ma, showing some semnce of conscience, trotted over to Wang Xuan, bobbing its head in farewell. However, it couldn''t help butin about not receiving any demonic fruits. "Your fruits were eaten by him," Wang Xuan pointed at Old Chen and then added, "Go to the Immortal''s Cave. What fruits can''t you find there? Hurry along." Grandmaster Ma red at Old Chen, who had been ttering it just moments before, not expecting this old man to have stolen its fruits! As Wang Xuan watched the two women, the fox, and the horse depart, he couldn''t help but ask Old Chen, "What''s the story with yourdy friend? And why haven''t you settled down?" Old Chen snickered, "What would a kid like you understand? Without experience, everything is just an illusion, a mere fantasy. Back in my day, I..." He didn''t finish his sentence and instead, with hands sped behind his back, walked off towards the nearby area to collect jade amulets. "In your day, you were the mighty Chen Batian!" Wang Xuan retorted, summarizing Old Chen''s unfinished thought with a hint of dissatisfaction. In the forest, Wang Xuan and Old Chen scoured the area, gathering their spoils of battle, which were plentiful. The melodious sound of a flute echoed through the woods, as figures emerged from the depths, all Transcendent beings. Leading the group were a young man and woman. The man, in his mid-twenties, donned a silver robe. His features were striking with sword-like brows and bright eyes, and a distinctive crimson lotus mark adorned his forehead, making him memorable at first nce. He was the one ying the flute, his steps light on the grass, his demeanor calm, the music emanating a tranquil, non-aggressive aura. The woman at his side was equally striking in her silver battle attire, which remained immactely clean. Her long hair fluttered in the breeze, her skin as white as snow, and her features beautifully delicate. Even her boots were spotless, as if they had never touched the earth. Her ethereal presence added to her already extraordinary beauty. "They''re trouble," Old Chen warned Wang Xuan about the pair''s identity. Hailing from Yuhua Star, the man was known as Jiang Xuan, and the woman as Mu Xue. They both had entered the Hidden Land in theter stages of the Mist realm and had broken through to the Radiant Lamp realm the next day, with their strengths continuing to grow rapidly. Clearly, they had been suppressing their true capabilities, waiting to unleash them upon entering the Hidden Land. By doing so, they aimed to umte more points by hunting down stronger opponents. "Let''s withdraw," Old Chen suggested, not keen on shing with these two, especially given the presence of several higher-level Transcendents, possibly in the Herb Picking realm, apanying them. Wang Xuan understood instantly. These young Transcendents from Yuhua Star must hold exceptional status back home, to have such protection apanying them to the Hidden Land, ensuring their safety amidst the fiercepetition. ¡°Gentlemen, please don¡¯t hurry away. We have no intention of hunting you down. We only wish for a friendly exchange, a mere sparring of sorts. I swear, no one apanying us will intervene,¡± Jiang Xuan called out. Wang Xuan and Old Chen, skeptical of his words, continued to retreat swiftly in a chosen direction. ¡°Is the old fox around?¡± Jiang Xuan quietly sent a psychic message to the woman beside him, using a subtle spiritual technique that ensured their conversation remained private. ¡°The Celestial Fox Mirror shows fluctuations, indicating a strong presence of demonic energy ahead. The old fox is indeed in that direction,¡± Mu Xue confirmed with a nod. Jiang Xuan murmured, ¡°It seems the old fox indeed holds this young man from another star in high regard. Could it be that he genuinely intends to recruit him as the guardian of the Immortal¡¯s Cave?¡± Frowning, Jiang Xuan shared his dual motives: seeking the fortunes of the Hidden Land and the desire to be the guardian of the Immortal¡¯s Cave, a position that promised ess to its profound legacies and teachings. ¡°We mustn¡¯t attack them now. Only by defeating these two in front of the old fox can we hope to be the guardians of the Immortal lineage,¡± he reasoned, gesturing to his followers to halt their pursuit, leaving only him and Mu Xue to advance and call out to Old Chen and Wang Xuan once more. Addressing the distant old fox, they projected their intentions clearly, ¡°Elder ck Fox, we aspire to be guardians of the Immortal lineage, to protect the descendants of the Immortals in the long years toe!¡± Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, who had just set off, heard this psychic transmission and looked puzzled. Finally, the old fox made an appearance, descending from the sky. ¡°You maye closer,¡± he allowed the two distinguished young individuals from Yuhua Star to approach. Turning his attention to Wang Xuan and Old Chen, the old fox sent out a psychic invitation, ¡°Would you like to join as well?¡± Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged nces, unsure about the appeal of being the guardians of the Immortal lineage. In their eyes, the secrets of Old Zhong¡¯s study held more allure than the duties of guarding the Immortal¡¯s Cave. The old fox then revealed, ¡°Bing the guardian of the Immortal lineage grants ess to a portion of the legacies within the Immortal¡¯s Cave. Additionally, if the descendants of the Immortals choose life partners, they often select from amongst the guardians.¡± Wang Xuan, upon hearing this, felt an urge to set things right. The so-called geniuses of Yuhua Star harbored unrealistic aspirations that deserved correction and guidance. ¡°Old Chen, this is unbearable. We must go there!¡± he dered, gripping his spear and moving forward. Old Chen, surprised, replied, ¡°I think I can bear it.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t!¡± Wang Xuan insisted, marching ahead. ¡°Are you going to stand by and watch two independent-minded and radiant young women fall into the hands of those unenlightened natives?¡± Old Chen corrected him, ¡°How are they unenlightened natives? Their Transcendent civilization is highly advanced, and their technological prowess seems formidable as well.¡± ¡°Whose side are you on?¡± Wang Xuan questioned. Old Chen nodded, conceding, ¡°Alright, alright. Chen, the Ancestor, will apany you. But make sure the old fox isn¡¯t leading us into a trap.¡± Wang Xuan gave him a look, noting Old Chen''s newfound confidence. He had gone from identifying as Chen of the Radiant Lamp or Chen of the Herb Picking stages to Chen, the Ancestor. ¡°Old Fox¡¯s strength is unfathomable,¡± Wang Xuan agreed. ¡°If he had any malicious intent, no one around the Immortal City would leave alive.¡± Behind the old fox, Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin tly refused to proceed to the Immortal¡¯s Cave. The old fox''s recent statements had rmed them. As modern women from a highly advanced technological civilization, they wouldn¡¯t consent to such a hasty selection of life partners. The old fox rified, ¡°Rest assured, everything is based on your own will. I only said the descendants of the Immortals are likely to choose their partners from the guardians because of simr temperaments and shared immortal essence. It''s just a trend, not a rule. You are free to leave or stay, and no one will force or interfere with your choice.¡± The little fox spirit whispered, ¡°Is it really about simr temperaments, or is it because their unique cultivation methods attract each other?¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± the old fox red at the little fox. He had long wanted to discipline his mischievous granddaughter, who couldn¡¯t help but add chaos to every situation. As Wang Xuan and Old Chen arrived, the young man and woman from Yuhua Star were already introducing themselves. ¡°The Jiang and Mu families from Yuhua Star, renowned cultivator ns, enduring for generations with Life Nourishing Realm masters as protectors,¡± the old fox remarked with a hint of awe. This revtion weighed heavily on Wang Xuan and Old Chen. The Life Nourishing Realm represented the third grand realm of existence. Were such beings still present in the world? Mu Xue, her demeanor serene and ethereal, d in snow-white attire, spoke up. ¡°Times have changed. In the past six hundred years, Yuhua Star hasn¡¯t seen the rise of a Life Nourishing master, nor has there been an Immortal in the Wanderer''s Realm. It¡¯s been three hundred years since thest attainment of Immortal Fruit.¡± The old fox sighed, a tinge of sadness in his voice. ¡°Fellow cultivators, from which life-bearing do you hail?¡± Jiang Xuan asked, his demeanor congenial, the crimson lotus mark on his forehead glistening ethereally. He turned his gaze towards Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, offering a nod in greeting. ¡°Eura,¡± Wang Xuan replied. Following Wang Xuan''s deration, another call echoed, ¡°Eura!¡± Two figures emerged from the woods¡ªa man with a bright smile and a striking posture, and a woman with silver cascading hair, a slender waist, and an ice-cold expression on her beautiful face. Both exuded an extraordinary aura, enshrouded in a faint mist, resembling transcendent beings of the immortal path. They wore the battle attire of Eura, their eyes fixed on Wang Xuan with an unfriendly demeanor. Clearly, the main parties had arrived. ¡°The descendants of Yuhua Star''s distinguished families, people from Eura¡¯s premier cultivator family?¡± The old fox studied the emblems on their uniforms, speaking softly. Then he inquired, ¡°Does your family still possess a Life Nourishing master of unparalleled stature?¡± Chapter 190: Against A Members Top Cultivation Families Chapter 190: Against A Members Top Cultivation Families In the dense forest, Ou Yun, the tall dignified young man, initially wore a smile. However, his expression turned somber upon the Old Fox''s questioning. "Five centuries ago, thest Transcendent expert of the Ou family passed away. Since then, no one of such a high caliber has emerged in our family," he revealed, a hint of sadness in his voice. Wang Xuan observed with curiosity nearby, contemting the Old Fox''s true strength. Is the Old Foxparing himself to these young talents? Can he possibly be considered an adventure into the cosmos? Beside Ou Yun stood Ou Yuxuan, whose icy demeanor contrasted sharply with her stunning beauty. "Two hundred and seventy years ago, ourst Earthly Immortal departed this world, leaving a void in Eura''s line of powerful figures," she added, her voice echoing the weight of her family''s lost glory. Old Fox nodded thoughtfully. "It seems a significant era ended around that time," he remarked, his tone reflective. Ou Yun''s expression turned bitter as he continued, "Our family no longer holds the prestigious title of Eura''s leading cultivation family. The fall of ourst Earth Immortal, followed by the cataclysmic Heavenly War, severely weakened us. We''re no longer among the top ten families." Ou Yuxuan, humbly bowing, conveyed their aspiration: "We seek opportunities to revive our family''s diminishing legacy and hope for your endorsement, elder." They were well aware of the allure of the Immortal''s Cave, with its legendary medicines and invaluable legacies. A guardianship of the cave offered more than just allegiance; it was a mutually beneficial alliance, replete with considerable advantages. Additionally, guardians stood a high chance of forming Daoist unions with the Immortal''s descendants, potentially gaining ess to the cave''s extensive resources. A derisiveugh suddenly cut through the serene forest, heralding the arrival of another formidable figure. A young man, almost two meters tall, with arms that resembled coiled dragons, exuded an air of untamed power. His eyes, glowing with a dangerous green hue, underscored his formidable presence. He was Yuan Kun from Heluo Star. His cold voice cut through the air as he challenged the ims of the Ou siblings. ¡°And why did the Ou family fade away? It¡¯s because of its ambitions. The Earth Immortal of the Ou family attempted to destroy two other major families before his demise for the sake of your family. But it ended with catastrophic consequences for all three families. It¡¯s entirely your own fault.¡± The Ou siblings began to speak up, but the Old Fox interrupted their retort, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Your reasons for seeking this role are noted, and we will consider them. The first test for bing a guardian is to assess one''s aptitude, potential, and strength, to see if you are truly capable of protecting the descendants of the Immortal." Wang Xuan, unfazed by Yuan Kun''s aggression, dered his agreement to join the Old Fox, with a condition. "I''ll ept the role of guardian for the Immortal''s lineage, but only after participating in the grand battle of Earth Immortal City and exploring the opportunities in the Hidden Land." Yuan Kun''s disdain for Wang Xuan was palpable. "An outsider like you doesn''t deserve to be a guardian. I could crush you with ease!" His body, empowered by potent protective arts, glowed with a fierce light, crushing the nearby foliage under its intensity. Wang Xuan, unmoved by the wild provocations, countered calmly. "The descendants of the Immortal, who share my origin, are not ''outsiders'' like you im. They possess the Immortal''s blood, iparable to anyone." Jiang Xuan of Yuhua Star, his demeanor deceptively gentle, issued his own challenge. "I aim to be a guardian of the Immortal''s lineage and challenge you, Wang Xuan. If youck the courage to fight, you should return to your world and not set foot here again." The Ou siblings, their eyes cold, silently regarded Wang Xuan as a target, their intention to eliminate him unmistakable. Wang Xuan looked towards the Old Fox, awaiting its decision amidst the palpable tension. "The role of a guardian requires the bravery to confront any danger without backing down," the Old Fox stated, setting the stage for what was toe. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, eager to intervene, were silenced by a wave of the Old Fox''s hand. He interfered with the psychic transmissions from the Transcendents, rendering theirmunications unintelligible to the two women. In the thick of this confrontation, Wang Xuan feltpelled to act, unwilling to let these challengers assume the role of guardians, which could jeopardize Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin''s safety. He pointedly addressed Old Chen, "Take on that giant, Yuan Kun!" But the Old Fox interjected, "No, his age disqualifies him from this contest." Frustrated but resigned, Old Chen gestured helplessly back at Wang Xuan, indicating his inability to participate. Wang Xuan, seeking fairness, appealed to the Old Fox, "Elder, they are all advanced to the Radiant Lamp stage, beyond my own level. How can this be a fair contest?" Ou Yun of Eura sneered, dismissing Wang Xuan''s concern. "In a life-and-death battle, who cares about stages? If you feel inadequate, better to withdraw and train more." Yuan Kun''s towering figure loomed, his wordsced with contempt, "Are you going to fight or not, outsider? If you''re too scared, better to disappear back to your and never return to the Hidden Land." Despite recognizing their tant provocation, Wang Xuan bristled at the disrespect. "Old Chen, since you can''t engage, how about some verbal backup?" Receiving no support from Old Chen, Wang Xuan turned his attention back to Jiang Xuan, who was calmly inquiring about his readiness to fight. Mu Xue, in her immacte white attire, also joined the taunting. "If you''re too afraid, you might as well go home." Wang Xuan, now provoked intoughter, retorted to Mu Xue, "For someone as pure and ethereal as you, joining in this mockery is unexpected. I assure you, you''ll regret it soon." Mu Xue''s disdainful scoff indicated her skepticism of Wang Xuan''s threat. Ou Yuxuan, with her demeanor as cold as ice, issued a stark ultimatum, "Either step forward as prey to be hunted, or scurry back to your in disgrace." Wang Xuan, with a derisive snort, retorted, "Fine, I''ll indulge this challenge. Despite your ethereal and frosty airs, you all seem keen to target me. So, let''s sh, but be warned ¨C I''ll have you all crying and bleeding soon enough." The Old Fox intervened,ying down a critical rule, "Let me be clear ¨C no fatalities are allowed. Should you bear any grudges, you may resolve them once I depart." Addressing the towering Yuan Kun, Wang Xuan dered coolly, "You''re first, big gori!" Despite the disparity in their realms, he was ready for the confrontation. Yuan Kun''s expression turned frosty as he vanished, only to reappear instantaneously before Wang Xuan, his body gleaming with a blinding silver light. Forsaking his earlier boast of needing only one hand, heunched a full-blown assault with both his luminous hands and feet. Unflinching, Wang Xuan met the attack head-on. After mastering the most potent scriptures, he was eager for a true test of his physical prowess, something the earlier quick skirmishes with Transcendents hadn''t satisfied. Their collision thundered through the air, an ear-splitting, blinding sh of brute force. The two engaged in a fierce melee, each blow carrying the weight and ferocity of their full strength. The two-meter-tall Yuan Kun was in disbelief. Despite his superior cultivation and the first level of the Indestructible Body technique that enshrouded him in a protective silver glow and turned his flesh harder than refined metal, he was bleeding. The notion that his hands, trained in a rare, powerful technique from a grand sect, could be injured was inconceivable. "Your brutish bluster betrays a fragile core, it seems! Come on, let''s see what else you''ve got!" Wang Xuan taunted, mocking Yuan Kun''s apparent weakness. With a resonant hum, Yuan Kun, standing over two meters tall, retreated a few steps. His aura intensified, generating a second and then a thirdyer of silvery radiance around him. Leaving a blurred afterimage in his wake, he surged forward again, his speed breaking the sound barrier, causing the vegetation around him to explode into smithereens. Wrapped in a whirlwind of white energy, the ground beneath him shattered under his immense strength. Resembling a mythical silver ape, his fists bombarded the air, each punch releasing a terrifying force. Wang Xuan stood his ground, his palms shimmering like des, cutting through the air to meet the oing fists. Their sh was more intense than before, with Yuan Kun''s silver aura boiling furiously, assaulting Wang Xuan relentlessly, rousing his blood to a boiling frenzy. Yet, Yuan Kun, despite his higher realm, couldn''t suppress Wang Xuan, who was now visibly irked. "Fighting toe-to-toe with me, Wang Xuan, for so many moves - you''ll boast of this for a lifetime back on Heluo Star," Wang Xuan dered, taunting him further. Enraged, Yuan Kun saw this as a tant insult, a mockery of his earlier bravado. In response, he invoked a forbidden technique, forcibly expanding a fourthyer of his silvery aura. Determined to not be haunted by this duel, he was willing to pay the physical toll, confident in his ability to recover with potent medicines. However, he underestimated the strain of the forbidden technique. As the fourthyer of light enveloped him, his body began to show fine cracks, signaling the onset of his physical limits. Wang Xuan, with his secret energy swirling around him, unleashed a flurry of palm strikes, each blow resonating with explosive force. The surrounding trees burst apart, the air around them crackling with raw power, the scene enveloped in a blinding white light. With a muffled sound, Yuan Kun was overwhelmed, letting out a furious roar as his chest caved in under Wang Xuan''s powerful strike. Bones shattered, blood spurted from his mouth and nose, and he was sent flying over twenty meters, crashing through six or sevenrge trees before copsing to the ground. "Is that all?" Wang Xuan nced dismissively at the fallen Yuan Kun, whose raging re intensified as he coughed up three more mouthfuls of blood. If it weren''t for the Old Fox''s stern warning against causing fatalities, Wang Xuan would have delivered another punishing blow. "Who''s next?" he asked, turning to the others. Mu Xue stepped forward, her presence serene and ethereal, her clothing and footwear immactely clean, exuding an air of transcendence. "You, with such a delicate demeanor, will end up wailing and weeping, a bloody mess on the ground. Better start crying and admit defeat now!" Wang Xuan remarked with a nce at her, his tone both confident and provoking. Chapter 191: Bullying The Geniuses Chapter 191: Bullying The Geniuses Mu Xue''s face darkened immediately. Revered as a celestial maiden on Yuhua Star, she was reduced to a weeping damsel in the eyes of this alien? "What''s your name?" she asked sharply. "Wang Xuan," he replied withposure. "Remember it well. This name is destined to resonate through the deep cosmos, known in every realm where life exists." "Arrogant!" Mu Xue couldn''t tolerate his audacity. Who was this man, so full of himself, aspiring to be a revered figure across the stars? "Presumptuous!" echoed the others, their expressions turning sour. Yuan Kun, still struggling with his injuries, managed to swallow a healing pill, desperately trying to stabilize his condition. He couldn''t afford to remain vulnerable, especially with the talents from other worlds possibly targeting him. "Hold on a moment," Wang Xuan said to Mu Xue, then turned and strode towards Yuan Kun. "What do you want?" Yuan Kun asked warily, his face grim. He didn''t believe Wang Xuan would dare defy the Old Fox''s warning and kill him. "I''m here for my spoils of victory. You owe me a pill you just swallowed. Hand over your jade token," Wang Xuan dered, proceeding to im his prize. Shivering with rage, Yuan Kun felt powerless to resist. Even at his peak, he doubted he could stop Wang Xuan. "Elder, isn''t he going too far?" Yuan Kun appealed to the Old Fox. "Take the token, but no more," the Old Fox instructed. "No, please! I''llpensate you with ten more tokens," Yuan Kun pleaded urgently. The tokens, engraved with their names in demonic script by the White Peacock itself, were essential to each contestant. Losing it meant the end of their participation in the contest. "Your ten jade tokens have always belonged to me," Wang Xuan dered unapologetically as he proceeded to search Yuan Kun. "Those tokens are kept in Earth Immortal City," Yuan Kun informed him, rifying that besides his personal token, which was required to be on him at all times, the rest of his spoils were stored elsewhere. "Send someone to fetch them. I''ll wait, or I''ll confiscate your token. Ten isn¡¯t enough; I demand at least twenty!" Wang Xuan asserted, snatching Yuan Kun''s personal token without hesitation. Yuan Kun was seething with anger and regret. He had practically been robbed! But if he refused, it would mean his immediate disqualification from the Earth Immortal City''s rewards and opportunities. "Everyone pays the price for their actions," Wang Xuan remarked casually, patting Yuan Kun''s shoulder. Yuan Kun''s eyes red with rage, regretting his earlier provocations. In reality, even without his taunts, Wang Xuan would have relieved him of his tokens. With a face ashen with defeat, Yuan Kun gestured to one of his followers, instructing them to retrieve the tokens from the Earth Immortal City. Nearby, Old Chen watched enviously. Twenty jade tokens were about to be in Wang Xuan''s possession! He turned to the Old Fox, dering, "Elder, I feel young and vigorous, like the rising morning sun!" The Old Fox ignored him, unimpressed. The little fox spirit couldn''t help but taunt, "You look older than my grandfather." Old Chen suppressed the urge to retort. He wanted to boast about his rejuvenation from the Celestial Spring, but he held back. "My grandfather looks just over twenty," the little fox added cheekily. Old Chen fell silent, convinced that both the fox spirits were nothing but trouble. Meanwhile, the battle between Mu Xue and Wang Xuanmenced. Mu Xue kept her distance, clearly avoiding a close-quarters fight. She unleashed a series of thunderous palm strikes and suddenly summoned a flying sword, swift as lightning, aiming directly for Wang Xuan''s throat in a blink of an eye. Even as a sword cultivator, it was exceptional for one to wield a flying sword in the early stages of transcendence. Mu Xue¡¯s ability to do so suggested either extraordinary spiritual strength or the aid of a unique treasure. Old Chen''s expression changed, concerned that Wang Xuan might not evade in time. Sword cultivators were renowned for their formidable attack power. Wang Xuan, reacting with incredible speed, dodged the sword. Yet, it pursued relentlessly, aiming for his neck. Raising his hand, he deployed the first true form of his strongest scripture, striking the sword''s side. With a resonant ng, the sword''s luminous glow dimmed instantly. The crowd gasped in shock. The force of Wang Xuan''s strike was so immense that it shattered the runes on the sword. With a second strike, the flying sword exploded into shimmering shards, scattering in all directions. Suddenly, Wang Xuan felt a chilling sensation at the back of his neck. Mu Xue had stealthilyunched a second sword, striking without warning. He swiftly sidestepped, narrowly avoiding a direct hit. The sword grazed his neck, sparking as it struck his resilient skin. Wang Xuan touched his neck, wincing at the pain. The de had pressed into his flesh, leaving a vivid mark, but it failed to prate his defenses. Realizing that even the powerful attacks of a sword cultivator couldn''t prate his flesh, Wang Xuan reassessed the strength of his defensive capabilities granted by the strongest scripture. His defense was augmented by auxiliary texts like the Six Feet Golden Body and the Nine Tribtions Mysterious Body, derived from the mystical true form diagrams on the stone tablet. With a resonant ng, Wang Xuan effortlessly caught the flying sword in his bare hands, intending to keep it as a trophy. However, the sword vibrated violently, cutting into his palm and leaving deep, reddened marks. Gritting his teeth, Wang Xuan snapped the sword in two. He then moved with lightning speed towards Mu Xue, who retreated hastily. Confronted with such an unyielding opponent, she realized the gravity of her situation. Despite her swift retreat, Wang Xuan caught up. He swung a palm towards her, but she evaded andunched a psychic attack, which proved futile against Wang Xuan''s defenses. Capturing her arm, Wang Xuannded two solid punches, causing excruciating pain and breaking her ribs. His hand then connected with her face in a firm p. The Old Fox intervened, his powerful magic causing the air itself to ripple, halting thebat. "Enough, she concedes defeat," Jiang Xuan also called out, urging Wang Xuan to stop. Mu Xue, the ethereal sword cultivator, nowy in disarray. Her once pristine white robes were stained and torn, her face streaked with involuntary tears brought on by the pain. Wang Xuan, somewhat satisfied, helped her to her feet, remarking, "See, I told you you''d end up crying." Mu Xue, still wiping her tears, was infuriated. If only her swords could cut through this man! "Does it hurt that much? Stop crying," Wang Xuan consoled her, then added, "Give me your jade tokens." Jiang Xuan quickly intervened, "I''ll have someone bring twenty jade tokens to you." "Thirty," Wang Xuan countered, shaking his head. "Why thirty?" Mu Xue asked between sobs, her frustration evident. "You both count as two, so there should be more tokens," Wang Xuan reasoned as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Jiang Xuan, incredulous, said, "I haven''t even fought. Why include me?" "Exactly," Wang Xuan replied. "If you fought, I''d collect twenty from her and then twenty from you. But since you won''t fight, let''s just settle for thirty from both. She cried, after all. It''s a discount." Jiang Xuan was exasperated, turning to the Old Fox for support. "If you can''t solve it, fight. Isn''t that what you all wanted?" the Old Foxmented indifferently. "Fine, thirty it is," Jiang Xuan conceded, knowing he wouldn''t fare better than Mu Xue in a fight. Old Chen approached Wang Xuan, whispering a warning. "You''re collecting tokens now, but if they call for higher-level assistance, we''re in for a chase." Wang Xuan responded, "They were after us anyway. If I don''t take the tokens, they''d still hunt us. Let''s collect while we can." He then turned his attention to the Ou siblings. "We''re not fighting. We''ll give you twenty tokens," Ou Yun quickly offered. "No," Wang Xuan refused. "I want to see the strength of the once top cultivation family''s secret techniques." Ou Yuyan didn''t hesitate and immediately attacked from a distance, using her psychic abilities to create a foggy illusion,unching several psychic spears directly at Wang Xuan''s mind! The next moment, Ou Yuxuan was stunned. Wang Xuan''s psychic force was vibrant with colors, apanied by a floating ind that materialized in the psychic realm. "Overturning Seal!" Wang Xuan thundered. The floating ind merged with his psychic power, crashing down in a formidable disy. Not only were the young talents from the three Transcendents shocked, but even the Old Fox looked moved. Exhibiting such marvels at the early stage of transcendence, connecting with a fragment of the psychic world, was indeed a rarity noted in historical records. "Show mercy!" the Old Fox interjected again. Ou Yun reacted instantly, rushing to aid his sister. The sh of psychic forces was dangerous, and he feared for Ou Yuxuan''s mental integrity. As Wang Xuan unleashed the ind, it resembled a massive seal descending, nearly shattering the siblings'' psychic defenses. They staggered back, dazed and disoriented, unable to recover immediately. Wang Xuan approached and struck each of them on the nose with a punch, instantly overwhelming their senses and causing tears and mucus to flow uncontrobly. The onlookers were speechless at his tactics, seemingly enjoying making them cry. After regaining their senses, Ou Yun and Ou Yuxuan were both furious and humiliated, quickly wiping away their tears. "Since both of you cried, I''ll just take thirty jade tokens," Wang Xuan dered. Meanwhile, Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, although unable to understand the conversations due to the Old Fox''s intervention, witnessed the entire scene. Seeing Wang Xuan dominate the battle and suppress his opponents, they rxed and showed expressions of joy. "Are these really the prodigies from the three Transcendents? It doesn''t seem like it," Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin whispered among themselves. The scene before them was indeed bizarre. Five talents from renowned cultivation families were in disarray ¨C three were wiping away tears, and one, Yuan Kun, was coughing up blood. Determined to keep this humiliating defeat a secret, the five prodigies resolved to seal any leaks about the battle. Old Fox sighed, "Despite not being from higher Transcendents, your families once had Earthly Immortals and even mighty Life Extenders. You must strive harder. It''s somewhat shameful to be bested by a wandering cultivator from a where transcendence energy has waned." Thement left the five talents crestfallen, with little desire to respond. Soon, a collection of jade tokens was delivered. Old Chen''s eyes widened in disbelief, his heart trembling at the sight. Wang Xuan''s haul of tokens seemed to surpass even that of Old Zhong. Wang Xuan exhaled deeply, "Don''t be envious. We should prepare for what''sing. We''ll be facing a storm soon. If we survive this and break through, we''ll have a chance. Otherwise, there''s no way out." Chapter 192: Walking The Path Of The Buddha Chapter 192: Walking The Path Of The Buddha The five talents from the Transcendents were left in a state of disbelief and humiliation. Three of them were in tears, one coughing blood, and thest deep in contemtion, questioning their life choices. It was a nightmarish conclusion they would rather forget for the rest of their lives. Their once esteemed titles as celestial beings and prodigies now seemed to have been dragged through the mud. Old Fox, having witnessed enough, waved his sleeve gracefully, devoid of any worldly trappings. He began to lead the two women, Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, along with the little fox spirit, on their way. Yuan Kun, wiping blood from his mouth, cast a cold nce backward. Hidden within the woods were elite cultivators of the Medicinal Harvest level, lying in wait for their moment to strike. Even Mu Xue, who earlier possessed an ethereal aura, was now pitifully holding her nose and wiping away tears, signaling to her n''s experts to follow. Wang Xuan and Old Chen quickly followed Old Fox. As they moved, Old Fox gestured for them to stop. "Go back now, no need to see us off any further," he said. Wang Xuan, feigning reluctance, replied, "They say to see off a friend for a thousand miles ends in inevitable parting, yet we''ve only covered three miles. Let us apany you a bit further." Wu Yin nced over, perhaps interpreting Wang Xuan''s reluctance as an attachment to her and Zhao Qinghan. Unaware of the lurking danger behind them, she didn''t sense the imminent threat until she noticed the little fox spirit''s alert gaze towards the dense woods. Her expression shifted instantly, realizing something was amiss. Zhao Qinghan frowned, her fair and radiant face showing concern. "Elder, please take them along," she implored. With that, Old Fox soared into the air, shrouded in a mist of rosy clouds, taking the two women, the little fox spirit, and Grandmaster Ma with him. They disappeared beyond the mountains in the blink of an eye. Left in the open and vulnerable terrain, Wang Xuan and Old Chen felt a surge of frustration. They would have appreciated a heads-up from Old Fox about his abrupt departure. Suddenly, shouts rang out from behind. "Attack! Don¡¯t let them escape!" The hidden assants couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. Yuan Kun was followed by a dozen men. Nearly twenty people trailed behind Mu Xue and Jiang Xuan, and over fifteen followed the Ou siblings. The stage was set for a desperate struggle as the ambushers closed in on Wang Xuan and Old Chen. In their midst, each group was apanied by more than one Medicinal Harvest-level expert. As dozens of Transcendent beings charged forward, the surrounding woods shattered under their formidable presence, resembling a bursting dam. Their advance was unstoppable, tearing through the terrain with overwhelming might. The ground crumbled beneath their steps, each stride covering tens of meters. The force of their movements was so immense that it left thend more ravaged than a stampede of mammoths. A Medicinal Harvest-level expert''s palm glowed ominously,unching a massive bolt of lightning towards Old Chen. It was like the onset of a thunderstorm, with fog mingling with electric shes, creating a terrifying spectacle. Old Chen dodged swiftly, fleeing alongside Wang Xuan. The spot where the lightning struck exploded, shattering rocks and incinerating vegetation, leaving a vast crater in its wake. Wang Xuan and Old Chen ran in silence, knowing that if they were caught, death was certain. There would be no mercy. Their pursuers were silent and deadly, focused solely on their quarry. To them, Wang Xuan and Old Chen were prey marked for death. Suddenly, a Medicinal Harvest apex expert exhaled, unleashing a three-inch-long flying sword from his mouth. Thin as a cicada''s wing and enveloped in a ze of fire, the sword hurled towards them. The ground in its path melted into magma, illustrating the fearsome power of the Li Fire Sword Light. The expert had the capability to ascend to a higher realm but chose to restrain himself to adhere to the rules of the Hidden Land, limiting his power to the Medicinal Harvest level. As Wang Xuan and Old Chen raced for their lives, the relentless chase continued, with their assants'' lethal intent unwavering. The situation was dire, and every second mattered in this deadly pursuit. ¡°Jump!¡± Wang Xuan and Old Chen, standing atop a mountain peak, braced themselves and leaped down. Remaining on the summit meant certain death under the Li Fire Flying Sword''s assault, and the Medicinal Harvest peak expert was closing in fast. Crashing through trees on their descent, they managed to slow their fall, yet stillnded with brutal force, leaving their mouths filled with blood. The fall was severe, but fortunately, their bones remained intact, thanks to their practice of the strongest scriptures and the Six Feet Golden Body technique. Any other person would have likely been killed by such a fall, even with the trees'' cushioning. Upon standing up, the pair immediately continued their escape. The pursuers at the top of the mountain hesitated to follow such a reckless plunge, marveling at the two''s desperate bravery. ¡°Can Old Chen still run?¡± Wang Xuan asked, checking on hispanion. ¡°I can manage a few hundred miles, but we''re likely to be caught by Medicinal Harvest-level experts. Our tracks are too obvious; they¡¯ll catch up sooner orter,¡± Old Chen replied, his voice tense with urgency. They considered their options: diving into argeke or a river might help erase their tracks and dy their pursuers. However, their escape was soonpromised. The Li Fire Sword, thin as a cicada''s wing, descended rapidly from the sky, its zing trail illuminating the surroundings. Old Chen tried to block it with his long sword, only for the de to shatter upon impact. Wang Xuan, wielding his sun-gold infused spear, managed to strike the flying sword. The collision sent a jarring vibration through his weapon, wounding his hand, yet the spear held firm against the sword''s lethal edge. Shocked by the strength of the Medicinal Harvest-level expert''s strike, Wang Xuan realized even his formidable physique had limitations. His hands were bloodied from the impact, staining the spear, but he had sessfully shielded Old Chen from a fatal blow. "Old Chen, take this. Use it to block; treat it like a broadsword!" Wang Xuan handed his spear to Old Chen, adapting to their dire situation. The Medicinal Harvest-level expert, momentarily taken aback by the resistance, paused his assault and retracted his weapon, only to find it slightly damaged. The sight caused him considerable distress. Wang Xuan, having countered with all his might, injured his hands but also impacted the expert¡¯s spirit and vitality, disrupting his blood energy. "I''ll kill you first!" the expert dered with a chilling gaze, once again propelling his Li Fire Sword. The surroundingndscape turned crimson as the searing mes descended, causing Wang Xuan and Old Chen to grimace in pain. Had it not been for the strongest scriptures and the Six Feet Golden Body, they would have been incinerated. Seizing an opportunity, Wang Xuan, now wielding a short sword, struck the translucent flying sword with force, snapping it in two with a crisp sound. "No!" the pursuing Medicinal Harvest-level expert cried out in agony as his spiritual energy, bound to the sword, was shattered along with it. The loss of a top-tier flying sword was a crushing blow to him. Boom! Meanwhile, Old Chen swung the spear-turned-sword in his hands, deflecting a silently approaching silver dagger. The duo resumed their desperate escape, with a group of Medicinal Harvest-level experts leading the relentless chase. Multiple times, Wang Xuan and Old Chen had to leap off cliffs and mountaintops to evade their pursuers. Their escape came at a great cost; they sustained numerous injuries, and even their formidable protective techniques were nearing their limits. Upon sighting arge river, both felt an overwhelming sense of relief, realizing they had narrowly escaped death once again. However, even with the river in sight, their chances of survival were slim, knowing their pursuers would follow them into the water. Old Chen suddenly halted, recalling a crucial detail. "This is the habitat of a group of Transcendent Silver Crocodiles! Rushing in there is suicide." He remembered that the area was home to several formidable creatures, including Medicinal Harvest-level elder crocodiles. Wang Xuan, undeterred, suggested a daring n. "Do you know how I survived a hopeless situationst time? I let myself be swallowed by a snake. I think when the elder crocodile opens its jaws, we can pretend to slip and fall into its mouth. We might just survive inside its belly." Old Chen, incredulous at the proposal, retorted, "Are you even speaking humannguage? What kind of n is that?" "Trust me, that''s exactly how I survivedst time," Wang Xuan exined to Old Chen. "Think about the Buddha; he had a simr experience. Why do you think the peacock is called the Mother of Buddha? That''s because Buddha emerged from its body. You practice the Six Feet Golden Body, the same technique as the Buddha. Now you''re following in his footsteps. Maybe this is your chance for a breakthrough, to gain enlightenment inside the belly of a beast." Old Chen, speechless at the bizarre proposal, continued to sprint forward. He reckoned that his golden body could indeed survive inside a crocodile''s stomach for an extended period. "Most of these Silver Crocodiles are in the Mist or Lamp Lighting stages; I don''t see any Medicinal Harvest-level beasts. What if we hide in their bellies and the Superhumans on our tail decide not to dive into the water and end up killing these crocodiles on the shore? Wouldn''t that be both embarrassing and tragic for us?" Old Chen reconsidered their n, noticing several silver crocodiles baskingzily in the sun, their strengths not as formidable as he feared. "We''ll jump into the water ourselves and escape along the riverbed," Wang Xuan decided, altering their n. Suddenly, a gust of wind roared through the sky, heralding the arrival of a colossal golden bird, its wingspan stretching over twenty meters, diving toward the crocodiles on the riverbank. "Go, Old Chen! This is your moment of enlightenment, to follow in Buddha''s footsteps and advance to the Medicinal Harvest realm. Soon you''ll be strong enough to confront those high-level Superhumans!" Wang Xuan urged Old Chen to rush forward, fearlessly choosing to stand with the silver crocodiles. The golden bird, with terrifyingly sharp ws and a huge, hook-shaped beak, struck fear into the hearts of onlookers. It was a powerful and formidable creature, possibly in thete Earthly Immortal or early Medicinal Harvest stage. It aimed its talons at a Lamp Lighting stage crocodile, a surprise attack from the sky. Wang Xuan and Old Chen intervened desperately, protecting the silver crocodile and sessfully provoking the giant bird. As its huge talons came crashing down, they dodged its sharp ws and daringly leaped into its open beak, charging headfirst into its stomach without a second thought. The gigantic bird, measuring over twenty meters in length, seemed momentarily baffled by its unusual prey. Never before had it encountered prey that willingly leaped into its mouth. No longer enraged, the bird, before leaving, stuck to its original n, scooping up a Mist Stage silver crocodile and ascending into the sky. "Where did they go? How did they disappear?" The pursuers were stunned. "They got eaten by that monstrous bird!" one eximed in astonishment. "No, I clearly saw them jumping into the bird''s mouth on their own," another corrected. A brief exchange ensued among the group, followed by an attack on the ascending bird. A silver knife, transformed into a long ribbon, was hurled skyward. The golden bird screeched in pain as it was struck by the silver de, causing a deep wound. While the injury was severe, it wasn''t fatal given the bird''s massive size. Bleeding profusely, it released the silver crocodile and soared higher, eventually vanishing into the horizon. "Are those two still alive or dead?" someone wondered aloud. Normally, prey caught by such a powerful creature wouldn''t survive. Yet, it appeared the two men had deliberately jumped into the bird''s beak. "Contact the enforcers to investigate the origins of that bird. We need to find its nest. We must finish off those two if they''re still alive. I suspect they might be using this to escape," someone suggested, plotting their next move. ¡­¡­ "Old Chen, have you attained enlightenment yet?" "What enlightenment? It stinks in here!" Old Chenined as the two conversed inside the bird''s stomach, surrounded by viscous fluids and partially digested remains. The golden bird, also a transcendent being, could hear the conversation from within its belly, causing it to seethe with anger. These were stowaways! Attempting to expel them, the bird started to retch, aiming to drop them from the sky. "Old bird, stop thrashing about! If you don''t settle down, we''ll have to stab you with this spear!" Old Chen brandished the spear, jabbing the bird''s insides. "Let''s make a deal. Drop us off somewhere safe, and we''ll happily go our separate ways, never to cross paths again. How does that sound?" Despite the bird''s fury, it couldn''t digest the two with their formidable physical defenses, and its mental attacks were ineffective. After a painful struggle and internal bleeding, the bird relented. Itnded near a marsh and reluctantly regurgitated the two men. As it prepared to attack, they collectively unleashed a powerful psychic force, deterring the bird, which, engulfed in rage, swiftly flew away. "Old Chen, let''s find a Bodhi tree and start a retreat. Once we break through our current realm, we must avenge this ordeal." Old Chen, picking half a digested Transcendent Purple Mouse''s head from his hair and shaking off blood and rotten flesh from his shoulder, sighed deeply. "To know a Buddha''s suffering without being a Buddha... I''m now following his path, retreating under a Bodhi tree!" Chapter 193: Drenching The Hidden Land In Blood Chapter 193: Drenching The Hidden Land In Blood As the sun set, the marsnd became enveloped in darkness and eeriness, devoid of prowling beasts or monsters. The odd trees stretched their limbs, sparse in leaves but bristling with dense buds. Wang Xuan and Chen, having consumed plenty of Earthly Immortal Spring, had nearly healed from the various internal injuries caused by their earlier mountain dives. They were resolved to breakthrough and then return to the vicinity of Earth Immortal City for retribution. "Once we eliminate them, the number of jade tokens I collect won¡¯t be fewer than Old Zhong''s. Just thinking about that old man enjoying his days makes me jealous," Chenmented. Old Zhong was probably rxing in Earth Immortal City, watching the outside world''s turmoil while leisurely sipping wine. "We need to find a way back to New Star after getting the fortune of Earth Immortal City. We can''t stay here long," Wang Xuan suggested. Chen agreed, noting the dangers of the Hidden Land. The united forces of the three transcendent star realms, thewless enforcers, and the unpredictable threats deep in the Hidden Land could easily devour their lives. Night fell, and the stars twinkled in the dark sky above the gloomy marsh. Suddenly, they noticed a faint halo of light in the depths of the marsh. Approaching the light source, they were astonished to find a towering tree, about thirty meters tall, bathed in a soft glow amidst the night, emitting a fresh and fragrant scent. It was a surprising find, especially after their earlier conversation about Buddha''s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. "Chen, your opportunity for enlightenment hase. Just shave your head, and you can perfectly replicate the path of the ancient sages," Wang Xuan joked. The tree¡¯s rough bark wasced with a crystalline light. Its buds bloomed into fragrant flowers, filling the air with their scent. A gentle breeze carried luminous orbs like candle mes, scattering them in all directions and towards them. ¡°Dandelions?¡± Wang Xuan expressed his astonishment. As therge tree blossomed, the sky was filled with what appeared to be snow-white ''little umbres,'' each radiating a peaceful aura, drifting closer to them. Wang Xuan caught one in his hand, only to experience a shocking transformation. The three-inch-tall white umbre, upon touching his skin, abruptly began to sprout roots, burrowing aggressively into his flesh. Its roots, tougher than iron wire and sharp as des, threatened to pierce through his skin. ¡°Chen, there¡¯s something wrong with these!¡± Wang Xuan urgently warned, his expression grave. On his palm, the umbre nearly prated his skin. Activating his body''s secret power, he radiated a blinding light, embodying a celestial Buddha''s dignified aura. He then conjured a me in his palm, incinerating the umbre into a puff of strange energy that dissipated into the air. Chen was already afflicted, with one of the umbres rooted in his arm, drawing blood. Fortunately, his practice of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, a secret Buddhist technique, helped him. Golden light flowed, shattering the roots of the umbre, followed by a burst of fire that refined it. They were certain: without protective divine techniques, anyone would be defenseless against these umbres'' lethal attack. For many transcendents, this ce was a forbidden zone. ¡°We were nearly killed by a bird!¡± They quickly retreated, distancing themselves from the bizarre tree. Soon, they realized something was amiss. The surrounding trees began to glow, their trunks and branches sparkling, and their tiny buds swelling rapidly, mimicking the earlier tree. Their faces fell, realizing that even the trees had a second form, capable of transforming and ensnaring any life that ventured near. ¡°Run!¡± They exerted every bit of their power, pushing their secret forces to the limit, fleeing towards the outskirts of the marsnd. They never anticipated that a bird could nearly be their undoing. Along their escape route, clusters of glowing white umbres floated in the air, actively seeking out living beings and relentlessly flying towards them. Momentster, the entire marsnd lit up brilliantly as more trees blossomed, covering them in a thickyer of these menacing umbres,pletely engulfing their figures. Surrounded by mes and thunderous echoes, they exerted their secret powers to rid their bodies of the tiny umbres. Despite sealing all their pores, they still felt as though countless des were piercing into them. After half an hour, they finally escaped the swamp, expending great effort topletely eliminate the umbres attached to them. Shaken by the experience, Wang Xuan and Chen realized just how bizarre and dangerous the creatures of this hiddennd were, with life-threatening dangers lurking everywhere. They hastened away, leaving no trace behind. Given the treacherous nature of the golden bird, they couldn''t risk it betraying them. Powerful transcendent beings couldmunicate across species, after all. As they climbed arge mountain and looked back, their hearts raced at the sight of a gold-colored bird apanied by a ck-winged raven at the edge of the swamp. ¡°Enforcers!¡± Chen recognized the raven, having encountered it more than once. Several figures jumped off the raven''s back ¨C all cultivators at the Gathering Herbs and Commanding Earth realms, familiar figures who had previously pursued them. Then, a massive owl arrived, with figures including Jiang Xuan, Yuan Kun, and Mu Xue jumping down from it. ¡°Another enforcer!¡± Chen¡¯s expression darkened. People from the three transcendents had colluded with the enforcers, locating the swamp through them. Clearly, these pursuers had utilized the enforcers'' connections to find the golden bird, guiding them to the swamp. ¡°ying both judge and executioner. Once we break through, we must settle the score with these enforcers, even if it means ughtering a few of them,¡± Wang Xuan dered, gazing into the distance. This wasn¡¯t the first time; from the ck Horned Beasts to the Mastiff Dogs, and now the appearance of giant ravens, the situation around Earth Immortal City was immenselyplicated. Chen, his face grim, suggested, ¡°We should split up and escape. Their use of these fierce birds isn¡¯t the worst scenario yet. If they start enlisting creatures like the Mastiff Dogs to track us by scent, we won¡¯t stand a chance. We need to break through as soon as possible.¡± "Can you manage without me, your guardian, by your side?" Wang Xuan nced at Chen. Chen replied, "Focus on yourself. With my understanding of the Burning Lamp realm deepening, I feel my secret powers have reached a limit, greatly enhancing mybat strength. I can now confront cultivators at the Commanding Earth realm, and once I break through, I''ll have no fear of those at the Gathering Herbs level." "I believe if I exert my full strength,bining my spiritual wonders with my physical body, I can also confront most cultivators at the Commanding Earth level," Wang Xuan estimated his ownbat abilities. The talents he had defeated at the Burning Lamp level had not posed much of a challenge. Chen''s expression darkened, not wanting to engage further in conversation, wondering if the title of the foremost person of the ancientnd was about to change hands. Eventually, Chen shared, "I''ve repeatedly used my spiritual secret powers and glimpsed a corner of a vague spiritual world. I believe that in this grand realm of the human world, I will eventually capture some of these ''wonders.''" The two prepared to part ways, distributing their resources to avoid being caught together. Wang Xuan handed over a substantial amount of Celestial Spring water to Chen, who filled his gourds with it. Wang Xuan also gave him a Celestial Spring crystal, stressing its life-saving value and immense worth. "I''ll also split the jade tokens with you," Wang Xuan decided, not wanting to benefit their enemies in case he was captured. With his long spear in hand, Chen quickly departed. Wang Xuan chose a different direction, disappearing into the dense forest without leaving a trace, like a ghost. They each sought their own way to survive, looking for safe ces to cultivate in seclusion. In the early morning, Wang Xuan, amidst a dense forest and facing the rising sun, slowly executed the second true form diagram, immersing his mind entirely in the transcendent scripture, aiming to master itpletely. As he stretched his body, the second diagram approached perfection, especially since he had already mastered the parts involving the internal organs in thend of the dead. The remaining sections were less perilous. Soon, feeling something amiss, he cautiously ceased his cultivation and swiftly left the area. He crossed rivers andkes multiple times, erasing his tracks and scent, continually changing locations for safety. At noon, Wang Xuan coughed up blood, quickly consuming the Celestial Spring to adjust his condition. Fortunately, it was nothing serious. He then changed his location once more. In the evening, amidst the setting sun, his body glowed radiantly. His entire body resonated, organs humming in unison. Mysterious sceneries from various parts of his body emerged, interweaving on his skin before retracting back into these wonders. The next day, by argeke under the morning glow, Wang Xuan''s body trembled lightly as he bathed in the dawn light. Strange and wonderful scenes materialized around him, revolving and fluctuating with his physical form. His strength had significantly increased, advancing from a special juncture between the mid andte phases of the Misty realm directly to the peak of this level. He was close to mastering the second true form diagram, which would propel him into the realm of the Burning Lamp. Approaching noon, he sat quietly under a waterfall, silently contemting the final chapter of the second true form diagram. In these two days, he had changed his location countless times, always vignt of the keen-nosed spirit beasts, fearing the monster enforcers would track him down. In the afternoon, as dark clouds gathered and the sky turned gloomy, Wang Xuan stood up and looked at the sky, murmuring, "Let it rain and erase all the traces I''ve left on the road." From a distance, disturbances arose, causing Wang Xuan''s pupils to contract. He realized something was amiss; he had been found despite the widespread search by his enemies. Determined to kill him, they had mobilized a significant force and were relentless in their pursuit. An old wolf stood majestically on a hill ahead, coldly observing him. Apanying it were several transcendent beings, including two at the Commanding Earth realm and three at the Burning Lamp level. Upon seeing him, these peopleunched an immediate and silent attack. Wang Xuan''s gaze turned icy as he focused on the old wolf, likely a Commanding Earth level enforcer. Wang Xuan, facing the old wolf, dismissed its threatening words with disdain. Granted a jade token by the White Peacock, he was rightfully in the secretnd. The wolf''s usations stemmed from a corrupt alliance with entities from three transcendents. Launching into action, Wang Xuan bypassed the surrounding transcendent beings, focusing his attack on the old wolf. Using itself as bait, the wolf beckoned the others to join the assault. It was overconfident, rooted in decades of cultivation at the Commanding Earth realm, and underestimated Wang Xuan''s capabilities. Wang Xuan''s attack was not just a defense; it was a desperate bid to eliminate a tracker and a threat. Unleashing his full might, he brought forth all the mystical scenes he mastered in the transcendent realm - floating inds, celestial mountains, and fieryndscapes - all converging into a formidable force. The old wolf, caught off-guard, let out a harrowing howl as its spirit partially shattered. Wang Xuan, despite facing an onught from behind, created a deceptive afterimage as he lunged towards the wolf. With his short sword emitting a blinding light, he decisively decapitated the old wolf, seizing the moment of vulnerability. In a disy of ferocity and precision, Wang Xuan not only killed the enforcer but also took down a Commanding Earth transcendent and beheaded another at the Burning Lamp level. He then retreated swiftly, leaving the remaining adversaries stunned and terrified. Wang Xuan''s retreat wasn''t a gesture of mercy; it was driven by a keen sense of danger. Sensing a life-threatening presence swiftly approaching, he chose to withdraw promptly. In the distance, the formidable transcendent at the Gathering Herbs level, whose flying sword had been severed by Wang Xuan, approached swiftly and silently, his gaze icy and intent on vengeance. Wang Xuan, with his heightened spiritual perception, knew the chase was on. The gap between them was rapidly closing, the transcendent''s speed mirroring flight just above the ground. "You can''t escape!" The transcendent''s chilling voice echoed as he closed in on Wang Xuan, his eyes filled with ruthless determination. From a mountaintop, Yuan Kun watched with a cold smirk, relishing the imminent demise of the alien. Simrly, on another peak, Ou Yun and Ou Yuxuan breathed sighs of relief, believing their nightmare was about to end with Wang Xuan''s death. "He''s about to die. Use his short sword to rece the one he broke," Jiang Xuan said to Mu Xue, both of them nearby, having sensed Wang Xuan''s presence and joined the encirclement. The transcendent at the Gathering Herbs level attacked fiercely, wielding the remnant of his sword, now just two inches long but emitting blinding light, as he struck towards Wang Xuan. "Even a broken sword will suffice to take your head!" he dered coldly. Wang Xuan, forced into defense, dodged and countered with his short sword. However, the spectral-like de spun with deadly precision. A momentter, Wang Xuan was struck by the radiant sword light. The sword emitted a beam that breached his defenses, grazing his head and slicing through his flesh. Blood spattered as Wang Xuan sustained a grave injury. In a critical moment, all the mystical scenes within him emerged, merging with his flesh to halt the de''s advance. Without this fusion of the mystical and the physical, he would have been cleaved in two. Despite his efforts, Wang Xuan''s arm was nearly severed by the spectral de of the broken sword. As it vibrated, it sliced a terrifying wound along his shoulder, prating almost fifteen centimeters deep before being repelled by the mystical visions emanating from his body. Wang Xuan nced back at the transcendent of the Gathering Herbs level with a profound look, his arm hanging unnaturally, barely attached. He then fled forward. The transcendent was shocked. "The secret power and mystical visions in his blood actually damaged the runes on my flying sword?!" He pursued Wang Xuan more fervently, determined to eliminate this young man who posed such a threat to him. Ahead, Wang Xuan was blocked by an enormous beehive, asrge as a mountain. This was the Silver Peak Hive, where Elder Zhong had once trapped and killed a group of transcendent beings. Wang Xuan sighed, feeling cornered with the terrifying beehive in front and the powerful enemy behind. He wondered if this was where his journey would end, unlike Elder Zhong''s ruthless triumph in the same location. Drawing the great bow he had acquired from Xiong Kun, Wang Xuan, enduring the pain of his nearly severed arm, loaded several explosive arrows and aimed them at the beehive. He released them, each arrow hitting the hive and causing massive explosions. The rune-infused arrows released immense energy on impact, causing parts of the hive to burst and catch fire. The transcendent at the Gathering Herbs level, feeling the threat, turned to flee, unwilling to risk his life just to eliminate his target. Instead of running away, Wang Xuan used the momentary chaos before the silver bees emerged to run forward. He quickly circled to the side of the hive, noticing an old, abandoned section at the bottom and decisively entered it. Thunder roared, and heavy rain began to pour, driving some of the silver bees out of the hive and towards the transcendent''s retreating figure. "Rain atst... The heavens have given me a chance to live. I''ll settle scores with all of you," Wang Xuan murmured, hiding in the deserted part of the beehive. He pulled out a crystal of the Earth Immortal Spring and swallowed it whole, preparing for whaty ahead. Chapter 194: Evolving In Desperation Chapter 194: Evolving In Desperation Outside the beehive, dark clouds nearly touched the ground, enveloping thend in darkness. Torrential rain poured down, turning the world into a blur of grey and ck. As lightning shed the sky, the colossal old trees of the secretnd swayed madly in the storm, their branches whipping around as if transforming into demonic beings. Through the gaps in the beehive, Wang Xuan watched the curtain of rain. Each sh of lightning cast his determined face into sharp relief, then plunged it back into shadow. Despite his wound closing, blood still seeped from the terrible gash on his shoulder, a grim reminder of the near-fatal encounter. His body, nearly cleaved in two, was a testament to the severity of the battle he had endured. The Earth Immortal Spring crystal worked its magic, filling him with a torrent of life-giving energy. This rejuvenating force flowed to his wound, promoting rapid healing. Throughout the night, hey in wait, quietly allowing his body to mend. Bones knitted, new flesh grew, and his marrow glowed with vitality, pulsating with the energy of renewed life. In the dark, rain-drenched wilderness, eerie noises emerged. Tall figures, reminiscent of mountain spirits, loomed in the gloom. At least two meters tall, these humanoid creatures were covered in long, ck hair. Their fingernails, shining in the dim light, were over twenty centimeters long. Their eyes glowed a sinister green, piercing the darkness and rain with beams of eerie light. One particrly towering figure, nearly three meters tall with deep-set, glowing eyes,manded, "Search thoroughly. While the rain keeps the silver bees at bay, scour the nearby areas!" In the distant woods, Yuan Kun, Ou Yun, Mu Xue, and others remained. They sent people to search through the storm, waiting eagerly for any sign of Wang Xuan. Watching the shadowy figures resembling mountain spirits, Yuan Kun, Ou Yun, Mu Xue, and the others woreplex expressions. These beings were the descendants of the people from the three extraordinarys left behind in the secretnd, who had intermingled with spirits and evolved into a new race. These ancestors were left deliberately, intended to adapt to the secretnd and eventually control it. However, their evolution took an unexpected turn. Their offspring resembled mountain spirits or newly transformed demons, with robust physiques and bodies covered in ck fur, calling themselves the Mountain God Tribe. The leader of the Mountain God Tribe, a formidable enforcer, had reached the pinnacle of the Medicinal Gathering stage and was on the verge of breaking through. The forebears from the three extraordinarys had left many contingencies: disciples, hound-like pets, and more. Some of these had now grown powerful, spawning formidable ns. While the people of the threes aimed to gradually infiltrate the secretnd, their ns hadn''t fully materialized. The descendants and beasts they left behind hadn''t managed to break through the major realm of the human world. The experienced Mountain God Tribe enforcers, familiar with the behavior of the silver bees, fanned out to search, venturing deeper into the forest. One of the Mountain God Tribe members, a towering figure standing two and a half meters tall, circled back to the abandoned part of the beehive. He thrust his massive iron spear forcefully into the old, unused section, aware of its safety. The cold spearhead grazed Wang Xuan''s cheek as it pierced through. Wang Xuan remained still until the Mountain God enforcer''s demonic face, covered in fur with glowing green eyes, peered in. Exploding into action, Wang Xuan unleashed his full spiritual energy, sting the intruder''s head with blinding light. The creature''s eyes bulged, on the verge of emitting a thunderous roar. Wang Xuan swiftly grabbed his blood-stained battle garment from the ground, stuffed it into the creature''s mouth, and dragged him inside. The Mountain God enforcer, despite his shattered spirit, struggled violently, his immense strength still present in his instinct-driven body. In the torrential rain, Wang Xuan, his wounds bleeding, silently watched through the gaps in the beehive. He observed figures passing by, including the Medicinal Gathering stage expert who had injured him, discussing the possibility of his escape down the river. He overheard Yuan Kun''s curses and the shock of his pursuers at his ability to erode the symbols on a top-tier flying sword with his blood. They were afraid of the potential threat he could be if he survived and grew stronger. "You fear me, and that is why I must survive," Wang Xuan whispered resolutely amidst the downpour, his gaze deep and unwavering. A giant ck crow, another enforcer, flew past in the rain, its presence a sign of alliance with the people from the three extraordinarys. Smaller crows circled the surrounding forest, expanding their search area. A giant owl, with exceptional night vision, scoured thendscape from a mountaintop, hunting for any sign of Wang Xuan. Meanwhile, the leader of the Mountain God Tribe spoke with several Medicinal Gathering stage experts. They discussed the possibility of some of their people returning to their ancestral star as a motivation to continue their arduous task in the secretnd. Despite calling themselves the Mountain God Tribe, they acknowledged their human origins, highlighting their struggle with their continuous transformation in thisnd. ¡­¡­ After a night, Wang Xuan''s injuries had almost fully healed, thanks to the miraculous effects of the Earth Immortal Spring Crystal. He continued practicing the second True Form Diagram, delving into the final portions of the text. The rain continued the next day, growing even heavier, causing sh floods in some areas. The Mountain God Tribe, having lost a Life Earth stage member, was furious and convinced that Wang Xuan was still in the area. The tribe''s leader, along with Yuan Kun, Jiang Xuan, and Ou Yuxuan,unched another extensive search operation, braving the relentless downpour. The Mountain God Tribe, with their keen senses, focused their attention on the beehive, suspecting the bottom part to be an abandoned nest without any Silver Bees. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan had almost mastered the second True Form Diagram, covering nearly ny-nine percent of his body, filled with surging secret power. He was on the brink of a transformation, just a step away from entering the Lamp Lighting realm. Suddenly, Wang Xuan opened his eyes. Outside the beehive, several Medicinal Gathering stage experts, taking advantage of the rain and betting on the Silver Bees'' inactivity, approached the bottom of the hive. Their sharp eyes quickly detected the irregrities hidden under the mud - the abandoned part of the beehive had been discovered. Wang Xuan''s expression changed. He had hoped the rain would erase his traces, believing even nature was aiding his escape. But the Mountain God Tribe, too familiar with the secrets of thend, relentlessly tracked him down. The expert whose flying sword was damagedughed thunderously, causing nearby nts to shatter and leaves to explode into dust. "Found him! Let''s see where you can run now!" another Medicinal Gathering stage expert coldly dered, readying a silver knife for an attack. The Mountain God Tribe''s leader, however, turned ashen upon seeing the dead body of their kin in the beehive, neck twisted and lifeless. Seven Medicinal Gathering stage experts had him cornered. "We''ve found him, haha! The native hid in the beehive. Brave, but not lucky enough to escape us!" Yuan Kunughed triumphantly, mocking Wang Xuan''s futile attempts at evasion. Hearing Yuan Kun''s triumphantugh, Mu Xue, Jiang Xuan, Ou Yun, and their group rushed towards the location, determined not to let Wang Xuan escape again. Wang Xuan sighed, knowing that with just a day more, he could have fully entered the Lamp Lighting realm and wouldn''t have feared any Medicinal Gathering stage experts. But fate had other ns, and he found himself prematurely cornered. True to his nature, he decided to fight back fiercely, aiming to take down at least one or two enemies. A dazzling silver light erupted as Wang Xuan used the White Tiger Immortal''s hairpin, a powerful weapon he had intended to save for a dire situation. In his desperate state, he unleashed its full potential. In a violent burst, one of the Medicinal Gathering stage experts was in, his body exploding into pieces, along with three other transcendent beings who arrived just in time to face the White Tiger''s wrath embedded in the silver light. The remaining six Medicinal Gathering stage experts hastily retreated, shocked and drenched in cold sweat. They collectively unleashed a barrage of attacks - thunderous strikes, silver knives, and various other offensive spells, targeting the area around the abandoned beehive. Amidst the chaos, Wang Xuan, having in a Medicinal Gathering stage expert, charged into the beehive, heading for the new nest. Even as he did so, the trailing thunderbolt hit him squarely in the back, nearly sting him open, leaving his flesh mangled and his clothing in tatters. The silver knife, flown by its wary owner, hesitated to prate deeply into Wang Xuan''s flesh, fearing damage simr to the fate of the flying sword. Nheless, the knife''s attack left several deep and horrifying wounds on Wang Xuan''s body, revealing bones and even cracking a few. mes engulfed what was left of his armor, singeing his hair and charring some of his wounds. Wang Xuan was in dire straits, barely clinging to life under the brutal assault. He crashed into the new nest, causing those pursuing him to hesitate. They retreated at once, fearing the emergence of the vast swarms of silver bees. These poisonous creatures, several meters in length, were overwhelming and unstoppable if fully unleashed. Wang Xuan charged in, teeth gritted, gulping down the elixir of Earth Immortal Spring, entering an extremely dangerous zone. He preferred to risk death under the venomous stingers of silver bees rather than be in by the people behind him, refusing to sumb to their wishes. After all, this was hisst and worst contingency n. Having mastered the strongest scriptures, his body was robust, far surpassing the strength of a golden body. He believed he might be able to withstand the stings. Upon entering, he was taken aback to see many dead bees. Had the silver bees turned this ce into their graveyard? There were numerous bee carcasses around. Even more surprising, he saw a silver bee crawl in, struggle briefly, and theny motionless. Wang Xuan wanted to recuperate here, but he felt it wasn''t safe. If those people, unafraid of death, sent soldiers in, or came themselves, he would be trapped in a dire situation. Enduring his pain, he rushed over and quickly carved a hole into the abdomen of a recently deceased silver bee. He scooped out various things from inside and then entered the massive body of the silver bee, using it as a shell to crawl towards the new nest. He stealthily moved inward, avoiding possible pursuers from behind. Unintentionally, he entered a densely packed area ofrval bee nests, which made his skin crawl as if suffering from trypophobia. He found a secluded corner andy still, silently healing. However, half a dayter, he couldn¡¯t resist anymore. The fragrance of the honey was too tempting, and he hadn''t eaten for over a day. He needed some nourishment for healing; drinking only Earth Immortal Spring couldn¡¯tpletely satiate his hunger. Enduring his pain, Wang Xuan approached the source of the scent... to stealthily eat and drink. Fortunately, the adult silver bees rarely appeared here, and thervae fed themselves. Considering the size of thervae and their numbers, eating some of them shouldn''t make much of an impact, right? Wang Xuan stole food from the mouths of bees, swallowing the honey inrge gulps. Surprisingly, the honey had an astonishing effect on his injuries. Not only did it relieve his hunger, but it also significantly bolstered his strength and vitality. Soon, he discovered an even more astonishing substance, akin to a nourishing holy grail, the royal jelly from the superordinary beehive! The bee queen fed on this substance for life, living several times longer than worker bees. Ordinary bees, like the worker beervae, also get to enjoy royal jelly for the first few days to elerate their growth, after which they can only consume pollen and honey. When Wang Xuan "shared" this nourishing holy grail from some of thervae just starting to feed, his vitality surged, and his wounds rapidly healed. Applying the superordinary beehive''s royal jelly to his back, the charred areas and deep wounds began to quiver and rejuvenate. Wang Xuan felt this ce was a miraculous haven for recuperation. In just a day and a night, all his injuries had healed, scars had formed, and even the cracks in his bones had mended. Having eaten his fill, he retreated to a quiet corner to silently practice the second diagram of the True Form Scripture. Finally, after another night, hepletely mastered thest mysterious segment of the scripture, achieving a breakthrough with his entire body connected and energized! In an instant, Wang Xuan''s body radiated light, undergoing a transformation of flesh and spirit, both growing exceptionally powerful. Internally, his once radiant body cleared its final mist, with various wonders floating amidst his organs, fusing with every part of his flesh. His spirit intensely condensed and refined, resembling a divinemp hanging aloft, illuminating not just his increasingly powerful path but also brightening his future. A transcendent transformation! Wang Xuan officially stepped into the realm of Lamp-ignition. The second diagram of the True Form Scripture waspleted, astonishingly apanied by a shedding phenomenon. The old skin, marked with scars and red prints, fell from his body, revealing new flesh devoid of any wounds. His head sprouted new hair, a denseyer of shiny ck strands, recing the burnt ones that had fallen off. Feeling the immense power in his flesh, Wang Xuan was confident to battle anew. The most significant change was in his spirit, inherent to this realm''s transformation, bing stronger and merging more naturally with the wonders within him. These wonders could now appear outside his body in an instant or merge with his flesh, forming a nearly immortal and unique spectacle. Wang Xuan didn''t rush to leave. He spent another day and night adapting to his newly transformed powerful body, stretching his limbs and practicing the True Form. Only when he was certain of hisplete control over the Lamp-ignition power did he consume arge amount of royal jelly from the superordinary hive, packing some for the road before departing. "I''m back, people of Yuhua, Eura, and Heluo stars, are you ready? And the enforcers, prepare for the gallows or the grill, I''m here to settle our scores!" Wang Xuan stepped out of the superordinary beehive. Chapter 195: Wang Xuan Strikes Back Chapter 195: Wang Xuan Strikes Back Wang Xuan found himself amidst a tranquil scene, freshly washed by days of rain, which made the mountain forest vibrant and brimming with freshness. However, his battle attire was now lost, destroyed in thebat with the Herb Gathering masters. Left with no other choice, he adopted a crude dress made from tree bark, reflecting his primitive, survivalist state. The area was notably quiet, a characteristic of being near the hive of the formidable silver bees. The fearsome reputation of these creatures kept most threats at bay. During a sunshower, a picturesque scene unfolded as colorful mists of energy meandered through the mountainndscape. Wang Xuan, with his newfound abilities and transformations, moved with ghostly silence and precision through the forest. The absence of his pursuers suggested they had abandoned their hunt, likely presuming his demise within the nest of the silver bees. He stumbled upon an intriguing artifact - arge bluestone with inscriptions and faint spiritual imprints. Utilizing his enhanced Lamp-ignition spirit, he examined these marks. Surrounding him, mysticalndscapes and visions orbited, manifesting his profound spiritual connection. This array included ethereal mountains, vast seas materializing fromkes, and erupting volcanoes casting red suns into the sky. The intricate blend of these spiritual scenes and his heightened senses allowed him to decipher the stone''s history, even visualizing the figures responsible for its creation. The inscription marked a significant event dated to the year 1236 of the Mysterious Land New Calendar, noting a hunt for an ''uncivilized alien demon.'' Among the figures depicted were recognizable names like Yuan Kun, Ouyun, and Muxue, with the carvings credited to Jiang Xuan. Was this amemorative inscription celebrating their victory or a relief from eliminating a perceived major threat? Wang Xuan, unimpressed and slightly scornful, lightly touched the stone, causing it to shatter into fragments, symbolically dismissing its significance. Reflecting on the formidable adversaries that still lurked, including six Caodao-level masters and others potentially on the brink of higher realms, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Despite his increased prowess, Wang Xuan vowed to approach his quest with caution, determined not to fall into danger again. Wang Xuan, now in a state of calm preparedness, focused on honing hisbat skills, particrly keeping in mind the unpredictable threats posed by the powerfulw enforcers in the area. He contemted the potential of his short sword, wondering if it could function as a flying sword. Lacking traditional flying sword runes, Wang Xuan''s formidable spiritual power, enhanced after his recent transformation, seemed more than capable of manipting objects at will. This ability was a direct application of principles from a sword manual he had found, a relic from the ancient Shu Mountain on Old Earth. Executing a swift movement, Wang Xuan sent the sword slicing through a tree with a dazzling burst of light. This act demonstrated that control over such weapons was primarily dependent on mental strength rather than specialized enchantments. Integrating insights from the sword manual with the teachings of the second true form diagram, Wang Xuan realized that these techniques could significantly boost his mental fortitude and control over objects. Although the texts didn''t explicitly mention techniques for sword flying, their principles were adaptable for manipting a flying sword. Practicing diligently in the forest, Wang Xuan''s proficiency in manipting the short sword grew, turning it into a formidable weapon that weaved through the woods with relentless precision. With this newfound skill, he confidently began his journey towards the Earth Immortal City. Not long into his journey, Wang Xuan unexpectedly encountered a superhuman. The man, startled by Wang Xuan''s sudden emergence from the woods and survival from the silver bee hive, panicked and attempted to flee. Wang Xuan, demonstrating his superiority, especially after ying individuals in the Lamp-ignition realm, captured him effortlessly. Under interrogation, the superhuman revealed that their forces had indeed withdrawn from around the hive as a deception, expecting Wang Xuan to eventually emerge. While some of their group had genuinely left, a substantial number still lurked nearby, waiting for Wang Xuan''s appearance. In the thickets, Wang Xuan decisively snapped the neck of the captured superhuman and concealed his body. Moving stealthily towards the forest, he was set on a path of retribution. In the dense foliage, he spotted his targets, with two formidable Elixir-Gathering Realm cultivators drawing his primary attention. One of them, the middle-aged man with the flying sword, was especially marked for vengeance by Wang Xuan. The middle-aged man, guarded by several superhumans, was in an open area, making a direct and immediate assault impractical. Alerting them could jeopardize Wang Xuan''s n. Wang Xuan instead stealthily approached another Elixir-Gathering Realm expert, sealing his pores to mask his energy presence. This particr cultivator, focused more on guarding Yuan Kun than on the jade token conflict, had previously struck Wang Xuan with a powerful lightning attack, nearly causing him grave harm. Wang Xuan''s goal was a swift and decisive kill, avoiding prolongedbat. The cultivator, wary of Wang Xuan''s survival and resilience against his lightning attack, was on high alert, understanding the potential threat Wang Xuan posed if he had indeed survived the bee hive ordeal. Despite Wang Xuan''s careful approach, the cultivator sensed imminent danger. He quickly turned around, ready for battle. A whip-like object, swift as lightning,unched towards him. Although the cultivator managed to respond with a lightning strike from his mouth, it only slightly deflected the iing attack, failing to fully neutralize the swift and deadly assault from Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan''s rapid attack with his short sword nearly hit the Elixir-Gathering Realm expert''s head, severing an ear instead. This sneak attack infuriated and humiliated the high-level expert. Reacting swiftly, Wang Xuan lunged forward with full force, wielding various lethal techniques. A brilliant light shone from his brow, signifying the intertwining of his spiritual powers. Merging with this light, mysticalndscapes emerged around him. He summoned a vast blue ocean in a split second, sending towering waves and soaring rocks towards his opponent, a terrifying spiritual assault. The expert, despite his profound experience, was momentarily stunned and struggled against the immersive seascape. Suddenly, a floating ind plummeted from above, a part of Wang Xuan''s spiritualndscape,bined with his immense spiritual power, creating a formidable attack. The expert groaned as his spirit fragmented under the impact. Next, an ethereal mountain materialized within the ocean, immense like a copsing celestial peak, overwhelming the expert''s spiritual realm. This attack caused significant damage, fracturing his spiritual realm and threatening itsplete copse. The relentless assault continued with andscape of magma, where a sun dropped from a volcanic mouth, directly striking the expert''s spiritual realm. In immense pain and unable to counter effectively, the high-ranking Elixir-Gathering expert found himself at a severe disadvantage, his spirit and defenses crumbling under Wang Xuan''s relentless onught. The magmandscape collided with the vast ocean, emitting blinding light as a sun burst from the volcanic mouth, striking the Elixir-Gathering Realm expert''s spiritual core. This sun, shining with intense brilliance, embodied Wang Xuan''s spiritual power, enhanced by the energies of the first spiritualyer. A faint sound echoed as the expert''s spiritual core was torn apart, emitting white smoke under the sun''s re, signifying the burning and dissolving of his spiritual essence. The expert screamed in agony as a significant portion of his spiritual realm copsed. At that moment, Wang Xuan, in his physical form, approached him and struck his head with a glowing fist, utilizing the first true form chart. Despite his spiritual realm''s copse and his dimming spiritual light, the Elixir-Gathering Realm expert''s innate reflexes were still formidable. He fiercely counterattacked, swinging his hands at Wang Xuan. Their punches and palms collided with thunderous impacts, like ancient celestial drums sounding. Their fierce exchange, marked by shes of lightning, was a spectacr sight. The expert''s residual spiritual energy fluctuated wildly, unable toprehend how a young man at the Lamp-Igniting stage could suppress him physically. However, Wang Xuan was not satisfied with the pace of the fight, despite unleashing all his techniques. In an instant, variousndscapes converged on his fist, with mountain shadows, erupting volcanoes, and the sun swirling around his punch. Wang Xuan unleashed a series of four powerful punches, channeling all his strength. The first punch broke the expert''s arm, the second pierced his chest, and the final one prated his forehead. Retrieving his short sword, Wang Xuan quickly retreated into the dense forest. Hearing themotion, two Life-Transcending Realm experts rushed to the scene, only to be decapitated by Wang Xuan. Their headless bodies copsed to the ground. Since Wang Xuan had resolved to unleash his fury, he showed no mercy. Now that he couldn''t remain concealed any longer, he relentlessly attacked, appearing and disappearing within the forest. In a swift motion, he diagonally severed the shoulder of an Illuminating Lamp Realm expert. Three Misty Void Realm experts screamed in terror as he struck them down with his palm, exploding their bodies and leaving a gruesome scene of blood and shattered bones. Another Elixir-Gathering Realm expert charged at him furiously, feeling a strong psychological advantage as he had almost cleaved Wang Xuan in half just a few days ago. Unaware that Wang Xuan had already in an Elixir-Gathering Realm expert, his anger surged at the sight of Wang Xuan brazenly killing his men. Wang Xuan, with a cold expression, charged towards him, mercilessly eliminating eight more transcendents along the way. The Misty Void and Illuminating Lamp Realm experts were no match for him, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake. The enraged foreign expert transformed into a beam of light, summoning his damaged flying sword. Wang Xuan swung his short sword to strike, forcing the Elixir-Gathering Realm expert to hastily retract his delicate, top-tier flying sword, already damaged by Wang Xuan''s de. The expert, relying on his physical prowess, charged at Wang Xuan without using his flying sword. His movements stirred astonishing energy ripples, with ethereal mists and roaring winds around him. Wang Xuan flung his short sword towards the expert''s forehead, transforming it into a streak of light. The expert narrowly dodged, causing the sword to fall to the ground in the distance. Seizing the opportunity, the expert abandoned his pursuit of Wang Xuan to chase after the short sword. Despite its apparent heaviness and non-flying sword nature, he recognized its extraordinary sharpness and desired to im this rare treasure. Wang Xuan''s spiritual power surged, disying various mysticalndscapes to suppress his opponent. This Elixir-Gathering Realm expert was stronger than the previous one, with terrifyingly profound cultivation. However, he managed to withstand Wang Xuan''s spiritual assault, his spiritual realm resisting copse despite the relentless impacts. The expert was momentarily distracted, allowing Wang Xuan to levitate the short sword with a fraction of his immense spiritual power, imbuing it with a volcandscape that birthed a crimson sun, merging with the sword. The fusion of the mysticalndscape, captured from the firstyer of the spiritual world, with the short sword, was astonishingly effective. "The mysticalndscape!" the weakened Elixir-Gathering Realm expert whispered, realizing the keyy in Wang Xuan''s connection with the firstyer of the spiritual world, merging it with the short sword to create immense power. Wang Xuan, gasping for breath, witnessed the short sword, now akin to a flying sword carrying a miniature world, cutting through the void with incredible speed. As the magmandscape boiled, the crimson sun merged with the flying sword, swiftly striking and bisecting the Elixir-Gathering Realm expert. His body split in two. The expert screamed in disbelief, unable to ept his demise under a... flying sword. He had spent a lifetime mastering the art of flying swords, and now, ironically, met his end in such a manner. He quickly realized that it wasn''t a true flying sword,cking the typical flying sword runes. Wang Xuan had brutally controlled the object, using sheer force to cleave him in half. Wang Xuan drank deeply from the Elixir Spring, mixed with the potent royal jelly of the transcendental bees, marveling at its restorative effects. Despite his immense spiritual strength, splitting his power to fight had drained him, but he had achieved his goal. "You..." This Elixir-Gathering Realm expert was indeed powerful, initially resisting Wang Xuan''s mysticalndscapes. A direct confrontation would have likely left Wang Xuan bloodied too. With a swift motion, Wang Xuan, holding the short sword, decapitated the expert. Nearby transcendents were stunned. The foreign man they had been hunting days ago was now ying their top warriors. In a desperate attempt to escape, nine more transcendents lost their lives under Wang Xuan''s relentless pursuit, while five managed to flee. In the sky, a crow cawed loudly and persistently, flying towards the distant forests. "Is it alerting its master, the Crow Enforcer, of my presence? I''m ready for you toe and meet your end," Wang Xuan said coldly. He carefully concealed the bodies, especially those of the two Elixir-Gathering Realm experts, to prevent rming the Crow Enforcer and causing it to flee. Soon after, the old crow arrived, a formidable Enforcer in the mid-Elixir-Gathering Realm. Its allegiance had shifted since acquiring a demonic cultivation method from the people of Heluo Star. Upon receiving the report, it flew swiftly, a gesture ofmitment to those who provided it with the demonic cultivation path. In its eyes, a human in the Misty Realm, no matter how talented or strong, was no match for an Elixir-Gathering Realm expert. It viewed Wang Xuan as a desperate fugitive who had narrowly escaped death multiple times, surviving only by luck. Now, it prepared to strike. Arge flock of crows followed, aiding in the search. Finally, spotting Wang Xuan, the crow dived aggressively, intent on eliminating him. "Herees the old crow," Wang Xuan remarked coolly. "Foreign demon, you''ve vited thews of the secret realm. You are stripped of your right topete for fortune and are condemned to death," the crow dered, asserting its authority as an Enforcer before attacking. Wang Xuan, uninterested in arguing, burst into action. Secret power surged around him as he wielded his short sword, leaping up with all the mysticalndscapes converging onto his hand and de. In a fierce sh, Wang Xuan exerted his full strength, aiming to decisively eliminate the crow, fearing it might escape. Blood gushed as therge head of the crow fell to the ground. The old crow, a creature with over a hundred years of cultivation and a newly-appointed Enforcer, died with eyes wide open in disbelief. Its lingering spirit screamed in agony, shocked by its decapitation under the brilliant sword light of a human. Amidst a light rain and churning clouds that once again obscured the sun, the environment grew darker, and the rain intensified. "Perfect weather!" Wang Xuan strode towards the Earth Immortal City,mencing his reckoning. Beyond the Elixir-Gathering Realm experts, the so-called geniuses were also his prey, and he intended to spare none. Chapter 196: Hunting The Transcendent Chapter 196: Hunting The Transcendent Dark clouds descended, casting a gloomy shadow over the forested mountains. The rain pattered loudly on the leaves, creating a misty spray that resembled thin smoke. Wang Xuan, now clothed, no longer appeared bare. His attire resembled that of the people from Eura Star, a sight more pleasing to his eyes. He also packed the battle gear from Yuhua and Heluo Stars, saving them for critical moments. His most significant gain was the collection of jade tokens, likely surpassing Old Zhong''s count. Wang Xuan wore a perforated protective headgear and donned a ck and gold tunic, blending into the dim rain curtain. The dark, rainy atmosphere was perfect for hunting. Along the way, he sensed two extraordinaries hiding in a stone forest. His heightened perception allowed him to silently approach them from behind. "You..." One of them turned abruptly, hair standing on end in shock, retreating in terror upon seeing the silent young man in the rain. The other attempted to flee but was swiftly beheaded by a brilliant sword light that pierced through the dark forest. Wang Xuan''s mystical power wove a tapestry of dazzling light as the short sword returned to his hand, his unique version of a flying sword. Despiteckingplex inscriptions typical of flying swords, it was equally unstoppable in his hands. "Don''t be afraid," Wang Xuan whispered reassuringly. The sight of a decapitated head rolling to his feet, blood sshing onto his face, hardly seemed reassuring. "How many extraordinaries from the three celestials have arrived, and how many Enforcers are on your side?" Wang Xuan patiently inquired. The surviving extraordinary shuddered, his body covered in goosebumps, fearfully looking at the young face amidst the rain. Eventually, he divulged everything. Suddenly, a burst of light, as dazzling as a peacock''s tail, erupted in the rain, aiming directly at Wang Xuan. It was a dense volley of steel needles. Although the steel needles were thin, they were inscribed with runes and forged from a blend of secret bronze and steel mother, designed to pierce the formidable bodies of extraordinaries. The seemingly docile and cooperative extraordinary, who had been answering questions fearfully, suddenly attacked, attempting a desperate counter-kill against Wang Xuan. However, his efforts were in vain and only heightened his fear. Mysterious, blurry sceneries emerged around Wang Xuan, deflecting all the steel needles. The needles, once formidable weapons, turned into iron filings and gently fell to the ground. Wang Xuan tested one needle against his palm. It bent and broke, unable to prate his flesh, far superior to any golden body. With a backhand p, Wang Xuan sent the pale-faced extraordinary flying. He disintegrated mid-air, six meters away, his blood mingling with the rain as it fell to the ground. Wang Xuan headed towards a mountain range ten miles away. He had learned from the man he just defeated that the range was home to an owl over 150 years old, a formidable Enforcer. As he traversed the forest, his steps were powerful and steady, covering tens of meters with each stride. He climbed a stone peak only to find that he had mistaken the location; the owl''s nest was on an opposing cliff. Assessing the distance between the two peaks, Wang Xuan retreated, then elerated into a run, leaping across the hundred-meter gap through the rain and mist,nding on the opposite mountain. In arge cave on the cliff, a pair ofntern-sized, green eyes suddenly lit up. The old owl, highly alert, sensed something amiss. But it was toote. Wang Xuan, grasping a vine, slid down in the pouring rain and stepped into the spacious, dry cave. "Young man, what brings you to my abode? Is there an injustice you wish to report? I am an Enforcer; speak, and I shall stand for you." The owl''s feathers nearly stood on end. Having lived for many years, it had attained a certain level of wisdom and sensed a dangerous aura emanating from the young man. "I used to raid sparrow nests when I was younger and even returned fallen swallows to their nests under the eaves. But I''ve never raided an owl''s nest this big," Wang Xuan spoke. "Young man, what are you talking about? I am an Enforcer, upholding the fairness and justice of the secret realm. How can you be so disrespectful to me?" the owl spoke coldly. "You''re too caught up in your role. Don''t you know what you really are? Carrying those extraordinaries to hunt me down, helping them find my traces, and now you dare talk about maintaining order in the secret realm?" Wang Xuan, sword in hand, approached the owl, measuring up the creature stretching over ten meters long, its feline face exuding a stern aura. Its sunken green eyes glowed eerily, and its massive talons slightly protruded, piercing the rocky ground. The owl spoke in a chilling tone, "Extraterrestrial, I merely took advantage of an opportunity. I epted some benefits and did them a minor favor. Let''s leave it at that, shall we? I won''t interfere in your matters anymore." Ignoring the owl''s plea, Wang Xuan surveyed the extraordinary cave, finding nothing but leftover remains of strange creatures ¡ª no miraculous herbs or spiritual medicines. Let the owl go? Impossible! The moment he turned his back, it would surely contact other Enforcers to hunt him down. "Time to go," Wang Xuan said, resolving to eliminate a bane from the secret realm by eradicating the corrupted Enforcer. "A mere mortal from the Illumination realm dares to act so boldly against me!" The owl''s demeanor shifted drastically, its eyes filled with malevolence. Its talon, swift as lightning, lunged forward, creating an explosive sound in the void, engulfing the space in a blinding white. Sparks flew as the owl retracted its w, only to find it bare, its sharp talons all gone, "clipped"! Not just that, blood gushed from the pads of its feet, and flesh began to fall off its leg. The owl let out a piercing scream as a section of its leg broke off, leaving it to stand on one foot, bloodied and crippled. The aged owl, in the early stages of the Medicinal Harvest realm, was nowhere near as strong as the previous high-level experts Wang Xuan had defeated. It radiated light, with electric rays intertwining and feathers nging like des, forming a creature bristling with sharp knives, shrouded in lightning and hurtling towards Wang Xuan. However, this was futile. Wang Xuan, deploying the second True Form Diagram and utilizing his spiritual secret power, coupled with a fantastdscape, created a scene where volcanoes erupted and magma boiled over. The key was a red sun plummeting down towards the volcano''s mouth. Boom! The owl was engulfed by thendscape, hit squarely, and let out a piercing scream. A terrible blood hole appeared on its forehead, emitting wisps of smoke as the red sun pierced through its head, incinerating the spiritual substances within its realm. With a swift motion, Wang Xuan''s sword sliced through the air, severing the owl''s massive head. He then disappeared into the rain. The crows'' loud cries filled the Earth Immortal City, disturbing many cultivators. The city wasn''t just home to extraordinaries but also to mortal masters apanying their elders for exposure. "What''s happening?" someone wondered, gazing into the rain. "Found the extraterrestrial from thend. Surviving the bee''s nest is no small feat!" murmured another. "The crow n''s Enforcer personally went after him. Seems like the alien''s luck has run out. He shouldn''t have shown himself; his end is near," they spected. Before hunting Wang Xuan, the elder crow had sent descendants to Earth Immortal City with a message, prompting slight unrest with the anticipation of receiving Wang Xuan''s head. "Though he survived, he''ll soon die. Let''s go watch," suggested Beiyun Kun from the Heluo Star, his two-meter-tall frame exuding a wild aura. He, now healed, led a group of extraordinaries. "Let''s go," beckoned Ouyun to his sister. "That alien is mysterious, with an unbelievably robust physique, enduring several attacks from a Medicinal Harvest expert. His cultivation methods are unique; we might gain something from this, maybe even extraordinary secrets from anothernd." In another building, Jiang Xuan spoke, "Muxue, he''s reappeared. That short sword might have an astonishing origin, possibly a priceless treasure. Let''s try to get it." ¡­¡­ Three groups from Earth Immortal City set out, each cautiously avoiding the others as they headed towards the forest. Competing against each other, they had shed several times in the past two days, resulting in casualties. They only momentarily coborated when dealing with the extraterrestrial, fearing more reinforcements from the alien''s world. As they left the city, another crow frantically entered, pping its wings vigorously, seeking the people of Yuhua, Eura, and Heluo Stars, conveying an urgent message. This crow, returning from the scene of the elder crow''s tragic death, was frantic to report the details and seek revenge for its ancestor. "What? The elder crow is dead, in by that young man?!" Shock rippled through a part of Earth Immortal City, with many trembling at the news. How could this be possible? "Dead, our ancestor is dead! It was horrible; his head was severed, blood staining the ground. That man even scorned, saying crows feed on carrion, sour and inedible," stammered the messenger crow in shock. The city''s experts, capturing the crow''s mental impressions, saw the images and gasped in disbelief. "Hurry, support them! Although Medicinal Harvest experts have left the city, they could be ambushed and suffer terribly," the city''s inhabitants panicked. They began seeking reinforcements, calling for more help to hunt down the extraterrestrial demon. A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the dark forest. The extraordinaries of Heluo Star moved swiftly, eager to reach the scene first and im the alien''s short sword and any possible inheritance. Beiyun Kun''s face was cold, his eyes shimmering with a green light. Indifferent to the sword, he simply yearned to witness the demise of the ''earthling.'' Earlier, Beiyun Kun had been severely injured by Wang Xuan, coughing up blood with multiple broken bones. His "Immortal Body" practice had nearly been ruined, leaving him weakened for days, coughing up blood intermittently. Wang Xuan moved through the forest, sensing the strong vitality and tumultuous supernatural energy of a group of extraordinaries rushing in the distance. His expression was cold, intuiting that the people from Earth Immortal City, informed of his whereabouts, were hastening through the rain - either to hunt him down or meet their demise. Silently approaching, he observed from the shadows, spotting Beiyun Kun and a Medicinal Harvest-level expert among the group. He disregarded the others for now, considering those in the Mist, me Light, and even Life Earth realms as non-threats. The group seemed to be heading towards the location of the elder crow''s demise. Wang Xuan prepared for a thunderous strike, nning to eliminate the strongest first, then methodically harvest the lives of his enemies. He quickly donned the battle attire of Heluo Star and, blending into the downpour and amidst the many, followed unnoticed. The extraordinaries, unfamiliar with each other and hailing from various regions of Heluo Star, didn¡¯t realize his presence. Wang Xuan silently closed in on Beiyun Kun and the Medicinal Harvest-level expert, moving naturally without drawing attention. In the dark, rain-soaked forest, he reached striking distance. Without further dy, he erupted into action. His sword, shining brighter than lightning, shed diagonally downwards. With a spurt of blood, the sudden attack stunned everyone. No one expected an enemy amidst their ranks, dressed in the same uniform. The Medicinal Harvest-level expert''s arm was severed, his face twisting in pain and anger. At the peak of Medicinal Harvest, on the cusp of advancing to a higher realm, his keen perception narrowly evaded the lethal strike aimed at his neck, losing only an arm in the process. "You, the alien demon!" The enraged Medicinal Harvest-level expert roared. His body radiated intense light, boiling away the surrounding rain, and he unleashed a furious strike at Wang Xuan with his remaining hand. Beside him, Beiyun Kun''s face was sttered with blood from the wounded expert. Although the rain quickly washed it away, the fear instilled by the godlike figure of Wang Xuan remained etched in his heart, pulsating with terror. His body trembled in fear. How could this be? In just a few days, the alien had be capable of assaulting Medicinal Harvest-level experts, instilling cold fear in Beiyun Kun. He yelled and retreated rapidly. The light and heat dried up the nearby rain, turning the ground red and causing magma to flow. The Medicinal Harvest-level expert, burning with anger, attacked Wang Xuan with full force. Wang Xuan remained impassive. After severing the expert''s arm, he knew the battle''s oue was inevitable. This very man had once severely injured him near the bee nest, and now it was time for his retribution. Swiftly, Wang Xuan avoided theva, unleashing several mystical visionsbined with his flying sword. Like a celestial sword, it carried with it star fire and miniature worlds, sweeping across the sky. The spiritual visions suppressed the expert while the flying sword led the assault, creating a torrent of blood from the grievously wounded Medicinal Harvest-level fighter. Despite his injuries and missing arm, the expert staggered forward, attacking again. The sword energy soared into the night sky, tearing through the rain and illuminating the darkness. In the distance, many witnessed the lightning-like sword radiance intensely entwined inbat, shredding the forest. The sword light was like a dragon, like star fire, dazzling and intimidating. Finally, the Medicinal Harvest-level expert was decapitated by the flying sword. His headless body copsed to the ground, his head flying several meters away,nding in a puddle. Beiyun Kun, pale-faced and speechless, plunged deep into the forest. He didn''t look back, only intent on fleeing back to the Celestial Immortal City, no longer wishing to confront that terrifying man. However, he hadn''t gone far when he saw a figure blocking his path. In the midst of the torrential rain and under the sh of lightning, the young man appeared like a god or demon, his gaze cold as he swung his short sword. "No!" Beiyun Kun screamed, desperately trying to dodge and resist this deadly strike. With a gruesome sound, his head still flew off. He died with terror and reluctance in his eyes, his body copsing into the muddy water. Wang Xuan turned around, moving like a ghost through the forest, his sword light shing sporadically. Screams echoed one after the other as he eliminated most of the group, with only a few managing to escape through the rain curtain. After collecting the jade symbols, Wang Xuan turned and strode in another direction, ready to hunt down another approaching group of adversaries. Chapter 197: Annihilation Chapter 197: Annihtion "Where''s Old Chen now, I wonder?" Wang Xuan mused to himself. These past few days, Old Chen had been hiding in an underground cave. After a relentless chase, he had escaped into a subterranean cavern and leaped into a dark river, not knowing where it would take him. Eventually, he found a ce to climb out, in total darkness. He didn''t rush to leave, feeling safer in this seclusion. He''d been on the verge of entering the Command Soil realm while in thend of the dead, but he didn''t want to be hasty. Especially after seeing Wang Xuan connect to a corner of the first spiritual world, he realized the importance of reaching that stage; otherwise, he''d soon be calling that young man ''brother.'' ... At this time of day, the sun would normally have set. But with the overcast sky and torrential rain, it was almost pitch ck. Wang Xuan moved silently through the forest, his handsome face expressionless even as lightning streaked across the sky. He felt overwhelmed by the killing he had done that day. He had no choice. If he didn''t kill, he would be killed; these people were alling for him. In this hiddennd, everything was brutally straightforward: thew of the jungle, kill or be killed, like being thrown into an ancient diatorial arena where the victor survives and the loser feeds the caged beasts. Beforeing to thisnd, he had longed for its opportunities and legendary herbs. Now, tired of killing, he realized he had no choice but to continue. "Thew of the jungle, a bloody race... I just want to survive," he muttered, holding his short sword as he approached another grouping to kill him. ¡­¡­ "Just now, there was a fierce battle over there, with sword light soaring into the sky, even more intense than lightning. Was it a sh between Beiyun''s men and the sword cultivators of Yuhua Star?" In the dense forest, Ou Yun and Ou Yuxuan stood still, surrounded by more than a dozen transcendents and a formidable Herb Gathering expert. The group looked serious. The Herb Gathering expert, Yunfeng, spoke in a deep voice, "That kind of sword light could threaten me. Everyone, be cautious!" They spected that the people from Yuhua Star and Heluo Star had shed, engaging in a brief but intense skirmish. The three parties were alreadypetitors and had fought many times in this hiddennd, resulting in numerous deaths. They resumed their journey, now much more cautious, secretly hoping that the other two parties would fight to the death, allowing them to reap the benefits. Wang Xuan, dressed in the ck and gold armor of Eura Star and wearing protective headgear, silently approached them. He blended in well and didn''t stand out. He quietly drew near and then joined their formation. The group moved in a dispersed fan-shape, avoiding clustering together in case of ambush. "Who''s there?!" Unfortunately, Wang Xuan was detected prematurely due to their high alertness. "Eura!" Wang Xuan shouted in a muffled voice. The nearby transcendents were stunned. Then Wang Xuan erupted into action. Now that he was discovered, there was no need for secrecy. He manipted his short sword with his mental powers, directing it towards Ou Yun and his sister, aiming for the Herb Gathering expert beside them. Those who tried to stop him were swiftly in by his sword, cutting them into several pieces amidst the rain. Everyone''s expression changed upon recognizing him. It was that foreigner, daring to charge at a group of transcendents. He had just used his sword to kill two Command Soil realm experts in one breath! How had he be so strong? And when had he learned swordsmanship? The group was puzzled and shocked. They quickly moved out of his way, leaving the Herb Gathering expert to deal with him. "In just a few days, he''s be this powerful!" Ou Yun''s face paled. "Brother Yun, kill him!" Ou Yuxuan spoke, her cold face filled with murderous intent. She found this foreigner too terrifying. "Each time we encounter him, he''s noticeably stronger," they murmured, a mix of fear and awe in their tones. "At this rate, he''ll soon be a formidable adversary for us here in the secret realm, without even waiting for years." "Everyone, back off!"manded Yunfeng, an authority among thete-stage Alchemy experts. He could sense the young man''s lethal intent - a confidence that suggested he was certain of securing a kill, even against someone of Yunfeng''s caliber. With a swift gesture, Yunfeng conjured a thick bolt of lightning in his hand, resembling a mighty spear. He thrust it towards Wang Xuan''s sword, sparks flying as electricity crackled in the air. His expertise inbating swordsmen was evident in his precise and powerful movements. Wang Xuan''s mental fortitude was remarkable, but the electric assault did shake him slightly. His body resonated with energy, brilliant secret forces from within his organs surging and weaving an energetic aura around him. He exuded an aura of immense power, with visions of mystical mountains, erupting volcanoes, and vast oceans materializing on his skin. These visions merged seamlessly with his flesh, as Wang Xuan harmonized the two true form diagrams he had mastered, blending spirit and body into a formidable unified force. As others tried to sneak attacks, they quickly realized the futility of their efforts. Steel needles, designed to prate defensive techniques, were rendered useless - bent and shattered by an unseen force surrounding Wang Xuan. Even the mightiest of spears, hurled with deadly intent, were effortlessly twisted and snapped by the mystical scenes swirling around Wang Xuan''s form. The collision of powers resounded with a thunderous boom as Wang Xuan locked inbat with the Herb Gathering expert. Now more than ever, Wang Xuan was a force to be reckoned with. His spirit and body, infused with the mystical scenes, radiated an overwhelming power. Each of his movements was a deadly dance of destruction. A single punch from him sent a me-level expert, who had attempted an ambush, flying backwards. The confrontation was even more intense for Yunfeng, the Herb Gathering expert directly engaged in battle with Wang Xuan. He felt as though he was facing an opponent at the peak of Alchemy mastery, an overwhelming sense of pressure enveloping him. With a resounding sh, the battle raged on. Another ambush unfolded as two high-ranking Life Earth experts made their move. One struck Wang Xuan''s back with a thunderous palm strike, resonating a loud thud. However, the attacker screamed in agony, his wrist broken, his palm a bloody mess, almost severed by the mystical visions flowing around Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan nced at him indifferently. He could have dodged, but with his ability to withstand steel needles and flying spears, evading seemed unnecessary, especially since it mightpromise his fight with the high-level Alchemy expert. The other attacker was more troublesome, wielding a long spear and thrusting violently towards Wang Xuan''s head. Wang Xuan wouldn''t allow such recklessness. Seizing the spear, he swiftly turned it against its owner. With a swift motion, he impaled the man, shattering him mid-air. As lightning illuminated the forest, everyone witnessed the scene unfold. A Life Earth expert, shattered to pieces by Wang Xuan''s counterattack. Wang Xuan now fought with sheer brute force, his physical and spiritual powers synergizing perfectly, transforming him into a living weapon of terrifying strength. The repeated shes took their toll on thete-stage Alchemy expert, whose palms cracked and arms fissured under the relentless onught. Furious and disheveled, the Alchemy expert roared in frustration. Centuries of training, and he was being overpowered by a young man, suffering significant injuries. "Everyone, attack together!" shouted Ouyun, realizing the gravity of the situation. If the Alchemy expert fell, they would all be in danger. The group mobilized, but to no avail. At that moment, the Alchemy expert Yunfeng''s body, from his face down to his torso, fissured with countless cracks and suddenly exploded, unable to withstand the ferocious battle with Wang Xuan. "Kill!" Wang Xuan moved like a phantom, his speed astounding. He eliminated several Life Earth experts, then wielded his short sword with psychic energy, sweeping through the area with a rainbow-like sword light. "Run!" The remaining fighters panicked. How could they contend with a young man who had just in an Herb Gathering giant? Wang Xuan pressed in on Ou Yun and Ou Yuxuan, relentless in his chase. ¡­¡­ In a sense, these people were led by Ouyun and Ouyuxuan, even the Herb Gathering expert who came to the Secret Realm was there to protect them. "Scatter and run, fast!" Ouyun yelled, his voice tinged with fear. In just a few days, the once-fleeing extraterrestrial was now hunting them. A terrifying sword light descended from the sky, splitting Ouyun in two. Ouyuxuan, witnessing this, could no longer maintain her icyposure. Filled with boundless hatred yet gripped by fear, she fled rapidly. But she was no match for Wang Xuan''s speed, nor the swiftness of his flying sword. The sword light swept through, and Ouyuxuan''s head tumbled to the ground, her body copsing in the pouring rain. Wang Xuan continued his pursuit in the area, his sword light periodically surging. Meanwhile, Lao Chen finally emerged from his secluded meditation, crawling out of the underground river, soaking wet. He roared, "I, Chen Yongjie, have broken through! People of Yuhua, O, and Heluo stars, the Patriarch Chen is back!" Just as he appeared above ground, a thunderbolt struck, freezing him momentarily as lightning lit up the night sky. He thought he had incurred heavenly wrath. Determining his direction, he headed towards the Earth Immortal City. En route, braving the rain, he saw a group hurrying away, discussing the hunting of the Law Enforcer Crow. Sensing trouble, they were rushing to provide support. ... Wang Xuan cleared the battlefield, collecting all the jade tokens and heading towards distant mountains. In another part of the forest, Jiang Xuan and Mu Xue were extremely cautious, sensing something amiss. They decided not to make any rash moves and instead prepared to retreat. The enemy blood on Wang Xuan was washed away by the rain as he closed in on the group from Yuhua Star. "We need to leave!" Mu Xue and Jiang Xuan felt an ominous presence in the forest and led their group towards the Earth Immortal City. "You can''t escape!" Wang Xuan shouted, appearing and pursuing them. "How can he, alone, chase us?" Jiang Xuan realized it was Wang Xuan. Their group even had an Herb Gathering expert. Almost simultaneously, noise came from afar ¨C the reinforcements from the Earth Immortal City had arrived, led by another Herb Gathering powerhouse, converging with them. "Perfect timing, let''s hunt him together!" Mu Xue shouted, her ethereal aura washed away by the rain, her clothes clinging wetly to her body, no longer floating gracefully. "We received news in the Earth Immortal Cty that he killed the Law Enforcer Crow. Let''s join forces to capture him!" the leader of the arriving reinforcement, an Herb Gathering powerhouse, dered. "What?" Mu Xue and her group were shocked, then resolutely joined forces to kill Wang Xuan. "Boom!" A terrifying long spear flew through the air, its sound trailing behind its speed. With a ''puff'', a spearced with sr gold pierced through the chest of an Herb Gathering expert, fracturing his body. Disbelieving, he gazed down at the spearhead protruding through him, incredulous that someone had directly attacked him. With a ''bang,'' he exploded on the spot. "Who dares to act recklessly? Patriarch Chen is here!" Old Chen arrived, having been ready to break through in the Departed Lands, but suppressing it until now. He had just broken through to the mid-stage of the Command Earth realm. Now, he was fully capable of facing off against Herb Gathering experts. Wang Xuan smiled. Old Chen''s arrival was timely! With two Herb Gathering powerhouses present and one already taken down, the oue was already sealed. "Kill!" Wang Xuan and Old Chen shouted together, attacking mercilessly. ''Puff!'' Wang Xuan wielded his flying sword, decapitating Mu Xue. Old Chen, with his long spear, impaled Jiang Xuan in mid-air and shattered him. This was a reversal, no longer a hunt by the people of the three extraordinarys against two, but rather them hunting a group. The remaining Herb Gathering expert was swiftly in by the duo. In the torrential rain, sword lights surged in the forest, interspersed with brilliant bursts of light from the spear like interweaving lightning. Eventually, all calmed down. The two gathered their spoils of war and headed straight for the Earth Immortal City. Now, nothing could stop them from entering the city. "I wonder how Old Zhong is doing. Let''s go see him. Damn Old Zhong, let''s give him a surprise!" Old Chen still harbored a grudge. He was eager to teach Old Zhong a lesson! Chapter 198: An Easy Victory Chapter 198: An Easy Victory In the rain-soaked night, thunder and lightning raging, they left behind a trail of bodies as they marched towards the Earth Immortal City amidst the downpour. "Is everyone taken care of?" Old Chen asked, still radiating a murderous aura, long spear in hand. "All the key figures are dead. Every one of the geniuses and the six Herb Gathering masters," Wang Xuan replied. Under the dark sky, amidst the storm, with asional lightning strikes, their steps were firm, reflecting a cold and resolute demeanor. Although there were still Law Enforcers left to deal with, Wang Xuan, having already killed two, didn''t want to further escte the situation, wary of provoking the collective wrath of thend''s creatures. "How does it feel to kill Herb Gathering experts, Old Chen?" Wang Xuan asked with a smile. Old Chen, brimming with confidence, casually replied, "Not bad, but I don''t think they were that strong. I wonder if they really harvested any great medicine? It''s quite different from the legends in the ancient myths." Wang Xuan shook his head, knowing thatparing contemporary cultivators to legendary figures of myth was unfair. He sensed Old Chen''s ambition to rival those legendary figures. "Old Chen, let''s spar and push each other to grow," Wang Xuan suggested, feeling that Old Chen needed to be more grounded. Old Chen nced at him and declined, "Am I the kind of person who takes advantage? You''re exhausted from fighting. I won''t spar with you." "I''m full of energy. Come on, Old Chen, show me the strength of a Patriarch," Wang Xuan urged. "I''m a realm above you; I won''t bully the weaker," Old Chen dismissed the idea of calling himself a Patriarch. "I thrive in cross-level battles!" Wang Xuan approached him. "I don''t fight my own people," Old Chen refused. In the end, they didn''t fight. Old Chen firmly declined any sparring. "I need to save my strength for settling scores with Old Zhong!" Old Chen remarked, ignoring Wang Xuan further. This night was destined to shake the Earth Immortal City. Four groups, each led by Herb Gathering masters, had ventured out from the city, only to be annihted. Dozens of transcendent beings perished, with just a few escaping back. As they strode through the city in the downpour, their steps sshed water on the deserted streets, engulfed only by the sound of rain. It wasn''t that the city was asleep; rather, the transcendent beings of the city were terrified, not daring to show themselves. ording to the survivors, the duo had in six Herb Gathering transcendent beings. Including the Law Enforcers, Owl and Crow, that made eight formidable Herb Gathering opponents killed by just two people. What was most astonishing was that one of them was at the Lantern realm and the other at the Life-Soil realm. Such a record was both splendid and terrifying. Many hade from the three extraordinarys, and most of those who died were associated with a few geniuses. Now, Wang Xuan and Old Chen''s achievements were enough to deter everyone. "In the middle of the night, let''s not bother Old Zhong. Let him have a peaceful night''s sleep," Old Chen said, wiping his spear and heading towards a cluster of buildings to rest. "You just want the news to ferment and keep Old Zhong awake all night, don''t you?" Wang Xuan nced at him, not buying Old Chen''s apparent kindness. Old Chen suddenly said, "Hold on, let me think. We''ve seized so many jade tokens tonight, causing heavy losses to the experts from the threes. Considering the number of tokens Old Zhong has, he might now befortably in third ce. Especially since we''ve eliminated several major token holders, those geniuses, and the six Herb Gathering masters... Old Zhong''s ranking must have skyrocketed!" By the end of his statement, Old Chen was visibly irritated. In fact, Wang Xuan also felt like giving Old Zhong a good thumping. "I''m considering whether to leave Old Zhong in the Hidden Land. With his character, once back on the New World, he might grow wary of us. What if he turns against us?" Old Chen pondered aloud. Wang Xuan was also reflecting. Once back on the New World, with warships dominating the skies, not just their current selves, but even a Celestial Immortal would be sted apart. Of course, no Celestial Immortal would just stand there waiting to be bombarded. Wang Xuan mused that residing in a densely popted city, especially near a super-wealthy family, might dissuade them from any rash actions. However, understanding Old Zhong''s true nature was crucial. If he proved treacherous, perhaps it was better to leave him in the Hidden Land, living wildly like a hermit! After the night''s intense battles and hundreds of miles of fric running, both needed rest and soon fell asleep. The next morning, the rain lightened, and the east even witnessed a beautiful sunrise, turning into a sun shower. Old Chen stepped outside and immediately caused some people to back away in rm. He grabbed someone on the street and dragged them into a building to inquire about Old Zhong. "What''s Old Zhong''s situation? Is he being interrogated by the Law Enforcers?" The person, his cor grabbed, turned pale, trembling at the thought of Old Chen initiating a fight within the city. It took him a while to regainposure. "That old man is quite cunning. Last time, he caused so much trouble with the silver bees, and everyone despised him." "It''s rumored everywhere that the Law Enforcers have been interrogating him for days, but that''s not the case at all..." After escaping back, Old Zhong voluntarily summoned the four Law Enforcers and engaged in deep conversations with them. He foundmon ground with the Enforcers, sharing with them demonic scriptures daily, which led to a close rtionship. "This old man fears death. Worried about revenge attacks, he''s actually won over the Law Enforcers. Every day, they huddle together, studying demonic scriptures, essentially securing his own protection," the person exined. Reportedly, the Law Enforcers valued Old Zhong greatly and were grateful to him. They even acquired fruit wine from the Monkey Demon n to share with him, often drinking and socializing. Hearing this, Old Chen almost exploded with rage. He and Wang Xuan had fought desperately to re-enter the Celestial Immortal City, nearly losing their lives outside. Meanwhile, Old Zhong was leisurely enjoying his time, not only free from interrogation but also protected by the four major Law Enforcers, enjoying drinks. Their fury at Old Zhong intensified! Wang Xuan and Old Chen set out to confront Old Zhong, but again, things took an unexpected turn. Three days prior, Old Zhong had entered a deep slumber, lying still and serene as if dead. In the Celestial Immortal City, amidst ancient ruins and dpidated buildings left by past Celestial Immortals, Old Zhongy in a rtively intact temple. His body was covered in a keratin-likeyer, resembling scales or an irregr cocoon, enveloping his true form. His vital signs were subdued, his heartbeat nearly stopped. "Is Old Zhong dead?" Old Chen''s eyes shed with brilliance as he scrutinized the keratinyer, seeking rity. "Don''t speak nonsense. He''s merely in a state of feigned death. If he can breakthrough, he''ll undergo aplete transformation," spoke arge civet cat, tiger-sized with spotted fur and at the pinnacle of the Celestial Herb stage. It guarded Old Zhong, ensuring his safety. Wang Xuan and Old Chen were astounded. Old Zhong had indeed yed his cards well, securing Law Enforcers as his protectors. Despite their desire to confront Old Zhong, they had to admit his shrewd tactics were beyondparison. "When will Old Zhong wake up?" Old Chen inquired. "I heard from my great-grandfather that he''s likely to remain in deep sleep for about three years. If sessful, he''lle back to life," Zhong Cheng walked over and informed them. Old Zhong had recently practiced the Golden Cicada Technique, a risky endeavor where failure means death, but sess brings rebirth and a youthful foundation, cing him on the same starting line as the younger generation. Moreover, his strength was bound to increase exponentially. "Golden Cicada Technique, that''s a supreme skill from the ancestral Buddhist temples. Old Zhong is aiming for dual cultivation in Buddhism and Daoism," Old Chen remarked, visibly moved. Wang Xuan pondered whether Old Zhong''s hibernation was intentional to avoid Old Chen. However, the timing didn''t add up; three days ago, Old Zhong couldn''t have known about their breakthroughs and the subsequent carnage they causedst night. He wouldn''t have known about Wang Xuan''s ascension to the superhuman realm either. With nowhere to vent his pent-up frustration, Old Chen waved his hand dismissively, "You all go out. I''ll stay with Old Zhong in case something unexpected happens. I suppose I owe him a few more looks." The civet cat, with its eyes shing golden, hesitated but eventually nodded and left, aware of the duo''s formidable achievements and wary of them. Old Chen touched Old Zhong''s head, only to find the cocoon-likeyer sticky, leaving a residue on his hand, much to his disgust. He stayed, intending to vent his frustration on Old Zhong. "Senior Chen, my great-grandfather left something for you," Zhong Qing, tall and elegant with long, smooth hair and clear, bright eyes, interrupted Old Chen''s ''assault.'' She handed him a piece of beast skin filled with dense writing. "A detailed exnation of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body and several hundred words of the partial Sakyamuni True Scriptures?" Old Chen was deeply moved. "My great-grandfather mentioned that he had no choice but to kill those people who intended to murder him in such a situation. But he felt he might have implicated you, so he left these scriptures aspensation," Zhong Qing exined, her natural beauty radiant and pure. Wang Xuan also approached, examining the text on the beast skin. The detailed exnation of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body revealed key techniques of this method, which he found extremely vital. However, what truly astonished him was the partial Sakyamuni True Scriptures, one of the foundational Buddhist teachings. Regrettably, it was only a fragment ¨C a deliberate choice by Old Zhong, perhaps? "Young Chen, I''ve also left you a letter," Zhong Qing handed another piece of beast skin to Old Chen. In the letter, Old Zhong affectionately addressed Old Chen as ''Little Chen'' and referred to himself as his senior, causing Old Chen to feel a mix of annoyance and amusement ¨C only Old Zhong could get away with such liberties. "Little Chen, your master and I were very close friends. Regarding the mysterious encounter thirty years ago, I am deeply pained by his sudden disappearance. I''ve been investigating and have made a significant discovery!" Old Zhong mentioned that he had left a crucial clue in his study, hidden inside a copy of ''Lu Zu''s Sword Exnations'' on his bookshelf. "My great-grandfather also has a startling theory, but he chose not to disclose it due tock of evidence and fear of leading you astray into unforeseen dangers. He ns to discuss it with you once he awakens," Zhong Qing conveyed. "Zhong Qing, don''t follow in your great-grandfather''s footsteps of always holding back information. It''s not a good practice," Old Chen lightly scolded. Although his use of ''Little Zhong'' was customary, Zhong Qing still felt slightly miffed upon hearing it. Old Chen touched Old Zhong''s head and face, then quickly wiped off the sticky residue from his hands. He restrained himself from pping Old Zhong, realizing that Old Zhong had understood his deepest desire ¨C to unravel the mystery of the encounter and save his master. If it weren''t for his master''s push, Old Chen would have been consumed by that light too. Zhong Cheng, looking fondly at Wang Xuan, warned, "Little Wang, it''s too dangerous outside. Don''t wander around needlessly." Unaware of Wang Xuan''s recent rampage, Zhong Cheng couldn''tprehend the conversations of people from the three superhumans. Zhong Qing, however, was more perceptive. Despite not understanding theirnguage, she carefully observed and began to harbor various suspicions and conjectures. "Ding!" In the heart of Di Xian City, a melodious and terrifying bell toll resounded, clearing the lingering clouds in the sky and allowing bright sunlight to cascade over the city, casting it in a glorious and serene light. "It''s the ancient bell of Di Xian City," noted aw enforcer, looking up at the clear sky. At the city''s center stood a time-worn but grand altar, from which a faint light screen slowly rose, revealing a vast and blurred world within. A majestic white peacock appeared, its voice echoing throughout the city, announcing, "The battle of the superhumans enters its final three days. Opportunities for fortune are at their peak. Impress greatly, and you may witness the assembly of immortals." Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine at the announcement, realizing the gravity of what was termed as a great opportunity. The city, he thought, held a certain terror within its ancient confines. "If there''s a chance for fortune," Zhong Cheng said with longing in his eyes as he gazed toward the shimmering light screen, "just carry my great-grandfather there." Wang Xuan remained silent, filled with apprehension for Old Zhong. As the superhuman energy ebbed and thews of nature decayed, the dwellings of the immortals seemed to descend from the void. Knowing Old Zhong''s history of plundering these celestial domains, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but worry. If Old Zhong were brought there and the immortals discovered his past misdeeds, it could spell disaster. Chapter 199: Checkmate Chapter 199: Checkmate Wang Xuan marveled at Old Zhong''s audacity. Not only had he caused a stir in the mortal realm, but he had also dared to meddle with the foundations of the immortals themselves. "There''s really no one else like him," Wang Xuan thought, considering the consequences if the immortals were to discover Old Zhong''s actions. "They''d be enraged enough to devour his heart alive." Wang Xuan contemted seeking out Zhong Cheng for a serious discussion, curious about whether Old Zhong''s household truly possessed any relics of the immortals. Such items were akin to "nuclear bombs," harboring immense and vibrant life forces that could potentially be harnessed. The thought of gaining ess to the celestial relics, particrly if Old Zhong had once unearthed the dwelling of a fallen red-clothed female immortal, excited Wang Xuan. He was determined to acquire any celestial bones she might have left behind. The scene beyond the curtain in the center of Earth Immortal City was hazy yet magnificent, with majestdscapes, divine birds soaring, and auspicious beasts roaming. It radiated a profoundly celestial aura, stunning the city''s inhabitants and eliciting a chorus of awed exmations. "Is that the realm of immortals?" they wondered, trembling with excitement and longing. Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged nces in silence, knowing something the awe-struck crowd didn''t: the immortals on the other side were likely just as eager to step into the mortal world. The altar at the center of Earth Immortal City, with its gradually blurring curtain, was not a permanent fixture. It would reappear in three days, serving mainly to stimte everyone''s ambition and enthusiasm. "My collection of jade talismans is insufficient; I should strive for more," one person mused aloud, while another openly sought to buy talismans at high prices. Thepetition for these coveted items was heating up. ¡­¡­ In Earth Immortal City, many extraordinary beings were stirred into action, each contemting their strategies. Wang Xuan, however, felt uneasy. Despite having enough jade talismans to secure the top spot, he dreaded facing the immortals. For him, it was perilously risky. The thought of encountering multiple true immortals, who might see through his deceptions and discover his unique innerndscape, was a prospect he couldn''t risk. He understood that his achievement of opening the innerndscape as a mortal was exceptionally rare, even in ancient times. Thest thing he wanted was to be a conduit for the return of the immortals. Old Chen, too, was apprehensive. He sought out the white peacock to inquire which famous immortals might appear. The peacock hinted at the possible appearance of one or two renowned immortals. Wang Xuan''s mind raced with thoughts of Zhang Daoling, but he quickly dismissed the idea. If Zhang had ventured behind the curtain, he too might be ensnared in a dangerous trap. Wang Xuan, determined to avoid direct contact with the curtain, handed his collection of jade talismans to Old Chen, entrusting him to im the rewards. Old Chen felt the weight of this responsibility. He understood Wang Xuan''s fear of his innerndscape attracting cmity, while he himself dreaded encountering the red-clothed female immortal, having once engaged with the white tiger and wielded his sword against her. "Coincidences are rare in the vast expanse behind the curtain," Wang Xuan reassured him. Old Chen decided he too would find a proxy to im his rewards, no longer daring to unt his status as a spiritual leader. Their conversation turned to Old Song, the other half of the Song-Zhong duo. Zhong Cheng''s expression dimmed as he revealed that Old Song had ventured outside the city seeking jade talismans, hoping to exchange them for fortune. He never returned. Zhong Qing added that Old Zhong''s ughter of those people was partly in vengeance for Old Song. Wang Xuan and Old Chen sighed, mourning the loss of the second-ranked being of the new star. In Earth Immortal City, Wang Xuan wandered, only to unexpectedly encounter Zhou Yun. To his surprise, Zhou Yun had managed to enter the city. Wang Xuan''s headache intensified when he also spotted Zheng Rui, whose wrist bracelet housed the female Daoist. "Little Wang!" Zhou Yun called out excitedly, waving at him. Wang Xuan immediately turned and fled, internally pleading for them not to notice him, which unfortunately they did. In Zheng Rui''s bracelet, a ripple appeared, and a vague shadow of the female Daoist emerged, smiling as she watched Wang Xuan''s retreating figure. Feeling overwhelmed by the turn of events, especially with the appearance of the Early Qin female Daoist, Wang Xuan sensed potential chaos. Many in Earth Immortal City were terrified, thinking the alien demon was fleeing from another formidable being from a different realm. Old Chen also made a quick exit with Wang Xuan. "Old Chen, I''ve decided to go outside the city to gather some local specialties. I don''t want to stay here anymore," Wang Xuan said, wanting toy low for a while. "I''ming too," Old Chen replied, feeling uneasy about the female Daoist, whom he remembered causing him sleepless nights. Wang Xuan disagreed, "Why go out? With so many valuable jade talismans, we should im our fortunes first, then we can divide them." He had promised Qin Cheng to treat him to delicacies like chicken stewed with golden mushrooms and garlic-steamed snails after returning from the secretnd. He set out to collect these valuable ''local specialties,'' particrly interested in the elusive mountain snails. These rare creatures, found in the mountains, were considered valuable, capable of extending life by five years when consumed regrly. After a fruitless search outside the city, Wang Xuan returned to discuss with Old Chen their next move: iming the ''inheritance'' left behind in the city by Mu Xue, Yuan Kun, and Ou Yuxuan. They hadn''t found anything valuable on their bodies after defeating them, suggesting their assets were stored in the city. Wang Xuan and Old Chen learned, much to their dismay, that the belongings left behind by the deceased had been confiscated by the enforcers under Bai Kongque''s orders. Seeking jade talismans, Wang Xuan proposed a trade: mountain snails for jade talismans. Despite many coveting his abundance of jade talismans, no one could offer any mountain snails, highlighting their incredible rarity and value. Wang Xuan had already gathered several spiritual medicines like golden mushrooms, Earth marrow, purple coiled peaches, and nourishing lotuses as ''local specialties'' to bring back, capable of aiding a mortal''s breakthrough. The next morning, he revisited the silver bee hive, promptly retreating upon spotting bees in the abandoned lower nest. He was relieved to have previously collected the royal jelly, mixed with the divine spring water. At noon, a Heluo star transcendent being approached him hesitantly with a few baby fist-sized mountain snails, each as translucent as jade, emitting a mysterious light and a pleasant fragrance. The six mountain snails, though valuable, were insufficient for his ns to treat Qin Cheng and his parents. Promising four jade talismans, Wang Xuan sought the snails'' harvesting location, nning a substantial harvest for the future. Old Chen busied himself finding a proxy for iming rewards, initially considering Zhou Yun and Zhou Cheng, then shifting his attention to Zhou Yun. In the afternoon, Wang Xuan set off for the dangerous stone mountains, guarded by formidable transcendent serpents, where the mountain snails resided. He observed four massive snakes from a distance, thergest with a head as big as a car, its body covered in bright red scales, signaling its deadly nature. In the rugged terrain of the stone mountain, riddled with myriad small holes likely the work of elusive mountain snails, Wang Xuan stood amidst the subtle whisper of spiritual energy. His mind drifted to the imminent celebration he nned upon his return from the Secret Land, a feast with Qin Cheng and Qing Han. He pondered over Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin''s departure from the Fairy''s Cave, curious about their fate. His contemtion was abruptly cut short by an icy shiver running down his spine. An acute sense of impending peril gripped him. His extraordinary perception had detected something amiss. A bone-chilling danger was rapidly closing in. Without a second thought, Wang Xuan retreated hastily, his instincts screaming for escape. But his retreat was thwarted. Emerging from the shadowy woods behind him, more than a dozen figures formed an imprable wall. In front of this formidable assembly, an array of weapons hovered ominously - flying swords, silver knives, and slender spears danced in the air like serpents, all wielded by skilled swordsmen from the Herb Gathering Realm. Shock registered on Wang Xuan''s face. He had nearly obliterated all his enemies from the Herb Gathering Realm back in the Celestial Immortal City. And now, he was confronted with strangers, faces he had never seen before. The air was thick with their unmasked aura, brimming with intense killing intent. Most of these adversaries were in thete or even the peak stages of the Herb Gathering Realm. Among them stood elderly figures, their white hair and beards framing faces with eyes sharp as eagles, fixating on Wang Xuan as though he were already a ghost of the past. "You killed my beloved Mu Xue! My love! I''m here for vengeance!" roared one, the air vibrating with his hostility. While others maintained an icyposure, their faces stoic as they prepared for battle, their intent clear and deadly. Another voice broke through, "Jiang Xuan, my little Xuan, how you suffered, brutally shattered in the forest without even a whole body to mourn!" The words wereced with pain and fury. They were rtives and kin of Jiang Xuan and Mu Xue, apanied by a cohort of formidable Herb Gathering Realm masters, all united in their quest for retribution. Wang Xuan''s heart pounded with the realization of the dire situation. Could these people have arrived from the Feather Transformation Star on such short notice? The air around him grew heavier with the weight of the life-and-death crisis he now faced. From another direction, the forest exploded with movement as a group of imposing figures emerged, led by a towering figure standing about two and a half meters tall. His upper body was bare, revealing bronzed skin that shimmered with a metallic sheen in the sunlight. ¡°The warriors of Heluo Star havee to exterminate the alien demon,¡± the leader proimed with an authoritative voice. ¡°This secret realm belongs to Yu Hua, O, and Heluo. We absolutely will not tolerate the presence of aliens here. We''ll exterminate everyst one!¡± The majority of this group followed the path of physical cultivation, with many as formidable as Yuan Kun who practiced the Immortal Body technique. However, they were all at the level of the Gathering Herbs stage, brimming with formidable strength. Meanwhile, from a nearby part of the forest, thunder roared and lightning crackled, heralding the arrival of another group. They were unmistakably the masters from O Star. ¡°I¡¯m curious,¡± Wang Xuan asked sternly, ¡°did you just arrive from your home stars?¡± The three factions had himpletely surrounded, forming a deadly trap. Wang Xuan sighed internally. He had beencent, believing that after defeating all the formidable opponents in the secret realm, no one could threaten him anymore. How could he have anticipated the sudden appearance of over forty experts? All of them were masters in theter stages of the Gathering Herbs realm, each a ruthless killer specifically dispatched from the three extraterrestrial worlds to eliminate him and Old Chen. One of the towering beings, nearly three meters tall, stepped forward. Covered in ck fur with piercing green eyes, he looked like a demonic creature. This was the leader of the Mountain God tribe, the enforcers of the secret realm, descendants of those left behind by the three extraterrestrial worlds. ¡°Exterminate the alien! This secret realm must not be tainted by outsiders,¡± he bellowed. ¡°Intruders from beyond our domain must die. This is our sanctuary, the garden of the Immortals. All fortunes belong to us, not to the demons from beyond!¡± The Gathering Herbs stage masters echoed the sentiment, their voices resonating through the forest. Even the massive snakes on the nearby stone mountain, terrified by the overwhelming presence, retreated into their burrows and fled. The fearsome reptiles, typically imposing, were nothingpared to the dread inspired by these warriors. Dozens ofte-stage Gathering Herbs practitioners united ¨C few of their peers could withstand such a force. And Wang Xuan, though impressive in his ability tobat those in his tier, stood no chance against this overwhelming onught. Even with his extraordinary skills, he would be crushed to dust, leaving no room for doubt. In Wang Xuan''s left palm, he clutched a thumb-sized piece of Yu Hua Divine Bamboo, infused with the essence of the Earth Immortal Spring and Royal Bee Jelly. This exotic item, belonging to the Immortals beyond the curtain, was given to him by the White Tiger True Immortal, with instructions to imnt it into... ''Wang Xuan.'' Such a deed, he knew, he would nevermit in his lifetime. Thus, after cleansing it, he kept this Immortal-crafted divine object stored safely within his fragment of the blessed realm. If left with no choice, he considered unleashing this artifact, curious yet fearful of the consequences. However, the thought of activating it and potentially summoning the red-dressed female demon filled him with dread. ¡°Kill him!¡± The assants roared in unison, attacking with full force, giving Wang Xuan no quarter. Their intent was clear ¨C to incapacitate him quickly, extract information about the alien realm, and then subject him to a thousand torments. ¡°Killing my beloved Xue Er warrants your death a hundredfold!¡± an elderly woman screamed through tears. Her anguish was palpable. Wang Xuan dodged frantically as sword beams sliced through the air, shredding the ground where he had just stood and leaving a gaping, ck chasm in their wake. ¡°Your hundred deaths couldn¡¯t assuage the agony and hatred in my heart. My dear Yu Xuan died so tragically. I want to torment you slowly to death, a piece of flesh each day for a hundred days,¡± another voice growled, filled with vengeance. Wang Xuan desperately wanted to ask them: Were only their disciples precious? Did no one else¡¯s life matter? Why should only their descendants be allowed to kill and not be killed in return? The forest exploded around him. In the initial sh, Wang Xuan was left bloodied and battered. Surrounded and pursued by dozens of experts, his body was torn with wounds deep enough to expose bone. A gaping hole in his chest and scorch marks from lightning strikes on his back spoke of the severity of his injuries. Cornered and severely wounded, he realized another joint attack would seal his fate. For a fleeting moment, he contemted activating the Yu Hua Divine Bamboo but refrained, concluding that summoning the red-dressed demon was a worse fate than death in battle. In that critical moment, Wang Xuan¡¯s gaze turned fierce. He knew he wasn¡¯t utterly without hope, but he needed to reach that elusive state ¨C to activate his super-senses, even his divine perception. With a thunderous roar, he prepared to confront his seemingly insurmountable situation. Many beams of light, including six or seven sword glows, pierced through Wang Xuan, breaking his bones and shing off chunks of his flesh. Never before had he experienced such a harrowing ordeal. His adversaries aimed to cripple him first, then force him into submission. With a low growl, Wang Xuan furiously channeled his mental power, intertwining various spectacr scenes and fusing them together. He felt as if his brain was about to explode. Finally, under the immense external pressure and facing utter despair, he triggered his super-sense ¨C the first time he had consciously achieved this in such a situation. Boom! His Inner Landscape red open, and his spirit entered it. Countless mysterious factors surged, spreading into the forest, nketing it like a heavy snowfall. The dense, active particles engulfed his physical body. "What is that? The legendary Inner Landscape?!" someone with keen perception immediately discerned the truth. In his Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan attempted to activate a divine object, a treasure extracted from the edge of the secret realm, coveted by Immortals and fiercely fought over by the Early Qin female alchemist and the red-dressed demoness. They had even battled Immortals for it and shed with each other! Wang Xuan sensed that the treasure had transformed after being nurtured in his Inner Landscape for days. As he attempted to connect with it... there was a response! "How is it possible? He''s opened his Inner Landscape? At such a young age!" "This... He''s just stepped into the realm of the extraordinary. It''s impossible to open an Inner Landscape at this stage!" The group was shocked. But their resolve to kill him only intensified. ng! In the Inner Landscape, the lid of the artifact moved, lifted by Wang Xuan''s will. He also realized what this object truly was. "My own Inner Landscape, opening it is no big deal. Today, let''s settle our scores and fight to our heart''s content!" he bellowed, fuelled by pent-up rage. To him, the actions and speech of the outside world seemed incredibly slow. His thoughts raced unbelievably fast within his Inner Landscape. He tried to manipte the lid of the divine object, determined to use it against his enemies. Chapter 200: Treasure Chapter 200: Treasure Is this really just a lid? Wang Xuan felt as though he was lifting a mountain; it was unbearably heavy. Barely raising it off the ground, he was already exhausted, on the verge of copse. Feeling the intense pressure, his spirit destabilized. Struggling, he prepared to hurl it outwards. Outside, the sword cultivators were prepared to unleash their most ferocious attack. The air was filled with the gleam of flying swords and the killing intent that reached the heavens. Dozens of flying swords, along with tiny spears as thick as chopsticks and short knives as long as a palm, all radiated an intimidating sharpness. If unleashed, they could level a mountain, leaving Wang Xuan no chance of survival. In the outside world, Wang Xuan would have had no time to react. In an instant, the sword cultivators would havemanded a rain of weapons to tear him apart. But within his Inner Landscape, everything was different. To him, the movements of the sword cultivators were incredibly slow. They seemed to be speaking, but their words were like a stuck record, barely progressing. The flying swords, which should have shot out like lightning, now moved at a snail''s pace. The tiny spears seemed to be hibernating snakes sluggishly lifting their heads, lethargically. The sword cultivators, using their mental powers to control their weapons, hadunched a ferociously swift and brutal attack. But now, it was as if someone had pressed the pause button. It wasn''t that the people outside had slowed down, but rather, Wang Xuan''s perception within his Inner Landscape was incredibly fast, existing in a realm of timeless rity. This difference in perception was why many believed that a minute in the real world could equate to a year or even longer in the Inner Landscape. Wang Xuan was no longer in a rush; he had all the time he needed. Facing this deathly assault from dozens of Cauldron-level masters, his only option was to mobilize the lid. When he first encountered it, it had torn through the Inner Landscape''s divine object with its terrifying might. "No, it''s too heavy!" Wang Xuan eximed, dropping the lid with a resounding thud. He was utterly drained, feeling as though his very being was about to shatter under the strain. A deep echo resounded through his Inner Landscape, a rare urrence indeed. This domain, typically silent and eerily still, where not even a whisper of sound was heard, now vibrated intensely. It was as if this ancient and mysteriousnd, unchanging through eons, had suddenlye to life. Utilizing the most powerful scripture etched on the stone b within his spirit, the mysterious particles in the Inner Landscape cascaded down like a torrential downpour, far surpassing the effects of the ancient root methods. This unprecedented density of divine particles left him in awe, covering the sky and emerging from the void. Taking a deep breath, his spiritual form was revitalized by the abundant mysterious particles, radiating a vigorous vitality. His spirit took on a more tangible form, appearing as a miniature version of himself. Once more, he attempted to lift the lid. Various magnificent scenes materialized around him - vague mountains, a plummeting sun, and tumultuous ocean waves - all converging with his spirit in the Inner Landscape, creating an unparalleled strength. The ground trembled lightly under this newfound power. Wang Xuan felt as though he was lifting the very dome of the heavens. ¡­¡­ "Kill him!" shouted the sword cultivators from the outside world, their voices thundering. Another voice warned, "Be gentle, don¡¯t turn him into mincemeat. Just sever his limbs, pin him to the ground, and leave him barely alive. We have many questions to interrogate him about!" The swords zed like rainbows, a myriad of weapons forming a deadly, whooshing as theyunched forward. The cultivators were convinced of their invincible might at this level, certain that no enemy could withstand their assault. Even the most indestructible monks or demonic creatures, whose bodies surpassed even the sharpest des, couldn''t escape being torn apart by this storm of swords. What did it matter if this young man was a genius or had opened his Inner Landscape? Without the time to cultivate an invincible physique, he would be left a cripple in the wake of their chaotic attack. "Careful... don''t leave him too mangled," taunted members from the Heluo and Eura stars, chuckling among themselves. Wang Xuan, exerting all his strength, hurled the lid towards the group of sword cultivators. True to its nature as a treasure, the lid maintained its momentum even outside the Inner Landscape, unaffected by the transition between the realms. As the lid descended towards the sword cultivators, shing with the airborne swords mere meters away, something extraordinary happened. Boom! Upon being struck, the lid released an incredible energy. Gentle ripples emanated from it, expanding outwards in concentric circles. The swords that had been bearing down on it instantly shattered, as fragile as insects hit by speeding bullets, turning to metallic dust. As the ripples spread, they reached the sword cultivators, freezing the smiles on their faces. Cracks appeared all over their bodies, densely covering them, and then, with soft ''pop'' sounds, every one of them disintegrated. Wang Xuan was astounded. Despite anticipating the lid''s power, the reality of its destructive force still took his breath away. He had witnessed its might firsthand when he first encountered it. The edge of the Hidden Land, where Inner Landscape Treasures could be found, was a ce of unspeakable terror. Not only were there Earth Immortals, but also Transcendent level powerhouses, creatures like the Golden-Winged Great Peng and Thousand-Handed True God. These formidable beings were ughtered just at the entrance. Yet, that powerful Inner Scene Treasure nearly crumbled just because the lid emitted light, slightly nudging it. Had Wang Xuan not been a spiritual entity and hidden in his Inner Landscape at that moment, he too would have perished without a trace. The lid tumbled through the air, with ripples of light gently expanding in circles as it fell. "No!" screamed the people from Heluo Star in utter terror. That peaceful, almost holy aura reached them, and they couldn''t escape its grasp. Some tried to flee, but they couldn''t outrun the expanding rings of light. With a mere sweep, those individuals shattered, turning into mists of blood. Even those who cultivated the "Indestructible Body," reaching towards the Transcendent level, were as fragile as sandcastles in the tide, disintegrating in an instant. The people from Eura, farther away, frantically ran while unleashing thunder, light, and conjuring ck winds in an attempt to resist the lid and shatter its luminescent waves. But their counterattacks only invited a greater disaster. The ripples swept over them, and they exploded into pieces. "My physical body!" Wang Xuan gasped in shock, fearing he might have inadvertently killed himself. Fortunately, that dire oue didn''t ur. The lid, having been nurtured within the Inner Landscape for so long, had developed an inexplicable connection to it. His ability to move the lid and hurl it was not solely due to his spiritual strength but rather a resonance between the lid and the Inner Landscape. This quiet domain resonated with his spirit, enabling him to manipte the lid. His physical and spiritual forms were closely intertwined, preventing the lid from identally harming him. In the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan''s spiritual form was covered in cracks. Exerting himself to the limit in throwing the lid, he had nearly burst apart even before striking his enemies. He was left speechless ¨C what level of treasure was this? It was terrifying beyond belief! Lying in the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan felt utterly drained, not wanting to move an inch. Handling such a high-level object was clearly beyond his current capabilities. Just throwing a lid, even with the aid of the Inner Landscape, had nearly depleted his life force. With a determined spirit, Wang Xuan activated the scriptures recorded on the stone tablet, once again summoning a torrential downpour of mysterious particles from the void. They enveloped and nourished his spirit, gradually restoring it from its depleted and fractured state. It felt as if he hadin there for half a year in the Inner Landscape before his spirit finally rejuvenated. Aware of the dangers lurking outside, where merely half a minute might have passed, Wang Xuan knew he couldn''t dy. The wilderness was fraught with peril, and more formidable foes could appear at any moment. He attempted to retrieve the lid using the Inner Landscape''s powers, but to his dismay, it refused to budge. It wasn''t until his spirit was nearly at breaking point, with various miraculous scenes merging, that the lid finally thudded back into the Inner Landscape. Exhausted once again, Wang Xuany motionless. When he finally mustered the strength to rise and check on his physical body, he found his situation grave. Despite the continuous shower of mysterious particles, his physical condition was far worse than he had anticipated. The people from Heluo, Eura, and Yuhua stars had inflicted devastating injuries. His organs were shattered, his heart peppered with cracks, barely holding together, oozing blood with every feeble beat. Without the nourishing particles, his body would have certainly sumbed, unable to survive for more than a few days. His lungs, liver, and other organs were simrlycerated, even more severely damaged than Old Chen¡¯s wounds from the battle on the Pamir teau. His assants had aimed to incapacitate him, leaving him just alive enough for interrogation. His back bore scars from thunder strikes, and his flesh was scorched by mes. There were several bloodied holes pierced through his body. In silence, Wang Xuan gingerly moved, drinking deeply from the Earth Immortal Spring mixed with royal jelly, nurturing his battered body. Finally, he dedicated all his energy to summoning the mysterious particles, like rivulets flowing into his body, working tirelessly to repair the life-threatening injuries. As time progressed in the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan felt as if two years had passed. His physical body in the real world was finally showing signs of slow recovery. The severity of his injuries weighed heavily on him, unparalleled in their brutality. Yet, his body continued to mend, gradually improving. Now with time and energy to spare, Wang Xuan turned his attention to the mysterious relic that had proved to be both a boon and a bane. In the Inner Landscape, though shrouded in mysterious particles, its true form was now visible ¨C it appeared to be an alchemy furnace. This furnace stood on three legs, exuding an aura of antiquity. Beneath the legs, there was a wooden base, which seemed to be part of a box that originally contained the relic. Now only the base remained, and Wang Xuan spected that even this remnant was an extraordinary item of immense value. The lid of the furnace was norger than a bowl and was intricately inscribed. The exterior of the main body was adorned withplex patterns of birds, beasts, and thunder, while the interior was etched with dense text. To his recognition, these characters matched the cryptic symbols he had encountered on the Sun Gold Nodule in the Land of Exile. ¡°The ghostly symbols from the Golden List?¡± he mused, recalling the brief exposure he had to these characters when the Golden List resonated, revealing some readable text. Realizing the importance, Wang Xuan silently imprinted every symbol from the furnace onto his spirit, memorizing them. The very thought that this artifact, coveted and fought over by top immortals like the Red-Dressed Demoness and the Pre-Qin Female Taoist, contained such inscriptions filled him with awe. Inside the furnace, a faint fragrance wafted through the air, reminiscent of... divine medicine. This revtion was nothing short of astonishing. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but wonder ¨C had this furnace been used to refine celestial medicine, or could it nurture medicine of such exalted quality? Wang Xuan''s injuries were indeed severe, reminiscent of the dire state Old Chen once found himself in. Like Chen, he too found salvation in the Inner Landscape, devoting his entire time there to healing. The nurturing embrace of the mysterious factors gradually restored his punctured flesh, shattered viscera, and scorched skin, breathing new life into his battered body. As time seemed to stretch within the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan''s physique steadily recuperated. Years appeared to pass, allowing his spirit and body to return to their peak conditions. He remained in the domain, seizing this rare opportunity for profound cultivation. Every entrance into the Inner Landscape was a precious chance for him. Wang Xuan immersed himself in the most potent scriptures, consolidating his two true form diagrams. His spiritual power surged forward, and his scarred flesh and marked viscera underwent a metamorphosis. His metabolic rate skyrocketed, propelling him onto a secret path of cultivation and elevating his life essence to a new realm. A transformative shedding urred. His flesh was remolded, and his organs resonated in a slow, fortifying harmony, gaining a crystalline sheen and no longer exhibiting their former fragility. The remnants of his injuries vanished as a rejuvenating aura flowed through him, enhancing his vital essence. Wang Xuan progressed from the early stages of the Illuminating Lamp phase to its middle stages, experiencing an unprecedented improvement in his condition. He knew his time in the Inner Landscape was limited and decided to practice the body techniques of Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism. The five pages of the golden scripture left by Zhang Daoling, he believed, were no less powerful than thebat methods recorded on the stone tablet. On the first page of the golden scripture, there were nine diagrams. Wang Xuan managed to master the sixth and seventh diagrams in one go. He decided to name this technique "Daoist Scatter Hand," in line with the naming convention of Old Zhang''s other techniques, such as the Snake-Crane Eight Style Technique. A gentle tremor signaled the closing of the Inner Landscape. Wang Xuan returned to his physical body, feeling an invigorating surge of newfound strength. Rising to his feet, he stood in his most powerful form yet, ready to face whatever challengesy ahead. Chapter 201: Rewards From The Immortals Chapter 201: Rewards From The Immortals The foresty in ruins, as if violently shorn by some colossal force. The area was extensively devastated, leaving behind only traces of blood from those who had perished, with no other evidence of their existence. Even the mystic silver flying swords, caught in the ripples, were reduced to mere iron filings. The nearby stone mountain was also affected. Severalrge snakes hiding in the caverns were severed into sections, but at least their bodies remained intact. Wang Xuan, utilizing his potent spiritual domain, scoured the fractured mountain for snails. After more than two hours, he managed to gather a basketful. Even in ancient times, these were considered a delicacy, favored by earth immortals as a snack to apany their drinks. The mature snails, asrge as an adult''s fist, had jade-like shells that were translucent and aesthetically pleasing. The meat was luminous and contained a subtle, fragrant aroma. Extremely rare, these snails were currently used by the elite on New Star solely for infusing into wines. "A basket of snails causing such a bloodbath¡­" Wang Xuan mused on the irony. Seeking a simple pleasure had led to a deadly hunt by over forty cultivators at the Gathering Herbs stage. Indeed, it was a delicacy obtained on the edge of a knife, amidst the sounds of shing swords and copsing mountains. He made his way back to the Earth Immortal City, reflecting on the day''s perils. Without the treasure from the Inner Landscape, his fate could have been dire. "It doesn''t seem like a weapon, more like a cauldron used solely for brewing medicinal herbs, given its faint herbal fragrance," he pondered. The mystery deepened ¨C how could a mere tool for concocting potions possess such immense power? A thought struck him. He wasn''t far from reaching the Gathering Herbs stage himself, a realm deeply intertwined with his future stages and even involving potent spiritual medicines. Could this cauldron prove useful in his uing journey? Upon his return to the Earth Immortal City, the man from Heluo Star who had traded the snails with him received the news. Shocked and terrified, his face turned pale, and he was utterly paralyzed with fear. He knew the inside story; a group of cultivators at the Gathering Herbs stage had failed to kill this alien being? Old Chen arrived soon after, rmed to hear of Wang Xuan''s encounter. Together, they sought out the transcendent beings from the three stars of Heluo, Eura, and Yuhua. "Unless you n to stay in the Earth Immortal City forever, stepping outside will mean facing our relentless pursuit and retribution. No one will be spared," Old Chen dered, brandishing his sun-gold infused spear. He pointed at each individual, issuing a stark threat and then began... collecting protection fees. The transcendent being who had tricked Wang Xuan into leaving the city almost copsed in terror, trembling as he approached first. He returned the previously obtained jade tokens and added four more from his collection. "We''re only asking voluntarily for now. It''s merely a donation. Whoever can spare some jade tokens, that would be forming a good bond with us," Old Chen announced, masking his true terror. Wang Xuan''s near-death experience outside the city had left him shaken. The people from the three celestial stars were ruthlessly malicious to have summoned such a formidable group from their home stars. However, they were limited to summoning only those at the Gathering Herbs stage. The annihtion of such a group would undoubtedly cause panic at their end of the wormhole. Wang Xuan remained silent, letting Old Chen handle the threats while he collected the jade tokens, exuding a menacing aura. Having just achieved a breakthrough, he was indeed eager to test his new abilities on these people. "Little Wang!" Zhou Yun appeared again, causing Wang Xuan a headache. Zhou Yun''s presence meant Zheng Rui and the female alchemist weren''t far behind ¨C encounters Wang Xuan was keen to avoid. Zhou Yun was Ling Wei''s cousin who had been repeatedly thrashed by Wang Xuan. Their confrontations had even led to Zhou Yun''s bone fractures on Qingcheng Mountain. It was from him that Wang Xuan had acquired the five pages of the Golden Scripture. Initially, Zhou Yun mistook Wang Xuan for a mixed-race individual, but his attitude had gradually changed, especially after arriving in the secret realm. He had begun to treat Wang Xuan as a close brother. "There''s no need to run; the female alchemist hasn''t shown up," Old Chen reassured Wang Xuan. "Little Wang, long time no see! Why are you running? Last time, you bravely stayed behind to confront the alien masters alone. I heard from Zhong Cheng that you cleverly used poisonous bees to eliminate several grandmasters. That was a genius move! I¡¯m growing more impressed with you. When we return to New Star, I''ll talk to my uncle, Old Ling, about the feudalistic way he''s been acting. I think you and Ling Wei make a great pair," Zhou Yun said, patting Wang Xuan''s shoulder affectionately. Wang Xuan was exasperated, feeling that Zhou Yun was only adding to the chaos. "Here, help me collect these jade tokens. See anyone who''s unwilling to pay? Remember their faces," Wang Xuan tasked Zhou Yun with collecting the dues. "What''s happening, Wang? Charging extraterrestrials protection fees now?" Zhou Yun was astounded. Wang Xuan shook his head, exining, "It''s not me; it''s Old Chen. Chen Yongjie, the former grandmaster, has ascended to the Transcendent realm and is now unmatched across the three stars. He''s adamant about collecting these peacekeeping fees from them." Zhou Yun was impressed, "Wow, so Grandmaster Chen really was involved with the underworld. No wonder some of the influential old-timers on New Star say he¡¯s a tough nut to crack. They advise reporting any encounters with him and eliminating him quickly if provoked; otherwise, it''s too risky." Wang Xuan listened, speechless at Zhou Yun''s candidness. Old Chen, maintaining a stern face, chose not to engage in the conversation. Zhou Yun''s demeanor turned serious as he said, "Grandmaster Chen, or should I say, Transcendent Chen, I was just trying to give you a heads-up. Some influential figures on New Star are quite wary of you. Now that you''ve returned and ascended to Transcendence, I bet they''re weighing their options, contemting how to deal with you." Old Chen looked at Zhou Yun with some surprise but nodded, epting the information as a friendly gesture. Zhong Cheng joined them, roped in by Zhou Yun to assist in collecting the protection money. The transcendent beings from the three celestial stars were a mix of shock and fear. They were stunned to hear that a group of forty-odd Gathering Herbs stage experts who had crossed over to exterminate an extraterrestrial demon might have been wiped out instead. This revtion left them in disbelief, unable to ept that one or two extraterrestrial beings could achieve such a feat. They suspected arge number of extraterrestrial forces lurking outside the city. Particrly when Zhou Yun dered to the crowd, "Hurry up, you''re already surrounded by Transcendent Chen himself. He''s set his sights on you. And let me tell you, he''s the biggest underworld boss of an entire!" Zhong Cheng, with a grave expression, warned them, "Old Chen says, ''Heaven values all life, so pay up with your jade tokens for your safety. Otherwise, heads will roll when you leave Earth Immortal City.''" The reason Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng were so proactive in collecting jade tokens was that Wang Xuan and Old Chen had promised them a few tokens each as a reward for their help. The transcendent beings, unable to understand theirnguage but able to capture thoughts and intentions through their spiritual domains, began to view Old Chen differently, seeing him as a dominant figure from the underworld of a life-bearing, a leader in its grey areas. Zhong Qing also joined in the collection, her long legs and pure, beautiful face adding to her persuasive charm. Her sweet voice and gentle demeanor quickly swayed many to part with their jade tokens. Zheng Rui, throughout the process, remained calm and quiet. The city''sw enforcers couldn''t stand by idly any longer and covertly informed the White Peacock, the great demon. the White Peacock arrived personally to put a stop to it, ensuring the jade tokens already collected weren''t returned. the White Peacock gave Zheng Rui a nce before flying away. Wang Xuan and Old Chen, after tallying up, found they had collected over one hundred and fifty jade tokens in total, more than half the required amount. "We should be able to im the top seven spots," Wang Xuan noted. He felt it was a waste to concentrate so many tokens in the hands of just one or two individuals. Instead, it made sense to distribute them more reasonably among their group. Wang Xuan, Old Chen, Old Zhong, Zheng Rui, Zhou Yun, Zhong Qing, and Zhong Cheng could all im rewards, potentially securing the most significant benefits. However, Wang Xuan nned to remain hidden, letting the other six im the prizes. the White Peacock''s psychic message informed them that all rewards would be exchanged based on the number of jade tokens and warned them to consider whether to distribute them wisely. The highest tier rewards required a vast number of tokens, a massive umtion of points. This warning blocked their path to easy fortune, leaving them speechless and stumped. "Senior, how do we leave the secret realm? With the surge in transcendent energy, spacecraft can''tnd. Are we to be trapped here forever?" Wang Xuan inquired. If there was no other way, Wang Xuan would have to venture deep into the secret realm to seek Old Fox''s help, hoping to use the Celestials'' spacecraft to leave. He just hoped that Old Fox wouldn''t be too treacherous or terrifying. "I will send you away," the White Peacock reappeared, again ncing at the bracelet on Zheng Rui''s wrist. It warned Wang Xuan not to leave the city and to personally im the Celestials'' rewards. Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine; he was being watched closely. His gaze shifted to Zheng Rui, where the vague silhouette within the bracelet seemed to materialize more clearly, though only Wang Xuan and Old Chen, as transcendent beings, could see it. Zhong Qing and Zhou Yun remained unaware. The female immortal floated away lightly, disappearing near the altar in the center of Dishi City. Soon, the transcendent battle ended, and the bell of Dishi City tolled, its sound traveling for miles, attracting various transcendent monsters like pilgrims to a holy site. In the city center, the immense altar''s light screen rose again, revealing the world behind the grand curtain. Reluctantly, Wang Xuan arrived with his collection of jade tokens, escorted by the White Peacock. "Senior, will the Celestials descend to our world?" Wang Xuan inquired, uneasy about what might unfold. "Why ask so many questions? Just watch and learn," the White Peacock responded indifferently. The grand curtain expanded, revealing a boundless and majestdscape, almost dreamlike in its beauty. There were ethereal pces in the clouds, floating mountains, sacred beasts running through the clouds, and celestial birds descending from the moon. Both transcendent beings and monsters of the secret realm were awestruck by the sight. The curtain drew near, revealing treasures like ancient texts, medicinal herbs, and mysterious artifacts, all avable for exchange with jade tokens. Zhong Cheng''s pupils contracted as he spotted a set of golden bamboo slips in the pile of texts, their high ranking almost intimidating. He quicklyposed himself, practicing the calming technique Old Zhong had taught him to maintain hisposure. Zhong Qing, too, was deeply moved but managed to remain calm and collected, concealing any hint of excitement or turmoil. They then noticed a five-colored jade book among the top-tier items, catching everyone''s attention with its prominence. "Stop looking at those top-tier scriptures; they''ve mostly been lost. The powerful immortals who practiced them mostly perished in the grand curtain battles," the White Peacock advised everyone to be realistic and not set their sights on the texts atop the curtain, as they were not meant for them. "Back in the day, there were battles among Earthly Immortals, disputes among life-sustaining masters, and confrontations at the Ascendent level. Even in that era, Celestials could descend here to duel and vie for legendary treasures and supreme scriptures," the White Peacock reminisced about an era long gone. Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng, one after another, recognized some familiar texts, leaving them astounded. They exchanged nces, realizing just how extraordinary Old Zhong''s study was. Old Chen was reassuring Wang Xuan, conversing in the Old Earthnguage to avoid leaking any mental thoughts. "Don''t worry, it''s not likely we''ll encounter the Red-Dressed Demoness wherever we go. If she appears, I''ll stand up for you and ask her to dance the Demoness Dance!" he joked. Wang Xuan''s lips twitched. "Don''t talk nonsense or provoke me. I''ve been speaking propheciestely, and I don''t want to mention her anymore." He felt that the true body of the Pre-Qin female immortal might emerge from behind the grand curtain. He then braced himself, observing the top-tier items, which were vague and indistinct. Among them, a furnace seemed familiar to the one in his Inner Landscape. "Don''t bother looking at the top rewards; they''re not meant for you. Even the supreme Celestials have longed for them in vain," the White Peacock cautioned them again not to overestimate themselves and to be content with just knowing the legends. "Senior, can you tell us about those legendary items?" asked a Ascendent realm swordsman from Yuhua Star. "Yes, Senior, let us learn about those mysterious artifacts," others chimed in. "Hmm, take the Carefree Boat, for instance. It can traverse all higher spiritual worlds, ces even Celestials can''t reach. One can easily pluck peaches from the Pantao Garden, harvest fairy cbashes from Mount Buzhou, and gather nine-turn dan qi from the Great Red Heaven," the White Peacock exined. "And then there''s that furnace..." As the White Peacock mentioned the furnace, Wang Xuan perked up, listening intently, feeling it was very simr to the one in his Inner Landscape. Chapter 202: The Passing Of Myths Chapter 202: The Passing Of Myths "The furnace, well, it''s better left unmentioned. Telling you about it would be meaningless," the Peacock, over five meters long and as white as jade, shook its head in the midst of the crowd. Just when everyone was deeply engaged, it stopped abruptly, leaving the audience dumbstruck... and then, desiring to give it a good thrashing! Unfortunately, it was the most powerful demon in the Earth Immortal City, with an unfathomable background. Even if everyone joined forces, they wouldn''t be enough to take it down. It was said that even the ancestors of many monsters in the Hidden Land were unaware of the Peacock''s origins! "I was all ears... no, wait, I mean, I had even washed my ears clean for this story, how could it just stop?" murmured Zhou Yun, somewhat under his breath. Zhong Qing, pure and beautiful, shot him a fierce re, causing him to sheepishly fall silent. Naturally, the people from the three Transcendent Stars were not content. They were eager to know the origins of the furnace and the details of those top-tier mystical artifacts. "When the Celestials have departed, the Ascended turned to dust, the Sages of Longevity vanished, and the Earth Immortals decayed, what remains in this world to inspire us? Only legends!" Old Chen spoke up. He looked around at the crowd and then directly at the Peacock, saying, "In this era, the sessors can only look up to myths and savor legends to strengthen their beliefs and courage to forge their own paths. If even the legends vanish and myths decay, leaving everything to turn to dust, what remains on the path of cultivation? We cultivators, especially those who insist on following the old ways, will lose the drive and goal to pursue, doubting whether all that we seek is nothing but an illusion." "Well said! I''m all ears... I mean, I''m listening attentively!" Zhou Yun shouted, agreeing loudly. Zheng Rui, with a deep and silent gaze, remained quiet, the only movement being a slight tremble of the beads on his wrist. "Even on our three Transcendent Stars, there are no Earth Immortals left, not to mention, very few at the early stages of the Free Roaming realm," another voiced. "The mysterious factors are dissipating, only the remnants in the Inner Landscape artifacts left by our predecessors remain, to be infused into necessary tools. What exactly has happened over these years?" "I''ve heard that in our universe, thest of the high-level Transcendent civilizations is also nearing extinction. There are only one or two Earth Immortals left. How tragic is that!" The people from the three Transcendent Stars were deeply unsettled. A single mystical artifact had unraveled myths and stirred thoughts about the present and the future, leading to profound unease. Wang Xuan was struck by awe. He was hearing extraordinary things. Was the decay of all things not just urring in the Old and New Worlds but across the universe too? In the vast expanse of space, amidst the boundless universe, this gxy harbored only one high-level Transcendent and three ordinary Transcendents? Wang Xuan listened intently,ing to the realization that indeed, in this unfamiliar universe, there were only these fours teeming with life. Old Chen, too, furrowed his brows, not expecting his words to evoke such a sense of unease among the cultivators from Yuhua, Eura, and Heluo civilizations. After a moment of silence, the Peacock sighed deeply, unexpectedly not offeringfort but instead shaking its head with a weighty tone. "In fact, myths are indeed decaying, and legends are fading away." These words thundered in everyone''s ears like a bolt from the blue. The crowd was stunned; the Peacock seemed to be undermining everyone''s beliefs, and it appeared disillusioned itself. "Those who are exalted will fall, the bright will dim; nothing is transcendent. Everything in this world is merely returning to its origin." The Peacock''s words, filled with mncholy and resignation, sounded like those of a being that had weathered countless cmities and epochs. The listeners were not just dumbstruck this time but truly horrified. What was this enigmatic and powerful demon implying? Was it negating the path of Transcendence? "It''s time for you to adapt slowly. If you can preserve your current cultivation levels, in the future, you will be extraordinary beings," the Peacock advised. The cultivators from the three Transcendent Stars trembled. It was like listening to a grisly ghost story in the dead of night, and the storyteller was emphasizing its reality. "How can you harbor such despair, elder?" someone couldn''t help but ask, concerned that such a perspective was too demoralizing for cultivators. "Transcendence was the anomaly. The world was following its natural course until that anomaly activated, drew in, and radiated different Transcendents, giving rise to the Celestials. But as the trajectory returns to normality, and the errors are corrected, the ssh made unexpectedly in the sky will ultimately fall," the Peacock exined. Everyone was unsettled by this revtion. Even Wang Xuan and Old Chen felt the atmosphere grow oppressive. Could the Peacock''s assertions be credible? Was Transcendence indeed an anomaly, the real truth of their existence? The Peacock spoke calmly, "Some believe it''s better to keep the truth hidden, but I think it''s wiser to tell you now, so you''re not overwhelmed by fear in the future." Wang Xuan, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "What about the Celestials?" "They will all fall, decay, and perish," replied the Peacock gravely. This revtion stunned everyone, sparking intense discussions. Many were left sweating coldly, pondering if this meant the end of Transcendent civilizations. Wang Xuan felt a seismic shift in his perception. He had never anticipated such a conclusion. Observing the Peacock, he realized that its origins might surpass everyone''s imagination. How could an ordinary demon know such things? He had encountered beings from beyond the Great Veil; they only sought freedom, never mentioning anything like this. And the Ferryman, a keeper of promises, was even less likely to divulge such secrets. A voice broke the silence, "The Celestials are immortal, eternally alive. How can they die, decay, and fall to the mortal realm?" The Peacock responded calmly, "In fact, their dwellings have already started to fall from the void. Theirws have decayed, descending into the mundane world, bing ordinary." Then it shared a terrifying truth that left everyone feeling cold and directionless. "Some of the Great Veils have already extinguished, some are in the process. One after another, the realms of the Celestials are dimming, dying!" This was a heart-shattering revtion. The so-called "realms of the Celestials" decaying, declining, and disintegrating, and the Celestials themselves marching towards extinction? "Are there many such realms?" Old Chen inquired, seizing the moment of the Peacock''s openness to unearth more secrets. "One Great Veil is one celestial domain, each can be considered a realm of the Celestials," the Peacock confirmed with a nod. Wang Xuan and Old Chen remained rtively calm, already ustomed to the brilliance of a technological civilization where old ways had faded for countless years. As for Zhao Qinghan, Zhou Yun, and others from the New World, they took it more in stride. Having grown up in a world where interster travel was the norm, they viewed such technological civilizations as the standard. Arriving in the Hidden Land had repeatedly jolted the worldviews of Zhao Qinghan and the others from the New World. But now, they were finally hearing something that aligned with the naturalws of development. In contrast, the people from the three Transcendents felt as if a cornerstone of their worldview had crumbled. The ideals they had longed for, the beliefs deeply rooted in their hearts, were now shaken to the core. With the Celestials themselves decaying, what in this world couldst forever? What was the purpose of their arduous cultivation? "Therefore, strive to preserve your current cultivation," the Peacock advised. "Keep what you can, for when the day of drastic changees, all the high and mighty Transcendents will fall back to the mortal world." The Peacock''s gaze drifted from the Great Veil atop the altar to the far horizon, a look of mncholy in its eyes. This time, it did not nce at Zheng Rui or the beaded bracelet on his wrist. Everyone was left with mixed feelings, especially the Transcendents from Yuhua, Eura, and H. This revtion was particrly distressing for them, as it signified a bleak future. Unexpectedly, the Peacock voluntarily spoke of the furnace. "This furnace is called the Nurturing Furnace." The crowd was taken aback. Earlier, the item was referred to as the Carefree Boat, and now this furnace bore the name ''Nurturing.'' Was this a mere coincidence, or did it correspond to two of the four great realms? "As you might have guessed, it is a medicinal furnace. Celestial beings of extraordinary stature have fought over it fiercely, for it truly has the power to nurture life." The Peacock recounted shocking tales of the past, bloodstained and violent. The third strongest among the Celestials had died because of this furnace. The battle for it was so ferocious that multiple Celestial realms intertwined, and all the mighty true immortals went berserk, waging a deadly battle drenched in celestial blood. "The furnace can enhance the potency of herbs. Any herb ced within it and nurtured over time can significantly improve in quality," the Peacock exined. "If given enough time, this furnace can transform ordinary medicines into extraordinary elixirs!" The Peacock''s words sent everyone into deep contemtion. If such wonders could be achieved withmon herbs, what would be the oue when nurturing celestial medicines? Everyone was in awe, realizing the furnace''s tremendous value¡ªit could nurture herbs that even the Celestials trembled at, hence their bloody battles over it. The Peacock then revealed another astonishing aspect of the furnace. "If not too distant, it can capture the essence of celestial medicines!" This revtion was explosive. The people from the three Transcendents had heard of celestial medicines, and though they had never seen or touched them, they knew these were the ultimate medicines of legend. The very mention of celestial medicines left those familiar with them utterly astounded. These elusive medicines, once seen, were known to vanish before they could be harvested. "This furnace can capture their potent essence!" the Peacock added. This mysterious object was not a weapon, but its effects and abilities were coveted by the most powerful among the Celestials, reflecting its remarkable capabilities in nurturing life. "Imagine having this furnace in the higher spiritual worlds. Even when celestial medicines elude capture, or the orchards of immortal peaches flicker out of existence, possessing this furnace might just make a difference..." the Peacock trailed off, leaving everyone to ponder just how transformative aplete celestial medicine nurtured in this furnace could be. "I''ve decided to share about this furnace because the Celestials are decaying, and the Transcendents are returning to the dust. These few treasures may retain some of their wondrous properties. In the future, if youe across it in the mortal world, it might help preserve some of your transcendent powers, though the effect is likely to be greatly diminished," the Peacock exined. "Is this Nurturing Furnace in our universe, in the mortal realm, and not beyond the Great Veil in the realm of the immortals?" someone asked tremblingly. The Peacock nodded. "Yes, it was likely expelled from the realm beyond the Great Veil during a battle among the Celestials. They couldn''t pursue it; otherwise, it wouldn''t have been lost." "Is it really in the mortal world?!" the crowd murmured, their eyes lighting up with hope. "It should be in this world, but what we usually see are imitations," the Peacock sighed, adding that there''s likely a replica in the Hidden Land. Wang Xuan stood dumbfounded, his heart sinking with disappointment, realizing that what he possessed might just be a replica of the fabled furnace. "How do we distinguish between the real and the imitation? What are the differences?" asked Grandmaster Ma. "The genuine furnace is inscribed with dense celestial scripts inside, while replicasck these," the Peacock exined. Chapter 203: A Brilliant Swan Song Chapter 203: A Brilliant Swan Song Wang Xuan''s heart raced as he realized that the furnace in his Inner Landscape was indeed the real deal, inscribed with the dense ghostly symbols¡ªthe so-called "celestial scripts." His emotions had swung from disappointment to exhration within moments. "Where in the Hidden Land is the replica located?" asked a Transcendent, more interested in the replica, assuming the original to be unattainable. "It''s in the external area of the Hidden Land, within the ck and white earth tform," the Peacock revealed. However, it warned, "Even the replica is best left untouched. That area is peculiar, capable of annihting Transcendents. Approaching it means certain death, even for Earth Immortals, Nourishing Masters, and Ascended beings." As the Peacock spoke, the crowd fell silent, contemting the decay of all things and the rarity of even encountering replicas of such treasures. Atop the altar, the Great Veil disyed several blurry, indistinct artifacts, each a treasure beyondpare. Among them was a sword enveloped in mist, its exposed part gleaming with purity, over a meter in length. "This is the Mortal World Sword," the Peacock introduced calmly. Its brief description¡ªcapable of slicing through the Veil separating the mortal realm from the world of immortals¡ªleft everyone in awe. The sword''s unparalleled offensive power was evident, and legend had it residing in the mortal world. "s, it''s not my sword,"mented Grandmaster Ma, recognizing his own ck, overly long sword couldn''t be this legendary de. The crowd around them remained silent, understanding the futility of coveting such a rarity. After all, these were treasures fought over by the greatest of Celestials, only asionally revealing themselves across epochs. ¡­¡­ The emotional turmoil was palpable among the Transcendents as they struggled to grasp the concept of myths decaying and the imminent fading of transcendence. "I can''t believe myths are decaying and transcendence is fading away. It doesn''t make sense. Why would this happen?" questioned one, visibly shaken by the revtion. The Peacock calmly exined, "The error lies in assuming myths should exist in the first ce. In the more ancient history under the stars, the normal trajectory didn''t include transcendence. It was an anomaly in a certain era that activated and drew out various transcendent beings. Now, we are simply witnessing a self-correction of the mortal world, a return to the norm." Sighing, the Peacock conveyed the harsh reality, acknowledged by the Celestials after thorough research and introspection. A Transcendent from Heluo Star inquired earnestly, "Elder, could there be an unfathomable force or invisible hands manipting these events? Is there a bloody and dark conspiracy at y?" The Peacock firmly dispelled the notion, emphasizing it was merely a natural rectification, where the aberrant spray that reached the heavens was inevitably doomed to shatter and fall. "Is this the advent of the end times?" asked Zhong Cheng, unable to hold back. To his surprise, the Peacock disagreed, interpreting the rise and potential fall of transcendence as mere deviations rather than definitive epochs. "You''ve read too many bizarre tales," itmented, dismissing the idea of an end-time scenario. Old Chen pondered the situation, asking, "Elder, if myths be history and transcendence fades, might other phenomena or forces emerge?" The Peacock could only shake its head in uncertainty. "How long until myths decay and Celestials perish?" another queried, weighed down by the gravity of the situation. "About three years," the Peacock estimated, hinting at a final surge of transcendence before theplete extinguishing of the Celestial era. The timeframe stunned many, much shorter than the decades or centuries they had anticipated. The urgency was overwhelming, leaving them scrambling for preparations as they realized the significant figures of power would soon vanish from the world. Their voices trembled with the weight of the impending change. The concept of myth decaying, with no new era of Earth Immortals emerging, was a bitter pill to swallow. In just three years, Transcendents could be a thing of the past, a mere thought of which was terrifying. "Why must this be?" theymented. "Why does the divine forsake practitioners? We''ve walked a path fraught with life-and-death challenges, abandoning worldly ties to pursue the transcendental. What was it all for if it ends in emptiness?" Some couldn''t control their emotions, their mentality crumbling under the crushing weight of a severed path of cultivation within three years. The Transcendents felt a cold despair, their hearts filled with hopelessness. Old Chen, however, viewed things differently. In an era where all was decaying, he was grateful for havinge this far. At least he had regained his youth and vigor. He contemted his future, considering marriage and fatherhood, an attitude quite unique among the gathered Transcendents. "Still, it''s hard not to feel a bit resentful. This era should be ours to define. Why should the decay of the Celestials affect us?" Despite his eptance, Old Chen too harbored some reluctance. Wang Xuan was profoundly affected, unable to find peace in his heart. He was particrly sensitive to the three-year timeline, having heard it mentioned multiple times before. Previously baffled by the fixation on this timeframe by figures like the Sword Immortal, Female Taoist, the Ferryman, and the Red-Clothed Demoness, he now understood the criticality of this impending period. White Peacock remained silent amidst the uproar, arguments, and emotional outbursts of the Transcendents, not intervening or taking a stance. "Would the Celestials, so powerful, simply await their demise?" Zhong Qing asked, her beautiful eyes shining with curiosity, yet her face remainedposed. "What use is struggling?" White Peacock replied with a shake of its head. "After reigning supreme for so long, they too must fall, decay, and return to the mundane, eventually bing mere dust in the earth." Now, with some of the veils of the celestial realms dimming and their extinction unstoppable, everyone present was left deeply shaken andplex in emotion. The once intense arguments subsided into silence. Could the celestials truly face such a bleak fate? And if they couldn''t resist, what hope did others have? Zhong Cheng, who had always aspired to the life of a celestial, found his dreams shattered before they could even begin. "Can''t even the most exalted immortals resist? What about the progenitors of Taoism, the founders of Buddhism? Do such supreme beings also turn to dust?" he asked, unable to hide his dismay. White Peacock corrected him, "There are no such things as ''progenitors'' or ''founders''. Do not mistake folklore and legends for the true world of cultivation. Titles like ''founder'' are mere honorifics, not realities. In the transcendent world, no one dares im to be the originator, though certainly, there are some exceptionally powerful immortals." This revtion distinguished the true transcendent world from the stories and legends they had heard. Wang Xuan, intrigued, inquired, "Do these mighty immortals have a way to survive?" White Peacock nced at Zheng Rui, then back to the veil, and answered, "Some of the mightiest immortals are attempting to escape from the celestial realms, seeking various methods to do so." This news sent ripples of shock through the gathered transcendants, stirring a wave of murmurs and discussions. Wang Xuan was astounded at White Peacock''s candor in revealing such monumental secrets openly. "But what good will it do? In three years, dust returns to dust, earth to earth, transcendance decays, and allws cease. Even if they return and start anew, what can they do? Marry, have children, begin a life of ordinariness?" White Peacock''s words weighed heavily, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Could the celestial immortals truly end up as mere mortals? Continuing, White Peacock posed a thought-provoking scenario, "Imagine once exalted female immortals, reborn and ordinary, how would they survive in today''s world? Perhaps they will just be wives and mothers. Is that what they would want?" The crowd was stunned, speechless, lost in thought, contemting these images and pondering the future. White Peacock spoke solemnly, "A candle flickers brightest just before it goes out. Simrly, as the era of transcendence nears its end, there will be a final burst of brilliance, much like the surging energies we''re experiencing in the Hidden Land now. But this will be thest radiance, the final echo." "Once the immortals turn to dust, the masters of longevity fade away, and the earth immortals decay, what will remain in this world? Will there be no more cultivators in the future?" an elderly transcendent asked in a voice filled with destion, sensing the end of the road. Old Chen inquired, "If some celestials manage to escape back, would they be stronger and live longer than ordinary transcendants?" White Peacock replied, "Not necessarily. Those who once soared high may find their fall all the more catastrophic. Hence, some of the mightiest immortals are now trying to escape back with a portion of their power, prioritizing survival over everything else." Wang Xuan pondered; time seemed to be on his side. The early return of the red-dressed demoness and the various contingencies of the ancient female immortal were due to their sense of urgency to escape back to the mortal world. Imagining the future scenarios, Wang Xuan considered the possibility of these once-celestial beings bing ordinary humans, ending up as wives and mothers, an almost unfathomable change. He felt a growing confidence within. "Now, I''m the one avoiding them, but who knows what the future holds? Maybe the tables will turn," he thought. Someone asked about the various scriptures floating in the celestial veil, like the golden bamboo scrolls, the five-colored jade books, and the ghostly symbols on turtle shells. Unfortunately, the highest-ranking scriptures were all missing, not a single one intact. White Peacock''s words carried a weight of finality, "In three years, those most profound texts might be less useful than simple martial arts manuals, as no one will be able to practice them anymore." White Peacock advised kindly, "In the future, when transcendence fades and all magic decays, don''t bother with secrets that require energy materials. Instead, choose secrets that focus on physical training or purely cultivate the spirit." This advice made sense; the most profound scriptures and highest secrets might be obsolete, useless without the necessary transcendent materials. The transcendent beings present felt a chill of destion, their paths ahead fraught with uncertainty and bleakness. "Is there really no way out? Are transcendent traces doomed to be erased? Isn''t there a sanctuary or some method to avoid this fate?" an elderly transcendent asked with a trembling voice. "There''s no turning back. The celestial veil is dimming, and the celestials are dying. The course is irreversible," White Peacock replied somberly, adding that only a few rare treasures might help retain some transcendent powers. Old Chen, concerned about his own fate, asked, "I''ve drunk from the Earth Immortal Spring and my body has rejuvenated. If transcendence recedes, will I revert to my original state?" "You shouldn''t worry. Your body has fully assimted the waters of the Earth Immortal Spring. This transformation is your greatest gain," White Peacock assured him, indicating a clear path forward for everyone. Relieved, Old Chen nodded, his resolve to marry and have children seemingly affirmed by this revtion. Wang Xuan and Old Chen stepped forward, having collected the most jade tokens, allowing them first dibs on the exchanges. They gazed at the various treasures, marveling at the array of incredible items. Among them were celestial swords used by the immortals, shimmering with radiant, captivating light. Despite the allure of the celestial swords in the array of treasures, Wang Xuan and Old Chen decided against them, realizing that once transcendental materials were exhausted, no one would be able to wield these swords. Among the treasures, there were fragments of blessednd with an interior space of five cubic meters, even more spacious than Wang Xuan''s fragment. Old Chen was tempted but ultimately refrained, knowing the cost would mean sacrificing other valuable resources for cultivation. Resisting temptation, they turned away from the treasures. For them, the scriptures weren''t as enticing; they felt it was better to exchange with Old Clock or sneak into his library one day for a thorough read. "Old Chen, have you set your sights on something?" Wang Xuan asked. Old Chen responded, "I refuse to ept a bleak future where the path of transcendence is severed. I want to struggle and choose something rare and beneficial for my future cultivation." Wang Xuan nodded, having already made his choice. He approached and touched an item, causing the celestial veil to ripple with flowing light and a mist of celestial essence. "Congrattions, you have chosen a rare item from an exceptional celestial," White Peacock announced. To Wang Xuan''s surprise, a graceful figure approached, a vision of extraordinary beauty, her clothes fluttering as she moved through the air towards him. Wang Xuan felt overwhelmed as she approached, realizing he had unwittingly selected an item belonging to her. Chapter 204: Preparations Chapter 204: Preparations The Early Qin female immortal had indeed arrived. Her flowing ck hair and fluttering garments gave her an ethereal and otherworldly appearance, radiating an aura of exceptional grace and transcendence. For others, this encounter would be a moment of great excitement and honor, but Wang Xuan felt a shiver run down his spine, filled with trepidation. Since discovering the presence of the female immortal''s spirit within the bead bracelet on Zheng Rui''s wrist in the Hidden Land, Wang Xuan had harbored an uneasy premonition. Now, his worst fears seemed to being true. The grandeur of the Earth Immortal City''s altar, capable of connecting to the celestial veil, was extraordinary. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but wonder what might happen when the remnants of the female immortal''s spirit in the modern world met her ascended form, a reunion after three thousand years. "An actual immortal, a living female celestial, appears before us, resembling a goddess gliding over water, shining like the moon from the vast lunar pce. We are witnessing a mythe to life!" eximed Zhong Cheng in awe, never having seen anything like this before. The impact of mythology merging with reality was immensely powerful for those of the modern world. Zhong Qing pinched him to silence, warning him not to speak carelessly in the presence of a real ancient immortal. Offending her could spell trouble. At the same time, she couldn''t help but feel envious of the immortal''s eternal youth and radiant beauty, a temptation too great for any young woman who cherished beauty. "Senior, I think this item here is also quite remarkable," Wang Xuan said, his finger moving towards another item in front of the celestial veil, eager to avoid a direct encounter with the supreme celestial. "Coincidentally, that too is an item left by her," White Peacock informed him. Wang Xuan stiffened, realizing that no matter what he chose, White Peacock would probably im it was an artifact left by the female immortal. It seemed he had been deliberately set up for this encounter. The female immortal descended gently, enveloped in a faint mist, embodying the legendary image of a celestial being descending to the mortal realm. Even amidst the mundane world, she retained her unparalleled and solitary splendor. "Greetings, Ladyl," Wang Xuan said with utmost seriousness, not daring to speak out of turn. After all, this was a being who had achieved ascension to immortality three thousand years ago. Who could predict her temperament or nature after enduring such an extensive period in the celestial realm? Indeed, she was different from her spirit remnants left in the modern world. Upon her descent, she remained motionless and silent, exuding a quiet beauty and otherworldliness, yet there was an invisible majesty about her. Despite the barrier of the celestial veil, one could feel her chilling presence, like facing a frozen tundra. She acknowledged Wang Xuan''s greeting with a slight nod. Having be an immortal, her demeanor had indeed transformed. After thousands of years of battles and confrontations with the foremost figures among the celestials, she stood firmly at the pinnacle,manding respect and awe with every gesture. Overall, she was reticent, resembling an ice-covered figure, possessing an almost queenly air. Her distance from the mundane world seemed vast and unapproachable. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but recall when the spirit of the female immortal in the modern world had just awakened and entered his dreams. In an act of resistance, he had even touched her delicate, porcin-like cheek. He imagined how she would react if she knew about it. Such amanding figure, ustomed to superiority, would likely have a fierce temper. Yet, he felt no fear. After all, he wasn''t the one seeking her favor, and time seemed to be on his side. In three years, if the celestial veil truly extinguishes and the celestials face extinction, even the top immortals escaping back to the mortal world would lose their transcendent abilities. The thought of this celestial woman eventually bing mortal left Wang Xuan somewhat lost in thought, wondering about the choices she would make in the future. To his surprise, the celestial woman in the veil didn''t speak to him but turned her attention elsewhere. Her spirit remnants from the modern world silently drifted over. Both figures were stunningly beautiful, but their temperaments were distinctly different. The spirit from the modern world was somewhat gentle, with a warm smile, while the celestial woman was cold and distant, as if keeping everyone at arm''s length. It made sense, after all. Three thousand years of warfare in the celestial realm, ustomed to thepany of powerful beings from various races, and stained with the blood of celestials ¨C the female immortal in the veil had indeed evolved into a formidable figure, distinct from her earthly counterpart. Two identically beautiful women, with their fingers touching across the celestial veil, caused the very fabric of space to seemingly rupture. The veil thundered as a crack appeared where their fingertips met, an astonishing feat. In an instant, the gaze of the celestial female immortal shot towards Wang Xuan, her eyes zing like divine rainbows slicing through the void. Wang Xuan understood that the spirits of both female immortals had merged, sharing their experiences of the years apart. The celestial immortal knew his situation. "Three yearster... guide me, help me cross... the Celestial Tribtion, I shall reward you handsomely," a mental message echoed from the veil, clearly defying the ancient pact by directlymunicating with Wang Xuan. Before, only the red-robed female demon had spoken clearly from behind the veil. Now, the female immortal had taken a further step in breaking the ancient covenant. In the depths of the veil, a lightning bolt hundreds of miles long struck towards the female immortal. The thunderous bolt, terrifyingly immense, seemed unstoppable. Unperturbed, she didn''t even turn to face it. With a flick of her sleeve, she dispersed the overwhelming thunder with a resounding crash. The entire hiddennd trembled under the might of the heavenly thunder, yet she remained unshaken, dispersing it effortlessly with a mere gesture. Then, lightning filled the sky, torrents of thunderbolts rained down upon her, attempting to obliterate her in a unified assault. The world behind the veil transformed into an ocean of thunder, with mountains and rivers wailing, inds in the sky plummeting, and sacred beasts and divine birds fleeing in terror. Bathing in the electric light, she remained as unyielding as a snow lotus in the coldest winter. A soft glow emanated from her, forming a halo that repelled all the thunderous onughts. Her gaze remained fixed on Wang Xuan, repeating her earlier words with a powerful will that pierced through the veil. Though others couldn''t hear, Wang Xuan alone received her message ¨C a resonating echo like thunderps and the roar of a tsunami, reverberating through the heavens. "Red-robed female demon is hunting me!" Wang Xuan hastily disclosed his concern. He wasn''t particrly eager to assist the female immortal in crossing the Celestial Tribtion. Who knew what it would entail? Most likely, it would involve using his Inner Landscape. "Oh, she''s here today as well. I''ll fend her off. It seems she still has significant control over the earthly realm, knowing you''vee here," the female immortal informed calmly. Wang Xuan''s scalp tingled with unease. The red-robed female demon was also behind this celestial veil? How could this be such a coincidence? He rapidly pieced together various thoughts. Both the female immortal and the demon had left their marks in this hiddennd. And with Bai Kongque''s close ties to the female immortal, he pondered if there was also a deep connection between a great demon of this ce and the red-robed demoness. Could it be the old fox? At that moment, the celestial female immortal''s fingertips emitted a blinding light, tearing the veil apart, creating a web of cracks. Everyone in Earth Immortal City felt a heart-pounding tremor, and all the creatures shivered in awe at the sight of her, unyielding amidst the celestial thunder, causing immense shock. Mysterious life energy seeped through the cracks in the veil, dissipating steadily, but eventually, some of it merged into the spirit body on this side. The once faint and indistinct spirit body now seemed to be materializing, almost manifesting flesh and blood. Indeed, the female immortal was preparing in advance, transferring part of her life essence. However, the loss was substantial, and she swiftly withdrew, disappearing into the distance. Unwilling to wait for the three years, she paid a significant price to transfer a portion of her life essence early, ensuring her survival. Wang Xuan was deeply moved. He sensed the earthly female immortal''s spirit body bing more concentrated. If she were to return to her physical body on the Old World, she would most likelye back to life directly. This was a celestial being who had left her physical form on Earth, perhaps foreseeing something long ago. Wang Xuan realized that she was far more prepared than the celestials behind the veil. In three years, even if the myth decayed and she fell from the sky, losing her transcendent powers, she would likely be in a much better situation than other true immortals reduced to mere mortals. "Indeed, she has deeply infiltrated the Zheng family conglomerate, setting the stage for her future in these three years." As the celestial female immortal departed, the epassing thunder erupted multiple times before vanishingpletely. At the edge of the celestial realm''snd, a figure in red appeared to approach but was intercepted by the female immortal. "Boom!" A more terrifying radiance exploded, more fearsome than heavenly tribtion itself. The two figures shed, moving faster than lightning, sweeping over thend and soaring into the sky. However, they soon ceased, seemingly engaging in conversation, standing at the edge of the heavens, their figures hazy and distant. Finally, they both looked out beyond the curtain. Wang Xuan felt a chill, sensing their gazes on him. With a tearing sound that ripped through the celestial earth and sky, the two figures vanished, leaving it uncertain whether they had departed inbat or in agreement. Wang Xuan remained stoic, hoping they had continued their fight far away, rather than reaching a mutual understanding. If it was thetter, he felt uneasy. "No matter what, the future is in my hands. Even if you survive, you are destined to fall from the celestial realm to the mortal world. From celestials to mortals, after the initial hardships, this human world will belong to Wang Xuan!" He silently bolstered his spirit, fortifying his resolve. "The item you initially chose is good. It''s medicinal soil I left behind. Once you enter the Life-Earth and Herb-Gathering realms, it will be greatly useful." The spirit body of the female immortal remaining in the earthly realm spoke, nodding at Wang Xuan while looking at a glowing purple jade in the veil. This medicinal soil, not actual soil but rather a type of medicinal essence, contained a part of the essence of heavenly medicine! Wang Xuan was not new to such substances, having once tricked a piece of medicinal soil from the White Tiger True Immortal, originally from the red-robed female demon, now kept in his fragment of the blessednd. Now, Wang Xuan had chosen another piece of medicinal soil left by the female immortal, umting two pieces. Both originating from the extraordinary celestial immortals, these would undoubtedly be immensely beneficial once he entered the Life-Earth and Herb-Gathering realms. Nearby, upon hearing this, Old Chen promptly gave up on the item he had initially set his sights on. Approaching humbly, he said, "May the immortal guide me through my confusion. I, too, wish to exchange for a piece of medicinal soil." "There are indeed several pieces of medicinal soil here, but the ones with the essence of heavenly medicine... Ah, there indeed is one, probably left by a great sage of Buddhism." The female immortal''s spirit in the earthly realm was amiable and approachable, much warmerpared to her celestial counterpart, who was as cold as ice. In the distance, Zhou Yun, Zhou Cheng, and Zhou Qing, who were not transcendents, couldn''t see her spirit body without her making a special appearance. "Was that a celestial maiden just now? Will such high-level true immortals really fall to the mortal world in three years? I feel motivated to strive harder now. Marrying a celestial immortal as a mortal might not just be a dream!" Zhou Yun clenched his fists, his face glowing with excitement and his eyes sparkling with possibility. "Yes, the future is full of possibilities, anything could happen!" Zhou Cheng nodded vigorously in agreement. "Shut up, the veil is still here!" Zhou Qing scolded him, lost in thought. In the next three years, the celestial immortals, desperate to survive, would likely resort to extreme measures. Before the veil extinguishes, the celestial immortals will certainly seek ways to escape their fate. This implied that theing three years might witness frightening scenarios like warships battling celestial immortals in the earthly realm! Zhou Qing pondered deeply. The drastic changes wouldn''t just begin in three years; they could start at any moment! ¡­¡­ ¡°Immortal, since we are somewhat acquainted, I have a question to ask. The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal is destined to enter our world soon. How can I confront her effectively?¡± Wang Xuan asked, seizing the rare opportunity tomunicate with the earthly spirit of the female immortal. At that moment, the female immortal was rmending an artifact to Old Chen, "This seemingly rotting wooden sword is quite remarkable. It can y Earth Immortals." "What?" Old Chen was startled. "Oh, you can''t exchange for it. It requires someone at the initial stage of the Free Roaming Realm to activate it," the female immortal rified, shaking her head. Then, turning to Wang Xuan, she said, ¡°Why the urgency? Time is on your side.¡± ¡°I must be cautious. Currently, I fear her potential attack on me, as Ick the strength to retaliate,¡± Wang Xuan spoke earnestly. He then inquired seriously, ¡°Where did the Female Demon Immortal undergo her transcendence trial? Or where is her cave dwelling located? It should have fallen from the void into our world, right?¡± Wang Xuan sought to find the remnants left by the red shirted demoness Immortal, like her immortal bones. Moreover, if she defied the odds and left her physical body behind, it was all the more crucial for him to act swiftly and preemptively. Chapter 205: Ending The Journey In The Hidden Land Chapter 205: Ending The Journey In The Hidden Land ¡°The Bear Mountain,¡± the female immortal mentioned, revealing a significant location. Wang Xuan''s demeanor became solemn as he realized the crucial information he had uncovered about the red robed demoness Immortal. However, he was initially unsure which region of the Old World this referred to, expressing his confusion, ¡°Where is Bear Mountain? Could she be a bear spirit?¡± Given his multiple encounters with the red robed demoness Immortal, her appearance was always ethereal and captivating, enveloped in mist and rain, gracefully holding a paper umbre, dressed in striking red. Her presence embodied the spiritual essence of a southern Yangtze woman and the alluring charm of a supernatural being. ¡°Is she a bear spirit?¡± Wang Xuan was momentarily speechless, finding it difficult to corrte her with such an image. The female immortal shook her head, rifying, ¡°What are you thinking? Bear Mountain has seen the emergence of divine beings and emperors. Just because it¡¯s named Bear Mountain doesn¡¯t mean every being from there is a bear spirit.¡± Upon hearing this, Old Chen pondered, ¡°Could it be the Bear Mountain described in the ¡®ssic of Mountains and Seas¡¯? If so, it might refer to Shennongjia in the Old World.¡± The ¡®ssic of Mountains and Seas¡¯ states, ¡°Further east, one hundred and fifty li, lies Bear Mountain. It always produces divine beings, opening in summer and closing in winter... Bear Mountain, an emperor!¡± ¡°Old Chen, once we return to the Old World, let¡¯s thoroughly search and try to discover traces of her past, striving to uncover her cave dwelling!¡± Wang Xuan conversed quietly with Old Chen. Wang Xuan sessfully obtained a jade stone, merely two inches tall, with purple mists swirling inside, sealing the medicinal soil left by the female immortal. Old Chen obtained a pale golden jade stone, a relic left by a Buddhist sage, containing the essence of celestial medicine. ¡°With everything decaying in three years, are you still determined to follow this path?¡± the female immortal inquired. Old Chen replied, ¡°As long as the path is still essible and transcendence hasn¡¯t fully decayed, we¡¯ll continue striving forward. One should not preemptively deny the path they tread upon.¡± Old Chen couldn''t help but feel a bit unwilling. In his previous cultivation ns, the best era hadn''t yet arrived. It was unexpected that transcendence was about to fade away. If he truly couldn''t resist the major trend, then in these three years, he would strive to nurture his flesh and spirit, rejuvenating his body back to the state of youth. At the very least, he wanted to live another two hundred years, perhaps to witness some kind of turnaround. Wang Xuan, convinced of the authenticity of his newly acquired Life-Nurturing Furnace, felt even more resolute. He believed that when myths decayed, he might be able to protect himself. However, he felt it was not enough; he wanted to safeguard more people. ¡°Immortal, is there a scripture that can still enhance the physical quality and unlock potential even after the transcendental materials dissipate?¡± Wang Xuan inquired. ¡°If there were such a scripture, the immortals would not be so anxious,¡± the female immortal sighed, indicating the improbability of such a scripture. The emergence of transcendence was an anomaly, and the normal universe did not entertain such elements. The present world was beginning to dismantle myths and would not allow their prolonged existence. In the grand curtain, a Buddha figure shrouded in Buddha¡¯s light approached. He looked at Old Chen through the curtain, nodded in acknowledgment, and then silently receded. Old Chen, having exchanged for his piece of medicinal soil, had formed a good connection, but he did not expect to reap any rewards in the future due to the limited time left. After Wang Xuan and Old Chen stepped down, the Zhong siblings brought up Old Zhong, exining the situation carefully. Old Zhong only wished for an elixir that could rejuvenate his body and restore his youth. ¡°There¡¯s a Dan prescription in the curtain that, whenbined with the Cicada Technique, can increase the sess rate by forty percent. With speed, it could revive him in half a year, at the very least ensuring his survival,¡± White Peacock advised. The Zhong siblings exchanged for the Dan prescription on behalf of Old Zhong. Wang Xuan quietly asked the White Peacock, ¡°How long would it have taken for Old Zhong to recover if he were sessful originally?¡± "Most likely in a year," replied the White Peacock. Old Chen nced at the still body of Old Zhong and muttered, "This old guy said he would sleep for three years." He seemed displeased but decided not to dwell on it. Wang Xuan and Old Chen shared their remaining jade tokens with Zhou Yun, Zhong Cheng, Zhong Shuang, and Zheng Rui. As the journey in the secretnd was drawing to a close, they seized the opportunity to ask more questions to the female immortal and the White Peacock. Upon inquiring about the identity of the White Peacock, Wang Xuan was stunned by the answer. The White Peacock was once a member of the immortals, following the female immortal. It was a creature that had sessfully sneaked back from the curtain, paying a tremendous price that even immortals could hardly bear. Now, the White Peacock was merely at the level of an Earth Immortal within the Transcendence realm, significantly diminished in strength. Wang Xuan and Old Chen were astounded, realizing why the White Peacock knew so much ¨C it was once a true immortal! The White Peacock sighed, "Even as a true immortal, I too will decay. In three years, I will degrade further, falling out of the transcendental realm." Old Chen couldn''t help but mention the Earth Immortal Grass, Destiny Pulp, and Immortality Stone, wondering if these miraculous items could extend life by over two hundred years. He was now somewhat like Old Zhong, desiring to extend his lifespan and youth tobat the impending scarcity of transcendental materials. The White Peacock advised them not to overthink it. The Earth Immortal Grass was not yet mature, and they would need it to confront the immortals'' cmity. Wang Xuan asked if there were any effective medicines in the secretnd tobat the five declines of heaven and man, having only gathered some "dying" medicines. The White Peacock informed them that there might be some peculiar medicines near the immortals'' dwellings deep in the secretnd that could be effective. Wang Xuan was slightly relieved, finding that most of what the ck Fox had said was credible. He requested the White Peacock to take his two femalepanions from the immortals'' dwellings along when leaving the secretnd, still wary of the ck Fox. The White Peacock assured him that the ck Fox currently held no malice and that the ce indeed held opportunities suitable for the two women, promising they would leave safely when the time came. The White Peacock hadmunicated with the female immortal and learned about Wang Xuan''s situation, leading to a change in its attitude towards him. As the journey in the secretnd neared its end, the White Peacock promised to send Wang Xuan and the others back. The female immortal cautioned the White Peacock not to send them into outer space, as it could be dangerous with New World''s battleships capable of annihting Earth Immortals. Surprised by this, the White Peacock nned to set up a celestial array that would draw transcendental energy from the secretnd''s outer region to nurture the Earth Immortal Spring and Destiny Pulp. This would hasten their maturation, allowing people from the outside toe and retrieve them via spacecraft. This preparation would take several days. Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng, upon hearing they could leave in a few days, were thrilled and eager to leave the secretnd, no longer wanting to stay amidst its dangers and monsters. Zhou Yun, in particr, longed for thefortable life on New World andmented not having taken his girlfriends on a spaceship ride in a while. Zhong Shuang warned his brother not to follow Zhou Yun''s example, while Zhong Shuang''s sister cautioned him to stay away from Zhou Yun. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was busy packing his belongings in the Earth Immortal City. He had arge number of items, including precious mountain snails and golden mushrooms he had gathered, along with Purple Pan Peaches, Nurturing Lotus, and Earth Essence, among other spiritual medicines. Concerned about attracting attention from wealthy families if he carried all these valuable items back, Wang Xuan realized he had to be cautious. Especially the mountain snails, which could extend life by five years with half a month of daily consumption, and even up to ten years if consumed more frequently. Such items were sure to catch the eye of the top financial families. Moreover, the spear mixed with sr gold could also attract unwanted attention if itsposition was detected upon boarding a spacecraft. In the secretnd, Wang Xuan was known as Wang Radian, but once he returned to the New World, he would have toy low, not wanting to reveal his true strength just yet. Old Chen sighed, realizing that upon his return, some major financial families might start regarding him with wariness. He would likely need to report his movements. Thinking about this, Old Chen couldn''t help but nce at Wang Xuan, who had been misleading Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng all this time, iming he was fortunate to have advanced to the master level in the secretnd, still far from bing a grandmaster. Old Chen felt like he was bing the dark pot, attracting all the attention of the financial families, who were unaware of the real "big crocodile" lurking behind him. "Senior, can I exchange some sr gold for that fragment of the blessednd?" Wang Xuan approached the White Peacock and the female immortal. The curtain hadn''t yet fallen, and it was now the turn of the people from the three transcendents to make their exchanges. Wang Xuan had his eye on a fragment of the blessednd with an internal space of five cubic meters. He thought about cutting off a small piece of his spear to trade. "Forget it, I''ll give it to you," said the female immortal. Wang Xuan was pleasantly surprised, as such treasures were hard toe by and couldn''t be replicated in the current world. They were extremely useful. "In three years, you might not be able to open it, so remember to take out any valuable items in advance," the female immortal reminded him. Wang Xuan took the fragment and was surprised to find it divided into three sections, allowing for separate storage of various items. This instantly solved his problem. He rushed back to his dwelling, poured the Earth Immortal Spring into it, and carefully arranged various herbs. Old Chen watched enviously. "Being a protector, I have high hopes for you," Wang Xuan said as he handed over his original fragment of the blessednd to Old Chen. Old Chen had once given him a short sword, a treasure of immense value with great secrets. Wang Xuan had used it to save his life multiple times, so he was generous in return to Old Chen. ¡­¡­ "I''m going out of the city before we leave, to collect some protection fees for raising children back home!" Old Chen, ted and excited after receiving the fragment of the blessednd, decided to visit people from the three transcendents to ask for donations. Since they were destined to be enemies, and after leaving the secretnd, he and Wang Xuan were unlikely to return for a long time, if ever, Old Chen didn''t mind offending a bunch of adversaries. "I''ll go with you!" Wang Xuan said, concerned about Old Chen''s safety. Soon after, Old Chen, with his majestic appearance and his Sixteen-Foot Golden Body technique, was resplendent in golden light. Chanting Buddhist sutras, he greeted the people from the three transcendents amicably, collecting a certain toll for safe passage. The people from the transcendents were seething with frustration and anger at this audacity. ... Four dayster, the tide of extraordinary material energy outside the secretnd retreated, all drawn towards the area where the Earth Immortal Grass, Heavenly Life Elixir, and other treasures were located. The White Peacock sent an image of Zhong Qing waving her hand to a nearby space probe using its divine powers. In fact, when the dense X-material retreated, the people at the Brown Star Base noticed immediately, as they had been monitoring the secretnd to the best of their abilities these past days. ¡­¡­ Unfortunately, they had damaged a lot of equipment and achieved little results. Even the two spacecraft they had forcibly dispatched had crashed. As for the small lifeboats, over a dozen had been sent, but they had disappeared without a trace. "There are survivors! Quickly deploy a lifeboat and prepare a small spacecraft for rescue!" They couldn''t afford to be negligent, as some of the people lost in the secretnd were of significant importance, like Old Zhong and Old Song. ... Contrary to Wang Xuan''s expectations, in the outermost area of the secretnd, a small number of people had survived. White Peacock found them and brought them together, preparing to send them off. Soon after, Zhong Qing was in tears, crying out, "I''m finally on a spaceship." Whoosh! The spacecraft took off, carrying a group of people who had survived their ordeal, all withplex emotions. Even Wang Xuan and Old Chen were somewhat emotional, having survived multiple brushes with death. They were finally heading back! The silver-grey spaceship broke through the sky, activating its warp engine, rapidly leaving the secretnd and entering outer space, leaving behind a lingering trail. Chapter 206: Slaying And Earth Immortal With A Battleship Chapter 206: ying And Earth Immortal With A Battleship Old Chen noticed that the female immortal hadn''t returned with them and had temporarily stayed in the secretnd. Wang Xuan spected that after some time, she would probably return to the New Star aboard Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin''s spaceship, which relieved him somewhat. Zheng Rui had recovered from his hypnotic state and remembered most of his adventurous experiences in the secretnd, although his recollections of sensitive events were somewhat vague and unclear. On the spaceship, Zhou Yun broke down in tears, showing signs of losing control as he clung to Zheng Rui, overwhelmed with gratitude. He had been terrified in the secretnd, often chased by monstrous creatures with gaping mouths. If it weren''t for Zheng Rui''s intervention with his "Hand of God," Zhou Yun would have died long ago. Despite his strong heart, he had been scared to the point of trembling and cramping. "Waiter, bring some alcohol!" Zhou Yun wiped his tears and shouted. Zhong Qing looked at him oddly, reminding him, "Brother Zhou, you''re on a spaceship; you''re confused." "Is there alcohol on the ship? Bring it all; I''m buying!" Zhou Yun continued to call out. "Looking at this guy with his crew cut, I thought he was wild and unruly. I didn''t expect him to break down and cry as soon as he boarded the ship," Old Chen remarked. "He is wild and unruly, but after what he''s been through, anyone would be overwhelmed," Wang Xuan gestured for him to look around. All the survivors were sitting in silence, many shaking uncontrobly. The time in the secretnd had been a hellish ordeal for them, akin to years of torment. Every day they woke up to run, never daring to stay long in one ce. Nights were spent in dread, fearing they wouldn''t live to see the dawn. They often watched helplessly as theirpanions were brutally killed by monsters, their blood sttering on them. When they first entered the secretnd, everyone was full of confidence and high spirits. But now, few had survived, and those who did were silent, with some even crying. This journey to the secretnd had imed the lives of many elders who had hoped to emte Old Zhong and live a second life. Eleven of them perished, while eight discerned the danger early and fled. They were shrewd enough to escape at the first sign of trouble. Those who reacted a bit slower andter tried to leave the secretnd found themselves cut off from the outside world, unable to escape. As for the younger generation''s expedition teams, their fate was even more tragic. Hundreds of them had gone in, but how many had returned? Wang Xuan counted, and only twenty-eight people had sessfully boarded the spaceship, meaning about ny percent of the explorers had perished. "After this return, many families will be in mourning," Zhong Qingmented. Many elders had died, but Old Zhong... he had survived and even be younger! If Old Zhong emerged from his cocoon in half a year looking like a man in his twenties or thirties, he would likely be the target of envy and hatred. "It''s really not easy. We were fine when we left, but now so many are gone," Zhou Yun said, finally calming down. He knew at least six or seven wealthy heirs who had died, leaving only a few who had taken refuge in the Earth Immortal City. "Brother Zhou, you should be grateful. After all, you''re alive and you''ve even improved your strength significantly with the spiritual medicine," Zhong Qing pointed out. "Little Qing, I think you and your sister might be in danger when we return. Old Zhong has set a dangerous precedent. Many people might be after you. It might be wise toy low for a while," Zhou Yun advised. Zhong Qing scoffed, "What does it have to do with us? If anyone has a problem, they can take it up with my great-grandfather. Oh, by the way, he was already transcendent before going to the secretnd. I wonder what level he''s at now." Everyone fell silent, realizing that Old Zhong was not to be trifled with. Being the head of a super-wealthy family and now even more powerful, he was feared and respected by many. However, his family''s massive influence meant that few would dare to act rashly against them. The cart with the alcohol arrived, and whether they were numbed or tearful, everyone silently took a bottle and started drinking heavily. Some choked and coughed but continued to drink. Soon, some began to cry out loud, releasing their fears and sorrows. Drinking might harm the body, but sometimes it indeed serves a good purpose. The survivors of the ordeal, carrying psychological scars, found relief as their inhibitions lowered under the influence of alcohol. Crying and rambling, they released various negative emotions, sharing their fears and harrowing experiences. Amidst the tears andughter, they gradually found stability. An old explorer, inebriated and burping, confessed, "Under extreme conditions, a man can''t always control his lower half. I really regret it." People looked at him with odd expressions, their gaze then shifting to a few female members of the exploration team nearby. Zhou Yun patted him on the shoulder, saying, "I understand. Making mistakes under extreme circumstances is normal. Come to think of it, I''ve made plenty of simr mistakes myself." Relieved, the old explorer said, "d you understand. Just like you did before, I couldn''t hold it in during a moment of intense emotion and ended up embarrassing myself." "Zhou brother, you''ve done something like this?" Zhong Qing inquired. "I never did! Who the heck would make such a mistake!" Zhou Yun protested, though his inebriated state made him unsure. "You said it yourself. I''ll remember that!" the old explorer added, still chuckling. ¡­¡­ After safelynding at the Brown Star Base, a adjacent to the Hidden Land much like Mars is to Earth, everyone stepped onto this safe territory with a sigh of relief. They had finally escaped the world rampant with monsters, and many swore never to embark on such perilous adventures again. Once settled with refreshments and rest, they were interrogated by various parties eager to learn the details of the Hidden Land. News of Lao Chen''s ascent to the transcendent realm stunned everyone, especially the exploration teams from various financial conglomerates and the base personnel, who began treating him with solemn respect. Lao Chen stayed close to Zhou Yun, Zhong Qing, and others, wary of potential threats like being targeted by a super-energy cannon. As for their return, Lao Chen decided to travel only on spaceships carrying direct descendants of financial conglomerates or powerful elders, ensuring his safety from potential "idents" en route. Even his disciple, Qingmu, had made arrangements for the esteemed technologist Olesha Anxian to leave securely, showing his familiarity with the nuances of these arrangements. Wang Xuan''s achievement of reaching the master level had spread, drawing attention due to his young age and immense potential. However, with Lao Chen and the transforming Lao Zhong as the newly emerged transcendent powerhouses, Wang Xuan''s spotlight was somewhat dimmed. He remainedposed, enjoying the rare tranquility away from the limelight, basking in the sun and sipping on juice within the protectiveyers of the Brown Star Base. "Some are suspecting a connection between the old Master Wang Xiao and the new young Master Wang Xuan, both linked to Lao Chen," someonemented. While the focus remained primarily on Lao Chen, Zhong Qing had been quietly observing Wang Xuan, raising her own suspicions. "Little... Zhong Qing? Come sit, enjoy the exotic sun and fresh fruit juice. It¡¯s quite nice," Wang Xuan casually invited her. Hearing his words and noticing theplexion-enhancing and beautifying properties of the juice he was drinking, Zhong Qing felt targeted by his subtle mockery. She shot him a re and walked away. Wang Xuan, left speechless by the conversation, had no choice but to ept the situation. For now, they couldn''t leave the base as they were required to undergo a two-day quarantine and continuous checks. This was to prevent any super-pathogens, transcendent materials, or mysterious entities from the Hidden Land being inadvertently brought back to the New World. Such quarantine and checks were routine for all returning exploration teams, although exceptions like Lao Zhong asionally bypassed this procedure. Zhou Yun approached Wang Xuan, warmly draping an arm over his shoulder. "Little Wang, thanks for saving me in the Hidden Land. When we''re back on the New World, I''ll arrange a seaside party, beautiful women, and joyrides in my spaceship to properly thank you," he promised. Then, with a hint of mischief, he added, "How about I sneak you a meeting with my cousin Ling Wei, bypassing my Uncle Ling? I''m pretty generous, right?" From another lounge chair not far away, Zhong Cheng chimed in, "Little Wang, my sister warned me about Zhou Yun. His gatherings are often messy, and he''s prone to brawls. Before going to the Hidden Land, he got severely beaten by a woman over some romantic dispute. Don''t fall for his tricks." Zhou Yun retorted, "Hey, I don''t like hearing that. Are you suggesting Little Wang should fall for your sister''s tricks instead?" At that moment, Zhong Qing appeared in the distance, ring fiercely at Zhou Yun. ¡­¡­ An rming siren red through the base, "Unknown warships detected!" "Alert, unidentified warships rapidly approaching in space," echoed throughout the facility. Scans revealed anomalies in space, with three strangely designed spacecrafts rapidly approaching. They were unlike any from the New World and disyed partial transcendent attributes. A massive flying sword led one of the ships, cutting through space as it advanced. "Where did thesee from? Why weren''t they detected earlier?" The personnel were puzzled. "It seems they emerged from the Hidden Land, hence the sudden appearance without prior detection." "Hostile intentions detected, engage and neutralize them!" themand was given. Old Chen, Wang Xuan, Zhong Qing, and others were startled by the unfolding events on therge screen. "Annihte them! They''re from the three transcendent star worlds, seeking revenge!" Old Chen dered coldly. Space detectors outside the Hidden Land captured clear images of the ships and the giant flying sword, which bore patterns simr to weapons from Yuhua, Eura, and Heluo stars. "Boom!" The base had already activated its defensive barrier, and warships ascended, firing blinding beams at the iing vessels. "Whoosh!" In response, the three enemy shipsunched their own formidable energy beams, targeting the base''s vicinity. "Boom!" Space lit up with a terrifying disy of light as the two sides shed, intercepting each other''s attacks with shields and energy waves. "Interesting, their ships are a blend of technology and transcendent power, a new direction. However, they''re currently outssed by our warships and pose no threat to us," the base personnel reassured, confident in their superiority. "In this universe, there are fours with life. One of them is a higher transcendent civilization, and the other three are ordinary transcendent civilizations. Currently, they pose no threat to our universe. The transcendent substance is receding, and even Earth Immortals are nearly extinct here," Old Chen shared crucial information. Boom! A warship from Heluo star was destroyed, bursting like fireworks. However, a lifeform emerged from the debris, radiating dazzling light. "Mechanical beings, or something else? Some kind of puppet weapon?" Old Chen mumbled to himself. He had been brought in as a consultant by the base to exin matters rted to the transcendent. The figure was a metallic being, towering at over ten meters, covered in runes and clearly scanned by the New World¡¯s warships. The metallic being erupted in brilliant light, its runes densely packed, illuminating space. Then, it rapidly approached the brown star. "An Earth Immortal-level puppet weapon!" Old Chen gasped in shock. The three transcendent star worlds still had formidable heritage. Even without real Earth Immortals, they possessed weapons of that caliber. "No worry, energy fluctuations detected. It can destroy warships, but it won¡¯t get close to us. It''s far inferior to the suspected Celestial being that appeared on New Moon. Not on the same level!" the people of the New World reassured confidently. Boom! Terrifying energy beams shot out, causing massive explosions in space. The Earth Immortal-level puppet was obliterated, unable to withstand the onught of the warships. The other two ships also disintegrated, each releasing their Earth Immortal-level puppet weapons. The three transcendent star worlds, each sending a warship with Earth Immortal-levelbat capability, could indeed destroy New World¡¯s warships but couldn¡¯t get close enough. The legendary Earth Immortals, capable of flying and living for eons, couldn''t withstand the assault of modern, advanced warships. This profoundly affected Old Chen. At this stage, he realized he needed to stay discreet on the New World. If reporting his movements was necessary... so be it. Wang Xuan, witnessing this scene, decided to live in a supercity for safety, deeming it a more prudent choice. ¡­¡­ "Boom!" The three Earth Immortal-level puppets were annihted, and space fell silent. In the hiddennd, the female immortal spoke, "Do you see? As the universe corrects its course, returning to normality, the resurgence of technological civilization is powerful enough to threaten the Celestials. In three years, if they find no way out and somehow escape the veil, the surviving Celestials will have to adapt to this era or face dire consequences." The White Peacock silently nodded in agreement. ... Two dayster, Wang Xuan, Old Chen, and theirpanions officially embarked on their return journey, first heading to a wormhole several light-years away to return to the universe where the New World resided. "Finally leaving this vast cosmic sea." Many felt emotional, grateful to be alive and returning home, never wanting to venture here again. Wang Xuan¡¯s thoughts drifted. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin would likely return to the New World, but he wondered if he would ever see Grandmaster Ma or the vain ck fox spirit again. Would they retain their spirituality after the waning of the transcendent forces, or revert to ordinary wild animals? These thoughts only brought sighs. On board the spaceship were Zhong Qing, Zheng Rui, Zhou Yun, and others, including Old Chen and several middle-aged individuals with significant status, returning to report the discovery of the transcendent star worlds. If not for these individuals, Old Chen would have never embarked on this journey. "Is this vast starry sea connected by the wormhole a parallel universe, or just a remote part of our universe?" Wang Xuan couldn¡¯t help but ask. "How you perceive it can vary, and currently, there''s no definitive exnation," a middle-aged man spoke up. Theymonly refer to this region as the ''Hidden Land Universe''. In fact, the main area previously explored by the conglomerates was known as ''Blessed Land'', often referred to as the ''Blessed Land Universe''. Years ago, the surge of transcendent energy material in the Blessed Land was so intense that it became inessible. Manyboratories were left behind, along with a multitude of explorers, cut off from the outside world. "If the transcendence recedes in three years, perhaps those left behind can be retrieved. Maybe, there could even be a breakthrough before then." "Years have passed, and if there are survivors on the Blessed Lands, some might have grown incredibly strong." Wang Xuan learned that the people of the New World had yet to create wormholes; all discovered ones were naturally formed or possibly remnants of a vanished civilization. Now, there is a belief that a wormhole connects to a parallel universe, while others think it links to a corner of our universe. "The New Art was also excavated from a life-sustaining in a distant star system." During the journey home, Wang Xuan learned about various deep space exploration incidents. "The Westerners have been exploring what they call the ''Wizard Universe,'' shrouded in mystery," someone mentioned. This stirred something in Wang Xuan''s heart. He wondered if the decline of transcendence would affect alls. Theoretically, if mythology decays, it should be a universal phenomenon. If the modern world is self-correcting, it wouldn''t target just one area. "A few years ago, a universe simr to a martial arts world was also discovered." Hearing this, Old Chen''s interest was piqued. If transcendence fades away, that world might offer some hope. The secret manuals brought back from there could provide some inspiration. With a roar, the spacecraft pierced through the star gate, bursting out of the wormhole. They arrived at a named ''Deep Space 19th Star,'' housing a gateway to the Hidden Land Universe. It''s several light-years away from the New World, maintaining a safe distance to ensure the security of their home. After engaging the warp drive for a few hours, the spacecraft descended onto the New World. They were back! Chapter 207: Paying Back A Good Deed Chapter 207: Paying Back A Good Deed New World, Su City ¨C a metropolis of towering skyscrapers built fromposite materials, withndmark buildings almost piercing the skies. Various spaceships are parked on their tops. In mid-air, numerous small flying vessels shuttle rapidly, while hovercars move in an orderly manner below. Returning to the familiar urbanndscape from the primitive wilderness of the Hidden Land, away from the bloody monsters, everyone felt as if they had crossed worlds. "Back atst, I¡¯m never leaving again!" Zhou Yun, freshly disembarked from the spacecraft, passionately kissed the ground. His resolve was evident; no more exotic adventures for him, not even the promise of bing a great wizard in a magical world could tempt him. Survival was paramount. There were tears andughter among those who made it back alive. Hundreds had perished in the Hidden Land, including renowned explorers and key members of financial conglomerates. Su City, located in the central region of New World, is a vast city. Old Chen decided to stay for a while, being cautious. He would not return to the Old Earth unless apanied by significant figures. Wang Xuan declined invitations from Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng to visit their homes, preferring a low profile upon his return and having some matters to attend to. He bought a new phone and exchanged contact information with Zhou Yun and others. "Su City, Professor Lin''s home is here." Since arriving on New World, Wang Xuan had been wanting to visit him, but the trip to the Hidden Land had dyed his ns. Professor Lin had taken great care of him during his time in the experimental ss on Old Earth. Before leaving for New World, Lin even gifted him a set of ancient bamboo scrolls of pre-Qin dynastic era mystics, incredibly valuable and immensely helpful. To open an internalndscape, texts of the level of the pre-Qin mystics were required. Without these texts, even if Wang Xuan had triggered his extrasensory perception, he wouldn''t have been able to open his internalndscape, which fundamentally altered his destiny. Professor Lin had been exceptionally kind to him, not only leaving contact details but also insisting on helping him move to New World. But Wang Xuan declined, not wishing for Professor Lin to humble himself by asking for favors. This time, he intended to visit the elderly professor to treat his old injury. In his youth, Professor Lin was a formidable expert. During an expedition for a Pre-Qin bamboo scroll, he was attacked with an energy weapon. His body was pierced through, and a punch left a gaping hole in his chest. It was a miracle he survived, but his path in the ancient arts was irrevocably severed. He could only engage in theoretical research in ancient arts and took up a position at a university. "Hello? Who''s this?" came Professor Lin''s slightly weary voice over the phone. "Professor Lin, it''s me, Wang Xuan. I''m in New World''s Su City now..." "Xuan, you''re in New World?!" Professor Lin eximed, surprised. He asked where Wang Xuan was, offering toe and pick him up. "No need, Professor. You''re at Kaiyuan University, right? I''lle to you." After purchasing some gifts, Wang Xuan arrived at Kaiyuan University, renowned for its prestigious ranking in New World. The campus was dotted with clusters of Silver Moon Trees, their snowy blooms swaying gently in the breeze, emitting a subtle fragrance that invigorated the mind and soothed the heart. Kaiyuan University''s serene environment captivated Wang Xuan. He observed students reading under the trees, their tranquility a stark contrast to his current life of cultivation and facing the decay of myths. Watching the students, he recalled the days he spent with Qin Cheng, admiring the beauty of their female ssmates ¨C a pure appreciation,paring which department or ss had the prettiest girls as they sat on the benches along the walkways. Ultimately, they concluded that "Goddess Zhao" was the most formidable, seemingly dominating in everyparison. Wang Xuan smiled as he sat by the roadside, watching the approaching students, and dialed Qin Cheng''s number. "Old Wang, you had me worried sick! More than twenty days without a word, I couldn''t reach you. Are you alright?" Qin Cheng''s voice came through the phone, filled with concern. He knew Wang Xuan had gone to the Hidden Land, but never expected him to disappear for so long. He had feared the worst. "I''m in Su City, about to visit Professor Lin. Where are you? Hurry over. I''m treating you to garlic snails and peacock stewed golden mushrooms!" Wang Xuan said cheerfully. On the other end of the line, Qin Cheng''s breath hitched. He was shocked. Was Old Wang joking, or was he seriously defying the heavens? He knew how rare those two delicacies were; even the wealthiest families could only afford to use them in soups or infusions due to their scarcity. His initialment had been in jest. Soon, Qin Cheng "came back to his senses," convinced Wang Xuan was joking. "Give my regards to Professor Lin. As for the snails and mushrooms, let''s keep that in mind for now. I''m still on New Moon. The old monk at White Horse Temple insists on keeping me for a while longer, teaching me their boxing techniques and some Buddhist scriptures." He should have been able to transfer to New World by now. "Hurry up and get down here, to New World. You''re missing out on some opportunities!" Wang Xuan urged him toe to New World immediately. Qin Cheng''s eyes widened. "Old Wang, you''re not serious, are you? You''ve been reigning supreme in the Hidden Land, ying the overlord?!" "It''s nothing much, just yed the part of ''King Invincible'' once. Get here quickly!" Wang Xuan indeed had many treasures on him. He nned to help Professor Lin regain his health and cure his old injuries and also wanted to help his friend take a crucial step forward in his path in the ancient arts by enhancing his physical condition. "Alright, I''m booking a ship ticket right now and saying goodbye to my master!" On the moon, Qin Cheng was immensely excited. He could hardly imagine what Wang Xuan had achieved in the Hidden Land to have outdone even the wealthiest families in terms of gains. At Kaiyuan University, which offered various new academic disciplines including studies on human potential involving both ancient and modern techniques, Wang Xuan encountered some skepticism. "Really now?" chuckled a vibrant and attractive young woman, d in a white training outfit, standing about 1.7 meters tall with a graceful figure, likely a student. She looked at Wang Xuan with amusement. "King Invincible? That''s quite a im, especially here at Kaiyuan University, where both ancient and modern techniques rank among the top five. You don''t look like one of our students. Aren''t you being a bit overconfident?" "Maybe," Wang Xuan replied with a smile, choosing not to borate. His current strength made him vastly superior to any potential challenger. "Oh, the confidence of youth, but don''t be too arrogant. I know some very skilled people, almost mystical in their abilities, yet they''re all incredibly humble. Not one of them acts like you do. Would you like me to introduce you to some of them for a friendly spar?" The beautiful young woman seemed slightly irritated by Wang Xuan''s demeanor, almost as if she wanted someone to put him in his ce. "I''m not interested in bullying kids who are still in school," Wang Xuan responded, maintaining his smile. In reality, even the forefathers of these students wouldn''t draw his attention. "I''ll show you. Wait here!" the young woman retorted, clearly annoyed. "Please, I concede!" Wang Xuan was just passing time with some light banter, not really looking for trouble. But the young woman, sharp as she was, sensed his nonchnce and huffed, "King Invincible, huh..." Just then, Professor Lin arrived, delighted to see Wang Xuan. "Wang Xuan, I never expected you to make it to New World on your own. I had just arranged a spot for you to study at our institute." Wang Xuan, grateful for Professor Lin''s efforts despite not needing them, quickly went over to support him. "Professor Lin, is this one of your former students? He was quite full of himself just now, even calling himself ''King Invincible,''" the young woman interjected. "Zhou Jia, don''t take it seriously. Wang Xuan loves to joke around," Professor Lin exined, aware of the young woman''s challenging nature and her connections to very capable individuals. He chuckled and led Wang Xuan away. "Let''s go to my house, Wang Xuan." Professor Lin''s home was located in a neighborhood not far from the campus, surrounded by a beautiful environment featuring bamboo groves and a smallke. Overall, the New World offered very habitable living conditions, with most residential areas boasting scendscapes. "You brought so many things? I really don''tck anything here," Professor Lin said, shaking his head. His sry was more than enough to cover all his expenses. "These are just small tokens of my appreciation. Besides, what I''ve brought you this time is quite extraordinary. It will be a pleasant surprise," Wang Xuan assured with a smile. "My wife recently went on a trip with a tour group, my son works in another city, and my daughter, the least of my worries, said she was off to find some secret medicine for me. She went to the Western Continent and hasn''t been back for half a month," shared Professor Lin as they entered his slightly empty home. "Wang Xuan, I don''t drink alcohol. Why did you buy wine?" Professor Lin asked, surprised. His internal organs had been damaged years ago when he was attacked, leaving him with health issues. "This isn''t just any wine, Professor Lin. Please drink it. I''vee specifically to treat your old injuries," Wang Xuan urged seriously. Helping Professor Lin was one of his goals, a way of repaying the kindness he had received. "What?" Professor Lin was both astonished and confused. "I recently visited the Hidden Land. Let''s not go into details now. Please, just drink this ''wine''," Wang Xuan insisted. Shocked to learn that Wang Xuan had ventured into the perilous Hidden Land, a ce known for its extreme dangers where entire exploration teams often perished, Professor Lin was speechless. At Wang Xuan''s urging, he finally took the bottle and drank heartily. Unbeknownst to him, the beverage was a mix of Earth Immortal Spring water and transcendent royal jelly. The effect was immediate and dramatic. Professor Lin''s body radiated a soft, glowing light from his pores, followed by intense internal changes and a substantial increase in metabolic rate. He opened his eyes wide in amazement, hardly believing what he was experiencing. He could feel years of chest difort rapidly fading away and a new, vigorous life force burgeoning within him. "There''s nothing you need to do. Just let it take its course. I believe by tomorrow, your body should bepletely healed without any residual issues," Wang Xuan confidently assured. Having personally experienced the swift healing properties of the Earth Immortal Spring, especially after numerous severe injuries in the Hidden Land, he had absolute faith in its effectiveness. The spring''s life-extending properties alone were remarkable, not to mention the added potency of the transcendent royal jelly mixed within. Professor Lin was visibly moved, feeling that his chronic ailments were finally vanishing, and his physical condition was returning to, and possibly even surpassing, its prime. His lips trembled with gratitude, recognizing the miraculous nature of the medicine. For him, Wang Xuan had provided a chance at rebirth. "Professor Lin, there''s no need for words or thanks. This was within my ability to do, and it''s not a big deal," Wang Xuan said modestly. An hourter, Qin Cheng contacted Wang Xuan, informing him that he had arrived in Suzhou from New Moon and was already off the spaceship. Wang Xuan marveled at his friend''s speed. "Come over here," Wang Xuan said, giving Qin Cheng Professor Lin''s address and asking him to bring some garlic, pheasants, and other ingredients on his way. Shortly after, Wang Xuan stepped outside to greet his friend, only to run into the same female student from earlier, right outside the neighborhood. Surprised, he asked, "Why are you following me?" Clearly taken aback, the womanughed in frustration and retorted, "I live here too, outside the campus. To think you¡¯re using me of following you! Fine, ''Wang Invincible'', just wait, I''ll find someone for a spar with you!" Wang Xuan didn¡¯t pay much attention to her and waited for Qin Cheng to arrive. As soon as he did, they headed off together. "Old Wang, you''ve really outdone yourself. I can''t wait to show off my cooking skills!" eximed Qin Cheng, bubbling with excitement on their way back. That evening, Qin Cheng''s wishes were fulfilled. In the kitchen, he cooked with a sense of achievement, preparing dishes like garlic-steamed mountain snails and swan stewed with golden mushrooms, each dish emitting a halo of light and a unique fragrance that seemed to open one''s pores. All these were the fruits of his culinary skills. ¡°What''s the use of those wealthy ns and top-notch exploration organizations? They don¡¯tpare to what you''ve gained from a single trip to the Hidden Land, Old Wang. Let''s eat!" Qin Cheng announced. Professor Lin also beamed with happiness, thoroughly enjoying the joyful atmosphere. Wang Xuan''s phone rang, and he tensed up. The iing number was familiar; she had given it to him a long time ago. It was Ling Wei''s number from New World. It had been a while since theyst contacted, and her call at this moment, clearly knowing he was on New World, raised questions. Who had told her? Wang Xuan muttered to himself, "Zhou Yun''s mouth, Zhong''s legs... It''s probably Zhou Yun, the big talker." Chapter 208: Unprecedented Progress Chapter 208: Unprecedented Progress Wang Xuan pondered how long it had been since theirst contact. Ling Wei had given him this number during their sophomore year, insisting he memorize it. But by the end of their junior year, theirmunication had almost ceased entirely. He knew thating to New World would likely lead to intersections and reunions, as many familiar ssmates were there, making casual gatherings inevitable. However, he hadn''t expected Ling Wei to take the initiative to call this time. Wang Xuan was slightly dazed, staring at his phone. It rang three times before he could react, and then it suddenly disconnected. "Professor Lin, Old Wang, dinner''s ready! Two ingredients, six ways to cook them, you''re about to taste the craft of a culinary genius!" Qin Cheng called out eagerly. Wang Xuan nced at his phone, put it away, and quickly joined the others. Qin Cheng, rubbing his hands together in anticipation, had eagerly prepared the meal. Professor Lin, who didn''t drink alcohol, had gone to fetch some for them. The ingredients were few, but Qin Cheng had prepared a full table of dishes, looking quitevish. "ck chicken and golden mushroom soup,e and smell this aroma; it''s so rich it could probably reach the New Moon. I bet even my master can smell the savory scent. But he''ll just have to enjoy the aroma, considering monks don''t eat meat!" Qin Cheng said jokingly. The ck chicken was merely a garnish. Opening the y pot lid revealed golden mushroom slices bursting forth with splendid halos and a spiritual mist. The aroma was so enticing that one couldn''t help but want to immediately dive into a bowl of it. Professor Lin, setting down a bottle of coarse grain-brewed Goutai wine, couldn''t hide his amazement. The ingredients were glowing, and the fragrance was so strong that just looking at them made one''s mouth water. This would have been considered a banquet of spiritual medicines in ancient times! "Swan stewed with golden mushrooms, featuring the finest six-year-old mother goose, cooked with the Qin family''s secret imperial kitchen techniques passed down for 300 years. It''s a two-hour simmer that captures both earthly delights and the essence of three centuries of traditional culture. This dish is a unique masterpiece, a fragrant heirloom of culinary art." Qin Cheng brought out arge porcin basin, smiling broadly... and exaggerating. The swan meat was already deboned, and the golden mushrooms bubbled enticingly in the steaming pot, covered in a hazy golden glow. The fragrance was already wafting in the air. "I''ll tell you, this swan is absolutely fresh. I personally fished it out of theke at Kaiyuan University when I passed by," he said. Professor Lin and Wang Xuan''s faces changed immediately. Was this young man poaching swans from a universityke? "It''s a joke! Do you think I''d dare do such a thing at Kaiyuan University? I''d be chased down by a mob of students! I bought the old goose at the supermarket," Qin Chengughed, then turned to Wang Xuan, "But we''ve done simr things, haven''t we? Remember in our second year, how we caught a seven-pound soft-shelled turtle in the schoolke? We cleaned and cooked it in the woods; it was incredibly satisfying and delicious!" Professor Lin was speechless. "Shut up!" Wang Xuan quickly stopped him, not wanting these embarrassing tales toe out. With Qin Cheng, one never knew what he might say next. Next, the peacock meat stir-fried with golden mushrooms was brought out. Qin Cheng couldn''t help himself; he grabbed a glowing mushroom piece and stuffed it into his mouth, only to grimace as it was too hot, spewing golden light from his mouth. Shocked by the spectacle, he eximed, "This is like a banquet for immortals, a dining style of ancient monks. Today we are also fortunate to enjoy it! Let''s start eating!" At the dinner table, the rich aroma had already filled the room, tempting everyone with its golden light and jade-like radiance. Wang Xuan spoke up, "Actually, the most valuable dish here is the mountain snails. In ancient times, these were enjoyed as appetizers by Earth Immortals. Just one meal can extend a person''s life by ten years." The garlic mountain snails radiated a hazy glow and exuded a fragrant aroma, clearly a transcendent spiritual item. "Ingredients... enjoyed by Earth Immortals?!" Qin Cheng was stunned. He hastily swallowed the golden mushroom without even savoring the taste and then grabbed a fist-sized mountain snail, sniffing it deeply. He inhaled a luminous mist, feeling every pore on his skin opening up in rxation. "Professor Lin, let''s dig in," Wang Xuan urged. Professor Lin was equally astonished. The golden mushrooms had already impressed him, but these snails were something from myths ¨C a delicacy for Earth Immortals. It was truly astonishing. He felt as if he was in a dream. How had Wang Xuane across such items? To what realm had he ascended? Professor Lin had seen much of the world, having consulted for old wealthy families on longevity. He knew of their pursuit for extended life, even immortality, and their hunting of exotic ingredients from deep space. Butpared to what Wang Xuan brought back, those rare delicacies seemed almost modest. He recalled hearing about a head of a wealthy family who cherished a small snail, about the size of a lychee, as a sacred nourishing treasure, consumed only once every half a month ¨C a supposed celestial delicacy. At that time, Professor Lin was shocked by the capabilities of the wealthy family, being able to enjoy such divine ingredients. But now, looking at the table full of glowing mountain snails, he realized just how sparingly the wealthy ate. Before him was a feast fit for Earth Immortals ¨C appetizers that filled the table, barely leaving room for anything else. "Let''s eat!" Professor Lin also became bold, casting aside his usual refined demeanor. He rolled up his sleeves, and began to eat heartily, his mouth glowing with radiance, emitting a continuous stream of light. Professor Lin, who normally never took photos of his food, couldn''t resist snapping a few pictures this time. However, he quickly and decisively deleted them, aware of the potential risks of keeping such images, even on his phone. He thought it best to keep one or two snail shells as mementos. "I feel like my tongue is melting away; this is simply divine. We''re not just savoring vors, but time itself. I feel as if I''ve wrestled a decade from the heavens!" Qin Cheng eximed with arge cup of Goutai wine in hand, continuing to feast enthusiastically. Gradually, even his nose began to emit a radiant glow. Wang Xuan remarked, "Don''t consider these dishes too miraculous. They''re just Earth Immortal appetizers, not a true Immortal feast. Maybe someday, we''ll have the chance to gather ingredients worthy of the true Immortal banquet." "I think the garlic style doesn''t match up to the steamed variety, which retains the original fresh and fragrant vor," Professor Linmented, feeling a heat within his body, a sign that his old ailments were being healed. Having consumed a substantial amount of Earth Immortal Spring and the snails, Professor Lin''s vitality surged. He sweated profusely as he ate, his body expelling various impurities and toxins. "For a fresh, sweet taste, try slicing them and dipping in sauce," Wang Xuan suggested. After sharing a few drinks with Qin Cheng, Wang Xuan set the alcohol aside, recing it with Earth Immortal Spring. "What kind of drink is this? It has a light fragrance and a hint of royal jelly, but it''s not as good as wine," Qin Chengined. "Drink up. In three years, this might no longer exist in the world. Just one liter can extend your life by decades!" Wang Xuan said earnestly. He trusted the two before him and had nothing to hide, exining that these ingredients truly had the power to change one''s fate, offering prolonged life. "I don''t want to drink alcohol ever again in this life. This elixir... it''s truly delicious. I want to drink my fill!" eximed Professor Lin. After consuming the Earth Immortal Spring, snails, and golden mushrooms, hisplexion visibly brightened, his vitality soared, and even his previously cloudy eyes started to sparkle! Once a renowned expert in his youth, Professor Lin was now regaining some of his strength as his old injuries healed. Wang Xuan noted, "There''s no rush. It''s a process. I estimate that in a month or two, Professor Lin will regain his status as an old art master." Professor Lin grew warmer as he ate, sweating profusely. His body was ridding itself of toxins and impurities. "Why do I smell worse the more I eat?" Qin Cheng noticed the same phenomenon. "It''s your body improving, detoxifying, and eliminating impurities. It''sing out with your sweat," Wang Xuan exined. The Earth Immortal Spring, royal jelly, and snails were enhancing their vitality and potential, while the golden mushrooms acted as a spiritual medicine, aiding in breaking through barriers and enhancing strength. "I feel stronger, like there''s a secret power flowing inside me. Am I about to be a great master?" Qin Cheng was moved and somewhat uncertain, yet also astounded. "Don''t worry, you''ll definitely break through," Wang Xuan assured confidently. Given the plethora of spiritual medicines he brought back, it would be absurd if Qin Cheng couldn''t make a breakthrough. "Qin Cheng will be very strong. Wang Xuan, are you perhaps as powerful as I can''t even dare to imagine?" Professor Lin asked hesitantly. Noticing Professor Lin''s concerned expression, Wang Xuan inquired about his worries. Professor Lin shared that his old adversary, who was involved in the incident that injured him, had threateningly targeted his students. This adversary, with a few associates, was teaching at another university. "Is it the same opponent who punched a hole in your chest?" Qin Cheng asked, referring to the incident that crippled Professor Lin. "Yes," confirmed Professor Lin. "I''ll handle them for you," Wang Xuan offered confidently. Professor Lin shook his head, refusing Wang Xuan''s offer to intervene, stating, "No, don''t. Thews on New World are strict. Causing trouble could lead to serious consequences. Besides, I''ve moved on from the past battles." Wang Xuan suggested to Qin Cheng, "Why don''t you enroll as a graduate student under Professor Lin? It''s the perfect time for you toe down from New Moon and study at Kaiyuan University." Qin Cheng looked puzzled, seemingly overwhelmed by the twists and turns of life, but the idea of returning to school and pursuing further studies appealed to him. "Those people are highly skilled," warned Professor Lin, aware that Wang Xuan''s suggestion was aimed at having Qin Cheng confront the rival''s disciples. "Don''t worry, Qin Cheng, eat up and then take a bath. I''ll help you metabolize the medicinal properties," urged Wang Xuan, keen to rid Qin Cheng of his sweaty odor. Soon after, Wang Xuan used transcendent methods to assist Qin Cheng in activating the medicinal effects, using secret forces to resonate with his flesh and blood. The moment was astounding as Qin Cheng''s body glowed, harnessing the medicine''s power for a breakthrough. Initially, Wang Xuan intended for Qin Cheng to gradually improve as the medicine took effect over time. However, he now felt it was right to elerate the process, teaching him some boxing techniques and scriptures to stand up for Professor Lin. "I''ve made a breakthrough, I''ve be stronger... am I a super-strong practitioner now?" Qin Cheng trembled with excitement, his flesh glowing with a crystalline sheen. "You still have a long way to go. Let''s stop here for today," Wang Xuan advised, tempering his expectations. "What''s the background of these rivals?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Since modern times, they''ve prided themselves as the orthodox lineage of the old arts," Professor Lin shared. Their ancestors included true immortals, with at least three renowned practitioners in ancient times. Even in the decline of old arts, their family remained active and continued the lineage, iming themselves as the true custodians of the old ways. Indeed, no other family in modern times could rival their legacy, and their n had even produced grandmasters despite the old arts'' waning influence. "The four elders of the old arts and Chen Yongjie''s master represent the rise of independent practitioners. Although individually powerful, they can''tpare to this family in terms of heritage and influence over generations," Wang Xuan contemted. He then remembered something, "Oh, there was a tale about an old grandmaster on New World who, in an attempt to prolong his life, practiced a secret method to activate his internal organs but ended up training himself to death. He was from this family, right?" Professor Lin nodded, "That elder was incredibly strong, almost at the level of a great grandmaster. Unfortunately, he pushed his organs to the point of decay and death." Wang Xuan was amazed, "Reaching near the great grandmaster level in this era is indeed remarkable." Despite this family''s fearsome heritage and possession of ancient immortals'' secrets, Wang Xuan remained unfazed. Times had changed, and even the most glorious families had to face the end of their era, especially in the face of transcendent beings. "This family had more than one true immortal in ancient times. Their scriptures must be extraordinary," Wang Xuan mused, acknowledging the family''s remarkable past. However, with the changing times, it was uncertain if they would retain their status. "Let me help you with the medicinal effects again, Qin Cheng," Wang Xuan offered, thinking it best to strengthen him further for any future confrontations with the family''s disciples. Qin Cheng groaned in pain as Wang Xuan''s assistance was not as pleasant as before. His bones resonated and trembled under the impact, but with a transcendent being overseeing the process, he was safe from any fatal harm. "I feel stronger already! Professor Lin, I''ll stand up for you when the timees. I can take on ten of their disciples! And if you recover, you can seek your revenge too. If not, Wang Xuan''s got our back!" Qin Cheng dered confidently. Despite not disclosing his current level, Professor Lin and Qin Cheng recognized that Wang Xuan was exceptionally strong, exceeding their initial expectations. Wang Xuan courteously declined Professor Lin''s offer to stay over, choosing instead to return with Qin Cheng and nning to have Old Chen teach him some suitable martial arts forms and scriptures. "I might be staying in Suzhou City for a while, so we''ll likely see each other more often," Wang Xuan mentioned before departing. Upon leaving theplex, they immediately noticed people practicing martial arts in the forest near Kaiyuan University. "Hey, Wang, check out that beauty!" Qin Cheng eximed. "No thanks!" Wang Xuan turned away, recognizing the female student. "These folks seem quite skilled," Qin Chengmented, feeling his perception had greatly improved after his recent breakthrough. "Their boxing style isn''t bad," Qin Cheng noted. Hearing this, Zhou Jia turned around, startled, but quickly regained herposure and suggested, "How about a little spar?" "Sure!" Qin Cheng agreed. "This guy''s friend ims to be unbeatable, so be careful and give them a tough lesson!" Zhou Jia warned herpanions. "Bang!" The match started with Qin Cheng receiving a harsh kick that sobered him up immediately. Despite his recent advancement, the kick to his chest was painful. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I need to get serious now!" "Bang, bang, bang!" Eventually, Qin Cheng overpowered his opponent, moving from the forest to the grass and finally kicking him into a nearbyke. "Anyone else?" Qin Cheng called out. "I''ll take you on!" Another challenger approached. "Ssh!" ¡­¡­ In the end, Qin Cheng kicked four people into theke. He grinned at Zhou Jia, offering to spar with her, but she turned and ran off quickly, vanishing into Kaiyuan University, even losing one of her shoes in her haste to escape a possible kick into theke from Qin Cheng. "Thought you could take advantage of me being tipsy and push me into theke, huh? Now it''s your turn to race the turtles in there," Qin Cheng gloated, standing by theke and kicking back anyone trying to climb ashore. Laughing heartily, he and Wang Xuan departed. Later that evening, Wang Xuan brought Qin Cheng to a hotel to meet Old Chen. Wang Xuan was curious about his rapid progress in cultivation and wanted Old Chen''s opinion. Old Chen, feeling a bit provoked, responded irritably to Wang Xuan''s inquiry about his swift cultivation progress. He reassured Wang Xuan that rapid development was normal under certain circumstances, referencing the ancient concept of ''hundred-day foundation building.'' Qin Cheng, bewildered by their conversation, wondered just how strong Wang Xuan had be. Meanwhile, Old Chen, somewhat disconcerted, found it hard to believe the extent of Wang Xuan''s progress. Old Chen then mentioned an uing dinner hosted by some influential figures from the financial world, suggesting that Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng should attend to get acquainted with them. Certainly, here''s the trantion of the passage while maintaining its original structure and details: "At the top floor of the Yuanchu Building, the atmosphere was resplendent, with exotic crystals crafted into chandeliers, casting dreamlike, shimmering lights. The hall was adorned with several spirit medicine trees, their buds bursting with fragrance, emanating a seductive, tranquil aroma that made every guest feel a sense of serene calm. The gathering was bustling, filled with not just scions of financial dynasties but also renowned adventurers. Among the crowd, Wang Xuan recognized some familiar faces. He could see Zhou Yun from a distance, easily identifiable by his distinctive babbling, and also noticed Xiao Zhong, gracefully attired in an elegant evening gown. Suddenly, a familiar figure walked past Wang Xuan, causing a moment of surprise. Recognizing the individual, Wang Xuan greeted warmly, ''Old Ling!'' Upon hearing his name, Ling Qiming''s face instantly turned dark. His eyes quickly darted towards a remote corner of the grand hall. Wang Xuan followed his gaze and saw Ling Wei standing aloofly in a secluded part of the room. The voice echoed again, ''Old Ling!'' This time, it was Old Chen who approached, casually patting Ling Qiming on the shoulder in a friendly manner."
Jimmi''s Thoughts Professor Lin makes an entrance again. What surprises will he have for Wang Xuan this time?
Chapter 209: Banquet Chapter 209: Banquet Ling Qiming''s emotions wereplex. In his earlier years, even though he was stern and forceful, Wang Xuan still politely addressed him as "Uncle Ling," disying humility and manners. Since their reunion on New Moon, Wang Xuan had started calling him "Old Ling" directly. Wang Xuan had politely exined that this was to put him at ease and advised him not to overthink it. At that moment, Ling Qiming was overwhelmed with mixed feelings, feeling an urge to punch him! When he turned to look at Old Chen, his heart became even more unsettled. It was one thing for him to be called "Old Ling," but seeing Chen Yongjie, a man many thought was near death and had received numerous wreaths, now looking so youthful was shocking. He couldn''t believe his eyes ¨C had Old Chen reversed his aging? Now appearing to be in his thirties, Chen had transformed into a vibrant young man. Old Chen''s youthful appearance, coupled with his cheerful way of calling him "Old Ling," made Ling Qiming feel quite uneasy. The transcendence was indeed wonderful! What many financial tycoons sought after, longevity, seemed to be a path that Chen Yongjie was already on. Ling Qiming''s emotions fluctuated, unable to settle. He sighed softly and clinked sses with Old Chen, saying, "Chen Yongjie, we had our fair share of interactions in Old World when we were younger. We had a good rtionship. I never imagined that in a blink of an eye, two or three decades would pass, and you would reach this stage. Chen the Transcendent, the foremost figure of both New World and Old World, now stands in defiance of time." Old Chen also sighed and replied, "In the blink of an eye, our generation has aged. As for being the first, I dare not im that title. The pressure is immense, and no one can sing triumphantly throughout their life. Perhaps one day, myths will decay, and I will be nothing more than a higher wave stirred up in this era, always at risk of being crushed by a greater wave. Yearster, when we look back, we''ll both be but fallen leaves before time, with some leaves merely falling a bitter than others." The conversation between the two men in their fifties carried a heavy tone. Wang Xuan felt it inappropriate to call him "Old Ling" anymore and silently toasted him before turning to leave. "Old Ling, I have to tell you, you might have made a mistake," Old Chen said, gazing at Wang Xuan''s retreating figure. "Do you have something to say?" Ling Qiming asked, looking at Old Chen and then back at Wang Xuan''s departing back. Old Chen nodded and said, "Considering the time we spent together in our youth, digging up an ancient Pre-Qin tomb and appreciating and critiquing the most beautiful girls of that era, I thought I should remind you of something." Ling Qiming''s expression became somewhat distant as he recalled some wild escapades from his youth, shaking his head before looking back at Chen Yongjie. Old Chen was serious as he spoke, "Wang Xuan... his future achievements will be extremely high. On the path of the old arts, he will go much farther than you or I can imagine. As an old friend, that''s all I can say." Ling Qiming''s voice was low and somber, "Everyone says he is already a grandmaster, even stronger than you were at your age. In a few years, he might very well be Wang the Transcendent?" "More than a few years, he will be far stronger than you can imagine!" Old Chen said gravely, his expression unusually solemn. Ling Qiming was startled, his pupils constricting. He was a smart man; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been considered as a sessor in their family''s consortium. "Old Ling, we have a good rtionship, which is why I''m telling you this. If you find Wang Xuan disagreeable in the future, just ignore him, but don''t take any action or try to block him. Otherwise, you will have to deal with me, Chen the Transcendent first!" Old Chen turned and walked away. Ling Qiming drained his ss in a single gulp! Then, he noticed something ¨C wasn''t that the girl from the Zhong family? She quietly approached Wang Xuan, handing him an ancient, yellowed book. Was she secretly giving him a scripture or secret manual? Ling Qiming couldn''t help but ponder. Zhong Yong was a fearsome individual, now practicing an unusual secret technique and developing a cicada-like shell. If he revives, he will likely be unbeatable! Was Zhong Yong''s great-granddaughter giving Wang Xuan a scripture? Did Zhong Yong favor him in the Hidden Land? Had he given any instructions? "See that? He''s getting along better with your father, just clinked sses with him. But why is Zhong Qing going over there?" Zhou Yun spoke from a corner, talking to Ling Wei. He was serious, unlike his usual demeanor, looking at Wang Xuan and Zhong Qing in the hall with furrowed brows. Zhou Yun turned to Ling Wei, "You two should talk. I''ll go get Zhong Qing." In the hall, several spiritual medicine trees shimmered with radiance, their fragrance enveloping the area. Exotic stones formed part of thendscape, glowing softly. Several formidable monsters had been made into specimens, massive and intimidating, drawing the attention of many guests. Zhong Qing, in high heels and an evening dress that entuated her figure and revealed her beautiful legs, was indeed an eye-catcher. She gracefully moved under the crystal lights, appearing pure and sweet, radiantly smiling and nodding at people who greeted her. "The Nine Cmities Mysterious Body?" Wang Xuan was pleasantly surprised. The Zhong family had proved their reliability. Whether it was Zhong Cheng initially offering to gift him the authentic scripture or Old Zhong exchanging the Nine Cmities Mysterious Body with Old Chen for the Earth Immortal Spring, they had honored their promises. In the Hidden Land, Old Zhong had only given half of the Nine Cmities Mysterious Body to Old Chen, undoubtedly instructing Zhong Qing to deliver theplete text upon safely returning to New World. "Thank you!" Wang Xuan epted the scripture gratefully. The Nine Cmities Mysterious Body, along with the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body, would greatly assist him in practicing the stone tablet scriptures, serving as excellent supplementary texts. Zhong Qing said, "I''ve also privately traded scriptures with Zhao Zhao for the Earth Immortal Spring. In the Hidden Land, I gave her the Five-Colored Golden Elixir Spirit Technique. As per our agreement, upon returning to New World, I owe her another top-tier scripture. She suggested I give it directly to you. What kind of secret technique would you like? I''ll bring it to you next time." Wang Xuan pondered for a moment before replying, "I''d prefer the top scripture for cultivating the physical body or an ultimate powerful mental method." "Okay!" Zhong Qing said, observing him closely with shining eyes. After circling him thoughtfully, she asked softly, "Wang Xuan, are you also Wang Xiao?" Her suspicion had been brewing for a while, and today she finally voiced it. Wang Xuan, realizing that both his true self and his alter ego exhibited grandmaster-level power, saw no significant consequence in revealing the truth. His only concern was Wang Xiao attracting hostility from the New Technique realm. He responded with a smile, not verbally confirming it. Many people nearby watched them, drawn by Zhong Qing''s tall figure, delicate facial features, and her exceptional identity. Zhou Yun approached to greet them, but at that moment, a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties appeared. Though no longer young, he still maintained a handsome and mature charm. "Zhao Uncle!" Zhou Yun and Zhong Qing greeted him, and he nodded, indicating his desire to speak with Wang Xuan. "I am Qinghan''s father," the middle-aged man introduced himself with a solemn and slightly worried expression. "Zhao Uncle," Wang Xuan greeted him politely but maintained a certain distance. His experience with Old Ling had taught him how to interact with such figures. While he felt close to Zhao Qinghan and amicable towards her father on their first meeting, he knew that getting too close to people withplex thoughts could be tricky. A calm and measured approach was best. "I''ve heard about it. You''ve saved Qinghan multiple times in the Hidden Land. I''m very grateful," Zhao Zejun began. His voice was deep as he continued, "Please, tell me about Qinghan''s situation. I am very worried." Understanding the parental concern for a child trapped in a monster-infested Hidden Land, Wang Xuan began to recount the events. He reassured Zhao Zejun that Zhao Qinghan seemed to be safe and might even have encountered some fortunate opportunities. Despite finding the story of an old fox taking Zhao Qinghan away somewhat bizarre, Zhao Zejun, being from New World, could ept such oddities in a reality where even celestial immortals were proven to exist. Wang Xuan exined everything in detail, carefully omitting some personal moments between him and Zhao Qinghan to avoid turning this handsome uncle into a second Old Ling, a ''protective daughter maniac.'' After all, it was better to wait for Zhao Qinghan''s return to discuss further. From a distance, Ling Qiming observed Zhao Zejun engaging deeply in conversation with Wang Xuan, asking serious questions and nodding asionally. He sighed softly, knowing from his nephew Zhou Yun about the close bond between Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan in the Hidden Land, their shared experiences of life and death, and their journey to the Earth Immortal City. He nced at his daughter Ling Wei, who turned away and slowly walked off, leaving only her retreating figure behind. After a long talk, Zhao Zejun patted Wang Xuan''s shoulder, thanking him, "Wang Xuan, thank you. If you ever need anything or face any trouble, feel free to contact me." He handed Wang Xuan a silver business card and then departed. ¡­¡­ Three elderly men and five middle-aged individuals were conversing enthusiastically with Old Chen, congratting him on ascending to the transcendent realm. The banquet was ostensibly in his honor, but they soon revealed another significant motive. "Old Chen, as a transcendent being with formidable strength, aren''t you tempted by the sacred dragon egg we mentioned? It contains a massive amount of life energy and could help you advance significantly!" "And there''s the magical spring water. Drinking it could turn you into a great sorcerer. It''s a divine medicine!" They discussed a currently being hunted by Western financiers, rumored to be enticing. With the Western financiers dispatching fleets and experts to obtain the sacred dragon egg and miraculous medicines for prolonged life, the news had stirred some of the Eastern elders and influential figures in various financial conglomerates, who were now nning to send their own expeditions. Old Chen was indeed tempted by the idea of the dragon egg and magical spring water, both shrouded in mystery. He was eager to witness them firsthand but also wary of getting stranded there, unable to return. "Old Wang, you are Old Wang?!" Zhou Cheng found Wang Xuan and asked him in a low voice with a serious look, "My sister said... are you really also Old Wang?" "You still owe me a scripture, half a volume of the real scripture!" Wang Xuan felt there was no need to hide anymore. Since they had guessed his identity, it was better to admit it openly. "F*ck!" Zhou Cheng was utterly astonished. "Come, let me introduce you to a new friend. His name is Qin Cheng, quite a coincidence with your name." Wang Xuan found Qin Cheng, who was happily chatting with a beautiful woman. "Little Wang,e here!" Old Chen called him over and shared the information about the sacred dragon egg and magical spring water. The three elders and five middle-aged men, including Ling Qiming and Zhao Zejun, showed interest as Old Chen seemed to ce great importance on Wang Xuan, even sharing such significant matters with him. Old Chen spoke, "Gentlemen, Little Wang is much like how I was in my youth, passionate about studying ancient techniques. If your families have any unique scriptures, you might consider giving them to him for practice. I admire his perception, and I, Old Chen, promise a generous reward if he manages to achieve something notable with them." Wang Xuan understood immediately. Old Chen, now confident in his transcendent status, was beginning to eye the libraries of various families. This was the first step in a broader strategy. Chapter 210: Interacting With The Immortals Chapter 210: Interacting With The Immortals Wang Xuan could not help but feel tempted. For a long time, he had coveted the ancient books collected by the New World megacorporations, but never had the chance to get close to them. "Now, as we travel on our spaceship, we can capture some peculiar energy substances in outer space," said Old Chen, his voice resonating in the spiritual realm,municating secretly. "This will help us gain the conglomerate leader''s trust by improving their health. This is our opportunity..." Wang Xuan had to admit, Old Chen was quite bold. In front of others, he was openly discussing this "n" with him. "I think it''s feasible. A good strategy," Wang Xuan agreed. The conglomerate''s desire for longevity was something he and Old Chen could fulfill. Some strange materials were suitable for health, like the mysterious factors found in the Inner Scenery Land. However, others were not so benign. For instance, Substance X severely damaged the physical bodies of those who practiced new techniques, causing various diseases. Then there was Substance N, collected from an alien. It could counteract Substance X and had been used on New Moon to fight against the Immortals. So far, New Star''s technology was incapable of separating various energy factors. They could only extract air en masse from a,press it, and take it away as a whole. These energy factors seemed to have no physical properties, yet practitioners could sense them. "I''vee to understand the cruel methods of the new technique for extending life," Old Chen said gravely. "It ruthlessly strips life force from other humans and transfers it to another. It''s incredibly sinister." Upon hearing this, a coldness settled in the depths of Wang Xuan''s eyes. Their methods were brutally cruel and fundamentally different from his own. He felt a pressing need to eradicate such practices. "Wang Xuan couldn''t help but express his concern through their shared mentalmunication. "To demand such a sacrifice from the innocent... If these people are not stopped, chaos will surely ensue!" Old Chen nodded in agreement. "Yes, fortunately, this strange technique is only known to the upper echelons of the New World practitioners. It''s a core secret, not widely disseminated." This technique was vital for those people, a crucial element for their survival. They had managed to extend the lives of the conglomerate leaders for years, thereby earning significant importance and favor. This patronage had allowed New World techniques to flourish rapidly in recent years. "Where in the stars did the New World discover this technique? What exactly is the situation there?" Wang Xuan inquired, still limited in his knowledge of the New World''s secrets. Old Chen, however, had coborated with the departments rted to the Old World and had uncovered many astonishing secrets. "It''s in a distant region, connected by wormholes. Perhaps a parallel universe, or an unexplored corner of our vast cosmos." Old Chen exined that the was shrouded in mist and all New World techniques were unearthed from there. "ording to the decrypted archives of the relevant departments, it seems like a failed experimental site, abundant with New World techniques." Old Chen suspected that a higher Transcendent civilization, foreseeing a cataclysmic shift in the cosmos, had experimented with these New World techniques in a desperate bid for survival. Wang Xuan gasped in astonishment at the revtion. "This is... incredibly mysterious and terrifying. A forgotten corner of the universe where someone was experimenting, preparing, but ultimately failed." He spected, "Could it be the Immortals? Communicating through the veil, imparting knowledge to a higher Transcendent civilization for experimentation?" Old Chen responded, "It''s not necessarily the Immortals. It could be deities from the Western system or some other mysterious races in the universe." However, Old Chen also felt that those people had some understanding of the Old World techniques. A significant portion of their traces could be seen in the New World techniques. "The archives of the relevant departments emphasized," Old Chen continued, "that most of the remains found there belonged to super-species." "The practitioners of the New World call that ''Supra Star'' or ''Divine Star,'' which corresponds to their naming of New World techniques as ''Supra Techniques'' or ''Divine Techniques''," Old Chen exined. "A Supra Star universe? I''d like to see that for myself one day," Wang Xuan mused. Old Chen''s tone turned serious. "It''s better not to set foot there lightly. I believe there are secrets that the New World practitioners have not revealed, and currently, that ce is under their control along with several conglomerates." Wang Xuan was startled. "Do you think Oleisha is really the foremost expert in New World techniques? Could there be even stronger practitioners on that Supra Star, given that they''ve been operating there for twenty to thirty years? There might be powerful individuals who have stayed hidden there all this time." "That''s very possible!" Old Chen was visibly moved. He, too, had his suspicions. If that ce was conducive to practicing New World techniques, it was possible that someone had been lying in wait there for years, deceiving the coborating conglomerates and remaining hidden on the Supra Star. Oleisha might not be the only Transcendent being in the New World! "This means we need to be more cautious, to avoid being ambushed and eliminated suddenly," Old Chen thought, his internal rm sounding. He and Wang Xuan had been nning to strike at the high echelons of the New World, to eradicate the cruel alternative techniques. But now, they needed to be more careful. Whilemunicating secretly through their mental link, Old Chen was also engaging in lively conversation, discussing broad topics with important individuals from the conglomerates. "In the Old World domain, we''ve unearthed some secrets of longevity," Old Chen remarked, immediately capturing the attention of the three elder gentlemen, their eyes lighting up with interest. Their greatest interest was in living long lives. In this era, the ultimate goal for the conglomerates was immortality. Old Chen smiled. "I''m more suited forbat. These ancient methods of longevity were uncovered by Wang. He has a deeper understanding of the human body and longevity than I do." "Little Wang, feel free to let us know what you need," an affable elder gentleman spoke up. ¡­¡­ "I''ve read a lot of ancient texts and only just begun to understand some principles. It still needs perfection," Wang Xuan modestly stated. Old Chen added, "Wang has discovered some ancient methods. With a certain cost, there''s a high chance of extending someone''s life." When one is humble, someone else needs to speak up, otherwise these individuals might underestimate the value of the Old World''s longevity methods. The people present were visibly moved, even Ling Qiming''s eyes sparkled with interest as he looked at Wang Xuan. He, too, desired to live for many more decades, perhaps even regain his youth. At this level, everyone took longevity seriously. Otherwise, Ling Qiming wouldn''t have been at the Guanghan Pce on New Moon, consuming those exorbitantly priced mountain snails. "Little Wang, I''ll send you some longevity scriptures for your reference," one of the elders said. "Uh, maybe we should open a Hall of Longevity..." ... The three elders were the most enthusiastic, probing to personally experience the life-extending methods of the Old World. Wang Xuan remained low-key. The elders wanted to use this opportunity to extend their lives without cost, but he and Old Chen were not so easily persuaded. With confidence, they could remain calm andmand respect. Later, Wang Xuan and Old Chen continued their conversation in the mental realm. "New World not only has battleships hovering above us, capable of destroying Earth Immortals and killing Transcendents, but they might also be hiding major yers from the New World domain. We need to be vignt," Old Chen reflected. Wang Xuan''s expression turned solemn. "Do you think the Immortals of the New World might have returned prematurely?" He couldn''t help but ponder the possibility. The White Peacock from the Hidden Land had paid a terrible price to return early. If it was possible once, it could happen again, maybe even a second or third time! Old Chen felt a chill run down his spine, his body tensed as he thought deeper. The more he considered it, the more furrowed his brow became, thinking of the terrifying implications, he felt goosebumps rise on his skin. "We must be on our guard," he sighed. Then, turning to Wang Xuan, who had yet to reveal his true power and was only known as a "Grandmaster," Old Chen considered the possibility of Immortals already present in the current world, likely targeting Transcendents first. "So, Old Chen, you need to keep a low profile. Don''t get carried away," Wang Xuan advised after some thought, feeling that even as a Transcendent, one couldn''t let their guard down in New World. The idea of Immortals blending into modern society, controlling high-tech means, and possibly living among the conglomerates was terrifying. Not only female sorceresses would take this step; other true immortals were likely integrating into this era, striving to learn and assimte everything. "I feel like the New World is turning into a real... house of horrors," Old Chen said, visibly unnerved. "All of this might be happening right now!" "We may have to gradually adapt to an era of living alongside true immortals. In the next three years, among us could be Zhang Daoling, Lu Dongbin, Chang''e, Chen Tuan, Jiutian Xuann¨¹... But in the early stages, we might not recognize them." Even Wang Xuan was taken aback by his own words, realizing that this scenario had a significant chance of bing reality. The topmost Immortals might have survived in small numbers and been sneaking back as they spoke. The Red-Clothed Demoness was already doing so, ready to appear at any moment. "What a terrifying era this is..." Old Chen felt overwhelmed. The more one pondered, the more chilling the present world became, with legendary figures possibly returning and living among them. What kind of beings were these? They were the most formidable characters from various eras, not just powerful but also incredibly cunning; otherwise, they wouldn''t have survived until now. Any true immortal arriving in the modern world would be an extremely difficult character to deal with. "Are we entering an era where we must learn to coexist with the Immortals?" Old Chen murmured, hoping that after three years, the world would correct itself and bring the immortals down to the level of mortals. "I''m starting to think about returning to the Old World," he said to himself, but then he remembered that the Old World probably had more ''true immortal monsters'' than New World, given its myriad of myths and legends. Wang Xuan responded, "We shouldn''t scare ourselves too much. I suspect they would prefer ces like Hidden Lands and Blessed Lands, rich in Transcendent materials. If they return to New World and Old World, where Transcendent materials are scarce, they might not withstand it, especially after returning at such a great cost and barely surviving without timely replenishment of mystical factors." Together, he and Old Chen analyzed the situation, concluding that the strength of the Immortals returning to New World and Old World would significantly decline, and they might not be able to overpower Transcendents like them. After their secretive conversation and exploring various scenarios and responses, Old Chen said, "We shouldn''t worry too much. If they could control everything, they wouldn''t need to sneak around." "Do you remember the elegant and ethereal man I released from the Inner Landscape?" Wang Xuan asked. "I do!" Old Chen nodded solemnly. When Wang Xuan encountered the female sword immortal and released the White Tiger, and also brought forth the Red-Clothed Demoness. There was also a man who, upon the opening of the Inner Landscape, raised his cup in a toast to Wang Xuan and Old Chen, smiled faintly, and then flew away. That smile, now that Wang Xuan thought about it, was not only carefree but also profoundly deep. "As long as we don''t get ahead of ourselves and don''t think we''re invincible in singlebat, except against battleships, the problem shouldn''t be too severe," Wang Xuan reasoned. Old Chen agreed, "Yes, let''s be cautious. We might meet someone any day now who could be the true incarnation of Shakyamuni." "Yes, and maybe the ''Old Zhang'' I often talk about will move in next door one day. Who knows, we might run into Jiutian Xuann¨¹ in this city someday." Wang Xuan pondered these possible scenarios, feeling both anticipation and fear. The historical figures, those famous Immortals, were unpredictable in their true nature and intentions in the modern world, whether for good or evil. "The Chapter 211: Out Of Body Experience Chapter 211: Out Of Body Experience The two continued their deep discussion, agreeing on the importance of preparing for all eventualities. They were thorough in contemting various contingency ns. As for the conglomerate''s proposal to have Old Chen steal a dragon egg and delve into the Wizard''s Universe, both he and Wang Xuan concluded that rejecting the offer was the wisest decision at this time. They understood the risks involved in such a venture; risking their lives for uncertain gains was not a necessity at this moment. "The conglomerates are notorious for their ruthlessness," Wang Xuanmented. "They seldom share any tangible benefits with others, often making demands that are hard to satisfy." "Maybe we should take the initiative and neutralize potential threats? I''m uneasy about the feeling of being constantly watched from the shadows," Wang Xuan proposed thoughtfully. "If someone is plotting against us, they''ve likely already started nning their approach," Old Chen reflected, trying to think like their potential adversaries. Would a swift, thunderous strike be their method, or would they prefer a more calcted, long-term approach, biding their time for an opportune moment to pounce? After a moment of contemtion, Old Chen looked at Wang Xuan. "Maybe you could serve as the bait?" "Old Chen, you''re falling back into your old ways!" Wang Xuan responded, his expression showing clear disapproval of the idea. ¡­¡­ Old Chen left to converse deeply with the three elders. After all, the banquet was ostensibly held to celebrate his ascension to a Transcendent. Zhou Yun approached Wang Xuan, gently swirling his ss of wine, releasing its aroma. He clinked sses with Wang Xuan and asked, "Did you get a chance to talk with Ling Wei?" "I was busy with people seeking me out; I didn''t get the chance. She''s already left," Wang Xuan replied, taking a sip of the amber-colored wine, his eyes contemtive as he gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the city''s nightscape. Skyscrapers towered one after another, with exotic trees from deep space lining the streets. Their leaves twinkled in brilliant colors in the night, while flying cars moved ceaselessly, weaving streams of light. Zhou Yun paused, surprised. "I just went out to escort ady friend and didn''t expect that you two hadn''t met ormunicated." He decisively dialed Ling Wei''s number, inquiring about her location. "She''s on the rooftop, admiring the nightscape. Perhaps looking at the same view as you," Zhou Yun said, unusually serious without his usual smile. "Let''s go out for some fresh air, head to the rooftop to see the night view," Zhou Yun suggested, heading out and ncing back at Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan nodded, following him out of the spacious hall, away from the chatter under the crystal lights. Reaching the rooftop, Zhou Yun was taken aback to find it empty except for a few small spacecraft. Ling Wei was nowhere to be seen. They walked toward the railing, where the space was more open. Zhou Yun, frowning, dialed again. "Weiwei, where are you?" After putting down the phone, he looked out over the distant nightscape. Suzhou City was beautiful under the thick night, with a nearbyke hosting a light show. Waves churned, and mist spread out like a screen, illuminated by lights that created mythological scenes, resembling a fairnd. Zhou Yun sighed softly after a moment of silence. "She wasn''t feeling well and went home earlier." Wang Xuan nodded, resting his hands on the railing, his gaze drifting over the scenery beyond Suzhou City, where faint mountain silhouettes were visible on the horizon. "Old Wang, you''ve really put me in a tough spot!" Zhong Cheng arrived,ining that Wang Xuan was a trickster. He quickly fell silent upon noticing Zhou Yun. "You still owe me half of the scripture," Wang Xuan remarked, ncing at Zhong Cheng. Ignoring Zhong Cheng further, Wang Xuan continued to stare into the night, seemingly lost in thought. After a while, he noticed something unusual. Even in the darkness, he could see the mountain shapes clearly through the mist. "What ce is that? The fog seems quite thick." "Hanwu Mountain," Zhou Yun informed him. The mountain was known for its high altitude and year-round low temperatures, shrouded in a perpetual mist, making it a famous scenic spot near Suzhou City. Something stirred in Wang Xuan''s heart. For the first time since stepping into the Transcendent realm on New World, he let his spirit leave his body. "What is that?" he eximed in shock. His gaze traversed the neon-lit city, focusing on the distant Hanwu Mountain. The dark mountain silhouette was veiled in swirling white mist, with a faint green halo flickering, and shadowy figures seemed to be moving within it. Then, he saw several gigantic birds spreading their wings, so vast they seemed to cover the sky, obscuring the moon itself! His spirit quickly returned to his body, his heart pounding, utterly astounded. "Is this really a new?!" Who could im this ce had no traces of its ancient past was tantly deceiving, deliberately keeping the public in the dark! Back in his body, Wang Xuan activated the strongest scripture, his spiritual realm materializing, his eyes emitting a frightening beam as he focused again on Hanwu Mountain. However, the mountain appeared normal, shrouded in mist with nothing unusual visible. Only his out-of-body spirit could see it! Wang Xuan''s expression grew solemn. Was it only those with the spiritual third eye who could see these phenomena? In The Departed Lands, he had seen haunting spirits, but what were those he just saw at Hanwu Mountain? Could they be the kind of ghastly entities mentioned in the ghost stories by Chen Tuan in his scriptures? Whatever it was, New World was far from ordinary, harboring a unique and extraordinary past. Taking a deep breath, Wang Xuan allowed his spirit to leave his body once more. Despite feeling apprehensive, he was determined to see more clearly, to understand what was truly happening at Hanwu Mountain. In the darkness between heaven and earth, a green moon hung in the sky, emitting a cold and eerie light. Then it blinked, startling Wang Xuan - it was the eye of a gigantic ck bird, casting a nce in his direction! The immense shadow, like a dark cloud, swept across the sky and disappeared into Hanwu Mountain, revealing the moon once again. On the mountain, amid the swirling fog and green halos, there appeared to be a vige with numerous indistinct figures moving within it. What kind of haunted ce was this? After his spirit returned to his body, Wang Xuan felt slightly rigid. He couldn''t help but ponder deeply. New World, with its dazzling technology and civilization, was shining its light into deep space. Yet, this nativend harbored such anomalies, like a ghostly realm bordering the real world, sending chills down his spine. The world was bing increasingly mysterious and frightening. With the Immortals'' impending return and strange urrences on the fringes of the city, New World was far from the pristine ce he had imagined. It was hiding significant secrets. Lost in thought, Wang Xuan was surrounded by several young people. "Xiao Zhong, give me a drink," Wang Xuan said as he came back to his senses, noticing Zhong Qing nearby, her delicate hand swirling a crystal-clear wine ss. Qin Cheng and others had also arrived. Zhong Qing red at him for addressing her so publicly. "Old Wang, why are you sweating?" Qin Cheng quickly asked, changing the subject. "What happened?" Zhou Yun inquired. "Nothing," Wang Xuan replied, not daring to let his spirit leave his body again. Hanwu Mountain was too peculiar, and even New World itself seemed problematic. He epted a ss of wine from Qin Cheng and calmed down after drinking. "Has New World ever unearthed anything unusual?" "Probably not," Zhou Yun shook his head. "There have been a few relics, but not many," Zhong Qing interjected. Wang Xuan asked for more details, but Zhong Qing''s knowledge was limited; she had only heard some stories from Elder Zhong. Staring at Hanwu Mountain for a long time, Wang Xuan eventually left the rooftop and returned to the brightly lit hall. ¡­¡­ Elsewhere that night, discussions about Transcendents and mentions of Old Chen and Wang Xuan were taking ce. "In the world of warriors, someone has indeed made a breakthrough, stepping into the realm of Transcendents, even before our Qin family," a middle-aged man said, his toneced with displeasure. The Qin family had developed the Moonlight Bodhisattva and were at a crucial stage with the Sunlight Bodhisattva, but were stuck just below the level of Transcendents, failing in every experiment. "My son died on New Moon. There were many warriors there, but none dared enter the moon crater to carry him out. What''s the use of their strength if it''s not at my disposal? Such unstable elements should be eliminated early on!" The man was Qin Hong, who had once caused a major stir on New Moon by attacking Immortals with a battleship. Of course, there were deeper reasons behind this, not just his decision alone. Some conglomerates also shared this sentiment, wanting to test the strength of the Immortals, to see if they could be challenged. "If we could get Chen Yongjie''s Transcendent blood, send it to theb for analysis, it could certainly bring forth our Qin family''s Sunlight Bodhisattva!" Qin Hong paced back and forth, finally cursing, "These warriors, they''re less useful than dogs, wagging their tails for a bone. Do cultivators think they can be significant? If they won''t be controlled, what''s the use of them?" "A bunch of old men, not decisive enough. Just kill them outright, too many concerns," he muttered as he walked. "We could find someone to kill him and study his body, perfecting the Sunlight Bodhisattva," his shadow bodyguard suggested. "What are you thinking?!" Qin Hong shot him a cold nce. "Do you want me to stir trouble at such a critical time?" Without the approval of the group of old men, his resources were limited; even deploying a battleship required an application. "He''s a Transcendent now, hard to kill without worrying about being assassinated. To deal with him, we''d need to use extraordinary weapons, otherwise, it''s probably impossible to kill him." He red fiercely at the shadow bodyguard, saying, "From now on, be careful with what you say." "Yes," the bodyguard replied, bowing his head. "Today, someone should have contacted us about buying the micro-machines, right?" Qin Hong asked. "They contacted us yesterday, and urged us again twice today," the shadow bodyguard informed. "Heh, those people just returned from the Hidden Land and already someone couldn''t resist. I know who they are. Sell to them, let''s watch the drama unfold!" Qin Hong sneered. "Tell the people in theb to behave themselves, to mind their own business. Don''t even think about targeting Chen Yongjie, don''t cause me any trouble! Later, we''ll have Transcendent blood. We can buy it through underground channels. There will always be someone who can''t resist making a move!" The next day, Wang Xuan set off for Yuancheng. Most Easterners lived in Zhongzhou, with Suzhou located in the central region of Zhongzhou and Yuancheng in the far west. Traveling by spacecraft, it took Wang Xuan only an hour to get from Suzhou to Yuancheng. When he first came to New World, he lived in Yuancheng, where he encountered a pitiful little girl suffering from the Five Decays of Heaven and Man. Each encounter with the child was heart-wrenching. Knowing she was dying, sheforted her mother, asking her to have another child, a brother, after her death. Unbeknownst to her, her father had died months before. Hearing her innocent words had deeply moved Wang Xuan. He had decided then that if he could help, he would try. Through Zhao Qinghan, he learned that there was no cure for this illness, and patients from the major conglomerates were taking temporary relief medicines harvested from the Hidden Land. He had managed to gather some herbs in the Hidden Land, not elixirs, but they could temporarily suppress the Five Decays of Heaven and Man. Returning to the familiar neighborhood, recognizing some faces, Wang Xuan couldn''t find Lele and her mother. No one answered the doorbell. "You''re asking about Lele? It''s such a pity for that family. Half a month ago, her condition worsened severely and she was taken to the ICU. Most likely... she didn''t make it. Her mother only came back once,pletely distraught, crying loudly, and then she left and never appeared again." "It''s truly heartbreaking, this family''s situation is just so pitiful." ¡­¡­ Leaving the neighborhood, Wang Xuan canceled his house reservation. He let out a long sigh, never having anticipated such an ending. Had the little girl really passed away? He couldn''t bear to see the weak and helpless suffer so tragically. He had gathered some temporary relief medicines in the Hidden Land, hoping to lend a hand, but it was toote. Shaking his head, Wang Xuan thought about how often things don''t go as desired in life, but still, the fate of that family felt extraordinarily tragic. He remembered the little girl, sitting alone on a bench, holding a snow-white kitten, talking to herself. She wanted to be buried by the Zhou River, where she and her mother had made a pact. Every year, when the starry fish migrated and filled the night sky, her parents would visit her there. "Actually, I really want to see them every day. I don''t want to be apart from them. But I''m afraid of making them sad, so I made a pact with Mom to visit me once a year," the little girl had said, tears in her eyes. She asked the kitten to remind her mother every year, even if she had a little brother, not to forget her entirely, just to visit once a year. Wang Xuan remembered how the girl had looked at him with a glimmer of hope, asking him to visit Zhou River every year to see the starry fish. When he had said goodbye that day, he walked far away, but the little girl, holding her kitten, watched him from a distance, reluctant to take her eyes off him. "I''ll go see you," Wang Xuan murmured as he arrived at the banks of the Zhou River outside Yuancheng. All he could muster was a final sigh. He was no Immortal, powerless to change anything. ¡­¡­ Half an hourter, in the woods by the Zhou River, several automatons appeared. "Mr. Wang, our boss would like to have a chat with you." "I''m not in the mood. I don''t want to meet him," Wang Xuan replied tly. "You should consider meeting. Our self-destruct mechanism can level this area, and even a Grandmaster would likely find it difficult to escape," one of the automatons said calmly. "Are you kidnapping me?" Wang Xuan asked. "You can interpret it that way," one of the machines nodded. Chapter 212: Hunting The Transcendent Chapter 212: Hunting The Transcendent In the wake of little Lele''s death, Wang Xuan was in a somber mood. The image of the small, tear-stained figure seemed to linger before his eyes. Now, to make matters worse, someone was attempting to kidnap him. Which power was behind this? "Capable of killing a Grandmaster? Since there are several of you, why don''t you move away from me and let one or two of you self-destruct to test out this so-called power?" Wang Xuan challenged. The mechanical beings, devoid of emotion, responded with a cold voice, "Human, you are trampling on my dignity. I am an intelligent mechanical being, not an outdated machine from a century ago. I will not allow you to insult my personhood." With mechanical precision, they disyed a holographic image, instantly engulfing the area in light that burned and turned the ground to moltenva. "See? This is the simted result. Even a Grandmaster would die. If you insist on being an enemy of the great Mechanical Race, I will enact Protocol Eight and erase all physical traces of your existence as a human." Wang Xuan felt a wave of nostalgia. When he first arrived in New World, in Yuancheng, he had met a short-haired, crisp, and clean-looking female guide. They had gotten along well, only for him to discoverter that she was Zhao 1025. He couldn''t help but marvel at the intelligence of the New World''s mechanical beings. "Fine, I''ll go with you," he said, his mood sour. Having just returned to New World and learned about the little girl''s death, and now being tantly targeted like this, he was determined to find out who was behind this and deal with them. "I am pleased to serve you. You are officially notified that you are now our captive. Please cooperate," the mechanical beings said formally. Wang Xuan, already in a foul mood and prepared to confront whoever was at the root of this, found their words somewhat ridiculous. "I''m a bit tired. Find me a vehicle to travel in." "As a captive, you are entitled to certain requests. This... can be amodated." The five mechanical beings made clicking sounds as they transformed,bining into a metallic, off-road vehicle. Wang Xuan sat in the vehicle silently, gazing out at the Zhou River, lost in thought. The off-road vehicle sped along the riverbank, heading towards the western part of Yuancheng, towards the Cloud Mist teau, a pristine area. The journey stretched on until sunset, and they still hadn''t reached their destination. It was the tail end of the starry fish migration season. In the night, a few fish flew up, resembling smallnterns set adrift, emitting a soft glow. Wang Xuan watched silently. He realized that while he could be as hard as iron when facing enemies, his heart softened at the thought of the weak and pitiful. He had been toote to save the child. The dim light of the starry fish seemed to reflect the child''s tearful yet bravely smiling face, fragile and pure. "How much longer? Will dinner be provided?" Wang Xuan asked impatiently. "We''ve arrived," the mechanical off-road vehicle responded. They entered a dense forest, the ride bing increasingly bumpy. Eventually, the vehicle''s metallic wheels transformed into wed limbs, sprinting through the mountainous terrain. The Cloud Mist teau was thergest uninhabited area in Zhongzhou, covering over nine million square kilometers. Wang Xuan had once identally wandered into this area while searching for the Hidden Land, spending several days as a wild man. This primitive forest was dotted with numerous secret bases belonging to conglomerates and rted organizations, including various brutal and cold-blooded training camps. After about fifteen minutes, they reached their destination. A seemingly normal mountain face cracked open, revealing a dark portal. The mechanical vehicle swiftly drove inside. As soon as they entered, the mountain closed behind them. Initially, it was pitch ck, but soon, lights began to illuminate the corridor ahead. Immediately, Wang Xuan realized this was no ce of goodwill. Along the way, he saw corpses carelessly discarded, bones piled up, some hung on the walls, others preserved in experimental containers. Was this a human experimentation facility? His eyes turned icy, a murderous intent surfacing. The underground base was vast, and everything he saw seemed to be the product of failed experiments. Were these horrors disyed to intimidate neers or simply left unattended out ofziness? "Respected Grandmaster Wang, wee to Training Camp Number Eleven," the mechanical being spoke calmly. Along the way, Wang Xuan saw people fully armed, engaging in life-and-deathbats with cold weapons. There was also a shooting range where nimble ck-d figures practiced shooting andbating, some even genuinely killing their opponents in thepetition. Wang Xuan''s mind raced. This ce conducted cruel live experiments and also served as a cold-blooded mercenary training camp. He had indeed stumbled upon a significant site. In an open area, he saw several small spacecraft, ready to burst through the surface for battle. "What organization are you?" Wang Xuan asked. "Sorry, we do not have the authority to answer that question," came the mechanical and cold response. After traveling a considerable distance underground, the vehicle stopped for dozens of thorough scans, approaching a highly secure area. They passed through numerous heavy metal doors, made of a special alloy that even firearms would struggle to breach. Wang Xuan''s expression remained impassive. It seemed tonight he might be able to eliminate a significant figure, or at the very least, destroy this massive base. Regardless of the organization behind it, the loss of such a well-equipped, expensively constructed facility would be a severe blow. After passing through the numerous metal doors, they entered an area brimming with technology, reaching the core region of the base. "Wishing you a pleasant night," the mechanical off-road vehicle transformed back into mechanical beings. They ced mechanical shackles on Wang Xuan''s arms, legs, and other parts of his body, effectively restraining him. "A friendly reminder: please do not struggle. These alloy shackles can''t be broken even if ten Grandmasters join forces." Soon, four silver-white mechanical beings appeared in front. These high-grade intelligent entities towered over six meters in height, capable of taking down small spacecraft. As top-tier individuals among intelligent mechanical beings, they were extraordinarily expensive to manufacture, featuring cutting-edge materials and energy systems. Just one of these silver-white mechanical beings on a battlefield could be overwhelmingly dominant, serving as a temte for future deep-space warriors. "It''s quite unexpected how smoothly this went. Grandmaster Wang is quite sensible, not resisting needlessly. This makes things easier for both of us," a man in his thirties said with a smile. He was muscr, with bright, piercing eyes, sitting calmly behind a metal table, sizing up Wang Xuan. "Who are you?" Wang Xuan asked. "Oh, we could say we''re old acquaintances. The Grey Blood Organization. Previously, our branch in the Old World sent some people to borrow your head for a moment, but you refused and even killed some of our members. That was quite unpleasant," the middle-aged man said with a smile. He stood up, nearly two meters tall, exuding a strong sense of power. Although smiling, his eyes carried a coldness. Wang Xuan''s expression darkened, and a surge of murderous intent welled up within him. He had encountered a real enemy, harboring no goodwill towards this organization, wishing to uproot them entirely. In the Old World, he had faced multiple dangers, all orchestrated by this organization ¨C repeated assassination attempts, and now this kidnapping. Their audacity knew no bounds. "Who''s paying you this time? Xiao Song?" Wang Xuan asked coldly. The middle-aged man just smiled, not responding to the question. Resting his hands on the metal table, Zheng Hui looked down at Wang Xuan. "Even though you''re a Grandmaster, what does that really mean? If we were allowed to bring our high-grade mechanical beings to the Old World, you wouldn''t be here now. Your head would have already been ''borrowed'' by us." Wang Xuan looked at him coldly. Was this an attempt to unt power? Kidnapping him and bringing up past events, were they trying to intimidate him, a prisoner at their mercy? "Feeling indignant, are you? After all, being a Grandmaster is no small feat. You''ve reached such heights in the practice of the Old Arts and are still so young, truly a rare talent in both New World and Old World. But s, times have changed. Here in the New World, with the deployment of high-grade mechanical beings, even a Grandmaster could be ruthlessly overpowered," Zheng Hui spoke, a cruel smile on his lips, his words meant to demoralize and ridicule his captive, disying the arrogance of a victor. Wang Xuan remained calm, ignoring him. He wasn''t fueled by anger, but rather thinking about how to severely damage the Grey Blood Organization and take down some of its key figures. The Grey Blood Organization had immense influence in the New World, far surpassing its impact in the Old World, operating as a behemoth in the underworld. They had their own mercenary groups and assassin training camps. Rumors suggested that they were backed by major conglomerates, making their true strength unfathomable. "You sent a message to Old Chen from the car, didn''t you? Yes, we expected that. In fact, we were waiting for you to contact him," Zheng Hui said, looking down at Wang Xuan with a growing smile. "You see, Grandmaster Wang, you shouldn''t overestimate yourself. You really aren''t that significant to us. We''re not that concerned about you; our real target is Chen Yongjie." At this, Zheng Huiughed openly, unreservedly. Wang Xuan''s expression remained cold. The enemy was fully aware that Old Chen was a Transcendent yet still aimed to hunt him down. It seemed they had cast a wide and sturdy, likely with immense destructive power, set to cause a major uproar! Wang Xuan continued to ignore the man, as he had already discerned through his spiritual realm that this was not a real human; it was a mechanical being, a deceptive entity. "This underground base looks vast, doesn''t it? We''ve prepared it specifically as a battlefield for Chen Yongjie. Since this ce has already been exposed to other hostile organizations, we''re nning to abandon it. Let it serve as Chen Yongjie''s burial ground," the middle-aged manughed loudly. Wang Xuan, while partly focusing on the conversation, was also exploring the base with a part of his spiritual power. He needed to make a statement this time ¨C not only did he n to eliminate this middle-aged man, but he also intended to target the high-ranking members of the Grey Blood Organization. Shaking such a conglomerate-like power would undoubtedly cause a significant upheaval, serving as a warning to rted groups in the New World. "I know you have great confidence in Chen Yongjie. But you might not be aware of how deep the waters of the New World run. Even Transcendents can be killed in singlebat. What is the ultimate goal of the Grey Blood Organization? To be gods, Grey Blood Deities! Today, Old Chen will be material for our experiments. We are waiting for his arrival to send him into theb. Judging by the time, he shouldn¡¯t have kept us waiting much longer. The curtain is about to rise." "Alright, let me see how the Grey Blood Organization ns to kill Old Chen. I look forward to this grand spectacle beginning!" Wang Xuan retracted his extended spiritual energy, his eyes shining with anticipation. He was genuinely curious to see what methods, aside from the extremely lethal scientific and martial capabilities, the Grey Blood Organization might possess. Did the New World really have something akin to "deities"? Chapter 213: A Battle Of Transcendents In The New World Chapter 213: A Battle Of Transcendents In The New World "Heh, you''ll see soon enough, no need to rush. I''m really looking forward to it. Many have contacted us privately, eager to acquire Chen Yongjie''s Transcendent flesh for research. We''re going to make a fortune this time!" Zheng Hui smiledfortably, seemingly just waiting for Old Chen''s arrival to start the grand feast. Although only a mechanical being, it closely resembled a real person, acting as Zheng Hui''s "replica." His real self was monitoring and controlling everything through surveince feeds. Wang Xuan asked, "Kidnapping me is just to lure Old Chen here? Am I, a Grandmaster, so insignificant in your eyes?" "Regrettably, a Grandmaster really isn''t much. Killing you on New World''s soil isn''t hard. Today, you are just an appetizer; the main course is Chen Yongjie," Zheng Hui shrugged. Wang Xuan was assessing the situation, pondering the cost of a siege against a Transcendent surrounded by a dense array of technological weapons. "Let''s go. We''ll head out to wee him. We''ll wait for Chen Yongjie''s arrival," Zheng Hui ordered the remaining personnel in the underground base to evacuate immediately. Then, he had the four high-grade mechanical beings transform into a flying vessel, locking Wang Xuan inside. He himself entered and took the pilot''s seat. "We''ll watch a magnificent fireworks show from outside, enjoying the sight of a Transcendent''s desperate struggle. Can''t wait," he said, leaving Wang Xuan''s phone behind in the base. They then left the underground, with the flying vessel formed by the high-grade mechanical beingsnding on a mountaintop, overlooking the base from afar. An hourter, a silver spacecraft arrived, carrying Old Chen, appearing above the forested area. Old Chen, having strong connections, managed to mobilize a spacecraft. An elderly man apanied him inside, mainly because Chen Yongjie feared death and dared not traverse the skies without thepany of an important member of a conglomerate. Still high above the ground, Old Chen leaped directly down. "Old Chen, the base is empty. They''re likely waiting for you to enter, then they''ll use scientific weapons to saturate the area with attacks," Wang Xuan, whose spirit had left his body, sent a message to Old Chen amidst the forest. "Why do you have to drag me into this? Can''t you handle it yourself?" Old Chen grumbled. "I''m a Grandmaster, not suited for action. You''re a Transcendent, and you love fishing. Everything is moving in the direction you hoped. I feel like today we might catch a big fish in arge. Get ready for the haul!" Wang Xuan informed him, having sensed the thoughts of people hundreds of miles away, learning about another significant base of the Ashen Blood Organization. He nned to take down their entire operation. Old Chen contacted the silver spacecraft in orbit, asking them to block signals over this forest area to prevent the Transcendent battle from being observed. In a sh, Old Chen surged into the underground base. However, the next moment, he quietly left, emitting X substance around him to iste his presence with Transcendent energy, and disappeared into the depths of the forest. "Strong pulse interference? They won''t let us watch, what a pity," Zheng Huimented as everything disappeared from the screen. After waiting for a moment, he softlymanded, "It''s about time. Detonate!" Boom! A colossal beam of energy struck the forest, and the underground base exploded in a cataclysmic upheaval,pletely destroyed. The underground explosion resembled a volcanic eruption, with various energy bombs detonating. "Experts have analyzed that Transcendents are terrifying, and there''s a high chance some flesh and blood would remain. It''s a pity we can''t bring his entire body to theb, what a waste," Zheng Hui said with regret. He stared at the site of the explosion, where smoke billowed and mountains crumbled, and ordered, "Clean up the battlefield, collect any Transcendent flesh and blood. And if he''s not dead, finish him off!" Beside Zheng Hui, three silver-white mechanical beings left trailing images as they dove down from the mountaintop, their sonic booms filling the air. Wang Xuan was visibly moved by the power of these high-grade mechanical beings. Their propulsion systems were indeed formidable, capable of killing a Grandmaster without difficulty as they soared through the air. Old Chen emerged disheveled, his clothes tattered and covered in blood ¨C his own doing, as he had smeared himself with animal blood. He saw the three high-grade mechanical beings diving from the mountaintop and swiftly evaded their energy beam attacks. If hit directly, even he wouldn''t withstand it ¨C these beams could take down small spacecraft. However, with his spiritual realm formed, Old Chen could sense danger and continually dodged in advance, avoiding all the attacks. As a Transcendent, he moved through the forest like a phantom, seemingly defying the physicalws that bound humans. His strength and speed were beyond normalprehension. "Shi!" One of the mechanical beings, standing six meters tall and wielding a five-meter alloy de, leapt from mid-air, aiming to cleave Old Chen in two. Such a strike could sever a small mountain ¨C utterly beyond human endurance. But Old Chen dodged it. "Shi, shi!" The other two mechanical beings joined, their des glowing as they swept across, cutting off all of Old Chen''s escape routes, aiming to eradicate him. "See? This is the power of technological civilization," Zheng Hui spoke. "High-grade mechanical beings far surpass human reaction speed and strength. It''s not even a fairparison. A Transcendent hit by one of their strikes would be obliterated!" Wang Xuan ignored him, knowing that the battle was about to end. Old Chen wasn''t just a neer to the Transcendent realm but a monster capable of killing potent herbalists. At his level, he could control objects with his unrivaled spiritual power, able to perform sword maniption techniques. Crack! Inside the three high-grade mechanical beings, strange noises emanated, and sparks of energy flew as Old Chen, using his spiritual control, tore apart their intricate internalponents. "How is this possible?!" Zheng Hui eximed in shock. Wang Xuan, tired of his prattle, expanded his spiritual power and silently destroyed the internalponents of Zheng Hui and the silver-white high-grade mechanical being beside him. With this, all the exorbitantly expensive high-grade mechanical beings, each worth billions, were paralyzed. Strictly speaking, these mechanical beings had the attack power to destroy a Transcendent''s physical body, but their internal precisionponents were vulnerable. A sweep of spiritual control was enough to cripple them. Transcendents at the level of Mist and Lantern might not be able to handle such mechanical beings. "Old Qian, are you sure no one wille with a battleship to bombard me from afar?" Old Chen contacted the elderly man in the distant silver spacecraft. The elder on the ship chuckled, "Don''t worry, New World has its rules. Battleships can''t be used arbitrarily on our soil, except in special circumstances that threaten thend. Otherwise, if every conflict involved these weapons, wouldn''t the mountains and rivers be obliterated?" But Old Chen remained cautious, elevating his spiritual realm to its utmost, just in case a distant battleshipunched an attack. Suddenly, Old Chen felt a chilling sensation, his skin breaking out in goosebumps. He rapidly fled, soon realizing the threat was not from a battleship. The danger lurked in the forest around him, swarming in countless tiny particles barely visible to the naked eye, encircling him. His spiritual realm identified them. They were micro-mechanical beings. Individually, they posed little threat, but if inhaled inrge quantities, they could obliterate internal organs and turn the brain to mush. For a Grandmaster, these were lethal weapons ¨C a moment of inattention could lead to a deadly assault! Old Chen, with a grim expression, hid in the dense forest, activating his spiritual realm to sweep the surrounding area. He felt the micro-mechanical beings gathering, almost forming a mist-like cloud. They were dispersed, subtle, silently advancing to infiltrate his body, an insidious threat invisible to those without a spiritual realm. Rustle! Around him, it was like a shower of dust as countless micro-mechanical beings fell to the ground. It took Old Chen a considerable amount of time to clear these nearly invisible threats. His expression was grave, a testament to the wariness warranted by New World''s scientific weaponry. Boom! The three high-grade mechanical beings, with their internalponents torn apart, suddenly exploded, engulfing the entire forest area. Old Chen screamed, his clothes charred as he fled the forest, now overwhelmed by mes and turned into a sea of moltenva. Wang Xuan was sure Old Chen was feigning injury, knowing he could have evaded the explosion in advance. If there were real danger, Wang Xuan, as a protector, would have rushed to assist already. Yet, Wang Xuan did call out, "Old Chen, are you alright?" "I''m seriously injured!" Old Chen used a secret technique to force blood out through his pores, his body stained crimson. He hade to appreciate the benefits of concealing his true strength. All the dirty and tiring work was being pushed onto him, while Wang Xuan satfortably on the mountaintop, watching the battle. Old Chen too wanted to preserve his strength, letting the conglomerates and organizations underestimate him. "Old Chen, how are you?" came themunication from Old Qian on the silver spacecraft. "I''m injured, but not dead. Don''t worry," Old Chen responded. "He''s covered in blood and stumbling. He must be seriously injured. It''s time for us to finish him off," someone spoke from a distant mountaintop and then silently disappeared into the forest. Following him, a woman cloaked in a ck cape appeared, vanishing from the spot like a ghost. Wang Xuan had sensed the presence of hostility in the distant forest. He was astonished ¨C were there really other Transcendents on New World? It seemed likely that individuals from the New Arts domain hade to eliminate Old Chen and sever the roots of the Old Arts. Although he and Old Chen had spected that Oleisha might not be the only Transcendent from the New Arts domain, the confirmation of this fact weighed heavily on him. What elsey hidden in the birthce of the New Arts, and had their most powerful figures now emerged? Upon detecting the presence of other Transcendents, Wang Xuan sprang into action. "Chen Yongjie, it was you who killed Oleisha in the Old World, wasn''t it? And you even insulted him, staging his death as an ''air disaster.'' Today, you won''t survive," a man with short brown hair, a muscr build, and appearing to be in his fifties, though his actual age was unknown, spoke coldly. Another woman with long ck hair and pale blue eyes radiated Transcendent power, evidently very strong. In their eyes, Chen Yongjie was just a dying Grandmaster a month ago who then faked his death and stepped into the realm of Transcendents, barely reaching the level of Mist. So, the two of them hade, first letting the Ashen Blood Organization make their move while theyy in wait, ready to strike at the crucial moment. One at the level of Lantern and the other at Mist, they approached Old Chen with cold, ruthless eyes. "Hmm?" They quickly sensed something amiss. Old Chen''s body emitted a golden light, like a Buddha walking forth, radiating a holy glow and wielding an ocean-like force. He locked onto them with this immense power. The man and woman were shocked. How could there be someone like this, surpassing the level of Lantern in just a month? They had arrived full of confidence, feeling invincible, but now, like two frightened rabbits, they leaped up, ready to flee in different directions. Boom! Old Chen struck out with a palm, blocking one of them. His Sixteen-Foot Golden Body shone brilliantly, engulfing the person in light, exploding them with a thunderous st and incinerating the remains to ashes. The woman, on the other hand, was split in half by a flying sword wielded by Wang Xuan. Although Transcendent blood was precious, Wang Xuan chose not to collect it, avoiding furtherplications. He conjured a ze in his palm, incinerating the woman''s body as well. "Let''s go, starting with the Ashen Blood Organization," Wang Xuan said. Since their enemies sought to hunt Transcendents and cause a major disturbance, he was willing to oblige them. Hundreds of miles awayy a true base of the organization, housing important members and equipment. "Old Qian, you go ahead. I''ll take Little Wang for some training, so we won''t be taking the spaceship back," Old Chenmunicated with the elderly man on the silver spacecraft. Then, he and Wang Xuan vanished into the depths of the dense forest. That day, they arrived at the Ashen Blood Organization''s true core base in the Cloud Mist teau. Not only was Zheng Hui there, but other significant figures were present too. This ce housed their "Deity" levelboratory! Chapter 214: Controversy And Destruction Chapter 214: Controversy And Destruction "Old Qian, this is the footage we managed to capture, but it''s only a partial scan. There must be an incredibly dense concentration of Transcendent substance around Chen Yongjie, which disrupted our insectoid detectors. Almost 90% of our devices were destroyed!" reported someone on the silver spacecraft, as a holographic projection disyed parts of Old Chen''s battle. "It''s somewhat terrifying! High-grade automatons, each costing billions, were deemed unbeatable in individualbat and seen as the prototypes of future deep-space super soldiers. Yet, they were utterly overpowered by a Transcendent,"mented Qian An, who was in his seventies and one of the senior members of the Qian financial consortium. He had a good rtionship with Old Chen and had recently facilitated his transport to the site. "Not only were we scanning, but there were also other unknown origin micro-detectors in the area," someone else added. Old Qian nodded, understanding that the return of a Transcendent to New World and his first disy of power would naturally draw attention from all sides, each trying to get close and obtain first-hand information. "Someone has released a video of the Transcendent battle!" eximed another person. In this era, informationworks were highly developed, with virtually no print media remaining, having long since shifted to online operations. Major tforms were fiercelypetitive. Any sensational news capable of causing a stir would be a prime target for these tforms. The emergence of Chen Yongjie and Old Zhong as Transcendents naturally attracted attention from all quarters, everyone eager to capture news about them. Approaching Old Zhong was hopeless,pletely inessible. As for Chen Yongjie, he had long been under scrutiny. However, it was surprising that tforms got hold of the footage so quickly. Old Chen had immediately taken a spaceship to the location, and only a few conglomerates and organizations were able to keep pace, their insectoid detectors capturing blurry videos. "Who''s leaking the information?" "Most likely, someone took a risk for a quick profit, selling the footage to tforms for a high price." Conglomerates and major organizations collecting first-hand data on Transcendents were primarily interested in research and analysis, not in selling information for a small profit. A blurry video surged up the trending charts within just half an hour. Though it was initially at the bottom, it was on track to break into the top ten. The footage, which captured Old Chen¡¯s confrontation with automatons, sparked widespread disbelief and curiosity. "Is this even real? Who is this guy fighting automatons barehanded? He¡¯s got to be insane,¡± viewersmented, skeptical about the authenticity of the video. A professional from the Deep Space Power Research Institute weighed in, adding credibility to the footage: "Those are high-grade automatons, deemed invincible in singlebat. Not even the most skilled human cultivators can defeat them, as they can take down small spacecraft." Debate swirled around the video''s legitimacy, with many unable to believe that three high-grade automatons, equipped with mountain-splitting alloy des, could be defeated by a seemingly young man with a crew cut. As another video emerged, offering a different perspective of the battle, a professionalmentator rified that the young-looking man was actually Chen Yongjie, a Transcendent. The public,rgely unfamiliar with Transcendents, was abuzz with the revtion that myths were blending into reality. Despite the video''s enhancement, Chen Yongjie¡¯s image remained hazy, leading to his mistaken identity as a young man, thus birthing the inte sensation "Crew Cut Bro." While the general public was entertained, real cultivators, conglomerates, and organizations analyzed the footage seriously. They recognized the implications of a Transcendent being able to disrupt and destroy high-grade automatons using substances like the X material. The widespread destruction of their costly, precision insectoid detectors, deployed to capture footage of the Transcendent, highlighted the high price of tracking such extraordinary individuals. These organizationsbored to construct a model based on various data points, including the number of destroyed detectors and the presence of unanalyzable, mysterious elements around Chen Yongjie. The inconsistencies in the data suggested the influence of powerful, yet unidentified variables. Among these organizations, advisors with deep knowledge of ancient myths and Transcendents spected that spiritual power yed a crucial role in these variables. Their studies of ancient texts and legends had helped them unravel many such enigmas surrounding Transcendent abilities. ¡­¡­ The battle of the Transcendents caused a sensation on online tforms, bing a hot topic of discussion. Despite many expressing skepticism, the level of debate and interest was remarkably high. "The high-grade automatons self-destructed but couldn''t kill the crew cut young man. If this is true, I might even consider taking up cultivation myself," some spected with a mix of belief and doubt. The emergence of new arts in New World made the existence of even more powerful Transcendents somewhat believable. "Hey, another young man appeared in the video, but he didn''t seem to take action. He was incrediblyposed in that situation. He might be a Transcendent too. Could he be the crew cut young man¡¯s brother or disciple?" people pondered upon seeing a blurry figure of Wang Xuan without any footage of him in action, as the interference was too intense, destroying nearby detectors. Major organizations took these few segments of blurry footage seriously, repeatedly analyzing them. "After Wang Xuan appeared, the surge in Transcendent substances around Chen Yongjie dramatically increased, destroying the nearby detectors. It seems he cares a lot about this Wang Xuan, likely considering him a disciple or sessor, thus ensuring his utmost protection." They noticed that at that specific moment, the surge in Transcendent substances was like a volcanic eruption, annihting all the high-cost detectors in the area. "Shifting our perspective, many ordinary people who saw the blurry video are wondering if the young man who appearedter might be rted to the crew cut young man, perhaps his brother or disciple." "Is it possible that Wang Xuan is actually an incredibly powerful Transcendent? His appearance caused a surge in Transcendent substances, like a flood breaking through a dam, even more terrifying than Chen Yongjie?" "But that''s unlikely. He''s just a Grandmaster and so young. If he''s a Transcendent, it¡¯s beyond imagination, surpassing even the legendary figures from ancient teachings." "If that moment of terrifying Transcendent substance energy, akin to a volcanic eruption, originated from him, he would be more powerful than Chen Yongjie. But is that even possible?" ¡­¡­ Attention shifted towards Wang Xuan, with some focusing their research on him. In this era of dazzling technology, no one could keep all their secrets hidden; traces would inevitably be left behind. After entering the primitive forest, Wang Xuan and Old Chen moved swiftly towards the Ashen Blood Organization''s real stronghold in the Cloud Mist teau. The New Arts domain indeed harbored other Transcendents, hidden deep within New World, possibly having stepped into the Transcendent realm even before Wang Xuan and Old Chen. "Could there be real powerhouses on ''Superstar,'' the source of the New Arts?" Old Chen pondered, realizing they had underestimated the New Arts. These people had bided their time, possibly waiting to strike a harsh blow against the conglomerates when strong enough. "Could the conglomerates be overthrown in the future?" Wang Xuan responded, "Not necessarily. Some conglomerates have deep cooperation with the New Arts domain. I suspect some conglomerates are aware of them and even control them." Old Chen became serious. If that was the case, then certain conglomerates were dangerously powerful, wielding both visible battleships capable of killing Earth Immortals and nascent Transcendent forces. "The major powers of New World are undergoing drastic changes. In the end, some organizations will be increasingly formidable, while others may decline and be divided." Some conglomerates were still focused on obtaining Transcendent flesh and blood for analysis. Others, however, appeared to have already gained control over a few Transcendents, ambitiously umting unconventional power. Arriving three hundred miles away at a crucial site of the Ashen Blood Organization, they encountered a challenge. "It¡¯s tricky here with numerous micro-automatons and scanning devices. This area is heavily surveilled, and we¡¯ll be detected if we get too close." Using their spiritual realms, they detected a dense array of miniature instruments throughout the forest. "I¡¯ll leave my physical body under your protection and scout ahead with my spirit," Wang Xuan proposed. Old Chen, hearing this, was speechless. He too could project his spirit, but the idea of traversing several miles in such a state was daunting; it could be exhausting. They hadn¡¯t yet reached the grand realm of carefree wandering, where one could travel vast distances in an instant. For now, lingering nearby seemed more feasible. "You sure you can travel that far?" Old Chen asked, skeptical of Wang Xuan''s ambitious n. Wang Xuan, uncertain of his own limits, said, "I''ll give it a try." He then sat down cross-legged, and his spirit left his body. Fortunately, he encountered no bizarre or terrifying sights in the dense forest. Like a sh of lightning, his spirit swiftly bypassed the surveince devices and prated underground. The base was vast. After traveling three miles in spirit form, Wang Xuan had only explored a portion of the area and was already feeling strained. Pushing to four miles, his exhaustion intensified. Reaching five miles, he didn¡¯t dare venture further, feeling an overwhelming urge to sleep ¨C a dangerous sign. In the enormous undergroundplex, various biologicalboratories contained a multitude of monsters, some from the hiddennds and others unrecognizable. Somebs were gruesomely using living humans as experimental subjects, and in certain areas, human bones were piled up. The revtion of such practices would undoubtedly cause a public uproar, exposing the Ashen Blood Organization''s tant disregard for human life and their rampant human experimentation. Additionally, there were training camps for assassins and specialized teams of automatons with formidable armed forces capable of devastating an entire region. The underground also housed a fleet of small spacecraft. Returning to his physical body, Wang Xuan gasped for air and quickly drank from the Earth Immortal Spring, running his strongest scriptures. This reconnaissance was more exhausting than a major battle. "To avoid their scorched-earth tactics, we need to destroy their key areas immediately after breaking in. Several control rooms must be taken quickly," he concluded. "We''re just going to storm in?" "Let''s see if pure Transcendent power can level this ce!" "Alright then, let¡¯s go!" Eventually, they both vibrated with intense spiritual energy and unleashed their Transcendent power, destroying all nearby detectors to avoid leaving any visual records. With a thunderous roar, they burst into the underground base. This time, they showed no mercy. In an instant, lightning shed and thunder roared as they tore through the base, flinging the so-called assassins around like straw dolls. Crack! Following a sh of lightning, a squad of automatons turned into scrap metal. "Attack!" Soon, the underground base echoed with the sound of massive explosions as control rooms were destroyed. Over a dozen high-grade automatons, apanied by a dense army of standard mechanical units resembling a steel forest, rushed in, firing high-energy weapons. However, due to the numerous underground shelters and winding paths, they struggled to cover the area with firepower instantly. Once Wang Xuan and Old Chen went all out, they became terrifying forces. Rows of automatons sparked with energy as their internal precision chips were torn apart. From afar, it looked like a forest of steel had frozen in ce,pletely immobilized. Boom! An energy cannon fired within the base, recklessly targeting the area where the duo was located, regardless of the underground facilities. The vast undergroundbyrinth had many paths, but as the duo transformed into killing gods, they ughtered every Ashen Blood Organization member they encountered. They moved swiftly and ruthlessly, crushing everything in their path. That day, the Ashen Blood Organization''s Sector 10 was bloodied, with countless assassins from their training camps killed. Some tried to flee in small spacecraft, unable to believe they had to escape so desperately on their home turf. Boom! The area erupted in a massive explosion as Old Chen hurled paralyzed high-grade automatons, detonating their energy sources and causing a terrifying ze in the spacecraft area. "There are no so-called gods here? No Transcendents!" Sweeping through the underground, Wang Xuan and Old Chen didn¡¯t want to linger too long. Their path was one of sheer devastation, their destructive power astonishing. When Wang Xuan located their target, Zheng Hui couldn''t believe his eyes. Wang Xuan wielded a flying sword like a silken ribbon, shredding the mechanical beings around Zheng Hui. The cold light of the sword, like the sun descending underground, radiated a brilliant glow. Everything in its path, including thick alloy doors, was sliced open and shredded. After capturing Zheng Hui and two other high-ranking members of the Grey Blood Organization, Wang Xuan and Old Chen immediately rushed to the surface, setting a timer to detonate the underground weapons depot. "Old man is exhausted!" Old Chen gasped, his body radiating intense heat and Transcendent energy. He felt utterly drained. During their thunderous assault, both his spiritual realm and physical body had been pushed to their limits, obliterating everything in their path, including the enemy and all detection devices. Zheng Hui and the two senior members were shocked and cursing under their breath. An entire base had been annihted, and all they felt was tired? Wang Xuan was also fatigued. The full unleashing of his power was akin to a true Transcendent battle. Boom! The Grey Blood Organization''s Sector 10, a critically important base, exploded in a massive st,pletely obliterated. On that day, when the major conglomerates and organizations of New World initially received news of the incident, they were all profoundly shaken. Chapter 215: Wang’s Contempt Chapter 215: Wang¡¯s Contempt The Ashen Blood Organization, notorious for its blood-soaked terror, was a name that resonated with infamy in the New World. Their involvement in numerous bloody and chaotic incidents was the stuff of legend. "Today, someone taught the Ashen Blood Organization a lesson!" This news spread like wildfire through specific circles, reaching major conglomerates and top organizations and causing a stir. "Can Transcendents really achieve this?" someone wondered, deeply moved. Chen Yongjie had just returned from the Hidden Land and had already made such a bold move. The Ashen Blood Organization, with about ten branches in total, suffered a devastating loss with one of their main divisions destroyed so suddenly and unexpectedly. The fact that only two people had carried out this clean and efficient obliteration of a core underground base left many in disbelief. It indicated that if such a force were tounch a surprise attack on the leadership of certain organizations, it could potentially decapitate them swiftly. All sides were shocked and forced to contemte. Chen Yongjie''s actions, while seemingly driven by necessity, also served as a powerful deterrent. It was a message to all: anyone targeting or hunting Transcendents should be prepared for severe consequences. "Dispelling the fog of myth, it seems to be walking from the ancient past, approaching reality from the realm of legends. Are we to gradually adapt to coexisting with Transcendents?" someone said gravely. "The individual power of humans can reach such heights, annihting one-tenth of the Ashen Blood Organization¡¯s assets in such a short time ¨C the mere thought of it is chilling!" Core members of some major conglomerates paled upon receiving the news. Transcendents'' movements would now need to be reported; there was no room for negotiation. In their view, such beings were no longer human, but rather an extremely dangerous ¡°species.¡± Just two individuals had proven equivalent to a terrifying assassination organization. "To be precise, it was mainly Chen Yongjie. He''s a Transcendent, while Wang Xuan is just a Grandmaster," someone pointed out. "No! When Wang Xuan appeared, the surge in Transcendent substances in the forest was abnormal, like a bursting dam. What if he''s also a Transcendent?" Some of the organization''s advisors spoke with grave expressions, unwilling topletely discount Wang Xuan from the equation. "If that surge in Transcendent substances truly urred because of him, indicating his energy level is even higher than Chen Yongjie''s, then he is the primary threat," someone proposed. In major organizations, where manpower was never a constraint, suspicions led to action ns. "Keep tabs on Wang Xuan. If he''s a Transcendent, it means Chen Yongjie is covering for him, which is a startling revtion and quite terrifying." Despite Wang Xuan''s caution, from that day forward, he found himself under scrutiny and suspicion. The top conglomerates and organizations, with their efficient systems, could be formidable once they decided to investigate, risking his exposure. An image of Chen Yongjie tearing apart high-grade mechanical beings with his bare hands went viral online, instantly bing a hot topic without needing any textual context. The ''t-Top Bro'' soared into the top ten of the trending list. Then, an image of Old Zhong carrying a warship was juxtaposed with the image of Chen Yongjie destroying a six-meter-tall mechanical being. "The times have truly changed. Both the New World and Old World have Transcendents now. Myths are bing reality!" Major tforms invited experts to exin to the public that Transcendents were real and that some ancient legends were true. This sparked intense discussions among the general popce, who experienced a Transcendent shockwave. Soon, aposite image featuring three individuals was released ¨C Old Zhong with the warship, Chen Yongjie ripping apart a mechanical being, and a young man''s silhouette smiling down at them from a high vantage point. This image was deliberately created, carrying a profound message. "Is this telling us there''s a third, even younger Transcendent?" The inner circles recognized it as a deliberate probe, confirming some advisors'' suspicions. "Old Zhong carrying a warship, Old Chen taking down the strongest mechanical being, and a mysterious young man with an enigmatic smile." Somehow, this narrative caught fire, stirring up a sensation and heated discussions. Someone was guiding public opinion, pushing ''t-Top Bro'' to seventh on the trending list, with the ''Trio Image'' as the cover topic. "Can''t be, right? That looks like Old Wang. Someone is trying to stir things up, pushing Wang Xuan into the spotlight." Zhong Cheng immediately noticed the situation and called his sister to check the trending news. On a luxurious yacht, Zhou Yun was hosting a sea party with his friends, resuming his vibrant and colorful old life. He too noticed the trending list and immediately boasted to his friends, "See that? Chen Yongjie, a real Transcendent. I''ve traveled with him, fought alongside him in the Hidden Land. And look... Wang Xuan is on there too, ''Wang''s Contempt,'' overlooking two mighty Transcendents from above!" Though the faces were blurred, he immediately recognized the mysterious young man in the ''Trio Image.'' "Zhou Yun, you''re not just bragging, right? We know you''ve been to the Hidden Land, but are those monsters and the Earth Immortal City really that incredible?" his friends asked skeptically. "Yeah, we know about Chen the Transcendent, but who is this ''Wang''s Contempt''?" On the yacht, a group of young men and women, many from powerful families and major organizations, listened with keen interest. "He''s my brother, Wang Xuan. In the Hidden Land, he didn''t hesitate to y foreign Grandmasters and even more so, the monsters. He even intimidated a group of strong foreigners in the Earth Immortal City. Now that I think about it... could he actually be a Transcendent?!" Zhou Yun spoke, startling even himself with the thought. Recalling their time in the Earth Immortal City, Wang Xuan and Old Chen had been incredibly dominant, demanding protection fees from foreign powers. But then, shaking his head, he added, "He''s probably not a Transcendent yet. Too young. If he reaches that level now, where will he be in a few years? He might be an Earth Immortal!" This sparked interest among the guests. "Zhou Yun, why don''t you invite him over? He seems like a fascinating guy. We''re all young; we''d surely have a great time together," one of them suggested excitedly. A beautiful girl with sparkling eyes chimed in, "Yeah, invite this ''Wang''s Contempt'' to join us. Let us see this future Transcendent, or even Earth Immortal!" ¡­¡­ ¡­¡­ In the westernmost region of Zhongzhou, amidst the dense forests of the Yunwu teau, harrowing screams filled the air. Zheng Hui, drenched in blood,y writhing in agony. His right arm had been shattered by Wang Xuan''s flick, bones splintered and flesh nearly torn off. Earlier, he had arrogantly used a mechanical clone to bait Chen Yongjie with Wang Xuan as mere coteral. But his n had backfired disastrously, leading to the rapid annihtion of an Ashen Blood branch. "You can kill me, but I have nothing to say. Truthfully, I don¡¯t know where the headquarters is. We operate on a need-to-know basis, following orders from above without question. I¡¯ve never been there!" Zheng Hui dered. Wang Xuan, unmoved, flicked his finger again, causing Zheng Hui''s leg to explode, bone shards protruding grotesquely. Wang had no mercy for the leader of a cold-blooded assassin organization, especially after witnessing their inhumane experiments. Old Chen wasn''t lenient either. His p left the other two high-ranking members half-rotten, their bodies almost separating from their bones. Despite their brutal interrogation, the three Ashen Blood members remained tight-lipped, enduring broken bones and torn sinews without yielding any secrets. Wang Xuan and Old Chen didn''t really expect confessions; they were subtly guiding the conversation while using their spiritual domains to capture the thoughts of their captives, hoping to uncover secrets. s, these three genuinely knew nothing about the headquarters of the organization. Ashen Blood''s security measures were impably stringent, with lower members blindly following orders without knowledge of the core operations. There was nomunication between different branches. "What use are you if you know nothing?" Old Chen scoffed, his palm strike sending one of them flying before disintegrating into a mist of blood in the dense forest. Zheng Hui and the remaining members paled, realizing their imminent deaths. Despite their fear, they recognized the immense trouble their organization had stirred by provoking such formidable opponents. "I didn''t expect you to be a Transcendent too, so young... If this gets out, every organization in the New World will be shaken," Zheng Hui uttered, just before a flying sword sliced him, reducing his body to a cloud of blood. Not even his bones remained. "Old Chen, do you think some of the Celestials have returned and are observing everything in the New World? Maybe even through the widespreadwork and information channels, they''ve seen news about us?" Wang Xuan pondered. "It''s possible!" Old Chen replied. ¡­¡­ After leaving the Yunwu teau, Wang Xuan and Old Chen arrived in the grand city of Yuancheng in the western region of Zhongzhou. By then, it was deep into the night. The aftermath of the kidnapping incident had left Wang Xuan without a phone, prompting him to purchase a new one in Yuancheng. "Old Chen, you''ve be an inte sensation!" Wang Xuan remarked as they boarded a hovering train speeding towards Suzhou in the central region of Zhongzhou. Old Chen, looking grim, wasn''t thrilled with his newfound fame. He had hoped for a low profile, but now, it seemed as if everyone was scrutinizing him, catapulting him to the fifth spot on the trending search list. He was even surpassing the poprity of a recently jailed celebrity and a sweet-voiced female singer holding her concert. Old Chen decided then to grow his hair long, aiming to change his public image. "Don''t just talk about me; you''re about to be exposed as well. With the advanced technology of the New World, it''s hard to stay hidden without leaving some traces. Now, even the term ''Wang the Disdainful'' is being circted about you. It seems people are starting to suspect your true strength." Wang Xuan nodded in agreement but didn''t seem overly concerned. Living in a city of millions, close to the financial powerhouses, he doubted anyone would dare to attack the city with a warship. Without resorting to such extreme measures, other weapons were ineffective against him. He was ready for his identity to be revealed. Even though the hovering train was fast, it was still no match for a spaceship, so they only reached Suzhou the next morning. Upon arrival, Old Chen was inundated with invitations for various banquets and gatherings. Their action of taking down a branch of the Ashen Blood organization had reverberated overnight, making them highly sought-after figures for close interactions by various parties. Old Chen, ever polite in conversation, found himself fielding a flurry of invitations - some he managed to politely decline, others were too pressing to brush aside. Amidst this bustle, he inquired if Wang Xuan would apany him. "No, I won''t go!" Wang Xuan declined outright. However, Old Chen''s demeanor shifted to one of intrigue upon receiving a phone call. "Ah, we must attend this one. Someone has invited us to view their collection of ancient scriptures and texts!" he eximed with a smile. "An invitation to view ancient texts?!" Wang Xuan was visibly stunned, the prospect seemingly out of the ordinary. Nodding, Old Chen exined, "The extraordinary powers we''ve disyed through the Old Arts have caught attention. It''s natural for some to extend an olive branch, seeking to woo us with such treasures." Yet, Wang Xuan voiced his skepticism, aware that the powerful families and organizations would hardly part with valuable assets so readily. Old Chen conceded, "Let''s just go and see." Their host was none other than the Qian family, closely acquainted with Old Chen, especially the elder who had escorted him to the Yunwu teau. As dusk enveloped the sky in a canvas of reds and oranges, Wang Xuan and Old Chen arrived at the Qian''s grand estate, situated beyond the outskirts of Suzhou. Guided to an ancient Taoist temple, they learned each element of its structure had been meticulously relocated from the Old World. Old Qian awaited them at the temple entrance. As Wang Xuan drew near, he sensed an unusual concentration of mystical elements. In a world starved of transcendent substances, such a ce was a rare haven for cultivation. His heart raced with the possibility of discovering items that could facilitate his ascension or plunge him into perilous ancient traps. The potential for unlocking realms within his Inner Landscape tantalized him, yet he remained acutely aware of the hidden dangers lurking in these relics of a bygone era.
Jimmi''s Thoughts Serves the Ashen Blood right, eh? They messed with the wrong Wang!
Chapter 216: Quality Of An Earth Immortal Chapter 216: Quality Of An Earth Immortal The sunset was not somber but rather brilliantly red, casting its splendid hue across buildings and people alike, giving off a subtle mix of pink and golden light. Qian An, aged seventy-five, appeared remarkably youthful for his years. d in a traditional practice garment and holding ancient scrolls, he exuded an air of detachment from worldly concerns. Behind him stood a Daoist temple of modest size. Every brick and tile resonated with an ancient charm, bathed in a pale golden aura under the twilight sky. The temple, nestled amidst the mundane world, radiated a celestial aura. Greeting Chen Yongjie and Wang Xuan with a warm smile, Qian An ushered them into the temple. "As one ages, the pursuit bes less about worldly matters and more about inner peace," he remarked, his expression serene. Nodding, Old Chen responded, "Indeed, ultimately, we all seek tranquility of the heart, though the journey varies. Some achieve their life''s goals and retire to a pastoral life, finding sce in nature. Others face constant setbacks and hardships, struggling amidst life''s turmoil, only to ultimately seek the same stillness of the heart." With a chuckle, he added, "Old Qian, you are among the former, having attained a state of contentment. I, on the other hand, am still struggling in the worldly dust, unable to break free." Qian An shook his head, "Old Chen, if I were in your shoes, I''d dly trade ces. The notion of inner peace is often a self-deception. If I were young and robust, would I choose this life? Everything boils down to the inevitabilities of aging; when the body can no longer strive, the mind settles." "I think your attitude is quite positive," Old Chen remarked with a smile. Qian Anughed, "My attitude, well... Look at the youthfulness and vitality around me. It''s my way of reminiscing about the past. Being surrounded by them allows me to relive the joys of my younger days." Wang Xuan nced at Qian An''s young and beautiful assistant, thinking to himself that though the old man''s body might have aged, his heart certainly hadn''t. Old Chen replied, "That''s enjoying life, I suppose. As for me, I''m still busy trying to protect myself. I''ve caught the attention of too many." "You really are impressive, Old Chen. This recent incident has shaken quite a few. And you, Wang Xuan, with your youth and talents, are drawing increasing attention. You''re already far ahead of where Chen Yongjie was at your age. The prospect of you bing an Earth Immortal is very promising," Qian An observed. Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow,menting, "Who is trying to tter me to death? I''ve just been stumbling along, only managing to reach this point by sheer luck and some spiritual herbs in the Hidden Land. It sounds like someone is setting me up." Qian An smiled and said, "Don''t be so modest, Wang Xuan, and don''t underestimate the advisory teams of various families. Their interpretations of mythology are quite urate. In fact, some are already suspecting that you''re a transcendent. That image of ''Wang''s Disdain'' has made quite an impression." As they entered the courtyard, the mysterious energy particles subtly vibrated in the twilight. Wang Xuan could clearly sense them, especially as people approached, stirring the air. "Beingpared to two transcendent beings is troubling. If this continues, I''m going to be in trouble," Wang Xuan remarked as he absorbed some of the particles into his body. The fierce battle on the Yunwu teau had depleted some of their transcendent substances. Without regr replenishment from space, it would be unsustainable. The New World''s surface was too devoid of various energies, nearly barren. "But if every family has such relics, these would be sanctuaries, making space journeys unnecessary for gathering vital essence," Wang Xuan thought aloud. "Being young, powerful, potentially transcendent, and still so humble, it''s remarkable," praised Qian An. Not waiting for Wang Xuan to respond further, he added, "By the way, Wang Xuan, do you have a girlfriend? What do you think of my assistant here? She''s young, beautiful, talented, already an entrepreneur with her own sessful techpany while just in her sophomore year." Wang Xuan was speechless, wondering if the old man was trying to y matchmaker at their very first meeting. Late in the day, with the evening sky awash in a resplendent blend of reds, Old Qian, a man of 75 years but not showing his age, stood in his traditional practice attire, holding a scroll of ancient texts. Behind himy an old Daoist temple, its every brick and tile steeped in history and bathed in a soft golden glow from the setting sun. The temple, nestled amidst the mundane world, radiated an air of mystique and serenity. Greeting Old Chen and Wang Xuan with warm smiles, Old Qian led them inside. "As I''ve aged, I''vee to seek nothing but peace of mind," he remarked, his face calm andposed. Old Chen nodded in understanding. "Ultimately, we all seek inner peace, though the journey differs. Some, after achieving their life goals, retreat to idyllic countryside, finding sce in nature. Others, battered by life''s hardships, struggle to break free from turmoil, eventually seeking tranquility," he mused, adding with augh, "You, Old Qian, have found your peace. I, on the other hand, am still entangled in worldly struggles." Contrary to Chen''s words, Old Qian expressed a different sentiment. "If I were still in the prime of youth, strong and vigorous, would I choose this life? It''s more a matter of necessity than choice ¨C the inevitable retreat of an aging man." Chen yfully retorted, "You seem quite content to me." Old Qian''sughter echoed in response. "My heart, indeed! Look around ¨C the youth and vigor that surrounds me are reminders of my younger days." Wang Xuan nced at the young assistant beside Old Qian, a pretty, youthful figure, and thought to himself that despite his age, Old Qian''s heart remained ever young. Seeing his granddaughter, Qian Qian, Old Qian teased, "This young man might be an Earth Immortal, a bridge from myth to reality. He''s a rare talent, Qian Qian." Wang Xuan didn''t take it seriously, well aware that such jests were just Old Qian''s way of creating a friendly atmosphere. When Qian Qian called him "Brother Wang" with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes, it was clear this was all in good spirit, nothing more. Old Qian then introduced Qian Rui, a young man of the family, suggesting he could learn a lot from Wang Xuan about cultivation. In the quaint temple, both the elders and the youth gathered, creating a harmonious setting orchestrated by Old Qian. He treated Old Chen and Wang Xuan with genuine warmth, without any airs of a financial tycoon. "Old Chen, you can be assured of my support," Old Qian dered firmly. "Even if there are objections from other families, I''ll stand by you and exin. Times are changing. Failing to ept transcendents will only lead to future troubles." Old Chen revealed his simple desire for self-preservation. "I seek only peaceful cultivation. As long as my life of tranquility isn''t disturbed, I aspire to be just an ordinary person, perhaps exploring the arts of longevity when free." Old Qian turned to Wang Xuan and asked, "Wang, do you have a partner? Look at this youngdy next to me ¨C she''s intelligent, beautiful, and sessful. A perfect match, don''t you think?" Wang Xuan, speechless at Old Qian''s sudden matchmaking, found the situation unexpectedly amusing. The youngdy, Qian Qian, yfully rolled her eyes at her grandfather''s words, making it clear that this was all in good humor. "In this era of dazzling technology, even Earth Immortals aren''t safe," Old Chen solemnly emphasized. "All I am is aw-abiding citizen with no desire to stir up trouble." Old Qian nodded with a smile, acknowledging Old Chen''s concerns. "I understand your position, Chen. It''s just that some folks have different thoughts, like the fear of being decapitated by a transcendent during their travels." Unsurprisingly, Old Qian voiced the concerns of certain factions within the financial and organizational elite, ustomed as they were to controlling everything. The emergence of such unpredictable elements like transcendents had naturally ruffled some feathers. Old Chen shook his head, intent on rifying a crucial point. "That''s precisely what I wanted to discuss. Recently, I encountered a transcendent from the new art domain in the Yunwu Hignds. Although I inflicted heavy damage, he managed to escape. Their numbers and the depth of their concealment remain unknown. And this is just New Star. Who knows how many more powerful beings are lurking on that Super Star, the birthce of new art? Financial dynasties and organizations need to be vignt. I sense impending cmity." Clear in his thinking, Old Chen realized the importance of not being the only exposed individual. It was crucial to bring those from the new art domain into the spotlight, encouraging major organizations to focus their attention and scrutiny on them. Old Qian''s reaction was serious and thoughtful, a clear sign of his deep concern. Both Wang Xuan and Old Chen could sense his fleeting emotional shift, catching glimpses of his thoughts. Although taken aback, it was evident to them that the Qian financial dynasty was not ignorant of the new art domain''s anomalies and the support it received from major financial powers. Their recent closeness to Old Chen, they understood, was part of a broader strategy of preparedness shared among various factions on New Star. This meeting, initially framed as an opportunity for Old Chen to admire Old Qian''s collection of ancient texts, revealed itself as a probing interaction, hinting at potential coboration. The discussions, veiled in casual conversation, allowed each party to gauge the other, ensuring no conflicts of interest that might prevent a closer alliance. "Come, Old Chen, Wang Xuan, take a look at my collection. Although Ick talent in the old arts and practice martial arts just to keep fit, I''ve managed to gather some noteworthy scriptures," Old Qian guided them into a hall filled with rows of bookshelves, eachden with various scriptures and texts. Upon entering, Wang Xuan sensed a stronger surge of mystical factors. He was certain that this Taoist temple held profound secrets. The aura of a transcendent artifact was palpable, its energy fluctuations intense, suggesting that whoever ascended to immortality here must have been extraordinarily powerful. "This temple was relocated from Mount Zhongnan in the Old World," Old Qian informed them. Wang Xuan was moved. Mount Zhongnan was known as one of the cradles of Taoism! Who might have ascended to immortality there? The clues were tantalizing. He and Old Chen quickly examined the scriptures. There were various martial arts manuals and body cultivation texts, mostly practiced by mortals. A silent understanding passed between them; the truly rare and valuable texts from the Qian family''s collection were not on disy. It was clear that they were not in the habit of making unprofitable deals. Nheless, Wang Xuan meticulouslymitted the texts to memory, scanning them with his powerful spiritual domain. He recognized that these manuals would be invaluable if the tide of transcendence were to ebb. Even now, they held significant value for refining his cultivation path. "Old Chen, Wang Xuan, there''s another shelf here with some different scriptures," Old Qian continued, "They''re quite enigmatic, almost mythological. I''m not sure if they''ll be of any use to you, but if you find something valuable, perhaps you could help an old man with his longevity quest. At my age, I''d like to live a few more years." Old Qian spoke with a smile, his words turning more direct. He had valuable items but wanted to experience the longevity techniques discussed during their earlier gathering. Both Wang Xuan and Old Chen chuckled. This was a nned "arrangement," and they were amenable to it. How else could they gain ess to the private libraries of various families? "I practice arts of warfare and destruction," Old Chen said. "Wang Xuan, however, specializes in longevity and life-preserving techniques. You should consult him." In another hall, Wang Xuan and Old Chen were deeply moved. Although there were only six scriptures here, they constituted aplete cultivation system: the path of Golden Elixir! While they had practiced numerous old arts, their understanding of the specific scriptures rted to forming a Golden Elixir was limited. Regardless of whether they would pursue the Golden Elixir path in the future, these texts were invaluable for study and reference. Wang Xuan invited Old Qian to sit down and began to channel the mysterious factors of the Taoist temple into his body. The effects were immediately noticeable. In just a short time, Old Qian''splexion became rosy, and by the end, he seemed to radiate a faint, crystalline glow. Beside them, Qian Qian and Qian Rui were astounded. They witnessed a gentle light slowly coursing through their grandfather''s body, apanied by copious sweating. The old man hummed infort, his spine straightening and his previously clouded eyes now shining brightly. "Is this real or just an illusion?" The two youths were so intrigued that they wished to experience it for themselves. Throughout the process, Wang Xuan continually tapped on various parts of Qian An''s body. This served as a cover for channeling the mysterious elements, although the method was indeed beneficial for stimting blood cirction and enhancing the effects of the mysterious factors. "It''s miraculous," Qian An eximed, feeling rejuvenated and brimming with vitality. "I feel as if I''ve shed years off my age, and my spirit is extraordinarily vibrant." Wang Xuan nodded, knowing his efforts in channeling the mysterious elements and revitalizing Qian An''s aging meridians had been sessful. With such visible results, he didn''t mind harnessing more of these elements to improve Qian An''s constitution further. This demonstration would likely have an astounding promotional effect, potentially unlocking the doors to the libraries of other elders. "Little Wang, if you encounter any troubles soon, just ignore them," Qian An advised after experiencing the benefits. "Some people are restless with too many thoughts. Don''t pay them any mind!" Wang Xuan immediately understood. Some were trying to provoke him, seeking a breakthrough from him. Or perhaps, certain factions harbored deep suspicions and sought to unravel his secrets? He frowned, considering that if it was mere probing, it would be tolerable. But if anyone pushed too hard,pelling him to reveal his true strength, they might deeply regret it. Chapter 217: Stealing The Inner Landscape Chapter 217: Stealing The Inner Landscape "Little Wang, is this rejuvenation method a one-time effect, or can it be sustained over time?" Qian An inquired, his interest piqued by the potential for ongoing benefits. Wang Xuan assured him that such a method of preservation was progressive and, under normal circumstances, could indeed extend his lifespan for many years. Qian An''s eyes sparkled with an umon vitality, belying his advanced age. His face lit up with a broad smile, even his wrinkles seemed to smooth out in his joy. Their conversation deepened in camaraderie, and soon after, Qian An personally retrieved a particr scripture for Wang Xuan and Old Chen to peruse ¡ª the legendary "Five-Colored Golden Elixir Scripture," a peerless secret text within the realm of the Golden Elixir Path. Wang Xuan had previously encountered aspects of this scripture rted to the spirit, known as the Five-Colored Golden Elixir Spirit Technique, which Zhao Qinghan had helped him exchange from Zhong Qing. Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged nces. They had been preparing to explore the Taoist temple through spiritual projection, hoping to uncover more astonishing scriptures. To their surprise, Qian An himself presented them with a heavyweight scripture. In the current era, this was considered a top-tier secret manual in the Golden Elixir and Nascent Soul paths. "There''s nothing else," Old Chen dered, his spirit having scoured the temple. It seemed the Qian family''s collection was not entirely housed here. "I''ll rest a bit and then continue to stimte your blood cirction and enhance the vitality of your internal organs," Wang Xuan said, wanting to show gratitude for the precious scripture. At the same time, he was eager to project his spirit and examine the transcendent object in the temple, curious to see if his spiritual vision would reveal anything different. With his eyes closed and remaining motionless, Wang Xuan''s spirit left his body. In an instant, he saw the world differently ¡ª mysterious particles emanating from the main hall, rippling out like waves on water. Wang Xuan approached quickly, his attention drawn to a piece of transcendent artifact embedded in the temple''s main hall ¨C a fragment of a bronze wall, cast from yellow brass and once struck by lightning, partially melted. Only a half-meter segment of this artifact remained, partially visible within the hall''s wall. The true essence of this artifact was a bone concealed within the bronze, retaining remnants of spiritual energy. Observing through his spiritual third eye for the first time, Wang Xuan experienced a sh of insight. The remaining spiritual essence formed a faint shadow, dormant and silent. Behind it, a hazy rift seemed to connect to a vague world, leaking mysterious particles. Approaching cautiously, Wang Xuan noticed the shadow appeared lifeless, as if it would never awaken unless spiritually stimted. His heart pounded with excitement as he carefully avoided the shadow, drawing the mysterious particles from the rift and peering inside. What he saw was an Inner Landscape ¨C the spiritual realm of a transcendent being who had ascended to immortality. Wang Xuan calmed himself before venturing closer again, probing the situation within. In this Inner Landscapey another faint shadow, just as silent and lifeless. A myriad of thoughts flooded Wang Xuan''s mind as he grasped the true nature of this Ascension artifact ¨C it was a gateway to the inner world left behind by an immortal. Possessing the spiritual third eye, Wang Xuan understood more deeply than ever before. Activating the external shadow would resonate with the one inside, opening the ancient immortal''s Inner Landscape. The union of these two shadows could revive the fragmented spirit of the immortal from days long past. Attempting to draw the mysterious particles directly from the rift, Wang Xuan unleashed a rich stream of energy, nourishing his spirit. The possibility amazed him. He gazed at the rift, sensing he could venture into it with his spiritual form. Yet, he refrained, wary of the risks involved. Such bold action could awaken the dormant shadow, causing an upheaval. Instead, he gently drew forth a stream of mysterious particles, enveloping his spirit. With caution not to act rashly, Wang Xuan quickly retreated, leaving the site of the transcendent artifact, pondering the profound revtions of his discovery. Old Chen immediately sensed something amiss as the mysterious substances around them intensified rapidly. Wang Xuan''s physical body was soon enveloped in this essence, causing his internal organs to emit light, cloaking him in a radiant, crystalline brilliance. "Is this... what Wang is doing?" Qian An eximed in surprise. Qian Rui and Qian Qian were equally astonished, witnessing a man entirely aglow for the first time. Wang Xuan sat like a deity, a halo of light enveloping him. He was channeling a powerful scripture, absorbing the dense material until saturation. "I told you, didn''t I? Wang excels in the art of healing. He''s cultivating, replenishing his strength," Old Chen responded calmly, though internally, his heart pounded. Was Wang really extracting rare materials from the celestial beings'' Inner Landscape? Soon after, Wang Xuan projected his spirit again, drawing a dense stream of mysterious substances for Old Chen and briefing him on the situation. "Spiritual Third Eye, observing the minutest details, discovering the shadows of immortals, and even utilizing them in this manner?" Old Chen envied. After a couple of attempts, Wang Xuan refrained from further actions, wary of awakening the shadows. The rich essence they had gathered was more than enough to replenish what they had expended in the Cloud Mist Hignds. Wang Xuan then helped Qian An once more, this time infusing him with an even greater amount of mysterious substance. Qian An''s forehead illuminated, leaving Qian Rui and Qian Qian speechless in awe. "Do you think we can venture into that Inner Landscape with your Spiritual Third Eye guiding us?" Old Chen asked in a hushed tone. Wang Xuan shook his head. "It''s unlikely. Entering might awaken him. Unless absolutely necessary, it''s not worth the risk." That evening, Qian An was buoyant and energetic, hosting a banquet in their honor, full of joy and excitement. The host and guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly. After the festivity, Qian An personally saw them off from the estate, arranging a car to take them away. Wang Xuan decided to stay in Suzhou City for the time being, finding the city suitable for his current needs. In the following days, Old Chen frequently attended banquets and engaged with various parties. The aftermath of their eradication of an Ashen Blood faction continued to resonate powerfully. Wang Xuan, however, chose not to participate in these gatherings. He spent his time contemting his future path ¨C whether to pursue the route of Golden Elixir and Nascent Soul, and how to expedite his own advancement. In recent days, Qin Cheng had been busy too, preparing to apply for a postgraduate position under Professor Lin at Kaiyuan University''s Human Potential Research Institute. He was ready to sh with disciples taught by the so-called "orthodox lineage" of the Old Arts. Having once seen Professor Lin with a punched hole in his chest, Qin Cheng was determined to help the professor redeem his honor. With Wang Xuan''s backing, he felt confident. After consuming Earth Immortal Spring water and various spiritual herbs that nourished his flesh and blood, Qin Cheng started to reap the benefits. His strength was gradually increasing, and he could feel himself growing stronger every day. "What are your ns, Old Wang? Recently, you''ve been as quiet as a rock. What are you thinking about?" Qin Cheng asked. "I''m contemting my future path, how to be an Earth Immortal, and how to deal with True Immortals from history who are still alive but have significantly weakened," Wang Xuan replied calmly. Qin Cheng was stunned, feeling as if they were not living in the same world. Could they still have a pleasant conversation? After a moment, he said, "Let''s not talk about the distant future. Do you have any immediate ns? Like making money, starting a family, or finding a girlfriend. If you don''t have any specific goals, I can take you to Kaiyuan University to see some beauties." He then asked, "By the way, is Zhao Qinghan still in the Hidden Land? I heard from Zhong Cheng that it''s a dangerous ce. Can she make it back?" "She should be fine. We''ll probably see her soon," Wang Xuan said with a smile. "Old Wang, that''s not like you! You''ve never smiled like this when talking about Zhao Qinghan before. Don''t tell me something happened between you two?" Qin Cheng eyed him suspiciously, then looked at his expression and eximed, "Oh man, Old Wang, you beast! Did you win over Zhao Qinghan? Impressive!" "How can you speak like that? That''s distasteful," Wang Xuan chided Qin Cheng with a nce. "Hold on, let me process this for a second; this is explosive news," Qin Cheng said, rubbing his forehead in disbelief. He finally sighed and said, "Old Wang, you''re something else. I heard from Zhong Cheng that Zhao Qinghan is quite formidable among their acquaintances here in New World, even holding the title of a goddess. You might have unintentionally offended some scions of the wealthy families!" Wang Xuan immediately thought of Xiao Song, the obsessive suitor of Ling Wei, who bore murderous intentions towards him. Rubbing his temples, he said, "There¡¯s nothing between us, so don¡¯t go spreading rumors. Otherwise, if another overprotective maniac shows up, or if Old Zhaoes after me, I¡¯ll be wronged, won¡¯t I? We''re not even close to that stage." "Let''s not talk about that for now. Our university ssmates Zhou Kun, Su Chan, Li Qingzhu, and Kong Yi saw that ''Wang''s Contempt'' photo and think it looks like you. They''ve contacted me, knowing you''re in New World, and want to have a reunion," Qin Cheng said. There were quite a few ssmates from New World, and with those who came from Old World, the number was substantial. Wang Xuan nodded and responded, "I know about it. Zhou Kun and Su Chan got my contact information from you and called me. Let''s wait for a while, I might be busy with some things in the near future." Recently, he noticed people lurking around his rented ce, clearly being observed by various parties through a magnifying ss, watching his every move. It was possible that trouble might arise. Musing to himself, Wang Xuan thought, "Rather than letting them sneak around, I might as well give them a chance to contact me directly. This constant skulking about is really annoying." Just then, his phone rang. It was Zhou Yun. "Hey, Little Wang, how have you been? Want to hang out? We''ve got sea parties, gatherings on the moon, all sorts of fun ces to choose from. I''ll introduce you to some new friends." "I''ve got some matters to handle right now, let''s make nster. Where are you?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Oh, I''m just racing spaceships with friends in outer space," Zhou Yun replied, repeatedly inviting him to join for some rxation beyond the atmosphere. What more could Wang Xuan say? Zhou Yun''s life was indeed full of excitement and envy. He really should learn from him to rx a bit, but at the moment, he simply didn''t have the time. After hanging up the phone, Wang Xuan dered, "I''ve decided. First, I need to earn money to support myself, and strive to buy a small spaceship, so I can go above the nine heavens anytime to gather various innate energies and essences." "What are you nning to do?" Qin Cheng asked curiously. "Open a wellness center," Wang Xuan announced. It wasn¡¯t a spur-of-the-moment idea; he had seriously considered it. With many eyes on him, he decided to give them a chance to approach him. If there were any troubles, he preferred to confront them head-on. Besides, he did intend to use this opportunity to conduct some business and obtain ancient texts. The rejuvenated appearance of Qian An, brimming with vitality and looking years younger, had already caused a stir in certain circles. People were already reaching out to him through Qian An, wanting to discuss potential deals. Wang Xuan, being proactive, immediately began scouting locations in Suzhou City with Qin Cheng. However, he was soon dismayed by the exorbitant real estate prices. Every storefront was priced in the tens of millions, which was staggering. ¡°This is... a bit excessive, isn¡¯t it?¡± Wang Xuan was taken aback. ¡°That''s how it is in a first-tier city like Suzhou ¨C every inch ofnd is worth its weight in gold,¡± Qin Cheng said, shrugging. Wang Xuan checked out some properties in good locations with ample space, only to find their prices exceeding a billion. He could only shake his head at the astronomical figures. In truth, if he liquidated the items he possessed, like the Sun Gold Spear, the Earth Immortal Spring, and the Mountain Conch, he could easily afford the property he was eyeing. However, he was unwilling to part with these items, knowing such treasures would be hard toe by again. "I regret not making some extra money when I annihted the Ashen Blood organization," Wang Xuanmented, realizing he had missed several opportunities. At the very least, during the ying of the two transcendent beings from the realm of New Art, he could have collected some of their blood. Selling even a small amount to Qian An would have fetched a fortune! "I¡¯ve been so immersed in cultivationtely that I almost forgot I''m living in the real world, in the midst of society. It¡¯s time to start earning money!" He was now almost hoping for the Ashen Blood organization to seek revenge, providing him another chance to ''collect some dues''. Wang Xuan discreetly rented a space, paying an exorbitant rental fee. The processes for approvals and permits in New World were impressively efficient. He and Qin Cheng quicklypleted all the necessary procedures and hung up the sign for the Wellness Center. "Is this an ancient martial arts center? A ce for sparring? We''d like to test our skills," someone eagerly approached, as Wang Xuan had anticipated. "This ce is for nurturing life, not for martial fights or sparring. You¡¯re in the wrong ce," Qin Cheng informed them. "No, we do offer that service; it¡¯s mentioned on our business license," Wang Xuan interjected with a smile. "From now on, you¡¯ll be in charge of this area," he said to Qin Cheng. "Old Wang, are you trying to kill me?" Qin Cheng''s face fell. Wang Xuan exined, "Ancient martial arts requirebat and battles. You have the foundation now, but what youck is realbat experience." The visitors, having encountered Qian An, swiftly retreated without causing any trouble. Soon after, Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng, brother and sister, arrived to support the opening. Then Zhou Yun showed up, eximing, "Old Wang, is this for real? Old Qian mentioned that this ce can extend one¡¯s life by five years? Even my grandfather is interested. He''s prepared some texts, and he sent me to check it out first!" "It depends on the individual and their specific situation. Old Qian is special. He pursues inner peace and has recreated an ancient Taoist temple at his home. I found it particrly conducive for him to meditate, which greatly aids in nourishing his life and extending his years." Wang Xuan was keen to understand more, not just about the ancient texts but also about any families possessing millennium-old Taoist temples or Buddhist monasteries. These too were his targets, likely to be useful in the near future. At that moment, someone delivered a letter to him. In this age, it was rare for people tomunicate through written letters on paper. Wang Xuan tore open the envelope, and his expression sharpened immediately. The paper, stained with blood and exuding a faint metallic scent, bore a brief message: "Congrattions on your grand opening. Within ten days, I shall borrow your head for a use." The simple words, devoid of excessive insults or curses, were nheless brimming with murderous intent, targeting Wang Xuan''s life. At the bottom of the note was a distinct symbol, the emblem of the Ashen Blood organization. Qian An''s face paled upon seeing it. This organization, even after losing one of its branches, dared to threaten Wang Xuan, who had a close rtionship with Chen Yongjie, a known transcendent being! "Is this someone trying to weigh you up, or is it a bloody act of revenge?" Zhong Qing frowned. "It''s gone too far. This organization is asking to be wiped out. They''ve been taught a lesson before, haven''t they?" Zhong Cheng added his thoughts. "There''s confidence behind their actions. Most likely, they''re backed by some major financial powerhouses. Who knows?" Wang Xuan spected, a cold determination brewing in the depths of his eyes. Were these provocations intended to hasten his "growth," to push him towards greater strength? Chapter 218: It’s A Catastrophe! Chapter 218: It¡¯s A Catastrophe! ¡°Some things have gone too far, we should send a warning,¡± said Qian An, his face stern, indicating his seriousness. In the New World, the conglomerates were not intimidated by the Ashen Blood organization, having sufficient confidence to stand against them. ¡°In this day and age, still resorting to such intimidation tactics, why keep such an organization around if not to eradicate it?¡±ined Zhou Yun. ¡°We need to look into the branches of the Ashen Blood organization, perhaps even their headquarters. Their unbridled assassinations, if left unchecked, could destabilize the New World,¡± voiced Zhong Cheng, expressing his dissatisfaction and advocating for a thorough investigation of the organization. Qian An, aware of theplexity ofpletely eliminating the Ashen Blood due to its probable deep connections with certain conglomerates, said little. After speaking with Wang Xuan, he hurried off to gather information, intending to coordinate with others to sternly deal with the organization. Soon, Qian An ryed unsettling news. His voice was grave as he informed that his inquiries had been met with warnings not to get involved, a development beyond his expectations. He hadn¡¯t even formally reached out to the Ashen Blood before being dissuaded, an abnormality in itself. ¡°Be careful, Wang Xuan,¡± Qian An advised earnestly over the phone, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Zhong Cheng, outraged, eximed, ¡°This is outrageous! What kind of ce is the New World? Ashen Blood, acting as mercenaries, might survive by exploring beyond the domain, but to brazenlymit assassinations and send death threats within the New World is suicidal!¡± Zhong Qing added, ¡°They haven¡¯t directly targeted the major conglomerates or institutions of the New World, but their misdeeds towards others are not negligible. They have always had enough audacity to persist.¡± Zhong Cheng, still indignant, asserted, ¡°Why not eradicate them? I believe if everyone is truly determined to deal with them, they could be wiped out quickly!¡± ¡°Naive!¡± Zhong Qing cast a nce at her brother, exining, ¡°Their gradual rise in power, do you think it''s a coincidence? Do you know for whom they¡¯re doing the dirty work? There must be top-tier organizations or rted conglomerates supporting them from behind!¡± ¡°Wang Xuan, wait for my news. I¡¯ll ask around to find out who¡¯s stirring up trouble,¡± Zhou Yun said confidently as he left. He believed that since Old Chen, as a Transcendent, could obliterate a branch of the Ashen Blood, finding clues could lead to further damaging the organization. However, upon returning to his family, Zhou Yun was sternly warned by his elders to stay away from the current turmoil and continue his carefree life. This reaction indicated to him the severity of the situation. ¡°Wang Xuan, I tried to talk tough but ended up being rebuffed. My family wants me to stay away from this whirlpool of troubles, sensing something unusually ominous about it,¡± he reported back. Wang Xuan frowned, concerned by this development that even some in the conglomerates were apprehensive, signaling a deeper crisis. ¡°You all should leave as well. If something happens, I might not be able to protect you,¡± Wang Xuan advised the Zhong siblings. ¡°If only my great-grandfather wasn''t in his deep slumber, he could have intervened,¡± Zhong Chengmented. The Zhong family, a super conglomerate, was at a pivotal juncture. Although their operations didn¡¯t rely on any one individual, Old Zhong¡¯s awakening as a Transcendent would offer a different kind of support. ¡°We¡¯ll gather information and inform you. Take care,¡± said the Zhong siblings as they heeded Wang Xuan''s urging to leave. ¡°Wang Xuan, you should call Old Chen back,¡± Qin Cheng spoke gravely, sensing the gravity of the situation. The apparent target might be Wang Xuan, but the real focus was likely on Old Chen, the Transcendent. ¡°Return to Kaiyuan University,¡± Wang Xuan instructed Qin Cheng, ¡°I believe the organization''s hunting targets are me and Old Chen. Don¡¯t argue; your presence here won¡¯t help. I¡¯ll wait for them to show up and see their methods!¡± he said with a coldugh. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Qin Cheng, though worried, followed Wang Xuan¡¯s advice and departed. His staying would only be a burden and risk. He knew well that Wang Xuan had reached a height in his cultivation journey that he couldn''tprehend. As a friend, Qin Cheng saw his role as handling worldly matters for Wang Xuan, but as for troubles on the path of cultivation, he was powerless to assist. Wang Xuan sat in meditation, contemting the unexpected turn of events. The undercurrents were fierce and unpredictable. Even Qian An had been advised not to get involved in this matter. "The situation is serious," Wang Xuan mused. Either the Ashen Blood organization had gone mad, revealing information to relevant parties and seeking a desperate, all-out confrontation, spilling blood indiscriminately. Or, perhaps, a super conglomerate or top-tier organization was emerging from the shadows, making everyone cautious. If top-tier powers were involved, the situation was indeed grim. Wang Xuan understood that if top forces were manipting the Ashen Blood organization, it represented a part of New World''s major institutions and conglomerates opposing Transcendents. Some epted the existence of Transcendents, while others, more conservative, sought to maintain control, refusing to allow such exceptional individuals to emerge. "In summary, this seems like an action targeting me, but it might have far-reaching implications, representing a conservative faction within the conglomerates against Transcendents," Wang Xuan analyzed deeply. If this was the case, it was indeed a watershed event. If he and Old Chen could withstand this conservative onught, Transcendents might coexist with these powers in the future. However, if they failed, certain top-tier organizations and conglomerates would intensify their efforts to never allow Transcendents like them to break free from their ''iron curtain'' of control. They were the rule-makers, never permitting individuals who might rise above them. Only the more progressive conglomerates were likely observing from the sidelines, not participating, not hindering, just waiting for the dust to settle. "Steady, Wang Xuan," Old Chen called. He didn''t say much over the phone, knowing that Wang Xuan would have understood the situation. If truly the conglomerates were involved, supporting the Ashen Blood organization against them, then theirmunications were likely being monitored and unsafe. Old Chen frowned, aware that this was going to be a significant and bloody confrontation. Recently, he had been frequently invited out, and now he found himself in Yong''an City, located about 1500 li east of Suzhou City. "Old Chen, take care. If someone wants my head, they will likely try to eliminate you first!" Wang Xuan warned gravely. That night, Wang Xuan received encrypted information from Zhong Cheng, revealing that super conglomerates were behind the recent events. "Indeed, a storm is brewing," he pondered. If they weren''t in a major city, he suspected someone might have alreadyunched a warship attack on him and Old Chen. "Right now, it seems certain people truly don''t want Transcendents to emerge, or if they do, they want to keep them under their control," Zhong Cheng cautioned him to be wary of an impending brutal crackdown. Shocked, Wang Xuan learned from his family elders that simr incidents had urred in the New Technique domain. There had been two severe spacecraft malfunction incidents in outer space, likely staged "idents." Despite their strength, the New Technique practitionerscked the capability to travel far, depending on major powers'' interster ships for transit between the New World and the Superstar universe. Those in the New Technique domain were probably bowing their heads now, under the mysterious influence of significant powers orchestrating behind the scenes. Soon after, Zhou Yun shared some information about the Ashen Blood organization with Wang Xuan in secret, including a potential location for one of their bases. That very night, Old Chen, using his connections, gathered extensive intelligence. And at dawn, he abruptly left Yong''an City and stormed into a mountain area two hundred li away, forcefully taking action. That day, an Ashen Blood organization base was eradicated by Old Chen''s transcendent power. The news sent shockwaves across various factions. The hunt against the Transcendents hadn''t even started, and Chen Yongjie had already made a preemptive strike, disying remarkable assertiveness. The site Old Chen targeted turned out to be an Ashen Blood subdivision. The details of the location, somehow known to him, led to the explosion of their underground energy system, leveling the ce to the ground. After striking, Old Chen immediately vanished, using the dense forest to cloak his movements and destroying various detection devices before swiftly returning to the city. Had this been a decapitation strike against a major power, the sess rate would have been rmingly high. This bold move left many unsettled, as Chen Yongjie''s proactive aggression showed no signs of submission. Unexpectedly, the Ashen Blood organization was the first to react, issuing a protest. "False usations! We did not issue a kill order against Wang Xuan. Someone is impersonating us to stir trouble!" they dered, outraged, condemning Chen Yongjie as a ruthless executioner. Many were taken aback by this development. Even Wang Xuan was surprised upon receiving the news. Was this incident unrted to the Ashen Blood organization? Were they just pawns, caught up in someone else''s game? Naturally, Old Chen didn''t publicly admit to eradicating another Ashen Blood subdivision. He denied involvement and expressed regret over the situation. He quickly had Qian An convey a message to relevant circles on his behalf, emphasizing that Transcendents wouldn''t remain a handful. More would emerge soon. "Whether you ept it or not, myth is merging with reality. Even if I am killed this time, other Transcendents will appear, and the overall trend cannot be changed," he dered. "Now is not the time for obstruction but for facilitation, to establish rules for Transcendents, maintaining the necessary peace. The first emerging Transcendents are not the destroyers ofw, nor challengers, but rather the future''s stabilizing bast. Following consultations among various parties, existing Transcendents will contribute their strength to safeguard the stability and peace of the New World." "In ancient times, humans and deities coexisted in harmony and stability. Now, with the brilliance of technology that can swiftly kill Earth Immortals, Transcendents and ordinary people can naturally coexist in the same world..." Old Chen spoke a great deal, instructing Qian An to ry his words to various organizations and powers. And, on the same day, he abruptly appeared hundreds of miles away in Pingyuan City, the stronghold of the super-wealthy Qin family. This move sent shivers down the spines of all involved parties. Qian An, rmed, contacted him, advising caution: "Old Chen, hold steady. It''s not yet clear if the Qin family is behind the plot to kill you. If you act against them at this juncture, it could trigger a major crisis,pelling all sides to take a stand. Attacking core members of a top-tier family could spark an earthquake, rming all major forces and forcing them into a united front against Transcendents!" Old Chen left Pingyuan City that day without any further incident, his visit serving merely as a statement. Yet, his sudden presence there still deeply affected many. The next day, Qian An warned Old Chen, "Yesterday, warships appeared above the Qin family''s territory..." Two dayster, near Suzhou City, Old Chen was ambushed! "Wang Xuan, Old Chen is in trouble! Stay calm, don''t panic, don''t act rashly. You can extend the lifespans of those in the financial consortiums; they won''t seek to kill you..." Qian An''s urgent voice came through the phone. Old Chen... had met with an unexpected incident, blood spattering his path! Wang Xuan''s eyes instantly became icy and profound. How could he possibly stand idly by? Chapter 219: The Transcendents’ Defeat Chapter 219: The Transcendents¡¯ Defeat "You''re really pushing me to grow stronger with every step," Wang Xuan stood in Suzhou City, his gaze fixated on the distant horizon, where the clouds danced, his aura brimming with barely contained fury. Uncertainty about Old Chen''s fate gnawed at him. If the worst hade to pass, regardless of who was responsible, he was resolute in his decision to retaliate fiercely and eradicate the threat. Qian An, in a rare moment, managed to establish a hasty, fragmented video connection with Old Chen. The image of Old Chen, drenched in blood and bearing grave injuries, was not something Wang Xuan could or would ept. Was Old Chen actually being hunted? "Don¡¯t panic. I am trying to piece together what follows next," assured Qian An, conveying thetest snippets of information he had gathered. Old Chen, ever cautious, had refrained from using aerial transport. However, when he was a mere three hundred miles from Suzhou City, a spacecraft had "mysteriously" crashed, plummeting like aet towards earth, directly targeting him. Wang Xuan, upon receiving this news, experienced a chilling contraction of his pupils and tightened his fists in response. There were established protocols in New World forbidding the use of super-weapons on the¡¯s surface, to avert catastrophic fallout. At this juncture, no rules had been broken; no battleships had been deployed against Old Chen. "It''s been staged as an ''ident''," deduced Wang Xuan, his face set in a mask of icy resolve. The lengths to which these people had gone to eliminate Old Chen were unimaginable, surpassing the destructiveness of super-weapons. Wang Xuan readied himself to leave the city and rendezvous with Old Chen. "Wang Xuan, Old Chen is still alive. I managed a fleeting connection with him. His condition is precarious, seriously injured, and he is pursued by an enigmatic powerful adversary," ryed Qian An in another urgent call. "Mr. Qian, please, send me Old Chen¡¯s precise location," requested Wang Xuan with a steady voice. Qian An, speaking solemnly, warned, "Be cautious, Wang Xuan. Even Old Chen is in peril. Rushing in might lead you into a trap." He advised Wang Xuan to maintain hisposure, revealing that he was attempting to reach out to various connections, hoping to negotiate with those involved and ensure Old Chen''s safety. "Wang Xuan," he said, "if anyone wants me to extend their life, I can do it. But only if they immediately stop hunting Old Chen!" Wang Xuan stepped out of Suzhou City, heading in a direction based on the information he had received earlier. He believed that if Old Chen were still alive, he would also be heading towards Suzhou City. Since some already suspected he was a transcendent, Wang Xuan saw no need to hide his abilities any longer. To save Old Chen, he was prepared to fully unleash his power and wipe out those responsible. Some timeter, Qian An called again, saying, "Wang Xuan, I''ve asked people to save Old Chen, but it seems they''ve ignored my request. They only mentioned you... that you won''t die." Wang Xuan took a deep breath. These people spared him to use his life-extending abilities for themselves? What were they thinking? He acknowledged the strength and ruthlessness of this group but was appalled by their arrogance. Did they really expect him to bend to their will after they killed Old Chen? Of course, he didn''t entirely believe them. The situation was tooplex, and the real enemy had yet to reveal themselves. He couldn''t fully trust anyone. Then, Qian An updated him on Old Chen''s condition: "Old Chen is nearing Suzhou City, coughing up blood." Old Chen had traveled another two hundred li while severely injured? Wang Xuan pushed his spiritual realm to its limits, his brow shining with light, surrounded by a mystical aura, as he moved in a certain direction. In just moments, he sensed a familiar presence. Qian An''s information was urate. The bloodied Old Chen had appeared. He was moving incredibly fast, almost flying close to the ground, leaving the earth beneath him cracked and broken. Using all his strength, disregarding everything, he ran on. Wang Xuan''s heart sank seeing Old Chen''s condition. His shoulder was torn, one arm nearly severed, his eyes vacant and unfocused, driven solely by his indomitable will. Old Chen''s physical injuries weren''t the main concern; as long as his body remained intact, he could slowly recover with the Earth Immortal Spring contained in the fragment of the blessednd within him. But Wang Xuan was puzzled by Old Chen''s spirit, which seemed so withered, almost dispersing. As Wang Xuan hastened to meet Old Chen, the elder appeared to have exhausted hisst bit of energy. His eyes, increasingly unfocused, barely managed to utter, "Be careful... strange treasure!" before he lost consciousness. Wang Xuan quickly administered several mouthfuls of the Earth Immortal Spring to Old Chen and sprinkled some on his wounds. He then hoisted Old Chen onto his back, holding a short sword, ready to confront any danger. Suddenly, a hovercar plummeted from a height of about fifteen meters, hurtling directly towards Wang Xuan. This deliberate act of aggression, yet another "ident," fueled his anger. Were they really trying to cover the sky with one hand? The hovercar''s dive, though less powerful than a spaceship, was still a significant threat. Was this a disy of their control over New World, or did they really believe he was only a master-level practitioner? Wang Xuan''s eyes were cold. Without any exaggerated movements, he deftly dodged the vehicle while still carrying Old Chen, distancing themselves from the crash site. ncing back, Wang Xuan saw no sign of the mysterious assassin. Old Chen had been too quick in his escape over the mountains and valleys, temporarily eluding their pursuers. Upon entering Suzhou City with Old Chen on his back, Wang Xuan ignored the curious nces of passersby and headed straight to the "Healing Hall." There, he thoroughly examined Old Chen''s injuries. Even the body of a transcendent like Old Chen bore numerous wounds from the violent explosion caused by the plummeting spaceship. A normal person would have undoubtedly perished in such an incident. The impact area was so vast that even the most agile would struggle to escape and would likely be reduced to ashes. Old Chen had managed to avoid the central area of the explosion, but he was still caught by the sweeping energy, drenched in blood. The most severe injury, however, came from a cold weapon; one of his arms was nearly severed, indicating a transcendent had also taken part in the assault. These wounds, while serious, weren''t fatal for someone with Old Chen''s resilience and could heal over time. What puzzled Wang Xuan was Old Chen''s stupor; his spiritual domain had beenpromised. "He warned me about a strange treasure. Was he injured by some sort of mystical artifact?" Wang Xuan mused, his expression grave. In an instant, his spirit left his body. Despite the potential danger of pursuers arriving, he wasn''t concerned about leaving his physical form unattended. In fact, his sensory range expanded further when his spirit was detached, allowing him to detect enemies more readily. His primary concern now was to ascertain what exactly had happened to Old Chen''s spiritual domain. As expected, under the scrutiny of his spiritual eye, nothing could hide; he spotted three dark red arrows embedded in Old Chen''s spiritual domain. This discovery sent a shock through Wang Xuan, marking the first time he had encountered such a phenomenon. The arrows weren''t physical entities but rather a peculiar form of energy, each marked with unique symbols. "Old Chen, can you hear me?" Wang Xuan called out, cautious not to disturb the arrows. But Old Chen''s spiritual domain remained undisturbed, even more silent than if he were merely asleep. Wang Xuan reached out with his spirit, attempting to remove one of the dark red arrows. However, as he neared it, he sensed imminent danger. He had a premonition that attempting to extract the arrow might trigger its explosion. Such a tricky situation left Wang Xuan perplexed as his spirit returned to his body, his brow furrowed in concern. "Someone''sing!" Wang Xuan sensed prying eyes. Were they the ones who had pursued Old Chen? The location of the Health Preservation Hall was not in the busiest part of town, but there were still quite a few pedestrians on the street. The mysterious individual didn''t strike immediately, instead offering a smile and departing. Undoubtedly, he would return, seemingly reluctant to reveal his extraordinary powers in broad daylight. Wang Xuan sensed the man''s strength and the danger he posed. It was likely the strange treasure that had alerted him, a threat even to Wang Xuan. "Little Wang, how is Old Chen? Did you bring him into the city?" Qian An''s voice came through the phone, filled with surprise. "He''s injured," Wang Xuan replied sinctly. "I''ll send the best doctors over." "Thank you, but no need," Wang Xuan politely declined. Half an hourter, the Zhong siblings called, evidently shaken by the news. "Has Chen Transcendent been seriously injured?" The Zhong family was indeed extraordinary. Even their younger members had received word of the incident, indicating how quickly the news had spread among their circles. The defeat of a transcendent, this news swiftly circted, stirring discussions within the relevant groups. "Little Wang, there''s a rumor going around that Old Chen won''t make it. Even if he miraculously survives, they won''t let him off. Do you need our help? We can send someone to pick you up..." Zhong Cheng''s offer was sincere. Despite his limited influence at home, his eagerness to assist Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie was evident. Zhong Qing interjected, "I''ll try to persuade our family. But since my great-grandfather hasn''t awakened yet and the family is prioritizing stability, they likely won''t want to provoke the involved parties. My great-grandfather, once awake, will also be a transcendent, making this a sensitive time." Wang Xuan had saved her life in the Hidden Land, rescuing her from a marsh in the dead of night, a kindness she hadn''t forgotten. "For now, no need, but I appreciate the offer," Wang Xuan responded, ending the call. ¡­¡­ Soon after, Zhou Yun also reached out to Wang Xuan. He held great respect for Old Chen, and was shaken to learn of his severe injuries and possible demise. "My grandfather says those people probably won''t allow Old Chen to live. They''ll strike like thunder to demonstrate their power. But they n to spare you, to take you away," Zhou Yun informed Wang Xuan in a hushed, coded message. The defeat of the transcendent was causing a stir in certain circles, many waiting for the final oue. After hanging up, Wang Xuan sat in calm contemtion, tuning himself to his best condition, his hand idly caressing the cold de of his short sword. As the sun set and the street remained busy, the mysterious figure appeared. His every action and its consequences were easily manageable, given the powerful backing he had. "A transcendent has fallen? And yet the one whoes is also a transcendent..." Wang Xuan pondered in his room. The fact that this force couldmand a transcendent spoke volumes of its immense power and terror. A man in ck approached from the end of the street, carrying an ancientmp etched with the marks of time, emitting a dim, crimson light. Wang Xuan reflected, "I''ve only focused on the texts and manuscripts these conglomerates have unearthed, overlooking that they''ve also dug up significant treasures." In the modern society of the New World, the man''s vintage attire stood out in the pitch-dark surroundings, all street lights extinguished, save for the ancientmp illuminating his cold, rigid face. Even from a hundred meters away, the ancientmp in the man''s hand emitted a hazy glow. The arrow engravings on it seemed toe alive as they absorbed the dark red light and shot out a beam. A dark red arrow flew at high speed towards the Health Preservation Hall! "All wille to an end now. The transcendent will either bow or perish. No one can stand above the rules we''ve set. The transcendent has fallen!" someone dered in the distance. At the same time, numerous tiny surveince devices, like a swarm of insects, converged towards the Health Preservation Hall, ready to record everything that was about to unfold. Chapter 220: Unveiling Chapter 220: Unveiling With the streetlights extinguished, this area of the city was plunged into darkness, broken only by a dark red beam that sliced through the oppressive gloom, rapidly entering the Health Preservation Hall. In the dim room, devoid of light, Wang Xuan''s eyes were clear. He swung his short sword, creating a dazzling sh like a striking whip, shing forward. The dark red arrow prated the wall, leaving a tiny hole. It was short, no longer than a pen, but intricately crafted. The arrow, covered in dense symbols and emitting a red halo, trailed a tail several meters long, creating a mesmerizing yet intimidating sight. Like a red meteor from outer space, it suddenly crashed into the room, aiming to destroy everything within. The short sword gleamed brilliantly as Wang Xuan, with precise and powerful strokes, bisected the palm-sized dark red arrow. The de''s sharpness was unmatched, silently severing the arrow. However, Wang Xuan felt no triumph, only tension tightening his skin. He moved like a ghost, leaving a trail of afterimages in the room, his every hair standing on end. The bisected arrow, in a moment, rejoined into oneplete dark red arrow. The special symbols on its shaft glowed faintly, filling the dark room with a sinister red hue. Whoosh! The arrow, swift as lightning, chased after Wang Xuan, aiming to pierce his spirit. His short sword, though not ordinary, had never been used to unleash any bizarre runes; it had only relied on its sharp de for defense. Suddenly, Wang Xuan sheathed the sword, choosing not to block with it anymore. As the scorching, painful edge drew near, Wang Xuan jerked his head aside, dodging the red beam aimed at his forehead, his eyes emitting tangible beams of light. He attempted to alter the arrow''s trajectory with his spirit, but his entire spiritual domain throbbed with pain. This arrow was too abnormal, posing a grave threat to him. In the instant the arrow flew past, it turned back around, intertwining dark red beams and a dense array of symbols surging towards him, seeking to embed itself within his body. Wang Xuan repeatedly swung his hand, bombarding the arrow with mysterious forces, but to little effect. He now understood Old Chen''s helplessness. Facing such an extraordinary relic, evasion seemed impossible, and it couldn''t be effectively destroyed. Was his only option to withstand it with his spiritual domain? This was likely no ordinary relic, but rather a formidable artifact unearthed by the financial powerhouses from the ancient mythological era, now activated by them, its power unpredictable. Wang Xuan faced such an extraordinary relic for the first time,cking experience. He invoked the scriptures recorded on the stone tablet, resonating his body and spirit together, causing his power to surge dramatically. He continuously flicked his fingers, unleashing thunderous sts one after another, deafening in the dark night, all targeting the dark red arrow. Although it broke repeatedly, it always reformed. Wang Xuan realized that all physical attacks were less effective than direct intervention with his spiritual domain. But Old Chen served as a cautionary tale, currently in a state akin to a living dead. Relics were not just mere talk. Wang Xuan gained a sober and profound understanding of the relics left from the ancient transcendental era on this night. A true relic could shift the tide of battle. This was not like the weapons he had seen in the Hidden Lands. It was a genuine marvel unearthed from the ruins of ancient great teachings, possessing astonishing power. Wang Xuan did not panic, still confident in himself. All miraculous scenes resonated, emerging vividly. Misty celestial mountains, a falling sun over a volcanicva field, a blueke expanding into an ocean... all fused with his spiritual domain, enhancing his strength significantly. Hiss! The dark red arrow flew towards his body. This time, there was no escape, and Wang Xuan no longer wished to remain passive. His spiritual power surged wildly, resonating with the miraculous visions, in harmony with the physical world. The red arrow pierced into Wang Xuan''s spiritual domain, plunging into the scene of the falling red sun and the moltenvandscape, where it was swallowed by the spectacle and restrained. What were these miraculous scenes? After stepping into the transcendental realm, Wang Xuan connected to the enigmatic spiritual world, capturing a corner of it and manifesting it into his reality. Normally, even in the age when myths were not decayed, no one could glimpse into those mysteriousyers of the spiritual world. Of course, Wang Xuan had only touched upon a vague corner of the firstyer of this spiritual world, drawing strands of bizarre energy to form these wondrous spectacles. The dark red arrow became utterly silent within these visions. Darkness returned to the room, devoid of light, save for Wang Xuan''s eyes shining brightly. He felt reassured. The relic from the ancient transcendental era was indeed powerful, but his ability to reach this stage and form these visions was also extraordinary. Even in ancient times, at his current realm, essing the firstyer of the spiritual world was believed to be capable of countering legendary relics. All of this transpired in the blink of an eye. From the moment the man in ck appeared with thentern, to the dimming of the arrow, it was all but a fleeting instant. Wang Xuan noticed swarms of tiny detectors flying in the street and mid-air, approaching and attempting to enter the room. A terrifying arc of electricity shot out, tearing through the darkness and illuminating the street where the lights had gone out. The costly detectors fell in droves, destroyed. In an instant, the street was plunged back into darkness. The man in ck continued his approach to the health pavilion, unchanging in rhythm, still carrying the ancientntern. His face remained cold and rigid, like wearing an expressionless mask. Under the dim red light of thentern, his visage appeared chilling and sinister. ¡­¡­ At that moment, the street was deserted, with only the forceful steps of the man in ck echoing. "Unexpected, there was a burst of transcendental thunder, is Chen Yongjie revived, or is Wang Xuan truly a transcendent as well?" Two figures observed the scene from afar, using high-tech means to monitor the street''s activity. "Whoever it is, they should have been hit by an arrow just now and won''tst long." Simultaneously, they looked up to see a warship approaching silently like a looming cloud, appearing in the sky above Suzhou City. On this starless night, its presence was intimidating, evoking a sense of oppression and fear. Undoubtedly, this was a disy of formidable deterrence. In this era, the irond body of such a warship, if it were to open fire, could crush everything in its path. ... That evening, various parties awaited news, anticipating the oue of this battle. "What? There''s a warship hovering over Suzhou City? What are they nning to do? That''s a city with a poption of millions; they''re going too far!" "Thunderous strikes to demonstrate power, but they can''t break the rules. Even just flying over is uneptable. What if an ident happens?" Immediate pressure was exerted by concerned parties, insisting that no one should cross the line. The warship silently drifted away, disappearing into the horizon. At this time, the relevant circles were abuzz with discussion, unable to find peace, as the oue seemed imminent. The major forces that had initiated the action had already spread the word externally, determined to end everything. The prevailing belief was that the transcendent had been defeated, and it seemed unlikely that the oue would change. On the dark street, the man in ck had now approached the Health Hall,unching a second arrow from his ancientmp. Themp''s hazy glow intertwined with the red mes, and the arrow, like a streak of rainbow light, prated into the room. This time, Wang Xuan didn¡¯t evade. His spiritual domain and the miraculous sceneries merged, forming a protective around him. The dark red arrow, resembling a falling meteor, entered the blue sea scenery and instantly quieted down. The man in the retro outfit, emotionless, stepped into the building. His transcendent power was evident, revealing his formidable strength. In an instant, he entered the room. Wang Xuan unleashed a punch, radiant with thunderous light, aimed at the man. The man in ck remained calm, his ancientmp casting a protective halo around him, intertwining lights creating a defensive screen while another arrow shot forth. When Wang Xuan neutralized the third dark red arrow, his eyes still sparkling, the man¡¯s expression finally changed. His attacks hadn¡¯t had the intended effect? Themp was a true treasure, surviving from the era of decaying myths, its extraordinary nature and immense value were undeniable. In the darkness, thunderbolts struck one after another, all targeting the man. The light from themp flickered, sessfully blocking the strikes, but the protective screen was also weakening and dimming. Realizing the situation was turning dire, the man knew the transcendent energy of the ancientmp was being depleted and needed replenishment of super-materials urgently. He toounched an attack, with dense mes boiling in his hand, threatening to incinerate everything. But Wang Xuan¡¯s punch descended, extinguishing all the mes. The man in ck''s heart sank as he realized that his opponent was far stronger. With the super-materials in the ancientmp depleted, it couldn''t unleash its full potential, and he stood no chance against Wang Xuan. He was astounded by Wang Xuan''s youth and formidable power, recognizing him as a transcendent, a hidden and far more terrifying threat than Chen Yongjie. His pupils contracted in shock. Despite previous spections about Wang Xuan, confronting him firsthand was a stark revtion of his true power. Attempting to flee, his path was severed by a dazzling sword light ¨C a flying sword shing towards him. The protective screen of themp quivered violently before beginning to copse. Wang Xuan approached, his punch descending heavily, causing the already dimming light screen to cave in and lose its luster. The screen shattered like porcin under his strike, and his fist, along with the sword light, tore through the man''s ck clothing, which was actually an ancient protective garment. However, it stood no chance against the incisive de. At this point, the man''s fate was sealed. His primary reliance, the ancientmp, had run out of super-material. Wang Xuan''s hand pressed onto his skull, instantly caving it in and utterly destroying his brain. Simultaneously, the sword light swept across, segmenting the man''s body into pieces, with blood sttering everywhere. Given the tenacity of a transcendent''s life force, Wang Xuan left no chance for survival, ensuring no intact corpse remained. ¡­¡­ As the ancientmp extinguished and fell, Wang Xuan caught it effortlessly. This treasured object had found a new owner. His gaze, profound and piercing, looked into the distance. Was this the end? No, it was merely the beginning. He believed that the forces seeking to annihte him and Chen Yongjie were not ready to conclude this saga ¨C a saga that would cost more blood and lives. Meanwhile, Zhou Yunmented his inability to intervene at this critical juncture. ustomed to a life of luxury and carefree days, he now found himself helplessly awaiting unwee news. "What about Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie..." he pondered with regret. In their specific circle, everyone waited for news, discussing and deliberating. Although it was believed that the transcendent had been defeated, they still awaited the final closure of this event. Wang Xuan, looking down at the severed body of the transcendent, noticed an imnted chip. He sensed two individuals spying from a distance. "The blood has just started to flow, and the curtain has only just been drawn back," he stated calmly, prepared for what was toe. Chapter 221: Fighting Back Against The Megacorps Chapter 221: Fighting Back Against The Megacorps Wang Xuan gazed at the corpse on the ground, observing that a chip had been imnted within the transcendent''s body. "I bow my head and see your tragic end. You bow yours and see the whims of the conglomerates, losing your freedom forever," he reflected somberly. Beyond the chip, there were other elements adhered to the flesh and even within the brain tissue, exining the numbness and apathy of the deceased. This transcendent had be a mere tool in the hands of others, a fate Wang Xuan foundmentable. The two individuals hiding atop a high-rise building sensed something amiss as their super-brain wrist devices emitted sharp rms. "What? Our man is dead, life signs ceased!" one eximed in disbelief. "He went hunting with an ancient and powerful artifact and ended up losing his own life?" Their faces paled at the unexpected and horrifying oue. Wang Xuan, sensing a premonition, unleashed his psychic power like a sweeping tidal wave, lifting the severed body parts into the night sky. In an instant, his spiritual essence returned to his body. Boom! A terrifying explosion erupted in the sky above the street. Fire and an umbre-shaped energy surge lit up the dark heavens. The transcendent''s resilient flesh, typically resistant to ordinary forces, not only exploded but also turned to ash. The potential devastation had it detonated amidst buildings and crowds was unimaginable. "Even in death, still a tool," Wang Xuan mused, his powerful spiritual domain sensing everything around him. He pinpointed the source of hostility to a high-rise building only a mile away. Instantly, his spirit left his body, streaking through the night sky like lightning, heading straight for the rooftop of that building. The two individuals there, believing they were safe at such a distance, were unaware of the impending danger. They wore metal wings, power devices enabling them to shoot into the night sky at incredible speeds ¨C which they were now doing in a desperate escape attempt. As the two individuals prepared to flee with their ck metal wings unfolding, they hadn''t anticipated facing someone like Wang Xuan, whose spiritual out-of-body capabilities extended for several miles. To other transcendent beings at this level, such a range was nearly impossible. With a sudden crash, the two felt as if they were forcefully pushed together. Their wings were damaged, causing them to fall back onto the rooftop. Energy sparks flew as their metal wings deformed and eventually broke, an unknown force destroying their propulsion system. Wang Xuan''s spirit could travel five to six miles from his body. At just a mile''s distance, he felt no significant strain. "Name, age, background..." A mysterious voice echoed in their minds, interrogating them like criminals, yet they saw no one. Chilled to the bone and sweating profusely, they remained silent. Wang Xuan didn''t actually need their responses. He used mental waves to question and guide, then directly captured their intense thought fluctuations caused by panic, gathering valuable information. In an instant, he identified them as members of a top power, linked to a particr family, yet not core members. The Sun family, a true super-conglomerate! In the New World, only five families could im the status of super-conglomerates, including the likes of the Zhong and Qin families. While Wang Xuan had spected about the Qin family''s involvement, the Sun family had now been confirmed. The Sun family, known for their immense strength, was rumored to have been involved in the excavation of the New Technique''s origin ¨C the Superstar, wielding significant influence. These two, with some degree of authority, were tasked with the dirty and arduous jobs of coordinating certain forces, exining their presence here. "You two aren''t high enough in the ranks to fullymand a transcendent being, are you? More like coordinators of rtionships," Wang Xuan stated again, manipting their thoughts with his mental prowess. Without needing their verbal confirmation, he was adept at capturing the answers from their agitated minds. "What a surprise, a big yer right here in Su City?" Wang Xuan mused internally. He initially felt a tinge of disappointment, as these men, though members of the Sun family, were not from its core lineage. However, he soon uncovered valuable information from their thoughts. Sun Chengquan, a key figure of the super-rich Sun family, in his forties, stood high in the family''s hierarchy. Despite the Sun family''s long-standing and secretive involvement in the exploration of the Superstar realm, the emergence of transcendent beings like Sun Chengquan was pivotal for them. It was he who regrly interfaced with the transcendent individual, and he who had selected the ancient, immensely valuablemp from the Sun family''s secret vault. "A direct descendant from a super-rich family... that''s a first for me," Wang Xuan remarked coolly. On the rooftop, the two men, realizing they were dealing with Wang Xuan, were gripped by a sudden fear for Sun Chengquan, a high-level member of their family. Chen Yongjie''s incapacitation and severe injuries only confirmed their worst fears: the young Wang Xuan was not just any transcendent being, but a formidable one. In an instant, terror took hold of them. For years, no one had dared to target a direct descendant of a super-rich family. With just a thought, Wang Xuan flipped one of the men, sending his head crashing down onto the rooftop. The impact was so severe that his skull was reduced to a gruesome mess. "All the ''idents'' you orchestrated today, with spaceships and hovercars. Now, it''s your turn to experience an ''ident,''" Wang Xuan''s voice echoed coldly,den with an ominous tone. His words drove the remaining man to the edge of terror, shaking uncontrobly as he pleaded desperately. "Please, don''t kill me!" Then, with a resounding thud, it was over. In response, an irresistible force sent him plummeting off the high-rise, crashing directly onto the deserted ground below. The body of the already deceased man followed, tumbling down after. Their "suicides" left enough traces to indicate their deaths were anything but ordinary. This was precisely Wang Xuan''s retort to the Sun family of the super-wealthy, retaliating with methods akin to their own. Regardless of the specifics, these were Sun family members. Even if only mid-level, their dual demise from a skyscraper would undoubtedly make headlines. For years, no one had dared to strike against the Sun family. Wang Xuan''s spirit instantly returned to the Wellness Hall. His physical form opened its eyes, and in the darkness, they were like two lightning bolts shing across the sky. He checked his phone for a map, searching for the hotel where Sun Chengquan was staying. "Not too far, just two miles away. Is this their way of savoring the downfall of a transcendent, witnessing their sad end?" Drinking a sip of the Earth Immortal Spring, Wang Xuan ensured his vitality and spirit remained at their peak. This time, the distance was slightly greater, and the action he nned was bound to cause a stir. After a brief rest of several seconds, he surveyed the area for any hostility or anomalies. Finding none, his spirit detached once more, racing towards the Fuyao Grand Hotel at an incredible speed. ¡­¡­ "Who knows how Old Wang is doing. With his personality, can he really bow down? If he has to watch Chen, a transcendent, die before his eyes, and in such a tragic manner, will Wang explode?" Zhong Cheng paced back and forth, furrowing his brows in anticipation of thetest news from Su City on this restless night. Zhong Qing remained quiet, her attention on themunications within the financial tycoon circles. However, she harbored a different spection. "Is he a transcendent? Could he strike back against all odds?" Her thoughts were nuanced, recalling how confidently Wang Xuan had faced those from other realms in the City of Earth Immortals. His confidence seemed beyond just relying on Chen. In another city, within the Zhou family, Zhou Yun sighed, "If Chen, the transcendent, is gone, and Wang acts rashly, could he endanger himself too? Those people are not to be trifled with." The night was restless for everyone involved. "Sorry for disturbing you sote, Elder Sun," Zhao Zejun was contacting a high-ranking member of the Sun family, the super-wealthy tycoons. He spoke politely, in the manner of a younger generation member. "Ah, Zhao, I understand what you mean. You want to save that young man, Wang Xuan, right? He once saved your daughter in the secret realm, I hear. Speaking of which, Qinghan is a smart and capable girl. It would be wonderful if she could marry into our Sun family," Elder Sun Rongting said with a lightugh, maintaining a calm conversation with Zhao Zejun. "If Wang Xuan behaves and listens, there shouldn''t be any danger. But if he''s immature, irrational, or acts rashly, it''s likely he''ll suffer a lot, maybe even end up disabled," Sun Rongting spoke evenly, his confidence clear. The Sun family, as a super-wealthy tycoon, was at its zenith, especially with the formidable power they had amassed over the past two years. "Today, Ling Qiming also approached me, wanting to save Chen Yongjie''s life. I know they were friends when they were younger, but I still refused him, making it clear that this has escted to a conflict of ideologies. The transcendent have already lost; if they don''t submit, they must die!" Sun Rongting ended the call without further ado, remainingposed throughout. He idly yed with a small yellow gourd in his hand, his demeanor unchanging. ¡­¡­ This night, many awaited the oue in Su City, with various families discussing the situation. Regardless of their stance or mindset, a consensus emerged that there was little suspense left. The operation was backed by a super-wealthy tycoon, promising to be incredibly formidable. In Su City, Wang Xuan''s spirit left his body, reaching the Fuyao Grand Hotel, two miles away, almost instantly. Sun Chengquan, as a key member of the Sun family''s direct lineage, ranked high among his peers and was surrounded by top-notch security. His floor was exclusively booked, guarded not only by skilled protectors but also by elite mechanical guards. The recent burst of fire in the sky had alerted Sun Chengquan to trouble. He rose and ordered an immediate departure. They moved swiftly to the expansive rooftop, where a small spacecraft awaited. Their response was rapid, aiming for a swift escape. However, Wang Xuan''s ability to project his spirit, disregarding the distance, allowed him to hover in mid-air, observing them coldly. He quickly tuned into the thoughts of some individuals, discerning the main target through their actions and words. Sun Chengquan, a high-ranking member of the Sun family and a true descendant, was now in his sights. Wang Xuan dove down, and Sun Chengquan, who was boarding the spacecraft, stumbled as a misty halo rose around his neck. It was an ancient-looking jade amulet, carved into a protective charm. Wang Xuan frowned; his initial strike had been blocked. The Sun family''s deep heritage was evident in Sun Chengquan''s possession of a transcendent object. Yet, he remained unbothered, knowing the jade couldn''tpare to the ancientmp. "Quick, get out of here!" Sun Chengquan''s face turned grim as the protective amulet shone. A group rushed onto the small spacecraft, but not before a crack appeared on the jade amulet on Sun Chengquan''s chest. "A Transcendent is nearby, hurry, leave Su City now!" Sun Chengquan yelled frantically as the spacecraft took off, soaring into the sky. Wang Xuan frowned, missing his chance to extract valuable information from a key member of the Sun family. As the spacecraft ascended, the jade amulet on Sun Chengquan''s neck exploded, snapping his neck and twisting his head backwards. The others aboard were petrified, their faces ashen as someone shouted, "elerate, get away from Su City!" As the spacecraft began its escape, soon to exceed Wang Xuan''s spiritual reach from his body, he made his move in these final moments. A terrifying sound echoed from within the small spacecraft, sparks flew, and a dreadful crack appeared in the main control room. Then, other areas, especially the energy transmission system, also malfunctioned. Fearful screams filled the small spacecraft. In the sky, amidst shing lights, the spacecraft sped away from the city, its course unchangeable despite internal issues. "You like to stage ¡®idents¡¯, right? Let me indulge you!" From the city, Wang Xuan''s spiritual form watched the craft fleeing towards the outskirts. Today, it was a ¡®idental¡¯ spacecraft explosion that had initially injured Chen Yongjie. With a thunderous explosion, dozens of miles away from Su City, in a forested area, a blinding energy burst erupted. The small spacecraft crashed into the mountain, disintegrating on impact, melting the surrounding terrain. Wang Xuan''s spirit returned to his body, his eyes opening calmly. "Killing just one high-ranking direct member of your family isn''t enough. You''ve shed too little blood, and you''re probably still not convinced." He knew this was far from the end. This night, as everyone awaited the final oue, news from Su City would inevitably cause a massive stir, marking it as a sleepless night. Chapter 222: Surprise! Chapter 222: Surprise! The entire streety in an eerie silence, the streetlights remaining off since their earlier extinguishment. Wang Xuan sat quietly, sensing his surroundings for a long time, ensuring there were no issues within several miles. His gaze then drifted to the ancientmp on the table before settling on the still, silent figure of Old Chen on the sickbed. ... Throughout the night, many had been waiting for hours. Although they had spected that there wouldn¡¯t be any more surprising twists and that everything would soone to an end, a portion of them remained vignt, eager to hear Su City''s final oue directly. "It''s quite interesting, isn''t it? So many familiar faces are up tonight, all waiting for news from Su City," Qin Hong chuckled, seated in the Qin family residence in Pingyuan City. He swirled his ss, the wine catching the light in a soft golden glow, a cold smile ying on his lips. "After all, they''re just a couple of fortunate warriors who''ve risen above their station, not worth my special attention. Let me know when there''s new information," Qin Hong said, stepping out onto the rooftop. He gazed at the stars and moon, immersing himself in the hazy night. His disdain for cultivators had only deepened, especially after the death of his offspring on the moon, fueling his animosity. In an ancient underground pce, the headquarters of the Ashen Blood organization, a raspy voice questioned, "Should we issue another blood hunt order? Last time, someone impersonated us to stir the pot." "Lao Chen, may your journey be peaceful. I tried my best, but still couldn''t save you,"mented Ling Qiming, standing in a reconstructed ancient temple at his home. He reminisced about the old days in the Old World with Chen Yongjie, shaking his head in resignation. He had personally reached out to the Sun family, but to no avail; Sun Rongting was adamant about exterminating all threats. In the Zhong family home, Old Zhong''s second son, Zhong Changming, instructed his descendants to avoid trouble and maintain calm and stability. The Zhong family would not get involved in these external affairs. In the heart of the Sun family''s estate, a calm discussion unfolded. "This evening has been busy, with numerous inquiries from various parties. Particrly, those life research institutes are keen on acquiring Chen Yongjie''s flesh. A transcendent being from the old martial arts domain is indeed a precious sample for experiments," a voice noted. "Keep the heart, the rest of the flesh can be sold. Ensure the head is preserved in culture fluid to retain vitality. It''s vital to delve into the mysteries of a transcendent''s mental energy," said another member of the Sun family, exuding a sense of control and readiness for the tasks ahead. They were preparing to dispatch experts to meticulously dissect Chen Yongjie''s remains. Across the influential echelons of the New World''s major organizations and financial dynasties, the transcendent event had captured the attention of both the powerful and the young. "Brother Sun, I hear your family managed to quash a rising transcendent. Zhou Yun has been touting his exploits in the secretnds with a transcendent, regaling tales of the mystical and treacherous Immortal City. Now, with his admired Chen Yongjie fallen, I wonder how he''ll keep up his boasts. I can''t help but feel secondhand embarrassment for him. Speaking of which, my uncle specifically requested a portion of Chen Yongjie''s remains for hisboratory. They''re in dire need of such rare materials," Sun Yichen said with a lightugh on the phone. This night, he had fielded several simr requests. "Come on, Song Kun, why the pretense? You want Chen Yongjie''s remains, right? I''ll reserve a portion for you. In an age where star destroyers are imminent, even more formidable mythical beings will meet their end without hesitation!" Throughout the night, Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng transitioned from worry to outrage as they discovered that some acquaintances were deriding them in hushed tones. Not long ago, these very people had shared Zhou Yun''s enthusiasm for the secretnds and expressed curiosity about transcendent beings, eager to connect with Old Chen and Wang Xuan. Now, with the news of the transcendent''s defeat, mocking whispers spread, painting Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng''s revered figures as mere paper tigers swiftly vanquished. Mostly, however, people chose to observe in silence, opting not to indulge in scornful remarks, merely waiting to witness the final oue. "Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous" Zhong Cheng muttered, pacing restlessly, irked to the core, especially after even a girl he fancied hinted at his wed judgment. Zhou Yun, in a surge of anger, abruptly embarked on a spaceship journey, heading directly to the New Moon, seeking sce and distance from the unfolding drama on the New World. ¡­¡­ In the quiet of the night, Zhou Yun felt an unbearable tightness in his chest, a mix of indignation and frustration that he couldn''t shake off. Feeling suffocated and unable to rescue Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, and now the butt of ridicule, he couldn''t bear to stay on Newstar any longer. Zhong Qing, however, maintained herposure. ncing at her brother, she said, ¡°Why be upset? Those who are speaking out, aren''t they just a few in number? They''re either too naive or have ulterior motives. Just ignore them. When you step out from the shadow of the Zhong family, people will still flock around you.¡± ¡°I want to prove myself,¡± Zhong Chengmented, ¡°One day, I¡¯ll be a sword immortal on my own merit, not just because of our family. I hope Wang and Chen... I wish they could have stayed alive longer. I was counting on them to lead the way.¡± ¡­ Suddenly, in the dead of night, a figurative thunderp resounded through the circles of the financial dynasties and major organizations. For a moment, those who were still discussing, waiting, or dealing in the transcendent flesh fell silent, engulfed in a brief hush. It was as if someone had pressed the pause button on this uniquemunity, silencing the entire world. Then, like a meteor crashing into the ocean, a huge uproar broke the silence. ¡°Change in Su City? The people sent to eliminate Chen Yongjie and Wang Xuan encountered trouble?¡± ¡°The Sun family''s operation failed, and a key figure is rumored to have died there?¡± ¡°Is this information reliable? Weren¡¯t the transcendent beings defeated? How could such news surface when everything was about to conclude?¡± Many sought confirmation, scrambling to report to their superiors. Using every avable channel, they quickly gathered concrete information, even photographic evidence. When the Sun family received the news, they were in utter shock. Sun Chengquan, a significant figure in their ranks, was dead! The news of the spacecraft''s tragic crash in the mountains just outside Su City echoed with disbelief. No one survived the catastrophe; the craft was reduced to nothing but molten debris by its own energy system. This startling development left the Sun family in a state of shock and fury. Such a demise of a core member of a super dynasty was an anomaly unheard of for decades. Sun Rongting sat motionless, his expression cold and impassive. As he processed the abrupt deviation from the nned trajectory, he realized that immediate action was necessary to correct the course. In Pingyuan City, Qin Hong set down his wine ss, initially disbelieving the rumors. It took him a considerable amount of time to digest the reality: Sun Chengquan was dead. "Who could have done this? This is spiraling into a major crisis," he thought aloud. The Qian family, deeply rooted in Su City, were among the first to catch wind of the news. Qian An, stationed in his estate on the city outskirts, frantically attempted to contact Wang Xuan, but his calls went unanswered. Ling Qiming stood in disbelief upon hearing the rumor. He had prematurely mourned Chen Yongjie, even performing ceremonial rites. But now, the situation had taken an unexpected turn. With Chen incapacitated, who could have possibly intervened? Could it have been the young Wang Xuan? Zhao Zejun was equally taken aback by the sudden reversal. The fall of a member of the Sun family was far beyond his expectations. As he pondered over the implications, he realized that this was not the end but the precursor to a new storm. The Sun family, now incensed, would not let this go unchallenged. Despite the chaos, he couldn''t help but be impressed by the disy of resilience in Su City. The transcendent beings were far from defeated; they were remarkably dominant. In the secretiveir of the Ashen Blood organization, a voice cut through the silence, "Is the Blood Edict issued? If not, let''s pull it back immediately. We need to reassess the situation." "My uncle, Sun Chengquan, is dead? The campaign to eliminate the transcendent, reversed? Who''s responsible? Chen Yongjie was incapacitated, wasn''t he?" Sun Yichen struggled toe to terms with the news. His peers inundated him with calls seeking confirmation, the swift turn of events leaving everyone scrambling to keep pace. Zhong Cheng, upon hearing the news, was initially dumbstruck. Then, with a burst of energy, he leapt to his feet, eximing in disbelief, "Holy smokes! Wang Xuan and Old Chen have turned the tables!" "Calm down!" scolded Zhong Qing, though her own heart was far from serene. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as her theories began to take shape. "Where are you, Zhou? Did you see the news?!" Zhong Cheng reached out to Zhou Yun. "On the Moon. What''s up, did Wang Xuan and Old Chen go too? Sigh, I''m feeling pretty down, can''t really handle it. Could you burn some more paper money for me? I''ll head back in a few days," Zhou Yun responded, his spirits evidently low. "What are you talking about? It''s the Sun family''s people who got taken down!" "Wow!" Zhou Yun''s eyes widened in disbelief. Both tried to contact Wang Xuan, but his phone went unanswered. After initially responding to Qin Cheng and Professor Lin, assuring them he was safe for the night, Wang Xuan ignored the rest of the calls due to the overwhelming number of iing inquiries. Finally, he sent out a mass message: "All is well, no worries." This brief yet loaded message triggered a new wave of spection. To many, it was not just an assurance of safety but also a disy of confidence. Wang Xuan put his phone on silent and set it aside, turning his attention to the ancientmp. He needed to revive Old Chen, as he knew the battle was just beginning. Wang Xuan disliked being on the defensive, waiting for others to strike first. He was convinced that had Old Chen not been unexpectedly incapacitated by the exotic artifact, sending him into the Sun family''s city would have been immensely destructive. Many in Su City harbored ulterior motives, and the major powers were not to be underestimated. If Old Chen recovered, the two of them couldunch a formidable attack from different directions, intensifying their threat. The night in Su City passed in unusual calm. No one dared to provoke any further trouble near the Wellness Pavilion. After all, even the Sun family''s thunderous assault had failed. Everyone was left pondering: Had Old Chen awakened, or was the young man the real threat, striking back with formidable power? Chapter 223: Investing In Wang Xuan Chapter 223: Investing In Wang Xuan Themp, resembling a smallntern, was about twelve or thirteen centimeters in height with a full-bodied design. Cast from an unknown ck metal, it connected to a chain at its top, ending in arge ring, easily held in hand. "How does this work?" Wang Xuan weighed it, finding it surprisingly heavy. He mused that a direct hit on an opponent''s head could create a bloody wound. Intricate patterns adorned themp, including ancient designs of birds and beasts, with a small arrow engraving at the center catching his eye. Injecting some transcendent matter, themp faintly glowed, showing some reaction. Through repeated attempts, he gradually deciphered the exotic artifact''s usage; it wasn''tplex but required the infusion of transcendent matter umted within. In an era where myths decayed, such objects would degrade to mundanity. The Sun family likely activated it with X-matter or simr substances collected from mystds or transcendents. Now, with its transcendent matter depleted, themp dimmed, rendered unusable. "Even infusing mystic factors works," Wang Xuan discovered. As energy umted and sank into themp, it stood ready for activation. Tiny mes flickered. Upon activating the small arrow engraving with his mind, the symbols flowed, and a dark red arrow nearlyunched forth. These mystic runes targeted the spiritual realm. He quickly retracted his action, extinguishing themp''s wick. The consumption was significant during this process. No wonder the transcendent wielded by the Sun family could only attack a few times before themp extinguished. In an era where myths faded, Newstarcked abundant transcendent matter, making it a costly tool to use. Wang Xuan refrained from injecting more transcendent matter. Powerful as it was, themp seemed like a bottomless pit, insatiably consuming whatever was fed into it. Wang Xuan contemted a visit to Qian An''s estate, considering utilizing the mystic factors within the half-copper wall of the Daoist temple to nurture the ancientmp. After a thorough examination and probing with his spiritual eye, he discovered moreyers to themp''s engravings than he initially activated. "Thismp is remarkable; the power it''s shown is just the tip of the iceberg, closely tied to the caster''s spiritual level." His eyes lit up with excitement. If he could activate the deeperyers of runes within themp, it could potentially be a terrifying weapon. "I''ll head to the Qian family tomorrow, use their Inner Landscape, and feed themp first." His anticipation for themp''s full potential grew. His brow furrowed as he pondered how to revive Old Chen. He had figured out how to use themp to produce arrows and light barriers, but extracting the small arrows from Old Chen''s body remained a mystery. The dark red arrow inside his own body had been crushed and erased by his mystical sceneries, with faint red light dissipating into the void. However, he dared not disturb the three arrows in Old Chen''s spiritual realm, fearing they might explode. Then, he stumbled upon a method. Activating the runes at themp''s base, the dark red arrows in Old Chen''s spiritual realm trembled and disintegrated into faint red glows, drawn out towards themp. "It can be used like this too?" Whoosh! The three dark red arrows flew out and were absorbed by themp. The effect was immediate; Old Chen''s eyes opened, reviving from his lifeless state. He gasped in pain, his head throbbing from the long entrapment in his spiritual realm. He also felt a pang in his arm, recalling the near loss of his limb while in aatose state earlier. "Did I survive?" He marveled at his narrow escape and clenched his teeth in anger, eager for retribution. Wang Xuan briefed him sinctly, "The situation is grave. We''re up against the super conglomerate Sun family. It''s either they annihte us, or we turn their world into a river of blood." "Sun family, these bastards, you''re on my list now!" Old Chen''s gaze in the unlit room shone like lightning. He knew he needed to heal, especially his nearly severed arm, which required a few days of recovery. Suddenly, both men looked up towards the night sky outside the window. Looming like dark clouds, massive battleships approached slowly, hanging ominously over Su City from all directions - a clear sign of the Sun family''s rage. "This is the stronghold of the Qian and Li families. The Sun family might be a super conglomerate, but they wouldn''t dare destroy a metropolis with millions of lives just for a show of force," Old Chen stated calmly, unshaken. "We must grow stronger. They''re pushing me forward, step by step," Wang Xuan remarked, gazing at the night sky. While he knew the Sun family wouldn''t dare to annihte the city, the sight of those daunting battleships still ignited a sense of urgency in him. The Sun family''s four massive ships lingered near Suzhou untilte into the night, their cold murderous intent and determination felt by all observers. Many were sleepless, but Wang Xuan slept soundly. Fear was not in his nature, and while the Sun family''s technological weaponry was a current enigma, Wang Xuan knew things would be different if he entered the city where the Sun family was based. Old Chen spent the night in silence, drinking Earth Immortal Spring water and practicing the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body technique to heal. Fueled by a burning desire for retribution, he was eager to regain his peak condition. Going through messages on his phone, he noted some old friends had prematurely mourned him. Another "false death" made him feel somewhat helpless. That night, the Sun family, too, was seething with anger. It had been years since a core member of a super conglomerate had died. They faced humiliation and severe provocation with the tragic death of one of their young heirs, Sun Chengquan, leaving no remains. As dawn broke, Su City buzzed back to life with its bustling streets and hurriedmuters. Yet, an unusual tension lingered, with various powers dispatching agents to gather details, all awaiting the next development in the conflict between the superpowers and the transcendent beings. "The news report reads, ''Last night, two men fell from a building on Guanghua Road in what appears to be an ident¡­''" This report left everyone speechless. The Sun family, gritting their teeth, epted it despite knowing the truth about their two middle-level members being murdered. They couldn''t reveal the real details. Then, a major news story broke. "A spaceship, model s2576, crashed outside Su City. Satellite analysis ruled out being shot down or collision with another spacecraft, suggesting it was an idental incident¡­ Our deepest condolences to the victims." Even with mental preparation, the Sun family nearly exploded in fury, their core member now part of a "tragic ident," an unprecedented event for them. They had orchestrated a simr incident against Chen Yongjie the day before, only to receive such swift retaliation. But could they object or unveil the truth? Impossible. Those closely following the incident, including some conglomerate members, couldn''t help butugh at the irony. Ling Qiming felt particrly pleased. His previous night''s conversation with Sun Rongting of the Sun family had been unpleasant, but now, he felt a sense of satisfaction. "I''m gazing at the moon above¡­" In that moment, Zhou Yun couldn''t help singing on the New Moon, feeling a strong urge to call those who had ridiculed him in secret. Still, he restrained himself, thinking, "I''ll stay low-key and not stoop to their level." The Sun family repeatedly reviewed the surveince footage from the Fuyao Hotel and satellite images, feeling a chill down their spines. It was clear that Sun Chengquan and his group had encountered something unusual during their escape, but there was no trace of an assant. The most chilling fact for the Sun family was the realization that the two men who fell from the building did so of their own ord. One even smashed his head on the rooftop before leaping off the building, as if reanimated. It was utterly baffling! The person from the Sun family tasked with investigating the incident reported back, their face pale with fear. ¡­¡­ ¡­¡­ However, the senior leaders of the Sun family weren''t surprised. They had already seen part of the surveince footage the previous night and had their suspicions. A seasoned advisor suggested, "It could be an extraordinary method, possibly astral projection, as described in ancient texts." "Astral projection? Go, bring Mr. Ghost here," Sun Rongting ordered, his tone still calm as he yed with the small yellow gourd in his hand. ... After sunrise, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie emerged from the Wellness Pavilion to grab breakfast, startling everyone closely following the event. Had Chen Yongjie awakened? Was he the one who actedst night? Just when they thought Wang Xuan was the lurking leviathan, things took a confusing turn. "The Wellness Pavilion lives up to its reputation. A man gravely injured and unconscious one day, and then lively and spirited the next!" some remarked, viewing the situation from a different perspective. "Wang Xuan must be the more dangerous one. I still believe it was him actingst night." ... Around 9 AM, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie left the city, prompting the Sun family to consider a strike. They wanted to use an energy cannon, but feared it might not be lethal enough. After all, Chen Yongjie had survived a spaceship crash. The duo visited Qian An again, returning to his estate. With their heightened profiles, even Qian An felt a bit uneasy. Chen Yongjie seemed to be probing Qian An for insider information, while Wang Xuan sat quietly, his mind elsewhere. In reality, he was astral projecting again, tapping into the mysterious substances within the copper wall at the Daoist temple. He drew copious amounts of mystical factors into the ancientmp. "They were preparing to trade my fleshst night?" Chen Yongjie learned some details from Qian An, nearly exploding in anger. The Sun family, so arrogant and domineering, treated him like livestock for ughter! His face turned ashen with rage, his fists clenched until they lost color. Furious, Chen Yongjie was ready to storm the Sun family right away. Hemunicated with Wang Xuan using their spiritual realms, requesting some mystical factors for himself to elerate his recovery, hoping to strike as soon as the next day. Wang Xuan left Qian An''s estate contentedly, having sessfully fed the ancientmp in secret. Meanwhile, Zhong Cheng spent a pleasant morning, almost calling that girl who criticized his judgment, but eventually held back. Zhong Qing mused, ¡°Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie are still in a precarious situation. The Sun family is a behemoth, especially with their deep connections to the stars. The waters run deep.¡± She knew why Chen Yongjie was so severely injured - it was due to a powerful relic, and the Sun family¡¯s vault certainly held more rare treasures. Whispering, Zhong Cheng asked, ¡°Do we have anything like that? Maybe we could lend Wang Xuan something?¡± ¡°There must be something in our vault, but we can¡¯t ess it,¡± replied Zhong Qing quietly. Zhong Cheng, surprised at her willingness, eximed, ¡°You¡¯re actually considering it? And not scolding me?¡± ¡°With our great-grandfather in slumber and our conservative grandfather, it¡¯s unlikely they¡¯d intervene. I think Wang Xuan is a powerful superhuman. If you help him now¡­¡± ¡°So it was Wang Xuan who actedst night?¡± Zhong Cheng was immensely shocked, despite rumors in the wealthy circle about the young man¡¯s danger. Pointing at himself, Zhong Cheng asked, ¡°You want me to bring a treasure to Wang Xuan?¡± Zhong Qing nced at him, ¡°Would you rather I go? You¡¯re on good terms with him. Visiting him in Su City isn¡¯t a big deal. At worst, grandpa will scold you or confine you for a few days.¡± Nodding seriously, Zhong Cheng said, ¡°Right, I might just get beaten. But if Wang Xuan wins this, I¡¯d be bringing a powerful ally to our family.¡± Frowning, he added, ¡°But we can¡¯t open the vault. Do we have a treasure to give?¡± Zhong Qing whispered, ¡°Great-grandfather gave me a beast-skin bag before entering seclusion. He called it a treasure and asked me to keep it safe. I¡¯ve seen him with it in his study.¡± Zhong Cheng eximed, ¡°Grandpa is so biased!¡± That afternoon, Zhong Cheng flew to Su City and headed straight to the Wellness Pavilion. Many knew of his good rtions with Wang Xuan, making his presence there unsurprising. When Chen Yongjie saw the beast-skin bag, he didn¡¯t sense anything unusual until he touched it. Activating the bag, it almost sucked in Wang Xuan! Had Wang Xuan not reacted swiftly, dodging away and surrounding himself with mystical scenes, he would have been sucked into the glowing beast-skin bag. ¡°Now it makes sense. Every time in the secretnds, when Grandpa Zhong and I were chased and in dire straits, after splitting up, he always emerged unscathed while I often ended up bleeding¡­¡± Chen Yongjie had a realization, followed by a sense of betrayal. Having umted enough super material over time in the secretnds, the beast-skin bag was now ready for immediate use. That evening, Zhong Cheng left, not staying long. The next two days passed quietly without any attack from the Sun family. Chen Yongjie kept a low profile while recovering. On the third morning, Chen Yongjie suddenly set out, appearing in a city two hundred miles away, heading in the direction of the Sun family''s stronghold. ¡°Just Chen Yongjie alone marching towards our Sun family? He''ll die on the way!¡± remarked someone from the Sun family. Meanwhile, the Sun family sent people to the Wellness Pavilion, intending to confirm whether Wang Xuan was indeed a superhuman. But Wang Xuan had already made his move. As Chen Yongjie appeared in another city, Wang Xuan walked into a grand hotel in Su City and sat down in a beverage shop next to it. Shortly afterward, the Sun family''s person in charge in Su City mysteriously drowned in the hotel''s swimming pool. The news spread quickly, drawing attention from all quarters. It marked the beginning of a fierce sh between the superhumans and the Sun family. Chapter 224: Challenging The Myths Chapter 224: Challenging The Myths Wang Xuan ordered a drink, his gaze drifting over the pedestrians on the street outside the window, lost in thought. He sat quietly, contemting his journey back on the old Earth, his family, and his cultivation path. Should he follow the traditional path of Golden Core and Nascent Soul, or forge his own way? He was slightly absent-minded. Outside the window, the world bustled with activity. Spaceships soared into the sky, disappearing into the horizon. People came and went, gathering thetest news in a cacophony of noise. But his world inside the window was disconnected from the chaos outside, serene and tranquil, seemingly untouched by the turmoil. asionally sipping his cool coconut-berry juice, he listened to the soothing music of the beverage shop, immersing himself in his own world, passing the time. "A strong adult, excellent at swimming, drowns in a small pool? How absurd for this to be the news that spreads!" someone fumed miles away in a hidden building, their face a ghastly shade of blue. The news had reached all corners, causing humiliation and anger. In a lowered voice, the person argued with another in the room, insisting on using top-grade energy weapons to directly target Wang Xuan in Su City. "Are you insane? This city has a poption in the millions; it''s not some uninhabited wilderness! How many are watching? Do you dare use weapons of mass destruction to turn this ce to rubble?" another person retorted. Especially considering the presence of influential families residing in Su City. If they were to destroy the Li and Qian families'' bases, it would spark a war! "So, we use a controlled weapon, a precision strike. Erasing one or two buildings in Su City shouldn¡¯t be a problem, right?" The speaker was cold and merciless, prepared to wreak havoc in Su City. Destroying a few buildings seemed insignificant to them ¨C it wasn''t like they were nning a full-scale massacre. "In that case, we''ll im it was an ident during a terrorist pursuit, a spaceship malfunctioned and opened fire!" His eyes gleamed with malice, a cold smile on his lips. "Dare to drown one of ours? I¡¯ll crush you into pulp. Do they really think we won¡¯t strike in the city?" Suddenly, his eyes bulged, as if invisible hands were strangling him, lifting him into the air. He wanted to yell in disbelief. How was this possible? The man they were after was miles away in a beverage shop, nowhere near this location. The other person in the room was equally horrified. Had they been wrong all along? Was the real danger neither Chen Yongjie nor the mysterious Wang Xuan, but someone else entirely? Even those newly ascended to the supernatural realm, no matter how gifted, shouldn''t be able to project their spirit so far from their physical body. They had been studying the ancient arts recently, and even in those days of glory, such feats were rare. "Is it him? No... it can''t be!" The man¡¯s neck was about to snap. Soon after, someone found him drowned in a bathtub, lifeless. The other person in the room had consumed several bottles of strong liquor, dying of alcohol poisoning in a drunken frenzy. With the deaths of the person in charge and his two deputies, all had perished under bizarre circumstances, despite being miles apart, leaving an ignominious end. Meanwhile, in the beverage shop, an old song yed, its rhythm soothing, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Wang Xuan sat quietly, listening, never leaving his seat. Outside, however, tranquility was far from reach. People from all walks of life gathered nearby, peering through the ss at him. Those not involved in the conflict boldly entered the shop to observe him up close. As the world outside teetered on the brink of a storm, this young man remained calmly seated. In broad daylight, three of the Sun family''s key figures in Suzhou City had met strange ends. It was a spectacle for all to witness, a clear deration of war. As a storm brewed outside, peace and serenity reigned inside, with people apanying the young man, listening to an old song that bore the marks of passing years. After receiving thetest news, some members of the Sun family were visibly cold with anger. Repeated bizarre incidents, with each death more absurd than thest, seemed like a deliberate p in their face. ¡°It¡¯s clear now. He''s a transcendent being, issuing a challenge with those corpses, dering his stance. This young man has quite the audacity. How does he wish to die?¡± A middle-aged man spoke evenly, yet his voice carried a weight of authority. ¡°There''s a problem, though. How did he manage to kill people miles away? Even with spirit projection, it¡¯s impossible to stray so far from the physical body,¡± someone questioned. The Sun family, with their extensive collection of ancient texts, including twoplete golden bamboo scrolls, one of which was in their possession, demonstrated their formidable strength. Their secret vault, filled with mysterious artifacts from ancient times, further testified to their deep heritage. They had significant understanding of ancient lore, employing senior advisors who specialized in researching the mysteries recorded in these old texts. ¡°Indeed, even during the most splendid periods of ancient history, such feats were rarely mentioned. Someone newly ascended to the transcendent realm couldn''t possibly achieve this,¡± the advisors agreed, confirming the anomaly. ¡°Could it be that he''s been a transcendent being for years, a hidden old monster?¡± someone suggested. ¡°No, he must have recently be a transcendent being, perhaps after consuming some rare elixir in the secretnds. He wasn¡¯t one before. We have audio-visual recordings that prove this. He was known as Wang Xiao, revered as Master Wang¡­¡± The Sun family, with their extensivework, had managed to unearth this information, bringing to light Wang Xuan¡¯s past confrontations, captured in real recordings. The footage showed him fighting for his life, nails shattered, bloodied and battered, his eyes showing genuine exhaustion. Clearly, he was not overwhelmingly powerful then. These evidences suggested that his breakthrough to the transcendent realm urred only after entering the secretnds. ¡°Could we be wrong? Might there be an even more formidable transcendent being behind him and Chen Yongjie?¡± some in the Sun family wondered, frowning. If that was the case, the situation was far moreplicated and dire, especially since they had yet to detect this mysterious individual. ¡­¡­ ¡°Specting about a third person out of nowhere isn¡¯t wise,¡± Sun Rongting spoke up, his demeanor still calm and detached. ¡°What if, just maybe, he truly is akin to the legendary figures of ancient times?¡± ¡°It¡¯s impossible. In this era, such people can¡¯t be born. Even in times when myths were still flourishing, such legends were rare, let alone now!¡± Someone suggested, ¡°Mr. Ghost has finished his seclusion. He was originally meant to eliminate Chen Yongjie, but perhaps we should have him assess this Wang Xuan first.¡± ¡°When should we deploy our trump card?¡± ¡­ All sides watched and discussed the unfolding events. In just one morning, three of the Sun family¡¯s leaders sent to Suzhou City were eliminated, astonishing everyone. ¡°Chen Yongjie is on the move again, traveling in a hovercar. It seems he¡¯s indeed heading towards the Sun family¡¯s stronghold!¡± Soon after, news came that the hovercar met with an ident, crashing into a mountain and exploding on impact. The melted rock wall raised suspicions about the vehicle¡¯s energy output being excessively powerful. The real situation soon reached various powers: the Sun family had deployed theirtest advanced mechanoids, which destroyed the hovercar en route. ¡°Is Chen Yongjie dead? His journey to Kangning City, almost 1,400 miles away and near the Sun family¡¯s base, was fraught with danger. It was likely he¡¯d be annihted along the way.¡± ¡°No, he wasn¡¯t even scratched. He seemed to have sensed the danger in advance, jumping out of the hovercar and hiding in the mountains. He¡¯s already been spotted in a city with nearly a million inhabitants in that region.¡± ¡°At this rate, if Chen Yongjie advances hundreds of miles daily, the Sun family will deeply feel the chill of his murderous intent, causing immense psychological pressure!¡± Everyone was deeply moved by these developments. In Suzhou City, Wang Xuan had been sitting in the beverage shop for a long time, ignoring the many eyes on him as he processed various pieces of information. An hourter, he left and returned to his residence. This day was destined to be restless, with a storm already brewing, impossible to calm down. Chen Yongjie temporarily ceased moving, staying in the city with nearly a million residents. Wang Xuan spent the day studying maps and contemting his route, nning to leave the city for a significant endeavor. While executing the Sun family''s responsible person, Wang Xuan captured his thoughts and uncovered some secrets. It seemed the Sun family¡¯s higher-ups were unaware that this man had unexpectedly discovered some of their most guarded secrets. Wang Xuan prepared to teach the Sun family a bloody lesson that night, a lesson they would never forget. That night, the Sun family unexpectedly made a ruthless move, shockingly direct and domineering, as if tearing off all pretenses, stunning everyone. A terrifying beam of light descended from the sky, piercing through the Rehabilitation Hall, ttening the entire building into a horrific scene of molten concrete and steel. The Rehabilitation Hall vanished! This beam shook all parties involved. In Suzhou City, both the Qian and Li families were rmed and contacted the Sun family overnight, furiously using them of threatening their safety. ¡°The Sun family went too far, using a medium-sized warship to strike directly in Suzhou City. They clearly didn''t want Wang Xuan alive to serve their interests,pletely obliterating the Rehabilitation Hall. Everything there melted, nothing left behind!¡± This news spread rapidly among the conglomerates and major institutions, causing huge waves in the specific circles. Everyone was in shock. It had been many years since any major power had deployed a warship on their own territory, an action that could disrupt a certain bnce. If all the families were to act this way, opening fire whenever conflicts arose, what would be of New Star? "People of the Sun family are already preparing topensate other families. Without paying the price, they certainly can''t justify their actions," someone said coldly. Rules are rules, and even the super conglomerates must abide by them, or face collective punishment from all parties. "They controlled the firepower, precisely destroying that building. There were tremors nearby, some buildings cracked, but none copsed," someone observed. "The storm has indeed arrived! But what about that young man? Could he have survived?" People waited for a long time, and the Sun family rushed to the scene, deploying high-level mechanical beings to scan the area thoroughly. There was no sign of Wang Xuan, no traces of his life signs left. "If he didn''t escape the building and was struck by the sudden beam of destruction, then... he must be dead, with no room for doubt. What a pity!" "Why has the Sun family gone mad? Targeting this young man with a warship seems excessive, doesn''t it?" some questioned, puzzled. Even Chen Yongjie hadn''t been killed by a warship, only struck once by a "misfortunate" spaceship. At the Sun family, many awaited the news. As confirmation came that Wang Xuan had not escaped, some people gradually began to smile. "Comparable to ancient legends? Hah, he couldn''t withstand a single strike from a warship, after all!" Chapter 225: Storm Chapter 225: Storm In Su City, there was a pervasive belief among various groups that the Sun family, with their astute understanding of Old Arts, had identified Wang Xuan as more dangerous than Chen Yongjie. They believed this was why the Sun family resorted to using a battleship without regard for the consequences. "The Sun family is ruthless and decisive. Once they deduce that someone poses a real threat, they strike swiftly and without hesitation," one personmented, reflecting on the Sun family''s actions. Many were stunned by the sudden deployment of a battleship by the Sun family, a move that would undoubtedlye with significant costs. "It''s just like the old folks in the Sun family to act this way," another voice added, pointing to the family''s history of quick and harsh decisions. In Su City, the scene was bustling with people from different organizations who rushed to confirm Wang Xuan''s fate. They all came to the same conclusion after deploying mechanical scanners: Wang Xuan did not survive. Indeed, surveince of the area had been thorough, and no evidence suggested Wang Xuan had managed to escape. The news of Wang Xuan''s death hit Clock Cheng particrly hard. "Old Wang dead?!" he thought in disbelief, unable toprehend the news he had just received. Zhou Yun, currently on New Moon, also felt deeply unsettled by the turn of events, especially considering how satisfying the past few days had been for him. In a brash move, Sun Yichen sent Zhou Yun a provocative voice message: "Zhou Yun, your friend Wang Xuan, who you thought was a transcendent, we identally crushed him. Life is so fragile; we must cherish it. Sorry about that, didn''t expect transcendent beings to be so weak." Shortly thereafter, rumors spread that someone high up in the Sun family had determined Wang Xuan to be a unique individual, potentially rivaling the geniuses of ancient times. This assessment stirred up various factions. Was this the reason for the Sun family''s immediate and drastic action? However, the Sun family soon refuted these ims, unwilling to give Wang Xuan such high acim. They dismissed the incident as an unfortunate ident, seemingly reluctant to acknowledge the full extent of Wang Xuan''s capabilities. In the Sun family''s circle, calm voices understated the recent tumult, attributing the disastrous oue to the impulsiveness of their younger members. "It was an ident," they said, seemingly indifferent to the demise of Wang Xuan. Observers and onlookers reacted with a mix of sighs and silence, reflecting on the stark reality that the era of glorified cultivators was long gone. Talent, no matter how extraordinary, seemed futile against such brutal ends. "The collision of transcendence and technology? What a thought," mused Qin Hong of the Qin family in Pingyuan City, sipping his wine. "With ck technology evolving constantly, even Earth Immortals aren''t safe anymore. Thetest generation of super battleships will redefine warfare. Everything has been predetermined." That night in Su City was anything but peaceful. A beam from the sky struck down a building, creating aplex aftermath even the Sun family couldn''t easily sweep under the rug. Various powerful families and institutions collectively pressured the Sun family, demanding substantialpensation. As the massive battleships retreated from the skies of Su City, the tense atmosphere began to ease. The night sky was clear and beautiful, adorned with a crescent moon and stars that shone brightly. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was drifting along a grand river. Using his arm as a pillow, hey on his back on the water''s surface, gazing up at the starry sky, surrounded by the serene sounds of insects chirping and night birds calling from the riverbanks. He was in a state of rxation, cherishing the tranquility of the night, allowing himself to drift freely and gaze up at the universe''s splendor. Just before the destructive beam had descended upon Su City, Wang Xuan had felt an intense headache and a premonition of imminent danger, prompting him to act swiftly. He had torn through the floor of his room, escaping into the underground drainage system, and swiftly made his way to the river that flowed through Su City. Once submerged, he traveled along the riverbed until he was far from the city. Only then did he allow himself to rx, lying on the river''s surface, watching the forests on the banks, contemting the brilliance of the Milky Way, his mind peaceful and serene. "I need to speed up," Wang Xuan mused, contemting the journey to a location 150 miles downstream. Drifting leisurely wouldn''t get him there anytime soon. Diving into the deeper waters, he used his powerful mental domain to locate a massive fish, weighing hundreds of pounds, with a vibrant red hue akin to a giant carp. In a world rich in transcendent substances, this red carp might have transformed into something more mystical. Seated on the back of the red carp, Wang Xuan employed his mental domain topel the fish to swim rapidly downstream. That night, on the shimmering river, the hefty red carp glided gracefully, asionally leaping from the water, then diving back in. Under the moon and stars, its crimson form was a spectacle of wonder. Riding the carp was both time-efficient and effortless. Wang Xuan enjoyed the scenery along the banks, finding the journey to his hunting ground quite pleasant. The intelligent carp would dive underwater whenever they encountered cruise ships or freighters, skillfully avoiding detection. With the incessant chirping of insects and the calls of night birds from the shores, the carp swiftly covered the 150 miles, aided by the river''s current. Before disembarking, Wang Xuan infused the carp with some mystical factors and patted its head in gratitude, letting it swim away. The carp, however, lingered for a moment, gazing back at Wang Xuan before finally disappearing with a flick of its tail. The area 150 miles outside Su City was a primordial mountainous region, its natural beauty well-preserved. Overall, the environment of the New World wasmendable. Wang Xuan searched the area with his formidable mental domain. From the captured thoughts of the Sun family''s liaison, he had learned of an underground base they had constructed here. The super-wealthy Sun family, with their staggering power, had built multiple military bases for both self-defense and deterrence. In the early years, they secretly developed this base, excavating towards the riverbank from the deep bedrock. Each time a massive cargo ship passed by, it would sink numerous supplies to the riverbed. Initially, this location was indeed a secret base, but with the advanced technology of the New World, it was only a matter of time before it was discovered. The pattern was simr for most families: keeping these bases hidden from the public eye was enough. Each family was aware of the others'' secret bases, yet no one openly acknowledged them. The core members of each family were, in fact, well aware of the precise locations of their rivals'' bases. This particr base held a unique secret, sessfully concealed from other families. The Sun family, having obtained an animal skin map from the indigenous people, discovered this mountainous area. Their excavation revealed an unusual phenomenon deep underground: frozen soil and blood-red earth. Extracting mysteriousponents from this frozen soil, they found it contained strange energies. The Sun family established variousboratories underground, intent on harnessing the potential of the red crystalline particles they extracted. These particles were somewhat terrifying; prolonged exposure could lead to gic mutations, causing some to evolve beneficially while others met sudden, gruesome ends. Thus, the Sun family ced immense value on this site, disguising it as a military base and pouring substantial funds into research in the frozen soil region. The person in charge was a direct descendant of the Sun family, ranking even higher than thete Sun Chengquan. And so, Wang Xuan hade with two objectives: to eliminate a key member of the Sun family''s direct lineage and to uncover the nature of these red crystals and their bizarre energies. More importantly, he intended to destroy the entire base. ording to his information, the base housed a medium-sized warship and eight smaller ones, worth over a hundred billion New World currency. Destroying them would undoubtedly cause the Sun family great distress, not to mention the highly valued subterranean frozen soilboratories. An hourter, Wang Xuan located the underground base amidst the vast mountains. Climbing a towering tree, he cautiously left a portion of his mental energy with his body, wary of any beasts or birds of prey that might approach while his consciousness was elsewhere. His spirit ventured far, discovering not only the river entrance but also several others scattered throughout the mountainside. Delving underground, he immediately encountered the mid-sized warship. Its cold metallic sheen and massive hull exuded an oppressive aura. Wang Xuan''sposure faltered as he recognized the warship underground ¨C the very one that had attacked him in Su City. It had originated from this base and returned here! His gaze turned icy. It seemed fate had brought them together, and he felt it would be a disservice not to detonate it tonight. Delving deeper underground, the temperature dropped sharply. Eventually, Wang Xuanid eyes on the frozen, blood-red soil. It resembled earth stained with blood. The subterranean space was filled withboratories teeming with frenzied researchers. Not only were the experimental subjects mutated, but some scientists exhibited bizarre alterations as well, like a specialist with two heads and four arms. Even more grotesque were some experimental creatures ¨C human-headed serpents with immense strength, capable of deforming thick iron doors with just a swish of their tails during strength tests. Wang Xuan furrowed his brows, pondering if the red crystals were the ''Departed Stones'' mentioned by Xu Fu, the Ferryman. Unlike the potent and hazardous radiation of the Departed Lands, Departed Stones were milder, found in some Transcendent worlds for cultivation purposes. He couldn¡¯t shake off a feeling of bloodthirst emanating from the frozen soil. Could it be tainted with the blood of ancient monsters? The indigenous ancestors were among the Celestial Immortals; this''s past was undoubtedlyplex. Upon contacting the red crystal particles, Wang Xuan felt uneasy. There was a faint radiation and a sense of life decaying. He withdrew, no longer wishing to interact with them, and left the frozen soil area. His search led him to the person in charge of the base ¨C Sun Chenghai, a high-ranking figure in the Sun family. Without a word, Wang Xuan seized control of Sun Chenghai with his mental power. Opting not to kill him immediately, he intended to interrogate him by capturing his thoughts and emotions. The rm red throughout the base, "Intruder alert! The basemander has beenpromised. Self-destruct sequence initiated." Sun Chenghai''s body, imnted with a chip, had automatically signaled the self-destruct as soon as it detected his irregr condition. Ruthlessly, without hesitation, he had triggered the fatal protocol. Wang Xuan, though he had captured some of Sun Chenghai''s mental emanations, was toote to tear out the internal chip. Themand had already been sent. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Wang Xuan promptly snapped Sun Chenghai''s neck ¨C the second high-ranking direct member of the Sun family he had eliminated. The defense of the base was formidable. Had it not been for Wang Xuan''s spiritual intrusion, a silent entry would have been impossible. Yet, even this approach had its limitations. Unable to interrogate Sun Chenghai thoroughly, Wang Xuan now had to evacuate swiftly as the self-destruction of the base would endanger his physical body on the surface. "Alert: Basemander confirmed deceased by hostile action. Laboratory and base self-destruction countdown initiated." The announcement echoed relentlessly. The Sun family''s ruthlessness was evident; they would leave nothing of their research for the invaders. Chaos erupted as some scrambled to initiate the warships for escape. Wang Xuan sabotaged the central control system of the medium-sized warship and didn''t spare the smaller crafts either, tearing through their control rooms as well. He then swiftly returned to his physical form, located miles away, and fled the scene. Behind him, the mountainous terrain was rocked by a series of massive explosions. As he escaped, Wang Xuan spotted the red carp still lingering in the river. He beckoned it and mounted its back, speeding away like an arrow released from a bow. Continuous explosions ultimately reached the warships. With a thunderous roar, a terrifying burst of light and fire erupted from the earth. The destruction was not confined to the underground; the vast mountain range above was obliterated, the entire sky illuminated as if by daylight. Without a doubt, this was the onset of a storm, one that would rapidly ferment. The magnitude of the disturbance was so vast that even Su City sensed the anomaly immediately. Chapter 226: Rapid Advancement Chapter 226: Rapid Advancement The crescent moon hung askew in a star-filled sky, casting a soft, serene beauty over the night. Wang Xuan, seated on the back of the red carp, journeyed east along the glistening river, steering clear of Su City. Behind him, far in the distance, the mountains were illuminated by energy beams piercing the sky, their umbre-shaped radiance stark against the tranquil scenery. The contrasting vistas of distant chaos and near serenity defined his journey. Without a backward nce, Wang Xuan sat in silence on the red carp, vanishing into the horizon. In Su City, astonishment reigned. People gazed skyward towards the anomaly illuminating the night a hundred miles away. Sensors and satellites soon ryed clear images, stunning everyone with their revtions. "Is that where the Sun family''s warships were heading? Have they been attacked?" The spection in Su City was rife with uncertainty. Had the rules of New World been shattered? It appeared as though a fierce battle involving mighty warships had taken ce, with an entire expanse of mountains dissolving into a sea of light. "A Sun family base is located in that area; it must have met with catastrophe!" The shock reverberated throughout Su City. Such events had not been seen in many years¡ªa battle involving warships, a base transformed into a terrifying ze of energy. The headquarters of the Qian and Li families, situated in the city, were thrown into panic, swiftly deploying aircraft to investigate further. "The Sun family had just used a warship for a surgical strike against Wang Xuan, and now they face a crisis themselves. Could this be mere coincidence?" "Spectacr fireworks lighting up the night sky, melting an entire mountain range¡ªit''s unbelievable. The Sun family''s superpower has been attacked." Who had initiated the strike? How many warships were involved in assaulting the base? These questions remained unanswered, with everyone eagerly awaiting the investigation''s oue. Incredulity permeated the atmosphere; the night had been a sequence of unforeseen and extraordinary events. ¡­¡­ A gloomy cloud hung over the Sun family, where several elders and middle-aged men sat together, engulfed in a suffocating atmosphere of despondency and oppression. The family, having expanded rapidly over decades, was unustomed to such a brutal setback¡ªa loss so severe it felt like flesh being ripped from their bodies. "For many years, no one has dared to attack us directly. Now, suddenly, we''ve lost so many people, an entire base..." Sun Rongting''s words were calm yetced with a chilling undercurrent, reminiscent of the deceptive tranquility before a violent storm. This night weighed heavily on them all. Spection ran rampant about the mysterious force that had used warships tounch a surprise attack on the Sun family''s base. Yet no one had connected the dots to Wang Xuan, the lone figure who infiltrated and triggered the explosion at the crucial facility. Late into the night, Zhou Yun was in shock, muttering to himself, "Wang Xuan, who is avenging you? You were just erased from existence by a superenergy beam, and now the Sun family¡¯s base has been obliterated." Sun Yichen was practically spitting blood. Not long ago, he had been boasting in his social circle, only for the dreadful news to arrive soon after¡ªthe Sun family¡¯s base had suffered a ''terror attack'', and his uncle Sun Chenghai perished in the destruction. Meanwhile, in a city with a million inhabitants, Chen Yongjie prepared to set out. On this chaotic night, he nned to head east, inching closer to the Sun family¡¯s stronghold in Kangning City. "Wang Xuan should be alright," he thought, not quite believing the young man was dead. As Chen Yongjie left the city, a sudden premonition made him swiftly return; the Sun family still had eyes on him. In the distant sky, a small warship shot across, a phantom-like silhouette under the stars and moon, quickly vanishing. The Sun family, having apparently finished with Wang Xuan, seemed intent on seizing the opportunity to eliminate Chen Yongjie as well, though they refrained from striking within the city, waiting for him to venture out. Three hundred miles from Su City, Wang Xuan, riding the red carp, spotted a sizeable city. He decided to disembark and continue ovend, feeling that the water route was too slow for his needs. After providing the red carp with more mysterious substances, Wang Xuan vanished like a wraith on the riverbank. In the sky above, the roar of engines echoed through the night as people raced their hovering cars at breakneck speeds. These cars, though not as fast as small spacecraft, certainly outpaced the red carp. Wang Xuan consideredmandeering a flying car but restrained himself, mindful of the pervasive surveince on New World that would instantly expose him. Moreover, he had always been aw-abiding citizen and preferred not to engage in such activities. Hailing a flying taxi on the roadside, he directed the driver to Lan City, a city en route to the Sun family''s stronghold. The driver, unfazed by the three hundred-mile journey, promptly set off. However, as they traveled, Wang Xuan sensed something amiss. Aware of the extensive monitoring systems, he discreetly disabled several devices in the taxi. Midway through the journey, the driver, troubled, informed Wang Xuan, "For passenger safety, our cars are equipped with monitoring devices. There¡¯s a malfunction, and I need to repair it immediately as per thepany''s directive." With satellites overhead and monitoring devices in every vehicle, Wang Xuan realized the risk of exposure was high. "I have an urgent matter. I''ll pay extra," Wang Xuan offered. "I can''t. Thepany would penalize me severely," the driver refused. On New World, unregistered vehicles were virtually non-existent, ensuring all cars had monitoring devices to prevent criminal activities. "What if I kidnap you then?" Wang Xuan suggested calmly. "Ah?!" The driver was shocked. But then, the flying taxi sped past Lan City, not stopping, and raced away towards the east. Throughout the night, the taxi covered five hundred miles until it ran out of energy and halted by the roadside. Now eight hundred miles from Su City and over a thousand miles from Kangning City, Wang Xuan suspected his whereabouts might be exposed. The overwhelming number of detectors and cameras on New World made it nearly impossible to evade detection. Continuing his journey posed significant risk. ¡­¡­ During the night, various detectors and satellite eyes reconstructed the true scenario, confirming there was no external attack on the Sun family''s base¡ª it was an internal self-destruction. The Sun family, in fact, learned of this before anyone else. The final moments captured by the base''s cameras, though sparse, werepiled and reviewed. Simultaneously, information emerged from several hundred miles away. Roadside detectors captured an image that appeared to be Wang Xuan disembarking at the riverbank. It was evident that some powerful factions had entered Wang Xuan into a special tracking system. Any sighting or captured image of him was instantly transmitted to the databases of certain organizations. Both he and Chen Yongjie were listed in a special "watchlist." Regardless of hostile intentions, various groups were keenly interested in their movements. This revtion stunned everyone. "He''s alive?!" "How is that possible? Not even a warship''s superweapon could kill him, and he just shows up hundreds of miles away. Has he be an Earth Immortal?" The news dumbfounded the financial syndicates and major organizations. Many felt a chill run down their spines. Not only had Wang Xuan survived, but he also traveled along the river. During this time, the Sun family''s riverside base exploded. "Could it be him?!" Some were left speechless, overwhelmed by the events. The energy beam from the sky hadn''t killed him, and instead, one of the Sun family''s military bases was mysteriously destroyed, causing widespread fear. Unfortunately, that stretch of the river was rtively remote, with no detectors ced by the various factions. The Sun family''s base might have captured some footage before its destruction, possibly transmitting some images and audio, but they had not revealed anything to the outside world. ¡­¡­ Tonight''s session of unexpected events, including the reappearance of Wang Xuan, left various factions in a state of disbelief, as if they were in a dream. "How can he not be dead?" Some people couldn''t calm down for a long time. "If it''s confirmed that Wang Xuan destroyed that base, then the Sun family will probably go insane!" The night''s developments were nothing short of astonishing. In Kangning City, the Sun family''s internal atmosphere was as heavy as overcast clouds. Everyone''s faces were grim; the night had brought them a series of bad news. "His whereabouts have been discovered. He''s heading towards us. Don''t hesitate anymore, prepare the warships and bombard him along the way," someone said with a heavy voice. "Immediately contact Mr. Ghost, stop intercepting Chen Yongjie, and kill Wang Xuan!" The Sun family was seething with rage, eager to obliterate Wang Xuan, their pain from the night''s losses palpable. ... After leaving the metered flying car, Wang Xuan didn''t proceed on the road but instead entered the nearby Jingyue City. Sure enough, it wasn''t long before a warship, soundless and swift, passed by the outskirts of the city. The Sun family was relentless in their pursuit, tracking him down. "Advancing 800 miles in one night, he''s determined. Does he really n to storm into Kangning City and directly confront the Sun family''s stronghold?" When other financial syndicates and major organizations received the news, they were all shocked. This young man had presumably destroyed the Sun family''s base and then sped eastward non-stop. In certain circles, many were closely watching this unfolding saga, sleepless through the night. They thought this young man was too audacious. Upon hearing the news, Chen Yongjie was speechless. He had set off earlier and was only 500 miles away from Su City, yet Wang Xuan had already surpassed him in a single night. "Little Sun, it seems Wang Xuan isn''t dead," Zhou Yun, on New Moon, couldn''t resist taunting Sun Yichen. "Heard about the ident at the Sun family, a base exploded. My condolences, take care of yourself." Sun Yichen immediately hung up, ignoring him. In Jingyue City, eight hundred miles from Su City and a first-tier metropolis with a poption in the tens of millions, the powerful financial family, the Song, had their stronghold. Feeling secure, Wang Xuan chose a grand hotel located near, almost adjacent to, the Song family''s residence. This seven-star hotel, the Liuyun Grand Hotel, was frequently chosen by visitors to the Song family, especially in thetter half of the night. To the Song family''s surprise, Wang Xuan had arrived on their turf and checked into this hotel just a street away. "Is this where the notorious ''Little Song'' lives?" Wang Xuan mused with a tinge of curiosity. "Insane ''Little Wang'' is here!" someone from the Song family dered gravely. An elder promptly ordered to prepare for any contingencies, includingunching a warship stationed outside the city, ready to fire in case of an emergency. The Sun family''s base destruction was still shrouded in uncertainty whether it was Wang Xuan''s doing, but the mere suspicion was enough to mark him as extremely dangerous. In his room, Wang Xuan was alert and energized, having replenished his mental energy during his journey. In the dead of the night, a warship appeared over Jingyue City, causing the hearts of the Song family to race. They immediately warned those aboard the warship not to engage inbat over the city, threatening to shoot them down themselves if necessary. "We''re just delivering someone," responded someone from the warship. Inside the warship was a jade sarcophagus exuding an ancient aura and emitting faint streams of ck mist. The warship''s sole purpose was to transport this entity. Standing at the window, Wang Xuan watched the warship in the night sky, his eyes deep and calcting. The distance was too great for his spiritual projection to reach. Then, his eyes sparkled with a sudden revtion as he spotted a figure emerging from the warship, heading straight towards him. It was a spiritual entity, capable of approaching from such a distance? Wang Xuan, holding the ancientmp, watched intently as the spirit closed in rapidly, heading straight for him. Wang Xuan activated the ancientmp, and the wick red up, weaving a dark red arrow adorned with runes. With a swift motion, he sent it hurtling towards the approaching figure, which froze instantly upon being struck. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan detonated the arrow with his mental energy, causing the figure to explode into nothingness. He frowned, finding the adversary less formidable than anticipated. Meanwhile, aboard the warship in the sky, the jade sarcophagus shrouded in ck mist reformed the figure, sending it hurtling back toward the Liuyun Hotel. This time, Wang Xuan''s spiritual projection, aided by his celestial eye, discerned something peculiar. The figure was coated in a special substance with barely visible, flowing runes. He immobilized it once more with themp, then detonated it. In a relentless assault, Wang Xuan annihted nine spiritual entities. It wasn''t until the tenth apparition appeared, keeping its distance, that it spoke: "My true body is not present, and I have no desire to be your enemy. What you destroyed were mere fragments of spirit I gathered from relics." "Why have youe to Jingyue City?" Wang Xuan stood by the window, confronting the shadow. "Though our myths are decaying and doomed to fade, we cannot simply resign to fate. I came to gauge your strength, to propose an alliance," the shadowy figure revealed. "Who are you?" Wang Xuan asked sternly, sensing something extraordinary about this entity. "I am but a wandering spirit, a ghostly servant. We are both transcendent beings; we can coborate. I can help you overturn the Sun family." Chapter 227: Traitor Chapter 227: Traitor Wang Xuan stood in contemtive silence, his gaze fixed on the shadowy figure and the distant warship in the night sky. The abrupt offer of allegiance from a supposed enemy was as unexpected as it was intriguing. It defied the conventional course of a transcendental showdown, prompting a mix of suspicion and curiosity in him. "Why the sudden betrayal of the Sun family?" he pondered, scrutinizing the shadow''s motives. In an era where myths faded and transcendent beings faced subjugation, his own rebellious spirit resonated with the idea of resistance. "What led you to serve the Sun family initially?" Wang Xuan asked, his voice steady and devoid of emotion. Theplexity of the unfolding events demanded caution; alliances could be beneficial, but traps lurked in hasty agreements. The shadow recounted a tale of a fiery spirit, crushed by the overwhelming might of the Sun family a narrative mirroring Wang Xuan''s own disdain for the tyrannical grip of the financial dynasties. "I was once like you, full of fervor and defiance. But my overconfidence was my downfall, leading me into the clutches of the Sun family," the shadow revealed. Wang Xuan assessed the implications of this revtion. The ability to manipte spirit fragments from ancient relics was no ordinary feat, indicative of substantial power. "How were you ensnared by them, and why remain bound?" With a heavy sigh, the shadow spoke of the formidable power the financial conglomerates wielded in this unique age. "Underestimate them at your peril. As the era of transcendence fades, they have unearthed relics of immense power." He shared a chilling encounter: "At the threshold of the Sun family''s secret vault hangs a bell. It tolled of its own ord as I approached, ensnaring my soul and spirit, sealing my fate in their grasp." For Wang Xuan, this revtion was a crucial insight into the hidden depths of the Sun family''s power, a realization that would significantly influence his next moves. Wang Xuan''s gaze hardened as he queried the shadow about the ancient bell''s activation. "Did a transcendent being set it off?" The idea that the Sun family possessed such formidable artifacts, even in an age of dwindling supernatural forces, was deeply unsettling. The shadow shook its head, adding gravely, "I suspect it''s a relic of the ancients, left behind in their hasty departure." His tone carried a hint of frustration. "Many financial dynasties are unaware of the terrifying power of the relics lying dormant in their vaults, capable of effectively annihting transcendent beings." With a sense of urgency, he warned Wang Xuan about the recent efforts of these dynasties to reawaken these ancient artifacts by infusing them with X substance and other materials gathered from hiddennds. "As time goes by, they''re realizing the true potential of these objects. Approach them with utmost caution," he advised. The shadow''s willingness to share such crucial insights and cautionary advice suggested a genuine interest in coboration. However, Wang Xuan remained skeptical, cautious tomit fully to this newfound alliance. Earlier, the shadow''s assault was fierce and unfeigned; the relentless attack of its spirit fragments would have overwhelmed a less skilled individual. The shadow, affiliated with the Sun family, must have known about the ancientmp in Wang Xuan''s possession and sought to deplete its substance. It likely hadn''t anticipated Wang Xuan''s ability to annihte the collected fragments without exhausting themp''s power. Adapting to the situation, the shadow shifted its approach to coborationa move both pragmatic and realistic. Reflecting on the broader context, the shadow expressed a poignant thought. "I often wonder if the cosmos itself is sentient, favoring technological civilizations over transcendents. This era provides fertile ground for the financial dynasties; as myths decay and transcendent legacies are unearthed by them, technology grows ever stronger while the transcendent fades. This age has granted them too much..." Intrigued by the depth of the shadow''s knowledge, Wang Xuan asked to meet its true form. The shadow seemed to possess insights into the full decay of mythological eras and the eventual disappearance of transcendent beingsknowledge that was both extensive and profound. The shadow declined Wang Xuan''s offer to meet face-to-face, exining, "I''m lying in a jade coffin, inconvenient to leave the spaceship and approach you. It could also arouse suspicion from the Sun family." He then assured Wang Xuan that as soon as he entered Kangning City, they could plot together, with the shadow providing defense ns of the Sun family and promising to act from within. "Just hold off that ancient bell for three minutes, and help me free one soul and two spirits," he proposed. Wang Xuan, intrigued by the ancient division of soul and spirit, responded, "That bell captured your soul; I''m not sure I can withstand it." The shadow insisted, "I think you''re strong. To single-handedly destroy a Sun family base at your age, you''re like those in ancient legends. I believe you can astral project, something other transcendents can''t do." Wang Xuan shook his head, downying his abilities, "That wasn''t me. My family''s patriarch intervened because the Sun family attacked me with their warship. I can''t perform such feats. When I leave my body, my spirit can only wander within a few hundred meters." "Who is your patriarch?" the shadow inquired hesitantly. Wang Xuan replied ambiguously, "I don''t know. He doesn''t say much. He just asionally visits me." The shadow then requested Wang Xuan''s help to approach his patriarch, "Could you ask your patriarch to help? To overturn the Sun family and free me." Wang Xuan responded, "He''s uninterested in worldly matters. He''s preupied with something else, rarely appearing. He lets me train in the New World, and seldom interferes unless absolutely necessary." Wang Xuan subtly misled the shadow, portraying a vague figure of a patriarch, potentially an escapee from a greater scheme. "He''s worried about the full decline of mythology and is trying to find a solution," he continued. After a moment''s silence, the shadow spoke again, expressing a wish to meet Wang Xuan''s patriarch, not just for his own liberation but to discuss deeper concerns shared by his deceased master. Wang Xuan listened intently but remained outwardlyposed. He sensed that this shadowy figure was not as straightforward as it appeared, and caution was necessary. "The Sun family is indeed formidable, possessing ancient relics of immense power. They didn''t know how to use them before, but they''re figuring it out now. You should be careful. If possible, ask your patriarch to intervene. If he can free my soul and spirits, I''ll be the first tounch an assault on the Sun family," the shadow''s emotions were intense. Wang Xuan nodded, inquiring how the shadow''s spiritual fragments could travel such great distances, well beyond ten miles. "These fragmentse from beings of immense power. If you want to project further, find an ancient peach tree struck by lightning but still living. Use its heartwood to host your soul, and you can travel much further from your body," the shadow exined. Surprised by this knowledge, Wang Xuan realized such materials would be hard to find. He then asked about the strength of other financial conglomerates. "The financial families and major organizations on New World are all formidable, none of them simple. I was too arrogant and careless in the past," the shadow sighed, regretful. Even if some families didn''t know how to activate ancient artifacts, just a little nourishment from super-materials could activate terrifying runes, defending autonomously. He had learned this the hard way when attempting to infiltrate the Sun family. "I''ll wait for your patriarch to act against the Sun family. If you go alone, I can only offer limited assistance," he concluded. After discussing more ns, the shadow prepared to leave. Wang Xuan suddenly suggested, "What if you pretend to capture me and deliver me to the Sun family? I''m being closely watched, and reaching them by myself will be difficult and time-consuming." "Sure," the shadow quickly agreed. Wang Xuan, however, hesitated and retracted the n. The shadow''s swift agreement made him even more doubtful of its intentions. Wang Xuan couldn''t ignore the risk of the shadow being a double agent. If he was delivered to the Sun family on their warship, they could easily sabotage the journey and kill him. Before departing, the shadow shared more insights. "The Sun family is convinced that the me of mythology will extinguishpletely in three years. They''re determined to ensure that no transcendent beings rise to power and disrupt the current order within this time frame. They''re consolidating and expanding their dominance and actively persuading other financial families to join their cause." The night at the Sun family was tense as they awaited results. "Ghost Master is returning, unable to handle Wang Xuan," someone reported. "Are the people from Superstar close? It''s time to use our trump card," another person said with murderous intent. "Do they think our familycks means? We''ve only shown a fraction of our power!" The Sun family, internally united, decided to deploy part of their hidden resources to crush the transcendent beings and intimidate others. Meanwhile, in the Song family''s neighborhood, Wang Xuan, unable to resist the urge, let his spirit leave his body and ventured towards the Song residence. He remembered how the "Mad Little Song" had gone on a killing spree because of Ling Wei and even hired the Ashen Blood to attempt to kill him on Old World multiple times. Wang Xuan had a score to settle but had no intention of starting a war with another major family during these tumultuous times. His goal was simply to explore their secret vault. Approaching the Song territory, he instantly recognized the heavily guarded area, shrouded in mist and mysterious runes. While these phenomena might be invisible to ordinary people, they were like beacons in the night to transcendent beings, unmistakably conspicuous. The vi area, exclusive to the Song family, served as their stronghold. The heart of this domain was marked by a set of ancient buildings, each element hinting at hidden powers. Even the twin bronze lions guarding the entrance oozed a terrifying aura, saturated with transcendent substance. Further intrigue was added by five small gs nted around the buildings, forming aplexwork of peculiar patterns, signifying their extraordinary nature. What truly astonished Wang Xuan was the presence of a golden tree, modest in height at just over a meter, nted in an ancient copper basin deep within theplex. Its brilliance, even from a distance and through barriers, was palpable to any transcendent being. The tree bore several golden birds, seemingly crafted from gold. Their eyes, flickering with runes, suggested a semnce of life on the verge of awakening. Wang Xuan retreated swiftly, sensing a grave threat from the golden birds. They seemed designed to target spirit wanderers, capable of hunting and destroying souls. His unease grew with proximity. "Does it only harm those who venture beyond their physical form?" he wondered. "Who empowered it with transcendent substance? Is it a protector for those who feed it, or does the Song family harbor a transcendent expert?" Convinced of the Song family''s possession of such a rare and potent relic, Wang Xuan hurried away. A fleeting glimpse was enough to recognize its immense power, undoubtedly a renowned treasure even in the ancient times. Wang Xuan, upon hearing the whispers of unease from the neighboring residents about his proximity and his ability to venture beyond his physical form, felt a twinge of irony. "They''re worried about me when they have ''Crazy Little Song'' in their midst?" he mused silently, resisting the urge to correct their misconceptions. Another voice chimed in, specting, I think he wont dare to make enemies on all fronts, especially with his imminent sh against the Sun family. Regretfully, Wang Xuan cast a final nce toward the direction of the Song family''s secret vault before departing. His spirit returned to his body, and he promptly fell into a deep sleep, only a few hours remaining before dawn. Upon waking, Wang Xuan retrieved his phone from a fragment of a blessednd and contacted Old Chen, advising him to be cautious. Old Chens spirits lifted when he mentioned that Guan Lin had arrived, bringing with him the 1.5-meter-long great ck sword. Chen felt most confident andfortable with this weapon, far more than any other treasure or artifact. Guan Lin also brought news that stirred concern. The Sun family sent a spaceship to the Old World, likely aiming to bring your parents over, she ryed. Meanwhile, at the Sun family estate, a figure donned a suit of armor imbued with runes, radiating a formidable transcendent power. Grasping a divine bell, ripples of energy pulsated around it, as if ready to shatter the very fabric of space. Setting the bell aside, he picked up a small, golden gourd, weighing it in his hand with evident affection. Next, his attention turned to a five-colored wheel of light, its ethereal glow suggesting the power to tear through the heavens. In the family''s secret vault, he carefully selected his weapons, preparing to hunt down the transcendent beings who posed a threat to the Sun family. Chapter 228: Their Final Confrontation Chapter 228: Their Final Confrontation Upon hearing that the Sun family had audaciously attempted to abduct his parents from the Old World, Wang Xuan bristled with anger. "The Sun family''s stooping topete with the underworld in immorality now?" he fumed. Old Chen tried to calm him, "Don''t worry, Guan Lin and some old friends from the relevant departments knew about the situation on New World. They didn''t let the Sun family act recklessly and warned them off." "If the Sun family has no limits, then neither will I," Wang Xuan dered fiercely. "They have a vast empire with numerous properties and many family members scattered abroad. Every time I enter a city, I''ll ensure one of their establishments is utterly destroyed. There will be bloodshed!" That afternoon, Wang Xuan decided to visit the Song family, primarily intending to use them as a conduit to convey a message to the Sun family. When the Song family realized that the infamous "Crazy Little Wang" from just a street away was visiting, they were extremely vignt, viewing his visit akin to a night cat entering their home. Especially since they knew that their own kin, Song Qian, had previously contracted the Ashen Blood organization to eliminate Wang Xuan in the Old World. Fearing retaliation, the atmosphere turned tense. "Is Little Song at home?" Wang Xuan asked bluntly upon his arrival, startling everyone present. His casual inquiry sent shivers down their spines, given his suspected involvement in the explosion at a key Sun family base the previous night. It seemed there was nothing he wouldn''t dare to do. "Ah, it''s nothing. Who hasn''t been impulsive in their youth? I''ve had my moments of recklessness too, just to vent some pent-up anger. I''d even dare to punch a hole in the sky!" His words, though seemingly casual, carried an implicit threat. The Song family members exchanged uneasy nces, their hearts drumming with anxiety. "I really mean no harm this time," Wang Xuan stated inly, asking them to help contact the Sun family''s decision-makers as he had something to rify with them. Relieved that their own family wasn''t the target, the Song family members were more than willing to assist. "Please," they gestured politely, partly due to their earlier guilt. A few middle-aged men and three younger members, all direct descendants of the Song family, came to meet Wang Xuan. As for the elderly heads of the family, they deemed themselves too prestigious to appear personally. The Song family''s vi area was vast and picturesque, reminiscent of interconnected ancient gardens. With its bizarrely shaped rocks, babbling brooks, koi fish flicking their tails, and quaint stone arch bridges, it was a scene of serene beauty. On the way to the meeting, Song Wentao, apprehensive about Wang Xuan''s extended presence, began contacting the Sun family. He hoped to resolve the matter swiftly, wary of potentialplications. Sun Rongting, a key figure in the Sun family, was taken aback when informed that Wang Xuan wished to speak with them. His expression turned icy as he listened to the message. "I''ll make this brief," Wang Xuan said bluntly as he walked. "Our feud should not involve my parents. If you insist on crossing the line, then for every city I enter, I''ll obliterate one of your trade buildings and wipe out your businesses. Here in Jingyue City, there''s your spacecraft research institute and the World Trade Tower, right? Do you want me to cleanse them from top to bottom in blood?" The Song family members apanying him perspired nervously, witnessing Wang Xuan''s direct threats to the Sun family''s core leadership. Sun Rongting set aside the golden gourd in his hand, his eyes cold and severe. It had been years since he had experienced such confrontation, being openly reprimanded. Wang Xuan continued, "I''m saying this once:e kill me if you have the strength and resources. But if I hear anything from the Old World, prepare to mourn; I''ll ensure rivers of blood flow in every city I visit." "And don''t think I can''t reach Kangning City. Maybe tonight, or some night soon, I''ll suddenly arrive for a formal meeting." Having said his piece, Wang Xuan abruptly ended the call, uninterested in any harsh retorts or pointless banter from the other side. Sun Rongting, phone in hand, looked darkly furious, infuriated by the abrupt chastisement and the caller''s brusque disconnection. "Sorry for the outburst just now," Wang Xuan apologized to the Song family, his tone almost mocking. The Song family members remained silent, perplexed by his apology after scolding Sun Rongting. "We all were young once, well, you''re still quite young," Song Wentao remarked thoughtfully. "But I think this ongoing conflict benefits no one. If there''s a chance for reconciliation, that would be ideal. Do you want me to mediate?" Wang Xuan shook his head, dismissing the offer bluntly. "Thanks, but no need. The Sun family has gone mad. Unless key members die and Kangning City feels the shadow of death, they won''t stop." The Song family members were taken aback by Wang Xuan''s frankness. It was startlingly direct, even for them. Wang Xuans phone rang with an unfamiliar number. Apologizing to his hosts, he answered immediately, wary of missing crucial calls during these tense times. Im Sun Yichen. You destroyed that base, right? And you just threatened my fifth uncle, didnt you? the voice on the other end used. Shut up. Let Sun Rongting talk to me directly. This isnt a matter for kids like you. Get lost and y in the mud! Wang Xuan retorted harshly before hanging up and blocking the number. Song Kun, who had once reached out to Sun Yichen to buy Chen Yongjie''s blood and flesh, was present and felt his heart pound violently at Wang Xuan''s blunt response. The three young members of the Song family were visibly shaken. Sun Yichen, a notable figure among the financial elite''s youth, was rarely confronted so boldly, yet Wang Xuan had dismissed him like a child. Soon, the news spread among a select few, including a youngdy from the Song family sharing it with her close friends. On the Moon, Zhou Yun, ted by the news, contemted returning to the New World to celebrate with friends, finding little joy in drinking with his three girlfriends on the lunar surface. Zhong Cheng, upon hearing the news, informed his sister, Wang Xuan and the Sun family are both crazy. He even scolded Sun Rongting. Its a fight to the death now! Zhong Qing replied, Do you think it can be resolved? Wang Xuan only has one option: to scare the Sun family into submission. But he must be careful not to rm other financial powers, or they might see him as an uncontroble and unpredictable threat. In Pingyuan City, Qin Hong was lost in thought. Sun Rongting was warned? This is getting out of hand, he mused with a coldugh, eagerly anticipating the Sun familys response. Ling Qiming was in a daze, reflecting on the young man who once called him ''Uncle Ling.'' Astonishingly, Wang Xuan had reached a point where he directly confronted and warned Sun Rongting. Recalling his own fruitless attempt to protect Chen Yongjie during a conversation with Sun Rongting, Ling Qiming was left speechless by the recent developments. In the Song family''s living room, adorned with famous calligraphy and paintings, Wang Xuan noticed a Jianghaindscape painting with hidden cryptic runes. Astonished, he realized even a casual wall decoration in a wealthy household was a treasure. He was tempted to take it but refrained, remembering the potential danger of his spiritual form being attacked by the golden birds from the Song family''s mystical tree. Someone in the Song family is critically ill? Wang Xuan asked casually. Startled, Song Wentao replied, How did you know? Recently, his grandfather, Song Yun, one of the core elders of the family, had fallen gravely ill. The patriarch, ny-seven years old, seemed to have reached his life''s end. Past attempts at extending his life using modern techniques had now be ineffective. Wang Xuan nodded. I dont specialize inbative magic or fierce battles, but I have some insights into prolonging life. I sensed a strong aura of death, indicating that person wontst more than half a month. Hope flickered in Song Wentao''s eyes. His grandfather''s prolonged life would certainly benefit his rise within the family. Can you help? he asked, recalling how Wang Xuan had once extended the life of Qian An. Given the current hostilities between Wang Xuan and the Sun family, other families hesitated to intervene. Let me see him first, Wang Xuan replied, notmitting fully but exuding confidence that sparked optimism in Song Wentao. Wang Xuan was taken to a traditional vi where he saw the frail, skeletal figure of Song Yun on his sickbed. After a brief examination, he stated, With a certain price, I could extend his life by three to five years. Song Wentao was visibly moved. Please, help my grandfather. Whatever you need, just name it. Wang Xuan spread his hands helplessly. As you know, Im on the brink of a major confrontation with the Sun family. Its likely to be a bloody battle, possibly involving warships, transcendent beings, and ancient treasures. If I exert myself too much now His implication was clear, and the Song family, fearing for their reputation, couldn''t refuse. They understood the gravity of the situation and Wang Xuans precarious position in the impending conflict. "We canpensate you," spoke the weakened voice of the elder, Song Yun, from his sickbed. The others, who might have objected, remained silent, recognizing his authority in the family. Wang Xuan stated his terms inly, "Give me some ancient artifacts to examine, and I''ll see if they can be of use." He knew there was no need for subtleties in dealing with someone as shrewd as Song Yun. "You may choose one," dered Song Yun with a firm voice that stillmanded respect despite his frailty. "Fine. Move the elder''s bed to the Daoist temple in the back. When I prolong life, I need tomune with divine forces. Faith nourishes the spirit, and some things in this world demand belief," Wang Xuan instructed. Song Yun gestured for his instructions to be followed. Wang Xuan had long suspected that New Star harbored hidden masters. Centuries-old temples and Daoist abodes had been relocated to New Star, possibly on the advice of someone with profound understanding. These relics were not just for show; they suggested a deeper significance. His encounter with the insider from the Sun family had only deepened his suspicions. This individual seemed to know too much, possibly about whaty behind the grand veil of reality, and had inadvertently fallen into the hands of a powerful family. In thisplexndscape, Wang Xuan understood the need to gather strength discreetly and grow faster than anyone could anticipate. Apanied by Song Wentao, he entered the ancient Daoist temple, already aware of the mystical energy it held. The previous night''s usage of the ancientmp had depleted some of its mysterious substance. Wang Xuan nned to replenish it here while also treating Song Yun. He sat calmly in the temple, closing his eyes to rest, confident in his spiritual prowess at such close range. In the temple, amidst the sacred statues,y a bone fragment, pockmarked and ckened from lightning strikes, still radiating potent life force. This was indeed a remarkable relic of ascension. Wang Xuan, ever cautious, approached the relic in the Daoist temple, glimpsing into the ''Inner Landscape'' revealed through a small crack. The ancientmp, now fully replenished with a rich supply of mysterious substance, couldunch over thirty dark red spirit-piercing arrows. Old Song was brought in, and a variety of artifacts were presented to Wang Xuan on trays for his choosing. His brow furrowed in dissatisfaction. The items, mostly damaged, included a silver hammer missing an edge, a broken copper spearhead, and a cracked Bagua mirror. "These are of no use to me!" Wang Xuan was blunt. Some items might be powerful once infused with mysterious substances, but their damaged state made them undesirable. Song Yun, pale and clearly displeased, demanded better offerings. Soon, Song Wentao returned with a tray that immediately caught Wang Xuan''s attention. A palm-sized, dark golden boat, brimming with dense runes, seemed capable of flight once powered, potentially evading satellite detection. However, Wang Xuan didn''t immediately reach for it. The ancientmp on him began to heat up, subtly quivering, seemingly drawn to another object. His choice remained unmade. He then picked up a jade seal, which was quickly imed by an elderly member of the Song family as a precious ancestral artifact, thus off-limits for gifting. Wang Xuan''s expression darkened, and he turned to leave, clearly angered by the turn of events. After much deliberation, Wang Xuan eventually chose a crystal with a faint mark resembling a type of pigment. Upon his query, Wang Xuan exined to Song Wentao that it might be useful for drawing symbols, and he intended to study it further. The moment he took possession of the crystal, it resonated with the ancientmp, vibrating in unison. Requesting a quiet room in the Daoist temple to concentrate, Wang Xuan prepared to extend Old Song''s life. He examined the room and destroyed some surveince devices with his psychic field. Cutting the crystal open with an indestructible short sword, a red light from it infused themp, which now held a fearsome true fire. The once fully chargedmp nearly depleted its mysterious substance, all absorbed by the faint fire. Intrigued by this development, Wang Xuan stepped out to perform the life-extending ritual for Old Song. He took multiple risks, drawing mysterious substances from the crack leading to the ''Inner Landscape''. After his fourth venture, he finally replenished themp. Even Wang Xuan himself was startled by the ordeal; should he fail to refill themp, he was ready to abandon the task to avoid disturbing the enigmatic shadows within the Inner Landscape. He managed to extend Old Song''s life by six months, exining that such things needed to be done gradually. The Song family, speechless at these events, could only hope that Wang Xuan would survive long enough toplete the process, fearing an immediate retaliation from the Sun family. That evening, back in his hotel room, Wang Xuan studied the ancientmp closely. He sensed its power had significantly increased, suspecting that its capabilities now extended beyond mere attacks on the spirit. A sudden call from Old Chen conveyed a critical message: the Sun family had finally decided to confront him, sending their formidable forces for a decisive battle outside the city. Wang Xuan, slightly anxious for Old Chen''s safety, advised caution, urging him to retreat towards his location if the situation turned unfavorable. Old Chen, however, responded with a tone of resolve, indicating his readiness to assert his strength in the impending confrontation. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan sensed an unusual atmosphere around him. Surrounding the hotel were numerous mechanical beings, but what truly alerted him was the presence of a figure outside the city, emanating a sense of danger. Climbing to the top of a high-rise building, Wang Xuan gazed out over the city. In the darkness, he spotted a figure d in armor, glowing with runes that shone bright and sacred, standing like a deity at the horizon. A mechanical being approached him with a message: someone outside the city was summoning him. This individual spoke of the decay of myths and the need for Wang Xuan to recognize reality. He warned that people like Wang Xuan would be reckoned with in three years unless they changed their ways. Offering Wang Xuan a chance to turn back, the messenger conveyed the notion that it wasnt toote for him to reconsider his path. Chapter 229: The Chaotic Battle Of Mu City Chapter 229: The Chaotic Battle Of Mu City In the evening, the sky was adorned with a few sparse clouds that partly obscured the moon and stars, allowing their light to filter down into the city. Wang Xuan listened with growing irritation as a mechanical being repeated the words of someone who seemed to regard himself as superior, almost god-like. "At this hour of the night, he acts so high and mighty, as if he''s a god looking down on me. Who does he think he is? Why would I just leave the city because he says so?" Wang Xuan felt a deep-seated antipathy. The way the mechanical being conveyed the message, it reeked of arrogance. Did the Sun family really believe they had unified Xinxing and could nowmand those with extraordinary abilities? He had shed with the Sun family before, not shying away from conflict. And now, they spoke of ''settling ounts'', offering him a chance as if they controlled everything, unchallenged in Xinxing? Wang Xuan had intended to leave the city for a final showdown with the Sun family. But their dismissive attitude changed his mind. Were they regarding him as a subordinate, expecting him to heed their summons like a loyal servant? He was determined to face them, but not on their terms. Following the mechanical being would be demeaning. "Let him wait. I''m not free to entertain him now!" Wang Xuan dered, turning on his heel to return to his hotel room. In Jingyue City, where he stayed, mechanical beings weremonce, outwardly resembling ordinary people but concealing steel skeletons within. They were strategically ced around his hotel. Wang Xuan calcted the time, guessing that the decisive battle in Mu City must have begun. He wondered about Old Chen''s situation. "Zhong Cheng, you should be able to see the battle. Stream it to me; I want to know Old Chen''s condition," he requested, contacting the Zhong siblings for real-time updates on Chen Yongjie''s condition in the battle outside Mu City. "Okay, wait a moment. It''s already started. My palms are sweaty from the tension, the atmosphere is so oppressive. The Sun family indeed has some real experts, a perfect blend of science and martial prowess!" Zhong Cheng replied immediately, sending Wang Xuan a link to a secretwork where the battle was being streamed. This was a private viewing, not for the general public. Wang Xuan quickly projected the stream, and a three-dimensional audiovisual representation of the battle outside Mu City sprang to life in his room. The battle had indeedmenced with a resounding boom! A dazzling energy beam shot through the air, strikingly bright as if it hit Wang Xuan''s face directly. The experience was intense, creating an atmosphere of terror and oppression. The ground exploded, sending hundreds, even thousands of pounds of earth and stone flying into the air, creating a cloud of dust and debris. Groups of mechanical beings wereunching attacks, their energy beams crisscrossing in a dense web. Old Chen, like a streak of light, maneuvered across the open ground outside Mu City. He anticipated the attacks, continuously dodging and advancing towards a man d in silver armor. Beams of light shot from the man''s shoulders, indicating he was equipped with cutting-edge high-energy weapons. The beams flew out at high speed, targeting Old Chen. In his hand, he held a broadsword, almost as tall as a person, his gaze fixed indifferently on Chen Yongjie. Old Chen was in a dire state, blood staining his clothes. Despite his formidable mental domain, rivaling the ancient sages at this level, the dense barrage of superweapon beams was overwhelming. Some grazed him, causing partial tearing of his flesh and sttering blood. His body radiated with the brilliance of a golden body, making him appear like an enraged Buddha in the night. His short hair stood on end as he roared lowly, the trembling earth echoing his fury. The scene shifted to Guan Lin, standing atop a high-rise building on the outskirts of Mu City, engaged in a heated argument with representatives of various financial conglomerates. "This isn''t fair. The agreement was a fair duel between Chen Yongjie and the Sun family. Why, as soon as he left the city, did so many mechanical beings suddenly appear to hunt him down?!" Guan Lin was furious and deeply worried, fearing that Old Chen might be suddenly obliterated. One or two mechanical beings might be manageable for Old Chen with his extraordinary abilities, but now, a whole group had appeared. And on the horizon, a dense forest of steel loomed - an army of mechanical beings ready to advance and annihte Old Chen. Who could withstand such an onught? If a mechanical legion unleashed its might, sweeping across with high-energy beams, it was beyond the capacity of someone who had just stepped into the realm of the extraordinary to confront. "It''s already quite fair. As superhumans, slowly declining and being rejected by the times, this is the choice of history. We''re only using a fraction of this era''s power. If we didn''t hold back and deployed spaceships, warships, and conducted a carpet saturation attack, would Chen Yongjie still be alive? He''d be reduced to dust." A middle-aged man from the Sun family spoke up, standing atop a skyscraper, watching the scene unfold, directly confronting Guan Lin. "It was your own definition of a fair duel. If that''s the case, Chen Yongjie could have just stayed in the city, hunting you down one by one. Now, you''re breaking the agreement and acting in bad faith!" Guan Lin retorted sharply. Bathed in moonlight, she appeared to be in her thirties, beautiful and imposing. Once, Old Chen had ventured into forbiddennds to retrieve a rare herb for her, preserving her youth. "Youck credibility. If you hunt down Old Chen like this, don''t me me for being ruthless. The Sun family''s interests in the Old Earth won''t be spared. Those people, that mess, will be crushed to dust in an instant. You''re not the only ones who can y dirty." Guan Lin was furious, seeing blood stter on Old Chen outside the city, her eyes filled with worry and distress. "Miss Guan, you should take responsibility for your words. Those people in the Old Earth might not heed your advice, and it would be unfortunate if you got hurt in the process. Moreover, the Sun family isn''t afraid of your threats. The worst-case scenario, we just cut off ties. In fact, the Sun family has enough warships to not fear any threats," Sun Chengming, the middle-aged man, said indifferently, a cold smile on his lips, exuding confidence. He added, "Moreover, we initially spoke of a decisive battle between Chen Yongjie and the Sun family, not specifying any individualbat. Deploying mechanical beings is already a restraint on our part. If we wanted, we could send an iron legion into the city for the hunt, wouldn''t that have the same effect?" His eyes held a deep, merciless cold. The Sun family had lost two high-ranking members and a base, and he was far from satisfied with merely an eye for an eye. He said coldly, "Regardless of whether Chen Yongjie agreed or was willing to leave the city, he had to face this oue. Fighting in the city would only lead to civilian casualties and destruction of buildings, which can bepensated forter." With a faint smile, he continued, "Now, it seems Chen Yongjie is sensible enough toe out for the battle, sparing some lives. That''s a good deed on his part, ha!" Guan Lin replied icily, "Shameless. You go back on your own words. Fine, the Sun family has no bottom line, I''ll remember this. If Chen Yongjie is killed here today by your unscrupulous methods, I will ensure the Sun family pays in blood." Sun Chengming abruptly turned to her, saying, "Is that so? I''ll be waiting!" And then, with a loud boom... Outside the city, the battle raged fiercely. Chen Yongjie, covered in blood, wielded a ck longsword, one and a half meters in length, relentlessly smashing through the ranks of formidable mechanical beings. His sword glowed brilliantly in the darkness, streaking towards the sky as if to split the heavens, leaving onlookers in awe. Was a superhuman nearing divinity? Chen Yongjie dodged one supercharged beam after another, but a single misstep could lead to severe injury or even a fatal blow. He pushed the limits of his golden body, with surging golden light around him like wild mes. When energy beams grazed his golden body, they exploded, shaking his frame and churning his blood. He advanced in a winding path towards the man in silver armor, who also began to move. Beams of energy emitted from his shoulders and legs, continuously bombarding Chen Yongjie. "Flesh and blood, yet so powerful. Facing off against a multitude of mechanical beings, cleaving through mechs, resisting supercharged beams. This Chen Yongjie is truly formidable!" observed the elite from financial dynasties and major organizations. Everyone, from the core high-ranking members to the hedonistic younger generation, watched the superhuman battle unfold on this night. Victory or defeat would be decided tonight. The Sun family had not kept a low profile this time, having already dered their intention to eliminate Chen Yongjie and Wang Xuan that very night. "Old Chen, hang in there! Damn it, the Sun family is really out of line, using so many mechanical beings. They''re grinding him down, who can withstand such high-energy weapons?" Zhong Cheng''s palms were sweaty, as if he himself were on the battlefield. Watching the three-dimensional audiovisuals, he yelled in shock several times, feeling as if he were being struck by the energy beams. Zhong Qing spoke softly, "But you have to admit, this is the Sun family''s power. Chen has to get through this. If the Sun family turns hostile, they won''t care about city or wilderness. Forget the mechanical beings, if their safety is threatened, they dare use warships in the city,mitting massacres without hesitation." Indeed, many in the financial elite shared this view. For Chen Yongjie to truly triumph, he had to ovee this obstacle. Sooner orter, he would face the iron legion. "Die, Chen Yongjie, just die already! How are you still not dead? You''re too tough!" The excitement was palpable among those following the battle, and emotions ran high, especially within the Sun family. Sun Yichen was growling in anticipation, eager for the fight to end and for the superhuman to be vanquished. His anticipation was even greater for the impending battle, hoping to see Wang Xuan defeated as well. In Pingyuan City, within the Qin family, Qin Hong''s face turned pale, sensing a chill. The sh between a superhuman and technological weaponry was intense, and the fact that Chen Yongjie was still alive was a dangerous sign. The consequences of such a force invading the Qin family were unthinkable. Boom! Outside Mu City, Old Chen shed through mechanical beings, moving as if flying, crossing great distances. Each time he touched the ground, he cracked it open, propelling himself over a hundred meters away. "Chen Yongjie, die!" At that moment, the man in silver armor, wielding a broadsword, violently stabbed his sword into the ground and took off arge bow from his back. He had been standing still, waiting for the perfect range. Holding a pitch-ck bow, he nocked a silver arrow, drew the bowstring taut, and released it with a thunderous sound. The entire sky lit up as if aet had struck, its power immense and unstoppable. Old Chen skimmed across the ground, swiftly dodging the arrow by moving over a hundred meters. The silver arrow was terrifying; the moment it flew past where Old Chen had been, it plowed a massive trench in the ground without even touching it directly! The most rming aspect was that the silver arrow, a treasure filled with dense runes and long soaked in potent X substance by the Sun family, turned around and flew back towards Old Chen. It was designed to lock onto its target, not resting until it drew blood. The Sun family expert had three such arrows,bined with the ck bow, creating a weapon of astonishing lethality. Old Chen roared in anger, swinging his ck longsword and striking the returning silver arrow. A blinding light erupted where the two forces collided. With a thunderous roar, the earth exploded open, creating a deep pit nearly ten meters in diameter, plunging through the dark ground. "Is he dead?!" Many from the Sun family watched anxiously. "Old Chen, you can''t die!" Zhou Yun, watching from Xinyue, trembled with nervousness. "Chen Yongjie, can you survive this?" Ling Qiming, too, was engrossed in the battle, his spirit taut with tension, a feeling he hadn''t experienced in many years. Outside Mu City, with another roar, Chen Yongjie burst forth, his body covered in blood. The st of such terrifying superhuman energy had not been light; his skin was torn and flesh burst open. But his spirit was unbroken, fueled by boundless killing intent. How could he let such a defeat pass unchallenged? "My treasure, shattered..." The man in the distance paled as he saw his silver arrow destroyed by Chen Yongjie''s ck sword, causing the intense explosion of energy. He was drawing his bow for the second arrow! At this moment, Chen Yongjie''s entire body shone brilliantly. His golden body, nearly at its limit, manifested a giant golden Buddha behind him, majestic and ring furiously. On closer inspection, it was Chen Yongjie himself, signifying his Buddhist practice centered around his own immense self-belief and strength. With a ferocious roar, the Buddha surged with golden light. Around Chen Yongjie, faint miraculous visions appeared, ephemeral but astounding. Boom! As the Buddha roared, the ground tore apart, rocks and dust shot towards the sky. Chen Yongjie wielded his ck sword like a flying weapon, a streak of dark light tearing through the sky at incredible speed. The man in silver armor, in disbelief, looked down and let out a piercing scream. He had been cut in half at the waist, his lower body falling to the ground! Chapter 230: He Has The Advantage Chapter 230: He Has The Advantage Thetest alloy materials of the New World, including a trace of sr gold in the silver armor, were still split apart by the ck longsword. The man''s world turned dark with unbearable pain as he uncontrobly rolled on the ground. Everyone was deeply shaken, stunned by the ck light that cleaved through the night sky, severing the powerful man dispatched by the Sun family in half. It was a shocking sight. "How did he win? What about the mechanical army? Attack, destroy him!" Sun Yichen roared in the courtyard, unable to ept this oue. He had set a table with food and drinks under the moonlight, inviting young friends to celebrate what he thought would be an easy victory. Instead, they witnessed a Sun family expert being gruesomely defeated. Where was the triumphant feast they had anticipated? "Old Chen, that was awesome! I''m not waiting any longer. As soon as this battle is over, I''m heading back to the New World!" Zhou Yun, exhrated on Xinyue, shouted, "I can''t wait to see those Sun bastards'' faces, looking like they''ve lost everything." Originally, Zhou Yun had retreated to Xinyue, feeling ridiculed and dejected. Now, he was eager to return. "Brilliantly killed, Chen Yongjie is godlike!" On the New World, many practitioners of ancient arts watched, their organizations not powerful enough but still having limited ess to the secretwork to witness the battle. On top of the skyscraper in Mucheng, Guan Lin''s smile shone beautifully in the moonlight, a rare softness in her usually stern demeanor. She nced at the Sun family members, too indifferent to say much, but her look was enough to make Sun Chengming feel choked with anger. Under the scrutiny of all, the Sun family had invested so much yet failed to defeat Chen Yongjie. If the night ended this way, it would be unbearable. "Don''t worry, it''s not over yet!" An elderly voice spoke from the micro-lightputer on his wrist. "The expert from Chaoxing might have been defeated, but the Sun family hasn''t. We have enough power to crush Chen Yongjie. Don''t hold back. Even if it means using warships while he''s outside the city and facing criticism, we must kill him!" That cold voice indicated the end of any pretense of a fair duel. Now, it was only about the result eliminating Chen Yongjie at any cost. "Old Chen, take the win and return!" Guan Lin was alert, sensing the malice in Sun Chengming''s eyes, a dangerous, venomous intent that seemed on the verge of exploding. Chen Yongjie''s golden body shone brightly. Behind him, the Buddha became more vivid and lifelike, bearing his own face, standing tall with unparalleled majesty. He advanced, his spiritual domain vibrating intensely as he channeled the ck longsword. The dark light surged, shing towards the man on the ground, intent on finishing him. At the same time, Chen Yongjie eyed the horizon, where a vast, dark mass was moving. The mechanical legion, like a steel torrent, was rushing towards him, aiming to grind him into dust. The man on the ground, in a critical moment, spat out a bolt of lightning, deflecting the ck sword. His face was ashen, shocked by the unexpected severing at the waist. In his hand appeared a fan, which burst into five-colored light. With a swift wave, it seemed as if the heavens and earth exploded. The ground nearby cracked, and dense ck fissures, a foot wide, spread outwards. The scene was terrifying. The ck sword was knocked away towards the horizon, the five-colored light flooding the space like a torrential river, or five heavenly des, shing towards Old Chen. The ck sky lit up, as bright as day, under this dazzling disy. Onlookers were stunned by the disy of power, thend outside Mucheng, an uninhabited area, was engulfed, sliced, and shattered by the five-colored light. The ground shook violently as the fan moved, causing a hundred-meter-wide area in front of it topletely copse. Even a superhuman would find it challenging to withstand such a barrage of divine light. Old Chen swiftly dodged, crossing several hundred meters. Even then, he was slightly grazed by the light, adding more wounds to his already bloodied body. His eyes fierce, he recalled his ck sword, flying back from afar. "A powerful and rare treasure, surely renowned in ancient times. It seems my attempt to confront such a rarity with pure physical strength is stillcking," he mused. But he wasn''t disheartened; on the contrary, he felt fulfilled. The battle had unveiled a part of his mystical vision. Once fully realized, he spected that he might withstand such treasures in the future. Even in ancient times, it was rare for a sage at his level to manifest such visions. With a flip of his hand, a beast skin bag appeared, and he activated it immediately. "Kill Chen Yongjie!" In Mucheng, Sun Chengming secretly issued themand. At the horizon''s edge, the steel legion surged forward, energy beams densely packed, firing towards Old Chen as the mechanical army charged. Meanwhile, the man with only half a body furiously waved his five-colored feather fan. Like the sky splitting and earth shattering, the five-colored beams reappeared, resembling heavenly des and thunder, annihting everything in their path. This powerful artifact, even in the glittering legends of ancient superhumans, was a rare and game-changing treasure. Boom! Old Chen''s beast skin bag glowed and swelled, seemingly trying to epass the heavens and earth. It expanded with a daunting energy, forming an enigmatic force field that blurred the night sky, twisting space itself. Simultaneously, Old Chen burrowed into the earth, evading the interwoven supercharged weapon beams that densely crisscrossed the sky. The beast skin bag, glowing against the ground, shed with the light from the five-colored feather fan. The collision between the two was fierce, and finally, the energy ball exploded. The light, like a giant umbre, a mushroom cloud, or a surging ocean wave, struck the high heavens. It was blinding and intimidating, radiating astonishing super-material energy. The expansion of the superhuman energy illuminated both heaven and earth, bright as day. It was like a sun exploding, radiating in all directions. Visible energy ripples, like tidal waves crashing ashore, swept across the uninhabited area outside Mucheng. "Crack!" "Zap!" On the ground, the mechanical army malfunctioned, sparks flying from their energy cores. Internal circuits and chips were affected by the radiated energy ripples, freezing them in ce. The onlookers were stunned, while the Sun family felt a chill, as if plunged into an ice cer. This was superhuman radiation! The beast skin bag and the five-colored feather fan were both mighty, belonging to the realm of myth and legend. Their sh sent umbre-shaped energy light soaring into the night sky, radiating in all directions. Precision electronicponents were eroded, far more devastating than being hit by a strong pulse attack. Sun Chengming''s scalp tingled, never expecting such a turn of events. Their tests had shown that when the treasure unleashed its power, it was a unidirectional attack. If aimed at Chen Yongjie, it should have been enough to obliterate him, with a single strike from the fan capable of shattering a superhuman. However, the sh of two such treasurespletely changed the scenario, engulfing the entire battlefield in strong radiation. The Sun family''s mechanical legion, originally meant to be Chen Yongjie''s demise, was instead destroyed, suffering irreversible malfunctions, frozen in ce. The beast skin bag, once norger than a palm, now covered the night sky in its transformed state. It collided with the five-colored feather fan, gradually overpowering it until finally, with a swoosh, it absorbed the fan into itself. The battlefield fell eerily silent, the mysterious ancient artifact the beast skin bag had altered the final oue of the battle. "What is that bag? A Qiankun bag, a human seed bag, or something else?" Zhong Cheng swallowed hard. He had personally handed it over to Wang Xuan and Old Chen, a treasure from the Zhong family. Zhong Qing was also shocked. No wonder her great-grandfather always carried this treasure, capable of changing fate at critical moments. "It must be a top-tier artifact from ancient mythological legends... so terrifying!" The major financial dynasties were stunned. The confrontation between the two treasures had rendered the Sun family''s mechanical army useless. At that moment, every family began to reconsider the value of their own secret treasures. On the battlefield, the man with only half a body was swept up, quickly flying into the beast skin bag along with therge bow and two silver arrows. Old Chen was overjoyed. The power of the artifact was astonishing, filling him with excitement and anticipation, for he was about to possess his own extraordinary treasure. He grabbed the beast skin bag and sped away, heading towards Mucheng. Boom! On the horizon, a Sun family warship appeared, looming like a ferocious and terrifying beast, emitting intimidating energy beams. Old Chen, ever vignt, evaded in advance. Thud! Thud! Thud! The ground outside Mucheng was pocked with deep, abyssal pits, the aftermath of the warship''s assault. "Sun family, you''ve gone too far. Do you intend to destroy Mucheng?" Voices rang out through the secretwork and special channels, questioning the Sun family''s sanity. Even in defeat, there should be limits. If the Sun family dared to obliterate one or two million people in Mucheng, the other financial dynasties would never stand for it. Opening Pandora''s box would lead to endless turmoil for the New World, and now was not a life-or-death moment for the Sun family. Committing such a massacre would provoke universal outrage. Several blinding beams descended from the sky, piercing the earth but ultimately sparing Mucheng. Old Chen remained calm, his powerful spiritual domain allowing him almost precognitive foresight. Mucheng was safe, so upon entering the city, he didn''t nce back. He flipped the beast skin bag, spilling its contents. The moment the halved man hit the ground, Old Chen swiftly decapitated him. Therge bow and two silver arrows, though treasures, were not of the same caliber as the fan. Chen spared them only a brief nce before slinging them over his shoulder. He was particrly taken with the five-colored feather fan, a truly priceless artifact. Although slightly inferior to the beast skin bag, it was still a rare divine object. The bag belonged to someone else, but the fan, now his spoils of war, was a real treasure. Holding the severed head, he quickly ascended the skyscraper and faced the few people there. Guan Lin''s eyes were soft and joyful, her tension and worry dissipated. "Chen Yongjie, you''ve won this battle," Sun Chengming spoke, turning to leave. But with a thud, Old Chen tossed the bloody head at him, causing Sun to stumble. He whirled around, his eyes cold, staring at the short-haired, blood-stained man surrounded by a Buddha''s golden light. However, he soon shivered, feeling the bone-chilling murderous intent, his heart sinking. "You don''t think it''s all over, do you? You broke the rules, used a mechanical army to hunt me, and even deployed warships in the end. You''ve failed, and now you think you can just walk away?" Old Chen spoke, as behind him, a colossal angry Buddha materialized again, its radiant light looming over the Sun family''s direct descendant. "You''ve killed our expert, caused a swarm of mechanical beings to be destroyed, and emerged as the victor. What more do you want?" Sun Chengming tried to keep his voice steady. Chen Yongjie replied sternly, "If I had lost, you would have killed me. Winning naturally means killing you. Don''t think standing here puts you outside the fray. The Sun family''s upper echelons are all part of this gamble. Do you think you''re above it all? Sitting in the stands, watching beasts fight in a cage? You don''t have the right to belittle a superhuman. When you do wrong, especially lose, you pay a blood price!" Sun Chengming staggered backward, his body turning ice-cold. "Come to think of it, I''ve been targeted by your family time and again, yet haven''t killed a single high-ranking member of the Sun family. Now, I have such a head." After saying this, Old Chen swung his ck sword, a sh of dark light passing by, and with a thud, a head fell to the ground. Sun Chengming was beheaded, in in front of everyone, his blood sttering, his headless body copsing. "The Sun family, you want to continue, right? I''ll see this through to the end! See you in your Kangning City!" Old Chen''s voice was icy as the enormous golden Buddha behind him roared, his own face manifesting on the Buddha''s head. Lightning intertwined, spiritual energy resonated, and nearby detectors were destroyed, obscuring his figure from all onlookers. The Sun family members growled lowly. The image of the beheading was witnessed by all. In this battle, the Sun family suffered a terrible defeat. "I guess I''ll be nice and not contact little Sun," Zhou Yunughed heartily. At this moment, the entiremunity was shaken by the events. This battle had stirred a massive uproar! Wang Xuan calmly watched the battle unfold from his hotel. Rising to his feet, he prepared to make his move. Indeed, Jingyue City had caught the attention of many. People hadn''t forgotten the Sun family''s deration to eliminate Wang Xuan tonight. Was that about to start now? Chapter 231: A Restless Night Chapter 231: A Restless Night The battle in Mu City sent shockwaves in all directions, its impact immense. Chen Yongjie''s disy of unstoppable strength served as a lesson to the Sun family, demonstrating the fury of a Transcendent by publicly beheading a high-ranking member of their family. "What are we waiting for? We must restrict Transcendents. They dare to act sowlessly now; what will happen in the future? Can the financial dynasties still control the New World, or will they be reced by them?" The Sun family immediately contacted major powers and top organizations, urging a serious and stringent approach towards Transcendents, stressing the urgency of curbing their influence. They knew other families were pleased to see someone challenging the Sun family, depleting the super-wealthy''s resources. But by exaggerating the threat posed by Transcendents, they hoped to incite fear and ultimately gain support. The Sun family was mobilizing their mechanical army and raising alerts, still intent on annihting Transcendents while lobbying other powers to join forces, at the very least forming alliances with several major forces. The secretwork was aze with discussions, from the financial dynasties andrge organizations to the core high-level members and the younger generation, all shocked by the evening''s Transcendent battle. "When myth bes reality in such an astonishing way, it''s ultimately two rare treasures that determine the oue of the battle." "Open the secret vaults. Some of our old artifacts showed signs of activity in the past, even without being fully activated. If used correctly, what kind of performance can we expect?" "Could this be the Binding Immortal Rope, and that one... perhaps the Mutton Fat Jade Bottle?" The financial dynasties were set into motion, taking inventory of their secret vaults and seeking extraordinary artifacts. They even brought in senior consultants specialized in ancient mythology to study these items. Undoubtedly, this development had a significant impact on Wang Xuan and Old Chen, making it more challenging for them to easily acquire ancient artifacts in the future. The Sun family''s lobbying efforts were met with various responses. Some families received them seriously, sharing the Sun family''s fear of Transcendents overturning their current status. Others remained neutral, preferring to observe from the sidelines without getting involved. And somerge organizations, inscrutable in their intentions, did not immediately take a stance. In the evening, within the exclusive circle of financial dynasties and major organizations, discussions ebbed and flowed. There were heated debates, searches for rare treasures in secret vaults, and secret talks of forming alliances. However, they hadn''t forgotten that another battle was looming that night. Their attention turned to Jingyue City, home to millions and the stronghold of the Song family, where another major Transcendent battle was expected. "That freak Wang Xuan is nearby. Lets not get dragged into this. We should leave the city quickly!" Some members of the Song family worried. This battle garnered even more attention, especially after Chen Yongjie''s earlier engagement had set the financial and organizationalmunities abuzz. Now, even those who hadn''t initially paid attention to this battle were connecting to the secretwork, having waited for some time. In the financial dynasties, some elders who had been quiet and not interested in the Mu City battle, and some women who weren''t typically interested in martial conflicts, were now stirred by the news of Chen Yongjie''s myth-like battle. They all wanted to witness the live broadcast firsthand. "Zhong Qing, the beautiful Miss Zhong, I heard you and Wang Xuan, the star of tonight''s final battle, once explored deep space together and visited the city of earth immortals. What''s he like?" It was undeniable that even the most elegant and graceful women, when chatting privately with close friends, indulged in gossip just like any other girl. "Zhong Qing, can Transcendents really fly and split mountains with a wave of their hand? Is it dangerous being around them? We should get together for tea sometime." In fact, the phones of Zhong Cheng and Zhou Yun were also busy. The battle in Mu City, where Chen Yongjie faced the mechanical army alone and triumphed, turning the tide against the Sun family''s formidable power, had caused a sensation. Many from the younger generation began contacting Zhong Cheng and Zhou Yun, individuals known for their close associations with Wang Xuan and Old Chen. At this moment, Zhou Yun was aboard his private spaceship, returning to the New World, feeling rejuvenated, as if he had consumed a panacea, his whole being invigorated. Previously, Zhou Yun had retreated to Xinyue to clear his mind after being edged out by rivals. Now, with some witnessing the prowess of Transcendents, their attitudes had visibly changed. Even those who harbored hostility towards Transcendents were eager to understand and connect with such power, enthusiastically engaging Zhou Yun in conversation and inviting him to dine. "These guys are no saints; many of them are smiling tigers!" Zhou Yun was well aware of this, engaging deeply only with close friends and giving perfunctory responses to others. "At least we must suppress them for three years to prevent an upheaval. The Zheng family... never mind them. After three years, everything will return to normal." Some from the middle-aged group discussed in their chambers, calm and confident, evidently aware of certain secrets. They did not see a future dominated by myths but believed technology would eventually reign supreme. "This phase is not a cause for concern. The star-destroying ships areing, and research into the realm of the spirit is progressing. Technology will ultimately dictate everything!" That night, even the general public became aware of some of the events. While the secretwork was not open to the public, some residents of Mu City saw the fires outside the city, the battling mechanical army, and the warships opening fire, all of which left them utterly shocked. This was explosive news, impossible to conceal. Some residents near the outskirts, living in high-rise buildings, daringly recorded some of the distant, blurry footage of the battle. This footage quickly ignited a frenzy across various tforms, confirming that a massive Transcendent battle had indeed taken ce. Not long after, these blurrybat videos surged to the top of the trending lists. Eventually, some people recognized the Transcendent in the blurry battle footage, noting he resembled the crew-cut man who tore apart advanced mechanical beings in the "Three-Person Photo" circting a few days earlier. This revtion stirred up excitement and noisy discussions among the public. "I''ve heard that another big battle is going to take ce tonight outside Jingyue City. Friends there should be alert, prepare your devices. You might capture footage worth treasuring for five hundred years!" Word spread beyond the financial dynasties, reaching the general public who heard these rumors. "Zhong Qing, shall we go to the scene to watch? A live battle is far more thrilling than watching it on a screen. How about flying to Jingyue City on a spaceship?" Some adventurous young women from wealthy families and major organizations nned eagerly, looking forward to witnessing the mythic battle. Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng were even busier, inundated with requests from acquaintances to share links to the secretwork and grant them ess. Friends, business acquaintances, and even some female celebrities approached Zhou Yun, leaving him in a dilemma, especially with his girlfriends around. They realized the magnitude of the night''s events, stirring up various sectors, including entertainment and finance, as well-connected individuals reached out. The secretwork''s traffic surged, clearly indicating that some insiders had granted ess to acquaintances. A popr sweet-looking actress posted a contemptuous image of Wang, sparking widespread discussion and making people realize who was about to enter the fray. It was the same mysterious young man from the "Three-Person Photo," standing aloft, smiling faintly, his figure blurred. Wang Xuan stepped out of the hotel, wearing a metal mask he had fashioned from a piece of metal, creating a silver mask. He did not want to be recognized and scrutinized in the streets after tonight''s battle, as it would hinder his future actions. Walking along the softly lit streets at night, Wang casually snapped the necks of two mechanical beings, testing the strength of their alloy materials. He then continued, his spiritual domain spreading out, causing the heavy-duty and high-intelligence mechanical beings on the streets and rooftops to malfunction, their internal circuits sparking with energy. While still within the city, Wang Xuanunched his attack. From Old Chen''s battle in Mu City, he understood that the Sun family wouldn''t y by the rules. These mechanical beings might eventually be used against him. Even within the city, if the Sun family became desperate, they would likely destroy buildings and hotels to kill him, daring to take extreme actions. Thus, he began clearing the field first, walking the streets like the Grim Reaper himself. "Retreat, leave Jingyue City!" The Sun family members looked grim as many of their mechanical beings inexplicably lost contact with their control systems, clearly indicating trouble. Wang Xuan left the city, destroying various humanoid robots along the way. These lifelike machines, previously tools for mass killing, now stood frozen in the city behind him. "Old Wang has left the city," Zhong Cheng whispered. At this moment, the traffic on the secretwork spiked as everyone closely watched the unfolding battle. Microscopic detectors, like insects, floated in the night sky, cautiously approaching Wang Xuan, attempting to capture close-up audio-visuals of him. Crack! A streak of electricity shed, causing nearby expensive and precise instruments to fall from the sky. Remote spying was one thing, but some remotely controlled detectors even attempted to get close to his body, with the bolder ones trying to attach themselves to his hair and clothing. The night was deep, stars twinkled above, and a crescent moon hung high. Thend outside the city was quiet and empty, cleared by the Sun family to ensure no disturbances. "You''rete!" On the distantnd, a figure had been standing for a long time, d in ancient armor, flowing with runes, mysterious and powerful, emanating an astonishing aura of Transcendent matter. "It''s your Sun family''s overconfidence," Wang Xuan spoke. "Did you really think I would just obey and leave the city because youmanded it?" Earlier, the Sun family, in their high-handed manner, had demanded hee out, offering him a ''chance'' to avoid being hunted down. He had ignored them then. "We speak to you from a position of strength and status," the distant figure stated coldly. "Youck both the qualification and the power to im such a position," Wang Xuan replied calmly. He remained vignt, aware that the Sun family would not y fair. This was not going to be a straightforward duel, but he was prepared for whatever they had nned. The ground cracked open, and numerous dark shadows emerged in all directions, looking sinister in the night, resembling ghosts rising one after the other. From the grass, behind rocks, and even beneath the soil, mechanical beings surfaced, encircling him within a radius of a mile. This was a more severe situation than what Old Chen had faced, with the mechanical army well-prepared. Boom! Without a word, countless energy beams crisscrossed and opened fire simultaneously. Each beam was powerful enough to prate buildings, unstoppable even by a Transcendent. "Damn it! The Sun family is ruthless, even more so than in their fight with Old Chen. They lure him into a death trap andunch an all-out assault!" Observers were horrified, feeling a chill run down their spines. Any ordinary person caught in this situation would be obliterated on the spot. Wang Xuan momentarily vanished, shattering the ground and avoiding the beams of destruction. However, he reappeared in an instant, with a miraculous vision emerging around him. An ancientmp hovered above his head, suddenly bursting into blinding light. Boom! The Transcendent material boiled, emitting a deep red light that exploded and then transformed into a ripple, expanding in all directions. The glowing waves visibly pulsed, rapidly expanding outward. Crack! All around, the mechanical beings fell silent, sparking with energy, all destroyed. Some of the heavy-duty machines, heavily impacted and disrupted, exploded violently. A chain reaction erupted in all directions. Countless valuable mechanical beings detonated, disintegrating, bursting into brilliant disys like fireworks. The scene left everyone in awe. Wang Xuan stood still, the ancientmp emitting a faint light beside him. From afar, under the night moon, his figure appeared serene and quiet, harmoniously paired with the ancientmp, like a character stepping out of a painting. Chapter 232: The Brilliance Of Their Battle Chapter 232: The Brilliance Of Their Battle Under the star-studded sky, Wang Xuan stood immovable, having effortlessly obliterated the entire mechanical legion with a single, decisive strike. Explosions continued to ripple through the battlefield, as the energy systems of the heavy-duty machines catastrophically failed, setting off a chain reaction that destroyed the surrounding mechanical beings. It was a disaster of epic proportions. On the secretwork, a stunned silence prevailed. Everyone watched, utterly shocked by the unfolding spectacle. The Sun family was in a state of disbelief, their faces drained of color. In mere moments, they had lost an unimaginable number of mechanical beings. It was like watching their wealth burn away, a bleeding of the Sun family''s very essence. This was a different scale of destructionpared to Chen Yongjie''s earlier battle. While Chen had only paralyzed many machines and damaged a fewponents, those machines werergely intact and repairable. Now, the Sun family watched as theirtest alloy materials melted away in the ferocious energy outburst, leaving nothing salvageable. In the lunar-lit night, the horrifying glow of explosions lit up the sky, the sts deafening, sending tremors through the earth itself. In Jingyue City, onlookers from high-rise buildings recorded the stunning scene, a spectacle unlikely to be witnessed again in their lifetimes. Frantically, they captured every moment. The Sun family faced a night of unthinkable losses, a catastrophe beyond measure. "What are we waiting for? With the Zheng family already toppled, if this continues, Transcendents will supnt us. We must unite now to annihte them, not a single one can be spared!" Core members of the Sun family reached out personally to other influential families, breaking through unspoken boundaries and revealing harsh realities. The sudden upheaval within the Zheng family had sent shockwaves through the Sun family, who were acutely aware of the grave implications. Now, their elders and influential members were fervently lobbying, pushing their agenda with unparalleled urgency. "Let us unite. This is a battle for dominion over consciousness. We sharemon values. If left unchecked, the financial dynasties will fall, usurped by others, and the New World will have new masters!" In secretive discussions, some cautioned the Sun family to maintainposure, arguing that Transcendents were not the ultimate existential threat they were perceived to be. At the highest levels, a select few were privy to deep secrets, having glimpsed whaty three years ahead. Revealing such information would undoubtedly cause a massive upheaval. By now, a handful of top financial dynasty leaders had begun essing special information channels, furtherplicating an already intricate situation. "Even if you choose not to engage directly, opting to observe from a distance, at least afford us some leeway. Do not hinder the Sun family from deploying their warships!" Under the night moon, the vast, emptyndy silent, strewn with the shattered remains of mechanical beings, andscape of wreckage and scrap metal. The Sun family''s Transcendent, heart pounding with regret,mented their initial decision to bestow the ancientmp. In the hands of an enemy, its power had magnified beyond belief, seemingly reborn and far more potent than before. He couldn''t believe that the artifact, once solely targeting the spirit with its dark red arrows, now possessed physical offensive capabilities. d in ancient armor, designed to protect against themp''s spiritual attacks, he found himself facing an entirely new threat. In the cool moonlight, Wang Xuan walked forward, apanied by the ancientmp casting a hazy halo around him. He took the long spear from his back into his hands. ng! In the distance, the armored figure shimmered with runes, drawing a misty green longsword from behind. With a swift motion, he swung the sword forward, unleashing a blinding sh of light. A green dragon seemed to leap forth, surrounded by swirling sword light, stirring the sky as Transcendent matter boiled around it. This ancient sword, nurtured by Transcendent matter and long activated, was a true treasure. Its light was so intense it seemed to cut through anything. As it swept across, the remains of the giant mechanical beings, still partially intact, were silently sliced in two. Such sword light was terrifying; ordinary Transcendents could not withstand it and would be split apart, reduced to blood and bone. Wang Xuan did not evade. Holding his long spear and apanied by the ancientmp, he stepped forward, his speed astonishing. With each step, he shattered the ground, crossing hundreds of meters in a single bound. Around him, miraculous visions appeared, shielding him from the relentless sword light. Old Chen, watching intently, couldn''t help but sigh. He knew he had to strive harder to attain such power. Wang Xuan''s physical strength could now confront treasures directly, withstanding their force without faltering. The armored man was stunned. His sword, a legacy of an ancient teaching, was wielded by few in this age of declining Transcendents. Could someone really counter it with mere physical strength? Inside the Sun family, there had been debates due to startling spections about Wang Xuan. Now, he was convinced that this young man wasparable to the legendary geniuses of ancient lore. The armored man, bolstered by various treasures, confronted other Transcendents like a deity descended, his every move radiating astonishing energy. ng! He propelled the green sword, turning it into a streak of light that cut through the night sky, aiming at the young man ahead. Shh! Simultaneously, Wang Xuan controlled a short sword with his mind, sending it flying into the night. Its bright light illuminated the darkness, dazzling and brightening the entire deste battlefield. In an instant, the long and short flying swords collided, sparking a fierce and intense battle. The spectacle left people in shock. Never before in modern society had they witnessed such a scene a real sword fight, with flying swords shing in the night sky. Were the legends true? Did ancient sword immortals really exist? Now, they were witnessing a battle with flying swords. "Unbelievable, flying swords in the sky, just like the legends of the Sword Immortals of Shu Mountaining to life before my eyes. Zhong Qing, I think I''m in love. Really, introduce me to that young sword immortal!" eximed a young spectator,pletely captivated by the scene. "I can''t believe it, a flying sword duel... this is beyond anything," eximed the younger generation from the financial dynasties and major organizations. This was far more thrilling than any of their space races. The elders of the financial dynasties watched with constricted pupils, seeing deeper implications. Could flying swords one day pose a threat to warships in the skies? ng! ng! ng! The swords resonated with a deafening ring, echoing through detectors and the celestialwork. Everyone could feel the unparalleled sharpness and murderous intent. All these shes happened in mere moments. Then, the green light dissipated, leaving only the bright short sword in the air, dominant like a divine de,manding respect from all directions. The Sun family''s green longsword was shattered into pieces, unable to withstand the short sword''s strikes, breaking apart and falling from the sky with each hit. Whoosh! The bright short sword, like aet, flew towards the armored man, its light unmatched and arriving in an instant. "Destroy!" shouted the armored man, suddenly brandishing a colorful, radiant wheel. It exuded a mystical aura, spinning with a mist of five elements, as if it could shatter the heavens. He threw it with a flick of his wrist, the wheel spinning and blurring the night sky, seemingly warping space itself. Those who had witnessed the earlier battle immediately recognized this as a legendary treasure, a divine object capable of altering the course of battle. ng! The short sword, struck by the Five Elements wheel, did not shatter as expected. Although it was sent spinning into the distance, it remained unscathed. The Five Elements wheel, boiling with Transcendent matter, was terrifying, yet the armored man stood astonished, noticing a crack on the wheel. "How is this possible!?" he eximed, stunned. This was a legendary treasure, immensely powerful, even more formidable than the ancientmp before its transformation. The short sword, devoid of runes and not a legendary artifact itself, seemed invincible in its hardness and sharpness, not even halted by the Five Elements wheel. "Buzz!" Yet, this didn''t deter the wheel from unleashing its power. With Transcendent matter fluctuating like a vast sea, space blurred and twisted as it flew forward. Night birds, startled from distant forests, exploded into mist even far away from it. The ground cracked open with dense ck fissures, intersecting across thend. Especially when the Five Elements wheel plummeted from the sky towards Wang Xuan, the ground copsed under a terrifying sonic boom, shattering and sending stones weighing hundreds to thousands of pounds flying in all directions. "Shh!" A dark red beam shot out from the ancientmp, extending tens of meters, transforming into a magnificent rainbow that struck the Five Elements wheel in the sky. The vibrant colors of the wheel dimmed, it wobbled, nearly falling from the air. The armored man, d in ancient armor, felt a sinking sensation. The ancientmp seemed to have acquired a strange new fiery light, bing incredibly powerful. The Five Elements wheel trembled, re-igniting its brilliance and pressing down once more. Wang Xuan activated the full might of the ancientmp. This time, a giant arrow, dozens of meters long and carrying tremendous fire, distorted the night sky with its heat. The mes engulfed the sky, overwhelming the Five Elements wheel. This was a sh between two legendary artifacts! Eventually, Wang Xuan directed the ancientmp towards the sky, letting it collide with the Five Elements wheel. The resulting explosion of red mes swept across the night, creating a terrifying spectacle. The Five Elements wheel dimmed, unable to withstand the power of the ancientmp. The Sun family members, witnessing this scene, felt not only a chill run down their spines but also their hearts bleeding. This once treasured artifact of theirs, now in the hands of another, had unleashed such formidable power, surpassing its previous might. Thud! With a forceful collision, the ancientmp''s me birthed a blinding arrow, which in this impact, pierced through the Five Elements wheel, tearing it apart. A sound akin to metal shattering filled the air. Crack! The Five Elements wheel disintegrated. "What a pity!" Old Chen, watching through the screen, felt a pang of sorrow. That was a legendary artifact, destroyed just like that. Many others shared this sentiment. In ancient times, such treasures were invaluable, considered pirs of powerful sects and extremely rare. Perhaps it was this unique era, where celestial caves and relics had fallen from the void, that led to such a sh and destruction of legendary artifacts. In ancient times, people would go to great lengths to preserve such treasures. The man in silver armor turned to leave, sighing inwardly. An outlier who delved into new arts, he was formidable, but his power stemmed from X substance found in blessednds and secret realms, not Z substance like others in his field. Although strong, he now felt a heavy burden. He had attacked with confidence, thinking he could control everything, but now he found himself outmatched by the young man. He possessed another legendary artifact, but his spiritual energy was nearly depleted, rendering him unable to effectively wield it. "Thinking of leaving?" Wang Xuan pursued relentlessly, the ancientmp apanying him. His flying sword shed swiftly through the air, and he brandished a long spear, chasing after the Sun family''s Transcendent. Boom! Suddenly, a terrifying beam tore through the night sky,ing from afar. This energy was so potent that even Transcendents couldn''t withstand it, as contact would result in instant obliteration. Wang Xuan anticipated this and evaded in time. Still, the residual energy from the terrifying beam sent him tumbling. Around him, miraculous visions appeared, and the ancientmp glowed, casting a soft protective light over him. Had it not been for the miraculous visions and the ancientmp activated in a split second by Wang Xuan, the residual waves of the beam might have inflicted severe damage on him. The ground bore witness to the beam''s devastating impact, with a massive crater formed and all matter within the area melted. The aftermath left rocks and remnants of mechanical beings liquefied and then evaporated. The distant warship''s firing was so powerful that even and immortal would be reduced to a bloody mess upon impact. Many gasped in horror as the Sun family, in their ruthless pursuit, unleashed their warship to obliterate Wang Xuan, disregarding all consequences. Yet, what seemed unbelievable to them was Wang Xuan''s ability to evade such a wide-ranging attack. Whoosh! More shockingly, Wang Xuan didn''t retreat towards Jingyue City but continued his pursuit of the armored man. Thud! Another terrifying beam came hurtling down, akin to aet striking the earth. The energy and shockwave were so fearsome that mountains could be leveled andkes instantly evaporated. Wang Xuan evaded swiftly, anticipating and moving ahead of time. When the final shockwave hit him, it was again blocked by the light from the ancientmp. The onlookers were astounded. Was this ancientmp defying the heavens? It seemed that as long as he wasn''t hit directly, even the residual effects and widespread beams of attack were ineffective against him. Wang Xuan relentlessly closed the distance between himself and the armored man. Suddenly, the man turned around, wielding a yellow, gourd-like object. Shh! Wang Xuan activated the ancientmp,unching an astonishing arrow, over a hundred meters long, even more terrifying than before. It struck the yellow gourd directly, followed by a series of arrows, shooting forth in rapid session. Simultaneously, he closed in at high speed! Buzz! The warship near the horizon hovered in the mid-air not far away, hesitating instead of attacking. Evidently, the Transcendent practitioner of new arts on the ground held a significant status within the Sun family. At that moment, the bright short sword tore through the night sky, striking with a thrust, severing one arm of the armored man with a piercing sound. He cried out in pain, his spiritual energy thrown into disarray, causing the yellow gourd to plummet towards the ground. The warship remained suspended in the air but refrained fromunching an attack. Wang Xuan''s eyes zed with resolve. He mustered all his strength for a bold attempt. The warship, initially lurking at the edge of the horizon, had swiftly flown to a closer position. It wasn''t at a great altitude, roughly about ten miles above the ground. Boom! In that moment, Wang Xuan''s spiritual energy boiled over like never before. He resonatedpletely with the ancientmp, activating it to its fullest to unleash his strongest strike. Shh! A red beam, as if tearing the ckened sky asunder, shot upwards, reaching the ten-mile height in the sky. Bang! The sky erupted in mes and blinding energy, followed by a colossal explosion that shook the heavens and earth. "My God!" At this moment, everyone watching the battle was utterly stunned, expressing their shock with exasperated exmations. Then, Wang Xuan hurled his long spear with tremendous force. It soared across the sky and, with a thud, impaled the Sun family''s Transcendent to the ground, pinning him there decisively. Chapter 233: Fearless Chapter 233: Fearless In mid-air, the warship exploded with a deafening roar, threatening to rupture eardrums, as terrifying mes surged towards the heavens. This scene, a warship disintegrating and on the brink of falling, was heart-stopping. On the secretwork, there was a momentary silence. Many were in a daze, unable toprehend what they had just witnessed. Had that young man just brought down a warship? Many felt a tingling on their scalp, their bodies seemingly jolted by an electric shock. After a brief silence, many couldn''t help but exim loudly, overwhelmed by their turbulent emotions. The previously dark night sky was now as bright as day, illuminated by the disintegrating warship. It continued to explode, crashing towards a distant mountain range. The images captured by the detectors were presented in a three-dimensional format. Every viewer felt as though they were right there at the scene. The room around them virtually reconstructed the scenario, immersing them in the event. The night sky was lit up like a series of thunderbolts, the spectacle of destruction unfolding before everyones eyes. The Sun family members were also watching. In their massive audio-visual room, the blinding light illuminated every face, their hearts sinking deeper and deeper. In that moment, the Sun family felt a bone-chilling cold, as if they were in an icy cave. Some trembled and shivered, while others, consumed by anger, roared out loud. Against the backdrop of the bright sky and the burning warship, Wang Xuan strode forward on the ground. Without any dy, he covered hundreds of meters in what seemed like flight, the ancientmp hanging beside him casting a soft, hazy halo. The Sun family''s Transcendent, impaled and in agony, struggled to break free. But the long spear had nailed him to the ground, creating a massive bloody hole, nearly splitting his body in two, leaving him unable to escape. The runes on his silver armor, interspersed with sr gold, dimmed as they were pierced and shattered by the spear. Blood drenched the armor, and the yellow gourdy not far away. The Sun family''s strongest had been defeated. His identity was significant, and now hey there bloodied, gasping for breath. "This truly seems like a reenactment of ancient myths a single personbatting the Sun family''s mechanical army and even bringing down a warship!" The special circles of the financial dynasties and major organizations were astounded, with many young people now deeply fascinated and yearning for the path of cultivation. "Hey Zhou, are you back on New World? I''m buying, let''s have a good talk!" someone reached out to Zhou Yun. As for the higher echelons of the financial dynasties, while some were deeply shaken, others were contemtive, pondering over the implications. "Is this thest brilliant disy of Transcendents, a final flicker before extinction? Or could it signal a turning point?" With rumors of Transcendents turning to ordinary beings in three years, spection was rife, but no one knew for certain what the future held. Regardless, after this battle, Wang Xuan could no longer keep a low profile or hide his abilities. His presence was now firmly acknowledged by the top tiers of the financial dynasties. Different factions had varied reactions some were wary, others relieved, and still others indifferent or thoughtful. "Zhong Qing, I think I''ve moved beyond a secret crush. I''m in deep love now. I''ming to see you, take me to meet that young sword immortal!" Wang Xuan beckoned, and a small gourd, no bigger than half a palm, flew into his hand. It was smooth and lustrous, exuding an indescribable charm undoubtedly a rare and legendary treasure. He sensed that it wasn''t crafted from metal or any alloy, but was naturally formed, its wooden texture and structure clear. A naturally grown gourd, so powerful and divine, transformed into a legendary artifact? Thump! Wang Xuan kicked off the helmet of the man on the ground, revealing a face not quite young perhaps in his sixties or seventies with a fierce gaze. Even in pain, he showed no signs of submission, his hostility evident. He knew well that the young man before him was resolute, unfazed by his identity or the might of the Sun family. Many gasped in recognition upon seeing his face, causing a stir on the secretwork, as they realized his identity. Sun Rongting, a true high-level member of the Sun family''s core circle,y defeated on the ground. His status and identity were astonishing. Many knew of the close ties between the Sun family and Superstar, with some even specting that the Sun family controlled it. Now, such rumors seemed credible. Sun Rongting''s defeat shocked many, including Qin Hong from Pingyuan City, who never imagined he would see such a respected elder pinned bloodily to the ground by a martial artist he once scorned. "Old Sun, I heard he delved into new arts, but never did I imagine he''d reach such heights," remarked others within the financial dynasties and major organizations. They were stunned, then sighed at the depth of the Sun family''s resources, having such a Transcendent within their ranks. Even though the Sun family was closely allied with the realm of new arts and used warships for control, nothing could be more reassuring than having one of their own as a pinnacle expert in that field. They understood the rationale behind investing heavily to elevate their own to the summit of new arts. "Who would''ve thought it was Sun Rongting!" Ling Qiming felt a mix of emotions, recalling how Sun Rongting had coldly dismissed his plea for leniency for Old Chen. Now, this unexpected top expert of the Sun familyy dying, stripped of his domineering demeanor. Zhao Zejun was also in a daze, having recently spoken humbly with Sun Rongting to spare Wang Xuan''s life. He hadn''t anticipated such a drastic turn of events. The revtion stirred unrest among various factions. Sun Rongting, a powerful Transcendent and a trump card in the Sun family''s decision-makingyer, was now half-killed by Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan, using his ability to control objects with his mind, swiftly removed Sun Rongting''s armor, a treasure worth keeping. He was cautious with Sun family members, who often had self-destructive devices or imnted energy blocks. He pulled out his long spear, shaking off the blood, and coldly looked down at Sun Rongting. Attempting to probe him with his spiritual domain, Wang Xuan faced strong resistance. Sun Rongting, a Transcendent himself, preferred self-destruction over yielding his secrets. "Wang Xuan, release Sun Elder, we can negotiate everything!" Voices emanated from the numerous detectors scattered around, ranging from tiny ones to those asrge as night birds, floating in the night sky. All sides fell silent, everyone listening intently, wondering what choice Wang Xuan would make. Wang Xuan ignored the Sun family''s pleas. In mid-air, energy sparks flew as some detectors exploded, easily destroyed by him. Then, with a kick, he sent Sun Rongting flying, his actions demonstrating his unyielding stance. Sun Rongting groaned, nearly split in two by the force, his blood spraying in mid-air before he crashed down in the distance. He felt humiliated. Who was he? A core figure of the Sun family, personally taking action with the support of a warship, yet now reduced to a prisoner, treated so dismissively. "Wang Xuan, what are you doing? Do not cross the line! We are willing to talk openly and honestly with you. Dont you and Chen Yongjie want to cease hostilities? Dont misjudge the situation!" came a desperate yet assertive voice from a middle-aged man in the Sun family, transmitted through more detectors appearing nearby. Wang Xuan looked up, his expression obscured by the silver mask, and said, "Talk, yes. After this man dies, you cane to collect his body and talk to me in Jingyue City." He had been attacked, and now a mere offer of negotiation was expected to make him relent? No way. Even a super financial dynasty could not sway his resolve. If they dared to attack him, they must pay a bloody price. Otherwise, what would prevent other powers from following suit? Regardless of the identity, even if it was the Sun family''s top figure, once they entered the fray, they were fair game. Sun Rongting felt his spirit tearing apart as Wang Xuan forcefully probed, seeking to uncover his and the Sun family''s secrets. Boom! In the next moment, Sun Rongting experienced unbearable agony as he was struck by a bolt of lightning from Wang Xuan''s palm. His body turned ck, most of his bones shattered, and the smell of charred flesh filled the air. Sun Rongting was engulfed in a mix of shock, humiliation, and rage. As one of the few core members of the Sun family, he couldn''t fathom being so publicly demeaned and nearly roasted alive for all on the secretwork to see. As hey on the ground, he saw the young man''s calm and indifference, as if he was of no consequence at all. Amidst his agony, Sun Rongting sighed, realizing his impending death, thinking of many things. In the most resplendent era of the ancient times, such a person would have been the stuff of legends, capable of astral projection and spiritual projection over miles just after stepping into the realm of Transcendents. In another era, this young man would have undoubtedly held a very high status, looking down upon him. Even the top sects might not have had such a disciple. But times had changed. Now, financial dynasties dominated the New World, and the old arts had declined, their former glory unrepeatable. Wang Xuan made several attempts to probe Sun Rongting''s spiritual domain, encountering fierce resistance each time, pushing his opponent''s spirit to the brink of copse. "Wang Xuan, stop now, and it''s still not toote. Don''t make a mistake!" came a desperate and angry shout from the detector. "Do you not understand me? Or are you just eager for him to die sooner?" Wang Xuan responded. Then, with a powerful kick, he severed Sun Rongting''s torso, effectively bisecting him. "How dare you?!" yelled the middle-aged man from the Sun family. "What can''t I dare?" replied Wang Xuan. His flying sword, dazzling like a ribbon, descended and decapitated Sun Rongting. "No desire to talk? If you seek revenge, then let the battle continue!" Wang Xuan, taking his spoils, turned and walked away, leaving behind a solitary figure. Subsequently, all nearby detectors exploded, leaving Wang Xuanpletely alone under the starlight and moonlight. He strode away, leaving behind a void. At the Sun family, an icy chill set in, a stifling silence that felt like the calm before a raging storm. On the secretwork, everyone was speechless. Sun Rongting, beheaded with a single strike? The shock was palpable. Chapter 234: The Wrath Of Gods Chapter 234: The Wrath Of Gods On the secretwork, there was intense discussion among the special circles of financial dynasties and major organizations, unable to calm down after the recent events. "Old Wang just chopped Sun Rongting!" Zhou Cheng eximed, utterly shocked. Wang Xuan had previously killed Sun Chengquan and Sun Chenghai, and Chen Yongjie had killed Sun Chengming, all key figures of the Sun family. But nonepared to Sun Rongting, a member of the decision-makingyer and one of the most powerful core figures of the Sun family. "The man''s gone mad, acting recklessly. Even Sun Rongting was beheaded by his flying sword. How will the Sun family respond now?" Even the influential middle-aged members of various houses were astounded. This incident was significant; a core power yer of a super financial dynasty killed for the first time in two decades. The older members of the financial dynasties and major organizations were unsettled by this turn of events. While they were pleased to see a super financial dynasty suffer a blow, the ease with which a key decision-maker was in warranted caution. In contrast, the younger generation was exhrated, aspiring to cultivation and longing to be close to Transcendents. The idea of sword flying and shattering a mothership in this technologically advanced era thrilled them. "Old Qian, I heard you''re close to Wang Xuan. Could you introduce me to him?" someone asked Qian An, believing he had a good rtionship with Wang Xuan. "Zhong Qing, I want to be Wang Xuan''s disciple. What? You have sisters eyeing Wang Xuan, wanting to be my stepmother? No way! They have to get through me first. Once I''ve made progress in my cultivation, I''m nning a teacher-student romance!" "Hey, Zhong Qing, don''t hang up. Actually, is it you... who wants to be my Master?" Entering the city, Wang Xuan felt no regret for ying Sun Rongting. The act indeed caused a massive stir in the relevant circles, like a stormy sea. He knew it was time to moderate his approach, to avoid rming all financial dynasties and putting them on guard against him. Yet, without disying his thunderous might and iron-fisted methods, who knew what might have happened next? Bncing the demeanor of apassionate Bodhisattva with the ferocity of a wrathful Vajra, he had shown his forceful side. Now, it was time to observe the reactions and tactics of various parties. In the night sky, several warships, like dark specters, rushed from the horizon. The Sun family''s warships, summoned from their base, finally arrived. The ominous ships, casting shadows like dark clouds, obscured the starlight and moonlight, signaling the deployment ofrge-scale warships. The Sun family, driven to fury by the sessive losses of key figures, couldn''t bear the humiliation. They had intended to kill the Transcendents but found themselves repeatedly wounded instead. The secretwork was abuzz, with detectors from all sides remaining, keenly observing. Satelliteworks also monitored the arrival of five massive Sun family warships, leaving everyone stunned. In the distance, smaller warships formed an escort formation, showcasing the Sun family''s rage. The scale was enough for a full-fledged war. Wang Xuan took a cold shower, changed into a white, soft training outfit, and yed with the yellow gourd, calmly observing the fleet in the sky. He doubted the Sun family would dare "The Transcendent material has thinned, it needs replenishment," Wang Xuan mused, looking towards the Song family''s direction. The ancientmp had yed a pivotal role in the battle, and without it, bringing down the warship would have been impossible. He held great expectations for themp; only the firstyer of its runes had been activated, yet it already demonstrated such formidable power. As Wang Xuan gazed towards the Song family, they too were discussing him. "Wang Xuan lives right next to us. This must be deliberate. We''ve be his protective charm. The Sun family better restrain themselves from firing directly." Soon after, the Song family''s warships ascended, epassing the area from every direction,municating with the Sun family to ensure that Jingyue City remained a battlefield-free zone. The atmosphere, once tense, eased as the Sun family''s warships eventually departed. They hadn''t lost their minds after all and dared notmit mass ughter. The battle was sensational, with peopleparing it to stepping into a mythological world. They watched in awe as a sword immortalbated the most advanced technological weapons, a single sword stroke cleaving the sky and felling warships. Videos of the event stirred up a storm on various tforms. Not only the special circles of financial dynasties andrge institutions had witnessed the battle on the secretwork, but also others who had gained ess through connections. Now, blurred videos of the event were circting, sparking massive public uproar. "Who predicted the battle tonight? It really happened! Was that a real sword immortal cutting down warships? Mind-blowing!" Outside the secretwork, the general popce had no ess. However, with the spread of these videos, excitement and debate surged. Local residents of Jingyue City, who had filmed the events from high-rise buildings, also shared their perspectives, albeit in more obscured footage. Yet, this was enough to validate the authenticity of the previous videos. Especially when a sweet-voiced singer shared a disdainful image of Wang and another of a sword soaring to the sky, tforms erupted in fervent discussion. Some celebrities and public figures, having essed the secretwork and witnessed the battle firsthand, were profoundly shaken. They were warned against sharing sensitive images, but even simple images of the flying sword and ancientmp illuminating the sky caused widespread astonishment. Regrettably, these images and videos were blurred, under pressure from the financial dynasties to avoid releasing clear images of the warship''s destruction. "I finally understand the ''Three-Person Photo'' and how those three were characterized," someone remarked in revtion. "Old Zhong carrying a warship, the buzz-cut man tearing apart the highest-grade mechanoid, and the mysterious young man standing at the highest point, doing nothing but smiling down at them." "Indeed, he''s the one looking down from the highest point!" the crowd realized, echoing this sentiment with newfound understanding. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie engaged in a private conversation, speaking in code. Shortly after, Zhong Cheng expressed his surprise, "Hey, Wang Xuan contacted me!" He had been trying to reach Wang Xuan numerous times, but thetter had been engaged in another call. Now, Wang Xuan was reaching out to him. "Old Wang, you''re incredible! You even took down Sun Rongting, that''s terrifying!" Zhong Cheng eximed, admitting his concern for Wang Xuan, given the massive implications of his actions. Meanwhile, Zhong Cheng informed Wang Xuan that someone wished to be his disciple. "Also, my sister''s friend, she wants to have your little sword immortals, haha..." Zhong Cheng was both worried and amused, noting the varied attitudes towards Wang Xuan in the financial dynasties'' circle. Wang Xuan reached out to the Zhong siblings, sharing his thoughts and intentions to broadcast them on the secretwork. He understood that following the night''s battle, the financial dynasties and top-tier institutions would view him and Chen Yongjie with apprehension. Moreover, with the Sun family actively lobbying, some powerful forces might indeed harbor certain intentions. "I''m a person without grand ambitions. I only wish to quietly cultivate, flipping through ancient texts, reading various doctrines, and traveling to famous mountains and rivers. This consumes much of my time. I detest violence and only practice ancient arts for strengthening my body." Zhong Qing was speechless. "Just for fitness, and you brought down a warship?" Wang Xuan continued, "Ultimately, I pursued ancient arts to extend my life. I''m most interested in medicine. I have no conflicts of interest with any family." He then became more earnest. "In Sicheng, I extended the life of Old Qian An. After arriving in Jingyue City, I pulled Mr. Song Yun, who is ny-seven years old, back from death''s door. If nothing goes wrong, I can help increase their lifespan by at least five years." Wang Xuan''s words deeply moved Zhong Qing. With such capabilities, which influential elder wouldn''t be interested? "Wherever I go, I heal and save lives. That is my true expertise. Unless forced, I wish to only strengthen my body and be a divine healer." The Zhong siblings shared Wang Xuan''s message on the secretwork. He informed the various families that he was not fond of fighting and acted only out of necessity. He expressed more interest in health cultivation and offered his assistance to the elders of various families if they wished. That night, Qian An received numerous calls. Subsequently, the Song family''s phone lines were nearly overwhelmed with inquiries about Song Yun''s condition. Knowing that the elder was on the brink of death, many were curious about his sudden improvement. The next morning, after consultations by renowned doctors sent by various families, it was confirmed that Song Yun''s spirits were high and he could live at least another half a year. "Yes, Wang Xuan said this is just the initial effect. He ims with more treatments, my grandfather could live over five more years," Song Wentao reluctantly informed inquirers. He couldn''t hide this information; otherwise, Wang Xuan himself would reveal it, and any deception would offend all parties involved. This news unsettled many, especially since most of the current heads of these financial dynasties were elderly. Who wouldn''t want to live a few more years? Wang Xuan''s simple message had the potential to change many people''s perceptions of him and their forting decisions. Even those with intense hostility towards him might hesitate. Zhong Qing nodded, acknowledging Wang Xuan''s foresight in mitigating the crisis. "Can it work?" Zhong Cheng inquired. Zhong Qing suggested observing their second great-uncle''s actions, saying, "If he''s hesitating, selecting scriptures, and picking out ancient artifacts that are likely useless, it''ll give us an idea." Shortly after, Zhong Cheng returned, surprised. "Our second great-uncle is agitated, apparently not content with being outlived by our great-grandfather. He''s really picking out scriptures!" He added that the chosen scriptures and artifacts were of low quality, indicating the elders'' reluctance to part with valuable items even for life extension. Zhong Qing shook her head, "They''re cautious, but their foresight isn''t as sharp as Wang Xuan''s. Cooperating with him might inadvertently lead them to give away true treasures." That day, the financial dynasties and major institutions of New World were restless. The elder leaders of this exclusive circle were all stirred up by the potential of extending their lives through Wang Xuan''s medical skills. Wang Xuan remained calm after his disy of strength, waiting for the reactions of various families. He had already shown his iron fist, now it was time for a softer approach. However, he was ready to be forceful again if necessary. Afternoon came, and the Sun family dered through the secretwork their relentless stance against Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie,beling them as threats that must be eradicated for the safety of the financial dynasties and major institutions. They were determined to continue the battle. The Song family, living just a street away, politely requested Wang Xuan to further assist in healing their elder, Song Yun. Wang Xuan was upfront about the costs involved, especially given the current tense situation. The Song family hinted that Wang Xuan''s presence in the city protected him from the Sun family''s attacks, suggesting indirect protection. Wang Xuan, however, was not swayed by this and left the Song family, indicating that his stay in a city was usually short, and it wouldn''t be easy to invite him backter. Meanwhile, the Sun family''s continued hostility only fueled Wang Xuan''s readiness to confront them again if needed. In the evening, Wang Xuan discreetly left the city in a hovering vehicle provided by the authorities. His discussions with Chen Yongjie the previous night and Guan Lin''s connections with governmental agencies had prepared him for this moment. He had also begun to understand the potential of the extraordinary treasures he possessed. As Wang Xuan left the city, despite his low profile, his departure was immediately detected and monitored. Once outside the city, he used the small yellow gourd to shield himself from surveince and destroyed any nearby detectors with his psychic abilities. The hovering vehicle, with Wang Xuan and the gourd, disappeared into the horizon, leaving asting impression on all who witnessed his departure. Chapter 235: Against The Sun Family Chapter 235: Against The Sun Family On his way there, the bustling neon cityscapes swiftly transformed into mere backdrops, as the car streaked past. Wang Xuan, in a state of serene contemtion, gazed out at the swiftly retreatingndscape of mountains,kes, and forests. The vehicle he was in, sleek and arrow-like, sliced through the night, covering hundreds of miles in a remarkably short span. It wasn''t just any journey; it was a purposeful and determined dash towards Kangning City, the hearnd of the Sun family''s dominion. Seated inside, Wang Xuan was the epitome of calm, his eyes reflecting a deep stillness. The destination he was heading towards was not just a ce but a battlefield where a fierce confrontation was inevitable. The Sun family wouldn''t just fold their hands in defeat; they would unleash their full arsenal, possibly including their terrifying ancient artifacts and even their formidable warships, in a desperate attempt to obliterate him. Wang Xuan was well aware of the stakes when cornered, financial dynasties like the Sun family would discard all pretenses and rules. As he pondered his strategy, Wang Xuan leaned towards initiating his secondary n, prepared to adapt to the unfolding scenario. The young driver, perspiring profusely with nerves, was acutely conscious of the gravity of his passenger''s intent. To ferry a man like Wang Xuan, who was on a solitary mission to confront a super financial dynasty, was an intense and anxiety-inducing responsibility. The driver stole asional nces at Wang Xuan, only to find him undisturbed by the enormity of whaty ahead. Hisposure in the face of a potentially deadly sh was nothing short of extraordinary. If the tales of this nights venture were ever to be told, they would spark intense discussions across media tforms the night when Wang Xuan, with unwavering resolve, raced towards the stronghold of the Sun family. In the outer world, turmoil reigned. The news of the Sun family''s deration of war, and their refusal to back down, was met with Wang Xuan''s immediate and resolute response. He was not just a man speeding towards a confrontation; he was a symbol of defiance, ready to engage in a battle that would shake the very foundations of the established order. As he propelled forward into the night, his destination was not just a ce but a statement Wang Xuan was fearlessly heading to confront the might of the Sun family''s main base. Under the watchful eyes of patrolling warships and myriad detectors, Wang Xuan''s fearless departure from the city caused a stir among the financial elite, capturing the attention of various power circles. "Wang is incredibly bold to venture out alone, poised for a lone battle against the Sun family''s stronghold," Zhong Cheng mused, his palms sweating with anxiety upon hearing the news. Upon learning of Wang''s departure, Zhou Yun shivered, remarking, "Wang is truly formidable, confronting the Sun family head-on. Will tonight witness a river of blood? The Sun family''s warships are likely to take flight." In the unique circles of the financial dynasties and major powers, news of Wang Xuan''s departure spread swiftly, drawing sharp intakes of breath. "The swordsman has left the city; the Sun family must be anxious now. If they can''t locate him quickly, this night will be fraught with unease." Many young people in these circles watched with eager anticipation, still untouched by the caution of their elders and harboring dreams of swordsmanship. A young, vibrant girl eximed with shining eyes, "So heroic! The young swordsman attacking thousands of miles into the night, beheading the Sun family''s leaders with a single stroke. I can almost hear the sword''s cry and see the peerless sword light!" However, her enthusiasm was quickly tempered by the stern admonitions of her elders, warning her of the dangers posed by transcendents, especially to the financial dynasties. "What if one day, that young man flies a thousand miles on his sword to our home?" they cautioned. Undeterred, the girl argued, "That''s why I want to learn swordsmanship. If I be his disciple, he''ll be one of us." A middle-aged man pondered her words, realizing that financial dynasties need not be inherently opposed to transcendents. After all, rtionships familial, friendly, romantic could tie people together, potentially aligning them with one''s own interests. Meanwhile, elders in top organizations and institutions felt conflicted. While they initially enjoyed seeing transcendents challenge the Sun family, draining its resources, they were equally apprehensive about the rise of such powerful individuals. Wang Xuan''s execution of a core member of the Sun family sent shockwaves through their ranks. Today, it was the Sun family; tomorrow, it could be them. However, Wang Xuan''s subsequent deration of his intent to live a low-profile life of cultivation, without ambition or desire for conflict, intrigued many, especially those in power. The prospect of extending their lives was too enticing to ignore. "Let''s take it one step at a time," they resolved. "Let''s see how tonight unfolds. If he''s too strong and dangerous, he won''tst long." ns were made to contact Wang Xuan, with the immediate goal of extending their lifespans taking precedence. At this moment, the top trending topics were all aboutst night''s epic battle. Whether it was Wang Xuan''s soaring sword image or the intense confrontation at Mu Cheng led by Lao Chen, they dominated the headlines. A person made a bold prediction on a major tform, "I foresee a tumultuous night ahead, with lightning shattering the darkness, apanied by a storm of blood rain. The direction seems to be eastward, towards the Sun family''s stronghold in Kangning City." This individual, who had urately foretold the previous night''s extraordinary battle at Jingyue City, immediately sparked a sensation with their new post. People were stirred up, discussing fervently. "Wow, the oracle has spoken again! Are you implying the Sun family is in for a catastrophe tonight?" someonemented excitedly. "Seriously? This person dares to say such things! Are they suggesting a decisive battle between the young swordsman and the Sun family tonight?!" another eximed. "Is this for real? I''m eagerly waiting. The Sun family, with their overwhelming influence, attacked Su City with warshipsst time, terrifyingly close to my home. My family was shaken all night. I hope the swordsman can tear through their darkness tonight!" Soon, insiders from the circles of financial dynasties and major institutions joined in, leaking information that Wang Xuan was indeed en route to Kangning City. Zhou Yun posted a picture of Wang Xuan''s silhouette, gazing eastward towards Kangning City. Zhong Cheng promptly reshared it. Upon seeing this, Sun Yichen''s face turned icy. Agitated by the recent heavy losses suffered by the Sun family, he called Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng with harsh words. "That guy actually cursed at me!" Zhou Yun was fuming. Zhong Cheng''s expression was equally dark, taken aback by Sun Yichen''s warning and reprimand. Seeing her brother''s reaction, Zhong Qing personally shared an image of Wang Xuan''s side profile, with a sword tearing through the sky in the foreground, pointing towards a hazy city in the east. "We''re not afraid of the Sun family. He spoke rudely to you, and you didn''t retort?" Zhong Qing chided her brother. "I hadn''t even started to argue back when he hung up," Zhong Cheng replied. Seeing Zhong Qing''s post, Sun Yichen felt choked up but chose not to confront her directly. After all, she was not intimidated by him, and it seemed she didn''t even fear the Sun family. "Look, Zhong Qing has posted on the tform. Is she hinting at tonight''s epic battle between the young swordsman and the Sun family?" someone remarked. "The beautiful girl with the lovely legs, who hasn''t updated in a while, isn''t showcasing her sweet singing this time. Instead, she''s posted big news," anothermented. Zhong Qing''s poprity on the tform was evident; her post immediately sparked a flurry of shares and attention. Previously, apany had wanted to sign her for her innocent and sweet image, promising her fame in the entertainment industry, but she had declined. Onlyter did people realize her prestigious background and stopped approaching her. "Zhong Qing, you can''t deny it now, right? You really want to be my ''Shifus'' wife. You even posted the picture yourself!" one of her close friends teased her over the phone. ... Under the night sky, the airborne vehicle shot across thend like a meteor, heading eastward. Worrying signs emerged as shadows of small warships began appearing in the night sky, seemingly tracking Wang Xuan''s movements and on high alert. Finally, one of the smaller warships opened fire. The blinding beams struck the ground, kicking up vast clouds of dust. "Don''t panic. Just veer off course a bit and keep heading forward along the forests," Wang Xuan reassured the young driver. He understood the problem well. Throughout their journey, they had encountered numerous detectors which he had preemptively destroyed, but these malfunctioning devices had betrayed their location along the way. On Xingxing, from the skies to the ground, whether on roads or in forests, micro detectors were everywhere, making privacy almost non-existent. If someone wanted to track a person down, they could do so effortlessly. Wang Xuan had been exploiting the time difference and changing his route continuously, which is why they had managed to travel hundreds of miles without incident. Now, the Sun family was mobilizing all sorts of monitoring equipment, using the patterns of detector malfunctions to pinpoint his exact trajectory. Sitting in the car, Wang Xuan looked up through the sunroof at the night sky adorned with stars and a crescent moon. It should have been a peaceful and gentle night, but instead, he was traveling miles tomit murder. He pondered silently; annihting the Sun familypletely at this stage was a daunting task. Judging by their current actions, they were prepared to fight to the bitter end. Without a doubt, the outskirts of Kangning City must already be a tightly woven. That night, the Sun family would undoubtedly deploy a massive fleet of warships, stationed at every key point leading to Kangning City. Forcing his way through would mean facing the most ferocious bombardment. If Wang Xuan could sessfully infiltrate Kangning City, the Sun family would undoubtedly resort to drastic measures, even risking their own stronghold with a warship assault - all these scenarios were within the realm of possibility. Moreover, if he did annihte the Sun family tonight, the likelihood of him facing dire consequences was high. Such a bold move would rm other major financial families, invoking a sense of shared doom. Feeling threatened by his immense power, some might resort to extreme measures, employing warships for a scorched earth tactic to eliminate him at all costs. The Sun family was not unassable, but theirplete destruction couldn''t be achieved in one fell swoop - certainly not tonight. The conflict with the Sun family could continue, escting into skirmishes and strategic eliminations of key members. This approach would likely be met with silent approval from other financial families, who would relish seeing the mighty Sun family weakened. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan could focus on strengthening his cultivation, building up sufficient power for a decisive move in the future. Time was on his side. "Let''s follow n B," Wang Xuan decisively instructed, proceeding as nned. Though he feigned a direct assault on the Sun family''s base tonight, he was ready to strike at their heart if the opportunity arose. However, it was evident that the Sun family, in their anxiety, had prepared contingencies for the worst-case scenario. Wang Xuan wouldn''t recklessly risk severe injury, aware that showing any weakness would be like blood in the water for other powerful organizations. The young driver sighed in relief. The immense psychological pressure of journeying alone to confront the Sun family''s stronghold was immense, not something just anyone could endure. The young swordsman''s strength and couragemanded his deep respect. ncing back, he found Wang Xuan as serene as ever, inspiring awe. Now less than four hundred miles from Kangning City, the Sun family''s fortress, they veered towards Pingyuan City, located just a dozen miles away. This was part of the n: if a direct and devastating attack on the Sun family wasn''t feasible, Wang Xuan would use Pingyuan City as a staging ground for intimidation. With Pingyuan City in sight, and only three hundred seventy miles from Kangning City, Wang Xuan was poised to strike from this proximity if the right opportunity presented itself. Chen breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving the news. It was for the best that Wang Xuan did not storm the Sun family''s stronghold that night. Such a move would have been too shocking, stirring up dread across various factions. Meanwhile, the mysterious prophet made another foretelling. This night was excruciating for the Sun family, agonizing over the young transcendent''s capability to evade surveince and head eastward, directly towards Kangning City. His evident intent and murderous aura kept them in a state of perpetual anxiety. Should he breach the city''s defenses, would their only recourse be to deploy warships? But such a response would bring mutual destruction. Even if many could escape aboard spacecraft, the Sun family''s underground treasures, built upon an ancient relic, would be lost. And in this peculiar era, they had amassed an array of mysterious objects, some recently reawakened and unpredictable, nourished by X substance. With the waning of transcendent powers in modern times and celestial caverns falling from the void, the Sun family had unearthed numerous divine items. These artifacts, glowing and wrapped in runes throughout the night, offered protection but were immovable. Potentially hazardous to spacecraft and warships due to their corrupting influence on delicateponents, they were beyond the Sun family''s ability to transport. Amid this turmoil, unease permeated the Sun family, even the elders pacing restlessly, feeling a growing chill and regret. The moderate faction within the family proposed a temporary truce, arguing against pushing the situation to an irretrievable point. They feared a catastrophic loss would invite other financial families to carve up their territory and assets. Though the Sun family might not copse entirely, they would likely fall from the ranks of the super financial families after such a conflict. As the night wore on, internal discord and anxiety rose within the Sun family, with some members unable to hold their ground, suggesting reaching out to the Zhong family to initiate dialogue with Wang Xuan. The mysterious prophet then made another prediction: "Tonight, the celestial sword points at the Sun family but does not strike. Yet, should they act recklessly, a heaven-splitting blow awaits, with sword light piercing the skies, striking through the Sun family''s bastion!" At this juncture, Wang Xuan entered Pingyuan City, the stronghold of the super financial Qin family. Qin Hong, who was drinking, spilled his wine in shock upon hearing the news, soaking his clothes and eximing, "Why has hee here, nearing the Qin family?" Chapter 236: Shakyamunis True Scripture Chapter 236: Shakyamuni''s True Scripture Qin Hong lost hisposure. Historically dismissive of cultivators, he now harbored fear and concern about their potential to upend the financial dynasties. "Where is he now?" he inquired, setting his wine ss down with grave concern. Wang Xuan''s sword aura had left a profound impression on him, haunting his dreams with visions of the young swordsman invading the Qin family. "He''s just nearby, separated from us by a small garden," came the report. Qin Hong was speechless, realizing the imminent proximity of this formidable figure. Despite his previous disdain for cultivators, both on New Moon and within the Qin family, he now dared not voice any reproach, aware of Wang Xuan''s astral projection abilities. In the Zhong family residence, Zhong Cheng expressed surprise, "The Sun family has secretly contacted Granduncle." Zhong Qing nodded, understanding the Sun family''s immense pressure. "Unless they''re resolved to trade their stronghold for Wang Xuan''s life, they''ll remain on edge, enduring extreme anxiety." The night''s developments were unpredictable as Wang Xuan''s movements neared Kangning City, suffocating the Sun family with the looming threat of his potential invasion. News quickly spread that Wang Xuan had entered Pingyuan City, merely 370 miles from the Sun family''s base. This news shook the various powers. Wang Xuan''s proximity was akin to a drawn but not fired arrow, a direct threat to the Sun family''s bastion. The Sun family felt the acute difort of such a menacing presence close at hand. Some elders watched coldly, eventually breathing a sigh of relief. Wang Xuan''s actions, while not as aggressive as feared, still posed a significant threat. Had he attempted to force his way into Kangning City, they would have perceived him as overly aggressive and uncontroble. That night, Zhong Changming officially stepped in to "pacify" the Sun family and mediate the dispute between the young swordsman and them. This "pacification" was more a gesture for public optics than a sincere attempt at reconciliation. Wang Xuan agreed to the mediation, maintaining a low profile. He professed a desire for a tranquil life, provided the Sun family restrained themselves, and expressed his aversion to conflict, opting instead to practice medicine across thend. Zhong Cheng whispered, "I think Granduncle is basking in renewed glory. It''s like a second spring for him." Zhong Qing smiled, "Of course, with him in charge now and the Sun family covertly seeking his mediation, plus the prospects of extended life, his spirits have undoubtedly rejuvenated." Zhong Changming, Zhong Yong''s second son, now in histe seventies, had finally be the decision-maker of the Zhong family following Zhong Yong''s retreat into a chrysalis-likea. "Xiao Qing, invite Wang Xuan over to our ce sometime," Zhong Changming suggested pleasantly one evening to Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng. The siblings instantly understood the old man''s desire for longevity. Late into the night, it was known that the Sun family and Wang Xuan had unexpectedly ceased hostilities, causing disappointment among many. Those in the special circles of financial conglomerates and major powers understood the temporary nature of this peace, aware that a resumption of hostilities could result in irreversible consequences for either party. "In the calm before the storm, the predator bird folds its wings, and the ferocious beast lowers its head," mused Qian An in Suzhou. Most ordinary people, unaware of theseplexities, felt let down, yearning for a spectacle of the swordsman shing with the super-wealthy and bringing down more battleships. In Pingyuan City, Qin Hong pondered, "We need to lure Wang Xuan into space or away from the cities, maybe to a smaller town. A mid-sized battleship could then easily eliminate him." However, he quickly silenced himself, fearing he might be overheard by transcendental beings. His words reflected a harsh reality: the financial dynasties could pose a significant threat to Wang Xuan under certain circumstances. For the time being, Wang Xuan would need to be exceedingly cautious in his travels and use of spacecraft. He found himself longing for the Song family''s palm-sized dark golden boat, an artifact that would make his journeys safer and more convenient. He wasn''t in a hurry, knowing the head of the Song family, with only half a year to live, would likely seek him out soon. "Qin Hong, go next door and meet Wang Xuan. Arrange for him toe over tomorrow morning," instructed an elder of the Qin family. Qin Hong was taken aback, struggling to ept the task of meeting the once mere martial artist, now a formidable swordsman, something he''d never imagined doing. "Let''s contact him tomorrow morning," he replied reluctantly, showing little interest in the task. "Do it now; it might be toote tomorrow!" Qin Hong was sharply reprimanded by his grandfather. At ny-three, the elder''s deteriorating health fueled his yearning for renewed youth and extended life, his stern gaze enough to intimidate Qin Hong. Qin Hongyuan, far from an ordinary elder, had been instrumental in Qin Hong''s bold move to strike at the transcendents on the moon. It was his nod of approval that led to the financial dynasty''s first daring probe into the strength of transcendents, with Qin Hongyuan leading the charge. "Please calm down, Grandfather. I''m going!" Even though Qin Hong was assertive outside, he had to be deferential at home, respecting his grandfather''s authority and not daring to say more. Qin Hong''s visit to Wang Xuan was marked by an amiable demeanor, presenting a warm and weing front. Wang Xuan, however, remained unperturbed, well aware of Qin Hong''s true nature - outwardly cordial but disparaging and treacherous behind closed doors. Yet, it was undeniable that Qin Hong was audacious, daring to order attacks on transcendents. He had a knack for making ruthless decisions at crucial moments. Wang Xuan contemted dealing with Qin Hong firmly when the opportunity arose, but for now, he decided against making another financial dynasty his enemy amidst these turbulent times. Late at night, Wang Xuan''s spirit ventured out to "stroll" around the Qin family estate. He was instantly on edge as he neared the Qin''s secret repository in the depths of their garden. The ce, bathed in Buddhist chants and divine light, contained something extraordinary. Feeling his spirit getting drawn in and almost converted, Wang Xuan realized the grave danger posed by the financial dynasty''s secret vaults to disembodied spirits. He pondered the Qin family''s numerous acquisitions,rgely rted to Buddhism. They had researched both the Moonlight and Fiery Sun Bodhisattvas, driven by their possession of Bodhisattva blood and bones. Their interest in the earthly immortality herb and offering the Sakyamuni''s true scriptures as a reward further supported this connection. "The spacecraft excavated from the moon, now partially deciphered, seems to contain methods targeting spiritual entities," discussed someone in a room. Wang Xuan, deeply moved, listened briefly before his spirit withdrew back to his body. In the early morning, apanied by Qin Hong, Wang Xuan formally visited the Qin family. Their vast estate, nestled beside a sereneke and adorned with lush bamboo groves and a tea house, was where Wang Xuan met Qin Hongyuan for the first time. "Worthy friend, how long do you think I can live, and what can be done to prolong my life? Please feel free to state any of your needs," Qin Hongyuan asked Wang Xuan, his sparse hair betraying his advanced age. Wang Xuan estimated that in his current state, Qin Hongyuan could live to around a hundred, but clearly, he was not satisfied with that. "If the Qin family could lend me the Sakyamuni''s True Scriptures for study, I believe I could be inspired to extend your life by at least ten years," Wang Xuan proposed, his words stirring even Qin Hong, who was visibly shaken by the prospect of gaining a decade of life. Qin Hongyuan remainedposed, yet his tightly clenched, color-drained fingers betrayed his inner excitement. Wang Xuan was genuinely intrigued by the Sakyamuni''s True Scriptures, a paramount Buddhist text, promising a decade of life in return. Such a revered scripture would be out of his reach once the transcendents returned, making it a rare treasure in any era. Revealing his capability to extend life by over ten years was a strategic move by Wang Xuan to prompt the elderly financial tycoons to make a ''rational'' choice and align with him. Before he even left the Qin estate, the news had spread like wildfire, astonishing the older members of the financial dynasties. The promise of an additional ten years of life was too tempting to ignore. Qin Hongyuan, managing his emotional turmoil, calmly stated that the family was currently venerating the Sakyamuni''s True Scriptures with ancient Buddhist relics and it would take over a hundred days before they could be removed. Wang Xuan inwardly scoffed at the Qin family''s pretense of piety, knowing their interesty in studying the Bodhisattva''s blood and bones. Clearly, the Qin family was even more reluctant to share the scriptures, sensing their immense value. "Perhaps you would like to view other Buddhist texts?" suggested Qin Hongyuan. "Our family has amassed a significant collection of scriptures and relics from generations of revered monks." Wang Xuan politely declined, expressing no interest in the other texts. He was particrly keen on pre-Qin golden bamboo slips, which the Qin family did not possess. As for other treasures, the Qin family did not even broach the subject. The recent battles in Shepherd City and Jingyue City had heightened every major family''s awareness of the paramount importance of such artifacts, too precious to be casually relinquished. Wang Xuan knew that the true scriptures could be replicated, and sharing parts of them would be feasible. "Is it possible to extend my life by ten years in one go?" Qin Hongyuan inquired earnestly. Wang Xuan replied, "It''s best to do it in several sessions for optimal results. However, if you''re in urgent need, I can make an exception at some cost. But of course, I must first thoroughly examine the Sakyamuni''s True Scriptures, which will likely inspire me." Decisively, Qin Hongyuan said, "There are twelve pages of the true scriptures. Let Qin Hong bring me four pages first. Lets start with an extension of three to four years to gauge the effects." Wang Xuan''s spirit momentarily left his body, following Qin Hong for a distance before halting abruptly at the mysterious repository from the previous night, where mystical artifacts threatened to transform disembodied spirits. Soon, Qin Hong presented four pages of gold leaf paper, void of text but engraved with images. Upon spiritual exploration, imprints came to life, reviving all engraved images in an instant. A towering Buddha emerged, magnificent and lifelike, unfolding a grand panorama in Wang Xuan''s mind, revealing the profound mysteries of Buddhism. Wang Xuan closed his eyes,mitting the essence of the scriptures to memory while deliberately severing the image of the Buddha, focusing solely on the teachings and not the form. "The Buddhist scriptures... they are somewhat terrifying," Wang Xuan mused internally, resolving to keep the teachings regardless of whether he would practice them, recognizing their supreme value. "How do you feel, young friend?" asked Qin Hongyuan with genuine concern. "The teachings are profound. I''ll study themter. For now, let''s focus on extending your lifespan," Wang Xuan suggested, proposing to conduct the ritual in the Qin family''s ancient temple for an enhanced effect. "May I ask why the Qin family has brought an ancient temple into their home?" Wang Xuan casually inquired, not expecting an answer. To his surprise, Qin Hongyuan revealed, "Over a century ago, my father, following the advice of a sage, brought this ancient temple here." He did not borate further. Wang Xuan''s interest piqued, suspecting a deeper mystery, possibly linked to the enigmatic figures once active on New Moon, simr in their influence. Leveraging the ancient temple, Wang Xuan tapped into its mystical essence hidden within the earth to enhance Qin Hongyuan''s physique and vitality, infusing him with a palpable sense of robust life force. This endeavor was notpleted in a day. Wang Xuan devoted five days to the task, genuinely investing his efforts in Qin Hongyuan''s rejuvenation. During this time, Wang Xuan recharged the ancientmp, the reactivated artifact bolstering his sense of security. News of his deeds spread rapidly, prompting numerous elders to eagerly seek appointments with him. Elder Song Yun of the Song family grew restless, his patience wearing thin as other elders queued up before him. Taking matters into his own hands, he directly contacted Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan expressed his regrets, informing him that a short-termmitment wasn''t feasible. He had significantly depleted his vital energy extending Qin Hongyuan''s life and was alreadymitted to other appointments. "Hey, Wang Xuan, when are youing back to Su City? Some folks want to rebuild your Life-Nourishing Hall for you. Others are eager to be your disciples," said Zhong Cheng during their conversation. Most importantly, Zhong Cheng''s grandfather sought Wang Xuan''s life-extending services. "Yeah, about my Life-Nourishing Hall... I need to report it. Didn''t the Sun family destroy those buildingsst time? Did theypensate others? I need them topensate me too!" Zhong Cheng, stunned, wondered if he had misheard. He wanted to ask if Wang Xuan was serious about reporting the incident to the authorities. "Little friend, why not just settle in Pingyuan City? I''ll build you a Life-Nourishing Hall," offered Qin Hongyuan, still savoring the newfound vitality Wang Xuan had granted him. Qin Hongyuan was discovering the joy of renewed life. He suddenly noticed the youth and beauty of his female assistant, feeling as if his eyes had been reopened to the world''s beauty. Although he could only admire from afar, he felt rejuvenated. He resolved to hand over the remaining Sakyamuni''s True Scriptures to Wang Xuan for an additional decade of life, should his physical condition continue to improve. However, Wang Xuan was close to fleeing Pingyuan City overnight. Rxing his guard, his spirit roamed the city, where he encountered inexplicable and terrifying creatures lurking within this modern metropolis, chilling him to the bone. Though unnerved, he was determined to uncover the truth. He had previously observed shadowy figures on the distant ridges of Hanwu Mountain from the high-rise buildings of Su City. What exactly was happening in these cities? Chapter 237: A Complicated Situation Chapter 237: A Complicated Situation Wang Xuan''s experiences in thends of the departed, where he had encountered fearsome spirits with glowing red eyes - some as small asnterns, others asrge as mountains - had deeply unnerved even the ferryman Xu Fu. Now, to his bafflement, simr inscrutable creatures lurked within the bustling metropolises of the New World. Different from the spirits in form, these beings shared onemon characteristic: they were visible only to those with the spiritual third eye. Even a transcendent like Old Chen was oblivious to their presence. As Wang Xuan''s spirit roamed the city, he observed carefully while cautiously avoiding these entities. The night skyline was dominated by towering skyscrapers wrapped in three-dimensional light projections. Hovercars wove through the city''s low altitudes, while small spacecrafts streaked across the night sky. Amidst the shing neon of this modern, populous city, Wang Xuan repeatedly spotted monstrous, menacing creatures on the streets. A colossal serpent with nine heads, as thick as a bathtub and covered in green scales, slithered through a congested road. Eight of its heads were pierced by thick arrows, oozing blood. A disheveled figure, enveloped in a ck cloak, with rotting, pus-oozing limbs, rode atop the serpent. As Wang Xuan departed, the rider on the serpent seemed to sense something, turning abruptly, but seeing nothing. One of his eye sockets bled profusely, a dark void, while the other, pale and pupil-less, was marred by numerous dense wounds. During his nocturnal exploration, Wang Xuan avoided these monsters with precision, pondering their origins. Were these the terrifying creatures mentioned in the misceneous texts left by Chen Tuan, which spoke of transcendent geniuses whose spiritual forms were devoured at night, resulting in a new, mysterious entity inhabiting their bodies and eventually achieving ascension? Soon, on a spacious pedestrian street, Wang Xuan encountered a blood-red bird, each eye socket housing two eyeballs, its body covered in blood as if it had just battled. It strolled elegantly down the street. Wang Xuan felt a shiver run down his spine. Could this be the mythical Chongming Bird, a creature of legend? However, Wang Xuan noticed something odd about the Chongming Bird: a rope was tied around its neck. He cautiously avoided it and moved away from the area. Later, he encountered another creature with the face of a woman, but only one eye, the ears of an ox, and the spotted body of a leopard. It emitted deafening roars that, strangely, went unheard by the pedestrians. Wang Xuan was taken aback; this was Zhujian, a creature of legend! Around its neck was an iron cor, suggesting it had once been domesticated. In thetter half of the night, Wang Xuan observed several individuals dressed in spacesuits, simr yet more archaic than those worn on the New World. They led away the Zhujian and Chongming Bird, and others rode upon the back of Qiongqi. The nine-headed serpent, with the cloaked, rotting figure atop it, was also part of the procession. The cloaked figure was dressed in tattered spacesuit remains. This startling sight left Wang Xuan perplexed. A group of people from a bygone era, donning technology of their time, leading mythical creatures through a modern city - it was an extraordinary scene. From his vantage point in the city, Wang Xuan watched as they vanished into the mountains at the horizon and descended into the earth''s depths. "They don''t seem like modern humans but rather ancient ones, possessing technology and having tamed mythical beings," Wang Xuan muttered, lost in thought. The next day, Qin Hongyuan again proposed building a health sanctuary for Wang Xuan, which he politely declined. During their casual conversation, Wang Xuan inquired about the mountains outside the city, and from the Qin family''s reactions, he deduced that it was their most critical base. Hidden deep within the base was a mothership excavated from the moon, the source of many of the Qin family''s advanced technologies. Wang Xuan was inwardly startled by this revtion. There had always been rumors that, following a great conflict on Old Earth, some had fled to the moon, discovered various spacecraft, and subsequently migrated to the New World, leading to a technological revolution. It appeared these tales were true. Wang Xuan''s mind reeled at the implications. The ancient astronauts he had seen the previous night, visible only with his spiritual eye and leading mythical creatures, were they returning to this mothership? Evidently, they were no longer living beings, having transformed into entities resembling spirits. This revtion added ayer of terror to the alreadyplex situation on the New World. Wang Xuan''s expression grew solemn, realizing the urgency to grow stronger amidst these unfolding mysteries. As Wang Xuan concluded his visit to Pingyuan City, escorted away by Zhong Cheng and Zhou Yun, Qin Hong couldn''t help but gaze coldly at the departing small spacecraft, thinking, "What a rare opportunity, a mid-sized warship would be sufficient to eliminate this future threat." His ruthlessness was evident in his consideration of using a super-energy beam to destroy the spacecraft. Suddenly, he received a sharp p from Qin Hongyuan, who had grown much stronger recently. "Your grandfather''s life is on that ship too!" he scolded. Qin Hong, undeterred, muttered, "This swordsman could have extended your life by ten years at once. He''s deliberately splitting it to protect himself. He should be eliminated!" Qin Hongyuan red at him, warning, "Put those thoughts away. The descendants of the Zhong and Zhou families are also on that ship. And for now, his actions are none of your business!" Qin Hong shook his head, "I wouldn''t act personally. I''m just specting whether the Sun family has the audacity for such an action. One energy beam could resolve everything." The Sun family, upon hearing the news, felt a mix of relief and icy resolve. Having a swordsman so close was unnerving, but their conflict with Wang Xuan was far from over. Both sides knew a showdown was inevitable. Then, a massive explosion echoed in the skies. mes pierced through clouds, creating a towering mushroom cloud. A small spacecraft had been destroyed, seemingly by the Sun family''s doing. "Sun family does have some guts, acting decisively regardless of who was on that ship," Qin Hong noted privately upon hearing the news. The news of Wang Xuan''s spacecraft''s crash spread quickly, causing a stir. The man who had remained unscathed in a grand battle against the Sun family had perished in a crash? No one believed it was an ident. The high-energy weapon used to obliterate the spacecraft in mid-air was unimaginably powerful. Besides Wang Xuan, the ship also reportedly carried descendants of the Zhong family and Zhou Yun, drawing significant attention. People admired the Sun family''s audacity, yet public opinion was overwhelmingly negative. tforms buzzed with discussions condemning the Sun family''s ruthless tactics. "Such treachery, attacking covertly after a ceasefire! A swordsman, perished just like that?" The sentiment was one of regret and frustration. People had just begun to witness the existence of transcendent beings, only for one to fall victim to a calcted assault by a financial conglomerate. "Good riddance, haha..." Sun Yichenughed heartily, feeling a sense of relief after days of feeling stifled. "It wasn''t us!" the Sun family immediately denied any involvement in the incident, warning major tforms to retract rted trending topics or face the consequences. However, when the Grey Blood Organization imed responsibility, it reignited the public debate. "It wasn''t us!" the organization''s leaders cursed, hastily denying any connection to the event. The controversy and heated debates finally subsided two hourster when Wang Xuan made a low-key appearance in Su City. He was alive? "It''s definitely the Sun family''s doing, those bastards, trying to kill me and Zhong Cheng together. Lawless and ruthless, extremely vicious!" Zhou Yun''s face paled as he recounted his brush with death. This time, they had returned to Su City in a hovering car, having switched their mode of transportation at thest minute. Wang Xuan had sensed that, although Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng were from wealthy families, they weren''t core members. If the Sun family had truly gone mad, they might have attempted to eliminate them all. "I guess the Sun family won''t leave any evidence. Just wait and see. I, Zhong Cheng, won''t be bullied like this. They tried to kill me; sooner orter, I''ll make them pay!" he dered. Old Chen, Guan Lin, and Qin Cheng quickly met up with Wang Xuan upon his arrival in Su City. Meanwhile, a group of elderly patriarchs sighed in relief, fearing the worst for Wang Xuan. They had been ready to confront the Sun family. Did the Sun family really want to cut off their lifelines? Some in the Sun family secretlymented their failed probe and the immense pressure they now faced. Many elders were protective of Wang Xuan, who had the power to extend life by ten years, an influence far greater and safer than any new technique. Furthermore, Wang Xuan''s life-extending ability didn''t seem to have a limit, suggesting future potential for even greater longevity. This implication stirred restlessness among the powerful. In Su City, Wang Xuan announced he would only be avable for consultations once a month, with appointments booked for the next two to three years. This caused a stir among the powerful, who couldn''t believe the fiercepetition for his services. Some elderly figures couldn''t afford to wait but were hesitant to pressure Wang Xuan. They nned to contact him privately, hoping to jump the queue. "Grandfather, it''s simple. I''m about to visit Su City to apprentice under Wang Xuan. You give me a so-called supreme scripture, and I''ll negotiate on your behalf," proposed a young girl. Not only the elders but also many from the middle-aged and younger generations were restless, eager to extend their lives by ten years. The urgency was palpable in the request of Song Yun, a key figure in the Song family, who called Chen Yongjie, imploring him to persuade Wang Xuan to assist him, promising significant rewards in return. That evening, Qian An hosted a wee dinner for Wang Xuan. In a separate conversation, Chen Yongjie, using his psychic domain, advised Wang Xuan to stay in different cities to avoid risks, suggesting Pingyuan City as a suitable alternative. Wang Xuan agreed, noting the prevalence of Buddhist scriptures in the Qin family''s collection. He informed Chen Yongjie about the Shakyamuni Sutra, proposing that Chen might collect the remaining scriptures. Chen, jokingly, worried about embarking on the path to enlightenment given his recent focus on Buddhist techniques like the "Sixteen-Foot Golden Body" and the "Bodhisattva Fist." In Qian An''s manor, Wang Xuan not only rejuvenated Old Qian but also empowered Chen''s Five-Colored Feather Fan with mysterious factors, ensuring Chen''sbat readiness. With Chen''s enhanced capabilities, he could significantly trouble the Sun family, alleviating some of the pressure on Wang Xuan. After returning the animal skin bag to Zhong Cheng and expressing his gratitude, Wang Xuan raised a toast to Chen and Guan Lin''s union. "Congrattions to the lovers who have finallye together. Chen once mentioned in the secretnd that upon regaining his youth, he would return to marry and start a family." Guan Lin responded with grace andposure, smiling as she joined Chen in raising a ss. Surprisingly, it was Chen who blushed, slightly embarrassed by Wang Xuan''s publicments. Zhong Cheng, Zhou Yun, and Qin Cheng immediately congratted the couple with enthusiastic toasts, while Qian An presented them with an ancient jade pair embedded with runes, likely a valuable artifact from the past. Late into the night, after a thunderous downpour, Wang Xuan awoke from a nightmare, a rare urrence that left him unsettled. In his dream, he saw celestial beings from beyond the veil engaged in fierce battles, vying for thest remnants of fortune in a dwindling realm of immortals, with some preparing for their return to the mortal world. Reflecting on the night sky, the falling rain, and the lightning slicing through the darkness, Wang Xuan pondered the potential return of the Red-Clothed Demoness. "If she does return, how will I confront her? And if she''s already here, how can I defeat her?" he thought, facing theplexities of an ever-changing world. "Congrattions to Elder Chen and Sister Guan, wishing you a lifetime of happiness and a swift blessing of a child!" Zhong Cheng, Zhou Yun, and Qin Cheng were the first to joyfully congratte the couple, standing up to offer a toast. Qian An, seizing the moment, presented Chen and Guan Lin with a pair of ancient jade pieces, marked with runes, likely treasures from a bygone era. That same night, Guan Lin and Chen Yongjie decisively left Su City. After all, even with their extraordinary capabilities, caution was still a necessity in these times. In thetter part of the night, as lightning shed and thunder rolled, apanied by a torrential downpour, Wang Xuan was startled awake from a nightmare, sweating coldly an urrence that hadn''t happened to him in a long time. In his dream, he witnessed celestial beings beyond the veil engaged in fierce battles, struggling over thest vestiges of fortune in a dwindling realm of immortals, with some preparing to return to the mortal world. Weighed down by his thoughts, Wang Xuan gazed at the night sky, where the heavy rain was falling and lightning was slicing through the darkness. It seemed almost as if some creature shed briefly amidst the thunder. "If there really is a return, the first to seek me out will likely be the Red-Clothed Demoness. When might she appear? Or has she already arrived in this world? How will I deal with her?" Wang Xuan pondered, facing the intricacies of an increasinglyplex world. Chapter 238: Trouble Keeps Coming Chapter 238: Trouble Keeps Coming Late into the night, as lightning tore through the curtain of rain, Wang Xuan stood before his window, gazing at the dark sky, unable to find sleep. The situation on New Star was rminglyplex, with ancient astronauts taming mythical creatures invisible to ordinary people, wandering through major cities. Also looming was the anticipated return of the celestial beings, their footsteps seemingly audible through the downpour, unsettling him deeply. The next day dawned clear and sunny, as if the storms of the night had never urred. "Old Wang, when are you nning the disciple initiation ceremony? Some people have already arrived in Suzhou City," Zhong Cheng contacted him. Wang Xuan was taken aback, "When did I say I was taking disciples?" He genuinelycked the time and energy for suchmitments, still exploring his own path. "Go ahead with it, they are passionate youngsters from influential families, and there are many beautiful women!" Zhong Cheng whispered, persuasively adding, "Think about it, these are the children of major organizations. If they be your disciples, aren''t they essentially joining your camp?" "I really don''t have the time right now," Wang Xuan replied, already having a group of elders tied to his cause, ensuring rtive stability. Zhong Cheng persisted, "You don''t need to guide them daily, just pass on some techniques and let them practice on their own. A teacher opens the door, but the journey is the student''s own." Wang Xuan saw the logic in this. Catering to both young and old would likely ensure peace for a while, something he desperately needed. "Sounds reasonable. I''ll find a time for it. Right now, I need to sort out my housing issue. Thendlord contacted me forpensation," Wang Xuan said, exasperated. He didn''t have much money; his house was gone, turned into a crater by Sun Family''s energy cannon, even the soil and rocks crystallized. Recently, the site had be a popr photo spot, known as the ''Former Residence of the Sword Immortal''. "You''re too poor, Old Wang. It''s just a house. I''ll give you a detached one," Zhong Cheng offered. "How can I not eat meat? Are you Emperor Hui of Jin reincarnated? I''ve asked around; neighboring houses damaged by the st receivedpensation. Why shouldn''t I? I''m going to report this, damn Sun Family!" And with that, Wang Xuan actually reported it to the authorities, determined to make a scene and force the Sun Family topensate him. Zhong Cheng hung up, dumbfounded. He thought to himself, "You''ve shot down their warships, it''s tit for tat. Let it go." But what he didn''t realize was that Wang Xuan was truly short on funds, barely possessing a million Novadors, earned from settling a dispute for Qin Cheng on New Moon. After Wang Xuan''s return, thendlord, despite admiring and yearning for the life of a sword immortal, tearfully asked forpensation. The Sun Family had apparently assumed the destroyed property was Wang Xuan''s and had not discussed anypensation. Soon, many in Suzhou City were aware that the sword immortal was out of money and had reported the Sun Family to the police forpensation. Wang Xuan even threatened on the secretwork to take over the Sun Family''s assets in Suzhou City if they didn''t pay. Zhong Cheng, Zhou Yun, and Zhong Qing were speechless, knowing he genuinelycked funds. The Sun Family, on the other hand, saw this as a humiliation, akin to demanding war reparations, albeit not physically hurtful but highly insulting. Eventually, it was Zhong Qing who rified on the secretwork, exining Wang Xuan''s situation, including his reliance on others even for his ticket to New Star. Facing a tearfulndlord demandingpensation, she urged Sun Yichen and his family to fulfill their obligations. Everyone was speechless, realizing the sword immortal was indeed poor, renting amodations and needing assistance for travel. The Sun Family, begrudgingly,pensated the originalndlord. This opened doors for Wang Xuan, as many elders desiring extended life sought a breakthrough and began offering funds. However, Wang Xuan declined, valuing ancient scriptures and rare treasures over money, knowing he could earn fundster. Zhou Yun joked about Wang Xuan''s poverty leading him to consider seizing the Sun Family''s properties, offering to gift him a health sanctuary. Simrly, Qian An, unable to watch any longer, offered one of his vacant properties in the city for Wang Xuan''s use. The health sanctuary''s reopening was explosively busy. Zhong Cheng and Zhou Yun brought a group of enthusiastic young men and women, eager to learn swordy and be sword immortals. Among the twenty or so aspirants, the youngest was around twelve or thirteen, with none older than thirty. "This is my cousin, make sure you teach her well!" Zhou Yun introduced a pretty young girl, who Wang Xuan recognized as Ling Wei''s sister from New Moon. Realizing Zhou Yun''s intentions, Wang Xuan saw the girl assert her own desire to learn, wanting to be a sword immortal independently. He also encountered Li Qingxuan, whom he had met in Old Earth, with her natural curly hair, phoenix eyes, and striking red lips. Back in the day, she, along with Wu Yin and Zhou Yun, walked together and had once invited Wang Xuan to join their family''s expedition team. The Li family, their headquarters located right in this city, was well-known. She gathered her long hair and smiled wistfully, saying, "I just came to see. I really didn''t expect you to havee this far." It was clear she wasnt there to be a disciple. Is it really you Wang Wudi?! The energetic young woman beside Li Qingxuan was taken aback, then understanding dawned on her. Wang Xuan remembered her a student from Kaiyuan University. He had met her on his first day visiting Professor Lin. This is my uncles daughter, my cousin who is very close to me in terms of blood rtion, Li Qingxuan introduced. Zhou Jia hade to be a disciple. Ill teach you; were from the same school, we''re familiar, and I''ve fully learned from Old Wang, Qin Cheng boasted, trying to cozy up. Zhou Jia ignored him, looking at Wang Xuan in speechless wonder. Its a small world indeed, she thought, recognizing the sword immortal from the blurry photos. To be a disciple or not? After some hesitation, she resolved tomit, determined to learn the art of sword control, putting aside extraneous thoughts. Then, Zhong Cheng introduced another person a stunning beauty with electrifying eyes, longshes, and an undeniably alluring figure, exuding a sexy charm, especially with her electrifying gaze. Master! she approached gracefully, her demeanor captivating, almost like she was walking a runway. Wang Xuan shivered slightly. What was this situation? Thats one of my sisters close friends! Zhong Cheng whispered. At that moment, Zhong Qing also arrived at the Health Pavilion, greeting everyone. Qing, I think I''m going to get married, and you need to help me! the electrifying beauty pulled the pure and beautiful long-legged Zhong Qing aside, saying so, then added in a mock threatening tone, If you dont help me, it means youre guilty, really wanting to be my master''s wife! Zhong Qing smacked her on the forehead, reprimanding, Be mindful of your words. What are you talking about? Wang Xuan, with his powerful spiritual domain, heard everything clearly and internallymented theplexity of these people. Collecting this diverse group as disciples seemed to spell an array ofplicated and chaotic issues. Inside were top students, currently interning at a warship power research institute, but now eager to switch to studying the art of sword fighting. There was even a pop star, whosetest songs were the rage in every street and alley. Wang Xuan suspected that some were there to fish in troubled waters, with ulterior motives to get close to him. He thought of inviting Professor Lin to teach on his behalf, feeling the professor would be more responsible. The arrival of some elderly figures finally helped ease the situation. Qian An introduced them, like Mr. Li from the city, Mr. Zhou from Yunqi City, and an old man surnamed Zhao from Yong''an City. When Mr. Zhao was introduced, Wang Xuan''s interest piqued. Could he be rted to Zhao Qinghan? He noticed the elder''s gentle smile and careful observation, finally nodding in satisfaction. "Little Wang, you''ve kept me in the dark. Who knew the Wang Xiao I admired was actually you!" Another familiar face arrived, Wu Yin''s uncle Wu Chenglin. Wang Xuan had a good impression of him. Old Wu was sociable and had maintained a good rtionship with Wang Xiao in the old world. "Don''t worry, Wu Yin is safe, staying in the secret ce for an opportunity," Wang Xuan assured him. Wu Chenglin was apanied by his father and Wu Yin''s grandfather. Wang Xuan naturally didn''t neglect them, engaging warmly with the group of elders. That day, the Health Pavilion was buzzing with activity, with eight elders from various financial conglomerates supporting him. This drew special attention from major organizations, who sighed inwardly at the sess of Wang Xuan''s medical n. Indeed, the eight elders sessfully jumped the queue, securing Wang Xuan''s promise to extend their lives in theing months. This also meant that some ancient texts and artifacts would soon shine anew. Late at night, after everyone had left, Wang Xuan stood calmly, bathed in moonlight, feeling detached from the mundane world. The so-called financial conglomerates and the noisy mortal world seemed to drift further away from him. Looking up at the starry sky, he felt distant from the glittering city and neon nights. Riches and power were mere illusions, far from what he desired. "What path should I take next? What choices should I make?" he murmured. He didn''t want to follow the Golden Elixir path or the pure martial path. After reaching the medicine-gathering realm, he needed to decide his future course. "Will the effects be significant in three years? Will the descending immortals be mortals? Will my path encounter problems?" he pondered, preparing for whaty ahead. Suddenly, a red streak of light, like lightning, shot across the night sky, sending chills down Wang Xuan''s spine. Instantly armed, with a short sword in hand and ancientmp and gourd concealed, he sensed a powerful transcendental presence. "The tree wishes for tranquility, but the wind does not cease," he sighed softly. All he wanted was a peaceful life of cultivation, helping others extend their lives, studying ancient texts and artifacts. Yet, the outside world kept disturbing him, with financial conglomerates targeting him and now possibly even the immortals. "Though I seek no enemies, don''t force my hand!" Wang Xuan said sternly. Chapter 239: Invitation From The Immortals Chapter 239: Invitation From The Immortals Wang Xuan felt a heavy burden on his heart, as one event after another seemed to herald an approaching storm, almost suffocating him. He had thought the standoff with the financial conglomerates would lead to a period of calm, but contrary to his wishes, he suspected he heard the footsteps of the descending immortals. Various issues, one after another, constantly threatened him! Crackling noises filled the pitch-ck night sky, as if electromaic waves were slicing through the air, creating an intense unease. Something was indeed approaching. A streak of red light shed across the sky, too fast for the ordinary eye, but Wang Xuan saw it clearly a figure. Formoners, encountering an immortal is a surprise, a happy ident filled with anticipation. But for Wang Xuan, it was horrifying; everything became unpredictable. He moved lightly but firmly to the rooftop. There was no use in shrinking back or being afraid at this critical moment. Better to face it calmly and coolly, even if overpowered, he was ready to battle the immortals! He wasn''t entirely without a chance. The entity returning from the world behind the veil had likely paid a heavy price, with its cultivation greatly diminished. A breeze swept through the night sky, the clouds thick and obscuring the moon and stars. The surroundings were eerily silent. The twinkling lights of the city''s nightscape dimmed, fog enveloping the area. The neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and small flying ships traversing high above were all hidden, the whole world losing its sound. Crackling noises, reminiscent of an old television losing its signal, were intermittent and originated from the mist. Wang Xuan stood still, waiting in the city''s night sky for the suspected immortal being to appear. This had nothing to do with sanctity or immortal qi, only crisis and terror. He saw it the red light approached, not a physical entity but manifested as spiritual energy. This being was far more powerful than Sun Rongting, more formidable than anyone he had encountered in the realm of new techniques, posing a real threat to Wang Xuan, who braced himself for what was toe. Are the immortals really returning? A woman, d in dark red metallic armor with a helmet covering her face, appeared before Wang Xuan, her form a spiritual entity draped in armor. Her figure was slender, her face unseen, as she scrutinized Wang Xuan with immeasurable strength, surrounded by supernatural matter. Wang Xuan observed her calmly, responding stoically to the unexpected visitor. "Capable of spiritual wandering?" asked the woman in the dark red armor,municating through the spiritual realm. Wang Xuan replied, "Far from it, just astral projection within a limited range." Suddenly, a page appeared before him, floating in mid-air, not a real sheet of paper butposed of spiritual energy and supernatural matter. It was an invitation, calling Wang Xuan to attend the Zhi Lan Ceremony at Yuan Chi Mountain in ten days, a simple invite that could be stored in the spiritual realm. Why was he invited? Where was Yuan Chi Mountain? What was the Zhi Lan Ceremony? Wang Xuan was perplexed. Was this a gathering only for transcendents? Who was hosting it the descending immortals? He was filled with questions, his expression grave. He directly inquired about these. The night brought surprises; why suddenly had such a being approached him? "The location is Yuan Chi Mountain in the current world of Xinxing," the woman exined. "Long ago, there were gatherings at Yao Chi, whichter dispersed, bing Yao Chi San Hui. When Yao Chi became inessible and declined, it transformed into Zhi Lan Sheng Hui, and now, only the Zhi Lan Ceremony remains." With a whoosh, the red light tore through the sky, and the figure vanished without lingering, like a fleeting immortal. Simultaneously, the fog dispersed, and the sounds of the surrounding city returned. The bright lights, towering buildings, and various flying vehicles reconnected him with the worldly atmosphere of Xinxing''s metropolis. Had he just been isted from the world, unable to perceive anything around him, akin to the destion on the path of ascension? Wang Xuan frowned, pondering. The anticipated battle had not erupted. Who exactly was this figure in the dark red armor? A transcendent being, a returned immortal, or a creature beyond the mundane world? Until now, only he, Old Zhong, and Chen Yongjie were cultivators on Xinxing, while other transcendents emerged from the realm of new techniques. Now, unexpectedly, a woman in dark red metallic armor, capable of astral projection and armored, had arrived to deliver an invitation, an unusual urrence indeed. Could it be that Xinxing has always harbored cultivators since ancient times, never truly losing touch with this path? Wang Xuan found it hard to believe. If such people existed, why would the original inhabitants face such struggles? The situation on Xinxing wasplex, and Wang Xuan surmised that his recent conflict with the Sun Family had exposed him, catching the attention of certain individuals. His initial n was toy low, cultivate quietly without drawing attention, and grow stronger until he could face any challenge. But the aggressive stance of the super conglomerates, determined to eradicate him and Chen Yongjie, made it impossible for him and Chen to hide away and cultivate in peace. "A hundred years ago, there were sages on Xinyue (the New Moon) setting up arrangements, moving the ancestral homes of Taoism and Buddhism to suppress the moon. Around the same time, families heeded the advice of a mysterious individual and began to excavate the Old Earth, relocating many Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries to Xinxing." "People have been preparing for something for a long time!" Wang Xuan now believed that these actions were not coincidental but part of arger n. Was the person who sent him the invitation one of the sages from a hundred years ago, or was it an organization? "Were they ancient cultivators, or were they the returning immortals who hade back more than a hundred years ago?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but specte. The current situation was delicate, and his premature exposure had inevitably drawn the attention and scrutiny of the mysterious. He realized that Xinxing was far from simple, with unusual undercurrents dating back over a hundred years. "All the cunning old foxes are hiding behind the scenes, lying in wait, not showing themselves!" hemented, feeling his youth and inexperience had led to his unexpected exposure. His resentment towards the Sun Family grew, ming them for forcing his hand. He suddenly became alert - could the Sun Family have been misled or manipted to act aggressively with their warships, to flush out newly emerged transcendents, thus serving the purposes of those hidden mysterious beings? "Whether they are the sages from over a hundred years ago or ancient cultivators who have survived, I need to be on high alert and treat them as if they were returning immortals." Wang Xuan activated the small, yellow gourd to store the invitation made of supernatural matter and a bit of spiritual energy. Standing there, he pondered deeply for a long time. "The conglomerates'' treasures remain, the supreme scriptures still exist..." Wang Xuan frowned, contemting whether the hidden mysterious organization wasn''t as powerful as he thought or if they could activate their treasures at any moment, and thus were not in a hurry right now. After a while, Wang Xuan chuckled to himself. Here he was, cultivating amidst a city brimming with technology, contemting battles with ancient beings. The whole scenario seemed bizarrely out of ce. Suddenly, his spiritual domain expanded, sensing unusual fluctuations. This night was proving to be anything but peaceful, with one strange urrence after another. Several miles away, atop a retro-style scenic iron tower, arge, hazy bird perched, peering in his direction. This didn''t sit well with him. Where did this bird with a hint of hostilitye from? Two extraordinary beings appearing in one night in the city of Suzhou, both seemingly drawn to him! He once again realized the disadvantages of being exposed too early. All sorts of bizarre creatures had emerged, previously invisible not because they didn''t exist, but because they hid in the shadows. His thoughts inevitably drifted to Old Zhong. The old man had fallen into aa, encapsted in a chrysalis, just before returning. Was that deliberate? Zhong Yong might not have known about Wang Xuan''s rise but certainly knew of Chen Yongjie. Perhaps, even then, the old man had foreseen much, choosing to let Chen stand in the forefront while he remained hidden in slumber. The bird, exuding hostility and of unknown origin, stayed briefly before pping its wings and flying out of Suzhou, disappearing into the dense forest about ten miles outside the city. Wang Xuan watched its descent, then returned to his room and essed the secret tunnel he had dug, leading underground towards the Suzhou River. He swiftly moved along the river, evading surveince, heading towards the hilly area where the bird hadnded. Moving stealthily and rapidly, Wang Xuan hoped to find the bird before it left, aiming to capture a living prisoner. He needed to determine the source of this extraordinary avian''s hostility was it from a demon race or some unique organization? He felt a heaviness in his heart; beyond the technologically advanced faade of the New Star world, there seemed to be an underlying dark world. "Maybe I''m overthinking it. These mysterious beings and transcendents could have appeared only recently, identally discovering me, the protruding nail." With no moon or stars, the dense forest was pitch ck. Wang Xuan arrived in an instant, like a hunter in the dark. He found several traces remnants of elks and paw prints leftovers from the bird''s meal. And then he saw it, a bird resembling a golden eagle with brownish-yellow feathers, over two meters long. In the darkness of the night, its wings emitted a faint glow. Since the bird exhibited hostility, Wang Xuan didn''t hesitate to strike first, aiming to prevent its escape. Highly alert, the bird detected his presence. Its eyes red with divine light, and a violent wind erupted, turning the vegetation to dust and shattering the rocks as it soared into the sky. Whoosh! A red light beam, emitted from the ancientmp, pursued it. Despite its rapid, lightning-like ascent hundreds of meters into the air, the bird was hit. The beam prated one of its wings, causing an explosion that tore the wing apart. With a piercing shriek, the bird plummeted down. Its body, astonishingly, grewrger during the fall, bing more formidable than before, stretching to a real length of about five meters. Earlier, it had constricted its flesh and used some secret technique to appear smaller. "If you don''t want to die, reveal your origin!" Wang Xuan was stern, threatening the bird with his hovering, brightly shining sword, exuding a chilling gleam. "I am a transcendent from the glorious Kuman, following the footsteps of my master, heeding the divine call. I came to this barren with no ill intentions. I was merely tracing the sacred path and stumbled upon you..." the bird spoke. Wang Xuan was taken aback. An extraterrestrial bird? Had New Star been discovered by an external civilization? Or were there local forces colluding with these alien transcendent beings, bringing them to New Star? "Transcendent, please let me leave. There is no conflict between us. I will travel far with my master and will no longer trouble you," the bird pleaded. However, Wang Xuan sensed the bird''s turbulent spiritual thoughts, brimming with hostility. It was lying. Without a second word, he grabbed the bird by the neck, threatening, "Stop with the bird talk, speak in human terms, and tell the truth!" "Heck, I am a bird," the pale golden bird red at him resentfully. Wang Xuan acted decisively, snapping the other wing of therge bird with a crisp crack. He then attempted to probe its spiritual realm, aiming to uncover its origins and secrets. The bird let out a piercing cry, resisting fiercely. Surprisingly, a divine fire burst out from its spiritual realm, radiating an astounding pressure. This was a mark left by another being, protecting the bird. With a steely gaze, Wang Xuan activated the ancientmp, sending out a me that struck the bird''s spiritual realm. The mysterious spiritual fire was shattered, extinguishing instantly. The world fell silent as the imprint left in the bird''s head by another creature was destroyed, and the bird died miserably. Wang Xuan''s spirit ventured out, searching the area but found nothing else. He quickly skinned and deboned the bird, storing its flesh in his fragment of paradise. He then used themp''s me to incinerate the remains, leaving no trace. The next day, Old Song called, humbly apologizing for past misunderstandings and earnestly requested Wang Xuan to extend his life. Despite his disdain for Song Yun''s family, Wang Xuan agreed, considering Song Yun''s sincerity and feeling the need to strengthen himself quickly. "I''m currently refining pills and researching dietary supplements. You can visit me soon," Wang Xuan offered. He also informed Old Song that he didn''t need scriptures, only a selection of ancient artifacts, among which he would choose just one, particrly eyeing the dark golden boat. Song Yun was visibly excited, regretting his previous hesitancy. He inquired if Wang Xuan could extend his life by ten years, as was done for Qin Hongyuan. Wang Xuan replied that it depended on whether the artifacts Song Yun brought couldpensate for the significant toll it took on him. Wang Xuan nned to share the benefits of the transcendent bird''s flesh with the elders, using it to extend their lifespans. In return, he expected their collective support in future troubles. Chapter 240: A Weakness? No Problem Chapter 240: A Weakness? No Problem Wang Xuan issued several invitations, nning a longevity banquet to provide dietary supplementation for the elders, thereby quickly addressing some issues and crucially, arming himself faster. He felt an intense sense of crisis, sensing the immortals from beyond the veil drawing ever closer, their vague and terrifying figures almost visible to him. These true immortals were not divine in his eyes but rather a source of dread, posing a lethal threat. Concerns about the mysterious bird allegedly from Kuman Star lingered, warranting caution. The constant threat from the super conglomerates also loomed. Wang Xuan wondered when he would attain the realm of a terrestrial immortal. Reaching that level might allow him a greater degree of calm and confidence. Perhaps then he could start hunting those true immortals who had just embarked on their return journey and fallen from their original realms. Considering sharing the burden, he decided not to exclude the Sun family, offering them a chance for rapprochement. He sent them an invitation for the longevity feast, explicitly stating the need for scriptures and relics in return. Before the banquet, Wang Xuan carefully selected the essence of the transcendent bird''s flesh for his acquaintances, cautioning them to quietly supplement themselves without attracting attention, as it carried significant consequences. This list naturally included Professor Lin, Qin Cheng, Zhou Yun, Zhong Qing, Zhong Cheng, and others. To his surprise, the invited elders were not enthusiastic, presenting various reasons and excuses, with few confirming their attendance. Perplexed, Wang Xuan couldn''t understand theirck of interest in extending their lives. Zhong Qing exined that rarity breeds value; the elders felt that such widespread ''casting of spells'' would likely be crude. These were people who lived exquisitely and sought perfection in all things. Especially upon learning that the Sun family also received an invitation, they doubted the quality of the life extension on offer. Lost in thought, Wang Xuan sighed, realizing the truth in the old saying, "What is hard to get always stirs desire, and what is readily avable is often undervalued." A lesson in the value of scarcity and the effectiveness of creating demand. Ultimately, only five people confirmed their attendance for the banquet. Song Yun was the most eager, assuring his presence. Qin Hongyuan, experiencing continual enhancements in physical function, was also keen to strengthen his experience. Qian An, a regr customer who had also provided advertising support and lent Wang Xuan a house, felt it inappropriate to ask for more. Then there was Zhong Qing''s great uncle, who knew the inside story and was reassured knowing his grandchildren had already enjoyed the gourmet dietary supplement. Lastly, the Sun family epted the invitation, with Sun Rongsheng himself deciding to attend personally. As for the other elders... they all found excuses to stand Wang Xuan up! At the longevity hall, a group of young men and women arrived, insisting on bing disciples and learning sword control techniques from Wang Xuan, this time bringing gifts for their master. Wang Xuan didn''t refuse. He informed them that he would introduce a renowned teacher to them. He had learned the ancient techniques from this very person, which had led him to his current path. Professor Lin was invited to teach them. Now fully recovered from his old injuries, his strength was not only restored but rapidly increasing. Wang Xuan took a hands-off approach and left. As he did, the electrifying beauty, Zhong Qing''s close friend, quickly blocked his path, her eyes crackling with energy. Wang Xuan almost unsheathed his flying sword, measuring the distance between them with his short sword. Recently, he treated anyone who approached him abruptly as potentially possessed by a demonic immortal, maintaining strict vignce. Fortunately, Zhong Qing arrived and pulled her friend away. Wang Xuan told the group, who had performed the disciple ceremony, to return home. He and Professor Lin would teach online and address all their questions. Master Sword Immortal is so aloof... He hardly interacts with us, someoneined. Probably he''s under pressure, pondering how to counter the Sun family. The sh between the transcendent and the warships is far from over. It''s just the beginning! Wang Xuan did not neglect them. After reading many scriptures at Qian An''s estate, coupled with most of the disciples'' gifts being books, he meticulously selected and arranged a cultivation curriculum for them. Whether they could rise to prominence depended on their own efforts. As for the stone tablet scriptures, the five golden pages, and the Sakyamuni scriptures, he regretfully decided these were certainly not meant for them. Two dayster, Qin Hongyuan, Qian An, Zhong Changming, Sun Rongsheng, and Song Yun arrived. Qin Hongyuan brought three pages of gold leaf paper,pleting half of the Sakyamuni scriptures for Wang Xuan. Qian An was told to bring nothing. Zhong Changming offered several scriptures, which Wang Xuan barely nced at. Out of consideration for Zhong Cheng and Zhong Qing, he served Zhong Changming a te of bird ws, indifferent to whether he could eat them or not. The scriptures from Zhong Changming were either already known to Wang Xuan or of low value. Zhong Changming, feeling the dish was unptable and wondering about its ingredients, asked Wang Xuan how many years it could extend his life. "One month," Wang Xuan replied, adding that he could take the scriptures back as they were of no use to him. Sun Rongsheng brought a Tai Chi manual, a simplified version practiced by elderly men in parks, which was of no value. Wang Xuan served him a piece of good meat, which Sun Rongsheng found resembled a chicken''s rear and repulsive. He silently observed Wang Xuan, contemting the day when those who disappeared years ago would return and settle scores with Wang Xuan. He wore a jade amulet to protect his thoughts from being invaded. Wang Xuan noticed the amulet on Sun Rongsheng but did not bother with him, nning to rob him when sending him off. The Song family brought various old items, including the previously mentioned dark golden boat and the jade seal, no longer imed as the family heirloom. Recognizing that no treasure was worth more than his life, Song Yun had professionals sort through the items, including the special golden tree with the golden birds, which he couldnt bring. Wang Xuan took Song Yun to the tea room to avoid letting the Sun family see, offering him tea while examining the ancient artifacts. Among the artifacts, two were extraordinary treasures, with the palm-sized boat undoubtedly a rare divine object. Upon close inspection, Wang Xuan found peculiar indents on the boat sword-shaped, spear-shaped, and shield-shaped. Realizing the boat''s remarkable capabilities, he informed Song Yun of his interest, noting its iplete state with missingponents. Song Yun, discerning Wang Xuan''s intent, inquired about extending his life by ten years. Wang Xuan agreed, valuing the boat more than anything else at this stage. Song Yun urgently contacted his family to locate the three missingponents, which turned out to be fashioned into pendants and bracelets by his great-granddaughter, fortunately unharmed and intact. Once theplete dark golden boat was in Wang Xuan''s possession, he hosted a longevity banquet for Song Yun, Qian An, and Qin Hongyuan. Observing that even the extraordinary blood meat could only extend their lives by a few months at most, Wang Xuan privately promised to visit them soon to solidify and enhance their life spans. Before leaving, Wang Xuan discreetly used his psychokic abilities to pilfer Sun Rongsheng''s jade amulet. Over the next three days, Wang Xuan kept his promise. With the flying boat in his possession, he felt more confident and did not mind traveling around. Of course, Wang Xuan''s proactive approach was also motivated by his desire to fully empower the dark golden boat. Relying solely on his infusion of mystical factors was insufficient; the boat seemed like an endless abyss. After three consecutive days, the boat''s revival became increasingly evident, and it was eventually fully energized. The simrly colored small sword, spear, and shield resonated with it, and mysterious patterns intertwined across the boat''s surface, ultimately resonating with divine bird and mythical beast imagery. Wang Xuan was moved by the boat''s extraordinary nature and couldn''t wait to pilot it. He tested it on the Su River and was exceptionally satisfied, acknowledging that it filled a significant gap in his arsenal. Reminding himself to remain discreet about this trump card, especially during this tumultuous period teeming with various entities, Wang Xuan prepared for imminent chaos. Song Yun and Qin Hongyuan, both nonagenarians, seemed rejuvenated after the longevity banquet and subsequent consolidation. Other elders, regretting their initial reluctance, expressed interest in visiting the Wellness Hall. However, Wang Xuan declined these requests, as he had to prepare for the uing Zhn Law Meeting at Yuanchi Mountain in five days, regardless of his attendance. Zhong Cheng contacted Wang Xuan, awkwardly informing him of Zhong Changming''s dissatisfaction with the previous life extension and requested another session. Wang Xuan maintained his principle of equivalent exchange and mentioned his impending journey, unsure of his return. Zhong Cheng panicked, mistaking Wang Xuan''s words for a suicidal confrontation with the Sun family. Learning of this, Zhong Changming urgently requested Wang Xuan to visit Kun City before his departure, promising satisfaction. Wang Xuan agreed to visit Kun City but inquired if Zhong Changming could allow him to view the Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips. Zhong Cheng shouted, "You''re really something, Old Wang! My sister was right about you aiming for our family''s supreme scriptures. Are you also coveting our five-colored jade book?" Wang Xuan replied, "Now you''re being unfair. You still owe me half a scripture and your sister''s half-finished photo collection!" Zhong Cheng''s face almost turned green, especially since his sister was eavesdropping nearby. Zhong Qing''s sharp scream came through the phone, clearly infuriated, followed by Zhong Cheng''s wails of misery. Wang Xuan moved the phone away due to the noise and spoke once it quieted down: "It''s an equivalent exchange. The Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips can extend your grandfather''s life by fifteen years, make you transcend to the supernatural within three years, and also transform your sister into a supreme beauty within the same period." Zhong Cheng was stunned, asking if it was possible for him to be a transcendent being within three years. Wang Xuan truly desired the Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips and was willing to exchange them for significant benefits for the Zhong family. "Think it over and let me know," Wang Xuan said before hanging up. Zhong Cheng, with a gleam in his eye, suggested to his sister that they take advantage of their great-grandfather''s slumber to ess his study. He added, "Old Wang is actually a great guy with immense potential. And you, sister, aren''t getting any younger... Ouch!" Chapter 241: Lots of Preparation Chapter 241: Lots of Preparation "Hello, Wang Xuan, the Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips can''t be moved. Before my great-grandfather went into slumber, he sternly warned my sister and uncle that it concerns the rise and fall of the Zhong family, and must not be handled rashly," Zhong Cheng said over the phone, sounding regretful. His path to bing a sword immortal was now fraught with obstacles, and he was in pain, both physically and emotionally, after being beaten by his sister, nearly to the point of breaking bones. The Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips, considered supreme scriptures in ancient times, were so coveted that even those on the verge of transcendent ascension would fight to the death for them. With the emergence of supernatural beings and the return of myths, these artifacts have naturally gained even more importance to the wealthy families. Zhong Cheng added, "However, my uncle still wishes to meet with you for an equitable exchange." "Okay," Wang Xuan pondered and then agreed. As for the golden bamboo slips, he believed they were temporarily unobtainable from the Zhong family and nned to try obtaining them from another family soon. After setting a time, Wang Xuan immediately rode his flying car to Kun City for a meeting with Zhong Cheng''s uncle. The Sun family, learning that Wang Xuan had left Suzhou again, reacted with gloomy faces. "Does he think that by quickly shuttling between major cities, it''s inconvenient for us to attack him with warships? He''s been constantly traveling these days, does he really think we dare not destroy a ce to kill him?" "Don''t rush. The next strike will be thunderous and lethal. We mustn''t repeat the mistake of destroying a spaceship for nothing and hitting the wrong target," they conspired internally. The Sun family had a consensus that Wang Xuan must be eliminated, preferably soon, as the next three years would be extremely difficult and dangerous for them if he remained. "There''s been a startling discovery in thetest analysis from the mothership. Evidence suggests that the vanished technological civilization was capable of hunting gods and demons, capturing powerful mythical creatures. This implies that their advanced warships and mechs are incredibly terrifying," they discussed excitedly. Even the elderly members of the Sun family, with their clouded old eyes, were intensely shaken and paid great attention. "borate," demanded Sun Rongsheng, utterly serious. "The ck technology in the mothership confirms that psychic energy can be decoded and supermaterial utilized. Even the mightiest gods and demons that roar across the heavens and earth can be hunted. Of course, the difficulty of capturing mythical beings varies with their rank, and targeting top-tier celestial demons would likelye at a huge cost," they exined. The members of the Sun family were astounded, contemting the immense potential of such a resplendent technological civilization where even gods and demons could be hunted, and all supernatural phenomena could be decoded. "Does this mean that if we fully revive the technology in the mothership, even if the celestial immortals return, we could hunt and capture them for our use?" they mused, their eyes aze with excitement even in their advanced age. The possibility that the ancient human civilization had decoded the secret to longevity became apparent, for how else could they have stood against gods and demons? The core members of the Sun family, despite their advanced age, were visibly excited, looking forward to the potential results from the mothership. However, they realized theplexity of the task at hand. "Those blueprints and documents are incrediblyplicated; it''s unlikely we''ll see immediate results. Some materials, like sr gold, mithril, and magic crystals, are scarce even on supernaturals, let alone on New Star," theymented. "We have previously excavated rare ores from blessednds and secret realms. If we contact the Westerners to trade for magic crystals and other unique resources from the wizarding world, we might solve the material issue," someone suggested. The Sun family, engaged in a secret meeting, saw this as a transformative event for their lineage. Sess would elevate them to the pinnacle of the era, allowing them to look down even upon gods and demons. They wondered about the achievements of other families with motherships, like the Zhong and Qin families. "There are several mechs and robots in the mothership. If we fully decode them, we might be able to activate them," proposed one member. "Let''s not take that step yet. Those are reference models, prototypes. Any ident could result in irreceable losses," cautioned another. This news revitalized the Sun family, bolstering their confidence that once they fully decoded the mothership''s ck technology, they could dominate not just supernatural beings like Wang Xuan but also hunt gods and demons. "However, let''s not be overly optimistic. After all, the mothership''s civilization perished, so they must have encountered some catastrophe," someone warned. "We need to approach this from multiple angles. We''ve recently lost more probes and life pods, but there''s been a breakthrough. The supernatural substance in that area is diminishing, and those who disappeared there years ago are likely to return. After years of cultivation in such a ce, some of them might have ascended to be supernatural beings!" they concluded with renewed determination. The Sun family eagerly awaited, feeling as though time was on their side. They were strategically stockpiling resources. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan, on high alert, traveled to Kun City with the dark golden boat. He arrived at a picturesque garden to meet with Elder Zhong. The garden, with its pavilions and water features, beautifully replicated the scenery of the ancient southern regions of the old Earth. Zhong Qing and her brother Zhong Cheng were also present. Zhong Qing''s gaze towards Wang Xuan was noticeably cold, which he pretended not to notice. Elder Zhong brought a collection of old objects, iming them to be rare treasures. Wang Xuan surveyed the assortment: from ancient coins to chicken bowl cups, Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcin, and Ru ware. "This chicken bowl cup is the only one left after the old Earth''s wars," Elder Zhong exined. Wang Xuan was unimpressed, wondering if Elder Zhong thought he was an antique appraiser. After the initial disy was cleared, another set was brought out, featuring items like Eastern Han dynasty bronze mirrors, Western Zhou dynasty bronze tripods, and Shang dynasty jade artifacts. Most were ordinary, with a few treasures but no extraordinary items. Wang Xuan was surprised at the meagerness of Elder Zhong''s collection, given his position in the Zhong family. These were mostly personal collectibles, with a few items from the external vault of the family''s secret storehouse. The inner vault remained untouched as per the family''s strict rules. Losing interest, Wang Xuan''s attention was briefly piqued by a wooden box with intricate runes carved into it. Opening it, his disappointment returned. The box contained stacks of talisman papers, some so old they were falling apart. Although the talismans seemed unique, they disintegrated upon touch. When Wang Xuan tried infusing them with mystical particles, the top few caught fire. He quickly extinguished the mes, but some papers turned to ash nheless. The talismans, neglected in Elder Zhong''s external vault, seemed beyond repair to him. However, Wang Xuan didn''t give up. He carefully retrieved the fragmented and iplete pieces using his psychic control. The talismans, seemingly on the brink of decay but still intact, began to exude a sense of vitality once infused with mysterious particles. They appeared to thicken and stabilize, no longer fragile. Wang Xuan was impressed. It was a rare find from Elder Zhong''s collection, something valuable overlooked by the elder. He studied them closely, injecting one talisman with substantial amounts of extraordinary matter. It took a long time to saturate, and the strange markings on it flickered, signaling its remarkable nature. Regretfully, Wang Xuan noted that about twenty or so talismans were beyond saving, their markings almostpletely faded. Only a dozen or so remained intact, a significant loss considering their potential power. This discovery further confirmed the Zhong family''s wealth; even discarded items could be treasures. Elder Zhong, with his ordinary vision, failed to perceive the significance of Wang Xuan''s find. But Zhong Qing was different. She quickly realized that anything Wang Xuan valued must be extraordinary. "Stop tricking us, Wang Xuan. We need a fair exchange," she demanded, protectively clutching the box of talismans. "Be careful not to crush them," Wang Xuan warned anxiously, knowing their fragility and value. He had only begun to infuse a few talismans with the mysterious particles. "Old Wang, you can''t take advantage of us," Zhong Cheng chimed in. Wang Xuan nodded, assuring them, "Don''t worry, I treat everyone fairly." Wang Xuan spent two days in the Zhong family''s estate, extending Elder Zhong''s lifespan by several years and agreeing to meet again in the future. During his stay, Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng were nourished by the mysterious particles, enhancing their vitality and strength. Before leaving, Wang Xuan smiled and said to Zhong Qing, Consider the matter of the golden bamboo scrolls. In three years, you could be a transcendent figure, Super Zhong! He saw the opportunity for her to ess Elder Zhong''s study as a rare chance. Zhong Qing, blushing and visibly embarrassed, red at him, struggling to maintain herposure. Zhong Cheng whispered to her, Sis, life doesnt give second chances. This is a rare opportunity. Its just a set of bamboo scrolls. Were not giving them away, just letting him study them. Plus, this isnt just about your destiny; its about my future too. We might miss our chance to transcend. And honestly, those scrolls are useless just sitting there. Even Elder Zhong couldnt master them! He hastily added, Im not just selling out my sister. You want to transcend too, dont you? ... Wang Xuan, without any dy, returned to Su City and visited Qian An again. He used his Daoist temple to infuse the talismans with extraordinary matter, a task he hadntpleted at the Zhong estate. Though consumable, these talismans, if utilized correctly, could be more useful than rare treasures at this stage. Wang Xuan studied them carefully. Some were inscribed with sword symbols and, once filled with extraordinary matter, became robust, almost releasing sharp sword rays. Others, marked with thunder symbols, emanated terrifying thunderous sounds even without being activated. Each talisman was unique and served different purposes, astounding Wang Xuan. Whoever created them had been incredibly resourceful, once possessing a box of deadly weapons. Such a pity to have lost so many, hemented, regretting the deterioration of over twenty talismans. Each could have been a trump card. Need to test these and see if theyre as potent as they seem. If they are, Ill find a way topensate Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng, he mused to himself. With only three days left before the Chi Lan Assembly, Wang Xuan continued his preparations, unsure of the challenges ahead. Could it truly be the return of the immortals? He pondered his arsenal''s strength. Was he equipped to defeat a significantly weakened true immortal? Chapter 242: Affront To The Gods Chapter 242: Affront To The Gods Wang Xuan considered the Chi Lan Assembly to be potentially fraught with unknown dangers and mysterious strong figures, unsure if it could offer better opportunities than the secret treasuries of the financial conglomerates. "If I don''t attend, I might be targeted," he mused, frowning, despite his reluctance to go. After Elder Zhong''s rejuvenation caught attention, many sought Wang Xuan, eager to extend their lives. Lifelong pursuit of immortality, a tantalizing yet elusive dream, spurred a race among the elite elders. Wang Xuan, swamped with requests, promised to send longevity-boosting ingredients to the callers, delegating the task to Qin Cheng. He distributed the surplus of extraordinary flesh, which held little value for him, among them. Qin Cheng was instructed to reserve some for their university peers, swiftly dispatching the rest. Wang Xuan aimed to spread the risk among the financial elite. Xizhou has important financial groups visiting, closely interacting with the Sun family. There are rumors of transcendent beings among them; be cautious, Zhou Yun warned Wang Xuan about this development. The news that the Agong Consortium from Xizhou was coborating with the Sun family made financial headlines. The Agong, backed by the powerful Degen family, was a Western superpowerparable to the Sun family. The strategic alliance between these Eastern and Western financial titans surprised many. What prompted this close partnership remained a mystery. On the secretwork, it was revealed that the Sun family and the Western conglomerates might join forces to decipher the mother ship and develop new era warships, potentially overturning the current system. Both the Degen family and the Sun family denied this, iming their coboration was only to strengthen deep space exploration and form an alliance, aiming to unravel the universe''s mysteries, particrly the witch world. At a Sun family banquet, influential figures gathered, discussing the collection of sun gold, mithril, and magic crystals to reshape the world''s future. The true leaders, in a private chamber, toasted to their consensus. Both families, possessing mother ships unearthed from the moon, secretly intended to develop new warships, though publicly denying any weapon coboration. Sun Rongsheng introduced the blond elder Grant and his granddaughter Christine, who was a talented practitioner with impressive feats in the witch world. Grant highlighted the importance of transcendent warriors like Han Solo, crucial for resource acquisition in the witch world where technology has limits. Despite Grant''s well-kept appearance at sixty, he seemed agedpared to the youthful Christine and Hans. Christine, tall and captivating with her golden hair and deep blue eyes, drew much attention. Hans, nearly two meters tall and radiant like a sun god, exuded a divine aura. Sun Rongsheng admired the transcendent''s vitality, feeling his own age inparison. Though his words were courteous for the asion, attendees couldn''t help but recall the recent conflict between the Sun family and Wang Xuan, another notable transcendent. Hans expressed his interest in meeting Wang Xuan, an active transcendent from the East, for an exchange and spar. At the Sun family banquet, the mention of Wang Xuan''s name caused displeasure among the attendees, who preferred not to hear it. Christine, with her flowing golden hair and a charming smile, confirmed that they would soon visit Wang Xuan in Su City. Hans Solo, radiant and imposing, expressed his anticipation for the meeting. Guests at the banquet were stirred by this news. The notion of a transcendent warrior from the West meeting Wang Xuan sparked discussions and spections about a potential extraordinary battle. The conversation quickly spread to the secretwork. Soon, friends like Zhong Qing and Zhou Yun informed Wang Xuan of the possible trouble brewing. Online, the topic of Western transcendents arriving stirred excitement and curiosity. Some spected about the nature of these beings were they witches, werewolves, vampires, or knights, or perhaps even divine bloodline carriers? The conversations ranged from serious analyses to fantastical theories. During the banquet, Christine wondered about the whereabouts of Theo, a divine messenger and a descendant of a mythical bird, possibly akin to the Golden-winged Roc from Eastern myths. Hans and Christine showed concern for Theo, who had been out of contact for several days. Sun Yichen, adopting a more congenial demeanor, joined the conversation, offering to help locate Theo. Christine exined that Theo, regarded as a messenger of the gods and potentially destined to transform into a Peng King, had not been seen for days, causing worry. Sun Yichen internally scoffed at the notion of these foreign deities and mythical beings, believing that all transcendents, including the returning immortals, should be conquered. Wearing a special jade pendant that shielded his thoughts, he felt secure amidst these powerful beings. The Sun family, growing increasingly familiar with transcendents, had developed strategies to counter them. "Sun, I hear you''re having a tough time with an Eastern transcendent. Need my help?" Grant, a key member of the Argon Consortium, inquired. Sun Rongsheng frowned at Grant''s informal address but didn''t bother to correct him, as exining seemed too tedious. He nodded, "Just a minor nuisance, nothing major." He knew that relying on a Western consortium to suppress Wang Xuan would invite ridicule. However, he eyed Hans Solo, wondering what might happen if he and Christine really went to Su City. Sun Rongsheng smiled and offered Grant a rare ingredient he had procured at a high price from an old friend, imed to extend life. "Oh, Sun, with such praise, I can''t wait to try it," Grant replied with a smile. Christine and Hans were invited to taste this special delicacy. They were astonished by its potent life-enhancing properties, though they wished there was more. The next day, the Argon Consortium traveled west, receiving warm receptions from various families. "Such a memorable delicacy," Grant praised at a banquet hosted by the Qin family. He was astounded to learn that each Eastern consortium had this ingredient, revealed to be dragon meat. Initially impressed, Christine and Hans grew skeptical. Did someone in the East y a dragon and share it among the major families? Their unease grew when details were omitted upon inquiry. Christine eventually learned the truth: the dragon meat came from a ce called Yangsheng Hall in Su City, provided by Wang Xuan. Overwhelmed, she burst into tears at a banquet hosted by the Zhao family. "I''ll kill him," Hans growled secretly. "He''s spheming against the gods," Christine said, wiping her tears, refusing to loseposure at the table. The Argon Consortium continued their journey to Su City, troubled by the discovery. Many observed Hans Solo''s stern expression, his golden hair gleaming with a divine aura, exuding strength. Christine''s beautiful face bore a chill, transforming from a lively Western beauty to a cold, stunning figure. Online, many spected a brewing conflict. Even Zhou Yun and Zhong Cheng hurriedly contacted Wang Xuan, warning him of the Western transcendent''s arrival in Sicheng, likely seeking confrontation. Focus once again shifted to Sicheng. "An Eastern swordsman faces a challenge from a Western holy transcendent. Are your detectors ready?" some provocatively asked. Wang Xuan felt helpless. Why was he targeted? Mastering medicine, understanding treasure appraisal, and keeping up with financial giants weren''t enough? Now he had to be ready to spar with unknown transcendent beings? Upon entering Sicheng, Hans and Christine headed straight for Yangsheng Hall, eager to confront Wang Xuan. From afar, Wang Xuan sensed intense hostility as the duo approached, bathed in a sun-like aura, the man bearing a spear wreathed in divine light. Wang Xuan had no interest in pointless conflicts, already burdened with troubles. "I abhor violence. What brings you here is unfortunate timing. I have a transcendent gathering tomorrow and must leave soon." He spoke politely, revealing his unavability. Christine, suppressing her sorrow and murderous intent, inquired about the gathering, intrigued. Hans, grasping her arm, stood silently in a cascade of golden light. "You didn''t receive an invitation?" Wang Xuan showed a special ''paper'' made of super-material and psychic energy. "It''s an Eastern gathering; perhaps the West has its own?" Christine was shaken, her mission to uncover Eastern transcendent organizations potentially tied to the Celestials now seeming closer to revtion. "May we see the invitation?" Christine asked, her demeanor shifting from icy to gentle, smiling warmly. "This isn''t something to handle directly," Wang Xuan replied, indicating the invitation but not handing it over. He secretly hoped they would snatch it, relieving him of attending the gathering at Yuan Pond Mountain, fearing targeted repercussions for not showing up. Christine suggested, "I believe the Eastern Celestials and our Western deities might be connected. I''d like to feel the energy of the invitation." Internally, Wang Xuan urged, "Hurry, take it!" However, the two remained courteous, examining without taking it. Their attitude towards him changed drastically, ending the meeting amicably. Disappointed, Wang Xuan sighed inwardly. Late at night, in avishly decorated Western-style suite at the Yuanchu Hotel, Christine manipted a crystal mirror, flickering with symbols reflecting the special invitation they saw earlier. "Hans, bring the invitation!" she urged urgently. Hans infused the mirror with super-material and ced his spear, glowing with divine light, near it, releasing mystical power. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan feigned sleep, sensing the oddity around him. The invitation by his side, glowing faintly, began to shift and then vanished. A nearly identical replica soon appeared. Wang Xuan, uninterested, continued his pretense. He pondered, someone else attending in his stead provided an excuse for his absence. Next, he nned to inform the Sun family of his supposed visit to Yuan Pond Mountain. His actual intent was to observe from afar, eager to see what would unfold at the gathering. Chapter 243: Dragon-Slaying Chapter 243: Dragon-ying Wang Xuan, early in the morning, made calm farewell calls to Professor Lin, Zhou Yun, and Zhong Qing, keeping the details of his journey vague. "Is the Sun family monitoring me?" he wondered, aware of their capability for such unscrupulous acts. He then spoke with Old Chen, using codednguage, confirming that despite the imminent gathering at Yuan Pond Mountain, Chen Yongjie remained uninvited. Old Chen was infuriated, feeling discriminated against as a fellow transcendent. Wang Xuan consoled him, advising him to enjoy his honeymoon and focus on family, before ending the call. Wang Xuan suspected that the Sun family had nearly cracked their coded conversations and could now understand them. He didn''t try to mislead them, preferring a more natural approach, confident that with their unscrupulous methods, they could track his movements. "Evil dragon leaves itsir!" In a certain base, a group of experts in various fields noticed a significant movement of the ''evil dragon.'' "Quick, report this! This isn''t ordinary. Please make an early decision on the top level!" The base leader instructed, his expression grave. This rare gathering of ''evil dragons'' was seen as a valuable opportunity. "We''ve decoded the secretnguage some time ago, it wasn''t as challenging as expected," another team added, readying their report. "Excellent. Continue monitoring and keep precise track of his location," came the directive. The gathered experts reported thetest information to the Sun family. Arge group of professionals was now keenly monitoring Wang Xuan''s every move to stay updated on histest activities. Upon receiving the report, the high-level members of the Sun family took it very seriously. As they carefully reviewed the secret report, their expressions changed significantly. An extraordinary opportunity seemed to be presenting itself, possibly allowing them to eliminate the troublesome Wang Xuan once and for all. "Not just Wang Xuan, but several ''evil dragons'' are about to emerge!" The important figures of the Sun family gasped in shock. The news of a potential gathering of transcendent beings was rming. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie had already caused them embarrassment once, and now several more were emerging. Could these beings be nning a secret alliance? "Keep a close watch and dig deeper. You''ve done a great job, and there will be rewards," the core members of the Sun family instructed, showing personal interest in the matter. "People who dare challenge the rules of the New Star don''t live long. Transcendents are a cancer, and it''s our duty to maintain the current order," stated one elder calmly. The key figures of the Sun family looked gravely serious. The gathering of these ''evil dragons'' posed a severe situation. If left unchecked, the consequences could be dire. They were especially concerned about Wang Xuan possibly rallying the other transcendents to his cause, posing a significant threat to the Sun family. Fortunately, they discovered the situation early, just as the signs began to appear. "We must seize this opportunity. The location is Yuan Pond Mountain? This is a rare chance. Usually, transcendents are elusive, hidden beneath the surface. Now that they''re emerging on their own, it''s a perfect opportunity to catch them all at once," dered Sun Rongsheng coldly, his usual cordial demeanor reced by a more sinister expression. He was ready for a grand strike. Instantly, the Sun family members unanimously agreed and swiftly issued a secret order. They began preparing their warships methodically, ensuring absolute secrecy for this highly confidential operation. The task was not assigned to external mercenaries but was under the direct control of the family''s most powerful forces. "Prepare for all eventualities. What if we fail, or if someone escapes? It could be disastrous. We need multiple contingency ns and ensure that we ourselves arepletely removed from any potential fallout," Sun Rongsheng sternly instructed. The safety measures were even more critical than the mobilization of the warships, leaving no trace of their involvement. After gathering thetest information, a group of professionals reported their findings to the Sun family. These experts were dedicated to monitoring Wang Xuan''s movements, keen to grasp histest status. Upon receiving the detailed report, the high echelons of the Sun family took it very seriously, their expressions shifting dramatically as they read. An exceptional opportunity seemed to be unfolding a chance to eliminate the "evil dragon" Wang Xuan and end future threats. "Not just Wang Xuan, but several ''evil dragons'' are about to surface!" eximed key members of the Sun family, visibly shaken by the startling news. Could this be a meeting of transcendents? Having already lost face once to Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, the Sun family was rmed at the prospect of several more transcendents emerging. The idea of these beings holding a ndestine meeting to possibly form an alliance was unsettling. "Keep a close eye on them, dig deeper," instructed the core members of the Sun family, who personally attended to this matter. "Those who dare to challenge the rules of the New Star won''tst long. Transcendents are a malignancy, and it is our duty to maintain the current order," stated an elder calmly. The situation was grave with the gathering of these ''evil dragons.'' If left unchecked, the consequences could be dire. The Sun family feared Wang Xuan might persuade other transcendents to join his cause, posing a significant threat. Fortunately, they were alerted early enough to catch these signs. "We must seize this moment," Sun Rongsheng coldly dered, his demeanor no longer amiable or affable. His face seemed almost fierce with determination. "Since they''re revealing themselves, it''s the perfect chance to catch them all in one go!" Immediately, the Sun family''s key figures unanimously agreed to take swift action, ordering the mobilization of their warships in an organized manner. This operation, kept in utmost secrecy, was not assigned to external mercenaries but was directly controlled by the family''s most potent forces. "Prepare for all eventualities. What if things go awry, or if anyone slips through the? That could be disastrous," Sun Rongsheng sternly instructed. Ensuring that the Sun family remained unimplicated was critical, even more so than the mobilization for attack. Leaving no trace of their involvement was paramount. Hansolo, towering and robust like a golden lion, brimmed with explosive transcendental power. The pair discussed their apprehensions about the Eastern transcendents'' potentialck of goodwill. Yet, they reassured themselves, confident in their near-artifact-level protective treasures, ready to escape any unforeseen dangers. The memory of Western, a divine messenger, consumed by Easterners as a banquet delicacy, deeply troubled them. They too had partaken in this "delicacy," unknowingly praising it as a sublime and unforgettable Eastern culinary experience. Filled with shame and unable to forgive themselves or the Eastern transcendent responsible, they vowed revenge. If not for their urgency to attend the uing gathering, they would have already sought retribution. They plotted to offer him as a sacrifice to their deities, envisioning his slow demise in agony and fear. Both carried special devices from the Argon Consortium, shielding them from omnipresent detectors on the New Star. Cloaked in ancient-looking ck cloaks that concealed even their heads, they exuded an air of mystery. These garments, bearing the mark of time, were transcendental artifacts. Upon reaching the summit, they found themselves amidst twilight and misty fog over theke at the peak, rich with transcendental material. Undoubtedly, this was the meeting ce. Guided by the glowing invitation, they approached the fog-enshroudedke, feeling a divine tranquility emanating from it. Eager to discover if this was an organization linked to the Eastern transcendents or an entity connected to the Celestials, they pressed on fearlessly, backed by the might of their gods. Wang Xuan proceeded with "caution," even discarding his mobile phone and other technological items from the New Star, embodying utmost vignce as he vanished into the woods. Hemented internally about the frequent loss of phones, having purchased severaltely due to his cautious escapades. The Sun family relentlessly tracked his movements, observing his city-hopping and sudden disappearances, especially his vanishing act upon entering dense forests. However, they remained indifferent, having anticipated his potential routes and strategically cing detectors at various nodes towards the destination at Yuan Chi Mountain. Now, they weren''t just tracing his steps; they were validating their predictions, confirming his progression toward the designated location. The Sun family coldly acknowledged that no amount of prudence or caution from the "evil dragon" could alter their control over the situation. "Your end is inevitable, your fate sealed. Await your demise," a member of the Sun family chillingly dered. Wang Xuan''s recent actions had caused significant disturbances, damaging both their interests and reputation. Their dragon-ying n was in motion, with preparations in ce for a devastating assault. Super energy cannons were ready to obliterate not just the transcendents but the entire region around Yuan Chi Mountain. "Let the off-world team take the lead, attacking from space," instructed Sun Rongsheng. Regardless of the sess in eliminating all the transcendents, it was vital for the Sun family to remain ostensibly uninvolved, ensuring no exposure. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan meandered through the forests, only embarking on this journey to confirm the Sun family''s belief that he was heading to Yuan Chi Mountain. He much preferred a quiet andfortable stay in the city, awaiting to clean up the aftermath. Wang Xuan, eager to see which specters and devils would emerge this time and whether other financial dynasties were involved, left things concerning the celestial immortals to fate. He nced at the replicated invitation beside him, noticing it had dimmed overnight and was nearly dissipating. Deciding to keep it as evidence, he stored it in his gourd. Having reached Yuan Chi Mountain, he swiftly ascended and, using his gourd, began to effectively mask his trail. He vanished in an instant, skillfully avoiding the myriad of micro-detectors without destroying them. He was on the run! After leading the Sun family''s attention to this location and ensuring their confirmation, there was no need for him to stay any longer. He disappeared into the primitive mountainous terrain. Wang Xuan had felt uneasy upon nearing Yuan Chi Mountain, suspecting the ce to be inauspicious for him. This uneasiness faded as he distanced himself, specting whether a mysterious organization or a force connected to the celestial immortals harbored ill intentions towards him. He smirked coldly, curious to see how the situation at the mountain would ultimately unfold. The Sun family''s high-ranking members, closely monitoring the event, confirmed Wang Xuan''s ascent and couldn''t help but reveal icy smiles, with some disying cruel smirks. "Such impatience! Let the divine punishment descend, and the light of destruction annihte all beings connected to the transcendents!" someone remarked with augh. Chapter 244: Happy Ending Chapter 244: Happy Ending The Sun family was filled with anticipation, foreseeing the imminent downfall of the transcendents. Believing that not all of them had gathered yet, as inferred from Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie''s secret conversation, they knew the Zhn Assembly would take ce in the evening. "Expert hunters know the value of patience, calm, and restraint. We have all the time we need. Let''s give them the entire night. The transcendents will soon heed the call of hell," they mused, content in their expectation of imminent sess. Soon, they made a new discovery. An elderly figure appeared, seemingly frail but climbing the mountain with the agility of a monkey, scaling sheer cliffs instead of following the paths. Sun Rongsheng was surprised. Evidently, some transcendents had remained hidden, as this individual was previously unseen. "Is he an indigenous resident with his partly pale purple hair?" wondered the Sun family, recalling legends about the indigenous ancestors being celestial immortals and their feared hereditary affliction''the five decays of heaven and man''. It seemed these rumors were likely true, and some powerful individuals among them still possessed transcendent abilities in this era. "Fortunately, we''ve drawn them all out this time. They''ve sealed their fate by gathering together," they thought. At this moment, the Sun family, rice and Han Solo, and Wang Xuan were all immensely satisfied. Under the same crescent moon, in different locations, each group wore smiles of contentment, reveling in their own perceived victories. The elderly man arrived at the mountaintop with a fierce look in his eyes, tinged with a faint purple hue. His body emitted a decaying odor, and something about him seemed off. Striding into the fog at the summit, his figure gradually blurred into obscurity. rice and Hans Solo reached theke''s edge, where the concentration of supermaterial was dense. Amidst the fog, they encountered ruins and dpidated structures along the shores of the Yuanchi Lake. A faint light shimmered over these relics, blocked by a thinyer of light. When they attempted to touch it, they were repelled, but using their invitation, they could pass through. Inside, they found an environment of dense trees and thick foliage, concealing the ruins and making them invisible even to satellite surveince under normal circumstances. They tread over broken tiles and past crumbled walls, eventually reaching a copsed temple with a headless deity statue, its head and arms shattered over time. "Is this deity a celestial immortal, a bodhisattva, a mountain god, or an earth deity?" rice wondered softly, somewhat familiar with the Eastern system. On the ground were several meditation cushions, spaced apart, hinting at the Eastern custom of sitting in wait. Confident there were no traps, they quietly sat down to wait for others, aware they had arrived early, with the sun just beginning to set. The sight of the transcendent light barrier alone made their trip worthwhile, mysterious in its nature, inessible without the aid of divine gifts. Suddenly, they turned to see an elderly man appear silently, startling in his abruptness. He simply sat on a cushion without a word. The two looked on with interest. The elder''s sparse hair was partially purple, partially snow-white. What troubled rice and Hans Solo was the man''s odor, reminiscent of decay, and the clear signs of purulent discharge on his head and wet patches under his arms, dampening his clothes. This was indicative of the advanced stages of the ''Five Decays of Heaven and Man'', a condition that should have left his internal organs rotten, yet he managed to maintain a semnce of life. "Hello..." rice greeted, attempting to strike up a conversation with the elderly man. However, after a cold nce, he ignored herpletely. The atmosphere turned awkward and tense, and she didn''t speak further, instead discreetly holding her crystal mirror for protection. As night fell, the stars emerged and the crescent moon hung high. The mountain''s pine and cypress trees, along with the gurgling springs and mistyke, created an almost celestial ambiance under the moonlight. Another figure arrived, d in rusty armor like an ancient general, seemingly risen from underground. Pale and slightly rigid, he carried an invitation and entered the ruins. rice was taken aback, noting the man''s resemnce to vampires from Western legends in both demeanor and appearance. She pondered if he could be an Eastern ''jiangshi'', noticing amonality between him and the decaying elder: both had identical me patterns on their foreheads. Hans Solo gripped his spear tightly, alert and surrounded by a golden aura, with explosive power coursing through him. Contrary to tales of celestial immortals and deities being ethereal or benevolent, these two were eerily abnormal. Could they be minions of some malevolent Eastern deity? As the moon reached its zenith, two more individuals arrived, dressed ordinarily. Upon entering the ruins, they shed their outer garments, revealing one to be a Taoist nun and the other an elderly monk. They nodded amiably at the group, both bearing the same me pattern on their foreheads. rice and Hans Solo realized this gathering was more than just a supernatural congregation; it seemed to be an organized assembly. No one else arrived after a significant wait. The Sun family, monitoring the situation, frowned upon seeing several transcendent beings ascend the mountain, suspecting there might be more they hadn''t detected. rice and Hans Solo''s ascent had gone unnoticed by the Sun family due to the special devices they carried, shielding them from detection. "Almost time, I suppose. If they disperse after the meeting, it will be challenging to eliminate them all at once," someone from the Sun family remarked. "Let''s wait a bit longer; I think we have time until midnight," Sun Rongsheng suggested. The atmosphere inside the dpidated ruins was oppressive, with no one speaking. rice and Hans Solo were growing impatient. Were they expected to sit idly until midnight or even dawn? Suddenly, a woman d in red metallic armor appeared, flying in, startling both rice and Hans Solo. "A ghost!" they realized, observing her spiritual form donned in armor. The woman bowed before the headless deity statue, lighting a stick of incense that emitted a faint glow with symbols flickering on it. The decaying elder, zombie general, Taoist nun, and old monk all rose and followed suit, as if weing someone''s arrival. Behind the deity statue, a hazy scene materialized, resembling a copsed space or a blurred world. A figure emerged from it and slowly fused with the statue. The figure in the statue, indistinct and god-like, gazed down upon everyone. "New blood has joined us, but sadly, there are still too few. The decline of the transcendent beings is evident; the former glory is hard to replicate." "The original attendee was someone else, not these two," the woman in red armor, her face covered by a dark red helmet, stated. rice, sensing the figure''s immense power, asked respectfully, "Are you one of the great beings of the Eastern immortals?" "Wee from the Western world, and our deity wishes tomunicate with the great Eastern immortals," rice said, struggling to breathe in the presence of such might. The man in the statue, eyes weaving symbols, looked through rice and Hans Solo, seemingly piercing their essence. "The self-absorbed Western gods, their divine fire nearly extinguished, have no standing to cooperate with the immortals," he responded dismissively. Hans Solo, angered and devout in his faith, couldn''t tolerate such sphemy. Despite the figure''s apparent strength, he was ready to defend his god''s honor. "I am but a follower of a peerless true immortal, yet dealing with the god behind you shouldn''t pose a problem," the man in the statue dered. The Taoist nun, zombie, and others kept their heads bowed, reverently listening as if to sacred music, showing utmost respect and fear. "You insult a deity; this will alert him, drawing his gaze here..." Hans Solo, deeply devout, gripped his spear, trembling with rage. The man in the headless statue, dismissive of such threats, didn''t bother to respond. He addressed the woman in red armor, saying, "Since these two havee, mark them too. Exceptionally, let these barbarians be my followers. We''re short on hands, after all." The woman in red prepared to brand the duo with the me symbol on their foreheads. "Great Eastern immortal, you can''t do this. The deity behind us seeks coboration, not a war of the gods," rice interjected softly, hoping to sway him. "You''ve chosen the wrong coborator. The peerless true immortal behind me has in gods like yours with a single sword strike. Quite weak, I must say," the man in the statue scoffed, looking down on their deity. He then instructed the woman in dark red armor, "When you have the chance, bring the other transcendent being we chose earlier here and mark him too." "Yes!" The woman nodded, approaching rice and Hans Solo. ... Far away, Wang Xuan had already left the area around Yuan Chi Mountain but hadn''t returned to the city. He was waiting for the situation to conclude before reappearing. He suddenly felt a malevolence emanating from the direction of Yuan Chi Mountain and frowned. Since bing a mortal with an inner view of the world, Wang Xuan possessed traits far beyond other transcendent beings, like an unimaginably sharp spiritual sense. "Not a benevolent being," he muttered under his breath. He was also preparing whether to strike at Yuan Chi Mountain or to attack the Sun family''s headquarters after their mishap. Everything depended on how the situation unfolded. He needed to stay calm and patient. Boom! Hans Solo''s spear glowed brilliantly, activating the ancient weapon which shimmered with dazzling runes. It seemed as if a deity opened its eyes behind him. He and rice used their god-given relics to summon divine power against the sphemer. "The ce mustn''t be destroyed. My master, the peerless true immortal, will use this as a gateway to reenter the world. How dare you unt a wild god''s weapon here?!" bellowed the man in the headless statue. A vague hand emerged from the statue, pushing a thin, misty veil forward with authority. ... "Now is the time, let the space warships fire!"manded Sun Rongsheng coldly, his gaze fixated on the night sky and the crescent moon, a cruel smile on his lips. He envisioned a perfect night unfolding, a nightmare for the transcendent beings, the end of those who dared challenge the established order. Boom! Blinding beams descended from the sky, targeting Yuan Chi Mountain. Each beam, massive and filled with a destructive aura, seemed designed to obliterate all life. Multiple super energy beams, like pirs connecting heaven and earth, enveloped the region around Yuan Chi Mountain, a divine punishment. "Ancient humans hunted gods and demons with mechs and motherships. In this new era, humanity will enter this realm. Thetest warships will soon be unveiled," someone from the Sun family remarked. "Who dares disrupt this node, destroy this passage?!" roared a being within Yuan Chi Mountain, sensing the impending doom. The headless statue cracked as if about to explode. "You mortals dare? The peerless true immortal shall seek vengeance!" The man''s vague figure glowed with interwoven runes, radiating fury. Far from Yuan Chi Mountain, Wang Xuan sat on a rock, holding a cup of wine, calmly watching the terrifying beams connecting sky and earth. Hearing the roar from Yuan Chi Mountain, he raised his cup and spoke calmly, "To the Sun family, to the transcendent beings!" Chapter 245: Destroying Myths Chapter 245: Destroying Myths "What a gentle night, such brilliant light rain, such touching earthly fireworks. Everything is so beautiful, utterly intoxicating," said Sun Chengqian, raising a ss with the Sun family, their smiles reflecting the beams on the big screen. "This is a visual feast, the splendor of the world at its peak. Rebellious transcendent beings, thinking to overturn the order of the new star? Wishful thinking," added another middle-aged man, his joy evident in the triumph of the night. The Sun family was solving all their problems in one stroke. The group clinked their sses, savoring a century-old wine, their smiles tinged with coldness as they watched the downfall of the transcendent beings. "The new era''s people have already bowed their heads, imnted with chips. This so-called transcendent being, Wang Xuan, overestimated himself. We refrained from using warships earlier to avoid excessive bloodshed on the new star. Now it''s over. If he doesn''t bow his so-called proud head, then he''s just trash to be swept away!" someone dered, echoing the sentiments of most in the Sun family. Uncontroble transcendent beings were ultimately the most unsettling and dangerous variables and had to be eliminated. Recently, they had been restless, possessing the power to obliterate transcendent beings but restrained by the rules of the new star. But now, tranquility was restored. The explosion at Yuan Chi Mountain shocked various factions. The beams of light, connecting heaven and earth, were immediately captured by various celestial eyes and detectors. Organizations around the world were stunned, deploying defenses in anticipation of an unpredictable war. "People of this world, your audacity knows no bounds, daring to destroy the passage painstakingly constructed by the Celestial Immortals over many years. This shall not pass unavenged!" bellowed the indistinct figure from within the headless statue atop Yuan Chi Mountain, frantically attempting to preserve everything around him. Amidst the rubble, copper ques flew, broken bells tolled, and the foundation stones beneath glowed with intertwining runes and soaring light beams, enveloping the area. However, the super energy beams from beyond the realm were too fearsome. Even as the transcendent materials boiled, they could not withstand such annihting light. The rune light barrier dimmed, the mountain began to melt, and the surroundingnds crumbled into ruin. Only the mountain peak, shielded by transcendent forces, momentarily withstood the onught. In the void, several broken flying swords emerged, buried in Yuan Chi Mountain, thrusting towards the sky. Unfortunately, being damaged artifacts, they were quickly shattered by the beams. A broken bell shed with a beam of light, its ringing causing the reddened mountains afar to explode, spewingva waves. But the bell, not being a divine artifact and already wed, burst apart in the beam, its fragments melting away. The man within the headless statue, forcibly intervening in the mortal world, flickered with diminishing rune light, struggling to protect an ever-shrinking area. The few individuals present, living in the current era, were pale with fear. Without the protection of the headless statue, they would have perished long ago, unable to withstand such energy beams even as transcendent beings. "Who daresmit deicide, to undertake such an act?" whispered a pale-faced rissa, enveloped in the halo of her crystal mirror. Terrified, she regretted her decision to steal the invitation. What was meant to be a mere gathering of transcendent beings had escted into a catastrophic event. Han Solo tightly grasped his spear, igniting a golden divine fire, with a phantom silhouette manifesting behind him, channeling a fraction of the power of his worshipped deity. "Great Eastern Immortal, please use your mighty power to cleanse the darkness!" rissa cried out, hoping for a miracle amidst her terror and astonishment at the audacity of the Eastern conglomerates, daring to even attack immortals. The man inside the headless statue transmitted a fearsome power through a thin veil, emitting a celestial light that enveloped Yuan Chi Mountain. The spacecraft in outer space clearly scanned the scene; everything around was destroyed, mountains exploded, and the earth melted. Only Yuan Chi Mountain, now glowing red, remained intact at its peak, shrouded in rosy light, resisting explosion. New beams of light descended, symbolizing the sh of technology against myth, connecting heaven and earth. The celestial light was pierced, and the divine power shattered. The mysterious man, hindered by the barrier, could not withstand the terrifying assault from beyond the world. Resigned, he sighed deeply. Despite his boundless resentment, the situation was beyond his control. His power to intervene in the mortal world was insufficient, and the site was on the brink of destruction. "Remember, you''ve thwarted the ns of a supreme immortal. This is not the end; the real cmity has just begun!" he roared. "Even if the veil fades and the transcendent recedes, the Celestial Immortals might be mortals, but we have not yet fallen. You cannot withstand the wrath of a supreme true immortal!" He growled in discontent, but now powerless to change the course of events. The statue crumbled, revealing a skeletal structure connected to an innerndscape, merging with the celestial realm behind the veil. This site, like craters on the moon, was where an ancient powerful patriarch sacrificed himself, using his body and innerndscape as a channel for the return of the Celestial Immortals. This ce was especially sacred, now transformed into a tangible portal, toote to be transferred elsewhere. It was unclear whether the patriarch had volunteered or been imprisoned here. The bones cracked under the assault from the mortal world. "Escape if you can!" The headless statue exploded, the blurry figure inside speaking out, casting a celestial radiance over those present, attempting to teleport them away. He was a being from behind the veil, ultimately unable to step into the real world. The purple-haired old man was the first to act, but he exploded immediately. His flesh, already rotting and exhausted, disintegrated, leaving only his spirit form. "Follow me!" The woman in the red armor, a spirit herself, called out to the old man''s spirit. However, once she left the protection of the mysterious man, even in her spiritual form, she suffered catastrophic damage. Her spiritual form, containing elements of transcendent matter beyond soul energy, was ravaged. Her armor, a physical reality, exploded and disintegrated, tearing her spirit form apart. With the destruction of the headless statue, some remnants of the bones remained. The mysterious man gave a final nce at the mortal world, imbuing a portion of his power into the bones, sheltering those within the ruins, and sending them away. "No!" rissa screamed as the Eastern Immortal''s figure flickered for thest time and vanished, leaving them unprotected and doomed. The ancient patriarch''s remaining bones, burning brightly, carried them away, only to explodepletely en route. Blood sttered in mid-air, then evaporated. After a fleeting glimmer, all transcendent forces vanished from the site. The beams from outer space obliterated Yuan Chi Mountain, erasing its beautiful peak, as magma boiled beneath. These events unfolded in mere moments, and after firing continuously, the spacecraft in outer space quickly retreated, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Wang Xuan sipped his wine, sitting atop a mountain, watching the beams at the edge of the sky gradually fade away as the area surrounding Yuan Chi Mountain underwent a drastic change inndscape. "The Immortals'' intervention in the mortal world isn''t as strong as I imagined. After all, they are too detached from the human realm," he remarked, pouring himself another drink. However, he knew that this event was not an end but a beginning. How could the Immortals let this pass, especially if they are on the brink of losing their glory in thest three years and bing mortals? "This has nothing to do with me. I''ll just quietly observe," Wang Xuan said, making no move to visit the scene of destruction. The area waspletely annihted, and he had no intention of inadvertently taking the me by showing up there. He was aware that the Sun family would likely be targeted by the Immortals soon, and potential issues could arise. He remained ready, preparing to take advantage of any situation that might unfold at the Sun family''s expense. Members of the Sun family gathered around arge screen, witnessing and reying the explosion at Yuan Chi Mountain. "Such a spectacr explosion at Yuan Chi Mountain! Increase the volume of the st, listen to the elegy of the superhumans. Yes, this prating sound is the most wonderful note," a member of the Sun family eximed,ughing heartily while raising a toast to the moon, bidding farewell to the superhumans. Near Yuan Chi Mountain, numerous detectors appeared, along with small unmanned spacecraft and warships hovering in the sky. Tiny mechanical beings descended, all exploring the area to understand what had happened. Soon, some of the machines discovered glistening, newly cooled metallic lumps... In the world behind the grand curtain, the man who had earlier appeared in the headless statue knelt on one knee beneath a peak, looking up at a pce above the clouds, trembling in fear. He knew he had failed. The important gateway he was guarding, crucial for their lineage, was utterly destroyed by mortals of the current world, severing an essential path. Thunderbolts pierced the sky, sword lights crisscrossed, and the ground sank. The powerful entity in the magnificent pce amidst the clouds opened its eyes, seemingly causing the world to tilt. The merciless gaze pierced through the mist, making the kneeling man shiver uncontrobly, his body almost disintegrating. His soul nearly shattered as he spoke with difficulty, "I''m willing to risk descending to the mortal realm. If I survive, I swear to make those people pay a bloody price, annihting them!" "Descend to the mortal world, be a mortal, and get killed by them?" The powerful entity in the clouds spoke coldly. "I will find a way to annihte those mortals and rebuild the gateway!" the man on the ground shivered, trembling even in the presence of this supreme being from behind the curtain. "Three days. I want to see initial results. We don''t have much time left," the formidable entity in the mist dered, a hint of weariness in its voice. That night in the New Star world, near Yuan Chi Mountain, lightning and thunder roared, torrential rain poured, and blood-red lightning tore through the darkness, creating an eerie and spine-chilling atmosphere. Chapter 246: Deep In Danger Chapter 246: Deep In Danger From a distant mountain, Wang Xuan watched the blood-red lightning and torrential rain towards Yuan Chi Mountain, wondering if it was rted to the superhuman forces. Could the immortals be seeking revenge so soon? That night, various organizations were slightly tense, finding nothing unusual at the destroyed Yuan Chi Mountain. The Sun family, feigning ignorance, joined the exploration teams and quickly retreated. The next day, while the outside world reported and discussed the event, no one knew the truth. The Sun family had effectively disassociated themselves from the incident. They observed quietly, waiting to see if any abnormalities would ur after the event. Wang Xuan didn''t return to the city but roamed the mountains, avoiding surveince as he moved eastward. He took out a light brain from a fragment of a blessednd, a secure device given to him by Zhong Cheng, and browsed the news. There were no significant events rted to the destruction of Yuan Chi Mountain. In the afternoon, Grant from the Argon Consortium became anxious. His granddaughter, rice, and the superhuman warrior Hans Solo had been missing for over a day. "rice left a secret message saying she was attending a superhuman gathering, but she''s been gone for over a day and a night. Could something have happened?" Grant asked for help from the eastern consortiums. The Sun family was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. Could their strategic partner''s granddaughter have been killed by them? They were relieved that no information had leaked, or Grant would have confronted them. "Were they involved in an ident?" Grant wondered, naturally connecting it to Yuan Chi Mountain. Why was it attacked? "Oh God, what happened there?" Grant was shocked, fearing that an eastern consortium might have attacked the superhuman gathering. "Sun, do you know about the Yuan Chi Mountain incident?" He immediately contacted Sun Rongsheng. Sun Rongsheng''s heart sank,menting Grant''s sensitivity. "I heard it was attacked and destroyed, but I don''t know the specifics," he replied calmly. Grant ended the call, his eyes glinting coldly. He instructed his subordinates to investigate the Yuan Chi Mountain incident. "The Sun family and the eastern superhumans have a feud. Could they have learned about the gathering and struck, identally harming rice?" Grant''s heart sank with this realization, struggling to ept the fact. He ordered his men to find Wang Xuan and determine his whereabouts. Grant quickly received a report that Wang Xuan had also disappeared. Overwhelmed, he eximed, "Oh God!" fearing his suspicions might be true. The Sun family might have seeded in eliminating Wang Xuan, inadvertently killing his granddaughter as well. Grant then personally contacted the higher-ups of some eastern consortiums. Soon, the Qin and Song families provided him with some clues; their detectors found small fragments of special alloys and a piece of unusual crystal at the scene. Recognizing them as remnants of Hans Solo''s war spear and his granddaughter''s mirror, Grant trembled with anger and sorrow. The near-divine artifacts were melted and shattered, darkening his vision. In the evening, an enraged and grieving Grant confronted Sun Rongsheng, demanding an exnation, though he had no evidence, he suspected the Sun family was responsible for rice''s demise. "Old friend, please don''t get agitated," Sun Rongsheng replied with a frown, troubled by the coincidence and reluctant to admit any involvement in the matter. In the evening, Wang Xuan was grilling meat in the mountains, preparing his dinner. This kind of dining under the open sky, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, was tranquil and simple. Suddenly, he looked up at the night sky as someone, or more precisely, a spiritual entity, descended. It was the woman in the dark red metal armor. She appeared somewhat pitiful, her figure blurred, with her armor shattered andrgely missing. Her condition was not good. Wang Xuan was alert, realizing that even astral projections could be heavily damaged by battleship strikes. Since spiritual entities contain super-material, naturally existing in the physical world, they were affected. "Why didn''t you attend the gathering?" the woman asked sternly, her expression harsh. Although she roughly knew the situation, her mood was foul, and she disced her anger on Wang Xuan. "My invitation was stolen," Wang Xuan exined calmly and patiently, showing her the nearly dissipated fake invitation. "Who do you think attacked Yuan Chi Mountain?" the woman asked coldly. Hermanding presence in the sky, both cold and dominant, irked Wang Xuan, making him think, ''Am I her subordinate, owing her something?'' However, he did not want to confront her directly, considering the likely backing of Celestials behind her. At this point, Wang Xuan had set the stage for the Sun family and the Celestials to perform, letting them size each other up before he made a decision. "Currently, only the Sun family is most hostile towards superhumans. I have been attacked by them multiple times and now have to hide in the mountains. Of course, I have no evidence and cannot be certain whether it was them who acted this time." "Go to the Sun family and investigate, now!" the womanmanded from the sky, her voice filled with killing intent and arrogance. Wang Xuan really wanted to defy her, resenting being treated like a servant at her beck and call. If not for the fear of the Celestials behind her, he wouldn''t be indulging her. He preferred to stay in the background for now, to personally witness if the Celestials could intervene in the current world. Seeing the woman in such a weakened state, her spiritual body almost dispersed, yet still acting so imperiously? "If my real body appears in the city, it will be immediately noticed by the Sun family. It''s not suitable for me to investigate. Appearing now would make me a sitting duck," Wang Xuan shook his head. He added, "Even if I hide in the forest now, it won''tst long. The New World is filled with surveince everywhere, even in uninhabited dense forests." "You''re useless!" the woman coldly remarked, her mood extremely sour andcking any courtesy. Wang Xuan remained calm, not taking offense. He deduced much from this interaction: the Celestials had suffered a great loss at Yuan Chi Mountain. "I have a divine seal here that can bestow upon you some power," the woman spoke, descending closer to Wang Xuan. "Oh, are you giving it to me?" Wang Xuan asked, smiling as he looked at the bright red seal in her hand. The woman''s face remained expressionless. "This is not something you can control. I will imprint it on you and grant you a portion of power." Wang Xuan stepped back, interpreting her intention as wanting to "stamp" him with the seal. "You''re unwilling?" she asked coldly. Wang Xuan considered confronting her. Having Celestials at her back didn''t make her invincible, especially since they had nearly been wiped out by the Sun family. He hadn''t suffered any losses in his dealings with the Sun family. This woman''s organization had suffered a severe loss at their first sh with a financial powerhouse, and now she wanted to vent her frustration on him? Wang Xuan moved back a few steps, remaining silent. The woman, still recovering from the defeat at Yuan Chi Mountain and feeling weakened, took a deep breath and restrained herself. "Approach the Sun family as soon as possible, within two days. Be ready to coordinate with our attack," she instructed, her eyes sharp. "No problem," Wang Xuan nodded, not inpliance, but eager to witness the unfolding drama and ready to seize any opportunity. He was determined to eliminate her when the chance arose. For now, he couldn''t afford to draw the Celestials'' ire onto himself. The woman vanished into the night sky. Wang Xuan watched her leave, noting her previous strength and current weakness. Her ability to travel without a physical body likely stemmed from her red armor, a valuable artifact now damaged by battleship strikes. "Armor cast for the spirit? Is that a soul armor, a spirit-shield armor?" Wang Xuan mused, envious. He then coldly chuckled, severing a strand of runes from his body, left by the woman without his knowledge. Aware of it all along, he had intentionally kept it, waiting for her toe to him. Now, having gathered vital information from the woman about the Celestials'' imminent move against the Sun family within two days, Wang Xuan acted. He summoned an ancientmp, from which a me emerged topletely erase the rune mark left by the woman, making it faint and then disappear entirely. "You think too highly of yourself. In my eyes, you''re just a tool," Wang Xuan muttered under his breath, deciding to no longer keep the mark, eliminating the risk of remaining connected to her. With a swish, he vanished from the woods, distancing himself from the area. However, he indeed headed towards Kangning City, where the Sun family resided, traversing through dense forests and mountainous terrains. Since the bombardment of Yuan Chi Mountain, he had been on the move, covering a considerable distance into the night. With two days still at hand, he had ample time. On his journey, Wang Xuan continued to study the talisman papers, eager to fully understand their functions. "Is this an escape talisman?" he eximed in surprise when activating one of the talismans momentarily propelled him forward rapidly. He quickly subdued its power to prevent further unintended movement. By dawn, he deciphered another talisman an invisibility charm. These talismans were truly exceptional finds, sparking excitement in his eyes. Wang Xuan moved like a ghost through the forest, his travel at this level of cultivation causing no fatigue. Any rest he took was solely to further his understanding of the talismans. He was more cautious during the day, not just to avoid detection devices but also to steer clear of travelers and adventurers venturing into the mountains. By evening, following the mountain range and moving through the dense woods, he arrived at the wends just outside Kangning City, a few miles from the metropolis. Wang Xuan marveled at the environment of Xingxing, with its forests,kes, and wends, which provided ample cover from surveince. However, even in these wends and along the riverbanks, detectors were present. He employed the invisibility charm and swiftly headed towards Kangning City, not wanting to waste the precious talisman. He wasted no time and, upon reaching the city, quickly entered a major hotel near the Sun family''s location, choosing an unupied room to "check into." Upon deactivating the invisibility charm, he noticed it had dimmed and even developed a fine crack. Shaking his head, Wang Xuan realized he still had much to learn. When would he be able to craft his talismans, or master such arcane skills without relying on talismans? Arriving a day ahead of schedule, he settled in to watch the impending sh between the Celestials and the Sun family. That very night, trouble found its way to the Sun family. A bell tolled, its resonant sound capable of intimidating the spirit of a supernatural being. Wang Xuan, surprised, quickly projected his spirit but remained within the room, peering out the window towards the Sun family''spound to observe themotion. He was deeply moved by what he saw. The Sun family''s stronghold was extraordinary, harboring a terrifying relic within its buildings. Sacred runes interweaved, emitting silver waves that illuminated the night sky. These phenomena, visible only to supernatural beings, were immensely frightening. The silver ripples expanded, striking and sweeping away the soul and spirit of a purple-haired elder. This elder, in spirit form, had made a nocturnal incursion into the Sun family''s domain and was now caught in the relic''s grip. Wang Xuan realized with a shiver that the ancestral home of a superfamily like the Suns housed relics capable of autonomously reviving and entrapping invading spirits. Then, he saw the woman in the red armor, floating high above the Sun family''s residence, her gaze icy. The staggered elder flew towards her and was absorbed into a red divine seal, stabilizing his spirit form temporarily. "The families of this world deserve to be strangled," the woman frowned, "for plundering the Celestial''s cave dwellings and acquiring top-grade relics from ancient times!" This bell, a heart-wrenching gift from a peerless powerhouse to future generations for protecting their sanctuary and lineage, had now fallen into the hands of a worldly family, used against followers of the Celestials. "You, go and possess a body to infiltrate the Sun family," shemanded, releasing the elder''s spirit once more. Momentster, a young man outside the Sun family''s gates was possessed, his consciousness instantly muddled as he walked towards the interior of the Sun residence. The bell tolled again, and the elder screamed, bursting out of the young man''s body and hastily returning, having lost yet another soul fragment. In his high-rise hotel room, Wang Xuan was rmed. He was relieved for not acting rashly. The Sun family''s headquarters was extremely dangerous; had he recklessly projected his spirit into it, disaster might have struck. Recalling Mr. Ghost''s words from their encounter in Jingyue City, he now found them quite credible. The Sun family''s relic was astonishing, capable of imprisoning souls and spirits. The woman retreated, muttering to herself, "Autonomously activated, without anyone''s control? Could it be that some entity has taken residence within the Sun family?" Doubtful yet undeterred, she activated the divine seal again, releasing another spirit form, this time an old monk. His physical body was destroyed at Yuan Chi Mountain, leaving only his spirit form, which resided within the divine seal. "I''ll try to distract the big bell. You enter the Sun family from the back," the woman in the red armor said. The old monk nodded and floated out. The woman activated the divine seal, emitting a deep red light towards the divine bell. Simultaneously, the old monk drifted into the Sun family from another direction. The bell tolled again. Its silver ripples expanded and struck the red divine seal, causing it to dim and a small crack to appear. The woman eximed in shock and pain. Wang Xuan was deeply affected. That bell was terrifying. What stroke of luck did the Sun family have to unearth such a thing? The woman, visibly shaken, quickly retreated. She felt horrified, as if someone was manipting the bell. Then, something even more frightening happened. Although the old monk initially evaded the silver ripples of the bell and entered the Sun family, he still met with an ident. Deep within the Sun familypound, a small golden g, norger than a palm, fluttered gently. Dark waves interweaved from it. With a ''puff'', the golden patterns instantly shredded the old monk''s spirit form, extinguishing itpletely. Wang Xuan''s scalp tingled as he watched, spellbound. These scenes were only visible to supernatural beings and went unnoticed by ordinary people. "How is this possible?" the woman murmured in shock, "Wasn''t this thing lost in ancient times? How can it appear in this era?" She seriously suspected whether the Sun family was harboring some powerful entity. Had this territory already found its master? For a worldly family''s headquarters to be this terrifying was simply unbelievable, a veritable dragon''s den and tiger''sir! Chapter 247: Impressing The immortals Chapter 247: Impressing The immortals The woman in the dark red armor retreated, hovering in mid-air, deeply feeling the chill. She couldn''t even break into the residence of a worldly family? She was uncertain, wondering what exactly was in that grand garden-style architecturalplex. Were there any surviving monsters, or was she overthinking? She remained silent for a long time, not daring to act rashly, staring intently at the depths of the Sun familypound, extremely envious. Not even her own master had ever obtained such treasures. A worldly family possessing such heaven-defying artifacts, it made her want to annihte the Sun family and seize them immediately! "What''s going on, the bell rang by itself!" Inside the Sun family, the high-ranking members were somewhat nervous. They were mortals and couldn''t see the silver bell glowing in the night or the magnificent sight of its ripples. However, when the bell rang, they could hear it and were aware of the bell''s importance. It was with this bell that they had captured Mr. Ghost in the past. But now, without the supernatural Sun Rongting to oversee, they felt slightly uneasy. "First, replenish the supernatural materials in the two secret vaults," Sun Rongsheng instructed. Those materials were harvested and cold-pressed from the air in the secretnd, normally used to nourish their ancient artifacts. At that moment, a secret report came from outer space: one of their resources was under attack. The expressions of the Sun family''s high-ranking members changed. Someone was attacking the Sun family? "Which?" someone asked with a heavy expression. "Yuanxia Star!" came the grave reply. "What?!" Sun Rongsheng, Sun Chengkun, and other core members abruptly stood up, their faces looking grim. Yuan Xia Star, only a few light-years from New Star, was a rtively close resource with abundant mineral resources, including rare metals for making warships. Although called a resource, it actually housed one of their secret military bases, small in scale but directly under the Sun family''s control and highly reliable. "Most likely it''s Grant''s doing, taking revenge for his granddaughter!" Sun Rongsheng said, sighing. Last time, they had destroyed Yuan Chi Mountain using warships from outside the domain. Grant must have been convinced it was the Sun family''s doing, so he destroyed those three warships. "They''ve gone too far, destroying one of our small bases. Are they looking for a war?" someone grumbled discontentedly. After more than a century of rivalry andpetition, they had always been in a position of strength, holding a psychological advantage over the West. "In these extraordinary times, we should refrain from acting rashly," another voiced, suggesting a cautious approach. "Let''s wait for Grant''s exnation. I don''t think he wants topletely sever ties..." ... The woman in the dark red armor, Yuan Hong, made another attempt at an assault. She released a deep red beam of light from the divine seal in her hand and swiftly retreated. She observed from afar, checking to see if anyone was activating the divine artifact. In the depths of the Sun familypound, the silver bell rippled magnificently. In the eyes of the supernatural beings, it was an exquisite work of art, a masterpiece. With a loud bang, the bell waves scattered the red beam and counterattacked towards Yuan Hong, who quickly fled. "No one in sight," Yuan Hong muttered to herself, her eyes burning with intensity as she stared at the bell. The Soul-Locking Bell, its former owner had been exceptionally powerful, a formidable figure even in the celestial realm behind the veil. However, he died about two hundred years ago. The bell, now ownerless, wouldn''t bring significant karmic consequences even if the Celestials were to return. Only after the bell''s sound had faded did she dare to approach again, frowning. She realized the irony of her situation she, a mighty supernatural being, couldn''t even confront a mortal family? The times had indeed changed. Was she to remain outside, eliminating anyone who emerged? In her original n, she would have easily prated their defenses, making the family understand that the Celestials were not to be trifled with. But now, she felt powerless and speechless, unable to force her way in as she had intended. The Soul-Locking Bell, an ancient and powerful artifact renowned even among other relics, was her bane in her current spiritual form. She simply couldn''t ovee it. As for the palm-sized golden g, Yuan Hong was even more reluctant to approach it, hesitant even to probe, due to its infamous reputation as a legendary item lost in ancient times. Named the God-ying g, its name might sound ordinary, but its ferocity was terrifying, specializing in ying primordial spirits. In the past, even unparalleled figures had fallen to this small g. Frowning, Yuan Hong realized she was running out of time. She needed a result within three days, or she would face me from the higher powers behind the veil. Nearly two days and nights had already passed. She considered further probing. In the evening, someone from the Sun family stepped outside. She promptly abducted and killed them, leaving the body in a dense forest in a nearby park. Quietly waiting, she noticed no anomalies. Was the Sun familycking a mysterious guardian? Yuan Hong''s hopes revived. The Sun family''s secret trove was astonishing. Even those from behind the veil would be tempted to im it for themselves. She disappeared, heading to her secluded retreat to retrieve a treasure, nning to plunder the Sun family''s divine items. In the dead of night, she reappeared, bringing a stone basin of dark gray hue, a curious artifact. While itcked formidable offensive power, it could gather treasures. Activating the stone basin, it emitted light, and soon swathes of flowing radiance seeped into the Sun familypound, attempting to steal treasures from their secret trove. Crack! The stone basin shattered, its radiance vanishing instantly. Yuan Hong''s expression turned ugly. She began to suspect again: was the Sun family housing some monster? "Is there a senior residing here?" she inquired, her mental fluctuations perceptible only to supernatural beings. Wang Xuan, in his hotel room, quietly observed everything. Hearing her words, he naturally had many spections. In fact, he had already harbored various thoughts earlier. Yuan Hong suspected that some surviving creature had taken residence in the Sun family, not necessarily to protect the family, but rather coveting the divine items there. Furthermore, a terrifying thought crossed her mind: could it be that the Celestials had returned early? Was someone considering this ce as their domain, destined to be a sacred site? The possibility made her scalp tingle. However, Yuan Hong shook her head, feeling it was unlikely. The supreme beings from behind the veil were still unable to cross over, waiting for the right opportunity. Even if someone with extraordinary power sent an envoy, their strength would be severely weakened, and they wouldn''t dare approach items like the Soul-Locking Bell or the God-ying g. After all, those who descended initially were in spirit form, and it was rare for anyone to retain their physical body. To regenerate flesh and blood in the mortal world, they would need to find their original bones and slowly cultivate them not an easy task. No one responded to her. The Sun family''s secret vault was eerily quiet, with no sign of any spiritual fluctuations. "Could it be that it''s not a person, but a divine treasure that has evolved further?" She stared at the Soul-Locking Bell and then at the God-ying g, her heart pounding. "Is that all you''ve got? Why don''t you take action against the Sun family? If it''s really difficult, then quickly request the Celestials to descend!" Wang Xuan watched for a long time, disappointed in her performance. In fact, Yuan Hong, d in the dark red armor, believed that retaliating against the Sun family was far less important than obtaining legendary items like the Soul-Locking Bell and the God-ying g. During the night, no significant figures from the Sun family came out, so she didn''t make a move. She quietly observed, scrutinizing every detail of the Sun family''spound. She waited until the early morning when some direct members of the Sun family emerged. She immediately killed two of them. Then, she chased down a spacecraft leaving the area and eliminated a high-ranking member of the Sun family. "What?!" Inside the Sun family, there was shock. They immediately ordered that important members should not leave, feeling a sense of dread. A supernatural being was targeting the direct lineage of the Sun family. The method was very peculiar; it wasn''t a normal way to die. "What''s happening? Are there still supernatural beings we haven''t eliminated? Or is it possible that Wang Xuan survived and is attacking us again?" The Sun family was in a state of tension, facing a calcted assassination with clear targeting. "Even risse and Hans Solo died. Logically, Wang Xuan, who was also present, shouldn''t have survived either. Who is seeking revenge against us?" "It''s not Chen Yongjie; he''s far away from us at the moment. Is it Wang Xuan, whose spirit is still lingering? Or has a new supernatural being appeared?" Wang Xuan, without projecting his spirit into the Sun familypound, captured their thought waves when non-essential members left the house. He was speechless for a moment, finding himself in a situation of almost being med for the situation. "The Celestials are so useless. Can''t they intervene more effectively in the mortal realm?" Wang Xuan criticized internally, truly feeling anxious for them. After Yuan Hong''s repeated attempts and further probing, waiting for a long time without any supernatural force eroding her, she confirmed that there were no guardians in the Sun family''s secret vault. What was so peculiar about it? She turned to leave, unable to break in with her spiritual form, ready to report back that there were treasures here that even the Celestials behind the veil would covet. Back at the site of the former Mount Yuanqi, where theva had already solidified, leaving a deep canyon in ce of the mountain. There, in a cavern carved out of the ground, was the vague figure of the man who had appeared in the headless idol two days ago. He had actually made it to the mortal world! His form was even more indistinct now, without a real body. On that stormy night, amidst the blood-red lightning, he was sent here by a supreme being. He paid a heavy price for this - his strength drastically reduced, his soul damaged - but it was a stroke of luck that he survived at all. Normally, attempting to return from the Celestial realm to the mortal world meant a 90% chance of turning to ash. The woman bowed to him, her expression serious, "The Soul-Locking Bell is in the Sun family''s possession!" "This... The bell has appeared?" The man was startled, realizing that the bell must be secured and not left in the hands of mortals. "And the lost God-ying g from ancient times is also there, in the Sun family''s secret vault!" she informed him solemnly. "What?!" The man was shocked. Such legendary items reappearing in an era when the supernatural was in decline was indeed strange. "I didn''t want to use my true bone, but now it seems I have no choice. Otherwise, as a soul form, I can''t even get close to those items." He had nned to visit the Sun family that night in his spiritual form, intending to destroy their base. Now, it seemed that without using his true bone, even he would suffer a great loss. "It''s quite exciting, really. In an era when myths have decayed, to see treasures that have been lost for so long." The man decided to take immediate action. Chapter 248: Catastrophe From The Immortals Chapter 248: Catastrophe From The Immortals The man rose to his feet, emerging from the pitch-ck canyon to be greeted by the fierce sun. He staggered slightly, murmuring to himself, "My soul has been severely wounded. Having absorbed the yin energy on a rainy night, I''m now feeling unwell under the impact of the sun''s fiery essence." With a swift motion, he soared into the air, intent on finding his true bones. The woman followed him closely, and together they flew under the scorching sun. Eventually, theynded in a vast mountain range thousands of miles away. This ce bore traces of its original inhabitants, but it had long been deserted. The man was a human of this. Under the protection of a powerful being he followed, he had endured a thunderous ordeal that shattered his body, leaving behind only a spiritual essence that entered a world beyond the veil. In essence, if left to his own devices, he would most likely have perishedpletely, leaving nothing behind. The saying "when one achieves enlightenment, even their pets ascend to heaven" holds some truth. It was because of the unparalleled strength of that peerless being that those around him could also transform and ascend. At the summit of a great mountain, amidst ancient woods and thickets, the man used his psychic power to part the vines and clear the thorns, finally uncovering the rubble below. The former site of cultivation had long been abandoned, its history faded and weathered. He sighed, wondering how many years had passed. Over two thousand years had psed, and all the people from his past life were no longer to be seen. He was momentarily lost in thought, recalling the mountain of his youth, where he grew up learning with other children, his fellow disciples, and the elderly. They had all vanished into the mists of time, their graves nowhere to be found. Overwhelmed with emotions, he hadn''t felt this way in many years. His dear senior sister had once tearfully seen him off on his journey, watching him leave their sect. Thest time he returned, on the eve of his ascension, she had already passed away. Now, as he stood there, her vivid image appeared before him. After more than two thousand years, her memory remained fresh in his mind. "If one does not be immortal, everything turns to smoke and dust. And yet, having attained immortality, one longs to escape. When the grand curtain falls, all things wither. It''s pitiful,mentable, and tragic." Zhou Chong began digging through the rubble, unearthing an underground pce. Inside, he found a jade box containing a small fragment of skull bone, still active, with a flicker of life emanating from its charred interior. However, Zhou Chong''s expression suddenly changed. Who had tampered with his bones? When he had returned to undergo his tribtion, this ce had already been abandoned. His gentle senior sister, his fellow disciples, and his masters and uncles had all perished. Now, to his shock, he discovered that the bone had been gnawed by some creature, leaving only half of it behind, stripped of much of its vital energy. It was no longer as potent as he had imagined. "Why would someone only eat half and leave the rest?" Zhou Chong''s face darkened with frustration and anger, but he had no target for his wrath, unaware of who was responsible. Studying the underground pce, the jade box, and the true bone, he meticulously examined the traces around him. It seemed that someone had been here within thest hundred or two years. "A hundred years ago, were there any special events on this new star? Did any powerful transcendents appear?" Zhou Chong inquired. Yuan Hong, d in dark red armor, shook her head and replied, "I''ve only recently awakened from the nurturing Peach Wood of Souls and am unaware of events from over a century ago." Zhou Chong ced the fragmented true bone into his soul body. Instantly, blood-red fments spread from the charred bone, intertwining and spreading. He produced a jade pot, from which a stream of supermatter flowed, absorbed by the ckened bone fragment. On his soul body, the blood threads spread further, increasingly intertwining to outline a faint blood-colored figure. True fleshly rebirth was no easy feat. His current forced attempt was actually detrimental in the long run, but it was a necessity. "Let''s go!" Zhou Chongmanded, and they instantly took to the sky. They were thousands of miles from Sun Family''s Kongning City, but for beings like them, such a distance was trivial. Yuan Hong warned, "Now that you''ve nourished your true bone with blood energy, your strength has significantly increased. However, your partial blood form could be detected by scanners. In this era, humans wield powerful forces like warships. A direct hit would be disastrous." "Troublesome!" Zhou Chong frowned. This was no longer the era from over two thousand years ago; even ordinary humans could now grievously harm him, a lesson he''d learned harshly at Yuan Chi Mountain just three days ago. He retracted the true blood back into the bone, nning to reveal his blood form only when necessary to interact with the Soul Locking Bell and the God-ying g. Under the zing sun, they entered Kongning City early. After circling the Sun Family''s residence four times and observing carefully, Zhou Chong''s expression changed. He identified a palm-sized golden g as the legendary God-ying g, lost since ancient times. "A rare divine artifact, specialized in killing primordial spirits. Over the ages, the number of peerless beings who''ve perished under this small g is at least a handful," Zhou Chong remarked, surprised to witness it in this era. Yuan Hong nodded, "When I first saw it, I couldn''t believe it either. It''s one thing for other treasures to appear, but the emergence of this legendary item in these special times is quite eerie." Zhou Chong frowned, "Even with my true bone, attempting to seize the God-ying g is extremely dangerous, as I''m not in my true fleshly form. I must first subdue the Soul Locking Bell and use it to touch the g, then swiftly take it away. Things will be easier once I regain my fleshly body." "The Soul Locking Bell is also terrifying, easily snatching away a person''s three souls and seven spirits," Yuan Hong added. "At least the Soul Locking Bell is somewhat predictable. The God-ying g is too aberrant and terrifying. Historically, its owners didn''t possess it for long. We must be cautious." The resounding ng of a bell woke Wang Xuan from his afternoon nap. Startled, he wondered, "Is that woman so bold as to attack in broad daylight, under the clear sky?" Sensing an extraordinary presence, he realized a more powerful soul body had appeared. Had an Immortal arrived? Wang Xuan calmed his mind, maintaining a serene mental state to observe the situation at the Sun family''s residence without projecting his spirit. As a transcendent being, he could perceive soul bodies in the physical world. He spotted a mysterious man. This man''s spiritual body was terrifyingly powerful, far surpassing the woman in the dark red armor. Had he reached the level of carefree wandering? If not, he was undoubtedly close to it. The man, brimming with vigor, directly employed his divine powers to seize the bell. Under the bright sun, this was nothing short of a supernatural spectacle. As the bell resounded, a bone surfaced, covered in blood-red fments. Transforming into a blood shadow, the man radiated blood-colored symbols, attempting to refine the silver bell. ng! After a violent tremor, the silver bell exploded the blood shadow, scattering droplets of blood, to Yuan Hong''s horror. The man, a being from beyond the veil, had his true blood dispersed by the Soul Locking Bell! In the next moment, the true bone shone brightly, and the scattered blood reversed its course, reforming the blood shadow. However, his soul body had suffered damage, a fraction shattered by the bell''s vibrations. "You said there was something odd about the Sun family, and indeed, someone is hiding inside this Soul Locking Bell, trying to refine it!" Zhou Chong said to Yuan Hong, his face grim. He had just entered the mortal realm and was already educated harshly, injured upon assaulting the Sun family! In his hotel room, Wang Xuan was startled. The man''s spiritual fluctuations were familiar, matching the roar of the Immortal from the night Yuan Chi Mountain was destroyed. An Immortal had descended to the mortal world! Though Wang Xuan sensed the gravity of the situation, he also felt that this man was not as strong as he had imagined. "Demons and evil spirits, begone!" Zhou Chong''s voice was icy with murderous intent. "To think of sacrificing another''s primordial spirit to refine this bell, how malevolent!" As he spoke, Zhou Chong summoned several powerful artifacts: a snow-white ruler, a blue ethereal shield, a flying sword, and notably, a powerful talisman that he affixed directly onto the silver bell. Then, he extended a blood-colored hand towards the bell, dominantly intending to seize it. "Hold your anger, Daoist friend. I mean you no harm. I am trapped inside this bell, and to save myself, I ventured here with two souls and six spirits. I attempted to refine this bell only for self-preservation." From afar, in the hotel, Wang Xuan knew who was hidden within the bell the traitor, entrenched inside the Soul Locking Bell. However, the situation differed from what Mr. Ghost had imed. The traitor''s three souls and seven spirits hadrgely entered the bell, and he was actively trying to refine it. Wang Xuan had harbored doubts from the start. Now, it seemed clear that this suspicious character harbored malicious intentions. Anyone attempting to rescue him would undoubtedly be a sacrifice to refine this rare and strange treasure. "Cursed traitor!" Wang Xuan thought, a cold glint in his eyes. Zhou Chong coldly retorted, "What a joke. Do you really think I''m clueless? Just now, you clearly attempted to use the bell for sacrifice. Had you not been trapped, you might have seeded." Mr. Ghost responded, "Fellow Daoist, I acted in self-defense, unsure of whether you were friend or foe. Now that we''ve rified our intentions, how about we let bygones be bygones?" Zhou Chong ignored him. The talisman he had attached to the bell glowed, visibly weakening the silver ripples emanating from it. He reached out with his blood-colored hand to seize the bell. Yuan Hong was shocked by the man''s strength from beyond the veil, almost seeding in sealing the silver bell. She cautioned, "Be careful!" Zhou Chong replied, "The bell has only activated its firstyer of runes. Had the secondyer revived, I wouldn''t havee. Even with true blood covering my soul body, I couldn''t withstand its bell waves." "Daoist friend, let me out and the bell is yours. I relinquish it," Mr. Ghost offered from within. "Who are you? Are you connected to the beings beyond the veil?" Zhou Chong inquired, not releasing him. Extending his blood-colored hand across the void, he began to pull the Soul Locking Bell from the Sun family''s secret vault. "If you don''t let me go, I''ll risk everything and activate the secondyer of runes with my own sacrifice!" Mr. Ghost threatened. In the hotel, Wang Xuan gasped in shock. The bell''s current disy was just the result of its firstyer of runes? The Sun family was in turmoil. The blood-colored hand intruding into their home was shockingly audacious, especially in broad daylight! Many were trembling in fear at this terrifying spectacle. One after another, energy beams surged skyward, opening fire on the blood-colored hand! "Enough!" Zhou Chong''s voice was icy as he thought of the Sun family''s destruction of the Yuan Chi Mountain passage. His endless rage exploded, and with another blood-colored hand, he struck towards several members of the Sun family. Instantly, six direct descendants of the Sun family burst open, annihted both in body and spirit. Zhou Chong carefully avoided a particr area, not daring to strike in the direction of the God-ying g. Even though it had only revived oneyer of runes, he kept his distance. "An invasion by a transcendent, this is unforgivable!" someone from the Sun family shouted in anger. As Zhou Chong ferociously held onto therge bell, intending to retreat, he once again swung his other blood-colored hand, capturing several of the Sun family''s high-ranking members. With a forceful squeeze, they were reduced to bloody pulp. Boom! An energy cannon struck Zhou Chong, causing him to stagger backward. At this stage, he was wary of the super-energy beams, his blood sttering from the impact. "How dare mere mortals challenge an Immortal?" Zhou Chong sneered, retreating with the Soul Locking Bell. He was hit again by an energy cannon, his true blood sttering but then reassembling. In the hotel, Wang Xuan watched coldly. He had no sympathy for the Sun family, but such behavior from an immortal was distasteful. What right did they have to disdain the mortal world? Regardless, today he intended to obtain powerful trump cards the ancient golden bamboo slips from the pre-Qin era and the God-ying g were his targets. If he could silently eliminate both the Immortal and the Sun family, that would be even better. "The cmity of the Immortal has finally emerged," a centenarian elder of the Sun family growled. "Initiate the mothership restart n!" "Are we really going through with such a n? The uncertainties are terrifying," someone said tremulously, hesitating as they watched the blood figure retreat. "Restart it! They''vee killing to our doorstep, what is there to hesitate about? This generationcks courage! So what if he''s an Immortal?!" the elderly man barked furiously. Chapter 249: Restarting The Mothership Chapter 249: Restarting The Mothership At the horizon of the mountainous terrain outside Kongning City, within an underground base,y a massive mothership, its cold metallic sheen instilling awe and fear in all who beheld it. "Restart... the mothership n?" Voices trembled at the thought. Although the base''s existence revolved around the mothership, activating it was a matter of great significance, signifying a life-or-death crisis for the Sun family. Core members of the Sun family, who took turns guarding the base, did not hesitate upon receiving the news. They immediately initiated the restart n. Terrifying sounds emanated, especially from the mothership''s main control room. As the giant screen lit up, an influx of unknown information surged incessantly. "It''s sending messages to deep space again as soon as it starts reviving. It''s frightening!" An elderly member trembled, his heart racing with uncertainty about the oue. Over the past century, they had restarted the mothership several times, hoping to decipher various cutting-edge technologies. There was nothing more extraordinary than this vessel. However, each activation filled them with dread. Would the mothership draw something unknown from the depths of space? This was their deepest fear. Therefore, they would not restart the mothership unless the Sun family faced existential threats. The mothership''s system emitted a cold voice, inquiring about their needs. One of the Sun family''s core members, Sun Rongkun, quickly exined the situation: a transcendent invasion, an attack by an Immortal, and the Sun family in Kongning City facing a critical moment of survival. "An Immortal, akin to a primordial demon?" the mothership analyzed, then informed them that while conventional energy was sufficient, there was a scarcity of exotic matter energy, not enough tobat a demon-ss entity. The mothership rified that exotic matter referred to all energy materials rted to transcendent beings and demons. Sun Rongkun was shocked. They had never discussed Immortals with the mothership before. It possessed databases on transcendent beings and demons, which was terrifying. What kind of adversaries had it faced in the past? "Is there no way to deal with him?" Sun Rongkun asked anxiously, fearing theplete annihtion of the Sun family''s stronghold. "After scanning, there are two weakened demons in Kongning City, both heavily injured..." the mothership system reported. In its analysis, Zhou Chong and Mr. Ghost were barely ssified as weakened demon species. Currently in a state of extreme debilitation, they could be countered by the mothership''s Number 5 robot, which could be deployed to protect the Sun family. In the mothership, there were instructional mechs and several robotic prototypes. It suggested activating Number 5 robot, which consumed less exotic matter and could barely unlock its second-level abilities, potentially saving the Sun family. Then, the mothership fell silent, only continuously transmitting signals, sending indecipherable messages deep into the unknown cosmos. The Sun family members felt their scalps tingle with unease but had no time to ponder over it. They rapidly activated Number 5 robot, as any dy could mean the destruction of their headquarters. Number 5 robot revived, its cold metallic body and sleek lines exuding an artistic beauty. It wasn''t particrly tall, just over two meters. Quickly understanding Sun Rongkun''s intentions, its eye sockets shed intensely before returning to calm, stepping out of the mothership with an air of aloofness akin to a high-minded human. "If there''s nothing else, do not disturb me. I''m going back into hibernation," the mothership spoke, sending out itsst batch of messages before shutting down its screen. "Should be fine, right?" a middle-aged man inside the mothership whispered. The mothership, originating from the moon outside the Old Earth, was one of five excavated and sent to this new star. Over the past century, it had sent numerous mysterious messages but never received any response from the depths of the universe. The mothership, seemingly humanized, once stated, "The chances are slim; perhaps we''ll never return." At the Sun family estate, Zhou Chong, holding the silver bell, was rapidly retreating, looking to temporarily distance himself from the premises. However, his destructive power during this process was terrifying. Sword light swept across, toppling swathes of the Sun family''s buildings with clean cuts, the lethality immense. Apart from the area where the God-ying g was located, which remained rtively undisturbed, other ces suffered heavy casualties. In an instant, over fifty members of the Sun family perished, including security personnel, domestic staff, distant rtives, and even core executives. Various energy cannons and other technological weapons targeted Zhou Chong, but their effectiveness was limited. Even when an energy cannon dispersed his blood shadow, he managed to reconstitute it from the blood light. It wasn''t that the technological weapons were weak, but rather, his bone was akin to an immortal bone, ceaselessly regenerating, an anomaly. Moreover, this was the Sun family''s main base, where overly destructive weapons couldn''t be unlocked, lest they endanger the high-ranking members as well. "If the mothership restart n fails, or if it''s toote, then let''s destroy this ce with a warship, taking the transcendent being down with us!" The trembling old head of the Sun family ordered, heartbroken and desperate, as the warships already in the sky prepared to attack. Thud! After Zhou Chong''s sword light cleared the surrounding buildings, a blinding beam of light struck him, causing his blood to stter and his blood shadow to explode. This time, he lost a portion of his blood mist, unable to fully reconstitute it, and some of the charred marks from the lightning strike on his true bone ked off. As he reformed his blood body, he looked up sharply. A small warship had fired a concentrated beam, injuring him. "I''ll find a ce to refine the Soul Locking Bell. Yuan Hong, be careful, don''t get close to the God-ying g. Head to another of the Sun family''s secret vaults. I sense there are astonishing treasures there. Take them all!" Zhou Chong shouted. He cast a cold nce at the warship in the sky, then his blood figure shed, darting out of the Sun family estate, not daring to refine the ancient heavy weapon near the God-ying g. As he stepped out of the Sun family''s territory, several beams of light from the sky interwove, striking down even more powerfully than before. Zhou Chong narrowly evaded them, his blood shadow diving into the ground. A horrific crater appeared in front of the Sun family estate, with the soil melted and nearby buildings cracked and on the brink of copse. "We''ve scanned him! He''s underground, right ahead!" Thud! Another beam of light pierced through the surface and burrowed deep underground, exploding with terrifying brilliance and melting the earth and rocks. "Think you can take advantage of me?" Zhou Chong''s cold voice echoed as he suffered significant degradation in his realm, heavily bombarded. Instead of fleeing deeper underground, he surged into the sky, rapidly changing direction to approach the small warship. Temporarily abandoning his true bone and blood shadow form, he dropped the silver bell to avoid being an easy target in the sky. Boom! His soul body unleashed a sword light, piercing through the small warship, shocking everyone from the Sun family as a massive explosion rocked the sky. However, another small warship locked onto the ascending sword, striking it with a beam and sending it flying away, dimmed and damaged at the tip. Zhou Chong''s expression darkened. Dong! Simultaneously, the bell tolled as Mr. Ghost continued to manipte it, racing against time to try refining it. Zhou Chong dove back down, merging again with his true bone, his blood figure reappearing to vie for control of the Soul Locking Bell. In the Sun family estate, Yuan Hong screamed as she made a hasty escape. She activated a deep red talisman, casting numerous runes to counter the ck light chasing her. She urgently transmitted a message, "There''s a treasure in the Sun family''s secret vault... golden bamboo slips. But there''s something strange there, like it''s been tampered with, very dangerous, specifically targeting transcendent beings, restraining those whose soul light leaves the body!" "What, golden bamboo slips, the supreme scriptures of Fangshi?" Zhou Chong was astonished. "In this era, such things appear in a mortal family''s possession?" Having spent many years in the world beyond the veil, he was well aware of the significance of the golden bamboo slips. Practitioners of these slips were notoriously powerful, bing some of the most renowned masters. Furthermore, there were rumors that the golden bamboo slips and stone tablet scriptures were timeless artifacts, their origins shrouded in mystery. Even those who ascended or transformed into immortals desired the golden bamboo slips, seeking to decipher them and find the weaknesses of the ultimate Fangshi. Indeed, even after bing immortal, the methods recorded on the golden bamboo slips remained applicable for further cultivation, a truly terrifying prospect. Zhou Chong unleashed a talisman, emitting a sh of purple light that fell into the secret vault, suppressing the ck light there. Then, he summoned the damaged flying sword and shed into it. Boom! The exterior of the secret vault resonated with a terrifying sound, apanied by the dazzling burst of runes. "Someone skilled has set this up. As soon as any transcendent power is detected, theher runes here get activated. Who could have taken control of this ce first?" Zhou Chong''s expression turned to one of shock. The talisman he had deployed was rapidly destroyed, causing him distress as he didn''t have many valuable items left. Even as a member of the peerless Immortals, the powerful being behind him had only transmitted some moderately good items for his use. "Is it you?" Zhou Chong looked down at the silver bell. Mr. Ghost retorted, "It''s not me; there''s someone else. I''ve always felt something odd about the Sun family. Someone has imed this ce as their territory, which is deeply unsettling. I suspect a top-tier Immortal from our ranks is eyeing this ce, intervening in the mortal world. This ce might be their cultivation ground in the future." Zhou Chong was skeptical, "Nonsense. Even a peerless Immortal can''t intervene like this without a trace. Are you hiding someone else behind you, any aplices?" At the same time, he returned to the Sun family estate for two reasons. First, he was intent on acquiring the golden bamboo slips, feeling it would be a regretsting lifetimes if he didn''t seize this extraordinary item. Second, upon his return, the warships in the sky refrained fromunching their destructive attacks. Of course, he also exercised restraint this time, not attacking the Sun family members. Mr. Ghost urgently stated, "I swear, using the curse oath revered by cultivators, it truly has nothing to do with me. It must be some other unknown and terrifying being orchestrating this." In the distant sky, Number 5 robot hovered, scanning Zhou Chong and collecting data, preparing to hunt this god-like demon! In the hotel, Wang Xuan was moved. Just a Sun family estate, and yet it harbored so many mysteries, demanding serious attention. It appeared that some entity had indeed set its sights on the secret vault, iming it as its territory. But why hadn''t it revealed itself, remaining hidden? Wang Xuan watched quietly, waiting for the situation to rify. Some things needed to be secured today; if missed and taken away by the Immortal, there might never be another chance. Chapter 250: First Strike Chapter 250: First Strike Gritting his teeth, Zhou Chong summoned a snow-white ruler, swiftly sending it flying out. It released a blinding light, like a sun descending upon the secret vault. Aware that the area had been activated like aplex formation, includingher runes and other elements, he had no time to waste. He felt a looming threat approaching from afar. Boom! He resorted to brute force to break the formation! This was the Thunder Ruler. As its snow-white light fell, lightning interwove, striking violently. Unfortunately, the ruler had been damaged when sent through the veil, marked with four long cracks. Its thunderous power was significantly less than expected, and it continued to crack further. Finally, the Thunder Ruler exploded, piercing through the nearly formation-like setup at the secret vault. Zhou Chong felt a pang of loss. Given enough time, the ruler could have been slowly repaired, but now it was destroyed. However, if he could acquire the golden bamboo slips, this loss would be insignificant. Moreover, he had already obtained the Soul Locking Bell, an invaluable treasure. In the distance, a robot flew at high speed, firing a shot that hit Zhou Chong, sting apart his blood shadow and causing more of the lightning scars on his true bone to ke off. "Hmm?!" He stared into the distance, his heart pounding at the threat posed to him. Swoosh! A bright sword light descended. The robot, wielding a long sword, instantly closed in, its radiant sword light illuminating the sky as it cleaved towards Zhou Chong. "Technology, transcendent material, it has it all..." Zhou Chong observed the robot, parrying its sword with his own flying sword, sparks flying. He felt the powerful impact of the force. The robot''s cold metallic right arm pointed forward, releasing a ring of light that descended towards Zhou Chong. It dered, "The long years have passed, hunting demons... as if it were only yesterday." Boom! Zhou Chong''s palm lit up with lightning runes, shattering the ring of light. He appeared intrigued, seemingly recalling tales of such transcendentally-powered mechanical creatures. Number 5 robot didn''t evade, absorbing the lightning''s energy to replenish itself. Zhou Chong sent a mirror to Yuan Hong, instructing, "Use this mirror to protect yourself and avoid the God-ying g. It can reveal all kinds of anomalies. Leave other treasures, but ensure you retrieve the golden bamboo slips!" He then faced the robot, engaging in intensebat while clutching the silver bell. He swiftly moved away from the area, fearing the mysterious transcendent robot might target Yuan Hong. "This bell... I seem to recall hearing about it long ago, its third master was incredibly formidable," the robot observed, pondering over the silver bell in Zhou Chong''s hands. Zhou Chong tried to disrupt the robot''s intricate internalponents with psychic energy, but his efforts were instantly nullified and absorbed. Realizing the robot had a special conversion device inside, which was breaking down and utilizing his psychic energy, Zhou Chong''s expression hardened. "This mechanical monster isparable to a rare treasure!" he acknowledged gravely. Instantly, he unleashed his flying sword, rich with transcendent material, aiming for the robot''s head. The robot''s body dimmed, frantically absorbing the transcendent material. Inside, a unique power system operated, with various energy symbols shing intensely. ng! Number 5 robot parried the flying sword, further scanning and collecting data while breaking down the transcendent material for its use. Boom! Zhou Chong''s blood-colored hand struck out, creating waves of force, intertwining mysterious patterns, troubling the robot. Its eyes rapidly flickered, analyzing and disintegrating the transcendent material,bating the invasion of transcendent runes. The battle between them grew fiercely intense. Boom! From the robot''s mouth, a beam brighter than lightning,posed of exotic matter, was emitted. Zhou Chong''s blood-colored hand dimmed from the impact, nearly exploding once more. Number 5 robot shot a concentrated energy cannon from its eye sockets at Zhou Chong, shattering his blood shadow. It then extended an arm made of exotic matter from its chest, rapidly reaching for Zhou Chong''s true bone. Zhou Chong quickly retreated, dodging the attack. In the brief sh, Zhou Chong initially struggled to adapt to the robot''s tactics. The robot was absorbing and dposing transcendent matter for its own use, with an rming efficiency. Boom! Zhou Chong slowly swung a palm, leveraging his immortal bone to invoke some transcendent rules. With a crackling sound, sparks flew from the robot''s arm, and metal fragments fell in abundance. This caused trouble for Number 5 robot, almost rendering its arm useless. Zhou Chong also felt the strain. His realm had drastically fallen, making many of his techniques difficult to execute. Sword lights and energy cannons between them continually burst forth. The exotic matter boiled over as they fought into the distance, destroying buildings and smashing into the ground, plunging underground. Wang Xuan watched them leave with deep eyes, murmuring to himself, "After the Immortal entered the mortal world, his realm has been continuously diminished, greatly reducing his strength." For Wang Xuan, this was a blessing, easing his pressure. If he could cultivate fast enough, surpassing the returning Immortal was not impossible. He then turned his attention to the Sun family. This day had indeed been astonishing, with all manner of bizarre creatures emerging. He readied himself to seize his destiny. At the Sun family estate, near the secret vault, Yuan Hong made her move. Holding the mirror, she drew out the golden bamboo slips, which slowly floated out. She could feel the uniqueness of this ce. The Sun family was built on a relic, with the secret vault connected underground. Sensing something amiss, she dared not venture too deep. However, with the most dangerousher runes broken by Zhou Chong, the danger lessened. The twenty-seven pieces of golden bamboo slips, each only eight centimeters long and resembling golden jade, carved from Transcendent Bamboo, floated in the air. "There are four sets of golden bamboo slips, meaning a total of 108 pieces," she thought excitedly, recalling the legends. Thebination of all four sets was unimaginable. Even practicing one set could create an extraordinary powerhouse,manding respect in the immortal realm beyond the veil. She attempted to pull them out, but the slips fell midway, unable to be brought out in one go, which surprised and made her cautious. She then noticed other treasures in the vault glowing, locking onto the golden bamboo slips. She struggled to contend for them, not daring to step inside. From a distance, Wang Xuan observed the scene, deciding it was time to act. Seizing the opportunity was crucial, and he couldn''t afford to wait any longer. Before making his move, he projected his spirit to examine the essence of the area around the God-ying g. With Zhou Chong, Mr. Ghost, and the robot gone, the real powerhouses were absent, making him less worried about being detected while lurking nearby. Using his spiritual third eye, Wang Xuan prated the transcendent fog, uncovering something unusual. Someone had cleverly concealed the truth. Beneath the God-ying g, white mist rose, bearing traces of a powerful being. Dense transcendent runes were luring the small g, ready to activate it at any moment. Wang Xuan believed that anyone daring to directly take the g would trigger the runes in the underground mist, unleashing the g''s terrifying power. Even a physical body protecting the spirit would be insufficient against the g''s full might, which could kill anyone approaching it. Zhou Chong, too, had hesitated to touch it, nning to first control the Soul Locking Bell before attempting to take the g. Wang Xuan realized that acquiring the God-ying g would not be easy. However, he couldn''t dy any longer. With Zhou Chong and the robot gone, it was his turn to make a move. He applied an invisibility talisman and stepped out of the hotel, quickly entering the Sun family estate. He nced at Yuan Hong in her red armor but didn''t disturb her. Fully equipped for the task, Wang Xuan activated an ancientmp, covering himself with a protective light screen. He then took out a small yellow gourd. Careful not to aim directly at the God-ying g, he targeted the ground beneath it, silently sucking away the soil and revealing the white mist and dense runes. The ancientmp and the small gourd, both powerful treasures, were now mere tools for his quest to acquire the g. Swoosh! He propelled a thick arrow of light from the ancientmp, like a divine rainbow, into the underground runes, causing disruption. However, this was risky. While one area of the runes dimmed, the rest brightened, forcefully activating the God-ying g. Wang Xuan''s hair stood on end, feeling an immense danger. His physical body was not enough to protect his spirit from the threat. As the small golden g trembled, golden patterns interwove, spreading outward. Whoosh! He quickly fled, covering himself with the red radiance of the ancientmp and using the small yellow gourd to shield himself, emitting auspicious light. Wang Xuan escaped the Sun family estate, but the golden patterns from the God-ying g pursued him for a considerable distance. He narrowly avoided them, barely escaping danger. On the other side, Yuan Hong was also affected. She didn''t understand what had happened, puzzled by the sudden revival of the golden g. She had almost seeded in freeing the golden bamboo slips from the suppression of other treasures in the first secret vault, but now her efforts were in vain as the slips fell back down. She quickly fled the area in confusion and fear, unaware of Wang Xuan, who was hidden nearby with an invisibility talisman. Momentster, both secret vaults of the Sun family quieted down. Yuan Hong headed back to the first vault to retrieve the golden bamboo slips. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan approached the vault where the God-ying g was located. He observed that a section of the underground runes had been breached, which seemed effective. This time, he kept a safe distance outside the Sun family estate and used the ancientmp to attack the breached area. Several red arrows, like rainbows piercing the sky, shot rapidly into the ground. He then decisively fled the scene. Yuan Hong roared in anger, as she was close to sess with the golden bamboo slips, but they fell back into the vault. The God-ying g unleashed an even more ferocious power than before, terrifying her into a hasty retreat. However, the intertwining golden patterns were not far off. Desperate, she activated the red talisman in her hand, releasing a soul body. A purple-haired elder, losing one soul and two spirits, appeared only to be instantly disintegrated into ash by the golden patterns. But the golden patterns continued to spread, unrelenting. In a mix of fear and anger, Yuan Hong activated the red talisman again, releasing two more soul bodies - Cristine and Hansolo. Their joy at seeing the light of day again was short-lived, as they were enveloped in the golden light and reduced to ash. Yuan Hong narrowly escaped, her eyes cold and furious. Using the mirror given by Zhou Chong, she illuminated the surroundings and finally detected Wang Xuan, revealing him despite his invisibility talisman. "Is it you who tried to steal the God-ying g just now?" Yuan Hong asked with a frosty expression, not immediately attacking because Wang Xuan''s physical form made him suitable for the theft. Moreover, he was strong, possessing two treasures. Her own condition was not at its best, having been bombed at Yuan Chi Mountain, her vitality far from recovered. "You and I are both transcendent beings. Let''s cooperate to seize the treasure," she proposed, restraining her urge to attack but harboring a killing intent. She nned to let Wang Xuan continue trying to steal the g, using him as a tool until Zhou Chong returned. "Alright, I''ll study how to take the God-ying g. You go for the golden bamboo slips," Wang Xuan agreed. In reality, he was well aware that Yuan Hong was no saint. She had earlier tried to mark him with her red talisman, aiming to control him. He also viewed her as a tool, hoping to save time by having both of them retrieve treasures simultaneously. Of course, this time he needed to be more careful not to interfere with her. Wang Xuan realized that one more strike would almost destroy the runes beneath the God-ying g, making it possible to remove it. However, Yuan Hong did not attempt to retrieve the golden bamboo slips again. Instead, she watched him, ready with the mirror and red talisman. Was she supervising him to ensure he retrieved the treasure? Sensing something, Wang Xuan suddenly realized that a female Taoist, another soul body released by Yuan Hong''s red talisman, was lurking far behind him. Since Yuan Hong was not willing to be a tool and might attack him at any moment, he saw no reason to keep her around. To quickly resolve the situation, Wang Xuan used a thunder talisman, believing it to be most effective against a soul body. Not wanting to take any chances and eager to seize the God-ying g, he was prepared to use it wastefully. Boom! He struck first, unleashing a massive bolt of lightning that hit Yuan Hong, causing her to scream as half of her body was obliterated. Chapter 251: The Real Master Of Sun Family’s Treasure Chapter 251: The Real Master Of Sun Family¡¯s Treasure Moved by the unexpected power of the talisman, Wang Xuan immediately put away the fire talisman, considering its further use too wasteful. Yuan Hong was in despair. Already severely weakened from the incident at Yuan Chi Mountain and now having half of her soul body destroyed, her situation seemed dire. The talisman in her hand, already cracked by the Soul Locking Bell, now was covered in a web of fractures, on the verge of disintegrating. The precious mirror given to her by Zhou Chong, already damaged during its transmission to the mortal realm, now bore six long cracks, worsening its condition. Desperate to escape, Yuan Hong was met with a terrifying beam of light. Wang Xuan, seizing the moment he put away the fire talisman, activated the ancientmp, unleashing a fierce attack. Themp''s me transformed into an arrow, piercing like a divine rainbow. Crack! Yuan Hong attempted to block with her crimson talisman, but it was futile. The already damaged talisman exploded into dozens of red fragments. Her face turned pale, realizing that her n to mark Wang Xuan and make him her servant had backfired, and now she was on the brink of being vanquished by him. "Kill!" shemanded in a low voice, using the female Taoist in the distance to block her foe. From behind Wang Xuan, a figure rapidly approached. Without turning, Wang Xuan aimed his yellow gourd, a powerful treasure, at the attacker. The gourd emitted a stunning halo of light, disintegrating the assant. Yuan Hong, trying to flee, used her broken mirror to reflect light towards Wang Xuan, hoping to fend off his attack and save herself. The mirror, indeed a rare treasure, emitted a blinding beam, piercing through buildings along its path and then melting them. Wang Xuan remained calm, using his yellow gourd to ''inhale'' the iing beam, absorbing itpletely. The next moment, the gourd glowed brightly, releasing an evenrger beam that struck the mirror, expanding its cracks instantly. The precious mirror exploded, a rare divine object destroyed, its fragments scattering everywhere. Swoosh! The ancientmp hovering beside Wang Xuan emitted a hazy light, shooting out a dazzling arrow that struck Yuan Hong, causing her to burst apart. Wang Xuan was certain that if he had gone to Yuan Chi Mountain that night, his fate would have been the same as Cristine and Hansolo''s, enved by this woman. So he showed no mercy, eliminating her without hesitation, regardless of whether she had an Immortal backing her. His only regret was the use of the precious thunder talisman. Instantly acting again, Wang Xuan released three red arrows from the ancientmp into the area of runes. Simultaneously, he activated a dark golden small boat. The palm-sized treasure lit up and expanded rapidly, carrying him away as a streak of light. The final attack caused the already damaged runes to illuminate brightly, activating the God-ying g. The palm-sized golden g unfurled slightly, its golden patterns spreading like waves,shing towards the sky. Wang Xuan wiped a bead of cold sweat from his brow, narrowly escaping. Without his well-prepared escape on the flying treasure, he might have been caught in the g''s final strike. Who could have set up such a powerful trap? This was no ordinary feat. Even the man battling the robot would have struggled to retrieve the g. Were such masters already present in the mortal world, likely of the carefree realm? Wang Xuan carefully retrieved the g, feeling like he had just snatched food from the jaws of a tiger. Fortunately, he remained invisible, his whereabouts hidden, and even the woman who knew of him was now eliminated. As the golden ripples in the sky faded, he piloted the dark golden boat back. With the runes destroyed, the God-ying g was no longer as dangerous. Wang Xuan approached cautiously, still wary of the g''s inherent danger. He used the yellow gourd to capture it, its mouth glowing and auroras wrapping around the g, pulling it out of the secret vault and slowly towards him. Wang Xuan was moved by the heft of the God-ying g, which, though notrger than a palm, felt incredibly heavy, as if he was lifting a small mountain. Especially as the g neared, the yellow gourd trembled as if in fear, leaving Wang Xuan speechless. Was this a kind of "bloodline" suppression? During the process, the g quivered, sending ripples that rmed Wang Xuan, almost making him abandon it and ready to smash the gourd. Fortunately, it was a false rm; the g simply fluttered momentarily before falling silent again. Whoosh! The gourd trembled lightly, amusing Wang Xuan, who carefully stored the God-ying g in his fragment of a blessednd. He sighed in relief. Though the ordeal was brief, it was fraught with danger, and he finally obtained this legendary artifact. Regardless of any karma he might have incurred, he was no longer concerned. With the God-ying g, as long as he enhanced his strength quickly, he felt confident facing the chaos and monsters that might emerge, especially since the g was particrly lethal to souls from beyond the veil. Standing before another secret vault, he continued the task the woman had left unfinished. Not daring to enter the vault, for fear of getting trapped, he saw the twenty-seven golden bamboo slips had fallen near the entrance, close to being out. Using his psychic power, Wang Xuan levitated the shimmering golden slips. However, several mysterious artifacts inside the vault glowed, locking onto the slips, preventing their escape. "What''s going on? If a master set this up, why didn''t they just take the slips themselves?" Wang Xuan wondered, struggling to pull the slips towards him, sweating profusely. The closer he got to the vault''s entrance, the greater the resistance. He also remained vignt, wary of Zhou Chong or the robot returning unexpectedly, which could prove fatal. Hesitating, he considered whether to forcefully break through the vault, potentially bringing out more treasures along with the slips. Swoosh! Suddenly, a blinding sword light shot out from the vault, almost piercing through Wang Xuan''s forehead with incredible speed and precision. Was there someone hidden inside the vault, striking at a critical moment? Could it be the person who set up the trap here? Wang Xuan narrowly avoided the attack, thanks to the visions he had cultivated in his spiritual realm. Although these were mental phenomena, they could intervene in the physical world, proving more powerful than many treasures. The mental realm''s vision slightly impeded the sword light, allowing him to dodge the lethal strike. The ancientmp rose, forming a crimson light screen around him for protection. Indeed, there was a creature in the vault, but Wang Xuan was astonished to see it was a three-inch tall bronze figure wielding a tiny sword over an inch long. A puppet? It had nearly killed him instantly, sending chills down his spine. This ce indeed had a master. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan activated the sword talisman he held. The tiny bronze figure, glowing like a mini-sun and moving at incredible speed, was instantly enveloped by the sword talisman''s light. A low growl was heard as the puppet''s eyes gleamed fiercely, its sword light intensifying terrifyingly. However, Wang Xuan''s talisman was mysteriously potent, its sword light overpowering. Amidst a fearsome sh, the bronze figure was shed with numerous sword marks, ultimately shattering into pieces. Wang Xuan was overwhelmed. The Sun family estate had indeed been imed by some entity as its territory, filled with dangers. It was unclear why the powerful being behind it had not shown itself. He quickly pulled the golden bamboo slips out. Smooth like jade, they seemed like divine creations, shining brightly with intricate patterns engraved upon them. Though excited, now was not the time for admiration. Wang Xuan swiftly stored the precious slips in his fragment of a blessednd. He had obtained a set of supreme scriptures! The mortal realm was a major realm, divided into several smaller realms like ''Mist'', ''Lantern'', ''Life Soil'', and ''Herb Picking'', which were universal across various cultivation systems. After ''Herb Picking'', he would have to choose his path. Possessing the golden bamboo slips, a set of supreme scriptures, was of immense significance to him, serving as a crucial reference and an invaluable treasure. Wang Xuan nced back at the vault, hesitating. He did not step inside, feeling uneasy, as if there were still mysteries hidden within. As Wang Xuan passed through the Sun family''s architecturalplex, he noticed something unusual in an ancient building. The mysterious energy there was denser than in any other temple or Daoist shrine he had encountered. "It''s not a Buddhist temple or a Daoist shrine, but a shrine to a god. Who is being worshipped here? A deity from folk tales, a demon, or a celestial being? This ce is very peculiar," he thought, struck by the intense mystical energy. His curiosity piqued, but wary of lingering too long, Wang Xuan propelled his dark golden boat skyward. While in the flying vessel, he projected his spirit and used his spiritual third eye to scrutinize the shrine, searching for rity. His investigation revealed something startling. Inside a statue, the mysterious energy was tumultuous. Not just a bone was present; it seemed to be growing flesh and was covered in a cocoon of light, pulsating with vigorous life. "Is someone using a true bone as a foundation to reconstruct a physical body? There''s a shadowy figure in a deep slumber inside it!" This secret would have remained hidden if not for Wang Xuan''s spiritual third eye. He swiftly piloted the flying boat away, vanishing into the horizon. The Sun family''s secret vault, imed as someone''s territory, indeed had a master. Wang Xuan''s expression grew solemn as he contemted the chaotic world around him, now inhabited by Immortals, mechanical beings, and unidentified deities. Chapter 252: The Death Of The Sword Immortal Chapter 252: The Death Of The Sword Immortal As Wang Xuan''s flying boat glided away, creating a protective light screen around it, the interior remained tranquil despite the howling winds outside. This was his first time piloting such a treasure through the skies, and he felt a sense of novelty. He carefully monitored the boat''s consumption of transcendent matter. A sudden depletion mid-flight would be disastrous, potentially leading to a fatal crash. He was assessing the boat''s range and endurance for future battles and escapes. Satisfied with the boat''s performance, he realized why it required substantial amounts of transcendent matter for fueling; it seemed to have an insatiable appetite for it. He decided not to waste more transcendent matter than necessary, confident that a single refueling would sustain a long journey. With the invisibility talisman nearing its end, Wang Xuan didn''t want to risk being seen and potentially shot down by a warship. He swiftly left Kanging City, disappearing into the mountains hundreds of miles away. Meanwhile, the attack on the Sun family''s headquarters was the talk of the town. The extensive destruction of the buildings and the dozens of casualties were big news. "Who dared to attack the Sun family headquarters so boldly? This is almost unimaginable!" People on various tforms discussed fervently, finding it surreal that the headquarters of a super-rich family had been invaded, something that hadn''t happened in many years. "Could it be the Sword Immortal who acted? Did the Sun family do something to provoke such wrath?" Spections about Wang Xuan''s involvement arose due to his intense conflict with the Sun family. "It doesn''t seem to be Wang Xuan''s doing," someone said, based on surveince footage. The area around the Sun family was so saturated with transcendent matter that many detectors were overwhelmed and damaged. Only devices located far away captured partial scenes. "There was a blood-colored figure and a mechanical being engaged in a fierce battle underground. Then, all sorts of incidents erupted at the Sun family estate." "The Sun family got a lesson, but what was that blood-colored figure? It had such devastating power, crushing everything in its path!" The outside world remained unsettled amid widespread discussions. The battle between Zhou Chong and Robot Number 5 raged on underground, at times so fierce that they burst through the earth''s surface, destroying a shopping mall and injuring, even killing, several bystanders. Despite the chaos, they continued fighting, plunging back underground, causing great rm due to their disregard for civilian casualties. Thankfully, Zhou Chong and the robot stayed underground for an extended period, suggesting a decisive battle was unfolding. "People have seen the mechanical being transform into a mini warship and unleash its firepower against the blood figure," someonemented. Robot Number 5''s transformation into a warship, disying powerful offensive capabilities, astonished many. Despite its formidable power, Robot Number 5 was frustrated, only able to unlock its second-level capabilities due to ack of energy resources. In its prime, it could have captured even the strongest innate demons. Zhou Chong, too, was infuriated. In his prime, he believed he could have annihted legions of such transcendent mechanical beings using his own rules. Underground, the twobatants fought fiercely near a dark river. Zhou Chong was both shocked and angry, realizing the robot was not an ordinary technological creation. "All things have spirits, each undergoing its own journey. The Immortals are outdated," the robot remarked profoundly. Despite losing an arm, which sparked with energy, the robot''s metallic limb reattached and melted, appearing to be alive as it wriggled, fused, and regrew, quickly regaining functionality. Above ground, the financial powerhouses, especially the Zhong and Qin families, were gravely concerned. As owners of motherships themselves, they spected on the origins of Robot Number 5. It was known that five motherships were excavated from the moon, creating the five major superpowers. The Sun family had been forced to reactivate their mothership, leading to the emergence of this enigmatic mechanical being. "See the havoc a rogue transcendent being can wreak? All major organizations should unite!" the Sun family urged,municating with other powerhouses. Other factions inquired earnestly about the situation, seeking details about the enemy and the cause of the conflict. The Sun family remained somewhat silent, still unaware that they had offended a powerful entity from beyond the veil and destroyed a path for an extraordinary being''s return. In the depths of Kanging City, Robot Number 5 transformed again, taking the form of a cold metallic cannon. Despite its energy deficiency, it fired a terrifying energy beam, demonstrating its fearsome capabilities. After Zhou Chong''s blood shadow exploded, some of his blood vanished, unable to return. His reformed blood shadow appeared much fainter, his expression dark and grim. He was forced to activate his true bone, expending his immortal essence and invoking transcendent rules. Crack! Nearby, Robot Number 5 was torn into four pieces but did not cease functioning. It melted and reformed itself, this time transforming into a mechanical tyrannosaurus. Boom! The robot, fast as lightning, pounced, willing to be hit by the transcendent rules again. It split in two, and its energy cannon simultaneously struck Zhou Chong, ejecting his true bone. The fallen tyrannosaurus head bit down on the only true bone Zhou Chong had left in the mortal world after his tribtion. Crack! The robot seemed to be performing a death roll, attempting to destroy the immortal bone. Zhou Chong was at a loss for words about this mechanical being, which alternated between technological sophistication, transcendent powers, and primitive ferocity, now even resorting to biting. A blinding light burst forth as the metallic tyrannosaurus''s mouth released an energy beam, hitting the bone and producing a faint crack. The true bone, already cracked from a past heavenly tribtion, now bore arger fracture. Robot Number 5 had indeed inflicted serious damage on Zhou Chong. As Zhou Chong unleashed various techniques, transcendent rules erupted, and the robot was reduced to scrap metal. However, Zhou Chong showed no joy. He gazed at the widening crack on his true bone, nearly brokenpletely. This active source of life needed careful cultivation to grow and eventually reform his true body. Its partial loss was more terrifying than a severe injury. Just as Zhou Chong prepared to pulverize the metallic fragments with his flying sword, they rapidly converged, melted, and then transformed into a metallic leopard, escaping swiftly. Number 5, the mechanical being, realized that in its level-two unlocked state, it was no match for this demon. Its opponent was gradually mastering its techniques. Zhou Chong''s expression darkened. Even in this state, the enemy could still reassemble itself? He once again employed transcendent rules, coldly stating, "I''ve found something akin to your spirit!" Number 5 was unique; it had a substance simr to a spiritual body, divided into multiple parts hidden in various sections of its body. With a whoosh, the transcendent rules shot out, piercing the spirit-like orbs in three ces. However, the metal leopard did not stop. It dashed like lightning, emerging from the ground and heading towards the mothership base outside Kanging City. Zhou Chong pursued, but as he left the city, he abruptly stopped, sensing something amiss. He immediately turned around and returned to the Sun family estate. Arriving there, he was stunned. Where was the God-ying Banner? It hadn''t been long; who could have taken it? He could hardly believe it. Looking down at the silver bell, he asked, "You still have a soul and spirit in the outside world, did you do this?" Mr. Ghost vehemently denied it, insisting his soul and spirit were far away, hiding in a jade coffin, and dared not approach this ce lightly. "If I can''t refine the divine bell and die here, that soul and spirit still have a chance to be reborn. How could I let them take such a risk with the even more dangerous God-ying Banner?" What about Yuan Hong? Zhou Chong saw fragments of a mirror on the ground, his heart sinking. He realized that something had changed here during his absence. His blood shadow trembled, his eyes cold. That was the God-ying g, lost since ancient times, and he had missed its reappearance. Entering the Sun family estate, he noticed the golden bamboo slips were also missing. He staggered, feeling the urge to vomit blood. Then a chill spread through his body. He had thought he was the earliest being to return from behind the veil, but now it seemed there might be others, perhaps not just one. He noticed something was amiss in the two secret vaults and dared not enter them. Calming himself, he considered that he had obtained the Soul Locking Bell, a divine object from ancient legends. Even if it wasn''t as powerful as the God-ying g, it wasn''t far behind. With these thoughts, he felt somewhat better. Silently moving through the Sun family estate, he sought to finish off this family, having sworn to a supreme being from behind the veil to deal with these mortals within three days before finding a way to reconstruct the pathway. Approaching the shrine, Zhou Chong''s heart raced. With his true bone on him, highly sensitive to mystical factors and beings ascending to immortality, he sensed the true bone within the statue and discovered that it had grown flesh and was in a deep slumber. His hairs stood on end, realizing this ce indeed had a master. Could it be that a supreme being had paid a terrible price to return prematurely? Holding the Soul Locking Bell, Zhou Chong''s expression was dark and uncertain. The immortal realm beyond the veil was far from the peaceful ce he had imagined, with constant battles. He pondered whether to eliminate the slumbering entity before him but eventually decided against it, fearing the repercussions of provoking a formidable being. He could see the entity''s intention clearly: to im the Sun family''s secret vault, umte all its treasures, and transform this ce into its own domain. If the myth of the Immortalspletely decayed in three years, leaving them unable to rise again, the entity wouldn''t have to worry. Havingid the groundwork early, it would control a financial powerhouse, ensuring a life of influence even as a mortal. Zhou Chong sighed. Two thousand years had passed, and the mortal world had changed drastically. Even mortals could now seriously harm Immortals, an unthinkable and uneptable reality for him. In his time, the appearance of a transcendent being could overturn dynasties. But in this new era, what had he experienced within just three days? First, he was bombarded by a warship at Yuan Chi Mountain, destroying the pathway, and now repeatedly shattered by a mechanical being. "This world has changed," he murmured, feeling the need to lie low, heal, and familiarize himself with the current state of the New World. Suddenly, a terrifying beam of light from the sky struck him, startling and infuriating him. Though he was momentarily distracted, another being of his level was targeting him. High above, Number 5 sat in the Sun family''s warship, personally directing an attack on Zhou Chong. Zhou Chong''s true bone cracked, blood sttered, and he roared in anger. Carrying the buzzing Soul Locking Bell, he burrowed underground, escaping using Earth Evasion. He had never imagined such a day of humiliation and hardship upon returning to the mortal world. Was there anyone else who had ascended to immortality more wretched than him? Kanging City calmed down, but the outside world was abuzz with noise, stirring up a hugemotion. Even though the Sun family wanted to conceal the truth, it was impossible. Under pressure from various parties, along with some people''s revtions and deductions, the truth was pieced together. At Yuan Chi Mountain, a gathering of transcendent beings was attacked by the Sun family with warships, aiming to eliminate everyone, but they had stirred up a ho''s nest. Grant from the Argon Consortium was among those revealing the truth. He was heartbroken, often saying he could hear the cries of Kristin in his dreams, who died tragically. "There''s a transcendent being retaliating against the Sun family, but it''s not Wang Xuan." "Where is the Sword Immortal? He couldn''t have died at Yuan Chi Mountain, could he? Killed by the Sun family''s warships!" For many days, the incident at Yuan Chi Mountain continued to escte. People spected about the strength of the blood shadow, the origins of the mechanical being, and the fate of Wang Xuan. "Wang Xuan couldn''t really have been killed by the Sun family, could he?" worried acquaintances voiced their concerns. For many days, there was no sign of Wang Xuan, no trace of information about him. Even his acquaintances like Zhong Cheng and Zhou Yun grew increasingly worried. Professor Lin and Qin Cheng were constantly making calls to various parties, seeking Wang Xuan and expressing their worries about his well-being. "Could Wang Xuan really be in trouble?" even Guan Lin wondered, frowning. Old Chen shook his head, confident in Wang Xuan''s survival, yet he remarked, "If that kid''s life is short and something has happened to him, then my son will be named Chen Xuan." ... Two months passed without any sign of Wang Xuan, leaving many familiar with him feeling uneasy. Others began to believe that the Sword Immortal had died. Wang Xuan secluded himself in the mountains, enjoying the undisturbed and pure cultivation away from the prying eyes of the financial powerhouses. He devoted this time to studying the golden bamboo slips, contemting this supreme scripture to determine his path. Additionally, he was slowly refining the God-ying Banner, cautiously interacting with the terrifying object over time. During these two months of Wang Xuan''s disappearance, the outside world underwent many changes. Discussions about transcendents becamemonce, with people mentioning various legends about the Immortals. Some high-ranking individuals in financial circles were affected by unusual urrences, such as the revival of ancient artifacts and dream visitations. The transcendents seemed to be drawing closer to reality, as if mythology was about to return. The family that considered itself the orthodox in the field of ancient arts, with several members who achieved immortality in ancient times, became increasingly active, hinting at something unfolding. Moreover, several old art families that had disappeared in the past also resurfaced, with individuals emerging from seclusion. "Those isted on the transcendent for many years might be brought back now that the tide of supermaterial is receding!" some in the financial powerhouses discussed. Everything was unfolding as Wang Xuan had predicted in this unique era. Various supernatural beings seemed to be emerging, making the New World increasingly restless. Chapter 253: A New Secret Chapter 253: A New Secret In the mountains, a simple thatched cottage, surrounded by vines and a clear spring, not far from a sereneke, provided a haven of peace and quiet. Outside the cottage was a stone table and stools, with a tall Osmanthus tree exuding a calming fragrance. This was a rare experience of detachment from the world for Wang Xuan, away from the bustle of the city and free from the disturbance of wild beasts. He temporarily escaped from the mundane world, immersing himself in the study of the golden bamboo slips, contemting his future path. Over the past two months, even on a New World depleted of transmaterial, his strength had improved. "Mist, the first minor realm of transcendence. Stepping into it for the first time, one''s spirit sees only darkness and flesh shrouded in dense fog," Wang Xuan pondered his cultivation journey. He thought about how the first person to enter this realm must have felt lost and bewildered, trapped in the mist within their own flesh, unable to see the path ahead. To better understand thews and find his way forward, Wang Xuan immersed himself in the mindset of the first transcendent beings, starting from the beginning. "Lamp Lighting, tearing through the mist with a strong will, umting enough spiritual energy to gradually see the way forward, freeing oneself from the shackles of the mind." Wang Xuan felt this was not an overnight achievement; many of the first transcendent beings might have never escaped the mist within their flesh. "Refining the spiritual realm, like hanging amp to illuminate the eternal night sky of immortality!" He admired the belief established by those people, guiding the direction, a feat likely not achieved in a single generation. "With the light of the spirit, illuminating the eternally silent transcendent night sky, stepping onto the path of immortality!" Wang Xuan wrote on the stone table. He was deeply moved, imagining those early humans in a primitive era, living in harsh conditions among beasts and monsters, yet possessing such enlightenment. "The one who established this belief, if still alive and continuing on the path of transcendent exploration, must be incredibly powerful by now." Such a person, if alive in the current era, would undoubtedly be formidable. After two months of cultivation and contemting the golden bamboo slips,paring them with the stone scriptures, Wang Xuan''s strength had advanced, bringing him to the brink of the Lamp Lighting realm. Lamp Lighting, illuminating the path with spiritual light, Wang Xuan had already glimpsed the realm of Life Soil, with stepping into that realm being imminent! "Life Soil, the origin of allws, the foundation for transcendents, is highly regarded by both pre-Qin alchemists and Daoists. It nurtures life and is the primal source of vitality for transcendental beings." The so-called Life Soil has no corresponding physical ce within the flesh and organs, yet it truly exists. When the Lamp Lighting realm reaches its end, one can step further into the Life Soil. "If transcendence fades, does it begin with the decay of Life Soil? The copse of the origin of allws, the ce of nurturing life, the primal source of transcendence, is critically important." Wang Xuan stood up, surrounded by fresh grass and beautiful scenery, like a purend detached from the world, yetcking in transmaterial. Previously, he often visited various temples and Daoist abodes to absorb mystical factors, which nearly saturated his flesh and blood. Moreover, both his flying boat and the yellow gourd stored arge amount of mystical factors. But two months of cultivation and scripture contemtion, sustaining him until now, had also nearly depleted his resources. Reading the golden bamboo slips andparing them with the stone scriptures, he sought a path that could be followed even after the depletion of transcendental materials. Yet now, he pondered, finding it exceedingly difficult. If in three years transcendence dissipates and the world corrects itself, returning to its normal trajectory without the soil for mythology, evenprehending the supreme scriptures seemed unable to change this situation. "Could the Inner Landscape be thest resort?" Wang Xuan frowned. Currently, every Celestial Immortal has opened an Inner Landscape, with some real bones drawing from it for revival and remolding flesh and blood. But he felt that once the time came, these realms would close, unable to draw in mystical materials any longer. Otherwise, Celestials would not be so helpless and even despairing about the future. However, Wang Xuan''s Inner Landscape was somewhat different. He could open it even in his mortal phase, without relying on transcendental powers! "I hope that in three years, my unique Inner Landscape can still be used to draw mystical factors from that unknownnd," Wang Xuan hoped. This might be fundamental to preserving his transcendent powers in the future. However, he couldn''t put all his hopes on it. What if his Inner Landscape was also locked or depleted by then? He needed to prepare for all possibilities and find one or two more footholds. Recently, reading the supreme scriptures of the alchemists, he found them extremely challenging. "In that era, powerful alchemists often captured sacred beasts and divine birds, not just for show or as a mode of transport, but also for cultivation." In this era, even if oneprehended theplex Golden Bamboo Slips, it would be difficult to replicate that path. How did those top alchemists cultivate? They plucked heavenly herbs, captured sacred beasts to refine essences, and bathed their physical bodies in sacred blood. "That era was enviable indeed, with abundant resources and various rarities everywhere. Though thepetition was fierce, it was a prosperous age for transcendent beings." The twenty-seven Golden Bamboo Slips contained the most powerful root methods, involving the highest spiritual realms, along with some real form diagrams, and the mostplex and difficult physical postures. They also noted the asional need for heavenly herbs and sacred beast blood to baptize the spirit and body. How could one practice such things in this era? "However, it might still be possible to practice. Some words on the slips are profound, suggesting that with enough confidence, one can internally cultivate divine brilliance." The path of the pre-Qin alchemists was rough, aiming for a holistic enhancement from the physical body to the spirit. "The Golden Elixir Path, integrating essence, qi, and spirit, umting essence in one ce to nurture a golden elixir and break through from that point..." From that day, he also read the Five-Colored Golden Elixir Scripture and the unrevealed secrets of the Buddha''s lineage the Shakyamuni True Scripture. Immersed in cultivation, Wang Xuanpared various scriptures daily, making discoveries in texts involving alchemists, Daoism, and Buddhism. "What is this? I seem to have found another secret path!" Half a monthter, with his spirit shining like amp in the night sky, he explored himself internally and unexpectedly found a vague scenery in the fog. After reaching the Lamp Lighting realm and dispelling the fog in his flesh, he found that the unreached realm of Life Soil still had mists swirling around it. Wang Xuan''s spiritual consciousness approached, and although he couldn''t step onto Life Soil yet and enter that realm, he was standing in the thick fog it emitted. He followed the wisps of mist, walking forward towards a blurry area. The fog seemed to form a path, winding and billowing ahead. As he progressed, distant scenery came into view - a deste area that appeared long uninhabited. Far ahead, a dpidated station stood by the roadside, withnterns hung in the dimness, most extinguished. The station, bearing an ancient style, was in ruins, with parts of buildings copsed. Only onentern still flickered faintly, casting an unstable light. Wang Xuan''s spiritual energy, like a burningmp, approached the station, noticing the hangingntern brightening slightly. It was as if this station belonged to him, his path; his light illuminating it, softening thentern''s glow. He had long known of multiple secret paths: the Inner Scenic Path, the Heavenly Medicine Path, the Path of Departed Lands, and others. Moreover, there was one path invisible to others but real, only discoverable and walkable by those who found this realm. "Seeking the Path!" Looking forward, the horizon was pitch ck. Vaguely, there seemed to be a vige, silent and oppressive, with no lights in any household. Wang Xuan, frowning, didn''t proceed further but explored the nearby station. It was deserted, bearing traces of past use. In the kitchen, still standing, lingered a faint fragrance. Dried remains of extraordinary herbs in the pot suggested a cultivator''s presence. Wang Xuan felt bewildered by this mysterious path, almost as if it were a real ce his spirit had stumbled into. "This isn''t an ordinary station; it seems like a resting ce for transcendent beings, even the food isn''t ordinary." Then, he found a wine gourd. Removing the stopper, even after many years, it still emitted a fragrant aroma, with a bit of sparkling liquid inside. "This..." Wang Xuan expressed surprise as the fragrance of the wine refreshed his mind, seemingly condensing his spiritual energy. He decided to drink it. In his current state of spiritual consciousness, he had no reservations. Only three drops of thick, sparkling golden liquor fell into his mouth, quickly transforming into energy. Instantly, his spiritual consciousness seemed ignited, bing intensely bright. He trembled lightly, feeling dizzy as if on the verge of transcending into a celestial being. His spiritual power was rapidly increasing, growing by about ten percent. Astonished, Wang Xuan stood motionless in the ancient kitchen. In this broken, partially copsed station, just three drops from a leftover wine gourd had such an incredible effect? Wang Xuan''s thoughts raced with excitement. Where exactly had he arrived, and what kind of path was this? "Heavenly medicine, Inner Landscape, the path of departednds, the journey of seeking... all are essences of the ancient arts, belonging to the secret paths of the Great Way. Have I embarked on a journey of seeking, arriving at an inconceivable ce?" This was just a station, yet it yielded such a discovery. Ahead, there might be even more unfathomable areas. Wang Xuan searched the area but found nothing else of value. Using his spiritual vision, he gazed forward. Beyond the lifeless vige, at the edge of the earth, there appeared to be a vague light, arge city illuminated bymps! He couldn''t help but walk towards the dark vige, eager to explore it and approach the illuminated area at the horizon''s end. Suddenly, he looked up. The dark night sky, devoid of stars and moonlight, had something falling one after another, withered yellow papers. Compelled, he reached out to catch them! Chapter 254: A Mysterious World Chapter 254: A Mysterious World In the pitch-ck night sky, withered yellow papers silently drifted down, seemingly bringing danger and unease. Wang Xuan caught them in his hand, only to find they were joss papers, burnt for the dead. He frowned, examining them repeatedly. The joss papers, some half-burnt, others intact, and aged, fell from the starless and moonless sky. Wang Xuan looked up at the sky, then towards the vige ahead. The sudden appearance of these papers seemed odd, making him furrow his brow. The vige was eerily silent,pletely dark, with not a single light on in any house. Wang Xuan hesitated for a moment before continuing towards the vige. He saw signs of age and destion a ce seemingly void of life for many years. The buildings were dpidated, some copsed, reminiscent of an ancient era. The streets were deserted, once bustling but now just marked by worn cobblestones. Wang Xuan walked down the main street, nced at the dark alleys, and used his spiritual vision to scrutinize them closely. He couldn''t resist entering a courtyard with a rotten gate and a copsed door. Inside the house, he quickly retreated upon finding several bodies. They were desated, existing for at least a few hundred years. When his spiritual essence, containing super-material, touched the corpses, they disintegrated instantly like dust. Wang Xuan was puzzled. The bodies seemed to be remnants of spiritual entities, not actual ancient remains. He explored many houses in the vige, finding most empty. asionally, desated bodies would disintegrate upon his touch. "This dead and silent world... It''s been devoid of life for centuries. Where exactly have Ie to?" Wang Xuan pondered. He aimed to pass through the dark vige and reach the illuminated area at the end of the earth, curious about whaty there. Suddenly, he felt a chill and swiftly turned around. At the street corner, a humanoid creature with erect ck fur and a pale, bloodstained face was pouncing towards him. Its cat-like body moved rapidly towards Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan struck out with a kick, his foot emitting thunderous light that illuminated the dark night. The once silent vige echoed with a ghastly scream. The ck-furred humanoid cat, with its half-charred human face, retreated rapidly. As an extraordinary creature, it seemed to exist between a spiritual and physical state, leaving Wang Xuan puzzled. He wondered if this world was purely a spiritual domain or a tangible reality. Wang Xuan levitated and quickly formed hand seals, utilizing a secret method from the Shakyamuni''s true scriptures. Instantly, the area was bathed in sacred golden light. The ck-furred creature wailed like a tormented ghost, resisting the light. Eventually, it exploded into blood and ck mist, dissipatingpletely. The entire street fell silent. Sensing the absence of any life in the vige, Wang Xuan proceeded forward, leaving the deste town behind. He observed more withered yellow papers falling from the dark sky, steeped in historical significance. Questioning who burnt these papers and if they fell from the heavens, Wang Xuan, in his spiritual form, soared into the night sky. Despite his rapid ascent, the chilling cold of deep space seemed endless, and the papers continued to fall intermittently. Feeling uneasy, Wang Xuan halted and decisively returned to the ground. At the horizon, he glimpsed a vast city enveloped in a hazy glow. "An ancient-style metropolis?" he wondered, relying on his spiritual eye to discern the vaguendscape. Resuming his journey, Wang Xuan sped across the destend, flying close to the ground. The world seemed lifeless, with barren fields and hollow viges he passed. He even saw numerous abandoned graves. Approaching the illuminated area, he saw a majestic, sprawling city. Soldiers in ancient armor were faintly visible on the city walls, a sight both grand and surreal. Suddenly, Wang Xuan tensed up as he saw several shadows emerging from a deste graveyard. The figures, startled, also noticed him. "Who''s there?!" a middle-aged man in spiritual form shouted. Wang Xuan, understanding and able to converse, calmly replied, "Someone like you." The group exchanged nces; some wore heavy armor, others ck and gold battle garments, all designed to protect their spiritual forms. Inparison, Wang Xuan''s attire was modest, with only a few pieces of dark red metal armor protecting his vital areas, salvaged from the remnants of Yuan Hong''s soul armor. "Understand the rules? Regardless of origin, don''t ask too much, trade, and go our separate ways," someone advised. Wang Xuan nodded silently. The night''s events were too bizarre, and he chose to adapt without changing his essence. He walked over and discovered that the deste graveyard was bustling with dozens, maybe hundreds of people, all setting up stalls and selling various items. "Buzhou Mountain''s specialty, Huorong grass, can enhance the cultivation of the Fire Path!" someone shouted, leaning against arge tombstone. In front of him on a tattered animal skin, a fiery red, glowing herb was disyed, palm-length with bright red leaves, as if aze. "Is it true? The path there has been cut off; has someone recently ascended Buzhou Mountain?!" The crowd gathered around in surprise. Wang Xuan''s expression twitched slightly. What kind of world had hee to that even Buzhou Mountain''s produce was avable? He watched quietly, blending in with the crowd. "Nine-leaf Tiger Ganoderma, stained with White Tiger blood, and a Seven-leaf Golden Lotus, stained with Jiao blood. Consuming both simultaneously merges the dragon and tiger, enhancing one''s cultivation by two or three minor realms," another vendor called out nearby, disying two blood-stained herbs. Wang Xuan was astonished; this ce seemed to have everything, reminiscent of ancient markets from the Old Earth, opening only at midnight, like a ghost market. "Shakya''s relics from the foot of Mount Sumeru, though damaged, likely a treasure. Once repaired, its power will be immense, with Buddha''s light shining brightly," another vendor announced. He sat in front of a tomb, with a mat spread out disying a partially damaged brass vajra. People crowded around, touching and weighing it, with most agreeing it likely originated from Mount Sumeru. In the shadow of the deste tombs, Wang Xuan strolled contemtively, his face expressionless as he surveyed the bewildering array of items for sale in this enigmatic marketce. Amidst the ancient graves, an elderly vendor called out, brandishing a weathered piece of animal skin. "Behold a fragment of a treasure map, possibly leading to the elusive Life Nurturing Furnace. A rare find for those daring enough to seek it!" he proimed. The map, tattered and iplete, bore the marks of centuries, its cryptic lines weaving tales of forgotten times. Curiosity rippled through the crowd, yet skepticism held them back. Murmurs echoed amongst the onlookers. "A map linked to a furnace fought over by the mightiest of Celestial Immortals? Can mere mortals dare to dream of possessing such a relic? Likely a fanciful fabrication," they spected with a mix of disbelief and awe. Wang Xuan, blending into the crowd, silently agreed. The lore of the Life Nurturing Furnace was steeped in legends too grand for the present reality. He moved on, his presence unnoticed, a specter among the living legends. Another vendor''s voice rose above the murmurs, promising the extraordinary. "Heavenly Thunder Fire, a remnant of celestial wrath, still aze with the fury that once struck down a great demon. A treasure for those who master the fire arts." The offer drew a throng of intrigued cultivators, their eyes alight with the possibility of harnessing such raw power. Yet, the steep price quelled their eagerness, leaving them to disperse in quiet resignation. Wang Xuan, drawn by the allure of the fire, contemted its potential to enhance his ancientmp. s, without the means to trade, he remained a silent observer, his form but a wisp in the spiritual realm. The night deepened, and with it came more curious offerings. "Dried peaches from the celestial Yaochi, a rarity not to be missed!" The promation stirred the crowd into a buzz of excitement, only to be met with a revtion that dampened their spirits. "Not the famed peach flesh, but mere bark, possibly a stray gift from the fabled Peach Garden," the vendor rified. Disappointment hung in the air, a stark reminder of the chasm between myth and reality. As the strange night wore on, a sudden surge of hostility shattered the eerie calm. From a cloaked flying boat, a squadron d in gleaming silver armor descended upon the gathering. Their unexpected assault, swift and silent, spoke of intentions as mysterious as the world Wang Xuan found himself in. "Stay where you are, don''t move, or face death," the leader in silver armor ordered. "Who snitched about this secret market? It''s been a long time since we''ve had a graveyard ck market. Is this really necessary?" someoneined angrily. Many traders froze in ce, their items being confiscated. "Not so fast! This is robbery, and I won''t stand for it!" Suddenly, a trader retaliated, brandishing arge seal that shattered the vessel and exploded several silver-armored soldiers. "There''s a major demon from the wanted list, capture him!" the leader of the silver-armored soldiersmanded, charging forward. "Run!" The graveyard erupted into chaos as traders and creatures of varying strengths fled in all directions. Wang Xuan joined the fleeing crowd, then veered off into the darkness when the pursuers were out of sight, determined to return to the real world. "Why are you following me?" he soon realized that the old man selling the ''Pan Peach bark'' was tailing him. The old man chuckled, "A few of those soldiers are after me. Let''s stick together." Wang Xuan saw five silver-armored soldiers in hot pursuit, clearly intent on capturing the old man. "You''re carrying stolen goods. Drop them and surrender!" the soldiers shouted, focusing on anyone with valuable items. Wang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, realizing these soldiers were strong but not at the level of transcendental beings. Yet, when they closed in, the old man suddenly turned on Wang Xuan, using him as a shield. Betrayed, Wang Xuan leaped up, breaking free with a burst of Buddha''s light. The soldiers converged on him, with one striking a thunderous blow. Wang Xuan countered, reeling from the impact. He used the momentum to escape again, understanding he was outmatched and couldn''t afford to be cornered. In the grand realm of the human world, which is divided into several smaller realms Mist, Lamp Lighting, Life Soil, Herb Gathering there are further minor realms that don''t directly lead into the Transcendental phase. These first four realms are universal across different systems, as Old Chen had pointed out. Wang Xuan knew that these pursuers were beyond the Herb Gathering realm, with the old man at the forefront being the strongest. Changing direction, he skimmed close to the ground, soaring away in flight once again. To his annoyance, the old man followed, apparently intending to use Wang Xuan as a shield again. Wang Xuan''s gaze turned icy. He employed a technique from the golden bamboo scrolls that showered him in a cascade of golden light, boosting his speed dramatically into a streak of light that shot away. However, the old man had his own treasures that boosted his speed, staying on Wang Xuan''s tail. The five soldiers, their armor glowing and wings of light unfurled, were not far behind. Although Wang Xuan was faster, he couldn''tpletely shake them off. "You better not push your luck!" Wang Xuan red back at the old man. "Hey, young man, we should share our fortunes and misfortunes together. Let''s escape together," the old man said with a shameless smile. Disgusted, Wang Xuan knew the old man was just looking to use him as a scapegoat. He remained silent, determined to return to the real world. If these people followed him out, he would make sure to teach them a lesson in humanity. "Hey, young man, you''re running the wrong way! This is a dead end, leading to endless darkness. You''ll get lost!" the old man shouted. Wang Xuan ignored him, flying close to the ground along the way he hade. The old man, determined, followed suit. The five soldiers in silver armor continued their pursuit, not halting for a moment. Wang Xuan saw the station, thenterns emitting a soft glow, guiding him home. The mist-constructed path was faintly visible in the distance. "My goodness, I seem to have discovered something incredible! Has someone opened a path?" The old man was shocked, then excitedly eximed. The five soldiers in silver armor, upon seeing the mist-formed path, were also stunned, then chased fervently, as if overwhelmed with excitement. As Wang Xuan returned to reality, he felt he could disrupt the mist-formed road and did so decisively. But those men followed him through, burning their soul bodies in a near-mad rush for speed. In the real world, as the misty path shattered, they fell in, all as spirit forms. "Ha ha... I knew it would be like this!" The old manughed wildly, trembling with excitement, almost frenzied. The soldiers were shocked, then roared skyward, their emotions fluctuating intensely, their eyes burning with fervor! They all turned their gaze towards Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan''s physical body had long since opened its eyes, coldly observing them. He gently waved a palm-sized golden g, its interwoven patterns instantly engulfing the six men in light. "No!" The old man, terrified, turned pale and screamed in fear. The soldiers in silver armor were horrified, struggling in vain. In an instant, all six exploded, in by the intertwining golden patterns of the g. How could such spirit forms survive in the presence of the divine g? On the ground, they left behind a few items, such as the ck tree bark and the silver armor. Chapter 255: Return Of The Transcendents Chapter 255: Return Of The Transcendents Wang Xuan, with his spiritual eye, confirmed that the six had perished, their spirit forms reduced to ash. These beings, who had pursued him from the mysterious world, were all beyond the Herb Gathering realm, and their escape could have caused great trouble. "Do you think just because you followed me here, you can do as you please?" Wang Xuan mused to himself, sitting at the stone table, fiddling with the golden g. This object was indeed terrifying, living up to its reputation as a legendary weapon of ughter. He put it away. "Is this really peach tree bark from the t Peach Garden?" he wondered, eyeing the ck object on the table. It felt heavy in his hand, emitting a fragrance that reached his spirit, seeming to exist between physical matter and energy. The t Peach Garden, believed to be in a higher spiritual world, might not be just a non-physical ce after all. "Hoping it''s the bark of a heavenly herb!" Wang Xuan stored it in his fragment of blessednd. Even if it was just bark from the t Peach Garden, it might contain some medicinal properties beneficial in the Herb Gathering realm. The old man had left behind armor specifically for protecting the spirit body, known in ancient times as a Primordial Spirit Armor. Surprisingly lightweight, it seemed to be made of yellow brass but felt almost weightless. Described in some texts as a special secret copper, this rare material was used to forge spirit armors to protect the primordial spirit. "Interesting," Wang Xuan noted, intrigued by the existence of both spirit forms and physical objects in that world. The secret copper soul armor was extraordinary, offering not just defense but a temporary boost in spiritual power. "What a fantastic item!" he eximed, finding it far superior to his own fragmented dark red armor. Recently, his spirit form had been almost "naked," but now he had a remarkable "garment." Made of rare secret copper, this so-called armor consisted only of a vest andrge trousers, leaving his arms, lower legs, and head exposed. Eager to experience the benefits of the secret copper soul armor, Wang Xuan''s spirit left his body. His flight speed increased, and he could travel farther from his physical form. "Really nice!" he nodded, very satisfied. The silver armors left by the five soldiers were also protective of the soul and could unfold light wings, but they were slightly inferior to the secret copper soul armor. Certainly, these were also exceptional transcendent treasures in their own right. Wang Xuan''s journey of discovery had brought him significant gains: the three drops of spirit-boosting liquor, the bark from the t Peach Tree, the spirit armor, and the experience of a mysterious world. He spected that multiple visits might confirm some of his theories. "Igniting themp of the spirit to find a path, stepping into such a world!" Wang Xuan pondered this bizarre experience, wondering how he had crossed over. Journeying through the mist rising from the Life Soil, he had entered a strange world where he could bring back both spirit forms and actual physical objects. "This is far from simple," he mused for a long time. However, he couldn''t risk going back just yet, to avoid any further trouble. He harbored various doubts and guesses about that world, regretting not reaching the illuminated city and inadvertently getting involved in a graveyard ck market. "In the dark, silent vige, there''s no transcendent matter, but that peaceful giant city and the world beyond it must have abundant transcendent factors to support those people''s cultivation," Wang Xuan anticipated eagerly, yearning to explore more. "I wasn''t fishing; they insisted on chasing me and following me out," he said to himself. In the following days, he quietly studied various scriptures, contemting his future path. Ten dayster, he realized his transcendent matter was running low. After spending over two months hidden in the deep forest, he wondered about the outside world and missed the temples and monasteries. "The so-called decay of the transcendent after three years was already being mentioned a few months ago. Strictly speaking, there are still over two years left," Wang Xuan reminded himself to make the most of the remaining time. He suspected that in the two months of his absence, the world might have seen significant changes, with various supernatural beings gradually emerging. He longed to stay under the water, hidden from the world, observing the chaos from afar and watching the performances of various factions. Unfortunately, he now found himself short on transcendent matter. Almost three months had passed in the outside world, and indeed, there had been several developments. The transcendent was inching closer, casting faint shadows of myths and legends from history into the present. In certain financial conglomerates, unspoken changes were happening among the higher echelons. Some became more introspective, others showed unusual expressions, while some bore hidden worries. This unrest stemmed from the asional disturbances in their secret vaults, where certain artifacts began to glow, revive, and emit faint, mysterious changes. The most unsettling aspect for them was that key individuals received visits in their sleep, engaging in brief conversations with these visitors. The Sun family, in particr, had been very cautioustely. Some of their members had moved into the mothership, seemingly waiting for something. On New World, some Daoist temples and ancient monasteries were exceptionally efficacioustely, emitting wisps of mist that irresistibly drew people to offer incense and prayers. "I was visited in a dreamst night too. The person imed to be our ancestor and said they were sending someone back..." someone said with a grave expression. People, concerned and anxious, sought advice from professionals. Others, however, remained calm, secretly weing the transcendent and engaging in confidential discussions, unafraid even of meeting in dreams. Recently, divine artifacts had been resonating, ancient temples glowing these phenomena were no longer surprising. It seemed as if transcendent forces were intertwining and interfering with the real world. Old Chen had been particrly busy. As a senior expert in the field, he was constantly being invited by various families to address their transcendent issues. For instance, an ancient painting in a family''s mansion was suspected ofing to life at night, with a woman seemingly stepping out of it to sing and dance a hair-raising scenario. Old Chen, as a transcendent specialist, was quickly summoned to investigate and analyze the situation. In another case, a newborn in a core member''s family of a major organization was unnaturally precocious, prompting a consultation with Old Chen. The Sun family hadtely been too preupied to focus on him. After Zhou Chong''s aggressive invasion, they were shaken and now umting strength. Coborating closely with the Argon Consortium, they were developing new warships. "Did our great-grandfather really wake up? I feel like he moved. One night, I thought I saw lighting from his room," Cheng Cheng muttered. He sighed, "It''s a pity about Old Wang. If he hadn''t been blown up by those damned Suns, we could have asked him to check this out." Cheng Qing, pure and beautiful, said, "Wang Xuan might not necessarily be dead. Look at Chen Yongjie; he''s not rushing to seek revenge against the Sun family, which could indicate something." By September on New World, the brother and sister had started their school term. Although they hadn''t graduated yet, they were spending most of their time at home due to a sense of unease. "But he''s been missing for almost three months now. Even the Sun family has confirmed his death. Sun Yichen let slip at thest gathering, after having too much to drink, sneeringly telling us that Wang Xuan was utterly annihted." He added, with a sigh, "Old Wang, I''m sorry. I still owe you a scripture. Next time, Ill burn a real photo album for you." Following this, he was promptly ''educated'' by Cheng Qing! Lately, the Huang family had been very active, considering themselves the orthodox lineage of the Old World. It was said that in ancient times, several members of their family had ascended to immortality. Being a family with secret traditions, they indeed possessed numerous ancient artifacts that had survived to this era. Recently, some of these objects had started to revive, boosting their confidence. Even mysterious voices had begun to converse with the elders of the family! "Our ancestors are manifesting and will soon return!" an elder said, barely containing his excitement. In the ancestral hall of the Huang family, mystical substances were pervading, and abnormal phenomena were urring. "Practicing in the ancestral hall is incredibly effective, almost like returning to the ancient transcendent era described in our family records. I... am about to make a breakthrough!" Members of the Huang family were astonished. Recently, the atmosphere for cultivation had intensified, and everyone was working hard. "It reminds me, back in the day, a bunch of powerful individuals followed the financial conglomerates into deep space and never returned. It''s such a pity. Lately, I''ve heard that some are trying to bring them back. I hope they''re still alive. After all, several of our family''s experts were among them!" In recent times, other Old World families had experienced simr anomalies. In the city of Su, Qin Cheng was brimming with confidence at Kaiyuan University, gearing up for his impending duel against a disciple from the Huang family. He reassured Professor Lin, his mentor, "Professor, I''ll avenge you for that punch hole they left on your chest. Don''t worry, I won''t bully them. I''ll just sweep them away fairly and squarely!" He then sighed, adding, "Old Wang, are you really gone? I hope you''re still out there..." Professor Lin responded with a weary sigh, "Let the past be the past. Just ensure it''s a fair fight this time, and be mindful of the limits. I do hope Wang Xuan is safe. With the resurgence of the transcendent, it could have been a great opportunity for him..." Indeed, even three monthster, Wang Xuan was still a topic of conversation, not just among acquaintances but on secretworks and various tforms. "There are all these supernatural events happening recently, it''s like myths areing to life again. But it''s a pity about the Sword Immortal. He passed away too soon," someonemented. Another added, "It seems other transcendent beings are starting to make their presence felt. A new era is upon us, but we won''t get to see the Sword Immortal''s flying sword soaring through the skies anymore." In the meantime, two spacecrafts returned from the depths of space, brought back by the Sun family, creating a sensation. Learning of this, the major financial conglomerates started to mobilize, sending their own ships and fleets into deep space. Simultaneously, rumors of mythical beings began to circte. One person imed to have seen a fox spirit, a white fox transforming into a beautiful woman emerging from ancient ruins. Another reported sighting a person emerge from the bottom of ake and disappearing in a sh. Old Chen, upon hearing these tales, sighed deeply, "The world of humans is about to undergo a monumental change..." Chapter 256: Change Has Come To The Human Realm Chapter 256: Change Has Come To The Human Realm Chen Yongjie naturally felt the pressure. Was this the rhythm of the Celestials'' return? The blending of myth and reality was bound to create a series of severe problems. "There''s nothing to fear," he said. "I''ve always regretted not being born in the splendid era of ancient transcendents, missing the chance topete with those legendary figures. Now the opportunity hase to coexist with the Celestials in this era!" These were turbulent times, with the current transcendent beings of the world possibly being courted or even purged inplex scenarios. Chen Yongjie was bolstering his confidence, determined not to be intimidated. "We''re going back to the Old World," dered Guan Lin, nning to ask Qian An, Ling Qiming, and others for personal escort, guessing that no one would dare to attack their spacecraft in such a case. Chen Yongjie sighed, "I feel the problems in the Old World might be more serious. It''s likely to be chaotic, with many myths and legends originating from there." It had been three months since he and Guan Lin had gotten their marriage certificate. "Where has Wang Xuan gone? Could he really be dead?" Chen Yongjie frowned, even he was starting to doubt. Musing to himself, he said, "If you were short-lived and unfortunately passed away, my son will be named Chen Xuan, and if it''s a daughter, Chen Xuan." In the following days, various spacecraft returned from the edge of deep space, secretly bringing back many who had been missing for a long time. The Hidden Land was a transcendent, explored for many years by the Eastern conglomerates. However, before this, there was another ce named Blessed Land. Years ago, when the transcendent matter surged, the energy of the Blessed Land increased dramatically, making it inessible to various spacecraft and detectors, with many strong beings lost there. Since then, the people of the New World had to abandon the Blessed Land. ording to the White Peacock of the Hidden Land, this was thest brilliance before the decay of mythology. Now, the life known as the Blessed Land, where the transcendent tide was gradually receding, had be essible to spacecraft and lifeboats again. The Sun family had been paying close attention to the Blessed Land, especially since they had recently faced some setbacks and were eager to retrieve those trapped there. They were the first to act, as a significant part of their exploration team had been lost there years ago. Their sess sparked others to follow suit. Upon hearing the news, Chen Yongjie appeared thoughtful. Familiar faces came to mind, some powerful figures from his era and even older, who had disappeared for many years, never to be seen again. Among them was his senior disciple, Wei Feng, missing for over a decade, with his fate - whether dead or trapped in the Blessed Land - unknown. "I need to retreat and meditate. I''ve umted enough in the Life Soil realm; it''s time to advance further. I can''t waste the medicinal soil I carry," Chen Yongjie murmured to himself. He had obtained this special soil in front of the celestial curtain at Earth Immortal City. Appearing like a jade stone, it actually contained the essence of celestial medicine, originating from a Buddhist Bodhisattva. Ideal for transcendent beings at the Life''s Soil or Herb Picking stages, from that day, Chen Yongjie disappeared from public view. "Incredible! I encountered a celestial at the ancient osmanthus forest near Moon Viewing Cliff! A breathtakingly beautiful woman smiled enchantingly and vanished in the blink of an eye," someone eximed. "Guys, I too experienced something supernatural. Have you heard of Demon God Ridge? Locals dare not tread there. Today, streaks of blood-red lightning and light rain appeared, as if some creature emerged. I was so scared, I fled in my hovercar," another person shared. Over the next few days, bizarre incidents cropped up in various ces, bing increasingly sensational and drawing widespread attention, even causing concern among the conglomerates. In the underground base of the Sun family, the Number Five Mechanical Being, having been reactivated, hadn''t gone back to dormancy. Standing atop a mountain, it gazed into space, its eye sockets shing with mysterious symbols. It was receiving a special frequency signal, trembling and shaking - unusual emotions for a mechanical being that would baffle onlookers. Its eyes disyed a series of enigmatic messages, hard-won signals it was now rapidly broadcasting outwards. In the distant cosmos, near a wormhole, a dpidated mothership flickered weakly. It revived momentarily to respond to the intermittent signals from the Mechanical Being and then attempted to ry the message into the wormhole. Evidently, it served merely as a ry station! Deep in the mountains, by ake, Wang Xuan, d in his Mysterious Copper Soul Armor, embarked on another journey through the mists emanating from the Realm of Life''s Soil, chasing after the vaguendscapes in the distance. Following a unique path, he entered the mysterious world again. Quickly, he arrived at the familiar station, where the hangingnterns were still lit. He sighed lightly and hastened forward. After several days, he was back, intent on exploring the luminous area of this enigmatic world to verify some theories. Passing the deste town under the silent night sky, Wang Xuan frowned at the ceaselessly falling, yellowed paper money, a relic from an ancient era. He continued toward the bright horizon, extra cautious this time and constantly using his Spirit Eye to scan the surroundings, wary of the troubles he''d encountered before. Pausing, he stared into the darkness ahead. His Spirit Eye detected something unusual: a person lurking in arge grave. Quickly, he turned and left, aborting the exploration. The turmoil from hisst visit hadn''t subsided; silver-armored soldiers were still hidden in the graveyard, persistently holding their ground dayster. "Sigh, the chaos fromst time led to the annihtion of that troop, all killed by a major demon from the wanted list. Even the reinforcements, wielding a great seal made from the native copper of Mount Wuzhou, were crushed. The higher-ups are furious, casting wides to capture the demon. It''s uncertain when this will end." "Troubled times indeed, with incessant disturbances. The city''s elite are anxious, wondering if they should ally with that peerless powerhouse from afar." In the real world, Wang Xuan opened his eyes and sighed. No secret path was safe and easy; they were all fraught with danger. The secret path he had discovered, for example, might have been beneficial in peaceful times, but now, the mysterious world seemed far from tranquil. If he carelessly encountered a transcendent being of a higher realm than Xiaoyao, being targeted would have serious consequences. By now, Wang Xuan had nearly exhausted the mysterious substances stored in his little golden gourd and the flying boat. Lacking these resources, he felt it was time to seek out a Daoist temple or an ancient monastery to replenish his supplies. He believed he was close to entering the Realm of Life''s Soil and needed just a bit more to progress further. Frowning, he noted an increase in surveince devices in the area. Top organizations were intensifying their monitoring efforts, indicating that significant events were unfolding in the outside world. He had avoided most of these devices but had destroyed a few. It seemed he could no longer stay hidden in this location. One morning, after freshening up, Wang Xuan spotted a tiny reconnaissance drone flying nearby. Realizing his location had been inadvertently exposed, he destroyed the intrusive bee-like drone and decided to leave the forest. At Kaiyuan University''s Human Potential Research Institute, apetitive event between various colleges was unfolding. Qin Cheng, eagerly awaiting his chance, was set to face an opponent rted to the Huang family. He intended to vindicate Professor Lin. This battle attracted considerable attention, partly because of Qin Cheng''s association with Wang Xuan, which was no secret to many. However, Wang Xuan''s disappearance cast a shadow of regret over the event. Qin Cheng''s opponent was a tall, robust young man trained by the Huang family, known for upholding the orthodox traditions of the Old Arts. Rumors were circting that someone from the Huang family had recently returned from the Blessed Land, leading to spections that the Huangs might now possess a transcendent being. In their encounter, Qin Cheng, disying stable and efficient performance, defeated the robust young man from the Huang family, leaving him staggering back, spitting blood. Adhering to Professor Lin''s instruction, Qin Cheng held back from causing severe injury, showing a measure of restraint. Initially, this event did not cause much stir, passing rather uneventfully. However, following the emergence of Wang Xuan''s whereabouts, the situation subtly shifted. The Huang family, intrigued by the recent prominence of this transcendent being, grew suspicious after carefully reviewing his information. Some members of the Huang family even entered their ancestral shrine to pray and perform a ritual in their sleep, hoping tomunicate with the mysterious forces. The first blurry images of Wang Xuan appeared on the secret web, revealing that he was still alive. "Look who''s here, the Wang''s Contempt Image, back in the world!" someone eximed. Several powerful families'' detectors captured Wang Xuan''s presence, yet they remained silent, observing to see if any incidents would unfold. When a young member of a family couldn''t contain himself and posted the photo on the secret web, it caused a sensation. He was subsequently harshly reprimanded by his family. "Why did you release this? In the current environment, why would you stir things up?" they scolded. Regardless, the damage was done. The leaked photo stirred significant reactions. "No way, the Sword Immortal reappears! Who said he was dead? The Wang''s Contempt Image, let''s see what those rumor-mongers have to say now!" people eximed. Once the news spread, it was no longer a secret. Different groups were shaken by the revtion that the transcendent being Wang Xuan was not dead but very much alive, surprising many. The news that Wang Xuan had survived the explosive attack on Yuanchi Mountain by warships left everyone dumbfounded. As a result, Zhou Yun, Zhong Qing, Chen Yongjie, and others were bombarded with calls, everyone eager to know the specifics. They themselves were bewildered - how had Wang Xuan suddenly reappeared? At the Sun family, faces were grim. The entire point of destroying Yuanchi Mountain was to eliminate Wang Xuan and eradicate a transcendent being, but the primary target had survived. Upon hearing the news, members of the Sun family felt as if they had been pped hundreds of times, their faces swollen with humiliation. It seemed to them that Wang Xuan''s return was a mockery of their efforts. Sun Yichen, in particr, was furious enough to smash his phone. He had recently boasted that Wang Xuan was utterly annihted, yet here he was, emerging nonchntly from the forest. "Return of the Sword Immortal!" This news spread rapidly across major tforms, creating a massive sensation. Wang Xuan, for his part, did not want to concern himself with these matters. After briefly assuring some old friends of his safety, his n was to find a Daoist temple or an ancient monastery, replenish what he needed, advance to the Life Soil realm, and then leave it all behind. However, he was aware that just because he didn''t seek trouble, didn''t mean others would leave him be. The world seemed to have changed, with the transcendenting closer and myths entering reality. If anyone targeted him and he couldn''t avoid confrontation, he wouldn''t hesitate to defend himself. Wang Xuan was ready to test his cultivation and the might of his powerful weapons against any rogue entities that dared challenge him. Chapter 257: The Beginning Of The Supernatural Chapter 257: The Beginning Of The Supernatural After three months that felt detached from the world and his journey into a mysterious realm where yellow paper money fell in a dead town, Wang Xuan returned to the city, seamlessly blending into the familiar environment. The prolonged absence made the return all the moreforting, easily evoking memories of past joys. "The greatest beauty of the human world is its vibrant life," he mused. Having experienced the darkness of that other world and traversed the silent towns, Wang Xuan pondered the harrowing prospect of the New World and the Old World descending into darkness, devoid of the sun, stars, and moon, where all life ceased, and everything became lifeless. Such a thought was both cruel and terrifying. To avoid extreme incidents, he remained vignt, purposefully choosing to travel through densely popted areas. Fortunately, the Sun family hadn''t gone mad, and no other organizations were targeting him, allowing Wang Xuan to smoothly return to Suzhou City, where he had a meal with Professor Lin and Qin Cheng. Afterward, he left the city to visit Qian An, taking the initiative to seek him out. Inside the Sun family, some members brooded with darkened expressions, contemting a secret mission to deploy a small warship to bomb Wang Xuan. Ultimately, they decided against issuing such an order. The situation on New World was tooplex, and they still shivered at the memory of a transcendent blood shadow invading their stronghold, ying dozens. Especially perplexing was Wang Xuan''s survival; he should have been obliterated at Mount Yuan Chi. "We saw him climbing the mountain. Now it seems he anticipated our move and merely feigned his ascent before quickly retreating," they sighed, regretting how Wang Xuan had exploited their eagerness to eliminate him. Sun Rongsheng''s eyes glinted sinisterly as he instructed someone to inform Grant of the Argon Consortium to investigate further, suspecting Wang Xuan might have used his granddaughter. He cautioned, "Just stick to the facts, no exaggeration." "Let''s deploy the Number Five Mechanical Being to crush him. Then we can send people we''ve retrieved from the Blessed Land to handle the aftermath. We really can''t afford to leave him alive," Sun Chengqian suggested. Sun Rongsheng hesitated, fearful of the consequences during such a critical period. Aggressive action could make the Sun family a public enemy among transcendents. Relying too heavily on their mothership and exposing their trump card through repeated aggressive actions was not wise. The situation was unfavorable, and they felt cornered. They had inside information that the Sun family might be toppled and needed to endure these three years. The Zheng family had already fallen, reced by others. But the notion that the fallen immortals, even if they reemerged, would be extremely weakened and thus manageable, now seemed wed. The appearance of the blood shadow had terrified them, instilling fear. "We underestimated the ancients. We thought they were outdated, physically weakened, and out of touch with the times. Now it seems their conflicts might be unfolding through us," Sun Rongsheng murmured. They now had reason to believe some information was credible, while others might be using modern forces to eliminate transcendents, clear the field, and destroy enemies. "Should we establish more connections? I''m worried some scripts have already been written in advance!" Qian An warmly weed Wang Xuan, feeling reassured by his visit. Wang Xuan''s return to life and his immediate visit to check on Qian An''s health made him trust the younger man''s reliability. "I''ve promised to rejuvenate you several times, and I will do my best to fulfill that," Wang Xuan said with a smile. He reassured Qian An of hismitment to seeing things through as long as he was alive. Then, Wang Xuan got straight to work, apanying Qian An to the Daoist temple. Both host and guest were pleased with their meeting, discussing the art of nourishing life before the temple''s divine statue. "One must find sce for the soul. Qian, you believe in the transcendent and have been focusing on tranquility and embracing the Daoist principle of non-action. I think it''s effective. You should also immerse your mind in nature, letting it roam among the colorful clouds, without being constrained by formality," Wang Xuan advised. Qian An agreed, sharing his recent travels to the sea, the moon, and asteroid resorts in deep space. Emting the immortals as a mortal and exploring the vastness of the universe had left him feeling refreshed in both body and mind. Their conversation was lively and harmonious. Then, Wang Xuan guided Qian An into a meditative state, helping him rejuvenate with mystical energy. Wang Xuan himself spent the night meditating in the temple, drawing in the mystical substances he needed while also helping Qian An revitalize. That night, Wang Xuan sat in the temple like an otherworldly sage, his presence shrouded in mist, making Qian An feel as if he was far above in the clouds, not of the mortal world. Finally, reaching a critical juncture, Wang Xuan felt his spirit rise like amp in the eternal night sky, illuminating his path forward. He was on the verge of a breakthrough, stepping from the realm of the Lamp Lighting into Life Soil. In stillness, Wang Xuan''s spirit delved within, the Lamp of Illumination lighting his way. His spirit advanced step by step, approaching that mysterious realm where life began, and teeming with vitality, veiled in a light mist that danced upwards. Wang Xuan stepped into the Life Soil realm, instantly feeling a dramatic shift in the world around him. His spirit''s perception skyrocketed, his body vibrated lightly, and a faint glow enveloped him. Sessfully breaking through to the Life Soil realm, he felt his life had found a solid foundation in this mysteriousnd, which seemed naturally designed to nourish spirit and flesh. "This is where allws begin, where the transcendent firmly stands. My spirit roots here, illuminating my fate and gazing upon the eternal night sky of immortality. Everything starts from here!" Wang Xuan stood on this enigmatd, feeling his essence, energy, and spirit climbing steadily, his power visibly growing. Internally tranquil, he felt like a seed in the soil of fate, freshly sprouted, a tender shoot on the path of Dao. Qian An, in the outside world, was mesmerized by Wang Xuan''s youthful visage. He seemed more ethereal and sacred than any deity, shrouded in a misty light, as if seated beyond the mortal realm. As calm returned, Wang Xuan took a deep breath, feeling the nourishment of the Life Soil, realizing its profound mysteries. Opening his eyes, he gave Qian An a smile that radiated a simple and serene moonlight. Extending his spirit, Wang Xuan gently lulled Qian An into a deep sleep. Then, his spirit left his body, swiftly traveling afar. He tested his new abilities, reaching a distance of twenty miles from his physical form, a feat that would astonish any transcendent being. In the Life Soil realm, such distant travels were akin to divine roaming. Additionally, his spirit was now apanied by wondrous visions of mountains, seas, sunsets overva fields, and faint winds of tribtion from the higher realms. These marvels no longer resided within his flesh but followed his spirit, swirling around him, captured from mysterious realms beyond. Wang Xuan mused about the Five-Colored Golden Elixir Path of Chen Tuan, wondering if it was inspired by such phenomena. He believed in understanding from the source rather than imitating, seeing the ancients as equals to discover a more formidable path. "Mountains, inds, return to the earth. Lava, sunsets, return to fire. Blue seas, long rivers, return to water..." Wang Xuan mused as he arranged the etherealndscapes surrounding his spirit. He wove these elements - earth, fire, wind, and water - into a garment of Dao, draping it over himself for protection. "Did I inadvertently stumble upon a realm akin to the ancient Immortals, who emphasized the immortality of the primordial spirit and the protection of Daoist robes?" Wang Xuan pondered calmly, his spirit basked in moonlight, standing under the night sky as if he were ascending, embodying the natural way of the Dao. He did not blindly idolize the ancients, as he had ess to an abundance of scriptures, some of which were monumental works that shook the very foundations of history. Even with his insights, he did not find them preposterous; he felt it was only natural for him to reach such heights. To him, this was normal, but to others, it would be astounding. Having just stepped into the Life Soil realm, he was already exhibiting such prowess. This effortless disy of strength might be intimidating to others. With a whoosh, Wang Xuan vanished from the moonlit sky and returned to his physical body, abruptly opening his eyes. Looking around the Taoist temple, his spiritual realm extended, revealing a bone within a copper wall. This time, without having to leave his body, he possessed a glimpse of the Heavenly Eye''s capabilities. He increasingly realized the significance of the saying "Life Soil is the beginning of allws." From this point forward, everything changed for him. He could stand on this mysterious ground, umting transcendent power, transforming the ethereal into reality, and crafting his own mythic domain. "Is it about to resurrect?" he wondered, looking at the bone in the copper wall, where faint blood strands intertwined, hinting at life gestating within, with a shadow dormant inside the bone. Rising, Wang Xuan decided not to continue harvesting the Immortals'' mystical substances from this ce. After tidying up Qian An''s body and awakening him, he bid farewell. "I''ll send a car to take you home!" Qian An offered, looking at Wang Xuan''s young and gentle face, feeling as if he was in the presence of a future Immortal or Buddha. "No need, I''ll walk back under the moonlight," Wang Xuan declined, heading towards the forests outside Suzhou City. He had spotted a creature observing him while his spirit was extended twenty miles away, and now, with his spirit and body unified in an unprecedented state, he wanted to investigate further. "Those men who returned from behind the curtain and that transcendent mechanical being all had serious issues. They were not at the level of carefree wandering masters," he reflected. After stepping into the Life Soil realm, Wang Xuan understood the battle at the Sun family more clearly. His mind was tranquil andposed. "The Immortals have indeed decayed after falling to the mortal realm, being cut down across numerous realms. Given some more time, anything could be possible for me," he contemted, walking through the moonlit forest, covered in a veil-like serenity. "Ah, you really dared toe?" The figure in the forest, seemingly a woman, expressed surprise. She had been observing from afar and hadn''t expected him to confront her directly. She stepped out of the woods gracefully, her white dress fluttering under the moonlight, enhancing her ethereal presence. With her stunning beauty and captivating eyes, she bore the semnce of a fox spirit. "Are you one of those beings who emerged from behind the curtain?" Wang Xuan asked calmly. The woman''s expression shifted to intrigue. She smiled and said, "You don''t seem to have... reverence for the Immortals? You''re a bit different, aren''t you? Let''s see what makes you special." She moved with an otherworldly grace, but her attack was terrifyingly swift. Her snow-white, crystalline palm shed through the air, releasing a blinding beam of light aimed at Wang Xuan. "I came here with sincerity, hoping to have a conversation," Wang Xuan said. But when he countered, he did so with unrelenting force. Boom! Stepping forward, he appeared tranquil and serene like a banished immortal, yet his fist erupted with a brilliance like the zing sun, shaking the night sky. This was a technique from the Golden Bamboo Scroll, a formidable art rarely mastered even by transcendent beings. His understanding of it was one of his achievements over the past three months. His Ascension Fist shone brilliantly, apanied by a shower of celestial light,pressing the space in front and sweeping away the darkness. Bang! Their sh was explosive. Despite the woman''s peak medicinal gathering strength, she found herself overpowered. Her arm shattered, and then her chest was pierced. Wang Xuan''s fist, enveloped in radiant light, burst through her, and with a loud explosion, she disintegrated. Scattering into particles of light, the woman''s face bore an expression of disbelief as she vanished into the night sky. "If the real body is just as weak, that would be even better," Wang Xuanmented, turning away without a second nce and disappearing into the distance under the moonlight. In a city on New Star, a woman in white, freshly bathed and donning her nightgown, was enjoying the novelty andfort of the era. Suddenly, she jolted in rm, sensing something amiss. "How interesting, my paper effigy was destroyed with just one punch. Such a ruthless approach!" she muttered, exhaling a breath of frustration. Chapter 258: Breakthrough Of Transcendents Chapter 258: Breakthrough Of Transcendents Bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, with a misty haze rising from the ground, Wang Xuan strolled contemtively. He gazed at the profound night sky, pondering whether the world behind the curtain belonged to a parallel universe or was it merely a mythological world temporarily constructed from transcendent material energy, clinging to the current world? As the transcendent materials dissipated, unable to sustain the myth any longer, he questioned if it was more than just that. Perhaps thews of the transcendent were also gradually losing their effect, akin to the physicalws of the real world losing their meaning one day. "Why have the Immortals returned in such a weakened state?" he wondered. "Is mythology just an ident?" The current correction of the real world seemed an irrefutable higherw, destined to revert all transcendent phenomena back to their original state. What then was the basis for the idental creation of such a beautiful mythological mirage? Standing alone under the night sky, Wang Xuan pondered for a long time. Was there a real soil for mythology to exist beyond this vast universe? To understand this ident, he needed to explore its source and discover its essence. In the higher spiritual realms, intertwined with mysterious and colorful lights, would these realms still exist once the transcendent falls silent forever? And what lies beyond the highest of these spiritual worlds? Wang Xuan didn''t leave the city. His spacecraft and the golden gourd, major consumers of transcendent materials, needed replenishing. "It''s time to exchange for some rare items," he thought, realizing that opportunities were dwindling. As the ancient temples and sanctuaries began to revive, their secret repositories were bing targets of interest. The return of the Immortals, transcendent beings, spacecraft, mechanical beings, and mythological creatures signaled an end to this period of calm. Contrary to Wang Xuan''s expectations, the next day brought very few who sought his services for prolonging life. Their enthusiasm seemed dampened, as if everyone was waiting and watching for something. Wang Xuan was surprised by theposure of these elders. He received several unexpected calls and messages, with offers to exchange old-world techniques. Wang Xuan brushed these off withoutmitment. Invitations from the Huang and Yun families, of which he was unaware, puzzled him. Where had these families sprung from? Soon, Professor Lin informed him that these were families steeped in the ancient arts. Wang Xuan also learned that among those contacting him were transcendent beings. "Thend of blessing has been unsealed, and many have returned from deep space," he was told. Both Chen Yongjie and Zhou Yun, among others, were well-informed and advised Wang Xuan to be cautious. New transcendent beings, brought back by various organizations, were lurking on New Star. Realization dawned on Wang Xuan were these his businesspetitors? These organizations had brought back transcendent beings; perhaps their higher-ups believed these new beings could extend their lives, reducing the need for equal exchange with him. "No wonder these old men, who usually cling so dearly to life, have grown less proactive," Wang Xuan mused. Not all transcendent beings could extend life unless they possessed methods from the realm of the new arts, capable of consuming others'' lives. Indeed, some within the wealthy families had enlisted new transcendent beings to prolong their lives, treating them like honored guests. These returned beings from thend of blessing, having demonstrated their powerful abilities, were mistakenly believed by some elders to be capable of life extension. As a result, many had be more rxed. Some even regretted their previous transactions with Wang Xuan. For example, Song Yunmented giving him the dark gold vessel, now deeming it an overpayment since the returnees from thend of blessing could also extend life. Qin Hongyuan, who had given Wang Xuan pages of the Shakyamuni True Scripture, was now in a dilemma. Should he continue his arrangement? While Song Yun ultimately decided to stick with Wang Xuan, having already paid the price with the vessel, Qin Hongyuan chose to stop further losses, holding back the remaining pages of the scripture. Thus, when Wang Xuan proactively reached out to him, Old Qin politely declined, iming he was heading to the moon for recuperation and would discuss the matter upon his return. Wang Xuan, without a word, recognized that aggressively pursuing business was not his style. He had approached his old clients with the intention of a good beginning and a good ending, but Old Qin didn''t seem to appreciate it. Traveling eastward from Suzhou, located in the central region of Zhongzhou, Wang Xuan headed towards the Song family''s residence in Dijing Yue City, located 800 miles away, to pay a personal visit. Old Song''s face twitched with difort, feeling like he had been taken advantage of, especially with Wang Xuan''s proactive approach. Was this a sign of bad business recently? Wang Xuan just smiled and reassured him that his decision was rational and wise. Soon, others would be the ones in a hurry. "I''ll be quite busyter on, and I might not have the time." What could Song Yun say? Having lived so long, he managed to keep hisposure, despite his difort. He couldn''t afford to burn bridges with Wang Xuan. Among those apanying Song Yun was his son, Song Wentao, and a pale young man who kept sizing up Wang Xuan. Soon, Wang Xuan caught some of the young man''s thoughts he was inwardly cursing Wang Xuan, bewildered at how such a person could be transcendent. Surprised, Wang Xuan nced at him, recognizing him as the infamous ''Perverse Little Song'' Song Qian, known for his multiple murder-for-hire schemes against Wang Xuan, especially involving the Ashen Blood organization in the Old World. Old Song immediately scolded him, "Why are you here? Go back. You''re too weak; don''t wander around and take care of your health." Song Qian silently stood up and left. Wang Xuan, out of respect for Old Song, refrained from acting against the perverse Song Qian, recalling his own words about letting the young make their mistakes. The atmosphere turned pleasant and harmonious. Old Song genuinely felt rejuvenated, his vitality flourishing as if he was turning back the years. Wang Xuan was also satisfied. He meditated in the Song family''s Taoist temple, absorbing mystical substances to replenish his vessel and the golden gourd. The next day, after another treatment session for Old Song, which even smoothed out some of his wrinkles, Wang Xuan observed the half-buried copper wall in the temple''s deity statue. The charred bone inside was exuding robust life force, with blood intertwining and reconstructing itself. Feeling it was enough, Wang Xuan decided to end his ''wool shearing'' there, not wanting to identally awaken the being within the bone. Qin Cheng called him, "Wang Xuan, Professor Lin and I have been invited to a traditional arts exchange meeting at Yuntai University''s Institute of Human Potential. The organizers also want to invite you." Wang Xuan declined; he was already on his way, appreciating the Song family''s restraint andck of troublemaking. He visited ces like Wangyue Cliff and Yaoshen Ridge but found nothing of interest. Finally, Wang Xuan returned to the vicinity of Suzhou. Instead of entering the city, he observed the distant Hanwu Mountain. This ce left a deep impression on him; one night, while his spirit wandered outside his body, he had glimpsed mysterious creatures near the mountain range at the edge of Suzhou''s skyline. He had always wanted to explore Hanwu Mountain but had previously deemed it too dangerous. Now, armed with the God-ying Banner, his capability to deal with spiritual beings was significantly enhanced. In an environment where transcendence was fading, he was curious about the fate of these creatures only visible through the spirit eye. Would they too be affected by the correction of the present world, where myths were bing mere shadows? Wang Xuan felt the pressure of this reality and sought new paths from various angles. "Am I being too reckless?" he wondered aloud. Yet, with the protection of the God-ying Banner, he believed that simply observing from outside Suzhou posed minimal risk. If he discovered secrets, he might find a new path in an era where myths were dying. This inspiration came from the Departed Lands, a ce of transcendental radiation and considered one of the birthces of transcendent beings, filled with haunting spirits. The creatures of Hanwu Mountain differed from these spirits but bore some resemnce. "What exactly are you, and what secrets do you hold?" he mused. Under the scorching sun, the mountain ranges far from Suzhou appeared magnificent. Hanwu Mountain, with its higher altitude, was shrouded in fog year-round. Wang Xuan had partially refined the God-ying Banner. Although much work remained, it could already distinguish friend from foe and would not harm him. As his spirit left his body, d in spiritual armor and holding the small golden g, he gazed into the distance. The mountaintop, usually cold with some areas covered in snow, showed no signs of life. His spiritual perception, now far surpassing what it once was, allowed him to see clearer images than what his spirit eye could previously capture. He noted evidence of habitation, such as shelters, but no creatures were in sight. "Was it because it was nightst time?" he wondered, puzzled. Wang Xuan waited until evening, but the result was the same. Where were those creatures? The remnants of their dwellings suggested their past presence. After resting in Suzhou for a night, Wang Xuan ventured into the forest and approached Hanwu Mountain. Within twenty miles, his spirit left his body again, but just like the day before, it was eerily quiet. Continuing his journey, ten miles, then three miles away, everything seemed normal. Even at the foot of the mountain, nothing unusual happened. Wang Xuan began his ascent, his spirit no longer detached and the God-ying Banner in hand. He climbed the several thousand meters up Hanwu Mountain with a grave expression. The journey up the mountain was vibrant with lush greenery and wildlife. However, upon reaching the summit, all was silent, enshrouded in dense fog, barren of vegetation, as if it connected to the heavens. Even for a transcendent being, nothing unusual would be evident at this location, let alone to ordinary people. However, since stepping into the domain of Mingtu, Wang Xuan had begun to possess an initial ability akin to the spiritual eye, enabling him to see some unique scenes without detaching his spirit. Vaguely, he spotted a settlement and colossal feathers, some measuring tens of meters in length, each radiating a trace of transcendent power. To uncover deeper secrets, he knew he would have to truly let his spirit wander. Wang Xuan refrained from acting recklessly. He carefully observed his surroundings until he reached the end of the blurred settlement and looked beyond the mountain cliff. There, an even more vast and astonishing sight awaited him, leaving him in awe and disbelief. "The myths are fading, and transcendence is bing silent," Wang Xuan reflected. "I''m not content to let it end like this, which is why I''vee here, seeking a path for the future. But I don''t want to be just another casualty, a mere bone on this journey, sacrificing myself in the process." He hesitated, debating whether to venture further into this enigmatic and potentially perilousndscape. Chapter 259: The Vault, Taken Over Chapter 259: The Vault, Taken Over Beyond the mountain, astonishingly,y a vast expanse of golden ocean. Massive bubbles, each emitting a spectrum of colors, rose from the sea, encapsting various creatures within them: enormous azure birds, monstrous beings with human heads and serpentine bodies, and colossal peacocks shrouded in Buddha''s light. These creatures matched some of the famed entities from myths. The bubbles, emerging from the golden waters, floated upward, resembling both mythical and fairy-tale beings. They radiated divine power and an innocence akin to children''s stories. Pop! The bubbles burst before rising too high, and the creatures within them vanished instantly, leaving no trace. This cycle of immense bubbles forming, ascending, and then shattering continued relentlessly in the golden ocean, with the creatures inside struggling futilely before dissolving into mottled streams of light, fading into the mysterious sea surface. Wang Xuan couldn''t resist the urge to project his spirit, clutching the God-ying Banner to perceive the true nature of these phenomena, rather than just witnessing the ephemeral illusion of the bursting bubbles. He was deeply shocked. The golden ocean emitted intense transcendent radiation, threatening to tear apart his spiritual form. Fortunately, the gentle fluttering of the God-ying Banner, with its interwoven patterns, shielded him from the encroaching golden light of the vast sea. On closer inspection, he noticed the golden ocean was receding, gradually distancing itself from the mountain cliff. The physical world''s mountains and forests couldn''t contain it. It seemed to be moving through the void, preparing to depart. Wang Xuan''s spirit returned to his body. He boarded his flying boat, attempting to follow the sea, but to his surprise, he could never get close to it. Eventually, he returned to the top of Hanwu Mountain. Below, the golden sea was fiercely active, continuously producing bubbles. "Is this a sign?" he murmured. "Are myths just illusions, destined to shatter?" The golden sea slowly drifted away, not rapidly, but it seemed it would take days, perhaps even weeks, topletely vanish into the void. "What is this?" Wang Xuan wondered. He spected that he might have inadvertently witnessed a scene simr to Shidi, or perhaps it was Shidi itself. But now, it was departing, fading into nothingness. In the past, was Hanwu Mountain such a ce? Could the dwellings in the mountains be the abodes of ferryman-like guardians? Finally, from the golden ocean, a creature escaped the bubble, flying into the depths of the golden sea, fading into the distance until it dimmed away. Wang Xuan stood there for a long time, leaving only as the sky darkened. Two dayster, Wang Xuan received numerous calls. His business was bustling, as people realized that while other transcendent beings could invigorate blood and sort through meridians, the ultimate effect was akin to massage! While beneficial to the body, it did not extend life. Qian An and Song Yun, however, had undergone stringent medical checks and were astonishingly found to have reversed aging by a couple of years. Zhong Cheng, in awe, said, "Wang Xuan is defying the heavens, determined to drain these old men of their treasures. But Im tempted too. I want to chat with Wang Xuan, seek an equal exchange. I want to be a transcendent. Sister, dont you want to be a fairy too? Once Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin return, they''ll surely be like immortals from another world. If you remain a mortal, you''ll be left behind." Zhong Qing''s pure and pretty face showed her dilemma. The thought of falling behind Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin bothered her. "Big sister, I think you should seize the opportunity with Wang Xuan. Hes a good catch so powerful and gives a sense of security. Though he gets into trouble sometimes, its usually just a bit of bombing by a warship, nothing serious. Hes survived several times; hes not fated to die young." While Zhong Cheng boasted and his sister prepared to scold him, their father, Zhong Changming, arrived, insisting they invite Wang Xuan over. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was in Yong''an City, visiting the Zhao family at Zhao Qinghans grandfathers request. He had chosen this over other invitations. Three months had passed since Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin entered the secret world. Why hadnt the old fox in the hiddennd sent them back? Both the Zhao and Wu families had people waiting at the brown star base, hoping for their return from the transcendent, but there was no movement. In the antique room filled with tall rosewood bookshelves and yellowed ancient books and secret texts, Zhao Mingzheng, Zhao Qinghans grandfather, smiled at Wang Xuan. Feel free to browse and take any scriptures or texts that you find useful, he offered generously, making it difficult for Wang Xuan to exploit the situation. Wang Xuan smiled and chatted politely with Zhao Mingzheng. Browsing the bookshelves, he indeed found incredibly valuable scriptures, such as the "Lingbao Bi Fa" (Complete Methods of the Spiritual Treasures), "Jindan Qimi Tu" (Golden Elixir Secret Diagrams), "Wu Zhen Pian" (Understanding the Truth), "Lu Zu Jian Jing" (Sword Scripture of Master L Dongbin), and "Neidan Shi Mi" (Ten Secrets of the Inner Elixir). Already possessing the Five-Colored Golden Elixir scripture from Chen Tuan, Wang Xuan was astonished to find the secret texts of Zhongli Quan and L Dongbin, effectivelypleting the Golden Elixir Daoist system. The key ssics from several patriarch-level figures were all present,pelling him to focus on studying the Golden Elixir path more closely. Realizing Zhao Qinghan practiced the old arts to maintain her figure, he noted that these many texts were left untouched, presumably never perused by her. Wang Xuan also discovered the "Zifu Dao Jing" (Purple Mansion Daoist Scripture) and the "Hunyuan Mi Tu" (Chart of the Primordial Unity), texts of patriarchal significance, which deeply moved him. In the mythological era, any of these scriptures would have incited bloody conflicts among transcendents, yet in this era, Zhao Mingzheng casually disyed them on his bookshelf, allowing Wang Xuan to browse freely. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but marvel at how this unique era was abundant with treasures that would have made ancients envious. Treasures from various historical periods had fallen from the void into this world, shining brilliantly together. Sadly, in this era, few could cultivate these arts. Wang Xuan, regardless of his ability to practice them, memorized them with his powerful spiritual field for future study. He was surprised by Zhao Mingzheng''s generosity. "These ancient books are mere collectibles here, artifacts. Whatever you like, take it with you," Zhao Qinghan''s father, Zhao Zejun, said, inviting Wang Xuan to choose freely. Wang Xuan thanked them andter went to the Daoist temple the Zhao family had moved from the Old World. There, in the main hall''s copper que, he indeed found a piece of bone. Wang Xuan felt that the financial conglomerates of New Star were heavily infiltrated. He suspected that the proposal to rebuild Daoist temples and monasteries over a hundred years ago was deliberate, part of a calcted n. It seemed too coincidental that all these temples had genuine bones left within them. He pondered deeply. Could it be that over a hundred years ago, some of the powerful beings among the transcendent immortals were already dividing their spheres of influence? Was this a scheme by some transcendent beings within the great curtain or the doing of a superpower? He knew that once these true bonespleted their flesh and blood reconstruction, and if the three-year period had not yet passed, these ces would instantly be holynds for cultivation, transforming into grand teaching institutions. The situation in the Zhao family was also quite serious. The true bone there was interwoven with blood and had started growing flesh. Wang Xuan wondered how long it would take for the true form to manifest. He was tempted to swing the God-ying Banner at the slumbering being within that bone to test its effectiveness, curious if it could be destroyed. He was concerned that the true bones "residing" within various financial conglomerates could be formidable beings, difficult to handle. In the end, Wang Xuan summoned the mysterious factors, covering both Zhao Mingzheng and Zhao Zejun, generously using the transcendent beings'' resources to extend their lives. Zhao Zejun was overjoyed and excited, feeling a tangible change in his body. Even though he wasn''t old, the nourishment from the mysterious factors noticeably strengthened his physical functions. After leaving the Daoist temple, Zhao Zejun privately informed Wang Xuan that his father had been visited in a dream by a mysterious being. The specifics of their conversation were not disclosed by Zhao Mingzheng. "I''m a bit worried," Zhao Zejun sighed. Wang Xuan nced back at the Daoist temple, pondering whether the bone was self-reviving or if some creature was using it to locate and send dreams through the great curtain. "Uncle Zhao, there shouldn''t be any trouble for now," Wang Xuan reassured. "That being is unlikely to go too far, considering it''s quite cunning. If its demands are reasonable, try to amodate them. If theres any trouble in the future, I''lle and have a look. Don''t worry." Wang Xuan believed that as long as the dream-sender was not overly arrogant, they would not act rashly. These were beings who had survived the brutal struggles behind the great curtain and were likely to be gentle and even generous to the Zhao family, considering they hadn''t yet regained their true form. Zhao Zejun was taken aback by Wang Xuan''s confidence. He wondered how strong this young man truly was. Wang Xuan did feel confident. Given more time, he believed anything was possible. He even contemted testing the effects of the God-ying Banner on the bone. Zhao Zejun hesitated before saying, "Come with me. My father has been frequently visiting the secret vaulttely. I suspect that a being is directing him to search for something." Preferring Wang Xuan over the mysterious being, especially knowing his daughter''s close association with Wang Xuan in the secretnd, Zhao Zejun led him to the treasury. Stopping at the entrance, Wang Xuan frowned. The sensation here was simr to what he had experienced in the Sun family''s vault. It seemed possible that every financial conglomerate''s secret vault had been upied by someone. Using his exceptional perception and special sight, Wang Xuan noted that although there were powerful treasures here, nonepared to the God-ying Banner or the Soul-Locking Bell. After some thought, Wang Xuan decided not to stir up conflict or rm anyone. He signaled Zhao Zejun to leave the area with him. "Uncle Zhao, there are indeed some issues there, mainly targeting transcendent beings. It won''t affect ordinary people much. For now, act as if you know nothing. If any strange events ur in the future, contact me," Wang Xuan advised. Zhao Zejun nodded and personally saw Wang Xuan off, watching him disappear into the distance. Following persistent invitations from Qin Hongyuan, Wang Xuan visited the Qin family and finallypleted his reading of the entire Sakyamuni True Scripture. This gave him ess to the full text of this significant work. Soon after, Qin Cheng contacted Wang Xuan to inform him about a recent development. "Wang Xuan, we''re now at the Huang family''s residence, who im to be the orthodox practitioners of ancient techniques. We''ve been attending an old technique exchange meeting for several days, and unexpectedly, the people from Yuntai University brought us here to the Huang family. We couldn''t refuse. Here, Professor Lin saw the person who pierced his chest years ago." Wang Xuan''s heart sank momentarily, wondering if the Huang family had intentionally invited Professor Lin and Qin Cheng. He recalled that several old technique families, including the Huang and Yun families, had invited him, but he had politely declined. Qin Cheng continued, "The Huang family has been very courteous, and there haven''t been any incidents. Professor Lin remained calm and didn''t dwell on the past. However, the Huang family would like to invite you for an exchange." "Okay, I understand," Wang Xuan nodded, relieved there were no unpleasant surprises. In the Huang family''s ancestral shrine, amidst thin wisps of white mist, an elder was in a deep slumber,municating with a mysterious entity in his dream. "Yes, every time he prolongs someone''s life, he enters a Taoist temple, monastery, or shrine," the elder said in the dream. "Invite him here," a voice echoed through the mists in the elder''s dream. Chapter 260: Nowhere Safe Chapter 260: Nowhere Safe In the ancestral shrine of the Huang family, thin strands of white mist swirled around. Huang Xinghai awoke from a brief slumber where he had heard the mysterious entity''s voice in his dream. After paying his respects in the shrine, he stepped out, reflecting on the rarity of someone like Wang Xuan who could open the Inner Landscape in this era. Huang Jinglin, around sixty but remarkably fit and youthful due to his practice of ancient techniques, approached and asked his father, "How did it go? Did our ancestor provide any guidance?" Huang Xinghai nodded, informing him about themunication and suggesting they invite Wang Xuan again. Huang Jinglin considered for a moment and then suggested, "We''ve invited him three times, and he has declined each time. Should I challenge Lin Mengliang to a duel? That might draw him out." He reminisced about their fierce battle on the Old World, where he and Professor Lin were evenly matched in their mastery of ancient techniques. During that fight, Professor Lin had been shot in the chest and then struck by Huang Jinglin, leaving him with a terrifying wound. It was a miracle he survived. Huang Xinghai turned sharply and warned, "Don''t act rashly at this stage!" "I''ll be careful," Huang Jinglin assured, adding, "I see that Lin Mengliang is in good health now, his old injuries healed and his vitality robust. Regardless of his calm demeanor, I know he must be yearning for a rematch with me." After leaving the city, Wang Xuan crossed a mountain range to test if anyone was trying to track his movements. With the dark gold boat filled with dense super-material, he could now fly and escape even if targeted by a warship. He could even counterattack while soaring into the sky. However, he didn''t want to reveal too much just yet; he remained cautious, aware of the potential threats. Wang Xuan felt vignt, sensing a lingering crisis. Could a superhuman entity be watching him? Given his outstanding performance in this era of declining superhuman powers, his abilities were hard to hide, especially after being forced to act on several asions. He noted the presence of satellite surveince and detection devices hidden in dense forests. Wang Xuan suspected that not only the Sun family but also other wealthy families might be coborating with entities behind the curtain. The recent instances of dreammunication with mysterious entities suggested that something was amiss. Wang Xuan preferred peace and did not wish for conflict. "Can''t we coexist peacefully?" he mused. If pushed, he was ready to defend himself. Ideally, he would have liked to leave New Star temporarily and visit a superhuman like the Wizard World or Martial Arts Universe, to escape the escting threats. But he doubted whether any world was truly free from strife. Resigned to facing whatever came, Wang Xuan knew that any entity''s return woulde at a great cost. He wondered about their current strength and preferred not to provoke them. For now, Wang Xuan decided to make the most of the peaceful times, traveling and offering life-extending treatments to the elderly. "Where are you, Wang Xuan?" Old Chen''s call came through. Recently busy as a superhuman expert for various organizations, dealing with paranormal events, he''d gathered some unusual items and wanted to meet up. "I''m headed to Tai City," Wang Xuan informed him, nning to visit the Zhou family for a health consultation. "Great, see you in Tai City!" It had been a while since theyst met, and Old Chen was eager for a reunion. Tai City, in the eastern region of Zhongzhou, boasted a prosperous waterfront with many luxury yachts. Zhou Yun, warmly weing Wang Xuan, suggested a sea outing before meeting the family elder. Wang Xuan joked about the possibility of attracting battleship attacks, to which Zhou Yun nervouslyughed off the idea. Old Chen was alsoing. Zhou Yun nned to arrange amodations, joking about keeping Old Chen away from the sea to avoid temptation. Wang Xuan, amused, suggested visiting the Zhou family''s estate with a temple instead. Zhou Yun admitted Wang Xuan was likely interested in the temple''s ancient artifacts. He mentioned that people from the Fu Di area, recently returned, were also eyeing these items. In the tranquil Zhou family estate, surrounded by ancient trees, Zhou Yun yfully proposed inviting a famous actress in town and other acquaintances to meet Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan, preupied with the potential of confronting mysterious beings, quickly dismissed the idea, focusing on more pressing matters. "Little Wang, you can''t keep living like a hermit, you know. You''ve reached the heights of a sword immortal, why live like a monk?" Zhou Yun tried to persuade Wang Xuan. "I can''t help it; my tastes have be quite discerningtely. I only seem to encounter fox immortals or peerless celestial beings. It''s hard to go back to simplicity after such luxury," Wang Xuan replied wryly. Zhou Yun''s eyes lit up, "Seriously, Wang Xuan, you''ve got to take me to meet these immortals. I''m thinking of pursuing the path of cultivation myself!" Zhou Yun''s grandfather arrived, initially all smiles. Hearing Zhou Yun''s words, he swiftly shooed him away with his walking stick. Soon after, Old Chen arrived, looking energetic with his signature buzz cut, kept short as per Guan Lin''s preference. Zhou Yun quickly made himself scarce, leaving the two to chat. Chen Yongjie''s eyes sparkled, a sign of his significant power increase. "Recently, I''ve used the medicinal earth and made a fierce breakthrough. I couldn''t suppress it even if I wanted to!" he shared. He had progressed from thete stage of the Life Soil Realm to the Herb Gathering realm, thanks to the medicinal earth from a Bodhisattva, containing powerful properties. "It''s quite troublesome, actually. I wanted to stabilize my realm, but my cultivation keeps growing daily. I''m already in the mid-stage of Herb Gathering now," he continued, then noticed Wang Xuan''s unrestrained aura, indicating his advancement to the Life Soil Realm. "You used medicinal earth too?" Old Chen asked, surprised. Wang Xuan had two pieces of such earth, each with a significant origin. Wang Xuan shook his head, "No, I n to stabilize my current state before exploring it further." Old Chen was momentarily speechless, realizing that once Wang Xuan used the medicinal earth, he would likely surpass him. Though he was mentally prepared, the reality seemed to be approaching faster than expected. He had intended to share his own advancement in creating miraculous vistas and spirit traveling ten miles, which might even surpass ancient patriarchs at this stage. Chen Yongjie swallowed his words, realizing that Wang Xuan must have also significantly improved. He sighed, "Chen the Sage was born at the wrong time. He didnt get to shine in an era of extraordinary splendor andpete with legendary figures. Instead, hes met a freak in this age of dying myths." Chen then became serious, advising Wang Xuan to hide his powers. There was a high probability of immortals returning, given the recent paranormal incidents and clues he had encountered. Chen, outwardly unassuming and concealing his true cultivation level with Buddhist scriptures, warned Wang Xuan. But Wang Xuan knew that if he was already marked, no disguise would work. After checking their surroundings with his psychic field and finding nothing unusual, Chen produced a cassock, a true treasure gained from handling recent strange events. Wang Xuan, amused,mented that Chen, practicing various Buddhist techniques, could pass for a monk if he wore it. "Dont joke about that, Im married," Chen replied, then telepathically conveyed that the cassock contained a universe within and hinted at an incredible opportunity. Wang Xuan, intrigued, asked, "An opportunity?" "Yes," Chen replied earnestly. "If found, it could challenge the immortals,ying an unparalleled foundation for us." He revealed that in the highest spiritual realm, Buddha once harvested a divine medicine, the Nine Tribtions Lotus. Stunned, Wang Xuan wondered how such a thing could be left in the modern world. Chen exined that while the medicine itself couldnt be preserved, seeds from its pod fell to the mortal realm, meant for future Buddhas. Half of this pod, he divulged, was secured in the reliquary beneath an ancient temple by Buddhists. Chen spected the seeds might serve another purpose, suspecting Buddha foresaw the curtains fall in ancient times. "Imagine," Chen mused, "nting these divine seeds in one''s Life-Earth realm at the Medicinal Gathering stage!" Wang Xuan was equally astounded by this immense fortune. He was looking for ways to strengthen himself in an increasingly dangerous world. Chen illuminated that on the New Star, where ancient temples were rebuilt, such treasures likely resided in the homes of the financial conglomerates, like the ancient temple at Zhous estate. Chapter 261: Meeting The Immortals Chapter 261: Meeting The Immortals Wang Xuan was astonished, realizing Chen Yongjie hade prepared, specifically targeting the ancient temple at Zhous estate. However, the thought of the lotus pods origin excited him too, considering it was a divine seed harvested by Buddha himself from the highest spiritual realm! He wasnt sure about the specifics of ancient times, but doubted many at his level could nt such divine seeds in their Life Soil realm. This opportunity wasn''t for the newly transcendent; it was a rarity, possibly only for the chosen sessors of the greatest immortals. Wang Xuan frowned, pondering the consequences of vying with Buddha for this chance. With a red-dressed demoness already eyeing him, adding a supreme Buddha to the mix wouldplicate his life. Chen sighed, "In this age, we can''t afford to be choosy. Everything''s decaying and vanishing. It''s about surviving on our own terms now. Look at what I''m practicing the Sixteen-Arhat Body, Sakyamuni''s Scriptures, the Bodhisattva Fist. I''m starting to feel like a monk already, but I just got married, so no way can I renounce the world." Wang Xuan nodded, "If there''s truly karma, and you can''t handle it, you could always retreat to a monastery and be a future Buddha." Chen stared at him incredulously, as if Wang Xuan was already setting him up to take the fall. "Try saying that to Guan Lin!" he challenged. Wang Xuan chuckled, "Lets not upset Guan Lin. I''m also practicing Sakyamuni''s Scriptures. We''re all connected by fate." He then shared theplete Sakyamuni scriptures with Chen, curious to see how far Chen could advance in the Buddhist path. Chen felt conflicted, torn between his suitability for Buddhist practice and the fear of involuntary renunciation. "I''ll bnce it with other techniques. Ive even picked out names for my son; I can''t be a monk." He then nced at Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan, feeling Chen''s gaze, questioned, "Why are you looking at me like that?" detecting something impure in his look. Elder Zhou, named Zhou Hongbin, eagerly awaited Wang Xuan. After several incidents, he was certain of Wang Xuan''s capabilities in extending life; others were merely giving massages. Wang Xuan, having finished chatting with Chen Yongjie, followed Zhou Hongbin to the ancient temple. Elder Zhou was quite straightforward, bringing out traysden with various religious artifacts, from demon-subduing maces to Buddhist shrines and scriptures. It was evident that he was a true believer, cherishing these ancient items, not just as cultural relics but with a genuine reverence. Elder Zhous sincerity was clear in the items he presented. Each piece, engraved with runes and exuding a subtle Buddhist aura, was a rare treasure. Among these, a particr bowl stood out as an extraordinary artifact. In the resplendent era of transcendence, such artifacts were considered divine and were powerful weapons in top sects. Wang Xuan examined them carefully. He hesitated before the bowl and instead turned his attention to a three-foot-long, one-foot-wide silk cloth inscribed with characters he couldn''t recognize. Chen Yongjie also looked at the yellow silk, suspecting its power but unable to decipher it, specting, "The Six-Syble Mantra?" Before making a decision, Wang Xuan first extended Elder Zhou''s life. During the process, he infused some of the artifacts with mysterious factors for a closer examination. "Such arge relic!" eximed Chen, surprised. He saw a relic embedded in a piece of green stone within the temple, crystal clear and perfectly round like a gem. However, even he couldn''t perceive the gap leading to the innerndscape. As Wang Xuan infused Elder Zhou with life-extending energy, he also covered Zhou Yun, who had apanied them, bestowing benefits upon him as well. Wang Xuan knew that as the era of calm was ending, opportunities to be near true bones or relics were dwindling, and he wanted to help his acquaintances while he could. He also infused Chen Yongjie''s flesh with the mysterious factors since Chen had almost depleted his energy after advancing to the Herb Gathering realm. When Wang Xuan focused on the yellow silk, infusing it with mysterious factors, it began to emit a Buddhist light, and the characters glowed. He sensed the item''s profound nature and decided to choose it over the bowl. After infusing mysterious factors, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie both projected their spirits and hurried to the Zhou family''s treasury, eager to discover if the half lotus pod was there. In the treasury, they found numerous treasures and several extraordinary artifacts, the most prominent being a golden Buddha statue of immense dignity, covered in dense runes. It was a top-tier extraordinary artifact. Wang Xuan scrutinized it but refrained from touching it, sensing that the golden Buddha was tampered with. Despite a thorough search, they found no trace of the lotus pod. "There are only a few families with temples; we''ll find it eventually!" Chen was not disheartened and remained confident. Wang Xuan reminded him of another ancient temple on the New Moon. Chen nodded but felt the heavenly medicine seed was likely on New Star. In the temple, Chen looked dignified in his kasaya. He took out the kasaya and a five-colored feather fan, asking Wang Xuan to replenish them with mysterious factors. Chen had drained these artifacts of their supernatural substances for his cultivation. When Zhou Hongbin opened his eyes, he was startled to see Chen draped in the kasaya, radiating golden light, wondering where this formidable monk hade from. After leaving the Zhou residence, Chen parted ways with Wang Xuan, nning to search separately. He intended to visit the Qin family, which possessed the Sakyamuni Scriptures, to check for the lotus pod. Chen advised Wang Xuan to prioritize visiting families with temples for his "consultations." Wang Xuan cautioned him, "Be careful and avoid recklessly entering secret treasuries. It seems mysterious beings have upied the treasure troves of various families. Wear your kasaya for protection against any covert attacks." "Xuan, Professor Lin is about to fight with someone from the Huang family!" Qin Cheng''s urgent voice came through the phone, informing Wang Xuan of the situation. Wang Xuan, seated in a hovering vehicle, had traveled over a thousand miles from the coastal city of Tai City, now only about four hundred miles away from Yu City, where the Huang family resided. Originally nning to visit the Wu family, he changed his route to head directly to the Huang family, known for upholding the orthodox traditions of ancient martial arts. "Don''t worry, they wouldn''t dare to seriously harm him," Wang Xuan assured Qin Cheng, already en route. He was convinced that the Huang family''s real intention was to invite him over, and after repeatedly refusing, they resorted to this tactic topel his appearance. "What does the Huang family want?" Wang Xuan mused. The family had several individuals who attained immortality in ancient times and were quite powerful during certain eras. He was aware that mysterious beings were likely watching him and wondered if the Huang family had any ulterior motives. His expression remained calm, ready to measure up against some ancient figures if necessary. The hovering vehicle sped away, transforming into a streak of light, heading toward Yu City. "Recently, he''s been quite bold, moving around freely without hiding in the city. Isn''t he afraid we''ll lock onto him from space and hit him with a super-energy cannon?" someone from the Sun family remarked coldly. They had been closely monitoring Wang Xuan, employing various means to track his movements. Feeling that Wang Xuan was growing increasingly audacious, they wondered if he no longer feared battleship attacks. "Isn''t it that we haven''t used battleships against him? More than once," Sun Rongsheng said coldly. "But did he die? Let''s just watch for now. I feel something big is about to happen." For the hovering vehicle, four hundred miles was negligible. When Wang Xuan started to speed up, it didn''t take long for him to arrive outside Yu City. At that moment, in the Huang family, Professor Lin had epted Huang Jinglin''s challenge and stepped into battle. Qin Cheng viewed Huang Jinglin''s challenge as reopening Professor Lin''s old wounds, given that it was Huang Jinglin who had pierced the professor''s chest years ago. And now, they were to fight again? "Lin Mengliang, it was regrettable that we fought when you were severely injured by a thermal weapon. Today, seeing you so vigorous, stronger than before, I feel gratified. Let''s have a friendly match," Huang Jinglin said. Boom! In the arena, thunderous explosions erupted between the twobatants, with forceful punches and palm strikes causing leaves to scatter and burst midair. During their intense exchange, Professor Lin''s palms emitted a faint glow, breaking Huang Jinglin''s arm andnding a hit on his chest, though he deliberately held back some of his strength. Otherwise, with his current power, he could have easily pierced through his opponent''s chest. Huang Jinglin, his chest bone shattered, was sent flying backward, continuously spitting blood. He was in disbelief. Was the gap between them really this vast? As a master close to grandmaster level, he would have been a renowned figure in the ancient martial arts domain if not for the emergence of superhumans. "You... not only have you recovered from your old injuries, but you''ve also be a grandmaster?" he uttered in frustration. Indeed, after over three months of recuperation, consuming Earth Immortal Spring water, royal jelly from superhuman bees, and other spiritual medicines, Professor Lin had not only recovered but also made a breakthrough. The spectators at the exchange meeting were dumbfounded. Many knew about Professor Lin''s recovery, but his ascent to grandmaster status was truly astonishing. In the absence of superhumans, he would be considered one of the top masters of this era. "Hmph!" A cold snort came from Huang Jingfeng, Huang Jinglin''s cousin, nearly seventy but with hair still jet ck and showing no signs of aging. He was one of those who had been lost in the Blessed Land years ago. After spending over a decade in a superhuman world and consuming various spiritual medicines, he had be a superhuman himself. As someone who prided themselves on their ancient martial arts heritage, he almost couldn''t resist intervening, his face cold as he stepped forward. At a critical moment, his uncle, Huang Xinghai, stopped him, signaling him not to act rashly. "Hey, Old Wang, where are you? There''s bloodshed at the scene. It''s not Professor Lin, but he''s the one who beat the other guy up, covered in blood," Qin Cheng loudly informed Wang Xuan over the phone, his voice loud enough for others at the meeting to hear. The crowd was speechless. Although Huang Jinglin had lost, he wasn''t in agonizing pain as Qin Cheng described. Irritated, Huang Jinglin got up from the ground, wanting to throttle Qin Cheng, suspecting that Professor Lin''s disciple was deliberately ndering him. "I''m just outside the Huang family''s estate," Wang Xuan informed him. The Huang family, while not a financial powerhouse, had considerable assets. They couldn''t maintain their reputation as an ancient martial arts family without substantial resources. Everyone present, being cultivators with keen hearing, overheard the conversation between Wang Xuan and Qin Cheng, and were stunned to learn that the recent influential figure, Wang Xuan, had arrived! "Quick, wee the Sword Immortal!" Huang Xinghai led the crowd out to greet him with great respect. The crowd was momentarily dumbstruck upon seeing Wang Xuan. He was surprisingly young. While hisbat videos were all over various tforms, they were all blurry, never showing his face clearly. Now, in person, they were shocked to see someone so young already a powerful superhuman. "Sword Immortal!" many eximed, their eyes filled with fervor. Wang Xuan wanted to correct themhe wasn''t a Sword Immortal, as swordsmanship wasn''t his fortebut seeing their eager expressions, he chose not to rify. He smiled and nodded in greeting, then approached Professor Lin and Huang Xinghai. "Professor, are you alright?" he asked. The crowd had mixed emotions, marveling at how Professor Lin had mentored such a remarkable disciple in the oldnd. "I''m fine, very good," Professor Lin replied with a smile, looking much younger than before, brimming with vitality even though he deliberately dyed his temples white. "Wang Xuan, you''ve been invited repeatedly; is there something important?" asked Wang Xuan, looking at Huang Xinghai. "Indeed, there''s an urgent matter. Please, let''s talk inside; it''s not convenient here," Huang Xinghai responded, his heart tumultuous at the sight of Wang Xuan, a prodigious talent capable of opening innerndscapes, especially in this era of superhuman decay. It was a pity he wasn''t a part of the Huang family. Maintainingposure and with a secret treasure masking his inner thoughts, Huang Xinghai wasn''t worried about a superhuman detecting his intentions. "I''d like to challenge you, superhuman, Sword Immortal!" Huang Jingfeng interjected, eager for a match since returning from the Blessed Land and having heard much about Wang Xuan. "Huang Jingfeng, stand down!" Huang Xinghai ordered sternly. "It''s fine," Wang Xuan signaled for him to proceed, curious to gauge the strength of someone who had returned from the Blessed Land. Huang Jingfeng attacked, his fist glowing and emitting blinding lightning. Dozens of light beams intertwined like a spider web, striking towards Wang Xuan. The crowd gasped in awe. Was this the power of a superhuman? Witnessing such a disy of thunderous might at close range was truly astonishing. Wang Xuan extended his right hand forward, and with a loud boom, all the lightning extinguished, the energy and light copsing. At the same time, Huang Jingfeng grunted, staggering back with blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Was it over already? The onlookers were dumbstruck. "Let''s go," Wang Xuan said, motioning for Huang Xinghai to lead the way. He was quite disappointed with the Huang family''s superhuman, who was only at a "weak mist" level of the Mist Realm. "Please," Huang Xinghai, although shocked, quicklyposed himself and led Wang Xuan inside. He apologized to the crowd, exining they would not apany them to the ancestral hall, a crucial area of the Huang family. Wang Xuan frowned, sensing something amiss as they approached the building. There... a being was awakening! Was this his first encounter with a returned immortal? Now that he was facing this situation, he had no reason to hesitate. He strode forward, the God ying Banner at the ready. Chapter 262: An Immortal Bodyguard Chapter 262: An Immortal Bodyguard Wang Xuan halted, sensing the vitality within the building ahead. The air was thick with mystical substance, and a powerful superhuman entity awaited him inside. "Please, Sword Immortal," Huang Xinghai gestured. "Don''t call me Sword Immortal. With the presence of a great immortal from the Huang family, I am hardlyparable," Wang Xuan corrected, then confidently strode towards the main hall of the ancestral shrine. Huang Xinghai was visibly moved by Wang Xuan''s keen perception. From such a distance, he had already detected the immortal of the Huang family? He didnt follow inside, merely serving as a guide and waiting outside. In the Huang family''s ancestral shrine, wisps of white mist rose from the ancient building, revealing a middle-aged man''s ethereal figure within the fog. He appeared as a spiritual body, dressed in the style of ancient Earth, his figure slightly blurred among the mist and scattered light. The man exuded a celestial aura as he observed Wang Xuan, remarking, "In this deste era, for you to reach such heights is remarkable. You were born in the wrong time. Had you been born a thousand years earlier, you would surely have been an unparalleled powerhouse." He then shook his head, adding, "But perhaps not mistaken after all. Maybe you''re luckier. The freedom of transcending the mortal realm pales inparison to the vivid splendor of human existence." "Senior tters me. Compared to the ancient sages, I''m but a moth gazing up at the soaring roc from the ground, far from their grandeur," Wang Xuan replied, remaining on guard. The middle-aged man was an ancient being, and in Wang Xuan''s current understanding, these creatures were often dangerous, either setting traps or burying the unwary. "You are too modest. In the current terrifying reality of cosmic correction, to have opened an innerndscape is a talent that would astonish even the immortals behind the cosmic veil," the man stated. Wang Xuan was aware that every action leaves a trace. Despite his caution, it was inevitable that someone would discover the secrets he wished to conceal. Moreover, recently, in his quest for supreme scriptures and legendary artifacts from ancient legends, he had been trading with financial conglomerates, extending their lives in exchange. Once a superhuman entity set their sights on him and studied his actions, they would naturally discover clues. Wang Xuan''s frequent visits to Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries were not lost on the immortals; how could they not understand? Ancient temples and renowned Taoist ancestral homes were no ordinary ces. Marked by powerful beings, divided as territories, they hid true bones and relics. If the immortals turned their gaze towards him, they would understand he was stealing mystical substances. "When I entered the Burning Lamp Realm, I felt the superhuman night sky was endlessly dark and eternally silent, devoid of light, bringing a sense of oppressive despair. The turbulence of my spiritual energy unexpectedly opened an innerndscape." Wang Xuan spoke as if deeply moved. Revealing that he had opened an innerndscape at the human stage was something he couldn''t afford; it would make him a target for hunting by entities from beyond the cosmic veil. Such a unique innerndscape was seen by the immortals as a means of escape, a valuable resource. "You are too wary of me. I''m just a solitary spirit, no threat to you. I''m not even a true immortal now, just a fragment of a spirit," the middle-aged man self-mockingly said, assuring Wang Xuan of his benign intentions. He gestured for Wang Xuan to sit. In the ancestral shrine, surrounded by ancient furniture reminiscent of a bygone era, the man, showered in a mist of light, took a seat as well. "What brings me to your summon, senior?" Wang Xuan asked, maintaining a calm demeanor. It was his first time confronting a resurrected being from a true bone so closely after reaching the superhuman realm. Were the immortals finally about to enter the world? Wang Xuan silently assessed the situation. The man was strong, but as a fragment of a spirit, his power was limited by the fading superhumanws. Wang Xuan nced at an iron box in a nearby shrine; his celestial eye could see a bone wrapped in blood vessels inside, brimming with vigorous life. "In the past, I was solely focused on attaining immortality, but now I''m neither human nor ghost. I''m behind the times, with outdated views, so I wanted to talk to you and other newly emerged superhumans, with good intentions, nothing more." Wang Xuan looked at him, inquiring, "What is the world beyond the cosmic veil like now? When will the legendary immortals return? As superhumanity fades, what viable strategies are there to cope with this change?" Since they were talking, Wang Xuan didn''t hold back and continuously threw out various questions. The middle-aged man, Huang Kun, responded with a bitter smile, "The Old Covenant... locks the true words. Although I''m just a lingering fragment of spirit in this world, there''s still much I cannot say." He candidly revealed that with the dissipation of superhuman rules, the Old Covenant had loosened. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to speak, being under stricter constraints. He solemnly said, "The immortals have confirmed that the era of myth is thoroughly decaying. Even the most extraordinary beings can''t stop it and will be mere mortals. It''s quite tragic when you think about it. Immortality is just a grand illusion. The glorious traces of superhumanity will be erased and turn into nothingness!" Wang Xuan frowned, surprised that even the immortals couldn''t find a way. He had thought they might find some means, if not to change the overall trend, at least to dy or prevent the retreat of superhumanity from happening so swiftly. Through their conversation, Wang Xuan learned that the middle-aged man, Huang Kun, was thest person in the Huang family to achieve immortality, ascending at the end of the Tang Dynasty. Regarding the other immortals from the Huang family, some had died in the cosmic veil, while others had been missing for hundreds of years. Huang Kun sighed, "The world beyond the cosmic veil is far crueler than people imagine. Bing immortal is not as wonderful as it seems." He continued, "Soon, various superhuman traces will appear in the world. The chaos of superhumanity will spill over into the present world." This information wasn''t a vition of the Old Covenant. Wang Xuan had already anticipated such situations, where all sorts of monsters and demons would emerge. "The immortals are reluctant. With less than three years left, there will undoubtedly be various struggles. Collisions will ur between the great factions of the immortals. Some immortals, fearing their descent into mortality and being hunted by powerful organizations in the present world, will take preemptive actions. Once the immortals arrive, chaos will ensue." Huang Kun openly shared, indicating the proximity of these events. "I''ve asked for you," he continued, "actually, to form a good connection and offer you a great fortune." A white fog emanated from Huang Kun, enveloping the entire ancestral shrine to prevent eavesdropping by other superhumans. Wang Xuan looked at him, remaining silent. Huang Kun spoke self-deprecatingly, "Don''t think of me as an immortal. The truth is, I''m just a fragment of a primordial spirit, more like a ghostly immortal without a physical body. I can''t participate in the struggle for that great fortune. If you manage to obtain it, I hope you can share a part with me to help rebuild my body." Wang Xuan was moved. What kind of immense fortune could it be that could reconstruct a body? "Soon, two high-level spiritual worlds will converge and collide while moving, revealing some traces in the present world," Huang Kun disclosed. "The convergence of high-level spiritual worlds likely means the appearance of heavenly medicine. If it appears in our world and you seize the opportunity, you might be able to harvest it!" Wang Xuan was astonished. Could the immortals predict the appearance of heavenly medicine? Huang Kun seemed too powerful, considering he was just a fragment of a spirit. Huang Kun shook his head, "Don''t overestimate me. This was deduced by the supreme immortals behind the cosmic veil. In fact, during this convergence of the high-level spiritual worlds, the strongest beings there will get the first chance. If they fail to harvest the medicine, it might then appear briefly in our world." He candidly admitted that passing certain messages from the cosmic veil to the present world wasn''t extremely difficult. Wang Xuan, feeling helpless, asked, "If the immortals can''t harvest it, how can I?" "There''s a great chance," Huang Kun responded. "Because there are rare divine objects in the present world, things that couldn''t be taken into the cosmic veil, which can be used to harvest heavenly medicine." He sighed, "Nowadays, there are many divine objects in the world, but they''re not very friendly to a fragmented primordial spirit like me; dangers lurk everywhere." Saying this, he stood up and took a stone box from the wall of the ancestral shrine. Inside was a bundle of silken thread, two meters long, and crystal clear. "What is this?" Wang Xuan asked, intrigued. "This was left by a guardian before their death. It''s a silken line that can fish in the spiritual worlds. This material is incredibly precious, and even the well-known divine object, the Immortal Binding Rope, is made from it." Wang Xuan remained cautious. He didn''t want this to be the Immortal Binding Rope that could restrain him. He secretly prepared his short sword, ready to act if things went south. "Of course, we stillck the most important piece: the fishing hook that can catch treasures from the spiritual world. It''s incredibly valuable," Huang Kun revealed, his eyes gleaming with longing. He informed Wang Xuan that the super-rich Zhong family possessed such a hook, left behind by a guardian who perished 1800 years ago. Huang Kun sighed, "I did think about taking the hook directly, but there''s something strange about that ce. There''s a dull, gray pool that looks a lot like the mythical Pool of Reincarnation, which is said to send spirits to rebirth. But who knows if it actually sends them away or devours them!" He continued helplessly, "Even if I managed to get the hook, I wouldn''t dare try to touch the higher spiritual worlds. There''s a risk of spiritual heavenly fire falling, which is extremely dangerous for someone without a physical body." "That sounds terrifying. Maybe I should just stay out of it. I''m too weak for such grand ventures," Wang Xuan shook his head. "Don''t underestimate yourself. This is an enormous opportunity. Right now, I''m far weaker than you. We''ll need to work together, but you''ll have to fish for the heavenly medicine since you have a physical body," Huang Kun proposed. "I still don''t think it''s safe," Wang Xuan felt his power was inadequate for such a significant task and suggested Huang Kun wait while he went into seclusion. "There''s no time for that," Huang Kun shook his head. "Do you have any secret or ancient methods to quickly boost strength?" Wang Xuan inquired. Huang Kun remained silent, eventually shaking his head firmly, "I can''t harm you. Some quick methods ultimately ruin the cultivator''s foundation." "Isn''t there any harmless method?" Wang Xuan asked earnestly. "Inner scenes, heavenly medicine, and relics from the past... these can help. And we''re about to fish for heavenly medicine," Huang Kun advised him not to rush and to take one step at a time in cultivation, especially with the prospect of heavenly medicine on the horizon. "When will a part of the higher spiritual world manifest in reality?" Wang Xuan asked. "In three days,te at night," Huang Kun informed him. "So soon? I''m not prepared enough, I''m afraid I might perish under the spiritual heavenly fire," Wang Xuan shook his head. Huang Kun sighed, "If that''s the case, I can''t force you, but it really is a great opportunity." He added, "Let''s see how it goes then. I believe there might be a tremendous spectacle. Perhaps we won''t even need to fish for the heavenly medicine; it might juste flying out to us." Wang Xuan, puzzled and intrigued, asked why he thought so. "I''ve received information that several peerless powerhouses from behind the curtain will contend for the heavenly medicine of the higher worlds. What if they knock it out into our world? Or even better, if it escapes to us on its own," Huang Kun shared, hopeful. Wang Xuan''s interest peaked, "Can we witness a battle of the immortals?" He was eager to observe such an extraordinary event, having never seen anything like it before. "Most likely, we''ll witness a colossal battle among different factions of immortals. It will be quite fearsome," Huang Kun nodded. "Alright, in three days, we''ll act ording to the situation," Wang Xuan agreed. Then, with some difficulty, he brought up another issue, "I feel like I''m being tracked by a powerful supernatural entity. I''m afraid I might be in danger. Could you please help me avert this lethal threat?" Huang Kun, waiting outside the ancestral shrine, heard Wang Xuan''s request and his face twitched. The young man was asking for a real immortal from the Huang family to act as his bodyguard! Chapter 263: Heavenly Herb Chapter 263: Heavenly Herb Huang Kun sighed, showing a troubled expression. He exined to Wang Xuan that he was merely a fragment of a soul, not even as powerful as Wang Xuan himself. Moreover, he couldn''t stray too far or for too long from his physical remnants, as the true bone needed the true spirit for protection and integration. He shared these details, giving Wang Xuan his first insight into the current state of various families'' relics and true bones. "What if the enemy is nearby? I feel like someone is outside the Huang familys residence. If you don''t take care of him, I might not survive these three days," Wang Xuan expressed his concern, sensing that someone was tracking him, possibly a supernatural entity. "Alright, wait here. I''ll take a look," Huang Kun, a bit reluctantly, agreed to help. Quickly adjusting his mindset to the modern era, where it seemed normal for people to be more assertive, he stepped into the mist and vanished in a sh of light. Wang Xuan watched, impressed by Huang Kun''s skills. Meanwhile, several miles away, a woman in white, elegant and graceful, was driving up a mountain with a group. Wearing shorts and a T-shirt, she looked casual and cool, driving a flying car skillfully. The group hade to witness the ''Buddha''s light'', a natural spectacle. Suddenly, Huang Kun appeared, unseen by ordinary people. The woman, trying to blend in as a normal person, was approached by him. "A demoness? You''re out of bounds," Huang Kun confronted her. Hu Xuan, a bit helplessly, adjusted her sunsses and replied, "I''m not here for you, I have no intention of targeting anyone." "Interfering with my guest is also uneptable. You may leave now," Huang Kun sternly told Hu Xuan. His lineage had always had conflicts with demonesses like her. Hu Xuan, with her charming and sly fox-like allure, was the same woman who confronted Wang Xuan on the outskirts of Su City under the moonlit night. However, that was just her paper talisman avatar, which Wang Xuan had shattered with a punch. Smiling, Hu Xuan retorted, "You seem overly concerned. He''s from the present world and unrted to your lineage. My following him is none of your concern. Don''t provoke me, or I might just destroy your ancestral shrine and disturb the peace of your reviving true form." Huang Kun responded coldly, "This is my territory. I won''t tolerate your insolence, especially knowing your true form is reviving at Wangyue Cliff. If you dare touch my shrine, I will seek out your resting ce." Wang Xuan sensed the surge of supernatural energy in the forest outside Yu City. He astrally projected, rising high into the sky, only to witness Huang Kun shing with a woman. The intense battle was causing the forest to silently shatter and the cliffs to corrode away. "Are they really fighting? It''s that woman, a fox spirit!" Not wanting to linger, Wang Xuan quickly returned to his physical body. Shortly after, Huang Kun returned and informed him that the woman had left and wouldn''t follow him anymore. "Thank you for driving away the demoness," Wang Xuan expressed his gratitude. Outside the shrine, Huang Xinghai was deeply moved, wondering why the celestial being of the Huang family had be an enforcer for this young man. "I''ll check if there''s anything unusual about you, like a trace left by someone," Huang Kun offered, deciding to help Wang Xuan thoroughly since he had already intervened. He was concerned about Wang Xuan''s safety, especially with the significant event approaching in three days. Using a secret technique involving soul light as a mirror, Huang Kun reflected it onto Wang Xuan. This ancient method, barely managed by Huang Kun with the aid of the nearby true bone, utilized some of the supernatural rules. Wang Xuan remained still, though the shing God Banner from the relic of the blessednd was ready to strike at any moment. Fortunately, Huang Kun had no hostile intentions and was genuinely scrutinizing Wang Xuan for any abnormalities. The soul light mirror soon revealed a blurred image of a mechanical being, specifically Mechanical Being No. 5. Wang Xuan frowned, recognizing the mechanical being from his battle at the Sun family. The recent anomalies in his detectors suggested that this supernatural mechanical being was monitoring him. Huang Kun revealed, "It has observed you, but without strong intent to kill. It seems to have only watched from a distance, never approaching closely." His expression then turned unsettled as the soul light mirror reflected burning joss paper, blurring the mirror''s light and causing a tremor in his soul light. He hastily ceased the technique, severing and discarding a portion of his soul light engulfed in a wisp of smoke. Huang Kun inhaled sharply, "What have you provoked? What is that on you?" Wang Xuan, recalling an incident, produced a yellowed piece of paper money from the relic of the blessednd. This joss paper had inexplicably appeared on him, unable to be discarded permanently. "I''ve been wanting someone to examine its origin," he exined, offering it to Huang Kun. Huang Kun retreated, refusing the paper money. "This has issues, carrying the resentment of a whole world," he warned. Wang Xuan discarded and burned the paper money, asking Huang Kun to check again for any abnormalities. The mirror light reappeared but showed no anomalies this time. Wang Xuan mentioned that the paper money would likely reappear on him soon. This was a ruse to prompt Huang Kun to investigate the paper money, which had initially descended from a dark sky, seemingly without origin. Huang Kun, looking serious, suggested the paper money might be rted to the decline of the supernatural, recalling vague mentions by two supreme beings of mourning the demise of the mythical world. He advised Wang Xuan to be cautious, suspecting a connection with the current state of the world. Wang Xuan then bid farewell, agreeing to meet again in three days to fish for celestial medicine at Gold Peak, located dozens of miles away. Huang Xinghai entered the ancestral hall, conversing directly with Huang Kun, now semi-revived. "Elder ancestor, are you truly nning to coborate with him to fish for celestial medicine from the high-order spiritual world?" he asked. Huang Kun nodded affirmatively before returning to his true bone. Professor Lin and Qin Cheng also left with Wang Xuan, but they switched to a hover train en route to Suzhou City. Smoke of war rises everywhere, with supernaturals appearing en masse. One after another, cults are emerging like bamboo shoots after a rain. With just over two years left, is this the final frenzy? The mythical world evolves, with conglomerates bing terrifying cults. Mount Meru, Jade Lake, Mount Buzhou... encroaching upon the mortal world. I hope it''s not so, Wang Xuan mused gravely as he departed alone. Chen Yongjie called him, conversing in thetest codenguage. He had used some super-material to purify Old Qins body and had essed their secret vault. It was dangerous but housed many treasures, including a white conch shell believed to be left by Sakyamuni, radiating with Buddhas light. The Qin family''s collection, rich in Buddhist texts and ancient artifacts, held numerous treasures. Chen Yongjie discovered a top-tier relic but couldnt take it, as it already had an owner. Let''s wait and see. If that conch is powerful enough to risk taking, then I''ll go for it, he decided. Sakyamuni is still alive and will eventually emerge from the curtain. Even if we get that conch from the Qin familys vault, it''ll be reimed eventually. We can exploit the conch for a while, then return it when done! they briefly discussed. Chen Yongjies regret was still not finding the half lotus pod. After consulting a few more families, Ill head to the Zhong family, Wang Xuan informed. Good, the Zhong family has both a Taoist temple and a Buddhist monastery, Chen Yongjie had already scoped out their holdings. Chapter 264: A Great Happening Chapter 264: A Great Happening Outside Yucheng city, although it was still morning, the sky turned as dark as ink. Massive clouds, like two colossalndmasses colliding, pressed down from above. The energy released from their contact was terrifying; thick, green lightning, like a vast range of verdant mountains, spanned the horizon. Everyone was stunned by this spectacle - the mountain-like green lightning, towering and majestic, seemed to suppress the world itself. "Something bizarre is happening! Have you seen the news reports? Yucheng is experiencing a once-in-a-millennium celestial phenomenon. The lightning, like huge mountains across the sky, is terrifying!" someone posted online. Indeed, tforms were already covering Yucheng''s strange weather phenomena, first reporting blood-red lightning, then spherical lightning, and now, mountainous thunder. Some experts imed this was normal, a momentary illusion caused by dense, multiyered clouds. However, the public remained skeptical. "In reality, the green mountainous lightning hasn''t disappeared yet. How can this be just a fleeting image?" questioned a local. In the high sky, the two blurredndmasses collided again, causing the lightning mountain to copse, with one area of lightning pouring down like a waterfall. Boom! A famous localndmark, Golden Peak, was obliterated by the lightning waterfall, leaving only half of the peak standing. The scene was so shocking that everyone was rendered speechless. "Come out, experts! Walk a few steps and dare to say this is an illusion? I''ll throw you into that lightning hole!" The dark sky outside Yucheng, shadowed by floating supernaturalndmasses, unleashed terrifying energy, causing a frenzy of media reports. Huang Kun focused intently on the sky. As the vast lightning spanned the heavens, he saw much more than the average person. A nt appeared incredibly vibrant and sacred. "Tell Wang Xuan not to rush over; he still has time to prepare. What we see now is not the real Celestial Herb, but just a reflection caused by the lightning," Huang Kun instructed Huang Xinghai to convey. The Celestial Herb rooted in higher spiritual realms is invisible to most, only vaguely perceptible through celestial methods. At the Zhong family residence, Wang Xuan watched the screen, nodding after receiving the message from the Huang family. Chen Yongjiemented, "Old Huang is quite sincere, not hiding anything to push you into action." Zhong Cheng, also in the monitoring room, was thrilled by the partial truth he learned. "Celestial Herb from higher spiritual worlds? Immortals fighting over it behind the veil, and we canpete for it here in the real world, even... fishing for Celestial Herb? What a grand spectacle!" "There''s nothing for you in this!" Zhong Qing nced at him, urging him to quiet down. Chen Yongjie and Wang Xuanmunicated cautiously in the spiritual realm, wary of other transcendent beings eavesdropping with their secret treasures. "Are you really going to fish for the Celestial Herb? Great opportunities alwayse with great risks. You have to consider everything, including the spiritual heavenly fire," Chen Yongjie advised. Wang Xuan pondered as he caressed the translucent fishing line, now attached to an ancient fishing hook, a relic left by a covenant keeper capable of piercing spiritual realms. "Honestly, I''ve thought a lot about it and even had some good ns. But considering the magnitude of the event, with immortals and Celestial Herb, I''d rather just watch quietly from the sidelines. I won''t participate." He added, "Since I''ve decided not to go, I''ll let go of everything. I''ll return the fishing line to Huang Kun and let him find another partner. The hook can be lent to him." In Yucheng, Huang Xinghai ryed Wang Xuan''s phone call to Huang Kun. "He''s a good man, willing to lend the fishing hook directly to the Huang family. He said he feels too weak to participate in such a grand event," he informed Huang Kun. "That''s really a pity," Huang Kun sighed, expressing hope for a future coboration through Huang Xinghai. ... At Wangyue Cliff, amidst ancient osmanthus trees exuding a refreshing fragrance, a woman in white used her transcendent abilities to send a message outward. "The Huang family is making a big move. It seems they''re nning to fish for Celestial Herb!" Clearly, there were more than a few transcendent beings rted to the veil and the real world on New Star. This message caused significant ripples among the underground circles. In a certain crypt, Zhou Chong, after three months of recuperation, was still in poor condition, mainly because his immortal bone had been broken! The bone shards, his lifeline of immortality, had been fractured, causing substantial loss of immortal substance. This left him in excruciating pain, harboring a deep hatred for the Robot Number 5. The only source offort and excitement for Zhou Chong was that the Soul-Locking Bell was in his possession. Suddenly, a glowing butterfly fluttered in, dancing elegantly as it conveyed a message. Zhou Chong''s face lit up with surprise, "The higher spiritual world is manifesting, and Celestial Herb might fall. If I can get it, regenerating my broken immortal bone and perfectly reshaping my flesh would be no issue at all!" In the region known as Demon God Ridge, a shadowy figure emerged from ake, walking on water, clearly moved by the news. At Yuan Quan Mountain, a hazy figure murmured to itself, "My followers, Kristin and Hansolo, died here. This is the collision of technology and mythology, and it''s just the beginning. The mortal world is so intense already. Ah, and now even the Celestial Herb emerges." In an ancient Taoist temple of a certain financial group, a silent, blood-entwined immortal bone was disturbed by the unusual fluctuations outside, as if being called upon. "Please forgive me for disturbing you, but I must report that the Celestial Herb has appeared, capable of reshaping the immortal body!" In other cities, shadowy figures in ancient temples were also awakened by the news, temporarily rousing from their slumber. Outside Kangning City, in the Sun family''s mothership base, the eyes of Mechanical Being No. 5 flickered wildly with various informational symbols. In a sense, it could monitor various locations and collect information much faster than others. It was invading secretworks, gathering all sorts of information about the Huang family, Celestial Herb, and Yucheng, switching between surveince footage. "Celestial Herb, a product of the higher spiritual world, could greatly benefit my ''spiritual fire seed''. It might even restore me!" It was verifying and monitoring, assessing whether to take action. Then, it transformed into a frenzied mechanical being, recklessly invading the Sky Network, searching for information everywhere. In this era, almost all human activities were under the surveince of Sky Eyes and detectors, leaving hardly any secrets. Mechanical Being No. 5 worked efficiently, tracing Wang Xuan''s visit to the Huang family''s ancestral temple. Momentster, its eye sockets flickered intensely. Shortly after, it transformed into a shuttle-shaped flying vehicle, soaring into the sky and disappearing rapidly. "The channel reports: A massive thunderstorm struck the mountains outside Yucheng, destroying the main peak of Jinding Mountain!" This event captured the attention of the entire inte, as no one had ever witnessed such a terrifying thunderstorm, resembling a mountain crashing down from the sky, followed by a river flowing downwards. "Which Daoist friend is undergoing tribtion? Give us a heads-up next time. I was so scared that I wet my feet going to the bathroom just now!" The rare phenomenon inevitably drew public attention, withments ranging from genuine fear to humor, highlighting the impact of the thunderstorm on Jinding Mountain. Soon, a photo of a young man with a buzz cut appeared online, captioned: "This monk is undergoing tribtion on Jinding Mountain!" Old Chen almost smashed his screen upon seeing it. Someone had posted his photo from the battle in Mucheng, where his golden body shone with a hint of Buddha''s light. Initially, people joked about it, but soon they remembered the emergence of supernatural beings and the blending of mythology into reality. It wasn''t impossible. Was it a natural thunderstorm? It seemed too grand and terrifying! Zhong Qing, Wang Xuan, and Chen Yongjie were all watching the thunderstorm outside Yucheng on the big screen, increasingly amazed. "Aren''t you regretting giving up on the Celestial Herb?" Old Chen asked Wang Xuan. Suddenly, the supeputer at Zhong''s house emitted a piercing rm it had been hacked. Who dared to be so bold? Zhong Changming was furious. However, the problem was quickly resolved. In the secret vault, rich with supernatural substances and a mysterious, ashen pool, everything remained eerily quiet without any anomalies. "The items we just dispatched have been intercepted!" someone reported, showing parts of the footage. A small spacecraft from Zhong''s family, originally transporting the silk line and fishing hook to Yucheng, was invaded mid-journey by an unknown flying object, and the supernatural items were seized. "How audacious! Which mechanical being dares to rob our family''s spacecraft?" Zhong Qing mmed the table in anger. In Yucheng, Huang Xinghai was stunned, then quickly informed Huang Kun that the hook capable of prating higher spiritual worlds had been stolen. Huang Kun frowned, "No matter, whoever took action must be interested in the Celestial Herb. They''ll soon appear at Jinding Mountain." Wang Xuan pondered for a moment and asked Zhong Qing if he could rent a medium-sized battleship. Zhong Qing looked at him curiously, wondering what he was nning, as her family indeed had various new types of ships. "Old Wang, are you nning to snatch the Celestial Herb?" Zhong Cheng piped up, always ready for a bit of excitement. Wang Xuan shook his head, "No, I just want it for self-defense. But I don''t want to use a battleship from the Zhong family. It''s better to have one that can''t be traced back." Zhong Qing suggested, "That''s easy. Just contact the Grey Blood Organization. They handle tasks like assassinations and renting battleships, and if anything happens, it wont be traced back to you." ... Outside Yucheng, thunder rumbled and lightning struck, creating a spectacle as if two massive continents were colliding. Astonishingly, mountains seemed to fall from the sky, illuminated by the thunder. This phenomenon had everyone buzzing on various tforms, suspecting that these lightning shapes were not natural. "Everyone, that''s not just lightning. It seems to be... a celestial realm, illuminated by the lightning, revealing another world''s scenery." "Look, someone is undergoing tribtion!" Countless people were discussing fervently online, watching thetest news. "Have beings beyond the veil startedpeting for the Celestial Herb?" Supernatural beings had already arrived at the scene, observing the dark sky. "Immortals beyond the veil have made their move, attempting to enter the higher spiritual world to harvest the Celestial Herb!" a shadowy figure eximed. Supernatural beings lurking in the shadows knew that the time was near. The immortals would only have a brief moment to seize the opportunity to obtain the Celestial Herb. The symbols in the eyes of the Robot Number 5 flickered crazily, ready to use the hook to prate the dark firmament at any moment. Chapter 265: Spilling Immortal Blood Chapter 265: Spilling Immortal Blood As two worlds seemed to touch and then pass by each other, the mighty mountains of the other realm cast their shadows in the present world. There, celestial lights shone, indicating the presence of powerful beings making their moves. "Hostile entity - Primordial God-Demon!" Robot Number 5 focused intently on the dark sky. People in the real world were immensely shocked, as they seemed to witness immortals from another world taking action. Supernatural beings arrived, some having chosen advantageous positions near the Golden Peak Mountain, waiting for the potential opportunity. What if the Celestial Herb were to fall into the present world? "It''s here!" eximed a supernatural powerhouse, eyes zing with divine light. In the dark sky, enormous mountain ranges floated oppressively, with thick thunderbolts shing. Then, a nt appeared across the sky, sacred and unparalleled, with light rain falling from it. "A stalk of Celestial Herb is approaching the present world!" The faces of the supernatural beings changed, wondering if their chance had arrived. The atmosphere was incredibly tense. The higher spiritual world became more distinct, with vast mountain ranges spanning across it. The grandeur of these scenes in the high skies was breathtaking, causing a suffocating sensation. It seemed the immortals were in a hurry, chasing something in the distance. A glimpse of a vast curtain was seen, with them climbing towards the higher spiritual realm. Swords transformed into a heavenly staircase, with powerful beings stepping on them to reach the elusive depths of the spiritual world. In the real world, the scene was blurry, but people could vaguely sense the mighty mountains in the sky, perhaps belonging to the realm of immortals. They were so astounded they were at a loss for words. The existence of myths was now being witnessed and confirmed by the entire world, sending shivers down everyone''s spine. "Here we go!" Robot Number 5 kept assessing, ready to make its move, feeling the imminent presence of the Celestial Herb. "Back then, when the mothership neared ayer of the spiritual world, it seemed to have encountered this Celestial Herb but missed the chance!" "Why can''t I see it!" At the scene, some supernatural beings murmured in discontent and frustration, unable to perceive the glowing nt that was increasingly blending with the present world. As for the ordinary people on New Star, they couldn''t see the celestial phenomena; they only witnessed vague silhouettes of immortals chasing after something. At this moment, glowing bone fragments, dense with blood vessels and pulsing blood patterns, descended near Golden Peak Mountain. Emitting celestial light, they formed a hazy human figure. Additionally, a relic emitted light, constructing a golden figure in the forest, gazing up at the various objects in the dark sky. These beings,posed of true bones and relics, had significant backgrounds. More than one or two of them were present, making other supernatural beings quite wary. "Return!" In the high sky, a top-tier immortal shouted, raising a hand to unleash a golden rope. Ittched onto the massive mountain range, pulling it back, attempting to stop the higher world from moving away and trying to harvest the Celestial Herb. "Damn, hurry up and fail!" Below the broken main peak of Golden Peak Mountain, a being growled, focusing on the high sky. With a thunderous roar, even thebined efforts of powerful immortals couldn''t prevent the higher world from leaving. The vast mountain range became increasingly distinct, almost colliding with the skies of the present world. Even ordinary people could now clearly see it, with lightning apanying it, as if pressing down on them through the screen, making everyone feel suffocated. And for those present at the scene, even as supernatural beings, they too were trembling with the enormity of the spectacle. In Kun City, at the Zhong family''s residence, Chen Yongjie spoke gravely, "Should we go to the scene? But it''s terrifying there. We have to consider human disasters, celestial disasters, spiritual heavenly fire, and more." Wang Xuan shook his head and said, "To be honest, I''ve considered a lot. Initially, I nned to trap Huang Kun. In my view, apart from Sword Immortals, the ancients are very dangerous." This was his initial n, but ultimately he didn''t follow through with it. "If Huang Kun had good intentions, it would have been somewhat unkind for me to do so. If he had malicious intentions, then getting personally involved and participating in the entanglement would have put me at a disadvantage." Therefore, Wang Xuan ultimately chose to remain an outsider, restraining all impulses. He felt there was no need to be so aggressive. Keeping a distance and ensuring mutual safety seemed the best approach. "Huang Kun''s choice to cooperate with me was either because of me as a person, or to get the Zhong family''s fishing hook." However, after Wang Xuan clearly expressed his withdrawal, Huang Kun did not insist further, seemingly inclined towards obtaining the fishing hook. Amidst roaring sounds, the enormous mountain approached the mortal world, and the reluctant Immortals seemingly had no choice but to watch as the celestial herb slipped away. "There it is!" someone shouted. A nt, more intense and dazzling than lightning, hurtled towards them. Superhumans appeared near the Golden Peak Mountain range, hoping for the celestial herb to fall. Zhou Chong, holding the Soul Locking Bell, was eager to try. If it weren''t for the ghost inside the bell still stubbornly fighting for control, he would have confidently swept away everyone here with the ancient bell. True bones shone brightly, and relics glimmered, intertwining into an immortal figure. The area around Golden Peak Mountain was rich in superhuman substances, rising in swirls! Hiss! Number Five, the mechanical being, finally made its move, casting out a crystalline line. Under its superhuman maniption, the line rapidly extended, attempting to fish for the celestial herb. Boom! Suddenly, the entire mountain range shook, and mottled rays of light appeared, rapidly intensifying and shooting upwards. The forest around Golden Peak Mountain seemed to be reviving, teeming with dense symbols. Some superhumans on-site exploded on the spot, turning into blood mist without even a chance to scream, dead before they knew it. The super substances in their bodies were extracted and ascended into the sky. Crack! The sound of true bones splitting resounded. Even the mysterious beings of great origin suffered severe injuries, with their divine bones shattered and the rich essence of immortality dispersing, absorbed by the sky. Pop! Relics disintegrated, turning into dense Buddha light that vanished into the heavens. "You''re insane, Huang family!" someone bellowed, shaking the entire mountain range. "Damn it, it must be a top-tier Primordial Demon, or it wouldn''t have been able to deceive me!" Number Five''s eye sockets flickered with interwoven symbols, and it abruptly retracted its fishing hook. However, this changed nothing. The light beams surging through the mountain range aimed to disintegrate the bodies of all superhumans. "This is an attraction channelid out hundreds of years ago, before the full decline of the superhumans, and we have be sacrifices!" A shadow emerged from a piece of divine bone, struggling to escape the binding force of the area but unable to flee. In the skies above the Huang family''s ancestral temple in Yucheng, Huang Kun watched everything calmly. Another figure, a spiritual entity like him, was Hu Xuan. With her captivating face, she looked serious, saying, "You''re ruthless. Aren''t you afraid of causing great disaster? Some of those people have formidable backgrounds, and this will lead to trouble!" "Even if supreme beings from other realmse to settle ounts, it won''t fall on my head," Huang Kun replied, confident that once his n seeded and supreme beings entered this world, no one would dare to hold him ountable. "I''ve spoken on your behalf this time. If I''m seen standing with you again, people will hate me to death," Hu Xuan disappeared in an instant. ng! The Soul Locking Bell rang, its silvery ripples expanding and revealing the true scene. There was no higher spiritual world, only a hazy great curtain close to the mortal world, with a group of people waiting to cross realms. "Aren''t you afraid of falling from your realms?" A shadow in a piece of true bone cried out in rm and anger, recognizing some of the people behind the curtain, including a supreme being whose name resonated through the immortal realm. Such powerful immortals rarely dared to cross realms carelessly, waiting for the best opportunity to bring their formidable abilities and strength. The stronger the immortal, the more they feared being reduced to mortals! ng! The Soul Locking Bell''s defiance of the heavens rang out again, dimming the runes in the area. Zhou Chong, hiding inside the bell, managed to escape towards the distance. Number Five, the mechanical being, melted into the ground, having suffered severe losses. Its spirit fire was nearly extinguished, and half of its reactive metal body was consumed. Fragments of celestial bones exploded, relics shattered, and ethereal shadows either vanished into the distance or dissipated right there on the scene. Other supernatural beings turned into mist, leaving the area eerily silent. Only a few managed to escape, mainly due to the current depletion of supernatural substances in the New Star, and the limited supernatural elements within the ritualistic gateway formed years ago. "It''s your turn now, the real miracle, the path of invitation!" Huang Kun dered. He flew to the summit of Jinding Mountain and activated a final, special formation. Then he gazed into the distance, waiting for something. At the Zhong residence, Wang Xuan''s body became illuminated with symbols, eventually forming three ripple-like halos that confined him. "What''s happening to you?!" Zhong Cheng eximed in shock. With a whoosh, Wang Xuan disappeared from the spot, a testament to the authentic celestial array''s ability to remotely abduct a person. Soon, he appeared at Jinding Mountain, looking at the devastatedndscape smeared with blood and even fragments of celestial bones. "Quite a grand gesture, ruthless indeed!" he remarked, noticing the faint curtain ahead. "Many supernatural beings have perished here, celestial bones and relics destroyed. Aren''t you afraid of the massive karma this might bring?" Wang Xuan questioned Huang Kun, realizing that the seemingly gentle man was actually treacherous. "The ones who came here personally aren''t big shots; we can handle that kind of karma," Huang Kun replied calmly. He gestured to Wang Xuan to use the fishing hook to summon the celestial beings from behind the grand curtain. "Do you think I would cooperate after you abducted me and forced me to use my life to invite powerful beings from behind the grand curtain into this world?" Wang Xuan asked, barely concealing his rage and contempt for Huang Kun. Wang Xuan''s body was bound by three ripple-like halos, making it difficult for him to fight back against Huang Kun. Huang Kun smiled slightly, "I''m not forcing you. I''m asking you to use your inner realm to invite the supreme beings to return. We assure you of your survival." Wang Xuan wasn''t surprised; Huang Kun must have known about his biggest secret the special inner realm he had opened during his mortal stage, hence the dramatic arrangements. After a moment of silence, Wang Xuan sighed and walked forward, picking up the luminous fishing line and fiercely casting it, piercing the faintly glowing curtain. Across the curtain, a formidable group stood. At the back was a man d in ck and gold armor, his helmet covering even his face, exuding an aura distinct from the celestial beings. His silent presencemanded awe; even Huang Kun, a celestial being himself, trembled before him. Mountains and rivers seemed trivial, and the sun in the sky dimmed in his presence. The celestial beings around him were almost forgotten, overshadowed by his overwhelming presence. "We''re back in the mortal world!" someone shouted, filled with excitement. As the hook pierced the curtain, thunderous roars followed. Whoosh! The celestial beings sprang into action, several of them rushing along the fishing line in an instant. "Hurry! Time is limited, the Old Covenant is unbreakable. Cherish this brief moment; it''s more precious than any heavenly medicine or supreme scripture. Escape while you can!" urged someone from behind. shes of light flickered as seven beings swiftly moved along the crystalline line. But then, they began to scream in agony. Their bodies exploded, showering in celestial blood. Mysterious powers and terrifying runes obliterated their flesh and tore apart their souls. "Why is this happening?" the celestial beings who rushed along the line roared in anger, their eyes turning towards Wang Xuan and then Huang Kun, as their soul''s energy rapidly dissolved. "This is no different than directly breaching the grand curtain!" they realized. "You changed the line? Where is the one I gave you?!" Huang Kun approached in fury, realizing that his specially consecrated line from the celestial realm was not the one used. Wang Xuan looked at him and said, "I thought your line seemed a bit decayed, so I used one of simr material from my possession, fearing yours wasn''t sturdy enough." Huang Kun was on the verge of madness, unable to handle such a shock. All seven celestial beings who crossed the curtain exploded in a shocking disy. In Huang Kun''s eyes, Wang Xuan was merely a tool, a stepping stone for their group''s celestial beings to return. Previously, in thend of the deceased, a mysterious creature on the moon tried to fish away Wang Xuan, but he cut off a segment of its fishing line with his short sword, which now came in handy. "Being a good person is tough," Wang Xuan sighed. Chapter 266: Teaching The Immortals A Lesson Chapter 266: Teaching The Immortals A Lesson In a way, the fishing line Wang Xuan offered was of superior quality; had it been used for its intended purpose of fishing for heavenly medicine, it would have undoubtedly been effective and even better. Huang Kun''s body trembled uncontrobly, barely containing his urge to smash Wang Xuan into a pulp, as the situation had turned disastrously against him. "I acted in good faith, offering a superior fishing line out of sincerity," Wang Xuan shook his head. "I never anticipated you would treat me this way." Hearing these words, Huang Kun felt like exploding on the spot! Wang Xuan continued, "I thought too highly of you. As celestial beings, you''ve discarded the purest and most beautiful essence of humanity: kindness. Your malice has seeped into your bones, corrupting the deepest part of your souls." His voice was calm, without any intense emotion, yet this tranquility was like adding salt to Huang Kun''s wounds. This understated approach was akin to a second injury, more unbearable for Huang Kun and the others. Indeed, if the celestial beings hadn''t harbored malicious intentions, such a tragic event would never have urred. It was a situation wrought by their own doing. Huang Kun closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of the super material, controlling himself, and refraining fromshing out lethally. He was acutely aware of being duped, feeling bitter and pained. The fact that he was being "lectured" in this manner by Wang Xuan only added to his torment. The faces of the celestial beings were grim, finding it hard to ept that a young man, who had only recently transcended the realm of mortals in the present world, had taught them a lesson. Huang Kun thought of the mechanical being, cursing silently. Why did it interfere? If the original fishing line had been returned directly, perhaps he would have inspected it more carefully. He felt a deep sense of malice, convinced that all of this was a setup by Wang Xuan, waiting for them to err. The No. 5 mechanical being, having barely escaped the area, was overheating from its intense observation of the conversation. Its symbols flickered wildly before a part of its energy circuit board exploded in overexcitement, causing it to smoke. Realizing the danger of staying, it quickly fled, as its core and metallic body were on the brink of exhaustion andplete shutdown. Wang Xuan was about to speak again, but Huang Kun couldn''t bear to hear his voice any longer. Each word, each phrase felt like torture, a humiliation, as if he were being ground against the floor. In a sh, Huang Kun charged at Wang Xuan, grabbing him not only to silence him but also to exact a severe price. Wang Xuan, bound by three ripples of energy constructed from runes, found it difficult to fight back fiercely. Undoubtedly, during the inspection at Huang''s ancestral shrine, Huang Kun hadid this dark trap. "Can''t you just be a good person?" Wang Xuan asked, looking at him. But Huang Kun was determined not to let him speak again. He pinned Wang Xuan in front of the hazy curtain, tearing open his palm, letting blood flow freely to have direct contact with the fishing hook, bypassing the line. This way, the "human channel" would be a one-time consumable, unable to be used again. "You exist solely to be a path for immortals, to guide the return of the celestial beings!" Huang Kun said coldly, his words chilling to the bone. Today, he had made a significant mistake, antagonized by a young man from the present world in a seemingly indifferent manner, leading to the near extinction of seven beings from beyond the curtain. In front of the curtain, the remains of the seven experts disintegratedpletely after their flesh and blood exploded, leaving not even a trace of blood, just whiffs of smoke. It was as if they had never existed in this world, their existence erased by the Old Covenant. Their souls decayed rapidly, leaving only faint shadows. Without the protection of an extraordinary being, they would vanish within days. The seven, in despair, looked towards the curtain, hoping for the fully armored extraordinary figure to break free from his confines and rescue them. Wang Xuan''s palm merged with the fishing hook, his entire body pressed against the curtain. He stared at the silent and terrifying figures within. Despite the catastrophe, the beings inside remainedposed, observing him coldly. The area was dense with celestial substances, indicating their immense strength. ording to the No. 5 mechanical being''s ssification, the entities behind the curtain were akin to innate demons and gods. If such beings could emerge intact with their current power, even a single one could annihte all the transcendent beings of the present world. As for the extraordinary figure standing still, as if across the ages, seemingly belonging to the ancient mythological era, he was even more terrifying, not moving an inch. His mere breath distorted the super-material and twisted time and space! Someone moved, touching the fishing hook, trying to prate into Wang Xuan''s flesh and forcibly open his inner scene. "Some beings in the curtain are spiritual entities, while others possess flesh and blood, a coexistence of real matter and spiritual energy," Wang Xuan spoke, his gaze fixed on the figures behind the curtain. Yet, he seemed to be enduring pain, frowning as something approached along his bleeding palm. With a thud, Huang Kun struck him, unable to tolerate his calm demeanor in the face of imminent death. What Huang Kun most wanted to see was Wang Xuan''s fear and panic. Wang Xuan nced at Huang Kun and said, "From beginning to end, it''s been nothing but malice from you, and yet you think it''s my fault?" Huang Kun replied grimly, "Just a pile of rotten flesh and a few broken bones, barely alive and still trying to act tough? If it wasn''t for the need of your inner scene pathway, do you think I''d let you be so defiant?" He restrained from acting further, fearing that destabilizing Wang Xuan''s physical inner scene might affect the return of the transcendent beings. Externally, signals were intermittent. Detectors struggled to capture clear images of Jinding Mountain due to the intense concentration of super-material, which had destroyed many expensive devices. Only blurry distant scenes were visible, showing Wang Xuan confronting entities within the curtain, enveloped in a hazyyer, stirring intense unease. Observers from all around wondered if those were transcendent beings. They had just witnessed someone explode in front of Wang Xuan, turning into ashes. Intermittent crackling noises indicated weakening signals, leaving various organizations in shock. What exactly was happening at Jinding Mountain? "Can''t open it!" Wang Xuan expressed anxiety as he tried unsessfully to open his inner scene pathway for the transcendent beings crossing through the curtain, attempting to forcibly ess it. In the haziness, he could discern some vague figures, indicating a special inner scene space, but why was he repeatedly failing? "Time is precious, further dys might lead to unforeseen disasters," someone said. Several more transcendent beings moved along the fishing line, trying to invade Wang Xuan''s bleeding palm to forcefully open the unique inner scene space. "Cooperate with me!" Huang Kun''s face twisted in frustration. His errors today had led to a tragedy for seven experts behind the curtain. Now, he couldn''t afford another mishap. If something went wrong again, he would rather end his own life than face that extraordinary figure from behind the curtain. Wang Xuan ignored Huang Kun and instead turned to the figures beyond the curtain, pondering, "In the world behind the curtain, are those with flesh and blood original inhabitants or reconstituted bodies? What exactly is your state?" Hepared this situation with his experience in a strange world essed through the mist risen from his life-earth, where both physical and spiritual entities coexisted. If there is a connection between the two worlds, Wang Xuan thought, finding the right moment could allow him to achieve much. Huang Kun, unable to tolerate Wang Xuan''s inquisitiveness, was exasperated. "The man facing death yet still full of questions, truly fearless due to ignorance!" he thought. In a drastic change from his earlier gentleness in the ancestral temple, Huang Kun grasped Wang Xuan''s neck tightly, his face darkening. In a chilling voice, he ordered, "Shut up and behave!" Wang Xuan responded coldly, "You''d better let go of me and show some respect." Huang Kunughed bitterly, infuriated. He, who had ascended to immortality, was being disrespected again and again by a young man from the modern world. However, he stiffened momentarily, aware of the transcendent beings watching him from behind the curtain. Their displeasure was evident was this the time for personal grudges? Silently releasing his grip, Huang Kun''s mind was filled with one thought: Endurance. Staring at Wang Xuan, he already considered him a dead man, envisioning the disintegration of his spirit and body. "What does your special inner scene matter now? There''s no time left for you to grow!" Wang Xuan turned to Huang Kun and retorted, "Why do you despise and hold hostility towards me? In truth, it should be me who finds your true nature abhorrent." "If ancient beings and transcendent figures are all like you, then it''s better to eliminate them all. You''re not benevolent." Huang Kun calmed himself, speaking indifferently, "Your inner scene will perish, and your real body will rot. That is your destiny. I won''t argue with you now." "I will hold you ountable," dered Wang Xuan. Huang Kun chuckled dismissively, looking down on Wang Xuan and not bothering to engage further in conversation. At the horizon, a warship appeared, crossing the sky at incredible speed. It wasn''t particrlyrge, a mid-sized vessel, but its icy exterior still exuded a terrifying presence. This war machine, once fully operational, could easily devastate cities, pierce the earth, and shatter mountains. Inside the ship, a middle-aged man from the Grey Blood organization was sweating profusely. "We don''t take on domestic tasks. The financial conglomerates and major organizations will sanction us. No one is allowed to use warships on the New World," he worried. Old Chen sat in the control room, his gaze fixed on the screen, radiating lethal intent. A nce back at the man sent shivers down his spine, silencing his protest. "We know our limits," said Chen Yongjie, giving him a look before walking aside. He then pulled out a small, yellow gourd, and astonishingly, Wang Xuan leaped out from it. "Why doesn''t the Sun family face any issues for such actions? Perhaps we should fly under their banner," Wang Xuan suggested from within the warship. The middle-aged man, recognizing Wang Xuan and hearing this suggestion, began to sweat even more profusely. "So, should we decide on this?" Wang Xuan turned to him, urging him to speed up. As the warship neared Yucheng, its sleek lines were both aesthetically pleasing and rmingly dangerous. "Forget it, I''ll abide by the rules of the New World for now. But when ites to fighting the transcendent beings, it can''t be like this. Then, we''ll be facing external enemies, resisting external humiliation, defending ournd and borders!" dered Wang Xuan. Boarding a small flying craft, he left the warship. The weapons he used were no less formidable, targeting Huang Kun''s ancestral temple to destroy Huang Kun''s lifeline his celestial bone, cutting off his roots first. Chapter 267: Slaying An Immortal Chapter 267: ying An Immortal The Huang family, with their vast business empire, owned a sizeable estate where the ancestral temple was located in a secluded area, surrounded by numerous ancient trees. Now, a flying craft approached, with Wang Xuan sitting inside, coldly overlooking thisnd endowed with a Celestial Destiny, ready to hunt a celestial being. He didnt need to be this close; even from a distance, the craft could easily destroy the Huang familys ancestral temple. His main concern was the possibility of fragmented souls escaping. While physical attacks were feasible, spiritual incarnations fleeing would evade detection by modern weaponry, necessitating Wang Xuan''s personal supervision. Having turned hostile, he was now unrestrained. Even if it meant standing against beings from behind the great curtain and erupting in intense conflict with the transcendent beings, he was ready to strike back. Others wanted to use him as a "pathway" for their return, stepping over his corpse; what more was there to care about? He was prepared for a fierce counterattack. Should the transcendent beings cross over and seek vengeance, he was ready to fight to the death, to see who would unleash greater havoc. ... At Jinding Mountain, the vast curtain shrouded the area in obscurity. The transcendent beings were silent, exuding dense celestial matter, fixing their gaze on the "human channel" in the mortal world. Their long-held wish was about to be fulfilled; they were on the verge of returning to the mortal realm, bing corporeal immortals in reality. "There''s some problem. I saw the shadow of the inner realm, but it''s always impossible to open it. Is it because his inner realm is too special?" A womans voice emanated from within Wang Xuan, having attempted several times to no avail. Inside Wang Xuan, five beings had already crossed over, using his flesh as a vessel, trying to forcibly prate the pathway to the inner realm. "His flesh is fine, but there seems to be something wrong with the inner realm," someone spoke up. Wang Xuan remained expressionless, calm and unflustered. Yet, he was secretly marvelling at how ancient treasures were truly extraordinary, having deceived even the transcendent beings. Naturally, this wasn''t Wang Xuan''s real body, but it was a vivid, exact replica of him, right down to the flowing blood which showed no sign of being anything but real,plete with dissipating supermatter and life force. Shortly after leaving the Huang family''s ancestral temple, Wang Xuan''s spirit had left his body to inspect himself with his spiritual eye, discovering vague rune marks. At that time, he already had some ideas but didn''t immediately cklist Huang Kun. Perhaps Huang had been wary of Wang Xuan coveting the thread capable of piercing the higher spiritual realm, so he took precautions. After all, any item that could prate the higher spiritual world was exceedingly valuable and not easily lost. Wang Xuan knew he had to remove the marks, but he didn''t want to act too close to the Huang family, fearing it would alert Huang Kun. He then went to Wu Yin''s family to extend the lives of Wu Chenglin and others. In the Wu family, he obtained a wooden figure, which, upon close examination, he realized was an extraordinary object, akin to a puppet. As his research deepened, he discovered it was far more astonishing than a mere puppet, capable of the "Li Dai Tao Jiang" trick. Especially during hisst examination at the Wu family, he identally activated it, fully revealing the wonder of this "artifact." Another him appeared, a wooden figuree to life, standing beside him, indistinguishable from the real Wang Xuan. Understanding its true nature, he sighed regretfully. Once activated, this miraculous object could only be used for seven days, with no way to stop it midway. He felt he had unwittingly squandered an opportunity to maximize the artifact''s potential, not using it where it mattered most. It was then that he noticed the secretive rune marks on his real body transferring to the avatar. His spiritual eye saw it all clearly. After the wooden figure was activated, it would only exist for seven days, so Wang Xuan didn''t bother removing the marks from it. "A divine object, a rare treasure, such a pity to use it up like this," Wang Xuan''s real body shook his head. However, using it against the transcendent beings wasn''t a total loss. At least now, the avatar already hosted five beings, all of whom would be sacrificial viins. Soon, a sixth being appeared in the wooden figure. They tried again to open the vaguely visible inner realm, but... still failed. This was absurd. They were beings saturated with the essence of the immortal path, yet unable to open the inner realm of a lower-tier individual it made no sense. Some considered invading Wang Xuan''s spiritual core, a step they initially didn''t want to take, but they were out of options. Would they really need to call upon the supreme beings to intervene? "Would you just cooperate?!" Huang Kun, unable to bear it anymore, grabbed Wang Xuan''s cor, winding up to p him. "Degrade me, and I''d rather die!" Wang Xuan dered, his voice calm yet resolute. Huang Kun''s hand froze mid-air, holding Wang Xuan''s cor, his other hand drawn back for the p but hesitating to strike. Inside Wang Xuan, the six beings sneered. Die? Did he really think he could? They were convinced Wang Xuan had no chance of dying by his own will. Several of them proceeded to invade his spirit. They were cautious; unless absolutely necessary, they didn''t want to do this. Only triggering a profound spiritual sensation could open the inner realm, a space intimately connected with the spiritual domain. If they exerted too much force and damaged the host''s spirit, they would sever the connection to this special inner realm. Yet, in a split second, they were dumbfounded. Why couldn''t they capture that glow of spirit? It felt distant, elusive, like a mirage they couldn''t approach. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan, in defiance, proimed, "Better dead than without freedom!" "You die and show me, then," Huang Kun mocked disdainfully. "You can neither live nor die as you wish!" However, his expression froze mid-sentence. Wang Xuan''s bloodied hand, pressed against the veil and the fishing line, snapped off with a crisp sound and exploded into mes, blood and bone burning away. Huang Kun''s face turned ashen, a mix of paleness and fear. How had Wang Xuan managed that? With the hand severed, the wooden figure, once possessing Wang Xuan''s extraordinary flesh, seemed different now. It still retained supernatural attributes but lost the unique traits of a human conduit. Screams erupted from within the wooden figure as the six beings were corroded by the ancient covenant. The shadow of the inner realm vanished; not only was it inessible, but it was also nowpletely invisible, like a mirage beyond reach. "You?!" In a frantic attempt to regain control, Huang Kun grabbed Wang Xuan''s other arm, pressing it towards the veil. But that arm, too, burst off, spraying blood. ... In Yu City, at the Huang family ancestral shrine, a terrifying energy beam descended from the sky, piercing through the shrine and striking directly at the so-called ''immortal life'' the true bone. The weapon Wang Xuan prepared for his celestial hunt was, naturally, immensely powerful, fitting for a warship. Crack! The celestial bone split open. Boom! One beam after another struck, not thick but terrifyingly potent. Each strike urately hit the bone. The celestial bone shattered, its essence, the so-called ''immortal life,'' exploded, releasing a profusion of life-energizing substances that burst forth like a downpour, forming an umbre-shaped glow, somewhat reminiscent of a mushroom cloud. A faint shadow rushed out, invisible to ordinary eyes but not to Wang Xuan''s spiritual vision. He sat vigntly in the flying craft, waiting for this moment. And then he struck again. Boom! The fragment of the soul hit by the attack exploded into nothingness. Quickly, the spiritual entity attempted to reform, but the essential super-material within it had been thoroughly scattered by the attack. Wang Xuan, utterly indifferent, looked down from above, holding a dark red divinemp. He opened the hatch and unleashed a terrifying red beam from themp, striking the fading shadow. He hadn''t needed to use the God-ying Banner, for the ancientmp in his hand was sufficient. Originally capable of targeting the spirit, its potency was further enhanced with a ball of divine fire, extending its effectiveness beyond the spiritual realm. Already weakened, the shadow was instantly dispersed by the attack. Wang Xuan then fired two more red beams, the crimson arrows piercing through and utterly eradicating the soul fragments. "Celestial beings, no more than this!" he dered coldly,manding the flying craft to ascend. On Gold Peak Mountain, Huang Kun let out a wretched scream, clutching his head as if his life''s imprint had been shattered. His celestial life his very foundation for returning to the mortal world was destroyed! "My true bone, my Dao foundation, the traces of my return to the mortal world, all destroyed!" He howled in fury, now like a rootless weed, bereft of any future. Simultaneously, he felt a terrifying weakness, as if a nt had been severed at the root. Behind the veil, the previously silent and terrifying figures, akin to innate demons, changed their expressions. They were shocked and unsettled by the abnormal events unfolding outside. Huang Kun, responsible for guiding them back, had his celestial foundation severed. In front of the veil, the wooden figure, still in the form of Wang Xuan, now showed cracks and no longer bled. Instead, it emanated celestial light. Inside, six entities struggled against the Old Covenant, emitting roars of despair and anger. The body was no longer special; it was just like any other transcendent being, no longer a humanoid pathway for celestial beings. This ghastly scene caused the pupils of the celestial beings to constrict and even the suffering Huang Kun to feel a chilling terror. Everything had turned into a deadly trap, a hopeless situation. Wang Xuan returned to the true warship, leaving Yu City. The metallic ship, with its oppressive presence, swept across the sky. Behind the veil, the celestial being covered entirely in ck-gold armor moved for the first time. He raised his head, staring towards the end of the sky where Wang Xuan had appeared in the cold warship. At this moment, Wang Xuan''s expression was utterly indifferent as he gazed at the obscure veil and the terrifying figures behind it. He did not approach but observed the celestial beings from afar. "Losing the celestial life yet still living? Open fire!" Wang Xuanmanded coldly. The middle-aged man from the Greyblood Organization shuddered upon hearing this, his scalp tingling and his body trembling as if electrified. Attack the celestial beings? The thought alone sent shivers down his spine. Sitting there motionless, Wang Xuan''s demeanor was chilling, casting him in the eyes of the middle-aged man as a ruthless demon god. Chapter 268: Immortal Death Chapter 268: Immortal Death In the warship, the Ashen Blood organization''s middle-aged man was drenched in sweat, gripped by fear and tension. He felt that today''s actions would mark a new chapter in history. Engaging immortals with a warship? This was the dawn of a terrifying new era, and he was both a participant and a witness. Wang Xuan was ready to wage war, and the man waspelled to execute these orders, inevitably bing a background figure in this monumental event. "I''m scared, terrified. Could Ashen Blood be obliterated because of me?" he thought, swallowing hard. But did he really have a choice? He felt powerless before the young man''s icy gaze. Before the misty veil, the wooden figure was riddled with cracks, divine light shooting through every fissure. The screams of the six beings inside chilled the immortals on the other side, a grim reminder of the terrible fate awaiting them in the mortal world without support. The immortals suddenly looked up, focusing on the distant, imposing warship, just like the man d in ck and golden armor. Back on Earth, people grew anxious as the images from Golden Summit Mountain became increasingly blurred. "What''s happening to Wang Xuan? His body seems to be glowing," they wondered. The glowing veil, the vast and ethereal immortal realm, and the silent immortals were never so close to reality. "People are wondering if immortals are about to emerge," someone said. There was a mix of nerves and excitement. The thought of immortals, once only part of legends, bing a reality, where ordinary people could immerse themselves in myth, seeking masters, and learning the arts of immortals, was thrilling. Some people looked forward to the emergence of immortals, believing the legends about various deities to be beautiful. "Don''t be so optimistic," warned others. "In a sense, they''re already a different kind of being, no longer human." This group was cautious and skeptical, especially since the main peak of Golden Summit Mountain was destroyed and some transcendent beings were suspected to have died there. "Yellow Family''s ancestral shrine is destroyed!" The news spread, raising concerns. "What will that warship do next?" Major financial groups and organizations, much more knowledgeable than the general public, closely monitored the situation. Some viewed the immortals with hostility, while others, influenced by prophetic dreams, considered coborating with them. The future, especially the next two to three years, seemed fraught with danger. How they responded and preserved their current status was a critical decision. Numerous eyes were fixed on Golden Summit Mountain. Despite appearing calm, there was an undercurrent of tension and anxiety. What would be the catalyst for a significant event? For a brief moment, the world seemed to freeze, as if anticipating a pivotal event that would shape the future. Suddenly, a divine sword-like beam cleaved the sky from the horizon, striking directly at Golden Summit Mountain, targeting Huang Kun. "Finally, he''s opened fire on the Golden Summit area!" The real world was shocked, sensing the gravity of the situation. The financial groups, with their well-informedworks, had already captured Wang Xuan''s image as he opened the warship''s hatch and struck the Yellow Family''s shrine. Inside the warship, Chen Yongjie tried to remain calm. He hadn''t yet decided how to confront the immortals, but they were already at his doorstep, intending to use Wang Xuan as a pathway. Now, there was no choice but to act. "After this, I must find that half of the lotus pod. We need to strengthen ourselves quickly!" Chen Yongjie''s expression was grave. Regardless of the choices made by the financial groups and major organizations, he firmly stood by Wang Xuan''s side. "Don''t be nervous, the situation isn''t that intense yet," Wang Xuan reassured with a smile. Then he stared at the middle-aged man from the Ashen Blood organization, signaling him to continue firing at a specific area in front of the veil. His target was Huang Kun, and regarding the beings behind the veil, as they couldn''te through, they were momentarily at an impasse. It remained to be seen if they would send someone across the boundary. Huang Kun soared into the sky, affected by the impact. As a main fragment of a transcendent spirit left in the current world, he was not weak. He quickly crossed the sky towards the warship at the horizon''s edge, intending to breach it. "In our presence, someone dares to attack an immortal?" someone from behind the veil spoke, watching the distant space. They were beings who had lived from ancient times to the present era, each capable of changing dynasties and worshipped by people. The current scene was shocking to them. "To act against our guide in our sight, such ack of reverence!" came a cold voice from the veil. Some of the more conservative immortals couldn''t ept this scene; in their view, how could a mortal dare to strike at an immortal? The warship fired several times at Huang Kun, but most of the shots were evaded by his swift movements. He was both shocked and enraged, as someone had destroyed his shrine and obliterated his immortal essence. Now, a warship was pursuing him for the kill. Eventually, a supercharged energy beam grazed him, as he couldn''t avoid the wide-ranging impact while approaching at high speed. Onlookers from all sides were rmed as the warship continued firing into the sky. Were they attacking an invisible immortal approaching? Whether ordinary people or major powers, everyone was tense, witnessing a collision between the realms of immortals and mortals. "It''s Wang Xuan in action. He''s inside that warship!" This information spread through the secretworks and onto other tforms, causing a stir among the public. After being grazed by the attack, Huang Kun''s spirit fragment trembled violently, scattering some of his transcendent substance, though his pure spirit remained unaffected. He continued his charge, now closing in on the warship. "Here hees!" Old Chen, draped in a cassock and radiating red light interwoven with golden threads, took on a majestic appearance, like a radiant monk. Wang Xuan gestured for Chen to hold back, ready to act himself. Holding a yellow gourd in his hand, he opened the warship''s hatch, prepared to hunt the immortal. Huang Kun was hit again, his transcendent substance within the spirit fragment vibrating and shedding parts of it. He approached furiously, his killing intent sky-high. Spotting Wang Xuan calmly waiting inside the hatch, Huang Kun was filled with a mix of shock and rage,pletely losing hisposure. "It''s really you!" His anger was uncontroble, feeling deeply wounded. All his suffering was caused by this young man before him. His immortal essence was destroyed, leaving him rootless and adrift. "You destroyed my foundation, cut off my future, it''s a fight to the death!" Huang Kun''s spiritual energy surged in the sky, the waves piercingly strong. His unmasked emotions were heard by some in the distant city of Yu Cheng. Wang Xuan looked at him, undaunted, and said, "When harming others, you never reflect or look for faults in yourself. How can a being devoid of humanity like you, who annihtes others, dare to call himself an immortal? Time to end you!" In his hands, the yellow gourd glowed, and a vortex appeared at its mouth, generating ripples that locked onto Huang Kun. Huang Kun, wielding a wooden staff that was also a treasure, charged forward amidst thunder and fire, attempting to overpower Wang Xuan and seize his gourd. The thunder and fire were absorbed by the gourd, but the staff temporarily held off its suction. Huang Kun sneered, drawing ever closer. But the moment Huang Kun entered the warship, his expression froze in fear. Thin golden lines wove through the air, tearing apart his spirit fragment. "No!" he screamed, as he was swiftly pulled into the gourd, leaving no doubt about his fate. In an instant, he saw the Godyer Banner inside the gourd and realized what it was an ancient, legendary weapon, the bane of spirits. He wanted to shout, but he couldnt; his end was inevitable. Wang Xuan gently shook the gourd, and with a ''poof'', Huang Kun was reduced to ashes inside. Wang Xuan chose not to reveal the Godyer Banner in front of the beings beyond the veil, preferring to conceal it within the gourd for his attack. The capture of a Celestial Immortal? Huang Kun''s final scream echoed in peoples minds, then silence fell. Remote detectors captured the scene: Wang Xuan shaking the gourd, concluding the battle. Had he sessfully in an immortal? Observers were stunned. Although they hadnt seen the invisible being, it was widely surmised that Wang Xuan had swiftly vanquished his opponent. Some organizations were convinced that Wang Xuan had targeted the beings beyond the veil and had now won the first battle. Did Wang Xuan just kill a legendary immortal? This spection caused a massive stir, with many people arriving at this conclusion. In front of the great veil, the wooden figure shattered, and six beings burst out, engulfed in mes and bound by chains made of symbols, screaming in agony as they were torn apart before the veil. These individuals faced a great cmity, leaving behind only a few faint shadows, destined to disperse in a matter of days. The demise of the six sent shivers through the Celestial Immortals, evoking fear and anger, as if they were witnessing their own inevitable fate. "People of the present world are hunting immortals!" Beyond the veil, a group of powerful beings, filled with murderous intent, stared into the realm of reality. It was now evident that Huang Kuns captive was a decoy, not the true possessor of the special innerndscape. Unquestionably, this was a top-tier treasure that even the immortals couldnt differentiate from the real thing. The veil onlypounded their inability to make urate judgments. The great financial conglomerates were restless. Had an immortal really died? They pondered their next move: should they use thetest super warships to fight the Celestial Immortals? Or should they observe and decideter who to ally with and who to keep at a distance? Wang Xuan instructed the middle-aged man from the Ashen Blood organization to contact the Sun family and directly spoke with Sun Rongsheng, the core member, "Old Sun, I''m battling the Celestial Immortals. Care to join?" Sun Rongsheng, shocked, immediately hung up. How could he agree at such a time? Even if he harbored intentions, he wouldnt dare make a move now. "Not getting hit by your energy cannon is good enough, and you want to drag us into this?" The Sun family felt it was outrageous for Wang Xuan to contact them at this time. They coldly observed from the sidelines, unwilling to make any moves. "The New World is on the brink of chaos for three years; it''s time to initiate the Primordial n, to prevent future troubles," a major financial group decided swiftly in theirmunication. Meanwhile, the Celestial Immortals beyond the veil stared into the distance, addressing Wang Xuan, "Are you dering war on us by killing our guide?" Their voices, though not loud, were terrifying, piercing through the veil with the sound of thunder and lightning. "I have great respect for those who can be immortals. I''m merely protecting myself," Wang Xuan downyed the unpleasantness, carefully omitting the part about being imprisoned and trampled upon by his opponents. "Some of ourpanions have perished, and you''ve done things that displeased us," spoke a being from beyond the veil. "I can''t be expected to offer up my life, can I?" Wang Xuan replied. In the warship, the Ashen Blood member was ashen-faced, witnessing a negotiation with the Celestial Immortals. Despite the seeming calmness, a fierce confrontation could erupt at any moment. "We can cooperate," a powerful voice from beyond the veil suggested, audible only to Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan sighed, "I can''t do that." Assisting them equated to a death sentence, and he certainly couldn''t agree. "Are you going to reject our goodwill? Actually, things aren''t as bad as you think. We can offer you a lot, ensuring your safety," the voice continued. Wang Xuan shook his head, maintaining restraint. He didn''t believe those promises and would not entrust his fate to their mercy. "You hunt true immortals and kill ourpanions; we have been remarkably restrained. If you choose to oppose us, it will be as you wish," came a calm voice from beyond the veil. Another added, "If you choose us as your enemies, you will indeed face enmity!" "I don''t want to be your enemy, but if you force me into a corner, then we will each have to use our means," Wang Xuan responded, unperturbed. "You''re forsaking a glorious path!" Finally, a Celestial Immortal lost patience, ready to intervene in the mortal world. Wang Xuan, too, lost his patience, ready for a fight if necessary. Chapter 269: The Consequences Of Their Meddling Chapter 269: The Consequences Of Their Meddling At Golden Peak Mountain, the once hazy veil turned ominously dark. The sky and earth were alive with the crackle of lightning, the rumble of thunder, and the deluge of torrential rainnature''s elements altering at a moment''s notice. Blood-colored lightning streaked across the sky, as a downpour engulfed the forests, reminiscent of the earlier phenomena at Yuan Pond Mountain. The fury of the Celestial Immortals made thendscapes lose their color, a fearsome sight indeed. In ancient times, the manifestation of Celestial Immortals, capable of summoning storms andmanding the weather, would have instilled fear in the hearts ofmon folk. Wang Xuan, however, remained calm amidst this chaos, fully prepared for the Celestial Immortals'' impending intervention in the mortal realm. He had previously witnessed a simr event on New Moon, where a formidable one-eyed man, showcasing his immense strength, had destroyed a warship with the sacrifice of his hand. The veil subsequently vanished, and they paid a heavy price for it. Beyond this world, there isn''t just one veil, but seemingly multiple ethereal celestial realms. That one-eyed man was likely a leader of one such veil, exining his immense power. Crucially, at that time, an ancient being who had opened his Inner Landscape sat in the moon crater, allowing the one-eyed man from beyond the veil to extend a single hand into the mortal world. Now, with no one to open their Inner Landscape for the Celestial Immortals, it''s unlikely they could unleash the full extent of that one-eyed man''s celestial might. This gave Wang Xuan some confidence. He was waiting to gauge the extent of the power the Celestial Immortals could unleash upon intervening in the mortal world. Old Qin, care to join in? When you were on New Moon, you were ready to obliterate the Celestial Immortals at a words notice. Lets join forces! Wang Xuan instructed the middle-aged man from the Ashen Blood organization to contact the Qin family, specifically speaking to Qin Hong. Qin Hong, who had often scorned martial artists and cultivators, seemed visibly unsettled by Wang Xuan''s call. The formidable Qin family had been the ones to initiate testing the strength of the Celestial Immortals. However, Qin Hong, now wary of the murky waters, declined, "Brother Wang, this is a battle beyond the ordinary. Even if I send a warship, it won''t be of much help. We''re mere mortals after all, better we stay out of this." "But you can help. Send a super warship, and we can coborate. The fusion of myth and technology could indeed y immortals!" The line went dead with a series of beeps. Qin Hong decisively ended the call, unwilling to be cannon fodder. He felt that Wang Xuans chances were slim, especially with a host of Celestial Immortals appearing behind the veil. "Old Chen, you should go," Wang Xuan urged Chen Yongjie to leave in the flying shuttle. The uing grand scene wouldn''t change with one more person, and if he failed, it would mean dragging Old Chen down with him. Chen Yongjie shook his head, "What are you talking about? In the field of medicine collection, I''m at a higher realm than you. If you can deal with them, surely I can y immortals too!" He added, "Dont worry, if things go south, I have no regrets. I might even have a son now. Ive already picked out a name for him - Chen Xuan." "What the hell!" Wang Xuan red at him, feeling the urge to thump him. Old Chen patted his shoulder, "See, regretting now, aren''t you? Getting all worked up? You shouldve settled down and started a family. Then, you wouldn''t be so anxious at a time like this, regretting your past. If we get out of this alive, you should really learn from Zhou Yun. Not asking you to get three girlfriends, but one or two should be fine, right?" "Stop joking around," Wang Xuan retorted. "Just one thing, change that name. If you dare to use it, I''ll be challenging you every day!" Boom! Blood-red lightning tore through the sky, illuminating the dark heavens and momentarily brightening the area around the veil. Wang Xuan finally understood why the intervention of the Celestial Immortals was often apanied by blood - they were actually bleeding, performing some ritual at the veil, offering their blood in sacrifice. The supreme being d in ck metallic armor remained silent, standing quietly at the back, calmly observing the Celestial Immortals piercing the veil with their blood. "Everyone, hold on, I have something to say." Wang Xuan sent out a telepathic message. Speaking wouldn''t cost him much, and if it could cause a misunderstanding and interrupt their ritual, so much the better. Unfortunately, the Celestial Immortals paid no heed. Once the ritual had begun, they wouldn''t abandon it halfway. Their conviction was firm; they were determined to forcefully intervene in the mortal realm. Seeing no response, Wang Xuan resignedly lectured them, "Actually, you should slowly ept reality. In three years, the transcendent will cease to exist, and the Celestial Immortals will fall, ultimately bing mortals. Slowly adapting now, returning quietly with a fraction of your transcendent powers and adjusting your attitude - whats wrong with that? Do you think youre above us, unable to sit at the same level, unable to let go of your pride? In reality, you''ll get used to it. For instance, some of you are destined not to return to the mortal realm alive. And those who do return, what''s the use of being forceful for these two or three years? In the end, you''ll still be mortals, either marrying or being wed. Why not correct your path in the mortal world, settling into the ordinary and mundane?" "Enough!" A voice coldly emanated from the veil. "We''re leaving!" Wang Xuanmanded gravely, instructing the warship to move away from the vicinity of Yucheng and Jinding Mountain. Who would just sit around and wait to be attacked by the Celestial Immortals? Let them slowly gather their strength. "Where to?" asked the middle-aged man from the Ashen Blood organization, his heart pounding with anxiety and a longing to leave. "To the Sun family''s mothership. Can we approach it without being noticed?" Wang Xuan inquired, intending to head to the base of Number Five, the mechanical being, where there likely were weapons surpassing the era''s technology. "We''ll be shot down," the middle-aged man said helplessly, indicating their inability to get close. "Then forget it, we''ll have to rely on ourselves," Wang Xuan decided, directing the warship into higher skies. He also brought out the dark-golden shuttle just in case the warship got destroyed, nning to escape on the shuttle. Boom! At Jinding Mountain, a bloody aurora blossomed as over a dozen beings behind the veil acted in unison, pressing their blood-dripping palms against the veil, seemingly ready to burst it open. A terrifying radiance was about to prate the veil, forming a colossal blood-colored flying sword. Although it would be targeted by the symbols of the Old Covenant upon its appearance in the mortal world, it would undoubtedly have a moment of dazzling brilliance, determined to either sh at Wang Xuan or bind and drag him to the front of the veil. "Thankfully, its much weaker than the might disyed by the Long-Eye Man previously!" Wang Xuan sighed in relief. Without an Inner Landscape to borrow, their celestial might was significantly reduced. He instructed the middle-aged man to fire at the veil, creating a distraction. Amidst the blinding light, the symbols around the veil flowed, radiating brilliance, and indeed, the gigantic sword formed by theirbined blood sacrifice was disrupted. Initially, Wang Xuan had thought about taking the warship into deep space to avoid their blood sacrifice ritual. However, recalling how the Long-Eye Man''s severed hand had pursued them even into deep space, he decided against fleeing. He was determined to resolve the issue at its source! "Old Chen, take a look at this silk cloth," Wang Xuan said, pulling out a three-foot-long, one-foot-wide piece of silk he had obtained from the Zhou family. The silk was inscribed with six Buddhist characters, seemingly the Six Syble Mantra. Even a slight activation made it shine brilliantly, casting a Buddha''s light that illuminated everything around it. "It''s a powerful item, more terrifying than many rare treasures," Chen Yongjie nodded, suspecting it to be a relic left by an ancient Buddha. For this, Wang Xuan had even forsaken another treasure a bowl choosing this peculiar object instead. With a cold voice, Wang Xuan dered, "This is it. Let''s test its power. I''m going to teach those Celestial Immortals a lesson. If there''s anything our world doesn''tck, it''s strange objects and treasures. Even if we have to crush them with sheer weight, they''re going down!" At that moment, the Celestial Immortals behind the veil were powering up the massive red sword, its tip already piercing through and triggering the Old Covenant''s thunderous retaliation. Wang Xuan had the warship descend, opening its hatch to activate the Buddhist relic. He couldn''t just wait for the enemy to fully unleash their giant blood sword. His n was to block their attack right at their doorstep, forcing them to waste their efforts and celestial blood a true lesson in humility. Of course, this was all predicated on his belief that this peculiar item indeed possessed terrifying power. Old Chen assisted, his Sixteen-Foot Golden Body glowing brightly, enhancing the Buddha light emitted by the artifact. Seeing this, Wang Xuan didn''t hesitate. He started circting the Sakyamuni True Scriptures to activate the talisman. Boom! The yellow silk cloth fully activated, and the six intricate characters revived, casting light like the cycles of reincarnation, covering everything in its path. Vaguely, six strange forces seemed to flow, as if six blurry worlds appeared. In the background, the shadow of an ancient Buddha in a meditative pose emerged, apanied by a vast array of Arhat figures and the resounding chants of profound Zen! At that moment, it was as if a Buddhist realm had descended from the heavens! Boom! The glowing silk, with its six characters, released tremendous power. It was like a gigantic sealing strip that fell upon the veil. The giant sword that had just pierced through was hit and cracked, disintegrated, and then exploded. At the same time, the forces of the Old Covenant surged, striking against the veil. As the Buddha''s light shone, it followed with an overwhelming suppression! A massive roar and a terrifying bacsh, like waves crashing against the shore, swept through the Celestial Immortals. The several beings who had been transferring celestial blood and pressing against the veil were overwhelmed by the surging runes, staggering back in retreat. The Celestial Immortals were wounded, some bleeding from their mouths and noses, and even from their eyes and ears, indicative of the horrific nature of the Old Covenant''s bacsh. "Come on, I''ve got more oddities and secret treasures here! Keep trying to intervene in our world, and I''ll smash you a few more times!" Wang Xuan taunted. In reality, he was starting to feel more confident. Without the type of Inner Landscape that facilitated the intervention from the moon pit, the Celestial Immortals'' methods of meddling in the mortal world were... somewhat limited. At least, he could rely on some powerful treasures and oddities for interference or even blocking their efforts. The veil dimmed, and the Celestial Immortals'' eyes were cold with fury. They were truly enraged now. To them, a mere mortal daring to repeatedly provoke them like this was unthinkable. In their view, any cultivator who hadn''t attained immortality was still just a mortal. Yet, they also felt a sense of defeat and chilling disappointment at their failure to intervene in the mortal world. Behind them, the supreme being still showed no intention of intervening. He needed to maintain his peak condition, especially now, when the depths of the veil were in chaos. As the vague light faded, the veil could not maintain its manifestation any longer. The Celestial Immortals had exerted their power to this point but could no longer keep it materialized, and it was about to disappear. "You send me across, and I''ll capture him. After my cultivation is damaged, you must protect me!" one of them said. "My true bone is in the mortal world, I''ll go too!" "It''s not reliable with just two of you, count me in!" another added. Before the veil vanished, the Celestial Immortals decided to cross into the mortal realm, ultimately settling on five individuals, each with their true bones residing in the real world. With a thunderous roar, in the final moment, lightning cascaded like a waterfall. The Celestial Immortals worked together, arge group tearing a corner of the veil. They paid a terrible price for this, essentially sharing the burden of the Old Covenant''s damage for those five individuals. Supramaterial boiled and surged skyward, destroying various detection devices, as the Celestial Immortals entered the mortal world. Even so, upon crossing the veil, the five suffered severe injuries, much like Zhou Chong when he emerged from the Yuan Pond Mountain utterly pitiable, with their weapons shattered or cracked and their spirits torn. In the mortal world, the process of correction and the challenges of the Old Covenant tormented them, nearly costing their lives. In the distance, a warship rapidly descended, still affected by the intense radiation of supramaterial despite the distance. "Alright, you don''t have to follow anymore, go quickly!" Afternding, Wang Xuan instructed the men from the Ashen Blood organization to pilot the warship and leave immediately. The middle-aged man, feeling as if hed been granted a reprieve, activated the warship, disappearing in an instant. On the ground, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie boarded the flying boat and headed towards the area where supramaterial was boiling over. The veil had disappeared, and Celestial Immortals were crossing over. Undaunted, the two men charged forward. Wang Xuan, having witnessed Zhou Chong''sbat prowess, believed that with the aid of rare treasures, he could hunt them down, especially now when the opponents were gravely wounded and at their weakest. The flying boat, like lightning, darted towards the Gold Summit Mountain, unimpeded by the radiation of supramaterial emanating from the area. The veil dimmed and finally vanished! There, several spiritual entities staggered, levitating from the ruined ground. Though terrified and having their cultivation shed by both the Old Covenant and the mortal world, they ultimately survived and burst intoughter. Yet, theirughter was tinged with bitterness. The correction of the mortal world was far more severe than they had imagined. It seemed the day of transcendental annihtion mighte even sooner than expected, arriving ahead of schedule! "We must hunt in this world, find that sliver of hope. How can we willingly sumb to being mere mortals?!" one of them dered. A streak of dark golden light shed by as Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie arrived in their flying boat. "Daring to actively hunt us down, are the cultivators of this era so arrogant?" a fragmentary spirit of a Celestial Immortal spoke. The five coldly eyed the two men aboard the dark golden flying boat, acknowledging the threat posed by their potent artifacts. But having once ascended to immortality, would they simply wait to be bombarded by those artifacts? After returning to the mortal realm, they would be like dragons returning to the sea. After a brief period of adaptation, they would be ready to hunt the transcendents, especially the young man with the special innerndscape he must be captured, used, and then eliminated! Wang Xuan, without a word, brandished a palm-sized golden g and swung it directly at them. Facing the Celestial Immortals, even in their half-dead state, he was prepared to use his strongest methods. "Not good!" The five, once immortals, instantly sensed the deadly threat and scattered to avoid it. Any other transcendent would have been annihted by that single strike, unable to react in time! Puff, puff, puff! In the end, three spiritual entities, three beings who crossed over, were struck by the golden patterns emitted from the God-ying Banner. Attempting to flee in all directions, they exploded, annihted by the banner. Even once listed among the immortals, now fallen to the mortal ne, they were still in. Chapter 270: You Are Our Future Chapter 270: You Are Our Future The immortals, once solitarypanions of lonely mountains, embodied the essence of detachment from worldly desires. They endured hardships like enduring the elements and nourishing solitude and loneliness. They faced countless life-and-death trials to achieve immortality. Yet, their journey ended so tragically... After years of cultivation, enduring the sorrows of aging and illness, outliving their contemporaries, a few barely managed to return. They paid a heavy price to pierce through the veil, setting foot on thend of the real world again, only for three of them to be instantly annihted. The two who escaped to a distance carried a sense of profound mncholy. Once esteemed members of the celestial ranks, they had been lofty and divine. Now, theirpanions met such a fate. It felt surreal. Centuries ago, before entering the veil, they couldmand the winds and rains, even altering dynasties with their mere presence. Indeed, myths are but dreams, theymented, engulfed in a deep sense of destion. Nevertheless, they didn''t stop; they fled deeper into the forest. But opportunities were scarce. Wang Xuan, steering the flying boat, pursued them, faster than their fleeing forms. He swung the God-ying Banner again in pursuit. The two despaired as the golden patterns spread through the void. Despite their best efforts, splitting up, soaring skyward, burrowing deep, and even burning their spiritual essence to the limit, they were grazed by the golden threads. The one who flew lost half of his spiritual form, then was suddenly enveloped by Chen Yongjie''s zing red cassock, captured alive. The one who burrowed deep underground was left half-destroyed, his spirit on the brink of copse, utterly pitiful. Chen Yongjie waved his multicolored feather fan, and the earth exploded, revealing a vast pit. The red cassock, like descending fiery clouds, swept up the second individual as well. Within the cassock, the remnants of their spirits were on the verge of disintegration, their lives hanging by a thread. Mainly, the cost of crossing realms had been too great. They were in their weakest state. When Zhou Chong returned from Yuan Pond Mountain, he had to recuperate for two days and nights before daring to show himself. Is this the fate of immortals? How pitiful andmentable, one of them shook his head, not in anger, but a profound sense of disillusionment that stemmed from deep within his soul. Wang Xuan didn''t rush to act, sensing the depth of their emotions. Another celestial, speaking in a resigned tone, remarked, "There is a grave issue with the current world. The retreat of the mysterious substances harbors deep malevolence, watching us from the shadows. The fate of the celestials is bound to be tragic." Since learning that transcendence was decaying, that everything would return to its origin, they had strived to alter their destiny. To their horror, they discovered that their entire existence seemed illusory, as if they were living in a grand delusion. "Waking up, all immortals will realize that their existence is but a bubble, a dream," one celestialmented. Ordinary people live and die, leaving nothing behind, but they awakened from the dream, experiencing agony as the world corrected its course. "The immortals, once standing tall in the heavens, are actually quite pitiable." The two celestials didn''t target Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie. They were just muttering to themselves, disillusioned and despondent with the world. Facing death, they sensed the deep malevolence in the mortal realm. "What''s the point in repeating our path in this decaying era of myths?" they finally addressed Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie. Wang Xuan felt aplex mix of emotions. His hostility towards them diminished. Empathizing with their plight, he too would feel disheartened if his cultivation led to such an end. "Where are the immortals? At a dead end, their grand dreams amount to nothing. Such a life is too bleak and failed," one celestial''s form began to fade, nearing dissolution. Chen Yongjie also felt uneasy. Three yearster, or even further in the future, was this their destined path? With transcendence vanishing, persisting seemed futile. He put away his cassock and released the two celestials. They were already fading and wouldn''tst much longer without his intervention. "Shall we talk?" Wang Xuan suggested. "Before today, there was no deep enmity between us." "We''re all struggling to cross over. Some choices are not ours to make," one celestial replied calmly. Chen Yongjie added, "Who isn''t struggling in life? Now, the financial tycoons are terrified, fearing the loss of everything they have. The celestials are anxious about their future. We are caught betweenplex forces, also trying to navigate our way." "Different standpoints. Perhaps one day, a supreme celestial will be a tycoon, and I might end up as thest cultivator in a world where myths have fully decayed, unable to see the way forward. So, let''s have a peaceful conversation now, set aside our prejudices, and not stand in opposition to each other." Wang Xuan initiated the conversation, seeking to understand the Old Covenant and the current state deep behind the curtain. "Ancient past, the celestials adhered to the Old Covenant, a consensus for all to ascend and leave the mortal realm. Those who remained were doomed to perish. The five declines of heaven and man, decay of the spirit all these dreadful fates would gradually manifest." "The details are known only to the supreme beings behind the curtain or the most ancient immortals. The Old Covenant was a choice made out of necessity." As their forms blurred and began to dissipate, they bore no malice, only a sense of resignation and mncholy. "Our present is your future," they stated before turning to dust. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie sighed, feeling no triumph in defeating their foes. The dead, once immortals, met tragic ends. "The beings behind the curtain are our enemies now, but who knows? Maybe celestials from another faction might ally with us someday," Chen Yongjie mused. Wang Xuan agreed, "Like the Sword Immortal''s faction, or that female alchemist... their methods seem less aggressive. We might interact with them soon." The world is devoid of absolute right or wrong, and nothing remains constant. Not long ago, he was at war with the Sun family; now, he confronted celestials. Tomorrow''s alliances were uncertain. Despite their victory, their spirits were dampened by the final words of the deceased. Chen Yongjie asked, "If cultivation bes impossible, what''s your n? I''m thinking of opening a martial arts school, bing a fighter. Keep searching for a path, albeit reluctantly." "The celestials haven''t given up, suggesting some possibility. We can''t be passive; we must keep improving," Wang Xuan replied. After the celestials vanished, leaving behind fragments of weapons, there was also a luminous silk line and a fishing hook. Wang Xuan approached and collected them. The supposed elixir was just a lure for him, useless without him and his Inner Landscape, which was needed to bypass the Old Covenant. The fishing line Huang Kun gave him, leading him to the hook, was a mere illusion. Just as Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie had spected earlier, it was all about him. Despitecking the elixir now, Wang Xuan spected the silk line and hook might prove useful if he encountered higher spiritual realms in the future. Departing the copsed Mount Jinding, Chen Yongjie and Wang Xuan parted ways en route. Chen Yongjie continued his search for the half lotus pod. As the dense supermaterial dissipated, various detectors resumed operation near the mountain, only to find ruins and no trace of the battle. "Initiate the Primordial n, prepare to evacuate!" Certain conglomerates discussed in secrecy, readying for departure. Unaware of the specifics, they assumed the celestials'' grand disy likely vanquished Wang Xuan and that they would appear in the mortal realm. Some factions nned to abandon the New World, fleeing to deep space to and devoid of myths. By avoiding the three-year cmity and returning post-crisis, they hoped to retain control. Originally intent on a fierce stand against the celestials, recent events dampened their resolve. Despite their capacity to obliterates, they were helpless against spiritual entities. The Mount Jinding area quieted down. Did the celestials arrive? Was Wang Xuan defeated? After half an hour, people were shocked to see Wang Xuan emerge calmly from the woods, approaching Yu City as if on a leisurely stroll. The world erupted in shock. Despite the celestials'' tumultuous arrival, Wang Xuan survived unscathed, hisposure and tranquility intact. What of the vengeful celestials who had threatened retribution, their spiritual transmissions heard across Yu City? "Wang Xuan triumphs again, even against celestials!" The public buzzed with excitement, bewildered by the oue that even legendary beings couldn''t subdue him. Curiosity surged about what transpired amidst the supermaterial upheaval and the failure of all surveince, leading to a battle that defied imagination. At the Wan Yue Cliff, a woman in white robes expressed astonishment. The young man from New Star had actually survived unscathed? In a vi, Zhou Chong felt disheartened. Seated atop a silver bell, his spiritual form dim, he frowned. That young transcendent he had once considered recruiting was so formidable? There was a major problem with him. Instantly, Zhou Chong''s thoughts turned to the missing sh God Banner, and he became deeply concerned. "Old Wang, this is defying the heavens! Even the celestials from behind the Great Curtain can''t touch him. I''m genuinely impressed!" Zhong Cheng was utterly shocked. In the Sun family, senior members receiving the news were speechless. Was Wang Xuan really that formidable? "Now''s not the time to sh with him. Let him stand against the celestials. We''ll quietly observe for the moment," they decided. The public fervently discussed, and Wang''s contemptuous image again circted, drawing attention. The conglomerates, however, were preupied with whether to implement the Primordial n. Should they retreat decisively or observe the situation further? That day, the universe seemed to subtly tremble, followed by extraordinary phenomena. On life-bearings, including New Star and the Old World, and deep in space, wherever myths existed, unusual celestial events unfolded. Great Curtains appeared, mirroring their corresponding worlds, seemingly separated by only a hazy glow. Some Curtains connected but now began to rupture. Then, the worlds behind the Curtains visibly dimmed. In an instant, half the territories behind all Curtains extinguished. The beings behind the Curtains were shocked and horrified by this abrupt change. Why had the process elerated so suddenly? Moreover, the Departed Lands, renowned for their significance, underwent terrifying transformations. On New Star''s Hanwu Mountain, the golden expanse Wang Xuan witnessed, along with the bubbles enveloping strange creatures, swiftly receded, vanishing forever. In deep space, in the Departed Land Wang Xuan had entered, the Ferryman on his Ascension Divine Bamboo Raft felt his hair stand on end. He abruptly looked up. The moon had disappeared. Then, to his horror, it reappeared, dripping blood and even blinking twice. He nearly fled in terror. The moon above the Departed Land, a massive eyeball with a silver-white pupil, was now bleeding! Chapter 271: The Collapse Of The Transcendent World Chapter 271: The Copse Of The Transcendent World The crimson blood cascaded down like a massive, blood-red waterfall, connecting the azure sea below with the "silver moon" above. The Ferryman was horrified but had nowhere to escape. Bound by the Old Covenant, he was doomed to stay here. He was utterly shaken, realizing the eternally quiet silver moon was actually a creature''s pupil. Staring into the night sky, he wondered whaty beyond the dark firmament. Why was the pupil bleeding, and who had wounded it? On the Old World, the Great Curtain spanned heaven and earth, a sight of boundless terror. It wasn''t just one, but several, far surpassing other realms. An ultimate Taoist in the Curtain looked back, gazing at the familiarnd in silence. A Sword Immortal''s gaze wasplex as he observed the real world. He ascended during the season of floating tea blossoms, now separated by the Middle Ages, forever unable to return. As half the territories behind the Great Curtain extinguished, many beings from the celestial realms perished silently. Yellow paper money floated down in the dark sky, evoking a sense of an era long past. On the New World, the Great Curtain was equally grand. The immortals within trembled as their realm withered, with an unknown malevolence sweeping across thend and a drastic decline in the mysterious substance. "Within a year, the celestial realm will be deste, the Great Curtain and the myths with it fading away like a bubble," a supreme being spoke in a deep voice. What was supposed to take over two years now rapidly elerated, and further anomalies could hasten this demise. Other transcendents were simr, with Great Curtains emerging as if a wind swept through the cosmic starry sky, changing all life-bearings with mythological stories. On the New World, themon folk screamed in fear, excitement, and shock. Most were deeply unsettled. However, the Great Curtain enveloping the New World didn''t linger long. After extinguishing half its territory, it gradually faded away. Wang Xuan stood outside Yu City, gazing at the sky, then towards the horizon, taking a deep breath. The world felt different now. When he tried to use his transcendent powers, the consumption of mysterious factors elerated, as if eagerly responding to a call, rushing away, fleeing. "Where are you going?" he projected his spirit, watching the departing mysterious substance. It was breaking down, dissipating, vanishingpletely. He frowned, noticing that after his spirit left his body, the consumption of the mysterious substance was greater and faster than before. The reshaping of the real world was targeting the transcendent! Wang Xuan''s spirit returned to his body. He took out the dark red ancientmp and gently activated it. An arrow feather flew out, but its range was not as far as before. "The power is weakened!" Wang Xuan observed the dark red metalmp body. Using his celestial eye, he looked inside at its severalyers of mysterious runes. The firstyer, which had previously been revived, now appeared dimmer and less bright than before. Soon after, Wang Xuan entered Yu City and headed to the Huang family to gather spoils of war. Huang Kun had intended to use his flesh and blood to pave the way for the Celestials'' return, so Wang Xuan saw no reason to be polite. He decided to empty this family that prided itself on its ancient practices. In the Huang residence, he found many scriptures and secret texts of exceptional quality. The Huang family, walking the pure path of the martial immortal, was indeed not simple. Unfortunately, no rare treasures were found, only some weapons and magical items, none of which caught his eye. In Su City, Kristin and Hansolo, who followed their own deity, walked the streets in heavy cloaks. Suddenly, they stopped, feeling their bodies be ethereal. They hade here to wait for Wang Xuan''s return to the Cultivation Hall to observe this unique young man. But now, sensing the change, they turned and left. "Is my existence about to vanish?" Hansolo moved through the crowd, feeling his divinely lit me dimming and his faith-based form blurring. "Even with abundant faith, the end of the transcendent means I will cease to exist," he muttered somberly, disappearing outside Su City. For him, this was an apocalypse! Without a turnaround, even a deity like him, who had lit the divine fire and raised a kingdom of gods, would utterly perish, leaving no trace of divinity in the world. In a secluded vi, Zhou Chong also silently experienced this change. His form, now a blood-colored human silhouette, tried to resonate with his fractured true bone, attempting a certain technique. But the overwhelming flow of the mysterious substance led to his failure. In an instant, his blood-colored silhouette shivered, not with cold but with a deep-seated fear from the soul. The rules of the transcendent... had failed! "What does this mean? The myths are decaying from the source!" If it were just the exhaustion of the mysterious substance, the ebbing of its tide, Zhou Chong wouldn''t have been so terrified. He could have stored enough mystical elements in advance, used them sparingly in the future to conserve, possiblysting many years, maybe even until a turning point. But now, the transcendent rules themselves ceased to exist, crumbling from their very foundation! Three months ago, during his great battle with the Number Five Mechanical Being, he had used transcendent rules to defeat his opponent. Now, he had lost that ability. This was a powerful technique granted to him by the celestial bone. "Why has ite to this?" He looked out the window at the sky, bright and clear, the air seemingly fresher, yet the transcendent world had copsed! Even if the mysterious substance didn''t ebb, it would be impossible for beings of the Earthly Immortal level to appear in the future! In fact, the mysterious substance was rapidly decaying, evaporating. Today, it started with the battle at Golden Summit Mountain, followed by the emergence of the great veils across various ces, causing panic among the ordinary people. Fortunately, the phenomenon didn''tst long. Soon, experts from various disciplines, including mystical studies and human potential research, appeared to interpret and research the urrences. After several days of turmoil, the storm gradually subsided. But since that day, Wang Xuan distinctly felt a change in the world. There was an indescribable sensation, a sense of oppression in the atmosphere of the New World. It was like the calm before a storm, seemingly brewing something ominous! During these days, blood-red lightning tore through the skies of the New World daily, apanied by torrential rain. Wang Xuan knew that these were definitely the Celestials returning, desperately fleeing back to the mortal world regardless of the cost. The great veil was extinguishing, and those legendary immortals were bing increasingly agitated, all seeking ways to escape. Countless beings from behind the great veil had escaped back to the New World. News from the Old World indicated even more severe urrences than on the New World. Blood-colored thunderous waterfalls weremon, and torrential rains and astonishing phenomena urred daily. "Should I return to the Old World for a while? With the great veil extinguishing prematurely, does the Sword Maiden need to be awakened sooner? What''s her current condition?" Wang Xuan pondered, his brows furrowed. At the same time, he wondered if the mysterious world he entered through the mist emanating from the Earthly Soil could be the realm beyond the great veil. If so, he might be able to save people on the New World, confront enemies, and do much more! "What exactly is going to happen in the real world?" Wang Xuan wandered through various parts of the New World. He was searching for Celestials, seeking beings who had returned from behind the great veil. The jest of the past about Sakyamuni residing in the front yard, Zhang Daoling opening a breakfast shop at the doorstep, and the Nine Heavens Profound Lady living next door - was such a scenario about to unfold? Or was there another storm brewing, ready to erupt? Wang Xuan observed the increasingly abnormal mortal world. Chapter 272: A Real Appearance Chapter 272: A Real Appearance In the dimly lit bar, with its soothing music and familiar faces gathered around, the sound of clinking sses filled the air. The glittering liquid in their cups swayed, and the fragrance of alcohol was pervasive, evoking a sense of time fleeting. Wang Xuan didn''t know how much he had drunk. Looking at the familiar ssmates across and beside him, he felt a sense of discement in time and space. Just a few days ago, he had confronted the Celestials, and for many days, he had been immersed in studying the essence of the vanishing myths and exploring the secrets behind the decline of the transcendent. Now, sitting in the bar, toasting with acquaintances amidst the hazy lights, he felt a sense of calm and tranquility of the mortal world. This felt more real to him, as if everything he had pursued before was too elusive. "Wang Xuan, don''t space out. Have another one," someone called, and their sses clinked again with a light ''ding''. Since returning from the Hidden Land over three months ago, knowing he was on New Star, some university ssmates had enthusiastically invited him to get together. But with various troubles at the time, he could only decline, dying it until now. Having unsessfully pursued the traces of Celestials, Wang Xuan returned to Su City, leading to this gathering. Those familiar, youthful faces hadn''t changed much. After dinner, Qin Cheng, being somewhat of a local authority in Su City, led everyone to this bar for drinks. "Can I interview you, Wang Xuan? What does it feel like to be a Sword Immortal?" Su Chan asked with a smile. She was always vivacious and yful, now full of curiosity. "It feels unreal, like a dream. Maybe one day I''ll suddenly wake up," Wang Xuan replied. He could clearly feel the increasing ebb of transcendence. Soon, everything would reset to the beginning. The idental myth would permanently dissipate, leaving the world undisturbed, ordinary the norm. Is this the near future? Wang Xuan pondered, somewhat lost in thought. "I never imagined you''de this far on the path of the ancient arts. It''s only been a few months, and you''re already battling mythical beings," Su Chan remarked, feeling even more incredulous than Wang Xuan. These events seemed like unbelievable stories passed down through generations. "Hey, Wang Xuan, do you think I can be a Sword Immortal?" Zhou Kun asked, his eyebrows delicate and his usual mncholic demeanor reced by a more carefree attitude after a few drinks. Qin Cheng had often gotten valuable information from him back in the day. Of course, Zhou Kun was willing to share, sometimes pretending to be drunk to leak information to Qin Cheng and Wang Xuan. "You should just practice casually for physical fitness. The overall environment has changed," Wang Xuan advised. "I really didn''t expect you to be able to fight with the Celestials from the legends. What happened in the end at the Golden Summit Battle?" Kong Yi inquired. During their university days, he didn''t interact much with Wang Xuan due to pursuing Ling Wei. However, they cleared the air over drinks at graduation. "Immortals and mortals, separated by the curtain of the Celestials... What else could happen? From now on, we live our separate lives," Wang Xuan shook his head. The future of the Celestials was uncertain. Some would perish with the curtain, while others who emerged might trigger the final upheaval of the immortals. "Are you guys still practicing the New Art?" Wang Xuan asked. "I''ve been on and off with it, not very consistent," Zhou Kun admitted, though many of their ssmates were still pursuing that path. Some had even ventured into deep space to continue their journey. "Five of our ssmates have passed away," Su Chan sighed softly, her youthful and vibrant face shadowed with sadness in the dim light of the bar. She, Zhou Kun, Kong Yi, Li Qingzhu, Xu Wenbo, and others were the kind who would practice when they could, but would return to take over their family businesses if it didn''t work out,ing from mid-sized financial families. "I''ve been feeling motivated againtely and want to be a transcendent," Li Qingzhu spoke up, breaking the brief mncholy. She exuded an air of quiet intellect and calm. "Just let it be. Even the Celestials are anxious now," Wang Xuanmented. He thought of advising them against the New Art, considering its unreliability, but then realized the transcendent world itself was copsing, and the New Art would dissipate with it, so he refrained. The others fell silent, slightly amused and awed. It''s not every day someone casually mentions Celestials, but considering Wang Xuan had been battling legendary beings from beyond the curtain just days ago, they could only be lost in thought and aspiration. "I might be out of a job as a transcendent soon and might need to rely on you guys for support," Wang Xuan joked. "Then go to Zhao Goddess or Ling Wei, let them take care of you!" Su Chan quipped, unafraid to speak her mind. Zhou Kun, more serious, asked, "In three years, will those mythical beings, the ancient immortals, really appear and be mortals?" Wang Xuan was surprised that even they knew about this. Initially, only a few people and the top echelons of the major financial families were informed through dreams about these secrets. Now, it seemed the news was spreading quickly, even reaching ssmates with some background. Kong Yi, usually aloof and once a romantic rival, had improved his rtionship with Wang Xuan. He asked in a low voice, "Will the immortals really be mortals? Will the celestial maidens from ancient myths have to marry in modern society?" Wang Xuan was speechless at his high-cold friend''s question. Kong Yi quickly exined, "Don''t get me wrong. I''m just worried that those beautiful beings from myths, once fallen to the mortal world, might have tragic fates, leading to regret and sorrow." Wang Xuan patted his shoulder, saying, "Those who have survived till now are not simple at all. They''re stronger than us. Those with poor adaptability have long perished in ancient times." "It''s not impossible to marry a female immortal. Give it a year or so, and the timing might just be right," a man passing by with a drink in his hand stopped to add, smiling warmly at them. He appeared to be in histe twenties, exuding an elegant and radiant charm, and raised his ss in a gesture to the group. Kong Yi, Su Chan, Li Qingzhu, and the others were taken aback by the man''s aura, finding his presence striking and somewhat ethereal. Wang Xuan sat in tense anticipation, ready to confront whatever mighte his way. The man sitting next to him was no stranger; he was the same enigmatic figure Wang Xuan had once released from the Inner Landscape in the Old World. Theirst encounter had been quite surreal. As the mystical realm opened, the man greeted Wang Xuan and Old Chen with a radiant smile and a toast before drifting away into the unknown. Now, here he was again, unexpectedly reappearing in the New World. The man took a seat beside Wang Xuan, nodding in acknowledgment. Their sses clinked in a silent toast, each aware of the unspoken words hanging in the air. The transcendent world was copsing, and it seemed even those who had lurked in its depths were now emerging into the open. Wang Xuan maintained hisposure. He suspected the man''s visit wasn''t just a social call. Perhaps he was seeking Wang Xuan''s assistance to return to his true form. As he weighed their potential confrontation, Wang Xuan surprisingly found himself feeling calm, a stark contrast to his usual wariness around ancient beings. Their eyes met and they both smiled, though the meanings behind their smiles were worlds apart. Su Chan, ever the lively and inquisitive one, chimed in, "You have a kind of celestial vibe about you, almost like Wang Xuan. Who are you, exactly?" The man''s response came with a charming, disarming smile. "I ascended to immortality during the Eastern Han Dynasty." His words drew curious nces from the nearby tables, especially from the women. Wang Xuan stayed quiet, considering the man''s im likely true. Times were changing, with immortals now walking among the ordinary, seemingly bing a new norm. Su Chan, not quite buying it, rolled her eyes at the tall tale. Qin Cheng, sensing Wang Xuan''s silent acknowledgment, eagerly asked, "Great immortal, do you think I have a chance of marrying a celestial maiden?" The man let out a light chuckle and shook his head. "It''s a long shot for you," he said, then turned to Wang Xuan. "But this guy here, hes definitely got a shot. He doesnt need my help; celestial maidens would willingly marry him." "Careful with your words, immortal," Wang Xuan interjected with a slight smile. His mind was already racing with ns. Perhaps it was time to hunt for those metamorphic artifacts and reopen the Inner Landscape. In his recent encounter, he had managed to vanquish Huang Kun and extinguish the divine essence within his true bone. This gave Wang Xuan a newfound confidence in his ability to gauge the strength of these otherworldly beings. He thought about the ancient temples and Taoist ancestral grounds, resting ces for the true bones of past sages and patriarchs. He had no intention of disturbing them, wary of the potential karmic bacsh. He couldn''t help but worry that if he did, he might soon find himself at the center of an all-out offensive by the immortals. Wang Xuan weighed the possibility of tracking down and confronting the true bones of his adversaries. If sessful, it might give him a chance to forcibly open the Inner Landscape. I''m not joking; this is the real deal. Would you like me to show you? the enigmatic man offered with a smile, then turned serious. When will you help me pass over? Im barely managing myself. I only have one life to live and can''t help an immortal cross over, Wang Xuan replied, shaking his head. The man pressed on, It wont harm your cultivation. Ill offer you amplepensation. Theres a divine herb nurtured in the Taoist ancestral grounds. Its likely still there, at least in part, or maybe its seeds. How about I give it to you? Even if your foundation is damaged, this can restore it. Wang Xuan was visibly moved. Who was this person, able to offer such an extraordinary item? Qin Cheng, Kong Yi, and Su Chan were dumbfounded. The more they heard, the more incredulous it all seemed. Was this man truly an immortal from the myths, now sitting among them? Great immortal, do you take disciples? What do you think of my potential to join the ranks of the immortals? Qin Cheng, the boldest of the group, leaned in with a ss of the most expensive liquor. Your talent is somewhatcking, the man replied with augh, not bothering to sugarcoat his words. In this era, youd be better off turning to your friend here. His potential even astonishes me. He was referring to Wang Xuan, aware of his unique achievement in opening the Inner Landscape as a mere mortal. Such individuals were exceedingly rare throughout history, and perhaps he was the only one left alive. Those who possessed this unique trait had long been the target of many, leading to their untimely deaths. Listening to him, everyone sensed the immense significance of this man. Su Chan, Kong Yi, and Li Qingzhu looked at him intently, and Zhou Kun directly asked, Great immortal, what do you think of me? The man shook his head, The path youre on is wed. Its better not to pursue it. The original experimenters tried hard for a long time and only came up with so little. Its quite disappointing. The man chuckled softly, an air of divinity surrounding him. We''re in the twilight of mythology''s demise. Clinging to these pursuits is now meaningless. Even I am considering a change of path. His voice carried a hint of mncholy as he added, In a year, perhaps just a few months, all the gods and true immortals of the world will vanish into thin air. What we, and you, are earnestly seeking, will all turn to nothingness. Handsome guy, who are you? Su Chan couldn''t help but ask. Despite knowing he might be a significant figure from history, her modern sensibilities didn''t let her feel much fear. Yes, great immortal, who exactly are you from history? Li Qingzhu chimed in with curiosity. Not just them, even Wang Xuan was eager to know his identity. I am surnamed Zhang, the young man replied with a smile. While the others didn''t react much, Wang Xuan was visibly shocked, finding it almost unbelievable as he gazed at the man''s refined and radiant face. Wang Xuan eximed, I often mention ''Old Zhang''. It can''t be that I identally summoned you, right? The man just smiled, neither confirming nor denying it, and then turned to Wang Xuan, What do you think of my proposal? I canpensate you with the seed of the divine herb from the Taoist ancestral grounds. Suddenly, his body tensed, his hair standing on end in apparent shock. He quickly pulled out a bronze mirror and held it in his hand. Wang Xuan too was startled. Whats going on? What could make ''Old Zhang'' this nervous? he wondered. Chapter 273: They Are All Intimidating Characters Chapter 273: They Are All Intimidating Characters In the dimly lit bar, the refined-looking man, suspected to be ''Old Zhang'', appeared as if facing a formidable adversary. It was astonishing to witness someone of his stature and identity showing signs of nervousness. Such a revtion, if known to the world, would cause a significant stir and a sense of dread. He intently studied the copper mirror engraved with mystical symbols. Something was moving so swiftly within it that it was nearly impossible to see clearly. Great Immortal, could it be that your nemesis is approaching? Is a powerful demon following you? Qin Cheng asked nervously, sensing something amiss. He knew who Wang Xuan referred to as ''Old Zhang'', especially from their time at the Taoist ancestral grounds on New Moon. The mans expression turned grave. A faint aura of immortality radiated from him as golden symbols lit up in his eyes while he gazed at the antique mirror. Red lines, like fine crimson lightning or spreading blood vessels, intertwined on the mirror''s surface, creating an indiscernible pattern. This won''t be easy, he murmured, focusing on the mirror with furrowed brows, his posture rigid as he set down his wine ss. Wang Xuan was moved. If this man was indeed Zhang Daoling, his serious and attentive manner indicated that the creature must be incredibly powerful. The enemy of the founder of Taoism would undoubtedly be a supreme demon. Ordinary gods, demons, or immortal beings wouldn''t dare approach ''Old Zhang''they would be scared off from hundreds of miles away. Even without projecting his spirit, Wang Xuan could partly use his spiritual third eye to discern the image in the mirror. His brows knitted together in a heavy frown. He saw a red figure moving at an astonishing speed, leaving countless afterimages intertwining in the night sky. What was she doing? Her trajectory in the sky was mirrored by the red lines on the mirror''s surface. The supernatural world is copsing, and shes trying to reactivate the supernatural rules, the man exined. Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine. Was it the person who had wanted to dance for him appearing again? He wasnt prepared to watch her dance yet! Or more urately, it wasnt that she wanted to dance for him, but rather toe and deal with him. How many could stand against the arrival of a supreme demoness? Old Zhang, the person you offended seems extremely powerful. What era did you provoke such a formidable enemy? You look tense; can''t you subdue her? Wang Xuan inquired. Qin Cheng felt dizzy with disbelief. You really dare to call him ''Old Zhang'', he thought to himself. Wang Xuan quickly rified, Great Immortal, I apologize. I called you that to show familiarity. It just slipped out. The man nced at Wang Xuan but didnt seem to mind. Instead, he said, The supreme being in the mirror has indeed shed with me, but this time, she might not being for me. Wang Xuan inwardly marveled at the man''s might. He knew the woman''s fearsomeness she was a being who could traverse multiple realms, a top-tier force of her own. This woman had been a terror since ancient times, having once killed a ruler of a realm with her bare, white fists during the struggle for the Elixir Furnace. Yet, thinking of the man''s high status and power, Wang Xuan realized it only highlighted the woman''s strength even more. The refined man noticed Wang Xuan''s distraction and reminded him, Its highly likely shes looking for you. Wang Xuan earnestly advised, Great Immortal, how could someone like me be known to her? She must be after you. Be prepared and dont underestimate her! The man chuckled, his handsome and radiant smile catching the attention of several women nearby, who couldnt help but look his way. Su Chan interjected, You two are really giving off strong immortal vibes. Be mindful of the impact. She and the others, unaware of the mans true identity, were curious but not overly awed. You dont recognize her? Youve shed with her white tiger, havent you? the man said with a smile. Wang Xuan understood this man was well aware of his past. Any further denial seemed pointless. Calmly, Wang Xuan responded, Great Immortal, how can I guide you if you dont deal with her first? You neednt worry. Her true body is still behind the great curtain, the man reassured. Suddenly, his expression turned serious again. Through the mirror, he sensed another threat another supreme being had appeared. He shifted the copper mirror slightly, and near the red lines, a white light emerged. As he adjusted the mirror, the image became somewhat clearer. In the mirror stood a woman in white, floating in mid-air, her slight smile through the mirror enchanting and otherworldly. "This woman shes truly beautiful!" Su Chan, herself a pretty young woman, couldnt help but be astonished at the sight of the woman in the mirror, floating against the night sky. Kong Yi sighed, "Great Immortal, is she one of the ancient female immortals? Such transcendent beauty, destined to descend to the mortal world?" The refined man nodded solemnly, then turned to Wang Xuan, saying, "How have you managed to attract such legendary figures?" Li Qingzhu, quiet and graceful, and Zhou Kun, with his slightly mncholic eyes, immediately turned their gaze to Wang Xuan, as if to say, ''You really have a way with exceptional people, dont you?'' "Youre all thinking too much," Wang Xuan shook his head. The woman in white was undoubtedly the female alchemist, a top-tier being whose physical form had been preserved. Her strength was unquestionable. Was she just returning from the secret realm? Or was this the part of her spirit that controlled the Zheng family? Additionally, had a fragment of the red-dressed female immortal''s soul also entered the New Star? Wang Xuan frowned. Were these two just outside in the night sky? Something didnt feel right. "Are they in the high sky outside? Great Immortal, can you handle them alone?" Wang Xuan asked. The man spoke gravely, "They''ve left. Just now, the red-dressed woman tried to attack you, but the other one stopped her. However, they both seemed inclined to attack me." The people present were speechless, thinking to themselves that this so-called ''great immortal'' was not someone to be taken lightly. Wang Xuan sat still, using his psychic third eye to nce outside. The refined man gestured for Wang Xuan to look into the bronze mirror. In it, two figures were seen moving away, their images blurring for a long time before gradually bing clearer. One was a stunning woman in red, holding a paper umbre amidst a fine mist of rain. Her long ck hair flowed like a waterfall, her eyes intoxicating, exuding an otherworldly charm. She seemed to sense something and nced their way. The other, a woman in white enveloped in moonlight, descended slowly, untainted by worldly dust. Light as a feather, she touched down on the ground and looked towards them through the mirror. Wang Xuan frowned, uneasy at the thought of these two women joining forces. This was definitely not good news. The refined man turned to Wang Xuan and said, It seems they''ll be appearing in the mortal world soon, and they''ve chosen theirnding spot near Suzhou. Didnt you promise to guide them back? Wang Xuan''s expression changed as he shook his head. No! The situation was serious; these were no ordinary immortals. You have too many problems surrounding you, the man said, looking back into the mirror and noticing several pieces of yellow paper money floating down. He sighed, Why are all the people around you so fierce and peculiar? Wang Xuan nodded helplessly, thinking to himself that it included him too. Suddenly, the refined man closed his mouth, bowed his head to drink, and quickly put away the mirror. Wang Xuan caught a glimpse of thest image in the mirror and his face paled. The mirror was truly miraculous, even reflecting such beings. Soon, several beings appeared at the entrance of the bar. Among them were individuals in spacesuits and another riding on the back of a golden lion, all smiling as they entered the bar. Chapter 274: It Is Creepy Chapter 274: It Is Creepy The people present were speechless, thinking to themselves that this so-called ''great immortal'' was not someone to be taken lightly. Wang Xuan sat still, using his psychic third eye to nce outside. The refined man gestured for Wang Xuan to look into the bronze mirror. In it, two figures were seen moving away, their images blurring for a long time before gradually bing clearer. One was a stunning woman in red, holding a paper umbre amidst a fine mist of rain. Her long ck hair flowed like a waterfall, her eyes intoxicating, exuding an otherworldly charm. She seemed to sense something and nced their way. The other, a woman in white enveloped in moonlight, descended slowly, untainted by worldly dust. Light as a feather, she touched down on the ground and looked towards them through the mirror. Wang Xuan frowned, uneasy at the thought of these two women joining forces. This was definitely not good news. The refined man turned to Wang Xuan and said, It seems they''ll be appearing in the mortal world soon, and they''ve chosen theirnding spot near Suzhou. Didnt you promise to guide them back? Wang Xuan''s expression changed as he shook his head. No! The situation was serious; these were no ordinary immortals. You have too many problems surrounding you, the man said, looking back into the mirror and noticing several pieces of yellow paper money floating down. He sighed, Why are all the people around you so fierce and peculiar? Wang Xuan nodded helplessly, thinking to himself that it included him too. Suddenly, the refined man closed his mouth, bowed his head to drink, and quickly put away the mirror. Wang Xuan caught a glimpse of thest image in the mirror and his face paled. The mirror was truly miraculous, even reflecting such beings. Soon, several beings appeared at the entrance of the bar. Among them were individuals in spacesuits and another riding on the back of a golden lion, all smiling as they entered the bar. "Su Chan said, ''Immortal, don''t be so pessimistic. I feel like, ording to what you''re saying, our very existence is an ident.''" "The refined gentleman nodded and replied, ''Definitely an ident. Look at the billions of stars, how many of them harbor life? All you see is silence and emptiness.''" "At this moment, several astronauts, invisible even to the transcendent beings, approached. The leading woman removed her helmet, revealing long blue hair and snow-white, delicate skin. Her ck eyes sparkled beautifully. She jumped down from a golden lion surrounded by Buddhist light." "Her spacesuit was new, different from those ancient astronauts Wang Xuan had seen at the Sun family''s base." "She sat at a nearby table, beckoning the others to join her, discussing something unknown." "''Old Zhang, what''s the origin of these beings?'' Wang Xuan asked, wary of this species simr to shenlings." "''You can see them?'' The refined man nced at him, having thought Wang Xuan had only caught a brief glimpse through his copper mirror." "''Not seeing them is fine, seeing them could spell trouble,'' he exined, a viewpoint simr to what the ferryman Xu Fu and Chen Tuan''s scriptures mentioned." "''What are they?'' Wang Xuan inquired." "''Think of them as a temporary crossover from a parallel universe, intersecting with our world for a moment. Don''t pay attention to them; treat them like air,'' the refined man advised." "''You''re an immortal, yet you exin with pseudoscience?'' Wang Xuan looked at him, unsure of what to say. He wanted to know how the immortals view these ''shenling-like'' beings." "''Normally, they don''t affect our world. Invisible, untouchable, they only bother transcendent beings with astral projection or unusual perceptions. But they''re not creatures of the mythical dimension. Look, we''re sitting here and they''re not reacting, right?'' the refined man said, clinking sses with Wang Xuan. Suddenly, he felt his copper mirror heating up. ncing at it, he noticed the group looking their way." "Wang Xuan was speechless, ''Didn''t you say they couldn''t see or affect each other?''" "The refined man reassured, ''They don''t affect me, but might trouble you a bit. Stay rxed, don''t let your spirit wander, and don''t use your spiritual eye carelessly.''" "Wang Xuan looked away, focusing on his drink. He didn''t want to stir trouble, especially with the amount he already had on his te." "I''m not looking for trouble, to avoid stirring up a ho''s nest. It wouldn''t be too difficult to erase them if necessary," the refined man spoke. The group in spacesuits stood up and walked over, eyeing their table, seemingly puzzled and suspicious, particrly about the copper mirror. The refined man''s celestial energy flowed, and all the runes on the mirror vanished, making it look like an ancient relic buried for thousands of years, its transcendent properties gone. Seeing these beings could be problematic, and the mirror indeed seemed to have attracted some unwanted attention. He stood up and said, "I have matters to attend to at mypany, I''ll be leaving. Contact me by phone for any emergencies or major events." "Did Old Zhang just bail on us?" Qin Cheng eximed, watching his hasty departure. The astronauts returned to their seats, no longer paying attention to their table. "A celestial being running apany and dealing with corporate matters, the world has really changed," Zhou Kun sighed, feeling the strangeness of the situation. "Was he really Old Zhang?" Qin Cheng asked Wang Xuan. When others heard this and learned that the refined man might be Zhang Daoling, they were all astounded. "Were we just drinking with a figure from historical texts?" Was he really Old Zhang? Wang Xuan had his doubts. The man only mentioned his surname was Zhang, neither confirming nor denying anything, shrouded in mystery. And the night had been bizarre since his arrival, with the appearance of the red-dressed demoness and the female alchemist, revealed by his mirror. Then, the ''shenling-like'' beings at the nearby table added to the series of strange events. Did the red-dressed demoness truly appear nearby, or was the refined man misleading him? "Is he pressuring me to find a powerful coborator to hasten his return?" Wang Xuan was skeptical of the evening''s events. The key was, Old Zhang''s mark in the mortal world seemed to be in the Taoist ancestral hall on the New Moon, where his Yangping Zhidu Seal was. Moreover, Wang Xuan had sensed vast and ethereal mystical energy there, where Old Zhang''s true bones and a dormant spirit might reside. Wang Xuan felt an urge to rush to the New Moon and verify the truth by releasing the spiritual seal in the Taoist ancestral hall, to see who was real and who was not. "Or has Old Zhang fragmented his spirit into multiple pieces?" Just then, his phone rang. The refined man had just left but was already contacting him again. "Important matter, I''m alerting you that the woman in red will soon head to the Old Earth to seek her physical body. For you, it''s good news. She won''t appear for some days," the voice on the phone informed. Wang Xuan was taken aback, "She still has a physical body?" "Uncertain. Even if she doesn''t, there might be remnants of her celestial bones. No one but herself would know these details so clearly." Wang Xuan pondered, already having instructed Old Chen to send the message to the Old Earth, asking Qingmu to excavate the demoness''sir in Xiongshan, or Shennongjia, hoping for an early discovery. He decided to inform Old Chen to pass the message back; they shouldn''t let Qingmu stir up too much trouble and risk an incident. The refined man added, "The woman in white, the female alchemist, will also head to the Old Earth. As for me, I''ll be visiting the New Moon soon to check my Taoist site. Be careful yourself and avoid any troubles." Wang Xuan was surprised. Was he really going to the New Moon? Privately, Wang Xuan thought that he would be safer with these individuals away. Even with the God-ying Banner in hand, he didn''t feelpletely secure. He nned to use this time to grow stronger. With two pieces of "Medicinal Soil" and possibly the seed of the celestial herb from Old Chen, he could enhance his power significantly. If he became strong enough, what could even the weakened celestials returning to the mortal realm do to him? "I must warn you, the celestials will continue to cross over, even inrge numbers. Prepare yourself mentally. Some of the younger generation of demons and celestials may not be so scrupulous. To gain control quickly, they might resort to aggressive measures to seize territories. The New Star could face bloodshed and chaos," the refined man cautioned. This vital information from the refined man changed Wang Xuan''s expression. Was the New Star about to descend into chaos? The same could happen on the Old Earth. The entire world might face the cmity of the celestials'' return! At the neighboring table, the astronauts stood up, conversing among themselves. Wang Xuan, without projecting his spirit, could only roughly see them but not hear anything. They left the bar, disappearing into the night. After waiting for a moment, Wang Xuan''s spirit left his body, gazing outside the bar. "Sigh, not only did we fail to find our ancestor''s relics, but we also lost Xiao Xuan. There''s not much time left. We must return now, or we''llpletely dissipate here." "We should find another opportunity toe back. If we don''t leave now, it could lead to trouble." Wang Xuan was astonished to hear such a conversation. The group moved away, passing through ordinary people without any physical interaction, unaffected by them. They entered a bizarre spacecraft in a square, soaring into the sky. A light burst forth, forming a circle in the dark heavens, and their spacecraft disappeared within it. Boom! Outside Suzhou, in the sky above the mountains, lightning shed, and thunder roared amidst the raging storm and deep crimson sky. Wang Xuan watched from a distance. That area likely had beings crossing over from another realm. Then, in another direction, the sky also disyed a strange phenomenon, with scarlet light piercing the heavens. Even above Suzhou, such scenes appeared one after another, with torrential rain pouring down. "The world really is changing. Apart from the supreme beings waiting for the best opportunity, others are panicking and rushing back!" Wang Xuan mused. Suddenly, he sharply turned around. Amidst the torrential rain and interweaving crimson lightning, a colossal creature was approaching him from a short distance. Its aura was terrifying, with intense murderous energy and red light like zing mes, moving down the street. Wang Xuan focused on it. Was this a being returning from behind the great curtain? After crossing over, had the demon and celestial races be so reckless, ready to cause chaos on the streets? "You can actually see me? Lucky me, I didn''t expect to encounter a suitable body for my return right after breaking free..." the glowing creature spoke. Wang Xuan immediately realized his mistake; this wasn''t a returning immortal. It was the "Xiao Xuan" lost by the "pseudo-shadow beings." He also recognized it as a real mythological creature the Bixie, notoriously ferocious, now encountered in the real world. "You... want to consume me, take my spirit, and rece it?" Wang Xuan thought of the stories in Chen Tuan''s writings, where evennd immortals had their spirits eaten by such beings. But things were different now. The world of the supernatural had copsed, the mighty rules of mythology had decayed and no longer existed. Could this creature consume him? If "pseudo-shadow beings" could still utilize supernatural rules, perhaps they could extend the life of mythology and revive the supernatural world. "Good that you understand," the Bixie spoke, its body glowing red. It resembled a fierce tiger with dragon whiskers and horns, towering at ten feet tall, looking down at Wang Xuan. "Stay down, don''t move," Wang Xuan ordered, preparing to study what exactly pseudo-shadow beings were. The Bixie, with symbols glowing in its eyes and surrounded by intense red light, approached through the rain, illuminating the entire street. However, no one in the bar or the nearby buildings could see it. Chapter 275: Ace In The Hole Chapter 275: Ace In The Hole The Bixie, its entire body glowing red like molten iron, loomedrge with red light illuminating the rain. Its massive tiger head sported dragon horns, casting a crimson halo. It was attempting to use its divine powers. Normally, from its horns, supernatural energy would pour out, creating sacred ripples that could easily crush its foes. But now, the expected red ripples didnt materialize. The power it once wielded seemed to have failed. Perplexed, the Bixie tried a different approach, opening its huge mouth, expecting to engulf everything on the street. However, its jaw stretched to its limits, bing numb, and still, it couldnt swallow its target. Wang Xuan, bemused, gestured and pulled Qin Chengs shoe from the bar at light speed, throwing it into the Bixie''s gaping mouth. The Bixie roared in frustration, its eyes ten-character symbols intimidating, but only Wang Xuan could hear it. The creature swung its sharp ws forward, but no rune-lit beams tore through the air; only supernatural energy seeped out. Even the Bixie was speechless. All its divine powers seemed like illusory reflections, utterly useless. "Has the prophecye true? Has the supernatural world really copsed?!" The Bixie seemed dazed, overwhelmed by a sense of despair. "Can we talk?" Wang Xuan asked, looking at the Bixie. This creature, once nurtured by the "pseudo-shadow beings" as a mythological entity, now seemed oddly out of ce. "Sure," the Bixie nodded, sitting down on the rain-drenched street. Wang Xuan approached and asked, "Who were those people in spacesuits just now?" "Remnants of the defeated, the survivors of a failure," the Bixie replied. Wang Xuan was taken aback. Those people, who followed the path of technology, capable ofbating primordial demons and capturing mythological creatures as mounts, were considered failures? "Exin more, please." "Back then, they were indeed very formidable. Are you familiar with the ''Land of Departed''?" the Bixie inquired. "Yes, I''ve seen and encountered it," Wang Xuan nodded. "Impressive, you''ve even encountered the Land of Departed?" the Bixie was visibly impressed, then sighed, "Those people were outsiders, using the Land of Departed as a passage, but eventually..." A dazzling red light erupted, engulfing the sky and turning the city''s rain curtain a deep crimson. The Bixie, fierce and menacing, swung its massive paw at Wang Xuan, who was seated beside it. "You have no martial honor, you beast," Wang Xuan remarked. A protective light screen appeared around Wang Xuan, emanating from an ancientmp floating above him. Themp cast a protective radiance around him. With a thunderous crash, the Bixie, now relying purely on supernatural energy and mental concentration - the only powers still at its disposal - struck. Its strength was formidable; a single blow caused the light screen formed by the ancientmp to shake violently, cracking under the impact. Wang Xuan was astounded by the mythological creature''s supernatural strength andmented the diminished power of the ancientmp due to the disappearance of the supernatural rules. The Bixie, an entity close to the level of carefree wanderers, was unique, invisible to others but still a being of the spiritual realm. Wang Xuan activated the ancientmp, firing dark red arrows at the Bixie. Despite the Bixie''s formidable nature, the arrows pierced its red tiger body. It didnt die but became even more ferocious, swinging its paw with terrifying supernatural force, affecting the surroundings. Electrical sources crackled, street lights went out, and electronics in the bar were damaged. Concerned about the Bixie causing havoc in the city, Wang Xuan''s spirit quickly returned to his body. He grabbed the God-ying Banner and stepped out. As expected, the Bixie, resembling a fierce tiger with dragon whiskers and horns, was charging into the bar, its supernatural force causing explosions on the street. Street lights shattered, buildings cracked, and windows shattered. Frowning, Wang Xuan realized he couldn''t spare the creature. He had hoped to interrogate it slowly. Swinging the God-ying Banner, he covered the Bixie with a golden grid, exploding it with a loud bang. "A God-ying Banner? No... it''s different... the God-ying Banner, it has appeared again," it growled before dissolving into a shower of light, burning awaypletely. "Wang Xuan, what just happened?" Qin Cheng, Su Chan, Kong Yi, and others appeared at the doorway, astonished at the destruction in the rain. "Just a monster, it''s dead now," Wang Xuan replied, relieved. The God-ying Banner was effective against pseudo-shadow beings. However, the creature''s mention of a Body-ying Banner intrigued him. Was there another banner targeting physical bodies? A pair of such powerful artifacts seemed almost against the natural order. With the supernatural world fading, Wang Xuan wondered if the banner would remain useful. He put away the palm-sized golden g, his mind heavy with thoughts. Wang Xuan mused to himself about the future of mystical texts and treasures. "Will theree a day when all these scriptures and magical items be obsolete, ignored, unable to be activated, relying only on pure physical strength and sheer mental power?" Recently, he had been relying on these treasures in battle and had not personally engaged inbat for a while. He suspected that these dependencies might gradually be ineffective. Without these treasures, facing individuals like Lao Zhang or the red-d demoness would be impossible for him. Especially with the demoness seeking her physical body in the oldnd, preparing for her true descent, it weighed heavily on his mind. The world could no longer remain calm. With immortals crossing realms and shadow-like entities roaming, all manner of demons and gods seemed restless. After leaving the bar, their gathering came to an end. Wang Xuan returned to the Health Pce and immediately called Lao Chen to share his experiences of the night and discuss their next steps, including the progress on the heavenly herb seeds. At this stage, every method to rapidly increase his strength was under consideration. The returning immortals would only grow stronger, and while he could handle them now, the future was uncertain. He might be prey for others. "O, mida..." Lao Chen cryptically conveyed that progress was near. He had narrowed down the search, suspecting either the Zhong or Ling families. Despite their cooperation, Chen sensed danger, like when he discovered bone fragments and relics in the Zhong family''s secret repository. "Really? Talk to Zhong Lao Er, ask if they dug up any bones from Xiong Mountain. If so, I''ll deal with them directly!" The next day, Lao Chen contacted Wang Xuan again. Zhong Changming was also unaware if Old Zhong had ever excavated Xiong Mountain. Zhong Lao Er hadn''t been involved in such dark activities and was rtively straightforward. Lao Chen reported, "There''s a coffin, bright green and translucent with leaves growing on it. Inside, there''s a body with flesh and blood, uncorrupted for a thousand years. No idea where it was dug up from." He felt overwhelmed, describing the Zhong family''s secret repository as a den of demons and spirits. "There''s also a bronze coffin containing a mysterious corpse, covered in shiny silver hair and emitting silver light through the cracks." The origin of these artifacts was unknown to anyone but Old Zhong, and the Zhong family had not studied or categorized them. Lao Chen continued, "Zhong Lao Er boasted about having the Suihou Pearl and several Dragon Pearls. I saw them from afar, huge relics shining brightly in the dark!" Wang Xuan was speechless at the Zhong family''s collection, which seemed ready to cause an upheaval. Recalling his casual chat with the ferryman in the ce of death, he hadn''t expected such a reality, and even underestimated Old Zhong''s audacity in excavating anything. Considering this, the ferryman Xu Fu''s bones might well be in the Zhong family''s possession. Old Zhong likely collected them, suspecting they were relics of immortals. Wang Xuan was relieved that the Zhong family had a dusty pool resembling the legendary Pool of Rebirth, keeping things rtively calm in the repository. He advised Lao Chen to be cautious and not to venture too deeply, just searching around the perimeter. "I know my limits!" Lao Chen replied, holding the Suihou Pearl, a huge relic, with respect. He was reciting the Sakyamuni scriptures, using the Buddha''s relic to suppress evil while searching the repository. Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng, siblings, met early in the morning, both disying astonishment. They whispered to each other about being visited in a dream by Zhong Yong the previous night, who instructed them to flee immediately with him. "The ''Tai Chu n'', evacuating New Star?" The two exchanged nces, discussing the dream''s message. There was no doubt that Old Zhong had awakened in his cicada shell, feigning death. "Probably the current situation at home scared Grandpa half to death, huh?" Both were at a loss for words, realizing that Old Zhong, who treasured his life the most, had unintentionally dug up so many pitfalls, all now lying within their home. "Let''s not talk about it anymore. We''re about to face a major crisis. Let''s follow Grandpa''s advice and prepare to leave New Star soon. There''s no one better at surviving and living long than him!" "Before leaving, let''s invite Wang Xuan over to ask him privately if he wants to join us. Let him have a look at those scriptures he''s been eyeing." "He''s been coveting them for so long. Every time he visits, he''s like a red-eyed rabbit, staring in the direction of Grandpa''s study. If it weren''t for the Pool of Rebirth, he''d have probably astral projected here to steal the books by now!" The siblings knew Wang Xuan quite well. ... In the following two days, Wang Xuan stayed busy with various preparations, including forging identities and wearing a human skin mask. He was nning to return to Old Earth. He felt uneasy, with New Star resembling an apocalyptic world. Heavy rains and blood-red lightning were everywhere, making even him nervous about how many immortals mighte this time. He wasn''t ready for a battle with the immortals yet. If Huang Kun''s faction and the followers of the red-clothed female demon came in full force, they would directly hunt him down. So, he prepared his trump card, nning to go to Old Earth to awaken the true bones of the Sword Immortal and summon her back. He couldn''t wait three more years; the situation was changing daily, and the boundary between worlds might copse at any moment. If he could summon the Sword Immortal back with her cultivation intact, she would likely be invincible in this world, as other factions'' immortals were notplete. With everything ready, he would stealthily set foot on Old Earth, preparing his trump card. Perhaps he might even trap the red-clothed female demon there as well. Chapter 276: The Real Ace In The Hole Chapter 276: The Real Ace In The Hole "Lacking books when they''re most needed, one neverins about having too much money," mused Wang Xuan, realizing his bank ount was far from affluent; he couldn''t even afford a boat ticket. A ticket cost two to three million New World coins, a price resulting from the continuous advancements in technology reducing the cost of space travel. Previously, it was even more expensive. He possessed tablets of ancient scriptures, golden bamboo slips from before the Qin dynasty, several rare and precious artifacts, and even the Earth Immortal Spring. Each of these items was incredibly valuable, but he couldn''t think of selling them. "There are many opportunities to make money, like prolonging people''s lives, but I chose artifacts. Now, within a year, their value will likely plummet. I need to prepare for the future," he told himself. After the copse of the mythological dimension, even the fallen immortals had to face reality and consider mundane matters of daily life. The disparity from their past existencewhere they roamed from the Northern Sea to the Cangwu Mountainswould be immense. Once again, Wang Xuan didn''t buy the ticket himself. He asked Qian An and Guan Lin to help him acquire a new identity for his journey to the Old World. Outside of Su Cityy the fifthrgest spacecraft base in the New World. From here, the journey to the Old World was convenient. The area looked like a forest of steel, filled with enormous spacecraft, powerful defense systems, and massive waiting halls. The region was well-equipped with security and service facilities, including robots and intelligent luggage carts. Lately, torrential rains and blood-red lightning weremon in both the New World and the Old World, resulting in fewer travelers. The spacecraft was quiet with few passengers. Behind Wang Xuan sat a family of three: parents in their early thirties and their seven or eight-year-old daughter, who was pretty and adorable. "Ladies and gentlemen, wee aboard the Zhongyong Deep Space Company''s flight, a member of the Star Alliance..." The announcement yed, indicating a venture of the Zhou family. Their business reached into every aspect of life. Wang Xuan, disguised with blond hair and a different face, his usual demeanor reced with a colder one, sat calmly, waiting for the spacecraft tounch. This journeycked the novelty of his first space crossing from the Old World. Suddenly, Wang Xuan''s hair stood on end, his body tensed, and his face drained of color. He sensed imminent danger to the spacecraft. It felt like they were locked in by a high-energy weapon, aimed to destroy them mid-flight. "An attack, someone''s trying to bring down the ship!" Wang Xuan immediately used his psychic abilities to warn the captain and crew. He held a dark golden miniature boat, ready to take action. The captain reacted swiftly, prioritizing the ship''s safety by activating the energy shield, even before confirming the threat. A terrifying beam struck the shield as it materialized, shaking the entire vessel. Everyone on board was shocked; they were still within the New World''s atmosphere and had already encountered a dreadful attack. Such incidents were rare in recent years on the New World. While small private spacecraft sometimes crashed due to idents,rge spacecraft hadn''t been targeted in many years. This event was significant and rming! People in the cabin were panicking, faces pale with terror. "Boom!" The ship suffered another violent strike. The energy shield, forming a protective light screen, barely withstood the second onught, but the explosion''s light was terrifying. The passengers were now in total fear, their screams mingled with children''s cries. It wasn''t an ident; they were under a dreadful attack. Who wouldn''t be afraid? The energy shield was faltering under the relentless, astonishing firepower. It was moments away from being breached by the piercing beamsing from multiple directions. "Get to the lifeboats, prepare to evacuate!" The captain maintained hisposure amidst the crisis. Wang Xuan approached the captain, requesting the hatch to be opened to let him out and draw the fire away. He suspected the energy beams might be targeting him, and someone leaked his presence, attempting to kill him in mid-air. The assant''s methods were ruthless, not caring about the other passengers on the ship. The captain, decisive as ever,plied with Wang Xuan''s request. The dark golden boat shot out, hovering in the high skies, moving away from the area where the spacecraft was located. Wang Xuan, feeling like his body was tearing apart under the lock of the energy beams, maneuvered the boat, zipping through the sky like lightning. The spacecraft''s shield dimmed, and several lifeboats burst out, heading towards the New World''s surface. To Wang Xuan''s horror, some of the lifeboats exploded, struck by the beams, a sight of sheer brutality. "Crazed lunatics!" Wang Xuan looked back, realizing the attackers had no limits, mercilessly killing innocents and attacking civilians. He didn''t retreat; his boat was glowing brightly, intentionally drawing the attackers to him. Yet, the lifeboats continued to explode. A terrifying beam whizzed past the boat, narrowly missing Wang Xuan. "Thump!" A violent explosion echoed from afar as the spacecraft was breached, tearing arge section away. The captain had proactively jettisoned the left rear section. "Don''t attack the spaceship anymore, the target is on that glowing boat," someone trembled from within a distant warship, horrified by the previous bloodshed. The explosions of the lifeboats and the disintegration of the spaceship had led to the loss of lives and bloodshed. "No rush, let me test the strength of this era''s weapons. Impressive, even my physical body couldn''t withstand such an attack," spoke a blood-red figure aboard the warship, coldly wrapped around a bone fragment. "You''re here to follow orders and assist me!" More lifeboats exploded, but many more scattered towards the ground, fleeing. The main body of the spaceship suffered another attack, breaking apart again. Not everyone could escape via lifeboats, leaving some passengers stranded. Wang Xuan faced repeated attacks. One beam nearly missed, grazing the tail of his boat, causing a surge of transcendent matter. The boat''s light screen expanded, resisting the hit. Wang Xuan realized three small-to-midsize warships were attacking from a distance, heartlessly piercing through the spaceship and destroying four lifeboats, mercilessly killing innocents. "That boat is extraordinary, resisting the energy beams from a warship. It''s one of the legendary top-tier relics. If more boat runes are activated, it would be even more miraculous and astounding," noted a spirit aboard one of the warships, eyeing Wang Xuan''s dark golden boat covetously. "Be gentle, kill him but try to preserve the boat!" someone instructed. Beams intertwined around Wang Xuan as the three warships relentlessly bombarded him, recklessly ignoring any norms. "Finish him quickly to prevent any interference or obstacles!" ordered a blood-red figure in one of the warships, its heart entwined with a real bone, surrounded by blood strands. Wang Xuan''s chest heaved, suppressing his fury. The attackers were brazen and tyrannical, indiscriminately massacring civilians, tantly flouting New World''sws. Clearly, someone had been monitoring him closely. Despite changing identities and leveraging various connections, his movements were still tracked. They were determined to stop him from returning to the Old World to revive the Sword Immortal, intent on destroying him! "Thump!" Another beam of light streaked through the sky, but Wang Xuan skillfully maneuvered his dark golden boat, evading it. He forcefully pped the bottom of his small, amber-colored gourd, unleashing a burst of transcendental radiance that collided with the energy beam, erupting into a massive explosion high above. With a whoosh, Wang Xuan sped away, catching up to the plummeting spaceship. A handful of people were still trapped inside, the lifeboats insufficient. He didn''t possess vast supernatural powers to conduct a thorough search in time. As his boat dashed towards the spaceship, he swiftly rescued those he could spot in the cabins, bringing them aboard. The spaceship continued its descent, while Wang Xuan sped away, pursued by three warships relentlessly bombarding him. One of the warships even fired at the already falling spaceship, obliterating it with a resounding boom, turning it into a giant sphere of energy. Wang Xuan turned back, his eyes brimming with unending murderous intent. These people were insane, deserving of a thousand cuts, showing aplete disregard for human life. He piloted his boat in a steep dive, intending to deliver the twenty-odd people he rescued to the ground. Simultaneously, he was quietly preparing, activating various weapons that were intrinsic to his boat shields, spears, flying swords, all inscribed with dense, mystic runes. Suddenly, a vast crimson descended from the sky, crafted as if from star sand, expanding as it aimed to ensnare the boat. The was rich with transcendental energy, its red hue intensifying as it spread across the sky. Holding his amber gourd, Wang Xuan unleashed several terrifying beams of light, shattering the red. "Indeed, the transcendent immortals are meddling,bining myth with technology. Have they joined forces?" Wang Xuan spoke with a cold voice. Today, there would be no reconciliation, even if the other party wanted to cease. He would not stop. The boat dove rapidly towards the ground. Deep down, he didn''t have the heart to be ruthless. He had initially intended to save some people and attract the attackers'' focus, which is why he had been hesitant. Inside the boat, the little girl shivered in fear, clinging to her parents. An elderly couple held hands, whispering something to each other. Thud! The energy beams bombarded again in rapid session. Despite Wang Xuan activating the boat''s defenses and bringing its shield to life, the colossal force of the impact caused the boat to roar and shake violently, almost flipping over. On the boat, if not for the protective light screen, the passengers would have been thrown out. Even so, their bodies mmed against the interior, many crying out in pain. Finally, as the boat neared the ground, approaching a city, Wang Xuan swiftly disembarked them. However, the scene was grim. Many were bleeding from their heads. The little girl''s eyes were filled with terror, her body trembling uncontrobly. As for the elderly couple, theyy silent in each other''s embrace. Too old to withstand such tumult and collision, their promise of returning to their roots unfulfilled, they passed away right there. With a loud crash, Wang Xuan shattered his synthetic human skin mask, his face twisted with murderous rage. He activated the boat, ready to soar back into the sky. "Transcendent immortals'' cmity? Blocking my return to the Old World, ughtering the innocent - today, I will exterminate you all!" Chapter 277: Slashing A Warship In Half Chapter 277: shing A Warship In Half Above the clouds, a warship fired again, sending a blinding, terrifying beam of light crashing down like aet from the sky, targeting the crowd below. The enemy was ruthlessly killing, treating ordinary people as nothing, utterly disregarding their lives. Wang Xuan, maneuvering his dark golden boat, witnessed this scene just as he was about to ascend. Filled with murderous intent, it had been a long time since he had felt such an urge to unleash a massacre. The dark golden boat, enveloped in misty radiance, was fully activated by him. One of the flying swords in particr emitted a blinding light, colliding with the energy beam. The twenty-something ordinary people, screaming in terror, stumbled and ran towards the city, unustomed to such chaos in a time of peace and tranquility. "Mommy... I''m scared," cried the little girl, her shoes fallen off. "Who''sunching this terrorist attack? Have they gone mad?" A bolder individual nced skyward in raging fury, helping his paralyzedpanion escape towards the city. Thankfully, they were spared from the energy beam. Wang Xuan had blocked it. The sword light was brilliant, shing with the energy beam. The explosion was deafening, with light scattering everywhere. The residual energy that hit the ground burned through the surface, melting rocks and roads. Had the beam struck the crowd, not only would lives have been lost, but even their bones would have disintegrated, leaving a massive, molten pit in its wake. Wang Xuan''s killing intent boiled. The people on the warship were inhumane, exploiting hispassion, repeatedly targeting ordinary people to restrain him. "Stop killing, they''re civilians, ordinary people without the means to resist! Even the target is protecting them, and we''re..." Among the clouds, aboard the warship, a pale-faced individual trembled as he spoke, unable to continue the assault. On the warship, the blood-colored figure sat, its heart''s bone vibrating as it uttered a cold voice: "Cheap sympathy,ughable weakness, all so useless. When I was practicing the Dark Blood God Technique, killing dozens or even razing a city was nothing!" The crew of the warship showed fear at these words. This was no immortal but a demon cultivator, for whom murder and massacre were trivial matters. A being like this, not perishing in the ancient times and now wreaking havoc in this era, was more than anyone could bear. "Rest assured, I still have limits. Quickly target that overly sympathetic ''friend'' below and eliminate him. You''ve already wasted precious time, which disappoints me greatly," the blood-colored figure said indifferently, sending shivers down the crew''s spines with its oppressive aura. The other two mid-sized warships also appeared in the distance, firing terrifying beams, which Wang Xuan dodged with his boat. He watched the twenty-some people enter the city, knowing he couldn''t do much more. If the transcendent beings in the sky went mad and truly attacked the city, he couldn''t stop them. But surely, the major organizations on New Star wouldn''t stand idly by in the face of such a crazed terrorist. Now, Wang Xuan''s killing intent was boiling! On the dark golden boat, ancient divine beasts, birds, insects, and fish emerged in vivid detail, their inscriptions flowing with radiant light. This treasure was of an extremely high grade! With a swoosh, Wang Xuan ascended rapidly, beyond patience, now only intent on hunting immortals! The beings returned from behind the great veil were too unbridled. If he didn''t annihte them today, who knew what would happen in the future? Would they frequently attack him? As Wang Xuan fully activated the dark golden boat, the engraved animals and ancient creatures seemed toe to life, more vivid than ever. Despite the greater consumption of energypared to before and the faster depletion of supermatter, under Wang Xuan''s control, the entire boat seemed transformed. With a swift motion, it became a streak of light, reaching the high sky in an instant, shockingly fast to the point of disbelief. Evidently, if the warships didn''t use space jumps or simr techniques, their regr speed might not match this boat, which was quite terrifying. "Interesting, he''sing to us. That boat has the aura of a top-tier treasure, the more I look, the more I like it. Make sure to handle it carefully; don''t damage it," said the figure aboard the warship, eyeing the approaching Wang Xuan with a mix of interest and caution. Thud! Beams interweaved as the warship opened fire, targeting Wang Xuan. The dark golden boat, smaller in size and incredibly agile, closed the distance between enemy and self at an unbelievable speed. Under Wang Xuan''s strong spiritual perception, he avoided danger in advance. Reaching high into the sky, weapons began to float around the boat. At the boat''s dark golden bow, a flying sword rose, shrouded in five-colored light and misty immortal fog, densely inscribed with innumerable runes. In that moment, it soared into the sky, leaving the boat, not just emitting sword light, but its very essence breaking through the air! The heavens and earth trembled lightly, and the clouds in the high sky were cleaved apart, dispersing instantly! In a sense, this was a true flying sword! Wang Xuan''s short swordcked flying sword runes, always controlled by his powerful mental force, not quite suited for long-distance fierce battles. Crack! This flying sword was terrifying. Bursting with immortal light, its densely inscribed runes formed light symbols that swirled around it, effortlessly cleaving through everything, striking the warship. Even though the ship was made of thetest alloy materials, extraordinarily sturdy, it was still split open. A section of the ship sparked and exploded with energy. "What''s happening?!" eximed many in the city below. "Is the sky turning upside down? Just now, there seemed to be a warship attacking the ground, and now someone is piloting a boat, wielding a legendary flying sword to sh at modern sci-weaponry a warship?" In fact, from the onset of the horrific attack to Wang Xuan soaring into the sky and engaging the enemy, everything happened in the blink of an eye. Many in the city below had yet to grasp what was happening, with quite a few still dazed and confused. Undoubtedly, this event would quickly spread, fermenting because of its immense impact. The flying sword rapidly expanded, now over ten meters long, slicing through the warship and cleaving it open. Moreover, the dense runes on the sword triggered thunderous explosions, shattering and blowing apart a section of the warship. Additionally, the sword''s fire runes ignited waves of fire tens of meters high, engulfing the cold metal walls and melting part of the ship''s body. Even Wang Xuan was astonished at the power of this flying sword, surpassing many other magical artifacts! A critically important section of the warship was punctured and destroyed beyond recognition! Many on board the ship turned pale. What was happening? Someone was using a sword... to cleave a warship? This was the extreme embodiment of cold weapons challenging technological weaponry! Swoosh! The sword light erupted. Initially in, the flying sword now shone brilliantly, swiftly slicing through the ship''s body, leaving smooth cut surfaces. Around the sword, numerous lights swirled, forming ancient characters resembling a scripture. It was as if someone was reciting sacred texts, apanied by thunder and mes, wreaking havoc with terrifying destructive force, tearing and obliterating everything in the sword''s path! Chapter 278: A Lesson Learnt Chapter 278: A Lesson Learnt Amidst the clouds, a warship unleashed another barrage, sending a blinding beam of energy hurtling towards Wang Xuan. The dark golden flying boat, small but exceptionally agile, dodged the attacks with unbelievable speed. Wang Xuan''s keen spiritual senses anticipated each danger, expertly navigating the perilous skies. As the flying boat soared higher, its arsenal came alive. At the prow, a sword emerged, bathed in a spectrum of five colors, shrouded in mystical fog. The ancient script inscribed upon it was dense, forming radiant glyphs around the de. In a stunning disy, the sword soared skyward, severing clouds in its wake, leaving the sky clear. Its very presence seemed to affirm its true nature as a legendary flying sword. The de, whichcked the specific runes of a flying sword and was usually controlled by Wang Xuan''s powerful spirit, was not suited for long-rangebat. Yet, in this moment, the sword unleashed a fearsome power that far surpassed many known artifacts. The sword''s ferocity was undeniable as it struck the warship. Despite the ship''s advanced alloy construction, it stood no chance against the sword''s might. Sparks flew and a significant portion of the ship was obliterated in a massive explosion. On the ground, people in the nearby city were in awe. Witnessing a sword cleaving a warship was like watching a myth turn into reality. "Compartmental damage severe, abandon the right front section!" The ship''s crew, gripped by fear, jettisoned the damaged part of the ship, which plummeted towards the earth, engulfed in mes. "Thebination of rare artifacts is astounding," remarked the blood-colored figure inside the warship. "The flying boat is a divine object, and even the apanying sword is a marvel." As the ship suffered catastrophic damage, the figure remained calm, confident in his ability to escape. He then summoned his own rare artifact, a red studded with stars, enveloping the sky in an attempt to capture the flying sword. Wang Xuan steered the flying boat with precision, darting through the sky with unpredictable movements. He wielded a small, yellow gourd, directing it at the expansive in a bid to seize control. The shimmered with blood-colored lightning, adorned with various items that wailed as the moved to entrap the flying sword. The yellow glow from the gourd''s mouth reached out, grappling with the in a thunderous sh. Blocked by Wang Xuan''s resistance, the figure in the warship mused, "The human world is truly filled with wonders. Such a divine item in the hands of a mortal, yet so out of ce." With a resonant ng, the flying sword zed across the sky, illuminating ancient texts that seemed to narrate sacred scriptures. The sword''s trajectory was marked by a surge of supermaterial, its edge unmatched, slicing through the''s decorations and eliciting wails from the ensnared objects. The crew of the warship, including the blood-colored figure and several spirit bodies, watched in dismay. One of the spirits attempted a stealthy attack on Wang Xuan, but under his celestial gaze, the spirit''s presence was as conspicuous as a beacon in the night, its attempts at concealment futile against his keen perception. Beside Wang Xuan, an ancientmp floated, emitting a fierce beam of crimson light that transformed into arrow-feathers. In an instant, they pinned the spirit entity, eliciting a piercing, agonizing scream. "Still alive?" Wang Xuan activated the dark red arrow-feathers again. Six more shot out, locking onto the target. With a hissing sound, they all struck their mark. With a loud bang, the spirit entity exploded, nailed to death, its soul fragments scattering into a shower of light. Even as the supernatural world crumbled, reducing themp''s power, the additional arrow-feathers proved too much for any ordinary transcendent being to counter. A sense of unease settled in Wang Xuan''s heart after killing his foe, making him incredibly alert. He scanned with his spiritual eye and discovered a blood-colored mark on himself, as if a ghastly w had left a terrifying trace. Yet, he felt no pain. How had he been struck without realizing it? After defeating his enemy, he had been ambushed unknowingly. "The prey has quite a collection of divine objects, all top-tier treasures, very troublesome, and not as the employer described." The blood-colored figure sat within the warship, manipting a vast. Images of fierce birds and beasts emerged, their blood-red light soaring to the sky, dyeing it red in a chilling spectacle. Beasts wailed, birds cried, and countless human figures screamed in agony - the tortured souls from the past used in forging the, their deaths tragic andmentable. On the ground, ordinary people had never seen such a sight. A chill ran down their spines. What kind of monster was this? In an instant, the idea of the return of the immortals seemed far less appealing. At that moment, Wang Xuan unleashed his flying sword for a final strike, fierce and astonishing. It cleaved the damaged warship in two, with thunderous explosions echoing across the sky. Boom! Boom... In the distance, two smaller warships continuously attacked Wang Xuan. Beams of light crisscrossed the sky, but he skillfully dodged them all, maneuvering the flying boat. The blood-colored figure, along with the great, flew into one of the warships, disappearing from sight. Wang Xuan pursued relentlessly, his dark golden boat transforming into a streak of light, reaching its target in a blink. He activated the flying sword again,unching a deadly attack forward. Boom! Suddenly, a long spear burst forth beside Wang Xuan, its edge unmatched in sharpness. It rapidly grew to twenty meters in length and, with a thunderous roar, pierced through a warship, carrying a boiling surge of supermaterial, its destructive power astounding. Then, an ancient shield appeared, resembling a turtle''s shell, expanding in front of the flying boat, bravely withstanding an unavoidable energy beam. This set of treasures, including the flying sword, spear, and shield, norger than a finger joint, had been discovered in the Song family and were used as pendants and ornaments by old Song''s granddaughter. Today, they revealed their true formidable nature! In the sky, the long spear, like a soaring dragon, circled back and pierced the massive hull of the ship again, causing an explosion of energy and fire. But Wang Xuan frowned, concerned about the terrifying consumption. A few more strikes like this and the flying boat might not hold, as supermaterial was rapidly draining. Following the copse of the supernatural world, the impact was significant. The power of various treasures had diminished, but the consumption of supermaterial had increased. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Three spirit entities charged out, attacking Wang Xuan together, unleashing a spiritual secret art. Tri-colored light burst forth, the shockwave terrifying. To an ordinary person, just one impact would be enough to cause brain death,pletely shattering their spirit. Wang Xuan endured it. Under the watchful eyes, he refrained from using the God-ying Banner, aware of the unknown number of powerful enemies still hidden. He summoned the ancientmp again, firing consecutive dark red arrow-feathers. After a dozen beams shot out, the three spirit entities were nailed down and killed! However, his expression grew more somber. Scanning with his spiritual eye, he discovered three new blood-colored marks on his body, one for each spirit entity killed! For any other transcendent being, this would have been a tragedy, as without the heavenly eye, such anomalies would go unnoticed. Wang Xuan was undeterred, nning to cleanse these marks afterward. No matter what, he was determined to annihte these foes, be they immortals or demons, all must be eradicated! Detectors in the area locked onto this region, witnessing these terrifying scenes, a collision of mythology and technology. Everyone, do you see that? That person seems to be a Sword Immortal, engaged in a fierce battle, his spear prating warships, his sword cleaving the strange red. What''s happening here? A sh of transcendent beings involving technological weapons as well? Cold weapons splitting warships apart, dismembering them! The news spread far and wide, apanied by various blurred images, sparking heated discussions and shock among the public. "The destructive power of these transcendent beings is astonishing, recklessly unleashing their might in the sky, slicing through warships with ease. Such influence is detrimental; it must be strictly controlled!" voiced someone, criticizing both parties in the sky battle. "This Sword Immortal is overstepping, isn''t he? Attacking warships in broad daylight, what is he trying to do?!" questioned another, stirring a whirlpool of opinions in an attempt to resonate with the masses. However, those trying to manipte public opinion were not strong enough. Their efforts were quickly exposed and quashed. Survivors from the airships had already taken to major tforms, revealing the truth. A terror attack had targeted their ships, and it was suspected that Wang Xuan had intervened, thwarting the attacking warships and saving many lives. The story fermented and spread rapidly, creating a massive ripple. "Who is responsible for the warships attacking the airships, causing significant casualties?" "Some people were actually defending those three warships just now. Come out and take a walk, see the truth. It''s imperative to identify those whitewashing the situation. They must be paid operatives; even if not directly linked to the terror attackers, there''s a connection." The major financial conglomerates, receiving the news earlier than most, had captured clear images and were closely monitoring the situation. "It''s outrageous, I think we should fire. Are those immortals? They''re demons, attacking ordinary people. If we tolerate this now, they will be more brazen!" "But, with a batch of immortals returning, if we strike them down, won''t other mythical beings remember us and strike from the shadows?" "I think it should be fine. The ones who have visited us in dreams aren''t like this. This is an exception; we can take them down!" Indeed, at this time, many on various tforms were calling out. "Sun family, you said transcendent beings disrupt the order of the New World, it''s time to act. The one you view as a disruptor, Wang Xuan, is saving people, fighting against transcendent demons. Where are you, Sun family?" In just a brief moment, the tforms of the New World were abuzz with noise, filled with all sorts of calls and discussions. Some major organizations wanted to act but feared retribution from the immortals, uncertain about the allegiance of those currently involved. "Fire, use that battleship from space to help Wang Xuan take down those two mid-sized warships. But for safety, don''t reveal that we''re the ones intervening!" After a serious and earnest discussion among key members of the Zhao family, Zhao Zejun, the father of Zhao Qinghan, personally issued themand. With a resounding boom echoing through the heavens, a mid-sized warship, locked in a fierce confrontation with Wang Xuan, was engulfed in a dazzling explosion, disintegrating into nothingness. "Second Grandfather, we must respond," Zhong Cheng passionately implored within the Zhong family. "Our family''s airship has been decimated; silence is no longer an option. Besides, as we prepare for the Tai Chu n, what have we to lose? Let''s assist Old Wang by neutralizing his adversaries." Zhong Qing, equally determined, concurred, "Action is imperative. Another has already vanquished one warship. As we stand on the cusp of our long voyage, we require Wang Xuan''s discerning eye to ensure nothing sinister hastched onto our ship." Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Zhong Changming covertly gave themand. In a synchronous disy of might, four fearsome energy beams converged from the skies, ruthlessly striking the already crippled warship. The vessel, caught in the maelstrom of energy, was torn asunder, its remnants scattering across the sky. It was evident at this critical juncture, four formidable forces had intervened, sealing the warship''s fate. Yet, from the wreckage, three ominous blood-colored figures and four spirit entities emerged, defying destruction and floating menacingly in the sky. Among them, two spirit entities, previously shattered and weakened by the dissipation of their supermaterial, had somehow managed to reassemble their ethereal forms, barely clinging to existence. "The remnants of your vessel lie in ruins; the era of the transcendent remains," dered one of the blood-colored figures, his gaze fixated on Wang Xuan with a mix of disdain and anticipation. Clutching a crimson of divine make, he spoke with a cold, unyielding confidence, "Had thews of the transcendent not crumbled, a mere mortal like you would be effortlessly extinguished beneath my might." His words were steeped in pride, his voice resonating with an authority that seemed to diminish the world beneath him. "Even as the essence of supermaterial wanes, I, Chi Meng, stand poised to forge a new era of transcendence. The essence of humanity will fuel my path, ensuring it remains unbroken." As he spoke, the bones at his heart vibrated, emitting a sound that was both clear and thunderous, reverberating like rolling thunder, striking awe and terror into the hearts of those who heard it from the ground below. "My goodness, this Chi Meng must be a demon, right? His words hint at some insane intentions!" "This monster should be eradicated for the sake of humanity!" As detectors captured the audio and visual of this scene, it sent shockwaves throughout the external world. In this era of New Star, numerous beings from across realms had traversed boundaries in recent days, each with their distinct forms of life, all attentively observing this unfolding event. In an apartment within a certain city, a blood-shadow figure stared at the screen, a mix of shock and anger in his expression. "What the hell, who''s impersonating me? I am the real Chi Meng!" He shivered with a chilling sense of foreboding. Although not a creature of virtue himself, he had no desire for such madness, nor did he wish to bear the brunt of this me. His eyes gleamed with a cold, sinister light. In the sky, Wang Xuan, unfazed, drew forth a talisman paper, instantly activating it. A divine light burst forth, bathing the surrounding area in a sacred radiance that engulfed the beings who had emerged from behind the veil. This was a rune Wang Xuan had acquired in exchange for extending the life of Elder Zhong. He had previously used invisibility, thunder, and sword talismans, each proving their astonishing power. Now, without hesitation, to obliterate his adversaries and ensure none escaped, he unleashed the "Holy Light Talisman." Wang Xuan felt apelling need to establish order, to teach these beings a lesson so profound it would result in their utter annihtion, serving as a warning to any who dared to follow, and thereby educating more immortals and demons on the importance of "understanding the rules." Chapter 279: Immortal Fetus Chapter 279: Immortal Fetus The Holy Light Talisman blossomed like a divine lotus, its unfolding petals apanied by the sound of blooming flowers. It unleashed dazzling beams of rune light that engulfed everything in front of it. The purifying effect of this holy light was unexpectedly profound, its efficacy nothing short of perfect. The four spirit entities swiftly perished under its brilliance. As the lotus petals unfurled, they were incinerated like straw figures set aze, leaving not a trace in the blink of an eye. "I should visit the Zhong family more often," Wang Xuan mused to himself, recalling the stack of decaying papers given to him by Zhong Changming, their power astonishingly potent. The only drawback of these talismans was their single-use nature, each deployment resulting in the loss of one precious resource. "Hmm?" His expression tightened slightly. Despite his cautious use of the ancientmp to shield himself, his body still bore four new red marks, as if wed by malevolent spirits. What was this situation? The enemy was more formidable than he had anticipated, capable of prating his protective light screen without his notice, their skills and power rmingly profound. The three blood-colored figures surged forward, attempting to break free from the immense blossoming lotus. The sound of the flower opening echoed through the skies, a rustling apanied by dazzling holy light, like a baptism of radiance, spectacr to behold. Bang! Finally, as the talisman paper neared the end of its burn, the three figures burst forth, somewhat disheveled. The one holding the divine looked down at his slightly dimmed treasure,menting the severe loss of supermaterial, some strands of the even showing signs of wear. Wang Xuan took a deep breath, aware of the terrifying amount of supermaterial he himself had consumed. He needed to conserve it. He activated the flying sword attached to his dark golden boat, targeting one of the figures and cleaving towards them with decisive force. "Run!" The three figures turned and fled, sensing the threat. They felt the lock of the warships upon them, a cause for their deep apprehension, especially now that their blood-colored forms were visible. Wang Xuan steered his flying boat at breakneck speed in pursuit! The figures, like streaks of light, dove towards a mountain range on the distantnd. Thud! At that moment, numerous beams of light plummeted from the heavens, as warships opened fire, bombarding the three blood-colored figures. Most of the sts were deftly avoided, but one beam struck, exploding one of the figures into a mist of blood. His true bone, now revealed, was cracked. Gathering his blood form, he fled once again. One after another, the beams locked onto the figures, continuously bombarding them. Eventually, some of the energy beams found their marks. The three blood-colored figures periodically exploded under the assault, the "true bones" within them cracking with audible snaps, teetering on the brink of shattering. The situation had drastically turned; now,rge organizations were using their warships to attack them, their true bones fracturing under the relentless onught. Boom! In a critical twist, an energy beam targeted Wang Xuan, sending chills down his spine. With his heightened senses, he swiftly evaded the attack. Bang! A distant mountain peak disintegrated, utterly obliterated by the beam, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. Zhao Zejun of the Zhao family, his expression grave, spected, "Is it the Sun family attacking Wang Xuan?" Their advanced surveince system had clearly captured the beam originating from a secret base of the Sun family, narrowly missing Wang Xuan''s flying boat. As others reached out to the Sun family, it wasn''t just the Zhao family who had noticed the anomaly at their base. "It wasn''t us. We''ve lost contact with that base. It''s likely controlled by immortals, no, by some demons!" the Sun family exined, sensing the gravity of the situation. The immortals, aware of their discord with New Star''s transcendent beings, were deliberately muddying the waters. Sun Rongsheng''s face darkened as he spoke, "Think about those ancient texts unearthed from secret ancient repositories. True, some cultivation paths are righteous. But many are malevolent, known as demons, notorious for causing chaos in their time. Returning now, they are certainly not benevolent. Even the so-called ''immortals'' from brighter paths cannot be as pure as driven snow. Without ruthlessness, they wouldn''t have survived until now." At that moment, therge screen erupted in a dazzling burst of light. A golden, umbre-shaped energy cloud billowed up, silencing the Sun family, leaving them speechless in awe. Their secret base had been... destroyed! In the mountainous wilderness, Wang Xuan, piloting his flying boat, pursued relentlessly. The three blood-colored figures vanished into the dense, untamed forest, momentarily eluding the watchful eyes of the sky-eye and various detectors. Finally, in a secluded part of the ancient forest, they reappeared, encircling Wang Xuan. "To think, I, Chi Meng, once revered as a Demon King in the human realm, am now reduced to such a sorry state upon my return. How the world of men has changed,"mented one of the figures. Only then did Wang Xuan keenly perceive something peculiar: the three shared a strikingly simr aura, as if they were manifestations of the same being. He eyed their true bones with suspicion. "Who are you? Do we have any grievances? Why do you obstruct me?" Wang Xuan asked calmly. "I am Chi Meng, a true immortal of the Mingxue Sect. You''ve in many immortals returning from the great beyond,nding yourself on a death list. Dont you understand? In this human realm, its not your ce tomand," the blood-colored figure retorted coldly, holding the divine. "Were it not for the targeted oppression of immortals in this era, a mere nce from a true immortal like myself would obliterate someone like you." Wang Xuan, scrutinizing him, felt something off about the mans immortal aura. Dismissing the figure''s taunts, he knew that hypothetical scenarios held no water. "You seem to disdain the immortals, quite proud. I, Chi Meng, was once the same, unrivaled in the human realm, fearing no one. To me, immortals were but decaying old bones. Once I attained immortality, I intended to trample them underfoot. Yet, reality taught me that in the face of true immortal giants, I was still insignificant." Wang Xuan, with his keen spiritual eye, sensed the figure''s exaggerated posturing. Interrupting, he remarked, "As an immortal, instead of exploring the mythic path and forging a new transcendent world, you fuss over a minor cultivator like me. Are you ill?" "Your ambition seems boundless, aiming to reshape the transcendent world. But first, consider if you can survive today," the figure replied with a faint smile. Then, suddenly, they attacked. The three blood-colored figures coordinated their assault on Wang Xuan. The red disintegrated, each figure wielding a part of it. Runes flickered as they enveloped the area in an endless mist of blood. Wang Xuan tensed, raising his protective light screen. He continuously fired crimson arrows from his divinemp and unsheathed his flying sword, shing forward with fierce determination. "s, with the copse of the transcendent, even the Mingxue Formation has failed. Otherwise, even a feathered immortal would dissolve into pus and blood," sighed the figure iming to be Chi Meng, amidst a shroud of blood mist, his toneced with regret. Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye zed with divine light, perceiving the truth. Their blood shadows had blurred, but the three bones shone brightly, bearing clear marks identical to the red imprints on his body. Without dy, he swung the God-ying Banner, determined to confront this enigma. This so-called Chi Meng seemed intent on killing him but was more focused on leaving red marks on his body, his words not matching his actions. "What is this...?" came a shocked cry from within the blood mist, the first sign of panic from the self-proimed Chi Meng. The shing and nging of bones resounded in the mist, with spirit entities moving at breakneck speeds, resonating together, unbelievably invoking the exclusive immortal essence the Life of Immortals, brimming with vitality within the true bones. The Life of Immortals erupted, but its essence of life was faint, not as intense as legends suggested. "I, Chi Meng, will not die; I shall return to the mortal realm!" The spirit entities in the blood mist were torn apart, and tranquility returned as the mist rapidly dissipated. "What kind of monster was that, Chi Meng?" Wang Xuan wondered aloud, inspecting the cracked and disfigured true bones. He then introspected using his spiritual eye, surprised to discover another red mark on his body. He had defeated the source, yet the marks not only remained but multiplied? Now, he bore nine red marks. What did this mean? Attempting to erase them, he found the red traces fading only to reappear more vividly. "Have they rooted themselves?" He sat down, reciting verses from the stone tablet scriptures, the Sutra of Shakya, and pre-Qin golden bamboo slips, utilizing the highest scriptures to eradicate the red marks. Relieved that they could be removed, he left traces of the marks, intrigued by the strange energy he sensed within them. "Old Chen, do you know what this is?" Wang Xuan contacted Old Chen, describing his encounter and the marks. "Dao fetus, no, demon fetus, or is it an immortal fetus?" Old Chen suddenly eximed, his words echoing a recently read scripture at the Zhong family''s library. "It''s simr to the legendary Fetal Membrane Mark. Someone is trying to use your body to resurrect, nurturing an immortal fetus to achieve their own rebirth," Old Chen exined rapidly. Wang Xuan felt a wave of revulsion. Was this an attempt to use his body for rebirth or to incubate an immortal fetus? Either way, it was a matter of life and death. Wang Xuan felt revulsion, unsure whether the entity behind this was male or female, human or beast, but it had its sights set on his physical body. "Don''t panic, you can either eradicate it or engage with it. Eventually, you might turn the tables and seize its fortune, leaving its grand ambitions unfulfilled," Old Chen advised, sharing various secrets of this phenomenon. Holding his nose, Wang Xuan decided to endure for now, turning his attention to examining his spoils, particrly the three bones. Meanwhile, the world of New Star buzzed with discussions. Many beings who returned from beyond the veil were talking about this first sh between the immortals and the transcendent beings of the human realm. A wave of young beings, descendants of the immortals and demon races, were astonished to find that this young human, Wang Xuan, had progressed in cultivation at a paceparable to theirs. Finding a quiet ce, Wang Xuan began inspecting the immortal bones, preparing to forcefully open their innerndscapes. He frowned. The first bone contained no trace of immortal essence, no slumbering spirit, rendering it worthless. The second was the same, evidently exploited and drained of its essence. This was unsettling. Upon inspecting the third bone, he encountered a dim innerndscape. Sessfully opening it, he saw a weak figure nodding at him as if liberated, then dissolving into ashes. Like the others, this bone''s immortal essence had been drained. "Somebody has stolen the immortal essence from these three bones!" he realized with a sense of dread. However, with the innerndscape now open, Wang Xuan saw no reason not to utilize it. "But this innerndscape is copsing..." He observed the fissures everywhere, the dark inner world on the verge of disintegration. Wang Xuan''s spirit sat in meditation within, embarking on cultivation. He drew in mysterious elements, channeling them into his flying boat, ancientmp, and yellow gourd, among other treasures. Time seemed to flow differently in the innerndscape, an illusion created by the eleration of his spiritual cognition. He was engulfed by the mysterious substance. Wang Xuan felt his life soil being nourished, his flesh rejoicing, his spirit growing more vigorous. He plunged into the deepest meditation, his power steadily rising. Chapter 280: An Advancement In Cultivation Chapter 280: An Advancement In Cultivation Engulfed by the mysterious factors, Wang Xuan experienced a long-lost sensation of spiritual baptism. The rich, active substances were simultaneously transmitted to his physical body, enveloping it in a transformative embrace. This ce was akin to a sacred ground for cultivation, where thoughts and spiritual senses were elerated to an unbelievable degree, significantly enhancing the metabolic processes of his flesh. Under normal circumstances, the evolution of a species, a leap in the hierarchy of life, would require generations of umtion, a process immeasurable in time. Yet, in this innerndscape, such a process could be dramatically shortened. Seated in meditation, Wang Xuan was immersed in the deepest state of contemtion. Both his spirit and flesh underwent a metamorphosis, elevating in unison. In this state of Buddhahood, of unity between heaven and man, his mind was void and clear, his senses heightened manifold. He delved into the stone tablet scriptures, recited the Sutra of Shakya, and studied the pre-Qin golden bamboo slips. In this heightened state, his efficiency was terrifyingly high, almost scandalous. Previously iprehensible teachings now became crystal clear, unraveling their profound truths and bringing immense enlightenment. He attempted to decipher the third true form diagram of the stone tablet scriptures. With nine such diagrams in total, he had already mastered two and was now venturing into the subsequent teachings. Resonating in body and spirit, Wang Xuan''s consciousness climbed as he perceivedyers uponyers of vague spiritual worlds within the innerndscape, tantalizingly close. He reached out, and sessfully entered one of these spiritual realms, grasping a handful of soil that felt astonishingly real. The third true form diagram of the stone tablet scriptures, focused on the spiritual realm, contained unfathomable power, far beyond ordinaryprehension. This scripture demanded practice from the mortal phase, an endeavor almost insurmountably challenging for an average person. Regrettably, upon withdrawing his hand from the spiritual world, he couldn''t bring back the soil. His realm was still too low; the soil slipped through his fingers like sand, dissolving into light and disappearing. The materials of the spiritual world, every de of grass, majestic mountains, and rivers, would benefit his real-world self if brought back. Wang Xuan continued to experiment, even discovering a medicinal field in the firstyer of the spiritual world. Struggling to reach it, he extended his hand towards a medicinal herb, seeking to grasp its essence. The area appeared neglected, a picture of wild beauty with its vibrant colors amidst overgrown weeds, where many rare medicinal herbs like Zhi Lan and Shen Guo grew. s, this world was beyond his current realm''s reach. Only those in the grand state of Xiaoyao could ess these spiritual dimensions. Wang Xuan''s attempt failed again; his hand brushed past a unique herb, grasping only amon weed. Resignedly withdrawing, he was surprised to find that he had actually brought it back from the spiritual world! "This" Wang Xuan was uncertain whether to feel disappointed or fortunate. He had brought back a half-energetic, half-spiritual weed from the spiritual realm, although it was not one of the great spiritual medicines from the medicinal field. The weed, partly absorbed by his spiritual body, soon dissipated into ash. "Huh?!" At that moment, Wang Xuan felt a slight quickening of his spiritual senses, and even his spiritual body seemed to gain energy. He was momentarily stunned. Was the spiritual world really so wondrous? Even a mere weed had an effect on him. What kind of fortune would real spiritual medicines bring? In the innerndscape, he couldn''t afford to be distracted. As if standing in a void of time and light, his deep meditative state auto-corrected, bringing him back to a state of calm and rity. Regrettably, subsequent attempts bore no fruit. The elusive spiritual world remained just out of reach, his realm still insufficient. If, in the future, the aftereffects of the transcendent faded and the mysterious substances dried up, how would beings reach these spiritual worlds without the level of Xiaoyao? Then, Wang Xuan delved into the highest mysteries of Buddhism, circting the Sutra of Shakya. His spirit and body radiated a golden splendor, transforming him into a great Buddha. Enveloped in the Buddha''s light, he seemed to approach divinity. His spiritual eye opened, perceiving not just the present world but seemingly glimpses of the past and future. Looking back, he saw a great Buddha in meditation, silent and still, shrouded in dust. Observing the present, he saw Buddhas departing, Bodhisattvas beginning their journeys, and Arhats carrying illuminated temples on their backs, all seemingly ready to traverse the veil and enter the real world. Gazing into the future, Wang Xuan saw a silent world, where immortals, gods, and Buddhas had vanished, leaving humanity to its ordinariness. Was this the aftermath of a copsed mythology, the end of the transcendent? Everything returned to dust, to earth; all in the universe decayed, nothing eternal. Even immortals, demons, Buddhas, gods, and spirits were not exempt. The so-called supreme beings, destined to die, could not escape their fate. "The future, a void of all, where myths are no longer hoped for, immortals return to mundanity, and all that is sacred dissipates. Is this the harsh reality of what''s toe? How pitiable," Wang Xuan murmured. He didn''t ept this ending, not wanting such a curtain call. He dreamt of roaming the celestial realms, dwelling in the sacrednds of eternal peace. As he continued to meditate on the scriptures, the figures of gods and Buddhas, the chants, and the divine all faded, leaving him alone in meditation, radiating intense light. His spirit seemed to journey through the realms of immortals and Buddhas, his body and hair gleaming with golden light, illuminating the realms of destion. Finally, he ceased his contemtion and cultivation of the Sutra of Shakya, examining himself. Both his spirit and physical body had advanced, now carrying a faint golden sheen. Nodding to himself, he acknowledged that even the formidable teachings of the stone tablets couldn''t dispel the wisdom of the Sutra of Shakya, a testament to its supreme power. Rising, Wang Xuan stretched his limbs and turned to the pre-Qin golden bamboo slips, which focused more on action, driving the spirit with the strength of the body. Perhaps this rted to ancient mythical beasts and divine birds, necessitating formidable martial prowess, all originating from the art ofbat. With a thunderous burst, light soared in the innerndscape, like a torrential downpour. Wang Xuan practiced the Ascendent Fist, a powerful physical technique recorded on the golden bamboo slips. As he progressed, he envisioned the figures of ancient sages battling in wildnds, capturing sacred beasts, vanquishing divine birds, their might astounding. He mimicked their moves, unraveling the profound essence of this supreme physical art. Despite its celestial-sounding name, the Ascendent Fist was steeped in life-and-death struggle. In the dimly lit innerndscape, light rained down, scattering like a star-studded night sky. Shadows of mythical beasts and divine birds appeared, as if hibernating or trembling in fear. Thud! A punch radiated through the quiet innerndscape, illuminating it like a sh of light in the vast and silent universe, revealing everything in heaven and earth with a momentary brilliance. Wang Xuan retracted his fist, feeling exhrated. It had been a long time since he had engaged in physicalbat, relying mostly on his extraordinary treasures for battles. He knew, however, that reliance on external objects was fleeting. Eventually, he would have to rely on his own strength. Gradually, he sensed the mysterious factors within the innerndscape thinning. Wang Xuan felt uneasy. He had depleted the innerndscape''s reserves, and upon attempting to draw in more mystical substances, he found them scarce, despite using the highest scriptures. "If it were someone else, or even my past self, the yield would have been even less." "Is the day approaching when even innerndscapes will dry up?" he wondered, gazing up at the dark and silent expanse above, where the falling mysterious factors had indeed be sparse. "How fares my own special innerndscape?" He didn''t know, as ess required a life-and-death situation, triggering a heightened spiritual or even divine sense to open that strange realm. Thendscape before him, riddled with cracks, was doomed to perish. Approaching arge fissure, Wang Xuan peered through with his spiritual eye, curious about whaty beyond the crack and where these mysterious factors originated from. In the depths of the great fissure, he saw only darkness and cold, an eternal void of silence. Looking outward, his physical body, bathed in the mysterious factors, was vibrant with life. His treasures, whose supermaterial had nearly depleted, were now replenished. He beckoned, and to his surprise, only the God-ying Banner floated towards him, entering the innerndscape. Wang Xuan was astounded. This ancient, legendary artifact was indeed unique and mysterious. Of the worldly objects he had encountered, only the Life-extending Furnace could enter the innerndscape, and it had been trapped inside. Other treasures, including the indestructible short sword and the fishing line hook capable of piercing spiritual worlds and veils, remained outside. Crucially, Wang Xuan had begun to refine the small g, ensuring it wouldn''t harm him even in his spiritual form. Time seemed to stretch on, feeling like many years had passed. Then, the innerndscape began to shake, heralding its imminent copse with a tumultuous upheaval akin to mountains crumbling and seas roaring. With the palm-sized golden g shielding him, Wang Xuan burst forth from the copsing innerndscape like a streak of light. Once out, he swiftly turned to observe the disintegration, using his spiritual eye to discern its essence. As it tore apart, the mysterious factors surged wildly. Then, darkness enveloped everything, obscuring even his spiritual vision. In a fleeting moment, at the far end of the darkness, there seemed to be vague shapes, but as the innerndscape copsedpletely, submerging everything into silence, it merged into the void, leaving nothing visible. At the site, a whirlpool faded away with ripples disappearing into oblivion. The innerndscape was gone forever. Wang Xuan''s spirit returned to his body, immediately feeling the immense strength of his unified form and spirit. He had undergone a transformation from his soul to his flesh. Recently entering the realm of life soil, he now found himself in the mid-stages of this realm, a rapid ascension that would have been rming even in the mythic era of transcendent light illuminating the stars. In this era of "disappearance," his progress seemed even more extraordinary. Yet, Wang Xuan wasn''t content; he yearned to cultivate faster, to see how far he could reach before the remnants of transcendencepletely faded away. He wondered if everything he achieved in cultivation would also dissipate in the future. Having been bombarded by warships and surviving a great battle, not only was he unscathed, but his power had also increased, and his treasures were saturated with supermaterial once again. "If each battle leads to a breakthrough, I''m willing to engage inbat every day," Wang Xuan pondered. If he could confront all the opposing immortals, opening one immortal bone a day, he might ascend to the heavens before theplete silence of transcendence. Chapter 281: A World Of Demons Chapter 281: A World Of Demons The groundy littered with three cracked bones, devoid of the rich vitality of immortal essence, nearing decay. If discovered in the future, who would imagine that these remains once belonged to immortals? In the end, they returned to the earth, just like mortals. "Throughout history, in this world of mortals, eras havee and gone, heroes have risen, and great epochs have been witnessed. You, with your extraordinary talents, chose cultivation, secluded in deep mountains, missing countless splendid moments. What regrets did you harbor? Yet, in the end, it was all for naught." Wang Xuan shook his head, feeling a mixture of pity and sorrow for their fate. He buried the bones under soil and rocks in the mountainside. "Still, many continue to tread this almost illusory path, and I am one of them, joining even as the era of transcendence copses. How incurable." Wang Xuan smiled wryly at himself. Perhaps the pursuit of immortality starts as a childhood dream: to escape the bonds of life and death, to soar to the heavens, to wander thends of myth. From the Guanghan Pce on the moon to the summit of Mount Wu, every ce has its own story. Despite the fading of many realms and the destruction of immortalnds, those on this path remain persistent, clinging to the hope of continuing their journey. Even as the transcendent rapidly crumbles, they strive forward, cherishing a glimmer of hope that the mythic might be reborn. Some even aspire to create a new world, to be Buddhas or ancestors, transcending all. "Hongmeng species, Nine Heavens, Buddhist realms... Will life reemerge, or will the celestial ponds dry up, the heavens shatter, leaving only destion? In a year, all will be revealed." Returning to the city, Wang Xuan finds that Qian An has arranged for him a small private spacecraft to quietly depart from New Star. However, the ship explodes in a blinding burst of energy in outer space. Qian An and Wang Xuan exchange looks of disbelief; they had been hiding, secretly monitoring the situation. No one was aboard the ship, only two simtion robots. "They''re targeting me, trying to keep me locked on New Star," Wang Xuan''s eyes shed coldly, sensing the immortals'' watchful gaze. "I''ll investigate who leaked the information," Qian An fumed. "Let me handle this," Wang Xuan offered, and it turned out someone''s mind had been temporarily essed and manipted. Returning to Suyu City, Wang Xuan was fueled by a simmering rage against the beings who had returned from beyond the veil. Their audacity to target him ignited his fury. "Don''t let me find where you''re hiding. If I do, I''ll be opening ''immortal bone cans'' one by one, collecting their fortunes and stripping them of their immortal essence." His heart harbored a killing intent, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to "open" these beings, warning them not to cross his path. With his cultivation enhanced and possession of two pieces of medicinal soil, he nned to further solidify his strength before harnessing these divine substances for another boost. If Old Chen could find the seeds of the Nine Tribtions Heavenly Lotus, difficultly harvested from the highest spiritual world by Shakya, their strength would undoubtedly surge. Calcting his prospects, Wang Xuan anticipated continuous growth in his cultivation, preparing to face the increasingly restless beings from beyond the veil. Zhong Cheng called him, inviting him over. "Wang Xuan,e to my ce when you have time. It''s been days since west met. Let''s have a drink and enjoy some photo collections." His words were cryptic, hinting at giving Wang Xuan ess to the Five-Colored Jade Scriptures and another pre-Qin golden bamboo slip from Old Zhong''s library, using a code to evade potential eavesdropping. The Zhong family was preparing to leave, almost ready with the Tai Chu n to retreat into deep space. This invitation was a farewell gesture. However, Wang Xuan, preupied with his anger, misunderstood Zhong Cheng''s intentions, thinking he was literally invited to view photo albums. "I''lle over in a few days. I''m nning to open some ''blind boxes.'' I''ll bring some special ''cans'' to help you build a foundation. Whether you be transcendent beings is up to you." Zhong Cheng, thrilled, responded, "Really? Old Wang, I''d call you brother-inw at this moment. Come join us; don''t wander off!" He nearly slipped up about the Zhong family''s ns to leave, earnestly hoping Wang Xuan would join them. As for anyone attempting to block their departure, the Zhong family''s warships were ready for a saturated barrage. "Old Wang, hurry over. We''re about to create a new world, reshape the cosmos!" Zhong Cheng said, referring to the beautiful they had discovered years ago. Wang Xuan thought to himself about his own concerns with rekindling the mythic world, and here was Zhong Cheng, not even a transcendent being, harboring grand ambitions. In the following two days, Wang Xuan, carrying the God-ying Banner and seething with killing intent, scoured the area for ''immortal bone cans'' to target. He refrained from disturbing the true bones in temples and Taoist monasteries, feeling a direct assault on them would be too cruel, despite the often ruthless nature of cultivation. "Can''t get past my own conscience," he sighed, shaking his head. He also didn''t want to make enemies of the entire world. Attacking every immortal bone he came across would turn all beings from beyond the veil against him. Wang Xuan focused on studying the fetal membrane marks on his body, determined not to let anyone use his physical form to rebuild an immortal foundation. He tried to sense the peculiar energy associated with the marks, aiming to find the culprit and extract a sizable immortal bone. Whoever practiced such a technique must be incredibly powerful, and their method of stealing life substances from other immortals'' bones was frightening. New Star was changing daily, with countless beings from beyond the veil causing continuous anomalies. Some cities, unable to cope with constant downpours, started firing cannons to disperse the rain clouds. Without the clouds, lightning still crackled, signaling the crossing of transcendent beings. For ordinary people, aside from the bad weather, life went on as usual. But for major organizations, the situation wasplex, with frequent interactions with immortals. The Qin family, for instance, once fought an all-seeing entity on New Moon but now had to reluctantly wee these otherworldly visitors without showing hostility. Qin Hong, the head of the family, was particrly unsettled by this. Known for his aggressive stance, he now found himself in close "discussions" with beings from beyond the veil. He wore several jade pendants to shield his thoughts and always stayed near the family''s secret arsenal, using its power to suppress any attempts at spiritual exploration or hypnosis. In fact, the Qin family was also preparing to leave, overwhelmed by the attention their secret arsenal had attracted from various entities. Additionally, their advanced gic technology and the development of the Bodhisattva Superbody had piqued the interest of the beings beyond the veil. The immortals from beyond the veil sought to leverage the Qin family''s advanced technology to stimte bone growth and elerate the regeneration of flesh and blood, eager to reconstruct their true forms. Those whomunicated with Qin Hong had actual physical bodies, not just ethereal souls, adding ayer of terror to the encounters. The life forms arriving from beyond the veil varied greatly, including souls with true blood, partial skeletons, and those with most of their bodies intact. Only those with fragmented souls needed to find their true bones in this world to reconstruct their true selves. Others, not yet transcended to immortality, were descendants of the immortals, like the sixty-fourth generation of demons and seventy-second generation of immortals. These descendants, many below the Xiaoyao realm and some at that level, found it rtively easier to cross realms. With support from their ns and protection from powerful immortals, they could preserve most of their physical forms. Using secret methods and medicines brought from their realms, they could repair their bodies. The Old Covenant of Locking the Immortals targeted ancient powerhouses, exerting less restraint on their descendants and weaker native beings from beyond the veil. In recent days, many beings with intact physical forms have been making contact with various organizations actual flesh and blood entities! For instance, Qin Hong met several stunningly attractive men and women today, as well as some with odd appearances. He learned that one of them might be a legendary Yellow Emperor! Qin Hong felt somewhat cursed by these encounters. In the past two days, he had seen descendants of immortals with otherworldly beauty and grace, resembling celestial beings from paintings. He also encountered various demons like weasel, tiger, and fox spirits. Some were repulsive, while others were seductively enchanting, nearly breaking Qin Hong''s usually steadfastposure. The true ultimate powerhouses hadn''t crossed over, wanting to preserve theirplete Dao fruits to face the greatest catastrophe when transcendence entirely ceases. Now, these mighty beings awaited their opportunity. The leaders of the financial conglomerates and major organizations were shaken, struggling to adapt to these real, living beings from beyond the veil, engaging in cordial conversations and negotiations. The surrealness of the situation stirredplex emotions. "To fight or not to fight? If we don''t confront them, we might as well escape in our spacecraft, leaving all this behind!" Even Qin Hong felt overwhelmed and apprehensive. He couldn''tprehend how the world had changed so suddenly, with various creatures continuously appearing, seeking negotiations. Sometimes, Qin Hong fantasized about using a super energy cannon to wipe out all these beings, but he feared not being able to annihte them all and instead provoking retaliation against the Qin family. Even Qin Hongyuan, the real decision-maker who had once ordered the bombardment of a supreme immortal on the moon, was now taken aback and overwhelmed. Old Qin sighed, considering escape as thest resort. Staying on New Star seemed increasingly untenable. The pressure on the major families was immense. The beings returning from beyond the veil adapted quickly, soon mastering the modern lifestyle of New Star. Their transformation was rapid; they initially donned ancient attire but soon switched to contemporary fashions, making it hard to distinguish them from modern residents. These beings were mostly tens of generations of demons or seventy-two generations of immortals. The old demons and supreme immortals hadn''t even appeared yet. "Brother, that''s not how you do it..." Even a seasoned veteran like Zhou Yun, ustomed to high-stakes situations, struggled during negotiations, especially when faced with seductive demonesses. The major organizations were on high alert, uncertain and considering retreat. Many nned to leave New Star and return after three years. Recently, all renowned life research institutes and gic technologypanies had been overrun by beings from beyond the veil seeking coboration. Moreover, the secret vaults of the great financial conglomerates were under tight surveince. It seemed that once the conglomerates retreated, these ces would be swiftly imed by the otherworldly beings, transforming them into holynds. "Brother Sun, that cauldron is a relic from my ancestors." "Brother Qin, to be honest, that golden tree in your vault was crafted by the founder of our sect. It was left in the human world to protect our teachings." Currently, some people were already requesting to possess those extraordinary treasures. The beings from beyond the veil were amiable,municating with the major families in a modern New Star style, showing no hostility. However, the elders of various sects were wary, fearing that once these beings fully integrated and regained their strength, they might turn hostile. What the future held was uncertain. The current period was one of bnce, with a harmonious atmosphere prevailing. In the past two days, Zhong Cheng was somewhat overwhelmed by the number of visitors to his home, including a fairy-like woman named Zhou Shiqi who even put pressure on his sister, Zhong Qing. Zhong Qing, usually confident in her beauty, found Zhou Shiqi stunningly gorgeous, with an ethereal aura and a wless face. Zhong Qing felt she could match Zhou in beauty, but not in the celestial aura, which she earnestly desired as an aspiring transcendent being. Zhong Cheng informed Wang Xuan that the situation had dramatically changed in just a couple of days. The world of immortals and mortals was joyfully intertwined, with various mythical beings visiting the Zhong family daily. "This is a fairy, and she''s quite eloquent," Zhong Cheng said. "My sister finds her challenging. And she keeps asking about you, seems very interested. She''s from a line of powerful immortals!" Wang Xuan remained speechless, realizing that even Zhong Cheng knew about the beings of such high caliber from beyond the veil. Now, New Star was indeed a ce where descendants of immortals were present, legends became reality, and transcendence was no longer a mystery. Fox spirits, fairies, and Taoist practitioners were openly appearing, making the world extraordinarily enchanting. "Old Wang, will you meet her? Come and see," urged Zhong Cheng. "For now, no. I''m afraid I might be a ''fairy yer''," Wang Xuan replied. "You''re such a yboy, Old Wang! How can I trust you with my sister?" teased Zhong Cheng. "I mean ''y'' as in actual killing. Of course, if she''s a good person, I won''t do that," exined Wang Xuan. "Have you exposed yourself, Old Wang?" Zhong Cheng joked. Wang Xuan advised him to gather more information about the beings from beyond the veil. With so many descendants of immortals arriving, the situation, thoughplex, offered an opportunity to uncover the secrets of their realm. Wang Xuan continued his search for the ''immortal bone cans'', guided by the red marks on his body. He scoured various areas on New Star, determined to uncover them. "Old Chen contacted me about the heavenly medicine seeds harvested from the highest spiritual realm," Wang Xuan shared his n. "Since they were collected by Shakya, it''s best to use his relic to activate them. He''s set his sights on borrowing the Qin family''s white conch shell for the task." "The situation is getting tooplicated," Chen Yongjie murmured. "All sorts of demons and spirits are emerging like bamboo shoots after rain. I need to secure this top-tier artifact soon." Wang Xuan supported Old Chen''s decision. With the world bing increasingly chaotic, it was crucial for Chen to possess an artifact capable of dominating a domain. In fact, Wang Xuan himself was ready to act, seeking to acquire supreme artifacts rather than watch the major families'' vaults be holynds, divided among others. "Go ahead, Old Chen. I''m not far from the Qin family and can provide support anytime. You look for the heavenly medicine seeds, and I''ll continue my search for the immortal bones. When webine our gains, our strength will rapidly increase, enabling us to face the beings returning from beyond the veil without fear!" Wang Xuan dered, ready to confront the challenges and opportunities of this tumultuous era. Chapter 282: World Of The Immortals Chapter 282: World Of The Immortals In this era, with the emergence of various transcendent species like immortals and demons, their descendants crossed through the veil in physical form, heralding the full descent of mythology into reality. However, for Wang Xuan, this seemed more like a chaotic dance of demons. Creatures of all kinds, including descendants of historical figures and legendary beasts, were stepping into reality. Wang Xuan wondered if this marked the final throes of a copsing mythological era or the beginning of a new chapter pregnant with opportunities for a transcendent rebirth. Future retrospection would surely remember this year as pivotal. Near Pingyuan City, amidst sprawlingkes and wends, Wang Xuan wandered, disturbing flocks of cranes as he searched for the traces of the ''immortal bone cans''. The nine red marks on his body grew increasingly hot and active, hinting at an impending event. For days, he had followed these sensations without finding the elusive being. He sat by argeke, reciting the stone tablet scriptures, grinding away the red marks, not allowing them to flourish. The fetal membrane marks dimmed, invisible to anyone, even transcendents, without a spiritual eye. "Using my flesh as a mythical soil to cultivate an immortal fetus, is your ambition too vast, or are you just a dragon crossing the river?" Wang Xuan pondered. He considered the possibility that his special innerndscape was the reason he was targeted, which meant the adversary might be more formidable than he had anticipated. "The thought of using my body to cultivate their immortal fetus and seizing everything from me, including my special innerndscape?" Wang Xuan''s expression darkened. He realized he might have underestimated the adversary; this wasn''t just a simple ''immortal bone can'' but perhaps a primordial evil dragon. He contemted using the pre-Qin golden bamboo slips and the stone tablet scriptures to eradicate the red marks but realized that wouldn''t deter the adversary, who would likely strike more fiercely next time. But without any clues, he was left to follow his instincts to this wend. After calming his mind, he moved forward to a hilly region dotted withrge mounds, resembling overgrown ancient tombs. "Seems like this is the ce," he muttered, yet saw no sign of the ''immortal bone cans''. His spirit left his body to explore the hills. Soon, he gasped, sensing faint remnants of the veil''s essence. Could this ce be a cross-realm junction point for a certain faction? "Creatures from beyond the veil are causing quite a stir," Wang Xuan muttered. He contemted the fog rising from his realm of life soil, suspecting it might lead to the world beyond the veil. Days had passed since hisst visit, and he wondered if the turmoil had settled enough for another exploration. If it indeed led to the world beyond the veil, it presented a wealth of opportunities. He could learn secrets not essible in the mortal realm and investigate which doctrines specialized in nting fetal membranes and cultivating supreme immortal fetuses in others. "Zhong Cheng, help me gather some information," Wang Xuan nned, asking Zhong Cheng to interact with the descendants of the immortals. Soon after, Wang Xuan sat in a cave, his spiritual body entering the life soil realm. He attempted to bring the God-ying Banner with him and seeded. Having refined the banner further, it proved even more effective, boosting his confidence significantly. The life soil realm, the foundation of allws and the foothold of the transcendent, was eerily silent, a perfect ce for nurturing life. "nting heavenly medicine here would indeed be ideal," Wang Xuan mused. However, finding the seeds of the Nine Tribtions Heavenly Lotus would be a stroke of incredible luck, and he hoped Old Chen would seed. Following the wisps of fog, he traversed a mysterious path through the mist, leading to a dimly lit world. He recognized the environment with the redntern-lit station as the only sign of life. His surroundings had changed from hisst visit; the vige and towns were nowhere to be seen, reced by an entirely different location. "Does this correspond to the real world?" he wondered, pleased by the implication. This meant that each time he entered this world from a different location in reality, his entry point in this realm would also change, allowing him to explore new territories and undertake various endeavors. Furthermore, if a particr entry point proved dangerous, Wang Xuan could simply choose a different location next time. Proceeding with caution, he wrapped the God-ying Banner around himself, concealing his presence. Having partially refined this ancient divine object, he could now manipte its size. He flew close to the ground and soon heard noises ahead. In the dark sky and dim, coldnd, shadowy figures were bustling about, working on something not too far away. There was a colossal altar, resembling a majestic mountain. Many people were busy inscribing various runes with skillful and swift movements, though they seemed far from achieving immortality. Despite their high-level skills, their cultivation realms appeared to surpass Wang Xuan''s. No one spoke; the only sounds were the shing of stones and the scraping of carving tools. "Time is of the essence. This altar must bepleted within days; we''ll soon need it," someone finally spoke. The others paused their work, engaging in brief conversations filled with anticipation. "We might benefit from this and enter the real world. Otherwise, staying here means certain death as the veil fades away," one of them remarked. Hearing this, Wang Xuan realized he was indeed in a realm corresponding to New Star''s immortal world. This half-material, half-energetic realm supported both physical and spiritual existence. Inwardly, Wang Xuan marveled at his inadvertent entry into the immortal realm, his third such incursion. Yet, in this era, beings from various sections of the immortal world beyond the veil sought escape to the mortal realm. These people had chosen this secluded, dark location to escape notice from others in their radiant homnd. The leader of their faction seemed to be attempting a perilous journey to the highest spiritual world. Wang Xuan was astonished. This was no ordinary feat; the head of this faction must be incredibly powerful to consider such a dangerous endeavor, especially now, as the veil dimmed and copsed. The workers ceased their conversation and resumed their work on the altar, their actions shrouded in mystery and urgency. Wang Xuan felt helpless as he listened in on fragmented conversations, offering only bits and pieces of information. After a long wait, he finally overheard something valuable. "If the old master sessfully harvests that legendary but possibly reviving celestial medicine, it would be a defiance of the heavens. We can expect two ultimate powerhouses in our sect!" This revtion startled Wang Xuan; the leader of this faction, an ultimate powerhouse, dared to venture into the highest spiritual world. "Yes, to ensure the grand sess of the young master''s celestial fetus, and to seize that person''s special flesh and innerndscape from the mortal world, the old master has indeed gone to great lengths." Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt a surge of anger. It was clear they were plotting against him, coveting his flesh and innerndscape for their schemes. Furious, Wang Xuan realized they wanted more than his life; they aimed to drain himpletely and seize the foundation of his path to transcendence. "The young master is naturally gifted. With that person''s special flesh and innerndscape, he can survive the great cmity of the immortals and be an unparalleled master, elevating our sect to new heights." The workers whispered among themselves, hopeful for a brighter future as their prospects rose with their young master''s sess. Wang Xuan clenched his teeth in frustration, realizing the gravity of the situation. Without his incursion into this realm, he would have been oblivious to this sinister plot, backed by a formidable figure. His predicament was dire and increasingly perilous. "The young master has gone to purchase the medicinal soil of Mount Bu Zhou, fearing that the life soil from the mortal world might not support the revival and germination of the celestial medicine. He aims to cultivate the strongest celestial fetus." "It is said that the old master has also prepared a portion of medicinal soil for him." These snippets of conversation painted a clear picture: a high-stakes gambit involving celestial medicine, life soil, and a young master''s ambition to ascend to unprecedented heights of power. Infuriated by the audacity of his adversaries, Wang Xuan''s eyes zed with determination. He had be a mere pawn in their grand n, with every aspect of his being targeted as a resource for the cultivation of a supreme immortal fetus. This realization struck him hard; he was not just underestimated but profoundly manipted. The subtle clues that had led him to the wend and the hillocks now made sense. They were intricately connected to the altar in the realm beyond the veil, a deliberate ploy tied to the red marks on his body. These adversaries intended to use him as the unwitting cradle for an immortal rebirth, a notion that sparked a burning fury within him. Yet, in that otherworldly domain, he was outmatched. The least of the craftsmen there neared the lofty heights of the Xiaoyao realm, dwarfing his current abilities. Reluctantly, Wang Xuan withdrew from the realm, his mind heavy with the gravity of his situation. Back in the mortal world, the cave became a sanctuary for his troubled thoughts. The stakes were higher than ever; his very life hung in the bnce. He pinned his hopes on Old Chen sessfully securing the white conch shell, a critical asset in their impending struggle against the celestial beings. Determined to fortify himself, Wang Xuan considered seeking powerful artifacts from various families. Facing a foe of such monumental power, no preparation was excessive. He refused to be stripped of his essence, his life soil, the celestial medicine, his innerndscape, or to be the unwitting bearer of an immortal fetus. With a steely resolve, he vowed to stand firm against this existential threat. "If they can''t kill me, I will obliterate them," he silently swore, ready to face whatever challengesy ahead in this high-stakes battle for survival and sovereignty. Chapter 283: Modern Demons, Modern Immortals, Modern Era Chapter 283: Modern Demons, Modern Immortals, Modern Era In Pingyuan City, home to the mighty Qin family, the night was soft and illuminated by various flying crafts zigzagging through the sky. Wang Xuan had arrived, concerned about Chen Yongjie''s safety amid the influx of immortals'' descendants, who might covet the magical conch. The city was a blend of towering skyscrapers piercing the clouds and vast urban gardens resembling primeval forests,plete withkes and rivers. It was a fusion of modern, technology-infused architecture and pristine natural beauty. Wang Xuan stood in a hotel room not far from the Qin family estate, gazing out the window at the estate. Chen Yongjie had informed him of a sessful deal with the Qin family. In exchange for extending Qin Hongyuan''s life by twenty years, the Qin patriarch had readily agreed, allowing Chen direct ess to the increasingly inessible conch shell. "I made the deal using the Earth Immortal Spring..." Old Chen had exined. He also advised Wang Xuan that it was time to consider trading the Earth Immortal Spring, as its efficacy was waning. Holding a cup mixed with Earth Immortal Spring and transcendental royal jelly, Wang Xuan noticed its diminished effect. This type of super-material would lose its potency in three days if not stored in a fragment of a blessednd. With the correction of the mortal world, all super-materials were depleting. Even the Earth Immortal Spring stored in blessednd fragments was weakening. Wang Xuan pondered trading his surplus Earth Immortal Spring, saving some for his family and enough for his own use. "I hadn''t expected the decline of the transcendental era to be so rapid. In a few months, the Earth Immortal Spring will be no different from ordinary water." He had a significant quantity of the spring, having initially secured about four thousand pounds. Despite considerable consumption by Master Ma and Zhao Qinghuan for beauty and health, a substantial amount remained, likely over two thousand five hundred pounds. Sighing, Wang Xuan reflected on his unfulfilled desire to use the Earth Immortal Spring to endure the post-mythological copse drought. Under the night sky, the Qin family''s estate was abuzz with activity. A pale golden light rose, imbuing the void with tranquility and sanctity. Buddhist chants echoed, the sonorous voices apanied by golden text illuminating the sky, turning night into day around the Qin family''s secret vault, engulfed in a golden Buddhist glow. Observing the Qin family estate, Wang Xuan noted the grand scale of Chen Yongjie''s efforts to retrieve the white conch shell. The Qin family''s secret vault was a trove of Buddhist relics, glowing under the golden luminescence of Buddhist chants and scriptures. Upon his uninvited arrival at the Qin family''s grounds, Wang Xuan was unexpectedly greeted with warmth by Qin Hong. Despite knowing Qin Hong''s disdain for cultivators, Wang Xuan found the encounter rather awkward. Inside the estate, the variety of beings was astounding. Some were clearly from otherworldly origins, their third eyes and wings marking them as distinctly non-human. Others, descendants of true and demon immortals, appearedpletely human, their modern attire reflecting contemporary styles. At the entrance to the secret vault, Chen Yongjie stood out in his monk''s robe and silver bowl, radiating an aura of distinction. He was engaged in a spiritual contest with several individuals, attempting to attract the white conch shell using the power of the Shakya Sutra. Chen held a clear advantage; the others'' methods were not as harmoniously aligned with the conch''s energy as his Shakya Sutra was. A moment of tension arose when a figure named Huang Ming, with distinct yellow eyebrows and a sharp, monkey-like face, grew impatient. iming the contest was too genteel for true cultivators, he challenged Chen to a direct confrontation. Huang Ming, clearly not aligned with Buddhist teachings, was nevertheless a formidable opponent. Chen, in his serene monk''s demeanor, advised Huang Ming to step back, as hecked the Buddhist affinity necessary to win the conch. The scene at the Qin family estate was a rare convergence of modernity, ancient teachings, and supernatural beings, each vying for the power contained within the mystical white conch shell. "Who says so? In ''Journey to the West'', there''s a Yellow Eyebrow Great Immortal whoes from Buddhism, right? Look, I also have yellow eyebrows, so naturally, I''m destined to be connected with Buddhism," Huang Ming argued, shaking his head, though he very much resembled a weasel demon. In fact, he really was one, as descendants of the immortals nearby were whispering, mocking him for pretending to be a person from Buddhism. Wang Xuan looked at him over and over again, finding him quite interesting. Had he really read ''Journey to the West'' in just a few days? He couldn''t just stand by and watch, especially since almost ten people were contesting with Chen Yongjie, which could distract Chen and potentially allow others to snatch the conch. Wang Xuan uttered a syble. To others, it was nothing special, but to Huang Ming, it was like a brilliant golden light rushing towards him and exploding right before him, apanied by a thunderous roar of a golden lion, making his blood churn. He felt as if he saw a golden lion roaring and pouncing towards him! This was a skill Wang Xuan had recently mastered from the Shakya Sutra in his innerndscape. He was now adept at various mystical techniques and could perform them. "Do you intend to stand up for him?" Huang Ming asked, turning to Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan nodded. Chen Yongjie was facing too many challengers, and he needed to share the burden. He also wanted to test the strength of these young beings who had crossed realms. "Are you that Wang Xuan?" Huang Ming''s expression changed. Many among the descendants of the immortals knew his name because he had caused significant losses to Huang Kun''s faction. Moreover, thest group sent to cross realms had disappeared without a trace, leading some to specte that Wang Xuan possessed rare and powerful artifacts. "We agreed, right? This is just a physical contest, no use of artifacts, and we''ll stop at the first touch," Huang Ming stated. People thought Wang Xuan would agree, given Huang Ming''s humble and reasonable demeanor. "That''s not good, you know. I''m not skilled in physicalbat. I''m only somewhatpetent with a weapon," Wang Xuan responded, shaking his head. The crowd was speechless. How could he say such a thing so brazenly? Huang Ming felt a chill. Was this guy nning to use a powerful artifact to kill him, just like he did with those beings who had previously crossed realms? He thought that if he hadn''t mentioned it beforehand, he might have been killed without even realizing what hit him. When the immortals cross realms, their bodies disintegrate, leaving only fragments of their primordial spirits to pass through. The same goes for weapons of their level. That''s why this time, some descendants of the immortals were sent over. Due to their lower strength and lesser impact from the Old Covenant, their physical bodies remained intact, but they still couldn''t bring over powerful artifacts. "I treat people with sincerity, yet youck integrity!" Huang Ming dered. Wang Xuan was somewhat lost in thought. This weasel demon didn''t fit the image he had conjectured or the one portrayed in the legends. Could he actually be... sincere? Impossible! "The conch is something Chen Yongjie exchanged with a divine object. It was already wrong for you toe and contest it. Besides, is our fight really fair? Even if your cultivation was affected by crossing the realm, you''re probably close to the Xiao Yao You realm, right?" Wang Xuan looked at him. "If my injuries were healed and my physical body fully recovered, I''d be close to the Xiao Yao You realm. But currently, with my broken bones and bleeding flesh, my actual state is more or less the same as yours..." Huang Ming attempted to continue. However, Wang Xuan promptly interrupted, "Okay, let''s do it!" He had already received a secret report from Zhong Cheng. Little Zhong learned from the descendants of the immortals that the Xiao Yao You realm was the current limit due to the correction of the modern world. Many who had crossed the realm were now in poor condition, with broken bones, bleeding flesh, and even iplete bodies. The Yellow Great Immortal was suspicious, pondering internally why Wang Xuan would change his stance so quickly. Wang Xuan was eager to fight, especially since his opponent was now roughly at his level, making it a good opportunity to gauge the mettle of the descendants of the immortals. Of course, if Huang Ming was concealing his true strength and nning a brutal attack, Wang Xuan would have to preemptively use his formidable artifact. The fight between the two was straightforward, without any shy moves, just direct shes of fists. Wang Xuan refrained from using the Ascendent Fist, which was too conspicuous and might draw unwanted attention. Instead, he utilized a bodily technique from the stone tablet scriptures, a technique that no one else could practice. As the second true form diagram unfolded, Wang Xuan''s body surged with splendid secret powers, exploding at his fists with awe-inspiring might. It was as if a bolt of lightning had ripped through heaven and earth, stirring the blood and souls of those who felt it. Huang Ming, with his demonic blood boiling, held nothing back. He knew he couldn''t afford to be careless; in his eyes, Wang Xuan was a dangerous man who had killed the primordial spirits of immortals. Boom! A fearsome aura of blood energy erupted between the two, tearing apart the grass underfoot and sting several ancient trees to smithereens. "I''m out!" Huang Ming eximed, recoiling. His arm, already injured, was now in even worse shape, almost torn apart by the shock. Wang Xuan was impressed; Huang Ming had only been pushed back a few steps. This Yellow Great Immortal, once fully healed, would undoubtedly be close to the Xiao Yao You realm. Wang Xuan realized he needed to strengthen himself to reach the pinnacle ofbat power allowed on the New Star. Many from the other realm were astonished. They came from beyond the veil, armed with resources and cultivation methods gifted by immortals, extremely potent in nature. Despite Huang Ming''s impaired state, he was expected to easily overpower any being of simr level in the mortal realm. Yet, he was the one who had been pushed back. Many now looked at Wang Xuan differently, understanding why some immortals remembered him. He indeed was extraordinary! "Interesting, let me try again!" Huang Ming spoke, undergoing a transformation. He grew taller, his cheekbones more pronounced, his teeth much sharper, and arge tail sprang from his back. Was he half-transforming into a demon? His demonic blood surged, significantly boosting his strength. Boom! He lunged forward, his boiling demonic blood greatly enhancing his power, causing several hundred-pound odd stones in the courtyard to levitate. "Enough, Huang Ming. It''s just a spar. What are you turning into? You''re almost fully demonized," someone intervened and swiftly acted. This was a stylish young man in red trousers and a vividly patterned T-shirt, wearing a wristwatch crafted from sr gold. He was undeniably handsome, with a chiseled face, naturally silver hair, and bright eyes. With just one finger, he sent the levitating stones flying away, and with a sonic boom, he countered Huang Ming''s punch. Huang Ming flew back several meters, blood oozing from his fist as he frantically shook his arm, which seemed on the verge of exploding. "Xiaoyao You?" Wang Xuan was taken aback. This young man with silver hair was a formidable expert! "No, I''m far from it. I''m also injured," the man chuckled. Introducing himself as Kong Yun, he belonged to the demon n but was eligible topete for the Snow White Conch. His n had close ties with Buddhism, with legends of a peacock serving as a mother figure to Buddha. "Brother Kong," greeted Huang Ming, then turned to Wang Xuan with an apologetic expression. "Sorry about that. I got carried away withpetitive zeal and acted on rash impulses. I shouldn''t have." Wang Xuan was taken aback. Why were all the demons he met so different from his expectations? The Yellow Great Immortal shook his head with a wry smile. "Could you not look at me like that? The historical context in which our ancestors lived was different from now. They had to fight bloody battles andpete fiercely, which probably led to our not-so-great reputation. But we, the new generation, are pretty much like you. Honestly, we detest bloody conflicts." Wang Xuan eyed him skeptically. Was this believable? "I actually really like modern society," Huang Ming continued. "I''ve also met Zhou Yun and hit it off with him right away. He''s inviting me to go sailing and join him on a space trip. This lifestyle suits me more. You should join us sometime." Kong Yun, the stylish young man, sighed, his handsome face tinged with reluctance. "Forget it, I won''t contest with Elder Chen anymore. The conch seems to have epted him, merging its runes with him. Even if I tried to take it by force, I wouldn''t be able to, and might even get suppressed by the Snow White Conch." Huang Ming, who clearly admired Kong Yun, informed Wang Xuan that this young man was also quite renowned in the world beyond the veil, known for his formidable strength. Kong Yun introduced Wang Xuan to the others present, ranging from demon descendants to true immortals'' offspring. Surprisingly, the atmosphere was harmonious, without any hint of a life-or-death struggle. Wang Xuan observed in amazement. This new era''s demons and immortals'' descendants were nothing like he had imagined. They were interested in technology, admired spacecraft, and enjoyed modern cuisine and culture. However, the mood shifted when a blood-red figure appeared. Recognizing him, Wang Xuan''s expression darkened with killing intent. "Chi Meng?!" Wang Xuan fixed his gaze on him. Was this the one who had attacked him with battleships and marked him just days ago, who he thought was dead? "Who are you?" Chi Meng from the Hades Blood Sect, now in a dire state with only fragments of his primordial spirit nourished by the blood energy from his true bones, looked at Wang Xuan with confusion. Chapter 284: Solid Preparations Chapter 284: Solid Preparations Chi Meng scrutinized Wang Xuan, astonished that a young man would dare show such intense hostility towards him. After all, the Hades Blood Sect was one of the strongest factions in the world beyond the veil. The founder of the sect, Hades Blood, was a supreme figure in that realm, a true overlord. His disciples, all at the level of true immortals, were not to be trifled with lightly by many. The top-notch experts among the immortals were among the few who wielded significant power in their respective realms. The Hades Blood Sect''s realm was not directly connected to the New World, but secret pathways linked different realms, and they were preparing to descend on this unique life-bearing. "It''s you!" Chi Meng realized. Someone had impersonated him days ago, acting arrogantly and plotting against Wang Xuan, leaving Chi Meng to bear the brunt of the me. Wang Xuan eyed him skeptically. Was this really the same person? It didn''t seem so. "Young friend Wang, I''ve been looking for you. I was framed, and we''re natural allies in this situation. We should join forces to find and deal with ourmon enemy," Chi Meng hurriedly exined,ying out various suspicions and insisting he was not involved in the incident. His emotional agitation was evident, the true bones wrapped in his blood-red figure trembling with rage as he vehemently denied any involvement. "Did he also cross the veil toe here?" Wang Xuan asked. "Yes!" Chi Meng nodded, eager to coborate with Wang Xuan to hunt down the perpetrator. Wang Xuan remained silent, unsure if Chi Meng was being framed or if there was a third party stirring trouble. Chi Meng, on his part, probably hoped to use Wang Xuan''s artifacts to eliminate his adversary. If they targeted the wrong person, they would simply continue the search, with Chi Meng nning to ally with Wang Xuan for the hunt. "Let''s join forces," Chi Meng suggested. Wang Xuan looked at him calmly, replying, "We''ll wait for the truth." Chi Meng was at a loss for words. He had thought Wang Xuan, brimming with resentment, would eagerly join the hunt for the culprit. Instead, all he got was a nonmittal response. Chi Meng had hoped to use Wang Xuan as a tool to eliminate a formidable enemy first. Wang Xuan said nothing more. He definitely wouldn''t get involved, knowing that the real culprit was somewhere beyond the veil, although their name and faction remained unknown to him. Both Wang Xuan and Chi Meng nodded in agreement, deciding to set aside their differences for the moment. The conch horn sounded, echoing across the night sky, its Buddha light engulfing the Qin residence. Many heard the grand Buddhist chant, resonating with a profound spiritual force. Nearby, Chen Yongjie, draped in a monk''s robe and holding the conch, resembled an enlightened monk. Golden scriptures swirled around him, the symbols spreading across the void. Chi Meng''s eyes flickered with blood-red light, several times tempted to seize the Buddhist treasure. But ultimately, he restrained himself, recognizing that the conch was already partially refined. "To think that someone in this era can still grasp the true essence of Buddhism," he shook his head in wonder. The descendants of the immortals and the demon race looked on enviously but helplessly. The conch was perfectly in sync with Chen Yongjie, their golden symbols resonating in unison, deterring anyone from forcefully seizing it. Chen Yongjie approached with the formidable weapon, exerting a significant deterrent effect on some. "I can''t suppress my advancement much longer; I''m about to ascend to the next level," hemunicated telepathically to Wang Xuan. After absorbing the medicinal soil, his cultivation had been steadily increasing. However, he viewed this rapid growth with apprehension. His time in the medicinal realm was too short, and he was uncertain about his future path. Ancient methods had their ws, and he had yet to find a mature and powerful path to immortality. "Find the seeds of the Nine Tribtions Lotus quickly and nt them in your spiritualnd," Wang Xuan advised. "Absorbing the essence of the medicinal soil will help you, but it''s also building up for a stronger breakthrough. Once the seeds sprout, you''ll have to decide on your path and break through." Wang Xuan pulled him aside to discuss the altar in the realm beyond the veil, preparing for an imminent battle. "That''s excessively malicious, using your flesh and blood for growth and stripping away all your achievements," Chen Yongjiemented gravely. After a private discussion, Chen Yongjie dimmed his Buddha light and discreetly left to make his preparations. In the Qin family courtyard, the descendants of the immortals watched regretfully as Chen Yongjie and the conch disappeared. The treasure was indeed precious, attracting many contenders. "Brother Wang, would you like to join us?" Kong Yun invited. The descendants of the immortals nned to tour the new moon aboard a spaceship, curious about all the novel aspects of the New World. Inwardly, Wang Xuan was keen to interact with them. Surprisingly harmless and different from what he had anticipated, he hoped to learn more about this group. But Wang Xuan really didn''t have time right now; he had to deal with the life-threatening issue of the celestial fetus. Otherwise, he assured them, he would have joined them on the ship to see if anyone dared to bombard the group along with him. That night, Wang Xuan left and went straight to the Song family to meet Song Yun. He secretly traded some Earth Immortal Spring with old Song, who was almost stupefied by shock. After drinking a portion of the Earth Immortal Spring, Song Yun''s hair roots darkened, and the wrinkles on his face rapidly diminished, showing a far stronger effect than Wang Xuan''s previous life-prolonging efforts. After the pleasant visit, Wang Xuan took the Golden Tree, leaving behind some "immortal liquid" for Song Yun. Without the Divine ying Banner, Wang Xuan wouldn''t have even dared to approach the tree, as the golden birds on it could kill a person''s soul! He studied it all night. It would take time to refine, and he needed to protect himself first before activating it. This object, once handled by the strongest sorcerers of ancient times, was no less powerful than the Soul Locking Bell. The next morning, Wang Xuan went to the Zhong family to borrow the ash-covered pool, which seemed to be the Pool of Reincarnation. Trading for this item would be difficult, as old Zhong was also a transcendent being and unlikely to agree. The Zhong family had many visitors, mainly because of their rich collection of ancient artifacts that attracted beings from beyond the veil. Recently, the relics in the Zhong family''s secret repository, including the sarira and the incorruptible corpses, had disturbed their peace. "I never thought our family''s repository could be so lively. One night, I passed by and saw bones colliding, sarira hitting bells, and a creature with silver fur sticking a hand out of a coffin..." Zhong Chengmented to Wang Xuan upon seeing him. Their repository had e to life," bustling with activity every night. Now, with a group of flesh-and-blood young people outside, all with transcendent powers and persuasive words, it was overwhelming. "Old Wang, let me tell you, we''re leaving. We''re implementing the Tai Chu n. We have a premonition that something big is going to happen on Xing Xing!" Zhong Cheng revealed their secret. "Leaving so decisively, so soon?" Wang Xuan was taken aback. "I wanted to help you build foundations. If I survive, there will be results in a few days." Zhong Cheng was astonished. "Really? Actually, we also need a few days to wrap things up. Before leaving, I''ll also give you a big gift!" He added that it would be great if Wang Xuan could leave with them. "I''m here to borrow the Pool of Reincarnation!" Wang Xuan stated his purpose and soon met Zhong Changming. After a brief private talk and some negotiations, Zhong Lao Er''s bald head began sprouting fine ck hair roots, and the deal was struck. Wang Xuan also privately gave Zhong Cheng two jars of Earth Immortal Spring for him and his sister to share. Having confirmed that Earth Immortal Spring couldn''t help transcendent beings survive the mythological decline, Wang Xuan nned to give away most of it soon, sharing with acquaintances. Wang Xuan''s visit to the Zhong family''s secret repository was indeed astonishing. The array of ancient artifacts was staggering, with piles of artifacts from pre-Qin sorcerers, sacred items from Taoist ancestral temples, important Buddhist instruments, and various unknown ancient objects, including unique collections like coffins and well-preserved bodily remains of Bodhisattvas. Upon entering, Wang Xuan maintained his focus, ignoring the strange artifacts and directly moving a dusty, grey pool. The repository stirred with activity, but no one dared to extend their spiritual bodies, fearing their souls might be captured. "Even with a physical body, facing this pool for too long is dangerous. They say it can send people to rebirth, but who knows where the souls it devours end up?" Whispers echoed in the repository. Despite their envy, none interfered. They knew the ashen pool was too perilous, not something ordinary individuals could handle. It was a divine item intended for supremely powerful beings. "It''s said that whoever takes the Pool of Reincarnation from the human world will meet an early demise." Wang Xuan now faced a major faction backed by an unparalleled powerhouse. He believed the more dangerous an item, the more reliable it could be in a crisis. As Zhong Cheng apanied Wang Xuan out of the secret repository area, they saw several young men and women in the distance. Among them, a particrly distinguished man exuded an air of immortal grace, engaging in lively conversation with Zhong Qing. "That man is Cao Qingyu. He seems gentle and distinguished, but there''s something off about his gaze. He appeared only yesterday and is here again today, always approaching my sister. Others seem to fear him, and he holds significant sway among the descendants of the immortals," Zhong Cheng shared. "He does seem off. His spiritual energy is continuously expanding, subtly influencing how others perceive him," Wang Xuan noted. Zhong Cheng grew concerned. "No wonder I feel he''s agreeable up close but find his gaze invasive and alluring from a distance." From afar, Wang Xuan flicked his finger, unleashing a burst of terrifying golden mes. A thunderous sound caught the attention of the superhuman beings, though ordinary people remained unaffected. The abrupt action drew Cao Qingyu''s attention. "Little Qing, is that your friend?" Cao Qingyu asked. "Over here, Wang Xuan," Zhong Qing called out, waving him over. "Don''t use your spiritual realm to manipte mortals, influencing their perceptions," Wang Xuan said calmly. "So it''s you. Interesting," Cao Qingyu nodded. His robust vitality and the faint aura of rosy clouds radiating from him exerted immense pressure on other superhuman beings. This indicated that he was likely close to the transcendent Xiaoyao realm. Wang Xuan furrowed his brows, sensing that Cao Qingyu might be even stronger than Kong Yun. Ordinary people were unable to see their energetic states and remained unaffected. Kong Yun''s single fingertip strike could send Huang Ming flying six or seven meters away. Currently, even without utilizing mystical treasures, no superhuman on earth could match this level of physical prowess. "Let''s meet again next time. I have some matters to attend to today," Cao Qingyu said with a smile, nodding at them before taking his leave. Wang Xuan watched his departing figure, aware of Cao Qingyu''s formidable strength. In a world where mystical treasures were destined to dim, individuals like him would be exceedingly dangerous. "I''lle back in a few days," Wang Xuan also excused himself. With various issues emerging on New Star, and the intentions of those returning from behind the veil unclear, he had to prioritize surviving his immediate peril. Subsequently, Wang Xuan discreetly visited several families, conducting a few transactions. He felt he was adequately prepared for whatever was toe, ready to see who would outmaneuver whom in this deadly game. Chapter 285: Celestial Blood, Celestial Destiny Chapter 285: Celestial Blood, Celestial Destiny Wang Xuan''s most formidable mystical treasures in hand were almost exclusively designed to counter the spiritual aspects, prepared specifically for the state of beings crossing over from behind the veil. His spirit left his body, but he always held onto the ying God Banner with caution as he approached the golden tree and the ashen pool from a distance. He tested repeatedly, assuring himself that as long as he held the banner, there weren''t any significant risks. "Sigh, if only I had a substitution talisman, a wooden figure would have been perfect," Wang Xuanmented. Despite extensive searches and visits to various secret treasuries, such an item remained elusive, a rarity that couldn''t be sought at will. In the evening, he re-entered the world behind the veil via the fog emanating from the life-sustaining soil, intent on gathering intelligence and staying abreast of the situation. In the dim world, the altar was nearlyplete, densely engraved with runes. It seemed likely that the enemy would soon make their move against him. After spending over ten hours there, collecting fragmented information, Wang Xuan finally learned from these people''s conversations who his adversary was. Zheng Wu, a rising star in recent years, was renowned for his exceptional talent. No matter howplex the scripture, he could understand and master it at a nce. He was a genius of his time, widely acknowledged. Had the veil not been on the brink of extinguishing, many believed he would have be the second peerless master of the Zheng family. His physical body was extraordinarily robust, born with spiritual bones. His blood would glow in the dark, adding to his legendary aura. "My only regret is not having opened my innerndscape before stepping into the realm of the superhuman," Zheng Wu had said, aspiring to rival legends. Othersforted him, suggesting that it might be a blessing in disguise. Those who opened their innerndscapes during their mortal days never met good ends, even if they once swept across several veils, ultimately meeting tragic fates. After waiting for more than a day, Wang Xuan finally saw the person in question. A refined young man with an air of immortality stood on the altar, murmuring, "The missing piece of my innerndscape will soon bepleted. To the one in the mortal realm, I regret to say, you were born in the wrong era. Ultimately, you''ll perish as a mortal on the path of the superhuman. I''ll continue the journey for you. My celestial fate will be born from your sacrifice, and I''ll ensure your remains are properlyid to rest." Soon, a messenger arrived with exciting news: "The ancient ancestor has seeded! He''s returned from the highest spiritual realm with the main root of the resurrected celestial medicine. He''s currently nourishing it with ambrosia in the celestial realm and expects to send it here in two days!" "The ancient ancestor indeed possesses unparalleled celestial might. Since ancient times, aside from a few like Shakyamuni, no one has been able to harvest celestial medicine from the highest spiritual realm." A smile broke across Zheng Wu''s face, anticipating his rebirth in the mortal realm in just two days. "It''s a pity to give up this body, inherently powerful and almost peerless among my peers," Zheng Wu mused, regret tinged in his voice. "But this is the peculiar and invincible aspect of the technique I''ve practiced. I can carry away all the heavenly blood and essence of destiny. After rebirth through another''s body, merging with the host''s strengths, I will be stronger and then cultivate the strongest celestial fetus. In the past, some have called it a demonic fetus, but indeed, it''s invincible!" Zheng Wu''s face bore a radiant smile, a diabolical charm in Wang Xuan''s eyes. Such cruelty was masked by a genuinely joyous expression. "The young master will surely achieve the strongest demonic, no, celestial fetus, and survive the impending mythological catastrophe. One day, he will be the foremost among the immortals," praised the surrounding people, their faces alight with happiness. They were truly honored that the young master shared such secrets with them, viewing them as confidantes to apany him to the mortal realm. Zheng Wu nodded with a smile, yet his eyes were cold. Those involved in constructing the altar were destined to die; he couldn''t risk them revealing his secrets in the future. "I need to upy his body for half a year to seize his innerndscape and strip away his foundation of the immortal path. A celestial medicine will root and sprout in his life-sustaining soil, nurturing my demonic fetus. My rebirth will possess everything, surpassing the unparalleled foundation of my current physical form." In the darkness, Wang Xuan watched silently. Had he not been able to enter the world behind the veil in advance and learn of these matters, Zheng Wu would have forcefully stripped everything away from him. Even so, he felt a heavy weight in his heart. After all, this was a powerful faction backed by a peerless master. "Could this be the same faction as Huang Kun?" Wang Xuan wondered. Otherwise, how would they know the secrets of his innerndscape? If so, thisbined new grudges with old. "I need to spread the word, let Zheng Hong take action. Stir the waters in these two days, keep the other factions from the other side of the veil busy, and prevent them from disrupting my n for the celestial fetus''s rebirth," Zheng Wu spoke in a chilling tone. Wang Xuan withdrew, wrapping himself with the ying God Banner to mask all traces of his presence, blending into the dark world. Returning to the real world, Wang Xuan began making various preparations. The next day, he contacted Chi Meng, having exchanged phone numbers previously. It was impressive how quickly these beings from beyond the veil adapted to modern society, quickly mastering various new technologies and tools. "Wang Xuan, what do you need?" Chi Meng asked, surprised by the call. Wang Xuan informed him that he had initial leads on who was framing him. He suggested looking into a person named Zheng Hong from beyond the veil, which could potentially uncover everything. "I know him, a true immortal from the Zheng family beyond the veil," Chi Meng frowned. Wang Xuan wasn''t worried about Chi Meng investigating; if Chi Meng approached, Zheng Hong and his people would likely panic, possibly leading to conflict. "Go ahead and check. Afterwards, I''ll share an even more important secret with you!" That very day, Chi Meng used his immortal methods to find Zheng Hong. To his shock and anger, Zheng Hong attacked him first upon their meeting. "Wang Xuan, I''ve taken care of Zheng Hong. No one knows yet, no information has leaked. What''s the important secret you have for me?" Chi Meng asked during a face-to-face meeting, concerned about being monitored. "It''s a huge opportunity for you, if you dare to take it," Wang Xuan said in a low voice. "You practice the Hades Blood Divine Art, interested in all kinds of destiny blood, right?" "What are you suggesting?" Chi Meng''s eyes turned cold. "Someone is preparing to cross the veil with a grand altar, carrying blood essence and destiny. If you dare, wait outside the veil. That kind of blood and destiny could change your fate," Wang Xuan revealed. "Zheng family? Celestial fetus!" Chi Meng''s pupils constricted, immediately guessing it involved the Zheng family, known for practicing such unique and terrifying techniques. "How do you know this secret? It shouldn''t have leaked!" Chi Meng quickly asked. Wang Xuan replied, "Someone happened to see it beyond the veil and passed the information along. It''s very reliable, no need for doubt." "Last time, you disrupted their ns on Mount Jinding, killing their people. Someone probably thinks you have a grudge against the Zheng family, so they told you, hoping you''d disrupt their ns again," Chi Meng spected. Wang Xuan remained calm, but inwardly, he was seething with murderous intent. The group trying to cross the veil at Mount Jinding was indeed from the Zheng family,bining new and old grievances! At that time, the invincible figure d in ck armor with even his face covered was Zheng Yuantian, a formidable member of the Zheng family. Chi Meng remained calm outwardly, but inside, he was experiencing a tumult of emotions, realizing that the host the Zheng family''s celestial fetus sought could very well be Wang Xuan. The Zheng family''s actions had already aroused some suspicion. Now, Chi Meng immediately realized that Wang Xuan might indeed have opened an inner scenery domain, assuming it was done in the realm of the transcendent, not as a mortal. Even so, this would be a tremendous aid in crossing the veil. The earlier an inner scenery domain is opened, the more special, profound, and ancient it is. If found and forcibly pierced through to the immortal realm, it could serve as a gateway for smuggling, washing away the constraints of the old covenant. Chi Meng sighed, "The Zheng family has an invincible expert, a top-tier existence beyond the veil. The kind of oppressive might that can engulf thousands of miles is something no one can understand without experiencing it. It makes true immortals tremble and instinctively want to kneel and bow in submission!" Wang Xuan tempted him, "Fortune favors the bold. Whether you take this chance is up to you. This is an opportunity to change your fate. You know how extraordinary the Zheng family member is, possessing genuine celestial blood and destiny. And with the waning of the transcendents, even an invincible expert crossing over might not break through the current limits. What are you afraid of?" Chi Meng replied with fear, "No, invincible experts are different. If theye over now, they are likely to break through the limits, possibly reaching the level of a terrestrial immortal!" "Can you or I break through these limits?" Wang Xuan asked. "It''s difficult. I have little hope unless I gather several instances of destiny. As for you, you need to establish the strongest foundation, like nting celestial herbs in your life''s soil or entering a higher spiritual realm for a baptism of spirit..." Chi Meng shook his head, "You have no hope. Who can gather celestial herbs for you? Even the invincible experts in the immortal realm find it challenging. With the veil fading, the higher spiritual realms are bing distant, the future unseen." Wang Xuan''s expression remained impassive, but inside, he felt a surge of emotions. He realized the importance of the path Chen Yongjie had chosen; they must find the lotus pod harvested by Buddha. He also thought of Zheng Wu, who apparently nned to bring a main root of a celestial herb with him, indicating another path they couldn''t afford to ignore. "I''ll consider it. Tell me, where exactly is the Zheng family''s celestial fetus nning to cross the veil?" Chi Meng inquired, a mix of greed and deep fear flickering in his eyes. "Outside Pingyuan City, near the wend, on that range of hills. If you''re thinking of acting, start preparing early!" Wang Xuan provided the precise location. After the two parted ways, Wang Xuan immediatelymunicated with Chen Yongjie using a secretnguage. "O, if Chi Meng makes a move, he''ll be in the fray. If he doesn''t, he''ll be a target too when the timees!" Ending the call, Wang Xuan pondered that Chi Meng must have guessed about his inner scenery domain. Indeed, such a secret couldn''t be kept hidden for long, especially after the Zheng family''s actions on Jinding Mountain had aroused suspicions. Wang Xuan then busied himself ensuring the secrecy of hisrge-scale dealings conducted in the shadows. Time flew, and two days passed in the blink of an eye. From the dawn of the third day, Wang Xuan entered a suitable forest area, readying himself for what was toe. By evening, at the outskirts of Pingyuan City, near the wends, a hazy light emerged over the hills, apanied by thunder and torrential rain. The anticipated moment had finally arrived. With a swift movement, a streak of blood shot out, attempting to escape rapidly towards the horizon. "Celestial blood and destiny?!" Chi Meng arrived, his eyes fixated on the vigorously alive cluster of blood essence, glowing with intense divine light. Chapter 286: Defying Fate Chapter 286: Defying Fate "Endure, restrain, and after a year, be a mortal, gradually fading and dying in the human realm, turning into a mound of yellow soil?" Chi Meng pondered his future. His body made the choice, taking action ahead of time. His blood light crossed dozens of miles, growling, "This is not what I want. I want to change my fate!" If he didn''t break his current life trajectory, his fate and future were already written, predestined. He chose to act! "Taking this step means no turning back!" Chi Meng, now a faint blood shadow, wrapped around the true bone, traversed fifty miles, catching up with the divinely shining blood essence. "Do you dare to obstruct my path?!" The blood essence was dazzling, like a surging red mist, emitting intense energy fluctuations. "False celestial blood, a celestial from the Zheng family?" Chi Meng''s face turned cold. This wasn''t the real celestial blood, a mistaken target. He lunged forward and sted it. The sacredly glowing blood essence exploded, indeed not celestial blood. A spirit entity emerged from within, a part of a torn celestial soul. "You are Chi Meng, ruining my n''s grand n. You will be observed by a supreme being, and your celestial fate will be shattered in an instant!" He warned. Evidently, Chi Meng was well-known even among the celestials of the Zheng family. "Silence!" Chi Meng''s blood shadow glowed, reaching out as the void was engulfed, hundreds of blood symbols twinkling like stars, annihting the spirit. "The gaze of the supreme being is omnipresent; don''t think you can deceive them!" The celestial spirit shone brightly, resisting fiercely. However, he was no match, already heavily injured from crossing the veil, his spirit further pierced, severely depleting his energy. "This Chi Meng is strong, swiftly defeating an opponent!" Chen Yongjie monitored the situation closely on arge screen, informing Wang Xuan. In fact, Wang Xuan also observed the battle through the three-dimensional projection of hisputer, having set up detectors near the wend area. The Zheng family''s fighter was indeed strong, but Chi Meng swiftly tore apart his spirit, causing hisplete annihtion! "Come on!" Chi Meng coldly beckoned, his gaze piercing through the torrential rain towards the distant blood lightning. He didn''t approach the center of the blood lightning. Instead, he waited patiently on the outside, not wanting to draw the attention of Zheng Yuantian. Under the curtain of blood-colored lightning and rain, more blood essences surged out, six in total, each darting in different directions. In an instant, Chi Meng''s body split into several blood shadows, each pursuing a target, while a few others were arranged in strategic positions for tracking. This was the advantage of the Hades Blood Divine Technique, capable of creating split forms, though some were weaker while others were extraordinarily strong. Some of Chi Meng''s split forms were destroyed, but he learned that none of them contained the real celestial blood or fate. Moreover, some spirit entities, after destroying his split forms, began to approach his main body. Chi Meng didn''t hide his power. He took out an ancient mirror and aimed it at an approaching spirit entity. A thick beam of light erupted, shattering the entity''s spirit. He used the mirror twice more,pletely obliterating his opponent and killing another high-ranking member of the Zheng family. "Chi Meng is truly formidable, controlling such a powerful artifact. He''s no ordinary person!" Chen Yongjie watched intently on the screen. Since Chi Meng had acted, he was no longer a target for annihtion. Chen Yongjie started monitoring the Zheng family members instead. Boom! Chi Meng used the ancient mirror again, consuming more super-material, and killed another opponent, shattering their spirit. In a short span, he had in three individuals. He remained outside the central area of the storm, unwavering. "I''ve stepped too far to turn back now," he muttered to himself, knowing he had no choice left. He understood that after today, the Zheng family would mark him for death. Even a supreme being might personally intervene to eliminate him. "I''m like a fish leaping out of the river, seeking a new source of water as the river dries up," he thought, seeking celestial blood to find a chance of survival and change his fate in the waning days of the mythological era. "It''s here!" Chi Meng''s senses were sharp. He detected the real celestial blood, highly sensitive to it due to his cultivation of the Hades Blood Divine Technique. It was an incredibly active blood essence, epassing the foundation of a celestial fetus! Once the blood essence was far enough from the lightning zone, Chi Meng acted again. The ideal oue would be him seizing Zheng Wu''s celestial blood and fate without the Zheng family noticing. Chi Meng knew it was unlikely to escape unnoticed, as the gaze of the supreme being might have already been cast upon him. He struck fiercely, unleashing dozens of blood-colored small gs that enveloped the blood essence. "Chi Meng, dare you ruin my celestial fetus and provoke an unending feud with the Zheng family?" Zheng Wu''s voice emerged, apanied by a terrifying counterattack. A drop of golden liquid burst out from the blood essence, transforming into a golden talisman paper, rapidly erging and surging forward to shatter Chi Meng. "A drop of Zheng Yuantian''s blood?!" Chi Meng''s blood-colored form retreated, his true bones trembling slightly. However, he remained calm, saying, "After crossing realms, even the blood of a supreme being is greatly weakened. This remnant power concentrated into a talisman can''t kill me!" The dozens of blood-colored gs danced, forming an array to confront the massive golden talisman paper, blocking its terrifying momentum. Zheng Wu, appearing as a phantom within the blood essence, eximed, "The aura of the founder of the Hades Blood Sect, are these gs nourished by a strand of his blood essence?" Boom! The blood-colored gs collided with the golden talisman paper, causing a ground-shaking explosion. Meanwhile, Chi Meng charged forward, his entire being glowing a blood-red light, coloring the sky as he engaged Zheng Wu in fiercebat, aiming to swiftly seize the celestial blood and fate. Chi Meng raised the ancient mirror in his hand, striking the blood essence and causing a blinding burst of light. The mirror, an incredibly powerful artifact, was capable of killing beings who had just crossed realms. Zheng Wu was exceptional. His own blood essence erupted with power, and the light orb of his celestial blood contained strange defensive objects, managing to withstand the attack. In a sh, Chi Meng unleashed six copper steles with blood-colored patterns, causing Zheng Wu''splexion to change. These still carried the aura of the Hades Blood Sect''s founder. "How do you possess these items?!" Zheng Wu eximed. "Before bing an immortal, the founder of the Hades Blood Sect visited this life and left behind some artifacts!" Chi Meng coldly informed him, aiming to intimidate and break his opponent''s confidence. The fierce sh eventually led to Chi Meng using the ancient mirror to tear apart the blood essence, forcibly seizing a portion of the celestial blood. "How dare you!" Zheng Wu cried out in shock and anger. As a prodigy, he was unafraid of many elder figures. However, having just crossed realms, he was not in his prime state, and his artifacts shattered, unable to block the ancient mirror. At that moment, Chi Meng felt a chill down his spine. Turning around, he saw a figure covered in ck armor, coldly looking at him from within the blood lightning and heavy rain. Chi Meng turned and fled, quickly diving underground. That was the gaze of a supreme being, now imprinted with his presence! Shh! Two golden beams shot out, piercing through the realm and entering the underground to hunt down Chi Meng. "For a sessor, he dares to confront the realm early just to kill me and reim the celestial blood?" Chi Meng shuddered with horror. He deployed six copper steles, casting them behind him. In a terrifying crash, the six divine steles imbued with the aura of the Hades Blood Sect''s founder exploded. Chi Meng rapidly fled, reflecting the ancient mirror behind him. Initially emitting a dazzling light, the mirror soon dimmed, its extraordinary substance instantly evaporated,pletely exhausted. "No!" Chi Meng screamed. At the critical moment, he swallowed the celestial blood and was then struck by the pursuing dim golden light. His blood-colored form exploded, and his true bones cracked. However, he ultimately survived. Momentster, he reconstituted his blood form, reappearing andughing triumphantly. He had seized a portion of Zheng Wu''s celestial blood and fate, enough for Chi Meng''s purpose! He swiftly escaped along an underground river, vanishingpletely. In the damp forest, the blood essence reformed, and Zheng Wu''s figure emerged within it, his gaze cold. Without lingering, he swiftly departed. Guided by the embryonic membrane, he traversed the sky! Boom! After flying thousands of miles, Zheng Wu encountered bombardment from a warship in a mountain range. He dodged numerous light beams but was ultimately targeted and hit by one. A blinding light burst, nearly dispersing his blood essence. At the crucial moment, faint golden runes blossomed, protecting his celestial blood and fate. "This guy still has some tricks up his sleeve. Should I just obliterate himpletely?" Chen Yongjie, sitting in the warship, informed Wang Xuan of the situation. "Don''t, that''s enough. If we frighten him away or destroy the celestial medicine, it would be disastrous," Wang Xuan urged caution. Seeking fortune amidst danger wasn''t just a tactic to tempt Chi Meng; Wang Xuan was also practicing it himself. With the current world correcting itself and suppressing the celestial beings, he was determined to build the strongest foundation and break through the existing limits. "That''s too risky, be careful!" Chen Yongjie warned, feeling uneasy about the whole situation, even considering it crazy. Who would normally invite others into their realm of fate? Wang Xuan focused on the holographic projection from the lightputer, sitting in the forest, silently waiting for Zheng Wu''s arrival. However, he frowned, noticing that the blood essence didn''t burrow underground but instead was traversing the forest, rapidly approaching. Was this a show of confidence or a deliberate probe? As time passed, the blood essence traveled two thousand miles, finally arriving ording to the guide of the embryonic membrane. Zheng Wu appeared, emerging from the blood essence, standing in the distance, and staring at Wang Xuan. If not for his red silhouette, he would have appeared harmless and ethereal, a young man with an air of transcendence. "Who are you? You disturb my meditation," Wang Xuan suddenly opened his eyes, confronting the blood shadow. Zheng Wu remained silent, circling him from a distance, nodding, then sighing as if in regret ormentation. "What do you mean?" Wang Xuan inquired. "You''re quite remarkable, even extraordinary. However, it''s a pity that with the copse of the mythical world, your path has ended. You''ll eventually be just another set of bones on the path to transcendence. I''ll walk the path for you, grant you glory, and step onto the celestial heights you could never reach. Let your legacy shine with me," Zheng Wu spoke calmly. Chapter 287: Demonic Fetus Chapter 287: Demonic Fetus Under a sky dotted with stars and a high-hanging silver moon, the forest was alive with the cries of night birds and the distant howls of wild beasts. This was a deep mountain wilderness, far from any city. "What do you mean by ''experiencing splendor together'' and ''reaching the peak of the celestial path''?" Wang Xuan frowned in confusion, looking at Zheng Wu for rification. "I will give you a proper burial," Zheng Wu dered, rushing forward like a streak of blood lightning, leaving behind a trail of afterimages. Wang Xuan activated an ancientmp, and a dark red arrow shot out, shattering several towering ancient trees in its path. The blood-colored figure instantly flicked a finger, producing a blood light swarming with dazzling runes that collided fiercely with the dark red arrow. In the forest, a blinding brilliance erupted, illuminating the night sky and overshadowing the moon. Trees shattered, vines exploded, and the ground turned into a moltenva field, glowing red. With a swish, Zheng Wu, like a phantom, came close to Wang Xuan, attempting to merge with his body at lightning speed. Behind Wang Xuan, a dpidated straw hut emitted a zing golden light. A one-meter-tall golden tree, rooted in a copper basin, radiated a divine pressure. Nine golden birds chirped on its branches, four of which lunged towards the blood figure. "Hmm?" Zheng Wu dodged swiftly, moving through the woods like lightning. Trees snapped and rocks flew in his wake, leaving a trail of destruction. But he couldn''t escape. The four golden birds cornered him, emitting four beams of golden light, like celestial swords, trapping Zheng Wu. With a puff, the four beams of light shed through him, dividing his figure. The golden birds chirped mysteriously, their beaks emitting golden light again, grinding the remaining blood light into dust. "I thought he was a formidable character, speaking in riddles about experiencing splendor and brilliance. Is this it? Just food for the birds," Wang Xuan shook his head. Suddenly, his expression tightened. He sensed that after the blood figure was shredded, a few glowing pieces of paper fell and burned into ashes. Was it not his real body? In the distance, through the forest, a figure approached under the moonlight, ethereal and otherworldly. It was a youthful figure with a celestial air, his body radiating a rich blood essence, glowing like a small sun. "This is the divine artifact you used to kill my Zheng family''s experts? Truly extraordinary. Top-tier divine items left by ancient sorcerers, specialized in annihting spirits. Both malicious and sacred, quite remarkable to havended in your hands," Zheng Wu said as he approached. His spiritual form had a transcendent aura but also carried a subtle oppressiveness. Wang Xuan''s eyes were deep, alert to the fact that this person had been cautious enough to use a paper talisman to test his defenses with a fraction of his celestial blood and destiny. "So it''s you, the ones Huang Kun wanted to guide at Jinding Mountain. Those experts who died, they were real immortals from your faction? Disappointing," Wang Xuan remarked indifferently. Zheng Wu didn''t respond, but confidently walked forward, maintaining an air of casual elegance like a celestial being gracing the mortal world. With a swift motion, he split into nine, turning into nine red beams of light that vanished from their original spot, seemingly piercing through the void. They aimed to enter Wang Xuan through the nine red marks on his body, a difficult defense to anticipate. The golden tree shone brilliantly, and the nine birds chirped aggressively, once again demonstrating their power. The forest was submerged in terrifying golden light, repelling the nine light beams and preventing Zheng Wu from entering Wang Xuan''s flesh, even with the guidance of the embryonic mark. The nine golden divine birds united, aiming to obliterate him entirely. Zheng Wu sighed and forced out a drop of golden blood from the blood light, emitting a blinding radiance. A faint silhouette appeared, d in ck armor but radiating billions of golden strands, engulfing the entire mountain range. The Zheng family was well-prepared, having given him more than a drop of blood from their unparalleled expert. The divine birds fearlessly attacked, aiming to devour the armored silhouette, unafraid and determined to annihte it. Wang Xuan was genuinely moved, realizing the terrifying extent of having a supreme expert backing the opponent. Even possessing top-tier divine artifacts might not be enough for defense. As the nine divine birds lunged at the illusion of Zheng Yuan Tian, Zheng Wu acted, resonating with the nine red marks on Wang Xuan''s body. He disintegrated in an instant, transforming into a myriad of light beams. In a scarlet mist fashion, they converged from all directions, abruptly merging into Wang Xuan''s flesh. Wang Xuan''s eyes were deep and intense as hebated the red mist, swiftly retracting his spiritual form and rushing towards the Life Soil. He sensed Zheng Wu had already gathered from flesh and blood, quickly reaching the edge of the Life Soil. In an instant, they met again on this specialnd, standing on a piece ofnd rich with vitality, the origin of allws. Wang Xuan gazed at him in silence. This uninvited guest, who had intruded into his Life Soil, intending to usurp everything from him, was smiling at this moment. Zheng Wu''s spiritual form was strong, yet seemed quite ethereal. He looked around andmented, "Beyond my expectations, no less than my own Life Soil. This is perfect. My celestial blood and destiny carry all my essence here, using your body to be reborn will yield even better results." "Devil''s embryo?" Wang Xuan stared coldly at the youth before him. However, he didn''t see the main root of the celestial herb or the medicinal earth, which made him frown. Could it be intercepted unexpectedly by Chi Meng? "Whether it''s a celestial or devil''s embryo, it''s just a name. The effect is the same, capable of forging the strongest foundation. After surviving the great cmity of the immortals, I will soar to the heavens. Given enough time, no one will be my match!" Zheng Wu''s face was illuminated with a confident glow. He looked down at Wang Xuan with hands behind his back, "You might as well end yourself and dissipate from this Life Soil. I''ve imed it now!" Anyone would find such an attitude intolerable intruding into someone''s Life Soil and looking down on them, asking them to die. Zheng Wu looked celestial but was actually extremely arrogant and domineering. Wang Xuan''s murderous intent surged. Why wasn''t the celestial herb visible? His body nged, covered in a spirit armor, holding an ancient-looking jade dragon knife in hand, both resonating with him. "Get out!" Wang Xuan shouted, swinging the Pre-Qin Jade Dragon Knife, unleashing a terrifying beam of light, another powerful weapon designed to kill spirits. It was one of the treasures he had traded from a financial consortium, not as rare as the golden tree but still a valuable artifact. He was still restraining himself, unwilling to act without seeing the celestial herb. The sound of metal chains clinking echoed as three silver divine chains flew out from Zheng Wu, colliding with the Jade Dragon Knife. As they shed, spiritual energy vibrated violently, with sparks flying everywhere. The three divine chains astonishingly blocked the Jade Dragon Knife, a testament to their immense power. "It''s a pity," Zheng Wumented softly. "This was once a supreme artifact, but it broke into three pieces during the crossing. Repairing it would take a long time." With the Jade Dragon Knife knocked aside, the three fragmented silver chains intertwined and flew towards Wang Xuan, aiming to bind him. Wang Xuan swiftly vanished from the spot, retreating into his physical body, seemingly attempting to refine his opponent. Zheng Wu smiled, saying, "It seems that''s all you''re capable of. Despite some fortune in killing the fragments of my n''s immortals at the Golden Top Mountain, it mainly relied on that golden divine tree outside." Heughed, but his eyes were icy. "I''m allowing you to live for now, as I still need some time." "The Life Soil is now under my control." Zheng Wu dered, gaining control of this vital area meant he held the origin of allws. He was aware of the connection between Life Soil and innerndscape; this ce was his ultimate goal. Calm andposed, Zheng Wu waited to refine the Life Soil. Once done, he wouldn''t need to pursue Wang Xuan, as he would possess methods to kill Wang Xuan''s spiritual form through the Life Soil. "Come forth!" Zheng Wu''s voice thundered, with runes emerging, rushing out of the Life Soil, and exiting Wang Xuan''s body. From a distance, under the soil, a richer blood-colored sphere surged out and instantly pounced towards Wang Xuan''s physical body, swiftly entering the Life Soil. Another Zheng Wu appeared, this time with even denser celestial blood and destiny. This was the real Zheng Wu, hidden and undetected by Chi Meng, carrying the strongest foundation. Assured of his safety, he now made his move. "You really know how to survive," Wang Xuan mocked from within his flesh. "So cautious for a supposed devil''s embryo?" In reality, Wang Xuan felt a deep sense of dread. Zheng Wu''s earlier arrogance and boldness were merely probes, cautious of any anomalies. Now, having repelled Wang Xuan and driven his spiritual form away, and thinking he had control over the crucial Life Soil, Zheng Wu''s true body finally emerged, confident of his victory. "In my quest for unmatched power to dominate the heavens and immortals, being extremely cautious is only natural. Once I build the strongest foundation, I''ll rise and suppress everyone, be it the foremost sorcerers, Shakya, or the founders of Taoism," the newly emerged Zheng Wu proimed, his celestial blood and destiny more vigorous, carrying rare celestial treasures. Merging into one, Zheng Wu emanated an ethereal aura, smiling contentedly. "Everything is ready. The time hase to begin." He brought out some five-colored soil, not entirely physical but rather a hybrid of energy and matter, harvested from Mount Bu Zhou in the higher spiritual realms. This mountain, forever lush, birthed various spiritual essences and divine medicines, thanks to the soil''s suitability for nurturing spiritual great medicines. "This soil from Mount Bu Zhou, extracted from ancient medicinal fields, enhances the vitality of the Life Soil, making it an ideal nurturing ground for celestial medicines," Zheng Wu exined. The five-colored soil from Mount Bu Zhou transformed the Life Soil upon contact, significantly enriching its life essence. Zheng Wu then presented a piece of medicinal soil, a lustrous ck resembling jade, brimming with vitality and a faint medicinal fragrance. This was the priceless medicinal soil of the unparalleled Zheng Yuan Tian. "This ancestral medicinal soil is invaluable. No amount of treasures or divine objects could tempt me to trade it. It''s essential for enriching the Life Soil," he shared, having used this soil in his true body within the veil. The jade-like medicinal soil instantly merged with the Life Soil, intensifying its vitality with each ripple of ck energy. Wang Xuan''s Life Soil, now shrouded in an immortal fog, seemed like a supreme holynd, where each breath felt like an ascent to immortality. "All this preparation is for it - to let it take root again, grow alongside me, nurture the devil''s embryo, and build my strongest foundation," Zheng Wu said, revealing a nt root. Though not overlyrge, roughly as thick as a wrist with several three-foot-long tendrils. "I''m looking forward to it," heughed heartily. "I too am looking forward to it," Wang Xuan alsoughed, his heart racing with excitement. The root was from a legendary celestial medicine from the highest spiritual realm, now about to nt its roots in his Life Soil. Chapter 288: Bountiful Reward Chapter 288: Bountiful Reward The Life Soil, shrouded in an ethereal fog, seemed like the most sacrednd on earth, rich in vitality that nourished both body and spirit. Even with Wang Xuan''s spiritual body not directly on the Life Soil, he could feel the remarkable changes and grew increasingly excited. He finally understood Chen Yongjie''s situation. Ever since using the medicinal soil, each encounter with Chen saw him mentioning an impending breakthrough due to the overwhelming life force. Under this dense vitality, both physical form and spirit were being fortified by the extraordinary life essence from the Life Soil, making them irresistibly stronger. "You''re excited too, unable to contain yourself, wanting to reim all this, right? Haha..." Zheng Wuughed heartily, meaningfully, unconcerned about Wang Xuan''s scrutiny. He dug a hole and nted the silver celestial medicine root, his smile disappearing as he became more transcendent, surrounded by an aura of immortality. "Immortal nectar, the stuff of legends, capable of rapidly reviving the main root, promising a vigorous growth in the future," Zheng Wu remarked as he used another rare divine object to cultivate the celestial medicine, a scarce specialty from the immortal realms, unheard of by ordinary beings. Instantly, the misty fog in the Life Soil thickened, bing denser. A single breath in this environment made one feel almost ethereal, ready for ascension, as light rain descended in this realm. Wang Xuan grew concerned. Could this rapid development cause him to break through his barriers too quickly, preventing him from solidifying andprehending these realms, thus leading to an unstable foundation? Suddenly, the nted main root began to quiver slightly, absorbing the surrounding mist and immortal nectar. The surge of life force subsided and then stabilized, reaching a bnced state. At this moment, Wang Xuan''s Life Soil was transformed. With the celestial medicine taking root, it gained a fresh aura and a new vitality. The passage can be refined as follows: "The ability to resonate with the spiritual world, drawing in threads of enigmatic substances into the Life Soil, seemed almost mystical. The roots absorbed these essences, breathing new life into themselves. Zheng Wu mused with a tinge of awe, ''Throughout history, how rare it is for someone to nt a divine herb in their nascent Life Soil? Obtaining such a herb in the herb-gathering realm is a stroke of inconceivable fortune.'' His voice betrayed his emotions, ''Even my true self never had such luck. It was a longing that remained unfulfilled.'' In the annals of history, even the mightiest beings found it daunting to enter the highest spiritual realms to harvest these herbs, facing immense perils. It was known that a great patriarch, an overseer of Immortals in the era beyond the Great Curtain, perished in such an endeavor. Today, as Zheng Wu cultivates his demonic embryo and rebuilds his foundation, having this chance fills him with irrepressible tion and sheer joy, almost driving him to let out an exultant roar. ''Those legendary figures, the paramount powers beyond the Great Curtain, each had their serendipitous fortunes. How else could they have soared so high above the Immortals?'' he whispered. Now, he too steps onto this path, poised to im his spot among the exceptional. In this epoch where myths wane, how can one transcend the limits of the transcendental realm? The answer lies in cultivating the strongest foundation and sowing a divine herb in the Life Soil! Turning back with a smile, Zheng Wu asked, ''Are you faring well?'' His eyes, shimmering with rune-like brilliance, caught the essence of Wang Xuan''s spirit. ''Do you still believe you can turn this around and seize what I''ve nurtured?'' he asked, his smile exuding ease and confidence, his divine blood and fate resonating in unison. Wang Xuan''s frown deepened as he felt an unexpected wave of weakness, as frail as a nt severed from its roots. Zheng Wu continued, ''Life Soil is the cradle of allws, the primordial ground, the nurturer of life, where transcendence is birthed. Many have perused the scriptures, yet few grasp their true depth. Particrly wild cultivators like you, who have not entered the Immortal Realm nor received Immortal teachings, are even more in the dark, aware only of the superficial, not the underlying truths.'' With a hint of coldness, Zheng Wu looked down upon Wang Xuan, his toneced with mockery. He knew Wang Xuan might retaliate, but did it matter now that he controlled the Life Soil? ''Before reaching the transcendental realm, on what basis did you dare to let someone invade your Life Soil? Losing control is akin to being a rootless duckweed, a fish deprived of water. By sealing the Life Soil and severing your subtle, mystical link, you''re doomed to perish without my intervention.'' A chill ran down Wang Xuan''s spine. He realized the enormity of the risk he had taken. The adage ''fortune favors the brave'' often blinds people to the inherent risks. The scriptures indeed stressed the critical importance of the Life Soil, but he had underestimated its profound implications a slight misstep here was a matter of life and death." Wang Xuan spurred the ultra-material, frantically channeling it into the Life Soil, willing to drain himself dry if that''s what it took to reim control. At this moment, he felt exceptionally weak, his dominion over the cradle of allws perilously close to being sealed off, his capability to wield the God-ying g waning. Reflecting on his situation, Wang Xuan realized how close he hade to catastrophe. Had it not been for his prior venture into the Great Curtain, his thorough foresight, and meticulous preparations, he might have truly capsized. "It''s futile; this ce is now my domain. I won''t give you any chance!" Zheng Wu dered, his tone calm yetced with ruthlessness, intent on suffocating the host. His ultra-material silently permeated the Life Soil, his spirit rooting within, marking the territory as his own, ready to supnt Wang Xuan. His divine blood and fate resonated, ready to spread throughout this body, usurping everything that belonged to the original owner. Suddenly, Zheng Wu was seized with a profound sense of dread, his heart pounding erratically. He rapidly retracted the three lock chains, swirling them around him in a silver ribbon-like dance, protecting him like serpentine dragons. What was happening? A deep unease gnawed at him. The Life Soil was an enigma, invisible within the flesh and without any physical correspondence in the human body, yet it existed tangibly as a field of medicine, and of life. As Zheng Wu''s ultra-material entered the Life Soil, and his spirit began to root, he felt a wave of panic. For the first time, his face paled with fear. He halted the flow of ultra-material, halting the rooting of his spirit. However, his pause signaled Wang Xuan''s fierce counterattack, the struggle to regain the Life Soil. "No!" Zheng Wu tried to dominate again, but the reaction was even more terrifying. The next moment, an indescribable fear arose within him, sensing an imminent mortal danger. Reluctantly acknowledging his predicament, he pondered abandoning everything he had brought the five-colored soil from Mount Wuzhou, Zheng Yuan Tian''s medicinal soil, the immortal elixir, and even the main root of the divine herb. Such treasures were hard to part with. But he was no ordinary being. In a critical moment, he gritted his teeth, almost spitting out his divine blood in frustration, and resolved to flee. Yet, he discovered a shocking truth - he could not leave. His spirit, having rooted beneath the Life Soil, was now imprisoned, as if locked in ce. At that moment, Wang Xuan reestablished a connection with the Life Soil, pouring in ultra-material with a frenzy. With a resonating hum, the true nature of the Life Soil was revealed a dusty, ashen pool, revitalized by the nurturing ultra-material, now ready to devour souls! This was the Pool of Rebirth, a legendary artifact said to transport souls to the afterlife. However, almost every soul swallowed by it vanished without a trace, never to reappear. After expending most of the ultra-material within the pool, Wang Xuan had buried it in the Life Soil, keeping it in a dormant state. Both he and his adversaries could reactivate it by infusing ultra-material into the Life Soil. "How is this possible?!" Zheng Wu''s pupils constricted in shock and fear, his heart filled with dread. Hailing from the celestial realm beyond the Great Curtain and widely knowledgeable, he had an inkling of the pool''s nature. Recognizing the potency of the ashen pool, he was astounded, for it was an ominous entity known to betray and consume its possessors. Such a lethal weapon was a peril to be ced within the Life Soil, a threat to the soul itself. Yet here it was, harbored within the Life Soil, defying all logic and not devouring its keeper. Zheng Wu found this iprehensible. The Pool of Rebirth, once activated, became an unstoppable force, indiscriminately consuming any soul in its path, friend or foe alike. Only beings of the utmost power dared to engage with such a dreadful weapon. The pool exuded a neb-like brilliance, seemingly capable of engulfing the stars themselves. In an instant, it tore a fragment from Zheng Wu''s spirit. Trapped and unable to escape, with his divine blood and fate tied to his soul, Zheng Wu felt a profound sense of resignation. Was this where his journey ended, in utter defeat and frustration? In a final attempt, golden radiance burst from his divine blood and fate, releasing nine characters that shone like nine suns within the Life Soil. These characters, imprinted within his spirit by the supreme master Zheng Yuan Tian, were a testament to his influence. Unfortunately, weakened by the constraints of crossing realms, they had lost much of their power. Now, these faint golden marks finally activated. Struggling, Zheng Wu tapped into the power of the nine characters, barely clinging to life. With resentment and desperation, he attempted to rip apart the Life Soil, refusing to allow the creation of a formidable entity from his loss. If he couldn''t have it, he would destroy it. As he propelled the three segments of the silver chain, aiming to pierce and obliterate the Life Soil and even the divine herb''s main root, interwoven golden patterns caused his spirit to crack. Zheng Wu trembled, overwhelmed by anger, fear, and a creeping sense of helplessness. Wang Xuan, d in his spirit armor and brandishing the God-ying Banner, stepped into the Life Soil with no hesitation, wielding the golden banner at Zheng Wu. "This is" Zheng Wu felt an indescribable sense of defeat, astonished by one terrifying divine object after another. Especially now, the palm-sized banner could actually resist the devouring might of the Pool of Rebirth. What was this object that even historic records spoke of as a formidable weapon? Instantly, he deduced it was the lost God-ying Banner of ancient times. Zheng Wu''s spirit was torn into fragments, and at a critical moment, nine golden symbols descended, merging with his spirit in a desperate attempt to save him. But it was futile; the symbols, inscribed by a supreme being and dulled after passing through the Great Curtain, were no match for the spread of the golden patterns of the God-ying Banner. Zheng Wu''s spirit was instantly fragmented into hundreds of pieces. "Hmm?!" Wang Xuan paused, slightly restraining the banner, leaving the hundreds of spirit fragments intact. He stepped forward, his spiritual eye scrutinizing the fragments as if reading scriptures and cultivation diaries. Zheng Wu''s spirit, now dissected, lingered in a unique state, neither alive nor extinct. Wang Xuan delved into his memories, focusing on the past. Ignoring trivial and useless pieces, he concentrated solely on aspects rted to cultivation. For a time, the entire Life Soil calmed, shrouded in misty celestial fog, bing immensely sacred. The Pool of Rebirth attempted several times to devour the spirit fragments of both Wang Xuan and Zheng Wu but was thwarted by the God-ying Banner, falling into utter silence. After what seemed like eons in the Life Soil, with Wang Xuan''s mental activity being intensely profound, he sighed, feeling as if he had traversed Zheng Wu''s entire cultivation journey. This experience was priceless! Amidst the fragmentsy valuable teachings such as the "Yuan Tian Scripture" and "Immortal Embryo," exceptional and precious texts of the immortal path. The "Yuan Tian Scripture" was a text from the supreme Zheng Yuan Tian. The origin of "Immortal Embryo," also known as "Demon Embryo," was ancient and untraceable. Despite its powerparable to the highest scriptures, it was condemned for its malevolence and considered wed, with cultivators facing divine retribution for practicing it, hence it was not ssified among the highest texts. However, it was not the scriptures that were most valuable, as Wang Xuan already had ess to supreme texts. What was truly invaluable were the experiences and insights, teachings from renowned powerhouses who had once instructed Zheng Wu, including personal notes from Zheng Yuan Tian himself. "Priceless treasure, to be verified over time!" Wang Xuan felt the profound impact on his cultivation, more precious than anything else. Borrowing the enemy''s path to touch the true world of the Transcendents, understanding the various secrets and truths of cultivation, there was no better experience than this! "Wang Xuan!" In the final moments, Zheng Wu awakened. His hundreds of spirit fragments resonated, and he was uncontrobly furious. His prey had turned the tables and was now hunting him? This was the host he had chosen for his Heavenly Blood and Destiny, the flesh and soil for reshaping his Demonic Embryo. But now, it was reversed, with the opponent observing his spiritual imprints, reaping his fortune, reducing him to a mere prisoner. Was he, with his extraordinary talent, destined to die in such frustration? In the world beyond the Great Curtain, he was a genius gathering millions of gazes, yet in this mortal realm, he met such an end. "Wang..." Zheng Wu began to speak, uttering just a syble. But the golden patterns interwove, and Wang Xuan wielded the God-ying Banner, not giving him a chance to speak further. Having obtained everything, he decided to let Zheng Wu depart with his regrets. Puff! The small golden banner swept over, shattering Zheng Wu''s hundreds of spirit fragments and the nine dimming characters inscribed by Zheng Yuan Tian into dust. Chapter 289: The Name’s Zheng Wu Chapter 289: The Name¡¯s Zheng Wu The entire Life Soil was tranquil, with only Wang Xuan standing alone amidst the drifting, silk-like celestial mist and the gentle fall of light rain, serene and peaceful. The vibrant life force surged towards his spirit, expanding into his flesh. "Zheng Wu, thank you for such a gift that will fundamentally transform my flesh and spirit!" This was no illusion; the changes in his form and spirit were real. The heavenly medicine, the celestial nectar, and the five-colored soil from Mount Wu Zhou were enough to alter a cultivator''s life trajectory. In this era of correcting worldly errors and decaying myths, it seemed as if a dark curtain was descending, weakening the Transcendents further, erasing all traces of the extraordinary. Wang Xuan felt that today''s gains hadid the strongest foundation and could change his destiny. "Life brings unexpected benefactors, who would have thought it''d be you. It''s a pity, though. While you''ve greatly aided me, we are enemies. Farewell, and I''ll burn a few less paper offerings for you." The main root of the heavenly medicine, brimming with vigorous life, merged with the Life Soil, turning it into a purend beyond the world. Wang Xuan genuinely felt his cultivation growing. The astonishing benefits of today''s dramatic changes were evident every moment. There remained a cluster of blood essence - Zheng Wu''s Heavenly Blood. For many, this was a rare divine treasure capable of altering fate. However, Wang Xuan disregarded it, finding the integration of another''s transcendent flesh repulsive. For instance, if Zheng Wu had seeded in possessing him, integrating into his flesh, who would his descendants truly belong to? Whether in body or soul, Wang Xuan believed in purity, with no room for external impurities. He had ess to te scriptures, practiced the Sakyamuni True Scripture, and pondered the golden bamboo slips from the Pre-Qin era. All these supreme scriptures provided powerful methods for his transformation, from body to spirit, always pursuing purity and singrity. Wang Xuan''s spirit returned to its ce. Opening his eyes, the world seemed different - clearer, as if the distance between him and all things had narrowed. In the night sky, the stars and moon shone brilliantly, like immense living beings breathing and lying dormant, listening to the call from the depths of the universe. In front of the thatched cottage, the grass and trees were fresh, theke clear, withrge fish leaping out of the water, creating sparkling ripples. Night birds sang, wild beasts growled, everything in nature harmoniously unified, giving him a profound sense of life''s essence. "All phenomena begin with the primordial pulse of life and end in the stillness of death. Rtive to the eternal cosmos, life is but a moment of brilliance, and myths are fleeting streaks across the dark heavens, ephemeral as a blooming night flower," Wang Xuan reflected, gazing at the starry sky, peering into the depths of the night. "After the silence, as time flows, perhaps transcendent meteors will emerge in the long night, marking the rekindling of myths. However, thest unexpected event has dimmed too long; no one can endure it. Those who have fallen cannot await rebirth, and the departed cannot return. The new that arise are but new Transcendents, still only fleeting splendors, quickly fading, leaving the universe in perpetual silence, an endless night." Wang Xuan withdrew his gaze, the conclusion seemingly prewritten, inescapable. But he was not content with this predetermined fate. His strength was rapidly increasing, yet there was no joy in his heart. Only by striving higher and seeing farther in the imminent demise of everything could he find a sliver of hope. "Who can slice through darkness with their fists'' light? Who can illuminate the eternal night like the sun tearing through dawn, like the morning glow illuminating all directions, dispelling the long night, revealing a truly glorious mythic era, not just a transient glimmer?" Wang Xuan calmed down, resolved to follow his heart, step by step. If it all ended in mundanity, lost in the cycle of life and death, then let it be a grand dream, to sleep in eternal tranquility. "Thinking too much. Let''s stay grounded. In these worst times, I''ve had a perfect encounter, at least ensuring I have a chance to break through the Transcendent''s limit." With a small, yellow gourd, Wang Xuan collected Zheng Wu''s Heavenly Blood. As for the Heavenly Mandate the essence of Zheng Wu''s spirit it was already annihted. "I''ve had Elder Chen''s experience, my advancement has been too swift. Have I reached thete stage of Life Soil already?!" Just days ago, he unlocked the Inner Landscape with the True Bone, reaching the mid-stage of Life Soil. Now, he had taken another major leap. At this rate, he would soon enter the stage of Medicine Gathering. Other Transcendents could hardly imagine such rapid progress, especially tonight, as they sensed the waning aftershocks of the Transcendent world. "The ceiling is pressing down; even the realm of Transcendence is bing unreachable. Without even using weapons or mystical treasures, the innate transcendental essence within is slowly fading away!" All beings who crossed over from other realms shuddered at this reality. The fading of the transcendental aftermath this time seemed more terrifying than anticipated. Could it be leading to the eradication of all transcendents, leaving not a single mythic figure behind? At this moment, Wang Xuan felt none of that. His energy was abundant; the Life Soil teemed with transcendent vitality, infusing into his flesh, repeatedly purifying him. "Could I be on the verge of entering the Medicine Gathering realm?" he wondered with a frown, not wishing for such rapid progression. But then, he rxed. Having delved into Zheng Wu''s spiritual fragments, filled with various notes and insights from predecessors, he felt assured his foundation was solid. His Spirit Eye had scrutinized those imprints, as if living through the life of a once-in-an-era prodigy. "This is still not enough. I need my own realizations, maybe even open a Celestial Bone canister. When my spiritual perception reaches its limit, I willprehend thews, understand myself, and foresee the path ahead." Soon after, Chen Yongjie contacted him with cryptic words: "Eura, mountains, and rivers, irreconcble differences..." Chen seemed anxious, using codes to ensure Wang Xuan hadn''t been overtaken by the genius from the other realm. "Eura, foreignnd, heaven''s wrath, earth''s destruction..." Wang Xuan replied, assuring Chen. Relieved, Chen quickly updated him on thetest developments with their codednguage. "At least five strong individuals from the Zheng family crossed over, some carrying remnants of bones, clearly ascending in the other realm. I bombarded several blood shadows with my warship; they scattered multiple times before eventually fleeing underground. I suspect they''ll all head your way; be careful!" "There was one, we''ll talkter!" Wang Xuan quickly ended the call as a red shadow shed in the distant woods. Unconcerned, he turned to look at the Golden Tree in the cottage. "What happened to it? Why is it dimming? The consumption of transcendental essence is rmingly fast, almost depleted!" Punching through the air, Wang Xuan sensed the frightening speed of transcendental essence flow. Yet, most of the essence he''d expended was forcibly drawn back into his Life Soil. "nting the Heavenly Medicine has elevated and transformed the entire Life Soil. Such a wondrous benefit!" Wang Xuan marveled, once again realizing the advantages of a strong foundation. This night was different; the residual effects of the transcendent were dissipating, and the present world seemed cruel, with all signs pointing towards the extinction of the Transcendents. "Will I need to fight on my own from now on? Over time, mystical treasures will be unusable," Wang Xuan murmured, noting the rapid decline in the power of treasures and the intense increase in the consumption of transcendent essence. The Golden Tree now barely held any mysterious factors. After just a brief battle, the depletion was terrifying; no one could sustain such expenditure. This could also be attributed to the terrifying drop of golden blood from Zheng Yuan Tian, a supremely powerful being. Wang Xuan looked into the distance. His Spirit Eye saw clearly a blood shadow approaching, enveloping a piece of true bone. A celestial being from the Zheng family was arriving. "Son!" called the blood shadow from afar. Wang Xuan nodded in response, beckoning. But soon, he realized something was amiss; the other was using a secret code. He had responded incorrectly. Instead of subtly acknowledging, he should have corrected: "Zheng Wu is reborn. From now on, please call me Wang Xuan." He had seen these codes in Zheng Wu''s original fragments but had only nced over them, focusing on memories rted to cultivation. "Great news! Congrattions, son. The Celestial Embryo has taken root in the flesh of a mortal who opened their Inner Landscape. You''re about to create the most powerful Celestial Embryo!" The blood shadow''s bone had cracks, nearly shattered by Chen Yongjie. Wang Xuan had traded not only for the Golden Tree, the Jade Dragon Sword of Pre-Qin, and the Life-Ending Pool but also acquired a warship, which he gave to Chen Yongjie for use. He spared no expense, even using the Earth Immortal Spring, to confront the formidable Zheng family from the other realm. The celestial being was somewhat pitiful, constantly bombarded soon after arriving and struggling against modern technological weapons, eventually escaping through earth tunnelling. As the blood shadowplimented while approaching, its expression turned gravely serious. "Son, tonight the heavens and earth undergo drastic changes, and the myth further decays." "What do you feel?" asked Wang Xuan, knowing he had been exposed for not matching the secret code and that the other was trying to deceive him, waiting for an opportunity to strike. "The transcendentws are disappearing, but the residual effects remain. Before tonight, Transcendents crossing over could still exhibit power close to the realm of Transcendence. But now, they can only exert the strength of the sixth segment in the human world!" He spoke the harsh truth of the night''s drastic change. Mist, Lamp-Lighting, Life Soil, and Medicine Gathering are the first four minor realms in the human world. Each life-bearing in the starry sky has different systems and standards of division. Therefore, some prefer a more universal approach, corrting the nine minor realms of the human world directly with nine segments. Wang Xuan felt both anxious and relieved, his emotionsplex. The deteriorating transcendent environment was worrying, but the overall weakening of the beings crossing over from other realms lessened the pressure on him. Now, even without using mystical treasures, he might still possess the strength to fight. "Son, shall we proceed with the established n? Quietly taking control of a major conglomerate first, ensuring an invincible position regardless of the future. However, choosing between the Zhong and Qin families still requires your decision," said the blood shadow, stepping forward again. Wang Xuan nodded and replied, "Hmm." He was unsettled, knowing the Zheng family from beyond the veil was ruthless, aiming to covertly subvert a super conglomerate. "Also, son, we should start with those close to Wang Xuan, to prevent them from noticing your change. People like Chen Yongjie, Qin Cheng, and others..." As he spoke, the blood shadow suddenly attacked, transforming into a crimson mist lunging at Wang Xuan. His face was ferocious, filled with boundless killing intent, as he roared, "You killed our son, causing the unparalleled celestial embryo destined to dominate the Transcendents to fall. Die!" Wang Xuan looked at him coldly, not waving the banner in his hand but instead rolling it up. A whoosh sound followed as golden patterns intertwined, stripping the true bone away from the attacker. His control over the God-ying Banner was bing increasingly intuitive. A Celestial Bone Can was now in his possession, ready for a collective blind box opening with friends and acquaintances, potentially benefiting everyone around him. Then, Wang Xuan put away the banner. His physical body was full of terrifying vitality, and his spirit was robust. He decided to confront head-on the beings that had crossed over from beyond the veil, especially after the drastic changes of the night. The blood shadow screamed in agony as its true bone was stripped away in an instant, losing arge chunk of its spirit in the process. Already gravely wounded by the bombardment from the warship, it now suffered even more. But its assault didn''t cease. Deprived of celestial methods and transcendent rules, it remained formidable. Its palm moved like a rainbow, and thunder roared, illuminating the entire forest. Indeed, the being was powerful, drawing dense lightning with its hand, a truly astonishing sight. But Wang Xuan was undaunted. His body shone with a rain of light, and with a single step, he aggressively charged towards the opponent. His fist imprint was terrifying, as if it could pierce through the void itself. This was the Ascendent Fist, derived from the ancient golden bamboo scrolls of the Pre-Qin era! Boom! The sky thundered, and nearby ancient trees and massive rocks shattered under the brilliance of the Ascendent Fist. Wang Xuan''s expression remained cold, his vitality robust, engaging in pure physicalbat with unmatched bravery. His strongest foundation was now evident; despite the current world''s correction and his lower realmpared to his opponent, his lethality was astonishing. Boom! The blood shadow, after several fierce shes and battles, nearly disintegrated. All because the world no longer had transcendent rules, and the Celestials had lost their nurturing ground. The blood shadow was no longer celestial, now just fragments of a damaged spirit. "What kind of boxing is this?!" The expert from the Zheng family was astounded. Even with the copse of the transcendent world, he was once among the ranks of the Celestials. Yet, someone of a lower realm was now able to fiercely contend with him, making him feel as if he could explode at any moment. What shocked him the most was that Wang Xuan, in his physical form, could injure his spiritual body with physical fist imprints! Wang Xuan didn''t bother responding. Now, as he executed the Ascendent Fist, his physical and spiritual essence merged, allowing him to strike down the opponent''s spirit form with his physical fists. Forced by the situation, he had been relying on mystical treasures and unable to confront beings from other realms physically. But tonight, having enhanced himself, he finally fought with his physical body, feeling exhratingly satisfied. He hadn''t engaged in personalbat for a long time, and this felt thoroughly enjoyable. His punches, apanied by sonic booms, were devastating, obliterating anything that stood in his way. "Impossible!" eximed the celestial from the Zheng family in shock. Eventually, Wang Xuan''s punch obliterated him. The blood shadow copsed, and the spirit body disintegrated, unable to reassemble. Boom! Wang Xuan delivered another punch, causing the opponent''s spirit to explodepletely, burning away in the light of his fist, and utterly erasing it. After clearing the scene, another blood shadow appeared in the distance about a quarter of an hourter the second true celestial from the Zheng family had arrived. "Son!" "Zheng Wu reborn, from now on, please call me Wang Xuan," Wang Xuan replied calmly, correctly responding to the secret code this time. Chapter 290: Unparallel Chapter 290: Unparallel The blood-colored figure was visibly excited, believing that Wang Xuan had sessfully rooted the strongest demonic embryo within the host, potentially looking down upon all Celestials in the future. Convinced of Zheng Wu''s exceptional talent, hailed as a rare genius in the celestial realm behind the veil, the figure felt reassured. After all, Zheng Wu was endowed with a few drops of the supreme being''s golden blood, making his conquest of the "fleshly soil" of the mortal world seem like a routine operation. Nevertheless, the figure remained cautious, repeatedly probing Wang Xuan with various cryptic phrases as agreed upon. Wang Xuan confidently passed all tests, mimicking Zheng Wu''s mannerisms and speech without giving himself away. In a hushed tone, the blood-colored figure asked, "Son, shall we target the Zhong family soon? Or should we choose the Qin family? I lean towards the Zhong family. Our investigations show that their secret vault is immensely rich." His voice, emanating from the vibrating blood mist and bones, made Wang Xuan nce with a hint of reluctance, seeing another potential "Inner Landscape canned good." However, Wang Xuan restrained himself, recognizing the figure''s value as a former celestial with significant capabilities. It wasn''t time to harvest yet. Pondering, Wang Xuan replied, "I''ll think about it. Don''t act rashly." "Understood, son. But we shouldn''t dy too long, as many are eyeing the target. The Zhong family possesses not only top-tier treasures but also the highest scriptures of the Taoiststhe Golden Bamboo Scrolls. Moreover, they likely have the legendary Five-Colored Jade Texts." The figure''s eyes glowed with desire, his true bone resonating eagerly even at his advanced stage. The prospect of acquiring such scriptures was tantalizing even to someone as long-established as him. Wang Xuan smiled, "Now I am Wang Xuan. I have a good rtionship with two descendants of the Zhong family. We can take a shortcut. The supreme scriptures won''t slip away." "Yes, being close to the source provides an advantage. I hadn''t thought this fleshly soil would be so useful," the figure rejoiced,ughing along. Suddenly, a flicker of regret passed through the depths of his eyes, unnoticed by most but keenly caught by Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye. A problem had arisen, and Wang Xuan sighed in frustration, sensing the figure had detected something amiss. Suddenly, the blood-colored figure erupted in a blinding crimson light, its spirit transforming into a torrential red cascade, attempting to pierce through Wang Xuan''s forehead and annihte his spirit, seizing his body. "Are you insane? Trying to y your master while I''m weakened?" Wang Xuan dodged the attack, eager to understand the w in his disguise. "You killed our young master, obstructed his supreme path, and dare to impersonate him!" The blood-colored figure was deeply aggrieved, unable to ept that the prodigious young master he had watched grow had been defeated by a mere mortal destined to be mere fleshly nourishment. He wouldn''t divulge where Wang Xuan had slipped up, his eyes cold and ruthless. His spirit, like a misty aurora, attempted to invade Wang Xuan''s body. "How is it that you sought to root in my flesh, to strip away all that is mine, yet bear a grudge against me?" Wang Xuan spoke calmly. Deciding not to waste more time, Wang Xuan''s vitality surged, and his transcendental energy expanded. In this moment, his physical and spiritual forms were unified, exuding an aura of the immortal path. Taking the initiative, Wang Xuan, surrounded by a white celestial mist, struck with his physical body directly against the assant''s spirit, dispersing the crimson haze in an instant. "You..." The blood-colored figure was shocked. What kind of method allowed Wang Xuan''s physical form to destroy an intangible spirit? His condition wasn''t much better than the previous assant, having been fragmented upon crossing the veil, and now he was at his weakest. Wang Xuan, intent on efficiency, wielded the Godyer Banner, swiftly stripping away the true bone from the figure, leaving him rootless and screaming in shock. Then, the banner unfurled slowly, trapping him. His spirit showed fine cracks, ready to burst upon a forceful shake of the banner. Using his spiritual eye, Wang Xuan read the spirit''s imprints, seeking to understand his own shorings that had cost him a valuable ally. "So it was," Wang Xuan realized the problemy in the absence of a faint aura of celestial blood and the unerased traces of the embryonic sac. "Next time, I''ll do even better, wlessly." "To think, a mere mortal transcendent in this world could counterstrike us..." The blood-colored figuremented their faction''s heavy losses. What worried him most was Wang Xuan''s intent to impersonate their young master, a move with grave consequences. The Zheng family''s celestial being trembled inwardly, increasingly fearful. The more he thought, the more he dreaded the potential repercussions if they couldn''t expose Wang Xuan soon. Who knew what terrifying events might unfold? Wang Xuan spoke softly, "I made a mistake and must bear the consequences. I''ll have to turn you into a celestial bone can now." The celestial being from the Zheng family was stunned, then trembled with rage. ''You make a mistake and I pay the price?'' he fumed. With a thud, Wang Xuan mmed down the banner, shattering the celestial being without an ounce of sympathy. The Zheng family sought to strip him of everything; he was resolved to see who would have thestugh. Sitting cross-legged, Wang Xuan circted his supreme scripture, erasing the nine dark red marks on his body. He then ced a drop of Zheng Wu''s celestial blood in his Life Soil, letting out faint traces of its essence. He reflected, "I''ve lost two powerful subordinates who could have been useful. I can''t afford such mishaps again." When the third celestial being from the Zheng family arrived, everything went smoothly, with no mistakes. "Master, are you feeling unwell?" the person asked with concern. Wang Xuan frowned, "After nting the celestial herb''s main root, itcks vitality and shows no signs of revival. Contact the others from behind the veil; I need more celestial nectar and the Five-Colored Soil from Mount Bu Zhou." His words were a fabrication. The person nodded and left to make arrangements. Wang Xuan''s expression was calm. Not knowing when he might be exposed, he decided to take advantage of the situation while he could. If Chen Yongjie really found the celestial herb seeds of Sakyamuni, then preparing some celestial nectar and Five-Colored Soil from Mount Bu Zhou in advance would be prudent. The fourth Zheng family celestial being arrived. After a conversation, Wang Xuan informed him, "Though the celestial blood and destiny rooted in the flesh are effective, I feel my spirit and blood are unstable, especially with transcendence fading. In this environment, I need stabilizing divine items and celestial resources. I aim to solidify my foundation and nurture the strongest demonic embryo." "Master is unparalleled, with lofty aspirations. You''re destined to be a supreme being!" The Zheng family''s celestial being said with fervent admiration before disappearing into the night. When the fifth blood-colored figure appeared, it suggested Wang Xuan swiftly take over the Zhong family. "Our old master greatly valued the Five-Colored Jade Book and the Golden Bamboo Scrolls." Wang Xuan nodded, "Indeed, I''m well aware. Those scriptures are not to be touched by others. Keep a close watch. Whoever dares to meddle will be the first to face the consequences." Following that, he added, "Also, investigate thoroughly which major factions are nning to target Wang Xuan. Keep an eye on them; intervene where necessary and eliminate threats if needed. Oh, and the people close to Wang Xuan shouldn''t encounter any mishaps recently, or else, do you think I should avenge them?" Under the high-hanging moon, amidst the serene night, Wang Xuan stood alone in the forest, feeling clear-headed and refreshed. With a powerful faction backing him, actions felt incredibly satisfying. After issuing hismands, a group of experts served him, saving him time, effort, and worry. He thenmunicated with Old Chen using codednguage, informing him that all was going well and that they would visit the Zhong family the next day to open the ''can''. Chen Yongjie immediately understood and responded, "I''m bringing my family!" Wang Xuan advised him to also bring Qin Cheng and Professor Lin along, revealing that they had celestial bones, which could certainly initiate the opening of the Inner Landscape. He wanted those close to him to receive a blessing before the uing era of destion. That night, the beings who crossed over from behind the veil struggled. These young people, despite being heavily injured during the crossing, were originally masters of the eighth or even ninth stage in the human world. But now, their overall strength had diminished, filling them with intense unease. They felt as if the eternal night of immortality had be perpetually silent, with no dawn or morning light in sight. "What happened tonight? Why was there another sudden copse?" Wang Xuan spent the night in quiet meditation, his spiritual essence seeping into every inch of his flesh. The unification of his spirit, energy, and body brought him an unprecedented sense of well-being. His spirit, rooted deep within his flesh, was nourished by his vigorous blood, making it even more robust. His physical body, in turn, purified and strengthened by his spiritual power, gleamed with vitality. A drop of his blood, glowing in the night, hinted at his extraordinary state. In the early morning, Wang Xuan opened his eyes and began his journey home. By mid-morning, he arrived in Kun City, the stronghold of the Zhong family. He was there to return the Pool of Rebirth, realizing that if he hadn''t buried the ashen pool in his Life Soil beforehand, his situation would have been precarious. The Zhong family''s estate was vast, with towering ancient trees and lush green grass. Nearby, a smallke shimmered, dotted with lotus flowers and lively koi, emanating a sense of tranquil vitality. "Wang Xuan, you''re finally here. Since you took the Pool of Rebirth, at first everything was fine, but since yesterday, our ce has been like a haunted house with all sorts of disturbances," Zhong Cheng greeted him, speaking in hushed tones about the strange urrences. Fortunately, the Zhong family still possessed numerous other treasures and formidable weapons. An ancient nine-tiered stone pagoda in the courtyard glowed in the night, having refined some unknown creature that had emitted a piercing scream. "That might be the Demon Refining Pagoda!" Wang Xuanmented, having recognized its extraordinary nature earlier. The powerful beings from behind the veil had their eyes on this ce for a reason it was filled with precious artifacts. "There''s also arge copper furnace that glowedst night, seemingly capturing something," Zhong Cheng added, shaking his head. The chaotic night had him convinced that they couldn''t stay in this New World any longer. "Those inscriptions... that''s an incense burner originally from the Daoist ancestral temple. Such luxury!" Wang Xuan had been captivated by it during hisst visit. "That guy''s back again, bothering my sister," Zhong Cheng said, looking towards a group approaching the Zhong residence, his expression less than pleased. Cao Qingyu had arrived with several young men and women, all descendants of the immortals, surrounded by wisps of white mist, exuding an air of otherworldliness. A handsome young man among them spoke up, "That Wang Xuan is here again. Is he going to spoil Brother Cao''s ns again? Last time, Brother Cao just smiled and left. We can''t let him get away with it this time." A beautiful woman, her form wreathed in mist, not a stunning beauty but certainly possessing an immortal''s grace, added, "Wang Xuan is crucial. Various factions believe he has prematurely opened his Inner Landscape. We need him. Brother Cao''s patience is about drawing him out to guide our ancestor into this world." A tall, muscr man joined in, "Last night, the remnants of transcendence copsed again, dimming the veil even more. The powerful beings behind it are restless, likely to cross over soon. We need to act quickly to prepare for their arrival." Cao Qingyu nodded and said, "I''ve received some secret information. There have been some unexpected developments, and ns need to be adjusted. However, taking over the Zhong family is still a priority." At the same time, more visitors arrived at the Zhong family''s door. Among them were Kong Yun, who had spent two days on the New Moon, and Huang Ming, known as the ''Immortal Huang'', along with others. The Zhong family possessed items too rare and coveted, already attracting the attention of beings from beyond the veil. A third group of visitors then arrived, led by a woman. Her facial features were elegantly beautiful, reminiscent of ssical paintings, exuding an ethereal charm that seemed detached from the mundane world. She had an excellent figure, but her attire was quite... modern, not what one would expect from a being who had stepped out of the veil. She wore shorts, revealing her fair long legs, and a simple T-shirt paired with flowing long hair, presenting an elegant and graceful figure. Zhong Cheng gestured to Wang Xuan, indicating the woman, and said, "See that? Thats Zhou Shiqi, my sister''s close friend. She puts quite a bit of pressure on my sister with her aura of immortality." "Your family sure is lively," Wang Xuan remarked, aware that these were all descendants of the immortals, each with their own motives, eyeing various treasures. "As soon as we leave, they can do whatever they want, but for now, they can''t cause chaos," Zhong Cheng said with a sense of detachment. He then turned to Wang Xuan and asked, "Old Wang, how are you holding up? Can you give that Cao Qingyu a good beating? I really don''t like the look of him." Wang Xuan looked in that direction and replied, "Chances are, he doesn''t like the look of us either, probably finds us in the way." "Beat him up!" Zhong Cheng whispered, irritated that Cao Qingyu was eyeing his sister and, by extension, plotting for the Zhong family''s assets. "He really deserves a st from the battleship." Chapter 291: A Real Sect Master Chapter 291: A Real Sect Master "Aren''t we still letting Wang Xuan off easy?" a handsome young man spoke up, observing Wang Xuan from a distance. Despite his youthful appearance, he had already reached the realm of ''Xiaoyao You'' in the higher spirit world, capable of traversing thousands of miles with a single thought. However, having suffered grievous injuries during the cross-realm journey, he now barely surpassed the ''Caiyao'' level, just managing to hold his ground in the fifth segment of the mortal realm. A beautiful woman next to Cao Qingyu, radiating an ethereal aura, suggested, "Should we test him? If we can subdue him, we should capture him immediately! ording to thetest information, the situation beyond the veil is quite intense. Our ancestral master might cross over soon, having abandoned the struggle for the ''Xiaoyao Zhou''." The sudden appearance of such a treasure before the veil''s extinguishing had led even the most exceptional beings to forsake all else in pursuit of it. The ''Xiaoyao Zhou,'' renowned for traversing all higher spirit worlds, could reach realms even the immortals couldn''t. Once, someone navigated it into the highest spirit world and harvested two celestial herbs, establishing an unparalleled foundation. Cao Qingyu''s expression turned serious as he added, "Not just that, the ''Ren Shi Jian'' has also been sighted, its brilliant sword light briefly slicing open the realm of the immortals in a soon-to-be-extinguished veil." The group was visibly shaken, their expressions changing dramatically. "The ''Ren Shi Jian'' has appeared too? It''s been missing for countless years and was rumored to be in the mortal world, not beyond the veil," someone remarked. Rumored to be indestructible, capable of cutting through the veil itself, obtaining this treasure could free the immortals from their confinement. The ''Ren Shi Jian,'' ''Xiaoyao Zhou,'' ''Yangsheng Lu,'' ''Yuhua Fan,'' and several other treasures each possessed unique and extraordinary powers, surpassing all other artifacts. The simultaneous emergence of two such treasures was unprecedented and astonishing. "Could this be misinformation, or deliberately misleading? The ''Ren Shi Jian'' shouldn''t be appearing beyond the veil," someone spected. Cao Qingyu shook his head, "It seems genuine. An immortal being was severely wounded by its sword qi, something ordinary weapons couldn''t achieve." "The world is in turmoil. The appearance of these two treasures marks an unprecedented event. Whoever obtains one might just survive the extinction of the mythological era and preserve their transcendent powers." Meanwhile, Kong Yun, Huang Ming, and other descendants of mythical beings also discussed the matter, wondering how two such treasures could emerge at the end of an era, offering a glimmer of hope in desperate times. "Our demon n''s exceptional being, as reported, was nning to cross the veil, but stopped to pursue the ''Ren Shi Jian.'' If she obtains it, she can undoubtedly carve her way out of the immortal realm on her own strength," Kong Yun murmured in awe, recalling how the peerless demon immortal once vied for the ''Yangsheng Lu,'' frightening various ns into retreat and personally ying exceptional beings. Now, as she prepares to act again, the situation beyond the veil stirs dramatically. "That''s Wang Xuan," a woman beside Zhou Shiqi pointed out, indicating the young man in the distance whom Shiqi had been eager to meet. Despite the recent appearances of the ''Ren Shi Jian'' and ''Xiaoyao Zhou,'' not everyone who obtains such treasures might be willing to lead others from different factions out of the veil. Any exceptional being who masters such a treasure instantly bes invincible, free to roam all realms unopposed, posing a grave threat to others. Therefore, some ancestral masters have abandoned the struggle for these treasures, opting to enter the mortal world directly. "How can we persuade him to help us and invite our ancestral master across the veil?" Zhou Shiqi pondered, her delicate nose wrinkling in thought. "Of course, by marrying him," a woman yfully suggested. "An immortal beauty of renown from the immortal realm marrying a mortal would surely entice him." Another girl nodded in agreement, "Exactly, a near-celestial beauty from the immortal realm bing thepanion of a mortal, what could he possibly be dissatisfied with?" "Don''t speak nonsense," Shiqi chided, her pert nose crinkling. While some in her faction advocated a conciliatory approach, others considered alternate strategies. "Such a pity, though, he''s just a neer to the transcendent realm, unworthy of Shiqi," someone remarked. Moreover, she analyzed that after assisting in summoning their ancestral master, Wang Xuan''s innerndscape might be ruined, likely reducing him to a mere mortal. Well, he does have a good track record. But if he cant use the treasures, hes useless due to his low cultivation level. It was apparent that Wang Xuans secrets had been revealed to the descendents of the Immortals. They wanted to recruit him. They were able to guess that he had a unique Inner Landscape. But not many of them guessed that he unlocked it when he was still a mortal, as such an implication would be scary. "I''ll provoke him, and if he doesn''t use any mystical treasures, I''ll quickly defeat him and take him away!" dered a handsome young man from Cao Qingyu''s camp, preparing to challenge Wang Xuan. In their camp, there was growing impatience amidst the changing dynamics following the curtain''s fall. "Are you Wang Xuan?" the young man approached, his demeanor light and his smile gentle. "To cultivate to such a level in an era of declining transcendence is quite remarkable. I have the utmost respect for talents like you and am eager for an opportunity to spar with you. May I have the honor?" Dressed in flowing white robes, he moved with an ethereal grace,ing close to where Wang Xuan and Zhong Cheng stood. Everyone''s gaze turned towards them, aware that this was no ordinary figure. He had once reached the grand realm of ''Xiaoyao You'' in the higher world behind the curtain. "Oh, and who might you be?" Wang Xuan inquired, looking at him. "I am Jiang Yuan," the young man in white responded with a smile. "Someone from Cao Qingyu''s faction, a direct descendant of the immortals. Be careful, Wang," Zhong Cheng cautioned. His confidence in Wang Xuan was strong, but facing the reality of the opponent''s origin, his assurance waned. "Wang Xuan, don''t engage," urged Zhong Qing, who had spent most of her time hiding in Old Zhong''s study due to the many who sought her. Particrly Cao Qingyu''s unsettling nces and his invasive spiritual energy made her wary and reluctant to engage with him. Unlike Zhong Cheng, she didn''t feel the need to confront Cao Qingyu. While she believed in Wang Xuan''s capabilities, she feared he might not stand a chance against the descendants of the immortals. "Little Qing," greeted Zhou Shiqi with a sweet smile, walking over with a light, elegant gait. Zhong Qing returned the smile. Zhou Shiqi exuded a refined, otherworldly charm, which both awed and disheartened Zhong Qing. Standing together, both women were strikingly beautiful and elegant, captivating those around them. "Brother Wang, I sincerely wish to exchange insights," said Jiang Yuan earnestly. "Please forgive my obsession with martial arts. I''m curious about a transcendent being born in an age where cultivation is fading. May we spar?" "Certainly," Wang Xuan agreed with a smile, to the surprise of many. Despite his undeniable skills, his cultivation level was rtively lower, and onlookers wondered if he could deliver an unexpected performance. "Actually, we''re not so different. I''ve broken over a dozen bones and they''re still healing, and my spirit is also injured. At most, I''m at the ''Caiyao'' realm," Jiang Yuan said with a smile. Wang Xuan just smiled in response, saying nothing. Zhong Qing red at her brother, suspecting he had egged Wang Xuan on. "Don''t worry, we''re here. Nothing unexpected will happen," Zhou Shiqi whispered reassuringly, her past near-divine status lending her confidence. Only a few, like Cao Qingyu and Kong Yun, could rival her in the gathering. As one of the outstanding descendants of the immortals, Zhou Shiqi was undoubtedly a prominent figure from behind the curtain. Suddenly, the two began their confrontation. Jiang Yuan, d in his fluttering white robe, moved like lightning. He seemed to teleport, leaving an afterimage in his original spot. His right hand shot out, fingers syed, emitting a blinding sword light aimed at Wang Xuan. Simultaneously, his left palm released a beam of light,ced with faint runes, wrapping around Wang Xuan like chains. He struck like thunder, hoping to end the fight swiftly. Capturing Wang Xuan instantly would be ideal, to use him as a conduit for crossing realms. However, he was overly optimistic. Wang Xuan activated the stone tablet scripture, his body radiating a dazzling secret power. He formed hand seals like blooming lotuses, unleashing terrifying transcendent energy. "Seal, break!" he thundered, uttering these two true words. Jiang Yuan''s attacks were instantly nullified, his sword light dimming as if frozen, and his light chains halted, hanging silently in mid-air. As Wang Xuan''s hand gestures changed, the ''Seal'' transformed into ''Break'', shattering the sword light and breaking the light chains. With a loud thump, his hand seal hit Jiang Yuan, sending him flying back, blood spilling from his mouth in disbelief. "How is this possible?" Jiang Yuan, a descendant of the immortals and a practitioner of immortal techniques, felt a primal fear facing Wang Xuan''s true words, as if a herbivore facing a predator. "What technique is he practicing?" Jiang Yuan wondered, his heart pounding with curiosity and doubt. Wang Xuan didn''t reveal that he was using the highest scriptures, for which even the immortals behind the curtain had once fought to the death, with supreme masters perishing because of it. The crowd was astounded. Jiang Yuan, a descendant of the immortals and a master from behind the curtain, had been defeated so cleanly? Many were speechless, their eyes filled with newfound respect for Wang Xuan, who had exceeded their expectations. "Afterst night''s copse of the transcendent aftereffects, he wasn''t affected?" Huang Ming whispered from a distance, knowing Wang Xuan''s background well. Was Wang Xuan not weakened by the changing environment but instead had grown stronger? Huang Ming was dumbfounded at this revtion. "In this world, to achieve this level, he truly is an anomaly," someone near Zhou Shiqi murmured, finding Wang Xuan''s performance exceedingly unusual. Zhong Qing was stunned, not expecting Wang Xuan to defeat a descendant of the immortals so swiftly. Zhou Shiqi, once almost divine herself, was equally surprised. How did Wang Xuan cultivate to such a level in this world? "Old Wang, awesome!" Zhong Cheng eximed, feeling exhrated. Even descendants of immortals were no match here. A young man in a T-shirt and jeans from Cao Qingyu''s group stepped forward, challenging, "Let me spar with you." From outside thewn, another voice called out, "Enough already, one after another, when will it end? If you insist on fighting, then spar with me. In this world, there''s not only Wang Xuan but also a ''Chen Patriarch.''" A young man radiating Buddha''s light, majestic and divine, approached, wielding a ck sword about one and a half meters long. The man in the T-shirt and jeans didn''t stop but instead asked, "Monk, you want to spar with me?" Without a word, Chen Yongjie drew his long sword and struck, bathed in a brilliant Buddha''s light like an angry deity. Sword shing and Buddha''s light surging, Chen Yongjie overwhelmed the man. After several shes, he ced his sword at the man''s neck, drawing a line of blood. One more push, and the head would fall. "Take note, I''m a patriarch of this world, not a Buddha. Watch your words!" Chen Yongjie sternly warned his family nearby! His confidence was genuine, unfazed whether his opponent was a descendant of immortals or not, because, in ancient times, he indeed would have been a patriarch. The scene fell silent, awe-struck. Two seemingly ordinary transcendents had just dominated their group? Chapter 292: A Screen Against The Otherworld Chapter 292: A Screen Against The Otherworld The scene was one of sheer astonishment. Two transcendent beings from the modern world had just effortlessly subdued the scions of celestial lineages. Those present, descendants of illustrious immortals, found themselves bested by individuals who bore the true essence of immortal bloodlines. Huang Ming, observing the scene, couldn''t help but express his amazement, "This monk truly is formidable." There was an undeniable sense of the extraordinary about Wang Xuan and hispanion. A low murmur arose among Zhou Shiqi''s group, one suggesting, "Perhaps it''s a predestined revtion from the Buddhist sect, cing a Golden Arhat among us in this era." One of Cao Qingyu''s associates stepped forward, eager to challenge the so-called monk. Yet, before he could act, he was restrained by arade. Chen Yongjie, overhearing their remarks, bristled with irritation. Internally he protested, "Do I really look like a monk to them?" In response, he forcefully kicked the man in casual jeans and a T-shirt away, wielding his ck sword with a daunting presence that silenced the crowd. The observers were left speechless. Chen Yongjie''s aura, radiant with Buddha''s light and disying the formidable Sixteen-Foot Golden Body technique of Buddhism, left little room for denial about his spiritual lineage. Huang Ming, analyzing the situation, whispered, "Well, given his practice of Buddhist techniques, isn''t he akin to a Buddhisty practitioner? Referring to him as a monk is a sign of respect." Nods of agreement rippled through the crowd; their logic seemed unassable. Frustrated, Chen Yongjie swung his ck sword through the air, his dark aura surging with such intensity it seemed to challenge the heavens themselves. Kong Yun, taking in the remarkable scene, voiced his wonder, "How did they reach such heights amidst the decline of transcendence?" The gathering was profoundly affected by the spectacle. In an age seemingly inhospitable to cultivation, the emergence of such formidable figures sparked both awe and unease. They pondered their own potential fates had they been born in this less mystical era, stirring aplex mix of emotions within. Amidst this contemtion, Wang Xuan stood there, nodding with a satisfied smile. His efforts in cultivating Chen Yongjie as a protector of the path had evidently paid off, a fact that he seemed quietly proud of. "Facing the constant challenges ahead, I can''t always be directly involved. Soon, I''ll have Chen Yongjie step in to handle some of these confrontations. He''ll be more than capable of holding his own," Wang Xuan thought to himself. If Chen Yongjie knew of this n, he''d surely have a strong reaction. As for engaging in a few spars, Chen Yongjie set a firm rule for himself: absolutely no internal fighting to prevent any disastrous losses. "I''ll go!" said Chen Yan, a woman from Cao Qingyu''s camp. She wasn''t exceptionally beautiful, but her ethereal aura and elegance made her stand out. One of the most formidable among them, Chen Yan had once glimpsed the path to bing an Earth Immortal. Though not fully recovered from her injuries, she was still a force to be reckoned with. However, Cao Qingyu stopped her. They had roughly gauged Wang Xuan''s strength through the defeats of their peers. This was just the beginning; there would be plenty of opportunities in the future. Guan Lin approached with a radiant smile. Having consumed the Earth Immortal Spring, she seemed even more youthful and vibrant. She greeted Wang Xuan and hispanions warmly. Qin Cheng and Professor Lin also arrived, aware that today might present the greatest opportunity of their cultivation journey. "As modern individuals, meeting you all in this era feels surreal and fateful," said Zhong Qing, the hostess. She wanted to ease any tension, expressing her genuine feelings. "In the past, the celestial world behind the veil was just a legend. The Immortals had vanished for centuries, untouchable. Yet here we are, meeting in modern society. I see this as a fortunate connection. With such a positive beginning, I hope we can coexist peacefully and joyfully." Zhong Qing knew they would soon depart, taking what they could and leaving the rest behind. The Zhong family sought stability, preferring to avoid conflict with the descendants of the Immortals. Despite the constant vignce, with warships ready to strike from the sky, the ethereal beings in their spiritual forms were challenging adversaries. Zhong Qing felt a deep reluctance. If given a choice, she wouldn''t want to leave Earth for the mysterious and distant cosmos. After all, it meant leaving her home behind. Old Zhong had warned her that the descendants of the Immortals currently present were not the main threat. The real danger woulde when those who had fought their way through fields of corpses and rivers of blood returned. Those exalted beings and dominators of the celestial world, who once casually razed cities and left mountains of skeletons in their wake, or the supreme sword immortals who could slice off moon fragments with a single strike, were truly fearsome. If they decided to possess or inhabit the bodies of the wealthy and powerful, it would be nearly impossible to defend against. Suddenly, Wang Xuan felt a prickling sensation, as if a celestial sword was about to pierce his skin, almost suffocating him. What was happening? Such a feeling of extreme danger overwhelmed him, as though a great disaster was imminent. His eyes suddenly shone brilliantly, scanning the surroundings. He looked at everyone present but found nothing unusual. Who was targeting him? Wang Xuan teleported several times, summoning an ancient dark-redmp to cast a protective light shield around himself, but to no avail. His body ached as if shed by knives. Even with his usual ability to see beyond the ordinary, Wang Xuan saw nothing out of ce. However, as his spirit left his body and hovered overhead, he noticed something rming on his skin: a series of ck lines, like chains, binding him. They seemed poised to burrow into his flesh and wind around his bones, invisible yet lethal. "What in the world is this?" he thought, feeling a cold chill seeping into his bones. Who was attempting to kill his physical form with such a mysterious method? At that moment, Wang Xuan faintly perceived the sound of shing chains, as if invisible iron links were drawing him away. "Wang Xuan, what''s happening to you?" the others noticed his distress. His body was now covered in dark-red, with inexplicable blood seeping out, clearly showing he was constricted by unseen ropes. His condition was deteriorating rapidly. "What''s wrong with you?" Chen Yongjie rushed over, his long sword ready, attempting to purify the area with a burst of Buddha''s light, but it was ineffective. Wang Xuan activated the highest scripture, with the stone tablet teachings resonating within him. His entire body vibrated in an odd rhythm, his skin radiating dazzling light intermixed with a cloud of blood mist. He was attempting to burn through the ck chains. Invisible and intangible, only the spiritual eye could perceive this menace. Under broad daylight, Wang Xuan was under a mysterious attack, instilling in him a severe sense of crisis. Someone, through inexplicable means, was capable of threatening his life. Wang Xuan fought with all his might against this unseen assault. A chillier presence approached, making him look up sharply. From the void above, seven small crimson swords descended silently, each less than a foot long, materializing suddenly and aiming straight for him. Each sword corresponded to one of his organs: five for his viscera, one for his abdomen, and one for his skull. The swords hadn''t yet touched his skin, but Wang Xuan already felt a tearing pain, as blood began to seep from the affected areas, causing goosebumps to rise. The protective light shield formed by the ancientmp was ignored entirely by the blood-colored swords, which pierced through it and approached his skin with a bone-chilling killing intent. "Wang Xuan, what''s happening to you?" Chen Yongjie swung his ck sword, trying to cut through the void based on his sharp intuition. But the crimson swords seemed incorporeal, warping space and time around Wang Xuan, invisible and untouchable to others. "There''s trouble. Brother Wang, do you need help?" Kong Yun, a descendant of the mythical creatures, approached with others. "I''ll take a look," said Cao Qingyu, stepping forward with his group. "What is this? A curse, or some unknown mystical force?" wondered Zhou Shiqi, her eyes shining with curiosity as she moved closer. "Everyone, stay back. Don''te any closer," Wang Xuan warned. With a loud burst, a surge of blood-red light erupted from his pores, forming a glowing barrier against the seven crimson swords. At the same time, the ck iron chains around him rattled and tightened, pulling him off the ground and attempting to drag him into the air. A streak of energy shot up from Wang Xuan as he activated an indestructible short sword. It sliced through the air near the ck chains, causing light and shadow to twist and space to seemingly copse, but it was ineffective against the chains. In an era where mythology was copsing, who still possessed such capabilities? Silently binding him like a hellish ferryman operating in broad daylight, the entity seemed intent on taking him away. Wang Xuan''s blood boiled more fiercely, bing increasingly blinding. Operating the teachings from the stone tablet, he momentarily resisted the seven blood-colored swords. They had pierced his skin but hadn''t prated deep into his body. His skin was drenched in blood, a terrifying sight to behold. "Wang Xuan!" Professor Lin, just arriving, was shocked at the scene. He examined the marks on Wang Xuan''s body, trying to corrte them with descriptions from ancient texts. Qin Cheng rushed over and grabbed Zhong Cheng, urgently saying, If Old Wang gets into trouble, well strike back at the descendants of the Celestials! Their brazen actions might be aimed at your Zhong family, intending to overthrow you today! That makes sense. Lets prepare for that. If anyone dares to cause trouble, well fight to the bitter end and spill blood if necessary! Zhong Cheng dered. Chen Yongjie channeled the teachings of the Shakya scriptures, his eyes zing like goldenmps, projecting two fiery beams. He also summoned a golden Buddhist power, enveloping Wang Xuan''s area to help purify him from malevolent forces. The Shakya scriptures, being a supreme Buddhist text, dimmed the chilling aura of the blood-colored swords to some extent. Wang Xuan was certain that this was not a mental invasion or a visible attack of super-material force. This strange, invisible, and chilling power was highly peculiar. Do you see anything? he asked Chen Yongjie secretly, continuing to stimte the teachings from the stone tablet, expanding the dazzling force within him, merging with his consciousness like a surging sea, cleansing every inch of his flesh. Chen Yongjie''s expression was grave as hemunicated telepathically, confirming he couldn''t see anything either. The parts of the ck iron chains embedded in Wang Xuan''s flesh were scorched red hot by the supreme teachings, some parts nearly melting and emitting a strange and icy ck light. I dont care what you are, daring to attack me, well fight to the death! Wang Xuan said coldly. This might be some kind of curse. Let me check for you, offered Zhou Shiqi, her feet glowing as she moved gracefully closer, intending to inspect Wang Xuan''s condition. Stay back! Wang Xuanmanded, his body bleeding while his eyes shot out two lightning-like beams, intimidating and preventing direct eye contact. Brother Wang, we mean no harm. Your situation looks grave! Kong Yun approached as well, instructing Huang Ming and others to guard the surroundings against potential enemy attacks. You too, stay back! Wang Xuan insisted, distrusting the descendants of the Celestials amidst this life-threatening ordeal, remaining highly alert. Cao Qingyu and his group spread out, also on guard. I have a way. The Purifying Light Technique can cleanse various curses! Chen Yan, the second strongest in Cao Qingyus camp and someone who had neared the Celestial realm, spoke up. A faint purifying light blossomed, rippling towards Wang Xuan like a wave, aiming to cleanse his body. Boom! Wang Xuan''s body radiated intensely, with glowing blood erupting from his pores, transforming into a dazzling crimson aura, like thunderps shattering the silence, making everyone''s eardrums ring as if they were about to burst. Chen Yan''s purifying light was instantly dispersed, exploding into nothingness. "Anyone who approaches is my enemy. All of you, back off!" Wang Xuan bellowed. "Back off!" echoed Chen Yongjie, resembling an enraged deity, his body aze with golden Buddhist light. Wielding hisrge ck sword, he forced the crowd to retreat. "You''re being unreasonable. I was only trying to help," Chen Yan retorted, her entire being aglow with purifying light. In an instant, Wang Xuan''s blood boiled fiercely, scorching the ck chains. One of the chains embedded in his body finally glowed red hot and burst open, granting him partial freedom to act. Taking a deep breath, his entire being radiated with crimson light, engulfing the area within a ten-foot radius. Like a dragon, he lunged at Chen Yan. At that moment, he wanted no one near him, hoping his own blood could slowly solve the problem. Clearly, some among the crowd harbored ill intentions, seeking to take advantage of his plight. In a sh, Wang Xuan shed with Chen Yan multiple times, his fist glowing like lightning, cutting through the void. A blinding sword light shed as Chen Yongjie engaged inbat, his long sword repelling many. Thud! In the next moment, Wang Xuan exchanged four thunderous blows with Cao Qingyu, their sh akin to colliding thunderbolts, erupting with super-material energy brilliance. Kong Yun''s expression changed, forced to deploy a secret technique. Behind him, a white peacock materialized, transforming into a brilliant light that collided with Wang Xuan''s fist. The void trembled with the sound of explosions. Wang Xuan and Zhou Shiqi also collided fiercely. Everyone was stunned. In a brief moment, Wang Xuan had consecutively fought with several of the strongest individuals present, demonstrating his formidable and unyielding stance. He made it clear if they didn''t retreat, it meant dering war on him, a battle to the death. "The best help you can give me is to stay away from me," Wang Xuan stated. Chapter 293: Finally, Entry Into Old Zhong’s Study Chapter 293: Finally, Entry Into Old Zhong¡¯s Study The ck chain on Wang Xuan''s body was just one, but even after breaking, it did not fall off. Instead, it moved like a living entity, continuing its attempt to burrow into Wang Xuan''s body. His blood flowed more freely, staining his torn clothes and dripping onto the ground, creating a chilling sight. No one could see what it was; it seemed like an invisible entity had ensnared him, intent on taking him away. "A Spectral Spirit?" Wang Xuan''s first thought was of this peculiar creature. Only visible to the Spiritual Eye, the ck chain might be their doing. Suddenly, the seven blood-colored swords descended again, seeking to pierce through his body. "This is a curse, formless and intangible. It must be removed quickly," Cao Qingyu spoke up, warning that Wang Xuan''s life was in danger if not dealt with swiftly. Zhou Shiqimented, "If the transcendent world hadn''t copsed, this phenomenon could be exined. There are several immortal methods capable of causing this, but now, those near-rule techniques are unusable." Many exquisite techniques of the immortals had be mere decorations, ineffective in the current world. In the modern world, only straightforward techniques like Lion''s Roar, Thunder, and Celestial Fire which directly manipte transcendent matter remained functional. Wang Xuan watched Cao Qingyu closely, ready forbat should he dare to approach in his vulnerable state. A dazzling crimson light surged from Wang Xuan, swirling around him like a whirlwind. It burned several chains red-hot, shattering and breaking them off. Simultaneously, the seven bright red swords, which had just pierced his skin, were expelled by the force. Professor Lin hurried over, whispering, "The marks on your body, along with the invisible and intangible nature of your bonds, resemble an immortal technique mentioned in ancient texts the Binding Immortal Rope." "Aren''t those supposed to be artifacts?" Wang Xuan expressed his surprise. Chen Yongjie paused, as if recalling something. "Artifacts, too, are derived and cultivated from rules. The original Binding Immortal Rope was a formidable divine technique, involving partial control of thews of nature, invisible and intangible." The two elderly men, well-versed in ancient texts due to their connections with wealthy families, spected based on their readings. "But how is it possible to utilize the power of transcendent rules in this modern world?" pondered Wang Xuan, as he once again channeled the ancient stone tablet''s scripture, melting the ck chains and sessfully snapping one of the blood-red swords. "Could it be that someone in this era still has the capability to manipte rules?" mused Zhou Shiqi from a distance, her astonishment evident. She had also suspected that it was an immortal technique at y. "If that truly is a divine ability containing a trace of the rules, and he''s withstanding it?!" Huang Daxian was in disbelief, deeply shaken by the spectacle. Meanwhile, Cao Qingyu whispered to hispanions, "Perhaps some factions are growing desperate to cross worlds and have resorted to forbidden methods, attempting to forcibly abduct Wang Xuan. To think they could even bring forth the rules, it''s both terrifying and astounding. But how?" Everyone kept their distance, sensing Wang Xuan''s readiness to fight to the death if provoked. They were all aware that he likely possessed powerful weapons, making it unwise to anger or cross him at this stage. Soon, Wang Xuan invoked the Sakyamuni scripture, employing a different technique to continue incinerating the chains and the crimson swords. The sight left the onlookers astounded; the parts of his body that had been tightly bound by the chains began to recover, signifying he was breaking free from the rule-infused bindings. Not long after, Wang Xuan alternated to the ancient scriptures from the Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips. This strategy of constantly changing techniques proved effective. Astonishingly, dense, glowing characters emerged around him, both within and outside his body,shing out at the chains and the red swords. Finally, even the bystanders faintly heard the sound of a sword breaking. Did this mean the invisible and intangible rules were disintegrating? Outside the city of Kun, a figure sighed, "Who would have thought, to deal with a mere mortal, one would have to expend a divine life. This is the tragedy of those who ascended to immortality. In this era, we''ve lost our former glory." Two blood-colored figures erected two altars using ck mysterious stones on the outskirts of the city. Both altars, one emanating dark light and the other steaming with blood light, were inscribed withplex patterns, exuding an eerie aura. "The copse of the mythological world prevents us from employing immortal techniques. We are left with no choice but to consume divine life, extracting the remnants of transcendent rules. It''s a desperate measure, drinking poison to quench thirst," one of the figures remarked. "The bones aren''t ours to begin with," the other responded. "To save ourselves, we''ll use the power of others." The so-called divine life referred to the most potent life force remaining in the true bones left by the immortals, a vital substance fundamental to their flesh reconstruction and regeneration. In the current times, where transcendent rules are almost extinct, only a few remnants persist in the bones of immortals. Now, these two figures were resorting to such means to directly capture Wang Xuan. "Falling into his hands, the God-ying Banner, one of thest remnants of the immortal rules, is our only option. In our current spirit state, we can''t approach him otherwise." Resigned, the once glorious immortals of that special era now found themselves in a dire situation, unable to handle a mortal of the real world. "God-ying Banner, a lost relic from ancient times, should be one of the most powerful artifacts, right? If it and the Self-ying Banner appeared together, they would be almost as powerful as those supreme treasures." "It''s said there''s a story behind the God-ying Banner and the Self-ying Banner, now lost to time." The two figures hastened their efforts at the altars, needing to capture Wang Xuan before the divine life was entirely depleteda tremendous waste of two pieces of immortal true bones. "He couldn''t possibly withstand it, could he? Why hasn''t he been captured yet? Even though it''s just a fraction of the rules'' power, it shouldn''t be something he can resist." "Unless... he has mastered one of those supreme scriptures rumored to exist!" Trembling, Wang Xuan felt the sting of injury. The ''Binding Immortal Cord'' imbued with fragments of rules had burrowed into his flesh, causing his skin to split and flesh to tear. His body bore several bloody holes; except for his head, which he had forcefully protected, the other parts were pierced an inch deep by the blood-red swords. The crunching sound of breaking chains was constant as he shattered the ck iron chains, leaving only a segment he chose to keep, while the blood-red swordsy in fragments. In an instant, Wang Xuan pulled out a dark golden boat, swiftly boarding it with Chen Yongjie, heading towards a certain direction. The remaining segment of the ck chain still exerted a pulling force, attempting to drag him away. This time, Wang Xuan stopped resisting and, propelling the boat at high speed, he moved towards the source. "There it is, the handiwork of the immortals!" Outside the city of Kun, Wang Xuan spotted the two blood-colored figures and the two altars. It was clear to him what was happening. "Attack!" Swords surged, and the flying sword from the golden boat zoomed out, erging rapidly and shing downwards. Simultaneously, Chen Yongjie''s bowl radiated billions of luminescent rays, attempting to capture the two figures within it. "How could this be? He''s even withstanding the residual rules from the immortal bones?!" The figures on the ground were dumbstruck; they hadn''t anticipated this failure. "He possesses the supreme scriptures, and he''s mastered them!" They were shocked. Merely possessing such scriptures wasn''t enough; one had toprehend and cultivate them. How could a mere mortal achieve such a feat? Yet, they had no time to ponder as they turned to flee, unwilling to sh with the two in the air. "Think you can escape?" Chen Yongjie spoke, tossing his robe which transformed into a vast red cloud, nketing the sky and blocking the path of the two figures. As the giant sword shed, the bowl emitted light, and numerous wondrous treasures and auspicious radiances bombarded the blood-colored figures. Wang Xuan, not wanting to waste time or attract attention to their battle, brandished the God-ying Banner. With a swift motion, he stripped the true bones from the figures. Boom! As the banner unfurled, it shattered a major part of the two figures'' spirits. Chen Yongjie stood in a daze before quickly activating his robe to cover the remaining spirit fragments, capturing them and tossing them into his bowl. "Speak, which faction do you belong to?" Inside the bowl, the two fragmented spirits emanated a deste air. It was indeed a tragic fate for the descendants of the immortals once so glorious and powerful, now suppressed by a mortal. They gazed at the God-ying Banner Wang Xuan had just retracted, momentarily lost in thought. They could only shake their heads,menting the depletion of transcendence. This reemergence of such a relic was inexplicable. "The demise of the immortals is inevitable; no one can escape it. This is a sad and hopeless era!" they said bitterly,ughing in despair before disintegrating of their own ord. "They''re gone, and we couldn''t get anything out of them," Chen Yongjiemented. "Let''s go and open up the Inner Landscape. Our strength is stillcking. Today, I almost died at their hands," Wang Xuan stated, sensing the approaching threats. The world was growing increasingly chaotic. Old Zhong nned to flee, the immortals were eager to cross worlds, and truly dangerous figures were emerging. The New World was bing ever more perilous. Chen Yongjie nodded in agreement. "The situation is indeed getting grim. I need to find the lotus pod and get the seeds of the Earth Immortal Spring. Then we should also make a quick escape. The New World is no longer safe." Soon, Zhou Shiqi, Cao Qingyu, Kong Yun, and others arrived at the scene to find the battle already over. They were momentarily stunned, marveling at the efficiency and ruthlessness with which the two had dispatched their foes. "Disperse, there''s nothing left to see here," Chen Yongjie waved his hand dismissively. Wang Xuan, maneuvering the flying boat, returned instantly to the Zhong family''s residence in Kun City. "Is everything resolved?" Lin Professor and Qin Cheng approached, both visibly concerned. "It''s all taken care of," Wang Xuan nodded in affirmation. The Zhong siblings were immensely shocked. The immortal''s methods, a curse from the shadows, had been swiftly cleared by Wang Xuan. Zhong Qing whispered to Wang Xuan, "My great-grandfather wants to see you." "Old Zhong... he really has been alive all this time, just hiding and not willing to show himself. Probably nning to escape and leave us to deal with the aftermath, right?" Chen Yongjie spoke up, his expression darkening slightly. It wasn''t his first time being implicated by Zhong Yong''s actions. Back in the Earth Immortal City, he and Wang Xuan had fought desperately outside the city, engaging in life-and-death battles and fleeing for their lives, while Old Zhong wasfortably enjoying monkey wine and fraternizing with demons and spirits within the city. Leading the way, Zhong Qing guided them to a vital area of the Zhong family residence Old Zhong''s study. Wang Xuan was filled with a sense of nostalgia, having longed for this ce for an indeterminate amount of time. Ever since the Old World, he had been constantly thinking about it, and only today had he finally arrived. "A wishe true, I''ve worked hard for this moment," Wang Xuan remarked with a sigh. Zhong Qing nced at him, realizing that he had indeed been fixated on this ce all along. Chapter 294: A Sea Of Secret Scrolls Chapter 294: A Sea Of Secret Scrolls Old Zhong''s study, filled with an ancient charm and a profound sense of history, exuded a mysterious aura, showcasing the extraordinary nature of the ce. The bookshelves, each meticulously carved with special symbols like the swastika and Yin-Yang Bagua diagrams, were sourced from ancient temples and long-standing Taoist temples, as Zhong Qing exined. Chen Yongjie nodded in agreement, admiring Old Zhong''s penchant for exquisite things, noticing that the items he used all had significant origins. The bookshelves held an array of texts, including bamboo slips, yellowed and even worm-eaten ancient volumes, and silk-made albums. These books, nourished by transcendent substance, glowed faintly, resonating with distant and subtle sounds and revealing blurred images. In a daze, some of the ancient books reflected hazy human figures in meditation or engaged in fierce battles with wild beasts, disying the grandeur of an ancient transcendent world. Such distant and ethereal scenes were perceptible only to the transcendent, invisible to ordinary people. Wang Xuan pondered if ordinary people could never perceive these phenomena, and with the decline of transcendent substance, would the future hold power only for those with heightened spiritual awareness? Could it be that myths would live only in the minds of the keenly perceptive? "Great-grandfather," Zhong Qing called out softly. Chen Yongjie, slightly annoyed, noticed that Old Zhong still retained an outeryer, having not fully emerged from his rejuvenation. His use of the Golden Cicada Technique had sessfully granted him a second life. He was surprised to find Zhong Yong lying on a jade-green vine chair, vibrant with life. Especially intriguing was the chair''s back, where a vine sprouted two fresh, dewy leaves, symbolizing a rejuvenation of life. The chair, unearthed from an ancient site and still sprouting new leaves after eons, was evidently extraordinary. Wang Xuan, using his spiritual eye, observed Old Zhong''s true form inside the cicada shell. His hair was thick and lustrous, his face remarkably youthful, appearing much younger than when they were in the Hidden Land. Zhong Yong, now appearing to be in his early twenties, was a picture of rejuvenation, defying the ravages of time. His mastery of the Golden Cicada Technique was impressive, akin to a cicada emerging from the earth, shedding its shell, and soaring into the sky for a more splendid life. Even Wang Xuan was intrigued, eager to study this ancient technique. How had Old Zhong managed such a transformation in this era of depletion on New World? "Here you are, little brother," Zhong Yong greeted. "Xiaoqing, serve tea," he instructed Zhong Qing, sending her away. "Yongjie, seeing you reminds me of your master, my sworn brother of eight ceremonies. s, he was engulfed in a mysterious light rain. We explored ancient ruins and perilousnds together, sharing life-and-death moments. His loss still pains me deeply," he sighed. Chen Yongjie eyed him skeptically, knowing to take his words with a grain of salt. The old man, notorious for avoiding danger, wouldn''t have likely embarked on such risky adventures. "Every time a mysterious contact event urs, and the light rain disappears, an ancient weapon is left behind. Look, that ancient sword under the bookshelf was found on New World. I acquired it at a high price, hoping to use it to find your master one day. I''ve never given up the search!" Chen Yongjie''s pupils contracted upon seeing the ancient sword. He tested it with his ck longsword, leaving no mark a testament to its indestructibility, much like his own sword, a relic left behind after a mysterious contact event. "Xiaojie..." Zhong Yong began again. Feeling a chill, Chen Yongjie quickly interjected, "Alright, just call me Xiao Chen, I''ll take it." "Xiao Chen, I believe your master is still alive, and we''ll find him. He too once studied texts in my study. Seeing you brings back those memories. My bookshelves are now open to you. Feel free to study whatever catches your eye." Chen Yongjie''s spirits lifted, momentarily setting aside any grudges about being a scapegoat. Old Zhong''s magnanimity was evident. The rows of bookshelves, with their mystical symbols and voices, were irresistibly captivating. "Little Brother Wang, the younger generation truly is formidable," Old Zhong praised Wang Xuan, though he himself appeared youthful, a veritable old fox in a young man''s guise. Just as Zhong Qing returned with the tea, she nearly dropped the set upon hearing this address. Old Zhongs way of referring to Wang Xuan left her in an awkward position regarding their familial hierarchy. "Old Zhong," Wang Xuan responded. There was a time when he yearned to enter Old Zhong''s study but avoided meeting the man himself, fearing he might be subjected to some unorthodox experiments. Now, he could face him without apprehension. "I''ve heard from Xiaoqing that each time you visited our house, your gaze lingered on my study with almost envious intensity. I was quite rmed, wondering if you''d barge in and attack me someday." Wang Xuan didn''t quite believe his words. Given that the Pool of Rebirth was previously here, Old Zhong had little to fear. "I do have some unique tomes here, and I reckon you know well what they are, having long set your sights on them. Consider them yours!" Old Zhong dered. Such generosity left Wang Xuan momentarily stunned. Old Zhong was truly magnanimous. From within the cicada shell, Old Zhong''s youthful voice proposed, "If you''re willing to join us and sever all ties with the mundane world, even marrying Xiaoqing to you is an option. How about it? Join us in the deep space." "Great-grandfather!" Zhong Qing blushed at the suggestion. "Xiao Zhong is indeed beautiful and helpful, but I can''t sever my worldly ties. My parents are in the Old World, and there are people waiting for me to save and guide them. I cannot leave," Wang Xuan admitted. "Then, let''s hope to meet again in the deep space someday. For now, I am somewhat fearful for you, being targeted by the most formidable beings from beyond the veil," Old Zhong confided, his departure imminent. "Old Zhong, is there anything I can help you with?" Wang Xuan felt obliged to offer assistance in return for the invaluable texts. "If you have an abundance of mystical factors, could you replenish my fur nket?" Old Zhong requested, directing Zhong Qing to bring forth an animal skin. "A Qilin skin?!" Chen Yongjie eximed, moving closer. He had heard about Old Zhong''s legendary beast skin nket, and now he finallyid eyes on it. "An Inner Landscape treasure?" Wang Xuan was astonished. This animal skin revealed a universe within, containing an inner world. It was a divine object refined from the old Inner Landscape before its destruction, now transformed into a treasure of the modern world. Wang Xuan had only encountered such an Inner Landscape treasure once before in the Hidden Land. The Life-Nourishing Stove, a supreme treasure, was retrieved from it. "There''s not much active substance left inside," Old Zhongmented. The space within the skin was vast, befitting a treasure crafted from the hide of the mythical Qilin. Such an item was a rarity, likely possessed only by ancient top-tier sects. Even in the celestial realm beyond the veil, it was doubtful that a living Qilin could be found. Wang Xuan looked at Old Zhong''s cicada shell, his gaze deep and thoughtful. This old man, once he spoke, it seemed like a huge task was at hand refilling this Inner Landscape treasure with mystical factors. Indeed, it would be a major undertaking to transfer them from ancient temples and Taoist abodes. However, with four pieces of immortal bone in his possession, Wang Xuan could open them forcefully andpletely. "Alright," he agreed. Retrieving the Pool of Rebirth, which he initially intended to return to Old Zhong, he also took out a piece of true bone. Boom! Activating it on the spot, a blurry figure emerged in the Inner Landscape, instantly devoured by the ashen pool. The world inside the true bone was fraught with cracks, on the verge of copse. Was this due to Wang Xuan''s earlier use of the God-ying Banner, or was it a sign of the current world''s decay, reflecting the copse of Inner Landscapes? Without furtherment, Wang Xuan ced the true bone into the Qilin skin''s Inner Landscape, allowing the bone''s mystical substances to pour forth. The advantage of the Inner Landscape treasure was its ability to collect all mystical factors without waste. If Old Zhong used it judiciously, it would suffice for the Zhong family''s needs for a long time. Wang Xuan opened two more immortal bones, adding their contents to the beast skin. "As for the scriptures, take whatever you fancy. I''ll keep some, leaving the rest here," Old Zhong offered. Wang Xuan walked over, his eyes firstnding on the Early Qin golden bamboo slips his second set. Consisting of twenty-seven pieces, they were crystal clear like jade and heavy as immortal gold, feeling substantial in hand. Chen Yongjie had already studied these scriptures and felt rather helpless. The Buddhist texts were more suited to his practice, while these particr scriptures made him feel distinctly ufortable. He had almost coughed up blood trying toprehend them. While he could recognize the diagrams, most of the characters were unfamiliar, essible only through spiritual exploration and resonance. Wang Xuan was somewhat baffled too. This scripture was different from the golden bamboo slips he had obtained from the Sun family. Attempting to resonate with it, his blood surged tumultuously, his heart thundering terrifyingly, almost bursting. Realizing this was not the right approach, he stopped. Old Zhong suggested to Chen Yongjie, Over there are all the important Buddhist ssics; take a careful look. Chen Yongjie became engrossed in them, but eventually, he hesitated, fearing he might end up shaving his head and converting to Buddhism. I need to bnce this with some Taoist practices. I must practice swordsmanship, cultivate a killing intent, stay grounded in the mortal world, he reminded himself. Old Zhong mentioned, Heres a Taoist scripture, the ultimate teaching. s, I''ve never been able toprehend it. The Five-Colored Jade Book, inscribed with enigmatic text, defied interpretation even by ancientnguage experts. It seemed incredibly ancient and could only be partially understood by transcendent beings through spiritual resonance. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie also tried to resonate with it but found it exceedinglyplex and seemingly ipatible with their current knowledge. Wang Xuan felt it was akin to his experience with the stone tablet scriptures - nearly indecipherable and virtually impossible to master through conventional means. I suspect this text predates even ancient times, its origins lost to time, eventually falling into Taoist hands and mistakenly identified as a supreme Taoist scripture. Lets just resonate with it for now and absorb the elusive truths it holds. Who knows, if transcendencepletely vanishes one day, we might lose the ability to read these scriptures, which could revert to inert jade bs. Subsequently, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie didn''t proceed to open any immortal bone canisters. Instead, they immersed themselves in memorizing various scriptures and studying lost texts, fully engrossed in their research. Unable to fullyprehend the Five-Colored Jade Book, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie could only temporarily imprint its contents in their minds. They were much more absorbed in the unparalleled chapters from the Taoist ancestral court. Moreover, they discovered a stone tablet at Old Zhongs ce, featuring nine human figures and annotations. This was a simplified version of the stone tablet scriptures, capturing about thirty percent of its essence. Someone had practiced it before but failed, leaving behind their insights. Wang Xuan meticulously studied every text, from the most basic physical techniques to fist and movement arts, recording all the scriptures with his powerful mental domain. Facing a future without a clear path to transcendence, he sought to stand on the shoulders of the ancients to see further, not missing a single scripture. After two full days, even with his formidable mental prowess, Wang Xuan felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of texts. Nevertheless, he had explored all the secret texts in Old Zhong''s library, which covered a broad range, from Taoist and Buddhist scriptures to demonic practices and even monster n''s secret techniques. His exposure to such diverse knowledge significantly broadened his horizons. Some methods were beyond imagination, like the Demonic Soul Coffin Technique, where a demon cultivator hibernated within another''s soul, awakening only when the host''s life ended. Wang Xuan was startled when he read this, wondering if someone had remained in the mortal world using this method instead of entering the celestial curtain. There were also unique monster n scriptures, like the Celestial Monster Reincarnation Technique, capturing powerful prey and experiencing a cycle of rebirth within them to gain their powers. After two days, Wang Xuan had vastly expanded his knowledge with the multitude of scriptures absorbed into his mind. He spent another day consolidating his findings, focusing on texts rted to Life Soil to verify his current state of cultivation. Finally, Wang Xuan opened his eyes, feeling more organized and ready to enter the Inner Landscape. He nned to use this heightened state of mental activity for deeper meditation and self-enlightenment. Old Zhong was growing impatient, eager to retreat and venture into the depths of space. "Finally, it''s starting!" eximed Qin Cheng, rubbing his hands in excitement. He had never entered an Inner Landscape before and was thrilled at the prospect. "Pity about Qingmu missing this opportunity,"mented Chen Yongjie. The youngster hadn''te to the New World and was missing out on a significant chance. However, Chen knew Wang Xuan might soon visit the Old World. "I''ming, Transcendence!" Zhong Cheng was ecstatic, mistakenly believing a single visit to the Inner Landscape would transform him into a transcendent being. "Be moreposed!" Zhong Qing reprimanded him gently. Finally, Wang Xuan was ready to open the Inner Landscape. He had once ushered Qingmu and Chen Yongjie into an Inner Landscape while he was still at the Grandmaster level, a task so exhausting it nearly brought him to his knees. Now, as a transcendent being in thete stages of the Life Soil realm, he expected the process to be less taxing. . In a certain part of the celestial curtain, a dazzling sword light shot into the sky, seemingly slicing through time itself and causing the entire world to freeze. Astonishingly, it split the celestial curtain and one of the five moons orbiting the corresponding life-bearing in the mortal world. "The Sword of the Mortal Realm!" roared a supreme being from beyond the curtain. At this moment, Wang Xuan was stunned. What was happening? Holding a piece of celestial bone, he froze in ce, caught off guard. He instantly sensed something amiss with his Inner Landscape. For a fleeting moment, it seemed to forcefully initiate its opening. On a brief nce, he even spotted the Elixir of Life Furnace within. "It''s not right. It''s the furnace, this supreme treasure, trying to emerge!" Wang Xuan realized it wasn''t a life-or-death crisis or a state of hyper-awareness triggering the opening of his Inner Landscape. Chapter 295: Nourishing Life Soil With Precious Treasure Chapter 295: Nourishing Life Soil With Precious Treasure "Are you finally nning to emerge from my Inner Landscape that you''ve upied?" Wang Xuan focused intently, sensing the condition inside. The fluctuations seemed highly unstable, with cracks in the Inner Landscape opening and closing as if something external was stimting it. Meanwhile, behind a particr celestial curtain, various masters battled fiercely. Sword lights piercing the heavens broke through the curtain, creating a scene of sheer terror. Those daring to vie for the Mortal Realm Sword were undoubtedly epoch-defining experts, revered masters of their time, risking instant death should they falter. Their sword and fist lights could crack the celestial curtain and even influence the mortal world, but they dared not cross over; the force of the ancient pact still lingered. Crossing at this time would mean the diminishment of their own spiritual paths. A meter-long silver sword streaked across the void, draped in cosmic runes and resplendent in its brilliance. Many sighed in disappointment, having witnessed its momentary cleaving of the curtain but were too distant to seize the opportunity. The Mortal Realm Sword, capable of slicing through all creation and even severing the great Dao itself, was an unmatched treasure. In the hands of an unparalleled master, it almost guaranteed invincibility under the heavens. Already among the strongest in their respective realms, possessing the Mortal Realm Sword would threaten the lives of all other supreme beings. To counter it, other mythical treasures like the Wandering Vessel, Elixir of Life Furnace, and Ascension Banner, if wielded by equally formidable beings, could match its power. The emergence of the Mortal Realm Sword had sent ripples across the celestial realms, with every being attentively watching. The news spread, and despite many paths between the curtains being extinguished, some were attempting to traverse forcefully, determined topete for it. In this tumultuous time, the primary form of a red-robed female demon immortal made her move, initially nning a more cautious approach to crossing realms. She traversed the celestial curtains, heading toward a distant realm in the celestial world. On her journey, she shattered a top-tier celestial beast that ambushed her with her pristine fists. The colossal celestial corpse, spanning tens of thousands of meters, disintegrated, staining the ground red as she continued her formidable journey. The main form of the female Daoist practitioner also set out on her journey, apanied by a shower of light, piercing through the dark regions and forging a dazzling path from one celestial curtain to another. Her journey was marked by sheer dominance, with terrifying eyes opening in the darkness only to disintegrate under the brilliance of her light rain and her disy of unparalleled secret techniques. Apanied by howls, she soared through the air, leaving a trail of blood and bones exploding in the darkness. In another celestial realm, "Old Zhang" made his appearance, distinct from his persona in the bar, now appearing somewhat indifferent. With a simple gesture, he evaporated entire seas in his quest for the Mortal Realm Sword. Evidently, with their primary forms contending for the ultimate treasures, these beings would not be seeking Wang Xuan for guidance in the near future. ... Wang Xuan waited momentarily; the Elixir of Life Furnace within him was restless but ultimately remained inside. Puzzled, he suspected the artifact sensed something. The Immortal Bone vibrated, and a decaying Inner Landscape opened, filled with cracks, foreshadowing imminent copse. Old Chen sighed, "This state of the Inner Landscape mirrors the mythical world on the brink of destruction, soon to cease existing." Gu Lin, ever at his side, joined him in the Inner Landscape, choosing a spot to meditate together. Their bond remained strong. "This is the Inner Landscape? My soul is here, but I can feel my body outside," Qin Cheng eximed, thrilled by the sensation. Professor Lin advised, "This is a miraculous ce in the path of cultivation, a cradle of transcendence. Don''t waste this opportunity; strive for mastery, or even grand mastery!" Upon seeing Old Clock, Zhong Cheng was astounded, "Who is this young man?" only to receive a couple of ps from Old Clock. Old Clock''s spiritual form had also been guided into the Inner Landscape, his youthful appearance matching his physical body. Everyone was speechless at Old Clock''s seemingly endless vitality. "I must suppress my cultivation level. I can''t nt the Immortal Herb seeds or leave the Herb Gathering realm!" Chen Yongjie reminded himself. He was on the verge of breakthrough, a fact that would surely provoke a united assault from the worried transcendents outside. In a world where myths wither and transcendence fades, why hold back? Zhong Qing, gracefully moving through the serenendscape, marveled at its strangeness and couldn''t help but wonder, "Could the celestial world behind the celestial curtains have once been the Inner Landscape of a supremely powerful being?" Professor Lin shook his head, "It''s an interesting thought, but not realistic. There are multiple celestial curtains, and it''s imusible that all these supreme beings are dying, causing their curtains to extinguish. Even in death, there would be struggle, not this silent fading away." Old Chen added, "The world behind the celestial curtains seems to be intertwined with the spiritual realm, as if a fusion of the material and spiritual worlds that has materialized. But now, it''s heading towards destruction." Everyone soon settled into meditation, seizing this precious opportunity for cultivation. Zhong Qing, Gu Lin, Qin Cheng, and others initially struggled to adjust to the relentless pace of their thoughts and the sense of time passing like months, yet far from ending. Wang Xuan replenished the mystical substances in various treasures and then focused onprehending deeper truths. "ording to ancient texts, the Life Soil and Inner Landscape are somewhat interconnected." He was on the verge of a breakthrough but was deliberately suppressing himself to gain a thorough understanding of the Life Soil before advancing. In a state of deep contemtion, Wang Xuan was silent,municating and resonating with his physical body in the outer world. His spiritual cognition elerated manifold, observing the changes in his physical body and Life Soil. "All beginnings ofws, the ground of life nourishing, the root of spiritual grounding, transcendence expands from here the Life Soil is the cradle of myths!" During this period, Wang Xuan repeatedly returned to his physical body. "Have I be a master?" It felt like half a year had passed for Qin Cheng. He stretched out his hands, feeling his spirit refined and his physical body transformed and elevated in the outer world. Having consumed spiritual medicines and drunk from the Earth Immortal Spring, this level of cultivation was expected. In Old Zhang''s words, his aptitude was somewhatcking. "It''s indeed a miraculous ce, one of the sources of transcendence. The realm of the grandmaster is just a step away," Professor Lin mused, amazed at his progress amidst the rapid deterioration of the world''s spiritual environment. A chronic cough and a chest wound had once rendered him incapable of cultivation. "My physical body outside is glowing; it seems like it''s breaking through!" Zhong Cheng eximed joyfully. Zhong Qing calmly informed him that her body had already glowed twice, indicating her own advancements. Wang Xuan''s spirit manifested various marvelous visions, transforming them into a five-colored celestial garment to protect his soul. Not far away, Zhong Yong watched in amazement. This young man had tapped into something fundamental, akin yet distinct from Chen Tuan''s Five-Colored Golden Elixir Canon. Zhong Yong, inspired, had been cultivating the Five-Colored Golden Elixir Qi, but Wang Xuan had deciphered something even more elemental. Wang Xuan''s aura, radiant in five colors, indicated his soul''s integration into these hues, turning into formidable offensive forms thunderous, a five-colored seal, and even a vast expanse of sword energy. "Five-Colored Primordial Soul Attack Technique?" Zhong Yong was astounded. Chen Yongjie, awoken by this revtion, nodded in agreement. His approach to suppress his cultivation level now seemed correct. He explored his own unique visions, which had once been vague but were bing increasingly clear and imminent. In the Inner Landscape, time flowed differently, granting them what seemed like years to explore and cultivate. Every participant gained tremendously. Professor Lin attained the status of a grandmaster, Chen Yongjie''s visions became vivid, and Zhong Yong radiated golden light. Wang Xuan, resonating with his physical body, found himself at a special juncture. Returning to his body, his essence, energy, and spirit merged. Having umted sufficient understanding in the Life Soil realm, he felt ready to break through. As his spirit shone brilliantly, he attempted to connect with his Inner Landscape, embarking on a new journey of transcendence. "Rooting the spirit in Life Soil, expanding transcendence, crafting myths." Suddenly, he glimpsed his Inner Landscape, vibrant with the energy of mystical substances, unlike others'' decaying realms. His Inner Landscape was teeming with life and showed no signs of exhaustion. The Nourishing Furnacey quiet, engulfed by the mystical "snow." "I can step into the Gathering Herbs realm now!" Without hesitation, Wang Xuan released his self-imposed restraints and broke through to the new realm. In another Inner Landscape, the decay elerated, cracks multiplied, and the realm began to crumble, jolting Zhong Qing, Professor Lin, and others awake. Wang Xuan, having broken through, felt a significant enhancement in strength, a state he had never experienced before. Meanwhile, in the outside world, beings from beyond the veil, having consumed secret medicines in hopes of breaking through the sixth realm''s barrier into the seventh, were hit by another wave of transcendence copse. Instead of advancing, they coughed blood, falling from the peak of the sixth realm to its mid-stages. "Another tremor?!" They were shocked and enraged, struggling to believe the rapid decay. Beyond the veil, "Old Zhang" struck a powerful blow, annihting a red-haired elder. The ethereal People''s Sword, pursued by many, shot towards the horizon. The Red Garbed Demoness faced obstruction in her chase, shing fiercely with a supreme being. Her umbre expanded rapidly, engulfing a man standing in a golden sun, extinguishing it. Her white fist tore through the sky, puncturing a formidable adversary''s chest. The Female Alchemist battled rivals, reaching for the elusive People''s Sword. However, several supreme beings attacked her, engulfing the area in celestial light. The People''s Sword, once more, fled into the distance, slicing through another veil. Simultaneously, Wang Xuan''s Inner Landscape shook. The Nourishing Furnace, as if stimted, roared and shone faintly before disappearing from his Inner Landscape and materializing in his Life Soil realm! Chapter 296: Who Is Burning Papers On The Other Side? Chapter 296: Who Is Burning Papers On The Other Side? The Nourishing Furnace, simple yet profound, shrouded in a hazy mist, emerged from the highly spiritual Inner Landscape and entered the real world. "You''re finally out," Wang Xuan whispered, recalling how the artifact once barricaded his Inner Landscape. His heart raced, knowing the furnace''s deceptive weight; a few months back, just its lid had obliterated several cultivators. Fearful that it might shatter his Life Soil, the core of all his practices, he watched anxiously. To his relief, the furnace settled quietly without causing any destruction, as if the Life Soil existed beyond the physical realm. Rushing into his Life Soil, Wang Xuan found the furnace emitting a faint mist, nurturing the main root of a celestial herb nearby. The furnace, known to harvest and enhance the quality of herbs, seemed to invigorate his Life Soil, promising stronger and more transformative growth for the nted root. Wang Xuan sighed in relief. The Nourishing Furnace''s presence in his Life Soil was a significant boon. However, he wondered what prompted it to leave the Inner Landscape. Was it the elerating decay of the mythic world, or some new cmity? Sensing trouble with the ''Celestial Bone Can,'' corresponding to another decaying Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan hurried to assist. With Chen Yongjie and Zhong Yong struggling to evacuate others, the situation was dire. Wang Xuan swiftly guided Zhong Qing, Professor Lin, and others to the safety of his Inner Landscape. "That was terrifying," Qin Cheng eximed, shaken by the copse of an entire Inner Landscape. "It''s like witnessing the end of the world, a life-sustaining disintegrating, leaving no escape." The sudden demise of that realm had instilled a profound sense of despair. "Where are we? It feels like I''ve ascended to immortality. Is it snowing here, with mystical particles falling directly on me without any guidance needed?" Zhong Cheng stood bewildered, catching the mysterious substances with an incredulous expression. "The decline of transcendence, the decay of Inner Landscapes mirroring the demise of myths, and even the Celestials facing the fate of bing mortals... yet this ce thrives with vitality," mused Old Zhong, awestruck by the serenend where the only sound was the gentle descent of mystical particles, nketing the ground like a heavy snowfall. He turned to Wang Xuan, puzzled by the extraordinary scene. As someone who had regained consciousness long ago and kept abreast of external affairs, Old Zhong was aware of the covetous eyes from various factions beyond the veil, all eager to capture Wang Xuan for their own means. Yet, the uniqueness of this Inner Landscape was beyond his expectations. Battling his thoughts, Old Zhong contemted staying to bask in the glory of this Inner Landscape, but he ultimately decided against it, considering the dangers thaty ahead, especially with the imminent return of formidable beings from the Celestials. "You need to be careful," Old Zhong warned Wang Xuan, foreseeing the inevitable storm that would engulf him due to the secrets he harbored. "Is this like transcending into another world? Does this count as a form of ascension?" pondered Zhong Qing, marveling at the spiritual journey from a realm of decay to one brimming with new life. Without wasting time, everyone resumed their cultivation. In an era of scarcity, the richness of this ce was invaluable. Wang Xuan, now firmly in the Harvesting Realm, contemted his future path. In this Inner Landscape, where time seemed captive, everyone had ample opportunity to meditate, cultivate, andprehend their essence. Meanwhile, their physical bodies in the external world were also being nourished, as the mystical substances infused them, enhancing their physiques rapidly. If one observed closely, they would notice the expulsion of toxins from everyone''s bodies, each person exuding a strong odor, including the usually meticulous Zhong Qing. Their metabolic processes were terrifyingly fast, with hearts beating like war drums, signifying a peculiar evolutionary phase in thepetition of all things. The infusion of mystical particles improved their flesh and blood, elongating their telomeres and effectively prolonging their lifespan. Even the tiniest impurities were being expelled inrge quantities. Wang Xuan sat in meditation, his mind conjuring various scriptures, seeking his path in this era of waning transcendence. He revisited the enigmatic Five-Colored Jade Book, but found it too abstruse and possibly erroneous for his current understanding. Eventually, he focused on the golden bamboo scripts from Old Zhongs collection. Having mastered one set before, he was determined to unravel this one, hoping to find a way a lifeline in these supreme scriptures. One year, two years, three years passed... In his perception, seven long years seemed to have psed within the Inner Landscape. This was, of course, a sensory illusion. Throughout this time, Wang Xuan remained deeply engrossed in studying the golden bamboo scripts from Old Zhong''s collection,pletely immersed and seemingly cut off from the outside world. He couldnt understand the script''s text at first and relied on spiritual resonance to grasp its true meanings. This suggested that the scripture was highly subjective, presenting a vast world of spiritual imprints beyond conventional description or exnation. After wandering and pondering through the world of this scripture for what felt like seven years, Wang Xuan gradually pierced the veil of mystery toprehend its essence. "No wonder it felt so out of ce; it''s entirely different from the other set of bamboo scripts," he realized. The set obtained from the Sun family emphasizedbat, focusing on the interaction between spirit and body, using the physical form to elevate the spirit. In contrast, the scripts from the Zhong family outlined an entirely different system, seemingly from a distinct era, focusing on the art and techniques. It began with the fundamentals, exining the use of various transcendent materials, deciphering their essence, and arranging these elements spiritually to construct the most effective "forms" to maximize supernatural powers. The bamboo scripts from Old Zhong''s collection,prised of twenty-seven pieces, were truly extraordinary. They delved into the heart of art and technique, forming various transcendent forms. These models, once perfected and continuously extrapted, would naturally evolve into extremely terrifying constructs. This indicated that the formation of techniques and the derivation of divine powers were all about perfecting these models into formidable structures, showcasing a powerful and fearsome path. This particr set of scripts used the spirit to build various transcendent forms, strengthening the spirit first and then leading to the enhancement of the body. "This is the process of the evolution and formation of Daoist methods," Wang Xuan mused, recognizing the profoundness of the scripts. They seemed to belong to a different system entirely, possibly not even from the same era as the other set. He wondered if, with the decline of transcendence, there would still be a ce for such scriptures. "Can other types of energy rece the transcendent materials mentioned here?" Wang Xuan pondered, though he suspected it would be challenging. Ultimately, with the demise of the mythical age, he feared all these scriptures might be obsolete. Relying solely on the vitality of his Inner Landscape seemed imprudent, especially considering the darkest times had yet toe. Even the supreme beings from behind the great curtains, still mighty now, were predicted to fall and be mere mortals in the future. Refusing to be disheartened, Wang Xuan resolved to continue on his path, building upon the foundation of the ancients'' supreme scriptures to seek a way forward. This particr scripture was indeed mysterious and profound, and he seriously doubted whether the four golden bamboo scripts were from the same era. As a matter of fact, the great practitioner and ferryman Xu Fu had also mentioned the uniqueness of these scriptures, with unknown origins. "Arranging the transcendent material particles as described in the scripts is challenging, but I might be able to do it more efficiently," Wang Xuan realized. His Spiritual Eye allowed him to see through various particles clearly, simplifying the process. The scripts mentioned that those with rare transcendental eyes were well-suited for this path; otherwise, it would be exceedingly difficult. Fortunately, Wang Xuan possessed all the necessary rare elements. In the Inner Landscape, he studied the bamboo scripts, arranging mystical particles and attempting to construct simple models of techniques. Afterward, his spirit briefly returned to his physical body, and with a flick of his finger, he sent a ball of fire into the courtyard''s fishpond. The pond instantly evaporated into a pool of magma, showcasing the immense power he had just harnessed. In his realm of mastery, Wang Xuan had already honed the ability tomand the forces of lightning and real fire, a testament to his prowess in harnessing the supernatural. Yet, after he reconfigured these forces, their potency surged remarkably, while requiring fewer mystical particles a feat that left him profoundly astounded. This breakthrough implied not only a more efficient utilization of transcendent matter but also a significant enhancement in his prowess within his current level. Immersed in various ancient scriptures, Wang Xuan had encountered numerous techniques and divine powers. These were, in essence, the manifestations ofplex structures, ingeniously woven from transcendent matter. "The techniques and divine powers crafted by predecessors, built from transcendent elements, now serve as invaluable blueprints for me," he mused, seeing them as a foundation for validation and emtion. This path he trod was resplendent with potential. If he could thoroughlyprehend and decipher these esoteric teachings, who would he fear at his level? Even as once-supreme beings faced their descent, he felt undaunted in the face ofparable realms. Once again, Wang Xuan''s spirit ventured into the Inner Landscape, a domain where he had already spent seven years in meditative contemtion. Now, as he delved deeper into this tranquil and enigmatic realm, he rxed slightly andmenced a meticulous exploration. The Inner Landscape, as enshrined in the annals of ancient lore, remained shrouded in mystery. Descriptions varied, often veiled in cryptguage, and many phenomena eluded even their chroniclers'' understanding. Some theories even suggested that the Inner Landscape might epass more than oneyer. Arriving at the uttermost depths and navigating through the mists, Wang Xuan encountered a boundary wall. Gazing through the coarse stone with his Spiritual Eye, he discerned a blurred figure apanied by a faint, sorrowful weeping. Instantly unsettled by this scene, he pondered the peculiar circumstances. Amidst a small fire, the figure''s silhouette was blurred, surrounded by what seemed like numerous burning papers, apanied by the sound of crying. Astonished and with a rising sense of dread, Wang Xuan questioned who could be mourning and burning ritual paper money in this remote locale. He recalled the enigmatic realm he had essed through the mist of his Life Soil, where silent showers of paper money descended from the darkened sky above. "Who are you, and for how many years have you wept? Why have youe here, bringing your sorrow to startle me?" he wondered, feeling a shiver run down his spine at the haunting tableau. Chapter 297: Into The Stars Chapter 297: Into The Stars At this stage, Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine, his body breaking out in goosebumps. He had always regarded his Inner Landscape as a private domain, a sanctuary of sorts. Yet now, in this very sanctuary, someone was weeping and burning joss paper. Flickering mes cast ghostly shadows, and papers swirled in the air. What kind of being was this, and from where had ite? Wang Xuan peered through the rough stone wall with his spiritual third eye, observing intently. He was tempted to call out, to inquire about the identity of this mysterious presence. However, he restrained himself, wary of inviting an unimaginable entity into his realm. The tales and lore surrounding Inner Landscapes were varied; some enchanting, others utterly terrifying. He wasn''t willing to take the risk. This scene reminded him of his venture into a mysterious world, where lifeless yellow joss paper silently descended from a pitch-ck sky. If there was indeed a connection between that world and what he witnessed now, the implications could be dire. He recalled the incident when "Old Zhang" reflected the yellowed joss paper in a bronze mirror at the bar, turning pale at the sight - a clear indication of a grave issue that was best left unprovoked. Wang Xuan pondered over the recent departure of the Nourishing Furnace from his Inner Landscape. Could it be rted to what he was witnessing? It seemed unlikely; the Nourishing Furnace was a treasure beyondpare, impervious to fear or threat. Perhaps the copse of the mythological world had triggered a new series of events, influencing and stimting it. Staring into the depths with a profound gaze, he watched the scene unfold. The fire, though dim, illuminated the darkness with a faint light screen. He stood there for a long time, observing the dwindling mes that seemed destined to extinguish, surrounded by papers that fluttered and fell, unlit, into the abyss. He silently retreated, not wanting to rm the likes of Zhong Qing, Qin Cheng, and others. Reflecting on the ancient paths of mysticism, Wang Xuan mused, "All these old ways, be it the Departed Lands or the Inner Landscape, are fraught with peril and opportunity, elusive and unpredictable." These ces were considered the cradle of transcendence, which now appeared disturbing, suggesting inherent ws at the very source. "Transcendence is but an anomaly, a fleeting meteor, akin to a fire in the darkness, extinguishing as the curtains fall. When the Great Veil darkens, the realm of immortals descends into silence, celestial beings plummet, and the world of myths rots away, vanishing. The mundane world corrects itself, returning to its natural state." As Wang Xuan whispered these words, a sudden shudder overtook him. He abruptly turned, his gaze piercing back through the coarse stone barrier, fixating on the dimming fire in the depths of his Inner Landscape. Wang Xuan shuddered, the chill prating his bones. His analogy, grimly apt, could have petrified even the mightiest celestial beings. Stepping back, he settled into a meditative posture, attempting to calm his disturbed mind. The peculiar Inner Landscape, the unsettling wails, and the enigmatic fire - all these spurred a whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. With an outstretched hand, he watched as "goose-feather-like snowkes" cascaded around him. He scrutinized them closely, checking for any mixture of other substances, such as ash. These formless particles, visible only through his spiritual third eye, were indeed mysterious factors, particles of transcendent energy. Silently contemting, Wang Xuan''s gaze shifted from his Inner Landscape to the vast universe beyond, yearning to peer into the depths of endless space. "Stone Tablet Scriptures, Golden Bamboo Slips, Five-Color Jade Book... their origins shrouded in mystery, their provenance untraceable. Could they be relics from an immeasurable past, remnants beneath the ashes of time?" Wang Xuan spected that these scriptures, seemingly at odds with one another and difficult to reconcile, might not belong to a single era. Each bore its own unique lineage and approach. Casting aside distracting thoughts, he resumed his study of the Golden Bamboo Slips from the Zhong family,paring them with various techniques and divine powers for mutual verification. By arranging the transcendent factors from their source, Wang Xuan began to grasp the origins of these mystical techniques, witnessing the most fundamental truths. "The unparalleled strongmen among the celestial beings, their discharge of lightning, Samadhi True Fire, and other divine powers, must represent the most potentbinations and constructions of particles. Their every move exemplifies a perfected and formidable transcendent form, the result of years of cultivation, constant refinement, gradually bing an innate instinct." Wang Xuan believed that these mighty beings must have honed their skills in actualbat, gradually forming their own unique models of techniques and divine patterns. "And here I am, striving to construct these formidable forms from the beginning, optimizing them as much as possible. Such a model of technique is naturally terrifying." In this realm, everyone seemed to be stealing time, allowing them to contemte and practice at their leisure, validating their thoughts. Over the next "decade or so," Wang Xuan ceaselesslybined mysterious factors, constructing various forms, then refining and elevating them to an unblemished state. During this period, he asionally returned to his physical body to experience the real world. He found that chanting mantras or forming hand seals could vibrate the mysterious factors, enhancing the technique model and correcting minor errors, arranging the transcendent factors more precisely. "So that''s how it is. The so-called incantations and hand gestures serve such an auxiliary role," Wang Xuan mused, deeply engaged in various experiments. He had constructed many transcendent forms,paring them with ancient texts. Satisfied with the results, he found his approach fundamentally different from others. While most relied on scripture for technique deployment, Wang Xuan triggered them from the source, building his own understanding before execution. Old Zhong watched, utterly astounded. He couldn''t believe it when he saw Wang Xuan seemingly conjure... Samadhi True Fire in the real world. But Wang Xuan shook his head, rifying, "Not yet, there''s still some way to go. Third-level forms are quite challenging; more effort is needed." Chen Yongjie was equally startled. Wang Xuan''s feats surpassed just releasing divine fire; he was developing potent forms. Nodding, Wang Xuan exined, "These symbols and patterns you see are transcendent factors aligning, abination of energy particles significantly boosting their power." He elucidated further, stating that while first-level real fire forms weren''t tooplex, constructing a second-level model, arranging various energy particles, significantly increased the difficulty but also the power. "So, a third-level real fire form would be the Samadhi True Fire?" Old Zhong asked, visibly intrigued. Wang Xuan confirmed. He was still experimenting, but the process was taxing andplex, theoretically beyond the capability of someone in the Harvesting Realm. However, with his spiritual third eye orchestrating energy particles, he saw a glimmer of hope in manifesting it. Old Zhong, barely containing his amazement, asked, "ording to your theory, do fourth-level forms exist, or even ninth-level ones?" "Theoretically, yes," Wang Xuan responded. "I believe anything above fifth or sixth level falls into the realm of Immortal Arts or Divine Incantations, and at ninth level, they likely approach the category of Laws." Old Zhong was left speechless, realizing that divine powers and Laws might be based on arranging formidable forms. Chen Yongjie, too, was stunned. He then pondered, "So, the forbidden spells in witchcraft and magic that can instantly destroy a city or incinerate it, would they also be around the fourth or fifth level?" Wang Xuan paused, lost in thought. Old Zhong spoke up, "It seems... somewhat close. All methods are interconnected." However, he noted that the various secret texts in his library, which recorded divine powers and techniques, didn''t require incantations once mastered. "In this unique era, it''s probably impossible to construct the most powerful transcendent forms," Wang Xuan remarked. Soon after, they all delved back into their arduous cultivation, exploring their own methods and paths. Time seemed to elerate in this space, giving the illusion of "over two more years" passing by. Suddenly, Wang Xuan looked up, sensing that time was running out and the Inner Landscape would soon close. Chen Yongjie had achieved significant gains, with three vivid miraculous sceneries emerging. Moreover, his spiritual power surged, and his physical body underwent transformation. His practice of the Buddhist Golden Body reached a certain maturity, his figure enveloped in a rich Buddhist glow. He was on the verge of a breakthrough, his internal secret power increasingly unstable, but he forcibly suppressed it using Buddhist secret methods. He was not content to nt the Heavenly Medicine seed in the Soil of Life without reaching the Harvesting Realm, aiming to rival the legendary figures of the past. Old Zhong''s golden cicada shell cracked open at the back, revealing a youthful figure with rosy lips and white teeth, looking no older than twenty. He had fully mastered this unique technique. Zhong Cheng was speechless, almost calling him ''big brother'' again. From then on, Old Zhong''s physical constitution and talents were no longer an issue. He waspletely transformed, far removed from his old and frail self. Most crucially, the transformation brought by the Golden Cicada Technique greatly enhanced his cultivation and strength. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie were envious and decided to study the Golden Cicada Technique, especially valuable in this era of depletion. They all reaped tremendous benefits, even the "Cheng brothers," who were now veteran Grandmasters. Qin Cheng had previously consumed spiritual herbs and Earth Immortal Spring water. Zhong Cheng, having visited the Hidden Land and eaten spiritual herbs and even transcendent rat meat with his sister, had a dark and unforgettable experience but reaped considerable benefits. Wang Xuan led everyone out of the Inner Landscape back to their physical bodies. He then gazed once more into the deepest part of the serenend. The rough stone wall, the dimly lit fire, and the eerie crying continued, never ceasing. He turned and left, the Inner Landscape slowly closing behind him. The darkness, fire, and falling ''goose-feather snow'' all vanished. Back in the real world, everyone opened their eyes. Guan Lin appeared even younger, and Zhong Qing, apart from her increased strength, had her body glow multiple times, suggesting some transformation. "Hmm, Zhong Qing, are you experiencing a second growth spurt?" Wang Xuan, being quite straightforward, just returned from his cultivation world, his mind still focused on transcendent forms. Hemented directly upon noticing her changes. Zhong Qing, stunned, looked down at herself. Shocked yet pleased, she soon blushed, retorting, "Drop dead!" She then ran off, primarily due to the strong scent on her, which was intolerable for a girl, and she quickly made her escape. "Wait for me," Guan Lin hurried after her, also eager to freshen up. Professor Lin naturally became a veteran Grandmaster. With a few more such experiences, he might step into the transcendent realm. "Old Wang, your face is peeling!" Qin Cheng pointed out. Feeling a long-forgotten sensation, Wang Xuan touched his face. As he practiced various scriptures and transformed, his body shed an oldyer of skin, revealing new flesh that bore no scars from past battles, vibrant and potent with life! Unwittingly, he had already entered the Harvesting Realm. At this rate, with the Heavenly Medicine nted in his Life Soil, he would soon break through to the next realm. In this next stage, he must choose his path, carving out his unique way. That day, the Zhong family relocated, moving into the deep cosmos, venturing into the vast universe without looking back. Old Zhong decisively chose to leave thend of conflict temporarily, not wanting to get mired in future quagmires. Wang Xuan personally escorted them, apanying them on the warship into outer space. The Zhong family, aware of his extraordinary perception, requested him to check if any transcendent beings, particrly the spirits of the Immortals, had followed them. The Zhong family''s departing warships were numerous, but in outer space, amidst the steel jungle, even more ships awaited densely, having been there for quite some time. Wang Xuan, using his spiritual heavenly eye, took a considerable amount of time to scrutinize each warship, ensuring there were no anomalies and no spiritual entities had followed. As they parted ways, the Zhong siblings felt a tinge of sorrow, uncertain if they would ever return. The future was unpredictable. Would the New World briefly enter an era simr to that of the Immortals? And the depths of the universe were not necessarily more promising, shrouded in the unknown. Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng shared hugs with Wang Xuan, bidding their final farewells. "Take care," Wang Xuan whispered softly. Lastly, Zhong Cheng gifted him a scripture, richly illustrated and precisely what he had been seeking. Wang Xuan epted it silently. Zhong Qing, tugging at Zhong Cheng''s ear, led him away. The massive fleet of warships embarked, vanishing into the depths of the dark cosmos. Old Zhong generously gifted Wang Xuan arge warship. After activating its defense systems, Wang Xuanmanded the ship to return to the New World. He nned to leave the New World himself once he found the lotus pod left by Buddha Sakyamuni. "Hmm?" Back in his Life Soil, the Nurturing Furnace trembled slightly, showing signs of restlessness. Wang Xuan''s expression turned serious. Something in the real world was indeed affecting this treasure, and he was yet to understand what it was. Chapter 298: Demons Unleashed Chapter 298: Demons Unleashed In the vastness of outer space, a massive fleet, with its cold metallic sheen, soared like a steel cloud, descending rapidly towards the New World. Wang Xuan sat in themand room, introspecting, his gaze fixed on the Nurturing Furnace. Had it sensed something, causing its disturbance? If the top figures among the Immortals return, you must not act rashly in their presence, or it could spell disaster, he spoke sternly. If beings like Zheng Yuantian or the Red Garbed Demoness discovered this treasure in his possession, they would surely hunt him relentlessly. The departure of the Zhong family, abandoning the New World to venture into deep space, was akin to an earthquake and a tsunami, sending shockwaves across the world. There was no bigger news than this. The super-wealthy Zhong family, without a backward nce, had embarked on a journey to the cosmic depths. The Zhong familys enterprises spanned various industries. Despite professional managers at the helm and a few family members staying behind, their departure still created a tempestuous storm. Both psychologically and in reality, there hadnt been a more significant impact in recent times. Deep space detectors captured the fleets departure the cold warships, the immense fleet, silently venturing far. The footage was brief, the ships soon reduced to mere specks against the vast backdrop of space, before disappearing into the cosmic void. Old Zhong has fled! someone murmured, not particrly surprised, as it was quite characteristic of Zhong Yong. In fact, many families had contingency ns. The return of the Immortals, myth permeating reality, and those unseen spiritual entities had instilled deep apprehension in them. Even Zhong Yong fears the cmity of the Immortals, decisively forsaking everything on New World to preserve his life, was themon sentiment. The Zhong family''s retreat to the stars deeply affected other major organizations. A wise man doesnt fight when the odds are against him, and those contemting withdrawal were now restless. The ordinary people were stunned, then gripped by a sense of dread. Even the super-wealthy were fleeing what did it mean for them? Weve idealized the Immortals too much. Tales of the Moon Goddess, the Magpie Bridge on Qixi, and the Legend of the White Snake all those beautiful, enchanting myths are just exceptions. The true return of the Immortals is bound to be terrifying! In every city in the New World, people hotly debated this development. Its psychological impact was as profound as a Category 20 hurricane, whipping up oceans and ravaging thend. "People, myths are not all about immortals; there are also demons and monsters. Aren''t there countless tales of ancient creatures devouring humans? If they return, entire cities could be ughtered." "Exactly. Haven''t we read about those monstrous beings and terrifying scenes in the ancient texts? They often depict destion and extinction. In certain eras, they devoured entire city poptions!" On this day, the air was thick with apprehension. The thought of an impending apocalypse loomed over many, and no longer did anyone speak of joining the immortal ranks or bing a sword immortal. After all, even the super-wealthy were fleeing. The general public, along with professionals from all fields, were in a state of panic, indicating the severity of the situation. "I need to leave New World. Maybe to New Moon, no, perhaps to Old World. Can''t we escape if we can''t face it?" "Don''t be foolish. Old World is constantly shrouded in dark clouds, with relentless blood-red lightning. Tornadoes and all manner of demons, ghosts, and immortals are queuing up to cross over." "Yes, Old World is even more dangerous. Remember, it''s one of the mythological sources, teeming with demon tombs. Those horror stories you hear? Most urred in the ancient Old World!" The people were overwhelmed. Was there truly no escape? Were demons and monsters to reign everywhere? The beings from behind the great curtain were growing restless. At this stage, they didn''t want New World thrown into chaos, hoping for a smooth transition. Some factions were making rapid, decisive moves in the shadows, seizing control and preparing for the future. Yet, some were worried. What if, in the near future, the erosion of time wiped out all mythic attributes, reducing them to mere mortals? Would the people of New World then erupt in a violent bacsh against them? "Could this be a ploy by some conglomerates to manipte public sentiment and stir up chaos?" wondered the beings from beyond the curtain. During this period, descendants of the Immortals like Kong Yun, Zhou Shiqian, Cao Qingyu, Chen Yan, and Huang Ming stepped forward to quell the rumors. "Where are these man-eating monsters now? The real bloodthirsty beasts were eradicated in ancient times. Now, anyone daring to massacre a city would face the united wrath of the Immortals." They held press conferences and rified on various tforms, even sharing secrets and truths about the world beyond the curtain. This certainly captivated many, arousing curiosity about the true nature of the immortal realm and the reality behind the myths. "People, myths are not all about immortals; there are also demons and monsters. Aren''t there countless tales of ancient creatures devouring humans? If they return, entire cities could be ughtered." "Exactly. Haven''t we read about those monstrous beings and terrifying scenes in the ancient texts? They often depict destion and extinction. In certain eras, they devoured entire city poptions!" On this day, the air was thick with apprehension. The thought of an impending apocalypse loomed over many, and no longer did anyone speak of joining the immortal ranks or bing a sword immortal. After all, even the super-wealthy were fleeing. The general public, along with professionals from all fields, were in a state of panic, indicating the severity of the situation. "I need to leave New World. Maybe to New Moon, no, perhaps to Old World. Can''t we escape if we can''t face it?" "Don''t be foolish. Old World is constantly shrouded in dark clouds, with relentless blood-red lightning. Tornadoes and all manner of demons, ghosts, and immortals are queuing up to cross over." "Yes, Old World is even more dangerous. Remember, it''s one of the mythological sources, teeming with demon tombs. Those horror stories you hear? Most urred in the ancient Old World!" The people were overwhelmed. Was there truly no escape? Were demons and monsters to reign everywhere? The beings from behind the great curtain were growing restless. At this stage, they didn''t want New World thrown into chaos, hoping for a smooth transition. Some factions were making rapid, decisive moves in the shadows, seizing control and preparing for the future. Yet, some were worried. What if, in the near future, the erosion of time wiped out all mythic attributes, reducing them to mere mortals? Would the people of New World then erupt in a violent bacsh against them? "Could this be a ploy by some conglomerates to manipte public sentiment and stir up chaos?" wondered the beings from beyond the curtain. During this period, descendants of the Immortals like Kong Yun, Zhou Shiqian, Cao Qingyu, Chen Yan, and Huang Ming stepped forward to quell the rumors. "Where are these man-eating monsters now? The real bloodthirsty beasts were eradicated in ancient times. Now, anyone daring to massacre a city would face the united wrath of the Immortals." They held press conferences and rified on various tforms, even sharing secrets and truths about the world beyond the curtain. This certainly captivated many, arousing curiosity about the true nature of the immortal realm and the reality behind the myths. Therge battleship descended at one of the Zhong family''s bases, a ce that now felt eerily empty. However, it still retained some resources, enough to supply the battleship for a short period. Wang Xuan knew he couldn''t personally afford the astronomical costs of maintaining such a colossal ship, as every moment of its operation burned through a fortune. Gazing towards the distant Kun City, he observed the Zhong family estate, their former stronghold, now enveloped in a mix of demonic miasma, Buddhist radiance, and immortal mist. Undoubtedly, the Zhong family''s secret treasury had be a coveted prize for many, especially after the Pool of Rebirth vanished and the higher-ups of the Zhong family had departed, leaving the ce to be upied by supernatural beings. Wang Xuan felt no regret. Before escorting the Zhong family away, he, along with Chen Yongjie and Zhong Yong, had raided the treasury, taking their pick of valuable items. For instance, he found a piece of "living gold" that perfectly restored Zheng Wu''s top-grade mystic treasure the Soul Chain, which had broken into three pieces during a transdimensional journey. Additionally, he acquired a Soul Armor, swirling with ck and white qi, ancient and Dao-filled, far surpassing any armor he had obtained before. As for old Zhong and Chen Yongjie, they too secured potent items like the Five-Colored Soul Garment, the Mountain and River Seal, and the Enlightenment Mirror. Being thendowner, old Zhong naturally walked away with a trove of treasures. Chen Yongjie had already set off in search of the lotus pod, feeling confident about his prospects this time. "Hoping the few True Immortals of the Zheng familye through quickly, sending us the Five-Colored Soil and Immortal Nectar from Mount Bu Zhou. Both old Chen and I are waiting to nt medicinal herbs," Wang Xuan pondered. After his return, Wang Xuan nned to rendezvous with Chen Yongjie and undertake a final "sweep" of New World. There were still many treasures left on the, and he didn''t intend to leave them all for the Immortals. "Even though it won''t be long before these items might just be mere relics, mere collectibles, they''re extremely useful right now." Beneath a vast expanse of cloud seas in the realm beyond the Great Curtain,y a broad mountain range, ancient woods, millennium-old trees, and thick vines. Deep within these mountains, an area steeped in rising blood mist painted the clouds crimson. It was as if a being was breathing there each inhtion draining the blood clouds from the sky, and each exhtion causing mountains to tremble, with blood rising into the clouds, forming a sea of mist. This ce was the dwelling of a fearsome demon, a renowned supreme being in the Immortal Realm Qi Yi. His true form was unknown, but his power was unquestionably terrifying. Not long ago, he pursued another treasure, the Xiaoyao Boat, ying a peer in the process and sending shockwaves throughout the Immortal Realm. However, he failed to capture the elusive treasure, which vanished as quickly as it appeared, eluding even beings of his caliber. Afterpleting his breath control exercises, his voice echoed from the mountains, We must hasten the matters in the mortal realm. I''m not concerned about the process, only the results. I need the scriptures I seek, and a territory of my own. Lets avoid causing major upheavals. In ancient times, he was a notorious monster, infamous for decimating cities and turning a living into a bloodbathed wastnd. Indeed, such malevolent beings existed in the past! This time, instead of returning to that, he intended to descend upon New World. Compared to ancient times, his ferocity had waned, and he was unwilling to provoke chaos, yet some aspects of his nature remained unchanged. Not just him, but other supreme beings were also instructing their subordinates in the Immortal Realm to prepare for the crossing into the mortal realm, or to get ready for what was toe. As for themselves, they were still reluctant to give up the pursuit of treasures like the Renjian Sword and the Xiaoyao Boat, continuing their search and contention. Aha, the Five-Colored Jade Scripture! Finding it is my utmost priority, he muttered. Elsewhere in the realm beyond the Curtain, atop a celestial expanse dotted with splendid pces and heavenly abodes, a breathtakingly beautiful woman with a red mark between her eyebrows sat cross-legged in a grand central pce. Enveloped in immortal mist, her presence was ethereal, surrounded by an aura of the Great Dao and interwoven rules. She was another formidable being, known as the Ling Luan Fairy, a name that belied her significant origin. The top factions of the Immortal Realm were all mobilizing, preparing for their entry into the mortal world. The incursion of these beings from beyond the Curtain into reality was bound to stir various problems. Leaving Kun City, Wang Xuan pondered over the far-reaching implications of the Zhong family''s departure. Would other financial conglomerates follow suit? Would the immortals make a move in response? "Will the Zhao family leave too? How is Old Zhao doing recently?" he wondered, considering it wise to visit Zhao Zejun, the father of Zhao Qinghan, given theplexity of the current situation. His thoughts inevitably drifted to Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin in the secret realm. Why hadn''t they returned yet? That detestable ck Fox, always failing to keep its word. "Old Fox, are you waiting for me toe and fetch them myself?" he mused, gazing towards the distant sky. On his way, his phone rang, disying Qian An''s name a respectable elder. However, to his surprise, the call disconnected after just one ring. Wang Xuan redialed, and after a while, a weary Qian An answered, "Wang, I just had a thought. Old Zhong actually fled, and I wanted to talk to you about it, get some details. But then, I thought better of it. That''s just how Zhong is." After the brief call, Wang Xuan frowned and pocketed his phone. Looking up, he noticed two giant birds circling in the distant sky. One was entirely golden, about ten meters long, and the other, a simr-sized azure bird, both radiating a demonic aura. Startled, Wang Xuan realized that the world was already teeming with such demonic beings. These creatures were undoubtedly monsters, beings from beyond the veil. On New Star, the presence of monsters and descendants of the immortals was bing increasinglymon. He suspected that the situation in the Old Earth was probably even more severe. Continuing his journey, he nned to visit Old Zhao, and on the way, he intended to stop by Su City to check on Qian An, whom he had just spoken to over the phone. Approaching Su City, Wang Xuan turned his gaze toward a serene estate on the outskirts, where Qian An resided, nestled next to a Taoist temple a peaceful haven ideal for retirement. "Old Qian has always been kind-hearted," Wang Xuan mused, "After this parting, who knows when we will meet again." He remembered the Hall of Nourishment a gift from Qian An, and their first major acquisition of ancient texts had urred in Qian''s Taoist temple, where Qian An had generously allowed them to peruse a vast collection of scriptures. When Chen Yongjie was critically wounded by an arrow from an ancient redmp during the Sun family''s attack, it was Qian An who had kept Wang Xuan informed, enabling him to rush to the rescue. Now, Wang Xuan arrived to pay a visit, just a couple of hours after their phone conversation. "My grandfather is unwell; he''s justin down," Qian An''s granddaughter greeted him, apologizing for her grandfather''s condition. "I''ll take a look, see if I can treat him," Wang Xuan offered, walking towards the house. He had repeatedly extended Qian An''s life, who should have been in robust health. The next moment, Wang Xuan''s expression changed dramatically. From outside the house, using his spiritual eye, he could see Qian An''s true condition. Only the spiritual eye could reveal the true essence of a person''s spirit so vividly. Qian An''s spiritual essence had beenrgely devoured. He was almost reced by another entity, his soul quivering and wailing in torment. Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat at this cruel and bloody revtion. The entity attempting to rece Qian An was still there, not having departed yet. Chapter 299: A Bloody Scene From The Past Chapter 299: A Bloody Scene From The Past Qian An had always been kind to Wang Xuan, a good-natured elderly man, but now he met a tragic fate in his own home. His spiritual essence was being devoured by a monstrous entity, a cruelty far surpassing physical violence. "Are you trying to recreate the ancient era of bloodshed?!" Wang Xuan, provoked and infuriated, darted forward without a moment''s dy. He had already seen enormous predatory birds on his way, unmistakably monstrous in nature. Now, such beings were daring to act so brazenly. The once kind and well-respected Old Qian was now reduced to a shell of his former self, his spirit almost extinguished, on the verge of bing a soulless husk. Wang Xuan''s eyes reddened with fury, an intense killing intent emanating from him as he leaped forward, shattering the doors and windows to burst into the house. "Brother Wang, what''s..." Qian An''s granddaughter, Qian Qian, was caught off guard, shocked by his abrupt and uncharacteristic intrusion into her grandfather''s bedroom. On the bed, Qian An abruptly sat up, his eyes flickering with a faint ck light, revealing his surprise. "Wang Xuan, what''s wrong?" he asked. Themotion rmed the Qian family, who hurried to the scene, bewildered by Wang Xuan''s behavior. They knew of his close rtionship with their patriarch, but this waspletely unexpected. Wang Xuan scrutinized the old man on the bed. Despite themotion he caused, the creature inside Qian An remainedposed, trying to deceive him. However, it dared not continue consuming Qian An''s spirit, lying dormant within his flesh and warily observing Wang Xuan. "Get out! In this era, as beings who have escaped the veil, instead of amicably integrating into human society, you dare to prey on ordinary people as your sustenance, seeking death?!" Wang Xuan''s voice thundered across the courtyard, overwhelming and intimidating the monstrous entity. His promation also served to inform the Qian family, preventing confusion and chaos among them due to theirck of understanding of the situation. The members of the Qian family stood aghast, a chill running down their spines as they grasped the horrific reality: a monster was residing in their home, preying on Qian An as its food source. It was an unthinkable scenario! With the recent news of the Zhong family fleeing to the depths of space and the dire consequences of immortals and monsters crossing into the human realm, the Qian family was now experiencing these dreadful oues firsthand. "Brother Wang, save my grandfather!" Qian Qian''s face turned pale with terror at the unfolding nightmare. "Brother Wang, what''s going on? You must protect our family elder!" cried other members of the Qian family. "Ridiculous!" Qian An spoke up, his eyes flickering with a dark sheen. He scanned the family, saying, "This man has his eyes on our family''s assets." He then chuckled, adding, "Wang Xuan, whatever your demands are, we can sit down and discuss them. Everything is negotiable. Please, don''t harm my family." Wang Xuan was tempted to strike him down with one sword blow. The monster inside the elder Qian was brazen and fearless, using what was left of Qian An''s spirit as a hostage in a tant threat. Wang Xuan saw it clearly. The entity was a pitch-ck beastly spirit, resembling a hyena-wolf with a single horn and three pairs of dark wings. Its spiritual form, much like its physical one, revealed it to be a demon! At that moment, the beast, realizing that Wang Xuan could see its true form, licked its lips inside Qian An''s body. Its smile was cold and malicious, pressing down a w on the remaining fragment of Qian An''s spirit, baring its teeth menacingly. Chaos erupted among the Qians, leaving many unsure of whom to follow. Wang Xuan, fixing his gaze ahead, said, "Come out now, reveal your origins, and you might meet a decent end. Otherwise, you''ll regret it." "Wang Xuan, there is still justice in this world. You can''t abuse your extraordinary powers to do as you please. The immortals are crossing realms to intervene, and they won''t allow someone like you to dominate society and act recklessly. Even if you covet our family''s wealth and secrets, there are principles to abide by." Within Qian An''s body, the beastly spirit smirked coldly, brimming with malice. It had secretly sent a signal, awaiting reinforcements! Wang Xuan, with his acute perception, sensed the special mental waves it was secretly emitting, calling its kind with demonic methods. He calcted the situation, believing he could subdue the demon without harming Qian An''s fragmented spirit, and prepared to act. "You understand everything, know there''s justice in the world, yet you still offend, twisting truth and falsehood, projecting your own crimes onto others. Have you thought about the consequences?" said Wang Xuan. Pfft In an instant, a chain-like object shot out, moving with incredible speed, like a celestial being soaring through the heavens, its silvery-white brilliance blinding. It plunged into Qian An''s body before anyone could react. This was Zheng Wu''s spiritual chain, a top-tier secret treasure. It had been broken by an ancient covenant but was repaired by Wang Xuan using the "living gold" from the old Zhong family''s secret vault. Everyone gasped in astonishment. What was that object that had entered Qian An''s body? With a swift motion, Wang Xuan yanked the spiritual chain, dragging the monstrous creature out and securing itpletely. The beast, resembling a hyena-wolf with a single horn, struggled violently, its howls fierce, and its visage terrifying. Wang Xuan exhaled deeply. Although it was his first time using this extraordinary treasure, he had managed to capture the creature without error. However, his gaze upon Qian An was tinged with sorrow. The elder Qian wouldn''t survive long; with only a third to a quarter of his spirit remaining, the damage was too severe. "Wang Xuan!" the creature roared and writhed in fury. Initially, as a spiritual entity, ordinary people couldn''t see it. Existing in a realm beyond the ordinary, its actions were imperceptible to themon folk. But now, bound by the renowned spiritual chain, the creature was forced into a visible, beastly form, revealing its hideous nature. "A monster!" "It was lurking inside my grandfather''s body. Oh heavens, what has it done?" As a core member of the Qian family, Qian An''s plight quickly prompted calls for help to the family''s headquarters, informing them of the situation. Wang Xuan, eyes fixed on the creature bound by the spiritual chain, said, "Will you speak of your own ord, or shall I force you?" With a crackling sound, the chain emitted a beam of light, shaving off a part of the fierce beast''s spirit, turning it into a shower of light that dissipated into the air, eliciting a piercing scream from the creature. "In ancient times, when demons roamed freely, they ughtered cities, feasted on the living, leavingnds barren for miles. Do you really wish to see such a bloody scene return to this world?!" Wang Xuan demanded. The demon continued to scream in agony. Each time the chain tightened, more of its spiritual essence dispersed in showers of light, its spirit being torn apart piece by piece. "Speak, or not?!" Wang Xuan demanded coldly, his anger palpable. Even if he killed this demon, it wouldn''t save Qian An''s life. He sent forth a beam of light, imbued with a dense mystical essence, into Qian An''s body, reviving him. "Who would have thought I''d encounter a demon at this stage of my life, with such a tragic end," sighed Qian An, regaining consciousness. "Thankfully, Wang Xuan, you arrived in time. At least I didn''t die silently, my body taken over by this monster, turned into a living corpse." Qian An understood his condition well. The demon inside him had devoured his spirit, stealing his life essence and memories, intending to rece him. He knew his end was near, with only a remnant of his soul left, flickering like a candle in the wind. "Grandfather..." Qian Qian and Qian Rui burst into tears, rushing to Qian An''s bedside. Wang Xuan stood silent. Elder Qian was just an ordinary man, not a transcendent being. His spirit was fragile, and there were no effective means to save him. "Ah, let me go, I''ll talk!" the demon wailed. Every tightening of the spiritual chain disintegrated a part of it, torturing it unbearably. Soon, Wang Xuan learned that it belonged to an extremely powerful demon faction, backed by an unparalleled demon - Qi Yi. A terrifying demon who dared to vie for the precious treasure - the Xiaoyao Boat, and had in a supreme warrior. "How many aplices do you have, and where are they?" Wang Xuan pressed. "There''s a group outside Sicheng, in the Hanwu Mountains. They could arrive at any moment!" The demon couldn''t bear the hellish torment, its spirit essence continuously being sliced away, screaming in agony. With a forceful shake, Wang Xuan''s silver chain shattered the demon into pieces. In its final wail, it disintegrated, its spirit burned to ashes by the silver light. "Old Qian, I''ve avenged you!" dered Wang Xuan. Qian An nodded, managing a weary smile. His spirit was drained, his gaze dim. "I should have been as decisive as Old Zhong, I should have left earlier," he sighed. The higher-ups of the Qian family arrived, speaking softly with Qian An, discussing many things. "Hmm?!" Suddenly, Wang Xuan fixed his gaze on one of the high-ranking family members. The spiritual chain flew out swiftly, and with a slicing sound, it locked onto a creature within him, revealing another demonic spirit form. With a deafening roar, the beast''s cry resonated, vibrating the very air around them. Yet, Wang Xuan swiftly and decisively ended its life, ensuring it could do no harm. "How reckless," Wang Xuan said icily. "You return to this world only to seek bloodshed. Demons like you belong in the past and should be extinguished. Did you think we still live in ancient times?" The senior members of the Qian family turned pale, their decision swift and resolute. "We must leave immediately, journey deep into space, and initiate the Primordial n!" Fear was evident in their voices. "Go now, and don''t think of returning soon," Qian An advised them. He weakly nodded at Wang Xuan, and soon after, his eyes closed gently for thest time. "Rest in peace, Old Qian," Wang Xuan whispered, turning away. The loss of an acquaintance fueled his resolve for vengeance. These unruly demons, daring to prey on humans in this era, were a threat he couldn''t ignore. Now, with arge number of these creatures returning, the potential for loss of life was immense. Wang Xuan reached out to a true immortal from the Zheng family, needing insights into the current crisis. As Zheng Wu, he had resources and connections that were invaluable. Since theirst encounter, the three true immortals had only contacted him once. They had exchanged phone numbers, promising to assist him in his quest for the Five-Colored Soil and the Immortal Elixir. The Zheng family''s immortals, however, were starting to harbor doubts, particrly after Wang Xuan had dispatched the Zhong family''s fleet. "I have what we need," Wang Xuan said in a calm, measured tone, sending over a slightly blurred photo of a golden bamboo slip. His message implied that true sess didn''t always require violence; sometimes subtlety and finesse were more effective. "I''ll be there as soon as I can, young master!" came the immediate, excited reply from the other end. "Three days ago, while I was with the Zhong family, someone tried to trap me in a ritual hunt. Have you found out who was responsible?" Wang Xuan inquired, his voiceposed but carrying an undercurrent of seriousness, as he remembered the harrowing experience with the dark chains and the threatening blood-red swords. "Zhou Chong, he''s the one orchestrating attacks against you. Behind him stands a supreme being, revered as the ancestor of celestial immortals before his ascension in this modern age Qi Teng!" The immortal from the Zheng family spoke gravely, cautioning Wang Xuan to be extremely vignt. Not only was the mastermind behind this faction fearsome, but Zhou Chong himself was formidable, suspected of possessing an ancient divine artifact the Soul Locking Bell. "Zhou Chong has been closely coborating with the demon ns recently, constantly scheming. We suspect that key figures from both camps, the celestial ancestor Qi Teng and the legendary demon Qi Yi, might have joined forces!" "I''m outside Sicheng. Is Zhou Chong inciting these demons here?" Wang Xuan asked, his voiceced with frost. "I''ll investigate." Wang Xuan put away his phone, his eyes deep and thoughtful. Zhou Chong had acquired the Soul Locking Bell at the Sun family, while he had silently taken the Godyer Banner. Previously, Zhou Chong had made an appearance at Yuanqu Mountain, even summoning Wang Xuan there, intending to brand him and make him a pawn. Wang Xuan had not attended, and that day, Yuanqu Mountain was obliterated by the Sun family''s warships! "He probably suspects that I have the Godyer Banner," Wang Xuan thought, his aura bristling with killing intent. After all, it was them who had provoked him first, repeatedly targeting him. Whoosh! In the distance, the sound of the wind rustled as a massive bird of prey soared past. Its body, nearly ten meters long and entirely ck, carried a dense ck demonic mist, spreading its wings and flying off. "Demon beasts are even more despicable!" Wang Xuan looked up, sensing a faint hostility. In this era, did these demons truly wish to revive the old horrors of city ughters? How audacious they were! Their audacity knew no bounds. After causing the death of Qian An and losing two of their own to Wang Xuan''s hands, they still dared to send a demon beast to spy and gather information. Wang Xuan,mandeering his flying vessel, shot into the sky. With a single sword thrust, cold light illuminated the heavens, his energy surging fiercely. His flying sword swept across the sky like a cascading gxy, decapitating the powerful demon beast. Blood spattered, and the enormous head plummeted from the high altitude. A roar of fury ensued as the bird''s spirit attempted to rise, ring venomously at Wang Xuan, desperate to escape. With a swift motion, the spiritual chain flew out, instantly ensnaring the spirit. Wang Xuan, his expression cold and detached, pulled it back and with a slight shake, obliterated it. His strength had significantly increased after advancing to the Herb Gathering realm, while the others were again affected by the aftershocks of the transcendent''s power, weakening them further. It was a case of one rising as the other fell. With Qian An''s death, Wang Xuan was prepared to exact his vengeance on the demons. "You allied with Zhou Chong''s faction, originally targeting me, and now you''ve killed Old Qian. Dreaming of demons ruling the earth in this era? It''s time to wake you up!" Wang Xuan hovered in the air, looking towards the distant mountains, ready to unleash his wrath. "In ancient times, during the era of powerful demons, thends were deste and bloodstained. Today, I will settle old scores with you. Some of you are likely survivors from that bygone era!" Chapter 300: This Is Alarming Chapter 300: This Is rming "It''s somewhat terrifying, and yet peculiar," Wang Xuan mused as he gazed towards the distant mountains on the horizon. The ancient legends and stories seemed to being to life once again. In his early years, when he first embarked on the path of the old arts, he had doubted the existence of the immortals, believing that the ancients were most likely long gone. Now, it had all been confirmed. The creatures of the ancient times were not only alive but also intent on reviving the bloody scenes of their past. He stood there for a long time, not moving immediately, pondering some questions. He was prepared to unleash a massacre, to eliminate those demons that preyed on humans for sustenance, but this wasn''t a battle he could fight alone. He needed to involve more people. Descending from the sky, he stowed his flying vessel and began walking on the ground. Each step he took covered one or two hundred meters, as if he was shrinking the earth beneath his feet, moving at incredible speed. In fact, each time he exerted force, he briefly flew just above the ground, traversing thend. Approaching the outskirts of Sicheng, Wang Xuan moved stealthily, soon noticing something amiss. There was an ancient-styled mountain inn, quaint and catering to climbers and adventurers. But the four staff members seemed off. Had they been reced? Their spirits consumed? Within their bodies resided the spirits of demonic birds and beasts. Wang Xuan observed them from the shadows for a long time, listening to their conversations. "Once we''re familiar with these identities, we can enter the bustling mortal world. With a bit of caution, we can continually change bodies and feast on fresh blood." In the short term, these demons were adapting to the rules of modern society, targeting people in secluded ces. Soon, once they fully integrated into society, they nned to move into the cities, letting their current bodies "die" of seemingly natural causes. Their strategy was chillingly methodical and almost impossible to guard against. In the vast urban poptions of the New World, teeming with life, these demons saw an abundant hunting ground, a paradise of blood. Times had changed, and so had their tactics. No longer did they favor the overt and brutal methods of the past, where blood drenched the earth for all to see. Such explicit violence was unsustainable. Now, they sought a silent return. "Our leaders are preparing," one of them said. "Soon, we''ll take over the bodies of tycoons and heads of major organizations, steering the bigger picture. But actually, this freedom we have now is better. This is beautiful, life is so vibrant, and there are so many humans. I prefer this world to the ancient times." Wang Xuan listened, his resolve hardening. The demons had evolved, bing more insidious and dangerous. It was time to act, not just to avenge Qian An, but to protect the unsuspecting millions from these hidden predators. Inside one of the men, the spirit of a fierce bird resided. Its beak was curved like a hook, its ws sharp, and its smile chillingly cold. Wang Xuan observed them quietly from a distance, studying the nature of these demons, uncovering their secrets. He frowned, recognizing that these were merely low-ranking members. The higher-ups were at Hanwu Mountain, but even from their brief conversations, he realized they were not to be underestimated. These demons nned to silently infiltrate human society, a move that would typically go unnoticed. "All over thend, feeding on blood, blending among them, stealthily harvesting... It''s quite thrilling," one of them mused. "Even if the transcendent world copses, as long as we have a steady supply of blood and consume spirits, our own spirits could slowly strengthen. At the very least, they won''t degrade, right?" Within another man, the spirit of a ck wolf bared its fangs, grinning at the thought of entering the city and blending into this new era. ... Wang Xuan remained silent and hidden. In this society, various demons were returning, living among humans, unseen in their bloodthirsty endeavors. While there was no overt bloodshed like the past massacres, the long-term implications were just as dire. He refrained from acting immediately, not wanting to startle them and reveal his presence. Moreover, he soon discovered several forest rangers in the mountains who had also been reced by demons. He moved silently through the forest, his gaze fixed on the distant Hanwu Mountain. Through his psychic vision, he saw the miasma of demonic energy, but the demons themselves were gone. Their stronghold was abandoned. The demons'' leaders had decisively left their base, giving Wang Xuan no chance to investigate further. He hadn''t nned to confront them alone, but their abrupt departure was surprising and cautious. "Have they fled, or are they leading me on, drawing me into their trap?" he pondered. This visit was prompted by an unexpected call from Qian An. Was it a genuine plea for help, or a ploy by the demons? Unfortunately, with Qian An dead, Wang Xuan had no way of knowing he hadn''t thought to ask at the time. On his way back, Wang Xuan executed the demonic spirits residing in the bodies of the forest rangers. Watching their lifeless forms copse silently, he sighed lightly. Then, he proceeded to eliminate the four demons at the mountain inn. Returning to the Qian residence, Wang Xuan gazed intently at an ancient Taoist temple, now steeped in a deathly aura. The celestial bones within, once revered, had been consumed by the demons. "I thought it was the genuine bones of a great Taoist figure. Demons really are indiscriminate in their prey, not even sparing the immortals when given a chance," he mused, realizing that the truly powerful beings likely hid their remains more secretly. This matter needed to be brought to the Taoistmunity''s attention. Why should he, a modern transcendent, bear the burden of exorcising demons alone? Unless the immortals were in collusion with the demons, offering only token resistance or none at all, the situation would be dire. The Qian family was busy preparing for a mass relocation as part of their long-standing Primordial n. They were well-prepared, so the process was orderly and methodical. "I''ve avenged Old Qian, but only on the surface. The real culprits, the mastermind demons, are still out there. Don''t you want to take revenge before you leave?" Wang Xuan discussed with Qian An''s brothers. "Of course, we want revenge. My brother died horribly, his soul consumed, turned into a monster''s meal. It''s a humiliating and dismal end," they replied, anger simmering within them. With their departure imminent, they were more than willing to strike back. "Look, the descendants of the immortals are holding press conferences, iming their integration into modern society. We should start by bringing them into this," Wang Xuan suggested. "The Taoist masters who have recently crossed over should be brought here to see your temple. They''ll have to react." Wang Xuan spoke at length with the Qian family. If he acted alone, it would only cause minor ripples and ce him in danger. A more significant upheaval was needed, one that would also serve as an opportunity to gauge the reactions of various factions and understand the underlying issues. He was determined to take action, not just for Old Qian''s revenge but to curb the rampant and arrogant demons. They were still hunting humans freely, basking in their past bloody glories. Wang Xuan was ready to unleash a widespread ughter. However, he had to consider his own safety. Engaging in a direct confrontation would draw the attention of formidable beings like Qi Teng, the ancestor of the celestial immortals, and Qi Yi, the legendary demon. He couldn''t afford to have their focus solely on him. Soon after, a true immortal from the Zheng family arrived to meet with Wang Xuan. The stage was set for a confrontation, one that would involve more than just him, a battle against the resurgence of ancient demons in the modern world. "I''m now Wang Xuan, inadvertently caught in the conflict involving the Qian family, demons, Zhou Chong, and others. I need you to thoroughly investigate this for me, to ensure I''m not unexpectedly targeted and taken out as Wang Xuan. Also, are the Immortal Elixir and the Five-Colored Soil I requested ready?" Wang Xuan inquired. The Zheng family''s true immortal nodded seriously. They were currently looking into the specifics. "Within two days at thetest, they''ll be delivered from the higher-ups. These divine items are extremely precious and not easy to find even in the immortal realm, but we''ve almost gathered everything," the true immortal assured. ... It was undeniable that some descendants of the immortals had adapted remarkably well to modern society, blending in seamlessly and indistinguishably from the young people of New World. Following their daytime press conference, some representatives appeared in severalrge-scale live streams in the evening, bridging the gap with the public and dispelling various negative rumors. "In this new era, with dazzling technology, even ordinary people can traverse the starry seas. Times have changed, altering everything. The immortals too have evolved, keeping pace with the times, shedding the rigid stereotypes people have of them," they exined. People pondered this. So far, the descendants of the immortals didn''t seem to have any negative track record. "We are striving to integrate into this society, cherishing everything we have now. I''ve even signed a contract to be a singer. I really enjoy my current life," said Zhou Shiqi, radiating youthful beauty and surrounded by an ethereal aura. She didn''t seem like a creature capable of massacring ordinary people. A recordpany also stepped forward to support her, stating her dedication to her work and teasing an uing new song release. Wang Xuan was closely monitoring their every move, as he was nning to involve them in the unfolding drama. Seeing this scene, he was momentarily lost in thought and speechless. "Somebody invested with me to open a sanatorium, offering life-extension services for the elderly and beauty enhancement for the young. These are secret techniques of the immortals. I''m working hard and trying to integrate into modern life," added Chen Yan, who, though not a top-tier beauty, possessed an extraordinary aura that left a positive impression, calming the restless public sentiment following the departure of the Zhong family. The emergence of Kong Yun, Cao Qingyu, and others, handsome and modest, initially gave a good impression. Wang Xuan observed silently, not fearing the Celestial Immortals confronting warships but rather dreading theirplete integration into this era. The transition from the old financial tycoons to a new era dominated by Celestial Immortal and demonic tycoons could spell even greater terror. However, Wang Xuan recognized that this phase might be beneficial. These individuals have dered their intentions; it was time to see their true actions as they were provided with a stage to perform. Not all descendants of immortals and demons were well-received. Huang Ming''s debut was particrly poorly received when he expressed a desire to embrace life on New Star by seeking employment as a bodyguard. Despite his humble approach and his lineage as a descendant of a celestial being, public opinion was overwhelmingly negative. Comments ridiculed him, likening him to a deceitful creature, doubting the safety he could offer as a protector, and branding him with his ancestor''s name, Huang Da Xian (Great Immortal Huang), in a derogatory manner. Frustrated, Huang Ming internally criticized their superficiality and obsession with appearances. The situation escted when Qian An''s death was reported, followed by the revtion that high-ranking members of the financial conglomerates had been devoured by demonic entities. This set off a shockwave across the world, further fuelled by the news of four inn guests and six forest rangers having their souls consumed by demonic beings. The morning on New Star was tumultuous, with public outrage boiling over. usations flew, condemning the demonic beings for their heinous acts, challenging the earlier portrayals of them as graceful immortals and beautiful young men. The incident sparked a widespread demand for an exnation, questioning how these entities would justify their actions in the face of such horror. The public outrage on New Star reached a boiling point, fueled by revtions of the ancient horrors wrought by demonic entities and the recent actions of these beings consuming human souls. The prospect of the Celestial Immortals and demons bing ordinary people in the face of a declining supernatural presence sparked widespread anger and calls for retribution. The mention of a potential "retreat" of the supernatural forces within a year or three only intensified the public''s response. People were incensed at the idea of being preyed upon and reduced to mere sustenance by these once-revered beings. The advancements in technology, such as big data and facial recognition, which have be even more sophisticated over the past century, were highlighted as tools for ensuring these entities could not hide or escape retribution. The public''s reaction was a mix of fear, anger, and determination. They condemned the notion of Celestial Immortals and demons attempting to massacre cities and cleanse the earth with blood, vowing to fight back and reduce these beings to mere animals, confined and controlled. The collective sentiment was clear: there would be no ce for these entities to hide, and their time of reckoning was near. Chen Yongjie called up right away, speaking in code with Wang Xuan. "What''s going on?" "Just focus on finding the lotus seeds, and do it quickly. Don''t get involved in this mess," Wang Xuan responded calmly. "This seems pretty serious. Is it rted to you? Could it be dangerous?" Chen Yongjie asked, also expressing sorrow for Qian An''s death. "People I know died, and many others have been used as food by them. I''m truly angered and must take action. But I''ll be fine. There''s a group taking the lead in the assault, and I''ll follow behind to wreak havoc. It''s about to start," Wang Xuan exined to him. Chapter 301: No Quarter Chapter 301: No Quarter "When you go in search of the lotus pods, keep an eye out on the major families as well. Check for any demonic energy. It''s possible that other important figures from the wealthy ns have been devoured too," Wang Xuan instructed. He had already observed the Zhao and Wu families, and even the Sun and Qin families, the previous night, but hadn''t detected any demonic presence. If these families also had high-ranking members reced by demons, it would indicate a much more extensive plot by the demonic faction. Public sentiment was inmed, a sharp contrast to the previous idyllic fantasies about mythological beings. Now, the brutal truth had been revealed in a morning news report demons integrating into modern society with covert tactics, but their cruel nature remained unchanged from ancient times, viewing humans as mere blood sustenance. The Qian family, deeply saddened and angered, reached out to the descendants of the immortals to understand their stance and whether they were involved in this chaos. That morning, both Cao Qingyu and Zhou Shiqi were taken aback. They had just concluded a press conference asserting their ancestors were once humans of this world, sharing the same blood, only for such a scandal to break. Kong Yun and Huang Ming felt even greater pressure. Being descendants of demon immortals themselves, the current upheaval caused by the demonic disturbances was severely tarnishing their image, worsening their living conditions. "My ancestor was human and transformed into a white peacock through the True Body Path, never consuming humans," Kong Yun said bitterly, trying to rify, but few seemed to listen. In fact, their own factions were also preparing to take covert actions. As for Huang Daxian, he was utterly flustered, suspecting his reputation had taken another hit. Members of the Taoistmunity stepped forward, led by a young man named Wang Hai, who entered the Qian household and dered their participation. The demons had desecrated their celestial bones, which was intolerable! Cao Qingyu, Kong Yun, Zhou Shiqi, and others also followed suit, publicly announcing their clear distinction from the demons who fed on living humans. "The native demons are our enemies, originating from a different realm entirely!" "We will not tolerate the rampant actions of demons and will not stand idly by!" A group of the immortal descendants quickly gathered at the Qian residence, expressing their willingness to contribute and take a stand against the demonic uprising. Significant members of the Qian family, deeply unsettled, had already boarded their warships, choosing to avoid direct contact with the descendants of the immortals. Their reluctance stemmed from a mix of deep-seated aversion and fear. Since the previous day, the Qian family had activated their extensivework, reaching out to major organizations for assistance. Celestial eyes and advanced detectors were set in motion by various families, scouring thend for any trace of the demons. The revtion that these creatures preyed on humans had instigated a widespread rm, spurring earnest coboration among all involved. "The demons have fled underground from Hanwu Mountain!" It was soon discovered that the demons had used earth burrowing techniques to escape. The families intensified their investigation, scouring other locations for any leads. Before long, a particr area was identified as a potential hiding spot for the demons, who might have used their burrowing abilities to infiltrate Sicheng. A somber representative from the Zheng family arrived to report to Wang Xuan. The pursuit of the demons, based on the leads from Hanwu Mountain, had unfortunately led to several casualties. The Zheng family, bolstered by the presence of the formidable Zheng Yuantian, had been a potent force. However, in their quest to unravel this mystery, two of their most skilled members had met a tragic end. "Two esteemed immortals, perished so brutally, their bodies covered in sinister purple patterns, their spiritspletely annihted!" "They died in my ce," Wang Xuan reflected heavily. "Had I been there, I might have fallen into the same traps. Their sacrifice is deeplymentable." The tactics employed bore a striking resemnce to previous encounters but seemed even more treacherous, causing silent, swift deaths. Wang Xuan spected that the demons had coborated with Zhou Chong''s faction once again, seizing more celestial bones. These remnants of transcendent rules were now being wielded against him, posing a direct threat to his life. "This trap must have a limited range. They need to be close to effectively target me, and I won''t give them that opportunity." Resolute, Wang Xuan boarded a Qian family warship and ascended into the skies. A call from the Zheng family''s celestial beingter that day conveyed shattering news, his voice shaking with rage. "Your uncle... he''s dead." Wang Xuan was momentarily staggered by the news. His uncle, Zheng Yunming, had been fatally impaled by a malevolent ck celestial sword that appeared out of thin air, annihting both his physical form and spirit. Struggling with his sorrow and trying to maintainposure, Wang Xuan dered, "I must act now, to seek justice for the Zheng family." His anger was palpable as he questioned the decision to send Zheng Yunming on such a perilous mission, a tragedy that could have been avoided. The celestial being from the Zheng family spoke with a bitter tone, "We didn''t ask him to take risks. We''ve been navigating underground, and now we''ve already lost five experts. We realized toote that the demons had circled back and entered Sicheng. Your uncle, Zheng Yunming, had just crossed over and learned of our operations in the area. He went into Sicheng..." Wang Xuan remainedposed, initially thinking Zheng Yunming had arrived earlier and was lying low in the modern world. Now, he realized there might be more to it. His arrival at this time raised suspicions. Could someone be doubting his identity, sending a familiar face to scrutinize him closely? Wang Xuan''s mind was alert. He might not be able to use this identity much longer and hoped to secure the resources smoothly. However, the fact that the Zheng family''s celestial being was sharing this information suggested they hadn''t written him off yet. "Your uncle went to your current identity, Wang Xuan''s, health retreat to take a look. But as soon as he got close, he was attacked." Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. The enemy had circled back to hisir, lying in wait for him, nning a deadly ambush. His uncle, Zheng Yunming, was extremely powerful, yet he had been in with a single sword strike, highlighting the grave danger of that ce. "Including my uncle, my Zheng family has lost six immortals. These demons are diabolically cruel. Zhou Chong, you dared to harm my kin. I will be relentless in my pursuit of you!" he dered. Wang Xuan informed the Zheng family''s steward that he would seek revenge for Zheng Yunming and others, and retrieve the legendary ancient artifact, the Soul Locking Bell. "I suspect the demons have set up a Five Elements ughter God Array using five true bones. These bones represent five residual transcendentws capable of killing any practitioner on New Star." The steward of the Zheng family, both grieving and enraged, even suspected the existence of a more formidable Seven Immortals Annihtion Array. Wang Xuan immediately contacted the Qian family andmunicated with Qian An''s brothers, instructing them to verify the situation quickly and cautiously before taking action. "Staying inside the Sicheng health retreat?" The Qian family mobilized their celestial eyes and detectors. They promptly detected anomalies, confirming the presence of a transcendent being, and even signs of a potential evacuation. "Act immediately, but ensure you control the intensity. Avoid harming the innocent!" Wang Xuan instructed. He was already on arge warship, ready to participate personally in the operation. The Qian family, too, had their warships poised in the skies, prepared for immediate action. "Daoist Master, we''ve located the demons." "Immortal Zhou, Immortal Kong, the demons are right here in Sicheng!" Before taking action, the Qian family informed the young Daoist Wang Hai, along with Cao Qingyu, Kong Yun, and Zhou Shiqi, urging them to join the hunt. Behind these young individuals were immortals, though not necessarily stronger than them. Their crossing into the modern world had been harsh, leaving their spirits wounded. "Should we wait for them to engage in battle before we strike? A single st from our super energy cannon could end it all!" Qian An''s younger brother, driven by vengeance and knowing they were leaving soon, was ready to deliver a memorable lesson to these creatures from beyond the veil. Wang Xuan intervened quickly, cautioning, "Hold on, that''s enough. Let them suffer some losses, then immediately signal them to retreat. We''ll use the warships to strike. If we go too far, offending all the factions, it could lead to serious trouble!" "Transcendent rules?!" Cao Qingyu gasped in shock. One of their veteran powerhouses had approached the health retreat only to perish instantly, pierced by a rune-etched flying sword wreathed in ck mes. It sliced through him with a hiss, like a red-hot iron through dry paper, reducing him to ash. "Don''t get close, this is burning away celestial lives, unleashing transcendent rules..." An elder beside Zhou Shiqi eximed, his face paling instantly. Everyone retreated rapidly, but some still fell, in by the celestial sword forged from transcendent rules, incineratedpletely. Casualties appeared in several factions. Initially, some were merely going through the motions, notmitting fully, but now they were incensed. "Immortals, please stand back, let us try first!" At that moment, the Qian family reached out to them, ready to open fire. The Qian family exined sinctly that they were reluctant to act rashly within the city, fearing coteral damage to ordinary people. Whether the descendants of the immortals overthought the situation or not, the Qian family was indifferent, as they were soon to embark on their long journey. Boom! From the sky, a beam of light descended, piercing straight through the health retreat. Fortunately, the building was a standalone structure with awn and a garden, making it an ideal target for a precise strike. "My health retreat, always meeting the same fate of being sted," Wang Xuan muttered, looking down at the sizeable building and garden, a gift from Old Qian. "For you, Old Qian, I avenge!" His eyes then hardened with resolve. The beam obliterated the site, melting and even vaporizing everything. There was no ash, only boiling magma, a sessful pinpoint elimination. "Ah..." Demonic screams echoed as their spirits burst forth. Some younger demons, who had brought their physical bodies across the boundary, met a particrly gruesome end, their flesh and bones obliterated instantly. Even in their spiritual form, the demons were significantly weakened by the energy attacks from the modern world. The supermatter within their spirits dispersed, and their reformed spiritual bodies were naturally debilitated. The warship''s weapons couldn''t annihte the spirits outright, but that didn''t mean they couldn''t deplete the demons'' supermatter. "Attack!"manded Wang Hai of the Taoist faction, as he and others like Zhou Shiqi and Cao Qingyu joined the hunt. Wang Xuan, stationed in the warship outside Sicheng, had already targeted the strongest spirit bodies. Observing some fleeing the city, he immediately ordered to fire upon them. Some of the demon immortals, escaping with their true bones wrapped in their spirits and faint blood glows, still possessed formidable strength, as their true bones had not beenpletely shattered. However, after enduring a second onught, their spirit bodies trembled. Having already experienced a terrifying attack in the city, their divine senses were dulled, making them vulnerable to the interwoven beams of energy assaulting them, suffering frequent injuries. "Boom!" Eventually, the true bones of some demons were shattered by the modern energy weapons, their vital essence dissipating, leaving only their spirits to wail pitifully as they fled. "No!" cried some demons in despair, realizing their celestial lives, essential for reconstructing their demon bodies, were destroyed. "For you, Old Qian, I''ve reimed a significant blood debt!" Wang Xuan dered. Beams of light continued to rain down from the sky, the mountains outside Sicheng enduring a horrific "baptism". The escaping demons suffered their true bones shattering, their spirits dimming and wounded. As for the younger demons whose physical bodies were long gone, their now panicked spirits fled desperately. Wang Xuan, finding a secluded spot, piloted his flying vessel away from the warship. He transformed into a streak of light, plunging into the forest, his true form set on personally hunting down the remnants. Meanwhile, Wang Hai, Cao Qingyu, Zhou Shiqi, and others pursued relentlessly. Their factions had longstanding enmities with the demons, dating back to their time in the transcendent realms. In a somewhat awkward position was Kong Yun''s faction. Their ancestors were human, but they had followed the True Body Path, transforming into beings like the White Peacock and the Golden-Winged Roc. Caught between their human heritage and their demonic nature, Kong Yun''s faction faced a dilemma. They had to join the hunt against the demons, yet their actionscked the decisiveness of others. When Wang Xuan arrived, many noticed his presence. "Wang Brother, you''re here too." "Exorcising demons is a duty every righteous man must undertake," Wang Xuan dered solemnly. "Attack!" The group pressed on in their pursuit of the demons. Unconcerned with others, Wang Xuan was relentless in his onught. Any demon caught in his sights had little chance of survival. Wielding his spiritual chain, he specifically targeted the spirits of the demons. At the same time, he was testing his own transcendent techniques bursts of fire and thunder rained down, striking with destructive force, their efficacy remarkable. That day marked a heavy loss for the demon faction. Almost all their powerful demon immortals were eradicated. Every target Wang Xuan set his sights on was eliminated without exception. The outside world was in turmoil, shocked and terrified by the ruthless decimation of the demons. Was it going to be aplete annihtion? The news both rmed and awed the public. Chapter 302: A Lost Age Chapter 302: A Lost Age Various detectors followed from a distance, broadcasting the battle''s progress in real-time. Unfortunately, since most of the demons were in spiritual form, the public could only infer the victory from the explosions on the hillsides and the one-sided nature of the pursuit. Creatures of ancient legend, once preying on humans for sustenance and staining the earth red in certain eras, were now being purged. This stirred fear in modern people but also a sense of strangeness. "The Sword Immortal has arrived, still as splendid as ever. Even with the appearance of the immortals'' descendants, he stands shoulder to shoulder with them in ying demons!" Soon, people spotted Wang Xuan. They watched in awe as he flicked his fingers, sending out bursts of fire and lightning, scorching thendscape, sparking intense discussions. At the Sun family, brows furrowed as they watched the frontline footage. They had not anticipated Wang Xuan growing stronger. All parties were watching, deeply moved. During the period when beings from the transcendent realms returned, Wang Xuan had not fallen behind. With a swift motion, Wang Xuan bound a silver lion with his spiritual chain. The lion''s spirit, revealed under the power of the transcendent artifact, glowed with a fierce silver-white brilliance. Even through the screen, viewers could feel its ferocity. As it struggled, it cracked the mountains beneath its feet, causing massive rockslides. "So that''s a demon? I actually saw it. These beings inhabit human bodies, feeding on their essence. They truly resemble various ferocious animals and birds. Terrifying!" After ying another powerful demon immortal, Wang Xuan withdrew from the battlefield. He had killed enough. The demon faction''s higher-ups had fled in five directions, and he had eradicated one group and now another. Today, he had effectively hindered the demons from infiltrating human society on arge scale. He felt no remorse. He had also avenged Qian An. "By involving Wang Hai, Cao Qingyu, Zhou Shiqi, and others, who are backed by powerful Taoist lineages, the situation has now be chaotic," Wang Xuan reflected as he left. If Qi Yi, the supreme demon from beyond the veil, sought retribution, he couldn''t avoid these factions that were already his adversaries. "Master, we''ve found Zhou Chong. His own strength isn''t remarkable, but he has the Soul Locking Bell, and we can''t stop him. Two more of our people are dead," reported the celestial being from the Zheng family, his voice tinged with frustration. Their losses had been heavy, with a total of eight experts fallen by now. Zhou Chong wasn''t in Sicheng but had been hiding in Mucheng, hundreds of miles away, where he was now discovered. Upon receiving this news, Wang Xuan immediately set off in pursuit, determined not to let Zhou Chong escape. On the way, he consoled the celestial being from the Zheng family, "It''s a regrettable tragedy that so many of our elders have fallen. I vow to y Zhou Chong and avenge them." He swore to seize the ancient, top-tier artifact the Soul Locking Bell topensate for the losses of this mission. "They died for our cause; I cannot let their sacrifice be in vain. In this waning era of the transcendent, I will do everything in my power to carve a path of survival for our kind." He spoke earnestly, urging the quick delivery of the Immortal Elixir and the Five-Colored Soil, as changes were happening rapidly, and the decline of the transcendent era was elerating. "In these extraordinary times, if there''s even a sliver of hope, I want to seize it with certainty." The celestial being from the Zheng family, moved by Wang Xuan''s resolve, responded excitedly, "You have great vision, Master. The resources should arrive from beyond the veil tonight." Wang Xuan felt a pang of guilt, but recalling how the faction at Jinding Mountain had used Huang Kun to bait him, viewing him as a mere stepping stone, extinguished any sympathy he might have harbored. Had it not been for the wooden figurine that had taken his ce, his fate would have been grim. Guided by the directions, Wang Xuan pursued Zhou Chong. The remaining Zheng family members, fearful of the Soul Locking Bell, dared not follow. "Wait for me at a distance. I have the top-tier transcendent artifact, the spiritual chain, and other divine items. Together, they can counter him," Wang Xuan assured them as he ventured into a rugged mountain range. Soon after, he located Zhou Chong. Zhou Chong, now radiating stronger vitality, had been working tirelessly to rebuild his foundation and true body. However, he had not yet reached his desired level, especially since his celestial bones had once been broken. The mountains were steep, the ancient woods dense, and the wildlife, sensing danger, had fled, leaving the area eerily quiet. "The Godyer Banner is in your hands, isn''t it?" Zhou Chong asked grimly, looking worn out from his escape and no longer attempting to flee. Thest time Zhou Chong had shed fiercely with the fifth mechanical being, the most powerful transcendent artifact from the Sun family''s secret vault had mysteriously disappeared. Now, he held a silver bell, the infamous ancient transcendent artifact the Soul Locking Bell fully refined, and the mysterious Mr. Ghost had fled. Wang Xuan didn''t speak, just kept his gaze fixed on Zhou Chong. Days before, in the outskirts of Kun City, someone had set up an altar intending to kill him, under Zhou Chong''s instigation. This time, as the demons invaded the financial powerhouses, Zhou Chong had also yed a part in the scheme to kill him, proving to be a persistently dangerous adversary. "ng!" In an instant, Zhou Chong struck the bell, sending out rapidly spreading silver waves, rippling like a beautiful yet gentle expansion, but extremely perilous. So far, this transcendent artifact had never failed against the transcendent beings of the modern world. Neither celestial beings torn asunder during their crossing nor powerful demons could withstand it. In a sh, golden patterns interwove in front of Wang Xuan, like a celestial or flowing light, unfurling in an instant to block the silver bell waves. Boom! The collision in the void unleashed a blinding light, stunning nearby birds and beasts. Their souls were shaken from their bodies and then shredded to pieces. This time, both the Soul Locking Bell and the Godyer Banner were not just passively exerting their power; they were being actively wielded after initial refinement, shing fiercely for the first time. Even with physical bodies and flesh to protect their spirits, nearby creatures were still annihted in the sh of these two mighty artifacts. Wang Xuan, holding a small golden g, heard the thunderous sounds threatening to tear apart the spirit, like tsunamis andndslides. Was this the collision of the strongest transcendent artifacts? In the mountain range, the sh between the Soul Locking Bell and the Godyer Banner generated real spiritual thunderbolts that echoed in the realm of the mind. This was the aftermath of their monumental confrontation. Outside the mountains, the few members of the Zheng family who had just arrived were instantly stricken with splitting headaches. Even at a distance, they felt the terror emanating from the sh. They naturally associated it with the bell waves from the Soul Locking Bell, the spiritual thunderbolts it unleashed. Who could withstand such power? They quickly retreated, their hearts heavy with concern. "The Soul Locking Bell truly lives up to its reputation as a famous ancient artifact. Few weapons canpare. I hope the Master is safe," they expressed their worry. They spected, "Theres golden light spreading in the mountains. The Master must have used the exceptional true blood gifted by the old master." Deep within the mountains, Wang Xuan stood firm, holding a palm-sized golden g. He had resisted the impact of the silver ripples, and golden patterns covered the area in front of him. Zhou Chong, with a dim look in his eyes, sighed, "The Godyer Banner is indeed formidable, possibly a relic of immense origin. But even it cannot fully stop the Soul Locking Bell." The bell shrank to the size of a fist, and its ripples rapidly faded. Zhou Chong, like a delicate porcin shattered by a massive hammer, had his spiritpletely fractured, overwhelmed by the golden patterns. In an instant, he was reduced to ash. With a thud, the dim silver bell fell to the ground. Zhou Chong''s blood mist dispersed entirely, his true bones destroyed, and his innerndscape copsed. Wang Xuan approached and picked up the Soul Locking Bell. "You always sought my life,ing close to sess. It was time to end your journey." The bell was intact but devoid of supermatter, indicating a worsening transcendent environment. "Master, are you alright?" The Zheng family members entered the mountain and saw Wang Xuan standing in the woods, showing signs of relief. Wang Xuan replied, "I used the golden blood bestowed by my ancestor. Even so, the spiritual chain was destroyed, and I am injured, needing time to recover." "Master, take good care of yourself. The resources will be delivered tonight," they said anxiously. Wang Xuan nodded, "Alright, I understand. I am still Wang Xuan and must act in his guise. You don''t always need to follow me." As he left the mountain range alone, carrying the ancient transcendent artifact, the Soul Locking Bell, one of the top-ranked spiritual weapons, Wang Xuan felt less tion than expected. He already possessed the Godyer Banner, but what weighed on his mind was the changing world where all transcendent artifacts were losing their power. The world of the transcendent was crumbling, and even the supreme beings were preparing for their return. Could he withstand this tide? His path seemed dim, shrouded in uncertainty about the future of myths and legends. Despite his usual optimism and radiant confidence, the deteriorating environment of the modern world left him doubtful. Even the supreme beings were contemting their futures, urging their descendants to integrate into the real world, fearing the day they would be mere mortals with bleak endings. Qi Yi, the supreme demon, his aggression towards the financial tycoons, and his attempts to rece them, reflected a fear of the future. He sought an advantage, a foothold in the real world, to ensure a less tragic fate when the era of myths ended. "It seems that even supreme beings like Qi Teng, Zheng Yuantian, or Qi Yi are pessimistic and not optimistic about the future." Even such powerful beings couldn''t find a way forward. Could he, relying solely on belief, see hope? Wang Xuan introspected. In this grand era, he felt like he was standing in a dense fog, unable to see the path ahead, somewhat lost. His achievements, such as defeating demons and immortals, didn''t seem significant. These weren''t theirplete forms, torn apart by the veil, no longer truly celestial. Even the descendants of the immortals who crossed over were broken and wounded. Defeating them wasn''t a true measure of his strength. In the afternoon, Chen Yongjie called him excitedly, "I''ve found a clue, located the ce, and I can even smell the medicinal fragrance." Wang Xuan snapped back to reality, "Where is it?" Old Chen replied, "At your former father-inw''s ce. Hurry! There''s a surge of Buddha''s light creating a sacred realm, engulfing the entire estate. I feel something big is about to happen. We need your support immediately!" In a unique transcendent realm known as the Pure Land of Bliss, there lies a magnificent Spirit Mountain, a sanctuary for immortals and Buddhas. Outside the grand halls, fragrant orchids flourish, celestial dragons roam, and the sounds of Buddhist chants and sutras resonate continuously. In the main hall, in the absence of Sakyamuni Buddha, his chief disciple oversees the affairs of Spirit Mountain. Opening his eyes, he speaks, "When the World-Honored One ascended to the highest spiritual realms, he obtained the Nine Cmities Heavenly Lotus. However, it was obstructed by a supreme malevolent being, resulting in lotus seeds falling to the mortal realm. Now, someone has triggered the Buddha''s prohibition, and the lotus pod is about to emerge. This is an immense opportunity. Can any of our Buddha''s disciples, heavenly maidens, or the members of the eight divisions of protectors descend to the mortal world?" In another transcendent realm, within the towering mountains and vast ranges, the supreme demon Qi Yi lurks in the deepest part of the mountains. As he breathes in and out, thunderous winds roar, and his blood essence forms thick clouds that envelop the skies. "Fetch the divine medicine that the monk lost years ago!"mands Qi Yi''s second son. Seated outside the demon pce, the moment he opens his eyes, two terrifying beams of light tear through the heavens. Chapter 303: The Home Of His Ex Father In Law Chapter 303: The Home Of His Ex Father In Law Outside the demon pce, the gaze of Qi Yi''s second son brought forth thunder and lightning, rivaling the cmities faced by demons transcending into immortality. The spectacle was terrifying, immediately drawing the attention of other demon immortals who approached to pay their respects. "The appearance of the divine medicine in the mortal realm is indeed a rare opportunity!" eximed a great demon upon hearing the news. This was much easier than venturing into higher spiritual realms to harvest such treasures. Since ancient times, only a few, like Sakyamuni Buddha and Zheng Yuantian, had sessfully harvested this divine medicine. Now that such a treasure had appeared in the human world, it was worth contending for. "Latest update: our n suffered heavy losses upon entering New Star, with almost all our demon immortals annihted," revealed an elder demon, his expression grave. This meant sending more demon immortals to the mortal realm would likely result in a simr fate, failing to obtain the seeds of the Nine Cmities Heavenly Lotus and sacrificing their lives in vain. "There are formidable ancient artifacts in the human world, impossible to guard against. These are lost transcendent items that even our Demon Ancestor regretfully missed, as they did not appear in his era," a demon immortalmented. This Demon Ancestor, of course, was Qi Yi, revered as the supreme Demon Ancestor in their realm a truly peerless demon, undefeated in his lifetime. "For instance, the Soul Locking Bell, the Golden Divine Tree, the Rebirth Pool have all emerged. Our attempt to infiltrate the financial powerhouses was thwarted, and many of our best were hunted down, leading to heavy losses." "We''ll select suitable disciples. I n to use the Supreme Demon Pool to protect them as they pass through the veil, ensuring their physical bodies remain intact and their spirits unharmed," dered Qi Yi''s second son, who now led the demon n. He added, "Furthermore, I will bestow upon them ancestral blood from the Demon Pool, which can briefly withstand top-tier transcendent artifacts. If they prove worthy, they could seize this opportunity to im those formidable human world artifacts for our use." Soon after, a blood pool appeared, steaming with chaotic energy and exuding a potent demonic aura. The n prepared to use this to prate the veil, sending their most exceptional disciples to the mortal realm. However, sending powerful demon immortals across the boundary would still result in them being torn apart. This dilemma remained unsolved, so they could only send those who had not yet transcended. In the Pure Land of Bliss, the entire Spirit Mountain radiated light, imbued with boundless sacred power. Wrapped in Buddha''s light, several ascetics prepared to prate the veil into the mortal realm. Among them were monks, white elephants, and Hous, creatures deeply connected to Buddhist lore, with ancestors who served as mounts for various Bodhisattvas. These auspicious beasts, raised under the Buddha''s light on Spirit Mountain, possessed immense strength. As they traversed the light curtain with the Buddha''s power of Spirit Mountain, these young beings stepped onto New Star rtively unharmed. However, the energy that had been gathering around them was rapidly dissipating. "The Buddha''s power is fading!" a practicing monk eximed. His spiritual cultivation was declining, much like a fish struggling onnd, utterly out of its element. In their transcendent realm, many of their capabilities were viable, but here, it was as if a forceful ceiling was pressing down upon them, rendering many of their methods ineffective. "I''m at the seventh stage!" onemented bitterly. "I''m at the eighth stage!" Despite their sadness and helplessness, their current power levels, if known to others, would be astonishing. With the immense support of Spirit Mountain, their loss of power wasn''t devastating. In fact, their current cultivation levels far surpassed the transcendent beings of the mortal realm. On his way, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but want to scold Old Chen for his phrasing - "your former father-inw''s ce." He was, after all, still very much a bachelor, not yet married. "Ling Wei''s home," he muttered to himself, boarding a levitating car and speeding towards the city where Ling Wei''s family resided. He hadn''t expected that the lotus pod would be traced back to her home. His visit might stir old thoughts in Mr. Ling, who had always been overprotective of his daughter. If given a choice, Wang Xuan would prefer not to give Mr. Ling another chance to scrutinize him. But now, he had to hurry over. "I should advise Mr. Ling to take Ling Wei into deep space soon. New Star is no longer safe, especially for families with resources like theirs. They might attract the attention of some immortals," he sighed, his thoughts drifting to Qian An, a genuinely good person, now gone. The Qian family had set off for deep space at noon, and Wang Xuan had personally ensured that no demons were following them. Luocheng, located in the eastern region, was a picturesque and livable city. Despite its modern skyscrapers reaching into the clouds, the city still boasted wend parks,kes, and extensive gardens, epassing beautifulndscapes within arge urban area. Upon arriving in the city and approaching Ling Wei''s home for the first time, Wang Xuan was momentarily spellbound. Old Chen was right; the Ling residence was enveloped in divine Buddha''s light, casting a pale golden hue over the entire estate and gardens. The phenomenon had already hit the news, drawing widespread attention. Otherwise, Old Chen wouldn''t have been so anxious for Wang Xuan toe over. Such signs, with Buddha''s light illuminating everything, were bound to attract beings from beyond the veil. The Buddha''s light, infused with mysterious elements, wasforting and greatly beneficial to humans. However, for the Ling family, it might not be a good omen. Their home could be a battleground. Old Chen had been waiting for a while, pacing back and forth outside the gate. Seeing Wang Xuan, he greeted him, "I didn''t expect it to be this big of a deal." At the same time, Wang Xuan spotted Ling Qiming emerging from the house. As expected, he wasn''t smiling. "Old" Wang Xuan almost blurted out, but quickly noticed another figure nearby who looked thinner than before. Ling Qiming red at him, signaling not to speak carelessly. Previously, Ling Wei stood gracefully, but now she appeared slightly frail, her beautiful face tinged with pallor. As she looked towards Wang Xuan, she stood quietly. "It''s been a long time," she said softly. Indeed, it had been quite a while since theyst met. She seemed to have lost some of her radiant, sunny disposition, bing more tranquil, her facecking its usual color. Seeing her in this state, Wang Xuan sighed softly, feeling an urge to say something. "You should take better care of yourself. It seems you havent exercised in a while. You should go for runs, get more sunlight." Hearing this, Ling Qiming opened his mouth, aplex mix of emotions stirring within him. He seemed like he wanted to say something but eventually closed his mouth. Chen Yongjie, good friends with Ling Qiming since their youth,municated to Wang Xuan telepathically, "Dont provoke Old Ling." Wang Xuan nodded in understanding, and after a moment''s thought, he addressed Ling Qiming as "Uncle Ling" in front of Ling Wei. Ling Qiming was momentarily lost in thought, as the title felt somewhat distant now. He pulled Wang Xuan aside and whispered, "Ling Wei has lost a lot of her former vibrancy. She''s be quieterpared to her sunny and radiant past. It pains my heart to see her like this." "Uncle Ling, the current environment is treacherous. Demons, ghosts, and transcendent beings are causing chaos. Life is uncertain, just like for the financial powerhouses. I suggest you take Ling Wei and your family, like Old Zhong did, and leave for deep space. It''s best not toe back for a while." Ling Qiming looked at Wang Xuan, with much to say but finding the words elusive. Finally, he said, "We will leave soon, but I''m worried about Ling Wei. I want her to be healthy and happy again. You and Old Chen are searching for the lotus pod, right? If there are extra seeds, please leave one for Ling Wei. If possible, I hope she can be a transcendent being, free from worries, living a long life." "Alright, I''ll go look with Old Chen," Wang Xuan nodded and advised Ling Qiming to take Ling Wei and leave for the spaceship immediately. Ling Qiming nodded; he already had ns in ce. As they parted, Ling Wei watched him from a distance and softly reminded, "Be careful." Wang Xuan nodded, waved at her, and quickly left with Old Chen. Old Chen was exhrated, saying, Ive never been this close to divine medicine before. Today, its my turn, Chen the Ancestor, to offer you a great opportunity. Indeed, finding the seeds of the Nine Cmities Heavenly Lotus would be an unimaginable fortune. Old Chens long search was finally paying off. Ill give you a treasure first, Wang Xuan said, handing over the Soul Locking Bell to Old Chen. A major battle might erupt soon, and it was prudent to arm Chen Yongjie in advance. Wang Xuan already possessed the Godyer Banner, so while the Soul Locking Bell was renowned, it wasnt as significant for him anymore. This is the Soul Locking Bell? The one everyone is talking about? Chen Yongjie was astonished. Even beings from beyond the veil coveted this artifact. Use it with confidence, Wang Xuan nodded. The two entered the area where the Buddha''s light was most intense, not in a secret vault, but in a spacious living room of the Ling residence. There, a miniaturendscape of a mountain with various nts, bubbling springs, and small waterfalls resembled a real mountain in miniature form. This wasnt originally like this, but I identally activated it. Its like Mount Meru contained in a mustard seed. This stone mountain might seem small, right? Follow me, let me show you its true form. Chen Yongjie pulled Wang Xuan forward, and with a whoosh, they instantly appeared atop arge mountain, as if transported to an entirely new world. Wang Xuan was astonished; such a transformation was possible? He looked beyond the mountain and saw a vast living room. Do you smell the fragrance of the medicine? Its faint and refreshing, but I havent been able to pinpoint the exact location of the divine medicine, Old Chen said helplessly. Standing on the mountain, surrounded by pine forests, babbling streams, and waterfalls creating mist, with vines covering the cliffs, Wang Xuan noted the numerous obstructions that made detailed observation difficult. How do we get out of here? Let''s look from outside the mountain, Wang Xuan suggested. Its simple, just jump off the cliff. Follow me. Old Chen led the way, leaping towards the vast living room. They then emerged from the miniaturendscape. Standing near the extraordinary stone, Wang Xuan''s spirit left his body. Using his spiritual vision, he began to meticulously search the area, which proved to be more effective than standing on the mountain itself. Surrounding the extraordinary stone, Wang Xuan scrutinized every inch with his spiritual eye and finally noticed something unusual. Halfway up the mountain in the miniature forest, a section of the stone wall, covered in vines, had a recess. Hidden behind the vines was a stone Buddha in a seated position, holding a stone scripture in its right hand. Through his spiritual eye, Wang Xuan could clearly see that the stone scripture concealed a secret space containing a lotus seed. "We found it!" he eximed, surprised at their smooth discovery. "Already?" Chen Yongjie was incredulous. The divine medicine was about to be within reach. Meanwhile, several high-ranking Buddhist practitioners were swiftly flying towards Luocheng on arge Buddhist kasaya, drawn to the area bathed in Buddha''s light. From another direction, descendants of the demon ancestor Qi Yi were also hurrying towards Luocheng. Among them were several powerful demons, including some at the seventh and eighth stages of power. Back at the Ling residence, within the living room flooded with Buddha''s light, Old Chen, following Wang Xuan''s directions, re-entered the miniature mountain and quickly climbed towards the halfway point where the stone Buddha was located. Reaching it, he was stunned to find that he couldn''t physically touch the stone Buddha. "There''s something strange here. It''s like a separate realm or a barrier akin to the veil, blocking the way," Old Chen reported after several attempts, unable to find a way through. "I''ll try something," Wang Xuan said, taking out a crystalline thread he had severed from the moon in The Departed Lands and a fishing hook he had obtained from the Zhong family. The translucent thread, initially only two meters long, extended continuously when infused with supermatter. Wang Xuan cast it out, and the hook pierced through the barrier-like obstruction, hooking the hefty stone scripture from the stone Buddha''s hand. He quickly retracted the scripture, a tremendous opportunity that must be kept secret. Otherwise, he risked being hunted down by the immortals. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and no one had arrived yet. Chen Yongjie jumped off the cliff to exit, and the two exchanged looks before quickly adjusting their demeanor. They had to act naturally and avoid revealing anything that might give them away. Chapter 304: Rising Killing Intent Chapter 304: Rising Killing Intent The ease with which they had acquired the divine medicine left Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie wondering if there was a catch. Such a rare treasure, seldom mentioned even in myths, was shrouded in ambiguity. In history, Qin Shi Huang''s quest for immortality led him to dispatch Xu Fu, a great alchemist, to find this very elixir of life, but even Xu Fu failed and ultimately vanished, bing a ferryman in legend. The fact that even the supreme beings from beyond the veil had perished while attempting to harvest this medicine in the highest spiritual realms underscored its rarity and value. Over many eras, it was rarely seen, making it one of the most astonishing treasures of the ages. "The two of us, who''ve only recently stepped into the transcendent realm, managed to harvest it in the mortal world..." "Quiet!" Communicating telepathically, they kept their expressions calm, almost feeling as if they were in a dream. Chen Yongjie found it surreal, while Wang Xuan was somewhat moreposed, having previously encountered the divine medicine during a life-and-death ordeal. Zheng Wu had traversed billions of miles and crossed the veil intending to use Wang Xuans body as nourishment for a demonic fetus. Ironically, Zheng Wus own ns had backfired. Looking around to ensure no one was spying, they prepared to leave. Now was the time to escape and vanish without a trace. However, Wang Xuan suddenly halted. His spirit roamed, and at the edge of the sky, he saw a swath of rosy clouds, shrouded in mist, rapidly approaching. Someone transcendent wasing! Fleeing now would confirm their sess in acquiring the divine medicine, potentially leading to a relentless pursuit and joint manhunt by various factions. Lets not run. It might be your kin approaching. We should engage them earnestly, Wang Xuan whispered. Chen Yongjie looked on with a sense of resigned eptance. What a twist of fate! The kasaya was vast, with golden threads interwoven and emitting auspicious light, resembling an evening glow apanied by red mist, rapidly closing in. In this era, those who could fly with such artifacts were either incredibly powerful or in possession of rare and valuable items. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! The kasaya approached rapidly, heralding the arrival of significant figures. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie braced themselves for the encounter that was about to unfold. A group of figures descended, all of them masters exuding dense Buddha''s light, clearly surpassing Old Chen''s realm by a significant margin. This put Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie on alert, wondering how these people could be so much more powerful than Cao Qingyu, Kong Yun, and others. They remained calm outwardly but were ready for any confrontation. One of them chanted a Buddhist mantra, looking at Chen Yongjie with a start. They were surprised to see such pure Buddha energy emanating from him, his body glowing with golden light, indicating his sessful cultivation of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body. "Own people!" greeted Chen Yongjie, hands sped in a gesture of respect, radiating the dignity of a Buddha. A monk who appeared to be in histe twenties, named Xiushan, returned the gesture, scrutinizing Old Chen. "Have you practiced the true Sakyamuni scriptures?" he asked. The group was visibly moved, as only a few among them had practiced the true Sakyamuni scriptures, essible only when one''s cultivation reached a certain level. "I have a connection with Buddha. While in the mortal world, my heart resides in Spirit Mountain," Chen Yongjie replied solemnly. In the distance, dark clouds loomed, and demonic energy soared. A vast beast skin, emanating a fierce aura with ck lightning bolts shing from its fur, descended rapidly. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! The people from the Qi Yi demon n had arrived. Though there were no demon immortals, those sent after consuming the ancestral blood from the Demon Pool were physically robust and extremely powerful. These demons varied in appearance: some shrouded in ck fog, others radiating intense blood energy. Some showed their true demonic forms, while others took human shape, all bristling with murderous intent. "Is that him? The one who killed many of our n''s masters!" eximed a blue wolf, recognizing Wang Xuan without transforming into human form. Its fur stood on end in hostility. Upon crossing into the mortal realm, they had received detailed reports and knew that it was Wang Xuan who had discovered and foiled their ns to take over the Qian financial powerhouse, leading to a catastrophic turn of events. They were unaware, however, that Wang Xuan had orchestrated everything, involving other factions in the hunt and employing warships to bombard the demons. Even so, some demons eyed Wang Xuan coldly, exuding an air of dominance. "Dare you meddle in the affairs of our demon n, mortal prey?" one of them challenged threateningly. ck Mane, the demon, extended arge, furry hand towards Wang Xuan,pletely disregarding the mortal realm and looking down upon those within it. His intention was clear as his massive, ck-furred hand reached swiftly towards Wang Xuan''s neck, a move of raw dominance. Silently, Wang Xuan drew an ancient-looking short sword, holding it defensively before him and shing forward. Puff! Though the sword appeared ordinary, it was incredibly sharp, slicing a wound across the demon''s hand, causing blood to gush out. ck Mane''s strength was formidable; he managed to retreat swiftly, like lightning, narrowly avoiding a severed hand. Blood dripped from his hand, revealing bone within the flesh. His eyes red more coldly at Wang Xuan. ck Mane was not only characterized by hisrge hand but also by the ck fur covering his body, standing erect like steel needles. He had prominent fangs, adding to his ferocious appearance. Youve killed so many of our kind and still dare to show your face? Allowing you to live is a crime. The demon n will not tolerate your existence! He spoke an incantation, and blood light manifested into lotus flowers, blooming one after another, descending towards Wang Xuan. His spellcasting demonstrated his exceptional strength, surpassing even Kong Yun and Huang Daishen. The blood-red lotus flowers shone, bubbling with transmatter, pressing down on Wang Xuan like mountains. Wang Xuan quickly formed a specific hand gesture, employing his transcendent form. At his current stage, he couldn''t use the third-level form Samadhi True Fire but the fire he conjured was still immensely powerful, far surpassing his cultivation level, thanks to the golden bamboo scroll that had revealed the essence of spellcasting to him. With his spiritual eye aiding him, Wang Xuan rapidly organized the mysterious elements, creating a rtively perfect transcendent fire. A pitch-ck me burst forth, surging like a wave from the depths of hell. With a whoosh, ck mes engulfed the blood-red lotus, a collision of transmatter causing nearby buildings to instantly crumble, explode, and burn to ashes. Boom! ck Mane, wielding a wolf-tooth club, charged towards Wang Xuan amidst the sh of their spells, swinging down with the force of a mountain. Wang Xuan''s expression was grave, realizing the demon''s physical strength was immense. Could this be a creature of the eighth level or higher? In this realm, indeed, few in the mortal world could stand against such might. Suddenly, a golden tree materialized beside Wang Xuan. In an instant, four golden birds flew out, pping their wings and attacking the shaggy demon. "Chirp, chirp, chirp..." The song of the golden birds was like a phoenix''s cry, rending the skies, blurring the fabric of the surrounding space. ck Mane''s head throbbed painfully, his mind under attack, feeling as though his brain would burst. The momentum of his wolf-tooth club slowed. Swoosh! A drop of strange blood appeared on him, exuding a terrifying pressure that temporarily resisted the spiritual erosion of the golden birds. This was the ancestral blood from the Demon Pool, which these beings brought with them through the veil a trump card for both offense and defense. With a thunderous roar, Wang Xuan swung the entire golden tree at ck Mane, who defensively wielded his club amidst dazzling sparks and boiling transmatter. ck Mane''s brow bled. Despite his defenses, his spiritual domain was breached, unleashing his ferocity. Hebated with the ancestral blood and charged towards Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan felt a sharp pain in his arm; though not broken, the impact from the powerful demon forced him to retreat several steps. This made him realize the significant gap in their realms. In a life-or-death struggle without the protection of a treasure, the situation was grim. Fortunately, he had obtained the divine medicine, which would allow him to enhance his cultivation soon. In a world where the power of magical treasures was diminishing daily, if he didn''t rapidly elevate his own strength, he might well be prey for demons. "Chirp, chirp, chirp!" Three more golden birds flew out, forcing ck Mane to groan and retreat, his brow bleeding. The drop of ancestral blood near him had significantly dimmed. With a whoosh, the ck mes engulfed the blood-red lotus. The transmatter collided, causing the nearby buildings to instantly crumble, explode, and burn to ashes. Boom! ck Mane, wielding a wolf-tooth club, charged towards Wang Xuan amid the sh of spells, swinging it down with the force of a mountain. Wang Xuan''s expression grew serious, recognizing the demon''s immense physical strength. Could this be a creature above the eighth level? In this realm, indeed, few in the mortal world could stand against such might. Suddenly, a golden tree appeared beside Wang Xuan. In an instant, four golden birds flew out, attacking the shaggy demon with their wings. "Chirp, chirp, chirp..." The cries of the golden birds were like a phoenix''s cry, rending the skies, blurring the fabric of the surrounding space. ck Mane''s head throbbed painfully, his mind under attack, feeling as though his brain would burst. The momentum of his wolf-tooth club slowed. Swoosh! A drop of strange blood appeared on him, exuding a terrifying pressure that temporarily resisted the spiritual erosion of the golden birds. This was the ancestral blood from the Demon Pool, which these beings brought with them through the veil a trump card for both offense and defense. With a thunderous roar, Wang Xuan swung the entire golden tree at ck Mane, who defensively wielded his club amidst dazzling sparks and boiling transmatter. ck Mane''s brow bled. Despite his defenses, his spiritual domain was breached, unleashing his ferocity. Hebated with the ancestral blood and charged towards Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan felt a sharp pain in his arm; though not broken, the impact from the powerful demon forced him to retreat several steps. This made him realize the significant gap in their realms. In a life-or-death struggle without the protection of a treasure, the situation was grim. Fortunately, he had obtained the divine medicine, which would allow him to enhance his cultivation soon. In a world where the power of magical treasures was diminishing daily, if he didn''t rapidly elevate his own strength, he might well be prey for demons. "Chirp, chirp, chirp!" Three more golden birds flew out, forcing ck Mane to groan and retreat, his brow bleeding. The drop of ancestral blood near him had significantly dimmed. Wang Xuan, holding the golden tree, stepped forward and said, "Master, there''s no need to trouble yourself. This human world should have its own order, not to be ravaged by such demons. We can handle this ourselves and will use the Shakyamuni True Scripture to eradicate these evils." He truly despised these native demons; none were innocent all deserved death! The group of demons, each exuding immense power, approached Wang Xuan and Old Chen with a sneer, imposing immense pressure. The disparity in their realms was apparent. Meanwhile, the Buddhist masters from the Spirit Mountain quietly attempted to whisk away the mystical stone mountain with their kasayas. However, the mountain, once activated, was as immovable as a real, vast mountain. Instantly, several Buddhist masters silently entered the mystical stone mountain to search for the divine medicine. The demon faction, seeing this, promptly followed. Their main objective was the seed of the Nine Cmities Lotus, far more important than the two humans in their eyes. In a sh, both the Buddhist masters and the powerful beings of the demon faction rushed toward the mystical stone mountain, leaving only a few behind. "We should go too!" Wang Xuan signaled to Old Chen, indicating they should also force their way in. "Get out of the way!" ck Mane blocked their path, while the Silver Bat and the Green Wolf stood behind him, responsible for keeping watch outside, preventing the duo from entering the mountain. Although Wang Xuan and Old Chen pretended to want to enter the mountain, they harbored real intentions of killing these demons. The Silver Bat, still in human form but with a pair of silver wings on his back, sneered, "Dont think that just because you have two powerful weapons, you are invincible. We dont have time to deal with you now. Well take care of you after this affair is settled. There will be no ce for you in the human world!" "We''ll kill youter!" Wang Xuan and Old Chen retreated, both filled with the desire to annihte these demons. However, these demons were extraordinarily formidable and not easy to deal with. After distancing themselves from the Ling family, Old Chenmunicated telepathically, "Should we return to the Old World now?" Wang Xuan looked up at the sky, noting that dusk was approaching. "The Zheng family''s immortals will deliver the Five-Colored Soil and Immortal Nectar tonight. It''d be a pity to leave now." Before departing, he wanted to secure those precious items transported from the immortal realm. Old Chen said, "I want to kill these demons. They''re too despicable, a threat to countless lives. They''re even more arrogant and unrestrained than the previous demons, openly speaking of bloodshed and ughter!" "Then let''s find a way to eliminate them. At the very least, we should kill a good number of them!" Wang Xuan dered, his voice heavy with resolve. He, too, had reached his limit with those demons. Chapter 305: Will We Ever Meet Again? Chapter 305: Will We Ever Meet Again? After confirming that the Ling family had safely evacuated to outer space, Chen Yongjie contacted several old friends on the New World, hinting that it was time for them to leave. Wang Xuan also reached out to Zhao Zejun, warning him of the increasing threats posed by the hordes of demons, particrly to affluent families like the Zhao''s. "We''re preparing to leave soon," Zhao Zejun replied gravely, his voice tinged with longing for his daughter, Zhao Qinghan, whom he had been waiting for in vain. "Don''t worry, Uncle Zhao," Wang Xuan reassured him. "I n to search for her in the Hidden Land soon and will bring her back safely. You should go ahead and leave for now." Wang Xuan was determined to confront the cunning old fox who had failed to return Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin from the life-bearing as promised. However, Wang Xuan realized he needed to strengthen himself first, aiming to reach the upper limits of his capabilities. Without such power, even an encounter with the old fox might not end in his favor. "Thank you, Wang Xuan. Please find Qinghan and keep her safe," Zhao Zejun pleaded, his heart heavy with worry for his missing daughter. Wang Xuan solemnly nodded in response and continued his calls, contacting Wu Chenglin and others. When he got in touch with the Zhou family, Zhou Yun informed him that they had decided to stay put, opting for a more passive approach. Wang Xuan was speechless at their decision but respected their choice. He had done his part by warning them, and the rest was up to them. "Weve invited descendants of the Celestial Immortals to our home and opened our secret vaults to them as a form of cooperation," Zhou Yun exined their strategy. As for Zhou Yun himself, he had recently joined Huang Daosheng and others on a trip to the new moon and out to sea, seemingly maintaining good rtions with them. Wang Xuan refrained frommenting on their decisions. The future was uncertain, and no one could predict the exact course of events. If the Celestial Immortals and wealthy families became dominant, the Zhou family''s choice might not be wrong after all. However, Wang Xuan couldnt help but think that Zhou Yun had given up on his cultivation journey. Despite his previous efforts to involve Zhou Yun in the Inner Landscape at the Zhong family, it seemed futile now. But Zhou Yun expressed his disinterest in continuing down the path of cultivation, finding one experience in the Hidden Land sufficient. "Take care," Wang Xuan said, ending the call with Zhou Yun. Afterward, Wang Xuan felt an intense urge tounch a battleship assault against the demons. These beings, having returned from behind the great veil, were far too arrogant, behaving as though the human world was now theirs to dominate. He and Chen Yongjie agreed that these physically embodied demons should be powerfully obliterated with modern technological weaponry. "Let''s hold off for now," Wang Xuan suggested, noting the sky was beginning to darken. The Zheng family was due to arrive in a few hours, and they couldn''t afford any mishaps in the meantime. However, Wang Xuan suddenly feltpelled to scout ahead, fearing the Zheng family might be leading them into a trap. He recalled how his ''uncle'' had crossed over without warning and was fortunately eliminated by demons in Suzhou. Had he survived, he might have noticed discrepancies in Wang Xuan''s behavior based on Zheng Wu''s habits and details. Wang Xuan suspected that the Zheng family''s true immortals were beginning to doubt him. He and Chen Yongjie hurriedly made their way to the wends outside Pingyuan City, near a hill that corresponded to an altar built by the Zheng family behind the great veil. Sitting down to meditate, Wang Xuan entered the realm of Life Soil, pulling up the God-ying Banner, and then stepped onto the steaming mist, his figure gradually disappearing into the world beyond the veil. The dpidated station, hangingnterns, and perpetual darkness remained unchanged. Wang Xuan moved quickly through the darkest area, briefly distracted by the paper money falling from the sky, but he couldn''t afford to linger. Soon, he spotted the enormous altar, a key point for the Zheng family to cross the veil. Indeed, members of the Zheng family were already preparing, with several people seated on the altar conversing and many others checking the inscriptions and verifying that the transcendent energy was sufficient. Wang Xuany in wait at a distance for a long time before silently retreating. Returning to his physical body, he quickly called Chen Yongjie, and they hastily left the area. "What''s going on? Could they really be nning something against you?" Chen Yongjie asked, clearly concerned. "The supplies are fine. They''re all set up on the altar, and from their conversation, I can tell they''re genuine Immortal Nectar and Five-Colored Soil. The issue is, they''re discussing how to protect me without hurting my pride. They''re nning to secretly smear a drop of golden blood on me," Wang Xuan exined. "Wait, that must be Zheng Yuan Tian''s blood, right?" Chen Yongjie was visibly shocked. Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. "That''s my guess too. They''re even nning to keep it a secret from Zheng Wu." He frowned, adding, "Last time, I destroyed two drops of his golden blood with the Golden Tree and God-ying Banner. Could he have sensed something? It shouldn''t be possible across the veil." Wang Xuan''s scalp tingled at the thought. "Is this old guy eyeing my body too?" he wondered. Zheng Wu practiced the ''Immortal Fetus'' or ''Demon Fetus'' techniques, and as an ultimate powerhouse, Zheng Yuan Tian was even more adept. "Another ultimate powerhouse interested in my body?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but worry. Was Zheng Yuan Tian seeking a powerful avatar, or was he growing impatient and hoping to possess Wang Xuan''s body, which housed a unique innerndscape, to facilitate his true self''s transition? "We can''t pretend anymore; it''s getting too dangerous. It''s time to flee and focus on strengthening myself," Wang Xuan decided. Now that he had the Heavenly Medicine and almost all the scriptures he needed, he aimed to reach the pinnacle of strength allowed in the current world. Chen Yongjie suggested, "It''s about time. Let''s head to the outskirts of Mu City. We must be decisive in our actions." Wang Xuan agreed, noting, "The team this time is led by another uncle of Zheng Wu. Looks like I''ll have tomit patricide." Suddenly, Zhou Yun contacted him, which surprised Wang Xuan since they had just spoken. Zhou Yun urgently warned, "Don''t use therge battleship Old Zhong gave you. The demons from the Yo Zu faction are colluding with some conglomerates and have taken over some of their bases. If that battleship takes off, they''ll blow up its power system and you with it. The information is reliable!" Wang Xuan was shocked. They had just nned to use that battleship against the demons, unaware that the demons were waiting to counter-hunt them. "These demons are adapting too quickly, even starting to control battleships now?" Chen Yongjie eximed, equally rmed by the chaos and danger escting on the New World. "Where did you get this information?" Wang Xuan asked, suspecting his aid to the Qian family and the use of the battleship to exterminate demons had been discovered, prompting the demons'' desire for revenge. "Kong Yun told me. He probably wants to curry favor with you through me," Zhou Yun ryed. "Please thank him for me," Wang Xuan said, ending the call. Under the moonlight, outside Mu City, the terrain was rugged and uneven, a testament to the fierce battle that had once taken ce here between Chen Yongjie, Sun family''s mechanical beings, and other superhumans. The forests werergely destroyed. Figures from the Zheng family approached from the horizon, their forms shrouded in blood-red shadows and wrapped around true bones. "I have a feeling that something''s off with this nephew of mine. It''s a pity, Zheng Wu was such a talent," a blood-red figure sighed. "What?" The others were surprised. "His stance is off. It doesn''t match Wu''s habits," Zheng Wu''s fourth uncle exined with a sigh. "We should leave quickly then, and not give him the celestial resources," someone suggested. Theymunicated telepathically, not worried about being overheard by Wang Xuan, who was lurking in the distance. "There''s no need to hurry," Zheng Wu''s fourth uncle shook his head. "Our ancestor said to give him the resources regardless of who he is. It''s like... fattening a pig. I suspect they''ll ughter him once he''s ''fattened up.''" Under the bright moon, a few night birds cooed as they flew away. The two parties were drawing closer. Chen Yongjie, hidden in the shadows, was the first to strike. He blew into a snow-white conch shell, immediately dispersing several blood-red figures and exploding them into a mist of blood. This top-tier relic, obtained from the Qin family, was a conch left by Buddha. Chen Yongjie had refrained from using it at the Ling residence against the demons, fearing the Buddhist sect might im it back. Wang Xuan also made his move, brandishing the God-ying Banner. With a fierce sweep, he snatched six celestial bones from the exploding blood mist and held them in his hand. A fragment of a blessednd also fell to the ground, which was a storage item containing celestial resources, likely including a drop of golden blood from Zheng Yuan Tian. Wang Xuan hesitated to pick it up for the moment. With a resounding gong, Chen Yongjie activated the Soul-Locking Bell, while Wang Xuan again swung the God-ying Banner, annihting the remaining spiritual bodies. The battle was swift and decisive, ending in the total annihtion of the six members from the Zheng family. Momentster, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie prepared the Golden Tree, God-ying Banner, Soul-Locking Bell, and other items. They quickly opened the fragment of the blessednd and swiftly extracted a crystal bottle sealed with a drop of golden liquid. "Huh, it''spletely silent, sealed off?" Wang Xuan mused. "It can be activated directly, it''s a powerful weapon, but keeping it feels like I''ve buried a huge threat for myself." After some thought, reluctant to take risks, he tossed the vial of golden liquid into a septic tank. Whether the golden liquid eventually diluted and dissipated naturally, or lost its supernatural properties as the environmental conditions worsened, it signaled a future with no threats. "Perfect, let''s divide the spoils!" Wang Xuan felt satisfied. He had obtained the celestial medicine, and now the celestial nectar and five-colored soil, among other celestial resources, had been delivered. What more could he ask for in life? The only regret was his missed opportunity tounch a few energy cannons at the demons, who had nearly targeted him as their prey. He wondered which faction they had colluded with. "No rush, we''ll surely wipe out a bunch of demons before we leave," Chen Yongjie assured. Wang Xuan pulled out the stone scripture. Surprisingly, it couldn''t be opened by any means other than the Shakyamuni True Scripture. Once activated, the scripture glowed and revealed its contents. It wasnt a scripture but a stone box containing half a lotus pod, emitting a faint light and fragrance. "This is the Nine Tribtions Celestial Lotus!" Wang Xuan eximed, seeing five full and lustrous seeds inside the pod, each emitting a rich, indissoluble aura of life. "Old Ling,e and pick us up," Chen Yongjie contacted Ling Qiming in outer space. They had obtained the lotus pod from the Ling family, so naturally, they nned to give one seed to them. Soon after, they boarded a spaceship to outer space. Wang Xuan first checked the Ling family''s spaceship to ensure no one was possessed, avoiding any hidden spiritual entities lurking among the fleet. Thankfully, everything was normal, with no anomalies. Handing a shimmering, nine-light-emitting celestial seed to Ling Qiming, Wang Xuan advised, "This is a seed of the Nine Tribtions Celestial Lotus. It''s best kept in a container rich in super-material." Chen Yongjie added, "I''ve moved everything I could from the Ling family''s secret vault. After careful examination, an inner-scene treasure seemed most precious. Old Ling wanted to give it to me, but I think it''s better for Ling Wei''s cultivation. There''s still a lot of mysterious essence in it." The moment of farewell arrived. Ling Qiming looked at Wang Xuan, then at his quiet daughter, feeling a sourness in his heart, but ultimately, he left without saying much. Chen Yongjie followed him out. "We might never see each other again," Ling Wei said in a pale tone, staring nkly at Wang Xuan. The Ling family might not return. Then, silently, she began to cry. With this departure, she and Wang Xuan would never have the chance to meet again. Wang Xuan, watching her, spoke softly, "Once you reach the other side of the stars, take care of yourself. Exercise, nourish your body, and continue your cultivation. In this new environment, everything starts anew. Take care." Ling Wei''s tears blurred her vision as they continuously slid down her cheeks, yet she made no sound of weeping. Seeing this, Wang Xuan sighed lightly. Noticing the inner-scene treasure she was carrying, he gestured to attract it towards him. He took a piece of celestial bone from himself, used the ughter God g to slice it open, and injected a massive amount of mysterious essence into the treasure. He also channeled some of this essence into Ling Wei''s body. Finally, as the decaying inner-scene copsed and vanished, the treasure was almostpletely filled with the mysterious essence. Ling Wei looked at him for a long time without moving, her face devoid of color, tears silently falling. Eventually, she slowly turned her slender body away, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs, and ran off. On the way back, Chen Yongjie sighed and said nothing. He and Wang Xuan returned to the surface of New World, preparing to wrap things up before their own long journey. "Professor Lin, have you considered leaving New World?" Wang Xuan asked him during a call. Professor Lin declined, shaking his head. His family was here, and he didn''t want to journey afar. In the end, Qin Cheng and Guan Lin decided to return to the Old World with Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie. They were originally from that ce. Chapter 306: The Great Change Chapter 306: The Great Change "The Old World is in chaos, even more terrifying than here," Old Chen informed Wang Xuan. He understood Wang''s desire to return home, but the Old World was not necessarily more peaceful. "Are my parents really okay?" Wang Xuan was worried. Demons and ghosts were too ruthless with their machinations, and he feared for the Old World''s safety. "Now, they spend their days flipping through ancient texts and historical records, living quite a fulfilling life," Old Chen reassured him. Previously, Wang Xuan''s parents were taken to a safe ce by Qing Mu, near a government department in the Old World, considered the safest ce there. In that city, there was thergest museum with various powerful artifacts capable of annihting spiritual entities and suppressing demons! "Your parents are quiteposed, even making Qing Mu feel inferior. They seem to enjoy reading various mythological tales and historical books every day," Old Chen added. Wang Xuan felt helpless; his parents had always been carefree. They didn''t worry much even when he left for New Star and were nning a trip when he departed. "That ''Old Zhang'' appeared in the Old World and was formally invited by the authorities. They have a good rtionship, and he has a significant deterrent effect, preventing any misdeeds from evil spirits and demons." "I''m starting to not want to go back," Wang Xuan confessed, doubting the identity of the person from Longhu Mountain. "He might have returned to the New Moon," Old Chen suggested, pointing to the moon above. Lately, there was significant turmoil behind the veil, with major figures vying for treasures, leaving little room for distractions. "Did you find out where the red-robed female demon and the female alchemist went?" Wang Xuan inquired. Old Chen shook his head, "No trace of them yet." They were preparing for their retreat, needing to find out who was targeting Wang Xuan''s battleship. A hit right after takeoff could be disastrous. Chen''s organization was also preparing to leave, with some members set to control the battleship. Before their departure, they nned a final scavenging operation. Superweapons and scriptures left behind would only benefit the immortals and demons. So, that night, the two men were actively moving, scouring New Star. They visited not only the wealthy families but also the top life research institutes, being unapologetically thorough. Anything not taken would inevitably fall into the hands of demons. "It''s surprising how many monsters are in these gic research institutes!" Wang Xuan and Old Chen were surprised to find various spiritual entities with genuine bones attempting to use technological means to elerate the growth of flesh and reconstruct their physical forms. Wang Xuan''s eyes shone with an unusual light. "Many of them are demons. Let''s remember these ces but don''t startle them yet. When we leave, we''ll take care of them and take these demon bone cans with us!" Given the inevitable opposition, there was no room for mercy. In a sense, these genuine bones were cultivation resources. With the scarcity of supermatter in the current world, Wang Xuan needed these bones containing decaying internalndscapes. Old Chen agreed, "Use what we can. In less than a year, these decaying internalndscapes will copse on their own." The overall trend was clear: traces of the supernatural were destined to disappearpletely. "We''re cultivating in a hopeless era," Wang Xuan reflected with mixed emotions. In the current environment, even the most confident individuals and powerful immortals couldn''t find a clear path forward. The future was murky for everyone. In one night, they scoured various locations, reaping substantial rewards. However, New Star was vast with manyrge organizations. Immortals and demons were everywhere, so they had to be cautious. "The Zhao family is in trouble," Wang Xuan suddenly said, his face changing. He had a connection with Zhao Zejun and knew they were nning to venture into deep space at noon that day. He and Old Chen rushed to assist, intending to receive a batch of supernatural artifacts promised by the Zhao family and to ensure no demons had infiltrated their ranks. Wang Xuan hadn''t yet entered the Zhao residence. Using his spiritual projection and heavenly eyes from a distance, he detected demonic energy and even a blood shadow! "We passed by the Zhao family yesterday, and there was no issue. The demons must have arrived today, even just recently," Old Chen''s expression darkened as well. The actions of the entities from behind the veil were bing more aggressive and desperate, as if they were driven to madness. At the moment, the demons were desperately trying to upy territories and seize the wealth of financial conglomerates. "This is indeed terrifying, they want arge number of warships," Wang Xuan''s face was grim. If it were the ancient type of demons, they would be easier to deal with. But now, the demons had integrated into modern society and were keeping pace with the times,plicating matters. The Zhao family was in chaos. They had discovered the demons themselves, with blood shadows crisscrossing and causing several senior members to faint. Worse, key figures were likely possessed, issuing orders to cancel their departure and stay put under the pretext of a sudden illness requiring urgent treatment. "Seven demon immortals, wrapped in blood mist and carrying their genuine bones, areing. They''re suitable for possession and recement!" "Plus, six flesh-and-blood demons, disguised as humans, came as guests and were weed by the possessed members of the Zhao family!" Wang Xuan stared ahead; all these events had unfolded in a short period of time. The demons had indeed arrived just before noon, intercepting the Zhao family to prevent their departure. Currently, the biggest weakness of major organizations was their inability to prevent the invasion of spiritual entities. If they were all physical demons, even warships couldn''t stop them. Wang Xuan and Old Chen took advantage of the chaos in the Zhao family to sneak in, heading straight for the demons. "Fortunately, we stopped them before they set off. Now we have a stronger foundation to face the changing situation," the demons discussed among themselves. "Who would have thought the Feather Transformation Banner would appear and fall into the hands of a supreme powerhouse. The various factions behind the veil are restless. If that person fully refines it, many will be killed cleanly, even a coalition of unparalleled powerhouses won''t be able to stop him!" Wang Xuan and Old Chen exchanged nces, both feeling a chill in their hearts. Indeed, a significant event had urred. Someone had obtained a supreme treasure, stirring the top figures into action and preparing to flee into the mortal world. Behind the veil, rivers of blood were about to flow, and even supreme powerhouses might fall! "Hmm?" Wang Xuan spotted familiar demons ckmane, Silverbat, and Greenwolf who had previously shed with him at the Ling residence. These strong and arrogant demons, leading the flesh-and-blood demons, had nowe to the Zhao family. However, their leader, Bloodpeng, was absent, likely still seeking the Heavenly Elixir seeds with more flesh-and-blood demons. The next moment, Wang Xuan''s pupils contracted sharply. He saw Zhao Zejun, pale-faced and gaunt, looking like he had suffered a major illness, drastically different from his usual appearance. "Ultimately, he''s just a mortal, his bloodcking in rich spirituality," Silverbat remarked, his white hair disheveled, a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. Had he been feeding on Zhao Zejun''s blood? A surge of killing intent filled Wang Xuan. If anything happened to Zhao Zejun, it would be a great regret, especially since he was Zhao Qinghan''s father. "Be content. Times have changed; there will no longer be supernatural beings as food. Rtively speaking, human blood and spirit are much richer in essence than other species," Greenwolf spoke, revealing his true form, covered in green fur and emitting a fierce aura, his mouth bloody with sharp teeth. "When should we finish him off?" ckmane looked down at Zhao Zejun, ready to consume the spiritual energy from his flesh and blood. Dressed in a tailcoat as if ready for a banquet, Silverbat wiped the residual blood from his lips with a white silk handkerchief. "Don''t rush. Keep him to lure Wang Xuan. His daughter has a deep connection with Wang Xuan. It would be a waste not to use him effectively." He had only drawn Zhao Zejun''s blood, leaving his spirit, intending to continue setting a trap. "He killed so many of us, we must capture him. Plus, he possesses a unique innerndscape. Not seizing this opportunity would be a folly," ckmane agreed, his human-like body covered in ck fur, his smile revealing sharp, white fangs. Hidden in a distant building, Wang Xuan suppressed his boiling anger and murderous intent, searching for the right moment to act. Charging in now might not save Zhao Zejun. In the tense and charged air, Chen silently polished his pristine conch shell, his grip tightening on the hilt of his dark sword, his expression filled with righteous anger towards the demons'' audacity. Meanwhile, the Silver Bat, with an air of condescension, casually tossed a white silk handkerchief onto the face of Zhao Zejun, whoy still on the ground. "What a shame your daughter isn''t here," he said with a sardonic smile. Zhao Zejun, weakened and barely conscious, managed to turn his face away with great effort. The once robust and handsome man was now a shadow of his former self, his features drawn and haggard. The Silver Bat''sugh echoed through the room, "The times, they are a-changing, aren''t they? Soon, you''ll find yourself adapting to this new world order." ck Mane squatted beside Zhao and gave his face a patronizing pat, "Consider yourself lucky that your daughter is not here. Otherwise, your end would be even more tragic." Green Wolf, lounging in his monstrous form on a sofa that groaned under his weight, grinned and warned ck Mane to be gentle, lest they damage their ''guest.'' Ignoring Green Wolf''s caution, ck Mane patted Zhao''s face again, his voiceced with feigned concern, "Keep cherishing life, dear human. The world is still splendid. Think of the joy if your daughter returns to a home filled with our kind. What a delightful surprise that would be, wouldn''t it?" Zhao mustered thest of his strength to retort with a feeble "Get lost!" which only amused ck Mane. He casually kicked Zhao, sending him sliding across the floor, and remarked coldly, "You still don''t understand your ce. This is the era of celestial and demon tycoons. You humans are relics of the past." In the brief moment the demons were distracted, Wang Xuan seized the opportunity. He glided forward like a wisp of smoke, silently yet swiftly. He produced a glistening silk thread, a relic from the dead moon, and with a deft movement, it extended and coiled around Zhao. Pulling sharply, he lifted Zhao off the ground in a fluid motion. "Well, well, you''ve actually shown up," the Silver Bat said, his tone dripping with disdain. He casually began to unbutton his white shirt beneath the formal tailcoat, his cold gaze fixed on Wang Xuan, unfazed by the sudden rescue. Chapter 307: A New Path Chapter 307: A New Path Amidst their conversation, centered around the Silver Bat, a special energy ripple expanded. This was his racial divine ability, an extraordinary sonic wave, capable of demolishing everything in its path. The furniture and the living room exploded, and the building shattered! The sonic wave took on a physical form, sweeping towards Zhao Zejun and Wang Xuan, with supernatural energy surging like fairy mist or rosy clouds, wreaking havoc everywhere. Even the courtyard near Wang Xuan was being torn apart, with turf flying into the sky and ck cracks, one to two feet wide, appearing on the ground. Even the void was distorted by the extraordinary ripples. Old Chen didn''t show up, waiting outside to back them up. Led by Wang Xuan, and with several close calls, Zhao Zejun managed to escape from the main living room where the demon resided. "You really dared toe. What''s most important is how informed and sharp you are. I''m beginning to wonder if someone inside is tipping you off." Hei Lian spoke up, stepping forward and looking at Wang Xuan, who stood amidst the ruins not far away, with a cold expression, indifferent to Zhao Zejun escaping his grasp. In fact, their primary target was still Wang Xuan, eyeing his powerful weapons and his special Inner Scenery, which could serve as a cross-realm passage for the Demon Ancestor Qi Yi. "Wang Xuan!" Zhao Zejun spoke weakly. He hadn''t expected someone to rescue him. But he understood clearly, the preparations were thorough and disadvantageous for Wang Xuan. He wanted to advise Wang Xuan not to worry about him, a burden at this critical moment, and to escape first. Wang Xuan gestured for him not to say more, assuring him he had it under control. He quickly infused a stream of mysterious energy into Zhao''s body to alleviate his state of vital energy depletion. Simultaneously, a flying boat appeared, onto which he ced Zhao Zejun. With a whoosh, he pushed the flying boat out of the courtyard, gliding it towards where Old Chen was. He himself remained motionless because blood-colored patterns had appeared on his body, with several demonic fairy chains connected, binding him. This was why the demon remained nonchnt, not rushing to act; Hei Lian, Silver Bat, and Green Wolf were well-prepared. "We were still wondering how to lure you here. Unexpectedly, you took the initiative toe to us, almost catching us off guard." Silver Bat smiled, looking at the young man in the courtyard, feeling somewhat sentimental, "You''re quite remarkable yourself. As a mere mortal, by chance and coincidence in this special era, you''ve in numerous demonic immortals and possess several legendary divine artifacts." Below the split turf in the courtyardy a demonic tribe''s altar, with demonic energy billowing, founded on five true bones embedded in the rough stone. "The Great Demon Binding Immortal Array was already prepared," Green Wolf grinned, hisughter thunderous and deafening. "Not this again!" Wang Xuan looked at the crimson demonic chains binding him. Indeed, this was a killer move that could threaten his life. The demonic tribe used stolen immortal bones and the residual supernaturalws within them to set up such an array. From afar, Chen Yongjie secretly maneuvered the flying boat to send Zhao Zejun away from the area, fearing the battle would affect him. In the realm beyond, this was an array capable of binding even immortals! Though despicable, the demons were experienced and cautious in their enemy dealings. At this moment, there was nothing to hold back. Wang Xuan would give his all; today, either these demons would perish, or he would be buried here. A floating ancientmp protected him from the demons'' assaults, while a yellow gourd aimed at the altar was ready to destroy its source. Crucially, Wang Xuan was channeling supreme scriptures to counter this array that touched upon the fringes of supernaturalws, drawing on his experience from a previous encounter. Light beams shot from the gourd towards the altar, which autonomously shone, disintegrating the attack. Next, a golden tree appeared in front of Wang Xuan, also for protection and ready to activate for killing. Then, he pulled out a stack of talisman papers. Having previously utilized sword talismans and thunder talismans with astonishing power, he now directly activated one, aiming it at the altar. It was a Light Talisman, carrying boiling supermatter and dazzling runes, that struck the altar, causing a heaven-shattering explosion. The altar was partially damaged, with one corner sheared off by the divine light. "A Taoist Light Talisman?!" The demons were perturbed, for such a talisman was exceedingly rare, and yet their opponent managed to produce one. The altar shook, but the blood-red demonic chains it released turned even more crimson, as if dripping blood, binding Wang Xuan tightly and pulling with force, attempting to tear him apart. With a swish, another talisman burned, unleashing a dark light that sted off another corner of the altar. This was the Five Yin Thunder Talisman, its power astonishing. In an instant, Wang Xuan activated another talisman, the Southern Ming Li Fire Talisman, with raging mes that seemed like a fiery phoenix spreading its wings, diving towards the altar. Boom! The altar was engulfed in red, parts of it turning into magma that flowed on the ground. "How many divine talismans does he have?" Green Wolf was shocked. Wang Xuan spared no expense. These items, if not used soon, would turn into ordinary paper, their potency lost. It was best to utilize them where they could make a difference. The altar, an inanimate object, couldn''t dodge, making it a perfect target for the talismans. At the same time, Wang Xuan was channeling supreme scriptures, striving with all his might to break free from the demonic chains. After the fourth talisman was deployed, the altar copsed significantly, but the five immortal bones still exerted their power, maintaining the formation temporarily intact. Then, Chen Yongjie returned, striking instantly. Blowing the snow-white conch,yers of swastika characters emerged, bombarding the altar. Simultaneously, he wielded a ck long sword, leaping forward to strike at the five immortal bones! The swastika characters roared, the sword light split the sky, causing the altar to crack, and the immortal bones trembled violently. "Take him down!" The three demons charged out, aiming to hunt down Chen Yongjie. Boom! The Soul Locking Bell roared intensely, its silver ripples undting like a vast ocean, repelling the three demons. Then, Chen swung his ck greatsword again, aiming to cleave the immortal bones. He bit down on the conch, blowing it incessantly, as swastika characters fell like boulders, bombarding the altar. The immortal bones trembled, and the altar shattered under his assault. "This monk is quite fierce!" ck Maned Wolf was annoyed, especially since the opponent wielded powerful weapons that had repelled them. "Kill him!" Silver Bat growled, utilizing the ancestral blood from their demonic pool. The strange blood appeared and floated in front of him, charging towards Chen Yongjie. ck Maned Wolf coldly added, "We''ll kill you first. Today, as long as we get the Soul Locking Bell, the Golden Tree, and the conch, even using up the ancestral blood will be worth it." He wielded a mace, his body covered in ck fur, with a drop of terrifying ancestral blood floating in front of his forehead, targeting Chen Yongjie. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan unleashed several talismans, shattering the altar. However, the true bones remained, still suppressing him mid-air. The red demonic chains tightened around his body, causing bloody marks to appear and blood to flow, demonstrating their lethal force. With a thud, he activated the Golden Tree, smashing it against the five immortal bones. Nine golden birds chirped in unison, flying out to peck at the true bones. This was a major spiritual realm weapon, not implying it couldn''t conduct physical attacks, but clearly, it didn''t wield as immense power as when strangling spiritual entities. "Damn, the consumption''s too fast, I''m running out of supermatter!" Chen Yongjie eximed. His conch and Soul Locking Bell were rapidly depleted while contending against the ancestral blood of the demonic progenitor, directly drying up. He quickly retracted his weapons, using the ck greatsword to sh at the three great demons. However, facing any of these demons, who were all four minor realms above him, was a life-threatening challenge. With all three attacking together, he truly couldn''t hold them off. ck Maned Wolf swung his mace. Being at the eighth realm in the mortal world, he was far too superior to Chen Yongjie. When his mace came crashing down, it nearly knocked the greatsword from Chen''s grip, causing his palm to bleed and his arm nearly to fracture. "Roar!" Green Wolf howled, its massive paw shing with Chen Yongjie''s kicked foot, causing Chen''s face to nearly contort from pain as his foot bones cracked. The three demons were all early-stage experts of the eighth realm, which in the current world, practically allowed them to roam unchallenged. On the other side, Wang Xuan''s expression also darkened as the environment of the current world continued to deteriorate. The supermatter within the Golden Tree also ran out, dimming and falling to the ground. "Haha... Thank you all, for the Soul Locking Bell and the Golden Tree, both legendary divine items from ancient times. Really, such good people," ck Maned Wolfughed loudly. "Kill this monk first!" Silver Bat coldly ordered, unleashing a superhuman sonic wave from his mouth, causing Chen Yongjie to spurt blood from his mouth and be thrown sideways. "Die!" ck Maned Wolf yelled, swinging his mace towards Chen Yongjie''s head. Chen Yongjie swung his ck greatsword in defense. With a ng, the mace was damaged, sparks flying, nearly breaking, but Chen was left with a fractured arm from the impact of the powerful demon. The force was too powerful; demons of the eighth realm in the mortal world, surpassing Chen Yongjie by four realms, even his exceptional talent couldn''t withstand it. "Supernatural beast,e forth!" Green Wolf opened its gaping maw and pounced forward. A talisman flew in, bursting upon arrival, covering the giant wolf with frost and momentarily freezing it, causing physical damage. However, with the eighth realm''s strength of Green Wolf, one talisman wasn''t enough to kill it. It shattered the profound ice in an instant, roaring as it charged out, its fur bloodied, nearly shedding with the ice. "Forget about me, free yourself first!" Chen Yongjie yelled, once again swinging his ck greatsword to fend off the three demons. Wang Xuan threw out five talismans in one breath, exploding upon the true bones, finally causing the formation to begin disintegrating, the true bones slowly separating. "Kill!" Silver Bat shouted, continuously emitting supermaterial sonic waves to attack Chen Yongjie, causing him to cough up blood and fly out tremulously. He also attacked Wang Xuan, sweeping towards him with energy ripples, not wanting him to break free. ck Maned Wolf hammered down on Chen again. When Chen used his greatsword to defend, his other intact arm fractured, and a piece of the broken mace fiercely fell onto his chest, sshing blood. ck Maned Wolf''s kick sent Chen flying, and a swipe of his wolf w left Chen''s flesh mangled and ribs fractured. Wang Xuan activated the te scriptures and Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips, breaking several slightly dimmed demonic ties. He also vigorously stimted the ying God Banner, causing it to rapidly expand into arge banner, a method he used for the first time, powerfully smashing towards the gradually disintegrating five true bones. Boom! Some true bones fractured, others flew away, the formation disintegrated. At this, all the demonic ties binding him burst open and vanished cleanly. He charged towards Chen Yongjie, brandishing therge banner and mming it down. Green Wolf swiped its massive w, attempting to tear through the banner, only to let out a strange cry as a portion of its spirit was torn apart, pulled from its flesh. Boom! At that moment, a terrifying beam of light flew in, targeting Silver Bat, Green Wolf, and ck Maned Wolf. It was Zhao Zejun acting from outside, coordinating with the Zhao family to bombard the demons. Having just suffered damage to its spirit, Green Wolf was slowest to react. With a burst, one of itsrge ws exploded, obliterated by the attack. Silver Bat quickly picked it up, tossing it out of the battlefield, as Silver Bat and ck Maned Wolf rapidly mobilized the blood of the Demon Ancestor to counter the ying God Banner,unching another attack. Chen Yongjie gasped for air, the day proving particrly brutal. To buy time for Wang Xuan, he suffered multiple fractures, his bones shattered by the tremendous force of the great demons! ck Maned Wolf and Silver Bat, vowing to capture the powerful weapons from Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, aimed to lock down Wang Xuan and kill Chen Yongjie, with even the limb-lost Green Wolf rejoining the fray. The blood of the Demon Ancestor formed a faint blood shadow, coldly overlooking them as if from another great world. Unafraid, Wang Xuan wielded the ying God Banner, sweeping forward to counter the true blood of the Demon Ancestor and directly confronting the three great demons. Chen Yongjie, wiping the blood from his mouth, also charged back into the fray. As the battle raged, Wang Xuan began to cough up blood, his chest heaving violently as his supermaterial boiled and burned. Chen Yongjie turned pale, staggering. Wang Xuan deployed hisst two talismans, injuring Silver Bat and ck Maned Wolf, causing them to bleed profusely, but failing to kill them. His heart sank as the supermaterial of the ying God Banner was about to run dry, a situation he had never faced before. However, Silver Bat, ck Maned Wolf, and Green Wolf were even more anxious as the blood of the Demon Ancestor dimmedpletely, drained of power, causing their expressions to change drastically. "Run!" They broke through, sting past Chen Yongjie, sending him flying. Chen Yongjie, fueled by fury, relentlessly pursued the fleeing demons. With a swift strike of his indestructible ck sword, he chopped off a thick wolf tail, sttering demonic blood everywhere. "Ow!" The Green Wolf''s face twisted in pain and humiliation as it turned back, swiping a w at him, knocking him flying. Wang Xuan, holding therge banner high, pursued them with a show of force. He utilized an ancient redntern to emit beams of light that almost pierced through ck Maned Wolf and Silver Bat, causing their blood to spray. It must be acknowledged, these three great demons were of high realm and incredibly powerful, enduring the assault with their supernatural abilities and treasures without sumbing. They fled! Thunderous explosions followed as energy cannons targeted them, under Zhao Zejun''smand. Struggling to his feet, Chen Yongjie was promptly supported by Wang Xuan, who ceased the pursuit as the ying God Banner was depleted of supermaterial. "Thatst attack from the wolf cub triggered my hyper-sensitivity, opening my innerndscape!" Chen Yongjie whispered. "First, heal your wounds!" Wang Xuan eximed, surprised. Then, wielding therge banner, he made a formidable entrance into the Zhao residence, causing several blood shadows to flee, daring not to possess bodies anymore. Indeed, they had also ordered bombardments on Chen Yongjie and Wang Xuan. However, Zhao Zejun had forewarned the Zhao family about their treachery, advising against following theirmands. Within mere seconds, Wang Xuan brought Zhao Zejun back, quickly issued somemands, and then led his spirit into Chen Yongjie''s innerndscape. "Unexpectedly, at the brink of life and death today, I''ve opened my own innerndscape!" Chen Yongjie was overwhelmed with excitement, though the environment immediately brought him back to a state of absolute calm and rity. "Let''s nt the Heavenly Medicine, break through, and then return to annihte the demon n!" Wang Xuan dered. "Originally, I thought of honing for a while longer, but now that my innerndscape has opened, I can''t suppress it anymore. It''s time to break through!" Chen Yongjie dered. In a moment, Chen Yongjie briefly returned to his physical body, embedding the seed of the Heavenly Medicine into the life soil, covering it with five-colored earth and watering it with immortal nectar. Instantly, he felt the fragrance of the medicine permeate his life soil before returning to his innerndscape. Wang Xuan had not yet utilized the medicinal soil in his possession, one piece from the female alchemist and another belonging to the red-clothed demoness. He quickly applied both pieces of medicinal soil over the seeds of the Nine Tribtions Sky Lotus and watered them with immortal nectar. Upon returning to his innerndscape, Wang Xuan informed Zhao Zejun that the mystical factors there could heal the physical body and advised him to focus solely on cultivation. Then, he seated himself to the side, ready to break through and formally step into the next realm! In Chen Yongjie''s innerndscape, mystical factors continuously descended, far surpassing those of decaying innerndscapes, with an exceptionally rich presence of supermaterial. One year, two years... Although it felt illusory, the effect was akin to having lived through many years, perfectly allowing them to polish andprehend the intricate aspects of the Medicine Picking realm. Medicine Picking involves harvesting the great medicine within oneself, the condensation of spirit, qi, and soul''s essence, the automatic emergence of the body''s secret power, and the extraordinary light of the inner self breaking through the life soil to illuminate one''s being. The presence of Heavenly Medicine, incorporating supreme external medicine, naturally enhances this process. Born in the highest spiritual realms, Heavenly Medicine is no ordinary object, semi-materialized, mysterious, and with astonishing medicinal effects. Inside Wang Xuan''s body, the lotus seed exudes fragrance, and the essence of Heavenly Medicine is harvested, illuminating his entire body! In his life soil, another Heavenly Medicine nt exudes silver light, baptizing his entire being. Moreover, within the silver light, a tender sprout breaks through the soil, the main root of Heavenly Medicine sprouting, born in the life soil, enriching the vitality of the ce. Though there are no real years in the innerndscape, it feels as if "thirty years" have passed, or at least, the effects of cultivation seem to have reached that extent. Chen Yongjie mobilizes a vast amount of mystical factors, continually watering the life soil, fostering the lotus seeds, pouring into them his blood, cultivation will, and heart''s effort! Chapter 308: A Great Change Chapter 308: A Great Change Three divine medicines existed simultaneously in Wang Xuan''smand, each with its own unique origin, floating amidst a mysterious "medicinal mist" in his Field of Life. Wang Xuan''s heart grew calm, unswayed by the excitement that such treasures might normally evoke. In this era, even possessing three celestial medicines wasn''t a sure defense against the corrections of the present world. "It is best to maintain equanimity," he reminded himself. "I must not let this disturb my inner peace." A streak of silver light swept through, reminiscent of the creation of heaven and earth, scattering the mist in the Field of Life and illuminating it. From there, it spread outward, bathing his entire being in a purifying glow. "The celestial medicine harvested by Zheng Yuantian is truly remarkable," Wang Xuan marveled. He witnessed the life and death cycle of this medicine in the highest spiritual realm. Its birth depleted all else, while its demise rejuvenated everything. When it sprouted, it seemed to cleave open heaven and earth, nourished by a rain of light from beyond the spiritual realm''s firmament. As it grew, sending out its first tender shoot, a silver ripple emanated, bringing a hush to the surrounding area as all other life seemed to wither away. Its growth expanded the spiritual realm, unfolding the most primal essence. Eventually, after eons, it wilted rapidly under a mighty thunderbolt from beyond the highest spiritual realm. Upon its demise, thend and mountains revived, bursting with spiritual herbs and vibrant life. Undoubtedly, the influence of this silver celestial medicine in its native spiritual realm was immense. Now, it had been reborn in Wang Xuan''s Field of Life. As its young shoot emerged, bathed in a gentle silver glow, he opened his spiritual eye, witnessing the cycles of creation and destruction. After a long while, the silver sprout stabilized. The celestial medicine thrived, exuding an aura of primal beginnings, infusing the Field of Life, the origin of allws. Each celestial medicine emitted an invaluable medicinal aura, steeped in this primal essence. Having sessfully harvested it, Wang Xuan found himself radiant, from his physical form to his spirit. "Zheng Wu, thank you for gifting me this celestial medicine!" Wang Xuan expressed his gratitude, recognizing the transformative power of this incredible gift. In a blurred vision, Wang Xuan glimpsed through the celestial medicine at Zheng Yuantian, the supreme being. A figure d in ck armor, standing apart from the world, casting a nce in his direction. "Now under new ownership, it belongs to me!" dered Wang Xuan. With the collection of the first wisp of medicinal aura, the dim past and all its hazy memories faded, ground away in the primal field of allws. Wang Xuan then turned his attention to the seed of the Nine Tribtions Celestial Lotus. Nourished by the divine nectar and two pieces of medicinal earth, and infused with his spiritual will, it too began to sprout. This medicine was terrifying in its own right, taking root in the spiritual sea of the highest realm, amidst colossal beings swimming around, surviving through nine tribtions. When it withered, it left behind seeds bearing scenes of immense disasters and unstoppable natural cmities. The rebirth of the seed was also tinged with the power of cmity. As the seed sprouted, revealing a tender green vitality, breaking through the soil, the echoes of great catastrophes from its distant past resonated faintly behind it. With the harvesting of the first wisp of the green shoot''s medicinal aura, Wang Xuan faintly saw an old monk looking his way from afar. Then, he glimpsed a woman in white and another in red, both distant and indistinct, gazing towards him. "These seeds are connected to Shakyamuni, and the two medicinal earths to a female alchemist and a female demon respectively. But now, all that bes history," he mused. The shadows grew dim and dissipated, ultimately fading into nothingness. The celestial medicine beneath the Elixir Furnace was a surprise to him. Initially, he thought it was just a box or remnant carrying a treasure. Now, it hade back to life. The Elixir Furnace, known for enhancing the quality of all medicines, including celestial ones, and stimting vitality, had revitalized the withered nt base, a root-like structure. Close to the furnace and buried under the Field of Life, it sprouted a plump shoot, glowing purple, bringing tranquility to the area. This medicine was enigmatic, nestled next to the Elixir Furnace, revealing no past vistas. Wang Xuan saw none of its history. His harvesting of the medicines was nowplete. Chen Yongjie''s face showed surprise as he observed Wang Xuan. He saw light emerging from the deepest parts of Wang Xuan''s being, cleansing and illuminating his spirit three times in session. "What''s happening?" he wondered. Finally, Wang Xuan reached a state of spiritual and physicalpletion, unable to suppress the urge to break into a higher realm. Just one piece of the medicinal earth was enough to support his breakthrough. Chen Yongjie remembered how, after using a piece himself, he quickly reached thete stage of herb gathering. To avoid advancing to the next stage, Chen Yongjie had to constantly find ways to suppress his own growth, which was a headache. "How have you decided to proceed? You''re about to break through, right? Have you chosen your path?" Chen Yongjie asked. Wang Xuan nodded. He had his direction, albeit with various uncertainties and potential dangers. "What was your choice?" he asked Chen Yongjie. At the herb-gathering stage, there were various paths to take: some chose to umte Qi, others sought radiation, and some built a spiritual core. Each life-bearing in the universe had its unique path. After the stages of Mist, Lamp Lighting, Field of Life, and Herb Gathering, the fifth realm marked a divergence of paths, with each system taking a distinctly different approach. "I am condensing a Golden Elixir using Buddhist light. I n to practice both Buddhism and Taoism, but I can''t venture too deep into Buddhist territory. I fear I might actually end up bing a monk!" Chen Yongjie exined. "Aren''t Taoist priests essentially monks too?" Wang Xuan pointed out. "It''s different. Some Taoist sects allow marriage and children," Chen Yongjie rified. He was determined to refine the Golden Elixir using Buddhist light, forging his own unique path. "Are you sure you won''t end up with relics instead of elixirs?" Wang Xuan asked skeptically. "No way. I''ve retrained in the supreme scriptures of the Taoist ancestral court, integrating Buddhist light into my Golden Elixir path!" Chen Yongjie seemed confident in his decision. "Moreover, I n to cultivate nine Golden Elixirs, each housing a Nascent Soul. It''s unprecedented!" he shared his ambitious n. "So, not only do you want children, but a whole brood of them?" Wang Xuan looked at him, visibly impressed and slightly amused by his friend''s audacious goals. Chen Yongjie gave Wang Xuan a disgruntled look. "How can you say that? It''s about forming Nascent Souls. You make it sound so unspiritual!" heined. Wang Xuan reminded him, "The supernatural world is copsing. There won''t be anyone forming Nascent Souls in the future. Even the legendary immortals are regressing." "It''s pointless to dream of forming nine Golden Elixirs now. Even one is difficult to achieve in the current world. To seed, you need to break through the ceiling and enter the realm of ''free wandering''." Sighing, Chen Yongjie said, "If one doesn''t set grand ideals and goals, the path bes even harder to tread,cking motivation." However, Chen Yongjie''s spirits lifted as he felt his body teeming with vibrant Qi. In this era, his gathering of Qi was extraordinary, surpassing others a true gift of ancient legendary sages. So, his conviction remained strong, full of drive to continue on his chosen path. He then inquired, "I saw three beams of light cleanse you from form to spirit in your Field of Life. Your physical body was rumbling. What''s going on?" Wang Xuan sinctly exined his situation, leaving Chen Yongjie speechless with amazement. "Three celestial herbs? Unheard of! I''ve scoured ancient texts and never came across such a thing. Is there no justice in heaven?" Both hadbed through various secret scriptures and texts, encountering numerous secret tales, but never anything like Wang Xuan''s experience. "Therefore, Little Chen, stay humble, and don''t always proim yourself a sage," Wang Xuan joked. Chen Yongjie red at him, thinking, "Who''s getting carried away here, calling me ''Little Chen'' now?" "But look, your physical body looks younger," Wang Xuan pointed out. Indeed, the nourishment from the "Thirty Years" mysterious substance had rejuvenated Chen Yongjie, making him look like a man in his twenties. Opening his Field of Life and then breaking through, choosing his path, were significant moments in his life, thus extending his lifespan and making him appear more youthful. After a moment of daze, Chen Yongjie regained hisposure and scrutinized Wang Xuan again. "Your Qi must be so dense it''s like smoke billowing into the sky, right?" he asked, suspecting that Wang Xuan''s unified form and spirit would bring about remarkable phenomena. Chen Yongjie''s expression turned serious as he contemted Wang Xuan''s situation. "A single celestial herb brings a strand of primordial essence. With three, your case aligns remarkably with the ancient scriptures'' highest mysteries. From onees the beginning, from three, everything springs forth" Wang Xuan shook his head, "I''m not treading the path of the ancients. The immortals have proven that in the end, all returns to dust. When the great curtain falls, even the mighty be mere mortals." Chen Yongjie suggested, "With such vigorous vitality, why not try my method? You might quickly refine a supreme Golden Elixir. It seems suited for you." However, Wang Xuan declined, "The pathsid by the immortals have been traversed. Even with minor adjustments or integration, I believe it''s difficult to find a way out." He ventured to share his bold idea. "The Field of Life is a peculiar ce, not found in physical flesh and blood. It seems to emerge from the void, born in the ethereal, drawing in ultra-matter to give birth to myths." Chen Yongjie, taken aback, then nodded, "Indeed, it''s not in flesh and blood, or else celestial herbs couldn''t be grown there." "But as myths decay and supernatural traces are to be erased, it implies our Fields of Life might gradually vanish within a year." Chen Yongjie grew solemn, "Is it that pessimistic?" Wang Xuan affirmed, "Yes. In the end, maybe only a few will retain their Fields of Life, preserving some supernatural power." Themon belief in current systems holds that the Field of Life is the origin of allws, the nurturing ground for the supernatural, the birthce of myths. If the world indeed corrects itself, this ce must decay! Wang Xuan believed that perhaps only a handful of those holding ultimate treasures might withstand the decay, but even they would be merely clinging to survival. Chen Yongjie inquired, "What''s your n?" "Is a ce like the Field of Life truly unique? I n to search further. It''s ephemeral, born from nothingness. Is there another ce, more tangible, existing independently?" Wang Xuan pondered aloud. Chen Yongjie was momentarily lost in thought, realizing Wang Xuan''s intent to diverge from the entire system based on the Field of Life. It meant abandoning everything known. "We need aplete transformation. The existing ways just don''t work anymore," Wang Xuan stated firmly. Chen Yongjie''s expression grew serious. "While your ideas are ambitious, they seem unrealistic. It''s too difficult. Where would you even begin to look? Such a ce might not even exist." "But if the great curtain can have multiple sections, and the realms of immortals are more than one, why can''t there be more than one Field of Life? Born from nothingness, in a ce of fleetingness, why must there be only one?" Wang Xuan argued. He added, "Moreover, what I''m seeking might not be a second Field of Life, but a truly tangible, extraordinary ce." "I''m skeptical. I doubt another exists," Chen Yongjie expressed his disagreement. Wang Xuan continued, "If flesh corresponds to spirit, day to night, yin to yang, might the Field of Life, born from nothingness, also have a counterpart? Something more real? That''s what I aim to find." "Are you serious? What if it doesn''t exist?" Chen Yongjie cautioned him, highlighting the risks of such an endeavor. "I''m prepared to try. If I break through, I''ll charge towards that ethereal realm, using my spiritual eye to explore the origin of the Field of Life!" Wang Xuan resolved. Chapter 309: A New Life In The Desolate Lands Chapter 309: A New Life In The Deste Lands Zhao Zejun spent most of his time in deep meditation, silent and still. His body, nurtured by the "Thirty Years" essence, not only recovered but became even more robust. "Hmm?" Chen Yongjie was momentarily startled, realizing that it was almost time to close his Inner Landscape. "Let''s go, time to return," he suggested, gently guiding Zhao Zejun back to the real world. "Is this what bing an immortal feels like?" Zhao Zejun murmured in a daze. He felt as though he had spent years in that extraordinary realm, yet only a quarter of an hour had passed in reality. His physical health had improved remarkably, leaving him astounded. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was preparing for his breakthrough, seeking that true, elusive ce. He sensed that this journey might take him far, far away. To find the source, it wouldn''t be easy. He sat down, cross-legged, everything ready for the critical moment. Chen Yongjie opened his mouth, unsure. He felt it was a risky move. For an ordinary person, such an endeavor might be a trial, but for Wang Xuan, it was akin to changing the very fabric of reality. "Taking such a path is perilous. If you stray, it could lead to irreversible consequences," he cautioned gravely. "I''ll be cautious and retreat if something feels amiss. I won''t blindly dive into an abyss," Wang Xuan assured, his form and spirit united, his vital essence surging like smoke from his body. "Be careful," Zhao Zejun advised, not fully grasping theplexity of Wang Xuan''s cultivation level. Wang Xuan nodded, took a deep breath, and began. His blood roared like the sea, his spirit shone like the sun, merging into a perfect unity. He swiftly broke through, stepping into a whole new realm. His body was enveloped in a misty aura, with dazzling light streaming from his innermost being. He was breaking through, leaving the realm of herbal cultivation behind, stepping into uncharted territory. His spirit, rooted in the Field of Life, now embarked on a crucial mission. "Following the mist rising from the Field of Life could lead me into the world beyond the great curtain. But my spiritual eye sees something at the very depths of the Field of Life," Wang Xuan contemted. Determined, he set his course towards the origin of the Field of Life. "Born from nothingness, created from the ethereal," Wang Xuan mused as he embarked on a journey into the unknown depths of his Field of Life. His solepanion on this voyage was the God-ying Banner, which he had integrated into his spirit. As he plunged deeper, it felt like he was nearing the core of the earth or piercing through a continent, even a. The Field of Life, an intangible realm, defied conventional understanding. It was called ''soil,'' yet it was not physical matter. Wang Xuan''s spirit, like a streak of light, surged forward at an astonishing speed, traversing distances immeasurable in mere moments. Despite his relentless efforts, he remained within the bounds of the Field of Life. The expansive nature of this domain bewildered him. Based on past experiences, such a duration would have allowed him multiple crossings through the great curtain into the world beyond. Yet, here he was, still enveloped within the ''soilyers'' of his own Field of Life, seeking its elusive source. Exhaustion eventually set in. His reserves of supermatter nearly depleted, his spirit wearied, yet he found himself still amidst the dense Field of Life. The boundless nature of his domain perplexed him was it truly limitless, akin to an endless universe? In this first phase of his exploratory journey, he nearly drained himself entirely without leaving his starting point. The situation was paradoxical. Thankfully, the Field of Life, being the cradle of allws and myths, replenished his supermatter, allowing him to restore his spirit. After a substantial rest, Wang Xuan, undeterred, resumed his quest. Days passed one, two, three... by the fifth day, frustration and fatigue threatened to overwhelm him. Still, he found himself within the vast expanse of his Field of Life. "My Field of Life is unique, or are they all like this?" Wang Xuan pondered, standing amidst the swirling mists and experiencing the strange essence of this ''soil.'' After a sufficient period of rest, he resumed his journey, now harnessing the near-fully refined God-ying Banner. The unity of his spirit with the golden g elerated his pace immensely. Visions of different times and ces appeared before him, a testament to the terrifying speed he had achieved. Yet, even at this pace, he couldn''t escape the confines of his Field of Life. He felt like he might explode on the spot from frustration. "Continue the journey!" he resolved. Thus, he persisted, his spirit propelling the God-ying Banner like lightning, pausing only when exhaustion demanded, replenishing what was necessary to push onward. Wang Xuan, after journeying for a month within his Field of Life, found hisplexion entirely altered. The unfathomable depth of his Field of Life had rendered his initial theories and assumptions seemingly futile. Even with the God-ying Banner augmenting his speed tenfold, he was still ensnared within this domain. Without it, his spirit alone would likely take a year to traverse the same distance. This was beyondprehension. He mused that even traversing all the realms behind the great curtain wouldn''t take this long. "Is this ce teaching me a lesson?" he wondered, perplexed at the impossibility of his predicament. He thought about his physical body back in the real world, hopefully well-attended by Chen Yongjie and Zhao Zejun, perhaps resting in a nutrient chamber. The idea of returning to exin to Chen Yongjie that, despite a month''s effort, he hadnt left his Field of Life at all, was unbearable. The mental image of Chen Yongjie''s mocking grin made him cringe. Resolute, Wang Xuan pressed on silently. The God-ying Banner zed a trail of golden radiance through the fog as he pushed past his limits once more. Months turned into half a year, and Wang Xuan''s sanity teetered on the edge. The days seemed endless, leading him to question the very path he had chosen. Yet, his Spiritual Eye confirmed the integrity of his journey; his direction was sound. It was just that the Field of Life was... incredibly vast. In his current speed, he reckoned he could travel from one to another in the cold expanse of space. The sheer scale of his Field of Life defied all logic and understanding, leaving him to grapple with the inexplicable nature of this realm. After a year of unwavering pursuit through the enigmatic depths of his Field of Life, Wang Xuan paused, gazing into the dense fog and the peculiar ''soil'' that defied all logic. He contemted the true nature of this realm, feeling a mix of frustration and disbelief. With the God-ying Banner, his journey had been elerated tenfold, yet it still took him a year to reach this point. The thought alone was dizzying. Wang Xuan mused over the potential reactions of those outside this realm. Would Chen Yongjie think him lost, his spirit dissipated, leaving his body a mere shell? What changes had urred in the world during his absence? Had Zhao Qinghuan returned? And had Chen Yongjie taken his physical body back to the Old Earth? Reluctantly, he decided to give himself one more year. If he still couldn''t break free from the Field of Life, he would admit defeat. Resuming his journey, the God-ying Banner zed a trail of brilliant light. Along the way, he glimpsed ancient myths and legends, traversing scenes that seemed straight out of folklore. Three monthster, to his astonishment and relief, he felt a sudden lightness. With a whoosh, he finally broke free from the confines of the Field of Life. Over fifteen months of relentless travel had nearly driven him to the brink of madness, but he had finally seeded. However, whaty ahead was an overwhelming silence, a void ofplete darkness that threatened to engulf any who ventured near. It was an unsettling stillness, devoid of any light, as if the mere approach would lead to total oblivion. Standing at the edge of the Field of Life, Wang Xuan contemted the unknown thaty ahead. He wondered if the source he sought was hidden in the deepest reaches of this darkness. After a long rest to replenish his strength, he cautiously stepped forward into the abyss, holding the God-ying Banner. As he ventured further, he noticed that the consumption of mystical factors had significantly slowed down. His pace quickened, propelled by the drifting mist that seemed to originate from the darkness ahead. He was careful not to wield the God-ying Banner recklessly, knowing its importance for both defense and a potential retreat. Days into his journey, Wang Xuan encountered something astonishinga vast expanse of red clouds that engulfed the surrounding darkness in a silent, radiant disy. Curious, he extended a sliver of his spiritual energy towards it, only to recoil in horror as it was instantly incinerated. The red mists advanced rapidly, threatening to engulf him. Reacting quickly, he wrapped himself in the God-ying Banner for protection. The banner quivered violently as the red mist passed over, but thankfully, he remained unscathed. The red clouds soon vanished as mysteriously as they had appeared, leaving Wang Xuan to ponder their origin and nature. He stood still for a moment, his expression grave. This strange realm beyond the Field of Life was treacherous, a ce where one''s spirit could be easily annihted. Wang Xuan felt fortunate to have brought the God-ying Banner; without it, he might have perished in that encounter. With no signs of fatigue, thanks to the minimal consumption of mystical factors, Wang Xuan pressed on. The realm seemed untouched by the decay of myths, yet itcked any mystical substance or extraordinary rules. The mist continued to flow towards him, the elusive destination still seemingly out of reach, its distance unfathomable. For three months, Wang Xuan traversed the vastness of this void, once again merging with the God-ying Banner to cross the immense expanse of nothingness. During his journey, Wang Xuan encountered the red mist several times, a pervasive force that filled the darkness and left no avenue for escape. He grew increasingly concerned, realizing that without a supreme artifact for protection, venturing into such realms would be impossible. Three months after leaving the Field of Life, Wang Xuan noticed an anomaly deep within the darkness. The mist grew denser, and he saw shes of silver light. "Is that my target? A real, tangible ce?" He had finally arrived. In front of him was a pool, eerily suspended in the void, its silver waters illuminating the surrounding darkness. Life seemed to emanate from the pool, a stark contrast to the lifelessness that had surrounded him. The sight of a pool floating in the seemingly infinite darkness, filled with silver liquid, was beyond unusual. Wang Xuan approached cautiously, extending his spiritual sense towards the pool. To his astonishment, the silver liquid nourished and rejuvenated his spirit. Delving deeper into the pool, Wang Xuan was immersed in the silver liquid. It felt like an ascension; droplets of light danced around him. His spirit underwent a transformation, shedding ayer of spiritual confinement and emerging stronger and more condensed, now with a silvery sheen. Meanwhile, Chen Yongjie was taken aback as he noticed Wang Xuan''s physical body trembling and emitting silver light. The flesh was strengthening, bing more vigorous and undergoing rapid transformations. "A rebirth of the spiritual body?" Wang Xuan pondered, immersed in the silver pool. The gentle liquid continued to purify his spirit, but he sensed that this was not the ultimate realm of reality he sought. Chapter 310: The Everlasting Immortal Flower Chapter 310: The Evesting Immortal Flower Wang Xuan''s hand emerged from the surface of the pool, dripping with luminous liquid. The pool, akin to a cradle of life, seemed to nurture the first breath of life from a primordial era. It was miraculous, bestowing rebirth and rejuvenation. "Has anyone else ever reached this ce?" Wang Xuan mused, a question he had contemted even before embarking on his journey. He believed that among the countless practitioners, there must have been those who, like him, sought a tangible realm, venturing to the source of this ethereal world. "However, I suspect many might have felt a sense of helplessness, especially those around my level of cultivation. Without a tool like the God-ying Banner to expedite their journey, reaching this point would be near impossible." Considering the decade-long flight required to exit the Field of Life without his artifact, the journey was too monotonous and devoid of hope for most. In an era where the supernatural was dazzling, who would dare to abandon the established mythological systems and seek a new path? Moreover, the nurturing effect of the three celestial medicines in his Field of Life provided him with the necessary support that others likelycked. Even with immense willpower, a practitioner of the same realm might find it impossible to venture beyond their Field of Life due to sheer exhaustion. "Even I found it challenging. If given the chance, I should nt one or two more celestial medicines," Wang Xuan whispered, although aware it was more a wishful thought. How many, since ancient times, had the opportunity to cultivate celestial medicines in their Field of Life? "Yet, in these times of decay, I might just find that opportunity. Ancient texts and rare artifacts are surfacing, bing mere collectibles for wealthy ns. It''s not impossible for celestial medicines to fall into the mortal realm in the future." "My Field of Life could be a garden of medicines, bolstering my spirit, energy, and strength, allowing me to journey even further." Wang Xuan mused, gazing beyond the pool into the silent depths of the void, enveloped in absolute darkness. As Wang Xuan pondered, he realized the daunting nature of the journey he had embarked upon. "If some individuals were to strengthen their capabilities, they might consider retracing their steps to explore this domain, but reaching this point would still be immensely difficult," he thought. The profound depth of the Field of Life made navigation perilous without the aid of the Spiritual Eye. Even a slight deviation in direction could lead to bing utterly lost within one''s own Field of Life - a harrowing thought that sent shivers down his spine. "In ancient times, some powerful beings could traverse spiritual realms, attending gatherings in the Moon Pce or visiting friends in theherworld. Yet, there were those who vanished without a trace while journeying within their own spiritual domain," Wang Xuan reflected. He believed that, without the guidance of the Spiritual Eye, many could easily find themselves trapped deep within their Field of Life. However, Wang Xuan considered that the supreme beings among the immortals, like the legendary Shijie Qi Yi or the Celestial Ancestor Qi Teng, might have the means to traverse this daunting path if they ever chose to delve into it. "But it''s not certain," he mused. "As one''s realm ascends, theplexity of their Field of Life might multiply, making the journey increasingly formidable, even for such exalted beings." Surrounded by the rich vitality of this mysterious ce, Wang Xuan felt rejuvenated. The liquid in the pool, shimmering with life, wasn''t a physical substance. The pool itself, rough to the touch, seemed constructed from an enigmatic energy, forming a primordial pool of life, as if carrying the essence of life from the dawn of time. With his spiritual power greatly enhanced and his mind clearer than ever, Wang Xuan stood up, feeling stronger. He gazed at the pool, longing to take some of its precious silver liquid with him - far more valuable than any elixir or celestial nectar he had encountered. Yet, he refrained from acting on this impulse. Instead, he contemted whether this realm of nothingness was essible to all, or was it uniquely his own? A ce where the genesis of life seemed to resonate only with him. Wang Xuan, engulfed in a realm of void and silence, continued his quest for the elusive source of the mist. He spected, "If each person''s Field of Life corresponds to such a deste ce, unique to each, it would be unwise for me to act rashly." This realization led him to believe that if he drained the pool, it could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences for his physical and spiritual being. It might be directly linked to his very essence of life. "If this ce is indeed unique to me," Wang Xuan pondered, "I could transnt a couple of celestial herbs here on my next visit. Marking my path with their support, I could venture even further towards that realm of reality." He resumed his journey, diving deeper into the abyss of silence and darkness. It was as if he was traversing the vastness of the universe itself, alone in his exploration. During his journey, he encountered the red mist again, now more vibrant and beautiful yet increasingly dangerous. Each encounter with the mist left him feeling more apprehensive, fearing imminent destruction, yet wrapped in his Divine g, he endured. He wondered about the nature of this mysterious mist. Could understanding this energy bring about a fundamental change? Could it be different from the super-matter of the outside world? But, as he pondered, he realized the mist was not a physical substance, and he hadn''t yet found the real realm he sought. Three months after leaving the silver Pool of Life, Wang Xuan''s journey became more perilous. The appearance of the red light became more frequent and intimidating, causing his Divine g to flutter violently in resistance. "If even the supreme beings from behind the great veil had sought this source of the mist, they might have stopped here," he thought. Their warnings to acquire the Divine g suggested its importance in such an endeavor. The red light, now intertwined with mist, seemed to possess a hint of reality, yet its power was more terrifying than ever. When it spread again, the Divine g thundered, emitting blinding golden patterns in a fierce struggle. Wang Xuan felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation. The red light, now tinged with a sense of reality, might be emanating from the true realm he was seeking. But as the journey stretched on, the light''s overwhelming force made him question the limits of even the most powerful beings and their ability to navigate this mysterious domain. Continuing on this perilous path was fraught with danger, and Wang Xuan felt a deep sense of foreboding. He knew he was close to uncovering the truth, but the risks were escting rapidly, threatening his very existence. "Go as far as possible," he resolved, driven by an insatiable desire to discover a glimmer of hope, a bright oue amidst the encroaching darkness. Despite his apprehensions, the lure of the unknownpelled him to forge ahead. Days passed, and Wang Xuan''s heart quivered with each step. The overwhelming red light cascaded down, challenging the limits of the Divine g, which swelled autonomously to counter the encroaching real substance. The surreal beauty of the scene belied its lethal nature. "Am I nearing the end?" Wang Xuan wondered, his emotions a tumultuous mix of fear, anticipation, and joy. The resplendent mist and clouds, radiant yet searing, seemed to animate the otherwise silent void. His soul trembled uneasily. Advancing felt akin to a delicate snowke facing the scorching summer sunfragile and ephemeral. He recalled the countless practitioners throughout historyalchemists, Daoists, swordsmenwho had ventured on simr quests, seeking enlightenment, each era producing its champions and its casualties. Wang Xuan was determined not to be another forgotten pioneer who perished on this treacherous journey. He had to tread carefully, especially as parts of the cloud were not mere illusions or radiation but were terrifyingly real, even if sparse. His spirit felt as if it were being torn apart, scorched in this metaphysical inferno. Even the protective embrace of the Divine g struggled to mitigate the full onught of the clouds'' fiery wrath. As the clouds eventually receded, Wang Xuan gasped for air, feeling drained and perilously close to copse. He questioned whether to press on, aware that his resilience was nearing its limit. He realized then that the paths of the immortals, those once considered infallible, were no longer viable. "When myths decay, even the mightiest fall," he mused. He could not afford to tread their failed paths. Pondering his next move, Wang Xuan acknowledged that he might endure one final push. But if that too yielded no answers, retreat was his only sensible option. He refused to sacrifice himself needlessly. Aheady only darknessthe crimson clouds had dissipated, leaving behind an oppressive, icy void. It was a stark reminder of the destion that awaited those who dared to challenge the unknown. Six months after departing from the Pool of Life, Wang Xuan found himself on the cusp of a profound discovery. A location of great peculiarity and dready before him, emitting both an alluring call and a terrifying presence. Two years had psed since his journey from the Command Earth began. As he approached this new area, the mist thickened, and Wang Xuan, gripping the Divine g tightly, prepared for what mighte. He observed a stunning sighta "meteorite crater" embedded in darkness, yet from his perspective, it seemed to hang upside down in the sky, as if the heavens and earth had flipped. Peering upwards, Wang Xuan saw the crater exuding vibrant clouds and mist, dispersing in all directions. It wasn''t just an illusion; his Spirit Eye discerned real, sparkling particles within the mist, radiant in red. The crater appeared to be a deep gateway, leading to an enigmatic realm beyond. "Could passing through this reveal the truth?" Wang Xuan pondered. The signs suggested that finding a viable path outside the mythological system was not straightforward, and he was acutely aware of the mortal danger that loomed. As he edged closer to the crater, intending to probe just a little deeper, he was struck with horror. The Divine g roared into action, its golden patterns spreading feverishly to fend off the corrosive particles from the real mist. Wang Xuan felt a searing pain as though his body was disintegrating, noticing for the first time ever, slight scorch marks on the g''s surface. This rming development made his heart race. Nothing had ever damaged the Divine g before, yet here he was, facing an unprecedented challenge. He hastily retreated, yet his gaze remained fixed on the profound depths of the crater, which seemed to be a colossal passageway to another realm. "I see it, in the depths of the passage flowers are blooming?!" Wang Xuan''s pupils constricted as he beheld the sight in the vast meteorite crater. Deep within the passageway, amidst the fiery and blood-red clouds, white flowers blossomed, swaying gracefully, exuding a purity and sanctity that was breathtaking. On the side walls of the crater''s tunnel grew a divine nt, a symbol of eternal life, tempting any onlooker to venture forth. This nt, unfazed by the menacing red clouds, seemed indestructible. Amidst the red light, it swayed without wilting, showering in a cascade of radiant light. Wang Xuan inhaled a faint, soothing fragrance, which instantly alleviated the excruciating pain in his spirit, ushering in a sense of recovery and rejuvenation. "It offers boundless hope, tempting exploration, yet remains frustratingly out of reach, threatening total annihtion with the slightest approach," he mused, fixated on the "meteorite crater." At this point, he had reached what seemed to be the limit; crossing over appeared impossible. Wang Xuan nced at the charred marks on the Divine g, a symbol of his current impasse. Was even this object, second only to the supreme treasures, unable to traverse this enigmatic space? "Even if the most powerful beings surpassed the limits of the Command Earth, they would likely find themselves halted here, unable to advance any further." After a long period of contemtion and several daring attempts to observe the ethereal, immortal flower, Wang Xuan realized its intangible nature. Though it radiated an intense life force, it was not of the physical realm but imbued with a sense of undying vitality. "How I wish I could cross this passage and witness the reality on the other side!" Yet, Wang Xuan resolutely turned away, resisting the lure of the unknown, aware of the lethal risks it posed. In his quest for a path outside the established mythological frameworks, he recognized the magnitude of his endeavorit was akin to creating a new world. Despite not reaching the true realm he sought, Wang Xuan''s journey was not in vain. His experiences at the Pool of Life and here had significantly bolstered his spiritual strength and knowledge, embodying a form of cultivation in their own right. To his delight, the charred blemishes on the Divine g began to fade, ultimately restoring itselfa testament to its extraordinary nature. "Next time, if I return, I shall transnt the heavenly herbs to forge a connection to the real realm and bring the ultimate treasure, the Life-Nurturing Furnace," Wang Xuan vowed, as he swiftly departed from that mysterious and daunting ce. Chapter 311: Retaking Fate Chapter 311: Retaking Fate Although Wang Xuan had already departed, he still felt the tumultuous, tide-like disturbances. In the darkness, billions of crimson strands of light roared and surged in all directions. This was far more intense than any tsunami, like a bursting gxy, with the red luminescence chasing after Wang Xuan, who was already on his way back, turning hisplexion grave. He realized why the vermillion clouds periodically appearedit was the "meteorite crater" erupting regrly, spewing endlessly into the realm of nothingness. Chilled to the bone, Wang Xuan knew that had he not left his position near the crater, his fate would have likely been dire. Pioneers on a new path, indeed, often meet early ends, he reflected. The God-ying Banner glowed, its patterns interweaving, reviving autonomously to resist the apocalyptic red mist. The golden g fluttered vigorously in the void, resonating against the turbulent space. After a tough struggle, he narrowly escaped. Half a yearter, Wang Xuan returned to the Pool of Life, finally able to rest. Despite the slow depletion of super-material in the void, he was thoroughly exhausted. "I need to transnt the heavenly herbs here, choosing a spot far from the reach of the red clouds, using the super-material they emit to support my long journey," he contemted. Wang Xuan lingered in the Pool of Life for a long time, his spirit gradually bing vigorous and even more potent than before. Later, guiding the God-ying Banner, he navigated using his spiritual eye, following the trail of the mist. Three monthster, he saw the Life Soil and plunged into it, beginning his tedious journey back. The trip was monotonous, with nothing but mist and the unique "soil quality" in view. He pondered whether this expedition had led him to a new path. It should count as one. I have my own goal now, and I believe its feasible! Wang Xuan was confident that beyond the meteorite crater, there existed a realm of reality. However, he was uncertain whether this realm was exclusive to him or if others, if supremely powerful and resistant to the clouds, could also reach it. This distinction was crucial. If it were the former, then the so-called realm of reality might correspond to the most fundamental aspects of his own life essence. If thetter were true, it would imply a unique realm essible to many beings, a ce where different entities could live and reside. Such knowledge was scarce and still beyondprehension. Wang Xuan took about two years to venture there, and his return journey was slightly faster, yet it still nearly spanned two years. For him, it was indeed a lengthy period. He felt uneasy, wondering how much time had passed in the real world during his absence. Did Old Chen take me back to the old earth? Have I been soaking in a nutrient solution all this time? Are my parents worried about me? The realization hit him suddenly. The three-year agreement... its already passed. How is the Sword Fairy now? This is my mistake! As Wang Xuan returned, drawing closer, he sensed the presence of the celestial herbs and a myriad of thoughts crossed his mind. He couldn''t help but wonder if this journey through the ethereal realm had stolen time in a manner simr to the internal scenery realm. Standing atop his Life Soil, he saw the Nourishing Stove and the three celestial herbs, noticing how faintly the mysterious factors emanated. The herbs looked dim, clearly showing signs of significant consumption. Wang Xuan then left his Life Soil, his spirit and body unifying once again. He immediately felt a sense of relief, as if he had been a rootless weed before. Silentlyprehending, he realized his spiritual strength had greatly increased, his physical body had strengthened, and his cultivation had risen to the mid-tote stage of his current realm. However, there was an unsettling feeling of immense exhaustion, as if he had nearly depleted himself. The condition of the celestial herbs in his Life Soil had already hinted at the enormity of his expenditure during the journey. At the moment Wang Xuan opened his eyes, Old Chen''s eyelids twitched; he had been vigntly by his side. Youre finally awake, he said. How many years have passed? Or was it just a few minutes? Wang Xuan asked urgently, feeling as though he had been on a lengthy journey, utterly fatigued. To his surprise, he realized he was still at Zhao''s residence and hadn''t left. Had time indeed been stolen during his journey? Its been half a day, replied Chen Yongjie. Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt a sense of relief. Zhao Zejun, who was busymunicating with other major organizations, voiced his relief upon seeing Wang Xuan awake. After the Zhao family had nearly fallen to the demons'' attack, Zhao Zejun was far from being content. He was secretly in talks with the top echelons of various groups, having already reached a consensus for coborative efforts. After Wang Xuan''s brief interaction with Zhao Zejun, who then continued his busy calls, Old Chen looked at him with aplex expression, seemingly unsure where to begin. "What happened to my physical body while I was gone?" Wang Xuan asked, sensing from Old Chen''s demeanor that his absence might have caused some disturbances. "During that time, the mysterious factors in your body were nearly exhausted. Your consciousnesspletely vanished, and you were like a living dead person. There were several instances where your vital signs nearly disappeared," Chen Yongjie exined. He didn''t know where Wang Xuan''s spiritual consciousness had gone and initially hesitated to interfere, but eventually feltpelled to replenish him with super-materials. "But then, your body suddenly started emitting silver light autonomously, and your life level seemed to elevate. I felt that the energy was different from what we''re used to seeing." Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt intrigued. His spirit had been bathed in the silver pool, but his physical body also received nourishment? This was peculiar, considering the vast distance between them. How could the silver liquid instantly reach his body? "If you hadn''t received the nourishment from the silver light, your body would have been severely drained," Chen Yongjie said gravely. Wang Xuan pondered. Without the dense mysterious factors and the support of the three celestial herbs, it would have been nearly impossible for him to journey so far. Even for him, with the Spirit Eye, wielding the Zhanshen g, traversing the void of nothingness was perilous. Feeling the remnants of the silver substance within him, he realized it dissipated more slowly than the super-materials. This revtion made him look up sharply. Perhaps he was indeed on the right path, as in the current environment, the disintegration of this extraordinary silver substance was exceptionally slow. This exceptional silver material, however, still didn''t originate from the realm of reality but from somewhere along the path of nothingness, from a pool of life itself. Wang Xuan had good reason to believe that the realm of reality might contain even more incredible substances. For instance, if the nature of the red nebe could be deciphered and harnessed by the human body, its power would be beyond imagination. "Did you seed?" Old Chen asked eagerly, his eyes zing with interest. In an era where mythological systems were fading, finding a new path would indeed be like pioneering a new world. "I''m on the way," Wang Xuan nodded affirmatively. He believed he was on the right track but needed to ovee a formidable barrier - the "Meteorite Crater" - a hurdle so challenging that even the fully activated Zhanshen g was scorched to ckness, implying that even supreme beings might not pass it. Unsure if bringing the ultimate treasure - the Nurturing Furnace - would enable him to cross it, Wang Xuan faced a daunting challenge. Chen Yongjie was astounded, almost eximing in shock. Could someone in this world truly revolutionize the existing order? His scalp tingled at the thought, like a current of electricity flowing through him. He inquired eagerly about the details, recognizing the gravity of such a discovery. For those beyond the ordinary, it was akin to reshaping the universe itself. Wang Xuan exined that the path he found wasn''t universally applicable and was exceedingly dangerous. Even mythical creatures venturing there might never return, incinerated to ash. Upon learning that even supreme beings could be halted in their tracks, Old Chen was dumbstruck. How could one proceed on such a perilous path? Wang Xuan suggested looking through various texts to understand more about the nature of the "Life Soil" and whether its "thickness" increased geometrically with higher realms. If that were the case, even supreme beings might not be able to leave their Life Soil. "Have you named this new world you''ve discovered outside the mythological system?" Chen Yongjie asked, considering it a creation of monumental significance. Wang Xuan shook his head. He hadn''t yet established a foothold in the realm of reality, and the new system was yet to be fully born. He still needed to cross the formidable barrier of the Meteorite Crater. Chen Yongjie expressed his amazement at the silver substance Wang Xuan had brought back from his journey, acknowledging its exceptional quality. He anticipated that the new path Wang Xuan was carving, especially with the unimaginable red nebe, could potentially surpass the greatest of mythical beings. Wang Xuan, acknowledging the need for a name for his newly discovered realm, decided on "Ding Lu," meaning "Set Path," signifying his determination and direction in this uncharted journey. He then opened a real bone to ess a decaying innerndscape, replenishing the depleted mystical substances due to his exhaustive journey. Wang Xuan hoped that one day, with the realm of reality as his foundation, he wouldn''t need such replenishments. Chen Yongjie, also entering the innerndscape for further cultivation, was speechless upon realizing the extent of Wang Xuan''s progress. In the time it took for their joint breakthrough, Wang Xuan had advanced from the early stages of the fifth realm to the middle orter stages. Acknowledging his remarkable advancement, Wang Xuan exined that his experience was akin to the most arduous form of cultivation, equating four years of efforts to opening a new world. Chen Yongjie, now surpassed in terms of realm, humorously suggested that he needed to catch up and proposed testing Wang Xuan''s new level of capability by fighting demons. Wang Xuan, drawing more mystical substances to rejuvenate himself, felt significantly stronger within his current realm. His Life Soil revitalized, showing the vibrant growth of the three heavenly herbs. In the innerndscape, Zhao Zejun was entranced, rejoicing in another instance of "ascension" as the nourishment improved his physical and spiritual limits. The journey had been transformational for them all, opening new possibilities in a time when mythical systems were fading. Chapter 312: Let’s Kill Some Demons! Chapter 312: Let¡¯s Kill Some Demons! In the vast expanse of outer space, an imposing fleet of steel warships formed a formidable array, ready for action. The terrestrial forces remained discreet to avoid rming the demons prematurely, while the space fleet was more than sufficient to handle the task at hand. The key yers from various conglomerates had gathered, emphasizing precision in their strike to eliminate the demons without causing widespread destruction. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie had previously inspected the fleet to ensure no demons had infiltrated it, confirming that everything was secure and operating as intended. In the cold vacuum of space, the warships, like foreboding clouds, shone with an intimidating luster. With preparationsplete, Zhao Zejun, aboard a super warship, calmly gave themand to fire. This marked themencement of their demon-hunting operation. Blinding beams of light, like celestial swords, pierced down from the heavens towards the earth, with the Zhao family leading the assault. Their primary target was a club in the same city as the Zhao family, seemingly normal but covertly upied by demons. The close proximity to the Zhao family indicated their intent to subvert it and take over the bodies of its members. Escaped blood shadows and newly arrived flesh-and-blood demons had been hiding in this club, biding their time for an attack. Although their previous attempt to seize the Zhao family had failed, their ambition remained undeterred. The beams of light struck the club with terrifying force, disintegrating the buildings instantly. The ground caved in,pletely prated and melted by the onught. The flesh-and-blood demons bore the brunt of this attack; they found themselves trapped in a nightmare scenario. Their screams echoed as they were shattered and incinerated, even their protective talismans unable to withstand the power of modern weaponry. In the current era, where supernatural forces were waning, many ancient artifacts could barely activate their primary runes, let alone defend against such advanced technological firepower. The blood shadows, known for their agility, suffered simrly. To avoid detection, they had possessed human bodies, consuming their hosts'' spirits and acquiring legal identities. Now, they paid the price for their actions, destroyed within the bodies they had usurped. This fierce and decisive attack marked a significant moment in the struggle against the demons, showcasing the power and resolve of humanity in this new era. The demons, once powerful and intimidating, found their perception and control significantly diminished when hiding within human bodiespared to when their demonic blood enveloped their true bones. Their demonic bones, akin to artifacts, were carried on the bodies they controlled, without releasing any spiritual glow or essence. This horrifying hunt and the resultant explosions caused the area to sink, and some demonic bones cracked, revealing fissures that leaked out their "demonic essence." This was a poignant representation of ordinary humans'' retaliatory hunt against the supernatural demons. The demons, after their return, had chosen the most luxurious environments to dwell in, such as this club surrounded by parks andkes, which allowed Zhao Zejun to unleash his full force without worrying about impacting nearby residential areas. The demons screamed in fury and shock amidst the fiery onught, unable toprehend humanity''s bold and decisive strike against them. With blinding light descending, the flesh-and-blood demons were annihted, and the possessed ones burst with rage as their true bones shattered under the assault. Some, in a desperate attempt to survive, fled underground, escaping through sewage systems in a most undignified manner, leaving behind a stench of defeat and desperation. Those who barely escaped the vortex as spiritual entities soon faced another grave danger: Chen Yongjie was waiting outside. With the Locking Soul Bell, he effortlessly trapped the weakened spirits, cutting them down like chaff. Despite the consumption of mystical energy, Chen Yongjie''s actions were ruthlessly efficient, quickly collecting the cracked demonic bones that fell to the ground. His cold demeanor reflected his satisfaction in ying the demons, considering it a profitable exchange in this war of attrition. He swiftly boarded a small warship and headed to the next location, separating from Wang Xuan to maximize their efforts in eradicating the surviving pure spiritual entities of the demons. In outer space, Wu Yin''s uncle, Wu Chenglin, disyed a stark contrast to his usual gentle demeanor. With a solemn and focused expression, he closely monitored the battle''s progress on therge screen, reflecting the drastic change in humanity''s stance against these supernatural threats. Wu Chenglin, determined and resolute, had given the order to attack a significant life science research base, notorious for "incubating" various extinct ancient organisms using gic technology. However, the true horrory in the fact that most of the active substances soaking in the incubation chambers of this facility were not ordinary species, but the flesh and true bodies of demons. After their return, the demons exhibited a keen interest in such research facilities, hoping they could expedite their return to their true forms. This life science research base had be a critical stronghold for the demons. Realizing the severity of the threat, especially given its proximity to the Wu family''s main base, Wu Chenglin issued a ruthless order to obliterate the facility. The demons had secretly taken over a small warship base belonging to the Wu family, intending to use it against them. His firstmand was to destroy this military base. Located in a suburban area near the woods, the biological research base suffered a devastating attack, with a colossal beam connecting outer space to the ground. Far from the city, Wu Chenglin could unleash his full wrath, creating a massive umbre-shaped st that eradicated all life in the area. Even the notoriously resilient demons couldn''t withstand such bombardment, especially since many were in the process of regenerating their flesh, deeply submerged in nutrient fluids, and in a state of deep hibernation. Wang Xuan arrived at the scene, initially expecting it to be a significant stronghold due to the numerous old demons in hiding. However, he was slightly disappointed to find only a few cracked demonic bones left. The demons, in their vulnerable state of hibernation, had been unable to defend themselves effectively against the onught. Wielding the Pre-Qin Jade Dragon Saber, a weapon specifically designed to y spirits, Wang Xuan emitted dazzling saber light, swiftly eliminating the five strongest demons that had managed to survive the initial attack. The rest, weakened by the bombardment, posed little threat. In the end, Wang Xuan''s haul from this location was meager, consisting of only three cracked demonic bones. The truly formidable and dangerous demons had perished before they could even awaken. Wang Xuan arrived at the site where the Fairy Bar, a location previously upied by demons, had been attacked by the Li family. The demons, overconfident since their return, had enjoyed the luxuries of modern life, including this famous bar, which they took over for their exclusive use. However, their presence couldn''t escape the notice of the major organizations in such a technologically advanced world. When the Fairy Bar was destroyed in a brilliant explosion, some demons managed to survive due to the Li family''s cautious use of firepower in the bustling city area. Wang Xuan, utilizing his spiritual out-of-body ability and his Heavenly Eye, quickly located the remaining demons'' escape route. Discovering they had fled through the sewage system, he encountered a familiar demon, the Green Wolf. He silently left the city, waiting for them to emerge from underground, intending to use the cover of the forest to escape surveince. At a distance, Wang Xuan activated the Golden Tree, and its nine golden birds chirped harmoniously, swooping down like nine suns in the night sky, pecking the escaping spiritual bodies to death. The demons that had chosen to stay at the Fairy Bar were rtively young and originally had flesh bodies, but now only three remained, bloodied and battered. The Green Wolf was there, not apanying Hei Lian and Yin Fu, because it had been injured by a weapon at the Zhao family''s ce, losing a forelimb and its tail chopped off by Chen Yongjie''s ck sword. It had been licking its wounds in the bar. Wang Xuan, covered in a transcendent light and unable to stand the stench, confronted them. Recognizing Wang Xuan, the Green Wolf, filled with hatred and realization that this attack might be his doing, went into a frenzy. "Shut up, big wolf dog," Wang Xuanmanded, his disdainful gaze and disgusted expression deeply wounding the Green Wolf''s pride. The Green Wolf, bloodied and severely injured, expressed its disbelief at how the tides had turned in this era. Itmented how humans, once their prey, were now actively hunting them, putting them in a reactive position. Wang Xuan, looking down on the Green Wolf, was unimpressed. He had initially wanted to use it to test his cultivation progress, but seeing its pathetic state, he decided it wasn''t worth his effort. He coldly suggested finishing it offpletely. Furious and unable to ept this humiliation, the Green Wolf, reminiscent of the glory days when demons reigned supreme, felt deeply humiliated by Wang Xuan''s disdainful treatment. It, along with two other flesh and blood demons, decided to attack in a desperate attempt to regain some dignity. Wang Xuan stood firm like a mountain, calmly facing them. He decided to test the peculiar energy he had acquired from the void. One of the demons, a winged creature with a broken wing,unched a ferocious attack, while another, resembling a bloodied ck bear, charged with such force that the ground trembled. Despite their impressive demonic powers and formidable attacks, Wang Xuan effortlessly countered. Using a technique from the Daoist ancestral hall, he sliced through the air with his hand, producing a streak of silver light resembling a starry river. With swift strikes, he decapitated the winged demon and split the bear-like demon in two, annihting their spiritual essences with the silver light. Wang Xuan, somewhat disappointed, remarked on their weakness. Even though these two demons were a realm higher than him, they fell too easily to his might. Its your turn He then turned his attention to the Green Wolf, ready to deal with it next. "How have you be so much stronger in just one day?" the Green Wolf eximed in horror. It wasn''t long since they had parted, yet something profound had changed in Wang Xuan. Channeling all its might, the Green Wolf burst into a surge of green light, transforming into a massive, divine green wolf with radiant fur and wide, sharp fangs. It leaped towards Wang Xuan, unleashing a terrifying demonic light from its gaping maw. "You seem to have weakened; has your realm actually fallen?" Wang Xuan asked in surprise, noting that the Green Wolf had regressed from the early stage of the eighth realm to the seventh. "I can''t believe this!" the Green Wolf gasped in shock. Wang Xuan''s increase in strength wasn''t just a minor improvement but a breakthrough beyond his original realm. This defied all logic. During the day, the remnants of supernatural forces had stirred, aggravating the Green Wolf as it realized the decay of mythology was intensifying, causing its own realm to fall. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan''s realm had risen! The battle was decidedly one-sided. Wang Xuan''s fist, radiating a light, struck the Green Wolf, shattering it into a downpour of blood. "The Demon Ancestor will cross realms and ughter all of you, turning the earth into a river of blood!" the spirit of the Green Wolf howled. "The Demon Ancestor Qi Yi, the ultimate demon? No matter. I''ll take him down when he crosses over," Wang Xuan calmly dered, his silver fist light shing through the air again. The Green Wolf, shocked and then horrified, realized a single person''s fist light could annihte a spirit without even using psychic power. Before it could ponder further, it exploded,pletely obliterated. "This silver secret power is potent!" Wang Xuan assessed. The newly emerged energy, transcending the supernatural, was incredibly powerful and bolstered his confidence in the new path he was forging. ... Above the new moon, "Old Zhang" gazed into a bronze mirror, spotting a spaceshipden with the weight of years. In the depths of space, an ancient and immenselyrge spaceship was slowly approaching the New World. Chapter 313: Answering The Rally Chapter 313: Answering The Rally In the starry sky, an ancient spaceship, rich with a sense of time, silently approaches the New Star. It''s massive and retro in style, or perhaps it was indeed very old, but its propulsion system far surpasses modern spaceships. Soon after, a special hatch on the top of the spaceship opens, and several mechanical beings step out, standing atop the vast vessel, gazing ahead. If they were carbon-based life forms like humans, they would probably die instantly in this cosmic environment. They stand silently on the spaceship, motionless like statues. These mechanical beings also appear old and worn, with damaged bodies - some missing an arm, others with broken shoulders. Even the living metal couldn''t mend their fractures, seemingly entwined with some bizarre substance preventing repair. On the new moon, "Old Zhang" holds a rusty bronze mirror, wiping its surface. He looks intently and frowns, "Deep space civilization, which era''s spaceship was this? It''s very old. Those were... mechanical titans!" The ancient and massive spaceship nears the New Star! In outer space, amidst the fleet, Zhao Zejun, Wu Chenglin, and others were present. All warships instantly detect the mysterious spaceship, causing astonishment among the crew. After careful study, they were certain it resembles the spaceship excavated from the moon years ago, sharing the same style. On the massive spaceship, the few mechanical beings remain motionless, observing the fleet ahead. Their ship veers away, entering the New Star''s domain, heading towards the. "Watch out, Wang Xuan. An unidentified spaceship has entered the New Star. Don''t provoke it!" Zhao Zejun immediately informs Wang Xuan and Old Chen, sending them photos and a brief exnation. Soon, the warships in outer space lose track of the spaceship; it vanishes from their screens, undetectable and elusive. Wang Xuan, surprised, acknowledges and continues his demon hunt. In outer space, Zhao Zejun, Wu Chenglin, and others stick to their n, persisting in their precise elimination and thorough purge of demonic strongholds. Throughout this deep night, the New Star''s major organizations deploy all avable sky eyes, detectors, and probes. From the sky to underground,kes, and forests, they ce detectors everywhere, tracking the demons'' movements. Not just in Zhongzhou, but even in Xizhou where Westerners reside, ces like Deburg - a gue research and life science base - were obliterated. Additionally, several inds in the Eastern Sea were bombarded by warships. This night, the world trembles. The beings from behind the grand curtain were terrified; humans... have gone mad! The descendants of the immortals were genuinely frightened. In the current environment of declining supernatural forces, people of their realm absolutely cannot withstand suchrge-scale warship bombardments! "The demons suffered heavy losses. Some of their strongholds and masters werepletely annihted. This wasn''t limited to the lineage of the Demon Ancestor; any native demons who approached those financial powerhouses and had ulterior motives have been targeted." "It''s a bizarre era where demons were being purged by humans, truly unbelievable!" Descendants of the immortals, such as Cao Qingyu, Chen Yan, and Zhou Shiqian, were truly unable to sit still, fearing a sudden super energy cannon attack that would undoubtedly obliterate them. At the Zhou family residence, the terrified Huang Daxian drinks with Zhou Yun for sce. Zhou Yun reassures him, "Don''t worry, you haven''t eaten humans or absorbed human souls, nor have you acted immorally or tried to overthrow those major organizations. No one will kill innocents arbitrarily. On the contrary, you''ve helped the Qian family fight demons, which was a point in your favor. There were still some considerations." The world responds to the demon hunt! On this night, organizations that had previously remained inactive also sprang into action, striking simultaneously. Once human tenacity and certain beliefs were ignited, the resultant force was tremendous. The actions of Zhao Zejun and others were a rallying cry, inspiring all major organizations to join the movement. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie arrive early in Luocheng, the stronghold of the Ling family. On the mountain of strange rocks, the Buddhists and demons were still searching for the heavenly medicine seeds, not yet giving up. When the two arrive, therge-scale demon hunt hasn''t yet stirred up trouble. They aim to cut off the demons'' escape route. If not for the presence of Buddhist masters, the fleet would have already struck here. After the Ling family''s departure, the area was vacant and perfectly suited for a fierce assault. Aware of the conflict between Buddhism and demons, the groups refrain from a brute-force carpet bombing of the area. "Master Xiu Shan, fellow brothers, the world was in chaos. Everyone was exterminating demons. We''vee to assist you, hoping to help you eradicate the demons and restore peace to the New Star," Chen Yongjie calls out, beckoning the Buddhist masters to appear. Instantly, many figures emerge on the rocky mountain, including Buddhist masters and powerful demons. They discovered the barrier around the stone Buddha on the mountain wall but have been unable to breach it, leading to several bloody shes between the two sides. "The demons on New Star feed on humans, incurring endless blood debts. Now, everyone outside was going on a killing frenzy. If we join forces with the Buddhist masters to eliminate these demons, our world will be thoroughly cleansed!" Chen Yongjie exins the current situation animatedly, narrating the events outside, and proposes joining forces with the Buddhist masters to exterminate the demons. The leader of the Buddhists, the ascetic monk Xiu Shan, looks at him in shock. The world outside has changed overnight? Thud! In the distance, a blinding beam of light descends from the sky, obliterating a demon stronghold near Luocheng! "You dare do this?!" Blood Peng, the leader of the demon faction, was enraged. They have been on Qishi Mountain, cut off from the outside world, and had no idea such a significant event had transpired. A silver bat swiftly crossed the mountains and arrived at high speed. It''s the flesh-bodied demon, Silver Bat, carrying ck Lion from another city. "Brother Blood Peng, our demon race has suffered terribly. Those damned humans, how dare they defy and attack us!" The two demons quickly report upon arrival. The expressions of all the demons change drastically. isted on Qishi Mountain, they couldn''t receive calls or messages, and now they were both shocked and enraged, instantly bristling for battle. "You daree here, to kill you both!" ck Lian and Silver Bat, seeing Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, were filled with deep hatred upon meeting their foes. "Today, we came to annihte you!" Old Chen shouted, once again allying with the Buddhists, and called, "Fellow brothers, masters, let''s take action!" The Buddhists on New Star also have their intelligencework and special dwellings. They quickly receive news of the night''s significant events, which were still unfolding. "Exterminate the demons!" Xiu Shan shouted, making the first move towards Blood Peng. A fierce battle erupts, with both sides shing violently. Already antagonistic, the external stimulus pushes the conflict to its climax. "You two daring to show up here was your misfortune. Let''s see how you escape!" The demons here were numerous. ck Lian shouted, leading several flesh-bodied demons to hunt down Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie. "Attack!" Old Chen, radiating Buddhist light, swings his ck sword and charges into the fray. Wang Xuan''s fingers emit a cluster of silver mes, flickering continuously. He was constructing a transcendent form, testing the power of techniques driven by this silver substance. Swoosh! In an instant, a demon was engulfed by the sacred me. Piercing screams resonated as a six-stage peak-level demon was reduced to ashes, its soul incinerated. "The beings who once groveled at our demon race''s feet dare to cause such chaos!" ck Lian charges furiously, radiating intense malevolence. His robust body, covered in ck fur, wields a brand-new mace emitting blinding transcendent light, smashing it towards Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan forms seals with his hands, channeling the Sakyamuni true scriptures. Instead of golden Buddhist light, it''s silver brilliance that steams forth. With a booming sound, a huge lotus, entirely silver, bursts from his hands, blooming petal by petal, enveloping ck Lian. This technique the Buddha Lotus Seal resounded with the real sound of blossoming flowers. The petals rain down, constantly thundering, shattering ck Lian''s transcendent mace. ck Lian''s furry hand was jolted, blood and fur muddled, as demon blood dripped down. One of his finger bones was exposed and snapped off. "You''ve weakened too?" Wang Xuan observes in surprise. ck Lian has also fallen from the eight-stage realm, now at the middle of the seventh stage. Hearing this, ck Lian was infuriated, feeling mocked despite the truth of the statement. The suffocating feeling in his chest was overwhelming. Most importantly, while he has weakened, Wang Xuan has be terrifyingly stronger an iprehensible and infuriating reality to ck Lian. Wang Xuan, with a sword-finger gesture, sends out a dazzling streak of silver light. He''s fully testing his strength and the extraordinary capabilities of the silver substance. ck Lian, opening his mouth, emits a beam of demon light, utilizing a secret treasure. A ck falls, emitting dark light and a deadly aura, attempting to capture and kill Wang Xuan. However, under Wang Xuan''s sword technique, radiant white sword light cleaves through, shredding the secret treasure to pieces. With sessive sounds of puncturing, the sword light leaves several bloody holes in ck Lian''s body, transparent from front to back, even tearing off a corner of his heart. ck Lian was shocked and enraged, unable to believe that in just a day''s time, the opponent could suppress him without even using any exotic treasures. He opens his mouth, and a crimson demon de flies out. This was a demon treasure cultivated and intertwined with the life force of his n. It rapidly erges, blood-red as if drenched in blood, the demon de howls, causing blood mist to fill the air and murderous aura to pierce the heavens. "sh!" ck Lian roars, apanying the blood-colored demon de as countless des of light fly out, densely packed and filling the void. Wang Xuan, unafraid, employs a secret Taoist techniqueMirror Light Techniquestill experimenting with the silver substance. A silver mirror materializes before him, blocking the blood de and reflecting the de light back. At the same time, Wang Xuan forms seals with his hands and utilizes another Taoist ancestral techniqueFive-Color Cloud Thunder. In mid-air, clouds of five colors form, with lightning shing and thunder roaring, covering the space above ck Lian''s head. Then the entire cloud mass booms, sending down a cascade of silver lightning. Boom! The blood-colored demon de shatters, and ck Lian, with no escape, was struck by the silver cascade. Instantly, one arm flies off, and half his body turns charred, emitting the smell of overcooked meat. Wang Xuan swings his palm like a de, and a splendid white light streaks across, splitting him in two. After numerous experiments and trials, he was convinced of the high grade and immense power of the silver substance, further bolstering his confidence in that path, eager to find the realm of reality. Once everything settled, he was determined to continue his exploration. The other demons were shocked, but it all happened too fast for them to intervene. Can they really outrun the silver lightning? "Kill!" Silver Bat''s eyes glint coldly as he leads several demons in an attack. Wang Xuan wields lightning, invokes the Buddha Lotus, and uses various techniques. In a very short time, he sessively eliminates three demons! Then, advancing in his true form, he confronts the seventh-stage Silver Bat head-on. His fist, trailing light, breaks the demon''s arm. Silver Bat opens his mouth, unleashing supernatural sound waves as silver ripples aiming to strangle Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan forms a seal and, like a lion''s roar, a silver lion emerges from his hand gesture, dispersing the ripples. Puff! Wang Xuan quickly follows up, punching through Silver Bat, sttering demon blood. Desperately, Silver Bat tries to escape, transforming into his true form and attempting to fly away. However, Wang Xuan leaps up, grabbing and ripping off his silver wing. Silver Bat screams, no longer possessing theposure he had at Zhao''s house. His white shirt and tailcoat shatter, and he plummets from the sky. Wang Xuan doesn''t give him a chance. His punch, like a burning silver sun, rises, engulfing the surroundings with terrifying energy fluctuations. Wang Xuan bes invisible, his dazzling, snow-white punch light engulfing everything in front. Silver Bat was obliterated by his punch, his form and spirit sted apart, disappearing from the spot, utterly annihted. Chapter 314: Daughter Of Wang Xuan Chapter 314: Daughter Of Wang Xuan The expressions of those nearby change dramatically as several skilled demons fall within moments, especially the somewhat famous Hei Lian and Yin Fu, who were reaped like wheat by a scythe. Their lives were snatched away in the blink of an eye. At this moment, the demons'' eyes turn red with anger and sorrow. How could such a tragedy happen tonight? Humans were bloodily purging them across thend, and now they were even losing a battle of the supernatural to a human. "End of the mythic era, a world turned upside down, order copsing, the blood of demon immortals flowing, humans ughtering our kind..." Some demons feel a chill down their spines, followed by boundless rage and unwillingness to ept their fate. Overall, their memories of devouring humans in the past, of great demonsying waste to cities, were too deeply ingrained. They can''t let go of their psychological advantage and fail to adjust their attitude. Returning now, they still dream of reliving their past "glory," ruling everything. But the world has long since changed! "Boom!" A startling beam of light from the sky struck down, obliterating some of the demons. Warships hover overhead, able to precisely target demons lurking outside the battlefield. Blood Peng''s eyes shed coldly as his body suddenly swells, transforming into a blood-red Peng bird. He soars into the sky, aiming to destroy the small warship above. In the process, he constantly teleports, emitting terrifying sonic booms and changing directions unpredictably, fearing being locked onto by the warship. Xiu Shan ascends, riding a crimson kasaya with gold trim like a red cloud, chasing after Blood Peng, attempting to intercept him. An aerial battle ensues, with Buddha''s light and demonic energy surging between them, creating various abnormal visions in the night sky, such as grand temples and soaring Peng birds. The ground battle bes even more intense. It''s a fight to the death between Buddhist masters and demons, with Wang Xuan and Old Chen fighting fiercely. "How exhrating!" Chen Yongjie, with his short hair and dazzling aura, wielding a ck sword, goes on a killing spree. Having broken through in his realm, he now fears no flesh-and-blood demons. Chen Yongjie channels the Sakyamuni scriptures, and his ck sword emits sky-piercing sword light. With a swift motion, he decapitates a demon whose true form was a giant porcupine. Sttered with demon blood, Chen doesn''t care and continues his hunt, wielding his sword in search of his next target. In the next moment, he faces a demon with exceptional defense, manifesting its true form as a tortoise. Its pale golden shell, inscribed with runes, produces metallic sounds upon impact. But when Chen Yongjie unleashes boundless Buddha''s light, his ck sword bes divine. With a swift stroke, he slices through the shell, vanquishing the formidable demon. This battle results in heavy losses for the original demons. Throughout the night, numerous bodies fall, most of them flesh-and-blood demons, the newer generation of their kind. Wang Xuan moves through the battlefield with ease, asionally ying demons. He refrains from joining the high-altitude pursuit of Blood Peng, leaving the demon leader''s fate to Xiu Shan. The task of demon-ying, after all, calls for efforts from all sides. Dark clouds, filled with blood-colored lightning and demon shadows, appear in the sky as Wang Xuan experiments with demonic techniques, testing whether he can wield them effectively. He points forward, and from the clouds descend demonic thunderbolts shrouded in blood mist and ghostly apparitions of demons, striking at several high-ranking demons. During his time on New Star, Wang Xuan has delved into a plethora of scriptures. He has read through Old Zhang''s library and various secret tomes from other families. Now, with a casual flick, he can wield techniques of significant repute. "Audacity!" cries a great demon, infuriated by a human using their techniques, seeing it as both a challenge and an insult. "Indeed, when executed by a human, these techniques don''t pack much punch," Wang Xuan notes, shaking his head. He then resorts to a powerful Taoist supernatural formation. Silver lights intertwine from his fingertips, forming a vast that envelops and captures four attacking demons. This was the Demonic Refinement Net. If Wang Xuan could construct a sixth-level or higher supernatural formation, he could even refine true demon immortals capable of ascension. Wang Xuan, utilizing his psychic third eye for assistance, wields the Demonic Refinement Net with great force, causing the ensnared demons to wail in agony. Trapped in the, they''re ruthlessly sliced by the energy ropes and then incinerated by zing silver fire, obliterating both their bodies and spirits. In a matter of moments, four demons were in, pushing the demon race to the brink. They mustered a counterattack, but their numbers were dwindling. Reinforcements kept arriving for the Buddhist sect, while the demon''s strongholds were being decimated. Lacking backup, Blood Peng, though reluctant, bellows a retreat from the sky. Any dy would mean the annihtion of their entire camp. Xiu Shan, with a flick of his cassock, spreads a red glow that nearly immobilizes the space around Blood Peng. His body stiffens under the attack. Xiu Shan''s Demon-Subduing Staffes crashing down, causing Blood Peng to tremble violently, shedding feathers and blood in his frantic escape. Wang Xuan, instead of pursuing, turns his attention to hunting the remaining demons. The night was filled with unrest and bloodshed, a state that persists into the day. The efforts to root out the remaining demons continue, with even Taoist practitioners like Wang Hai joining the hunt. As day breaks and moves into the afternoon, streaks of demonic light asionally cut across the sky, signifying the ongoing pursuit of the demons. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie seized this opportunity to collect demonic bones, operating separately across various locations. The beings that have traveled from beyond the great curtain were stunned by these unprecedented events. Up until the night before, the surviving demons were progressing smoothly, infiltrating ces and preparing to usurp bodies and topple financial dynasties. But overnight, the situation has dramatically shifted. On the secretworks, major organizations reel with shock and excitement, having ess to first-hand, detailed footage of the events. The public, initially trembling with fear, soon buzzes with heated discussions. "Is that Wang Xuan? He''s ughtering demon immortals!" echoes across various tforms, fueling a whirlwind of public opinion. Wang Xuan, relentless in his pursuit of demons, finds himself once again in Yuan Cheng, a familiar city in the far west, bordering the Yunwu teau. This ce holds deep impressions for him, especially with its great river where, during a special migratory season, clusters of Starry Fish swim upstream, creating a radiant spectacle in the night sky. Sighing softly, Wang Xuan reflects on certain individuals, particrly a small, pitiful figure who couldn''t wait for him to bring back a "remedy" from a secretnd. "Life wasn''t always filled withpletions," he muses. "There were always some regrets that left us feeling helpless." As the sun sets, he stands outside the city by the Zhou River, watching its vigorous flow eastward. Suddenly, he senses something and turns around to see several mechanical beings approaching from the direction of the Yunwu teau. They appear old and worn but move with a steady, unchanging rhythm. Instinctively, Wang Xuan feels something unusual and possibly dangerous about these mechanical beings. He quickly checks his phone for the photos sent by Zhao Zejun of the ancient spaceship that arrived from deep space. The mechanical beings in front of him closely resemble those in the photo, likely originating from the same source. Curiously, Wang Xuan keeps hisposure as he considers their simrity to the Sun family''s Number Five Mechanoid, an artifact unearthed from the moon outside the old earth. Could these beings also be relics from an ancient era? He observes the mechanical beings from a distance. They seem to be examining him, standing still from afar. Wang Xuan realizes that they were more than just cold machines; they might be a special type of metallic lifeforms. This was evidenced by the peculiar psychic me he senses emanating from their heads. These unique metal lifeforms, equipped with advanced technology and extraordinary abilities, were likely formidable opponents. Wang Xuan senses they have detected something unusual about him, but he wasn''t afraid. He believes he has means to counter them if a conflict arises. However, he doesn''t feel any hostility from them. Calmly, Wang Xuan looks towards the Zhou River and decides to walk back to Yuan Cheng before sunset, keeping a safe distance from the mechanical beings. As he enters the city, the mechanical lifeforms continue to follow him at a distance. Wandering through the city, Wang Xuan inevitably finds himself in a familiar were the neighborhood where he once lived. Suddenly, his expression changes, and his heart skips a beat in disbelief. Ahead was a small figure he never expected to see again Lele, the little girl with a tragic fate. To his astonishment, she was alive. He was tempted to approach and understand more but restrained himself, wary of the nearby mechanical beings and the potential danger to the girl. Months have passed, and Lele looks frailer and more delicate. Her eyes were red with sorrow, a stark contrast to her previously optimistic demeanor. Despite suffering from the terminal ''Five Decays of Heaven and Man'' disease, she used to be cheerful,forting her mother even in pain. But now, Lele stands outside her former home, hesitating to approach, tears streaking her face. She silently cries, gazing forlornly at the ce she once called home. "Mama, I miss you, but you... you left forever, just like Papa. I don''t have a mom anymore," she sobs quietly, her voice barely audible. "I''m in the orphanage now, and I... I just want to go home. I miss you and Papa." Her shoulders tremble with each sob, revealing the depth of her loneliness and grief. The little girl, wise and mature beyond her years, stood there with tears streaming down her face, now painfully aware that her father, supposedly away on business, had passed away long ago. With her head bowed low, she walked away from the ce, engulfed in a mix of sorrow and confusion. "I survived thest time, but they whisper behind my back that I could die at any moment. Mom, why did you have to leave first? When I woke up from thea, you were gone, never to be seen again. Why did your gic illness suddenly be so aggressive? Mom... I miss you... pleasee back." On the nearby pedestrian street, the bustling crowd passed by, oblivious to her small, solitary figure. "Our teacher assigned us homework that''s easy for others but hard for me," the little girl cried, her voiceden with both grievance and sadness. "We have to turn in a photo... a picture of this season, a new family photo. If not, at least one with dad or mom in it, but... I don''t have any." She couldn''t hold back her tears as she continued, eventually sitting down by the roadside, hugging her knees to her chest, her head hung low. Wang Xuan, deeply moved by the sight, yearned to approach her, but he restrained himself, wary of drawing the attention of the mechanical beings nearby. He didn''t want to inadvertently endanger her, especially given her already difficult life. As the sun began to set, the little girl stood up and tentatively approached passersby, asking softly, "Could you please help me with something?" However, most people were in a hurry to get home and didn''t stop for her. On the rare asion that someone did pause, she would timidly ask, "Uncle, could you take a photo with me?" People were surprised by her request, quickly patting her head and then hurrying on their way, unaware of her true circumstances. Wiping away her tears, the little girl gathered her courage and tried to stop another man passing by. Pointing towards a familiar neighborhood where she had lived for four or five years, she asked timidly, "Uncle, could you... take a picture with me outside the gate?" She looked up with hopeful eyes but also with an anxious heart, fearing rejection. The man smiled, stopped for a moment, and said, "I''m in a hurry to pick up my daughter from school. You''re such a good and sensible girl, walking home alone with your little backpack, aren''t you?" Then, he quickly went on his way. Hearing his words, the girl''s head drooped down. She retreated quietly to a less crowded spot and began to cry silently, murmuring to herself, "I miss... Mom, I miss Dad." Wang Xuan''s heart ached as he observed the situation. He nced at the several mechanical metal lifeforms nearby and wondered why they hadn''t left yet. Surprisingly, one of the mechanical beings spoke up in thenguage of Xin Xing, albeit with a slightly stiff voice, "We mean no harm." Realizing they were observing and had noticed the little girl, Lele, Wang Xuan no longer hesitated. He approached her and said gently, "Lele, would you like to take a picture with me?" Tears brimming in her eyes, the girl quickly looked up, gasping in surprise upon seeing him. A mix of joy and heart-wrenching emotion washed over her face. Struggling to hold back tears, she nodded vigorously, managing to utter just a single word, "Mhm!" "If only you were my daughter," Wang Xuan murmured softly as he knelt down and picked her up. "Come on, let''s go to the gate and take that picture." Chapter 315: Returning To The Old World Chapter 315: Returning To The Old World In front of the familiar gate, Wang Xuan posed with the little girl for photos, taken by the automatons. Lele, either sitting on his shoulders or lifted high in the air, had a pure and happy smile on her face. In the first few photos, her smile was tinged with tears, unable to control her emotions. "Mom... died of illness while I was unconscious. She left, and I''ll never see her again," Lele shared about her past. The incurable five-decay divine disease had affected her family, all original inhabitants, destined to face this helpless and sad fate sooner orter. Lele was taken in by an orphanage not far from here. Having lost her parents at such a young age, she was left alone. During her unconscious state, her little white cat also disappeared, likely bing a stray. In this era, orphans were rare due to advanced technology and high medical standards. Few families would abandon a young child. The orphanage was small, housing only a few children, with even fewer caregivers. Lele attended a nearby school. Each time she missed her parents, Lele would wander around this area, looking at the familiar gate but never entering. "Wang Xuan, do you want to change environments, leave this ce, and go to a strange city?" Wang Xuan asked her. He thought about taking her to his parents in the Old Earth, as they were currently quite idle and could look after her. Lele hesitated, her eyes reddening, "I don''t want to leave here. My parents are buried in the public cemetery near Zhou River outside the city. I want to visit them often." Suddenly, one of the automatons spoke, "She is seriously ill. Without special treatment, she won''t live much longer." Wang Xuan looked up sharply at the five ancient, time-worn automatons. It was surprising that they were familiar with the Celestial disease and even imed to have a cure. "Do you really have a way?" he asked, intrigued. Though Wang Xuan possessed medicines that could temporarily alleviate the Tianren Wu Shuai disease and even the Earth Immortal Spring which could prolong life, aplete cure was beyond his reach. One of the automatons with a missing arm nodded, "We can offer conservative treatment, but it''s a lengthy process. It should be curable by her adulthood." Wang Xuan was moved. In a world where every medical solution had failed, these ancient machines from an unknown era might hold the key to cure this disease. "We can treat her and take her in," another mechanical being with a hole in its chest spoke. This one resembled a mechanical Daoist,plete with metal hair and a wooden hairpin. Wang Xuan was hesitant. If they could cure Lele on the spot, he would agree, but the unknown origins and intentions of these beings from the depths of space, offering to adopt Lele, made him cautious. The broken-armed mechanical being exined, "Though we have metal bodies, our hearts are not cold. We were awakened by a faint call and set out to return, seeking to recapture the past." Another added, "We were reminded of someone who had the same illness and passed away long ago when we saw this child." "And who was that person?" Wang Xuan asked, still uncertain whether to trust their words. "Our captain, who died many years ago," another being responded, its chest lighting up to project an image of a young woman. She appeared to be in her twenties, with beautiful purple hair and a pallid, sickly beauty. "After several hundred years of her death, we found a way to cure the disease." The subsequent images and videos, however, showed the brutal reality of the Tianren Wu Shuai disease, a far cry from her initial grace and beauty. "Wanderers of space!" Wang Xuan realized as he saw the photos. The astronaut''s attire and the pet mythological creatures she kept were strikingly simr to the ''ss Sheng Ling'' he had encountered. Puzzled, he wondered, how did an astronaut sumb to the Celestial disease? "What era do you belong to, and what''s your origin?" Wang Xuan inquired. The automatons remained silent, not responding immediately. Finally, one spoke, "All you need to know is that we pose no threat or malice towards you. Our people are long gone, vanished beyond return. We few are but stragglers, left behind as our mothership was damaged and forced into hibernation mid-journey. Our return is merely a pursuit of familiar traces, to relive an old memory." Wang Xuan furrowed his brows. These mechanical life forms were no ordinary beings. As far as he knew, they had once hunted primordial gods and demons. The ''Number 5 Mechanical Being'' had even ssified the Celestials as primordial gods and demons. Moreover, it recognized the third owner of the Soul-Locking Bell, an artifact from an ancient era, not crafted by a living immortal. The broken-armed mechanical being continued, "Our encounter with you was purely idental. Sensing the unique energy on you, and even perceiving something that could threaten us, we silently followed you for a while." Seeing his hesitation, the Daoist-like mechanical being added, "She was already on the brink of death. Do you think we would have any ulterior motives for her?" "What do you think, Lele?" Wang Xuan turned to the little girl. "I feel they are like you, Uncle," Lele said. "They pity me and are kind to me, with no bad intentions." "Alright," Wang Xuan nodded. As the sun set, Lele waved goodbye, tears staining her cheeks. She sat on the shoulder of a mechanical being, gazing longingly at Wang Xuan''s retreating figure. Far away, Wang Xuan looked back onest time, smiling warmly at her before departing from Yuan City. In the glow of the setting sun, he felt at peace, believing that his final regret in the city had dissolved, having met her again just before leaving the New Star. "Hey, Old Chen, how did it go?" Wang Xuan reached out to Chen Yongjie. "Not bad, got three more real bones. I feel I can still make some gains, got to hurry and umte some cultivation resources," replied Chen Yongjie. Wang Xuan remained silent. Chen Yongjie had grown stronger, wielding the Soul-Locking Bell and the Conch. Had he turned into a fighting monk, addicted to hunting demons and pursuing the true bones of the demon race? The battle continued throughout the night, finally winding down by the next morning. The demon tribe of Qi Yi, the Demon Ancestor, suffered a catastrophic blow, nearly obliterated. Deep in a massive mountain range, shrouded by surging blood clouds that sometimes dispersed and sometimes gathered, the Demon Ancestor breathed. Each breath seemed to alter the very fabric of the world. Outside the mountains, the Demon Ancestor''s second son learned of the massacre in the mortal world. His expression darkened, his eyes shing with terrifying thunder, akin to the tribtions faced by immortals. "They used the ancestral blood from the demon pool to send those with potential, yet they were defeated so miserably? This is unprecedented humiliation!" he raged. "Send out some more famous demons!" hemanded. "Another dispatch? The ancestral blood in the demon pool is meant for crossing realms in desperate times, to be used by the Demon Ancestor and us. How much more can we squander? A bunch of failures!" the second son of the Demon Ancestor thundered, his killing intent reaching the skies. As time passed, the Old Covenant would gradually loosen, making it easier and less costly to cross realmster on. In the vast expanse of outer space near Newstar, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie bade farewell to their acquaintances. Zhao Zejun, Wu Chenglin, and others were embarking on a journey into the depths of the universe. This parting marked an uncertain future, with some possibly never returning. Indeed, this time, almost half of the major organizations decided to leave Newstar. All the factions that had attacked the demons had resolutely ascended to space, departing from Newstar. "Wish you all the best!" "Take care!" Wang Xuan, using his spiritual heavenly eye, had checked the fleet and found no issues. They said their goodbyes in outer space. Zhao Zejun and others gifted Wang Xuan arge warship, now stationed in outer space. Gu Lin, Qin Cheng, and some members of Chen Yongjie''s secret path organization were picked up by a small spaceship, ready to set sail back to the Old Earth. "There are still some loose ends to tie up," Wang Xuan mentioned. He and Chen Yongjie boarded the small spaceship and returned to the surface of Newstar. He nned to take with him the medium-sized warship exchanged with the Earthly Immortal Spring and therge warship gifted by Old Zhong. He also intended to confront certain individuals from the Argon Consortium who owed him. Three days earlier, when Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie were preparing to use the warships to fight demons, Zhou Yun urgently warned them of a trap. Demons had colluded with humans to ambush Wang Xuan, nning to destroy Old Zhong''s warship as soon as it entered space. Now, Wang Xuan knew who was behind the assassination attempt. Grant from the Argon Consortium had colluded with the demons, preparing several medium-sized warships in outer space. "Did Grant hold a grudge against me for his granddaughter, Christine''s, demise at Yuanquan Mountain, which was annihted by the Sun family?" Wang Xuan pondered. Christine and Hans Solo had used his invitation to attend the meeting at Yuanquan Mountain, where all attendees were killed. Grant, still in Zhongzhou, had his small warships in outer space destroyed by Zhao Zejun and Wu Chenglin. Being one of the top members of the Argon Consortium, Grant couldn''t frequently mobilize all crucial resources and needed to negotiate. Now, most of the forces directly under him were obliterated. "Time to settle scores!" Wang Xuan dered, snapping his fingers. A burst of fire shot out, instantly incinerating the target, who screamed in agony before turning to ash. "Sun family''s involvement, too? They bombed Christine butpensated Grant, inciting him against me?" Wang Xuan unraveled the truth, his mighty spiritual domain capturing Grant''s final thoughts. Chen Yongjie suggested, "Perfect timing for payback. Let''s settle our old and new grievances with the Sun family before we leave Newstar." The Sun family had been a thorn in their sides for a while. Chen had been targeted by their warships and collided with their spacecraft. He had even battled them outside Mucheng. For Wang Xuan, the confrontations with the Sun family were even more direct and frequent. "Devious indeed, they didn''t act but nudged Grant to target me. Well, they asked for it, and they shall have it," Wang Xuan expressed determinedly. Silently infiltrating the Sun family''s stronghold, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie caught them by surprise. The Sun family tried to summon their Number Five Mechanical Being, but to no avail. The aftermath of the battle at Jindingshan, where Huang Kun''s faction attempted to cross realms and set up a summoning array, had left many in dire straits. The Number Five Mechanical Being, caught in the crossfire, suffered severe damage, losing most of its body and dimming its spiritual me. It had since retreated and remained silent. The Sun family''s attempt to activate their mother ship was futile against the impending onught. Wang Xuan, wielding the Pre-Qin Jade Dragon Saber, executed decisive strikes, annihting Sun Rongsheng, Sun Chengqian, and others, obliterating both their physical and spiritual forms. Chen Yongjie, brandishing his ck sword, was even more direct and merciless, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The Sun family''s stronghold was wiped clean of its remaining leaders by Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, but they didn''t pursue the family members scattered elsewhere. Wang Xuan, wielding the Golden Tree, forcefully breached the secret vault''s protective barriers. Regardless of who had their eyes on these treasures or who the original owners were, he was no longer concerned. Together with Chen Yongjie, they selected the most valuable artifacts, divine items, and scriptures, enriching their collection beyond any ancient top sect. Their collection''s worth was unparalleled, aption of eras, with celestial caves from different periods that had fallen into their time from the void. Afterpleting their task, they left, instructing Chen Yongjie''s organization to activate the remaining two warships and head into outer space. Wang Xuan, on his dark gold flying boat, remained vignt against any potentialst stand from the Sun family''s remnants. However, their journey was smooth and uneventful. Activating the warp engines, the three warships disappeared into the vast universe, beginning their journey back. "In the oldnd, turmoil reigns even more fiercely; there''s no peace left in this world," Chen Yongjie remarked aboard the warship. Wang Xuan expressed his desire to guide the Sword Immortal out of the great veil. But he frowned, contemting whether the Sword Immortal in that brutal world and the fragmented spirit left in the human realm shared the same disposition. After battling for centuries as a Sword Immortal, even the most tender-hearted could be fierce and formidable. His concern was apparent. "What we truly need is to be stronger ourselves," he said. To find the realnd beyond the ''Meteorite Pit'' death zone in the Void, he needed to be powerful. If he could rise strongly on his own, what would there be to fear? Chapter 316: An Emerging Immortal Chapter 316: An Emerging Immortal The Betelgeuse b star, with its wormhole connecting the New World and the Old World star systems, or possibly even two universes, faded into the distance as the three warships elerated. For those ustomed to terrestrial life, the 4.2 light-year distance to the Old World was astronomical. Yet, under the warp engines, they neared the Old World in just over four hours. After undergoing the most stringent scans and providingprehensive identification, they were finally granted entry. Large warships like theirs couldn''t enter the Old World without prior arrangements and strict approvals, indicating the tight control in the region. Descending towards the, familiar sights like the vast blue oceans and the majestic Kunlun Mountains evoked a sense of returning home. Wang Xuan reflected on his humble beginnings when he couldn''t even afford a ship ticket and was sent off by Qingmu and Chen Yongjie. Now, he returnedmanding three warships, tworge and one small. Despite owning these warships, Wang Xuan couldn''t afford their upkeep, given the astronomical daily expenses. They were true gold-eaters, consuming vast resources every day. He had already made arrangements, lending these warships to the Old World authorities for their use, with the understanding that they could be called upon if needed in the future. Upon stepping onto the grounds of the spaceship base just outside An City, Wang Xuan''s mind flooded with familiar memories, bringing a smile to his face. Chen Yongjie, however, wasn''t as nostalgic, recalling how he was nearly written off as dead, with people even preparing funeral wreaths for him. He managed to outlive several high-profile individuals who had been waiting for his demise. Excited, Qin Cheng announced his return, d to be back in his hometown of An City. He had gone through a lot to get to New World, but now he realized there was no ce like home. Eager to see his parents and check if his girlfriend had waited for him, he rushed off, fearing his life might turn gloomy if she hadn''t. Qingmu was waiting to greet them, happy to see the progress of Wang Xuan, whom he had discovered and mentored. Seeing Qin Cheng, now a grandmaster, Qingmu couldn''t help but feel a mix of pride and incredulity. For Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, An City held special significance, having spent their college years and early careers there. The city symbolized the start of their incredible journey, which had now brought them back, far more aplished than when they had left. Qin Cheng''s ascension to a senior grandmaster in the realm of ancient arts, securing his ce as the third strongest individual in the Old World, left Qingmu buzzing with disbelief and questioning his own life. "Xiao Wang, my talent surpasses Qin Cheng''s by a wide margin, right?" Qingmu asked Wang Xuan, seizing his wrist upon meeting, neglecting to greet his master Chen Yongjie. "Don''t worry, as my disciple, it would be embarrassing for you not to reach the extraordinary," Chen Yongjie replied confidently. Now having ess to the "Inner Scenic World" and "Immortal Bone Cans," Chen nned to take Qingmu along in his training sessions, ensuring his growth. Qingmu, seeing his master looking remarkably young, eximed, "Master, have you had a facelift? You look so youthful!" He added jokingly, "Are you trying to redefine the saying ''men are forever young''?" Qingmu, around forty years old, was astonished to see his master appearing in his early twenties, questioning the possibility of such a transformation. Wang Xuanforted him, saying, "Calm down, Qingmu. It''s just rejuvenation. We still have a year before the mythological erapletely copses, so there''s still a chance." Suddenly, the outskirts of An City were engulfed in dark clouds and blood-red lightning, contrasting with the sunny city. "This is serious," Chen Yongjie observed, indicating someone crossing realms. Qingmu informed them that in the vicinity of the city, frequent tremors and the arrival of extraordinary creatures had bemonce. Despite the depletion of the Old World''s relics and ruins, many beings still chose to return to their roots here. "The problem is severe, and I estimate there are more celestials in the Old World than in New Star," Wang Xuan remarked, realizing the gravity of the situation. Now aware of the immense challenges ahead, including formidable beings like Zheng Yuantian, Yaozu Qiyi, and Tianxian Patriarch Qiteng, Wang Xuan knew he needed to ensure his survival. "Have you seen the Red-Dressed Female Demon Immortal?" Wang Xuan asked Qingmu in a low voice, acknowledging her as a significant threat. Qingmu replied that she had visited Xiongshan, possibly her former abode, but had since vanished without a trace. As they left the spaceship base, Wang Xuan spotted a fashionably dressed young woman, nked by bodyguards and carrying a golden three-eyed lion, walking confidently. "Are beings from beyond the veil so bold now, openly keeping demonic pets and moving with entourages exuding immortal and demonic auras?" Chen Yongjie expressed his surprise. Qingmu agreed, mentioning the sudden emergence of people with untraceable origins, adding pressure to various factions. Indeed, as they drove into An City, Wang Xuan noticed several individuals on the streets exuding faint wisps of immortal and demonic energies through the car window. Are the descendants of celestial beings from beyond the veil nowmonly blending into the mortal world in the Old World? During the weing feast, Qingmu was astounded by the experience of "opportunity," with mythical items like Earth Immortal Spring and Mountain Conch being used as beverages and ingredients, leaving him in a daze throughout. "Is the burial site of the Sword Immortal okay?" Wang Xuan asked, concerned about the safety of that significant location. "It''s quite deste, not many people go there," Qingmu informed him, noting that the most tumultuous areas are those with mythological and legendary significance. "It''s best if there are no surprises," Wang Xuan said, finishing his meal quickly to head to Pingcheng to see his parents at the relevant department. "Don''t rush, we''re going too," Guan Lin said with a smile, working there herself, with Chen Yongjie now fully integrated into the department as well. Pingcheng, arge city in the north with numerous historic sites, surprised Wang Xuan as he encountered more mysterious creatures walking its streets. "It seems to be the trend for humans, immortals, and demons to coexist. Hopefully, they''ll keep to themselves without causing trouble. Wouldn''t that be better?" he remarked. "Trees wish for tranquility, but the wind keeps blowing," Chen Yongjie said, referring to recent disturbances by monsters. "Old Zhang made an appearance recently, deterring many evil beings, so they''ve been much quietertely." The department wasn''t located amidst tall buildings but in a tranquil area with a mix of traditional courtyards and small buildings. Finally, Wang Xuan reunited with his parents, who were leisurely reading in the ancient book room. "Eh, why have youe back so suddenly? It hasn''t even been a few months," they questioned, almost as if they thought his return was premature. Despite their initial surprise, they were happy to see him and led him home, eager to cook him a delicious meal. "Good to see you both well," Wang Xuan said, relieved. "This is the safest ce in the Old World. What could possibly happen here? We''ve heard about your adventures; just be careful not to get into too much trouble," his mother cautioned him. "I''m fine, just reading books and exercising daily. Work is too leisurely," Wang Xuan replied with a smile. Guan Lin and Chen Yongjie lived not far from there, in a small building behind. Chen Yongjie, with his heightened abilities, could hear everything clearly. He wanted to reveal the truth that the "reading" often involved Buddhist scriptures, Taoist methods, and demonic arts, and "exercising" meant battling demons, where not seeing blood meant the session wasnt over. Beheadings and decapitations were routine. Shaking his head, he decided not to cause a stir by disclosing the reality. Wang Xuan brought out Earth Immortal Spring water, crystals, Mountain Conch, and Golden Mushrooms to cook personally, as some extraordinary ingredients required his handling. "The royal jelly mixed in the spring water is too hard to drink!" his parents unanimouslyined. Wang Xuan was speechless; many yearned for a sip of such a raremodity, coveted even by heads of wealthy families, as it could be traded for a small warship. "This is something that extends life and rejuvenates health. Soon, you''ll find youth returning. If you want to give me a brother or sister, I fully support it. I''m often away anyway, so having more people at home would be great!" "Cheeky boy, how dare you joke about us? Are you asking for a beating?" "If you really want more people at home, hurry up and bring back your wife, so we can hold our grandchildren!" "Alright, I''ll bring her back soon!" Wang Xuan promised, patting his chest. He felt his power wasn''t enough to venture into the densend to fetch her. The old fox there was formidable, and he needed to break through first. Two dayster, after leaving enough spiritual medicine and Earth Immortal Spring water, Wang Xuan left, unable to endure his parents'' incessant bombardment. They weren''t worried about him but were keenly focused on their future daughter-inw and grandchildren. "Old Qing, let''s go see the Sword Immortal!" Wang Xuan returned to An City, found Qingmu, and asked him to pilot a small flying craft to the unnamed mountain range. "Sure!" Qingmu took him to a deste mountain area eight hundred miles from An City. The ce, devoid of famousndmarks, was secluded and rarely visited by anyone. Muchter, Wang Xuan finally found the ce. It wasn''t the autumn-winter season of hisst visit; the hills were now covered in lush greenery, with thickets of brambles and vines obscuring the low hill. "There''s something going on!" Wang Xuan''s expression turned serious as he noticed a faint mist drifting from the hilltop. He approached cautiously. Beneath the grass and soily remnants of tiles and broken walls, the remains of a small Taoist temple where the Sword Immortal had once cultivated. She had ascended to immortality from this very hill. "Has she grown flesh? No, this is a reconstruction of her true form?" Instead of anything amiss, the Sword Immortal''s growth was astonishingly rapid. Using his psychic third eye, Wang Xuan was stunned to see what was beneath the ground. "In spring, I buried the seed, and in autumn, it really grew into an immortal maiden!" Previously, he had buried a piece of immortal bone here. Now, deep in the earth, a little girl about ten years old had formed. She was exquisitely beautiful, with closed eyes and surrounded by immortal mist. Her wless face was a miniature version of the Sword Immortal. Chapter 317: Just Marry Her Chapter 317: Just Marry Her "Remarkable growth." Wang Xuan marveled, observing the Sword Immortal beneath the mountain soil. In less than half a year, she had reconstituted her immortal body from a piece of true bone. She was a miniaturized version of the female Sword Immortal, with skin as clear as jade, shrouded in white mist, brimming with life, her beautiful eyes closed, long eyshes unmoving, exuding an exceptionally fresh aura. Under Wang Xuan''s psychic third eye, nothing could hide from him, gentle mysterious forces surrounded her, her new body seeming to pulse with the primal energy of all creation. "Look not upon what is improper; I saw nothing!" Wang Xuan murmured. Even with his out-of-body third eye active, turning away was pointless. So, he simply chose not to turn around. "How is it, is there really a chance for the Sword Immortal to be resurrected?" Qing Mu approached from a distance. He had seen that lightning-scorched bone with his own eyes and couldn''t help but be skeptical. Could such an ancient bone truly transform into a living person? Wang Xuan nodded: "She has been resurrected." At that moment, he faintly saw the miniaturized female Sword Immortal''s long eyshes tremble slightly. Was she about to awaken? Qing Mu, stunned upon hearing this, whispered, "Compared to the past, what''s her current state?" Wang Xuan thought for a moment and replied, "She was quite gaunt before, now she''s rather full-bodied." Instantly, he noticed the miniature Sword Immortal beneath the soil, her body translucent and enshrouded in immortal mist, her ears slightly reddening. Had she heard his voice? Then, the female Sword Immortal silently manipted immortal materials, covering her body in an enigmatic energy and white mist, and without a change in expression, she turned over. Unaware of Wang Xuan''s psychic third eye, she assumed his spiritual perception was strong and was now rapidly concealing her state, not wanting him to discern her exact condition. Qing Mu, not quite understanding, showed a puzzled expression and asked, "What do you mean? The bone grew flesh and became fat, so you''re euphemistically saying she''s full-bodied, and she''s turned into a little fatty?" Beneath the ground, the miniaturized Sword Immortal, feeling indignant, let out a sound as a wisp of white mist burst through the soil, heading towards them. Wang Xuan quickly pulled Qing Mu aside, swiftly avoiding the mist as it dissipated. "There''s something happening!" Qing Mu, eager to investigate, moved towards the hole created by the escaping mist to peek inside. Wang Xuan quickly blocked him and covered the hole, still emitting thin wisps of white mist. Qing Mu, with a serious expression, grasped the gravity of a mythical figure integrating into the modern world. He solemnly said, "Immortal, have you truly gained a flesh and blood body? Sleeping here is dangerous. There are various wild animals around; if you''re deep in slumber, and a wolf or wild boar digs you out and drags you away, it would be troublesome." Wang Xuan was speechless at Qing Mu''s serious demeanor juxtaposed with his nonsensical concern. Beneath them, the immortal mist began to stir uneasily. "Old Qing, are you married?" Wang Xuan inquired. "It''s a secret!" Qing Mu refused to reveal. "You''ve really been single for forty years by choice!" Wang Xuan then gestured for him to be quiet, suspecting the proud Sword Immortal might want to draw her sword. "Immortal, have you awakened? I''vee to fulfill our agreement ahead of time," Wang Xuan said, looking towards the ground, noticing she had turned to the side. He added, "Just half a year and you''ve reborn in an immortal body. In a few more months, you''ll undoubtedly reach full physical form." "You... saw me?!" The female Sword Immortal was incredulous. She had used immortal techniques to conceal herself, yet he could still see through to the truth. Now, as time passed and the Old Covenant loosened, she, like other Immortals, was able to speak and faced fewer restrictions. "Half a year and you''ve be a transcendent being, even cultivating the Psychic Third Eye?" A clear and pleasant voice came from underground, speaking rapidly. Wang Xuan, adamant in his denial, said, "I didn''t see anything, just instinctively felt that this ce was brimming with life. I sensed your return and felt a special closeness." "You should step back a bit!" The female Sword Immortal was too sensitive. She trusted her intuition that a gaze had fallen on her face. She found it somewhat incredible. Among the Immortal beings, many possessed divine eyes and magical visions, but very few could achieve a Third Eye that perceives the essence of the world after psychic projection. Wang Xuan noticed her face turning red. She then retreated nearly ten meters underground, as if hiding from his perceived invasion of her privacy. Was the female Sword Immortal feeling shy? "Thank you foring here, but it''s still a long time early. Summoning me back before the Old Covenantpletely dissolves can cause great harm to you," she said softly. ording to their earlier agreement, it was supposed to be three yearster, when the curtain of the era was about to fall, that she asked Wang Xuan toe here. She continued quietly, "My true self, the one in the Great Curtain, is currently fighting for a piece of ''Heavenly Marrow'' to replenish your vital energy." Wang Xuan nodded. He hade here feeling that the female Sword Immortal was far more trustworthy than beings like Zheng Yuantian or Demon Ancestor Qiyi. Some supreme immortals and demons in the New World directly wanted to use him as a flesh passage, to be discarded after use, others were just tantly bloody and cruel. When he leftst time, the female Sword Immortal had even allowed him to scrape some traces of heavenly tribtion from her bones, informing him that it could save his life at a critical moment, despite causing her harm. "It''s okay, I''m notcking Heavenly Marrow right now. You can contact her; you can return now to seize the initiative!" Wang Xuan suggested. The Sword Immortal solemnly informed him, "Do you know what Heavenly Marrow is? It can replenish your innate lifeforce, not inferior to divine medicine! Even if your innerndscape is damaged, it gives you a chance to recover your vital energy." Wang Xuan looked down, while the female Sword Immortal gazed up at him with a face shining brightly in earnest, appearing unwilling for him to suffer a loss. It was as if she saw him as an ignorant child, thinking he didn''t understand these matters. "The Sword Immortal, Wang Xuan has harvested divine medicine himself," Qingmu spoke up. Zheng Wu, who had traveled billions of miles across realms to deliver divine medicine, couldn''t keep this a secret forever; it was bound to leak out. So Qingmu mentioned it here. The Sword Immortal, holding her small face, suddenly seemed a bit dazed. Her eyshes fluttered a few times, and her wless face briefly froze, looking adorably clueless. Qingmu knew that Wang Xuan had ess to supreme scriptures and extraordinary treasures. Hecked nothing in his cultivation journey, probably only missing a wife, as mentioned by his parents. Being an ordinary human, Qingmu''s thoughts could be instantly perceived by transcendent beings. Wang Xuan quickly pushed him aside, sensing Qingmu was on the verge of trouble. Indeed, the miniature Sword Immortal captured his thoughts, and immediately, a white mist began to emanate from underground. "Sword Immortal, I know this is your life essence, very important to you. I haven''t used it; I''ve brought it back for you," said Wang Xuan, taking out a crystal pendant that held the substance he had scraped from the Sword Immortal''s true bone. "You keep it. At a critical moment, it can project my image and block a fatal blow for you," the Sword Immortal said. "I can''t use your life essence to protect myself. I can take care of myself and even hunt down quite a few enemies. Hiding behind the Sword Immortal and consuming your vital substance would be too disgraceful, wouldn''t it?" The Sword Immortal seemed a bit lost in thought, taking back her own immortal material in response to Wang Xuan''s urging. Qingmu watched intently as a pale, delicate hand emerged from the hole in the earth,pelling him to marvel at how the thunder-struck bone indeed gave rise to flesh and blood. "You definitely cultivated the Spirit Eye!" the miniaturized Sword Immortal said, swiftly withdrawing into the depths of the earth after retrieving the crystal pendant. "I''m close to cultivating it myself and can clearly see your true nature," she emphasized. Wang Xuan was astonished. The Spirit Eye wasn''t something one could simply acquire through high strength; it was exceedingly rare. Yet, the Sword Immortal was nearing its cultivation? He then realized it made sense. The Sword Immortal''s strength was evidently formidable; otherwise, she wouldn''t have dared to attack the red-clothed female demon upon their first encounter. He knew well the attitude of Immortals when facing entities like Zheng Yuan Tian, Shakyamuni, and the Demon Ancestor plete submission and trembling fear. A significant portion of the Immortals, including celestial beings from the Zheng family and various demons and demon immortals, were directly dispatched beyond the veil, obediently following orders. The female demon seemed invincible, no less powerful than Shakyamuni or the Demon Ancestor. Yet, the Sword Immortal, born one or two thousand yearster, dared to wield her sword against her, indicating her confidence. Being a rising star, she wasn''t currently a match for the female demon but likely possessed astonishing potential and a strong will. "Sword Immortal, you can contact your counterpart beyond the veil. It''s okay if there''s no heavenly marrow. I really have a way to guide her out and merge with you," Wang Xuan urged again. The situation was extremelyplex, with various demons, immortals, and spirits emerging everywhere. It wasn''t an exaggeration to say they were ubiquitous, with chance encounters even in city streets. The Sword Immortal, aside from being slightly haughty, didn''t seem dangerous, and guiding her out as a guardian figure appeared to be an excellent choice. At critical moments, she could intimidate those creatures potentially breaking through the limits! "However, this will be hard on your body; it''s too much of a loss for you," the miniaturized Sword Immortal said naively. Qingmu, always with a wandering mind, signaled Wang Xuan with his eyes: Raising her from a young age, knowing her inside out, everything seems perfect marry her! The mini-sized Sword Immortal, capturing his thoughts, instantly wrapped Qingmu in a cloud of white mist and flung him into a thicket of vines several meters away, leaving him wincing in pain. "Let''s wait a bit longer; I''m still growing. It wouldn''t be good to merge with her just yet," she spoke softly. Then, she warned Wang Xuan to be cautioustely. A formidable figure from beyond the veil had acquired the Feathering Banner and was currently in an invincible state, with no one daring to confront him. Crucially, this figure, possessing a supreme treasure, could open the veil and step out directly, making everyone apprehensive and fearful. If hepletely refined the Feathering Banner andmanded the immortals, towering over the demons, few would dare to disobey. "This serious?" Wang Xuan frowned. He had heard about it in the New World, but he hadn''t realized that a supreme treasure in the hands of a paramount expert could have such a significant impact. "In the veil, some powerhouses are contemting their final options. That person''s old enemies are secretly conspiring, joining forces, fearing annihtion by him." Wang Xuan, after receiving a wealth of information from the Sword Immortal, couldn''t help but grow more solemn. If that person entered the current world, they might be able to unify all the resources of the immortal path. All immortals and demons would likely heed hismands. Wang Xuan pondered, realizing he possessed a treasure himself. If the situation deteriorated irreversibly, he could summon an unparalleled powerhouse, arming them to confront that formidable being and turn the tide. "Don''t force me; let''s each mind our own business. Otherwise, it will be a fight to the death. Even if you sit high in the heavens, I''ll bring you down!" He thought determinedly. Given a choice, he wouldn''t opt for this route. Instead, he nned to explore the new path he had discovered, traverse the realm of nothingness, and find thend of truth. Once he advanced to the pinnacle of this new cultivation system, with the life-nourishing furnace in hand, he would be well-prepared to face the decaying mythological beings. Equipping himself with a supreme treasure was the most reliable option. "By the way, what''s the origin of the Red-dressed Demoness?" Wang Xuan inquired, concerned about her disappearance and wanting to fully understand her background to prevent a sneak attack. "I know she has a figure in this world. Are you thinking of hunting her down?" The Sword Immortal''s face showed a trace of surprise, instantly alert and shifting from her previous dazed demeanor. At that moment, a vast curtain appeared in the sky over New World, grand and magnificent, epassing the entire firmament. It was much more extensive than any other curtain that had previously manifested in the area. A figure, radiating the aura of chaos, emerged, holding an ancient banner and standing aloft in the sky. nking him were two unparalleled powerhouses, and in the distance, a dense throng of Immortals and Demon Immortals followed him. This scene was astonishing, resembling the descent of a celestial court to the mortal realm. "The Old World still holds some expectations for me, things that have yet to emerge," the man with the ancient bannermented. Chapter 318: Parting The Great Veil Chapter 318: Parting The Great Veil "The legendary Red-Dressed Demoness''s father was an unparalleled sorcerer from 3000 years ago, who had mastered the control of thunder and rain with profound and unfathomable prowess," the mini version of the Sword Immortal recounted the background of the red-dressed demoness, analyzing her strengths and weaknesses. Despite being called a Demon Immortal, she had human lineage. She deliberately concealed her true origins. Her passage often brought a gentle mist, reminiscent of ady from the water towns of the Jiangnan region, but this was just a facade. Once she activated her innate ability the ''Cataclysmic Thunder of Myriad Demons'' she could annihte groups of Immortals. "Her mother was a twelve-tailed white fox, surpassing the extreme number of nine tails by three. It''s said that she was even stronger than her father. The red-dressed demoness inherited the best traits from both, excelling even beyond her parents," exined the Sword Immortal. Wang Xuan was deeply moved by this revtion. "Does this mean she might have two formidable entities backing her?" he asked, frowning. The Sword Immortal shook her head, "After entering the curtain, there has been no news of them. They seem to havepletely vanished, presumably meeting some misfortune." "It seemspetition in the curtain is incredibly fierce. Those who have survived until now and have made a name for themselves are certainly not ordinary," Wang Xuan reflected cautiously. Especially the red-dressed demoness, who had personally in supreme powerhouses, as he had seen in the past imprints of the Immortal battles in the Life-Sustaining Furnace. "She ims to be a Demon Immortal, but she was actually born human, with just a hint of demon lineage. She is suspected to have learned from a golden bamboo scroll of pre-Qin sorcerers. If one treats her as a pure demon, they are bound to suffer a severe loss. Of course, her demon techniques are also formidable," the Sword Immortal continued, providing Wang Xuan with various details. Wang Xuan felt it was crucial to prepare, as the red-dressed demoness might reappear at any moment to target him. "Do you have any personal grudge against her?" Wang Xuan inquired. The Sword Immortal replied with a hint of resentment, "She is very domineering. A long time ago, she defeated the founder of our Sword Immortal Sect and stole our sword scriptures. Unfortunately, I was not yet born at that time." She expressed her determination to defeat the red-dressed demoness and reim the stolen sword scriptures. "Is that scripture really that important?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Of course, it''s the pinnacle of our sect''s teachings. There''s a lot I haven''t learned and have had to create on my own," the mini-version of the Sword Immortal replied somewhat dispiritedly. "Creating your own might make you stronger," Wang Xuan consoled her. "If I had the original sword scriptures as a foundation for my creations, I would be even stronger," she muttered, her youthful face and demeanor revealing a hint of petnce. "It''s simple, I''ll gift you a few sword scriptures. What do you want to learn? Sword control techniques, ssical celestial swordsmanship, spirit-sword nurturing techniques, or the boundless celestial sword techniques?" Wang Xuan offered. The Sword Immortal looked puzzled, "Have you read these scriptures?" Wang Xuan nodded, "Even the ''Sword of Severing Dao'' from the pre-Qin golden bamboo scrolls is in my possession." At this moment, the Sword Immortal seemed lost in thought, surprised that such long-lost sword scriptures still existed. Shepsed into a daze, her innocent appearance making her seem endearingly clueless. ... Over on New Star, the sky was covered by a vast curtain, beneath which a multitude of immortals and demons appeared, like celestial soldiers and generals descending to the mortal realm, causing a huge stir. Despite the general unease, no bloodshed urred. In the sky, the man holding the Feather Transformation Banner stood tall. With white hair and deep, profound eyes, he wore a robe woven from the silk of Yin-Yang Divine Fire Silkworms, surveying the world below. His name was Heng Jun, the first among the supreme powerhouses to obtain a treasure before the curtain''s fall. Although he hadn''t fully mastered the Feather Transformation Banner, he had a general grasp of it, which exined why so many, including two peers of equal standing, followed him and couldn''t oppose him. However, Heng Jun never dared to easily break through the curtain. He was skeptical about why such treasures appeared in this depleted era and whether he could truly withstand the force of the old covenant once he broke through the curtain. At the same time, he was reluctant to leave, desiring some fortunes within the celestial realm and eager to eliminate some archenemies. The curtain descended closer to the ground, enveloping thendscape. With a swift motion, Heng Jun attempted an experiment with the Feather Transformation Banner, sessfully slicing a gap in the great curtain, indeed capable of prating the barrier locked by the old covenant! Behind him, the immortals gasped in amazement and envy, yet no one dared to act recklessly, all harboring their own hesitations. "You, enter the present world and have a good talk with the various factions on this," Heng Jun instructed, pointing at a group of individuals. Instantly, more than a dozen immortals stepped forward, passing through the gap in the curtain. Everyone watched intently, curious about the oue. They didn''t explode or have their spirits torn apart, seemingly passing through safely. However, their expressions soon changed. Their bodies lost their spiritual essence, and their spirits dimmed. The rules and powers they once wielded in the celestial realm were rendered ineffective in this world. Like formidable aquatic creatures struggling onnd, they gradually weakened. "This world is no longer suitable for immortals," one of themmented bitterly. He was a true immortal, once powerful, but now his extraordinary essence was leaking out of his body uncontrobly, and the symbols of order he had cultivated in his spirit quickly blurred and vanished. This was terrifying. Initially, they were all in perfect condition upon departure, but in an instant, their cultivation dissipated significantly. Heng Jun, with deep and profound eyes, gripped the Feather Transformation Banner tightly. He had feared this exact scenario - the inevitable fall to mortality after crossing realms. "Although the old covenant doesn''t target us directly, the rules of transcendence no longer exist in this world," a demon immortal said with bitterness. Only after a long time did they stabilize, barely breaking through the "ceiling" at the initial stage of carefree wandering. Even this was a hard-won achievement. Throughout this time, even under the protection of supreme beings, sending immortals to the present world always led to issues, resulting in the tearing apart of flesh and spirit, with power levels varying from five to eight stages. Using the protection of the Demon Pool or the barrier of the Spiritual Mountain only allowed a few to preserve their nine-stage achievements, still unable to break the ceiling. Moreover, the cost was substantial, requiring the consumption of ancestral blood from the Demon Pool or the immense power of the Spiritual Mountain, resources initially reserved for beings like the Demon Ancestor and Shakyamuni for their own crossing. "It''s truly defying the heavens. Without consuming the true blood and Dao fruits of supreme beings, sending everyone across realms with the power to break the ceiling is indeed worthy of being called a supreme treasure," someone eximed, feeling quite satisfied with this oue. After some contemtion, the immortals also found this situation eptable. "Would you two like to cross over? You''ll most likely retain your Celestial Immortal Dao fruits," Heng Jun said, looking at the two powerful beings beside him, both of whom were top figures in the celestial realm. The two remained silent and eventually shook their heads, choosing not to cross realms for the time being and preferring to wait. They looked at the Feather Transformation Banner in Heng Jun''s hand, realizing that possessing this treasure would likely allow Heng Jun to retain more of his Dao fruits, potentially more than what they could keep. They took the special pathway along the curtain and, on the next day, arrived at the corresponding curtain on Earth. Previously severed paths were reopened with the aid of the Feather Transformation Banner. Heng Jun and his followers, bathed in light rain, arrived in the alternative celestial realm within a day. The appearance of the great curtain over the skies of Earth caused rm among its inhabitants, with ordinary people being particrly astonished. "Are the ancient people returning?" "There are so many immortals, covering the sky!" Heng Jun once again sliced the great curtain with the Feather Transformation Banner, sending two groups of people. The first group of six headed towards Pingcheng to negotiate with high-ranking officials, seeking a detailed discussion. The second group, consisting of eighteen experts and direct disciples of Heng Jun, immediately dispersed upon crossing. Some headed to Mount Kunlun, some to the Earth''s core, others to the Qin Mountains, and some went straight out to sea... Chen Yongjie informed Wang Xuan promptly, "The beings from beyond the curtain are here, in two groups, all at the initial stage of carefree wandering. This changes everything, breaking the bnce." The first group, responsible for negotiations, was very assertive. After visiting Pingcheng, they toured other ces, meeting several important figures without showing any signs of friendliness. "What did they discuss? You''d better avoid them and not be a target," Wang Xuan warned, sensing the gravity of the situation. The emergence of beings at the carefree wandering stage put immense pressure on him. When the great curtain shrouded the sky, Wang Xuan also saw it, clearly the work of the Feather Transformation Banner, preserving the strength of the immortals to the maximum extent as they crossed realms. "Their demands are quite extensive. They want ess to historical records and county annals from various eras, as if they''re searching for something specific," Chen Yongjie shared with immense pressure. Facing beings of the carefree wandering stage, he felt outmatched. Back in Ancheng with Qingmu, Wang Xuan received various reports, painting a rather grim picture of the situation. Despite Earth seemingly being picked clean, what were those people searching for? The supreme being wielding the Feather Transformation Banner seemed fixated on something, hinting at untold secrets still buried within Earth. "Where exactly are they searching? Now that they have physical forms, can''t the heavenly eye detect them?" Wang Xuan inquired. "At a time like this, are you thinking of snatching treasures from the tiger''s mouth? Don''t even think about it!" Chen Yongjie warned, but he still disclosed the locations of those people. Wang Xuan noted the ces mentioned, like Mount Kunlun, Qinling Mountains, and Qingcheng Mountain. When Qingcheng Mountain was mentioned, something clicked in his mind. Regardless of its usefulness, he decided to retrieve a certain item first. "Qingmu, what about that strange artifact I dug up in Qingcheng Mountain? Have you deciphered it yet?" That was Wang Xuan''s first adventure, where he obtained two mysterious items. One was a five-page golden book, suspected to be a physical cultivation method passed down from Zhang Daoling, the founder of a Taoist lineage. The other was a more enigmatic silver animal hide scroll, found in a secret underground pce beneath the golden book. At that site, a transcendentally meditating figure, with bright hair, rosy cheeks, and star-like eyes, disintegrated into dust as someone approached. All who touched the site turned into blood mist, leaving only the faintly glowing silver animal hide book. Even then, they spected that an animal hide book capable of engrossing a transcendent figure to such an extent must have an extraordinary origin. The transcendent figure,pletely engrossed in the silver scriptural scroll, seemed to forget even his impending transcendence. His eyes were fixed only on the silver book, and it was uncertain whether his spirit ultimately entered the great curtain. "That artifact, it''s crucial now?" Qingmu was surprised. "I''m not sure, but it''s better to secure it first. Did you get any results from deciphering it? Any chance of a leak?" Wang Xuan inquired. "No results. That tadpole script, those ghostly symbols, no one recognizes them," Qingmu replied helplessly. He reassured, "Don''t worry, I didn''t show the entire animal hide to them. I separated each character and copied them onto other papers for study." "That''s good!" Wang Xuan nodded in approval. Efficient as always, Qingmu soon personally brought back the silver animal hide book for Wang Xuan to study. "I don''t recognize a single character. What era''s creation is this?" Wang Xuan sighed. Despite his experience with various unique scripts, he was clueless about this one. Importantly, the silver animal hide had no imprints or clues. As a transcendent being, Wang Xuan resonated with spiritual imprints of texts like the Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips or the five-colored jade book. But this silver hide, enduring for thousands of years and still glowing faintly, remained silent and enigmatic. Wang Xuan examined it thoroughly, even attempting to tear it open to inspect the interior, to no avail. It was incredibly sturdy. Observing with his spiritual eye, he found nothing unusual inside. In a moment of experimentation, Wang Xuan managed to incorporate the silver animal hide into his inner realm. This startled him, as very few items could be brought into this realmeach one a top-tier treasure, like his God-ying Banner or the old clock family''s Reincarnation Pool. He summoned the God-ying Banner, already within his inner realm, and ced it alongside the silver hide forparison, contemting their materials and origins. Chapter 319: Calmly Observing The Outcome Chapter 319: Calmly Observing The Oue The "God-ying Banner" was the size of a palm, with a golden g surface featuring dense patterns. The silver-colored beast skin scroll was about a foot square, emitting a faint silver glow with intricate patterns and hundreds of bizarre characters, full of texture. These characters were not written with ink but carved with a knife, exuding an artistic charm and aesthetic beauty. Both the g and the scroll glowed dimly, and when ced together, theyplemented each other, creating an indescribable harmony. Wang Xuan ran his hand over both the g and the scroll; the feel of both, with their natural and mystical patterns, was captivating. Holding the God-ying Banner, Wang Xuan poked at the beast skin scroll, but it showed no reaction. Then, he bravely attempted to wave the g gently, allowing its golden patterns to flow into the scroll, yet still, there was no response. Frowning, Wang Xuan felt slightly disappointed, as his initial theories seemed to be disproven. "It was said that there''s a ''Body-ying g'' in the world. It seems this is not its g surface. I might have overthought it," he mused, caressing the one-foot square silver-colored beast skin scroll. Though its origins remained unclear, this artifact was undoubtedly extraordinary, being able to enter his Life Soil, indicating its significant nature. Seeing Wang Xuan''s return to focus, Qingmu asked, "How did it go?" He, too, was eager to know the purpose of this enigmatic artifact they had been studying for half a year. "No idea," Wang Xuan shook his head, nning to seek help. With Chen Yongjie no longer his go-to encyclopedia, Wang Xuan had a better target in mind. Soon after, he and Qingmu found themselves once again in the barren mountains eight hundred miles from An City, seeking guidance from the Sword Immortal. It would be a waste not to consult an ancient Sword Immortal. Rushing back and forth, Wang Xuan felt an urgency to understand the extraordinary nature of the silver scroll, not wanting to miss anything. What left him and Qingmu speechless was that the miniaturized Sword Immortal appeared to have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Waking up to disturbances for two consecutive days, the miniaturized Sword Immortal was listless, yawning continuously. "I''m growing right now; don''t disturb my development," sheined. "I''ve brought something interesting this time. Wake up and take a look at what it is," Wang Xuan urged, handing the silver scroll down to her. The miniaturized Sword Immortal swiftly grabbed the scroll with her pale little hand and retreated deeper underground. "This script spans several eras, older than even the Oracle Bone Script. I don''t recognize it either, although I recall hearing it mentioned briefly. I suspect few among the Transcendents would recognize it," she mused, supporting her chin with one hand while holding the silver beast skin scroll with the other, her brows slightly furrowed in thought. "Only those old-timers, who rummage through the world''s scriptures like bandits, might have studied such script," she said helplessly. "Like who?" asked Wang Xuan. "That red-clothed monster," the Sword Immortal blurted out. Wang Xuan and Qingmu exchanged nces. They had never heard anyone describe the female demon, who always appeared amidst misty rain and dazzling in red, in such a manner. "Forget it, seeking her out would be like amb walking into a tiger''s den," Wang Xuan dismissed the idea. "Otherwise, you could try the ancient transcendents from the pre-Qin period, like those alchemists. They''re well-read, especially those who interacted with special eras. Someone might recognize this script." After saying this, she grew silent, her eyelids drooping. Despite her icy skin and envelopment in celestial mist, she still seemed her ten-year-old self, in need of sleep, appearing delicate and not quite the formidable Sword Immortal. Wang Xuan beckoned the silver scroll back to him. It seemed best to let this "little one" rest for now. He and Qingmu quietly left the ce. "A female alchemist?" Wang Xuan pondered on their way back. Perhaps one of those exceptional figures among the pre-Qin alchemists, who had perused various scriptures, might know this script. He had entered the unique Inner Landscape of a female alchemist, witnessing various illusions like her library, richly stocked with books, including golden bamboo scrolls. At that time, he was too ambitious, wanting to flip through the bamboo scrolls on her desk, but everything dissipated like smoke, beyond his reach. "Unpredictable intentions," Wang Xuan mused about the female alchemist. She was, indeed, outrageously powerful, the only known being who had retained her physical bodypletely. "And there''s ''Old Zhang'' as well, also inscrutable." The potential candidates he thought of were all profound, but they shared amon issue - he didn''t want to approach them yet, fearing being devoured whole. "In that bar on New World, ''Old Zhang'' mentioned sending me the heavenly seed of Daoist ancestors. What a pity." He felt some regret. But he wasn''t too remorseful. Bearing the karma of ''Old Zhang'' was no small matter, and his true origins were still uncertain. Back in An City, Wang Xuan started to conserve his energy and adjust his state. The situation was extremely critical, and he prepared to explore the elusivend once more. "Qingmu,e and practice with me. I''m going to bring you closer to transcendence!" Chen Yongjie called, asking Qingmu to join him, seemingly irate. Qingmu was thrilled; was he finally going to enter the Inner Landscape? He''d been longing for it. But at the same time, his eyelids twitched nervously. What was wrong with his increasingly enigmatic master? "Old Chen, what''s happening?" Wang Xuan also heard and sensed something amiss, immediately inquiring. "Those people are so condescending. Though they didn''t utter any harsh words or spout venom, their attitude was unbearable," Chen Yongjie spoke lowly, his chest burning with indignation. Those people had visited again, holding discussions in a calm and indifferent manner, asking him to gather practitioners from Old World, assemble spaceships, and go mine the Earth''s core and bomb Kunlun Mountains. Though there were no outright insults, their dismissive oversight and unquestionablemands still infuriated Chen Yongjie. They were tantly using him as aborer, not taking the transcendent beings of the current world seriously at all. Wang Xuan''s heart sank. These beings who had traversed from behind the grand curtain were clearly much stronger than the previous ones, significantly elevating the level of danger. Wang Xuan was concerned that Chen Yongjie might face life-threatening dangers if he resisted those cold and indifferent demands. "Don''t be reckless, avoid confrontation for now," Wang Xuan advised seriously. He then added, his voice growing colder, "Prepare for everything. If these people go too far, we''ll fight them tooth and nail." Recently, on New World, he and Chen Yongjie had ughtered a group of transcendent beings. There was no reason to be pushed around upon returning to Old World. "These returning people all have physical bodies. If they dare to be too presumptuous and push us too far, we''ll start by bombing their ships, destroying their physical bodies first!" "I''ve said what needed to be said. Times have changed. Modern humans have the courage to resist the transcendent. And they must have heard about the New World battleships'' capabilities, so they''re somewhat cautious and haven''tpletely torn off the facade. In the end, they left coldly, suggesting cooperation for mutual benefit," Chen Yongjie exined. As the former top figure of Old World and someone who had opened an Inner Landscape, he didn''t care much even about the transcendent beings. His ambitions andparisons were always with the legendary figures of the past. That''s why he felt so infuriated by their condescension and orders. Wang Xuan sighed. Chen Yongjie''s pride was hurt, but that was only part of the reason. His inner strength was immense, seeing himself as a beast king but belittled by a bunch of "sick cats" and "hyenas" who ascended earlier, which choked him up inside. "Xiaoyao is indeed incredible. Wait till I reach that realm..." Chen Yongjie sneered, imagining a future where he would confront these beings on equal footing. "Indeed, Xiaoyao is remarkable," someone spoke up from within the room, looking at him indifferently. Reality hit hard, and no matter how high Chen Yongjie''s spirit soared or how confident he was about his future path to invincibility, at that moment, he was indeed being suppressed. The group of transcendent beings, having returned after initially leaving, had heard Chen Yongjie''s remarks. Appearing silently, they sat on the sofa opposite him, and some stood in front of him, calmly looking down upon him. "If you gentlemen wish to hire people for mining, you can recruit and pay them. That''spletely fine. But if you think you can push me around,manding me to summon cultivators and mobilize battleships, even expecting me to serve as yourborer, I''m afraid that''s not possible," Chen Yongjie said sternly. "How about we discuss this more in-depth?" one of them suggested with a smile, maintaining the same calm demeanor but with an underlying, pressing spiritual pressure that felt somewhat oppressive. They seemed to attempt a spiritual invasion, trying to subdue Chen Yongjie''s thoughts and change his mind, but they encountered fierce resistance, facing an incredibly strong will. Hispanion pulled him back, not allowing him to continue, as they suddenly felt their physical bodies were on the verge of copsing. "There are battleships locking onto this location!" Theymunicated telepathically, their faces growing stern. "Too much bullying!" Chen Yongjie mmed the table hard, shattering it, and coldly said, "You returned alive only to test our battleships? If you want to be sted into pieces, feel free to try!" In Ancheng, Qingmu was restless. Those people had returned, pushing his master to this extent! Chen Yongjie''s call hadn''t been disconnected, allowing Qingmu and Wang Xuan to hear everything. "Gentlemen, the demons of New World are almost extinct!" Wang Xuan''s voice transmitted through the phone. In Chen Yongjie''s room, a hush fell as the visitors from behind the veil of the Great Curtain processed the information about the dire state of the demons on New World, which they had already heard about. Gu Lin, dressed in her casual home attire, entered the room. Her appearance was serene, but her words carried a cold edge. "Transcendents from beyond the Great Curtain, I hope that from now on, we can coexist peacefully. I don''t know what the future holds for the Ascendants, but ultimately, the mortal realm belongs to the ordinary," she said. After she spoke, the transcendent beings present, who were at the stage of Freedom of Wandering, felt increasingly ufortable as they sensed more battleships targeting them. Their eyes held a cold light, and they were internally conflicted and perturbed by the fact that a mortal woman had the power tomand battleships and issue such orders. However, they didn''t want to escte the situation into violence. Subtly subduing their opposition was preferable, especially considering future considerations; it was not the time for outright conflict. One of them, maintaining a calm demeanor, spoke up: "We do indeed seek cooperation for mutual benefit. We''re not here to coerce, but to share a new discovery and invite your people to join us in exploring it, which could potentially lead to significant findings." "Our people have unearthed a jade house while digging towards the Earth''s core, and we found someone inside. We thought you might be interested in studying it together," they exined, aware of the advanced research capabilities in the modern world, including precise testing and experimentation, and hoping to leverage these resources for analysis and assistance. Gu Lin nodded in response, "I''ll inquire with the research institutes. If any of them are interested, they will contact you in due course." The visitors from beyond the Great Curtain smiled briefly and, after leaving their contact information, gracefully departed. Chen Yongjie, feeling somewhat reassured by Gu Lin''s approach, spoke up, "Don''t take it to heart, focus on your cultivation. As long as we improve ourselves rapidly, surpassing the pace of the myth''s copse, we''ll be strong enough to make those arrogant opponents weep!" Wang Xuan''s voice came through the phone, offeringfort. Chen Yongjie replied, "That''s true, pressure is what drives progress. It only makes me strive to be stronger. Today they tried to suppress me with their spiritual realm, but soon, their cultivation might crumble along with the myths, turning them into mere mortals. We still have a long way to go." He then seemed to recall something, "Speaking of which, the recent fluctuations of the transcendent aftermath have coincided with your breakthroughs, causing the decline of those who crossed over." Pausing for a moment, Chen Yongjieughed, "Hurry up and make another breakthrough, to shake them off their ''ceiling''. If these people fall below the stage of Freedom of Wandering, I''d like to see how they dare to show up before me again. I''ll sit back and watch them cry!" Chen Yongjie couldn''t help but break intoughter, amused by the coincidence of the situation. "Alright, I''ll go and shake them all down!" Wang Xuan alsoughed upon hearing this. Chapter 320: Another Quake! Chapter 320: Another Quake! Wang Xuan''s lips curled into a smile, acknowledging the peculiar coincidences surrounding him, yet he firmly dismissed any notion of his involvement in these serendipitous events. The shifting dynamics of the world, particrly with the emergence of numerous divine relics, were more likely the catalysts for these changes. "Old Chen, push forward with all your might!" Wang Xuan''s voice, full of encouragement, resonated through the phone. "I await your arrival at the next level of mastery," he added, before hanging up with a sense of finality. His focus now shifted to his own spiritual advancement. Qingmu observed Wang Xuan, musing over the sincerity and impact of his words. With a sense of urgency and anticipation, he prepared to join his master in this new phase of their journey. On the other end of the line, Chen Yongjie''s eyes sparkled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The idea of being outpaced was uneptable to him. He was consumed with thoughts of innovation in their practices, pondering the fusion of the Golden Elixir of Immortal Life with the essence of Buddha-nature. Could this amalgamation birth a new transcendent substance? Would blending the Daoist ideal of the Unity of Heaven and Man with the Buddhist concept of the ya consciousness lead to a transformative synergy? Chen Yongjie''s ambition wasn''t just to climb the ranks of cultivation; he aimed to forge a path that would remain viable even as the era of depletion loomed closer. He questioned whether any of the energy materials from the physical world could be harnessed to aid in his quest. Stepping outside, Chen Yongjie''s gaze fixed on the sun, a symbol of boundless energy. His mind raced with possibilities, from harnessing nuclear radiation to other energy forms, envisioning a future where these could be converted for his use in cultivation. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan readied himself mentally and physically, aiming for an optimal state for his endeavor. He nned to introduce a Heavenly Herb into the ethereal void, positioning it near the mystical silver pool to study its effects. However, his primary intention was to transport the formidable Life-Preserving Furnace with him. "This divine artifact might just be the support I need," he thought, his eyes alight with anticipation. Yet, doubts nagged at him about the feasibility of transporting such a colossal object over a vast distance. The sheer weight of the furnace was intimidating; he recalled the arduous effort it took just to move its lid in the Hidden Land. The potency of the Life-Preserving Furnace was indisputable. Its lid alone had been potent enough to decimate an entire cohort of skilled Herb Gathering fighters, a testament to its awe-inspiring power. In the midst of the mistden Life Soil, the ethereal fog swirled around the firmly nted g of God ying. Nearby, three sprouts of Heavenly Herb, freshly broken from the earth, radiated with boundless vitality. The Life-Preserving Furnace, modest in size and onlyrge enough to fit a fist through its opening, exuded an ancient simplicity, shrouded in a faint haze, silent and stoic. Wang Xuan, in his spiritual form, exerted all his might to lift the Life-Preserving Furnace from the ground. With a thunderous effort, he seeded in lifting it, a feat far beyond his past capabilities. However, the overwhelming weight quickly took its toll; his spirit nearly shattered from the strain, indicating he couldn''t maintain this for long. Gently cing the furnace back down, he watched as the Life Soil quivered under its weight, causing the mist to billow out, making the area more mystical and obscure. "Dreams are full, reality is stark," he sighed. The sacred artifact was indeed powerful, but its immensity rendered it immobile. Reluctantly, Wang Xuan tried taking only the lid, still a task of Herculean effort. Even thisponent was immensely heavy, draining his spirit. The prospect of carrying it to the elusive realm seemed impossible; it would be a journey at a snail''s pace. Contemting his situation, Wang Xuan wondered about the furnace''s nature. Was its immense weight intrinsic, or did it require a gradual process of mastery and bonding? Each attempt to interact with the artifact had yielded no response. Undeterred by these challenges, Wang Xuan remained resolute. Understanding that no journey of cultivation was without its hurdles, he knew that relying solely on a divine artifact to revolutionize a new mythological system was unrealistic. His path was one to be forged through perseverance and steadfast progression. Resolved, he decided to take the g of God ying and a sprout of the Heavenly Herb. His gaze then fell upon the silver hide book. Its unique material, akin to the g''s fabric and adorned with enigmatic patterns, sparked a thought. Perhaps, in critical moments, it could serve as a shield. After allowing his spirit to recuperate, Wang Xuan remerged with his physical body, ready to embark on his journey into the unknown, prepared to be lost to the world for half a day or more. Buried deep in the soil of the barren mountain, Wang Xuan pondered the potential risks to his physical body while his spirit ventured into the realm of void. Considering asking Chen Yongjie for help, he quickly dismissed the idea, recalling the recent attention Chen had garnered from the transcendent beings of the Xian realm. Wang Xuan resolved to mimic the Sword Immortal''s method, burying himself underground. It felt almost like a botanical metaphor: nting himself in the daylight to harvest a higher realm of self by nightfall. A sudden call from Qingmu ryed rming news: Chen Yongjie, seemingly driven to madness, had decided to embark on a perilous journey. Intent on approaching the sun in a spacecraft, Chen nned to use the sr mes to temper his soul and forge his own indomitable path. Stunned by Chen''s audacious n, Wang Xuan reassured Qingmu not to join in the folly but to keep watch. If Chen was to self-immte, Qingmu was to be ready with water to douse the mes. With his decision made, Wang Xuan proceeded to bury himself in the deste mountain. In the earth, he took action, leveraging the g of God ying to pry open a piece of immortal bone, revealing a decaying Inner Landscape within. His intent wasn''t to cultivate within this decaying realm, but rather to harness the g as a conduit, feverishly absorbing the mystical elements from the Inner Landscape before channeling them into his own Life Soil. In mere minutes of the real world, the Inner Landscape decayed and copsedpletely, its super-material essence thoroughly exhausted. In Wang Xuan''s Life Soil, these mystical elements roiled, too dense to dissipate. The three Heavenly Herbs thrived on this abundance, absorbing a significant portion. The remaining super-material essence was steadily infused deep into Wang Xuan''s robust Life Soil. He was determined to ensure a journey free of concerns, unlike the previous one where he nearly depleted himself. His preparations were meticulous and thorough, ready for the uncertainties of the journey ahead. Wang Xuan''s journey into the realm of mystery and the unknown continues to unfold with intriguing developments. His discovery of the silver hide scroll''s ability to store vast amounts of mystical factors adds anotheryer of depth to the narrative. His cautious approach in transporting the Nine Cmities Lotus, encapsted in the enigmatic hide scroll, underscores his meticulous nature and respect for the extraordinary. The notion of the vast and increasingly dense Life Soil acting as both a resource and a barrier is apelling plot point. It highlights the challenges andplexities Wang Xuan faces as he advances in his spiritual journey. The use of the Divine ying g to navigate and the time dtion experienced during his travel further illustrates the surreal and fantastical elements of his world. His decision to carry a segment of the enriched Life Soil as a nurturing ground for the celestial lotus is a testament to his foresight and adaptability. This move not only ensures the sustenance of the potent herb but also represents Wang Xuan''s ability to harness and adapt the resources at his disposal, despite the odds. As Wang Xuan contemtes the improvements in his power and the changes in his realm, there''s a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. The story elegantly weaves together elements of adventure, mysticism, and personal growth, keeping the reader engaged and curious about the next steps in Wang Xuan''s extraordinary journey. Wang Xuan''s journey through the enigmatic and treacherous realm is marked by both danger and discovery. The utilization of the Divine ying g to transport vast amounts of Life Soil is an ingenious solution to the challenge of nourishing the celestial lotus, showcasing Wang Xuan''s resourcefulness and adaptability. As he ventures deeper into the void, the omnipresent darkness and silence paint a picture of an isted, almost cosmic wilderness. The red mists that he encounters add an element of peril to his voyage. These mists, while mesmerizingly beautiful, harbor a lethal threat to the spirit, illustrating the dichotomy of allure and danger in this mysterious realm. Wang Xuan''s encounter with the red mists demonstrates his caution and preparedness. His ability to shield himself and the precious Life Soil using the Divine ying g reflects his strategic foresight and the powerful capabilities of his artifacts. Upon reaching his destination, the emergence of a pool shrouded in dense mist and filled with a sacred, life-giving liquid signifies a pivotal moment in his quest. This discovery not only marks the culmination of a challenging journey but also opens up new possibilities for growth and enlightenment. Wang Xuan''s experiences in this realm highlight the themes of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and power. His journey, fraught with challenges and revtions, continues to captivate with its blend of mysticism, adventure, and the unwavering spirit of exploration. Wang Xuan''s return to the Life Pool, a ce that previously facilitated his spiritual rebirth, marks a significant moment in his journey. The careful transntation of the Nine Cmities Celestial Lotus next to the pool demonstrates his methodical approach to nurturing and protecting this precious entity. His decision to experiment with the life-giving elixir from the pool on the lotus and witnessing its immediate response underscores the pool''s potent properties and his astuteness in leveraging them. Wang Xuan''s subsequent immersion in the Life Pool leads to a profound transformation, shedding ayer of spiritual residue, symbolizing renewal and growth. This experience, coupled with the astonishing effects of the pool, indicates its extraordinary value and potential in spiritual cultivation. His contemtion about the nature of the Life Pool and its connection to himself, as well as the potential risks of other powerful beings essing it, reflects his awareness of the broader implications of his discoveries. This cautious attitude is crucial in a realm filled with unknowns and immense power. Furthermore, Wang Xuan''s interest in the mysterious red mists that he battled along the way hints at his unyielding curiosity and determination to uncover and harness the secrets of this enigmatic domain. His ongoing exploration of the Life Pool and its surroundings illustrates a relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery over his environment. Overall, Wang Xuan''s experiences in the Life Pool area are a blend of careful nning, adaptability, and a deepening understanding of the mystical forces at y. His journey continues to be a testament to his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering quest for transcendence in a world full of wonders and perils. In the outside world, Huang Ming, Kong Yun, Cao Qingyu, and Zhou Shiqi had just disembarked from their spacecraft and arrived in the Old World. Huang Ming, known as "Huang DaXian," widened his eyes in shock, his expression one of utter disbelief. "Why is it shaking again?!" he eximed, as if he had seen a ghost. Indeed, the tremor had also impacted some demons who had stealthily infiltrated the Old World. They too were shaken, their hair standing on end in fear. "It''s shaking again!" they thought in terror. At the same time, the two groups of powerful beings in the early stages of the Xiao Yao You realm, sent by Heng Jun to the Old World, were also experiencing this unsettling phenomenon. These beings, considered to be of the "breaking the ceiling" level in strength, now found theirposure slipping away. They felt their hearts pounding in their chests, a sense of unease and anxiety growing within them. Then, to their horror, they realized that their Dao cultivation was bing unstable. "They know it''s shaking again?!" they realized, understanding the reality of the situation in the outside world. They made a quick and urate judgment, but the realization filled them with dread. They couldn''t keep theirposure any longer as the situation seemed to spiral out of their control. Chapter 321: Even The Demons Are Shaken Chapter 321: Even The Demons Are Shaken In the outside world, Huang Ming, Kong Yun, Cao Qingyu, and Zhou Shiqi had just disembarked from their spacecraft and arrived in the Old World. Huang Ming, despite his sharp facial features and yellowing hair, had a certain aura about him, surrounded by a faint mist of immortality. His appearance might not have been striking, but his demeanor carried some weight. "You''ve been gallivanting around with Zhou Yun again, haven''t you?" Kong Yun used Huang Ming, noticing his unsteady gait. Yet, before he could assert his superiority, Kong Yun himself stumbled awkwardly. "I did not!" protested Huang Ming. He considered himself quite disciplined and had never crossed any lines. It was Zhou Yun who often dragged him into frivolous activities, like watching enchanting dances. "Look, even the ''Immortal Lady Zhou'' is staggering," pointed out Huang Ming, as Zhou Shiqi, surrounded by her own celestial aura, had just taken a step and faltered. Her elegant figure in a white dress swayed, a bit more dramatically than one might expect. Huang Ming''s blunt remark irked the others. Everyone''s mood was tense, sensing the seriousness of the situation. Indeed, they had all felt a tremor a shaking that had started with those whose foundations were the weakest, eventually affecting everyone. This chilling event highlighted a terrifying reality: every tremor had the potential to erode their hard-earned realms, a nightmare for beings of myth and legend. "Let''s hope this is just an anomaly and not another major disturbance in the transcendent forces," Cao Qingyu said gravely. They had all felt their spiritual realms waver but were relieved that they had not fallen from their current states. Another significant drop would be akin to a bloody and brutal downfall. "Thest time, the tremorssted for hours on and off. I dread to think this might just be the beginning," Zhou Shiqi added, her beautiful brows furrowed with concern. As a rising singer in the Old World, she was well-known and had gathered a small crowd of onlookers. Each of them was acutely aware that they were at a pivotal point, where any further instability could have dire consequences. In the wake of the recent tremors, those sent by Heng Jun from beyond the great curtain were steadying their minds, actively seeking the cause and eagerlymunicating with various factions. "It must be the reemergence of the Human Sword and the Wanderer''s Boat, triggering disturbances across major immortal realms. The expansion and contraction of mythical rules are invisibly reaping the decaying transcendent world," they spected. As ''te-breaking'' entities, formerly ranked among celestial beings, they were directly seeking the source of these disturbances. On New World, "Old Zhang" gripped his teacup tightly, trying to keep it steady as he felt the water inside tremble. Standing up, he gazed deeply into the vast cosmos, his eyes reflecting a profound depth. In a mysterious realm, amidst misty yin-yang energies and a gentle rain, a breathtaking woman in red stood under a paper umbre. Seemingly motionless, the raindrops at the edge of her umbre flew diagonally, betraying her subtle movements. Ethereal as a spirit, she stared into the sky, her eyes weaving strange runes, as if trying to discern the truth and capture a certain essence. Deep beneath the Da Hinggan Mountains, in an underground experimental site, a woman in white aboard a golden bamboo boat carved from Ascendant Divine Bamboo fluttered her eyshes in surprise, her eyes opening slightly, as if she had sensed something extraordinary. In the realms beyond the curtain, significant events were unfolding, with the resurgence of ultimate treasures and the intensification of conflicts over them. But whether these would ripple through and impact the decaying transcendent realm remained uncertain. In the real world, people across various quarters were on high alert, even fearful. In a deste mountain range, buried beneath the soil, Wang Xuan''s physical bodyy motionless, surrounded by faint silver light that seemed to seep into the mountain. This mysterious, high-grade material, rich in vitality, appeared to be reshaping his physical form. Meanwhile, in the Void, Wang Xuan sat in the pool, exhaling deeply. The experience was incredibly pleasant andforting, like a spiritual baptism. Immersed in this sensation, he contemted life and the universe, pondering the cycle of rise and decline, seeking a path of rebirth from decay. Gazing at the ''spiritual membrane'' shed from his spiritual body, now disintegrating against the pool''s rough walls and dissolving into the darkness, he might have reflected on the mysterious synchronicity of the silver light with his physical body far away. Wang Xuan''s spirit was clearer and more transparent than ever before, his mental state at its peak, and his spiritual power extraordinarily strong. Rising to his feet, he gazed at the small mound of Life Soil beside the pool. Despite being called soil, it was not tangible in the traditional sense; it was a marvelous manifestation of material within the Void. The Nine Cmities Lotus was indeed absorbing the silver mist from the area, bing more vibrant. The tender bud had grownrger, ready to unfold, and another hint of green had broken through the soil. Wang Xuan decided to sprinkle some of the silver liquid onto its roots, elerating the process to see if any special changes would ur. Carefully using just a small amount of the celestial liquid each time, he monitored his condition closely to ensure there were no adverse effects. Fortunately, all seemed well, and the vitality of the Heavenly Medicine surged visibly, with a second tender bud emerging, translucent and gentle green. Suddenly, a sh of silver light revealed a vague scene in the distance. With his Spiritual Eye, Wang Xuan focused intently on the hazy image slowly emerging from the mist. Astonishingly, he recognized his own Life Soil and the other two Heavenly Medicines, though they appeared distant and indistinct. Wang Xuan was profoundly amazed. It was no illusion he was actually seeing his own Life Soil, the starting point of his journey, now revealing itself in the distance. "Where the Life Soil goes, where the Heavenly Medicine grows, that''s where my footsteps and marks are. By transporting soil and cultivating medicine, am I really paving my own path? Creating some kind of connection?" he wondered in awe. He continued to sprinkle the silver celestial liquid onto the mound of Life Soil, not just for the Nine Cmities Lotus, but to enhance the vitality of the entire area. The most crucial aspect was the glowing halo surrounding the small Heavenly Medicine. Although still diminutive in size, its light shielded the mound of Life Soil, covering and preserving the "water and soil." This created a life resonance, forming a beneficial cycle. "There''s a trick to this!" Wang Xuan''s eyes sparkled with excitement and a hint of wonder. He looked again towards the barely visible scene, filled with hopeful anticipation. "Can it connect? Can it shorten the distance so that one day, I can instantly travel between these two ces?" He pondered the possibility, now already able to vaguely see his own Life Soil and the other two Heavenly Medicines, along with the still and silent treasure. After waiting a long time, Wang Xuan still felt a surge of vitality, his condition better than ever before. "It seems that the abundance of silver liquid won''t impact much. Perhaps it''s because the Heavenly Medicine and Life Soil Mound are my own. Watering them is essentially nourishing myself, so there''s no problem." Wang Xuan then began to water the soil mound extensively, drawing water directly until it could absorb no more. Simultaneously, the area underwent a transformation. The Heavenly Medicine, Life Soil Mound, and the Silver Pool, already close together, now seemed to merge into one entity, with silver mist pervading and life continuously flourishing. "It''s be much clearer!" Wang Xuan noticed that his Life Soil and the two Heavenly Medicines seemed to have been pulled closer from a great distance. He could now see the tender buds stretching out of the soil and slowly growing. The two nts appeared to be nourished, with buds transforming into leaves. He was astonished to see that beyond these changes, the two nts were momentarily enveloped in a sh of silver light. Were they absorbing the mysterious substance from his current location? His Spiritual Eye focused intently on the scene, observing strands of silver substance floating up in his Life Soil and being absorbed by the two nts. "They are radiating silver light because they have drawn from the substance in my Life Soil..." Wang Xuan realized, struck by the profound connection between these elements. Wang Xuan gazed at the mound of Life Soil before him, contemting its newfound connection with his original Life Soil. It could now transfer minuscule amounts of the silver substance. "I must delve deeper into this, exploring all potential possibilities," he thought, his mind buzzing with ideas. The idea of a closer connection between the two patches of Life Soil, continuously transmitting the silver substance, was thrilling. The potential changes it could bring were beyond imagination. Moreover, if the connection between the two became so close that they were indistinguishable, could he instantly return to his original Life Soil, solving the problem of distant travel? The possibility seemed real, especially considering how the silver substance appeared instantly in his original Life Soil, traversing billions of miles in a moment. Wang Xuan recalled Grandmaster Chen mentioning that during hisst journey, his physical body had been hugely depleted, and the mysterious substance was nearly exhausted. At the critical moment, a sh of silver light had appeared. This observation led Wang Xuan to surmise that the silver substance could also enter his physical body, arriving instantaneously and sparking numerous conjectures. The coarse pool''s silver liquid was of an extremely high grade, providing infinite vitality and transforming into a potent transcendent force. Wang Xuan pondered the possibilities. What if he gradually reced his body''s super-material with this silver substance? Could it lead to some astonishing transformation? "Clearly, it would be immensely beneficial," he mused. "My spirit and body would undergo a dual baptism, enhancing my strength and attack power." He stared into the boundless void of the dark, vast Unknown, just at the beginning of his journey, and already he envisioned a broad and brilliant future. As for reaching the source, passing the deadly barriers, and stepping into the realm beyond the meteor crater, he was filled with even greater anticipation. "There''s no rush," he thought. "Step by step, just like paving my way with Life Soil. As my strength grows, I will naturally reach that ce in the near future." He wasn''t impulsive. No one could reach the heavens in a single step; if it seemed possible, it might just be an illusion, with a deep abyss lying ahead. Wang Xuan understood that the false prosperity of the present world and the alluring traps of cultivation paths were interconnected, serving as a reminder to remain vignt on his journey. Facing the daunting expanse of darkness, Wang Xuan contemted a more proactive approach in recing the super-material in his body and spirit. His gaze fixed on the deep abyss, harboring thoughts of harnessing the destructive red light that intermittently illuminated the void. This ce, a crucible of creation and annihtion, seemed an ideal ground for his audacious experiment, an opportunity to thrive amidst adversity and ascend to new heights. Armed with the sh God Banner, Wang Xuan left the Life Pool and stationed himself in the depths of darkness, patiently waiting for the return of the ominous crimson glow. Dayster, it reappeared a majestic, enveloping wave of red light, a celestial tide crashing against the shores of the void, its brilliance stark against the engulfing darkness. Wang Xuan knew better than to recklessly dive into the maelstrom. Using the sh God Banner as his shield, he cautiously retreated, keeping himself at the fringes of the crimson tide. He gingerly began to draw in the red substance, only to be met with excruciating pain. Just the slightest contact with the red material caused a portion of his spiritual force to disintegrate instantly, like a burning rope, the radiant red light consuming everything in its path. Silver light burst forth from Wang Xuan as a countermeasure, shing violently with the invasive red. In this brutal confrontation, he felt as though he was on the brink of explosion an ordeal akin to the torments of purgatory. The destructive power of the red haze was overwhelming, a pain beyond the endurance of most beings. "This is the agony of transcending limits," he thought, his body quivering under the strain. This was merely a test, a mere fraction of his spiritual power employed, and already he was caught between the desires for life and release from pain. In the throes of unbearable pain, Wang Xuan''s mind wandered, seeking distraction from the searing agony. He wondered if the recent events in the mortal world had any connection to his current ordeal. "What''s happening to those transcendent beings who returned from beyond the veil? Have they too felt the ripples of this cosmic struggle?" he pondered while enduring the mes that seemed to consume his very soul. "I must persevere, I am being reborn through fire!" he encouraged himself, clinging to his resolve amidst the inferno of pain. "The pain is unbearable, beyond any mortal suffering. It''s like falling into the depths of hell, but even more torturous," Wang Xuan thought, his spirit teetering on the edge of consciousness, numbed by the relentless assault. His mind drifted further, seeking any respite from the torment. "I wonder if the shockwaves have reached ''Old Zhang'' on the new moon? Has he been shaken off his celestial perch?" he mused, grasping at straws of distraction. "And what about the Red-clothed Demoness? Has she been jolted by these tremors? Imagine her performing a bewitching dance amidst this chaos. Ah, the pain is killing me!" Wang Xuan grimaced, trying to lighten his mood with these thoughts, but finding little relief from the relentless agony. Chapter 322: Collateral Damage Chapter 322: Coteral Damage Wang Xuan writhed in excruciating pain, feeling as though he was being yed alive. No distraction seemed to work anymore; even the thought of the Red-clothed Demoness performing an alluring dance lost its charm amidst his torment. He wished he could just scream out loud, to vent the unbearable agony. "I want to punch that fake ''Old Zhang''!" he thought deliriously, engulfed in the searing red glow. Wang Xuan twisted and turned, desperately trying different physical movements to alleviate his suffering. He even thought of the Sword Immortal Child, her chubby, childlike face, but the brief respite that brought was fleeting. The pain was unrelenting, and even imagining himself on the Exalted Boat, wielding the Ascension Banner, and harvesting celestial herbs did little to soothe his suffering. In his pain, he fantasized about challenging the entire universe, fighting every creature in existence. The intense agony seemed to bolster his courage, and he even considered challenging the mighty female alchemist. "This world is mine!" he cried out in his delirium, his mind seemingly fracturing under the strain. He felt as if he might explode at any moment. The experiment had pushed him to his limits, and the resplendent red mist threatened to engulf his very essence. Realizing he could no longer y with fire, Wang Xuan admitted his limits. Despite the excruciating ordeal, he knew it had tempered his spirit. Converting his pain into a surge of energy, he transformed into a streak of light and swiftly retreated from the hazardous area, his experiment at its end. Plunging into the Life Pond like a meteor, Wang Xuan felt the scorching red glow gradually extinguishing from his body, cleansed by the pond''s mystical waters. At that very moment, even the miniaturized Sword Immortal Child nestled in the distant barren mountains was jolted awake by a significant tremor that seemed to agitate the verynd. Disgruntled, she grumbled about being disturbed from her sleep. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan, now fully alert, was hit by a wave of realization and relief. He had narrowly escaped death. The red miasma had almostpletely consumed his spirit. Examining himself, he saw various ''scorch marks'' across his spiritual form, evidence of the harrowing ordeal he had just endured. It was a relief that the copious amounts of silver substance he had absorbed earlier had infused his spirit with a vital resilience against the destructive red mist. However, something unexpected happened. Without the aid of the Life Pond, the burnt areas of his spirit began showing signs of regeneration, sprouting tendrils of life. It was a moment of epiphany for Wang Xuan. He recognized the parallel between his experience and that of lightning-struck wood, known for its rare ability to endure and thrive following the devastation of a lightning strike. With a hint of irony, Wang Xuan mused over his newfound simrity to the precious material. Lightning-struck wood was a coveted item among both transcendent beings and wealthy mortals due to its rarity and value. "Have I essentially be a self-cultivated treasure?" he pondered, looking at his charred spiritual form. Despite the pain, he stood at the edge of the pond, observing his own recovery. The aura of rebirth enveloped him, signifying his resilience and the beginning of self-healing after his brush with annihtion. Enduring torturous trials beyond human limits, Wang Xuan faced a grueling ordeal that far surpassed the hardships of even the most austere ascetics. As the life force gradually settled and dissipated, he noticed some areas of his spirit remained ''charred.'' However, these damaged parts slowly healed, suggesting an increased resilience of his spirit. "There''s value in enduring boundless agony and honing oneself on the brink of death. Such extreme methods of cultivation are undoubtedly effective and toughening," he thought. But he also realized that this approach was perilous, bordering on self-annihtion, and not something everyone could withstand. Despite his fearless heart, Wang Xuan knew such practices were not to be taken lightly. Had it been anyone else, they might have perished early in the process. Returning to the pond, he immersed himself in its unparalleled vitality, restoring his spirit and eliminating potential risks. Wang Xuan felt confident that with repeated experiences akin to that of lightning-struck wood, he could advance to a higher realm, not just barely crossing the threshold, but reaching ater stage. As he recuperated in the pond, cleansing the ''scorch marks'' from his spirit, his physical body in the outside world was also undergoing a transformation. Initially damaged, it was now being caressed by silver light, brimming with life. Unknown to Wang Xuan, his physical body had faced its peril as well. As his spirit endured the red miasma, his physical body attracted faint traces of the same ominous red mist. Barely visible, these traces almost yed ayer of his skin! Had Wang Xuan known about the risky nature of this extreme cultivation method earlier, he might not have dared to proceed. It was akin to bungee jumping at the mouth of a dark abyss. Nevertheless, oblivious to the outside world, Wang Xuan embarked on another round of self-imposed trials. He healed himself and ventured back into the dark depths, once again courting the fine line between life and death as he awaited the red mists. After two such trials, he carried with him the mysterious silver animal skin book, inscribed with hundreds of characters. Each character had the remarkable ability to absorb copious amounts of the silver substance, further aiding in his daunting journey of self-cultivation. While Wang Xuan subjected himself to extreme and ruthless cultivation practices, the outside world was in constant turmoil and couldn''t find peace. In the realms of the Great Curtain, the roaming Yao Yao Boat was seen flying, and the Sword of the Mortal World reappeared, causing chaos across several celestial domains. Each realm''s supreme masters were in action, pursuing these ultimate treasures. In the real world, out in space, Chen Yongjie''s spirit left his spacecraft, braving the intense sr mes. His body radiated with the light of Buddha and the aura of a golden pill, illuminating the cosmos. "It''s strange, I keep getting affected by these tremors, which never happened before!" he eximed. After being engulfed by the intense sr fire again, he hastily retreated to his spacecraft, using his bodily vitality to extinguish the fire and escape the crisis. "Master, did you find a way out?" asked Qingmu from inside the spacecraft. "No, I was shaken quite badly. It couldn''t really be rted to that kid, could it?" Chen Yongjie wondered, suspecting that continuous tremors might cause him to lose his cultivation level. "Let''s hurry and find someone!" He decided to return, unable to withstand the disturbances that impeded his cultivation. Meanwhile, in a city on the Old Earth, Huang Ming, driving a car, suddenly started trembling violently, causing the car to shake. "Oh no, it''s happening again! I''m about to lose my cultivation level!" His face turned pale with fear, and Kong Yun, his passenger, was equally nervous. In a car following them, the well-known celestial singer Zhou Shiqi from the New Star also struggled to maintain her bnce as she stepped out of her vehicle. "Isn''t that the famous fairy singer recently popr on the New Star? She''s a transcendent being, what''s happening to her? Quick, take photos for the news." Back in the realm of nothingness, Wang Xuan was once again battered and bruised, refining parts of his spirit with strands of red mist. He felt a significant advancement in his strength. "My power is rapidly increasing. Time to heal and continue," he whispered to himself. "Extreme suffering and hellish cultivation naturally bring corresponding rewards." Soon, he resumed his journey. Back in the real world, as the spacecraft rapidly descended towards the ground, Guan Lin inside the ship felt anxious. "Old Chen, are you alright?" she asked. At that moment, Chen Yongjie, draped in a monk''s robe glowing with a soft red light, holding a white conch in his left hand and a soul-locking bell in his right, appeared serene and dignified as if in deep contemtion. "No worries, I feel it''s just the ceiling pressing down. I haven''t broken through it yet. Given my profound foundation, it''s not too severe," Chen Yongjie reassured everyone, despite the escting tension due to the constant tremors in the realms. The two groups of individuals sent by Heng Jun from the Great Curtain were utterly rattled. Thest couple of hours had been a nerve-wracking ordeal, chilling them to the core. "Is this turmoil caused by the battle for supreme treasures behind the Great Curtain?" someone asked, bitterness evident in their voice. "Probably," another person nodded, acknowledging the grim possibility. Another tremor struck, causing panic among them. "I''m on the brink of falling," onemented, clearly sensing their cultivation weakening. They feared a few more such shocks would strip them of their current realm, plummeting them from their lofty status. One of them spoke with a grave tone, "We need to negotiate with the relevant departments quickly, also with Chen Yongjie and Guan Lin. If we all fall from our current realm, we''ll lose our deterrent effect against the mortals and especially against their battleships." "Last time, we underestimated him, and I could feel his resentment. He''s hostile towards us. Should we eliminate him first?" another suggested. "Let''s focus on stability and initiate talks," was the consensus. The threat of falling from their cultivated status was a nightmare they couldn''t ignore. It was a brutal assault on their years of cultivation. Meanwhile, on the New Star, the demons were in dismay. The recent events seemed terribly unfair, considering they had just survived a catastrophic upheaval. Now, even the heavens seemed to be against them. On Old Earth, both the returned celestials and demonic beings felt the gravity of the situation, the atmosphere heavy with apprehension. In a secluded part of the cosmos, an ancient fox gazed skyward and sighed, "Is there no end to this? After years of arduous cultivation, I was ready to dominate the celestials, but enough is enough." It then had to resort to using its powerful techniques and cleansing itself with celestial fox blood. On Yuhua Star, among the most powerful sects, many looked towards an elderly man with a youthfulplexion and snow-white hair. As he exhaled a breath of white mist, hemented, "What is destined to decay cannot be stopped after all." On the Moon, "Old Zhang" set down his trembling teacup and stood up. He began practicing an extremely potent physical technique to stabilize himself. "Why does this keep happening?" he wondered. After calming down, he experienced another slight tremor and promptly took out a rusty bronze mirror, casting its mysterious reflective light onto himself for reassurance. Meanwhile, in a mystical realm, the red-dressed demoness, umbre in hand amidst the drizzle, began to dance gracefully. Her movements were elegant and fluid, yet they held immense power. With each graceful motion, lightning shed around her, enhancing her ethereal presence in the misty rain. Back on Old Earth, in the deste mountains, the miniaturized Sword Immortal was rudely awakened from her slumber as the ground shook beneath her. "Not again! These disturbances have been hindering my growth, even causing regression," she grumbled with annoyance. Sensing something amiss, she swiftly navigated underground with her sword, heading towards a specific location beneath the barren hills. Soon, she unearthed Wang Xuan. At that moment, the faint red mist around him was dissipating, giving way to a rising silver glow that caught her by surprise. She took a deep breath, finding the silver mist incredibly soothing. The miniaturized Sword Immortal couldn''t resist inhaling more of it, her chubby cheeks breaking into a contented smile. Chapter 323: Blending Into Reality Chapter 323: Blending Into Reality The miniaturized Sword Immortal drew closer to Wang Xuan, utterly captivated by the experience of the silver mist. With her eyes closed, she inhaled deeply again, seemingly intoxicated by the mist, which, though not inebriating, left her feeling slightly tipsy. Her small head swayed, and she felt as if she might float off the ground. Amazed, she wondered, "How can he, at his level, emit such mysterious substance?" Now fully awake and devoid of any sleepiness, she delightedly muttered, "I''ll just inhale a little bit more, just a little more..." She found the silver mist addictive. Rich with vitality and possessing extraordinary properties, it was irresistibly enticing. Without realizing, she moved closer to Wang Xuan, almost touching him, enveloped partially by the ascending mist. "Yuck, that''s disgusting," she eximed, recoiling quickly. Nearby Wang Xuan, she noticed some charred patches on the ground. These spots, shrouded in the silver mist, could easily be overlooked. "It looks like he''s been struck by lightning and shed ayer of skin," shemented, wrinkling her nose. With a wave of her hand, she flung those ckened materials and the affected soil up to the surface. Meanwhile, in the void, Wang Xuan sat meditating in the Life Pool, his vitality increasingly robust. He was startled to see changes on the nearby mound of soil where the Nine Cmities Lotus was nted. The new leaf and budding sprout of the nt, previously a vibrant green, now had hints of red at their edges. Astonished, he pondered, "Is the nt absorbing the red mist I emit each time I return?" Though he had purified the most destructive elements of the red mist through his cultivation, the fact that a mere nt could absorb it was remarkable. "This Nine Cmities Lotus is undergoing a mutation!" he thought, observing the nt closely. If this trend continued, the leaves might even start to shimmer with the colors of a sunset. Wang Xuan sensed that the distance between his Life Soil and his current location was narrowing. He was absorbing the silver mist, and simr wisps of silver were emanating from his Life Soil, continuously absorbed by the two Nine Cmities Lotuses. What intrigued him more was a faint sensation of his physical body. Although he couldn''t see it, he vaguely felt its presence. This didn''t surprise him, considering Chen Yongjie had mentioned that the silver substance was synchronizing within his physical body. His concentration intensified, and his spiritual eye scanned the surroundings. It was as if glimpses of time shed briefly before vanishing. Intrigued, he felt as if he had perceived the miniaturized Sword Immortal. It was more a sh of insight than a visual sighting, a mysterious instinct from his physical self, assuring him of no immediate danger. It seemed like there was a new, tiny presence beside him. Wang Xuan, immersed in thought in the pool, marveled at the mysteries of his physical and spiritual selves, now seemingly worlds apart. "Definitely worth exploring further," he muttered. Then, feeling slightly mischievous, he wondered if the Sword Immortal really was beside him. The thought of pinching her cogen-rich, baby-soft cheeks was quite tempting. As Qingmu''s small spacecraft flew over Ancheng and streaked across the sky, heading straight for the remote mountains and wilderness, he was on his way to the retreat location he had discussed with Wang Xuan over the phone. Inside the spacecraft, Chen Yongjie, despite being repeatedly shaken by the superhuman aftershocks, managed to maintain his realm without falling. The impact of these aftershocks seemed to be most severe on those at the "ceiling" of their realms, who were the first to be shaken down. "Low mountains stretch endlessly, a deste expanse," Chen Yongjie remarked as they approached their destination. "A mountain isn''t valued for its height, but for the immortals that dwell within," Qingmu replied, hinting at the presence of the miniaturized Sword Immortal in the area. Gu Lin also disembarked from the spacecraft with them. Chen Yongjie, with his sharp perception, immediately sensed familiar auras and traces of silver mist seeping from the ground ahead. He strode forward and, upon reaching the site, confirmed Wang Xuan''s presence underground, along with the miniaturized Sword Immortal. Chen Yongjie,cking the Spiritual Eye, could only sense part of the truth and was unable to see the true state of the Sword Immortal shrouded in the mist. "Why have youe here?" the miniaturized Sword Immortal asked, slightly annoyed at the constant disturbances in her sleeping spot. Just as they unearthed an "oddity," others followed, seemingly attracted to the curiosity. To Chen Yongjie''s surprise, upon arriving at the site and encountering the wisps of silver mist, he felt stabilized, free from the unsettling turbulence he had experienced earlier. Knowing that the Sword Immortal was nearby made him feel uneasy, recalling the time she had struck him with her celestial sword in the Inner Landscape. That experience had been so traumatic that he felt nauseous at the sight of swords for a while. After undergoing the Sword Immortal''s harsh training, Chen Yongjie''s swordsmanship had improved dramatically, a clear example of great pain leading to great gain. "Bowing to the Immortal!" Chen Yongjie greeted the miniaturized Sword Immortal with a formal gesture from the surface of the ground. "Sigh, since you''re here, you might as well sit down and absorb this strange substance. You''ll regret missing out," the diminutive Sword Immortal said listlessly. Chen Yongjie remained seated above ground, his mind anything but calm. He felt surprisingly stable here, no longer experiencing the unsettling tremors. He wondered if this was a mere coincidence or if it was somehow rted to Wang Xuan. The substance produced from Wang Xuan''s cultivation seemed extraordinary. Chen Yongjie then urged Qingmu and Gu Lin to sit down as well, thinking that if even the Sword Immortal didn''t care about appearances and rushed to Wang Xuan to absorb the silver mist, it must be worthwhile. At that moment, Wang Xuan''s body was radiating a faint silver glow, emitting strands of mist rich in vitality. The Sword Immortal spected, "Where has his spirit gone? Could he have identally entered a high-level spiritual world and collected some sacred substance, causing this phenomenon?" After a while, she abruptly leaped backward, coughing out a red sword aura from her little red mouth. "Pah, pah, pah! I was just praising him, and what is this?" sheined, continuously expelling air to rid herself of the red light, her chubby cheeks flushing red and her eyes widening in surprise. On the ground, Chen Yongjie reacted swiftly. Sensing the Sword Immortal''s distress, he immediately used his secret power to teleport Qingmu and Gu Lin a safe distance away. Chen Yongjie, engulfed by a sudden flush of red light that emerged from the ground, leaped up in pain, gasping sharply. His entire body turned red, his eyes widened in shock, and from his mouth burst forth mes. "What is this?" he eximed, startled by the intensity of the sensation. He then noticed the changes in Wang Xuan below. The silver glow and mist around Wang Xuan had dissipated, reced by a flow of red light. Wang Xuan''s body appeared slightly charred, as if his skin was being stripped away. Chen Yongjie didn''t flee. Instead, he vibrated with spiritual excitement, uttering tremulously, "This is the feeling I''ve been seekingthe burning pain like tearing apart. But this is exactly what I want!" Letting his spirit emerge, he carefully drew in a wisp of the red haze. Despite his excitement, he was cautious, drawing in only a tiny amount. His body reddened like a grilled shrimp, and his spirit seemed slightly ignited, almost self-immting. "My master... has gone mad again!" Qingmu remarked, recalling Chen Yongjie''s earlier attempt to rush towards the sun and use nuclear radiation for cultivation. Now, he seemed to have lost his senses again. "Yes, this is the sensation I''ve been looking for!" Chen Yongjie sat down in meditation, cautiously drawing in strands of red mist while simultaneously attracting sr fire. In his body, streams of golden elixir energy and particles of Buddha''s relics, the active substances, merged together. They were incinerated and tempered by the red mist, amalgamating into a new form of power. He understood that he was still not free from the traditional mythological system, but he had now taken a firm step on the path he envisioned. "Transformation won''t happen instantly; it must be gradual," he thought, as he integrated the sr fire into the mixture within his body. "Burn, remove the dross and preserve the essence!" His spirit plunged into the fray, refining himself in the fire. At this stage, he didn''t possess a golden elixir or Buddha''s relics, but the energy of the golden elixir and the active substances of the relics were being generated daily, rapidly umting within him. Chen Yongjie spoke out, "Qingmu, check the spaceship''s mid-level arsenal for any controble nuclear weapons. Dismantle and bring me some of the radiation." Gu Lin couldn''t hold back and said, "Old Chen, what are you thinking? Cultivation can''t be achieved overnight. Don''t be too radical!" "I know what I''m doing," Chen Yongjie replied determinedly. "In this era, not being aggressively progressive means getting left behind. The old, decaying path doesn''t work anymore; we need to venture into new territories." Reluctantly, Qingmu dismantled the smallest caliber weapon and handed it to Old Chen. Chen Yongjie took it and rushed off into the distance. He didn''t dare to be too radical and just ''sampled'' it a bit before returning. He then took out a real bone, opened the Inner Landscape, and sent Qingmu and Gu Lin''s spiritual bodies inside. He sat at the edge of the Inner Landscape, drawing a massive amount of mysterious factors into his body. Chen Yongjie''s body became like a testing ground, filled with elixir energy, relic substances, sr firelight, residual radiation energy, mysterious factors, and his returning spirit drawing in the red halo to smelt the mixed mass a veritable melting pot. On this day, Chen Yongjie truly pushed his limits, tempering himself with various energy substances. He activated two immortal bones twice, using the Inner Landscape to aid his cultivation. At times, he almost overcooked himself, barely holding on. When he couldn''t endure anymore, he would use the mysterious factors to purify and slow down the process, easing the burden. Below the ground, the miniaturized Sword Immortal blinked her big eyes in surprise, even she thought Chen Yongjie was pushing too hard, almost self-destructing. She herself was also experimenting, trying to transform the red light into sword light! "I should return now," Wang Xuan said, feeling that his period of cultivation shoulde to an end. At this moment, the outside world was shrouded in gloom, with many transcendent beings on the verge of tears, facing the inevitable. "I''ve fallen,"mented the beings sent by Heng Jun. They had ''broken the board'', but in reverse, falling from the state of Xiaoyao. On the surface of the earth, demons howled in anguish, unable to ept the reality of their situation. In the cosmos, on the of wizards, a dragon roared skyward, its massive body writhing in uncontroble rage. In the depths of space, on a deste, the seal within a bald mountain loosened, hinting at the emergence of a creature, followed by continuous roars of frustration. On the New World, Old Zhang stood still, facing the cosmic starry sky, his rust-streaked copper mirror covering his face, motionless for the time being. Deep under the Daxing''anling mountains, in a bamboo boat carved from a Feathered Divine Bamboo, a white-robed female sorcerer sat up, her entire being glowing, merging with the bamboo boat to create a surreal brilliance. In a secret realm, a red-clothed female demon''s sunset-like dress partially burst open, revealing her fair skin. She danced amidst the heavenly winds, with endless thunder transforming into her battle dress, mending the gaps in her red gown. Her thunderous battle skirt fluttered, casting dazzling light. In the deste mountains, the red light on Wang Xuan''s body disappeared, and his silver glow flowed again, finally calming down after a moment. In the Void, inside the Pool of Life, Wang Xuan stood up, satisfied with the results of his cultivation. His spirit had be more resilient and robust, unlike before. He was as if tempered a thousand times, brimming with vitality and a sharp aura, a result of bathing in countless wisps of red light. "Return," he dered. He stood up, pulling out the Divine ying Banner nted in the pool and retrieving the silver animal hide scroll, both of which had absorbed ample amounts of the silver substance. Then, he left without looking back. "Hopefully, when I return next time, the Nine Cmities Celestial Lotus will be safe and sound. If someone plucks it, that would truly be a tragedy in the human world..." To Wang Xuan''s surprise, his journey seemed to have shortened significantly. He no longer needed to rely on his spiritual eye to discern the direction of the drifting mist. In the distance, his original Life Soil and the two celestial herbs had be beacons guiding him home. Commanding the Divine ying Banner, he streaked through the dark cosmos like a star, returning in just two months to the side of the Life-Preserving Furnace. This not only drastically reduced his travel time but also conserved a significant amount of energy, allowing him to bring back more of the silver substance. The next moment, as his spirit and body merged, he immediately felt a surge of strength. He was startled to see a little being puffing her chubby cheeks near him, exhaling and then inhaling forcefully. Was this the manifestation of his distractions and imaginative thoughts in the Void, brought into reality? Instinctively and quite naturally, he reached out his right hand to gently pinch her baby-fat cheeks. Chapter 324: Acting At The Right Time Chapter 324: Acting At The Right Time After regaining consciousness, Wang Xuan naturally pinched what felt like a real, fleshy little face in his hand. The soft and bouncy cheek, full of baby-fat, surprised him with its tangible reality. The miniaturized sword fairy,pletely absorbed in inhaling thest of the silver mist, was caught off guard by Wang Xuan''s unexpected gesture. She opened her eyes wide in astonishment, staring at him in disbelief. Wang Xuan genuinely appreciated the pleasant feel of the soft, cogen-rich cheek in his hand. So, he couldn''t help but tug gently at the surprised little face, savoring the smooth sticity. The miniature sword fairy felt an urge to retaliate. Reacting swiftly, Wang Xuan''s left hand had already reached out naturally, mirroring his right. He gently tugged at both cheeks, finding the sword fairy''s wide-eyed, indignant expression quite endearing and amusing. Regaining his senses, Wang Xuan realized his blunder. He had just returned from two years in the Void and hadn''t fully adjusted yet. In his absent-mindedness, he had treated the renowned female sword fairy like a little girl. This was no ordinary child; she was a formidable figure, capable of soaring sword energies and challenging the likes of the red-dressed demon fairy. "Are you alright, fairy?" Wang Xuan quickly tried to think of ways to remedy the situation. He certainly didn''t mean any disrespect. Hispse was merely a result of his disorientation after returning to his physical body. But would the sword fairy believe him? He was not sure. "Let''s go!" On the ground, Chen Yongjie sensed something amiss and quickly ushered Qingmu and Guan Lin away. He knew better than to get caught in the crossfire of a potential sword fairy''s wrath. Why should they bear the brunt of Wang Xuan''s thoughtlessness? "I just saw Wang Xuan touching the sword fairy''s face," Qingmumented as they made their hasty retreat. Wang Xuan internally cursed Qingmu''s timing. It was toote now; the damage was done, and they were already far away. Wang Xuan could only hope to somehow exin himself to the sword fairy, hoping she would understand it was just a misunderstanding. Outside the mountain, the spacecraft set off towards An City. The distance of eight hundred li was quickly covered. At this time, Qingmu was in excellent spirits, having officially be a grandmaster. This achievement was partly due to Chen Yongjie using two genuine bones in the Inner Landscape to baptize him with mystical factors, allowing him to cultivate for "many years." Qingmu felt thrilled. After all, if even "Useless Qin Cheng" had stepped into this realm and he couldnt, it would be an embarrassment to continue on the path of ancient arts. Meanwhile, Guan Lin, with a higher cultivation level, was busymunicating with various organizations and departments, discussing and exchanging views. She informed Chen Yongjie that the Transcendent beings who had fallen from their high levels had talked with many people recently and would likely seek him out too. Lets observe and react ordingly. If they aren''t too excessive, Ill tolerate them. But if they push us too far, then well have to set some rules, said Chen Yongjie, his expression turning slightly cold. He surmised that most of these powerful beings must have fallen from their high levels. Once they drop from the Transcendent realm, everything changes. At this moment, Chen Yongjie had significantly improved in strength. The previous medicinal soil, heavenly herbs, and immortal nectar continued to propel his breakthroughs. He hadnt exhausted these powerful resources yet. After conducting various life-threatening experiments and spending years in the Inner Landscape, Chen Yongjie was nearing the sixth level. With the Soul-Locking Bell and Shakyamuni''s conch in his hands, he wasn''t intimidated by those who had fallen from their lofty realms. However, he sighed, probably guessing that Wang Xuan had made another substantial breakthrough, surpassing him by a whole realm. The fifth level is named ''Setting Path,'' but what is the name of the sixth level? At Qingmu''s estate outside An City, which also served as their organization''s branch, two individuals were already waiting for them. Seeing them, Chen Yongjie felt displeased. These were the same people who had calmly and dominantly looked down upon him in his study. Were they here again? The two individuals waiting for Chen Yongjie and his group had noticeably pale faces. Not long ago, they had coughed up blood incessantly, as if their foundations were shattered, causing them to fall from the Transcendent realm. We''re here to discuss cooperation again. This time there''s a significant project that promises mutual benefits, said a middle-aged man with gray hair, his voicecking strength. He appeared dispirited and somewhat weak, indicating the severity of his fall from the higher realm. Chen Yongjie inquired, What kind of cooperation? The gray-haired man exined in a low voice, Deep in the earth''s core, there''s a pce, but its seals remain formidable to this day. We need your help to st it open. Chen Yongjies heart skipped a beat. A pce near the earth''s core? The seals there must be incredibly strong, otherwise, these people wouldn''t need powerful weapons to break them. But could they just recklessly explode such a location? Tampering with the earth''s geological structure could potentially disintegrate the entire Old World! Guan Lin also frowned deeply. What were these people searching for? Not long ago, a jade stone house with decaying bodies inside had been excavated from deep within the earth''syers. Some of those decayed individuals had lived for over five hundred years, and some even over eight hundred years before dying, and their deaths were not due to natural aging. The decayed ones chose to stay in the mortal world despite being capable of ascension. They didn''t enter the Great Curtain and eventually sumbed to diseases, leading to their tragic deaths, the other man with purple hair added. The gray-haired man continued, But we suspect that in the grand underground pce at the earth''s core, there might still be living beings, considering that extremely powerful individuals had chosen to stay behind. This revtion was astonishing. Could it be that mythological beings with physical bodies had been residing in the mortal world all this time? The news stirred Chen Yongjie, Guan Lin, and Qingmu. The two men exined that the underground pce, although referred to as being at the earth''s core, was actually submerged in magma and not located at the''s core. Guan Lin suggested, You two could try to pull the pce out, and we can assist from the outside. She firmly opposed any direct action deep underground, fearing uncontroble explosions. The purple-haired man shook his head, exining that the pce was heavier than even thergest mountains and bound by numerous prohibitions, making it impossible to extract, even for Earth Immortals. Chen Yongjie was inclined to dismiss them, skeptical of the feasibility of extracting a pce that not even Earth Immortals could move. It sounded like a recipe for disaster. The gray-haired man, attempting to tempt them, mentioned that there might be celestial herbs in the pce, possibly even one or two nts, offering to share two petals of the herb if they seeded. Even Qingmu, who wasn''t well-versed in matters beyond the Great Curtain, sensed something amiss about the proposition. A pce containing celestial herbs suggested a location of immense significance and danger. Chen Yongjie tly refused the proposal, sensing either unimaginable terror or the presence of a formidable being lurking within the pce. He wanted to avoid conflict with these individuals, despite their insistence. The conversation shifted to a second proposal involving Wang Xuan. The men expressed a desire to meet him, suggesting that Wang''s secrets about his unique Inner Landscape were bing increasingly public. Chen Yongjie felt a growing concern about Wang Xuan''s safety, knowing hisrade was always a target of great interest to others. "I have no idea where he is; he''s gone into seclusion," Chen Yongjie responded, regarding the whereabouts of Wang Xuan. The purple-haired middle-aged man smiled and said, "Don''t worry, our supreme leader doesn''t need his guidance, as we have already acquired the Feathered Ascension Banner. We''ve heard that he possesses the God-ying Banner and want to see if we could borrow it to break into the underground pce." Chen Yongjie shook his head, reiterating hisck of knowledge about Wang Xuan''s current location. The purple-haired man stood up and approached Chen Yongjie, looking down at him with a dismissive attitude, just like their previous encounter. "You seem to be quite obstinate," he remarked. Qingmu couldn''t stand seeing his master being belittled and spoke out against their conduct. Ignoring Qingmu, the purple-haired man continued, "Do you have any other potential areas for cooperation?" Guan Lin interjected, trying to ease the tension. "We have no other proposals at the moment," replied the gray-haired man, his tone turning colder. He then suggested they could easily find Wang Xuan by visiting his parents in Pingcheng, hinting at the possibility of involving Wang Xuan''s ordinary human parents to get his attention. Chen Yongjie sternly warned against involving Wang Xuan''s family, stating that they were ordinary people and should not be entangled in such matters. The gray-haired man calmly suggested it would be better for everyone if Wang Xuan would just agree to meet with them privately. He mentioned the benefits of early contact with them, as they were backed by a supreme figure wielding a powerful treasure. The purple-haired man, still standing before Chen Yongjie, coldly advised him to think of his own safety and that of his wife, implying threats against Guan Lin. "In these chaotic times, one should adapt and not oppose the prevailing trends," he said, emphasizing the dangers for ordinary people. Qingmu angrily retorted, "You''re being far too aggressive!" The two men remained indifferent to Qingmu, clearly not considering him a significant threat. Chen Yongjie then softened his tone and suggested to Qingmu and Guan Lin to leave the room so he could talk privately with the two visitors. Guan Lin, concerned, hesitated but eventuallyplied with Chen Yongjie''s assurance that the two guests wouldn''t trouble him. Once they left, the atmosphere in the room changed slightly. With a faint smile, the purple-haired manmented on how good it was to have a private conversation. Chen Yongjie, however, confronted them directly, asking if they would target his family or Wang Xuan''s parents if their demands weren''t met. The gray-haired man denied such intentions, iming they only wanted tomunicate with their families. In contrast, the purple-haired man was more straightforward, admitting that if negotiations failed, they might have to resort to more extreme measures. Chen Yongjie used them of being too coercive. The purple-haired man maintained his calm demeanor, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the situation and aligning with the prevailing trends. Suddenly, the conversation took an unexpected turn. The purple-haired man''s face contorted in pain as he was abruptly pped across the face by Chen Yongjie. The force of the p was so strong that it shattered his facial flesh and knocked out three of his teeth. Chen Yongjie''s action was as swift as lightning, fierce and violent, his sudden outburst catching both menpletely off guard, their hearts pounding with shock and no prior indication of his move. Simultaneously, as Chen struck out with a p, a burst of crimson brilliance filled the room, resembling a great sun in the sky. This was the power of a cassock, the third most potent treasure in Chen''s possession, left behind by a Bodhisattva. Its formidable power transformed the room into a small red cosmos, trapping both men inside. Reacting with astonishing speed, especially the purple-haired man who had just been pped, was seething with murderous intent. The audacity of a mere mortal from the mundane realm daring to insult him! "Die!" he roared. A maelstrom of transcendent substances erupted, as he unleashed a barrage of his deadliest techniques, a dazzling intery of light and darkness, all aimed at Chen Yongjie. Regardless of the myriad spells unleashed, Chen Yongjie had only one response. He activated the Lock Soul Bell, which he had refined. Instantly erging, it rang out with a resonant ng, engulfing the purple-haired man and all his sophisticated arts. Inside the bell, muffled groans and screams could be heard, testament to the bell''s devastating effect. The grey-haired man, too, had made his move, but he was met with a snow-white conch shell, another fearsome relic left behind by Buddha Sakyamuni. Blowing into the conch, Chen released heavy Swastika symbols, each heavy as a mountain. They pummeled the grey-haired man relentlessly, causing him to cough up blood. Both men, having just suffered a demotion to the early stages of the ninth rank, were severely weakened. Now facing Chen Yongjie, who had just made a breakthrough and was burning with both rage and a desire for vengeance, they were no match for his ferocity. "I''ve tolerated you for a long time, daring to threaten my family. Since a confrontation is inevitable, I''ll end you right here!" Chen Yongjie''s spirit resonated with overwhelming killing intent. Outside, Qingmu, recognizing the gravity of the situation, shouted, "Master is taking action!" Knowing Chen Yongjie well, he and Guan Lin had anticipated such a confrontation. Swiftly, Qingmu rushed in, armed and ready for battle. Meanwhile, Guan Lin had already maneuvered a small warship to take flight, locking onto their location in a well-coordinated effort. However, their concerns were unfounded. The battle inside the room had already concluded. Chen Yongjie, with a couple of swift moves, had decapitated both men using the Great ck Sword and obliterated their souls with the Lock Soul Bell. Calmly, he stepped outside, holding the severed heads. With aposed demeanor, Chen Yongjie ordered, "Clean up the scene and erase any traces. Just say those two left on their own. We''ll keep this under wraps for now; time is on our side." Chapter 325: Weathering A Tribulation Chapter 325: Weathering A Tribtion "Seeking benevolence, they found benevolence; seeking a hammer, they received a hammer," Chen Yongjie said, discarding the severed heads. These two had crossed his bottom line, targeting Guan Lin and Wang Xuan''s parents. The only solution to such deep-seated worries was elimination. Qingmu quickly cleaned up the battlefield, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Previously, the two victims had been incredibly arrogant, ignoring his attempts tomunicate. Their dismissive attitudes towards him, viewing him as lesser, had fueled his anger. "Master is formidable!" Qingmu eximed before asking in a low voice if the troubles caused by transcendent beings in the Old World would now cease to be a problem. Chen Yongjie shook his head, "I relied on top-tier artifacts. To suppress beings of that caliber on my own, I''m still not quite there." He needed another level of advancement to confidently handle such beings. He scoffed, "Their mentality hasn''t changed; they''ve fallen from the Exalted Realm and still look down on us. In the end, they underestimate the mortal world." Guan Lin approached, relieved. The pressure of two mighty beings joining forces against Chen Yongjie had made her fear for his safety. "We still need to be cautious; there are quite a few transcendent beings from the Old World." Chen Yongjie nodded, finding somefort in knowing that there were few legendary artifacts like the ones he possessed, and Hengjun hadn''t bestowed any supreme bloodlines that could counter the Lock Soul Bell and the conch. However, the situation remained delicate; the Old World housed many beings from the Great Curtain, not all hostile, butplex enough to potentially cause chaos. "I hope time passes quickly. The burdens we bear might lighten as time goes on." Chen Yongjie suspected that the frequent and intense tremors in the decaying mythological system, hastening its demise, might be rted to Wang Xuan''s search for a new path. Qingmu asked if they should inform Wang Xuan about the recent developments, especially since the attackers were after him and the mythical artifact he possessed, the Decapitating God g. "Let''s not distract him for now. We''ll discuss it when he returns," Chen Yongjie suggested. He hoped that Wang Xuan could indeed forge a mature path to suppress the decayed immortals. For now, staying hidden and low-profile was the best course of action. At this stage, since Chen Yongjie had already taken action, it was best for him to bear the burden for the time being, drawing the attention of the transcendent beings and focusing their scrutiny on himself. Possessing the Lock Soul Bell, he was undoubtedly an object of desire for those beings. The persistent attention from the now-deceased duo indicated they had long been eyeing such powerful artifacts in his possession. Chen Yongjie felt the pressure intensifying. After helping Qingmu clean up the scene, he sat in his study, deep in thought, recognizing the need to be stronger. Guan Lin''s expression was tinged with worry, understanding fully the gravity of Chen Yongjie''s situation. By taking on this role, he was buying time for Wang Xuan and acting as a shield. If the likes of great demons and exalted immortals were to focus on him, the danger would be immense. She took proactive measures, contacting people in Pingcheng to ensure their defenses were up. All detection systems were activated, and super-heated weapons were readied for immediate use. The stakes were high, and they couldn''t afford to be caught off guard. In the deste mountain range, buried beneath the soil, Wang Xuan had prepared himself for a possible onught of sword light from the miniaturized Sword Immortal. However, to his surprise, she abruptly fled through an underground tunnel, vanishing in an instant. Before she left, Wang Xuan was still pinching her chubby cheeks, releasing only after inadvertently stretching them slightly. Wang Xuan was puzzled by her hasty retreat but was relieved not to be on the receiving end of a fierce attack, given her reputation as a top-tier sword immortal who dared to challenge even the most formidable beings. He then focused on introspection, consolidating his cultivation and observing various elements like Life Soil, Celestial Medicine, and the silver substance. It dawned on him that the Sword Immortal''s quick escape was probably due to his possession of the Spiritual Heavenly Eye. She might have fled to avoid his prying gaze. Wang Xuan''s recent breakthrough was profound. He had leaped from thete stages of the fifth segment directly to thetter stages of the sixth segment, marking an intense and significant advancement. He carefully reflected on this process and validated his cultivation practices. After a thorough analysis and reinterpretation of the old and new paths based on the notes and experiences from Zheng Wu, he gained a deeper understanding. Reflecting on his risky and extreme methods, akin to walking a tightrope at the entrance to hell, he acknowledged the close calls with the destructive red mists. Yet, the rewards were substantial: a breakthrough in his realm and a significant enhancement in both his spiritual and physical strength. During his profound introspection, Wang Xuan gained a deeper understanding of the realm of human existence, gradually viewing this grand domain from a higher perspective. The nine stages of the human world are fundamentally about transcending the self within the mortal realm, undergoing a series of transformations to reach beyond the ordinary. From the beginning, through the present, and into theter stages of the ninth segment, this journey is intrinsically tied to both spirit and body. "In the world of mortals, stepping into the transcendent is just the beginning. The initial umtion leads to a pinnacle from which a transformative leap is possible, eventually soaring to new heights." This is Wang Xuan''s interpretation of the new path, differing from the old mythological system. He has been experimenting with himself as a test subject, seeing the human world as a stage of early umtion. The focus is on constantly seeking strength and enhancing oneself. The deeper the foundation, the more intense the eventual transformation. Discovering the silver substance has been a significant boost for him. Moreover, his daring attempts to draw in the red mists and refine his spirit in hopes of ultimately harnessing this dangerous power reflect his pursuit of new sources of strength for rapid self-improvement. "I need to find more and stronger powers in the human world," Wang Xuan believes. Despite the extreme danger of the red light, he is determined to harness it. In his Life Soil, the silver mist pervades, and the Celestial Medicine exudes a more potent aura of vitality than ever, indicating a more robust and substantial Life Soil - a manifestation of his increased strength. After introspecting, Wang Xuan''s spirit bes externalized, allowing him to see the surface above and the burnt remnants of his skin and clothing. Wang Xuan inhaled sharply, realizing for the first time the extent of the suffering his physical body had endured. The burnt scars were evidence of the grave trials he had faced. This observation led him to a profound insight: there exists a mysterious and transcendent connection between the spirit and the body, one that defies conventional understanding. In Wang Xuan''s body, the silver substance had reced most of the super-material, now permeating his flesh and imbuing it with enhanced transcendent properties. This synergy between his spirit and body, where the silver substance flowed instantly from the former to thetter, had achieved the effect he had envisioned. Upon his return, he felt no weakness, a testament to the efficacy of this new transcendent material he had brought back in abundance. Wang Xuan spent two full days and nights in contemtion,paring his experiences with the existing mythological paths and reaping significant insights. It was only after this period of reflection that he stood up, crushed the burnt remnants of his skin into dust, and disposed of them, leaving no trace of his ordeal. He had narrowly escaped death, but in that brush with mortality, he had found opportunity. Transnting the Celestial Medicine and bathing in the red mists was akin to undergoing a tribtion. Contemting a name for this sixth stage of the human world, he realized that it was more about transforming tribtion into gain, discovering new transcendent powers, rather than just enduring hardship. Thus, he decided to call this realm Transformative Tribtion. Emerging from underground, his clothes burned away, Wang Xuan leaped into a nearby pool beneath a waterfall, cleansing himself. The sshing water and swirling silver mist highlighted his strong, well-built body, which shimmered under the sunlight. After dressing, he concluded this period of cultivation. His understanding of this stage in the human world was clear: it wasn''t just about arduous cultivation secluded from the world but also aboutprehending the realities of the mortal realm. Having pushed both his spirit and body to their limits, Wang Xuan recognized the need for bnce. Continuously forcing the extraction of potential might not bode well for future growth. This experience underlined the importance of harmony between exertion and rest, between the spiritual and the physical, in the journey of cultivation. In fact, Wang Xuan wanted to observe and wait a bit longer, to see if the Celestial Medicine he had nted would be stolen by anyone. "If no one enters that deste and silentnd, then I can continue to explore and transnt Celestial Medicine in other safe sections," he spected. He surmised that where his footsteps reached, where the Celestial Medicine thrived, the etherealnd gradually gained vitality, and perhaps, he might even be able to instantly return to his own Life Soil in a thought. Maybe, the process of exploring and seeking new paths was actually the expansion of his Life Soil, growingrger, and approaching the realm of reality. What would happen when the illusory and the real converged? "As the gradually decaying mythological systemes to an end, do I still have time?" Wang Xuan mused, his heart feeling slightly heavy as he left the ce. However, he also harbored a sense of anticipation, having found the beginning of a new path. He decided not to disturb the sword fairy, letting the little one continue to slumber, to grow quickly so that he could bring her back from behind the great curtain when the time was right. "I wonder what I will encounter crossing the deadly barrier the meteorite crater. It would be great to find more Celestial Medicine. nting it along the way seems to have no small benefits." On his way back, he thought about his cultivation. The Celestial Medicine was mysterious, disappearing from his body and nted in the etherealnd; indeed, one could never have too much of such medicine. Wang Xuan walked at a leisurely pace, paying attention to the conditions of each ce. In a mountain range about five hundred miles away, he saw an old man clearing thend and sowing medicinal herbs. This being was a Transcendent of the seventh level, evidently one who had returned from beyond the great curtain. When Wang Xuan approached to greet him, the figure was amiable and recognized Wang Xuan as a fellow transcendent, engaging in a calm conversation with him. "The great curtain is about to extinguish, and I harbor no grand ambitions. Although my realm has fallen, I am content to be back. In this life, I only wish to be an ordinary person," the being expressed. Tired of conflict and disinterested in scheming, he sought a piece of tranquility in the mortal world, where he could read scriptures, tend to flowers and nts, and peacefully live out his life. Wang Xuan was initially surprised, but then he understood. What hadn''t such a person experienced? He must be an ancient immortal who, after experiencing splendor, now only desired to experience the quiet beauty of the mortal world. Perhaps, this was the true essence of an immortal filled with celestial aura. But who can truly define it? Some believe immortals should be ethereal and detached from worldly disputes. Yet, looking at the ancient texts, which of them truly lived like that? "The notion of a transcendent, self-forgetful immortal, detached from material things, is but a beautiful figment in the minds of mortals," Wang Xuan mused, shaking his head. Even in the scriptures, immortals are ranked in hierarchies. Buddhism speaks of the equality of all beings, yet there are distinctions between Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats, who receive offerings and worship. Along his journey, Wang Xuan encountered more immortals and demons. Indeed, some chose to live in seclusion in the wilderness, seemingly having detached themselves from the worldly realm, at least for the moment. However, some immortals and demons were active in cities, integrating themselves into this era and relishing the vibrant life amidst the bustling mortal world. For instance, some demon immortals had be celebrities, returning even before those from the New World, basking in widespread adoration and poprity, almost forgetting their true identities. There were also gods who lived hidden among the masses, possessing immense strength but not causing trouble or disying their transcendental powers, just quietly living their lives. What the future holds for them, no one knows. Wang Xuan was aware that there had been another tremor a few days ago, causing the Transcendents of the breaking-threshold level to fall from the Exalted Wander realm, nearly descending to the eighth level. However, in some bustling cities, he saw beings at the pinnacle of the ninth level living ordinary lives, which surprised him greatly. He suspected these might be some ancient immortals with significant backgrounds. "The world beyond the curtain is shrouded in mystery, always having ways and means to allow them to retain their strength to the greatest extent and embark on the journey back." The most likely situation, he thought, was that the old covenant was also gradually loosening. Wang Xuan was vignt, realizing that the truly formidable figures were only beginning to emerge. Ancient immortals, renowned in the old times, were undoubtedly extremely powerful. Yet, the journey''s observations made him breathe a sigh of relief. Overall, while not every corner of the Old World was popted by immortals and demons, a significant number were present, but most were low-profile. If all the immortals and demons were like this, the world would have far less chaos. Of course, these beings might also be biding their time, not wanting to be the first to stick their necks out, quietly waiting for future opportunities and changes. "In the present world, whether humans or immortals and demons, everyone is crossing their own paths. Ways of living differ, goals differ, and it''s hard to say who is more detached." As Wang Xuan approached Ancheng, he sensed the undercurrents beneath its calm surface. Not all the returned beings were content with the status quo; some immortals and demons had grand designs. Wang Xuan returned to Qingmu''s estate, a branch of the Secret Path organization. Upon his arrival, Qingmu immediately briefed him on recent events, leaving Wang Xuan astonished by the news of an ancient pce deep in the earth''s core harboring Immortal Herbs and ancient powerhouses who had chosen not to ascend to immortality. Wang Xuan''s anger red when he learned that agents sent by Hengjun had threatened his parents. "Good riddance," he remarked in approval of their demise, setting a necessary precedent. He inquired about Chen Yongjie''s whereabouts and learned that his mentor had been in Pingcheng and was due to return soon. That afternoon, Chen Yongjie arrived, bearing the grim news of having in eight beings who had fallen from the breaking-threshold level. He ryed that immortals and demons across the Old World were increasingly blending into the modern era, either genuinely integrating or biding their time. However, Hengjun''s faction remained arrogantly dominant, believing themselves invincible under the protection of a supreme being and the Ascendant Banner. Chen Yongjie informed Wang Xuan of the threats in Pingcheng and the danger to his parents, which had prompted him to eliminate eight formidable opponents. Wang Xuan was furious but quickly regainedposure. He decided it was time to take a proactive stance, considering meeting with ''Old Zhang'' and the female herbalist who had been awaiting his approach. He pondered the possibility of a significant move, even considering an alliance with certain forces from beyond the curtain to eradicate Hengjun''s faction if necessary. Acknowledging his enhanced strength, Wang Xuan felt it was time to visit the female herbalist in the Great Khingan Range area and invite ''Old Zhang'' from the New Moon to discuss establishing rules for the human world. Chapter 326: It’s Hard To Become An Immortal Chapter 326: It¡¯s Hard To Be An Immortal Wang Xuan''s decision to meet with "Old Zhang" and the female herbalist wasn''t impulsive but a well-considered move. He believed that both individuals, along with the formidable Red Clothed Demoness, were closely monitoring him, waiting for the right moment to make contact. Wang Xuan surmised that these powerful beings, each potentially a hunter in their own right, were also on his list for cautious engagement or counter-hunting. He spected that their recent silence might be due to their involvement in the fiercepetition for treasures beyond the curtain, keeping their primary selves from returning to the Old World for the time being. Chen Yongjie revealed that Wang Xuan''s parents had been given powerful talismans for protection by a formidable figure from the Old World. These talismans automatically defended them, thwarting an attempt to coerce them when an assant was inexplicably reduced to ashes upon approach. Surprised, Wang Xuan learned from his father that these talismans were gifted by a mysterious man, with strict instructions never to lose them. Qing Mu, half-jokingly, expressed his envy and puzzlement about not receiving such gifts himself, subtly hinting at potentialplications in this situation. Wang Xuan, somewhat relieved yet vignt, realized that many were eyeing him, and he could handle additional attention as long as his parents remained uninvolved. He acknowledged theplexity of his situation, with numerous debts and individuals interested in his abilities. Chen Yongjie advised caution, suggesting that there was no immediate need to seek out the female herbalist or Old Zhang, as Hengjun was unlikely to cross over soon. He expressed concern, knowing that both individuals were invincible in their respective realms and capable of battling in others'' domains. Wang Xuan disagreed with Chen Yongjie''s cautious approach, advocating for a more proactive strategy. He believed it was the right time to forge alliances and set boundaries, to prevent any sudden upheavals, such as an unexpected move from Hengjun catching everyone off guard. Determined to teach a lesson to those who, despite falling from the state of transcending the mundane world, still looked down upon the earthly realm with disdain, Wang Xuan''s resolve was firm. "Those who have fallen from their high status? I''ll ensure their downfall isplete!" he dered, fuming with the intent to exact retribution on anyone daring to threaten his family. Chen Yongjie advised discretion, suggesting Wang Xuan maintain a low profile while he, now in the spotlight, could provide cover. "I know my limits," Wang Xuan assured, resolute in his decision to subtly eliminate those who threatened his family, instilling a sense of fear and respect in his adversaries. Meanwhile, in the world beyond the veil, a scene unfolded on a battlefield strewn with destruction and fear. A woman in red crossed the terrain, her presencemanding respect and fear from celestial beings and demons alike, all of whom averted their eyes and bowed their heads in her presence. This woman, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, her ck hair billowing, traversed the battlefield alone, her very existence causing trepidation among the immortals. In a recent battle for the celestial sword, she had decisively in a peerless master, drenching the earth in exalted blood, sending shockwaves through the celestial realms. This battlefield, soaked in crimson and littered with shatteredndscapes, was a testament to the disintegration of that powerful being, a sight that resonated fear across the heavens. The woman shed with the ancient demon Qi Yi and briefly engaged with Ling Luanxian, a preeminent figure among the true immortals, showcasing her formidable prowess. On the horizon, beyond the battlefield, three peerless masters arrived with their retinues of celestial beings, yet they made no attempt to confront the woman who had just emerged victorious from intensebat. Even amongst the demon ranks, many yearned to worship her, some followers of the demon ancestor contemting a shift in allegiance to rally under this formidable female demon''s banner. The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal furrowed her brows in contemtion, her stunning face reflecting deep thought. The Celestial Sword had appeared abruptly several times and had once again brushed past her, vanishing into the azure void. Returning to her own sacred ground, where the air was saturated with celestial energy, she found herself in an enchanting world. Here, buds of the Dao of Immortality bloomed, radiating auspicious clouds, while the grass carpeted the ground like jade, and divine rainbows intertwined. Even the mountains and rivers shimmered with a gentle, flowing light. A plump-faced young girl approached her, bounding energetically with a wide smile and eyes squinting in delight. The reason for her joy was the recent victory of their leader, the Female Demon Immortal, who had single-handedly decimated a powerful faction, even ying the top expert of that realm. The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal nced at her and said, "The absence of immortals, the retreat of the transcendent, all achievements and past glories are but clouds scattered by the wind." Lost in thought, she mused, "I often wonder if the real ''us'' died two or three thousand years ago, and bing immortal was just a grand illusion." The round-faced girl murmured in response, "How could that be? We did be immortals. You even became the Demon Sovereign. And in the mortal world, your body and my true bone still exist. If we return, we can manifest again in reality." "Perhaps bing immortal is an illusion, and leaving behind our true bodies or bones is just a preparation for a future awakening. Maybe our true selves are actually in the mortal world. Is that it?" The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal looked up at the vast firmament, contemting. "Why are you like this?" eximed the round-faced girl, surprised and innocent in her demeanor, a contrast to her usual formidable presence as the mighty White Tiger Demon Immortal. "Bing immortal shouldn''t be like this," the Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal continued. "I''ve been pondering the line between illusion and reality. Historically, the real us must have suffered great setbacks. The ancients left only their true bones, waiting to be reawakened. It''s like grass surviving through a fire, resiliently holding onto its roots, waiting for rebirth. Everything in the celestial world is destined to fade away like ashes of catastrophe, just extensions of our chaotic thoughts and a sliver of our spiritual consciousness." "I''m scared, please don''t frighten me," the White Tiger True Immortal said nervously, her round face filled with unease. "Go to the mortal world," the Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal suddenly instructed, sitting by a clear spring under a divine tree, her fingers gently strumming a zither. The melodious music was soothing, touching the very soul. "Ah? I have to go there now?" the round-faced girl eximed in surprise. "Divide a part of yourself and send it to the mortal world. The mortal world is destined to be real. You should start preparing there early," said the Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal, ying her zither. The hazy world around them seemed to split open, and the celestial veil trembled lightly. A part of the White Tiger True Immortal was directly divided, forming another version of her next to the original. She had flesh and a spirit, showcasing the Female Demon Immortal''s remarkable abilities. This was done to prevent her from being torn apart when crossing realms, as it''s difficult for a powerful primary form to transfer entirely. "I''m going to the real world?" The round-faced girl was excited, then puffed up in anger, her eyes shooting out beams of divine light. "That guy, wait and tremble! He tricked me out of the extraordinary medicine soil given by the Demon Sovereign and bullied me with a sword in the inner realm. Liar, I''m descending, shiver in fear!" The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal reminded her that she wasn''t going in her full primary form and might not be able to defeat the ''bad guy'' she mentioned. "How could it be possible that I''m not his match and will lose to him?!" she protested. The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal nodded and assigned her some tasks, leaving the round-faced girl speechless. As the light rain blossomed, the ancient pact weakened further, and the celestial veil was torn by the zither strings. Amidst the shes of lightning and pouring rain, the round-faced girl was sent to the mortal world. "Perhaps one day, a real and vast transcendent world will emerge. Who will be there to witness it?" murmured the red robed female demoness, her music echoing as the zither notes tore through the celestial veil. Chapter 327: An Earth Immortal Chapter 327: An Earth Immortal In An City, amidst a gentle drizzle characteristic of early summer, the trees lining the roads thrived with lush, freshly-washed green leaves. Walking in the light rain, Wang Xuan approached the city''s famousndmark Yun Lake, his thoughts drifting away with the misty rain. Once, he had kicked Wu Yin into thiske, but his visit today wasn''t for nostalgia; it was to hunt immortals. Hengjun, indeed a peerless powerhouse who first acquired a divine treasure, had sent overly arrogant people to the mortal world. Even now, some hadn''t adjusted their attitudes, still looking down on the mortal world, not seeing its inhabitants as their equals. These individuals, believing they had ascended to immortality, felt superior, existing on a different ne of life. "Old Chen killed two people outside his manor in An City and has been hunting in secret in Pingcheng. Perhaps because he''s been so covert, you''re unaware some of yourpanions are already dead? You think they''re still wandering the world." This faction had repeatedly crossed the line, and following the previous incident, someone hade to An City again, seeking Wang Xuan and demanding the God-ying Banner. Wang Xuan decided to act personally. In the evening mist, Yun Lake was still bustling with people strolling in the rain, umbres in hand, creating a picturesque, poetic scene. The rain grew heavier, darkening the sky andke. Droplets sshed on the water, forming a fine mist, and the number of people boating on theke quickly dwindled. He spotted a person, likely one of his targets, who was boating on theke. The individual, standing at the bow of a bamboo boat in the rain, exuded an ethereal charm. "It''s you!" From afar, the person sensed Wang Xuan''s arrival. Amidst the foggyke, he stood still, but his bamboo boat automatically broke through the water''s surface, heading towards the shore. Near the shore were numerous retro-style buildings, recreating the ambiance of ancient dynasties, which was why this person hade here. Wang Xuan revealed himself intentionally, waiting for the man to approach. As the rain intensified and the world around them grew dimmer, the droplets hit theke, creating a haze, and the number of boaters quickly decreased. "Dark clouds like ink yet to obscure the mountains, white raindrops like pearls chaotically entering the boat." The man arrived, looking quite distinguished, around forty years old, resembling an ancient schr who had lived into this era. "Wang Xuan, right? We''ve been looking for you for a long time, to borrow the God-ying Banner," he said, standing calmly and confidently on the bamboo boat amidst the rain curtain, his hands sped behind his back. As the rain grew heavier, the poetic scenery of misty rain could no longer retain the boaters, who ran towards the city. The wind grew stronger, flipping umbres inside out. The hustle and bustle of the area disappeared in an instant, and the mortal world''s hustle faded away. Wang Xuan looked at the man and asked, "And if I refuse to lend it?" "Then we''ll borrow your head first!" The man pointed, and with a thunderous roar, lightning appeared, strikingly bright, aiming directly at Wang Xuan. He had a right to be self-assured, as his method was "overqualified," capable of dealing with top-tier transcendents. He was borrowing the force of nature itself. This wasn''t just lightning released from a transcendent''s body but rain-thunder he summoned, which could kill Wang Xuan instantly, turning him into charred remains. However, Wang Xuan''s spiritual heavenly eye and his unimaginably keen senses had already foreseen the man''s intentions. He disappeared from the spot before the man could even lift his finger. "In ancient times, thiske was known as Thunder Lake, bearing the traces of a peerless powerhouse battling a heavenly tribtion. You can''t hide!" the man in theke said coldly. Every word he uttered was a potent psychic assault, also a maniption of the natural forces of heaven and earth. He practiced the Invoking Tribtion Technique, perfect for battle in rainy weather, with Thunder Lake being his ideal battleground, not just a scenic spot to admire. Beams of light fell from the sky onto theke, like burning meteors crashing down from outer space. Wang Xuan was moved; this was an outrageous opponent, exhibiting an extremely exquisite, near-wless transcendental technique, summoning lightning strikes that ordinary people simply couldn''t withstand. In an instant, theke surface exploded, beams of light fell in swathes from the clouds, reminiscent of ancient sorcerers summoning countless meteors to strike the earth. Theke was dense with lightning, as if the sun itself was plummeting down. However, Wang Xuan, with his spiritual heavenly eye and innate advantage in understanding and utilizing techniques, saw through the man''s various tactics and follow-up moves. Wang Xuan, like a divine light, appeared amidst the thunder, dodging multiple times and rapidly crossing over. He stepped through the scene wrapped in silver substances, appearing beside the bamboo boat, standing at its stern. "Using power that exceeds your own strength, a technique that breaks through the ceiling, can''t be easy, can it?" Wang Xuan asked. "You don''t understand, leveraging the forces of nature with a slight cost, the consumption isn''t much," the man said. With a thunderous sound, a light curtain fell, shattering the entire bamboo boat into ash, leaving no remnants. "I have read about this Invoking Tribtion Technique. Thank you for demonstrating it, allowing me to fullyprehend its essence," Wang Xuan spoke sincerely, having understood the nature of the technique, indeed capable of leveraging higher-level forces. The opponent was strong, but constantly invoking high-level thunder left gaps in his defense that widened over time, unable to stop Wang Xuan''s approach. On theke, amidst sparks of electricity, the two shed, fighting fiercely amid falling thunder and light rain, with the fog on theke surface churning with the wind and rain. Wang Xuan didn''t use any secret treasures, fighting hand-to-hand with the nine-stage powerhouse. With a sound, the final sh of electricity vanished, and tranquility returned to theke. Only Wang Xuan remained, his transcendental substance steaming, standing on an empty boat, as the tourists had long since departed. The man was not only killed but also turned into ash by the lightning, bringing a swift end to the confrontation. The disturbance here was noticed by someone in the distance who appeared at the shore of Yun Lake and then submerged into the water. Wang Xuan, standing on the small boat in theke, suddenly turned around. A terrifying dark shadow emerged underwater, a massive creature swiftly approaching. He formed his fingers into a de, slicing through theke, revealing the back of a ck serpent, menacing in the water. The creature was so thick that four men couldn''t wrap their arms around it. Its scales were asrge as cattail fans, and as its head rose, opening its bloody maw with apanying red mes, it lunged to bite Wang Xuan. This was another nine-stage entity, resembling a huge snake, almost a dragon, with horns on its head, stirring up towering waves in the mist. With a swish, Wang Xuan disappeared from the boat and reappeared forty meters away on theke''s surface, punching towards the side of the serpent''s head. Despite appearing smallpared to the gigantic snake, his dominating force was no less potent, sending the serpent crashing into theke, scales and blood scattering into the water. The serpent hissed, surging from theke, revealing a section of its body tens of meters high above the water. Transcendental substances spread around, and its techniques swept across. Wang Xuan raised his hand, pointing a finger at it. Suddenly, as if a meteor from outer space plummeted down, trailing a long tail of light, it plunged into Yun Lake. Boom! That was a spherical lightning, Wang Xuan had used the Invoking Tribtion Technique, drawing on the terrifying power naturally existing in nature, scattering the serpent''s various techniques, and striking its body. Instantly, the serpent''s flesh burst open, revealing white bones, some even shattered. Wang Xuan teleported, vanishing from dozens of meters away to appear above the serpent''s head, crouching slightly before hammering a punch onto its skull. With a piercing scream, the serpent''s thick skull shattered and was prated, its blood mixing with the rainwater and falling into theke. The serpent rapidly shrank, transforming into a woman, trying to escape from Wang Xuan''s grasp. "If you were the mythical White Snake, I might have spared you, but you''re not. You coveted my Divine ying Banner to kill me." Wang Xuan raised his right hand, leveraging the formidable power of nature. A bolt of lightning struck down, engulfing the woman in a thunderous explosion. This was a truly "over-the-top" disy of power. The woman exploded into ashes, vanishing from theke''s surface. To herst moment, she found it hard to believe. How could a mere six-stage entity from the mundane world physically eliminate her, a nine-stage powerhouse? After all, she was no ordinary being. Moreover, in such a short period of time, Wang Xuan had mastered the extraordinarily unique scripture, the Invoking Tribtion Technique. Wang Xuan strode across theke surface, standing silently at the shore for a long time. His spiritual eye surveyed the area, noticing several transcendental beings hastily retreating, indicating their non-hostility. Zhou Shiqi and several other women from prominent families in the otherworld were in a nearby retro-style building. They came to the Old Earth and entered Yun City with a purpose, knowing Wang Xuan could guide people back. They wanted to get close and form a good rtionship with him. Now, they concealed their senses and gazes, fearful of causing misunderstandings. Their expressions were solemn as they sensed the extraordinary nature of the young man. "He''s getting stronger. In such a short time, he reached thete six-stage. Is it rted to his inner realm? He blocked the shockwaves of transcendental power." "His unique inner realm might allow that. Plus, the Divine ying Banner is an exceptional treasure that can protect him." However, Wang Xuan''s recent defeat of two nine-stage masters shocked them. Their beautiful faces gathered together, exchanging looks of disbelief. "Is his truebat power nearing the free-roaming stage? In this era, could he be an earthbound deity?" The decaying mythology was rapidly copsing, and everyone realized that the ceiling was constantly lowering. It seemed impossible for anyone in the real world to be an earthbound deity now. But this man, with his current trajectory, seemed poised to defy the norm. "Impossible, right? When the final momentes, no one can withstand the terrifying power of the world''s correction. He''s not an unparalleled master, nor does he possess any ultimate treasure. Can he be an exception?" They came from remarkable backgrounds, but they were actively "transforming" themselves to cope with the future. Some became singers, others painters, adapting to the changing times. They believed that only unparalleled masters could preserve some power and protect their factions in the days toe. In the misty rain, Wang Xuan''s figure vanished from thekeside. He strolled through Yun City, unaffected by the rain drenching his clothes. The city''s surveince and detectors were fully operational, closely monitoring the movements of the Hengjun faction. Physical presence meant traces to follow. It was already dark when Wang Xuan arrived at the city''srgest museum, which had been closed for a while. However, someone appeared there, ghost-like, searching for dusty ancient treasures. Wang Xuan observed this person from a distance. "Let''s go," he said, turning to leave the area. A sudden burst ofbat erupted on the streets, but it quickly subsided into silence again. Any evidence left on the street cameras would be dealt with by Qingmu and Guan Lin. Later that night, in a well-known bar, a woman with a devilishly attractive figure approached Wang Xuan. "Someone''s targeting your parents. I can help you deal with this trouble and introduce you to a very powerful faction. Then, no one will dare to mess with you again," she offered, her breath fragrant and demeanor charming. However, she also mentioned that her organization needed to borrow the Divine ying Banner. "Are you not the ones threatening my parents and now offering to spare them in exchange for my Divine ying Banner?" Wang Xuan replied, his tone calm but firm in the dimly lit bar. "You''re overconfident." "The fallen transcendent beings, over twenty in number, will keeping. Even more formidable masters with ultimate treasures are returning. Are you sure you want to go against the tide and be our enemy?" "You''re the ones choosing to be my enemies," Wang Xuan sighed. Then, he made his move. This was thest target in Yun City, and he hade specifically for this woman. In the end, he didn''t cause a bigmotion here. Instead, he quickly used Zheng Wu''s top-tier treasurethe Soul Chainto lock up the woman''s soul, then silently left. With a bang, a burst of light vanished on the street. At night, Wang Xuan left Yun City and continued his actions in the distance. He struck forcefully several times in the wilderness and in other cities, eliminating people from the Hengjun faction. The next day, he arrived in Ping City and eliminated three more individuals lurking in the city who intended to pressure him through his parents. With this, he had killed eleven people, showing no mercy. Only three of the experts sent by Hengjun remained, either exploring the heart of the earth or searching for certain ruins in the ocean. Even if they were slow to react, they were now terrified, realizing something was wrong. It was one thing for a few people to be unreachable, but now almost all had lost contact. Wang Xuan met with his parents and personally examined the talisman. It was truly astonishing, filled with Daoist charm and beyond hisprehension, which for the time reassured him. That day, he set off directly for the Greater Khingan Mountains to meet the female Taoist practitioner. It was time to face her directly and have an open and honest conversation. In the small spacecraft, he looked at the business card left by "Old Zhang." It was time to contact him too. Chapter 328: Old Zhang vs Demon King Chapter 328: Old Zhang vs Demon King Wang Xuan scrutinized the business card repeatedly before finally deciding to invite "Old Zhang" over. Coborating with just one faction seemed precarious; a bncing figure was needed. For this, he required Gu Lin''s assistance, as individuals in the old world couldn''t directly contact the New World. Separated by countless star systems, perhaps not even in the same universe, connected by wormholes, ordinary people from both sides couldn''tmunicate. Gu Lin opened a secret line for him, enabling contact with the New Moon side. In the territory behind the New World, the secluded abode of the Demon Ancestor was as usual, with the entire mountain range trembling with his breaths, and the blood clouds covering the sky gathering or dispersing with his breaths. The Demon Ancestor''s second son, Qi Lian Dao, tasked with guarding the supreme Demon Pool containing ancestral blood, had once dispatched numerous demons into New World, possessing the upper echelons of financial tycoons. Qian An''s death was due to their line of demons. For this reason, Wang Xuan had embarked on a killing spree, hunting the demons of New World alongside Chen Yongjie. "The old pact has loosened significantly again recently; I will send my second demonic form over!" He decided, preparing for significant actions. Long ago, he practiced a supreme demonic technique, faced danger, and personality split, forcing him to sever a bundle of crazed consciousness. Yet, unwilling to destroy it, he nurtured it with various demonic blood over the years, retaining it and developing a fleshly body. He even used blood from the Demon Pool to feed the crazed consciousness. "He''s too powerful; crossing over now would still tear him apart. It''s not yet time for him to emerge," an elder demon advised. "The real world is our future foundation; some sacrifices are necessary," Qi Lian Dao stated, adding, "I won''t let that bundle of consciousness cross over entirely, just a part of it." "This could damage his foundation," another great demon remarked. "To gain something, one must always pay a price," Qi Lian Dao addressed the demons present, saying, "It''s time to let some powerful ancient demons cross over. If the true form cannot pass, a manifested form can always be sent, right?" He set an example by splitting off a part of his second demonic form. That day, amidst thunder and blood-red lightning in a mountain range of New World, the part of Qi Lian Dao''s second demonic form that he had split off descended into New World. Born from the crazed consciousness Qi Lian Dao nurtured with various top-tier demonic blood, this being possessed an extremely powerful body. "I am the true Qi Lian Dao, sadly only a part of me has crossed over, but sooner orter, I will dominate!" he stated calmly, then chuckled, stepping out from the blood-red lightning. Clearly, he was a mad entity, filled with the most primal chaos and blood of the demon race, inheriting the very essence of the original demons. This was precisely why he was severed from the main consciousness, Qi Lian Dao himself was afraid and did not want his existence. "I am the Lord of Blood and Chaos, Qi Lian Dao, and the future Demon Emperor. Whether it''s the main body Qi Lian Dao or the Demon Ancestor Qi Yi, they will eventually be devoured by me." His calm tone contrasted with his harsh words, revealing the depth of his madness. Soon after, he located a demon stronghold and without a word, devoured four demon immortals, consuming their blood mist, crushing their true bones, and devouring the immortal essence within their bones. All because he was too powerful, his vitality damaged during the crossing, he now showed no sentimentality and took the immortal essence from fellow demons in his own faction. Quickly, he subdued all eleven flesh-and-blood demons in that stronghold, none escaped, all were devoured by himpletely. "In pain, indeed, they were my subordinates, but for the sake of a swift recovery and to avoid any mishaps, I had to sacrifice them," he sighed, seemingly with reluctance. Then, he swiftly located the strongest stronghold of demons on New World, meeting with the person in charge to understand thetest situation. "How could you be so careless? Not only did the possession of the financial tycoon''s high-level fail, but you were also bombarded by warships, resulting in deaths and injuries. You are truly... useless!" Qi Lian Dao looked at them, blood veins surfacing in his eyes, instilling fear in the demons as they sensed traces of the Demon Ancestor''s presence, prompting them all to kneel. Sitting there, overlooking the demons, he said, "Rise. Most of the tycoons have fled, and the fleet has entered deep space. New World is no longer of much value. Do as you see fit." He stood up and dered, "I''m heading to Old Earth. There are things of legend waiting for me to im, and isn''t that Wang Xuan also there? I''ll take him down. I have a feeling that the ying God Banner is fated to be mine, my tool for ascension, capable of helping me through great cmities. It won''t be inferior to the ultimate treasures!" The demons couldn''t wait for him to leave immediately, not wanting to face the son of the Demon Ancestor, who exuded a primal aura of blood and chaos. "Book me a ticket to Old Earth," he waved, dismissing the demons. However, Qi Lian Dao secretly summoned back two demon immortals shrouded in blood mist along with three powerful demons with flesh and started to feed again. On New Moon, "Old Zhang" hung up the phone, deciding to take a trip to Old Earth. He had two options: one was to depart from New Moon, head to the wormhole at the eighth star in deep space, and from there, transfer to arge spaceship to Old Earth. This was the route Wang Xuan had taken when he came from Old Earth. "Forget it, I''ll just leave from New World," he decided. Behind the scenes, Qi Lian Dao''s original form was discussing strategies with ancient demons, including some ancient demon immortals, all of whom were powerful. "Zheng Yuan Tian, a peerless strongman, has gone to the realm corresponding to Old Earth. Such a person''s movement is bound to shake the heavens and the earth. Once the altar is activated, whether you send avatars across the boundary or dispatch disciples, extra caution is needed." "A direct descendant of Heng Jun has also entered Old Earth!" a top-tier demon spoke up. Qi Lian Dao nodded and said, "Old Earth truly is enchanting. To my knowledge, at least five peerless strongmen are eyeing that ce, ready to make their move!" "Back in the day, the Old Covenant was negotiated and signed on Old Earth. The attention of all the strongest beings to that ce, is it rted to this?" an ancient demon immortal brought up this piece of history. "I''ll consult my father about this," Qi Lian Dao said, reminding them not to focus all their attention on New World and Old Earth. "There are also top-tier divine treasures on other mythologicals, and some factions have already started to act, harvesting the heavenly medicines left in the current world from ancient times." On that day, in New World, Qi Lian Dao boarded arge spaceship calmly and sat down with his eyes closed, waiting for the departure. When he opened his eyes again, the spaceship had already entered deep space, and a refined man was sitting beside him, smiling at him. He nodded in greeting. Although he was inherently mad, he was also situationally low-key and didn''t bother to act unless it was worth his while. "Is there one or two heavenly medicines soaking in the Demon Pool? Is Demon Ancestor Qi Yi trying to induce mutations in them, breaking through the limitations of heavenly medicines to be ''Dao Medicines''?" Qi Lian Dao turned sharply towards the man when he heard this, as thetter continued to smile warmly, awaiting an answer. This was interesting; someone dared to inquire about the secrets of the Demon Ancestor. "Who the hell are you?" Qi Lian Dao asked, no longer keeping hisposure. In the current reality, he truly cared for no one. The refined man simply smiled and said, "Your father, Qi Yi, though older than me, wouldn''t dare speak to me like that!" Qi Lian Dao immediately made a move, preferring action over words, not minding consuming this person''s soul right here to replenish himself. However, the next moment, he was horrified to find his neck grasped by a hand, and once again heard that gentle voice saying, "Calm down." After a moment, Qi Lian Dao managed a strained smile and said, "Uncle Zhang!" He became much more polite, all traces of madness and chaospletely vanished. Afterward, the two of them engaged in a pleasant conversation. Qi Lian Dao spoke up, "Indeed, there are heavenly medicines in the Demon Pool, but I doubt they can evolve into ''Dao Medicines.'' Such a grade of herbs has always been a legend and may not truly exist." "Old Zhang" chuckled and said, "They do exist, but they are unattainable. Perhaps, your father also knows that cultivating Dao Medicines is unrealistic. Could it be that he''s trying to cultivate ''True Medicines'' instead, hoping to attract mysterious substances and forces beyond the extraordinary, for the future?" Qi Lian Dao pondered for a moment before shaking his head, "I don''t know." "How about we coborate and dig one out to see?" "Uncle Zhang, please don''t force me into a difficult position!" On their journey, the two had a lot of conversations. "Old Zhang" found thepany quite enjoyable, while Qi Lian Dao secretly cursed his luck. After disembarking the spacecraft, "Old Zhang" cheerfully cautioned, "Don''t go around eating people in Old Earth, or I''lle after you." Qi Lian Dao watched him leave with a face that fluctuated between shades of displeasure, harboring endless murderous intent deep in his eyes, frustrated at being warned upon his arrival in Old Earth. Suddenly, he heard Old Zhang''s voice from afar, "Oh, and don''t wander off. Once we''ve made a decision,e over to cast your father''s vote." Qi Lian Dao silently exhaled a breath of frustration. In a certain city, a round-faced girl muttered to herself, "I represent the Demon Sovereign." Wang Xuan''s spacecraftnded in the Greater Khingan Range. After waiting a long time, estimating that Old Zhang was about to arrive at Old Earth, he finally set off into the depths of the forest. Half a year had passed since hisst visit here, and he was about to enter this undergroundboratory once again. He felt confident that even if there were unexpected events, he could hold on until Old Zhang arrived. However, he didn''t expect the female alchemist would be hostile. There was no need for that. They could have a private conversation first and then wait for Old Zhang to show up. Sure enough, the area had be the female alchemist''s territory. After Wang Xuan introduced himself, he was quickly allowed entry and invited inside. He took an elevator down, through modern floors beneath the Greater Khingan Range, filled with technology, until reaching an ancient cavern area and entering the female alchemist''s former cave dwelling. The ce had once experienced a Feathery Transcendence Explosion, leaving almost nothing behind except for a boat carved from Feathery Transcendence Bamboo, carrying the female alchemist''s body. Returning now, Wang Xuan found the atmospherepletely changed; the area brimmed with vitality, suffused with immortal mists and exotic flowers and herbs. The divine bamboo, still intact and split into a small boat, radiated golden light, showering the beautiful woman in white with golden luminescence. Unlike before, she had awakened, her deep eyes watching him enter, then standing up with a smile to greet him. Her presence alone brightened the ancient cave, turning it into a celestial realm. Chapter 329: Fang Yuzhu Chapter 329: Fang Yuzhu In the Early Qin cave dwelling, a woman in a pure white dress stands gracefully, surrounded by golden bamboo leaves that shower her in a light rain, making her look ethereal and unparalleled, a true Immortal. Although it''s not the first time Wang Xuan has seen the female practitioner, he still finds her stunning. Her quiet presence alone seems to bring an aura of immortality to the entire environment. And in fact, she truly is... a being who has attained immortality. "Greetings, Immortal," Wang Xuan says, with a calm demeanor. As for the teasing about "thousands of women in the ranks of immortals" that''s something he''d only dare joke about when alone. Facing the actual person, who would dare to speak so frivolously about a supreme immortal? It would likely get one smacked to death. The female practitioner stands with her back against the bamboo boat, her figure slender and graceful, her ck hair shimmering, her face wless, detached, and tranquil. "My name is Fang Yuzhu." She smiles, her beauty dazzling, enough to silence a room instantly if she were in the outside world. Wang Xuan is slightly surprised. She''s very approachable,cking the arrogance of a supreme being, simply stating her name in a natural manner. Perhaps it''s because her spirit awakened early and has wandered the mortal world, adapting to the modern pace of life. Though she''s understated, Wang Xuan doesn''t overstep but keeps a polite distance, maintaining a proper respect. "You seem a bit restrained," Fang Yuzhu remarks with surprise, then smiles. "That''s not like you. I remember you being quite bold." Indeed, she doesn''t seem like someone from ancient times; her speech and behavior aren''t much different from modern people''s, except for her almost unreal beauty and the faint halo that seems to surround her. How was he bold? Wang Xuan thinks they haven''t had much interaction, mainly because he''s always been wary and intentionally kept his distance. Suddenly, he recalls something. The night he released Fang Yuzhu''s fragmented spirit, she appeared in his dreams. In his mind, the stunningly beautiful and unattainable female practitioner revealed another side to her, wearing white with red shoes, floating in mid-air, following by his side, startling him. Then, he boldly retaliated by touching her face. Wang Xuan snapped back to reality, showing surprise. Standing under the vast sky, even a supreme beingmanding a powerful faction in the backdrop of the great beyond has another side to them. He felt the need to reevaluate the female practitioner, yet he remained cautious, deciding not to mention the dream incident. "I''ve always held great respect for immortals. When we first met here, I thought of rescuing the immortal from peril, but that was presumptuous of me. With your unparalleled powers, you freed yourself upon awakening." "Thank you for awakening me, or there might have been troubles," said Fang Yuzhu, acknowledging the truth. She had merely predicted the general trend of events back then. She invited Wang Xuan to sit. Despite her ethereal presence, she was approachable and down-to-earth. A young woman came in to make tea, her elegant and fluid tea-making skills a pleasure to watch. She didn''t linger and soon left. "This era is much better than ours. Though society has its issues and some divisions are irreparable, people can still live on. In the Early Qin era, even I faced survival crises. To live, one had to fight fiercely. There were threats from humans, unimaginable monsters, divine birds, and beasts. It was a time of blood for food and survival of the fittest." Wang Xuan was moved, realizing even such a celestial being had emerged through the struggles among various races, painting a rather terrifying picture of that era. Then, Fang Yuzhu cheerfully spoke about the current era. Wang Xuan was surprised to find that she, having integrated into this age, was just like any modern urban woman, even sharing some of her favorite essories and perfumes. He was speechless for a moment, and then, through his spiritual eye, he noticed the female practitioner''s dressing room, filled with various dresses, lipsticks, bags, and more. He automatically imagined her wearing cheongsams, evening gowns, hot pants, and high heels... quite a dazzling thought indeed, considering she is a celestial being. "Are you looking at those clothes? To blend into modern society, I''ve bought a variety of them but haven''t tried them on yet," the female practitioner said with a smile, seemingly aware of his spiritual eye and guessing his thoughts. "With your extraordinary beauty and perfect figure, it''s not the clothes that enhance you, but you that elevate the beauty of those clothes. Hmm, but wearing these modern outfits, I believe there would be a unique charm," Wang Xuanmented. He pondered how striking the contrast would be if she were to wear a cheongsam while battling supreme beings from the great beyond. "Times change, dynasties fall, and the world evolves. The present is vastly different from the past, and indeed, modern times are better." When Wang Xuan heard this, he immediately became serious. He timely mentioned the importance of peace and stability in the current world, emphasizing the need to prevent immortals and demons from acting recklessly. The female practitioner nodded, "That''s also what I wanted to say. Whether human, immortal, demon, or devil, all should be restrained and follow rules." Wang Xuan was surprised. Before he could borate, the female practitioner had already grasped everything, directly addressing the issue and agreeing with him. He quickly realized that her praise of the modern era and mention of her favorite essories and clothes were just on the surface; it was all for the sake of fitting in. He knew there wouldn''t be any issues with this visit. True to her reputation as a supreme being with vision, she had already considered these matters. Despite being a top figure among the immortals, she was willing to establish new rules to regte her followers. There was no need for further exnation as the female practitioner said, "This requires a jointmitment from all parties, and naturally, a collective discussion. I will contact some people." The meeting went unexpectedly smooth, with both parties enjoying a pleasant conversation and reaching a consensus on the main issues. However, Wang Xuan couldn''t fully rx. If he were facing the Sword Immortal, he might delve deeper, but he still felt a certain distance from this female practitioner. Despite her modern demeanor, she still radiated an ethereal glow, shrouded in a mist of immortality, the epitome of a celestial being''s grace. However, Fang Yuzhu was also pondering, feeling as though she had overlooked something rted to the man who awakened her in the present world. "Will there be some involvement with him in the future?" she wondered, slightly alert yet unable to deduce anything. The unease didn''t seem to be a matter of life and death, so she gradually let go of the thought. Wang Xuan really wanted to ask her, "Immortal Fang, do you want to be invoked? Could you first give me a heavenly herb to nourish my body?" This time, however, she did not bring up the subject, probably focusing on the treasure and not wanting her main body toe out. "Huh, a call from Old Zhang." Wang Xuan was surprised to have a signal even deep underground. "Let hime over directly," Fang Yuzhu said, already knowing who it was from the voice on the phone. "Immortal, who exactly is Old Zhang? Is he a demon or an immortal? Is he the one from Daoism, or does he have another identity?" Wang Xuan asked. "He now calls himself Zhang Daoling," the female practitioner informed him, clearly writing those three characters on the table with her white finger. ... It took a while for Old Zhang to appear underground, still elegant, with a warm smile, "Immortal Fang, it''s been a long time." "Zhang Daoling,st time at that bar on the new star, you kept looking at me with a copper mirror." Old Zhang smiled handsomely, "At that time, I felt a supreme being had locked onto me. I had to see who it was; it was a misunderstanding." Then he changed the subject, looking at Wang Xuan, "What have you been eating? You change every day, even more incredible than when I was young!" Wang Xuan nced at Old Zhang, what kind of remark was that? Zhang Daoling skillfully made tea, with movements filled with Daoist charm, "I mean, how could your realm advance so fiercely in just a few days? You''ve broken through again, faster than I did back in my day." He then looked towards the female practitioner, "Probably faster than the Immortal here back in her day, right?" The female practitioner nodded, looking at Wang Xuan with a surprised expression. When they first met, he was insignificant, and in just over half a year, not only had he stepped into the realm of the extraordinary, but he had also advanced to thete sixth stage in the mortal world. Her surprise at such speed led to some spection in her mind. Wang Xuan said, "I found the half lotus pod left by Shakyamuni and ate two seeds. I didn''t expect to break through consecutively." "Ascetics talk about karma; their things aren''t so easily taken without a price to pay in the future," Old Zhang remarked. "I suppose that counts as passive fate. I think they''re pretty good people," Wang Xuan said. "Fate, indescribably wonderful," Old Zhang nodded, then looked at him and the female practitioner, remaining silent for a while before saying, "Things are a bit messy." "Zhang Daoling, lend me that copper mirror of yours for a few days, so I can see for myself and save you from talking nonsense," the female practitioner said with a smile. Old Zhang quickly shook his head, "I didn''t bring it. Last time I used the mirror on myself, it exhausted its energy. I left it in the New Moon to absorb extraordinary substances." "Excuses!" Old Zhang kept quiet, fearing it would be lent but never returned. He looked around, changing the subject, "Immortal, your bamboo boat is truly marvelous, preserving your body intact until now, making you invincible. Wise and visionary! How about I trade the mirror for your boat?" "Let''s talk business," the female practitioner said. "As Wang Xuan mentioned earlier, with the excessive crossing of immortals and demons into this realm, acting recklessly, it''s necessary for people like us to step forward and jointly impose restrictions. I think it makes a lot of sense." Old Zhang nodded, agreeing without hesitation. At their level, no one wished to see a bloodied present world; all parties need to adhere to rules. "On my way here, I even encountered a young demon, ambitious and even wanting to devour me to be the Demon Emperor," Old Zhang sighed, noting the young demons and immortals were too bold. "Why keep him then? Just kill him," Wang Xuan said. Old Zhang casually said, "I''ll leave him to you. He wasing for you anyway. If I were to strike, I''d go after his father, but since he calls me ''uncle,'' I won''t make a move." "Who''s his father?" Wang Xuan asked. "The Demon Emperor Qi Yi," Old Zhang casually mentioned. Wang Xuan: "..." He was stunned. That so-called young demon was the Demon Emperor''s own son?! Chapter 330: A New Testament Chapter 330: A New Testament The offspring of the Demon Emperor, such a high-ranking demon, hardly seems of a lesser generation. Strong beyond measure, and now he''sing for me. Wang Xuan frowned, "I''m fine on my own; worstes to worst, I''ll fight him. What worries me is if he targets my parents or goes after ordinary people." Fang Yuzhu nodded, "Let''s set a new rule, a new constraint, as our first order: Immortals and demons shall not harm ordinary people without cause." Wang Xuan immediately sent a grateful look her way. With this rule in ce, everything else would be easier to negotiate. The present world would essentially be at peace, freeing him from concerns about his family''s safety. As for the conflicts among the transcendent, who would fear whom? Time was on his side. Whoever wanted to target him, let theme! Zhang Daoling agreed, "Alright, let''s start gathering people then. Let those strong figures from behind the scenes manifest their ethereal forms to participate. Only after a collective agreement can it take effect." Then, he looked at Wang Xuan, "This initiative is yours. What do you think it should be called? The Pact of All Tribes, or Modern Immortal-Demon Universal Values, or" What kind of terrible names are these? Wang Xuan seriously doubted Lao Zhang''s taste, "Is there another option? Just call it the New Covenant, to correspond with that Old Covenant of yours." Lao Zhang''s hand trembled, and the copper mirror hidden in his sleeve fell out. He quickly picked it up again, sighing, "Someone really did establish a New Covenant!" Wang Xuan keenly noticed that the beautiful face of the female Fangshi also froze for a moment. Her beautiful eyes widened, her red lips parted slightly, looking momentarily dazed. "Hold on, what exactly is the Old Covenant? And is there a problem with me proposing a New Covenant?" Wang Xuan asked cautiously, feeling a bit uneasy. "It''s nothing, just some messy rumors, all sorts of hearsay, don''t worry about it. It''s just a name, after all. For instance, I seem to recall a rumor about a young girl who said she would do this and that." Can you be more specific? Wang Xuan red at him. "Breaking vows, getting married, what else could it be?" Zhang Daolingughed, then added, "There are many old monsters in there with all sorts of vows. For example, there''s a shameless old demon who said whoever establishes a new covenant, he would marry them. Would you like to marry him?" Wang Xuan didn''t want to ask any further, feeling goosebumps all over. "I''m right, aren''t I, Immortal Fang?" Although Zhang Daoling was usually elegant, his chuckling demeanor somehow seemed irritating. Rarely, the usually serene and softly smiling Immortal Fang Fang Yuzhu red at him fiercely without saying a word. And at this moment, Fang Yuzhu acted without saying anything, activating the Feathered Ascension Divine Ship. A shower of light rained down. Vague shadows appeared on the screen; she used the divine treasure to contact the realm beyond. Soon, her true form appeared in the light rain. Zhang Daoling also took action, holding a bronze mirror to stabilize the void. The screen showed a corner of the beyond, and he too contacted his true form. Both wore serious expressions, using their divine thoughts to transmit messages. It took a while before theypleted theirmunication. Nodding to each other, their true selves would go to contact various factions. Undoubtedly, there are specialmunication methods within each celestial realm, allowing for swift contact. Otherwise, how could those supreme experts know about the appearance of divine treasures in real-time? It''s because they can receive news extremely fast. "Let''s wait. After we get news, we will summon the ethereal forms of some old fellows here to discuss," Zhang Daoling said. It wasn''t a short wait; three hourster, equivalent to six hours in the real world, a corner of the screen in the cave dwelling showed a response. "Alright, it''s settled. Some supreme experts are willing to participate," said Immortal Fang. The so-called supreme experts refer to the top three powerhouses in each celestial realm. The corresponding realms to this world are manifold, meaning that while these high-level experts are not abundant, they are also not limited to a few. "You''re also a participant. Put in some effort," Zhang Daoling said, indicating Wang Xuan to present the God-ying Banner. With one more divine treasure, it would be easier for him and Immortal Fang. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan immediately refused. He didn''t want to face those old monsters. Many were already eyeing him; it was better to keep a low profile. Zhang Daoling was momentarily speechless, then shook his head and said, "Why are you still trying to keep a low profile? Do you really think they don''t know about you? Ever since you tricked Zheng Yuantian''s faction with a fake fishing line and hook on Jinding Mountain, almost everyone knows your situation." Wang Xuan was speechless. Upon reflection, he realized that some secrets had indeed been exposed. Those old beings were all ruthless and probably had investigated him thoroughly. "You see, you being with us right now is showing a certain stance. It''s actually a good thing as we''re showing our intention to protect you," Zhang Daoling exined. "Still too high-profile for me. I refuse!" Wang Xuan rejected the idea again. Even if some people had ideas about him, it was only in private. He didn''t want to make a public appearance under their watchful eyes. "Then just wait behind me," Immortal Fang suggested. "Stay a few meters back; they won''t be able to sense you. Don''t stand too close." "Thank you, Immortal Fang!" Wang Xuan felt that Fang Yuzhu was reliable, unlike Zhang Daoling, who seemed a bit tricky. "Lend me your God-ying Banner," Immortal Fang then said, feeling that relying solely on the Feathered Ascension Divine Ship and Zhang Daoling''s bronze mirror was somewhat strenuous. Wang Xuan was immediately rmed. The silver substance in his banner might attract her attention, leading her to study him closelyter. But since he wasn''t participating directly, it seemed unreasonable not to lend the God-ying Banner. "Just a moment," Wang Xuan said, his spirit entering the Life Soil. He pulled up the small g nted in the ground, frantically urging the silver substance into the depths of the Life Soil, wanting to discharge it. Although Zhang Daoling and Fang Yuzhu were rtively trustworthy, he remained somewhat worried about potentialplications and preferred to err on the side of caution. The soil of life absorbed all the silver substance indeed, and the process didn''t take long. Wang Xuan''s spirit merged with his body, and a small g appeared in his hand. In front of the two, he opened a piece of genuine demon fairy bone, drawing a vast amount of mysterious factors into the g''s surface. Both were speechless. Was this ast-minute effort? What had he been doing before? Being who they were, they naturally sensed the secrets within him. Yet, who among them didn''t have secrets? They were extraordinary beings, or they wouldn''t have reached such a level, overlooking all immortals. Fang Yuzhu took the God-ying Banner and immediately sensed an unusual residual aura, somewhat unique, with the leftover substances being of extremely high grade. She kept her expression neutral, cing the God-ying Banner on the Feathered Ascension Divine Ship and began to activate both treasures. Zhang Daoling acted as well, holding the bronze mirror towards the divine ship, causing light rain to emerge from the ship''s body, forming a vortex. Together, they exerted their powers, creating golden waves within the bamboo ship, rapidly constructing a vast golden ocean within it, outlining the vague contours of the great curtain. Then, as the light rain steamed up, a bright moon reflected on the sea surface. "Qi Teng, you''ve arrived," Zhang Daoling called out. A figure appeared in the divine sea and moon, Qi Teng, a true supreme master. Wang Xuan remained silent. He had killed Qi Teng''s subordinate, Zhou Chong, who had repeatedly plotted against him with the Soul Locking Bell. "Qi Yi, long time no see," Zhang Daoling called out again. Who was summoned this time? The Demon Ancestor, a man''s silhouette, very vague, surrounded by a tumultuous demon aura, blocking the sky and sun, a true world-covering great demon. Wang Xuan was wary; another powerful being not on good terms with him had arrived. "Brother Zheng, it''s been years, and you''re even more distinguished than before," Zhang Daoling said with a smile. The third person to appear was dressed in ck armor, covering even his face. He was the supreme master Zheng Yuantian. Wang Xuan was speechless, wanting to ask Zhang Daoling if this was deliberate. Why were all the invited his arch-enemies? Then the fourth figure appeared, holding an ancient banner surrounded by chaotic energy, pressuring the cosmos. With white hair flowing and eyes profound, he was the only one among them who had obtained a supreme treasure, Heng Jun, a highly dangerous being capable of directly slicing through the great curtain to step out. Wang Xuan felt like punching Zhang Daoling. Each guest was more outrageous than thest, all wanting his life. "Old Heng, you really did it, obtaining a supreme treasure and making me sigh at the disparity in people''s fates," Zhang Daolingmented. "Is this truly about a new covenant?" Heng Jun asked calmly. In the depths of the endless demonic clouds, the Demon Ancestor Qi Yi spoke up, his white teeth shining as he smiled, "When ites to the new covenant, I remember many made oaths back then. If a new covenant is established, a certain supreme immortal maiden would marry off, and a certain old monster would be a servant, haha..." Heughed heartily, his demonic energy overwhelming and his blood essence mixed with super-material, breaking through the heavens. The entire great curtain seemed unable to contain him, as the golden ocean within the bamboo ship roiled and the divine moon shook violently. His statement caused many to change their expressions, not looking too pleased. Even the female immortal gave him a cold nce, causing the Demon Ancestor to somewhat rein in his aura andugh off to himself. Zhang Daoling had to quickly rify, "That was too much of a jest. The new covenant has to meet various requirements, and only if the conditions of those days are met. This is not truly a new covenant, so let''s not overthink it. Whatever is meant to decay should decay, and those meant to be mortals should prepare to be mortals. Don''t get ahead of yourselves." After a moment of calm, Zheng Yuantian spoke up, "The Banner of God ying is here, but where is my descendant? It was obtained by Zheng Wu." Wang Xuan felt incredibly annoyed. Zheng definitely knew he was a fake yet still brought this up. Was he trying tobel the Banner of God ying as belonging to the Zheng family? "Your descendant is dead," said the female immortal. This moment showcased her terrifying stature. Despite her ethereal beauty and celestial aura, shemanded respect. Even Zheng Yuantian fell silent, not daring to say more. Wang Xuan felt more and more that Fang Yuzhu was reliable. Looking at the characters Zhang Daoling invited, not one seemed good. He began to doubt whether Zhang Daoling really was that figure from Taoism. Why else would he change his name? At that moment, the female immortal also began to invite others. The first to arrive was a celestial being in red, gracefully descending upon the divine moon, revealing her stunning true form. Wang Xuan was speechless, criticizing his own judgment. He had just praised the female immortal for being reliable, yet she invited a demonic celestial maiden. Perhaps it was also his issue. Whoever he invited seemed to have some connection to him. He reflected on himself. Chapter 331: The First Covenant Chapter 331: The First Covenant In the midst of the golden ocean within the feather-transforming bamboo boat, under the illumination of a divine moon and shrouded in a light mist, the red-dressed female demon immortal stood with her unique charm, powerful and stunning, looking down upon the immortals. Each time she appeared, it was as if veiled in mist and rain, adding a special aura around her. The rain draped between the divine moon and the golden sea, making her even more captivating, blending human beauty with a hint of the wildness of the demon race. Wang Xuan found himself staring at her, truly reflecting on his situation. "At the end of the day, it''s because I''m not strong enough," he solemnly contemted. He looked towards Heng Jun, Demon Ancestor Qi Yi, Zheng Yuantian, and the Ancestor of Celestials Qi Teng. If he had been supremely powerful, he could have just defeated them all; there would be no enemies to speak of. Fang Yuzhu didn''t turn around, but she could sense some of Wang Xuan''s thoughts behind her. Everything stemmed from her own strength, whereas his mind seemed a bit scattered at the moment. She felt like giving him a sideways nce. "O Demon Lord, it''s been a while. I wish you early unification of the demon race. You and Immortal Fang truly resemble the bright moon shining over the divineke, standing side by side, illuminating the realm of immortals," Zhang Daoling spoke up first, apparently knowing everyone. The Demon Ancestor Qi Yi didn''t appreciate it. Someone else unifying the demon race would undermine his position as the Demon Ancestor. He looked displeasedly at Zhang Daoling. Zhang Daoling pretended not to notice, maintaining his warm smile. Indeed, with his schrly and handsome appearance, it was hard for anyone to dislike him under normal circumstances. However, the red-dressed female demon immortal, upon hearing hispliment, was not ttered and said, "Long time no see? Didn''t youst use that broken mirror to reflect on me over and over?" "Ah ha, a misunderstanding. Who would have thought you''d appear so unexpectedly? You ask Old Zheng, or Old Demon Qi, if they knew you were nearby, would they dare not be on alert?" Zhang Daolingughed it off. The red-dressed female demon immortal greeted Fang Yuzhu, her gaze inadvertently drifting towards the Banner of God ying on the bamboo boat, and then towards the person standing behind her. Wang Xuan stood behind Fang Yuzhu, quietly observing. The figures within the divine moon might specte, but they couldn''t see his true form. Then, upon the golden ocean of the bamboo boat, Buddhist light shone brightly as a great sun rose, enveloping a man in astonishing sacred aura, as if ready to transcend all demons and immortals. In fact, the so-called great sun wasposed of numerous divine rings, forming a protective Buddha light around the man, who sat in a dignified Buddhist pose. At this moment, the overwhelming demonic aura of the Demon Ancestor was violently disturbed, and Zheng Yuantian was also frowning. Another supremely powerful figure had arrived, and without anyone saying, Wang Xuan knew who he was. Within the Buddha light, the dignified figure nodded to Fang Yuzhu, greeting her. "Haha, Ascetic Monk, your cultivation has advanced again!" Zhang Daoling said with augh. "Shakyamuni Buddha, indeed, it has been a long time," Heng Jun looked forward. "Better call me Ascetic Monk," the man in the rich Buddha light spoke, each word and action pulsing with terrifying force ofws. Wang Xuan was surprised, like Zhang Daoling, he too changed his title? Was this an avoidance of something? Wang Xuan silently observed, having taken half of the lotus pod from him, wondering if the Ascetic Monk was aware of it. Mists swirled, divine radiance broke through the heavens, and a woman with a crystal-clear red mole on her forehead arrived, seated high above the ninth heaven. Despite her celestial charm, her presence was formidable; she was the Chaotic Immortal. She had a good rtionship with Fang Yuzhu, and her beautiful yet aloof face showed a hint of curiosity as she looked behind Fang Yuzhu, then smiled and nodded, whispering something unknown. Zhang Daoling... spoke up again, there was no one he didn''t know. "What was the vow made by Immortal Ling in those days? I''ve forgotten." Wang Xuan was amazed, it seemed many had made vows in the past, involving very high stakes. He vaguely guessed that the conditions for establishing the so-called new covenant likely required the continuation of the supernatural and the re-establishment of myths, leading these beings out of the terrifying era of decay and demise! Otherwise, why would those supremely powerful beings make such vows? Wang Xuan felt his scalp tingle as historical mythological figures made their appearances one after another, with everyone invited by Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling having significant backgrounds. What left Wang Xuan speechless was Zhang Daoling''s eloquence and ability to mingle, making connections with everyone. Zhang Daoling seemed to know what he was thinking, nced back at him, and said, "Perspective, understand? No matter the rtionship, after a long absence, one must have a broad mind." Zhang Daoling, with his broken mirror, was spying on him, capturing a few strands of his spiritual thoughts. Wang Xuan became alert and immediately retracted his thoughts, giving him no more chances. Following them, figures like the Ancestor of Nether Blood, the Patriarch of Flying Swords, and the Ancestor of Primordial Chaos also arrived, bringing the total to more than a dozen powerhouses, each a dominant leader in their own right. "This time, it''s naturally not about establishing a new covenant. No such person has emerged yet. Today, it''s only about setting the rules for the transcendent beings entering the modern world," Fang Yuzhu rified the purpose of the gathering. Zhang Daoling, who stirred up the notion of the new covenant, quickly nodded, hoping to prevent some from overthinking or maliciously seeking fault. "Since it''s not a new covenant, why summon such a grand assembly?" Naturally, someone in the mist picked at this. Fang Yuzhu responded, "What the new covenant entails is clear to us all, and it''s hard to achieve. After the correction of the modern world, all mythical forces will copse. Who can re-establish the transcendent order, who can reshape mythology? It''s not something you and I can aplish by wishful thinking. If it were that easy, you would have reorganized the universe yourself." Wang Xuan silently sighed. Indeed, the first article of the new covenant was about finding a way out for all immortals, equivalent to creating a world from scratch, no wonder they were willing to pay a price. Zhang Daoling spoke solemnly, "Everyone, let''s not get ahead of ourselves. We should face reality and see how we can live better in this era. Re-creating the world is almost impossible." "There''s no hope left, then?" the Primordial Chaos Ancestor inquired. Zhang Daoling nodded, saying, "The universe is vast and eternally silent. The transcendent is but a meteor that asionally streaks across the sky, briefly interrupting the perpetual night before everything returns to its original path. The curtain has not gone dark for the first time, and we are not the first beings to experience this." Fang Yuzhu, though ethereal, also had a heavy expression as she spoke, "The traces of the past, like sand paintings on the beach, have been erased by the waves. In the end, very few remnants remain, with only a handful of artifacts like the Life-Nurturing Furnace, the Feathered Fan, and the Golden Bamboo Slips left behind." She calmly discussed the matter, "Transcendence is but a feeble candlelight in the cold winter night''s storm, ignited several times but always in the blink of an eye, swiftly extinguished without ever truly illuminating the world. Therefore, we need to ept reality; a new covenant is difficult to establish. No one has ever been able to change the world in such a way that myths forever light up our world." The golden ocean undted under the divine moon, and the light rain fell, silencing everyone, filled with reluctance. Even as unparalleled powerhouses, they found it hard to remake the universe and continue the transcendent era. This atmosphere was incredibly oppressive, filled with a sense of helplessness because their time was truly running out, with possibly less than a year remaining. For Wang Xuan, seeing so many unparalleled powerhouses for the first time, all of whom were absolute protagonists of their respective great eras with brilliant pasts, some from the depths of the universe, others born on the ancient earth, and recorded in the annals of history, stirred his emotions deeply. At the same time, Wang Xuan realized even more profoundly the immense impact of finding new powers and opening up a new mythological realm. Influenced by their heavy moods, he too felt a tightness in his scalp. He was attempting to find new powers and seek a transcendent new realm, unsure of his sess. For a moment, Wang Xuan wanted to discuss the new mythology with these beings, but he quickly suppressed that thought, deciding it was better not to court death. Who were these people? Despite their current silence and some even feeling mncholy, if provoked, they were the type to dare to ughter an entire or exterminate a race. For instance, figures like the Demon Ancestor and the Primordial Blood Ancestor, who, at their rise, bathed their respective life-bearings in blood. If they found out about his anomaly, they would surely dissect him for study. And then there was Zheng Yuantian, who had been coveting his body all along! "What''s the point if this isn''t a new covenant? Do we really need to gather here?" the Ancestor of Celestial Immortals, Qi Teng, spoke up. Zhang Daoling looked at him and said, "Yes, it concerns the fate of your disciples and even affects you directly. Eventually, we must return to the real world. The realm within the curtain is but a dream, an illusion of wandering beyond for thousands of years. The real world is our foundation. Once there''s a consensus, there must be no bloodshed and chaos in the human realm. If anyone''s celestial or demonic offspring cause trouble in the real world, viting this initial version of the new covenant, they might end up in a dire situation." "Could we not call it a new covenant? It sounds jarring," the Primordial Blood Ancestor interjected, with others nodding in agreement. Fang Yuzhu smiled and asked, "Do you have any better names? Divine Immortal Regtions, Demon Daily Behavioral Guidelines, or perhaps Celestial-Demon Penal Code? Which one do you think sounds better?" Everyone was speechless. Was this still her? The foremost powerful figure among the ancient immortals, with unparalleled celestial might, had somehow be somewhat yful after going to the human realm? Zhang Daoling timely interjected with augh, "After arriving in the human world, one really shouldn''t be bloodthirsty. Peace and tranquility in the real world are good for everyone, and chaos is not allowed. You''ll gradually adapt, and everything will change. For example, I''ve recently taken a liking to tasting fine wines. For those of you who like fighting, you can go to underground boxing; those who desire universal respect can be century-level superstars; those with a strong desire to control can run for election. Hmm, some immortals might be more interested in clothing, designer bags, and lipsticks. As for the ascetic monks, just find a mountain and retreat to an existing ancient temple. Old Zheng, Zheng Yuantian, you like taking people''s ces, role-ying, which is even simpler now with many stress-relief live-action games avable. Of course, what I''ve mentioned is for you to enjoy afortable and peaceful life after you gradually be mortals." The crowd gave him less than approving looks. Wang Xuan thought Zhang Daoling was somewhat unserious. The Demon Ancestor smiled and said, "The matters of the human world indeed could have some guidelines. As for the name, well, it''s just a title, a symbol, it doesn''t matter what it''s called. I think, why not call it the ''Initial Royal Covenant''?" Instantly, some showed unusual expressions. Wang Xuan''s gaze shifted, suspecting the Demon Ancestor was deliberately trying to expose him. Indeed, he had killed some demon offsprings, but he was far removed from such an ancient and powerful demon, having had no contact with him whatsoever. From what he could gather, the Demon Ancestor didn''t concern himself with minor affairs, leaving the day-to-day operations to his sons. "Yes, calling it the New Covenant is fine, it''s just a name, right?" the Primordial Demon Ancestor agreed with augh. "There''s someone behind Lady Fang, right? Let hime out and let us have a look," the Blood Ancestor spoke up. Wang Xuan felt their words were off, not boding well. Chapter 332: Working In Silence Chapter 332: Working In Silence "Yes, I also feel someone is behind Lady Fang. Who''s hiding there? Call them out for us to see," several of the old demons chimed in, none of whom were easy to deal with. The Female Practitioner nced forward, issuing a warning, "Blood Ancestor, better remind your disciples in time that consuming human blood and essence is forbidden in the mortal realm, especially for your lineage." Seeing her expression be stern and devoid of any smile, everyone else felt a chill. This was a clear signal that she was singling out a scapegoat. Amidst the golden expanse, near the divine moon shrouded in blood mist, an old figure with blood-red hair and a chillingly fierce countenance appeared. Wang Xuan watched with interest, having had dealings with someone from their lineageChi Meng, with whom he had traded Zheng Wu''s heavenly blood. He had a high regard for Chi Meng, who showed ruthlessness at crucial moments, daring to intervene and spoil the ns of Zheng Yuan Tian''s direct descendant, thwarting the ambitions of a supreme being. Now, he found himself facing the progenitor of that lineage. The Blood Ancestor''s face darkened, "Lady Fang, isn''t this a bit too demanding? Our people are ustomed to consuming blood; are you trying to end our tradition?" He then looked around, "Everyone has their own issues. If we follow what Lady Fang suggests, wouldn''t that mean we''d be digging our own graves?" Zhang Dao Ling stepped in, "Old Ming, don''t drag others into your opposition. Let''s focus on your issue first." Lady Fang calmly replied, "At your level of cultivation, why do you still need to drink blood? Even elixirs of the gods wouldn''t be effective for you. If you really must keep this habit, there''s a workaround. Upon reaching the mortal realm, you could open severalrge ughterhouses; that would solve all your problems." Everyone was left speechless, with the Blood Ancestor choked up and unable to recover. "I, the grand Blood Sect, am to be a butcher?" he said with indignation. "You essentially were one before," Lady Fang nodded, smiling lightly, "But in the mortal realm, you wouldn''t be. That would be a legitimate business, widely epted. It''s time for you to start being a good person." "Too much, Fang Yuzhu!" the Blood Ancestor''s voice turned ice cold, showing a readiness to flip the table. The atmosphere suddenly became extremely tensea sh between supreme beings could affect the stability of an entire celestial domain! "Lady Fang, at that time, I nearly took your eight true lives, only a step away from ending you. Yet, you managed to escape by hiding within endless blood shadows," Lady Fang stated calmly. Such a record was astonishing, instilling unease and wariness in everyone present. With her hair fluttering and a faint halo around her body, Lady Fang continued, "In the human realm, as our realms diminish, it will be difficult for you to conjure infinite blood shadows. If you act recklessly again, you won''t be able to preserve your life." The Hades Blood Sect''s founder''s expression shifted between dark and light, a cold huff escaping him. Publicly humiliated, he was greatly dissatisfied but refrained from further confrontation. His fear was real; having nearly been vanquished in the celestial realm, and without his strongest reliance in the human world, he knew he was truly no match and felt vulnerable. Wang Xuan was astonished that such a defiant figure chose silence, seemingly able to "pick up and let go" with ease. He couldn''t help but admire; whether it was Fang Zhuyu''s boldness in handling the progeny of the Demon Ancestor or Lady Fang''s ability to make the supreme Hades Blood Sect founder submit, it all came down to power. He reflected on his own need to strive harder, silently vowing to reshape myths and swiftly ascend to power. Then, he too could go around acknowledging nephews and re-evaluating his adversaries from a position of unmatched strength. Lady Fang, having in more than one supreme being, held considerable deterrent power. At this moment, the Hades Blood Sect founder indeed became morepliant. The Celestial Ancestor, Qi Teng, voiced his concerns, "Lady Fang, Fang Zhuyu, isn''t this restriction too severe? We, who are beyond the ordinary, oncemanded the rise and fall of heavens and earth. Returning to the human realm only to be confined by rules and regtions, what''s the use of our celestial cultivation? The Celestials are meant to be free, wandering the world at will. If we adhere to humanws, are we still celestials?" His words found agreement among several supreme beings. Lady Fang replied, "Qi Teng, on our return to reality, within the great veil, we''ve merely been adrift in thought, wandering beyond the material for millennia. It''s time to awaken." Grandmaster Ma added earnestly, "Old Qi, everyone, even as the transcendent tide fully recedes and myths copse, we might retain some strength. Butpared to annihtion-ss warships, what do you think our odds are? Pushing ordinary humans to retaliate, with a ''bang,'' an entire life-bearing could vanish. Is that the eternal freedom you seek?" "Lady Fang, at that time, I nearly took your eight true lives, only a step away from ending you. Yet, you managed to escape by hiding within endless blood shadows," Lady Fang stated calmly. Such a record was astonishing, instilling unease and wariness in everyone present. With her hair fluttering and a faint halo around her body, Lady Fang continued, "In the human realm, as our realms diminish, it will be difficult for you to conjure infinite blood shadows. If you act recklessly again, you won''t be able to preserve your life." The Hades Blood Sect''s founder''s expression shifted between dark and light, a cold huff escaping him. Publicly humiliated, he was greatly dissatisfied but refrained from further confrontation. His fear was real; having nearly been vanquished in the celestial realm, and without his strongest reliance in the human world, he knew he was truly no match and felt vulnerable. Wang Xuan was astonished that such a defiant figure chose silence, seemingly able to "pick up and let go" with ease. He couldn''t help but admire; whether it was Fang Zhuyu''s boldness in handling the progeny of the Demon Ancestor or Lady Fang''s ability to make the supreme Hades Blood Sect founder submit, it all came down to power. He reflected on his own need to strive harder, silently vowing to reshape myths and swiftly ascend to power. Then, he too could go around acknowledging nephews and re-evaluating his adversaries from a position of unmatched strength. Lady Fang, having in more than one supreme being, held considerable deterrent power. At this moment, the Hades Blood Sect founder indeed became morepliant. The Celestial Ancestor, Qi Teng, voiced his concerns, "Lady Fang, Fang Zhuyu, isn''t this restriction too severe? We, who are beyond the ordinary, oncemanded the rise and fall of heavens and earth. Returning to the human realm only to be confined by rules and regtions, what''s the use of our celestial cultivation? The Celestials are meant to be free, wandering the world at will. If we adhere to humanws, are we still celestials?" His words found agreement among several supreme beings. Lady Fang replied, "Qi Teng, on our return to reality, within the great veil, we''ve merely been adrift in thought, wandering beyond the material for millennia. It''s time to awaken." Fang Zhuyu added earnestly, "Old Qi, everyone, even as the transcendent tide fully recedes and myths copse, we might retain some strength. Butpared to annihtion-ss warships, what do you think our odds are? Pushing ordinary humans to retaliate, with a ''bang,'' an entire life-bearing could vanish. Is that the eternal freedom you seek?" "Secondly, the transcendent shall remain transcendent, and all will follow the old rules. As long as the peace of the human world is not disturbed, you may go to the wilderness, overseas, to the starry sky, and use transcendent methods to resolve disputes among yourselves. However, you must not act within the dwelling ces of ordinary humans." Lady Fang proposed the second rule, and there were no objections. "Thirdly, all parties must work together to reshape mythology, using all means to continue the transcendent world. I believe no one wishes to see the dim end, truly falling back to where it all started, right?" When she proposed the third rule, everyone''s expression changed. Given a choice, who would abandon transcendence? But now, there really was no way left. They were supreme beings who had traversed all paths avablepractitioners, Daoists, Buddhists, demonic cultivators, alchemists, those who harnessed radiation, and all kinds of mythical methods had been tried. "Lady Fang, do you have a way to recreate the mythological world?" someone asked. Lady Fang shook her head, "I don''t. This rule is about doing our best without insisting on oues. We do as much as we can." She added, "For example, we can reopen those sealed ces, leaving them for future generations to experience. Perhaps they could foster a different mythological path." "Oh, so you''re willing to reopen the Practitioner''s Pure Land?" the Demon Ancestor inquired. "Yes, while it''s still possible to open it and it hasn''t dried up, I am willing to restart the Practitioner''s Pure Land," Lady Fang nodded. She looked at the Demon Ancestor, "The Divine Land of Demons can also be unsealed, right?" "No problem!" the red-dressed demonic fairy nodded with a smile. The Demon Ancestor felt stifled; he hadn''t agreed yet, but the demonic sovereign had already promised. Fang Zhuyu said, "I think it''s a good idea. Let''s open all Pure Lands, Divine Nations, Immortal Gardens, and Demonic Lands. They are all part of an extraordinary space connected to one another, artificially separated by our respective followers, blocking the paths between them. Now, by reuniting them, we form an extraordinary realm." "Although it is attached to the Old World, it exists in outer space, and given the current environment..." someone voiced their concerns, frowning. "It''s okay, take a spaceship there. The technology of the modern world is quite advanced," Old Zhang stated. The crowd was left speechless. They were figures of mythology, and now their disciples and followers were to travel by spaceship for cultivation? Wang Xuan was lost in thought. Was there a bizarre space outside the Old World, in outer space? The founder of the Flying Sword spoke up, "But that ce is very abnormal, which is why it was sealed in the first ce. There are haunted spirits, unexined fires, and strange forces infiltrating it. Many of the creatures there have gone mad. It''s extremely dangerous for our descendants and even for us after our realms have fallen. We might encounter troubles there too." The Female Practitioner''s expression was solemn, "It''s precisely because it''s abnormal that it''s worth exploring. The conventional myths have reached their ends, let''s see what remnants can still be found in such an odd ce." Old Zhang said, "Everyone here has been in touch with the power of reality, right? There should be strands of it within the strange spaces in outer space. We''ve all been secretly digging into it, don''t tell me you haven''t tried. Let the neers have a go." Over the years, seeing no hope within the existing mythological world, they indeed explored other forces, such as cultivating genuine medicine and capturing invisible strange substances. Unfortunately, their progress was not promising, and they saw no dawn of a new mythology. Wang Xuan was truly astonished. These individuals were incredibly powerful, also in touch with the power of reality? However, their direction might be different from his, or perhaps, they tried to forge a path but failed. He was looking forward to it! "It seems that some immortals are eager to get married off, hoping for a new transcendent vow to emerge," someone joked. "The fourth rule..." Chapter 333: Wang In The Golden Scroll

Chapter 333: Wang In The Golden Scroll

The drafting of the initial five new vows was unanimously agreed upon, leading to a formal consensus among all parties involved. The next step was the signing process, establishing these guidelines as standards to be adhered to by all major factions. "Those who breach the agreement¡ªwill be in," dered Immortal Fang, her celestial form enveloped in a subtle luminance, her once gentle smile now vanished. She addressed all present, indicating that when the timees, personal connections will hold no sway. Old Zhang concurred with a nod, emphasizing, "With the establishment of these rules, let us all adhere strictly to them. No one should expect leniency due to their exalted heritage or divine lineage." The gathering solemnly acknowledged this directive. The unvarnished truth had beenid bare; any transgressions by the younger generation would be met with inescapable consequences. "A few of our brethren have yet to join us. Once we''ve signed, we''ll disseminate the new regtions to them. I trust this code, forged in consensus, will bind them as well," someone proposed. This proposal received unanimous support. The absence of some factions from this assembly would not exempt them from abiding by the new vows; no such luxury existed. In an instant, a golden scroll unfurled across the void, floating amidst the moonlight cascading over the golden sea, passing into the hands of each supreme entity present, capturing their consent. As names were inscribed, the heavens celebrated with a burst of auspicious clouds and divine melodies, signaling the vows'' activation. Others left symbols representing their essence, equally binding, causing the moon to tremble and the veryws of existence to intertwine. Suddenly, each realm behind the grand curtain began to witness extraordinary phenomena, sending ripples of shock through the immortal ranks. What grand event could have precipitated such a spectacle? From behind the moon, Old Zhang''s true essence imposed a seal, marked by a single ancient character¡ªZhang. The ensuing dragon roars and tiger howls, enveloped in celestial might, presented a spectacle of immense grandeur, seemingly poised to fracture the heavens. Wang Xuan looked on in awe; Old Zhang was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Despite his rtively youthful appearance, his spiritual cultivation was profoundly intimidating. As the Ancestor of the Flying Sword made his mark upon the golden scroll, a nine-colored flying sword emerged, its light ethereal, poised to sh through the very fabric of the grand curtain itself. The Yoke Ancestor Qi Yi left behind a mark of the Demon Pool, with overwhelming blood energy engulfing stars and moons, creating a scene akin to world annihtion. The golden scroll shimmered brilliantly, swirling with chaos energy, truly extraordinary. Although it was merely a rough initial version, far from theplexity of the Old Covenant, its significance was monumental. "Come and sign as well," the Female Practitioner telepathically invited Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan hesitated, wondering if it was appropriate for him to leave his name alongside these titans. "To take responsibility is not to shirk; sometimes, seeking to remain humble and low-key isn''t always beneficial. Since it was you who initiated this, you deserve to sign," Old Zhang chimed in. "Strength doesn''t permit me to... be ostentatious," Wang Xuan was well aware of his limits, but agreed to sign, knowing that despite his reservations, these entities were already aware of him. The golden scroll, bearing the names and marks of countless formidable beings, resonated withws and the grand dao within the moonlight, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Wang Xuan observed the signatures; the Hades Blood Sect Leader''s was merely a drop of blood that, upon closer inspection, transformed into a roaring blood sea threatening to devour all. The Female Demon Immortal left an ancient, intricate character that Wang Xuan could not recognize, feeling only the terrifying power that swept across the heavens through the golden covenant. Wang Xuan then activated the Miniature g of the God-ying Banner as his representative mark. An obscure aura flowed, and the grand banner swept across the entire scroll before retracting. Finally, the Female Practitioner carefully reviewed the scroll and added the mark of the Ascension Bamboo, with light rain sprinkling down, serene and sacred, thus finalizing the new vows. In an instant, the golden scroll shed across both the realms behind the grand curtain and the present world. "With this, today''s gathering concludes!" In the bamboo boat, the golden sea dried up, the moon vanished, and all figures retreated. Yet, the matter was far from over. It would spread across all factions, upholding the transcendent beings'' respect, with consequences awaiting any vitors. "I need to catch a spaceship; there are some matters to attend to in New World, so I won''t stay long," Old Zhang took his leave, intending to traverse the stars to another realm. Wang Xuan was momentarily stunned. "You''re an immortal, adapting to the trends of this new era, booking spaceship tickets to travel?" He too made his farewells swiftly. "I have some discussions pending with the entities beyond the grand curtain," Immortal Fang said with a smile, without insisting on any stay, handing over the God-ying Banner. Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat at her radiant smile, dazzling as divine radiance, her eyes pure as if they could see through one¡¯s soul. Could she have detected the remnants of the silver substance? As Wang Xuan departed, stepping out of the cave dwelling, Immortal Fang was already lying in the Ascension Bamboo Boat, shrouded in light rain, establishing contact with the realms beyond the grand curtain. The celestial realms and their factions quieted down for a long while after the new vows were signed. Those who hadn''t attended felt some regret, but upon reviewing the golden scroll, they found it didn''t harm their interests. "What, he also co-signed?" In a city of the Old World, a round-faced girl eximed, it was the White Tiger True Immortal, who was among the first to be notified. Seeing that small g and learning who it represented left her speechless. "This guy actually went ahead and forged a new covenant with a bunch of titans? That''s just absurd!" "Damn it!" In the Old World, Qi Lian Dao, as the Yoke Ancestor''s son, naturally was one of the first to know about the signing of the new covenant. "That''s my God-ying Banner!" he said coldly. Even he didn''t have the privilege to approach the golden scroll, let alone participate, yet his target of hunt had left a signature on it. ...... Wang Xuan left the primordial forest and boarded a spaceship departing from the Greater Khingan Range, still in a daze about the day''s events that set the tone for the current world. Whether it''s Old World, New World, or other mythologicals, lightning storms rage, and the newly drafted covenant by all factions holds immense influence. Now, from ancient immortals to rising talents, from humans to demons, all disciples and followers have been sternly warned. Anyone daring to break the rules will undoubtedly face death, with those who signed the golden scroll empowered to enforce thew. This is akin to a Category 20 hurricane sweeping across the seas, affecting thend, and causing a stir among beings who crossed the grand curtain, sparking intense debates and uproar. Some demons, discontent with their restrictions and the inability to freely indulge post-return,mented the new rules as confining. Conversely, others supported the covenant, arguing, "So your freedom was built on infringing upon ordinary people? It seems the new covenant is beneficial!" Both immortals and demons engaged in heated discussions, directly affecting their interests. Despite the ongoing disputes, the new covenant stands, and all are bound toply. "In truth, it''s not a big deal. In this era, material life has reached its peak, the mundane world is dazzling, and ordinary people can traverse the stars. A gentler approach by immortals and more discipline from demons will lead to a better life in this world." "Foolishness. The titans above are gradually limating you to life in the current world, teaching you to stay low-key. Otherwise, once the mythological mepletely extinguishes and ordinary people retaliate with battleships, how many of you can survive? Harmonious coexistence and full integration now are for your own good." Despite varied opinions, the transcendent beings havergely epted the covenant. Disagree? Attempt defiance, and you''ll swiftly face demise. The symbol of the God-ying Banner imprinted on the golden scroll initially left many in the dark about its origin. However, as demons began to "educate" others, the identity behind it gradually became clear. "The God-ying Banner has fallen into the hands of a mortal?" Many were shocked, their eyes zing with interest or envy. The infamous demons and direct descendants of the immortals remained unmoved, already aware of the situation. Hen Jun''s followers had even attempted to seize it. Some coveted the banner, while others sighed, knowing all too well the number of resentful spirits of demons in by the God-ying Banner in New World. The near annihtion of Hen Jun''s faction hadn''t yet spread. "How interesting that even a mortal has left his mark on the new covenant. What if I just killed him outright?" In an old Taoist temple in Old World, a blood-red fierce beast, over a meter tall and standing on the altar, had three divine rings behind its head. This beast, known as the Blood God Ape, was a prodigy among the demon race, rumored to be the illegitimate child of an ancient Demon Saint. Born with three heads and six arms, it could tear apart beings of its own level as easily as paper, possessing innate immense strength and quick mastery of spells. Though not as high-ranking as a Demon Ancestor, a Demon Saint held a significantly elevated position within the demon race, with only a few in existence. With his unique status, few dared to provoke the Blood God Ape, who now resided in this deserted Taoist temple, surrounded by a dense demonic aura and several followers. In a peaceful and serene teahouse, filled with the fragrance of tea, a young man in a white practice outfit sat quietly, gracefully sipping tea. Before him were two beautiful women, exuding an aura of immortality and enveloped in a mist of immortality; one was brewing tea while the other yed chess with him. This young man, Qi Chengdao, was highly regarded by the ancestor of the immortals, Qi Teng. Born with a glowing forehead, he possessed the Pure Yang Immortal Bone, marking him as an extraordinary being. In their faction, no one could make Qi Chengdao use both hands in a fight of the same level; he always suppressed all opponents with just one hand. "It''s remarkable that he could leave his name on the golden scroll and even obtain and refine the God-ying Banner. This person is not simple; he has many secrets." After cing a chess piece on the board, Qi Chengdao slowly flipped through the investigation file on Wang Xuan, paying great attention. "His realm is not high, and his cultivation is limited. Do you regard him highly?" The woman ying chess with him smiled. "Respecting an opponent is respecting oneself," Qi Chengdao replied with a slight smile, his face handsome and bright. "In an era where transcendence is decaying, his cultivation speed is so fast. Aside from the well-known Inner Landscape, there must be other secrets worth exploring." "Young Master, are you going to make a move against him?" asked the woman who was demonstrating her exquisite tea-making skills. Such a mode of address seemed odd in modern society, but it would make sense knowing they came from beyond the curtain. Qi Chengdao nodded, "No matter how special he is, I must get the God-ying Banner. It has another origin, which is very important to me. Therefore, to respect him, I can only go all out. Other than suppressing him, there is no other option." The woman ying chess with him was beautiful and ethereal, dressed in a long dress as white as the moon, her presence serene. "Do you need my help to encircle him? To help you take him down sooner." Qi Chengdao smiled lightly, "Mingxi, thank you. But I think it''s best for you to just watch. Although Old World was once brilliant, full of extraordinary people and ces, in this era, there is no one in the mortal world who can pressure me!" Chapter 334 Full: Alone Against The World

Chapter 334: Alone Against The World

The signing of the new covenant on a golden scroll manifested in various ces, with the force of rules expanding, all beings who crossed worlds paid great attention to it. "Less ughter, more peace, it''s not bad. The prosperity of the human world indeed should not be destroyed, it''s worth cherishing." A delicate-looking youth spoke as he walked through a bustling metropolis. His eyes were clear, and his body appeared somewhat frail, even weak. However, if his identity were known, many would be shocked; he is considered a core figure of the fourth generation of demonic cultivators in the immortal realms, self-named Demon Four. Unlike many demonic cultivators, he and his lineage do not acknowledge the Demonic Ancestor as their origin, considering their line the true orthodoxy, not derived from that of the Demonic Ancestor. The term "fourth generation" isn''t based on age, as he is not old, but rather, demonic cultivators from recent times up to the present are ssified as the fourth generation. Demon Four, though appearing youthful and holding the highest scriptures of demonic cultivation, is regarded as the most promising figure in the demonic path from the other side of the veil in recent history. Despite his youthful and pure appearance, his methods of killing are terrifying. With the loosening of the old covenant, under circumstances that wouldn''t harm his Dao foundation but only his cultivation progress, this highly regarded core figure of the fourth generation was secretly sent here. "I vaguely sense that our lineage has predecessors who have left their essence in the human world, sleeping deep within the consciousness of ordinary people with naturally strong spiritual power, a remarkable spiritual sarcophagus technique, the core of our highest scriptures." He whispered, walking with nimble steps through the bustlingmercial streets, visiting severalrge shopping centers, showing interest in everything. "Recently, Wang Xuan has been living in An City!" Someone came over and reported to him in a low voice. The graceful youth, Demon Four, calmly said, "Do not vite the new covenant; we cannot initiate conflicts in areas where ordinary people reside. Once ces like the Practitioner''s Pure Land, Immortal Gardens, Demonic Lands, etc., are opened and connected, I will find him there." "There are others who have set their sights on him," the informant said solemnly and earnestly. "It''s not surprising. Leaving a name on the new covenant, it''s impossible not to attract attention. Some want to test his mettle, some want to temper him, and others want to block his path. Thepetition from all sides is very fair. No matter who it is, if they block my way, killing them is the only option!" "A certain faction has sent a message wanting to coborate. Before entering the external domain''s bizarre space, they aim to hunt Wang Xuan, demanding only his physical body, while the God-ying Banner can be left to us." The youth''s expression remainedposed as he gazed upon the bustling world, saying, "What a joke. Do I, Demon Four, need to cooperate with others? No matter who they are¡ªsome minor demonic saint, some illegitimate child of a celestial, some ancestral sessor, or Wang Xuan¡ªI''ll sweep through them all by myself, ying them single-handedly!" "Demon Four, you''re quite arrogant," a woman approached him from behind as he walked through themercial street. She was tall, wearing shorts and a blouse paired with high heels, and her delicate face was framed by sses. While she exuded a schrly aura, herughter revealed a wild charm when she removed her sses. ncing back at her, Demon Four said, "I wondered who it was. Zhou Qinghuang, you want to cooperate with me? Fine, serve as my maid for a year. I''ll only take the God-ying Banner, and all other scriptures and treasures will be yours." "Demon Four, your pride will be your downfall. Be careful, or you might be the first to be in!" Zhou Qinghuang''s smile turned cold as she put her sses back on and walked away. "Won''t you reconsider? This is the first time I''ve offered to cooperate with someone," Demon Four pressed, though he bore the appearance of a refined youth, his demeanor now was somewhat aggressive. At his core, he was cold and determined, his clear eyes and fragile appearance merely a facade, for he was a demonic cultivator! "Then I might as well directly seek the principal himself, to gain both the g and the person. You... go back and drink breast milk for a couple more years, little demon!" "Zhou Qinghuang, don''t let me catch you in the external space domain, heh!" Demon Four warned coldly. ...... In the bustling city of Ancheng, within a secluded estate owned by the Secret Path Organization where Qingmu had long made his home, Wang Xuan recounted his harrowing adventures in the Daxing''an Mountains to Chen Yongjie and his disciple, urging them to brace for what lies ahead. The night deepened, the sky once speckled with stars soon overshadowed by a drifting expanse of dark clouds that veiled the moon''s serene glow. "This is auspicious," Qingmu remarked with a hint of joy. "Henceforth, the beings from the realms beyond dare not inflict harm upon the mortals. Should they transgress, the sword of justice shall descend upon them." The thought of a world plunged into chaos, overrun by demons causing untold suffering to the innocent, was unbearable. "Yet, the divide remains¡ªtranscendents and mortals must heed caution. Master, you and Wang Xuan are not exempt from the dangers ahead," Qingmu cautioned, furrowing his brow in concern. Chen Yongjie nodded in agreement, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic realm beyond. He was intent on delving into its mysteries, despite the evident dangers Wang Xuan had detailed. "The gateway opens in two days, fraught with peril. Spirits that chill the bone, inexplicable mes, and creatures driven to madness..." Wang Xuanid bare the risks involved. He advised Qingmu against venturing into such peril, warning of the high stakes. Even Old Zhang, he suggested, could find himself in peril should he venture there after his realm had diminished. To Chen Yongjie, Wang Xuan offered no such caution, knowing well his mentor''s disposition wouldpel him to explore regardless. "Should you decide to proceed, prepare meticulously. We ought to operate independently. I sense a target on my back, likely to be the focal point of numerous adversaries," Wang Xuan expressed, unwilling to drag them into potential conflicts. As they delved deeper into their conversation, Wang Xuan''s attention was abruptly drawn to the window. There, beneath the obscured moonlight, a celestial figure hovered in the distance, her gaze fixed towards them. Her sensitivity to his observation was immediate; she ceased her concealment, ascending with poise into the sky, bathed in a golden radiance that mirrored a divine moon casting its light across the void, her beauty spellbinding. Upon closer inspection, golden wings unfurled behind her, shedding divine droplets, her locks shimmering gold, her origins a mystery. She offered Wang Xuan a gentle smile and a casual wave before dissolving into a luminous streak and vanishing into the night. Chen Yongjie''s expression grew stern. "In this era of transformation, where entities unt their power, who might she be? My instincts scream caution, doubting our ability to subdue such a force." Wang Xuan mirrored his seriousness, "She represents a new emergence, possibly endowed with the essence of a supreme entity or wielding an artifact of untold power, resilient against the oppressive forces of our world." Even he had to admit, this enigmatic woman presented an extraordinary challenge, surpassing the prowess of the nine-stage masters he had previously defeated. Chen Yongjie inquired, "Though the Old Covenant has loosened, sending out such a powerful transcendent being would cost something significant. What exactly is in that strange space?" "There are many treasures. Have you heard of the Pre-Qin golden bamboo slips? It''s said that one of them was dug out from a huge, slowly extinguishing fire pit within that space," Wang Xuan shared. He was genuinely astonished when discussing this peculiar space with the titans at the Da Xing An Ling. That area is imbued with the force of reality, mysterious energies, and various fortunes rted to the origins of myths. "Are there any divine herbs?" "Yes. It''s said that the region is vast, nearing the realms intertwined with the spiritual world, potentially harboring unharvested divine herbs!" Wang Xuan confirmed. Just these details alone underscore the peril of the area; some fortunes not even fully harvested by the immortals of yore, signaling a beacon of caution. "Due to its extreme danger, it will only be open for three days to first observe the situation. If everyone... perishes, or if over ny percent are annihted, when it will open again is uncertain." Qingmu was dumbfounded, wondering how this cursed ce, where even ascended immortals returning with torn spiritual souls could meet their demise, could be considered and of fortune. Suddenly, Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye wove a special beam of light, spotting movement within the dark clouds. Someone had just entered. "What a restless night." Ever since he signed the new covenant, people have been lurking nearby, keeping an eye on him. But as Old Zhang hinted, having his name on the golden scroll would greatly benefit him in the future, though it certainly feels like a trap at the moment. In the dark clouds, realizing he was spotted, a man on a dark wooden boat descended silently, watching Wang Xuan from a distance. He held a young woman tenderly, gently patting her back, yet his mouth was stained with blood. "He''s eating a person? That¡¯s a vition of the new covenant!" Qingmu eximed. "No, he¡¯s drinking blood!" Chen Yongjie added gravely. The woman was already dead, a transcendent, not of this world. Still, Wang Xuan found it repulsive. The man, indulging in blood before him and spying, was clearly no good. With a pale face, he tenderly patted the woman''s back, finishing thest drop of blood from her neck before smiling at Wang Xuan and miming a throat-slitting gesture. "tantly staring you down, he''s definitely here to make a move on you. Shall we pursue and eliminate him?" Chen Yongjie inquired. "No rush. This individual is immensely powerful, likely directed by some influential figure to target me," Wang Xuan spected, suspecting Hades Blood Sect''s patriarch might be behind this, unwilling to let the threat from the Female Practitioner slide. "With such formidable beings aiming for you,bat seems futile, even with transcendent relics at hand," Qingmu voiced his concern. "Why not continue seeking new paths and further your cultivation to surpass them?" Chen Yongjie half-joked. Wang Xuan, dismissing the idea as coincidence, stressed the need to explore the outer space for new powers without hastily advancing his cultivation level, risking his foundational stability. He advised Chen Yongjie to seize the opportunity in that strange space while cautioning against revealing their association to avoid drawing worldwide hostility. Despite the lurking presence of powerful beings, none confronted him directly, maintaining a cautious distance. The next day, on a mountain peak, the exuberant shout of a round-faced young girl pierced the air as the dimming celestial rain of the grand curtain receded, revealing a red-d female figure gradually fading into the distance. The White Tiger Immortal experienced a significant boost in power as another fragment of her divine essence was restored, eagerly anticipating her newfound strength. Yet, the warning from the red-d female demon reminded her that her capabilities were only sufficient for self-preservation for now. Two days swiftly passed without notable incidents, aside from the arrival of some exceptionally powerful beings. The world seemed peaceful, with transcendent beings keeping a low profile, akin to the calm before a storm. Everyone was conserving their energy for the unknown challenges thaty ahead in the strange territory. "The time hase, it''s about to open!" In outer space, the grand curtain revealed itself as the leaders of various factions chanted incantations to lift the ancient seals. Countless symbols were released, illuminating the void. The peculiar space was surprisingly close to the moon, corresponding to a void parallel to the real moon. On this day, in outer space, nine luminous gateways flickered on, shining brilliantly. Immortal rain sprinkled down as sacred substances flowed, and the entrance to the exotic realm was unveiled. There were nine gates in the void, each leading to realms like the Practitioners'' Purnd, Demon Lands, and the Sacred Land of the Demons. Now, these ces were interconnected, forming a single vast area essible from any gate. Wang Xuan arrived on a spaceship, leisurely and seemingly in no rush to enter. By the time he arrived, the space was crowded with numerous small spacecraft, and countless eyes turned toward him, as many were evidently waiting for him. Arge number of transcendent beings had already gathered, emitting dangerous auras, yet none had ventured in prematurely. "Is this really going to be a showdown against the whole world?" Wang Xuan pondered as he looked ahead. Chapter 335: Hostilities On Old Wang Chapter 335: Hostilities On Old Wang Amongst the gathering were beings strange and mystical, demons and immortals, humans and specters, each showcasing their prowess. The air was thick with a tension that wove through the void like a dense fog of killing intent, not exactly fostering a harmonious atmosphere. Small spacecraft densely packed this segment of outer space. To single-handedly challenge an era, to face all beings that have emerged from behind the grand curtainwas such a feat conceivable for Wang Xuan? He harbored no desire for such madness. Observing from a distance, remaining detached from the fray, would suit him best. If there was no need to engage, he would refrain; seizing advantages without bloodshed was always the preferable strategy. Moreover, with so many poised to hunt down a single target, who could possibly carve a path through alone? Among them lurked entities capable of breaching boundaries, armed with curious treasures or even the true blood of unparalleled beings. "To stand against three thousand foes alone? Further ascension is required." Though reluctant to charge blindly into the midst of enemies, his spirit remained unyieldingly strong. Stepping out from his small spacecraft, Wang Xuan faced forward. Here, in outer space, an ordinary person would sumb to the vast differences in internal and external pressures, leading to blood spewing and various injuries before being frozen by the extreme cold. Ahead, a multitude of figures looked his way, all formidable transcendent beings. Among them were renowned immortals and demons, now "downgraded" to traverse between realms. What does it mean to hold presence? Wang Xuan, alone against a host of powerful figures, captured everyone''s attention. This was what one might call "the center of attention." Everyone awaited his arrival with "anticipation," whether for reasons positive or negative, he seemed to be encircled by a "halo" of significance. "Who are you?" arge, bearded young man asked with a hostile gaze, finding Wang Xuan''s solitary stance particrly irksome. "Wasted anticipation, thought the main event had arrived," a woman d in partial armor, revealing her slender waist, expressed her impatience with a wave of her hand, motioning for Wang Xuan to move aside. "I am Wu Chengsheng," Wang Xuan introduced himself to those around him. At this moment, he was d in heavy armor, his stature tall and muscr, his facepletely transformed to resemble a valiant ancient general, wielding a dark longsword. Aware of the inevitable siege, he had prepared ordingly, ensuring he wouldn''t immediately be a target upon his arrival. Thus, he adopted the identity of Wu Chengsheng. During his time in the New World, especially in Old Zhong''s study, he had acquired a plethora of scriptures and understood numerous secret techniques. Now, he had altered his physical form, crucially employing the soul secret techniques from the golden bamboo scrolls to construct a virtual soul,pletely altering his spiritual aura. This also involved the application of the Soul Coffin Technique from Old Zhong''s study, concealing his originally overpowering spiritual mark, lying dormant deep within the virtual spirit body. "Just at the sixth level, and you dare toe here? Move aside and don''t block the way!" someone scolded, clearly finding him disagreeable. Communication in outer space was conducted through spiritual exchange. "I thought the big shot Wang Xuan had arrived. We''ve been waiting for a long time. Truly, it''s no wonder he''s a giant who left his name on the new oath, yet he hasn''t shown up until now," a red-haired young manmented sarcastically, holding a nine-tiered pagoda that radiated a faint glow, permeated with supermaterial essence. He was indeed powerful, having "broken the ceiling." Wang Xuan was on alert; the individuals arriving this time were extraordinary. Anyone randomly picked from the crowd was formidable, likely including the illegitimate offspring of ancient true immortals and disciples of demon saints, among others. "If he really shows up, I''ll beat the crap out of him!" a scar-faced man dered, wielding a bone banner with a malevolent aura. "How vulgar!" A female transcendent being expressed her disdain for his crudenguage. Many nearby shared her sentiment. As a descendant of immortals and demons, hisck of refinement was akin to that of a barbarian. Wang Xuan nearly lost hisposure. Had he offended them in any way? Such derogatory remarks ensured he would remember this individual, vowing to not rest until he was defeated. At this moment, Chen Yongjie was hiding among the crowd, having also disguised himself. He was chuckling underhandedly, knowing full well the true identity of the person being ridiculed as Wang Xuan, yet he could only watch without being able to intervene. "A transcendent being from the human world, merely fortunate enough to be born in the right era and stumble upon the ying God Banner. What gives him the right to leave his name on the golden scroll? His cultivation is so meager, he hasn''t even reached the Freedom of Travel, yet he has the audacity to sign the new oath alongside us. It''s disgraceful!" A purple-haired woman spoke up. Her figure was enveloped in immortal mist, her arms wrapped in celestial silk. Her face was pretty but marred by a scowl of disdain for Wang Xuan''s involvement in drafting the new oath. This sentiment was shared by many who felt slighted. Back in their realms beyond the veil, weren''t they all beings who had transcended the Freedom of Travel? Many among them had reached the celestial level of cultivation, yet now they were expected to adhere to a covenant partly shaped by a mere mortal cultivator. "The moment he dares to show himself, I''ll be the first to kill him!" dered a young man with white hair, not from age but by nature, as he casually waved a fan depicting majestdscapes. Another being who had broken through the ceiling, his statement made Wang Xuan clench his fists in anger and caution. These outspoken individuals were all asking for a confrontation. "I''m curious, once ''the great Wang Xuan'' is in, will his name still need to remain on the golden scroll? Let''s see who ends up embarrassed. Why should his signature be there?!" A refined-looking man in a blue robemented, his tone devoid of any calmness, eagerly anticipating the spectacle of Wang Xuan''s downfall. Many harbored thoughts of eliminating Wang Xuan, intrigued by the potential disruption to the roster of the new oath, harboring malice towards the agreement itself. Not far away, the Blood God Ape, with its three heads and six arms covered in red fur, each head crowned with a divine halo, smirked without uttering a word. Qi Chengdao and Mingxi stood side by side, exuding a transcendent aura. He, in his unstained white attire, and she, in her celestial long dress, were both striking and graceful. Behind them, one of Qi Chengdao''s maids remarked, "It seems many are eager to kill him. My lord''s intent to subdue him and seize the ying God Banner might meet considerable resistance." "Approach me; I wish to see you more clearly," a voice softly called out, breaking the tense silence. The speaker was a slender youth with an air of delicacy about him, his smile gentle yet carrying an undercurrent of sharpness. His appearance belied his reputation as the formidable fourth-generation core of demonic cultivators, a figure destined, perhaps, to ascend to the throne of Demonic Sovereign. Wang Xuan, now merely another face in the crowd under his guise, tensed. Could his disguise be so easily prated? The youth, known as Mo Si among the circles of demonic cultivation, had a reputation for his acute perceptions. Mo Si''s suspicion, however slight, stemmed from his familiarity with the Soul Coffin Technique, which Wang Xuan had adapted for his disguise, stirring a sense of unease in him. "Is he here?" whispered a voice among the descendants of celestial beings, as a spacecraft loomed into view, signaling its arrival without revealing its upant. The surrounding area, filled with small crafts, buzzed as the message was received, projecting Wang Xuan''s image across their screens. "To be the focus of such anticipation, how ttering. There''s no need for such formalities; disperse and seek your fortunes within the Divine Garden," Wang Xuan''s image dered from the spacecraft, embodying confidence and authority, as though he were ustomed tomanding the heavens and the earth. In reality, this was Qingmu''s doing, opting not to approach but to observe from afar, orchestrating the moment. The response was immediate and icy. The inherent hostility toward him, now coupled with his presumptuous demeanor, only fueled their disdain. Did he truly see himself as "Lord Wang," deserving of such deference? "The audacity to speak so boldly will be your downfall. You won''t even see iting," came a cold retort, a threat veiled thinly in the promise of violence. And then, some began to initiate their crafts, ready to converge on him in a direct assault. Wang Xuan inwardly sighed. It seemed he could no longer maintain his stance as a detached observer. Resigned to the unfolding drama, he prepared to step into the roleid out for him. "Wang Xuan, what gives you the right to speak thus? Step forward, and I shall end you with but a single hand," bellowed the Blood God Ape, his voice cutting through the tension. Known for his lineage to the demonic sovereign and his unyielding nature, his deration sent ripples through the crowd, marking the beginning of an inevitable confrontation. On therge screen, Qingmu, impersonating Wang Xuan, spoke with chilling confidence, "So many of you are conspiring against me? As you wish, I will be what you desire me to be!" With a confident smile, he added, "So what if I face the world alone?" His bold promation stunned many. In this gathering, who else would dare im the ability to stand alone against the collective might arrayed before them? "Ha, ''Great Wang Xuan,'' you must be out of your mind to utter such words!" mocked the purple-haired woman, her celestial bindings glowing as she sneered, deeming him as courting his own doom. "Some people are too reckless and unrealistic, offending everyone and still daring to im a spot on the golden scroll? Death is too kind for him; he should be eliminated!" voiced someone, not moving personally but signaling their followers to take action against Wang Xuan. "Then, as you wish, today, what does it matter if I sweep through three thousand foes?!" Qingmu, as Wang Xuan, stood tall behind the screen, hands sped behind his back, overlooking all with amanding gaze. As some small spacecrafts surged forward in attack, the figure of Wang Xuan, as portrayed by Qingmu, dramatically swung his right hand down, uttering a deep and forceful "Kill!" On the dark side of the moon, a massive battleship emerged, its vast silhouette floating ominously, cold and intimidating. Boom! A terrifying beam burst forth, the battleship opening fire and instantly obliterating several small spacecrafts near the nine hazy gateways, especially those that had justunched their assault. They exploded in mes, lighting up the sky. Undoubtedly, even the descendants of celestial beings, offspring of demon gods, and other formidable experts couldn''t withstand such power, their physical forms disintegrating in the onught. Certainly, there were those with incredibly sharp senses who, anticipating danger, dashed away early, narrowly escaping disaster. The crowd felt a chill down their spine, as if death itself had targeted them. In an instant, everyone surged toward the nine ancient gateways suspended in the void, seeking refuge from the horrific explosion. The scene was gruesome, with the flesh and blood of celestial beings and demons scattered, limbs flying, and even the heads of beautiful women plummeting to their doom. "This is... against the rules. Our battle should be limited to the transcendent!" cried someone in shock and rage, fleeing in utter disarray. Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat, thinking to himself that, although this was part of the n, Qingmu should tread lightly, especially with his master among the crowd, lest he inadvertently cause harm. "You have your swords for battle, and I have my battleship. In this mortal realm, you don''t make all the rules; this is one of my secret treasures!" Qingmu, as Wang Xuan, spoke calmly. The void was filled with blood mist and drifting limbs. Standing before therge screen, Qingmu''s portrayal of Wang Xuan was like a mighty tiger, his gazemanding over all. His eyes deep and imposing, he truly resembled a great demon lord, indifferent and imposing, dering, "As you wished, you have forced me into bing the figure you wanted to see. The Great Wang Xuan facing the world alone shall not be hindered!" Chapter 336: The Mysterious New World Chapter 336: The Mysterious New World In the vastness of space, small spacecraft ignited one after another like fireworks before the nine mysterious gateways, blooming in the cold expanse before fading into darkness. "You.. are going too far!" someone shouted. The once elegant celestial maidens were now in a mess, and they had lost their embroidered shoes. With their snow-white feet now bare, they fled wildly towards the misty gateway. There were also powerful demons with their legs severed, crossing the blood-filled void and fleeing into the gateway. And these were theparatively fortunate ones, who managed to preserve their bodies for the most part. By contrast, the most impulsive ones who approached Wang Xuan''s Vanguard with their small spacecraft were directly obliterated! Their physical bodies were gone, and only their weak spirits were left drifting like dreams, vanishing into the nine ancient gateways. Old Chen was truly frightened, cursing Qing Mu in his heart, as he had almost sent his master on his final journey! Qing Mu felt satisfied as he stood in front of the screen with his hands behind his back. The demons were shrieking as they died, while the descendants of immortals were fleeing for their lives. Although it was predetermined, executing it felt much better than experiencing it as the main protagonist. He only came to his senses when he remembered the main protagonist. He was startled to notice that Wang Xuan and his master were dodging, jumping up and down, narrowly avoiding attack after attack. Qing Mu hurriedly contacted the people on therge battleship. "Zhao Hong, be careful, don''t hit my master!" "Got it, I''m just putting on a show, it will be more realistic!" said Zhao Hong, who was Qing Mu''s nephew. Previously when Wang Xuan went to Pamir teau under the alias Wang Xiao to participate in the battle, it was this young man who went through the trouble of disguising himself as Wang Xuan. Later, when Wang Xuan went to the New World, Zhao Hong was arranged to pretend to be Wang Xiao for a while, and he was absolutely reliable. Boom! More demons were disintegrated beside Chen Yongjie. The demons had almost fled into one of the gateways, but they were still a step too slow and got obliterated. Veins popped out on Old Chen''s forehead, and the anger within him made his short hair glow. This scoundrel was really going to betray his master and destroy his ancestors? Wang Xuan was left speechless too. Even he had almost been hit. This was the script that he had written, so it would be funny if he ended up getting killed too. Qing Mu quickly shouted, cursing his nephew up and down. Zhao Hong didnt know when to stop! But he could also understand, as he himself had felt exhration and unending vigor as he cut through demons like cutting vegetables. He had also been unable to resist the urge to keep attacking. Clearly, his nephew was too invested as it was his first time experiencing this kind of scenario. It made his blood boil and it chipped away his sanity with every kill. After all, not everyone had the chance to hunt immortals and demons. Wang Xuan and Old Chen didn''t rush into the forefront, nor did they linger behind. They chose to enter a misty gateway with the flow, officially stepping into this mysterious realm! What they saw was lush greenery, crystal clear rivers with immortal qi, and mountain cliffs with medicinal herbs rooted in their crevices that were surrounded by clouds and mist. The supernatural essence here wasn''t overly dense, but it wasn''t thin either. Indeed, it was a mythical realm that was still suitable for cultivation, as it was not yet depleted. Those who fled in looked miserable. Many were helping each other, some with broken legs, others missing arms, it was a bloody mess. Some had just entered the gateway and already looked like they were suffering, it was truly pitiful. The most difficult thing was that some people were reduced to mere spirits, drifting about, starting to doubt life itself. They hadn''t even begun to explore the new world, yet they found themselves in such a dire situation. Wang Xuan''s eyelids twitched, as more and more heavily injured individuals continued to appear. He felt that Qing Mu had gone too far and had deviated from the script. "Ughhhhhh..." A celestial maiden wept. Her breastte was shattered and she was covered in blood; of ten delicate and beautiful fingers, she only had three left. "It''s too tragic. I feel so much hatred!" cried a demoness beside her. She was supported by someone, as she had lost one of her feet. She truly wanted to cry her heart out. Wang Xuan sighed inwardly. Qing Mu, have you gone mad with killing? Wang Xuan was left speechless as the me would eventually fall squarely on the main protagonist''s shoulders. However, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction and his mood improved considerably when he saw a certain celestial maiden charred ck, emitting a foul odor You want to burn me with criticism? Well, now you''re the one who got burned! In outer space, Qing Mu had already ordered a ceasefire after he scolded his nephew. He looked at the battlefield with a mixture of shock and regret, knowing that he had caused trouble for Wang Xuan. "There are quite a lot of shattered parts," he said reluctantly. He hadn''t felt much pressure when Olesha, the pioneer of the New Arts field, had an ident, but now he felt somewhat uneasy. Zhao Hong reassured him, saying, It''s not too bad. Looking at the overall mess, most of it is from the small spacecraft breaking apart. Those immortals and demons are great runners. The ones truly blown to bits are just a few dozen people, definitely not over a hundred. "Are you delusional? They''re immortals and demons, not cabbages. Each one of them has their own backing!" replied Qing Mu, wanting to punch him. Qing Mu looked around and saw the deste sky that was filled with the tails of white foxes, the snow-white legs of celestial maidens, the half heads of zombies, the gigantic heads of demonic serpents, and the lower bodies of certain young masters... As everything came to a close, Qing Mu, disguised as Wang Xuan said "As a practitioner of ship mechanics, all I seek is self-preservation, peace, and tranquility. I hope everyone will take care of themselves." Some formal words still needed to be said, after all. He said these words just as thest crippled transcendent entered the New World, and everyone was shocked to hear them. They couldnt ept that the outside was indeed quiet and peaceful now. Wang Xuan remained calm. If it went beyond the script, so be it. After all, those who were struck were mainly enemies who were trying to rush out in small spacecraft. None of them were innocent. They were hit and killed, simple as that! "Qing Mu, well done!"mended Wang Xuan. What annoyed him was that some descendants of those immortals and demons actually emerged unscathed. Their strength was unbelievable and they had escaped faster than anyone else at the time. "Lets block him here. As long as he dares to follow, we''ll hack him to pieces." The speaker had a grim face and a hole in their chest. Someone objected, "There are a total of nine gateways. If you don''t know which one he enters through, you might waste your time and miss the opportunity of the New World''s blessings." "Indeed, I''m not waiting. Everyone, I''ll be on my way first!" A man with green wings on his back turned into a sh of green light and disappeared instantly. Seeing this, everyone''s faces changed. They all hurried on their way, not daring to stop for a moment. In apetition of pride, seizing the Heavenly Herb and Supreme Scriptures was far more important. Their elders had informed them that several of the most important scriptures originated from this ce! As bystanders, Old Chen and Wang Xuan also left with a sense of frustration that their enemies were beyond their reach. They each went their own way, quickly disappearing. "Ah..." the man at the forefront with green wings cried out in rm. He was flying in mid-air when suddenly, a giant cat with a woman''s face and crimson eyes appeared in the mountains. It leaped two hundred meters high in the blink of an eye and bit him in half, spraying blood everywhere. All those who were swiftly moving ahead were horrified. The man with the green wings was a ninth-stage transcendent being, yet he had been bitten in half by that ck giant cat in an instant! After his wretched scream, his spirit immediately left his body and tried to escape, but he was sucked into the giant cat''s mouth and swallowed, perishing in body and soul.. Afternding on the ground, the giant ck cat shrank to half a meter in length. The womans face adorning its head was beautiful, but her eyes were crimson and glowed with madness as the cat charged towards the crowd. At the moment, no one could avoid the battle. The cat was extremely fast. In the blink of an eye, it decapitated three eighth-stage transcendents, and bit off half of the body of a ninth-stage female cultivator. It was extremely terrifying. They had only just entered the New World, and they had already encountered such a powerful monster. It was no wonder the ancient immortals said that this ce was filled with sinister and dangerous beings. At a critical moment, the Blood God Ape stepped forward with a sneer. This red-haired monster with three heads, six arms, and a thundering divine ring behind its head, leaped hundreds of meters high and pounced towards the ck giant cat, which had reverted to a length of six meters. Boom! The earth shook violently. After a brief sh, the Blood God Ape brutally tore the ck giant cat with the beautiful woman''s face into two pieces, sttering the mountainside with bright red blood. The crowd were stunned by the scene. The rumored illegitimate child of the Demon Saint was indeed terrifyingly strong! Wang Xuan grew wary. This red-haired monkey was indeed not to be trifled with as he was extremely brutal and fierce. "Everyone, I''ll head in first. The good stuff is deeper inside. The blessing begins when you enter the inner area, at the ce where the nine gateways connect with heaven and earth," said the Blood God Ape. He bolted away, causing a sonic boom, and disappeared into the distance, moving at an unbelievable speed. He was the strongest among the immortals and demons who entered through this gateway. The others followed behind him, and came across some terrifying corpses along the way. Descendants of the immortals, young talents of the demon race, and others all pushed their speed to the limit, following closely behind. With the Blood God Ape leading the way, they could avoid many disasters. This world was truly vast. After running for eight hundred miles, they finally crossed the outer area and entered the region of blessings. Here, they saw people who had entered through other portals. The Pure Land, Immortal Garden, Divine Kingdom, and Demon Realm were no longer separated but had been unsealed once more and integrated into one whole. There was a fire ahead that was shimmering with colorful light and radiating a dazzling brilliance. A mysterious substance overflowed from it, and those breathing in this substance felt refreshed. Wang Xuan was moved. That substance made him want to get closer. However, this ce was extremely dangerous, inhabited by creatures of the Wanderer-level. There was a golden elephant and a white lion, both the size of small mountains. Then, Demon Four discovered the fire. He walked towards it with agile steps, and everyone else made way, some even turning to leave the area. Boom! The moment they shed, Demon Four crushed the golden elephant with his hands and punched through the mountain-sized white lion, swiftly ughtering the two frenzied beasts. The strength and fierceness that allowed him to instantly overwhelm two great Wanderer-level monsters were in stark contrast with his refined appearance. Demon Four flicked off the blood from his fists and sat by the bonfire with his eyes closed, contemting. Old Chen had arrived with the others just in time to witness the scene. His heart pounded wildly. Even with a top-grade treasure like the Soul-Binding Bell in hand, he doubted he could handle the fourth-generation core figure of the demonic cultivators. Wang Xuan saw him from afar, and signaled him not to approach such a figure at this stage. He advised to seek blessings elsewhere and to discuss other matters after finding an opportunity to break through. Wang Xuan left by himself and ventured alone into the depths of this new world. Along the way, he encountered some recently deceased bodies that were quite gruesome. Two hourster, he also stumbled upon a bonfire and people fighting over it. Despite this, he approached and analyzed the essence of the bonfire with his spiritual eyes. Immediately, his heart raced. What burned in the bonfire amidst the dazzling light rain? They were all papers filled with peculiar charactersthey were scriptures! "Who would be so wasteful to light a fire using scriptures?!" He was genuinely surprised. No wonder, during the Pre-Qin period, someone found a golden bamboo slip among the ashes of a burning bonfire. It appeared that it was originally a pile of scriptures, and only a supreme one had remained intact. What a terrible waste! People were fighting here, and in the end, only one man and one woman were left facing each other. They had eliminated everyone else, and the blood-stained floor disyed their strength. Wang Xuan recognized both of them immediately, as they were people he very much wanted to kill! The scar-faced man that exuded a fierce aura held a white bone banner in his hand. He was the one that grunted that he would beat out Wang Xuans Immortal Core the moment they met! Wang Xuan''s expression darkened. This scar-faced man was right at the top of his hit list! The woman surrounded by an immortal mist had purple hair and a good figure. White strands of immortal threads wrapped around her white arms. Her once beautiful face now had a burn on the left side from the exploding battleships. This woman had been very resentful, iming that Wang Xuan, a mere mortal, had shamelessly obtained the Godying Banner and managed to leave a mark on the New Covenant. "You two actually survived. Well, then let me send you two on your way!" said Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan looked around and found no one nearby, so he took out the Godying Banner, not to attack, but to elerate. He had tried it during his exploration of the Solitary Void and found that it could increase his speed tenfold! He was d in heavy armor, with the ck longsword in one hand and the golden banner in the other. He dove down with a thunderous roar, like lightning streaking across the sky! His speed was ten times greater than normal, and he simply sted through the sound barrier. By the time the scar-faced man realized something was amiss, it was already toote. Wang Xuan''s ck longsword shed like lightning. The scar-faced man instinctively dodged, and the de did not remove his head entirely. It still hit him, however, cutting off a part of his skull. He instantly screamed in agony as he felt his skull split open. At ten times the normal speed, any slight contact with Wang Xuan''s weapon had terrifying consequences. Part of the scar-faced mans skull was sent flying and his brain turned to mush in an instant as the part of his head still attached to the neck was shattered by the tremendous force. His spirit surged out rapidly, attempting to escape. However, Wang Xuan''s Godying Banner was waiting for his spiritual body to appear. As it gently swept through the air, the spirit of the scar-faced man knew that death was knocking. He was well aware of who owned this weapon. He chuckled bitterly, realizing that it was his own words that had invited this cmity. With a soft pop, his spiritual body dissipated. He had been killed instantly! The purple-haired woman was shocked. In the blink of an eye, her opponent had been killed by someone. Although it had been a sneak attack, it was still terrifying. Initially, she wanted to express her gratitude, but everything became clear to her the moment she saw the Godying Banner. This man dressed like a general was none other than the "big shot Wang Xuan" who had left his name on the golden scroll. Without a word, she attacked him desperately, seeking an opportunity to escape. However, after several shes, this ninth-stage expert waspletely outmatched. A soft sound echoed as the sixth-stage Wang Yuan beheaded her. The blood-stained head of the celestial maiden flew away, and with a sweep of the Godying Banner, her spiritual essence was extinguished. In the fire pit, there were many papers and fragments filled with dense rows of characters that shimmered with light. Faint chanting echoed from the me. What an extravagant fire! Sensing the mysterious energy, Wang Xuan was about to sit down when a thought suddenly made him alert. Why were there no crazed beasts lurking around or guarding this ce? Was he just lucky? Soon, he heard roars of beasts in the distance. It seemed had overthought it as someone was obviously battling monsters. He quickly got up and climbed to higher ground, where he saw three dead monsters in the distance, killed by someone strong. Huh? The victor turned out to be another monster that looked like arge white cat. Wang Xuan lurked stealthily, preparing to strike the monster! Before long, the white cat returned and sat by the fire pit with its eyes closed. It absorbed the mysterious substance and pondered on it carefully. Wang Xuan suddenly made his move, using the Godying Banner to elerate his speed by ten times. Like a celestial being from beyond the heavens, he merged into one with the ck longsword, and thrust towards the back of the monsters head! However, this crazed beast was too perceptive, it was incredibly sharp. With a swoosh, it leaped up and dashed out! Even so, the ck longsword that Wang Xuan wielded still managed to slightly puncture its tiger butt! Blood gushed out instantly, and it howled miserably in pain. It bolted away, but then it abruptly turned to look back and caught sight of Wang Xuan. Seeing the ck longsword and the Godying Banner in his hand, this giant white cat seemed infuriated. "It''s you oww," it unexpectedly said in the voice of a young girl. Wang Xuan was taken aback. This giant cat seemed somewhat familiar. Chapter 337: Stronger Than The Demon Ancestor Chapter 337: Stronger Than The Demon Ancestor With his blood dripping ck longsword and heavy armor, Wang Xuan quickly took a step back. He looked again and stared carefully at the plump White Tiger. Its furry appearance and the pair of round eyes seemed familiar, as if he had just seen it yesterday. Wang Xuan''s eyes widened as he realized the White Tiger was not a crazed beast of this New World, but an old friend. Meeting her here was truly unbelievable. They were reunited in a familiar manner and with him giving her a blow on the buttocks just like before. The True Immortal White Tiger''s fur bristled like she was about to explode on the spot. She knew exactly what he was thinking when their eyes met. She swiped down with her w. Boom! Wang Xuan dodged the attack like a ghost. The mountainside exploded, leaving a huge crater in the shape of a tiger''s w. The True Immortal White Tiger leaped hundreds of meters, transforming into a white light as it pursued him. Today''s surprise attack made her blood boil. It was too miserable and shameful. With the fact that it was him that injured the True Immortal White Tiger again! She had long been settled into her human form. It was only today that she transformed into her true form, hoping to use her innate pressure to intimidate various crazed beasts. However, the tragic history repeated itself once again. Upon recognizing her, Wang Xuan didn''t waste any words. He merged with the Godying Banner. If he could kill her, he would; if he couldn''t, he would escape. His mind was clear. The White Tiger was extremely formidable, as it single-handedly took down three crazed beasts of the Wanderer level. He needed further improvement with his current state. The impression the True Immortal White Tiger had of him couldn''t be worse. Back then, she had been stabbed by him on the buttocks in the innerndscape. Following that, in the Land of the Departed, he tricked and took a piece of Peerless Medicinal Soil from her. With the same thing happening again, she was filled with frustration. "Raaaa..." She growled fiercely. Her body glowed as the white tiger''s form disappeared, transforming back into a round-faced young girl. She continued her pursuit with this more agile form. Wang Xuan dodged at extreme speed while keeping his eyes on her. After transforming into a human, she had a beautiful appearance, with a round face and big eyes. Despite her tiger-like features, she was pretty cute. Besides, that roaring sound she made was quite unique. "Arent we already old acquaintances? You should stop the bleeding first. With your current appearance, people who don''t know might think I''ve done something to you," Wang Xuan said, feeling quite frustrated about having to deal with her. The difference in their realms was quite substantial. Hearing those words, the round-faced girl red with anger, almost setting her hair on fire. Even more infuriated, sheunched another attack. Boom! The sound of the explosion echoed in the sky. Using the Godying Banner, Wang Xuan streaked away like aet andnded on a mountain several miles away. The round-faced girl gritted her teeth, but abruptly halted. Who was she? She was none other than the illustrious High Immortal White Tiger, a trusted aide of the Demon Lord. she would be too ashamed to show her face if she were seen like this and word got out. She nced back and almost went mad. There was a deep wound visible down her left buttock. It was drenched in blood. Though the blow only grazed her at the time, the sharpness of the de and the terrifying impact from the extreme speed would have left anyone else without a lower body, exploding into a mist of blood. Yet it was the dignified High Immortal White Tiger, who managed to evade at the critical moment, saving her body from even more damage. Even so, it was a tremendous humiliation for her white clothes to be stained with blood, and her buttocks wounded. She had hardly ever experienced such a thing in her life, and this person had dealt the same attack to her twice. What infuriated her most was that the task given to her by the Demon Lord didn''t involve killing this person. After calming down a bit, she realized she couldn''t act right now. "Ow" the round-faced girl cried out in anger. Not only was she injured on her buttock, but it was also frustrating being unable to retaliate when she was bloodied by the ruthless attack. "This is so frustrating!" scolded the girl. For a moment, she had thought of disobeying the order of the Demon Lord Half an hourter, the two sat by the fire. It was a rather eerie scene as both of them faced each other across the mes. The round-faced girl had stopped the bleeding. She changed into her White Tiger Battle Gown, which concealed her disheveled appearance. However, her gaze remained hostile and vicious when looking at Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan was deeply surprised. The White Tiger stopped her attack and started talking to him. The atmosphere was rtively harmonious, at least there was no immediate brawl. The round-faced girl was truly conflicted. To think she had to get along peacefully with this human, with long-term cooperation in consideration. In the short term, she needed his help. "Have you already formed your Spiritual Eye?" she asked unhappily. This man was so extraordinary, it only made her feel more frustrated. "Yes, I didnt spy on you," Wang Xuan said cautiously. "The Demon Lord is broad-minded and hasn''t paid much attention to your disrespect and provocations in the past. This time" the White Tiger organized her words to exin the situation. The red-clothed demoness had issued a bounty. Whether it was the supreme scriptures or the highest-level spiritual realm elixirs, everything could be negotiated. This was truly extravagant, unprecedented extravagance. Wang Xuan immediately became vignt. It was certainly not going to be an easy task given the grand reward. "A long time ago, two people borrowed the highest-level spiritual realm from The Great Veil, possibly wanting to escape from this strange ce where space and time merges. Keep an eye out with your Spiritual Eye, see if there are any traces left. Although they may have died on the way, what if there''s still remnants of them? There will be a hefty reward for you if you find any clue." The round-faced girl quickly finished her sentence with reluctance. She had no intention to deal with this person. If she had a choice, she would only want to rip him apart with her teeth. Wang Xuan''s heart stirred. He had heard about the origins of the red-clothed demoness from the Female Sword Immortal. Her father was an extremely powerful practitioner, and her mother, a twelve-tailed celestial fox who disappeared after entering the immortal realm, was even more formidable. Could the two people she was looking for be her parents? Wang Xuan immediately became alert. It would be somewhat terrifying if two older immortals, who should have long been dead, were still alive. "Hey, are you even listening to me?" The True Immortal White Tiger said with displeasure as Wang Xuan seemed to be lost in thought. "Who knows if you''re telling the truth, or if those two people even exist. Besides, that demoness has targeted me in various ways before. You wouldn''t want me to walk right into her trap, would you?" responded Wang Xuan. "What demoness? She''s the Demon Lord, the number one expert of the demon n that surpassed the Demon Ancestor Qi Yi," the round-faced girl corrected, adding, "Didn''t you boast about making the Demon Lord dance for you? Youre at fault for provoking extraordinary experts one after another." "She provoked me first." replied Wang Xuan. The True Immortal White Tiger sneered, "I knew you wouldn''t ept it. The Demon Lord said that she has incarnated into a mortal body and is currently grasping the immortal method. She''s giving you a chance to go find her. She''s willing to bet with you using her mortal body. If you win, she''ll willingly dance the extraordinary immortal dance for you. If you lose, hmmmm" "Where is she then?" Wang Xuan asked. "Xiong Mountain!" The round-faced girl looked at him disdainfully, then said, "Stupid man, you wouldn''t really want to foolishly go looking for the Demon Lord, would you?" Wang Xuan gripped his ck longsword, resisting the urge to stab her on the other side of her buttocks. In the distance, Demon Four sat with closed eyes. Suddenly, he rose to his feet with a loud bang, then mmed his fist into the bonfire before striding into the mes. In an instant, scriptures filled the sky, piles of burning papers exuded a terrifying aura as they floated up. There were alsorge pieces of fragments glowing, seemingly tearing apart the heavens and earth! People that were watching nearby were all startled and retreated as they were afraid to approach. They were shocked to see someone mming the mysterious bonfire like this. As those were possibly the remnants of a vanished civilization, the traces of the Great Tao! Swoosh! Suddenly, a golden light descended from the sky like a falling star from the heavens, crashing onto the earth with immense force. It was incredibly stunning. "That is that the Three-Legged Golden Crow?!" Someone eximed in shock. To witness such a terrifying divine bird here was astonishing. It was one of the strongest races of the demon n, one of the five great royal ns. Rumor had it that the Demon Ancestor Qi Yi might possibly be of the race of the Golden Crow. The Golden Crow stirred up a sea of demonic clouds as it swooped down towards Demon Four. It was far stronger than the golden elephant and the snow-white lion that Demon Four had crushed with his bare hands! Many ninth-level experts were horrified. Their scalps were tingling, their minds trembling. They felt that even if everyone joined forces, they were no match for the Golden Crow. Even the transcendent-level individuals gasped and turned away, realizing they were far inferior. "Exactly what I needed, a mount. Your timing is perfect. Even if you''re a mad bird, I''ll take you!" Demon Four raised his head abruptly, leaped out of the mes and charged upward into the sky, striking towards the Golden Crow with just one hand. Boom! A fierce battle erupted here. Like a golden light, the Golden Crow soared and moved like lightning. It was too fast. It assaulted the youth on the ground, as if he was traversing the heavens and earth. Though Demon Four appeared delicate and gentle, his strength was outrageously powerful. He blocked the Golden Crows attack with just one hand. In the end, a mournful cry echoed through the air as the Golden Crow with the bloodline of the demon emperor was firmly pressed to the ground by the handsome young man. "How is this possible? Demon Fours strength is outrageous, he might even be stronger than the Demon Ancestor in his youth!" Several transcendent-level experts eximed, with their pupils contracting as they retreated, leaving the scene. In the distance, Zhou Qinghuang, outfitted with shorts, a white shirt, and sses, exuded an intellectual aura. Realizing the situation, she swiftly took off her sses, revealing a wild side. She felt troubled; she was the one that lured the Golden Crow, but it ended up bing the mount of another person! "Zhou Qinghuang, you better hide well. Don''t let me catch you!" Demon Four suppressed the Golden Crow with one hand, then looked towards the horizon. Zhou Qinghuang quickly left the area, feeling that few could match Demon Fours strength. She muttered to herself, "Where is that Wang Xuan?" Qi Chengdao entered a rugged area where sword marks and arrow holes were everywhere. It showed signs of being struck by the Great Tao. Chaos energy permeated the air, and the light of immortality passed through, indicating it was no ordinary ce. Despite the immense pressure, he immediately sat down and started contemting here. His attendant stood not far away, nervously watching over him. After a long time, Ming Xi walked to a ce not far from him and closed her eyes. She used her mind to connect with the traces of heaven and earth here, contemting the Tao and herself. In a thunderous area, the Blood God Ape stared at the lightning and rushed towards the deepest part, where he saw a dazzling pool of blood mist. He immediately grinned and said, "Pool of Undying Blood, help me cultivate the Undying Demon Body!" With a ssh, he plunged in. When he emerged, his fur was stripped, his bloody flesh revealed, it was a gruesome sight. However, he gritted his teeth andughed. "The Banner of Severance, the Godying Banner, where are my treasures?" said Qi Lian, the second son of the Demon Ancestor. Roaming this new world, his deep eyes showed his purpose here, while carrying a faint killing intent. Chapter 338: The Burning End Of A Myth Chapter 338: The Burning End Of A Myth "Activate!" Shouted a white-haired man that held a painted fan, with drawings of magnificentndscapes. With a forceful swing, a thunderous sound echoed, and a myriad of bright lights appeared. The majestic scenery of mountains and rivers emerged, piercing through a mountain ahead, revealing an ancient cave ruin before him. At the ends of the earth, a red-haired youth held a nine-story pagoda, his expression filled with astonishment as he stared at the great marsh ahead. There, the legendary innate Yin and Yang energies intertwined and surged. Shocked with the scene, he immediately summoned the immortal pagoda, intending to seize this legendary substance. With a blink of an eye, he transformed the pagoda into an extraordinary treasure. At the time of this New World, people from everywhere discovered blessings and unearthed rare treasures, but many also perished. A wrong step could mean certain death in this world where rampant beasts roamed, and treacherous terrain abounded. The round-faced girl sat across the fire, absorbing some peculiar substances that rose from the mes. She stood up and said, "This ce is yours." Unable to stand the sight of his face, she prepared herself to leave. Even though she couldn''t kill him, she wanted to grab him and use his own sword to chop his buttocks! Unfortunately, she was incapable of doing that. She could only endure it by turning a blind eye and being indifferent. Wang Xuan asked with confusion. "There doesn''t seem to be anything extraordinary about this bonfire. It''s just some special substances. It''s neither dangerous nor particrly auspicious. Why is everyone talking about it and trying to find it?" "Do you know what kind of fire this is?" Said the round-faced girl, lifting her chin with pride. She did not n to talk to him, but she couldn''t help it. "I don''t know. Do you?" Wang Xuan asked while looking at her. "The Demon Lord said this might be the remnant of the Great Tao. Do you think it''s that simple? It can burn immortals to death and wipe out demon saints. Its strong when the user is strong, weak when the user is weak. You''re too weak to activate it yet, nor have you let it reveal its true blessing and danger," said the girl. Her chin raised in confidence. She had once been taken by the Demon Lord to experience the real and terrifying me of civilization, an experience she still vividly remembered. She continued, "It''s a kind of blessing that few people can experience. Remember, even a gifted individual who oncepeted with the Demon Lord died in the bonfire." The round-faced girl finished her words, turned around then walked away, saying, "Don''t think too much about it. You''re still young. umte more experience and strive for opportunities in the future to experience the truth in the fire." This kind of bonfire flickered unpredictably, appearing at unknown times and in unknown ces. Finding it was just the start; in order for it to be a blessing, one must truly understand it. But throughout history, not many people had such luck. In fact, even some peerless masters had no opportunity with this fire. "In this great era, it''s already quite good if one or two people canprehend the remnants of the old civilization" The round-faced girl stopped abruptly. Feeling something amiss, she couldn''t help but pause. Then, she widened her eyes with her gaze sharp like a tigers w. What was happening? Why did the surroundings be hazy? It was somewhat different from her experience in the past, but the atmosphere was somewhat simr. She quickly turned around and looked towards the bonfire. Suddenly, she saw Wang Xuan solemn and majestic, holding the Godying Banner to guard against her. He stared at the bonfire as if he wanted toprehend something. Then, some scenes appeared around her, and it seemed like the heavens and the earth were gradually changing. She was dumbfounded. Did hedo it? Although she knew this detestable young man was extraordinary, she had just been teasing him. She did not expect that he would truly gain something right under her nose. This made her, the True Immortal White Tiger with her picturesque beauty, unsure of where to put herself. Just a moment ago, she was saying he wasn''t up to par, but in an instant, he asserted his authority and presented a spectacle, causing the mythical civilization within the mes to reappear. "Wait for me! The me is extremely dangerous. I''ll protect you!" Shouted the round-faced girl. She shamelessly ran over, hoping to take advantage of the situation. "Stay away from me. I''ll be more at ease that way," Wang Xuan replied, while staring at the bonfire, with the Godying Banner in his hand. "No, the Demon Lord said I''m responsible for you. In order to fulfill the Demon Lord''s request, I have to protect you. You can''t die now!" said the round-faced girl as she rushed forward. However, midway, she screamed, "Oh no, I''m lost! Hurry up and guide me. Let''s forget our grievances and call it even. I won''t hold it against you anymore!" Quiet streets and unfamiliar cities appeared around her. It was empty, deste, and silent. This was a mysterious city, unlike any era she had experienced before. The buildings resembled modern architecture but permeated an ancient atmosphere. "A Divine Demoness Blood Peacock?!" Her hair immediately bristled when she saw a person with a broken neck hanging and dangling from a building next to the street. That person was long dead and desated. She was a renowned Divine Demoness, one of the top three prodigies of her era, and yet she died here silently and unnoticed. The empty streets, unfamiliar cities, all the buildings bore the marks of time. In the twilight, there was an indescribable loneliness, as if the world hade to an end. All living beings had perished, leaving her behind. The round-faced girl felt afraid. This was different from her experiences in the past. Although she didn''t see the same fire, it still made her profoundly uneasy. She felt like she might die here! This remnant of civilization created such marvels, truly demonstrating thew of the jungle, sparing none regardless of strength or weakness. There was no reasoning to be found. Only the sound of her footsteps echoed in the quiet streets, or so she thought, until she heard another set of footsteps. She abruptly turned around, but there was nothing there. Swish! Her hair stood on end as she felt the icy touch of nails grazing her neck, drawing blood, almost severing her head. Boom! She became furious, casting spells desperately, attacking here and there. But all the beams hit the ground and crashed into the buildings without anything happening. Those areas remained unaffected and showed no signs of damage. She quickly ran forward and saw another corpse hanging by a rope on the side of a building. With a closer look, her scalp tingled as she recognized the person. "Formerly, there was a peerless talent among the sorcerers, rumored to havepeted with Fang Yuzhu in her youth. She actually died here!" she eximed. This time it was a woman with a beautiful and lifelike face. Her neck was also strangled by a ck rope, swaying as she hung there, with her body notpletely dried up. The little white tiger was scared stiff, feeling like her spirit was about to leave her body. The spirituality of such individuals was absolutely extraordinary, yet they still couldn''t pass through this ce, meeting a tragic end here. She felt that, if she relied on herself, she would undoubtedly die. "Demon Lord, I apologize to you. I need to stay alive in order to serve you." She muttered with fear and guilt. "Wang Xuan, hurry and guide me out. Didn''t you want to see the Demon Lord dance? I have it. She does dance happily asionally. I have a memory crystal that contains her dance. Hurry up and save me!" shouted the girl. The round-faced girl was enraged, her heart filled with darkness. She knew deeply that even a Demon Saint might die here. The key was the inexplicable spirituality. When the Demon Lord came in those years, her strength was not strong, far from developed. However, herprehension was unparalleled and her spiritual brilliance was frequent, leading her to pass through without danger. She felt that, in terms of talent, she was probably not as good as Wang Xuan, so she shouted for help. "Is there really an Extraordinary Immortal Dance?" came Wang Xuan''s voice from somewhere unknown in the sunset. Indeed, his spirituality was far stronger than hers. He was able to hear her call for help and see her. However, when she looked in the direction of the voice, she saw nothing. She quickly shouted, "Yes!" At this moment, Wang Xuan was also extremely shocked. He stared at the bonfire, his spirit projected outwards, using his spiritual eyes to see its essence. As he tried to read the fragments of scriptures, the surroundings changed. In a strange street, in a city from an unknown era, the shadows gradually became real and surronded him. He was in a square, where scriptures were burning, and countless books were thrown into the bonfire. He only saw a pair of rough and aged hands, tossing these scriptures without any reluctance, igniting all of it. He heard the cries of the Little White Tiger, and the sight stunned him because the Little White Tiger had found a ck rope to hang herself. "Are you crazy? Why do you want tomit suicide?" asked the puzzled Wang Xuan. He looked at the round-faced girl that was in the square which was a short distance away. She skillfully hung herself with her neck wrapped in the ck rope and her tongue sticking out. Her spirit was also strangled until it withered. "I I didnt. There''s a demon holding my hand. There''s something filthy trying to kill me!" The round-faced girl cried out weakly. Her tongue was out and her eyes wide with fear. Seeing that she was about to copse, her neck was on the verge of breaking, along with her spirit. That ck rope was terrifying. Wang Xuan furrowed his brow and waved the Godying Banner, pointing it forward. A golden mesh spread out, mming into the street with a bang. It cut the ck rope that could sever a person''s spirit, which made the White Tiger fall directly to the ground. At the same time, Wang Xuan saw a pair of blood-drenched, white, and slender hands leaving the back of the round-faced girl''s neck. It was quite a chilling sight. "Wang Xuan, hurry up and take me over there!" The round-faced girl was in full panic mode. She felt an overwhelming sense of shame for actually seeking help from him and asking him to save her. However, when she realized that even the Demon Saint couldn''t do anything here and that there was a risk of dying. She mustered up her strength, no longer afraid of being embarrassed. "Step to your left and avoid the ck pit ahead," Wang Xuan reminded her, urging her toe over. However, the True Immortal White Tiger stepped directly to the right. With her unresponsive legs, she jumped straight into a ck pit that she couldn''t even see herself. She immediately felt something was wrong. A pair of cold hands grabbed her ankle with immense force and dragged her towards the pitch-ck underground hell-hole. "Oh no, this is terrifying! I can''t see it, but it''s real! How can even the physical body be attacked? Wang Xuan, quickly guide me over!" Wang Xuan was speechless. The usually fierce round-faced girl was actually so timid, she seemed too afraid. How could he know that many powerful figures had died here in extremely tragic circumstances? He didn''t understand, so naturally, he didn''t have that feeling. Swish! At a critical moment, Wang Xuan flung out a fishing line and hook. It snagged the hairpin of the True Immortal White Tiger, suspending her in mid air. "Ah, someone else is trying to hang me again!" She said while struggling frantically. With a grim expression, Wang Xuan tried to reel her in, but she wouldn''t even budge. His facial expression changed, and he quickly waved the Godying Banner again. Golden patterns intertwined, and a dull sigh emanated from the ck hole. Then, the True Immortal White Tiger was reeled up by him. Wang Xuan was disdainful of her, finding her utterly useless. The dignified True Immortal White Tiger was actually waiting for him to save her. "It''s not like what you think. Even Demon Ancestors could dieing in here, and exceptional experts could encounter idents. Of course, I''m scared," the round-faced girl confessed. Embarrassed and undignified, she transformed into a small white tiger that was about a foot long. She cursed in circles on the ground, then covered her face and refused to move. Today, she felt utterly ashamed. Wang Xuan patted her head, feeling quite satisfied with the texture, and then patted it a few more times. "What are you doing?!" the White Tigers fur bristled. "Where''s the memory crystal? Don''t y dead!" Wang Xuan nced at her, not forgetting about that. Then, he looked back at the bonfire, where piles of scriptures were being thrown in by a rough and aged hand, apanied by a voice. "Since I can''t get close to the truth, what use are you? Leaving them behind would harm future generations. Ill burn them all," echoed the elderly voice that was filled with resignation and despair, while the scriptures burned in stacks. Chapter 339: Communication With Another Mythological Civilization Chapter 339: Communication With Another Mythological Civilization The aged voice had a sense of profound indifference, followed by an overwhelming sense of destion, leaving behind boundless mncholy. Without hesitation, stacks of scriptures were continuously thrown into the bonfire, as if an era were disappearing, turning into remnants of the great Tao amidst the mes. The helpless words of the dying elder, the flickering firelight, the profound and desperate emotions, apanied by the chill ofte autumn, left a disturbing impression. Wang Xuan was immersed in the scene, as if witnessing the end of a mythological civilization, where even the mightiest could not alter the inevitable demise. His gaze followed the flickering mes that revealed more figures, each seated on a scripture. Men and women, humans, and unseen races alike, all sighed together as they aged and perished within the fire. Wang Xuan watched silently, knowing he couldn''t change anything; this was a fading memory of the past. Among the scriptures, one exuded countless strands of sword qi, piercing the heavens and scattering the stars beyond, disrupting the splendid gxy. Undoubtedly, this was a monumental figure that shook the world. A man with snow-white hair stood on the scripture with his gaze fixed on the stars, swaying with the sword qi that exuded from his body. He felt powerless. "As transcendence crumbles, the universe corrects itself, and my power begins to dissipate. All my efforts ultimately return to cosmic dust." said the man. He held up the sky with his own strength, but eventually, it started to dim rapidly. In the end, he aged and perished, dying with the passage of time as he sat on the scripture. Thus, the sky that he held up, along with the mythologicals behind him, vanishedpletely from the extraordinary realm and were never to be seen again. Wang Xuan was deeply moved. This man was undoubtedly a supreme powerhouse whenpared to the current world. The greatest figure in a certain immortal realm, fighting back the universe''s correction. He stood at the forefront, intending to preserve thest remnants of the extraordinary light. However, fate was sealed, and as it continued to dwindle, weakness and aging befell him, and he perished in the passage of time like an ordinary mortal. Witnessing this scene, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but sigh. Taking history as a lesson, this was what was destined to happen in the future, and no one could escape it. Even peerless powerhouses like the female Taoist, Zhang Daoling, the ascetic monk, and the ancestor of the Immortals were no exception. They could be directlypared to the white-haired man. The scriptures recorded the fall of the white-haired man, who was then cast into the bonfire. Then, countless lights erupted from within and a woman with boundless spiritual energy opened up an infinite domain from her spiritual core. She soared into the sky with the gods and the divine kingdom behind her. However, she too was eventually suppressed by the universe. Her body dimmed and her extraordinariness faded away. The realm of the gods disintegrated with a thunderous roar, and scripture after scripture burned and fell into the bonfire. The ones that could soar into the universe and cast special imprints were all peerless powerhouses of the past era. But all they left for posterity was regret and a sense of powerlessness. "Don''t burn them. Let me take a look," Wang Xuan said with sympathy. He felt for them; this was their lifelong effort, thrown into the mes without a trace left, burned to ashes. It was such a pity. Even if those people felt that these scriptures were not enough to continue the mythology and difficult to reshape the transcendent world, they could still be left for future generations as reference, providing them with enlightenment. He reached out to touch those scriptures, wanting to stop them. He subconsciously did so without knowing how many years and how many great eras separated them. Hmm? His spiritual eye and spirit seemed to have touched something. Wang Xuan''s body trembled. Right after that, his spiritual body stood on the burning scriptures, approaching the ancients from those long years ago. "Evil spirit?!" A man with a rtively young face but with weary eyes and gray hair turned to look at him and actually spoke. Of course, that wasn''t his real voice, but a type of spiritual wave that traversed across time and space. He could actually see him! Wang Xuan was deeply surprised, wanting to speak. He wanted to speak through his spiritual waves, but he found himself unable to do so. Could Evil spirit still be defined this way? Were his previous encounters also like this? There was no doubt that the man that stood on this scripture was exceptionally powerful. Even the pages of the scripture emitted a soaring light, swirling around him. He raised his giant hand that covered the sky and pressed down towards Wang Xuan. Many different ming runes of the Tao that were ording to the scripture, engulfed Wang Xuan. With a bang, Wang Xuan''s spirit turned into a rain of light, disappearing from this scripture. He evaporated and returned to his physical body. Returning to his body, Wang Xuan realized that his heart was pounding like a drum, thumping loudly. His body was covered in cold sweat. Just now, he clearly felt death knocking on his door. His spirit was obliterated just with someone raising their hand. Faced with such an extraordinary figure, he would be killed instantly with no chance of escaping! "Is this the real gap between me and Fang Yuzhu, and the Old Zhang thats behind the scenes?" gasped Wang Xuan while drenched in sweat from head to toe. Meeting a person of such caliber, a single nce from him would be enough to annihte me, raising a hand would extinguish everything. He could even hold up the sky by himself across space and time, delivering a devastating blow. "He mistook me for an Evil spirit?" Wang Xuan pondered, wondering if this creature needed to be redefined or if the person had sensed it wrongly. After this experience, Wang Xuan felt exhausted. It was truly a near death experience to the point that his spirit was still tense. "You''re looking for trouble, aren''t you? Don''t go too far!" the round-faced girl shouted. Wang Xuan lowered his head and suddenly realized that he was too nervous. He reached out to pat the head of the little white tiger again, rubbing it over and over. The White TIger must have hated him to death. She backed away, watching him warily and fiercely. "What did you see just now?" Wang Xuan asked her, wondering if she had seen the scene of him being strangled on top of the scripture. The round-faced girl was stunned, shaking her head. She hadn''t seen anything, but she tilted her head and thought for a moment, saying, "For a moment, you seemed to bepletely silent, as if you disappeared from this world, leaving only an empty shell." Wang Xuan silently pondered. It wasn''t without gains. He saw arge number of burning runes covering him. Although they were fragments of the scripture, the momentary spiritual resonance still gave him some enlightenment. "In that era, many people liked to open up a small world to amodate themselves, and to thrive within it. It emphasised the endless cycle of all things. However, they still couldn''t escape the arrival of the era of exhaustion." He sat down cross-legged. Based on what he had learned, he attempted to experience it. Gradually, a hazy divine aura appeared around him. Naturally, he couldn''t create a small world with his level of cultivation, but even so, it amazed the little white tiger with widened eyes. "Were you immersed in ancient scriptures just now, sparring with ancient people, and getting beaten up?" the round-faced girl asked quickly and eagerly. Wang Xuan''s expression turned grim immediately and shouted, "Bring the Memory Crystal!" The little white tiger said, "I did it for your own good. It''s a valuable experience to revisit the vanished mythical civilization. The Demon Lord also went through it back in the day." "How did she go through it? Tell me," Wang Xuan became interested. "She was killed instantly by a supreme expert. Then, she kept challenging and getting stronger with each setback,ying a solid foundation for her future greatness," the little white tiger exined. Wang Xuan was astonished upon hearing this and decided to select particrly powerful scriptures again. He nned to capture the mythical texts of the scriptures moments before death approached. The little white tiger quickly interjected, "Wait, you missed something. The Demon Lord took me with her at the time, only then did she pass through the dangers without dying. I was also involved in those events. It shows that with me around, we can turn adversity into fortune. Together, let''s do it together!" Wang Xuan noticed how shamelessly the white tiger took credit for everything. Looking at her chubby face, he couldn''t help himself. He pinched her behind the ears and rubbed her head. Just as she was about to roar, he preemptively said, "If you''re not afraid of death, let your spirit out of your body and follow me." This time, Wang Xuan carefully selected an extremely astonishing scripture. As he flipped through the pages, it depicted gxies being born and dying. The spirit of the round-faced girl left the white tiger''s body, and followed Wang Xuan forward. Theynded on an exceptionally splendid scripture that was still burning. There was a woman that resembled an empress. Her spiritual temperament and physical appearance were no weaker than Fang Yuzhu. Her strength was exceptionally formidable. The disdainful expression she wore, stronger than that of any man, seemed to dismiss all past strong figures with contempt. Here, Wang Xuan further understood the essence of cultivation in this mythical civilization. Opening up a small world was the foundation for the most powerful individuals. Near this woman, there was a mythical world derived from her. It used to be grand and vast, but now it waspressing, almost shrinking down to her height. This was her mythical world, undergoing changes, condensing, connecting to the distance, forming a path resembling a mythical tunnel. Elegant and powerful as she was, she cast a final wistful nce at the vast universe outside. She sighed, then turned and walked towards the depths of the mythical tunnel, as if trying to approach something. Wang Xuan''s pupils contracted. At that moment, he distinctly sensed faint traces of True Energy materializing in the depths of the tunnel. It was faint but undeniably present. This woman, a tremendously powerful being with silver hair strewn about, was seeking to approach real power, and she had made some progress. However, the progress she made was not considered a sess. The transcendence was corrected and the universe returned to its ordinary state as the mythical civilization came to an end. She was destined to fail. "She''s extremely powerful, making preliminary progress towards True energy, but s," sighed Wang Xuan. However, these words only echoed in his mind; the actual spiritual vibrations couldn''t be conveyed outward. He witnessed the scene after transcendence copsed. The mythical tunnel continued to copse as the woman and her scriptures burned, descending all around. She turned into blood and fire, mixing together with the scriptures, and it ended. In her final nce before dissipating, the woman nced at him and the round-faced girl. Though she didn''t act, as the scriptures fell, both Wang Xuan and the girl exploded and disappeared into the light rain. After a pitch-ck period, Wang Xuan and the little white tiger both revived. Death felt so real, the experience so profound, leaving them with lingering fear. "See that? With me around, everything is safe and sound. We''ve returned safely!" Upon returning to their bodies, the round-faced girl immediately sought praise. Unable to bear her, Wang Xuan grabbed her tiger head and rubbed it again and again! "Ow..." She growled while making threatening gestures. Wang Xuan sat down cross-legged. He repeatedly experienced death, standing on those scriptures from an unknown era time and time again. Indirectlymunicating with another mythical civilization. The benefits were obvious; some extremely powerful individuals were also seeking a way out, trying to reshape a new mythical world. They were beginning to approach True Energy. Wang Xuan was contemting and absorbing the strange substances that overflowed from within the scriptures in the bonfire. In a daze, he seemed to see the Realm of Truth. Chapter 340: Ashen Scriptures And Burning Civilization Chapter 340: Ashen Scriptures And Burning Civilization Wang Xuans cultivation benefited greatly from such ways of ovepping spacetime and unconventional reunion. Traversing through time and space within the bonfire, wandering through the fading mythical world, silentlymunicating andprehending all helped in his cultivation. Once, twice Ten times, twenty times He watched scenes of joy and sorrow, the lives of others in past worlds. He worried for them, sighed for them and silently bid them farewell. They were all unparalleled and remarkable beings, but unfortunately, they fell in the past. Before the vast universe, in the era of exhaustion. No matter how strong an individual was, they were merely fleeting lights illuminating a patch of the starry sky, dissipating in an instant. In the endless darkness of the universe, they were too insignificant. In the end, those brilliant individuals were all brought back to dust. There were no exceptions, everyone aged and died, endless regrets were left behind. Wang Xuan remained silent. The me flickered, illuminating his face. It also cast a blurred path ahead of him. He was pondering about the useless techniques that had been abandoned and deemed worthless in time. "The useless techniques mislead people, time was wasted on it. Its better to burn them all!" echoed the elderly voice. In the rough and aged hands, thest stack of scriptures was thrown into the fire. Following that, the hands fell into the bonfire and burned together. It was the epitome of utmost disappointment. They were unwilling to discuss any further, unwilling to struggle anymore. They simply burned everything to ashes, and allowed it to sink into oblivionpletely. "Wuwu" A crying sound echoed. Wang Xuan heard the cries. Among the scriptures falling into the bonfire, someone was seated atop, crying out in pain. It was a formidable figure that he encountered in the ovepping timelines before. The figure was capable of piercing through the heavens with a single hand. Yet, they were reduced to such a state. Why? He remained with thest few individuals. Personally burning all the records of this transcendent civilization! Ultimately, there was too much reluctance. These were their lifes work, yet they had to sacrifice them like this. Personally igniting them, burying them away. A silver-haired man cried and thenughed.. After coughing up blood, he lowered his head and gazed at the blood stained papers. He let out a low roar, then exploded, engulfed by the mes. "We''ve burned enough. Transcendence will be in eternal silence, and we can''t hold on any longer. Even if there are sessors, they''ll merely be like a meteor that appears by chance. Farewell." said another person before he dissipated. "Don''t forget, the results of our effort are yet to be released. With all the scriptures as fuel and a mythical civilization as the me, we can forge a treasure ship. We don''t know if it can cross over, get us closer to the truth..." Underneath the bonfire, a lone boat emerged, leaping amidst the mes. It was nurtured by countless scriptures, embodying the umtion of a mythical civilization. Inside, the true blood of various races carried their hopes. Breaking free from the bonfire, tearing through spacetime, they departed. "Go, and don''t look back if you seed. Your reappearance will mean failure. These are our final efforts. I wonder if they''ll all be in vain, squandering the peaceful years." It was a kind of hope that carried their aspirations. The treasure ship disappeared into the boundless darkness at the end of the universe. Wang Xuan was shaken to the core. Was that... the Roaming Ark? He did not know it had such an origin! "I advise those whoeter, don''t squander the good times. Dont struggle in nothingness, it''s meaningless. Live peacefully in the ordinary world," said the mythical powerhouse in despair, urging people to stay away from the void of transcendence, never to set foot in such realms again. The fire dimmed and was about to go out. Only one old man was left amidst the embers, his hands burnt away. Finally, he turned back, looking towards the approaching Wang Xuan and the little White Tiger. "Die! You Evil Spirit." His eyes emitted a final glint of vitality, then he disintegrated. His body and spirit were both obliterated. However, the light in his eyes flew out, intent on strangling Wang Xuan and the round-faced girl. This time, Wang Xuan felt something amiss. Across spacetime, he felt danger, like he was being hunted. The old man''s gaze was like thest flicker of the mythical civilization''s me. It was terrifying. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan waved the Godying Banner. He fled at an extreme speed with the little White Tiger. Boom! The surface of the banner was charred and was ignited at one of the corners. The situation left Wang Xuan in shock. It had never happened before. The banner was burning? Even near the crater of the approaching reality, where the banner was hit by a burst of red light, it only showed singed marks. Here, across countless eras, people from different spacetimes had somehow damaged the Godying Banner. The attack was being blocked by the Godying Banner, while Wang Xuan and the round-faced girl backed away. Despite their efforts, they were still sted into light rays above the remnants of the grand path. This time, Wang Xuan felt like he had waited for a long time. The darkness was suffocating, he was unable to gather his consciousness, almost believing he was about to die. Finally, his scattered consciousness gradually cleared up. His spirit condensed in the lingering firelight and reappeared. The round-faced girls mind also started to clear up. Her spiritual body that wasposed of light rays immediately let out a startled roar. She was thoroughly frightened. "The Demon Lord and I have experienced these kinds of bonfires before, but why is it different this time? Who is this old man? He''s terrifying, he almost killed me!" she eximed with a quivering voice. With a swift movement, she darted back to her physical body. Thoroughly shaken, she felt that she had truly died just now, obliterated by someone''s gaze in the chaotic spacetime. Wang Xuan''s spiritual form stood in front of the bonfire. He was lost in thought for a long time. If it weren''t for the Godying Banner, he felt that both of them would have truly been obliterated! This was somewhat terrifying. Clearly not in the same dimension, yet across intersecting spacetime, thatst guardian was unexpectedly powerful. He hurriedly inspected the Godying Banner. The burning corner had extinguished. It was damaged, but with the golden patterns interwoven, it slowly restored itself. "Good!" he eximed, gripping the small g tightly. Wang Xuan calmed down. The fact that the old man also referred to him as an Evil Spirit was astonishing. Could it be that the Evil Spirit truly needed to be redefined? If that were the case, then the astronauts that he and Old Zhang saw in the bar could be understood. It made sense now. They were scattered spacetime creatures that observed this mythical world. However, the appearance of those seemingly ancient astronauts he discovered in Sun''s city was somewhat inexplicable. He felt a headache when he thought of the Evil Spirit in the destends. In the vast expanse there were densely packed crimson eyes, ranging from the size ofnterns to mountain peaks. How many monsters were there? If they were also a result of distorted spacetime, how many people were observing him? Were they all addicted voyeurs? Everyone of them simply had voyeuristic tendencies. He shook his head. It was definitely not like this. The forms of Evil Spirit were veryplex. It was not defined by a single situation. For someone like him that was distorted in spacetime, while observing a mythical civilization, to be regarded as an Evil Spirit was indeed worthy of deep thought and vignce. "Next time, Ill need to catch a few to study about it!" The bonfire was about to be extinguished. It was indeed emitting traces of real energy substances, albeit not inrge quantities. However, Wang Xuan felt that it was valuable. Finding such superior substances in the real world was of great significance! Soon, Wang Xuan discovered that the so-called real energy substances originating from the real world were somewhat inurate. It seemed to be the remnants of the mythical divine scriptures that were burnt and scattered. As the bonfire gradually extinguished. Wang Xuan''s physical body, as well as his spirit, were slowly bing stronger. This was a unique form of cultivation. He was on the verge of a breakthrough. If he continued to umte like this, he could advance his realm without entering the Solitary Void and still improve in the present world. He was extremely close to the seventh stage! With a sh, the bonfire extinguished. This signaled the end of a mythical civilization. However, the surroundingsthe square, buildings, ancient streets, and moreremained intact. At this moment, the Godying Bannerpletely restored itself, as if nothing happened to it. It was truly miraculous. Wang Xuan stood up, holding the g as he sifted through the ashes, in hope of finding something. Among the remnants of other great avenues, there was a golden bamboo slip. "I''ll help you!" said the little White Tiger, eagerly rushing over with a swoosh. Her chubby round face was full of fake smiles as she quickly extended her ws. As a result, she scowled in pain and retreated. There were still embers beneath the ashes, and even her mighty flesh couldn''t withstand it. It almost got roasted. Dont overthink it, this kind of bonfire was very special! Fortunately, she didn''t really probe into the residual embers below; otherwise, Wang Xuan pondered, she would have ended up as a round-faced white tiger missing a limb. Underneath the extinguished bonfire, something was actually left behind! Wang Xuan''s eyes instantly brightened up. As the firelight faded, there was still a supreme divine item, perhaps the divine scripture? A faint white light flickered. It was a page of scripture, pulled out by him using the Godying Banner. Only this one page remained, leaving him both excited and somewhat regretful. Howe there''s only one page left? It should have been an entire volume. Soon, the white light dissipated, leaving behind only a in piece of paper. It was dull and yellow, with densely packed symbols covering both sides. Wang Xuan looked again and again. This was truly an ordinary piece of paper, with a verymon material. It was a miracle that it could survive. If its material had been extraordinary enough, the entire scripture should have been preserved. It was truly regrettable. Who left behind this scripture? Only one page remained in the end. The text on it was likely not simple. Was the bonfire sentient, unwilling topletely burn it away? Wang Xuan looked again. He didn''t recognize a single character. He asked Little White Tiger, "Do you have any knowledge of ancient writing?" "Ah, hahaha You don''t recognize them?" The round-faced girl suddenly perked up, proudly raising her chin and continued, "Ask me! I''m extremely proficient in ancient civilizations and Taoist studies. No origin is unknown to us. We''ve meticulously studied the scripts of various eras!" Seeing her so proud and arrogant, Wang Xuan pressed down on her head, rubbing it vigorously. "Dont talk so much and start tranting it!" "Ow... Stay away from me!" Little White Tiger bared her teeth and ws. If it weren''t for her being afraid of getting hung on the forest of buildings, she might have exploded in anger and fought him to the death. But for now, she could only bear the humiliation, pushing his hand away disdainfully. "What kind of crappy writing is this? Looks like gibberish! Why cant I recognize any of them?" She said furiously while repeatedly looking at it, only to stare nkly. She was unable to trante it. Wang Xuan snatched it back, unwilling to speak to her anymore. He tried tomunicate with it spiritually, in hopes of triggering a resonance. Unfortunately, the paper showed no response. He gritted his teeth and threw the paper into the residual embers below until it emitted a faint white light again. Wang Xuan immediately protected himself with the Godying banner and established a spiritual connection with it. This time, the connec tion was sessful. They resonated with each other! "What is reality and what is illusion. I often wonder, the only thing that is real is myself" Chapter 341: There Has Only Been One Chapter 341: There Has Only Been One Wang Xuan furrowed his brows, finding the lone page of scripture quite unorthodox, questioning the very fabric of existence and doubting the dimensions of time and space. This perspective, almost mad in its assertion, resembled less a scripture and more a cold, bizarre narrative. "On bustling streets, amidst myriad lights, as you wander through the scenery of the crowd, are there truly others apanying you? No, you''re mistaken; in reality, it''s only you. The vast city, the vibrant nightscape, they''re merely figments of one''s imagination." "The true you might lie beneath frozen soil or sprawl in the cold expanse of the universe. All splendors of the world, every brilliance, are but dreams spun by you alone." "Waking up, you might find the so-called bustling humanity, the brilliant fireworks, all dissipate like bubbles. Only you exist in the darkness. The universe and all its vivid past are but the musings of your mind. Upon awakening, the real you returns." "In the deep silence of the night, as you quietly read alone, do the city outside your window, the cars on the road, the distant towns, truly exist? No, all is illusion; you lie under the cold earth, and it''s merely your active thoughts that have painted this reality." "There''s only you, an illusion of one, where all things and scenes are extensions of your own thoughts, woven into a grand illusion. Awake now." "Perhaps the frozen soil and the deep space of the universe don''t exist either. You''re simply lying in an indescribable void, cold and alone, with only your thoughts to construct the world. When the dream ends, everything copses, revealing the truth..." Lost in thought, Wang Xuan felt dazed. Was this truly scripture? Transcending time and space, separated by countless years, wherenguage and text could no longer be understood or passed down, only this kind of mental resonance remained. If the contents of this paper were to be believed, the real world seemed terrifyingly bleak, with everything, including the self and the universe, being mere projections of one''s mind. Was all existence just an borate illusion? Wang Xuan was baffled. The scripture seemed almost demonic in its persuasion, taking solipsism to its extreme: aside from oneself, nothing else exists in the world. "It''s like the diary of someone mentally disturbed," he mused, troubled. Was this truly thest of the scriptures? To him, it seemed rather useless. However, nestled within a beacon of civilization, this scripture, penned in ordinary materials, remained unscathed by the mes, hinting at its extraordinary essence. Thankfully, these were but a few cryptic lines, not the entirety. Wang Xuan, casting the page into the fire, continued his empathic engagement, aligning his mental frequencies to capture its lingering thoughts once more. "Do you believe now? Since time immemorial, there''s been but one in the world, and that''s you. I am you, recording this as I awaken, and you, extending your consciousness, encountering this sole testament to truth..." Speechless, Wang Xuan found the continuation still resembling the ramblings of a madman, persisting in its brainwashing narrative. "In truth, this is but a hypothesis. Whether you believe it or not, both stand correct. Reality is even more unpredictable and bizarre than what I''ve articted. My words merely serve as a reminder, perhaps revealing that you''re merely a patient, lying on your sickbed for most of your life. As your body ages and your spirit lingers at death''s door, you conjure all existence..." "Poisonous," dered Wang Xuan, before beckoning the little white tiger, "Come, let me unveil the real world to you, imparting an ultimate scripture that narrates the essence of all things..." Without reservation, he then "enlightened" the little white tiger with this mental imprint. Unexpectedly, the round-faced girl became stupefied, entrapped in its logic, murmuring, "It makes sense, the Tiger Sovereign is my true self, the primary consciousness. Wang Xuan is but the refuse of my mind, thus, he should be vanquished. Only I am real in all creation!" At this, Wang Xuan was at a loss for words, choosing to ignore her. He hastily sought out the spiritual imprint again, finally encountering the genuine scripture. "What I''ve spoken of is merely a prelude, dependent on thews of cause and effect, hinged on your true nature. The spirit is our sole de to cleave through the fog and approach truth. Yet, the umtion of real energy and the body''s role as a shield for self-defense are indispensable. If there''s only me in the world, then this should guide us in capturing the reality beyond me..." What followed was indeed the actual scripture, yet it still premised on the hypothesis of a madman''s diary, extrapting from this foundation. "To hell with it, to learn your method, must I first brainwash myself into a lunatic?!" Wang Xuan was nearly at his wit''s end. Of course, from the author''s perspective, everything seemed natural; this was, after all, a letter written to himself, in the belief that he alone existed in the world. In this scripture, it posits that the influence of reality is omnipresent, resonating with the self, yet the tangible matter of reality remains elusive. Only through a spirit of purity, recognizing that from ancient times only the self exists, and cultivating the Spiritual Eye, can one capture the splendid reality materials at the dark end of infinity, umting them for personal use. "I don''t even need to purify myself further, already possessing the Spiritual Eye. ording to this, am I innately a severe mental case?" Wang Xuan mused with a scoff, finding the author''s intentions perplexing. It felt as if there was an underlying intent to trouble future generations without leaving any traces. The temptation alone of cultivating the Spiritual Eye, as suggested by the scripture, would be enough to lead some practitioners into risking their sanity. However, the subsequent teachings indeed contained valuable insights, requiring him to adopt a critical approach and extract the essence while discarding the notions that could lead him to be a "severe patient." "In the cold universe, the solitary ''I'' encounters various illusions, like the birth and demise, like the sudden disintegration of a luminous star, all in the illusion releasing specks of real materials, worthy of cherishing and extracting..." Wang Xuan painstakingly tranted the ramblings of a severely ill mind into chapters applicable to himself, extracting the essence and discarding the spiritual mdy. Whether it''s the lifespan of a living being or the energy released by radiant stars, in this scripture, they''re considered "external sensations," mere illusions stimting one''s perception. From these illusions, he would extract specks of real materials interacting with the only true self, thereby strengthening himself for a closer approach to the realm of reality in the future. As Wang Xuan delved deeper, analyzing rapidly, he felt increasingly agitated. Everything being an external sensation, all interacting with the inner self, he suspected the scripture was leading him astray. "External sensations, inner self, ah..." He couldn''t help but exim, contemting handing the scripture over to Old Zhang to torment him into madness. He hesitated to share it with figures like the Demon Sovereign, Hades Blood, or Zheng Yuantian. If they experienced issues with their primordial spirits, so be it. But what if they managed to cultivate it sessfully? Wang Xuan pondered, if given to Elder Zhang, the worst oue might be a temporary split in consciousness, which could gradually heal over time. If sessfully mastered, it wouldn''t pose a significant threat. After extensive practice, Wang Xuan realized that without fully immersing himself and tormenting his psyche, he couldn''t grasp the scripture''s essence. Moreover, he needed to believe that the world was as such, and his perceptions were correct. After a lengthy contemtion and self-hypnosis, he surprisingly found it effective. "Wrong, this unconventional method, and such a patient, might not indicate a soul ailment. I suspect he''s intentionally challenging future generations, testing them to self-correct and uncover the scripture''s true nature." ncing back at the little white tiger, who had been thoroughly ''enlightened'' and was now mumbling to herself with a vacant gaze, immersed in her own world. "If it''s only me, then I should sever all causal connections, starting with my mental refuse. Eliminate him," the round-faced girl dered, attempting to push Wang Xuan into the fire. With a swift tap on her forehead, Wang Xuan snapped her out of it and turned away, visibly annoyed. "This scripture is intriguing; give me thetter part, I want to delve into it!" the round-faced girl eximed excitedly aftering to her senses. "Find somewhere cool to sober up," Wang Xuan dismissed her, pushing her aside. Ultimately, by the fire, he managed to interpret the scripture from his perspective, discarding notions of external stimuli and internal self. In his cultivation system, this tranted to... all things being a superposition of reality, seeking and absorbing those rare yet genuinely existing peculiar substances. Perhaps this deviated from the original teachings, but it was the only way he could practice to suit his path. "Different individuals have varied interpretations. Later, I''ll exchange it with Elder Zhang for some heavenly medicine. If he remains unharmed after practicing, we might consider sharing it more broadly, letting Immortal Fang review it, and even the Sword Immortal for her insights." After all, this was the only page not consumed by mes, indicating its unique worth. Wang Xuan secluded himself, absorbing the ash''s strange substances while practicing this scripture, sifting through all creation, opening his spiritual eye to probe the essence of the world. Indeed, in the void, strands of peculiar matter flowed, mysterious in origin, seemingly born from the ovey with all things. However, the quantity was too sparse, relying on this for umtion would take ages. Then, he noticed an entity, vibrant with life, containing substances close to reality and far richer than those in the void. It was... the little white tiger. "Does this mean practitioners absorb various energy substances, some of which are close to real oddities, needing refinement and extraction?" Wang Xuan mused, closing his eyes to meditate in the void. Upon reopening his eyes, the fire had dimmed, nearing total extinction. Suddenly, his body quivered, resonating spiritually and physically, a blinding beam erupted, purifying his being. Inside out, the peculiar substances flowed, cleansing the marrow, revitalizing the organs, with a faint white glow enveloping his form and spirit. Unbeknownst to him, he had made a breakthrough, solidly stepping into the seventh realm, his cultivation enhanced by substances nearing reality, primarily sourced from the fire''s embers. "What happened?" Wang Xuan eximed, noticing corpses hanging from the ancient structures around him, swaying in the wind. These were not ancients but the descendants of immortals and demons who had entered this ce with him. "The white tiger whispered, "It''s been half a month; you''ve finally awakened. Those who tried to approach the fire all mysteriously ended up hanged." Shocked, Wang Xuan asked, "Is this domain sealed, trapping us inside?" ording to the n, this alien realm was to open for three days initially to assess the situation before deciding on future openings. "After the scheduled time, it closed for ten days. It reopened for two days, and this time it will be open for a month," the white tiger informed him. "Not venturing into the void, I managed a breakthrough in the outer world, leveraging a scripture, all originating from ''external stimuli.'' Yet, without the abundant peculiar substances from the fire, sess would be hard, requiring years for umtion," Wang Xuan pondered. He stood up, surveying the ancient za and the quiet streets. Among the hanged, many were faces he recognized, like a certain haughty immortal woman with her tongue sticking out, armored and revealing a pale slender waist, who had been insolent at the entrance, now dead. Six or seven powerful beings who had shown hostility towards him, intending to block and hunt him at the entrancemen, women, demons, and descendants of immortalsall ended hanged. "The remnant spark of a civilization is not something anyone can approach lightly. Those who perished here did not die unjustly," Wang Xuan remarked solemnly. The round-faced girl nodded in agreement. "They deserved their fate. Some attempted to ambush us and ended up sealing their own doom. Serves them right!" "Let''s move on," Wang Xuan decided, feeling it was time to depart from this grim location. "What about that scripture?" the white tiger inquired, still fixated on the intriguing document. Wang Xuan, half-jokingly, threatened, "I fear it might corrupt your spiritual essence. And where''s my memory crystal? Without it, I won''t take you with me." Caught off guard and contemting whether to betray her allegiance to the demon sovereign, the white tiger felt a twinge of guilt, though she knew the punishment wouldn''t be severe, perhaps just a harsh scolding. "I don''t have it on me right now, but I''ll find it for you once we''re out!" she quickly retorted. "In that case, stay here. I''m leaving," Wang Xuan said, vanishing from the za in an instant. "Come back, I''ll give it to you!" the white tiger eximed in panic, fearing she might be one of the many newly deceased hanging around them. Wang Xuan reappeared on the street, frowning as he encountered a few individuals outside. The first person he noticed was Mo Si, with his delicate features and seemingly frail stature, yet undeniably powerful and ruthless. Likely one of the strongest contenders here. In another direction, Qi Chengdao, d in spotless white, stood with the ethereally beautiful Ming Xi, resembling a celestial couple. He offered Wang Xuan a slight nod of acknowledgmenta formidable figure in his own right. Further away, a daunting figure loomed, a young man whose calm appearance belied the madness lurking in his eyes. He was Qi Liandao, the second son of the demon sovereign, who greeted Wang Xuan with a smile, thanking him for bringing the family''s ancestral weapon, the God-ying Banner, to this realm. "Thank you for bringing our ancestral artifact, the God-ying Banner, here. It''s truly fated," he said, bowing slightly in a polite andposed manner, contrary to what one might expect. Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat, sensing trouble. Notably, the God-ying Banner on him vibrated faintly, reacting to something nearbywhat could possibly have piqued its interest? Chapter 342: Conflict Chapter 342: Conflict Standing on the ancient streets amidst a city where only he and the round-faced girl remained alive, Wang Xuan found himself surrounded by the lifeless bodies of demons and descendants of immortals, all hanging from buildings with their eyes wide open and tongues sticking outa truly undignified end. He chose not to venture out immediately, aware of the numerous foes lurking nearby, some seated atop hills, others standing in dense forests, all quietly awaiting his emergence. Clearly, his identity had been betrayed by his protection under the God-ying Banner at the za''s fire pit. "Daoist Wang Xuan, I feel a deep connection with you upon our first meeting. Please,e out for a talk," Qi Liandao called out again, his tone gentle. "And you are?" Wang Xuan inquired, eyeing him suspiciously. Could this person possess some strange artifact? He spected, especially since the God-ying Banner had reacted so peculiarly just moments ago. "My name is Qi Liandao. Our meeting is fated, destined to be immortalized in the annals of cultivation history," the demon sovereign''s son replied with a smile, his identity among the most sensational present. His lineage was astonishing; his father stood alongside figures like Zhang Daoling and the Ascetic Monk, a primeval titan of the demon race, revered and formidable in the backdrop of their world. "Oh, it''s you. I understand now, great-nephew," Wang Xuan nodded, his expressionposed, having pieced together the puzzle. He recalled Zhang Daoling mentioning an encounter with Qi Liandao on the journey to the Old World aboard a spaceship. Initially, the deranged Qi Liandao had even considered devouring Zhang whole. But who was Zhang Daoling? With a single grasp, he had forced Qi Liandao to respectfully address him as "Uncle Zhang." Wang Xuan, enjoying a cordial rtionship with Zhang, though not quite brothers, felt their interactions were akin to peers. Thus, he elevated his own status, viewing the mad prince of the demon race as naturally his own great-nephew. The onlookers were dumbstruck, then their eyes widened in disbelief, their faces twitching with peculiar expressions, trying hard to contain themselves. Qi Liandao nearly thought he had misheard, incredulous at his ears. His amiable and smiling approach was usually met with respecthow could it be otherwise? In reality, as a direct descendant of the Demon Sovereign, Qi Liandao seldom needed to resort to violence. His presence alone demanded reverence and submission from all quarters, instilling fear and respect wherever he went. However, now he faced an insolent prey from the Old World, brazen enough to address him as a "great-nephew." "You''re courting death!" Qi Liandao''s voice turned frigid, his earlier feigned smile vanishing as his eyes glinted with a crazed intent to kill, revealing his true nature. "Aren''t you the son of the Demon Sovereign? I just met with him recently to sign the preliminary version of the new covenant. I''m on par with your father. Calling you a great-nephew, do you have a problem with that?" Wang Xuan inquired nonchntly. He had no intention of appeasing Qi Liandao, regardless of his royal demon lineage. Forewarned by Zhang Daoling, Wang Xuan knew this demon prince sought his life and coveted his divine artifact, the God-ying Banner. Why would he then mince words? Scoffing, Wang Xuan faced the threat head-on. Despite the disparity in their realms, he stood his ground, refusing to be cowed by the demon prince''s status. "Damn it!" Qi Liandao seethed, eager to grasp Wang Xuan and snap his spine. A mere mortal dared to defy him? He''d soon see him dead. "I''ll break every bone in your body, not sparing a single one for you, and feed them to the dogs!" Qi Liandao dered coldly, embodying a manifestation of madness, a mind born from the wildest aspects of the Demon Sovereign, nurtured with the blood of celestial demons to form an indestructible body. "Where is the White Tiger Celestial? Seize him for me!" Wang Xuanmanded. The crowd looked on, bewildered by his audacity. Was he really marshalling forces here? And from where would a true celestial emerge? To their amazement, a small white tiger bounded forward, transforming into a round-faced girl in a sh of light. "Is that you, Bai Yu Xian?!" Qi Liandao gasped in recognition. Was this indeed that white tiger? The others were equally stunned. Bai Yu Xian, a renowned figure, known for her formidable strength and status as a trustedpanion of the Demon Sovereign, now stood by Wang Xuan''s side. Many faces turned pale, their expressions filled with shock upon realizing Wang Xuan''s close connections with such influential figures, including Bai Yu Xian herself. Wang Xuan was taken aback. Was the White Tiger Celestial really that formidable? Judging by the crowd''s reaction, the round-faced girl seemed more than just the dimwitted cutie she appeared to be, possibly a real force to be reckoned with. "Qi Liandao, you really are mentally disturbed," dered the White Tiger Celestial, her face twisting in disdain as she casuallybeled the Demon Sovereign''s son as deranged. Wang Xuan found the situation ironic, considering how she had recently been lost in the ramblings of a severely mentally ill author''s text. Yet here she was, mocking someone else''s sanity. Clearly, both Qi Liandao and Bai Yu Xian were well-acquainted with each other''s backgrounds, aware of the discord between the Demon Sovereign and the Demon Lord, with thetter aiming to usurp control. "Do you seek enmity with me, Bai Yu Xian?" Qi Liandao''s voice was icy cold. "If I feel like beating you, I''ll just do it. Got a problem with that?" the round-faced girl retorted, chin up as she began to walk away, signaling Wang Xuan to ensure she was escorted out safely. Wang Xuan realized he had underestimated this ''big cat.'' It seemed she might indeed make a significant impact in this exotic realm once away from the ancient city''s fire pit. "Qi Liandao, how about a spar?" Demon Four, the fourth-generation core figure of the demon cultivators, suddenly interjected. Beneath his pure smiley an iron will and extraordinary confidence. His challenge to the Demon Sovereign''s son was unexpected. Though a prominent figure among the demon cultivators of his generation, Demon Four was still considered a neerpared to Qi Liandao, who had centuries of existence. The crowd was visibly shocked, including Wang Xuan, who wondered why Demon Four would intervene on his behalf. Demon Four nced over, nodding slightly at Wang Xuan before turning back to Qi Liandao with a rising aura of immense power, ready for confrontation. As Mo Si advanced like an unparalleled true demon, his oppressive presence made many extraordinary beings instinctively retreat, suffocating under his might. The crowd was baffled, questioning the necessity of his confrontation with Qi Liandao. Wang Xuan, with his profound gaze, noticed faint traces of Mo Si''s scrutiny. Mo Si had been staring intently at his brow, using a special demonic vision to probe into the depths of his soul, his eyes shimmering with an indescribable brilliance, his smileden with profound meaning. This was beyond the perception of others, but Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye caught it all! A thought struck him, hinting at a realization. Mo Si might have mistakenly believed that the soul of an ancient demon cultivator was slumbering within Wang Xuan, especially since Wang Xuan had donned heavy armor, adopting the guise of an ancient general, and concealed his own essence using the soul techniques from the golden bamboo scroll, in addition to drawing upon the supreme doctrine of demon cultivationthe Soul Coffin Method. Indeed, Wang Xuan''s guess was spot-on. Upon arriving in this realm, Mo Si felt a stir, suspecting that a venerable ancestor from their lineage was dormant within the consciousness of someone with inherently strong mental power. Mo Si spected that a demon emperor from their lineage, who had vanished long ago, might have returned to the human realm, lying in wait. Upon encountering Wang Xuan, dressed as an ancient general at the entrance to this space and sensing the aura of supreme demon cultivation techniques within his soul, Mo Si jumped to conclusions. Having observed Wang Xuan''s anomalies closelypossessing a unique Inner Landscape, capable of cultivating in this depleted old world with astonishing speedeverything seemed to click for Mo Si. Mo Si, who did not acknowledge the Demon Ancestor, believed his lineage to be the true orthodoxy. Now, he was determined to protect Wang Xuan, ensuring that no harm came to the venerable predecessor slumbering deep within Wang Xuan''s consciousness. "A mere boy, seeking fame, dares to challenge me?" Qi Liandao''s expression darkened with displeasure. Mo Si simply smiled, responding not with words but with action. He stepped forward andunched an attack. With a thunderous explosion, the atmosphere was filled with shock. His power was immense, matching Qi Liandao''s formidable punch without faltering, his white palm steady against the onught. As Qi Liandao and Mo Si shed fiercely, their battle shook the very earth, splitting mountains and upheaving thend with their overwhelming might. Observing from a distance, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but feel the perilous power of beings from the Transcendent Realm; their strength was truly formidable and posed a great danger. He sighed inwardly, acknowledging his recent advancement hadn''t shaken the foundations of these formidable beings. It seemed Chen Yongjie had overthought the matter, attributing too much to Wang Xuan''s breakthrough. The idea that his cultivation progress could destabilize others'' realms was a misconception, not influenced by his actions in the void. "Perhaps, my breakthrough wasn''t within the void. I should attempt it again in that realm," Wang Xuan pondered, nning his next steps. Turning to the round-faced girl beside him, he extended his hand, indicating it was time to leave. "Hand over the crystal now," he demanded, ready to depart this ancient city. His tone left no room for negotiation; the crystal was non-negotiable. Reluctantly, the little white tiger acquiesced, her eyes wide with unease, silently apologizing to her master in her heart for the unintended betrayal. In a swift motion, Wang Xuan secured the crystal, then, alongside Bai Yu Xian, left the city steeped in antiquity. As they made their way out, Qi Chengdao approached, his immacte white battle attire radiating a formidable aura mixed with a hint of regret. "Brother Wang, I bear no ill will towards you. On the contrary, I hold you in high esteem. However, the matter of the ying God Banner is crucial to my path of cultivation. This isn''t about personal grievances; it''s a contention for the way forward," he exined, his voice carrying a weight of inevitability. The little white tiger, now revealed as Bai Yu Xian, whispered, "I''ll handle him. Hand me the crystal." Wang Xuan nodded, agreeing to transmit thetter half of the scripture to her. "Alright," he said, seeing this as a worthwhile exchange. For Bai Yu Xian, returning with aplete supreme scripture would surely mitigate any repercussions from her master, and personally, she too would delight in its profound insights. Bai Yu Xian charged forward, shing with Qi Chengdao in a burst of divine light that shattered the nearby cliffs. Despite her original realm surpassing Qi Chengdao''s, the constraints of the old world''s ceiling meant her transmitted soul and celestial essence faced harsh restrictions, making their confrontation evenly matched. Meanwhile, Ming Xi, whose ethereal beauty seemed untouched by worldly concerns, approached Wang Xuan with a gentle smile. "Brother Wang, I apologize. My intervention isn''t personal; it''s simply that Chengdao''s ascension necessitates the ying God Banner. Please forgive us," she said, her voice soft yet firm, indicating the inevitable sh of destinies intertwined with the pursuit of the Dao. Chapter 343: Determination Through Hardship Chapter 343: Determination Through Hardship Gu Mingxi approached with a grace that seemed to transcend the mundane world, her attire a ssic vision of celestial elegance. Dressed in a moon-white gown that spoke of the ethereal realms, with matching white footwear, she exuded an unparalleled purity and otherworldliness. In the mundane world, a woman of such ethereal beauty would turn every head on the street, her clear gaze and exceptional looks full of an immortal''s charm. Yet, to Wang Xuan, she was merely another challenger. Despite her undeniable beauty and the aura of a celestial being, what did it matter? She was just an opponent to him. His main concern was gauging the true strength of this destined adversary and pondering whether she could be defeated. The beings sent from beyond the veil at this stage were all of notable origin, breaking through the very fabric of ordinary existence, making them formidable opponents that Wang Xuan found quite challenging to face. "Allow me the honor," Gu Mingxi said as she approached, her purity making her seem as if she was untouched by the dust of the world. A gentle smile lit up her features, stunningly beautiful, surrounded by a hazy aura that only entuated her exceptional demeanor. Revealing her true strength, the air around her simmered with a supermaterial fog, swirling in a dance of power. Indeed, she was a cultivator from the realm of carefree wandering, her prowess undeniable. ng! Wang Xuan''s armor vibrated with a metallic resonance, its icy sheen flowing as he raised his ck longsword high, a wave of murderous intent surging forth. Boom! At that moment, a scorching, blinding beam of light shot forth, narrowly missing Gu Mingxi and obliterating a small hill in the distance. Wang Xuan, startled, quickly turned to see another figure appearing. This woman, dressed in modern attire with a crisp white blouse and a pair of rimless silver sses perched on her prominent nose, was strikingly beautiful and serene, radiating an intellectual charm. She moved with the grace of a ssical beauty, her modern attire lending her an unconventional edge. However, the energy cannon slung over her shoulder somewhat marred her schrly elegance. Firing the cannon at Gu Mingxi, Zhou Qinghuang demonstrated her reflexes by dodging just in time, the beam grazing past her. "I''m Zhou Qinghuang, and I''m willing to stand by your side, to coborate with you," said the spectacled, refined woman with a smile. Wang Xuan turned to her, noting her striking appearance and forthright manner. It was rare for someone to openly align with him without coveting his divine weapon, offering partnership instead. Regardless of her motives, he responded with goodwill. "Miss Zhou is both wise and stunning, exuding a schrly aura. Clearly, a person of good repute and well-versed in literature," Wang Xuan replied with a smile. Zhou Qinghuang smiled gently, indeed amiable, and then fired her cannon again with a loud "thud,"unching another dazzling beam at Gu Mingxi. Gu Mingxi, predicting the move, swiftly evaded like a celestial fairy crossing the void, avoiding the attack once more. She couldn''t help but wonder, where was the literary grace in firing cannons so aggressively? "Let me handle her; you stay on your guard," Zhou Qinghuang said softly to Wang Xuan, her serene smile belying the aggression of her actions. With cyan light wings unfurling behind her, casting a splendid fairy light, she floated in the air, pursuing Gu Mingxi with her cannon ready to strike again. Wang Xuan watched in astonishment as the beautiful woman genuinely began to take action, assisting him against a formidable opponent of the carefree wandering realm. Regardless of her intentions, she was aiding him, and for the moment, she was considered an ally. Observers from the dense forest and mountain tops watched in amazement as three powerful figures emerged, only to be intercepted. Many were puzzled by the unfolding events, but some sighed in admiration. This young man from the mundane world, who had his name inscribed on the golden scroll and yed a part in drafting the new covenant, indeed possessed extraordinary qualities. She appeared like a ssical beauty from ancient scripts, gracefully making her way through the modern world in attire that seemed slightly out of ce yet enchantingly so. However, the energy cannon mounted on her shoulder somewhat disrupted her serene demeanor. Launching an energy st towards Gu Mingxi, Zhou Qinghuang acted with decisive aggression. Gu Mingxi, sensing the imminent danger, dodged just in time, letting the beam graze past her. "I am Zhou Qinghuang, and I wish to align with you, to coborate," introduced the elegantdy behind the sses, smiling. Wang Xuan turned his attention to her. The woman''s appearance and temperament were strikingly exceptional, and she was refreshingly straightforward, expressing a desire to side with him rather than covet his divine weapon. Rarely did someone openly dere their allegiance to him, and regardless of her underlying motives, he responded with goodwill. "Miss Zhou is both wise and dazzling, exuding an aura of schrly elegance. Clearly, a person of good nature and well-read," Wang Xuanplimented in return. Zhou Qinghuang smiled gently, embodying both tenderness and approachability, then fired her cannon again with a "boom," sending another blinding beam zipping past Gu Mingxi. Gu Mingxi, having anticipated the attack, dodged swiftly like a celestial nymph crossing through the void, avoiding the strike once more. She couldn''t help but question, where did this woman learn her manners? So much for being gentle and literate, she thought, witnessing the violent use of the cannon. "Allow me to assess her. Stay on guard," Zhou Qinghuang said softly to Wang Xuan, her back sprouting azure wings that scattered divine, sparkling light as she floated, continuing her assault on Gu Mingxi with the energy cannon. Wang Xuan was momentarily dazed by the sight. This beautiful woman was seriously engaging in battle to assist him against a formidable opponent of the free-roaming realm. His stance remained unchanged; whoever was aiding him at the moment was considered an ally. In the dense forest and atop the hills, numerous experts were spectating, all showing signs of astonishment as three formidable figures emerged to block their way. Many were baffled, unable toprehend the unfolding events. Yet, some sighed, acknowledging the young man''s exceptional stature in the mundane world, worthy of his signature on the golden scroll and involvement in the drafting of the new covenant. Without lifting a finger, he had influential figures like Mo Si, Zhou Qinghuang, and Bai Yuxian intercept formidable foes on his behalf. "Could he be the illegitimate child of some supreme entity?" someone muttered, not so much in spection but more as a disparaging remark on his ambiguous origins. "Your entire family are the illegitimate ones," Wang Xuan retorted sharply. He then focused on the various battlegrounds, ready to lend support at a moment''s notice. He sensed something stirring. The battle between Mo Si and Qi Lian Dao was the most intense, tearing through thendscape like two fierce dragons shing. They shattered mountains and plunged deep into the wilderness, with trees falling and boulders flying in all directions under their might. Despite Mo Si''s youthful appearance, his actions were ferocious and robust. His slender frame seemed to contain boundless demonic power, managing to stand toe-to-toe with the descendant of the demon ancestor, even gaining a slight upper hand at times. As the battle reached its climax, Mo Si countered Qi Lian Dao''s punch with his palm. Their spiritual domains shed, materializing into visible realms that collided, sending shockwaves through the surroundings. Mo Si''s domain shimmered in silver, wrapped in divine light, creating an ethereal sanctuary around him. Qi Lian Dao''s domain zed in golden brilliance, a wild inferno that engulfed him, reflecting his untamed spirit. Their confrontation, silver versus gold, was like two celestialnds at war, shredding the physical world around them. Trees exploded, rocks turned to dust, and everything from thorny vegetation to massive boulders was caught in their struggle, swirling in the air before disintegrating. The deadlock persisted as both fighters exerted their full strength. Wang Xuan approached leisurely, his armor cold and his ck longsword emitting a chilling aura. Observing the intense showdown, he took in the scene with keen interest. Without uttering a word, Wang Xuanunched a deadly assault on Qi Lian Dao. There was no talk of a fair fight or a duel. These were experts of the free-roaming realm, hunting him down, thus forfeiting any right to speak of fairness. With a swift motion, he used the God-ying Banner to carve a path through Qi Lian Dao''s golden spiritual domain, causing him as much pain as a venomous snake''s bite. The domain instantly suffered a breach. Then, Wang Xuan raised his sword for a strike. He wielded the God-ying Banner merely to clear the way and defend himself. With a sh, his sword''s bright light illuminated the entire forest. "You!" Qi Lian Dao was both shocked and furious. He was locked in a critical confrontation with Mo Si, their spiritual domains entwined, continuously shing in a tumultuous roar, leaving no room for retreat or disengagement. Withdrawing might give Mo Si the chance to invade his inner consciousness, potentially turning him into a puppet of the demonic path or even refining him into a soul casketa terrifying prospect. Some formidable figures in the demonic path possessed soul caskets even more powerful than themselves, acquired through unexpected invasions. Qi Lian Dao roared, unleashing a top-tier demonic spell, his spirit and body vibrating in unison, causing dazzling ripples in an attempt to blow Wang Xuan away and inflict severe damage. However, most of his power was tied up by Mo Si. Moreover, Wang Xuan was far stronger than Qi Lian Dao had anticipated. He was not merely a few realms weaker and could not be looked down upon. Standing with the banner, Wang Xuan remained unshaken. The sword descended, and with a stter, the radiant strike cut through Qi Lian Dao''s flesh, cultivated from the blood of various celestial demons, causing blood to spurt out. Then, without uttering a word, heunched a lethal attack on Qi Lian Dao. Ideas of a fair fight or a duel vanished in this context. These were high-level experts from the free-roaming realm, hunting him down, leaving no room for discussions of fairness. With a swift motion, he paved his way with the sh God Banner, tearing through Qi Lian Dao''s golden spiritual domain. The attack was like a serpent''s venomous kiss, causing intense spiritual agony for Qi Lian Dao as a chunk of his domain was obliterated. Wang Xuan then raised his sword for a strike. The sh God Banner served merely as a path opener and a shield. With a sh of the de, the entire forest was illuminated. Qi Lian Dao, caught off guard and furious, was locked in a crucial confrontation with Mo Si. Their spiritual domains were entangled, their golden and silver spaces shing and booming, leaving no opportunity for retreat without risking spiritual invasion by Mo Si, potentially turning him into a puppet of the demonic path or even a soul casket, a fate far too dreadful to contemte. Roaring, Qi Lian Dao unleashed a supreme demonic technique, resonating spiritually and physically, causing terrifying ripples and bright shes, attempting to repel Wang Xuan and inflict severe damage. However, most of his power was tied up by Mo Si. Moreover, Wang Xuan proved much stronger than Qi Lian Dao anticipated, not easily shaken despite the difference in their realms. The descending de struck, sshing blood, even though Qi Lian Dao''s body, cultivated from the blood of various demonic beasts, was supposed to be invulnerable. Now, Qi Lian Dao dared not retreat. Engaged fully with Mo Si, he found himself overwhelmed, sustaining a deep, bone-exposing wound on his shoulder from Wang Xuan''s de, which was initially aimed at decapitating him but had its trajectory altered by Qi Lian Dao''s desperate magic. He roared in rage, his body emanating supreme blood to cleanse his flesh and counter Mo Si''s spiritual invasion, striving to prevent the de from cleaving him in two. Yet, Wang Xuan felt no remorse, continuously striking, with blood spraying from Qi Lian Dao''s wounds. Qi Lian Dao endured the onught, surprisingly resilient. Grounded firmly, he managed to create multiple afterimages through slight vibrations of his body, surviving multiple head strikes without being bisected a miracle in itself. However, Wang Xuan was unfazed by Qi Lian Dao''s resilience, noticing something within him producing cryptic runes to preserve his flesh. Even when Qi Lian Dao''s neck was nearly severed, it rapidly healed. The onlookers were stunned, then speechless, witnessing the descendant of the demon ancestor being chopped like firewood. Qi Lian Dao''s furious roar marked his escape from Mo Si''s spiritual assault. Attempting to rush at Wang Xuan, he felt intense spiritual pain as the sh God Banner aimed once more at his spiritual domain. Wang Xuan, bewildered by his inability to finish Qi Lian Dao despite numerous strikes, refused to concede. "Let''s change the spot, tomemorate your determination," he quipped, swinging his dark de upwards between Qi Lian Dao''s legs, and then... made another cut. "I''m out!" Qi Lian Dao was utterly shocked, his body covered in goosebumps. He had never faced such a relentless foe and found himself wholly unprepared for such a brutal confrontation. With a furious roar, his blood energy burst forth in a radiant crimson rainbow as he suddenly exerted his power... and fled! Mo Si pursued him, casting a deep nce at Wang Xuan on the way, growing more convinced of Wang''s resemnce to that legendary figure from the demonic path, a character shrouded in myths and stories. Wang Xuan also gave chase for a distance, intrigued by the mysterious artifact within Qi Lian Dao''s body, which seemed beyond Qi Lian Dao''s control, only passively defending him. Why else would he hide it, not utilizing it even in perilous situations? With another strike, Wang Xuan''s dark de shed across Qi Lian Dao''s back, sttering blood. Utilizing a demonic beast''s blood escape technique, Qi Lian Dao turned into a mist of red smoke, blurring away, only to reappear at the far end of the earth. Mo Si, decisive as ever, followed him into the distance, determined to catch him. Wang Xuan, after a moment''s consideration, chose not to continue the pursuit. Given his current level, facing Qi Lian Dao alone could be dangerous. Everyone nearby found the situation astonishing, almost dreamlike. Here was a prince of the demonic n, a true powerhouse, now being forced into a corner by a seemingly lesser young human due to the constraints of crossing realms. "I''ve really made a mortal enemy this time. I need to level up fast, or I might end up being hunted down in a frenzy by Qi Lian Dao," Wang Xuan concluded, aware that once Qi Lian Dao recovered, a fierce retaliation would be inevitable. On his way back, he saw the ongoing battle between the round-faced girl and Qi Cheng Dao and feltpelled to join. He couldn''t just stand by while his allies were in conflict. "Ming Xi, let''s go!" Qi Cheng Daomunicated, promptly steering a treasure boat away into the sky. He had witnessed Qi Lian Dao''s dire state and did not wish to be the next target of Wang Xuan''s "unorthodox" methods. Facing the challenge posed by a white tiger demon alone was overwhelming enough, and he felt immense pressure. "Capture him!" Wang Xuanmanded, urging the round-faced girl to pursue Qi Chengdao aggressively. If possible, eliminating him would prevent future threats. Meanwhile, on another battlefield, Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi shed. Zhou Qinghuang, having exhausted her energy cannon, discarded it into the terrain, where ity depleted and useless. Gu Mingxi, upon receiving a signal, attempted to ascend, steering a supernatural lotus tform. Her attire fluttered elegantly, embodying the very essence of a celestial being descending upon the mortal realmher beauty unparalleled. "Stay," Zhou Qinghuang dered, her voice losing its gentle timbre, revealing a hint of wild allure as she removed her sses. "You''re the gift I''ve been nning to give." With amand, "Phoenix Feather Locks the Void!" she unfurled her azure wings, casting countless luminescent feathers across the sky, ensnaring the heavens. The air was filled with dancing energy feathers as Zhou Qinghuang moved gracefully like a divine phoenix, her form captivating and her dance enthralling. These feathers spanned the void, securing a small pocket of space and trapping Gu Mingxi within. The crowd was astounded. At Zhou Qinghuang''s level, to confine the void was exceedingly rare, showcasing her extraordinary talent. However, the effort visibly drained her; her cheeks flushed with exertion, resembling someone inebriated by wine, herplexion reddened. Panting, she offered, "I present her to you as a gift. ept her." In this moment, the narrative of power and alliance unfolded intriguingly, as Zhou Qinghuang, amidst her struggle, gifted Wang Xuan a formidable opponent, marking an unusual turn in their confrontation. Chapter 344: An Immortal As Gift? Chapter 344: An Immortal As Gift? "Zhou Qinghuang, you demon!" Gu Mingxi''s face paled, her usually immacte and ethereal beauty marred by fear. Bing a captive, falling into the hands of an unknown man, what fate would await her? Her heart raced with dread, unable to bear the thought of the terrible possibilities that might unfold. The spectators, other transcendents watching the duel, were shocked. Gu Mingxi, a renowned celestial figure, was about to be captured? This was beyond unexpected. Zhou Qinghuang, equally famous and formidable, had outmaneuvered her opponent in a move few could match, seizing victory against her rival. "Much appreciated!" Wang Xuan stepped forward, his approach casual, a smile ying on his lips. "Stay your hand, Wang Xuan of the mortal realm! You shall not defile Celestial Gu!" came a shout from someone who couldn''t hold back any longer, rushing forward to intervene and block Wang Xuan. "And who might you be? Qi Chengdao''s cousin, or perhaps Gu Mingxi''s own brother?" Wang Xuan quipped, eyeing the tall, agitated youth before him. "Neither, but that doesn''t grant you the right to disrespect Celestial Gu!" the youth retorted, making a swift move to intercept, particrly as Wang Xuan didn''t halt his advance during their exchange, drawing ever closer to the two women. "A mere bystander, then? Meddling without ties to Qi Chengdao or Gu Mingxi. What concern is it of yours? Ah, I see, even the realm of immortals has its sycophants," Wang Xuan remarked disdainfully. To him, anyone blocking his path or thwarting his pursuit of foes was an enemy, undeserving of civility. In his view, enemies were to be eliminated outrightthus ensuring peace and tranquility in the world. "Boom!" For those in his way, mercy was not an option. With a swing of his de, a dark gleam erupted, cutting through the forest with a deafening roar. Vegetation exploded, rocks shattered, and the man who had dared to obstruct him... his protest was cut short as a gush of blood soared into the airhe was bisected at the waist. He stood there, his spell shattered, his body falling lifelessly to the ground, his spirit barely emerging before being sliced by Wang Xuan''s de, dissipating amidst a shower of light, extinguished forever. Spectators were dumbfounded. Just a confrontation, and he was annihted? This young man was a renowned nine-stage expert, yet Wang Xuan, seemingly of only six or seven stages, managed to obliterate him with a mere one or two strikes? "Seems I was underestimated," Wang Xuan mused with a shake of his head, advancing confidently. Fresh from a breakthrough, hisbat prowess had naturally surged. Before entering this unique realm, he had already in numerous nine-stage masters, nearly eradicating a group sent by the Hengjun faction single-handedly. As more approached, hesitation crept in. They, too, were of the nine-stage caliber, but now, faced with Wang Xuan''s disy, they questioned their own chances. Then, a formidable man in the early stages of the Transcendental Realm approached, wielding a silver divine hammer enveloped in sacred radiance, boldly attacking Wang Xuan. His intent was clear: to dominate through sheer force, his initial stage in the Transcendental Realm considered only a thin barrier from the peak of the ninth stage, but significantly more powerful, aiming to suppress Wang Xuan with this advantage. Indeed, the man in green was formidable. As the silver hammer descended, the space itself seemed to explode with its force, sending other nine-stage experts reeling back, unable to withstand the shockwave even from a distance. Wang Xuan''s armor vibrated with metallic resonance as he faced the onught, his de ready to test his newly acquired skills against a Transcendental Realm adversary. The sh of his cold, brilliant de against the divine hammer and its celestial aura was monumental. Despite the tremble in his frame, Wang Xuan did not retreat, stunning all onlookers. This wasn''t merely a gap of a few minor stages; usually, those of a lower realm feel overwhelmed by the superior might. Yet, here stood Wang Xuan, unwavering, challenging the very norms of their world. In this realm, the usual constraints of cultivation level suppression held no sway, and Wang Xuan stood valiantly, matching his foe blow for blow. Sparks flew, and blinding light enveloped them as Wang Xuan, wielding his dark demonic de, shed repeatedly with his adversary. The two were like lightning incarnate, their movements reaching the pinnacle of speed. "Can he now stand against an early-stage Wanderer?" someone eximed in shock. Indeed, had they been in the mortal realm, Wang Xuan, even a few realms below his opponent, would confidently im victory in a brief encounter. However, here, under the influence and suppression of a higher realm, he could only engage in fiercebat, not quite able to vanquish his foe on the spot. "Hurry, she''s about to flee! We can''t let this opportunity slip through our fingers, capturing the renowned Fairy Ming Xi will be much harder then!" Zhou Qinghuang called out, her voice tinged with urgency. Employing the astonishing technique of Locking the Void, she was noticeably drained, fearing Ming Xi might escape her grasp. "I''m on it!" Wang Xuan, fully aware of the immense pressure from the higher realm, acknowledged his current strength and the necessity to push beyond. Yet, that didn''t mean he was incapable of dealing with an early-stage Wanderer, especially the green-robed powerhouse before him. With a sh, his de carved through the air, radiating a brilliance that was both mesmerizing and blinding. Wang Xuan had invoked the ancient art of the sh Path Sword from the Pre-Qin golden bamboo scrolls. Just half a month ago, he had recited this sword scripture to the Sword Immortal Child, leaving the youngster utterly fascinated and awestruck by the profundity of the text. This testament to the extraordinary nature of the sword scripture was evident in Wang Xuan''s current confrontation. His de gleamed with a cold, fierce light, ready to demonstrate the depth of his newly acquired might against the early-stage Wanderer before him. Wielding a de yet manifesting the essence of a sword scripture, Wang Xuan unleashed streams of radiant beams that intertwined in the void, shing fiercely with the man in green. The final revtion of the true meaning behind the ancient sword scripture flickered through the air, inscribing dense, mysterious characters amidst the intertwining light, shredding the man''s divine hammer into oblivion. With a swift motion, the sword scripture decapitated him, his body pierced repeatedly by the relentless beams until it exploded, obliterating both his physical form and spiritual essence. Wang Xuan advanced, unimpeded. Those ahead, attempting to flee, were enveloped by the expanding sword light, meeting their demise under the scripture''s relentless assault, reduced to mere mists of blood. The onlookers were stunned. Who indeed were the descendants of the celestials? Hailing from beyond the grand curtain, their ess to cultivation resources far surpassed anything imaginable in the mundane world. Yet here, every individual, distinguished far beyond ordinary transcendents, should have been superior. However, Wang Xuan, with a mysterious sword scripture at hismand, cut through them with ease, an unstoppable force. What truly sent shivers down their spines was the apparent inefficacy of the hierarchical suppression of realms against him, as even a formidable opponent at the threshold of Wanderer realm was vanquished by his sharp sword light. "Should he ascend to the realm of Wanderer, even the renowned geniuses, several minor realms above him, would likely fall to his de," someone murmured under their breath. Naturally, there were still formidable beings in this ce, but who would dare to confront him now? What if the likes of Mo Si returned, or Bai Yuxian made an appearance? "Seems he has broken through again recently," another whispered. This was bing truly terrifying. In an era where the world was bereft of spiritual essence, Wang Xuan continued to elevate his realm. Many harbored a deep wariness towards him. Once Wang Xuan stepped into the realm of Wanderer, if he sought retribution, it was doubtful many could withstand his onught. "Quick, quick, quick!" Zhou Qinghuang called out, her usual intellectual beauty now reced by a wild and enticing desperation. She trembled slightly in the sky, seemingly on the verge of falling at any moment. Fortunately, by this time, Wang Xuan had dispatched all his adversaries. With each step covering two to three hundred meters, he skimmed across the ground, swiftly closing the distance between them. Guan Mingxi, her body aglow with celestial light, struggled with all her might, attempting to flee. The lotus tform beneath her pure white shoes shook violently, as if it were about to burst into mes. With a shing sound, cold and sharp, a silver chain appeared in Wang Xuan''s hand, a top-tier treasure he had confiscated from Zheng Wu. Zhou Qinghuang, seeing this, knew it was settled. A smile blossomed on her beautiful face as she said, "Today, I present the renowned Guan Mingxi as a gift, a gesture of my respect." "Thank you!" Wang Xuan nodded, the chain of the spirit in his hand shooting towards the sky with incredible speed. Many sighed, some wanted to intervene but hesitated, preferring to wait and see how the situation unfolded, given it hadn''tpletely deteriorated yet. However, what happened next took everyone by surprise. In an instant, the onlookers'' eyes widened in shock, a chill running down their spines. Zhou Qinghuang was also taken aback, her beautiful eyes wide open in disbelief. With a thrust, the silver chain pierced through Guan Mingxi''s chest, blood sttering as it went straight through her, locking her in ce, front to back, clear and bright. This top-tier treasure, bestowed by the supreme being Zheng Yuan Tian to Zheng Wu, was designed to capture the spirit of a person, but it could also harm the physical body. "This is the gift I offer you, a very famous fairy, and you just pierced her heart with it?!" Zhou Qinghuang was genuinely shocked. Without saying another word, he had mercilessly executed the fairy, striking a lethal blow. At that moment, she waspletely drained, about to fall from the sky. "Is the fairy dead?!" "My god, this butcher, he killed Guan Mingxi?" The outcry was widespread, causing an uproar throughout the forest. "She''s notpletely dead yet, still warm," Wang Xuanmented, nodding towards Zhou Qinghuang, who was about to plummet. Gu Mingxi''s eyes dimmed; her heart pierced, her soul locked, yet unwilling to yield, she summoned all her strength to unleash a treasure within her, fiercely striking at the soul lock chain. With a loud bang, as the treasure shattered, it sted open the silver soul chain, freeing her spirit from her body, which then swiftly fled. As Zhou Qinghuang''s strength was utterly drained, ceasing her hold on the void, Gu Mingxi''s soul made its escape. With a flick of the silver chain, Wang Xuan yanked Gu Mingxi''s bloodied body down, crashing it beside him along with her lotus pedestal. "Didn''t kill her, her soul escaped?" Wang Xuan was about to activate the Godying Banner for a swift pursuit. "A living Fairy Gu holds far more value than a dead Gu Mingxi!" Zhou Qinghuang shouted, somewhat speechless at encountering such a ruthless person. Meanwhile, she plummeted down, unable to sustain herself any longer. Wang Xuan hesitated for a moment. As an ally, he refrained from immediately pursuing Gu Mingxi''s fleeing soul. Holding the Godying Banner in one hand and the soul chain in the other, he cautiously spread his arms to catch Zhou Qinghuang. Thud. Catching her, he couldn''t help but notice, despite her tall, slender, and graceful figure, she felt surprisingly substantial in his arms, dressed in a modern short white shirt. Zhou Qinghuang, now with her sses mysteriously back on, regained her intellectual charm. "Release Fairy Zhou!" someone shouted, undeniably, Zhou Qinghuang had a significant reputation with many followers. "Are you going to make me?" Wang Xuan looked towards the woods from where the voice emanated. Zhou Qinghuang, wordlessly, tapped him, signaling to be put down. "Is this... considered a second gift?" Wang Xuan appeared quite pleased with the situation. Chapter 345: I Want To Be Invincible Chapter 345: I Want To Be Invincible "You''re quite the greedy one, expecting a buy-one-get-one deal?" That was the thought running through many onlookers'' minds as they witnessed the audacious actions of this extraordinary being from the human realm. Yet, considering he didn''t spare even Gu Mingxi from his deadly resolve, it became clear there was nothing he wouldn''t dare to think or do. Wang Xuan''s impression of Zhou Qinghuang, as he caught her, was of a remarkably fit figure, pleasantly substantial, not at all bonya realization that intrigued him. Though his words suggested one thing, his true concernsy elsewhere, evidenced by his vignt grip on both the Godying Banner and the soul chain, ready for any unforeseen threats. "Quick, save her, her physical body can still be revived!" Zhou Qinghuang urged, struggling faintly. Her powers had almost drained; otherwise, she would have rushed to the rescue herself. Wang Xuan noted her immediate concern wasn''t to counter his earlier remark but to save someone instead, hinting at a less than fatal feud with Gu Mingxi. "Let me down, quickly." Zhou Qinghuang squirmed, her stockings torn, her dignified beauty marred by a touch of desperation. "Why save her if she''s your sworn enemy? Let''s end this threat once and for all," Wang Xuan proposed as he set her down, his dark de poised to strike. Zhou Qinghuang''s eyes widened in rm, and she instinctively clutched at his arm, attempting to intervene. Wang Xuan''s action confirmed itshe truly didn''t wish for Gu Mingxi''s death, hence her direct obstruction. Silently stepping closer, he subtly utilized the Godying Banner to envelop Zhou Qinghuang in a daze after their intense battle, causing her to stagger. This led to her, in holding Wang Xuan''s armed arm, inadvertently aiding in redirecting the de''s course, plunging it deep into Gu Mingxi''s chest. "Miss Zhou, you needn''t have dirtied your hands; I could have handled it," Wang Xuan gently chided. Zhou Qinghuang stood dumbfounded, her involvement had essentially co-executed a fierce strike, pinning Gu Mingxi in a bloody disy. "At a crucial moment, Miss Zhou certainly doesn''t hold back," someone remarked. Others pleaded, "Zhou Qinghuang, Miss Zhou, show mercy!" Some couldn''t hold back any longer, fearing that after such a blow, could there be any chance of survival? Zhou Qinghuang swiftly procured a crystal block, sealing within it a top-tier medicinal liquid that glowed a luminescent blue. Upon unsealing, a rich vitality burst forth. She quickly administered it to Gu Mingxi, applying some on her wounds as well, and instructed Wang Xuan to retract the silver soul chain, saying, "Gu Mingxi has significant backing; she cannot die now." With a swift motion, Wang Xuan withdrew the soul chain from Gu Mingxi''s chest, yet he then used the chain to encase her body, effectively binding her externally. He pondered if Zhou Qinghuang''s actions, while seemingly against Gu Mingxi, indicated she didn''t truly wish harm upon her. Were they performing a charade, or did their rtionship, thoughpetitive, bear some underlying camaraderie, possibly even a solid one? His wariness wasn''t unwarranted. In this realm, trust was a luxury seldom afforded, especially towards those from beyond the veil, with whom he had no prior acquaintance or bond. Zhou Qinghuang''s immediate allegiance and proposition to coborate were appreciated by Wang Xuan, regardless of her motives. He weed her alliance, yet to expect unguarded trust from him was asking too much. Their sudden camaraderie, absent of any prior introduction, didn''t blind him to the possibility of ulterior motivesthis world offered no fervor without reason. For now, he opted not to delve deeper, focusing instead on uniting with allies againstmon foes. Zhou Qinghuang remained the astute and striking Miss Zhou to him, as long as their goals aligned. Should she turn against him, he''d have no choice but to view her as the cunning Zhou Qinghuang. After her frenzied efforts, Zhou Qinghuang exhaled in relief; Gu Mingxi''s physical form was not yet lost to death, hinting at a chance for revival despite the severity of her injuries. The silver chain had pierced through the heart, and the dark de had left a gaping, translucent wounda testament to Wang Xuan''s ruthless assault. Zhou Qinghuang was left speechless, having presented him with an ethereal fairy only to witness such a merciless attack. Faced with the daunting task of exining this to Gu Mingxi''s faction, she was overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation. Quickly pulling out a crystal, Zhou Qinghuang unveiled a top-tier medicinal elixir, its blue luminescence dispersing a rich vitality upon being unsealed. She hurriedly administered it to Gu Mingxi, applying some on her wounds, and urged Wang Xuan to retract the silver soul chain, asserting, "Gu Mingxi holds significant influence; she cannot die now." Wang Xuan withdrew the chain from Gu Mingxi''s chest, yet wrapped her body with it externally, securing her. He pondered whether Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi were merely putting on a show. Were they adversaries with an underlying camaraderie, their rtionship not as dire as it seemed, or perhaps even amicable? His caution wasn''t unwarranted; in this realm, trust was a luxury. The alliances formed here were fragile, based on mutual benefit rather than genuine connection. While he appreciated Zhou Qinghuang''s immediate support, his trust wasn''t easily won. Amidst the chaos, Zhou Qinghuang worked feverishly, managing to stabilize Gu Mingxi''s physical state for the moment. Despite the severe wounds, there was hope for recovery, a fact that left Zhou Qinghuang conflicted, given theirplex rtionship. "Why aim to kill her? A living Gu Mingxi could be far more valuable. She has a formidable background; her maternal grandfather is nearly unmatched in strength," Zhou Qinghuang reasoned. Wang Xuan, surprised, retorted, "Didn''t you offer her to me? I see her as nothing more than a future threat." To him, the pedigree of one''s enemies mattered little; opposition was met with swift retribution, regardless of their stature or connections. Zhou Qinghuang massaged her forehead, finding nomon ground in their discussion. "Besides, I find you far more agreeable than her. Your demeanor, grace, and intellect outshine hers by leagues." Her wariness grew, half-expecting a simr fate might befall her. "Actually, my intention was to keep Gu Mingxi around for a discussion among us three. I dislike Qi Chengdao''s closeness with her. Now, you''veplicated matters," she confessed, rubbing her temples at the unfolding dilemma. After a pause, she decided, "I''ll pursue Gu Mingxi''s soul." "I''ll apany you," Wang Xuan offered. Zhou Qinghuang, eyeing the Godying Banner in his grip, declined. Allowing him to join might endanger Gu Mingxi''s very soul. Before departing, she cast a worried nce at Wang Xuan and then at Gu Mingxi''s body on the ground, concerned for what might happen in her absence. "Rest assured, I won''t finish her off just yet. It all depends on whether she knows her ce in the future," Wang Xuan remarked, leaving Zhou Qinghuang speechless. Adjusting her sses, she nearly threw them in frustration. In his mind, was such a renowned celestial figure only worth considering between life and death? "Alright, just don''t cause more trouble," she finally nodded in agreement. Wang Xuan, with a look of disdain,mented, "She''s covered in blood, soulless, practically a walking corpse. How does thatpare to Miss Zhou''s radiant brilliance?" "No more, I can''t take it!" Zhou Qinghuang disappeared in a sh, quickly taking Gu Mingxi''s lotus tform with her. Wang Xuan indeed had no intention of delivering another blow. Keeping Gu Mingxi''s body could be beneficial, especially now that he faced numerous foes. He aimed to rally more powerhouses to his cause, even by force if necessary. Should Gu Mingxi''s spirit reappear, negotiations could be held, potentially enlisting her to act on Wang Xuan''s behalf. Even if Qi Chengdao were to return, peaceful coexistence wasn''t out of the question. He could be persuaded to join Wang Xuan''s battles, including pursuing Qi Lian Dao. These were all viable short-term alliances. But what about the long term? Once Wang Xuan''s realm advanced, would these alliances turn sour? If betrayal came, then peace would have to be enforced, sometimes at the de''s edge. "My wish is for a world without enemies, where all are friends, striving to be invincible," Wang Xuan mused, harboring such a desire. Many superhumans lingered nearby, unclear on the specifics of Wang Xuan and Zhou Qinghuang''s conversation. Yet, with Gu Mingxi''s body still in Wang Xuan''s possession, some were unwilling to leave, discontent with the current state of affairs. "Scatter, everyone, go back to your homes, find your mothers," Wang Xuan called out, binding Gu Mingxi with the silver divine chain, handling her as if she were a mere package in his grasp. This spectacle left onlookers aghast, solidifying his reputation as a ruthless figure, utterly devoid ofpassion for beauty, as he effortlessly picked her up. "Wang Xuan, this is too much. Regardless, Gu Mingxi is a well-known celestial figure. Even as your captive, she deserves some dignity. Your treatment is quite improper," someone couldn''t hold back and criticized from the woods. Wang Xuan halted, responding, "Would you rather I carry her on my back, or tuck her under my arm?" "Of course not!" The critic''s face flushed. "Then hold your tongue." With Gu Mingxi being carted off, the news stirred amotion among the extraordinary beings of the realm, with a faction following behind. "Wang Xuan is truly fierce, capturing the esteemed Celestial Gu. It''s said he pierced through her chest; had it not been for interference, Gu Mingxi would have met her end by his hand," people whispered along the way, shocked by the developments. "That''s nothing; you know too little. Haven''t you heard? Wang Xuan was infamous for his ''Chest Crushing Hand'' and ''Ferocious Kick'' back in the day, a fact well-known among the oldnds'' inhabitants." Chen Yongjie arrived, nked by several allied demonic powerhouses, sharing insights while secretlymenting that Wang Xuan''s approach had never changed. "Xiao Wang, if you follow that great river forward for three hundred miles, you''lle across a thunderous marsnd where lies a mysterious blood pool, offering considerable fortunes!" Chen Yongjie secretlymunicated to Wang Xuan, revealing a lucrative location. After altering his appearance and mingling with demonic cultivators, he had indeed reaped significant benefits. He further cautioned, "That ce is under the dominion of the Blood Ape, but he''s temporarily away. Just be on your guard to avoid getting trapped by him." Chen Yongjie felt satisfied; in the past half-month, he had broken through his current level and was now ate-stage sixth realm master, on the verge of stepping into the seventh realm. He nned to continue blending in with the demonic beings until advancing to the seventh or eighth realm. Wang Xuan, surprised, silently acknowledged the information and continued on his way, carrying Gu Mingxi''s body. "Wang Xuan, once I emerge from seclusion, I will not spare you. I swear to dismember you a thousand times over!" Deep within a mountain range, Qi Lian Dao growled in anger, heavily injured. Wang Xuan''s intervention, shing him numerous times, had nearly led to his demise at the hands of Mo Si, leaving him severely wounded and his spirit damaged. He had narrowly escaped. He resolved to heal in seclusion, seeking a fortuitous site to attempt a breakthrough, vowing to brutalize Wang Xuan in retribution. As for the Divine Banner of ying Gods, it remained his prime target, forbidden to fall into others'' hands. In a valley filled with floral fragrance and birdsong, Gu Mingxi''s spirit red at Zhou Qinghuang across from her, surrounded by a cascade of luminous rain, ready to battle to the death. "Mingxi, don''t rush; your physical body hasn''t perished, it''s still warm," Zhou Qinghuang said, quickly trying to exin. "What are you talking about?" Gu Mingxi was ready for a life-or-death duel. Discarding her sses and rubbing her forehead, Zhou Qinghuang felt as if she had caught Wang Xuan''s bluntness, speaking without much thought and letting slip those words. In the exotds, the vegetation was fresh, and the air was filled with wonders. Mists of super-material wafted through, creating a scene of ethereal mountains shrouded in clouds, strikingly beautiful. Wang Xuan followed the great river for over three hundred miles to reach the Thunder Marsh. This ce was unique, marked by lightning and thunder that could be seen and heard from afar, with lights intertwining in the mountains. This territory belonged to the Blood Ape, who sought fortunes far and wide, returning here to recuperate. Previously, the area had drawn numerous demons, attracted by a blood pool capable of transforming their physiques and nurturing their spiritsa true site of fortune. Recently, as many great demons and demonic cultivators left after undergoing transformations here, only a few remained. Upon arriving, Wang Xuan was struck by the extraordinariness of the area, where lightning continuously streaked across the clear skies above the mountainousndscape. "Wang Xuan!" A few demons, not particrly strong, noticed him from a distance. Some followers whispered behind him, suggesting, "We better inform the Blood Ape that someone is trespassing on his territory." Wang Xuan, prepared for this visit, nned to meditate here, aiming to elevate his realm before making a significant breakthrough in the Void. He was curious to see if he could shake the realms of those present and truly measure the strength of Qi Lian Dao, Qi Cheng Dao, the Blood Ape, Mo Si, and others. Confident in his preparations, he could face them once he ascended in realm. Holding the soul chain and carrying the body of Gu Mingxi, he tossed her into the Thunder Marsh to test the strength of the lightning. Crack! Lightning struck Gu Mingxi''s body, causing her wounds to worsen and bleed anew, while her delicate skin was marked with charred lines. "Not bad, no big deal," Wang Xuan nodded, stepping boldly into the Thunder Marsh. Onlookers were speechless at Wang Xuan''s callousness. Poor Gu Mingxi was used as a test subject, and it was still uncertain what would happen next. Chapter 346: Thunder Marsh Blood Pool Chapter 346: Thunder Marsh Blood Pool In the Thunder Marsh, thendscape was remarkably majestic, with arcs of lightning sweeping across like cascading clouds or vast auroras. Disregarding their danger, they were quite a spectacle. Many mountain tops were bare or charred, alongside melted crystals, showing no signs of living beasts. Most creatures that stumbled in met a grim fate, reduced to charred remains. Wang Xuan was enveloped in a faint white light, shielding himself against the unique thunderous material. The lightning here unpredictably burst in the air or suddenly surged from the ground, making it hard to guard against. Finally, he neared the source of fortune within the Thunder Marsh. Ahead, thendscape was barren, rocky, and dotted with pits filled with what seemed like blood. "Is this liquid seeping from the blood pool?" Wang Xuan observed with his Spirit Eye. It wasn''t real blood but appeared to be a kind of exotic mineral substance. Crack! Dense lightning struck again, this time in hues of blue and purple, like swords fiercely plunging from the sky, piercing the ground and scattering light in all directions. Wang Xuan vanished from the spot in a blink, dashing towards the source of fortune. "He''s here!" whispered some demons, harboring hostility yet wary of Wang Xuan, especially those who hade from the new star. After all, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie had made a name for themselves hunting demons there. Deep within the Thunder Marsh, amid thunder and lightning,y a pool shrouded in blood mist. It asionally emitted dazzling radiance, with an unusually rich concentration of super-materials, brimming with vitality. Crimson liquid flowed from the pool, forming streaks of blood light that spread outwards, creating variously sized "blood pits" around. "Excuse me, everyone. I only need a small corner of this vast blood pool," Wang Xuan called out, addressing the few demon cultivators scattered around the area. The presence wasn''t overwhelming; the formidable demons were absent. "By all means, please proceed," replied a demon, his human form betraying his origins with two unmistakable goat horns protruding from his head. Having been recognized due to the Divine yer Banner, Wang Xuan no longer concealed his identity, though he remained d in his battle-worn armor. "Brother Wang, your capture of the esteemed Fairy Gu is a testament to your exceptional strength. We all admire your feat," one of the demon cultivators remarked, breaking the ice. They were adaptable, noting his approachability and refraining from expulsion. "It was mere chance," Wang Xuan modestly imed. He was careful as he navigated around Gu Mingxi, steering clear of the more perilous sections near the thunderous marsnd, to stand at the brink of thergest blood pool, the origin of all the crimson currents. The onlookers, recognizing the situation, instinctively gave him space, leaving him in solitude by the pool. Previously, the fearsome might of the pool deterred many, with its reputation for brutal transformations, sparing only those of significant strength, like the Blood God Ape and a select few mighty demons. "Brother Wangs modesty underys his achievements. Despite her youth, Fairy Gu''s renown stretches beyond the earthly immortals within the secluded realms," chimed in a peculiar demon, his body gleaming metallically, his voice echoing the nk of ancient copper, a testament to his mineral demon lineage. Wang Xuan was taken aback by the im of Gu''s power transcending that of earthly immortals. Yet, what did it matter to him? He reflected on Qi Lian Dao, progeny of the Demon Ancestor, formidable beyond words, whom he had managed to strike repeatedly. Setting Gu Mingxi beside the pool, Wang Xuan meticulously circled the perimeter, observing the surge of red fluid and the emanating divine glow, devoid of any stench. Through the lens of his Spirit Eye, he delved into the essence of the pool. It was not merely a concoction of blood or simple minerals; within the super-material waters lurked an array of extraordinarily rare substances, revealing the pool''s enigmatic nature. "Red mist, a supermaterial nearing the essence of true energy?" Wang Xuan gasped in astonishment. Such a substance was exceedingly rare, predominantly mingled with the conventional energies of the extraordinary. With a decisive motion, he lowered Gu Mingxi''s legs into the pool. Instantly, her calves swelled rmingly, showing signs of potential rupture, as if her skin was about to be yed. "Let''s consider this blood pool as containing rare minerals. It''s not so much nurturing as it is a brutal transformation, akin to bone-setting with a sword pill - too intense a method for physical refinement," Wang Xuan mused, lifting her from the pool and setting her aside. Shedding his heavy armor for ordinary clothes, he plunged into the pool, immediately besieged by excruciating pain. It felt as though his body was being pierced byrge needles, swiftly traversing his flesh and causing involuntary groans of agony. Some demon cultivators retreated, preferring to keep their distance from a man known for his dark history on New Star, where he had in numerous demons. "Bold indeed, to seek purification alone. When the momentes for his organs to regenerate and his flesh to peel away, should we strike mercilessly?" murmured a demon cultivator, who had momentarily eased tensions with Wang Xuan, now revealing his true colors from a safe distance. "Do you really think we stand a chance? Gu Mingxi was nearly vanquished by him; he''s not easily bested. It''s too risky," another retorted. After a long observation, some demon cultivators silently withdrew, concluding the risk outweighed the potential gain of confronting Wang Xuan, whose physical and spiritual advancements they begrudgingly acknowledged. "Aren''t they concerned about being cornered here?" they wondered aloud. "What are you waiting for? We might not strike, but we can alert others. Hopefully, the Blood God Ape hears of this and intervenes, or perhaps Qi Cheng Dao arrives to finish him," the demons plotted, opting for a strategy of using others to do their dirty work, thus avoiding direct confrontation. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan''s body shook uncontrobly under the agonizing process. This pain would be unforgettable, feeling as though he was being dismembered, his flesh meticulously peeled away by an invisible de. Despite the excruciating ordeal, Wang Xuan sensed a beneficial transformation within. The blood pool''s formidable power broke his body''s equilibrium, subjecting him to a torturous renewal akin to marrow scraping, far beyond mere bone-scraping healing. Half an hour into this grueling process, his skin fissured open, peeling away in agony without altering his organs or bones. "My body was already in its prime form, so no reshaping was needed?" he pondered, realizing that while his structure remained unchanged, a new vitality emerged within his flesh, resonating through his organs and illuminating his marrow, vibrating in harmony throughout his being. An hourter, his blood was renewed, wounds healed, and his entire being shimmered with a newfound vibrancy, his physique and spirit enhanced. Yet, he was dissatisfied; the blood pool had only advanced his state from the early to the mid-phase of his current realm. As Wang Xuan prepared to delve deeper into the pool''s depths in search of the dense red mist hinting at true energy, he was aware of the arrival of formidable figures drawn by the rumors of his challenge yet none dared to act rashly. With a ck longsword in hand, he poised it at Gu Mingxi''s swan-like neck, drawing blood, a stark warning to any who might contemte interference. Qi Cheng Dao emerged from the shadows, his presence heavy with intent. "Release Mingxi," he demanded, his voiceden with an ominous chill. "Stay back and guard for me," Wang Xuan replied, dismissing the challenge with a calm demeanor. Qi Cheng Dao''s gaze sharpened, issuing a challenge. "If you are a true man, fight me. Let''s see who''s stronger, let merit decide our fates." "Agreed, but first, stand watch for me. I''m on the verge of a breakthrough, feeling an epiphany. We''ll spar afterward," Wang Xuan responded, his tone serene, undisturbed by the prospect of confrontation, focused instead on the insights awaiting him beneath the blood pool''s surface. In the distance, the crowd showed surprise. In these times, maintaining ones current level of power was considered fortunate, yet here was someone eager for rapid advancement. Qi Cheng Dao, his expression cold, said, Wang Xuan, I had no prejudice against you, even admired you. But now, you disappoint me with such threats. That''s not the behavior of a true hero. Are you seeking what you call a fair supernatural duel? Wang Xuan chuckled, then asked, What realm are you in now? The second or third level of the Transcendent Realm? He continued calmly, I have no issues with you either. Wait until I reach the eighth stage of the mortal realm. It wont be long, I wont make you wait too much. Then, we can have our contest. Many had gathered nearby, collecting the red liquid flowing from the blood pool, nning to take it elsewhere for their own purification. The crowd was intrigued by Wang Xuan''s words. His realm was indeed far below Qi Cheng Dao''s. How could their current confrontation be considered a true contest of paths? Suppressing his killing intent, Qi Cheng Dao held back. Under the watchful eyes of many, if he were to attack and force the other to behead Gu Mingxi, it would only make him seem overly aggressive and ruthless. Moreover, he genuinely did not wish for Gu Mingxi to die here. Ill give you time. Let''s see how far you can go, Qi Cheng Dao said, his face expressionless. Wang Xuan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the bottom of the pool, ready to dive in. From a distance, Zhou Qinghuang approached, concealing herself near the Leize with Gu Mingxi''s spirit in tow. "See? Your body is fine," she said. Gu Mingxi was in no mood to engage. Fine? Bound by silver chains, her body scorched by lightning, marred by a terrible gash, and once even pierced through the heart by the chain! With a ssh, Wang Xuan tossed Gu Mingxi''s body into the pool, ncing back at Qi Cheng Dao reassuringly, "Don''t worry, the blood pool will benefit her." Qi Cheng Dao''s expression remained icy, offering no response. Far off, Gu Mingxi''s spirit grew restless, tempted to rush over. Truly, it was a bitter moment for her. Damaged in body and spirit, captured, and now ignominiously dumped into the blood pool, it was a low point indeed. Reaching the bottom, Wang Xuan was astonished. The blood pool seemed like it had been created by a meteorite from beyond the skies, with clear signs at the base and remnants of extraordinary substances, hinting at powers close to reality. This discovery sent a shock through him. Could it be that a meteorite once carried such substances? Chapter 347: It’s Time For Another Quake Chapter 347: It¡¯s Time For Another Quake Wang Xuan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the bottom of the pool, ready to dive in. From a distance, Zhou Qinghuang approached, concealing herself near the Leize with Gu Mingxi''s spirit in tow. "See? Your body is fine," she said. Gu Mingxi was in no mood to engage. Fine? Bound by silver chains, her body scorched by lightning, marred by a terrible gash, and once even pierced through the heart by the chain! With a ssh, Wang Xuan tossed Gu Mingxi''s body into the pool, ncing back at Qi Cheng Dao reassuringly, "Don''t worry, the blood pool will benefit her." Qi Cheng Dao''s expression remained icy, offering no response. Far off, Gu Mingxi''s spirit grew restless, tempted to rush over. Truly, it was a bitter moment for her. Damaged in body and spirit, captured, and now ignominiously dumped into the blood pool, it was a low point indeed. Reaching the bottom, Wang Xuan was astonished. The blood pool seemed like it had been created by a meteorite from beyond the skies, with clear signs at the base and remnants of extraordinary substances, hinting at powers close to reality. This discovery sent a shock through him. Could it be that a meteorite once carried such substances? "Let me think, who possesses formidable powers of thunder and lightning?" In an instant, his mind raced to the father of the red-dressed demoness fairy, a supremely powerful Taoist immortal renowned for wielding thunderstorms at will. Could it have been him who found fragments of the meteorite years ago? Wang Xuan harbored some suspicions. However, such spections bore little relevance now. His focus was on refining these substances for his own use while inadvertently undergoing a lightning tempering process within the blood pool. The release of supernatural forces grew denser, a result of Wang Xuan eschewing the ordinary super-materials connected to the earth''s veins, expelling them from his body. "What''s causing such a disturbance underwater?" questioned a human cultivator, puzzled. "Is he really cultivating? Stirring up such amotion,"mented a demon cultivator. Qi Cheng Dao''s expression instantly turned icy, silencing them with a sternmand. He was well aware that no mishap had urred; it was merely Wang Xuan frically refining super-materials underwater, expelling them all outward in a seemingly haphazard frenzy. From afar, Gu Mingxi''s expression drastically changed, struggling to stay put, nearly beyond Zhou Qinghuang''s control. "Mingxi, it''s fine, he won''t mess around!" "Zhou Qinghuang, I''ve been thoroughly deceived by you, spouting such words now. Why don''t we throw your body in to test the waters too!" Gu Mingxi retorted. Many extraordinary beings had gathered around Leize. The most terrifying presence was the arrival of a blood light streaking across the sky, heralding the entrance of the formidable Blood God Ape. With its vast, flesh wings unfurling like a dark cloud over the sun, its vitality far surpassed that of other demon cultivators. With three heads and six arms, covered in red fur, each head haloed with divine rings, the Blood God Ape exuded an aura both fierce and formidable, akin to a demon god descending upon this realm. "I''ve said before, this is my territory. Without my permission, no one, aside from demon cultivators, may step foot here," he stated calmly. As the son of a demon saint, his lineage was incredibly powerful, and having been rigorously trained from a young age, his prowess was captivating, his gaze fixed on the blood pool as he approached step by step. "However, this works out for me. I''ve been seeking him out for a while now, longing for the God-ying Banner!" Blood God Ape revealed a sly grin, "Wang Xuan? Just kill him!" Deep within the blood pool, Wang Xuan was busy refining meteoric substances and drawing in the purple essence. Even from the depths, his keen sense of perception picked up on a looming threat. "Qi Protector, hold him off for now. It''s not a good time for me to emerge." Qi Cheng Dao, initially unresponsive, bristled upon realizing Wang Xuan''s reliance on him. Despite his desire to let the Blood God Ape proceed with its deadly intent towards Wang Xuan, who was in seclusion, the sudden elevation to protector status irked him. "Really now, giving you face, am I?" His expression soured. "Do you wish to use me to kill Gu Mingxi?" Wang Xuan countered. Qi Cheng Dao felt a surge of indignation, tempted to dive into the pool and end Wang Xuan himself. Frustrated at the thought of serving as his protector, he faced a dilemma; amidst witnesses, openly antagonizing Wang Xuan would force his hand in a violent act against Gu Mingxi. "Brother Ape, please, hold back. It''s not yet time to act," Qi Cheng Dao reluctantly intervened, concealing his boiling rage. Blood God Ape chuckled dismissively at Qi Cheng Dao''s pretense of lineage and entitlement, "Qi Cheng Dao, don''t tter yourself. Your presumed lineage holds no sway over me. Your status is meaningless." His smirk unveiled sharp, white fangs, clearly unconcerned as he continued his approach. "Brother Ape, you misunderstand. I have no quarrel with you. It''s just that a friend of mine has been taken by him,pelling me to bide my time," Qi Cheng Dao exined, unwilling to provoke unnecessary conflict. Blood God Ape, pausing a few steps ahead, looked down into the pool, "Ah, it''s about a woman... Gu Mingxi, was it? What use is keeping her alive? To kill as proof of one''s path, now is the time. Why hesitate? I''ll assist you!" With that, Blood God Ape mmed a mighty palm towards the pool, aiming to annihte both individuals below with a single, domineering strike. Qi Cheng Dao''s face darkened instantly, vexed by the Blood God Ape''s brazen provocation, forcing his hand in defense. Boom! Like a bolt of lightning, he struck out, colliding with the Blood God Ape''s palm, unleashing a tempestuous energy so fierce it seemed to upend the blood pool, tearing apart the surroundingndscape and hurling massive boulders skyward. Blood God Ape sneered, the divine rings behind each of his three heads dazzling as they flew out, nging in an attempt to ensnare Qi Cheng Dao. "Quick, make your move!" Qi Cheng Dao''s brow bone shone brilliantly, revealing his innate Pure Yang True Bone, casting a divine and stunning light that repelled the three divine rings. Their sh startled everyone present, showcasing their formidable strength which even invoked the thunderstorms of Lei Ze, driving many superbeings to retreat from the vicinity. "Ward off further from the blood pool," Wang Xuan advised Qi Cheng Dao through a transmission from within the pool, "or I might just gift you a ''beautiful'' severed head." Qi Cheng Dao and Blood God Ape locked gazes, the former secretlymunicating, "Brother Ape, I seek your aid. Just wait a moment; there wille an opportunity to strike him down." "Alright, I''ll give you face," responded Blood God Ape, ceasing their conflict and retreating to a distance. Meanwhile, Gu Mingxi, deeply troubled by her own predicament of being held captive at the bottom of the pool under everyone''s watch, struggled with her patience. "Stay calm, think positively. Your body is undergoing a transformation at the pool''s bottom, emerging stronger," Zhou Qinghuang adjusted her sses, attempting to console her. "Zhou Qinghuang, enough with your nonsense, or we''re through!" Gu Mingxi fumed, "How about swapping your body with mine?" "Sure, why not," Zhou Qinghuang replied, smiling. Gu Mingxi became instantly wary, "You''re plotting something, aren''t you? It''s not your body on the line!" "I was thinking, since I''m acquainted with him, we could negotiate," Zhou Qinghuang exined. Elsewhere, Blood God Ape inquired among his followers, "Who among you is adept at burrowing?" Chen Yongjie, reveling in thepany of other demons and leveraging the numerous scriptures pilfered from Old Zhong''s library, volunteered, "I am, skilled in the art of moving through earth!" Having notified Wang Xuan of this ce''s potential for breakthroughs, Chen Yongjie now worried about being demoted should Wang Xuan advance. "Dare you enter the blood pool and eliminate Wang Xuan?" Blood God Ape challenged. "I am willing to relieve the Holy Son of his concerns," Chen Yongjie dered boldly. As nearby demons murmured critiques of his ttery, Blood God Ape handed him a crimson talisman, "Once inside the pool, throw this at him. It''s equivalent to my full-force strike." "Return alive, and I''ll take you as my confidant. I''m in dire need of reliable people," Blood God Ape added. With a pledge of loyalty, Chen Yongjie vanished, merging with the earth below. "Chill, it''s not over yet. Your physical form''s undergoing a profound transformation at the bottom of the pool, emerging stronger!" Zhou Qinghuang adjusted her sses, attempting to soothe Gu Mingxi with a reassurance that seemed more like a thin veil over the grim reality. "Zhou Qinghuang, enough with your words, or we''ll have a fallout!" Gu Mingxi, both anxious and furious, retorted, "How about swapping bodies with me? That sounds fair." "Sure, why not?" Zhou Qinghuang replied with a smirk, too readily agreeing to a proposition she clearly had no intention of honoring. Gu Mingxi, now on high alert, snapped back, "You''re plotting something again, aren''t you? It''s not your body on the line!" "I was merely suggesting, given our familiarity, a negotiation could be possible," Zhou Qinghuang deflected, hinting at a deeper strategy at y. Elsewhere, the Blood God Ape covertly messaged his followers, "Who''s adept at earth traversal?" Chen Yongjie, blending in with the demon crowd and empowered by secret texts from an old sage, volunteered, "Me. I''ve mastered the art of burrowing." His new identity, concealed beneathyers of demonic aura, was a ruse to stay close to Wang Xuan, hoping to avoid any bacsh from his breakthroughs. "Got the guts to end Wang Xuan within the blood pool?" the Blood God Ape challenged. "Absolutely, I''ll share the burden of our holy son!" Chen Yongjie boomed with feigned loyalty, though inwardly he plotted to use the enchanted talisman against the Blood God Ape himself, should the opportunity arise. The Blood God Ape, with a flick of disdain, handed him a crimson talisman, "Toss it at him in the pool; it''s as potent as my full strike." "And if you return alive," the ape added, hinting at a rare position of trust within his ranks, though Chen Yongjie was well aware of the underlying expendability in such a task. As the plot to undermine Wang Xuan thickened, the dynamics within the eeriendscape of the blood pool and its surroundings hinted at both hidden alliances and lurking dangers, with every participant weaving their own web of strategies and counter-strategies. When Qi Chengdao was born, his forehead glowed, indicating the pure Yang bone he was born with, his senses sharp enough to immediately notice something was off with the Blood God Ape nearby, detecting the aura of a mighty ancient demon on him. "Hmm, he obtained a demon pill? No, I must also find a way to advance. Well, it looks like I''ll have to use that drop of Heavenly Marrow ahead of time." Qi Chengdao was alert, fully aware that he couldn''t let the Blood God Ape dominate here. If that happened, no one would be able topete with that great monkey, which would be a huge problem. He decided to use a rare treasure to break through to the next level! In a secret realm, Qi Lian Dao was enveloped in radiant light, his demonic energy skyrocketing, power surging violently as he muttered to himself, "No matter what, I am the son of the Demon Ancestor. Today, I''ll use a petal of heavenly medicine to forcefully advance, aiming to kill all of you. It''s a pity, though. I intended to save it for when I approach the realm of Earth Immortal in this world, to use it when I had no other options." The round-faced young girl cheered excitedly, "Wow, I''ve actually found the ancientir of the White Tiger n. I''m so happy! Let me see if I can break through the heavenly barrier here." Near the blood pool, Zhou Qinghuang, with her sses on, exuding an intellectual beauty, turned to Gu Mingxi''s spirit, offering, "Mingxi, do you want to swap bodies with me? I''m willing." "No way!" Gu Celestial firmly refused, fearing she''d recklessly misuse her body. Zhou Qinghuang didn''t press further, "It''s okay not to swap for now. Look, both Qi Chengdao and that red-haired monkey are acting odd, striving to break through. We need to quickly enhance our strength too." "How can I enhance my strength without a physical body?" Gu Mingxi retorted unhappily. "I have one. Come on in, we can temporarily share this body. I have a technique for joint cultivation of the spirit. We can practice together and perhaps break through because of it." "Pfft, I knew you were up to no good!" Gu Mingxi eyed her warily. "What are you talking about? I''m a woman too!" Zhou Qinghuang invited her to try, promising a potent spiritual medicine that could aid in breaking through. "Really?" "Really!" "It''s time for a shake-up!" Chen Yongjie was unsettled, more excited about taking the new path Wang Xuan mentioned than Wang Xuan himself, eagerly anticipating the oue. Chapter 348: The Tragedy Of Reverse Cultivation Chapter 348: The Tragedy Of Reverse Cultivation Everything was ready, and Wang Xuan prepared to enter the Ethereal Realm once again, getting closer to the truth. Chen Yongjie stood ready, prepared to wield his massive ck sword at Gu Mingxi. He was now in charge of guarding the hostages. His undercover identity within the Demon n could be discarded at any time. Wang Xuan calmed down as his spirit entered the Life Soil. Vitality flourished here. A faint silver mist rose. It resembled spring snow, yet it was also like willow catkins, indicating the budding of all things. A Heavenly Herb that was pure and white had broken through the soil for many days. This was personally picked by the peerless expert Zheng Yuantian in the highest spiritual realm. Now that it had grown two silver tender shoots, it flourished with vitality, giving off a fresh sense of life. It was capable of reviving flesh and bones. "It seems that there is indeed a faint connection between here and the ethereal realm. With some silver substances vaporizing, the growth rate of the Heavenly Herb has increased." said Wang Xuan. Another Heavenly Herb also had two tender shoots, it was emitting a hazy purple light. Mist had surrounded it while exuding a natural charm and indescribable sense of mystery. Wang Xuan didn''t know the ultimate form of the Heavenly Herb born from the germination of the wooden pedestal under the life essence furnace. "Old Chen suspects that my breakthrough in the ethereal realm is equivalent to finding a new mythological world, paving a new path, thus causing a disturbance in the existing transcendent world. Although I also have doubts, rational consideration makes me think it''s just a coincidence, coinciding with the emergence of treasures." Wang Xuan pondered. He had to take some initiative, so he came to the life essence furnace. He used all of his strength to lift the extremely heavy furnace lid, then mmed it down with a ng. He intended to shake the treasures with it. Would this cause anomalies in other treasures that were in the mythological domain? He remembered that when the treasures emerged in the past, the life essence furnace had also rumbled along. It only quieted down after he cautioned it. After a few nks, Wang Xuan quickly stopped, knowing when to quit. "Depart!" shouted Wang Xuan. With the Godying Banner in hand and the Silver Beast Skin Scroll tucked away, he delved into the depths of the Life Soil and disappeared in an instant. Another ethereal journeymenced. Approximately two months had passed in Wang Xuans perception, and he reappeared near the Pool of Life. "After transporting arge amount of Life Soil and nting Heavenly Herb. The distance between the two ces seems to have shortened, saving me a lot of time." He had felt this way during hisst return. At first, It took him a full eighteen months to travel from the Life Soil to here. Now, it seemed that the distance had been significantly shortened! Silver substances pervaded the air, and vitality flourished here. The liquid in the crude pool showed no signs of diminishing. It remained abundant throughout the ages. Wang Xuan was surprised. What astonished him the most was the considerable transformation of the mound of Life Soil and the transnted Heavenly Herb. The soil mound was covered with life essence, and the silver mist seemed to transform into lifelike creatures. It was like hovering dragons, tigers raising their heads, and ferocious birds fanning their wings. The heap of Life Soil was shrouded in clouds and mist. White fog ascended the mountain and it flowed continuously. The Nine Cmity Heavenly Lotus was also drastically different. It sprouted a long vine with three new leaves adorned with silver light. Had it mutated? No matter how he looked at it, it no longer resembled the embryonic form of a lotus but more like a vine that was sprouting branches. It had grown to over a foot long, and small thorns had appeared, tinged with a dark red hue. Was this for self-protection? "It''s growing so fast. I can consider transnting the Heavenly Herb again. It will bring my Life Soil closer to this ce." said Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan became increasingly convinced that his previous spection was correct. Where his footsteps, the Life Soil and Heavenly Herb reached, was akin to pioneering in the ethereal realm, bringing him closer to truth. "Regardless of anything else, I''ll take a bath first." With a ssh, he jumped into the pool carved out of rough rocks, soaking in the silver liquid. "Its sofortable, its much better than staying in the blood pool. My own pool is still the best." Wang Xuan said to himself. His spiritual form greedily absorbed the silver liquid. This was an extremely advanced energy. It had astonishing nourishing effects on both the physical body and the spiritual mind. It was capable of rejuvenating the spirit. He experienced new changes every time he came, shedding his spirityer like a cocoon. It significantly enhanced his spiritual power. "Speaking of which, where did that meteorite in the blood poole from? Did it fall because it was captured from some corner of deep space as it passed through the sr system?" Wang Xuan pondered. He furrowed his brow. The meteorite contained power close to the truth, it sparked many thoughts in him. Wang Xuan looked at the distant pitch-ck void. Was this the true universe? Is it possible to find a corresponding position in the real world? With a skeptical look, he wondered if this ce belonged to himself or if it was still part of the external cosmos. Or perhaps he had entered a strange realm, and approached a new mythological system? What exactly was the so-called Realm of Truth like, and what did it hold? Wang Xuan indeed harbored suspicions about the traces left by the meteorite in the blood pool. Could it have fallen from the ethereal realm? Or was it collected and brought out by someone? There were meteorite zones in the ethereal realm as well, apanied by the ever-blooming Immortal Flowers. It was quite dangerous there, and this time he wanted to take a look. Of course, he needed to cultivate here for some time before he went. He needed to focus on improving his strength. "After half a month, I advanced to the seventh stage in front of the bonfire that contained the scriptures, drawing near to Real Energy in the real world. Overall, that paper from the severely mentally ill patient was still useful to me. Viewing all things as external stimuli and interacting with my inner self. It interpreted the truth from another perspective. Since it inspired me, I''ll borrow the two words on it for the name of the seventh stageExternal Stimulus!" After thorough preparation, Wang Xuan set out with the Godying Banner and the Silver Beast Skin Scroll that were soaked in the silver liquid. He was ready to hunt the red mist. "Another journey of being tortured!" eximed Wang Xuan. He was very clear-headed. The so-called hunt was mutual, but mainly he was the one being tossed around, entangled, corroded, burned, and bombarded by that red mist. Several dayster, he saw the red mist surging from afar like a tide. It illuminated the dark void, resembling an army of thousands, intimidating souls. Wrapping himself in the Godying Banner, Wang Xuan cautiously absorbed the red mist, embarking on a purgatory-level cultivation journey, in hardship and misery. Being tortured was worse than death. "Ahhh" He began screaming in agony, followed by tumultuous sensations that felt like rolling in hell. The Godying Banner fluttered, and threads of red mist entwined him, tearing his spirit apart. This wasn''t his first time experiencing this, but it was still extremely painful to him. Like thunderous strikes the red mist descended. The lingering red mist covered him, as if the most powerful heavenly fire was burning, almost causing his spiritual form to copse. Wang Xuan repeatedly absorbed small amounts of the red substance, assimting it into himself. Each time, he tortured himself to the brink of death before struggling back to the silver pool to prolong his life. In outer space, in a different realm. "Hoo" The round-faced girl was ecstatic. Having found the ancient den of the White Tiger n, she immediately reaped the benefits, devouring a rare Tiger Medicine within the tiger''sir. She rolled around in happiness. Happiness was just unexpectedly simple like this. Then she began to break through, ready to advance to the next level. But just as her strength began to grow and her cultivation improved, she felt her body swaying, making her a little dizzy. "No, it''s not me swaying, it''s my Tao Foundation. My realm seems unstable. Damn it, I haven''t advanced, but instead, I''m about to regress? Ahh!" she said furiously. In the Old World, Old Zhang had just entered the deep-space spaceship base in An City. He prepared to board a spaceship to outer space to investigate the situation in the foreign realm. However, he came to an abrupt halt. He stood stiffly in the base and felt uneasy. Another tremor? He immediately contacted the Female Taoist on the other side, asking if she sensed anything unusual, saying, "Did the Sword of Mortals and the Roaming Ark appear behind The Great Veil again?" "It''s possible," Fang Yuzhu was uncertain, but she clearly sensed another tremor. It indicated a high probability of another treasure soaring into the sky. "Not good, this tremor is quite intense!" Zhang Daoling stood still, feeling uneasy. He took out a rusty copper mirror and immediately shed it upon himself. The radiance was dazzling and it illuminated his whole body. Feeling unsure, he then ced the copper mirror on his face like a facial mask, and stood there motionless. A few enthusiastic youngsters approached and asked him what was wrong and if he needed help. "Don''te over and harm me. I''m old. Im over two thousand years old. Don''t help me, or I might deceive you. Helping me like this isn''t being heroic," Old Zhang warned them, gesturing them not to touch him. In outer space, in a different realm. At the bottom of the blood pool. For a moment, Wang Xuan''s body emitted a burst of red light, with electric arcs intertwining. It burned his flesh and left him charred. After a while, his body emitted a silver light that was vibrant and lively, and all his wounds healed. "It''s really here!" shouted Chen Yongjie. He rubbed his hands eagerly and immediately pulled the Soul Chain, tossing aside Gu Mingxi''s physical body. Just now, her body was nearly ignited by the red light. Even with just a momentary contact, one of her white feet was slightly scorched by the red light, turning slightly ck. "This is remarkable! The red substance refined and filtered by Wang Xuan is so domineering and terrifying." Chen Yongjie absorbed strands of the red substance, causing his hands to peel and bleed immediately. He felt shocked and apprehensive. In the ethereal realm, after several trials and tribtions, Wang Xuan, on the verge of life and death, experienced the cycle from heaven to hell. He then ascended from the abyss back to the sky. He experienced ups and downs, pain and pleasure, but he was indeed about to break through! "After breaking through to the eighth stage, I should go to the meteorite crater and try to see if I can dig up the meteorite. I want to see if I can absorb new mysterious substances to continue advancing my cultivation!" Wang Xuan said with excitement. Wang Xuan danced between life and death. This kind of arduous cultivation was like walking at the edge of a cliff. It really felt like he was kicking at the door of the King of Hell, cursing and moring to return to the mortal world. In the outer space, in a different realm. At a distance from the blood pool, the three-headed, six-armed Blood God Ape, with a brilliant divine halo behind its head, held the residual elixir of an ancient divine demoness in his mouth. At the start, it had a steady stream of demonic power surging, but all of it was absorbed and refined by him in preparation for breaking through. But now, with one tremor after another, even his body started to sway. The Life Soil within its body started churning, causing its cultivation to be unstable. It failed to break through and, unbelievably, it was about to regress in cultivation! With his eyes glowing red, the Blood God Ape was filled with anger and resentment. What''s going on? He roared angrily. On the other side, Qi Chengdao with widened eyes was utterly bewildered. Instead of breaking through, he was regressing. What the heck was happening? The ceiling of his cultivation crashed down on him, making his head buzz and his vision filled with stars. "Zhou Qinghuang, are you stealing my transcendental power?" In the distance, the faired and beautiful Zhou Qinghuang took off her sses that gave her a schrly aura, and threw them on the ground. Obviously, it wasn''t Zhou Qinghuang herself speaking at the moment; it was Gu Mingxi venting her frustration. "I didn''t! I''m also regressing in cultivation. Is the Heavens gently patting my head? This isn''t isnt love, its making the ceiling copse on me. This is an overkill, its truly unbearable!" Zhou Qinghuang eximed. She fell silent too. Just when she was about to break through, she was unexpectedly shaken back down again. She experienced violent turbulence that was extremely unbearable. In a secluded realm, Taoist Qi Lian''s hair danced in the air. His eyes shed like lightning as he roared, "I''m going to charge up and break through!" However, in the blink of an eye, he became furious again. He eximed, "it''s happening again!" This time, it was even more straightforward. Forget about breaking through; he discovered that his cultivation was rapidly declining. He was regressing in cultivation, experiencing a reverse breakthrough! "I" he couldn''t contain his anger, swearing in the name of demon ancestors, cursing the heavens! At this moment, everyone was in a dire situation. Those celestial geniuses who had hoped to break through with the help of heavenly medicines, demon pills, and other extraordinary items began to experience the tragedies of reverse cultivation one after another! Chapter 349: Master Of Heavenly Tremor Chapter 349: Master Of Heavenly Tremor "I wonder how it is outside. Were there any coincidences this time?" Wang Xuan muttered to himself while leaning against the rough pool wall. His spiritual body was extensively charred. He soaked in the steaming liquid of silver light as he regained his spirit. The charred old skin on his body continued to peel off, marking another shedding of his spirityer. His spirit gained new life as he officially seeded in breaking through to the eighth stage! "It''s addictive. Experiencing both pain and pleasure, I''ve advanced again." This feeling was trulyplex, after going through the hellish trials that made him endure excruciating pain. But as he calmed down andy there, everything became wonderful again. His whole body rxed and experienced an ultimate enjoyment. When he opened his eyes, beams of silver light shot out, but in the deepest depths of his eyes, there were also strange symbols shing and disappearing. That was the red substance, the clouds of light, transforming into fire, thunder, cmity, refining his spiritual body bit by bit. Finally, he absorbed and refined every strand, making it his own. A red symbol appeared in the depths of his spiritual eyes. It followed the movement of him closing and opening his eyes, weaving mysterious patterns with his thoughts. The crimson patterns were like tears of blood he shed that fell into the void. It slid forward as if the patterns had expanded, enabling it to lock small pockets of spaces. Wang Xuan silently pondered. The gains from this time were truly immense! As he exerted sudden force, his eyes reddened. Within that narrow space, the crimson patterns contracted and twisted. The destructive power of the patterns were exceptionally terrifying. "Locking down such a small space, one can carry out a one-sided ughter within!" He himself understood the essence of it. The simple words contained the force of ughter. Wang Xuan sat in the pool. He was calm and serene, earnestly understanding his newly acquired power. He remained tranquil and silent, like a figure in a painting. Though one may not always see returns for their efforts, one would never see returns without making efforts. With his efforts, he had gained a new and astonishing ability, an incredibly powerful one! Lately, he had been risking his life to absorb the red substance. He analyzed and confronted it amidst life and death. Now that it''s done, he saw the most brilliant light in the darkness. Wang Xuan reminded himself to be cautious. He should refrain from using the ability all the time. Someone was definitely going to die if he had activated it! Whether it was the red substance or those extraordinary blood patterns, both were outrageously high level abilities. He wouldn''t casually reveal them. He meditated for a long time, longer than the time he spent in the life and death trials. Here, he rested his spirit and thoroughlyprehended this power. He felt very satisfied. Done with meditating, he rose slowly, muttering to himself, "Let''s reinforce and refine the ability of the spiritual eye a bit more." He didn''t know what was happening outside. What if it was rted to the new mythological path? Then he would have to endure another tremor. And so, he was about to begin again. In outer space, in a different realm, near the blood pool. "It''s been calm for a long time. It should be fine now, the storm has passed." said the Blood God Ape with an unpleasant expression. Even the three divine rings that corresponded to his three heads behind had dimmed. It was extremely unusual just now, he was shaking incessantly. Life seemed to be in violent turbulence, his life essence was restless. Not only did he fail to break through, but he also regressed in cultivation! "I have to return my cultivation to its original state. Luckily, I have the residual elixir of an ancient divine demoness!" said the Blood God Ape. Even so, he felt great pain as so much of it was wasted. Qi Chengdao also silently took out a brilliant crystal. He unlocked the seal, and absorbed a bit of Sky Marrow. This was a material of heavens, half a drop could change one''s fate. Every time, he absorbed every bit of essence meticulously, he was especially frugal. But at times like this, his heart was bleeding, his tears almost falling. "Mingxi, let''s cultivate together and start over from scratch. Damn the heavens, with their gentle touches of death, I hate you!" Zhou Qinghuang rolled her eyes as she called out to Gu Mingxi. She continued to prepare her spiritual medicine, intending to restore the cultivation levels that she lost. "My heavenly medicine, those petals were wasted!" In a certain hidden realm, the demonic progeny Qilian Dao roared angrily, almost bursting his lungs. He didn''t rush to consume the second petal because he was genuinely afraid. What if there was another tremor? He waited for a long time. Based on the rumors from some time ago, the Heavenly Tremor should have ended. Recently, the extraordinary transcendent had gained experience. All the tremors followed a pattern, with a stable rhythm. Now, it seemed that the silent period was long enough; the storm had indeed passed. He wasn''t at ease and continued to wait until he was absolutely certain that everything was fine. "I''ve dyed my cultivation for too long. I spent more time hereprehending the new abilities than in practice and travelbined. I must continue to be diligent," sighed Wang Xuan. Then he plunged into the dark void again. He ready to hunt the red mist again, determined to ovee himself and turn the hellish torture into a path of rebirth. "Ahhh unforgivable! Heavens, why are you so unfair? Why did you target me?!" Qilian Dao''s face darkened. Not long after ingesting the second petal of the heavenly medicine, he was hit by another tremor. Furious, he stood tall in mid-air, facing the sky, delivering sincere and intense greetings. "Is there now and order?" The Blood God Ape was also furious. It spat out an elixir of an ancient divine demoness, while its halo trembled wildly behind its head. With all three heads roaring and all six arms shaking, it sought to poke a big hole in the sky. "Damn it, Oww!" In the ancient den of the White Tiger n, the round-faced girl rolled around in the tiger''s den, her face puffed up in anger, her big eyes round with re. In the Old World, within the deep-space spaceship base, Old Zhang ced the bronze mirror over his face, sealing himself in. He was motionless like petrified stone, hoping to withstand this Heavenly Tremor. But several enthusiastic youngsters thought that he had physical problems and was also mentally unstable. Why else did he want to extort them? So, they decided to move him, intending to take him to the hospital for a check-up. "Don''t move me, put me down right here. What you''re doing isn''t helping. Standing here motionless by myself is self-help. I''m over two thousand years old, I don''t lie. If I really extort you, you''ll regret it!" Old Zhang was frantic, but it was futile. He could only use his hands to cover the mirror over his face This time, Wang Xuan felt extremely satisfied after consolidating his spiritual eye and deepening his cultivation. By the end, he had already reached theter stage of the eighth realm. Outside, it was a mess, and people''s faces were pale. Those who had broken through to the Transcendent-level were all in a sad state as this Heavenly Tremor mainly targeted them. Many remained silent. There was no fairness or justice at all. The tremors had ceasedpletely, and everything had calmed down, only to experience a second attack. From now on, no one dared to act rashly. It was too risky. Heavenly medicine, spiritual elixirs, demon pills, Sky Marrow each one of it was too valuable to lose. "I never thought there would be a second aftershock in the Heavenly Tremor," someonemented. Wang Xuan set out with a strong and vigorous mental state. Holding the Godying banner, he charged into the depths of the dark void. He was ready to approach the Immortal Flower and to dig out meteorites to validate his thoughts. "My strength has greatly increased. If there is mysterious energy hidden within the meteorites, then I will be even stronger," said Wang Xuan with hope of finding new power. At the same time, he pondered whether the Red Monkey, Qilian Dao, and others had decreased in cultivation. If thats true, this feeling seemed quite wonderful. "I rise, you fall. This isn''t bad at all," he couldn''t help but grin broadly at the end, feeling incredibly happy and radiant. At the time, at the outer realm, Chen Yongjie also felt good. Listening to the roars outside, he couldn''t help but sigh, "Grandmaster Wang could easily be renamed to Master of Heavenly Tremor. His power grows stronger and stronger when he shakes." After spending several months, Wang Xuan appeared not far from the meteorite crater. He rushed to the most important and unique area of the Solitary Void. From his perspective, the meteorite crater hung in the sky, as if the world was upside down, with the crater tunnel leading to the dark abyss behind the pitch-ck sky. Inside the crater, flowed brilliant smoke and mist. It all consisted of red substance, much denser than the red mist Wang Xuan had faced before. Undoubtedly, this ce was more terrifying. Most importantly, there were some sparse particles of the crystal of truth mixed in the smoke and mist. Those seemed to be invaluable products that flowed from the Realm of Truth. The meteorite crater was very deep. It was more like a path connecting to the unknown, arousing peoples strong desires for exploration. Along the way, there were things that drove people crazy inside the tunnel. White flower trees swayed in the clouds, the Immortal Flower remained sacred and immortal, with specks of light rain and a lingering fragrance that came from it. Even the Immortals appeared mundane in its presence. Only it remained untainted by the world. It was transcendent and pure, immortal and wless. This time, Wang Xuan never intended to pass through the meteorite crater and head to the mysteriousnd it connected to. He still couldn''t set foot at the source of the mysterious realm. Inside the meteorite crater were red crystal particles, belonging to the cross-dimensional material of the Realm of Truth. They were too terrifying, even if he was wrapped in the Godying Banner, he still couldn''t withstand them. The g had even been scorched. "Ill walk step by step with solid ground beneath my feet. Without umting small steps, one cannot reach a thousand miles. Someday, perhaps not too far away, I will cross the meteorite passage," Wang Xuan mused to himself. Wang Xuan found a spot far from the passage and slowly approached the meteorite looming in the dark sky. He was ready to strike and excavate it. Ding! As he touched the meteorite with the gpole of the Godying Banner, the seemingly rough stone emitted a melodious sound. It was clear and pleasant, yet sturdy. If it were an ordinary meteorite, it would have been crushed by the Godying Banner long ago, withrge pieces of it crumbling down. Wang Xuan began to exert force, using the Godying Banner as a excavating tool. He officially started excavating it! It sounded like striking jade, resembling pearls falling on a jade te, it was crisp and pleasant. Soon, stone chips appeared, followed by chunks of rock falling off. "Hmm, there really is extraordinary substance here!" Wang Xuan eximed emotionally. Just peeling off a thinyer of stone revealed a pervasive vitality. And deep within the meteorite, there seemed to be something even more astonishing! He touched the stones that fell into his hand. They were rough, textured, imbued with extraordinary attributes, and contained vitality close to the truth. "Could it be that the meteorite from outer space, the different realm, the blood pool, was really brought out from such a ce and fell there?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but ponder. He rubbed his hands over the surface, carefully sensing the strange substance contained within the stone skin. Although sparse, it was of extremely high grade, and needed to be excavated further. "If I carve a passage from here, will I be able to enter the real world and reach the source of the mysterious realm?" He said with an intrigued look. As stone chips fell, Wang Xuan continued to dig. He discarded some stone skin, and unearthed stones imbued with rich energy. "There''s something in this meteorite, it seems to be hiding something, fervent and vigorous. Its lurking deep within the core of the meteorite," muttered Wang Xuan as he continued to dig. Chapter 350: I Have An Immortal Mine At Home Chapter 350: I Have An Immortal Mine At Home ng ng! Wang Xuan the miner was toiling away diligently. He had been digging continuously for eight days. Disciplined as he was, he hardly took any breaks, relentlessly chiseling and smashing away at the meteor. "Its so hard, what kind of damn rock is this?!" said Wang Xuan with exhaustion. He began to question his life choices. Even with the Godying banner, he had only managed to dig a few meters deep. The meteorite''s texture was rough. He felt like he could kick a huge meteorite that blocked out the sky with just one foot, if this was in the real world. Now, he had kicked two thousand five hundred and twenty-three times. His soles were sore, his mouth dry, and his hair was smoking, yet there wasn''t much effect. He had already shaken the Godying Banner after some attempt. He let it erge in the wind, and he wielded the gpole like an iron rod. Smashing it here and there, he caused sparks to fly and ng resound. The stone skin on the outeryer of the meteorite was two meters thick. It was rtively brittle, but the brown stones inside were much harder than the alloy tes made of copper and mithril. "Bing a seasoned miner is too difficult," Wang Xuan grumbled. He had never imagined that halfway through his cultivation journey, he would end up here, mining meteorite ore. However, when he was six meters in, wisps of mist overflowed, substances that were close to the real energy were flowing out. Compared to the previous substances, its richness was a level higher. It prompted him to take a deep breath involuntarily. His spirit regained strength, it was replenished through mental respiration. The exhausted body felt like rain falling on the desert, it continued to absorb vitality. It was toofortable. On the fourteenth day, veteran miner Wang Xuan dug twelve meters deep. The color of the stones changed slightly. It transitioned to a light purple color, indicating that he was closer to substances that were closer to the real energy. He examined closely. The wisps of mist now carried a faint color, with a hint of purple radiance. It meant the substances were extremely high in quality! "Dig! Is there a treasure inside? Should I keep it for the New Year? I want to see what''s really inside the depths of the meteorite." Wang Xuan said skeptically. He didn''t have to worry about the exhaustion of the trans material, nor the depletion of his strength. ng! Bang! tter! Thud! He worked like a cksmith, thrusting the gpole into the crevices of the stones, chopping and kicking, using it as a lever, digging his way through with increasingly skillful movements. With his muscles weary, he dug at the meteorite diligently. He viewed it as a form of cultivation. At the same time, he was indeed studying various martial art scriptures, such as some exquisite body techniques, which he used in the confined space. With a flick of his fingers, the Tao-splitting Sword was unleashed, its sword light shimmered and ringed. Each of his moves was like the Feather Fist, the Wings of Phoenix, and many other different techniques. He was performing various lost martial arts from the outside world to perfection. Swoosh! On this day, when expert miner Wang Xuan was twenty-six meters in, a purple mist drifted out from the cracks in the stone. Its energy was rich and astonishing. He took a deep breath of it, and he instantly felt as if was about to ascend, ready to transcend into immortality. "Are we getting close? The rolling purple mist descends from the sky, turning red to purple. It''s a sign of good luck!" He cheered himself on. Nearly a month had passed, and now his skills were exquisite. He had officially been promoted to master miner Wang Xuan. At the current time, his movements were skilled, and his efficiency skyrocketed. In an instant, he was engulfed by the dense purple mist. He absorbed all of it and left none behind. At the same time, he replenished the g with the absorbed energy. "In the real world, cultivators greet the rising sun every morning, capturing the first strand of purple mist, which contains extraordinary material" pondered Wang Xuan. He recalled from the books before transcendence receded. The purple mist that appeared with the sun was very precious. It was considered a kind of superior energy. He had reason to believe that the purple mist emerging from the flesh of the meteorite at a depth of over twenty meters was exactly that kind of substance, but it was too dense. "Approaching the truth, I''ve found another new and extraordinary power, which can be collected on arge scale!" Wang Xuan rejoiced, realizing that the path of a miner was indeed rewarding. Wang Xuan shrugged off his fatigue, his spirits soared. His eyes gleamed with excitement, eager to break through this vast and boundless meteorite. He couldnt wait to delve into the source of reality. "I''ll dig, I''ll keep digging, and continue to dig deeper!" shouted Wang Xuan with his spirit full of energy. He felt that practicing his martial arts, using martial art scriptures, sword scripture, and the like, was truly equivalent to cultivation. After each exhaustion, there was always high-level purple mist replenishing his spirit, which was also a form of alternative cultivation. ng! ng! ng! Countless sword-like lights illuminated the scene as Wang Xuan, without dying his work, further immersed himself in intense cultivation. His entire body emitted sword-like lights, the scriptures behind the Tao-splitting Sword enveloped him, turning him into a wheel of swords. At this moment, radiant sword energy was unleashed from every pore of his spiritual body. It permeated his entire being, transforming him into a celestial sword. "I actually cultivated it here!" eximed Wang Xuan. He was lost in thought. In the real world, while practicing with his physical body, he had caused his flesh and blood to stter. He was injured multiple times with sword energy pierced through his body. Here, he understood the fundamental mysteries of the sword scripture. The sword energy was gentle as water while within the body. It nurtured the body rather than harmed it. Everything would change only when it was released outward. The killing intent would be as sharp as the light of destruction, with the imposing aura capable of engulfing thousands of miles and piercing through the vast sky. Wang Xuan exerted all his strength while seated in meditation. In an instant, boundless light burst forth and filled the surroundings with sword energy that was dazzlingly and magnificent. He appeared like a deity opening his eyes, exuding unparalleled holiness. Seated like a mountain, yet with the onught of killing intent bursting outwards. He resembled a radiant wheel that illuminated the whole area, with sword energy sweeping across the realm! "Excellent, indescribably wonderful!" eximed Wang Xuan. His mind was tranquil, as he reaped great benefits while he practiced cultivation amidst mining and interpreted various supreme scriptures. The purple mist descended as he continued his excavation. He dug to a depth of over thirty meters. The dense purple mist was on the verge of transforming into rosy clouds, enveloping his body. "Am I about to reach it?" He felt that he was getting closer and closer to the real energy substance. The purple mist was astonishing, and its dense concentration was unyielding. Now, he had reason to doubt whether the mysterious meteorite in the outer space blood pool had fallen from such a ce back then. The energy substance in the blood pool was simrly close to the truth. It fell from the void outside the domain. If they could find its source, the immortals would have gone to excavate it long ago. It seemed like an untraceable stone, as the immortals had not been able to find anything along the path it left behind. "However, the energy properties contained in that meteorite are somewhat different from what I have now. That one was very violent, and it attracted thunder, with a fierce aura. Inparison, the purple mist here is rtively tranquil, majestic, profound, and boundless." Two monthster, Wang Xuan had advanced to be the owner of the mine. He felt that with the immortal mine at home, work wasn''t really tiring. He was full of energy. Even if he temporarily exhausted himself and copsed on the ground, he would quickly recover and start digging again! "I should be near the end. I''ve dug ny meters deep!" Wang Xuan said with joy and energy. However, this illusion supported his dedicated mind until he reached a depth of one hundred and fifty meters. He started to feel a bit strained. Was this an endless pit? Or had I not reached the end yet? He clearly felt that fervent and vigorous fluctuation, but it always seemed like he was separated by ayer of stone, unable to truly approach it. Moreover, the stones behind became more difficult to dig. Even with his increased efficiency, he often encountered sections as hard as sun gold. "No, I have to get out of here. Let me check the time. That meteorite crater is about to spew out red energy substances that were close to the truth again." said Wang Xuan. He feared being overwhelmed by the red clouds and being trapped here, which would be tragic. The meteorite crater poured out every few months, with red clouds sweeping down from the sky like an ocean. This was the cause for the asional red waves that ur in the Solitary Void. "The terrain here is rather special, and it''s far from that passage. If I seal off the entrance, could this be a peaceful haven?" Wang Xuan said to himself. Wang Xuan didn''t dare to risk his life. So he split off a wisp of his spiritual consciousness to stay here and see what would happen. Then he fled and hid in a ce that''s far enough. Several dayster, thunder roared behind the ce he was hiding, as if two nebe were colliding. Terrifying sounds apanied boundless red clouds, engulfing everything. After the long wait, everything was calm again. Wang Xuan returned and once again came under the vast and boundless meteorite that made the sky feel like it was pressing down. He found his mine once again. "It really didn''t affect here?" he rejoiced. The residual scent of red substance here was very weak. After removing the stones blocking the entrance, he ventured deeper in. "Mmm, my spiritual imprint is intact and doing well. Nourished by the purple mist every day, he''s be even more resilient." said Wang Xuan while he retracted that spiritual imprint. "My strength is advancing!" he eximed with a hint of excitement. Indeed, over the past few months, he had been diligently cultivating and nourishing his weary body with ample amounts of high-level mystical substances. His cultivation had been steadily improving. And so, master miner Wang Xuan, resumed his digging. He cheered himself on with the Victory Method of the Spirit. He was about to reach the end. The path ahead was sometimes so tough it drove him mad, but at other times, it was smooth sailing, which greatly increased his efficiency. Over the course of more than a year, he dug out a tunnel extending over four hundred meters. Then, one day, with a gut feeling, he sensed that he was about to uncover something. ng! He dug out a space, and the purple mist poured out like a waterfall. It nearly knocked him off his feet. He almost tumbled down, it was like getting hit by a bursting dam. "The purple energy from the Purple Pce descends from the heavens, it is a sign of great fortune!" Wang Xuan rushed in. It was an open area that resembled a tunnel. Yet, it also resembled a natural mine shaft. The cave was filled with copious amounts of purple mist. It was so dense it shimmered, bathing his entire body like ethereal light. "What a fantastic ce! Next time, I''ll nt a Heavenly Herb here. I''ll also transnt the medicinal nt that Zheng Yuantian gave me, along with some of the life soil!" Wang Xuan believed that if he were to transport the life soil and nt the Heavenly Herb here, the journey connecting to the meteorite would inevitably be greatly shortened. This was about upying and pioneering. Moreover, he spected whether nting two or three vibrant medicinal nts in session would trigger a qualitative change, leading to phenomena like shrinking the earth into inches or traveling thousands of miles in a single step. "With the immortal mine at home, I''ll nt the Heavenly Herb!" eximed Wang Xuan. After waiting for the purple mist to dissipate slightly, he began to explore. He advanced along the meteorite mine. "This should be a natural mine pit. After all, it''s within the vast meteorite." He hesitated for a moment, otherwise the situation would beplicated. The master miner Wang Xuan became solemn as he lifted the Godying Banner. He was alert and observant. He found that this ancient and profound mine cave seemed to be naturally formed. There were no traces of pickaxes or spells, everything appeared to be natural. Inside the cave, the purple mist shimmered. It was sacred and serene, with no apparent danger. He murmured to himself, "Could it be that the morning purple energy in the real world seeped out from such ces?" It was very peaceful here. Wang Xuan was searching for entirely new transcendence power. He was forging ahead when he unexpectedly arrived at such a ce, which was quite strange. Suddenly, the purple mist twinkled, and a pleasantughter came through. Startled, Wang Xuan tightened his grip on the Godying Banner. He was ready to strike at any moment as if he was facing a great enemy. It was too sudden, why were there people in the depths of the meteorite?! It was quite absurd; he had been mining for over a year, but where exactly had he ended up? "The master miner Wang Xuan won''t let anyone snatch away the immortal mine and revert back to being the novice miner Wang, right? No way!" He opened his spiritual eyes and examined carefully. He saw no one. The cave was filled with purple mist like flower petals, fluttering down splendidly. It resembled a shower of celestial light. "No way, could it be that I''ve dug through to the Realm of Truth? Am I about to reach the source?!" He was stunned; if that were the case, then he would truly be turning the tables. However, after theughter faded, there was no more movement. No more sound was heard, and no figure appeared. Honestly speaking, thatughter was very pleasant, like it came from a young woman. Initially, it startled him, but afterward, it felt serene and sacred. Theughter was without any unsettling or eerie feeling. Instinctively, he felt that this ce wasn''t a dangerous one. On the contrary, the farther he went, the more splendid it became. The purple light illuminated the mining path as if fairy trees were shedding leaves and petals. After searching fruitlessly for a long time, Wang Xuan put away his spiritual eyes. However, not long after, another anomaly urred. Laughter echoed, and a scene shed in the purple mist ahead. A majestic purple pce appeared. It was grand and magnificent, capable of moving and disappearing in an instant. It seemed like a beautiful woman was leaning against the railing, her smile was captivating. Wang Xuan frowned, but he still followed along. If something were to happen, it was toote to retreat now. Rather than that, it was better to boldly venture forward. He ran quickly while keeping his spiritual eyes open, trying to lock onto the purple pce, anchoring his sight on the figure that was enveloped in the celestial mist and purple light. In truth, the master miner Wang Xuan was somewhat uncertain. The most important question was: who owned the magnificent pce and the woman that was in his own immortal mine? Chapter 351: Killed For One Thousand Three Hundred And Twenty Seven Times Chapter 351: Killed For One Thousand Three Hundred And Twenty Seven Times Wherever the master miner Wang Xuans spiritual eyesight reached, the lingering image of the purple pce quickly vanished, along with the pleasantughter of the woman, which disappeared in an instant. He wore a grave expression. So fast? Something seemed off! The cave fell into silence, as if the majestic pce and theughter of the woman had never appeared. Here, it was simply a passage through the meteorite. He proceeded forward. The purple mist flowed like a river and crashed against him. Yet, he remained resolute, as he searched along the ancient and untraveled paths of the old mine. The walls showed no signs of human excavation, the patterns appeared entirely natural. Suddenly, he sensed a strong vitality ahead. He noticed something white moving, like a beautiful serpent slithering. Then, he heardughter again. However, when he tried to capture it with his spiritual eyes, there was no one to be seen, and the sound quickly faded away. Wang Xuan walked over, his eyes widening as he saw whaty before him. On the groundy pure white roots that were sparkling like jade. The roots were ethereal and pristine, and it exuded a sense of sanctity and purity even beyond that of immortals. Although it was clearly the roots of some nts, yet they gave off such an impression, as if they were the true immortals. It was even purer than the so-called demons and immortals that were tainted by worldly desires. Wang Xuan was astonished. Could this be the root of the Immortal Flower that never withers in the meteorite path? He became excited, leaving behind a fleeting image as he stood near the roots. It was moving at a slow pace, but it seemed to want to leave this ce. "Is this cave close to that Immortal Flower?" Wang Xuan stared intently, for nothing could escape his spiritual eyes. There was no malevolence, no unsettling power. On the contrary, these roots that were so close to the truth, emitted an aura that calmed and focused the mind. "Could it be that the Immortal Flower has a spiritual connection, and it transformed into that woman?" Wang Xuan said with a look of doubt. Otherwise, why did she vanish with a swoosh every time he used his spiritual eyes? Wang Xuan looked at the snow-white roots that were as thick as water buckets. This should only be a small segment; how thick would the main root be? From afar, the Immortal Flower didn''t seem impressive, but the underground roots were astonishing. "Im unable to taste the Immortal Flower for now, but the effect should beparable if I consume the roots, right?" said Want Xuan. Then, he saw shes of white light and various showers of light, while voices reappeared in the distance. Wang Xuan spoke, "It''s indeed you. Rest assured, I won''t harm your main body. Hmm, in order to find new divine powers, I only need a bit of the Immortal Juice to advance." The snow-white roots that were like giant snakes fled swiftly. Wang Xuan immediately pursued it. His spiritual state was shrinking space, and he caught up to it in no time. Ultimately, the snow-white root captured by him was just a herb that had no great magical power. "I''ll just take a few bites, I wont indulge too much!" Wang Xuan reassured himself. This might be something even more astonishing than the Heavenly Herbs. It might possibly be a true elixir, or even a Taoist elixir. "The Immortal Flower that never withersI actually came into contact with it like this." Without dy, Wang Xuan quickly took a bite to avoid any mishaps. A rich fragrance spread throughout the cave the moment the snow-white root broke. This aroma was too enticing, making one salivate. With a gulp, Wang Xuan swallowed a mouthful. Light showers radiated all over his body. His spirit floated off the ground, it gave him the illusion of ascending to immortality! After three gulps of the Immortal Juice, he surprisingly felt satiated. Was this feeling of fullness? As soon as he loosened his grip, the snow-white root vanished with a swoosh. He calmly followed behind, with his mind captivated by the pure white flower. Besides, if he could sneak into the Realm of Truth from here, that would be truly wonderful. The voice of a woman resounded once again and celestial music echoed ahead. Magnificent pces and pavilions emerged from the white mist. They stood tall amidst the rain of purple light. It was ethereal and dreamlike, as if entering the heavenly realm. There were graceful dancers and enchanting figures swaying to the music, dancing and singing there. He quickened his pace. "Have I entered the Realm of Truth?" Wang Xuan was stunned. After stepping out of this cave, the path ahead suddenly cleared up. It revealed a vast, azureke that was pure and sacred. Celestial substances evaporated everywhere. Various celestial pces were on the opposite shore of theke. Clusters of temples glowed in the twilight, while celestial maidens danced alongside the celestial flowers and jade trees that were scattered throughout the purend. A golden ship crafted from divine bamboo was docked on the shore of the celestialke. It was incredible as the divine bamboo required over twenty people to carry. But now, it had been hollowed out to form arge ship. On the opposite side of theke, clusters of divine bamboo flourished near those celestial pces. These nts were once nearly extinct after The Great Veil. They had almostpletely vanished, but now they turned into a scendscape in this ce. "The Realm of Truth?!" eximed Wang Xuan. In front of theke, there stood a stone stele inscribed with unreadable characters. It resonated with the spirit, conveying its meaning clearly to the observer. "I''ve really reached my destination?!" Wang Xuan could hardly believe his eyes. It was truly beyond his expectations. Today was indeed his lucky day. Although he felt somewhat ted and light-headed, he hadn''tpletely lost his senses. He used his spiritual eye to capture the situation across the way. Suddenly, his eyes were filled with intense pain. Tears streamed down like blood, causing him to stagger and feel as if the world was spinning. He almost fell to the ground. "Trespassing into the Realm of Truth and spying on the supreme purend. You deserve to be punished!" a voice echoed. Then, he felt the edge of a cold sword pressed against his forehead. It was a celestial sword that shimmered brightly that was unmatched in its sharpness. "Pierce your heart and forehead with your own de and spare yourself from death. Or else, we will destroy your spirit and youll be condemned for eternity!" The majestic voice echoed in his ears like thunder, shaking him to the core. It made him unable to stand steadily. What kind of authority was this? Were these creatures of the Realm of Truth? Invisible beings thatmanded him. Threatened to punish him, if he didn''t obey. They even threatened to destroy his spirit! Wang Xuan shook his head vigorously, and tightened his grip on the Godying Banner. He felt a surge of anger rising within him. If the sword pierced his own forehead and heart it would likely cripple his spirit. He was somewhat indignant, thinking that the other party was too harsh on him. Even if he had made mistakes, they didn''t have to be so merciless towards him. Moreover, what was wrong with him searching for the truth, wanting to extend his life beyond the ordinary, and finding a new mythical world? The people here were just too heartless. He suddenly raised the Godying Banner. Destroy myself? That was impossible. He would rather get killed while resisting than be a submissive weakling and cripple himself. However, deep in his heart, a strong sense of unease surged. The Godying Banner roared and shook constantly, trying to escape his grasp. "This g is somewhat intriguing. Bring it over and let me have a look to see what era it''s from. It looks vaguely familiar." A person spoke coldly, but Wang Xuan couldn''t see him. But Wang Xuan could never hand over the banner willingly. He clenched it tightly, and stood in a defensive stance. He was intending to strike back at the other party. However, he felt a chilling sensation once again. "This isn''t right. What''s going on? Why do I feel like doing this will kill me?" He shook his head forcefully while exerting all his strength. He angrily opened his spiritual eye. At that moment, blood-red patterns intertwined in the depths of his eyes, as if a drop of blood had dripped outward. It started to spread with a thunderous sound, it was as if something had been shattered. Subconsciously, he used that newly acquired ability, locking onto a small space, and then attacking it ferociously! Then, Wang Xuan saw the truth as his groggy mind started to clear up. He was actually holding the Godying Banner and aiming it at his own head. He was about to strike himself! "I" He was shocked. Why would I want tomit suicide? Just moments ago, he was clearly attacking an enemy. How did I end up in this state? No wonder the Godying Banner was shaking violently. It was because he had partially refined it. It was warning him just now as it didn''t want to kill him! Although he was in a spiritual state, Wang Xuan felt cold sweat breaking out. The experience just now was too sinister! Then, he looked ahead. There were no magnificent pces,or any kind of temples there, let alone a deep blue fairyke. As for the golden ship that was made from the divine bamboo, there was no need to even think about itit simply didn''t exist. "My spiritual eye was just blinded. I couldn''t open it, and everything I saw was an illusion?" Wang Xuan said with surprise. In fact, Wang Xuan doubted heavily whether he had actually used his spiritual eye earlier or if it was just his imagination. Perhaps he had been deceived long ago. "What state am I in now? Am I still in the illusion?" He shuddered. In an instant, he once again activated that newly acquired ability. Runes intertwined in the depths of his eyes, and then mysterious patterns expanded, locking onto the void ahead. It attacked relentlessly. He used this to wake himself up and to gain true spiritual perception. Then, he wielded the Godying Banner, sweeping away the illusions in this ce. During this process, his spirit reyed old memories, searching for ws. He was trying to figure out if he had been ensnared long ago. Sure enough, everything from opening his spiritual eye to seeing the roots of the Immortal Flower was false. He had fallen into confusion long ago, wavering between truth and falsehood. Wang Xuan hoped to understand the situation. His spiritual eye merged with that newfound ability. With that, he dispelled all illusions and shed through the mist, not allowing the inexplicable illusion to affect him. He wanted to inspect everything carefully. Soon, he discovered clues. While there was indeed a cave here, it wasn''t entirely natural. He saw decaying roots that had almost turned to soil. The cave had been drilled by a once massive root. There was a nt rooted in the meteorite! "I understand now. Even the Immortal Flower needs to undergo metamorphosis. These are its remnants. It was capable of inducing hallucinations and it had affected me." said Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan was startled, then angered. He took out a Silver Beast Skin Scroll, then he activated its supernatural properties. He erged it to wrap around himself for protection. Next, he held the erged Godying Banner in his hands and swung it down at where he stood. Amidst a deafening roar, he destroyed the decaying roots that were almost petrified. "What a useless flower that harms people! What use are you!" The decaying root exploded, it was shattered by the impact. Then tragedy struck Wang Xuan again. He felt like he had been ensnared once more. But he knew deep down that everything was an illusion. With his strongest will, he kept himself alert, not moving recklessly. Hey t on the ground, wrapping the Godying Banner around himself for protection. In the ensuing time, he suffered immensely. Sometimes, he was crushed by a golden furred mammoth that plummeted from the sky. Other times, he was struck down by a deity with a single punch. The sensation felt too real. It was impossible to distinguish between illusion and reality. It didn''t seem like a hallucination at all. He felt like he was truly experiencing death. Any other person would have broken down long ago. His body was torn apart in an instant. He was reduced to a bloody mess under the mammoth''s feet. Just as he recovered, he was struck again by someone''s terrifying fist. His skull shattered, spewing his brain matter everywhere. Wang Xuan couldn''t bear it anymore. Why did the illusion make his suffering so vivid? He couldn''t even lie down and view it as someone else''s life experience. All the pain was inflicted upon him. And this was just the beginning. In half a day''s time, he experienced three hundred and sixty-two kinds of deaths. All of it was brutal and torturous, with real sensations of pain. It made him wish he could truly end his life. "What is the Immortal Flower? This is the Eternal Poppy Devil Flower!" eximed Wang Xuan. This was his most heart-wrenching realization. Wang Xuan was certain that the flower was far from as pure and wless as it appeared on the surface. It was too terrifying. "It''s just an illusion, right? Although it''s lifelike, it''s ultimately false, and it can''t kill me. Come on, bring it on!" said Wang Xuan as hey on the ground, gritting his teeth. Then he saw Qi Lian Dao, the offspring of the Demon Ancestor, approaching step by step. He wielded a massive broadsword that was like a door panel, ready to.. chop him up! "I" Wang Xuan was infuriated amidst the intense pain. This damned illusion, could it really project figures from my mind? He''d rather be ughtered by unfamiliar deities and monsters than be butchered by his adversaries. However, he did not dare to simply use the Godying Banner to clear the scene. He feared another mishap that might lead to his inexplicable suicide. Then, the Blood God Ape appeared with a grinning expression. He tore him in half, which made blood stter everywhere in a gruesome spectacle. Shortly after, the Celestial Sword Maiden also arrived. With a swift motion, she beheaded him with a single stroke! Next, Old Zhang appeared, grinning wickedly. Then, a mirror smashed down on him. It smashed his head into a pulp that was like a rotten watermelon. Then, the Red-Clothed Demoness danced the Extraordinary Immortal Dance. She was mesmerizing and her eyes were like clear water. Suddenly, she pped his head off with a swift motion. In this unfortunate tragedy, Wang Xuan was killed a total of one thousand three hundred and twenty-seven times by various characters. Everything was too real, the pain was so intense that he felt like he was going to explode right there and then. When he finally calmed downpletely, he repeatedly confirmed that it was not an illusion. He turned around and left, quickly departing from this pit. It was too dangerous, almost fatal. "Well, after experiencing this, no torture will work on me anymore." said Wang Xuan as he moved away from the meteorite cave. He continued, "Just you wait, next time I''ll transnt a true Heavenly Herb to upy the meteorite, and leave you with no ce to survive. You, Devil Flower, I will uproot you sooner orter!" Leaving the meteorite cave and arriving outside, he carefully examined himself. Although the process was extremely painful, his spirit became stronger and more confident after being washed in blood thousands of times and constantly honed by death. At this point, he had reached theplete mastery of the eighth-stage, but he didn''t want to linger here any longer. The roots in the meteorite were too abnormal, it was impossible to guard against. He had to think of a reliable solution before he returned here. Standing from a distance, he looked at the pure-white nt in the meteorite passage with aplex expression. He had overthought. How could this be the Immortal Flower? It was clearly a Devil Flower that connected reality and illusion! He couldn''t help but sigh. Even its decaying roots were so terrifying. What would happen once I got close to its living body? "Time to go back!" Before leaving, Wang Xuan used the Godying Banner to smash the meteorite fiercely, but the Devil Flower remained unmoved. In an instant, he turned into a stream of light, merging with the Godying Banner. He disappeared into the Solidarity Void, embarking on his journey home. "I wonder how Qi Lian Dao, the Blood God Ape, Qi Cheng Dao, and the others are doing. Are they still thinking about killing me? If you turn against each other, then you''re all in danger." pondered Wang Xuan. Outside, various parties were restless. Even Old Zhang was taken aback. He was taken to the hospital by someone, and just as he was about to leave, the tremor urred a few more times. He was too rxed, and the mirror on his face almost fell to the ground. "This time, I have to investigate thoroughly. Why do several treasures asionally act up? Could it be that someone is deliberately tempting them to shake?" said Old Zhang. Then his face became extremely colorful. He was carried from the regr ward to the psychiatric ward, where an old doctor looked at him with care and kindness. In outer space, near the blood pool, everyone was restless. Today, there were too many tremors, it made many people want to vent their anger at the heavens. As Wang Xuan journeyed through the Ethereal Realm, he approached the boundary between reality and illusion. Wang Xuan looked at the Silver Beast Skin Scroll, which had unexpectedly changed. Not only were there ghostly symbols on it, but also images of mountains and rivers! "What''s going on? Approaching the boundary between reality and illusion, the decaying roots of that Devil Flower had impacted me with illusions, causing the Beastskin Scroll to change?" Wang Xuan was shocked. He pondered: Could it be the sh between reality and illusion? Chapter 352: Came For The King Chapter 352: Came For The King In outer space, in a different realm. Chen Yongjie sat cross-legged at the bottom of the blood pool, where the trans material surged. His mind and body were clear, feeling as if he transcended. He felt that he was shone upon by the great sun, enveloped in purple aura, and bathed in Buddha''s light. "Buddha and Tao coexist, and I seem to see the truth of cultivation," he couldn''t help but groan at the end, feelingpletely at ease. With his right hand holding the Soul-binding Bell, left hand grasping the blood-red talisman of the red skinned monkey, and a snow-white conch shell in his mouth, he guarded Wang Xuan, preventing any attacks. Throughout this process, he also gained immense benefits. He followed along in mutual advancement, from initially being burnt by the red mist to the brink of despair, to now being as stable as an old Buddha. While Wang Xuan saw the rolling purple mist descending from the sky and baptizing his spirit in the meteorite. Chen Yongjie saw the purple mist arriving from the east. In his view, Wang Xuan was enveloped in purple smoke. Following the principle of not wasting, Old Chen employed the esoteric arts of the Taoist tradition, absorbing the overflowing energy towards him. He first practiced the Purple Aura Arrival Technique from the Purple Pce Tao Scripture. Then, he practiced the Visualization of the Great Sun from the Sutra of Shakyamuni. At one point, the Tao and the Buddha resonated together. Blurry figures appeared on either side of his body, with the great purple sun covering him and the other two figures. The energy of the Golden Dan within Chen Yongjie''s body became even more concentrated, it started to disy colorful hues. He felt extremely fulfilled, as he was on the verge of breaking through. Meanwhile, on the outside, the immortals and demons were cursing as all of them were losing their cultivation level. Outside, there were others like him that were feeling ecstatic. Looking around and seeing nobody present, they couldn''t help but shout, "Ahhh, this tremor isso good!" It was none other than Master Huang also known as Huang Ming. He, along with Kong Yun, Zhou Shiqian, Cao Qingyu, Chen Yan, and others, were among the first to step out of The Great Veil as descendants of flesh and blood. They belonged to the earliest tier ofbat prowess, and were considered the most formidable figures at the time. In Master Huang''s words, "I too have once overlooked the world!" Although it was only a few days, it was indeed close to the truth. However, the continuous tremor of the mortal world had caused tragedies for all of them. Their cultivation level dropped one after another. At his lowest point, Huang Ming dropped to the fourth or fifth stage. Until recently, this group of people had bounced back. Huang Ming healed the dozen or so broken bones that were caused by the border crossing event. He also took secret medicines, and restored himself to the point where he was near the sixth stage. He was no longer dropping in cultivation levels. The intense aftermath of the tremor primarily targeted the transcendent-level creatures, pressing them down from atop. The top level has seen several batches of recements, always with someone tall taking the brunt. People like them who were once at the top, were now almost on the floor. While the aftermath of the tremor still affects them, it''s not as deadly anymore. Rtively speaking, they had fallen into a safe zone now after dropping two or three stages overall. Not long ago, Master Huang was still very anxious, but he discovered that he was as stable as an old dog, and nothing had happened to him at all. "I feel like my Tao foundation has been solidified," said Huang Ming, with his golden hair and sharp features. His eyes shone like golden beans, he continued, "Let it shake. This isn''t a bad thing. The more it shakes, the more we can consider ourselves gold that was refined through hot fire." As he witnessed the tragic reversal of fate for those demon saints whose eyes were on top of their heads, he stood firm amidst the tremor. He felt exhrated and tempted to shout. Kong Yun gave him a stern look and said, "Keep your voice down. Don''t attract trouble." Kong Yun was considered one of the top geniuses of their generation, butpared to the offspring of the Demonic Ancestor like Qi Lian Dao and the descendants of the Demonic Saints like the Blood God Ape, he was certainly inferior. "Indeed, a little tremor isn''t bad," Chen Yan chimed in. Zhou Shiqi smiled in agreement. "It would be best if such things didn''t happen during our travels. Thest time when we traveled from Terra Nova to the Old World, the journey was so bumpy that it made me want to vomit as soon as I got on the carriage," Huang Ming added. Instantly, both Zhou Shiqi and Chen Yan red at him fiercely. They had been victimsst time. As newly rising innocent singers, their names were dragged into scious news because of it. Wang Xuan darted forward like a bolt of lightning, clearing the way with the Godying Banner. He was ten times his original speed as he approached the real world! "The Silver Beast Skin Scroll has undergone such a change. Is it a map?" He said and examined it closely. There were arrows marked on the beast skin that pointed to a location. It seemed to conceal something significant. "Since it was found in the Old Land, I''ll search thoroughly once I return to the real world. Is this meant to be a surprise for me?" Wang Xuan said with anticipation. The beast skin was affected by the approaching real energy which prompted it to reveal a map of mountains and rivers near the meteorite crater, showing itsplexity. As he entered the realm of life soil, he ascended rapidly. He caught a glimpse of the Life Essence Furnace and two Heavenly Herbs. Boom! The ground cracked open. As the three-headed, six-armed Blood God Ape turned around, he kicked aside a demonic cultivator that was blocking his path. That demonic cultivator didnt even know what happened when he died. "Don''te too close to me, you''re annoying!" The Blood God Ape felt irritated. He was originally a cultivator at the third stage of Transcendence, and was aiming to break through to the fourth stage. However, he plummeted to the second level after thest violent tremor, only to plummet further down due to the aftershock. Strictly speaking, he was currently in the realm of perfection of the first stage, which was quite miserable. His face was as dark as deep water, and he was annoyed with everyone. He wanted to tear anyone who dared to block his path into bloody pieces. His bestial side was ready to erupt. Step by step, he approached the blood pool, killing the demonic cultivators around him. Naturally, he took greater pleasure in brutally dispatching those who had encroached upon his territory. He wanted to vent, to release his pent-up anger. Moreover, the person involved was rted to the ancient Godying Banner, which was his prey to hunt down. Qi Cheng Dao sat cross-legged in the thunderstorm, opened his eyes. He had resisted, but in the end he could only watch as his cultivation level was mercilessly shaken down. "Qi Cheng Dao, don''t obstruct me. I''m not in the mood to y with you right now. I want to kill. How dare those low-level beings that are like chickens and dogs enter my blood pool. How stupid can they be? They deserve to be blown apart for invading my territory. Both people and things that are in my territory belong to me!" said the red-furred Blood God Ape that was towering and muscr. It exuded a daunting aura with his three heads and six arms. The trans material suffused the air, making those nearby feel suffocated. Qi Cheng Dao''s expression was grim. Today''s losses were too great. He spoke coldly, "I can join you in the assault. I''ll go protect Ming Xi''s body." "Do you need two people to kill a wild cultivator at the seventh stage of the mortal realm? I can''t afford to lose my face!" The Blood Ape stomped, cracking the ground beneath it. Fissures that were half a foot wide and densely packed extended for dozens, even hundreds of paths, spreading into the distance. "You can go ahead and kill him, but the ownership of the Godying Banner is another matter to be discussed!" Qi Cheng Dao added calmly. He was adamant that this item must not fall into the wrong hands. "What did you say? He''s on my turf, which means hes my prey. Whether he lives or dies, everything belongs to me. What''s it to you?" The halo behind the Blood God Ape buzzed, emitting a dazzling light. Zhou Qinghuang approached with graceful and light steps. She said, "Both of you act as if no one else matters, treating each other as prey. Especially you, Qi Cheng Dao, aren''t you concerned about Ming Xi being in his hands?" She dressed very modernly, with a short skirt that showcased her long legs, and her stockings were slightly torn. She even broke off the heels of her high heels to avoid affecting the fight. However, whether it was the Blood God Ape or Qi Cheng Dao, they were both indifferent to her beauty. They behaved like typical macho men in front of her. "sses girl, stay away from here and don''t meddle with us. With your fair and tender appearance, slender arms, and long legs, you seem quite tender to be eaten raw. Don''t provoke me!" threatened the Blood God Ape. Zhou Qinghuang was on the verge of exploding with anger. She really wanted to use an energy cannon and st off his monkey head. Why did he make her feel more resentful than Demon Four? "Zhou Qinghuang, you''ve bewitched Ming Xi. Look at what you''ve be now!" said Qi Cheng Dao with a cold voice. He expressed his extreme dissatisfaction with her. Zhou Qinghuang smirked and said, "Men are all good for nothing. Right now, your mind is only focused on the remnants of the treasures. Don''t you care about Ming Xi''s life anymore?" "You devilish woman!" said Qi Cheng Dao as his expression darkened slightly. "If you still care about Ming Xi, then protect her physical body and don''t let this red-haired monkey cause trouble," Zhou Qinghuang said. "The celestial maiden that is renowned in the demon n does have extraordinary beauty, worthy of being called a charming beauty. Come, stand by my side. As fellow members of the demon n, I will protect you all." said a voice. Someone approached, wearing a faint smile. However, there was also a deliberate suppression of madness. This man with thick, disheveled hair looked very difficult to deal with at first nce. Zhou Qinghuang immediately stepped back. She became very vignt as she recognized his identity at a nce. It was Qi Liandao, whose reputation and background in the demon n were quite significant. His status was extremely high, being the progeny of the demon ancestor. No one would dare to oppose him. Even as a member of the demon n, Zhou Qinghuang felt particrly wary of him. "Don''t be afraid. Everything will be great for a woman thats by my side. The future is bright, and even if there''s a decline in transcendent power, I can still ensure your safety," Qi Liandao chuckled. No matter how you look at it, the intense mental fluctuations deep within him were abnormal. He was now brimming with murderous intent. Failing to advance his cultivation and getting his cultivation to drop in levels, he was infuriated to the point of wanting to massacre everyone! When he emerged from the secret realm and learned that Wang Xuan had entered the Thunder Pool, he rushed over immediately. He intended to take out the person who had shed him a dozen times. "Now, what''s there to argue about? Let''s go into the blood pool and drag out Wang Xuan to smash his brain out!" Qi Liandao said coldly. His suggestion was extremely firm. Forget about the debate over the Godying Banner for now. Kill the target first, only then shall they discuss. At the bottom of the pool, Old Chen vaguely heard their conversation. His face changed. He cast the Guiding Scripture, calling out to Wang Xuan, hoping he could hear it in the unknown. "Wang Xuan, wake up quickly, there''s trouble. Some big shots have arrived outside. If they reallye down here, I probably won''t be able to hold them back. How about I carry you away?" Chen Yongjie whispered softly. The group in the Thunder Pool officially began to act. "Alright, let''s tear that weakling apart first. So that the annoyance is cleared up. Since he''se to my territory, I''ll take the first shot." The Blood God Ape turned around and dashed forward. He was eager to be the first to kill Wang Xuan. His eyes revealed his cold intent. If I really killed that cultivator and obtained the Godying Banner, who would bother reasoning with them? Whether they were descendants of the ancestor of heavenly immortals or offspring of the demon ancestor, they could all scram! Urged by Gu Mingxi within her, Zhou Qinghuang was the second to act. She was truly afraid that the big ape would tear her body apart. Qi Liandao also moved swiftly. The offspring of the demon ancestor didn''t wait either, leaping up and crossing several hundred meters in an instant. Splish ssh! Blood-colored waves sshed up, and the several powerhouses all went in. "Poor Wang Xuan, targeted by several experts. His death will be extremely tragic. No treasures of his can withstand it. Is he still thinking about seclusion?" In the Thunder Pool, many people that witnessed this scene, couldn''t help but shake their heads. Was there still any suspense? At the bottom of the pool, Wang Xuan suddenly opened his eyes. His bright gaze was more dazzling than lightning. Purple energy filled the air around him. He remained calm, and sat cross-legged without standing up. Chapter 353: The Strongest Human Chapter 353: The Strongest Human Wang Xuan returned, thrusting the Godying Banner into the sacred soil, merging spirit and flesh into a formidable unity. As he circted the supreme scripture, all the purple haze quickly assimted into his being, not a wisp of this near-real energy material wasted. To his astonishment, he found Chen Yongjie... his bodyy across the water nearby, floating serenely, his head drooping unnaturally, his neck seemingly twisted off by a tremendous force. Nearby, Gu Mingxi''s celestial form sprawled out, her vibrant body once again pristine, the charred areas rejuvenated by the blood pool. Initially bleeding, then shedding ayer of skin, she was now fully restored. Simultaneously, Wang Xuan sensed intense energy fluctuations above, a crushing force descending like Mount Tai, a vast aura of blood enveloping everything, causing the blood pool to boil over. The fearsome figure of the Blood God Ape descended, its visage more menacing in the water. With its mouth wide enough to summon thunder and fangs protruding outward, its eyes sparkled with brilliant lightning, its body covered in red fur, epitomizing ferocity. He dove downwards, all six arms open wide, aiming to grab Wang Xuan in a bid to crush him alive, exuding extreme arrogance and confidence. Undefeated, he looked down upon the lower-ranking human from the depths of his being, embodying the attitude of a supreme predator. "Dead here, after all. What use is loyalty and courage if you end up a worthless carcass?" he nced at Chen Yongjie''s floating body with disdain. "Boom!" A blood-colored radiance burst forth as Chen Yongjie, suspended in the water, flung a crimson talisman. It exploded into a blinding light, akin to a celestial thunderp, heralding chaos. "I...#$%" The Blood God Ape was shocked, then filled with uncontroble rage. The talisman he had bestowed was thrown back at him by that damned, worthless demon cultivator. At such close range and so unexpectedly, he had no chance to evade. It was utterly unforeseen, a dead demon seemingly resurrected! Blood-colored beams struck the Blood God Ape repeatedly. Amid the dense red twilight, a demonic form emerged, an energy being, identical in appearance to him. Fury nearly burst his lungs. The talisman''s power was immense, equal to his own in his prime, overwhelming himpletely. With a wail, he spewed demonic blood as the energy ape hit him again and again, in addition to being bombarded by swathes of blood-colored lightning all over his body. His armor exploded on the spot, his thick red fur charred and shed inrge patches. "Puff!" Caught in the chaotic energy, the Blood God Ape felt excruciating pain in one hand as it was pierced by a ck sword wielded by the supposedly dead demon cultivator. For him, this was an utter disaster, unbearable. A mental roar of rage shook the heavens, trembling the souls of those outside the blood pool. At the bottom of the pool, Wang Xuan was somewhat speechless. Chen Yongjie''s feigned death and timing were impable, nearly fooling even him at first nce, despite his spiritual eye. Chen Yongjie had mastered various secret techniques, including this feigned death tactic, which undeniably seeded brilliantly. In a crucial moment, Wang Xuan intervened, unwilling to leave Chen Yongjie exposed to danger against a Transcendent-level demon. A brilliantly shining flying sword surged up as Wang Xuan activated a short sword, transforming it into a whip-like strike aimed at the red-furred giant ape. Despite his shock and anger, the Blood God Ape''s consciousness remained acutely sharp, his instincts warning him of the imminent dangerl. "Boom!" The Blood God Ape acted decisively, unleashing a palm strike that churned like a tidal wave downwards, his energy boiling over. Then, he soared into the sky, leaping out of the blood pool as a priority. Behind him was Zhou Qinghuang, who spat in disdain upon seeing the Blood God Ape coughing blood and then noticing Wang Xuan rising majestically, devoid of any "impurities" on his body. Fresh from his breakthrough, Wang Xuan had earlier harnessed the red twilight of the void to temper his body, synchronizing even his flesh. His clothes had long been incinerated. His physique was strong and proportionate. As he looked upwards, his eyes sparkled with a fearless spirit, ready to confront all celestial demons. The Blood God Ape''s retreat caused those behind him to surge out of the water surface as well. The brief skirmish had left the area trembling non-stop. Nearby, some eximed, mistaking the aftereffects of the battle for the beginning of another disturbance. Their faces paled, a reaction typical of powerhouses who feared a fall in their realm. Even Qu Chengdao and the progeny of the demon ancestor, Qi Liandao, initially stiffened in rm, haunted by the fear of past repercussions. At the bottom of the pool, Chen Yongjie chuckled gleefully, clutching a fragment of a demonic core radiating dense demonic energy. Had his foundation not been so solid, he wouldn''t dare to touch this remnant core, so intimidating it seemed capable of devouring the heavens and earth. "Struck gold," he mused, convinced that the core, likely left behind by an ancient demon, could enable him to cultivate the secret powers of Dao, Buddhism, and Demons simultaneously. He signaled to Wang Xuan, "Let''s go. What are you waiting for? Old Chen will guide you through earth escape. We''ll slip away before they can catch up!" Using the blood talisman to injure the Blood God Ape, Chen Yongjie had no intention of confronting those powerhouses directly; escape was the priority. "No need. I''ll meet them," dered Wang Xuan. On the shore, the Blood God Ape seethed with rage, dripping with indignation from the ambush. Most humiliating was the explosion of his armor and the loss of the ancient demonic core. This predicament left the surrounding transcendent beings puzzled, wondering how the progeny of the demon sage could suffer such a defeat. Waves churned on the water''s surface as Wang Xuan re-donned his heavy armor, regaining his true appearance with a calm expression and deep eyes. Stepping out of the blood pool, he casually tossed Gu Mingxi onto the shore before turning his gaze towards the several figures opposite him. Their expressions shifted; not one could muster a smile, including Zhou Qinghuang, as Gu Mingxi struggled for control, attempting to speak. "Release her!" Qu Chengdao demanded. Yet, he was ignored; Wang Xuan paid him no heed. "Wang Xuan, you weakling, rogue cultivator,e here!" Qi Liandao could no longer contain his madness, the frenzy in his eyes erupting. A madman through and through, he had sworn upon his arrival from another realm that he would even devour his own fatherthe Demon Ancestorin the future! In his view, he wasn''t the Demon Ancestor''s true offspring; he was a crazed consciousness split from the real Qi Liandao, with a flesh body crafted from the blood of various celestial demons. "Human cultivators, mere chickens and dogs!" His hostility towards Wang Xuan was intense, beyond just the grievance of being shed a dozen times. The idea of being castrated was an unimaginable humiliation for him. "Calm down, or you''ll regret it. Your death would be particrly gruesome," Wang Xuan advised softly. Qi Liandao''s re was murderous, yet he couldn''t help but feel a terrifying premonition, instinctively sensing immense danger ahead. Wang Xuan''s gaze swept over them, speaking inly, "We had no previous quarrels, right? Are you sure you want to be my enemy?" "Hand over the Godying Banner, and our dispute ends. From then on, we''ll have no grievances; I''ll leave immediately," Qu Chengdao proposed. "What treasures do you have for me?" Wang Xuan asked with a smile. "A drop of Heavenly Marrow. If you''re willing, I''ll trade it with you," Qu Chengdao responded coldly, ready to make his move. "Keep it safe; that drop of Heavenly Marrow is mine now," Wang Xuan stated calmly, dismissing the notion of handing over the Godying Banner. Instead, he suggested a trade, turning the tables on his would-be attackers. With the waves churning on the surface, Wang Xuan donned his heavy armor once again, revealing his true appearance with a calm expression and deep eyes. He stepped out of the blood pool, casually tossing Gu Mingxi onto the shore before turning his attention towards the few individuals opposite him. Their faces changed; none could muster a smile, not even Zhou Qinghuang, as Gu Mingxi struggled for control, attempting to speak. "Release her!" demanded Qu Chengdao. Yet, he was ignored. Wang Xuan paid him no heed. "Wang Xuan, you weakling, wild cultivator,e here!" Qi Liandao couldn''t suppress the madness in his eyes any longer. He viewed himself not as the direct offspring of the demon ancestor but as a frenzied consciousness split from the real Qi Liandao, with a body patched together from the blood of various celestial demons. "Human cultivator, mere dirt and rubble!" His hostility towards Wang Xuan was palpable, stemming not just from the numerous shes he''d endured but also from the humiliating intent to behead him. "Stay quiet, or you''ll regret it. It''ll be a miserable end," Wang Xuan responded softly, his gaze cutting through the tension. Qi Liandao''s murderous re could kill, but he was also internally panicking, sensing the genuine danger emanating from Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan surveyed the group, asking inly, "We''ve had no prior grievances, right? Are you sure you want to make an enemy of me?" "Hand over the Godying Banner, and our dispute ends. From then on, we have no quarrel. I''ll leave immediately," Qu Chengdao finally spoke. "And what treasures do you have for me?" Wang Xuan asked with a smile. "A drop of celestial marrow. If you''re willing, we can make a trade," Qu Chengdao replied coldly, ready to act. "Keep it safe; that drop of celestial marrow is mine now," Wang Xuan dered calmly, dismissing any notion of exchanging the Godying Banner for a price. The surrounding transcendent beings were dumbstruck by Wang Xuan''s audacity. Standing before several top-tier powerhouses, he showed no fear, seemingly looking down upon them from a position of strength. Not just the Blood God Ape, with boundless killing intent, but even Qu Chengdao''s face darkened at Wang Xuan''s words, mistaking his offer to trade as a demand for his life in exchange for the celestial marrow. "What treasures do you have to offer for your life?" Wang Xuan turned his gaze to Qi Liandao, highlighting the madness of demanding tributes from the demon ancestor''s progeny. Zhou Qinghuang, always rxed, chimed in teasingly about her exquisite body and the two pristine souls within, questioning what more Wang Xuan could possibly desire. As the tension reached a breaking point, Qi Liandao, unable to contain his fury any longer,unched a devastating attack. Wang Xuan didn''t evade; instead, he charged forward with astonishing speed, confronting Qi Liandao head-on. A thunderous explosion silenced the area, already teeming with lightning, overshadowed by the sh''s immense force. Onlookers, stunned, fixed their gaze on the dazzling light to discover Wang Xuan unscathed, dispelling any notions of his defeat. The onlookers were astounded, struggling toprehend the scene before them. How could Wang Xuan, whose realm was believed to be in the seventh or eighth stages among mortals, withstand an attack from Qi Liandao, a powerhouse of the Xiaoyao journey level, with just one hand? "This is... defying the heavens. Isn''t he said to be in the seventh or eighth realm among mortals? Yet, he can stand up to the mighty and overpowering Qi Liandao of the Xiaoyao journey!" The crowd was speechless, their scalps tingling at the sight of such a monstrous figure. Qi Liandao''s expression darkened. Despite the significant gap and suppression between their realms, Wang Xuan was able to block his fierce punches with just one hand. "Kill!" His face turned icy. If he didn''t eliminate Wang Xuan today, he might never have another chance to kill this human anomaly. Thuds, cracks, and booming sounds echoed through the area as if thunderous explosions were constantly going off. Neither side showed any intention of backing down, with every sh of fists and palms emitting blinding beams of light and deafening roars. "Damn, we severely underestimated this human cultivator. He''s incredibly powerful, standing up to the demon ancestor''s offspring all by himself. Who else could match this state?" "The key point is, his cultivation realm is still considered low!" added another transcendent being, shocked and somewhat numb at the revtion. "This guy..." Zhou Qinghuang was also stunned, her sses nearly sliding off her delicately pointed nose, she whispered, "Mingxi, what do you think? Your body has unexpectedly fallen into his hands, hasn''t caused you any shame, has it?" The Blood God Ape''s expression fluctuated wildly. Upon seeing Wang Xuan nonchntly turn his back to him, closing in without a care, he couldn''t hold back any longer. "Acting all high and mighty, who do you think you are, daring to turn your back and approach me?" His hand, covered in red fur, formed a terrifying fist and smashed down with a force that seemed to tear the heavens and the earth apart, shaking the entire Thunder Marsh. Terrifyingly, when Wang Xuan slightly turned his body, his right fist shed with Qi Liandao, and his left hand, palm open, ferociously struck the Blood God Ape''s fist. With a thud, it was as if the firmament was about to be punctured, brilliant light burst forth, the ground shook and the mountains trembled. Wang Xuan repelled the furry giant fist of the demon ancestor''s offspring. "What difference does adding you make? Those meant to be killed, will still be killed!" Wang Xuan remained incredibly calm, engaging the Blood God Ape in his next move, daring to face two top powerhouses alone. Beside them, Qi Chengdao''s expression darkened with uncertainty. The situation had exceeded his expectations. The mortal man he intended to challenge in a Dao duel was far stronger than he had imagined, igniting a fierce killing intent within him. "Come on, if you wish to make a move, join in!" Wang Xuan beckoned at him, inviting him to the fray, ready to face three top-tier powerhouses alone. Chapter 354: Slaying A Demon Ancestor Chapter 354: ying A Demon Ancestor The vicinity was crowded with extraordinary beings who couldn''t help but gasp at the scene, their hearts surging. Wang Xuan of the human realm was about to face three top masters alone? Qi Chengdao''s face was cold, his pride preventing him from joining forces. The idea of ganging up against one opponent made him feel ashamed. What happened to the fair Dao duel they had talked about? How did it be a joint attack? "Blowing hot air, are you? I just love killing geniuses. It''ll be fun to pop your head off like a bubble!" The Blood God Ape taunted. His speed was astonishing. While he spoke, he had already turned into a streak of red light, closing in on Wang Xuan. His six hands moved in unison, dazzling with demonic light. From his thirty fingers, each shot out a crimson ray, transforming into chains of demonic gods, intertwining into a aimed at capturing Wang Xuan alive. "I think your idea is quite good. You have three heads; it''d be interesting to pluck them off one by one and stomp them into oblivion," Wang Xuan replied calmly. As he spoke, his right hand turned a pale gold, forming a sword gesture and unleashing the Chop Dao Sword technique! It wasn''t just a simple sword light that flew out. Apanied by his pale golden palm, beams of light poured down like a dense sword rain, whistling as they shed towards the Blood God Ape. This disy of skills made many onlookers inhale sharply in shock, knowing well that if it were them in the fray, they''d be utterly defeated without a fight. The golden sword rain shed with the crimson celestial, sparks flying everywhere, with many fine sword rains piercing through the''s holes, striking directly at the opponent. "Heh heh!" At this moment, Qi Liandao made his move too. With a flip of his palm, thunderous sounds erupted, as if countless meteors were falling from his hands. This was a divine technique of the demon race, reputed to be able to summon an "energy mountain" with a mere gesture, overpowering immortals. This technique was, of course, a creation of the unparalleled strong beingthe Demon Ancestor. The bystanders, a throng of superbeings, watched in utter disbelief, their hearts pounding. Wang Xuan, a mere mortal, was taking on three top powerhouses alone? Qi Chengdao''s face was frosty. The thought of three against one embarrassed him. Wasn''t this supposed to be a fair Dao duel? How could they justify ganging up on their opponent? "Blowing hot air, I do enjoy ying geniuses. It''ll be fun to crush your head like a bubble!" The Blood God Ape spoke as he transformed into a streak of red light, moving with incredible speed to confront Wang Xuan. His six hands moved simultaneously, emitting blinding demonic light. From his thirty fingers, crimson rays shot out, transforming into chains of demonic gods, weaving into a aiming to ensnare Wang Xuan alive. "I like your idea. You have three heads; plucking them one by one and crushing them sounds delightful," Wang Xuan replied withposure. As he spoke, his right hand turned pale gold, forming a sword gesture to unleash the sh Dao Sword Technique. It wasn''t just a single sword beam that flew out but a downpour of sword rain, whistling through the air, aimed at the Blood God Ape. The onlookers gasped at such techniques. Had they been in Wang Xuan''s ce, they would have been annihted instantly. The golden sword rain shed with the crimson demonic, sparks flying everywhere, with many strands of sword rain piercing through the to strike directly at the opponent. "Hehe!" Qi Liandao made his move, his hands turning over with thunderous roars, as if countless meteors fell from his palms, showcasing a demonic tribe''s divine ability to summon an "energy mountain" that could suppress immortals with a flip of the hand. This technique was indeed created by the demon ancestor himself. Unfazed, Wang Xuan''s entire being shone brightly, a soft light curtain rising around him, forming a domain where he stood unassable. But this was not for defense; it was for a more aggressive approach. The light curtain, based on a technique from a golden bamboo scroll of the pre-Qin sorcerers, built an energy reservoir, acting like reflective light. Despite the demon ancestor''s offspring''s impressive technique, countless energy meteors converged into mountains, flying towards Wang Xuan to suppress him. Boom, boom, boom! The drumbeats of ancient godly wars seemed to echo as Wang Xuan''s light curtain withstood the energy meteors, beginning to absorb them. The curtain acted like a mirror, adhering to supermaterial, devouring it greedily. In moments, it zed fiercely, with lightning coursing over it and mes burning intensely. Then, the light curtain rapidlypressed, concentrating in front of his left hand, transforming into a soft mirror light. Qi Liandao''s techniquethe energy mountainwas all absorbed into the gentle mirror light and vanished. Simultaneously, Wang Xuan''s right hand''s sword rain shed and collided with the Blood God Ape''s demonic, with sparks flying and the breaking. Suddenly, Wang Xuan shifted, shing towards Qi Liandao with the sh Dao Sword, then directing the mirror light towards the Blood God Ape. In the hissing sounds, the sword qi surged, the dense sword rain left Qi Liandao, who had just unleashed his technique and was preparing a new attack, somewhat in disarray as he quickly adapted, narrowly avoiding being struck. Wang Xuan''s left hand, with its gentle mirror light, emitting a pale golden brilliance, flowing with a hazy light, then shot out heaps of energy meteors from within, all smashing towards the Blood God Ape, turning into a massive energy mountain, pressing him down. "Monkey, suppressed for five hundred years!" Wang Xuan chuckled. The Blood God Ape, caught by therge, struggled against the overwhelming energy mountain piled on by Wang Xuan, who concentrated his own power into Qi Liandao''s summoned energy mountain, burying the red-furred ape with a thunderous crash. The Blood God Ape glowed all over, attempting to burst the energy mountain apart. Wang Xuan, ignoring Qi Liandao for the moment, danced his pale golden right hand in the air, the sh Dao Sword slicing towards the ape''s head. "The audacity of this man..." Zhou Qinghuang muttered, nearly dropping her sses from her delicate, upturned nose. She whispered, "Mingxi, what do you think? Your body ended up in his hands unexpectedly, but at least you weren''t disgraced, right?" Blood God Ape''s expression fluctuated between dark clouds and clear skies. Upon seeing Wang Xuan''s utter disregard, turning his back to him as he drew near, he could no longer contain himself. "Who do you think you are, turning your back on me?" His hand, covered in red fur, clenched into a terrifying fist and smashed down with a force that seemed to split heaven and earth, shaking the entire Thunder Marsh. To everyone''s astonishment, as Wang Xuan slightly turned, his right fist shed with Qi Lian Dao''s, while his left hand, shaped like a palm, fiercely struck at the Blood God Ape''s fist. With a thunderous sound, it seemed as if the heavens were about to be pierced, and amidst dazzling light, Wang Xuan shockingly repelled the mighty fist of the Blood God Ape''s offspring. "What difference does one more make? Those who must be in will be in!" Wang Xuan said calmly, engaging the Blood God Ape inbat alongside fighting two other top-notch opponents, single-handedly. Qi Cheng Dao''s expression turned gloomy as the situation exceeded his expectations. The human he intended to challenge for supremacy was far stronger than he imagined, provoking a surge of killing intent within him. "Come, if you wish to fight, thene!" Wang Xuan gestured to him, inviting him into the fray, ready to face three of the pinnacle masters alone. Nearby, a host of transcendent beings gasped at the scene, witnessing Wang Xuan, a mere human, daring to confront three mighty figures alone. Qi Cheng Dao''s face turned cold, struggling with the indignity of potentially ganging up three against one. He found it embarrassing, far from the fairpetition he envisioned. "Blow all the hot air you want. I relish killing geniuses. Plucking your head off and stomping it to burst will surely be amusing," the Blood God Ape sneered. His speed was incredible; as he spoke, he had already dashed towards Wang Xuan in a blur of red, his six arms casting a dazzling yoke of demonic light, attempting to ensnare Wang Xuan in a trap of divine chains. "I think your idea''s not bad. You have three heads; plucking them one by one and stomping them to burst," Wang Xuan responded calmly as he prepared his counterattack with a golden hand, unleashing a sword technique that turned his palm into a torrent of sword rain, aiming straight for the Blood God Ape. The two''s sh startled many onlookers, who realized they would have been easily defeated in their ce, with no chance of survival. The golden sword rain met the Blood God Ape''s red, sparking fiercely and breaking through the to strike directly at the opponent. "Hey hey!" Qi Lian Dao joined the fray, his movements creating a thunderous sound as if celestial bodies were falling from his palms. This was a divine technique of the demonic race, capable of summoning an "energy mountain" to suppress all beings, a technique pioneered by the Demon Ancestor himself. Wang Xuan stood unafraid, his body shimmering as he conjured a soft light barrier around him, turning it into a domain where he was invincible. This was not for defense but for a more effective offense, using a technique from ancient scrolls to build an energy reservoir, reflecting and absorbing attacks. The showdown between these titans of power left everyone in awe, as Wang Xuan held his own against the onught, turning the tables on his assants with strategic brilliance and unmatched might, daring to challenge the supremacy of the realm''s fiercest beings. The Blood God Ape was horrified, not because Wang Xuan had blocked his six broad energy des, but because of the high-grade red mist that transformed into thunder and fire, unsettling him deeply. With a bizarre cry, he flipped backward, leaving behind streaks of blood-colored afterimages as he moved at an unbelievable speed throughout the Thunder Marsh. Wherever he passed, the ground exploded, and the void was filled with light. Despite his swift movements, he was significantly impacted, with many parts of his body covered in lightning, crackling intensely. His face darkened as he realized... he was losing fur again. Some areas turned scorched and bloody, dripping with fresh blood, tarnishing his dignity. Only then did he seriously acknowledge the human''s formidable strength, understanding that he needed to exert his full power to stand a chance; otherwise, he might be killed in retaliation. His mood soured to the extreme, irritated that a human of a lower realm forced him into a life-or-death struggle for victory. He felt an urge to curse out loud. "You go, kill him for me!" the Blood God Apemanded, ordering some demonic cultivators to eliminate Chen Yongjie, visibly displeased with the rebel. "Who dares move?" Wang Xuan spoke up, his gaze deterring the group of demons, causing many to retreat, unwilling to meet his stare. Then, turning to the Blood God Ape, Wang Xuan dered, "It seems I''ll have to start with you." The red-haired giant ape, unable to tolerate the repeated setbacks and constantly being at a disadvantage, urgently sought to assert his dominance by killing his opponent with a show of overwhelming force. The aura of the Blood God Apepletely transformed, his body growing significantly, from over two meters to more than ten meters tall, without employing any transformational techniques. His physical form underwent a dramatic change purely from a surge in his true energy. Simultaneously, his snout and deep-set eye sockets became more pronounced, and most shockingly, his blood-red fur seemed to ignite, bing dazzlingly bright. With a thunderous roar, all traces of red vanished from his body as golden fur erupted, transforming him into a formidable golden deity ape, with the divine rings behind his head bing even more resplendent. "The resurgence of the Demon Emperor''s bloodline?!" eximed a great demon in shock. Nearby, every supernatural being felt their hairs stand on end, stunned by the sight before them. The Blood God Ape had mutated, its strength magnified. Only those of the demonic race understood, recognizing the lineage of the Blood God Ape. In ancient times, their ancestors boasted a Demon Emperor who had once unified the demonic tribes. Throughout ancient history, there were several Demon Emperors who had shaken the realms of the immortals, invincible in their era, among them was an ape. But those days had long passed, and the contemporary age revered the Demon Lords and the Demon Ancestors. "You''ve really done it now, forcing me to reveal my second true form!" The Blood God Ape, tinged with irritation, had intended this form as a surprise to eliminate powerful enemies like the demonic Four at crucial moments. Of course, he wouldn''t hesitate to turn on the offspring of the Demon Ancestor or Qu Chengdao if the opportunity arose, aiming for a lethal strike. Now, he had no choice but to disy his most formidable state, his frustration and helplessness evident in not being able to subdue this human youth. "This is a bloodline akin to the Demon Emperor himself, indeed, the Blood God Ape''s potential is boundless!" Many from the demonic race were exhrated. "Move out, let''s kill that traitor, eliminate that demonic scoundrel!" A portion of the demonic race, buoyed by the resurgence of the Demon Emperor''s bloodline, felt their morale soar. "Come then, I am the Demon Emperor, standing here to annihte you all!" Chen Yongjie, facing the approaching crowd, showed no fear, instantly irking them. Especially the Blood God Ape, a descendant of the Demon Emperor himself, who could not stand to be taken advantage of. "Kill!" The Blood God Ape, enveloped in surging golden light and significantly stronger in his second true form, unleashed a chaotic and earth-shattering punch from the Demon Emperor''s scriptures. In an instant, thend of the Thunder Marsh cracked open, all lightning absorbed by his golden power. Qu Chengdao''s pupils constricted. As a direct descendant of the Demon Ancestor, he had a deep understanding of the ancient Demon Emperors. Yet, he remained expressionless, resolved to join the fray, convinced that if this human anomaly wasn''t eliminated now, he would be an insoluble threat in the future. He struck instantly, and in a sh, the area was overwhelmed by demonic energy as the two powerful beings of the demonic race went berserk, overshadowing Wang Xuan''s presence. Puff, puff, puff! "Bloodline of the Demon Emperor awakened?!" a demon eximed in shock. Nearby, all the extraordinary beings felt a chill run down their spines, stunned by the sudden turn of events. The Blood God Ape had mutated, growing even stronger. Only the demons truly understood, being familiar with the Blood God Ape''s lineage. In ancient times, their ancestors had seen the rise of a Demon Emperor who had unified the demon races. During the primordial era, several Demon Emperors had shaken the heavens, invincible in their time, among them a monkey. But those days had long since passed, and now the titles of Demon Lord and Demon Ancestor were held in the highest regard. "You really are something, forcing me to reveal my second true form!" The Blood God Ape, annoyed, had nned to use this trump card against the formidable Demon Four in a critical moment to strike unexpectedly. Of course, against the progeny of the Demon Ancestor and others like Qi Chengdao, he wouldn''t hesitate to strike fiercely if the opportunity arose. Now, forced into a corner, he had no choice but to reveal his most powerful state, frustrated and helpless at not being able to defeat this human youth otherwise. "This is a bloodline akin to that of a Demon Emperor, indeed, the potential of the Blood God Ape is boundless!" Many demons were exhrated. "Go, kill that turncoat, take down that demonically whimsical fellow!" Some demons, emboldened by the resurgence of the Demon Emperor''s bloodline, boosted their morale tremendously. "Come at me, for I am the Demon Emperor, standing here, ready to annihte you all single-handedly!" Chen Yongjie, unfazed by the approaching crowd, provoked a wave of irritation among them. Especially the Blood God Ape, a descendant of the Demon Emperor, how dare that wretch take advantage of him? "Kill!" The Blood God Ape, now surging with golden light and significantly stronger in his second true form, unleashed chaos with his Heavenly Shaking Fist from the Demon Emperor''s manual. The ground of the Thunder Marsh cracked open, all lightning absorbed by his golden power. Qi Lian Dao''s pupils contracted. As a scion of the Demon Ancestor, he had a deep understanding of the ancient Demon Emperors, but he remained expressionless. Determined, he joined the assault, convinced that the human anomaly before them must be eliminated now or never. He too, struck out in an instant. The demonic aura soared to the heavens as the two mighty demon forces went berserk, dimming Wang Xuan''s light. Puff, puff, puff! Chen Yongjie, facing eighth and ninth stage demon cultivators, unleashed dazzling sword lights from his ck longsword, decapitating three heads in an instant, disying remarkable bravery. But Qi Chengdao, with a smile, slowly approached, stepping forward. At the same time, Zhou Qinghuang also made her move, as the indignant Gu Mingxi within her sought to regain control of her body. On the battlefield, Wang Xuan''s expression shifted slightly. He took a deep breath, having hoped to keep some trump cards hidden, but now he had to reveal them to swiftly alter the tide of battle. He circted the stone tablet scriptures, resonating flesh and spirit with secret forces, activating all his potential. Surrounding him, specks of light envisioned from the golden bamboo scripts in ancient sage texts burst forth in dazzling brilliance. Engaged in fiercebat with the two powerhouses, he released super-energy substances tinged with red, diverting their focus. Hum! The void trembled lightly, and as light rain boiled, he seized this chance to silently deploy a newly acquired ability. Intricate patterns in the depths of his eyes swiftly spread, locking down the space ahead, trapping the golden deity ape. The Blood God Ape, terrified and roaring, struggled violently against the mysterious patterns slicing through his flesh, facing unteral ughter. "Demon Emperor''s physicalw!" He unleashed a mental roar, an incantation resonating, invoking the imminent appearance of the Demon Emperor''s physicalw to avoid being in in this confined space. At the same moment, Qi Lian Dao felt a chill, sensing something amiss. Without hesitation, heunched a full-force attack on Wang Xuan, aiming to disrupt the astonishing patterns before his eyes and block the area. Qi Chengdao elerated, shrinking the distance like aet rushing towards Chen Yongjie, intent on killing him to retrieve Gu Mingxi''s body. Wang Xuan, going all out, faced interference with his patterns and the emergence of the Demon Emperor''s physicalw, indeed making his strike less effective. Yet, he had no regrets. Utilizing thest of his eye patterns to momentarily restrain the Demon Emperor''s physicalw, he unleashed the sh Dao Sword with full force, charging forward to execute a direct strike. In the midst of dazzling sword light, Qi Lian Dao tried to block, but a terrifying wound opened on his shoulder, causing his body to stagger. The golden God Ape roared to the heavens, forcefully breaking free from the binding and lethal entanglement of mystical patterns in the confined space. His strength was undeniable; he managed to dodge a major cmity. Yet, with a "puff," he was still decapitated. The sh Dao Sword came down as Wang Xuan charged past, and a massive golden head rolled onto the ground. Simultaneously, Wang Xuan traversed the skies, almost as if flying, catching up to Qi Cheng Dao. Sword light enveloped him like rain. "The Golden God Ape''s head has fallen?!" The crowd was shocked, and a sense of fear crept into the hearts of all yao beings present. Zhou Qinghuang also stopped in her tracks, taken aback. "Come on, as I said, I''m taking you three on by myself!" Wang Xuan dered, his sword cutting off any retreat, engulfing Qi Cheng Dao in endless sword qi Chapter 355: Slaying The Powerful Chapter 355: ying The Powerful Qi Cheng Dao''splexion changed slightly as he turned around to see the golden head of the Blood God Ape falling to the ground, truly shocked. The battle had barely started, and already a head was lost? With his path blocked, he clearly couldn''t target Chen Yongjie anymore. In fact, Old Chen appeared calm, as if he was prepared, his expression unchanging. "Fine, since you block my way, let''s battle!" Qi Cheng Dao dered. Putting himself in their shoes, he didn''t believe he could stand alone against both the Blood God Ape and Qi Lian Dao. Such thoughts made him somewhat disheartened, involuntarily sighing. "Who dares to contend, kill!" Chen Yongjie raised his sword, making his move. At this point, he had no issues facing transcendent beings of the eighth and ninth stages. In an instant, four or five demons were in, blood sttered everywhere, shocking others into retreating, not daring to recklessly assault anymore. Mainly because the Blood God Ape had suffered a major loss, just as he showcased his Yo Emperor''s body, only to be decapitated, causing their morale to plummet. At this moment, the Blood God Ape, covered in dazzling golden fur, stood rigidly in ce, towering and magnificent like the sun, but silent, only roaring after a moment. He had taken the field in his strongest battle form, only to be decapitated, a heavy blow for him. He first activated his Yo Emperor bloodline, then disyed hisw body, only to end in such a tragic fate. Deep down, he couldn''t ept it, believing he had been careless, trapped in an unknown space, immobilized, which led to his decapitation. sword energy surged, filling the sky, the void interwoven with sword lights from Wang Xuan and Qi Cheng Dao, creating a chilling spectacle, dense with sword rain. Qi Cheng Dao was forced back, reluctantly joining the fray. At this moment, there was no room for embarrassment; the priority was to eliminate the opponent. He realized profoundly that in this depleted era, those who could reach this level were incredibly unique. Most importantly, Wang Xuan had the capacity to suppress them at a lower realm! What kind of existence would such a person be once they grew? At the very least, they would be revered as a supreme ancestor! Not just that, Qi Cheng Dao shifted his thoughts further, even calling out to Zhou Qinghuang, "Join us, help Ming Xi regain her body." "I''ll just watch." Zhou Qinghuang shook her head, truly astounded by the turn of events The three top experts, with their remarkable origins, found themselves suppressed by someone of a lower realm, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Caution seemed like an understatement. The Blood God Ape, covered in golden fur, shimmered instantly, as if engulfed in the zing sun''s mes, his murderous intent boundless. Enduring the intense pain, his four eyes on two heads red furiously. Suddenly, four golden beams shot from his eyes, nging like celestial swords, swirling with strange runes, targeting Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan, unfazed, stood firm in the center,unching a counterattack with his Featherization Fist. His hands alone shattered the beams amidst the blinding light. "Come on, let''s join forces to take him down!" Qi Cheng Dao urged quickly, looking towards the offspring of the Demon Ancestor, himself unleashing a secret technique. His forehead glowed, a sign of the Pure Yang Bone within, marked with traces of rules. If it were to fully mature, it would be a Dao Bone. Otherwise, the ancestor of Celestial Immortals, Qi Teng, wouldn''t have favored this descendant so much, dedicating himself to his cultivation for his boundless potential. Qi Cheng Dao''s forehead shone brilliantly, revealing a divine chart formed entirely from Pure Yang energy, adorned with runes and possessing immense deterrence. "Wow, that''s powerful, my soul almost destabilized!" someone eximed, feeling intimidated by Qi Cheng Dao''s aura even from a distance. Wang Xuan''s eyes flickered with intricate patterns, swiftly weaving a to lock down the space ahead. With a bang, the so-called divine chart was torn apart in their fierce sh, like a precious ancient painting or a masterpiece ruthlessly destroyed by brute force. Qi Cheng Dao grunted in pain, his forehead throbbing as a few drops of red and gold blood trickled down. Staggering back, he formed hand seals. In this drained era, his Pure Yang Bone didn''t give him an edge, unable to fully manifest the power of rules, leaving only remnants. He resorted to using the supreme techniques of the ancestor of Celestial Immortals. Beside them, the offspring of the Demon Ancestor, Qi Lian Dao, finally made his move. He had been observing Wang Xuan for a short while, not to challenge immediately but to gauge how formidable Wang Xuan truly was. Feeling the weight of the situation, hemenced his full-force assault. "Even in the bygone ancient eras, a human cultivator like you would have been considered an extraordinary monster. Sadly, myths decay, and you won''t reach those heights. To survive this great cmity and endure the winter, I must seize the God-ying Banner from you!" the son of the Demon Ancestor, Qi Lian Dao, dered. Then, his craziness fully erupted, with a grin on his face, his snow-white teeth gleaming, and his thick hair fluttering. He waved his hands, and a page of golden scripture appeared, unleashing dense ancient characters that pressed down towards Wang Xuan. This wasn''t a secret treasure, but the Demon Ancestor''s heart sutra, capable of materialization, which he cast forth with a wave of his hand. The air was filled with demonic light, and the characters from the golden scriptures flew out, each erging to the size of small hills, thundering and glowing as they plummeted down. Wang Xuan stood undaunted, striking each massive character with his fists, causing loud booms that almost tore everyone''s eardrums. These demonic characters, each with a tangible presence as if forged from metal into small mountains, were vast and intimidating. Just the sight of them was enough to chill one''s spine, and their actual power was even more terrifying. Some characters, upon hitting the ground, created bottomless pits and ck crevices that spread far and wide. All onlookers were astounded by such demonic script. Merely one character could crush ordinary transcendents, utterly leaving no room for resistance. With so many, who could withstand? They couldn''t help but admire the Demon Ancestor''s offspring. With just one move, he employed a supreme technique, easily sweeping away numerous opponents. However, it was Wang Xuan''s performance that truly astounded the crowd. Standing in the midst of the battlefield, his fists glowing as if they were the mightiest weapons, he punched each of the flying ancient demonic characters, either deflecting them or causing them to explode. For a moment, the demonic script disintegrated into energy flows, creating a storm of transcendental matter that swept across the battlefield. The ground copsed where it passed, and nearby stone mountains crumbled like sandcastles hit by waves. "Is he really human? Such strength in his physical body, destroying the sacred texts of the demons with his bare hands!" eximed a great demon, voice trembling with awe. "Fine, you are indeed formidable. You managed to break through a page of scripture manifesting as magical energy instantly, but can you shatter an entire book of scriptures? If you win, I will concede," Qi Lian Dao shouted, his hair standing on end as his gaze sharpened, his will seemingly on the brink of madness. Before him, an entire book of scriptures unfolded, still transforming into magic. Then, the sky was filled with golden pages fluttering down, each page possessing the overwhelming power seen previously. At the same time, on each piece of scripture, a vague figure was seen sitting cross-legged. Was that a whiff of the Demon Ancestor''s aura? It faintly illuminated a corner. Seeing this, Chen Yongjie decisively took out thetest model energy cannon from a fragment of a blessednd, mounting it on his shoulder, ready to fire at any moment to support Wang Xuan, far more advanced than the energy cannon Zhou Qinghuang had. Simultaneously, Qi Chengdao was also preparing, forming celestial ancestral seals! The Blood God Ape, too, stood with its golden fur bristling, activating its ancestral blood and disying the Demon Emperor''s physicalw, menacing and intimidating, ready to reveal the secret techniques of the Demon Emperor''s hidden scriptures. The three formidable experts all deployed their trump cards,unching a joint assault on Wang Xuan in a breathtaking spectacle. Spectators felt their hearts pounding like drums, their anxiety palpable as they fixed their gazes on the battleground. Time itself seemed to freeze at that moment, suffocatingly intense. "Victory or defeat will soon be decided. Who will emerge stronger?" "If Wang Xuan prevails, this battle will indeed immortalize him among the younger generation of cultivators." Somemunicated rapidly through their spiritual minds, too afraid to even breathe out loud, their attention locked on the field of battle. "Suppress!" Qi Lian Dao roared. All the golden pages glowed brilliantly, as countless demonic script poured out, forming a vast array of attacking magic light. Wang Xuan stood tall, showing no sign of fleeing. Facing such a terrifying strike, he remained calm, his body covered in luminous patterns. Today, he hadn''t even resorted to using a single magical treasure. He wanted to test the fruits of his cultivation, to quell the aggression of those who targeted and hunted him, or else there would be no end to it. After all, even Buddha speaks of bnce; behind the gentle gaze of a Bodhisattva, there also lies the furious eyes of a Vajra. "Boom!" Sword light soared to the heavens. From every pore of his body, beams of sword light burst forth, turning him into an unstoppable edge; he became a wheel of swords. At this moment, his sword energy soared like a rainbow, like mist and clouds, like the vast and boundless ocean, elevating him into the air. He stood above the ground, charging into the golden pages, confronting the overwhelming script. Now, he stood within the sword wheel, shining like the sun at noon, illuminating everything with sword light. This was a supreme technique from the sh Dao Sword Scripture inscribed on the golden bamboo slip he practiced in the ethereal void while mining meteorites. Wherever the sword wheel passed, nothing could withstand its might; all demonic sacred texts were cleaved apart. As for the golden pages fluttering through the sky, the supreme scripture created by the Demon Ancestor, they too were shed into pieces, incinerated, turning into ash that filled the air. The Demon Ancestor''s scripture, unable to materialize any longer, was obliterated by the sh Dao Sword! Puff, puff, puff! Dozens, hundreds of sword lights flew from Wang Xuan, transformed into a sword wheel, piercing through Qi Lian Dao''s body, nailing him to the ground, blood everywhere. Anyone else would have died, yet Qi Lian Dao was still alive, even some wounds were healing. "My lord!" Many demonic cultivators called out from afar, with some rushing over. As a direct descendant of the Demon Ancestor, Qi Lian Dao naturally had followers. "Hmm?!" Wang Xuan instantly sensed something, his sword wheel glowed, directly extracting an object from Qi Lian Dao''s flesh. A wrinkled scroll, ancient in appearance and of a pale golden color, somewhat resembling the fabric of the ying God g, though far inferior in quality. Wrapped within this scroll were three petals that appeared to be... divine medicine Wang Xuan swiftly pocketed the item, standing aloft. Even as he collected it, he didn''t pause, for two formidable foes were still attacking him. The dense sword aura of the spinning sword wheel allowed him brief flight, facing off against Qi Chengdao''s celestial ancestor seal. Boom! The sword wheel shone brightly as Wang Xuan, like a golden sun crossing the sky, unleashed countless sharp sword beams, shattering Qi Chengdao''s epassing ancestor seals into oblivion, causing Qi Chengdao himself to be perforated with wounds, flung out in a spray of blood. "I concede, the celestial marrow... is yours!" he bellowed, hurling a crystal towards the sword wheel, into the onught of sword energies. Wang Xuan halted his sword, beckoned with his hand, and drew it over, inspecting it closely to confirm it indeed was a priceless treasure. "I, your grandfather, will not submit. It''s either you die or I perish!" roared the Blood Demon Ape, showing no signs of retreat. His body swelled in size, the Demon Emperor''s body seemed to stretch the very fabric of space as he transformed into a hundred zhang tall colossus, demonic energy overwhelming, his dual heads and six arms charging forward, shaking the cosmos. "For the sacred son, protect the way, let''s kill him together!" The Blood Demon Ape''s loyal followers, a portion of demonic cultivators, charged forward, fearless of death, joining in the assault. Wang Xuan, with tranquil supremacy, looked down from above. His body transformed into a sword wheel, shining like a radiant sun, his dazzling sword energy piercing through the air. He flew into the fray, where every demonic cultivator attacking was in by his sword energy, a massacre that rained blood and mud. Even the Blood Demon Ape was no exception. Despite exerting his full strength and disying the vast Demon Emperor''s body, he couldn''t withstand the might of the sword wheel. A thousand beams of sword light shone, piercing through him, a blinding sky-reaching sword energy decapitated him, his colossal body split into hundreds of pieces, falling amidst a mist Chapter 356: A Rondo Of Fairy And Demons Chapter 356: A Rondo Of Fairy And Demons High above, a radiant sun, woven from strands of sword energy, gently descended. At its core stood Wang Xuan, his form aglow with an indomitable sword light thatmanded awe. Below him, the earth was soaked in crimson, the once-mighty Blood Demon Apey defeated. Despite invoking the lineage of the Demon Emperor and manifesting its most formidable form, it met its end, overwhelmed by Wang Xuan''s might. An eerie silence enveloped the scene. Spectators were rooted in disbelief, grappling with the reality that the scion of the Demon Sage had fallen, and three titans of their age were bested single-handedly. Wang Xuan''s descent to the ground marked the dissipation of the sword wheel, a technique that, while powerful, demanded a significant toll on his reserves. He couldn''t afford to wield such power indiscriminately. Remarkably, not a trace of blood marred his figure. He emanated a sereneposure, a stark contrast to the chaos around him. Approaching the fallen Qi Lian Dao, he pondered the fate of the Demon Sage''s offspring, weighing the merits of delivering the final blow. His expression shifted subtly as he delved into Qi Lian Dao''s fading consciousness, uncovering a plot of madness and ambition. Qi Lian Dao aspired to usurp the Demon Sage himself, a testament to a mind unraveled. Wang Xuan, recognizing the depth of his insanity, opted for mercy, sparing him to sow discord among his own kin. "Distinguished Wang, please, mercy!" cried some among the demonic cultivators, their voicesced with a newfound reverence. Yet, who would dare confront him now? Wang Xuan stood unchallenged, a solitary figure of unassable strength. He uttered softly, almost to himself, "I am still not strong enough." The words hung in the air, leaving the onlookers in a state of bewildered silence. Could the man who vanquished the Blood Demon Ape and rendered Qi Lian Dao unconscious truly believe in his own inadequacy? Wang Xuan gazed down at the Demon Sage''s son, reflecting on the vast gulf thaty between aspiration and capability. "In this era, Old Zhang could effortlessly subdue him, yet I faced a battle," he mused. He sighed, a gesture of resolve rather than resignation. Aheady a path demanding relentless pursuit, a journey far from its end. Nearby, many overheard his musings, leaving them dumbfounded. Was he truly being modest, or were his expectations for himself exceedingly high? "Who is heparing himself to? Do you know?" someone inquired, their awe for the man who single-handedly bested a trio of titans mingled with curiosity about the individual he mentioned. "Some specte it''s Zhang Daoling. There were whispers about something happening on a spaceship..." another whispered. Silence fell upon the crowd, pondering the possibility of Wang Xuan measuring himself against a legendary figure incarnate in the mortal realm. "Don''t doubt it. If he continues on this trajectory, once his realm ascends, he might well stand shoulder to shoulder with those who are revered as ancestors," someone else added. On the other side, Qi Chengdao was not faring well. As one of the referenced, and a loser in this encounter, he found the discussion particrly disheartening. "Apes, madmen, oranges... they all peak at the firstyer of the Xianxia realm, while I''m at theplete eighth level in the mortal realm, two whole levels apart. Well, that''s not too bad. I''ve still got untapped potential. Once our realms align, perhaps I could match Old Zhang, making them call me ''uncle'' with a mere grip," Wang Xuan mused to himself, his spirits not so "heavy" anymore, buoying himself. He spected that Zhang Daoling must have been of a higher realm when he subdued the madman, which brought a smile to his face again. Qi Chengdao, hearing this, felt like he had been stabbed in the heart, his misery deepening. Lying there motionless, he wished he could just pass out. But survival instincts forbade feigning death. Seeing Wang Xuan approach, his bitterness intensified. He hastily exined, "I bear you no grudge, and I''ve given you the Celestial Marrow." Wang Xuan nodded, "I keep my word. Since you''ve offered me the Celestial Marrow, I won''t go back on mine." He then walked towards Zhou Qinghuang, who, in her professional attire and with her slender figure, looked every bit the modern urban woman. Pushing up her sses on her refined nose, she exuded calm. "Wang Xuan, I''m d I saw potential in you from the start. We were on the same side," Zhou Qinghuang said with a gentle smile, her demeanor poised and contrasting sharply with her appearance without sses. "Thank you for your recognition, but why did you rush over there just now?" Wang Xuan asked, nodding towards where Chen Yongjie and the blood pool were located. "Ming Xi was worried her body would be destroyed in the battle, so she wanted to protect it," Zhou Qinghuang replied, her voice soft and serene. Wang Xuan nodded, "Since Gu Mingxi''s soul is within you, it''s perfect. Hand her soul over to me, so we can make her whole again." Zhou Qinghuang brushed her hair back, caution in her tone, "You''re not nning to y her with one strike, are you?" She was wary; after all, Wang Xuan had a history of being ruthlessly straightforward. There was a close call earlier when he nearly dismembered Gu Xianzi''s physical form. "You intended to gift her to me, to deal with as I see fit," Wang Xuan said with a smile. Within Zhou Qinghuang''s body, Gu Mingxi''s soul was fuming, practically wanting to strangle Zhou Qinghuang''s soul. Wang Xuan suspected they had been performing a double act earlier, trying to trap him and take him down, but he hesitated to use Zhou Qinghuang outright without proof. Sighing, Zhou Qinghuang said, "Gu Xianzi has been making a fuss, crying and threatening to hang herself for her body back. I''m nearly driven mad by her, and her powerful family behind the scenes has been warning me. So, Brother Wang, I apologize for reneging on my word and must take her body back." "She once attacked me, making her my enemy. In my eyes, she''s either to be executed or sent to theb for dissection. Alternatively, like the madman and the orange, she can buy her life with celestial medicine or marrow. I can''t simply let an enemy go free. I hope you understand and don''t put me in a difficult position." Inside Zhou Qinghuang''s body, Gu Mingxi''s soul and Zhou Qinghuang engaged in a fierce argument. "Zhou Qinghuang, look at the mess you''ve made. Why didn''t you offer yourself instead?" Gu Mingxi''s soul raged within Zhou Qinghuang''s body. "Ming Xi, I think he''s quite decent. Why not take this opportunity to reunite with your body and stay by his side? It seems like a good idea to me," Zhou Qinghuang suggested gently. "Zhou Qinghuang, I''ll fight you on this! Do you want to see me get chopped up by him? To watch my unparalleled beauty turn to dust and bones?" Gu Mingxi''s spirit was furious. Amidst the turmoil of soulful lights within Zhou Qinghuang, she eventually conceded, deciding to offer a potent spiritual medicine in exchange for Gu Xianzi''s body. As Zhou Qinghuang''s focus returned, she saw Wang Xuan tucking Gu Xianzi under his arm, gathering the spoils of war, ready to leave. "Ah..." Gu Mingxi''s soul shed with Zhou Qinghuang''s again. "What are you ''ahhing'' about? He''s already touched and held you while escaping, not to mention whatever happened at the bottom of the blood pool!" Zhou Qinghuang retorted. ... Satisfied with the spiritual medicine he received, Wang Xuan found it extremely beneficial, capable of aiding in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks. Then, Mo Si arrived, a strikingly handsome youth with formidable strength, not only a core figure among the fourth generation of demonic cultivators but also unmatched among his peers. "Are you alright?" he inquired of Wang Xuan, showing genuine concern. The crowd was speechless, expecting a showdown but instead saw theme together. If these two joined forces, who could stand in their way? "I''m fine," Wang Xuan responded, aware of Mo Si''s misunderstanding but choosing not to correct it, letting him specte. Mo Si nodded, expressing a sense of kinship with Wang Xuan and offered his help for future endeavors before departing on his own. The onlookers remained silent, astonished at the turn of events. "Let''s go," Wang Xuan signaled. Chen Yongjie, shrouded in demonic aura and still unting his demonic stature, knew some might have guessed his identity "Ha ha, this Demon Emperor shall take his leave too!" heughed heartily as he departed. Who could dare to stop him? At least, their generation seemed powerless to halt that human anomaly. Qi Lian Dao''s eyes slowly opened, his frenzied heart quieting down. Strictly speaking, he felt more embarrassed than Qi Chengdao, for his true age was indeed significant. Compared to him, others were merely the younger generation, otherwise, their physical bodies couldn''t have been brought over. His defeat was humiliating. When he internally examined himself and realized the crumpled beast skin was gone, he let out a terrible scream and passed out once again. "I''ve been mingling among the demon race and came across some crucial information. There''s possibly a decaying medicinal garden located in the spiritual world, which might contain celestial herbs!" When alone, Old Chen transmitted this message, revealing that Blood God Ape had been searching for it, nning to find and infiltrate it. Wang Xuan was astonished. Chen Yongjie truly had a knack for finding celestial herbs, just like how he doggedly visited various secret vaults and pored over rare texts to unearth the Nine Tribtions Sky Lotusst time. "Ha, this Demon Emperor shall take his leave too!" heughed heartily, following them into the distance. Who would dare to stop him? At least, their generation seemed powerless to halt the march of this human anomaly. Qi Lian Dao slowly opened his eyes, his frenzy cooling down. Strictly speaking, he felt more embarrassed than Qi Chengdao because his true age was indeed significant. Unlike the others, who were rtively younger sessors, he was from an older generation. To have been defeated so miserably... When he discovered the crumpled piece of beast skin was missing, he let out a scream and passed out once again. "I''ve mingled among the demonic tribes and havee across vital information. There might be a decayed medicinal garden located in the spiritual world, possibly containing celestial herbs!" In a secluded spot, Old Chenmunicated this to Wang Xuan, revealing that the Blood Demon Ape had been exploring recently, intending to find and breach it. Wang Xuan was astonished. Chen Yongjie truly had a knack for finding celestial herbs. Thest time, the Nine Tribtions Sky Lotus was unearthed through his relentless efforts, visiting various secret libraries and poring over rare texts until he finally dug it out. --- In the oldnds of An City, at the Cooperative Hospital, Old Zhang had mixed feelings as he held his diagnosis: a level one psychiatric patient, characterized by scattered thoughts and incoherent speech. Facing such a diagnosis, Old Zhang looked to the heavens in speechless dismay. Everything he said was the truth, yet when he attempted to diagnose the elderly doctor in return, suggesting he was getting on in years and suffering from kidney deficiency requiring rest, he was instead confirmed to be suffering from mental illness. "Do you remember where your home is? Do you need us to send you back? Don''t worry, you''re just mildly affected. With proper care, you can recover," said a few kind-hearted young people who had escorted him from the spaceship base to the hospital. Old Zhang made his escape, murmuring, "I won''t stoop to your level." Now able to move freely, he removed the copper mirror from his face and once again headed for the spaceship base outside the city. Soon after, the spaceship took off at high speed towards the outer domain. Arriving at the mysterious gateways in outer space, he revisited the ce after more than two thousand years. "Are youing too? Great, let''s go see if there''s anything alive left in the old haunts of the spectral beings. I''m not quite confident going alone." At the entrance, he received a call from Fang Yuzhu, smiling at the prospect of joining forces with a peerless powerhouse. Together, they might uncover something valuable in the spectral beings'' old den. "Ask the one in Bear Mountain, the fairy in red, if she wants toe. With the three of us together, we''d be on even firmer ground," Zhang Daoling added. In an alien space, Wang Xuan was tallying his spoils of war when he perked up at the sight of a memory crystal, a gift from the little white tiger. As he assessed its quality, "What''s that?" Chen Yongjie leaned in closer. "Don''t look. It involves great karma and concerns peerless powerhouses." Wang Xuan pushed him away, activating the memory crystal. Then he saw a woman in red with a twirling oil-paper umbre, nting rain, fluttering ck hair, and limbs stretching gracefully, legs stepping lightly - a vision of enchanting beauty. And then it ended. Just as he was getting into it, the show ended abruptly. This trickster little white tiger had Wang Xuan hooked, only for the memory crystal to cut off. There was nothing more, a ssic bait and switch by the round-faced girl. No wonder she went up against Qi Chengdao and never came back to im her rewardthe page from the psychiatric patient''s book of lore. Nursing his grievances, Wang Xuan realized he''d been duped. Well, he reflected, perhaps it was just an obsession to see that formidable fairy dance. Missing out wouldn''t cost him anything. Once more powerful, he could witness it in person. From the depths of Bear Mountain, a figure in red emerged, having received a message from Fang Yuzhu. Should she venture into outer space for a nostalgic return? Meanwhile, back at the white tiger''s den, the round-faced girl was throwing a tantrum, rolling on the ground in frustration. Her realm had been shaken, and she bit into the "tiger medicine" around her in vexation. "Forget it, let''s go find that celestial herb. Are you sure about this?" Wang Xuan asked Old Chen. "Of course, it''s reliable. Do you not realize who that ape is descended from? A great demon emperor with vast knowledge, not inferior to the descendants of the demon sovereign," Chen Yongjie confidently responded, leading the way deeper towards the boundary with the spiritual world. The ancient medicinal garden, a relic from a bygone civilization, was home to five celestial herbs at its peak. As the era of supernaturals concluded and the mythical civilization faded, the garden fell into obscurity. Whether any celestial herbs survived was uncertain. "Logically, situated within a spiritual realm, the garden should be an ideal habitat for celestial herbs, unlikely to have all perished." Old Zhang walked through the ancientnds, his heart filled with emotions. Bing an immortal just two millennia ago, yet witnessing the end of a mythological civilizationwas this truly what bing an immortal entailed? Perhaps, the true immortals within the curtain were merely the continuation of their spiritual obsessions. Historically, they had died, leaving only the seeds of resurrection dormant within their metamorphosed true bones. He moved swiftly, shrinking the ground under his feet with each step. Then... he halted, his eyes sparking with divine light. Ahead, unexpectedly, three fires appeared, with scripture pages fluttering down upon each... "The infamous Three Haunting Fires?" Zhang Daoling''s expression shifted dramatically. He had just entered and was already targeted? Chapter 357: Banner Of Severence Chapter 357: Banner Of Severence Old Zhang, walking through this ancientnd, pondered deeply. Just two thousand years into his ascension, and a mythical civilization was nearing its end. Was this truly what bing an immortal was about? Perhaps, the true immortals within the curtain were merely the continuation of their spiritual obsessions. The historical figures were all dead, leaving only the seeds of revival dormant within their feathered true bones. He moved swiftly, shrinking the ground under his step, until... he suddenly halted, divine light flickering in his eyes as three distinct fires appeared abruptly before him, each with scriptures fluttering above them... "The infamous Three Haunting Piles?" Zhang Daoling''s expression changed repeatedly. Had he been targeted as soon as he entered? "Based on the Blood God Ape''s frequent locations and territories, I can roughly guess the probable spots, though it''s not entirely urate," Chen Yongjie led the way, showcasing his knack for navigation. Recently, he''d mingled with the demon cultivators, blending in to learn all about the red-furred ape''s whereabouts. The thousand-meter-tall fire maple trees zed like clusters of mes. This area was perilously inhabited by a flock of mad birds known as Sawtooth Birds. Blending perfectly with the fiery forest, these red creatures, armed with gigantic saw-like beaks, would dive at any human on sight. These beings possessed the strength of the initial stages of the Xianxia realm, and ordinary supernaturals could only flee upon encountering them, or else be torn apart. "This alien space is peculiar; why have all the beasts and birds gone mad?" Since their arrival, they hadn''t encountered a single creature with its sanity intact, crazier even than Qi Lian Dao, devoid of self-awareness. As they journeyed, Wang Xuan continued to sort through his spoils, casually tossing a crystal containing a drop of Celestial Marrow to Chen Yongjie. "This is too precious; you should keep it," Old Chen, feeling the item''s immense value, attempted to return it. "Keep it. I still have petals of celestial herbs," Wang Xuan insisted, unfazed. In the Void, where the Pool of Life existed along with near-real supernatural substances, enduring torturous trials always yielded greater rewards for him than anything else. epting it, Chen Yongjie treasured the gift. Wang Xuan cringed internally, recalling Qi Chengdao''s method of absorbing the marrow directly with his mouth, a rather distasteful sight, mainly because Qi Chengdao deemed the Celestial Marrow too precious to waste even a drop. "What''s this beast skin? Could it really be rted to the Banner of Severence?" Wang Xuan examined the wrinkled hide, intrigued by its potential connection. He remembered, the first time he encountered Qi Lian Dao, his Godying Banner had reacted oddly, and the expression on the face of the Demon Ancestor''s second son seemed to hint at something. Wang Xuan waved the wrinkled beast skin like a handkerchief in his hand towards the distance, but the passing demon cultivators showed no reaction. It wasn''t until a momentter, upon seeing the two of them, that they hurriedly sped their fists, smiling warmly and showing great enthusiasm and respect. "Is it not the Banner of Severence? Am I overthinking?" Wang Xuan frowned. Eventually, he still took out the Godying Banner, pressing the wrinkled beast skin against it, wanting to carefullypare and observe. "Hmm?!" A golden grid appeared, and the pale gold beast skin along with the ancient g surface both glowed, sticking together seamlessly without any dramatic or earth-shattering aura. It wasn''t a docking but a merging, as if they were two sides of the same coin, except the pale gold beast skin shrank, covering only half the size of the g surface. Wang Xuan was stunned, holding up the small g, looking at it over and over again. Had it really just automatically merged? Unfortunately, the newly acquired beast skin seemed iplete, possibly a fragment of the Banner of Severence. "But that''s not right, even ifplete, this beast skin seemscking, it doesn''t quite have the same Dao rhyme as the Godying Banner. Could it be a substitute part of the Banner of Severence?" He examined it repeatedly; the Godying Banner looked worse for wear, as if patched up, quite unattractive. "Can it actually self-repair with suitable materials? Will it absorb them?" Chen Yongjie came closer, equally curious. "Ah..." In the distance, the demon cultivators they had just seen were fleeing for their lives, one of them bitten in half by a huge, fiery red Sawtooth Bird. The bird''s beak was terrifying, more daunting than a chainsaw, dripping blood in mid-air. "I pay my respects to your kin!" Chen Yongjie turned back, his expression changing. Those demon cultivators had attracted at least eight Sawtooth Birds, all of them early-stage Xianxia realm monsters, mad birds that killed on sight. pping their wings, they stirred up gales, howling as they came, breaking the thousand-meter-tall trees continuously, quite intimidating. Puff, puff, puff! The demon cultivators didn''t get far before they were sessively killed, their bodies severed by the mad birds'' saw-like beaks "Here theye!" Chen Yongjie hoisted an energy cannon, and with a thud, hit a Sawtooth Bird, sending feathers flying and blood sttering. "No good, they''re too fast to hit urately, let''s run!" He packed up the energy cannon and turned to flee. Despite his strength, he knew he couldn''t defeat creatures of the Xianxia realm. "Let me try!" Wang Xuan showed a keen interest, ready to test the modified Godying Banner. His own power was already formidable enough to take on these frenzied birds solo. "Be careful. Killing a few might draw the entire flock!" Chen Yongjie warned. Wang Xuan nodded, wielding the patched-up Godying Banner. With a gentle wave towards the eight crimson birds, a golden grid spread out and intertwined through the air. "Puff, puff, puff..." The effect was explosively good, shockingly so. Cracks appeared on the bodies of the eight strange birds in the sky, blood oozed out, some had half their heads severed by the grid, hearts were shredded, and wings broken. Their physical bodies were severely damaged, most importantly, their souls were shaken out and disintegrated by the golden grid. "Wow, this g is incredible!" Chen Yongjie was astounded. Those were eight early-stage Xianxia realm frenzied birds, just like that, dead. Even though Wang Xuan was strong enough to kill them on his own, in Chen Yongjie''s view, the g was far more efficient, solving everything in one encounter. "What a weapon of mass destruction. If the supply of supernatural materials doesn''t run dry, having this g would be enough for self-defense, invincible from the start!" he eximed. Wang Xuan was both surprised and pleased with the oue, which was stronger than the Godying Banner alone, capable of shing the birds'' bodies and annihting their souls. Yet, he frowned, believing the beast skin wasn''t the actual Banner of Severence''s material because the effect hadn''t reached its full potential. During his research, he learned that a true Banner of Severence, upon encounter with any physical being, would disintegrate its flesh and bones, leaving nothing but ash. Just like how the Godying Banner eradicates souls, clean and No matter how it was viewed, it still seemed somewhatcking. "Herees another small group!" Chen Yongjie warned. Indeed, from the dense forest, another five Sawtooth Birds approached, transforming into streaks of blood-red light, bringing gusty winds with them. Their massive wings shattered the nearby trees as they swooped down directly. Any ordinary supernatural being would undoubtedly perish against such creatures. Puff, puff, puff! Wang Xuan tested the rudimentary replica of the Severing Body g again, causing all five frenzied birds in the sky to sustain flesh wounds, followed by the shaking out of their souls. Once the souls were exposed in mid-air, before the Godying Banner, they were likembs to the ughter, instantly obliterated by the golden grid. "Not bad," Wang Xuan nodded in satisfaction. One must be content; after all, the real Severing Body g had been missing for too long and wasn''t easy to find. Even if it was a crude copy, it must have been the work of an extraordinary powerhouse, as ordinary immortals and Buddhas wouldn''t have the qualifications to research and forge such an item. Whoosh, whoosh! The two turned and ran. Having killed two small groups of Xianxia realm frenzied birds, it was too startling a feat, and they didn''t wish to attract more Sawtooth Birds. "Are you at the eighth stage now?" Chen Yongjie asked while they were running. Wang Xuan replied, "At theplete eighth stage, ready to advance to the ninth at any moment. I''m pausing to gain more insight and will break through soon. Don''t ck off, Chen." "I... may Buddha show mercy!" Chen Yongjie wanted to curse but held back. He had watched Wang Xuan rise from a mere youngster, an ordinary enthusiast of old arts, climbing up the ranks. "I''m at the early seventh stage, indeed I must work harder." This was his sincere sentiment; otherwise, Wang Xuan would soon surpass him by two whole stages. Racing across the terrain at breakneck speed, they left the fiery red maple forest behind and entered an endless prairie, where the sky was clear, and the grass merged seamlessly with the heavens. "We''re close now, the general vicinity should be just ahead. If we''re not mistaken, a few days of searching should reveal the ancient medicinal garden," Chen Yongjie confidently led the way. After crossing the vast prairie, they were struck with awe upon encountering a strange void where the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, peaceful, and silent, resembling a picturesque painting. "That''s the spiritual world..." Wang Xuan was astonished, witnessing such a clear and vast spiritual realm for the first time. Undoubtedly, this foreign domain was special, bordering the spiritual world. At the prairie''s endy a deste Gobi, a no-man''snd that naturally merged with the spiritual world. "Astronauts, no, specters!" Wang Xuan, wary, halted promptly, hoping those wearing ancient astronaut suits, relics of a bygone era, wouldn''t notice his corporeal presence. Now, he held two notions regarding these astronaut-suited humans: one being ancient specters from a vanished age, and the other possibly rted to parallel dimensions and the future, seemingly alive yet equally elusive. Ahead, amidst the Gobi,y the wreckage of a colossal spaceship, crashed beyond repair for who knows how many years, with several ancient astronauts wandering like ghosts around it. Though Chen Yongjie couldn''t see them, a chilling sensation told him this was no benevolent ce. Eventually, without incident, Wang Xuan circumvented the area; the specters remained unaware of their presence, as per the ferryman Xu Fu''s advicewithout spiritual projection, they faced no danger. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie rapidly approached that still world, a mysterious spiritual realm resembling a painting. Suddenly, the Gobi exploded, and a figure with a silver mask emerged,unching a palm strike at Wang Xuan with incredible speed. Even with Wang Xuan''s swift reaction and timely countermeasures, the encounter left him in a cold sweat. The spiritual pressure from the assant was terrifyingly intense, nearly immobilizing him on the spot. The figure closed in instantaneously, almost tearing apart his soul and annihting his physical body in a blink. The fearsome palm strike that followed caused the void itself to boom, unleashing white waves of energy that exploded like an oceanic tempest, showcasing the attacker''s unstoppable might. Wang Xuan, surrounded by a burst of sword energy, instinctively utilized the secret technique from the Sword Path Scripturethe Sword Wheel. He rose into the air, his body radiating dazzling sword light that shot out in all directions towards the attacker. Shockingly, the person''s hand shattered the unparalleled sword lights, withstanding thousands of sword beams. A faint luminescence enveloped his body, repelling all attacks. Most rmingly, his hand reached through the Sword Wheel unscathed and grabbed towards Wang Xuan''s neck with inconceivable strength. At the same time, his forehead lit up, aiming to crush Wang Xuan with spiritual power, shaking him to the core. This move seemed intent on capturing Wang Xuan in one fell swoop, leaving no room for resistance. Chen Yongjie was astounded. Who was this individual? Not long ago, he had witnessed Wang Xuan defeating three great mastersQi Chengdao, the Blood God Ape, and the descendant of the Demon Ancestor. Who else in this space could possibly pose a threat to Wang Xuan? Wang Xuan was horrified, realizing that even his seemingly invincible Sword Wheel couldn''t block this person''s attack. The strength of the assant was terrifying, and their realm was undoubtedly high. Could this be a peerless powerhouse stepping out of seclusion to intervene personally? In desperation, a short sword appeared in his right hand, known for its ability to cut through anything, even the fishing lines on the dead moon. However, when the massive hand pped the short sword, it was instantly sent flying, and the attack continued unabated towards Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan coughed up blood, feeling excruciating pain in his fist and right arm as if struck by heavenly thunder. His bones cracked, and his fingers fractured instantly, bending unnaturally as all his fingernails fell off, leaving behind a bloody mess. At this critical moment, Wang Xuan unleashed the Gldying Banner with his left hand, striking towards the attacker. He was internally shocked, almost certain that he was being intercepted by a legendary immortal or demon! Chapter 358: Undefeatable Chapter 358: Undefeatable Wang Xuan, gripping the banner in his left hand, collided its fabric with the attacker''s palm, creating a shockwave reminiscent of a small asteroid striking the earth. The explosion kicked up a blinding, umbre-shaped energy mist. The pain was unbearable. Despite wielding a legendary artifact, Wang Xuan''s left hand fractured under the impact. The flesh between each pair of his fingers split open due to the immense force, bleeding profusely. He had never faced such a formidable opponent. Even with the repaired Godying Banner in hand, the oue was brutally harsh, his entire arm spasming in pain. The assant''s palm only paused momentarily, nicked by the banner and bleeding luminous red, before striking down again with unstoppable force. The sound was deafening, like the explosion of an ascension tribtion, signaling Chen Yongjie''s intervention. Mounted on his shoulder, the energy cannon fired dozens of dazzling beams in rapid session. Some actually hit the target, impacting the mysterious figure directly. The remaining beams missed, exploding against the distant low hills of the desert and demonstrating their immense power. The silver-masked individual, struck by the beams, merely stumbled slightly, showing no significant harm. Even Chen Yongjie, usuallyposed, was left speechless, marveling at the resilience of this seemingly invincible being. The most advanced energy cannon couldn''t even phase him, let alone kill him. It became clear that the attacker, with his superior spiritual awareness, could have easily dodged the assault but chose not to, deeming it unnecessary and not wanting to waste time. This realization was horrifying. Were both he and Wang Xuan doomed to die here? This being was monstrously powerful. The silver-masked figure nced at the wound on his hand and then reached for Wang Xuan with a speed that was almost divine, moving so fast it was impossible to react in time. Wang Xuan, with his left hand gripping the g, shed against that palm, creating an impact as if a small collided with the earth, sending a blinding mushroom cloud of energy into the air. The pain was unbearable. Despite wielding a peerless treasure, Wang Xuan''s left hand fractured under the force. The flesh between his fingers split open from the powerful vibration, blood flowing freely. He had never encountered such a formidable opponent. Even with the mended Godying Banner in hand, the oue was brutally severe, causing spasms throughout his entire arm. The attacker''s palm hesitated only momentarily upon being sliced by the banner, shedding luminescent crimson blood, then swiftly descended again. "Boom!" The sound was deafening, akin to the explosion of a celestial tribtion, marking Chen Yongjie''s intervention. Shouldering an energy cannon, he fired a barrage of blinding beams. A few strikesnded squarely on the mysterious figure. Despite the power of the sts, the figure merely staggered slightly, showing no significant harm, leaving Chen speechless. Was this creature invincible to even the most advanced energy weapons? In an instant, it became clear. The attacker could have dodged the strikes but chose not to, unwilling to waste time. This realization was horrifyingwere they both doomed to perish at the hands of this monstrous being? The silver-masked figure nced at the wound on his palm and made another grab for Wang Xuan, moving with divine speed that was almost impossible to react to. Wang Xuan, his vision nearly obliterated by the oppressive force and with both arms broken, exerted hisst bit of strength to wave the Godying Banner again. This time, he sessfully activated the supercharged red substance embedded in the banner, drawn from the red twilight of the void. It was a terrifying energy that he could only refine in minute amounts, but the banner had umted much more. Chen Yongjie, gasping for breath under the overwhelming pressure and severely wounded, made a frantic effort to save Wang Xuan. His arm grotesquely twisted, sufferingplete fractures, and the energy cannon he wielded was torn apart by the mysterious force field, crashing to the ground in pieces. Chen activated a precious artifact to shield himself, emitting divine chants and wrapping himself in a robe interwoven with gold and red, attempting to block the invisible domain. But the artifact shattered, and the robe burned to ashes. Shocked by the severity of his injuries as he was thrown backward, Chen quickly employed other protective measures, barely keeping himself from being twisted into a pulp by the powerful force. Wang Xuan, pushing the Godying Banner to its limits, filled its golden grid with the red substance, repeatedly colliding with the mysterious attacker''s palm. The man with the silver mask stepped back, surprised at the sight of his own hand, which was now a blurry mess of flesh and charred ck. Even his arm was injured by the Godying Banner activated with the red substance, and golden grids along the wound sought to invade further into his body. The power of "sh Body" didn''t concern him much; it was merely an unexpected incident. He realized that the "patch" was just a crude imitation. However, the aspect of "sh God," where golden grids could invade through the wound, caught him off guard and warranted his caution. Wang Xuan, gasping for air, thought he was on the brink of death, almost overpowered by this formidable being whose strength was off the charts. This was an adversary like no other he had faced, a terrifying opponent who almost had him in a life-or-death predicament. Now, with his arms spasming and suffering multiple fractures due to the opponent''s powerful domain, his heavy armor shattered. More rmingly, even the spiritual armor protecting his soul showed cracks, with fragments falling off, indicating the sheer might of the attack that targeted both his physical and spiritual essence, nearly obliterating him on the spot. Seizing this brief respite, Wang Xuan pulled out the silver beast skin from his storage, activating and erging it to serve as a battle garment wrapped around him, which also contained umted red substance. Spiritual chains rattled, wrapping around his arms, lifting them, aligning and securing the broken bones back in ce. The man with the silver mask remainedposed. In his view, such struggle and resistance were futile against absolute power. He vanished from his spot and reappeared in front of Wang Xuan, hand pressing down again, all without using any spells, relying solely on his physical might to crush Wang Xuan, seemingly intending to capture him alive. Wang Xuan, fully alert, braced himself for the confrontation, ready to fight with all his might against the overwhelming force descending upon him. However, the man, ghost-like, vanished silently from in front of him, reappearing behind with a hand that seemed to traverse space, mming down with force. Wang Xuan, chilled to the bone, swung the banner backward in reflex. The man with the silver mask sidestepped, dodging the Godying Banner, his palm grazing Wang Xuan''s ribs and back, sending him flying as if struck by numerous bolts of lightning. Coughing up blood, Wang Xuan struggled to his feet, his left ribspletely shattered, some bones piercing into his organs, causing unbearable agony. The silver beast skin on him glowed, hundreds of mysterious symbols lighting up, emitting dense red mists of supreme substance, importantly, the symbols possessed an inexplicable, formidable power. The man nced at his hand, now ckened from the burns caused by the symbols and the red mists, showing a hint of interest as he examined the beast skin. Wang Xuan''s body trembled, his spine broken. Despite his resilience, he couldn''t withstand the man''s blows, a testament to the vast gap in their strength. In such a dire situation, an ordinary person with a broken spinal column would have been immobilized, but Wang Xuan, bloodied and battered, silently faced his foe, though his heart sank. He acknowledged the sheer might of this celestial demon, capable of annihting all formidable beings within this space on his own. Faced with such a predicament, Wang Xuan wondered if he needed to resort to using his most precious treasures. Yet, he doubted if he could even mobilize the Life-Preserving Furnace without inadvertently aiding his enemy, which would be both tragic andughable. Bright beams of light flew in as Chen Yongjie, lying on the ground in the distance, retrieved another energy cannon from the fragments of his sanctuary, controlling it with his feet to fire. Their desperate situation underlines the immense gap between their capabilities and those of their mysterious and powerful adversary, prompting them to consider every avable option, however slim their chances of sess. Despite their efforts, their attacks merely served as a distraction, causing the man in the silver mask to momentarily stagger, his body emitting a faint glow, unaffected by their assault. Chen Yongjie cursed under his breath, incredulous at their inability to harm such a monstrous foe. Seizing a moment of instability, Wang Xuan quickly essed his inner domain to clumsily lift the lid of a mystical furnace, not even daring to contemte controlling the entire artifact. In an instant, he activated the Zhanshen g, erging it and ingeniously incorporating the furnace lid into its fabric by removing and then reapplying a patch that served as a makeshift repair. This fusion of spirit and flesh, wrapped in golden threads, was executed in the blink of an eye. With his limbs aching from fractures, Wang Xuan brandished the g, now brimming with a formidable red essence, unleashing its augmented might towards his adversary. The g billowed majestically, its golden mesh saturated with the potent red substance, its power astonishing. The man in the silver mask, undisturbed by the show of force, sidestepped the attack with a cold indifference, his body flickering as he attempted to close in once more. At this critical juncture, Wang Xuan tapped into a newly acquired ability, aiming to immobilize the assant by locking down the immediate vicinity with an intricatework of patterns emanating from his eyes. Fully aware that such a formidable being could not be easily restrained, let alone vanquished single-handedly, Wang Xuan''s goal was merely to hinder his opponent''s movements momentarily. As anticipated, the man proved too powerful, easily breaking free from the spatial constraints, though his movement was momentarily less fluid than his usual instantaneous shifts. This slight dy was all Wang Xuan needed; seizing the opportunity, he swung the g with both hands, filling the air with a roaring red mist as he struck down with renewed vigor. The man remainedposed, his hands moving rapidly in a series of gestures, forming seals as if to counteract the impediment directly. For the first time, his expression shifted slightly when he made contact with the g, beginning to retreat rapidly and initiating a powerful domain as if traversing through the void. Attempting to distance himself, his palms and arms still came into contact with the g. His hands turned charred, and his arms trembled slightly, emitting sounds of misaligned bones, causing him to frown for the first time. Wang Xuan inwardlymented the missed opportunity; the g, wrapped around the furnace lid, only grazed him and failed tond a solid hit. The man''s eyes sparkled with intrigue, pondering, "This is peculiar. Could it actually be a fragment of the Zhanshen g and not merely a crude imitation?" He snapped his dislocated left arm back into ce while his right arm glowed, healing from a fracture with dense life-giving factors. Despite the blurring flesh and dripping blood from his right arm, he seemed unfazed, instead focusing intently on the g. Wang Xuan took a deep breath, facing such an adversary, the gap in their powers vast, like a child wielding a sharp de against a guarded adult. He considered activating the furnace lid recklessly, but hesitated, fearing it would miss and inadvertently gift a treasure to his opponent. If the disparity in their strengths wasn''t so pronounced, he wouldn''t be in such a dire situation. Taking another deep breath, Wang Xuan realized he had no choice but to fight with all he had, cornered with no alternatives. Suddenly, the masked man turned as if sensing something, then abruptly vanished towards the horizon. Far off, near the wreckage of a vast spaceship, an elderly astronaut''s forehead emitted a silver me, pulsing as he approached with a few specters. Chen Yongjie, puzzled and unable to see the specters without the spiritual vision, questioned the situation. Wang Xuan, with a heavy heart, exined, "Specters are approaching. Do not let your spirit wander; the leading specter seems extraordinary, possibly the king among them!" As they spoke, Wang Xuan covered Chen Yongjie with the Zhanshen g to conceal their presence, clutching tightly to the silver beast skin he wore. Both remained utterly still, silent as the grave. The figures in tattered astronaut suits, relics of countless eras washed by time, wandered aimlessly, heads bowed in contemtion. Chen Yongjie felt a chill run down his spine. Though he couldn''t see them, he sensed his spirit threatened, as if a ck hole nearby aimed to tear his soul into its depths. The lead astronaut nced their way inadvertently, lingered for a long while, then abruptly looked skyward, seemingly alerted to something. With a grave expression, he led the specters away without making any aggressive moves. "Did he notice us?" Chen Yongjie asked, his scalp tingling with fear amidst the continuous dangers surrounding them. "I don''t know," Wang Xuan replied, shaking his head. "There''s something new happening!" Chen whispered. At the horizon''s edge, Zhang Daoling appeared, fleeing wildly, piloting a corroded copper mirror across the sky like a meteor crashing into the desert. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Following closely behind him were three mysterious fires plummeting to the desert, burning not far from him, where they confronted each other as countless pages of scripture fluttered down from the sky. "Gentlemen, as the saying goes, ''All good things muste to an end.'' Let''s part ways here; take care of yourselves!" Zhang Daoling, looking utterly exhausted, bid his farewell. Wang Xuan, initially intending to greet him, shut his mouth at this spectacle. Spotting them, Zhang Daoling''s eyes brightened, and he called out with a smile, "Wang Xuan, Chen Yongjie, you''re here! Come quickly and delve into the celestial scriptures; endless fortunes await." Chapter 359: Dancing With The Evil Queen Of The Three Holy Flames Civilization Chapter 359: Dancing With The Evil Queen Of The Three Holy mes Civilization Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie remained silent. Then, with difficulty, they moved backward, quickly distancing themselves from that ce. Old Zhang was really shameless, tantly setting them up to take the fall. Wang Xuan''s spine was broken and his chest caved in. His bones pierced into his organs, his limbs fractured, and even his fingernails werepletely torn off. He left behind a trail of blood, it was indeed a pitiful sight. He had never encountered such a formidable opponent before, it was rare for him to be like this. He seriously doubted if Old Zhang could defeat him. It was very unlikely! Chen Yongjie''s mouth was filled with blood foam, his arms were twisted into a pretzel-like shape. His chest was dented, and his two arms were barely hanging on by a thread of flesh. His arms were almostpletely severed. "Everyone, dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth, let''s all disperse. Why are you guys clinging to me? If we are destined to meet, we will meet again someday. Let''s end it here today." said Zhang Daoling. Zhang Daoling turned and walked away, but three mes followed and surrounded him. They were like campfires in the night or mes of a civilization spanning across time and space. The most unsettling part was that there were vague faces emerging from the mes, staring at him nkly. As the scriptures floated down from the void, they burned and illuminated the surroundings. Zhang Daoling was blocked and was unable to break free. He was unable to kill anyone. "Old Zhang is in trouble!" Chen Yongjie transmitted his message. "Don''t worry about it, Old Zhang is a bit tricky, let''s take care of ourselves first," said Wang Xuan while treating his injuries. This time, it was too brutal for him. He counted his broken bone, and it tallied up to a total of fifty-eight bones. Eightrge holes were punctured in his internal organs, and the pain made him break out in a cold sweat that soaked his hair. As he reset his bones, he pulled them outward from his organs, and blood gushed out instantly. Crack! With a little force, the bones connecting his arms broke into many pieces again. The bones hung down weakly on both sides of his body. It left his face pale. Chen Yongjie was in a simr state. He struggled to reconnect his arms, and was sweating profusely from the pain. Then he corrected the copsed chest bones which made a series of cracking sounds that were particrly harsh to hear. "Don''t give me a chance. If I catch you one day, I''ll slowly smash you with the Big ck Sword!" Old Chen said with resentment. It was too miserable. "What''s wrong with you two?" Zhang Daoling asked. With him being trapped there, he started to show his fake concern for the two of them. "Your methods are quite simr to the unparalleled immortal or demon that was trying to kill us. Did youe up just to strangle us? Could it be you?" Wang Xuan spoke while looking at him suspiciously. Old Zhang remained calm, saying, "If it were me, would the two of you still be alive? You would''ve been crushed into two puddles of blood by me long ago." He was quite confident, as if he could control the situation. He was disregarding the top experts of the world. "I think you can''t defeat him!" Wang Xuan spoke, then proceeded to provide a detailed description of the person wearing the silver mask. With his memory projection, he revealed the mans appearance. "I don''t recognize him. It''s definitely not his true appearance, but he seems formidable. Perhaps he is truly the incarnation of an unparalleled immortal or demon." said Old Zhang. Old Zhang nodded and showed a hint of surprise, he continued, "Impressive, you have some skills. Managing to survive under the control of such a person is quite remarkable." Then, the three mes swayed, moving a few feet toward Wang Xuan''s side, which surprised Zhang Daoling. How is this possible? He also decisively moved towards that side. Seeing this, Wang Xuan signaled for Old Chen to quickly run away. That''s a bunch of pits, both literally and metaphorically. They really can''t afford to mess with it! Chen Yongjie was speechless. Old Zhang, as a senior who has achieved the Tao, do you have any shame for using your juniors as your shield? We should just hurry up and run! "Don''t run, I''m telling the truth! The Three Holy mes had existed since ancient times. Generally, it engages in philosophical discussions with people and doesn''t harm them. At most, it''ll trap you for a year or so, no, maybe just ten days or half a month!" Old Zhang shouted from behind. The two severely injured individuals ran until they reached the horizon. They ran until they could only vaguely see the three mes before stopping. The ordeal had caused more fractures, leaving them grimacing and coughing up blood. Although they didn''t want to pay attention to Old Zhang, they didn''t dare to go too far. They feared they might encounter the strong individual wearing the silver mask again. "First, let''s heal our injuries. Old Chen, you can try to advance your cultivation," Wang Xuan suggested. "I just broke through to the early stage of the Seventh Realm. I''m afraid of advancing too quickly and having an unstable foundation," Old Chen replied. After some consideration, he decided to advance toplete the Seventh Realm but not break through into the Eighth Realm. As he could deal with unpredictable dangers by enhancing his strength. Then, he began to ingest the Sky Marrow. He carefully absorbed the bright liquid from the crystal. Wang Xuan turned away, not wanting to watch. Images of Qi Cheng Dao licking the same spot would alwayse to mind. It was quite nauseating. He mobilized his vitality cell and began to repair his injuries. At that moment, silver substances rose from his Life Soil, spreading a purple mist that overflowed into his spirit and physical body. It repaired the bones and connected the tendons and meridians. He had brought back arge amount of supernatural energy substances that was close to the truth from the Solidarity Void. It was still sufficient for now. Of course, red substances shouldn''t be used for healing as they''re life-threatening. However, he still recklessly attracted a wisp from the Silver Beast Skin Scroll. He wanted to attempt body refinement in extreme conditions, so that he could break through and then establish anew. Letting himself rebirth. In the end, he wanted to smack himself twice. The ancient people are truly deceiving! What do you even mean by putting oneself in a dead-end before getting rebirth! The pain had him rolling on the ground. "Hmm, its effective, it toughened my will!" he reassured himself, resetting his bones, healing with his vitality cells. Silver light shimmered at the corners of his eyes and brows, while purple mist billowed above his head. He was eager to advance, but then he remembered that he hadn''t even stopped at the eighth stage of cultivation, let alone furthered hisprehension and understanding. It was all too hasty. "I should make good use of time to umte!" said Wang Xuan. It would be best to elevate his cultivation level in the near future. It would likely result in a life or death cmity, if he encountered that mysterious person wearing the silver mask again. "Ummm, I''ll refine a Buddha Dan, a Tao Dan, a Demon Dan, and a Mortal Dan Gathering six Golden Dan to construct the cycle of six Dan. It''s not necessary to follow the five-colored Golden Dan path. Ill need my own extraordinary framework." Chen Yongjie muttered to himself, having new ideas again. "Come on, Little Chen, I believe in you. Hurry up and join us for a discussion. It might enlighten your thinking. Do you know what these mes are? They are the mes of mythical civilization, known as the Three Holy mes!" Old Zhang called out. Chen Yongjie was genuinely moved. He wanted to elevate his cultivation level now, but he felt he wascking inprehension. If he could refine himself within those mes, and meditate for several days, perhaps there would be real gains. He was willing to risk it all for cultivation. "What Three Holy mes? What I see clearly are mes of Evil Spirit that are clustered up. Old Zhang, you''re not being fair. Are you sure this is not the Three Evil mes?!" Wang Xuan interjected. At this moment, vague figures appeared near the three mes. There were figures of men and women, old and young. They were all dancing around the mes. As for the mes themselves, each of them had a pale face that stared nkly at Zhang Daoling! And just then, amidst the Evil Spirit, a beautiful woman dressed in ancient attire appeared. She seemed to be from countless epochs ago, a primordial deity that exuded boundless enthusiasm as she reached for Zhang Daoling''s arm. She invited him to dance together. Wang Xuan widened his eyes suddenly, then he projected his consciousness to Chen Yongjie, urging him to watch the truth unfold together. "Master Zhang is quite something. He''s weed everywhere he goes. Theres someone inviting him to dance here too?" Chen Yongjie eximed through gritted teeth while enduring the pain. Old Zhang''s expression remained indifferent. He ignored the woman''s advances. However, the pale faces within the mes red at him, their expressions were hostile. "Discuss it is. Im not afraid of you. Come on, I''m all ears. I''ll sit here and meditate for a year or two if I have to, and I''ll oust you all!" Old Zhang said then he mmed the ground! At this moment, even more female deities gathered around him. They were graceful in figure, and they emittedughter like silver bells. They danced around him and asionally reached out to touch his face and neck. "No wonder everyone wants to be called an ancestor. This treatment is unparalleled!" Old Chen remarked with emotion. Some female deities went to grab Old Zhang''s hand, wanting to pull him up. They insisted on dancing together. And at this moment, by the three holy mes. A young woman walked towards Wang Xuan and his group. She floated without touching the ground, and teleported. She appeared directly in front of them to pull Wang Xuan. "What did you do, Old Zhang?!" Wang Xuan eximed. He felt he was targeted as well. "Huh?!" Old Zhang was quite surprised and said, "It seems you have something remarkable on you. Come over quickly and discuss Tao with them!" "I''m not going!" Wang Xuan was flustered. This female deity could actually see him, even though he hadn''t projected his spirit. The female deity stood gracefully, like a figure from ancient times. She wore a crown, and had a dignified look on her. Her every gesture and smile exuded charm, and her beauty was breathtaking. Old Zhang nced at her through a bronze mirror then sucked in a breath of cold air, and said, "Oh my, the one looking for you is the Evil Queen!" "I" Wang Xuan was flustered. He couldnt believe that this extremely beautiful young woman was the Evil Queen of the ancient civilization of the Three Holy mes. "Then who are the three pale faces staring at you?" Wang Xuan quickly asked. "They are the collective consciousness of the ancient spirits of the Three Holy mes," Old Zhang said with a forced tone as the pale faces approached, staring at him. It wasn''t just one, but all three of them stared at him coldly. It made his spirit somewhat unstable. "Kid, there''s something on you that''s attracting them. Come over here quickly, and I''ll reward you!" Zhang Daoling shouted to him. "What do I get in return?" Wang Xuan asked. "What do you want?" Old Zhang countered. "I want to kill that mysterious person wearing the silver mask!" Wang Xuan shouted. Old Zhangs eyes widened. He felt that the reward was too hard to grant. He said, "What realm are you in, you guys are miles apart in cultivation!" "But perhaps you can defeat him!" Wang Xuan suggested, delicately asking if he had any magical spells, talismans, or forbidden techniques to lend him, so he could deal with that mysterious person. "Are you out of your mind?" Old Zhang shook his head. "Then goodbye!" replied Wang Xuan. Apanied by Chen Yongjie, he was about to leave. "Come here!" Eventually, Old Zhang agreed, informing them that he could provide three types of talismans which were Mirror Light, Yang Ping Seal, and Dragon-Tiger Sword. When used, each would be equivalent to his own striking power. Wang Xuan immediately agreed joyfully, and followed the Evil Queen. He even dragged Old Chen along to be enlightened. "I have an extraordinary scripture here thats unmatched in the world, but the cultivation method is too difficult. It requires someone that is mentally different from ordinary people to master it, preferably someone with illness," said Wang Xuan. However, before he could finish, Old Zhang''s expression turned unfriendly. He said, "Are you monitoring me? Are you using modern technology to control my every move?!" Wang Xuan was puzzled, he replied, "What''s going on? Where did thise from? I''ve been isted in outer space and haven''t been outside. How could I monitor you?" Then, Old Zhang threw him a diagnosis report. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie gathered together and carefully examined it. Both of them were surprised. Old Zhang was actually diagnosed as a stage one mental patient? The expression on Wang Xuan''s face was quite spectacr. In the end, he sighed and said, "This supreme scripture truly came into existence because of you. It was specially prepared for you!" "Do you believe that I''m even more ruthless than that mysterious person wearing the silver mask? I could kill you right now!" Old Zhang said unkindly. He felt like the kid had insulted him. "Let me give you a section of the scripture first. You can ponder upon it and try it out," said Wang Xuan as he generously offered the scripture, providing Old Zhang with a section of the scripture. After a while, Old Zhang became absent-minded, puzzled, then angry. He immersed himself in it. He was actually studying it! Soon after, Wang Xuan and Old Chen were both forcefully pulled by the Evil Spirits to dance together by the bonfire. Wang Xuan grinned, he felt a bit uneasy and ufortable. In fact, not long after that, Old Zhang also met the same fate. He was forced to dance by the threerge pale faces. Only after joining in did Wang Xuan realize that everyone was chanting scriptures while dancing! At the same time, Fang Yuzhu, dressed in white, arrived at the entrance of this strange space, revisiting the familiar ce. Chapter 360: The Ancestors Have Arrived Chapter 360: The Ancestors Have Arrived The deste desert gradually became lively. Not only were demon cultivators like the Blood God Ape searching for the Garden of Ancient Herbs, but members of other major factions were also involved. "Am I seeing things? Who are those over there, and what are they doing? Why are those three big men dancing?" Someone stopped and gazed into the distance. "Am I not mistaken? Is that Wang Xuan? What is he doing, covered in blood? It''s so pitiful. Is he drunk?" said the person that was staring. "The focus isn''t on him. It''s that man in the modern casual clothes. Take a closer look, doesn''t he resemble the legendary Patriarch Zhang?" replied the other person. "Oh my god!" eximed someone, pping himself just to make sure that it was not his illusion. After the p it was confirmed that it wasn''t an illusion but indeed Old Zhang himself that was dancing by the me! This was truly bizarre. They couldnt believe it was the awe-inspiring and earth-shattering legendary Old Zhang that could move even ghosts and gods. As a neer, even the Demon Ancestor was wary, afraid of being inadvertently taken away by him! However, at this moment, what was Old Zhang doing? Together with two other men, they were dancing In broad daylight, under the public gaze! These demon cultivators were without spiritual eyes, they couldn''t see the Evil Spirits at all. They only saw Old Zhang with a stiff face, gracefully moving his body. Surprisingly, the movements of those with great abilities were smooth, elegant, and full of charm. He exuded a masculine beauty. "You lot,e over here and watch me dance. Maybe you''ll enlighten and ascend like a feather to be immortal?" said Old Zhang, calling for those people toe over. He was remarkablyposed, disying social prowess and was always taking the lead. Then, with a few ngs, he erased their entire memories by using a rusty bronze mirror on them. Finally releasing them after they were hypnotized. This was a dark chapter in the history of Patriarch Zhang, which he certainly wouldn''t allow people to spread rumors about. Anyone passing by here would receive a gift of a rusty bronze mirror from him. Even the beautiful female cultivators were no exception. With that, several bewildered maidens emerged from the desert. They were touching the bruised and bloody wounds on their fair foreheads, feeling a bit puzzled about the situation. "Old Zhang, you''ve already done it to sixteen demon cultivators and twenty-one human cultivators, especially with twelve beautiful fairy-like women. Your attacks on them were particrly severe," said Wang Xuan. At that moment, he was dancing around the me. He was reciting scriptures and discussing Tao with those Evil Spirits, and unexpectedly he gained tremendous benefits! "The female immortals are sentimental, theyre all good people. I''m afraid I couldn''tpletely erase their memories of me, so I gave them a little extra care," replied Old Zhang. Chen Yongjie was speechless. They were being praised so much by you, yet they ended up getting beaten more? They gathered here to discuss scriptures and exchange insights through profound passages. The higher the value of the scriptures that were recited, the greater the benefits they received. Wang Xuan was illuminated by the Evil me, and the cracking sound of bones were heard as they regenerated! "How about it, isn''t my supreme scripture truly worthy of its name? All things are external influences, and in this world, there is only one person. All immortals, all ages, everything from the vast expanse of the starry sky to the tiny specks of dust, down to the microscopic world, are the thoughts of one person spreading. There is nothing else in this world besides me. And my state is very special. At this moment, I might just be a corpse under the frozen soil, or perhaps a flower that is blooming brilliantly in the sea of time. Are you moved to tears? Have you discovered the true meaning of my existence? Where will I go from now on?" asked Wang Xuan. Old Zhang raised the bronze mirror in his hand, intending to give him a hit on the forehead. However, he ultimately put down the mirror and continued to study the scripture. He was quite engrossed in it. Although he also thought the original author might have been mentally ill, he believed that there were indeed profound meanings hidden within. "Come on, let''s make an exchange. Give me the talismans!" Wang Xuan said, handing thetter half of the scripture to Old Zhang. He really wanted to see the result of Zhang Daoling''s training. He wanted to know whether it was sessful or did it make him get a mental illness, or perhaps losing oneself. Old Zhang pondered for a moment, not denying it. He used the mirror to shine on Wang Xuan''s palm, leaving behind aplex mark, which was the Mirror Light talisman. Then, he carved a Yang Ping Seal talisman on Wang Xuan''s chest and a Dragon-tiger Sword talisman on his back. At critical moments, these will be the trump cards. A sudden strike with these against a formidable opponent might instantly change the course of the battle. "You''re a man of your word. Give him a talisman too. Although the mysterious man wearing the silver mask is mainly targeting me but in a desperate situation, Chen Yongjie might unexpectedly be able to kill him!" said Wang Xuan. "Alright." Old Zhang nodded, adding another talisman. It wasn''t a big deal to carve aplex mark on Chen Yongjie''s forehead. Looking at the shape of the mark, it resembled a mountain that exuded an aura that seemed to hold the heavens and earth. It looked like it contained astonishing power. Soon, it subsided and disappeared without a trace. The Evil Queen was very enthusiastic, pulling Wang Xuan to dance. It made him both nervous and helpless, he was afraid that she would devour his spirit. Because of her formidable strength, it would be difficult to fight her. Old Zhang hinted to him to cooperate well, otherwise, he probably couldn''t save him if something went wrong. It was obvious that the Evil Queen was on par with the transcendent experts of the Great Veil, and Zhang Daoling might not necessarily be able to deal with her. Wang Xuan recited the scripture left by the severely mentally ill author to the Evil Queen. It made her ecstatic, she became even more youthful and beautiful. Once again, she pulled Wang Xuan into the fire pit to dance. Wang Xuan really wanted to run away. Those three pale faces were staring at him, drooling. Were they nning to devour him? However, within the fire pit, a strange substance rose. It was a substance that was close to the truth. It greatly benefited his healing, and even enabled him to break through! During this period, his bones kept cracking, and it regenerated constantly. His marrow emitted brilliant light, and it became even more active than before. Chen Yongjie mastered various religious scriptures. He chanted constantly, while also being surrounded by evil spirits. Dancing awkwardly by the me, both his body and spirit recovered rapidly. This didn''t seem like a bad thing at that moment. Both of them were recuperating, and umting the scriptures of the Three Evil mes. They were reaping immense benefits from each other''s chanting, and was being inspired. This was the remnant firelight of an extinct mythological civilization. It contained scriptures that needed to be deeply explored. The scriptures could shake the heavens and earth, as they were supreme scriptures. As Wang Xuan danced and danced, he was unexpectedly sitting cross-legged in the fire pit, letting the mes pass over his body. He was silent, as he was immersed in the scriptures that were falling all around him. He cherished this opportunity greatly. If the future transcendent was destined to perish, leaving no myths behind, this might be the only few chances to draw from various ssics again. The reason why Old Chen and him frantically enter various secret repositories in the New World was so that they could find a way out with the vast amount of scriptures during the cold season, after the copse of future transcendent. At this current stage, it didn''t matter if he understood the scriptures or not. He would make note of it first and ponder upon it in the future, spending his lifetimeprehending it. After sitting cross-legged for a while, he got up again and danced with the evil spirits while looking at the falling scriptures in the sky. The words andnguages were different, but they resonated on a spiritual level. Suddenly, an ethereal figure in white stood in the distance, as if it was about to ride the wind. With extraordinary grace, her green hair fluttered and her beautiful eyes sparkled. She revealed a look of surprise. Old Zhang thought about smacking her with the bronze mirror, but after seeing who it was, he silently turned away. He felt utterly embarrassed to be seen by someone of the same level. If this news reached the ears of the Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng, Hades Blood, and others, it would bemon knowledge among the transcendent circle. He couldn''t bear the shame of being recognized by them. "Maiden!" Wang Xuan greeted enthusiastically. His call angered Old Zhang, who then used the bronze mirror to smack him. If it had hit, three big stars would have likely appeared on top of Wang Xuans head! At the critical moment, the Evil Queen blocked him, causing the bronze mirror to miss its mark. Old Zhang ended up sitting cross-legged in the me, discussing the matter with a white and ghastly face. Fang Yuzhu first seemed lost in thought, then smiled lightly. With graceful steps, she left behind a beautiful silhouette, and then disappeared with an ethereal trail. "Senior, it''s nothing. Didn''t the scripture say it? In this world, there is only one true self. As long as you''re not embarrassed, even if all the world''s transcendent experts look at you with strange eyes, what''s there to fear?" Chen Yongjieforted Old Zhang. ng! He took a hit on his forehead from the bronze mirror, and was knocked down by the side of the Three Evil mes. He was dazed for quite some time. After a day and a night, Wang Xuan''s injuries werepletely healed, and it was the same for Chen Yongjie. They had nearly memorized the scriptures and gained immensely from the experience! Then, they went away with the permission of the evil spirits and they did pursue them. However, it was Old Zhang who was pulled along to continue discussing Tao. "What civilization do you belong to? What significance is there in lingering in the form of the Evil Spirit since your civilization has already vanished? Let me depart." Old Zhang said. He didn''t expect a response from the evil spirit because evil spirits and present-day humans couldnt have normalmunication. They only recited scriptures and discussed Tao across time and space. It was as if sitting at opposite ends of the sea of time, each saying their own words. "I am your ancestor, and this ce is where your ancestors reside," the Evil Queen spoke, sighing softly. Surprisingly, she responded to him. Old Zhang almost lost his temper. She was the ancestor of who? But he held back. In the end, his expression became serious. This Evil Queen was quite formidable, as she could evenmunicate like this. Zhang Daoling fell silent for a moment before saying, "In this era, myths reappear like fleeting flowers, only to wither rapidly after their brief beauty. We still haven''t found a way to deal with it. Do you have any important insights to offer future generations?" "Civilizations migrate, leaving behind only remnants of myths. We set out in our prime, wielding the Sword of Mortals. We cut through obstacles, hoping to find thend where myths endure. But in the end, we returned in tears, the transcendence proved false. It was indeed a brief anomaly. Compared to the vast universe, its existence was but a moment. We were weary after we learned the truth. We shed blood, and fell, returning to our homnd. We exhausted the time of myth, and we had no way out. The universe will bnce itself, reality is cruel indeed. Myths are meant to rise and fall naturally, but we sought too much. In the end, we burned all the scriptures and artifacts, letting the myths dissipate. We embraced ordinary lives, and returned to normalcy" Old Zhang was speechless. Rather than calling it a conversation with the Evil Queen, it was more like a summary of the dissolution of the mythological world they inhabited. However, they still harbored reluctance. Otherwise, why would they be evil spirits and continue to discuss scriptures with the neers? This was the obsession of the departed spirits of a mythological civilization. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie had their bones healed, organs restored, and spirits rejuvenated. How, their bodies were as strong as tigers. They felt capable of tearing apart the Demon ancestor, well almost. But after calming down, they epted the harsh reality again. "Sighh, even if we can tear apart Qi Lian Dao and Qi Cheng Dao, we are still inadequate to face true top-tier experts!" Wang Xuan reflected, he was unable to help but sigh. He had been nearly sted apart by the person wearing the silver mask, and even now he was still furrowing his brow as he had no solution in sight. The disparity in strength was evident, and there was no way to change it. The two searched for the female Taoist, but after circling the desert for a long time, they found no trace of her. In the end, they never went far away and could only reluctantly walk around the Three Evil me. "Old Zhang is trapped and can''te out from there for the time being." said Wang Xuan. "There are more and more transcendents in the desert, which means many people know about the legend of the Garden of Ancient Herbs and are searching for it. We can''t just stand idly by." replied Old Cheng. Three dayster, the two were astonished to find that many people had arrived at the edge of the vast desert, near the area close to the spiritual world. From demonic cultivators to human cultivators, they represented various major factions. "This is a holynd for cultivation!" an elderly cultivator eximed. Even some old folks hade. Reaching the realm of transcendence and approaching the spiritual world was extremely difficult, it was almost impossible for many people. People like Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, who had witnessed extraordinary scenes in the mortal world early on and captured glimpses of the firstyer of the spiritual world, were extremely rare. However, in this ce, you could approach that mysterious realm regardless of the depth of your cultivation. It was a magnificent world manifested by spiritual power. Moreover, it was difficult to define whichyer of the spiritual world this ce belonged to. Any transcendent could slowly walk towards the edge and gradually adapt to it. They could nurture and baptize their spirit here. Ahead, the scenery was clear, with a vastke that steamed with spiritual energy. There were towering peaks, and divine waterfalls cascading like gxies falling from the sky. There were also glimpses of heavenly herbs and medicinal nts in the clouds. "Incredible," Wang Xuan marveled, "Is this a world belonging to the spiritual realm?" In the distance, some people were discussing, saying, "Demon Four has entered, rushing straight into this spiritual world in haste, just like the sign of a legend." "What legend?" someone asked in confusion. "During ancient times, the Demon n of Demon Four, was the orthodox lineage in the demonic path. The current Demon Ancestor is from another branch. Unfortunately, the former orthodox Demon Emperor wanted to return to the real world during ancient times. He used the spiritual realm as a passage, but there was no news of him after that" said one of the people. Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in shock. The person continued, "It''s not just Demon Four. It''s rumored that the Demon Ancestor might have entered first. Could it be that they''re looking for the remains of the Demon Emperor?" People began discussing fervently. However, someone shook their head and said, "You''re overthinking it. The Demon Ancestor didn''t manifest to support the orthodox lineage of the demonic path. He''s probably searching for other important opportunities. I''ve heard that even the Hades Blood Ancestor has entered!" "No way, two transcendent figures havee?" eximed the person. "There are more than two. Some have witnessed the appearance of the Transcendent Ancestor, Qi Teng. His transcendent form vanished in an instant!" one of them replied. "It seems there''s something peculiar about this spiritual realm. Now that figures like them are showing up, they must be exploring it for onest time!" eximed the person. Far away, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie looked solemn. The incarnations of transcendent figures had appeared, and it''s not just one. This was bing absurd! This ce was difficult for physical bodies to enter. Although not impossible, bringing your physical body in would undoubtedly be a burden. Wang Xuan tried it out and was astonished, then delighted. It seemed that the power of the Godying Banner in this world had skyrocketed! Chapter 361: Ruins Of Spiritual Realm Chapter 361: Ruins Of Spiritual Realm "Can it kill transcendent beings?" asked Chen Yongjie. His mind was fixated on killing the person with the silver mask. He was eager to do it sooner rather thanter. Furthermore, he took out his own treasure, ready to test and see how effective the weapon specialized in killing spirits would be in the spiritual realm. Wang Xuan sensed carefully and pondered for a while before saying, "You''re overthinking it. At most, you''ve reached the level of that person with the silver mask. If you encounter him again, your life won''t be in immediate danger. Think of a n, and perhaps you can strike back at him." "That would be great. I''ll definitely seize the opportunity to hunt him down!" eximed Chen Yongjie. He suddenly felt energized, thinking that he won''t be dominated by someone else again. For the past three days, he had a deep fear in his heart. He was worried that if he encountered that silver mask killer again, he might be obliterated on the spot. "Hmmm, the effect is surprisingly good!" said Chen Yongjie as he ced the Soul-binding Bell into the spiritual realm to absorb the energy there. The bell emitted light and faint silver ripple. It disyed considerable terrifying power. However, because this spiritual realm was connected to the mortal world, it was restricted, and the powerful transcendent rules gradually lost their effectiveness. Otherwise, the Soul-binding Bell was an extraordinary treasure. If it were to fully release its power, it could even shatter transcendent-level figures! That kind of brilliance could only be seen in the most splendid era of transcendent rules. Wang Xuan tried it out and found that once he entered this spiritual realm, his physical body felt like it was sinking into a quagmire. He could move, but it was incredibly strenuous and would be a burden. It was said that even transcendent powerhouses who venture into the highest spiritual realms to harvest heavenly medicine keep their physical bodies outside. They only send in their spirits. "I think we''re pretty much able to fend for ourselves. Let''s not wait for Old Zhang. Judging by his demeanor, it''ll probably take some time for him as he is happily dancing with the female evil spirit," Wang Xuan said. Chen Yongjie nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Old Zhang was quite popr with the female evil spirit. Outside the spiritual realm, the deste desert was now bustling with vitality, there were people all around the ce. Recently, arge number of descendants of immortals and demons had arrived. People each had their own territory. They took turns guarding their physical bodies while entering the spiritual realm to baptize their spirits. The more daring ones ventured deeper to gather herbs. The herbs here were naturally very precious, and were genuine treasures of the spiritual realm! Some people spotted Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie. They were intrigued. Since the two didn''t have otherpanions, would they dare to enter? If they left their physical bodies outside, they would likely be prey to demons and monsters soon! In the distance, some demonic cultivators quickly lowered their heads, fearing to reveal their cold gaze. They harbored ill intentions in secret, and were all quietly waiting. In such a ce, no matter how powerful you were, if your spirit ventured out and dared to leave, your physical body might encounter idents. "Damn it!" said Chen Yongjie. He nced around, and caught some hidden nces in the distance, sensing strands of hostility. "Just take it with us," Wang Xuan spoke, knowing he had some treasures on him. Storing their physical bodies would suffice. He found an empty spot and took out a golden yellowish gourd and stored his physical body inside it. This treasure was quite reliable. Chen Yongjie also agreed that the gourd was quite secure and chose to store himself in it. Then, the two began to arm themselves, taking out various spiritual weapons. Wang Xuan draped himself with a Silver Beast Skin Scroll and asked Old Chen, "How does it look?" "Silver cloak, not bad. Too bad it''s not white. Otherwise, you''d look like a honey badger thats ready to take on any transcendent powerhouses!" Old Chenmented. Wang Xuan frowned and thought for a moment. He then took out a golden tree. In the dense aura of the trans material, it could be resized. After shrinking it, he ced it directly on his head. The small tree resembled a golden crown that housed nine little birds. This was a powerful weapon that offered excellent protection for his spirit. Next, he took out the Soul-binding Chain and wrapped it around his arm. As for the Godying Banner, it clearly couldn''t be left behind. This set of spiritual weapons was versatile in offense and defense. Any one of them would make top figures jealous. All of it were legendary sacred artifacts. Chen Yongjie was also busy. He used the Soul-binding Bell as a helmet, fastening it on his head. He had almost refined it. He was able to emit ripples at will without harming himself. Then, he hung a snow-white conch shell on his chest and held a sharp spiritual weapon in his hand, it was the Golden blue dagger. The two didn''t set off immediately but instead stayed on the outskirts to gather information. They obtained valuable information of the descendants of demon ancestors, Demon Four, Qi Cheng Dao, and others who had already entered. Some spected that there were grand transcendent lineages, and there might even be well-preserved caves of primordial gods and demons inside the spiritual realm. These caves not only contained heavenly herbs but also rare ancient scriptures. Of course, the most astonishing spection was that there might be supreme treasures here. If not, it would be difficult to attract so many top figures to appear. In the end, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie set off, moving like two fishes that were entering the sea. They were traversing the spiritual realm with their souls. This novel experience was quite special. As they delved deeper, with the passage of time, they couldn''t tell at all that these sceneries were all products of the spiritual world. The vast mountains, undting hills, and crimson clouds pouring down from the sky, all seemed so real and incredibly beautiful. Before a vast blueke, Wang Xuan took a plunge and water sshed everywhere. His spirit instantly felt extremely rxed. There were strange energy substances here that could replenish the spirit. Rumble! Ahead, on a towering cliff, ancient pine trees stood in clusters. Their sound of rustling resembled the sound of thunder. "Is this really the spiritual realm?" said Wang Xuan with a bit of confusion. Looking back at the material world behind him, he couldn''t tell what was true and what was fake in this ce. Contemting this question, he inevitably thought of the Solidarity Void and the origin of the truth. The greatest benefit in this realm was that the spirit could fly, and with the support of treasures, it was simply lightning fast! They were very cautious. They followed some demons, descendants of immortals, and others along the way. They were heading in a certain direction. It seemed that some people had found the ruins. After traveling thousands of miles ahead, there were shes of lightning and thunder, apanied by fierce winds and torrential rain. The scene was somewhat terrifying, it was like a hundred-mile lightning serpent that was violently interweaving. Many people gasped in shock, hesitating to proceed. It was no wonder that themotion in this area was so great after the location was known. Anyone who entered the spiritual realm could be attracted here within a day or two. What was the greatest fear for the spirit without the protection of the physical body? Naturally, it was this vast thunderstorm. If one were to be struck, it could lead to the destruction of the spirit! Many people were stopped here. Upon closer inspection, even the weakest were at the eighth stage, with many being ninth-stage beings. There were even some early-stage transcendents. The natural disasters here seemed severe all year round. It blocked the path forward for everyone. "I saw Demon Four go in. He has a demonic treasure that can block the dense lightning!" someone shouted. "That''s not blocking, that''s sneaking through!" another replied. Some people sighed. As a core figure of the fourth generation of the demonic path, it was not surprising for him to have extraordinary treasures for self-protection. "Lets not mention you and me, even if an Earth Immortal came, they would have to think twice before daring to resist the dense spiritual thunder with their spirit!" someone shouted again. In the distance, Wang Xuan remained silent. The fact that there were lightning storms even in the spiritual realm that was considered to be spiritual lighting, was truly extraordinary. He wondered if people who lived here year-round would still consider themselves beings of the spiritual realm. Everything seemed so real, whether it was mountains, rivers, or all things, as well as heavenly tribtions. "Let''s go!" said Chen Yongjie. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie found a secluded ce and approached the continuous downpour. They came close to the dark and heavy clouds, and the dense lightning from a remote area. "Will your Silver Bell Helmet conduct electricity?" Wang Xuan asked. He looked at Old Chen and continued, "Should I use the banner to shield you from the lightning?" "This is the spiritual realm, okay? It''s not like the outside." said Chen Yongjie as he moved forward. Suddenly, with a loud bang, a bolt of lightning struck. It frightened him so much he quickly removed his helmet and stepped back. He felt incredulous as he looked up at the sky. "Damn, there''s someone up there deliberately striking at me!" Old Chen''s eyes widened in disbelief. Wang Xuan''s heart raced as well. His spiritual eye also caught sight of it. There was a trace in the clouds of a man who looked withered. He was like a skeleton beating a broken drum. The lightning directly struck down towards them. "Is this lightning being manipted by someone?" said Chen Yongjie as his expression changed, then he was stunned. He was sure that he hadn''t seen wrong. Was that withered creature a spiritual body? It looked like a dried corpse, with deep-set eye sockets that were dark and hollow. Could it be a spiritual corpse? "Don''t rush, let me take a closer look at it!" eximed Wang Xuan. He opened his spiritual eye, with his vision prating in all directions. He saw astonishing scenes. Above the clouds, there were dozens, if not hundreds of simr ruins. It was not just in that one ce, but the ruins were scattered across the vast sky. In each ce, there were some ancient ruins floating around. On the ruins, there were inexplicable creatures that were stiffly beating decaying drums. They were like machines. In this region, the spiritual thunderstorms that intertwined here were not naturally urring. It was all brought down by those drum beats. Those withered creatures all seemed like spiritual corpses, obeying ancientmands and releasing thunder and lighting rigidly. Wang Xuan wrapped Old Chen with the banner and they passed through the thunderous area safely. The process felt like walking through a ce where heavenly tribtions descended, with massive thunderbolts everywhere. Even after passing through the thunder zone, it was still deafening. This wasn''t a paradise. The surroundings were actually surrounded by towering thunderlights. It formed lighting walls as high as the sky. "Is this the City of Spiritual Lightning?" Its better to call it a ruin instead of a city. There were rubbles everywhere. No intact buildings can be seen, and there were only some deste hilly areas. "There''s a situation, it''s all in the sky. The ce we''re heading to might require us to go beyond the clouds!" said Wang Xuan. He looked up and couldn''t help but be moved. The ground was littered with broken walls and remnants. In the sky, ruins and flowing luminous rivers floated. Above the clouds, stood a towering sacred mountain. "That demoness is here too!" Old Chen whispered with his pupils contracting. He signaled for Wang Xuan to hide among the ruins and pointed to a small suspended ruin in the sky. There was a pile of fire there. It was dazzlingly bright, and was surrounded by many evil spirits. A woman in red robes stood before the fire and turned around gracefully. Her long skirt billowed, resembling a celestial maiden. Wang Xuan was astonished, saying, "This ce is quite extraordinary. The fire above the remnants of myths seems to be just an entry test, ced in the lowest level of the ruins. What lies above?" He noticed the anomaly. The ruins wereyered, and that mythical bonfire seemed to be a mandatory gateway! The fire connected to a hazy passage that led all the way up to the higher-level of ruins of the spiritual realm. Chapter 362: Lighting Up The Transcendence Night Sky Chapter 362: Lighting Up The Transcendence Night Sky The flickering me was surrounded by spiritual beings. It was like an ancient tribe gathering at night. But upon closer inspection, they were all primordial deities and demons. The red-clothed demoness stood there with her long skirt swaying in the breeze. Her body radiated the light of her spirit that formed a dazzling halo. It repelled the evil spirit and weird beings that tried to approach her. Wang Xuan suddenly realized that they were now in their spiritual state, and entering this ce would be extremely dangerous! What were the legends rted to the evil spirits again? Once the spirit left the body, it was possible for the spirit to be devoured by them. Just like blood in the sea that attracts sharks! "Old Chen, put on your helmet and iste your own aura. So that you don''t be their snackter!" said Wang Xuan. "Can you be any more annoying?" said Chen Yongjie with an annoyed look. He then nced at him. With a closer look at Wang Xuan, he opened his mouth and was about to say something. "What''s wrong?" asked Wang Xuan. "There wasn''t anything at first, but seeing you wrapped in that dismal white beast skin really made me uneasy. Why does it look like you''re wearing a shroud ahead of time?" From the me, a prominent figure among the evil spirits emerged. It was the figure of a tall and imposing man. He stared at the demoness and directly reached out towards her. In the drizzling rain, crimson mist flowed along and endless celestial thunderbolts followed. It emanated from the demoness''s body, and repelled the man who seemed to be the king of the evil spirits. The two faced off, and then, the pages of the scriptures turned. The firelight illuminated a great era. It was the golden age of myths, where countless beings soared in the sky, wielding light as sword, riding on divine birds and holy beasts. This was a face off of mythological civilizations, it was also a solemn exchange. In the end, the man retreated, and the red-clothed demoness walked into the hazy passage formed by the evil me. "The situation is a bit dire. We might not be able to get in. The mes of mythological civilization are blocking the way, with a bunch of evil spirits hovering there. Unless one is incredibly powerful, it''ll be like throwing meat buns to a dog," Chen Yongjies brows furrowed when he saw Wang Xuan''s spiritual projection and noticed the evil spirits. "Let''s take a look first," Wang Xuan transmitted his voice. Now, both of them were using treasures to conceal their aura. They hid in the ruins where broken walls and debris surrounded them. "Another one!" said Old Chen. Among the suspended rubble, another man in ck robes appeared in front of the dancing me. His face was covered, making it impossible to discern his true appearance. He was formidable as he was able to confront the lingering sacred me of the fallen civilization in this ce. Eventually, dazzling light shone out from the two, apanied by daunting runes of order. The power of transcendent rules was surging! With a sh, he sessfully crossed over, entering the passage. He then headed towards the higher-level spiritual ruins. "They''ve set up a threshold blocking the way. Without being a powerhouse, there''s no way to get in!" Wang Xuan pondered. Perhaps, by wielding the Godying Banner, they could also break through. But rushing in abruptly would create too muchmotion. He and Chen Yongjie were not true powerhouses as they relied only on external objects. Making themselves look like powerhouses in in sight would likely result in someone taking the opportunity to eliminate them. "That guy is up there too!" Old Chen''s face slightly changed. In the second-level of the suspended ruins, a man wearing a silver mask wandered like a ghost. He was silently searching for something. At this moment, the demoness ascended to this ce. The two locked eyes, and then the man with the silver mask made a surprising move in an instant. He was extremely aggressive! Boom! He transformed into a shooting star, as if he was shot from the depths of the universe. With a grand and unparalleled momentum, he soared through the air and rushed towards the demoness. "Why is he so aggressive? He even dares to make the first move towards that demoness!" said Wang Xuan. He was surprised. Based on the information he had gathered, the red-clothed demoness had killed more than one powerhouse in the Great Veil and risen to prominence on the corpses of beings of the same level. Her record was illustrious, and few dared to provoke her actively. Boom! In the second-level of the spiritual ruins, the two made contact instantaneously. The immortal light of their spirits shed like two zing suns. It was incredibly intense, causing the ruins to tremble violently, as if it were about to copse. "Indeed, thisd''s strength is outrageous. No wonder he dares to disregard Patriarch Wang and Patriarch Chen. He''s truly extraordinary!" Chen Yongjie eximed. Suddenly, a man that was enveloped in golden light descended from the third-level of the ruins at lightning speed. It was as if he carried a sea of golden stars with him. He was so fast it was inconceivable, as if he had distorted time. He instantly struck towards the back of the demoness. In a synchronized hunting effort, the figure in ck robes also abruptly appeared from the misty passage. He was fierce and domineering. Like a ck sun cutting through the sky he aimed at the red-clothed demoness. The three great powerhousesunched a coordinated attack to assault the demoness as if it were a premeditated ughter. It was like they were waiting for her! "This girl is done for, ambushed by three top powerhouses, it is a perfect assassination!" Chen Yongjie sighed. Creatures that survived in the Great Veil were truly ruthless and powerful. They were just getting started, yet they already sought to ambush the current strongest member of the demon n! A dazzling beam erupted, shattering the ruins on the second-level. Debris filled the sky, and streams of light were everywhere. The aftermath of transcendent rules rippled through the air like surging tides. At first, Wang Xuan hadn''t reacted yet. It was only after Chen Yongjie said the word girl, that he was taken aback and replied, "If she hears you, I guarantee she''ll kill you." Old Chen didn''t care and said, "You don''t understand this. Girls older than you definitely don''t like being called senior by you." Wang Xuan ignored him and kept his eyes on the battlefield. The three men were too fast, making it difficult for ordinary transcendent beings to keep up with their pace. Each emitted the light of their spirits, just like four stars that were colliding. In the real world, amidst the vast desert. Many people looked up, sensing a subtle resonance of some unknown rule, causing faint ripples to expand. Suddenly, the entire lightning city trembled. The red-clothed demoness harnessed the endless lightning that already existed in this spiritual realm and directed it all towards there. Those lightning bolts traveled along the misty passage and transformed into terrifying dragons, divine birds that were densely packed. In the second-level of the spiritual ruins, dozens, if not hundreds, of giant thunderous sacred beasts erupted. The ruins here were shattered, and the four masters each disappeared into the lightning. A faint light of the spirits fell, and they were all gone. "This is breathtaking! With the spirits injured, the falling light resembles scattered bloodstains." said Chen Yongjie. "It''s possible that the girl from the demon n is injured!" Wang Xuan said as his spiritual eye caught glimpses of the battle scene. The four rushed to the higher-level ruins, but he couldn''t see whose spirit was falling down. Momentster, the debris from the second-level ruin reappeared. The debris manifested once again and did not disappearpletely. "Someone else has entered again, and they can regenerate on their own. There''s probably something extraordinary in this ce to attract many big shots," Wang Xuan spected. A human-shaped figure that was covered in crimson light and exuded a fierce aura appeared. He stood amidst the dazzling blood wheel, looking incredibly sharp and powerful, then strode forward. "Could he be the Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect?" Chen Yongjie asked. "Judging by his manner and that bloody light, it seems to be him. But these old monsters are not benevolent characters. They might be impersonating the Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect," replied Wang Xuan. As soon as they finished speaking, the humanoid figure in the radiant blood light was intercepted. He was struck on the back by a dark shadow. However, the figure within the blood wheel was prepared. It was actually a blood-colored phantom, not his true spirit. He reappeared abruptly in another direction. "Old man, how dare you impersonate me, of Hades Blood? You''re asking for death!" It was the same ck-robed man whounched the ambush earlier. "Hehe, you''re not of Hades Blood either. What can you do to me?" The powerful figure within the blood light spoke calmly. He revealed his face in the appearance of the Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie looked at each other in the spiritual ruins below, feeling speechless. The Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect seemed to have provoked everyone. Both transcendent masters were impersonating him. "This time, Old Hades will be the sacrificial goat!" whispered Wang Xuan. The ck fog churned, blood-red light soared, the two shed several times, and eventually both disappeared. Just like that the battle ceased. "I think, its better to not go in. Im willing to not gain anything. Let''s stay here and broaden our knowledge. These people are no good, none of them are good guys!" said Chen Yongjie. At the same time, they were deeply rmed. More than one or two transcendent figures had arrived. This exceeded their expectations. Does this ce have such great fortunes? Could it be that the myth is decaying and the transcendent is perishing, making the restrictions or seals in this ce to fail, thus attracting these people? Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie exchanged nces, both considering the possibility. They both showed surprise. The grand array that even the transcendent masters of the past couldn''t break through was still desired upon even until now. Perhaps there was really a supreme treasure! "This ce may be a forbiddennd set by thebined forces of a splendid civilization. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be able to stop those transcendent masters." said Wang Xuan. This also meant that the fortunes of this ce could truly be awe-inspiring. "There''s a battle on the sixth-level, it''s Maiden Fang!" In the sixth-level spiritual ruin, a white-clothed woman was locked inbat with a giant gray spider. It was the psychic remnant of an ancient creature. The spider was incredibly powerful, it was even able to contend with today''s transcendent masters. However, it could only engage in a brief battle. In an instant, it shattered into pieces and then disintegrated with a thunderous roar. "Six transcendent masters, plus poor Old Zhang trapped outside, make it seven. There must be a supreme treasure here!" Chen Yongjie said solemnly. In the sky, lightning shed and thunder roared. The thick clouds continuously struck down lightning bolts, turning the ruins into a city of lightning. There were tenyers of ruins in the void. One after another, they reached the clouds, all of it covered by curtains of light and was connected by faint passages. "Everyone, we''ve returned to this ce again, but things are different now. The transcendence is fading away, and the restrictions here are decaying. If we join forces, we should be able to open it," said one of them. Six figures arrived at the eighth-level of the spiritual ruin. Two women and four men stood apart, each on guard. "Then let''s join forces to open it," one person said, and everyone agreed. In an instant, six beams of light intertwined and sted toward the floating stone door in the eighth-level ruin that was suspended in the void. There was nothing behind it, and no scenery around it, but everyone seemed to believe it could open up a new world. Boom! At the same time, all six of them were attacked. They were all sent flying on the spot, with the light of their spirits scattered, just like the blood of their spirits sttering out. It was a horrifying sight! However, the stone door standing in the void was indeed activated by them. Behind it, a hazynd gradually emerged, with substances close to the truth rushing out from the stone door. Simultaneously, the spiritual realm here roared and trembled. It was also being activated. "Something''s not right!" Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie hid in the ruins of the city of lightning. They looked up in astonishment, then they werepletely stunned. In the clouds, endless bonfires lit up, and were connected by lightning bolts. The broken drums on the remnants of the clouds were now clusters of thunder and fire! Thunder and lightning intermingled, a massive lightning connected heaven and earth as it pierced through the entire void. The shape of the city of lightning became even clearer! It was the shape of a giant human head, where thunder and fire seemed like the neural impulses of a brain,municating, flickering, transmitting information to each other. "Where are we? It seems like we''re on its chin!" shouted Wang Xuan. Dazzling mes rose in the eighth-level where the six transcendent masters were. The mes became massive bonfires that resembled the core of a brain. It was extremely brilliant. The rain of light evaporated, as if illuminating the ancient and silent transcendence night sky. Chapter 363: Spiritual Hell Chapter 363: Spiritual Hell Thunder and fire intertwined in the clouds which formed a massive head structure in the void. The floating ten-levels of the ruins were like the core within the head. "This mythical civilization must have been terrifyingly powerful in its heyday!" eximed Wang Xuan. "So many ages have passed, yet their forbiddennd still remains." At this moment, the entire city of lightning was suffused with an overwhelming sense of pressure. This vast ruin had be distinct, as if a giant life form was awakening. Boom! Many bolts of lightning struck down, spreading and activating the entire ancientnd in the endless void. ng! The Soul-binding Bell vibrated, causing Chen Yongjie to feel dizzy. He was struck by a bolt of lightning, but fortunately, the bell had astonishing defensive power. It prevented any electric shock and helped dispersed the lightning. Crackling sounds emanated from Wang Xuan''s body as dazzling arcs spread across his Silver Beast Skin. His expression turned grave. Without such a divine treasure, they might have been done for. The lightning and fire were too overbearing.It even pierced through the ruins on the ground! Meanwhile, beneath the ruins, one pale hand after another stretched out of the ground. They were devoid of any blood color. Crowded together they crawled out from the soil. "Corpses of the Spiritual Realm?!" eximed Wang Xuan. The two were stunned for a moment, then they quickly took action,unching a barrage of attacks. The waves of the silver bell expanded, the golden g fluttered, causing many pale hands in the area to explode. However, this had little effect. The entire city of lightning resounded with cries of ghosts and howls of wolves as countless monsters swiftly emerged from the soil and theyers of earth. In an instant, the entire city was filled with all sorts of monsters, many of which were never seen or heard of before. "Fight your way out!" Someone shouted from afar, indicating that they were not alone. Other transcendent beings had also entered. However, most of them were from higher realms, unlike them, who were still in the mortal world. Looking into the distance, the thunder and lightning in the clouds, the hovering ten levels of the ruins, and the ground ruins truly resembled a majestic head. Lightnings intermingled, and fires lit up in the eye sockets. It seemed as if it was slowly opening its eyes. This seemed like the gates of hell had opened in the ruin, releasing all sorts of demons and monsters that were roaring and howling. It made one''s scalp tingle. "Ahhhh" Someone screamed in the distance. A woman who entered with a mystical treasure was surrounded by dozens of creatures that resembled Western dragons. They were tearing her apart alive. "Maiden Cailing!" Someone mourned. She was a very famous maiden in the immortal realm that was on par with Gu Mingxi and Zhou Qinghuang. She had surpassed the earth immortal realm in the Great Veil, yet she had met such a tragic end. Her spirit was torn into dozens of pieces, those dragon-like ghouls devoured and swallowed her whole. A generational maiden died a tragic death! "Kill!" Someone shouted and mourned. Whether they were seeking revenge for Maiden Cailing or attempting to break through with some others, they charged forward. Boom! From the ruins below, over a dozen faceless beings leaped out of the abyss. All of them hadrge wings that swiftly cut through the air. Their bodies were powerful, like flying sky des. Whenever they encountered iing spirits, they would slice through them with their wings, killing the spirits! "Lets all join forces and form a formation!" someone shouted. It was Qi Lian Dao, calling on the demon cultivators to gather around him. Stter! In another direction, Demon Four wielded a Green Demonic sword with astonishing destructive power. With one sh each, he cleaved apart dozens of gigantic spiders that were asrge as houses. Although those demon spiders were as tough as iron and sparks ignited when they were struck. In the end, they were still dismembered, and their corpses were all around. Old Chen was also in a panic. Just now, he was seized by a monstrous creature with the head of a tiger and the beak of a bird. Its ws pierced through his shoulder des and tore through his spine, causing his spirit''s light to dissipate, as if his spirit was bleeding. "Woo woo.." The snow-white conch horn sounded, and the body of the monster bird that grabbed him exploded. On the other side, Wang Xuan also faced creatures that had rotten flesh all over their bodies. He was besieged by dozens of predatory birds, each with hundreds of eyes that densely covered their bodies. To some people, it might induce trypophobia. All these eyes emitted beams of spirit light, which looked like spraying machine guns. Dozens of them dove down simultaneously, attacking in masses. The sky was filled with these nces that were like piercing swords. His palms, his neck, had all been pierced, indicating the formidable power of these monstrous birds. They were capable of killing even the spirits of early-stage transcendent beings! As the Godying Banner trembled, a rumble sound was heard and he had eradicated a small group of monstrous birds. However, this action attracted even more monsters, including over twenty pale-skinned giants. The giants were each over a hundred meters tall, and their footsteps caused the ruins to copse! "What kind of damned ce is this? Is this still the spiritual realm? Why do I feel like we''ve charged into hell?" Old Chen eximed. "Don''t scatter and gather around me!" Wang Xuan shouted. If they were to be dispersed here, it would be difficult to regroup. The city was filled with ghouls, and thunder roared through the void in streaks. "Maybe this is really hell as the spirit of the dead normally goes to hell. And this ce is the spiritual realm, it''s almost the same thing!" Chen Yongjie was dumbfounded, feeling it was too absurd. Was he really witnessing hell in broad daylight? ng! He rang the bell, and silver ripples expanded. With a loud rumble, he shattered arge number of monstrous creatures that were like mammoths. His attack sent their rotten flesh flying everywhere. Huge chunks of meat fell down, almost engulfing him. Wang Xuan waved the Godying Banner. At this moment, there was no point in holding back. He shattered those giants, and the putrid blood, mixed with broken bones, sttered out. It created a scene reminiscent of a ughterhouse in the underworld. They were clearly creatures of the spiritual realm, but what they saw now was no different from the real world, where blood was shed. "Are you okay?" Demon Four rushed over, showing great concern for Wang Xuan. In the process, he pushed Chen Yongjie aside. Old Chen was furious. How could there be such a disparity in treatment between people? If it weren''t for him bravely rushing over and being concerned about Wang Xuan, Chen Yongjie would have turned his back on him. "I''m fine. Take care of yourself. Don''t worry about me. Let''s all break out separately and fight our way out!" Wang Xuan spoke. Although he misled him, he felt ufortable letting him risk his life to clear the way, so he sent him away. In the eighth-level of the ruins, the six peerless experts who were originally among the best in their respective great veils were all injured, and their spirit was bleeding. They rose to their feet and walked forward. Behind the stone door, a misty area became increasingly real, and trans materials surged out from the opened door. "Things are chaotic outside. Our disciples have also entered. They are getting killed by the spiritual remains of this mythical civilization!" one of them said. "Don''t worry about that now. It will be toote for us to leave if we wait. For now, let''s continue exploring the core area of the ruins!" another replied. This was a Garden of Ancient Herbs, a once sacred ce of myth, where heavenly herbs were cultivated. However, all of them had withered and died, and not a single herb remained in sight. However, the peerless experts did note here to gather herbs. At their level, they had all obtained heavenly herbs, and acquiring one more would not have a significant effect. This was the only path leading to the ninth-level. If this ce did not manifest, the ninth-level would also be deste. The real scenery would not emerge from nothingness. From what they understood, this mythical civilization excelled in crafting treasures, and the legends left behind hinted at the iprehensible strength of this civilization. However, to this day, no one had seen the treasure of this civilization! Therefore, the peerless experts in the great veil had reason to suspect that their treasure might still be sealed within this forbiddennd. Boom! As the six peerless experts stepped into the depths of the Garden of Ancient Herbs, seeking to enter the higher levels of the ruins, the garden revived. Endless trans materials emanated. The ground cracked, and four statues rose from below. The statues were all featureless, genderless, and all of it exuded astonishing spiritual energy waves. "Some statues were left behind, but are they useful?" The man in ck robes said. He then sliced forward with his de. In response, one statue swelled, and descended upon him with a thirty-meter-long giant foot. It was unbelievably fast, so fast that it distorted time and space. The giant foot mmed him into the earth with a single stomp. Boom! The man in ck robes was furious. Who was he? He was the number one expert in a certain great veil, yet he had been stomped into the ground by an inanimate object. It was truly outrageous. It was just a relic left behind by a defunct civilization, yet it dared to insult him. Light radiated from his body, and his spiritual power started gathering. After breaking free, he erged his hands and swiftly pressed down on the stone statue. He turned into a dazzling pair of scissors, and with a crisp sound, he had severed the statue! However, after the statue shattered, its spiritual power gathered and reformed. "Don''t wait, everyone. Destroy these spiritual statues. There''s no time to waste. If there''s a treasure, it might fly away once it revives and umtes enough power!" dered the guy in the form of Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect. Within the blood wheel of light, he then charged forward. The white-clothed female Taoist, the tall man d in golden aura, the mysterious figure with a silver mask, and the red-clothed demoness had also joined in. Their divine radiance shone and revealed their peerless prowess. A fierce battle had erupted here. In the end, all four spiritual statues were destroyed. They seemed to be spiritual symbols left behind by ancient ancestors of a mythical civilization. After so many years, they still posed such a terrifying threat. This indicated the immense power of their ancestors. "You guys search here. Perhaps there are still heavenly herbs around that endured the long dark night after the extinction of the transcendent fire," someone spoke, releasing several divine spirits from their robe sleeves! Some individuals brought their subordinates in as such trivial matters were not worth their personal attention. In fact, it was not just him, but several others also followed and released some divine spirits of their own disciples. Even the red-clothed demoness summoned several demonesses, letting them seek their own fortunes. Then, these powerful divine spirits all moved, leaving no stone unturned as they inspected all the ancient buildings.Not even a withered bonsai was spared from them for searching the heavenly herbs. Boom! Now, the six great experts that represented the highestbat power of six great veils had joined forces with them. Their strength was unparalleled as they sted open the bronze door leading to the ninth-level. Although they coughed up blood from their spirit again, they indeed seeded. They rushed in at the first opportunity, sensing that they were nearing the treasure! "Ah, there really are heavenly herbs that were shaken out by themotion just now!" Someone eximed in the Garden of Ancient Herbs of the eighth-level. In fact, everyone saw it. The garden shattered, and from the depths of the earth, immortal light soared, and the fragrance of herbs wafted. The heavenly herb flew up and tried to escape! "Block the exit!" someone shouted. "Haha, who would have thought that we would also have the chance to obtain the heavenly herb!" another person eximed. A group of strong individuals became excited. Such divine objects have always belonged only to the most outstanding experts, and asionally it was bestowed upon their most beloved descendants or sessors. These individuals were all formidable, some were ancient giants, and some were ancient true immortals, but none had ever had the chance to approach the heavenly herb. In the ground ruins, Chen Yongjie cursed as he felt extremely frustrated. After the bronze door to the entrance of the ninth-level ruins was opened earlier, the massive floating head trembled again.The thunder and fire became even more violent, with lightning interweaving. As for the city, it was packed full of monsters and demons. At this point, it wasn''t just about overcrowding with people but also with monsters. It was already too crowded. Corpses and ghosts ran rampant, filling the ruins to the point where there was almost no room to move. At this moment, no one dared to stay on the ground. They all flew up into the sky. Facing the thunder and lightning, they entered the midst of the lightning. Wang Xuan and Lao Chen naturally fled as well, soaring all the way, using the Godying Banner and the Soul-binding Bell to counter the lightning. They ran outside the eighth-level ruins. In fact, there were many other transcendents who were still rushing in from the entrance of the first-level ruins. But the two of them didn''t dare to try, afraid of being targeted by the top experts. They estimated that more than one or two would target them if they tried. "Hahaha, Heavenly herb, it belongs to us now!" In the eighth-level ruins, someoneughed loudly while engaging inbat. They disyed their skills, and were attempting to capture the precious heavenly herb. Wang Xuan and their group were separated by a hazy barrier. They were able to see each other but unable to approach. This was a protective barrier formed by the mes of the mythological civilization. "Hey Wang Xuan, watch from the outside. Just wait to be chased by the spiritual corpses while we capture the heavenly herb, hehe" Someoneughed heartily, mocking the two outside. "Better focus on escaping for your lives, beware of being devoured by the ghouls. Otherwise your spirits will be forever silent!" Someone taunted, suggesting that they hurry and escape. Chen Yongjie angrily struck the hazy barrier with therge bell. It nged loudly, but it didn''t budge at all. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something. He looked at Wang Xuan, and then he calmed down, pretending to continue bombarding the barrier. However, deep down his heart was full of anticipation. Wang Xuan turned away and faced the approaching spiritual corpses to continue his fight with them. At the same time, he calmly took out the fishing line and hook that he obtained from the Deand Moon. He also took out the fishing pole he received from Old Zhongs family. He was prepared to fish for the heavenly herb.Robbing them of it! Chapter 364: The Invincible Lonely God Of Fishing Chapter 364: The Invincible Lonely God Of Fishing Within the barrier, the heavenly herbs fled like fiery red firelight streaking across the space. Their forms resembled some kind of seaweed, and they emitted a hazy red light as they moved, while evading the giant demons'' grasps several times. There was another heavenly herb. It was faint blue in color with four wilted leaves that looked sickly and were drooping. Although it looked unhealthy, It left behind afterimages with each movement, and evaded multiple attempts of the ancient immortals from catching it. "Demons, release that heavenly herb and let me handle it!" Chen Yongjie shouted outside the barrier, causing chaos. He frantically struck the barrier with the Soul-binding Bell. The big demon who had almost seeded in grabbing the herb passed by and gave Old Chen a p on his face. He was pressed against the barrier with a loud deafening smack and the barrier only trembled slightly. "Did you eat? You can''t even p my face properly, useless monster!" Chen Yongjie''s face remained pressed against the barrier. Although he was clearly assaulted, he still adopted a condescending posture, trying to taunt the opponent. Even Wang Xuan couldn''t stand it anymore. He felt that if it were him, he would definitely want to p him a few times as he was too infuriating. It had to be said that the big demon had good self-control. With his long ck hair, and hair adorned with golden feathers, he gave Chen Yongjie a cold nce. Then, he silently turned away and sat down on the barrier. Chen Yongjie was dumbfounded, then angrily yelled out in astonishment. Even though they were separated by the barrier, the demon sitting on his face made him feel suffocated. He stomped his feet in frustration. "You foolish monster, are you asking for death?" Of course, this action also had the desired effect. The red heavenly herb was able to narrowly escape capture. "Hurry up, the heavenly herb is about to be caught. I can''t stall any longer. Damn it! I''ve sacrificed too much for having the ancient giant monster''s butt pressed against my face!" Chen Yongjie secretly urged. Inside the barrier, two heavenly herbs dodged and hid, they were quickly being cornered despite the Garden of Ancient Herbs being quite arge garden. It looked like they were running out of options. Wang Xuan swung the Godying Banner several times in a row, killing four dragon-like monsters and also ying several hundred-eyed birds. After locking onto one of the heavenly herbs with his spiritual divine eye, he prepared to take action. "Here ites, now''s the time, its a great opportunity!" Chen Yongjie''s heart raced as the herb that flourished like fiery red seaweed, panicked and fled into the area he was in. With a bang, it hit the barrier. It was very close to Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, separated only by ayer of hazy mist. Swish! Wang Xuan acted decisively. He gripped the fishing line tightly and cast the hook out. The hook pierced through the barrier and instantly aimed at that rare divine item that glowed with a faint red radiance and emitted a subtle fragrance. Then, Chen Yongjie''s eyes widened in disbelief. How could he have missed? At such a close distance, he couldn''t even hit the target? It was a shame for a fisherman! "I got this!" Whether it was a surge of adrenaline or pure fury, Chen Yongjie couldn''t bear it. If he couldn''t catch the fish at such close range, it was unforgivable. All of this happened in the blink of an eye, and Wang Xuan decisively passed it to him! He felt ashamed indeed. Normally, he fished for enemies, but he rarely fished for real. He had the heart of a fisherman butcked the actual skills. On the other hand, Chen Yongjie was different. When he worked at the subsidiarypany of the design institute in the old city, when he was still Wang Xuan''s direct superior, he went fishing every lunchtime. He truly earned the title of an old fisherman. Whoosh! The hook flew, tracing a graceful trajectory as it chased after the target! At first, that red heavenly herb flew out of the barrier, dragging along a vast expanse of crimson clouds with it. It was nearly caught again by the ancient demon. At this crucial moment, the hook, trailing a glistening thread, swished through the void. It arrived ahead of time, and hooked onto the roots of the heavenly herb. The giant demon that was adorned with golden feathers, had almost grasped the heavenly herb. Just as it was within reach, its eyes widened, and a deep roar erupted. Intricate patterns spread from its fingertips, attempting to seize the rare divine item. However, the fishing line and hook were too extraordinary. With a swoosh sound, they disappeared like floating light. The hook was pulled out of the barrier by Old Chen and he firmly grabbed hold onto the struggling red heavenly herb. "Haha, this is the spirit of a fisherman, the soul of a fisherman! Never give up, never surrender!" said Old Chen. He then hugged the over two-foot-long, fragrant heavenly herb, whileughing heartily. Inside the barrier, a group of ancient immortals and giant demons were dumbfounded. This feeling was unbearable. They had been beaten to the punch! The immortal beings all rushed over to bombard the hazy mist barrier, but it was to no avail. "Good skills!" Wang Xuan praised. If it weren''t for Old Chen, he might have been in a hurry and failed to catch this heavenly herb. "The God of Fishing isn''t just for show. I''m also quite famous in the industry. Alone and unrivaled, I fish alone in the cold river of a thousand generations." said Old Chen. He felt ted, and stuffed the heavenly herb into Wang Xuan''s arms. He was prepared to fish for the second one. A group of ancient demons and immortal beings had their eyes reddened. They all stared at him and were on guard against him. Theypletely cut off the space between him and the faint blue heavenly herb. They blocked his way with a wall of bodies, not giving him any chance. "What do you guys mean? Be careful, I''ll fish all of you! You, yes you, demoness, step aside quickly, or I''ll fish you out," he threatened. However, this threat was futile. The demoness blocking the path, with graceful steps, licked her red lips and gestured to him with a throat-slitting motion. She did not care a single bit. "Yes, keep provoking. I''ll search carefully again," Wang Xuan suspected that there might be more heavenly herbs in the Garden of Ancient Herbs. His spiritual eye was wide open. He carefully scanned every inch of thend. The herb garden was vast. It can be seen that arge number of spiritual herbs had been cultivated there in ancient times. There were various types and many plots of herb fields nned out. There were probably more than one or two heavenly herbs.. "There really is one?!" Wang Xuan''s heart pounded. Underneath that soil, in the deepest area, there was a heavenly herb that looked like a cactus. It was almost transparent all the way like a crystal, with protruding spikes and thick leaves. It resembled an outstanding work of art crafted by a divine hand. In addition, there was a dull and lifeless dried tree root near it. An iron spike the size of a babys arm was nailed to it. Looking at its form, it resembled arge iron nail, piercing through the core of the ancient tree root. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but be moved. The iron spike was engraved with intricate patterns, like a restraining symbol. It was actually used to pierce through a tree root? "Could it be the root of a heavenly herb? It seems like it has quite the background, being imprisoned like this?" Wang Xuan said. If that''s the case, the person who nailed it here back then was pretty ruthless as he preferred to let it wither here rather than let it go. It was quite unique. "Old Chen, there are still two herbs underground, one dead and one alive. Are you confident you can fish them out at the same time?" Wang Xuan transmitted his voice. "Map it out. As long as I can grasp the location of the fish, I''ll catch them one by one with precision!" Chen Yongjie brimmed with confidence. "What are those idiots doing? Oh my god, they''ve captured a heavenly herb. Lets call for reinforcements to attack them. Let''s kill them!" said Qi Lian Dao as he appeared in the distant sky, apanied by several demons. "It''s truly a heavenly herb, its unbelievable that they managed to get their hands on it. Let''s go all out. Call for more people, and most importantly, attract some fierce monsters as free mercenaries to attack them." A big demon whispered, deeply resenting the two for obtaining the heavenly herb. He was thinking of using vicious methods against them. However, Qi Lian Dao himself retreated and then fled. He did not join the action, because he suddenly felt uneasy. "Raaaaa" A spiritual roar echoed. A decayed dragon-shaped monster leaped out from beneath the City of Lightning. It was very powerful. The dragon was able to crush everything effortlessly. No one could resist it. Even early-stage transcendents would have their spirits destroyed upon being hit by its tail. "Oh no, here ites, charging at us!" Old Chen hadn''t even cast his line yet, and the decaying spiritual remnant was already charging towards them. Upon closer inspection, it wasn''t actually a dragon but a giant insect instead. It was scaleless and hornless, but had four ws and was able to spit out sticky fluid that could instantly corrode a person''s spirit. "Don''t worry about all that, focus on fishing for the heavenly herb. I''ll deal with it!" Wang Xuan stuffed the fiery red heavenly herb into the Soul-binding Bell, then fastened it to Old Chen''s head, and said, "This is a mature heavenly herb. With it, there wont be a problem to enter the Transcendent Realm in a short period!" Chen Yongjie''s eyes instantly widened and light beamed out of it. The fishing line and the hook in his hand swayed back and forth. The immortals in the barrier red at him fiercely. Do they still want to snatch the prey from me? Dream on! "Monk, can you try fishing another one? If you really seed again, I''ll give you anything!" said the giant demon with golden feathers on its head. He had his eyes that flickered with demonic light on Old Chen, wanting to snatch the fishing line and hook from him. If he really got caught by him, who would be fishing whom? He would drag the other party in, and take both the person and the heavenly herb! At first, Chen Yongjie ignored him. He felt very ufortable having this damn demon sitting on his face. He found him disagreeable and was unwilling to speak. But the giant demon kept provoking him, calling him a monk over and over again. Old Chen grew impatient and said, "You''re the monk, your whole family are monks! How about you be my apprentice, if I can catch a heavenly herb? You''ll do as I say, and listen to me from now on!" "Okay!" the giant demon replied with a faint smile. Chen Yongjie felt like the demon was nning something. Outside, lightning shed, thunder roared, and fierce winds howled. Wang Xuan used the Godying Banner to disperse dozens of lightning bolts. In this area, there were not only monsters and spiritual corpses but also dense lightning bolts. The massive clouds and the brain that was constructed by the city became more terrifying by the minute. The big insect arrived and fought with Wang Xuan. Its strength was beyond belief, causing Wang Xuan''s arms to go numb. Is this almost on the same level as an unparalleled expert? The sticky fluid it spat out was particrly disgusting and could easily corrode one''s spirit. This was still under the suppression of reality. Otherwise, would it really be able to easily kill immortal beings? Wang Xuan activated the Godying Banner, using the golden patterns and red energy substance to destroy the slime that the giant insect had spat out. Finally, the banner struck it, slicing off a piece like a sausage. After its tail was cut off, it roared in pain and escaped, without fighting to the end. Wang Xuan looked coldly in a certain direction. The faces of several early-stage transcendents changed, and they hid among the monsters, fleeing for their lives. "That Godying Banner is too powerful, it''s unmatched in his hands. Even that dragon-like creature couldn''t stop him. It''s unbelievable!" said one of them. "It truly deserves to be called an ancient artifact second only to treasures!" Several demons sighed and fled, unwilling to fight Wang Xuan. In front of the barrier, Chen Yongjie circled around the area. He stared at the faint blue heavenly herb fleeing in the Garden of Ancient Herbs. He was looking for an opportunity to strike. The giant demon didn''t press too close, giving Old Chen ample opportunity to cast his fishing line. He was aiming to provoke Old Chen into action and then seize the fishing line to reel him in! As long as he doesn''t block him near the barrier, everything will be fine. Chen Yongjie spent half a day turning around and suddenly made his move. The immortals were astonished. Was this foolish human being clumsy? Where did he throw the hook? It''s way off target. "Quick, stop him!" yelled the giant demon with golden feathers in his hair, prompting the people in the area to act. People who had the heart of fishing understood each other the best. He instinctively felt something was wrong but he was too far away, only the other could stop it. "Toote, you don''t understand the power of the Fishing God!" Chen Yongjie chuckled. He had already reeled in the line swiftly. With a swoosh sound, he hooked onto the withered tree root. The fishing line entwined around a nearly transparent cactus-like heavenly herb. "There''s another heavenly herb?!" The group in the Garden of Ancient Herbs went crazy, deploying various magic treasures and charged in a frenzy. Indeed, it was toote. Before fishing for the heavenly herb, Chen Yongjie had chosen the best fishing spot. He calmly and safely brought the heavenly herb out of the barrier. Even the top experts in the transcendent realm couldn''t remain calm now. Some roared and some were cursing. The feeling of being robbed twice in a row was indescribably unbearable. It made them extremely ufortable, their chests were on the verge of exploding from anger. "Ill reluctantly ept you as my disciple!" Chen Yongjie shouted, he felt ecstatic! However, the next moment, his face turned pale and his spirit trembled. The heavenly herb in his hand almost slipped away. He felt weak all over his body, and waspletely devoid of strength. This was a kind of mental intimidation, as if hundreds ofrge iron hammers were striking one''s head. It caused excruciating pain in the spirit, and was difficult to resist. Even Wang Xuan felt as if his spine was bending from the pressure of the sky. He held the Godying Banner and struggled to turn around to face that creature. Chapter 365: The Treasure Under The Ashes Chapter 365: The Treasure Under The Ashes In the City of Lightning, from the depths of the abyss. A fierce bird with a thousand wings emerged. pping with its densely packed wings, the spiritual realm trembled, and all transcendent beings quaked in fear. The monsters on the ground were even more submissive. They were all trembling in fear andpletely unwilling to resist. Wang Xuan was certain that this was an extraordinary spiritual creature that was capable of contending with figures like the Demon Ancestor and the Ancestor of Immortals in a grand confrontation! In fact, he felt that facing this creature was even more pressure-inducing than when he confronted the mysterious man with the silver mask that day. This fierce bird was simply too massive. After spreading its thousand wings, it upied about one-tenth of the City of Lightning. It was like a dark cloud entering the sky. Bathed in lightning, it opened its beak and devoured all spirits. Whether it was a rotting dragon, a ghoul, or a transcendent being, all were under attack. Old Chen and Wang Xuan were also drawn towards the edge of its massive beak by an inexplicable light. Wang Xuan wielded the Godying Banner, trying to strike it with all his might, but instead, it drew the attention of the creature. Its huge beak opened, and countless dark patterns surged forth like the ropes of the Grim Reaper, entwining towards the two of them.Mental chains that emanated from its mouth entangled them, wrapping around them in thousands upon thousands. Wang Xuan continued to swing the Godying Banner. While holding the heavenly herb, Old Chen freed up his hands to grab the Soul-binding Bell that resonated fiercely. It sent out ripples one after another. They managed to break many of the mental chains, but were still bound by more ck patterns. They were pulled closer to the beak, and were instantaneously engulfed. They struggled fiercely, refusing to sumb, and struck out towards the beak which created an opening. The spiritual remnants of the fierce bird cried out in pain, it instantly opened up its mouth. They attempted to flee, but the beak was only opened for a short moment before it closed again. This was catastrophic. Many ghouls and colossal dragons were just about to break free, but they had their bodies severed. Wang Xuan and Old Chen were also nearly massacred. Old Chen''s upper body was outside the bird. He was holding the heavenly herb and carrying the Soul-binding Bell that constantly sent out silver ripples to attack the ferocious bird. However, his legs were gruesomely severed by the terrifying and immense beak, and were left behind. It was a severance of his spirit, the pain almost caused him to faint. The blood of his spirit flowed, it made him groan and growl and his spirit was trembling incessantly. Wang Xuan also suffered greatly. He was targeted and locked down by the consciousness of the fierce bird. Just as he was about to escape, ck spiritual chains rushed towards him and locked him in ce. This resulted in one leg and arm of his being exposed outside, and then it was snapped off with a crunch. It was truly an unbearable agony. In normal circumstances, it was voluntary action to divide his spirit, but this time it was forcefully divided by the fierce bird. Outside, Chen Yongjie was not dead. He was severely wounded and wasughing miserably. However, his heart sank when he saw Wang Xuan being swallowed up, leaving only an arm and a leg behind. He struck with the Soul-binding Bell several times, attempting to rescue him, but to no avail. Finally, he fled without legs, taking Wang Xuan''s severed limb and arm with him. "Wang Xuan, you died so tragically!" cried Old Chen. Being swallowed by an unparalleled fierce bird, could there be anything worse? He felt heavy in his heart, thinking that Wang Xuan had fallen in battle before having any disciples. Inside the beak of the Thousand-Winged Fierce Bird, Wang Xuan endured intense pain. He struggled to retrieve Old Chen''s severed legs, and then exerted all his strength to wield the Godying Banner. He didn''t n to break out straight away, but insteadunched an internal attack. He nned to engage in a decisive battle with the fierce bird. He wielded and aimed the Godying Banner towards its upper jaw area. He was aiming to pierce through there, and was intending to shatter its head! At that moment, the Godying Banner glowed, it was driven to its limit by Wang Xuan''s full power. It became dazzlingly bright, and revealed an unprecedentedly powerful state. With a sharp sound, it cut through the huge bird head and caused it to emit a deafening spiritual roar. Far away, Old Chen hid inside the erged Soul-binding Bell. Even so, he was suffering from jabbing headaches. His spiritual body continuously spat out blood, showing signs that the light of his spirit was diminishing. In other areas, nearby transcendent beings were in a more miserable state. Several demons who had seen the plight of the two men were approaching. They intended to ambush Chen Yongjie and seize the heavenly herb, but ended up being blown apart. In the face of the unparalleled fierce bird, ordinary transcendent beings were simply no match to it. Even those at the early stage of the Transcendence Realm met a tragic end! Wang Xuan stormed out, carrying Chen Yongjie''s legs in his hand. The fierce bird was furious, swiftly reassembling its head. It intended to swallow him again. This time, Wang Xuan didn''t linger with it as the fierce bird was too strong. Even if he fought desperately, it would be difficult topletely kill it. Being able to protect himself was already good enough. Merging with the Godying Banner, he instantly increased his speed by tenfold. Almost tearing through the spiritual realm as he flew. He teleported and escaped far away. He also picked up the Soul-binding Bell on the way and disappeared into the misty area near the ruins of the ninth-level. It was too painful. Losing an arm and a thigh, he felt his spirit weakening severely. This pain was ten times, a hundred times worse than the sensation of his physical body being torn apart. "Old Chen, did you pick up my leg and arm?" Wang Xuan asked in agony. "Here they are. How about my legs Thank goodness, the pain had me wishing for death. Luckily, you brought them back for me," Chen Yongjie said. He was also on the verge of passing out from the pain. The two quickly reconnected their spiritual bodies, which was not a problem. Originally, spirits could be divided. Strong practitioners could divide themselves in such a manner. But now, Wang Xuan simply had no interest in that. A one time experience was enough for him! In fact, their separated limbs and hands could exist independently, but they wouldn''t possess the primary consciousness and wouldck many memories. Each of them took a small piece of heavenly herb leaf and swallowed it. Although their spirits were injured, they could quickly recover when nourished by this supreme heavenly herb. "Spread the fortunes!" shouted Old Chen. Hiding in the clouds and avoiding the massive thunder, the two breathed a sigh of relief. Wang Xuan threw the red heavenly herb to Chen Yongjie. Without the Fishing God, they might have ended up with nothing. He put away the almost transparent cactus and said, "Is this thing drought-resistant? nting it in the meteorite in the Solitary Void would be perfect!" "Wow, these two heavenly herb nts contain an unusually rich substance that is close to the truth!" said Wang Xuan with surprise. He immediately realized that this spiritual herb could survive the cold winter and had lived from the mythical era to the present, which was absolutely extraordinary and amazing. "The mythical civilization of the past was unimaginably powerful. Otherwise, it would be difficult to leave behind this forbiddennd!" Chen Yongjie sighed. He stared at the lighting discharging head that was constructed by the clouds and the city of lightning. Wang Xuan was very serious. "Old Chen, this is a heavenly herb nt that is mature, and it contains a rich substance thats close to the truth. In this depleted era, it will ensure you can enter the Transcendence Realm!" Chen Yongjie nodded solemnly. "I''ll send it into my body and nt it in the life soil. Otherwise, I won''t feel reassured." Undoubtedly, this was the greatest blessing they had received so far. It was much stronger in medicinal properties than seeds of heavenly herbs. They could be used anytime without waiting for many years. "I''ll nt this herb into the meteorite. I wonder what will happen." Wang Xuan muttered to himself. Up to now, he had been avoiding using ordinary trans material to break through. He either relied on the superior substance of the ethereal realm or the trace amounts of real substances found in the real world. Wang Xuan pulled out the iron nail from the root and looked at it again. This should really be the main root of an amazing heavenly herb, but it had been ruthlessly killed by someone. "Hmm?" He frowned. It wasn''t necessarily dead yet. He decided to put it into the Life Essence Furnace and check back after some time to see if it could revive. "It''s a pity. This could very well be the most powerful heavenly herb of a mythical civilization, but it has been nailed to death," said Chen Yongjie, feeling regretful. The two quickly handled the heavenly herb, then released their bodies from the yellow gourd and returned their spirits to their bodies. Instantly, they felt as if they were trapped in mud, it was extremely difficult for them to move. ng! The lid of the furnace was lifted, and the root of the heavenly herb fell in. Wang Xuan closed the lid of the furnace. This vibration caused the entire spiritual realm to tremble. In the ruins, the six experts that were exploring treasures were all shaken. They felt a moment of horror and looked around suspiciously. "A supreme treasure!" one shouted. "In the mes of the most powerful civilization, there must be supreme treasures forged here. Find it!" another shouted. Their confidence soared. In the clouds, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie returned to their spiritual states and stared at the distant Thousand-Winged Beast. They isted their own breath, avoided it from afar in the mist, and circled around the ninth-level spiritual ruin. This area was vast and shrouded in mist. When it truly opened up, it was a not-so-small ind. In the clouds, amid the lightning. Wearing the Soul-binding Helmet, Cheng Yongjie felt uneasy and asked, "Is this reliable? This is like snatching food from a tiger''s mouth." Wang Xuan said, "We won''t rob others. We''ll focus on that mysterious person wearing the silver mask. Since we''re already enemies, were destined to be rivals. As soon as he discovers and gains something, we''ll snatch it from him!" After all, even if they failed outside of the barrier, it wouldn''t matter much. What if they seeded? Could the mysterious person wearing the silver mask drill out of the barrier and bite the two of them? "Okay, him it is. The big fat sheep!" Chen Yongjie nodded vigorously. He had almost been killed by this person, so naturally, he wanted to find an opportunity for revenge. In the ninth-level ruin, each of the six experts was a top figure in the great veil, but here they had encountered significant resistance. Within the ruin, spiritual statues with faces and clear expressions appeared, it was remnants of spiritual remains left by ancient humans countless years ago. "Human civilizations endure far longer than we imagine. Unfortunately, ordinary people can only reproduce generation by generation, the transcendent vitality is too short-lived." one of them said. A great battle erupted. These were peerless spiritual sculptures that were vivid and lifelike. Several men and women engaged in fiercebat with the six top experts, ultimately injuring each other. Gradually, several spiritual statues were shattered. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie were extremely cautious. Peerless ancient gods will appear at the slightest movement here. Besides someone like Old Zhang, theres not many people that could withstand it. Half an hourter, the six top experts met up in a square. Therey a huge pile of ashes, with faint flickers of fire that was shining intermittently. "This mythical civilization is far more powerful than anything we''ve seen before, its even brighter than the Three Evil mes, and more prosperous than the civilization that created the Roaming Ark. However, they also failed, leaving behind only the remnants of their civilization." one of the top experts said. "What''s strange is, where are their treasures? They haven''t been passed down in the world. Are they truly sealed here?" another asked. The six individuals stared at the vast ashes, where wisps of smoke rose, and the residual fire flickered. It was close to being extinguished at any moment. The six top experts sealed off the area, feeling that if anything remained, it might be in this final bonfire. They began to dig into the fire pit. How could the rumored powerful civilization, renowned for alchemy, leave behind no treasures? Outside the barrier, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie hid in the clouds, near the gentle light curtain. They carefully observed, and were experiencing it as if they were the one exploring mythical ruins, and searching for the treasures. "What is this?" The man in the ck robe picked up the tattered scripture. He read it attentively and was shocked. He sighed, "They were trying to forge an extremely powerful banner!" The man in golden light paused at the words, saying, "This civilization could it be the mythical civilization that forged the Banner of Severance and the Godying Banner?" "Yes the Immortal-ying Banner, also known as the Taoist Shielding Banner?" The man wearing the silver mask was lost in thought as he held a scroll of remnants. After a spiritual resonance, he had read such information. Indeed, the once-powerful mythical civilization was crafting a supreme treasure, and it was documented here, along with the names they wished to give it. "It''s mentioned in this scripture that some wanted to call it the Tao-splitting Banner, but they thought the name was too much and abandoned it," the female practitioner frowned. She was in her stunning white attire, which was ethereal and otherworldly before the ashes of the bonfire. The six top experts were all astonished, then moved in the heart. Naturally, they knew that the Godying Banner and the Banner of Severance were rted to this powerful civilization! Could it be thatbining these two extraordinary treasures would truly create the ultimate treasure? Considering the brilliance of this civilization, the Immortal-ying Banner or the Taoist Shielding Banner would likely be the strongest among the supreme treasures! In an instant, many people were intrigued as they thought of Wang Xuan. After all, he had the Godying Banner. Does this mean he had already possessed half of a supreme treasure?! Outside the barrier, Wang Xuan felt extremely bitter, his expression was unsightly. Everyone knew he had a divine banner. Right now, wasn''t he just a target for top experts? Would he have a future if he doesn''t hand over the banner? "You and I have heard of it. Someone tried to merge the two gs back then, but the results were unsatisfactory," Fang Yuzhu spoke up. The red-clothed demoness shook the remnants in her hand and with a faint smile, she said, "Here''s the record. Both the Banner of Severance and the Godying Banner were just experimental products, not the final Tao Shielding Banner. This is quite astonishing!" "What? Even the Banner of Severance and the banner in Wang Xuan''s hand are just early experimental remnants, not authentic?" Someone took the scroll from her hand, and resonated spiritually, reading it carefully. Outside the barrier, Wang Xuan let out a sigh. He had just calcted. If he were to antagonize all the top experts at the scene, how many days could he survive? The group didn''t act recklessly. They dug into the ashes methodically. They were being cautious and vignt against each other, searching for possible treasures. Suddenly, within the crimson blood wheel, the man acting as the Patriarch of Hades Blood Sect seized an ancient object. It was a pale gold beast skin that was about a foot long. Boom! The top expert wearing the silver mask reacted quickly. He struck first, pping him with his palm. Magical runes blossomed from his forehead, and it engulfed the blood wheel. With a bang, he sessfully ambushed him and seized the pale gold beast skin. "What are you snatching? Haven''t you seen the huge pit burned out? If it were a genuine Immortal-ying Banner or Tao Shielding Banner, would you be responsible for damaging it?" The fake Patriarch of Hades Blood Sect within the radiant blood wheel was extremely angry. He was unexpectedly ambushed and robbed of the banners surface. "Hehe, I was just taking a look," the man wearing the silver mask chuckled. He then found himself under attack by the fake Patriarch of Hades Blood Sect. The demoness in red also made a move, wanting to snatch the banners surface for a look. The others remained still andposed. They did not believe this to be the ultimate treasure, as the true Tao Shielding Banner wouldn''t be destroyed. Boom! The man wearing the silver mask exchanged blows several times with the two top experts. He was shaken and the beast skin slipped from his hand and flew far away. He quickly stood his ground and was ready to face his adversaries. Whoosh! At that moment, the Fishing God decisively made a move. Wang Xuan had full confidence in him and let the old fisherman take action! The man wearing the silver mask suddenly separated from the two top experts. He stood still in his ce, reaching out to catch the descent of the pale gold beast skin. Chapter 366: Leaping Into The Final Level Chapter 366: Leaping Into The Final Level After battling with the two top experts, the mysterious man wearing the silver mask remained calm andposed. Without lifting his head, he casually raised his right hand. However, nothing fell down. "Come!" said the man. His fingertip glowed, and the light spread out into the sky. He didn''t think the other five top experts had any reason topete with him for this tattered beast skin. However, the sky remained eerily silent. "Hmm?" the man sounded. Something was amiss. Nothing had fallen down?! He looked up and was shocked. He never expected that the torn and hole-ridden beast skin thrown into the air would encounter an ident. A transparent thread slowly floated down and its hook hung on the pale gold beast skin as it quietly elerated upwards. Even that is workable? Daring to rob him of something that he had obtained was like stealingrge chunks of meat from a tiger''s mouth. It was audacious! He reacted swiftly and leapt up. His palm glowed as strands of light intersected, attempting to intercept the beast skin ahead. However, just like a delivery, the beast skin was thrown near the barrier. It was too far from him, and the person outside was tantly pulling the fishing line. The person was frantically reeling it in! The man wearing the silver mask''s eyes turned icy cold. He smacked the barrier with all his might and gave his all to intercept the beast skin. If he couldn''t stop it, he''d destroy it. It wasn''t just about getting back the item, it was more than that. Someone was undermining him right above his head. Fishing for his belongings in public. Is this a silent contempt towards me? The barrier shook violently. Blurred by his p, it left a palm imprint that protruded and distorted the light screen as if it were about to burst. The barrier was sturdy. He couldn''t break through it alone. The man wearing the silver masknded on the ground without a sound. The other five top experts all showed different expressions. Who dared to rob a top expert? A few of them trembled lightly as they suppressed theirughter. Without a doubt, the man wearing the silver mask must be in an extremely foul mood. What the heck was going on? Someone on the barrier snatched the beast skin from right under his nose. It was a humiliating act, and it left him dumbfounded. He was unable to utter a word. The hands of the man shimmered with a faint silver light. If he could break out of the barrier, he would undoubtedly go on a killing spree immediately. It was outrageous! Outside the barrier, the two individuals wearing silver masks looked down coldly. "This belongs to me, how dare youy your hands on them, impostor?" Wang Xuan said calmly. Enough was enough. The real silver masked man inside the barrier raised his eyebrows. He wanted to crush those two so badly as it was a tant provocation. "Hand it over!" Outside the barrier, Wang Xuan spoke again. He mirrored the rightful owner''s calm demeanor. He stood there confidently and raised his right hand towards the sky. Chen Yongjie tightly tossed it over to him, and with a swoosh, the pale golden beast skinnded in Wang Xuan''s hand. It vibrated twice and some ashes drifted out. Cracking sounds were hearding out from the mask of the man and several cracks started appearing. His eyes sharpened and stared at the two figures outside. In the end, he didn''t say a word as it was meaningless. He couldn''t get close to them, talking more would only harm his status. Naturally, he knew who it was. The identity was revealed the moment the fishing hook was cast. The other party was having their revenge on him, and he didn''t care how strong the other was, because he was deemed a mortal enemy. "Friend, I was the one who first discovered that beast skin. There''s no need for you to be angry," said the fake Patriarch of Hades Blood Sect that was within the radiant blood wheel, adding fuel to fire. The man wearing the silver mask turned away, ignoring him. The pent-up frustration could only be suppressed in his heart for now. He was unable to vent it temporarily. He nced at Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie for onest time before ignoring them altogether. "He''s like a silent dog. Be careful next time we encounter him. This guy is extremely cunning." Outside the barrier, the two whispered to each other. Although they let off some steam, they knew they had earned the enmity of the mysterious person wearing the silver mask. "It doesn''t matter. We''ve been at odds with him for a long time anyway. Whether we p him or show him a smile, it has the same effect. Instead of that, let''s find another opportunity to bait him!" Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie ran to the side and hid in the clouds. They started to study the stolen beast skin. It truly felt ancient, and they wondered how many years had passed since it was made. It measured one square foot, with two holes burnt through it. Touching it felt like stroking through a thick history. It was a profound sensation. The Godying Banner moved slightly which made Wang Xuans heart pound harder and faster. His eyes immediately burned with excitement. He ced the two items together, but nothing happened. Whats going on? Was there any connection between the two? After studying for a while, Wang Xuan took off the silver beast skin that he was wearing. He tried to make them interact, but still couldn''t piece them together. In the end, he fell into deep thought. "Is something missing?" he wondered. He felt that the g and the skin should be rted, but he couldn''t assemble them. "Perhaps these are just products of the experimental process that had rtions but were difficult to truly integrate," Chen Yongjie remarked. Wang Xuan nodded. "It makes sense. There are still doubts as to whether this top-tier mythical civilization actually created the Tao Shielding Banner. Don''t tell me they failed in the end." "You should keep it for now. There might be something weird about it." replied Old Chen. Inside the barrier, the six experts searched again. They sifted through the mountain-like ashes, and carefully studied the partially burned papers they picked. They were even more unwilling to ept the oue than Wang Xuan. ording to legend, the depth of this civilization surpassed all previous mythical civilizations, and they should have left behind the most powerful treasures! However, the final result left them feeling disappointed. There was no Tao Shielding Banner among the ashes. Based on the records they found in the remnants, it was indeed true that a civilization had once gathered its strength here to refine treasures. "Lets trace the old memories of this ce!" The six of them sat cross-legged with their eyebrows glowing, they joined forces to trace the ancient events here. They were hoping to see if the true Tao Shielding Banner had been created. Wang Xuan immediately approached the barrier and opened up his spiritual eyes. He did not want to miss such a magnificent and grand sight. "It was indeed refined, but it exploded!" The man covered in golden light spoke with a deep voice, he was slightly excited. This means there should be a Taoist Shielding Banner in this world. In the void, a vast bonfire burned. The me was so ferocious, it almost copsed the sky and distorted the spacetime. It was fueled by the endless Great Tao Scripture. It contained not only the written principles of that civilization but also the scriptures of other extinct mythical civilizations they had collected. All of it was used as kindling. With intertwined runes and the order spreading, a small blurry g floated in the mes. It was not known how long it had floated there across the vast expanse of history. It was suffocating, causing even the most powerful experts to feel uneasy and greatly disturbed. Bang! In the end, the g soared into the sky, and the bonfire exploded, engulfing everything in its vicinity. The six experts shook violently, and the impact of this scene caused some of them to cough up blood which caused their spirit lights to scatter. "We are restricted in the real world. It can lead to severe injuries if one forces the resonance with thew of the great veil and if one retraces the ancient scenes with supreme methods" someone spoke. Wang Xuan was resolute. Could these extraordinary experts still manage to do this at such a critical moment? Each of them was an extremely dangerous individual. Chen Yongjie said, "It''s alright. They seem to need a long time to prepare, and they also have to pay a considerable price. In a real battle, who would honestly wait for them to resonate?" "Thats true" Inside the barrier, the man in ck suddenly opened his eyes again. He exerted all his strength to reveal the final blurry scene, with others joining in the effort. After the Taoist Shielding Banner flew away and the bonfire exploded. The ce dimmed. After a long time, a rough, blood-stained hand appeared and carved a blurry map in this ce. Bang! The man covered in golden light was the first to take action, followed by the man wearing the silver mask. Both of them struck forward to destroy the image. Some others tried to stop them, while some retreated as they did not care. "These two scoundrels are too reckless. They destroyed it right after seeing it," said Chen Yongjie while staring with his wide opened eyes. He only memorized a part of the map. Wang Xuan closed his eyes. Theplex map yed back in his mind and appeared vividly. Even with his spiritual eye, he could barely capture it and imprint it deeply into his mind. Inside the barrier, the six experts stood up and scanned the area thoroughly. They were convinced that nothing had been overlooked. Their faces showed strange expressions, each harboring their own thoughts. After that, the matter of the Taoist Shielding Banner was mentioned again. There was a high possibility that the map was rted to the Taoist Shielding Banner! "Even the mes of civilization and the Taoist Shielding Banner are in the ninth-level spiritual ruins. It''s hard to imagine what might be on the tenth-level. Let''s go take a look," said the man wearing the silver mask. Currently, the ruin at the tenth-level was unknown. Without truly opening its gates and activating it, itll remain perpetually blurred and silent, with everything seen and felt being questionable. The six experts advanced together, once again joining forces. They hoped to use the decay of transcendence and this unrestricted period to open the way. This time they struggled. They used a lot of their spiritual light to vigorously shake the gate that stood in the void, but it simply wouldn''t budge. "Countless ages have passed, yet it remains so sturdy. It should have fallen into the void," remarked one. For two full days, the six experts either tried to break it with spells, studied ancient formations, or brute forcing it. The results were not significant. They encountered difficulties and were stuck. Chen Yongjie stared at the man with the silver mask and whispered, "He''s very strong, even more formidable than we estimated. It seems he didn''t intend to kill you directly in the desertst time. He''s eyeing your body, hes craving it." Wang Xuan was speechless. What nonsense was this? "Could it be Zheng Yuantian?" he pondered. Currently, this guy had the greatest interest in his physical body and he invested quite a lot in him. He gave him heavenly herbs, the Five-Colored Soil from Mount Bu Zhou, and even celestial nectar, all at once. Moreover, he learned from the Zheng family that Zheng Yuantian seemed to be raising so-called pigs. Whether it was Zheng Wu or Wang Xuan, it didn''t matter who controlled this body. In this case, it was highly probable that the peerless master Zheng Yuantian would eventually make an appearance to harvest the crops and ughter the pig! "Yuantian you pig! Just you wait, I''ll kill you sooner orter!" Wang Xuan muttered to himself. These two days, they had been strengthening their realms because their recent breakthroughs had been too rapid. Both of them were reciting scriptures, studying the scrolls of their predecessors, and solidifying their cultivation. For this purpose, they had opened a can of immortal bones. They sat within the innerndscape, not to enhance themselves with the rich mystery genome, but purely to let time settle for a while. Of course, the so-called time was illusory. They had sessively used two pieces of Ascension True Bones, and it pushed their mental and spiritual senses to the limit. They gained insight of themselves, studied Taoist scriptures, recited bamboo slips, and read Buddhist scriptures. In a trance, they seemed to have borrowed ten years of time. This kind of luxurious enlightenment, coupled with the opening of the innerndscape with Immortal Bones, made their mind operate at an rming speed. It was indeed terrifyingly efficient, and the benefits to them were immense. "The eighth stage has already beenpleted. My foundation is solid and not superficial. I will name itPioneering," Wang Xuan reflected on his cultivation process in the ethereal realm. He had brought heavenly herbs to the ethereal realm, and it was bursting with vitality. He even opened up meteorites along the way. It truly resembled a pioneer, as he seemed like a diligent miner. For several consecutive days, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie had been cultivating, strengthening their foundations to an extremely solid level. They even resorted to opening the third piece of Ascension True Bone. "These Immortal Bones that corresponded to the innerndscape were indeed elerating the decay. The mystery genomes are bing thinner, and cracks are appearing everywhere inside. Perhaps in a few months, they will no longer be usable," Chen Yongjie said solemnly. This meant that the myth was truly about to vanish, and it was irreversible. "Right, now that you''ve stabilized your realm, you should try to take that new path again, and shake down the idiot with the silver mask. Otherwise, it could be very disastrous if we get blocked by him again next time. His actualbat power is extremely terrifying!" Chen Yongjie urged Wang Xuan to cut off the enemy at the roots. Since they couldn''t win directly, they needed to find another way to bring the enemy down from above. "That makes sense," Wang Xuan nodded. Coincidence after coincidence had made him wonder with suspicion. He felt that there was indeed a big problem in all of this. He had been pondering. Perhaps it was because of his cultivation that shook the Life Essence Furnace in his life soil, which inexplicably triggered the Roaming Ark and the Ascension Banner. With several treasures appearing together, they resonated violently and caused those with weak foundations to fall. "A whale falls, giving rise to all things. With new pathse decay in the old world. Perhaps it''s a kind of bnce that is being broken, and is in transition now," Chen Yongjie said. "Maybe it''s not these situations," Wang Xuan shook his head. A deafening sound erupted, causing even the treasures in Wang Xuan''s life soil to tremble slightly. In the real world, those whose cultivation wasn''t stable were shaking. Their life soil roared, and some were about to drop in the levels of their realm. "Are there truly various variables and differentyers of reasons?!" Chen Yongjie was shocked when he realized this wasn''t caused by Wang Xuan this time. Wang Xuan''s blood boiled. Were they reversing the situation and shaking me instead? The treasures within him were trembling and roaring. "It''s because they opened the tenthyer of spiritual ruins!" shouted Wang Xuan as he stared at the barrier. The six top experts were all shaken and pushed back. Each of them was coughing up their spirits blood as they fell to the ground. Even Fang Yuzhu and the red-clothed demoness were no exception. Despite their formidable strength, they were heavily injured. Theyy on the ground and their bodies were radiating light mist. The gate of the void opened, revealing the final level of the ruins. Within the gate, powerful spiritual marks resonated with them, and substance that was close to the truth surged out like a flood. "Its the final path, its the true source! Lets leap to immortality!" eximed one of the experts. Chapter 367: The Site Of Ascension For The Immortals Chapter 367: The Site Of Ascension For The Immortals At the source''s ultimate depth, with a leap... into reality, to witness true immortality? The psychic resonance that followed caused shivers down the spine, trembling both mind and body. Firstly, it possessed an overwhelming force, truly vast, or else it wouldn''t have flung six top masters away. This tenthyer of psychic remnants is terrifying indeed. Next is its essence, touching upon the true source? The goal every mythology ultimately seeks, aiming to escape the transcendent winter and avoid decay through it. Did this civilization find it, thereby showing the way forward to future generations? Those with unstable foundational realms are truly pitiable; just now, a few individuals experienced a slide in their cultivation levels, unable to maintain their realms. "Sky and earth, shaking every few days, who can endure this? Might as well shake everyone off the clouds in one go and be done with it. I just recovered, just after taking a potent spirit medicine, and then you shake me down again, I..." Someone was furious, the cost too great, irritable and pointing usatorially at the sky. Of course, the scale this time was smaller, with limited people shaken down, mainly because the ceiling this time was too high-end, with six peerless masters standing their ground at the site of the incident. Each disyed their methods; the female Taoist held a golden boat, streaming with misty light rain, wrapping herself in a golden glow to iste from the outside. The red clothed demoness used thunder as a guide, forming a red mist cocoon around her graceful figure, motionless inside. A figure in a ck robe enveloped in ck mist, pulled out a dark long knife, cing it before the forehead as a defense against the oppression. In front of the three haunting piles, Zhang Daoling simply ced the copper mirror over his face again. Amidst the tumultuous tremors, even the mightiest figures disyed their extraordinary powers, each showcasing their unique abilities as if they were the legendary Eight Immortals crossing the sea. For Wang Xuan, caught in the midst of these upheavals, it was akin to being aboard a ship tossed by stormy waves. Remarkably, he weathered the chaos with little to no harm, his treasures briefly vibrating before stabilizing. As the gateway to the relic''s tenthyer began to fade, people in the real world finally let out a sigh of relief. The oppressive force had been intense, shaking them to their cores and leaving many transcendent beings in shock. "That wasnt as intense as expected; felt like a ride on a bumper car," Chen Yongjiemented with a calm demeanor, seemingly unbothered by the experience. The six grandmasters stood up, wiping away the divine blood from their lips, as the explosion of the seal had wounded them. They looked towards the void gateway with solemn expressions, gazing into the entrance that led to thestyer of psychic remnantsa pathway so deep and dark that its end was unseen. "Who dares to enter?" dered the figure within the blood wheel, known as the "Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect." "Stop pretending. We all saw your real form just now, Qi Teng. You might as well show your true face; the Underworld Blood Sect will surely seek retribution," someone spoke up. To everyone''s surprise, the man within the blood wheel was revealed to be Qi Teng, the ancestor of the Celestial Immortals and forebear of Qi Chengdao. "And didnt you impersonate him as well, Demon Ancestor?" Qi Teng retorted, his youthful and noble visage unveiled as he turned to the man in the ck robe. The man in the ck robe smiled calmly, dispelling the surrounding darkness to reveal his bronze-toned body and a dark demonic sword on his back, confirming his status as the premier figure of the demonic path. "Isnt it a bit much, impersonating others?" chided the man enveloped in divine golden light, his presence radiating sanctity and tranquility. "Its no issue, the River Styx doesnt mind," both the Demon Ancestor and Qi Teng replied, smiling. "Ill put an end to you both!" erupted the golden figure, his fury manifesting as a blood-red assault towards them, truly incensed. "Wow!" eximed Chen Yongjie from the sidelines, witnessing this borate y of true and false identities, a chaotic disy. "A bunch of crafty old characters, none straightforward." The figure shrouded in divine golden light, exuding an air of supreme sanctity, was revealed to be the true form of the Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect, silently present all along. Amidst the chaotic scene, the Celestial Immortal ancestor Qi Teng was dumbfounded, and the Demon Ancestor felt disordered, realizing that the actual figure they had been impersonating was right beside them all along, probably holding back anger and looking for a chance to strike at them! In fact, there had been a tacit agreement among them earlier to join forces against the red-dressed demoness, but they failed to subdue her. "It''s truly chaotic," the man in the silver maskmented, standing aloof and detached. "Zheng Yuantian, don''t pretend to be above it all, we recognized you!" someone called out, revealing his identity. "It really is that guy, you guessed right!" Chen Yongjie murmured from outside the barrier, adding, "Shake him upter, regardless of coteral damage. We must bring him down; he''s too strong!" The rtionships among the group wereplex, with alliances and conflicts intertwining without any true friendships. "Enough with the noise. Those who wish to enter the void gateway, keep quiet; the rest should leave immediately," Fang Yuzhu spoke up authoritatively, her reputation for formidable feats well acknowledged. As the foremost expert among the Fangshi, she had in more than one unparalleled being. Even the Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect had narrowly escaped her wrath, having eight of his true lives extinguished and only surviving by hiding hisst in an endless shadow. "You, and you, no more tricks. Be careful; I''m not one to forget grievances easily," the red-dressed demoness warned, her intimidating gaze sweeping across the others. As the six grandmasters ventured into the silentnd, the thick material reality excited them. Upon reaching the tenthyer of psychic remnants, they found no spirit statues attacking; all was calm. Wang Xuan and hispanions ascended, hiding in the mists to observe the real form of the tenthyer of psychic remnants. Ahead in the darknd, the psychic remnants loomedrge, with structures and towering mountains all devoid of life. Energy materials close to reality surged from the sky like snowkes or rain, nketing everything. The sky of the tenth psychic remnant bordered a realm of darknesscould this be the so-called source of reality? Within that pitch-ck expanse, where no regr stars shone and only the asional meteor streaked across, the rare glimpses of starlight added a touch of destion to the somber atmosphere. "Indeed, this civilization was astoundingly powerful, having torn through a part of the cosmos to find a path and departed en masse," Zheng Yuantian remarked, still donning his silver mask. "The starlight isn''t actual meteors but the passage of energy close to reality through this silent expanse," Fang Yuzhu added. At the ultimate end, the source of true reality, a final leap could reveal immortality. Yet, the six unparalleled masters present frowned at the prospect of jumping through that dark cosmos. They looked up, scrutinizing the depths of space. "Who will lead the way in exploring?" the Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect asked, only to find everyone''s gaze turning to him. He felt awkward, wanting to say, "What''s wrong with you all? Why are you looking at me?!" "Underworld Blood, with your endless incarnations of blood and nine true lives, why not send one true life to explore? Everyone agrees," the Demon Ancestor said with a smile, his bronze skin gleaming. His rugged appearance made him look quite honorable. "Are you insane?" the Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect blurted out in frustration. "Underworld Blood, it has to be you!" the Celestial Immortal ancestor Qi Teng agreed. "And you''re sick too?" the Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect red at him. These were the two who had impersonated him not long ago, and now they wanted him to take the risk? "Underworld Blood, your talent is evident. Losing a few incarnations or even a true life wouldn''t matter much; you could always recover slowly," Zheng Yuantian chimed in. "You''re sick too!" The Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect was visibly agitated. Was this reasonable to any of them? In this era, if a true life was lost, where would one find the time to cultivate and recover? Outside the barrier, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie exchanged nces, realizing that even the mightiest of masters were still human and quite down-to-earth, far from the aloof and detached beings they had imagined. The two of them found the entire situation rather amusing. "Underworld Blood, just send an incarnation, not a true life," Fang Yuzhu suggested gently. "Alright then." The Ancestor of the Underworld Blood Sect nodded, more at ease with not risking a true life. He swiftly split off an incarnation that plunged into the dark void, heading deep into the vast cosmos. "It doesn''t seem like a universe; there are no stars, no sun or moon, just like a ck cloth covering it all," Chen Yongjiemented. Wang Xuan was also intensely observing, with his spiritual eye wide open, wishing he could see through to the very end of this realm, wondering if it resembled the Land of Emptiness. "Underworld Blood, one incarnation isn''t enough. Send out more, at least the number of Thirty-Six Heavenly Gangs," the Demon Ancestor, with his broad eyebrows and big eyes, suggested. "Don''t provoke me, or I''ll send you out there!" the Ancestor of Underworld Blood threatened. Half an hourter, his expression changed. "My incarnation is dead!" "What did it see at the end? How did it die?" the Red-dressed Demoness showed interest. "Chariots, bodies, broken gs, blood, and a blurry path ahead. My incarnation just dissipated out of the blue, all those scenes were just fleeting glimpses, not very clear," he exined. "Send another incarnation to have a look," Zheng Yuantian suggested. The Ancestor of Underworld Blood red at him, then walked over to the female sorcerer and the Red-dressed Demoness, saying, "From now on, I''ll turn over a new leaf, align with you two, and perhaps start a livestock farm in the mortal world, ensuring my disciples don''t drink human blood." Old Ming felt it was tough being him, finding the two supreme female immortals more reasonable. "Underworld Blood Ancestor, staying with those heartless people, you''ve unfairly carried the me quite a bit. Poor thing, now you''ve seen the error of your ways," Wang Xuan observed with some emotion. "I originally wanted to kill that Wang Xuan, to consume his unique true blood. Now, I''ve decided to stop because of your connection with Sorceress Fang," the Ancestor of Underworld Blood confessed with a seemingly honest smile to the female sorcerer. "I" Wang Xuan immediately shut up, feeling no sympathy for him anymore. This crafty old viin had actually nned to attack him personally? "I''ll shock you all to death!" Wang Xuan thought it was urgent to go to the meteorite field to nt cacti. Underworld Blood, Zheng Yuantian, and Qi Teng were all too vicious. But before heading to the Land of Emptiness, he had to ensure his own safety first, making these people witness that his breakthrough and the demotion of other cultivators'' realms had nothing to do with him. "Is the Mysterious Realm I''m heading to rted to this ce in reality?" Wang Xuan hesitated, staring at the end of the dark heavens within the barrier! Underworld Blood sent out several more incarnations, but the result was the same: they dissipated mysteriously with only vague sightings. "The Demoness in Red spoke up, her beauty and grace belied by her bold spirit, "Let''s go in ourselves, together. Dare we?" "Yes!" Zheng Yuantian agreed, nodding. "The myths are dying, and we''re at the end of times. If we can''t break free now, everything in the future will lose its meaning. What''s there to fear?" The six supreme experts set off together, venturing into the dark heavens. At the site of the Three Spooky Piles, Old Zhang finally staggered to his feet, taking a long breath with his battered copper mirror in hand, swiftly leaving the bonfires behind. The three ghastly faces had grown tired of his days of sermonizing and... chased him away! However, as he was leaving the desert to enter the spiritual realm, he suddenly turned back, gritting his teeth in frustration to find two following him: one, the queen of the Three Spooky Piles, and the other, an elder in worn spacesuits, both sovereigns of specters! In the dark heavens bordering the tenthyer of the spiritual relic, the journey revealed to the group, including the female sorcerer, that this was not the real universe but a spiritual cosmos. In the darkness, they didnt travel far before making a discovery: a golden chariot, majestic and intimidating, engraved with the emblem of the Imperial g and various intricate patterns, its entirety stained with fresh blood but devoid of any living beings. It was real blood, not a substance left by the spirit. "This mythical civilization, did they ascend as a whole in the end? Breaking through the heavens to arrive in this realm, bringing their physical bodies, yet this is still a spiritual cosmos," she pondered. "They zed a trail with the Imperial g, but did they truly reach the source of reality?" Fang Yuzhu spoke, her white garment fluttering, her beauty striking amidst the dark cosmos. Chapter 368: The Source Of All Myths Chapter 368: The Source Of All Myths Ming Xue sent out a few more incarnations, but the result was the same they dissipated into the unknown, leaving only a blur behind. "Let''s go in ourselves and see, together. Dare or not?" the Red-clothed Demoness proposed. Despite her ethereal beauty, she possessed a bold spirit. "Agreed!" Zheng Yuan Tian nodded. With mythology on the brink of extinction and their world in its twilight, there was nothing to lose. If they couldn''t break free now, all would be meaningless. The six supreme beings ventured together into the dark cosmos. Before Old Zhang left the gloomy desert for the spiritual world, he nced back, spotting two followers: the ghostly queen from the Three Ghastly Piles and an old astronaut in tattered gear, both formidable spirits. In the spiritual universe, they frowned upon realizing this wasn''t a real cosmos but a vast expanse of psychic energy. Not far into their journey, they discovered a broken golden chariot, marked with the emblem of the Imperial Dao g, stained with actual bloodnot just psychic remnants. "This mythical civilization, did they ascend en masse, breaking through the cosmos to arrive here in physical form, yet still within a spiritual universe?" pondered Fang Yuzhu, her beauty undimmed even in the darkness of space. The chariot, bathed in ancient blood, offered no further clues. A civilization striving to survive the cosmic night met a tragic fate along the way. "Let''s move on," said the Red-dressed Demoness, her seriousness contrasting her beauty. Their future mirrored this civilization''swithout a path forward, they too would fall from grace, buried under the frost of time. With survival at stake, the six put aside their differences, united in their search for a way out. They once stood unparalleled in their eras, but faced with potential extinction, they sought a dignified end. "This spiritual cosmos has boundaries, unlike the boundless expanse we imagined," Fang Yuzhu noted, sensing something ahead. "At the edge, there''s a flow of primordial chaos, remnants from the dawn of creation," observed the Red-dressed Demoness, intrigued by the dark abyss. Zheng Yuan Tian added, "That primordial essence and the chaos material are intertwined with psychic force. There''s something off about this expanse." They ventured forth, their spirits traversing the void, disappearing into the darkness towards their grim destination. There, they found the remnants of that brilliant civilizationbroken chariots and colossal ships, all in ruins. Flesh and psychic fragments floated in the silent void, a testament to their sorrowful tales, with no life in sight. Both the physical titans and the spiritual gods of the old world had perished. "There are no enemies, so it wasn''t a massacre. But the ships and chariots appear to have been crushed by a tremendous force," the Demon Ancestor remarked, his dark magic sword at the ready, his brows knitted in concern. This sight chilled them to the core. The civilization that crafted the Imperial Dao g, a formidable culture, seemed to have failed in the end, unable to find a way out. "Over there," said the Hades Blood Sage, releasing three more incarnations, all of which perished. In the high reaches of space, amidst the chaos material, remnants were found. As they ascended, they saw fragments, chunks of flesh, and desated headsa sorrowful and tragic end. A whole civilization had fallen, perhaps the most powerful mythical civilization ever, judging by the tenyers of spiritual relics and the Imperial Dao g they left behind. Here, the air was filled with primordial essence, chaotic original material, enveloped in deathly silence and swirling mist, leading to a dead end. "They tore through the cosmos into this spiritual universe, thinking they had found a new beginning for mythology. But they found no light, no immortality. To break free from this expanse, they collided with warships, all mythological beings striking together, but they couldn''t break through," Fang Yuzhu exined. The six saw the blood within the chaos material and the shattered prows of ships. That civilization had tried to break through from here but failed. More psychic remnants and tattered bodies were present, still radiating a terrifying energy that killed the Hades Blood Sage''s incarnations. The six supreme beings resisted, drawing close to the chaos to observe. Amidst the mist were substances resembling rock and frostcold and lifeless. These were not real rocks or frost but the chaotic state before all creationdisordered, mixed, cold, and icy. Touching it with their spirits, they felt a bone-chilling cold, and the deeper they went, the more they realized its indestructibility, surpassing even divine metal. "They were too resolute, unable to find a way out, they chose a decisive death, crashing violently in the end, leading to their total annihtion," the Ancestor of Heavenly Immortals, Qi Teng, spoke. Zheng Yuantian added, "Because their time was running out, they had arrived at the end of the copse of the supernatural world, looking back only meant waiting for death." Their emotions wereplex, empathizing deeply, fully understanding the final sentiments of that group of people. The six ventured forth again in this spiritual universe and made another discoverya dark riddled with holes. It wasntrge, densely packed with honeb-like holes, from which strands of nearly real material seeped out. "Is there such a ce?" they marveled. They rushed towards it, standing upon it, nourishing themselves, but soon frowned and left the small. Merely touching it caused the celestial body to decay and break apart, the emerging nearly real energy material was mixed with the decayed essence of psychic remnants, contaminated. The small, only a hundred miles in diameter, indeed tiny, was peculiar, containing nearly real energy material, something sought after by immortals. "In a sense, they also seeded, having found this ce, discovered such a unique, extending the life of mythology for many years. But in the end, it was nearly depleted, leaving only remnants behind." Back then, some were very staunch, arge group of strong beings steered their ships to strike the boundaries of this spiritual universe, dying heroically. Others were left behind as seeds of life, hoping they could survive the cold winter in this transcendent hive but it was a failure, leaving only dry corpses and psychic remnants. "This nearly real energy material, though still abundant, doesn''t nourish the body or spirit well. It''s of a high order and can be transformed into considerable attack power, but it''s difficult to sustain life for long," Zheng Yuantian said, drawing strands of the contaminated nearly real material, frowning. But then again, what choice did the remnants of that civilization have, with the decline of the supernatural? "These people have been in slumber for no more than two thousand years before they all perished," the female immortal concluded after a thorough investigation. Compared to the quiet cosmic night, this period is too brief. Even if extended tenfold or a hundredfold, it would still not wait for the next birth of the supernatural. "This is somewhat strange. Wanting to use a supernatural meteorite to extend the life of mythology, could some legends actually be true?" Qi Teng pondered. "Long ago, a perished ancestor said that the supernatural was an ident, caused by the radiation of real materials from meteorite fragments that fell, bringing hope and nourishing the mythological world." "After the meteor disintegrated, nearly real materials could coexist with a massive amount of supernatural factors!" the Blood Lord stated. Zheng Yuantian nodded, "Indeed, there''s such a saying. Hence, some predecessorsmented in despair that the meteor crossing the eternally silent night was merely an ident, not a metaphor, but a real scenario." Everyone was lost in thought because if these nearly real meteorites fell across the universe, could they have created mythological civilizations? This idea sparked endless spection. About these, Fang Yuzhu, Zheng Yuantian, and Qi Teng had all tried to find the source of these meteorites, but to no avail. Not just them, those few perished mythological civilizations left only hints that they too sought the source, only to be disappointed. "How did this civilization find the meteorite here?" they wondered, puzzled. No matter how you look at it, this special little didn''t seem to be brought in by those people but belonged to this spiritual universe, stirring something in their minds, leading them to certain spections. "Could it be that all the identally born supernatural phenomena are because meteorites fell from this kind of spiritual universe, hence the mythological civilizations at different historical periods?" they spected. "No wonder we couldn''t find it. These nearly real meteorites aren''t in the real world. Even searching across various star spaces yields nothing; they only exist within the spiritual universe?" The six delved into this grave inquiry, touching upon the origins of mythology. Throughout history, many brilliant individuals have sought answers, leaving behind notes and insights. Comparing the writings of predecessors with their current observations and knowledge, they increasingly believed in this truth. "The essence of mythological origins... stems from the idental fall of real materials!" They pondered, uncovering part of the truth, yet many questions remained unanswered. What exactly is the spiritual universe? Why can it give birth to such nearly real meteorites? "Rtive to it, this little is still too small, it hasn''t grown, not grand enough, insufficient to sustain a mythological civilization," Zheng Yuantian remarked. "I specte, at the birth of a real supernatural world, it would be a meteor shower, with meteorites of various colors and containing different real materials falling, giving birth to different supernatural factors, hence nurturing mythology." They observed again; a single small was too simplistic. It was tiny, the real materials it contained far from supporting a mythological civilization. "How did this mythological civilization pinpoint this spiritual universe? Why were they able to actively find a special small? If they had continued searching, perhaps they really could have thrived endlessly." In a sense, that mythological civilization had found the direction but hadn''tpleted the journey. Entering the copsed, decayed, and contaminated interior of the small, its condition worsened as they moved through it, breaking apart further. Ultimately, a potent spiritual imprint emerged, morphing into the final tableau, narrating the ultimate words, resonating with their spirits. It depicted a rough, blood-stained hand penning a farewell, recollecting past scenes, resonating and manifesting shared visions. "Did we err? Hoped for a whale''s fall, for myths to arise, immortals to be born, yet reality proved so brutally harsh, a sorrowful end, a retribution." The six beheld the rough hand clutching the tattered Imperial Banner, charging at the boundaries of the spiritual universe. Was this an act of self-destruction in regret? The hand disintegrated, blood sttered. "It unveils some truth; what whale was referred to?" "Why mention retribution? He seems filled with endless regret!" Their expressions changed for the first time, feeling an unprecedented sense of dread. What had this supreme civilization done to arrive here? Hints of bloodshed, cruelty, boundless regret, and sorrow were interwoven. The individual behind the rough hand harbored aplex state of mind, evoking profound empathy in an instant. They discussed, if they could find that direction, perhaps there was still a chance. "Tracing back to the old scenes, we must discover the truth, understand the bigger picture." Together, they focused on the fading traces left by the rough hand, connected with those words, activated the imprints, and resonated once more. "A whale falls..." As this deste voice echoed, they vaguely saw a giant head with sparks of electricity, its eyes filled with sadness, before it slowly turned away. "It resembles the colossal head constructed by the City of Lightning, the Clouds of Thunder, and the tenyers of spiritual relics!" Then, the Imperial Banner appeared, sweeping across the sky, its vast fabric extending beyond the realm, as if covering the entire starry sky. As the immense banner swept across, blood fell from above. They saw mes, heard cries, and vaguely saw the heavens torn open by the banner... Chapter 369: The Heavenly Herb In The Crater Chapter 369: The Heavenly Herb In The Crater A whale falls, a person dies, immortals are born? Such a path is iprehensible; the six great masters all felt a chill to the bone, was there once a special person? Within this tale, there seems to be cruelty, bloodshed, betrayal, and in the end, extreme guilt and endless regret. However, everything is too vague; they only saw partially blurred fragments, much of it filled with their own assumptions and guesses. "The general direction is correct; can we actively find that special small containing real substances?" Zheng Yuantian''s eyes were deep, bringing up this matter, the atmosphere suddenly quieted down. Zhang Daoling arrived with a forceful presence, making his way into the tenthyer of the spiritual relic. Looking up, he saw two faces peering down at him. Zhang gave them a nce, "You two, stop spying on me." "Crunch." Wang Xuan was enjoying a piece of cactus, savoring every bite. Chen Yongjie''s mouth radiated a red glow, as if he was gnawing on sugarcane, eagerly chewing on a radiant celestial herb. "I...!" Zhang was stunned; the sight was a bit too striking. Those two youngsters, each holding a celestial herb as if nibbling on a radish! To think, Zhang, the grandmaster, had never indulged in such luxury at their age. Where did these kids get their celestial herbs, showing off their wealth to him? "Immortal, want some? It''s quite crunchy," Chen Yongjie called out. "We''re separated by a barrier; he can''t eat it," Wang Xuan remarked. "You two, don''t you know celestial herbs are better used for refining pills? Keep them, and I''ll make you Nine Turns Dragon Tiger Immortal Pills!" Zhang shouted. The two grinned, their mouths gleaming, making Zhang wish he could p them both. Showing off for what? "No need, refining pills takes too long. Better to eat them directly, breaking through barriers is more urgent," Chen Yongjie said. He mumbled to himself, doubting how many pills Zhang would actually give them after refining. Beside him, Wang Xuan was radiant, with real substances steaming off him. Indeed, he was about to break through, advancing to the ninth realm of the mortal world. As they spoke, Chen also made a breakthrough, stepping into the eighth realm, his body enveloped in crimson aura, emitting red energy from his ears and nostrils. "You two!" Zhang pointed at them, wanting to kick each. Is this how celestial herbs are meant to be used? Such a waste, best saved for major breakthroughs. Like transitioning from the mortal realm to the Xianxia realm, or from Xianxia to the realm of nurturing life, not for minor advancements. This is the epitome of extravagance! He watched in agony. "Immortal, next time we find celestial herbs, we''ll save them for your pill refining," Chen Yongjie shouted, his body shining with golden Buddha light, his aura enhanced by the circting Daoist energy and the radiant purple qi, adding to his extraordinary demeanor. As Wang Xuan advanced into the ninth realm, he was enveloped in various substances nearly touching the essence of reality, all forcefully reined back into his body. Each of these substances, of the highest caliber, originated from the Misty Lands. He remained serene, and his breakthrough didn''t cause any disturbance in the world around him; all remained peaceful and undisturbed. Zhang Daoling watched them, then turned away, diving into the deep cosmos to follow the six great masters. Soon after, the two Specter Kings also vanished in a sh, trailing behind. "The Specter Queen from the Three Specter Mounds is one thing, but that old astronaut too?" Wang Xuan expressed his astonishment. "Those two cultivators are indulging in celestial herbs, thieves, fishermen!" A powerful being from the eighthyer of the spiritual relic who had arrived at the tenthyer caught sight of the two sitting atop the barrier, their envy palpable. "Disciple, help me take them down!" Chen Yongjie joked, ncing at a demon cultivator with a ck hair bun adorned with a golden feather. The demon cultivator ignored him, turning away as if he hadn''t heard. "They squandered celestial herbs for their breakthrough, what extravagance, what waste, disgraceful!" Somemented bitterly, convinced the celestial herbs rightfully belonged to them and should not have been used in such a manner, believing the twocked understanding of the herbs'' true value. "Let''s go!" Wang Xuan whispered. Many had witnessed his advancement, and with everything appearing normal, it was time for deeper cultivation, to nt some cacti. Determined, he and Chen Yongjie made their escape, aiming for a secluded spot outside the City of Lightning for seclusion, ready to make a bold move and shake the world of the supreme masters. They were pursued by a primeval bird of prey with a thousand wings, which seemed reluctant to leave the relic behind, ultimately watching them break through the dense lightning area. Wang Xuan looked back at the giant head enshrouded in electric light, finding the ce too gloomy for his taste. The spiritual world was vast, and it took them flying nonstop for three thousand miles before they found a quiet spot to settle. There, they released their physical bodies to merge with their spirits for a better breakthrough. "Hold onto the celestial herb, Chen. If anything goes awry and you can''t hold on, just take a few bites," Wang Xuan advised. Previously, they had only nibbled on tiny bits of the leaves, barely consuming the precious herb. "Okay!" Chen Yongjie agreed. In his spiritual form within his life-soil, Wang Xuan mused, "This is truly a strange ce, the origin of myths, where the transcendent is born, surrounded by substances nearly real, teeming with life. Everything starts here." Wang Xuan wielded an iron pick, the same ancient tool that had pierced through the roots of the celestial herb, surprisingly also brought into this realm. He used it to strike the Life Furnace, lifting its lid only to smash it down repeatedly, causing his own life-soil to quiver. "What''s going on? Are we crashing?" Chen Yongjie staggered, nearly falling as he guarded Wang Xuan. This wasn''t just a bumpy ride but a full-on roller coaster, making him nauseous. His life-soil trembled wildly, forcing him to hastily consume a small piece of the celestial herb to calm his nerves with its real substance. After striking the Life Furnace 108 times, even Wang Xuan felt dizzy, his life-soil roiling with the real substances stirred up to near boiling. Outside, chaos reigned with cries andmotions everywhere. In the grand scheme, the Human World Sword and the Leisure Boat appeared again, with Zhang Daoling, Fang Yuzhu, and the Red Garment Demon Lord''s true forms vying for them. Zheng Yuantian, the Chaotic Immortal, Demon Ancestor Qi Yi, Mingxue, and others rushed to the scene, their eyes zing with fervor, emitting intimidating beams. In the real world, the transcendents were overwhelmed, those with shaky foundations seemed drunken, copsing in droves, their physical bodies trembling uncontrobly. Some were sick, their spirits shaken loose, their mental vigor drained, and their realms utterly destabilized, with some beginning to fall. "Let''s leave it at that for now. I doubt many will be shaken down; we''ll seeter. It''s more important to go to the Land of Nothingness to nt herbs. The major tremors during realm advancement are the loudest." Wang Xuan set aside the furnace lid, ready with the cactus, the sh God Banner, the silver beast skin book, and the pale gold beast skin with two holes burned through it from the super-mythical civilization''s remnants, preparing to set off. He decided to bring the iron pick as well, potentially useful for mining meteorites at crucial moments. Whoosh! He dived into his life soil, using his spiritual eye to ensure the path was correct, descending all the way. Before leaving his life soil, he expanded the banner and beast skin, taking arge amount of life soil with him. He entered the silent void, a vast universe without stars, filled only with substances nearly real. This time, he moved faster, or rather, after nting the celestial herb, the distance between the two ces seemed shorter, feeling like "a month" had passed before he reached the silver-shining Pool of Life. Ssh! Not only did Wang Xuan jump into the pool, but he also threw the cactus in, soaking it here. Soon, it would be nted in an extremely dry area, so he "nourished" it in advance. The life soil he brought was continuously watered with the silver elixir, eventually piled beside a mound. The mound grewrger, shrouded in mist and silver light, like dragons swimming and various fierce birds circling, an astonishing spectacle. The Nine Tribtions Celestial Lotus indeed mutated into a vine on the mound, with tendrils as long as an arm, covered in tiny dark red spikes with strong self-defense capabilities. It bore four leaves gleaming with silver light, bursting with life. "It could be called the Nine Tribtions Celestial Vine now. Is this an evolution?" he mused. After arriving in the Land of Vagueness, the "ritual" didn''t diminish; he once again bungee-jumped into the entrance of hell, sinctly summarized as: a death-defying cultivation method! Each visit, he challenged the red clouds, wrapped in the sh God Banner, not considering it serious cultivation unless he was burnt to the brink of life or struck crispy by lightning. He indeed pushed himself, dancing on the wire between life and death, challenging his limits to the extreme. "The golden beast skin is potent, indeed. Despite the holes, its material is no less formidable than the silver beast skin or the fabric of the sh God Banner." During his grueling cultivation, wrapped in the pale golden beast skin, he genuinely sensed its extraordinariness; this item was undoubtedly not simple. He couldn''t help but feel, perhaps it was an illusion, that the beast skin, after being struck by red lightning and scorched, had changed somewhat. As he concluded this session of cultivation, dragging his nearly dead body away, he sensed an anomalywas it an illusion? The golden light on the beast skin seemed a bit brighter. "A hallucination? No matter!" After numerous "recuperations" in the silver Pool of Life, signifying many sessions of arduous cultivation, by the time he was thoroughly finished, the beast skin seemed not so ancient anymore. "It''s peculiar, isn''t it afraid of being scorched?" Once again, he threw the pale golden beast skin deep into the dense red haze, where clouds churned terrifyingly, and thunder boomed incessantly. From afar, that area seemed as if boiling, with the red clouds almost bubbling. In the past, during his cultivation here, he never dared venture too deep, merely drawing a bit of the red mist from the edges. He was sure his true body, even with the sh God Banner, wouldn''t survive there. Now, daringly trying to throw the holed golden beast skin into that turmoil, he was surprised by the significant uproar it caused. He stayed far away, fearing an ident. As time passed, when the red clouds ebbed awaypletely, he hurried over and found the pale golden beast skin not only intact but also seemingly brighter. And perhaps it was a trick of the eye, but the two holes appeared slightly smaller. Wang Xuan was motivated, waiting for the red haze to rise and fall, enduring cultivation and healing himself, not knowing how many times he repeated the process. This time, he was determined to ascend to a significantly higher level, aiming to challenge the grand realm of Free Roaming. Whether he''d break through was irrelevant; he was set on forcefully attempting the breakthrough, to shake Zheng Yuan Tian and the others! He felt as if he had been in retreat for years here, each time nearing death only to recover via the Pool of Life, far surpassing his previous cultivation durations. "Almost there. This method of cultivation is bing less effective for me. Merely enduring hardship and tormenting myself won''t do. Next time, I''ll need to find another way." But his gains were immense, significantly boosting his strength! Wang Xuan, the ascetic cultivator, is now an experienced ninth-stage expert! Then, carrying the long-soaked cactus-like celestial herb and the life-giving soil, he swiftly headed towards the meteorite crater area. Everything went smoothly. Once again at the meteoritend, he avoided the moments of intense tidal forces. After the red mist dissipated, he quickly approached and entered through the mine tunnel he had used before. No changes here; it remained quiet with dense purple qi undting like water ripples. "I worried for nothing. This isn''t truly a ''barren''nd. Nourished by the purple substance, this cactus-like celestial herb should thrive." Wang Xuan deliberately avoided the mine tunnel area where the demonic flower resided, choosing instead a new path deeper into the meteorite''s core. He had a lingering fear of the eternal "demonic flower," its undying nature, and its terrifyingly hallucinogenic potency. He decided not to challenge it this time. With a pickaxe in one hand and the sh God Banner in the other, he dug diligently, embodying a hardworking miner. "After digging for what felt like years, this venture only went hundreds of meters deep, where I nted the cactus celestial herb in a secret cave." "This celestial herb has an extremely strong adaptability!" Wang Xuan marveled. He shattered the meteorite to create arge pit, arranged its roots properly, and filled it with a significant amount of life-giving soil. Instantly, it began absorbing the purple substance of this ce, nourishing itself. Especially since the mine''s purple mist was thick and nearly liquid, indeed a substantial tonic, it made Wang Xuan''s spirit gleam with a purple light, radiating a lustrous aura. Soon after, the celestial herb, originally as clear and sparkling as crystal, began to show traces of purple, transforming in appearance. "It seems celestial herbs immensely favor substances close to reality; there''s no need to worry about their demise. Bringing them to the Void is like returning fish to the ocean," Wang Xuan pondered. In the following years, dedicated to both mining and cultivating, he delved into various techniques and scriptures, including the sh Path Sword, stone tablet scriptures, and the Sakyamuni contemtion chart. Wang Xuan felt he had reached thete phase of the ninth stage, touching the threshold of perfection. He persistently challenged the major barrier, causing the meteorite cave to tremble and resonate with his efforts. "I wonder how it''s shaking outside." He also keenly sensed as if hitting a ceiling, a suppression that made true breakthroughs elusive. "Is it the realm of Xianxia, something special? Why do I feel like my cultivation here, aiming for a breakthrough, has led me into significant trouble?" An instinctual intuition told him that breaking into the Xianxia realm might require passing through the meteorite crater, a daunting challenge. "Does my cultivation level rte to the Void, to the actual environment I''m in?" He frowned, pondering if nearing the true source was necessary. Chapter 370: A Chance Encounter Chapter 370: A Chance Encounter Not long after, the celestial herb, once as clear as crystal, began to take on a hint of purple, showing signs of change. "It seems celestial herbs relish substances close to reality. There''s no worry they''ll perish. Sent to the void, they thrive like fish returned to the sea," Wang Xuan mused. After mining for years and concurrently cultivating, studying various techniques, scriptures, the sh Path Sword, stone tablet scriptures, and the Shakya Visualization Chart, he felt he was at theter stages of the ninth segment, ready to challenge the great barrier. "Wonder how it''s shaking outside." He sensed as if hitting a ceiling, always suppressed, struggling to truly advance. "Is it the realm of Xiaoyao Journey? Something peculiar. Feels like I''ve hit a major snag in my cultivation here." An instinct told him breaking through to Xiaoyao Journey might require passing through the meteorite crater, a daunting task. "Does my realm, the void, and the actual environment all interconnect?" he pondered, wondering if proximity to the source of reality was needed. The meteorite, vast and massive,y in the dark expanse. "If it were a normal meteorite, it''d be manageable. But if it''s denser than my Life Soil, I''m in trouble." Using the sh God Banner to boost his spirit''s speed, navigating Life Soil still felt like an astronomical journey. Digging here, he advanced mere hundreds of meters over years. "Should I bring in others to mine for me?" he considered but quickly dismissed the idea, fearing unforeseen consequences with his Life Soil. In the crater, Wang Xuan wielded the sh God Banner and iron pickaxe, tirelessly working. The monotony of cultivation and mining over years could wear anyone down. "Can I just cut through an existing passage?" He pondered the risk of a bold move through the meteorite crater, its icy silence marked by patches of grey and transitions to brown and faint purple deeper in. Except for the demonic flower, radiating purity and eternal essence, everything else was lifeless. Even without the red miasma''s peak, the area still emitted a dangerous red substance. Previous attempts with just the sh God Banner ended in retreat. "Let''s try again." Now, with silver and faded gold beast skinsyered for protection, Wang Xuan prepared to brave the fiery depths, hoping theseyers would shield him against the harsh elements. Wrapped like a dumpling, Wang Xuan chose his moment and then began his crossing. "Will I break through to a new world, or will I be smacked back with a blunt strike? Doesn''t matter, here Ie!" Determined, he thought, as long as he didn''t die, nothing was too daunting. He needed to take this risk, especially when supreme masters of this era were getting desperate, sending avatars into the mortal realm. There was no reason for him to ck off. Transforming into a streak of light, "Wang Dumpling" charged in, facing the mild rosy glow and the asional fall of red particte matter. He screamed in pain, feeling an intense burning sensation as if ignited the moment he entered. There was an instant he wanted to roll on the ground to relieve the pressure, thinking of giving up and returning to the mortal world to live a mediocre life. Yet, his nature wouldn''t allow it; he wasn''t one to easily give in. He wanted to persevere, to prove something to himself. "Come on, banner, block for me! Holey beast skin, do you want to rot away or be reborn from the ashes? Don''t disappoint me! Silver skin, ghostly symbols, resonate and withstand!" Despite being in agony, Wang Xuan brainwashed himself, establishing a firm belief to push through to and unimaginable by the outside world. "I''m forging a path, seeking a new mythological realm, akin to creating the world. At any moment, a great cmity could befall. If the immortals, Life Soil, and the Great Curtain could sense it, grant me life!" He surged forward like a meteor cutting through the dark night sky, passing through the terrifying void channel, ascending all the way. The walls of the meteorite passage were rough, with the rosy glow growing denser and closer to "reality" upwards, those particte substances increasing. Such superior energy is beyond normalprehension; even a touch is like thunder exploding or a fierce heavenly fire that could forge and burn one''s spirit. Normally, any creature venturing this deep is essentially courting death. Wang Xuan''s spirit was eroded by the light fog, his soul cracking, vision darkening, and the spiritual constructs of his internal organs nearly disintegrating, gradually blurring out. Wang Xuan spared a nce at the outeryer of pale gold beast skin, noticing it wasn''t burnt at all. Instead, a mysterious golden mist flowed around it, and the tworge holes seemed to resonate. "Even this beast skin hasn''t been burnt. As a human, how can I shrink back? I''m still sheltered by it. How can I be worse off? Charge again!" With his mouth dry and tongue scorched, feeling on the verge of explosion, Wang Xuan still refused to retreat, hoping a bit more endurance would see him through. He was driven by a desire to reach the true source, fueled by an unwillingness to give up and an endless curiosity about whaty beyond this mysterious path. Was it ancient, or had his spirit forged this route through its unique journey? "Why is this path so long!" hemented, nearly driven to madness by the burning. His spirit felt like vomiting blood, its so-called spiritual strands curling from the heat, smoking, and the flesh of his spirit cracking and ckening. Even with his spiritual eyes wide open, he hadn''te close to that white, sacred flower. "It doesn''t seem astronomically far, but crossing it has taken days without nearing the root of that demonic flower." It was a case of misjudging the distance, exhausting his spirit in the process. Soon, the rosy glow intensified, leaving him bewildered about when it would end. The pain had peaked, numbing him, his mind in disarray, ears ringing with strange sounds. "Path, void..." "Immortal..." Gritting his teeth, he shook his head vigorously to stay alert. His spirit-formed lips were parched; continuing like this, he''d surely turn to ashes. Wang Xuan couldn''t tell how many days he had flown. He noticed the outeryer of pale gold beast skin turning red, covered in rosy glow, its fate uncertainwas it about to be destroyed? The sh God Banner was nearly ck, its surface crinkled, but its golden grid expanded, still exerting power and sustaining a faint halo to shield him from direct exposure. The silver beast skin book radiated a halo with its ghostly script resonating with the nearly real substance, leaving him unsure if this was beneficial or detrimental as he navigated through extreme conditions. "To keep myself alert, I must practice!" He wielded the sh God Banner on his journey, diverting his pain through the practice of various scriptures, assessing which esoteric texts were most suitable when approaching reality. This extreme form of cultivation was highly effective, repeatedly challenging the barrier to the vast realm of carefree immortality. This barrier felt unique to him, unbreakable and immovable. Wang Xuan sensed that choosing to break through with ordinary super substances in the real world would pose no issue, allowing him quick ess to the carefree realm. However, the significance of such an achievement would drastically differ, and his ability to return here might bepromised. He sought the true source, hence choosing this arduous path, unwilling to tread the decayed paths of ancient myths. "Ugh!" Outside, even Old Chen vomited, spewing out the bitter waters of his spirit, his foundationalnd tumultuous as if being plowed through. This experience was akin to riding a broken ox cart over a field of rocks, constantly on the verge of overturning, then as if the cart ventured onto the cratered surface of the moon, where not just the people but the cart itself threatened to disintegrate. He wasn''t sure how many days he had flown, noticing the outeryer of the pale gold beast skin turning red, shrouded in mist, uncertain of its fate. The Slicing God Banner was nearly ck, wrinkled, but its golden grid expanded, still exerting force, maintaining a faint halo that kept him hidden. The silver beast skin book, with its talisman-like characters shining, resonated with the nearly real substances, making it hard to tell if this was good or bad, as Wang Xuan struggled between fire and water. "I need to keep myself awake, practice!" On the move, he manipted the Slicing God Banner, diverting his agony by practicing various scriptures, testing which secret texts were most suited to nearing the real. Such extreme cultivation was effective; he felt himself repeatedly hitting the ceiling of the Escaping Mundane realm. This barrier was unique to him, unshakably solid. Wang Xuan felt that if he chose to break through in the real world using ordinary super substances, it wouldn''t be a problem to step into the Escaping Mundane level quickly. But that would mean apletely different significance, and whether he could step into this realm again was questionable. He desired to near the real source, hence taking this arduous path. The old myths had decayed; he had no reason to follow the predecessors'' footsteps. "Ugh!" Even Old Chen vomited, his Commanding Soil tumultuous as if being plowed, his domain of all beginnings loosening. What was this experience? Like riding a broken cart over rocky terrain, ready to flip at any moment, then driving that cart on the moon''s cratered surface, where not just people but the cart itself was about to disintegrate. Even Chen Yongjie almost lost his realm level, let alone the state of the outside world. The supernatural domain was in chaos, with fairies copsing drunk and descendants of immortals steaming with light rain, their realms plummeting. This impact was too significant, affecting everyone, with those of shallow practice nearly losing two levels, and even the steadfast could not maintain stability. The situation was unprecedented, a cosmic quake that spared no one. Huang Daxian grimaced, nearly coughing up bile, while Cao Qingyu and Kong Yun, despite their strong foundations, turned pale. Zhou Shiqi and Chen Yan, covering their mouths to vomit,y sprawled on the desert ground. Qi Lian Dao, son of the Demon Ancestor, couldn''t help but curse, frustrated as he saw his painstakingly recovered realm shaken down again. "Now, if I used to experience minor quakes, this was an unparalleled celestial quake. Who can withstand this?"mented Huang Daxian, as even the Life Furnace, Sword of the Mortal Realm, and Boat of Escaping Mundane vibrated as if resonating with something profound, sensing an unseen turmoil. At this moment, Zhang Daoling, Fang Yuzhu, the Red Garment Demon Lord, and others were not faring well either, each feeling as though they were on the verge of catastrophe. Their vital energies were in turmoil, a situation not experienced in many years. "Ugh..." Old Zhang staggered, finding that even pressing a mirror against his face was futile. He sighed, "I finally understand the difficulties of womanhood. Is this what morning sickness feels like? Life has truly brought me to experience it all." The Red Garment Demoness red at him fiercely before bending over with a slender waist and vomiting. "Vomiting bes a habit after a while. I felt the same the first time I drank celestial blood," the ancestor of the Ming Blood Sect said. But his wasn''t just vomiting; it was an outward spray, almost as if he was doing it on purpose, making it unbearable for everyone else. Fang Yuzhu was also overwhelmed, covering her mouth. Her cheeks, as delicate and translucent as mutton fat jade, tightened. Her beautiful eyebrows furrowed as she vomited repeatedly, not even the golden bamboo boat could shield her. "This time it''s different, unstoppable. If the previous times were minor quakes, this is a major one, akin to breaking through a minor level versus transcending a major realm," Zheng Yuantian said, his face deathly pale, even his silver mask cracking in ces. Even they were affected, with their realms starting to slip! Boom! Seven masters, along with two ghostly kings, charged towards that decaying meteorite, entering its core, for they had suddenly sensed something there. There were remnants of crystals that were almost real! While contending against the violent quakes, not wanting their spiritual progress to fall, they rushed forward, vying for the crystals. It was surprising that they hadn''t discovered it earlier; it had been entirely shaken loose. Then, a massive explosion urred, seemingly piercing through the void itself. "I''ve devoted myself to arduous cultivation, faced tribtions, braved deadly challenges, andprehended the supreme scriptures, forging a new path of myths. Am I... delirious now? Where have I ended up?" Wang Xuan felt as if he was being consumed by a fire, teetering between life and death, unable to discern how much time had passed. A sword halo surrounded him externally, while internally, he circted the stone tablet scriptures, his soul resonating, almost to the point of confusion. "Should I keep going?" he wondered, realizing that he was now close to the snow-white, immortal flower, indeed having traversed a long and arduous path. Boom! Suddenly, near the flower, a section of the stone wall exploded, and several figures stumbled out. "I''m in agony, what kind of ursed ce is this?!" Old Zhang yelled, his body emitting red light, looking as if he was caught between the desire for immortality and the brink of death, smoke rising from him. Bang! Not far from Wang Xuan, the Red Garment Demoness fell, her long dress nearly burnt away in an instant. She quickly performed some kind of sacrificial dance to counteract the red substance but still found it unbearable. "Has the grand dream merged with reality?" Wang Xuan was astonished, as the Red Garment Demoness actually ran up close to him and started performing a celestial dance. "Is it you?!" The Demoness, unable to bear it any longer, her body radiating rosy light, rushed towards him, intending to grab Wang Xuan''s beast skin clothes. Her crystalline arms and snow-white legs were nearly scorched. Chapter 371: Projecting Dream Into Reality Chapter 371: Projecting Dream Into Reality Wang Xuan was deeply aware of the gravity of the situation, bewildered at how these individuals had made their way into his backyard. This was something he simply could not tolerate! As the Red Clothed Demoness approached, although he was taken aback, he did not lose his vignce and swiftly dodged her attempt. Was she trying to remove his beast skin clothing? The rosy glow spread, and mist rose up. The Red Clothed Demoness let out a light huff, clearly suffering from the burns. The substance near this ce was too densely real. Especially those translucent red particles that melted everything in their path, even darkening the divine gs, one could imagine the immense lethality they possessed. "Where is this, what ce, near a real meteorite... Is there a meteorite path?" The Ming Blood Sect''s ancestor was in agony, his eyebrows and beard vanished, appearing utterly bewildered by the burns. With a whoosh, the Red Clothed Demoness approached again, her arms no longer as fair, her whole being radiating the aura of the Immortal Path as she fought against the red substance with all her might. This was a mysterious battle dance, her waist twisting, descending like a fairy from the heavens, with a charm that acknowledged the severity of the situation. At the same time, she approached Wang Xuan again, noticing his anomaly. His realm was low, yet he was unharmed, especially intrigued by the familiar beast skin he wore. "Boy, catch!" Old Zhang yelled, grimacing from the burns, his dignified appearance as the founder of a sect gone, his hair nearly lost, his casual attire turned to ashes in an instant. "Where did you alle from?" Wang Xuan asked, his tone serious, not approaching immediately since Old Zhang had always been a liability. This ce had always been his private sanctuary, where he could ponder in solitude andprehend the Dao peacefully, now intruded upon by outsiders. What security did he have left? His soul, the heavenly herbs he cultivated, and his life''s soil could all be threatened by these neers. However, it wasn''t certain if they could leave this meteorite path. "Ugh!" Zheng Yuantian was vomiting, his realm seeming to have dropped after falling in, his silver mask burnt away instantly, his face deathly pale then turning red, his body emitting green smoke. "How could he be here? There''s a big problem!" Zheng Yuantian, while painfully contending with the red haze, looked towards Wang Xuan with a chill in his gaze. Despite being scorched and corroded by the red substance, these unparalleled warriors did not retreat, showing great interest in this ce. "Getting closer to reality? Good!" A burly demon ancestor muttered under his breath, a brilliant light shining in the depths of his eyes, enduring the severe pain and looking around. "I can''t take it anymore, I''m going to ignite!" The ancestor of the celestial beings, Qi Teng, also appeared, walking from a pile of shattered meteorites, no longer concealing himself. "Where''s the path, the meteorite path back, why can''t I see it?!" Zheng Yuantian''s face changed, he was burnt to a crisp, his features distorted. Even these high-level masters seemed unable to withstand the crystalline red particles, intending to retreat back through the passage only to find the path lost! In an instant, everyone''s expression changed. "Wang Xuan, howe you are here?" Fang Yuzhu, in her flowing white garments, appearedst, standing on arge chunk of fallen meteorite. Then, herplexion turned red, unable to bear the pain, her white clothes disintegrating into ash. "I was in seclusion, wandering in the vast emptiness, and then, somehow, I ended up here," Wang Xuan replied. Although he was protected by the beast skin, his soul still felt as if it were about to split apart. Could this really be happening? The seven masters found it hard to believe, but no one delved deeper into the matter, and soon, they couldn''t hold on any longer. The red substance, like chaotic thunder or supreme firelight, rendered everyone dazed, melting their spiritual armors. "You wanted me to perform the celestial dance, right? Here I am." The Red Clothed Demoness''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, apparently in unbearable pain, but she turned into a streak of light and approached him. She came close, and despite the agony within the red glow, her posture remained graceful, her slender figure moving elegantly, her steps as delicate as a lotus, graceful and charming. Wang Xuan was startled, the supreme scriptures operating, wrapping himself with the beast skin, striving for higher ground, still a form of painful cultivation! Therefore, the others present were shocked again, vomiting, their chests heaving violently, some even bending over. "Is it rted to him?!" Zheng Yuantian''s gaze was fierce, a mysterious light surging as if he had uncovered some significant event. Old Zhang stumbled and also showed a look of surprise, saying, "Damn, kid, the source is with you, the root is on you. You''re finished, shaking so much I vomited repeatedly, even dropping realms. How will youpensate me?" Then, he nearly turned into a charred figure, quickly stabilizing the void with a bronze mirror, trying to repel the red haze as much as possible. "Ugh..." Fang Yuzhu, untouched by the mortal world and resembling a celestial being, also retched repeatedly, struggling against the violent shaking, looking towards Wang Xuan. "Old Zhang, I''ll help you. Fairy, how can I assist you?" Wang Xuan spoke, looking towards Old Zhang and Fang Yuzhu. Having the deepest connections with these two, he naturally wanted to help them first. Old Zhang decisively charged towards him, and Fang Yuzhu, transforming into a Lingbo Fairy, also wanted to join him before her white garment waspletely consumed by the mes, both recognizing the extraordinary nature of his beast skin. However, the Red Clothed Demoness was quicker. She was already nearby and said, "The matters between us are trivial, not worth mentioning. We are on the same side, and Fang Yuzhu is my sister." She approached gracefully, her tall figure suffering from the burns, her skin turning from snow-white to gradually reddening, and then her arms began to darken. "Help her," Fang Yuzhu called out before getting close, fearing conflict between them. Subsequently, Wang Xuan felt an almost burning hot, exquisite celestial body approach him, lifting his beast skin to share its protection, basking in its radiance. "Me too!" Zheng Yuantian, also nearby, seeing how effective the beast skin was, wanted to join as well. Wang Xuan''s expression darkened. Did his arch-enemy also want to share the beast skin? What was he thinking? Besides, the idea of another man, burned half ck and smelling strongly, was too much! He directly activated the God ying Banner, raising a corner of it and with a bang, flung the fiercely approaching Zheng Yuantian away, surprising Wang Xuan. Did it have such power? He found it unbelievable that he could send a peerless master flying. Then, he looked at the Red Clothed Demoness, who was very close, adjusting her hair, her face finally as white as jade again, exhaling a fragrance, saying, "It has nothing to do with me." Immediately after, she retched again and red fiercely at Wang Xuan. "This... also has nothing to do with me," Wang Xuan quickly said. "Did I just hear something incredible?" Old Zhang came rushing over, grabbing a corner of the banner and started to burrow inside. Wang Xuan felt ufortable all over. It was one thing for the enchanting figure of the demoness to approach him, but Old Zhang joining made his skin crawl. With a whoosh, Fang Yuzhu arrived, approaching from behind, entering the beast skin. This was somewhat dreamlike, Wang Xuan was spellbound. Wasn''t this his asional daydream? Who hasn''t been young and reckless, only for it to be reality? With two exquisite celestial bodies, both burning hot, by his side and behind him, he wondered if it was the burns or the atmosphere that was heating them up, making Wang Xuan question his life. Was this real? Old Zhang mored, "Leave some space for me." "Or, you can just wrap yourself in that corner of the banner and stay outside. It''s too crowded here," Wang Xuan suggested. Old Zhang''s eyes widened in disbelief, "What kind of nonsense is that? You''re clearly favoring thedies over your friends, letting me burn outside while the three of you stay in there?" "I''m here too!" The Ming Blood Sect''s ancestor also shouted, his body scorched ck, wanting to rush over. Zheng Yuantian, Qi Teng, and the Demon Ancestor approached as well, all seeking shelter under the beast skin, which only increased Wang Xuan''s headache. Beside Wang Xuan, the Red Clothed Demoness whispered in his ear with a fragrant breath, "We can eliminate Zheng Yuantian. This time, I''ll help you. Lift the God ying Banner and smash him!" With her exquisite figure pressing close, she wrapped her snowy white arms around Wang Xuan''s right arm, intending to join forces with him to strike down Zheng Yuantian. "I''ll help you too," Fang Yuzhu said with a gentle smile, pressing against him from behind. Wang Xuan''s heart raced. Even though he was in his spiritual form, and it was all constructed from mental energy, he could still hear his heart pounding as if it were beating a divine drum. Was he nervous? He cursed himself for being so weak-willed. They were just two peerless beauties, with skin as smooth as cream and bones as fine as jade. What was the big deal? And what did their close, warm bodies mean to him? Yet, his heart beat even faster, as if it were about to explode. Especially since his left hand felt burning hot and painfully so, and the palpitations in his heart grew more intense, turning into a sense of rm and then horror! He suddenly realized what was in his left handthe iron crowbar. It was so hot it was unbearable, snapping him out of it. He used the crowbar to lightly stab himself, immediately triggering a thunderous roar, and what he saw before him shattered like a bubble. In that moment, although Wang Xuan still felt the burning pain, a deeper, soul-chilling dread overcame him, sending shivers down his spine. Fang Yuzhu, the Red Clothed Demoness, Zhang Daoling, Zheng Yuantian, and the others shattered, dissipating as if they had never existed. Before him was a rough stone wall, a tiny root exposed, into which he had inserted the iron crowbar, not into himself. Lifting his gaze, he saw the immacte, sacred Immortal Flower, its radiant light sprinkling around. It was less than three miles away, very close indeed. Wang Xuan felt a shiver run down his spine. Had he encountered a deadly illusion again? Looking down, he saw himself holding the gpole of the God ying Banner, contemting self-harm? But the banner resisted, not allowing him to proceed. His real chills came from nearlymitting suicide. The resistance of the God ying Banner, along with the warning provided by the iron crowbar, had saved him. "Devil Flower!" Wang Xuan eximed, realizing the peril he had narrowly escaped. He was once again almost killed by it. He struck the tiny root with the iron crowbar a few times, knowing that even if he broke it, it would cause no real damage to the flower due to the distance. Nheless, he couldn''t help but act out of a need to vent his frustration. Whoosh! The tip was smashed, destroyed, and the remainder quickly vanished. Above, on the rough stone wall, the Immortal Flower swayed in the red haze, its white light enchanting and mysterious. "This time, it seems I''m not destined to pass through. Time to head back!" Wang Xuan felt he could no longer endure the burning sensation. Most crucially, he had a premonition of an impending disaster. Holding the iron crowbar and the God ying Banner, he regained rity and his instincts returned. "The red tide ising!" Hisplexion changed. The Flower of Eternal Life had trapped him in an illusion, waiting for him to be overwhelmed by the red substance. He turned and fled, speeding back the way he came. Vaguely, he heard the sound of mountains copsing and seas roaring behind him, like a real deluge breaking through, threatening to overrun this ethereal ce. That was the substance pouring in from the real source! Wang Xuan fled at full speed, with the red haze filling the sky behind him, the light and mist surging tumultuously. Eventually, he made it out, then was immediately engulfed by vast red mist. He quickly dodged to the side, entering a mine shaft and blocking it off. This time, he had trulye close to death, not just from nearing the real source but also nearly being killed by the devil flower again. Wang Xuan found himself in a sorry state, burnt beyond recognition. The pale gold beast skin with holes remained unscathed, the God ying Banner gradually returned to normal, and the silver beast skin scroll was also fine. Only he was charred and cracked, his soul nearly shattered. He sat down beside a cactus, absorbing the purple mist with it, resting and replenishing his spiritual body until many dayster when he opened his eyes, emitting two beams of purple light. "It''s time to go back," he said, standing up. In the external transcendent realm, chaos reigned supreme. This disturbance was extraordinarily severe, leaving even the mighty Mo Si in a daze, his cultivation level dropping. Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi clung to each other, their bodies intertwined, vomiting, theirplexions deathly pale, both experiencing a drop in their cultivation levels. Zhang Daoling, Zheng Yuantian, Qi Teng, and others struggled against the tremors while vying for the glowing blue crystal blocks, fighting fiercely to escape the void, breaking through tenyers of spiritual relics, and leaving the City of Lightning. Old Zhang, standing in the spiritual world after vomiting, remained unyielded, his mirror pressed against his face, deeply contemting as he sought the source, exploring earnestly. "Don''t let me find you, or I''ll end you. Is it possible that the Imperial Dao Banner is nearby, deliberately shaking us?!" he spected with a frown. He considered it highly likely, as the supreme civilization''s beginning had yet to appear, and their rash intrusion might have angered that decrepit banner. Upon Wang Xuan''s return, standing in his life soil, he hammered away at the Nurturing Spirit Furnace, causing further violent tremors in the outside world. At this moment, the battle for the blue crystals among the peerless masters hadn''t concluded yet. Even after escaping the relics, they continued to attack each other, scattered across thend. Old Zhang, while on guard, hit himself with the mirror twice, spreading the essence of the Immortal Dao to stabilize himself, not wanting to fall too drastically. However, including him, all peerless masters had dropped a realm,pletely overwhelmed. Today, they truly became the highest threshold, shaken to their core. At this moment, Old Chen was terrified. Guarding Wang Xuan, he felt like vomiting bile, but what truly rmed him and filled him with intense unease was Zheng Yuantian''s presence nearby. Zheng had crossed the sky, fighting others for the crystals. If they got any closer and were discovered, a single p from them would ensure a thorough beating, leaving no ce for burial. "Wang Xuan, Patriarch Wang, wake up, Old Zheng ising. Without the God ying Banner, we can''t defend ourselves. We''ll be killed!" he called out in a low voice. The oppressive aura of Zheng Yuantian was unmistakably close by, not having dissipated in the slightest. Suddenly, Wang Xuan''s eyes snapped open, his spirit returning, and he quickly reverted to his soul form, holding the God ying Banner in hand, alert and on guard. He had just emerged when he heard Chen Yongjie''s call and felt the nearby pressure. "Boom!" In the sky of the spiritual world, the Red Clothed Demoness was shing with someone over Qi Teng''s blue crystal, forcefully seizing a piece. Yet, astonishingly, she appeared to retch during the battle, then quickly descended to a mountain to vomit, resorting to her demoness dance to counteract. Wang Xuan showed a look of surprise. What was happening here? In the meteorite passage, it was all a dream, so why was he witnessing a simr scenario in reality? "Did I see a glimpse of the future, or has the grand dream indeed merged with reality?" "Zheng Yuantian ising!" Old Chen''splexion changed drastically as he saw a dazzling beam of light diving from a distant mountain peak, like aet striking the earth, overwhelmingly oppressive, making him feel suffocated! Zheng Yuantian had spotted them, his approach swift as a divine rainbow, instantly near, causing the surrounding mountains to shatter, exploding in an instant. A graceful figure, like a deity standing in the moonlight, pure and divine, Fang Yuzhu apanied by a light rain, came speeding from another direction. With a loud bang, she intercepted Zheng Yuantian midway, sending him tumbling through the air, leaving a trail of blood, and repelling him. The female Daoist remained uninjured, but like the other masters, her spirit had been severely shaken, leading to a drop in her realm, and she asionally retched. Wang Xuan showed a look of surprise but didn''t pause; he charged forward, wielding the God ying Banner fiercely towards Zheng Yuantian. Initially, Zheng Yuantian didn''t take it seriously, casually waving his sleeve, not intending to kill but to capture. Unexpectedly, he was... with a loud bang, sent flying into the mountains. Wang Xuan was somewhat stunned. The scene from his dream, where he used the God ying Banner to send Zheng Yuantian flying, had actually urred? He quickly went over to support Fang Yuzhu. "I''m fine." Fang Yuzhu was surprised; just moments ago, the tremors were severe, making her feel nauseous, but now she felt unharmed quite suddenly. She realized the transcendent earthquake had ended. Chapter 372: Cooking? Not A Problem Chapter 372: Cooking? Not A Problem Amidst the gentle breeze, Fang Yuzhus white attire fluttered gracefully, her long skirt entuating her exquisite figure. Her flowing hair lifted in the wind, revealing her fair, luminous cheeks and deep, insightful eyes. Long established in the realm of immortals, she exuded a divine aura, transcending the ordinary yet without the cold aloofness that distances others. Instead, she wore a gentle smile, dignified and graceful. Instinctively, Wang Xuan felt a surge of care towards her. Whether discussing the new covenant in the real world or her recent intervention against Zheng Yuantian to protect him, she had always watched over him. A tingling sensation, like a mild electric shock, spread through Wang Xuan as he momentarily held her arm, the part exposed beyond her white sleeve, which was as smooth and delicate as ivory. He quickly withdrew his hand, aware that in their spirit forms, any touch felt too intimate. "Thank you, Immortal Fang!" Wang Xuan beamed with a radiant smile. Why feel awkward? They wererades in arms, and acting with a clear conscience was what mattered. Fang Yuzhu gave him a surprised nce. His progress, now on the verge of the Free Wanderer realm, was astonishing. Every encounter seemed to leap beyond expectations. "Each time we meet, you inspire awe," she said with a slight smile, her snow-white attire giving her an ethereal glow, as if she stood bathed in the light of a divine moon. "Master Wang really holds his own, standing alongside the supreme immortal of the Immortal Realm without flinching," Chen Yongjie mused internally. His thoughts wandered, noting that neither Wang nor Immortal Fang were married. Seeing them together felt just right, especially visually appealing. Fang Yuzhu, with her dignified beauty and extraordinary presence, was a true luminary of the transcendent realm, captivating as a solitary figure against any backdrop. She nced at him momentarily. Chen Yongjie immediately became introspective, wary of further spection. Such top-tier immortals could, in a thought, perceive others'' innermost thoughts. Elsewhere, celestial lights pierced the sky, and the mountains trembled under the force of ongoing battles among other powerhouses. "You''ve not only survived but advanced," Fang Yuzhu softly remarked, showing surprise and admiration in her luminous eyes as she took another look at him. "I was shaken to my core, forced to consume heavenly herbs to endure, and then I broke through," Wang Xuan shared, choosing to remain modest in front of such a pinnacle figure. He maintained a tranquil state of mind, not wanting to overstep or have his inner thoughts detected. Far off, the aftermath of the tumult still lingered, though the epicenter gradually calmed. The surroundingnds continued to undte as if in a prolonged echo of the conflict. The red-d demon immortal, after a final retching, straightened her slender waist and darted back into the fray, her figure slicing through the air. She resumed her fierce battle for the gleaming blue crystals. Elsewhere, with a thunderous crash, Zhang Daoling was sent flying, caught off guard. The elderly man in the spacesuit, with a radiant halo at his brow, approached with determined strides. Utilizing a formidable psychic field, he twisted the profound fabric of reality, exhibiting an astonishing power. Identified as the "Evil Queen," supposedly thriving in a muddled temporal space, he too coveted the blue crystals. Zhang Daoling turned sharply, his expression no longer affable but icy, "Evil Queen, dare toy a hand on me, wishing to be erased from existence across all times? The momentes, you shall vanish without trace from any era." As a founder of a sect, his demeanor was no longer approachable. With a light reprimand, chaos unfurled beneath his feet, transforming into dragons and tigers that bore him forth like a divine arrow piercing the sun, formidable and unmatched. Riding upon the chaos dragons and tigers, Zhang Daoling wielded his corroded copper mirror, casting a dazzling beam that shattered the Evil Queen''s psychic field. "Do you know who I am? Do you know what I do on a daily basis? Subduing demon emperors, eliminating demon kings, capturing malevolent spirits! To offend me is to seek death!" In an instant, Zhang Daoling charged, his presence overwhelmingly powerful. White light steamed from his head, piercing the heavens, while the dragons and tigers beneath him roared, shaking the entire psychic realm. In a sh, he collided with the Evil Queen, causing clouds to surge and psychic energies to explode like a mushroom cloud, filling the sky with celestial mists. Bang! Zhang Daoling, with his copper mirror firmly in hand, struck the old astronaut''s helmet squarely, causing it to shatter instantaneously. The helmet disintegrated, sending fragments flying in all directions. "Old Zhang''s truly fierce!" Wang Xuan eximed in awe, witnessing the rare sight of Zhang Daoling engaging with and battling the Shen King, a spirit untouchable and unseen by the ordinary. Ten miles away, the sky was aze with crimson radiance as the demon empress ascended, her long skirt dancing among the heavenly arrays, apanied by a surging red sun. She traversed the heavens in a spectacle of grandeur. Engaged in fiercebat with Qi Teng, she once again overpowered her opponent, causing the ancestor of celestial beings to stagger back, blood of the primordial spirit trickling from the corner of his mouth. Suddenly, the psychic world dimmed as if engulfed by a monstrous cloud of dark energy, instantly submerging the realm in shadow. Amid the dark mists, a figure stood tall between heaven and earth, immense and boundless, its eyes shining like stars, illuminating the cosmos like sun and moon. With a single palm strike towards the red-d demon empress, the psychic realm thundered and copsed. The emergence of such a formidable presence sent shivers down everyone''s spine, their souls trembling. The Demon Ancestor had arrived! "Qi Yi, do you seek enmity with me, wishing to erase your name from this world?" The red-d demon empress turned, her status as a rising power undeniable, yet she remained incredibly formidable. With a graceful lift of her hand, sheunched an assault towards the heavens. Beneath the vault of heaven, within the ck mists, the towering figure was terrifying, its form vastly surpassing mountains, its eyes as vast as blood-redkes, a presence to be feared. Their physical disparities were evident, yet their confrontation was not one-sided. The immense figure did not gain the upper hand; rather, the delicate figure seemed more dominant, her power earth-shattering, her extraordinary energy sweeping across the realm. One, the red-d demon empress; the other, the ancient Demon Ancestortwo peaks of the demonic realm shing. Her slender palm repelled the imposing hand, her magic flooding like a deluge, as splendid as the gxy, piercing through the darkness with explosive force. In the psychic realm, a fierce battle unfolds between the red-d demon empress and the Demon Ancestor. A delicate figure shes with a colossal form matching the heavens in stature, their confrontation intense and awe-inspiring. Simultaneously, Qi Teng, the ancestor of celestial beings, lunges forward with a celestial furnace in hand. Emitting billions of strands of celestial light, apanied by endless mes, he targets the demon empress. At that moment, from the darkness, a demonic de emerges, sharp beyondpare, slicing through the psychic void as if bifurcating the world itself, cleaving the realm in two. This is the Demon Ancestor, with a square face and bushy eyebrows, ruthless in attack, aiming a deadly strike at the demon empress''s head, seeking to sever her fate with a single sh. The dazzling de light illuminates the psychic world! With three masters converging, seizing the opportunity, they jointlyunch an assault, aiming to capture the red-d demon empress. Upon witnessing this, Fang Yu Zhu, enveloped in light rain and d in white, swiftly traverses the sky, diving in to assist at the earliest opportunity. However, en route, a figure cuts her off with the grandeur of a divine river, vast and majestic, his energy robust, side-attacking the female sage and blocking her rescue attempt. He is Zheng Yuan Tian, who, not long ago, sought to capture Wang Xuan but was repelled by Fang Yu Zhu. Now, he stands in the way of the foremost sage among the females. As light rain scatters, their magical confrontations collide, emitting a brilliance that stirs the soul, like a river of stars pouring down, akin to two suns colliding and shattering. The area radiates with splendor, mountains tremble, deafening echoes fill the air, and celestial mist floods the scene like a tidal wave. Chen Yongjie is shaken to the ground, hastily retrieves his soul-locking bell to stabilize the void and himself, nearly being flung miles away. "Old Zheng''s truly formidable, holding back before?" he remarks with a grave expression. Wang Xuan, with a solemn look, adds, "He may not match Fang Yu Zhu, but his strength is undeniably extraordinary, worthy of being one of the few exceptional beings in recent ages to ascend the highest spiritual realms and sessfully harvest heavenly herbs." The main root of the silver heavenly herb buried in his life soil, though Zheng Yuan Tian may harvest cropster, Wang Xuan indeed benefits at this stage. Whispering, Wang Xuan muses on the grand spectacle before them, suspecting a decline in realm among the battling titans, weaker than their disy in the tenthyer of psychic remnants. Gripping the banner tightly, he reveals a n to Chen Yongjie, who immediately grasps the intent, understanding the move to exploit the conflict over the blue crystal, a substance so close to reality it''s invaluable to transcendents. Wang Xuan proposes a bold strategy to dislodge the ''true crystal'' from Zheng Yuan Tian, pledging to fight with all his might while ensuring Chen''s safety for the critical moment of seizing the prize. Chen, although apprehensive about confronting Zheng Yuan Tian, is swayed by Wang Xuan''s confidence in their enhanced powers within this psychic realm and the promise of potentially groundbreaking gains. Are you getting ahead of yourself, Patriarch Wang? Chen jests, yet the allure of the ''true crystal'' and its significance in forging a new mythic erapel them towards daring action, risking it all to intercept Zheng Yuan Tian. As the battle over the blue crystal esctes, unleashing devastating energy across the psychdscape, they ready themselves for a daring interception, driven by the possibility of securing a transformative power even as their world teeters on the brink of copse. In the distance, Qi Lian Dao, the second son of the Demon Ancestor, and his band of demons had just neared the area when a sudden force sted them away, causing him to cough up blood with a gasp. Witnessing this, Chen Yongjie saw the entire group swept aside as soon as they showed their faces, struck by an indiscriminate force, freezing him in ce with a soul chilled by fear. It was apse in judgment to agree to this. Didnt you see? Those supreme beings'' energy ripples tossed Qi Lian Dao and his ilk aside with mere aftershocks, he thought in trepidation. Wang Xuan reassured, No worries. Qi Lian Dao might have fallen from the realm of Transcendence. Plus, hecks any supreme divine artifacts. See? We''re unscathed. Steeled by resolve, Chen Yongjie solemnly nodded, gripping the fishing rod and bait, his mouth biting on a divine conch, crowned with the silver helm of the soul-locking bell, readying for his heroic return to action. Wang Xuan surveyed the battlefield, poised for the opportune moment. There was no turning back; having decided to confront Zheng Yuan Tian, they aimed to weaken him at any cost. To prevent Old Zheng from growing stronger and sparing the world from his future tyranny, seizing his Primordial Crystal is our unshakable duty! The duo psyched themselves up, bolstering their resolve and bravery for the daring deed ahead. In the tumultuous realms of the transcendent, chaos reigned as many saw their powers wane, even the revered Sword Fairy was not spared. In a deste mountain, beneath the soil, the miniaturized Sword Fairy gazed down at herself, frustration boiling over. Despite her efforts to grow, she found herself regressing, her youthful visage now plump with baby fat, her previously sparkling eyes now aze with fury. Flopping onto her back with a loud exmation, she began to roll about, unleashing sword energies in her vexation, bemoaning her perpetual youthfulness. "Is the world forcing me to emerge prematurely? This is infuriating! Why can''t I grow up?" shemented amidst her turmoil. Elsewhere, in the vast emptiness, a venerable ck fox gazed skyward with a sigh, mourning the loss of a realm in his cultivation. "This is a dire turn; the transcendent world grows increasingly hostile," he noted, a sense of foreboding hanging heavy. In the world of witches and wizards, a dragon soared to the heavens, its demeanor suggesting a desire to abandon the once more. Meanwhile, in the elven kingdom, a Sun Elf, aglow with golden radiance within the ethereal forest, ascended skyward, inquiring, "Have there been any human spacecraft spotted recently?" Each, in their own realm, faced the encroaching decay of their once-stable worlds, hinting at a broader crisis unfolding across the fabric of the transcendent domains. In the vast expanses of outer space, beyond the Old Worl, within an ethereal realm of spirits, a fierce battle raged. Zheng Yuantian, wounded by the formidable female ascendant, spewed a mouthful of primordial soul-blood, plummeting in a particr direction. Wang Xuan, seizing the moment,unched a swift and sudden attack. Merging with the sh God Banner, his speed, built upon his already formidable strength, increased more than tenfold, almost tearing through the fabric of the void itself. With a whoosh, the banner unfurled, emitting a resonating hum, distorting the spiritual world as its golden radiance swept across, striking Zheng Yuantian and sending him flying once again. Most crucially, four pieces of the blue crystal, harbored within Zheng Yuantian''s soul, were dislodged by the impact. Wang Xuan, exerting his full strength, followed up with another strike, fiercely swinging the sh God Banner to deliver a blow directly to Zheng Yuantian''s face. The banner''s terrifying capability, specialized in annihting the spirit, with its golden grid interlocking, nearly breached and severed Zheng Yuantian''s essence. In truth, as Wang Xuan initiated his attack, the female ascendant also made her move. A surge of radiant rain steamed up, immobilizing the void, aiding in securing Zheng Yuantian, facilitating Wang Xuan''s actions. With a swift motion, Fang Yu Zhu retrieved two of the radiant blue crystals of creation. From another direction, Chen, the Fishing God, decisively acted. The ancient fishing hook glided across the sky, its dim light unassuming yet profoundly effective, looping around two crystals and vanishing without a trace. Wang Xuan immediately retreated to safeguard Chen, realizing upon approach the extraordinary nature of the blue crystals. They were akin to cores of truth, immensely beneficial to him. His spirit stirred, pondering, "If absorbed and refined, there''s a real possibility of further elevating my realm. With such advancement, even returning to the real world, I might no longer fear Zheng Yuantian." Chapter 373: Killing An Unparalleled Expert Chapter 373: Killing An Unparalleled Expert After Zheng Yuantian expelled a mouthful of his spiritual essence blood, his gaze shifted coldly towards Wang Xuan, who seemed to defy him. In Zheng''s eyes, Wang Xuan was like the crop he cultivated or the livestock he reared, unexpectedly rebelling against its master. Zheng had long marked Wang Xuan, not just for the sake of it but for very specific reasons. The celestial medicines, the five-colored soil from Mount Bu Zhou, the immortal nectar¡ªall were provided to Wang Xuan as part of a grander scheme. Zheng''s ambition was to undergo a transformation from an immortal to a demonic being, leveraging someone with a special inner realm for a more potent rebirth. Zheng Yuantian''s expertise wasn''t just in demonic embryo techniques, surpassing even Zheng Wu. As a figure of great stature, he delved deeply into various ancient texts, particrly focusing on individuals throughout history who possessed unique inner realms. To Zheng, Wang Xuan wasn''t merely an impressive talent who had unlocked a rare inner realm upon entering the transcendent domain. He theorized that Wang Xuan might have initiated this inner realm even in his mortal days, which was precisely why he had set his sights on this remarkable young human. Zheng harbored a zing ambition, a conviction that individuals like Wang Xuan could still make significant contributions beyond the era of myths drying up. "See, his gaze is too fierce, fixed on us. It unsettles me deeply," Chen Yongjie voiced out,den with concern. To them, Zheng Yuantian was no ordinary foe. "It''s alright, we''ll seize the right moment. I''llnd another strike, hit him a few more times, aiming to take him down! I even believe I can stand up to him directly," Wang Xuan dered confidently. In the realm of spirit, the might of the God ying Banner he wielded grew immensely. Wang Xuan had carefully evaluated their situation and felt a newfound boldness against his adversary. Yet, the pressure within him was immense. In this domain, bolstered by the presence of Old Zhang, Fang Yuzhu, and his most reliable shield, the God ying Banner, he could fend off foes. However, once outside, if Zhang Daoling and Fang Yuzhu were to depart, under the current five rules of the new covenant, Zheng Yuantian would have free reign to pursue him. At that juncture, who would stand by him? In the world of the transcendent, as long as their actions do not affect ordinary people in modern cities, they are free to hunt and strike at will, unbound by restrictions. This reality is terrifying. "I''ll stake everything. Either I eliminate him, or I must be stronger. Otherwise, we might not survive once we leave this ce," Wang Xuan murmured quietly. Zheng Yuantian was undoubtedly dangerous and patient, having cultivated Wang Xuan for a long time, waiting for the moment of transformation to reel him in. It''s undeniable that Fang Yuzhu was immensely powerful. With her calm intervention, she nearly annihted Zheng Yuantian, seemingly determined to prevent any future interference by taking decisive action. Zheng Yuantian was shocked. He was well aware of the female Daoist''s formidable record. Despite her dignified and elegant appearance, a leading figure among the immortals, once she harbored the intent to kill, she specialized in eliminating unparalleled masters. For over two thousand years, she alone quelled the Pre-Qin Daoist upheaval and had even single-handedly obliterated an ancient demon emperor who survived from antiquity, undefeated to this day! Was she about to make a fierce move against him? Zheng Yuantian immediately discarded his silver mask, his body covered in ck armor, even concealing his face, arming himself thoroughly. In his hands appeared a ck soul chain, stronger than the silver divine chain given to Zheng Wu, nking loudly, resembling a ck starry river encircling him for defense. He was genuinely nervous. Although it was just an avatar being targeted, its destruction would still significantly impact him, causing some damage to his true form. In this era, as the mythological era approached its end, everyone sought a way out, striving to preserve their strength as much as possible. Ahead, amidst the light rain, Fang Yuzhu was incredibly sacred, bathed in the glow of the divine moon, traversing a golden river, akin to a war goddess from the Pre-Qin era, utterly transformed. Silver armor emerged around her, nking with movement. She was armored! At this moment, she shone brilliantly, her hair lifting in the wind, weaving through the silver-white armor. There was a sublime beauty in her appearance, yet it was filled with boundless transcendent power, making her supremely majestic. With a simple swipe of her palm, the sky roared and trembled, her sorcery unparalleled. Drawing on one of the four golden bamboo slips as her foundation, she manifested her own Daoist domain, her attack power unmatched. With a ttering sound, the ck soul chains in front of Zheng Yuantian trembled violently, transforming into a roaring ck starry river that continuously blocked and resisted the pristine white palm slicing through the heavens. Yet, the extraordinary treasure vibrated intensely, almost on the verge of breaking. Crack! As Fang Yuzhu advanced, her palm strike severed a section of the ck soul chains, sending shivers down Zheng Yuantian''s spine, a wave of nervousness washing over him. The posture of this female Daoist instilled fear in him; could it be that she truly intended to battle decisively, to kill him? "I intercepted you with no other intention but for the blue crystal. It wasn''t to cooperate with them. I''m withdrawing!" He spoke, retreating. However, Fang Yuzhu did not cease her advance, ncing at the Red Garment Demoness who, despite being outnumbered three to one, was not in mortal danger, still fiercely battling and resisting. Fang Yuzhu stepped forward through the air, embodying a legend that once she donned her armor, the silver-white armor would not be sheathed until stained with the blood of her enemies. Seeing this, Zheng Yuantian unleashed his full power, unwilling to await his ughter. He deployed various techniques in hopes of fending off this woman, seeking a chance to escape unscathed. Techniques myriad, around Zheng Yuantian, feathers of all colors floated, each marked with traces of blood, then rapidly spinning. In an instant, mythical beings like the Golden-Winged Roc, Vermilion Bird, Golden Crow, and White Peacock... all emerged! This was a forbidden technique, the Myriad Birds ying Immortal Technique, long lost and now deduced and restored by Zheng Yuantian through hisption and interpretation of various scriptures. The beings that appeared, all top-tier creatures, struck simultaneously, a myriad of immortal lights bursting forth, aiming to overwhelm the woman ahead. Each divine bird possessed remarkable origins; any one of them, once matured to its peak, was a ferocious species even the immortals would dread. In that moment, the spiritual world vibrated with the calls of myriad birds, their countless wings spreading wide, advancing and filling the void with their formidable presence. "I...!" Chen Yongjie was astounded, realizing that had he faced such an onught in the past, he would have been instantly annihted, utterly powerless against such overwhelming force. From afar, figures like Qi Chengdao, Qi Lian Dao, Zhou Qinghuang, and Gu Mingxi emerged, each disying a mix of shock and awe. This was a stark illustration of the chasm separating them from a being of unparalleled power. Despite being merely three or four minor realms apart within the human domain, the sense of despair and the insurmountable nature of the challenge were palpable. Chen Yongjie murmured softly, "It sends shivers down my spine." Wang Xuan reassured, "Don''t worry. We''re not yet at the final showdown. Do you honestly believe he can wield control over myriad birds, summoning legions of divine predatory birds? That''s wishful thinking; most are merely illusions without substance." He could see clearly, through the insight of his spiritual eye, that the seemingly undefeatable onught had its vulnerabilities and could be countered. Armed with the God ying Banner, he wouldn''t feel too pressured to confront it head-on. From Fang Yuzhu''s brow shone a golden bamboo forest, its radiance akin to the foundational essence of heaven and earth, prating everything in its path. It immobilized the avian onught, with the bamboo leaves transforming into a luminescent shower, enacting a one-sided ughter. "Feather Transforming Divine Bamboo, Fang Yuzhu!" Mo Si, who had also arrived, inhaled sharply at the sight. The Feather Transforming Divine Bamboo was renowned for its profound spiritual essence, capable of connecting directly to the Dao and inscribing scriptures, embodying the utmost sanctity. Ancient demonic scriptures recorded that Fang Yuzhu achieved enlightenment seated within a grove of Feather Transforming Divine Bamboo. The ensuing confrontation saw theplete annihtion of the avian forces. The female Daoist, d in her resonant silver armor, marched forward through the light shower. Her techniques were spectacr, effectively trapping Zheng Yuantian within a constrained section of the void. The encounter between these titans of power wasn''t drawn out; often, the victor is determined in the fleeting moment when both parties unleash their full might. With a resounding boom, Zheng Yuantian''s ck armor was obliterated, dismantled by a piercing beam of light emanating from the female Daoist''s brow. She advanced relentlessly, her right hand sweeping through the void, now wielding the formidable sh of the Dao Sword. In an instant, countless showers of light transformed into celestial swords, flying forward from around her in a dense, dazzling array, each bursting with divine radiance. Zheng Yuantian bellowed, unleashing all his techniques at once, his domain expanding, dark light surging in hope of blocking this unparalleled assault. Around him, stars twinkled, ck holes emerged, devouring the celestial swords. Between his hands, a gxy''s brilliance appeared,unching forward. The onlookers were astounded by these techniques, which, if performed within the grand curtain, would undoubtedly be devastating, possessing the power to move stars, the ultimate secret arts. Yet here, while they had form, they didn''t quite epass the heavens and earth; it was more about the disy of might than the spread of supreme rules, a consequence of the decay of myth. Boom! As Zheng Yuantian advanced, lights interwove, celestial swords piercing through the cosmos, shattering ck holes. Amidst the sound of piercing, and his shocked and fearful expression, the sh of Dao Sword prated him, with countless sword lights emerging from his body. The sound of piercing was incessant; his blood of spiritual essence surged, his form disintegrated, cut down instantly, his soul severed. Zheng Yuantian was prated by innumerable celestial swords, in? Everyone was in shock! "That''s Zheng Yuantian, the foremost master from behind a certain grand curtain, strongly defeated by the Fairy Fang Yuzhu whom I admire and revere!" Zhou Qinghuang sped her hands over her heart, eximing in amazement.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Too powerful, Fairy Fang truly is an unparalleled force to be reckoned with!" Even Mo Si, who usually holds himself in high regard, whispered in awe, his expression somber. He wondered if he could ever achieve such heights should he have the opportunity to grow. Fang Yuzhu collected the heap of glowing blue Primordial Crystals floating in the void, then looking forward, she said, "Walking through this era is not easy, take care of yourself." Her silver armor dissipated, stepping onto a divine rainbow apanied by a shower of energy light, she crossed the sky, arriving at the battleground of the Red Garment Demoness. The Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng, and Mo Si immediately became alert. However, seeing her silver armor retracted, they all breathed a sigh of relief. They truly did not wish for a bloody battle to the end, seeing no necessity in it. "Sister, it''s been a long time since I''ve seen you in armor, still as martially imposing. Come, let''s together finish off these three!" The Red Garment Demoness spoke with the gentlest and most pleasant voice, uttering words filled with murderous intent. Her figure was stunningly curvaceous, barely concealed by her red dress, exuding a naturally enchanting beauty. Yet, she too was radiating killing intent, proposing a joint effort with the female Daoist to eliminate the three adversaries. "Before others, you call me sister, but when you''re displeased, you refer to me as ''that woman'' behind my back..." The female Daoist replied with a smile, not rushing to engage. She harbored no real intent to kill. "Sister, let''s kill them, eliminate all three!" The Red Garment Demoness covertly aligned with her. "It''s not their true forms; what''s the point in killing them? Collecting some blue crystals should be enough." ¡­¡­ Zhang Daoling, with a solemn expression, traversed the void, demonstrating the correct use of the rusted copper mirror by swinging it single-handedly with force, effectively obliterating the old Ghost King. In thebined luminescence of Old Zhang and the copper mirror, the normally invisible specter was revealed, showing the Ghost King''s disastrous defeat. It''s undeniable that Old Zhang was formidable, seemingly plunging into a chaotic timeline, smashing his way through to the Ghost King''s bloody demise. Yet, the Ghost King ultimately escaped, vanishing into an unknown realm. Such beings are peculiarly elusive, difficult to touch, capture, and even harder to kill. "A lesson for you. Dare to show your face in front of me again, and you''ll be shown no mercy. These crystals are your ransom," he said, satisfied with a handful of Primordial Crystals in his grasp. "Truly powerful!" Chen Yongjie marveled, having witnessed several intense battles, feeling far behind at his current stage. "Huh?!" Wang Xuan was startled. In the distance, amidst rising light rain, blue glowing crystals appeared first, followed by the blurred figure of Zheng Yuantian reemerging. "He''s not dead?!" Many were astonished, having witnessed his annihtion, with countless celestial swords piercing through him, leading to his disintegration, yet here he appeared again. However, many quickly realized the significance of the female Daoist''s final words, implying she had spared him. "Fairy Fang, did you refrain from killing him because it wasn''t his true form, showing disdain for this lesser incarnation of Old Zheng?" Zhang Daoling jested, his tone light, momentarily shedding the solemnity of a sect founder. "I''ll take him down," Wang Xuan murmured. He was anxious; Fang Yuzhu might not care about Zheng Yuantian''s avatar, but he was genuinely frightened. Once back in the human realm, if Old Zheng turned vicious, he could easily kill Wang Xuan and take his body. "Put on the helmet, safety first!" Chen Yongjie advised, cing the Soul Locking Bell over Wang Xuan''s head before hastily making his escape, seeking refuge near Zhang Daoling. In that moment, Wang Xuan, draped in an erged silver beast skin cloak, wearing a helmet with silver light swirling around the Soul Locking Bell, wielding the God ying Banner, pushed beyond limits. Like tearing through the void, he charged at Zheng Yuantian with his weapon raised. The spectators were shocked; Mo Si, Gu Mingxi, Qi Lian Dao, Zhou Qinghuang¡ªall their pupils constricted. Was he about to single-handedly challenge a peerless master? "White hair, silver cloak, that''s the spirit¡ªfearless against the whole world. Patriarch Wang, take down Zheng Yuantian!" Chen Yong Chapter 374: Compatible Chapter 374: Compatible Stars twinkled, interconnecting to sketch out a vague form, as Zheng Yuantian gradually reconstituted, reconstructing his spiritual body. Yet, as he began to fully materialize, how could Wang Xuan wait for him to steppletely out of the light mist? True to his meticulous nature, Wang Xuan was determined to ensure a thorough end, not hesitating to strike decisively. Having already taken action, he resolved to follow through to the bitter end. Merging with the God ying Banner, he left traces of his passage through the spiritual realm behind him, with white waves of energy rolling tumultuously. Propelled by a tenfold increase in speed, he arrived in an instant. With a booming sound, a goldenttice spread, spiritual energy fluctuated wildly, like surging waves crashing down, smashing Zheng Yuantian below. Already reeling from the female Daoist''s attack, Zheng Yuantian felt oppressed and gloomy. Now, he only felt the disturbance of celestial forces behind him and the pressure of golden light above, his spirit... about to fracture again. He roared, a formidable being even in his weakened state, still in the process of reviving his spiritual body, yet disying his inherent dominance. Suddenly, above his head, a nearly chaotic burst of lightning emerged. This was his expulsion of innate qi, transforming into thunderbolts, his divine retribution aimed at his assant. Lightning fell densely, a cascade of primordial substance pouring from the void, fiercely striking at the attacker behind him. However, he couldn''t evade the strike from the God ying Banner; it was toote. He hadn''t anticipated someone would so brazenly ambush him, a peerless master. He was sted apart by the banner''s interwoven golden patterns, shattering on the spot, his light scattering in all directions. Not far off, above Wang Xuan''s head, lightning splintered, with continuous thunderous shes. His body merely staggered, slightly shaken, before he pursued again. All the bolts of electricity struck the Soul Locking Bell; he hardly attempted to dodge, enduring the assault directly. Zheng Yuantian reappeared ahead, his spiritual essence swirling around, attempting to reform his spiritual body, only to discover... the God ying Banner erged anding at him once more. "You..." Zheng Yuantian was both shocked and enraged. This audacious figure, daring to strike the strong while seemingly weak? It didn''t seem so far-fetched, considering how close Wang Xuan hade to sess just moments before. Zheng Yuantian''s eyes flickered with cold light as Wang Xuan, undeterred by the lightning, aggressively charged towards him again. "I''m hard-headed!" Wang Xuanughed, his bold provocation clear as he swung the banner again, cutting through the air like sweeping away trash. The golden patterns of the banner, embodying terrifying transcendent power, acted like a broom or a celestial de, severing the spiritual void with immense and unmatched force. Zheng Yuantian, still in a blur of formation, couldn''t tolerate such audacity. His eyes narrowed in defiance, and he countered with a p against the God ying Banner. Then, his entire being was interwoven with Dao patterns, utilizing forbidden techniques from the Yuan Tian Scripture. A buzzing sound resonated throughout the spiritual realm, trembling lightly, as spiritual matter boiled. The Yuan Tian''s Locking God Technique, centered on himself, unleashed chain after chain aiming to bind and refine Wang Xuan. "You old man, trying to connect with my spirit? Get lost, get lost, get lost!" Wang Xuan''s silver beast skin cloak glowed, with talismanic symbols roaring in defense. Of course, the best defense is offense. The God ying Banner tore through the spiritual void, causing Zheng Yuantian''s hand to burst, his spiritual essence blood flowing, then slowly disintegrating. The banner swept out continuously, breaking the dense divine chains. Wang Xuan certainly didn''t want to be hit by his forbidden technique. However, Zheng Yuantian, full of murderous intent and willing to sustain some damage, sought to eliminate Wang Xuan immediately, not retreating even after his hand was shattered by the banner. He radiated light, with even more divine chains bursting from his body, like rivers of stars flying out, determined to bind Wang Xuan. Moreover, he advanced through the air towards him. "Going all out, are you? I''m not afraid!" Wang Xuan''s will to fight was undaunted, facing Zheng Yuantian without fear. Merging with the God ying Banner, he struck decisively. The sound of snapping was incessant as the divine chains formed from spiritual light were broken by the dozens. Finally, with a glow from his head and silver ripples expanding, like a divine bell enveloping him, he charged directly into Zheng Yuantian. The resonance between the banner and the Soul Locking Bell left Zheng Yuantian reeling, his spirit fracturing on the spot. Despite the endless cold light in his eyes, there was also a sense of helplessness. What kind of fighting technique was this? He felt intense pain, his spiritual light having bound the opponent''s silver cloak, but he too was staggered by this unorthodox battle tactic, his chest caving in upon impact Following that, Zheng Yuantian''s face was mercilessly struck several times by Wang Xuan''s silver helmet, headbutting with the grand tolling of a bell, sending ripples of silver waves through the air. Then, the banner also entangled Zheng Yuantian, beginning to strangle him. Amidst his cold and unwilling gaze, parts of his spirit were shattered. Despite his fury, he couldn''t afford to act rashly, unwilling to continue shing his spirit and extraordinary treasures against each other. "Not convinced? I just have more treasures and a harder head, bold enough to charge into Mount Bu Zhou if necessary!" Wang Xuan dered confidently, opening his spiritual third eye to pursue Zheng Yuantian once more. He felt that a few more strikes wouldpletely eradicate Old Zheng, having already efficiently diminished parts of his spirit with each assault. "Old Zheng... took a big hit, his spirit scattered," even Qi Lian Dao was almost at a loss for words, captivated by the scene. Here was a peerless master, tormented by Wang Xuan''s crude and aggressive tactics, suffering significant losses. "Power enough to break all spells!" Mo Si murmured from afar, seeing clearly that the treasures Wang Xuan relied on wielded immense power here. His reckless, all-out approach left the technically skilled "master" Zheng Yuantian momentarily helpless. It was like an injured artist facing a warlord; who talks about warmth and techniques? It''s all about irrational, overwhelming dominance. Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi exchanged looks, deciding never to confront Wang Xuan physically. Closebat was one thing, but headbutting and face-smashing? As revered immortals, who could stand such indignity? This time, Zheng Yuantian, like a stream of light, stabilized far away, escaping Wang Xuan and truly reforming his spiritual body before returning, seething with killing intent. "Do you really think possessing the God ying Banner makes you capable of killing me? External objects are inert; no one can be invincible in the world by relying on them. Come at me!" Light shone beneath Zheng Yuantian''s feet as a Golden-Winged Roc appeared, carrying him with utmost speed, its oppressive force causing the spiritual realm to tremble violently. Above him circled the Vermilion Bird and the Golden Crow, crying out in unison with a flock of celestial birds, diving down like stars striking forcefully, shattering nearby mountaintopsa technique he had used in his earlier battle with Fang Yuzhu. Wang Xuan didn''t hesitate, charging forward, merging with his treasures to unleash a sword wheel. In an instant, thousands of sword lights burst forth from his body, then, amplified by the God ying Banner, struck out. In the spiritual realm, where everything is built on spiritual matter, the myriad sword lights, unbreakable and indomitable, surged forward. "Is he actually shing with Zheng Yuantian head-on?" Gu Mingxi expressed her astonishment. With each sh enhanced, the sword lights'' power surged, bursting some of the celestial birds into oblivion! Yet, some celestial birds remained unharmed, flying towards him. Wang Xuan didn''t spare them a nce, allowing them to fall upon him. His spiritual eye saw through their essence; they were mere illusions of light without any real force, all show and no substance. "Bind!" Zheng Yuantian, with a cold demeanor, formed seals with his hands, and light from his spirit essence descended, aiming to construct a spiritual cage to imprison Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan roared, his body erging, the banner expanding to its limits. He invoked the Dharma Aspect of the Universe from the Shakyamuni Sutra, his body radiating golden light, expanding along with the God ying Banner. He became as immovable as a mountain, breaking the spiritual cage and mming the banner downward with immense force. Boom! The mountain below exploded, forcing Zheng Yuantian to dodge, his eyes narrowing, perceiving the challenge ahead. "Howe every time I see him, he''s stronger than before?!" Huang Daxian observed from afar, his spirit trembling. Cao Qingyu sighed, looking up at the sky, feeling somewhat defeated. There was a time when he feltpetitive towards Wang Xuan, but now his fighting spirit had waned. Zhou Shiqi, Chen Yan, and Kong Yun were all visibly moved. That was Zheng Yuantian being directly confronted and attacked! After transforming with the Dharma Aspect, Wang Xuan''s erged body didn''t lose agility; in fact, he seemed even quicker. Removing the Soul Locking Bell with his right hand, he emitted a vast wave of bell energy, sending the airborne Zheng Yuantian tumbling away. Zheng Yuantian, his celestial demeanor now hidden, transformed from radiant to pitch ck, standing as if within a ck hole, devouring everything, leaving only his blurred figure visible. He came forth, attempting to devour the light of Wang Xuan''s spirit essence, aiming to gradually erode and annihte his spiritual form. In an instant, Wang Xuan''s divine light became subdued, his aura changing as he utilized a secret technique from the stone tablet scriptures, revealing the Second True Form. At this moment, having cultivated to the second true form, Wang Xuan''s spirit, both inside and out, became unified with the primordial chaos, as if the essence of chaos itself was rising around him. He seemed to emanate an undying aura, bing even more formidable. The Soul Locking Bell hovered above his head, automatically protecting him as he wielded the great banner, striking down with formidable force. With a loud bang, Zheng Yuantian was expelled from his ck hole-like domain, the banner whipping fiercely, shredding the dark area to pieces. "This is no longer reckless fighting; he''s not just charging blindly anymore. He can stand against Zheng Yuantian head-on?" Zhou Qinghuang and others were visibly moved by such a disy, which was somewhat terrifying. Wang Xuan, having thoroughly studied several powerful scriptures, had not wasted his time. In a real fierce battle, his techniques shone through, making him a strong opponent in direct confrontations. "Do you think you''re still Zheng the Peerless? From the beginning, parts of your spirit were obliterated, and now you still pose as a supreme being in front of me? Do you think I would fear you? To kill is to kill!" Wang Xuan dered, employing a secret technique from the golden bamboo slips, his spirit like a rainbow, unveiling the secret power of metamorphosis. Light rain poured down, and he bathed in endless brilliance, merging man and banner as one. Boom! The spiritual energy exploded, distorting the void as he charged through, splitting Zheng Yuantian with the banner, and this time, he vigorously shook the banner, intending topletely annihte Zheng the Peerless. Zheng Yuantian roared, his "crop" unexpectedly evolving into a mighty tree? Mixed with shock and rage, he also felt a sense of powerlessness. After being in by the female Daoist and previously battered by Wang Xuan, causing the fragmentation of part of his spirit, his cultivation had diminished significantly, leaving him weakened. Pretending to flee, in the moment of turning, his body, split by the banner, surged back towards Wang Xuan. His spirit light aimed to crash into Wang Xuan''s body, intending to employ the true essence of the Demon Embryo Technique to begin seizing everything from Wang Xuan''s spirit. During this process, he spared no expense, using his spirit light to lock down the God ying Banner, continuously being consumed. Many eximed in shock. Zheng Yuantian was fiercely determined; was he attempting a counter-kill against Wang Xuan in a desperate situation? Many onlookers showed surprise; Zheng the Peerless was pushed to such extremes, almost in a mutual destruction scenario, attempting to merge his spirit into his opponent in a desperate final battle. Wang Xuan''s expression remained cold, his body radiating with thousands of sword lights that once again formed a sword wheel, all the while vibrating the God ying Banner to dissolve the opponent''s spirit. Zheng Yuantian, fearless, his spirit zing like the sun, resisted everything. He even caused the Soul Locking Bell hanging in mid-air to be repelled outside, preventing it from descending. He aimed to deliver a fatal blow to Wang Xuan, to teach him a lesson that the fate of being nourishment for the demonic embryo couldn''t be changed. His spirit, sharp as a sword, aimed to prate Wang Xuan''s body. The myriad swords sang in unison, shing at Zheng Yuantian, eroding a significant portion of his spiritual substance. Suddenly, mysterious patterns interwove in the depths of Wang Xuan''s eyes, momentarily binding Zheng Yuantian in the void. Silently, a iron crowbar appeared in Wang Xuan''s right hand, stabbing upward into Zheng Yuantian''s form. "I..." Zheng Yuantian groaned in pain, wanting to curse. He hade with his back turned, expending a vast amount of his spirit to withstand the God ying Banner and immobilize the Soul Locking Bell, only to cry out in agony at the final moment. It was a humiliating end; he was impaled from behind by a sharp, spear-like instrument, like being nailed in ce. From a distance, Chen Yongjie eximed, "Confucius said, I say, Old Zhang said, ''Zheng the Peerless got stabbed from behind, it looks painful!''" Old Zhang, standing beside him, nced at him and said, "Shut up, I didn''t say that." Everyone was astounded. What had been a grand, honorable battle took an unexpected turn with the final strike. Wang Xuan delivered a iron crowbar thrust from below, stirring it within, causing Zheng Yuantian''s spirit to fracture. Could that iron crowbar be so formidable? Boom! Wang Xuan swung the God ying Banner, wrapping up Zheng Yuantian''s nearly exhausted spirit, and with a vigorous shake, obliterated itpletely, turning it into light and ash. Immediately, blue glowing Primordial Crystals fell, all scooped up by Wang Xuan. He had definitively ended Zheng Yuantian Chapter 375: Perfect Wife Candidate Chapter 375: Perfect Wife Candidate "The Peerless Zheng has met an undignified end,"mented the Ming Blood Sect''s Ancestor, stepping forward with a shake of his head, followed by a dry chuckle. "Old Zheng''s demisecked honor," Zhang Daoling remarked, his expression betraying his surprise. He looked towards Wang Xuan with newfound respect. To think that this young man had managed to vanquish Zheng Yuantian was no minor achievement, though his methods were undeniably ruthless. The area buzzed with whispers and murmurs, reflecting the astonishment shared by all. The fact that Zheng the Peerless'' avatar had fallen at the hands of Wang Xuan, a mortal realm''s inhabitant, was a shock to everyone. Even Qi Lian Dao, known for his unbridled demeanor, appeared subdued and contemtive, preferring silence over confrontation. The prospect of tangling with "Madman Wang" seemed too perilous, even for him. Mo Si furrowed his brows, his gaze flickering with uncertainty as he observed Wang Xuan. Was this all orchestrated by a predecessor known for practicing the Soul Coffin Technique, momentarily resurrected to direct these events? "This individual is rmingly ferocious; it''s wise to steer clear of him," Zhou Qinghuang said, patting her chest as if to calm her racing heart. She leaned into Gu Mingxi''s ear, whispering, "You were fortunatest time. Compared to his usual ferocity, Wang Xuan was practically gentle with you." "Enough!" Gu Mingxi, visibly shaken, had harbored a mixture of dread and resentment. Yet, witnessing the recent battle, those feelings evaporated, reced by a sense of relief. As the era of transcendence nears its conclusion and myths are destined to fade, the emergence of such a figure in this depleted reality has captured the attention of various powers. Wang Xuan himself maintained aposed demeanor, familiar with navigating through significant events. After all, it was merely Old Zheng he had dispatched, and not even in his true form¡ªa fact he considered to be of little consequence. He reminded himself to approach the situation with equanimity. Yet, the realization soon overwhelmed him. This was Zheng Yuantian, a formidable opponent who could have sought him out in the real world at any time, and he had just managed to defeat him in their recent encounter. "Heh..." Despite trying, Wang Xuan couldn''t contain hisughter, his expression rxed. Eliminating such a significant threat brought him immense satisfaction. Holding a handful of blue Primordial Crystals, the nearly tangible super energy slowly flowed, nourishing his spirit essence¡ªutterlyforting. Unable to traverse the meteorite passage in the realm of the ethereal, he had discovered a new material in the mortal world, equally beneficial. It could potentially help him break through to a higher level of power. Defeating an enemy, removing a major threat, and using the "enemy''s resources" to enhance himself, Wang Xuan found it impossible not to feel ted. "Master Wang, maintain some decorum," Chen Yongjie advised, subtly reminding him not tough foolishly, as it might diminish the imposing image he''d just established. "Keeping up appearances is too exhausting. My heart is naturally buoyant; it''s essential to be true to oneself during youth, pretending to be mature is just tiring," Wang Xuan responded nonchntly. The battle in the distance ceased. The Red Clothed Demoness, her long dress fluttering, stood high in the spiritual realm, distancing herself from the three high masters. In fact, Zheng Yuantian''s death had surprised and silenced the Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng, and Mo Si. Old Zheng... had unexpectedly perished, an unforeseen downfall. They could imagine the fury of Zheng Yuantian''s true form behind the scenes, a profound humiliation. Dying at the hands of a young man from the human realm was a severe blow to his dignity. The Red Clothed Demoness, her eyes sparkling, seemed about to approach, causing Wang Xuan''s smile to freeze, and he swiftly became alert. Fang Yuzhu approached her, whispering something that diverted the Demoness''s attention. Wang Xuan quickly joined Zhang Daoling and Chen Yongjie, casting another nce towards the distant figure in red. He transmitted a message to Zhang Daoling, "Elder Zhang, are you too busy with your duties?" He was curious to ask Old Zhang, who had been exorcising demons for over two thousand years, about a powerful demoness dominating and nearly unifying the demon realm. He mused internally, wondering if Old Zhang''s method of exorcism was selective. Zhang Daoling gave him a nce, saying, "Mind your own business. Don''t think that just because you killed an avatar of Zheng Yuantian, you can handle powerhouses of that caliber. You''re far from it. It was because Fang Yuzhu had already severely weakened him." Wang Xuan ignored the change in topic, pressing on about the matter of subduing demons. "Let me tell you, Zheng Yuantian won''t let this go easily. He might even send another avatar to the mortal world to deal with you," Zhang Daoling warned. "His death of an avatar doesn''t affect his true form? Can he still split off at any time?" Wang Xuan frowned, aware that outside the spiritual realm, he really couldn''t handle Zheng the Peerless. "Of course, there''s damage, but does Old Zheng care about losing face? Moreover, if he deems capturing or killing you more beneficial, he wouldn''t care much about the consequences," Zhang Daoling stated calmly. Wang Xuan sensed something unsaid, wondering if Old Zhang, with his habit of using that broken copper mirror at every turn, had discovered some secret about him. "Elder Zhang, if you''re not too busy, are you open to business?" Wang Xuan asked. "What do you want to do? I don''t have time to subdue demonstely!" Old Zhang refused decisively. He suspected Wang Xuan wanted him to battle the Demoness, a ludicrous idea. How could Elder Zhang be so easily directed? Though, if thepensation for battling the Demon Ancestor was substantial, well, that might warrant some consideration. From afar, the Demon Ancestor Qi Yi sensed something and nced over at Zhang Daoling, feeling a strong malice in the ether. "Elder Zhang, where did your thoughts wander off to? I''m on good terms with the demon n, almost like family!" Wang Xuan said, casting a smile towards the Demon Ancestor and then nodding peacefully at the Red Clothed Demoness. In response, the Demon Ancestor, shrouded in dark mist, bared his teeth, a cold light flickering. The Red Clothed Demoness responded with a coquettish smile, her allure entuated as she gracefully adjusted her hair, giving Wang Xuan sidelong nces with her beautiful eyes. Wang Xuan quickly turned back to face Old Zhang, saying, "About killing Zheng Yuantian, are you in or out? As a guardian of the path and a teacher to the world, it''s our responsibility! Of course, for the sake of righteousness and the world, I am willing to offer Primordial Crystals as a token of encouragement for Elder Zhang!" Zhang Daoling nodded with dignity, replying, "Hmm, okay, hand over those crystals. If Old Zheng shows up, I''ll ''discuss'' with him and send him back." He then reached out, intending to take the handful of glowing blue stones from Wang Xuan. "I''m not talking about killing an avatar or just sending him back. I''m asking Elder Zhang to kill Zheng Yuantian''s true form," Wang Xuan rified. The restrained smile on Old Zhang''s face instantly froze. With a flick of his sleeve, he decisively withdrew his hand, saying, "What are you thinking? Do you think Elder Zhang is that cheap? To kill a peerless master''s true form for a few broken stones, unless I''m insane!" Wang Xuan silently brandished the diagnostic report Old Zhang had shown him earlier, waving it in the air. "I... I''ll kill you!" Old Zhang''s face turned dark instantly. Whoosh! The piece of paper vanished from Wang Xuan''s hand, snatched away by the Red Clothed Demoness with a shower of light, teleporting through space. "What do you mean by this?" Zhang Daoling asked with a darkened expression, fearing his embarrassing past might be revealed. The Red Clothed Demoness, after examining the diagnostic report, disyed a look of disdain and tossed it back to him, making Old Zhang nearly choke on his frustration. She was clearly doing it on purpose. "Then forget it; killing his true form is meaningless," Wang Xuan concluded, pocketing the shimmering stones, turning the immense pressure into motivation, ready to face any retaliation from Zheng the Peerless. The tumultuous battle concluded, and the various factions retreated. Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie made a break for it, and as they dashed off, a wave of people followed suit in a rush. "What''s happening?" Chen was bewildered, wondering why a crowd was chasing after them. Could it be that Master Wang had indeed incited widespread anger, making many want him dead? Indeed, Wang Xuan was also on edge, noticing the Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng, and the imposing Mo Si trailing them, signaling trouble. Even Old Zhang, looking displeased and brandishing his rusted, old mirror, was sprinting after them! Then, he saw the female Daoist and the Red Clothed Demoness, effortlessly traversing the void, the very picture of celestial grace. They were a pair of sisters, peerless in their elegance. As for Mo Si, Gu Mingxi, Zhou Qinghuang, and other transcendents, they too were swiftly on their heels, anxiously following. "Esteemed seniors, have I wronged any of you?" Wang Xuan felt incredibly uneasy, overwhelmed by the pursuit, despite his usually bold demeanor. "You''re leaving, and if we don''t follow and you block the exit, bombarding us with your battleship, who could withstand that?" Zhang Daoling exined. Wang Xuan was speechless, now understanding the situation. "Am I that kind of person? Would I do such a thing?" he defended himself, feeling unjustly used. The crowd looked at him disdainfully, with many casting murderous nces¡ªhis actions upon entering this space had set a precedent! "The trust between people..." Wang Xuan couldn''t continue, realizing no one believed him. Primarily, his aggressive maneuvers before entering this peculiar space, particrly Aomu''s bold actions, had indeed intimidated many, resulting in some celestials and demon cultivators sustaining injuries. Soon after, most chose to leave the strange domain, emerging in outer space. And when Aomu came to pick up Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, their battleship was filled with significant figures, all renowned masters of their time like Zhang Daoling, the Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng... With Zheng Yuantian gone, these prominent individuals sat by Wang Xuan''s side, sharing the journey home. Upon realizing who was aboard, Qing Mu felt his scalp tingle¡ªa repercussion from thest time he opened fire, leaving several notable figures wary of boarding any ship but his. Wang Xuan stiffened as the Red Clothed Demoness took the seat next to him, her fragrance enveloping him. She leaned in closer to converse, her breath as sweet as orchids. "The past is but grains of sand slipping through our fingers, trivial matters not worth dwelling on," she whispered. Wang Xuan''s nerves were on edge, feeling as if the events within the meteorite passage had somehow seeped into reality. The simrity of their close proximity and her words was strikingly familiar. Chen Yongjie, practicing mindfulness, remained still, unable to offer Wang Xuan any assistance. He too was ufortable, seated next to the Demon Ancestor, who seemed quite interested in him. "Little monk, have you practiced the Shakyamuni Sutra, nning to exorcise demons and eliminate evil?" the Demon Ancestor asked, shing a bright white smile. The burly Mo Si joined in, patting Chen Yongjie on the head andmenting, "You won''t get far like this." Under normal circumstances, Chen Yongjie would retaliate against anyone who dared touch him, but facing Mo Si, he decided against any drastic action. Eventually, the warshipnded at the spaceship base outside An City, and the distinguished guests prepared to disembark. The Red Clothed Demoness stretchedzily before rising. Leaning close to Wang Xuan once more, she murmured, "The moon will be full soon. Keep your door open at night, wait for me." Wang Xuan was bewildered, wanting to ask, "What for?" "Weren''t you always curious to see me perform the celestial dance? You even ckmailed the little white tiger for a memory crystal. On the night of the full moon, I''lle to you." Wang Xuan remained seated, feeling overwhelmed. The disloyal round-faced white tiger had betrayed him so quickly! As the Red Clothed Demoness walked away, her steps light as if treading on clouds, she disappeared into the distance. "Elder Zhang, now that we''re in An City, my territory, I''d like to invite you over," Wang Xuan quickly transmitted a message in secret, hoping to shift the focus from his current predicament. Zhang Daoling''s disdainful response, "Looking for a free bodyguard? I''m not going," left Wang Xuan inwardlymenting theck of camaraderie as he watched him walk away. Turning to Fang Yuzhu, Wang Xuan extended an invitation, "Fairy Fang, since we''re in Ancheng, my home, would you like to visit?" Her affirmative and smiling nod surprised and delighted Wang Xuan. The foremost master among the Fang practitioners, the renowned Fairy Fang, had agreed to stay! By evening, Chen Yongjie had made himself scarce, overwhelmed by the caliber of individuals Wang Xuan was now associating with¡ªpeerless masters from whom he preferred to keep his distance. Upon learning of Fang Yuzhu''s identity, Qing Mu regarded her with the reverence one might reserve for a deity. Chen Yongjie informed him that not even a devout ascetic could likely best her inbat. Qing Mu, feeling daunted, hastily prepared a private courtyard and provided various foods before excusing himself. Despite Fang Yuzhu''s divine aura and her gentle smiles and nces, her presence was still intimidating to him. Wang Xuan, however, saw no reason to flee. A woman of such unparalleled beauty and grace was a delight to behold. Why run from such a sight? His astonishment grew when Fang Yuzhu expressed a desire to cook that evening, an idea Wang Xuan found almost unbelievable. "What''s so surprising about that? Who hasn''te from the mortal realm?" Fang Yuzhu remarked, then sighed softly, "Eventually, as mythology fades away and the transcendent ceases to exist, returning to the mundane will be the norm. It''s time to adapt to that, to rediscover the sensations of our former, ordinary lives." With a transcendent rity and light rain falling around her, she genuinely began to cook, seeking to revisit memories from her time as a mortal, reliving experiences from a more ordinary life. Chapter 376: Couple Seat Chapter 376: Couple Seat As the evening sun cast its fading glow, the reeds by the smallke outside the window blushed red, while several water birds pped their wings near the water, tracing beautiful arcs in the twilight sky. Fang Yuzhu had changed into casual home attire, her long hair tied up with a silk ribbon. Though she still carried the aura of a Daoist immortal, she seemed closer to the mundane world. In the kitchen, she perused the menu, studying various recipes. asionally, she consulted her phone for information, seeking the best methods to prepare each dish. Wang Xuan observed her gentle profile, finding the scene surreal. A supreme being, a fairy hardly matched in the celestial realms, was now cooking. She was fully absorbed, her fair and lovely face glowing faintly with a divine halo, as if she was studying sacred scriptures rather than cooking steps. Then, Fang Yuzhu began to demonstrate her culinary skills. Her arms moved gracefully, her fair fingers skillfully managing the stir-fry, embodying a form of beauty. Wang Xuan was convinced that Fang Yuzhu had never cooked since bing an immortal. Her fluid motions were a testament to her profound cultivation, with physical and mental responses far beyond ordinaryprehension. As she followed the recipe, her textbook-level culinary execution seemed to elevate cooking to an art form, offering a visual feast. "I now believe that culinary skills can indeed be elevated to an art," Wang Xuan sincerelyplimented. Despite cooking amidst the smoke and mes, Fang Yuzhu managed to convey an air of being untouched by the mundane. With her back to Wang Xuan, her hair tied with a ck ribbon swayed as she cooked, wearing flip-flops that revealed her crystal-like glossy toes. Fang Yuzhu smiled, bing a spectacle in the kitchen herself, as the faint light rain dissipated, making her presence even more tangible, almost a real-world figure. "For many, the basics of life like firewood, rice, oil, and salt are just that¡ªlife. But viewed from a different angle, you see it as art; perhaps it''s about how different moods reflect different scenes," she mused. As she spoke, she finished stir-frying the green pepper and pork strips, elegantly cing the dish on the te with a flick of her wrist, the movement smooth and pleasing to the eye. "This shows I have a good mindset, adept at finding the beauty in life. Of course, there has to be beauty in the culinary arts to be found; otherwise, my praise would be meaningless," Wang Xuan said, leaning against the door, admiring not as if she were a peerless immortal but observing her busy movements, which were filled with a graceful, serene rhythm. Soon, she finished cooking. The dishes were all homely fare: stir-fried pork with green peppers, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, sweet and sour ribs, smashed cucumbers, tofu mixed with scallions, and a seaweed soup. These simple dishes seemed ordinary, buting from Fang Yuzhu and served on the dining table, they felt different. Perhaps it was because they were made by the foremost among immortals, who probably hadn''t cooked in over two thousand years? "I find myself reluctant to eat, feeling as though these dishes contain immense fortune and luck. If other immortals knew, they would surely be envious," Wang Xuan said with a smile, aware that few had such an opportunity. If anyone did, it must be those Fang Yuzhu knew in her life among mortals, but nearly three thousand years have passed, and those times are now long gone. "Let''s see how they taste. I just followed the recipes, a first-time experience returning to the mortal world," Fang Yuzhu said with a smile, her hair shimmering under the ribbon, radiant and otherworldly. Wang Xuan felt she truly had the mindset to blend into the real world, very approachable and without any air of superiority, transitioning towards normalcy. Not everyone could let go like that, especially since she was likely among the top two or three most powerful immortals, if not the most powerful. "Delicious. I haven''t tasted such authentic homestyle dishes in a long time," Wang Xuan praised, finding them even better than his mother''s cooking. Fang Yuzhuughed and took a bite herself, closing her eyes and connecting with scenes from past mortal life, seeing family and old friends, s, all gone with the years, turned to dust, never to return. Wang Xuan fetched a bottle of fruit wine and poured her a cup. "I shouldn''t drink. I get drunk easily." "No worries, just treat it like a soft drink," Wang Xuan said. Though she mentioned getting drunk easily, how could she, at her level of cultivation? To her, even the strongest human alcohol was like water. "Old Zhang missed out. I invited him over, and he ran off, doomed to his ascetic life. But he might have caught the scent and is probably lurking nearby, swallowing his saliva, unable to resisting over for a free meal," Wang Xuan joked. Outside the estate, Zhang Daoling was indeed looking this way, his nose twitching, longing to join them. After all, it was the renowned Fairy Fang cooking, an opportunity very few had. However, as Zhang Daoling''s ears picked up Wang Xuan''s words, he felt a mix of annoyance and resignation. Wasn''t it just as the young man had predicted if he actually showed up? "Wait and see, I''ll deal with you next time for making up stories about Zhang Daoling," he grumbled, tempted to drag Wang Xuan out for a thorough scolding. With a reluctant nce, he turned and walked away. "Since I''ve chosen to embrace the ordinary, I must fully immerse myself in it, experience it firsthand. I n to integrate myself into society, starting with attending a university in Ancheng for half a month," Fang Yuzhu dered. She sought to calmly and systematically observe the changes in the human world over the past few millennia. Her n included not just devouring the vast collections of thergest library but also experiencing everything as a student. "An immortal bing a college student?" Wang Xuan was momentarily stunned, finding it hard to reconcile these two identities. "I''ve already made one journey through the real world and learned much, but it still feels like there''s a veil separating me from it. Perhaps adopting a role will allow me to truly engage," Fang Yuzhu exined her rationale for choosing to enter society as a student. Wang Xuan, intrigued by the idea, mused, "I can already imagine the kinds of stories that will emerge from this." For instance: "An Immortal Among Us," "My Roommate is a Heavenly Fairy," "What It''s Like to Study with a Fairy," and "My Missed Connection with an Immortal..." "If I''m to blend in, I''ll ensure I appear utterly ordinary, without a hint of anomaly," Fang Yuzhu said with a smile. After drinking two cups of fruit wine, her cheeks bore a soft blush, highlighting her extraordinary beauty in a way few have seen. Wang Xuan was captivated not only by the visual feast before him but also by the poignant realization that even beings from myths, after millennia, must face the curtain fall of their era. Even immortals are destined to perish. Some transcendents, like Fang Yuzhu, after struggling in vain, might end up leading ordinary lives, either in solitude or by marrying. These images and scenarios filled Wang Xuan withplex emotions; after three thousand years, both legendary masters and stunning immortals are fated to fade into obscurity. "Many will resist, fighting more fiercely as the end approaches, but when the fire of transcendence is meant to extinguish, nothing can stop it," Fang Yuzhu remarked calmly. Beneath her gentle and elegant demeanor, there was an undertone of reluctance, yet she also felt helpless. Every possible path had been explored, every conceivable method considered, but aside from a few rugged trails offering scant hope, everyone was powerless. In this mood, she found herself drinking a few more cups of fruit wine, her beauty aglow. After dinner, Wang Xuan suggested they go out to see the night view and wander around Ancheng to experience the true hustle and bustle of mortal life. Soon, they left Qingmu''s estate, which also served as a branch of the Secret Path organization, and drove into the neon-lit city of Ancheng, with its towering skyscrapers. Wang Xuan and Fang Yuzhu started their stroll on the streets, with Wang Xuan pointing out various night scenes and suggesting a visit to a campus arranged by Qingmu, where he once studied. Preferring a more engaging activity, Wang Xuan proposed watching a movie over simply enjoying the night views or visiting a bar, thinking that Fang Yuzhu might not have experienced many of humanity''s dramas. As they walked, Fang Yuzhu, holding arge stuffed toy in one hand and a skewer of candied hawthorns in the other, shared with a smile that Zhang Daoling had reflected them with a copper mirror during dinner. This novel experience seemed to delight her, maintaining a constant smile on her face. Wang Xuan expressed his annoyance with Zhang Daoling''s habit of spying on them using his mirror, humorouslyining about his constant, unwee presence. Meanwhile, Zhang Daoling, who was following them at a distance, encountered the Hades Blood Sect''s founder, who greeted him warmly, pretending it was a chance meeting. Zhang Daoling internally scoffed at the pretense, fully aware of the other''s deliberate following. The Hades Blood Sect''s founder then spected about Fang Yuzhu and Wang Xuan''s closepanionship, hinting at a possible romantic connection linked to past events. He mentioned that younger entities like Zhang Daoling, being only over two thousand years old, might not be fully aware of the significant histories involving legendary figures like Fang Yuzhu. Zhang Daoling felt somewhat patronized by the older entity''s remarks, highlighting the generational gap even among transcendent beings and their differing levels of involvement in historical events. Under the bright moon, the human world was aze with lights, making the pedestrian street bustling with activity and filled with the essence of mortal life. Fang Yuzhu had already traded her ancient long dress for a modern early summer outfit, consisting of women''s trousers and a T-shirt, showcasing her splendid figure. A strand of her hair fluttered in the breeze, her skin as white and translucent as ivory, and her bright eyes so captivating that passersby couldn''t help but turn their heads in awe. As she nibbled on a candied hawthorn stick and clutched arge stuffed toy, walking alongside Wang Xuan, it was him who received various disdainful nces, overshadowed by her beauty. "Brother, buy some flowers to give to the sister. I''ve never seen such a beautiful sister before; she''s just like a fairy, unreal in her beauty," urged a little girl selling flowers beside the movie theater, herrge eyes fixed on Fang Yuzhu, unable to look away, holding her fresh and tender flowers. "Ah, buying flowers seems too mundane for such a sister," Wang Xuanughed, squatting down, "How about I buy the little girl selling flowers instead? Let her hold the flowers and present them to the beautiful sister together." "Ah, I''m not selling myself! If you dare to take me away, I... I''ll call my mom; she''s over there. I''m just here to experience how hard life can be by selling flowers; I''m not for sale!" The little girl took him seriously, backing away with wary, wide eyes, nearly crying at Wang Xuan''s teasingughter. Fang Yuzhuughed, blending even more into the night''s worldly atmosphere, and chided him lightly for scaring the little girl. She reassured the girl that it was all in jest. Wang Xuan patted the flower girl''s head, saying, "Then let''s buy them all. Well, not you, but all your flowers, to give to this sister." After paying with facial recognition, the little girl thrust the flowers into his arms and swiftly ran off. Wang Xuan, with a sidelong nce, remarked, "Notice that? Kids these days are precocious and shrewd. Trying to abduct one wouldn''t be easy." The little girl, visibly annoyed, pointed at him from not too far away, as if using, "So, you actually considered kidnapping me?" Wang Xuan, apanied by Fang Yuzhu, who was dressed in contemporary fashion and radiated youth and beauty, stepped into the cinema. Browsing through the movie listings, he unhesitatingly selected a film apt for the asion¡ª "Family with a Fairy." Fang Yuzhu offered noment, merely shooting him a look. Wang Xuan, with an air of nonchnce (though his purchase of popcorn and snacks went unnoticed), led thedy into the theater. "What''s this strategy? What''s the meaning of taking Fairy Fang to see... what do we call it, oh, a movie?" The Hades Blood Ancestor followed behind, his expression one of bafflement. He continued, "Zhang, do you also feel drawn to this, which is why you''ve been tailing us?" "Call me ''Little Zhang'' again and see if I don''t exorcise demons on the spot!" Zhang Daoling issued a stern warning. Could his status as the founder of a sect be so casually diminished? "Understood, Sect Leader Zhang," the Hades Blood Ancestor quickly corrected himself. Then, at Zhang''s urging, he hurried to purchase tickets, though they chose not to follow Wang Xuan and Fang Yuzhu into the same theater. Their intent was merely to immerse themselves in the experiences of this era, embracing its myriad aspects with open arms. However, when Zhang Daoling inspected the ticket handed to him by the Hades Blood Ancestor, he almost threw it back in dismay, "What sort of atrocious seating is this? Are you and I meant for such seats?" Casting a nce at the ticket, the Hades Blood Ancestor replied, "Ah, that. I bought them based on the seats Wang Xuan and Fairy Fang chose, but those were the only types avable to me." Zhang''s face twitched involuntarily, "Couple''s seats? You''re adopting this too? Didn''t you pay attention, expecting me to sit beside you?!" Chapter 377: There Was Someone Like Him Chapter 377: There Was Someone Like Him The Hades Blood Sect Ancestor paused, then frowned and said, "I don''t mind you, let''s just sit together." Zhang Daoling felt an urge to hit someone, clutching the bronze mirror, ready to strike him on the head, and clearly wanted to convey, "I mind you!" "Hades Blood Sect Ancestor, what''s wrong?" he hastily retreated, taken aback. "I... am about to exorcize demons!" Zhang Daoling was furious, joking about being seen with this old demon in a couple seats. How could he face anyone after that? Eventually, he suppressed the urge, his face darkening as he told Mingxue to go buy another ticket immediately. "Who said I''d sit with you?" Hades Blood Sect Ancestor shook his head, "Why bother about appearances? We both are revered teachers. This worldly facade, this shell, what''s there to mind? Just think of it as if you''re the only one in the world, all fame and disgrace, rise and fall, are but dust." Zhang Daoling pondered, recalling the strange scripture Wang Xuan gave him, suspected to be left by a severe psychiatric patient, and waved his hand, "Fine, let''s just leave it." The Hades Blood Sect Ancestor was startled, turned, and said, "What a joke, how can two old men sit together? I''ll go buy another ticket!" Zhang Daoling really wanted to p him across the face. After all the fuss, Mingxue was just all talk, not truly understanding the essence. He also couldn''t help but mock internally, the reason many impersonate Mingxue isn''t unfounded. This guy really is annoying. ...... Fang Yuzhu entered the theater for the first time, unbothered by the dim environment. The film began with a beautifully tragic scene: an ancient celestial being in white, blood-stained clothes, crossing millennia to descend into the modern world. Despite her ethereal beauty, she appeared lost and carried an endless sorrow. The movie was advertised as a romanticedy, but it started with a death scene that left Wang Xuan wanting to confront the director. What happened to the promised fantasy romanceedy? Why did it start with the demise of several celestials and the pseudo-male lead dying tragically, with the female lead traveling through time to the present? Someone nearby couldn''t hold back their frustration, criticizing the screenwriter''s and director''s logic. The opening was far fromedic, setting a chilly tone that never shifted. Wang Xuan wanted toment but held back, noticing Fang Yuzhu deeply engrossed in the story. It seemed she was easily satisfied, perhaps due to her limited experience with dramas. In another screening room, Zhang Daoling and Mingxue were watching the same film, equally displeased. Zhang preferred stories of clear-cut vengeance and power, where a single gesture could dominate or a sword could exterminate all demons. This melodramatic portrayal of a celestial being in tears was not to his taste. "This drama is a waste of time," heined to Mingxue, suggesting they send a dream to the production team to criticize their unrealistic portrayal of celestials. He yearned for a story where a celestial could effortlessly annihte foes, a tale of a demonic fairy who, in her quest to find her parents, bravely infiltrated the demon realm and fought ancient evils. As Zhang passionately made his case, spittle flying, Mingxue had to wipe his neck from the spray. A nearby girl with purple hair rolled her eyes, suggesting Zhang''s ideal of a celestial was more akin to a demon with her merciless killing. Zhang rified, speaking of a "demon fairy" who was decisive in battle, seeking her parents and facing ancient demons with fearless pride, even in the face of certain death. His earnest exnation, however, only earned him sympathetic nces from the girl, who eventually ignored him, treating him as if he were delusional. "Got tricked, it''s not aedy, it''s too tragic," people whispered to each other. Wang Xuan noticed Fang Yuzhu''s focused attention on the film, her eyes deepening with a serene and silent intensity, like a quietly falling petal. Gradually, the audience quieted down. Initially met with criticism, the intense sorrow depicted as the story unfolded silenced the viewers,pelling them to simply watch. The emotional scenes even moved some girls to tears. "This drama is quite realistic; thetter part resembles an old tale from behind our great veil," Mingxue, the sect leader,mented with a frown. He suspected that someone from their own ranks, familiar with the ancient events, might have been involved in the production. "The tragic elements, especially, seem like they could be part of Fang Xianzi''s own experiences," Zhang Daoling spected with suspicion. Mingxue internally scoffed, thinking Zhang was only partially informed about these ancient events, which Mingxue himself had experienced firsthand. "Tell me more," Zhang demanded, his gaze sharp as he gestured with a copper mirror, prompting Mingxue to continue. "There was someone who, even as a mortal, had opened his inner vistas, shining brightly in that era," Mingxue began. "The one from 2,700 years ago?" Zhang inquired. Mingxue confirmed, "Yes, him. He rose swiftly, with a fierce and radiant energy that illuminated his age." This conversation hints at the deep historical and mysticalyers entwined within the drama, suggesting that the story might be drawing from real events or legends known to the characters from their ancient past. "Was there a romantic entanglement with Fairy Fang? What exactly happened?" Old Zhang''s curiosity was ame. Mingxue replied, "Somewhat. The man soared to great heights, bing a powerhouse despite his rtively short period of cultivation. He was fond of Fairy Fang and attempted to get close to her several times, only to be rejected. At that time, Fairy Fang had just defended a young demoness in red, killing the most powerful demon king of the ancient demon n. She was recuperating in a secret ce and refused to see anyone." "Were there misunderstandings, hate born from love, all sorts of grievances and endless bloodshed?" Old Zhang''s eyes sparkled with intrigue as he pressed for details. "Not at all. The man sat outside the secret ce where Fairy Fang was in seclusion, acting as her protector and fending off two unparalleled enemies until she emerged." "What happened next?" asked Old Zhang. "Fairy Fang was grateful to him upon leaving seclusion, but she still sent him away, keeping her distance," Mingxue exined. "Skip to the part about Fairy Fang and that man that''s unavoidable!" Old Zhang urged. "Later on, it became known that the man possessed an extraordinary physique, having unlocked a special realm even as a mortal. This discovery of his uniqueness drew several unparalleled experts together, intent on capturing and studying him to understand what set him apart," Mingxue narrated, his eyes not leaving the movie he was watching. Upon learning of his peril, Fairy Fang naturally went to his rescue, to repay the debt of gratitude. However, she arrived toote. When she got there, she saw the sky tinged red with his blood, painting several swathes of the heavens. In that battle, Fairy Fang fought against four unparalleled masters. Ultimately, outnumbered, she was gravely injured and forced to leave, carrying a heavy burden of regret. "I thought there would be some melodramatic twist, but there''s hardly anything between them. It''s just that Fairy Fang owes him a great debt of gratitude she hasn''t repaid," Zhang Daoling remarked. Mingxue ignored him and continued, "Those four masters went to find his body but failed to find it." "Was it taken away by someone else first? Don''t tell me Fairy Fang took it," Zhang Daoling spected. Mingxue shook his head, "The man didn''t die. His life force was incredibly strong; he barely survived despite severe injuries. He found a ce to hide and slowly recuperate." This tale spun a narrative not just of unrequited affection and undying loyalty but also of resilience and survival against the odds, set against a backdrop of celestial intrigue and ancient vendettas. "Did Fang Yuzhu have any romantic entanglements? What happened?" Old Zhang''s curiosity was aze. Mingxue replied, "Somewhat. That man rose to prominence, bing a leader in his own right. Despite his rtively short period of cultivation, he had few rivals and harbored feelings for Fang Yuzhu. However, she rejected his advances. At that time, Fang Yuzhu had just defended the young Red Garment Demoness, defeating the strongest ancient demon king and was recuperating in secret, refusing all visitors." "Was there a misunderstanding? Did love turn into hatred, leading to a sttering of immortal blood?" Old Zhang probed, intrigued by the possibility. "Not at all," Mingxue rified. "That man guarded Fang Yuzhu''s retreat, thwarting two unparalleled foes until she emerged." "And then?" Old Zhang pressed on. "Fang Yuzhu expressed her gratitude but still kept him at a distance," Mingxue continued. "Skip to the part where Fang Yuzhu and that man are unavoidably intertwined!" Old Zhang urged. "Later, it was discovered that he possessed a supremely strong physique and had opened a special inner realm as a mortal. Several unparalleled beings joined forces to capture him, eager to study his uniqueness." As Mingxue narrated this tale alongside the movie, Fang Yuzhu went to his rescue, repaying the favor. However, she arrived toote. She found the skies dyed red with his blood. In that battle, Fang Yuzhu fought against four unparalleled beings and was overwhelmed and grievously injured, fleeing with deep regret. "I thought there''d be some clich¨¦ drama, but there wasn''t much between them. It''s just that Fang Yuzhu owed him a great debt of gratitude," Old Zhangmented. Mingxue ignored him and added, "The four attackers failed to find his body. He wasn''t dead, though severely weakened, and found refuge to recover slowly." "Oh, this secrecy I didn''t know about. I only knew of three people in history who opened their inner realms as mortals, all of whom met tragic ends," Old Zhang said gravely. It was rare for anyone to replicate their path, and unfortunately, they left no descendants, facing a destiny of hardships. "And then?" Zhang inquired, keen on the hidden details. "After he recovered, he silently observed his enemies and soon learned that five supreme beings in the great curtain were hunting Fang Yuzhu." "Fang Yuzhu was in such dire straits?" Zhang was astonished. "Indeed. Among them were the four who had previously attacked him, now joined by another, aiming to eliminate the increasingly powerful Fang Yuzhu." "That man, showing true nobility, intervened directly instead of continuing his secluded cultivation, fearing Fang Yuzhu might be killed. His potential was immense; given enough time, he could have been invincible in the great curtain." "And what happened next?" Zhang inquired. "The battle was brutal. That man, proving his mettle, fought to protect Fang Yuzhu, sacrificing himself without retreating. Despite injuring some of the five attackers, they still sought to kill Fang Yuzhu..." "It''s quite tragic," Old Zhang sighed. "Fang Yuzhu fought back fiercely, inflicting severe injuries on two or three of the attackers. After the initial two retreated due to their injuries, she barely escaped with her life." Pausing, Mingxue added, "This chapter of her life is seldom mentioned, as Fang Yuzhuter rose to dominance,manding respect from all quarters, and few wished to revisit her bloody past." Nodding, Zhang said, "I''m aware of the subsequent events. It was the dawn of Fang Yuzhu''s era. She transcended the ancient golden bamboo scripts, forging her own supreme path." "Yes," agreed Mingxue. "Once the Red Garment Demoness matured, they struck together. Despite the Demoness''s inexperience, she managed to distract one attacker while Fang Yuzhu single-handedly faced three supreme beings, annihting them all in one day." Old Zhang nodded, "Indeed, it was a battle that shook both the ancient and modern worlds, one of the most astonishing super events etched into the celestial steles of the great curtain. I''m aware of that." "Fang Yuzhu''s silver armor was stained red with blood, bathing in the ultimate true blood. After fiercely killing three unparalleled beings, she turned to find the Red Garment Demoness, shocking the other two enemies into fleeing. She pursued them overnight, killing another, making four unparalleled beings in in a day and night, a feat that shook heaven and earth." "It was also in that battle that the Red Garment Demoness officially rose to power, herself killing an unparalleled being." "These two effectively ended thest glory of the ancients." Zhang Daoling acknowledged, well aware that Fang Yuzhu''s continuous ying of four unparalleled beings in a day and a night included two ancient demon kings and two giants of the ancient human race, all ancient cultivators. "Fang Yuzhu, dignified, graceful, and gentle, yet she once donned silver armor and fought blood battles against the world." Mingxue whispered, "Old Zhang, no, Zhang Daoling, you''re following them mainly to observe Wang Xuan, aren''t you? Do you also think he''s unusual, suspecting he might have opened his inner realm as a mortal?" "You really jump to conclusions!" Zhang Daoling gave him a cold nce. Mingxue spected, "Could it be that Fang Yuzhu harbors some regrets from the past, some of her thoughts lingering on this Wang Xuan? Look at her, willingly stepping into the mortal world." In another theater, Fang Yuzhu quietly watched the 3D projection, scenes reminiscent of the past unfolding before her. The man died a second time, his body shattered by unparalleled beings, his blood staining the void. There was a sadness in her eyes, but she remained silent. Chapter 378: Together, Forever Chapter 378: Together, Forever In a realm where the line between reality and illusion blurred, life unfolded like a series of poignant scenes, weaving together a tapestry of joy and sorrow that mirrored the past. Fang Yuzhu, d in women''s trousers, high heels, and a T-shirt, her ck hair cascading naturally, embodied a modern goddess. Her deep, ancient eyes seemed to gaze into bygone eras, silent as a maple leaf greeting the autumn breeze, radiantly tranquil yet tinged with a hint of solitary chill. Wang Xuan recognized her own narrative; even a peerless true immortal had moments of vulnerability, harboring unshed sorrows from the past. "Did I lose myposure?" Fang Yuzhu asked, her gaze as calm and clear as a still pond. "No, you were very focused, so I did not wish to disturb you," Wang Xuan responded, shaking his head. Meanwhile, in another hall, Zhang Daoling nced at Mingxue, musing, "You''re overthinking it. Who is Fang Yuzhu? She alone has in ageless ancient cultivators, single-handedly ending an era of splendor. Such a person wouldn''t be easily swayed by external influences. Now, she genuinely seeks to blend into the mundane world, a feat not everyone is capable of achieving. For instance, could you, Mingxue, relinquish your stature in society?" "I... am trying to adapt," Mingxue pondered, finding the notion of leading an ordinary life somewhat unbearable. In his vision for the future, at worst, he intended to establish a livestock corporation to address the needs of his disciples and followers, unwilling to subject them to a relentless work schedule. "Indeed, I might have overthought it. That person, despite his good intentions, was politely rejected by Fang Yuzhu. It''s clear she harbors regrets, especially since that person died in front of her, obliterated by enemies. Had it been the wolf-hearted Demon Ancestor or the heartless Devil Ancestor, it might have been excusable. However, she undoubtedly felt indebted,menting that she couldn''t save him," Mingxue reflected, attributing Fang Yuzhu''s character to one that valued past bonds and gratitude, distinguishing her from figures like Qi Yi and the Devil Ancestor. "This suggests Wang Xuan holds a unique significance for Fang Yuzhu, who felt moved upon witnessing his innerndscape. Is she offering protection, fearing Zheng Yuantian''s true incarnation might descend to capture him?" Mingxue conjectured with augh. Zhang Daoling cast a nce at him, warning, "Mingxue, those who know too much often meet tragic ends. I seem to foresee your sorrowful demise." "Mingxue?!" Mingxue wanted to spit in his face for such an insult, far worse than being called ''little Zhang.'' He retorted, "I aim to live as long as the heavens, hoping to die on the same day as you." Zhang Daoling felt utterly exasperated. Apliment for longevity was enough, but why should he wish to die alongside Mingxue? He almost wished he could hit him with a bronze mirror. ...... Fang Yuzhu remained engrossed in the drama, speaking calmly, "I was reminded of a friend who saved me twice, yet I couldn''t save his life." Wang Xuan replied, "In life, who doesn''t harbor regrets? Otherwise, how could one im to have lived fully and clearly?" He added, "Of course, heartless people are exceptions, as are those like Zhang, who have been officially diagnosed. They''re considered atypical humans." "Mingxue, it seems someone is discussing you," Zhang Daoling chuckled, aware of their conversation shielded by a psychic barrier, unbeknownst to Wang Xuan that an atypical human was eavesdropping. "Talking behind my back again? I''ll find an opportunity to beat him a hundred times!" Zhang''s expression turned grim with a murderous aura. "Times of splendor are often marred by bloodshed, and some things are irremediable, bing mere history," Fang Yuzhu remarked. Despite her calm, there was a tinge of sorrow for the person who died tragically. Even her feat of ying four supreme masters couldn''t alter one''s destiny. She then immersed herself in the drama''s finale until the lights came on, noting, "I find watching dramas enlightening, despite their exaggeration; they mirror reality. However, I might have been too invested." Wang Xuan sensed the drama resonated with her experiences, stirring emotions. "Life''s journey is all about emotional fluctuations. Your engrossed viewing struck me as authentic. Those who are focused are the most genuine, whether living in the moment or lost in the past; it reflects their internal stance." Leaving the theater behind, they soon returned to their usual selves. Not toote into the night, they strolled through the pedestrian street, enjoying local delicacies before heading back. Meanwhile, Zhang and Mingxue indulged in a street-side barbecue, drinking beer liberally in the early summer. Surprisingly, the two grandmasters behaved like ordinary people, admiring the street''s beauty under the neon lights, sharing tales spanning millennia behind the great curtain. "Is that Patriarch Zhang? And... Mingxue, the old devil! They''re actually enjoying skewers. How down-to-earth!" Huang Ming eximed from a distance, utterly astonished. "Quiet!" Kong Yun spoke up, quickly pulling him away, fearing they would be overheard. Yet, he too was astonished to see two grandmasters casually enjoying skewers and draft beer on the street. Such a scene was too unconventional. "I think I heard someone mention my name. You, and you,e here," Mingxue beckoned. His voice wasn''t loud but resonated clearly in the ears of Huang Ming and Kong Yun. Huang Ming, with a pained expression that quickly turned to a smile upon facing them, approached with Kong Yun, ready to show their respects with a formal bow. Zhang Daoling immediately stopped them, cautioning against such actions on the street that could attract public attention, "Follow the customs of the mortals when you''re among them." "Yes, Master Zhang!" Kong Yun nodded. "What are you two up to?" Mingxue inquired. Huang Ming, slightly apprehensive but earnest, replied, "We''re scouting locations, thinking of starting a business here in the oldnds." Mingxue was speechless. His subordinates were more proactive than him. While he had ideas, he hadn''t taken action yet, and here were these two, ready tounch their venture. Zhang Daoling remarked on the adaptability of those who emerged from the great curtain, especially the younger ones ready to integrate seamlessly into mortal life, "Do you really think this is feasible?" he questioned, concerned about potential legal issues. "Rest assured, it''s a legitimate business. We n to open a caf¨¦, a peaceful and tranquil tea house," Huang Ming assured, his eyes sparkling with determination. Kong Yun added, "We''ve been researching the market for over half a month since arriving from New Star, understanding various market conditions, and have already secured investors." Mingxue was bewildered. He had ns for apany of a corporate nature but was still in the dark, whereas these two had already found investors and even conducted market research under the guise of diligence. Zhang Daoling, more familiar with mortal ways, questioned, "You''re not nning any deceit, are you?" "How could that be? We''re responsible to our investors. Don''t worry, our caf¨¦ and tea house will be distinctive, featuring celestial charm," Huang Ming voiced out. "All right, you two can go now!" Zhang Daoling waved them off, certain that if they stepped out of line, they would be dealt with ordingly. Nowadays, with the human conduct code in ce, anyone crossing the line would inevitably face consequences. However, Huang Ming didn''t leave right away. Insisting on offering Zhang Daoling and Mingxue a ten percent stake each in their venture, which left Zhang speechless. These two had adapted too quickly, hadn''t they? From observing local customs to diving headfirst into murky waters, they were really getting into the spirit of things. Mingxue was introspective, touched by their gesture. He felt his own efforts were too sluggish and his thinking too conservative. It was time for bold actions, to get his livestockpany up and running. "Make sure toe by once we open. We''d love your support!" Huang Ming lingered, seeking their favor until Kong Yun dragged him away. Mingxue mused, "Who knows, this little weasel might end up doing quite well for himself, possibly even outperforming some honest-to-goodness cultivating geniuses." "In a survival-of-the-fittest scenario, those geniuses willing to humble themselves, given their capabilities, won''t do badly either," Zhang remarked, finishing his skewer and beer before standing up to leave. "Let''s go. We''ll stay in Ancheng for a while. Mingxue, find us a hotel. And I warn you, if you dare book just one room, I''ll make sure you regret it!" Zhang sternly warned, brandishing his tarnished copper mirror. Mingxue couldn''t help but retort, "Pah! Do you think you''re some unmatched beauty? Why would I ever want to share a room with you?" Thus, the two grandmasters, very much grounded in the mortal realm, walked to a hotel, not bothering to follow Wang Xuan this time. Wang Xuan, driving, took Fang Yuqin back to the Secret Path organization''s branch. The estate wasrge, with plenty of rooms. Qingmu had arranged everything well. In the backyard, near a small reed-linedke, were row houses. One had always been Wang Xuan''s residence, and the adjacent one, after being tidied up, became Fang Yuqin''s dwelling. After dropping Fang Yuzhu off at her door, Wang Xuan turned and entered his own house next door, not even entertaining the thought of spending a pleasant evening chatting together with the celestialdy. Today, he had been daring enough, making various decisions without consulting Fang Yuzhu, yet he considered these minor matters and felt nonchnt about them. As for getting any closer, he decided against it. After all, this was the renowned Fang Yuzhu, a yer of not just one unparalleled expert. The respect he held for her was non-negotiable. He felt that from evening till now, observing his myriad of "arrangements," Fang Yuzhu probably didn''t mind and merely chuckled it off. Yet, had he been too presumptuous, it would have been inappropriate. As for any fanciful thoughts of a celestial being descending to the mundane world and getting close to the dust of life, he didn''t entertain them at all. Who was she? The strongest Pre-Qin alchemist, appearing gentle and graceful. It was her amodating nature, radiating goodwill, willing to actively blend into the mortal world without pretense. Anyone harboring assorted fanciful thoughts, underestimating her strength, was purely delusional and would only face a disastrous oue. How could Fang Yuzhu, after such prolonged cultivation, "fall" into the mortal coil in such a short time? At the very least, at this stage, she remained an unparalleled immortal, pure and wless, as though standing in the divine moonlight, hard topletely transform into an ordinary woman. Returning to his room, Wang Xuan began to cultivate, operating the supreme scriptures, and studying the blue-glowing crystal of creation on his body, which was of great significance to him. Chapter 379: My Roommate Is An Immortal Chapter 379: My Roommate Is An Immortal A faint blue mist rose, engulfing Wang Xuan both physically and spiritually with its blue ripples, as if elevating his life''s essence to a higher level. "What a treasure, I must refine and absorb as much as I can!" he thought. The next day, he awoke, bursting with energy and vitality, feeling as though the barriers to his realm were beginning to loosen. With the meteorite passage temporarily inessible, he decided to forge ahead in the real world. The day was well nned; Wang Xuan took Fang Yuzhu to report at Ancheng University. Qingmu had already made arrangements with the familiar and cooperative department heads. Everything went smoothly. Wang Xuan pointed to a row of dormitories in the distance, telling Fang Yuzhu that was where he used to live. "Are youmuting or staying on campus?" he asked her. "Let''s stay on campus for now. In a couple of days, if I find it inconvenient, I''ll move back andmute," Fang Yuzhu decided. Now, she was youthful and vibrant, dressed like a female student. In fact, as a peerless fairy from the realm of immortality, her current attire drew many eyes, pure yet with an indescribable inner quality. "Fang... Fairy?!" a familiar face eximed in surprise and quickly approached. It was Zhou Shiqi, graceful and elegant, recognized by her aura and that unique charm. Fang Yuzhu had not intended to hide her true identity. Zhou Shiqi''s current identity was that of a newly debuted singer. Recently, under herpany''s promotion, she came to the oldnd to capture the market and deliberately enrolled at Ancheng University for further studies as a publicity stunt, making her a mid-entry art student. Though not yet a top celebrity, she was fairly well-known, with a high turn-back rate on campus. Now, looking like an excited fan, she surprised many, drawing all eyes towards them. Zhou Shiqi, undeterred by the attention, excitedly proposed, "Fang Fairy, let''s share a dorm room!" "My roommate is a celestial fairy!" Wang Xuan muttered, his casual jest from the night before now seeminglying true. He guessed that was exactly how Zhou felt, thrilled even though she herself was a fairy. "My roommate is a peerless fairy!" Zhou Shiqi corrected. Wang Xuan: "..." In the following two days, Fang Yuzhu embarked on a new life as a university student. She aimed for a low profile, but from day one, Zhou Shiqi became her adoring fan, ensuring Fang was the center of attention everywhere she went, despite her efforts to conceal her true appearance. Two dayster, Zhou Qinghuang sought Wang Xuan''s help to enroll at Ancheng University to experience college life. Wang Xuan was speechless. What was happening? Practitioners from behind the scenes, now three of them, were all eager to live as college girls? Wang Xuan quickly noticed the fervor in her eyes, somewhat excited, and immediately realized something. The rtionship between Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi was ambiguous. Was she now aiming to get closer to Fang Yuzhu? "Wang said, ''Zhou, your flirtations with Gu might be one thing, but if you try to get too close to Fairy Fang, be careful. A gentle wave of her delicate hand could erase you in an instant, leaving no trace.''" He warned her. He also thought this was something many male immortalsmented. Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi, both well-known fairies behind the scenes, had an unclear rtionship, which he considered a waste of resources. "What are you talking about? I simply admire Fairy Fang. Your thoughts are unhealthy!" Zhou Qinghuang retorted, still dressed professionally, her emotions clearly agitated under her buttoned shirt. "Menpeting is one thing, but now women are joining the fray, intensifying thepetition among people," Wang Xuan shook his head. Zhou Qinghuang adjusted her sses on her delicate nose, immediately denying any unconventional inclinations. "Suit yourself. Go find Qingmu for help. I won''t be a part of this, inviting trouble," Wang Xuan said. "Are you trying to say, ''Leave the fairy alone, and let you handle it''? I''ll tell Fairy Fang!" Zhou Qinghuang retorted, turning on her heel to leave. "I''m warning you, don''t spread rumors or nder me, or I''ll send you straight back to the new star!" Wang Xuan threatened. He knew the situation on the new star wasplicated. Although immortals dared not act recklessly, adhering to the new covenant''s five rules, they were rapidly expanding their businesses in a fiercepetition. At night, Wang Xuan once againmenced his cultivation, refining the Creation Crystal Stone, absorbing substances that were infinitely close to being real. During this process, he seemed to hear strange sounds and even saw vague and fragmented visions, which startled him. "Never mind, I must be stronger. I need to go to the secret realm to retrieve someone! I must break through the meteorite pit, I need to be stronger, I have to surpass Zheng Yuantian! If I don''t make an effort, I might be killed!" He motivated himself with various thoughts. Four dayster, Fang Yuzhu called him, telling him she was nning tomute and asked for his address so she could take a taxi back. As for flying back in her physical form, she decided against it for the sake of keeping a low profile. She had been the center of attention at school, with even simple evening walks attracting stares from her overly enthusiastic ssmates. After some thought, Wang Xuan decided it would be best to pick her up personally. At Ancheng University, Qin Cheng was taking a walk with his girlfriend, reminiscing about the "glorious days" when he saw Wang Xuan driving Qingmu''s expensive car into the campus. "Wow, Old Wang, you''ve changed. In just a short period, the few days I haven''t seen you, you''ve be like this? Are you living up to..." Qin Cheng approached them, but upon seeing Fang Yuzhu, his expression immediately turned to one of joy: "Sister-inw, hello, I''m Wang Xuan''s brother, Qin Cheng." Wang Xuan quickly pulled him aside, attempting to silence him. Could he speak less? Did he realize who she was? This was the exceptional female immortal who had ended the ancient myths and started thetter myths! "What''s the matter, why are you dragging me? No worries, Old Wang, don''t be nervous, I just wanted to meet the sister-inw!" Qin Cheng tried to pull away from him. He had met Fang Yuzhu before, but now, the appearance of Fairy Fang had changed. Although her figure remained exceptional, and her youthful school uniform could hardly conceal her stunning physique, her face was no longer the same. "Bro!" A crisp and capable girl came over, calling out to Wang Xuan; it was Qin Cheng''s girlfriend. Initially, when Qin Cheng had decided to leave for the New Moon, she had resolutely suggested they break up. This girl was remarkably straightforward, not dragging her feet at all, effectively sentencing Qin Cheng to "death" because she believed there was no future between them across the stars. Wang Xuan admired this girl named Yang Lin; she was very independent and decisively straightforward. Yang Lin quickly pulled Qin Cheng aside to give Wang Xuan some space. "Old Wang, let''s catch upter. You go ahead with your things," Qin Cheng said, patting his shoulder, finally stepping back a few steps. "It''s not what you think. This is Fairy Fang!" Wang Xuan exined seriously. Using mental telepathy here was no different from speaking out loud; Fang Yuzhu could clearly catch every word given the proximity. "I understand!" Qin Cheng said, adopting an understanding look, meaning he promised not to bber about anything. He added, to show he really got it, "A fairy stepping out from behind the curtains, you go for it! Bye, sister-inw!" Wang Xuan couldn''t stand it; having such a brother willing to understand him made him wonder whether to feel fortunate or speechless. He quickly said, "She is a female alchemist!" This time it had an effect. A few simple words shocked Qin Cheng, who "truly understood" this time, grasping who the person was! Hemunicated with Wang Xuan using his own half-formed spiritual domain, thinking it was secretive. However, to the more powerful beings, it was like child''s y, incapable of concealing any secrets. "Old Wang, are you trying to defy the heavens? I thought she was a female immortal, but turns out, she''s the foremost female immortal from behind the scenes? Such a sister-inw, that''s huge pressure!" Unable to continue the conversation, Wang Xuan pushed him aside. Yang Lin, practical and truly understanding, pulled Qin Cheng away, preventing him from spouting nonsense. "Yang Lin, let me tell you, Old Wang has really defied the heavens this time. Do you know who that woman just now was? She is..." Even as they walked away, he continued talking. At the scene, Wang Xuan was feeling overwhelmed. Not far away, Zhou Qinghuang and Zhou Shiqi came out to see Fang Yuzhu off, both suppressing their smiles as they enjoyed seeing him in a tight spot, feeling quite pleased. In fact, once Qin Cheng reached a secluded spot far away, he immediately dropped his "ignorance" and stopped talking nonsense. He finally sighed, "I did it to pressure Old Wang, to remind him not to forget his original intentions. Some things are permissible, but some people must not be forgotten!" Fang Yuzhu got into the car, waved to the two women, and was very calm. Although she was trying to integrate into the mundane world, there weren''t many things in it that could truly capture her attention or concern. On the way, Wang Xuan taught her how to drive. For a celestial being, driving skills and the profound meanings of scriptures are iparably simple; she would be able to hit the road on her own next time. In the evening, Wang Xuan once again enjoyed a delicious meal of homemade dishes. Just at this time, his mother called, inquiring about his well-being, what he was eating, wearing, and living. This was rare, as usually, his parents weren''t too concerned about these trivial matters, saying that since he wasn''t a girl, they were not worried about leaving him be. "I''m eating quite well. Yes, I''m actually eating right now. Tomato and egg stir-fry, red braised prawns, hmm, it tastes better than what you make, I ate tworge bowls today!" "What are you talking about? Who can cook better than me?!" Wang Xuan''s mother objected, asking who was cooking for him. "My roommate, no, my neighbor," Wang Xuan said. "It''s Fang Yuzhu, Little Fang, right?" Wang Xuan''s mother asked this way. Wang Xuan was stunned on the spot; even his mother knew about it? "I asked Qingmu about it, and he mentioned that recently, a girl named Fang Yuzhu became your neighbor. Little Fang, she''s a nice person, you should spend more time with her," Wang''s mom chuckled joyfully before decisively hanging up the call. "Little Fang" Fang Yuzhu showed a hint of surprise, feeling somewhat unusual since it had been a long time since anyone had called her that. She silently spected for a moment but didn''t notice anything particr. In the evening, under the moonlight, which became fuller by the month, Wang Xuan felt something unusual as he looked up at the sky from the estate. After dinner, as usual, he practiced his cultivation, refining the luminescent creation crystals. Soon, he entered a deep meditative state, enveloped in a blue mist. At midnight, the silver moon in the sky changed, tinted with a hint of blood-red. A fishing line silently descended, entering Wang Xuan''s room! At that moment, in the adjacent room, the ethereally beautiful Fang Yuzhu suddenly opened her eyes, her dazzling brilliance flowing like a miniature divine river. Chapter 380: Let’s Bankrupt Those Fishermen Chapter 380: Let¡¯s Bankrupt Those Fishermen Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into Wang Xuan''s room, the faint white light rippling gently. Despite it being midnight, the room was not engulfed in darkness but instead was veiled in a hazy glow. His body was saturated with blue substances, with energy so real it invigorated his spirit. Suddenly, he felt something and abruptly opened his eyes. What was happening? A huge hook loomed before him, ringly obvious! He was momentarily stunned. Was he caught in a dream? Then, his expression changed. How could he be asleep when he was bursting with energy? Irritated, he realized someone was brazenly attempting to hook him right in his own home, in his own bedroom, with a hook descending from the sky! "This is outrageous, utterly disregarding me, daring to fish inside my house. And so stingy, not even using bait, just trying to hook me directly?!" Anger surged within Wang Xuan. This was unbearable. The intruder was so grant, wielding such arge hook, weighing several pounds, aiming it right at him! He dodged the icy hook, wanting to curse out the fisherman. "Who''s there? Where are you? I''ll drag you down and beat you to death!" The hook silently flew towards him again. Wang Xuan''s fingers formed a sword, sending out a sword beam to cut the line, yet the beam silently vanished into the line, absorbed! This shifted his gaze; the assant was malevolent, extremely powerful. Opening his spiritual eye, he was instantly on alert. The hook contained eighty percent sr metal, not ordinary by any means it was divine iron! This material immediately reminded him of his experience in the realm of death, where mysterious beings on the moon used this very sr metal to fish for him. And that line, crystal clear yet thick as a finger this time, etched with dense patterns resembling stars, was of a simr material. "Beings from the realm of death, how did theye to the old earth?" His expression became exceedingly solemn. Looking through the window up into the night sky, the moon hung centrally, tinged with a faint blood color. Upon closer inspection, tonight''s moon resembled a bloodshot eyeball, somewhat eerie and unusual, not as pristine as usual. Whoosh! The hook came at him again, gleaming with a cold light, narrowly missing his mouth. "Enough is enough, where''s the bait? You used to offer scriptures, and now you''re not even willing to part with a single secret tome. Who are you looking down on?!" Wang Xuan dodged again, irritation clear in his voice. This time, he summoned a short sword in his hand, not bronze but something far superior, palm-sized and without hesitation, he shed at the fishing line. This very sword had once cut through the line that dangled into the realm of death. Bathed in moonlight, the ancient de in his grasp was illuminated. Now, Wang Xuan channeled the secret verses of the Dao-Cutting Sword technique, merging with the physical sword, breathing life into the short sword. It hummed and vibrated, suddenly bing dazzlingly bright, like a rising sun, transforming into a wheel of light. With a swift motion, the sword light swept across the finger-thick transparent fishing line, silently severing it. However, Wang Xuan felt unsettled,cking the sensation of cutting through something tangible. In the void, the hook glowed and, with a whoosh, vanished into the night sky. The severed line didn''t disappear; instead, densely packed runes within it lit up, softening the room as if many snow-white feathers were floating down. It was an energy rain, like feathers, like a heavy snowfall of pristine goose feathers, drifting down in what seemed like a beautiful dream. Wang Xuan''s spirit felt light, as if being drawn by a mysterious force, pulling him, attempting to separate him from his physical body. Something was definitely amiss; it seemed like an attempt to fish away his soul. Instantly, Wang Xuan fortified his spirit, preparing for the worst. His soul donned a white robe, the silver beast-skin book, and wore the gold beast-skin with two holes burned into it on his head, holding the God-ying Banner and secretly armed with an iron hook. Tonight''s visitor bore ill intent, even the severed line carried such calm yet ominous energy, intent on taking him away. Yet, he remainedposed. After all, Fang Yuzhu was next door, and should a formidable foe appear tonight, he could call upon the strongest among the Fang schrs for help. He hadn''t called for aid yet; this was just the beginning. How could he know he couldn''t handle it without trying? Normally, men hesitate to ask women for help, too proud to show weakness, but Wang Xuan... didn''t much care for such pride. Should things go awry, he would readily summon Fang Yuzhu to join forces against the enemy, not minding who killed more or less. "The force trying to pull away one''s soul is this powerful?!" Wang Xuan frowned, realizing the situation was more dire than anticipated, as the very fabric of the void around him began to distort. Wang Xuan''s spirit was forcibly pulled out, sucked towards the window before being rapidly dragged under the moonlit, water-like night sky. With a vigorous shake of the God-ying Banner in his hand, its golden patterns interwove, stabilizing his soul, preventing further ascent. The presence pulling at him was malevolent and powerful, and he was not naive enough to willingly follow the line. Beneath the night sky, over the reed-coveredke, it seemed as thoughrge feathers were falling, or perhaps a heavy snow, with light continuously descending, entangling him, intending to lift his soul towards the pale red moon. Wang Xuan calmed his mind, steadying himself and anchoring his soul in ce, focusing on the source of the fishing line. The moon, resembling a bloodshot eyeball, grew increasingly sinister. "Is it the real moon, or could it be an energy orb masking the true moon, hanging there?" He doubted the likelihood of someone on the moon luring him. Firmly nted, he resisted with the God-ying Banner, refusing to leave and scornfully remarked, "Skimping on even a decent bait, who do you think you''re looking down on? Sooner orter, I''ll turn your head into a dog''s!" "Hmm, the scent of vegetation?" He was surprised, especially since he was in his soul form and still able to smell. Looking up, he realized his misjudgment; there had always been an allure, albeit from a distance. Suspended above the fishing line were medicinal herbs, undoubtedly powerful ones for the spirit. "One nt to lure me? I''ve harvested divine medicines before!" Wang Xuan scoffed, unimpressed. Did they really think he was so inexperienced? However, his demeanor quickly changed, not due to his own words, but because he hadn''t noticed the variety of objects floating above earlier. High in the night sky, amidst a misty white fog, were scriptures, eggs that might belong to sacred beasts, jade stones, weapons, bottles and jars, and many herbs! Wang Xuan was not pleased; instead, his expression turned cold. They really treated him like a fish, casting various baits as if to bait a hook in this spot, purely courting death! His gaze sparkling, he didn''t move but flicked the God-ying Banner, its golden patterns expanding rapidly upwards, sessfully ensnaring the nearest herb and swiftly pulling it back towards him. "It''s nowhere nearparable to heavenly medicine, but after all, it is a spirit herb, which is still decent. Giving it to Qingmu and Qin Cheng, it''s a tremendous fortune for them." He didn''t hesitate, directly calling out to Fang Yuzhu. There was someone above willing to throw down valuable items, so there was no need for courtesy. He decided to enlist the unparalleled fairy to escort them, intending to collect everything! "Fang Fairy," he transmitted his voice softly, guessing that the movements in the night sky had already alerted Fang Yuzhu. As expected, with a radiance swirling around her, Fang Yuzhu appeared, ascending into the night sky in her spirit form. In this era of scarcity, it wasn''t that her physical body couldn''te up, but there would be many restrictions. At this moment, she looked no different from her physical state, dressed in a white shirt and cks, crisp and neat, with a figure that could break through allws. Whatever she wore was stunning. Of course, her clothes were formed from spiritual power. Even in such modern attire, she still had an air of immortality about her. In the moonlit night, her ck hair fluttered, her fair face and deep, beautiful eyes, the whole person enveloped in a faint halo. Recently, flip-flops had be herfortable choice, and what she manifested now under the moonlight was somewhat unconventional, her toes fair and glossy. She came to Wang Xuan''s side, not speaking but with a faint mist and specks of light appearing around her body, capable of concealing her aura. Clearly, she didn''t want the creatures on the moon to detect her, making Wang Xuan''s eyes shine. Was this a stealthy approach to take down that creature? "Fang Fairy, does the opponente from the Deands? What''s their condition?" he asked. Fang Yuzhu nodded, saying, "In an era where myths gradually decay, they too must decline, but there is a sliver of hope for them tost a bit longer." She didn''t borate further, as the Deands held a sense of mystery even to the entities behind the grand curtain, essible only to those of high standing like her. In the eyes of unparalleled powerhouses, the Deands are one of several alternatives, though this path is not highly hopeful, rugged and difficult, especially with the unpredictable depths behind the Deands. "In the future, someone will try to conquer a Deand," she said calmly. If this were to be known outside, it would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar. The Deands, powerful beyond imagination since ancient times, are said to be either the predecessor or perhaps the future of the grand curtain. "Let''s go." She and Wang Xuan, side by side, soared through the night sky, their entire beings clear and transcendent, heading towards the moon. Wang Xuan, not one for formalities, began collecting various "curiosities" along the wayscriptures, herbs, weapons, and more. While plentiful, he found them to be just alright. That was until an egg appeared. Upon being infused with energy, it emitted a faint golden luster, surprising even Fang Yuzhu. "A Roc''s egg, rare. But in this era, it''s impossible to hatch, not to mention it''s inherently deficient." Wang Xuan was moved. This fisherman wasn''t stingy, releasing even such divine and holy beast eggs. It was too... infuriating. Did they think he couldn''t resist temptation? "Keep it," Fang Yuzhu suggested. "Even though it can''t be hatched, you could make tomato and egg stir-fry, or steam it. Either way." Her bright eyes and white teeth gleamed as she spoke... such grounded advice. Wang Xuan nodded. It made sense. Thriftiness is a virtue; waste not. "That creature is constrained, situated in a special energy lunar halo. It can''te out, so there''s no danger for now. You can pick as you please," Fang Yuzhu informed. With that advice, why hold back? Plunder it is, take everything! Wang Xuan employed the Zhanshen Banner, sweeping through everything nearby and above, sparing no courtesy in collecting it all. He noticed that as they ascended, the environment had already changed. There were no more fishing lines, only a vinedder, glowing green with leaves, hanging from the nearby moon. Fang Yuzhu exined, "This is a Spirit Vine. If it were just you without the Zhanshen Banner, you''d likely not escape and would be taken away by the vinedder tonight." Wang Xuan''s expression shifted. "So, they were really set on trapping me? Luckily, my roommate... my good friend is a celestial fairy!" "That''s not quite right. It doesn''t seem like a standard Deand descent; there''s something unusual." Fang Yuzhu observed the blood moon above, which now seemed very close, the vinedder swaying there. Wang Xuan thought for a moment and then shouted again, calling out the shameful fisherman. "Is there more scripture? Any supreme canons? Heavenly medicine? If not, I''m leaving!" "Hey, Zhang Daoling, this is interesting. Look, there''s a fisherman setting up his spot. Let''s join in and bankrupt him!" In the city of Ancheng, atop a hotel roof, Mingxue Jiaozu and Zhang Daoling were breaking the rules by crossing the railing to reach the rooftop. They were drinking, with the entire city''s nightscape within view. Zhang Daoling looked up, took a swig of his drink, and said, "Deand, is it them? They''ve tried to fish for me before too. Let''s go. If it''s really them, I won''t rest until I shatter that big red eyeball!" Chapter 381: The Ancients Chapter 381: The Ancients Wang Xuan arrived, but he didn''t approach the Blood Moon closely. Using the sh God Banner, he resisted the green light of the vinedder and stabilized the void around him. "Without celestial medicine, supreme scriptures, or unparalleled treasures, you might as well chop yourself up and throw yourself down," he provocatively dered with brutal simplicity. At this point, there was no need for nuanced tactics. Not far away, Fang Yuzhu was in hiding, with "two great powers" ready to invade the crimson aura at any moment. Although Wang Xuan acknowledged his own shorings and the journey ahead, he believed that together, they could match thebined strength of the other two great powers. "Life demands confidence, not undue self-diminishment," he mused, holding onto this belief. Zhang Daoling and Mingxue arrived, their interest piqued at the sight of the Peng egg in Wang Xuan''s handa true delicacy indeed. "We''rete. A pure-blood Peng egg? To think they''d be generous enough to throw such treasures out. It''s been years since I''ve tasted such a vor. Seems thendlord still has surplus," they noted, resolved to raid this questionable domain. After all, even the descendants of the weasel n were striving hard; as venerable teachers, they saw no reason forcency. Confronting adversaries and formidable forces was only right. Wang Xuan, steadfastly refusing to ascend to the moon, taunted from afar, now rmingly close to the giant, eyeball-like red sphere that oscited provocatively. "Come on, Tianyuan Wang Xuan is here, ready for a counter-fishing battle! Come on, if you dare, try to fish me up!" His defiance was palpable as he asionally jabbed at the crimson halo at the moon''s edge with the sh God Banner. Having flown here, he was certain this wasn''t the true moon; the real moon was obscured by the Blood Moon and its super-material. Suddenly, the Blood Moon erupted, tidal forces surged, and vast expanses of red halo expanded, enveloping Wang Xuan like red waves The Blood Moon devoured, with dense blood-thread patterns interweaving and bursting into crimson glows, pulling him in despite the resistance from the sh God Banner. This was, after all, a confrontation with the high-end powers of the Departed Realm, beyond Wang Xuan''s current ability to withstand up close. Once entangled by the vinedder adorned with verdant leaves, all external substances were retracted, blurring the surroundings as the eerie lunar aura began to fade. Finally, Wang Xuan was fully drawn in, stepping into such a realm for the first time, uncertain if the entity that previously attempted to fish him was present. This moon, not particrlyrge, radiated power, bathed in a pale red hue and enshrouded in thin, crimson mists, casting an indistinct atmosphere. There stood a figure in a straw raincoat and hat, motionless, back turned, holding a fishing rod in utter silence. "Xu..." Wang Xuan almost eximed, noting the attire reminiscent of Xu Fu''s, yet clearly different in temperament. "Who are you, and why fish for me?" Wang Xuan asked, furrowing his brows, "Was it youst time?" "Acting on someone''s behalf, our first encounter," the figure spoke without turning, his voice that of a middle-aged man, emitting a powerful aura that made Wang Xuan wonder if he faced a peerless entity. Facing this individual, Wang Xuan felt no less pressure than against Zheng Yuan''s incarnation, the figure emanating a faint white light that turned the straw raincoat silver. "It wasn''t youst time, correct, that was a creature from the true moon. This Blood Moon is but a void of energy radiation, belonging to a spiritual lunar aura. Are youmanded? What was that creaturest time, and what''s your story? Do you know Xu Fu?" Wang Xuan bombarded with questions, unabashedly inquiring, unfazed by the figure. The man, cloaked in silver light, turned, his hat shadowing his face, coolly and calmly stating, "You sure ask a lot of questions." His gaze fixed on Wang Xuan, the young man designated for capture, evidently finding him disagreeable forcking the awareness and reverence expected of a captive. "ording to rumors, your cultivation has indeed grown rapidly, and you are not without your issues, no wonder you''ve caught attention," he spoke again. Wang Xuan, though annoyed, didn''t want to immediately turn hostile, aiming to glean more information, "Caught attention, so that''s why I was fished? How absurd andughable! Couldn''t I be invited instead? Who exactly is ''he''?" Outside, Zhang Daoling showed a look of surprise, "It seems he''s aware of recent events and has ties with people in the Great Veil? How else could he so coincidentally target Wang Xuan?" "I feel... he seems familiar!" Mingxue the Underworld Master said gravely,paring him to someone from his memory, yet finding it hard to believe. "Who? I don''t find him familiar at all," Zhang Daoling inquired, both of them nearing the Blood Moon, ready to force their way in at any moment. Mingxue remained calm, with a light demeanor, "That was before your time." "Me!" Zhang Daoling turned, tempted to strike hard for once, irritated by Mingxue''s tone. "We elders have lived through much," Mingxue spoke softly, adding, "If it is that person, then it''s truly terrifying." Zhang Daoling couldn''t stand him, feeling demeaned, and red, waiting to see if Mingxue could maintain hisposure. "This could be a person from ancient times, a peerless powerhouse!" Mingxue whispered, yet unsure, continuing to observe. Zhang Daoling was moved, serious for the first time, "An ancient mythic powerhouse?" He knew thest glories of the ancients were ended by Fang Yuzhu''s hand; not to mention the earlier years, in the final battle, she single-handedly killed two ancient demon emperors and two human ancients, burying that era and initiating the subsequent mythological age. An ancient colossus here? Zhang Daoling grew curious about the identity. "You talk too much, which is tiresome and shortens lifespan. Someone fishing for you signifies their high regard, a reason for your pride," the silver-d man stated. Wang Xuan, seeing no specifics forting, retorted without deference, "Whether that creature is human or ghost, I don''t know. But what is he? Using a fishing hook on me as if I''m a mere fish to be kept at his pleasure? Sooner orter, I''ll chop him up!" "Fishing a little wild fish, what of it? Pengs and dragons alike, all have been fished, and I''ve grown weary of it," the man cloaked in silver light spoke, ncing at the Peng egg in Wang Xuan''s hand. Wang Xuan''s expression turned icy. It seemed the power of the Departed Realm was unimaginably formidable, terrifying even, considering pure-blooded dragons and Pengs as mere prey. He retorted coldly, "How my future unfolds is not for you to foresee. On the contrary, it''s you who teeter on the brink. I see no future for you." "Indeed, you''re remarkable, growing swiftly. But in this era, even the Departed Realm struggles for survival, let alone you? Doomed to perish young!" The man in the straw raincoat advanced, slowly raising his hand towards Wang Xuan, intending to take the captive away, losing patience. As he lifted his hand, a beam of white light, like a crescent moon sh, seemed to slice through the space irradiated by the Blood Moon. The void twisted, blurred, terrifyingly. With just a gesture, he aimed to bind Wang Xuan in twisted space, mping him in a void shackle. Wang Xuan was overwhelmed, facing an incredibly powerful supreme being. Given the constraints post the copse of the extraordinary in the real world, this individual could not manifest his ultimate divine might. Wang Xuan brandished the great g in his hand, booming as he unleashed a vast expanse of golden light in the highly radiated area. The sh God g demonstrated immense power, crashing forward like a massive wave. Another figure intervened, as a surge of blood-red waves rose. Mingxue, the Underworld Master, appeared, countering the white light emitted from the man in the straw raincoat. "White Night Demon Emperor, it truly is you!" Mingxue eximed, staggering back a few steps. "So, it was you lurking outside, little one Mingxue," the man identified as the White Night Demon Emperor spoke indifferently. Zhang Daoling, initially striding in with the poise of a peerless master, struggled to maintain hisposure upon hearing the address to Mingxue. If Mingxue was considered a "little one," then his own status as a "rising star" seemed even more diminished. Indeed, the White Night Demon Emperor, casting a nce at Zhang Daoling, remarked, "And who might this youngd be? Quite formidable, a top-tier among the supreme beings." Zhang Daoling internallymented his apparent demotion, wondering when was thest time he was addressed in such a manner. Showing his displeasure, he retorted, "Don''t act so high and mighty just because you''re older. I''ve in supreme beings of your caliber before!" The man beneath the straw raincoat removed his hat, revealing his true face - a distinguished middle-aged man with silver hair and eyes sharp with vitality. However, it was clear he wasn''t in his true form, but rather manifested from a portion of his soul''s light. In his prime, he was a renowned ancient Demon Emperor, a colossal silver wolf who devoured skies and earth, unbeatable, ruling a realm of the Departed Realm for eons. "Little Mingxue, you intend to stand in my way?" the White Night Demon Emperor inquired. Mingxue, the Underworld Master, sighed, "It seems the Demon Emperor, despite remaining in touch with the Departed Realm, is not well-informed. Or perhaps someone harbors ill intentions, feeding you outdated information, aiming for your demise." "What do you mean by that?" White Night asked. Suddenly, the Blood Moon nearly burst open, and the radiated, strangend started to crumble extensively. Fang Yuzhu, in her white blouse and cks, stepped into the Blood Moon. Always gentle, beautiful, and approachable, she now disyed an icy killing intent. "Fang Yuzhu?!" The White Night Demon Emperor stepped back but quickly steadied himself, his silver pupils emitting intimidating light, mixed with resentment and anger, his silver hair waving dramatically. For him, the young woman from those years, the neer who was his nightmare, the armoreddy who single-handedly killed the four supreme beings of their time, was standing before him again in this realm. "Back then, I killed you four in session, and only your corpse was never found. So, you really survived, taken away by those from the Departed Realm? Do they also wish for death, to apany you in your demise?" Fang Yuzhu spoke coldly. Normally dignified and graceful, she seldom showed such fierceness, but now, she was brimming with the intent to kill. Wang Xuan was also stunned. A protagonist from the battle that ended the ancient mythology, still alive? An ancient Demon Emperor reemerged here?! Fang Yuzhu, fully armored, resplendent and nking, pointed forward, and the space around her blurred. With White Night as the focal point, scenes from the past seemed to reenact before them. As if reliving the final battle of the ancient era, the ground shattered, leaving devastation in its wake. A giant silver wolf was pinned to the earth by four pirs, which turned out to be fragments of a jade hairpin transformed into mountainous spires. They pierced through its skull and soul, shattered its heart, and impaled the wolf, leaving its corpse sprawled across thend. Beside ity a colossal golden divine ape, another Demon Emperor, with only half a head remaining. Its golden aura dimmed, and its mountainous body was devoid of life. Wang Xuan was shocked, feeling the overwhelmingly strong presence of the two Demon Emperors across time and space. "Do you wish to trace my past?!" White Night Demon Emperor roared as he intervened, attempting to stop Fang Yuzhu from seeing how he was saved by those from the Departed Realm. "Then die!" Fang Yuzhu advanced, her pale hand pressing down, distorting and blurring the space around her. White Night Demon Emperor struggled against her, but his body and soul quickly showed cracks, with blood from his soul sttering. Despite being an ancient Demon Emperor, he seemed to be crushed by the heavens themselves, facing an overpowering demise. Chapter 382: Time Dilation Bar Chapter 382: Time Dtion Bar As if history was reying itself, the White Night Demon Emperor''s spirit trembled, filled with both rage and fear. It was this woman, Fang Yuzhu, who had single-handedly ughtered the four supreme beings of their era, including him. At that time, she had just risen to prominence, quickly bing one of the new supreme powers and had dominated several ancient emperors, ending that epoch. Blood from his soul sprayed as he contorted under the pressure of her hand, reminiscent of a celestial dome crashing down upon him, suffocating him just like in the past. His silver hair whipped about like a cascading waterfall, and his silver-white pupils shone with the sharpness of des. With both hands pushing against the heavens, a massive silver wolf emerged from him, majestic and dominating the entire sky. For a moment, white light boiled, and the silver wolf howled, seemingly defying fate itself. It was as if it sought to restart the universe, with primordial substances swirling into existence. Space blurred and copsed under his extraordinary power, threatening to burst open from the silver wolf''s expansion. Fang Yuzhu, unchanged in appearance, seemed to step directly from the ancient times, crossing ages to arrive in this moment. Her body, covered in gleaming armor, brought further copse to the space around her with each step closer. White Night coughed up blood, further oppressed, unwilling to relive the defeat of the past. A soul-stirring howl erupted as the wolf''s body, immense and boundless, with each strand of silver fur shining brightly, began transforming into silver patterns. Despite being forced to reveal its spirit form, it continued to grow, enveloping the heavens and the earth. Boom after boom, silver lights soared, more terrifying than immortal swords. White Night''s body, covered in silver fur, unleashed beams of runes, equivalent to the simultaneous strike of ancient demon emperor swords, cutting through the heavens. Countless silver lights, too many to count, filled the sky with a dense array of white swords, instilling fear with their presence in every inch of space. The endless, uncountable burst of sword lights marked his desperate struggle. He aimed to shatter that pure white hand, to grind Fang Yuzhu into nothingness, refusing to let the defeat of yesterday repeat itself. The space blurred and copsed, pierced by countless swords of the Demon Emperor, enveloped in a white expanse. Even Zhang Daoling frowned slightly, acknowledging the well-deserved reputation of the ancient Demon Emperor''s formidable power. The Immortal Blood Sage was also taken aback, internally admiring the unrivaled ferocity and horror emanating from this supreme being of ancient times, now re-emerged in the world. Fang Yuzhu had no intention of dragging out the battle. She struck with full force from the outset, determining the victor in a single sh. Her silver armor nged majestically, as if an invincible goddess of war had descended. Her snow-white palm seemed to contain worlds within grains of sand, universes within flowers, pressing down with overwhelming force. With a thunderous crash, infinite runes descended from the crystalline patterns of her palm, shattering the myriad swords in the air. With just one strike, the massive silver wolf howled in pain, its body drenched in blood as it tumbled away. The silver wolf, in its soul form amidst the radiation-bathednds of the blood moon, received a significant boost, bing even more colossal, stretching across the heavens and earth, surrounded by boundless super-material, swirling around it. For a moment, the wolf''s massive form was encircled by silver light that morphed into celestial bodies, with gxies intertwining, stars twinkling, and the sun and moon suspended in the sky. The Demon Emperor, in his cosmic form, seemed to stand within the vast universe. The trauma of their previous battle lingered like a nightmare. Now, he was desperate to avoid reliving that defeat. The White Night Demon Emperor, with a gxy in tow and surrounded by the cosmos, roared defiantly, swallowing the heavens and earth. In this depleted era, he tapped into the remnants of the rules to the fullest, attempting to obliterate Fang Yuzhu. Unfortunately, under Fang Yuzhu''s rare fierce gaze, all his resistance was doomed to futility. Before her, two beams of sword light crossed, transcending the essence of the Sword Dao, interweaving patterns like rainbows and des,unching forward. The Demon Emperor''s soul form was cleaved open, spilling vast amounts of soul light, like blood flowing. The so-called cosmos, stars, and sun and moon all dimmed in an instant. Then, a pure white palm descended, causing all matter to disintegrate and explode. The White Night Demon Emperor, once a figure of despair for many, revered as one of the most splendid powers of ancient times, faced the same oue as before. Despite his past might, he could not withstand Fang Yuzhu. He was in once again! The reason Fang Yuzhu struck so mercilessly, revealing such intense killing intent, was because the person who died for her years ago was shattered right before her eyes by White Night and his cohorts. Suddenly, the entire blood moon roared, its radiating power surged like a living creature''s eye opening, with immense pressure piercing through. "Fan Yuzhu, you wanted to find me, right? I''m in thend of the departed. Come on, can you find me?!" It was White Night Demon Emperor''s voice, weak and angry. Then, the super-material of the blood moon surged, transforming into something elsea pathway! "Time and space are in chaos! I will make it so this significant part of your soul can''t return to the present world!" White Night said coldly, as if his true body in thend of the departed was going mad. The entity in just now was merely the soul light he descended with; his true body had note to the old earth. From their positions, it was clear that the Immortal Blood Sage was an expert in the field of escape, always staying at the edge of the blood moon. Now, with a turn, he vanished from this ce. Zhang Daoling''s copper mirror shone brightly, activating the Mirror Light Soul Locking Technique. A beam of light connected him with the Immortal Blood Sage, whisking Zhang away with him. Wang Xuan reacted quickly, but being deep within the blood moon, he was swallowed by a vast, red pathway as soon as he mobilized the God-ying Banner. Fang Yuzhu was also here, entering calmly without dodging, marching straight in. As the world spun, Wang Xuan felt dizzy, with time and space in disarray. Traveling through the blood-colored passage, he saw the sky hanging low and the earth above, even glimpsing thend of the departed, where the true body of a mountainous silver wolf was pinned to the ground by four pirs, surrounded by blood. Then, he saw the great curtain, the deep space of the universe, various warships. He and Fang Yuzhu seemed to pass throughyers of chaotic realms. Where were they heading? Finally, he stabilized himself, no longer swaying, and began to descend along a foggy pathway into an unknownnd. "Where have we arrived? The Land of the Departed?" Wang Xuan inquired. Fang Yuzhu regained herposure, her usual cold killing intent reced by her normal, approachable demeanor. She often smiles, easily bridging the gap between herself and others, creating a sense of closeness. "Perhaps it''s the Land of the Departed, or perhaps an unknown ce," Fang Yuzhu informed, smiling gently. Her serene and gentle appearance gave the impression that there was nothing to fear ahead. Wang Xuan was speechless. Why? As a man, he found a sense of security in her presence, which was unforgivable! "Really, it''s reversed!" he shook his head. "What are you talking about?" Fang Yuzhu turned to look at him, her fair nose perky, her beautiful eyes clear and piercing to the heart. "Nothing!" Wang Xuan would never admit that walking alongside her gave him a sense of strong support beneath her gentleness, something a man should never reveal. He quickly changed the subject, "If this is the Land of the Departed and we''vee to their stronghold, could it be troublesome? There might be various unpredictable dangers." "It''s alright," Fang Yuzhu said calmly. "If this is the source of the Land of the Departed, I can resonate with my counterpart in the great curtain, borrowing great power. If it''s just an ordinary ce radiated by the extraordinary, let''s just walk and see." Wang Xuan was surprised. Could the great curtain and the source of the Land of the Departed be connected in some way? Eventually, theynded, as if arriving from beyond the skies, emerging from the misty pathway into a ce where various super-materials mingled together. The world was dim, like chaos, making it hard to discern distant objects. But up close, Wang Xuan was greatly shocked by the sight of a massive mothership. However, it was rusted, withrge areas of the ship''s body decaying, apparently unable to set sail or travel far. "Where is this, and can we return?" Wang Xuan was startled, suddenly finding himself in such an unpredictable environment. Was this the Land of the Departed? It waspletely different from what he had imagined, with massive steel warships, super-materials, mysterious elements, and the essence of chaos all permeating the air. "Lend me a battle dress," Fang Yuzhu spoke, her expression changing before settling into calmness. Was she preparing for something? She indeed possessed a divine spirit armor but chose not to wear it openly, preferring not to expose her spirit body''s true form. Was she sensing something amiss? Wang Xuan promptly handed one to her. The silver light shimmered as the silver beast skin book expanded, draping elegantly over her figure like a unique white gown, exuding a sense of beauty. Wang Xuan had to admit she wore it better than he did; when he wore it, he looked like a wrapped dumpling, reminiscent of someone from an ancient tribe. Fang Yuzhu, with a simple drape and a knot at her shoulder and waist, with the hem fluttering, brought a modern aesthetic to it. Silently, he took the golden beast skin with two holes burnt through it and mimicked her style, finding it much more pleasing to the eye. This ce was special, with massive ancient mother ships scattered around, making it a fitting space for spirit bodies to move freely. Soon, they sensed vibrant life signalsing from the mother ship. As they approached, they encountered an entrance in a foggy area, bustling with various beingsing and going. "Wee, honored guests, to the Space-Time Bar," greeted a catwoman at the door, her furry ears twitching yfully as she invited them inside. Was the Land of the Departed always this hospitable? Wang Xuan was confused. Upon arrival, he chose to remain silent to avoid any missteps, merely nodding in response withposure. "Please,e this way," they were guided into a metallic cabin that opened up into a vast space, where they were warmly greeted by everyone they passed. This was nothing like what Wang Xuan had anticipatedno malice, just peace and a surprisingly modern vibe. The path was long, leading into a bar where the lighting fluctuated between brightness and dimness. The noisy music had just ended, reced by a gentle, soothing melody. Wang Xuan observed quietly, unsettled. The beings here were powerful, even exceedingly so, with no sign of any lower-level extraordinary beings. "Could you lend me... a battle dress?" Fang Yuzhu requested, her expression shifting before settling back into calmness. Was she being cautious about something? She had her own spiritual armor, but now, she preferred not to expose her spiritual body in this way. Was she sensing something? Wang Xuan immediately handed one over to her. The silver glow dazzled as the silver beast skin book expanded, wrapping around her graceful figure like an unconventional white long dress, aesthetically pleasing. Wang Xuan had to admit, she wore it much better than he ever did. When he wore it, he looked like a wrapped dumpling, as if he came from a primitive tribe. When Fang Yuzhu simply draped it over herself, tying it at the shoulder and waist with the skirt fluttering, she exuded a modern sense of beauty. He was speechless, silently donning the golden beast skin with holes burned through it, mimicking her method. It seemed more pleasing to the eye on him as well. This ce was special, with ancient motherships lying in ruin, making it suitable for spirits to roam. Soon, they sensed vibrant life signals from the mothership. As they approached, they saw an entrance in a misty area. The area was bustling, with many beingsing and going. "Wee, esteemed guests, to the Time-Space Bar," greeted a cat woman at the door, her fluffy ears twitching yfully, inviting them inside. What was this situation? Was the Land of the Departed this hospitable? Wang Xuan was confused. Upon arrival, he kept quiet to avoid showing weakness, simply nodding in response. "Please, this way," the metal cabin beckoned them further inside, where the space opened up considerably. Every few steps, someone would warmly greet them. This was entirely different from what Wang Xuan expected. There was no malice, only peace and a modern vibe. The path was long, and the interior vast. Entering a bar where the lights dimmed and brightened, the noisy music just ended, reced by a slow, soothing melody. Wang Xuan only observed in silence, unsettled by the strength of the beings here, all of whom were exceptionally powerful, with no low-level transcendent beings in sight. At the same time, the attire of these individuals was quite unique, mostly modern and even avant-garde, with shorts and crop tops beingmon. Yet, there were also individuals in golden battle attire, exuding a divine and unapproachable majesty. Others had feathers in their hair, appearing as young chieftains from tribes, with faces painted in colorful patterns. Truly, this was an odd ce, far beyond his expectations. He had never imagined a ce associated with the Land of the Departed would be like this. "This beautifuldy, you are the most gorgeous girl I''ve ever seen. Are you a celestial from beyond the great curtain, or from somewhere else? May I invite you for a dance?" approached a young man with silver short hair, casually dressed in a jacket, admittedly handsome. However, Wang Xuan did not appreciate such advances, questioning if the man didn''t notice him apanying Fang Yuzhu. Unnecessary third wheels should keep their distance. Fang Yuzhu smiled gently, her presence in the dimly lit, soft bar utterly enchanting. She politely indicated she was apanied. Wang Xuan nodded with a smile, yet inside, he was somewhat taken aback. Through his spiritual eye, he could discern the man''s strength was formidable! The man spread his hands politely and backed away. Wang Xuan noted that every individual here, even the young and beautiful women, were masters of their craft, none to be underestimated. "Respected sir, beautiful fairy, may I offer you a drink?" asked a young woman, ethereal, with even the waitstaff being beyond the ordinary. Looking closer, she was a modernly dressed... female elf! Chapter 382: 1922, The Arctic Ocean Chapter 382: 1922, The Arctic Ocean Wang Xuan scrutinized the menu, its cryptic symbols strangely familiar yet ultimately indecipherable to him. Unruffled, he nced at it and then, with profound gravity, requested, "A bottle of the 1982 Beibingyang." He was certain no one knew what he had ordered. This ce had no people from the old earth, and besides, that drink had been out of production for over a century on his home. Adopting an air of mystery in the face of his ignorance seemed the best approach. He waited, curious to see how this unusual establishment would respond. Indeed, his request left the beautiful elf waitress puzzled. Her pointed ears quivered slightly as she apologized, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, "Sorry, sir, one moment, please, let me check." The surrounding patrons cast curious nces, their expressions tinged with a newfound respect, especially after glimpsing Fang Yuzhu''s inscrutable demeanor. Wang Xuan found himself at a loss, realizing this locale indeed boasted rare beverages, indicating its distinctiveness and the stature of its clientele. The elf returned, apologetic for not finding the requested drink, her luminous blue bangs shielding her eyes in embarrassment. Wang Xuan, encountering an elf for the first time, wondered at the diversity of high beings this ce gathered. He carried a Peng egg, hoping not to run into any Peng race individuals. He casually suggested, "Just bring us two of your special drinks." The elf, keenly following his gaze, prepared to take the order. Fang Yuzhu, with an ease that spoke of familiarity, gracefully took the menu and ordered, "Moonlight Serenity, two cups." Wang Xuan was taken aback, impressed she could decipher the enigmatic script. He resolved to seek her guidance, as such writing appeared in both the silver beast skin book and the rejuvenation furnace. Her effortless ordering hinted at her acquaintance with the ce. Wang Xuan realized he knew far too little about Fang Yuzhu. He had always regarded her as a person from the pre-Qin era, unfamiliar with modern society. Yet, here she was, having once frequented a ce as otherworldly as this space-time bar aboard a mother ship. "Was there a problem with what I ordered?" he quietly inquired. "The drink your gaze lingered on is made from the juice of aplete celestial herb, mixed with various high-grade oddities and brewed into a divine liquor," she exined. Wang Xuan was taken aback. The establishment''s audacity to use celestial herbs for brewing was astonishing. He grew cautious, sensing the patrons here might be formidable figures or kin to the supremely powerful, none to be trifled with lightly. Fang Yuzhumented, "Rarely does anyone order that divine liquor, unwilling to y the fool. The highest realms of the spirit world are arduous to ascend, and gathering even a single celestial herb can take years. This space-time bar, though extraordinary, wouldn''t offer fair prices. Without marking up several times their cost, how could they justify it?" Seizing the opportunity, Wang Xuan asked, "Is this ce part of the Land of the Departed?" "It''s a fraction of it. Observe, but do not probe others. Every being here is formidable," she cautioned, her presence a guarantee against eavesdropping. "What kind of people are these?" Wang Xuan, seizing the rare opportunity to speak with such a powerful figure in good spirits, pressed for answers. Where else would he turn for such knowledge, if not from her? Surely not discussing life with Zhang or ideals with Ming? Fang Yuzhu earnestly informed him, "I''ve only stumbled upon this ce twice myself. Everyone here is unique and secretive about their origins. Unquestionably, some are from the Land of the Departed, others might be specters. It''s best not to inquire or reveal your own background." Wang Xuan nodded, absorbing her advice. This ''space-time bar'' indeed held profound significance, hosting even specters from tangled timelines, truly remarkable. His attention then drifted to a few individuals in spacesuits, looking troubled. This wasn''t his first encounter with such people, suggesting connections to the future or to histories sunken into oblivion, hinting at fleeting interactions with parallel universes. With a sigh, onemented being trapped for years, unable to return. "Such individuals are peculiar, seemingly not from our universe dimension. They''re manifesting here?" Wang Xuan signaled to Fang Yuzhu. In her serene aura, Fang Yuzhu softly confirmed, "Yes, they are strong. Among them, one possesses strengthparable to Zheng Yuantian." Speechless, Wang Xuan thought, has Zheng Yuantian be a unit of measurement? He reminded himself to strive harder, wondering when he could reach such heights, overlooking the vast cosmos. Fang Yuzhu added, "Unraveling their origins is difficult; they remain tight-lipped." Wang Xuan puzzled, suggested, "We should approach them, even capture them. The Land of the Departed, the Great Curtain, forces in deep space must investigate such individuals, potentially linking to an entirely different universe, perhaps offering a lifeline to our mythology!" Fang Yuzhu shook her head, "Force was tried, but they vanished like bubbles, dissolving directly." At that moment, an announcement filled the bar, "Ladies and gentlemen, another exciting event begins. Those wishing to participate in the auction, prepare yourselves." As rousing music yed, resonating like countless flying swords, all attention was drawn to the stage. The vast space of the bar, within the mother ship, offered ample room for these formidable beings. A huge cage was ced on the stage, containing a fierce creature with toad-like, bumpy, grey skin, and a visage as ferocious as an octopus, but with snake-headed tentacles at each limb''s end. Towering like a flesh mountain, its many snake heads rose, coldly observing everyone. "This, esteemed guests, is the Zhen Beast, discovered in the depths of space, matching the strength of ancient leviathans. Its body harbors a special core, rich in materials nearing reality!" This announcement sparked widespread discussions, the space-time bar abuzz with noise. "It''s precious, the it was found on harbored no more than two hundred Zhen Beasts. Anyone interested in the auction? Properly cared for, it could continually produce cores nearing reality." The room buzzed with whispers and unrest, indicating the significance of the beast and the interest in its rare cores. Wang Xuan was moved; he had thought this bar was a ce for rxation, expecting performances of various talents by fairies and such. Instead, it showcased creatures like this. A voice spoke up, "Though the Zhen Beast is precious, it''s practically impossible to breed on arge scale. They''re colossal monsters; imagine the manpower required to guard them. Moreover, with less than two hundred of them on their original, expanding their poption seems unlikely." The young man hosting the auction nodded, acknowledging the truth in the observer''s words, "Indeed, we''ve been upfront about the situation, proving there''s no deceit on our part. Those interested, please bid. After all, the core within it is genuine and, in an era of Transcendent exhaustion, can significantly benefit the strong." "Above bidding for the Zhen Beast, I''m more curious about the it originates from. Why could such creatures condense cores nearly real in that environment?" A man d in golden armor spoke with divine authority, clearly immensely powerful. The auctioneer, appearing young yet with profound eyes revealing his true age, responded, "In our effort to extend the life of the Transcendent world, our principle is to share all information openly, without concealment. That once had a special meteorite fragment fall on it, giving rise to the Zhen Beasts." Many shook their heads, while others sighed in disappointment, "It''s a pity. Although cosmic debris from Transcendent falling stars has been observed across the universe, locating its source remains elusive." Someone purchased the Zhen Beast, intending to study it closely. "The next item will be interconnected. Ah, from a past mythical civilization, we have the remains of a supreme being. Though thoroughly deceased, studying his desated flesh and blood might inspire us. As mythology nears its end, any potentially beneficial discovery is invaluable and must not be overlooked." Truly, this ce had it all; exotic items brought by various individuals could be exchanged or auctioned. "Next, we have a segment of a root unearthed from the ruins of the Moon Elf Dynasty in deep space, suspected to be the remains of a lunar medicinal herb. You should know, ording to legends, the Moon Elves once cultivated herbs nearing the essence of true medicine!" "I''ll take it, willing to exchange it for a supreme scripture left by a vanished mythical civilization." "I offer the Nine Phoenix Flying Immortal Furnace in exchange!" "It''s not worth it. In a year''s time, the remnants of the Transcendent world will havepletely copsed. Even if it''s the remains of a herb nearing true medicine, what use is it when there''s no time for revival?" Wang Xuan found himself lost in thought, marveling at the array of wonders before him, tempted to bid for a closer study. Yet, realizing the fiercepetition from the numerous formidable beings present, he decided against it, choosing to observe from the sidelines. Fang Yuzhu casually mentioned, "I didn''t bring any peculiar items with me," indicating herck of intent to participate. Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed, shaking the entire space-time bar, in fact, the massive mothership itself was trembling. "The moment has arrived, everyone. It''s passing by us, destined to journey far beyond. Luck will dictate our gains now. Should anyone secure a significant find, they might sustain their extraordinariness a bit longer, dying the inevitable return to mundanity within a year," announced the youthful auctioneer, visibly excited. He then added, "The space-time bar offers a bonus - the highest earner will receive a sk of ''Celestial Inebriation,'' a beverage whose worth rivals even that of the celestial wines, its effects and uniqueness are well known." With that, he leaped down, joining the crowd rushing outside. Wang Xuan and Fang Yuzhu, curious about the unfolding event, followed suit. Outside the mothership, beings of various races, now mostly in human form, ventured towards a mysterious mist. Beyondy the vast cosmos, speckled with stars against the dark void. Tremendous vibrations filled the air, the richness of extraordinary substances peaking, even the rules of mythology seemed momentarily whole again, no longer fragmented or mere echoes. Something was approaching from the depths. "The root of the extraordinary... yet, it''s about to depart, vanish, signifying the decay of mythology to its twilight," a voice solemnly remarked. Tears were seen on some faces, despite predictions of its passing, the helpless witnesses couldn''t alter its course, its departure signifying the ultimate decline of an era. Chapter 384: The Origins Of Transcendents Chapter 384: The Origins Of Transcendents Many stood transfixed, their expressions a mix of anguish and regret. Not only were elven beauties with shimmering silver locks shedding tears, but even rugged figures like a diamond-white ape seated on a flying sword were murmuring in sorrow. "It''s a pity we don''t have enough time; otherwise, we could decipher it, possibly creating an endless mythology artificially," remarked a young man, his ck hair and eyes contrasting sharply with the whiteb coat he wore, signaling his role as a scientific researcher. His extraordinary strength was formidable, potentially rivaling half the might of Zheng Jueshi. Beside him stood two lively metallic robots. "It has arrived, can it take us home? Yet, lingering contact might lead us astray, assimting us till death," whispered several beings in spacesuits, their ethereal forms indicating their status as hauntings, gazing forlornly into the cosmic expanse with a mix of excitement and fear. They were staring at the essence of life, the foundation of the extraordinary, the genesis of mythology. It was a sight of boundless grandeur, heart-stoppingly vast, sweeping across the heavens. All eyes were fixed on this spectacle, a breathtaking and terrifying sight, a trajectory marking the end of myths, thest glow of decay. Even Fang Yuzhu, the formidable female sage, watched unblinkingly, entranced by the dazzling light. The strongest beings among them felt a surge ofbativeness, their auras of supremacy no longer concealed. Wang Xuan squinted, remaining silent amidst the turmoil within. He had seen this kind of life light before; this wasn''t their first encounter. "It''s approaching, everyone. While acting rashly is a gamble, it could also reap boundless rewards," someone spoke, voice quivering with suppressed emotion, their spirit trembling. Then came a thunderous noise, deafening as if heralding a mountain''s copse or a river bursting its banks, overwhelming and submerging the world beneath in its wake. Everyone''s spirits trembled, witnessing not just a deluge on a singr but a cosmic flood sweeping through the vast void of darkness. Among the turmoil, chunks of meteorites churned, mingling with liquid-like super substances, roaring and rushing past this location. "Are those the meteorite fragments that shed through the cosmos, fell on life-bearings, and spawned mythologies? To think that in this age of decline, there are still substantial, rare pieces left in the world, only to disappear soon," someonemented, their mood deeply somber as they watched the grand river of light and shadow streak across the starry sky. Certainly, not all were meteor fragments; most were mysterious factors mixed with various super substances, presenting a kaleidoscope of colors, belonging to different nes of extraordinary energy. Besides these super substances, there were also traces of deceased beings, one of which was cold and stiff as stone, seemingly very powerful in life, almost reaching the zenith of their existence, akin to a demon saint. "Be cautious, everyone. This sea of extraordinary light continues to enact mythology, but it''s also assimting us, especially dangerous for beings who have mastered rules," warned the white ape, seated atop a vast crimson flying sword. The stronger the individual venturing into the light sea, the quicker they might perish, losing themselves. "It''s as if the great way has departed, vanished. We can''t help but draw close, yet it assimtes us, drags us along, leading to our collective demise," spoke the man in golden armor, his golden locks shining like the sun. The young man in ab coat, resembling a scientific researcher, shook his head, saying, "What great way? Those lost in mythic delusion are merely self-hypnotizing. Everything can be exined scientifically." He added, "This light sea is like a super ma, attracting all super substances along its path. We, the strong, are like iron filings; if we throw ourselves into it, naturally, we can''t escape and will be assimted and carried away." "Why deny others'' systems when paths diverge?" interjected the silver-haired youth in a casual jacket, who had previously attempted to flirt with Fang Yuzhu. "Fair point. If it''s self-consistent and holds aplete theory, it can be understood in that way," nodded the young man in theb coat. They appeared young, but few here were genuinely youthful. Among them were demon saints and even more formidable beings, each with significant backgrounds. "Did you see the evergreen tree in the sea, of the caliber of celestial medicine? It seems to be a remnant of a previous mythological civilization, now also being swept away by it!" People were astonished; the sea of light harbored many treasures, including a semi-intact tree that, despite being hollowed out in parts to form a treasure box, still buzzed with life, bearing branches and leaves. Engraved with mysterious patterns, it was connected to a vanished super civilization, now being carried away with the "sea." "Impulsive voices rose, deeming the celestial-grade tree priceless, especially with hidden contents possibly inside, potentially the essence of a mythic civilization''s legacy. Finally, someone made a move, hurling a transcendent spear tethered by a psychic thread into the cold cosmic space, leaving a streak of luminescence. The impact was thunderous, stirring waves sky-high. Unquestionably powerful, the spear plunged into the tree stump, stirring a massive wave, attempting to reel it back. Unfortunately, with a snap, the connection broke, the psychic thread shattered, and the individual recoiled with a grunt, almost being assimted by the superluminal sea, dragged in opposition into its depths. The auctioneer from the bar warned, "Those who have mastered super rules, best refrain from acting rashly. It''s easy to get dragged in, a risk not worth dying for." The superluminal sea was drifting away, set to fade. This wasn''t its first sighting; three months prior, a collective effort had predicted its path and found the corresponding area. This was their second encounter. "At that time, an unparalleled master was pulled in, his life forfeited as the rules within his spirit dissipated, providing us with valuable insights..." Agreement rippled through the crowd, no life was worth risking for mere temptation. "Rtively, those without refined rules could venture a retrieval from the sea, albeit with significant risk. Judgement and moderation were key." Surprise rippled through the crowd as they observed the goods within the cosmic sea, including a partially hollowed-out, treasure-box-like tree still bursting with vitality, branches, and leaves. Inscribed with mystical patterns, this relic of a bygone super civilization was being carried away by the "sea." Eventually, someone couldn''t resist the lure of the celestial-grade tree, believed to be an astonishing treasure, possibly harboring the essence of a mythic civilization. Launching a super spear tethered by a psychic thread, they made a bid to haul the massive stump ashore. A tremendous sound echoed as waves surged skyward; the attempt was strong, piercing the tree with the spear. However, the connection snapped abruptly, the psychic link shattered, leaving the aspirant staggered and rebuffed, nearly dragged into the sea of super light in retaliation. The auctioneer from the bar cautioned against reckless action, especially for those entwined with super rules, prone to being ensnared and perish wastefully. As the sea of light continued its passage, it would eventually fade, marking not its first sighting. This was their second encounter, forewarned by previous calctions, anticipating its transient passage. "Last time, a supreme being was sucked in, his soul''s rules unraveling unto death, providing a dire lesson for us all," he reflected, the memory serving as a grim reminder of the sea''s dangers. Despite the allure, nobody wished to die in vain, resisting the temptation of the sea''s riches. It was mentioned that those not entwined with rules might have a slim chance at salvaging treasures from the sea, albeit not without risk. The area teemed with tension as individuals, mundane or mechanical, found themselves outmatched by the sea''s formidable forces, easily torn asunder by its overpowering energy. "Patience," someone advised, suggesting a wait for the tumult to subside, echoing a previous encounter''s wisdom. This was not the time for retrieval; the surging waves promised greater peril than opportunity. Wang Xuan listened intently, absorbing more about the vast, roaring sea that traversed the void. He had seen something akin on Mount Hanwu outside Su City on New Star, a distant sea''s echo, but here it was vivid, distressingly clear. "This is the decaying truth of mythology, vividly before us, carried by the super light sea, fading, dissipating, until utterly spent," he mused, pondering the cruel reality that super substances were being siphoned silently across the cosmos, draining mythic rules, seeking bnce but finding none. Where did it all go? Was there a repository, a "downstream" where the super energies settled? A majestic dragon spected on finding this elusive "downstream," hoping against hope for a reservoir of umted power. But consensus was bleak; the "downstream" was a myth, the sea''s destiny unknown, potentially dissipating into mundane energies or vanishing from the universe entirely. The young man in ab coat expressed frustration at the fleeting manifestation of the light sea,menting theck of time for a thorough analysis. Preparationsmenced, most present in soul or avatar form, wary of the space-time bar''s notorious risks and the super light sea''s deadly allure. Here, even supreme beings tread cautiously, aware of the potential for abrupt, violent ends in this convergence of cosmic marvels and perils. As the cosmic sea gradually calmed after half a day, Wang Xuan witnessed familiar substances nearing realitycrimson mists, silver glimmersstirring excitement within him. The final echoes of the Transcendent worldid bare the existence of various primeval stones, a revtion that propelled him to delve into the sea for treasures that might bolster his breakthroughs in the real world and ease his path in the ethereal domain. "The anticipation of discovering substances close to reality here, breaking through to the realm of carefree existence, dispels my fear of Zheng Yuan Tian," he mused with growing excitement. Achieving such a breakthrough in this era could position him alongside figures like Fang Yuzhu, standing shoulder to shoulder in the material world. "The super light sea is pivotal for my ambition to reign supreme," Wang Xuan contemted, envisioning a future where he could fend off avatars from Zheng Yuan Tian without fear, possibly turning the hunter into the hunted. Amidst these thoughts, various entities approached him, their demeanor amicable regardless of their fierce appearances. Even the green-skinned Shen Xie n''s quasi-supreme elder, with his bared fangs attempting a friendly smile, appeared rather menacing as he proposed mutual support within the super light sea. Then, the elven n leader, with her radiant silver hair and pointed ears, exuding a natural elegance and purity, introduced herself as a descendant of the moon elves. She engaged warmly with Fang Yuzhu, their earlier auction of the root akin to a true medicine drawing Wang Xuan''s attention. One after another, individuals greeted them, their manners courteous. Fang Yuzhu, too, reached out proactively, her approachability and warmughter fostering frequent connections with various factions. In this gathering, Wang Xuan stood amidst a confluence of entities, each with its own stories and quests, united by the impending dive into the super light seaa venture that held promise and peril in equal measure, a journey that could define their existences in the twilight of the super world. "Immortal," greeted the silver-haired youth as he returned, his handsome face adorned with a smile that suggested a willingness for alliance and joint ventures into the sea to salvage divine treasures. He gestured to his twopanions, Ah Da and Ah Er, suggesting they take the young man aside to discuss post-dive cooperation, while he wished to speak privately with the immortaldy on more pressing matters. To those not paying attention to the nuances, his demeanor might seem benign, even friendly. However, Wang Xuan sensed an underlying arrogance from the powerful youth. Ah Da and Ah Er were clearly not his brothers but subordinates or servants, ced in a lower status. And now, within the youth''s words, Wang Xuan was casually lumped with them, subtly demeaned within the guise of polite smiles, as if Wang Xuan was an inconvenient third wheel, preventing him from getting closer to the fairydy. Fang Yuzhu, maintaining her calm demeanor, rified that Wang Xuan was a dear friend and integral to any coborative effort. "Brother, what are your thoughts on cooperation?" Wang Xuan asked, grinning brilliantly and moving forward to pat the youth''s shoulder. He paused just inches away, opting for a virtual pat instead, acknowledging the youth''s formidable strength, reminiscent of Zheng Jue Shi''s level. The youth''s smile widened in surprise, finding Wang Xuan''s casual address as an equal a counter-maneuver. Now, he couldn''t just send Ah Da and Ah Er to talk down to Wang Xuan without diminishing his own status. After a brief chat, he led the two away, leaving Wang Xuan and Fang Yuzhu to ponder their strategy amid the cosmic spectacle unfolding around them. "The person might hail from one of the top-tier Forgotten Lands," Fang Yuzhumented, watching his retreating figure. "His attire is quite modern; could it really originate from one of the ancient Forgotten Lands?" Wang Xuan was taken aback. ording to Xu Fu, there were many Forgotten Lands, but the eight greatest ones were the most renowned. "Who told you that only retro beings from mythical realms reside in the Forgotten Lands?" Fang Yuzhu nced at him, a rare gesture that was dazzlingly charming and captivating. "Right, Ive been too narrow in my definition of ancient cultivators. Like Old Zhang, who dresses more fashionably than anyone. Or like you, Fang Yuzhu, youthful and beautiful, looking even younger than me." Hearing him call her "Sister Fang," Fang Yuzhu gave him a look but didn''t correct him. "He''s dangerous. If anything changes, I''ll enter the Sea of the Beyond with you." "No need. If someone truly dares to stab us in the back down there, I believe I can handle it," Wang Xuan shook his head, not wanting her to take any risks. From a distance, the scientist observed them, showing a hint of curiosity. "Such a unique spirit is suitable for leaving a lineage behind, perhaps even to continue the saga of mythology." Chapter 385: You Need An Offspring

Chapter 385: You Need An Offspring

The young man in the whiteb coat strode forward, his demeanor as straightforward as theye. Upon seeing Fang Yuzhu, he eximed, "Are you from the Realm of Passing, or are you a celestial being from the realm of myths? Your genes are remarkable, and your strength and potential are truly boundless. If someone like you were to pair up with the cream of the crop, the offspring produced would undoubtedly be unimaginably powerful!" At that moment, not only did Wang Xuan''s face darken with displeasure, but even the graceful Fang Yuzhu lost her smile, a hint of murderous intent flickering in her eyes. "How do you see me? Ie from the Realm of Mingyuan''s Passage, and I''m definitely one of the cream of the crop. After all, I''ve been tested and confirmed to possess some of the strongest and most optimal genes among humans," he asserted firmly. This statement left Wang Xuan dumbfounded. This guy was from the Realm of Passing? And he was involved in scientific research?! "Huh, this guy''s quite something too. Through years of analysis and research on the spectral levels of the spirit, it''s highly probable that his physical body, his genes, are of the boundless potential variety. He''s a seed-level human of the cream of the crop," he continued, his gaze fixed on Wang Xuan as he made this assessment. Regardless of how one looked at it, when facing Wang Xuan, he seemed like an agricultural researcher who had just stumbled upon a rare seed. At this point, his eyes sparkled with fervor, burning bright with passion. He became even more direct, dering, "You two came here together, right? That''s perfect! Why not have a child together and send them to the Realm of Mingyuan''s Passage? I believe I can nurture them to rise up in this age of supernormal copse, to break the norms. Perhaps your descendant could even reshape mythologies, no less than recreating the world of the supernormal!" Wang Xuan was left gaping in astonishment. Who was this guy? His words were too bold, too direct. He had never seen anyone speak like this before! Where did people talk like this to someone''s face? It left Wang Xuan feeling a bit spaced out, struggling to keep up with his train of thought. It was just too oundish! However, as Wang Xuan continued to observe him, he found that this "straightforward dude" didn''t seem all that off-putting after all. Meanwhile, Fang Yuzhu was seething with anger. Despite her typically good-natured demeanor, her fair face now flushed with irritation. She had never encountered someone like this before, daring to spout nonsense in front of her, and even suggesting having children! With ck hair and eyes, the young man in the whiteb coat spoke up, "Don''t be angry. Please forgive me for being too direct. But I''m serious." He wasn''t entirely without tact, perhaps a bit afraid that Fang Yuzhu might explode in anger. After all, her strength was equivalent to half of Zheng Jueshi''s, and it was evident that this woman was intimidating. Introducing himself as Zhang Qifan, he handed Wang Xuan a shining metal card, crafted from sr gold, extravagantly splendid. Wang Xuan had serious doubts. Was the golden que he had seen in the Passing Land, that massive lump of sun gold weighing tons, actually left behind by his family? Zhang Qifan spoke up, his tone earnest: "Based on our research within the Passing Land, this myth is destined to perish, no matter how much we struggle. However, the branch of research I''ve been exploring, based on the unique spectrum of the soul, has theoretical support. It can fuse and give birth to a new kind of human, perhaps extending extraordinary life." As he spoke, he once again became the passionate and slightly mad scientist, his gaze turning to Fang Yuzhu, as he continued: "You''re very special. ording to the research of the elders in our Mingyuan Passing Land, in your case, you must havepletely understood the Supreme Scriptures and transcended their original meaning. You''re one of the strongest beings of this era. Your spirit has undergone a sublimation,pleting an astonishing metamorphosis. Your soul spectrum is exceptionally unique; we call this kind of soul transformation a perfect Supreme Nirvana rebirth." Wang Xuan was astonished. The Passing Land indeed had some intriguing insights. Could so much be inferred from a person''s soul spectrum? In ordance with what the other said, the reason Fang Yuzhu was so powerful was that she transcended the realm of the Supreme Scriptures, with her soul undergoing another transformation! Did this mean it was a new level, a new realm? Or perhaps, only those who undergo the supreme sublimation and transformation of the soul can be unrivaled figures among peers? "ording to our research, in your case, when the era of depletion arrives, you''ll be able to temporarily retain most of your extraordinary power, but it won''tst long. However, your bloodline, your offspring, if guided by us, can be strengthened, undergo further mutations, and eventually change the heavens and the earth!" Zhang Qifan whispered excitedly, gesturing with his hands, his emotions and gaze incredibly fervent. Wang Xuan felt that Zhang Qifan was pushing it a bit too far, bringing up such sensitive topics again. The next moment, Zhang Qifan focused on him once more, saying, "You''re also quite unique, belonging to the category of special souls in theoretical deduction. Your innate foundation is thick enough, it seems, to inevitably produce astonishing mutations." Wang Xuan furrowed his brows. The research in the Passing Land was quite astonishing. Could various problems'' essence really be discerned through the light of the soul? Wang Xuan harbored serious doubts. The golden que he had glimpsed in the Passing Land, that hefty lump of sun gold, could it really be a relic from his family? Zhang Qifan spoke with an earnestness that bordered on fanaticism: "ording to our research within the Passing Land, this myth is doomed to perish, no matter how we struggle. However, the branch of research I''ve delved into, based on the unique spectrum of the soul, has theoretical support. It can fuse and give birth to a new kind of human, perhaps extending the lifespan of the extraordinary." As he spoke, he became once again the fervent, slightly mad scientist, his gaze shifting to Fang Yuzhu, continuing, "You''re very special. ording to the research of the elders in our Mingyuan Passing Land, in your case, you must havepletely understood the Supreme Scriptures and transcended their original meaning. You''re one of the strongest beings of this era. Your spirit has undergone a sublimation,pleting an astonishing metamorphosis. Your soul spectrum is exceptionally unique; we call this kind of soul transformation a perfect Supreme Nirvana rebirth." Wang Xuan was astonished. Could so much be inferred from a person''s soul spectrum? ording to Zhang Qifan, the reason Fang Yuzhu was so powerful was that she transcended the realm of the Supreme Scriptures, with her soul undergoing another transformation! Did this mean it was a new level, a new realm? Or perhaps, only those who undergo the supreme sublimation and transformation of the soul can be unrivaled figures among peers? "ording to our research, in your case, when the era of depletion arrives, you''ll be able to temporarily retain most of your extraordinary power, but it won''tst long. However, your bloodline, your offspring, if guided by us, can be strengthened, undergo further mutations, and eventually change the heavens and the earth!" Zhang Qifan whispered excitedly, gesturing with his hands, his emotions and gaze incredibly fervent. Wang Xuan felt that Zhang Qifan was pushing it a bit too far, bringing up such sensitive topics again. The next moment, Zhang Qifan focused on him once more, saying, "You''re also quite unique, belonging to the category of special souls in theoretical deduction. Your innate foundation is thick enough, it seems, to inevitably produce astonishing mutations." Wang Xuan furrowed his brows. The research in the Passing Land was quite astonishing. Could various problems'' essence really be discerned through the light of the soul? He knew that there were some special aspects to his Inner Scenery Land during his mortal days that needed careful exploration. But the fact that an outsider could observe something extraordinary was somewhat unsettling. Such research was starting to seem rather frightening. "Should we kill him?" Wang Xuan whispered to Fang Yuzhu, considering silencing him for good since he knew too much! "I swear I won''t speak out of turn, and our elders in the Passing Land don''t have my insight. Because I possess a unique sensitivity, resonating with certain special elements, so, don''t worry, I swear..." Zhang Qifan''s peculiar sensitivity allowed him to immediately sense impending danger. He quickly swore here, guaranteeing confidentiality. He rarely encountered individuals as unique as them. He solemnly stated that it was too early to disclose anything, pinning the hopes of new humanity on the two of them. "The key is, you''re a scientist, not a believer in mythological pathways. Swearing won''t change that," Wang Xuan pointed out. "Science is mythology, it''s all the same. Otherwise, how could I cultivate such extraordinary power? Of course, I refer to the rules of the extraordinary as scientific deities," Zhang Qifan retorted. "Watch me," Fang Yuzhu interjected, her eyes deep and mysterious as two strange runes spun within them. She began to cast a spell on Zhang Qifan. "If you leak any secrets, you''ll bear the consequences of the Severing Dao Sword''s Three Thousand Cuts!" With Zhang Qifan''s own extraordinary soul texture, she constructed an unbreakable oath spell, the runes diving deep into his soul. Zhang Qifan gasped in shock, convinced that even the crazed individuals in the strongest research department of the Passing Land might not be a match for this woman. "Could it be that this isn''t the first time for you, but rather you''ve experienced a second rebirth of the soul?" Zhang Qifan was horrified, but then shook his head. That should be impossible. At present, there were still some issues with the theoretical research. "Your research seems quite promising. Do you have any publicly avable records?" Wang Xuan''s interest was piqued. The reputation of the Passing Land was well-deserved, especially this Mingyuan Passing Land, which seemed different. Seeing this special young man, he wanted to get in touch and learn more. "I''ll give you a stack of the most cutting-edge manuscripts next time we meet," Zhang Qifan said, turning to leave. He had a premonition that if he didn''t leave now, he might be in real danger. "I suggest, for the sake of a new mythology, for the sake of new humanity, for the continuation of the extraordinary, you strive to have offspring with her!" Zhang Qifan secretly transmitted to Wang Xuan before leaving. W ang Xuan ignored him. If he were to respond, he might immediately find himself in danger as well, as he was certain Fang Yuzhu could eavesdrop on such secretive transmissions. Sure enough, a light rose from Zhang Qifan''s soul ahead, nearly bursting directly. He quickly shut his mouth, ran forward, his face drained of color. ...... After more than an hour, the tumultuous sea of extraordinary light finally calmed down. Though there were still waves, they weren''t as ferocious, making it bearable even for deep space voyages. Fang Yuzhu reminded, "Later, you must not activate the Godyer Banner. It ranks just below the Ethereal Boat, Longevity Furnace, and Feather Transformation Banner. The rules it contains are not to be taken lightly. Once revived in the sea of extraordinary light, it may assimte you!" Wang Xuan nodded solemnly. This was a crucial warning. He discreetly handed the Godyer Banner to Fang Yuzhu, saying, "If anyone stirs up troubleter, use it to deal with them!" Fang Yuzhu nodded and graciously epted the banner. "As the sea of the extraordinary is about to drain away, it''s a pity. The era of myths ising to an end. I''ll strive to cross it and extend my life for another five hundred years." An old man spoke, manifesting an incarnation that erased the rules'' texture and plunged into the sea of light with a ssh. Seeing this, others also began to act, each keeping an eye on the water''s surface. If they spotted anything unusual, they quickly leaped in. Everyone moved swiftly, not daring to dy too long to avoid being swept away by the sea of extraordinary light. If they couldn''t make it to shore, death was certain. However, there weren''t many unusual items near the shore. The real treasures should be in the deep sea. asionally, fragments of extraordinary meteorites shed and disappeared with the waves! Moreover, there were dazzling items, rocks of various colors, which were approaching the true natural creation crystals. They floated in the sea of extraordinary light, emitting a faint glow, incredibly attractive. Even peerless powerhouses couldn''t help but be dazzled when they looked into the depths of the sea. Wang Xuan, entering such a ce for the first time, feltpletely at ease. He thought this sea of light was a sacred ce for cultivation, filled with extraordinary substances and highly active factors. However, he didn''t absorb recklessly. By now, he was only interested in materials close to reality, disregarding the ordinary extraordinary factors. When he saw a bubble containing rich silver substance, he immediately rushed over and absorbed it without hesitation. It was very simr to the silver substance he had seen in the voidnd, which made him ponder deeply. What was the connection? This was the first time he had seen such a substance outside. In the distance, Ada and A''er swam past, but Wang Xuan paid them no mind. If they dared provoke him here in the depths of the sea, he had no fear. Everyone here was an extraordinary being without control over the rules, so who would fear whom? Soon, Wang Xuan spotted a purple crystal, rich in real material, which excited him greatly. This kind of substance seemed terrifyingly high-level, and his consciousness was eager for it. He quickly rushed over. He had reason to believe that after obtaining some rare Creation True Crystals here, he could break through to the realm of Ethereal Travel! When he touched the purple true crystal, his consciousness trembled violently, emitting a faint hum. He immediately absorbed some of it, feeling the barrier suppressing him loosen again! "Incredible, it''s the creation!" he eximed, his expression solemn yet joyful. At that moment, arge wave struck. Even in the depths of the sea of extraordinary light, there were undercurrents surging. Wang Xuan was lifted and carried far away. A silver-haired elven girl swam like a fish, navigating through the waves. She grabbed Wang Xuan and brought him to a slightly closer area to the shore. Although Wang Xuan could return on his own and didn''t need her help, he still expressed his gratitude, feeling that the Moon Elf n was indeed admirable. Soon, Wang Xuan saw a brilliant me underwater, burning like golden fire. It was a... golden creation true crystal, moving with the waves, dazzlingly bright. "This piece must be extremely valuable!" he eximed, exhrated. It was crucial for his breakthrough. In an instant, he swam over. As he held it in his hand, his consciousness was bathed in a golden glow, his entire being enveloped in golden light. It was incredibly soothing. He vigorously refined and absorbed it, causing a corner of his major realm barrier to tear apart! "So effective, true creation material!" he eximed in awe. Not far away, cries of distress rang out. A girl from the elf n was in danger of being swept away by the swift undercurrents. Though she wasn''t the silver-haired Moon Elf girl from earlier, they both seemed to be descendants or disciples of quasi-peerless strongmen from the elf n. She had green hair, equally pure and beautiful. Wang Xuan swam over and pulled her to safety, guiding her towards the shore. But then, unexpectedly, the green-haired elf girl swung a de at his consciousness, repaying kindness with enmity! However, she missed, as Wang Xuan narrowly evaded the attack. Moreover, the golden beast skin he wore was no ordinary material. Though inactive, it was impervious to ordinary spiritual weapons. He couldn''t be harmed. In a split second, as the elf girl''s eyes widened in shock, her own consciousness was pierced by a rusty iron spike, almost simultaneously with her attempted strike. Suddenly, a massive figure charged past, aiming to snatch the brilliant golden creation true crystal from Wang Xuan''s grasp. It was crucial for his breakthrough. His gaze turned icy cold. The seabed was a ce of creation and bloodshed alike. Chapter 386: A Chasm That Devours Myths

Chapter 386: A Chasm That Devours Myths

It was a giant spider, pitch ck and covered in hard, steel-like fur. It was about fifteen meters long and dove down at lightning speed, its eight spider legs as ck and cold as spear tips, aiming at Wang Xuan as it sought to snatch the golden, pulsating creation true crystal from his hand. Beside Wang Xuan, the green-haired elf girl copsed, her consciousness fading away as her spiritual blood gushed out uncontrobly from the iron spike wound. Then, her head slumped to the side, her eyes dimmed, and she died on the seabed, swept away by the currents. "Wang Xuan was surprised by the severity of the injury. Just one spike, and she was dead. Perhaps it hit her core consciousness imprint. But he felt no guilt; she had struck first in her attempt to seize the true crystal. He swiftly moved his body sideways, avoiding the spider''s leg attacks. As the giant spider missed its target and spun rapidly, it created a massive vortex, stirring up the currents. Wang Xuan frowned. Such arge spider turned out to be the consciousness of a creature; it was quite powerful, but without mastering the rules of transcendence, it couldn''t look down on him. In an instant, he broke free from the ck vortex, then flew with his sword. The iron spike emitted a faint light, not yet activated as a treasure, but still sturdy. With a sound, he merged with the special "iron sword" underwater, colliding with the ck spider several times. Initially, the spider seemed arrogant, like a grandchild beating up a grandfather. However, in a moment, three of its legs were pierced by him. The spider, a master of the spider n, couldn''t believe it¡ªhow could his eight-legged spider deity be injured by a mere novice? It felt surreal, almost dreamlike. Who was he? A descendant of a peerless strongman, often listening to the teachings of the supreme beings. And now, he was being stabbed by a junior cultivator. During the battle, despite its array of spells and its whirlwind of legs and spears, it was futile. The spider was outmatched. Facing his attacks, the opponent had only one move: a single spike to shatter myriad techniques, simple yet brutal. That iron spike was truly wicked, piercing through barriers of light and breaking through spells, stabbing his massive legs and piercing his body, causing his face to contort in pain, blood streaming from his body, and his spiritual essence writhing in agony. In the end, he fled, unable to bear the pain any longer, unable to withstand the iron spike. His spiritual essence was riddled with holes, reaching his core imprint. However, Wang Xuan had no intention of letting him go. At thest moment, body and sword merged as one, and the secrets of the Divine yer Sword were fully unleashed, distorting time and space, surpassing all logic! Using the golden beast skin on his body as a shield, Wang Xuan endured two fierce stabs from the spider''s massive legs, while driving the iron spike through its colossal head. The eight-legged spider deity died a miserable death, its spiritual essence crumbling, assimted by the transcendent light sea, carried away by the waves. A greenish creation true crystal fell, which Wang Xuan caught, very satisfied. This would be his "provisions" for advancing to the realm of transcendence. Not only here, but elsewhere, there was a rising tide of resistance, with bloody massacres erupting. Once a precious item was discovered, it would trigger intensepetition. As the transcendent light sea receded, many remarkable treasures were washed ashore, some of which did not belong to this mythological civilization, astonishing even the most exceptional experts. Half a dayter, Wang Xuan had obtained a total of six creation true crystals. The dense material approaching reality was continuously refined by his spiritual essence, loosening the barriers of his realm. "Thirteen... creation true crystals?!" His eyes glowed with excitement. In the depths of the sea ahead, scattered crystals were strewn about¡ªemerald green, deep purple, silver-white, golden yellow... dazzling with colors that intoxicated the beholder, inviting them closer. Wang Xuan was certain that if he could obtain and fully refine all these supetive creation true crystals, he should be able to break through the barriers! However, it was a bit far away. If he rashly rushed over, he might be swept away by the transcendent light sea, unable to turn back, and die in the great retreat tide. Wang Xuan emerged from the transcendent light sea and immediately contacted Fang Yuzhu. After all, they were allies, and there was no need to be embarrassed. For him, the treasure below was a must-have. Fang Yuzhu nodded and said, "At a critical moment, I''ll use spiritual threads to guide and locate you. You won''t be assimted for a short time. Seize the opportunity." In the vast universe, beneath the profound starry sky, the transcendent light sea surged and receded, causing even the spirits to tremble and resonate. This was thest lingering brilliance of transcendence. With a ssh, Wang Xuan once again submerged into the depths, venturing into the dangerous area where the pile of crystals drifted with the dark currents. He felt a spiritual thread wrapping around him but didn''t dwell on it, swiftly approaching the crystals. "Ha-ha, creation!" At the opportune moment, Ada and A2 appeared behind him,ughing, and without hesitation, they attacked. They didn''t dare to approach directly but stirred up violent undercurrents on the seabed, aiming to disrupt Wang Xuan. This was entirely detrimental to themselves, as they were almost swept away by the turbulent light sea, all to interfere with Wang Xuan and lead him to his demise, carried away by the tide. "You two are asking for death!" Wang Xuan was furious. He had already been keeping a low profile, not provoking anyone actively, only defending himself passively. Yet, there were still people repeatedly attacking him. He reflected on whether he was too kind, not targeting them proactively, but still being targeted. At a crucial moment, Fang Yuzhu''s spiritual thread pulled him back, and he quickly grabbed the thirteen crystals and rushed towards the nearby sea. Clearly, even someone as powerful as Fang Yuzhu couldn''t keep his spiritual essence submerged in the light sea for long. She needed to use the Divine yer Sword to cut off the transcendent power attacking along the spiritual threads. If she were assimted, the consequences would be severe, causing her to explode and disintegrate even onnd. Fortunately, at this moment, Wang Xuan had escaped the danger zone. Under the sea, Ada and A2 smirked coldly, once again causing disruption. They joined forces to create terrifying transcendent undercurrents, sting Wang Xuan towards the depths of the sea. Most crucially, a terrifying dragon roar shook the sea floor, causing tumultuous upheaval. A divine dragon with twelve pairs of wings soared past, causing great trouble for Wang Xuan. Just as he had finished dealing with Ada and A2, he was struck by a beam of light emitted by the dragon. His whole body was tossed around at the bottom of the sea, carried away by the waves, his body wracked with pain. This divine dragon was incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring. Wang Xuan had seen it from the shore before; it was a formidable figure. The divine dragon split off a portion of its divine essence and descended to the seabed. Although it washed away the transcendental rules, its power remained immense. Ordinary beings couldn''t hope to contend with it. This strike carried tremendous force. Anyone else would have been shattered by it, their divine essence extinguished. Wang Xuan managed to withstand it, but even so, blood seeped from the corners of his mouth, his body d in the resounding golden beast skin. He had been too passive, repeatedly attacked on the edge of the danger zone, and once again thrown into the depths of the sea, making it difficult for him to counterattack. Boom! The dragon swung its tail. With the body of a true dragon and angelic wings, it was both sacred and resplendent. In this realm of light, it was the overlord, especially suited to this environment. The waves it stirred trapped Wang Xuan in dire straits, pushing him even farther from the shore. Moreover, out of the thirteen varied-colored creation crystals Wang Xuan had just grabbed, seven were shaken loose and sucked in by the dragon''s mouth. Truly, when the dragon returned to the sea, it was invincible. It held all the advantages. Wang Xuan''s body emitted light, transforming into a sword wheel. Threads of patterns shot from his eyes, locking onto the shore. He forcibly attempted to return, to break free from this ce. Swish! At this critical moment, Fang Yuzhu once again cast her spell, spiritual threads swiftly appearing and wrapping around his waist, pulling him out of the most dangerous depths of the sea. Boom! The divine dragon set its sights on the creation crystals on Wang Xuan''s body once again, charging towards him, its wings spread out, intending to shatter Fang Yuzhu''s spiritual threads. Wang Xuan was tossed about in the turbulent currents, nearly swept away, his figure fading into the distance. But Fang Yuzhu''s strength was unmatched. She resisted the danger of assimtion and continuously reinforced her spiritual threads, forcibly pulling him back and sessfully bringing him to the shallow waters. "Not bad at all, to survive this. You weren''t swept away," remarked the owner of Ah Da and Ah Er, the young man with silver short hair, appearing with a smile. With a single sh in the void, he aimed to sever Fang Yuzhu''s spiritual threads. Fang Yuzhu had a premonition and instantly retracted the spiritual thread. Boom! At almost the same time, the dragon charged in, fiercely attacking Wang Xuan, intent on seizing the remaining creation crystals from him. Simultaneously, the young man with silver short hair smiled as he approached. With a relentless strike, he covered the area with his hand, surging with silver light, delivering consecutive heavy blows. Though Wang Xuan was strong, facing the joint obstruction of these two powerful individuals, his bodypletely lost its bnce. He was swept away by the vortex created by the two, carried by the vast sea of light downstream. "Thank you for the creation crystals," said the young man with silver short hair as he grabbed the colorful crystals that fell from Wang Xuan''s grasp, collecting them. The divine dragon also absorbed several pieces before swishing its tail and heading elsewhere to find its target. It and the young man with silver short hair avoided confronting each other. ...... He struggled desperately towards the surface, but the assimtion and traction forces deep within the light sea increased abruptly, far more terrifying than those near the shore, binding him and making it difficult to break free. Most terrifying of all, at the deepest part of the transcendent light sea, it was like a mythical ck hole, attracting everything rted to the transcendent, even affecting someone like him who hadn''t mastered the rules. Wang Xuan exerted all his strength to resist and struggled against the blinding pull, his spiritual body glowing as if mes were burning within him, pushing towards the direction of the shore. However, the terrifying pull from the depths of the light sea was too much. It dragged him as if into the abyss of the light sea, and he drifted further and further away from the coastline. ording to this trend, he was undoubtedly doomed, unable to return. "Frustrating!" Wang Xuan''s heart burned with unquenchable rage. He held back a heavy sigh, having been driven into a corner by the dragon and the silver-haired youth, he had no chance for revenge. He desperately stabbed at various objects on the seabed with the iron spear, such as rolling decayed warships, massive blocks of divine iron, trying to stabilize himself and resist being pulled away, but to no avail. Even those massive objects were being pulled towards the center of the light sea, nearing death. He was exhausted, his spiritual body trembling, radiating light continuously. However, the forces in the depths of the ocean were unstoppable! He couldn''t even replenish his strength. Not only did he lose the creation crystals in his hand, but even the few he had found earlier on his body were knocked off by the silver-haired youth and the dragon. "I''m going to die in a ce like this. I refuse to ept it!" In an instant, he thought of his parents, of many people. "I haven''t married or had children yet. There are still many regrets, and there are people waiting for me. I discovered the Void Land and the Meteorite Path. I want to see what''s beyond them. I''m still in my twenties, in the prime of my life. I want to reshape the myth..." All sorts of thoughts ran through his mind, chaotic and disorganized, as he resisted the gravitational pull of the light sea with unwillingness. At the critical moment, he also thought of the two culprits. After the silver-haired youth knocked him into the deep sea, he clearly wore a mocking smile, and the dragon, before leaving, was full of disdain. Boom! Finally, when Wang Xuan was swept into the depths of the light sea, he collided with several pieces of crystal. He quickly grabbed one and absorbed the almost real super-quality energy. However, it seemed futile. He couldn''t break free, couldn''t escape. The abyss that devoured both the extraordinary and the mythical seemed all too real, its gravitational pull increasing with each passing moment. His essence resonated with a deafening roar, and if he continued to resist like this, he might disintegrate on the spot. "This is..." As he was carried further downstream, deeper into the abyss, he saw more and more strange phenomena. asionally,rge clusters of crystals swam by like schools of fish, their density mesmerizing. Ahead, vibrant and colorful, there were numerous gigantic bubbles, containing substances even closer to reality. A familiar and terrifying substance caught Wang Xuan''s eye. In the massive bubbles, crimson clouds churned like mes, like lightning, roiling within. This was reminiscent of the crimson glow he had seen in the Void, intensely violent and vibrant. Not just one massive bubble, but countless clusters, each filled with crimson mist and other extraordinary substances. "Taking a risk, I''ll detonate them!" Wang Xuan gritted his teeth, ready to break the bnce of this area and burst out of the light sea. Once he was out of the water, everything would be manageable. He charged forward, wielding his iron javelin, fiercely attacking the massive bubbles. Different vtile substances erupted upon contact, destined to explode upon collision. Among them, the crimson substance did not disappoint him. Just like its counterpart in the Void, once activated, it resembled a sea of thunder. He quickly covered his entire body with the golden beast skin. If it were anyone else, they would surely die; this intensely concentrated crimson substance would burn or cleave them in an instant. It was like the highest me, yet also like thunderous wrath. With just a touch, it could reduce a person to ashes. "That is..." Wang Xuan disrupted the equilibrium here, about to unleash a tsunami-like wave. Suddenly, his pupils contracted as he saw something incredibly divine and radiant. "I must seize it, bring it back. Once I do, I''ll break through and seek revenge on that dragon and silver-haired youth!" With a reckless resolve, he charged forward. Chapter 387: The Return Of Patriarch Wang Chapter 387: The Return Of Patriarch Wang It was a cluster of golden essence, iparably divine, akin to a rising sun ascending, flowing slowly within the bubble, captivating his gaze with its proximity to reality. The True Crystal of Creation was solid, requiring slow refinement for absorption, but this radiant essence had not yet solidified, allowing for direct assimtion of its essence without the need for time-consuming refinement, thus elerating cultivation. Risking it all, Wang Xuan approached, intending to carry it with him as he surged out of the sea surface. If obtained, it might lead to a breakthrough, allowing him to seek revenge at the earliest opportunity. Arge mass, as big as a washbasin, was overtaken by him, swiftly enveloped within his golden animal hide. The brilliant golden light illuminated his entire spirit, vivid and resplendent, with showers of light cascading around him, immensely serene, making him feel as if he were about to ascend. The red substance was too violent; once activated, it instantly caused massive waves in the light sea, rendering it impossible to remain calm, especially with various other energies colliding. Upon collision, it was akin to a volcanic eruption. Under the sea, it was as if the heavens were copsing and the earth was splitting, causing a massive explosion and surging waves. Wang Xuan "covered" himself with the animal hide, yet his spirit was still overwhelmed by the impact; the energy explosion was too intense, with extraordinary waves crashing towards the sky and hitting the stars. Fortunately, he captured the golden liquid at thest moment, allowing his entire spirit to immerse in it continuously, healing his injuries. Suddenly, the towering waves surged, breaking the rtive tranquility of the light sea downstream. On the shore, a figure appeared, her silver dress fluttering as she instantly sent a strand of spiritual thread across the vast distance, pulling Wang Xuan away from above the deep sea. Fang Yuzhu followed downstream, always in pursuit, and the moment she saw Wang Xuan breaking through the sea surface, she immediately guided him back. The tumultuous waves of the extraordinary sea downstream naturally attracted attention from afar, with many gazes turning towards them. Although they were far apart, there were no weaklings among the people by the sea, all capable of sensing themotion. Under the sea, one after another,rge bubbles burst, with various colored energy substances colliding, bing increasingly astonishing, stirring up turbulence in the extraordinary light sea. "Huh, he''s still alive, and he''s been rescued." "He seems to have obtained something extraordinary from the deep sea." For a moment, many people couldn''t take their eyes off, and many began to act, swiftly approaching. Originally, various factions were vying for treasures, engaging in skirmishes, and bloody incidents often urred on the seabed. For example, the sacred dragon especially liked to take advantage; when others collected some True Crystals of Creation, it would suddenly descend and snatch away their opportunities. Wang Xuan emerged from the golden aura enveloping him, clearly having obtained something extraordinary, drawing the attention of many. No longer engaging in ndestine battles and skirmishes, numerous eyes were fixed on him. At this moment, Fang Yuzhu breathed a sigh of relief, as she always dreaded seeing those around her perish without being able to intervene. Since the end of the ancient era, the people around her had been rtively safe; few dared to aggressively hunt those she trusted. However, this situation was different. Most people here didn''t know her, and the sacred dragon was the first to swoop in, its majestic presence causing the extraordinary ocean to ripple violently with its dragon''s roar echoing throughout. The silver-haired youth smiled as he strolled along the shoreline, seemingly calm but exuding the aura of a peerless expert. It was evident he was about to make a move. Frowning, Wang Xuan realized the formidable nature of the surroundings adjacent to the extraordinary ocean, where the rules of mythology resurfaced, making everyone on the shore incredibly powerful. Sighing, he remarked, "It seems I can only stay in the sea. The light of the extraordinary ocean doesn''t recede, and the rules of the extraordinary world won''t fade away. It''s not suitable for me toe out." "I''ll split off a portion of my divine light and apany you into the depths of the sea," Fang Yuzhu suggested. Shaking his head, Wang Xuan replied, "No need. Sister Fang, you stay onshore to deal with the main threats. I''ll break through underwater and then hunt down the divine light they''ve split off!" He reminded Fang Yuzhu to be cautious as there were plenty of powerful individuals on the shore, urging her not to be surrounded. "I''ll be fine. With the Divine shing Banner in hand, even if I''m besieged, nothing unexpected will happen," Fang Yuzhu reassured him. She was more concerned about his safety underwater, considering that most of the divine light split off by the strong were not only powerful but also experienced. Although Wang Xuan was outstanding, facing creatures possibly emerging from the depths, or specters, or incarnations split off by peerless experts, the situation was perilous. "Don''t worry, I''m about to break through. No one dares to use extraordinary rules underwater. It''s anyone''s game. Besides, I still have the shing Immortal Sword." Wang Xuan waved the iron spear in his hand confidently, then plunged into the shallow sea with a ssh, as enemies approached. The atmosphere on the shore became tense and delicate. Some had their eyes on Fang Yuzhu, secretly conspiring to make a move against her. "Everyone, calm down!" Zhang Qifan spoke up, dressed in a white coat, though not one of the strongest here, his status was sensitive. Boom! At this moment, the seabed churned. The monstrous dragon was too fierce, charging forward to snatch Wang Xuan''s golden primordial liquid. "You greedy dragon, I''ll settle the score with you sooner orter!" Wang Xuan evaded confrontation, swiftly retreating into the sea. He believed he wouldn''t need much time to break through the barrier, as the shaking of the barrier became increasingly intense. At the same time, he felt somewhat discontented. His return had inadvertently helped these people a great deal. Many of them were at each other''s throats before, but now all eyes were on him. Mainly because he was too conspicuous, standing out like a beacon of light. Everywhere he went, brilliant golden substances wafted, unmistakably signaling, "I''m special now. Come on, hit me, hunt me, snatch my primordial essence." Thunk! Although the divine dragon''s avatar had washed away the rules, it was still overwhelmingly powerful, quickly closing the distance. In the sea of light, few could match its speed. Wang Xuan was taken aback. Was he already about to be caught? "You foolish dragon, you''re asking for trouble. You keep trying to steal my primordial essence. Wait to be skinned alive!" Wang Xuan deliberately taunted it, trying to distract its attention. Because he saw those bubbles containing red substances being washed ashore by the waves from the deep sea. As he swiftly refined and absorbed the primordial liquid, elerating his breakthrough, he also devised a n. He had to slow down the dragon''s speed, or else he would be caught, hunted down by these formidable adversaries, and meet his demise. "Come, Rat Dragon, let''s have our showdown!" Wang Xuan taunted, luring the colossal dragon into the area filled with red bubbles. His figure swiftly traced an astonishing trajectory, setting off those red bubbles. Although not asrge as those in the deep sea, even a small amount of this substance had tremendous destructive power. A massive explosion ensued, and the dragon rolled out, blood flowing, its divine light diminishing. Its body was pockmarked, nearly severed, and its wings charred. Those who followed were shocked. This formidable dragon, originally a peerless expert in its true form, was now covered in blood, with a broken horn. With a bang, Wang Xuan suffered a heavy blow. The silver-haired youth had concealed himself, appearing suddenly and delivering a strike that left a bitter taste of blood in Wang Xuan''s mouth. However, despite enduring the blow, Wang Xuan managed to thrust his iron spear towards the opponent''s heart. Unfortunately, the man was too powerful, leaving behind only an afterimage as he was pierced in the shoulder and flew away. In the next moment, Wang Xuan detonated all the bubbles in the area, taking advantage of the chaos to escape once more. The dragon roared, writhing in intense pain. After rolling over, its body glowed, and it resumed its pursuit. The short-haired youth, apanied by Ah Da and Ah Er, followed leisurely. Those in the rear also joined the chase. "Breakthrough!" Wang Xuan, in a sorry state, absorbed the dazzling golden primordial liquid desperately, shuttling back and forth between the deep and shallow seas, breaking through barriers and fleeing. "Not bad at all. This primordial substance has excellent effects. Even after the decay of myths, this material likely retains some extraordinary power!" someone eximed with excitement. Just now, when Wang Xuan was briefly intercepted again, he was hit by the dragon''s tail, and a few specks of golden substance flew off his body. "Hurry up, loosen up for me! Open the barrier to the realm of Immortality!" Wang Xuan muttered lowly, rushing through the barriers in his escape. There was no other choice; only by breaking through could he change the situation. He was confident that once he stepped into the higher realm in this special ce, he would no longer fear these people and could truly change the course of events! In fact, a great battle erupted on the shore, intertwining extraordinary rules and bing even more terrifying, shaking the very heavens! However, as the light sea spread, about to assimte the extraordinary rules, the aura of the peerless experts all disappeared. He believed he had absorbed enough of the golden primordial liquid; most of it had already been consumed. In theory, he should be able to break through the barrier. However, he soon realized that haste makes waste. His mind was not calm enough. In the midst of being pursued relentlessly, his mental fluctuations were too violent, conflicting with the essential teachings of certain scriptures. "In this world, there is only me. What I see, what I feel, it''s all illusion. Where are the dragons? They''re nothing but creatures I molded from y." "Where is the silver-haired youth? Just a bubble I blew with soap. It''ll burst at the snap of my fingers." "And there are no heroes; they''re just stick figures I drew on paper. What significance do they hold?" At a critical moment, Wang Xuan resorted to a scripture meant for those with severe mental illness. Instead of delving into its highest level of meaning, he used it for brainwashing, hypnosis, to calm himself and avoid agitation. Initially, it was effective, calming his mind, and the barrier seemed to loosen, as if on the verge of breaking. Unfortunately, he was caught up and beaten. He was swiped by the dragon''s w, punched by the silver-haired youth, shot by an elven maiden, and hit in the chest by a green light from aughing green-skinned demon. Wang Xuan snapped out of it, unable to maintain the mentality of a severely mentally ill person, and resumed his arduous escape. "I''m not like Old Zhang, a diagnosed mental patient. I''ll stop practicing that scripture for now. I am who I am, at my strongest, most real state, breaking through the barriers regardless of pain or pursuit. I''ll face it all head-on, breaking through all obstacles, forcefully advancing!" Wang Xuan adjusted his mindset. He believed that the mental illness scripture he had practiced before was a form of escapism. Now, covered in wounds and with his divine blood spilled, he faced it fearlessly, experiencing it in his true state, forcefully pushing through. In the end, he had fully assimted the essence of the golden primordial liquid, refining it rapidly until it waspletely consumed. Just then, he heard a cracking sound from within his body, as if a massive barrier had cracked and shattered. He stopped, stretching his limbs, and erupted in dazzling light. He had finally broken through, the resounding roar echoing incessantly in his ears. Wang Xuan ceased his escape, experiencing the sensation of this overwhelming power surging within him, sequentially activating several supreme scriptures. "Is this the realm of transcendence? It doesn''t matter. I''ve indeed shattered that sturdy ceiling, surged upward, and sessfully broken through the barrier!" Wang Xuan swiftly turned around, facing his pursuers. In an instant, he left behind a residual image, lunging towards the elven expert. With a crisp snap, he snapped her neck directly, then shattered her physical body, causing her divine light to scatter. In the next moment, he pounced on the colossal dragon, catching it off guard. In a fierce struggle, his iron spear pierced one of its eyes with a sharp "pu" sound. The divine dragon roared furiously, glowing all over as it momentarily broke free from him, teleporting away to a nearby location, ring back at him. "This feeling is quite exhrating!" Wang Xuan muttered, his killing intent erupting fiercely. He lifted his head, brandishing the "Immortal yer Sword," advancing forward with determination. Chapter 388: A Moment Of Regret Chapter 388: A Moment Of Regret The exhrating sensation enveloped Wang Xuan, leading him to believe he had transitioned from a mere child to a robust and energetic youth, akin to being reborn! A radiant beam of energy surged through his entire being, pulsating with the most vibrant vitality. Immersed in this cascade of life force, he truly felt the fulfilling sensation of bing stronger. Across from him, the dragon''s eye bled profusely, blinded by a piercing blow. Filled with a sense of humiliation, the dragon, having its true crystal stolen by someone it had disregarded, simmered with an intense animosity akin to the biting chill of a midwinter snowstorm. For Wang Xuan and the dragon, their experiences now were as different as night and day: one exuded an aura of confidence and determination, while the other''s bleeding eye and constricted heart weighed heavily. "This is a transformative moment!" Wang Xuan''s smile gleamed brightly as his aura expanded aggressively, crashing against his opponents like a relentless tide. He sensed a metamorphosis within himself; the umtion of transcendent power had sparked a qualitative change! The spiritual light danced around him, and he felt an inexhaustible surge of strength coursing through him, stronger than ever before! Others naturally sensed this change as well, their brows furrowing in response. How could this brash young upstart have broken through in the transcendent light sea and grown so significantly in power? "Eyepatch Dragon, if you''re a real man, face me in battle! If you''re scared, team up with those women ande at me!" Wang Xuan''s challenge rang out. The remaining eye of the sacred dragon gleamed with even colder disdain. How dare he call it the Eyepatch Dragon? This was simply asking for trouble! Many present wore grim expressions; most of them men, yet all now lumped into the category of women by Wang Xuan''s provocation, eliciting collective mockery. Wang Xuan had no kind words for those pursuing him. With newfound confidence, he was ready to engage the formidable opponents both in the depths of the ocean and onnd. "Eyepatch Dragon, no need to shed tears,e on then!" Wang Xuan beckoned, brandishing his bloodied iron spike. The sacred dragon seethed with an intense desire for vengeance. Its wounded eye still weeping blood, it refused to be belittled any further. Those who dared to mock it in the past had met their demise. A resonant roar, clear and prating, reverberated like the sh of heavy metal, shattering ss, and stirring up colossal waves in the sea, distorting the fabric of transcendence itself. The dragon descended, with no intention of holding back. It sought only to crush this human with its ws and release its pent-up fury. Anyone daring to insult it was simply asking for death! Who was it? None other than a majestic and noble Sacred Dragon, a hybrid of true dragons and mighty dragons, ranking among the pinnacle of existence. The seabed boiled, teeming with dragon shadows, shimmering scales gleaming in the icy waters, razor-sharp ws, and a gaping maw capable of swallowing the heavens, all incredibly terrifying, with dazzling spells unfurling. The Sacred Dragon unleashed its full firepower, its attack power unimaginably formidable, causing individuals from various factions to recoil, fearing being caught in the crossfire. "You still dare to be angry? You ambushed me, injured me, and stole my True Crystal of Creation, forcing me into the dangerous depths of the sea, nearly killing me. And now you still harbor grievances? Dragonspawn, I shall skin you alive!" raged Wang Xuan. Having ravaged and severely injured him, the dragon now appeared frenzied, brimming with rage, determined to kill him, utterly unreasonable. Before Wang Xuan, tens of thousands of divine swords condensed with extraordinary power, and with a single shout from him, the swordlight gathered densely, forming a radiant "sword wall" that surged forward, shattering the opponent''s dazzling spells. "Every year, tens of thousands of extraordinary beings pay tribute to me. The garden of the gods is mine to roam as I please. Within this sea of light, wherever my gaze falls, it is my domain. What you have found belongs to me, and I shall naturally reim it. Disrespecting the Supreme God, you shall endure endless mes, purging your sins, only then can you die," dered the dragon arrogantly. With its words, the dragon exuded an overbearing aura, as if it alone ruled the world, demanding everyone''s submission. And to call itself the Supreme God? "You, dragon, are nothing but a bandit logic, a rogue dragon! I shall have to teach you a lesson!" Wang Xuan encountered such a creature for the first time. There was no more to be said. Tens of thousands of divine swords thundered, the sword wall crushed, shing fiercely with the dragon''s various draconic spells. ng! ng! ng! Underneath the sea, it was as though countless iron tes were scraping against each other, divine light sttering everywhere, the scales on the Sacred Dragon''s body undting and glowing, each scale bearing unique symbols as they shed with countless divine swords. This dragon was indeed immensely powerful, even without using rules, possessing the strength to overlook beings of the same level. It shook its scales, tearing through arge number of divine swords, engaging in what could only be described as "closebat," before charging directly at Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan remained vignt, but he didn''t flinch. With his iron spear in hand, he charged forward, ready to engage in closebat? Who was afraid of whom? Many people were moved, while others showed surprise. Dragons were renowned for their physical strength, and this reflected even in their spiritual state. It was suitable for closebat. This young man was indeed wild, daring to directly confront the dragon in such a manner. Boom! Without hesitation, Wang Xuan unleashed the Feather Transformation Fist, a martial art recorded in the Supreme Bamboo Scroll, capable of killing the soul, extremely powerful. At the same time, his other hand was equally ruthless. Like a celestial being descending from the heavens, his iron spear thrust forward with a ''pu'' sound, remarkably effective, creating a bloody hole in the dragon''s body. Between the two, dazzling spiritual light erupted. Enormous dragon ws, terrifying dragon horns, and that menacing gaping maw all attacked simultaneously,unching a fierce assault. The ground trembled as the confrontation intensified. Wang Xuan showed no mercy, engaging in a head-on collision with the dragon, resulting in blood and dragon''s blood sttering everywhere. The onlookers were astonished. Was this young man really so unbelievably powerful? To "brawl" with a Sacred Dragon like this, disying such formidable resistance. The Sacred Dragon shrank in size, from a towering giant to just over three meters long, better suited forbat with humans who were less than two meters tall. Otherwise, it would be like using a cannon to kill a mosquito. Dragons, as creatures, were inherently powerful. Their entire bodies were weapons, capable of entangling opponents like divine chains. It aimed to strangle Wang Xuan, intending to sever his body. It emitted a radiant glow as its body shrunk to three meters, the sound of its movements striking fear in the hearts of the spectators. Even a mountain would likely shatter if entangled by it. At the same time, its scales were as sharp as the keenest des. When they moved, they vibrated incessantly, capable of freelycerating its opponents. As for its horns and ws, they were even more formidable, unstoppable. In this situation, Wang Xuan continued to exchange blows with it. Now, he was as divine as an ancient Buddha, employing the supreme body technique from the Shakya Sutra. As the opponent shrank in size, he swiftly erged himself, intending to burst the entangled dragon body and then trample the "eels" in the sea. Subsequently, he shrank again, activating the second true form from the Stone Tablet Sutra. His own strength was supreme and unyielding, shing with the dragon''s ws, sparking and sttering, disying an immortal aura. Then, he transformed into a wheel of light, with dozens, even hundreds of figures, using the secret techniques from the golden bamboo scroll to battle the dragon. Until finally, with a resounding crash, they separated. Wang Xuan''s divine blood flowed, his face and fingers bore wounds, and a terrifying gash appeared on his neck, threatening to sever itpletely. On the other side, one of the dragon''s horns broke off,rge patches of dragon skin tore away, and several holes were punctured in its head by the iron spear, with its divine blood flowing down. Despite the injuries, Wang Xuan smiled. The divine light surrounding his body continued to rotate, and his own strength was still increasing. He was always getting stronger. This breakthrough was particrly unusual. Was this the realm of "Xiaoyao You"? He wasn''t sure, but it felt somewhat strange. Most crucially, after breaking through the realm barrier, his strength continued to grow, not stopping abruptly. "This is somewhat bizarre. Can he really fight with the Sacred Dragon Luo''an to this extent?" The crowd was astonished. They came from different ces, all with impressive backgrounds and extraordinary perspectives. Describing this young man as talented or exceptionally gifted inbat was no longer adequate. Luo''an imed to be the Supreme Dragon, and it wasn''t without reason. Extremely powerful, wherever it went, the gods retreated. Among peers, it was extraordinary for this young man to fiercely battle it without falling behind! With this separation, Wang Xuan pondered what state he was truly in, silently and meticulously sensing this peculiar advancement. This time, he wasn''t ascending in a void space, disconnected from the Cauldron of Life, so there were no anomalies now. There hadn''t been any incidents of other transcendent beings dropping their realms due to shock. "The realm of Xiaoyao You can achieve the departure of the spirit, almost being able to live apart from the flesh, freely roaming the realm of the divine, free from the constraints of blood and flesh." However, after silently pondering, he couldn''t shake the slight sense of weariness deep within his soul from being separated from his physical body for too long. He longed to return. "This doesn''t feel like what the realm of Xiaoyao You should be like. What''s going on with my breakthrough?" He distinctly felt that he had shattered the ceiling, forcefully passed the barrier, but his path was still advancing. "In true Xiaoyao You, the spirit can take root in the void, where the void is one''s abode. Can I try to resonate with the external universe with my spirit, to unify with the outer heaven and earth? Can I entrust a part of my spirit imprint to the void and step into the true realm of Xiaoyao You?" Wang Xuan contemted, then began to try, while remaining vignt, wary of enemies from all directions. The heavens and earth murmured softly, the transcendent sea undted, emitting a special light from him, his spirit imprint seemed to have invisible roots spreading out, seeking to imnt into the void! At this moment, Wang Xuan emitted a special radiance, more dazzling than the so-called sun, and most crucially, there was an inexplicable sacred aura, illuminating all directions! This sense of sacredness made even the immortals feel as if they were mere mortals, while the glowing young man appeared transcendent, brilliant, and beyond the secr world. Wang Xuan''s mind was in turmoil. He halted his steps, refraining from taking that step forward as instructed by the ancient scriptures to entrust a part of his spirit imprint to the void of the outer universe. Because, he felt intense unease, the most instinctive intuition of life trembled within him, as if taking that step would lead to a lifetime of regret. "Why do I have this feeling?" For the first time in his cultivation, Wang Xuan felt fear. If he broke through and stepped into the realm of Xiaoyao You, would he regret it? He decisively withdrew his spirit imprint, refraining from taking that step. In an instant, his spirit was once again incredibly vigorous, and he felt a sense of spiritual satisfaction. He followed his heart, his instincts, feeling a sense of rity both inside and out. Rays of light shimmered, and his path began to grow once again in this special realm. Wang Xuan looked around, and to his surprise, in the depths of the eyes of those old fellows, he saw a hint of something peculiar. Were they actually hoping, anticipating his breakthrough just now? His heart trembled. Were they truly awaiting his decisive step? This revtion hinted at a deeper, more troubling issue. During this pivotal moment, the sacred giant dragon, the silver-haired youth, the elder of the green-skinned demon race, and others held back, refraining fromunching an attack. "Those conniving old fools!" Wang Xuan''s senses were now razor-sharp, a sense of foreboding settling over him like a dark cloud. His recent decision seemed to carry weighty implications for his future. Thankfully, he had refrained, sparing himself from potential regret. The underwater elites were individuals of significant stature, mostly renowned figures within powerful factions. With their extensive knowledge and experience, Wang Xuan knew he could not sumb to their expectations. "You will have time to ascend fully to Xiaoyao You. Only then will I entertain the idea of a fair fight," dered the young man, his toneced with disdain, as if Wang Xuan was beneath his notice. Furious, Wang Xuan saw through the white-haired youth''s facade. His deceitful words were transparent attempts to manipte him into taking that perilous step. Such treachery warranted condemnation! "You im to be too weak, yet you have not even tapped into the full extent of the dragon race''s power. As a senior among dragons, I grant you time. Ascend on your own terms to avoid usations of bullying the weak," proimed the sacred giant dragon, Luo An. Silently, those present judged. Yes, you may be a supreme dragon, but your penchant for tyranny, your disdain for the vulnerable, your disregard for decorumthese traits were well-known. Yet, none dared to speak out, all silently anticipating what was toe. Maintaining hisposure, Wang Xuan walked aside, feigning a desire to attempt a breakthrough, but in reality, he was stabilizing the situation, waiting for his own cultivation to reach its peak, achievingplete perfection. With a stoic expression, Wang Xuan stalled for time, pretending to be considering a breakthrough. Astonishingly, not a single one of those crafty old timers intervened, all disying a magnanimous demeanor, seemingly uninterested in making things difficult for others. Wang Xuan found their behavior sickening. Where were they earlier when they were ganging up on him? Now, they acted high and mighty, granting him time for a breakthrough; it was truly shameless. They were all in on this charade, intending to mock and deceive him, making him regret for the rest of his life. ying his part, Wang Xuan picked up a piece of golden Creation Crystal, pasting it onto his spiritual body, then retreated to the side to cultivate and enlighten himself. However, it didn''t take long for his ruse to be exposed. Who were these people? Many of them were seasoned old monsters who quickly sensed that something was amiss. After all, Wang Xuan had almost taken that crucial step earlier. Why was he still dawdling now? With a resounding hum, the young man with silver short hair made the first move, diving down with his leisure jacket shredding. He formed seals, unleashing consecutive attacks at Wang Xuan. The surroundings surged with silver light, showcasing his terrifying strength, surpassing even that of the dragon! "White Hair, why won''t you let me break through? Isn''t this a self-inflicted p in the face?" Wang Xuan erupted with sword light, simultaneously striking him with an iron spear. A thunderous roar echoed as the seabed erupted in chaos. Then, Wang Xuan ascended towards the surface, immediately contacting Fang Yuzhu, conveying his situation, and seeking answers. "You''ve done well. Trust your instincts, follow your heart!" Fang Yuzhu responded promptly, advising him not to take that step. His innate intuition was spot on. "Such a state is rare, on the forefront of mythical theory. Don''t just follow the footsteps of those who came before, especially when ites to something as unique as this," came the swift transmission from Fang Yuzhu,den with whispered secrets. Simultaneously, a pang of guilt struck her. She realized she had overlooked a crucial detail: Wang Xuan was a lone practitioner, a wild cultivator untouched by the traditions passed down through generations. Many of these esoteric truths were not written in scrolls or taught in scripture. They were the closely guarded secrets of the most powerful, unknown to even the most seasoned practitioners, let alone themon supernaturals. "Others may guide you, but your own intuition awakening to that unique state is far more significant," Fang Yuzhu conveyed, her tone tinged with expectation. Meanwhile, on the shores, other masters received the same message, their eyes glinting with newfound understanding. Some of the most formidable figures made their move. The sacred dragon on the shore roared, sending out waves of runic sound, shaking the very cosmos and crashing upon the sea of transcendence. And the silver-haired youth, with a single strike, cast a colossal hand that blotted out the sky, intent on ending Wang Xuan''s existence. Though they risked being assimted, their choice to act spoke volumes. "Who dares to interfere?" echoed Fang Yuzhu''s voice on the shore, her silver gown billowing as she brandished the Banner of Godying, its shadow expanding rapidly, sweeping across the heavens and earth. With a dull thud, blood sprayed as a dragon''s tail was severed. Unfazed by the threat of assimtion, Fang Yuzhu knew the danger was worth it, considering their proximity to the Sea of Transcendence. Chapter 389: The World Does Not Belong To You Chapter 389: The World Does Not Belong To You The g fluttered, radiance soaring, as Fang Yuzhu wielded it towards the silver-haired youth. Simultaneously, others joined in, besieging Fang Yuzhu, igniting a fierce battle. Beneath the sea, Wang Xuan plunged to the ocean floor. Fortunately, the unique light sea assimted the rules of the extraordinary, purifying attacks from the transcendent level. Even though beams of light fell, they struggled to annihte him. However, the assaults of two transcendent powerhouses still left him injured, his spiritual blood spilling. Not far away, the avatars of transcendent powerhouses, the one-eyed dragon and the silver-haired youth, acted immediately, closing in for another hunt. "If you don''t want me to preserve this special state, then I must reach perfection in this domain! I''ll ughter all of you here!" Wang Xuan swiftly traversed the seabed, retaliating while quietly awaiting the conclusion of his own sublimation, which would provoke the fiercest counter-hunt from the adversaries. "I''ll chase you endlessly, making it impossible for you to stand firm in that special domain. I relish listening to the painful wails of the weak after losing their opportunities." The one-eyed dragon dered, leading the pursuit. Wang Xuan swiftly turned the tables,nding a backhand p on the dragon''s enormous face, causing its spiritual facade to shatter and copse. Enduring another blow from the dragon''s w, he punctured a blood hole in its neck with his iron spear, then merged once more with his sword amidst its furious retaliation, breaking through the encirclement. Swiftly changing direction, Wang Xuan temporarily evaded the lightning-fast dragon, engaging in a sh with the elder of the green-skinned divine spirits. Between them, dazzling divine radiance erupted. As others converged, they besieged him together. Undoubtedly, Wang Xuan''s unique state had put them all on edge. Few had truly ventured into this realm of theoretical exploration. Under the sea, the battle raged fiercely. Wang Xuan fought back whileprehending his own transformations along the way. Though he frequently shed blood and suffered injuries, he now bore a smile, eagerly anticipating the end of his qualitative transformation. Fang Yuzhu had told him, this was the tenth stage. He was supposed to ascend to the realm of the Transcendents, where his spiritual imprint would resonate with the vast cosmos. From then on, he could roam freely in the ethereal realm, gradually freeing himself from the constraints of the physical body. But the emergence of the tenth stage was somewhat disruptive; there was no longer a need for him to project any part of his imprint into the void. Fang Yuzhu reminded him to preserve the tenth stage. Upon returning to the physical body, he should resonate with it to further advance,pensating for all the deficiencies in his past cultivation. "Ten stages may not be enough. In the realm of the new mythology, there naturally needs to be new heights!" Wang Xuan eximed excitedly before quickly calming down. He thought of the game of Go, which was divided into nine ranks, with the highest being the ninth rank. However, there was a saying about the ancient Go sage, Huang Longshi, that his skill level reached thirteen ranks in terms of strategic warfare. "Comparing it to the game of Go, why couldn''t the realm of mythology achieve the same? If I manage to reach the thirteenth stage in the ''human realm'' and then enter the realm of Transcendence, even if the entire mythology decayspletely and the extraordinary world copses entirely, I might not necessarily regress!" Laying the foundation with the astonishing transformation of the thirteenth stage, it was difficult to imagine how powerful he would be. Wang Xuan''s heart surged with excitement as he set a near-term goal for himself. He aimed to reach the same heights in the realm of cultivation as Huang Longshi did in the realm of Go. At the same time, he pondered that he might not necessarily follow the traditional path of the realm of Transcendence entirely. Swish! A sword light pierced into the sea, stripped of its rules and transcendent power, yet it still sent Wang Xuan flying, causing his iron spear to tremble in his hand, his hands torn and his spiritual blood spilling. "So powerful, even after being stripped of transcendent power?!" Wang Xuan''s heart trembled. The main bodies on the shore were indeed not to be trifled with. At the same time, a cold light flickered in his eyes. The more they obstructed his path, the more it indicated that the realm in which he now stood was exceptionally unique. He must give them a "surprise"! Plup! Sessive giant palm prints descended, condensed from the light of the extraordinary, as the main body of the silver-haired youth on the shore bombarded him. Under the sea, Wang Xuan coughed up spiritual blood, then embraced a golden creation crystal, continuously refining and replenishing, before fleeing once again. "Wait and see, not only will I ughter all your avatars, but once the extraordinary light sea disappearspletely, and you are suppressed by the earthly ceiling, I might even be able to hunt you down!" Wang Xuan dered fiercely, his killing intent exposed. On the shore, the battle was terrifyingly intense. Fang Yuzhu faced multiple transcendent powerhouses alone, besieged by enemies, yet she had already in one! The person''s spiritual blood burst open, staining the sky above the extraordinary light sea with blood-red hues! "Spirit, after the supreme transformation, you are... Fang Yuzhu, transcendent supreme?!" Undoubtedly, it wasn''t just Zhang Qifan who had keen insight here. Other departed individuals, whose research results were at the forefront of the realm of mythology, also knew about the supreme Nirvana and rebirth of the spirit! The Divine ying g was terrifying, fully resurrected here, but it was truly the individuals who were powerful. At the transcendent level, each person had their own unique strengths. Moreover, their backgrounds were terrifying, with astonishing origins, and each possessed their own extraordinary treasures. In the sky, immortal swords rang out, divine chains streaked across the sky like nebe, and sevenyered pagodas thundered down with chaotic qi, suppressing everything. The battle here reached a white-hot intensity, incredibly fierce and terrifying. Boom! However, when the extraordinary light sea surged, everyone immediately fell silent, retracting all their rules and transcendent power. After a brief skirmish, they would immediately cease, fearing to continue the bloodshed. Hisses echoed in the sea as spells were cast from the shore into the depths, aiming to kill Wang Xuan. This indeed put him in jeopardy multiple times. The individuals behind him were no weaklings to begin with, all incarnations of top-tier figures, making it exhausting for him to deal with, and now, undoubtedly, the situation was going from bad to worse. Fang Yuzhu waved the Divine ying g, her silver gown fluttering. Spells blossomed in clusters, as she severed the shoulder of a transcendent powerhouse, causing their spiritual blood to stter, igniting another round of intense battle on the shore. "Going too far! They''re all old fossils, yet they keep targeting me again and again!" Wang Xuan roared in anger, primarily concerned for Fang Yuzhu''s safety as she defended him while being besieged. Finally, Wang Xuan noticed that his cultivation was nearing its peak. As the final burst of light exploded like a zing sun, he became dazzling all over, with myriad beams of light emanating from his spiritual body. Then, those lights crazily attracted various nearby materials that were close to reality, directly causing some Creation Crystals to shatter, turning into flowing mist, swiftly and violently drawn into his spiritual body. With a final thunderous roar, torrents surged beneath the sea, waves roiled on the surface, and Wang Xuan was enveloped in brilliant mist, continuously trembling and roaring. The tenth stage had beenpletely stabilized, especially with the final leap, his cultivation soared once again. This wasn''t just entering the tenth stage, but reaching its pinnacle, achieving perfection in the realm. Without any hesitation, Wang Xuan turned around and charged back. Thunder roared beneath the sea as he shed head-on with the Divine Dragon. They fought fiercely, causingrge scales to fall off the dragon''s body, and its roars echoed. Entwined inbat, Wang Xuan radiated with light as he unleashed forbidden sword techniques, his entire being bursting with sword energy, severing one of the dragon''s ws. Then, Wang Xuan nearly eviscerated it, severely damaging its spiritual body. Finally, he stood firm on the dragon''s head, grabbing onto its remaining horn to stabilize himself. He rained down furious blows, and quickly drove the iron spear into its skull, causing it to howl in pain and thrash violently. "Old dragon, take a good look at your avatar. It''s nothing more than a pig-headed dragon, weakened by my hands. Come on, show yourself, and I''ll crush you!" Wang Xuan challenged the main body of Luo''an on the shore, all to alleviate the pressure on Fang Yuzhu and lure away the divine dragon. Splosh! Under the sea, he skinned the dragon''s avatar, tearing off arge chunk. Since the opponent was in a spiritual body state, it was a wound that pierced their soul. "I''ll ughter you!" On the shore, the Divine Dragon was infuriated. It dared to intrude into the backyard of the gods frequently, but now, its avatar was being ridden and beaten on the head, which it considered a great humiliation. "Dreaming? Want to be ughtered, you damn dragon? Come at me!" Wang Xuan pressed down on the dragon''s head and pounded it mercilessly. With a crisp crack, he broke off the dragon''s horn and shattered its skull. "All my Creation Crystals, hand them over!" He plundered the dragon and demanded, "Under the heavens, everything you see is my territory. If you don''t want to die, hand over the crystals as tribute!" The dragon roared and struggled violently. "And you too!" Wang Xuan pointed at the others. Riding on the dragon, he pierced its spiritual imprint with the iron spear, driving it into a frenzy. As the dragon rampaged underwater, he took advantage of the chaos to ughter some of their enemies along the way. Everyone was astonished. On the shore, Fang Yuzhu battled transcendent masters, while underwater, Wang Xuan chased down their avatars. This sight was rare and unsettling for many. "Adai, A''er? Both of you, die!" Wang Xuan charged past, killing two of the Silver-haired Youth''s subordinates. He shouted, "Silver-haired San, where are you? I see you,e over here!" He had his eyes on the Silver-haired Youth, who had targeted and attacked him several times, causing him multiple injuries. Naturally, he had to be eradicated. Standing on the dragon''s head, Wang Xuan stomped down forcefully, crushing the dragon''s skull. The dragon''s avatar screamed in agony, turning into a shower of spiritual light under his foot. He dove forward, engaging in a fierce battle with the Silver-haired Youth. In the heat of the conflict, he shattered the youth''s shoulder and then tore his entire arm off with a powerful tug, sttering spiritual blood everywhere. Underwater, many shivered with goosebumps. This young man was out of control, his eyes bloodshot. Although they were avatars, their strength remained formidable, yet they were still being ruthlessly ughtered by this Ten-stage King. "White Hair, you stop right there! You love attacking me, don''t you? You''ve ambushed me multiple times. Where do you think you''re going?" Wang Xuan pursued, throwing a punch that pierced through the Silver-haired Youth''s back, causing half of his body to explode. On his way, he avoided the Elder of the Green-skinned Divine Chieftains, but Wang Xuan had already locked onto him. After pinning down the Silver-haired Youth with his iron spear, he began chasing the Elder. Amidst the dazzling light and repeated collisions, Wang Xuan used the Feathered Fist to shatter the Elder''s spiritual body, causing the Green-skinned Divine Chieftain to meet a tragic end. On the shore, the main bodies of those top-tier experts wore grim expressions, unable to ept the situation. While some battled onnd, others were being counter-attacked by their avatars underwater. As for Fang Yuzhu, they could understand her actions. But for this young upstart to achieve such feats, it made them feel quite embarrassed. "White Hair, aren''t you interested in me? Come on, let''s have a battle in the depths. Look, your avatars are as weak as theye!" Wang Xuan taunted those on the shore from underwater. With the Immortal-ying Swordthe iron spearhoisted over his shoulder, carrying the Silver-haired Youth captured after an intense battle, he clenched his other hand into a fist and swung it forcefully. With a muffled sound, he smashed the young man''s spiritual essence, shattering it into pieces! Chapter 390: With Worn Interest Chapter 390: With Worn Interest Wang Xuan, wielding his iron spear, radiated a dazzling aura as he ruthlessly pounded the Silver-haired Youth into oblivion, another formidable avatar meeting its demise under his brute force. This was no ordinary incident; everyone present was highly influential. Within their respective realms, they were ustomed to dominating others. "Even the avatar of the Divine Dragon Luo''an and now Kui Yuan have both been crushed by him with his fists!" someone eximed, their expressionplex. In the Time and Space Bar, although they didn''t inquire about each other''s backgrounds, some were regrs and were well acquainted with each other''s origins. The two individuals mentioned were both incredibly influential figures. One was the Divine Dragon Luo''an, who followed the path of the Divine Kingdom. In certainary mythologies, he was revered as the Supreme God, overlooking all other deities. Kui Yuan, the young man with silver short hair, emerged from a technological ruin but ventured into the realm of mythology, surpassing even Luo''an in strength. "And... the Golden Ape King has also been in." A new development unfolded underwater, a confrontation between flying swords. The result saw the ape bathed in blood, its sword broken, pierced by countless swords, its spiritual essence cascading like a waterfall as it faced utter annihtion. On the shore, not everyone joined in the siege against the female practitioner. A considerable number of mysterious individuals remained neutral, silently observing the fierce battles on bothnd and underwater. "That''s the Forbidden Divine Curse!" Zhang Qifan eximed, recoiling in shock. On the shore, a woman cloaked in ck robes unleashed unmatched arcane arts. It resembled mes, yet it was also like divine light, and thunderbolt-like electricity, converging into a dazzling expanse that descended from the void, disrupting the stability of time and space as it enveloped Fang Yuzhu''s location. "She''s probably the Witch God King!" someone spected about her identity, as only she could wield such sorcery. The brilliant spell she cast was almost on par with the Supermundane Light Sea, vast and boundless. It froze time, seeking to imprison her enemies and tear apart the fabric of space to crush her opponents. However, just as the momentary pause in time urred and the void began to form the curse scroll, Fang Yuzhu broke free, shattering the temporal canvas. A crimson mark appeared on Fang Yuzhu''s forehead, adding an indescribable charm to her fluttering gown. A streak of transcendent light shot out from her brow. With a muffled sound, she broke free. On the opposite side, the Witch God King''s arm was severed, sending her body flying backward, a shower of blood raining down. "Let''s quietly appreciate this moment. It may be the swan song, thest disy of unparalleled might after the disappearance of the Supermundane Light Sea," someone spoke heavily. Almost simultaneously, underwater, Wang Xuan surged like a raging wind, stirring the waters of the Supermundane Sea violently. Upon encountering the avatar of the Witch God King, he first shattered the curse with endless sword light, then pursued with his divine form. His body swelled, bathed in golden radiance, as he advanced towards the cloaked woman in the sea. Forced into a corner, the woman''s body also erged, deploying a myriad of sorceries: weakening, petrifying, imprisoning the void, corroding from the spiritual level... attempting to engulf Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan, in his tenth stage, radiated divine light in all directions. After his profound transformation, his understanding and unleashing of the Supreme Scriptures were unlike before. Outside his body, there was ayer of quasi-reality light, resembling armor, with one Supreme Scripture after another attached to his body, burning away all sorceries. With a muffled sound, blood sprayed, and endless rain of light exploded. The Witch God King was in by Wang Xuan, who charged forward, breaking her avatar with his divine form. On the shore, the battle between the supremely skilled paused and resumed intermittently, but underwater, it continued unabated. Wang Xuan''s eyes burned red with madness as he threw caution to the wind, his actions bordering on insanity. Naturally, he sustained injuries too, as the avatars of powerful individuals on the shore asionally intervened,unching various attacks. Although the Supermundane Light Sea purified these attacks and stripped away their unparalleled power, they still inflicted considerable difort upon him. How to quell this rage? Only by killing these avatars. So Wang Xuan went berserk, not knowing how many avatars of skilled practitioners he had in underwater. "Young man, I have no quarrel with you. Why are you pursuing me?" A middle-aged man struggled underwater, panting heavily as he tried to flee, his tongue almost hanging out. He was a member of the onlookers on the shore, feeling that his avatar had suffered undeservedly, being inexplicably beaten up and on the verge of disintegration. "Is that so? Mistaken identity then. But since we''ve already fought, and you probably hold a grudge against me now, why not just continue pounding on you?" Wang Xuan said, brimming with killing intent. Mainly because he didn''t know who had been attacking him, but seeing someone fleeing when he approached was a clear sign of guilt. "I... really have no grudge against you!" The middle-aged man was covered in blood, on the verge of being beaten to a pulp, and he spoke urgently and angrily. "Stop, Ten Stage Brother! That person is my friend. He hasn''t attacked you before!" Zhang Qifan from the shore intervened. Wang Xuan wasn''t entirely unreasonable. He turned to pound another target. His main goal was also retaliatory looting, seizing the creation crystals and various treasures from those targets. At this stage, everyone had more or less made some gains. The worst off had at least four creation crystals, which were all priceless treasures when taken outside. After the disappearance of the Supermundane Light Sea, such items would never appear again. Each crystal was a unique resource, especially after theplete copse of mythology, where they might still possess some extraordinary properties. "You''ve got the wrong guy, Brother. I have no grudge against you, and I''ve never been involved in any conflicts between you all," another person waved his hands, trying to exin. At this stage, Wang Xuan had gone mad underwater, recklessly battling people without regard for his own life. "Is that so?" Wang Xuan paused for a moment, then directly unleashed the Sword of shing Dao. Countless divine swords erupted, radiant and brilliant, like an immortal wall pressing down, crushing the quasi-transcendent avatar. "I saw you chasing after me. How dare you lie to me with a straight face?" Wang Xuan collected the crystals dropped by his victim and moved on to the next target. On the shore, many people were mesmerized. Some were amazed, some shook their heads, and others remained silent. "The King of Shadows... was also shattered by him." "It''s not dignified to die like this. Failed to ambush, only to be killed by him with a ''clubbing'' blow from his iron spike." People couldn''t help but be moved. Wang Xuan was covered in wounds, his divine blood flowing, but he was still like a mad tiger, seizing and pounding on his targets. These avatars all had significant backgrounds, not a single one was an ordinary transcendent! Many of them had risen to fame in their youth, bing the center of attention as adults, and their entire lives were enveloped in a brilliant halo, each a prominent figure in their respective regions. Yet, here they were being killed, and by the hands of the same young man. "Forget it, everyone. Transcendence ising to an end. What''s the point of fighting each other to the death? Is it just for a few crystals? Let''s peacefully search for them. Don''t waste time fighting. Perhaps we can gain more by cooperating." On the shore, someone acted as a mediator, urging everyone to stop fighting. There was no need for further conflict. "These crystals, which are close to reality, may likely allow us to retain some degree of transcendental power, butpared to the vast universe''s corrections, they are far less effective than imagined. Maybe a yearter, you and I will find ourselves helpless in the depleted era, sitting together, with nothing left but memories of the past. There won''t be any transcendence left. Stop fighting!" "Yeah, maybe a yearter, in the era of depletion, we''ll have no choice but to walk out of the stage, out of this world, and sit together, reminiscing about the glorious years gone by. What''s the point of transcending? Let''s not fight anymore!" "In the end, this brilliance ising to an end. Standing on the shore of the Transcendent Light Sea, we could move the power of the stars, but now it will only be a memory. Let''s not kill each other." During the great battle, all sides were filled with fire, but in the end, the words of these people were like cold water poured over their heads, instantly extinguishing the fervor in many hearts. Although they were all prominent figures from the realms of the past, they now felt a sense of powerlessness. It was like being awakened from a glorious moment in life and being told that all their past was but a big dream, and it was time to return to reality. "Let''s disperse, it''s pointless!" Some people lost interest, feeling that all of this was meaningless. "Let''s just grab a few crystals and go home. No one should attack each other." The battle on the shore ended, with Fang Yuzhu holding the Banner of in Gods with one hand. Although she usually smiled, today she exuded a cold aura. With a gentle shake, blood dripped from the banner, and her silver-white gown still carried a faint scent of bloodlust. In the sea, Wang Xuan also stopped fighting. Overall, he felt exhrated by the killings. Fighting against dragons, the Silver-haired Third, the Green-skinned Shiox, the God of Shadows, and others, while it left him covered in wounds, it also helped him release his pent-up frustration. Most importantly, through these battles, he honed himself significantly. The underwater battle opened up a new perspective for him, allowing him to see a wider world. He knew what he needed to do next and how to improve himself. Afterwards, everyone indeed got along peacefully, avoiding each other and returning to the Transcendent Light Sea to seek opportunities. Even Fang Yuzhu sent out an avatar, shedding the constraints of rules and entering the vast ocean. Two dayster, the Transcendent Light Sea began to blur and gradually dim, about to disappear into the void. The starry sky no longer shone brightly, and the ocean began to recede. Wang Xuan returned to the shore, his collection of creation crystals reaching more than two hundred and eighty. He saw Fang Yuzhu not far away and walked towards her. She stood quietly on the shore, gazing at the disappearing Transcendent Light Sea in the void. Her silhouette gave off a lonely feeling, her gown fluttering as if she wanted to fly into the sea. Wang Xuan was startled. He felt that Fang Yuzhu truly had the determination to leap into the sea, so he quickly strode up to her. "Sister Fang!" "The Transcendent Light Sea is thest remnant of myth. Perhaps I should follow it into the distance. It''s one of the choices after the end of mythology: either death or a brilliant new life in another world." She spoke calmly, watching the flowing sea of light in the universe. She actually had that kind of thought! Wang Xuan immediately advised, "Sister Fang, don''t be impulsive. Everyone who entered the Light Sea was assimted and died. Chasing after the sea is not the best choice. The copse of the Transcendent World does not mean there are no opportunities left. It''s not necessarily aplete end; there''s always a glimmer of hope." Fang Yuzhu responded, "In the universe''s 13.8 billion years, there have been dozens of mythological civilizations, each existing for only thousands of years, some even less than five thousand. It''s all so fleeting, like a sh in the pan, with no future. I want to go to the end of the Transcendent Light Sea, its ultimate downstream." "Sister Fang, I know you are incredibly powerful. In their words, your soul has experienced supreme nirvana and rebirth, possibly more than once. But don''t be impulsive. Things haven''t reached the point of despair yet. This sea is like a mythological ck hole, devouring everything rted to the Transcendent. There are still paths to explore at this stage. Let''s search for them first." "Throughout the ages, all civilizations have been exploring. Various opportunities have arisen and been proven false one by one. Perhaps only the end of this sea is true. What''scking now is not those paths but the courage to face death and be reborn!" Fang Yuzhu turned around, her clothes fluttering, transcendent and dazzling. But Wang Xuan''s heart was in his throat, feeling that she would disappear from the world with a single leap! Chapter 391: Feeling Tipsy Chapter 391: Feeling Tipsy Wang Xuan could feel his heart in his mouth. Then, suddenly, he leaped forward and grabbed Fang Yuzhu. "What are you doing?" Fang Yuzhu looked at him, her hair scattered, her eyes deep, and then she smiled, like a flower bud blooming in the morning glow after the rain, fresh and brilliant. She shook her head with a smile and said, "Are you worried I''ll jump down? It''s not the time yet, not today. If I jump into the sea now and go with it, those people won''t let you off easily. They''lle after you." "Then I can rest assured, Sister Fang. We still have time, it''s not time to despair yet. Let''s return to the world first." Wang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, truly afraid that she would leap away. "Then why don''t you let go?" Fang Yuzhu looked at him, transcendent and stunning. She turned around, no longer looking at the sea, and walked towards the rusty mothership in the distance. Wang Xuan wasn''t embarrassed at all. He had saved someone in urgency. What''s wrong with holding the hand of a transcendent powerhouse? It''s better than dancing with Old Zhang at the Three Fright Stack. He let go after walking for a while. The Transcendent Light Sea receded,ing from nothingness and going to the unknown. The decline of mythology was inevitable, leaving everyone here silently pondering for a long time. "We still have one or two chances." The young man hosting the auction in the bar, known as Old Mu by some, spoke deeply as he looked at the dark cosmic void where the Light Sea disappeared. This node was calcted by many prominent figures working together. Perhaps there would be opportunities three monthster, and six monthster. Fang Yuzhu looked into the distance, choosing to take that step in the next opportunity! With the disappearance of the Transcendent Light Sea, the suppression of the mundane world descended once again. Without the rules of mythology, everyone felt constrained, and their strength was still far from reaching the realm of Earth Immortals. In this ce, most people were wandering around the third or fourth level. Now, with the Godying Banner in hand, Wang Xuan no longer felt intimidated. As he gazed at the distant sacred dragon, Luo An, with its tail severed, he couldn''t help but feel the urge to charge forward and y the dragon. However, he quickly reconsidered. Since the fighting had ceased and everyone was watching, he didn''t want to risk causing outrage by acting too rashly. Besides, that tail-less sacred dragon wasn''t even Luo An''s true form. These ancient creatures were all extremely cautious; none of them dared to tread lightly in the Transcendent Realm. "Brother Ten-stage, please don''t lose my business card. In the future, you can use it to find me in the Mingyuan Transcendent Realm!" Zhang Qifan spoke eagerly, his eyes fixed on Wang Xuan. Then, without drawing attention, he nced at Fang Yuzhu, his thoughts lingering on his desire to reshape humanity through scientific analysis of mythology, to prolong the existence of the Transcendents. Inside the massive mothership, within the Time-Space Bar, the host, known as Old Mu, despite being called so, looked quite young. With a crew cut and crimson hair shimmering, he wore a modern outfit adorned with ear and nose piercings, and even a one-inch-long golden stud embedded in his forehead. "Don''t underestimate him. I have a rough idea of his identity. He''s likely the only junior disciple of the ancient emperor from the orthodox demonic lineage, missing for over two thousand years. He probably left the stage and hid in some Transcendent Realm." Fang Yuzhu whispered, revealing the host''s identity. Wang Xuan was taken aback. The legitimate heir of the orthodox demonic lineage, sought after by the Four Demonic ns, had unexpectedly encountered his junior disciple in this Time-Space Bar! "Those three golden studs of his are just a hair weaker than the Godying Banner. In the heyday of mythology, those three studs could fix the fabric of time and space, nailing down even the most formidable of Transcendents." When Wang Xuan heard this, he was speechless. He had initially thought the host was just an atypical human, overly entric, but he had never imagined that those three studs had such an immense background. "Ah, Lady Fang, you''ve kept us in the dark for so long. Including this time, you''vee three times already, and each time you''ve concealed your aura. If it weren''t for this major upheaval, and your use of forbidden techniques this time, we wouldn''t have known it was you." Old Mu spoke up, smiling as he approached. He handed Fang Yuzhu a small wine ss. "Here, this is a Temporal Token. With this, you can enter from a special node next time you visit." "This young man is truly remarkable. The battle in the depths of the sea truly moved us all. It''s a pity that you were born in this era. For you, it''s so unfair. Otherwise, you would undoubtedly be a ''Transcendent Paragon''!" Old Mu expressed regret, shaking his head before smiling once more and offering another small wine ss, the so-called Temporal Token. He exined that both the small wine ss and the Time-Space Bar within the mothership were relics left behind by a long-gone super-mythological civilization. Throughout the universe, there are special spacetime routes that can be used to reach this ce from various locations, serving as shortcuts and making it convenient for some top-tier powerhouses to gather. "Originally, any unfamiliar intruders would be hunted down after the bar gathering disbanded. So, Lady Fang, the previous two times, we were just following the rules. We didn''t know it was you who had graced us with your presence," Old Mu exined. In fact, even without the Temporal Token this time, no one wanted to surround Fang Yuzhu and Wang Xuan. Didn''t they just finish fighting enough earlier? Even that Ten-stage madman had gone on a rampage, killing many people''s avatars underwater. Needless to say, no one wanted to provoke Fang Yuzhu. "We agreed earlier that the Time-Space Bar would prepare a special gift. A pot of Celestial Drunkenness. I think there''s no need to say much more. It''s for Lady Fang," Old Mu smiled. He was quite generous, fetching a small pot emitting ethereal mist. "Celestial Drunkenness, a great tonic for the soul. It''s a medicinal wine left behind by the ancient mythological civilization. We managed to recreate it based on ancient recipes. It''s a holy medicine for preserving the essence during the period of mythological decline." ording to him, when the era of decline arrives, this medicinal wine has a dying effect, extremely precious, but unfortunately, it still cannot change fate. What is destined to happen will happen. Old Mu reminded, "It''s better to drink it early. Our restoration skills are not up to par, and under the environment of transcendent passing, the spirituality of the wine decreases every day. It won''tst until the future." "Farewell, everyone. Until next time," the crowd dispersed one by one, each setting off on their own journey. Wang Xuan and Fang Yuzhu also departed, retracing their steps through the temporal passage. The wine sses in their hands glowed, illuminating the spider-web-like pathways. In the high sky of the oldnd, there was a so-called Sub-Lunar Space, resembling a vague moon, belonging to a peculiar spatial node that could lead to the location of the Time-Space Bar. "After the disappearance of the Transcendents, I wonder if this node will also close. I''m afraid we won''t be able to find it again by then," Wang Xuan looked back, gazing at the hazy Sub-Lunar Space. Upon their return, it was still nighttime, with the gentle glow of the moon casting a delicate hue over everything. The moon hung high in the sky, resembling a thin veil of smoke. Fang Yuzhu returned the Godyer Banner and the silver beast skin to Wang Xuan. She reverted to her original attire, her ck hair swaying gently, d in a white shirt and trousers, resembling a modern urbanite. Yet, here they were, soaring through the night sky. "I suppose this wine should be fine. Let me try it," Wang Xuan said, pouring some from the pot into the small wine ss-shaped Temporal Token. The liquid was a brilliant emerald green, shimmering and flickering like a faint me, exuding an intoxicating aroma. "There shouldn''t be any issues. This kind of wine is a powerful tonic for the soul," Fang Yuzhu said after sniffing it, confirming the wine''s quality. Then, Wang Xuan drank it down. Instantly, the rity of the surroundings, the richness of the wine, the ethereal sensation of flying, the fragrant scent of flowers, and the subtle threads of mysterious power all surged forth, rxing his entire body and sweeping away the fatigue from the battle. Moreover, he felt as though his soul was being nourished, as if his cultivation was being consolidated, enhancing the resilience of his soul. Fang Yuzhu was surprised. "Ordinary people would experience very obvious effects after drinking this cup. It seems that your own soul evolution is already quite perfect. Even with its nourishment, there isn''t much change." Wang Xuan shook his head vigorously, feeling a bit dizzy. Fang Yuzhu also drank a small cup. After a moment, she found herself in a slight drunken state. As she had said, she was not good at drinking, of course not referring to ordinary alcohol, but rather this kind of celestial wine. As for Wang Xuan, he was feeling a bit unsteady now. This so-called Celestial Drunkenness was indeed... quite potent, causing him to feel intoxicated. Surprisingly, Fang Yuzhu, who wasn''t good at drinking, seemed to handle it better than him. Her strength was evident, as she was only slightly tipsy. Wang Xuan felt himself swaying, everything appearing blurry to him. "Miss Fang isn''t drunk, but I am. How embarrassing," he said, shaking his head vigorously, needing Fang Yuzhu''s support to prevent himself from stumbling. "Quick, look! Old Zhang is a weirdo. He actually has three heads on his true form, sitting on the big tree outside my house. When will he stop this peeping habit?" Wang Xuan pointed below, although he was drunk, he still managed to spot Old Zhang, starting to yell. "I''ll be darned, it''s the dead of night, and he''s sitting together with the Blood Emperor of the Netherworld. Are they having a toast? Why are their arms entwined? Oh, perhaps I''m just drunk and seeing double?" Below, Zhang Daoling''s face turned dark instantly. What happened to his so-called Spiritual Divine Eye? What a useless divine ability! He sat here drinking, protecting their physical bodies, and yet that drunkard dared toe back and ridicule him. He was asking for a beating. The Blood Emperor of the Netherworld was speechless. "Have these two entered the Elysium? They returned drunk. Even Miss Fang seems slightly intoxicated." With a whooshing sound, both Zhang Daoling and the Blood Emperor of the Netherworld projected their souls, soaring into the sky, ring menacingly at the intoxicated Wang Xuan, both itching to give him a good beating. "Has Zheng Yuantian arrived?" the slightly tipsy Fang Yuzhu asked. "He appeared as a blurry figure behind the veil, but after taking one look, he turned and left," the Blood Emperor informed her. "It''s Zheng. He informed the White Night Demon Emperor. This is a ploy to lure us away. He wants to harm me?" Wang Xuan shook his head vigorously, trying to sober up. Zheng Yuantian was clearly eyeing his physical body. "What about Yan Yan?" Fang Yuzhu inquired. Clearly, she was quite relieved because arrangements had been made before their souls departed. "The Demon Lord ced your physical bodies in a room," Old Zhang informed them seriously. "The Demon Lord is called Yan Yan?" Wang Xuan, who was intoxicated, found it a bit difficult to focus his attention, surprisingly fixating on the name of the Demon Lord. A faint glow adorned Fang Yuzhu''s beautiful face. Now, with a slight change in expression, the slightly intoxicated her swayed gently, her graceful figure swiftly approaching the dwelling below. She knew very well that when the Demon Lord became capricious, it could be quite a headache. The fact that she had tampered with her and Wang Xuan''s physical bodies was simply asking for trouble! "Yan Yan,e out!" Fang Yuzhu shouted from outside, her soul-formed figure surrounded by a radiant aura, rapidly heading towards the room. "Yan Yan, the Demon Lord, the red clothed demoness, what has she done?" Wang Xuan slurred his words, swaying his body as he followed suit. Chapter 392: Sharing Bed For A Millenium Chapter 392: Sharing Bed For A Millenium With the bright moon hanging high, Wang Xuan swayed unsteadily as he rapidly descended from the night sky. Along the way, he almost tumbled into the reed-filledke that was by the house. "Old Zhang, what''s wrong with me? Did something happen to my physical body in the room" Wang Xuan asked. Although he was heavily intoxicated, he was sobered up by the stimtion. "You''re floating for real!" said Zhang Daoling while looking at him. Then without hesitation, he flipped his hand and revealed a bronze mirror. He was about to give him a smack on the head. Usually, people called him Master Zhang, but not only did this drunkard say he had grown three heads but he also directly called him Old Zhang! Chirp! A faint golden glow emanated, and a small banner appeared above Wang Xuan''s head, blocking the bronze mirror. The interweaving golden patterns prevented the rusty bronze mirror from pressing down on him. Now, Wang Xuan could activate the Godying Banner with just a thought. He had a breakthrough in the Transcendent Sea. For him, this was a qualitative change and it led to a significant increase in his strength. "Its roaming freely!?" eximed Old Zhang with surprise. It had only been two days and two nights, and had even advanced again. Where did this kid disappear to? This was somewhat unbelievable. Before this, Zhang Daoling believed he could still grab Wang Xuan by the neck, despite his considerable strength. But now, it was a bit difficult! Moreover, after being attacked, out of instinctive reaction, Wang Xuan manifested an iron spear in his right hand and subconsciously moved to strike Zhang Daoling. This wasn''t about seeking revenge. It was a natural response to being attacked. It could also be said that hisbat instincts were extremely sharp and powerful. This led to a natural instinct to have offense as defense. Zhang Daoling looked down at the long and thick iron spear aiming for his abdomen and swiftly dodged it. His face turned slightly grim. Of course, he wouldn''t let himself be struck. However, Old Zhang was no longer calm. He hadn''t even hit this kid a hundred times yet, but the kid turned around and stood up to him. It was like a little chick transforming from into an eagle that was ready to soar! "Sorry, Master Zhang, I drank too much," Wang Xuan quickly retracted the banner and iron spear, sping his hands in apology. He still held great respect for Old Zhang. "The tenth stage, quite interesting," said Zhang Daoling as he showed a hint of surprise. Those who opened special innerndscapes during their mortal days were indeed willful. They advanced so unreasonably fast! How long has it been? He was a little absent-minded. He had in demons and monsters in his day, obtained various fortunes, and climbed out of piles of corpses. Even during the most abundant era of transcendent materials, he hadn''t advanced this quickly. "I''m certain, he and the person from two thousand seven hundred years ago are of the same kind!" The Patriarch of Hades Blood Sect finally felt certain. In fact, with him being able to reach this level in such a deste era, he felt that this kid was even more formidable than the person from back then who had stepped into the realm of transcendence! Wang Xuan descended from the moonlit sky. Although not in a physical state, he still had a weird sensation. He felt his heart pounding fiercely. Could something have really happened? "Thump, thump, thump" His spiritual form corresponded to the human body''s structure, with his heart beating like a bass drum. "What do you think will happen?" Old Zhang nced at him, then sighed, "Young people these days, do they all have such big ambitions? Theyre full of ambition, thinking only about reaching the top, having seats among the immortals!" "Old Zhang, I''m not I''m just specting about what happened. Don''t say things like that!" Wang Xuan quickly corrected him. The Patriarch of Hades Blood chuckled and said, "As a male patriarch among the immortals, I believe in us men to strive for the top, we can share joys and sorrows together." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s heartbeat calmed down. He felt that the Demon Lord, Yan Yan, wouldn''t dare to cause trouble. With these two patriarchs here, there shouldn''t be any major issues. However, when he approached the window of the room, he felt a surge of anxiety. It seemed like there were two figures on the bed with their heads almost touching. Have they spent a millennium together to finally share a pillow?! Nevertheless, there was something peculiar about the room. It was arranged with arrays that obstructed the exploration of his spirit. His perception couldn''t fully prate, and he had to rely on the banner to break through the barriers. "This" Wang Xuan was astonished. There were indeed two people on the bed that were almost sharing a pillow. What kind of formation was this that can even make my spiritual light tremble? "Do you see that, Sister? This little thief must have stolen the gall of the heavens! His heartbeat is thunderous. Look at how excited he is. He really has some guts," one of the figures remarked. On therge bed, with the arrays dispelled, there were indeed two individuals lying there. However, one blurry figure that looked more like a male revealed its true form. It was the red-clothed Demon Lord. Still dressed in the attire of ancient immortals, she sat upzily. Her red dress was long and its hem trailed from the bed to the floor. As she rose, her long ck hair cascaded down, and her fair and alluring face bore a smile. She had long eyshes, captivating eyes, and sensual red lips. "Greetings, Mistress," greeted Wang Xuan. It was his first time having such close contact with her in the old world, and she was even in his room. If Fang Yuzhu and Old Zhang were not here, he would have been prepared to strike her with the banner! "Uhhh, it''s good that everything''s fine," he muttered again. "What are you anticipating?" muttered Yan Yan, the red-clothed Demon Lord. She covered her mouth, stifled a yawn, and stretchedzily. She was very self-absorbed and was unconcerned to the gaze of others. Despite all that, she didn''t lose her graceful demeanor. With her slender waist and graceful figure, her curves were extremely enticing. Yan Yan! Fang Yuzhu''s consciousness returned to her body and sat up from the bed. Wearing a soft white nightgown, she prevented the Demon Lord from causing any more trouble. "Where''s my physical body?" It was only then that Wang Xuan noticed that he couldnt sense his physical body. Where had it gone? "It''s under the bed," Yan Yan replied. "You''re already considered a great Demon Lord among the Demons. You should behave differently," scolded Fang Yuzhu. The two figures intimately sat together on the bed. One was white like snow, graceful and ethereal, and the other in red was vibrant and forceful. The two great powerhouses sat side by side, it was like the blossoming flowers on the Immortal Path that each disyed unparalleled charm. Wang Xuan''s expression twitched slightly. Indeed, people had different lives. While some loungedfortably on the bed, some were tossed beneath it. Simultaneously, he felt deeply uneasy. He absolutely didn''t want anyone meddling with his physical body! The Demon Lord Yan Yan nced at him with her side eyes. "What''s the matter? Dissatisfied? I''m protecting you. Without me, Zhang Daoling would have already been examining your physical body." Wang Xuan''s heart raced. There were too many secrets about him, like the Treasure buried within his life soil, and the Life Essence Furnace. If it were to be discovered, it would likely be lost forever! "Demon Lord, don''t falsely use me. It''s you who wanted to examine him. Furthermore, you also wanted to examine Maiden Fangs physical body, thats why you put them both on the bed!" said Zhang Daoling as he entered the room. He refuted the Demon Lord''s ims with logic and proof, stating that he had stopped her. Wang Xuan pulled his body out from under the bed. No wonder he couldnt sense it as it was sealed tightly and was covered in yellow paper talismans! Half of them were Taoist, most likely posted by Old Zhang, while the other half were Demon talismans. Not only did they cover his body but even his face was covered with it. Was this intentional? He wasn''t a ghoul or an evil spirit. Was it necessary to stick talismans all over him like a rice dumpling? "I prevented Zhang Daoling''s spirit from entering your body, thus protecting your physical body and sealing itpletely," said the Demon Lord in red robes as she sat on the bed. Her pure and slender legs dangled and her delicate toenails that were painted red emitted a sparkling halo. Zhang Daoling countered, "I was the one who sealed his physical body first, preventing your spirit from entering his body." Ignoring them, Wang Xuan removed all the talismans. It was really painful as they seemed to be attached to his skin. Quickly regaining himself, he feltplete in an instant. Light radiated from his head to his toe, his physical body was undergoing a transformation! As his spirit had reached the tenth realm while his physical body had yet to catch up, the process had now begun. During this process, he inspected his life soil and thankfully found the Life Essence Furnace still guarding it. There were no unexpected incidents. He reminded himself not to do this again. Although Zhang Daoling was usually reliable, one couldnt be sure when it came to treasures. People at this level were ruthless. Those without a firm grip wouldn''t survive long enough to reach this level. It was even more uncertain for the Demon Lord Yan Yan. If Zhang Daoling wasn''t present, dont talk about probing his life soil, she might have just wiped the floor with him. "You''d rather believe Zhang Daoling than me? Did me being here made you forget about our agreement? Weren''t you supposed to watch me dance in front of you? But now you''re doubting me." The Demon Mistress Yan Yan was now charming and seductive. Every smile and frown of hers exuded an intoxicating charm. Her demonic beauty was truly exceptional. Fang Yuzhu intervened straight away, cing a hand on her shoulder. Though she was smiling, the hand exerted immense pressure on the Demon Lord. Wang Xuan was checking his eyes, nose and mouth. He paid no attention to the conversation between her and Zhang Daoling. He was solely concerned with the transformation of his physical body. He continued enhancing his strength, to make it perfect! However, deep down, he still harbored fear towards the Demon Lord. Though she had shown magnanimity before, it didn''t mean she wouldn''t seize an opportunity to enter his life soil. Fortunately, Zhang Daoling was present. They bnced each other out despite their hidden intentions. "Reaching the tenth realm is impressive. You truly deserve to witness my dance," the Demon Lord Yan Yan said with a smile,bing through her hair. Her demeanor was alluring, and truly uninhibited. She dared to say anything without restraint. Every inch of Wang Xuan''s flesh was radiating light. He remained silent and motionless, he was serene as an old monk. He pretended to be unaware in the presence of the extraordinary Demon Lord. The Patriarch of Hades Blood became even more certain that Wang Xuan was someone who had opened an innerndscape during his mortal days!As for the other three, they already knew long ago and were the first to perceive it. In the past, they had all interacted within the innerndscape. Finally, the ascension of Wang Xuan''s flesh and blood came to an end. Just like his spirit, it reached the perfection of the tenth realm, dispelling even the slightest trace of intoxication. He felt distinctly that any ws from his past journeys had been rectified this time. Having no more regrets, he was now in his peak state. Moreover, upon the return of his spirit, his perception became extraordinarily sensitive. He caught a faint fragrance, it was the scent of Fang Yuzhu? Surprisingly, it pervaded his body! "This" He frowned again. The Demon Lord was restless. She probably did something. During this process, Fang Yuzhu had been secretly battling the Demon Lord! Her spirit was suppressing the Demon Lord Yan Yan. With one hand ced on her shoulder, it emitted a faint light. She was unwilling to let her leave. "Sister, please don''t misunderstand, there''s really nothing." said Yan Yan. "Sister, I''m worried about you. After spending so many years together, I don''t want to be apart from you. I always feel that when the myth disappears, you''ll also disappear and never to be seen again. Are you trying to self-destruct and break through the realm of reality? I''m afraid of losing you. I think you''re too distant from the mortal world. Why not settle down, get married, have children, and keep your heart in this world?" Yan Yan continued to say. "Ohhhh, don''t worry, I haven''t done anything yet. It''s just an idea that I''ve had!" said Yan Yan. She then continued, saying, "Sister, cherish the present moment. Myth is just a big dream. We still live in reality. We''re just fragments of spirits wandering in the great veil. In fact, the mortal world is the real ce. Seize everything in front of you!" "I''ve considered it for you. This Wang Xuan is passable!" eximed the Demon Lord. "Sister, getting married and having children gives you something to hold on to. Perhaps then you''ll feel that the real world is so beautiful and intimate. Stay here and don''t rush to your death. Please don''t leave." Despite her soft and persuasive words, Fang Yuzhu didn''t let go. Her eyes gleamed with brilliance that shaped into the shape of runes, she intended to suppress the Demon Lord Yan Yan. "Anyway, can''t I go with you?" The Demon Lord Yan Yan''s personality was unpredictable. With one hand on Fang Yuzhu''s body and her beautiful chin resting on her shoulder, she asked, "Do you want me to travel with you, or do you want us to live in the mortal world together? Either way works!" Zhang Daoling, and Wang Xuan all went out. Although they couldn''t hear their spiritual transmissions, they felt sparks flying between the two women''s eyes and didn''t want to be caught in unnecessary trouble. Especially Wang Xuan, as he was also involved. Catching a whiff of the fragrance on his clothes, he immediately wanted to discuss matters with Old Zhang and hurriedly followed him out. Zhang Daoling nced at him and said, "You want to discuss some Taoist scriptures with me? Aren''t you just at the tenth stage? You''re already flying away? Are you learning the secret scriptures to spread them? Then go ask Fang Yuzhuter and study with her." Old Zhang continued, "Alright, after guarding your physical body for two days and two nights, hurry up and take out that bird egg, fry it up, cook it, and eat it with some celestial liquor. It will be a passable meal." However, thiste night was destined not to be peaceful. A hazy veil emerged. It was approaching the estate with no means of stopping. It brought immense pressure. "Patriarch Zhang, are you here too? You better leave." Afigure appeared behind the veil. It exuded a faint chaotic aura, and held an ancient gpole with an imposing aura that seemed to swallow the universe! Heng Jun had arrived, the first unparalleled powerhouse to obtain the treasure. He wielded the Ascension Banner and was practically invincible now. No one could resist him! Beside him, Zheng Yuantian was covered from head to toe in ck armor, even his face was obscured with it! Wang Xuan''s hairs stood on end. Is this going to turn into a confrontation? There was going to be a big problem! However, his eyes gleamed with determination. Who feared whom? If it came to a fight, it might not be certain who would live or die. If necessary, he would expose the treasured Life Essence Furnace. Other than that, he also had four unparalleled masters on his side. He didn''t believe they were not able to crush the opponent! Of course, if it came to that point, the Life Essence Furnace would likely be known to all. At his current level, he would probably find it very difficult to hold onto it. Chapter 393: The Treasures Are Shaking Chapter 393: The Treasures Are Shaking Outside the estate, the veil emitted a glow. It appeared abruptly in the quietness of thete night. Though it looked sacred, looking at it sent shivers down people''s spines and filled them with a sense of horror. It was Heng Jun. Was he about to cross realms with the treasured artifact? This sudden turn of events made everyone uneasy. Not only Zhang Daoling and the Patriarch of Hades Blood but also the powerful figures within the veil were rmed upon learning of Heng Jun''s movements. "Heng Jun, why have youe?" Zhang Daoling spoke. As the founder of a sect he exuded great dignity, even in the face of the insurmountable Ascension Banner. His expression was cold and calm. "I''vee for him." Heng Jun pointed with the Ascension Banner towards Wang Xuan that was outside the house by the reedke. He had white hair but a youthful face paired with deep-set eyes and he was dressed in immortal robes woven from the silk of the Yin Yang Divine Fire Silkworm. He stood behind the curtain surrounded by a chaotic aura, his depth was unfathomable. "Old Heng, aren''t you the least inclined to meddle in others'' conflicts? Why have youe here now to assist Zheng in his plight?" the Patriarch of Hades Blood spoke. "Hades Blood, are you taking sides now? Do you want to oppose Brother Heng and I?" Zheng Yuantian spoke with a mysterious and heavy aura that the ck armor gave out. The Patriarch of Hades Blood sneered at him, saying, "Zheng, haven''t you forgotten that not long ago, you, Qiyi, and the Demon Ancestor impersonated me? I have no grudges against Brother Heng, it''s just you that I find unpleasant!" Zheng Yuantian remained silent, thinking to himself: Why dont you me yourself for having nine lives? Didnt various factions impersonate you since ancient times to engage in ndestine activities? The Ascension Banner in Heng Jun''s hand was almost tearing through the great veil. The treasured artifact was indeed terrifying. In the hands of such powerful individuals, hell be unstoppable. It seemed capable of truly breaking free from the shackles of the old covenant! "This young man killed all those who I sent to the Old World. He left none behind. Naturally, I havee to settle scores with him," Heng Jun said calmly. Wang Xuan said in a deep voice, "I fought against them for self-defense. These people not only wanted to kill me but also intended to harm my parents and ughter my friends without mercy. Should I just stand by and watch them act while doing nothing?" Now, he had nothing to fear. At worst, he could fight to the death. As long as he was willing to reveal the Life Essence Furnace, and with the four peerless experts by his side. He should be able to counter-kill the opponent! Heng Jun ignored him and instead conversed with Zhang Daoling and the Patriarch of Hades Blood. Obviously, thinking that he had a higher status, he didn''t intend to say much to Wang Xuan as they were not on the same level. "Years ago, I owed Old Zheng a favor. Today, I''m repaying it by blocking all of you," Heng Jun stated. There was no need to even think about it, it was clear that Zheng Yuantian had called upon him. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have needed to mobilize forces for the sake of his subordinates. He actually had plenty of time in the future. He could silently eliminate Wang Xuan when he crossed realms. But Zheng Yuantian couldn''t wait anymore. He had approached him privately to seek his assistance. Zhang Daoling spoke up, "Friend, isn''t this going a bit too far? If your disciples are unjustly harmed, it''s understandable if youre enraged. But if they fail in their killings and are killed instead. Isnt it excessive for you to wield a treasured artifact, causing ripples across two realms? We have nothing to say if you let your other disciples take action." Evidently, this argument was Zhang''s way of bargaining with him. He was persuading him to not act recklessly. People at this level didn''t like direct confrontation with each other. Heng Jun shook his head, stating, "I may not take action against him, but I also don''t want you to confront Zheng, as this is a matter between Zheng Yuantian and me." Zhang Daoling smiled and said, "You want Zheng Yuantian to settle it privately with him? That''s a bit unfair. What era do you think Old Zheng is from? Much older than those relics in the museum. It''s a bit unjustifiable to engage inbat with a young man." "That''s true," nodded the Patriarch of Hades Blood. "The world is cruel. He has incurred great karma, and has killed one of my avatars. We can''t just let that slide, can we?" Zheng Yuantian spoke up. He had been severely damaged by Feng Yuzhu in the spiritual realm, which partially destroyed his spiritual power. Following that, he was killed by this young man, Wang Xuan, and the news had spread across the great veil. These past few days had been difficult for Zheng Yuantian. As a peerless master, being killed by a young man in his twenties was too embarrassing for him. He made up his mind. Once he obtained Wang Xuan''s physical body, he would cultivate the Demonic Embryo Technique,and absorb all the benefits of those with a special innerndscape. In this era of transcendence, he not only wanted to be invincible but also to create a new myth! He saw the oue of the super-civilization that refined the Tao Shielding Banner. Tracing back to the scene of the Whale''s Descent, the so-called whale was most likely someone like Wang Xuan. That civilization itself regretted it. If they hadn''t been short-sighted and let the whale grow, they might have found a way out! Of course, this Wang Xuan had no chance of being the whale. The myth was drying up and about to end. He had only recently stepped into the realm of transcendence, his cultivation was too shallow to sustain such a grand scheme! In Zheng Yuantian''s view, as a peerless master, he could only pave the way for a new myth by merging with the opponent! "Zheng Yuantian, do you want to fight me? Come on, even if you split into more avatars, I''ll apany you to the end!" Wang Xuan spoke up. He had more confidence after reaching the perfect tenth-stage. "Kid, don''t get ahead of yourself. You still have a long way to go!" Zhang Daoling whispered secretly. In the manor, Qing Mu was awakened and immediately contacted Old Chen in Ping City. The master and disciple mobilized their resources for the first time. Warships were rising in the distance. If things went south, there was no room for negotiation, they''d bombard the opposing immortals! Regardless of whether they could win, they were prepared for the worst. Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu had made up their minds. Heng Jun was very dominant. He pointed his Ascension Banner forward and shot out a chaotic light that burst through the veil. It was a breach in the veil! He wasn''t going out himself but looked towards Zheng Yuantian, saying, "Friend, you can go ahead. I''ll fulfill my promise and help you hold them off." He didn''t look at Wang Xuan, thinking that he was not worthy. He only gave an equal leveled gaze to Zhang Daoling, the Patriarch of Hades Blood, and the two women in the room. "You''ve gone too far!" Wang Xuan said coldly, refusing to back down. He had some strength now, with a treasure in hand and the alliance of several top experts. He was ready to fight to the end if he was pushed to the wall! Let it all be exposed. It was not a big deal. He was ready to risk it all. Faced with that attitude and that condescending gaze, he wanted to fight to the end and give him a lesson. Having a treasure was impressive, but he also had his own! At this moment, Wang Xuan''s spirit fluctuated intensely, with some of his spiritual light sinking into the earth. The light that sank touched the Life Essence Furnace, gently tapping on its body. "Old furnace, you''ve been with me for so long. Perhaps today is the time to let you see the light of day again. If the crisis is inevitable, you''lle with me when I break out!" Wang Xuan thought to himself. His emotions were in a mess! The Life Essence Furnace, this supreme divine object, was not crafted by anyone but was the result of a civilization''s efforts. It was a true treasure. Once it was activated, its movements would be vast and boundless. Currently, it hadn''t been fully activated yet, but there was already a hint of spiritual brilliance emanating from it. A rift was torn in the great veil, and Heng Jun''s Ascension Banner ceased to move. Zheng Yuantian''s eyes were deep. He was feeling a bit impatient, and was eager to seize Wang Xuan''s physical body. He was ready to rece him and be a special individual! "Hmm!?" Heng Jun suddenly took two steps back. He furrowed his brow slightly and felt a faint uneasiness. Mostly because he just felt that the Ascension Banner trembled slightly. What was going on?! Despite him being able to wield the Feathered g, he had never received a response no matter how hemunicated with it. He suddenly looked up and saw two women approaching, whom he instantly recognized. Both women were well-known for personally ending the ancient myth! The two women walked side by side towards him, one in white and was ethereal and otherworldly. The other in brilliant red that dazzled like a bewitching flower. Both had different auras, but both were exceptionally charismatic. Wherever they went, they were destined to be the center of attention, captivating everyone''s gaze. "Heng Jun, are you going to help Zheng Yuantian take action?" Fang Yuzhu spoke calmly. She remainedposed even when facing a peerless figure wielding a treasure. Heng Jun frowned. He was somewhat wary when faced with this woman. He remembered how she had in the Demon Emperor years ago. It was a memory that he, as a witness, had not forgotten to this day. Especially now, with the four top experts standing together, the true bodies in the great veil must be keeping an eye on him. It was impossible not to feel any pressure. Heng Jun said, "Lady Fang, Demon Lord, why bother? Zheng''s clone being killed is a great humiliation. If a peerless expert like him can''t even avenge such a grudge, but is obstructed by fellow practitioners like you, then it''s truly unjust." At this point, he turned his gaze entirely to Wang Xuan for the first time, saying, "You initiated this matter. I believe you can resolve it on your own. Do you want to trigger a major battle among peerless experts because of yourself? If you dare provoke Zheng, you must have the courage to face him!" "Zheng Yuantian, am I afraid of him? Make hime out!" Wang Xuan said bluntly. He further added, "This is my feud with him, and everyone will be witnesses. I will confront him alone, without the intervention of others!" Such words made everyone look askance. Fang Yuzhu slightly shook her head at him. She wanted to tell him that it was not so simple to fight Zheng Yuantian. At this stage, even if Wang Xuan faced Zheng, who had constraints in the present world, he was still inadequate. Was Wang Xuan afraid? Not at all. If the fight was unavoidable, he was prepared to smash Zheng Yuantian to death with the lid of the furnace! What''s the point of keeping the treasure if he wont be using it? It should be used when one is pushed to the wall! "I''ll have a bloody battle with him. Are you sure you won''t intervene with the treasure?" Wang Xuan looked at Heng Jun. Of course, if the other party intervened, it wouldn''t be a big deal either. He had made up his mind long ago. Once his treasure was exposed, he would hand over the furnace to Fang Yuzhu and let her deal with Heng Jun. "Do you think you''re worth my intervention?" Heng Jun said indifferently. This time, Wang Xuan felt that he might as well go all out and kill them all if he were truly pushed to the brink. As for the bloodshed and battles for the treasure in the future, there would be ways to deal with themter. Moreover, he might even be able to obtain the Ascension Banner. Whether it was Old Zhang, the Demon Lord, or Hades Blood, even if they were ruthless and coveted the treasure, it didn''t matter. He would give them the Ascension Banner. At this moment, in the manor, Qing Mu was observing through the detector. He was sweating profusely, and even Hades Blood and Old Zhang were moved. In the great veil, the immortals were also shocked. This young man was going all out, intending to dye the great veil red with his blood. Was he nning to avenge himself through his death with Fang Yuzhu and the others? Zheng Yuantian frowned. He was very sensitive and felt some ripples in his heart. He was feeling a little heavy. As for Heng Jun, his senses were even clearer. He always felt that something was off today. The Ascension Banner in his hand had just vibrated again. It made his heart beat heavily and he was extremely uneasy! "Are we fighting or not?" Wang Xuan urged. He felt that it wasn''t a big deal. At worst, he would break through the curtain, dye the old world with blood, and let the enemy pay the price! Chapter 394: Being Broad Minded Chapter 394: Being Broad Minded Under the moon lit night, the veil looked soft and gentle. Heng Jun frowned. He did not respond immediately because deep down, he felt something was wrong. He felt uneasy. Was this an illusion? He didn''t think so! At this level, there were no weaklings. Their keen instincts that far surpassed ordinary people''s imagination allowed them to climb out of mountains of corpses and ovee countless dangers. It made them stand at the peak of the world. But he couldn''t find the reason that made him feel threatened. He didn''t think the four top experts could kill him. No longer could stop him as long as he wielded the Ascension Banner. The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. After thinking for a while, he had thought of some possibilities. If he intervened at the border of the barrier, could the old covenant still harm him? "Or, is there a treasure in the mortal world thats controlled by one of those four?" Heng Jun pondered with astonishment. He couldnt think of any other possibilities that could threaten him? He ignored Wang Xuan as he thought that Wang Xuan was unworthy of him. At the same time, he remained silent to conceal the uneasiness in his heart. He was truly shocked by his own spection. "The Life Essence Furnace?!" Heng Jun immediately thought of this treasure. There were traces left by all the other treasures but only this furnace was still unseen. His eyes were deep as he looked at Zhang Daoling. Could it be in this person''s hands? For over two thousand years, this master had wandered around demon caves and abysses. Perhaps he had unexpectedly found the Life Essence Furnace. He then looked at the Patriarch of Hades Blood. This demon had nine lives and could roam around various ces simultaneously. He had a much wider range of activities than others, making him highly suspicious. Next, Heng Jun looked at Fang Yuzhu and the Red-clothed Demon Lord Yan Yan. These two women were even more suspicious. They personally ended the ancient glory of a civilization and had terrifying fortunes! He pondered alone about whether anyone could survive the dark winter that was after the end of this mythical civilization. If so, there must be someone here on the list. For a moment, Heng Jun regarded everyone as a potential threat. He scanned the four top experts, but he simply ignored Wang Xuan as he felt that speaking too much with him would harm his status. "For three thousand years, we have struggled and for five thousand years, we have stayed silent. Today, we have arrived here against all odds. Looking back, how many of our contemporaries perished along the way? We are fortunate to stand at the pinnacle among the immortals, overlooking the scenery of the world. I, Heng Jun, am honored to have shared the rise and fall of this mythical civilization with you all. Its an honor to witness its conclusion. There is less than a year left, and I hope that in this final period, none of us will perish due to internal strife." Heng Jun spoke with a solemn tone, then added, "This time, I''ll let it go. I''ll give face to my four friends here. I advise Brother Zheng not to act. But I hope there won''t be a next time. I hope you all will consider this carefully, and may we refrain from raising arms against each other." Initially, Wang Xuan was ready to make his move. His gaze shone brightly, and it might appear fierce to some people. Part of his soul light sank into the earth, and he had already lifted the lid of the furnace. He was prepared to unleash hell upon Zheng Yuantian as soon as he emerged. Zhang Daoling felt somewhat surprised as Heng Jun had actually conceded and abandoned his earlier dominance. He was showing considerable magnanimity. The Patriarch of Hades Blood immediately smiled and said, "Brother Heng Jun shows great magnanimity. He is unwilling to shed blood between the two realms. I deeply admire him. As a supreme powerhouse, it is only right to do so. I also hope Brother Zheng will let go of his obsession soon." "Heng Jun, are you going to intervene next time? I hope you won''t meddle in this again," Fang Yuzhu calmly interjected as she was not appreciative of Heng Jun''s temporary retreat. As a transcendent figure who had experienced the supreme transformation and rebirth in the spirit realm, she had vaguely sensed that Heng Jun was not disying what could be called magnanimity or broad-mindedness, but rather, he was being cautious! "Yeah, let''s not drag things out. Let''s resolve the issue today and not bother with it again next time," the red-clothed Demon Lord Yan Yan said with a faint smile. Zhang Daoling also spoke up, Brother Heng Jun, you don''t need to get caught up in this situation. I just looked at the star signs, and if a conflict were to arise, it wouldn''t be good for anyone. There would be rivers of blood that were from the blood supreme powerhouses." Heng Jun remained calm. He didn''t believe that the four top experts would always stand guard over Wang Xuan. They could just cut through the curtain and send Zheng Yuantian over to resolve the issue with a young man from the mortal realm when they weren''t present. Therefore, he remained nomittal and calmly looked at the others. He advised Zheng Yuantian to not initiate a conflict today. At this moment, Zheng Yuantian also sensed something unusual. At his level, his divine perception was naturally astonishingly keen. He nodded and said, "What does my personal honor or disgrace matter? I simply think that he has shown disrespect and has been spheming towards the immortals. Thats why he should be punished. If the supernatural copses when we enter the mortal realm in the future, he will most likely exploit various mortal rules to massacre the immortals. However, since Brother Heng Jun has spoken, I willply this time." Wang Xuan looked at him with his side eyes. He felt disgusted inside. He didn''t bother hiding it and gave Zheng Yuantian a disdainful look. Although Zheng Yuantian was clearly eyeing his physical body, he still shamelessly presented himself as a paragon of virtue and integrity. If Wang Xuan had supreme power, he would use it to ensure that he struck him down with a single blow! Zheng Yuantian nced at him indifferently and ignored himpletely. He disyed an attitude that made people feel like they were the bugs beneath his feet. "Unfortunately, I didn''t manage to kill old Zheng this time," Wang Xuan sighed openly and frankly. His expression and tone were not much better than when Zheng Yuantian looked at him. Zhang Daoling, Patriarch of Hades Blood, and Yan Yan were all quite speechless. They thought to themselves, "What are you talking about? Aren''t you satisfied?" There were naturally many followers and disciples behind the two supreme powerhouses within the great veil. They were all wearing unfriendly expressions and had chilling glints in their eyes. "The actions of the supreme powerhouses are crucial to the stability of both realms and cannot be rashly interfered with. Since that''s the case, why don''t we try to solve the problem today?" someone among the immortals spoke up. Another immediately agreed, "Makes sense. Today, the supreme powerhouses are unwilling to engage with him but he still refuses to yield and speaks arrogantly. Because of this, I''m willing to go down to the mortal realm to see if the young man there is truly remarkable, or if he''s just a madman." With their unanimous agreement, they intended to act on behalf of Zheng Yuantian to capture and kill Wang Xuan. Although Wang Xuan didn''t particrly like them, he still nodded in the end while looking somewhat reluctant. He didn''t have any other intentions. He just wanted to chop them to death! Today, since they hade to his doorstep with such threats, and since he couldn''t deal with Heng Jun or kill Zheng Yuantian, then he would ughter all the troublemakers. Someone stepped forward, paid respects to Zheng Yuantian and requested permission to enter the mortal realm. Zheng Yuantian nodded, then looked at Heng Jun. Heng Jun didn''t say anything and with a sh of his Ascension Banner, a seam appeared in the curtain, and two streams of light burst out instantly. "Disciples directly descended from the ancient true immortals!" Some people recognized their identities and knew they were much stronger than ordinary immortals. However, after entering the mortal realm, their strength plummeted, and was suppressed by the limitations of the mortal world. The two of them were indeed astonishing. They were maintaining their strength at the second level of the Transcendence realm! "Heh, it''s all thanks to the Ascension Banner. Its aura could resist the limitations of the mortal world when dispersed at a close range, Old Zhang spoke up. Wang Xuan stepped back. Why should I give them a chance to confront him in front of the great veil? Indeed, as the two approached and moved away from there, their realms began to decline. Their cultivation was slipping towards the first level, and if they continued forward, it would be very unstable. At the next moment, Wang Xuan also moved. He didn''t want to waste time with them. He just wanted to kill them forcefully. Since they already knew he had the Godying Banner, he didn''t need to hide it anymore. At this moment, the palm-sized small banner swayed in the wind. It quickly swelled up and transformed into a flutteringrge banner which he held in his hands. With a loud bang, it shed forward directly. With a loud bang, one person was struck by the banners surface and was instantly shattered, disappearing just like that. The other person avoided the surface of the banner, but failed to dodge the golden patterns that spread out from the surface of the banner. With a sound, his spirit light dispersed and his spiritual consciousness was severed. He had also died instantly. "Is that all?" Wang Xuan sneered. "Tenth-stage!" Zheng Yuantian spoke, feeling surprised. The speed at which this target was growing was truly astonishing. He had actually entered the rare tenth-stage. He waved his hand, signaling those around him to be quiet and not to take any more risks. His expression remained calm, without anger. In fact, he was more expectant. He had deliberately encouraged people to take action just now, so that he could see the true capabilities of Wang Xuan now, and the results were pleasing. Extraordinary individuals who could break through at such a speed were beyond the norm. He was satisfied and patiently waited for the next opportunity to personally take down Wang Xuan! Many Transcendents within the great veil couldn''t calm down. Those two individuals were indeed not weak. They died as soon as they went out. What kind of absurd era was this? A little devil in the mortal realm could kill them with just one nce. "Thanks, my brother," Zheng Yuantian said. At the next moment, the great veil disappeared with a swish, and everyone vanished. Under the night sky, tranquility returned, as if nothing had happened. "What are your thoughts?" Zhang Daoling looked at Wang Xuan, smiling as he held up the broken bronze mirror, which reflected nothing but Wang Xuan''s figure. Wang Xuan suddenly felt the urge to spar with Zhang Daoling, but after some consideration, he held back. He estimated that he still couldn''t win! This Old Zhang was peeking at him with the broken bronze mirror and he was even doing it right in front of him. He must have done it even more when he had nothing to do! Zhang Daoling was somewhat suspicious. He felt that this kid still had secrets on him. So, he leaned closer and repeatedly used the mirror to check, but he found nothing. "Its nothing. Im bullied right at the doorstep, Im too miserable. I''ve never been so aggrieved in my life!" Wang Xuan sighed in response. "Are you trying to act cute?!" said Old Zhang as couldn''t bear it anymore. Wang Xuan had sent Zheng Yuantian back empty-handed, and he had killed two people right in front of him, yet he still thinks hes the victim. "Zhang Daoling, what kind ofnguage are you using?" Wang Xuan corrected him. "That''s enough, you haven''t suffered any losses," said Yan Yan while she nced at him. "I''m worried about the future. They can cut through the veil at any time. What if you''re not around? Won''t I die miserably?" Wang Xuan sighed. That was the truth. If it weren''t for people like Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and others by his side. Even with the Life Essence Furnace in hand, he would definitely be killed and lose the Treasure. All four of them had considerable backgrounds and couldn''t always apany him. These high-level experts hadn''t fallen to the point of bing bodyguards for others. Fang Yuzhu nodded and her delicate eyebrows slightly raised. She had a pensive expression on her stunning face as she said, "I''ll give you three immortal lights. You can activate them at any time. Each of them are equivalent to my full force strike." "Sister Fang!" shouted Wang Xuan in excitement as he was truly grateful. Just hearing that name was extraordinary. Fang Yuzhu''s full force strike was incredibly astonishing. If unleashed within the great veil, it could probably kill an entire battlefield of immortals! "I see youve been secretly calling her Sister Fang for a long time. Is there anything else you''re hiding from us?" Yan Yan spoke with her eyes darting around. There was a hint of allure and seduction in her gaze. Fang Yuzhu red at her, then looked at her with a slight smile, saying, "You made a mistake not long ago, so you should also give him three divine symbols." "Sister, are you really going to pull me into this? Okay, I''ll let you. I''ve always said I want to be with you no matter what." The red-clothed Demon Lord smiled charmingly. She was full of radiance when she teased the female Taoist. "Thanks, Sister Yan!" thanked Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan was filled with energy regardless of him getting a gift from Yan Yan. Putting aside whether the red-clothed Demon Lord would cause trouble, he had some so-called ideas in mind. It was a big n. "Is this really fine? I really can''t stand it," said Zhang Daoling as he listened to the name that Wang Xuan was calling out. He really didn''t know what to say. Even the Ancestor of the Patriarch of Hades Blood was speechless. "Brother Zhang!" shouted Wang Xuan as he approached him enthusiastically. He greeted him warmly. His eyes were shining when he looked at Zhang Daoling as he wanted to borrow his skills again. His own spirit could cross realms and enter the great veil without risk. In that case, if he possessed transcendent methods, could he quietly go and smash someone to death? Turn passivity into initiative! Chapter 395: Fate In The Mortal World Chapter 395: Fate In The Mortal World Zhang Daoling suddenly felt goosebumps on his skin when he heard Wang Xuan called him Brother Zhang. He immediately red and subconsciously reached to grab his neck as if he was going to lift him up. Fortunately, Wang Xuan had reached the tenth-stage which meant he had a swift reaction. He was always on guard against Zhang''s bad habit of randomly grabbing people for no reason. Zhang red and said, "Shut up, don''t call me that." "Brother Zhang, Patriarch, please assist me and grant me some techniques," begged Wang Xuan with his eager eye. He had some bold ideas in mind. "I already gave you three techniquesst time!" Zhang spoke up. At this time, Wang Xuan had to be conscious of the dangers. If he really wanted to take a risk, there was no fault in him having more divine powers. He whispered, Didnt I exchange the supreme scripture that only lunatics could practice with you for the three techniques?" The other three fell silent at his words.All three turned to look at Zhang Daoling. "Don''t speak if you dont know how to speak!" said Zhang, wanting to punch him. Fang Yuzhu spoke up and said, "Later, you can ask Zhang Daoling for a light-reflection technique or a life-saving Dragon-tiger Pill. That should be enough." "Thank you, Master Zhang!" Wang Xuan immediately bowed in gratitude. Zhang Daoling touched the mirror with his hand and restrained himself from smashing it. He nced at Maiden Fang, thinking to himself that they had all clearly arranged this in advance for him. "Hades Blood, what do you think?" said Yan Yan with a smile. The Patriarch of Hades Blood nodded and said, "I think it''s feasible. Master Zhang has vast divine powers. If he grants techniques, they must be extraordinary." "Do I look like I need your praise? The focus is on you!" Zhang nced at him. Then the Patriarch of Hades Blood realized that all three of them were looking at him, and there was no escaping it. They were urging him to grant techniques too! "Since that''s the case, I''ll grant my young friend Wang Xuan three undying divine lights!" said Hades Blood while gritting his teeth. He bestowed them since Zheng Yuantian kept pretending to be him so he had temporarily sided with Wang Xuan. The silver moon hung overhead, and several individuals sat cross-legged on the grass by the edge of the small reed-filledke. They were meticulously carving intricate and borate divine runes. It was a grand gesture that allowed no room for sloppiness. In the real world, there were no more transcendent rules. Otherwise, breaking through super warships with these runes would be as easy as tearing a paper. Wang Xuan felt like a great sorcerer now, as if chanting incantations could summon external powers and cast powerful spells! Old Zhang sneered and said, "Banishing spells, summoning extraterrestrial meteorites, wiping out cities and all that? Forget it. If our arts were to erupt with the support of mythical orders, we could easily pierce through the sky and incinerate hordes of deities." Wang Xuan introspected. His body was filled with small clusters of light, the unparalleled patterns sealed by these people. He could easily mobilize them. The patterns were swimming in his flesh and resonating with his spirit. He silently pondered and was considering whether he should activate them to unleash the power of that level that could perhaps even crush someone to death! Now, he had various considerations. Should I sneakily smash someone with his furnace lid or wait for a better opportunity? "No, I''m getting a bit carried away. That''s a peerless-level creature, and it can unleash its full power. I need to calm down, think clearly, and n my next move." Then, under the serene moonlight, Wang Xuan went to clean up that enormous Roc egg. He was prepared to entertain the four top experts without any remorse. High-quality ingredients were meant to be eaten. As for raising a pure-blooded Roc, he temporarily had no such intention. At this stage, he was under threat and was still struggling to survive himself. Where would he find the energy to raise such a beast? Besides, Maiden Fang had already said that this Roc egg had significant ws, which meant it had a high probability of not hatching. Wang Xuan had set himself a clear goal. It was to live well and not be killed by the unparalleled experts in the great veil. In the process, he would strive to find new paths and reshape mythology. The golden eggshell with patterns was extremely hard. Even ordinary transcendent beings might not be able to break it. In the night, it seemed to flicker with a faint golden me. Fang Yuzhu took over directly when she saw Wang Xuan about to take out the Godying Banner and smash the eggshell. In the kitchen, she quickly prepared, fried, cooked, and fried again, then added some other side dishes. Wang Xuan brought tables and chairs to thekeside. He also brought various ingredients, and served up some Celestial Liquor. Seeing Fang Yuzhu''s figure in the kitchen, Yan Yan smiled and said, "It''s really rare to see Sister cooking and making dishes herself. Sigh, it''s been a long time since I''ve seen it." "You''re in luck. These are delicacies made by the hands of several Demon Emperors. They are imbued with great fortune. Hmm, after eating dishes made by Maiden Fang herself, I can boast for a long time." The Patriarch of Hades Blood looked rough, but when it came to ttery, he was delicate and colorful. "I haven''t eaten Rocs Egg for over one hundred and fifty years. These birds of prey are bing rarer. Hmm, it tastes really good." said Zhang Daoling as he tasted it using his chopsticks. Golden light emanated from his mouth and nose, it gave him a look of nostalgia. Qing Mu was in the manor. Naturally, he paid attention to the mythical figures as there was such a big event going on. He had already discovered that they were preparing for a meal. What''s that? Why are all the dishes on the table glowing? Is it fried gold, boiled gold, steamed gold? He wondered. Then with haste, Qing Mu personally brought a cart of food that included various fragrant, braised, fresh dishes, fruits, various tters, and a pile of aged wine. "The egg of the Golden-winged Roc?" eximed Qing Mu. He was stunned when he learned what was on the table. "Have a taste." Wang Xuan invited him to sit down, but Qing Mu did not stay because he felt immense pressure sitting with several mythical figures. The Golden Roc egg wasrge enough to make over a dozen different dishes. Wang Xuan asked him to take away a te of glowing food, and it left Qing Mu in a daze for a long time. "I need to save some for my master." He held the te carefully as he was afraid of dropping it. "Theres still some left in the kitchen. You can take it with you," smiled Fang Yuzhu, waving her hand. "This heartwarming scene is quite rare. Perhaps there''s a slight chance my sister might fall into the mortal world. She seems to be liking it," said Yan Yan while resting her chin on her snowy white hand. She hadn''t looked at the food on the table but had been observing Fang Yuzhu in the kitchen. She was showing an unusual expression. "This is a good thing. We cane over for meals more often in the future," chuckled the Patriarch of Hades Blood while holding a wine ss. After drinking the Celestial Liquor, his body was covered in light, seemingly ascending once more in the dead of night. "Demon Lord, aren''t you going to stay in the mortal realm? How about showing off your skills in the kitchen?" Zhang Daoling daringly spoke up, suggesting Mistress Yan Yan to also cook. "The person worthy of my cooking skills hasn''t appeared yet," she saidzily. She held the Nightlight Cup with elegance as she took a sip of Celestial Liquor. Her demeanor was charming. However, at the corners of her eyes, there was not only charm but also the dominance of the leader of the demon n. It was hidden beneath her softness, and it showed her supreme power over all. That night, both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves. Wang Xuan sincerely thanked the four top experts and offered toasts to them frequently. During the banquet, he took out the scripture left by the severely mentally ill patient and showed it to them. "I''m considering that since Patriarch Zhang practiced it without any incidents and even highly rmends it, then there shouldn''t be any major problems," said Wang Xuan with a wagging tongue. He didn''t want to drink much, but s, that kind of wine could knock down even celestial beings. Old Zhang''s expression instantly turned unfriendly as he realized that he was being used as an experiment. In the deep night, the red-clothed Demon Lord flew away like a fairy, her graceful figure carried a shower of light. Was it really the flesh and blood of a human bathing in moonlight and flying away? Wang Xuan was astonished. "I''ll be leaving for now, but I''ll be back soon," her voice echoed in the vast sky. Zhang Daoling and the Patriarch of Hades Blood also departed. They first walked on the moon and then, shortly after, rode the bronze mirror and left the ground with a hazy and ethereal aura. Wang Xuan sighed, "It''s a pity. The end of the year is approaching, and in the future, this mortal world may never see such graceful figures flying again." Hey on the bed. At this level, he didn''t need sleep anymore. However he felt a bit intoxicated today, and his eyelids grew heavy. He slept in his clothes. Before falling asleep, he smelled the fragrance on his clothes again. Demon Lord Yan Yan was indeed audacious. What exactly had she done? It seemed that Fang Yuzhu and him had once been put together by her to share a bed. The next day, Fang Yuzhu went to An City University early in the morning. She returned to her student status and blended into the university. She wanted to experience it for a short period of ten days or half a month. She wanted to read various books from ancient to modern times that span the entire history. Immortals that entered the mortal world and faced the impact of the times each had their own considerations. It doesn''t matter whether it was Zhang Daoling, the Demon Lord, or Fang Yuzhu. Some had indeed epted the cruelty of reality and wanted to integrate into the present world, like the Patriarch of Hades Blood. But there were also those who traversed the mortal world with high spirits and were umting their strength in tranquility. They were preparing to soar into the sky and bid farewell to the world! Wang Xuan saw clearly and sighed, "There are some that want to adapt to the ups and downs of the world and live in the present. And there are some that want to transcend the mundane and depart from the mortal world. They are willing to fade away, yet they still radiate the brilliance of mythology, and are unwilling to extinguish the faith in their hearts. That pure and intense light of the immortal path is only dormant. It is waiting for the moment of breaking through the sky. Itll either be reborn or be silent eternally." Over the next few days, Wang Xuan studied scriptures and cultivated his strength. His strength had increased too fast recently. He wanted to deepen his understanding and umte his own foundation. He wasnt in a rush to fight someone but he prepared earnestly and was striving to make himself stronger. "Why bother struggling when the transcendent is disappearing from this world? " Wang Xuan sometimes wondered if all this still had any meaning. He could only strive forward mainly because some people were ambitious, and wanted to survive the winter nights of transcendence by building on the bones of others. Others wanted to make a move on him, and he had no choice. So, he could only be more proactive! "Wang Xuan, how are you and Little Fang?" Wang Xuan''s dad''s call came when he was standing in reality but wandering in the extraordinary realm. Little Fang? At first, Wang Xuan didn''t react, then quickly corrected, saying, "Dad, don''t call her that. Sister Fang is a cultivator." "Sister already? Looks like there''s something going on. Little Fang is a very nice girl," Wang''s mom chimed in. She sounded very pleased, obviously hovering over the phone. "She''s a transcendent!" Wang Xuan hurriedly reminded them while lowering his voice. Fang Yuzhu was next door, and she came back every night. She had learned to drive. "I know, I asked Qing Mu about it. She''s an immortal, isn''t that even better? Son, put in more effort, marry a maiden immortal as your wife!" Wang''s mom lowered her voice and she looked even more delighted. She was not at all afraid, but was actively ying matchmaker, wishing she could be there to help out. "Mom, stop it. Sister Fang might hear!" Wang Xuan believed that with Fang Yuzhu''s strength and her living next door, there were hardly any secrets. "It doesnt matter even if she hears it. I know everything now, after the end of transcendence, and if you didnt be an immortal, do you want me toe over and help you?" Wang Xuan''s mother asked. "Don''t, Mom, please don''t intervene. I know everything!" Wang Xuan immediately cut off his mothers word. "What do you know? You don''t understand the situation. Even immortals are human. Meeting in the mortal world, that''s fate!" said Wang''s mom with frustration. Next door, Fang Yuzhu was reading a book. The most beautiful women were those who were focused and quiet. She was elegant and graceful, her long hair fell on one side of her fair and pretty face. She put down the book and heard those conversations. She smiled gently, and showed no sign of anger. Then, she heard Wang''s mom''s more pressing words. "Son, wait for us. Your dad and I wille over immediately, to An City. Well help you out. We''ve decided on her as our daughter-inw!" said Wang Xuans mom. The couple was fixed on going over to help Wang Xuan. Chapter 396: The Poisonous Mushroom Soup Of Wang Xuan’s Mom Chapter 396: The Poisonous Mushroom Soup Of Wang Xuan¡¯s Mom "Stop, you don''t understand anything. You''re not clear about what''s going on here, so please don''t get involved. Okay, I''m hanging up," Wang Xuan didn''t want to continue the conversation. After all, Fang Yuzhu was one of the top figures among immortals. Even though she was very magnanimous, it was just too romantic to hear others mention her marriage prospects. So, Wang Xuan felt a bit guilty and stopped his parents from saying more. "If you dare to hang up, we''lle over right away!" On the other end, Wang Xuan''s mother was dissatisfied with his perfunctory response. She felt that he wasn''t proactive enough. "You don''t understand, being a transcendent isplicated. Mom, Dad, please don''t say anything more. I''ll exin everything to youter on." "How can you say we don''t understand anything? Recently, we''ve been well-informed about all sorts of secrets about myths in Ping City. We know much more than you." Wang Xuan didn''t want them to be so concerned. The two of them simply didn''t understand the various mindsets of immortals in the mortal world. Not everyone chooses to return to the mundane world. Wang''s mom said, "Why pursue immortality and seek eternal life in this day and age? Cherishing the present is what truly matters. When the prosperity fades, the path of immortality declines, returning to simplicity and mundanity is the essence. When the person that searched hundreds of times for eternal life looks back, he will suddenly find out that the light he was searching for was dimming." Wang Xuan stared nkly as his mom was lecturing him again. "Let me tell you, in this day and age, pursuing transcendence isn''t wrong, but don''t get carried away," Wang''s mom warned. "I understand!" replied Wang Xuan. "What do you understand? Those who crave for it, are willing to give everything and are eagerly seeking for it. They are mostly chasing after illusions, something thats forever out of their reach. The more you desire, the more unattainable it bes. Otherwise, you''re just like a moth that yearns for light but gets burned by fire, consuming yourself in the end. What it wants is your life," she concluded. Wang Xuan was stunned by his own mother''s lecture that was like a bowl of toxic chicken soup. He felt somewhat dazed. Inadvertently, it had touched upon some of his inner journeys. The Immortal Flower of eternal life blurred the line between illusion and reality. In the void, whaty beyond the meteorite path? Was it truth or falsehood? Was there a real ce? These desires drove him to sacrifice himself. It made him willing to endure the burning of red substances. He desired to transcend death, and had been risking his life to pass through it. He was willing to pay any price to get closer to the source. He was willing to give everything. Yet, was all his effort like a moth flying into me? He sought truth, but the other side sought his life. At this moment, Wang Xuan felt paralyzed. He was unexpectedly moved in his heart, followed by a sense of horror. He had never considered whether the true source held deadly danger. He had always imagined it as something beautiful, believing that sess there would mean having everything. Meanwhile, Fang Yuzhu reclined on the bed and was reading peacefully and rxed. She was asionally listening to the conversation between the mother and son. She found the dialogue somewhat intriguing, reflective of the times, and couldn''t help but smile. However, as Wang''s mother served up her toxic chicken soup, Fang Yuzhu''s smile faded. She folded in her long, snowy legs, and sat cross-legged on the bed as she felt poisoned as well! She was a peerless maiden that had killed demon emperors, destroyed demon lords, ended all ancient relics, and ushered in the glory of the medieval era. She possessed unparalleled strength. She had a strong belief that myths would extinguish. She was willing to burn her true self to break through the clouds, and renew the world of the transcendent. She refused to bow down or give up. But now, those words had an impact on her. Was the end of the transcendent sea I was about to leap into not necessarily true? She possessed the universe with an unimaginable breadth of mind. Was the step she was about to take wrong? Like a moth to a me, had she been lured by the brilliance of that transcendent sea? "Mom, another bowl of poisonous mushroom soup, please!" After snapping out of his reverie, Wang Xuan called for another bowl from his mother. "That''s the essence of life, the light of the soul. Don''t speak nonsense and degrade it. It''s one thing to keep yourself fit, but don''t go too far. Everything needs moderation. Too much of anything is bad!" That night, Wang Xuan drank many bowls of toxic chicken soup and poisonous mushroom soup. He truly felt poisoned by it. Atst, under his mother''s criticism, he nodded and agreed to start making efforts for the sake of marriage. After hanging up the phone, he reflected. He felt coerced and annoyed, so did he just reluctantly agree verbally to avoid drinking the soup? "It''s a bit strange. Why is she so insistent? Although she used to urge me, it wasn''t this forceful," Wang Xuan shook his head and did not dwell on it anymore. His parents informed him that they woulde over in a while! After entering a state of meditation, Fang Yuzhu quietly pondered and carefully sensed the world around her. While she was moved, she also had some other thoughts. She contemted, images of figures shed in her mind. They were all myths and people that had disappeared. Some had no connection with her. They were once mighty, but they were long gone like the mist. And some had crossed paths with her, even some whom she had dealt with harshly! Several dayster, Huang Ming and Kong Yun''s Immortal Tea House opened, and they were inviting acquaintances to attend. Wang Xuan initially didn''t want to go, but he couldn''t reject Huang''s enthusiastic invitation, especially when he subtly mentioned that Old Zhang and Hades Blood had a stake in it. He was quite surprised and found it intriguing. The two patriarchs that descended into the mortal world acted as patrons. He decided to go and see what was going on. When Zhang Daoling and Hades Blood received the call, they almost went there straightaway to eliminate that demon. They warned Huang Ming not to use their names to promote the store. However, they had no choice but to go. As they feared that Huang and the others might cause trouble. The Immortal Tea House had a very celestial name and was located in a bustling area of An City. The interior decoration was also quite impressive with the influx of money from the investor behind Huang Ming and Kong Yun. The key point is that Huang Ming and Kong Yun personally participated in nting flowers, grass, and vines. Some of which were species taken from the great veil. The ce was embellished with strange stones and spiritual objects. This sizable tea house that was designed by them resembled a small celestial cave with ethereal mist rising from below. It was truly captivating. Nowadays, the tea business isn''t easy. However, under the management of Huang Ming and Kong Yun, this three-story tea house exploded with business. They specialized in immortal drinks, with keywords being, immortal health, longevity, and life extension. As people entered, all they saw were exotic flowers, vines, and strange trees. They felt rxed after taking a sip of the spiritual aura that was in the tea house. It was impossible not to attract attention and be popr. "Everyone, don''t worry, you can order online and have it delivered to your home. We guarantee that it''s pure tea from ancient tea trees cultivated in celestial caves. The leaves are picked when they are the freshest and most tender. Each can of tea can be traced back to its exact source, and every leaf is picked by a real celestial maiden." At the entrance of the tea house, Huang Ming was promoting and doing live broadcasts because of the long queue outside that stretched endlessly. Of course, he felt that the selling point wasn''t enough, so he used his connections to invite the two maidens, Zhou Shiqian and Chen Yan to help in promotion. The former debuted as a transcendent singer and was well-known foring from within the great veil. "Everyone, please download the app of our Immortal Tea House, the only ce where genuine immortal tea is sold. With just a light touch, delivery will be made to your doorstep. We ensure quality and quantity. It''s very convenient." Upstairs, Zhang Daoling nced down and felt a pang of difort. This cunning fox was really showing off, using all sorts of tricks, hoping not to deceive people. "Are you serious? Are the tea trees really cultivated in the immortal realm and picked by real celestial maidens?" someone asked loudly. "Of course, after you order, you can scan the anti-counterfeiting celestial code on the tea can for verification. You can watch the picking process, where each tea leaf passes through the hands of a celestial maiden" "Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight shines on the dew, those purest fairies in the great veil will only pick for fifteen minutes. They won''t continue for a second longer, nor will they collect an extra leaf because during this time, all life is at its most vigorous." "Therefore, this kind of tea from the celestion cave is extremely limited in quantity. We have restrictions on purchases, and each person can buy a small can at most within half a month." "It''s interesting. Let''s not forget, this cunning fox is quite adept at seizing opportunities. We might consider buying his shop," someone said lightly. Without a doubt, transcendents that came from the great veil had arrived, and they had great backgrounds. "Isn''t this inappropriate? As fellow exiles that came to the mortal realm from the immortal realm, taking away their business doesn''t look good," someone objected. "It''s just a normal capital operation. We won''t forcefully take over. When they understand our strength, Huang Ming will be willing to cooperate. Behind us, we have Master Zhengs exceptional disciples. Besides, we were originally nning to do simr business. We''re opening an Angel Coffee Shop here in the near future." "Wait, who''s on the third floor?" "Zhang Daoling, the Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect, Maiden Fang, and Wang Xuan? Ah, forget it. Let''s not bother them for now. This cunning fox actually managed to get them involved." "Grown in an otherworldly cave and hand-picked by pure fairies. You ask how good such tea leaves are? Even the legendary Patriarch Zhang praised it after he tasted it!" said Huang Ming as brought out Old Zhang. "You ask who Old Zhang is? He''s Patriarch Zhang Daoling, ranked among the top in the immortal realm!" eximed Huang Ming. He got too excited. Not only did he stimte ordinary people but also awed many extraordinary individuals. On the third floor, Old Zhang''s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. This cunning fox was actually using his name to sell tea. Did he want to be skinned alive? He didn''t want his yellow skin anymore! "Old Zhang praised it?" Wang Xuan chuckled. Huang Ming and Kong Yun seemed to sense something and realized they had gone too far. They wiped their sweat and hurried to the third floor. "Patriarch Zhang, Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect, Maiden Fang, we have indeed prepared the best immortal tea from behind the great veil!" Huang Ming said, quickly unsealing the jade jar. A divine radiance surged from within, and the fragrance of tea immediately flowed out. It enveloped the entire three-story tea house like a celestialnd. Wang Xuan was moved. Was there really such a fine immortal tea? "This is the tea bestowed upon my ancestors by Elder Heng Jun many years ago. We''ve been reluctant to drink it. Today, I invite the Patriarchs to taste it." said Huang Ming while he wore an apologetic expression. It made it hard for Old Zhang to me him. Inside the jade jar were not tea leaves but tiny fruits that were translucent like jade stones. There were only a few grains that were the size of fingernails and each had a different color. When brewed, the jade pot seemed like a celestialnd, with fantastical scenes emerging, and fragrances wafting up. It intensified the tea aroma that had emerged earlier. The light mist spread and presented various enchanting scenes. It covered the entire three-story building with tea fragrance and miraculous scenes that left everyone awestruck. "Excellent tea!" Zhang Daoling took a sip and sincerely eximed. "Patriarch Zhang praised it after tasting it!" Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sectughed heartily. Although Old Zhang looked unfriendly, he didn''t get angry in the end. He red at Huang Ming, and the matter was considered settled. Naturally, Wang Xuan was qualified to taste this tea. After just one sip, light readiated all over his body. He felt as if he were about to ascend to heaven. He was startled. Am I about to break through the tenth stage? This surprised him so much he didn''t dare to take a second sip. He needed to savor it slowly and contemte it. "Tramp, tramp, tramp" Zhou Shiqi and Chen Yan also arrived. Despite the presence of the patriarchs, they couldn''t resisting over to have some tea. Then, Zhou Qinghuang also appeared. As Zhou Shiqi and Fang Yuzhu''s college roommate, she came to show her support and openly joined in to drink tea. "You said this was bestowed upon your ancestors by Elder Heng Jun?" Wang Xuan asked. Huang Ming nodded, saying, "Yes, that ancient tea tree that is outside of Elder Hengjun''s cave was known to all. It is the number one tea in the immortal realm that is renowned far and wide." In order to get closer to Old Zhang and Fang Yuzhu, he spared no effort, bringing along the rare treasures passed down through his family. Wang Xuan immediately became intrigued. Originally nning to enter the immortal realm to quietly kill Zheng Yuantian, now it seemed that a visit to the Heng Jun family was also worthwhile. He had been preparing for days. After making some final adjustments, it was almost time to take action. Wang Xuan could prate the mist emitted by the Life Soil to enter the great veil. It was a secret unknown to others. He was considering whether or not to lure certain individuals out this time. Thinking it over carefully, he believed it was better to remain low-key. In any case, he wanted to enter the immortal realm. After being in contact with the transcendent realm for so long and getting to know so many mythical figures, he hadn''t truly experienced the wonders of the immortal realm. He wanted to appreciate the splendid scenery of the soon-to-be-extinguished mountains and rivers of the immortal realm. "Should I go with Sister Fang, or should I go to find the main body of the Celestial Sword Maiden, or should I travel alone Wang Xuan pondered as he considered various possibilities. Chapter 397: Fighting Master Zheng Online and Offline Chapter 397: Fighting Master Zheng Online and Offline Wang Xuan thought of various possibilities and felt there was great potential. Leaving aside whether he could kill Master Zheng, just going to the immortal realm to seek various opportunities was worth looking forward to. He unconsciously took another sip of the immortal tea. Misty and colorful clouds billowed and surrounded him with wonders. The mountains and rivers of the immortal realm unexpectedly appeared. An ancient tea tree that was lush and verdant. It bore sparse fruit that was different in color. There were golden, purple, fiery red and many more. It was a riot of colors. That was the world-renowned First Tea Tree in front of Heng Juns Cave. Each fruit was the size of a fingertip and the tree was guarded by a celestial maiden. It was given great importance and had to be harvested at specific times. "This tea tree is going to be mine." Wang Xuan looked at the sceneryposed of tea fragrance and mist before him. He felt extraordinary. The brewed tea fruits were truly remarkable. If he entered the immortal realm, he must dig up this tree! Not only were the customers inside the Immortal Tea House stunned, even the people passing by on the street were shocked by the wonderful fragrance, the appearance of the immortal realm and the First Ancient Tea Tree. There was no doubt that Huang Ming and Kong Yun''s business had seeded. From now on, it would be impossible for it not to be bustling. "This tea is extraordinary, it can help people break through!" said several young people that were present. They closed their eyes and were all gaining insights. For example, the cultivation levels that Huang Ming and Kong Yun lost during the previous tremor were both beginning to advance again. No wonder Zhou Qinghuang hade over with such persistence, and even quiet maidens like Zhou Shiqi were following suit to drink tea. It was indeed very effective. After drinking a cup of tea, Wang Xuan felt a sense of tranquility in his mind, but he did not break through in the end. He realized that the tenth stage was too special, its already at the forefront theoretically. He wanted to reach a levelparable to the thirteenth stage in a game of Go on his path of cultivation. It was a tremendous challenge! As for Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling, it was even less likely for them to break through. At their level, relying on the best Immortal Tea would not have much effect. "Little Huang, your business is doing well. Do you have any other ideas?" The Patriarch of Hades Blood spoke with a smile. He had some ideas himself and wanted to develop in the mortal realm to provide some livelihood for his disciples. "Patriarch, thank you for thepliment. I indeed have some ideas. If you''re interested, you can join us and provide us with more guidance." said Huang Ming. He was extremely enthusiastic and wanted totch onto a powerful backer. Because there were quite a few immortals returning, and thepetition was fierce with a mixed bag of fish and dragons. Some even lost their lives because of it. "Tell me about it." said the Patriarch of Hades Blood. He had intended to open a livestockpany and wanted to gain some insights from Huang Ming. Huang Ming said, "It''s still rted to passing time and health. I was nning to open another coffee shop next to the Immortal Tea House. After all, everyone has different tastes. In this way, it will create a positive interaction." When the Patriarch of Hades Blood heard this, he suddenly lost interest. Beverages again? He didn''t think it was very innovative. Could it be more appealing than the gimmicks of the tea house? Others had the same thought. Huang Ming''s various efforts had ensured the tea house''s business was unbeatable. Introducing apeting product seemed meaningless. With confidence, Huang Ming said, "Everyone, my coffee shop will take a different approach. I guarantee it will be explosively popr. Those who like it will love it, and those who dislike it will criticize it harshly. But it can be used to draw attention and highlight the Immortal Tea House''s freshness, elegance, and refinement." Wang Xuan, Fang Yuzhu, and Old Zhang were all intrigued and asked about his methods. Seeing everyone''s attention, Huang Ming became spirited and passionate and said, "In this era, what''s the most valuable? Innovation, leading the way, being different." "In innguage, please!" said the Patriarch of Hades Blood. He really wanted to be a legitimate businessman now, so he was the most impatient. Kong Yun pulled Huang Ming aside, urging him to be more cautious. "The name of our coffee shop is Immortal Envoy Coffee. Just with this name, it''s worth its weight in gold and destined to be popr." said Huang Ming with yellow eyes gleaming. The Patriarch of Hades Blood was puzzled and quite disappointed. There wasn''t anything special about it. Was he imitating the name of the Immortal Tea House? Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat. He suddenly didn''t feel like drinking tea anymore as he thought of a certain possibility. This Master Huang was really good at stirring things up and his ideas were really daring! Fang Yuzhu, who had recently transformed into a university student to read all the books of this era, also showed a strange expression. She had thought of something too, and gave Huang Ming a re. "Is that it? My name would be more useful," Zhang Daoling spoke up. Huang Ming chuckled awkwardly and even made a grand gesture. He said with an apologetic tone, "I dare not disrespect your name." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan suddenly had an idea. Huang Ming looked at the several maidens present and invited them to join in. He told them they could just endorse the cafe a bit and they''d receive shares in return. Zhou Shiqi, Chen Yan, and Zhou Qinghuang were all very surprised, asking him what trick he was ying. "The best-selling coffee in the Old World and New World at the moment is Cat''s Brew Coffee and Fox''s Brew Coffee. Our brand emphasizes the elegance of the immortal realm" Before Huang Ming could finish, Chen Yan''s celestial sword flew out with a ng. Though Zhou Shiqi had a good temper, her expression had changed now. She exuded a murderous aura. Zhou Qinghuang tossed away her sses. Her schrly demeanor vanished and was reced by a phoenix shadow that appeared behind her. The radiance was dazzling, and she even hoisted an energy cannon on her shoulder. She was ready to st Huang Ming. "What''s going on?" asked the Patriarch of Hades Blood. Kong Yun reluctantly helped in exining, saying, "In the coffee world, many people believe that the undigested coffee beans left behind by some animals that enjoy coffee fruit are hard, full-bodied, and of excellent quality. By collecting them, they have created brands like that" "What! You could have just said it''s Civet Poop Coffee, couldn''t you?" The Patriarch of Hades Blood put down his tea cup. This kind of heavy introduction was a bit too much for him to bear. Old Zhang didn''t say a word. He just grabbed Huang Ming and started hitting him. He couldn''t believe Huang Ming had dared topare his own brand with Immortal Envoy Coffee. It was despicable. No matter how much Huang Ming struggled, he couldn''t escape the beating. He howled in pain and tears streamed down his face. He felt wronged. How did I offend someone just by suggesting a good idea? "Who could stand this?" sighed the Patriarch of Hades Blood. "Why can''t you stand it? If I''m not chosen as an example for endorsements, then so be it. Zhou Shiqi is a celestial maiden thats pure and refined. Shes iparable to those musky cats. Shes a million times more noble than those cats. And Zhou Qinghuang, from the Demon n is also renowned. They are immortals, and are far superior to those cats" Before Huang Ming could finish, he was beaten up by the two women! The two women didn''t even bother to bow to Zhang Daoling. They just snatched Huang Ming away from Old Zhang''s hands. They didn''t care about elegance anymore and were ready to tear him apart alive. "Alright, sisters, I was wrong. I won''t ask you to invest anymore. Instead, we can give it a new meaning. A love story between the Demon n and the Immortal n. We can focus on romance Ahhh!" said Huang Ming, and he was beaten again before he could finish. Kong Yun watched hispanions being beaten and dared not make a sound. He feared he would be the target of their anger. Fortunately, the ce was soundproofed with magic spells. Otherwise, the screams here would surely scare away all the customers. "Patriarch of Hades Blood, we talked about thisst time. I know you want to start a livestockpany, and I have some ideas. By then, we can showcase high-end products, iming they are rare beasts imported from the immortal realm. We can also offer them at affordable prices and ensure a closed-loop process of the industry. From meat to deep processing, even to valuable fur business, and also gtin for blood nourishment and beauty" pleaded Huang Ming. Eventually, the guests and hosts bid farewell and left. Zhou Shiqi vowed never to endorse any business of Huang Ming and Kong Yun again as she was afraid of being deceived. The Patriarch of Hades Blood stayed behind as he was quite interested. Wang Xuan left. He needed to prepare for the major event of entering the immortal realm! These days, he had done his homework thoroughly and learned about Heng Jun''s character through Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling. He also studied Zheng Yuantian''s habits. "It would be perfect if the real body of Zheng Yuantian came out. His realm has dropped severely. Smashing him directly would be the safest. But every time hees out, it''s just his avatar," sighed Wang Xuan. He calmed down and thought that the idea of entering the immortal realm was excellent, but killing Zheng Yuantian would be difficult. "It would be best to lure out the real Zheng Yuantian and kill him," said Wang Xuan. Of course, he longed for the immortal realm and still intended to go there. As long as Heng Jun was not at home, Wang Xuan dared to go and dig up the tree. Recently, treasures had been appearing from time to time, and experts from all walks of life risked their lives in the battles. If Zheng Yuantian was severely injured during a fight, Wang Xuan would definitely take the opportunity to kill him! He possessed the supreme technique sealed by the four top experts. His chances were high if he activated the lid of the Life Essence Furnace again. A few dayster, he prepared to go to the deste mountains eight hundred miles away from An City to check out the current situation of the Celestial Sword Maiden. "Wang Xuan, I''ve shed with some of Master Zheng''s people and had helped you wipe out part of their forces!" Huang Ming''s call came suddenly, boasting on the other end. Now everyone knew that Wang Xuan and Zheng Yuantian were at odds. It was causing quite a stir. Wang Xuan was taken aback. Did the cunning Huang Ming dare to challenge Zheng Yuantian''s camp? That was a bit far-fetched. "It''s like this, Zheng Yuantian''s disciples have opened a chain of Angel Coffee shops in the New World, and they have a big presence there. Recently, they came to the Old World again and set up a gship store just opposite of our tea house. Thepetition is obvious. With the support of the Patriarch of Hades Blood, I engaged them in a decisive business battle and wiped out part of their capital," Huang Ming boasted, looking heroic. He decisively fought back when others bullied him. "I''ve given them a free business n for the Angel Coffee shop that I mentionedst time. The response has been extremely enthusiastic. Apart from a small number of people who like it, many people have gone to smash their shops" Wang Xuan was speechless. Long after he hung up the phone, he was lost in thought. This was abined effort online and offline to attack Master Zheng. He was also going to take action. Huang Ming unexpectedly made a move against them Obviously with the Patriarch of Hades Blood backing him, Huang Ming had the confidence to counterattack. The deste mountains were quiet. In the morning light, the grass and leaves were covered with dew that was shining brightly. Wang Xuan arrived and was searching for the Celestial Sword Maiden. "Is she smaller now?" Wang Xuan used his spiritual eye and found the mini version of the Celestial Sword Maiden who was soundly asleep. She appeared to be slightly smaller than before. Her long eyshes trembled lightly as she sensed something. Upon being observed, she woke up immediately. Swoosh! A sword qi flew out, and Wang Xuan quickly dodged it. "It''s me!" he spoke up, sitting on the ground and looking at the exquisite little thing underground. She was now beautiful and lovely. She was full of immortal aura, but just a bit small in size. "Don''t look at me. I''m really unhappy!" she grumbled. Afterboring for two months, she was suddenly reduced to her former size. "It''s okay. You''re so cute like this. Your immortal beauty willst forever, leaving no trace of time. You''re regressing in age. Youll make many people envy and hate you," Wang Xuanforted. The Celestial Sword Maiden''s hair was very long and loose now. It was simr to her pure and beautiful appearance when she was bigger. But she still had a bit of baby fat, chubby cheeks that made people want to pinch them. Now she was pouting and staring with her big eyes, saying, "I must have been shaken down by you. I noticed itst time. Nothing happens when you''re around, but when you shake, it''s really but the substance emitted by your body is very useful to me. How will youpensate me?" "What do you want me to do?" Wang Xuan chuckled. "I just want to grow up faster. What''s wrong with you? Why do you always shake?" said The Celestial Sword Maiden with her bright eyes. She stared at him intently and was studying him. "It''s not me shaking. Don''t use me wrongly. It''s the sky shaking, it''s the treasures resonating." Wang Xuan denied, changing the subject, "By the way, I have a way to make you grow up faster. How about this? This time, I n to bring out the grown-up you from the great veil. What do you think? Shall we team up this time, two great Celestial Sword Immortals venturing into the immortal realm together?" Chapter 398: The Sword Immortal In Trouble, Again Chapter 398: The Sword Immortal In Trouble, Again The miniature Sword Immortal appeared on the surface, her eyes interwoven with special textures, as if she wanted to see through Wang Xuan, who always seemed mysterious to her. "Where is your main body within the veil? Don''t you want toe out?" Wang Xuan quickly diverted her attention, bringing up old matters, intending to lead her out of the veil. "It should be in the Guanghan Pce." The Sword Immortal seemed listless. It had been a long time, and she still hadn''t grown up. When the main body returned, she was sure to still be underage. "In the Guanghan Pce? That''s near Mount Buzhou and the Yaochi, belonging to the spiritual realm?" "Yes, in the ruins of Guanghan, practicing swordsmanship, searching for the Celestial Essence. Won''t return unless reaching the transcendent level!" Speaking of this, she suddenly became spirited again, like a child, changing faces in the blink of an eye. Wang Xuan couldn''t help butugh at her demeanor. "What are youughing at?!" Now, this little thing was indeed quirky and lovable, with big, bright ck eyes, a cute chubby face with apple cheeks. Even when she tried to look fierce, she couldn''t pull it off. Wang Xuan couldn''t resist. He pinched her chubby little face, feeling how soft and smooth it was. Then he saw the fire in her eyes. Last time, he had reached out with his "devil hand", bold and reckless. Today, the miniature Sword Immortal encountered his "evil hand" once again. "Ah!" She emitted a sword aura all over her body, like a little hedgehog, quite sharp. She managed to prick Wang Xuan on the side, ring at him angrily. When they first met in the inner realm, she had managed to put Wang Xuan and Lao Chen in their ce, showing respect to her every time they met, addressing her as "Fairy". How much time had passed? This Wang Xuan was about to float into outer space, treating her like a chubby child? She quickly summoned her fairy sword, intending to teach him a lesson. ng! ng! ng! Wang Xuan took a passive defensive stance. Despite her small size, she was really strong, after all, her main body had reached the quasi-transcendent level. "I won''t fight you. We don''t fight among ourselves!" He decisively retreated. How could hepete with a child, especially such a powerful one? He couldn''t afford to provoke her. "What kind of freak are you? Why do you make such great progress every time we meet?" The Sword Immortal''s eyes shimmered with colorful light. Although her little face was tight with anger, she was truly amazed inside. "Isn''t it just opening a special inner realm during your mortal days? Is there no justice in cultivation?" She grumbled, feeling very aggrieved. In recent ancient times, she was the only quasi-transcendent, the rising star closest to the strongest. Her progress in cultivation had been terrifying enough to make all the demon saints and celestial beings feel pressured. As a result, this young man, who had been educated by her all the way, progressed at an astonishing rate, even faster than she did in her younger years! "It''s unavoidable. In this era, I could throw out a shoe randomly and it would hit a deity. The old world and the new stars are teeming with monsters. In order to survive, I can only strive to keep up with all of you and defeat all kinds of demons and monsters," Wang Xuan said. Then, he actually threw out a shoe. The result? A passing oriental magpie-robin let out a shriek and fluttered awayit turned out to be a female demon immortal! "See that?" Wang Xuan was even speechless himself. "That''s one of mine, recently tamed and kept as a lookout!" the miniature Sword Immortal waved towards the distance, signaling the magpie-robin to leave temporarily. Wang Xuan became serious. "I''m not joking with you. Quickly inform your main body. I will guide her out. Don''t dy, lest something unexpected happens." "Didn''t I tell you? I''m afraid your inner realm might be severely damaged when it''s prated by your vital energy. She''s looking for the Heavenly Essence to help restore your body," the Sword Immortal whispered. "No need. I have another way. My body won''t be harmed!" Wang Xuan said. Then, he thought for a moment and took out a few pieces of Natural Crystal, handing them over. "See if these are useful for you, if they can elerate your growth." "What... is this?" The miniature female Sword Immortal held the pieces of blue-glowing Natural Crystal, squinting her big eyes, her face filled with happiness and almost intoxicated. "It feels sofortable, and it''s very useful for me!" She was extremely happy, feeling as if her flesh and blood were bing transparent, and her tendons and bones were about to undergo transformation and growth. "And more." Wang Xuan took out a dozen dazzling golden Natural Crystals. Having absorbed the blue and gold-colored quasi-real super-substance, he broke through to the tenth realm. In his process of umtion, seeking new super-substances was more meaningful for his breakthroughs and advancements. There were other colored Natural Crystals on him. "Is that too many?" The Sword Immortal held a pile of Natural Crystals, her eyes gleaming with excitement. If Wang Xuan weren''t present, she might have even rolled around joyfully on the ground, her enthusiasm palpable. "Remember your demeanor; maintain the poise of an immortal," Wang Xuan gently reminded her with a smile. Quicklyposing herself, the Sword Immortal returned to her graceful demeanor, her expression solemn. "Indeed, I''ll inform my main body and urge her to prepare for a return. However, I''m unsure if she''ll heed my advice." With that settled, Wang Xuan and the Sword Immortal devised a n. Should her main body return, they would rendezvous at the Divine Sky Cliff behind the veil. Having done his research, Wang Xuan was familiar with the veil''s topography and had learned of Zheng Yuantian and Heng Jun''s relocation to the fairy world corresponding to the old world. Recent appearances of the Human Sword and the Freedom Boat in the rear had raised suspicion among some prominent figures, prompting heightened vignce. "Do you know how to evade the formidable divine skill ''Tracing Old Scenes'' employed by these top-tier experts?" Wang Xuan inquired, concerned about potential repercussions if his actions in the fairy world were traced back to him. He had witnessed firsthand the terrifying abilities of figures like Lao Zhang and Zheng Yuantian, and feared being exposed should he cause a stir in the fairy world. "It''s quiteplicated. However, bybining real and ethereal substances to craft armor that blurs the line between reality and illusion, one might conceal their actions effectively. Of course, possessing rare treasures would expedite the process," the Sword Immortal exined. She suggested that materials like the Natural Crystals Wang Xuan had provided could be instrumental in creating such armor, along with remnants of true medicines and treasures. Though rare, theseponents could be used to fashion elusive armaments, shielding their wearer from prying eyes. Deep in thought, Wang Xuan considered the possibility of acquiring these scarce materials. "I once encountered a flower that may be the highest-grade celestial medicine, or even a true medicine. Its hallucinogenic properties blur reality, making it challenging to discern truth from illusion. This substance..." the Sword Immortal trailed off. "Could indeed be of use. As you''ve described, it straddles the boundary between reality and illusion, tapping into the essence of both. Long ago, a legendary civilization spoke of such phenomena," Wang Xuan affirmed. With their conversation concluded, Wang Xuan bid farewell, setting off to pursue his next objective. The miniature Sword Immortal couldn''t contain her excitement as she happily hugged a pile of crystals and disappeared underground. Once there, she began rolling around with pure delight, giggling sweetly. But then, to her dismay, she noticed a despicable face peering out from the surface, grinning wickedly as it watched her. "Aren''t you supposed to be gone?!" she shrieked, her face flushing red, feeling like she might turn into a tiny hedgehog at any moment. "You carry on, I''ll be off!" chuckled Wang Xuan, genuinely departing this time, vanishing into the wilderness beyond the rugged hills. Over the next few days, Wang Xuan remained diligently upied, continuously researching various materials. He even sought out Lao Zhang, borrowing his bronze mirror to examine it discreetly and scrape off some copper rust. "What are you up to?!" Lao Zhang, ever vignt, snatched back the bronze mirror. To his surprise, he found intricate runes hidden beneath the copper rust, densely packed and dazzling to the eyes. Wang Xuan also consulted Fang Yuzhu on numerous questions. Then, he prepared to venture back into the void, determined to risk digging up the roots of the Devil Flower. His previous encounters with it had nearly ended in disasteronce with its already decaying roots, and once with its living tendrils. Fang Yuzhu didn''t vanish, but rather headed to Pingcheng. Having exhausted the vast collection of books at Ancheng University with her unparalleled divine consciousness, she decided to visit the ce in Old Soil with the most extensive collection of ancient texts. Wang Xuan found himself lost in thought, feeling somewhat unsettled by the absence of anyone next door. Soon enough, he pondered another question: Would Fang Yuzhu''s parents, now that she was in Pingcheng, perhaps run off to secretly meet their "almost-daughter-inw" and engage in their usual murmurs and whispers? Given their past interactions, it seemed eerie yet entirely usible! In reality, Fang Yuzhu''s exposure to Wang''s mother''s toxic chicken soup had left her somewhat affected. Her visit to Pingcheng was partly to ndestinely observe the maker of the infamous soup, someone she had heard plenty about but never met, in hopes of dispelling some of her lingering doubts. Meanwhile, Chen Yongjie returned to the estate, feeling both moved and mncholic as he enjoyed the Peng eggs left for him by Qingmu. Hemented hisck of a daughter, musing that if he had one, marrying her off to Qingmu would have been perfect. "You''re not getting any younger, why not settle down and start a family?" Lao Chen advised him. "No rush, Master. Didn''t you just settle down yourself? I want to be an extraordinary being first. Then, when I reach that level, I''ll reverse my aging process, going from forty to twenty. Only then will I consider such matters," Wang Xuan replied. He then took out some Creation Crystals and gave them to Qingmu and Chen Yongjie. He had acquired plenty during his time in the Extraordinary Light Sea, nearly three hundred pieces, more than enough for his needs. The master and disciple stared nkly at the crystals. "Lao Chen, please watch over me. I''m going into seclusion," Wang Xuan requested. "You''re not nning another breakthrough, are you?" Chen Yongjie eximed in surprise. It had only been a few days, and another breakthrough so soon seemed unreasonable. "I doubt I can break through," Wang Xuan shook his head. The Tenth Stage was too unique. He had felt something when he drank the First Immortal Tea, but then he was silently suppressed, unable to break through to the Eleventh Stage. That''s why he wanted to go to the Immortal Realm to dig up Heng Jun''s tree. The tea fruits were truly effective for him, not because they provided special super-materials, but because they stimted his divine consciousness, allowing him toprehend and elevate himself from within. He was certain that with enough tea fruits, he could break through! His primary goal in visiting the void this time was to dig up special materials to forge armor that could conceal his aura. However, despite his efforts in the ethereal realm, burning and refining numerous times, and attracting red-colored substances that nearly drove him half to death, he couldn''t break through the Tenth Stage! "It seems that simply enduring hardship and pushing myself to the limit won''t work. I need to find another way," Wang Xuan muttered to himself. Then, he headed to the meteorite crater, this time fully prepared. Beforeing, he had diligently practiced the scripture left behind by the severely mentally ill patient. He believed that this scripture page was the most suitable weapon against the terrifying hallucinogenic Devil Flower that approached ultimate illusion. "In this world, I stand alone. What Devil Flower? It''s just my doodle. Do they think they can deceive me, lure me into illusion? Impossible!" Wang Xuan empowered himself with the scripture resembling a mental illness. In addition, he brought along the lid of the Life-nurturing Furnace, considering it a rehearsal to see if he could travel with it. The result was delightful. Even at the Tenth Stage, he could withstand the pressure of the lid, and carrying it along posed no problem. However, Wang Xuan was still "beaten" in the meteorite field. Despite his thorough preparation, he still became lost, unable to distinguish reality from illusion, almost dying, even considering suicide! If it weren''t for the critical moment when the God-ying Banner autonomously made a faint sound, striking the lid of the furnace with a clear tone that pierced through his deafened ears, waking him up, he would have almost smashed himself to death with the lid! "Too terrifying, this Devil Flower!" Wang Xuan shuddered with lingering fear. He managed to obtain a segment of its root and promptly fled. Every encounter with it resulted in heavy losses and brought him to the brink of death! "Finally, I''ve brought back the precious material!" He revealed a look of excitement, bringing back a segment of the root. It hovered between reality and illusion, flickering unpredictably, truly unique. Chapter 399: World of Immortals Chapter 399: World of Immortals In the near outer space of the moon, various steel battleships and small spacecraft were amon sight. There were three clusters of activity, spiritual realms, and remnants of the super mythological civilization''s fires. Recently, theboratories of the Old World were coborating with the Immortal Sect to explore new territories. "Wang Xuan is here," someone announced. In a small spacecraft, Wang Xuan''s figure appeared and stepped out. Suddenly, a hazy light enveloped them, and Wang Xuan disappeared, along with the small spacecraft. Nearby supernaturals and spacecraft were also affected. Several spacecraft disintegrated, leaving behind debris severed by an unknown force, along with remnants of supernaturals'' limbs and blood. "What''s going on?!" The news reached the ground, causing a stir. In An City, Qing Mu''s expression was serious. He immediately informed Zhang Daoling, the Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect, and Wang Xuan''s true identity. "The people in the curtain can''t wait any longer. It''s clear they won''t let me go." Wang Xuan''s voice was grim. The one who was swallowed was a robot modeled after him. As soon as it appeared, the other side took action. Without thinking, it should be Zheng Yuantian''s camp. They were so obsessed with his body that they were close to madness. These days, Wang Xuan had been studying armor, attempting to fuse various materials together. Not only did it include the Devil Flower''s root hovering between reality and illusion, but also rust from an iron spike and the Creation Crystal. Of course, there was also rust from Old Zhang''s copper mirror, which was spread over the armor, proving quite effective, giving it an antiquated appearance. "I''ve almost finished refining it. It''s time for me to hit the road. Damn Zheng Yuantian, I didn''t actively try to kill you, yet you keep targeting me!" This time, even innocent bystanders were harmed, with seven or eight supernaturals dying in outer space. That night, in the sky, a curtain of light appeared. Zheng Yuantian, d entirely in ck armor, paid the price andnded in the courtyard with a burst of light. Wang Xuan''s residence crumbled before Zhang Daoling''s eyes, the house torn asunder, its fragments sinking into the ground, leaving behind a deep, ck hole. Even the once-lush reedke nowy dry, drained of its vitality. Unfortunately, Wang Xuan was nowhere to be found. He had departed from Ancheng several days prior, his absence leaving an eerie emptiness in the air. "Old Zheng, care for a drink? Would you like to join me?" Zhang Daoling''s words cut through the silence outside Ancheng as he strode beneath the moonlight, a bronze mirror clutched tightly in his hand, his gaze sharp and unwavering. His invitation was open, yet it carried an implicit warning: tread carefully, lest innocent lives be harmed! With a cold nce, Zheng Yuantian vanished from sight, the light curtain fading into nothingness. "Old Chen, guard my physical body well!" Wang Xuan''s voice echoed through the air the following day. He was ready to venture forth, to enter the immortal realm in earnest. It was time to take the initiative, to stir up trouble against their enemies. On the earth, Wang Xuan d himself in armor, his outward attire adorned with thetest fashion from behind the curtain. He carried the Godying Banner and the furnace lid, taking a deep breath before embarking on his journey. A faint mist enveloped him as he followed its meandering path, the fabric of space and time blurring around him. The journey was eerily silent, each step shrouded in anticipation. Finally, he stepped through the silent, shadowy realm, drawn into the world behind the curtain by the swirling mist. It was still an inn, weathered and worn, a solitary redntern swaying gently at the door. Wang Xuan pressed forward, unfazed by the familiar sight. Hastening through the darkened expanse, he emerged into the vibrant, bustling immortal realm, a realm more expansive than he had ever witnessed before. Two dayster, Wang Xuan found himself amidst a majestic mountain range, thendscape teeming with life. Verdant hillsides stretched as far as the eye could see, the clear blue sky punctuated by the asional shadow of a soaring raptor. "So, this is the immortal realm," Wang Xuan murmured, taking in the breathtaking scenery before him. His reverie was interrupted by a sudden roar, followed by a grisly rain of blood. He touched his face and clothes, stained with crimson, before looking up to the sky. There, a ming behemoth soared, its fiery wings casting an ominous shadow. Yet, in an instant, it was felled by a colossal, scaled elephant, torn asunder mid-flight. At that moment, Wang Xuan''s blood ran cold. He realized then that his current cultivation was woefully inadequate for the challenges thaty ahead in the immortal realm. If it weren''t for the tiny orbs of light within Wang Xuan''s body, he would have turned back immediately. The Immortal Realm was too perilous. These orbs were intricately patterned by Zhang Daoling, Fang Yuzhu, and others. Once activated and unleashed, any one of them could absorb the supernatural substances of entire mountain ranges in an instant, creating devastating storms. "I better stick to the outskirts of the mountains. If I encounter a beast king and am forced to activate Zhang Daoling''s mark, it wouldn''t be worth it!" Wang Xuan frowned. He dared not venture into the deep mountains anymore. He had originally nned to take a shortcut through the primitive mountainous terrain. Now, he realized hisck of proficiency. In the vastnd of the Immortal Realm, he belonged to the weaker factions. It would be more suitable to travel in areas with signs of civilization. Half a dayter, Wang Xuan ran frantically, encountering ant colonies along the deste areas outside. Each ant was asrge as a watermelon, red all over, as hard as iron, spewing acid and mes. They were all extraordinary creatures, relentlessly chasing after him. If he were to die in the jaws of ants, it would be a big joke. He could only flee helplessly. A dayter, Wang Xuan encountered a group ofrge birds, almost forced to activate the Undying Divine Light Escape given to him by the Plutonian Blood Cult''s founder. He almost activated it, considering simply fleeing. Traveling in the Immortal Realm was indeed too dangerous. The giant birds that targeted him were six to seven meters long, with feathers as sharp as steel, capable of easily shearing off mountaintops. They were all at the level of Immortal Rulers, treating Wang Xuan like an insect, ready to devour him. He was forced to use Earth Escape, fleeing all the way. He couldn''t help but sigh inwardly, "This journey is far from easy as I imagined." Finally, on the fourth day of entering the Immortal Realm, he escaped the predicament, leaving the uninhabited areas behind and entering a populous area. Beforeing, he had done his homework. The Immortal Realm was suitable for the existence of spiritual entities as well as flesh-and-blood beings, existing in a semi-material and semi-energy ne. This part of the Immortal Realm was attached to the the Old World, much like its shadow, yet it existed as a tangible reality. Back then, those who ascended to immortality in the Grand Curtain remolded their bodies with great magical power, allowing flesh and blood to regenerate and reproduce normally. At the same time, there were many natives in the Immortal Realm, including numerous fierce birds and beasts. There were various rumors about their origins, but the most usible one was that they emerged with the birth of this semi-material ne, much like fertile soil that couldn''t remain barren forever. During this period, Wang Xuan contacted Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and others, and learned a lot. He asked many questions and discovered many secrets. If it weren''t for the small orbs of light within Wang Xuan''s body, he would have turned back already. The Immortal Realm was too dangerous. These were intricate patterns inscribed by Zhang Daoling, Fang Yuzhu, and others. Once activated and unleashed, any of these orbs could absorb the super-material of entire mountain ranges in an instant, creating a devastating storm. "I better stick to the outskirts. If I encounter a beast king and am forced to activate the imprints left by Zhang Daoling and the others, it wouldn''t be worth it!" Wang Xuan frowned. He dared not traverse deep into the mountains anymore. Originally, he had nned to take a shortcut through this primitive mountainous region. Now, he realized his limited abilities and epted reality. In the vast expanse of the Immortal Realm, he belonged to the weaker group and was better off walking in areas with some human presence. Half a dayter, Wang Xuan ran all the way, encountering ant colonies in the deste areas outside. Each ant was asrge as a watermelon, crimson all over, as hard as iron, spewing acid and mes. They were all extraordinary beings, relentlessly chasing after him. If he were to die in the jaws of these ants, it would be a big joke. He had no choice but to flee far away. A dayter, Wang Xuan encountered a group ofrge birds, almost forcing him to activate the Undying Divine Light bestowed upon him by the Hades Blood Sect''s Patriarch. He almost activated it, thinking it best to flee. Traveling in the Immortal Realm was truly too dangerous. These birds, each six or seven meters long, with steel-like feathers capable of easily slicing off mountaintops, were all extraordinary-level birds of prey, numbering close to a hundred. They swooped down from the sky, their leader almost at the Earth Immortal level, treating Wang Xuan like a bug to be eaten. Forced to use Earth Shifting Escape, Wang Xuan fled for his life, inwardly sighing, "This journey is far from as easy as I imagined." Finally, on the fourth day of entering the Immortal Realm, he managed to escape the predicament and leave the uninhabited area, entering a more populous area. Beforeing here, he had done his homework. The Immortal Realm was suitable for the existence of spiritual entities and flesh-and-blood beings alike, being a semi-material and semi-energy ne. This part of the Immortal Realm was attached to the the Old World, resembling its shadow, yet existing as a tangible reality. In the past, those who ascended to immortality reshaped their bodies with great magical powers, regenerating flesh and blood, able to reproduce offspring normally. At the same time, there were many natives in the Immortal Realm, including arge number of fierce birds and beasts. There were many rumors about their origins, but the most usible one was that they emerged with the birth of this semi-material ne, much like fertile soil cannot always remain barren. During this time, Wang Xuan had contacted Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and others, asking many questions and learning many secrets. For example, some indigenous people passed down through oral tradition that they coexisted eternally with the Great Veil. Today, Wang Xuan witnessed this and confirmed some of the rumors. This was a vige of considerable size, where everyone was digging pits and selecting graves, preparing for collective burial or rather dormancy. "The Great Veil is extinguished, the world is dying, and we will fall into the Cold Winter Era, waiting for resurrection in the darkness like our ancestors." Among the natives, some elders presided over the ceremony and made various arrangements. They knew that the Immortal Realm was about to perish, and ording to the ancestors'' teachings, they would wait for revival in death. Thinking about Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and others'' exnations,bined with what he saw and heard, Wang Xuan pondered these matters. Some veils had been extinguished more than once. After a long and dark winter, some truly revived, but there were no new indigenous peoples. It could only be said that the current natives, these vigers, were indeed bidding farewell to themselves and preparing for their own burial. There were many Immortals, and even more natives, but not everyone could enter the real world. Moreover, crossing realms consumed a tremendous amount of energy. The imprints of the mind would easily shatter, and even the disciples of Immortals paid a price when traversing the Veil. Wang Xuan sighed, looking up at the sky. It didn''t seem as azure as before, and he sensed a bit of twilight in the atmosphere, making it incredibly heavy and oppressive. Especially when he used his Spiritual Eye to gaze into the profound Immortal Realm, he felt its essence. It was indeed a decaying world, a semi-material and semi-energy ne destined to copse, with all the creatures in the world facing death! "Living is truly not easy," he sighed heavily, feeling the weight of everything he had seen. All that he had seen and experienced in this Immortal Realm would fade away in less than a year. Even though this part of the Immortal Realm was fortunate enough to have a chance of a second or third revival, no one knew when it would happen. The true passage of time, the changing epochs, seemed destined to vanish, just like the celestial bodies in the universe. As he passed by anotherrger town, Wang Xuan stopped in his tracks. Here , he felt a special fluctuation, with the entire town praying and sacrificing, their emotions resonating deeply. Then, he witnessed an incredible scene: yellow paper falling from the sky, burning, resonating perfectly with the emotions of the townsfolk. There was a pervasive sense of sadness spreading. "Look, our prayers have been effective! Today, we shall enter dormancy, and after endless years, we shall all be reborn in the form of seeds. Perhaps we will forget everything, but our life imprints will be passed down. When the timees, someone will awaken and remember what they saw today." Among the natives, the old priest was extremely excited, leading the people of the vige to kneel down, praying fervently, tears streaming down their faces. Wang Xuan was astonished as he watched from a distance. Then, light rain began to fall from the sky, descending upon the town. "Not all viges get to see the burning of yellow paper, and even rarer is receiving the Spirit Rain. We are fortunate. We will be able to revive in the future as seeds of the new Immortal Realm!" an elderly person cried out. Next, Wang Xuan witnessed many people rushing into the distance, heading towards the graveyard to bury themselves. Some remained within the vige, in their yards or on the streets, embracing the light rain,ughing heartily. Wang Xuan felt a sense of horror. He sensed a great threat to his own primordial spirit. He immediately took out the lid of the furnace and activated it, cing it above his head. He also used the Godying Banner to protect himself, wrapping it around his body, distancing himself from this area and avoiding the light rain. "These mysterious events are something even Zhang Daoling and the others haven''t fully researched, and they''ve rarely witnessed them firsthand. Only when the indigenous people begin to disappear at the end of the mythical era do such urrences asionally appear," Wang Xuan said, his expression grave. He saw many vigers copse directly, motionless. Some began to decay, as if they had experienced hundreds or even thousands of years. It could be seen that some people had light spots resembling seeds appearing in their bodies, flying out and swiftly entering the ground along with the light rain, as if they were truly going into hibernation, enduring the dark winter and the long night of eternity. "Some of the legends are believable? When the new Immortal Realm appears again, will those spiritual substances proliferate and will the ''seeds'' of semi-material and semi-energy automatically emerge?" Wang Xuan wondered. Then, he heard crying, sending shivers down his spine. It felt somewhat familiar. He suddenly looked up and saw at the end of the light rain, at the highest point of the sky, where it was blurry, as if separated by a barrier. There, faint flickers of firelight appeared, as if someone was burning paper, and that fire was about to extinguish. Wang Xuan was greatly shocked. He wanted to rush up. This wasn''t the first time he had encountered such a thing. In the deepest part of his own special innerndscape, he had vaguely seen and heard it before. Chapter 400: The Whole World Has Gone Mad Chapter 400: The Whole World Has Gone Mad Once the fire pit extinguished, would the Great Curtain dim as well? Plunging into the dark winter''s long night, this thought sent shivers down Wang Xuan''s spine. In the end, he didn''t rush towards the sky. There were too many experts in the Immortal Realm, and it wasn''t his turn to delve into the origins. Of course, he estimated that few people could see what he saw. With his spiritual eyes, he could vaguely perceive the burning papers at the end of the sky, with the blurry bonfire reflected. "As the fire dies, so does the Immortal Realm. A decaying world, half-material and half-energy, is about to perish," he mused, witnessing the death of the Immortal Realm. This realm, attached to the Old World, was vast and renowned. Compared to other curtains, this one undoubtedly ranked within the top three. Wang Xuan embarked on his journey through the Immortal Realm, finding everything he saw and heard fascinating. There were countless races, with many powerful species. On the fifth day, he witnessed a True Dragon that dried up argeke with a diameter of eight hundred miles and tore apart a massive mountain range. Its scales nged loudly as it brought thunder and clouds, tearing the sky apart, yet it was only fleeing, covered in blood. It was being chased by a demon saint, intent on collecting the blood of the True Dragon, sawing off its horns, and refining its scales into rare armor. The so-called demon saint''s strength was roughly at the quasi-supreme level, far superior to ordinary immortals. "The Immortal Realm is in chaos," a passerby stopped and said with a pale face. Some cultivators shook their heads, saying, "The Immortal Realm is about to extinguish, and all the masters are seeking the final chance and destiny. True Dragons are rare. Once discovered, they will naturally be pursued by all parties." Wang Xuan feltplicated emotions upon hearing this discussion. That was a True Dragon, extinct in the mortal world long ago, yet its fate in the Immortal Realm was so tragic. In the distance, the demon saint, bloodied, was injured by the True Dragon''s horn, creating a bloody hole in his chest, which infuriated him. Even though Wang Xuan was hundreds of miles away, he felt that the area was extremely dangerous and promptly fled. The immense pressure there was unbearable for ordinary people. If he didn''t have the furnace lid and the Godying Banner, he might have beenpletely suppressed. If caught in the energy waves, he would have died miserably. Finally, in the sky, with countless scarlet rays illuminating thousands of miles around, apanied by a mournful cry, the massive head of the True Dragon was cut off by the demon saint! The True Dragon''s blood surged down like a waterfall, like a river, turning the sky and earth into a crimson hue. The demon saint quickly used treasures to collect the dragon''s blood, quickly processing the dragon''s corpse. Immediately, numerous celestial lights appeared, with some powerful beings rushing over, either acquaintances of the demon saint or adversaries, all eager to divide the True Dragon''s flesh and blood. Wang Xuan turned and walked away. He didn''t dare to join themotion. In the Immortal Realm, all kinds of creatures were unrestrained, and their strengths were terrifying. Next, he came across a barrennd of eighteen hundred miles, devoid of vegetation. It was said that half a month ago, celestial beings and demon saints had a major confrontation, all for the sake of six drops of emperor''s blood left by the ancient ape demon emperor. "The people of the Immortal Realm have gone mad!" This wasn''t Wang Xuan''s assessment but a remark from a local resident. With the end times approaching, all races, sects, and traditions werepeting for resources. Lost in thought, Wang Xuan wondered if the emperor''s blood was truly that precious. Perhaps he could ask Old Zhang for a few drops over drinks? For someone asrge as Zhang, a few drops of blood wouldn''t make much of a difference. Even if he didn''t need it himself, he could help Qing Mu and Old Chen. Lately, hostility in the Immortal Realm had been escting, with battles breaking out at the slightest provocation. At the critical moment, everyone was striving to improve themselves, aiming to secure more extraordinary power in the future real world. "Some viges are dying as viges, or, in their own words, burying themselves at present, awaiting revival after the cold winter era. But in reality, they''re all dead. And the immortals are fighting endlessly, with the earth in ruins. The decaying Immortal Realm is filled with ughter and death. All living beings are reaching their end. It''s quite tragic," Wang Xuan reflected, feeling deeply moved. In the real world, even without the existence of the extraordinary, life could still be lived well, much better than in the Immortal Realm. Bing an immortal turned out to be so cruel and disappointing, so different from the beautiful, serene, and otherworldly Immortal Realm he had imagined. "Perhaps, it''s just this era that''s so special, leading to such tragic scenes everywhere." Through his observations along the way and careful verification, he concluded that the Immortal Realm used to be peaceful, far from this level of chaos. It could only be said that this Immortal Realm, corresponding to the Old World, was just too vast, boundless, dozens or even hundreds of timesrger than the Old World itself. On the seventh day of Wang Xuan''s arrival, he narrowly avoided a catastrophe. He immediately burrowed underground, using rare treasures to shield himself and the lid of the furnace to protect his body. Soon, he felt the earth tremble violently, terrifying chasms spreading underground. In the outside world, the void copsed, being torn apart. Half a dayter, Wang Xuan emerged to find thousands of miles of destion, merely the aftermath of a slight impact. "There was a fierce battle between the peerless powerhouses Qi Yi and Lingluan Xian. After half a day of intense fighting, they both left," someone discussed. Wang Xuan was deeply moved, feeling that everyone had gone mad. Even powerhouses of that level were meeting such ends, engaging inbat at the slightest provocation. The Immortal Realm was too dangerous. If he hadn''t reacted quickly, rushing underground and using treasures to shield himself, he might have been shaken to death by the two powerhouses. "In the mortal world, I can shake them, but in the Immortal Realm, I might be shaken to pieces by them in an instant!" Wang Xuan shuddered. Unless absolutely necessary, he didn''t want to use the extraordinary divine skills bestowed upon him by Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling. "In Qi Yi''s demon pool, there''s a Tianyao nt. It''s said to be nourished by the blood of various top races and may evolve into a true medicine. It has been fed with the blood of True Dragons, ancient demon emperors, and even Qi Yi himself!" "The peerless powerhouse Lingluan Xian, taking advantage of Qi Yi''s absence, wanted to investigate. As soon as he entered the demon pool, he was blocked, leading to a world-shaking battle!" As Wang Xuan traveled, he learned of the root causes of these events and deeply felt the astonishing destructive power of the peerless powerhouses. If they were allowed to fight freely on the earth, they could probably obliterate everything. In this light, the cosmic corrections and the suppression of the real world did make sense. If these powerhouses were allowed to grow unchecked and ventured into the stars, they could easily destroy entires with a snap of their fingers, something the heavens and earth could not bear. Furrowing his brows, Wang Xuan understood that the birth and death of the extraordinary might follow a certain pattern. As he continued his journey, on the ninth day, he finally arrived in Hengjun''s territory but dared not approach. Even from tens of thousands of miles away, he crossed over directly. Recently, the supreme treasures had not been shaken, and the purple aura soared at Hengjun''s Daoist temple, with a pce floating between heaven and earth, indicating his presence. Wang Xuan couldn''ty his hands on that tea tree. It was called a tea tree, but it had once been extraordinary, once a Tianyao fruit tree producing fruits with astonishing medicinal effects. Hengjun had tried to cultivate it into a true medicine, but when he was on the brink of sess, it unexpectedly failed, undergoing a mutation. The fruits became smaller and turned into tea fruits, fragrant but bitter, only suitable for brewing tea. The attempt to cultivate this strain of celestial medicine had ended in failure, significantly diminishing its potency. While it still retained its status as a celestial medicine, its requirements had increased substantially. Now, it demanded more of the five-colored soil and frequent irrigation with celestial nectar, lest it risk losing its celestial status altogether. Pondering over the consequences of failed cultivation, Wang Xuan mused, "This is the oue of failed cultivation. I wonder if nting it in the void could turn the tables." "Old Heng, just wait. When the opportunity arises, I''ll definitely make a move on your ce!" With a final nce in that direction, he turned and departed. The vastness of the immortal realm was overwhelming, and it took Wang Xuan twelve days to finally approach Zheng Yuantian''s territory. This dy was partly due to his reluctance to use the Godying Banner to increase his speed to more than ten times, fearing it might attract unwanted attention. "Old Zheng, here Ie!" Wang Xuan felt a bit overwhelmed at the thought of confronting Zheng Yuantian. He realized that unless Zheng Yuantian was already gravely injured and on the brink of death, he stood little chance against such an extraordinary powerhouse in the immortal realm. He pondered over the likelihood of sessfully killing Zheng Yuantian. On that day, Wang Xuan learned that Zheng Yuantian had also gone mad. Over the past month, Zheng Yuantian''s disciples and followers had been relentlessly hunting down the Fire Crow n across thend. The number of transcendent Fire Crows ughtered had reached hundreds of thousands, if not more, with the clear intent to wipe out the entire n. "During ancient times, the Fire Crow n reached the pinnacle of glory, producing a Golden Crow Demon Emperor. Upon learning that the ancient Demon Emperor might have left behind a piece of residual core and some Golden Crow Emperor blood, Zheng Yuantian began his pursuit of the n, hoping to excavate these treasures." As someone exined the situation, it became evident that Zheng Yuantian sought to refine a demonic body simr to his true self, preserving it for future tribtions, a proxy for himself. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s expression changed drastically. Two dayster, his expression turned even more grim when he learned that Zheng Yuantian had indeed found the residual core and Golden Crow Emperor blood left behind by the Three-Legged Golden Crow. On the following day, amidst the skies of Zheng Yuantian''s Daoist domain, chaos thunder roared in sessive waves, and a golden scroll materialized, aimed at crushing Zheng''s transcendent existence. "Huh, that looks like the scroll that appeared during the signing of the new covenant. I even left my mark on it!" Wang Xuan''s expression turned curious. What had happened to Old Zheng? Who had he angered to provoke a celestial being wielding a golden scroll against him? "If they''re going to kill him, then I won''t have to worry anymore. Good riddance!" Wang Xuan''s lips curved into a smirk as he swiftly retreated from Zheng Yuantian''s domain. However, his amusement didn''tst long. Soon enough, Wang Xuan learned the reason behind Zheng Yuantian''s demise: he had vited the covenant! "Zheng, the transcendent, defied fate. He broke the terms of the new covenant and ventured into the mortal realm to capture ordinary humans, bringing the wrath of chaos thunder upon him!" Discussions buzzed with this explosive revtion. Wang Xuan''splexion paled instantly, his face drained of color. Had Zheng targeted his parents? The thought sank his heart like a stone, a heavy lump of dread forming in his chest. He dared not delve deeper into those possibilities. "Did he... seed?" Wang Xuan''s voice quivered with anxiety. "Who knows? All we know is that he defied the covenant and faced its consequences!" someone shook their head. Wang Xuan''s hands turned ice-cold, his heart consumed by an unfathomable rage. He couldn''t tolerate this any longer. He couldn''t allow this cmitous, terrifying force to continue existing. This time, it was Wang Xuan himself who teetered on the brink of madness. Chapter 401: A World Of The New Testament Chapter 401: A World Of The New Testament "Seems like it''s rted to someone named Wang Xuan." Finally, he heard some partial but precise news, yet it only unsettled him further, his heart clenching in his throat. Wang Xuan lowered his head, realizing his hands were trembling slightly. If his parents were killed by that madman Zheng, what would he have left to salvage? Everything would lose its meaning. "I must kill Madman Zheng!" Even if he didn''t have the opportunity, he would find a way to create a feasible chance.He thought that by not killing Zheng Yuantian, he would only be risking his own life. That''s why he came to the Immortal Realm, hoping to find a solution to the imminent danger. Little did he expect that Zheng Yuantian would go berserk first, targeting the people around him. This was absolutely intolerable. Wang Xuan stood still in the distance, taking a deep breath of the spiritual aura of the Immortal Realm, calming his spirit. Since the situation had arisen, he shouldn''t give in to anger but should think about how to resolve it. In the sky, the golden scroll was vast, resembling a cosmic sea, covering the airspace above Zheng Yuantian''s dojo, making the area seem like doomsday had arrived. Floating inds shattered one after another, exploding into dust in mid-air, crushed by the runes falling from the scroll. Chaotic thunder roared down like cascading waterfalls of secret codes from beyond the domain, and hitting Zheng Yuantian. "It''s too terrifying. Even a transcendent facing tribtion shakes the heavens and earth. Even Zheng Yuantian, then Immortal Ancestor, was not able to defend his dojo against such tribtions?" someone eximed in shock. Those who followed Zheng Yuantian regarded him as their Immortal Ancestor. Seeing even his dojo was crumbling, this struck fear into the hearts of many transcendent beings. Evidently, Zheng Yuantian had returned to the Pure Land to utilize the grand array setup there to counter the New Covenant. His retreat site was adorned with various order runes, all personally engraved by him. But today, that ce had been breached. Chaotic thunder and light etched dazzling trajectories, like rivers of stars descending, assaulting thend below. The floating inds were all shattered, not a single one remaining. Even the magnificent pces and pavilions, despite being guarded by runes, melted away. On the ground, one of the so-called sacred mountains of the Dao, was also cleaved in two. Despite activating defensive runes, each towering peak met its demise. Zheng Yuantian''s dojo was shattered, his arranged arrays unable to hold up against the onught, leaving a scene of devastation. His disciples and followers fled in terror, not daring to linger. Despite this, some of those responsible for serving him, as well as some close disciples and Taoist youths, were unable to escape in time and were cut down, leaving nothing behind, their bodies and spirits annihted. "Do you all intend to ughter indiscriminately?" Zheng Yuantian appeared, disheveled and bloodied, his body swelling and rapidly growingrger. In his blood-stained hand, he grasped the wreckage of a battleship, snatched from the mortal realm beyond the curtain. It was evident just how terrifying he had be! From afar, Wang Xuan felt his scalp tingling. That battleship was of the same style as those from the mortal realm. Zheng Yuantian had truly gone mad, disregarding everything and striking out recklessly. "The New Covenant has just been established. It''s not that we are heartless, but the rules of the Immortal Realm are imprinted above, automatically executing you," someone spoke from afar, cold and calm. Undoubtedly, they were a top-tier powerhouse, likely a revered figure within a certain realm! As Zheng Yuantian''s body swelled, bloodstains covering him as he confronted the chaos thunder, his eyes opened wide, more terrifying than the sharpest immortal sword, tearing through the sky. In his hands, the battleship was like a toy. The massive hull, cast from a new alloy, was crushed by him, reduced to iron powder that scattered and fell. From a distance, Wang Xuan witnessed in horror. In the moment the massive battleship shattered, human bodies exploded and evaporated instantly. His eyes reddened. All of this confirmed that Zheng Yuantian had thrown caution to the wind, and Wang Xuan couldn''t help but wonder what atrocities he hadmitted in the mortal realm. "You can temporarily suppress the marks left by the New Covenant on yourselves. We''re all acquaintances, don''t you have any sense ofpassion?" Zheng Yuantian radiated divine light, towering so high that he seemed to reach the heavens themselves. Around his body, numerous chains of rules coiled, forming nebe that shed with the golden scroll, dispersing the falling chaos thunder. "No rules, no order. The New Covenant has been activated independently, judging your breach. The highest rules of the Immortal Realm punish you. Do you expect us to help you resist?" someone retorted, clearly displeased with him. "It''s just a few dozen mortals, so what if they die?" Zheng Yuantian roared, and from his mouth spewed a sea of mes, the so-called "mes of Karma" that could incinerate entire realms. Dark as ink, it swept across the heavens, intent on destroying the golden scroll. Now, he was almost in a demonic state, the symptoms of practicing the Devil''s Embryo Technique unmistakable. However, in this state, he was truly formidable. With a whoosh, the golden scroll was lifted into the air by him, but ultimately it was stabilized again. The golden scroll trembled, and myriad sword lights descended, covering the sky and earth! "Even if I kill a hundred or two hundred mortals, you want to destroy me? What a joke! What''s the point of being an immortal? I am the founder of a sect, seated high in the Nine Heavens, with the power of life and death over all living beings. Do you think you can take my life? Get lost!" Zheng Yuantian went mad, a blood cloud rising above his head, a grand auspicious cloud formed from his blood essence, intent on tearing apart the golden scroll. His methods were endless. "Zheng Yuantian, you also came from the mortal realm, but now that you''ve ascended to the Immortal Realm, you''ve forgotten your roots. You kill mortals, but you''re digging your own grave and that of the Immortal Realm. In a year, the extraordinary will cease to exist, the immortals will be no more, all reduced to mortals. How do you expect the disciples of various sects to live in the mortal world? Wait to be retaliated against by the mortals?" someone shouted. In the sky, the golden scroll roared, its brilliance dazzling, rapidly expanding and rotating down, appearing like a scroll yet shining with divine light, shing like a broadsword. The auspicious cloud rushing out from Zheng Yuantian''s head was shattered, turning into a rain of blood, most of which he reabsorbed back into his body. The golden scroll began to expand, thin as paper but incredibly sharp, continuing to sweep down with endless runes, aiming to y the peerless master. Covered in blood, disheveled, Zheng Yuantian let out a clear whistle, and a manifested scripture appeared, filling the sky with words, rushing towards the scroll. The scripture shattered, and Zheng Yuantian''s arm was chopped off, yet the golden scroll continued its sweeping onught. Zheng Yuantian''s body swelled once again, his severed arm regenerating as he entered the extradimensional space, intending to tear apart the scroll and destroy the New Covenant. In his madness, he was truly terrifying, his power overwhelming. In the extradimensional space, a cluster of suspended meteorites exploded. "Earlier, those mortals were killed by my disciples, also to establish the authority of the Immortal Realm and prevent mortals from thinking they can stand on equal footing with us. My disciples were killed, and I retaliated. What''s wrong with that?" Zheng Yuantian retorted. "Don''t trivialize the issue. What right do you have to send disciples to massacre mortals for your own selfish reasons? The Immortal Realm is on the brink of extinction, and your crimes will make life difficult for the immortals a year from now," someone countered. "With us controlling the Old Earth, New Stars, and countless others, why worry about the future? We should be dominant!" Zheng Yuantian shouted. With a sharp sound, his head flew off, severed by the golden scroll. The scene was astonishinga peerless powerhouse being decapitated. However, he didn''t die. Instantly, his flesh and blood reformed, evading the golden scroll as his entire body plunged into darkness, like a ck hole, ready to consume everything. "Zheng Yuantian, you know very well that many super warships have disappeared into deep space from the mortal realm and are yet to be found by even us. They will surely return in the future. By escting conflicts and risking the lives of the immortals, what exactly are you trying to achieve? You care deeply about something, what is it that you want?" someone spoke coldly from afar, hitting Zheng Yuantian''s heart. Zheng Yuantian didn''t want to exin further; the more he concealed, the more likely he would be exposed. What he wanted was a physical body with the same unique internalndscape as the person from two thousand seven hundred years ago, but he couldn''t let more people in the curtain know! Then, there was no more dialogue between heaven and earth, only a towering giant, far surpassing the vast mountain ranges, standing outside the heavens, capable of plucking stars and moons with a single hand. He struggled to resist the golden scroll, his body torn several times, even his evolved ck hole exploding. At a critical moment, a figure shrouded in chaotic energy appeared, holding a Banner of Ascension, arriving in the extradimensional space and pressing upward, resisting the golden scroll. "Thank you, Brother Hengjun!" Zheng Yuantian sped his fists. He was on the brink of copse, his vitality greatly damaged, his foundationpromised, but he was saved by Hengjun. Someone in the heavens spoke, "Hengjun, even if you help him resist, it''s useless now. He will most likely still suffer bacsh from the scroll. Life and death are predetermined." "I won''t make a move, and Zheng Dao friend won''t perish. I just don''t want to see his foundation greatly damaged and his cultivation plummet," Hengjun responded. From afar, on the earth, Wang Xuan felt displeased once again. It was Hengjun again, making him somewhat helpless. Did having treasures mean one could act so recklessly, even breaking the Old Covenant and resisting the New Covenant? He sighed, realizing his strength wasn''t enough. Otherwise, with the Lifespan Furnace in hand, he could have dealt with Hengjun too! He wasn''t disheartened, though. After all, he had only been cultivating for a few years. Hengjun spoke again, "Zheng Dao friend, since you have obtained the remnants of the Demon Emperor and his True Essence, why not refine the Demon Emperor''s body now and let it bear the consequences for you?" "Thank you, Brother," Zheng Yuantian replied, descending rapidly from the extradimensional space to the broken earth, where he sat cross-legged and began to activate the Demon Infant technique to refine the body of the Demon Emperor. Wang Xuan turned and left, furrowing his brows as he rubbed the lid concealed in his armor with his hand. He pondered how to kill Zheng Yuantian; it was quite difficult now. However, he was not discouraged; he was not alone. He was the amalgamation of Fang Yuzhu, the Demon Lord Yanyan, Zhang Daoling, and the Founder of the Hades Blood Sect, bearing their extraordinary abilities. If fully activated and unleashed, there would still be a chance. "Zheng Jueshi is truly extraordinary to withstand this. He''s indeed one of the strongest!" "Of course, a powerhouse who can reach such heights, blessed by destiny, how could he identally perish? Even if he vanishes, it will shake the heavens!" "My ancestor is invincible under the heavens; how could anything happen to him!" Some of Zheng Yuantian''s disciples spoke up. "Yes, Patriarch Zheng has great destiny; he is destined to reshape the new mythology in the future!" someone echoed. Suddenly, Wang Xuan''s heart stirred as he rubbed the furnace lid. When he lightly tapped it with his fingers, he felt a slight pulsation, causing his body to almost freeze in ce. He quickly stopped. Fortunately, the lid soon returned to tranquility. In the extradimensional space, Hengjun frowned. He felt that the Banner of Ascension had just made a few soft sounds, as if it were... greeting someone! Something was amiss. Was this the rhythm of a treasure about to emerge? Hengjun''s spirits rose instantly! Puff! Almost simultaneously, a streak of light traversed the voida solitary boat appeared above Zheng Yuantian''s domain, moving at an astonishing speed. Hengjun''s eyes werepelling; he paid no heed to the golden scroll, disregarding Zheng Yuantian''s life and death. He directly pounced with the Banner of Ascension, aiming to immobilize the Roaming Ark. Zheng Yuantian was also shaken. The Roaming Ark appeared in the high sky within his domain. If he weren''t injured, this would be a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. Nevertheless, he didn''t hesitate and soared into the air, aiming to approach the treasure. If he obtained the Roaming Ark, he wouldn''t care about the golden scroll anymore; no one in the world could harm him again! However, reality was cruel. The golden scroll descended first, sweeping him away and leaving him covered in blood. At the same time, several figures tore through the sky, abruptly appearing and rushing towards the Roaming Ark. Violent energy surged in the void, with intertwining rules as they attempted to imprison the treasure. Moreover, some peerless experts took advantage of the chaos to strike at Zheng Yuantian, attempting to snatch the remnants of the Demon Emperor and his True Essence from his hands. Already heavily injured, Zheng Yuantian coughed up blood profusely and was sent flying, his heart sinking. The situation today was turning unfavorable for him! Chapter 402: Old Zheng’s Phobia Chapter 402: Old Zheng¡¯s Phobia He was no longer in a hurry; he would wait for old Zheng to meet his end! "Do you think you can kill me? Even the heavens cannot take me down! Just a piece of scrap paper, marked with seals, and you think you can cut through the heavens? It''s not a true New Covenant at all!" Zheng Yuantian went mad, covered in bloodstains, his aura bursting forth from every pore. He was not only resisting the golden scroll but also demonstrating his determination. Whoever dared toy a hand on him would first weigh the consequences of failing to kill him. Just as he finished speaking, a burst of bloodlight swiftly appeared, resembling the arrival of a great sun. It was a giant figure, leading a vast sea of blood, descending from the outside realm, stepping down towards him. The blood-colored giant was as tall as the heavens and the earth, with a majestic appearance that reached the sky. Its head even pierced through the firmament. As its giant foot descended, the void copsed, Zheng Yuantian''s domain crumbled, and the earth sank. Zheng Yuantian, who was in the midst of battling the golden scroll and attempting to refine the Demon Emperor''s body, saw the Emperor''s blood roaring and sttering. "You..." Zheng Yuantian was furious. The giant foot covered him, not only intending to severely injure him but also to humiliate him. "Is that the Hades Blood Patriarch? He''s targeting Zheng Jueshi!" "He''s not just stepping down; he''s too overbearing. Ancestor Zheng''s domain haspletely copsed, a vastnd of immortal mountains shattered into dust!" In the distance, the immortals eximed, deeply shocked and surprised by the unexpected turn of events. Someone was trying to take Zheng Yuantian''s life? "Hiding your head but revealing your tail, who are you really?" Zheng Yuantian struck out with a palm, shattering the heavens, trying to block the foot, but with a splutter, he failed to stop the golden scroll, which cleaved him in half. Then, he was stepped on by the foot, nearly crushed! He suffered a huge loss and was furious. Who was humiliating him? "Isn''t that the Hades Blood Patriarch? Why is Ancestor Zheng still questioning him like that?" "Some peerless experts, when it''s inconvenient to reveal their true identity, often appear in the form of the Hades Blood Patriarch." Many of the immortals were hearing this secret for the first time, feeling bewildered and reluctant tough. How many ck pots had the old Hades Blood carried? "It is said that the main reason is that the Hades Blood Patriarch possesses nine true identities. Back then, he was too arrogant and offended quite a few people." The immortalsmunicated through divine consciousness, speaking in low voices, unwilling to discuss it aloud. "Zheng Yuantian, what do you have to say for yourself today? Back then, you plotted against a prodigious talent named Zheng Yuantian, not only seizing his flesh and blood, but also stealing his name. Who are you, just a viin practicing the Demon Embryo Technique, and possibly even a remnant of the ancient imperial path!" Someone roared. It was... another Hades Blood Patriarch, this person d in blood-red armor, even more like a progenitor of the sect than the previous one. He dominated the world, wielding a Dharma Wheel, and with a thunderous crash, he smashed Zheng Yuantian to pieces, blood spraying everywhere! Zheng Yuantian screamed in agony, mainly because he was entangled by the golden scroll and couldn''t dodge the Dharma Wheel. His body shattered into pieces. "Who are you again?!" he eximed in shock and anger, regathering his body in the distance. At a critical moment, another person came to kill him. Was this the end, to truly send him on his way? He was afraid. Things were different now. He was very weak and suffering from the bacsh of the New Covenant. It was very likely that these malicious individuals would kill him. "I am Ming Xue!" the man roared, wielding the Dharma Wheel to strike again. "I am also Ming Xue!" on the other side, the giant as tall as the sky lifted his foot to stomp down again. "The remnants of the Demon Emperor''s Essence and True Blood, hand them over!" Among those chasing the Roaming Ark, one person suddenly turned around to strike Zheng Yuantian. "Ah..." Zheng Yuantian screamed in agony, attacked by three great masters and strangled by the golden scroll. He was torn apart and immediately began to burrow underground. However, one of the Hades Blood Patriarchs used a sea of blood to force him out again. Most importantly, the golden scroll was always close by, making it easier to strike him from underground. Zheng Yuantian was both shocked and frightened. Today, he really might die. In the Old World, in An City, in the Banished Immortal Tea Pavilion, the Hades Blood Patriarch felt as if he had eaten a ginseng fruit. All tens of thousands of his pores opened up, feeling refreshed from head to toe. "Haha, it''s all because of me, hehe!" He felt so content, as if light was shining out from his heart. For so many years, Zheng Yuantian, Demon Ancestor Qiyi, and others had impersonated him countless times. They didn''t know how many buckets of crap they had dumped on his head. What was most infuriating was thatst time in the spiritual realm, those few had impersonated him right in front of him, fighting with him, almost making the Hades Blood Patriarch cough up blood in anger. Today, it was finally his turn to vent. Especially when he used his original appearance to bombard Zheng Yuantian, only to have the other party still think it was someone else impersonating him. It could be imagined how many people had been acting under the guise of the Hades Blood Patriarch over the years. Even though Zheng Yuantian had just been beaten up, he still believed it was someone else impersonating him. "How''s the taste, Master?" Huang Ming had a smile on his face as he personally served in the elegant room. "A little bitter, rich aroma, slightly sweet, not bad. By the way, what did you give me to drink?" Ming Xue came back to his senses, putting down the cup and asking. Huang, surprised, replied, "Coffee. Didn''t I ask you just now? You were nodding and smiling the whole time." "What coffee?" The Hades Blood Patriarch had just been absent-minded, his mind not in the present at all. He didn''t remember saying anything. "Angel Coffee, although it has a bad reputation, it tastes okay." "I... I''ll kill you!" The Hades Blood Patriarch became a bit sensitive when he heard that particr name. It was because Huang Ming''s n for the Angel Coffee had left a deep impression on him. The unconventional taste was unbearable for him. "Master, please calm down. They didn''t actually use my n!" Huang Ming screamed in terror. In the vast celestial realm,posed of half-material and half-energy entities tethered to the old soil, Zheng Yuan Tian faced near-death. His body resembled a shattered porcin, covered in cracks and bruises. At least four individuals had ndestinely attempted his demise, all masquerading as the revered figure of the Hades Blood Sect, leaving him infuriated and resentful. Initially, the Hades Blood Sect felt a certain satisfaction, but witnessing someone impersonate him in the assault on Zheng Yuan Tian dampened his spirits. He had be a professional scapegoat. Peering into the distance, he observed five other imposters of the Hades Blood Sect engaged in a fierce battle, vying for the coveted Roaming Ark. His frustration knew no bounds; it seemed as though his image was ubiquitous, as if he were the central character in this cosmic drama. The thought of being unjustly held responsible for the consequences if some cunning viin were to seize the treasure and leave him to bear the me was utterly maddening. He promptly joined the melee, striving to im the Roaming Ark for himself. The Immortals witnessed a chaotic scene unfold as multiple versions of the Hades Blood Sect shed in a spectacle of mayhem. In a crucial moment, Heng Jun intervened once more, aiding Zheng Yuan Tian in fending off the relentless assault of the golden scroll. Without his assistance, Zheng Yuan Tian would have surely perished. Yet, it was precisely due to this intervention that the Roaming Ark blurred into the void and swiftly vanished from sight, sessfully escaping to the distant horizon. Swiftly, several "Hades Blood Sects" and Heng Jun embarked on a pursuit, particrly regretful of their assistance to Zheng Yuan Tian. Zheng Yuan Tian wore a bitter expression, torn between gratitude for their departure and despair at losing Heng Jun''s support. He sighed heavily, dragging his severely wounded body once again into the fray against the relentless assault of the golden scroll, determined to harness the perilous situation to refine his demonic emperor physique. "Who am I?" hemented. "Even one as gifted as Zheng Yuan Tian can be easily devoured. My true form defies your imagination; how could I possibly meet my end?" "If it weren''t for your wild spections, I would have almost forgotten who I am. In this lifetime, I am destined to carve out my own legend in the realm of the extraordinary!" His suppressed emotions reverberated through the earth, his voice echoing with determination. He vowed to live, to rise, to defy fate, unstoppable by anyone. Of course, he felt regret and bitterness. With the appearance of the treasure above his domain, if it hadn''t gone awry, he would have been at his peak. He could haveunched an attack with his hidden demonic powers, perhaps even acquiring the coveted Roaming Ark! It must be admitted that at this moment, Zheng Yuan Tian, emanating a demonic aura, disyed great strength. In the face of imminent peril, he temporarily resisted the golden scroll and continued refining his demonic emperor physique, with a chance of sess! An hourter, those individuals returned, filled with regret, clearly having lost track of the Roaming Ark. One by one, the "Hades Blood Sect" imposters departed. Heng Jun also returned, immediately assisting Zheng Yuan Tian in resisting the golden scroll, saying, "The New Covenant is crude at best. It will only entangle you for a day before dissipating. I will help you withstand it." He was filled with regret. Despite wielding a treasure and having the advantage, he had failed repeatedly to acquire a second treasure. "Could it be fate? Perhaps one can only obtain one treasure at most, and no one in this world can bear the weight of two great destinies?" Heng Jun sighed, feeling unwilling to ept this reality. If he could possess two treasures, even in the harshest adversity, he would have the confidence to prevail! "Thank you, brother, for your protection!" Zheng Yuan Tian expressed gratitude, knowing that he had survived this ordeal. At the same time, he did not give up on refining his demonic emperor physique. Next time, he could use the body of the demonic emperor to fulfill his wishes in the mortal realm! In a distant city, Wang Xuan pondered. Could it be that his tapping on the life-preserving furnace had attracted the Roaming Ark? If so, there was an unimaginable connection between several treasures, each representing a super mythological civilization, their crystallized efforts. "Let''s give it another try. We can''t let old Zheng catch his breath. Even if we don''tpletely kill him, we''ll torment him until he''s half dead!" Wang Xuan decided to try again. So he stood amidst the bustling streets of the bustling city, quietly tapping the furnace lid, to see if another treasure would appear. Before long, the lid of the furnace pulsated, as if conveying a message to the outside world in a way that transcended ordinary understanding! This shook Wang Xuan to his core. The civilizations behind these several treasures were extremely mysterious, and their crystallized efforts were far from silent. Quickly, he ceased his actions, fearing that someone might notice the anomaly. Shortly after, a dazzling sword light pierced through the heavens and earth, cleaving through the void where Zheng Yuan Tian resided. The sword light was unparalleled, illuminating both past and present. "The Sword of Mortals... It has appeared again, still within the domain of Patriarch Zheng!" The Immortals were astonished, their eyes filled with excitement, but none dared to contest it. However, the true protagonist, Zheng Yuan Tian himself, shuddered, his body trembling. He wasn''t excited; he was afraid. He believed this wasn''t a good sign. Having just experienced a close call, in his current state, he couldn''t secure the treasure and might even be killed. Sure enough, Heng Jun abandoned him without hesitation, allowing the golden scroll to descend upon him. Old Zheng was still in the midst of refining his demonic emperor physique,pletely unprepared. He screamed in agony as his body shattered. At the same time, the "Hades Blood Sect imposters" returned, vying for the treasure while also delivering a few vicious blows to him, causing Zheng Yuan Tian to burst into pieces. "I...!" Old Zheng''s expression was one of utter despair as he gazed at the treasure looming above. He was truly terrified. Chapter 403: The Future Is Unpredictable Chapter 403: The Future Is Unpredictable In a world where both immortals and demons unted their prowess, there was only one figure enduring relentless beatings: Zheng Yuantian. Whoever arrived, they would proudly disy their identity as members of the Hades Blood Sect and seize the opportunity to strike at old Zheng. Some took advantage of the chaos, aiming to snatch the ancient demon emperor''s blood from Zheng Yuantian''s grasp, while others genuinely sought to end his life. In the midst of the struggle for the treasures, they seized the chance to deliver fatal blows. Zheng Yuantian endured unimaginable pain as the golden scroll crushed him, blood spraying everywhere. His situation was already dire, but he also had to guard against various sinister forces lurking around him. No one showed mercy; they all attacked ruthlessly. With a sharp sound, someone not only aimed to seize the ancient demon emperor''s blood but also sought to absorb his severed arm, stealing his true blood. Enraged, Zheng Yuantian, who had always been the one devouring others, found himself reduced to mere flesh and blood. His innate blood, which could have regenerated his severed body parts, was now permanently lost. "Are you all determined to see this through to the bitter end?" he roared. "Fine! I, Zheng Yuantian, will fight to the death. Even if it means total annihtion, I will drag two of you down with me!" His fury ignited, mes engulfing his entire body as he stood towering into the sky, his colossal form radiating with boiling true blood. But in this harsh reality, at this level of conflict, no one cared about his threats. A giant hand descended, crashing onto his form, causing two nearby moons in the outer space to explode into debris. And that was not the end of it. Zheng Yuantian''s main body, suppressed by the colossal hand, ruptured, blood flowing like a torrent from his shattered body, an awe-inspiring yet horrifying sight. Witnessing this, the onlookers were stunned. Zheng, standing on the earth, now towered into the outer space. Although his form was intricately woven with rules, his foundation severely damaged from the relentless onught, he was no match for such formidable adversaries. Almost simultaneously, a beam of sword light flew forth, severing his right hand. Then, with a thunderous punch, someone smashed his head,rger than the moon, into a pulp. "Has Patriarch Zheng been killed?!" Shock reverberated through the crowd, especially among his disciples who now trembled in fear. These people were mad; they showed no mercy, even towards such an unparalleled powerhouse. "No, Zheng, the peerless one, has escaped. What you saw was his blood-colored avatar, a mere shell. His true form, carrying the golden scroll, has broken through and left this ce," someone with sharp eyes pointed out. At the edge of the sky, Zheng Yuantian''s true self sprinted away, spewing fierce words of determination, but ultimately fleeing. If it weren''t for the golden scroll shadowing him every step of the way, people wouldn''t have noticed his escape. Zheng Yuantian felt deeply unsettled; he sensed impending danger today. So, filled with murderous intent, he let out a roar... and then turned and ran. He sensed this ce had be a vortex of death, a ground where peril lurked, possibly to entomb him. He trusted his instincts. Today was too sinister; two treasures appeared consecutively on his turf. As a supreme being with keen perception, he felt an unfathomable connection to them. Despite his swift escape, people still attempted to intercept him, knowing he was gravely wounded and on the brink of death. Opportunities like this were rare. Like a predator smelling blood in the water, the underwater behemoth seized the chance, determined not to let it slip. Zheng Yuantian''s essence, blood, and bones were all prime materials, capable of refining a substitute body. It was akin to his endeavor to cultivate the ancient demon emperor''s physique. The sky turned blood-red as Zheng, the peerless one, was pulverized by assants. With a wretched scream, his primordial spirit and the essence of his blood fragmented into thousands of pieces, dispersing into the ground and scattering far and wide. Undoubtedly, his loss was immense. The remnants of the demon emperor''s essence and his true blood were seized, along with the tearing of his own foundation. As Zheng Yuantian fled, he left behind a significant portion of his vital blood, but his fragmented form fled, causing his cultivation to plummet from the realm of the peerless. This led to even more dire consequences. As the golden scroll descended to crush him, he could barely resist. Moreover, other peerless powerhouses aimed to eliminate him directly. The fragmented shards of his soul dispersed once again, carrying the essence of his true blood, which was then collected into a purple gourd harvested from the Mount Buzhou. "Stop! Anyone who seeks to kill Zheng Yuantian is my enemy. I owe him a debt, and today I must ensure his safety!" Heng Jun shouted, thousands of miles away. He waved his feathered banner, releasing a hazy radiance that halted the golden scroll and repelled three mysterious experts. "Infinite sky, infinite earth, infinite dharma, by my name Heng Jun..." Heng Jun chanted, invoking an ancient spell. A burst of light enveloped the reappearing Zheng Yuantian, shielding him from disaster. "Friend Zheng, endure this day, for the sea is vast and allows for boundless leaps," Heng Jun spoke. Zheng Yuantian nodded, turning to leave. However, he couldn''t conceal himself; the golden scroll had locked onto him, destined to persist for another day. Fortunately, with Heng Jun''s ancient spell protecting him, he couldn''t be killed temporarily, even in the face of the New Covenant. Most importantly, others refrained from attacking him further. "Heng Jun, you meddle too much!" Wang Xuan felt strong dissatisfaction. If it weren''t for this man''s interference, Zheng Yuantian might have perished. "Nevertheless, Zheng Yuantian will die!" He didn''t know the fate of his parents, but since Zheng Yuantian''s disciples had acted and casualties urred, and since Zheng Yuantian had even captured a battleship into the fray, the situation was evidently intense. Not killing him would pose too great a risk. Taking a deep breath, he temporarily left the vast city. With the golden scroll having a day left, it would serve as a radiant beacon, guiding Zheng Yuantian''s whereabouts. On the God''s Sky Cliff,y a vast stone forest devoid of much vegetation. There were towering stone mountains that seemed to pierce the clouds and colossal meteorites, rumored to be fragments of the moon, harvested for rare materials like moon gold. Wang Xuan had arranged to meet the Sword Immortal here. It wasn''t too far from Zheng Yuantian''s territory, a flight of about two hours. Frowning, he searched for a long time, eventually spotting a graceful message left by the Sword Immortal''s avatar, indicating her presence but also her departure from the immortal realm several days ago. She went to the higher spiritual realm - the Guanghan Pce, to continue her sword training, vowing to be an unparalleled expert in the near future. She wouldn''t leave this time, even when Wang Xuan departed. She had originally intended to look after him, but he neither showed up nor sent any messages. Wang Xuan hadn''t anticipated that it would take more than ten days to travel from his current location to Zheng Yuantian''s territory. The expanse of the realm was vast. "Well, it''s better to wait until she breaks through to the unparalleled level before leaving!" Wang Xuan turned and left. Next, he settled down and waited patiently for time to pass. With Zheng Yuantian beaten to a pulp and falling from the unparalleled realm, it was the perfect time to kill him if not for Heng Jun''s ancient spell. "But even if you hold on for another day, you''ll still die. Just stay there," Wang Xuan muttered as he studied the map. The location where Zheng Yuantian was waiting for death wasn''t too far from Heng Jun''s dojo. With Wang Xuan''s current strength, it would take about two days to rush over there. If he used the teleportation techniquesparable to unparalleled experts, it wouldn''t take much longer. He nced at the magnificent mountain range where Zheng Yuantian was, chaos thunder asionally striking down upon him as he endured the punishment. As he estimated the time, he prepared for a third round of ''warmth-giving'' activities for Zheng Yuantian. However, he couldn''t do it too frequently, lest it arouse suspicion among the unparalleled experts. "In fact, all parties are probably considering it now. At most, one more round can be arranged. After that, Zheng Yuantian must be killed, and I must leave immediately." For now, he would use the golden scroll to consume the ancient spell on Zheng Yuantian. The time hadn''te yet. As expected, the People''s Sword escaped. Even Heng Jun couldn''t retain it. When the sword energy shed with the feathered banner, the atmosphere was filled with a terrifying aura, piercing through the stars. People fell silent. The treasures were too difficult to seize. Heng Jun obtaining the feathered banner left people speechless, showing his extraordinary luck. In the final period, Wang Xuan gradually experienced the customs and sentiments of the immortal realm. Overall, amidst the beautifulndscapes, there was an air of decay and pessimism among the people. Now, it''s widely known that the immortal realm ising to an end, driving many beings to madness. Chaos has erupted everywhere,sting for a long time until exhaustion sets in, and many people begin to feel numb and pessimistic. In a small town, a gloomy atmosphere prevailed. "Elder Zhengs dojo has been breached, but my family has surrendered all our spiritual treasures to buy departure slots for me and my sister to leave. We were supposed to enter the mortal realm along with Zheng Xianzu''s faction. Now that the massive inter-realm altar has been destroyed, will it be rebuilt?" someone trembled. It was a young man, his face filled with confusion. His family had sacrificed too much for him and his sister, and now, unexpected changes had arisen. "Just now, one of Zheng Xianzu''s disciples said they wouldn''t rebuild the altar. It''s not surprising." someone sighed. The young man''s face turned pale. "Can we get the spiritual treasures back? They represent all our savings. If not, even getting half of them back would suffice. I''ll go to other sects'' dojos and bid for a slot for my sister. I won''t leave myself." "Zheng Xianzu''s disciple said they won''t return them!" someone said heavily. ... This was what Wang Xuan witnessed and heard as he passed through a small town. He saw the young man holding his still-underage sister, his face filled with despair. In fact, this wasn''t an isted case but rather toomon. The immortal realm was currently in turmoil, and not all supernaturals could enter the mortal realm. Those who could purchase departure slots and find ways to enter the mortal world were already considered powerful supernatural families. "We''ll go through the veil ourselves when the immortal realm is about to extinguish. We''ll fight to the death for our achievements in the mortal realm. If we die, we''ll perish with the immortal realm." someone said. Wang Xuan couldn''t find peace in his heart. The immortal realm, contrary to people''s idealized images, was now like the end of the world, filled with mourning and destion everywhere. He saw couples embracing and crying bitterly, one side being able to enter the mortal realm while the other couldn''t qualify, unable to purchase the escape "slots." Wang Xuan shook his head vigorously. He could save some people, but he couldn''t save this entire realm. If all those supernaturals were to enter the mortal realm, it simply couldn''t bear the burden. Those sect leaders weren''t heartless but rather unable to take everyone with them; the mortal realm couldn''t amodate them all. A young couple, destined to part, looked at each other tearfully, feeling helpless and deste. "You go to the mortal realm and live well..." the woman choked up before she could finish her sentence. "I won''t go. I''ll stay here with you and go nowhere!" the man gritted his teeth, wiping away his tears, determined to stay within the veil. The woman was both moved and saddened, stopping him and saying, "Don''t be foolish. Your family has finally fought for a slot for you." "Give it to my brother. I''ll stay with you!" Wang Xuan felt powerless to save this vast world. How would it evolve? Was it really going to bury all beings? How many lives would be lost? Just thinking about it weighed heavily on his heart, rendering him speechless. Although the immortal beings sighed andmented that they were born in the wrong era, that myths were dying, and there was no way forward, they still had the opportunity to enter the mortal realm and live as ordinary people. But for many lower-tier supernaturals, they were destined to perish along with the immortal realm, without even the chance to survive. They were the ones to be pitied. "I''ve always worried that the arrival of mythical figures in the mortal realm would bring endless bloodshed and unimaginable misery to ordinary people. But now, it seems that those terrible things haven''t happened. All supernaturals have been restrained." Wang Xuan felt somewhat oppressed. In the end, were the most bitter, helpless, and deste ones the supernaturals? Soon, many people would no longer be able to survive, without any chance left. The supernaturals who entered the mortal realm, when the day came that their supernatural abilities disappeared, their eidetic memory faded, and their various talents were worn down, would they be disadvantaged groups? And when he thought about the day when those super warships in deep space would return, his emotions fluctuated. He took a deep breath and left the small town. In the past, he worried about ordinary people being trampled by mythical figures and treated as blood sacrifices. In fact, there were indeed descendants of demonic lineage wreaking havoc in the New Stars, so he vehemently opposed them. Now, he worried about the supernaturals who would lose everything in the future. Would theree a day when he would have to stand up and defend those former supernaturals? Overall, he sympathized with the weak and didn''t want any special ss to oppress and trample on the lower ss. "I don''t know what the future holds. Correcting the present will bring endless joys and sorrows, far more cruel than I can imagine." He could only take one step at a time. Now, he needed to act. He had to kill Zheng Yuan, from whichever angle he looked at it, this man was a disaster, and there was no need to let him live. Chapter 404: Digging A Grave For Old Zheng Chapter 404: Digging A Grave For Old Zheng "Zheng Yuantian, it''s time to end this!" Wang Xuan said calmly. The opportunity was right in front of him. He might as well end his own life if he couldn''t kill this major threat right now. This time, he stayed away from Zheng Yuantian and didn''t knock on the furnace lid at his current seclusion location to lure him out. Instead, he chose to go to his dojo. Because everyone involved was a tough character, and now some people might suspect a connection between him and Zheng Yuantian. So they were most likely keeping an eye on him. By then, Wang Xuan wouldn''t be able to make a move against him. He was in a huge city, not too far from the destroyed dojo. He wanted people to think there was something wrong with this ce rather than suspecting Zheng Yuantian. As Zheng ran away, the shattered dojo was quite empty. In the bustling city, many people were intoxicated with celestial liquor and were living in a dream before the end times. Some had obtained quotas and didn''t care anymore. They were raising their sses in celebration, waiting for migration. Wang Xuan lightly tapped the lid of the Life Essence Furnace. He controlled the rhythm of tapping, tapping a little longer than before to see if there would be any difference. The lid of the furnace trembled silently. This time, observing with his spiritual eye he vaguely saw special patterns floating towards the void. It looked like some kind of text, but it also resembled a special signal. Could treasures reallymunicate with each other? After a moment, Wang Xuan stopped. The lid of the Life Essence Furnace was slightly warm, and he even saw some blurry images that showed the Life Essence Furnace floating amidst endless mes. Then came the Sword of Mortals, Roaming Ark, and the Ascension Banner. They all appeared together and seemed to melt in the mes. They were resonating within the dazzling patterns. Wang Xuan took a deep breath and his heart was surging. It turned out that the four treasures had once been in the same ce. The outermostyer was the mes of Karma capable of burning down great realms. Inside, there were various unimaginable mesyer uponyer. What were they doing? "Who on earth had collected all the Supreme Treasures?" pondered Wang Xuan. He was greatly moved, but there was one treasure missing. It was the Tao Shielding Banner. It couldn''t be considered aplete capture of all the treasures if that was missing. What were they trying to do? No wonder there was a connection between several Supreme Treasures. They had once resonated together, all in the same ce, undergoing the baptism of a special sea of mes, their fates intertwined. "Hiss!" Suddenly, Wang Xuan was even more astonished. Amidst the endless mes were countless yellow paper money, colorful true crystals, and huge meteorite fragments. Were they real substances? They were continuously thrown into the me as if they were firewood. Were they trying to destroy the four treasures by melting them down? He saw clearly that at the critical moment, the lid of the Life Essence Furnace opened and allowed the other three Supreme Treasures to enter. After that, it closed and bore the fire alone. Finally, everything suddenly disappeared amidst the dazzling mes. Wang Xuan was in a daze. Who had once obtained the four Supreme Treasures? It was too astonishing. What kind of ce was it where someone wanted to melt them down, and the Life Essence Furnace had resisted the mes and bore them alone? If that were the case, those three Supreme Treasures owed the Life Essence Furnace a debt of gratitude. Therefore, it easily resonated with the other treasures with a slight pulsation. In the sky, streams of light appeared. It was not just one, first came the Roaming Ark. This treasure possessed extreme speed and allowed easy ess to the highest spiritual realms. With it, picking celestial herbs was like walking on t ground. Next was the Sword of Mortal. It directly splits the heaven and earth apart and flew out from the void to this ce. Then came the Ascension Banner. It shook violently and was dragging Heng Jun along. He clenched his hands tightly, and was dragging along at the back just like a tail. He was forced toe along! Heng Jun was dizzy. He had never experienced anything like this before. Was this Supreme Treasure going crazy? He hadn''t even activated it, yet it was dragging him around! Then, his eyes widened. He lost hisposure even as an unparalleled master. Were the Supreme Treasures having a meeting? They all came out, three of them at once! Then he felt satisfied and that he had gained something. Was the Ascension Banner sentient? Although it was unable tomunicate, it looked like it was inclined towards him and had brought him along to search for treasures. With the sound of an explosion, he didn''t think so anymore. In this area, the three Supreme Treasures resonated together, causing Heng Jun''s blood to boil on the spot. He was bursting forth like fireworks and exploding like firecrackers. Fortunately, he was immensely powerful, and the three Supreme Treasures merely resonated with each other and were not exerting their power. Therefore, his Great Tao foundation was not torn apart. Only his physical body broke down, but his flesh and blood quickly reassembled on the spot. He held onto the Ascension Banner tightly, fearing it would run away at any moment. "Who dares to cause trouble? Hmm, are the Supreme Treasures having a meeting? I''ll need to catch up to one!" said Zhang Daoling. Even his main body was awakened. He opened his divine eyes and with a burst of divine light tearing through the void, he immediately rushed over. Even those who had gone far to other Immortal Realms, like Fang Yuzhu and the Demon Lord in another area, were rmed. They turned back to rush over while traversing the realm. As for the Impersonators of Hades Blood Patriarch rushed over one after another. They were all rmed by it. This made Old Ming turn green with anger. He really wanted to curse at all the members that were faking his identity. "Earlier, I thought it was rted to Zheng Yuantian. Now it seems to be rted to this area!" Someone spoke up. This was also why some people always targeted Zheng Yuantian as they felt that his actions today were quite special and had attracted the Supreme Treasures. They wanted to take him down and study him carefully. Moreover, some people had started to keep an eye on him. They were waiting quietly to see if there would be any more anomalies. This was also what Wang Xuan was worried about, so this time he chose to stay away from Master Zheng. At the time, the effect was excellent. The Impersonators of Hades Blood Patriarch abandoned Zheng Yuantian and had all run here. Wang Xuan calmly left the huge city. He walked with a rxed pace towards the Old Zheng. He walked faster and faster, until finally, he crossed through the sky like a divine rainbow. Zheng Yuantian was undergoing tribtion. Facing the life and death ordeal today, the ancient spell casted on him had weakened. His face turned pale under the torment of the golden scroll and he felt as if he was on the brink of death. Although he had fallen from the peerless level and had his Tao Foundation torn apart, he still sensed themotion in the distance. He felt that something was amiss. Were the Supreme Treasures having a meeting? He couldn''t believe it was a coincidence. There must be something happening there. Was the Dojo he left special? He was unwilling to miss out on anything. But ultimately, he sighed and moved away. It was better to leave. Otherwise, some old sinister characters would probably try to kill him. At the same time, he felt his heart beating faster and a chill ran down his spine. His spirit was ufortable, and he had a strong hunch that a great disaster was about to ur. "It''s somewhat hazy, somewhat unclear. Unless it''s the Supreme Treasures that are disturbing the heavenly order to prevent me from keenly capturing the source of the crisis," Zheng said with horror. He suddenly raised his head and looked towards the end of the sky. He estimated that it should be where the three Supreme Treasures were. Someone that wanted to kill him was still targeting him. "Could it be that someone is trying to obtain the Sword of Mortal or the Roaming Ark in order to kill me?" said Zheng Yuantian. He was certain it wasn''t Heng Jun that was holding the Ascension Banner. He turned and left. He headed towards the void, escaping first to avoid future regrets! "The old monster is too vignt. Is he nning to flee? But it''s toote!" said Wang Xuan. He had already arrived, and had blended in with a group of passing cultivators. He had activated the orbs granted by Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and others. With a buzzing sound, the entire world dried up instantly. Wang Xuan activated two orbs first. One was defensive which wrapped him up with protection, and the other was offensive, which he used to aim at Zheng Yuantian! Both orbs were meticulously constructed by top experts. They were inscribed with endless runes that represented the highest level of immortal rules. It was impossible for anything to be so amplified in the mortal world. After all, the mythological rules had copsed, and the transcendent world had crumbled. But here, it was different. After the orbs were activated, they instantly absorbed the trans material in this vast expanse, and interweaved unparalleled rules. It was like an ocean, like millions of mountains, pressing down on people to the point of suffocation. It was undting like a neb, shrouding the heavens and the earth. The void exploded and shattered in an instant. Zheng Yuantian flew towards the sky and tried to escape but it was futile. He was struck by a dazzling beam and was directly obliterated! What was that? A mirror that was extremely dazzling. Even the sun would appear dim in front of it if it had exploded. It was the mirror light seal, one of Zhang''s specialties. He always carried that broken bronze mirror around for a reason. After being struck by the light, Zheng Yuantian''s body shattered into pieces. His current level was insufficient and was unable to withstand such an unparalleled blow. Moreover, the ancient light curse bestowed upon him by Heng Jun had long dimmed, or else Wang Xuan wouldn''t have made a move. Not only that, after the sky shattered, endless mountains copsed on the ground, and countless cracks appeared in the void. Nobody knew how far the crack had spread. The sky and the earth were in chaos. Wang Xuan was shocked. He felt a chill down his spine. Zhang''s seal was truly powerful. He wiped his sweat in secret and was thankful that he had wrapped himself in a defensive seal beforehand. Before this, he had thought he was being overly cautious and feared he might waste such a supreme divine ability. Now, he was d he had been. Otherwise, he would have perished. Even the residual light waves and the reflected mirror light seals pouring over could have torn him apart. Swoosh! This time Wang Xuan struck again with another orb. It was the Immortal Light from Fang Yuzhu. It prated forward and had cut off all vitality, while also searching for the fragments of Zheng''s spirit. It could be said that the divine ability Fang Yuzhu bestowed upon him was a skill that was designed for targeting people. The skill was specifically prepared to deal with Zheng Yuantian. It was extremely suitable. Almost instantly, the remnants of the ck blood in the void were swept away by the Immortal Light. It illuminated the void, and then began to destroy the remnants of Zheng Yuantian. That ck blood was very unique. It was as dark as ink and devoured all light. Even from a distance, a foul smell that could destroy one''s spirit emanated from it. It was like the ancient blood of decay and it gave people a terrifying and unpleasant feeling. "Ahh" There were cries of agony within the ck blood, as they were being eradicated by the Immortal Light. It continuously obliterated the residual core of the spiritual imprints. "How can it be this terrifying? He had already fallen from his realm and was no longer a peerless master. Even Old Zhang''s mighty divine ability couldn''tpletely kill him?" Wang Xuan was moved and a chill ran down his spine. This was truly astonishing. The Immortal Light began its massacre, grinding away the ck blood. Wang Xuan gritted his teeth. There was not a single bit of hesitation within him. He had intended to kill him thoroughly and was never going to give him any chance. In an instant, he summoned another orb. It was a powerful divine ability given by the Demon Lord Yan Yan. It was very practical and had manifested into a pristine white palm. At the same time, Wang Xuan acted ruthlessly. He summoned the lid of the Life Essence Furnace. Using the white palm, he grabbed the lid and smashed it forward. The lid swelled as it received an infusion of boundless trans material for the first time since ancient times. It gained mastery over unparalleledws, and was thunderously striking the enemy. Although Fang Yuzhu''s Immortal Light had eradicated the nine masses of ck blood and spiritual imprints of Zheng Yuantian. However, as the Demon Lords White Palm that wielded the lid descended down, the intricate patterns on the lid intertwined and it illuminated the void. It unexpectedly revealed a tenth mass of ck blood. It was very small in size and was hidden in a crack in the void. It was barely visible. But it was still exposed in the end! Boom! The pristine white palm that was formed from the rules of this universe, held the lid and descended. It smashed down on that spot and turned everything into nothingness. Only ashes were left behind. "Old Zheng, I''lle to pay my respects at your grave another day!" said Wang Xuan. He decisively turned around and was preparing to flee. The protective light on his body was still bright and had not yet dissipated. However, the lid had not been retrieved and was still in an erged state. "I Sister Fang, Old Zhang , and I still have to waste another powerful divine ability?!" He didn''t have time to wait for the lid to cool down and shrink automatically. Peerless masters from afar could descend here at any moment. A beam of immortal light that was as crimson as blood had appeared. It was a powerful divine ability given by the Patriarch of Hades Blood and he had used it to snatch over the lid. His heart was bleeding, as even collecting the lid required him to use divine abilities, which was too costly. Bang! The Patriarch of Hades Blood''s powerful divine ability was right for him to activate the lid. Hemanded the treasure and directly pierced through the void. He disappeared from this ce, and had teleported! He had no regrets although he had already used up five powerful divine abilities. His direction and goal were clear as he rushed towards Heng Jun''s Dojo. He had to seize the opportunity while he was away. He had to smash his Dojo and dig up the best tea tree. In his view, perhaps that was not just a tea tree. For him, its a tea tree that might be a true elixir if it was cultivated properly in the Solitary Void! Chapter 405: There Is No One Here Chapter 405: There Is No One Here "Undying Divine Light!" Sure enough, someone descended at that moment and witnessed the final scene. A crimson glow departed and plunged into the void vortex to an unknown destination. "Is that the Undying Blood Escape Technique of the Ancestors of Hades Blood?" The neers were astonished by the purity of that divine light, which didn''t seem to be fake. The real Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect had also arrived and it caused quite a stir. It wasn''t just about several Ancestors of Hades Blood vying for the treasures, they even meddled in the scene of the murder. From heaven to earth, in the mortal realm and the immortal realm, there was simply no ce without his presence. He was like a scapegoat, single-handedly carrying the fault of the heavens. The Ancestors of Hades Blood was extremely unhappy! "Zheng Yuantian is dead?!" The Ancestors of Hades Bloods were all moved, shocked that Old Devil Zheng had been swiftly killed by someone? Furthermore, someone spoke in a low voice, saying, "I saw a furnace lid in the bloodlight. Could it be the Life Essence Furnace? Zheng Yuantian is actually dead." This was definitely a major event. The faces of all the arriving individuals changed. The fourth treasure had also appeared and been obtained by someone, and it had killed Zheng Yuantian? "Hades Blood got the Life Essence Furnace and killed Zheng Yuantian before leaving," someone spoke up. The real Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect looked at them and felt weary. These people standing in the bloodlight all pretended to be him. They dared to speak about the Hades Blood? Not a single one was good! "Are you Hades Blood? You killed fellow Taoist Zheng!" In the distance, Heng Juns white hair was fluttering while he held the Ascension Banner. He was filled with fury. The Yin-Yang Divine Robe on his body was rustling and swaying. His killing intent was boundless and he was raging like a bull. The blood energy emanated from his body reached outer space, and was causing meteorites in the sky to explode! "My Taoing friend Zheng Yuantian, I will find the real culprit and avenge you!" He swore. Wang Xuan emerged from the void vortex about sixty thousand miles away. During the journey, he corrected his direction several times and hurried to the vicinity of Heng Jun''s dojo. Now, he didn''t care about the impending disaster behind him. Taking advantage of Heng Jun''s absence, he nned to quickly search his base and take everything he had. "Heng Jun, you aided the tyrant and helped Zheng Yuantian kill me. Well then, I won''t be polite!" Wang Xuan looked at the grand mountain range ahead. ck mountains emitted strands of innate essence that nurtured various heavenly herbs. Red mountains dripped with earth marrow that nurtured a grove of divine fruits. Silver-white mountains were crossed by shes of sword light and were permeated with metallic qi. This was the ce to refine extraordinary treasures. Heng Jun''s dojo had been moved from other immortal realms to this realm that was attached to the Old World. The vast and majestic mountain ranges were diverse. Each of them upied a vast area. At first sight, Wang Xuan saw the tea tree right in front of the cave. It was in the open space between various divine mountains. It was unprotected mainly because Heng Jun gradually gave up on it. He couldn''t afford to nurture it anymore since its transformation failed. It was hard to maintain its fundamental celestial medicine properties, requiring the medicinal soil of Mount Bu Zhou and the rare celestial nectar from higher spiritual realms. It needed constant replenishment. And now, with less than a year left until the extinction of the immortal realm, Heng Jun believed that even if it could still be sustained now, it was destined to wither in the future. There were some powerful formations guarding it, but there weren''t any particrly specific arrangements. Ordinary people couldn''t move this tree, but Wang Xuan had no problem with the furnace lid in hand. ng! He threw it towards it directly. With the peerless power that had not yet dissipated, it smashed into the dojo and caused the sky to copse and the earth to crack. The mountain that was covered in intricate patterns exploded and the formations were gone. The only special ce in this dojo which was the stone chamber where Heng Jun usually meditated, disappeared with a swoosh. It was concealed by a hazy chaos as the formations there were the densest. As for the external areas such as the various splendid pavilions, suspended divine inds, and gardens in the void all plummeted. The protective formation guarding the location of the Best Immortal Tea swiftly disintegrated. The furnace lid emitted a soft light after it fell. With auspicious rosy clouds around it, it was actually absorbing that heavenly herb. Wang Xuan showed a startled expression. Then, he immediately thought of the rumors. It was said that the Life Essence Furnace was associated with various immortal medicines. ording to legend, when it was held close to celestial medicines, it could attract their essence. This made it easier to harvest potent herbs. cing heavenly herbs in the furnace could also enhance their quality. The First Immortal Tea had a thick main trunk and was lush with green leaves. It was coiling like an ancient dragon reaching towards the sky and had a height of six meters. Although sparse in numbers it bore some fruits each the size of a thumb, and each of it had various colors such as gold, silver, purple and many more. The small tea fruits were extremely dazzling, divine and delightful. But there were too few of them. Who could drink them every day? Earlier, Wang Xuan had been wanting to brew a pot every day. Besides maintaining his health and cultivating enlightenment, he could also entertain his friends. But now, it seemed impossible as there were too few of the fruits. The old tea tree swayed, and Wang Xuan lent a hand in uprooting it. The leaves shimmered with green radiance, and the colorful fruits sparkled. The radiance and sparkles created a natural and beautiful scene. Enveloped in divine light and white mist it shrank in size and quickly descended into the furnace. Both the furnace and tree shrank to the size of a palm. It felt as refreshing as consuming a ginseng fruit once it was in Wang Xuan''s hand. The feeling invigorated him from head to toe. After killing Zheng Yuantian and raiding Heng Jun''s dojo, he felt clear-headed and refreshed. These two were arch-enemies, Wang Xuang was destined to oppose them. ying and plundering them gave him an extraordinary sense of aplishment, even the corners of his eyes and eyebrows were gleaming. Of course, he didn''t waste any time. After obtaining the old tea tree, he took advantage of the chaos and flew away immediately! "Who goes there?!" someone said. "Who''s this? Someone hase to rob Heng Jun''s cave. Is this person crazy? Even if they want to die, they shouldn''t do it like this. They won''t have a chance to be reborn in the next life!" said another person. In this dojo, there were naturally many transcendents, and quite a few experts. Some people were affected and had lost their lives when the formation copsed just now. Although many people were reprimanding, they were actually fleeing and did not dare to provoke such a ruthless figure. Only a few transcendents that were headstrong rushed forward. Wang Xuan took a deep breath and sent out the second undying divine light. It was not to kill the enemy, but to elerate his departure. It was time to return to the mortal world. If he didn''t leave now, Heng Jun would go mad and would inevitably hunt him down no matter where he went. Of course, during this process, he didn''t mind taking advantage of the situation to rush past in a light of blood. Anyone who attacked him burst into pieces amidst the sound of explosions. Wang Xuan manipted the furnace lid, then he entered the temporal vortex and disappeared instantly. His task was done, it was time to leave! "That''s the signature move of the Patriarch of Hades Blood, the Undying Blood Escape Technique!" someone shouted. Then, with a bang, some of the nearby transcendents exploded. "Old Zheng, your death won''t be in vain. That person will pay with blood!" Heng Jun spoke. It was almost at the same time, he felt a shock in his heart. His divine sense tingled and his face was full of astonishment. Something had happened behind him! Swoosh! The Sword of Mortal vanished. It had cut through the void, and was heading straight for Heng Jun''s dojo! The Roaming Ark was even faster as it was originally a traveling tool. In an instant, it disappeared without a trace. Heng Jun remained silent and chased frantically. His divine sense tingled, and his Ascension Banner hummed softly, as if it were about to reach something. The Ancestors of Hades Blood turned into streams of light and rushed after the treasures. With treasures appearing one after another, there wouldn''t be much hope in the future if they didn''t seize the opportunity today. Thud! Old Zhang exerted great force while rubbing his hands together. A beam of mirror light flew out and pierced through heaven and earth. With a leap, he entered the spacetime passage. "Wait for me, Patriarch Zhang!" shouted the real Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect. "Who are you?" Zhang Daoling asked. "I am Hades Blood himself." "That''s odd. Usually, others impersonate members of the Hades Blood, and Old Ming is forced to change identities." Tears welled up in the eyes of the Patriarch of Hades Blood. Was this now an unspoken rule in the industry? Heng Jun''s face turned blue as he stood in front of his dojo. His gaze was cold while he was looking at the devastated mountains, the fallen divine inds, and the copsed pces. Many transcendents had died and his heavenly herbs had been dug up. It was audacious! The huge pit that was left seemed to mock him, as if it was offering him up on a tter. "Who could it be?!" shouted Heng Jun. His gaze swept over every face. "Immortal Patriarch, we saw thatit was Hades Blood''s Patriarch. He used the Undying Blood Escape Technique to run away after destroying this ce!" someone bravely reported. "Nonsense!" The Patriarch of Hades Blood had arrived and straightaway rebuked upon hearing this. He could tolerate covert actions, but now even overt actions were aimed at him. This was intolerable. "Trace back to the past!" Heng Jun''s voice rang out grimly. He used his supreme power and intended to trace back to the past and see who was responsible. Soon, he found it incredibly difficult. It was almost impossible to trace back. This was somewhat terrifying, so much so that it astonished everyone present. They couldnt even trace back to recent events? Was this person not in the world? Heng Jun snorted coldly and activated his Ascension Banner to enhance his search. There was a bit of effect, but it only showed a vague figure. The person waspletely covered in armor and was heavily concealed. Not long after that, the image dispersed in an instant. "How is it possible, why am I unable to trace back?" Heng Jun murmured. He then quickly remembered something and said, "Reality, Illusion, Inversion of the universe and disrupting the traces of time and space. The person who can collect such things is definitely not simple!" He chased the Roaming Ark and the Sword of Mortal for a distance, then the treasures swiftly disappeared into the void. They hadpletely vanished. Heng Jun''s expression turned ugly. Holding his Ascension Banner, he tore through the void once again. He searched until he stopped in a deste mountain range. He stood there for a long time and waspletely clueless. The slight pulsation in his hand from the banner had long ceased. Wang Xuan sighed. The Hades Blood Patriarch''s escape skills were definitely top-notch. The speed of the Undying Blood Escape Technique was too fast. He had long entered the darkness after the lid of the furnace fell silent. He hastened away until he finally saw the inn that had glowing rednterns hanging, and then rose into the air along the mist. In the dimness, he stepped into the blurry area. His body seemed to distort along with the mist. As he walked further away, his figure became fainter until he disappeared. With a swish, he returned back to the Life Soil through the spacetime passage. He had sessfully escaped from the Immortal Realm with great gains and no dangers. He didn''t dare to dy. He ced the shrunken tea tree into the furnace and sealed it tightly topletely iste it from the world. By doing that, it prevented any aura from leaking out of the tree. Then, he dug into the Life Soil and buried the treasures deep down. He nned to take a break first and then find time to nt the ancient tea trees in the Solitary Void. Now that this was done, he was eager to know what had happened in the real world during his absence. He was quite worried about his parents. "I killed Old Zheng just like that," Wang Xuan muttered to himself. His spirit returned and quickly merged with his physical body. Then, he opened his eyes. Chapter 406: The Ancient Spaceship From Outer Space Chapter 406: The Ancient Spaceship From Outer Space "Thank goodness, you finally woke up. It''s been over ten days since your spirit disappeared. If your body hadn''t still been warm, I would have announced your death to the public," Chen Yongjie breathed a sigh of relief and spoke in an ominous tone. Wang Xuan really wanted to give him a lecture, telling him not to be so pessimistic. Chen Yongjie''s bald head gleamed brightly, just like a reflection of his enhanced cultivation. His eyes were sharp as he asked, "This time, you didn''t self-immte, nor did you experience any violent shocks. Was everything peaceful, and did your seclusion go smoothly?" "Not bad. This time, I traveled through the Void and went far away. It was like a big dream," Wang Xuan sighed. He had killed Zheng Yuantian, and even he himself felt it was unreal. It was likely that the Immortal Realm was in turmoil now. Such a major event would definitely cause a stir. However, now was not the time to focus on the Immortal Realm. He was very worried about his parents and so he quickly asked about the situation in the mortal realm and whether there had been any changes. "Zheng Yuantian''s disciples are insane. As they were unable to find you, they went to Ping City and targeted your parents. They hadpletely ignored the rules!" Chen Yongjie said solemnly. At the time, they were in Mo City, which was by the sea. Wang Xuan had secluded himself here to avoid Zheng Yuantian''s people, but they still targeted his family. Chen Yongjie quickly reassured him, "Don''t worry, your parents are fine. Those people were asking for death. They evaporated on the spot, and not a trace of them were left. "Did Sister Fang take action?" Wang Xuan asked. He knew that Fang Yuzhu had gone to An City to recharge herself at thergest library there. "Yes, those people disappeared the moment her immortal light shed. Among them were Zheng Yuantian''s direct disciples, which were incredibly powerful. If it were anyone else there, they wouldn''t have been able to resist them. But in front of Maiden Fang, they were like rotten paper that was easily torn apart. Just like that, the world was peaceful again," Chen Yongjie sighed with admiration. He also longed for such greatness, but unfortunately, he probably wouldn''t have the opportunity as he was born in this era. Wang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. He felt grateful to Fang Yuzhu. Then he asked, "My parents weren''t frightened, were they? Well, they''re brave. Even if they were scared, they''d be fine after a good night''s sleep." "It was far from it. Back then, how should I put it They didn''t panic at all. Their ability to handle pressure was quite astonishing," Chen Yongjie said with a strange expression, he then continued, "When they saw Fang Yuzhu, they were very happy. Their expressions were like" Old Chen couldn''t continue his words. ording to the reports he received, Wang Xuan''s parents were very enthusiastic and not at all reserved. The way they looked at Fang Yuzhu was warm and eager. Wang Xuan rubbed his temples with one hand as he felt embarrassed. Without much thought, he knew his parents must have misunderstood. Could they possibly think Fang Yuzhu was a modern-day transcendent? She was a transcendent with three thousand years of cultivation! Wang Xuan could imagine his parents being delighted. As they did not fully understand Fang Yuzhu''s true origins, they werepletely seeing her as a prospective daughter-inw. Since myths were dying out and transcendents were bing ordinary, they had hoped Wang Xuan would marry a transcendent maiden. Chen Yongjie looked awkward and he felt embarrassed to say anything more. Wang''s mother even held Fang Yuzhu''s hand and put her own bracelet on her wrist. "Did Sister Fang leave in a huff?" said Wang Xuan. He felt his face burning and was embarrassed for his parents. How could they act like this? Old Chenughed suddenly and said, "Miss Fang has a good temper. Although she was led by the hand, she always had a smile on her face. Moreover, she found a quiet room and chatted with your parents for a long time." Chat with my parents? Can they findmon topics to chat on? Wang Xuan covered his eyes with both hands and started rubbing his face again. He felt really embarrassed. How was he supposed to face Fang Yuzhu next time? Undeniably, he had a favorable impression of Fang Yuzhu, but for now, his feeling was purely admiration and non-romantic. It was like how ordinary humans always liked beautiful things that were pure, natural, and simple. Besides, who was Fang Yuzhu? She was a transcendent and one without a brain would know that she was possibly the strongest in the world. How could she easily fall into worldly matters? Zheng Yuantian''s disciples appeared more than once in the mortal realm and were behaving wildly. They tried to cause trouble after failing in Ping City, but they were bombarded by warships in the end. At a critical moment, Zheng Yuantian made a ruthless move by seizing a warship and had imprisoned it within the great veil. "These kinds of people deserve death, but unfortunately, Old Zheng''s power is too strong. We can''t do anything about him," said Chen Yongjie while he shook his head. Wang Xuan fell silent. In the end, people had already died. Even by killing Zheng Yuantian, it wouldn''t change their fate. "I''ll advance to the next stage and then shake down their realm. In the real world, I shouldn''t fear their attempts to kill me anymore!" Wang Xuan pondered. Then, he suddenly looked up and gazed into the deep starry sky. He was contemting a journey into the depths of the universe. Having killed Zheng Yuantian and resolved the biggest threat, it was time to consider rescuing people. He wanted to bring Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin back from the secret ce. He had refrained from traveling too far mainly because he was currently in danger. He was constantly being watched by peerless experts. Additionally, through the information that Fang Yuzhu had given him, he knew that Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin were not in immediate danger. Previously, Fang Yuzhu had also left a spiritual fragment there. It was left there together with the white peacock at the Earth Immortal stage. It had not returned till this day as if it was waiting for something. Separated by the great veil, Fang Yuzhu had made contact with the spiritual fragment over there and believed that the old fox was extremely cunning. It harbored hostility towards the Celestial Beings and its strength wasparable to, if not stronger than, the white peacock. However, it had indeed taught Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin cultivation without causing harm to them. However, the part that made Wang Xuan uneasy was that it kept them detained and was not willing to let them go. Furthermore, Fang Yuzhu suspected that the old fox had other connections, not just as the caretaker of the so-called Immortal Cave but possibly as a powerful figure who had escaped from the great veil in advance. "An Earth Immortal with a physical body that had escaped and lived in the mortal world all this time, I wonder if their realm has been shaken down," Wang Xuan said with a serious expression. He dared not paint a rosy picture of the old fox. Not releasing his captives indicated he had a problem. He didn''t dare to be overly optimistic about the situation as he feared there might be a huge hidden agenda. Looking back on his experiences in the secret ce, he increasingly felt that the old fox was suspicious and had many abnormalities. The old fox had inquired about Earth Immortals and Health Masters from cultivators on the three transcendents of Yuhua, O, and Heluo. He was evaluating something at the time. "Master Ma, how are you now? Can you perform the Horse Stomping Flying Swallows or the Horse Stomping Demons Technique? And you, the bootlicker, are you going to switch allegiance to the old fox?" pondered Wang Xuan. "Little Celestial Fox, it would be really heartbreaking if your grandfather and I became enemies." he thought again. Wang Xuan believed that with his recent breakthrough to the eleventh stage, he might be able to set out. He realized he had many things to dotely. After he had dealt with Old Zheng, he still needed to guard against Heng Jun. Furthermore, he had to go to the secret ce to pick someone up. In addition, the Celestial Sword Maiden might break through the transcendent realm at any time, so he needed to be vignt and guide her out. He would need to guide her as it was chaotic in the great veil, with various Hades Blood factions in turmoil. "Has anything happened in the past few days?" Wang Xuan asked. "Yes, indeed. Yesterday, an ancient spaceship had arrived from outer space. Its style is outdated and out of ce for this era. It''s very unusual" said Old Chen with a serious expression. The ancient spaceship drifted aimlessly from deep space. It was stained with blood that made the approaching people shiver. The blood hadn''t dried yet. "Are there any living beings inside? Can wemunicate or approach it?" Wang Xuan asked. "Ordinary people can''t get close. At first, I wanted to go, but I couldn''t leave you alone," Old Chen said. Currently, beings from beyond the great veil were unaware. Until this afternoon, he had only informed Fang Yuzhu. She had already set off because the situation was strange and required investigation by a strong individual. "That blood is probably from an extremely powerful transcendent because ordinary researchers can''t even get close to it. The moment they get close to it, their spirits will be in extreme pain, as if they''re being torn apart." Old Chen''s expression was solemn. There were probably no people piloting the ancient spaceship. It was eerily silent, and its propulsion system had long been shut down. It appeared and floated inexplicably in outer space. It was already nighttime, and he hadn''t received any news from Maiden Fang yet. "Have you informed Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch?" Wang Xuan asked. Chen Yongjie shook his head. He felt that Fang Yuzhu was approachable and best to talk to, so he informed her first. He had some awe for the other two. "Fang Sister should be fine, but it''s been so long. Why haven''t we heard anything yet?" Wang Xuan frowned. "The space probe had seen her open the hatch and sessfully entered it, but she hasn''te out since then." said Chen Yongjie with uncertainty. He said, "How about we immediately inform Master Zhang and the Patriarch of Hades Blood Sect? I think they will be interested. The ancient spaceship is stained with blood and has dented cabins. It''s definitely not ordinary." Wang Xuan agreed. He was indeed a little worried. The universe was vast and no one can guarantee invincibility. "An ancient spaceship stained with the blood of a transcendent being? That kind of thing is usually not simple. I''ll go up and take a look." Zhang Daoling said after hearing this. He then asked Chen Yongjie to send a spaceship to take him to space. As for the Hades Blood Patriarch, he was still immersed in the major events that urred in the great veil and couldn''t extricate himself. With Zheng Yuantian killed, he had been busy gathering all sorts oftest information. "Haha, Heng Jun, how dare you threaten me. Now look, your own home has been stolen and destroyed. Even the Best Immortal Tea Tree has changed ownership. Ridiculous!" Finally, he also received a call. Later in the evening, he boarded a small spaceship and was also heading to the outer space of the Old World. After waiting for a long time, neither of them returned, and there was no news at all! Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie were both stunned. What was going on? Three top experts had came and entered the ancient spaceship, but there were no signs of them afterward? It was unsettling! "What about the Demon Lord? Quickly seek her help." said Old Chen. He felt overwhelmed, sensing that things were far from as simple as he had imagined. Wang Xuan shook his head. Leaving aside whether they could find the Demon Lord, they couldn''t simply send people into the ancient spaceship again even if they knew where she was. Now that the three top experts had entered and were trapped inside. Even if the Demon Lord went in, she probably wouldn''t be able to solve the problem and might even endanger herself. Was there anyone who could threaten Fang Yuzhu in the real world? Wang Xuan remained silent and waited for news. The deep and vast universe held too many secrets, and no one could say what might happen. In thete hours of the night, Chen Yongjie''s phone rang abruptly. The ringing sound broke the silence of the night and jarred his senses. He answered it immediately, hoping it was news from the ancient spaceship in outer space. "How is that possible? Everyone who entered the ancient spaceship is dead?!" eximed Chen Yongjie. He was shocked to his core. He was speechless and found it hard to believe what he had heard. Chapter 407: Even Immortals Can Die Chapter 407: Even Immortals Can Die "Even the individuals that broke through the ceiling and surpassed the limits of the real world''s suppression have died?" Chen Yongjie was dazed, feeling incredulous. This news was too sudden. It rang in his ears and shook his mind. The ancient spaceship was too terrifying. He had some lingering fear. He would have died too if he hadn''t stayed to guard Wang Xuan and had gone to explore first! Though not in the samepound, Wang Xuan still woke abruptly from a deep meditation the moment he heard parts of Old Chen''s words. He vanished from where he was, then appeared in Old Chens room. "Theyre alldead?" said Wang Xuan as his heart sank. "Yes," Chen Yongjie nodded, furrowing his brow. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "I''m talking about the New World. A simr ancient spaceship had also suddenly appeared in outer space. It had a hull that was pockmarked and stained with arge amount of transcendent blood." "My God!" shouted Wang Xuan. He nced at him and felt an urge to reprimand Chen Yongjie. Couldn''t he just speak calmly? Chen Yongjie had just tightened Wang Xuans heartstrings. In the New World, an ancient spaceship appeared almost simultaneously with the one in the Old World. They were not identical but very simr. There were many transcendents in the New World, including disciples of top experts. Six teams had gone to explore, and four powerful experts who were at the transcendent level had died, along with thirty-seven other transcendents. "It is reported that in the New World, they violently opened the cabin. In an instant, more blood spilled out!" said Chen Yongjie. Wang Xuan frowned. This matter was rather suspicious. Why did two ancient spaceships appear simultaneously outside the New World and the Old World? Who brought them back? He spoke up, "I think this matter is not simple. It seems to be sending some kind of signal to the New World and the Old World." He looked at the photo again. In the cold void and the dark universe, tainted with the fresh but uncoagted blood of the transcendents, the old-fashioned ship appeared extremely eerie. However, due to the angle of the shot and the distance, it was not very clear. They couldn''t discern the situation inside the cabin. "In such a tumultuous time, itll beplicated and dangerous if this is a signal sent by some civilization," Wang Xuan said. Wang Xuan and Old Chen had a discussion. They realized they needed to find the Demon Lord Yan Yan and have her contact her main body in the great veil for assistance. Otherwise, the problem would be very tricky. Of course, Wang Xuan also wanted to make a trip himself. With the Life Essence Furnace on him, it was his most powerful trump card. Of course, he wouldn''t rashly charge in, he would act with caution instead. They set off overnight and returned to An City. They couldn''t stay in the coastal Mo City any longer as preparations for various tasks were needed to be underway. "Qing Mu, go to Xiong Mountain to find the Demon Lord. If you can''t find her, just shout out out loud, saying that Maiden Fang and Zhang Daoling are in trouble," Chen Yongjie contacted Qing Mu. He had instructed him to immediately go to the Divine Farm. Wang Xuan went to find Huang Ming and spent the whole morning in his tea house as he waited for news. Huang Ming and Kong Yun were both from the Demon n and should have a clearer understanding of the movements of Demon Lord Yan Yan. "Old Zhang and Old Ming are really not reassuring. Knowing there''s a problem, they''re still not being careful enough. I hope they''ll be safe," Wang Xuan muttered to himself. Huang Ming was speechless. He thought: How does this guy not fear being beaten to death by the two ancestors if they hear him? Master Huang''s mood wasplicated. They even sparred with each other when he first met Wang Xuan. Now, it was not just him but even the son of the Demon Ancestor, who was a lunatic, didn''t want to meet Wang Xuan. He was scared off by Crazy Wang and was even feared for being used as his motivation. Between them, the fragrance of tea wafted gently on the surface of the spirit wood table that was covered with fresh flowers and vines. The atmosphere was quite pleasant, and the tea house was elegantly decorated, with white celestial aura floating around. "Brother Wang, you don''t need to worry. Kong Yun has personally contacted various parties to find the Demon Lord. Besides, Maiden Fang and the two Patriarchs are blessed with good fortune and immortality. Nothing will happen to them," Huang Ming reassured. With a mysterious tone, Huang Ming lowered his voice and said, "Let me tell you some good news. I''ve heard preliminary information that there''s a major event in the Immortal Realm. The person who wanted to kill you probably died!" He teased, leaving the sentence unfinished. Wang Xuan was speechless. He wanted to tell him that it was his hand that killed Zheng Yuantian, and yet here he was treating it like some precious secret? "I''m waiting for thetest news to confirm if he''s really dead. After all, he''s a peerless master, and it''s not easy for him to perish so easily," Huang Ming said. Seeing Wang Xuan''sck of interest, he immediately mentioned the real name in a low voice, "Zheng Yuantian is dead!" Wang Xuan didn''t want to bother with this matter at first, but he had to pretend to be shocked. Otherwise, this cunning fox would definitely be overthinking. "He''s dead? That''s so surprising!" eximed Wang Xuan. To express his shock, he had to drink three cups of tea in a row to cover up his calm demeanor. "Huge news indeed. It''s confirmed. Zheng, the extraordinary, has fallen. He was killed by a mysterious figure. I was told not even a speck of him remains!" Zhou Qinghuang ascended the stairs with quick steps. This time, dressed as a student and wearing sses, she was delicate and gentle. However, she was with a restless heart and was not calm at all. She also brought along Gu Mingxi. These two had always been together and rarely seen separated. Last time, Gu Mingxi didnt attend the opening of the tea house as she wanted to avoid Wang Xuan. There was amotion among the people in the tea house. Surprisingly, there were some transcendents here. It was not just ordinary people that were having lively discussions. Someone echoed, "Confirmed! The Great Veil is in turmoil. Just now, Ancestor Heng Jun officially announced that the Patriarch Zheng has passed away." "It''s rumored that the mysterious person might be an unparalleled master who used a teapot lid to smash Master Zheng!" Zhou Qinghuang said. Wang Xuan was speechless. His mood wasplicated. He had be unparalleled himself? The lid of the Life Essence Furnace became a teapot lid? This rumor was outrageous. Was someone deliberately hiding information about the Life Essence Furnace? Regardless of anything else, the mysterious figure became famous for killing Zheng Yuantian. The news shocked the Immortal Realm and caused a huge stir as everyone spected about his identity. In this day and age, myths have ended, and peerless masters are beyond reach. Naturally, the person who could kill Zheng Yuantian will inspire awe. "They still couldn''t trace him even with several ancestors joining forces. It''s as if he doesn''t exist in this world. He''s truly a god-like existence. Unfortunately, we won''t have the chance to meet him," Zhou Qinghuang said regretfully. This incident had caused all transcendents inside and outside the great veil to be unsettled. They were all specting about the culprit and were causing a massive uproar. Huang Ming was surprised. "Maiden Zhou, aren''t you uninterested in men?" "You know nothing. A peerless expert is peerless in my eyes, whether male or female," said Zhou Qinghuang. She seemed schrly, but her words were sharp. "You''re asking for trouble. Keep your mouth shut!" said Gu Mingxi. She rolled her eyes, and stopped her from speaking nonsense. "Some specte that this might be a newly emerged peerless expert because all known experts in the Immortal Realm have been ruled out!" Zhou Shiqian spoke up. She was also present. "This is astounding! I really want to know his identity. Rising in this era, killing Zheng Yuantian, and bing one of the strongest is truly remarkable!" said someone. A group of people discussed fervently. Their discussions were heated. Wang Xuan was astonished. He hadn''t expected that killing Zheng Yuantian would cause such a stir even in the mortal realm. He did not expect such significant repercussions. "Found her. The Demon Lord is waiting for you at the spaceship base. Head to outer space soon!" Chen Yongjie''s call came. Sure enough, the red-clothed Yan Yan that was on Xiong Mountain was summoned out. She notified her counterpart in the great veil and swiftly rushed over. Wang Xuan immediately got up and hurried to the spaceship base outside An City. "Be careful. It''s best to stay outside the ancient spaceship and not simply enter it," Chen Yongjie advised. He wouldn''t go himself as he felt like he''d be sending himself to his doom. With a whoosh, a small spaceship broke through the atmosphere and swiftly entered the dark expanse of space. In reality, there was still quite a distance from the New World. The ancient spaceship was enormous and wasparable to arge warship. It silently floated with bloodstains as if it had escaped from a pile of corpses. How much blood did transcendents spill to create such a situation? "The ancient spaceship is troublesome. This thing is not weak. It''s inherentlypatible with transcendent power systems," the red-clothed Demon Lord Yan Yan spoke. This time, she was serious and did not smile at all while on the journey. It was different from her usual charming demeanor. Clothed in red, she exuded the majesty of the co-ruler of the Demon n. Wang Xuan stepped out of the spaceship and stood beside her. He sent the small spaceship away as it was too dangerous here. "All of it was genuine blood of immortals. Its not ordinary transcendent blood," said Demon Lord Yan Yan as stood in outer space. She was looking at the scarred surface of the ancient spaceship. Wang Xuan was astonished. This colossal ancient ship resembled an ind that was stained red. It turned out to be immortal blood? That was terrifying. How many immortal beings had to be ughtered for this? "It''s intriguing that the ancient spaceship had appeared in both the outer space of the New World and Old World. I wonder if it had also appeared at other nearby renowned mythologicals?" Yan Yan muttered to herself. "The spaceship came from deep space and the era of immortal blood is unknown. Was it sent here by someone as a challenge, or as a call for help?" said Demon Lord Yan Yan. She was exuding unparalleled elegance, but now she had a cold demeanor. There was a glint of determination in her eyes. Wang Xuan tightened his grip on the Godying Banner and was ready to throw himself into battle at any moment. There was an unknown danger here that even made the Demon Lord look serious. "Can you sense the presence of Maiden Fang and Old Zhang?" he asked. "Why? Are you worried?" The Demon Lord nced at him with her faint smile. She looked at the spaceship and said, "Fang Yuzhu won''t be killed so easily. That''s her flesh and blood. The two of us wont have a good oue if even she dies inside." "In this day and age, are there still beings that can threaten you?" asked Wang Xuan. He seized the opportunity to inquire, hoping to unravel more mysteries. "The universe is vast and boundless. Who can say for sure? Perhaps in some corner, on some deste star, there might be a special race thats unreasonably powerful. Although I haven''t found any," she said. Was she being humble or confident? "You seem very worried, probably not for Old Ming, nor would you be nervous for Zhang Daoling. Rest assured, Fang Yuzhu shouldn''t die. Someone has foreseen her fate and she will have a descendant," said the Demon Lord as she raised her delicate eyebrows, curling her beautiful lips, she continued, "She hasn''t given birth yet." Why was she even saying such bold words? Wang Xuan was speechless. Chapter 408: Soaring Side By Side Chapter 408: Soaring Side By Side The Demon Lord stepped forward and walked towards the ancient spaceship in the pitch-ck void of space. She wore a long red dress that showed her slender and graceful figure. Having such an extraordinary woman walking around in such harsh conditions of outer space would surely leave ordinary people dumbfounded. Wang Xuan followed and was also approaching the spaceship. He began to gear up. He wore a silver beast skin cloak and had a golden beast skin wrapped around his head, with two holes for his eyes. In his right hand, he held the Godying Banner, and in his left hand, an iron awl. "Are youing in with me?" said the Demon Lord Yan Yan while she nced hastily. Today her expression was cold and aloof but she still exudes charm the moment she looks back. "Yes, perhaps I can be of some help," replied Wang Xuan. He had originally intended to guard the door, but he decided to follow along since the Demon Lord had asked. Moreover, he was truly worried. Three supreme experts had disappeared inside, without a trace. The ancient ship was indeed terrifying. He decided that if anything went wrong and even if it meant exposing the Life Essence Furnace, he would smash it to save them. "Come here, walk beside me to avoid any idents," said the Demon Lord. She stopped and waited for Wang Xuan to catch up and walk side by side with her. A faint red glow emanated from her body and it enveloped her and Wang Xuan. The red glow formed a protective aura and it also brightened up the void of space. This girl, this great Demon Lord, had a real body? Wang Xuan was shocked! Normally, he didn''t dare to use his Spiritual Eye on the Demon Lord Yan Yan as he feared he would be beaten up by her. Her perception was too sharp. Now that hes in close contact and walking side by side with their bodies almost touching. He could feel that it was indeed her real body, and not just an energy avatar, nor a manifestation of her spirit. He was quite astonished. The Demon Lord had actually retained her physical form. However, when he thought about it, it does actually make sense as even in the Secret Repository of Old Zhong in the New World. There were bodies lying horizontally inside the Divine Tree Coffin that remained uncorrupted. In this world, there are always some people who possess extraordinary methods that allow their bodies to remain immortal for two or three thousand years. Crackle! As the two approached the colossal spaceship, there was an inexplicable electromaic sound. It sounded like the harsh static noise one hears when a TV loses its signal. It was brief and onlysted for a moment or two. But then Wang Xuan felt his scalp tingling, and a chill ran down his spine as if something was approaching. He abruptly opened his Spiritual Eye but found nothing. He only saw mysterious cold traces left in the void. It seemed to be remnants of negative energy fluctuations. "You''re quite audacious, making trouble before I even step inside," Yan Yan sneered. With a lift of her hand, a streak of crimson heavenly thunder sted toward the area in front of the hatch. With a thunderous boom, the lightning illuminated the surroundings. It was dazzling and had caused the void to resonate with terror! The massive metal spaceship also trembled along, and out came faint sounds that sounded like it was from a different dimension. It gave off a sense of horror. Eventually, everything fell silent, but the blood on the spaceship started to glow faintly. It was bright red and ethereal, and also had a rotting scent that permeated the air. Yan Yan ignored it all and strode forward. She stepped into the entrance passage of the ship. It was dim and spacious inside, with nothing particrly remarkable. There was just some cosmic dust that floated around for who knows how many years. "I want to see whether this is a challenge or a plea for help, and what information has been brought back," the Demon Lord said while ncing sideways at Wang Xuan, "Give me the Godying Banner, and you can use that burning stick to assist me." Wang Xuan lowered his head and looked at the long iron awl. Such a powerful relic that was capable of entering the void and piercing meteorites was reduced to a mere burning stick. He silently handed the Godying Banner to the Demon Lord. He felt that it would be better for her to wield it in this kind of situation. This mission was likely very dangerous, so they needed to boost their strength as much as possible. Yan Yan instructed, "Although your strength is not bad, it stillcks a little. If some strange creature ambushes us, you''ll probably be blown to pieces. Stick close to me and don''t stray more than two feet away." "I''m not that weak!" Wang Xuan retorted. After all, he had in supreme experts. How could he be so fragile? "Then be careful," Yan Yan said, pointing the Godying Banner forward. With a swoosh, a ck mark appeared on the metallic bulkhead. It burned and vaporised it into ashes. "What was that?" Wang Xuan eximed. "Some disasters aren''t necessarily living beings, or rather, some creatures might not be in the form you imagine. It could be just a pattern, a blood-red mark, or a wall," Yan Yan exined. The next moment, Wang Xuan''s hair stood on end and without turning his head, he thrust the burning stick backward. With a swoosh, sparks flew behind him. It was the trans energy exploding and it had caused a pale face to disintegrate and quickly disappear. It looked like it came from a painting that was t rather than three-dimensional. The twisted, snow-white face that was pierced by the iron awl, disintegrated just like that. Wang Xuan instantly became vignt. This ce was different from other dangerous ces he had encountered before. The passage was very long, mainly because the ancient spaceship was too massive. As the two walked forward, the deste feeling of the ce started to show. It was devoid of any vitality, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing lightly. Red blood stains appeared on the ground ahead, and a malevolent aura that felt capable of tearing apart human flesh emanated from the blood and rushed towards them. This was the result of the copse of the transcendent world. The essence in the blood had dissipated, or else it would have been much worse. "It is not to be underestimated," said Yan Yan with a nod of her head. She looked at the blood on the ground and continued saying, "Through the blood, I saw a quasi-supreme expert who fell a long time ago, but the enemy hasn''t been revealed." It was somewhat terrifying that even a quasi-supreme expert had been killed in the spaceship. It was truly unsettling. With a gentle wave of her banner, the malevolent aura dispersed. The two strode past and were nearing the end of the passage. They were about to enter a rtively spacious section of the ship''s cabin. "Hmm? This is troublesome," said Yan Yan. She had sensed something as a strand of her hair floated up. She stopped and said, "Hold onto my arm." "I I don''t think it''s necessary," Wang Xuan said. The Demon Lord nced at him and said, "I''m using your Godying Banner. It won''t be good if I don''t protect you and you get injured here." Seeing him hesitate, she nced at him again and said, "Hurry up, don''t waste time. Otherwise, I''ll send you out. Besides, haven''t you always wanted to see me perform the celestial dance? Now that Im close to you, are you afraid?" The Demon Lord smirked, giving him a final squeeze. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan wrapped his arm around hers. He felt the softness, the fragrance.It was just like the warm color of jade. This girl, this Demon Lord, was indeed flesh and blood. Yes, Wang Xuan had confirmed it. This was her true body that was in the mortal realm! Like Fang Yuzhu, she had also left behind aplete immortal body. As if knowing what he was thinking, Demon Lord Yan Yan nced at him lightly and said, "Is it strange to have a real body? Fang Yuzhu and I were preserved the same way. During those years, the Divine Ascension Bamboo was split in half and was turning into two bamboo boats." Wang Xuan was amazed. These two sisters had various karmic connections in the mortal realm. He couldn''t help but specte if they were really biological sisters. His mind wandered. If someone had foreseen the future for Fang Yuzhu, had they also foreseen the future for the Demon Lord? Were Yan Yan''s parents the one that did it, were they a terrifying couple who had disappeared into the immortal realm long ago? "What nonsense are you thinking? Focus, don''t corrupt my mind!" The Demon Lord red at him and pinched his waist fiercely. It caused a piercing pain for Wang Xuan. "I''m not thinking about anything!" shouted Wang Xuan. "Our arms are linked. It''s too easy to see through your heart and mind. Who are you trying to fool?" The Demon Lord said nonchntly. Wang Xuan immediately shut up and stopped thinking about anything. In the end, he practiced the highest scripture of the mentally ill to avoid her probing into his secrets. The two entered an empty area, and what they saw was shocking. Countless bodies littered the ground, and filled every inch of space. Most crucially, there were no weaklings here. They were all the bodies of immortals. No wonder the Demon Lord insisted on him holding her arm and not leaving her side. This ce was too sinister. How many immortals had died here? When did this massacre ur? This was a terrifying ancient ship that was filled with a sea of immortal corpses! There were men and women but not all of them were human. Many still retained their human-like racial features even after bing immortals. It was quite tragic. Even immortals could end up in such a state. "So many immortals, and I don''t recognize a single one," the Demon Lord said solemnly. "Most importantly, they all have flesh and blood. Did they not enter the immortal realm after bing immortals? But they don''t have the Heavenly Five Decay Diesease. Or did they reach the threshold of Ascension, only to be ughtered just before entering the grand stage?" For the first time, Demon Lord Yan Yan was so serious. She found it extremely abnormal. How could there be so many immortals with physical bodies in the mortal world?! "Are they returning from deep space? Just the thought of it is provoking," she murmured. Wang Xuan was also rmed, mainly because there were too many physical bodies of immortals. Their origins were dubious. Did they belong to this universe? Did they return after finding something, or were they originally outsiders? Of course, what was most unsettling was that they all died abnormally. Whose handiwork was this? "It''s impossible to trace back. This ce is not simple. We can''t see the crucial scenes of the past," the Demon Lord spoke up. At that moment, strange sounds could be heard nearby. It was the sound of teeth grinding and bones shifting. The immortals'' bodies around them had actually moved, and were standing up. They were very mechanical, stiff, and werecking in agility, just like zombies. Blood flowed from their mouths and their hair was disheveled. They had swords piercing their bodies. Some of the immortals with broken necks stood up with tilted heads. Although some female immortals were beautiful before their deaths, they looked terrifyingly grotesque now. They opened their lifeless and dead eyes. The eyes were cold and gray, they were long dead. A chilling scream that made one''s spirit shudder and hearts raced echoed among them. Then, all the immortal corpses emitted eerie screams, followed by the sound of teeth grinding and bones shifting. Some stiff immortals rushed forward with insane speed. They charged straight ahead, leaving behind remnants of their figures! The Demon Lord took Wang Xuan and soared into the sky. They hovered over the empty cabin and looked down at the corpses of the immortals. Then Yan Yan said, "I could still annihte every single one of you with a single hand even if you were all alive!" With their arms linked, the two flew forward. Groups of immortal corpses started rising up, and were emitting a dense malevolent energy that was like a bursting dam. However, with a gentle wave of the Godying Banner, popping sounds were heard and their blurry and terrifying remnants exploded within their skulls. Their bodies fell to the ground and were unable to stop the two. "Ill spare you from a miserable end. If you have any sense left, retreat quickly, or both your form and spirit will be destroyed!" shouted Yan Yan. With one hand holding the banner, the Demon Lord waved it forward with her red dress fluttering in the air. It disyed both the supreme demeanor of the co-ruler of the demons and the charm of the peerless Demon Lord that captivated all beings. Arge number of immortal corpses rose up from below, but under the gentle shake of the Demon Lord''s banner, they either disintegrated or fell to the ground. Just like that, the path ahead was cleared. Wang Xuan and her flew arm in arm and soared side by side. Chapter 409: The Offspring Wang Xuan Chapter 409: The Offspring Wang Xuan Arm in arm with Wang Xuan, the Demon Lord looked down upon the immortal beings. They traversed the void and were boldly breaking through the bloodied ranks of the immortals. Wang Xuan said, "If there''s ever a biography of me in the future, would it be recorded like this: ''In the twilight of the myths, Wang Xuan and the Demon Lord Yan Yan joined forces to y countless mutated immortals.''" As he was spouting nonsense, he was taught a lesson. When he was close and touching the metal walls, an eerie electromaic sound resonated. Then, a faceless woman with disheveled hair materialized before them. She was t, like a pattern on the metal wall. It was attempting to drag Wang Xuan onto the wall. This sent chills down his spine. Was this entity stripping him of his form and spirit in the real world? He was grabbed by one of his feet. In an instant, his heart raced as his right foot appeared on the metal wall, and it had be part of the mural! He was horrified. What kind of monster was this? It seemed to be from a different dimension than him. Using the iron awl in his hand, Wang Xuan forcefully stabbed it into the wall. Immediately, a piercing scream rang out as the faceless woman dissipated, releasing his foot. The Demon Lord stood aloft with her Godying Banner cleaving downward. With a deafening roar, the entire metal wall exploded. Copious amounts of bloodstains started oozing out. There was no ce that was normal here. The two left that area and proceeded along the passage into another deste expanse where astronauts that died many years agoy strewn about. Some had their heads severed, lying sprawled on the ground, while others were submerged in solution inside ss containers. The ce seemed like aboratory, where ancient astronauts were dissected. Were they the owners of the spacecraft? Their identities were unknown as they were all deceased. There were hundreds of them. This region bore unsettling traces that lingered in the void. It was as if the frigid energy had only recently receded. The situation grew increasinglyplex, with both divine and technological civilizations facing dire straits here. All of them were victims of the circumstance. Wang Xuan and the Demon Lord arrived at the third, rtivelyrge cabin. The first thing they saw was a row of robots that were covered in bloodstains of immortals. "The murderers? No, that''s not it!" eximed Yan Yan. She looked at them again and realized they were merely tools used to remove corpses. They were used to clean up this section of the ship. Outside, the piles of immortal bodies were all transported by them, but now their energy systems had long been depleted. The space within this cabin was vast and somewhat peculiar. There wereyered uponyers, with many seats arranged like the petals of a blooming lotus flower. In the central area was the lotus seedpod. It resembled a gigantic arena that was surrounded by lotus petals, each covered in seats. Wang Xuan was astonished. "It''s strange. Clearly, this is a technological spaceship, but theyout of this cabin resembles an ancient martial arts arena. Its simr to a diatorial arena." "Many immortals died here and had been carried away," the Demon Lord Yan Yan spoke up. The atmosphere here was heavy with death. Those bloodbaths, the tragic experiences of the immortals and astronauts. Whatever happened here in the past was difficult to trace. Undoubtedly, this ancient spaceship was shrouded in unsettling mist. It was ughtering both mythology and technology. There was not a soul in the seats surrounding the arena. It made it hard to imagine what kind of beings watched the battles here in the past. The two descended onto the highest tform of the arena and started surveying the area. It was truly expansive.It was spacious enough for immortals to unleash their full power. "Fang Yuzhu once fought someone here," the Demon Lord Yan Yan said. She was not ustomed to calling Maiden Fang her sister so she used her name directly. Swoosh! A pattern appeared on the ground, and then, the arena split open. From below rose an ancient suit of silver armor, its origin was uncertain. "Anlu Lantuka" mechanical sounds came from it. "Whatnguage is that?" wondered Wang Xuan as he looked at it. Its appearance was abrupt, and its sound broke the silence of this ce. "Ka-ka, Mini, Ora" The interior of the silver armor was empty, there was no living being. However, it emitted real sounds, sessively switching between keywords in multiplenguage systems. Wang Xuan was astonished. Those keywords echoed the pronunciation of this universe, and he even heard words from the Ora Star. The suit of armor seemed to be analyzing and retrieving the correspondingnguage. "Eura, Varukka, Nidaiye!" Wang Xuan spoke. He was engaging in conversation with it, demonstrating his rudimentary knowledge of the Ora Starnguage. Yan Yan immediately pinched him hard on his back again and said, "Stop messing around, let it switch to the Old Earthnguage." "Human race, Demons, have youe to challenge again?" Finally, its emitted voice became understandable. This made Wang Xuan furrow his brows. Its appearance was that of an ancient demonic armor, yet the sound it emitted was synthetic and mechanical. It was quite bizarre. "Who are you?" the Demon Lord asked with a chilling aura. The armor spoke in the Old Worlds ancientnguage. It was simr to some dialects of today''s regions, but they could understand most of what it said. The general meaning was that the victor advances, while the loser perishes. Swoosh! A beam of light appeared. It seemed to have descended from space yet also emerging from the void. It went into the armor. The vacant armor was then filled with a verdant glow from within. Instantly, the silver armor became dangerous and it emanated transcendent energy waves akin to those on the fourth stage of transcendence. The expression of the Demon Lord Yan Yan changed. She was only at this level even in the mortal world. Was this suit of armor''s level of transcendence nearly on par with hers? She released Wang Xuan''s arm and signaled him to step back as she sensed that things were getting tricky here. No wonder Zhang Daoling and the others disappeared and never made it out. Because, this was just the beginning! "I have questions for you," Yan Yan spoke, disliking ambiguous confrontations. "Victory lives, defeat dies." The armor responded with just 4 four words. It was filled with green light which made it look like a green humanoid creature. "Don''t be arrogant, answer the questions first," Wang Xuan spoke. However, the green light within the silver armor repeated those four words, without saying more. In the distance, a new pattern lit up on the ground, and another suit of armor appeared. It was seemingly made of ck iron, it felt and looked cold and dark. It first made mechanical sounds, then transitioned into the slightly familiar Old Worlds ancientnguage to Wang Xuan. "You,e!" It pointed to Wang Xuan, speaking with mechanical sounds. Soon after, a blue light appeared in the void and entered the ck armor, filling its empty interior. It emanated the pinnacle of mortal transcendent waves. It seemed to have surpassed the ninth stage. The blue light also repeated those simple words: "Victory lives, defeat dies!" "This ce is too bizarre," said Wang Xuan. He showed a peculiar expression as he walked forward. He was eager to find out what was happening here. "Be careful!" shouted Demon Lord Yan Yan. She tied up her elegant hair and with her vibrant red dress, she approached the silver armor with a cold gaze. In the next moment, she decisively made a move without using the Godying Banner. Her snow-white palm pressed forward and immediately sacred patterns started to intertwine. It was as if the heavens and earth were copsing and the void seemed to distort and copse. With a thud, the terrifying force of her white delicate hand caused the silver armor to cave in. The green light inside vibrated violently and flickered unpredictably! Wang Xuan was moved. This was the Demon Lord''s strike. It was unparalleled in power, yet it didn''t make the armor explode. What material was this silver armor made of? Inside the armor, the green light surged and almost covered the silver armor itself. It charged towards Demon Lord Yan Yan and counterattacked with full force. The trans material boiled, and the light engulfed the whole arena. It could actually fight against the Demon Lord and that was quite astonishing! However, amidst the deafening ng of metal colliding, the shing of disappearing runes, a dozen hard impacts and multiple counterattacks, the green light inside the armor couldn''t bear it anymore. It screamed and was shattered by the white palm. It quickly dissipatedpletely. Snap! The Demon Lord''s skirt fluttered and her slender and long snow-white legs emerged from the red dress. She kicked the silver armor sideways and snapped it in half. "Alert, super organism! Alert" the broken armor repeated. Undoubtedly, the silver armor and the glowing green light should have been extremely powerful and had a very high level. However it was defeated just like that, which seemed insignificant. On Wang Xuan''s side, without waiting for him to make his move the ck armor filled with blue light had already strode forward. It was actively attacking him. The ck armor''s movements were swift and fierce. With one step, it teleported from its original position and abruptly appeared a few hundred meters away in front of Wang Xuan. It thenunched a kick towards his face. "Ive given you respect, havent I?!" Wang Xuan''s eyes surged with divine light. Few transcendents dared to kick him in the face like this. In the split second he leaned to the side and avoided the kick. Using his fist that was apanied by a shower of light, he sted towards the opponent''s descending body. He aimed to destroy it with the Ascendent Fist. However, the ck armor with rippling blue light was extremely agile. It twisted its waist in midair and evaded the attack while its other leg came sweeping fiercely. It was essentially delivering a double-leg attack in midair. Wang Xuan''s body started to emit light, and trans material could be seen vaporizing on the metal ground. Then with an explosion, he teleported away and appeared tens of meters away. However, a true dragon and a fire phoenix had appeared in the void. They were vivid and lifelike. One was shiny with scales, and the other unfolded fiery red wings. They intersected, and swooped towards him, intending to intercept his body. This was not just a close-quarters hand-on-handbat but the double-leg attack was a special technique that was being used. The ck armor that was filled with blue light had released a profound skill, the Dragon Phoenix Shears. In the civilization of gods and demons, the skill could sever stars and cut off gxies when it was wielded by the strongest. In this level of confrontation, it could easily tear apart the opponent once it was executed. Wang Xuan teleported several times, but the technique followed him like his shadow. It was aiming to tear his flesh and extinguish his spirit. It could deliver a dual attack to both the flesh and spirit. He was certain this was a tenth-stage monster. It was extremely powerful regardless of whether it was a creature that had a physical body or another type of life form. He didn''t use the iron awl. Instead, he engaged bare-handedly. Of course, he also employed his profound skill and had activated the Scripture of Tao Splitting Sword. At first, his two arms seemed to transform into light which resembled two divine swords nging as they shed against the Dragon Phoenix Shears. Then, his entire body emitted light and countless sword rays gushed forward. Amidst the dazzling radiance and the grating sound, the ck armor was blocked. They shed repeatedly, and after numerous exchanges, the blue light shattered, and the ck armor''s two legs broke off. It left the ground littered with metallic debris. "Warning, super creature offspring! Warning, super creature offspring!" The fragmented ck armor repeated this mechanical sound. At first, Wang Xuan was stunned, then he was filled with murderous intent. How could they call him an offspring here? They were disrespecting the King too much! Demon Lord Yan Yan approached gracefully and was no longer as aloof as before. With a faint smile, she nced at him. Her crimson and alluring lips slightly parted, and as far as one could tell, she was uttering the word offspring silently. Suddenly, several beams of light descended from above onto the vacant seats. Humanoid figures could be vaguely seen among them. Even faint apuse could be heard amidst the haze. The smile on the Demon Lords face vanished instantly as she held the Godying Banner and sted forward! They were being watched as if it were a show. What did they take them for? Wang Xuan''s expression turned cold instantly. He raised his iron awl and was ready to strike at any moment. Chapter 410: Otherworldly VIP Chapter 410: Otherworldly VIP It was hard to tell what era this ancient spaceship was from, floating in space for who-knows-how-many years. And now, suddenly, there were spectators in the seats? Yan Yan had a striking and enchanting appearance, but as the co-lord of the demon n, she naturally had her pride, having once dominated with an iron fist and reigned supreme. In her hands, the Godying Banner exploded with a resounding boom, golden patterns intertwining and resonating like the surging of the starry sea, overwhelming everything in its path. How could the Demon Lord tolerate being a mere spectacle? Those in the seats were treating her as a diator, a performer in the arena, for their own entertainment. Among the four beams descending from the sky, one was hazy, with two people pping slowly and lightly as if expressing their satisfaction reservedly. The golden banner surface erged rapidly with vast golden patterns, instantly crashing onto the four beams of light. Normally, even transcendent experts of the present world would have to avoid it! A deafening sound erupted, like two meteors colliding in the sky, with dazzling light as if igniting the dark universe! The spectators were, however, quite formidable. They stood motionless while a fierce burst of light rose instantly like a barrier, blocking the attacks from the Demon Lord. Wang Xuan''s pupils contracted momentarily. This ce was far too eerie. The near-transparent barrier made contact with the golden patterns spreading from the Godying Banner, resulting in a terrifying explosion. The four figures stood motionless, but a fierce burst of light rose instantly like a barrier, blocking the attacks from the Demon Lord.. The near-transparent barrier made contact with the golden patterns spreading from the Godying Banner, resulting in a terrifying explosion. Runes scattered as the twobatants collided. It was an astonishing sighta collision of the remnants of the old rules of the world. Any normal transcendents caught in the fray would have been instantly killed. Behind the barrier, the four humanoid creatures seemed taken aback. Then, one of them, who seemed to be a woman, pointed over, saying something. "Xig madua khan" It was apletely iprehensiblenguage, faintly transmitted through the translucent barrier, but she seemed excited and indignant. As she stood in the towering beam of light, her figure was blurry, but her silhouette appeared feminine. She had long hair draped over her shoulders and a diamond-shaped glowing object the size of a fingertip on her forehead. She was furious and seemed to be babbling incoherently, pointing at the Demon Lord. Beside her, a tall male-looking figure with an even more intense diamond-shaped glow at his brow gestured for her to calm down, seemingly about to take action. The man took a step forward, and in an instant, the translucent barrier began to shake violently. The orderly flow of light splintered in all directions as he prepared to counter Yan Yan. The Godying Banner expanded to cover the sky, fluttering loudly as Yan Yan held it single-handedly and used it like a spear, thrusting forward abruptly. The banner cracked the barrierits gpole piercing through itsurprising the figures within the four beams of light. However, the man did not retreat; he was about to leap over the barrier and engage with the Demon Lord, the beam of light around him also moving forward. "Alert, superorganism out of control! Danger! Defense initiated!" The mechanical voice sounded again, harsh and grating. The cracked barrier dissolved, turning into a dazzling light and enveloping the area, roaring incessantly as if something had been passively activated. The four beams of light, carrying the four individuals, connected to an unknown destination and swiftly disappeared. The remaining barrier and the light shattered like crystal ss, bursting into pieces and dissipating into nothingness within the vast cabin. At the same time, in the area where Wang Xuan was, three beams of light descended as if dropping down from the sky and pierced through the highest part of the cabin wall. Three blurry figures appeared on the seats, standing within the pirs of light. One of them looked down at the arena, seeminglyughing as she pointed at Wang Xuan andmunicated with herpanions. Just like the appearance of the second set of armor had a timeg, these new humanoid beings were the same. The second batch of spectators had arrived. A man threw an object onto the tform, which rolled to Wang Xuan''s feet. It looked like a fruit from the spiritual realm, capable of replenishing the spirit. Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow. What did this mean? Are they treating me like a monkey onstage? "Click, click!" A man from the translucent barrier made sounds, gesturing towards Wang Xuan. At the same time, a mechanical voice sounded from the broken ck armor on the tform. "The guest wants you to show your speed." Truly, quite the spectators, arent they? With a bang, Wang Xuan stepped on the ck armor, causing its abdomen to copse inward and the transcendent material within to spill out. Behind the barrier, the humanoid creatures within the three beams of light stood in front of their seats, looking down below with some dissatisfaction. One of them clenched their fist, lightly thumping their chest. "Mounida!" He eximed, still making such sounds. "The guest wants you to disy your wild power," the mechanical voice sounded again. Wang Xuan''s eyebrows raised. This was truly a spectacle; they were treating him like a beast in an iron cage and asking him to perform. He nced at the spiritual fruit on the ground, seemingly something between material and energy. Was that it? He had more than one Heavenly Pill in his possession. Wang Xuan kicked the fruit, sending it flying towards the barrier, and spoke, "You''ve done well, but don''t beat your chest. You can use your fist to hit your own head." "Kucha Liye" The ck armor under his foot spoke at the same time, as if interpreting Wang Xuans words for the guests. The two men and one woman across from him were first puzzled upon hearing this, then their vague facial contours showed a strange expression as they nced at Wang Xuan. The woman spoke, her voice pleasant to the ears, rhythmic and melodious. "The noblewoman wishes to buy you, to cultivate you, to help you break free from primitiveness and ignorance, and to be an outstanding barbarian warrior," the mechanical voice sounded again. Wang Xuan''s eyes deepened, and he did not immediately react. He had heard some valuable information, and he wanted to understand more. This was all a bit absurd. Who were these people? However, the other party fell silent, waiting for his response and seemingly also waiting for the ck armor to evaluate something. After a moment, the mechanical voice sounded again: "After inspection, he is still a wild man, uncaptured. If you wish to purchase, you will need to wait. First, drive him into the cage." It was again the ck armor that spoke, gradually breaking free from the ancientnguage of the Old Earth and approaching anguage of the present world, as if it could synchronize and optimize. It was acquiring the current linguistic system of the Old Earth. Wang Xuan''s expression turned slightly cold. Defining him as a primitive savage? How powerful and proud was this civilization? Then, he lifted his foot and stomped wildly on the ck armor, causing it to deform into a pitted and concave shape. "Warning! Although he is a super biological cub with noble bloodlines, he has serious violent tendencies and suspected gic defects, and will be difficult to tame. Not rmended for purchase." The mechanical words angered Wang Xuan. What kind of species dared tobel him like this? He stomped the ck armor to pieces, but it could still produce sound. Yan Yan walked lightly towards them. "Interesting, it''s been a long time since we''ve had such an event. And someone who dares to look down on us? Quite amusing. I would like to capture them and study them." Her long red dress trailed on the ground, and the slight slit on one side revealed a pair of snow-white legs. Surprisingly, she was wearing crystal high heels made of special materials. It was a mix of ancient and modern attire. "You,e here. I want to cultivate you," Wang Xuan pointed to the area behind the barrier, looking at the two men and one woman. The Demon Lord didn''t rush to take action, fearing that the three might also be taken away by the beams and leave the scene. In the hazy light columns, all three vague figures seemed to show a different color. Although they had been offended, they didn''t show any anger but rather seemed more intrigued. However, this gaze made Wang Xuan ufortable. It wasn''t an appreciation for their kind; it seemed more like astonishmenta different look towards outsiders. The electromaic sound was piercing the ears, as if the cabin was being invaded by some energy. It was continuously buzzing but soon stabilized. Then, the woman in one of the light columns spoke, showing proficiency in the Old Earthnguage. Seemingly, what she hadmunicated earlier was to acquire thisnguage system to use now. "I demand that he be captured immediately. I want to cultivate this primitive outlier. Perhaps one day, he may evolve into an outstanding barbarian god," she spoke gently, her expression somewhat elusive as she smiled. She had blue hair and there was also a glowing object at her brow, but it wasn''t a rhombus crystal; it was a sparkling red dot, adding a strangeyer of beauty. Wang Xuan remained calm and did not erupt. He asked, "Who are you, and which civilization do youe from?" If it wasnt to understand their origins and uncover the truth, he wouldn''t have conversed with them so peacefully; he would have acted already. Based on intuition, he judged that these three were not from nearby star system civilizations. Perhaps they originated from extremely distant deep space, or maybe even a different universe. "I will be your cultivator. You don''t need to know anything else for now," the woman replied. She then looked at Yan Yan. "She''s not bad either. Excellent bloodline, rare super biological specimen.Perhaps I should also buy you, make youpanions. Hmm, your offspring may mutate and be even stronger. Worth looking forward to!" Wang Xuan''s face tightened as he looked at her, ready to take action himself. Since she had refused to reveal her origins, there was nothing more to say. Demon Lord Yan Yan suppressed her faint smile, her fair face almost darkening with frustration. Who was this woman that dared to face her with such an attitude? "I think capturing you, allowing you to breed with this ''cub'' here to produce offspring, is not a bad idea. Worth cultivating," Yan Yan spoke, staring at the woman in the light column. Since they couldmunicate, they could discuss. She naturally hoped to coax out more information, to know more, without immediately using the Godying Banner to attack. At this remark, the faces of the two men in the light column darkened visibly, obviously displeased. The blue-haired woman in the light column, however, did not get angry. Instead, she tilted her head thoughtfully and said, "There have been precedents where cultivators and superorganismsbined, giving birth to exceptionally outstanding mutant offspring. However, his current level of life is still very low, so I won''t consider it for now." What is this? This is just Wang Xuan looked at the woman, then at Yan Yan. Are these two treating me as a goddamn breeding stallion?! "Enough, capture them immediately. I want to buy both of them and take them away to cultivate their super bloodlines," said the blue-haired woman in the light column. Chapter 411: Single-Hand Dragon Slaying Chapter 411: Single-Hand Dragon ying Wang Xuan felt a mix of anger and amusement. It was a truly frustrating experience. Had he been reduced to a savage species, with someone attempting to domesticate him and eventually turn him into a barbaric god? The beautiful visage of Demon Lord Yan Yan truly darkened. She was unable to bear it. The peerlessly elegant woman, who had looked down upon the Immortal Realm after sweeping through countless foes, now faced the prospect of being captured and bred for stronger lineageit was utterly intolerable. The crushed ck armor still managed to emit mechanical sounds. "Respected guest, this is the Challenger''s Arenaa fair battleground designed for the selection of supreme beings, emphasizing grand justice. Combatants of simr major realms are matched, making it difficult to capture either one instantly." "I suggest expelling them to the next domain, which might facilitate effective capture," the mechanical voice droned on, offering a suitable n to the VIP user. The blue-haired woman refused, stating, "That would mean I''d have to leave here first and log in from another scene, which is terribly inconvenient. I demand their immediate capture!" Yan Yan, though seething, maintained herposure to gather more information. Now, she and Wang Xuan had pieced together part of the truth. The likelihood was high that many supreme beings had perished here. The so-called fair arena bound by rules only dispatched beings of simr realms forbat, yet the supreme beings had failed to ovee it. The mechanical voice responded, "Apologies. One is a maturing supreme being, and the other is a supreme being cub still in growth. Simr powerful specimens are rare and difficult to gather in their entirety, hence the rmendation to attempt capture in the subsequent scene." "Silence! Do it now, immediately! As a VIP, I am your god. Hurry up and execute mymand!" The young and capricious blue-haired woman insisted on immediate action. "Very well, I will need to search and see what kind of superspecies samples can be assembled." The mechanical voice rigidlyplied with the order. "Let''s capture an otherworldly VIP for research!" The Demon Lord, nowpletely done waiting around, took action. Proud as she was, she naturally did not want to be spectated as a performer or monkey passively awaiting capture. At that moment, she was enveloped in billions of thunderbolts. It was an ability inherited from her fathemanding thunderstorms as if wielding divine punishment. Countless lightning bolts morphed into mythical beasts such as undying phoenixes, golden crows, and other auspicious creatures, each a species that had once withstood great heavenly tribtions. With a light shout, the Demon Lord unleashed endless lightning symbols and summoned myriad spirits to battle alongside her. Leading the charge was a banner with the Godying pattern, invincibly empowered by thunder. With a thunderous crack, she shattered the barrier screen in an instant. "Alert, the supreme species has mutated! Bloodline talent and divine ability have suddenly increased! Danger level escted! Activate defenses!" The mechanical voice red non-stop. From its perspective, it was as if the special ss of a beast enclosure had been suddenly shattered by a ferocious animal, scattering fragments everywhere and impacting the VIPs present. The golden banner unfurled, attempting to ensnare the spectator trio and eliminate them all at once. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan''s entire body glowed as he summoned his iron crowbar, treating it like a flying sword and propelling it with the supreme mysteries of the Dao-splitting Sword Scripture. A streak of light, tinged with rust, flew out at incredible speed. The crowbar teleported into a hazy column of light, aiming straight for the woman''s chest, poised to pierce through her. "Hmph!" A cold snort sounded, apanied by dazzling light. The two males and the female, though shocked, were not frightened and fought back. Simultaneously, defensive measures were activated. The shattered barrier transformed into splendid auroras, guarding the trio, with the columns of light roaring, ready to whisk them away. The trio attempted to counterattack, but challenging supreme beings here proved to be arduous. The primary objective was to ensure their own safety; in case of any incident, they would be evacuated first. With a whoosh, a strand of the woman''s blue hair was severed by the golden grid emitted by the sh God Banner and was swept away. Wang Xuan''s iron crowbar struck the woman''s lofty chest with a clear sound, but s, it was blocked by her special protective suit and impeded by the guardian light, causing it to be repelled. Three beams of light surged, carrying the trio skyward. They phased through the metallic cabin walls without causing any damage, as if ethereal, letting the columns of light disappear into the distance. "In the next scene, we shall meet again!" the blue-haired woman called out in a hurry. "Are you using light-speed escape? If you want to be a cultivator, you need the courage to face challenges yourself," Wang Xuanmented. Capturing the VIPs directly would have made things much simpler, but they had been forced into a passive escape. He knew it was an unrealistic expectation. "I will give you a chance," the blue-haired female responded, her final words echoing from the depths of the cosmic void before shepletely vanished. The Demon Lord looked at a strand of blue hair on the ground and remarked, Not weak! Wang Xuan stabbed the ground where the decayed ck armor had been with his iron crowbar. Despite its condition, the armor had transformed into a liquid and escaped. It seemed that the metal it was made of was some kind of living metal. It was still issuing mechanicalmands from afar: Summoning superspecies sample. SelectionBat Dragon. Although the blue-haired woman had departed, the ck armor faithfully executed her orders, choosing a formidable being to subdue Wang Xuan. Instantly, the armor solidified, morphing into a creature resembling a bat, dark and cold, with a dim metallic sheen. Its head was adorned with a helmet in the form of a true dragon''s head, and its tail was that of a ck iron dragon. Of course, it was still empty inside. A muffled roar erupted as a shadowy light resembling the armor entered it, reviving it with a surge of transcendent energy. The Bat Dragon, a tenth-stage monster, exuded a chilling aura. Its presence cast darkness all around. "Is a ''superspecies'' defined as a being that has broken through the limits of its realm?" wondered Yan Yan, intrigued by the notion. Wang Xuan said, It seems that the dragon itself hasnt physically manifested but is emted by a ''sample'' capable of replicating the Bat Dragon''s formidable power. Yan Yan turned, noticing another source of movement. The silver armor she had broken also liquefied, emitting a mechanical voice as it too summoned a sample to apprehend her. "Ah, so they really intend to capture me to be paired with you, in hopes of breeding a stronger lineage?" Yan Yan''s voice carried a faint sneer as she nced at Wang Xuan. He quickly rified, It wasnt my idea. That woman was making it all up! With the situation at hand, no room was left for jest. Should the formidable demoness fail to find the true instigator, Wang Xuan would be in a world of trouble. With a dragon''s roar that could shatter eardrums and crack the metallic walls, the Bat Dragon''s terrifying power was unveiled. Its lightning-fast descent was marked by the sound of metal, its ink-dark wings carrying corrosive super-material and shing through the air like heavenly des. Wang Xuan extended his right hand, and his fingertips shimmered with runes. Fused together, they formed a translucent sword that shed with one of the bat wings, sparks flying from the impact. The Bat Dragon trembled violently but did not fall. Instead, it surged upward with its razor-sharp ws aiming for Wang Xuan''s skull, threatening to bring a swift and brutal end to the confrontation. The creatures speed was astonishing, surpassing instantaneous movement as if warping time itself. A single motion from it, and any other being''s skull would have been cracked open and their brain matter scattered in all directions. This was a favored hunting method of the Bat Dragon, which liked to open up the skull of its prey to consume the brain. Wang Xuan''s crown burst forth with sword energy, a brilliant light shing across the Bat Dragon, which elicited a profound dragon cry as it was sent flying. It crashed into the distant metal hull of the spacecraft, creating a web of fractures that instantly self-healed thanks to the living-metal mold of the ship''s interior. Like an arrow released from the Bow of Time, the Bat Dragon closed the distance to Wang Xuan with incredible speed, enveloping him in a cloud of ck mist. Its ws and wings, inscribed with ring runes,unched a formidable attack. Wang Xuan parried the assault and sent the Bat Dragon reeling with a barrage of roars. In a sh of defiance, the Bat Dragon flicked its tail. which narrowly missed Wang Xuan''s face, the following wind fierce and wild. Labeled as a superspecies, the creature of the tenth realm exhibited extraordinary strength capable of overwhelming multitudes of ordinary transcendent beings. At such a level, even a collective force of numerous masters would struggle to withstand its power. Wang Xuan realized that the mass demise of the Celestials must have been at the hands of such supreme beings. It was amentable fate. Eons ago, true immortals utterly outmatched by their formidable adversaries met their brutal end within these very halls. The tenth realm represented an almost iprehensible pinnacle, transcending conventional boundaries and driving others to despair. Now, facing such a monstrous entity, Wang Xuan felt the intense pressure yet remained confident. His entire body erupted in dazzling sword light, transforming into a radiant wheel of sword lights, brighter than the sun itself and moving with breakneck speed. shes resounded as they battled once more. As Wang Xuan, in sword wheel form, collided against the tenth-realm beast, sparks flew amidst ceaseless beastly howls and sword-light runes shed across space. A crack sounded as the dragon''s tail broke off. The Bat Dragon had suffered a grievous wound. In an instant, hundreds, thousands, and then tens of thousands of sword lights swirled. Wang Xuannow entirely a sword wheelswept across the beast in a violent confrontation. One final roar resounded, and the entire suit of ck armor was disassembled by Wang Xuan. The Bat Dragon took in the final sight of its sample, a shadow of darkness, exploding and dissipatingpletely. Wang Xuan had triumphed, ying the dragon! The shattered ck armor, in an instant, liquefied and reassembled. Emitting a mechanical voice, it then evolved to take a Celestial Dragons form. "Are dragons truly so formidable? Howe they have such a great number and variety of specimens bing superspeciespared to other races?" Wang Xuan mused. A form of Celestial Dragon manifested as light and entered the armor, which instantly leaped up. Appearing as a fleeting radiance, it was a remnant shadow of the great path. This superspecies was no easy adversary. Celestial Dragons, known for soaring through the heavens and rarely touching ground, became even more formidable upon evolving into superspecies, although such powerhouses were very few in number. "Who has the time for a drawn-out battle with you? I must also guard against those ''distinguished guests''. I wonder if their civilization has any connection to the true realm." Wang Xuan stood firm, not pursuing but instead waiting for this terrifying species, known for its eternal flight across the skies, to strike. His hand began to glow as he employed a technique from the stone tablet scriptures, known as the Apocalypse Fist. It was notoriously difficult to master, but he had recently gotten the hang of it. With a single punch, the surrounding super-material would be drained dry, as if heralding the end of days for the transcendent world. Every bit of super-material would be desated and then absorbed into the fist before being unleashed. The Celestial Dragon attacked, its form a blur of light. Exuding an unparalleled tyranny and pressure unique to its species, it arrived in an instant before Wang Xuan. Without hesitation, Wang Xuan unleashed a punch and poured all his might into this decisive strike, ready to obliterate the enemy. Sess meant vanquishing the foe; failure, an indication of his inferiority and possibly instant death. In battles between masters, a fight could sometimesst a day and a night, with each party cautiously probing and attacking. Yet, often, life and death could be determined in a single momenta sh without reservations, akin to a collision of physical embodiments of the Dao. For a moment, countless dragon shadows roared and vibrated the cosmic void, marking the Celestial Dragon''s mightiest blow as it danced across the heavens. Unfortunately, it was met with despair. Upon being struck by the Apocalypse Fist, this supreme dragon of the tenth realm found its super-material and even its vital essence being siphoned away. With a thunderous roar, the Apocalypse Fist unleashed its fury, causing the Celestial Dragon armor to crack. The dragon''s shadow within howled unwillingly, struggling fiercely and unready to dissipate. Wang Xuan''s fist, now aze with boundless light, transformed into a palm pressing down upon the dragon''s head, causing it to tremble until the entire Celestial Dragon armor shattered. The sample of the Celestial Dragona radiant dragon-shaped lightexploded and vanished into nothingness. Wang Xuan gasped for breath, feeling a tad weary. Of course, he breathed in super-matter and not air, while acknowledging the challenge of facing a tenth-realm creature. "Superspecies are indeed tough to kill." From the depths of the cosmos, columns of light were about to descend again. They had reestablished contact with the ancient spaceship after receiving information from the ship. The guests fell silent. Two superspecies had been in in front of them, while the ''youngling'' responsible for it hadn''t taken any damage and still had the energy to utter words like these. "Are you humblebragging, or are you unting your regret?" The ck armor liquefied and reassembled into a curvaceous female form. Wang Xuan''s expression darkened. "Are you ever going to stop?!" Then, he charged forward in an attempt to break apart the superspecies, indifferent to its nature and gender. A superspecies enveloped in a shower of pure light entered the armor, exuding an unmatched sanctity. This sample was incredibly powerful, even more than the dragons he had faced earlier. Yet, in the fierce battle that followed, she was smashed into pieces, while the samplea bright light shadowwas obliterated. "Is there no end to this?!" Wang Xuan panted heavily, his chest heaving as if on fire. Killing three tenth-realm entities had indeed taken its toll, leaving him utterly exhausted. He used the scripture from the Golden Bamboo Slips to rejuvenate his spirit and body, trying to maintain his peak condition. Fortunately, this time, the armor did not reassemble. The mechanical voice announced, "After assessment and identification, this superspecies'' bloodline is inherently brutal, bloodthirsty, and belligerent. It is not rmended for purchase by our distinguished guests. After extracting information on its sample in the next venue, it is advisable to destroy it." "You''re already shattered, and you still dare to mock me?" Wang Xuan strode forward and unleashed the Apocalypse Fist, while quietly stimting the red matter within his body, intending to utterly destroy the armor. "Danger, warning, savage creature suspected of going berserk!" With a loud bang, the fragments of the armor further exploded and then liquefied, disappearing into the ground. On the other side, Demon Lord Yan Yan had also in three superspecies samples, conclusively ending the battle without any more creatures emerging to fight them. "Let''s go, capture that blue-haired woman. I''ll cultivate her in turn and make her breed offspring for me," said the Demon Lord. Her high heels stepped over the toughened living-metal arena, leaving behind terrifying little holes. "What if she captures us instead?" Wang Xuan felt it wise to be modest and subtle, fearing Yan Yan might be too overconfident in their situation. Yan Yan turned back with a light and radiant smile. "Are you perhaps looking forward to that?" "No, absolutely not! Let''s go, we''re going to capture that blue-haired woman!" Wang Xuan immediately set off with firm steps forward. Chapter 412: A New Civilization Chapter 412: A New Civilization "I wonder how Yu Zhu and Old Zhang are doing. This spaceship is quite special, unlike anything I imagined," Wang Xuan said with a grave expression. The faction they were dealing with was powerful and had significant backing, causing him considerable concern for the three masters. The tragic events aboard the ancient spaceship had clearly urred a long time ago, most likely in antiquity, and it had been adrift in the cosmos for untold years. The idental entry of Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling, along with the ancestor of the Hades Blood Cult, had triggered some mechanisms and revitalized the deste seating area. After ages, it seemed that ''VIPs'' could still emerge. "This ce really is interesting. Who were the people in the stands back then? Now that the arena has been revived, it seems like some spectators can return to the ancient spaceship," the enchanting Yan Yan remarked. Though she took this seriously, her demeanor remained calm, showing no signs of worry. She was still poised and confident. At her level, a powerful will and an unshakeable belief in her own invincibility shone like an undying me, illuminating her path forward. "Here, take this," Yan Yan offered, handing over the Godying Banner. "It''s more useful in your hands. I still have the Dao-Splitting Sword!" Wang Xuan brandished the iron harpoon in his hand. Yan Yan said, "I thought we might face a curse from an entire mythological civilization or an inexplicable natural disaster, but now, it seems it''s merely man-made. I don''t need it for now." The vast spaceship''s exterior was riddled with holes and stained blood-red from the battle with the immortals, and it initially gave off an unpredictable sense of cmity. "Our opponents sure are confident, haughtily going on and on about capturing a super-creature and taking it away to cultivate a stronger lineage," Wang Xuan said cautiously. Their confidence was excessive, and they were treating Yan Yanan unparalleled expert among the immortalsas mere prey. It was preposterous! "They think they can just capture me? I was thinking of hunting them instead!" Yan Yan''s lips curved slightly, a faint chill in her smile. No one could look down on her. "These so-called super-creatures, ording to their theory, are simply limit-breakers from various realms, like the tenth stage in the human world, the tenth stage of the Wanderer level, the tenth life in the Life Essence Lord''s pathnothing to fuss about. If they could summon a being from beyond the mythological frontier, the eleventh tier, then maybe I''d be somewhat concerned." With her ck hair flowing and her brilliance shining, Yan Yan''s long dress entuated her slender, graceful figure as she stepped forward in her high heels made of special material. Wang Xuan was undaunted, but he worried whether this new faction might harbor individuals beyond even Yan Yan''s realm. Shaking her head, Yan Yan said, "You must believe that the cosmic correction is invible and magnificent. Even I suffered, being forcefully demoted to this level. How could they be an exception?" She fiddled with the palm-sized Godying Banner, on which a strand of blue hair rested. She seemed somewhat disdainful, not touching the strand directly, but she had already scrutinized it, obtaining valuable information and formting guesses. Wang Xuan nodded, understanding that regardless of the opponent''s identity or background, they still had to face the harsh reality of the world''s strength correction from which no one could escape. The first cabin was stacked with the corpses of immortals; the second held over a hundred astronauts, in to serve as experimental materials; and the third cabin was a fair arena. Now, the two of them made their way along the corridor towards the fourth cabin, each lost in their own thoughts. Despite Yan Yan''s confidence, she did not underestimate her opponents. On the contrary, she was fully prepared, ready to unleash a devastating strike at any moment. "Were they ancient beings who ughtered the mighty and fearsome immortals? And did they abandon this ancient spaceship, or was it deliberately set adrift to search for our realm?" Wang Xuan pondered. "In every era, there have been powerful beings who ventured far into the cosmos, giving rise to mythologicals. They all tried to find new paths to change the terrible fate of mythologys demise. I think these deceased immortals were pioneers from ancient times, leading the way in unknown territories, finding opportunities, and passing on our mythological civilization, only to be ultimately defeated and killed by another civilization," Yan Yan reflected solemnly, honoring those gone while alsomenting their tragic end. Wang Xuan''s expression was serious. This was undoubtedly a faction that could be mentioned in the same breath as the grand civilizations, and perhaps they were even stronger. He remarked, "This unknown civilization''s research into super-materials, bridging the gap between magic and reality, is impressive; those biological samples were extremely powerful, capable of harnessing rare and precious super-energies." "It''s a powerful civilization, but to say they couldpletely overwhelm the Immortal Dao civilization is an overstatement. I have some guesses as to their origins, but there are discrepancies that need to be verified," she stated, withholding further details. Wang Xuan was amazed, realizing that long ago, the Immortal Dao civilization had encountered formidable existences during its expansion and faced fierce adversaries. Yan Yan said, "Let''s go. If we''re attacked, don''t hold back, st them away with the Godying Banner. If they try to overpower you with their realm, make an effort to flee and run to me." Do I seem that weak? he thought, but then he held his tongue, deciding it was better to be modest. After all, encountering a group of super-creatures on Earth would indeed be a terrifying scenario. Ahead, the entrance was shrouded in a dreamlike haze with a halo of light. Passing through would lead them into the fourth cabin, where they would face those beings again. "Let''s go, our enemies are waiting!" Wang Xuan adjusted his mindset and readied himself for whaty ahead. Yan Yan reminded him not to be careless. Confidence was key, but underestimating the opponent was not an option. "The limit-breakers are very strong, but theyre not invincible. It''s only if we encounter beings who have surpassed the mythological frontier and reached the eleventh tier that we''d be in serious trouble," Yan Yan whispered. The absence of Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and the ancestor of the Hades Blood Cult made them wary. Finally, Yan Yan smiled. "Let''s go. Its the two of us against a civilization!". Her fair face shone with confidence, which only served to amplify her already dazzling beauty. In an instant, they passed through the illuminated gate into the fourth cabin, only to be momentarily startled by the scene before them. It was unlike anything they had envisioned. Blue skies, white clouds, lush green grass, andkes like giant pearls adorned thendscape, clear and pristine. Thekes were surrounded by super-materials and bordered by distant mountains, beautiful maple forests, and blessednds reminiscent of celestial abodes. "Could it be that we''ve traveled through time and space, arriving at that civilizations headquarters?" Wang Xuan looked around cautiously. Just a moment ago, they were inside a technological spaceship, and now, they found themselves in a picturesquendscape that didn''t seem to belong inside the ancient spaceship at all. "We''re still in the cabin, but it''s like a mustard seed containing Mount Meru[1]; you can think of this ce as arger fragment of a blessednd," Yan Yan exined, gazing into the distance. Wang Xuan had a piece of blessednd on his wrist, but its internal space was only about five or six cubic meters, suitable for storing various items. "Alert, superspecies invasion detected. Intruder has entered the purend. Activation of hunting mode rmended!" The annoying mechanical voice echoed once again. This ce seemed to be connected to the two sets of armor in the earlier arena. It seemed that they had exchanged information and the mechanical voice was also speaking in an ancient Old Earthnguage. With a stomp on thewn, Wang Xuan caused the ground to crack, making theke water evaporate and then condense into a misty rain. "Upon further verification, the superspecies is wed and has brutal instincts. Immediate extermination rmended. After collecting the sample, destroy the flesh to prevent disorderly spread of the genes." The mechanical voice was loud and urgent. "Shut up!" Wang Xuan looked for the source of the voice and spotted a mechanical bird circling in the sky above. With a swish, Yan Yan produced an oil-paper umbre, opened it, and walked gracefully towards the mist created by theke water. "I''m here. Will you prostrate at my feet voluntarily, or shall Ie over and capture you?" she dered, her domineering attitude unchanged. From a distance, four beams of light descended from the sky onto a mountain, each with a motionless person with a diamond-shaped crystal on their forehead. Then, three more beams of celestial light appeared, revealing two males and a female on another mountain, each with a glowing red crystal shining brightly at their brow. Both groups had arrived. "Capture her; I want to take her away for research!" One of the females from the first group from earlier was angry. She was the one startled by Yan Yan''s smashing of the barrier earlier. The blue-haired female from the second group spoke up with a smile, "Sorry, but she''s already reserved. I n to take both of them away to breed a lineage of mutated superspecies!" "We chose her first. We will take her!" a male from the first group insisted. "How about we settle this by strength?" The red crystal on the blue-haired female shone brilliantly. Despite her sweet smile, she showed no signs of backing down. Overall, their figures were somewhat vague within the light columns, with only their general outlines visible and details like their eyes difficult to capture. Wang Xuan hoped that the two groups would start fighting each other. "Let''s capture them first and discuss ownershipter!" someone suggested, hoping to avoid internal conflict. Since the two groups didnt seem like they were going to fight among themselves, there was no need to wait. Yan Yan''s oil-paper umbre spun, and then she pointed it forward. With a thunderous roar, the sky darkened, and lightning filled the air. The umbre transformed into a pool of lightning, unleashing thick beams of light toward both mountains. The diamond-shaped crystals on the first groups foreheads glowed, and a was formed to resist the attack. At the second group''s location, the blue-haired female and the two males, all d in armor, had their red crystals shining brightly, creating a fantastical space that absorbed the lightning. "Activate hunting mode, capture them,"manded a male from the first group. Suddenly, a ck mountain rose from the ground, shrouded in chaos. A dark beam was activated on the mountain, ultimately materializing into a man in ck who blocked Yan Yan''s path. The mechanical bird circling in the sky quickly reported to the two groups of guests, "Hunting mode activated. There are six superspecies to choose from in the local sample library, including three exceptionally powerful ''celebrities'' that should be able to capture her." "Weren''t you the ones who said you''d bravely face us in battle? Why the hesitation now?" Wang Xuan shouted defiantly. "Esteemed guests, it is not advisable for you to personally engage in battle. We have sufficient sample creatures here capable of capturing this inherently brutal superspecies juvenile." "Shut your beak!" Wang Xuan wanted to dismantle the mechanical bird right that second. Heunched a punch filled with light towards the sky, aiming to utterly destroy it. "Destruction of the intruders rmended!" The bird cried out, pping its mechanical wings and escaping into the clouds. The blue-haired guestughed, "He''s not exactly brutal. Hes a bit adorable, in fact. It''s their untamed nature that highlights their individual differences, making their superspecies bloodline worth cultivating." Wang Xuan''s expression darkened at her words. "You''ll need to defeat a few of the stronger sample creatures before you earn the right to face the cultivators. I''ll be waiting for you two," the blue-haired female said with a smile. Then, she inquired to the mechanical bird whether there were superspecies bloodline samples corresponding to Wang Xuan''s existence level. "In this sample library, there are eight sample super-creatures corresponding to his level, including four ''celebrities'' whose legends are still circting in the world today and are capable of quickly capturing him!" the mechanical bird replied. Above the two mountains, densely packed seats appeared in the void, indicating that long ago, this ce could amodate many spectators to watch the hunt. Both groups took their ce in the VIP seats which were positioned higher up. Wang Xuan''s frustration was palpable, and he looked anything but pleased.. A dazzling light burst forth, and intensebat ensued. In front of the ck mountain, Yan Yan aggressively advanced,unching sessive attacks. The wed supernatural rules that lingered in the world intertwined, and finally, the mountain broke apart. The man in ck was forcefully dispersed. Yan Yan swept across the sky, charging again towards the VIP seats. "She''s really strong. Use the ''celebrities'' to stop her! She must be captured!" the blue-haired femalemanded. "I''m really looking forward to it. A mother like her would surely give rise to a mutated bloodline!" "Cold daydreams. It''s more like I''m your cultivator and none of you will escape!" Yan Yan retorted coldly. In front of Wang Xuan, not just one but several streams of light danced in the air, revealing multiple beings as each descended and materialized. "Do you prefer a one-on-one duel, or would you rather face a group?" The mechanical bird spoke, seemingly mocking Wang Xuan. Despite its emotionless and rigid voice, its character appeared surprisingly reactive. Wang Xuan observed the beings before himmembers of both human and alien races, all incredibly strong and each a limit-breaker at the tenth level. "What a pity, what a shame. O beings of the tenth level with astonishing talents, are you really willing to be used by others in this manner?" Upon hearing this, the mechanical bird responded, "What are you talking about? They are merely sample creatures. The most recent one, revered as the god of death, died over six hundred years ago. As for that hero king engulfed in golden mes, he is a ''celebrity'' who died over eight thousand years ago. He too is a collected sample." Wang Xuan was taken aback, now understanding why these tenth-level beings were referred to as sample creatures and even why there was interest in collecting him as a sample! However, he was also alerted to the remarkable capabilities of this civilization which was able to replicate the unique powers of deceased individuals and resurrect their divine might. This was indeed terrifying. "Huh, wait, that''s not right. Celebrity reaction? You are also!" the mechanical bird eximed. It quickly reported to the spectators, "This superspecies bloodline might belong to a living celebrity. It appears we have found some information about him; he once made it onto a distant list! There, he was true to his nature of a brutal creature, with a notoriously bad reputation!" 1. This is amon phrase in cultivation novels, and it originates in the Vimkirti Sutra, a Buddhist scripture. Mount Meru (or Sumeru) is said to be millions of kilometers tall, while a mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds. The scripture says that Mount Meru can hide a mustard seed, while a mustard seed can contain Mount Meru. It signifies that even something seemingly insignificant can contain infinite possibilities. Chapter 413: Notorious Blacklister Chapter 413: Notorious cklister "Enough!" Wang Xuan could no longer tolerate it. Being ndered out of the blue and branded as notoriously brutal was infuriating. This damned mechanical bird! He realized that this bird likely shared the same intelligence core as the earlier armor. Its repeated provocations nearly tarnished his reputationpletely in a tant act of revenge. "Interesting, so he''s a celebrity. Then it''s even better, such a bloodline is definitely worth cultivating," the blue-haired spectator said with a smile, leaning half her body out of the celestial light column to take a closer look at Wang Xuan. When she revealed her appearance properly, she looked quite young overall. Her blue hair shone like satin, and the glowing red crystal at her forehead added a divine, holy aura. Her features were delicate and beautiful, with clear,rge, and expressive eyes, a high and white nose bridge, small but luscious and glossy lips, and slightly pointed ears. She was a humanoid with a distinct exotic charm, though it was unclear if her true form was actually human-like. "Esteemed guest, he''s listed on a cklisthes a celebrity with negative attributes!" the mechanical bird reported. The blue-haired woman suddenly returned to the light column, seemingly averse to even the mention of the cklist as she kept her distance. With a thunderous roar, Wang Xuan targeted the mechanical bird and unleashed his Feather Fist, sending the bird screaming as it rushed away. "Brutal, with a notoriously bad reputation! A person on the cklist!" Wang Xuan felt the bird was beyond redemption, as it seized every opportunity to sling mud at him. What was this now about being cklisted? usations and dubious lists seemed to be piling up against him without basis. "No matter, he''s young. His life level hasn''t reached a sufficient height yet. He has a lot of potential and is indeed worth cultivating," the blue-haired woman said, before instructing the sample creatures to capture the interesting superspecies. The eight sample super-creatures advanced towards him. They varied in appearance from humanoid figures and alien fleshly beings to metallic entities. "I choose a one-on-one duel. Let''s see how strong these so-called sample super-creatures really are!" Wang Xuan dered. Preferring to conserve his strength, he naturally didn''t want to exhaust himself battling eight powerful opponents single-handedly, a scenario promising a challenging and possibly fatal confrontation likely to result in at least severe injury. "You can choose to face them one at a time, but theyre not going to oblige. You''re up against all of them, alone!" the mechanical bird called out from a distance. Then, a terrifying battle erupted. The first to strike was a white-haired individual with arge sword on his back. Without drawing his sword, he sprinted forward, transforming himself into a massive de that flew towards Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan frowned, sensing the individual to be a strong threat. It was almost unbelievable. Next, a being made of living metal, resembling a Daoist in appearance, extended a hand towards Wang Xuan. With a movement that carried the essence of Daoism, he summoned up celestial energy and conjured a prison of void to trap Wang Xuan. Meanwhile, a giant standing at over fifty meters tallnot a manifestation of some spiritual form but his actual bodyraised his foot and attempted to stomp Wang Xuan. Each of the eight formidable opponents possessed unique abilities and posed a significant threat to Wang Xuan. The four celebrities among them, such as the hero king and the individual who transformed into a sword, were particrly terrifying! Surrounded and facing a group attack, Wang Xuan abandoned any notion of fairness. Gripping the Godying Banner, he looked for an opportunity to strike back. Facing a group of epic fighters alone was a daunting task, especially since he had only recently entered this realm of power. Each of these eight sample super-creatures was incredibly powerful, seemingly no different from their real past selves, and any one of them could intimidate extraordinary beings across this great realm. The grass around was obliterated and theke evaporated as Wang Xuan dashed like a specter, managing to evade the void prison conjured by the metallic Daoist. However, he only narrowly avoided being cleaved by the person who had transformed into a broadsword, whose swipe grazed him and left a deep, bone-exposing cut on his shoulder from the invisible sword qi. A thunderous crash resounded as the giant''s foot came crashing down, fracturing the earth and sending several sample creatures as well as Wang Xuan flying. The giant''s stomp was not only immensely powerful, with an effect akin to a copsing mountain, but also unleashed dazzling electrical discharges that spread rapidly and almost hit Wang Xuan. In the midst of this, as Wang Xuan leaped into the air, he heard the piercing sound of pping wings. A ck mantis, over three meters tall, with forearms shaped like dark broadswords, shed at him, causing the void to copse and the super-material to pulsate with its attack. Wang Xuan ignored it, dodging the dual des, but the mantis''s dark de qi cut him in two ces, staining him with blood. Wang Xuan was indeed powerful, but he was not yet a match for eight tenth-level limit-breakers. Only an advanced civilization like this one could have such figures be collected from history to appear simultaneously and coordinate their attacks. It would normally be impossible for so many epic characters to emerge at once and join forces. Finally, in this moment of life and death, Wang Xuanunched his counterattack. From the beginning, he had focused on a single target. In a decisive strike with the Godying Banner, a handsome man with golden hair and eyes filled with golden runes, who was wielding a royal sword and charging fearlessly, fell victim to Wang Xuan''s counterattack. His sample''s imprint was stripped away, causing him to explode violently. All of this urred in the blink of an eye, with Wang Xuan dodging the relentless attacks from the other tenth-level limit-breakers and focusing solely on that one target, achieving a swift kill. Under normal circumstances, without the Godying Banner, it would not have been possible for him to defeat that individual so quickly. "The sample of Prince Roheng of the Sr Elf race has been in!" the mechanical bird screeched, revealing the identity of the sample with a notable background. The guests in the VIP seats were somewhat surprised, as some among them had witnessed the prodigious talent of the elegant elf prince in his lifetime. s, the Sr Elf Prince had met an untimely death without ever reaching his full potential. He had been murdered at a young age, after which his flesh had been collected by their civilization as a super-sample. "Stop!" the blue-haired female called out, instructing the remaining seven sample super-creatures to cease their attack. "Do you intend to fight me yourself?" Wang Xuan looked up at the female in the VIP seats. "No, you must first get past them. Put away that banner, and I''ll allow you to face them one-on-one," she replied, curious to see Wang Xuan''s true potential rather than just his ability to wield a powerful weapon. "Agreed." Wang Xuan nodded. "Initiate the Celebrity Battle!" the blue-haired female instructed the mechanical bird. The other guests disyed intrigue at the development, as every Celebrity Battle was significant and recorded in their battle archives for future reference, making history within their civilization. "A person from the cklist is about to duel a celebrity; such a Celebrity Battle brings shame to the likes of the Supreme Sword God and the Hero King!" the mechanical birdmented, increasingly disying emotions despite its stiff voice. "Shut up!" Wang Xuan was nearing zero tolerance for the bird as it continued to defame him. "A person of the cklist, ill-famed, and you say I cannot speak," the mechanical bird retorted, pping its wings high in the sky. "Exin to me, what is this cklist?" Wang Xuan demanded, sensing that the mechanical bird was serious and not merely fabricating stories. "In this universe, there''s a list forged from the sun''s gold. Its just barely included in the main list''s scope, as it belongs to the most peripheral area. It''s considered one of the lesser sub-lists with insufficient weight" the mechanical bird exined. Wang Xuan was dumbfounded, but then he finally remembered! Could this really be happening? This was the most unjust cklisting he had ever faced, and he felt utterly wronged. If he had known better before, he would never have ended up on such amentable list. The Departed Land, that ce with therge lump of sr gold, where many names are inscribed. Known as the Golden List Images from the past flickered through his mind. The Departed Land was guarded by ferryman Xu Fu, its list forged from sr gold. Of course, his inclusion at the bottom of that list wasn''t because he had done something extraordinarily heroic or impressive. Rather, it was his attempt to steal the sr gold and, most crucially, his altercation with the Moon''s fisherman over a te of scripture and his cutting of the fishing line thatnded him on the cklist, leveraging the list''s poprity to hang his name on the tail end of the Golden List in the Departed Land. "Come on, Zhang said it was absurd. How could I, a young man merely seeking to protect himself, be notorious just because of some arbitrary entries by an Air Force fisherman?" Wang Xuan was in disbelief for quite some time. Then, he became more alert. The fact that the sr-gold list in the Land of the Departed was considered one of the more peripheral sub-lists in that universe was both astonishing and terrifying. He became somewhat lost in thought, contemting the eight realms of The Departed Land, each with its unique attributes. Some departednds housed mysterious researchers, others were extinguished civilizations, and some even interacted with extraterrestrial civilizations. Wang Xuan recalled his experiences there and Xu Fu''s words. The fisherman on the moon provided him with attractive bait but also prepared the imprint of cross-domain war him for Cross-domain War. Initially intended to be imnted into him, Wang Xuan resisted the temptation and requested the ferryman''s intervention, which led Xu Fu to trigger a thunderous response. Xu Fu had transformed the fishhook into a sr-gold spear, embedding part of the mark to share the inflicted damage with Wang Xuan, only for Old Chen to inadvertently trigger it and be the scapegoat. Wang Xuan, spared from the crises involving the mark, realized that Xu Fu and Chen Yongjie had shared the burden instead. "So, inter-domain warfare truly exists. Could it be that Xu Fu and Chen Yongjie are about to be conscripted?" he pondered, somewhat lost in thought. Ironically, hewho had evaded the markwas the first to encounter beings from another domain. It was likely that inter-domain warfare, entailing shes between different civilizations, was instigated for the collection of super-samples. Or perhaps it had deeper motivations, such as extending the lifespan of extraordinary worlds. If the Golden List was merely one of the sub-lists, what about the main list? Was it orchestrated by the civilization he was currently engaging with, or was the so-called main list itself entangling several different civilizations, fully shrouded in mystery? "Look, he''s ashamed. The infamous figure on the cklist is now speechless with shame!" the mechanical bird taunted. Wang Xuan chose not to engage with it; some matters couldn''t be discussed openly. Then, the white-haired man who had previously transformed himself into a sword and sliced open Wang Xuan''s shoulder which was still bleeding, stepped forward. Unlike the other super-samples, he introduced himself, and he was clearly imbued with emotions and a distinct personality. "I am Mosang, a sword demon from 1,500 years ago. I wasted my life in pursuit of sword masterynothing but a tragic life. I am known as a Sword God, but that title was imposed on me by others," he said. With a booming sword cry, he once again transformed himself into a broadsword rather than drawing a weapon, and his sword light pierced through heaven and earth. Behind him, a mountain''s vague silhouette appeared, showcasing scenes from Mosang''s lifea child practicing swordsmanship, growing into adolescence, and then reaching adulthood These scenes depicted Mosang''s life dedicated to the sword. He had abandoned his childhood sweetheart to heartbreak, missed his parents''st moments, and even mistakenly killed his master and forefather in madness. Upon achieving sword mastery and returning home, he found his sweetheart aged and frail. She passed away shortly after his return, leaving him alone on the mountain and immersed in the sword path, where he evolved into a demon and a god of the sword. "I aim to reach the eleventh stage!" The silhouette of the man practicing swordsmanship on the mountain roared, having lost everything and seeking to break through the limits and challenge the frontier of mythology. Regrettably, Mosang had failed. Despite being infinitely close and having glimpsed the eleventh stage, he ultimately couldn''t make that final step. "A bygone figure, with a life steeped in tragedy," Wang Xuan observed, focusing on the giant sword and the shadowy mountain behind it, along with the figure''s echoing roar. "Celebrity samples are infused with emotions and retain moods, unlike other super-samples thatck spiritual power and are essentially soulless tools," the blue-haired female remarked. As Mosang transformed into a colossal sword and shed at Wang Xuan, the world seemed to dim in that instant. For a moment, his sword alone seemed to illuminate eternity, leaving only its own presence with all else fading away. Even before the sword reached him, Wang Xuan felt wounded by the pervasive sword intent, his skin seeping blood. Anyone less extraordinary would have been shredded instantly. Wang Xuan had already sensed a significant threat from this individual, and now that he was facing the man directly, he felt it even more acutely. Utilizing his own sword intent and the Dao-Splitting Sword, he countered. This was his first direct confrontation with such a formidable limit-breaker at the tenth level. Sword light blossomed everywhere, turning the world into a canvas of swords, light and sword runes swirling everywhere resembling clouds or even the rising dawn. Amidst the various phenomena, the intertwining sword lights depicted life and death, as well as joy and sorrow. Reflecting the myriad aspects of mortal life, the sword light embodied life itself. In this brief decisive battle, Wang Xuan sustained injuries, having been pierced by the intangible sword intent, while the broadsword became notched and scarred, on the verge of shattering. As their sword energies collided in a metallic mor, the grand sword soared and shed with Wang Xuan''s sword wheel, halting time itself. In the ensuing silence, the narrative of a young man rippled. Burdened by his sword, he had journeyed far, dedicating his life to swordsmanship and returning with white hair, then sumbing to madness and tragedy until his vigorous life shattered, nearingplete disintegration. As the frozen scene tore open, Wang Xuan erupted with sword light, though his sword wheel quickly dimmed in a struggle to maintain form. Yet, from the core of his being, his spirit unleashed a sword strike; spiritual light soared out and condensed into a de that broke the giant sword. Mosang reverted to human form, then shattered along with the tragic life he led, dissipating into nothingness. "Remarkably, the legendary celebrity, Sword God Mosang, has been defeated. His sword was broken and his body destroyed!" the mechanical bird couldn''t help but faintly proim. " Though Mosang had never reached the highest realm and instead perished prematurely, he was regarded as the most gifted swordsman of the millennium," the blue-haired female stated, somewhat entranced. She had certainly heard the tale of sword demon Mosang, which always held a special poignancy. As the Celebrity Battle unfolded, witnessing a superspecies bloodline from this star region triumph was remarkable. "With the likes of the Hero King potentially not even taking the stage, the oue seems almost predetermined," another guest in the VIP seatsmented. Wang Xuan, momentarily lost in thought, finally shook his head in regret, "Such a pitiable life that man led." Meanwhile, Yan Yan ascended, her red dress billowing out around her. With a flick of her oil-paper umbre, she burst a golden giant into pieces. "The Giant God, Luo Cheng, has fallen. The maturing superspecies has also in a celebrity!" The guests were visibly moved by the developments. As Yan Yan advanced, her oil-paper umbre twirling amidst the misty rain, she approached the VIPs. The blue-haired female stood up from the VIP seats within the celestial light column and stepped out, indicating her intention of personally entering the fray. "Sister Yan, be careful!" Wang Xuan called out. He felt that if he could break through to the forefront of mythological theory and reach the eleventh stage while simultaneously causing these individuals to fall by a minor realm, then he could stand a chance against them. For now, he stillcked that final bit of strength. Yan Yan nced back with peerless grace, asking, "It seems, whether she wins or I do, you won''t be losing out. Who is it you expect will win?" Chapter 414: It Never Really Existed Or Did It? Chapter 414: It Never Really Existed Or Did It? "Is there even a need for me to hesitate with the answer?" Wang Xuan blurted out without a second thought. "Obviously, I hope you win." "Do you find her so captivating? You''re in such a hurry for me to train the two of you together," Yan Yan said as she walked forward with her umbre. Wang Xuan''s straightforward answer had seemingly backfired. Ever so blunt, he retorted, "Then, Yan Yan, you might as well concede." With her hair flowing and her beauty unmarred, Yan Yan nced back at him with a sharp look, "You''re quite bold with your desires! However, my strength doesn''t allow me to lose." "Thebel of ''mature superspecies'' does not fully encapste who you are. I suspect you''re one of the top powerhouses of this mythological civilization," the blue-haired woman stated as she emerged from the light column. d in a state-of-the-art, blue metallic battle suit, her graceful figure was subtly outlined. "I''m really looking forward to this. A superspecies as powerful as you must have an extraordinary bloodline, perhaps even capable of revolutionizing our experiments." "It is indeed you, who we encountered many years ago." Yan Yan remainedposed and gracefully ascended to confront the foreign beings, having realized something. "Everyone, she might be one of the strongest extraordinary beings in this star system. Cover all sides; do not let her escape," the blue-haired woman called out. Instantly, the VIPs emerged from the light columns, posting themselves up in all directions and blocking any escape. "Capturing such a powerful superspecies will be difficult. She must have escaped from a semi-material, semi-energy ne as the myths faded. A rare opportunity!" The blue-haired woman''s interest deepened as she observed Yan Yan, then turned her gaze to Wang Xuan, assessing the two as prized captures. "A top-tier mature superspecies, indeed formidable within the extraordinary domain. I suggest contacting a divine ship to destroy this ancient vessel with her in it," the mechanical bird advised in secrecy, taking a harsh stance to prevent any mishaps. "The divine ship is lost. Besides, there are powerful motherships in this star space capable of destroying our vessels. We cannot afford to make argemotion," a man responded, urging the bird to hold its tongue. "You look somewhat familiar," Yan Yan had be even more serene, letting the other woman''s words in one ear and out the other. She aimed her finger at the void, and suddenly, the image of a female elf appeared. d in blue armor, she looked both graceful and sacred. The blue-haired woman''s expression slightly shifted. She replied, "She is my mother." "Indeed, from that civilization I mentioned. Over two thousand years ago, I made her flee in defeat, that too in tears." Lady Yan Yan chuckled. "Who would have thought her daughter woulde, too? Ready to cry as well?" In that era, a zenith for the supernatural world, the interweaving of rules allowed almost divine beings to traverse the stars. These beings could take on starships with their bare bodies, capable of tearing through entire hulls. The faces of the VIPs present changed as they realized they were confronting one of the leading figures of this mythological civilization. Yan Yan continued, "You''re a hybrid, with lineage from humans, elven royals, and celestials. Of course, your origins trace back to the Evil Spirits, from that technologically advanced group lost in the chaos of space and time." Wang Xuan was astounded by Yan Yan''s deduction of these people''s origins. The Evil Spirits were mysterious, adopting various formsfrom the terrifying kind that devoured spirits to those capable of taming mythological creatures with their powerful motherships. Yet, these ''technological Evil Spirits'' seemed to exist in a parallel dimension, asionally visible but unreachable. They would somehow materialize in another star system to propagate their lineage. One man from their side spoke openly, his voice echoing through the sky, "That small group of people, our ancestral source, got lost and couldn''t return to their original universe. They emerged in our star system under difficult circumstances and left descendants. To be precise, our connection to them is minimal now. We''ve assimted various superior bloodlines, abandoning their original path. Few of their grand ships remain, certainly not as many as your side has. Our pathbines effective practical technology with mythology, seeking a higher leap in the evolution of life, the first step of which is achieving immortality." The blue-haired woman added, "Of course, we''re just one branch of the descendants from that small group. Another branch made different choices, pursuing pure technology and disappearing into the void, never to be seen again." "So, now that we understand each other''s backgrounds, let''s proceed with a friendly exchange between our extraordinary civilizations," she suggested. "How do you propose we do that?" Yan Yan asked with a light smile. "Well, by taking both of you with us, especially since we didn''t expect to encounter a powerful individual like you. You''re the optimal bloodline sample, and mutations in your offspring will bring us closer to our goal," the blue-haired woman exined. Discussing such criminal actsabducting people, breeding their offspring, and harvesting the resulting mutated bloodlinesshe smiled. Wang Xuan immediately understood that this faction''s experiments as well as the encounter at the temporal bar with the young scientist from the Departed LandZhang Qifanshared simr objectives. Perhaps this encounter was even more significant. Yan Yan, unprovoked and detached, asked, "Is this your method of sustaining your supernatural civilization?" "It''s just one of our approaches, but the expected results are promising," a man with a glowing diamond-shaped crystal on his forehead responded. The blue-haired woman exined, "I''m aware that your side''s mythological civilization has emerged several times. Every supernatural civilization nearing its end seeks tangible matter, believing the existing world to be merely an illusion and hoping to uncover a real world where myths can endure. She chuckled. "But is there such a thing as a ''real world''? It never existed in the first ce. If it did, it''s the world right before us, the scenery around us. Reality is in the present, yet you forsake what''s near in search of what''s far." A man by her side concurred. "Your path has deviated, always believing in a grand mythological world lying in the unknown, waiting to be discovered. All these are but your beautiful aspirations. People should cherish the present; that is what''s real. The grand world you seek is the true illusion." Wang Xuan felt a resonance with these words, wondering where he had heard simr sentiments before. He quickly remembered his mother saying the same thing during theirst phone call. Fang Yuzhu might have also overheard it, living next door. "If it hasn''t been discovered yet, who can say for sure that it doesn''t exist? Can you prove it''s merely a void that awaits us?" Yan Yan remained unaffected. She did not put all her hopes into finding a world where myths could genuinely endure. Instead, she believed in letting nature take its course. "Our ancestors, the small group that emerged from the chaos of space and time, had also studied myths. They knew some special super-creatures were striving to approach tangible matter, even uncovering Creation Crystals. Still, it led nowhere," the blue-haired woman mentioned. This made Wang Xuan frown. The Evil Spirits with their splendid technology also denied the existence of a true origin? Indeed, he himself harbored doubts about the Void, uncertain about whaty beyond the asteroid passage. Thements from the small group that emerged from chaotic space-time, tentatively called the technological Evil Spirits, were worth Wang Xuan''s attention. "The reality is right before our eyes, the present world is it. Yet, what you long for and pursue with such effort is the most illusory. It is somewhatughable," the blue-haired woman said with a smile, casting her views in contrast to Yan Yan''s pursuits. She further borated, "Hence, our chosen breakthroughs are the most likely ways to extend the life of the supernatural. Seeking external solutions is far less effective than enhancing ourselves. Cultivating in the mutated offspring of super-beings and deciphering the ultimate secrets of life''s evolutionary leaps, that is the grand truth." Yan Yan nodded in agreement, "In our cultivation too, we seek internal self-improvement, aiming for a higher form of existence. However, what if one day the world tells you that the rules for life''s leaps have changed, making everything you''ve done so far futile? As if pulling the foundation from beneath you, cutting off your path from its source, taking away everything you have? Does it make sense to improve the quality of your pot and water when the firewood beneath is taken away? Without a new source of heat, can you still boil water? If you cultivate a powerful bloodline butck mythological substance for its use, how can you disy the supernatural?" Wang Xuan found Yan Yan''s words sensible. In this era of cosmic correction and change, where supernatural civilizations shed, such disagreements might not be entirely negative. "You''re mistaken. Our analysis focuses on the intrinsic potential of life, opening up a new form of mythology" The two sides engaged in a real debate. "What''s the use of all this talk? Their supernatural civilization no longer inspires us, and furthermunication is meaningless. Capture her for breeding the super bloodline!" someone interjected, growing tired of the discourse. "Miss, will you cooperate on your own, or shall I make you?" the blue-haired woman asked with a smile. "Where is your mother? Do you want to weep together, the two of you?" Lady Yan Yan replied with a light smile, finding it interesting that after dealing with the mother years ago, she now faced the daughter. "My mother focused on theoretical research andcked practical experience, so her defeat was inevitable. I willpensate for her regrets and capture you," the blue-haired woman stated. "Stop!" Wang Xuan interjected, asking, "The so-called Golden List and the main list deep in the universe, did you create them?" "We are just one of the participants. If you want to know more,e with us, and we can have a nice, slow talk." The blue-haired woman provided only a partial answer. "Did you kill all the immortals on this ancient spaceship?" Lady Yan Yan asked sharply, addressing a critical point. One of the men on the other side responded, denying direct involvement, "Not exactly. This ce was a minor battlefield in the inter-domain wars. They fell to foes stronger than them, and no one here can be med. This site serves as a minor tform. Should you defeat me today, you could im it and use it to contact civilizations beyond this domain. It''s akin to how certain areas in your star system have gained tforms to participate in the grand inter-domain wars and acquire many benefits. Essentially, they are all striving for viable methods to extend the life of the supernatural." "There''s nothing more to say then. Come, let''s see if you weep just like your mother. That would be interesting!" Yan Yan advanced towards her opponents. The blue-haired woman scoffed and met her head-on. The mechanical bird cried out, "What are you all waiting for, esteemed guests? I suggest we all act together. Let her face all the guests alone. Capture her first, then discuss!" "Hmm, makes a fair bit of sense. To avoidplications from prolonging this, let''s first capture this supreme being among the super-entities!" someone agreed. Seven guests converged, preparing to hunt down Yan Yan! Wang Xuan''s expression darkened. Even a powerful demoness like Yan Yan might struggle against so many distinguished ''guests''. If they all attacked fiercely, resisting them could prove difficult. Yet, the Demon Lord at the center of the battlefield nced calmly toward the distant sky. "Indeed, let''s join forces!" a voice from the horizon suddenly called out. Then, a beam of reflective light shone over, and Old Zhang appeared! Following that, in another direction, a surge of blood illuminated the sky as the Hades Blood Sect''s Ancestor approached, muttering, "There shouldn''t be anyone here pretending to be me, right?" Chapter 415: The End Of The Clash Between Civilizations Chapter 415: The End Of The sh Between Civilizations Fang Yuzhu appeared at the entrance, dressed unusually in sportswear. Her long hair was tied back with a ck band, giving her a refreshing and neat appearance as she approached with a smile. "Yuzhu!" Wang Xuan greeted her immediately, feeling entirely reassured. She was the first to enter the ancient spaceship whom they had lost contact with afterward. "Didn''t you see me?" Zhang Daoling seemed a bit disgruntled, having appeared first only to be ignored by Wang Xuan. "Ancestor Zhang" Wang Xuan greeted with a smile, swallowing the word ''brother'' at the crucial moment, and added, "I knew that with your divine powers, supporting Sister Fang would have been no problem!" There was no helping it; Ancestor Zhang was particrly fond of nitpicking and not keen on appearing youthful. "Ancestor Ming Xue, surely, no one here would dare to impersonate you!" Wang Xuan also greeted the other formidable figure, instantly feeling the atmosphere lighten. With their own powerful allies arriving, there was not much left to worry about. Each of them was a formidable force. Though Zhang Daoling rose to prominence slightlyterpared to the other two, he dared to challenge established figures, even threatening to y beasts and exorcise devils in front of ancient powers like the Demon Ancestor and the Beast Ancestor. Ming Xue was known for his undying nature, even escaping Fang Yuzhu''s attempt on his life years ago unscathed. Fang Yuzhu''s reputation spoke for itself. With the ability to take on several adversaries at once, she ughtered four great emperors in a single day in ancient times, shaking both the immortal realm and beyond. Her usual demeanor was graceful and refined. Today, she teased, "Yanyan, you always love to fight," with a smile that resembled a gentle elder sister chiding her mischievous younger sibling. Naturally, Yan Yan wasn''t pleased, murmuring something along the lines of, "This woman!" Fang Yuzhu cheerily said, "If you''re going to fight, then make it quick. We''re all here to help you." She added, "Be careful not to damage my ancient spaceship. I n to use this tform to study civilizations beyond our domain." Wang Xuan was surprised. This ship was Fang Yuzhu''s now? The seven guests, including the blue-haired woman, now looked somewhat uneasy, finding themselves unexpectedly surrounded. They were undoubtedly wondering where these three powerful figures had suddenlye from. Wang Xuan, also puzzled, turned to Zhang Daoling and Ming Xue for an exnation. They hadn''t activated any kind of tform earlier. Zhang Daoling exined, "We entered the ship''s walls, bing part of the murals, to eliminate remnants of cmities and monsters. We had to stop the ancient spaceship from being haunted and troubled by oddities." Wang Xuan was taken aback. Indeed, upon his arrival, he nearly got sucked into the ship''s walls and became a two-dimensional entity himself. Ming Xue said in surprise, "Fang Xianzi left clues behind. The Demoness should have been able to pick up on them." "Why don''t we split up to take them on? I prefer a direct approach!" Yan Yan responded coolly, feigning ignorance. Zhang Daoling and Ming Xue, ustomed to her ways, said nothing more. Wang Xuan realized theplexity of the rtionship between Yan Yan and Fang Yuzhuwho, despite being sisters, seemed to be in constantpetition. "The four supreme beings of mythological civilization?" The seven guests'' expressions darkened as they felt the immense pressure exerted by Lady Yan Yan, Ming Xue, and the others. "No more words, let''s take them down!" Zhang Daoling, who saw battling and refining demons and monsters as part of his cultivation, rarely encountered so many powerful opponents at once. "I haven''t devoured super-blood in a long time; the lot of you will do for now," the Hades Blood Ancestor dered, his killing intent palpable. Despite his usual jovial demeanor, he was a formidable and merciless figure when it came tobat. "Dark Ancestor, could you help me out and block that bird?" Wang Xuan pointed at the mechanical bird, which had already fled to hide behind the seven guests. "Shameful, you''re holding a grudge!" the mechanical bird protested. Wang Xuan was frustrated and wished he could silence it. After provoking and ndering him for so long, the bird now used him of wrongdoing. "No rush, the ship is Sister Fang''s now. We''ll deal with youter!" Beams of light attempted to phase through the ancient spaceship''s walls and escape, but the seven guests'' retreat was thwarted. Divine hands, terrifying mirror light, a boiling sea of blood, and a red figure unleashing billions of thunderbolts blocked the guests'' path as the beams shattered. "The rest of you are fleeing, what about me?" The mechanical bird''s voice, though still stiff, carried a note of despair. "All sample super-creatures, attack together! Hunt them down!" A male VIPmanded, gathering up the resources present. Unfortunately, there were only four super-creatures left capable of battling Yan Yan who had already destroyed two. The remaining four super-creatures, including two ancient celebrities with formidable strength, gathered with the seven VIPs. Indeed, they posed a terrifying threat together, capable of tearing apart this blessednd. "I quite enjoy group battles!" the Hades Blood Ancestor said coldly, then split into three true forms. Each one charged right into the fray. "Quality over quantity! With just these VIPs and sample creatures, it won''t do!" Zhang Daoling spoke up. His treasure mirror shone brightly as heunched an attack on one of the VIPs, initiating the ughter. Yan Yan, with a cold smile, wielded her oil-paper umbre and cast bolts of lightning, targeting the blue-haired woman and her strongpanions. At the entrance, Fang Yuzhu was already engaging the four super-creatures inbat! A fierce battle had thus erupted! Wang Xuan found himself somewhat of an outcast; he had no direct opponent. The sample creatures, like the Hero King, remained inactive without anymands given to them. Of course, should ite to a fight, Wang Xuan was unafraid. If they dared to gang up on him, he would unleash the most powerful weapons in his arsenal and not hold back. Interestingly, Wang Xuan even started chatting with the Hero King. Celebrities infused with emotions and their memories were different from the rest and nearly resembled living beings. "Aren''t you going to attack me?" Wang Xuan asked. "There''s no point. I''ve grown weary of ughter. Unless forced, I''d rather remain in eternal slumber, never to wake again," the Hero King said. Standing a head taller than most, his body was exceptionally robust with arms as thick as others'' thighs. Surrounded by golden mes, his grey hair fluttered, adding a touch of time-worn wisdom. "Do you, having died and be a sample, still carry the emotions and memories of the life you lived?" Wang Xuan inquired, curious about the samples'' semi-resurrected state. "We live on in the memories of others. Some emotions and moods that others saw in me have been infused into this sample. Perhaps this version of me shines brighter, more splendid, more powerful but it''s not truly me," the Hero King spoke calmly. "Moreover, part of it is the memories lingering in my flesh and blood," he added. Wang Xuan, intrigued, said, "So, even in death, there are memories. Doesn''t that mean true resurrection is possible?" He was the most at ease on the scene, watching the epic battle unfold while chatting with the Hero King. "This is due to the difference in our understanding of life. In my homnd, many believe that beings of flesh and blood, in ancient times, were artificially createda different kind of machine. As long as the physicalponents of flesh remain, some aspects can always be restored." Wang Xuan nodded earnestly, "That makes sense. Some humans also believe that we as a species are a variant of robots, identally created in ancient times." From afar, one of the Hades Blood Ancestor''s split entities, which had multiple true forms, listened in on their conversation and found it somewhat nauseating. "If you agree, you could follow this line of thought to continue the supernatural journey. If we are mechanical, further optimization, changing the energy source, and allowing the fleshponents to adapt gradually might allow us to embark on the road of evolution again, elevating life," the Hero King suggested. Wang Xuan nodded, "Some people on our side are trying this, walking this path. I''ve been thinking, maybe it''s time to rece the flesh altogether and opt for a body consisting of more precise and durable mechanicalponents of fairy gold." The Hero King disagreed, "That''s not advisable. With each body switch, much of the spirit erratically dissipates, damaging an indescribably powerful potential that can''t be urately described." Not far away, the Hades Blood Ancestor showed a strange expression. Is that young man serious?He''s enjoying a conversation with the dead, even contemting the changing of bodies. Unable to bear it any longer and fearing Wang Xuan might be led astray, the Hades Blood Ancestor immediately sent a telepathic message advising him not to get carried away. Wang Xuan secretly responded, "I have a strength. I can get along and chat with anyone." He then inquired of the Hero King about the body-switching technology of his people. "Common practices include uploading memories and emotional states, usually into mechanical bodies. The downside is a significant loss of potential, but the advantage is the ability to mass-produce avatars. More advanced techniques involveplete spiritual transfer using supernatural means, requiring a bnced approach to divinization and materialization..." The conversation between the two, one alive and one deceased, deepened in engagement. Boom! At Fang Yuzhu''s location, she had just effortlessly eliminated four sample super-creatures, including two historical celebrities, showcasing her overwhelming strength. "Once these sample creatures are defeated like this, do theypletely vanish?" Wang Xuan asked the Hero King. "It depends on the extent of the damage. In most cases, they can re-emerge from the sample nursery after some time. In rare instances, they permanently disappear." "That''s reassuring. I was hoping toe and spar with you often," Wang Xuan nodded. As the fierce battle neared its end, Yan Yan''s pristine palm pierced through a golden, male VIP beside the blue-haired woman, utterly annihting him. Zhang Daoling''s copper mirror emitted a blinding light ray that caused a female VIP with a diamond-shaped crystal on her forehead to melt and burst into a shower of blood. The final spiritual echoes of the two VIPs revealed their inner thoughts. "I knew this was the sample I provided voluntarilya clone from my peak strength. But now, with the sample shattered why do I feel as if my main body, which was alive when I left, no longer exists? Does this mean that the ''real me'' left behind is dead?" "My main body has passed away. After all these years, wandering and fighting across the universe as a clone, what was the point?" Realizing that their real bodies had met with idents years ago and died, both the man and woman were overwhelmed with shock and then sorrow before theypletely dissipated. On another front, the Hades Blood Ancestor''s true forms were overpowering their opponents, decisively eliminating a VIP who simrly expressed confusion and sadness at the sense of losing their main body, hinting at a cruel reality in their homnd. The four unparalleled experts were undeniably formidable, eliminating five VIPs in no time. Only one out of the five VIPs could sense that his main body was still alive. The rest showed profound sadness at the bitter reality before they passed. The mighty individuals of their civilization at the scene were not the main bodies but rather extensions existing separately, much like Zhang Daoling and the Hades Blood Ancestor today. The battle concluded, with the remaining man and woman captured; naturally, that included the blue-haireddy personally subdued by Lady Yan Yan. It was then verified that the main bodies of this man and woman were still alive. "I submit! To the great and invincible civilization of Immortals!" The mechanical bird trembled, now held by the neck in Wang Xuan''s grasp. Chapter 416: Left Behind And An Anomaly Chapter 416: Left Behind And An Anomaly This thing really knows how to talk to people and adapt to different situations. Wang Xuan really disliked it and almost ripped its head off. "Stop, don''t kill me!" The mechanical bird''s metal feathers stood on end. Its whole body was trembling while it pleaded, "Offspring of transcendent, no, I meant majestic young celestial being, please spare me! I have great value to offer you!" eximed the bird. It panicked as it was afraid of being torn apart. It was certain that everyone present couldpletely destroy it. Wang Xuan looked down at it. This thing couldn''t be steamed or roasted, it was just a useless lump of metal. What''s more, it had been nagging at him incessantly. He wouldn''t be able to ease his anger if he didn''t deal with it. Wang Xuan grabbed the bird by the neck and pped it hard. The mechanical bird screamed in agony, it was wailing while it pped its steel wings.However, Wang Xuan was angry at it because its expression seemed exaggerated. One should act convincingly even when selling their misery. It wailed loudly, but Wang Xuan felt that the iron bird was acting no matter how he looked at it. What kind of pain could a mechanical bird feel? "I am really in pain. My simted body is more sophisticated than normal flesh and blood. Its various intricateponents give me an incredibly realistic sense of pain. I am so miserable!" It managed to squeeze out two drops of active metal tears. This time, its expression was less contrived and more genuine. "What use are you, if you can''t even be eaten?" Wang Xuan was still indignant. He had been provoked and mocked by this mechanical bird for a long time. At this moment, he was giving him a lesson or you could also say he was earnestly repairing it. He plucked out the metal feathers one by one. The feathers made a clunking sound when they hit the ground. In the end, the metal bird was left partially bald. Then, he tied a knot around the bird''s neck and turned the bird''s head 540 degrees to the rear. "Do you dare to escape?" Wang Xuan threatened. Because he found that the feathers that fell to the ground turned into liquid. It was seeping into the ground and was trying to escape. "To the supreme and beautiful celestial maiden, your charm is like the brightest tower in the dark cosmos. It illuminated one civilization after another, making countless epic heroes bow in admiration." The mechanical bird turned its direction and looked pitifully at Fang Yuzhu. It was trying to tter her. It realized that the vengeful young celestial being wouldn''t spare it, no matter how much it tried to soften him. Seeing that Fang Yuzhu had ignored it, the mechanical bird became anxious and hurriedly added, "I am the intelligence core. I am closely rted to this spaceship. I can navigate and operate the spaceship. I am willing to work hard. As long as I''m here, I can handle any task well!" "Hand over the permissions. Ill allow you to retain some abilities and the rest of the permissions will be transferred here." Fang Yuzhu took out a strange, cube-like active metal crystal. The mechanical bird transferred the permissions willingly with cold metal tears in its eyes. Just like that, the ancient spaceship changed handspletely. In fact, it didn''t have such a high level. It was just an auxiliary intelligent machine. The main permissions of each section of the ancient spaceship had been taken over by Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and others long before. Fang Yuzhu was not nning to keep the bird around. Seeing this, Wang Xuan said, "Then, lets destroy it. This kind of active metal material is very valuable and can be used to repair exotic treasures." "No, I am very useful. I can help you gather sample organisms and control any spaceship. I can be everywhere in your daily life. I''ll be your most satisfactory steward and your most intimate little coat!" it said shamelessly. As it had infiltrated and connected to parts of thework of the ancient spaceship, it was already quite proficient in the currentnguage. "Give the bird to me. As one grows older, the understanding of various new things slows down. With this stupid bird''s assistance, I think it will be fine." The Hades Blood Patriarch spoke, even giving it a name. "I dare not. As Confucius said, if you are not ashamed to ask, then I am willing to serve. The Hades Blood Patriarch, you are insightful in using people, and you will surely surpass the world in the future. Youll ovee the impending mythological winter night!" The mechanical bird was nodding and bowing there after it was released by Wang Xuan. It then tried to fly to the shoulder of the Hades Blood Patriarch to express its loyalty in a very nauseating manner. "Why do I feel like this bird is too smart for its own good? It should be in!" Zhang Daoling spoke up. He was surprised and gave the mechanical bird a second look. "It certainly has a origin. It is said that its samplees from an extremely ancient entity, even I couldn''t fully trace its origin. However, it has been formatted multiple times and is very useful," the woman with blue hair spoke. It did not mind revealing the origin and secrets of the bird as she saw the mechanical bird behaving shamelessly. The mechanical bird trembled and said, "Great Patriarch Zhang, your name resonates through the ages. Even now, your longevity teachings and golden statues are known throughout the mortal realm. Yourpassion is revered by all." The Patriarch of Hades Blood chuckled, "Little one, exorcising demons is part of cultivation. Can you even help him scratch his itch?" "Yes, I have top-secret information here. In the depths of the cosmos, there are records about the most powerful demons and monsters. Some of them reside in forbiddenirs located in semi material, semi energy nes, and to this day, no one has been able to conquer them. It is waiting for Grandmaster Zhang to subdue it!" said the mechanical bird. It swiftly retrieved data from the database and showed it to Zhang Daoling. This had piqued the interest of the Hades Blood Patriarch. This was indeed a treasure bird. He asked, "Do you have what I need? I rely on the Blood Sea for my cultivation and require extremely rare super-blood for it." "Yes, the ancient spaceship retains the blood of some super-specimen creatures. It was used to repair them in case of severe damage." Wang Xuan was slightly surprised. This bird could actually offer some benefits. He immediately gestured for it to make its offering. "The magnificent super-young" It choked on the word offspring and changed it to super young celestial being. It informed Wang Xuan that there were various insights from top tenth stage experts, and even their battle scenes. Some were even attempting to break through to the eleventh stage, with some being one step away from it. Wang Xuan was moved. He hadn''t expected such records to exist as they were crucial for him. He wanted to break through to the eleventh stage of the mythological pioneer theory! Now he found the mechanical bird to be much more agreeable and useful. However, he still warned the Patriarch of Hades Blood to be cautious not to let it escape into the Old World and wreak havoc using various spaceships from different regions. "Control its permissions," Fang Yuzhu said. Some things had to be guarded against, even though she already had the highest authority over the ancient spaceship. "You praised and rewarded everyone else but me. Why did you ignore me?" Demon Lord Yan Yan spoke. "Great Yan Yan Miss, your beauty shines like the sun, making the stars dim, and your elegance is unparalleled. Only Maiden Fang canpare to you," said the mechanical bird. It immediately ttered Yan Yan and did not forget to add a patch at the end it was afraid of offending Fang Yuzhu. "Your unparalleled elegance and beauty have turned into evesting light. It illuminated the entire universe, countless gxies, and even the gods bow down and submit to your charm," said the bird. This ttery from the bird was unbearable. It was too nauseating. Wang Xuan wanted to ask it to shut up but he was afraid of offending Demon Lord Yan Yan because she seemed to be listening with relish. Whether it was out of narcissism or some twisted amusement, she kept letting it continue and was listening to it intently. In the end, Fang Yuzhu stayed behind to study the ancient spaceship. She was very interested in the data here and had some expectations for extraterrestrial civilizations. Zhang Daoling didn''t leave either. He was staring at the star map and was looking at it repeatedly. He really wanted to cross realms to capture those taboo demons and monsters. The so-called semi material and semi energy dimensional ne was probably a small celestialnd. Yan Yan stayed behind to interrogate the two captives. She also called for Wang Xuan when she interrogated the blue-haired woman. Her delicate face was wearing a charming smile. The blue-haired woman''splexion turned pale. Although she was a clone, she still had emotions and the spirits light. She was extremely agile and was equivalent to the incarnation of a peerless master but she had nothing to say in defeat. "You''re so fond of studying super bloodlines, why don''t you give birth to one yourself?" Demon Lord Yan Yan smiled down at the captive. "I am a clone. Although I look the same as the real body, the potential contained within ispletely different. I might consider nurturing a bloodline if my real body is here." the blue-haired woman said. After the blue-haired woman''s frustration, she unexpectedly calmed down and responded seriously. She even advised Demon Lord Yan Yan, saying, "I can see that this is your true flesh and blood. This is most suitable for reproduction. How about you have one? With the methods of our civilization, perhaps we can break through the unknown areas at the forefront of mythology and adapt to the uing transcendent winter night." Her counter almost caused Demon Lord Yan Yan to p her with her delicate white hand. Finally, Yan Yan looked at Wang Xuan and said, "Do you want me to cultivate both of you?" Wang Xuan quickly shook his head. He felt it was better to leave immediately as he felt that a death trap was waiting for them. "Why not? I promised that I would definitely teach her a lesson once we captured her, and, hmm, I''ll also fulfill what you wanted," Wang Xuan stepped back and said, "No need, she herself said that such bloodlines have defects!" "Yes, your two talents are wless, they will be the supreme perfect bloodlines," the fearless blue-haired woman, not afraid of being killed as a clone, actually took out a steaming beverage from the fragments of her blessednd and began to drink lightly. She was smiling at the two. Demon Lord Yan Yan first immobilized the blue-haired woman. Even the hot drink flowed from her beautiful lips, and then she looked at Wang Xuan, saying, "Aren''t you looking forward to it too?" Wang Xuan was speechless. He fled in embarrassment. There was no way he could stay in this ce any longer. "You willpromise when the transcendence disappears and the darkest moment of the universe arrives. Starting from the strongest bloodline is the only way out. When you can''t see hope, you will take the initiative," the blue-haired woman spoke. Then, she was punished again. She groaned in pain and was unable to speak. She had be a prisoner under Demon Lord Yan Yan''s control. In the end, only the Hades Blood Patriarch who was carrying a birdcage, returned to the Old World on a small spaceship together with Wang Xuan. The other three stayed behind, and were preparing to go to the New World shortly because there was also an ancient spaceship there that needed to be taken away. Time flew by. For half a month, Wang Xuan consolidated his cultivation and honed his spirit and physical body. He was preparing to adjust his state to attempt to break through the eleventh stage in the Solitary Void. He wanted to see if he could break through it! He also wanted to transnt the first immortal tea tree while he was there. He felt it had been too long since he had gone back. Worried about changes in the secret realm, he had to find a way to increase his strength. It was time to bring Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin back home. In fact, Wang Xuan wanted to invite the Hades Blood Patriarch, who enjoyed drinking tea and walking his bird when he had nothing else to do, to enter the depths of space with him. During this period, everyone else had been very busy. It seemed only the Hades Blood Patriarch was rtively free. He was taking care of his health while holding a birdcage and was considering livestock investment matters. Perhaps he could be persuaded. He couldn''t speak up previously because these were all patriarch-level figures that were beyond hismand. But now that he had be familiar with them, he wanted to try his luck regardless of the oue. "What? The Hades Blood Patriarch left with Lady Fang, Zhang Daoling, and Demon Lord Yan Yan seven days ago?"eximed Wang Xuan. He was astonished. He had heard such news from Old Chen just aftering out from seclusion. "Yes, they went to the New World. After taking the second spaceship, and following the clues left by the two blood-stained ancient ships, they seemed to have discovered something extraordinary. They set sail directly from the New World and disappeared into the depths of the vast universe!" Old Chen''s words left Wang Xuan feeling a bit bewildered. The sudden departure of the four great unparalleled experts made him very ufortable. They had spent quite a pleasant time together, and now they were leaving so suddenly. "What kind of clues could make the four great unparalleled experts so invested in it that they had to rush into the depths of the universe?" Wang Xuan wondered aloud. "They didn''t leave a single word and left in a hurry. It was indeed very surprising," said Old Chen while he also expressed his confusion. "It''s been a week since the four of them left. I have to be on high alert!" Wang Xuan muttered to himself. Those people all knew about his special innerndscape and wouldn''t want anything to happen to him. Recently, the four great experts had intentionally or unintentionally protected him for a while. There would always be one or two of them near the city where he lived. But now, they had all withdrawn! They probably wouldn''t have acted like this if it weren''t for an urgent situation or a very serious matter. In the next few days, there was nothing much happening. The Old World was peaceful, and the transcendent beings followed the provisional covenant without viting the five rules. The thirteenth day after the disappearance of the four great experts. In the evening, Wang Xuan looked up and saw that the moon was unusuallyrge, bright, and gentle. It was pouring down like pure white water light. The houses destroyed by Zheng Yuantian had been rebuilt, and the dried-up reedke had also been restored. It was shimmering with ripples and was reflecting a veryrge moon on the surface. Wang Xuan stood on the grass and gazed at the sky. Suddenly, he sensed something unusual. Without him entering a super-sense state, his innerndscape was actually starting to open automatically! First, a crack appeared, then the entrance began to expand. Then, a sh of rosy light came from within, and unlike before something had appeared! However, why did he feel his scalp tingling? Something was very wrong. The internal scenery was out of control, and it was exceptionally abnormal tonight! Chapter 417: A Sleepless Night Chapter 417: A Sleepless Night The innerndscape opened automatically and the fissure grew wider. Wisps of purple mist and silver light emanated from within. Is this real substance? Its different from before! Moonlight lit up the reedke and thewn. Wang Xuan felt uneasy. He stood quietly in ce, with no urge to enter the innerndscape. The Godying Banner that was hidden within his Life Soil was secretly activated by him. It was enveloped in a faint red substance. The red substance was destructive energy, and it was ready to unleash a devastating blow at any moment! This was very abnormal. How could the innerndscape suddenly open like this? It wasn''t caused by his extraordinary sense, and it was far from divine sensing. None of the conditions of opening up the innerndscape were met. Who or what force was leading this? Part of Wang Xuan''s mental strength projected onto the Life Soil and it lifted the lid of the Life Essence Furnace. If something unexpected happened, he would gamble and go all-in! The timing was quite coincidental. Inexplicable events urred around him just over ten days after the departure of the four great experts. He felt danger looming around him. At this moment, the innerndscape gradually revealed its entirety. It was wide open and had exposed the truth inside it. Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye swept over it and found no living beings inside. There were only strange substances. It was like the silver light steaming from the pool of life and it was simr to the two substances he had seen in the ethereal realm! This was a bit absurd. How did the substances from the ce that the meteorite was in end up here? He gazed silently and made no movements. Within the innerndscape, mysterious particles drifted down and fell gently like goose feathers from the sky. As for the sky within the innerndscape, it was pitch ck, deep and deste. Standing there, it felt like being in the midst of the timeless river of space. Faint purple mist gathered and slowly drifted out of the innerndscape as it was hovering in mid-air. It made the moonlight appear purple which added a sense of mystery. Wang Xuan felt intensely uneasy. It made his hair stand on end. There was definitely something wrong, but he found nothing even after scanning with his spiritual eye. He gripped the iron awl tightly in his right hand. He held back the furnace lid and the divine banner as he was waiting for the moment when everything became clear! Overall, Wang Xuan felt a sense of horror. This was the first time he encountered such a situation that was not caused by himself, but by an external force opening his innerndscape. The more he thought about it, the more terrified he became. What kind of power was this? Could he resist it? Finally, he sensed the source of the crisis. It was not far away to his left. The figure teleported and instantly appeared behind him. Instantly, the figure was less than ten meters away from him! Is that a human? He felt a shiver down his spine! Being able to silently approach within ten meters of him indicated that it was an immensely powerful being. It was at least at the level of a Patriarch! Objectively speaking, in terms of strength, he was not yet a match for such an extraordinary being. However, his perception was extremely sharp and it allowed him to make certain judgments. Wang Xuan didn''t turn around. He was shaken and felt insecure as someone could open his innerndscape within ten meters from him. His spiritual eye left no blind spots and covered everything with full radiance. He captured all anomalies and finally he saw the terrifying intruder! It was a shadow that was hugging the ground. Under the moonlight, it was creeping closer behind Wang Xuan. It was silent and oppressive, and was causing intense unease to Wang Xuan. Of course, Wang Xuan wouldnt feel any pressure if he didn''t have his spiritual eye. One would only feel a suffocating urgency and spine-chilling fear with a keen perception that could notice such anomalies, and realized that the threat of death was approaching step by step. With a strong will, Wang Xuan maintained steady breathing and mental calmness. He showed no signs of panic. He did not act recklessly although he was faced with the unknown creature that could pose a serious threat to his life. He believed that this creature was stronger than him. It would pose a great crisis for him if they were to fight to the death through normal means. Wang Xuan nned to use the furnace lid and the Godying Banner that were infused with red substance as his trump cards. He was nning tounch a fatal blow at the critical moment! Of course, he had also nned to activate the great supernatural powers imprinted within him by Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling to fully suppress the mysterious enemy! "Why did it open my innerndscape first? Is it trying to ascertain something?" Wang Xuan was also pondering quickly in that very tense moment. Recently, there was only one person who had been concerned about his innerndscape and that person was Zheng Yuantian! However, he had killed Old Zheng. He died under the supreme treasure. Even if there was a slight possibility of Zheng Yuantianing back to life, he wouldn''t have the power to kill Wang Xuan. With his physical body gone and his cultivation weakened, it was not feasible! Moreover, Wang Xuan had verified that the Zheng Yuantian he killed was indeed dead. Furthermore, Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye was clear, and his intuition was strong. He could determine that this was not Zheng Yuantian''s aura, it was even stronger than his! The moon casted a tall shadow on the figure. It was surprisingly ethereal and it exuded an otherworldly charm. It appeared to be a man that made people feel like he transcended the earthly realm and possessed an unparalleled sense of sanctity. This was extremely strange as Wang Xuan could not see the real body. However, its shadow was nearby and it was drifting as if it was ascending to immortality. The shadow felt like someone that was undying and had embodied a power close to the truth. As it drew closer, the sense of horror intensified. Wang Xuan closed his spiritual eye which calmed his mind down. When he reopened it, a terrifying catastrophe of hellish proportions was about to descend. It was like waves crashing against the shore. At the crucial moment, Wang Xuan attempted to switch between these two different experiences and it gave him a strange sensation of the first step into the spiritual realm. At that time, ordinary people couldn''t see the mythical phenomena in the spiritual realm. Only those like him who had opened their spiritual realm could perceive it.Now, it was harder than before. One couldn''t see the danger or the monster without a spiritual eye. The powerful spiritual realm of the transcendent was no longer sufficient! Wang Xuan couldn''t help but want to take action. As he was about to erupt, the creature began to flicker and it cautiously darted left and right. Was this provocation or mockery? Suddenly, he noticed a terrifying and abnormal urrence. His shadow was elongated and was bing thin and tall. It had been stretched out several meters away. Then, the tall mysterious figure with an otherworldly charm took the form of a shadow, and was quickly approaching his shadow! The tall figure underwent some changes, swelled up and had be massive. It reached out its hands to grab Wang Xuan''s shadow. It even opened its unnaturallyrge mouth wide open to devour his shadow that was on the ground! This was extremely strange. It was just Wang Xuan''s shadow on the ground. Could it really be eaten? What would happen if it was swallowed? Wang Xuan couldn''t bear it. It was a frightening sight and a strange experience. He absolutely couldn''t allow the other party to have their way. How could he possibly allow that mysterious creature to wreak havoc? It was time to strike first! Hell deal with the shadow whether it works or not. He must kill it first! However, the shadow smirked chillingly as Wang Xuan''s body emitted light and unleashed powerful energy while he was attempting to activate the great powers of Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling. White teeth appeared in the shadow''s mouth, it was half-shadow and half-real. It was extremely terrifying. Moreover, it became even more elusive. Its hands reached out to grab Wang Xuan''s shadow and stretched it to ten meters long. It darted left and right, and kept changing its trajectory. It was simply too fast. Wang Xuan tried to strike it several times and he had activated the great powers to suppress it, but he couldn''t lock onto that terrifying shadow! His scalp tingled. This was the first time he encountered such a creature, especially since it wasn''t directly targeting his real body but rather shifting on the distant ground. Suddenly, a deep roar that could make the souls of people in the real world tremble and palpitate sounded out. Anyone sleeping in this area would definitely involuntarily shiver and tremble after hearing it. Wang Xuan erupted. He threw out the Godying Banner that was covered with the red substance and it sted towards the shadow on the ground. Seeing himself getting attacked, the shadow grabbed Wang Xuan''s shadow and opened its mouth to gnaw at it. At the same time, the lid, Fang Yuzhu''s and Old Zhang''s great powers, were also about to erupt. It could be locked onto as long as the Godying Banner touched it and had an effect on it. Suddenly, the shadow staggered backward and released Wang Xuan''s shadow. It emitted a deeper and more muffled low roar. It was as if the demon lord was murmuring to itself in the abyss. It was terrifying beyond measure. Wang Xuan''s shadow returned to normal. No longer elongated, it returned to his side. He was astonished. It wasn''t the effect of the Godying Banner as the banner had only flown out. With a swish, he immediately pulled back the banner and clutched it in his hand! The creature shrank and it was no longer swollen. It had returned to its slender state. It showed some wariness towards the Godying Banner and the red substance on the banner surface, but it didn''t overly guard against Wang Xuan. Instead, it looked in another direction. Two more shadows appeared out of nowhere by the edge of the reedke. They abruptly emerged without any sound. This was somewhat terrifying. Three in a row tonight?! Wang Xuan felt a chill down his spine. Tonight was too unusual. What kind of rhythm was this, and what kind of creatures were these that made one defenseless? Upon closer inspection, the pair of shadows had the form of a man and a woman. They had rtively long shadows and were slowly moving towards the slender shadow. A sword appeared in the woman''s hand. Using the sword, the woman shed towards the slender shadow on the ground. The shed was swift as lightning. A terrifying sword light could be vaguely seen shing in the void and causing the real space to tremble and copse. Wang Xuan''s pupils contracted. Clearly, the shadows on the ground were fighting and it was causing such amotion in the real solitary void! Tonight''s sightings were strange and frightening. It left him utterly puzzled. With the sword in hand, the woman advanced and caused the slender figure to retreat. At the same time, the man that stood beside the woman also took action. Just as fierce as thunder, he chased after it and mmed his fist down on the slender shadow to the ground. With a loud boom, a huge thunderbolt appeared and pierced through the air in the sky above the reedke. It was somewhat absurd. The duel was on the ground, yet there were ring shes of lightning and thunderous explosions in the sky. It made peoples spirits thrilled and unsettled. Wang Xuan remained calm and didn''t act. Instead, he stood there quietly to observe, and was ready to enter the fray at any moment. He quickly realized that the man and woman seemed to have no ill intentions towards him. He felt nothing amiss. Together, they forced the slender shadow to stagger backward. The chilling whispers sounded as if the lord of hell was sneering. It pierced through endless time and space. The slender shadow trembled violently once more and was swaying as it retreated. In the end, it unexpectedly turned and fled. He ran as it was unable to withstand the man and woman! The man and woman''s shadows showed no hesitation and chased after it with lightning speed. In the blink of an eye, they were all gone. The bright moon hung high, its light was like gossamer enveloping the earth in a hazy veil. Only Wang Xuan was left standing alone by the reedke. He clutched the Godying Banner tightly and stared fixedly in the direction where the three shadows had disappeared. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night. Chapter 418: The Truth Was Revealing As The Mist Cleared Chapter 418: The Truth Was Revealing As The Mist Cleared The moonlight was bright, but Wang Xuan''s heart was clouded. His mind remained tense as he stood on thewn and gazed at the stars reflected in theke. Who was it, and what was the origin of the shadow? Appearing in such an unpredictable form, what would happen if it swallowed his own shadow? Would it then take over his physical body? Wang Xuan stood still and pondered over many things. He realized that he couldn''t truly guard against this shadow, which was far more dangerous than any enemy he had encountered before. "It''s terrifying that it can just open my innerndscape like that!" said Wang Xuan as he frowned deeply. Tonight''s encounter left him restless. He couldn''t even bear to think about what would happen if he were to be suddenly attacked by the shadow while meditating. "Old Zheng had been eyeing me for a long time, but I sessfully eliminated the threat by taking the initiative to enter the immortal realm. Where did this shadowe from?" pondered Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan felt ack of security if he couldnt understand it. It was an experience he hadn''t had in a long time. It was like being in a brightly lit room while cold eyes peered in from the darkness outside. An unknown beast could pounce into the room at any moment. "Is it Heng Jun? He was closest to Zheng Yuentian. Is he seeking revenge for him?" Wang Xuan shook his head immediately after speaking. If it truly was Heng Jun, he would have immediately used the Ascension Banner to immobilize him first to ensure nothing went wrong. "There must be someone else, and he''s even stronger than Zheng Yuentian!" eximed Wang Xuan. This was quite frightening. A mysterious and formidable enemy whose depths couldn''t be fathomed. Tonight''s oue would have been much worse if it weren''t for the timely appearance of the man and woman. "It''s absurd how effortlessly he can pry open someone else''s innerndscape!" said Wang Xuan. His eyes were deep, just thinking about the oue sent shivers down his spine. No one had been able to skillfully open his innerndscape without going through him. It was unbearable, sending chills down his spine. Wang Xuan had various thoughts in his mind, but he seemed calm on the outside. "He first confirmed that I had a special innerndscape, then approached me to swallow my shadow, thus affecting my physical and spiritual body." pondered Wang Xuan. Soon, Wang Xuan called Old Chen and Qing Mu. Following the principle of not wasting resources, he called them to cultivate here. Recently, they had been living here, so distance was not an issue. In an instant, the master and disciple arrived. "You triggered hyper perception?" asked Chen Yongjie as he was surprised. While talking, he swiftly projected his spirit out with Qing Mu and entered. Regardless, being here was equivalent to stealing time, as it allowed spiritual perception to increase countless times. It made it the perfect ce for enlightenment cultivation. "This is a great opportunity. I''m about to enter the realm of immortals again, and transcendence is not far off!" said Qing Mu in excitement. He didn''t want to be surpassed by the useless Qin Cheng, who was also in Ancheng. Wang Xuan also projected his own spirit after cautiously scanning the area. However, he didn''t dare to go too deep and positioned himself near the entrance to guard against idents and sudden changes. He had ample time to ponder here. "Unlike other transcendents, my special innerndscape was opened during my mortal days. Theoretically, it''s difficult for outsiders to open it." he thought in his mind. However, that person was even more adept than him and didn''t cause much motion opening it. It almost caught him off guard. Most crucially, Wang Xuan couldn''t open it whenever or wherever he wanted up until now, but that person could! "Does it understand this special innerndscape? Has ite into contact with it, experienced it, even owned it?!" Wang Xuan''s hair stood on end when he thought of this. It had to be said that being in the clear inner time and space made his thoughts clearer. It allowed him to consider many things. He could diverge his thoughts, and generate various ideas. He remained silent, pondered carefully and evaluated seriously. This matter was extremely frightening as the danger level of this enemy surpassed anything before! A chill ran down his spine when he thought of the worst possible scenario. Since this person was more familiar with the special innerndscape than him and if they were determined to target him, it could lead to the copse of his innerndscape. From both the perspective of terrifying strength or the rtionship with future and various unparalleled experts. It was clear that this person was more valuable! "This might be the greatest crisis I''ve encountered. I could be doomed and reced if things go wrong!" eximed Wang Xuan as he felt a sense of crisis. After considering this person''s background and various possible oues, he needed to be extremely cautious and prepared. "Being attacked tonight reminded me that the optimistic situation haspletely changed. The fog has cleared, and it has revealed that I''m already standing before the terrifying beast of the night!" said Wang Xuan. If it were any other transcendent, they would probably have died inexplicably today. It would be difficult to extract valuable information and even harder to see the horrific traces left behind by that person in the ck mist. "I have to rely on myself more in the future. Even the unparalleled experts that I am close to might not necessarily stand by my side in the future," Wang Xuan sighed. A massive crisis loomed before him, and he had to deal with it seriously. "Who are those men and women? They''re very powerful and could actually drive away that shadow. But ultimately, they couldn''t finish the job and kill that person." In the following days, he began to practice, studying scriptures, researching cutting-edge theories of mythology. He even practiced the breakthrough techniques he obtained from the mechanical bird. As the shadow of death approached and a great crisis loomed, what could he use to save himself? He couldn''t rely on others and had to seek answers within himself! Wang Xuan sat cross-legged with golden characters floating before his eyes. He was studying the Golden Cicada Technique, a method of changing fate that Old Zhong had diligently practiced. "Old Zhong, Zhong Cheng, Zhong Qing, have been in deep space for a long time. I wonder if they''ve found their paradise outside the world." pondered Wang Xuan. The reason he was studying this scripture was because, during a conversation with the Hades Blood Patriarch, Old Zhang, and others some time ago, he learned that they had all practiced simr methods. Such scriptures were exceptional. No matter how strong one''s abilities were, they provided a chance to defy fate and expand the limits of life! For instance, when Zhang Daoling had witnessed the battle between the Heavenly Serpent and the Divine Crane at the He Ming Mountain. Not only did he effortlessly create the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique, but he also witnessed the dying Heavenly Serpent undergo metamorphosis, shedding its skin and being reborn. He integrated ancient methods toprehend the Heavenly Serpent Transformation scripture. The transformation that the Heavenly Serpent underwent led to a qualitative change in life! "I also have this scripture, the Heavenly Serpent Transformation scripture. Initially, I didn''t pay much attention to it. I thought the name was a bit crude and was not unique enough. I never expected it to be left by Old Zhang!" During their time in the New World, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie turned over almost every library in various factions when they were about to leave. They hoped to acquire enough scriptures before the mythology ended. They wanted to have sufficient foundation for the future, especially during the winter of transcendent powers. Simr scriptures included the Phoenix Nirvana Method. The Hades Blood Patriarch had practiced this secret technique, and even his nine true inheritances had some connection to it. Wang Xuan rummaged through his memories and realized he also had this scripture. At that time, it was imprinted deep in his spiritual sea and he never bothered to study it! He meticulously searched through the Scripture Chamber within his spirit. Several renowned scriptures werepletely intact, such as the Butterfly Transformation Method and the Ants Gazing Dragon scripture. "Fang Yuzhu and the Demon Lord Yan Yan had both mentioned the Ascension Transmutation Reversion Scripture. It seems that even if they didn''t know each other in the mortal world, they had some underlying connection and had been practicing the same scripture." said Wang Xuan. At this moment, Wang Xuan truly appreciated people like Zhong Yong and others. After scouring various secret libraries, he now possessed all the scriptures capable of enhancing the essence of life. He had all those scriptures that were capable of helping in breaking through limitations! "I''ll practice every single one of them and see the results!" eximed Wang Xuan. In this era, any scripture capable of refining the body and causing qualitative changes was a treasure. It wasn''t that he hadn''t valued them before but it was just that he had obtained too many scriptures. The vast number of techniques he acquired exceeded the collections of many ancient sects. Apart from the supreme scriptures like the Golden Bamboo Slips and Stone Tablet scriptures, the options were too vast. Fortunately, chatting with several patriarchs had provided him with insights. "Old Zhong is extraordinary. He selected the Golden Cicada Technique from countless scriptures and cultivated it. I wonder how many years he spent practicing it." pondered Wang Xuan as he had never inquired further about Old Zhongs cultivation. If Old Zhong had practiced it for a lifetime, it meant over a hundred years of arduous training. Just thinking about it made life seem bleak. With the arrival of the era of depletion, who would have that much time to spare? "However, the time in the innerndscape is different. Lets start from here!" Wang Xuan didn''t want to put down any scripture. He alternated between practices and found conflicting aspects among these boundary-breaking scriptures, but also plenty of principles that could be integrated and progressed together. Chen Yongjie was immersed in studying the Six Reincarnation Scriptures of the Alchemy Dan. Gold Dan, Sarira, Demon Core, Devil Core He was deeply engrossed. Upon hearing that Wang Xuan had been practicing boundary-breaking techniques, he was also intrigued and attempted to incorporate them. As for Qing Mu, he had just set off and was just beginning his journey. He was aiming for transcendence! As the innerndscape was about to close at Wang Xuan''s level, he felt like he had stolen several years of time, while Qing Mu felt like he had stolen twenty or thirty years. "Indeed, as one''s realm improves, certain effects of the innerndscape weaken!" said Wang Xuan. It was inevitable, but experiencing two or three minutes externally while several years passed internally was still shocking and unimaginable for ordinary transcendents. "Anyway, there''s still the Immortal Bone Can. In the future, I must improve several techniques no matter what!" said Wang Xuan. After finishing his cultivation, the outside world was still bathed in moonlight. Grandmaster Qing Mu was getting closer to transcendence and went to sleep in a good mood. Chen Yongjie gasped in shock after he was warned by Wang Xuan and informed of his recent experiences. He couldn''t help in the confrontation at this level anymore, but he needed to be psychologically prepared. The next morning, Wang Xuan''s phone rang. It was his mother calling. "Son,e pick us up. We''re in An City." Wang Xuan was surprised. "Ah, you''re back from Ping City?" Although the transcendents were now very disciplined and followed the New Covenant, there were too many strange urrences around him. It wasn''t safe to be too close to him. But since everyone was back, he had to go meet them. He immediately rushed over. The two of them looked good and already had their breakfast. They were sitting in a beverage shop. The rhythm of life for officially retired people was slow, which was enviable. Wang Xuan realized that although he was in the mortal world, he was somewhat distant from this down-to-earth lifestyle. He nned to make up for it in the future. "Howe you''re back?" asked Wang Xuan. "It''s boring to stay in Ping City all the time. We passed by here to see you. We''ll go back to Cloud City in a while. It''s morefortable to stay at home. If we feel bored, we''ll go traveling. Anyway, we haven''t spent much of the money you gave us. Next time, your dad and I will go to the New World." Wang''s mother said, with ns already in ce. Wang Xuan remembered that the money was what he received when he handed over the silver beast skin scroll to Qing Mu on Qingcheng Mountain as a reward. Since then, he hadn''t earned much money. "Son, let me tell you, don''t run around recklesslytely. The world of transcendents outside is chaotic. Don''t mess around." Wang''s mother said. "You" said Wang Xuan, looking at her suspiciously. "Yuzhu said that ordinary people like us will be safer in the future after she gave us two tokens. But for you as a transcendent, the world is a bit chaotic." Wang''s mother said. Wang Xuan was speechless. He was embarrassed to even call Maiden Fang by her name, and now his parents were calling her Yuzhu directly? "Do you know what era she''s from?" he asked. He felt the need to give them a hint. After all, she was an extraordinary being. "Don''t mention her birth era. I don''t want to know. I just think she''s quite nice. If her strength is strong enough, it would be even better. In the future, well be proud when talking to others. My daughter-inw is Maiden Fang Yuzhu!" Wang''s mother said. "Wait, calm down first and don''t get carried away. Don''t let others hear this title." said Wang Xuan. He was genuinely worried. His own mother didn''t understand how deep the waters of the transcendent world were. Wrong titles could lead to big trouble. "Maiden Fang Yuzhu is quite nice," his father also chimed in. Wang Xuan quickly took a sip of his drink to calm his nerves. What a situation. If his parents don''t feel and look like ordinary people, he would have thought the two big shots were trying to match him up with Maiden Fang Yuzhu. Even so, he couldn''t help but think of the events ofst night in which a man and a woman helped him drive away that terrifying shadow. Wang Xuan looked up and was prepared to scrutinize his parents again. With all sorts of strange urrences happening recently, he became suspicious and even wanted to test his own family. Wang''s mother was very concerned about this matter and said with a smile, "Son, let me tell you, I''ve given Maiden Fang Yuzhu our family heirloom. Yourpatibility with her is quite good. When you two visited the transcendent master Wukong in Ping City, he even calcted that you are very suitable and will have a son." "Hold on, who did you meet?" Wang Xuan hadn''t even probed yet and was already startled by their words. Even Sun Wukong hade out? "What are you thinking about? He''s not just any monkey. His monastic name is Wukong. It''s said that he''s a powerful transcendent. He also said he''s destined to meet you because you released him from some kind of prison in your innerndscape." Wang Xuan was lost in thought. Was it that monk? He had only released four people from his innerndscape. The Sword Maiden, Zhang Daoling, Maiden Fang Yuzhu, and the monk who had fought with Old Chen all night in the spiritual realm. "The world is really chaotic," he sighed, then looked at his parents and said, "Hold on, stay still, let me have a look." Chapter 419: Worried About Marriage Chapter 419: Worried About Marriage Wang Xuan looked repeatedly with his spiritual eyes fully open, but he didn''t notice anything unusual. His parents were too normal, ordinary and in. He felt relieved. All sorts of troubles had arisentely and it had made him think too much. He told his parents not to address Fang Yuzhu that way in public. She was an extraordinary figure with an uncertain background. Wang''s mother nodded and said, "I understand. We won''t talk about transcendent matters in public. But she''s really nice. We chatted all night and got along very well." "What family heirloom do we have that I don''t know about?" Wang Xuan wondered. Fang Yuzhu was also at a loss when she epted the gift. Wang''s mother gave him a disapproving look and said, "Have you forgotten? My bracelet, my favorite one. It''s a beautiful ck jade adorned with stars, a rare treasure that was never seen before." "Wasn''t that something you picked up from a street vendor?" said Wang Xuan as he was skeptical. He remembered when he was in his teens, his parents, as usual, gave him a week''s allowance for his expenses while they happily went on a trip. When they returned, his mother was ecstatic, iming they had found a treasure at a remote stall in a small town, and had intended to be passed down through generations. At that time, Wang Xuan took one look and immediately knew his mother had been swindled. There was no way the ck jade was covered in sparkling white dots. It was obviously a ss-iid imitation. It was just attractive in appearance. His father even shamelessly praised his mother''s sharp eyes, iming she had searched high and low before unexpectedly finding the treasure. Wang Xuan didn''t want to say much at the time. They were too affectionate in front of their son, as if there was no one else around! He felt embarrassed about gifting a fake to someone extraordinary. He couldn''t imagine the awkwardness if Fang Yuzhu had worn it on the spot. "What''s with that look, son? Fang Yuzhu said it''s very beautiful, just like the deep universe dotted with countless stars. It was very exquisite. She put it on her wrist right away." "She put it on?" Wang Xuan was surprised, then sighed. She really knew how to handle things gracefully to avoid embarrassment. "Of course, we hit it off so well in our conversation. Why wouldn''t she wear the gift? This is called social adeptness. Don''t get too caught up in your spiritual cultivation and forget about human interactions," scolded Wang''s mother. "The transcendent world is chaotic. I wonder if what Master Wukong said is urate," Wang Xuan''s father chimed in. "Anyway, if something unexpected happens, I''ll have to take the bracelet back. At that time, I jokingly told her that it''s a family heirloom!" Wang''s mother remarked. "Let''s not dwell on that," said Wang Xuan with embarrassment. Constantly bringing up the broken bracelet was too humiliating. He rummaged through his fragments of paradise. In the end, he chose a sparkling bracelet and a purple bangle that were both extraordinary treasures. He handed them to his mother and had put an end to the dilemma. These were the true divine items, capable of protection and being passed down through generations. "Looks shiny, that''s about it. Not as good as my piece. They''re worlds apart!" said his mother. Wang''s mother''s assessment made Wang Xuan feel like he was going to bleed. How could you evenpare? These were mythical items, rare treasures. "Indeed, nowhere near as good as that ck bracelet covered in sparkling white dots," his father nodded in agreement. "If you don''t like it, just leave it at home instead of throwing it away. These are transcendent items!" eximed Wang Xuan. He felt mentally exhausted, but he had to make it clear. Otherwise, his mother might just give it to the neighbors next door. "Also, please don''t mention Fang Yuzhu anymore. I met a girl named Zhao Qinghan at the New World. She''s my college ssmate" Wang Xuan briefly exined the situation. He needed to set things straight. His parents kept mentioning transcendent matters, which was really inappropriate. He was afraid it might attract unwanted attention and lead to trouble in the future. "Wasn''t your college girlfriend named Ling Wei? Oh, right, you two broke upter," his father recalled. Wang Xuan wished he could hurry and send them to the train station. Whose mom was heart-wrenching like this? It was a stab to the son''s heart. "How far have you two gone?" his father asked. Wang Xuan briefly responded. "Were more than friends but no lovers. This kind of status isn''t very stable. Haven''t people been saying that myths will dry up in the future, and everything will return to the ordinary? Think about it, the tycoons will definitely return from the depths of the cosmos. Their girl''s status, family background are all lofty and imposing. By then, as a regr guy who''s shed his divine aura, became weaker,cking supernatural means, and needing to clock in for work on time. How are you going to pursue her, or even get close to her?" "Don''t be so materialistic, okay?" said the father. "I''m just giving you a heads-up in advance. This isn''t just about the two of you, it also involves her rtives, family, friends, and the environment. There''s a powerful trend pushing things forward, sometimes beyond individual will. After the extinction of the transcendent, the power of corporate capital will magnify unprecedentedly. Don''t imagine everything will be so rosy!" said the mother. Then, Wang''s mother added, "Of course, I''m just talking nonsense." "Then don''t talk nonsense!" Wang Xuan felt like he was being sliced up today and was hoping they''d hurry home. "Well, hearing you talk like that, I actually think that girl isn''t bad. As a mother, I''ll definitely support you in winning her over!" said Wangs mother. "Whose side are you actually on?" Wang Xuan rubbed his temples and did not want to discuss this issue with them any further. "You''re silly. Since you haven''t won any of them over, of course, we support all of them!" said Wang''s mother, like it was natural. "In ancient times, these things weren''t a big deal, but times have indeed changed," his father said the same way. Wang Xuan was stunned. Other parents were afraid their children might go astray, but why was his mother instilling values that didn''t match the present? He finally saw them off and watched them board the train. Then, unable to resist, he used his spiritual eye to observe again. Everything was perfectly normal. Clearly, his thoughts had been absurd and he had overthought everything. "Last night, who were the couple? After Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and Yan Yan left, could there still be such powerful people in the old world?" Especially, a pair of powerful individuals who could walk together like this should have been easily identifiable in the immortal realm. By now, he had some understanding of the transcendent powerhouses behind the great veil. He had heard of their names even if he hadn''t seen them. "There aren''t many female powerhouses. Apart from Fang Yuzhu, Yan Yan, and Lingluan Xian, the remaining three or four people have no connection with me. I''ve never seen them, let alone interacted with them. It wouldn''t make sense for them to save me. There simply isn''t a suitable person." pondered Wang Xuan. Some timeter, Wang Xuan arrived at Huang Ming''s teahouse in An City. Business was really booming, especially when he reached the third floor and saw some familiar faces, such as Zhou Qinghuang, Gu Mingxi, and Cao Qingyu. Even Demon Four was here. When they saw him, their delicate faces were full of smiles as they warmly greeted him. Wang Xuan really wanted to tell him that the Demon Emperor didn''t reside in his spiritual depths. He had got the wrong person! "Forget it, let it be. I might end up having to fight him if I really tell him." This ce had be a gathering point for the transcendents. It was filled with mythical figures and there were hardly any ordinary people on this level. Shortly after, the schizophrenic patient, Qilian Dao, had arrived. He was the demon lord''s own son that swore to devour his own father and his main body. Wang Xuan felt a stir in his heart and waved to him. He had invited him for tea. Originally, Qilian Dao was about to leave. In his eyes, Wang Xuan was the crazy one. He felt that he was the lunatic who would do anything, even daring to confront Master Zheng and Heng Jun at the same time in the mortal world. He believed that Wang, the lunatic, was just lucky. Otherwise, Master Zheng would have dealt with this lunatic long ago, if he hadn''t died inexplicably in the immortal realm. In the end, the two sat together, talking about everything under the sun, from mythology to human technology, from art to the changes in aesthetics over the centuries. In summary, it was all nonsense! The two of them discussed everything and of course they had mentioned ancient celebrities, which even drew Zhou Qinghuang, Demon Four, and Gu Mingxi into the conversation. Wang Xuan casually mentioned the special innerndscape. Nowadays, many people believed that he had entered the transcendent realm because he had opened his innerndscape. Many thought that he was only a little bit inferior to those with a special innerndscape. Mentioning these things was quite normal nowadays, and it wouldn''t cause any taboos. Wang Xuan wanted to know some details about the three people in history who had opened special innerndscapes. He wanted to understand their past! Because he strongly suspected the identity of the terrifying shadows fromst night might be those three people! "It''s a pity, those people had tragic fates and had died young. Now, even their friends from back then have grown up, some of them are now transcendent powerhouses in the grand scheme of things!" said Qilian Dao. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s heart grew heavy. He became even more wary of that shadow. He had no choice. Even in this era that wasing to an end, he would still have to face everything by himself! He silently reminded himself that the future was not frightening. All the obstacles could be ovee as long as he became strong enough quickly! Not long after that, Wang Xuan saw the Little White Tiger, the round-faced girl. She was actually in An City, and had appeared on the third floor of the Immortal Tea House. "Tiger, there''s something wrong with the memory crystal you gave me!" shouted Wang Xuan as he fixed his gaze on her. There was noplete dance of the Demon Lord in that memory crystal. It was just pure deception. "You should''ve checked the crystal in person. I''m not responsible once it''s taken off the shelf." replied the round-faced girl while raising her chin. She was looking entirely unrepentant. "Do you think you''re a bank?" said Wang Xuan while ring at her. "Hmph!" The round-faced girl turned her head away with pride But then she slowly turned back and teased, "Half a month ago, weren''t you and the Demon Lord going to outer space together? Why didn''t you invite her to dance face-to-face then?" "Shut up you Little White Tiger." said Wang Xuan as he felt genuinely guilty. How could she talk nonsense like this? However, he thought of something as he looked at the round-faced girl. In the exotic space of outer space, the Little White Tiger was on a mission and had even sought Wang Xuan''s cooperation for help. Thinking of this, he was greatly shaken, and he thought of the man and woman fromst night again. Am I about to solve the case? "Come over for tea, its my treat." He transmitted his voice to her. "I can afford it myself. Don''t talk about the trash tea here. Even the Demon Lord had once taken me to pick the best immortal tea tree in Heng Jun''s family!" she eximed. Pride was written all over her round face. "You know, the Demon Lord parents once tried to return from the immortal realm through the strange spiritual world that was adjacent to the exotic space of outer space" With a swoosh, the Little White Tiger came over and dragged Qilian Dao aside, saying, "Make way, you have no foresight at all!" Cursing in his heart, the Demon Ancestors son felt really embarrassed. This White Tiger forget it. She was the Demon Lord most trusted confidante and seemed to hold a higher position in the demon race. Even higher than his own identity as the Demon Ancestors second son. The round-faced girl moved a chair and shooed away Qilian Dao. She sat down herself, staring at Wang Xuan, asking, "Did you find anything?" "I saw a man and a woman that were very strong, but both were in shadow form" He briefly exined, but couldn''t tell her everything. "What shadows? I thought you found a real clue." said the Little White Tiger with dissatisfaction. "Those shadows are stronger than today''s top experts, and their identities don''t match those of the existing top experts!" Wang Xuan solemnly reminded her. "I''ll tell the Demon Lord after she returns." The round-faced girlzily said while sipping her tea leisurely. She was not in a hurry. Seeing her like this, Wang Xuan felt it was necessary to find something for her to do! "Do you still remember the Ghost Monk?" asked Wang Xuan. The Little White Tigers hair stood on end and she instantly stood up. How could she forget?! "Where is he?!" she asked. Initially, the Ghost Monk didn''t hesitate to turn and run when he saw the Demon Lord, Yan Yan in the innerndscape. But when he saw the Little White Tiger alone, he became brave and fearless. He rushed over to strike her. He beat the Little White Tiger so badly that she was almost beaten up into a pulp. She was almost dragged away in the end. "He''s in Ping City, with the title Wukong," Wang Xuan blew on his hot tea before calmly informing her. "Ahhh, I''ll find him to settle the score! Argh, I''m not done with him!" The round-faced Little White Tiger turned and ran. She disyed incredible speed and disappeared in an instant. That day, outside Ping City, there was a great battle between the Ghost Monk and the Little White Tiger. It caused a lot ofmotion, but in the end, the Little White Tiger was defeated and had fled. However, the Ghost Monk didn''t dare to chase her too aggressively. He knew he couldn''t afford to provoke the Demon Lord that was backing her. He even considered resolving their old grievances. "My Friend, some time ago, powerful beings came to visit me, and had asked about the slightest details of the Demon Lord. They were showing great concern. They even inquired whether the Demon Lord was doing well in the immortal realm, and if she had any liking for a man. It was very strange" said the Monk. "What nonsense are you talking about?!" replied the White Tiger. This time, the Little White Tiger was unable to vent her anger and was beaten again. She was furious at first, but she still came back upon hearing this. Chapter 420: The One Who Defied The Old Covenant And Survived Chapter 420: The One Who Defied The Old Covenant And Survived Although the Little White Tiger was very angry and wanted to hang the Ghost Monk up and beat him. In the end, she still ran back. "You''re lying!" she eximed with her round face, big eyes and fat cheeks. A white tiger''s manifestation appeared behind her. It roared and tried to highlight her powerful demeanor. However, with her plump appearance and in the form of a young girl. She couldn''t exude any dignity. It was like a little kitten looking in the mirror and thinking it''s a tiger king. She was just feeling good about herself. "What the novice said is all true." said Wukong with a kind face. He was dressed in a in and simple monk''s robe and was looking honest and sincere, just like a monk who never tells lies. "So old yet still pretending to be young!" said the White Tiger. The round-faced girl couldn''t stand the Ghost Monk no matter how she looked at him. She was wishing to find a hundred faults in every word he said. Of course, she didn''t forget the main issue. Regardless of belief, she had to further inquire about the details about why the strongest hade to him. "Don''t mislead me. As you know, this might involve the parents of the Demon Lord. If she''s unhappy, the consequences will be severe!" she threatened. It was like a tiger with the fierceness of a fox. In the immortal realm, many people knew that the parents of the Demon Lord were extremely powerful. Not to mention her father, her mother alone was extraordinary. She was a twelve-tailed white fox that transcended the celestial fox lineage. However, this couple who were at the height of their power unexpectedly disappeared. There were various rumors, and many believed they had been killed. "That night, there was a ball of lightning with terrifying thunder, and there was also a soft white light apanying it. My heart trembled, but I could only grit my teeth and answer." said the Ghost Monk. "What did they look like?" The round-faced girl became alert and asked carefully, such as whether there were people in the light, what they looked like, and how their spiritual fluctuations were. "I couldn''t face it directly. The lightning was so intense that it was shaking one''s spirit unstable. I was unable to see what was inside. The soft white light was ethereal and celestial, but without a specific form. I feel they didn''t have physical bodies." the monk replied. The Ghost Monk was actually very strong, he was close to the quasi-supreme level. However, when faced with those two lights, his spirit trembled. Those two lights must be very strong! "That night, the heavens and earth were abnormal. There was a sea of thunder, as if the Milky Way was pouring down to submerge the earth," further described the Ghost Monk, and he expressed some spections. "I believe it was the resurrection of the highest-level beings. The strongest are awakening from their slumber and it is triggering intense turmoil of the remaining extraordinary rules between heaven and earth. It was extremely terrifying. I was just a hair''s breadth away from breaking through to quasi-supreme level, but that night, my spirit was shaken out of my body, and my flesh trembled," he said. His words left the round-faced girl stunned. It had been a long time since she had heard such amotion. She estimated that it wouldn''t be weaker than the Demon Lord, Yan Yan. "Where did it happen?" she further inquired. Her small round face tensed up and became extremely serious. "It happened near these mountainous areas," replied the Ghost Monk. The round-faced girl was skeptical, saying, "You coincidentally encountered them right after their resurrection. Isn''t that too coincidental? You''re nothing special, old and dark-looking. Could it be that you identally disturbed their slumber?" "I am very respectful," the Ghost Monk sped his hands together. "I''ve been separated from the Demon Lord for some time. If those two big shots have truly resurrected, I wonder if they''ve gone to see the Demon Lord!" muttered the White Tiger to herself. Half a month ago, the Demon Lord embarked on a journey, riding the blood-stained spaceship with Fang Yuzhu. They entered the depths of the universe, not knowing when they would return. The Ghost Monk said, "I feel that the world is about to be in chaos. Even rumors of the deceased strongest from two or three thousand years ago seem to be reappearing. Anything is possible. Thest remnants of the transcendent mes, the resurgence of light, the Demon Emperor, one or two ancient emperors who survived from antiquity, they might alle out and cause various disturbances." "You old ghost, your words are really ominous. What ''dead''? They haven''t died at all, theyre not that far away. This can only be considered as powerfulpanions walking the earth!" In An City, under the clear sky, dark clouds suddenly rolled in and lightning streaked across the sky like silver waterfalls. It was then followed by torrential rain that was exceptionally frightening. The entire sky and earth were filled with rainwater as if there was a flood in the sky. It was pitch ck until the point that one was unable to see anything. The downpour could be seen hanging in the air only when there were shes of lightning. "This isn''t rain, it''s more like a river pouring down!" In the Immortal Tea House, Huang Ming eximed. As a cunning yellow weasel spirit he felt a deep fear stemming from his bloodline and innermost being when faced with such tremendous thunder and lightning. Obviously, many transcendents realized that this kind of dark cloud storm coupled with the vast thunder and lightning was extremely abnormal. It was like someone was undergoing an unprecedented heavenly tribtion. In this era, theoretically speaking, there shouldn''t be any peerless beings being born in the mortal realm. "It shouldn''t be a tribtion. It''s most likely the work of the strongest in the immortal realm. It''s somewhat frightening. Who could be behind this?" "I reckon someone is sending disciples across realms. With a considerable number of people, it''s extremely difficult to resist the old covenant, resulting in this situation. I heard that major factions are probably going toe over one after another. The dy can''t go on any longer." People were discussing. Wang Xuan had been sitting since noon and it was already approaching evening. Including Zhou Qinghuang, Gu Mingxi, Qilian Dao, Cao Qingyu, and others, none of them had left. "It shouldn''t be that Celestial Sword Maiden, right? Not only does she need to break through the constraints, but she also needs to break through several levels. It''s said that her celestial sword has been nurtured for five hundred years. It was waiting for the moment of Nirvana." someone said. "It''s unlikely to be her. I heard she entered a higher spiritual realm, either at the summit of Mount Bu Zhou or in Yao Pool, so she couldn''t be near the mortal realm." another replied. Wang Xuan was astonished, knowing who they were talking about. It must be the Celestial Sword Maiden. The fact that she had nurtured her sword for five hundred years was quite terrifying because it ounted for more than half of her lifetime. She wasn''t really old as she seemed to have been born after the Song Dynasty. However, Wang Xuan was sure that thismotion had nothing to do with the Celestial Sword Maiden. She wasn''t near the mortal realm, nor was she in Yao Pool or Mount Bu Zhou. Instead, she was in a higher spiritual ne, the Guanghan Pce. Currently, only he knew about her location. The Celestial Sword Maiden was indeed about to break through to the peerless realm. Outside An City, heavy rain poured down from the pitch-ck sky to the earth. It was like the Milky Way pouring into the mortal realm. In the dark clouds, terrifying figures appeared and were silently tearing through the sky. It was as if something wasing! There were more than one terrifying figure. The shadows were like monuments that were asionally outlined by lightning in the darkness. They appeared eerie amidst the rain curtain. Swoosh! A living being was approaching and it was rushing towards the earth like aet crashing into the Old Worlds soil. Initially, it was pitch-ck like ink but it started to emit a dazzling light in the rain curtainter on! Until the end, a living being crashed into the mountains outside An City. It pierced through the surface and headed straight down. It was unstoppable and almost unbelievable. The dazzling light dimmed slightly but the speed didn''t decrease. It continued plunging downward and was heading towards the core of the earth as if it was targeting it. At the end, the living being emitted ripples akin to transcendent sonic waves. It probed and expanded deep into the earth then continued forward. After a long time, the living being cleared a path with terrifying weapons and dashed with extraordinary powers. Finally, it arrived at the deepest part of the underground that was close to the Earth''s core. Finally, it stopped and its radiance converged. In the darkness, it wore a ck cloak and its entire body was shrouded within. This was a decaying world. There was another world deep underground that was near the Earth''s core. It was a fragment of and of blessings with quite a significant origin. Its scale was not small and was upying a vast area. With its supernatural materials dried up, medicinal fields depleted, and all divine trees and spirit grasses dead and decayed. However, deep within this decaying fragment of thend of blessings, there stood a giant pce. Its gates were tightly closed and asionally emanated faint traces of deathly aura. "Friends, are you still living in the mortal realm? I''vee to visit," the figure in ck robes spoke with a hoarse voice, as if its throat was injured. The tone was unpleasant, making it difficult to distinguish whether it was male, female, or a beast. It moved forward, crossing through the withered medicinal fields and passing by the deste divineke. This ce was bleak and devoid of vitality. It reached the front of the giant pce, and it took out a bamboo staff from the ck cloak then used it to tap on the pce door. Thud thud thud! In the pitch-ck darkness that was deep underground and within this decaying fragment of thend of blessings, this sound spread exceptionally far. It broke the silence of thousands of years. It was quite chilling. Even in the transcendent realm and in the immortal realm, very few people knew that therey such an ancient giant pce at the core of the Old World, with someone tightly closing its doors and lurking inside. Amidst the persistent knocking, the doors of the giant pce silently swung open. Immediately after opening, a putrid smell emitted from within. Inside it, one could see a floor littered with corpses. They were all desated, rotten, and in miserable states. "True immortals who forcibly remain in the mortal realm, unwilling to abandon their physical bodies and enter the immortal realm. Many cultivators end up with such a fate," echoed the hoarse voice of the figure in ck robes underground. Naturally, he knew what this ce was. Those who became immortals but chose to stay in the mortal realm to continue their cultivation. They endured many years and vited the old covenant. Inevitably, they faced the Heavenly Five Decay Disease as their bodies were bound by rules. Their end was always tragic. However, some still chose to stay and resisted the decay. They persisted and were unwilling to leave the mortal realm. The oue was destined to be far from wonderful. The bodies on the ground were enough to tell the story. Some were dposed and some depleted of their trans material. Originally immortal beings, they ended up in tragic deaths. However, the figure in ck robes knew that there might still be living beings inside this giant pce. Because back in the day, there were individuals from the peerless level who chose to stay and did not enter the immortal realm. Enduring immortality and breaking through to peerless levels naturally brought about indescribable great fortunes. Otherwise, they would have long since rotted away if they had not decayed and died shortly after bing immortal. "Sigh!" Sure enough, from the depths of the giant pce came a sigh. There were indeed living beings here, or more urately, the strong peerless individuals who were still alive with their physical bodies! The figure in ck robes was shaken. Originally, he wasn''t very sure whether there were true immortals still alive here. He only came back to take a look as per the agreement. Now, he was surprised. There were still people alive in the giant pce, which was somewhat frightening. The foundation of the people here was beyond imagination! He spoke, "Friend, you have defied fate, resisted the old covenant, and persisted to this day. It''s truly unimaginable! If you persist until the old covenant fails, will you transform into a dragon and roar through the heavens and earth? Will you break through the fog and soar freely?" Outside An City, within the deep curtains of rain, a furry hand slowly reached out towards the earth! Chapter 421: World Threatening Supreme Treasure Chapter 421: World Threatening Supreme Treasure "Im just a living dead person, wasting away in the mortal realm for many years, barely clinging to life. I''m not worthy of your praise," someone from deep within the giant pce responded slowly. The man in ck robes walked forward, with decaying corpses that were all true immortal bodies lining the path. It was quite tragic, almost everyone who insisted on staying had died. Originally, these people had all be immortals. What was the point of staying behind? For the sake of that vague and elusive legend, they ended up in such an undignified state. The figure in ck robes shook his head and looked towards the depths of the giant pce, saying, "Friend, there''s no need for modesty. How many people had such great courage throughout history to dare to reside permanently in the mortal realm and to coexist with the physical body. Then, he straightaway took out an object that was shining in the void, and said, "I''vee here to ask you to fulfill the favor of our old acquaintance." In the grandeur of the depths of the giant pce, a cold and eerie voice came, saying, "Such a grand spectacle. Tonight, there will be more than one or two unprecedented experts appearing. What is the purpose of all this?" "I was summoned by an old friend to help him seize a special physical body. And in this world, things are far from as simple as you might imagine. By the way, we might kill a pair of unprecedentedpanions. Perhaps that is the main purpose of our old friend." In the midst of the rain, that furry hand was incredibly huge. It descended from the depths of the dark clouds and caused everyone in the entire An City to feel a sense of suffocation! No matter how great the transcendents were in the past, nothing like this had ever happened. This was a major city with a poption in the millions, close to tens of millions. There was actually an unimaginable creature intending to cover an entire city in this twilight of the transcendent era? "I feel a pain in my chest. What''s going on? I''m perfectly fine and I used to be close to the Earth Immortal level. Why do I feel so empty now?" Huang Ming spoke up. He was of the yellow weasel bloodline that had an innate sensitivity that made him feel as if Doomsday were approaching. "I cant.. breath!" Even the renowned immortal Lady Gu Mingxi felt palpitations and difort amidst the downpour. Perhaps only Zhou Qinghuang dared to make a sarcastic joke with her before the great disaster. "Have a big chest, but dress too tightly." Gu Mingxi gave her a p, but she herself staggered. With a sudden shout, Demon Four suddenly stood up and leaped out of the window from the third floor. Instantly, he saw the furry giant hand in the pitch-ck night sky and it caused his scalp to tingle. "The end of the world hurry, run!" he yelled. His main concern was the host body of the Demon Emperor, but as he turned around, he found Wang Xuan to be even faster. He already stood on a high-rise building and was staring into the night sky amidst the pouring rain. Was this going against the New Covenant of the transcendent? Wang Xuan was convinced that beings at this level were already considered the top experts in the immortal realm. It might have taken the chance to extend part of its body out when there was a tear in the great veil. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be such supreme beings in the real world, nor would there be any rules to support them! "I!" Cao Qingyu''s face turned pale with horror. He just wanted to have a cup of tea, and now it seemed like the sky was falling. He felt like his whole being would be sted into bloody pulp, and the entire city was doomed. He could already imagine the gruesome scene of the end of the world, where the furry giant hand would bury the entire city of An City! "Run!" shouted Zhou Qinghuang who usually yed around. She was fiercely protective of her own life. She dashed out from the tea house and let out a scream. She then grabbed Gu Mingxi, and dashed into the rain. "We won''t make it out of the city in time, let''s head underground!" Gu Mingxi shouted. She couldn''t remainposed anymore. The rain soaked her clothes, her hair stuck together, and her face was filled with terror. "Is my dading? With such a huge furry w, posing as if he doesn''t recognize me. Does he want to crush me to death too?!" At this critical moment, Qi Liandao, a schizophrenia patient, spoke. His words made a group of terrified transcendents twitch their faces involuntarily amidst despair. Many wanted tough, but in the end, they showed expressions even uglier than crying. "My father is the Demon Ancestor, Qi Yi. Who are you? Are you here to massacre the city? Are you going to exterminate everyone indiscriminately?" Qi Liandao roared. He felt that it was toote for them. Whether they fled the city or hid underground, death was inevitable. Even in the immortal realm, tens of thousands of miles would vanish with such a giant hand descending like this. People and cities wouldn''t just be crushed but simply erased. "Aren''t you leaving?" Demon Four asked as he turned to look at Wang Xuan on the high-rise building. "Reality is starting to correct itself!" Wang Xuan spoke while holding the Godying Banner tightly and staring fixedly at the sky. He had a feeling that this wasing for him. And now, he couldn''t escape.He was locked on! However, no matter what, he couldn''t tolerate someone ughtering an entire city just to capture him! But by the time that furry giant hand descended from the dark clouds, it had already begun to shrink rapidly upon reaching over the city. Earlier, when the great veil was torn open, the other party reached out from the immortal realm and brought with them endless trans material. The rules radiated from the immortal realm, it was equivalent to the expansion of the transcendence into the mortal world, which is why such a scene could ur. However, the real world was truly terrifying. In an instant, it began to correct itself! The trans material seemed to have been devoured by the ck hole of the Old World, and the rules instantly disintegrated. Therefore, that giant hand became blurred and diminished when it was almost touching down. "After all, you are afraid of breaking the covenant as well. Although the temporary new covenant is crude, it still has some deterrent power over you!" Wang Xuan spoke. Do you really want to ughter an entire city? Unless this person has gone mad! In the twilight of the transcendent era and with the Covenant bing increasingly loose. The damage inflicted on those outside the great veil by the strong was indeed astonishing. However, it was also possible that someone used a treasure to tear open spacetime! "Who goes there?!" A majestic voice resounded from above the sky and amidst the thunder. The voice resembled the voice of Heng Jun, even though they were separated by such a distance and while the thunder was still roaring. With a resounding thud, dazzling light burst forth under the night sky and amidst the rolling dark clouds. It was apanied by an eruption of endless trans material. The scene resembled the undting waves of a starry sea that briefly illuminated the night and the pouring rain. Was someone battling in the clouds? Boom! In a trance, the dark clouds were seen trembling.The blurry area was fiercely attacked, causing various unexpected urrences. Then, the expressions of some of the transcendents in An City changed. It was probably really Heng Jun. Hisst voice was resounding and seemed quite icy. "This time, I will cut open the great veil and intervene in the mortal world. Is there still someone trying to stop me?!" the voice echoed. People were convinced that it was indeed him. He was assisting someone in crossing realms and it had indirectly caused the demise of An City by sacrificing it to the owner of that furry giant hand. Who was trying to stop him? "The great universe is correcting itself. Do you think you''re strong enough? Even if you forcefully assist others in tearing apart the great veil with treasures, it will all be attributed to you in the end. After the transcendence fades away, you will die a miserable death!" Someone spoke calmly amidst the thunderstorm, but their figure was invisible and impossible to discern. The torrential rain turned into a soft shower during the conversation. Amidst the dark clouds, the great veil vaguely appeared, and it was indeed Heng Jun. By his side was a manpletely covered in golden robes. The face of the man was covered and not revealed. Heng Jun fell silent for a moment before saying, "I once owed this friend a favor, and Ill repay it today!" Upon hearing these words, Wang Xuan, who was in An City, wanted to shout out loud, "It''s you again, Heng Jun! How many favors do you owe in total? Last time, you helped Zheng Yuantian, and whom are you helping now?!" In fact, many transcendents also felt this way. How many favors did Heng Jun owe to the peerless strongmen? The man in the golden robes seemed extraordinary at first nce. "Debts must be repaid eventually. You''re using your future to repay them. The mortal world has remembered you!" Someone spoke coldly, in the rainy night. "Fear-mongering. I can withstand the cold winter of the transcendent with the Ascension Banner in hand! Regardless, I will assist this friend tonight. Who can stop me?" Heng Jun said coldly. As the first to obtain the treasure, he also had an extraordinary stroke of luck. Tonight, facing that mysterious person in an instructive tone made him ufortable. Boom! Lightning streaked across the heavens and the earth and illuminated An City. The furry giant hand was still there. It had elerated its descent and was shrinking significantly. It was reaching towards An City! "Is iting for me?" said Wang Xuan, gritting his teeth. If he really had to stake it all, there would be no room for scruples. Today, he could even risk his life with the treasure. Even if he couldn''t do anything to Heng Jun, he would smash his Ascension Banner and leave it for others to grab. There will be destruction for both good and bad, everyone was a loser. There was nothing to lose. "Hehe" the mysterious figure d in golden robes chuckled coldly while he stood beside Heng Jun. They stood above the clouds and within the great veil. In this situation, with the strong peerless individuals standing before the great veil in the sky, who dared to intervene? Once Heng Jun truly staked it all and unleashed the Ascension Banner, even the most formidable strength wouldn''t be able to withstand it. Sure enough, Heng Jun cut through the veil as the furry giant hand reached out. Wielding the Ascension Banner, he confronted and threatened the mysterious expert that was in the rain! An City was submerged in rain. In the darkness, a suffocating force expanded. It was making people shudder and the pressure of the atmosphere reached its peak. Wang Xuan took a deep breath. With the Godying g in his hand fluttering and the red substance surging but not unleashed, he was ready to confront the giant hand. The lid was also prepared. "Who will stop me?" Heng Jun said coldly and mercilessly. Swoosh! The dark night sky between the heavens and the earth was torn apart by a dazzling sword light that streaked across An City. It illuminated the entire sky. Pluck! The furry giant hand was severed by someone, and it was dripping with blood as it fell downward. At that moment, all the transcendents in An City were boiling with excitement. Who was this formidable person? How could they dare to disregard Heng Jun''s attitude and directly chop off the furry giant hand that protruded from the great veil? "I chopped off your w!" the mysterious person responded calmly. As lightning shed and the sword light disappeared, one could see a vague figure standing in the night sky. It was ethereal and unreal, as if it was pasted on the rain curtain. "I didn''t want to resort to bloodshed and I didn''t want to kill such a powerful being as you. But since you insist on offending me, you should take on the consequences. I have no choice!" Heng Jun said with a firm and unyielding tone. He prepared to kill the peerless expert to establish his dominance, there was no room forpromise. As he spoke, the Ascension Banner in his hand thrust down and was aiming to obliterate the shadow. This was his first time being so merciless. He intended to intervene in the mortal world and kill a peerless figure above An City in the Old World! People''s scalps tingled. How long had it been since they had witnessed such a grand scene? To use a treasure to kill a supreme powerhouse made many tremble in fear. "Look here!" Wang Xuan roared. At that moment, he had staked it all. How could he stand by and watch such a formidable person die for blocking Heng Jun? Moreover, he sensed that the shadow in the rain curtain was the man who had helped him yesterday alongside the woman. Wang Xuan would rather expose his treasure than not lend it to this person. He was ready to confront and even kill Heng Jun! Chapter 422: Master Of The Mortal Realm Chapter 422: Master Of The Mortal Realm Wang Xuan felt a tinge of regret, having once harbored dreams of personally wielding the Celestial Furnace to confront supreme treasures and defeat a peerless master. Now, it seemed he might have to rely on the assistance of others. "Come on!" he shouted, his voice tinged with urgency, but the shadow didn''t swoop down immediately. In the sky, the fluctuations from the treasure were too intense, more awe-inspiring than the furry hand that had once covered the nearly million-popted An City. The Ascension Banner lit up, piercing into the present world. As it descended, the void shattered, as if returning to the era of creation, turning night into day. The pouring rain instantly evaporated, leaving not a trace, and even the lightning dried up, with the thunder in the clouds seemingly too afraid to burst forth. This was merely the result of the Ascension Banner extending partially and vibrating slightly, not even a full-force strike. Otherwise, not only would the rain have evaporated, but the cities on the ground would have vaporized,pletely erased from existence. The shadow disappeared, moving away from above An City. Even being as powerful as it was, it avoided a direct confrontation with the Ascension Banner. Heng Jun stood calmly upon the clouds in the realm of immortals, looking down below, the Ascension Banner in his hand growingrger, swelling in size, but this time without the light tremor, as he tried to track the shadow''s whereabouts. Then, he made his move again, instantly locating the shadow and lightly vibrating the Ascension Banner. With a thunderous sound, the heavens split and the void tore apart, the light so terrifying it seemed capable of destroying the Old World. Fortunately, all this urred high above. The shadow moved away in advance, faster than lightning, once again evading the slight tremor of the Ascension Banner. Heng Jun''s expression turned icy, filled with intent to kill. The adversary was in the mortal world, while he was in the realm of immortals, unable to effectively lock onto the opponent in the short term. Finally, his lips curled into a cold smirk as the Ascension Banner slowly descended towards An City, instilling fear in many within the city. Was he about to destroy an entire city? "Those who obstruct me today shall only face death," Heng Jun stated calmly, his voice echoing clearly in the night sky, reaching everyone''s ears. Wang Xuan realized that Heng Jun was using the threat of destroying a city to force the shadow into appearing, a rather malicious strategy. Heng Jun was showing exceptional dominance today. "A special physical body, you say? Fellow Daoist, feel free to take it. It''s just a city, after all. Countless city-states have been destroyed in ancient times; it''s nothing significant," spoke a person in a golden robe by Heng Jun''s side, his voice cold and merciless. A shadow appeared, ethereal and transcendent,cking a physical body yet exuding a sense of detached rity, floating towards An City amidst lightning. This was the formidable adversary, the terrifying shadow from the previous night, capable of opening Wang Xuan''s innerndscape. Now, he had returned. The person in a golden robe was assisting him, and Heng Jun, by slicing through the veil, was essentially lending a hand. The shadow''s ability to wield such power and summon assistance made him seem rather fearsome. The detached "Enemy Shadow"ughed coldly, filled with confidence. Hisughter caused the newly darkened world to shake violently, the heavy rain dissipating into mist. "Isn''t being brought back to life enough for you? You''ve turned into the very dragon you ought to despise the most, bing the person you should hate the most. It''s trulymentable," said the man who had directly faced Heng Jun earlier, still a shadow, floating amidst the rain. "Last night, the two of you hurt me. Today, you either die or flee. Don''t meddle, no one can stop my advance!" the Enemy Shadow dered. He remained ethereal and detached, his shadow bing slightly clearer, even gaining a sense of three-dimensionality, with his facial features gradually bing less indistinct. "Are you nning to stop me?" The Enemy Shadow turned back, smiling faintly. With a step forward, he was almost upon An City, targeting Wang Xuan. Swipe! This time, not only the man but also a woman appeared, two shadows standing across the void, blocking the mysterious Enemy Shadow. "Hehe, then the two of you are going to die!" The man in the golden robe spoke from within the veil, his face still hidden, much like the person who ventured to the heart of the earth, unwilling to reveal his true identity. He continued, "My old friend merely desires a physical body, that''s all. Why make such a fuss? You two supreme beings are stirring up trouble over a mere weak fleshly furnace. Such an intervention." Heng Jun''s Ascension Banner prated the mortal realm, hanging over An City. He watched the two figures silently, feeling nearly able to lock onto them. "Who could survive being struck by such a supreme treasure? I''m confident that a single blow would be sufficient to eliminate two of the most powerful beings!" "This suggests that while you do seek a special physical body, your actual aim seems to be eliminating us first. We appear to be your primary targets." "Yet, do you believe that just the three of you can take us down?" The pair, a man and a woman, spoke in session, exuding firmness. Even faced with formidable enemies and the Ascension Banner, they showed no intention of retreat, standing their ground in the night sky. Inside An City, all supernatural beings were astounded. Who were these two, and what was their background, to remain so confident in a two-against-three scenario, especially against opponents possessing a supreme treasure? "My apologies to both of you. While I may have deduced your astonishing origins, my faction still has to assist them in hunting you down, to repay a debt from the past." At that moment, within the dark rain, a light appeared, revealing a decaying blessednd and a colossal pce. A man sat in the grand pce, half his face rotten and parts of his skull exposed. He spoke with a hint of helplessness but with an underlying threat in his tone. "Are you the fellow Daoist from the decayed blessednd fragment in the heart of the old earth?" The man among the duo asked, surprised and frowning. At this juncture, even the top powerhouses deep within the veil trembled upon hearing such dialogue. "To have lived from the ancient times to this era, leaving behind a physical body in the mortal realm? Incredible endurance, truly remarkable!" someone remarked solemnly. Many supernatural beings were stunned. The presence of such terrifying individuals lurking in the old earth was indeed horrifying. "In the current era, where supernatural rules are copsing, he resides in the heart of the earth yet can project his voice and image thousands of kilometers away to the surface. Such methods, such cultivation level, are indeed spine-chilling!" Even nearly peerless masters felt a shiver down their spine at the thought of such terror. The supernatural beings in An City felt their scalps tingle upon hearing this. This wasn''t urring in the immortal realm but in the mortal realm, where allws had vanished. What kind of background did the powerhouse in the heart of the earth''s colossal pce possess? "Thank you, Dao brother!" The person in ck robes within the decayed blessednd fragment spoke up, requesting the half-decayed supreme being still lingering in the mortal realm to strike immediately. "Go, friend Mu," said the man seated in the heart of the giant pce, indicating he was rooted there, unable to leave. "Alright," replied a veiled woman from a dark corner of the pce. Despite her lifeless, desated face bearing immense strain in the mortal realm, she rose to act. The man in the ck robe gasped, shocked by the revtion of another living top-tier power, not inferior to him, which was terrifying. He wished to request the seated master to act as well, considering him a top-tier force potentially beyondparison. However, the man shook his head, simply stating, "I cannot move." The ck-robed man, showing respect, did not insist further. He bowed politely, wishing, "May you endure the cold winter and see the grass turn green in spring." He and the woman surnamed Mu, utilizing extraordinary treasures, transformed into streaks of light and rapidly departed from the heart of the earth, covering thousands of kilometers in no time. In the mortal world, not to mention their true strength, just their speed powered by peerless treasures was almost akin to that of an earth immortal! Soon after, they emerged from the mountains, quickly reaching the outskirts of An City, ready to jointly hunt down the man and woman. "How about it?" the ethereal "Enemy Shadow" spoke. He had been pursued by the pair the previous night, and now, his old friend had mobilized forces to corner them. By now, Wang Xuan realized he had overestimated himself. The shadow''s primary targets were actually the man and woman, not him. The shadow''s goal was clear: to organize forces to kill the powerful pair, eliminating threats in the mortal realm with ruthless efficiency. Wang Xuan and An City were also under threat, hostages in the game yed by the shadow and powerful beings like Heng Jun, to bait the man and woman. Desperately, Wang Xuan sent mental messages, urging them toe, realizing that without using the treasure, a counterattack or turnaround was extremely difficult, and the situation was dire. He grew increasingly anxious, the Ascension Banner in his hand fluttering violently as he shook it. Yet, the man and woman did not respond, did not approach him, pushing Wang Xuan to the brink of shouting, "I have the Celestial Furnace!" "The Ascension Banner has locked onto them!" Heng Jun spoke from above the clouds, his voice cold. The two were indeed powerful, their ability to evade capture impressive. Previously, he could only envelop them generally, unsure if he could hit their true forms in one strike. Now the scenario had changed. The pair hadn''t left, still hovering over An City. How could they avoid the Ascension Banner''s targeting? "I want his physical body; you cannot stop me. Now, you might very well be risking your own lives," the detached shadow dered. "The preparation is indeed thorough. Three supreme masters of the mortal realm, two from the veil''s exit, plus a supreme treasureit''s quite the arrangement," the man among the pair spoke. With a deep rumble, Heng Jun, having locked onto the two, pressed down the Ascension Banner, ready to strike decisively. As the Enemy Shadow, the man in the ck robe, and the woman surnamed Mu took their positions, blocking every possible escape route for the two supremely powerful beings, the very void trembled lightly. An immense shadow enveloped An City, and with the true might of the Ascension Banner unleashed, the city''s fate hung in the bnce. Within the city, every supernatural being was on edge, the atmosphere oppressively tense. "I''m here to im what''s mine, the special physical body. Will you continue to obstruct me?" the ethereal Enemy Shadow asked, his tone a mix of arrogance and coldness. "Stop!" The woman among the pair of shadows responded with a single, definitive word. "Then, the two of you can only face death," Heng Jun dered, his voice chillingly cold. Without a supreme treasure, what hope did they have to block him? Wang Xuan nearly sumbed to frustration, despite his calls, the duo had not descended. Yet, he couldn''t openly state his plea since the gathering wasprised of peerless individuals who could easily intercept secretive messages. "Fellow Daoist, finish them quickly, to prevent anyplications," urged the man in golden robes from the realm of immortals, pressing Heng Jun to act. "Alright!" Heng Jun nodded. Initially cautious, fearing unforeseen issues, he now saw no anomalies and prepared to eliminate the supremely powerful adversaries. "It seems only the five of you will act. So, it''s the treasure you truly rely on. Without it, could you still unite to hunt us?" the man among the pair spoke. "Too bad, no ''ifs'' apply here. Die!" Heng Jun, resolute, pressed down the Ascension Banner, his power terrifying to the extreme. In An City, the more powerful the supernatural beings, the more acute their difort, feeling as though their spiritual souls were about to explode. Many copsed to the ground, overwhelmed by the force exerted. "Even with a supreme treasure, you don''t dictate the affairs of the mortal world. There are rules, Heng Jun, and you are far from being their master," the woman among the pair spoke. She, too, was in a shadowy form, quite ethereal, but now, in her hands, she held something real and splendid, embodying terror to its utmost it was a scroll. She shook it vigorously, causing the heavy rain to evaporate, the dark clouds in the sky to burst apart, and the veil of the immortal realm to shake violently. Heng Jun''s Ascension Banner became uncontroble, attempting to flee from his grasp. "No!" Heng Jun shouted, hisplexion utterly changing as panic sunk in. "An ancient covenant?!" An exmation of shock came from a peerless master, utterly astounded. "Ssh!" In the veil, an unknown supreme being took action, a blinding sword light piercing through the realm of immortals. It happened so suddenly that a spray of blood erupted, and one of Heng Jun''s arms was severed, falling forward. From afar, numerous eyes suddenly opened. Previously, no one dared approach Heng Jun as he wielded the Ascension Banner, but now, figures like the Hades Blood Ancestor could no longer restrain themselves! Chapter 423: Who Has A Say In The Immortal Realm Chapter 423: Who Has A Say In The Immortal Realm Amid all the chaos, Heng Jun turned ghastly pale as he experienced the deep, disturbing pain of losing an armsomething rare for someone of his caliber. Not only had he suffered a grievous injury, but he also lost hold of the supreme treasure, the Ascension Banner, intensifying his distress and panic. "Ascension Banner!" Desperate to reim what was his, Heng Jun nearly lost his mind, channeling peerless celestial light in an attempt to retrieve it. He had been significantly more emboldened when he had the Ascension Banner in his hands. Yet, his situation grew dire as he faced obstacles and deadly attacks. A sword light, aimed precisely at his forehead, threatened to pierce through and cripple even a supreme being like him. Dodging the lethal strike, Heng Jun roared, "Come back!" His severed limb glowed, indicating a fragment of his spiritual essence within, turning into a feeble extension of himself. "The mortal realm isn''t dictated by the likes of you!" a voice echoed across the ancientnds, resonating above An City. "Nor is the immortal realm at your behest!" the pair of shadows dered. Their simple statements imposed a profound deterrence, highlighting their unmatched status. Earlier, their words might not have caused much concern, but now, their statements sent out ripples of fear. The pair''s unparalleled strength left Heng Jun at a significant disadvantage. The woman shook the radiant scroll of the Old Covenant, and Heng Jun''s attempt to reim his arm was thwarted. The Ascension Banner, influenced by the Old Covenant, resisted Heng Jun''s call as it strove to escape. The appearance of the Old Covenant scroll on this day was truly astonishing and impactful, drawing the focus of all present. Naturally, many moved to seize the moment and capture the Ascension Banner. The ''Elders of Blood'' were decisively making their move, each formidable in their own right. Their demeanor was usually affable, but when it came to matters of interest, they were all ready to reap benefits ruthlessly. The strife between the supreme beings promised to be even more terrifying. Amidst the turmoil, some even took the opportunity tounch stealth attacks on Heng Jun. The mysterious figure in the golden robe beside Heng Jun underwent a rapid session of emotional shifts: initial shock, followed by disbelief, and finally, a glimpse of viciousness. Even he had harbored desire for Heng Jun''s supreme treasure, the Ascension Banner. "Let''s eliminate Heng Jun first; at the very least, we need to shatter that arm to prevent him from reconstituting his body!" dered one of the Blood Elders. "Kill Heng Jun!" echoed another. Their voices resonated through the realm. The Blood Elders'' legion,prised of unparalleled beings, unleashed its wrath. The sky was masked with their devastating attackspunches that darkened the heavens, sword lights that cleaved through the immortal realm, and formidablews thundering with power, all mercilessly directed at Heng Jun. "Ascension Banner, return!" Heng Jun evaded the relentless onught, desperately maneuvering through the immortal realm to regain control over the Ascension Banner. In the decrepit pce within the fragment of the blessednd, the man with a half-exposed skull sighed, "So they found the Old Covenant. I ventured into the depths of the Earth''s heart pce in search of that very thing, believing it was here. All efforts were futile in the end." Possession of the Old Covenant could have elevated him to legendary status, allowing his physical form to endure eternally amongst mortals rather than sumbing to decay as it now did. "The Old Covenantonce cast into the depths of the universe to meld with its rules and reveal itself upon countless life-bearing worldshas been found," the man in the ck robe spoke, finding himself in a predicament amidst the day''s events. "The Old Covenant intertwines with the supremews of the immortal realm. As mythologies draw to their twilight, it can transform into the kindling for the fire of civilization, forging treasures unique to a transcendent civilization," exined the woman from the heart of the Earth, her eyes filled with longing but also fear. "There''s no need for concern; it''s merely the Old Covenant. What is there to fear when a curtain is pulled aside? Those born to dominate should harbor no dread in their hearts," the ethereal enemy stated, confronting the duo head-on. His ability to escape the previous night without being vanquished on the spot was testament enough to his extraordinary might. This transformation from warrior to draconic menace marked him as one of the rare formidable beings from ancient times. Ethereal yet formidable, he unleashed a gctic barrage of light with a mere gesture. The remnants of transcendentws stirred violently, causing the void itself to copse and explode under his power. Across from him, the male figure among the shadowy pair struck out with his palm, unleashing a blinding burst of light that collided hard with him, instantly shattering his iplete rule of power. In this era, within the real world, those who could wield such broken rules were exceedingly rare and powerful, and yet here they were, engaged in such a confrontation. "Right, I''ve stepped beyond the great veil; I''m no longer bound by the old covenant!" the man in the ck robe dered, fearlessly. "Is that so? But who in this universe lives without constraints? Every ascendant who enters the great veil essentially agrees to abide by the old covenant," responded the female figure, holding the ancient covenant. She shed it towards the man in ck, causing his blood to surge violently, and he spat blood repeatedly. He had entered the present world in his primary form, the first of his kind to return fully from the realm of immortals using a precious treasure. His physique was supposed to be extraordinarily strong. Yet, under the illumination of the old covenant, his foundation was severely shaken by that light. In a sense, the old covenant possessed the properties of a great treasure. "The old covenant is indeed fading, but I don''t need its vessel to diminish you," said the woman. Though she was merely a faint shadow, her presence was overwhelmingly powerful. With a thunderous crash, as she approached, a piercing light burst forth in the void, as if a real woman was materializing, radiating pure white light, stepping forward! The man in the ck robe resisted with all his might, but to his astonishment, he found himself trembling helplessly before her pristine white fist. He couldnt strike back and was instead sent reeling, blood flowing from every orifice. His head spun with the realization that he was in deep trouble. Without the constant oversight and intimidation from Heng Jun wielding the great treasure, the Feathered Banner, they would be in grave danger. The woman was extraordinary, still a shadow but asionally manifesting transcendent power with stark white fist imprints that materialized and struck her opponent. "Please, let Daoist Mu return. We will withdraw," the man meditating in the decayed grand pce at the heart of the earth spoke up, pleading with the two supreme beings to release the woman. The woman named Mu, her body desated and trapped in the battle, was unable to break through the blockade. "Do you think you cane and go as you please? Who do you think we are! Since you have harbored the intent to kill and acted on it, you must be prepared to leave your lives behind!" the male figure among the shadows dered forcefully, not sparing any face for the man in the grand pce, clearly intent on killing the exceptional female warrior named Mu. "Friends, you two cannot control the ancient covenant''s vessel for long. I suspect you want to use it to forge a supreme treasure. Using it repeatedly now might lead to problems. I apologize; let us make peace," the man in the grand pce responded calmly, his voice devoid of joy or sorrow. Though he spoke of reconciliation and requested the release of the captive, there was an undeniable aura of authority emanating from him, indicating he was confident and powerful, truly a legendary figure capable of residing permanently in the world in his physical form. In the decayed grand pce at the earth''s core, the few disciples that remained were only alive because of his protection. His seated presence was a bulwark against the erosion of the modern world. "I will not release her. You would do well to shut the grand pce and stay out of this!" the female shadow spoke up, clearly displeased and determined to settle the matter today. "What thousands of miles away manifestation, it''s merely a strand of spirit essence causing mischief. Disperse!" the male shadow said, and with a loud crash, he struck from above the city of An, obliterating the remotely manifested seated figure. "Hmph!" The man in the grand pce scoffed coldly, now blind to everything above the surface. He spoke indifferently, "Once the ancient covenant fades, if I emerge into the world, who will be able to stand against me in battle?" A warning voice transmitted through the ancient covenant reached the heart of the earth, "You better behave yourself, or even after the covenant dissipates, you might still fall!" In the night sky above An City, a terrifying scene unfolded under a resurgence of heavy rain and dark clouds. Lightning intertwined as if a golden-winged roc was soaring ny thousand miles up into the heavens, shaking the world. "Are those two supreme divine beings chasing after the three now?" In An City, many extraordinary beings felt bewildered by the day''s shocking events. The ethereal shadow was fleeing. With a loud crash, the man in the ck robe was struck, half of his body exploding in a shower of blood that stained the night sky. "Do you think you can escape back underground?" the male and female duo called out in challenge. The woman surnamed Mu dove towards the earth. She had fought with all her might, but the trio was not united, each harboring their own thoughts and considering their escapes. Now, her intent to retreat was clear; she sought refuge in the decayed grand pce, believing the man at the earth''s core could save her. A dazzling scroll surged downwards, wrapping around her and violently shaking her. She screamed in agony as her rotting and dried flesh fell off, stripped away. The ancient covenant''s vessel inflicted a terrible corrosion on her, reducing her to a skeleton with cracks forming in her bones, threatening to explode, and even her spirit essence developed fine cracks. "No!" She fled in panic into the deep earth. She felt as if she was about to burst apart, that strike so devastating it destroyed her peerless foundation and filled her with uncontroble rage. Sensing that the duo had gone after the mysterious shadow and the man in the ck robe, she confirmed their pursuit. In fact, the man in the ck robe, who was the first to step out of the immortal realm in his primary form with the help of the Feathered Banner, was now being bombarded by the pair. Underground, the infuriated Mu, her courage fueled by rage, moved through the soil towards An City, seeking Wang Xuan. She wanted his physical body as a crucible for her own use, intending to take it over. Gender is no longer an issue in the face of survival. What she needed was to stay and alive and protect the foundations of her cultivation. Beneath the night sky, Wang Xuan, with the Godying Banner in hand, rustling in the wind, raced out of the city, driven by a sensed threat. In the wilderness, he donned the special armor he had worn when battling Zheng Yuantian, covering even his face to ensure that no one could predict his next moves. In one hand, he held the Godying Banner, and in the other, he carried an unremarkable furnace cover, standing alone in the deste wilderness. "The supernatural materials in the present world have dried up; there shouldn''t be suchmotion," he muttered to himself. "What are you talking about? Why aren''t you running?" The woman named Mu, now a skeletal frame crisscrossed with cracks, appeared. Her presence was so diminished and concealed that she almost thought she had pursued the wrong person. In an instant, she attacked, reaching out for Wang Xuan as her spirit essence tried to leap into his physical body to seize control. "Crushed by someone to the point your foundation shattered, your flesh disintegrated, removed from the extraordinarydo you still think you can overpower me?" Wang Xuan had been observing the battle closely with his spiritual eye, so he was not rmed at all. "Die!" The woman''s spirit essence, fierce and determined, almost reached Wang Xuan, right in front of him. Wang Xuan shielded himself with the Godying Banner in his left hand, while his right, holding the mundane furnace cover, mmed it forward. "Thud!" A deep, thumping sound like distant thunder echoed, followed by a series of crackling noises as the woman''s skeletal frame exploded into fragments, turning into dust. Her spirit essence took the brunt of the blow from the furnace cover and shattered into pieces, torn apart by an unknown force. Wang Xuan swiftly wrapped the fragmented spirit essence, already weakened from being destroyed, in the Godying Banner. Golden patterns spread across, beginning to annihte it. Meanwhile, in the realm of immortals, Heng Jun, disheveled and in utter disarray, found his situation dire. The prospect of reiming the treasure was far from his thoughts, his life hanging by a thread. The patriarchs of the Hades Blood Sect, each more ruthless than thest, were convinced that killing Heng Jun was the safest bet, ensuring he could not merge with that arm and iming the Feathered Banner for themselves. "Heng Jun, you owe me a favor. When will you repay it? Use the treasure to settle the debt!" one of the Hades Blood sect leaders shouted. Hate filled Heng Jun; today, his downfall was caused by repaying a favor. He turned to flee. "Pfft!" A sword light shed, piercing his chest. From behind, another sect leader yelled, "Heng Jun, you owe me your life!" "Heng Jun, pay up with your life. In this realm of immortals, among the listed immortals, it''s we, the Hades Blood Sect, who decide!" another voice boomed. Chapter 424: A Night Of Killing Chapter 424: A Night Of Killing In the tumultuous weather enveloping An City, Wang Xuan, with the Godying Banner in his left hand, executed a relentless assault on the fragmented souls ensnared within. The banner, radiating golden luminescence, reverberated with the wails of the tormented as he twisted and shook it, pulverizing the captured essence utterly. Mu, the female warrior of formidable strength, faced the grim reality of her downfall at the hands of a youth whose age belied his devastating power. Despite her frenzied efforts to escape, her soul''s desperate surge towards freedom only led her into the maw of finalitya seemingly innocuous lid that descended with the force of a muffled thunderp, extinguishing herst flicker of existence under its weight. As Wang Xuan turned to leave, the storm around An City raged on, a backdrop to the chaos unfolding as supreme beings fell one after another. The sky above was a battlefield of its own, with the fabric of the celestial realm itself trembling at the tumult. Even the wielder of a supreme artifact was not spared the harvest, his arm severed, contributing to the unease permeating the ranks of the transcendent. Among the mortals below, a pervasive sense of oppression lingered, the air thick with the aftermath of mythic confrontations that bridged the spiritual and the tangible realms. The night sky bore witness to this epochal sh, offering those who dared gaze upwards a glimpse into the turmoil. Emerging from the depths beneath An City, through the pathway carved by the man in the ck cloak, two decayed figures emerged to survey the aftermath. Joined by disciples who had been expelled from the celestial domain earlier, they approached An City with caution, their presence a harbinger of further intrigue in the shadow of the night''s events. This night in An City, marked by the convergence of fates both divine and mortal, would be etched in the annals of the mythic and the real, a testament to the thin veil separating the worlds and the tumultuous dance of powers that govern them. Cornered and hounded relentlessly, Hengjun''s plight worsened as he lost his Godying Banner, rendering him incapable of defending against the onught. Bloodied and weary, his divine garment woven from yin-yang divine fire silky in tatters. As he gazed upon the vast and serenendscapes of the celestial realm for what he feared was thest time, a sense of destion engulfed him. A new, formidable Ming Blood joined the chase,unching a deadly assault with an "unprofessional" demeanor. Despite the blood-soaked aura and the distinct scent of Ming Blood, this pursuer wielded a broken mirror as a weapon. From afar, the true Ming Blood Ancestor, eyes glowing with suspicion, wondered if Zhang was also joining the fray under the guise of another. Hengjun called out, uncertain if the attacker was Zhang, acknowledging past debts owed. However, he quickly realized the chaotic state of affairs might have led to impersonations. A voice from the distance dered a threat against any impostors, as Zhang Dao Ling made an appearance. The crowd was taken aback, even considering the possibility of Zhang orchestrating a confusion tactic. The desire for the Godying Banner drove many to ruthless measures, aiming not just to kill Hengjun but to im parts of his body in hopes of seizing the banner through his severed arm. After a frantic escape, Hengjun disguised himself as the Ming Blood Ancestor, hoping to vanish amidst the chaos. The real Ming Blood Ancestor, closely following, was left speechless and bemused by the sight. "Are you not ashamed, Hengjun, to impersonate me at such a time?" someone roared in fury, bloodlust palpable, as theyunched an attack on Hengjun. Witnessing this, the true Ming Blood Ancestor felt aplex mix of emotions. Before he could react, another had already expressed outrage on his behalf. In this battle, Hengjun was in dire straits, acutely aware of his impending doom. His prior overconfidence and offenses against many had finally caught up with him, sealing his fate. Moreover, he had enemies; how could they let him off easily today? "I owe many fellow cultivators favors, now it seems I''m repaying them with my life," he said mockingly to himself. Not long ago, when he wielded the sacred relic, who would dare toe after his life? Of course, there were times he basked in glory, bold enough to threaten the supremely powerful Fang Yu Zhu, even in the presence of four formidable experts. With a burst, Hengjun was disintegrated, obliterated by the pack, his soul shattered. Some scavenged parts of his flesh and swiftly departed to summon the Godying Banner. Hengjun met a tragic end, and yet, the battle for the sacred relic was far from over. In An City, Wang Xuan had returned, already having shed his armor and secreted away the divine relic, wandering the empty streets under the pouring rain, furrowing his brows in thought. The ethereal shadow was unbelievably powerful, and the duo pursuing it hadn''t managed to decisively kill it, posing a significant threat. He desired deeper understanding and decided to study the three individuals in history known for their unique inner realms, making his way to Huang Ming''s tea house amidst the rain that had engulfed An City, now home to nearly ten million souls. In the midst of the storm, figures approached the city. "My master might be dead, killed by that pair of shadowy figures!" a disciple of the ck-robed man eximed. "My master''s fate is grim, severely wounded by them right at the start!" a person from the subterranean pce spoke gravely. Together, these six individuals, their eyes gleaming coldly, dared to venture into the city. All of them were once celestial beings, brave enough to follow their masters out into the mortal world, stepping into the storm, prepared for whatever maye. "Our bodies have rotted, having dwelled in the human realm for many years. We can''t endure it any longer. Tonight, we sacrifice our lives for a moment of reckoning, to y in vengeance for our masters!" "I too am a person of conviction. It was my master who bestowed all this upon me, leading me to ascend to immortality and enter the grand curtain. Today, to repay my master''s kindness, I seek a ferocious end!" The six formidable beings from two factions, as they moved, whispered amongst themselves to steel their resolve, ready to embark on a night of ughter in the storm, risking it all in vengeance. "Wang Xuan, you''re tonight''s third target, chosen by that enigmatic figure to serve as a vessel for rebirth. They even sought my master''s aid for this. But now, it starts with killing you," someone couldn''t help but roar in a low voice. At this point, they no longer cared if the mysterious shadow figure needed this young man; their masters had died for this cause, demanding vengeance. "If we can''t take down that duo, then killing this kid from the ancientnds is our best shot. Now is the perfect opportunity; no one''s going to stop us!" "Master, weck the power to confront that pair of shadows. Tonight, let''s kill this young mortal as a tribute to you!" Darkness enveloped thend, thunder rumbled, and rain poured down like the celestial river had descended. Wang Xuan stopped in his tracks, slowly turning around to see the figures behind him. When he turned back again, his path was blocked by others. It wasn''t that he hadn''t noticed them earlier; after sensing their presence, he deliberately slowed down, choosing to wait here. He was now close to the Exiled Immortal Tea House and didn''t want to drag Huang Ming, Kong Yun, and others into this mess. On the wide street, with his path blocked on both ends, Wang Xuan stood calmly like a statue. The six assants, including two decaying beings and four middle-aged men and women, were so filled with murderous intent that it seemed to push back the pouring rain, creating waves of thick fog. Without any exchange of words, at this moment, all six had made up their minds. They transformed into six dazzling beams of light, rushing forward to deliver a fatal blow to the young man. They were aware that the shadowy duo could return at any moment, giving them very little time. These were beings who had truly ascended to immortality, rising through deadlypetition with their unwavering will. Tonight, prepared to risk everything, they cast aside all concerns for their own lives. Importantly, they had genuine strength! In the pouring rain, seven figures shed fiercely. Blood sttered amid the storm, and low roars shattered the ss of nearby buildings. In this real world, where the powers of all transcendent beings were heavily constrained, they weren''t supreme beings capable of utilizing remnants of ancient rules. Yet, they still wielded their transcendent powers to warp space, disying terrifying might. They were disciples of supreme beings, considered among the top tier of transcendent beings! Under the cloak of night and amidst a raging storm, seven figures moved with incredible speed and ferocity on the street. With each step, they shattered the wide pavement beneath them. Tonight, any release of supernatural substance would dissipate instantly, a consequence Wang Xuan suspected resulted from the simultaneous emergence of the Old Covenant, the Godying Banner, and the Life-Sustaining Furnace. He felt as though he was prematurely experiencing the harrowing environment of a supernatural winter night. He noticed that his punches, normally radiant with brilliance,cked their usual luster tonight, favoring closebat instead. Despite this restriction, their power to wreak havoc remained a testament to their formidable strength. One of the nearly decayed men, moving through the downpour with the ferocity of a demonic ape, lunged at Wang Xuan. Surrounded and with no path of retreat, Wang Xuan was forced to defend with his fists and arms. Pounding footsteps resonated as the man moved through the air, his immense power numbing Wang Xuan''s arms and palms. Wang Xuan''s eyes deepened with surprise; these beings, despite their decay from the death of mythology, still possessed a power far beyond that of other transcendent beings. With nowhere to retreat, Wang Xuan chose to advance, meeting all challengers head-on. He soared into the night sky,unching his fiercest counterattack against the assant. The opponent, driven by a warrior''s blood, used their supernatural material to its fullest extent, charging at Wang Xuan. Their collision in mid-air was explosive, sending Wang Xuan crashing down. The attacker, his half-decayed flesh bursting apart,nded as a skeletal frame, staggering upon impact. "Brother!" Finally, someone cried out as another decayed figure rushed to aid. In the relentless downpour, there were no shouts of challenge, no excessive words exchanged; both sides fought desperately. Wang Xuan held nothing back, seeking a fierce battle to test his limits in a life-or-death struggle. A dazzling de light illuminated the night, as a purple-haired middle-aged woman, with a fierce gaze, unleashed her long-harbored killing de. The de''s brilliant light evaporated the rain and dimmed the lightning, striking at Wang Xuan like aet streaking through the stormy night. Wang Xuan''s hands turned a pale gold, his fingers shooting out de energies. His arms and fingers seemed to transform into long des. He dodged her de and counter-struck, causing her weapon to tremble violently and its killing intent to wane. In an instant, Wang Xuan closed in, his palms shing with her de in a series of metallic shes too fast toprehend. The two appeared as intertwining beams of light, their fierce battle so intense that even the onlookers struggled to keep up. Amidst the flurry of de light, their fierce engagement blurred their figures, making it difficult to distinguish between the twobatants in their rapid and relentless exchange. With a swift motion, Wang Xuan''s right hand sliced through the air, severing the arm of the woman wielding the de, causing blood to spurt violently. At the same time, a side kick sent her flying dozens of meters away, her bones cracking almost entirely, and her spirit shaking loose. Upon closer inspection, a massive wound gaped in her body, nearly bisecting her as she crashed onto the street with a heavy thud. Wang Xuan now held her gleaming de, its song resounding as he wielded it with dazzling brilliance,unching it through the air. The woman, attempting to rise and gather her spirit for a counterattack, was toote. The merciless de light arrived, pinning both her spirit and body with a single thrust to the head. Just then, a metal manhole cover flipped open as Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi emerged from below, only to witness this scene unfold mere feet away. The spray of blood from the pierced skull stained their clothes and sttered their faces with warm droplets. Both women screamed in shock at the sudden violence. Back on the street, Wang Xuan continued the fight,unching another decaying adversary into the air with a kick, causing his flesh to burst away from his bones. Following up, Wang Xuan''s punch shattered the entire skeletal frame, scattering it amidst the falling rain. The battle on the street reached its zenith, a silent struggle between life and death with no room for words, only the final confrontation. Chapter 425: Transcendent Immortal Couple Chapter 425: Transcendent Immortal Couple Zhou Qinghuang''s sses tumbled down, shock rendering her momentarily speechless. Her damp face was sttered with a few drops of fresh blood as she witnessed Wang Xuan locked in fiercebat with formidable opponents. With a resounding thud, lightning streaked across the sky, tearing Wang Xuan''s white sport jacket sleeve and exposing his right arm. He managed to cleave through the spirit emerging from shattered bones with a single palm strike, then gripped the spirit tightly as it dissolved under the heat of a crimson essence. The two nearly decayed beings from the earth''s core fell first among all the opponents, thanks to Wang Xuan''s special attention toward them. A woman among the disciples of the man in ck robes also perished, leaving only three standing. "With the mortal realm''s rules limiting our powers, it is astonishing for these individuals to exhibit such prowess. Their roots are profound indeed, and they''ve returned with their prime bodies from the celestial realm," Zhou Qinghuang murmured. "They must be inner disciples of some powerful sect!" Gu Mingxi was in disbelief that Wang Xuan could y such beings. "How strong has he be?" Both women felt the unfolding scene to be unreal. In such a short time, this young man from the Old World had grown formidable, his power surging with each encounter. Many transcendent beings hade out of the Immortal Tea House and gathered atop roofs to witness the grand battle on the street below. It was happening too close for them not to be rmed. "Even true disciples are being overpowered and in?!" a quivering voice eximed. The intense scene sent shockwaves through their hearts and left them unsettled. A swift gust rolled back the curtain of rain on the street, revealing a figure whose spirit soared out, wreathed in a dazzling light and a sphere of golden sword energy, and dove towards Wang Xuan. Bearing the soul sword light bestowed upon him by the ck-robed figure, the man made a desperate attempt to end Wang Xuan''s life at this crucial juncture. For a moment, heaven and earth lit up as the ferocious sword light, boiling with killing intent, seemed to conjure a chilling vision of hell itself. But s, in a world drained of supernatural essence, even the mightiest moves by transcendent beings were limited to barely scratching the surface of the sauntering domain. A mere sealed sword light was no exception. In this universe, devoid of sufficient energy and the support of transcendentws, what could have been a de to split the heavens and earth lost its power. Wang Xuan was forced to wield the Godying Banner, not out of fear for himself but concern that the sword light might cleave the building behind him. The opponent''s technique was, after all, left by a progenitor of a sect. Wang Xuan was hardly nervous; he was certain he could dodge it, and even if not, he could survive the attack. He believed that if he ascended another level, he might be able to confront such formidable beings head-on. The Godying Banner unfurled and vibrated intensely, its golden patterns sprawling out to intercept the splendid soul sword light cutting through the soaked night. After a thunderous sh, the man''s spirit dimmed. The soul sword light endowed by his master was unable to im the life of this youth from the Old World, leaving him in a state of regret and destion. Wang Xuan retracted the Godying Banner and surged forward, leaving behind an afterimage. He then shed dozens of times, perhaps even hundreds, with the diminished spirit. His punches sealed off the void, blocking all escape routes for the spirit and preventing it from ascending into the night sky. With a final strike, Wang Xuan''s fist pierced through the spirit, vanquishing the soul of a true disciple. The scene left many transcendents astounded. "This ends now!" Wang Xuan dered, stepping forward to address the remaining challengers. Amidst the torrential rain and heavy lightning, Wang Xuan advanced with firm but gentle steps, embodying a demonic deity''s resolve. What of true disciples? They barely concerned him. When it came to ying his enemies, he showed no hesitation. His deepest wariness was reserved for the enigmatic shadow he had faced the other day. With explosive speed and ferocity, he engaged thest twobatants on the street. Blood soared as he sliced through one''s arm with a hand as sharp as a de. In the fiercebat at hand, silhouettes whirled and the world darkened. When lightning illuminated the scene once more, Wang Xuan alone stood victorious. His adversaries were in, none left intact. Their blood stained the ground red. All six expertsall true discipleswere vanquished by his hand. Zhou Qinghuang tried to appearposed and attempted to don her sses repeatedly without sess; she was holding them upside down without realizing it. Gu Mingxi, on the other hand, was trembling on the inside. Transcendents at the tea house were equally shaken. In this worldly realm, it seemed unlikely that anyone lower than Quasi-supreme beings or sect masters could suppress this young man. "Honestly, every time I see him in action, it scares me," Huang Mingmented with sincerity in his words. From what he could tell, Wang Xuan vastly surpassed his own power level with each encounter. Cao Qingyu, Chen Yan, and Kong Yun all remained silent. When they first ventured into the real world, they had the courage to confront Wang Xuan. But now, they could only shake their heads in resignation. Qi Liandao, the son of the Demon Ancestor, wore a gloomy expression. Once having connected with his true self within the Great Veil, he had received a transmission of soul power and contemted a battle with the ''Mad Wang''. Yet, now, he found himself reluctant to provoke the formidable youth on the street below. *** In the celestial realm, a fierce battle for supremacy unfolded as contenders vied for the Ascension Banner, a treasure of immense power. This time, Heng Jun, having ''lost the deer'', not only failed to secure the artifact but also lost his life, igniting a beacon of hope among the mighty. The possibility of the sacred relic changing hands seemed within grasp. Yet, this event also served as a stark reminder: possession of such a treasure didn''t guarantee invulnerability. Even the mightiest with such an artifact in hand could falter against the Old Covenant or other relics of equal standing, potentially being overthrown in a tumultuous sh of powers. In response, formidable beings and entire factions from all corners adopted a guise of caution, many assuming the identity of the true Hades Blood Patriarch. Amidst this legion of impostors, the genuine Hades Blood Patriarch seethed with frustration. To his dismay, he discovered that in the race for the artifact, he had been relegated to fifth ce. Trapped in ruthlesspetition with his own supposed kin, he couldn''t even secure a spot among the top three. This revtion stung, a testament to the bitter truth that deceit often trumped integrity in the quest for power. "You pack of deceitful scoundrels, this is utterly despicable!" he cursed. Ironically, to the outside world, he was just another pretender; no one believed him to be the true Hades Blood Patriarch. *** In the real world, the enigmatic shadow had already fled thousands of miles away from An City, with its incredible speed, to the verdant ridges of the Pamir teau. It was here, amidst descending spacecraft, that Old Chen stood alone against the masters of new techniques and Wang Xuan first made a name for himself, by kicking the gravely injured grandmaster Xia Qing to death. The pursuing duo of shadowy figures managed to corner the mysterious shadow once more, their path blocked by the Old Covenant artifact suspended mid-air, which emitted a gentle, divine light. "Did I touch a nerve? To think you''d go to such lengths for that young man, engaging in this arduous manhunt over thousands of miles," the ethereal shadow remarked, now bearing wounds. His visage gained a hint of solidity in the void, and his eyes sharpened as they focused on the pair. "Interesting..." he murmured, observing the two shadows with a sense of realization. Despite being hunted for two consecutive nights, hisck of fear emphasized his strength. "There''s nothing interesting about it. We know you''re just an avatar, but we''ll kill you all the same and ensure your primary self remains unaware of what exactly transpired here." "You won''t escape today. Either embrace a swift end on your own or wait for us to deliver it," the two dered. Using the Old Covenant to seal the heavens and earth, they prevented his escape, determined to y the formidable and rare ''dragon''. That night, the Pamir teau resonated with the sounds of grand scriptures and was bathed in a divine light that purified the entire expanse. With a soft sound, the transcendent dragon''s shadow shattered. The pair had vanquished it, leaving only a wisp of sacred blood behind that soon burnt to ash. "Which of the three was it?" the woman asked, her elongated shadow form taking on a more solemn tone. "Given his exceptional strength, it''s highly likely he was the second most formidable," the man replied. *** Outside An City, a fiery red cassock flew at high speed, bearing a ghostly monk and a round-faced girl through the curtain of rain. "Quick, you useless monk, put some muscle into it, or we might miss the battle of a lifetime!" the little White Tiger shouted. They had originally been in Ping City, but themotion here was too great; all the supernatural beings in the oldnds had heard of it, and the two had harnessed a magical treasure to speed their way to An City. Entering the city, they were disappointed to find that the battle had already ended, and they missed the spectacle of the ancient covenant soaring through the skies. The round-faced girl was notably disheartened and frustrated. On the main street, Wang Xuan was cleaning up the battlefield, using the wed Samadhi True Fire to incinerate the bodies, which vanished with the rainwater, erasing all tracespletely. He entered Huang Ming''s teahouse, and as it happened, the White Tiger and the ghostly monk arrived just in time. That night, the supernatural beings of An City were severely startled and gathered in heated discussion; many headed to the Exiled Immortal Tea House. Wang Xuan, the little White Tiger, and the ghostly monk faced each other, an old reunion under strange circumstances; how could they forget those moments in the inner scends? "Didnt the two of you seriously fight each other?" Wang Xuan broke the silence with a smile. "Thats despicable, urging me to set up a fight, Ghost Monk, hit him!" the round-faced girl said indignantly, her cheeks puffing up with anger. The Ghost Monk sighed, saying, "I reckon we might not be able to beat him now in this world." The trio entered a private room in the teahouse, and Wang Xuan had many questions for them about people with special inner scends and about the shadowy man and woman. "How strong were the Demon Lords parents back in the day?" Wang Xuan brewed tea himself, serving them tea that wafted a subtle fragrance. "Naturally, they were powerful to the extreme. The Demon Lord''s mother broke through the Celestial Fox realm; you can let your imagination run wild," the little White Tiger said proudly, as if she were talking about her own strength. Then, Wang Xuan humbly sought to learn more about the past from them, even asking how Fang Yuzhupared in strength to the Demon Lords parents. "They were friends; they wouldnt fight each other," the round-faced girl dered firmly. "Friends?" Wang Xuan was surprised. The round-faced girl sipped her tea nonchntly and said, "What''s so strange about that? Fang Yuzhu the Immortal is slightly younger than them, suitable for being peers, and slightly older than the Demon Lord, also suitable for being peers." "The little monk has heard some interesting stories. The Immortal Fang has an amazing talent and extraordinary strength. If she were to spar with them one-on-one, she would have a slight upper hand, but one against two, the odds would be against her. Thus, although Immortal Fang is younger than that pair of supreme Daopanions, she also stands as a peer to them" Hearing this, Wang Xuan''s eyes lit up, intrigued by the gossip. "Would those two consider themselves on par with the Celestial Fairy?" he inquired. "They are willing to regard the Demon Lord and the Celestial Fairy as equals," replied the monk in a nuanced manner. "ck Monk, don''t gossip!" Little White Tiger red at him, clearly displeased with the monk bringing up old stories. Wang Xuan couldn''t help but chuckle. He found the bizarre gossip quite amusing. "What are youughing at? I''ll go tell the Demon Lord you''ve asked for her dance crystal for the tenth time!" the round-faced girl threatened. "Tiger Trickster, don''t falsely use me. And since we''re on the topic of that dance, when will you make it up to me for that scam you pulled?" Wang Xuan challenged her. He was not afraid of her tattling to the Demon Lord who wasn''t in the Old World at present. "Was it a beautiful dance?" A woman''s gentle voice filled the room, and the shadows of a man and a woman appeared on the wall. "Truly!" Wang Xuan blurted out before realizing his mistake, yet he found himself irresistibly drawn to speak. "And what makes it beautiful?" the woman''s soft voice asked again. Wang Xuan wanted to cover his mouth, but he found himself helplessly spilling out his true thoughts. "Fair-skinned, beautiful, long-legged, ethereally peerless, and enchanting" He hurriedly tried to correct himself, his hands glowing and runes flickering as he attempted to seal his own mouth. The man''s shadow on the wall chuckled softly, but Wang Xuan felt there was something off about thatughter; it made him uneasy. Chapter 426: Battle Of The Roses Chapter 426: Battle Of The Roses The man''sughter was off-putting to Wang Xuan. Is this his strong protective instinct I sense, manifesting especially when ites to his beloved little cotton nket? Naturally, he''d jumped to conclusions. He suspected the couple had something to do with the Demon Lord, possibly being her parents who had snuck back to the human realm early. "Go on," urged the shadow of the man on the wall. His voice, stillced with amusement, caused Wang Xuan''s nerves to fray. Wang Xuan, with a flick of his wrist, brandished the Godying Banner. What are you trying to do? White Tiger thought. Are you trying to show off in front of a Peerless-level master? Covering his mouth with the banner and activating its golden runes, Wang Xuan shielded his mind, preventing any more unguarded truths from spilling out. The mention of the little cotton jacket seemed to provoke the man, suggesting a challenging personality Wang Xuan wasn''t eager to confront. Nevertheless, he had to say something. "Demon Lord Yan Yan is a true saint and very gentle. She recently took me to outer space to explore an ancient spaceship and alien civilizations together," he managed to say behind the g. "Gentle, together What are you trying to tell me?" The man''s shadow on the wall tremored slightly with the question. The monk and Little White Tiger were frozen in ce. They stood still inplete silence, despite their usual fiery temperaments. Wang Xuan pondered if he had indeed encountered a fiercely protective father, who was not old but in his prime and full of vigor. "I mean, despite Demon Lord Yan Yan''s unparalleled beauty and caliber, she has a tender and gentle side, and she''s kind to everyone. It might be tied to her upbringing, might even be the loneliness after her parents left. She would dance to the moon, missing her family" Wang Xuan scraped the bottom of his brain, painting a sentimental picture of the Demon Lord. He hinted that her traits were a result of her parents'' absence, aiming to make this father figure feel guilty and leave him alone. "You speak of the Demon Lord? Somehow, I get the feeling her dance could decimate a battlefield. When she''s gentle, even the mightiest fear her. Her mncholy, perhaps, stems from not being the absolute strongest yet?" The man''s voice was calm, untouched by Wang Xuan''s narrative, almost as if he saw right through him. Indeed, the man on the wall spoke again, "Kid, you''ve got a dark heart!" Following his words, an arm still in shadow form emerged from the wall to pat Wang Xuan''s shoulder. The touch nearly sent Wang Xuan into the ground. "Enough, don''t scare the child," the woman on the wall interjected, pulling the shadowy arm back into the wall. Wang Xuan pondered whether these two were truly the Demon Lord''s parents. They seemed to fit the bill, yet he feared it might be a trap meant to mislead him. "And how do you fare with Fang Yuzhu?" they inquired, shifting the conversation''s focus unexpectedly. Wang Xuan was puzzled. Were these two really Yan Yan''s parents? The legendary couple of unparalleled beings he had theorized? "Fang Yuzhu is doing well. Once you get to know her, she''s very approachable, just like Yan Yan. Neither of them puts on airs despite their celestial status. They''re gentle, dignified, and generous. They both enjoy cooking; I''ve had the pleasure of tasting their culinary creations truly, delicacies of the mortal realm and treasures of the celestial world!" Wang Xuan was treading dangerously with the duo of shadows, probing their rtionship with the two immortal beauties. The monk, present throughout this charade, had turned mute, deciding not to engage. Little White Tiger remained unusually quiet, feigning sleep for self-preservation. "They cook for you, huh? You must think quite highly of yourself!" The man''s shadow replied with evident displeasure. "Whose cooking do you prefer?" asked the woman, her tone gentle and calm. "Both are delicious. Fang Yuzhu''s dishes are more on the lighter side, while Yan Yan''s dishes focus on exotic andvish meat," Wang Xuan responded calmly. He felt as if he were standing on the thinnest of ice. The man was inclined to reach out to him again, his hand almost at Wang Xuan''s shoulder before the woman pulled it back once more. "If you had to choose between them, who would you pick?" the woman surprisingly asked, throwing Wang Xuan off guard. How could he possibly choose? Despite his daring probes, Wang Xuan had never contemted such a choice, as he felt the two celestial beings and himself were worlds apart. "I''m being asked," the man noted. "My family always says, don''t attempt multiple-choice questions," Wang Xuan hastily covered his mouth, sensing he was being led into a trap again. With residualws meddling in the conversation, the overwhelming power of the person before him was evident. "So, you''re saying you''d choose them all if you could?" the woman spoke, her shadow tilting as if to gaze at Wang Xuan. "You really dare We''re leaving!" The man seemed displeased, huffing coldly. Both shadows departed from the wall in a sh and quickly disappeared into the distance. "Thank you, esteemed ancestors, for your protection!" Wang Xuan expressed his genuine gratitude, shouting after them into the dark, rainy night. However, they were long gone. Little White Tiger and the monk suddenly sprang back to life, engaging in trivial chatter. "The thunder tonight is loud; it''s a good time for transcendence." "Yes, it''s also the best time to harvest spiritual herbs. Pity we didn''t see any." Wang Xuan stared down at them. Where were they earlier? The unreliable bastards had feigned death throughout. "Were they the Demon Lord''s parents?" Wang Xuan inquired. The round-faced girl replied, "I don''t know. I only saw them from a distance back then. And these two only appeared as shadows without their real bodies, so it''s hard to say." "That person won''t show up again soon, but don''t wander around recklessly." From the edge of the lightning-streaked sky, the shadows'' voices emerged. In an instant, they moved hundreds of miles away with terrifying speed. They had passed on their final warning. Wang Xuan''s expression changed. The enigmatic shadow was still alive! This was a burden on his psyche. Even with the immense strength of the Old Covenant''s bearers, that ethereal shadow couldn''t bepletely eradicated. Just how powerful was he? This mysterious individual, likely having opened an innerndscape in his mortal days, now targeted Wang Xuanintending to snatch everything he had. The chilling realization of his predicament left Wang Xuan shivering; Zheng Yuantian''s pressure was nothingpared to this. The silent, effortless breach of his innerndscape by that mysterious shadow the night before had felt like the shadow of death itself had loomed over him. "I''m still not strong enough," Wang Xuan mused aloud, feeling the weight of his circumstance. "In these final days of myth, as the world descends into madness, I must be stronger, quickly." The round-faced girl and the monk fell silent, each thinking to themselves that if Wang Xuan became any more powerful, they would be the ones losing their minds. For someone only nearing celestial status to surpass them in the mortal realm was unthinkable. Just then, Huang Ming entered, bearing a pot of warm, fine tea, only to overhear Wang Xuan''s reflection. He grimaced, feeling a pang of despair. Why? Each shockwave from Wang Xuan''s achievements seemed to push him further back, while the ''anomaly'' of a person continually evolved. The same sentiment was shared by all. Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi, having just returned and cleansed themselves, were particrly struck by Wang Xuan''s words. "Sigh, with mythology dying, why bother with aspirations? Soon, we''ll all return to zero together," someone uttered in resignation. Even Qi Liandao, typically fractured in thought, fell silent. Having hopes of making it through the cold night of mythic decline seemed increasingly futile. eptance of their grim reality settled among them. Even those of unrivaled strength, like the decaying man from the heart of the earth or the strongest in the fairy realm like Fang Yuzhu, seemed destined to fall to mere mortality. Perhaps the strongest could endure a little longer, but from the perspective of the eternal night of transcendence, resisting the inevitable seemed a futile effort. The tea house grew heavy with despondency, a stark contrast to the excitement of the recent immense battle. The prospect of a world devoid of mythical feats in just a few months left a profound weight on everyone''s heart. "It''s just seven or eight months left now," someone remarked bleakly, exposing the raw wound further. Everyone longed for a miracle, yet reality only grew harsher. No exceptions could be spared. The struggle for sacred relics among the fairy realm''s elites was naturally a bid for survival in the dire times ahead. "Even with a sacred relic, one might only retain the strength of a ground immortal at best, and even that is likely to diminish over time," noted another. Yet, Wang Xuan''s spirits weren''t dampened. He continued to inquire about historical figures known for their special innerndscapes, seeking knowledge amidst the encroaching despair. At the same time, Wang Xuan also inquired about realms, and the different levels of cultivation such as Earth Immortal, Celestial Immortal, and the peerless tier. Recently, he had been consulting various sources about the matters of the Immortal Realm, focusing mostly on significant and secretive issues concerning higher nes, inadvertently neglecting the basics. "Humans can only cultivate up to the fifth major realm," the round-faced girl exined simply, as these weremon knowledge questions in the Immortal Realm. The four major realms before this were: the Mortal World realm, Wanderer realm, Life Essence Lord, and Ascendent, with each realm theoretically consisting of nine stages or levels. The tenth stage in any major realm is considered a breakthrough of limits, and the eleventh stage is the forefront of the mythical domain! An Earth Immortal is on the sixth level of the Wanderer realm, a being truly capable of traversing from the Northern Seas to the Cangwu in a single day. Of course, this so-called travel often refers more to spiritual journeys, where one''s spirit wanders far to visit others. Reaching the realm of Ascendent, one is truly considered an immortal. ording to the old covenants, all beings at this level should enter the ''Great Veil'', that is, the Immortal Realm. A being at the ninth stage of Ascendent can be referred to as a Demon Saint or Celestial Immortal, which are essentially on the cusp of the peerless tier. Sometimes, the term Celestial Immortal is also used topliment certain female immortals of extraordinary beauty and grace, rather than their actual realm. Undoubtedly, there are Ascendents who have broken the limits, reaching the tenth stage. These almost peerless beings, once they ascend to the peerless level, be truly formidable. Advancing beyond Ascendent, one reaches the true peerless masters, a realm known asCurtain Heaven! The character ''Curtain'' in this context evolves from the ''Great Veil'', situated within it, reaching the peak of Curtain Heaven. At this fifth major realm, it bes incredibly difficult to advance further. There are those who, disillusioned, regard the Great Veil as a grave or lonely tomb, difficult to escape. They im that even the peerless masters are but prisoners in a cage, destined to perish with the myths, their lives too fleeting, like meteors streaking across the sky, unable to truly preserve their strength in the cosmic order and unable to live long in the present world. As for the so-called "Peerless Transcendent", this actually does notpletely transcend the realm of Celestial. It represents the highest domain within the fifth major realm, where the spirit undergoes nirvana and rebirth, embodying the supreme beings who have undergone further transformations. "Beyond the pinnacle, within the realm of the sublime, stands the Transcendent Beyond," Wang Xuan pondered aloud. The weight of the celestial hierarchies pressed upon his thoughts. "It''s said that those within the tenth stage of the Celestial Veil realm have no rival within its boundaries." At the Time Dtion Bar, a young scientist d in a whiteb coat, hailing from the Departed Lands, had once mentioned that Fang Yuzhu may have undergone not just one cycle of spiritual nirvana and rebirth. This hinted at the possibility that Fang Yuzhu, having breached the limits once, might have experienced yet another transformation of her spirit, positioning her possibly within or even beyond the eleventh stage of the Groove of the Heavenssuggesting a prowess that extends beyond just the tenth tier. "Could Sister Yuzhu, possibly at the eleventh stage of the Celestial Veil, also be unable topletely transcend the fifth grand realm?" Wang Xuan mused softly. The round-faced girl shook her head in response. "How would she? For beings at that pinnacle, further ascent is as arduous as an ant climbing to the highest heavens. Rather than breaking into an even higher realm, undergoing another spiritual transformation to possibly step into the theoretical yet possibly nonexistent twelfth stage might be more usible." "And what of those supreme artifacts? Where do they stand in all this?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but inquire further. Chapter 427: Help Thyself Chapter 427: Help Thyself From our current vantage, the domain of divine relics stands above all cultivators; otherwise, the Peerless-Transcendents would not be wary of the Ascension Banner, the Mortal de, and others. The round-faced girl''s words corroborated Wang Xuan''s spection, revealing a grand realm unreachable by beings on their own, who can only gaze into the profound universe and sigh. "The level of divine relics is the culmination of a mythological civilization. For instance, the supremew of the Transcendent Realm The Ancient Covenant, served as both fuel and fire, burning the endless scriptures and the contained wisdom to potentially give birth to divine relics." Yet, not all mythological civilizations manage to leave behind the essence of their existence, often ending in failure instead. ording to estimates, the eternal night has witnessed the rise and fall of a dozen mythological civilizations, each notsting long, leaving behind only four or five divine relics. "The Sixth Great Realm, the final frontier, is known as ''Dao Harnessing,''" the round-faced girl noted. In a neighboring spiritual realm across outer space, that civilization once forged the Dao Harnessing g, which then presumably disintegrated, the relic lost. Wang Xuan showed interest. Each grand realm seems to be closely linked to the names of divine relics, intriguing him further. "Could it be, there''s a relic corresponding to the Groove of the Heavens?" "A mirror, known as the Celestial Mirror, was rumored to exist," the ghost monk disclosed, catching Wang Xuan off guard. Such a thing truly existed? Even when serious, the round-faced girl''s visage bore a hint ofical innocence, her cheeks plump and eyes wide. "However, opinions differ on whether it fell just short of being a divine relic or if it shattered. In any case, the Groove of the Heavens Realm no longer has its corresponding relic." "What clues suggest the existence of the Celestial Mirror?" Wang Xuan inquired about its fate. "It''s long been fragmented, it is beyond recovery. It''s likely that only Zhang Daoling possesses a small shard," the Little White Tiger revealed. Hearing this, Wang Xuan finally understood why Zhang always brandished that rusted old mirror, using it to peep and smash peopleit had such significant origins! He pondered, "As our supernatural civilization draws to a close, might it birth a divine relic, leaving behind the essence of our mythos?" The ghost monk nodded, "Of course, every civilization wishes to leave a mark before its extinction to prove that it once existed. However, it''s a difficult feat, and most civilizations fail." ording to him, the twilight of the cosmic curtain is the prime moment for forging divine relics. He also mentioned The Ancient Covenant, indicating its relevance to the process. "As the myths fade away, The Ancient Covenant transformed into the fuel and fire of the Dao, leaving behind traces unique to our civilization, nurturing divine relics." The round-faced girl spoke with a hint of mncholy, her tone reflecting the inevitability of demise for even the most powerful of deities. In the end, they all perish, with only divine relics to testify their existence. "Keep some faith. What if we find a way out and quickly usher in a new era of myth?" Wang Xuan suggested optimistically. "What way out? Even Fairy Fang, who ascended to such heights only in the twilight years of mythology, couldn''t find a solution. If she sees no hope, what chance do you have?" The round-faced girl''s spirit dampened at the thought, and the ghost monk shared her despondency. Despite acknowledging Wang Xuan''s extraordinary potential, they felt it was toote for him. He hadn''t even reached the realm of Free Roaming, and time was running out. "It''s a pity, born in the wrong era. A cub with the potential of a beast king, yet with no time left to grow," shemented. "I feel like you''re insulting me," Wang Xuan retorted, eyeing her suspiciously. "How did I insult you?" she retorted, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Why are you calling me a cub? You''re the tigress here," Wang Xuan challenged. At this, the Little White Tiger, inmed, manifested a spectral white tiger behind her, feigning ferocity with bared teeth and ws. Wang Xuan nonchntly pushed her round face aside and dimmed the tiger''s spectral form to silence its roars, finding it annoying. Just then, Huang Ming appeared, intending to refill their tea and personally attend to them. However, witnessing the scene, he promptly retreated, opting to steer clear of the fray, wary of incurring the wrath of the White Tiger, the favored confidant of the Demon Lord. "How dare you manhandle me?" the round-faced girl fumed, gearing up as if to take Wang Xuan down a notch. The ghost monk gently reminded her, "In this mortal world, you no longer stand a chance against him." Humming a tune, Wang Xuan descended the stairs, his mood light and cheerful, leaving the round-faced girl seething with indignation behind him. Powerless to retaliate, she could only re in frustration. Through the rain-drenched streets, noticing the damaged areas marked by conflict, Wang Xuan''s mood grew heavy. Utilizing supernatural means to nearly traverse space in an instant, he left the city for Qing Mu''s estate. Along the way, his demeanor was exceptionally grave, knowing the time hade to earnestly prepare. From tonight, he resolved to refine every aspect of himself, both physically and spiritually, aiming for a state of wless perfection. Within two days, he nned to venture into the Ethereal Lands. "I''ll aim to surpass you all!" he dered silently. That night, he meditated motionless, envisioning battles at the apex of existence to stimte and grasp insights into a higher ne. By dawn, he ventured out again, observing the remnants of conflict outside the city in the drizzling rain. Over the next two days, his mind was filled with visions of battles involving Fang Yuzhu, the Demon Lord, Zhang Daoling, and others, contemting their forms and supernatural abilities. "Thinking too much and looking too far ahead is pointless. It''s better to measure my path with my own feet," he mused. As night fell, Wang Xuan prepared to set out, his mind and spirit clearer than ever. Facing the increasingly hostile environment of the mythological twilight, he recognized the need for formidable strength to forge a new path. Wang Xuan had never been as focused on his preparations as he was now. Previously, he would have headed to the Solitary Void once he felt ready. This time, driven by immense pressure, he paid meticulous attention to details, striving for perfection in every aspect. "What is that?" At his most clear-headed moment, his spirit shone brightly, illuminating the path ahead like a lighthouse in the night. It was then he spotted a distant light. A faint, blood-red chain seemed to stretch from the depths of endless darkness, reaching towards him. Was it seeking to bind his soul? Frowning, he watched the blood-red chain draw nearer, emitting a faint glow. A sense of deep unease washed over him as the chain seemed intent on locking onto him, to drag him away. In that moment, Wang Xuan broke into a cold sweat as if trapped in a terrifying nightmare. Despite his rity of mind, his body wouldn''t respond, leaving him powerless to alter the situation. Yet, as the blood-red chain drew near, it began to break from its end, burning and retreating, unable to reach him fully. "Hmm?" Wang Xuan opened his eyes in surprise, pondering what had just transpired. Once more, in a state of utmost rity, he sensed it again: from the vast darkness afar, a pair of crimson eyes peered at him, and a blood-dripping chain slowly inched closer, aiming to ensnare his soul. In a different direction, a hazy light epassed two shadowy figures chanting. What started as a faint sound escted into a grand celestial hymn, bing an invisible force that severed the blood-dripping chain, preventing it from nearing. Beyond the boundless void, within the darkness, were those two illuminations the mysterious shadow using the blood-dripping chain? Were the chanters that man and woman? Wang Xuan was stunned. He thought the danger had temporarily subsided, yet it lingered ever close. The crimson gaze was terrifyingly ominous. "What''s troubling you? You''re unsettled. How do you n to break through in this state?" Chen Yongjie was surprised to see him sweating coldly while supposedly guarding him. "I sensed something... As if from a distant and ancient realm, someone means me harm," Wang Xuan described his experience. "A curse!" "An ancient curse!" Both eximed almost simultaneously, recalling ancient texts that noted beings with extraordinary talents, those who transcended limits, could sometimes sense malice directed at them in their most lucid state. In that lucid moment, what Wang Xuan perceived was real, not merely shadows, but an awareness of a sinister, ancient curse. "Was I cursed?" "Those shadowy figures, the couple, they must have countered with another ancient curse to dissolve it." After some deliberation, they pieced together the truth. "No wonder they warned me not to wander off recently. The curse cast upon me by that shadow hasn''t been fully dissolved yet!" Wang Xuan''s face darkened, his mood far from wonderful. He yearned to eliminate that mysterious individual who seemed omnipresent, too domineering forfort. He halted, gravely contemting whether proceeding to break through under such circumstances might invite adverse effects. "If it weren''t for that man and woman, I might have been harmed..." Wang Xuan felt both shocked and enraged, repeatedly targeted as if he were mere prey, fueling his frustration. In the eyes of that being, he was just a target, a harmless herbivore, ready for the ughter at any moment. "Calm down. The best retaliation is to continuously grow stronger, to reach a point where he can''t touch me, and eventually, he will fall by my hand!" Wang Xuan reminded himself not to sumb to haste or fear, to tread the path ahead step by step, especially since, in this realm, time was on his side. He regained hisposure, increasingly realizing the importance of transcending limits. In such a lucid state, he could detect the malevolent will lurking in the shadows. Chen Yongjie spected, "It might not just be about transcending limits; your Spirit Eyes could also be ying a part. They''re intrinsically rted to the soul''s perception and intuition. Such eyes are exceedingly rare!" Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. "The spirit, the inner self, can probe threats from beyond the vast expanse of time and space, alertly identifying external dangers." Without the Spirit Eyes of someone who has transcended the tenth stage, such awareness would be impossible. Previously, Wang Xuan hadn''t paid much attention to this, but now, he recognized the urgency of regrly exploring inward, to fortify his inner self. No sooner had several days passed than Wang Xuan once again found his mind in a state of serene rity, only to discover the blood-dripping chain fading into obscurity, a sign of its impending dissolution. However, amid the darkness, from the unfathomable distances, a pair of gleaming crimson eyes began to close slowly. Yet, something was amiss. A burst of golden light soared within the darkness, revealing cold, malicious golden eyes. "Who''s this now? Can''t there be an end to these troubles?" Wang Xuan thought, his face clouding over with annoyance at the persistent threats lurking in the shadows. The very next day, with his hair standing on end from the chilling proximity of the golden light, he urgently messaged Chen Yongjie to leave at once. After ensuring his friend''s departure, Wang Xuan scrutinized the golden light, then made a quick decision to flee. It felt like an apocalyptic warning. A fissure opened in the space where his house once stood, swallowing it wholea powerful entity had made its move, attempting to drag him into the realm of immortals. Standing afar, Wang Xuan''s gaze deepened, aware that danger was never far away, always lurking. His face wore a resolve, yearning to retaliate with unmatched ferocity. On that day, as he sought inner strength, he finally found tranquility; no terrifying gazes pierced through the darkness any longer. Seizing this moment of brief peace, he charged towards thend of mysteries, determined to break through. Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu stood by his side, ready to protect him. "The eleventh stage, the theoretical frontier of myth, a forbidden domain possibly untrodden by any. Whether anyone has ever reached this pinnacle remains a mystery; perhaps it''s untouched. And now... I am on my way!" Chapter 428: The Forbidden Zone Chapter 428: The Forbidden Zone Wang Xuan didn''t need much preparation. He brought along the old six items and added the new item. Feeling quite adept, he then hit the road. The old six items SSBALS, which referred to the two beast skins, banner, awl, lid and soilbo. The new item referred to the Best Immortal Tea Tree ced in the Life Essence Furnace for half a month. This time, he also nned to nt it on the road to breakthrough. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh He seemed to be shuttling through spacetime and was moving at such a rapid speed that the phrase swift as the wind and quick as lightning couldn''t describe it adequately. He felt like he was traversing the vast universe after leaving the Life Soil. The ethereal realm was deep and dark. The world would be pitch ck, vast and silent, without the red mist substance. Wang Xuan was nervous when he first came here. He was unsure of the path ahead and was deeply apprehensive of the unknown world. But now, he was unruffled and as calm as an old well. "Im faster than before. I can already see the Pool of Life with just twenty days of travel!" Wang Xuan marveled. This was truly extreme speed. The sky and earth were pitch ck, boundless and endless. He felt like he had crossed a deste universe and his time significantly shortenedpared to before. Soon enough, he arrived nearby and saw the rough pool. Inside, the silver celestial liquid was dense. It instantly baptized and sublimated his spirit. Initially, it took him a year and a half when he came here for the first time. The travel time has gradually shortened, especially after he nted the Heavenly Herb. "It has truly turned into a vine." said Wang Xuan, admiring his achievement. Beside the Pool of Life, there was the first Heavenly Herb that he had nted by hand on a mound of earth. And now, it had undergone aprehensive mutation. The leaves remained pristine white, and had now reached nine in number. The vines extended up to two meters, covered in dark red thorns, just like a dragon coiled on the mountaintop. "Perhaps it should be called the Nine Cmities Heavenly Vine." Wang Xuan said with satisfaction. This ce was vibrant, with many pearl-like dewdrops resting on the nine silver leaves, it was even emitting a spiritual fragrance. Wang Xuan scrutinized carefully, saying, "Interesting. The dew on the leaves is radiant and fragrant. Its different from the silver substance in the pool." He thought it was not bad at all. The water for brewing tea was not a problem now, although it was in small quantities. But who cared? As long as he could brew the tea leaves. Then, he took out the Best Immortal Tea Tree and arge amount of Life Soil from the silver beast skin scroll. He started nting trees by the silver pool. He was piling soil, digging holes, nting, sprinkling soil, watering and many more. It was all done in one go, as he was already proficient. There wasn''t much to fuss about with the Heavenly Herb. It was simply nted like any other ordinary nt. In fact, it was easier to survive than those flowers and nts because of its exceptionally strong vitality. Before this, the Immortal Tea Tree had been ced in the Life Essence Furnace for over ten days. During that time, it was nourished and the nourishment made it lush and vibrant. There were no signs of withering after leaving the Life Soil. Now, it was lush with greenery. Although the various colored tea fruits were sparse and in small quantities, they were brilliant enough. There were golden, silver, purple and many more colors that dazzled with brilliance. It was divine and serene which showed robust growth. "Farewell, Heng Jun. You have departed, and I couldn''t burn incense for you, so I can only take care of your legacy tree. Rest assured, it won''t die with me around. Sooner orter, it will be a real medicine." Wang Xuan mourned and seemed sentimental. In the end, he decisively plucked a tea fruit and started brewing tea tomemorate Heng Jun''s death. He used the lid of the Life Essence Furnace as a vessel for brewing tea. Surprisingly, the concavity of the lid was quite suitable. He also collected the fragrant dewdrops from the Nine Cmities Heavenly Vine and used the red substance hidden in the Godying Banner as fire to start brewing tea. The fragrant scent of tea wafted up. Wang Xuan took a bath in the pool and then lightly sipped the Best Immortal Tea. It made his mind illuminated with insights, he felt clear and bright. However, he still couldn''t break through, but he wasn''t in a hurry. If a tea fruit alone could lead one into the forefront of mythology, this tea tree would have been smashed to pieces and thoroughly looted. "There''s tea, but too little suitable water." said Wang Xuan as he nced at the pool. He felt a bit ufortable as he usually came here to bathe but now couldn''t bring himself to drink the water. "It''ll be better next time. The leaves of the Best Immortal Tea Tree will be more abundant. I can brew it casually when the tree is full of dewdrops." Wang Xuan set off on his journey. Regardless of its effectiveness, he decided to first look for the red substance and prepare as usual for a hell-level ordeal. Unfortunately, all the efforts seemed futile. He was burning himself out even with the golden and silver beast skin scrolls. "I''m just wasting my time," he sighed. He knew the eleventh level was different and it wasn''t as easy to break throughpared to the previous levels. "I''ll try practicing some strange techniques, like the Golden Cicada Technique, the Ants Gazing Dragon scripture, the Butterfly Transformation Method" Wang Xuan practiced scriptures that could change the essence of life. This time, he absorbed strands of the red substance and practiced transformative methods. The effects were simply too hellish. He was almost driven to the brink of mental breakdown. "Does this red substance represent destruction? Combining it with scriptures representing rebirth is pure torture!" In the end, he ran back to the Pool of Life to recuperate as he was unable to bear it anymore. There, his skin cracked and he shedded the spiritualyer which strengthened his resolve. However, the so-called barrier, the shackle of the eleventh level remained unmoved. There was no sign of opening. "Keep practicing!" he eximed. And so, he practiced various scriptures and attempted sword techniques. The Tao Splitting Sword shed like thunder and lightning, and there were also vague traces of the Great Tao. It was performed to perfection. He was confident that hisbat power had improved, but he couldn''t break through the realm. He was still stuck at the tenth level. Afterwards, heprehended the scriptures and breakthrough paths seen in the ancient spaceship, and began to practice them. For example, he spent half a year practicing sword techniques in this ethereal realm. Finally, he transformed into a sword. His entire being turned into an indestructible divine sword that emitted the light of the spirit. With one strike, the silent expanse of this ce trembled. It was as if billions of sword lights were whizzing past and roaring! "What''s the problem?" pondered Wang Xuan. He felt more confident with the numerous scriptures he had mastered, but he still couldn''t break through this so-called realm barrier. He shuttled between the red substance and the Pool of Life, and was practicing various techniques. He practiced techniques from Ascendent Fist, to the true form of the Stone Tablet scriptures, and then to the martial arts recorded on the five pages of Zhang Daoling''s Golden Book. In the end, he even began practicing the Demon Cultivators Spirit Coffin Grand Technique and delved into the Demon n''s Reincarnation Art of the Heavenly Demon. Wang Xuan assimted the strengths of various ns and cultivated his own unique abilities. Sometimes he couldn''t help but sigh, "I''m truly too strong!" However, he still couldn''t enter the eleventh realm. He was still unable to break through that threshold. "They''re forcing me to go to the meteorite pit. If I don''t try to get closer to the origin of the truth and if I dont find another way, I may not be able to reach the eleventh level in the short term." he said to himself. Wang Xuan frowned, but he wasn''t disheartened. How long had he been practicing? It would seem abnormal if reaching the eleventh level were so easy. However, the ultimate destination was too dangerous. He was on the verge of death and was facing immense danger every time he went to touch the Devilish Immortal Flower. Wang Xuan set out on the road with the five old items, SSBALbo, despite the difficulties ahead. He had no choice. He had to go. It only took him six days to reach the meteorite pit from the Pool of Life. It was much shorter than before. Although it wasn''t his first time here, he was impressed every time he saw the huge meteorites lying across, as if it was severing two worlds. It resembled a gigantic volcano hanging in the sky, with the mouth of the volcano facing downwards, serving as the path. It was as if it was piercing through the heavens. "The ninth stage, I haven''t named it yet. When I first came here, I was trapped in an illusion, a big dream. Only then did I realize that everything was illusory." Wang Xuan named the ninth stage, Illusionary. "The tenth level signifies surpassing limits. The name of this small realm doesn''t need to be changed. Breaking Limit is a good name for it!" said Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan prepared names for each of his small realms in the mortal world. The first ten levels wereplete. They were named, Mist, Illumination, Life Soil, Herb Gathering, Path Setting, Disaster Transformation, External Sensation, Pioneer, Illusionary, Breaking Limit respectively. He entered the mine he dug and found the Cactus Heavenly Herb. It grew well here after being nourished by the purple substance. "Absorbing substances close to the truth for growth, there''s no doubt about it. It''s fattened up, time to taste it." Wang Xuan said with excitement. Wang Xuan noticed that the crystal-clear cactus now had a faint purple hue. It was slightly different from before, it had even more vitality. He used an iron awl to poke off a small piece of leaf flesh. He removed the thorns, and it melted as soon as it entered his mouth. It was very sweet and fragrant, with a strong surge of substance that was infinitely close to the truth. However, when these medicinal properties surged to the checkpoint of the eleventh level. They were scattered and shot out from Wang Xuan''s body. Wang Xuan was convinced that if the impact weren''t for this particr eleventh level, he could have directly elevated many levels if it were in other small realms! "It truly deserves to be at the forefront of mythology. It is considered a forbidden zone, and it was difficult to reach the end. Now it seems to be truly difficult. Even a small piece of Heavenly Herb leaf is ineffective!" Wang Xuan was convinced that it would certainly be effective if he were to ingest Heavenly Herb in higher realms. He will still be able to enhance his strength. However, faced with this special checkpoint, all kinds of medicinal properties and methods were blocked! "In any case, I''m going all out today. I must find a way to advance. It''s too dangerous outside. Crimson eyes lurk in the darkness, seeking to strip me of my flesh. I must be stronger to confront them!" In the end, Wang Xuan went to challenge that meteorite path. Along the way, he began practicing the mental method left by the severely mentally ill patient. He was almost hypnotizing himself. "In this world, there is only me. Everything, every nt and tree, is the scenery in my mind. The stars and gxies, the constetions, are all cells within me. Theyre all impurities and traces of life. Throughout history, everything is neither real nor unreal. I just took a nap. The eternal night is just me closing my eyes for a moment" he pondered. Wang Xuan wore a beast skin garment, wielded his banner, held his lid, and charged into that path of the mysterious meteorite pit. Like a streak of light, he tore through the extraordinary night sky. He was burning hot and suffocating. He felt like he was about to die. The red substance he touched was almost real. There were bright red, translucent and shining crystal-clear particles falling down. "Awaken, why haven''t you awakened yet? How long are you going to sleep in this eternal dream?" A voice shouted loudly, calling out to him and urging him to wake up. In a daze, Wang Xuan suddenly opened his eyes, and then he saw Fang Yuzhu beside him. Her fingers were glowing, and were touching his forehead. He also saw the demon lord Yan Yan, wiping his face! Chapter 429: The Live Action Version Has Arrived Chapter 429: The Live Action Version Has Arrived Wang Xuan opened his eyes and felt a touch of coolness on his forehead and face. The scorching pain brought by the red substance had been alleviated, and he looked at the two figures before him. "Here we go again. Do they really think I''ve lost my memory?" said Wang Xuan while he nced at the dreadful meteorite passage. Above the rock walls, the Demonic Flower was only a short distance away. It was not far at all. "Hurry up and get up," Demon Lord Yan Yan said. Her red gown was torn to shreds by the mes. Wang Xuan didn''t care at all. He pushed her away and even grabbed her delicate white wrist, intending to toss her aside. However, he was lifted up before he could throw her and an erged pristine white fist was about to strike his face. With a bang, Fang Yuzhu reached out and grabbed Demon Lord Yan Yan''s wrist, stopping the scene. The aftershock of the fist made Wang Xuan feel intense pain on his face. The fist seemed to carry unimaginable destructive power even without hitting its target. "It looks just like the real thing," said Wang Xuanhe, remaining calm. It wasn''t his first time in this ce. Did they really think illusions could deceive me? What a joke! Then, he calmly reached out and shook his hand in front of Demon Lord, saying, "Wake up, you''re just a puppet." The scene fell silent instantly. Demon Lord Yan Yan seemed somewhat surprised and incredulous. Then, Wang Xuan suddenly pinched her cheek when she was still in a daze. "Actually, this dream seems quite real. Demon Lord''s face is fair and translucent, it''s quite stic. I haven''t seen her perform her demon dance in reality. How about doing it here?" Wang Xuan said calmly. The passage fell into a deathly silence and there was no sound at all. Only terrifying red particles drifted down from above which caused him excruciating pain. "This kid is insane!" Not far away, someone finally spoke amid the crimson mist. It was Zhang Daoling. Wang Xuan nced at him and said, "Old Zhang, sorry about it. Your appearance rate is rtively high in the illusion, maybe because I often mention you in my thoughts." The scene turned eerie. Demon Lord''splexion shifted from fair to a trace of grimness. She raised her right hand instantly and was trying to p Wang Xuan. "He''s just waking up and still a bit groggy," Fang Yuzhu spoke, quickly interrupting her. Not far away, Qi Yi, the Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng, the Blood Emperor of the Abyss, and Zheng Yuantian, all appeared and had burn marks on them. They wore strange expressions and were all looking at Wang Xuan. "Huh, it''s exactly the same scene as when I leftst time. Who are they trying to fool?" said Wang Xuan. He didn''t find it funny at all. He thought the Demonic Flower was underestimating him and had actually continued thest dream he was having. Was this going to be a serialized drama? He was annoyed and said, "Can''t you be more professional and deceive me with real scenes?" He found that the Demonic Flower did pay attention to details. Even the environment hadn''t changed. It appeared exactly the same asst time, with the suspended meteorite blocks in identical positions. As for the states of those few individuals and other subtle details, they were all too urate and were overly realistic. Wang Xuan felt shaken for a moment. Could they be real people? He shook his head and said, It was impossible. He crushed the fruit of the best immortal tea tree in his mouth, then clinked the iron awl in his hand against the furnace lid. The crisp and realistic sounds that came from the clinking shocked him awake and he broke free from the dream. In fact, as the surrounding lights dissipated, his mind cleared and he really woke up. But why were those figures still there? They were all looking at him with strange gazes, their facial expressions were too urate. "He''s gone mad. Keeping him here is useless. Let''s kill him," Demon Ancestor Qi Yi said. Wang Xuan nced at him and said with a smile, "Old Qi, even your son with dissociative identity disorder has been subdued by me. Call me uncle." Even if it was an illusion, so what? He could chat a lot with anyone on a regr day, and he didn''t mind speaking up now. "Just kill him," Zheng Yuantian said while he was in his full body armor. Wang Xuan nced at him and said, "Old Zheng, are you trying to act cute here? Dont you know? You''re already dead!" Then, he felt it. The overwhelming force was like burning mountains and boiling seas. Zheng Yuantian didn''t hold back at all. He swung his palm straight towards him. The meteorite passage trembled violently, with rocks falling everywhere, and red substance pouring down. It seemed like this ce was on the brink of destruction. "Old Zheng, are you still so fierce even in death?!" said Wang Xuan with astonishment. His spirit would probably shatter if such power struck him. This didn''t feel right. He couldn''t help but lightly prick himself with the iron awl to keep his mind clear. Am I still having an illusion? But his other hand wasn''t idle either. Holding the furnace lid, it transformed into a shield asrge as a door and guarded him. He didn''t dare to strike out. He was worried that this illusion of the Demonic Flower was leading him astray. He was afraid that amidst all the falsehoods he might ultimately smash himself to death. What if the target was my own head? In passive defense, a loud bang resounded as Master Zheng struck the furnace lid. Strange runes burst out of it, and the entire passage echoed incessantly. "Damn it! Has Old Zheng turned into my inner demon to torment me in the illusion after his death. Hes still so ferocious!" eximed Wang Xuan, feeling incredulous. He felt something was off. How could it seem like a live action version, rather than a dream? Throughout this process, he attempted multiple times to wake himself up. He was trying to avoid being trapped in a deep dream. Although he could sense the falsehoods being cut away and the illusions being worn down, he still hadn''t reached enlightenment. However, those figures in the meteorite passage were indeed there. They looked very real, with unfriendly expressions. "Don''t stop me. He must be killed!" Zheng Yuantian said coldly. "Old Zheng, have you noticed the extraordinary nature of the lid in his hand? We also think there''s something fishy about it. Shall I take over?" Demon Ancestor spoke, with thick brows and eyes that emitted ck qi. Of course, his hair had been almost entirely burnt off by now. "Damn it, it''s like they''ve alle back to life and were acting so dramatically. Is this my own psychological illusion? But I''m not usually dramatic, nor do I like to think about these things," said Wang Xuan as he felt it was absurd. This experience was so bizarre it left him puzzling and frowning, as if he was facing a group of real patriarchs. He kept himselfposed, then looked at Zheng Yuantian again, saying, "Old Zheng, we haven''t had a chance to chat much, because you''re dead." As these words came out, Master Zhengs eyes suddenly turned icy and showed no intention of speaking to him. He only wanted to crush him straightaway! Wang Xuan continued saying, "I''m sorry. I was the one who killed you in the outside world. I haven''t even burned incense paper for you yet. Let me light two for you here. Hmm, to pay my respects. Overall, you died peacefully, without suffering." "Kid, you''re really insane!" said Hades Blood Patriarch. Even he couldn''t help but shake his head. Zheng Yuantian and Demon Ancestor Qi Yi approached him. One intended to kill him, and the other was eyeing the lid in his hand. Both were itching to make a move. Fang Yuzhu stepped forward and blocked their path alone by herself. She was facing them calmly. Her demeanor made the two powerful individuals hesitant to join forces against her. "Sister Yuzhu, it''s okay. It''s all an illusion. I''m just experiencing the impact of the Demonic Flower. I''m momentarily unable to break free. Instead of fighting them in the dream, it''s far better for us to have a chat. Wang Xuan grabbed Fang Yuzhu''s hand and urged her to step back. What''s the use of caring about illusions? It''s all about refining the heart. He wanted to confront the Demonic Flower head-on. The others around him were stunned as they heard him address Fang Yuzhu as sister without using her surname.They couldnt believe what they heard. Fang Yuzhu turned her head and pulled her hand back. She also showed a hint of surprise. Even Zhang Daoling sighed, "This kid is beyond help. Either he''s got hysteria or he''s genuinely gone insane." Bang! Wang Xuan was hit, not too heavily but not lightly either. His body flew sideways. It was Demon Lord Yan Yan Yan, who struck him. Her gaze grew increasingly hostile. At this moment, Wang Xuan had a feeling that these people really had spirituality, with the light of the spirit. It made him break out in a cold sweat. He shook the furnace lid repeatedly with the iron awl and the Godying Banner. Something was definitely amiss today. Why was it like this? "I don''t believe anyone cane here!" shouted Wang Xuan. He stared at the rough stone wall of the meteorite passage, where there used to be a hole. ording to thest dream, it led to a Spiritual Realm rted to the Dao Shielding Banner, but now it was blocked. Could someone really enter this ce from there? Wang Xuan absolutely didn''t believe it. "Awake!" He shouted loudly, repeatedly shaking the lid and exerting all his effort to activate the scripture of the severely mentally disordered patient. The more awake he became, the more he felt a sense of horror. Zhang Daoling, Fang Yuzhu, Demon Lord, and others were so vivid. They were hardly any different from the real living people. At the very least, they possessed genuine power of the spirit. They weren''t illusions no matter how you looked at it. He thought he had already awakened and was not dreaming anymore. Why did everything still look like this? Wang Xuan turned and walked away. Mainly because he couldn''t bear it any longer. The red substance burned him so badly as if he were about to transcend. It made him feel on the verge of copse. It seemed that those people couldn''t bear it either. They continuously bombarded the cliff wall. They were trying to reopen the passage to catch their breath. As he descended, Wang Xuan nced back and activated his spiritual eye. He was certain that those people indeed possessed the light of the spirit, they were not illusions. Goosebumps rose on his body. What was happening? They really came? It was inconceivable and inexplicable. Finally, he escaped from the passage and hid far away to clear his mind. Am I still in the illusion? It shouldn''t be! He hurried away, leaving that ce and returning to the Pool of Life. Sitting down, he plucked a tea fruit and bit into it without brewing it. It tasted bitter and had a hint of fragrance. "I should have left there. I''m not in the illusion anymore. If I were so deeply immersed in it, the Demonic Flower would have killed me long ago," Wang Xuan muttered. He hadpletely calmed down. He spread out his palm and held a piece of red cloth in it. It was a corner of the burnt red dress worn by Demon Lord Yan Yan. It was quietly taken by him without anyone noticing. "It''s not an illusion. I really saw them? Impossible!" Wang Xuan felt a bit flustered. He wasn''t calm at this moment. "Could it be that I never left the meteorite passage, and have only broken free now? And my recent experiences, killing Zheng Yuantian, Heng Jun''s tragic death, the mysterious figure trying to devour me, are they all fake?" said Wang Xuan while shivering. He felt poisoned, and was unable to distinguish between what was real and what was not. He cautiously buried the corner of the red dress at the edge of the pool. He decided to go back to the meteorite pit again. Otherwise, he couldn''t calm his restless heart and felt like he was going crazy. Meanwhile, in the outside world, a peerless figure spoke up, "Upon careful consideration, my light of the spirit is spreading, blurring, and transforming into illusion" "Something''s wrong. What is this situation? Could it be that the most terrifying event of the past is happening again?" said another person that was awakened by the rm. Chapter 430: Terrifying Thoughts Chapter 430: Terrifying Thoughts "Ptui!" Wang Xuan spat out all the tea fruits from his mouth. Where did this best immortal tea treee from if he hadn''t left the Ethereal Realm all this time and only woke up today? If recent events, such as killing Zheng Yuantian, being protected by two shadows on a rainy night, and the tragic death of Heng Jun due to the loss of the treasure, were all fake, then these tea fruits must be fake too? The people in the meteorite passage all had the light of the spirit. After he escaped from there and carefully confirmed it, he felt a chill in his heart and was a little confused. It was the first time he encountered such a thing, making him doubt life himself. Was the fabric of time and space twisted? He couldn''t distinguish between reality and illusion. Wang Xuan was unwilling to ept this. And then, he went again! Wang Xuan stood below the meteorite passage and looked up. After observing with his spiritual eyes for a long time, waiting for the safe moment, he used the two beast skins to protect himself and the Godying Banner to clear the way. He then soared into the sky. In his eyes, this meteorite passage was more difficult than crossing a chasm and more challenging than reaching the heavens. It could be a game-changer if he really rushed through! He couldn''t rest now and was feeling restless day and night. He felt as if a heavy and terrifying shadow loomed over his heart if he didn''t uncover the truth. The people weren''t in their original positions anymore. It seemed they had been hiding in the excavated passage for a long time and had recovered their spirits. They were now heading upwards but their progress was slow and arduous. They were also exploring, trying to cross the meteorite passage. But the distance they had to cover wasn''t very far, and they encountered immense pressure, even risking death. Their progress was sluggish. Currently, Wang Xuans own cultivation and strength were not as good as them. However, the SSBALbo was strong enough. Especially with the furnace lid being thest piece and a supreme treasure, he could withstand the pressure and gradually get closer to them when it was activated. "Illusions are appearing again. Stay awake. Go dance your demon dance elsewhere. This is a fake scene. Its impossible for Fang Yuzhu to have a pregnant belly. Disperse, you damn phantoms!" Wang Xuan said to himself calmly. He shook the lid and activated the banner. Instantly, the illusion was shattered by him. However, those people were still climbing above after the true scene had appeared. "I!" Wang Xuan really wanted to grab someone and see if he could kill them. Am I going crazy, or was the world where the meteorite passage was located sick? There were really people above, it doesn''t make sense at all! Atst, he couldn''t bear it anymore and turned against himself. He pierced his finger with the awl, and a wisp of spirit blood flowed out and blended with the lid. Wang Xuan did everything possible to merge with the supreme power of the Life Essence Furnace. He was trying his best to break through the illusion and see the truth. He thought that everything would be unclear if even his spiritual eyes were malfunctioning now. At this point, he was really at his wit''s end. "That little lunatic is back again. Well, well, he''s not dead after all," Demon Ancestor Qi Yi spoke while looking down below. Wang Xuan retorted, "Old Qi Yi, the mental illness in your family was passed down. Your son is also a mental illness patient outside!" He wasn''t particrly afraid of the Demon Ancestor, mainly because he wanted tomunicate and understand more. Today, his vision, his feelings, his spiritual cognition were almost being overturned. ng! The lid vibrated violently as he struck it, and the spirit blood fused with it. He connected the treasure with his flesh and blood. Looking up, he saw clearly that the lights of the spirits were all real. Wang Xuan was dumbfounded. Was he seeing things?! He didn''t believe that anyone coulde to his backyard, nor did he think that his recent experiences were fake. Did he kill Zheng Yuantian for nothing? Did he drink the first tea from the Immortal Tea Tree, or did he drink air? Was the ethereal figure just his imagination? But the treasure wouldn''t deceive him. This time he was sure he had broken free from the illusion, and everything he saw was real! "Can someone exin this to me?!" eximed Wang Xuan. He waspletely puzzled and had sunk into self-doubt. Am I losing my mind? He was unwilling to give up and went to look at the rough stone wall where there should have been a passage leading to a special spiritual world rted to the Dao Shielding Banner. "Huh?" He was surprised. The passage was gone without a trace, as if it had never existed. He activated the treasure with his spiritual insight. The spirit blood glowed and merged with the lid of the Life Essence Furnace. He was certain that there was indeed no passage there. But, those lights of spirits were clearly visible when he looked up. They indeed existed, which gave him a headache and was unable to resist rubbing his temples. Fang Yuzhu was very concerned about him. She transmitted her voice, asking, "What''s wrong with you? How did you get here? Did you get here by the Life Soil? It''s very dangerous here. If you can retreat, turn back now!" "Yuzhu, do you still remember Wang Xuan by the Reeds Lake?" Wang Xuan asked solemnly. He wanted to know how these lights of spirits came about, whether they corresponded to the peerless immortals in the mortal world. He wanted to know if they were real? "This kid is indeed crazy and foolish, hes talking nonsense. Anyway, he''s useless, why not leave him for me as a snack?" The Demon Ancestor with thick eyebrows and big eyes spoke. Fang Yuzhu''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if she was contemting something. "Sister Yuzhu, do you still remember cooking by yourself?" Wang Xuan asked again. He felt he wouldn''t be able to sleep in the future and he couldn''t juste here casually if he didn''t figure it out. "I have some impression, you like tomato scrambled eggs, green onions mixed with tofu" Fang Yuzhu whispered. Her beautiful face was slightly stunned and somewhat absent-minded. Above, the others were shocked on the spot and were in disarray. Was this true? Maiden Fang had personally cooked for that kid? However, Wang Xuan was horrified. Reminded by him, Fang Yuzhu actually remembered the people and events outside. Was she really a monster corresponding to the mortal world, or a real person? The treasure was vibrating from the beginning. It didn''t stop at all. He wanted to see the truth, even if he had to shed spirit blood again. The blood and the furnace fused until it was indistinguishable. "Sister, are you serious?" eximed Demon Lord Yan Yan. Her face was full of incredulity, then she red at Wang Xuan. With her charming demeanor that was slightly fierce, she added, "What nonsense are you talking about?!" "Yan Yan, do you remember when we explored the ancient spaceship in outer space together?" asked Wang Xuan. Just the two words Yan Yan made everyone show a different color, except for Fang Yuzhu. Others generally didn''t dare to address her so intimately. They normally called her Demon Lord. Demon Lord Yan Yan''s expression became even more unsightly, but before she could erupt, Wang Xuan added, "Did you forget when we soared together and faced the super sample organisms?" Demon Lord was clearly about to explode and had even raised her pure white hands up ready to strike. However, a trance came over her and made her somewhat bewildered. Then she muttered to herself, "Did I capture that blue-haired woman alive?" Wang Xuan was not joyful when he heard it. Instead, he felt chills. After his reminder, the other party could recall things outside. If this ce was close to reality and corresponded to the mythical world of material and gods outside. Were the creatures here real or fake? Wang Xuan was plunged into a state of frustration and perplexity. "Kid, what''s your situation, and what nonsense are you talking about?" Zhang Daoling spoke up. "Old Zhang, have you forgotten? That evening when Sister Yuzhu cooked personally, although you have a thick face, you were too embarrassed to join us for dinner in the end. You lingered outside the estate, deeply inhaled the fragrance of food, and silently left for An City," Wang Xuan continued. "Me!?" Zhang Daoling felt like hitting someone. Was Wang Xuan reminding him or embarrassing him? Could such a thing happen? But, upon a little recollection, it seemed to be true. Not only that, Wang Xuan added, "That night, Sister Yuzhu and I went to see a movie. You and the Hades Blood Patriarch were also there. Of course, I didn''t notice it, but Sister Yuzhu did. You and the Hades Blood Patriarch almost bought a couple seats and sat together." "Stop it!" Zhang Daoling roared with a soundparable to the roar of a lion from the East River with two thousand years of power. It made everyone''s ears buzz. Zhang Daoling couldn''t bear it anymore. Upon a little recollection, he surprisingly recalled some memories of it! At this moment, even the Hades Blood Patriarch was confused. Couple seats? Ridiculous! "Later, you and the Hades Blood Patriarch were eating skewers and drinking beer on the street" Wang Xuan continued. This scene was too down-to-earth, it made everyone present feel eerie. As the Hades Blood Patriarch thought about couple seats and eating skewers on the street. He found that everything was vividly connected and he had some memory of it. Not only that, he also remembered that night when Huang Ming and Kong Yun talked to him and Zhang Daoling about their shares in the Immortal Tea House. Zheng Yuantian spoke indifferently, "Don''t listen to his deceitful words, it''s all fake. How could he possiblye here? It''s all an illusion created by that demonic flower. Didn''t we recently encounter troubles caused by it? Just kill him, and all the fog will dissipate!" "Zheng Yuantian, in the spiritual world of outer space, weren''t you severely injured by Sister Yuzhu and almost killed by her? After that you were killed by me. Don''t you remember?" Wang Xuan interjected. "I" Zheng Yuantian was stunned. He then became furious and embarrassed as he actually recalled some memories of it. "I personally killed you!" Wang Xuan didn''t borate further because it involved the secret of his entry into the Immortal Realm. The situation here was too bizarre, and he wasn''t sure if these people, these strange lights of spirits, would leak secrets. At this moment, he was doubting the origin of these people! "I died?!" Zheng Yuantian was lost in thought. He recalled many things and he was suddenly unable to contain his anger. He red at Wang Xuan, and was erupting with endless killing intent. He was ready to attack! However, in the bewildered and puzzled gazes of everyone, Zheng Yuantian disintegrated into pieces. He crumbled instantly. The lights of his spirit fragmented and rapidly dissipated. This scene shocked everyone. Zheng Yuantian had died with just a single sentence from Wang Xuan. He died silently without a trace and disappeared into nothingness! "You are the Demonic Flower. You first misled us with illusions, and now you''re actually killing people?" The Demon Ancestor Qi Yi spoke with a cold voice. He couldn''t maintain his calm anymore. This matter was too terrifying. A single word could kill a peerless expert! Others also felt incredulous and were greatly astonished. They sensed that something was amiss. And at this moment, another unexpected event urred! "Yes, Zheng Yuantian is dead" a faint shadow appeared behind the dissipating figure, amidst the flying ashes. It then became vague and turned silvery-white. The shadow was covered in a silver robe that exuded a gloomy atmosphere. He muttered to himself, "I, who had perished at the end of the great veil, can be revived only when he''s dead." Faking Death? Peerless experts didn''t believe in such nonsense. Corpse transformation, or nonsense about seeing ghosts, was all because their strength was insufficient that they believed in such things. However, it was indeed too bizarre at this moment. Zheng Yuantian was killed by Wang Xuan with a single word, yet a more mysterious creature emerged from his spirits ashes! Wang Xuan was dumbfounded. All sorts of strange events urred today. "The creator of the Demonic Embryo Technique?" Fang Yuzhu spoke up. She remained calm and showed no fear of this person. In the depths of the universe, inside the ancient spaceship, the enchanting cheeks of Demon Lord Yan Yan carried a coldness as she said, "My spirit light has spread far away, beyond my control. Everything has be blurry, its simr to the major cmities in history. Is it turning reality into illusion, and illusion into reality?" She lowered her head and noticed her burnt and damaged dress. She realized that something was wrong, and sneered, "Ha!" "It is indeed so. I am also experiencing it. Who could it be? What exactly has been done? My spirit light has dimmed as well. I am turning into an illusion." Zhang Daoling spoke solemnly. The four great experts were piloting the ancient spaceship into the depths of the vast starry sea, and were nearing the location of the extraterrestrial civilization. However, they felt a horrifying and strange change within themselves today. The Hades Blood Patriarch spoke with an extremely grave expression, "Back then, during the Catastrophe of Reality and Illusion, someone tried to turn the eternal night of transcendent existence into eternal brilliance. The person overturned reality and illusion, and it resulted in a major incident!" Seriousness was written all over Fang Yuzhu''s fair and captivating face as she said, "It seems that under the eternal night, the fragments of legends left behind are not entirely unbelievable. Some things are indeed true. The treasure of that era, the Celestial Mirror, was the protagonist, and it was destroyed in that major event." Wang Xuan couldn''t find peace in his heart. Today, he couldn''t get definite answers and found more and more questions arising. What was the situation with those people? Was it because they were close to the truth? Were there creatures corresponding to the outside world, or was there another reason? He had prepared to leave first and did not really follow them. However, he asked for their clothing, even strands of their spirit as he intended to take them away for verification. "Sister Yuzhu" said Wang Xuan. Hearing this, Fang Yuzhu cut off a corner of her burnt white robe and handed it to him. "Old Zhang, you should also give me a piece of your sleeve, and it''s best to give me a few strands of your hair," Wang Xuan said. "Who knows what kind of monster you are. Could you really be the Demonic Flower, trying to analyze me?" Zhang Daoling stared at him. In the end, Wang Xuan ran away without looking back. He wanted to return to the real world to clear his mind and confirm whether what he experienced was real or an illusion. Until now, he still felt uneasy and found everything hard to believe. Wang Xuan returned and entered the Life Soil. He merged his spirit with his body. Then he saw the torn piece of skirt he had brought out, one white and one red, with severe burn marks. "Old Chen, why did you faint? No, you actually fell asleep. What''s wrong with you?" Wang Xuan noticed that Old Chen, who had been protecting him, was groggy. It took several shakes before he gradually woke up. Chen Yongjie felt baffled. How could he have fallen asleep? Was he so unreliable? It was simply uneptable! Then, he quickly came to his senses and stared at the torn fragment of skirt in Wang Xuan''s hand, saying, "The aura is very familiar. Why are you so violent, tearing it apart?" Wang Xuan''s heart was extremely heavy as he was still in a terrifying atmosphere. But now, he instantly broke free from that mood and felt like hitting him! Chapter 431: Self-Verification Has Failed Chapter 431: Self-Verification Has Failed "Youth is truly wonderful!" Chen Yongjie eximed sincerely, then added, "Can you handle both?" Wang Xuan had originally wanted to teach him a lesson, but now he was even more unable to resist. What was this old man with a young mans short hair thinking about? Chen Yongjie kindly reminded him not to y with fire, saying, "Youth is great, but moderation is key." Wang Xuan''s palm glowed as he pressed down. Although he really wanted to punch him, he hesitated. "A rare treasure, a divine garment of unparalleled quality? No wonder it feels familiar. Isn''t this the clothing of Maiden Fang and Demon Lord? What did you do?!" Chen Yongjie widened his eyes. "I''ve juste out of seclusion and haven''t gone far. What are you thinking? Or should I take a look at you first, to see if youre real or fake?" Wang Xuan felt that he had been through a lot and returned with suspicions. Soon, he was certain that he hade back to the real world, not the Ethereal Realm. But he became absent-minded again while holding the two burnt edges of the garment. This time he had really brought something back. The physical objects were right in front of him. It triggered various thoughts in his mind and made him more and more confused and overwhelmed. After a moment, he looked up and saw Chen Yongjie staring at him with an odd expression, ncing at the torn piece of skirt in his hand. "I need some time to think things through," Wang Xuan said. He felt the need to seriously consider this matter. Were there really other people in the Meteorite Passage? "I also need some quiet time." said Chen Yongjie and went to sit on the other side. The quiet room was spacious enough. "Do we have surveince? Can we check my condition during seclusion?" Wang Xuan asked. He did not expect Old Chen to remember anything, given that he had actually fallen asleep! Chen Yongjie felt embarrassed. He had never been so unprofessional. He had actually be sleepy while acting as a guardian. He replied sinctly, "Yes." The two quickly essed the surveince footage, but it seemed to have been affected by some transcendent material, causing the sophisticated equipment to malfunction. After calling Qing Mu for help, they attempted to restore it and eventually discovered that some of the previously recorded footage was still intact. "Wow!" eximed Chen Yongjie with astonishment. Was there really something going on here? In the surveince footage, it hadn''t been long before Wang Xuan''s physical body emitted light. Ripples then spread out and enveloped him, creating a hazy aura. Later, Chen Yongjie''s eyelids drooped rapidly, and he fell asleep with his head tilted back, as if he was hypnotized. What was even more bizarre was that Wang Xuan who was within the halo became blurred, and then, it seemed like he was about to disappear. His body became barely visible. Moreover, during this process, Chen Yongjie who was also in the quiet room became unreal. He gradually became more and more elusive, as if he was about to vanish. Until the end, it seemed like the surveince equipment had malfunctioned. At thest moment before the screen went ck, they bothhad almostpletely disappeared. Was this some kind of ghostly phenomenon? Chen Yongjie could hardly believe it. He reyed the eerie footage over and over again. In the end, he vanished from the screen. "I mean, Little Wang, Lord Wang, Master Wang, what on earth did you do? I was just guarding you, and I almost got wiped out?" asked Old Chen as he felt a sense of horror. In the footage, he transitioned from real to nothingness and watched himself gradually blur away as if he had been swallowed by an endless void. He could sense a great danger just by watching the surveince footage. It was sending shivers down his spine. What kind of terrifying situation was this? "You guys that were sitting in the quiet room were gone!" Qing Mu chimed in, feeling it was surreal. At first, he wanted tough but he found it terrifying upon further thought. Wang Xuan''s expression didn''t look good. He was furrowing his brows. He was just in his seclusion, and now he had disappeared along with the people around him. He shuddered just by thinking about it. Reflecting on it, he hadn''t done anything out of line this time. So why did this happen? "The Meteorite Passage is even more terrifying than I thought. Could it be that I severely underestimated the Demonic Flower?" He nced at Old Chen and Qing Mu, who seemed perfectly real and had nothing to do with the illusion. But still, he took out the furnace lid and muttered to himself, "This seclusion is simply driving me crazy. Could my so-called return to the real world still be in the illusion?" Then, he released the blood of his physical body and the blood of his spirit as he intended topletely merge with the lid. He was unable to distinguish between reality and illusion anymore. The master and disciple did notugh at him. Instead, their expressions became extremely solemn. What kind of experience could push a confident young man to this extent? "It''s real, not an illusion. I''vee back. But what happened to this world? Why do I feel uneasy and uncertain?" Wang Xuan muttered to himself. He stood up, then walked outside to gaze at the profound night sky and the distant mountain shadows. He had a feeling that things seemed unfinished. Even though he had returned to reality and Chen Yongjie was safe, there was still something lingering. But deep down, he felt like a voice was reminding him, echoing, that everything was just beginning. It was far from over. "I feel like this world is a bit different than before," said Wang Xuan. In the night breeze, a fragrance wafted from the flower garden and made Wang Xuan slightly rx his mind. He turned to look at the city lights in the distance. His heart felt heavy. In the past, the worst thing about failing to breakthrough was just failing, but this time, there were various issues of reality and illusion. One misstep could make him and those around him disappear. He looked down at the pond in the flower garden. The moons and his reflection were both very lifelike. Suddenly, the fountain erupted with a ssh. The water sshed everywhere, and had obscured his reflection and the moons. At that moment, Wang Xuan gasped and his pupils contracted. Triggered by this scene, his heart pounded incessantly, and he had some unsettling thoughts in an instant. "Is it like this pond and its reflection? I got closer to the truth when I went to the Ethereal Realm. Could there really be two worlds? Each at one end of the Meteorite Passage." Following this line of thought, various ideas emerged in his mind. "That passage seems like a critical juncture. I''m like an observer there, who discovers and watches reality, and the other end of the passage corresponds to each other. Just like reality and reflection. Suddenly, an external force disrupts the tranquility and breaks the bnce, which causes the reflections to disappear at that moment." Wang Xuan said to himself. Chen Yongjie was a bit puzzled and uneasy. It was like he somewhat understood it, but notpletely. "ording to this theory, is reality actually just an illusion? Like the moon in the water, the reflection in the pond?" said Wang Xuan. He couldn''t ept this spection. He felt it was absurd, as if he had proved himself to be false by bing a part of the illusion. This conclusion was too unreal. "If I were a shadow, how could I contemte?" he whispered while feeling slightly reassured. "Powerful creatures with their mythical radiation and projections, seem to be capable of thought," Chen Yongjie remarked. Although he wasn''t sure what exactly he was pondering, he said it anyway. Wang Xuan immediately felt stiff and sighed, "You''re just twisting the knife in the wound." Looking grim, he gazed at the night sky and then at the brightly lit cityscape. How did Ie to doubting myself, questioning life, and feeling like the whole world was unreal in the end? "I drew a circle for myself, then proved some things within that circle, which inherently created limitations. I should break out of it in order to broaden my perspective," Wang Xuan reasoned. He believed that the factor of the Demonic Flower was a big problem. Furthermore, people like Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and Yan Yan had the real presence of their spirit lights despite being absent, slightly contradicted with his earlier spection within the circle. "Is it because of the illusionst time, where we were frozen by the Demonic Flower? Was it recorded by it? And in this event of reality and illusion, were the false figures of those people manipted by some mysterious force? But how strong must this inexplicable force be to attract part of the spirits'' lights?" pondered Wang Xuan as he was overwhelmed. If that power came from the Demonic Flower, then its energy far exceeded his imagination. But this could also be understood as it existed between the realm of reality and nothingness. It had endured the impact of terrifying red substances for so many years without being affected. It became even more radiant and sacred, which in itself indicated a problem. It should be noted that even the divine lights of peerless experts couldn''t withstand the violent impact of the red substances in the passage. "I think there are other factors. I''ve been there before, but I''ve never encountered such a thing. What changed this time?" pondered Wang Xuan. He considered various possibilities and his expression was changing constantly. If there really was a so-called origin of truth, then was reality false and just a reflection? And was there a real him in that origin of truth? However, the origin of truth was gushing with terrifying red energy that was capable of burning even immortals. That kind of ce must be real, with living beings, right? "Not necessarily. It might be deste and lifeless instead!" Wang Xuan said to himself. He felt like he was really going crazy. He had too many thoughts and ideas. He made various assumptions to specte about the origin of truth, and amidst his wild thoughts, there was a pessimistic possibility. Has the origin of truth been destroyed? Otherwise, why will it spew destructive substances? "For example, there were living beings and real creatures there countless ages ago, but they all perished. Maybe they fled and their shadows radiated and reached over here." pondered Wang Xuan, he then continued, "No, I need to focus. Overthinking isn''t good. It''ll be endless, and all sorts of possibilities will arise." But he couldn''t control himself and couldn''t help but think more. Suddenly, many more thoughts surfaced. "What is illusion, what is reality. Although I''m just an ordinary person, what my mother saidst time makes some sense. Reality is right here, in this world, the most worthy of cherishing," Wang Xuan mumbled to himself. Deep in the universe, within the ancient spaceship, Demon Lord Yan Yan looked at her tattered red dress. It was burnt beyond recognition, but finally, the burning stopped and it began to slowly regenerate. However, in the end, her dress stillcked a corner, which looked awkward no matter how you looked at it. "Although it was burned badly just now, like it was decaying, it also looks like someone took advantage and tore it apart," Zhang Daoling spoke up. Demon Lord Yan Yan''s expression turned unfriendly at once. "Little Zhang, are you looking for trouble? You think you''re strong and capable of subduing demons right? Come, let''s have a duel!" "The part of the spirit''s light that spread out and disappeared has returned. But why does it not have any memory, not knowing where it went?" The Hades Blood Patriarch spoke. Fang Yuzhu frowned slightly. "This matter isn''t over yet. I feel like there will be some kind of factor. Our spirit''s light might still prate into the distance, turning real into unreal. What''s even more terrifying is, will our entire being be affected by this?" "Hey, sister, why is a corner of your snow-white long dress missing?" asked Demon Lord Yan Yan. She had noticed the situation of the female practitioner. "Don''t worry about the details," replied Fang Yuzhu as she diverted her gaze, not wanting her to specte further. She then continued, "The supreme treasures haven''t gathered, and the Celestial Mirror has long been broken. Why are there signs of the great disaster reappearing?" The Hades Blood Patriarch sighed. "In the past era, it was extremely glorious. Some individuals were so remarkable that I wanted to worship them after hearing about them. Before their transcendent was extinguished, they had discovered something that was close to the truth. They wanted to turn the mythical world into reality and fully manifest it on the other side, but unfortunately, it was too terrifying, and the Celestial Mirror exploded because of it! "I have some suspicions and spections personally, but I need to find certain elements first" Zhang Daoling spoke while rubbing his broken mirror with his hand. "Is there a small piece of Celestial Mirror hidden in your broken mirror?" asked Demon Lord Yan Yan while she nced at him. She then lowered her head again, looking at the corner of the dress that seemed to have been torn by someone. Her eyes then shed with anger and added, "Don''t let me find out who did it!" In the present world, Wang Xuan muttered to himself, "I have too many thoughts, but my understanding of mythological history is not detailed enough, and my knowledge of the lost civilization is limited. It would be great if Old Zhang, Demon Lord, and Fang Yuzhu were here. I could ask them." He looked at Chen Yongjie and asked, "Can we still contact them? "We can asionally get in touch, but the time span is an issue. Sometimes it''s half a day, sometimes several days. The main thing is that they''re flying farther and farther away. It''s impossible to contact them all the time even though they''re on a super mothership," said Chen Yongjie, shaking his head. However, he clicked his tongue twice and still took pictures of the two pieces of dress corners, saying, "Let Qing Mu send them and exin the situation here." Wang Xuan thought for a moment and said, "Wait a minute, let''s not send the dress corners. Just briefly mention it. My eyelids are twitching. I feel like something will happen if we send them" "I''ve already sent them out." Not far away, in the small spacecraft, Qing Mu quicklypleted the operation and said, "I don''t know when they''ll be able to receive it." "Old Qing!" shouted Wang Xuan. His eyelids really started twitching. He really wanted to ask him why he acted so fast. Chapter 432: Her State Of Mind Has Exploded Chapter 432: Her State Of Mind Has Exploded Wang Xuan suspected that he would be attacked once the ancient spaceship in the universe that received this information and images returned. He had a feeling that he might be walking into a trap. He decided to forget it and not dwell on it anymore. There was no need to worry about things that hadn''t happened yet. "What is the state of the spirit''s light when they enter the passage?" He pondered. He should conduct some experiments. Should I bring an enemy along to test it out? He believed that it would be too risky to bring hispanions along, but bringing enemies wouldn''t matter. He could easily dispose of them without any psychological burden. He knew he had to go back in the Ethereal Realm and the meteorite passage. First, he hadn''t been able to break through the barrier and he needed to enhance his strength. Second, he felt that this matter was far from over. "I always thought it was my backyard. How could unpredictable and terrifying events ur here?" Of course, Wang Xuan didn''t rush in immediately. He wanted to take a break, calm his mind, and also look for an enemy to take along. Over the next two days, Wang Xuan spent a lot of time in Huang Ming''s tea house. He was eagerly seeking a formidable transcendent opponent in the. Unfortunately, he didn''t encounter anyone. There was not even a single opponent. Since the appearance of the New Covenant, all parties had shown great restraint, and there were rarely any troublemakers in the Old World. Especially after Zheng Yuantian died and Heng Jun perished, chaos ensued, and the adversaries who had opposed Wang Xuan earlier had all disappeared without a trace. "The Old World and the New World are surprisingly peaceful. There are no transcendent beings causing havoc?" Wang Xuan sighed. "The martial world isn''t just about fighting and killing. It''s already the modern era. Mythical beings are very particr. Why cause trouble when you know it''s futile? In a few months, everyone will start from scratch. We''ll all be ordinary mortals. It''s just crass if we don''t seize the future properly and instead engage in fighting." said Zhou Qinghuang who was a regr at the tea house. Although she knew that Wang Xuan could handle even the White Tiger Maiden, she didn''t show excessive deference and remained natural. This actually made Wang Xuan feel more rxed. He wouldn''t feelfortable if he made some people fear him due to him being more powerful than before. It wasnt necessary either. "Yeah, now the transcendent beings are all seeking their own paths and are busy with business," Cao Qingyu sighed. The enmity he once held against Wang Xuan was long gone. Wang Xuan nodded and felt somewhat distracted. This group of people adapted quickly. He began to reflect on himself. If he couldn''t continue on the path of the new mythology and returned to being ordinary seven or eight monthster, where would he go from there? Although he had always been confident, thinking that he could make it and carve out a path to preserve the me of his transcendent at the very least. But he became somewhat shaken after experiencing a journey where reality and illusion were indistinguishable. There were major issues with that path, to the point where he even doubted whether people in ancient times had ventured there and failed in the end. Was the demonic flower naturally rooted there? "In fact, I always thought that ce was inside my body and was rted to my flesh and blood. I thought that reality corresponds to the existence of the real world. But now, it seems that there are various possibilities and there might actually exist a vast and unknown world." He set aside these thoughts. Overthinking now was useless. He had to find a way to solve the problem, even if it meant traversing the meteorite passage and seeing the truth! Wang Xuan found out that there were truly no enemies left in the Old World. He muttered to himself, "Am I invincible now?" At this stage, even Qilian Dao was not acting crazy anymore. He behaved properly and politely when he saw Wang Xuan. Although he didn''t call him uncle as he was the son of the Demon Ancestors after all. He realized that the real enemies were now at the Peerless-level. It was fine if they didn''t appear but once they did, it would be a matter of life and death for him. "If I take the mysterious shadow of the transcendent realm to the void, he''ll kill me in minutes. I can''t handle him for now." muttered Wang Xuan to himself. "Why are you looking for enemies?" Huang Ming asked him when he personally delivered him the finest immortal tea. "I have some doubts on my path of cultivation and want to verify it," Wang Xuan replied absentmindedly. "Ohh, damn!" Everyone present understood immediately. He was trying to get someone killed. No wonder he was seeking out enemies. The consequences wouldn''t be good if hes caught. That day, this news spread out. The news of Wang Xuan searching all over the world for test subjects to confirm his path of transcendence. "Everyone, don''t provoke him, or you''ll definitely be killed by him!" someone said. In just one day, both the New World and the Old World knew about it. Many transcendent individuals who weren''t particrly well-behaved suddenly became kind-hearted and charitable. Even some transcendent individuals ran off to do volunteer work as they felt variously anxious and uneasy because their past records weren''t very glorious. They were close to crossing the line so they were now extremely fearful. Nowadays, who didn''t know how formidable Wang the Madman was, and how ruthless he could be? He even killed transcendent disciples without hesitation. Even someone as renowned as Gu Mingxi, a maiden in the Immortal Realm, wasn''t spared. He left several bloody holes in her. In the end, Wang Xuan still had some gains. Demon Four arrived and brought him two people. He clearly informed him that they were his enemies. "They''re both disciples of Zheng Yuantian and had sworn to find an opportunity to kill you. I had them brought out of the Immortal Realm through connections," Demon Four said. Wang Xuan was speechless. Giving gifts to enemies? And they were enemies arranged toe out from behind the great veil through connections? He didn''t know what to say. "All right, thank you," he said, not wanting to exin to Demon Four. He thought of him as the spiritual coffin of the Demon Emperor, so he let him continue to misunderstand. That evening, Wang Xuan set off again. He had Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu arrange various monitoring devices. They cautiously ced it both near and far. This time, Old Chen didn''t dare to be present at the scene as he was afraid of being worn out by him. There would be nowhere to cry if that happened, especially since he was going to be a father in a few months. It''s better to be safe! At night, after neatly dealing with the two enemies, Wang Xuan took their half-dead spirits into the Life Soil and set off again. "Look, he''s glowing, and now he''s fading away. Hes about to disappear again!" shouted Old Chen. Not only were there various monitoring devices, but Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu were also watching from a distance. Seeing this scene, they found it absurd and bewildering. "Is he going to exhaust himself? Look, he''s being swallowed by the void and hes really disappearing!" eximed Qing Mu. A big living person evaporated like that on the spot and disappeared without a trace. It was extremely eerie, making Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu extremely worried. They were afraid that he might nevere back. "I thought I heard chanting just now. It was faintly discernible, but it disappeared in an instant," Chen Yongjie said while he was half-dazed but he was afraid it might be an illusion. As for Qing Mu, he waspletely unaware. In the depths of the universe, inside the ancient spaceship, the enchanting face of Demon Lord Yan Yan froze as she felt that strange sensation again. Her spirit light had spread out, dimmed and a portion had dissipated. Her red gown seemed to have encountered a terrible fire again. "This time you dared to pull my skirt" said the Demon Lord. She couldn''t even bring herself to say the word skirt. Blushing with embarrassment, she continued, "You''re finished!" "He''sing, he''s reallying!" The Hades Blood Patriarch was speechless, feeling incredulous. Who was this? Wanting to turn him into nothingness again and again. Old Zhang looked utterly despondent. He wanted to break the seal of the broken bronze mirror, but he restrained himself in the end. There was no need to hurry. Light radiated all over Fang Yuzhus body and ripples enveloped her as she sat down to ponder silently. In the Immortal Realm, a figure covered in a silver robe stood gloomily atop the clouds. He spoke in a voice devoid of any emotion. "There were once people who wanted to overturn reality and illusion, to let the depleted illusionary myths merge into the real world. They were hoping for the dawn of the transcendent eternal night. They wanted to turn it into an eternal day. Unfortunately, they failed miserably. Now there are still people daring to venture into this realm, turning illusion into reality, and reality into illusion." Wang Xuan''s experimental results were very unsatisfactory. After bringing people in and observing various phenomena, he didn''t see any changes or differences in the Life Soil. He experimented in every possible way and found that these two individuals were truly useless. One died in the red mist shortly after entering, and the other was burned alive as soon as they entered the meteorite pit. Wang Xuan began to return shortly after. He returned with basically no gains except for bringing back another fragment of a burnt red gown. His physical form appeared hazy, then clear, and then it appeared in ce. Both Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu breathed a sigh of relief as nothing unexpected happened. "You brought back another fragment of a burnt gown?" said Chen Yongjie while he looked at him strangely. Where did he go? Did he meet the Demon Lord? How was he able to do such a thing ande back alive? Qing Mu was also speechless with his eyes widened. Wang Xuan said, "What are you two thinking? I just wanted to see if I could bring back some items to the real world this time. I was just seeking confirmation and answers. I''m testing a certain hypothesis!" "Okay, don''t exin!" replied Old Chen. That day, deep in the universe, the nearly burned red gown began to recover as the spiritual light of Demon Lord and others returned. Then Demon Lord Yan Yan''s state of mind exploded as another piece of her gown was missing! "Demon Lord, your skirt is torn!" Zhang Daoling reminded her straightaway. "Let''s go out, we must have a fight. I must suppress you!" Demon Lord Yan Yan targeted him. She wanted to vent her anger on Old Zhang. Today, she couldn''t bear it anymore but she couldn''t find an enemy. This was unprecedented and simply unbearable. "I don''t want to fight." Zhang Daoling directly refused, then said, "I have some spections about this matter. Let me tell you about it." Fang Yuzhu immediately looked at the mirror in his hand, and the Hades Blood Patriarch also became interested. "It''s rted to the Celestial Mirror. Do you know what that treasure is based on? A scripture, a special scripture. I suspect that someone has been practicing this scripture in a mysterious ce recently. Combined with other special elements, it had caused the signs of a great disaster to appear." The mechanical bird pped its wings and flew over, saying, "Great Hades Blood Patriarch, graceful Maiden Fang, wise and valiant Elder Zhang, and charming Miss Yan Yan, the mothership has received an encrypted message just now." "Analyze it," the Hades Blood Patriarch said. He felt very satisfied as its master. "Oh, my goodness, there''s pictures that show the evidence. The case is solved, your troubles are over!" The mechanical bird exaggeratedly eximed as he boasted there. In the Old World, Wang Xuan meditated at night. He was letting both his body and mind be in the most clear state. He was beginning to seriously contemte this matter. Until now, he hadn''t fully figured it out yet. Old Chen said, "Unfortunately, that ancient spaceship is deep in space. Its too far away. It will probably take a few days before we receive any news." "I hope they can rify things for me." Wang Xuan nodded, then continued his meditation again. His mind was ethereal as he studied the issue of reality and illusion. "The vast universe corrects itself, the copse of the transcendent world corresponds to illusory. The reappearance of myths and the continuation of existence, corresponds to reality. Everything transitions between reality and illusion." Wang Xuan pondered. He was gaining new insights. "In the great veil, illusion stands for reality, while the immortal bones left in the mortal world represent truth. Illusion has once reced reality and has avoided the Heavenly Five Decay Disease" His thoughts continued to multiply. "The Life Soil cannot be found in the human body so it is illusory, but myths begin from the void of the Life Soil. Is it destined to be nothing but an illusion? The real world is true" Suddenly, Wang Xuan felt something. In this clear state of mind, he could sense the malice outside the endless void, just as he had felt before. "Hmm, he''s back again!" eximed Wang Xuan. He noticed that another pair of crimson eyes had opened in the remote distance. It was peering at him with coldness, greed, and possessiveness. It sent chills down his spine. At the same time, in another direction, a divine light appeared, and the shadow of a man and a woman were chanting scriptures. "Can you protect him for a moment, or for a lifetime?" The crimson eyes spoke in the endless void. Wang Xuan actually heard this malicious voice in his clear state of mind! "Heh, you can''t find me. Right now, I''m in space and Im constantly changing my position. Don''t give me a chance in the future or I will devour both of you!" said the crimson eyes. The blinking of the crimson eyes were extremely ufortable, and the words spoken were chilling and cruel. From there, blood-dripping chains extended, and it was approaching Wang Xuan. Soon after, in the great veil, a golden figure appeared in the darkness. It also peered at Wang Xuan with cold and intimidating eyes. Wang Xuan then sensed a new situation, where two mysterious figures were eyeing him! "Is the stubborn curse a shackle and cage woven by the light of the spirit? Can I, with my current special state, turn their spirit lights into nothingness and kill them in the meteorite passage. Can I target them specifically?" pondered Wang Xuan as he was eager to try. These two mysterious creatures were too audacious! Chapter 433: The Giant Dragon And Tiny Ant Chapter 433: The Giant Dragon And Tiny Ant Wang Xuan sat quietlyte at night. He was perceiving things beyond the grasp of ordinary individuals and even unreachable for other transcendents. He gazed into the void. At the far end of the boundless darkness, those crimson eyes remained and never departed. As for the voice, it had asionally resounded. "You obstruct my path, but you are also obstructing the birth of the new myth. Everything I do is not just for myself but to forge a new era." In the mist, the crimson eyes appeared mysterious and ruthless. Their voices were indifferent and merciless. In the distance, within that sphere of divine light. The two figures continued their chanting while asionally severing the bloodied chains to prevent them from approaching Wang Xuan. These scenes were only perceivable by Wang Xuan when his mind was clearest. Others, including Chen Yongjie nearby, couldn''t see or hear them. It was as if two separate worlds existed even for transcendents. Only by breaking through their limitations and possessing a spiritual eye could one discern such distinctions. "He has no chance. Only I can save the old mythological world and prolong its existence. Only I can reshape the cosmos and open up new domains of transcendence. Those who obstruct me are the sinners of this era!" voiced the crimson eyes. In the mist, the crimson eyes constantly shifted position. Although his physical location was distant, he could mystically intervene in the present with his malevolent words and mental light. This was a realm beyond the ordinary, he retained such power even amidst the ebbing tide of the transcendent and the rapid decay of myth. This was also why he was so confident. "If you truly seek to pioneer, then proceed steadfastly. Why seize the bodies of others and transform into the very Evil Dragon you once abhorred?" said one of the figures in the divine light. "Are you paving the way or plundering? Even if you achieve your own goals, it may not alter the inevitable arrival of the apocalypse of myth." said the other figure. In the depths of darkness, the two figures within the light spoke in session. "If I can''t do it, then no one can enter that domain and lead the emergence of the new myth. I am the only hope!" The mysterious shadow spoke. From warrior to Evil Dragon, he had experienced many things. He fixed his gaze on Wang Xuan and said, "Hes so weak. What can he aplish in this era? Protecting him is worthless. What do you expect from a newly sprouted seedling like him? It''s meaningless. He is useless now! In the twilight of the transcendent era, he hasn''t even begun his journey. He no longer has the qualifications or foundation to save the transcendent world!" The ethereal shadow, the hidden dragon lurking in the mist, repeatedly urged those two individuals to step aside and not hinder his progress. As for the golden figure from the Immortal Realm, it remained silent. Only its golden pupils gazed from the darkest depths. It was exerting its mental power to restrain Wang Xuan. This was a silent yet extremely terrifying individual! "After all I''ve said, are you still going to seize the body of a weakling? Is this your path? Furthermore, someone has already attempted what you intend to aplish. Even the invaluable Celestial Mirror was shattered. It won''t work." said one of the figures in the divine light. "If you truly have the power to revive the new myth and reshape the cosmos, sacrificing him is insignificant. If necessary, both of us can sacrifice our lives." In the darkness, the two shadows within the divine light spoke. Wang Xuan felt heavy in his heart. He hadn''t made any mistakes or wronged anyone, yet he was targeted simply because his body was suitable. "Is it a fault to not be strong enough?" pondered Wang Xuan. He sat in silence and stared into the void. He felt a chill both physically and mentally. During the transition of the transcendent era, some individuals could be shattered by the waves at any moment, and yet they remained oblivious to their fate. Under the tidal wave of the great era, the so-called weaklings like him might end up dying without even realizing it. They were unable to control their own destiny. Moreover, he wouldn''t even know the truth, or what others intended for him if he couldn''t ascend to this special state. "I don''t even have the right to speak. In the eyes of the supreme beings, I am just an ant to be looked down upon, ready to be harvested at any moment." Wang Xuan whispered softly. Although this was the truth, he didn''t show any signs of discouragement or loss. After all, he had only been practicing for a few years? "I must thank those two shadows, but I need to speed up. I can''t rely on others forever. I have to rely on myself. Moreover, will that Evil Dragon join forces with others?" pondered Wang Xuan. He didn''t want the male and female pair to get into trouble because of him. Today, he had a great sense of crisis. If that Evil Dragon used the tide to pressure others and put up a big argument, if it really tore off its mask and openly stood out, the situation might immediately be extremelyplicated! "In the Immortal Realm, you are very strong, just like a giant dragon overlooking ants. But this is the mortal world. Even if you are a dragon, you will rot and fall to the ground. After a while, perhaps you will be worse off than me, this mere ant. If ants can devour an elephant, can''t they devour a dragon that has fallen to the ground?" said Wang Xuan. At this critical moment, Wang Xuan absolutely could not allow himself to be discouraged. On the contrary, he needed to build confidence in himself. Even if he was transcendent, he still had to continue the fight. If anyone really wanted to use the tide to pressure him, he would never bow down. Did others expect to swallow the work of him pioneering a new myth? What were they thinking? He wasn''t that rigid! "What is the origin of this creature?" pondered Wang Xuan. He stared at the golden eyes in the darkness. This person''s strength was not inferior to that of the Evil Dragon, yet he remained silent. However, his methods were not simple. The ripples spreading out carried a sacred yet abyssal aura, and the golden light seemed to harbor darkness. "Thank you for the protection, two seniors. I want to try. Please release the curse and let their mental power spread. Give them a chance and give me a chance to refine the path." said Wang Xuan as he sent out his spiritual tentacles into the boundless darkness in his most lucid state andmunicated with the two shadows beyond the endless void in the form of some ancient incantation. Otherwise, normalmunication wouldn''t even reach them, and what hecked the least were those ancient secret techniques. The two shadows within the halo of divine light were obviously surprised. This was directed at their curse, originating from that kid! Did this really surprise them? At this level, could he already reach this domain and perceive them in the endless void? It was a bit unbelievable! Wang Xuan expressed his respect to them, but he was also very determined. He asked them to release the mental power of the Evil Dragon and the mysterious golden-eyed creature. There was nothing more to say. He wanted to try his luck with those two! "Blocking their strong will is enough. As for curses and mysterious mental power, I want to assess them!" Wang Xuan said. The male and female figures let him pass after a brief silence, but they remained vignt and watched him carefully. "Heh. Have you guys finally thought it through?" In outer space, a dust-like figure floated up. It was emitting light and was shining brighter. His features were slightly more three-dimensional, breaking away from the shadowy state. He seemed very handsome. Drawing upon the power of his true form, he was eager to take over that low-level prey. It was crucial for him. The blood-dripping chain came, spreading towards Wang Xuan. It was indeed a texture woven with mental power that formed into crimson cursed chains. This was a force that could prate through space and time. It could act from beyond the endless realms. Swoosh! It was like a venomous snake. It pounced instantly and entwined Wang Xuan. Soon, more and more chains wrapped around him and stained his body red. It was like a snake mountain. After observing for some time, the creature with golden pupils decisively took action. Otherwise, it would be toote to snatch this suitable young body. Among the two chains, one was dripping with blood just like a crimson poisonous snake, the other flowed with golden light, yet enveloped in darkness inside. Both were formidable. They became entangled with each other, like dragons battling fiercely for dominance. This was a confrontation of ancient spells and a collision of mental power. They were all aiming topletely assimte Wang Xuan. They were targeting the depths of his spirit and aiming to obtain everything from him. At this moment, it was like two powerful dragons fighting to death. They were struggling only to devour their prey! Boom! In outer space, the shadow figure became increasingly real and it was almost materializing. His mental light shone brightly and terrifyingly after he drew upon the power of his true form. In an instant, somewhere in outer space was dazzling, as if a sun was hanging there. His will was supposed to spread along the mental light, it was intending to descend but he suddenly felt resistance. Someone was contending with him. He wanted to drive that person away and truly seize what he desired. In the endless void, the two shadows within the divine light immediately intervened. They even surged upward to seek the true location of their adversary. At the same time, in the darkness, the creature with golden pupils also sought to descend. He followed the incantations to confront both prey and adversary. Unfortunately, he too was blocked! Ancient spells that were woven with mental power and carried a slight consciousness, were extremely special energy techniques. Now, they were densely wrapped around Wang Xuan. It could be said that the mysterious shadows in outer space and the creature with golden pupils were both very invested in capturing Wang Xuan. They intended to lock Wang Xuan with ancient spells to capture him directly. Naturally, the top priority for both of them was assimtion. Unfortunately, these two powerful top predators encountered each other and were entangled in a fight for Wang Xuan. "That''s it," Wang Xuan spoke, letting them entangle him as he embarked on his journey with the mental light of both. In outer space, the shadow departed cautiously and was continuously changing positions. However, he always drew upon the power of his true form and had a strong will pushing in all directions. He wanted to follow the ancient spells and blend into the mental light. He wanted topletely take over the destined prey. He absolutely couldn''t allow anyone else to intervene. The creature with golden pupils shared his thoughts, and also had a surge of powerful will. However, there was a conflict in the mental light. The two battling dragons were now stunned. Where was that ant? Its gone, it had suddenly disappeared, as if it had evaporated from the old world. And at this moment, their mental light dimmed, the power that they released vanished, the ancient spells disappeared, and the mental power entered into nothingness. It was no longer perceptible. This meant a deficiency in their mental connection. Both of them were shocked, then their expressions immediately turned cold. The two battling dragons couldn''t continue their fight. They exerted all their efforts to sense and explore as they wanted to find Wang Xuan. "Huh?" The man and woman in the divine light rain were also astonished. Its their first time discovering such an anomaly with Wang Xuan. In the depths of the universe, in the ancient spaceship, the four top experts were all rmed. The case had been cracked. Who did it?! Demon Lord Yan Yan, and even Old Zhang, rushed over to see what was going on. He wanted to see if it matched his spection. Two photos of burnt pieces of torn skirts, one red and one white, were clearly photographed and sent over. "Where did the encrypted informatione from, and who did this?!" shouted Yan Yan while gritting her teeth. Her beautiful face showed lesser charm and more murderous intent. "With evidence and written mention, it was the Old World. Its from the super rookie!" the mechanical bird eximed loudly. It was very excited and did not hesitate to embellish the story. "Heh" Demon Lord Yan Yan suddenly smirked. No one could tell whether it was out of anger or astonishment. It was Wang Xuan?! Then, her expression changed because that familiar sensation returned. It was pulling her away once again into the unknown. Chapter 434: Slashing Through The Light Of A Soul Chapter 434: shing Through The Light Of A Soul Wang Xuan''s spirit, entangled with strands of crimson and golden light, ventured forth, mirroring the strife of two Evil Dragons vying for dominance, both seeking to devour him. Amidst this tumultuous journey, he remainedposed and indifferent, devoid of fear, and armed with artifacts like gs and covers, he stepped into the realm of mysteries. Ancient curses swirled around him, his spirit illuminated by a formidable inner light. It would be unrealistic to im he emerged unscathed. Lingering in the mortal world would have spelled disaster, but having severed the connection between the curses and their masters, his spirit wouldn''t copse immediately. His spirit, now as resilient as a sacred treasure, wielded the sh Dao Sword''s brilliance. His spirit, transformed into a radiant wheel of swords, unleashed its own soul-slicing luminescence. It was this very act that enveloped him in a metallic symphony, where two chains of ancient curses entwined him in their struggle, yet failed to consume him. Upon reaching his destination, he imed it as his domain. The endless darkness gradually gave way to light, with crimson clouds rolling across the void, illuminating this vast, starless expanse. Here, in a universe seemingly drained of life and light, suddenly flooded with red luminance, Wang Xuan faced the ordeal with serenity. At the very edge of this realm, he bathed in the wisps of red essence, a ritual to cleanse and confront the dual curses ensnaring him. "The curses, woven from the fabric of spiritual force, bear little of the original will," he mused, his tone even. Yet, deep within the core imprints of his spirit, his true sentiments diverged significantly. With the keen insight granted by his Spirit Eyes, he perceived thetent consciousness lurking within the cursesunleashed dragons harboring fierce intent. Given the nature of these soul-bound chains, how could theyck the piercing will akin to swords and daggers? Wang Xuan''s outward calm belied his internal vignce. By inviting these wolves into his den, ying with fire, he had embraced a certain resolve. The ancient curse chains could hardly withstand the erosion of the crimson essence; they acted as ayer of outer armor, initially shielding Wang Xuan from the destructive force. Yet, as they attempted to burrow into the luminescent sphere of his spirit sword, seeking to prate his core essence, his valuable spirit armor, forged from rare materials for the battle in the celestial realm against Zheng Yuantian, now bore cracks and was on the verge of disintegration. The menace of the curse chains was undeniable. Regret filled him; to utilize it again, he would need to forge anew. "Even severed from the source of the spirit, your strength remains formidable, chilling to the bone. Another might have been consumed by you," Wang Xuan mused internally, aware this was not the moment for disclosures. He took immediate action against these entities, one a terrifying "evil dragon" and the other an enigma, identities still veiled but presumably male. He had no intention of allowing these draconic entities to invade his spirit, an intolerable notion. With a thunderous explosion, Wang Xuan detonated into an infinite cascade of light, detaching himself from the encroaching curse chains, then coalescing once more into a singr, intact spirit. Facing such ancient curses, he was thoroughly prepared, his collection nearly epassing the sum of mythic records since the dawn of this mythic era. The Myriad Transformations Spring Rain Curse allowed his spirit to disassemble instantaneously into countless particles, like a spring shower scattering, to elude the clutches of the most terrifying curses, breaking free and reconstituting his spirit. The secret archives of Old Zhong and the various financial dynasties he had visited were not for naught; he had secured this esoteric and supreme method of curse dissolution among other secrets. When confronted with the crimson substance, the curse chains dimmed and clinked like true metallic chains, imbued with the essence of the Dao, bearing witness to their formidable nature. Now freed from the ancient curses, Wang Xuan faced the assault of the malicious entities, their essence transforming into venomous serpents and Evil Dragons, converging upon him with lethal intent in shes of crimson and gold. Despite fully liberating himself from the curses, Wang Xuan remained vignt, confronting the twin dragons with a detached calm. Suddenly, the Godying Banner in his grasp thrummed violently, nearly slipping from his grip, tugged by an unseen force. It wasn''t just one entity vying for the g; both the Evil Dragons and the enigmatic golden being sought to seize this potent weapon. "You seem to know me well, studying me in detail to learn that the Godying Banner is my strongest armament. You fear it," Wang Xuan remarked, his grip on the gpole unwavering. A smirk crossed his face, surmising their true power from this desperate bid for his weapon. If they truly had the upper hand, would they resort to such tactics? The dual curse chains, moving as if transcending space and time, swiftly encircled the banner, dodging and weaving with incredible speed to avoid direct confrontation. Wang Xuan''s expression remained stoic as he swung the banner, the blood-stained chain dodging adeptly, and the golden light leaping to evade, only to swiftly converge on him once more. "Strong indeed. If not crippled first, they could wreak havoc," Wang Xuan mused internally, deeming a preemptive strike prudent. "Think you can just take the Godying Banner?" he challenged coldly, his strike calcted to entice, yet both curses disdainfully bypassed his attacks, their embedded consciousness now fully awakened, showing scant regard for him inparison to the banner. Like serpents and dragons, they coiled around the gpole, their speed astonishing. Wang Xuan, faced with entities that effortlessly evaded the Godying Banner''s lethal embrace time and again, recognized the rarity of such prowess among the supernaturals. The fabric of the void trembled with a hum as Wang Xuan struck the gpole with the lid of his vessel, producing a resonant, melodious sound. The Godying Banner seemed to quiver with dissatisfaction. The ancient curse chains shattered upon impact, unleashing two enraged roars as streaks of crimson and gold were partially destroyed and expelled. The spirits lurking within the curses, now unable to hide, materialized as faint, hazy lights, fixating on Wang Xuan and the cauldron lid in his grasp. "One of theponents of a supreme treasure? The Life Nurturing Cauldron!" the voice of the blood-colored entity, the malicious dragon that had repeatedly sought to devour Wang Xuan, echoed ethereally. "Interesting... A weakling from the mortal realm, not even having reached the realm of Freedom, has obtained a supreme treasure!" rasped the golden figure. Wang Xuan responded, "You''re indeed formidable. I thought I had obliterated youpletely, but surprisingly, you managed to escape with most of your spirit light and consciousness intact." The Evil Dragon proposed, "For the sake of a new mythos, for extending the lives of the supernatural, you need not be my enemy. Offer me your physical body, and I will recreate heaven and earth, saving all supernaturals of this era!" Wang Xuan regarded him and said, "How noble of you, iming the moral high ground. If I refuse to die, to offer you my flesh and willingly surrender the treasures I possess, would I then be vilified as the eternal sinner of this mythological era?" "Indeed, from a moral standpoint, that''s correct. It''s good you understand," the dragon replied calmly, its blood-colored light transforming into divine crimson radiance, increasingly dazzling with celestial aura. Wang Xuan felt anger but restrained himself, retorting, "Youck the power to reconstruct the crumbling supernatural world, using others'' lives as fodder for your ambitions, and yet you dare to preach about continuing the new myth?" "Some must be sacrificed..." "Why not sacrifice you then? See, the path to reality you failed to find, I''ve discovered it right here. You''re just a bit more advanced in your cultivation, not indispensable. I could rece you with any transcendent being. And yet, you have the audacity to lecture me on morality?" The Evil Dragon shook its head, "Others won''t suffice, only those of us with special internalndscapes can undertake this mission!" "Ha, it''s not as if attempts haven''t been made before. Though perhaps not as genuine as here, secret paths have been uncovered, yet even the supreme treasure, the Heaven''s Mirror, was shattered," the golden figure interjected. It continued, "Give me your physical body, let me wield the treasures. I have another way to reshape mythology!" Wang Xuan''s expression turned icy, "Are you both trying to y the big bad wolf with me? You think just because you''re avatars, you can belittle me, casually demanding my treasures and my life as if you were something special?" A battle erupted, a fierce three-way sh that lit up the dark realm with divine radiance, asionally stirring the distant red substance. Wang Xuan didn''t immediately attack with the cauldron lid or the Godying Banner, curious about their techniques. After all, they were merely spiritual lights, not their true selveshow could they not be ovee? The dragon''s spirit light split into hundreds of characters, like a scripture shining with endless mes, aiming to refine Wang Xuan and annihte the golden figure. The golden figure shifted sideways, dissolving into three thousand golden swords that filled the space, piercing the void tobat both adversaries. Wang Xuan remained calm; his spirit underwent transformation, shrouding the area in mystery before bursting into brilliance. He vanished, leaving behind a grove of divine bamboo, amidst which thunder roared. The Godying Banner stood embedded among the bamboo, as if to suppress the area, guarding against unforeseen dangers. "To think at this level, not yet reaching the realm of Freedom, you''ve mastered the top-tier secrets within the golden bamboo slips," the dragon eximed in surprise. "Perhaps not in other aspects, but when ites to scriptures, I possess an abundance. The supreme divine powers I control are not few," Wang Xuan dered. In a spectacr sh, Wang Xuan''s radiance soared, mistaken from afar as a colossal Buddha. It was only upon closer inspection that one could see it was his own form, vast and imposing. His spirit filled the void, surrounded by three thousand Bodhi trees swaying, emitting the sounds of the great Dao, along with ancient temples and pces materializing, and the deep tolling of a giant bell, aiming to purify the soul. With a mere thought, he wielded a grand divine power from the Sutra of Shakya, effortlessly unleashing vast ripples of light towards the two adversaries. His towering golden form, reaching out to p, exerted immense pressure on them. Boom! As Wang Xuan manifested more divine powers, his spirit transformed into countless stars, swirling in the dark realm, as if merging with the universe, to obliterate the duo. The battle was intense and fearsome, yet brief. Wang Xuan scattered parts of the adversaries'' spiritual lights. Having assessed their strength and confirmed his ability to defeat them, Wang Xuan no longer held back. Utilizing the Godying Banner, the iron pestle, and various techniques, he subdued and imprisoned them. "Some parts of your spiritual light havee here, and you''ve been found wanting. It seems I can draw more of you in next time, gradually wearing down your true forms," Wang Xuan contemted whether to take them to the meteor channel for experimentation. However, he decided it was wiser to first annihte them effectively, given their terrifying nature. "Parts of your spiritual light have been extinguished by me. Will you be left wed, perhaps a little less insightful?" he quipped. The remnants of their spiritual light, cold and detached, chose not to engage with him. Boom! Wang Xuan wrapped them in the Godying Banner, thrusting them into the dense red substance for a "roasting," quickly dimming and dissipating their spiritual light. In the end, he used the supreme cauldron lid for a final strike, extinguishing thempletely. Later, Wang Xuan''s physical form reappeared in the mortal world, feigning agony while secretlymunicating with the male and female protectors, enticing the adversaries'' spiritual light once more. "This time, let''s use a leather garment for instion. I really don''t want to be so closely entangled with you!" Wang Xuan vanished again, determined to keep dimming and weakening their spiritual essence. Soon after, his figure returned, pleased with the oue. The true forms of the Evil Dragon and the golden entity, lurking in the boundless void, sensed something amiss as parts of their spiritual light dimmedsomething was awry. "Bring it on, let''s see who is thest one standing!" Wang Xuan sat in meditation, expressionless, waiting for their next move. Chapter 435: Fading Of Reality Chapter 435: Fading Of Reality Wang Xuan, with his keen perception, recognized the benefits of battling with a fragment of the soul light of beings from beyond the supreme realm. Although he had yet to break through to the eleventh segment, the mythological frontier theorized in ancient texts, he sensed an umtion within himself, a deepening of life''s essence. "Is this what thickening the essence of life feels like?" he pondered, immersed in a unique state of awareness. He could perceive malevolence at the ends of the void and grasp the subtle shifts within his being. The realm of breaking limitsbined with the spiritual eye marked a significant elevation in his spiritual awareness. His perception of both the internal and external worlds had drastically improved, iparable to the past. "Recently, my strength has surged rapidly, yet I''ve seldom paused. Battling with entities like the evil dragon and the golden figure, lingering at the threshold of breaking limits, has unexpectedly brought such benefits." He reflected on why the eleventh segment, seemingly within reach, remained elusive. Perhaps what was missing were substantial experiences at that level of existence. shing with beings like the evil dragon provided a rare opportunity for growth. He considered the ancient cultivators'' environment, marked by intensepetition and ready violence. As a modern individual, he faced battles and life-and-death crises, yet something was missing. In the mythological world, some supreme beings traversed blood-soaked paths, climbing from piles of corpses and seas of blood. The Demon Lord and Old Zhang were such examples. Wang Xuan had seen ancient depictions of the Demon Lord Yan Yan battling across entire battlefields, leaving behindnds drenched in blood and mountains of demon corpses. Despite her unparalleled beauty, she had traversed a path marked by blood andbat, facing countless rivals with her de. Old Zhang''s journey was no different, still engaged in subduing demons and exploring extraterrestrial civilizations, facing the most formidable creatures in the depths of the universe. "Though I face adversity, blocked by the evil dragon and having experienced numerous battles, my current environment pales inparison to the bloody mythological era. The sense of despair and crisis isn''t as profound." Wang Xuan mused on his journey. While he had faced moments of life and death, they were fleeting andcked the intensity of battles against equals. In the current world, most of his path was marked by unchallenged victories. Wang Xuan found himself in a quandary, not for ack of effort, but because his adversaries worthy of a life-and-death struggle were few and far between at his current level of power. "Indeed, there aren''t many whopel me to fight with all I''ve got. At this stage, due to my strength, opportunities for bloodshed are scarce," he mused. He felt the need to create his conditions, not out of a masochistic desire, but to genuinely refine himself and fill the gaps in his experience. "I yearn for a life on the edge, where tomorrow is uncertain, and sleeping atop mountains of corpses and seas of blood is the norm. The times, however, won''t allow it. But I can seek out formidable opponents for myself. The essence of the evil dragon and the golden figure still needs gleaning. Moreover, the condition of the seven supreme beings in the meteorite passage beckons my understanding." Thus, Wang Xuan sent out a provoking ancient curse towards the endless void, targeting the evil dragon and the golden figure, continuing to harvest their soul light. "Dead for so many years, only to return with vengeance, does your existence merely serve to prove the bitterness of your past demise?" He taunted them calmly, albeit such remarks had little effect on such supreme beings. Yet, their intentions towards him, surprised and curious at his resilience against the ancient curses, were unmistakable. After thorough preparations, they struck again, and Wang Xuan vanished for the third time. This disappearancested longer, and upon his return, he was contemtive, reflecting and summarizing the gains and losses. "The strengthened soul light posed some trouble but was ultimately resolved, benefiting me even more. However, such entities like the evil dragon and golden shadowck discipline and reverence; they are fit only for sparring partners or to be burnt outright." Especially after igniting them in the meteorite passage, a return visit confirmed theirplete eradication; their use was fleeting. "Disposable items, hardly of anysting value," Wang Xuanmented, displeased with the oue. The likes of Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and the Demon Lord persisted, enabling a continuity in his ventures, like picking up a serial drama right where he left off. He pondered what might cause such individual differences. Upon his fourth wool-gathering expedition, the evil dragon reached its limit of tolerance and... vanished. At the dark void''s end, the creature with golden eyes also made a decisive retreat, overwhelmed by the loss of soul light. Even the mightiest cannot withstand such depletion. In an era of mythic copse and the exhaustion of the extraordinary, the repeated diminishment of their soul light seriously affected their futures. Both the evil dragon and the mysterious entity were incredibly aggrieved; how could their essence be diminished by such an insignificant being? They were certain it wasn''t the act of that man and woman duo, making the situation even more unbearable. Deep in the cosmos, aboard an ancient spacecraft, the four mighty beings frequently found themselves smoking and fading, tormented by the harassment, especially once they had an inkling of the culprit''s identity, leaving them speechless. The Demon Lord, in particr, wished to pilot the spacecraft back immediately to bury that youngster in the ground, embarrassed by the losses incurred. Her garment now sported four "paw prints," missing four pieces more than the otherswas this targeted harassment? Fang Yuzhu remained calm despite her skirt missing three pieces. Old Zhang, on the other hand, scowled at the two gaping holes in his sleeves, missing their corners. As for the Underblood Patriarch, a piece was missing from his soul armor, hardly finding the situation amusing, feeling deeply affronted. What was wrong with that young man? Wang Xuan had no ill habits; his repeated acquisitions of their garments were solely forparison, to ascertain if the materials obtained were truly of the same origin and not fabrications under mysterious influences. "The great Underblood Patriarch must punish the supreme cub. This is an insult, a grave disrespect!" the mechanical bird, adept at reading the room, pped its wings and cried out. "Exquisite Miss Yan, you''re all exposed, your fair long legs revealed..." It misjudged the mood this time, cut off abruptly as a pristine fist turned it into a metallic liquid, instantly deting and sttering everywhere, causing it to scurry away for reassembly. By now, the four supreme beings, pooling their insights, naturally conjectured various scenarios, linking it all potentially to the Mirror of Heaven''s Veil. In an era where myths crumble and the supernatural wanes, the self-inflicted depletion of their soul power had grave implications for their futures. Both the evil dragon and the mysterious entity were loath to see their essence dissipate in the hands of someone they deemed lesser. Their frustration was palpable, especially knowing that this was not the doing of the male-female duo protecting Wang Xuan. Deep within the cosmos, aboard an ancient spacecraft, the four formidable beings suffered, their forms smoking and fading repeatedly under the relentless harassment. Particrly the Demon Lord, who was tempted to pilot the spacecraft back and bury that young upstart for the embarrassment he caused. On her garment, four distinct "paw prints" marked where pieces were missing, more than the others had lost. Was she being specifically targeted? Fang Yuzhu''s robe was missing three pieces, but she remained serene. Old Zhang scowled with two patches torn from his sleeves, and the Dark Blood Cult Master''s spiritual armor had lost a segment, feeling a deep sense of vition. Wang Xuan, with no ill intentions, gathered these extraordinary fabrics merely forparison, to ensure their origins and not be duped by counterfeit spiritual forces. "The great Dark Blood Cult Master must punish this super cub for the insult," chirped the mechanical bird, attuned to the mood. Yet, it miscalcted the atmosphere with a remark about the Demon Lord''s exposed "fair long legs," and was promptly smashed into metallic liquid by her punch, leaving it to reconstitute in fear. Together, the four powerhouses theorized, linking their predicaments to the Supreme Mirror of the Heavens, possibly tied to that undestroyed scripture spanning several mythologies. This scripture, seen differently by each individual, speaks to seeking truth and dismissing illusions, echoing a call to uncover the reality''s source amidst the universal void. Their discussions suggested the scripture, and by extension, the mirror, were born from a civilization that deeply understood these concepts, though none had mastered its teachings. It regarded those unaffected by mental divergences as unsuitable practitioners, a jest hinting at Wang Xuan''s unique mental constitution. Despite the jests, their collective insights hinted at a grand civilization capable of mirroring reality itself, possibly the same that crafted the enigmatic Supreme Mirror of the Heavens. Amid their deliberations and the mechanical bird''s antics, only Fang Yuzhu remained unprovoked, suggesting a profound respect for the civilization that wielded the mirror to bridge the tangible and the intangible, casting the earthly myth into a realm of true essence. Zhang Daoling''s expression was grave as he spoke, "Indeed, their audacity knew no bounds, attempting such an inversion of the natural order, reversing the essence of yin and yang, reality, and illusion." The Dark Blood Sect''s Mentor sighed inmentation, "It''s a pity, in the end, the mythological world within the mirrorcked a foundation and couldn''t transform into reality. The civilization met with a catastrophic end, exploding in entirety." Zhang Daoling spected, "I suspect it''s not as simple as Wang Xuan just listening to that scripture. That piece of parchment, enduring through several mythological eras without decaying, might have fallen into his hands. Either he''s encountered a problem in his practice, or he''s made some minor progress unknowingly, plunging deep into a cycle of bizarre, alternative reincarnations without his own awareness." The mechanical bird, usually bold, whispered, "The super cub has turned into a psychiatric case," its voice low, gaining rare acknowledgment from the others. "Howe you know so much?" The Demoness Yan Yun questioned, focusing on Zhang Daoling. "Oh, fragments of the Cosmic Mirror are with you, providing many clues?" Zhang Daoling answered uncertainly, "There''s a possibility, given the Cosmic Mirror was forged from that bizarre scripture. If the cub, unknowingly, made some progress in the deranged scripture, or is trapped in a state of mysterious mental alteration, it might somewhat replicate the effects of the Cosmic Mirror. Adding other stimuli of illusion and reality might push this further. If he contemtes us, it might indeed cause certain events to unfold." "The Cosmic Mirror of yore aimed to trante an entire mythological civilization into the realm of reality. Wang Xuan only thought of a few of us, there''s a slender chance..." Fang Yu Zhu spoke up, her gaze shifting towards Zhang Daoling''s rust-covered mirror, "Especially with the mirror''s fragments in your possession, it could be easier." "So, in the end, we''re dragged into this because of little Zhang?" The Demoness turned her gaze back to him. "I''m implicated in this, the main connection still lies with that kid!" Zhang Daoling hastily rified. Then, an idea struck him, "We could learn from the cub''s mouth who else has appeared in his psychiatric world, allowing us to estimate the whereabouts of other fragments of the Cosmic Mirror." Fang Yu Zhu suggested, "We need to contact Wang Xuan and inform him about some developments. It''s highly likely there''s an issue with his mental state." However, theirmunication with Earth was sporadic, often dyed by days due to the vast distances in space. Yan Yunmented, "What''s infuriating is that each time our spirit essence gets pulled in and then returns, we have no recollection of what transpired." "The cub must havemitted a crime!" the mechanical bird interjected, only to be squashed by a pristine p once again. "Let''s inscribe a message on the spirit armor to inform him," suggested the Dark Blood Sect''s Mentor. Promptly, they set about leaving their messages, with Fang Yu Zhu and Old Zhang writing more extensively. Yan Yun''s message was sinct yet forceful: "Tear my skirt hem again, and you''re dead!" Soon, they found themselves smoking and flickering more severely than before, their spiritual essence dimming and drifting away. In the asteroid channel, Wang Xuan, taken aback, scrutinized Yan Yun''s figure closely. Her red dress was tattered, burnt with numerous holes, yet four ring characters remained intact: "Tear my skirt hem." Chapter 436: Something Is Budding Within Chapter 436: Something Is Budding Within In the asteroid channel, where red mists roiled with heat and violence, carrying a whiff of annihtion, Wang Xuan''s gaze turned peculiar. Was this real? He scrutinized the message, confident in the handwriting belonging to Yan Yun, the demon sovereign. The other masters witnessed this too, finding it absurd yet chose silence overmentary in this precarious situation. Even Old Zhang, who usually couldn''t stop himself from speaking his mind, opted for silence, not wishing to provoke a battle with Yan Yun here. Yan Yun herself, her pristine feet tense within her boots, had never felt so... frustrated and awkward. Maintaining herposed facade was a struggle amidst the oppressive silence. Wang Xuan''s mind raced, then calmed. Could he be facing a severe beating? Even though he wasn''t the author of those words, reason often fell on deaf ears. He couldn''t help but feel that Yan Yun might use him as a scapegoat to escape her embarrassment, potentially leading to a dire oue. Eager to avoid an unjust punishment, he quickly said, "I understand!" He needed to stabilize the group, preempting any outburst from Yan Yun and defusing the tension, so he took the initiative. The tension in the eyes of the other masters was palpable, all too aware of Yan Yun''s temperament and silently anticipating Wang Xuan''s imminent chastisement. "What are you trying to say?" Yan Yun asked, her face expressionless, though her calm exterior belied the turmoil within, ready to strike. "This is a matter of life and death, concerning every one of us!" Wang Xuan stated gravely, aiming to shift their focus first. "You seem nervous. Your spirit''s light is flickering erratically. Why do I get the feeling you''re guilty?" Old Zhang said with a smirk. Wang Xuan fought the urge to retaliate against Old Zhang for his betrayal at such a critical moment. Predictably, Yan Yun''s fingertips began to glow, signaling her readiness to act. "Everyone, do you understand where we are? Are you aware that we''re all under the influence of a mysterious force?" Wang Xuan spoke rapidly, injecting urgency into his words. "Do you realize there''s something fundamentally wrong with our presence here? You seem like characters in a y, unknowing of the plot, while I am merely an observer, watching as you act out your undefined roles." His words resonated, stirring unease among those present, including the Demon Sovereign Qi Yi and the man in silver robes who emerged from the ashes of Zheng Yuan Tian''s demise. Despite their formidable powers, being repeatedly drawn into this scenario without retaining any memory of it had left them with an inherent sense of wrongness. "This is a crisis of survival, likely leading to a horrific escape," Wang Xuan continued. "Our focus should be on devising a way to leave, on finding how to extricate you from this cycle of abrupt appearances and irrational summonings to this ce." With those words, Wang Xuan felt the target move away from him, sessfully defusing the tension. Yan Yun subtly adjusted her skirt, concealing the provocative words etched onto it. "The peculiar state you find yourselves in appears linked to my arrival and observations," he mused, intrigued by the anomaly. Turning to Old Zhang, he remarked, "Your clothes too bear inscriptions, though mostly burnt to ashes. Can you decipher any of it?" Old Zhang frowned, "I caught glimpses, but much has turned to dust." Fang Yuzhu added, "ording to what you''ve said, upon your departure and subsequent return, our circumstances resume as if from a ''paused scene''?" Wang Xuan then inquired, "Yu Zhu, why inscribe messages on your mystical armors? What prompted this action?" It must be said, the keen senses and extraordinary perceptions of those present allowed them to specte some truths from the few remaining characters of their inscriptions. Their spirits had been summoned here, the nk period of pause highly abnormal, likely having returned to the mortal realm yet bereft of memory. "Has someone been erasing our memories?" The Demoness''s face grew icily beautiful with suspicion. "So, upon your return, you must preserve some memories, inscribe them upon yourselves," Wang Xuan discussed with Old Zhang and Fang Yuzhu, examining the scorched inscriptions. "You mentioned the scripture in your messages, emphasizing the importance of minor achievements in its practice. But the details were too fragmented. Next time, we need a clearer description," Wang Xuan advised. Zhang Daoling nodded, then added, "The more concise the message through time and space, the clearer the retained meaning. Like the Demoness''s messageit was very straightforward." Wang Xuan bit back his retorts, cursing Old Zhang inwardly for his perilous suggestion. Old Zhang further elucidated, "The message from the Demoness in the mortal world might be conveying something crucial, perhaps a spiritual key that requires Wang Xuan''s touch, leading to our awakening or triggering some event." "That makes sense," agreed the Lord of the Netherworld. "I concur," smiled the Demon Sovereign Qi Yi. The Demoness''s gaze could kill as she stared at Wang Xuan, but then, with a smile that melted ice into spring, she asked, "Do you agree too?" Wang Xuan vehemently shook his head, his will to live surging. "No, I think, Demoness, you cutting off your skirt and giving it to me would suffice. The oue should be the same. Perhaps, it just needs to be brought to the mortal world for verification." "You wish to take it away?" The Demoness''s delicate hand glowed ominously. "Given it involves a spiritual key, it must be done meticulously, and it should be Wang Xuan who undertakes it," Zhang Daoling suggested. Wang Xuan felt like he was being thrown into a pit by Zhang''s words. He looked for an escape, but the eyes of those around him were fixed. With a bang, an altercation sparked between the Demoness and Old Zhang, their powers intertwining. Had Fang Yuzhu not intervened, the conflict might have escted. "It''s your turn," the Demoness turned to Wang Xuan. His expression fraught with difficulty, he responded, "This task is indeed daunting, but for the safety and secure departure of us all, I will do my utmost." With a spirit of valor, he stepped forward, extending his hand. "Crack!" Returning with a pained grin, Wang Xuan acknowledged the ordeal he''d just endured. Dodging a beating seemed impossible, especially after an inadvertent touch on those ivory legs gave the Demoness a pretext tosh out. In the mortal realm, Chen Yongjie and Qingmu, though wary of approaching too close, stood guard from a distance. They were shocked upon seeing the charred hem of a skirt, its barely legible inscription still visible, causing a stir. "Snap!" This time, Wang Xuan took a photograph himself, preserving evidence to prevent future reprimand from the Demoness, and then carefully tucked it away. After recuperating in the real world, Wang Xuan prepared for another journey, instructing Qingmu and Old Chen to stay vignt for any transmissions from the ancient ship in the cosmos. "Wang Xuan, there''s something off about you. Every time you start to fade away, you''re enveloped in a glow, apanied by a moment of chanting. What technique were you practicing then?" Chen Yongjie inquired. "I wasn''t practicing any techniques before departing," Wang Xuan replied, surprised. He then paused to reflect on various scriptures, from the golden bamboo slips and stone tablet scriptures to the Sakyamuni True Scripture, and then to... the mental illness technique, his heart racing. Quickly, he gathered a collection of scriptures from the fragments of his sanctuary, bamboo slips, and paper scrolls, and spread them on the ground. He instructed Chen Yongjie to closely monitor which scripture stirred as he once again vanished into the abyss. Aboard the ancient spaceship deep in space, the atmosphere was tense. Despite the warning left by the Demoness, her skirt remained torn. "Is this an attempt to provoke me by desiring a celestial dance they cannot have?" The Demoness watched her gown mend itself, unable to conceal her legs. "He''smitting a crime. How could the peerlessly beautiful Miss Demoness let him off?" The Mechanical Birdmented before disassembling itself into a pool of active metal, choosing self-preservation over being struck again. "These words disappear too quickly. The gist is, we''ve inscribed too little; we should write more to convey urate information," Old Zhang observed. In essence, they were somewhat satisfied. Though their departing spirits were cleansed of memory,munication between the realms wasn''t entirely cut off, presenting a possibility for strategizing. "Then let''s inscribe more!" Zhang DaoLing dered. Fang YuZhu, Hades Blood Patriarch naturally had no objections, only the Demoness Yanyan gritted her teeth at the thought of Wang Xuan, so daring even after her warnings. "If you dare tear my skirt again, I''ll kill you!" Ultimately, the Demoness Yanyan''s message remained unchanged, the same few words, reluctant to borate further. Should this warning prove ineffective once more, she contemted returning to the old earth herself to deal with Wang Xuan directly. Wang Xuan''s form blurred, revealing an anomaly in his vicinitya yellowed, ordinary piece of paper glowing and floating into the air. With a whoosh, he vanished. "We''ve found it!" Chen Yongjie eximed in shock. It wasn''t the golden bamboo slip nor any other secret scripture that caused all this but a seemingly mundane piece of paper. Back in the meteorite channel, Wang Xuan faced the assembled figures once more, his eyes immediately drawn to the Demoness''s updated message, which now harbored an extra word, clearly readable: "Tear my skirt again." "This... might not be a good idea," Wang Xuan muttered, rubbing his hands awkwardly, mainly to avoid the murderous gaze of the Demoness Yanyan. He hurriedly checked the others'' messages. Indeed, they all frowned upon this round ofmunications, touching on matters as severe as turning reality into illusion. After lengthy discussions, they pieced together a rough outline of their situation. Wang Xuan returned with the "Five-Word True Command Skirt Hem," leaving Chen Yongjie and Qingmu astounded. The handwriting unmistakably belonged to the Demoness. "Is Wang Xuan acting upon divine orders? This is defiance against the heavens!" Qingmu marveled. Chen Yongjie felt a beatdown was inevitable, hinting at deeper issues at y. He quickly pointed out, "It''s this scripture." Wang Xuan immediately understood. That aged piece of paper, salvaged from the ashes of a mythological civilization''s bonfire, was the so-called mental illness technique. "Some things are now clear, indicating a serious problem with my psyche. I might have fallen into a peculiar mental state." "Miss Fang, Master Zhang, they''ve sent messages from the depths of space," Qingmu announced, delighted at the news. A video presented their deductions and conclusions clearly. "To dispel falsehood and preserve truth, to be the sole reality amidst all beings, spirits, and worlds, with everything external being an illusion? I''ve run into trouble practicing this scripture. And it''s rted to the Mirror of Heaven? Next time, I must solve all these issues." In the far reaches of space, the Demoness Yanyan was on the verge of exploding. Her warnings ignored, she faced yet another tant provocation; her long dress had transformed into a mini, showcasing her splendid figure. "Is he trying to collect aplete set of peerless armor?" Zhang DaoLing chuckled. "The youth indeed have ideas and vigor, fearless of the future," Hades Blood Patriarchughed as well. Upon his return to the meteorite passageway, Wang Xuan carried with him a deeper understanding of the underlying issue, along with a page from a scripture. Previously unaware, he now marveled at how this ordinary sheet of paper, glowing consistently like a guidingntern, remained undestroyed by the searing red substance, hinting at its resilience to the destructive forces around. "It''s somewhat terrifying, this mere page. Considering its material, there''s nothing remarkable, yet it withstands the mes and destructive materials here," Wang Xuan couldn''t help but marvel. This visit, he decided to consult directly with Fang YuZhu, Zhang DaoLing, Yanyan, and MingXue JiaoZhu, excluding others like the Demon Ancestor and Qi Teng. "The Demon Flower, the Curtain of Heaven Mirror, nearing the realm of reality, the paper, the scripture of mental ailment, the interchange of reality and illusion... It''s truly rming," MingXue JiaoZhu expressed his astonishment. "You might not have needed to disclose some of these details to us," Fang YuZhumented. "But your arrival here, coupled with the anomalies I''ve encountered, necessitates a resolution," Wang Xuan exined. He harbored some apprehensions; the multitude of issues here could potentially cause trouble if they were to return to the real world with their memories intact. "If your issues here can be fully resolved, and you witness our spirits depart while leaving everything else behind..." Fang YuZhu proposed, knowing the gravity of Wang Xuan''s secrets even amongst the closest of allies. "Impossible, you expect me to leave my entire dress for him?!" The Demoness Yanyan, like a cat whose tail was stepped on, nearly exploded in anger. "Let''s address his mental ailment first," Zhang DaoLing suggested. "Old Zhang, you''re the one who should be diagnosed!" Wang Xuan retorted unhappily. "Disagree? I conquer hearts with virtue!" Old Zhang chuckled. "There''s something off here. I feel that there''s no such thing as the Demon Flower. It should bepletely empty; that flower shouldn''t exist," MingXue JiaoZhu voiced his concerns. Fang YuZhu pondered and then said, "The so-called Demon Flower, the Eternal Flower, isn''t truly ours. It might just be the trajectory of Wang Xuan''s journey, perhaps only a vision in his heart, an evesting flower that in turn became a hallucinogenic Demon Flower in his mind an unsolvable mystery." Yanyan agreed, "Exactly, each of us harbors an undying flower in our hearts. It''s amon dream of mythological beings and mortals alike, nourished by the desire for immortality, rooted deep within all beings. A flower that has been vibrant from ancient times to now, sought after by emperors andmoners alike, in pursuit of eternal life." Chapter 437: The Forerunner of Mythical Theories Chapter 437: The Forerunner of Mythical Theories Wang Xuan found himself momentarily lost in thought, challenged by the novel interpretation presented before him. Yet, in his perception, the flower was undeniably real. "Every person harbors an eternal blossom within their hearts, nourished by aspirations and rooted deeply within all sentient beings. It is this that renders it indomitable, evesting, and forever in bloom," he pondered, considering the multifaceted interpretations of mythology. Could the intangible myths and the corporeal blood and flesh of humanity be rooted in this concept? However, now wasn''t the time for deep contemtion. Facing the imminent extinguishing of future mythologies, there would be ample time for validation. Zhang Daoling spoke, "This page you possess is truly extraordinary. It may seem ordinary in appearance, but it might carry the essence of the shattered Celestial Mirror. Should suitable materials be found in the future, reforging the mirror might not be beyond the realm of possibility." The ability of the page to enter and withstand the domain of nothingness, resisting the corrosion of the red substance, vastly exceeded Wang Xuan''s expectations. "Could it be that some essence of the Celestial Mirror transferred onto this page?" Hades Blood Patriarch proposed. As they examined the paper and inquired about Wang Xuan''s experiences with the scripture, Yan Yan couldn''t help but almostugh despite her initial anger at his earnest practice, noting the deviation in his interpretation from the original text. "I thought to let Zhang Daoling, with his diagnosis, take the first plunge. Yet, it ultimately fell upon me," Wang Xuan shared. "Are you asking for a beating, kid?" Zhang Daoling frowned. Subsequently, Fang Yuzhu, Yan Yan, Zhang Daoling, and Hades Blood Patriarch conducted a consultation for Wang Xuan, assessing his mental state in conjunction with the surrounding environment and the page in question. They were astounded to find their appearances were indeed linked to Wang Xuan. "Boy, you truly are audacious, envisioning us in your meditation on the scripture of mental ailment, creating shadows of us based on your interpretation. In a sense, we are your ''external sensation,'' mere illusions, with you as the sole reality," they concluded. Yan Yan added, "Your split psyche harbors the Demon Flower, intertwined with this page and fragments of the Celestial Mirror, manifesting some of its powers, especially this page. Could it indeed be a receptacle for the ''Dao Marks'' of the destroyed treasure?" Zhang Daoling nodded solemnly, "Stop pondering the transformation of the unreal into reality. What''s pressing is addressing your mental illness. From the essence of the scripture as you''ve understood it, we are mere external sensations to you; only you are real. Unless you dissolve these illusions, your psyche will remain fractured, as if split." Wang Xuan was agape, struggling toprehend how he''d apparently be genuinely unwell, especially in the realm of the mind. He felt his only mistake was perhaps mishandling his practice. "This feels like retaliation, a tant mockery!" He refused to ept their diagnosis. Fang Yuzhu spoke with unprecedented seriousness, "This matter demands your full attention. Essentially, everything traces back to this page; its divine essence has severely impacted you." She activated the ancient page, which then radiated a dazzling light, resonating with patterns on her own being. "What''s happening?" Wang Xuan was bewildered. Fang Yuzhu exined, "Your mental meditation, in connecting with this page, has had terrifying consequences. You''ve indeed fragmented psychologically, splitting into entities like me, Zhang Daoling, Yan Yan, Ming Xue, and the Demon Ancestor." Yan Yan added, "Given the Celestial Mirror was a supreme treasure, its essence is naturally formidable. Your envisioning of us, facilitated by this page, sought to breathe life into these figments, turning the unreal into reality. That''s truly rming." "So, you''ve all be avatars birthed from my mental split?" Wang Xuan grasped, astonished. "It seems so, making this page all the more terrifying. It''s no wonder it survived numerous mythological eras, bearing the legacy of a supreme civilization without destruction," agreed Hades Blood Patriarch, wary of the page''s almost demonic allure. "Apologies then," Wang Xuan said awkwardly, realizing the enormity of having these powerhouses as manifestations of his fractured psyche. "Apologies, my foot!" snapped Yan Yan, striking him lightly. "Continuing this way, parts of our spiritual essence will indeed be usurped by this page and merge with you. What kind of aberration will you be? Will you even be yourself afterward? Hardly. You''d either be mentally disordered or severely split, meeting a grisly end." Wang Xuan listened, filled with trepidation. The predicament stemmed not only from the terrifying nature of that page but also from the fact that Zhang Daoling held fragments of the Celestial Mirror, unwittingly channeling, drawing in the others like Yan Yan, Ming Xue, and Fang Yuzhu into the mire. And as for entities like the Demon Ancestor and Qi Teng, they likely possessed pieces of the Mirror as well. Without these fragments, even with Wang Xuan''s mental constructs and the aid of the page, summoning portions of their spiritual essence would have been a far reach. "How do we solve this?" Wang Xuan queried. Zhang Daoling, with a hint of mirth, responded, "Your interpretation of the scripture veered off. This civilization''s supreme scripture speaks of the ''sole self'', yet you''ve externalized it en masse, leading to a splintered psyche. Therefore, a correction is in order. Of course, everyone sees different truths in scripture, so your understanding isn''t entirely wrong. What if you actually manage to cultivate an anomalous version of this so-called ''mental illness method''?" "I feel like you''re insulting me!" Wang Xuan red at him. "Your practice of this scripture might not be mistaken, potentially a fortuitous opportunity," Fang Yuzhu interjected, offering a solution, showcasing her vast knowledge of scriptures. After some contemtion, she suggested, "We couldbine the Demon Seed Method, Spirit Coffin Technique, Soul Splitting, Demon Cycle Mantra, Primordial Avatar Art, and Seed Spirit Technique to create a tailored scripture for cultivating avatars, to send away our spiritual essence and nourish your true avatars." Wang Xuan was deeply moved by the diversity of techniques involved, covering demons, sorcery, and the strongest practices of the contemporary age. "I don''t wish to cultivate avatars," he stated resolutely, mentioning even the mental illness method; if that was about the sole self, he considered himself perfectly sane. "You''ve already embarked on this path by mentally constructing us, and the page has drawn our spirits here. It''s a bitte to turn back now without erasing these avatars entirely, which would be costly," Fang Yuzhu reasoned. Pausing, she added, "However, that''s just the first step. By purifying and sending us away, refining your multitudinous avatars, you likely could advance to the forefront of mythology, the eleventh segment. Then, managing to subdue and integrate all avatars could potentially breach the current theoretical limits of mythology, reaching the twelfth segment." Yan Yan chimed in, "Of course, the difficulty is immense, enough to drive you to despair. Can you really suppress so many avatars on your own? They might not be weaker than you." Wang Xuan was taken aback, questioning, "I''m splintered in mind, each avatar as powerful as my original self?" Zhang Daoling elucidated, "Currently, it''s the dao patterns left by the page that render them seemingly powerful. How could the parts split from you truly match your strength? However, in the realm of the eleventh segment, should you continue to nourish your spirit and forge your soul in this manner, the future holds promise. A mutated spirit, integratingpletely, could indeed result in a tenfold increase in power." "Truly, almost a tenfold increase," Ming Xue, the Dark Blood Master, indicated. Beyond the four great masters, distant figures like the Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng, and the mysterious man in silver robes emerging from Zheng YuanTian''s spiritual ashes were also implicated. As time passed, half a year in the ethereal domain equated to merely a few days in the external world, allowing Wang Xuan the patience to diligently practice this unique method, fostering his avatars and aiming to dispatch their spiritual essences. "In a way, this is your own method, birthed from your mental fragmentation and the constructs of us all," they exined during their years of study and refinement. By the sixth year, Wang Xuan had sessfully dispatched their spiritual essences, their armors and relics long consumed by the red substance, leaving behind nothing but their pure spiritual lights. Even the inscribed warnings had be moot, as any memories carried by the spirit upon departure would be cleansed, leaving them immacte. In the ninth year, his cultivation of avatars bore fruit, each strikingly potent and unaltered in appearance, leading to an impressive array of personas ranging from Fang Yuzhu, the supreme being of an extraordinary world, to Yan Yan the Demon Queen, and even the enigmatic figure behind Zheng YuanTian. "YuZhu warned me not to bring them into the real world until they''ve unified into one, to preserve the ''sole self,'' lest it invite disaster," Wang Xuan reflected regretfully. Given the chance, he yearned to showcase each avatar, to engage Old Zhang in casual conversation, discuss matters with the Demon Queen, and confront the dragon in battle. Nurturing avatars and deciphering scriptures, Wang Xuan reached the pinnacle of cultivation. Throughout his years in the ethereal realm, hisbat awareness and experience in transcendent duels improved remarkably, propelling him to unprecedented heights. Most importantly, he amassed a foundational depth of life, umting sufficient essence. In the eleventh year, Wang Xuan''s spirit surged like the ocean and erupted like a volcano. A qualitative transformation urred, and with a thunderous roar, the outer shell of his spirit disintegrated, revealing a new, more radiant and powerful spirit surpassing its former state. He had entered the eleventh segment, stepping into this domain at the cutting edge of known existence, where the path ends and forbidden territories begin, reaching the theoretical zenith where no predecessors'' paths could guide him. Furthermore, those predecessors, few since ancient times, had mostly perished. With a resonant boom, the red substance surged around him, his God-ying Banner fluttering fiercely. The ordinary sheet of paper burst into dazzling light, hinting at the ethereal silhouette of an ancient mirror. Simultaneously, the lid of the Life-Nurturing Furnace trembled lightly, emitting brilliance. Above the meteoric pathway, the demonic flower swayed more vividly as if transcending the void, its petal-light rain extending towards the source of all reality. In the real world, all beings of transcendence felt a shudder of fear, sensing the ceiling of their world pressing down. At the same time, in the realm of immortals, several divine treasures manifested, entwined with ripples of the great dao, resonating and vibrating, their supreme patterns expanding endlessly. Chapter 438: Waking up Chapter 438: Waking up Each divine treasure, the crystallization of a transcendent civilization''s heart and soul, woven from the highestws of the Dao of Immortals, vibrated in unison. Their patterns expanded, foretelling catastrophic consequences. "This is the residual echo of the old mythic world''splete decay," a supreme beingmented from behind the veil, observing the resonance of three divine treasures in the distance, making no move to seize them. At this crucial juncture, the Human World Sword, the Wandering Boat, and the Ascension Banner activated autonomously, deterring any from approaching. This moment, fraught with deadly force, was not one to capture treasures. Currently, the treasures sliced through the heavens, bobbing in the currents of history, resonating with the supremews of this era, affecting all transcendents. They seemed to wail in sorrow, witnessing destruction and repeating history, marking the end of this civilization. "Our era is ending, the twilight of the immortals approaches, and though it''s unbearable, we are powerless to stop it," spoke Ling Luan Immortal, one of the few female immortals of the Curtain Sky realm in the clouds, her forehead marked with a red mole depicting various grandiose scenes of ancient and modern valor. Those scenes encapsted the Immortal Realm''s era of prosperity and turmoil, from its zenith, where all immortals swore grand oaths, to the withering of talents and the downfall of ancient empires, all culminating in an end, turning even the Immortal Realm into a mere memory. "It''s like a grand dream about to wake, where everything ceases to exist," someone murmured softly. Each vibration of the divine treasures served as a reminder that the fabric of the Immortal Realm was fraying. Everyone could feel the Immortal Realm dimming, weakening infinitely. The cosmic correction was underway, and this semi-material, semi-energetic ne couldn''t hold much longer. "No one has truly be immortal. What fled here were but fragmented spirits, deluding themselves in this illusory veil, believing this to be the Immortal Realm, that we had ascended. But what''s the reality? Merely shackled souls dancing,forting themselves with grand illusions. In truth, at the moment of supposed ascension, we perished, our true bodies destroyed by thunder, our bones carrying a trace of life buried in the mortal world. You and I in this veil, neither human nor ghost, where is the true immortality? We''re but remnants of souls from our trials, wandering in dreams for years." And so, some, in their frenzied introspection, looked back on thousands of years turned to dust. The fleeting mour of the Immortal Realm, just a passing dream, it''s time to awaken. "Listening to the dirge of this mythological civilization is also listening to our own. The Immortal Realm is dimming," a supreme being wandered thends of the Immortal Realm, as if memorizing its final vistas. The veil was decaying, the transcendental me on the verge of extinguishment. What remained were memories of power once held, signaling their own demise. In the current world, the situation was equally grave. Super-materials had vanished, and the rules were copsing. The remnants of the Immortal Realm''s influence were all that could be drawn upon. As the divine treasures trembled, they seemed toment, revealing grave issues with the Immortal Realm''s highestws. In An City, Zhou Qinghuangmented, "It''s brutal. We''re being suppressed again, feeling the malice in the cosmos. There''s no room to maneuver. Once the cosmos corrects itself, the mythological world bes a bloody spectacle." "You''re mistaken," Gu Mingxi corrected. "This isn''t merely bloodshed; it''s the decay of a transcendental civilization, awaiting the final me to erase its existence." Such was the sentiment even among renowned immortals like them, let alone others, all targeted and oppressed. "What do we do now? Do we actually consider Zhou Shiqi''s invitation to form a group, making a living on the battlefield stage?" Gu Mingxi frowned at the thought. Anxious about the future, she knew that without substantial transcendental power for protection, social status and wealth would be crucial armors. Otherwise, famous immortals like her could be prey. Zhou Qinghuang adjusted her sses, suggesting, "The more you''re in the spotlight, the more you attract greedy gazes. umting danger... If ites to it, just marry some young talent. I''m not particrly fond of men anyway." In the current world, the shockwave was unprecedented, shaking even the lower echelons of cultivators. Those at the pinnacle felt the unbearable weight of the cosmos bearing down. Yet, many were not afraid, ustomed and numbed to the chaos. What more could happen? In a few months, their cultivation would dissipate with the wind, and they cared little for any additional tremors now. Many transcendents were leveraging their remaining spiritual powers to learn modern knowledge, from arts to battleships, from humanities to scientific research, epassing all aspects. Many had already secured angel investments, leveraging what they could control to start businesses. Immortal Realm herbs were imported en masse for cultivation, with existing technology employed to decipher various pill forms, attempting to substitute ordinary herbs for the original spiritual medicines. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan harbored suspicions of hallucinations as he departed, faintly hearing deste howls emanating from the depths of the meteorite passageway, chilling and mournful. Even with a quick glimpse through his spiritual eye, he thought he saw a ghastly pale face. "An illusion? Or the real source... is there a monster attracted by the scent of flowers soaring to the heavens, somethinging this way?" he pondered wildly. "Or has the demon flower nurtured something, or is it due to my mental mutation, with a split entity waiting to be subdued?" "Regardless, when I march towards the twelfth realm, I''ll annihte them all, merging everything into one, only I am the true essence!" Wang Xuan resolved as he left the meteorite channel, pausing beside the Pool of Life, where he contemted, drank tea, and rxed his spirit for a brief respite. The First Immortal Tea Tree thrived, bearing various tea fruits ¨C golden, silver-shining, purple-misted ¨C each a stunning sight, enveloped in a holy mist. With leaves dripping with fragrant dew, his incarnation Yan Yanyun personally picked tea leaves, gathering dew, while another incarnation, Fang Yuzhu, used the lid of the Life Nourishing Furnace as a teapot to brew tea. As for his incarnation Zhang Daoling, Wang Xuan tasked him with transcribing scriptures, silently contemting the Dao. Incarnation Mingxue Jiaozu sparred fiercely with the incarnation of the Demon Ancestor, inciting Wang Xuan''s interest with their vigorous battle. This leisure was but temporary. The brief peace was swiftly disturbed as incarnation Yan Yanyun rebelled, abandoning the tea fruits. What seemed like a gentle brush against his shoulder was actually the gathering force of a pristine fist, abruptly unleashed in a fierce attack against him. In fact, all these incarnations were him, each imbued with pride, none considering themselves secondary, all vying for supremacy, seizing moments to challenge him, aspiring to rece him and venture into the present world. Fortunately, their confidence momentarily spared Wang Xuan from a collective assault. Otherwise, he would have had no choice but to resort to wielding the lid of the Life Nourishing Furnace to suppress them. The presence of the peculiar page''s patterns within them lent formidable strength, traces of the Curtain Heaven Mirror''s essence subtly influencing their capabilities. Eventually, overwhelmed, Wang Xuan, carrying a plethora of tea fruits, fled. At this stage, he truly couldn''t subdue so many incarnations. With no clear path to advancing into the twelfth realm, he chose to escape. Upon his return, he was greeted by Chen Yongjie''s young, resentful gaze fixed upon him. "I stood by your side, even harboring the Creation True Crystal, absorbing substances close to reality, yet I was still shaken down by you!" Chenmented. From near the ninth realm, he was demoted to the early stages of the eighth, which, all things considered, wasn''t too outrageous. Wang Xuan realized the celestial ceiling must have struck particrly hard this time. Indeed, the shake was excessive. Deep in the cosmos aboard the ancient spaceship, Fang Yuzhu, Yan Yanyun, Zhang Daoling, and Mingxue Jiaozu all suffered greatly from the shock, dropping realms despite their best efforts to the thirdyer of the Transcendental realm, failing to guard against it. "To think our defenses were breached, climbing back up seems daunting," Zhang remarked in disbelief, casting aside the cracked mirror that clung to his face. Following this trend, even if their primary selves returned from beyond the veil to merge and unify, preserving even the initial stages of the Transcendental realm by the time the superhuman me extinguished seemed a tall order. "Our earlier optimism was misced. Forget ascending to the earth immortal realm; maintaining the early Transcendental stages by the end now appears a challenging feat. Let''s hope we don''t regress significantly,"mented Mingxue Jiaozu in pessimism. "We''ve just returned, only to be demoted. What exactly transpired in that final moment before our spiritual essences departed?" Yan Yanyun pondered, unable to recall. In Fang Yuzhu''s view, Wang Xuan, through deep spiritual meditation, conjured their existences, making all of them his incarnations. Together, they delved into the Spiritual Insanity Technique, contributing to its resolution. In essence, this whole ordeal was a unique creation by Wang Xuan himself, a manifestation of his alternative method crafting. Now that they have returned, all traces of their involvement have vanished, with no memories of their participation remaining. However, they understood that their departure of spiritual essence was linked to Wang Xuan, especially since Qingmu provided tangible evidence. Wang Xuan was on the verge of assembling half a skirt, which even unsettled Yan Yanyun. "This subsequent shockwave, could it be rted to Wang Xuan?" Zhang Daoling spected. Yet, he ultimately dismissed the idea, stating, "Unlikely. It''s primarily due to the tremors of several treasures, constantly affecting the supreme rules of the Immortal Realm." ¡­¡­ "Waking from the dream, the mental turmoil has been resolved." Upon Wang Xuan''s return, his reunification with his physical form was instantaneous, triggering a profound metamorphosis throughout his body. His flesh and blood began to undergo a qualitative transformation, with vital substances coursing through him, remolding his physique from head to toe. Chen Yongjie and Qingmu were taken aback by the intensity of this metabolic eleration, far more fierce than anything Wang Xuan had experienced before. Advancing from the tenth to the eleventh realm, Wang Xuan underwent three intense moltings, leaving behind blood and various viscous substances ¨C the byproducts of his extreme metabolic process. This transformation was a rebirth, elevating him to the forefront of known realms. He experienced a newfound vitality and a surge in both strength andbat prowess that far surpassed his previous limits. "This realm shall be known as the Frontier." He mused to himself. Standing at the theoretical pinnacle, he felt entitled to name it. To move forward, he would have to traverse this frontier in search of new worlds. Wang Xuan sensed an emerging opportunity. Equipped with the Elixir Furnace, he felt prepared to journey through the mortal realm, ready to confront any challenges, even if that meant facing the fearsome dragon once more. What was once beyond his reach now seemed attainable. Wang Xuan harbored ambitions of venturing into the depths of space. Chapter 439: The Coming Of A Great Age Chapter 439: The Coming Of A Great Age "You''re not in a bad spot, really; you''re solidifying your foundation. Your cultivation was a bit airy before," Wang Xuanforted Chen Yongjie. "That makes sense. It''s a good opportunity to consolidate," agreed Chen, nodding. His recent breakthroughs had been incredibly rapid, almost rmingly so. Indeed, a moment to pause and appreciate the journey would serve him well for the next leap forward. Of course,pared to Wang Xuan, his progress was gentle as a drizzle; his reflection was merely in contrast to some historical figures. In a remote mountain eight hundred miles away, the Sword Fairy, despite possessing a crystal of creation, had shrunk a bit from the shockwave. With a huff, she red with wide eyes, sketching a familiar figure on the ground with a tiny sword before poking at it aggressively. Anticipating this reaction, Wang Xuan hadn''t dared visit her, opting to let the little sprite cool off to avoid a "sword practice" session upon meeting. "Wang Xuan, it''s you, it has to be! Shaking me, jolting me again. What kind of freak are you? Annoying, really. Are you trying to keep me small on purpose?" ... Wang Xuan rinsed his body with cold water, his skin glistening, illuminated by a strange brilliance¡ªa result of reaching the upper limits of life. Indeed, the eleventh realm was quite extraordinary. Yet, after a brief cirction of his scriptures and employing secret techniques to conceal his aura, he returned to his usual self, not wishing to stand out too much, though his skin... was unnaturally perfect.He changed into his practice clothes and handed Chen Yongjie arge bunch of tea fruits, signaling him to keep quiet and to meditate on the scriptures when in doubt, and to steep the fruits in water as a leisurely drink when pondering. "I... wow!" eximed Chen, astounded. "Go on, sneak these tea fruits to the Sword Fairy," Wang Xuan instructed, passing another bunch. The little sprite was trustworthy, after all. "Why don''t you go yourself? Scared of getting thrashed?" "Right now, she might not be able to beat me." Wang Xuan then left the area to stroll through Ancheng, eager to gauge the atmosphere following the suppression of the Transcendent ceiling. Unexpectedly, he ended up at Huang Ming''s Exiled Immortal Tea House. Contrary to his expectations, everything seemed calm, almost numb; the popce wasn''t as panicky as before, having epted the reality of their situation. Huang Ming greeted him warmly, serving exquisite tea, "What''s there to rail against fate for? If it''s decreed we live ordinary lives, let the heavens shake us as they will; I''ve fully epted my lot!" "I, too, have epted... Ah, spit!" Zhou Qinghuang, a regr here, caught herself mid-sentence, promptly refining her words, "My fate is not mine tomand, powerless to alter the course set by the heavens, I shall let nature take its path." Not far off, Gu Mingxi was whispering with Zhou Shiqi, discussing a potential endorsement deal. Gu, the fairy, nned to start a beautypany with Zhou Qinghuang. "Even you''ve turned to business, gravitating towardsmerce?" Wang Xuan was surprised. The sentiment post his excursion wasplex; mythical beings had lost their spirit, none willing to contend with the impending Transcendent winter. All had ceased their struggle. "With no choice left, ideals are often crushed by reality. Unable to resist, we must follow the prevailing current," someone said, their voice tinged with regret but quickly turned to engage eagerly in business ns with those around them. An elder Transcendent spoke up, "The end of the Transcendent era is a cosmic decision, a vibrant sh in the historical continuum soon to fade. Though reluctant, we must learn to ept this reality. Unless one chooses to perish with the curtain''s fall, listening to the swan song of the immortal realms, we can only adapt to the unstoppable trend." "Yes, the overwhelming force of history cannot be opposed; to try is to be ground into dust, meeting a graveless death," another sighed. Their words revealed an underlying unwillingness, but with no alternatives, they had to let go. Another added, "Since we choose to live, not to perish with the realms beyond, we must adjust to this transformative era. What matters is living well. Transcendent history is behind us; it''s time to level our hearts to work and dwell, hoping the future brings novelty and hope rather than a dismal existence in the corners of the Old Earth and New Star." Wang Xuan remained silent, sipping his tea quietly. Having breached the threshold of mythical frontier, initially ted and ready to confront his adversaries, investigate the malignant dragon, and cut off its lingering power in this world, he now felt an unexpected dampening of spirits. This wasn''t the Transcendent world Wang Xuan had dreamed of. The myths had vanished, leaving everyone bereft of their fighting spirit, abandoning their paths and aspirations amidst regrets. Many Transcendents were striving to adapt and blend into ordinary lives, which left Wang Xuan lost in thought. Was everything he pursued destined to turn into nothingness? In his ideal Transcendent world, lifting mist to ascend the heavens, seeking immortality, were just daily affairs. Monks could enter the sun and moon, ride dragons to the vast pce of the moon, and travel far to attend grand feasts in the Jade Lake. The immense and dazzling world of immortality was filled with endless fortunes, mystical beasts, divine herbs, and boundlessnds. There should be colorful secret realms of immortality and bizarre territories awaiting exploration. Competitions of sword qi piercing the skies, sanctuaries where one could refine elixirs for centuries, realizing the various dreams that stir a young heart. Like those legends, with a young heart full of zeal, embarking on journeys to vanquish demons and traverse the vast primitivends, engaging in fierce battles, growing amidst confrontations with all manner of geniuses, witnessing the grandeur and historical depth of a true immortal civilization. Wang Xuan shook his head. Those childhood thoughts, now, seemed unattainable. As he grew up and truly became a Transcendent, the decay of the path of immortality and the copse of the Transcendent world rendered everything meaningless. This was an era of drastic change. The so-called dreams of the Transcendent, now, seemed unrealistic. Where was that grand world for him to experience, to live through? The colorful civilization of the immortal realm now appeared frail, pallid, soon to be a dusty, ancient scroll on the wall. "I just can''t ept this!" A Transcendent slumped over the table, then fell silent, hiding the reddening corners of their eyes. Their era was gone, never to return. Some even worried that upon the return of the superwarships from deep space, they might be targeted and purged. "Let it be, why worry so much? The future lies in the battles ofmerce, in trade. At worst, we''ll set up stalls,bor hard, and if really needed, provide blood for researchbs to study. In this era, we won''t starve." Some spirits waned, yet many adapted swiftly, engaging in discussions about various ns¡ªtransnting fruit trees from the realm of immortals, cultivating new species, opening longevity clinics to extend human lives. Conversations grew animated as the Transcendents expressed willingness to coborate, to lend each other support, to collectively seek investment. In a corner sat Mo Si, silent, draining cup after cup of tea without uttering a word. A purist in cultivation, he had always fought against the dying light of transcendence. But in this age, as the mythic era waned under the onught of the mundane world, his defenses crumbled. He felt the destion of deep autumn, where all life withers, as he rose and departed in solitude. "My envisioned world of transcendence, barely explored, now faces extinction," Wang Xuan sighed softly. His recent breakthrough left him unsettled, touched by an inexplicable chill. Frowning, he recognized the onset of a major epochal shift. Despite his confidence in finding a path forward, he knew it would be a long time before he could alter the overarching trend. History was littered with confident beings from myriad mythic civilizations, including those beyondpare who perished without altering their fates. To the Transcendent, the eternal night was vast and dark, the asional flicker of light too faint to matter. Should he prepare a fallback n for himself? If reduced to ordinariness in the future, with undying dreams yet no means or foundation to sustain them, how could he continue amidst such terrifying consumption? Yet, opening this door, he feared it might tear a corner in his conviction, seeding doubt, undermining his resolve. "Even as amoner, bereft of power or Transcendent capabilities, I wouldn''t starve. But to give up the path of transcendence is unthinkable; I must continue exploring. It''s not a wavering of faith, but a necessary precaution against a barren era." In the teahouse, amidst the conversations of Transcendents nning their survival and development, abandoning the path of cultivation for the tangibles of reality, Wang Xuan listened. Was there fault in their logic? None. It was a rational choice. Yet, as an outsider, Wang Xuan felt a profound loneliness, his sigh deeper than theirs, his heart tinged with a bitterness that seemed even more acute than theirs at the downfall of the world of transcendence. "To witness such brilliance only to lose it, to never stand at the pinnacle yet to descend with darkness into the abyss¡ªin this grand era, to personally experience its decline. The vast Immortal Realm, the splendid mythological civilization, I do not know if this is a final farewell or just a temporary departure, but it is time to say goodbye!" With these words, Wang Xuan rose and departed. Fang Yuzhu, Yan Yan, Zhang Daoling, and Ming Xue had sent back information via an ancient spacecraft, informing Wang Xuan that they were venturing far away for one final struggle, but they did not borate further. "In this era, few continue down this path, aside from those in the realm of Gaotian; nearly all other Transcendents have relinquished their pursuit," Wang Xuan felt a heavy sadness. "Could it be, one day, as a modern man, I''ll be thest follower of the Dao? With everyone else who returned from behind the great veil having given up, leaving me as the lone struggler in the cold and dark night, clinging to the Transcendent path?" he mused bitterly. Such a day would be profoundly sorrowful, signifying universal defeat, the abandonment by all immortals, void of any glimmer of hope. If that day indeed arrived, over time, those around him might fail to understand his solitary journey. Against the backdrop of such an epoch, a single figure pressing onward isn''t just a personal choice; it''s an exposition of cruelty and harsh reality under the crashing waves of a grand era. "While I still possess strength, I should try bringing back Goddess Zhao and Wu Yin home," Wang Xuan resolved to venture into the depths of space. Chapter 440: Journey Of The Ship Mechanic Chapter 440: Journey Of The Ship Mechanic Wang Xuan left An City and walked on the outskirts road while being lost in thought. He felt like he was out of sync with the times and was walking in the end of the transcendent era. He sensed a hint of chills as the era of myths drew to a close. Currently, he hadn''t been affected yet and could still advance through the checkpoints. But he had a feeling that when the transcendent world copsed, it would probably affect him too. He looked up at the sky that was devoid of stars and the moon. There was only endless darkness that gave a strong sense of oppression. How serious would the problem be if I was severely impacted one day and my realms had dropped?¡¡ "There''s no need to hesitate or feel uneasy. Even if the dream of the supernatural in my heart fades away, and the myth forever vanishes, it''s nothing serious. Life must go on¡­¡­" muttered Wang Xuan to himself. He returned to his residence and handed over the Earthly Immortal Spring, herbs, and treasures that were on him to Qing Mu. He then asked him to check if they could be used. Anything usable should be kept, and whatever wasn''t needed should be sold. Though his beliefs remained unshaken, he had to be prepared. Even Huang Ming and Zhou Qinghuang were so down-to-earth, striving to integrate into the mundane world. As a modern person, how could he not immerse himself in the hustle and bustle of the secr world? "I''ll keep an eye out for any good investment opportunities for you," said Qing Mu. He understood his current situation and mood. Wang Xuan bid farewell to Chen Yongjie as he needed to use the battleship. Initially, he brought back three battleships in total when he returned from the New World. Old Zhong and Zhao Qinghan''s father, Zhao Zejun, each gave him arge battleship before entering the depths of space. In an earlier period, he had used the Earthly Immortal Spring to save someone''s life and exchanged it for a medium-sized battleship during the confrontation between the creatures on the New World and the Great Veil. After returning to the Old World, he lent them all to the relevant departments because he couldn''t afford to maintain them himself. Apart from other expenses, just parking them at the spaceship base and regr maintenance costs burned through a fortune every day. "Are you crossing the stars to go to the secretnd?" asked Chen Yongjie. He instantly understood his purpose, knowing that he was going to pick up Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin. "Mmm, to fulfil the promise I made. I''ll bring them back," said Wang Xuan as he nodded. That old fox didn''t keep his word so he had to go there himself. Previously, he hadn''t set off because his strength wasn''t enough. Based on the existing fragments, that ck fox had at least the strength of an Earth Immortal. Because it was very concerned about whether there were still Earth Immortals in the mundane world and it also asked about the master of Longevity when it conversed with people from the Three Stars of Yuhua, O, and Heluo. Looking back now, it has hinted at this many times. Over the next few days, Wang Xuan made some necessary preparations. He drank tea with Huang Ming, Kong Yun, Zhou Qinghuang, and others, and learned some information about the secretnd through the immortal beings behind the great veil.¡¡¡¡"I''ll go with you!" eximed Chen Yongjie. He had arranged the battleship. Wang Xuan shook his head, saying, "No need. This trip will take at least a few days, and it could be several months if there are any idents. You''re going to be a father soon so don''t mess around. Stay with Sister Guan." Chen Yongjie really wanted to return to the secretnd with him. The two of them had bloodily fought together there before, but he couldn''t help but worry about Guan Lin and the baby that was about to be born. "I''ll go with you. Anyway, I''m the deputy head of our Ship Mechanic lineage," Qing Mu spoke up. His understanding of spaceships was at an expert level. He had actual achievements. He had previously set the number one expert in the New Technique Field, Olesha, to have an ident. He had also bombarded various transcendents in outer space for Wang Xuan. He was precise and ruthless. In the end, Wang Xuan didn''t refuse Qing Mu and chose the medium-sized battleship because there were only a few people that were going so there was no need for extravagance. "Mom, Dad, I''m going on a trip and won''t be back for a while. Do you want to go to the New World? I can take you there on the way," he talked to his parents. There was a brief silence on the other end, then various admonitions came, saying that the world was not peaceful, and wandering around like this might be dangerous. They asked him to be safe. His parents didn''t stop him. They just sighed and felt that their son was grown up and uncontroble. Wang Xuan nodded. He indicated that he would be careful and not provoke trouble actively. He could feel that even his brave parents were a bit worried. This shows that everyone was affected at the turning point of a great era. "When the Ship Mechanic team sets out, any demons, monsters, evil spirits, and evil beings, who act recklessly, will be killed on sight, and nothing will be able to grow there!" Qing Mu spoke sternly. This made Wang Xuan smile despite his recent tenseness. Old Qing''s mentality was getting younger and younger, it was infecting him. Surprisingly, Qing Mu¡¯s face indeed appeared a bit younger, changing from around forty to thirty-three or thirty-four after he became a top grandmaster. And this was just the appearance. He was even more youthful and vibrant internally. Whoosh! A medium-sized battleship streaked across the sky, entered outer space, and headed at extreme speed towards Proxima Centauri b. It was the location of the wormhole outside the Old World. The Dragon did indeed roam in the dark void outside the Old World, but he couldn''t monitor Wang Xuan all the time. The deep space was so vast that even if he was extremely strong, he couldn''t know everything, let alone block the route in outer space. In fact, Wang Xuan had long been prepared for battle. He was fully armed, knowing that the Dragon was in outer space. There was nothing to say if he encountered it. He would fight first and talkter. The battleship sailed away, smoothly passed through the wormhole and emerged from the stargate near the Eighth Star in deep space. This ce was close to the New World but still just a transit station. They didn''t go to the New World but headed to the region outside the New World''s deep space known as the Neenth Star which was located in deep space. The wormholes here connected to the cosmic sky where the secretnd was located. The wormholes outside the New World were all designated with specific numbers like the Eighth Star, Neenth Star, which indicated that there were quite a few cosmic systems connected here! Everything went smoothly as the Ship Mechanic Lineage took the route through the Neenth Star. They left the universe where the New World was located and appeared in the vast and boundless deep starry sky. "Here I am again!" said Wang Xuan while he sat in the control room. He stared at therge screen, impressed by the vastness of the cosmos and the insignificance of the stars. He deeply realized his own insignificancepared to the vast universe. Inparison to the universe, a person''s life was as insignificant as a speck of dust. Qing Mu said, "Even if they are Immortals, if they don''t travel through wormholes and only fly directly, they won''t be able to reach here from the Old World even if they die." It was his first timeing to such a remote ce. He felt like he had left the original universe and entered a realm simr to a parallel universe. In this universe, nothing like the Milky Way could be observed anymore. Those familiar star systems had long disappeared. In fact, when he was at the New World, the Old World was already beyond the range of familiar star maps. "Adjust the course, target the brown star ahead!" Wang Xuan said. It was aary base outside the secretnd that could provide supplies. "This is¡­¡­" Soon, his expression changed. The brown star was in a mess. The protective shield of the surface base had long been broken and huge w marks were left. There were several broken small spacecraft on the surface, and the once densely packed battleships had all departed from here. They had withdrawn. Obviously, this base had been attacked. Although the defenses were breached, the casualties were probably not significant since norge spacecraft were left behind. Qing Mu said, "It''s also possible that after the myth descended into the real world, the tycoons fled to the depths of the starry sky and summoned all the fleets here." Wang Xuan nodded and said, "The energy on our ship is sufficient, and we don''t need tond here for supplies in the short term. Let''s head straight to the secretnd. It''s not far now, and it''s already visible." The small and medium-sized battleship traversed the starry sky, and was approaching the transcendent called the secretnd. Chapter 441: The Tragic Loss Of Mythology Chapter 441: The Tragic Loss Of Mythology "Leaving the Old World and entering deep space. It''s interesting, isn''t it? He dared to leave the protection of that couple and wander around at this time, are they trying to fish?" said the Dragon while he roamed in deep space outside the Old World. He thought a lot and immediately considered this a trap. That man and woman were using bait to lure him. "Since it''s bait, it''s a very tasty bait. Why not eat it? Go, find out where he went, and have someone arrange for him!" The Dragon''s hoarse voice echoed. He remained calm. He did not mind swallowing the bait and breaking the hook. Obviously, he wasn''t alone. He had a very powerful camp that obeyed his orders. Even in the real world, there were things he couldn''t hide from. He obtained the information he wanted not long after. "He¡¯s at Proxima Centauri b, the universe where the New World is located, and the Secret Land. Heh, so he ran to that barren beast field that has been deserted for a long time." ¡­¡­ The Secret Land reappeared on therge screen. For Wang Xuan, it was familiar yet unfamiliar. He officially rose here, although he had bloody battles there, faced endless monsters and opponents from others that were extremely dangerous, but it was also where he entered the realm of the transcendent. Finally, their battleship approached. This transcendent was different now. It was no longer covered by colorful trans material. It no longer interfered strongly with the battleship. Wang Xuan said, "Let''s notnd for safety''s sake. Old Qing, you wait in deep space, and I''ll go down to find someone in the escape pod." Qing Mu rubbed his hands and said, "This may be the first andst timeing to the Secret Land. It''s too regrettable not tond. I''ll apany you down." "I''m afraid you might be in danger. That old Fox below was probably an Earth Immortal back then. It¡¯s extremely powerful. Even if his level has been knocked down now, he''s still probably not someone to mess with." said Wang Xuan. He indeed had to be cautious. At the very least, the other party had solemnly promised to send the two women back soon but had never followed through. It was hard to say if they were friend or foe.¡¡¡¡"It''s okay, I''ll release a batch of Probe Swarms first to detect the situation of this. If there''s no source of trans material, then as the vice master of the Ship Mechanic Lineage, I''ll be very useful to you and can help you in shipbat." Qing Mu replied. Qing Mu was still very skilled and cautious in his work. He immediately released many various types of small aircraft simr to hummingbirds and darts. These were the Probe Swarm. "After inspection, the transcendent radiation is very weak, which means the trans material is extremely sparse. There was no major impact." said Qing Mu as he retrieved the Swarm. He was confident there were no issues. Wang Xuan was lost in thought. Even the transcendent had withered, its rules shattered, and the trans material dissipated. The once mythicalnd had unexpectedly reached this stage in a short time. "Thest time, it was indeed a dying glow. As the White Peacock said, thest shine before the candle extinguished." He looked down at the and found it hard to imagine that in the past, transcendent powers had shaken the heavens and the earth, and the strongest could destroy a with their bare hands. But once the curtain fell, the myth turned out to be so fragile. All the great powers vanished and were extinguished. "Qinghan, Wuyin, long time no see, I''vee to pick you up!" His emotions surged. He was finally going to see familiar faces again. Qing Mu was very cautious and did notnd directly. He scanned the outer space and inspected the surface. He searched for anomalies to avoid mistakes and idents. "There''s a¡­¡­ spaceship!" eximed Qing Mu. Shortly after, he was surprised and immediately became serious. "What''s going on?" asked Wang Xuan. He was surprised. Indeed, there was an anomaly. Qing Mu quickly pulled up the image, and a clear picture emerged. It wasn''t an ordinary spaceship. The style was somewhat familiar, it was simr to the ancient spaceship. However, it wasn''t old. The cold hull gleamed with metallic luster, and its design resembled that of the ancient spaceship where the mechanical bird was located. "It''s not very far away, it seems to be a satellite orbiting around the Secret Land," said Qing Mu. He then activated the energy shield as he feared a sudden attack. "Besides it, there are also metal fragments, and skeletons. Is that¡­¡­ the corpse of a flying dragon?" eximed Qing Mu with shock. There were some things floating around the orbit where the spaceship circled. The corpse of a silver bird, the wreckage of a flying dragon, broken flying boats, and a broken giant flying sword¡­¡­ a lot of odds and ends. "There was probably once a group of transcendent creatures that shed with that spaceship and suffered a miserable defeat." said Wang Xuan. Those floating bodies and weapons belonged to the mythical civilization. The so-calledrge flying boats engraved with runes belonged to the means of gods and demons. They had suffered quite a bit and were annihted by technological civilization. Their blood stained the space. When did this happen, in ancient times, in modern times, or recently? It''s impossible to determine. "It¡­¡­ is here!" shouted Qing Mu as his expression changed. He was quite nervous. The spaceship was approaching them and he was getting impatient. He wanted to open fire preemptively. "Don''t, its firepower and defense level far exceed our small and medium-sized spacecraft. We might not be able to do anything to it," said Wang Xuan, telling him to hold steady. However, he prepared for the worst, holding the furnace lid in hand, and invoking the transcendent flying boat. He was ready to use the supreme treasure in case the other party came with strong malice and attacked mercilessly. Sure enough, the spaceship approached confidently with a retro style but not an old hull. It was not afraid of Qing Mu opening fire. Qing Mu attempted tomunicate and talk with the other side, but the spaceship showed no response at all. "Could it be the legendary ghost ship?" said Qing Mu while his heart sank. He was thinking of some legends about the deep space. In the universe, certain unknown and lifeless spaceships sometimes behaved very frighteningly, even the wreckage could be extremely dangerous. It came right in front of them. It was about four or five timesrger than their small and medium-sized warship. It stayed silent and even bloodstains were visible on the spaceship. Wang Xuan frowned. Could it be a repeat of the ancient spaceship incident in the old space? He wasn''t afraid now. As it got closer, several figures suddenly appeared in Wang Xuan''s warship. However, Qing Mu was unaware and was still staring at the big screen. This was a direct invasion. They ignored the hull, and actuallynded directly in the control room. Wang Xuan stared at them. The few people were dressed in modern attire, they did not match the ancient dress style at all. There were both men and women and they all looked rtively young. None of them appeared older than thirty at least, at least not in appearance. "You being able to sense us so quickly is quite remarkable. Do you want to change your life?" A silver-haired young man spoke, though this was through a special mental transmission rather than amonnguage. "Do you want to change your fate? You will witness a colorful world because of this." He continued speaking abruptly. "How can I change my fate?" replied Wang Xuan while facing them calmly and looking directly at the several young men and women. During this process, Qing Mu remained unaware as if he were detached from this scene. The silver-haired youth nodded and said, "Very well, you didn''t waste any time with pleasantries or questions about our origins. Of course, we will help you change your fate, fulfill your aspirations, and achieve your ideals." Chapter 442: The Wish Granter Chapter 442: The Wish Granter Wang Xuan remained calm and steady. He was without any anxiety or fear. Having weathered many storms, he had no reason to fear these few individuals. He spoke directly, "I want to prolong the existence of the transcendent, to let the myths continue. Can you change this fate for me? Can you fulfill my vision?" "Your request is too high. We intend to change your fate, not alter the normal course of this universe. Myths can asionally appear, but the transcendent cannot be normalized," replied the silver-haired man which surprised Wang Xuan. The other party seemed to have some insight into matters. "Exin it in detail," Wang Xuan requested. "There¡¯s no need. Discussing the impossible is pointless. Do you want to change your fate? For instance, your life''s height, your life''s thickness, your historical status, we can rewrite them all for you," a beautiful woman spoke up. She had purple hair as smooth as silk and a fair face with a confident demeanor. Her tone wasn''t modest at all. Changing one''s fate could help one reach new heights in life and alter historical status. This promise was somewhat arrogant. "How do you n to do it?" Wang Xuan asked calmly, showing no interest. Why would he need others to change his fate to achieve these things? Moreover, he had a rough idea of who these people were. Although they appeared different, their essence was the same! "Of course, we will rece your spirit and fulfill your wishes for you," the purple-haired girl said with a gentle smile, yet there was also apelling aura about her. It was only at this moment that Qing Mu seemed to sense something. He looked around, but still found nothing. "Evil spirit ate my spirit, recing me to achieve my dreams. It''s quite ridiculous. First, you kill me, then fulfill my wishes. Is this what you call changing fate?" Wang Xuan questioned.¡¡¡¡"Very few can perceive us, you are a rare one. But you have misunderstood us," the purple-haired woman shook her head. The silver-haired man smiled and said, "We devour, no, we collect your spirit, storing it away. Our spirits will take over your body, helping you achieve your dreams and fulfill your wishes. Of course, anything too extreme is not allowed. After reaching the heights and thicknesses of your life, when we are tired, we will naturally return your body to you and let you go back. With our help, your life is destined to be colorful. Perhaps, you may be a celebrity and leave a significant mark in history by ident." Wang Xuan remarked, "Indeed, it''s you. Different evil spirits with different behaviors and aspirations. I''ve heard of evil spirits devouring the spirits of Earth Immortals in ancient times, taking their ce and entering the Immortal Realm. I wonder what happened to themter on." At this moment, he thought of many things. The evil spirits'' behavior was different and it left behind many mysteries. The silver-haired youth said, "That''s one of us, an outlier, aplete deviant. Perhaps, it wasn''t even one of us at all, but rather other terrifying creatures causing illusions for you. But, what a game he yed! Starting from the mortal realm, he took over an Earth Immortal''s flesh and blood. He then continued his life, entered the Immortal Realm, and danced with even more powerful mythical beings. Just thinking about it is intriguing. After hearing about it, I felt like fully deviating too. I feel likepletely taking over, bing immersed in it." Wang Xuan remained indifferent, deeply repulsed by their actions. He said, "Your strength is indeed not weak, but manipting others'' experiences, altering their life trajectories, isn''t that excessive? You treat it as child''s y. It''s indeed like tampering with others'' destinies and deciding it all by yourself. What is this, a game in the mortal world? Or do you see it as a form of cultivation to gain certain experiences?" Although the purple-haired girl was beautiful, her indifferent smile was not weed by Wang Xuan. She spoke, "However you interpret it is fine. Whose life isn''t a game, an experience? Why take it so seriously? We can give you many things, the true peaks of life." The other people, or rather the evil spirits, also spoke up. "You may not know, but the historical figures you admire, even the famous mythical powerhouses, may have had our predecessors take over their bodies to achieve their dreams, and then returned their identities to them in the end." "Yeah, I reckon some mythical techniques were created by our predecessors. Of course, only a few renowned techniques might have been left by our ancestors. They probably got too immersed and were unwilling to return. They poured their hearts and souls into leaving behind masterpieces before departing, thus fulfilling the host''s destiny." another said. Could it be like this? In history, some prominent figures, some famous mythical powerhouses, could all be rted to evil spirits? Even Wang Xuan was surprised at this point. Could these evil spirits really cause such major events?! He even began to doubt whether there were evil spirits who hadn''t returned the identity to the host among the current powerhouses. Were there suchplete deviants? Thinking of this, he asked directly if there were suchplete deviant evil spirits. The purple-haired woman said, "I don''t know, perhaps there might be one or two, like the one you mentioned who devoured an Earth Immortal''s spirit, then took his ce to ascend to the Immortal Realm. It might still be stuck in the midst of it and had never left." "I don''t need you to change my fate!" said Wang Xuan, asserting his attitude. He had a desire to explore these unexpected visitors, but right now, he came to pick someone up and didn''t want to get too entangled or distracted. "Are you really not considering it? We are very powerful, enough to fulfill ny percent of your life''s wishes," the silver-haired man spoke. "How strong can you be?" Wang Xuan asked calmly, not really caring. Under the same universe, if evil spirits could defy the heavens and if they still had unparalleled strength, it could perhaps provide him with a new train of thought. "That''s how strong!" the silver-haired youth spoke. His body emitted silver ripples, it then expanded towards Wang Xuan and was intending to envelop him. At that moment, the spaceship became unstable, the screen flickered, and various delicate instruments were impacted. It was experiencing strong interference. Qing Mu was startled. He felt like he was seeing a ghost! "Don''t ruin my spaceship!" Wang Xuan said sternly through mentalmunication. His body emitted light, blocking the silver ripples and preventing the spread of super energy from eroding the spaceship. He was ready to unleash his full power at any moment if the other side really intended to destroy the spaceship. "Sorry, we didn''t expect your spaceship to be so weak,gging behind by many years. Come to our spaceship," the silver-haired man invited. In a sh, several figures disappeared. "Qing Mu, open the hatch. I''m going to visit the other side," Wang Xuan said. Qing Mu was astonished. He immediately realized that Wang Xuan had made contact with the people on the other side when he thought of the strange disturbance just now. His expression became solemn, but he didn''t say much. He followed Wang Xuan''s instructions and opened a secure hatch. With a whoosh, a silhouette streaked through space. Wang Xuan departed and was entering into the mysterious spaceship on the other side that had already opened its portal. After he entered, the beautiful purple-haired woman was the first to make a move. Surrounded by purple aura, she reached out to grab Wang Xuan, as if using mythical techniques, yet it seemed merely superficial. However, her spiritual power was incredibly strong, granting her formidable abilities. Then, Wang Xuan grabbed her snow-white wrist, blocking her attack and immediately colliding with her purple aura. Amidst the terrifying transcendent radiance, the two shed fiercely. They were sparking like the collision of different types of energy substances. It was boiling, with an umbre-shaped energy cloud billowing up. Eventually, the purple-haired woman staggered back. She wore an incredulous expression and said, "You managed to lock onto my figure and suppress me." The others were also astonished. For them, few beings could perceive them, let alone lock onto and injure them. Wang Xuan remained silent. So what? Old Zhang once wielded a bronze mirror near the Three Evil me, banging an old astronaut. That was an Evil Spirit Queen. The purple-haired woman murmured, "Indeed, this vast universe is returning to normal and correcting its trajectory. Myths are fading away, and consequently, we are weakening too. If this continues, we will all die here and never return home and we¡¯ll decay." "What are your identities?" Wang Xuan asked. "We are all researchers," the silver-haired man replied. Damn researchers! Wang Xuan nced at them. Where did these researcherse from? "I want to know about your world and your motives," Wang Xuan asked solemnly. ording to rumors, it was difficult tomunicate with and converse with spirits, but these people seemed somewhat unusual today, and he wanted to explore further. Chapter 443: The Words Of The Whale Hunter Chapter 443: The Words Of The Whale Hunter "We, the evil spirits as you perceive us, rarely manifest unless we are helping someone achieve their dreams. In most cases, we are mere observers, travelers,ing and going silently," the silver-haired man spoke, evidently having more to say. He continued, "Don''t seek origins, don''t inquire about motives. These are the two premises we discuss with the hosts before fulfilling their dreams." "This is our principle. Otherwise, vitors will pay the price and be fallen, never to return," the purple-haired girl said, her expression finally turning serious rather than rxed. In terms of individual strength, this human before them didn''t intimidate them at all. He was one of the rarest hosts that they¡¯ve encountered but they did not seek after him. They were willing tomunicate kindly. Wang Xuan did want to understand them, probing subtly to uncover their roots. "I''ve encountered various types of evil spirits, there are those lurking in secret realms, researchers conducting experiments in the beyond, and groups intermarrying with other races that are fully integrated into the vast expanse of space and are giving birth to new races." He referred to the mysterious creatures around the ferryman in the Land of the Departed, Dr. Zhang Qifan in the Space Bar who wore ab coat, and the audience in the VIP seats of the ancient spaceship. The silver-haired man spoke, "The creatures you mentioned with red eyes are likely true horror monsters that are different from us. As for the other spirits you mentioned, they are probably semi-fallen, unable to return but not fully fallen." Wang Xuan delved further, asking, "Do you not belong to this universe? Even transcendents would find it difficult to see you without spiritual eyes. Are you here to observe us, conduct experiments, or undergo a special life cultivation experience?" A ck-haired man in a spacesuit spoke, "You can interpret it however you like, but we cannot say. Otherwise, it would be a breach of contract, which we can''t afford. Lives are at stake, or they might never return." "Over this past year, I''ve encountered waves of evil spirits like you. Some nurture mythical creatures, lurking in the night like walking their dogs. Some enter bars to experience novelty, and others appear near the remnants of super-civilizations. Yes, wave after wave, all resembling each other, all in spacesuits," Wang Xuan confessed openly, revealing his encounters to observe the reactions of these beings and gather more information. To his surprise, when they heard this, several spirits turned pale and were visibly terrified. Their expressions seemed genuine. They were genuinely disturbed. A woman with ear-length hair urgently asked, "Are you saying that you''ve seen many evil spirits like us that are appearing in groups and bing moremon?!" "Is there a problem?" Wang Xuan looked at her.¡¡¡¡The silver-haired man lost hisposure, speaking quickly, "Of course, there''s a problem. If people like us, the evil spirits as you call us, appear on arge scale, it must be a major disaster. It would be unbearable for us and terrifying for you." Wang Xuan chuckled, saying, "There aren''t many of them. Altogether, it''s just a few dozen, spread across different star systems." The purple-haired woman ced a hand on her chest while having a grave expression and she said, "That''s good. As long as tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of evil spirits don''t suddenly appear on a, then there''s no problem. Otherwise, it would be a natural disaster, indicatingplete loss of control." This question made Wang Xuan ponder deeply. After a brief silence, the silver-haired man spoke again, "Won''t you consider your dreams? "Forget it. There''s no need to continue. I won''t be your host, and it seems you can''t help me either." said Wang Xuan with a normal tone. Itcked any hint of amusement, yet it caused the spirits'' faces to stiffen slightly. Ultimately, even the mightiest muste to an end in this era. Yet this young man before them was somewhat different, possessing a peculiar quality. They were particrly sensitive to this aura. Could it be an undiscovered giant that had yet to grow? However, that subtle quality was firmly sealed and not leaked. The man in the spacesuit spoke, "In a sense, we are indeed undergoing an experience, improving ourselves through training, much like your mythical creatures. But our greatest strength still lies in technology. In fact, we ssify myths as part of our technology. This spaceship, though it may not lookrge, is equipped with top-tier configurations capable of capturing giants." "What do you mean by giants?" Wang Xuan asked. "Huge creatures, referring to powerful rare species like the cosmic deep-sea whales, the top-tier beings in mythical creatures, and so on," the silver-haired man exined. "So, they''re what you call rare hosts?" Wang Xuan inquired. Then, he looked at the spaceship. Was this a threat? His gaze turned cold. Do I need to turn hostile?¡¡ The purple-haired woman smiled and said, "Under normal circumstances, we don''t engage in conflict with people. If someone refuses our help in achieving their dreams, we simply leave." Wang Xuan asked, "The silver bird corpse outside the spaceship, the broken giant sword, the remains of the flying dragon, and the shattered transcendent flying boat, weren''t they destroyed by you?" "I want to rify, they attacked us first. It was self defense. You know our first two rules. The third rule allows us to retaliate and defend ourselves." replied the silver-haired man. "In that case, since I''ve refused, I''ll take my leave today," said Wang Xuan. After trying, Wang Xuan realized that the other party wouldn''t reveal any more secrets. He came to pick someone up today and he didn''t intend to engage in furthermunication. "Aren''t you afraid we''ll turn hostile?" the silver-haired man chuckled. The ck-haired man in the spacesuit said, "Although we have rules of conduct that govern us and prohibit us from acting recklessly, but you''re quite special. Aren''t you worried at all, being on a spaceship that can even capture giants?" Wang Xuan had never fought to the death with creatures like evil spirits before. He had just assessed the situation. He responded calmly, "Are you trying to threaten me? I hope we can both be safe." "Dangerous!" Suddenly, a voice rang out. It was a metallic wolf head with purple ripples expanding out of its eyes. After scanning Wang Xuan, it emitted urgent rm sounds, "Upon inspection, this creature is carrying prohibited items that can destroy the spaceship!" The spirits on the scene were startled and were almost screaming out. In this starry sky, there were only a fewpletely prohibited items in total. Did this suspected giant carry such things? This was outrageous!¡¡ "It seems that my limited impulse, the thought of viting the agreement, was shattered by this warning. I can only behave myself now," the silver-haired man shrugged and was looking regretful. In fact, Wang Xuan didn''t understand the warning from the metallic life form, as they couldn''tmunicate verbally. However, through the fluctuations in their spiritual energy, he sensed something. "What is the wolf head warning about?" pondered Wang Xuan. "I¡¯m a wolf. I am the great Wolf God. Please open your eyes and respect my wolf dignity!" The metallic life form corrected, this time emitting mental waves. Wang Xuan felt that it had the same demeanor as the mechanical bird which belonged to the spaceship''s intelligent steward. There was nothing tomunicate with it, and he couldn''t be bothered with it, mainly because of the association of resentment towards the earlier negative impression left by the mechanical bird. "Since we don''t have any conflicting interests, let''s bid each other farewell and move on," said Wang Xuan as he didn''t want to dy any further. "Wait a moment, is your target the mythological below? Perhaps we have a chance to cooperate," the purple-haired evil spirit asked. "Oh, how can we cooperate? What are you here for?" Wang Xuan inquired. The silver-haired youth said, "We''re here for whaling, and perhaps there''s an extremely rare and endlessly terrifying forbidden item here." Wang Xuan''s heart skipped a beat. Could the forbidden item he mentioned refer to the supreme treasure? After all, he had obtained the Life Essence Furnace from the secretnd. Moreover, what did he mean by whaling? Was there still a super giant hidden on this? Is it the old fox? Without needing to ask further, someone on the other side spoke up, saying, "We can cooperate. Don''t you want one more forbidden item? In fact, even we are incredibly tempted by that thing, to the point of being unable to resist. However, it belongs only to this universe, and we cannot control it. If we help you obtain it, would it count as helping you fulfill your dream?" Wang Xuan said straightforwardly, "I won''t be your host. I can consider it if it''s a fair and normal cooperation." He pondered inwardly that the forbidden item was probably the Life Essence Furnace. The evil spirits exchanged messages with each other which clearly showed their extreme fear of the so-called forbidden item and their eagerness for him to join in. "Agreed. We''ll join forces to go whaling. We''ll give you the forbidden item when we leave this universe in the future," this was the result of the spirits'' discussion. Wang Xuan hesitated and seemed reluctant, but he had finally agreed to it. In fact, he didn''t care about the ownership of the supreme treasure. It had been on him for a long time. He was only interested in the giant whale. He added, "I want to make it clear that I won''t do anything outrageous. What''s the origin of that giant whale? I might not participate if you capture it for no reason." The purple-haired woman exined the situation, saying, "That giant creature was once perfect and powerful, but he was severely injured and almost killed by someone more than two thousand years ago. Our predecessors, who came from the same ce as us, what you call evil spirits, helped him realize his ideals when the whale''s life was extinguished, and he survived. He eventually escaped from the immortal realm. Unfortunately, that evil spirit predecessor was also severely injured and eventually died." "How did he escape?" Wang Xuan asked. The silver-haired man exined, "Spiritual Fragments and the essence of the whale''s blood were attached to that supreme forbidden item. It prated the barrier and fell on this." Furthermore, he added, "We identally found the notes of that fellow countryman on an abandoned ghost ship deep in this universe. We learned that he made a deal with someone, but he died first. We''re here to take his ce, to renew the contract with the dormant whale, and let the whale continue to serve as the host because, ording to the agreement, the time has not yete." At this moment, Wang Xuan''s mind was racing, but he concealed it well. He thought of many questions. Why was the Life Essence Furnace here, especially in that hidden ce? It was definitely not something an ordinary person could arrange as even the immortals could be killed there. Now, everything made sense, it was the work of a giant whale that should have died. Moreover, he quickly connected many things. Why did Fang Yuzhue to the secret ground? This thought shook him even more deeply. Chapter 444: Whale Fall Chapter 444: Whale Fall The originally insoluble questions now gradually had answers,yers of fog could now be dispelled, and some things could be pieced together. Outside the secretnd, within that ck and white altar, there was an extraordinary innerndscape that could kill Earth Immortals, extinguish the Life Essence Lord, ughter the Golden-Winged Roc and the Thousand-Armed True God, and others.However, only individuals with exceptionally abnormal spiritual power during the mortal period were allowed in. Now, looking back, there were various traces to follow and infer from! Who in the mortal world could freely arrange things over two thousand years ago, controlling creatures capable of killing Earth Immortals and keeping the supreme treasure safe?¡¡ It¡¯s the giant whale, the outstanding one among extraordinary creatures! Most importantly, even if other mortals entered, they would never be able to affect the Life Essence Furnace or take it away. It was only because Wang Xuan''s innerndscape automatically opened on that day that he could take it away! This made his heart beat like a jackhammer, it was almosting out of his body. Of course, all the intense emotional fluctuations were suppressed by him and he looked calm on the surface. Initially, he thought it was a coincidence, some luck, but now it seemed like it was all prepared for him. It was arranged by the giant whale forter arrivals during the mortal period. They were of the same kind. "The person who died to save Sister Yuzhu was eventually saved by the evil spirits, and his spiritual fragments and blood essence were preserved. Then, in someter years, he found an opportunity to attach himself to the Life Essence Furnace and escape back to the mortal world." muttered Wang Xuan to himself. This was his spection after connecting various questions. Wang Xuan directly asked the spirits about the origins of the so-called giant whale to verify. "Its growth potential is astonishing, with a terrifying upper limit. It is destined to be a giant creature. Based on some parameters of your mythical creatures, it opened a special innerndscape during the mortal period, making it easier to capture real substance and other substances. There''s no need to say more." Indeed, the words of the spirits dispersed many doubts. Did Fang Yuzhue here to explore because she sensed something? And as for that white peacock, did it also return from the immortal realm with a mission toe to the secretnd? "Some people mistakenly believed that whale fall brought forth all things, which was also considered one of his entric traits. So, we are willing to call such individuals whales," the female spirit with ear-length hair spoke up. "I want to know, besides your fellow countrymen, were there any other beings from the immortal realm who knew about and assisted him in returning to the mortal world?" Wang Xuan asked. This was important to him. He would have to reassess their rtionship if Fang Yuzhu was also involved in this event. He didn''t want things to get tooplicated, and he certainly didn''t want bloodshed and conspiracy.¡¡¡¡The silver-haired youth said, "ording to the notes left by our fellow countryman, it seems that no third party knew about or participated. It only mentioned that he cooperated with the host toplete this great escape." Wang Xuan nodded. This person was indeed quite formidable. He coulde back to life and still be entangled with the supreme treasure even facing certain death. That was unparalleled! As for the supreme treasure, many people had fought over it in the past. Wang Xuan had seen those intense scenes from ancient times, such as the red-clothed Demon Lord killing peerless opponents of the same level, Fang Yuzhu breaking through multiple barriers, fighting enemies from all directions, chasing after the Life Essence Furnace, the Demon Ancestor going mad, and leading hundreds of thousands of demon soldiers in pursuit, but all were in vain. Yet, with the help of the evil spirits this person managed to attach himself to the supreme treasure and return through the great veil. "Are people with a special innerndscape so difficult to kill? Someone who was thought to be dead by peerless experts is actually alive." pondered Wang Xuan. He was lost in thought for a moment. This wasn''t an isted case. There was the Evil Dragon before and now the giant whale. It''s worth noting that throughout history, there have only been three people acknowledged by most for having a special innerndscape. As for the im of four individuals, it has never been recognized by many. Three of them died tragically and unexpectedly. They were all believed to be killed, yet two of them were resurrected one after another. This was somewhat terrifying! "It''s like¡­¡­immortality!" muttered Wang Xuan to himself. These beings, who were surely thought to be dead by the strongest and had disappeared without a trace were now alive again. It made Wang Xuan deeply moved and contemtive. Because he, too, was one of these individuals with such a trait. He wondered if he would be able to survive extreme and dire situations in the future because of it. The Evil Dragon and the giant whale were not the same person. Wang Xuan deliberately reminded Zhang Daoling that the second person with a special innerndscape had been resurrected and he also asked some questions when hest contacted the ancient spaceship in the depths of the universe. The notion of the second person was mentioned by that pair of shadowy figures. Several dayster, Zhang Daoling provided feedback that greatly shocked him. He clearly stated that the second person was three hundred years older than the Hades Blood Patriarch. Wang Xuan didn''t ask Fang Yuzhu as he feared to stir up that bloody history, after all, the person had died to save her. Soon, Wang Xuan calmed down and carefully recalled the process of obtaining the supreme treasure. He suddenly felt a sense of unease. Was that process normal?¡¡ "The innerndscape opened automatically, the Life Essence Furnace flew in autonomously, and then, the portal closed rapidly!" he recalled. He felt his hair stand on end. In the past, he wouldn''t have thought much about the innerndscape opening by itself, but after experiencing the incident with the Evil Dragon, he became somewhat sensitive to such processes and paid special attention to them. "However, at that time, I really didn''t sense any other creatures, it was just the furnace entering on its own." Wang Xan muttered to himself. He hesitated again, very much trusting his own intuition. He silently contemted and introspected himself. He checked the Life Essence Furnace was only a means to seek psychologicalfort. But he felt there shouldn''t be any attachments. Otherwise, it would be truly chilling and filled with psychological shadows. "So many years have passed, are you sure he''s still there?" Wang Xuan asked. After all, even the supreme treasure had changed locations, let alone a person. The ck-haired man in the space suit said, "ording to the agreement, he should be in slumber there. Even if he was revived back then, he was fundamentally injured and needed long years of recuperation and recovery. Since the agreement is iplete, his spiritual body cannot leave." "Okay, let''s go take a look!" replied Wang Xuan. Now Wang Xuan was eager to meet the giant whale. What was his condition, and was he deliberately leading him to the supreme treasure? The purple-haired woman smiled and said, "I hope we have a pleasant cooperation. After we renew the contract, you won''t need to take action if we encounter resistance. We just hope you can restrain that forbidden item." Shortly afterward, Wang Xuan contacted Qing Mu and told him he could follow behind, while he himself descended into the secretnd with the evil spirits aboard the spaceship. Several evil spirits did not immediately take action but continued their previous task of scanning the. After a while, they began to focus on the ck and white earth tform and conducted thorough inspections. "A misty cloud, it doesn''t seem like a living being." one said. The spaceship cautiously approached, activating its shields. The evil spirits were particrly cautious around the giant whale. "May I ask about the strength of the spirits? Are all individuals simr, or are there significant differences between them?" Along the way, Wang Xuan inquired. The young man he addressed responded, "Naturally, there are differences. For example, we, the researchers, are more inclined towards exploration and are proficient inbat techniques, but we are not top-tier experts." Wang Xuan nodded. No wonder he didn''t feel much pressure facing several spirits. The others fell silent, observing his expression and deducing that he might consider them somewhat weak. This experience was not particrly pleasant for the evil spirits. As the spaceship approached the ck and white earth tform, the vegetation in that area was sparse, and there were still traces of mysterious genome leaking out. This indicated that it had notpletely dried up. Because there was an extraordinary innerndscape inside. "Let the dog head scan carefully. The giant whale is definitely one of the most powerful mythical creatures!" Wang Xuan spoke. He showed more concern about this ce than the evil spirits. "I am a wolf!" the metallic beast head corrected while ring at Wang Xuan disdainfully. Perhaps they simply didn''t get along and mutually disliked each other. As the purple ripples extended into the extraordinary innerndscape, they ran into a counterattack. With a loud explosion, a terrifying st urred and it caused cracks to appear on the ck and white earth tform. It then broke through the purple ripples and extended towards the spaceship. A dull sound resonated as the shield trembled slightly but it managed to hold firm. This is somewhat unreasonable. How could there still be such a bacsh force without the transcendent rules and with the trans material being so sparse? "Weird, there are no living beings inside. Is the giant whale gone?" The silver-haired youth frowned. Despite encountering counterattacks during their scans, they managed to glean some information. "Continue scanning and examine it carefully," the purple-haired woman suggested. Each scan encountered terrifying counterattacks. However, it was precisely because of this energy turmoil that they were provided with opportunities to analyze and investigate the situation inside. "He''s dead?!" After dozens ofprehensive scans, the final analysis revealed that the giant whale had perished and was no longer in the world. Wang Xuan was astonished and somewhat disbelieving. Even the ancient demon emperor had failed topletely kill that person. He had escaped back to the human realm and possessed the Life Essence Furnace. How could he possibly die? The woman with short hair spoke, "After inspection and analysis, it''s indeed the case. The extraordinary innerndscape inside was refined using the broken innerndscape he recovered from. This ce is where his whale carcass turned to ashes. He''s truly dead." Wang Xuan was taken aback. The extraordinaryndscape here had such a significant background?¡¡ "It''s somewhat pathetic. In the end, death is inevitable." He was slightly lost in thought again and wondered if it was possible that the old fox had broken free from this ce. The silver-haired youth spoke up, "It''s probably because no one came to renew the contract, and our fellow townsman passed away early. Both sides of the contract were unfulfilled, and he was devoured by the bacsh." This manner of death¡­¡­ was somewhat unjust, but Wang Xuan still found it unreliable and somewhat unbelievable. How could someone who had narrowly escaped death and broken free from the confines of the universe silently perish here? It made him doubtful. "Is there a possibility that his strength was extremely powerful, allowing him to break free from the contract''s constraints and leave long ago?" Wang Xuan raised a question. The purple-haired spirit shook her head and said, "There''s only a slight possibility of that, but it can bepletely disregarded. Essentially, once the contract is made, no one can escape before the time is up." "Perhaps he really did it, because the terrifying forbidden item is no longer here!" The dog head in Wang Xuan''s eyes spoke up. But Wang Xuan knew that the forbidden item was with him and couldn''t have been taken by that person. If the giant whale were still alive, why would it abandon the treasure? It didn''t make sense. His audacity seemed too great! Now, he had connected some things, but there were still some foggy areas. Wang Xuan spoke, "Have you scanned this? Did you find an old ck fox? How strong is it, and on what level?" Chapter 445: Return Of Horses To Serve Wang Xuan In The Mortal Realm Chapter 445: Return Of Horses To Serve Wang Xuan In The Mortal Realm Through various clues, Wang Xuan had reasons to suspect the ck fox as it had quite a few issues. Moreover, even Fang Yuzhu mentioned that this old fox was hostile to the Immortals thest time he asked her about the secretnd. "Are you asking us to help you achieve your dreams?" the silver-haired man asked with a smile. "A trivial matter, and you''re still embarrassed? Besides, that old fox might be the giant whale," said Wang Xuan. He remainedposed and took the initiative. He continued, "In that case, I''m helping you achieve your life''s dreams. How will you thank me?" The ck-haired man in the spacesuit was quite surprised and said, "Ha, interesting. It''s the first time someone has sold us dreams. Let''s see if it''s him first." The spaceship was very powerful, it was capable of scanning the structure of an entire and detecting abnormal sources of trans material. It could also capture powerful life imprints, and so on, all of which were routine operations. The dog head was very dedicated and quickly got results. It informed a few of the evil spirits individually. The purple-haired woman spoke up, saying, "It can be considered a very extraordinary fox, with a very high level of life. It''s truly beyond our expectations. However, the overall situation has changed, and now it can only go with the flow. It''s even a bit distant from the Earth Immortals. In terms of mythological levels, it''s probably around the level of the thirdyer of Wanderer level." Wang Xuan was moved. This ck fox was somewhat extraordinary. What era was it now? With the copse of the transcendent, Zhang Daoling and the Demon Emperor were estimated to only be able to disy this level. The silver-haired man said, "It''s not a whale; its life aura doesn''t match at all. Besides, it''s not carrying the terrifying forbidden item of this universe either." "So, until we meet again!" Several evil spirits were quite straightforward. After losing their target, they decided to leave immediately. They were unwilling to waste any more time. "Perhaps, we''ll never see each other again. We''re about to embark on an adventure shortly, hoping to truly leave this universe!" said one of them. They had been looking for an opportunity to return home. The cabin door opened, and they made a gesture to show the way out as they watched Wang Xuan leave. "Is there a possibility that the giant whale is indeed dead, but your senior, yourpatriot, may still be alive?" Wang Xuan walked away, but in the process, he was still pondering and making some assumptions. He said, "He reced the giant whale and became theprehensive fallen one as he wanted to stay in this universe." The few were stunned. Could such a thing be possible?¡¡ "Let''s say, if he had connections with that whale a long time ago, such as in his youth. Or maybe even the special innerndscape was opened by him, and the one who rose rapidly in the Immortal Realm was that evil spirit, not the original whale. Until he came out through the great veil, only then did he return to the identity of the host and release his spirit, which made the host die shortly after¡­¡­" These words left the evil spirits stunned, but they didn¡¯t find the reverse thinking absurd. The scene fell silent briefly as they confirmed it. "After reanalyzing andparing, we haven''t found any residual life traces of thatpatriot. Theoretically, he should be dead," said the woman with short hair. The silver-haired man was very rational. He said, "Whether the whale broke free or ourpatriot jumped out, it means the road ahead will be extremely dangerous. This game should endpletely. We can''t continue." Both of these theoretical assumptions only had a slight possibility, it was almost impossible to achieve. They felt that they should leave no matter which angle they considered it from. "Goodbye!" Wang Xuan left the spaceship. At this point, it wasn''t very high above the ground, so he leaped down. A silver-gray light shot up, and the spaceship quickly disappeared into the sky, then vanished into the vast universe without a trace. "Old Qing, keep your distance from me, a few hundred miles apart," Wang Xuan transmitted. He moved through the mountains and forests, revisiting familiar ces. The mountain scenery remained the same, but the trans material had dried up. Many monsters were moaning, it was a deste scene. The once bustling ce was now deserted, with no one around. The eight great nests of the transcendent creatures surrounding this ce had creatures that seemed sick and lethargic. They looked toozy to move. Although he had been in a sorry state here before, being chased by silkworm snakes, mountain turtles, silver bears, golden birds, and others, he had indeed achieved transcendent breakthroughs in this ce. He didn''t linger, rushing through and arriving near the Earth Immortal City. He searched carefully along the way, but he didn''t see the white peacock. Wang Xuan was like a ghost, silent and invisible, he crossed the entire secretnd. He encountered many transcendent monsters, but they had all degenerated as their realms had fallenpared to before. "Some creatures may revert to ordinary beasts, which is quite tragic," he rushed past, disregarding past grievances or whether he had been hunted before, it had all fleeted with the wind. He no longer wanted to keep score. Hundreds or thousands of years old ancient trees that had vines as thick as water jars all shed their yellowing leaves. The rich vitality gradually dissipated. He even saw an old tree-man sitting on top of a mountain sighing with long legs rooted on the cliff. In this humanoid form, he could retain his wisdom and avoid bing muddled. For some species, it''s quite pitiful once they fall from the transcendent to the mundane. They would revert to their primitive state which was consuming flesh and blood. They wouldpletely lose their inherent spirituality. On the vast ck mountain, an old wolf howled mournfully at the setting sun. It was a scene of great tragedy. It had degraded from the transcendent stage to the grandmaster stage, only temporarily retaining its spiritual fame. It felt that it would perish among the beasts of the mountains and forests if it continued to descend and fall below the grandmaster stage. An old ape was preaching while surrounded by a group of white-haired monkeys that were sitting on the ground. The atmosphere was oppressive, with some monkeys shedding tears. Some of them could retain their spirituality, but many of theirpanions would revert to a beastly state. Recently, various spiritual monsters, transcendent species, had been frantically gathering herbs and consumingrge quantities of spiritual substances, but what was destined toe would stille. At night, Wang Xuan entered the core area of the secretnd and approached the Immortal Cave where the old fox resided. He didn''t rush in but observed quietly with his spiritual eye. This ce was very different, with powerful formations and strands of trans material swirling around. This ce had a hidden realm, where remnants of mythology lingered even though trans material were receding. It was like a small immortal realm covering the area, shrouding the mountains and forests. "It''s like a barrier, dying theplete dissipation of trans material. It''s indeed quite remarkable." muttered Wang Xuan to himself. In the core area, various monsters roamed freely. Some giant birds spread their big wings, which made them look like small clusters of dark clouds. They were still powerful and were almost reaching the wanderer level. There were also flying dragons soaring, roaring loudly, stirring up clouds and mist. It was as if they were venting their frustration and unwillingness. It was obvious that the monsters in the core area must have been very strong initially, but they weakened day by day. Within the barrier, there were exotic beasts carrying spiritual herbs and distributing them to some monsters in the nearby area. It showed a hint of warmth in this cruel environment. The barrier was vast and had formed its own world inside. Wang Xuan could only see a certain distance and couldn''tpletely see through even with his spiritual eyes. There were too many formations and mountains. ITheyer uponyer were obscuring the view. On the first day, he didn''t take any action. He just quietly observed and studied the situation here. He was not seeing any familiar faces or anomalies at the moment. On the second evening, with fiery clouds filling the sky, there was a sh of golden light within the barrier just like a golden mist passing by. It was¡­¡­ a majestic horse? Its mane flowed like golden satin that radiated a dazzling light. "The Grandmaster Horse?!" Wang Xuan felt slightly relieved. There shouldn''t be any major changes here since this creature was still alive and seemed to be in good condition. "The return of immortals to the Immortal Realm, and the return of horses to serve Wang Xuan in the mortal realm." pondered Wang Xuan. The horse traversed the sky. It flew through the barrier like lightning, it disyed a martial skill. What was its name? Wang Xuan was startled, then wanted to rush in and kill it! A group of birds of prey flew past, while the golden majestic horse traversed the void. It surpassed the birds in flight and even stepped on their bodies as it passed by. It disappeared, showing that it was frolicking and practicing. It had already be a transcendent creature that was significantly stronger than before. "The Grandmaster Horse, the tterer, looking for trouble?!" said Wang Xuan as he stared at the spot. He did not go over, hoping it would appear again, preferably now. He was wary of the old fox and hoped to have a conversation with the Grandmaster Horse first to understand the situation within the barrier. The ck Fox must have its own story. Why didn''t it release Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin? Was it just waiting for him toe and fetch them?¡¡ On the third day, Wang Xuan saw the Grandmaster Horse again. This time, it didn''t rush past but walked with elegant steps. It gave off a somewhat sacred aura. It had changed from its previous pure white color to a golden hue all over. Its fur was extremely smooth and soft and it emitted a glossy sheen like a mirror. Itsrge golden wings flowed with peaceful radiance as if it was untainted by dust. On its forehead, there was a golden horn that was surrounded by lightning runes and had shes of thunderlight flickering faintly. It had fully evolved and mutated. Ancient texts recorded this as the Thunderhorn Celestial Horse. Itsbat power would be extraordinary if it grew to theter stage. ording to mythology, Bodhisattvas and powerful immortals would be delighted to have such a mount. Regardless of its transformation, it was just another creature in Wang Xuan''s eyes. He wouldn''t have much emotional fluctuation even if it turned into a Kirin. The main reason was that the creatures he encountered were all extraordinary. Zhang Daoling could definitely smash a dragon with a broken bronze mirror. Soon, Wang Xuan saw how capricious the Grandmaster Horse was. It walked gracefully and reservedly while entering the medicinal field on the edge of the barrier. Then, itsrge wings spread out and swung like giant des. It was cutting down spiritual herbs as if it was harvesting crops, it was slicing them in swathes. It was very selective. It carefully chose from the spiritual herbs before taking a bite. "This is a bit too much. The outer world''s trans materials are dwindling, yet you''re still so picky?" muttered Wang Xuan. He stared at it and felt tempted to educate it with a beating on how to be a good horse. Shortly after, he let go of his prejudice after the Grandmaster Horse harvested a patch of spiritual herbs, carried the herbs outside the barrier and distributed them to various spiritual beasts and monsters. "Young foal!" Wang Xuan secretly transmitted his voice, calling it over. Of course, he also made sure to conceal his true appearance and spiritual aura by enveloping himself in white mist. The Grandmaster Horse set down the herbs and suddenly raised its head. Its golden eyes widened as it looked in Wang Xuan''s direction. Then, it dashed forward like a galloping horse, rushing towards him with a hoof aimed at Wang Xuan''s face. Veins bulged on Wang Xuan''s forehead. This horse was really too arrogant, it immediately tried to kick him as soon as they met. Chapter 446: Reunion In The Secret Realm Chapter 446: Reunion In The Secret Realm Wang Xuan gracefully stepped back, suppressing the urge to strike, not wanting to alert the ancient fox deep within the barrier. He waved at the horse instead. This steed, now moreposed and collected than before, suddenly elerated upon seeing him. Its hooves glowed brilliantly, like a mini sun bursting forth, its force unexpectedly amplified manifold by some secret technique, aiming to catch him off guard. The once young colt now indeed possessed significant lethal power, still unaware of its reunion with its former rider. Wang Xuan, choosing not to stoop to its level, simply turned and walked away, hoping to find a secluded spot to reminisce with the horse about old times. Unexpectedly, after its most ferocious kick missed its mark, the horse turned tail and fled towards the barrier, not even ncing back. Cunning as ever, it sensed something amiss, given the masked strength of the man who had easily dodged its formidable first strike from the Tianma Nine Kills technique. It thought it best to flee when unsure, avoiding danger and returning with reinforcements for a more satisfying and secure hunt. Wang Xuan, tempted to capture it outright yet wary of attracting undue attention from various creatures that might alert others, transmitted his voice directly, "Grandmaster Ma, it''s me,e here!" Instantly, the golden steed halted, its ears pricked up and its tail raised, its eyes wide and teeth bared in shock and surprise. "Horseman?!" it tentatively called out, though also through a concealed message. "Your second uncle!" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but feel that this horse was asking for a beating, from head to tail, nothing about it sat right with him."Is it really you, my dedicated horseman, the caretaker of horses?!" The Grandmaster Ma was astonished, and in a sh, it dashed towards him. Leading the way, Wang Xuan sprinted a good ny miles before stopping and revealing his true self, with much to inquire of the steed. "It''s really you!" The Grandmaster Ma sensed the familiar aura, a connection built over a significant period. It leaped towards Wang Xuan in recognition and excitement. Wang Xuan greeted it with a smile, ready to wee and stroke its mane. The steed, indeed resembling a divine beast of the celestial realms, promised an aura of immortality to those it bore. The Grandmaster Ma, in a disy of zealous energy that seemed to defy the constraints of space,unched towards Wang Xuan with a vigor that thundered like a storm and flickered like mirages. Its greeting, a flurry of hooves, descended with the ferocity of celestial might, casting afterimages in its wake. "Have you lost your mind? Now that you recognize me, you choose to spar?" Wang Xuan''s expression darkened at the unexpected wee. "Stable hand, you once roamed the outskirts of the secret realms,manding respect. Now, witness my power. I''ve ascended beyond the ordinary, once standing at the pinnacle of the fifth horse realm," it boasted, despite its fallen state. Assuming Wang Xuan had also suffered a greater fall in power, especially in this protected enve safeguarded by ancient treasures, the horse was thrilled. It wanted to demonstrate its superior strength to the one who had once ridden it, a disy of might free from malice. "What realm are you at now?" Wang Xuan dodged its attack, indulging the horse''s disy of prowess. "I am now at the third horse realm, renowned in the secretnds as ''Horse Invincible!''" With renewed vigor, its hooves ignited with thunderous power, enhancing its speed and force exponentially. Wang Xuan, bemused by the colt''s childlike braggadocio, countered effortlessly. A single finger halted the Grandmaster Ma''s fierce assault, grounding its lightning-charged advance. "Stable hand, what celestial treasure have you consumed to possess such strength?" The horse was incredulous. It had risen rapidly by consuming spiritual herbs like fodder, nearly reaching the sixth realm at its zenith. Yet, this familiar figure from a technologically barren world had returned to their homnd only to reveal even greater might. "Tianma Tread Moon Punch!" The horse retreated beforeunching a luminous assault, transforming into a radiant moon hurtling towards Wang Xuan. Unmoved, Wang Xuan''s right arm glowed, summoning a hand of energy that gently lifted the Grandmaster Ma into the air, suspending it in a disy of his overwhelming power. "I''m out!" eximed Grandmaster Ma, its astonishment palpable as it confronted the reality of Wang Xuan''s power. With a low growl of defiance, "You''ve been duped!" it dered, suddenly enveloped in a maelstrom of lightning, especially concentrated around its horn, directing a massive bolt towards Wang Xuan, transforming itself into a colossal orb of electrical fury. "Enough, settle down," Wang Xuanmanded, casting it to the ground with a pat that dissipated all the tempestuous energy in an instant. With a graceful leap, he mounted the celestial steed, "Let''s go for a ride, have a chat," he proposed. The transcendent horse was bbergasted, struggling to grasp the situation. It had soared to formidable heights, bing a rare contender even among the monstrous denizens of the secret realms, yet it was effortlessly subdued by this humanoid anomaly. "Is that really you, Wang Xuan? Haven''t you been possessed? I can''t believe it; I haven''t surpassed you yet!" it protested, thrashing wildly in a dazzling disy of electrical discharge. With a swift p, Wang Xuan quelled its resistance, the force nearly bringing the horse to its knees. "Have you forgotten who I am? Your master, who tamed you with ease. Now you aim for the heavens, contemting rebellion?" The proud horse found it hard to ept this humbling truth. It had indulged in a plethora of divine herbs, nearly reaching the sixth horse realm with the legendary flora rooted in the abodes of immortals for centuries. "How am I still not your match?" itmented, its spirit dampened. "What did you just call me?" Wang Xuan red. "Brother Wang!" the horse corrected itself immediately. Wang Xuan produced a fragment of the Creation Crystal, dazzling it with the substance''s near-reality energy. The horse''s eyes widened, sensing an overwhelming allure, its spirit quivering with desire. "Master, I''ve missed you terribly. Why did it take you so long? I''ve been longing for you!" it eximed. Wang Xuan, now disarmed by the horse''s sudden change of heart, put away the crystal. This shameless creature had shifted its stance too swiftly, boasting just moments ago and nowvishing in affection. "What''s your name now?" Wang Xuan asked. "Ma Yixuan!" the creature replied. Wang Xuan pped it on the head and demanded, "Say it again!" "Ah, I misspoke. My name is now Grandmaster Ma. I share the years and eternal brilliance with Wang Xuan!" it dered earnestly, pledging its loyalty. "How are Qinghan and Wu Yin doing now? Are they still in the barrier?" Wang Xuan inquired, clearly concerned. "Yes, they have both be extraordinary beings now. The celestial medicines in the Cave of Immortals are plentiful and very suitable for them. Even their chronic ailments are nearly gone." Wang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. There was no better news than this; as long as they were well, he cared little about their power levels, especially since the era of myths was drawing to a close. "Their ailments..." "Ah, the Five Decays of Heaven and Man," Grandmaster Ma quickly exined. "It¡¯stent, but it might be hereditary for future generations. They''re undergoing final treatment now, just missing one or two key ingredients, but we have leads on those." Wang Xuan nodded. If there was a chance for a cure, that was indeed good news. He then asked, "How¡¯s the old fox doing?" "My grandfather is doing very well," Grandmaster Ma blurted out without hesitation. Wang Xuan paused, "..." The ck fox was his grandfather now? He said it so smoothly and naturally, as if he''d reached the realm of self-forgetfulness in ttery, not even realizing anything was amiss. "If you called him ''master'' or ''great master,'' I might understand," Wang Xuan remarked. "Well... it just slipped out, heh heh!" Grandmaster Ma didn¡¯t seem embarrassed at all. "How are Qinghan and Wu Yin doing here? No idents or anything?" Wang Xuan continued to probe for more details about the two women. At the same time, he was curious about the old fox¡¯s background, wondering if there were any issues. "They''re doing well. My grandfather has been very attentive to them; he''s even been arranging to find them husbands," Grandmaster Ma revealed. "Goddamn it!" Wang Xuan nearly exploded on the spot. What is the ck Fox up to? Has it lost its mind? "Wang brother, no, Master, why are you getting worked up? First, give me a crystal; I feel it could make me stronger," Grandmaster Ma implored. Wang Xuan smacked him on the head, hard enough to make his eyes see stars, just shy of splitting his skull. Angrily, he said, "Are you heartless, or has that old fox brainwashed you? He''s busy matchmaking for Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, and you don''t seem to care, haven''t tried to stop him, and you mention it so casually." Grandmaster Ma looked frightened and somewhat wronged as he responded, "I''m not yet of age, I don''t really understand marriage. Shouldn''t it be alright if the sisters themselves like the idea? I don¡¯t have much of an opinion." "Do they like the idea themselves?" Wang Xuan pressed. "I don''t know, they haven''t chosen yet," Grandmaster Ma admitted, his understanding clearly that of a young colt in this matter, still a nk te despite his ability tomunicate through the spiritual realm. He added, "However, my grandfather mentioned that the man from the depths of the universe has exceptional talent, suspected to be a once-exiled extraordinary figure reborn, a worthy match. Also, there¡¯s another who resonated with chants while still in the womb, which seems quite incredible. My grandfather said that during the height of ancient mythology, such individuals would be snatched up by sect leaders to be raised as their own sons. It''s surprising that such exceptional individuals have appeared here; perhaps it''s fate. Grandfather thinks that with a bit of their true blood, it might be possible to cleanse thest traces of the Heavenly Man¡¯s Five Decays without further medication." "Lead the way!" Wang Xuan decided it was necessary to see the ck Fox. The old fox had always seemed stable; why would it suddenly start creating chaos? He couldn''t figure it out. Grandmaster Ma, carrying Wang Xuan, sped along, and soon they were outside the barrier. Wang Xuan frowned, wondering if this was all a ruse by the old fox, knowing he woulde and using Grandmaster Ma to ry messages to draw him out. After a moment''s thought, he decided it didn''t matter. Now at the eleventh level and standing at the forefront of the mythic frontier, he feared no extraordinary beings. Even if the old fox was scheming, Wang Xuan was ready to face whatever came his way. If there were any traps or unbearable provocations, despite the array and preparations in ce, he was not afraid to respond, ready to use his treasures to strike back if necessary. Wang Xuan rode Grandmaster Ma directly into the barrier! Along the way, numerous auspicious beasts and formidable monsters revealed their surprise, marveling at the sight of the Thunder Horned Sky Horse sopliant, allowing a rider on its back. They spected about Wang Xuan''s origins. The territory within the barrier was indeed vast, and soon, a small city appeared in the distance. As they approached, Wang Xuan noticed some humans whose attire and ornaments seemed vaguely familiar. "These peoplee from the transcendents Yu Hua, O, and Heluo. There''s a wormhole connected to their regions here in the secretnd," Master Ma informed him, noting that some young elites from these ces had also been invited by the old fox. "That person looks familiar!" someone in the distance noticed Wang Xuan. "It''s the alien who killed many of our transcendent beings outside the City of Earth Immortals!" another person whispered, recognizing him. Upon arriving, Wang Xuan made no effort to conceal his presence. Using his spiritual heavenly eye, he scanned the area and soon spotted a familiar figure. Ignoring distance, his gaze reached a beautiful woman practicing sword flying on a distant, picturesque mountain. She wore an ancient long dress, her presence ethereal and transcendent, floating gracefully as if an exiled immortal had descended to earth. His emotions stirred with the long-awaited reunion. On that distant mountain, the woman seemed to sense his gaze and paused, turning to look in his direction. Chapter 447: Malicious Intent Chapter 447: Malicious Intent Wang Xuan withdrew his gaze, noticing the hostility in the surrounding faces. Some recognized him, the "alien," who had wreaked havoc in the secret realm, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake. He had made enemies of trial participants from Heluo, O, and Yuhua stars by killing many of their elites, enduring a perilous journey that nearly cost him his life. Together with Old Chen, they faced relentless pursuit, cornered and desperate, even taking refuge in a nest of venomous bees. Thus, his feelings towards these onlookers were far from warm. If they failed to recognize when to advance or retreat, he wouldn''t hesitate to embark on another killing spree. Beside a shimmeringke, under the massive spiritual trees, petals fluttered down like snowkes, adding to the beauty of the secludedndscape with their fresh scent. Wang Xuan paid no mind to the onlookers, riding atop his horse, Transcendent Ma, whose fur shone like golden silk, as they trotted along theke. "Indeed, it''s him. He has returned to the secret realm. We should call for reinforcements. With his confidence, he won''t be easy to deal with; he''s bound to be a tough opponent." From afar, someone voiced their intent to gather a force of extraordinaries to confront him but ultimately resisted the urge. In a bid for survival, Wang Xuan had once unleashed a deadly rampage on a rainy night, ughtering the extraordinaries from Heluo, O, and Yuhua stars. They had broken the rules, summoning masters through wormholes overnight to besiege him. Dozens of them, each superior to Wang Xuan in cultivation realm, met a grisly end, still overwhelmed by his fury. "This man is merciless," a group of onlookers thought as they watched him disappear into the city, using paper cranes for messaging and flying swords formunication, harboring deep-seated hatred for the alien. "Jiang Xuan, Mu Xue, Yuan Kun, Ou Yuxuan¡ªall talents of their time, cut down mercilessly by him. I yearn to see him butchered!" Some old-timers had personally arrived in the secret realm, disbelieving that this executioner could withstand the glorious sword light of the greatest masters and expected his inevitable execution."Let''s go to the city and await the spectacle. I want to see him fall with my own eyes. I refuse to believe he can still dominate as he did." Their teeth gritted with enmity toward this alien who had, upon his bloody return to the Earthly Immortal City, plundered the survivors'' jade tokens to im the ultimate reward, leaving barely any spoils for them. With confidence bolstered by the presence of nearly immortal old-timers, a host of the world''s most exceptional talents, and fierce warriors from the ninth realm stationed in the city, what was there to fear? Now, with the wormholes open and no restrictions on power levels, if the alien had reinforcements arriving, the three extraordinarys would immediately seek support from their headquarters. The city stood as a testament to ancient epochs, a sanctuary for beings of myth and legend. Its streets,id with weathered cobblestones, whispered tales of the millennia they had witnessed, suggesting a history that spanned at least two to three thousand years. This bastion of antiquity was far better preserved than the Earthly Immortal City, its edifices steadfast against the ravages of time, unmarred by copse or ruin. The city was a melting pot of extraordinary species. Scale-armored elephants ambled alongside, while a regal, snow-white scorpion king strutted with an air of dominion, and the skies were traced by the majestic flight of Peng bird descendants. In this realm, Wang Xuan found himself enveloped in an intensified miasma of hostility. Word of his arrival had spread across the denizens from the three extraordinarys, igniting an undercurrent of unrest. Nheless, Wang Xuan remained unshaken, allowing his steed, Transcendent Ma, to guide them forth. He was intent on seeking an audience with the Old Fox, opting to disregard the waves of animosity and dissatisfaction crashing around him. "Lord Fox is currently engrossed in alchemy, having harvested some of the most potent herbs from within the Immortal Caves. He''s expected toplete his elixirs by tomorrow at thetest," Transcendent Ma ryed. Wang Xuan resolved, "Then we shall await his convenience at his abode. Also, I wish to meet with Qing Han and Wu Yin." The city, in itsyout, harmonized utility with beauty. Lakes of crystalline purity and mountains exhaling divine mists served not only as scenic vistas but as sanctuaries for immortals. The broad avenues and bustling marketces hinted at a bygone era of prosperity and splendor. Nestled at the city''s core was the abode of the ck Fox, one of the Immortal Caves, where the air was alive with the dance of falling petals, and ancient Bodhi trees thrived, their leaves whispering secrets like sacred texts being turned. As they approached along the stone path, greeted by the residence shrouded in mists, Transcendent Ma''s soft murmurs saw them through the gates, guarded by sentinel silver bears who parted ways in recognition. Yet, in that moment, the tranquility was shattered by an iing menace¡ªa shadowy streak cleaving the air with the force of a tempest, its passage marked by a sonic boom that demanded attention. While all eyes were drawn to this spectacle, Wang Xuan remained the eye of the storm, untroubled. With a mere gesture, he intercepted the shadowy assault, revealing it to be a ck crescent knife, whisper-thin and deadly, known for its lethal efficacy over centuries on Yuhua Star. This weapon, having imed over five hundred extraordinary lives in its blood-soaked legacy, was famed for its vow of never returning unbloodied. Yet, in Wang Xuan''s grasp, the once buzzing and tremoring de fell silent, its dark light dimming until, with a crisp snap, it was broken in two. "What''s this, a razor? Seems a bit dull," hemented, testing it against his jawline before casually discarding it on the ground. The street fell into a stunned silence. A fearsome weapon from Yuhua Star, broken so effortlessly? A distance away, a woman spat out a mouthful of blood. The treasure nurtured with her own essence and spiritual practice had been snapped like a twig. Filled with resentment, she wiped the blood from her lips and dered, "It''s him, the killer of my sister, Mu Xue. Who dares to confront him here?" Seeking allies, she had already sent word to the elders of her n. "Those of the fifth realm can''t hold him down, refrain from acting recklessly!" A warning was immediately broadcasted, elevating Wang Xuan''s perceived threat level. Before being demoted, a creature of the fifth realm would have been of the ninth or even the free-wandering realm, yet they stood no chance against him. "How has he cultivated to such a level? His realm was merely at the second or third of the extraordinary, and even if he had improved since then, shouldn''t he have been demoted as well?" Some were bewildered. A silver cloud burst forth from the estate, thick with the scent of potent medicine. The sound of golden elixirs striking the cauldron echoed, revealing a spectacle of radiant light that illuminated the entire estate. "Lord Fox has seeded in his alchemy, emerging from seclusion early," Transcendent Ma joyfully remarked, d for the premature end to their wait. "Recently, I felt a distinguished guest wandering outside. To think it was you, my young friend. Transcendent Ma, bring our guest inside," the voice of Old Fox resonated. "Yes!" Transcendent Ma replied, his respect for Old Fox evident as he hastened toply. Dismounting his horse upon arrival, Wang Xuan opted for a more subdued approach, given ck Fox''s disyed goodwill. Whether it was mere pretense or genuine, courtesy demanded he reciprocate. Deep down, the only entity in this realm that he truly apprehended was this venerable fox, whose true capabilities remained a mystery, undoubtedly profound. The estate, nestled against the spiritual mountains and surrounded by picturesque views ofkes, pavilions, towers, bridges, and streams, was a sight to behold. "I hope my abrupt visit isn''t too intrusive," Wang Xuan conveyed respectfully through telepathy, not yet in the presence of Old Fox but determined to show the proper etiquette expected of him. In the lotus pond, golden carp flicked their tails, creating ripples, while the divine trees by the pond, adorned with budding flowers, filled the air with their sweet fragrance. "To think, in just half a year, your strength has surged so remarkably, truly astonishing," chuckled Old Fox, appearing on the grass ahead in his simple hemp clothing, still in his fox form, walking upright. "Your praise is too generous, Elder. My modest cultivation is hardlyparable to yours," Wang Xuan replied humbly, regardless of his internal confidence. He hade to collect someone, preferring to use words rather than force if possible, eschewing unnecessary conflict. He had no desire to leave a trail of bloodshed wherever he went, much like his brief stints on new stars and ancient earth, which after a short demonstration of power, were filled with "friends" who abided by new treaties. "You''re too modest. At your age, neither my realm nor my strength was a match for yours, yet I aspired topete with the strongest of an entire star. Your progress and current cultivation might even make the patriarchs of various sects from their younger days pale inparison. Seeing you reminds me how truly old I''ve be. Time is merciless, a yer of antiques," Old Fox sighed. Wang Xuan, smiling, was ustomed to such interactions, whether it was bickering with Old Zhang, dining with Fang Yuzhu, or venturing into space alongside the Demon Lord. Regardless of Old Fox''s origins, he remainedposed. "ck Fox Elder, Real Person Jiang Hai from Yuhua Star requests an audience." "Reporting to Lord Fox, Master Yuan Linfeng from Heluo Star has arrived for a visit." ¡­¡­ Almost simultaneously, a session of visitors arrived, all seeking an audience with ck Fox. Wang Xuan understood that these guests were here either for the elixirs being concocted or specifically for him. Without hesitation, he addressed Old Fox, "Elder, I''m someone who speaks frankly. I''vee back to this realm to take Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin back home." Eager not to dy, he wished to see the two women as soon as possible and take them away. While he wasn''t afraid of the individuals from the three extraordinarys, he also had no desire for unnecessaryplications. "Let them in!" ck Foxmanded, allowing the visitors entrance. Then, turning to Wang Xuan, Old Fox rified, "There seems to be some misunderstanding here. Let''s have Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin return; they are practicing their sword flying at Enlightenment Cliff." The estate quickly buzzed with activity as numerous guests arrived. Old Fox weed them all, setting up jade tables by the lotus pond,den with fruits and fine wine to entertain everyone. As more visitors streamed in, many fixed their gazes upon Wang Xuan, who remained indifferent, choosing not to engage with them. "Is that the notorious Wang Xuan here in person? Can it be true? He''s got some nerve; I thought he''d never dare set foot in this realm again after returning home." From afar, a bamboo boat aglow approached, carrying a small fox and two radiant women. The little fox fairy, having received the news, brought Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin back. Both women, d in ancient attire, their dresses billowing in the wind, resembled ssical beauties, exuding an ethereal aura despite being modern women. Though they were still distant, Wang Xuan had already risen to his feet, spotting them from afar. "Wang Xuan!" the two striking women called out from the boat''s prow, waving delicately. "Wang Xuan!" At the same time, someone within the estate also called out softly. At that moment, from afar, someone nocked an arrow without hesitation. With a hissing sound, nine consecutive arrows, faster than flying swords, burst through the air. Apanied by the roar of thunder, they traced nine terrifying beams aimed at Wang Xuan''s forehead and heart. "Be careful!" At this critical juncture, those truly concerned for Wang Xuan were naturally on the bamboo boat. In contrast, onlookers from the other three extraordinarys watched with indifference. Old Fox''s eyes instantly sharpened, deeming the attack excessive. Just as he was about to act, Wang Xuan preempted him. His right hand shot out, catching all nine arrows amidst the thunderous echoes and blinding lightning, then hurling them back. Pfft, pfft, pfft! Blood sttered as a seventh-realm powerhouse, a super expert in the secret realm, was impaled by the nine returned arrows, their armor offering no defense. The attacker''s body then exploded entirely! Chapter 448: Let’s Go Home Chapter 448: Let¡¯s Go Home The scene caused many to tense, their eyes narrowing, bodies shivering in shock. A seventh-realm archer, counter-killed, by an "alien" who caught the arrows barehanded and in a sh, sent them back to shatter his body. "Arrows pierced through him... his flesh exploded..." someone murmured, feeling a chill run down their spine. The grasnd afar was stained crimson, scattered with fragments of bone and blood. Everyone knew this alien was formidable, having disyed ruthless ferocity before. Yet, many doubted his ability to make a significant impact in thisplex environment, expecting his realm and spiritual practice to be forcibly diminished. Now, the hearts of many were shaken, their confidence wavering. "Good heavens, true to his reputation as a great viin. His greeting is indeed vivid, iming lives with his actions," eximed the little fox fairy aboard the bamboo boat as it entered the city. "He didn''t kill on your first meeting, just took you captive," Wu Yin added, equally astonished but quickly regaining herposure, not allowing fear to overtake her. "ck Fox Elder, this is excessive. Yun Chuan merely wanted to jest in goodwill, to greet him with arrows as friends, yet he killed on the spot. Such malevolence!" A man in white stood up, anger etched on his face, loudly decrying Wang Xuan and beseeching ck Fox to administer justice for the indiscriminate killing. "He''s always been a butcher, a relentless killer. Near the Earthly Immortal City, he ughtered sixty to seventy of our peers from the three extraordinarys." "There must be a severe punishment!" Voices rose in indignation. Clearly intent on causing trouble at Old Fox''s estate, these individuals collectively condemned Wang Xuan, seeking retribution for his actions."Elder, Wang Xuan was merely defending himself. It''s unfair how these people are distorting the truth," Zhao Qinghan couldn''t hold back, worried Wang Xuan would be wronged. "You people..." Wu Yin also expressed her anger. Wang Xuan simply shook his hand, signaling to those in the air that there was no need for further words; to him, this was nothing of concern. Wang Xuan simply looked towards Old Fox, awaiting its stance amidst the escting tension. "Attacking someone from the shadows now has justification, does it? Serves him right!" muttered Superb, the horse. Old Fox surveyed the gathered crowd and dered, "If you wish for a duel, announce it beforehand. Attacking with cold arrows at one''s vital points from the get-go is deserving of death!" It added, "This is my residence, where I host my guests. To draw a bow with intent to harm here, one only invites trouble upon themselves." Instantly, many from the three extraordinarys fell silent, their voices stifled by Old Fox''s deterrence, none daring to further provoke its ire. "Thank you, Elder, for upholding justice," Wang Xuan spoke up, his demeanor calm, untroubled, which only served to deepen some onlookers'' wariness and indignation. With a swish, the glowing bamboo boat touched down, and two women alongside a small fox stepped out gracefully, rushing over like immortal beings skimming over water, their otherworldly beauty intact. Despite originating from a technologically advanced modern world, having spent months in a realm filled with monsters and beasts, their return felt like seeing home after years of absence. The sight of Wang Xuan, a familiar face, brought them immense joy and a surge of emotion. Seeing them safe and sound, their faces alight with happiness and their extraordinary aura evident, stirred Wang Xuan deeply. "I''vee to take you home!" he announced. Hearing those words, Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin were reminded of his promise at their departure. Though they had been stranded here for a long time, he had indeede for them. For a while, they had worried they might never return home, especially after hearing from Old Fox about cosmic ships attacking a base on a brown star and retreating, hinting at possible interster conflicts disrupting their paths. Their anxiety over being stranded here, yearning for home and desperate to return, had weighed heavily on them. Now, seeing Wang Xuan and hearing his words, the emotional Wu Yin couldn''t hold back her tears, and even the rational and strong-willed Zhao Qinghan''s eyes misted over. After a long separation, their reunion was filled with excitement and joy. Wang Xuan moved towards them, naturally extending his arms for a modern embracepletely appropriate given their shared background. But as they rushed towards him, who tofort first became the question. Wang Xuan decisively picked up the small fox instead. "Hey! What are you doing? That''s too much! Men and women should not touch; dare you desecrate the world''s most beautiful fox fairy? You''re asking for a beating!" the little fox fairy shrieked in protest. As the women approached, they halted abruptly before breaking into smiles. Wang Xuan decisively set the little fox spirit aside for a moment to embrace both women, their reunion marked by joy andughter. There, amidst the reunion, a flurry of questions and updates ensued. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin were eager for news about their families, friends, and Wang Xuan''s adventures, yearning to return to their home. "Such behavior is unbing!" An elder monk from Heluo Star, disapproving of their close interaction, huffed in disdain, promptly echoed by others in agreement. "Silence, all of you," Wang Xuan turned sharply, his gaze alone sending shivers down the spines of many, quelling their murmurs. Filled with hope at the prospect of finally going home, Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin looked at Wang Xuan with renewed affection and closeness. "Ah, seeing you in modern clothes again feels so familiar," Wu Yin chuckled, herughter lightening the mood. Even Zhao Qinghan, typicallyposed, expressed excitement over returning to modern conveniences like shopping for clothes, lipstick, high heels, and longing for avish dressing room to indulge in her vanity. "You don¡¯t need makeup; back on the new star, you¡¯ll turn heads effortlessly, natural goddesses both of you," Wang Xuan quipped with a smile. He then began distributing gifts he had brought from the realms of fortune: clothing, delicacies, and jewelry, instantly fulfilling their cravings for the modern world. "Did you really bring all these?" For the women, it was a delightful surprise. "I¡¯m outraged! After I took such good care of Zhao Zhao and Wu, and my grandfather painstakingly taught them cultivation techniques, helping them remove the root of the Celestial Five Decays to prevent your descendants from inheriting it, and I get nothing in return, hmph!" The little fox, its indignation palpable, turned away, tail swishing in a huff, refusing to engage with Wang Xuan any longer. Wang Xuan grinned and said, "Here, I''ve prepared some children''s clothes for you, er, fairy dresses, along with various snacks. If you don''t want them, I''ll give them to someone else." In an instant, the various gifts he held disappeared, all scooped up and clutched in front of the little fox fairy. "Wang brother, Master, what about mine!?" Ma Chaofan darted forward with a hopeful expression stered across his horse-like face. "Of course, there''s a gift for you too. The best saddles and stirrups, all top-brand," Wang Xuan assured him. "I...!" Ma Chaofan''s smile froze, and his face almost fell. "Have you all caught up enough?" A middle-aged man from O star stood up, releasing an undisguised aura of hostility. "Wang Xuan, I''ll cut to the chase. A life for a life, a debt for a debt, it''s only natural!" He turned to the old fox and said, "Elder, though it may be presumptuous, I can''t hold back any longer. I''d like to use your esteemed ce to duel with this alien." As expected, with high-ranking experts from three transcendents present today, they wouldn''t miss the chance for revenge. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin immediately dropped their smiles andmunicated with Wang Xuan through their spiritual realm, informing him of the situation and expressing concern for his wellbeing. Wang Xuan responded with calm and assurance, his words strong andforting, "You don''t need to worry about me. Feel free to change into your new clothes and enjoy some snacks on the side. Nothing will happen here!" However, how could they possibly leave? In the end, the little fox fairy pulled them to her grandfather''s side. With the old fox present, no one from the three transcendents dared to cause trouble. The ck Fox spoke, "This was meant to be a peaceful gathering; there''s no need for bloodshed." He did not wish for the guests from the transcendents to create a disturbance. Feeling the old fox¡¯s goodwill, Wang Xuan stepped forward and addressed the crowd, "I originally didn''t want to get too involved with you, but if you insist on provocation, I''m ready to apany you and settle this once and for all." "See, Elder, he himself is willing to resolve our dispute. Please do not interfere," the middle-aged man said, looking towards the old fox. "Suit yourselves," the old fox sighed, sitting back down. With a whoosh, arge crowd stood up, these were the transcendent beings eager to charge forward and tear Wang Xuan apart. Wang Xuan¡¯s expression turned icy as he announced, ¡°Those who wish to spar, move to the left; those who seek a fight to the death, stand on the right.¡± Beside the lotus pond, the sacred trees swayed, and snow-white blossoms bloomed in abundance, their fragrance overwhelming. Petals fluttered down, glinting with crystalline light, like a gentle shower of luminescence. However, the atmosphere on the ground turned deadly serious, some petals even bursting midair. The crowd moved to the right, signaling their intent for a deadly confrontation. No one was interested in mere sparring; they were after Wang Xuan¡¯s life! ¡°I¡¯ll go first,¡± the middle-aged man spoke up, choosing to keep the initial challenge one-on-one. ¡°Actually, I think you all coulde at once,¡± Wang Xuan suggested. The area fell silent for a moment before erupting into an uproar. Many transcendent beings felt this was unbearable; the alien was too arrogant and presumptuous. Even Wu Yin was taken aback, not having seen Wang Xuan for a long time... He was so confident. There were ninth-level masters here, possibly even early-stage roamers of the free realms. Could he really withstand them? Zhao Qinghan, who knew Wang Xuan better, was struck by a thought. What had he experienced? In just half a year, he had reached such heights; his cultivation speed was astounding. With a ng, three resplendent flying swords, brilliant and dazzling, tore through the void. They gleamed with blinding light, likeets from beyond the heavens, enveloping destructive power as they shed towards Wang Xuan. A ninth-level master had made his move. The attack was formidable to the onlookers, but Wang Xuan stood his ground, not dodging but merely extending a hand and casually flicking his fingers at the dazzling swords. Crack! In midair, it was like magnificent fireworks exploding, a brilliant meteor shower descending. The three flying swords were instantly shattered by his flick, with shards scattering in a spray of light. Simultaneously, Wang Xuan¡¯s right hand shed through the air like a de, slicing powerfully down towards the man. It was like a swath of the Milky Way had descended; with a swoosh, he split the man¡¯s physical body and spirit essence in two. The venue fell deathly silent. ¡°Anyone else?¡± Wang Xuan¡¯s calm words resounded like thunder, startling all the transcendent beings, sending tremors through their hearts and souls. Chapter 449: The Decaying Real World Chapter 449: The Decaying Real World In such a decaying era where allws were deteriorating, a Nine Stages powerhouse could be considered a supreme master. Yet, that very powerhouse was instantly killed by an alien being. A moment of deathly silence fell upon everyone, their hearts tumultuous. What kind of monster was this? Some had firsthand experience of the brutal battles in the Earthly Immortals'' City six months prior, andparing then to now, Wang Xuan''s rise was shockingly fast. This rapid ascension gave an almost surreal feeling, as a super Nine Stages master was cleaved in half with a single hand by him. Nothing could be more intimidating. Ma Chao Fan was petrified on the spot. It had thought its power was soaring, boasting not long ago when sparring with Wang Xuan, only to realize the chasm between them was not merely a matter of a few stages. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, who had been living in seclusion, training hard every day, understood the current state of mythical beings. Wang Xuan, a contemporary like them, had reached such heights that he could suppress the grandmasters of this supernatural world. "Such a ferocious person, truly fearsome!" eximed the little fox fairy while unpacking snacks and nibbling on a piece of chocte, her eyes widening with delight at the taste. Old Foxmented, "If this were in the ancient times, during the most splendid era of mythology, with your talent and constitution, you could have carved out arge domain in the Immortal Realm on your own. Rising to a position where you could be revered as a supreme being, it''s a pity you were born in this era." Such high praise stirred the hearts of all supernatural beings present. Even the Old Fox said so; what more could dissent? The beings from the superhumans of Yuhua, O, and Heluo all fell silent, embarrassed, unsure whether to advance or retreat, especially those who had wanted to confront Wang Xuan head-on, now felt exceedingly awkward. How were they to fight now? A few exchanged nces, pondering whether to join forces. Yet, how could they defeat such a perilous alien together?Inevitably, they turned to look at several elders, the significant figures from the three superhumans, leaders of their realms. But times had changed. There were no more Earthly Immortals, no Immortal Cultivators, and in this drained era, everyone was being continuously shaken. The so-called leaders were now beings who could merely stabilize at the firstyer of the Roaming Immortal realm. In the zenith of the mythological era, this would have beenughable. Yet, now, it was the grim reality. The cosmos was bing increasingly hostile to the supernatural. Those who could maintain stability at this level were already remarkable, often relying on protective barriers and rare artifacts. Even the leaders from Yuhua, O, and Heluo frowned. Deep down, they naturally wanted to stand up for their people. But even they were unsure now. Their realms might be higher than that man, but when it came tobat power, it was uncertain. No one spoke. The people from the three Transcendents felt an indescribable pressure and embarrassment. ¡°Let me do it!¡± In that tense, silenceden atmosphere, surprisingly, someone stood up voluntarily¡ªan elder. The leaders were surprised, recognizing him as a mysterious figure who had previously approached them with the idea of integrating the paths of the three supernaturals. Moreover, he had initiated a visit to the secretnd to discuss matters with Old Fox. "Ie from the Immortal Realm!" he finally revealed his origin. Such a deration instantly stirred the crowd, shattering the silence as everyone''s eyes widened in shock and restlessness. A living Immortal? Clearly, the return of Immortals to the folds of these three supernaturals was notmon; otherwise, their reactions wouldn''t have been so pronounced. "Oh, what is your cultivation realm within the Immortal Realm?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Close to the Peerless Transcendent realm," the elder replied calmly. To reach the ninth stage of Ascendent, one could be considered quasi Peerless Transcendent, known also as Demon Saints or Celestial Immortals. A step further would lead to the Celestial Veil realm, the true pinnacle of existence. The elder''s admission caused a sensation. Was this a preeminent Celestial Immortal or Demon Saint ancestor speaking? "I am a cultivator from Heluo Star. Seeing my descendants in such a state truly saddens me, and I ampelled to act," he stated calmly. Gazing at Wang Xuan, he continued, "I''ve always been protective of my own. Today, I merely wish to stand up for my descendants. You may think me unreasonable, but that''s just who I am. Come on, then." In the current era, he was infinitely close to the secondyer of the Roaming Immortal realm. Crossing realms had severely weakened him, and the continuous shocks had stabilized him at this level. However, both he and the other supernatural beings believed that this ancestor, nearly stepping into the secondyer of the Roaming Immortal realm, was far stronger than others at the same level. The repeated downgrades in realm during this period were essentially solidifying his cultivation base. "You''re choosing to focus on the person rather than the issue, acting unreasonably. Fine, I won''t hold back either. Come!" Wang Xuan responded, his tone decidedly cool. "Senior..." Both Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin, anxious for Wang Xuan''s safety, urgently telepathically reached out to the Old Fox to intervene. Despite acknowledging Wang Xuan''s strength and his miraculous advancement acknowledged by the Old Fox, they struggled to envision him contending with a being nearing the echelons of Celestial Immortals and Demon Saints. The anticipation was palpable among the people of Heluo, Eura, and Helo stars, with an ancient deity poised to assert dominance, seemingly leaving no room for doubt. Their emotions fluctuated wildly, now somewhat relieved, hoping the day''s strangeness and tension would finally be shattered. The elder, without further ado, let his right arm gleam like a reawakened heavenly sword, its blinding light aimed coldly at Wang Xuan, mimicking Wang''s earlier stance. He intended to cleave his opponent with his palm, seeking justice for the supernaturals of the three stars. "At full strength, please!" Wang Xuan''s reminder at such a critical moment shocked many. Was he truly confident facing a being as formidable as a Celestial Immortal or Demon Saint? To many, his audacity seemed reckless. At this moment, Wang Xuan clenched his fist, radiating a blinding light as divine mes swirled around it, intricate patterns surfacing with a terrifying aura. As the elder''s arm descended like a heavenly sword, its radiant sword light blinding everyone, Wang Xuan''s punch shattered the iing attack. The punch dispersed the dazzling light, rupturing through it, and causing a turbulent surge of supermaterial, annihting the sword lightpletely. The impact was thunderous. Not only was the sword light obliterated, but the elder himself was left with cracks webbing across his body, blood tracing like spiderwebs across his face. Shocked and horrified, his world turned dark as his spirit began to disintegrate. A being close to Celestial Immortal and Demon Saint status, who had returned from the Immortal Realm, was reduced to a burst of blood mist with a single punch in the hiddennd. Wang Xuan stood unmoved, his opponent felled by a mere punch. Yet the atmosphere could not remain calm; a celestial being, an ancient ancestor known across the hiddennds, had just been dispatched in the mortal realm. For the people of the Heluo, Eura, and Helo stars, it was as if an earthquake had shaken their very beliefs, leaving them with faces painted in shock and disbelief. Wang Xuan was unfazed. Having in Zheng Yuantian, what were beings of this level to him? In the grand tapestry of the cosmos, they ranked below the likes of the Ghost Monk and the Round-faced White Tiger. "In the immortal realm, have you never heard my name?" Wang Xuan mused to himself, indicating the elder''s limited exposure. The onlookers stood dumbfounded, chilled by the implication that the immortals should know of him. Indeed, Wang Xuan''s conflicts with Hengjun and Zheng Yuantian were well-known among the upper echelons of the immortal realm. "Big baddie Wang... is he aiming for the heavens?" the Little Fox Fairy muttered, her voice muffled by snacks. Horse Superb, dazed, decided to follow Wang Xuan out of this secludednd to see the wider world, overwhelmed by his power. Wu Yin and Zhao Qinghuan, too, were astounded. Wu Yin, who had seen Wang Xuan''s potential in the old arts, could never have imagined him ying returned immortals with ease. And Zhao, aware of Wang Xuan''s secrets, found herself stunned by his meteoric rise. "I wish not for conflict," Wang Xuan addressed the onlookers, hoping for an end to needless battles and a world without foes. The individuals from the three extraordinary stars were left conflicted. Any further challenge would only bring humiliation. They stood, caught between actions, burdened by an uneasy tension. "Let''s leave it at that, shall we?" Old Fox said, finalizing the matter and easing the tension, allowing those from the three extraordinary stars to retreat. Their faces a mix of embarrassment and defeat, they silently stepped back, taking their seats behind the stone tables. Today had been a huge blow to their pride, having been overpowered by a mere youth. "Let''s go change into something new, see how pretty it looks," the Little Fox Spirit broke the awkward silence, pulling Zhao Qinghans and Wu Yin along. Wang Xuan''s words caused the fox and the two women to pause momentarily. "Elder, you were once one of the unparalleled masters beyond the veil, weren''t you?" His directness took everyone by surprise. Today had been filled with one astonishment after another. Was Old Fox a celestial being of immense power? And Wang Xuan, he dared to converse as equals? Old Fox responded, "Come, let''s talk. There''s no need for hostility between us. In the realm of the transcendent, not everything resolves around battle. Much can be gained from simply sitting down and discussing. I think there''s been a misunderstanding due to the long absence of Zhao Qinghans and Wu Yin." Meanwhile, back in the Old Earth, Chen Yongjie''s body emitted a faint glow, puzzling him. He wasn''t cultivating, so why was his body radiating light? "Damn!" he quickly realized something. During his time in the void, on the Ferryman''s boat, he had been marked for a battle that spanned dimensions, unavoidable and waiting for him. How could this be? Guan Lin was only months away from giving birth. He wanted to be by her side, to witness the arrival of their child. Was fate really going to deny him this? "Xu Fu, you liar! Wang Xuan, how''s everything going in the secret realm? I''m about to face trouble here!" His unease grew, filled with anxiety. Chapter 450: He Left For Two Millennia Chapter 450: He Left For Two Millennia Chen Yongjie was lost in turmoil. Back during the monumental battle on the Pamir teau, he had faced death head-on without a flinch, risking his life without a second thought. But now, he was consumed with worry, unwilling to leave at such a crucial time. He hurriedly left a video message, exining the cause and effect in case he had no choice but to embark on this uncertain journey. He wanted Guan Lin to understand the reasons behind his actions. "Perhaps there''s still time. Although the light rain flows, it hasn''t vanished yet. Is this just the beginning?" he wondered one night, observing the luminescence of his own body. Suddenly, his expression froze, then became tumultuous with shock. The ethereal light rain exuding from him bore an eerie familiarity. "Master!" The thought struck him, recalling an event from thirty years ago when his master vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind an aura simr to what he was experiencing now. That event urred in the mountains, covered by a serene light where anyone who entered eventually disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only a ck sword. That very sword had been his weapon of choice ever since. "Did my master venture into battle across realms, caught by mistake, or was he mysteriously chosen?" Chen Yongjie''s hesitation and unease transformed into a fierce determination in his eyes. He... was tempted to follow. Recently, he had sought insights from Zhang Daoling and the Sovereign of the Underworld Sect, who spected that the mysterious encounters might rte to the abrupt appearance of a minor celestial realm. Such light curtains could move, yet the exact nature of these events remained unclear. Now, he believed he had found his answer. If even beings of their stature couldn''t determine the cause, it suggested that these events transcended the scope of their celestial domains, touching upon realms beyond, entwined with other civilizations. "This ck sword once belonged to the arch-enemy of the Sword Immortal, who annihted her lineage," Chen Yongjie mused. "I should ask her. Could it be that her nemesis ventured beyond our domain?" ¡­¡­ Deep in the cosmos, within the enchanted bounds of the secret realm, theke shimmered, and divine trees swayed, dropping crystalline petals. Harmony reigned, free from strife and conflict. The beings from the three extraordinary stars of Yuhua, O, and Heluo could no longer harbor their defiance. Another stand against the young man might result in their annihtion. Now, he conversed with the unfathomable ck fox of the secret realm, his demeanor calm and collected, surpassing theirprehension. Once a mere mortal upon arrival, he had ascended to such heights in an unimaginably short span. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t brought it up, I¡¯d nearly forget who I was myself,¡± the old fox, d in coarse linen, rose and looked skyward, embodying the weariness of the ages. ¡°ustomed to life here, my edges have been smoothed, passion cooled, spirit wilted, enshrouded in twilight, the fervor of battle long forgotten.¡± Peering beyond the barrier into the vast expanse of space, its gaze sharpened, unleashing beams of light that pierced through the enclosure. All who witnessed were stirred, then astounded. Could he indeed be an unparalleled being from the celestial realms, a mighty entity of the Mo Tian Realm? Chills ran down many spines as they realized an entity of such celestial stature lived among them, now undeniably confirmed, stirring immense awe. Then, they saw Wang Xuan rise to stand beside the old fox, his presence just as serene, unsettling the onlookers from the three extraordinary stars. This alien, who stood shoulder to shoulder with such a formidable being, revealing hints of the old fox¡¯s origins¡ªwhat kind of phenomenon was he? Their previous attempts to eliminate him now seemed like madness. To them, their past actions resembled bungee jumping at the gates of hell, leaving them with lingering terror and unease. ¡°My grandpa is a being of the Mo Tian Realm, worthy of reverence?¡± the little fox demon murmured, bewildered, gifts tumbling from her arms. ¡°My grandpa¡­ a legend from the celestial realm, fit for a heroic saga?¡± Superficial and ted, Transcendent Ma felt a surge of pride, dizzied by the sudden elevation of his status. "Let''s talk, just the two of us," the old fox said, leading Wang Xuan away from the crowd into a secluded chamber,pletely cut off from the outside world. "Who am I? I am Jiang Siyuan''s master, a failure who couldn''t protect his own disciple, an old wretch who lived and died with regret." Emotion surged in the old fox, disrupting its usual calm. It was like a meteorite crashing into a still ancient well, causing massive ripples to spread. Jiang Siyuan? Soon, Wang Xuan learned from the old fox about the man known as "The Whale," who had opened a unique inner realm and sacrificed his life to save Fang Yuzhu. "That era hardly knew my name..." The old fox nodded. "Yes, I wasn''t very famous back then. Siyuan outshone me, facing beings of the Demon Emperor level. By then, as his master, I had only reached the level of a celestial being." That was the terror of someone who had opened a unique inner realm during their mortal days, quickly surpassing their own master. "Watching my disciple perish helplessly, my heart turned cold. I ventured into higher spiritual realms, hoping to return to the mortal world." The old fox revealed a mournful and regretful demeanor, as if exposing a bleeding wound in his heart. "Returning was not easy. My journey spanned unimaginable lengths of time, surviving death narrowly dozens, if not hundreds, of times, and getting lost frequently. It''s a miracle I made it back." For a celestial being to return to the mortal world, they needed boundless magical power to pierce through the veil, a nearly impossible feat in the past that came with brutal consequences. Only recently, as the ancient agreements loosened and mythology began to decay, could celestials start crossing realms, though at great cost. Another path was through the higher spiritual worlds, seeking the mortal realm from there, potentially a safer option. At least on that journey, one wouldn''t face death for a long stretch of time. "But no one has ever heard of anyone truly returning alive!" "I might be one of the rare three or four cases of sess. Yet, strangely and mysteriously, my journey spanned over two thousand years, something I find hard to believe myself. Along the way, I broke through, bing a master at the Grovelling Heaven level. But upon my return, I paid a heavy price." Wang Xuan was captivated, a journey home that took over two thousand years? He couldn''t help but think of the Beast Lord''s parents and the progenitor of Mo Si''s lineage¡ªthe Demon Emperor. Had they seeded? "Strangely and unexpectedly, while wandering in the higher spiritual world, I lost my physical body and my spirit began to drift. Then I became lost. When I regained consciousness, I could sense the heartbeat of an embryo. I had returned to the womb and then descended into obliviousness once again." The old fox''s tale was indeed bizarre. In this mythological age, reincarnation wasn''tmonly believed. "Only muchter did I wake again, this time as a ck fox, having married and fathered children for years, living in the secretnd. During this time, I lived in a daze for many years, as if witnessing a life not my own, but a portion of a fox n''s past. Eventually, I realized it was as if I had been reborn, but lost for many years, only fully awakeningter." Such a tale seemed like a myth within the transcendent world, where even Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and the Beast Lord hardly believed in reincarnation, finding possession and body snatching more usible. Yet, as the old fox wandered in the spiritual world, losing his physical form and his spirit drifting away seemed eerily like reincarnation, making it all the more extraordinary. Till now, no other supreme master exploring various immortal techniques had experienced such a thing. "Did you awaken with memories of your past life, or did your original spirit awaken after a long slumber?" Wang Xuan inquired. "My body was reborn, and my spirit grew from weakness to strength, so it can be considered a reborn spirit. However, once I awakened, my entire cultivation returned overnight," the old fox exined. Wang Xuan was astounded; this seemed both like reincarnation and possession, somewhere in between, indescribably unique. Such a path was remarkable. If it could continue even in an era of decline, experiencing rebirth repeatedly, wouldn''t it umte cultivation from life to life, growing ever stronger? Soon, he fell silent again. Could the old fox''s words be trusted? Someone rted to the "Whale," born here, and never before mentioned. The old fox had be equivalent to a returning powerhouse. Wang Xuan harbored doubts. Was this a tale of the "I have a friend" variety? Perhaps the old fox was Jiang Siyuan, the Whale himself. Another possibility considered was that the old fox was the spirit who had once aided Jiang Siyuan. Wang Xuan didn''t wish to delve any deeper. As long as the old fox harbored no ill will towards him or didn''t covet the life-sustaining furnace he possessed, all was well. His only purpose here was to ensure Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin''s safe return home. "You carry many secrets with you, young friend," the ck fox observed, gazing at him. Wang Xuan remained silent, sitting in the secluded room, meeting its gaze squarely. Could it be that the old fox had noticed when he had taken the treasure in the past? The old fox spoke again, "The energy you utilize is akin to the true substance of the cosmos, quite unique. I encountered it during my return journey through the higher spirit realms." "I''ve acquired some Primordial Creation Crystals," Wang Xuan responded. The old fox then steered the conversation away from this topic, "There''s been a misunderstanding that I need to rify. I didn''t solely choose suitors for Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin." It was direct in its exnation. After the tan star in outer space was attacked, all technological ships had retreated, and with the cosmic wars raging, that path appeared severed. It hadn''t hidden this from Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin; they might not be able to return home. In such a decaying cosmic age, it trulycked the power to ferry them across the starry seas. "I merely informed them that, under the most pessimistic scenario, they might have to remain in the hiddennd forever. With the mythic era ending, human lifespans will be exceedingly short, not exceeding a hundred years. Though they are still young, they must start nning for their futures, including their life paths and partners." Recently, there had been closemunication between Yu Hua, O, and He Luo with the hiddennd, discussing the state of affairs after the mythic era''s decline. The old fox had hinted once that, with more monsters than humans in the hiddennd, if they were to consider their futures and life partners, they might need to look towards those three mythics. "Recently, I''ve taken in two unique individuals. One, a corpse that had floated in outer space for years, miraculously revived. The other, born in harmony with cosmic rules. Would you like me to offer one as your disciple?" the old fox suddenly shifted the topic, which seemed a bit abrupt. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan and the old fox left the quiet room together. In a fairy-like courtyard not far away, shrouded in white mist, Zhao Qinghan emerged, dressed in her new attire. The old fox smiled at the sight and took his leave first. Wang Xuan looked towards her and walked forward. Thest time they were together in the hiddennd, they had shared hardships and experienced much. Parting had been difficult, and now, half a yearter, as they reunited, Wang Xuan felt a certain unfamiliarity settle in after the initial wave of emotions had calmed. She had chosen a new long dress that entuated her figure, unravelled the ancient hairstyle, removed the jade hairpin, and let her ck hair cascade naturally down, illuminating her fair, oval face. The path to transcendence had rendered her skin even more radiant and translucent, her eyes sparkling and clear. Standing tall at around one seventy, her physique was outstanding. Zhao Qinghan often appeared aloof, yet her smile brought out an extraordinary sweetness, her features refined and stunningly beautiful. Clearly, she matched the modern standards of beauty perfectly. Using their ssmate Qin Cheng''s words, every gesture and smile of hers was the epitome of grace. As they approached each other, a gaze was exchanged. After a long absence, there seemed to be a sense of distance between them. Wang Xuan pondered their rtionship, finding it somewhat in line with her previousments about them. Chapter 451: Friend Or Lover? Chapter 451: Friend Or Lover? "You''ve gained weight," Wang Xuan remarked. Such ament,ing from someone else, could potentially end friendships, let alone progress any further feelings. "Are you doing this on purpose?" Zhao Qinghan retorted with confidence. Even without stepping into the transcendental realm, her figure was impable, and all the more so now. "Did I see wrong? Let me take another look," Wang Xuan said as he leaned in closer, his breath brushing against her face. Zhao Qinghan yfully hit him, a smile breaking through her facade as she observed his exaggerated seriousness. "Who taught you that? You weren''t like this before." "Chen Yongjie. He said we should show care and ask after each other upon meeting," Wang Xuan replied earnestly. "Chen Daoshi won''t take the me for this," Zhao Qinghanughed, her amusement clear. Instantly, any sense of distance between them dissolved, and a few brief exchanges bridged the gap caused by their long separation. Wang Xuan brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and then hugged her gently. Zhao Qinghan stiffened at first but soon rxed and returned the embrace. After their brief contact, they separated, seemingly returning to their old rapport without any awkwardness."Let''s go to the front courtyard. The elder from the fox n wants me to take on a disciple," Wang Xuan suggested. "Who?" Zhao Qinghan inquired as they walked together. "Mo Huang, a neer. Apparently, he''s extremely talented," Wang Xuan shared. Zhao Qinghan expressed surprise, "It''s him? At sixteen, he already possesses the strength of a transcendental sixth stage, and that''s after forcibly suppressing his realm and being repeatedly demoted." She knew well that the old fox held the boy in high regard. It was rumored that Mo Huang, hailing from Yuhua Star, could resonate with scripture recitations even while in his mother''s womb, which was quite extraordinary. "Indeed. The old fox mentioned that in ancient times, such individuals would be snatched away by supreme masters to be raised as their own sons. He''s not much younger than me; it doesn''t seem right for me to take him as a disciple." "Still looking to take advantage? What about calling you ''Master''s Wife''?" "Bang!" Their whispers and yful banter continued as they reached the front courtyard, where the visiting guests had yet to leave. At that moment, a youth and a boy arrived, causing quite a stir. Everyone was aware of these two individuals, whose talents were so formidable that their names had been circting recently. The old fox had ced them in his cave dwelling to study all the scriptures he had written. The youth was quiet and reserved, with grey hair and dark pupils, standing tall with a chiseled face that was both handsome and stern. He spoke not a word, his origins terrifyingly significant. The old fox had shared with Wang Xuan that he was a corpse that had drifted from the cosmos. Previously, the old fox, navigating a flying boat in outer space, had found him and brought him back to the sanctuary, where he gradually revived, his spirit flickering back to life. "Sense if there''s anything unusual about him," the old fox telepathically suggested to Wang Xuan, suspecting this individual might be a being of unmatched caliber from ancient times, who had ventured out from the celestial realm, leaving behind a body with hardly any soul remaining. His physical form was discovered to be rmingly robust. "You dared to bring such a person back?" Wang Xuan eyed him, noting the youth''s formidable physique, which exerted an oppressive air without the slightest exertion of magical power or supernatural substance. Like a dormant tiger not yet fully awakened, his murderous aura was subtly pervasive, ready to tear through the heavens. Indeed, the youth''s spirit was weak, the me of his soul merely fragments, yet stillparable to a transcendent being at the initial stage of the Xiaoyao realm. "This is a monster!" Wang Xuan was convinced. In this era, for the remaining fragments of spirit to be so powerful, the original being must have been incredibly formidable. Especially since he had floated in the cosmos, a corpse for who knows how many years, and yet managed to revive, was a terror beyond measure, shaking Wang Xuan to his core. No wonder the old fox spected that this could be the return of a supreme being, having met with some disaster. "Before the old covenant loosened, almost no one could pierce through the great curtain. That he coulde back to life, floating in the cold universe without his flesh perishing, makes me feel inferior," the old fox admitted. He named the monstrous youth Wu Ming, as he knew not his original name and origins. The old fox spected that Wu Ming might have been a transcendent being in the past, butparing his profile with the legends of the grand figures said to have perished, no match was found, making him a mystery. "This could be a ticking time bomb. If his soul were to fully manifest one day, it''s hard to predict what might happen," Wang Xuan confided in private. Learning of this enigmatic creature''s origins had instilled a rare sense of wariness in him. The old fox responded, "I regard him as a fellow daoist, keeping him by my side. With mythology on the brink of extinction, no matter how earth-shattering one''s identity might have been, it alles to naught, destined for the mundane. I''m not worried." "Were his body already lifelike when you found him?" Wang Xuan inquired. Shaking his head solemnly, the old fox rified, "No, it was desated, akin to a mummy. It was only after we returned to the sanctuary that he gradually began to swell and show signs of life." Wang Xuan was at a loss for words. Wu Ming''s resilience was astounding. He figured even if Old Zhang''s body were cast into the cosmic void to drift for years, the chances of revival would be slim. In private, he asked, "What was he wearing when he floated in space? Did he belong to our mythological era? And after reviving, could you understand hisnguage?" The old fox revealed, "He bore no clothing or armor, his flesh withered. Since reviving, he''s remained silent, only nodding or shaking his head, still in a state of confusion." Changing the subject, the old fox beckoned to the other youth, "Mo Huang, would you consider a new master? His potential far exceeds mine. Moreover, as the era of myths closes, you could follow him to the technological world to see if the path to transcendence continues." Upon hearing this, the beings from the three transcendents were astonished. Was the prodigy Mo Huang to be the disciple of the alien Wang Xuan? Mo Huang declined, "I... would prefer to stay with you and Wu Ming, exploring the possibilities in the transcendent world." Wang Xuan smiled and shook his head, "I''ve only been cultivating for a few years; I''m still searching for my own path. How could I qualify as a master?" The old fox interjected, "You''re being modest. Not only have you broken limits, but you also stand at the forefront of mythology in the eleventh segment. Back when I was in the human realm, I never even entered the tenth segment." Not every transcendent being at the curtain''s peak had broken through every major realm or reached the tenth segment. For most, achieving one or two breakthroughs wasmendable. "Eleventh Layer?!" Mo Huang was shocked. Though hailed as a prodigious talent, perfect for cultivation, he had only aspired to breach the tenth segment. The revtion left everyone bewildered. Nine segments were the known limit, but now they were hearing secrets of breaking beyond to the tenth, and even the theoretical end of the eleventh segment. Such news was preposterous! All eyes turned to Wang Xuan, their gazes transformed. No wonder he was so domineering, capable of annihting an ancestor who had returned from the brink of a celestial tier with a single punch. Zhao Qinghan tilted her head towards Wang Xuan, her surprise evident. She deeply realized that Wang Xuan was truly destined for the transcendent path, potentially surpassing even the famed deities of ancient times if the environment allowed. Grandmaster Ma''s eyes widened in disbelief, murmuring, "I thought being at the third segment was enough to roam the sanctuary freely. Yet, there exists a Wang at the eleventh segment in the human realm!" "An eleventh segment in the transcendent domain?!" Little Fox appeared, donning a fairy-like dress, seemingly adopting it as her second nature. She was practicing what she called the self-cultivation of a goddess, a behavior learned from Wu Yin and Zhao Qinghan. Wu Yin, dressed in a cheongsam that beautifully entuated her curves, also expressed her astonishment at first hearing of the eleventh segment. Her focus, however, shifted as she informed Wang Xuan that Little Fox wished to apany them to the new star for an experience. Then she nced at Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan, choosing to say no more, appearing somewhat more reserved than before. After the gathering, the individuals from the three transcendentspletely abandoned any thought of challenging Wang Xuan, especially given the old fox''s high regard for such a realm. The old fox bestowed rare and precious pills, making the visit worthwhile for the guests. That same day, Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin ingested powerful medicines and several precious pills, eradicating thest of their inherent diseases; the threat of the five declines of heaven and man was thoroughly eliminated. Wang Xuan spent an additional two days in the sanctuary, conversing with the old fox without sensing any malice¡ªonly the old fox''s sighs and mncholy. During this time, they also examined Wu Ming''s body together. Its physique was astonishingly robust, resembling immortal iron and brimming with vitality, surpassing even the old fox''s fleshly body. Wang Xuan spected, "Let''s wait and see if his transcendent flesh degrades after mythologypletely vanishes. I''m doubtful of his origins and the truth behind his revival; it''s probably not so simple." Eventually, he decided to depart, smoothly beginning his journey home without any hindrance from the old fox, who also allowed his granddaughter and Grandmaster Ma to apany them. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin expressed their deep gratitude towards the old fox, sincerely bowing in respect, ready to leave the sanctuary and return to modern society. Soon after, they boarded a mid-sized warship piloted by Qing Mu, soaring into the sky. Old Earth was bing unbearable for Chen Yongjie, who had alreadymunicated everything to Guan Lin. He had no choice but to leave for a while. "Don''t worry about me. I''ll find a way to return before our child is born. Rest assured, I''ll be in no danger traveling with the renowned great sorcerer, Xu Fu. At the end of this mythic era, I might even undergo a transformative metamorphosis," Chen Yongjie tried tofort Guan Lin. Yet, his heart was heavy with reluctance, and he was somewhat baffled. With the era of the transcendent drawing to a close, why was the deep cosmos still calling to him? Could he really save the myths? What was the point of it all? During this period, Chen Yongjie messaged Fang Yuzhu and Zhang Daoling to inform them of his situation. "Little Chen is also heading to that ce; maybe we''ll run into him," said a mentor of the Ming Blood Sect aboard an ancient spaceship in the depths of the universe. "It''s unlikely; the region we''re heading to is of a much higher level. Little Chen can''t get there," Elder Zhang shook his head. That day, Chen Yongjie also met with the Sword Immortal to discuss his situation and gather some information. The following day, his body emitted a shower of light. Driven by instinct, he headed toward a mountain range in Old Earth, the very ce where his master had vanished. A soft, hazy light screen appeared, much smaller and more indistinct than the mysterious energy barrier from an encounter thirty years earlier. Chen Yongjie stepped into it, and as the light rain evaporated, he disappeared from the spot, leaving behind no ancient swords or daggers this time. Guan Lin was there, watching him leave from a distance, silently waving, struggling to hold back her tears. Meanwhile, in the depths of the starry sea, on a life-bearing that had only emerged over half a year ago, a ferryman sat in a golden bamboo boat on a sea under a bright moon. He couldn''t help but look up at the sky as his body emitted a shower of light, involuntarily beginning to float. "Am I really about to go to war just to cover for that kid?!" he muttered incredulously, his voice tinged with resignation. What kind of situation was this? On the brink of old age, as myths were fading into oblivion, he was being roped into an interdimensional battle. His feelings were a mix of confusion andplexity. Then, he bellowed, "Can''t you bring that young one along too? Let hime with me!" In the sky above, the moon trembled. Then, it began to bleed, its quivering intensifying as it revealed its true nature¡ªa colossal eyeball that made the heavens themselves shake. "Is the essence of this ce, the remains of a vanishing transcendent civilization, a horrific fleshly body?" Xu Fu stared at the moon, the giant eyeball somewhat terrifying. At that moment, he ascended through the light rain, intending to use the eyeball as a gateway to enter the battlefield of an extraterrestrial civilization. He looked down at the dark, misty sea below, where countless terrifying blood-red eyes had opened, all staring up at him. The ferryman felt overwhelmed. In the past, he had been unable to see these ghostly creatures, which seemed like spirits of dread. Today, however, he saw them all. "Quick, let me go to war. I''m noting back to this ce of death!" he couldn''t help but shout, overwhelmed by the truth. For over two thousand years, all these horrific spirits had been wandering around him, silently observing. He could not bear to stay a moment longer. Chapter 452: Let’s Give Birth To A Transcendent Chapter 452: Let¡¯s Give Birth To A Transcendent The Little Fox screamed as it extended its spirit outside the spaceship. It felt as if it were in a dream. This speed was much faster than controlling her own magic treasure. "Am I about to ascend to immortality? As the ancients said, entering the Azure Darkness, refining the body with cosmic winds, gathering the essence of the nine heavens to nourish the body and spirit in preparation for immortality, is actually just entering the universe to gather various exotic energies." The small warship broke through the atmosphere, it left the secretnd and passed by the spaceship base, Brown Star. It did not stop and headed straight towards the wormhole. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin sat in the spaceship. They were looking at the technologicalyout everywhere and staring at the profound starry sky on therge screen. They knew they were finally going home. However, they were still unaware of the changes in the New World. Their family members had all left with the fleet and were headed towards the unknown depths of the universe. "Riding the sword through the sky, breaking through the nine heavens, touring the Yao Pool and Mount Bu Zhou in a day, is that it?" said Transcendent Ma. He found everything novel and wanted to tinker with the spaceship. Wang Xuan quickly stopped it. He didn''t want any idents to happen in deep space. Qing Mu corrected him, saying, "You''re wrong. This is riding the spaceship through the sky and traversing the starry sea. It is much faster than flying swords." "Grandmaster Qing Mu, thank you foring to pick us up!" Wu Yin smiled and spoke. "Don''t call me that, I feel embarrassed enough to jump off the ship!" Qing Mu sighed. This title made him feel embarrassed. Now, everyone on the ship was extraordinary, while only he remained an ordinary person. Even the Little Fox with the slender waist had reached the fourth stage of transcendence! Qing Mu felt confused. What was happening? Everyone around him had transcended, yet he remained ordinary. He vividly remembered when Wu Yin and her uncle Wu Chenglin went to theOld World to invite Chen Yongjie and him to explore the secretnd. Now, even this woman had be a transcendent. Qing Mu felt mncholic. How could he bear this situation? Transcendent Ma leaned in and said, "Bing transcendent is not that simple. You''ll be my personal stable boy in the future. I''ve requisitioned this ship to use as a stable. I''ll help you¡­¡­" "Little horse, bring me two more bags of potato chips." The Little Fox said while she satfortably there. She was enjoying various unhealthy snacks and savoring the taste immensely.¡¡¡¡"Sure thing, sis!" replied Transcendent Ma. He was very diligent. Qing Mu was about to speak, he wanted to ask Transcendent Ma how to quickly advance into the transcendent realm. However, he realized that this horse''s status might not be that high, and he suddenly didn''t want to serve a third-stage horse anymore. Wang Xuanforted him, saying, "Old Qing, don''t worry. Right now, we''reying the foundation for you. The firmer the foundation, the higher the house we''ll build in the future. It''s like a spring, the tighter it''spressed, the farther it bounces." The rich aroma of milk tea wafted over as Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin sat together. They were listening to music and selecting movies and TV shows. They had returned to modern urban life. They shed their ancient attire and changed into modern clothing. The two underwent a magnificent transformation. If they returned to the city, they would naturally be a hundred percent urban girls that made passers by turn their heads. "Wang Xuan, when are you two getting married? My grandfather said that before mythologypletely decays, the children born to transcendent beings will be exceptionally healthy and intelligent. They can receive thest baptism of their parents'' transcendent blood. If they miss it, they''ll never have another chance." The Little Fox asked. Her words were shocking and astonishing. The originally peaceful and tranquil atmosphere was shattered by her, it startled even the two girls who were drinking milk tea and watching TV. This scene left Qing Mu in a daze and secretly felt amazed. Demons were straightforward indeed. Transcendent Ma nodded and said, "Yeah, if a newborn has blood almost akin to a transcendent, it''s just right for them to evolve and grow together with Grandmaster Qing Mu. They¡¯ll be able to step into the transcendent realm together." Qing Mu opened his mouth, he really wanted to hit this horse. How could it be so unbearable? It wasparing him to a child. There was no doubt that Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin secretlymunicated with the Little Fox, shutting her mouth. This was on their way back to modern society, and some things couldn''t be said casually. These past couple of days, Zhao Qinghan and Wang Xuan had a rtively close rtionship, but there were no overly intimate actions between them. They were more than friends but less than lovers. "Oh, my favorite show, Perfect World, has umted so many episodes, it''s truly blissful." Wu Yin said as she put on her headphones and started to enjoy the new plot. This drama, starting from the youth venturing into the wilderness, has been remade many times. Wu Yin really liked thetest version and was immersed in it for a while. Meanwhile, Zhao Qinghan was watching the drama, Under The Heavens, as well. She also followed thetest episodes with great enthusiasm. She particrly liked the character of the Ruthless Emperor and asionally exchanged thoughts with Wu Yin. "Zhao Zhao, apany me to watch Perfect World." "No, youe and watch, Under The Heavens, with me." The two discussed and argued over which show to watch. They werepletely different from their usual calm demeanor when handling family andpany matters. They were very youthful and carefree in their current state. Finally, this dispute reached Wang Xuan, who was asked, "Wang Xuan, do you prefer watching Perfect World or Under The Heavens?" "I love reading Divine Ruin the most!" Wang Xuan responded decisively, then quickly added, "Both are the works of the same person. There''s no need for rivalry. If there''s really a dispute, we can all team up and confront the author together." Qing Mu interjected thoughtfully, "Unless the author is a transcendent being, otherwise it''s already been a hundred or two hundred years. Where can we find them?" After the brief dispute, the spaceship returned to silence. Those drinking milk tea continued to do so, those watching dramas continued to watch, while Wang Xuan gazed at the vast expanse of stars through therge screen. This vast universe held too many secrets that were beyond anyone''s ability to explore fully. He really wanted to visit those exotic worlds and see for himself. For example, worlds with dragons and wizards, worlds of knights and martial arts saints. Perhaps, when mythology fades away, those worlds close to the transcendent that belonged to low martial realms, would be the best choice for him and many other transcendent beings. But then he shook his head. He was a modern man. Although he had dreams of martial arts in his childhood and was interested in tales of sword immortals. One had to live in reality in the end. Just like this great retreat of the transcendent, the world of myths was just a big dream. Even the immortals were about to wake up. In this era, what meaning would it have for him to seek out those things, to tread on thoses? "The great universe corrects itself, breaking all dreams, awakening all who are asleep or pretending to be asleep. Am I trying to continue a dream? Will my ultimate pursuit end up being a void illusion?" pondered Wang Xuan. He let his mind wander, his eyes fixed only on the starry sky. When he snapped out of it, he found Qing Mu studying star maps, the Little Fox munching on various puffed snacks, and the Great Master Horse had turned into a drunkard, sneaking many sips of good wine. Although he rarely smoked on ordinary days, he entered a quiet room and silently lit a cigarette. After retrieving Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, he lost his life¡¯s direction in the short term. Regarding the transcendent path, he was bound to continue. But why was there always a sense of premonition that his personal strength would seem so insignificant in the face of the vast universe? Could he seed in exploring the so-called origin of truth in the future? Why was there a sense of dimness in the future path, an unknown and unpredictable sense of destion? The door opened, and Wu Yin walked in. She was wearing a loose white practice suit that still entuated her good figure. She had a slender waist and straight, long legs, yet the plump areas were never inferior to any acquaintance. Her long hair naturally draped, her face incredibly delicate and beautiful. She usually smiled somewhat seductively, but there was no smile now. She just nced at Wang Xuan. She walked straight over, and although she didn''t smoke, she took out a cigarette and lit it up. After taking a puff, she choked on it and was coughing uncontrobly. Returning from his reverie, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but smile at her appearance. He took the cigarette from her and extinguished it. This reunion was less conversational between Wu Yin and himpared to their parting. Now she was very reserved and she didn''t even call him by his nickname, only addressing him by his full name. "Hey, if I don''t initiate a conversation with you, will ourmunication be so sparse?" Wu Yin spoke while looking down on him. "I wanted to talk to you, but seeing you engrossed in watching dramas and enjoying the return, I didn''t want to disturb you for the time being," Wang Xuan replied. Wu Yin gave him a disdainful look. "Are you trying to avoid suspicion? Have you and Zhao Zhao encountered any problems?" "Qinghan has always been calm and rational. We rarely meet, and our interactions are limited. We''ve alwayscked a deeper spark. I can''t say what the future holds," Wang Xuan said. He then extinguished the cigarette as he did not like the taste. Wu Yin nced at him and said, "You''re too rational. Do you think that everything will return to normal after the mythology fades? Won¡¯t there be various possibilities and variables in the future that make the path ahead unclear?" "I can''t say," Wang Xuan shook his head. "I see you two, sometimes it seems like something''s going on, and sometimes it seems like nothing''s going on. It feels polite and distant. Won''t you take some initiative?" Wu Yin remarked. "Let it be," replied Wang Xuan. "I''m a creature of emotion. Thank you for risking your life to save me in the secretnd!" Wu Yin said, then stood up and walked over, giving Wang Xuan a very warm and powerful hug, not letting go for a while. Wang Xuan was surprised. He was sitting there and was unsure where to ce his hands. Finally, he gently ced them on her waist and his heart was in turmoil. "Do you want to say something?" Wu Yin asked. "I''m almost suffocated by you," he replied. At this moment, all he felt was the softness of her body that enveloped him in a passive state. Bang! Wu Yin mmed her snow-white fist on his head. She quickly released him while her face slightly flushed and was feeling warm. She thought that Wang Xuan must be calling her Big Wu in his heart. After calming down a bit, she hastily walked away and went out. As she opened the door, she found Zhao Qinghan standing outside. She has also arrived here. "There''s a smell of smoke, have you been smoking?" Zhao Qinghan asked in surprise. Wu Yin nced back and said, "Wang Xuan is smoking. Why don''t you go suffocate him?" She turned and walked away, continuing to watch her drama. Zhao Qinghan feltfortable and was dressed ordingly. On the spaceship, she wore sportswear and she even tied her hair into a ponytail. It was refreshing and neat. With her beautiful oval face, she looked at the two extinguished cigarettes and then at Wang Xuan. "You didn''t smoke before. What''s wrong? What are you thinking about?" asked Qinghan as she sat down. Her manners had be a habit. Even in casual moments, she maintained an elegant posture with her long legs exuding beauty. Wang Xuan replied, "I''ve been immersed in cultivation for a long time. I wanted to experience the hustle and bustle of the world by taking a puff of smoke." "rm!" Qing Mu sounded the rm. They were approaching the wormhole, where the scene was chaotic. There were various bloodstains and spaceship wreckage scattered everywhere. It was a somewhat frightening sight. Chapter 453: The New Spaceship Begins Its Journey Chapter 453: The New Spaceship Begins Its Journey Before the wormhole, ruptured metal debris was everywhere. There were fragments of battleships and wreckage of transcendent flying boats. It was evident that a major battle had taken ce here. There was a gigantic dragon that was originally about two hundred meters long, but it was now reduced to several dozen pieces. It was dismembered and had its blood scattered everywhere. This was not the wreckage of a flying dragon seen in the outer space of the Secret Land. This was a genuine dragon, a species belonging to Western mythological legends. It had actually appeared in the mortal world and tragically died here. There were also many humanoid creatures and other species never seen before. They all turned into cold corpses, with hardly any intact ones. "Technology, mythology, and warshipsbining the two. Everything is here. There has been a battle," Qing Mu spoke solemnly. He immediately activated the shields for defense. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin were also witnessing such a scene for the first time. The mythological era wasing to an end, yet such shes were still urring. The unknown starry seas were truly in chaos. Wang Xuan confirmed that Old Fox was not wrong after all. There was indeed a war in the depths of the universe, with far-reaching consequences. Some wormhole routes might have been interrupted because of it. "I''ve never seen a dragon before!" Wu Yin eximed. Although she had lived in the secretnd for a long time, she was still amazed by such mythical creatures. Wang Xuan remarked, "This dragon is very powerful. One can infer that its spirit level rivals that of someone at the second level of the Wanderer level just from the remnants of its scattered spiritual fragments,." This was remarkable. In the current environment, even figures like Zhang Daoling and the Hades Blood Patriarch were suppressed to the third level of Wanderer level in their earthly incarnations. "How about getting some dragon meat¡­¡­ for a taste?" Transcendent Ma suggested. Opportunities like this were rare. He had never eaten dragon meat in his life! In fact, everyone was somewhat moved. This kind of thing was rare toe by. It was said that bathing the body in dragon blood had its intricacies, such as making it impervious to weapons, but they suspected it applied only to ordinary people.¡¡¡¡"Huh? Danger!" In an instant, Wang Xuan''s expression changed. He felt pain all over his body, as if his spirit was about to be torn apart. It was the effect of heightened spiritual perception and thebination of the eleventh realm, giving him an early warning that the spaceship was about to disintegrate. This was not a prophecy but his heightened spiritual perception that had sensed the danger in the dark realm of the wormhole. There, a silver spaceship slowly appeared and was preparing to open fire. With a swoosh, he projected his spirit outwards at a speed that was beyond limits. He wore the five-piece set, using the furnace lid as the primary weapon, and rushed towards the front of the wormhole. He didn''t evade but chose to face it head-on because if he did, their medium-sized warship would be doomed to destruction. Fortunately, he reacted swiftly, and Qing Mu was not slow either. The warship left an afterimage and changed its position. At the same time, a fierce beam of energy swept over. With a loud bang, the terrifying darkness of space was filled with the might of technological weapons and the boiling of trans material! Qing Mu noticed that the main screen lost signal due to intense interference from the transcendent energy. The spaceship ceased to function and various sophisticatedponents were severely damaged. This was somewhat terrifying because being stranded in space meant certain death. There was no way out. And at this moment, the warship shook violently. After the shields were shattered, the hull began to crack, with a section breaking off first. "Oh my, are we encountering extraterrestrial demons? Are we fighting in the Nine Heavens?" Little Fox was flustered in the wind. It was her first time going far from home. She was full of anticipation, only to encounter an attack on the way and was facing imminent danger. "Get into the emergency escape pods, quickly!" Zhao Qinghan urged, taking Little Fox and Transcendent Ma with her, each to a separate pod. Qing Mu was responsible for protecting Wang Xuan''s physical body. The spaceship was likely to disintegrate. Boom!¡¡ In the region near the wormhole, there were intense energy shockwaves. It was somewhat terrifying. The spaceship further disintegrated, but this time it should only be residual effects. "Oh no, the escape pods have been eroded by dense trans material. The situation is tricky!" said Zhao Qinghan. Now, they couldn''t even escape if they wanted to. The spaceship suffered severe damage inside and out. At this moment, they deeply felt the insignificance of individual strength. In the depths of the universe, even transcendents were nothing special. Before the physical body or the spirit could traverse the stars, no matter how high your magic or how much scripture you practiced, it would be useless. One wouldn''t survive for long once they were lost in the universe. "Wang Xuan!" shouted Zhao Qinghan. They were very worried. Wang Xuan''s spirit flew out. He was facing unknown dangers alone, and it was making their hearts leap into their throats. Darkness turned into light. In the void in front of the wormhole, trans material roared, surged, and boiled. The lid of the Life Essence Furnace was attacked and it was undergoing a direct transformation. It had erged itself to the point that it resembled a shield, yet also a mirror and was emitting dazzling beams of light. The terrifying energy fluctuations swept through the void and made one feel suffocated. Wang Xuan felt an indescribable oppression even though he was wrapped in golden and silver beast skins and protected by the Godying Banner. The inexplicable buzzing made him restless and deeply uneasy. Fortunately, he wasn''t the target of the counterattack. Crack!¡¡ In front of the wormhole, the silver-white spaceship that emerged was damaged. Its exposed bow was broken, it was shattered by the ripples expanded by the furnace lid. Then, everything fell silent. The lid of the Life Essence Furnace gradually shrank and had rapidly returned to its original state. Wang Xuan''s spirit was extremely weak, he was almost drained. Although the furnace lid had already umted rich trans material, it still affected him like a tide when it absorbed energy just now. It had plundered his transcendent energy. Without any dy, he wore the five-piece set, SSBAL and immediately rushed into the silver-white spaceship. The part of the ship that protruded from the wormhole waspletely destroyed, but thetter part had no major issues. Moreover, it was divided into fourpartments, which could be dismantled. Sure enough, there were living beings in the rearpartment. Although they were human-like, they were not humans from the New World or the Old World. Their bodies were covered in green skin that had bumps and no hair. They had four eyes andrge heads. Wang Xuan showed no mercy and instantly exterminated their spirits. With a sweep of the Godying Banner, all dozen or so individuals turned into lifeless corpses. Their spirits shattered and nothing was left behind. "This spaceship is abination of technology and transcendence. It is somewhat simr to the evil spirit¡¯s spaceship." After killing all the aliens, he disappeared in an instant. Upon seeing their own battleship, he was quite shocked. The small-sized warship was riddled with cracks and was severely damaged. This made it unable to navigate far. Returning to his physical body, he just opened his eyes and was met with concerned gazes. Several people were watching him intently. "The enemies have all been vanquished," Wang Xuan spoke. "Are you hurt?" "Are you okay?" Both Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin spoke simultaneously. They feared that he might have encountered some problem himself. "I''m fine. Let''s leave here and find a more advanced spaceship!" Wang Xuan said. He was responsible for protecting Qing Mu, while the other individuals were all transcendents who could withstand the cold vacuum of space for a short period. The group quickly moved forward and had arrived near the wormhole. At this moment, the silver-white spaceship was undergoing self-repair. It discarded the damaged parts. The broken parts self-detached and were repaired, thanks to its active metalponents. "A supernatural cosmic spaceship?!" Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin eximed. They knew about ships of this level, which had been excavated from the moon in the past, and the major conglomerates of the New World still couldn''t develop them. Wang Xuan opened the hatch and led everyone inside. He instructed the spaceship expert Qing Mu to study the control room, while he began to dispose of the bodies. He was throwing them all out. "Never mind this spaceship for now. Come over to me," Wang Xuan said. He swiftly summoned them, because just now he had triggered his heightened spiritual perception, almost akin to divine perception. It had opened up the innerndscape. His innerndscape was different from before. The descending substances were trans material that were close to the truth. It was like silver light, like that purple mist, it was very simr to the substances of the void. In the age of decline, those immortal bone cans had little oil left, and the internal trans material was extremely sparse. It was far fromparable to the past, and its duration was short. But his innerndscape did not show signs of decay. Instead, it became even more mysterious. "Wow, am I entering the immortal realm? Why does the trans material here make people sofortable? It''s like being baptized. My spirit is being nourished!" Little Fox eximed, feeling it was much stronger than his grandfather''s cave. The barrier of the secretnd simply couldn''tpare to this ce. It was not Qing Mu¡¯s first time, but he still felt novelty and was full of expectations. Could I transcend? Perhaps today was an opportunity.¡¡ "Is this your innerndscape?" Zhao Qinghan looked at Wang Xuan. Wu Yin was quite shocked. It was her first time entering such a strange ce in a spiritual state. "Brother Wang, Master, I''ll follow you from now on. We agreed to share the years and share the glory. I will fight with you and traverse the vast universe!" The shaken Transcendent Ma immediately expressed his loyalty. Everyone present felt that the trans material here was different from the outside world. It was inexplicably strange. It nourished the spirit and made people crave from the bottom of their hearts. Wang Xuan said, "Familiarize yourselves with this ce first. Don''t rush into cultivation. Here, your spiritual perception will increase countless times, it¡¯ll be like stealing time. And the trans material here is special. You''ll gradually experience it." Except for Qing Mu, the other four were entering the innerndscape for the first time and they were filled with amazement. "Did you just use your spirit to destroy that spaceship?" said Zhao Qinghan as she walked over, looking at Wang Xuan. She felt that his familiar face was enveloped in the light of mythology. Had he really reached such a level of cultivation? To be able to confront an extremely advanced spaceship with individual power.¡¡ "I used a very powerful transcendent weapon. I''m afraid I won''t have this kind of power anymore after the extinction of mythology," Wang Xuan said. "During cultivation, set yourself a small goal first. I want to reach the sixth stage of Ma, and then go on to be a ten-stage celestial horse that breaks limits. I¡¯ll be walking through the sky from then on," said Transcendent Ma as he began setting goals for himself. Qing Mu was immediately stimted. He stayed silent, quickly found a ce to sit cross-legged and began to read the scripture. "For the sake of transformation, to be as beautiful as Zhao Zhao and as big as Big Wu, I have to cultivate!" eximed the Little Fox.No longer charming at this moment she became very obedient and had sworn to advance. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin identally touched Wang Xuan''s arm and immediately felt something was wrong. This was a contact between their spirits. They quickly withdrew after realizing what was happening. "I''ll give each of you a set of spiritual armor," Wang Xuan smiled. Soon after, the innerndscape became quiet. Everyone began to cultivate. Matters that were close to the truth fell from nothingness just like snowkes. It kept this ce from decaying into myth. Wang Xuan''s perception was extremely extraordinary. With his spiritual eye and his eleventh stage, he could capture mythic traces that other supernaturals couldn''t imagine. He frowned when he suddenly heard a crying sound again. He finally got up and walked towards the depths of the innerndscape, touching the rough stone-like boundary. He saw a faint fire and someone was crying by the dying fire. This wasn''t the first time he''d seen this, he had experienced it before. But this time was different. A blurry figure was approaching the fire, then with a ssh, Wang Xuan saw blood-like liquid stter on the rough boundary. The creature then dragged the weakening crying person away. Wang Xuan felt a headache and his hair stood on end. Ayer of cold goosebumps rose on his skin. What did I see? A murder scene?¡¡ Meanwhile, in the wormhole, the silver-white spaceship had finished self-repairing. It slowly started up and then sailed away. It was following a pre-set route. ¡­¡­ In the depths of the vast universe, the ancient spaceship carrying Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, the demon lord Yan Yan, and the Hades Blood Patriarch was about to leave the territory corresponding to their mythical civilization. "I''m looking forward to it. I wonder if the news is reliable. It''s rumored that in that battlefield, creatures from the previous mythical era havee back to life," said the Hades Blood Patriarch. He was quite excited. The demon lord Yan Yan spoke, "The key is the rumored rewards. They seem quite special. Well, I''ve decided to let the main god of the immortal realm participate. It seems possible to enter theirrge boundary from our great veil, even if it sparks a great war. I must win!" Zhang Daoling said, "I think outside therge boundary, thepetition in the present world is equally fierce, and the rewards are equally considerable. We should summon that kid Wang Xuan. He must be at the eleventh stage now. He might have some opportunities to avoid the top incarnations of the strongest in the present world,." Fang Yuzhu said, "The incarnations of the strongest have some amazing roots and origins. Moreover, it¡¯s not just our civilization, but it''s a war across domains this time. It¡¯s destined to be extremely dangerous. He might have a chance if he can step into the twelfth stage and open up new domains." Chapter 454: Can’t Resist Patting The Bear’s Head Chapter 454: Can¡¯t Resist Patting The Bear¡¯s Head "Was it a coincidence, or are you all part of a drama that was staged for me?" pondered Wang Xuan with an expression that was unusually solemn. On the other side of the boundary, could the people at the murder scene see him? At this moment, it became quiet as the killer dragged away the body that had stopped crying. The fire pit only had the faint light of embers and wisps of smoke rising. Wang Xuan stood still and pondered silently. They said that the special innerndscape was one of the greatest opportunities and the origin of transcendence. It was a trump card for the ancestors to transcend among myriad beings. But why did he feel uneasy? He turned and left as he did not want to stay at the boundary anymore. Next, everyone was stealing time. Wang Xuan practiced various scriptures and focused onprehending several supreme ssics. However, when it came to stepping out of the mythological bordend, breaking through the existing theoretical limits, he still had no clue. He found it difficult to take that step. Even though several supreme scriptures wereid out before him, he couldn''t make use of them. The twelfth level seemed like it shouldn''t exist, it had surpassed the scope of these scriptures. Finally, he resumed practicing the Golden Cicada Technique, Butterfly Transformation Method, Ants Gazing Dragons Scripture, and Ascension Transmutation Reversion Scripture. He relied heavily on these techniques that couldpletely transform a person. Because no matter the realm, practicing these special transformative techniques could allow a person to undergo a rebirth. One could achieve an elevation of their life essence. However, mastering such miraculous techniques was difficult, especially since Wang Xuan was simultaneously practicing multiple methods. He was ambitious and aiming for the most astonishing rebirth. In the innerndscape, people in different states of being felt the passage of time differently. It was difficult to say how many years had passed. Wang Xuan opened his eyes, stood up, and sensed the changes within himself. He felt that several doctrines were merging, and this time, it was highly unlikely to yield results. He murmured, "I want to see what kind of qualitative change urs if I undergo metamorphosis. And here, whether there is still trans material floating down after theplete decay of mythology." Time passed in the innerndscape, a low roar from Qing Mu was heard. He trembled with joy as he disyed the Great Vajra Fist which created a vigorous wind. "I''ve transcended!" He was incredibly excited. A dream of his life had been realized in the twilight of mythology. He had finally stepped into this realm. Outside, his physical body resonated with his spirit. It was also being nourished by trans material as it underwent changes. He was covered in sweat as the intense metabolism made him damp. "Uncle has be a big brother!" Little Fox eximed, noticing Qing Mu''s transformation. Stepping into the realm of the supernatural was a qualitative change, it was an elevation of life. The current Qing Mu seemed to be regressing. He had once envied Wang Xuan''s shedding of skin, and now it was his turn. Skin was peeling off his face and it was transforming him into a young man in histe twenties. "Hey, I''m also at the Four Stages!" eximed Transcendent Ma. He shone with golden light and looked extraordinary. He was even rarer than the mythical Celestial Horsen that had golden wings flowing with electricity and a horn emitting intricate andplex lightning patterns.¡¡¡¡"You''re still a little brother!" said theLittle Fox while she looked down at him and firmly pressed down on Transcendent Ma''s head. She had entered the Fifth Stage. She believed that the smooth and rapid breakthrough this time was rted to the matters that were close to the truth in Wang Xuan''s innerndscape. They were extremely important for both the spirit and the physical body outside. Zhao Qinghan reached the Fourth Stage. Her talent was indeed very strong. Originally, she practiced old techniques to maintain her figure, but now she has achieved such aplishments. Wu Yin reached the Second Stage and felt content. She had never thought she could reach this far. Her greatest realization was that her skin became tighter and her figure became even more amazing. In the innerndscape, half a year passed again. The trans material began to decrease. Wang Xuan knew that it was time to close here. He flew away from this ce with them. "Brother Wang, are you at the Twelfth Stage?" Transcendent Ma asked with great interest. He wanted to know how Wang Xuan felt after breaking through the limits continuously. Wang Xuan shook his head and said, "No." Transcendent Ma eximed, "We''ve all broken through, but the lord of the innerndscape is still stuck. There''s no progress at all." Little Fox looked down on him and said, "Do you know what the Twelfth Stage represents? Throughout history, it''s very likely that no one has ever set foot in it. At the very least, my grandfather said he didn''t know anyone who had entered such a realm, which is beyond the realm of mythology." "Is it so powerful?" said Transcendent Ma. He finally realized how unattainable this level was. Currently, it was like an illusory flower that seemed to have never been picked by anyone. "Beyond mythology, a non-existent realm. Are you pursuing this realm?" asked Goddess Zhao, who was very surprised. Although she practiced for beauty, it didn''t mean she didn''t value the realm of the supernatural. Once she made up her mind to do something, she wanted to do it to the best of her ability. "I''ll try for now. I won''t stick to one path. Since there is still time and hope, I have some ideas and want to continue to verify them." replied Wang Xuan. "Transcendent is about to disappear. Won''t it be¡­¡­. very difficult for you?" Wu Yin said. She and Zhao Qinghan already knew the future trend. She was also reminding Wang Xuan that continuing like this might lead to nothing in the future. She feared he would feel a sense of loss. "We need to make some preparations after returning. This is bound to be a big era, with huge waves and enormous changes," Zhao Qinghan also murmured. "Oh no, the route is strange. Where are we going?" Qing Mu eximed, waking up from his sense of aplishment. He stared at the screen, then at the control room. The flight was very smooth, giving no sense of the ship moving away, but they had already left the wormhole and did not know where they were heading to. The universe is vast, and no one can explore its end. The scariest thing about traveling in the starry sky is getting lost! Now, they didn''t know where they were, nor did they know what was at the end of the road. What''s more critical is that the control panel and other things on this spaceship were different from what they had encountered before. "Come out, doggie!" Wang Xuan suddenly shouted. His finger glowed as he pointed to a spot. There was a metal statue that resembled a small dog but also a miniature bear. Wang Xuan felt it had spirituality and thought it should be simr to a mechanical bird, belonging to the steward of the spaceship. "Ouch, weewee!" Sure enough, it opened its eyes and quickly spoke. It looked bewildered. "If you pretend again, I''ll crush you!" shouted Wang Xuan as he grabbed its bear head. He applied a little force and made it howl in pain instantly. He threatened, "Speak ournguage. I know you have it in your database. I''ll turn you into a smashed watermelon if you keep babbling nonsense." "Niw gaga!" It looked innocent as it blinked its big eyes. It was still speaking iprehensible aliennguage and even spread out its chubby bear paws. Bang! Wang Xuan exerted force, he really smashed its head and crushed it into pieces. There was metal debris scattered all over the ground. The mini beary motionless and lifeless. "Oh my, Brother Wang, you really did it. What do we do now that it''s dead?" asked Transcendent Ma as he jumped in shock. "You killed it by mistake, didn''t you?" Qing Mu anxiously rubbed his hands. "It''s fine. It''s a mechanical intelligence with transcendent properties. Its body contains active metal, so it can quicklye back to life." said Wang Xuan as he stared at the ground. He continued, "If you pretend to be dead again, I''ll use the Samadhi Fire to refine you and use you as material to repair other transcendent treasures." "Don''t, I just zoned out." The metal pieces on the ground turned into liquid and quickly rbined into the shape of the silly bear. "So cute!" Wu Yin said. The little bear was already speaking humannguage, and its database included thenguage of the Old World. "Little cub, surrender your authority and tell us your origin, or else you''ll disappearpletely." Wang Xuan said coldly. He was intimidating the little bear and exerting pressure on it. On the other hand,Zhao Qinghan gentlyforted it, saying, "He''s a demon cultivator. Don¡¯t lie to him or he will really turn you into his war boots." "I surrender, I give up!" said the little bear as it surrendered readily. It gave up resisting, then wore a look of resignation and handed over its authority, releasing its mechanical heart. After Wang Xuan obtained the authority, he also let Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, and Wu Yin obtain it. Finally, he patted the little bear''s head and said, "Don''t be unhappy. You''re much more powerful than many other mechanical birds and big dogs I''ve trained." "Okay, whatever you say." The little bear acquiesced. It blinked its big eyes and started to act cute. Snap! Wang Xuan gave it a tap on the back of its head. He wasn''t buying it, mainly because the mechanical bird didn''t leave a good impression on him. "Stop hitting it. Look how cute this little bear is! Others raise baby tigers or pandas, I¡¯ll raise a metallic little bear. It¡¯s so fun!" Wu Yin said with a smile. "Return to base, head to the new star!" Wang Xuan said. The little bear shook its head. "We can''t go back. We were being pursued before we left. There were arge number of warships near the wormhole that were engaging in a fierce battle. We''ll be torn to shreds if we turn back now." "Where are we going now? You''re not trying to deceive us, are you?" Qing Mu asked coldly. "I''ve surrendered all my authority. Life and death are in your hands. How dare I? We''re heading to a vast battlefield that is crucial for transcendence and crucial for the future. Originally, this spaceship was supposed to go there for interdomain warfare. But our people from the Green Orchid Star were intercepted along the way, and the strongest person on the ship was killed by a Deep Space Specter. We barely managed to escape and coincidentally encountered you blocking our path¡­¡­" The little bear exined the situation, so they acted preemptively, but unexpectedly, they were counter-killed by Wang Xuan! "Interdomain warfare?!" eximed Wang Xuan with shock. He was very sensitive to these words, and he wouldn''t forget his experiences in the Land of the Departed. Old Chen and Xu Fu might have to take the me for it in the future. "How far?" he quickly asked. With a simple appearance, the mechanical little bear informed them, "Very far. We need to leave the realm controlled by this mythology and arrive at the location of apletely new civilization in the distance." Wang Xuan was tempted to go and see, but there were Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, Qing Mu, and others on the spaceship. It wasn''t suitable for them to take risks together. It would be better if he could send them back. "Stop and find a ce to hide. Wait until it''s quiet at the wormhole, then we''ll return." said Wang Xuan. "We probably can''t stop. Warships have appeared behind us. We¡­¡­ can only escape!" said the little bear. It became anxious as the silver spaceship detected the situation in the distance. Wang Xuan frowned. "Alright, let¡¯s take cover first. Let¡¯s escape some distance, we''ll return after the coast is clear." The little bear spoke up softly. "It''s highly likely we can''t evade them. They were already chasing us and were seeking revenge for theirpanions. The surrounding area belongs to their sphere of influence. Now, we probably can only move forward, cross the wormhole again, and head towards that vast battlefield to seek refuge." "What did you guys do?" Zhao Qinghan asked. The little bear felt guilty and said, "After identally encountering them, we acted preemptively and destroyed four of theirrge warships." Even Transcendent Ma couldn''t resist showing his disbelief. Even the Little Fox extended her chubby little paw to touch the bear''s head. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin were speechless. They had wanted to raise a special metallic pet, but now they felt it would be better to melt it down! "Select the optimal route and avoid them, hurry!" Qing Mu urged, because the spaceship had already sounded the rm. It detected the enemy''s presence, and was likely to be locked on and attacked. "Then let''s cross the domains first, leave this mythological realm, shake off the enemy, and head to the new universe. I¡¯ll follow the original route to that mysterious battlefield," the little bear confirmed. Chapter 455: The Universe That Even The Immortals Couldn’t Reach Chapter 455: The Universe That Even The Immortals Couldn¡¯t Reach Originally, it had nothing to do with them, but now Wang Xuan, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu were fleeing for their lives. They had warships behind them biting at their heels and eager to wipe them out immediately. "What did you guys do to offend someone?" Wang Xuan asked. He was still unaware of who was chasing them. The mechanical little bear blinked its big eyes and said, "The Specters, the Celestial Elf, and the Giant Dragons." Smack! Qing Mu couldn''t help but p it too. They had offended not just one race but seemed to have angered multiple! "Don''t hit me, or I''ll get mad. You''re no match for me!" said the little bear while rubbing its head. It looked at Qing Mu with a hint of emotion. Qing Mu red at it, feeling belittled not only by a horse but also by a lump of metal. He rolled up his sleeves and was intending to educate the mechanical little bear. "Forget it," Wang Xuan stopped him. "Let Transcendent Ma help you vent your anger." Qing Mu was speechless. He felt a bit skeptical about life. He had entered the transcendent realm and still couldn''t beat this little mini bear that was just over a foot long.¡¡Transcendent Ma was a man of action. With a tter, he stomped down with all four hooves. It smashed the head of the mechanical bear so hard that its head deformed and left fourrge dents. Tears welled up in its eyes, its actually shedding metallic tears. "Do you have no sympathy?" said the Little Fox as she extended her ws and pushed Transcendent Ma aside. "The deed is done. Let''s focus on how to resolve it," Zhao Qinghanforted the little bear, telling it not to be afraid and assuring it that she was there, willing to listen to any secrets it had. Wu Yin also spoke up, saying, "Be gentle, stop hitting its head!" Wang Xuan instructed the mechanical bear to assist Qing Mu in studying the star map. He wanted to see how far the so-called vast battlefield was and whether they could escape along the way. The little bear quietly reminded them, "Don''t run around recklessly along the way. The surrounding area is within the territory of the Specters, the Celestial Elf, and the Giant Dragons, and they have surveince points in the starry sky." It had to be said that this silver spaceship had excellent performance. It appeared to be just a medium-sized ship, but it had once destroyed fourrge warships. And now, its escape speed was also top-notch, traversing the stars and heading towards the next target along the established route. Qing Mu felt a bit overwhelmed. ording to the mechanical bear, they would no longer be under the rule of the Immortals once they left the civilization where mythology and technology coexisted. "What''s going on? Do the Immortals have boundaries too? Do the extraterrestrial civilizations haverge-scale barriers that are not controlled by the Demon Lord, Old Zhang, and the others?" asked Wang Xuan. He learned that there were also very powerful creatures in those extraterrestrial nes, which were formed by semi-material and semi-energy. Next, the warships from behind pursued them fiercely, nearly locking onto them several times. Wang Xuan considered projecting his spirit out to counterattack multiple times, but he was stopped by Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu. This vast and endless dark universe harbored unknown dangers even though it was silent. Along the way, they encountered inexplicable mists and strange shipwrecks that were all devouring spirits. Even the spirits of the transcendents in their physical bodies would inexplicably loosen and depart. "Can''t avoid this, huh? Back then, the Great Sage Xu Fu and Old Chen took the me for me. Who could have imagined I still couldn''t escape that in the end," Wang Xuanmented. He never expected that he would end up passively embarking on this path. Qing Mu wasn''t too worried. It was his first time out, and he was feeling a bit wild. He said, "That''s the area not governed by the immortals of the Old World. It''s quite unique. Have the gods also divided territories among themselves?" "Is that the domain of extraterritorial gods or extraterritorial immortals? I might not be able to return temporarily," said Wang Xuan as he looked at Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin. He felt somewhat helpless and apologetic. Zhao Qinghan expressed no concern, saying, "A realm that even the immortals haven''t explored, spanning the boundaries of this universe? Mysterious and unknown. I''m actually looking forward to it." Wang Xuan was startled. He named his eleventh-stage transcendent as the Boundary Wastnd. Would he witness the arrival of his twelfth stage in the new domain after leaving the realm where the immortals resided? The Little Fox was unhappy. She said, "My dream of deep space, my new star technology world, my snacks, my bubble tea, my entire mall of new clothes, they¡¯re all gone. Most importantly, my potato chips are running out, and I''ll soon have no food left!" Wu Yinforted it. "It''s okay. I''ll get you a vi filled with snacks and new clothes the next time we go back." The cold universe, the boundless deep space, it was utter silence. Traveling in such an environment for a long time would give rise to a sense of fear facing the abyss when one was staring into the void. It was the fear of facing darkness and the unknown. After several days of fleeing, they temporarily shook off their pursuers. However, it was monotonous, dull, and endless as they sailed through the vast dark void day after day. This grand and deste unknown gave a very unsettling feeling. It was too quiet and it was eerily silent. Qing Mu said, "Maiden Fang, Zhang Patriarch, Demon Lord, and the Hades Blood Patriarch have also entered deep space. I don''t know where they''re headed. Unfortunately, it''s too difficult to meet in the vast universe." In the star map, there were clearly several inhabiteds along their route. However, they didn''t explore them when they passed by them, let alone encounter anyone in the vast universe. Wu Yin spoke up, "The so-called extraterritorial civilization seems to be a whole new universe that is detached from ours. It is far beyond the reach of our domain." She and Zhao Qinghan were also studying the star map to understand the dominion of extraterritorial civilizations in which it was too distant. "We''re about to traverse another wormhole and we¡¯ll enter a new starry sea. Even so, we haven''t left the hearnd of mythical civilization," even Transcendent Ma sounded dispirited. This journey was too dull. Little Fox also felt bored and said, "It''s bearable for a few days when someone crosses the universe alone, but prolonged travel like this can lead to depression." And so, day after day, they continued to drift away. They traversed many wormholes and had been traveling for many days. Throughout the journey, aside from the asional spaceship wreckage not a single soul was seen. Traveling in such a deste environment made them long for the lively world of mortal existence. "Attention, we are about to leave the territory of the immortals. We are about to cross into the extraterritorial domain," the mechanical bear reminded them. From this point on, the path ahead would be unknown and unpredictable. In the region beyond the wormhole, there were vast nebe blocking their view. It was hazy and profound. It resembled the primordial chaos. "Master, I am about to leave the original world. Perhaps I am about to enter a new universe. My strength may surpass yours when I return," Qing Mu murmured to himself. Silently, the silver-white spaceship pierced through the wormhole and emerged from another fresh expanse of stars. They had officially set foot in the extraterritorial domain. Several dayster, their journey was no longer so monotonous. Along the way, they saw massive nests that belonged to an unknown race capable of surviving in the cosmic void. Additionally, spaceship wreckage appeared intermittently. It indicated they were approaching the inhabited areas of extraterritorial civilizations. "The foreign gods, you are nearing the Land of Immortality. Report yourselves!" a powerful signal came from the stars ahead. It was captured and deciphered by the silver-white spacecraft. Wang Xuan and hispanions realized that outsiders like them, including the immortals, were known as foreign gods in thisnd, a ce where even the immortals couldn''t reach. Chapter 456: Land of the Undying Chapter 456: Land of the Undying Outside the domain, Wang Xuan was somewhat excited to be in the territory ruled by unknown deities. Having the fortune to witness different civilizations in this age of decay ignited a spark of anticipation within him. "With the diverse societies and customs in this colorful world, it''s rare to have such an opportunity. This is the farthest I''ve ever been from home," Zhao Qinghan said with a smile that carried a hint of sweetness, expressing her desire to see those unknown races and the vibrant new world. She had an adventurous spirit. They still couldn''t confirm it until now even though they had spected it was a new universe. "Master, my path to greatness has begun. Sorry, but I might surpass you!" said Qing Mu to encourage himself. He had embarked on the path of the transcendent quitete, but there was a fire burning within him. The cold universe remained silent and immensely vast. The strong signal source appeared only once. It was like some kind of reminder or warning, and then it ceased transmitting any further information. A dazzling beam of light silently shot out from the darkness''s edge with immense speed. As soon as the spaceship detected the dangerous signal, it swiftly evaded with its shields already activated. With a loud thud, the spaceship shook violently and its shield was almost pierced through. A menacing giant warship appeared in the distance. It resembled a monstrous beast with its ck metallic hull blending seamlessly into the cosmos. In an instant, numerous beams of light came shooting out. The silver-white spaceship swiftly changed its course to evade. In the meantime, the mechanical bear cursed, "Damn it, you''re dead meat!" Then, the small-to-medium-sized spaceship burst into action. It unleashed a fierce counterattack. The energy beams were beyond imagination, even obliterating small floating asteroids that were blocking its path. Boom! Then, arge chunk of the giant warship shattered on the spot after it was hit. It abandoned its front cabin and then¡­¡­ turned tail and fled.¡¡¡¡"Ha! Don''t run! You think I''m afraid of a fleet attacking me? I''ll show you!" The little bear growled fiercely. As the intelligent steward of the spaceship, it pursued the enemy without hesitation. It was more decisive and efficient than even Qing Mu''smand. It swiftly maneuvered, counterattacked, and pursued seamlessly. "Where did you learn those vulgar words?" Wu Yin asked. "I updated the database earlier, and retrieved them from thenguage library in your area," the little bear informed cutely, refraining from swearing anymore. Finally, they saw another spaceship along the way. The little bear remained vignt for safety purposes. They abandoned the pursuit of the giant ship and cautiously continued their journey. "Here ites. There are quite a few ships ahead!" eximed Qing Mu, changing into a serious expression. The previously silent universe became somewhat lively in this area, with scans picking up dozens of ships, and this was just the beginning. It seemed that the route was starting to get crowded with even more ships further ahead. Half a dayter, the front became somewhat congested. Arge number of spaceships appeared as if they were queuing at a checkpoint while proceeding orderly. "Report and register!" That strong signal came again. It was simple and direct, indicating that the front seemed to be an information collection and registration point. The scene was spectacr, with a dense jungle of steel and iron stretching as far as the eye could see. Some ships were exceptionallyrge, they looked just likes from afar which gave a strong sense of oppression. As expected, their silver-white spaceship looked very petite amidst the fleet. It appeared ordinary and tiny. Suddenly, a conflict arose among the front line, with two warships rubbing against each other. Of course, they didn''t dare to use destructive weapons directly. Instead, they released small spaceships from the mothership to engage inbat from a distance. However, they met a disastrous end. "No one is allowed to open fire here. There will be no warning, just obliteration once it''s found out!" The registration point gave out a signal. Then, a huge floating iron fortress in space emitted divine light at the registration point ahead. It annihted the two small spaceships, causing them to disappear instantly. "You came here to be gods. Battleships are not allowed to fight in nonbat zones. Once we discover a fight, they will be immediately eradicated," came the stern warning. "Thendlord is very dominant. This Land of the Undying seems to have quite a background. It seems that¡­¡­ one can be a god here?" Wu Yin eximed in surprise. "Where are you from, your race, your purpose¡­¡­" The inquiry was concise, without verification. The huge iron fortress floated in space just like a gigantic city, it was dark and oppressive. The voice emanated from one of its outer towers that emitted light and radiated potent trans material. It was enveloped in a glow. "Green Orchid Star and the human race came in pursuit of myth. We are devout seekers on the path to godhood¡­¡­" Inside the silver-white spaceship, the little bear was responsible for uploading the data. This had been discussed in advance. Wang Xuan and hispanions wanted to register as members of the human race from Green Orchid Star to explore the world here. It was not necessary for everyone that entered here to fight. There were rest areas and VIP zones where one could observe battles from the outside. Even participants could withdraw at any time, as the registration point reiterated repeatedly, ¡°Stay alive at all cost.¡± "Isn''t the human race considered to be minorities on Green Orchid Star? Human race joining the battle is unexpected this time. It''s only the seconding in this age of transcendence, thest one dates back five thousand years ago and ended inplete annihtion." In the tower, there was a burst of transcendent light scanning the spaceship.Then, the illuminated tower extended from the iron fortress and the head of an elderly bear emerged. He looked at the mechanical little bear with surprise as it seemed to find them resembling each other. It then kindly reminded them. "The gods are dying and transcendence is copsing. You came toote. You guys belong to thest group of contenders. Don''t rush recklessly, only to end up with nothing in the end." Then, a beam of light swept over them and let them pass through. With the fleet continuing forward, they entered a chaotic zone that was densely popted with meteorites. None of the warships diverted their course because they were nearing their destination. However, turmoil erupted in this zone, with apparent disputes and battles that were not stopped by the iron fortress. At this moment, a ck wooden boat that radiated transcendent light flew in. A middle-aged man stood calm and silently at the bow, followed by several young men and women. This ck wooden boat emitted trans material and swiftly moved forward while surpassing many warships. Some were dissatisfied, sending signals to inform them not to cut in line. "Don''t act recklessly. That''s the incarnation of a mighty god. Haven''t you seen the mark on the bow? Individuals like him are authorized for priority entry." One person said. "The true body of a god on the ground? Hiss, he seems to be the Blood Emperor! Transcendence ising to an end, and such powerful beings are also joining the fray. This situation doesn''t look good." Another replied. "He is one of the supreme beings in our starry sky, the Blood Emperor, a supreme being who walks the path to the peak on the corpses of gods!" Another joined in and said. Many restless groups suddenly became subdued. They were all stunned. Wang Xuan felt surprised. Through the various signals captured and deciphered by the mechanical little bear, he had learned that the so-called supreme gods were equivalent to peerless experts among the immortals. This also meant that the Blood Emperor who had just passed by was on par with Zhang Daoling. He was an otherworldly god and was extremely powerful. Such inter-domain battles were quite astonishing. Shortly after, another transcendent ship appeared, with a woman standing at the bow. Her ck hair flowed like a waterfall that was silent and still. Her motionless eyes carried a faint red light and her tall figure resembled a sculpture carved from jade. It exuded beauty like a work of art. She remained silent. Her face was beautiful but it was devoid of expression. Her entire being resembles a cold stone statue. "I''ll be damned, this is a supreme god from the vicinity of the Land of the Undying. She¡¯s revered as the God of War. This is her incarnation in the mortal realm!" said a transcendent, revealing her identity. The transcendent surprisingly knows her origins. "What''s her background? What is she skilled in?" One person asked. The beings who arrived here had long since disembarked. They were unafraid of the cold of the cosmos and were engaging in discussions and exchanges. "She specializes in cultivating the physical body, nourishing the spirit, and achievingprehensive improvement. Don''t be fooled by her appearance as a woman. Her physique is incredibly powerful. She can break our warships with her bare hands. It''s said that five hundred years ago, she battled fiercely with a supreme sword immortal from the cultivation civilization and her physical body was able to withstand the immortal swords!" Wang Xuan felt deeply surprised. The beings that came from this ce were truly extraordinary. In a short time, two incarnations of supreme beings had appeared. There were probably already such figures who had crossed over before he arrived. "With top-tier beingsing here, there must be something of interest to them," pondered Wang Xuan. He realized that the benefits of inter-domain warfare must be extremely enticing. In this era, anything capable of attracting supreme beings must be rted to the forging of a new mythology! The journey ahead became somewhat quieter, with no more appearances of supreme beings for the time being. Half an hourter, Wang Xuan sensed something amiss. A warship approached silently and began to scan their silver-white spaceship. What made them most vignt was the presence of a massive ck giant Roc on that warship. It was staring directly at their spaceship. It didn''t bother to queue at all. It cut in line and caught up. Many people remained silent as they did not want to be the center of attention and they did not want to attract trouble. They had encountered too many powerful individuals throughout their journey. Those who dared to act like this were undoubtedly formidable. Boom!¡¡ A tremendous shockwave followed. The ck giant Roc crouched on the edge of the warship. It vigorously pped its wing and struck Wang Xuan''s small spaceship. It cut through it directly and left a visible gash from the force of the blow. "Oh, for¡­.sake!" eximed the mechanical little bear, itsnguage reverted back to an ancient form. It widened its eyes in anger. It was taken by surprise although its usual style was to strike first. With a loud thud, the sixty-meter-long ck giant Roc leaped straight onto the silver-white spaceship. Its heavy weight and imposing presence, along with itsrge ws, tore tworge holes in the spaceship''s hull. Then, it looked down upon them. "It''s gone mad! How dare it be so reckless. Who does it think it is?" shouted Qing Mu. He was genuinely furious. They were just navigating normally, without even activating battle mode, let alone the defense shields. Yet, this fierce Roc attacked them just like that. "Where did this ferocious Roce from? It''s too domineering!" Wu Yin''s chest heaved with indignation. She felt the other party was being unreasonable. The exterior of the silver-white spaceship was torn apart. It wasn¡¯t an issue for a transcendent to expose itself in space for a short time, but prolonged exposure without a cabin meant certain death. "Insolent fox!" Shouted the Little Fox as she put down thest packet of crisps and angrily waved her tiny paw. Transcendent Ma was ready to kick into action. He was eager for a battle between the Heavenly Horse and the Giant Roc. Zhao Qinghan touched her fair forehead. She had hit her head on the corner of the table and had broken the specially reinforced material when the spaceship shook violently. She felt embarrassed and pain at the same time. Back in her student days, she was hailed as a goddess and now she had be as tough as iron. "Do you want to be wiped out?" said Wang Xuan as he raised his head. His spiritual domain pierced through the cabin and was staring coldly at it. "You don''t understand the rules. While warships are not allowed to open fire, it doesn''t mean that transcendents cannot take matters into their own hands," the enormous ck Roc said calmly as it stared at the Godying Banner on Wang Xuan''s body. It then continued saying, "You have something I need!" Of course, Wang Xuan remained vignt after arriving in such a ce. The golden g wasn''t stored in the life soil but was kept by his side. It was ready to respond to any emergencies. As a result of that, the ck fierce Roc surprisingly noticed its abnormality. "Do you have needs that warrant such tant aggression?" Wang Xuan inquired. "Most people thate to the Land of the Undying are perpetually transcendent beings. Here, there''s no reasoning to be had. I won''t pretend or discuss morals with you. I¡¯ll take what I desire directly!" the Roc replied assertively. In the silver-white spaceship, Qing Mu, Little Fox, Wu Yin, and others were infuriated. This ck Roc was indeed straightforward and made no attempt to conceal its greedy motives. "I don''t aim to stand on a moral high ground. Here, it''s survival of the fittest. I''m merely looking down on all of you from above. Who cares about your feelings?" the ck giant Roc spoke coldly. It then extended its ws once more and was intending to tear apart the silver-white spaceship. Chapter 457: The End Of The Strongest Disciple That Came From An Imperial Palace Chapter 457: The End Of The Strongest Disciple That Came From An Imperial Pce A burst of transcendent light mist surged forth. It prated through the spaceship and lifted the ck Roc into the air. Since it was confirmed that the Land of the Undying allowed transcendent beings to take matters into their own hands. Wang Xuan utilized the time to converse and waited for a moment to confirm that this giant Roc wouldn''t be obliterated by the fortress. In the end, he decided not to engage with it any longer andunched a direct counterattack! The spaceship was torn open with tworge holes, but fortunately, it was constructed from active metal, an extremely rare material capable of automatic repair and healing. It only required energy input. With a swoosh, Wang Xuan dashed out of the spaceship. "Little Wang, be careful!" Wu Yin shouted from behind. She feared for his safety, especially since the Roc was so massive. It measured up to sixty meters long. Zhao Qinghan nced at her and swallowed back her words. She simply waved to Wang Xuan as he looked back, signaling him to be cautious. In fact, everyone on board was quite worried. This Roc of prey was too ferocious. It was able to tear through the metal hull directly which undoubtedly meant that it was a formidable opponent. Nearby, many transcendent beings left their cabin and gazed over. They were experiencing the intensity of close-quartersbat firsthand. With a loud bang, Wang Xuan pursued and leapt into the air with a kick. He seemed rather smallpared to therge Roc that had a wingspan of over a hundred meters. They were totally in different leagues. However, to everyone''s surprise, when Wang Xuan''s foot collided with the Roc''s wings and although he was sent flying backward, he had caused the giant Roc to also stagger. "It¡¯s mostly machinery with some flesh mixed into it," said someone that finally noticed the anomaly. The ck Roc wasn''t purely organic, many of its feathers were crafted from cold metal. "Wow, its strength must be terrifying as it has such a massive mechanical body. Wang Xuan¡­ is in a precarious situation!" Qing Mu eximed anxiously. No one could withstand the weight of such heavy metal if it had hit a person. Sure enough, the mechanical Roc suddenly spread its wings and exuded a fierce aura. It was as if it could traverse the universe, it pounced directly at Wang Xuan. The dominance and the strength made everyone dizzy. It didn''t use any technological weapons as it had already dismantled them long ago. It was afraid of identally triggering them and being judged by the authorities here. The theme this time was to extend the myth and explore new paths for the transcendent, so using technological weapons such as spaceships were prohibited.¡¡¡¡With trans material enveloping Wang Xuan¡¯s body, he dodged its edge. He movedterally more than two hundred meters and had narrowly avoided a collision with the colossal creature. Chunks of meteorites ahead that were dozens of stories high, were smashed by the ck mechanical Roc. It swiftly turned around and formed a ck vortex with a snap of its jaws. It was showcasing its transcendent power. Then, it closed in on Wang Xuan and had intended to swallow him whole. The ck vortex expanded rapidly and shrouded the area. It pulled Wang Xuan in and was aiming to engulf him into the Roc''s mouth. It was attempting to devour its enemy. Nearby, scattered meteorite fragments that weighed hundreds to thousands of kilograms melted away rapidly, just like snow falling into a furnace. Wang Xuan broke free and dived at high speed towards the Roc''s abdomen. With a loud crash, the metal feathers at the abdomen area copsed and metal shards fell off. The ck Roc trembled but remained unharmed. This massive mechanical lifeform was immensely strong. Even if Wang Xuan could punch a hole in its body, it wouldn''t amount to much for it. "Who is this person? He is very strong. He is temporarily holding back the ck Roc. This is not simple," someone spoke up. Others were surprised. Was this ck Roc really so formidable? "The mechanical ck Roc belongs to the skilled practitioners of the Land of the Undying in this star domain. It''s one of the most renowned rising stars in the past few decades, even breaking through the limits!" someone said. This star domain was known as the Land of the Undying. The starry sky where Wang Xuan was located was called the Land of Immortals. Further away, there were domains of technological life and divine beings. This time, the Land of the Undying and the Land of the Divine were the main initiators. They wanted to explore the future to prolong the existence of transcendence. Of course, the term breaking through the limits was tranted. Different domains had different names for it, but the heights of their brilliance were consistent, revered and praised by all transcendent beings. It represented an incredibly splendid realm. Breaking through the limits meant the tenth stage. At times, it was even difficult to find more than a few instances in the vast expanse of stars, in a whole civilization or on many transcendents. "It''s really¡­ a Limit Breaker, he¡¯s at the tenth stage?!" Many people were shocked on the spot. This meant that the ck Roc was a pinnacle figure in this domain. It was difficult to find anyone that matched it. "Of course, it had broken through the limits indeed! In the Land of the Undying, disciples who emerged from the Imperial Pce of Gouchen are outstanding figures among those who broke through the limits. They have dominated for decades. It''s difficult to find opponents within the realm of this world!" Transcendent beings in the Land of the Undying were well aware of the power and terror of the mechanical ck Roc. They were revealing its details. Swoosh! Although the ck Roc was huge in size, its movements were agile. It transformed into a streak of darkness in the vast cosmic void. It spread its wings with insane speed as it once again lunged towards Wang Xuan. It was like a metal mountain crashing down. How could any transcendent being today dare to collide head-on with such a momentum? The force was astonishingly powerful that mere flesh and blood bodies couldn''t withstand it. Wang Xuan didn''t want to collide with such a massive metal entity again. Dodging once more, he then transformed into a divine light and constructed sacred wings with trans material. It then swiftly chased after the mechanical ck Roc. He attached himself to its back and delivered a barrage of blows! Metal feathers scattered as he punched arge crater into its back. However, the mechanical ck Roc was very fierce. Its entire body boiled with trans material and it caused Wang Xuan to be shaken off. It was even carrying a residue of the rules of the transcendent realm. Wang Xuan was astonished. Was the mechanical body of the ck Roc forged into a divine treasure?! In the next moment, the ck Roc erupted with a dark light. It was like a ck sun that emitted trans material and terrifying energy. Witnessing the scene, the nearby transcendent beings changed their expressions. "Its power has increased again!" one of them said. Those who understood nodded, saying, "Now, it has officially enteredbat mode. It probably didn''t take things seriously at first." "There will be few opponents once the mechanical ck Roc fully transcends in this depleted era. Not long ago, even the incarnation of a quasi-supreme being who returned from the Great Barrier was torn apart by it!" Everyone felt a chill after they heard of its achievement. This was a killing machine. In the twilight of the transcendent era, it had innate advantages and few could stand in its way. Not even beings that returned from the Great Barrier could defy him. Boom!¡¡ In the cosmic void, the meteorite group exploded as the fully transcended mechanical ck Roc approached. It seemed that nothing could stop it, its dominance was terrifying. Its feathers and wings shattered dozens of stories-high meteorites like decayed scrolls as it moved forward silently. Its eyes were cold and determined. Inside the silver-white spaceship, Transcendent Ma shrank back. With such arge metal life form, a single blow from its wings would surely turn him into minced meat. The Little Fox nervously gripped her clothes as she did not dare to make a sound. Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu all felt uncertain and extremely nervous. Although they knew Wang Xuan was strong, the mechanical metal body with divine treasure of this ck Roc exuded overwhelming pressure and hostility. It was just too terrifying. Anyone could see that it could contend against spaceships and tear apart their hulls. "Wang Xuan¡­ Please be safe!" said Qing Mu. They hadn''t expected to encounter such a formidable enemy so soon after they had entered the Land of the Undying. The danger here far exceeded their imagination. In the distance, many were surprised. The fact that the mechanical ck Roc hadn''t instantly killed this young human indicated that he also had a considerable background. "It''s unexpected. He wasn''t killed instantly by the ck Roc. Could he have also broken through the limits? I¡¯m looking forward to this battle, let''s see how long he can hold on!" one of them said. Soon, they fell silent. The battle was intense and violent and it made everyone''s emotions fluctuate as they watched the young man confront the massive mechanical Roc barehanded. No one spoke at all. Wang Xuan¡¯s body glowed all over with trans material surging from it. He remained undaunted when faced with such a massive mechanical entity. He decided to finally take action after observing for a while. He enveloped himself in light which illuminated the dark void. He continuously struck the Roc, piercing through one of its wings. "What''s going on? Who is he to dare to battle against a transcendent being?" Everyone was stunned, realizing they had underestimated him. The mechanical ck Roc went berserk. It shot up into the air and swiftly retreated dozens of miles to avoid Wang Xuan''s attack, but it soon returned. Its massive body and violent transcendent power roared through the asteroid belt. It radiated a dark light that resembled a terrifying demon descending upon the world! The void copsed. Its eyes were cold and its body was bursting with sword lights. Metal feathers rose one after another, making nging sounds as they shed. "These sword lights are too terrifying! A small spaceship can be instantly crushed if so many swords attack at once. The mechanical ck Roc is actually a being at the wanderer level!" People were shocked to realize that the ck Roc had long surpassed the tenth stage. It was reaching the peak of the transcendent, it was at the wanderer level. Its unique phenomenon was extremely terrifying, leaving behind mountains of corpses and seas of blood as it rose through battles. Surprisingly, the young man remained dominant. He transformed himself into a wheel of swords, with countless sword radiance bursting forth. With a loud bang, Wang Xuan shifted sideways and aimed for the previously injured wing. The opponent was massive which required him to focus his attack on one area to cause effective damage. Boom!¡¡ Surging with trans material, one of the mechanical ck Roc''s wings was pierced through by Wang Xuan''s wheel of swords. It was severed by him after striking it repeatedly. A cry from the ck Roc echoed. The wingless mechanical ck Roc became furious and dived towards Wang Xuan once again. However, it was even more terrifying this time. The humanoid wheel of swords disyed its power starting from its abdomen. It had severed its body. The massive iron body became a shackle and was unable to evade the attack. It ended up heavily injured. "Oh¡­ my god!" "Even the transcendent ck Roc can¡¯t stop the young man. Who is he?!" someone said. There wererge numbers of transcendent beings here, the cream of the crop from various regions were all shocked. Anyone who understood the origins of the mechanical ck Roc trembled with fear. Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu felt incredibly shaken. It was their first time witnessing a battle at this level and they were exceptionally nervous. Their hearts were pounding like drums. Little Fox and Transcendent Ma werepletely dumbfounded. With just his flesh and blood, Wang Xuan had dismantled such a massive metal life form and had left them in awe. A Roc cry echoed and there was a drastic fluctuation in spiritual energy. It was as if space-time was distorted. The mechanical ck Roc''s body split open and a dazzling silver light burst out from within. Out came a three-meter-long white Roc. The mechanical ck Roc had preserved the remaining flesh and blood here. Initially, it destroyed most of its physical body when it practiced the Roc Emperor''s scripture. Now, it abandoned its mechanical body and rushed out. It was ready to fight to the end. In fact, it had ayer of silver-white metal outside its body. It seemed like a precious treasure that protected its flesh and blood. It then fiercely confronted Wang Xuan. Boom!¡¡ An astonishing collision, a fierce battle. Wang Xuan didn''t use any treasures and he didn''t deploy the Godying Banner. He fought bare-handed and was aiming for the silver armor that could transform. His spirit resonated and trans material boiled. Apanied by his mental light, he directly shed at the ck Roc with a spiritual sword. With a thud, the ck Roc''s eyes bled and its gaze unfocused. Its spirit was severely wounded and it was unable to resist anymore. Then, Wang Xuan peeled off the armor and pulled it out. Everyone was stunned. It was a disciple from the Imperial Pce of Gouchen in the Land of the Undying. It was a shining star who had broken through the limits. The mechanical ck Roc had actually been defeated! Now, not only the transcendent beings on the scene were paying attention but the practitioners from their respectives were also paying attention to it. They awaited the transmission of audiovisual messages from the spaceship back to theirs. It was only the first battle, and a star powerhouse was already about to perish! In fact, they didn''t know that Wang Xuan had intentionally restrained himself and hadn''t fully engaged at all. He didn''t want to reveal all his cards as soon as he appeared. "I had asked you earlier, aren''t you afraid of being wiped out?" Wang Xuan spoke while holding the ck Roc. He then continued, "Although the rules of the Land of the Undying allow you to act and won''t erase you, I can personally erase you!" Thud!¡¡ A dazzling fist light streaked across and illuminated the cosmic void. With one punch, Wang Xuan had shattered the ck Roc. He annihted itpletely and no trace of it was left behind! Chapter 458: The Hell Level Hot Seed Chapter 458: The Hell Level Hot Seed The mechanical ck Roc''s demise ushered in silence among the crowd. A Limit Breaker from the Gouchen Imperial Pce had been vanquished in its final moments as easily as if it were made of paper. Everyone was taken aback by the sheer unpredictability of the event. In the midst of the chilling awe that filled the hearts of the onlookers, a potent signal emanated from the steel fortress hovering near the registration area, decipherable by all factions present. "The victor of the first battle, yer of a Limit Breaker, shall be rewarded with a protective amulet," announced a light-formed bear''s head, projecting from the towering iron structure. A crystal materialized and traversed the cosmic void,nding squarely in Wang Xuan''s hands. No creature dared contest the sacred item bestowed by the guardians of the immortalnds. Among the assembly of diverse beings¡ªstone beasts, metallic monsters, me sprites¡ªall eyes were envious of the dark crystal Wang Xuan now held. The moment he grasped it, he understood its significance: a one-time savior of its bearer''s life. By killing a star-level Limit Breaker, he had earned the immortalnd''s recognition, bing a figure of interest. This protection was offered in the hopes that he would journey further, sparing him from untimely demise due to unforeseen mishaps. In essence, he was considered one of the prime contenders. "Such incredible fortune, equivalent to an extra life, permitting one to err and recover!" Some envied, their gazes filled with a mixture of jealousy and admiration. A voice from the crowd teased, "Luck? If you''re capable, go ahead and y a Limit Breaker yourself. If you have the strength, it''s not toote to snatch it from his grasp." The scene buzzed with fervent discussion, yet amidst the mor, a profound silence settled over others. Killing a Limit Breaker was no small feat; such achievementsmanded respect. In the immortalnds, life-bearings were numerous. The beings registering here, leaving behind coordinates of their transcendents, numbered in the hundreds. Yet, in recent decades, only a few Limit Breakers had emerged, making them exceedingly rare.Any Transcendence Level entity was considered a pinnacle force within their domain. Soon, Wang Xuan found himself surrounded by many, some ttering, some seeking affiliation, and others probing his origins¡ªa scene of bustling activity. In the cold cosmos, those who dared traverse such inhospitable realms in their true forms were naturally the elite. "You hail from thend of the immortals, how fortuitous. We hail from the same vast domain!"municated arge blue bird telepathically, expressing both surprise and intrigue. Suddenly, dozens of beings converged around him, representing a kaleidoscope of forms, all hailing from differents within the same star domain. Wang Xuan engaged with them warmly, discovering that the starry sky of the immortal path civilization was home to a significant number of life-bearings. In a brief exchange, he learned that from thend of immortality to the immortalnds for registration, there were over two hundred teams present, indicating at least two hundred transcendents. This revtion left Wang Xuan somewhat stunned; previously, he was only aware of a handful ofs such as Old Earth, New Star, the Secret Realm, Yu Hua, O, and He Luo. However, many of these transcendents did not correspond to the great veil,cking the half-material, half-energetic realms of immortals. To undergo metamorphosis into an immortal, one had to venture to those specials. "In thend of immortals, truly corresponding to the great veil are but a dozens, with the others hosting merely medium and small-sized barriers," he was told. "From ournd of immortals, over the past hundred years, the famed transcendent beings were those four Transcendence Level entities. It seems we have undercounted one, including you." Hearing this, Wang Xuan was taken aback. Having been born in Old Earth and frequented New Star, he had not deeply engaged with the vast starry domain of the immortal path and was unfamiliar with its inhabitants. "A Green Mist Star, I''m aware of it. The human race there is a minority with only a few hundred thousand individuals. It''s unexpected that such a pinnacle force like you would emerge from there," a blue-haired woman said, her gaze intense with admiration. Being of the human race herself, she felt a strong kinship upon meeting Wang Xuan. "Thend of immortals has so many transcendents, numbering in the hundreds, and possibly even more in its unknown corners," Wang Xuan mused, experiencing a swell of realization about the transcendent domain he inhabited for the first time. This implied that, in the same era, only one Limit Breaker might emerge from dozens of transcendents¡ªa terrifyingly low ratio! "How does the Immortal Landpare to the Lands of the Gods, the Domain of Technological Life, and the Immortal Path?" Wang Xuan inquired, seeking to understand the broader context. In essence, he was a novice here, with much to learn. "Generally speaking, it''s quite simr. In the Immortal Land, with hundreds of transcendents, there have been four Transcendence Level entities in recent decades, one of whom you''ve just in." "In the Lands of the Gods, there are currently five exposed!" "As for the Domain of Technological Life, it seems to have three." ¡­¡­ It didn''t take long for Wang Xuan to gather a wealth of useful information, gradually forming a vague outline of the several major domains and learning about some of the top contenders. Were there really a dozen or so Limit Breakers? Now, he too was considered one of the hot seeds! "What are the nuances of exploring transcendence, to extend the life of myth? What''s the ultimate reward?" Wang Xuan inquired, sensing an opportunity within his grasp. "The battleground here, on the destends of transcendence and upon the extinguished great barriers, it is rumored that beings from the previous mythological era have walked out alive. Though only one or two have achieved this feat, it remains the greatest miracle. Digging deeper could uncover astonishing truths." For this reason, the supreme gods within the great barriers, the mightiest of the immortals, and even the unparalleled beings among the immortal beings rushed here upon hearing the news. "Moreover, legend has it that this ce holds semi-finished treasures forged by past transcendental civilizations, offering a chance to fully advance them to the realm of Dao Harnessing!" "There''s also talk of several old covenant vessels left by past transcendental civilizations, never utilized, capable of directly forging Dao Harnessing!" "Of course, those civilizations have perished, diminishing the power of their old covenant vessels. However, to catalyze the growth of semi-finished treasures, there''s a high likelihood of crafting genuine Dao Harnessing level treasure!" Such revtions were staggering, one after another, all holding the potential to extend the life of transcendence, no wonder beings from all domains flocked here. "Some participants were identally chosen,ing through cracks in the transcendental barriers from other realms. Others, like us, received invitations due to our ancestors'' participation in past battles, arriving here in our spacecraft." Generally, in less technologically advanced civilizations like Old Earth, transcendental barrier cracks would directly select and transport individuals. "Do you know of the spectral beings? Are they rted to the Domain of Technological Life?" Wang Xuan questioned. "We''ve vaguely heard of them, seemingly beyond our universe, those beings are hard to interact with." Wang Xuan pondered deeply, confirming from their conversation that the Domain of Immortals, the Immortal Land, the Domain of the Gods, and the Domain of Technological Life still resided within the same vast cosmos. His earlier spection, that they had moved to a new universe, seemed mistaken. Wang Xuan, ever amiable and without pretense, bid farewell to his new acquaintances after their conversation. They agreed that should they meet on the battlefield, they would join forces if possible, and if not, they would not engage in needless bloodshed. He then turned his attention to dealing with the spoils of war, iming the massive spaceship of the Mechanical ck Roc, calling over the mechanical bear to take charge. "It''s just so-so. Despite its size, it''s not as advanced as mine. Consider it a supply ship or just strip it for parts and drain its energy before discarding it. It''s not much use," the mechanical bear seemed unimpressed by therge spaceship. "Alright, it''s all yours to handle!" Wang Xuan left it in its care. Wang Xuan returned to the silver spaceship, immediately surrounded by a crowd. This time, his defeat of the sixty-meter-long mechanical monster earned Qing Mu''s utmost admiration, while Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin witnessed such a grand battlefield scene for the first time. Zhao Qinghan stepped forward, offering a snow-white towel to wipe his sweat, asking softly, "Tired?" "Not really from killing the Mechanical ck Roc," Wang Xuan admitted. "But being enthusiastically bombarded with questions by hundreds of beings from various ces was somewhat exhausting." Imitating Zhao, Ma Chaofan attempted to wipe the little fox with a towel, only to get pped across the face, leaving the onlookers speechless. "Were myths not to fade, you might be a transcendent superstar influencing many star domains," Wu Yinmented, handing him a drink to replenish his body''s needs. Shortly after, the mechanical bear returned to the main control room, having thoroughly harvested therge spaceship. Learning of these events, Qing Mu was astonished. "So, Wang Xuan has a chance to reach the end and im the highest reward. With seventeen Transcendence Level seeds across the four major star domains, and one now fallen by Wang Xuan''s hand, only sixteen hot seeds remain." "That''s not quite right," Wang Xuan corrected. He mentioned the incarnations of supreme gods returning from the great barrier, like the Blood Emperor and the silent, ck-haired, red-eyed woman revered as a war goddess. "Isn''t that dangerous?" Zhao Qinghan asked quietly, worried about potential dangers. "If it gets too risky, we''ll just watch from the sidelines," Wu Yin suggested. "Let''s wait and see," Wang Xuan decided. Half a dayter, they arrived at their destination, a deste area with numerous shattereds and asteroids, with few stars, engulfed in darkness. A strong signal, decipherable by all spacecraft, indicated this was the intersection of the Immortal, Divine, and Transcendentnds. Once a thriving star sea illuminated by the fire of transcendence, this region had dimmed and fallen silent. Now, it was a barrennd of transcendence with extinguished great barriers, its once brilliants mostly faded from glory. "The first round isn''t perilous. You won''t need to fight each other. You''ll be ced on thirty-sixs, stepping onto thends of extinguished great barriers. Generally, there''s no risk of death. Just send a signal if you can''t hold on, and you''ll be retrieved. However, many will be eliminated this round. Only about twenty percent of the strongest participants will advance to the next round." This meant eighty percent of the participants would be eliminated, but thankfully, with minimal danger. Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, and Wu Yin naturally chose to explore, seizing the rare opportunity. Ma Chaofan and the little fox also mored to venture into the extinguished great barrier alongside Wang Xuan. Together, they stepped into a steel fortress ahead, where a barrier gateway, akin to a transcendent teleportation circle, awaited them. "Of course, some of your teams might encounter unexpected dangers. While such scenarios are negligible, they can''t be entirely ruled out. In this first trial, there''s a slight chance of facing hellishndscapes where the first battle could well be thest, unlikely to be survived, ending in death." Many paled at the warning, the slim possibility implying a lethal trap. Wang Xuan turned, ready to send Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and the others back, unwilling to risk any variables. If it were just him, it mattered little. However, engulfed by a surge of light rain, they were all toote to react. A soft light curtain whisked them away in an instant, disappearing. Momentster, they arrived between extinguished great barriers, the light rain yet to clear. Barely standing firm, unable to discern their surroundings, an ancient book flipped open. A voice resonated in Wang Xuan''s mind through psychic waves, "Your talent is astonishing, capable of transcending this era, yet the myth dims, leaving you scant time. Now, only two choices remain. One, step forward without hesitation, forsake those by your side, let them scatter like the wind, vanish from your heart, and you shall be the supreme deity within the great barrier, uncovering the semi-matured ultimate treasure, obtaining aplete ancient covenant bearer, possibly extending the life of transcendence. Two, step back, marry, have children, and peacefully live out your life in the mortal world, a fulfillment in its own right." "And if I choose neither?" Wang Xuan realized he might have unwittingly triggered a hellish level challenge, facing a final battle as his first. "To choose neither is to embrace death for all, erased entirely. Life is replete with helplessness, who treads the path of cultivation without regret? This is your heart''s journey, a necessary trial. Your choice, made in a moment''s thought, bears consequence. Be aware, this is no illusion, not a risk-free test; it''s highly likely to materialize, and you must own your decision." The voice was calm, indifferent, void of emotion, echoing in Wang Xuan''s mind. He turned, seeing Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin standing a step behind him, on his left and right. Did his choice now involve them? Chapter 459: Become God Or Get Married Chapter 459: Be God Or Get Married This was clearly a plot to challenge him, presenting a deadly choice. To choose neither meant the eradication of all! Wang Xuan suspected that after receiving the protective amulet outside, he had been marked, someone intent on diminishing his advantage. If that was the case, why grant him the amulet in the first ce? Now, starting in hellish mode hardly improved his disposition. "Who hasn''t faced a fork in life''s road? To turn left, or to veer right, gaining something means losing something else; one cannot have both the fish and the bear''s paw." "A life without regrets is forged from braving thorny paths, bleeding before beholding the rose garden. Make your decision now; focus on the present or gaze into the far future. You have no time to hesitate." "Which supreme god is without w? Without an iron will, how can one surpass the pinnacle and witness the expanse and grandeur from afar? Seeking immortality, your path forward is destined to be solitary; no one can stay by your side. Today''s parting, forsaking the mundane world, is to prepare you for the loneliness after centuries of descent, standing alone, looking back to find silence in your era." "By then, those of your age, even those of your civilization, may no longer exist, perhaps leaving you the sole survivor in the vast cosmos." The voice, detached and devoid of emotion, spoke as though discussing matters unrted to itself, urging Wang Xuan to focus on the future, to forsake the fleeting moments destined to be mere backdrops in his journey. Those people, those events, would eventually fade away, leaving no one to share in his years. Wang Xuan looked ahead once more, to a book slowly turning its pages, the source of the voice.Beyond,y a withered and decayed great barrier, its asional flickers of transcendent me signifying the remnants of a bygone era. The barrier and the real world were no longer separated, allowing free passage. Behind him was a world teeming with life yet devoid of super-materials, barely qualifying as a living, far removed from its former splendor. "Who are you to dictate my life''s path? I will walk my own road. What you propose is not what I desire!" Wang Xuan replied, rejecting both choices. He continued, "Life is full of regrets, yes, but we should strive to change that, not preemptively give up as you suggest." The book, now clearer, continued to turn its pages, emitting an ethereal voice: "Life is inherently imperfect. No one is without regret. You find yourself in this game, naively believing you can escape. Do you think mere ideals can oppose reality? Mired in the mundane, how can you escape the mire? You''re already in the world, transcending it is but a fantasy." "I can make my own choices wherever I am, keeping my direction clear. If even life''s crossroads are dictated by others, confining me to a preordained path, that''s the real absurdity. I''d rather not waste my words," Wang Xuan dered, refusing further debate. He took out the dark crystal amulet, grasped Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin''s hands, and had them hold the amulet together, uncertain if it could protect them both in case of an emergency. "Old Qing, we''re men; we don''t need the amulet. Stand by me. Did you hear those voices just now?" "We heard some strange, indistinct sounds," Qing Mu replied. "Do I not deserve protection? I, too, am a maiden at heart!" Little Fox Spirit protested, feeling aggrieved. "Then you hold the ck crystal with them," Wang Xuan suggested. "You wear it yourself!" "We don''t need it!" Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin spoke in unison, sensing an impending cmity. "No need!" Wang Xuan halted their protest. Transcendent Ma, trying to lighten the mood, quipped, "Actually... I have a maiden''s heart too." "Do you have no shame?" Wang Xuan was tempted to kick him away. Quickly dodging, Transcendent Ma joked, "Just kidding. I wanted to break the tense atmosphere. Why am I here? To trample through the great barriers and be a supreme god. What''s there to fuss about at this moment?" The indifferent voice sounded again: "Personality shapes destiny. I''m here to correct yours, to show you the bitter and sweet of ascending to godhood, the myriad states of life, with none exempt. When human effort reaches its limits, no one can control everything." The book flipped its pages, bing clearer, revealing an ink painting of a celestial swordsman flying through the skies. Boom! Wang Xuan took preemptive action. His iron mace emitted a dazzling light, like a divine sword cleaving through the cosmos, intending to cut through all obstacles. "Indeed, you are strong. But you''re fighting against an era. Can one person oppose a grand epoch of transcendence?" the voice from the book calmly stated. Then, the ink painting expanded, enveloping Wang Xuan, Zhao Qinghan, and their surroundings, merging them into a new realm. Distant mountains, vastkes, luminous divine trees... This was a serene haven now disturbed. Wang Xuan clutched his head in agony as another''s life invaded his mind. "Who am I? Wang Xian, a swordsman ascending to immortality, on the brink of breaking through the heavenly gate. My masters support me, aiding my bodily ascension to achieve this epoch''s marvel a unique feat where both body and spirit ascend to sanctity. I must forsake all earthly ties, a fleeting chance missed, and spirit and body will never ascend together." Roaring, Wang Xuan then lifted his head, dering, "No, I am Wang Xuan. Those were someone else''s life experiences!" Nearby, Zhao Qinghan too held her head, murmuring in pain: "Who am I? I am Zhao Qingxian. In the past, my senior could have ascended in both body and spirit, a singr achievement. But for my sake, he stayed behind, missing his chance, decaying alongside me in the mortal realm. Have I actually returned? I will not repeat the same mistake again! I shall allow him to be an Immortal while I myself fade away "I die, you live, bing the only saint and immortal of this world!" Zhao Qinghan dered resolutely, her fingers shining like a divine sword sweeping towards her own neck. Amidst the intense pain in his head, Wang Xuan struggled to break free from the engulfing emotions, desperate not to sink into someone else''s life, urgently shouting, "Wake up, it''s not real, you are Zhao Qinghan, not Zhao Qingxian, and I am Wang Xuan!" ng! A soft divine radiance from his hand intercepted Zhao Qinghan''s palm from reaching her snowy neck, preventing her from taking her own life. This surreal experience, bearing the past of others to rewrite one''s life, was too demonic. In the ink-painted world, a voice echoed, "Such people and events indeed existed. In that once-dazzling era of myth, a person nearly became unique in the world, his body sanctified, his spirit perfected, both advancing into the great barrier. Yet, he couldn''t leave behind the mortal dust because Zhao Qingxiancked the fate to be an immortal, destined to die in the mortal realm. On the brink of sanctification and ascension, his momentary hesitation led to the loss of his path; his body damaged by thunder, no longer unparalleled. In the end, he chose to stay in the mortal world, decaying alongside the woman he cherished." "Be it regret or missed opportunities, leave, this isn''t my life!" Wang Xuan stated, striving to break free from the invasive thoughts. The voice from the book spoke again, "I wanted you to experience his past, to understand that if one cannot cut ties with the mundane, a transcendent life will be filled with regret. That person could have been the foremost being of that radiant mythic age, yet he decayed in the mortal realm." Wang Xuan, still in agony and swaying, retorted, "You''re truly meddlesome! Those were their choices, decisions made, turned into the past. Who are you to presume his regret and seek to alter it all?" "You''re mistaken, some among them regretted their choices and sought change, like Zhao Qingxian, who wished to fulfill her senior brother''s destiny. Now, momentarily returning from history, her thoughts have infused yourpanion, aiming to amend the past and reshape the regrets left behind." "Go, Dao Severing Sword, cut through all the false memories from my heart!" Wang Xuan roared, his body erupting in endless light, a peculiar sword radiance shining forth from within him. Then, the pain in his head ceased, the intrusive emotions expelled, returning him to himself. The entity within the book seemed surprised,menting, "Strange, you actually broke free. Let''s just call him Wang Daxian for now. You must know, in that mythic era, he possessed extraordinary potential, meant to be the foremost figure of his time, yet you''ve withstood his emotional assault." "I believe he harbored no regrets himself, willing to be expelled by me," Wang Xuan responded. "Is that so? Well, your trouble has just increased. I will endow him with the sword to sever mundane ties, his wlessness will confront you!" Wang Xuan''s voice was deep, "Unable to change someone else''s life, you summon him to battle me, determining the oue through strength?" "Correct! Let''s begin. You''ve done well to detach from his emotions. But remember, he''s exceptionally strong, his voluntary decay in the mortal realm doesn''t alter his status as the leading figure in that mythical history. Should you lose, you''ll enter this book, bing a tale in the eyes of others, and I''ll infuse Wang Daxian''s emotions into your body, enabling his brief reunion with Zhao Qingxian." In this paintedndscape, Qing Mu, the little fox spirit, Wu Yin, and Transcendent Ma were absent, leaving only Zhao Qinghan immersed in Zhao Qingxian''s sentiments, tears streaming down as she softly called out to her senior brother. Wang Xuan dered, "Facing a being from a transcendent civilization with extraordinary potential, I''m indeed willing. But regardless of the oue, I refuse to ept the choices you''ve arranged!" Instantly, within this idyllic world reminiscent of andscape painting, a figure emerged. Though somewhat blurry, the ethereal demeanor of a sword immortal struck directly to the core, with a sword of rity shining into one''s heart! Truly, this was a formidable being, detached yet immensely terrifying. Wang Xuan sighed, "Uncertain whether to deem it misfortune or fortune, the very first challenge equates to the final, confronting a tragic hero from a transcendent civilization." With a ng, he made his choice. Without hesitation, his initial attack unleashed his most powerful technique, a sword light from the depths of his spirit, aimed directly at the figure! Chapter 460: Peerless Chapter 460: Peerless A flock of egrets vanished into the distance, and clouds of mist hung like smoke, rendering the entire world with a tranquil beauty, peaceful as if it were a sanctuary beyond the mortal coil. The man remained silent, his aura ethereal, as if he were a being part celestial, part saintly. Yet, when he retaliated, he proved terrifying. The radiance around him surged like a mirror, reflecting Wang Xuans soul sword light back in full force. Wang Xuan, like a streak of light, instantaneously retreated several hundred meters. His soul light shed again, elevating the essence of the Dao-Splitting Sword. The sword light, fine as silk and pervasive as mist or rosy clouds, swept across the serene man. This was a sh at the pinnacle, Wang Xuan wielding his most potent attacks,manding the sword light from the physical to the spiritual, unleashing supreme sword energy. The space between them exploded with vibrant celestial clouds and auspicious radiance, dazzling like the most splendid fireworks in the night sky. Yet, these were all manifestations of their sword energies, each strand distorting and blurring the void, causing it to copse wherever they passed. Such attack power should have been unparalleled at their level, surpassing even the tenth boundary, making it difficult for other limit-breakers to match. Against these two, the so-called pinnacle creature, the Mechanical ck Peng, was negligible. Their earth-shattering sword light, even a single strand, could annihte contemporaneous rivals. With potential transcending their era, they were meant to stand alone at the zenith. But here, in this realm, two such beings shed, a collision between different transcendent civilizations, both employing sword techniques in battle. In truth, neither wielded tangible swords. Their entire beings, from arms to fingertips, even their hair, became weapons, radiating unparalleled sword light. The ethereal man couldnt just stand idle. He moved with incredible speed, beyond mortalprehension, bing a streak of light that merged with the myriad sword energies, omnipresent, his sword intent seemingly cleaving the void itself. The sh of metal echoed as two beings, transcending their ages from distinct transcendent civilizations, engaged fully in battle, forgetting all else. Only in suchbat could they immerse themselvespletely. They fought across heaven and earth, their forms lost amidst boundless sword light. While others might not see, they were acutely aware of each others presence. In this moment, they transcended mere sword light, moving like lightning, as ephemeral as clouds, swift and formless. They seemed to stand still yet appeared everywhere across the heavens. Wang Xuan, true to his name, wielded unmatched attack power in his era, his striking force astonishing. Yet, his approach carried none of the brashness of fireworks; even his sword light was ethereal, full of spirit, transcending the mundane. A true sword immortal, he embodied the most splendid imaginings of such a being, stepping out of a painting, untainted by the mundane, serene and beautiful. Each movement, each thread of sword light around him was like mist or poetry, clinging to him, not as one fighting in blood, but offering a feast of visual beauty. His actions, in contrast, were like thunder striking from the heavens, fierce and rapid, his zing sword energy slicing through the void, as if to pierce the heavens and split the cosmos. There was no question of superiority, no contest of which mindset was stronger. Their sword intents were unparalleled, their differences merely a matter of temperament. Not far off, Zhao Qingci clutched her temples, her gaze at times clouded with tears as she softly called out, "Brother." Then, rity would return, and she''d whisper, "Wang Xuan." Their duel stood as a once-in-an-epoch sh, rare in both ancient and modern times.... Outside, the first round of trials was nearly at an end, with most participants returned, save for the intensely escting battle at Wang Xuan''s location. The unmatched sword light soared higher, bing increasingly terrifying and dazzling. "Wow, this is mind-blowing!" "Everyone,e see! The battle on the eighteenth is an unparalleled showdown, unmatched in the world!" Excited cries drew all eyes to the scene, stirring a buzz of activity. With so many transcendent beings distributed across thirty-six news or within the wastnds and extinguished great barriers, this first trial saw no shortage of participants. "Too strong. Such sword light would pressure even those who''ve broken limits, manifesting beings capable of sweeping through rivals of their era!" The crowd was unsettled, their attention wholly captivated by the battle. It was unimaginable that such a peerless confrontation would unfold right at the start, dazzling beyond expectation. "Struck the jackpot, didnt we? The least challenging first round and we run into the exceedingly rare hell-level challenge!" "Quiet down and watch closely. Truly, this journey was not in vain. To witness such a breathtaking battle is a fortune. Such events are typically confined to the annals of ancient texts. Encountering a duel between two beings who have surpassed the limits in the real world is incredibly rare." Clearly, there were already spectators, intensely watching through their ships and the iron fortresses of the undyingnd, capturing the scenes with grave expressions. Not everyone here came to fight; many were aware of their limits and came solely to witness thest grand spectacle before the myth fades. Thus, the audience far outnumbered thebatants, with the eighteenth drawing the attention of numerous transcendent beings early on. As the participants of the trial returned, the excitement and tumult naturally peaked, drawing the gaze and curiosity of all. Indeed, the various spacecraft and warships in the cosmic void were exceedingly adept at capturing the battles rity and entirety. With projections and detailed reys, they made every viewer feel as if they were on the scene, their emotions fluctuating with the unparalleled sword light, stirring everyone''s heartstrings. Within that ink-paintedndscape, the two sword immortals moved like thunder and rested like mist, presenting a visual feast beyond anyones imagination. Is this still the twilight of the transcendent era? Many, regardless of their intentions, couldnt help but marvel. Even in the most glorious epochs, the emergence of such individuals would cause a sensation. Qingmu, Wu Yin, Ma Chao Fan, and Little Fox Spirit witnessed the battle from the outskirts of thendscape world, untouched by the emotional infusion, their experience more profound. At that moment, the ethereal swordsman drew his sword across the sky, his sword energy forming a rainbow, thread by thread, turning into a curtain of rain. His attacking power grew even more fearsome. A torrential downpour ensued, not of real raindrops, but of glowing sword rain, filling the skies as Wang Daxian wielded his sword light. At first, people were unaware, truly believing that the descending light rain was divine. It wasn''t untilter that they noticed his hair, his sleeves, his skin, his eyesall were streaming with this light. It was an unparalleled Sword Rain, cascading down, enveloping the battlefield! If it were a group battle, he alone would suffice, capable of ughtering everyone on the battlefield. The raindrops, like rainbows, shot down, impossible for ordinary people to withstand. Wang Xuan took a step forward, his ck hair tinged with his own sword light, initially silvery-white, then turning to gold. Countless beams of sword light exploded like thunder from the heavens, reverberating in front of him and spreading across the battlefield. His sword light was tyrannical and vigorous, exploding in the "heavy rain," with countless rain swords steaming up and dissipating. The thunderous sword light mixed with the gentle rain swords, merging and vanishing together. During this, bothbatants'' spirits emitted intimidating beams of light. These were the strongest sword lights shed from their spirit essences, like ascending to the heavens or crossing a tribtion. This sacred trajectory, this terrifying attack power, interwove outside their physical bodies amidst endless sword glimmers, omnipresent. This was a battle of the greatest magnitude in the mortal realm, a sh at the end of this domain''s mythology, startling all transcendent beings. "Quick, capture every bit of this, record everything, ensure the details are precise, and allow no blur or vagueness, I want a true restoration. This is a priceless video, a fight of beings with supreme potential as recorded in ancient texts!" someone whispered urgently,manding that all nuances be captured. In fact, various parties were recording, with spaceships directly transmitting through the boundaries of star domains to their home bases, broadcasting the footage far and wide. "This seems to be a great battle from the younger days of the transcendent era. Throughout history, such scenes have only been described in text, seldom captured visually." "The entire undying realm seems only to have such grand battles recorded in real footage within the halls of the Emperor Gouchen, seemingly sent back through great barriers, rarely seen in the mortal world." In the void of the universe, a heated discussion erupted, with viewers from thends of myths, the undying realm, the divinends, and technologically advanced life-forms aboard various ships, all emotionally stirred by the unfolding scene. In the midst of the battlefield, the grand duel between the two underwent a transformation. Wang Xuans sword light, once as thunderous, softened into a gentle drizzle, wafting like a celestial mountain shrouded in mist. Amidst the ethereal rain, he became tranquil, each movement exuding a serene beauty. He stood as if in andscape painting, yet he was not merely a figure within it. In contrast, the previously serene man lost his ethereal quality, his movements now producing blinding sword light that seemed to split the heavens. His actions were grand and terrifying. At their level, they were not confined to one style; theirbat demeanor could shift at any moment, even absorbing and assimting the brilliance of their opponent to enhance their own. With a hiss, the serene man drew forth a swath of sword light, but what pressed down was a vast, murky mountain, shaking the void with endless booms, more formidable than any spell. Amidst the continuous sword rain, Wang Xuan outlined a brilliant divine figure, his own likeness, which he hurled towards the murky "Mountain of the Path." Between them, a plethora of bizarre scenes unfolded. What they drew was sword light, but what appeared were earthly wonders and celestialndscapes, shing together in a spectacle more fearsome than any forbidden secret technique. In this grand confrontation, in this sublime battle, their figures blurred and became invisible, even to the advanced sensors of the spaceships, which struggled to capture their forms. Throughout, their hearts unleashed sword light. This was the most challenging battle Wang Xuan had faced since his debut, with numerous moments when he was nearly in. Both appeared detached and transcendent, yet both were already wounded, each unknowingly bearing countless sword strikes. At their level, neither was weaker than the other, some moves impossibly difficult to defend against. In that tome, a voice echoed, sighing softly as if deeply moved. Even the greatest figure from the past, who had chosen to decay in the mortal world, found it difficult to defeat this young man of today. The difficulty of the battle was truly startling. In the end, Wang Xuan turned his hand into a sword, shing forward. Before him, the man faced a vast mortal realma representation of his erahurling it towards Wang Xuan with explosive force. Everything came to an end, returning to simplicity. The sword light, the earthly scenes, the celestialndscapesall dissipated, leaving only the two figures in the arena. Blood surged from Wang Xuan, marking each sword wound on his body. His injuries were numerous, with many areas piercedpletely through, showing severe damage! In this fair fight among equals, in this high-level duel, Wang Xuan had faced an unprecedented challenge. He was nearlypletely vanquished, his body and spirit nearly shattered. It was the most arduous and brutal battle Wang Xuan had ever experienced. The other man, untainted by worldly dust and transcendent in demeanor, began to slowly disintegrate, crumbling inch by inch. "Brother!" A beam of clear light burst from Zhao Qinghan''s body, trembling and crying, transforming into the figure of a woman who stumbled forward, her face wet with tears. "Don''t cry... I''m still here." The disintegrating man left behind a hazy apparition, still radiating an ethereal and extraordinary presence. He nodded at Wang Xuan first, then turned, took the woman''s hand, and said, "Given the choice again, I would still choose to stay." "Brother, I don''t want to see you decay in the mortal world. I want to change all this, I want you to transcend..." The woman''s face, blurry with tears, kept crying. "I am content to linger in the mortal world," the man said gently, leading her away side by side. They walked into the ink-paintedndscape at the world''s edge, gradually fading away until they disappearedpletely. Chapter 461: The Book of Ages Chapter 461: The Book of Ages Wang Xuan watched their fading figures, lost in thought, his heart stirring with emotions he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. "Is it a pity? Such profound affection, a trace left in the mortal world. May the ce where you chose to stay illuminate your hearts forever, free of regrets." Turning around, his wounds began to close, staunching the flow of blood. This battle had taken a serious toll on him, with bones shattered and organs pierced multiple times. Yet, he bore no resentment. It was rare for him to encounter an opponent he respected and who unsettled his mind. If ced in the same situation, could he, like that man, forsake a unique opportunity to stay in the mortal world, content to decay alongside another through the years? The outer world was in an uproar, with every spacecraft buzzing with the news, transmitting images back to their respectives. "The battle between beings of unmatched potential has ended!" "He encountered a hell-level challenge and emerged victorious!" "Is this the same person who killed the Mechanical ck Peng? I didn''t recognize him. He held back in his fight against the disciple from Gou Chen Emperor''s Pce, but this battle with the extraordinary swordsman forced him to reveal his true strength." "Do you know where he''s from? Green Mist Star, neighboring my home. We¡¯re practically neighbors!" The discussions were fervent, with significant repercussions. Wang Xuan reflected on the battle, hoping to assimte valuable insights. The experience had deeply affected him. "If we were to fight again, it would still be a close match, uncertain who would win or lose. I need to improve further." Not far away, Zhao Qinghan wiped her tears, a woman who rarely cried and possessed strong independence and will. Now, she appeared somewhat disoriented. Although the woman had departed, withdrawing those intense emotions, Zhao still retained fragmented memories and was affected by them. "Please rid yourself of those emotions and do not disturb the people around me," Wang Xuan spoke as thendscape of ink and wash dissipated, leaving only the blurred book before them. After speaking, blood seeped from his wounds again, exacerbated by the swordsman''s light that carried a terrifying power beyond any technique, like the remnants of a rule, exceptionally daunting. Blood spurted, and he staggered, struggling to keep his bnce. The outer world fell momentarily silent, all aware that Wang Xuan was gravely injured, the situation far from promising. "Xuan!" Zhao Qinghan rushed to his side, attempting to steady him. From a distance, Qingmu, Little Fox Spirit, Wu Yin, and Transcendent Ma also hurried over. "The issue remains unresolved; your choice is still undergoing correction," the voice emerged from the obscured book, which began to turn its pages. Looking skyward, Wang Xuan, with his acute spiritual perception, realized many were watching. Various detection devices could undoubtedly capture the scene here vividly. He had to endure. Otherwise, he wished to smash the book with a lid, destroying this enigmatic tome he sensed was dangerous and could severely threaten his life. "What are you?" he inquired. "Me? The Book of Ages. If you reach the end, we shall meet again," the voice from the book responded. Stirred, Wang Xuan, despite his pain, scrutinized it with his spiritual eye, seeking its essence. Yet, all he saw was chaos, indecipherable. His heart raced. This annoying book seemed to have a significant origin, hinting at a reunion should he reach the journey''s end. Could it be¡­ one of the ultimate prizes? He spected it might be an unutilized Legacy Carrier from a bygone supernatural civilization! Contemting his next move, he wondered if he should find a secluded spot, unnoticed, to attack it with the Life-Nourishing Furnace, seizing the Legacy Carrier. Why bother with thepetition when he could acquire the Book of Ages beforehand? As the book turned its pages, a shadowy realm emerged, as if stepping into the cosmos. "Qinghan, leave now. Wu Yin, Qingmu, stay back!" Wang Xuan was on high alert, bracing for what the book hinted was yet unfinished. Indeed, as the dim world enveloped them, his vignce intensified, mixed with weariness. He longed for a fair match among equals, not endless battles in this state, especially now, severely wounded. From the shadowy realm, a page in the book acted as a portal, through which a tall figure emerged. With thick gray hair, amber eyes, and bronze skin, he held a ck longsword, advancing through the mist. Emerging from the dense fog within the space-time gateway, a figure executed a swift and decisive beheading of a woman, spilling her blood across the ground without a moment''s hesitation. "Thend of the divine, once home to a supernatural civilization, sends its mightiest mortal to confront you!" the book disclosed before vanishing. The towering figure stepped out from the portal, his amber eyes fierce and devoid of mercy, radiating a ferocious aura. Standing over six feet tall, his first move was tounch a devastating strike at Wang Xuan with his dark de, silent yet emanating a cataclysmic force that seemed to mourn the divine and demonic alike. His presence was backed by a phantasmagoric backdrop of deity and demon corpses, drenched in blood, with severed limbs strewn beneath his feet. ng! Wang Xuan met the de with a radiant hand-as-de strike on its side, his other fist exploding with boundless light and golden brilliance, aimed directly at his opponent. Without words, their deadly engagementmenced, each seeking to eliminate the other first. Their encounter was a blitz of countless shes, marked by sheer force, brilliance of des, and fists that illuminated the gloom. Observers aboard distant spacecraft were stunned by this new deity-like adversary capable of contending with Wang Xuan fresh from his unprecedented battle. "Back and forth, both sides fiercely matched. Who is this godly figure?" voices echoed through the cosmos, spection rife about this unpredictable powerhouse''s identity. "Could this be the avatar of a supreme deity?" some pondered, recognizing the towering man''s extraordinary might, suggesting his strikes could have easily vanquished the Mechanical ck Peng. Amidst their ferociousbat, neither Wang Xuan nor the mysterious figure yielded, blood and grave injuries marking their exchanges. A severe blow nearly severed the bronze-skinned youth''s left arm, exposing bone, while Wang Xuan''s thunderous punch dented his opponent''s chest, blood spraying from the impact. But Wang Xuan nearly had his shoulder cleaved open, his body soaked in blood! "Xuan!" Outside the gloomy domain, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, Qingmu, and others trembled with anxiety and urgency, fearing he might fall in battle. Was this supposed to be the easy first round of trials? It was more like a descent through eighteen levels of hell. With a gruesome sh, apanied by bloody skirmishes, Wang Xuan''s hand, sharp as a de, sliced through his opponent''s chest, nearly severing the heart. At the same time, he too was struck by the de, his body drenched in blood. "Time is up." From the vast void of space, a voice echoed from within the colossal steel fortress, signaling the end of the first round of trials. Yet on the eighteenth, Wang Xuan and the man''s closebat had not concluded, the ground stained with their blood. "You are indeed powerful, beyond my expectations. Likely, we will meet again soon." As the dark world faded, the mysterious book reappeared, its voice echoing. Pages fluttered fiercely, revealing a gateway. The silent man with the ck de, after casting a final nce at Wang Xuan, stepped through the portal, transforming into an illustration within the book, narrating an ancient tale. The abrupt end to the battle left Wang Xuan withpounded injuries. With his remarkable control over his body, he sealed his wounds, stopping the flow of blood. "Remove those irrelevant emotions and memories from her heart," Wang Xuanmanded the book, knowing that retaining those fragments could make Zhao Qinghan grow closer to him. Yet, he deemed it unnecessary and inappropriate to be influenced by external forces or others'' emotions. With a sh of light, Zhao Qinghan was instantly brought back to reality, her mind no longer adrift, fully restored. "You are a demonic book!" Wang Xuan eximed, criticizing its maniption of emotions and alteration of memories. "Until next time!" The book blurred and disappeared into the extinguished domain, vanishing from sight. Soon after, Wang Xuan left the, returning to the vastness of space. "Two protective charms awarded!" announced a voice from within the massive steel fortress floating in space, presenting Wang Xuan with his prize. The public announcement of rewards left everyone dumbfounded, causing quite a stir amidst the ongoing chatter. Yet, before the discussions could settle, the grand steel fortress voiced again: "The number of contestants remains too high. The second round of trials willmence immediately, featuring a battle to the death to eliminate half of the participants. Think carefully about how to survive before entering the arena; losing your life is not worth it, but those who endure will find their fortunes." Humanity was considered even in this ruthless trial. Should an opponent concede defeat prematurely during the fight, the victor must cease their attack, sparing further bloodshed. Overall, the objective was to sustain the supernatural realm and seek a way forward, not to indulge in carnage. The organizers were well aware that the era of myths was likelying to an end, with little hope remaining. They wished not to burden the final days of mythology with excessive casualties among the superhumans. Whoosh! Contestants were whisked away in beams of light, dispatched in groups to nine extinguished domains, now serving as battlegrounds. Qingmu''s expression darkened. Was thepetition to start immediately, without any dy? This was hardly fair, especially since Wang Xuan had not yet recovered from his injuries. "This is particrly harsh on Wang Xuan. After engaging in battles with two beings of extraordinary heritage, he''s already gravely wounded. To be thrust directly into the second round?" "Could this be an intentional ploy to escte the difficulty, targeting Wang Xuan for elimination?" Wu Yin and Zhao Qinghan expressed their concerns, suggesting he withdraw from the contest. "It''s fine; I have protective charms. Besides, I doubt I''ll constantly face hell-level challenges," Wang Xuan reassured, intent on not abandoning the battle midway. "I''d advise the rest of you not to participate," he cautioned Qingmu, Transcendent Ma, Little Fox Fairy, Zhao Qinghan, and Wu Yin. "The first three rounds are qualifying matches, and withdrawal is not an option once they begin. After these rounds, the true inter-dimensional warfaremences, with battles unfolding both within the great barrier and the real world, where participants can retreat at any time," rified a voice from the steel fortress. "What a scam!" eximed Transcendent Ma. "Warning: Insulting the order maintainers more than twice will result in elimination!" a stern rebuke echoed through the void of space. Transcendent Ma was stunned,ter muttering, "So, I still have one risk-free insult left? I''ll save it for when I''m really upset, then." Wang Xuan too felt aggrieved by these seemingly absurd rules,rgely because they had rushed into participation without thoroughly understanding the regtions. In an instant, they too set off, vanishing from the steel fortress amidst showers of light, teleported to an extinguished domain! Chapter 462: Limit Breaker And Peerless Transcendent Hunter Chapter 462: Limit Breaker And Peerless Transcendent Hunter In the extinguished domain, destion reigned with broken mountains and ravaged ins devoid of life. Lakes and rivers were dried up, and even the sky was dim. Wang Xuan and hispanions found themselves transported into this wastnd, surrounded by nothing but rocks and red soil. "Look, there are statues here, no, fossils. What kind of creature is this?" Qing Mu marveled, standing over a stone fang nearly ten meters in length. Now a supernatural being himself, Qing Mu used his great sword to cleave through the soil, uncovering a massive, fossilized beast bone, a remnant of a bygone era. Wang Xuanmented, "No need to ponder further. It''s likely the remains of a celestial-ranked creature, or even a peerless powerhouse from a lost supernatural civilization." The immortal domain''s barrier, once akin to a realm of immortals, was home to powerful beings capable of leaving such remnants behind. Shadows began to gather in the distance as participants for the second round descended into this deste area, with conflict inevitable. Wang Xuan sighed, holding only three protective charms, insufficient for everyone. "If anyone dares to target me, I won''t give them the chance to brag. I''ll decisively... surrender and leave immediately!" Transcendent Ma dered. Little Fox Fairy''s plump paw smacked him on the head, retorting, "At least announce your name before surrendering, so they know who you are. Otherwise, it''s a wasted trip to the extinguished domain." Qing Mu felt the fox''s advice was just as shameful, with both strategies involving immediate surrender and hardly any more honorable than the other. Having thoroughly understood the rules from the steel fortress, they knew they couldn''t exit the first three rounds but could surrender at the onset of a fight, with the victor forbidden from delivering a killing blow. Still, Wang Xuan was uneasy. Facing limit-breakers, they might not even get the chance to surrender before being struck down. He handed out the three protective charms, urging caution. Zhao Qinghan shook her head, aware of the greater danger Wang Xuan faced. His prominent disy in the first round might draw special attention, and what if another hell-level challenge emerged? Wu Yin added, "Don''t worry about us. At the slightest sign of danger, even without seeing the enemy, we''ll shout our surrender and return to the ship." Zhao Qinghan nodded, feeling a sense of incongruity with the Immortal Domain, which seemed to be ying a double game. "On one hand, they reluctantly reward you with these wondrous items ording to the rules, and on the other, they aim to bnce it out by increasing the difficulty for you." "It really does seem that way. This trial is exceedingly harsh on Wang Xuan!" Qing Mumented with a serious expression. Wang Xuan frowned, pondering if there was a deliberate target on his back, but he dismissed the thought. "Perhaps they just want to push me to my limits, to select the most suitable beings. From this perspective, I might not be far from the highest reward." "How are you holding up?" they asked, concerned yet noticing Wang Xuan''s optimism just as figures began to close in from a distance. Incredibly, there were not just a few but possibly hundreds or thousands of supernatural beings converging on their location. This seemed excessive. Were they all here to hunt down Wang Xuan? Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu felt a sinking feeling, knowing well that Wang Xuan wouldn''t easily retreat. Transcendent Ma shouted, "Don''te any closer, or else... I''ll surrender!" "They''re not human, all sorts of monsters, skeletons, stone statues!" Little Fox eximed, shocked by the approaching figures, all of which were varied forms of long-dead creatures. Wang Xuan instructed, "Step back. If things turn sour, leave immediately. We can do without the rewards promised for surviving this round." From the dry riverbeds, vast ins with giant fissures, and loosened soil, a multitude of monstrous entities emerged. Some appeared fossilized, others skeletal, and a few even bore remnants of flesh, indicating their immense strength in life. "We''ve encountered a special supernatural being capable of summoning skeletons and the undead," someone noted. Wang Xuan advanced, his wounds sealed and no blood spilled. These injuries were trivial to him; even punctured organs and severed bones were not beyond remedy, especially after consuming potent medicines he possessed. The real challenge stemmed from the remnants of rules wielded by both Wang Daxian and the tall, grey-haired man. As supreme beings of their eras, capable of harnessing such elusive forces at the twilight of the supernatural era, it was these intangible remnants that posed the deadliest threat. Wang Xuan needed time to cleanse himself, but his adversaries weren''t about to afford him that luxury. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin rushed over, cing the dark crystal in his hand, deciding to surrender and leave upon encountering any opponent. "Even if you n to leave at the first opportunity, keep the protective talisman with you. I don''t need it now. Carrying it makes me feel too secure; I want to truly immerse myself in this battlefield," Wang Xuan said, then charged forward. He was concerned the Immortal Domain might go too far, arranging another hellish challenge for him and hispanions, potentially robbing them of the chance to surrender. "Wang Xuan!" they shouted, but he had already plunged into the fray. Sword energy cascaded from Wang Xuan, lighting him up from shoulder to foot, from the corners of his eyes to the tips of his hair. Alone, he contended against the battlefield''s myriad monsters. His sword light, dense as rain, cleaved through the monsters, as easily as a red-hot iron through snow. "The Emperor of the Dead never perished. His steps echo from the bygone era of myths. All his servants in the great barrier, heed the call of your ancient master, arise, march to battle, extinguish that man!" A voice boomed across the battlefield. The ground split open, unleashing relics from a bygone age. Some had turned to stone, yet many still donned decaying armor, brandishing broken weapons, as if crossing over from a historical epoch, to assail from the previous mythical age. "You''re all already dead; what war is there to talk about? I''ll send you all on your way, to rest in peace forever!" Wang Xuan radiated light, indistinguishable if it was sword glow or fist shine, his figure omnipresent, casting supernatural light everywhere. A giant beast, towering over six hundred meters, barely emerged from the ruptured earth before Wang Xuan cleaved its head in two. Sparks flew as countless figures that seemed like undead servants surged out from a subterranean pce, their armors split, weapons severed, and then densely falling in heaps. A spiritual roar echoed, and another skeletal dragon surged from the earth, its skull faintly flickering with remnants of consciousness. This was once a true dragon, now summoned forth, its skeletal frame so formidable that even Wang Xuan''s sword light couldn''t shatter it. "The myths of yesteryears have turned to ash, the rules of your era have worn away, and the essence of super-materials has depleted. All that remains is decay. You''re merely a temporary echo of the supernatural, but I''ll grant you time to disintegrate," Wang Xuan dered undaunted. After unleashing dozens of sword strikes and then distancing himself, he avoided the skeletal dragon to confront other monstrosities. As expected, the dragon chasing him dimmed and eventually shattered into nothingness, leaving behind no remnants. Clearly, the person summoning various undead and corpses from the shadows was a formidable master, conjuring both familiar and unknown mighty beings in an instant. Such as the decaying phoenix, a headless ancient human, and the thousand-legged celestial centipede, all hunting him down. Wang Xuan, navigating through these monsters with his spiritual third eye wide open, identified the summoner''s location ten miles underground. After piercing through a rotting giant bird, he charged towards the target. Yet, the next moment, he halted abruptly, his body radiating intensely as he turned back, piercing through the army of monsters with his sword light, crossing the skies towards Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu. In this area, at least five figures were approaching, targeting Qing Mu and Wu Yin, but Wang Xuan''s keen spiritual senses allowed him to respond instantly. Amidst his brilliant punch, the ground in one direction was obliterated, one figure sent tumbling with blood trailing from their mouth, their body d in armor. This strike, rooted in the pinnacle of mythical understanding and originating from the eleventh segment''s punch, surprisingly didn''t kill its target. Wang Xuan realized theplexity of the situation; the individual wore a special protective armor and was a transcendent being beyond limits. Looking at the other four, he found they were also beings beyond limits. This indicated a serious problem: was this a deliberate targeting? He even suspected the summoner of the undead might also be a transcendent being. With the death of the mechanical ck peng, the four domains now had sixteen transcendent beings left. To have several of them here, aiming to collectively assassinate him, was beyond his expectation. "Was this a coincidence, or intentional?" Wang Xuan contemted, facing the group with a cool demeanor. "I surrender!" Transcendent Ma yelled, realizing along with Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, and others that these adversaries had deliberately approached them to use them as leverage against Wang Xuan, pinning him down in this confined battlefield for a collective hunt. Ma Chao Fan''s deration of surrender was futile, as no one had yet engaged them inbat. Clearly, their adversaries were well-versed in the rules, exploiting loopholes to their advantage. "We might actually die here!" the little fox''s expression darkened. Their foes wouldn''t easily strike at them but would instead linger nearby, refraining from attacking until targeting Wang Xuan directly. In critical moments, they might eliminate one or two of them to disrupt Wang Xuan''s focus. "You''re quite malicious, aren''t you?" Qing Mu remarked, scanning the surroundings. Wang Xuan had hurried over precisely to ensure their safety. But there was more; silently, six additional figures appeared, all transcendent beings beyond limits. Including the summoner of the dead, a total of twelve transcendent beings had converged to hunt down Wang Xuan, creating an undeniable death trap. Even Wang Xuan hadn''t anticipated such a thorough and terrifying "care" taken to eliminate him. Were all the transcendent beings assembled for a "battle of heroes," aiming to kill him while he was grievously wounded? "Trouble brewing in the fourth extinguished domain. Some figures match the description of hot contenders rumored to be participating." "It''s confirmed. In the fourth extinguished domain, over a dozen transcendent beings have appeared. Is this a hunt for Wang Xuan?" The news spread rapidly, shocking viewers aboard spacecraft throughout outer space. Was this an artificially created hell-level challenge with no escape? Given the current situation, this battle seemed like the final confrontation. "Wang Xuan, already gravely injured, faces encirclement. Can he survive?" "Crucially, among those dozen transcendent beings, if even one rivals him, having also reached the pinnacle of mythical theory, then his chances of survival dwindle even further. A dire situation indeed." The spread of this news caused a significant stir, eliciting sympathy from many bystanders. The pressure he faced was terrifying, pushing him into an inescapable checkmate. In the ninth extinguished domain, Chen Yongjie was making his mark, eliminating several opponents and swiftly retreating into the shadows. Unaware of Wang Xuan''s dire situation, he didn''te via spaceship and thus missed the capture of the transcendent battle on a modern device. Mingling with people who adhered to a more retro lifestyle and sent to the ninth extinguished domain, he heard rumors but had no idea that Wang Xuan was the focal point of such targeted hostility. Far away, on a life-bearing, numerous spacecraft were parked, some upied by avatars of supreme deities, like the previously seen Blood Emperor and War Goddess, as well as figures like Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, the Demon Lord, and the Dark Blood Cult Master. This neighbored a true grand barrier that hadn''t extinguished. Figures like Zhang Daoling and the Blood Emperor were in resonance with their prime spiritual selves that traveled from the celestial realms to this grand barrier, gearing up for an epic battle of unprecedented scale. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Xuan had also arrived, their focus solely on preparation for the confrontation. Their prime selves in the grand barrier, if engaged inbat, would require the resonant support of their avatars seated in the material world. Back in the fourth extinguished domain, Wang Xuan stood resolute on the battlefield, encircled by twelve beings beyond limits, the tension palpable. The standoff broke when one, moving ghost-like and with the speed of flowing light, approached close to Zhao Qinghuan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu. This figure, preparing to lead an assault on Wang Xuan, signified the start of a collective hunt against him, a contender with a transcendent legacy and gloriousbat achievements. Chapter 463: The Hopeless End Of Mythology Chapter 463: The Hopeless End Of Mythology Streaks of radiant light sliced through the air, the might of Limit-Breakers'' techniques, capable of instantaneously ughtering other transcendent beings, all shattered under Wang Xuan''s fist light, dissipating before Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and the others. They were truly targeting them, the Limit-Breakers¡ªat the tenth segment¡ªhunting Wang Xuan, drawing Qing Mu and the others into their trap, aiming to exploit Wang Xuan''s hesitations? In their initial sh, someone among the Limit-Breakers bled from the corner of their mouth, a wake-up call to their strength and the foundation of this exceptional young powerhouse. All eyes turned to Wang Xuan, a momentary silence, a suffocating tension filled the air. Transcendent Ma broke the silence, not wanting to burden Wang Xuan, straightforwardly asked Little Fox Spirit for a favor, "Hit me!" p! Without any hesitation, Little Fox Spiritplied, delivering a crisp, loud p across its long horse face in the silent scene. "I concede!" shouted Transcendent Ma. The Limit-Breakers showed no expression, ignoring their antics. Observers in outer space felt the tension of an impending storm butughed upon seeing the golden celestial horse''s actions, first shocked, then amused by its attempt to exploit a loophole. "Why haven''t I been removed?" Transcendent Ma became anxious and confused. Was it all for a p? Quickly, it called out again, "Old Qing, I challenge you to a duel, strike me." Zhao Qinghan shook her head, "They see us as one team, not recognizing the cunning nature of ''internal strife.''" Transcendent Ma was left speechless. "Is this really necessary?" Wang Xuan looked towards his adversaries, all of whom were experts at the tenth segment, joining forces to hunt him down, creating an almost surreal scene. After all, Limit-Breakers represent the pinnacle of strength in this era, hailed as the highest achievers, shining brightly as the youthful powerhouses within a transcendent realm. In the vast cosmos, amidst endless stars, the Immortal Lands are so vast, home to numerous transcendents. Yet, now, only three Limit-Breakers are known to live across this immense expanse. Simrly scarce are the Limit-Breakers from thends of divinity, the path of immortals, and the realms of technological life. Some of these Limit-Breakers remained silent, unwilling to speak. Yet, eventually, one voice rose, carrying a tone tinged with the weariness of twilight, saying, ¡°No hard feelings. We have no past grudges, being strangers until now. Our actions are driven not by prejudice, but desperation, for we see no future and yearn simply to survive.¡± This voice belonged to a Vermilion Bird of astonishing lineage, a rare divine bird destined to ascend to godhood but temporarily donning a human form. With his long crimson hair and a pallidplexion, hecked the spirited aura once his, now exuding a forlorn destion. ¡°What''s the story behind this?¡± Wang Xuan inquired further. Another person looked up, a youth with golden locks, surpassing in beauty many women, seemingly from the long-lost royal lineage of the Sr Elves. He toocked the vibrancy of youth,menting, ¡°The advent of another mythological ice age is known to all, an endless night without dawn. We see no future; the next era of transcendence will be beyond our reach, by then we''ll be but cosmic dust. Yet, we cannot resign to this fate!¡± He confessed their loss of hope, acknowledging their incapacity to prolong the era of transcendence. Even the mightiest divinities within the great barriers had surrendered, unable to reforge myth. ¡°Survival is our prime concern now, to endure until transcendence reawakens,¡± another Limit-Breaker spoke, an enigmatic being of shadow without a distinct form. The Vermilion Bird, his face ashen, added, ¡°Beings from a past mythological age have survived, emerging alive, but only a scant few. They huddled within a stone cottage carved from real matter, slumbering through the long barren night.¡± This revtion sent shockwaves through Wang Xuan''s heart, the reality that beings from the far-flung ancients had weathered through time, enduring in such a manner. "A new massive stone made of real matter has indeed been discovered, but it can only amodate a limited number of people. Without any surprises, in our era, among the Limit-Breakers, only three to five spots are avable," a metallic being spoke. This creature, belonging to a peculiar race and a native spirit birthed from transcendentws, appeared exhausted. After the decay of mythology, it would face certain demise. Wang Xuan understood, asking, "So, you''ve decided to eliminate me first topete for those few spots?" Some remained quiet, while others solemnly nodded. Another couldn''t help but exin, "Your team consists of six members. Normally, with you standing at the pinnacle of the eleventh segment, virtually unbeatable, and leading them, you nearly monopolize all the slots meant for our generation." In essence, not just them, but everyone at the twilight of mythology had lost faith, carrying a sense of world-weariness and pragmatism. No one fantasized about the emergence of a new myth; all were contemting the future. They felt their own realms too low, too young, preferring to survive this cold spell. In the next resurgence of mythology, once they had fully matured, they''d address the existential crisis of transcendence. As Limit-Breakers, they all had significant backgrounds, insider knowledge, and recognition among each other, hence forming an alliance well before their arrival, divided into two teams. Wang Xuan was speechless. Facing two teams of Limit-Breakers, forpetitors of this era, it indeed seemed an insurmountable challenge unless confronted by someone of the eleventh segment. "Have you all given up, then? Despaired of a new mythology?" He looked at these Limit-Breakers, once vibrant and proud young elites, now quiet and devoid of their former ambition to rival the heavens. "Yes, we''ve conceded to reality. Weck the right to speak of new myths or the power to alter anything," spoke a female from the insect race, her body covered in tough exoskeleton. "In fact, in the grand domains, there are beings of the eleventh segment, transcending eras, but they too havepromised, finding no solution. They seek the supreme treasures, aiming for the Bearer ofOld Covenant, merely to endure through the eternal night of oblivion. Even the mightiest deities bow their heads in the face of transcendence''s imminent end, for there''s simply no hope left," a creature covered in red scales, its race unknown, roared, gripping its ws in despair and venting its frustration. It was visibly out of sorts. Can they be med? With just a few months remaining in this period, despair is understandable. Even the supreme beings and transcendent entities within the grand domains are weary, disheartened. What can these young Limit-Breakers do? Wang Xuan stood silently, initially furious, contemting the annihtion of his opponents. Now, however, he lost that impulse, feeling a strong sense of identification with the transcendent beings for the first time. He had always felt like an outsider, a modern man amongst them, walking a solitary path. Today, he truly felt the heaviness of an era''s end, a time of despair and sorrow for all transcendents. "Forget it, just leave. To this point, I feel I''ve lived like neither human nor ghost, a far cry from who we once were," a young man with gray hair spoke, gesturing towards Zhao Qinghan, Qing Mu, and the others to concede defeat and leave the battlefield. Once prideful, his demeanor now showed ack of enthusiasm, mocking himself for bing the very antagonist he once despised, using hostages to leverage his opponents. The gray-haired young man, a distinguished disciple from the realm of deities, belonged to the renowned faction of the Transcendent Pce. A young woman with a crystal on her brow added, "Enough, I too feel demeaned, having fallen to this. I withdraw to continue my experiments. My name is Yuan Lin, from the Eternal Laboratory of the realm of technological life. Farewell, should fate allow." The fiery-haired Zhuque, with a pallid face, also gestured for Wu Yin, Qing Mu, and the others to depart. No one anticipated this turn of events. What began as a collective hunt against Wang Xuan, a being with a transcendent foundational base, ended in a generalck of aggression, leaving only fatigue and difort from their lingering convictions. "Alright, we concede!" Qing Mu and the others spoke one after another, being led away and disappearing from the extinguished grand domain amidst a shower of light. "Thank you," Wang Xuan said. Although these beings sought to eliminate him topete for a chance to survive the transcendent dark age, in the end, they preserved their integrity. Wang Xuan, injured and facing significant challenges, was confident he could fend off these attackers and ensure Qing Mu and the others'' safe departure. Yet, this oue still moved him, changing his perception of these contestants. Observers from across the cosmos were initially surprised, then fell silent, empathizing with the emotions of those within the battlefield. Forced into an alliance against one, these Limit-Breakers endured inner turmoil, driven by the primal desire to live. "I''m truly sorry. I desperately wish to witness the rebirth of the next transcendent civilization," approached a Limit-Breaker, nked by myriad energy arms, hailing from the Thousand-Hand Divine Race. Another spoke up, "Regardless of securing a chance to survive, encountering a being of the eleventh segment herepels a mix of feelings. I''m keen to experience what you represent." Wang Xuan responded, "Certainly, I too am eager to witness the splendor across the cosmos and appreciate the unique allure of different transcendent civilizations. Let''s exchange insights." "Agreed!" The Zhuque was the first to charge, reverting to its true form¡ªa radiant red bird, engulfing the sky in mes, resembling aet striking the earth as it dove towards Wang Xuan. Among the Limit-Breakers, it stood at the pinnacle, surpassing many tenth-segment beings documented in ancient texts. Wang Xuan faced his opponents with earnest respect, aware that any hint of leniency might be construed as an insult. He acknowledged those who maintained their integrity to the end. Shrieks of energycerated the space before and behind him as beams akin to sword energy pierced the heavens. Around his true form, aw body manifested, enveloping him in the Second True Form depicted within the ancient stone tablet scriptures. At this moment, Wang Xuan seemed like a deity delicately handling a blossom, a lone seeker traversing the cosmos, a solitary traveler adrift in the sea of years, confronting the Zhuque. With a thunderous impact, the Zhuque bled, its divine red feathers shedding like withered petals, dimming as it plummeted into the distance. The youth from the Sr Elf Royal Family, wielding a golden bow, hovered in the sky, drawing and releasing an arrow towards Wang Xuan. Instantly, it was as though the sun itself exploded, turning into billions of fiery streams hurtling towards Wang Xuan, illuminating the heavens and earth with dazzling light. Utilizing a technique from the bamboo slips of pre-Qin dynasties, Wang Xuan executed the "Mountain and River Beast Sacrifice," levitating amidst a swirl of runes that transformed into sacred beasts around him, like a gxy in which he stood at the center, surrounded by auspicious creatures as stars. Then, roaring heavenward, they surged upwards. This was the sacred beasts'' onught and the fleeting manifestation of the cosmos, roaring as if a small universe, smashing towards the heavens. The youth from the Sr Elf Royal Family was struck by this miniature cosmos; thousands of arrows shattered, his great bow''s string snapped, and his body twisted and deformed, nearlypressed into pulp. Wang Xuan spoke, "Can''t you let go of your pride? If we are to battle, there''s no need for hesitation. Come at me together, you fight for a spot, for survival, there''s no need to hold back." "Alright!" Instantly, several figures charged, coborating to challenge Wang Xuan. Despite his physical vulnerabilities, Wang Xuan resolved to unleash his full strength. Serious in his confrontation, he remained a formidable force. To many, the echelon of Eleven-Segment was insurmountable, a height difficult toprehend without reaching it¡ª the very pinnacle of mythical theory. With each punch, armor shattered, bodies, drenched in blood, were hurled away, their fate uncertain as theyy immobile upon the ground. Spells blossomed like celestial buds, casting a radiant expanse of supernatural light across the battlefield. Some staggered back in retreat, others were pierced through, while yet more fell to the earth, blood spewing, as they toppled in defeat. ¡­¡­ In the vast expanse of outer space, within a steel fortress, an aged voice echoed: "He is strong, built on the foundation of Eleven-Segment, transcending the ordinary. I even believe he could be stronger. But how can we further increase the difficulty for him?" "Such an individual is rare. Should we try to push him, to see if he can pave a unique path and create a new situation?" "Everything is already toote. It''s truly toote. He''s just starting out, still a young man. His realm is too low." Chapter 464: There’s No Way Of Losing Chapter 464: There¡¯s No Way Of Losing In the extinguished Great Barrier, more than a dozen dazzling figures illuminated the dim battlefield. Wang Xuan showed these people respect and gave it his all. Although he was at the Eleventh Stage, he was heavily injured. He couldn''t afford to hold back. He had to take down these limit-breaking beings in a short amount of time. Outside the barrier, everyone was like y figures that stared nkly. Then they started to breathe heavily as their spirits were extremely excited for the eleventh-stage limit breaker. However, they couldn''t defeat him when they joined forces to besiege that person. Instead, they were sted away. "An Eleventh Stage impasse!" A patriarch from the Imperial Pce of Gouchen in the Land of the Undying spoke from outer space. His eyes were strange, it was filled with admiration and regret. From the Land of the Divine, an elderly woman from the Supetive Pce spoke, "What a pity. Reaching the eleventh stage at this age. If the environment were better, he might have had the chance to advance to the Twelfth Stage." A middle-aged man in modern clothing from the Technological Life Realm said, "Forget about it. There has never been a twelfth stage throughout history. That realm is deste and has no records." The guardian of order at this event, who seemed like a young woman, didn''t agree. She said, "Not necessarily. Fang Yuzhu from the Land of Immortal is suspected to have broken through after her elemental nirvana. She might have broken through again. She''s bepletely unpredictable in recent years." ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan repeatedly used heavy-handed tactics in the fourth extinguished great veil. He fought alone against eleven limit breakers with a tired and heavily injured body. It shocked everyone. "The Song of Light and Darkness!" said a limit breaker. It was a creature that had no fixed form, just a mass of darkness. Its name was Wu Hai. It transformed into a ck hole and swallowed Wang Xuan, enveloping his body. "Attack!" It shouted to the others. During this process, an extremely brilliant light within the ck hole. The light was like thunder, like the first ray of light at the source of civilization. It was exceptionally sacred and radiant, it burned within the ck hole. This method had once suppressed limit breakers of the same level. If it hadn''t held back back then, it would have crushed the mechanical ck Roc. But now, Wang Xuan''s body only paused briefly and was not damaged amidst the alternation of light and darkness. He shook violently to disy his Dharma body. He shook the ground as if he was opening up the heavens and earth. In the fluctuating space of light and darkness, it seemed as if a huge deity was expanding there. Others acted decisively. Some shed in, some sted in with precious artifacts, some roared with beastly shadows, and pounced in. With a dong sound, the ck hole-like darkness exploded. Wang Xuan staggered out, there seemed to be no change aside from his old injuries being shaken and his wounds bleeding. But Wu Hai hadpletely lost itsbat power. When the darkness gathered again, it was extremely dim, so he could only retreat from the battlefield. Wang Xuan rushed forward with great strides. Supported by his spiritual eye, he constructed transcendent spells that belonged to the True Samadhi Fire technique. The three-colored mes flowed smoothly and were sessfully executed. Boom!¡¡ A fireball surged forward, overwhelming everything and engulfing the insectoid woman in front. She soared into the sky and was struggling violently, but her tough exoskeleton was still ignited. She was severely injured in the end. The second part of the golden bamboo slip was about the study of various transcendental spell techniques. Wang Xuan had executed theplete True Samadhi Fire technique for the first time. "No wonder in ancient times, it was said that the fire was able to burn even demon saints when it was at its peak. Now, the effect is indeed powerful in its preliminary stages," Wang Xuan said with satisfaction. The next moment, many feathers and scales manifested in trans material floated around him. Then, the image of Vermilion Bird and the virtual body of the True Dragon hovered here. As he moved his hands, thebined attack of the Dragon and the Bird was sessfully executed. Finally, he also manifested the White Tiger and the ck Tortoise. He had formed the Four Symbols. In an instant, as if a canopy covered the area, the Four Symbols manifested and were overturning the heavens and the earth. With a thunderous crash, they pressed down and sent the limit breakers that were besieging him flying. Coughing up blood and feeling his injuries worsen from the shock, he shook his head and said, "This technique still needs some refinement. Theoretically, it should be able to summon the True Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and ck Tortoise to fight together." "Kill!" The resolute will of the limit breakers persisted. They wouldn''t easily admit defeat as long as they could still fight. The remaining people charged forward and each unleashed their strongest techniques. Wang Xuan unleashed his full power and was going insane from the killing. Although his body had issues, hisbat prowess was truly terrifying. He fought to his heart''s content without holding back. Apanied by the light of his fist, his spirit sword traversed the area and illuminated the extinguished Great Barrier. It sent the remaining people flying and piercing through their bodies. In the end, all the participating limit breakersy on the ground. Some had broken bones, some had their internal organs pierced, and some were nearly cut in half. The strongy like corpses strewn about and there was blood everywhere. The only constion was that Wang Xuan hadn''t dealt the final blow. Everyone survived regardless of how severe their injuries were. Mainly because these people held the line at the critical moment. They did not use Zhao Qinghan, Qing Mu, and others to distract Wang Xuan which allowed his killing intent to dissipate. The outer space was somewhat quiet. What else could people say? They stared at the scene and their hearts were filled with indescribable emotions, especially those powerful lineages that had cultivated tenth-stage beings in their pces andboratories. Everyone''s hearts trembled as they saw the limit breakers lying battered on the ground. Of the four great transcendent civilizations, a total of sixteen limit breakers were present. Now, eleven of them thaty here were all pierced through and defeated by the strength of one man. "This old man feels it was worth it to witness such a battle in the twilight of mythology. I will die in a few more months. Coming here this time was not in vain. It''s exhrating. This is a battle worthy of being recorded in the annals of cultivation!" Finally, voices of discussion gradually emanated from each of the spaceships in outer space. The transcendent forces and organizations like the Imperial Pce of Gouchen, the Supetive Pce, and the Eternal Laboratory were also greatly shocked. They felt both amazed and regretful as they watched the figure stand alone in the field. "I would have been willing to nurture him with the resources of the Supetive Pce if only it was a few decades earlier. It''s toote now. I¡¯ll just let everything be the final brilliant light at the end of the era," someonemented. "If I had another twenty years and if the tide of transcendence hadn''t receded by then. I would fully assist him with the resources of the Supetive Pce and the various perfect evolution elixirs we researched ourselves. But now, it''s a bitte!" another person said with regret. Some felt regretful, feeling that this was a difficult problem deliberately presented to them by the vast universe. It allowed them to see a promising talent, but ultimately it could only end in an imperfect conclusion. Each spaceship transmitted the news of the battles as it were to their respective transcendent homeworlds, causing a huge sensation and storm on that day. One person single-handedly defeated eleven limit breakers. The battle made the transcendent stars of the present world unable to calm down as it was more legendary than the various ssic battles recorded in mythology. Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and others knew that Wang Xuan was very strong. However, they were still astonished, with tumultuous waves surging in their hearts when the battle came to an end. The Little Fox eximed excitedly, "Oh my, Wang is truly formidable! No wonder he stood out so much even when we were in the secretnd. He can still shine brightly even in the depths of the universe!" Transcendent Ma was also in a daze. It had a big enough heart and highly recognized Wang Xuan''s status and extraordinariness, but now it seemed that it had underestimated him. It sighed, "I thought that Brother Wang would always encounter opponents who would push him to his limits, or even defeat him. But now, it seems that such a situation is difficult to satisfy. Seeking defeat is destined to be in vain!" Finally, Wang Xuan disappeared from the battlefield and returned to the spaceship as the second round of trials ended. This time, he was rewarded with six Creation True Crystals. The crystals each had different colors. They were brilliant and sacred, and were radiating dazzling light that was almost close to the truth. "Such a thing exists¡­¡­" Wang Xuan eximed. Initially, he could only obtain these crystals after he experienced a great battle in the Transcendent Sea outside the Space Bar. It was truly remarkable that the Immortal Land could actually bestow them as well. "Old Qing, Qinghan, Wu Yin¡­¡­ each of you gets one," said Wang Xuan while he distributed the six Creation True Crystals. Even the mechanical bear guarding the spaceship received one. He immediately did a somersault and shouted, "Dad Wang!" Transcendent Ma was stunned for a moment, then said, "Holy cow, you have less shame than I do!" Wang Xuan pped the mechanical bear away and warned it to not make random noises. The bear acted cute, blinked its big eyes and nodded obediently. He was looking very well-behaved. Wang Xuan immediately tended to his injuries. He did not hesitate to swallow a piece of Heavenly Herb Leaf. Because he realized that the Land of the Undying was quite sinister. It had set its sights on himpletely. He would inevitably face a test of life and death as soon as he participated. "The third round of trials begins. The location is the Departed Land, the site of the most catastrophic ancient battles. Perhaps there are still remnants of that mythical era here, with all sorts of eerie creatures lurking. But they are no longer what they used to be, they¡¯re like illusions waiting for you to experience," the announcement came. Once again, there was no rest time given to Wang Xuan before the teleportation began. The Departed Land was vast and it was emitting wisps of ck smoke. There were not only various illusions and lingering spirits but also spiritual creatures, some strong and some weak. These posed no difficulty for Wang Xuan. He shed through them like cutting vegetables and crossed the Departed Land until he encountered the book once again. "You''ve appeared again. This time it shouldn''t concern you, right? You''re not nning to tell me stories again and correct me, are you?" asked Wang Xuan. He had no good impression of it. He resented its maniption of emotions and interference in others'' choices for the future. The Book of Ages spoke, "Your strength does not allow me to remain indifferent. Only when I appear can I provide you with opponents of the corresponding level. Otherwise, your current state will make it difficult to seek defeat. Only enemies with extraordinary foundations can stimte your potential better. Only they can allow you to continue on the path of the new transcendence." "Is someone instructing you to do this?" Wang Xuan asked. The Book of Ages replied, "Perhaps someone hopes I would, but no one canmand me. This is my own decision. You have exceptional talent, and I hope you make a perfect choice. It''s best to abandon those who affect your state of mind early on. In this life, the new mythology is your ultimate and best choice. Everything else is illusory." Initially indifferent to it, Wang Xuan changed his attitude after some thought, keeping himself calm as he spoke, "You want to tell me stories and temper me again? Well, that''s fine, but let''s change the location. I don''t want to be monitored, my battle scenes are exposed to everyone. Can you find a ce that is isted from the outside world and rtively quiet?" "Sure, follow me!" The Book of Ages gave an affirmative response. Wang Xuan immediately became spirited. He was determined to reverse the roles and correct it instead. He decided that he would smash it to death with the lid of the Life Essence Furnace if it turned out to be an Old Testament artifact. If not, he would tear the book apart! Chapter 465: The True Origin Of Transcendence Chapter 465: The True Origin Of Transcendence The Departed Land was dimly lit, with remnants and ghostly creatures roaming around. They appeared indistinctly as they were all manifestations of fragmented spirits. Even though there had been transcendent beings here, their remnants that were left behind after death were insignificant and would eventually bepletely erased. Wang Xuan reached a consensus with the Book of Ages and followed it as they ran forward. They surged forward with considerable force with every stepnding like a cannonball. Finally, he arrived at the edge of a vast canyon. He then leapt down into it and then descended deep into the earth''s depths. He followed a crack until he reached a magnificent but ruined pce. After countless ages, this ce that was shrouded in chaotic aura still disyed extraordinary characteristics. The Central Earth Pce was sealed shut, with formations at work. "This is a vital ce of the bygone transcendent civilization. It was revived in this mythical era but it gradually faded in this era''s twilight," the Book of Ages exined. This ce was absolutely secretive, it was beyond the reach of the outside world. As the gates opened, Wang Xuan stepped inside and immediately felt as if he had entered apletely different world. Ahead, the starry river sparkled and the universe stretched infinitely. It was as if he had arrived beyond the heavens. However, there were no spaceships or transcendent beings observing. There was only profound tranquility. As he turned around, the pce gates closed behind him and the Departed Land disappeared from view. Just like a door to the stars was closed, contact with the outside world was cut off. "Do you have some remarkable means that you think can suppress me? Come on then," the Book of Ages spoke calmly. Wang Xuan silently cursed. It was an old sly fox indeed. It seemed to have sensed something and he was unable to fool it. "Shouldn¡¯t you start telling me stories first?" Wang Xuan calmly replied as he took out the Godying Banner to deceive it. Moreover, with slight hesitation the Iron Awl also appeared in his left hand. Then, he put on a calm and confident demeanor to gain assurance from this. "This is¡­¡­the Dao Shielding Banner!?" eximed the Book of Ages as it was stunned. The appearance of these two artifacts exceeded its expectations. It examined them and said, "There seems to be a problem with them. Are they fragmented parts after being split? They all seem a bit off, as if they are but not." "Do you recognize the Dao Shielding Banner?" Wang Xuan asked calmly. "Of course, how can I call myself the Book of Ages if I don''t recognize it under the same transcendent cosmos?" Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan became even more certain that this was likely an artifact of the Old Covenant. Otherwise, how could it traverse vast star domains, transcend time and space, and be so familiar with lost treasures? "Sword of Mortal, Roaming Ark, Life Essence Furnace, are you aware of them?" he conversed with the Book of Ages. "Of course I am aware of them. It is precisely because of them that the birth of Land of the Undying, Land of Divine, and Technological Life Realm transcendent civilizations came into being," the Book of Ages responded affirmatively. Originally, Wang Xuan had intended on taking action against it. He was looking for an opportunity to tear the book. But now, he restrained himself because he was stunned, his mind was shaken. What was this situation? Several treasures had created three other major mythological realms? He was somewhat puzzled and very shocked. He needed to understand. The Book of Ages said, "Although unwilling to admit it, and even though there are people in the three major domains of Immortality, Divinity, and Technology who are trying hard to conceal and hide the past. The truth is just that, it¡¯s irrefutable. Although myths appear sporadically, the inheritance indeedes from the same source if it was traced back." Wang Xuan could probably understand that mentality. After all, some small tribes in the Old World would like to im the entire universe as their own beginning. Moreover, these three major domains had indeed shone brilliantly throughout history. They had long since forged their own paths and were naturally more willing to embellish the past. "Be more specific," said Wang Xuan. He wanted to uncover the truth. "Once upon a time, a super civilization forged the Sword of Mortal, hoping that in the end, it could cleave through the chaos of the universe, traverse through time and space, transcend, find the truend and enter the eternal realm of mythology. Eventually, the Sword of Mortal fell from the Land of Immortals to the Land of Divine¡­¡­" The Sword of Mortal was the achievement of a super civilization. It was woven with mes by the highest celestial runes, and refined with countless ssics as fuel. Naturally, this sword counted as an inheritance. After endless silent years, the transcendent meteor spread itsw on the life of that domain when it once again tore through the eternal night. It ultimately evolved into the radiant Land of Divine. Since then, whenever the me of transcendence asionally lit up and briefly appeared in the universe, the Land of Divine naturally became a mythical ce. "So that¡¯s how it was!" Wang Xuan pondered. He recalled the remnants of those civilizations he had seen outside the Old World¡¯s outer space. Those bonfires and those remnants of the past were indeed like this. He still vividly remembered that the Roaming Ark was also like this. It carried hope and bore various imprints of a super civilization. It broke through the void and was searching for soil suitable for transcendent survival. The words of the Old Covenant book confirmed these. "The Roaming Ark fell into the Technological Life Realm. Muchter, the Evil Spirits appeared there and forged a path of transcendence and technology together," the Book of Ages recounted. "What exactly is the origin of the Evil Spirits?" Wang Xuan seized the opportunity to ask. "They most probably don''t really belong to this universe. Their origins are strange. I have a bad feeling about them. There might be trouble in the future," the Book of Ages said. It admitted itsck of understanding of the essence of the Evil Spirits. It was unable to trace its origins, so the bad feeling was only his intuition. Then, it informed that the Life Essence Furnace fell into the Land of the Undying. "So, they all left in the end and returned to the Land of Immortals?" asked Wang Xuan. "Yes, most of them did," the Book of Ages confirmed. Wang Xuan was suddenly surprised and asked, "Hmm, are there other treasures?" "Of course! With thousands of years passing by, although transcendent civilizations are wrong for deviating from the original intention of the universe and will be corrected, there have still been about one or two dozen mythological civilizations over the long years." ording to the Book of Ages, there were also three other major treasures such as the Immortal Umbre, Divine Pce, and Pool of Life. Wang Xuan was a little stunned. "However, these three treasures are very likely to have originated in the nativends of the three major domains and have nothing to do with the Land of Immortals." said the Book of Ages. Four ces, seven treasures in total. The information totally refreshed Wang Xuan''s understanding. If the destroyed Dao Shielding Banner and Celestial Mirror were added, that would be nine! "Alright, let me tell you a story¡­¡­" the Book of Ages began again. "Wait a moment, are you the bearer of the Old Covenant?" Wang Xuan sought confirmation. "Yes, and I am two bearers merged into one," the Book of Ages admitted openly. The pages flipped and froze on one page. It then blurred and became hazy, revealing a portal. The gray-haired man appeared once again and stepped out. He was tall, over 6 feet tall, with bronze-colored skin, and was holding a ck long knife. "de Demon, with eyes devoid of worldly distractions, draws his de. He has never tasted defeat in his life. When he was in his early twenties, he stepped into the realm of the eleventh stage. It was unprecedented since ancient times," the Book of Ages recounted the deeds of this man. It was educating Wang Xuan that true enlightenment came from letting go of all attachments to the mundane. "He once had a lover who was both an enemy and a friend. At the critical moment, he unhesitatingly drew his de and severed the woman''s head. Without looking back, he left and embarked on his journey alone. From then on, his mind was clear and without burdens. His strength skyrocketed, and he broke through all obstacles along the way¡­¡­" As the Book of Ages reached this point, a gentle female figure appeared in front of the towering figure of the de Demon. He decisively swung his de, and with a stter, blood blossomed. He didn''t even furrow his brows as he killed the woman. It strided forward and left the portal, heading towards Wang Xuan. "I¡­¡­don''t me you¡­¡­" Thest spiritual fragments of the woman''s spirit vaguely conveyed a fluctuation, and then everything fell silent. Wang Xuan frowned. This man was cruel and ruthless. He was simply a beastpared to Wang Zhexian. Thetter was willing to stay in the mundane world and decay with a woman, their temperament and character werepletely different. Suddenly, Wang Xuan raised his head abruptly. He saw a figure forming, it was a figure of Wu Yin being constructed from fragments of mental light. Was she temporarily detained by the Book of Ages, or did it tamper with her consciousnessst time and left some fragments of her soul behind? "What are you doing?" asked Wang Xuan with anger. Last time, the Book of Ages not only used means against Zhao Qinghan but also seemed to have acted against Wu Yin. "One''s heart must be heartless, then the Great Dao will naturally be clear. Your path should begin with letting go of the illusions of the mundane world. By ying this woman, you will enlighten your Dao heart, it will allow you to go further," the Book of Ages spoke. "Screw you!" eximed Wang Xuan. He was filled with killing intent. This book had issues as it was too biased. He had no other choice, he just wanted to tear it apart! Without a doubt, Wu Yin''s spiritual light had been infused with another woman''s emotions. Now she felt a headache and whispered, "I know you''re leaving. I¡­¡­don''t me you. This life is destined to be fruitless¡­¡­" She was embodying that woman''s spirit. Wang Xuan''s gaze suddenly became extremely sharp. He said, "Release her, don''t manipte the minds of people around me!" The Book of Ages said, "Since I detained a portion of her spiritual lightst time, it''s not appropriate to release her directly now. You need to prove yourself first. I need to see whether you are worthy of my continued attention. You¡¯ll need to defeat the de Demon, who has never experienced defeat in his life!" The towering man approached, bringing with him an endless sense of oppression. The bright Dao light poured down, as if bringing down an entire universe of stars. Boom!¡¡ Suddenly, the outside world shook violently. All transcendents trembled in their minds and many spaceships in the cosmic void trembled. Something unexpected had happened in this area. In the distance, a brilliantrge barrier emerged, and a great battle erupted within it. A supremely powerful god fell on the spot. It was bloodied and shattered by someone. The Epic Chapter begins. Strong contenders from the four domains were all eager to seize the semi-matured treasures. Attacks came from the Immortal Realm to the Divine Barrier. Currently, Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, the Blood Emperor, the War God, and others in the main bodies within the Great Barrier all mobilized. Various powerful gods, even transcendent ones appeared sessively. This made the impending battle extremely terrifying. Someone immediately found the semi-matured treasure and intended to take it away. The resonance of the remnants of transcendence in the real world made people extremely uneasy. The Immortal Umbre and the Divine Pce were resonating even though their dormant location was unknown. It was causing incredibly terrifying phenomena and was shaking the Land of the Undying. "Some ambitious individuals not only seek to seize the semi-matured treasures but they probably also have their eyes on the fully matured ones. They are aiming to capture the Divine Pce, the Immortal Umbre, and the Pool of Life. This gathering is not going to be fun. There may be a lot of bloodshed and violence!" The Book of Ages spoke solemnly, then continued, "Creatures at the level of powerful gods are indeed not to be trifled with. This assembly isplicated, it¡¯s filled with plots and death. The Land of the Undying may be stained with blood!" Wang Xuan avoided the de Demon. His gaze was strange. Instead of focusing on his opponent, he looked at the Book of Ages. "Why not prove yourself instead of staring at me?" said the Book of Ages as it felt something amiss. It was puzzled by the sudden change in his gaze. Like lightning, Wang Xuan wielded the Godying Banner and charged toward the Book of Ages! "Ridiculous! You haven''t even proven yourself, yet you want to run? Do you take me for prey? Deal with the de Demon first!" The Book of Ages shouted at him with displeasure. Chapter 466: Tearing Up The Old Covenant Chapter 466: Tearing Up The Old Covenant Intricate golden patterns intertwined when the Godying Banner emerged. The Book of Ages remained fearless and responded calmly to what was happening. It evaded it initially but then it started to lightly touch those golden grids. "That''s all there is to it. The banner is severely damaged, and it can only y spirit. As a bearer, it can¡¯t even damage my book essence. You''d better give up." It spoke indifferently, as its pages turned and emitted a radiant glow. It had actually resisted the Godying Banner! It then continued saying, "de Demon, educate him on how to be a man and correct his path in life. de Demon, I once had high hopes for you, but you were unfortunately too ambitious back then. After entering the realm of Wanderer level, you insisted on undergoing a spiritual rebirth. You wanted to turn back and find the so-called twelfth stage to make up for past regrets, but you perished prematurely. Some things shouldn''t be touched too early. The so-called spiritual rebirth of Fang Yuzhu should also have begun after bing a powerful being." Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan''s expression changed. This de Demon was quite remarkable. He had reached the realm of Wanderer level but then wanted to rediscover the twelfth stage? That''s quite audacious. "All the ruthless ones died like that. Do you want me to follow the same path? It¡¯s not happening!" Wang Xuan spoke at the right time. While the Book of Ages remained silent, the de Demon rushed forward and shed down. In the gleam of the de, nine immortal birds that were carrying boundless transcendent power flew out and were attacking Wang Xuan. It was a moving sight. Divine birds emerged under a single strike as if summoning the bloodline of powerful beings to join the battle! Wang Xuan used the Ascendent Fist in his left hand and the Godying Banner in his right. He thenunched an attack simultaneously The Book of Ages spoke, "The banner possesses the power of a transcendent treasure, but the de Demon originates from me. His long knife is also a part of my body, it¡¯s no less inferior to a transcendent treasure. de Demon, unleash your full strength and fight him to the death!" It could hatch transcendent treasures as a bearer of the Old Covenant. There were no major issues as the demonic de it manifested was indeed a transcendent treasure. Bang! The golden patterns covered the nine immortal birds and strangled them to death underneath the banner''s surface! However, the de still descended and it fiercely collided with the Godying Banner. The collision created a terrifying surge of energy and thunderous roars. Wang Xuan didn''t want to continue battling him head-on. It was pointless. He had absolute confidence in himself as he had already stepped onto the path of the eleventh stage. Right now, he only wanted to seize the Book of Ages. He only wanted to eliminate the mastermind and send back the spiritual light of Wu Yin. So, he would pay attention to the Book of Ages from time to time. He would either annoy it with the erged Godying Banner or poke it a few times with the iron awl. The Book of Ages found him annoying. He kept provoking it repeatedly and it couldn''t retaliate against him which made it very unhappy. In its mind, it was thinking that this young man was clueless and didn''t understand the situation. "You''re so picky and disdainfulI although I prepared the path to the heavens for you. Why do you seek your own demise and constantly provoke me? Is it amusing?" said the book. "It''s amusing. I will stop only after you send Wu Yin away," Wang Xuan said. In reality, he was trying to deceive the Book of Ages. He feared using the furnace lid as he was afraid he might miss and let it escape. So, he had been provoking it with the banner and iron awl and he had asionally seized the opportunity to attack it. St! Wang Xuan paid the price for it. The de Demon was indeed formidable. The Golden Crow and the True Dragon contented with each other as soon as the de descended. The two terrifying beings soared and nearly tore Wang Xuan apart. It left dreadful bloodstains on him and had almost severed him! Of course, he also left a shallow yet noticeable puncture wound in the de Demon''s forehead. His forehead was nearly pierced throughpletely! "Is it possible or not? Give me a clear answer. I won''tpromise with you under your coercion. I won''t follow the path you''ve arranged!" said Wang Xuan. He wanted to send Wu Yin away first because he was preparing for a major confrontation. He feared there would be an ident. "Will you ept the path of correction if I send her away?" the Book of Ages asked. Wang Xuan immediately nodded, saying, "I''ll ept the path of correction if you send her away, and if there''s an opponent here who can fight me to a draw without defeating me!" "Good!" the Book of Ages agreed. With a sh of light, Wu Yin''s mental light disappeared. It was sent back to the spaceship and her spirit was able to return topleteness. Bang! The external world shook violently, because someone had seized the semi-mature treasure in the Great Barrier and had sacrificed the blood of a transcendent powerhouse for it which caused it to roar. Eventually, it triggered the resonance of the Immortal Umbre, the Pool of Life, and the Divine Pce within the Great Barrier. The entire world trembled, causing unease and even fear. At that moment, Wang Xuan felt the time was about right. Combined with the events happening outside, he doubted anyone would notice if he used the cover of the Life Essence Furnace now. The Book of Ages felt annoyed. Thatd was being secretive and he wasing again. Just like an ignorant person that knows nothing, Wang Xuan wielded the iron awl to provoke it there and wanted to poke it again. Boom! However, the next moment, things turnedpletely different. The rusty iron awl disappeared and was reced by an ancient lid. At first, the Book of Ages felt that he was clueless and relentless. He was exhausting its patience and goodwill. But now, it felt a sense of horror. It was about topletely self-explode. It wanted to escape, but it had been too long since it had encountered anything like this. Everything was toote after it was hit by a cold current like this. It was then bound by terrifying runes. With a bang, the pages were sent scattering and were entwined with mysterious threads. As the threads snapped, it caused all the pages to plummet and the dozen or so pages fell like withered flowers. Wang Xuan was astonished. These pages were incredibly tough, they didn''t shatter even after being struck by the furnace lid. The book merely scattered apart, which was truly astounding. However, it was understandable upon careful consideration. This was the bearer that was able to hatch transcendent treasure, and it was thebined Old Covenant of two civilizations. Naturally, it wasn''t simple. Although it was not as good as a transcendent treasure, it was still extraordinary. Bang! He once again activated the furnace lid and showed no mercy. Wang Xuan treated it as a mortal enemy, he''d rather destroy it than give it a chance to turn the tables. Then, the furnace lid fell among the pages. "Stop! Do you want to destroy the Old Covenant bearer of two civilizations? They could even hatch transcendent treasures. What you''re doing is a crime!" the Book of Ages eximed anxiously. Bang! Bang! Bang!¡¡ Wang Xuan ignored it and struck three more times in session. The vague light emanating from the Book of Ages was sttered everywhere by the blows, and the drifting pages showed numerous cracks. Another hit might actually destroy them. Only then did Wang Xuan stop. As for the de Demon, its figure had be faint from the first blow and quickly returned to the Book of Ages. Chirp! One by one, Wang Xuan pierce through each page with the iron awl. Now he could finally do something to them! At the same time, his other hand that held the Godying Banner didn''t rest either. He either used the banner surface to roll up the pages or used the banner pole to pierce through them. There were a total of twenty-three pages, and he collected them all like this. "You''re insane. How can you do this to the Old Covenant bearer of two mythical civilizations? It will be impossible to restore all the pages without two years'' time. And with only a few months left until the end of the transcendence, you¡­¡­" said the Book of Ages. The twenty-odd pages emitted a faint light. It had been treated like frogs in warm water, like fish on a hook. It felt insulted and couldn''t ept it. The Book of Ages knew the root of the problem. It wasn''t the Old Covenant of this mythical civilization, it belonged to a bygone civilization. Therefore, its power wasn''t as great in this era which allowed thed to take advantage of it. But it was still indignant, it felt greatly ashamed. Wang Xuan ignored it. He then lightly shook the furnace lid once again, causing it to sustain further damage before he began to study it. Of course, he wasn''t rxed himself. He had almost been drained just now. As for the entire starry sky, it was roaring and trembling. The patterns of the treasures that interweaved just now were too terrifying. "I¡¯m unable to understand it for the moment, forget it. I''ll collect it first!" said Wang Xuan. After recovering the loose pages, he immediately entered the Life Soil, then swiftly dashed towards the Solidarity Void. He arrived near the silver pool and stood in front of the Immortal Tea Tree. Before long, a group of avatars emerged like ghosts. They surrounded and fixed their gazes on him. This group of avatars would definitely have rebelled if it weren''t for their fear of the lid in his hand. It had been a long time since they had seen him. Whether it was fake Old Zhang or the fake Demon Lord, both were unruly and sought to rece him. "Everyone,e here. I''ll give each of you an ancient scripture to contemte on. What''s mine is yours, and what''s yours is mine. We''ll use these scriptures to refine transcendent treasures when we merge in the future!" Wang Xuan distributed the scriptures like he was distributing flyers. He gave each person two sheets. He didn''t hide anything from them, informing them of the powerful aspects and encouraging them to study and contemte. Just like that, he had dismembered the Book of Ages! There were still a few pages left that were roaring, resentful, murmuring, and tossing about. Wang Xuan still ignored them, he thenbined them with the page that recorded the technique for mental illness patients. He sealed them together in a meteorite cave he had excavated himself, which contained a Cactus Heavenly Herb. "What rubbish scripture is this? It''s a damn mental illness patient. Keep it separated from me!" voices came from the remaining pages that emitted light. They were refusing to be with the page that recorded the mental illness scripture. Wang Xuan could never fulfill its wish. He used the iron awl to nail down these remaining pages and pressed the yellowed page that recorded the mental illness technique onto the Book of Ages. "I don''t want to be with this mental illness patient!" the voice echoed. However, Wang Xuan disregarded it. He left the ce and cultivated in the Void to heal his injuries. Unfortunately, he still couldn''t step into the Twelfth Stage. Shortly after, he embarked on his journey home. He feared there were unexpected changes in the outside world. Although he was unable to break through the uncharted Twelfth Stage, he was able to return to his peak with his injuries healed through the leaf of the Heavenly Herb that was close to the truth. He also had the nourishment of tea fruits. He felt that he couldn''t rely on himself to slowly recuperate anymore as the outside world was chaotic. It was better to return to his strongest state as soon as possible. "One of the highest rewards, the bearer of the Old Covenant, is now in my hands. Is there any need to continue?" Wang Xuan pondered. This ce was too chaotic, it was filled with conspiracies and bloodshed. Even strong individuals might lose their lives. It wasn''t a good ce. Perhaps it was time to leave. However, he believed that it shouldn''t be done abruptly but naturally. After all, one of the highest rewards had suddenly disappeared. Everyone would definitely go mad searching for it after they came to their senses. He just didn''t want to be involved. "It''s not necessarily going to be investigated. After all, the Book of Ages is a free agent that roams around various ces. It has said itself that no one canmand it. It''s not a big deal even if it disappears for a while. Who knows where it will go." After some thought, he feltpletely at ease. "Immortal Umbre!" Someone shouted, as if it had been born and was about to be obtained by someone. Wang Xuan ignored it. He had a sense of self-awareness now. He would surely be killed if he dared to enter the Great Barrier topete for it! He appeared in the extinguished Land of the Departed and was strolling leisurely. He was waiting for the time toe, to be guided away. He didn''t have to wait long. Light and rain pervaded, and he returned to the spaceship. He was feeling great! "After three rounds of selection, the Cross-domain War officially begins. In the battlefield, there are six huge pces, each containing bearer of the Old Covenant and semi-mature treasures. These items are not all ced within the Great Barrier. Those with destiny in the mortal world can go and seize them!" In the cosmic void, such a voice was heard within the iron fortress. It was giving specific information. The six pces were named Mortal Pce, Wanderer Pce, Life Essence Pce, Ascension Pce, Celestial Veil Pce, and Dao Shielding Pce. Qing Mu''s expression changed. He was worried about Wang Xuan and said, "Is this madness? How can there be no stoppage, requiring one to directly enter the war after three rounds of qualification matches? Where¡¯s the time for resting?" "Wang Xuan, how are you feeling now?" Zhao Qinghan was also worried about his condition. Not long ago, he had fought several battles in session and the hidden wounds on his body were not light. Wu Yin handed him a cup of life essence drink and said, "Don''t force yourself. Just withdraw if it''s not working out." "It''s fine. I''ve recovered." Wang Xuan smiled, reassuring them. He didn''t rush to leave but wanted to go and take a look after hearing the names of the six pces. A momentter, he was teleported to a decaying Great Barrier that emitted a faint light! In the universe, in outer space, all the spaceships were watching and capturing the scenes there. They were all recording it. Qing Mu and their spaceship were naturally capturing the vast battlefield. Soon, Qing Mu''s expression changed as he saw a familiar figure. He eximed, "Whoa, who''s that? There''s a short-haired rogue pretending to be my master. Look, it does resemble him somewhat. In the vast universe, it''s understandable to encounter people with simr appearances. But this sneaky and cunning look of his is nowhere near as good as my master''s. I hope he runs into Wang Xuan and gets a good beating. It''s not good to imitate someone like my master!" Chapter 468: Everyone Is A Mighty Hunter Chapter 468: Everyone Is A Mighty Hunter The news was astonishing. It was unclear if someone had obtained the Immortal Umbre, the Divine Pce, and the Pool of Life, or if they remained elusive due to some special circumstances. They did not give people the chance to find them even in resonance. This grand event was manipted by someone. The mighty beings from the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine marched backwards into the Land of Immortals. They were intending to seize the treasures that frequently appeared there! "They are full of ambition and do not care about the lives of others. They had enticed some mighty beings into fierce battles and had offered blood sacrifices here to induce resonance of the treasures. Then, that prepared bunch of gods went to capture the Sword of Mortal, the Roaming Ark, and the Ascension Banner." "Once they seed, they''ll immediately turn back and force the hidden Immortal Umbre, the Divine Pce, and the Pool of Life to reveal themselves. They are intending to gather all the treasures!" People were in panic because many transcendents were losing their realms. No one was calm in such a major event. It concerned their future. Some said it was initiated by the ancestors of the Land of Divine''s Supetive Pce and the Land of the Undying''s Imperial Pce of Gouchen, while others imed that the Technological Life Realm had also participated. In outer space, everyone looked pale as they struggled to resist. They were unwilling to lose much of their progress. At that moment, Qing Mu waspletely dumbfounded and mentally dazed. He sat in the spaceship and was hardly able to believe it. Disaster had struck from above when he had just be a transcendent, and now he was shaken back! Recently, his strength had skyrocketed while refining the Creation True Crystal and he had even reached thete stage. Yet, he returned to where he was before in the blink of an eye. "I''m back to Grandmaster level?" he murmured. If it were a year ago, he would have been overjoyed because it was a breakthrough. Now, a blow had struck which turned him back to being a mortal. This was a bit harsh and he found it difficult to ept this situation. "How miserable. I''ve fallen back to Ma Third Stage. Is this world sick or something? It trembles for no reason. In an instant, the results of my hard practice have been reduced to dust!" said Transcendent Ma. He was very hurt, almost coughing up blood. He had fallen from the Fourth Rank. Little Fox was dizzy and was about to explode with anger as she had been shaken back to the Fourth Stage. Zhao Qinghan retreated to the Third Stage but she remained rtively calm. Wu Yin dropped from the Second Stage to the First Stage and was feeling apprehensive. She would also return to the mortal realm If she was shaken again. "Don''t capture images from my master''s side. Check on how Wang Xuan is doing!" said Qing Mu. He wanted to confirm if Wang Xuan was the cause. He knew very well that trouble would arise outside once Old Wang seriously focused on cultivation. It was really absurd! "His emotions are stable. There¡¯s no turmoil and no shouting. He''s just frowning and thinking about things there. He¡¯s not practicing at all." The Mechanical Little Bear reported as it scanned with seriousness. This has nothing to do with Wang Xuan? Qing Mu was depressed,menting how difficult it was. He had only been a transcendent for less than a month, and he was thrown back to square one. It was too heartbreaking for him. At that moment, the situation of the mighty ones in the mortal realm was also somewhat difficult. They were all resisting the tremor. They would also lose their realms if they didn''t use all their means. But it had to be said, these people were very strong. They had developed some resistance after having experienced multiple tremors. They managed to hold on this time. Some of them were even using this opportunity to track the traces of the treasures. Most of the mighty beings managed to barely maintain the realms of their incarnations in the mortal realm. Their realms did not fall but the process was extremely perilous. Of course, at this level, a few were careless and fell to the second level of the Wanderer Realm as their foundations were not invincible to begin with. Among them, the person in the Ascension Pce kicked down half of a great hall and looked expressionlessly at the sky. He resided here, but had surprisingly encountered a great cmity and couldn''t withstand it. He was now weaker than the avatars of other mighty beings. Now, Wang Xuan patiently waited for this gathering to end. He was nning to leave this contentious ce. He didn''t want to get involved in the mess as he felt that the actions of all parties this time would be significant. During this period, he had been contemting his path. He silently cultivated and thought about how to subdue those incarnations. He wanted to advance to the Twelfth Realm, which required suppressing them and merging his spiritual avatars. "Relying on external objects like the lid of the furnace is not wise. The so-called fusion of the gods refers to having enough strength to subdue them myself. Only when the spirit is fully integrated can it be consideredplete. Otherwise, even if forciblybined it would only be a patchwork and it would still be like a cracked porcin." muttered Wang Xuan to himself. He had gained insights. He corroborated his path from various scriptures and enhanced his strength. How to suppress all his avatars was a problem he pondered every moment. "They are me, and I am them. Each avatar is very strong and understands all my methods. How can I fight against nearly ten of myself alone?" pondered Wang Xuan. He frowned deeply. This was a practical problem, meaning he had to significantly increase his strength in the short term to suppress them. It also meant that he could almost enter the Twelfth Realm if he could vigorously enhance himself. "I can do what they can do. The Stone Tablet Scripture, the Sutra of Shakyamuni, the Golden Bamboo Slip, the Spirit Coffin Grand Technique¡­¡­ Unless I choose one of them and make breakthroughs in the near future!" he said to himself. Those people also understood even the great mentally ill method although the scripture pages were thrown in the ethereal realm. "It''s not realistic. I''veprehended almost all of these scriptures, and they are on the same path as me. It''s hard to have a qualitative change in the short term." pondered Wang Xuan. Soon, he thought of his advantage. He far surpassed them having his flesh and spirit unified. Daily cultivation couldplement each other. "The Golden Cicada Technique, the Butterfly Transformation Technique, the Ants Gazing Dragon Scripture¡­ These are the most suitable for thebined cultivation of body and spirit to undergo transformation. They cannot resonate with the flesh, so there won''t be significant achievements in the near future." Could it be that he had to start with these techniques? However, he felt somewhat unwilling as these were preparations he made for himself after establishing his foundation in the Twelfth Realm. He was harboring some ambitions. Because practicing these techniques of Nirvana could have miraculous effects once perfected. It could lead to a qualitative advancement, both physically and spiritually. He thought that it would be somewhat wasteful to use them now to enhance himself to the limit. "Of course, there''s also a very bad possibility that the effectster on may not be as ideal if I don''t use them now." He believed that techniques like the Golden Cicada Technique and the Ants Gazing Dragon Scripture were allws established in the mythological realm. Now that he had reached the theoretical limit, it was uncertain whether they would be as effective. This was an unsettling question that troubled him. Would I waste a perfect opportunity for Nirvana? "I still have a supreme scripture that I haven''t practiced yet, now might be a good time to try toprehend it." muttered Wang Xuan as he thought of the Five-colored Jade Scripture. This scripture was obtained from Old Zhong''s study. At that time, he gained nothing no matter how he looked at it or resonated with its meanings, so he could only keep it in mind. "It''s still difficult. This scripture seems ipatible with this extraordinary world and should belong to a bygone civilization. It requires a long time to ponder over it." pondered Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan was considering various methods. Finally, he was startled. He thought of his most distinctive feature, his special innerndscape! "Can I use it to enhance myself?" Wang Xuan asked himself. In fact, the mystery genome and the trans material that was close to the truth in the innerndscape were not very effective for him. It wasn''t an issue of energy deficiency. But there was one characteristic that caught his attention and made him excited. The spiritual sense in the innerndscape was multiplied many times which was equivalent to stealing time. "It¡¯ll be unimaginable if my spiritual sense could be as active elsewhere. I would definitely be able to subdue those spiritual avatars!" eximed Wang Xuan. However, that was a characteristic of the innerndscape. How could I maintain this ability after leaving? He was at a loss for a moment. Boom!¡¡ Another violent tremor shook the world and caused many transcendent beings to turn pale. Was it starting again? Was there no end to this? Did they want topletely destroy the transcendent world?!¡¡ No one had expected that the tremors would continue without stopping. Shortly afterward, there was even more explosive news. "The Ascension Banner seems to have been obtained by the coboration of the mighty beings from the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine!" With this news, the entire atmosphere became even more subdued. Has the most ferocious hunter seeded? Was all this arrangement just to fulfill their wishes?¡¡ Momentster, there was another bombshell of news. "There''s been an ident. The Immortal Realm is fraught with great danger. The Sword of Mortal has had an owner for many years, it was already refined and was intentionally left outside. Now, terrifying beings wielding the Sword of Mortal have acted and are causing heavy losses to the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine. Some mighty beings have died!" one person reported. "My word, what''s going on? The Sword of Mortal wasn¡¯t just recently obtained by someone, but it was truly refined and possessed for many years? It can even be safely kept outside now?!" People were dumbfounded, the situation was extremelyplicated, and the news was too astounding. It was constantly changing. "It is reported that the mighty beings that recently rushed from the Immortal Realm had sensed something amiss. Upon learning of the event here, they deliberately came over which left therge rear area vacant¡­¡­." a person said. As this rumor spread, all parties were stunned. They felt more and more that this wave of turmoil was all caused by reapers that wielded sickles. They had not a single good intention and were all deliberately digging pits. "They are all hunters, all carnivores. This is getting terrifying!" someone eximed. People originally thought that the rear of the Immortal Realm had been raided by the mighty beings of the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine. But now, it was hard to say who the victims were. All the factions were highly vignt and all were on guard. The Immortal Realm and the Great Barrier were inplete chaos, with the blood of mighty beings flowing. "Goodness, there''s another new theory circting. The Sword of Mortal in the Immortal Realm was refined by a giant from the ancient times who should have died, and our Divine Pce here was also refined by a giant from the ancient times, hence their invisibility. This time, the mighty beings of the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine exchanged information after a secret discussion with Fang Yuzhu, the Demon Lord, and others. Theyplemented each other''s strengths and exchanged battlefields. While targeting the ancient giant, they are cooperating on one hand while setting traps for each other¡­¡­" one person reported. The Great Barrier and the present world were all in chaos. Apart from the mighty beings, no one knew the truth and no one knew the real situation. Even Wang Xuan was stunned when he heard about it. But one thing was certain, all parties were hunters and none of them were vegetarians. It was still hard to say who would ultimately gain something and who would shed no blood. Boom! The Great Barrier trembled, and this time the impact was even more profound. There were supreme runes interweaving and the aura of supreme treasures pervading. The vivid light was expanding. "Someone¡­¡­ is refining supreme treasures in this era. It''s those people who rushed over from the Immortal Realm. Her bracelet is glowing. It''s a Dao-level treasure!" one person shouted. "Three changes in one day, the mighty beings have gone mad. They dare to do anything!" another eximed. Chapter 467: The Grand Event Itself Has Become Part Of The Prey Chapter 467: The Grand Event Itself Has Be Part Of The Prey The decaying Great Barrier, the vast expanse of the world, the ancient treesnguishing in sickness, the six huge pces were distributed across different regions. Wang Xuan had arrived at the ce. He stood on a slope and gazed at the Mortal Pce. It was called a pce, but in reality, it was a huge city. Once magnificent and splendid, it was now devoid of any signs of life. It waste autumn, with a slight chill in the wind. Yellow leaves that fell from the sky added to its destion. Just like this era that was heading towards its end, this transcendent pce was also deste. No disciples, no bustling crowds, and as for the sacred beasts and gods, they were long gone. Outside the huge pce, many figures appeared on the barren in. There were monsters, sacred tribes, humans, and various unnamed species. They were all challengers participating in the cross-domain war. Wang Xuan was apart from the main force. He looked out at the huge pce and suddenly lost interest in the battle. What was the point of everything here? Even the mighty gods and the transcendents had lost confidence. The struggle for treasures and Old Covenant Artifacts was not to create a new myth, but merely to extend their lifespan for a few more years. Some sought to enter the stone houses that were supposedly carved out of real substance. They wanted to hide away like animals hibernating, enduring the long winter of eternity. Wang Xuan watched quietly. He had treasures and had obtained the Old Covenant Artifact of the long-gone transcendent civilization. There was nothing here to attract him anymore. He had no desire topete for the tree holes or ground nests where animals like bears and snakes hibernated. What he wanted was to find a way out in this era. Everything that followed lost its allure to him. Even thends of immortality, divinity, and technological life had given up resistance. They had deemed themselves failures and everything wasing to an end. Even the so-called grand events were just a formality. It was showing signs of exhaustion. Even the organizers themselvescked confidence, let alone others. "Will I soon be a lonely traveler pursuing elusive myths in the mortal world?" pondered Wang Xuan as he stood in ce, letting the withered leaves fall upon him. Some things could already be imagined even though they hadn''t happened yet. The path ahead was difficult, and it remained uncertain whether this sentiment could blend into reality, whether it could be epted by those around him. In the end, how manypanions would there be? Would Old Zhang, Fang Yuzhu, and others stay, or would they be extinguished along with the final mes of mythology? Who would remain in the future to apany him? "Nothing else matters now. Currently, I just want to breakthrough to the Twelfth Stage. I want to step into that area that no one has truly entered before, if it exists," Wang Xuan said. Wang Xuan sat down under arge tree and did not participate in the pce raid. Instead, he found himself surrounded by one secret technique after another, from the initial Golden Body Technique to theter supreme scriptures. He was engulfed by countless scriptures. There was the sound of pages flipping around him, it was as if many figures were chanting scriptures. "Is it toote? Am I being presumptuous to seek enlightenment at the end of mythology? But I still want to try. There''s always some unwillingness," Wang Xuan pondered. Many people gathered outside the six huge pces, but he kept his distance and examined thews of this era. He flipped through scriptures and his thoughts were wandering between reality and nothingness. Many people were paying attention to Wang Xuan in outer space as his previous record was too good. In the three qualifying rounds, he single-handedly eliminated twelve limit breakers. Plus, he had in a mechanical ck Roc on the way. He was practically a killer of tenth-stage beings, he was the most terrifying reaper with the most terrifying record! "What is he doing? He hasn''t gone to the six huge pces. Doesn''t he want to participate in the battle anymore? Extraordinary people do extraordinary things, it''s hard for us to understand," someone remarked. "I guess he might be injured. His condition shouldn¡¯t be good after all the hellish encounters. He must be recovering!" another spected. In outer space, the transcendent beings on various spaceships were puzzled by his behavior. They were all specting various theories. People had been raiding the six huge pces one after another for the past half month. The battle was intensifying. There were powerful individuals that silently guarded these majestic structures that resembled cities. Soon, people discovered that there were actually arena masters! Since ancient times, most of those who had achieved something in the cross-domain warfare had left after receiving their rewards. However, some chose to stay behind and became guardians of the huge pces. Chen Yongjie''s blood boiled and his luxurious armor shattered into pieces. He was covered in blood. He hadn''t fought desperately, but he had been following the main force every time. He had only one wish. It was to see if his master was here, he needed to check if he had be one of the guardians of the huge pce. Unfortunately, he hadn''t seen him yet. He was in the Life Essence Pce. He had followed the crowd into it several times, but he had not been able to get close to the core of the huge pce. "This is insane! There are incarnations of the strongest gods that personally sat in each of the huge pces. They had be the pce lords. Who can defeat them?" someone eximed. Soon after, someone had learned the truth. It was a limit breaker who paid a great price. He obtained such information after fighting his way to the deepest part of the Wanderer Pce and confronting the pce lord. It was not just the people on the battle that were shocked, but even people in outer space, on various spaceships, the spectators, the transcendent beings, were all shocked. Incarnations of the strongest gods guarding the arena? Who could pass the test? On the way here, people had seen the Blood Emperor, standing on a ck transcendent wooden boat, and they had also seen the ck-haired, blood-eyed woman that was motionless like a statue. It was the God of War. "Does the strongest not need to participate in the qualifying rounds? Do they directly be the masters of the six huge pces? In addition, there are still not a small number of participants from the previouspetition in the six pces who have be the guardians this time. Just like entering a dragon''s den, who can make it through?" someonemented. "The Blood Emperor and the God of War are both famous and powerful. There are few opponents in the Great Barrier. Letting them guard the arena is a bit excessive!" another person remarked. Many people were dissatisfied. The limit breakers who participated in thispetition were heavily defeated by Wang Xuan alone. There were only four of them left. How were they supposed to continue? "It''s as good as predetermined. The highest reward in the world will definitely be awarded to the six strongest gods, and in the end, it will certainly be apetition between them," someone concluded. "No need to think too much. The highest reward will definitely end up in the hands of the Blood Emperor and the God of War!" another person added. This caused an uproar. Many people were unwilling, especially the participants. They had hope as they hadn''t seen the strongest ones in action during the qualifiers but now they were all disappointed. However, not long after, people learned that neither the Blood Emperor nor the God of War had stayed in the huge pces. They had another battlefield to attend to, one with even more formidable opponents. "That person who looks like my master has beening and going in the Life Essence Pce and he¡¯s covered in blood from head to toe. He''s really tough, but unfortunately, he hasn''te across Wang Xuan yet. The two haven''t met," Qing Mumented in outer space, still hoping for Wang Xuan to make a move and confront the look-alike. For the past half month, Chen Yongjie had raided the Life Essence Pce for the neenth time. This time, he was extremely close to the core area and he saw a familiar figure in a daze. At that moment, he was mingling among the main force, covered in blood from head to toe and was heavily injured. With a glimpse, his eyes flowed with colorful divine radiance as he stared at the pce lord that sat high above! "Everyone, put more effort into it! Don''t even think about defeating the incarnations of the strongest gods, but you''ll also be rewarded handsomely if you can get close to them. Let''s charge together!" someone shouted, rallying morale. Chen Yongjie''s eyes widened as he looked up to the highest tform of the pce and shouted, "Old Xu!" At almost the same time, as he was slightly distracted, he was struck on the back with a bang and he immediately coughed up blood, stumbling forward. Ahead of him, there was a row of guardians. Each of them held a sword or a spear and were ready to attack him indifferently. On the tform, a figure wearing a cloak and a bamboo hat suddenly opened his eyes and then waved his hand, beckoning Chen Yongjie over. "What''s with theck of respect? What did you call me?" said the man. He was the renowned Grand Alchemist Xu Fu, the ferryman in the afterlife. Initially, he had no physical form. Under the cloak and bamboo hat was a dark void. But things had changed, he had returned with an incarnation. He had merged with the spiritual fragment of the ferryman. His strength had skyrocketed which made him a pce lord. His incarnation had returned as a powerhouse like him wouldn''t allow others to control him. Whether he wanted to stay or leave was entirely up to him. "Senior Xu!" Chen Yongjie immediately corrected himself. His face was covered in blood but he was still smiling. It was truly unexpected to battle with Xu Fu in the cross-domain war. Although he had been fooled and unfairly med before, meeting an old acquaintance in a foreignnd made him very happy. "You shouldn''t havee. It''s very dangerous here. Even I am ready to intercept a supreme reward at any time and then run away. Yet you dare toe here and join the fun¡­¡­" Xu Fu stopped speaking halfway as Chen Yongjie was practically brought over here by him. After some thought, he said, "Well, you can sit beside me and cultivate. If you have any questions, just ask. Hmm, let me prepare some resources that are in this huge pce for you." "Did the person who looks a lot like my master die in the Life Essence Pce? He didn''t follow along this time!" pondered Qing Mu as he felt uncertain. "Old Qing, maybe that person is your master!" Transcendent Ma suggested. "I think he¡­ might really resemble Grandmaster Chen!" Wu Yin said. In an instant, Qing Mu was not feeling well. He had been specting about it himself, and now he was restless. He felt anxious. On the twenty-first day, in the mortal realm, the aftermath of the rules trembled violently wherever there were mythical creatures. Many transcendents were terrified as they feared their own realms might copse. Even Wang Xuan was affected. He abruptly opened his eyes, it was a rare experience. He was actually shaken back. It made his blood roiled, even his transcendent power was in turmoil and somewhat unstable. However, he was much better offpared to others. Within him, the Life Essence Furnace was restless and uneasy. Even it was affected which indicated how serious the situation was! "Hold steady, don''t stir up trouble. If this is exposed, I''ll have enemies from all over. Especially in this ce where there is nock of mighty deities. Even transcendent beings are secretly watching!" muttered Wang Xuan as he was getting anxious. He naturally knew that something significant had happened in the Great Barrier and the mortal realm. Soon, news of peerless powerhouses going berserk came from the Great Barrier. Some people had died and the blood of mighty gods stained the earth. They were offered as sacrifice to a semi-mature treasure which caused the Great Dao there to resonate incessantly. The semi-mature treasure unexpectedly triggered the resurgence of the Immortal Umbre, the Pool of Life, and the Divine Pce which continued to resonate. "Unfortunately, these three treasures are special. They are usually shrouded in mystery. They rarely reveal themselves even when they are shaken, giving people little opportunity. Whether they are still in the Great Barrier remains doubtful. They might have already arrived in the mortal realm." Boom!¡¡ It seemed like mythology was decayingprehensively, and the copsing transcendent world was sweeping across everynd in a terrifying manner. "Oh my god, I''m losing my realm. What''s happening?!" eximed a person. Many people were horrified. The mortal realm and the Great Barrier were resonating, causing transcendents to start losing their realms. A wave of panic swept through and everyone was in terror. This upheaval came too suddenly. In the past twenty-plus days, there had been tremors, but they had not affected the transcendents. It waspletely different now. It was like a preview of the end of mythology which unsettled souls and instilled a profound fear deep within. "Oh my god! Something big is happening! A storm of epic proportions! This grand event itself is part of the prey and sacrificial offerings. Some mighty ones are marching together in the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine. This is being led by a transcendent being who decisively charged into the Immortal Realm to seize the Sword of Mortal, the Roaming Ark, and the Ascension Banner!" Chapter 469: The Great Chaos In The Transcendent World Chapter 469: The Great Chaos In The Transcendent World "Strictly speaking, that bracelet should be close to a mature supreme treasure. It¡¯s still a bit away from the Dao Shielding Realm, and is currently being refined." one person said. Some mighty beings couldn''t sit still. This was an unprecedented sight. In this soon-to-end mythical era, no one had ever refined a supreme treasure. The Mortal Realm, the Wanderer, the Life Essence Lord, and the Ascendent were the first four levels of the Transcendent. The Celestial Veil was the fifth realm, it was where the transcendent figures among the immortals resided. The strongest in the Land of Divine and the top figures among the Land of the Undying were also within this range. The Dao Shielding Realm was the sixth level. It was a domain not essible to humans and other races. Only supreme treasures could reach it as it belonged to the results of a civilization''s efforts. "They actually came to our domain from the Immortal Realm to refine treasures. Did they obtain a semi-mature supreme treasure from the corresponding Great Barrier of the Land of the Undying? Are they refining here because they also obtain relics left behind by the ancient civilization?" someone asked. "No, there''s no such bracelet among the semi-mature supreme treasures!" another replied. In the six great pces, the incarnations of mighty gods weremunicating and conversing with each other. Even they were greatly shocked and moved. Supreme treasures refined by oneself would naturally be more handy and perfectly suited to oneself. In the Great Barrier, endless mes flickered. It was the intertwining of supreme rules, the sound of countless scriptures turning, and the spectacle of refining treasures. It was even greater and more terrifying than the emergence of the Immortal Umbre and the Divine Pce. It was a unique urrence in the world, this phenomenon had never happened since this era began. Some became restless. At this moment, some of the mighty gods and top figures among the Land of the Undying all mobilized together. They wanted to stop Fang Yuzhu from refining treasures. However, their first wave of attacks was repelled. In the Great Barrier. mes surged for millions of feet, illuminating the entire ne of semi-material and semi-energy. The woman didn''t need to consume too much mental energy when she was refining the treasure because the supreme treasure was about to mature, and the main thing was the effect of the old covenant bearer. Now, the soon-to-be-formed supreme treasure was absorbing the power of the entire Great Barrier. "Fang Yuzhu, you''ve crossed the line!" Someone shouted. It was an elegant and graceful woman in silver-white armor. She had crossed mountains and rivers while carrying arge sword that had the boundless power of the divine. She wasing from another Great Barrier. "Fang Yuzhu, the agreement didn''t include this. You can go and get the Immortal Umbre and the Divine Pce, but you shouldn''t use our supreme rules to refine supreme treasures!" shouted a man. A mighty undying being had arrived. He was enveloped in divine rings that were dazzling like a huge sun in the sky. He was holding a spear and it was as if he crossed a sea of stars with each step he took. The bloodied spear tip in his hand stabbed forward. The immortals, the gods, and the undying came from the Immortal Realm, the Land of Divine, and the Land of the Undying, respectively. They were different appetions for the beings behind the great veil, but their ranks were consistent. "But the agreement also didn''t prohibit me from refining treasures here," Fang Yuzhu responded. At this moment, she was ethereal in white and was surrounded by clusters of Divine Ascension Bamboo. There were also golden lights raining down, it was divine and transcendent. She waved her right hand, and with a crisp sound the stabbing spear tip was snapped off by her. The man enveloped in radiant divine rings was shaken back and blood spurted from his mouth and nose. The crowd was shocked! A mighty being attacked first, and yet he was injured in the first counterattack? At this point, no one would doubt that Fang Yuzhu had be a peerless transcendent in recent years. Her spirit had undergone a great Nirvana with iparable methods. Other mighty beings were not her match anymore. One must be a peerless transcendent in order to take her down and confront her. However, the leaders of the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine were heading towards the Land of Immortals. Chirp!¡¡ The woman in silver-white armor made her move. Naturally, she used the means of a mighty god. Herrge sword tore through the semi-material ne, just like the judgment of the supreme rules. However, Fang Yuzhu''s brow glowed and a fairy flower bloomed there. Several petals that wereposed of the mostplex runes, flew out andnded on therge sword. In an instant, the weapon of the mighty god disintegrated. Therge sword was cut by the petals, and several crystalline petals fell which pierced through the shoulder of the mighty goddess. She sttered divine blood which caused mountains to copse in the vastnd below. In the Great Barrier, the means of mighty gods and transcendent immortals could still be fully disyed. It was unlike in the mortal world where they were suppressed to the ground. Swish! Swish! Swish! Further away, mighty gods and top undying beings appeared. They joined forces and rushed over to stop Fang Yuzhu from refining the treasure. At that moment, the Demon Lord, Zhang Daoling, and the Hades Blood Patriarch also came out. They stood there to support Fang Yuzhu in resisting, not a single person was allowed to disrupt her. "What are we supposed to do if you refine the treasure? This opportunity for refining treasures belongs to the undying!" A mighty being shouted. He was in a resonating cyan-gold armor that radiated light all over. With intertwined order that resembled a gxy surrounding him, heunched another attack in conjunction with others. Fang Yuzhu replied, "The old covenant bearer I found belongs to a previous transcendent civilization, a covenant of bygone myths. I haven''t used the undying beings¡¯ covenant bearer of this era. That thing is not with me. Of course, I did call upon some of the power of this Great Barrier. Because I thought you had given up and wouldn''t refine treasures in this era." In fact, the number of bygone transcendent civilizations far exceeded the number of treasures. Only a few could truly refine supreme treasures, and some transcendent civilizations either gave up or failed in the end. "Attack! Regardless, we cannot let her brazenly refine treasures using our Great Barrier. Stop her together!" someone shouted. Undoubtedly, this was an astonishing battle. However, the progenitors of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen and the Supetive Pce were unfortunately absent. They were the true leaders who had undergone the great Nirvana of the spirit. These mighty beings that were present could not stop Fang Yuzhu. Not far away, Old Zhang also acted recklessly. Whoever he aimed his broken mirror at would stiffen and stumble. Some people were almost immobilized by him. Demon Lord and the Hades Blood Patriarch seized the opportunity to attack. The mighty beings that were briefly stalled were wounded by them with blood sshing out. "Go get someone! Bring back the progenitors from the peerless transcendent realms!" someone shouted. Some mighty beings shook their heads, saying, "It''s impossible. The fiercest group of mighty beings has entered the sacred ground of the Immortal Dao, obtained the Ascension Banner, and is having a fierce battle with others. They have preliminarily locked onto the Roaming Ark and won''t turn back without significant gains." Boom!¡¡ Finally, a strong earthquake shook the earth as if doomsday had arrived. The semi-material and semi-energy ne was like a mountain tall tsunami. The Great Barrier was cut open from the outside, and a supreme treasure entered the great veil from the real world. "The Divine Pce has appeared!" someone shouted. "After so many years of hiding, the Divine Pce finally shows itself. Even the old guy behind it couldn''t resist anymore? He wants to intervene!" another shouted. Undoubtedly, the owner of the Divine Pce came for Fang Yuzhu and her bracelet. He abruptly appeared and intended to crush everyone with an absolute Shielding Dao treasure. He wanted to seize this nearly formed treasure. "Little Zhang, have your Daoist people arrived? What about the Buddhist ascetics?" Demon Lord asked. The situation was too urgent. Everyone would be in trouble if they weren''t careful. As formidable as Fang Yuzhu was, she couldn''t stop the Divine Pce without a supreme treasure in hand! It was a magnificent pce that radiated millions of threads of colorful light. After breaking through the Great Barrier with an overwhelming force, it intended to suppress all the obstacles here. Zhang Daoling nodded and said, "They have arrived. Experts from the Daoism and Buddhist sects have alle out. They have long set their sights on the Divine Pce as they believe that the beings who control the Divine Pce do not belong to this era. They might have survived to this era while staying hidden within that treasure. It could be terrifying or it might just be hanging on by a thread, it all depends on luck!" Inside the Divine Pce, arge amount of real substance was stored inside. It was carved into houses, beds, coffins, and many more, which allowed that person to survive difficult times. However, he still couldn''t find his way out in this era , let alone break through. This was an absolute secret, but it was deduced by the joint efforts of the Buddhists and Daoists. Their division ofbor was clear. The two sects had targeted the Divine Pce, wanting to emte that old monster and allow the vast pce to survive the transcendent dark nights and winters. Boom! In the distance, figures from the Daoist sect made their moves, with purple energying from the east for tens of thousands of miles, and Buddhist light shining over the Great Barrier. They joined forces, reciting scriptures together to resist the Divine Pce. Old Zhang also quickly rushed out andunched attacks with the fragments of the Celestial Mirror. "The world is in chaos. Even an ancient transcendent being from a bygone civilization has appeared. There are indeed such people who have survived through the depletion period and have never died!" sighed the Hades Blood Patriarch, even he felt uneasy and deeply shocked. Demon Lord Yan Yan said, "Having lived for so long, he still hasn''t found a new path and can''t hold on anymore. Now he''s deluding himself into trying to extend his life with a few more supreme treasures. Unfortunately, this era won''t give him the chance!" The two of them also took action. All mighty beings knew that the transcendent world was elerating its copse. This mythical era wouldn''tst much longer. Perhaps it woulde to an end after this battle. The so-called seven or eight months were once again greatly shortened! Their mythical civilization was prematurelying to a close! It has to be said, the Divine Pce was too terrifying. Its indiscriminate attacks sent even this group of mighty beings flying with blood dripping from their lips. Even the mighty beings from the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine were affected. Everyone was targeted! "It''s a bit precarious. This old monster is incredibly strong, plus it hadpletely refined the Divine Pce. Are we going to capsize?" Old Zhang said. "No worries, he must be too old to endure anymore. His essence is almost rotten having survived two mythical eras in a row. Just hold on!" replied Hades Blood Patriarch. "He, even the expedition of the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine to the Immortal Realm doesn''t mean they have the upper hand. They will also suffer greatly. The one who wields the Sword of Mortal belongs to this mythical civilization. Although he''s an ancient person, he''s still vigorous." said the Demon Lord. Old Zhang, the Hades Blood Patriarch, and others quickly exchanged words. In fact, even Fang Yuzhu was now under tremendous pressure, with a trickle of blood running down her lip. When the Divine Pce shone for the second time, its millions of threads of light reached everywhere. It was even more terrifying, causing everyone''s faces to change. This old monster seemed unconcerned about his energy consumption. It looked effortless! "Don''t worry, reinforcements have arrived!" Fang Yuzhu spoke up. Two figures appeared, and most crucially, they held a brilliant divine map together. They then directly blocked the Divine Pce, intercepting its millions of threads of light, and slightly shook the huge pce. "That''s the current bearer of the Old Covenant of the Immortal Realm!" said someone. The current Old Covenant bearer of the Immortal Realm was much stronger than the bearers of the Old Covenants of the bygone transcendent eras. It could only briefly hold back the supreme treasures. Chapter 470: The Family Heirloom Bracelet Is A Supreme Treasure Chapter 470: The Family Heirloom Bracelet Is A Supreme Treasure In the Great Barrier, the Divine Pce trembled violently, it was as if mythology itself was decaying, dragging all supernatural worlds down with it. The impact was immense. A bracelet, polished like ck jade yet dotted with lustrous white specks, akin to a deep cosmos adorned with stars, hovered amidst mes forged from the highest rules. Nearby, an ancient covenant of the present age shed fiercely with the divine relic. Held in the hands of shadowy figures, it unleashed astonishing power and boundless vitality. This relic of the Celestial Path and the bracelet resonated with each other, sharing a natural connection and mutual understanding, as if all the epics of this mythological era were being recited simultaneously. The cosmos shuddered with extraordinary upheavals, suggesting the awakening of another divine relic, spreading across the heavens like an enormous umbre ascending to tear through the stars and rush toward the realm of the undying. In thend of technological beings, a pool surfaced, its waters brimming with formidable life force, countering the cosmic "correction" in a bid to prolong the existence of the supernatural. This defiance caused the stars themselves to tremble. In the Celestial Path, a mysterious figure wielding a worldly sword embarked on a massacre, causing supreme deities to fall, their divine blood staining the heavens with a terrifying spectacle. The Ascension Banner, jointly wielded by the ancestors of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen and the Supetive Pce, struggled against the sword bearer. In this semi-material energy ne corresponding to the heavens, stars exploded under the pressure of the divine relic, unable to withstand its force. The semi-material outer space corresponding to the Celestial Path roared continuously, with manys instantly shattering into dust, leaving the starry sky in chaos. The Leisurely Boat was hunted, with top-tier immortals and gods renowned across the great barrier joining forces, risking obliteration to seize the second divine relic, hoping to collectively confront the worldly sword and its master. The four great mythological realms¡ªCelestial Path, the undying, the divine, and technology¡ªall plunged into utter chaos. The great barriers and the heavenly realms seemed on the brink of total copse, moving inexorably towards their end. ¡­¡­ In the half-decaying grand barrier, six enormous pces stand far apart from each other, resembling colossal beasts or perhaps thest links between mythology and reality. In the Life Essence Pce, the grand sorcerer Xu Fu sits on a high tform, his expression grim. Repeatedly shaken, even the incarnation of an unparalleled immortal feels ufortable, akin to a mortal suffering from severe motion sickness and vomiting. Currently, he is actively searching for the highest reward among the six grand pces, nning to seize it and flee. Chen Yongjie, although protected by Xu Fu, still harbors resentment. After leveraging the astonishing resources borrowed from this ce, he painstakingly cultivated to the ninth segment in just over a month, only to be shaken back again. "Do I have an unbreakable bond with the eighth segment?" Initially, in the Old Earth, he was almost at the ninth segment, only to be shaken back to the early eighth segment by Wang Xuan. This cycle has repeated several times; whenever he advances, an ident urs, and he is reverted back to his original state. Xu Fu said, "It''s not entirely a bad thing. This is solidifying your foundation. The more firmly you are hammered down, the more solid your Dao fruit will remain once the cosmic correction concludes. Don''t blindly pursue superficial heights; what''s not yours will be fatal when you fall from a high ce." "Will people die?" Chen Yongjie is rmed. "Of course. Do you think you''llnd safely? Without the death of some supernatural beings, how can the merciless will of the cosmos be demonstrated, how can the irreversibility of the great trend be shown?" The fierce confrontations in the heavenly realm and the great barriers render the mortal world restless, leaving all supernatural beings on edge. It is understood that magic and longevity are elerating towards copse. "With four shakes a day, I''m likely to not even maintain my grandmaster status!" Qing Mu turns pale. After being shaken down, he was just a step away from the supernatural realm, but now, he has fallen to the mid-stage of a grandmaster. Wu Yin also bes anxious. Having reached the mid-segment of the first level, she estimates that at this rate, she will revert to being mortal overnight. Supernatural beings from all camps are undergoing this torment, all weakening continuously. "It''s also good. This is a preview of the future, just arriving early, letting us abandon illusions and prepare mentally to ept reality." On a slope, beneath arge tree, as yellow leaves flutter down, Wang Xuan is also shaken several times but stabilizes each time. At its most intense, he merely experiences turmoil in his blood and qi. This shows the incredibly solid foundation of his Dao; being able to stand at the end of mythology¡ªthe eleventh segment¡ªclearly sets him apart, with a resilience far beyond ordinary. "I''ve almost fullyprehended various scriptures, but to break through the existing theories of mythology, I must find a different method." He calms down, undisturbed by the outside world, fully immersing himself in cultivation. He''s keenly aware that even among the highest scriptures, he can''t find a way out. "The alternative ''Time Theft'' should be the first choice, whether it''s in the Inner Landscape or the Misty Realm, both have simr traits. However, in the Inner Landscape, the enhancement of mental perception far exceeds any other ce." Wang Xuan contemtes how to bring out that ability. In that case, with his mental perception speed far surpassing those avatars, subduing them wouldn''t be very difficult. Next, he searches the spiritual treasury for materials rted to the Inner Landscape, delving deeper to further analyze and acquire the abilities he desires. What hecks in other areas, he makes up for in scriptures, boasting a collection more astonishing than the scripture vaults of ancient great teachings, thanks to Old Zhong and various family treasures, all transferred into his spirit. "The Divine Illumination of the Inner Landscape discusses the Inner Landscape with unique insights, describing how the spirit actively illuminates the Inner Landscape, which is very referential, implying that one can conditionally initiate the Inner Landscape on their own." "The Spirit As borates on the different Inner Sceneries corresponding to different spirits, discussing the rtionship between spiritual expansion and the Inner Landscape." "Inner Sense talks about the extreme spread of mental perception, the essential touch of hyper-sense to initiate the Inner Landscape, and theorizes about the divine sense at the theoretical end, suspecting something beyond the divine sense!" In an instant, Wang Xuan is deeply moved, realizing he should have dug into these scriptures earlier, finding what he needs. Hyper-sense is naturally essential for initiating the Inner Landscape, and that seemingly unattainable divine sense for ordinary people, he has personally experienced! As for beyond the divine sense, he has never ventured there; it was merely spected to exist by the ancients. Wang Xuan believes this is his direction, some of the predecessors'' thoughts coincide with his. Crucially, he has a special Inner Landscape, giving him a natural advantage to practice further. He forgoes sleep and forgets all else, until a moment when he triggers a mental sensation between hyper-sense and divine sense. Only then does he open his eyes¡ªhas the Inner Landscape opened?! For the first time in his life, he actively opened the Inner Landscape Land. Though there was a stroke of serendipity involved, it wasn''t entirely under his control. However, this was a godsend for him at this stage, precisely what he needed. He immediately delved in, firstly to continue exploring the divine sense, and secondly to fully immerse himself in studying this broad direction with the advantage of "stealing time." "If my mental perception can remain in an extremely active state outside the Inner Landscape Land, where a few minutes of thought is equivalent to years of work for ordinary people, then I can surely suppress those avatars!" But how to keep this perception constantly active, and importantly, how to maintain that state outside the Inner Landscape Land? "Such a state should exist outside as well, most likely beyond the divine sense!" With this, Wang Xuan embarked on this path of cultivation, continuously training and finding his own way. "If I can maintain a state beyond divine sense outside the Inner Landscape, in the same realm, that would be an almost unsolvable state!" This time "stealing time"sted exceptionally long, feeling like "eighty years" had passed for Wang Xuan. He dedicated his mental perception to analyzing hyper-sense, divine sense, and more. This unprecedented experience of time passage, or rather, the heightened activity of mental perception far exceeded previous asions. "Bringing the state beyond divinity into the real world isn''t impossible. I have an idea, let''s try it!" Just before the Inner Landscape Land was about to close, Wang Xuan sprang into action. At that moment, the Inner Landscape space condensed infinitely towards his spirit, and then seemed to copse into his body, as if merging the Inner Landscape with his flesh. In an instant, Wang Xuan''s spirit returned to his body, experiencing it! One second...was not enough! The processsted less than a second before he inevitably exited that state, far too fleeting. "Less than a second? That''s hardly effective!" he mused to himself. If it were during a critical battle, indeed, it would be sufficient, a nce could y the enemy, let alone a second. However, he was up against nearly ten "selves," all powerful spiritual avatars. Less than a second was likely insufficient, unable to secure an instantaneous victory. Wang Xuan dedicated himself to further cultivation, experimenting tirelessly untilte into the night when he once again triggered hypersensitivity, opening the Inner Landscape Land. "The opening and closing of the Inner Landscape should be controble, just like that malevolent dragon who could silently ess my Inner Landscape. This alone proves a point." He realized he should have delved into the scriptures and discussions about Inner Landscape sooner. "I seem to have neared the states of hyper-sense and divine sense even without opening the Inner Landscape." He remembered his state when confronting the malevolent dragon, when his spiritual eye and the foundation of the eleventh segment merged, allowing him to preemptively sense the malice. That was when he enveloped part of the dragon''s spirit light and ventured into the void forbat. Diving deeper into his studies, he made new discoveries. This time his mental perception was more active than ever, "stealing time" as if he had lived through "a hundred years." Yet, upon emerging, the state beyond divinity stillsted less than a second. "A state where gods and Buddhas are in upon obstruction, maintaining it for a second seems tough to breach. I should find a way to resolve all issues within that instant." Deep into the night, the six gigantic pces were brightly lit, as the incarnations of the six supreme deities became restless, ready to snatch the highest reward and flee. They were currently on the hunt. "Where''s the Book of Ages? It''s gone without a trace, no scent of it to be found!" Some supreme beings flickered with uncertainty in their gaze. Naturally, some thought of Wang Xuan, whom the book had contacted multiple times. Could it be that it recognized him and granted him infinite benefits in advance? Even Xu Fu turned his gaze toward Wang Xuan, peering through time and space from the Life Essence Pce, his expressionplex and twitching. "I can''t believe he''s here too!" Chen Yongjie was shocked to learn that Wang Xuan was also present, situated on a distant slope, though he hadn''t attempted to storm the pces. "Was he the ''abnormal'' the limit-breaker assassin spoke of?" His shock stemmed frommunication barriers in this ce, aware of an "aberration" through spiritual exchanges but never pondered deeply on it. Wang Xuan opened his eyes, stepping out from the Inner Landscape once again. After a long period of contemtion, he felt confident in the path he had chosen. The direction was correct, but the journey was proving to be arduously challenging. The outer world was in ceaseless turmoil, especially now, as a dazzling light curtain surged, illuminating all the transcendents of the Immortal Land. It was the supreme rule of the great barrier transforming into a fiery light, refining a bracelet that astonishingly projected into the outer void, appearing amidst the cosmic vacuum. This marked the first urrence of a new treasure''s creation in this mythic era, an event even more astonishing than the emergence of divine pces and immortal umbres, other treasures of the age, sparking a resonance throughout the transcendent world. Although Wang Xuan had heard some discussions earlier, he hadn''t paid much attention until he witnessed it with his own eyes, leaving him utterly astounded. "Is that... isn''t that ours?" he thought, his mind in disarray amidst the swirling winds. The great barrier shone upon the world, its highest rules interweaving as the ck bracelet magnified infinitely. Its obsidian core, with pristine points of light etched upon it, exuded an aura of grandeur, beautiful and sublime, emanating the essence of the Dao. Moreover, Wang Xuan faintly saw the reflection of Fang Yuzhu within the great barrier, immediately confirming that the bracelet belonged to his family. "Wasn''t it just something from a street stall? How did it be a treasure?" Wang Xuan waspletely dumbfounded. He couldn''t help but murmur to himself, contemting the origins of the bracelet... given away, wondering who among them was truly blood-rted. He wanted to question his parents whether he was adopted. Everything seemed muddled. His parents had given away a treasure? Such a notion sounded more fantastical than the myths themselves, utterly imusible. Could his parents be significant figures? Wang Xuan found himself questioning his existence once again, despite having dismissed such thoughts before as they didn''t withstand scrutiny. Aside from everything else, based on what he remembered, his parents'' actions didn''t resemble those of supreme beings. For instance, his mother would faint at the sight of blood when ughtering a chicken, always delegating the task to his father. In fact, his father also seemed as if he were heading to the gallows with each attempt, holding his breath while wielding the knife. Thus, whether it involved killing chickens or ughtering fish, the couple always purchased them pre-cleaned. They never engaged in such tasks themselves, steering clear of any free-range or wild goods, absolutely not partaking in the act of killing. Furthermore, many of their words and deeds didn''t align with those of a supreme expert, making it unlikely they were cultivators. "It can only be said, there were moments when they seemed beyond this world, but mostly, they were ordinary," Wang Xuan reasoned, arriving at some understanding. He even developed a usible guess, feeling he was close to the truth. "Our family treasure given away so generously, could they have been serious, possibly intending it as a betrothal gift?" he pondered, observing the distant barrier shining forth. Soon after, he felt uneasy, a sense of disquiet settling over him. He immediately activated his spiritual eye,bining it with his own foundation, sensing a malevolence in the ether. "Not the Evil Dragon, but still formidable, lurking nearby!" Wang Xuan confirmed, sensing the intent of a supreme deity''s avatar targeting him from the Ascension Pce among the six colossal pces. "Given the chaos of the world, with the transcendent realm crumbling, I don''t mind going all out at the very end," he murmured to himself, preparing for battle. In this ce, he knew well that employing a treasure would attract the wrath of numerous supreme beings, leading to a collective hunt. Even beings from beyond this world might strike. Neither the time nor the ce was right for such actions; it was best to rely on his own strength for retaliation. With a swift motion, his spirit plunged into the soil of life, grasping the lid of the cauldron and the God-ying Banner, instantly stepping into the void to confront those avatars. Then, he released all his avatars into the mortal realm, surrounding him in preparation. Finally, the avatar from the Ascension Pce made its move, its eyes shooting two blood-red beams across space and time, focusing on Wang Xuan and indifferently inquired, "Is the Book of Old Covenants with you?" Wang Xuan had been waiting for this moment. Surrounded by a host of powerful incarnations, ready to hunt down a supreme being, he aimed to resolve his own dilemmas and advance to the twelfth segment. Thus, he neither panicked nor retreated; instead, he felt a surge of excitement, boldly responding, "Do you possess a semi-matured treasure? Hand it over!" The outer world was astir, the once dormant "Limit-Breaking Assassin" no longer keeping a low profile, poised for a fierce strike. Was he about to engage in a deadly sh with a supreme deity? Wang Xuan stood up, his feet glowing, crossing the sky to enter the immense Ascension Pce. Chapter 471: Surrounding And Hunting The Mighty Gods Chapter 471: Surrounding And Hunting The Mighty Gods Surrounded by maple trees, their fiery red leaves resembling the evening sky, a majestic pce stood amidst the forest, grand and imposing. Wang Xuannded on the ground, standing within the great pce, showing no fear. To the outside world, everyone was astonished. The young man, as if flying, traversed to the Ascension Pce without showing any reverence to the supreme gods, quite proactive in his approach. "What are you doing here in the presence of the gods, without any respect,ing alone to the Ascension Pce?" Inside the pce, naturally, there were other cultivators, many of whom scrutinized him with critical eyes. A youthful and beautiful girl, her hair fluttering, exuding an aura of divinity, asked nonchntly with a hint of arrogance, "Have youe to pay homage to the great god?" Wang Xuan ignored them and continued forward, indifferent to their gaze. What was he there to do? To y a god! "Answer when you''re spoken to!" someone shouted. The youthful girl, with disdain in her voice, said, "The so-called ''Limit Breaker Assassin'', impressive in the mortal realm, but that''s meaningless before a supreme god." Wang Xuan responded with a p, sending the divine-aura girl flying. She crashed against a massive column in the distance and fell to the ground, her chest caved in, unable to avoid his strike, her organs crushed to pulp."Insolence!" Inside the pce, those with a divine aura rebuked in unison, finding the young man''s audacity too much, especially for striking down a servant close to the god. Wang Xuan, unbothered, continued his stride. ng! A giant sword was drawn as the first young man to speak out took action, blocking the path. Wang Xuan didn''t stop, barely giving them a nce, and said, "Move. Shut up, and disappear from here if you don''t want to die!" "Kill!" someonemanded. As followers of the supreme god, they naturally had to uphold the god''s supreme dignity in any situation. The next moment, as supermaterial energy surged, someone made a move. However, before their sword light could strike, their head thudded to the ground with a dull sound. Wang Xuan advanced, his body radiating sword light. A group retreated, and with puffs, those who stood in the forefront became corpses, their blood staining the ground of the Ascension Pce. "What kind of god are you?" Wang Xuan reached the depths of the pce, unobstructed by anyone. It was clear to all that he truly feared nothing, having even ughtered the god¡¯s servant. Atop the grand dais of the pce, a man¡¯s eyes shed with silver light, tangible and distorting the void. His voice was indifferent, "Where is the Book of Ages?" He was d in silver feathers, his hair and eyebrows long and silver-white, eyes deep, features prominent, strikingly handsome. Seated there, he seemed almost two meters tall when standing, unaffected by external matters, showing no emotional response to the deaths of his followers and servant. Without receiving an answer, Wang Xuan did not engage further. Surveying the entire pce, he decided this would be his battleground. Without a doubt, although the silver-haired god appeared self-assured and detached, a battle over the Book of Ages was inevitable between them. Indeed, regardless of how transcendent the silver-haired god¡¯s demeanor was, he ultimately had to act, his presence far surpassing other super beings. Without much talk, still seated, he reached out with one hand and pressed down. A st resounded as bolts of heavenly thunder exploded, shaking the entire pce, illuminating countless runes. Wang Xuan sidestepped, leaving behind an afterimage, but massive lightning intertwined to form a cage, trapping him on all sides, blocking his escape route. This god was indeed powerful, far surpassing Limit Breakers, administering a thunder punishment on Wang Xuan. It was clear this being had transcended limits long ago, bing increasingly formidable upon attaining divinity. Wang Xuan tore through the lightning with his sword wheel, meeting the god''s gaze evenly. The god remained seated on the high tform, enveloped in a silvery-white divine halo, showing no intention of standing. Wang Xuan maintained hisposure. If the god was self-assured, let him remain seated, perhaps even until his end. The next moment, Wang Xuan moved, employing a secret technique that summoned a colossal golden figure around him, his true form shining brilliantly within. This dazzling figure, terrifying in its might, thrust a punch forward, nearly overturning the pce itself. Tiles and roof beams burst apart, even as protective arrays failed to preserve them. Wang Xuan had yet to deploy his avatars, primarily aiming to gauge the strength of this so-called supreme god''s incarnation in the mortal world. The silver-haired god''s right hand moved through the void, creating a series of afterimages that blocked Wang Xuan''s various attack trajectories, demonstrating formidable strength. Landing smoothly on the ground, Wang Xuan was neither discouraged nor disheartened. The god''s mastery of the second level of Effortless Realm suggested a higher realm than his. "Breaking the limit, he''s at the tenth level, plus two levels of Effortless Realm... Well, he''s not quite at the twelfth level, the ultimate boundary beyond the scope of mythological theory. However, his experience is vast, honed over many years; his avatar indeed has the stature to look down upon all opponents in the mortal world." Wang Xuan contemted the strengths and weaknesses between them, recognizing the challenge ahead. He needed the prowess of the twelfth level to y a god. "The peculiar Void Realm, nearly real meteorite channels, creating avatars closely resembling my essence. Merging with them reaches the twelfth realm. Now, united with them, I am not far from that realm, almost a quasi-twelfth level, ready for battle." In the next moment, every gesture of Wang Xuan radiated sword light, even his gaze and hair shimmered with dazzling sword energy, filled with boundless killing intent. Wang Xuan, concealing his intentions amidst the barrage of sword lights, advanced aggressively, unleashing all his spiritual avatars. These "selves," resembling him in power, surged forward as swiftly as light, crashing down like meteorites, their formidable presence unyielded. Instantly, the pce, resembling a city in its vastness, copsed under their assault. The myriad forms of "Wang Xuan," men and women alike, each more wild and fierce than thest, caused upheaval. The high tform exploded as the god, shrouded in a silvery halo, his pupils contracting, exerted his full strength in an aerial evasion. He found his opponents ruthlessly aggressive, bewildered by the multitude of avatars, each nearly as strong as their master. As the pce shattered, the external world could now glimpse the battle within. Some beings from the realm of immortals recognized several figures amidst the chaos. "Is that Old Zhang, striking at a god like a rebel?" Chen Yongjie was the first to be shocked, his exmation betraying his disbelief. "And the Demon Lord?!" His confusion deepened upon spotting figures like Fairy Fang, the Blood Sect Patriarch, and even more perplexingly, the Demon Ancestor and Zheng Yuantian, known adversaries of Wang Xuan. "Isn''t Zheng supposed to be dead?" "The Fairy Fang is here too, and the Blood Sect Patriarch is aiding Wang Xuan in battle?!" In outer space, Qingmu was dumbfounded. Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin, recognizing these figures, were likewise stunned. Ma Chao Fan and the little fox were petrified, bewildered by the unfolding scene. The grand sorcerer Xu Fu twitched at the sight, realizing these were Wang Xuan''s avatars, marveling at the young man''s audacity to impersonate such legendary figures. Did he not fear the wrath of the Demon Lord, Zhang Daoling, and others upon discovering his act? In that moment, avatars like the Demon Lord, Zhang Daoling, and the Demon Ancestor manifested tangibly, indistinguishable from their originals. Within the steel fortress in outer space, experts who were well-versed in the celestial realm recognized these incarnations as Wang Xuan''s avatars, marveling at their detailed appearances. "To all, this isn''t a mere brawl. Wang Xuan, the Limit Breaker Killer standing at the zenith of the eleventh realm, is indeed extraordinary. Those manifestations are his avatars, each a renowned figure from the annals of cultivation history." "The first one, Fairy Fang, a transcendent being from the celestial realm!" "As the identity of each avatar was disclosed by the experts within the steel fortress, spectators aboard various spacecraft were left speechless, their hearts racing at the revtion." "The audacity!" eximed the spectators, astonished by the scene unfolding before them. The world outside was in uproar as a collective of Wang Xuan avatars besieged the supreme god. In the Ascension Pce, reduced to rubble in moments, Wang Xuan led the assault, his avatars equally formidable, tearing through defenses with ease. A mere encounter left the silver-haired god''s sleeves obliterated, revealing his luminous arms. The Demon Lord, turning swiftly, unleashed a torrent of thunder with his oil-paper umbre, engulfing the god in a storm of lightning, showcasing the avatar''s mastery of thunder magic. Struck, the god bore scorch marks from the impacts. Zheng Yuantian, diving with murderous intent, shed with the god amid a deafening explosion, a mushroom cloud rising from the impact. To the shock of many, Zheng disintegrated, turning to ash. Was this his end? Yet, from the ashes emerged a figure in a silver robe, reborn and indistinct, striking the god with a punch that sent him reeling with blood. This scenario unveiled a secret of the celestial realm: while the Zheng Yuantian of the celestial realm perished, the creator of the Demonic Fetus Technique, an ancient terror, still lived. Wang Xuan, in this avatar form, revealed a hidden truth, a real event of the celestial realm. The silver-haired god, sensing the gravity of the situation, summoned a vision of fiery red maple forests, his ce of enlightenment in the mortal realm. "Maple leaves nket the sky, mes reach the heavens, to annihte all foes," he roared. In an instant, endless forests and divine mes engulfed the Ascension Pce, a desperate attempt to obliterate his adversaries with the lingering essence of transcendentws. Yet, these efforts proved futile against Wang Xuan and his avatars. Unfazed, they wielded their own fiery techniques, meeting fire with fire in a fierce counterattack. For a moment, the battlefield was engulfed in a myriad of divine mes: Samadhi True Fire, Thunder Fire, Demonic Fire, Nine Nethers Demonic Fire, Nirvana Fire, and Feathered Path Fire, all converging to shroud the silver-haired god in a deadly embrace. In the grand cosmos of the Great Barrier, Fang Yuzhu reached the final stages of refining the treasure. The ck jade bracelet, adorned with lustrous white specks, exuded an imperial aura, its power astonishing. This moment brought them all a sigh of relief. It was then, through the grand veil, that they gazed upon the world below. The Demon Lord''s gaze first fell upon the six majestic pces, and then, to her astonishment, upon herself! "Xiao Zhang, you''re moonlighting for someone else," she remarked, holding back her fury, instead alerting Zhang Daoling. "That kid... really dares!" Zhang Daoling was perturbed. "And there''s Fang Xianzi, and me, and shamefully, even the Demon Ancestor, Qi Teng, and others. He''s really indiscriminate!" The Underworld Blood Master''s eyes bulged in shock. After their spiritual essence retreated and their memories were cleansed, leaving no recollection of the void, the sight of such avatars agitated them profoundly, stirring a collective urge to confront Wang Xuan. Amidst the ruins of the Ascension Pce, the silver-haired god could no longer remain aloof. Engulfed by genuine fury, he engaged in fiercebat with Wang Xuan, from spellcasting to physical shes, making the battle exceedingly intense. Spectacr supreme techniques blossomed across the battlefield like fireworks, with divine weapons singing as they cleaved through the air, striking with ferocity. "Go!" With amand from the silver-haired god, three silver-white spears, as majestic as cascading gxies, howled through the void, weaving through the avatars with the same devastating force as sword techniques. Fang Yuzhu, in Wang Xuan''s guise, exuded an air of immortal grace. His white robes billowed as he unleashed the Ascension Secret Technique, filling the space with luminescent rain, each drop a reflection of his form, gradually disintegrating the silver spears. "Cycle of the Demon Wheel Technique!" from behind, the "Demon Ancestor" bellowed, unleashing a potent demonic n''s secret technique that plunged the adversary into a brief spiritual reincarnation, trapped within a nightmarish scenario. With a crackling roar, the Demon Lord, umbre in hand, cast a vast canopy overhead. An endless sea of thunder descended, this time apanied by an assembly of immortals in the lightning, joining the assault. "In the Twilight of the Immortals ¨C Thunderous Decline!" This symphony of thunder, a cmitous heavenly tribtion, was unleashed upon the god, heralding the twilight of the gods. Thunderbolts and the shadows of immortals struck down together, leaving the silver-haired god coughing up blood profusely. With a thunderous crash, Fang Yuzhu swooped in, delivering a punch from the sky, apanied by the luminescent glow of feathering, punching a bloody hole through the god''s chest. "Heh, your body nourishes my life, with the immortal embryo taking residence!" The mysterious figure in a silver robe, emerged from Zheng Yuantian''s ashes, spoke coldly. The so-called Demon Embryo Technique, also known by some as the Immortal Embryo Technique, least of all by himself as demonic. The god''s blood, transforming into a line, connected to the silver-robed figure, with an inexplicable halo burrowing into the god''s body. "First sh of the god, severing flesh and blood!" "Second sh of the god, severing the soul!" "Third sh of the god, severing space and time!" The silver-haired god roared, having already executed his three shes. They were aimed at everyone''s flesh and blood, soul, and the very fabric of space and time, reaching everywhere without limits. "Reversal!" The avatar identified as "Zhang Daoling" shouted, sweeping his hands across the void, mirrors appearing everywhere, reflecting and blocking the god''s shes from all directions, sending the luminous strands and remnants of supreme rules back at him. This act was nearly defying the heavens, shocking everyone who witnessed it. Wang Xuan, himself, was deeply contemtive, acknowledging the profound insights these avatars gained in the Void, stealing moments to master secret techniques. However, this was also a journey of self-exploration, with all insights eventually merging back into him, bing his own techniques. "I am but the primary body. All of you, join in the attack, or we''ll struggle to hold back!" the avatar iming to be Zhang Daoling asserted his primacy. "I am the primary body, step aside! Let my demonic fire scorch the heavens and y this false god!" "What are you talking about? I am the primary body. Move over, let my ten thousand swords resonate and cut down this foreign god!" ... "You all deserve to die!" the silver-haired god eximed, his body erupting in a surge of silver light, sweeping across heaven and earth! Yet, a host of figures, undeterred and vying for dominance, charged together, surrounding the silver-haired god for the hunt! Chapter 472: Wang Xuan Killing Gods Chapter 472: Wang Xuan Killing Gods Since the dawn of mythology, supreme gods have always been revered, standing high above all, worshiped by the transcendent, as the pinnacle of their aspirations and the zenith of their lives. But now, a band of "madmen," each more excited and frenzied than thest, eagerly vie to hunt the silver-haired god! He, a god returned from the Great Veil, holds a revered status. Every word and action of his spreads the lingering essence of transcendence, with remnants of the force of order expanding around him. Yet, he finds himself being mobbed by one individual leading a group of "himself." "Madness, truly unimaginable! A supreme god has be prey, besieged by a pack of lunatics in a hunt." In outer space, many are dumbstruck, incredulous at the sight. "Old Wang... is awesome, truly worthy of being my sworn brother. He''s aiming to y a god!" Transcendent Ma is the first toment. Qing Mu, Wu Yin, and Zhao Qinghan all nce at him, finding this horse shamelessly self-promoting. The mechanical teddy bear, ever so "honest,"ments, "But didn''t I hear you''re his mount?""Celestial Horse Gallops, Bear Punch!" Transcendent Ma roars, decisively brandishing his hooves! ¡­¡­ In the Hall of Nourishment, Chen Yongjie''s expression is gravely serious, understanding the implications of a supreme god''s involvement and not being reassured by Wang Xuan''s formidable disy. The Great Daoist Xu Fu nods,menting, "There''s a method to this madness. So many avatars, none weaker than the primary self, only someone teetering on the edge of mental breakdown orplete dissociative identity disorder would dare to train in such a manner!" A blinding sweep of silver light engulfs the decaying Great Veil, the divine aura around the silver-haired god surges outward, his body marked with bloodstains. Wounded yet his transcendent power escting amidst mortal resistance, the blood dripping from the corner of his mouth intensifies the murderous intent in his eyes. Suddenly, an endless expanse of fiery red maple forests emerges, a manifestation of his soul''s ascension site, which then explodes, reced by a cold silver radiance echoing through the cosmos. "Divine Triple sh, how could it be ineffectual, retrospect!" His voice, though not loud, carries an endless chill and oppressiveness, like a doomsday adjudication led by a supreme divine being, sentencing the gods. Puff! All present, regardless of their defenses or positions, are affected. The vanished Divine Triple sh, as if tracing back through time, reversely shes through. Firstly shing through time and space, the Hall of Feathered Transformation blurs and copses under a piercing silver brilliance, devastating everything in its path, causing the void itself to copse. Then shing through the spirit, all present, already spirit forms, find their defenses shattered, suffering various degrees of injuries as they struggle within the distorted void, each prated by a beam of silver light. Lastly, shing through the flesh, Wang Xuan''s chest is torn open by the dazzling divine light, a serious wound that spills blood profusely. The obstinate old Zhang bes enraged, "Dare to harm me, will the other selves not act to exterminate him? This is a disgrace, just a foreign god, how could we allow ourselves to bleed!" "Divine Triple sh, talk of retrospection, but it''s merely the oscition of residual forces of order. You desire such an effect? Return it to you!" The Demon Lord retorts. In an instant, the "Myriad Immortals Undergoing Tribtion" resurfaces,yer uponyer of lightning strikes down directly above the silver-haired god''s head, exploding violently and forcing him to stagger back. The silver-haired god''s eyes grow colder, with sections of his shoulder, chest, and back shed open, scorch marks surrounding the divine blood that trickles down. The mysterious individual reborn from Zheng Wu''s ashes speaks, "My avatars, as the primary self, it''s my duty to seek justice for you all. The divine embryo has taken root, aiming to usurp the fruit of a supreme god''s position!" Within the silver-haired god, an unknown force begins to corrode, aiming to seize control of the blood and spirit of a supreme god, using it as a nurturing ground, a womb, to birth a new divine being! Wang Xuan finds this tactic profoundly rming, questioning if these truly are his avatars. Could it be that the creator of the demonic embryo has been reborn within his psyche? Yet, he dismisses the thought. In the void, figures like Fang Yuzhu and Old Zhang had aided in his diagnosis; these are indeed his spirit avatars, without mistake. Everything stems from Wang Xuan having acquired the demonic embryo technique from Zheng Wu, a method he had scrutinized and analyzed. This mysterious avatar embodies that segment of his psyche, delving into the demonic embryo technique upon entering the void. "Out with you, gods should not be desecrated!" The silver-haired god erupts, every pore radiating blinding silver light, true divine mes that melt the copsing hall and twist the void. He seeks to cleanse himself with the mes of divinity, severing the mark of the parasitic divine embryo. "The avatars, what are you waiting for? Join me in eradicating him!" calls the Hades Blood Patriarch. With a thunderous punch, the heavens roar, as if a blood-red sun bursts into radiance. "Why argue over who''s the avatar or the primary self? Whoever ys this foreign god shall take the lead!" the Demon Ancestor deres. In an instant, his form expands, towering and imposing, stomping down only to incite rebukes from his peers for potentially sparking internal conflict prematurely. "Apologies!" the Demon Ancestor reduces his size, bing even more formidable, his demonic aura boiling over, radiating golden light, his pupils, sharp as des, dive at the silver-haired god. Yan Yan, the Demon Lord, remains silent, her umbre striking down, her movements graceful in her red dress, a vision of unmatched beauty. Wang Xuan, dizzy from the onught, resolves not to let the Demon Lord usurp him, pondering over the implications for his gender and demeanor. With a celestial force, Fang Yuzhu acts, unleashing the Feathered Transformation Fist. His pristine white fist mark shatters the god''s armor, and although the second punch is halted by divine light, it sends the god''s spirit reeling, nearly toppling him to the ground. "Avatar, how will you perform?" Zhang Daoling inquired of Wang Xuan. "I am the primary self. Naturally, if I make a move, it will be to determine life or death," Wang Xuan stated, his spiritual eye and the essence of the eleventh realm converging, making his mind and spirit clear. He sensed every malicious intent and threat in the ether, pinpointing the adversary''s vulnerabilities. "Be cautious, he has not yet been driven to desperation. Inside him, there''s a cocoon of light about to break free," Wang Xuan alerted his avatars, and with resolute action, he shed forth, his de intertwined with the light of his soul, targeting the mysterious cocoon within the god. The sword light pierced through the silver-haired god, his divine blood spilling, staining the ground as he was continuously prated. This sight startled all onlookers from the supernatural world, filling them with dread. "People really are witnessing deicide; he''s actually going to achieve it!" someone said, trembling. With a loud "bang," something within the silver-haired god seemed to shatter. From it, a cocoon hatched, rapidly splitting open to reveal a silver divine bird soaring with wings spread, merging with the original spirit. Hiscerated flesh underwent dramatic changes, his humanoid form growing taller and more majestic, standing over five meters tall. Moreover, pairs of pristine white wings unfurled behind him, unsullied and boiling with silver light. "He is the God of Light, whose incarnation is a twelve-winged seraph who has walked among humans for many years!" someone in the vastness of space felt a shiver down their spine, recognizing his identity. Previously, the god''s true identity was unknown. The God of Light, a symbol of the divine and illumination that purifies all darkness in the world, holds immense strength, renowned even among gods. "He is actually the God of Light, the supreme god I''ve worshiped, who had earlier gone into hiding, concealing his true face." Someone cried out in excitement. Now, he radiated with holy brilliance, making everything else in the world seem tainted with the mundane byparison, standing supremely above all. Grandmaster Xu Fu revealed a look of recognition, "This being seems familiar, very much like that fierce bird that once caused chaos in thend of immortality. It''s the offspring of the Silver Phoenix King and the Saint Light Bird." Back then, this figure held immense fame. His father ruled an ancient empire with vast influence, and he himself held a high position. However, after the fall of the ancient sovereigns, he hid and caused disturbances several times before fleeing far away. "It really is him. To think that the Light Peng became the God of Light, venturing into the depths of the universe to be a supreme god," Xu Fu expressed with a hint of amazement. As he spoke, a fierce battle erupted in the field. Worthy of the Phoenix King''s son, his achievements were considerable, bing a powerhouse of the curtain sky realm and one of the exceptional immortals. Indeed, in the depths of the universe, he proimed himself a god and was revered as the God of Light. The battle was intense. The fierce bird, more ferocious than before, unleashed countless beams of sword light with the spread of its wings, prating some of Wang Xuan''s avatars. Of course, these beings were no easy targets. They retaliated immediately, their figures numerous, with punches and swords sounding in unison, bombarding their way forward. "Wang Xuan alone is assaulting the great God of Light!" someonemented. "Silence! The God of Light cannot be defeated. Wang Xuan may be remarkable in the mortal realm, but he absolutely cannot y the God of Light!" Believers of the God of Light, though agitated and worried, were furious at heart, fearing Wang Xuan might y their god. The Hades Blood Patriarch sneered, "A ferocious bird from thend of immortality turns into a twelve-winged divine spirit in another ce. Interesting. Birdman, I''ll send you back to your grandmother''s house!" Clearly, Xu Fu''s remarks reached here, heard by Wang Xuan and his avatars. The Hades Blood Patriarch, with every gesture, unleashed dazzling punches, rounds of red suns exploding around the God of Light, colliding with his fists from time to time. Energy surged violently in the area. Wang Xuan, as the primary self, naturally wouldn''t just watch. He formed a sword wheel, confronting the Phoenix King''s son head-on, battling the famed fierce bird of antiquity. Within the sword wheel, he also manifested the true forms recorded on the stone tablets, blending supreme scriptures. His sword light cut off a section of the opponent''s wings, instantly turning bloody. And then, he personally dove down for a physical confrontation. His body roared, nearing the essence of true super matter, stunning the God of Light. With a punch carrying a hint of red substance, Wang Xuan collided with the God of Light, charring his fist ck. "The wrath of a god requires your blood to be quenched," the God of Light stated indifferently. As his words fell, a barrage of fists came crashing down. The divine light swept across them, but this group, mad as they were, paid no heed to his threats, focused solely on eliminating the foreign enemy to contest for the primary self. Boom! Fang Yuzhu was enveloped in a luminous rain of feathers, countering the torrent of sword light unleashed by her opponent. With movements of her hands, energy transformed into divine bamboo, emerging in clusters to bind the person ahead. Although she appeared as a transcendental woman, her strength was notably superior among the avatars. "Fang Yuzhu!" The God of Light''s pupils contracted, evidently recognizing her, and harbored deep hatred for the woman who ended the glory of ancient sovereigns. Of course, he knew this wasn''t the real Fang Yuzhu. Darkness and light intertwined, manifesting swathes of divine bamboo like rising sword beams, inflicting terrible wounds on the God of Light and tearing apart a pair of his pristine wings. "This world is too tainted, filled with filth and ugliness. Only light can purify the mortal realm and baptize thend of immortals. It starts with me, to cleanse this extraordinary world!" dered the God of Light. One by one, immacte feathers fell, arranging themselves across the void like endless, crystalline petals, exuding an otherworldly aura, brilliant yet sacred. Each feather possessed an indescribable charm, untainted by the mundane world, transcending beyond, forming a grand andplex pattern. "Be cautious, this might be a technique of universal destruction. He intends to take all opponents down with him!" Grandmaster Xu Fu warned from afar. Indeed, the attack was terrifying. The universe was filled with innumerable lights, silver and white pervading the mountains and cosmos, as if to overturn this decaying barrier. All the white feathers began to burn, instantly illuminating the mortal world, aiming to incinerate all beings, vaporizing everything cleanly. Naturally, Wang Xuan and his many avatars wouldn''t just stand by and watch. They all retaliated, using various trump cards to annihte the God of Light. In the final moments, half of the God of Light''s flesh shattered, his bones exposed, and the sacred wings behind him broke significantly, dripping blood. He rushed out, using this nearly self-destructive strike to escape the battlefield, unwilling to continue the fight. As the extraordinary world neared its extinguishment, the God of Light had no desire to engage in a life-and-death struggle with a mortal youth. Victory would bring no glory, while defeat would be too sorrowful. However, just as he managed to fly several hundred meters away, he discovered he couldn''t escape. The Blood Sovereign, holding several blood threads intertwined with the God''s body, spoke, "Did I permit your departure? The scarlet brand is marked; where do you think you can flee?" Simultaneously, the enigmatic figure reborn from Zheng Yuan Tian''s ashes stated, "The sanctuary for the celestial embryo has been chosen, both in form and spirit by me. Do you still think you can leave?" In his hands, strands also entangled the God of Light! Wang Xuan suggested, "Everyone here intends to fight over this body, aiming to be the sole upant. Hence, I propose we change the battlefield. Let''s kill this fierce bird and battle within his body. This way, our flesh won''t be damaged. Remember, mine is yours, and yours is mine." He added, "None should think of returning to our body prematurely. We''re equally matched in speed. A fierce struggle would only harm our own flesh. Let''s use the God of Light''s flesh as our battlefield and kill his spirit first!" "Agreed, let''s decide it this way, first y this fiend!" "What son of a demonic emperor? ughter and consume!" "I am the true self; we''ll exterminate his spirit first, the Patriarch arrives!" Despite being injured, with some even severely wounded, how could they not pay a bloody price in sessive confrontations against the powerful son of the ancient demonic emperor, the God of Light? Yet, their morale was high, all diving down, using secret techniques, and invading the God of Light''s flesh with a fierce hiss to seize it. "Kill!" A chorus of maniacs roared, their murderous intent soaring. The God of Light bellowed in rage, with various lights bursting within him. But his struggles grew weaker, and the divine me in his head began to extinguish. Wang Xuan and the others were also heavily wounded, but their spirits only soared higher, determined to obliterate the God of Light, using his domain as their battleground to vie for dominance. "Is... is the god dead?" someone in the outside world asked with a trembling voice. "The death of a god! That young man has in the God of Light!" Realization dawned upon the transcendents, leaving them incredulous and deeply shaken. Chapter 473: Unbeatable Divine Sense Chapter 473: Unbeatable Divine Sense The divine fire within the God of Light gradually extinguished, marking his true demise. "A youth from the mortal world... has seeded in ying a god!" someone trembled with emotion, the reality of the God of Light''s fall seeming surreal. A brief silence fell over the six great pces. In outer space, observers felt as if they were in a dream, witnessing the most inconceivable event of the age: the ying of a god. To the eyes of deities, those who had not entered the grand barrier of transcendence were still mortals, hardly a threat. Yet now, a mortal had in a god! Amid the ruins of the Ascension Pce, the God of Light met his end, but his body did not stiffen. Instead, it twitched more violently, as the battle within him intensified. With a burst, the God of Light''s right arm exploded, bones shattered under the relentless assault of the maniacs fighting within. "These maniacs have taken their fight inside the body of the God of Light!" someone with divine sight observed the murky scene, their expression turning unnatural. It was a wild sh, with the spiritual forms inside the God of Light''s body engaging in closebat and casting secret techniques - a band of fiends, their eyes bloodshot with fury. With another burst, half of the God of Light''s head shattered. "ying possum? No, it''s an explosion!" Everyone was speechless. Were these maniacs fighting amongst themselves? "The great deity, the embodiment of light, a twelve-winged deity who walked among mortals, now desecrated even in death, his body turned into a battlefield - how tragic!"The God of Light''s followers wept, especially those who had fled the Ascension Pce in fear, outrage, and relief. Had they not left earlier, they too might have perished. Amidst the ruins of the Ascension Pce, the once magnificent God of Light''s chest dramatically caved in, his divine heart shattering into numerous fragments. One such fragment, still pulsating with a silver-white luminescence indicative of its sacred origin, skittered across the ground, a testament to the fierce battle that had taken ce. The God of Light, previously standing tall at five meters, was now a figure of devastation. His form, meant to be invible, was on the verge of being reduced to nothing more than a gory mix of flesh and bone shards. "Enough of this endless battle," Wang Xuan suddenly dered, realizing the chaos only spiraled further out of control. "Let''s divide ourselves into factions," he suggested, keenly aware that the group had repeatedly targeted him, intending to eliminate what they saw as the main threat first. Heid out his n, "Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, Yan Yan, Ming Xue, we''re obviously on one team. After all, we¡¯re all old friends. And then there''s Yao Zu, Qi Teng, Demon Emperor, and those behind Zheng Yuan Tian on the other. Our first order of business should be to take down one of these opposing groups." Old Zhang was the first to voice his agreement, though with a twist, "I think it''s high time we cleaned up, starting with you!" "Right, pretending to be the leader when you''re just a side character? You''re going down first!" Yao Zu chimed in with approval. "Heh, as it should be," Demon Ancestor added with a charming smile, turning heads with her grace. Even Fang Yuzhu, usually above such fray in her pristine white attire, seriously nodded, "That makes sense." Her agreement was a clear indication of her stance. "Seconded!" The collective voice of agreement marked their decision to first deal with Wang Xuan before turning on each other to "divide the loot." Caught in this predicament, Wang Xuan braced for an all-out battle, his strategy backfiring spectacrly. He had intended to confine the group to prevent them from causing more chaos or escaping. Yet now, he was the one in the crosshairs, with each member of the group eagerly awaiting their turn, eyes gleaming with anticipation, showing no hint of mercy. Understanding their shared knowledge of each other''s mentalities, it seemed logical to them to eliminate him first. "If you''re not going to y fair, then neither will I," Wang Xuan retorted coldly, "I''ll finish you all off, no more holding back." As he spoke, he waved the God-ying Banner in his left hand, unfurling a golden grid that spread outwards. From the banner, a lid descended into his right hand, ready for what was toe. "You crazy bastard, you''re really pushing it, aren''t you? That¡¯s Cheating!" came the usations. "What''s the point of this contest? We should be having a true test of strength, finding out who among us is the strongest. That''s taking responsibility for our own selves!" Wang Xuan faced them with a dark expression. "You''re all ganging up on me and you want to talk about fairness?" "Do you really want to split into two camps and have a fair fight?" they finally asked seriously. Their mindsets werergely simr, being fragments of the same person, with only slight individual variations. "Absolutely!" Wang Xuan nodded earnestly. Using the God-ying Banner and the Cauldron Lid to annihte these spiritual incarnations wasn''t his goal. What would he merge with then, to strengthen his own soul? Losing any of these spirits would weaken his own soul, causing potential permanent damage, possibly preventing him from ever reaching the twelfth realm. "Alright, we''ll divide into two camps then, and eliminate one group first!" The battle within the God of Light''s body turned fiercer, their once towering bodies now battered and bruised. The final signs of life in this vessel were extinguished as organs burst and bones shattered. The magnificent silver wings broke apart, but suddenly, the god''s body expanded violently. He manifested his true form, a colossal silver predator stretching over a thousand meters, drenched in blood, riddled with gaping wounds, even its head horribly maimed. This was the Light Roc''s true body, evidently subdued by the limits of the mortal world, a shadow of its former grandeur. From afar, only the strongest beings could glimpse the savage and merciless battle of spirits within the flesh, chilling to the bone. Killing one''s own spiritual divisions and immediately seizing and refining their power was far from a peaceful or serene process. Wang Xuan threw himself into the fray, locking onto the enigmatic figure reborn from Zheng Yuan''s ashes for a fight to the death, a bloody and brutal struggle. He recognized the threat this person posed, capable of imnting marks into an opponent''s flesh and soul. Leaving him forst could spell disaster. Indeed, everyone was wary of this formidable being. So, Wang Xuan went all out in his attack, undisturbed by the others, encountering less resistance than anticipated. "I''m just going to die like this? Ha, you are me, and I am you. This kind of skirmish is fine. If you ever meet this person in the mortal world, you must be exceedingly careful!" The silver figure dissolved into light, absorbed by Wang Xuan, who assimted part of its spiritual power, instantly enhancing himself. However, he had no time to integrate the studied scriptures and recent memories thoroughly, as that would consume too much energy. By now, the divine corpse, the massive Light Peng, was a grotesque sight, its kilometer-long body a blur of flesh and blood, staining the ruins of the great pce red. Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and the others survived, setting their sights on Wang Xuan. They too had eliminated their foes, growing stronger, but now abandoned any pretense of fairness, aiming to hunt him down. "Do you intend to break our agreement? Not fight fairly?" Wang Xuan challenged. Zhang Daoling retorted, "Cut it out. You are me, and I am you. Who doesn''t know that? Who are you trying to fool? I''ll ask you, do you dare use that Cauldron Lid against us? If you do, you can kiss the twelfth realm goodbye!" "Old Zhang, you''re being unreasonable!" Wang Xuan shot back. "You''re insulting yourself. Aren''t we the same person? Besides, wielding that God-ying Banner and Lid like a thug, who are you trying to intimidate? We''re going to hunt you down, like it or not. Use your g against us, if you dare!" Confronted by this stubborn side of himself, Wang Xuan found himself at a loss. He really wanted to cut Old Zhang down a notch. "Come here, boy, let me show you how to merge with all these spirits," the enchanting Demon Ancestor Y¨¡n Y¨¡n approached. "Stop, remember, you are me. Don''t act so seductive!" Wang Xuan couldn''t stand "her," knowing it wasn''t the real Demon Ancestor making an appearance. "You still recognize I am you? Then why did you have me serving tea and waiting on you in the Void like some maid?" Demon Ancestor said as her umbre crashed down, unleashing thunderous force, exploding the silver predator outside! Fang Yuzhu, without a word, enveloped Wang Xuan with the shing sword technique. "Hey, isn''t this right? As the faux master, you''ve had your fun; time to step aside. Technically, you should be supporting my ascent. After you''re gone, I''ll be the only man left. Look, Ming Xue is breathing hisst; back me up!" Zhang Daoling smirked. Ming Xue, clutching his neck and struck by the shing sword and thunder, now twisted by Old Zhang, disyed a look of defiance as he slowly copsed. "Killing your own... You''re breaking the rules," Ming Xue gasped in anger, his life fading away. Boom! The battle erupted anew, with Wang Xuan facing off against three formidable opponents in a dire struggle. Yet, he truly hesitated to deploy the God-ying Banner, fearing they''d corner him into a mutually assured destruction. At a critical moment, the fading Ming Xue dealt Wang Xuan an almost fatal blow, piercing through him and causing spiritual blood to ssh. Wang Xuan swiftly retreated, then turned sharply, his expression grim, "Is this necessary? We''re all one and the same, no distinction between you and me, yet you y at killing one of your own?" "Ah, but there are degrees of closeness even among ourselves," Demon Ancestor replied, adjusting her hair, abandoning her umbre as if preparing for a final showdown. "We''ve been locked away in the etherealnds, knowing each other well. Yet, who knows what safeguards you''ve prepared outside, upying the physical body. It''s safest to utterly eliminate you, to put minds at ease." Zhang Daoling chuckled, inching closer, while Fang Yuzhu, like a nimble immortal, took action, and Ming Xue, ever the schemer, raised his hand in preparation. "Old Zhang, Old Ming, Immortal Fang, Yan Yan, if you had just one second left in life, what meaningful thing would you do?" Wang Xuan asked. "To kill you!" came the crisp reply from across, unswayed by his diversion and uninterested in his ramblings. Cornered and on the brink, Wang Xuan''s perception sharpened, sensing every malevolence and threat, striving to invoke divine intuition. In a sh, he vanished, faster than all, steering the God-ying Banner for a tenfold speed increase, retreating into his own body and opening the innerndscape. The four pursuers, smirking coldly, aimed to follow, knowing they too could enter, sharing the same flesh. "You''re breaking the rules first, returning to the body?" Wang Xuan spared no reply; they''d already conspired against him, viting their own set rules. Well, he''d bear it; after all, these "selves" had first transgressed. The next moment, Wang Xuan emerged from the innerndscape, his spiritual sense vastly elevated, achieving a near omnipotent state, significantly more formidable than usual. In less than a second... That was all the time he had left, his final moment to act. Thankfully, in his spiritual form, he broke through his own limit. Maintaining this state in the mortal world, he acquired divine intuition, rendering him nearly invincible at his level. Boom! Ming Xue''s head burst as Wang Xuan enveloped him, instantly devouring his essence. With surpassing brilliance, Wang Xuan''s fist outpaced Demon Ancestor''s lightning, absorbing her spiritual essence as he passed. Then, with inconceivable speed, he closed in on Old Zhang, eliminating him swiftly. Finally, with every ounce of strength, Wang Xuan caught up to Fang Yuzhu, slicing through her pristine neck and piercing her brow with a fingertip. The battle was over. "Twelfth level, here Ie!" Wang Xuan set to merge all his spiritual selves, breaking through to that realm spected to be uncharted by any. Perhaps some "Transcendent Beings" had undergone the grand Nirvana of the soul, reaching the twelfth level of the Heavenly Realm multiple times. Yet, in the mortal realm''s hierarchy, such a level was likely unprecedented. "I wonder if this will trigger another massive earthquake..." Wang Xuan mused, observing the outer world where the grand barrier still glowed. With a new treasure on the verge of birth and the old treasures thundering in turmoil, coupled with his advancement in the void, he couldn''t predict the chaos that might ensue. Chapter 474: No One Has Ever Reached The Twelfth Stage Chapter 474: No One Has Ever Reached The Twelfth Stage The formidable Light God had fallen. His divine body, after being ravaged by a horde of maniacs, was left in a state beyond recognition; bloodied and bones scattered all around. These lunatics, ultimately, were all in by one among their number, who absorbed them into himself. The event was bloody, and now he stood bathed in a divine glow, enveloped by sacred light. "What method did he use at the end?" Those in the remaining five grand pces watched Wang Xuan''s area with concern. In that instant, transcending divine senses and nearly unbeatable, Wang Xuan quickly took down Fang Yu Zhu, Yao Zhu, Lao Zhang, and Ming Xue in less than a second. "Is he progressing to the Wanderer Realm?" whispered an immortal from within the great barrier, on par with those ascended to godhood. "If he breaks through, wouldn''t he be able to challenge the most powerful gods in his mortal form?" a god from another grand pce spected. In the eyes of immortals and gods, superhumans who hadn''t entered the great barrier or truly ascended were still considered mortals. "O Supreme God, please seek vengeance for our master!" wept a follower in the Wanderer Pce, a disciple of the Light God. "The Book of Ages must likely be with him; it needs to be reimed. Moreover, if he truly advances to the Wanderer Realm, he might seriously threaten the most powerful gods!"Discussions erupted within the remaining five grand pces, filled with a sense of solemnity. Some regarded Wang Xuan as a menace, wary of a "mortal." "Standing at the pinnacle of the eleventh stage, right at the brink of superhuman theory, such individuals, once they advance, indeed showcase extraordinary prowess!" Historically, those who reached the eleventh stage and broke through always shone brightly, especially someone like Wang Xuan, who had in a god. If he were to progress even further, it would indeed make the deities present in the material world uneasy. Suddenly, the atmosphere on this battlefield, within the remnants of the grand pces where immortals and gods resided, became charged with murderous intent, tension escting once more. However, they couldn''t have anticipated that Wang Xuan wasn''t aiming to advance into the Wanderer Realm, but to break through into the twelfth stage¡ªa realm beyond their imagination. This was far more challenging than advancing to the Wanderer Realm. Within the established system of the supernatural, the twelfth level didn''t exist in the mortal realm. It was an uncharted territory, void of any living being capable of standing there. In the Health Preserving Pce, Chen Yongjie was anxious. "Senior, something''s not right. The gods and the immortals seem to harbor some hostility towards him. There''s feedback that some in those grand pces have contacted us right away, probing whether we should kill Wang Xuan now!" Da Fang Shi Tu Fu said, "Unexpected. The young man we encountered is quite extraordinary, catching the attention of immortals and gods, worrying them that their positions might be shaken." Old Chen grumbled internally, ''Extraordinary'' was an understatement. Wasn''t Tu Fu here precisely to take the me for him? "Xiao Chen, what''s with that look? How are you looking at me?" Tu Fu nced at him, seemingly reading his mind, and pped the back of his head. Chen Yongjie said, "The gods are unscrupulous. They wish to eliminate Wang Xuan. Someone just visited me in private, subtly expressing such desires. But knowing youe from the realm of immortals, they wanted to gauge your reaction." "A young man from the realm of immortals, oveing obstacles, reaching this point wasn''t easy. They shouldn''t be allowed to harm him. Let''s go, we''ll take a look," Tu Fu stated, rising to his feet. Now, Wang Xuan was severely weakened, having endured great hardships to y the Light God. The battle was fraught with danger, leaving him and those avatars significantly wounded. Afterwards, he engaged in fierce battles with the provocateur Lao Zhang, the powerful Fang Yu Zhu, Yao Zhu, and others, draining him tremendously. Currently, both his spirit and body were exhausted. Standing there quietly, Wang Xuan held the Godying Banner, silently recuperating. If any supreme being were to attack, he''d have no choice but to fight desperately, using the Health Preserving Furnace. Yet, revealing such an artifact would invite immense trouble, triggering a series of tempests. Soon after, the masters of the Wanderer Pce and the Celestial Veil Pce arrived. They were the incarnations of supreme immortals and top-tier gods in the mortal world. The representatives from the two grand pces arrived en masse, bringing with them a host of extraordinary beings, all casting scrutinizing gazes towards Wang Xuan amid the ruins. Among them, the master of the Celestial Veil Pce harbored the deepest reservations, as he too had been gravely shaken, currently residing in the second stage of the Wanderer Realm. His name was Lei Tuo, with long golden hair flowing freely, his body enveloped in divine light. An immortal from the grand barrier, he had stepped into the supreme domain for two thousand eight hundred years. Generally speaking, his strength and cultivation in the mortal realm were very close to that of the Light God. Since Wang Xuan had in the Light God, it implied he could also y Lei Tuo. Seeing the young man grievously wounded presented the perfect opportunity to eliminate him. Should Wang Xuan ascend, Lei Tuo believed he''d have to tread carefully around him. Yet, the allure of the Book of Ages was too tempting to resist. The master of the Wanderer Pce was a woman, her stature tall and slender, with curves that flowed elegantly. Her long ck hair framed a delicate face, and her silver pupils added to her allure. Dressed in crimson golden armor, her figure was striking, though her expression remained cool, tinged with a hint of murderous intent. Her name was Yuan Lei, who had a good rtionship with the Light God and was also a supreme deity. Currently at the third stage of the Wanderer Realm, her power in the mortal realm was undeniably formidable. At this stage, she surpassed the Light God by a minor realm. A move from her could prove fatal. Tu Fu stepped forward, blocking the two pce masters, "Are you two intending to break the rules?" The ferryman now was far stronger than before, as his avatar had returned, merging with the spiritual fragments from the realm of the dead, manifesting in the mortal realm at the third stage of the Wanderer Realm. He stood alone against the immortal Lei Tuo and the deity Yuan Lei, backed by a robust and confident aura. "Senior, it''s an honor to meet you!" Wang Xuan expressed his surprise and relief upon seeing the ferryman and Chen Yongjie here, understanding many things at once. It was all rted to him. "Go into seclusion and heal your wounds. Leave this ce to me," Tu Fu said, his demeanor calm though he internally wished to grab Wang Xuan and give him a good thrashing. To think that Tu Fu, a grand master of his generation, had been reduced to taking the me for someone else, something unprecedented in his long life! "Understood!" Wang Xuan didn''t hesitate, thenmunicated with Chen Yongjie to follow him. In a sh, the two disappeared into the depths beneath the ground, vanishing from sight. "Xu Fu, you really do have your hand in many things!" Lei Tuo looked displeased. Having such an unparalleled immortal as an obstacle would prove to be a significant nuisance. He turned his gaze towards Yuan Lei. If this female deity were to make a move, there might still be a chance to kill Wang Xuan. Now, relying solely on himself seemed futile. Xu Fu ignored him, stepping forward to stand beside Yuan Lei. Should she act, she would undoubtedly face the formidable techniques of the great Daoist. At the same time, Xu Fu summoned various chess pieces, bronze steles, and small altars. He was sealing off the area, protecting the underground within his immortal domain. In a very short time, he had set up an immortal array! "There''s no rush!" Yuan Lei spoke, the most pressing matter at hand was the supreme battle within the great barrier. If the situation there concluded, the events in the real world would be trivial inparison. At this moment, new treasures were being born, and old ones were attacking. The halls of the divine resonated with thunderous rumblings. Even through the great barrier, one could feel the supreme pressure. Moreover, in thends of the immortals, gods and immortals joined forces to challenge the gates, uncertain if they could seize the three treasures. Should they seed, they would be invincible from birth, and the overall situation would be determined. Yuan Lei''s true body was among those participating! "But, the godyer is about to break through to the level of free wandering!" Lei Tuo worried, fearing theplete loss of the Book of Ages, rendering him powerless to retrieve it. "There''s still time," Yuan Lei said calmly. "A normal breakthrough of a great realm takes at least a day and a night. With such a long duration, the campaign within the barrier should conclude, and the battle in the real world will naturally reach its end." "That''s true!" Lei Tuo nodded, temporarily restraining his impulsiveness. Deep underground, Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie entered a pce that belonged to a bygone extraordinary civilization. In this ce, Wang Xuan began to set up his arrangements. He was surrounded by numerous treasures, each embedded into the ground, surrounded by top-tier artifacts to form an array. It wasn''t that he was particrly skilled in this domain, but the treasures themselves were formidable. For instance, the Soul Chain could protect all sides, the Golden Tree could stabilize everything, and the Godying Banner, ced at the center of the primordial earth, suppressed all. These were all natural Immortal arrays! Chen Yongjie rubbed his hands, both excited and nervous. He knew what Wang Xuan intended to do, but, being under the watchful eyes of unparalleled experts, would their actions cause an uproar and alert everyone? "No worries, with the treasures outside constantly shaking, adding one more person to the mix won''t draw any attention. The main issue is the resonance between the treasures and the great barrier, as it pertains to the supreme rules stirring. There''s nothing unusual about what I''m doing!" Wang Xuan exined. "Is there enough time?" Chen Yongjie asked. "There''s plenty of time. I''m going to open the Inner Landscape now, ''stealing time'' inside to merge with my soul!" Wang Xuan dered. Up to this point, opening the Inner Landscape remained unpredictable, but after numerous attempts, the chances of sess had significantly increased. With multiple attempts, he could use his divine intuition to open that spiritual space. Indeed, five hourster, Wang Xuan, drenched in sweat and utterly exhausted, finally triggered an opening and decisively charged into the Inner Landscape. "This time, I should reach the ninth rank, right?" Chen Yongjie''s soul followed suit. Recently, with every breakthrough attempt, he would be reset back to his original state. Having been stuck at the eighth rank for too long, he had begun to doubt his life choices. During this seclusion, Wang Xuan sat motionless in the Inner Landscape, absorbing and merging all his spiritual avatars. It wasn''t just the blending of spiritual forces but also the scriptures those avatars had contemted that he was absorbing. For instance, the Scripture of Immortals Crossing Tribtion, the Demonic Fetus Technique, the Coffin of Mind Technique, the Cycle of Demon Rebirth Technique, the Feathering True Scripture... He had read all these techniques and had them stored in his memory vault. The avatars that inherited these techniques had made astonishing progress while studying them in the Solitary Void. Inside the Inner Landscape, silver substance filled the air, and purple qi rose in clouds, replenishing his spiritual needs and also engulfing his physical body in the outside world, enhancing both his form and spirit. This time, Wang Xuan''s theft of time felt extraordinarily lengthy, his spiritual senses increased manifold, as if he had lived through a hundred years. Chen Yongjie, while keeping watch outside and guarding Wang Xuan, also contemted various scriptures and practiced diligently. He had returned to the ninth rank realm! Furthermore, he continued to ascend, reaching the limit of the ninth rank before halting. He sighed and decided to pause there, needing to polish his skills further before considering the next step. Suddenly, Wang Xuan opened his eyes. The cracks in his soul and the injuries on his body had naturally healed, nourished rapidly by the dense super substance. "Did it seed? Have you reached the unprecedented twelfth rank, a realm no one has ever entered before?" Chen Yongjie asked nervously. "There''s still a bit more to go. I feel we need to head to the Solitary Void for the red substance there to temper and burnish, forging a pure and powerful twelfth rank!" Wang Xuan replied. Inside the Inner Landscape, the silver substance and purple mist still fell like snowkes, rich in concentration, but the destructive red substance was only present in traces, extremely sparse. When the time came, the Inner Landscape closed. Wang Xuan, without any hesitation, took up the Godying Banner and the furnace cover, plunged into the soil of fate, and then headed towards the Solitary Void. Indeed, upon arriving there and utilizing the rich red substance to temper his soul and eliminate all ws, he felt a rapid transformation within himself. The twelfth rank, an unprecedented realm, beyond the theoretical end of myth, the deste wastnd outside, was breached by him! Meanwhile, inside the great barrier, various supreme patterns intertwined, a new treasure was about to emerge, and the battle, strife, and confrontation reached a fever pitch. At the same time, within the decaying barriers, the surface of the earth was not at peace. Several immense pces were disturbed by the infiltration of top-tier immortals and supreme deities, their spirits heading underground, attempting to invade the immortal array and get close to Wang Xuan. Chapter 475: An Unprecedented Moment Chapter 475: An Unprecedented Moment In the Solitary Void, Wang Xuan was subjected to the "thousand burnings and hundred forgings" by the red substance, his "soul" nearly scorched in the process, enduring pain to wee rebirth and transformation. The so-called "dross of the soul" does not exist; there are only distractions andplex human thoughts, his memories too mottled. For instance, those avatars, those useless experiences, and some negative emotions, all were incinerated clean by the terrifying red substance. Ancient cultivators emphasized the purity of mind and spirit, achieving a childlike heart in their twilight years, with a steadfast Dao heart, perhaps rted to this process. The fusion of the soul, the absorption of memories, and the purification of the mind and spirit ¨C this is aplex yet natural process. To achieve a state ofpleteness and uniqueness is to be the only one, which is what he has be now. However, having been purified by the red substance, he was incredibly exhausted, nearly burned to death! "Now, my affinity and integration with the red substance far exceed what it was before. This is a good sign, not a wasteful burning of my spirit." Each visit here saw him being burned to the brink of death and back, and now his soul has gradually adapted. Over time, when he reaches the realms of free wandering and life preservation, could he wander in the red vastness? He looked forward to this because he once saw something sinking and floating in the sea of light of the red substance, definitely not something trivial.Finally, sitting in a pool steaming with silver light, bathing his spirit in the life elixir of this ce, he felt a qualitative change,pletely rxed. Ayer of "old soul skin" that had been scorched cracked and fell off, and the transformed soul was full of vitality, exceptionally tough and strong. "Should I try to break through the meteorite passage once?" Wang Xuan sat cross-legged in the pool, body and mind rxed, feeling he had already stepped into the twelfth rank realm. He and his avatars, when jointly attacking the Light God, possessed nearly twelfth rank strength, already powerful enough, but that was not his strength alone. Now it was different. All the forces were unified, merged together; the spiritual power of each avatar, as well as their research directions on various scriptures, were all inherited by him, all belonging to him. At this moment, he was stronger than all those avatarsbined! "Is this what being at the twelfth rank feels like? The power is there, but somehow, it feels unstable. Why is that? Is it some malicious force in the shadows? Are those supreme immortals and top deities out to get me? Or is it that the gods and immortals within the great barrier are about to emerge?" Wang Xuan wasn''t overly concerned, as the feeling was vague and not lethal. Sitting in the rough-hewn pool, soaked in the silver life elixir,pletely rxed, he looked at the mounds of fate soil by the poolside, where the Nine Tribtions Sky Vine, transformed from the Nine Tribtions Sky Lotus, was thriving with more than a dozen leaves. On the other side, the First Immortal Tea Tree was lush and verdant, its leaves dew-covered, radiating dawn light, and the various colored tea fruits clustered together, gleaming like agates. Taking this rare moment to rx, he used the furnace cover to catch dewdrops and picked a few thumb-sized tea fruits, some bright red, others silver-white, some enveloped in ck gleam, and some shrouded in purple mist, pleasing to the eye. Once the water boiled and the tea fragrance filled the air, he sipped the tea slowly, his senses bing increasingly sharp, quietly contemting his transformation. The taste of tea permeated his mouth, his spirit slowly sublimating, he muttered to himself, "I am very strong now." "Tired of fighting and killing, if every day could be spent drinking tea, soaking in afortable fairy pool, then exploring new mythological paths, leisurely spending my days in the city, that would be quite nice." At this moment, the fragrance of the tea fruits filled his nostrils, his heart calm and spirit at peace, detached from the mundane world, content in his solitude, an indescribable enjoyment. However, this brief respite was destined to be short-lived. While still savoring the moment, he suddenly became alert, quickly stood up, grabbed the banner and the cover, ready for battle. Could there be an invader in this ce? That sense of unease grew stronger, and he scanned the surroundings with his spiritual eye. "Last time, in the meteorite passage, I heard faint, mournful howls. Could it be that some ghastly entity is about to emerge?" He stepped out of the pool, advancing into the darkness. The next moment, he was struck hard, his ears ringing, his eardrums nearly bursting, his arms numb, his whole body shaken to the verge of breaking apart, facing a lethal threat, quite terrifying. Even his Godying Banner and the furnace cover flew out of his hands, his hands spasming. Before Wang Xuan, everything turned a vivid red, like blood, an eerie light engulfing him, blocking his path to the furnace cover and banner. Bang! The next instant, he was sent flying, engulfed in intense light and extreme heat, threatening to "roast" his soul, the damage to his spiritual form was immense. The outside world was in violent turmoil because of that. With treasures already resonating, the Life-Preserving Furnace, now stimted, roared and trembled, causing certain treasures to echo each other, intensifying the violent shaking even more. Chen Yongjie had just gained new insights, refining his body with the red substance that overflowed from Wang Xuan, purifying his essence, energy, and spirit, feeling that reaching the tenth rank was within sight. His potential was already astonishing, with many of the older generationmenting that if he were in ancient times, he would undoubtedly be a Buddha or a patriarch, founding a new doctrine without any problem. Now, with various resources elerating his cultivation process, his Dao fruit was enhanced. However, just when the future seemed promising, and he was full of aspirations, he was struck by a blinding light, with faint rosy clouds spreading out, sending him flying. "Another... shock, exceptionally fierce, incredibly violent!" Chen Yongjie realized something bad was happening, the earthquake triggered by Wang Xuan was finally starting to unfold. Moreover, this time was different from before. He stood by Wang Xuan''s side, absorbing various beneficial substances, but it was still not enough; it was just the beginning, and he already felt a strong unease. Could he be demoted to the eighth rank again? Boom! In the real world, it was as if thunder was roaring, new treasures were being born, old treasures were battling, resonating violently, and all transcendent beings were pale. "What''s happening? Why is there suddenly such a violent earthquake, bing more intense... I want to cry, I''m going to lose my realm again!" "This is unprecedented, to lose realms consecutively in one day, what kind of cursed situation is this, a disaster of hellish proportions, who can endure this?" Across many transcendentnds, countless people wailed, having never experienced such a terrible situation before. Was this a judgement from the cosmos, wishing to strip all transcendent beings back to their origins? Everywhere, all cultivators were pale; to them, this terrifying earthquake was like the apocalypse of the transcendent world arriving. Within the decaying barrier, the supreme deities attempting to prate the ground with their spiritual power were all feeling a surge of heart palpitations, aside from being detected by Xu Fu, which put pressure on them, the most important thing was that the tremors of heaven and earth affected them! How could this be? With his golden hair fluttering, the immortal Lei Tuo looked up at the sky. Has a new treasure been born? To cause such terrifying fluctuations, he was actually going to lose a realm again. "No!" He roared lowly, having been careless thest time, this time he swore to hold on at all costs, absolutely not allowing his cultivation to fall again, otherwise, he would have to descend to the firstyer of the Free Wanderer realm! Yuan Lei, the top deity with ck hair and silver eyes, dressed in crimson gold armor and with a fiery figure, was also incredibly shocked. Her beautiful face paled; she had withstood itst time, but now... she was going to lose a realm! The great Daoist Xu Fu was also clouded with gloom; he was not going to hold on either! In the Solitary Void, Wang Xuan was engulfed in scarlet light, his body violently shaking, nearly bursting apart several times. After being struck repeatedly, he finally regained his senses, realizing what it was. "A heavenly tribtion?!" It wasn''t that he was slow to react, but this ce was too special, a destend, ethereal and illusory. So far, only he was here, isted from the mundane world, and yet he was facing a heavenly tribtion? Moreover, generally speaking, normal cultivators only face heavenly tribtions when they ascend to immortality, a grand and dangerous event, hard to survive physically. Even many would lose their souls to it. Heavenly tribtions have particrly strong and terrifying destructive power on spirits, a natural nemesis, often resulting inplete annihtion. "In such a ce, separated from my physical body, I''m also to be struck by lightning, subjected to a heavenly tribtion?" He couldn''t believe it, finding it incredulous. Wang Xuan pondered, no wonder he felt uneasy earlier, sensing something was amiss. It turned out to be this danger. Without his physical body''s protection, his soul was under too much pressure. "I haven''t ascended to immortality, yet I''m facing a heavenly tribtion, indicating that the twelfth realm, beyond the theoretical scope of transcendence, is somewhat unbelievable!" He didn''t know, some things were not recorded in books. Normally, reaching the mythological pinnacle, the eleventh rank, once one breaks through, entering the grand realm of Free Wanderer, there''s also a terrible heavenly tribtion. And he was even more unique, facing a great cmity at the twelfth stage without yet advancing to a grand realm! "Bring it on, since it''s inescapable, might as well enjoy it. Bathing in thunderlight, baptizing the soul, isn''t it joyful? Ow, it truly hurts like hell!" Wang Xuan couldn''t even find sce in his suffering. The twelfth rank in this human realm, an uncharted territory, received an excessive amount of attention from the thunder in the unseen world. It could be said, he was now a path of sparks and lightning, struck from head to toe, from the spirit-condensed hair to the marrow in his bones, his spirit blood and organs nearly cooked. Wang Xuan was struck between life and death, his soul nearly exploding on the spot multiple times. If it weren''t for his practice of the Dao-ying Sword, having tempered his soul to be as indestructible as primordial divine metal, he would have turned to ashes by now. Now he struggled valiantly, transforming into a sword wheel, shing out the light of the spirit, and confronting the heavenly tribtion head-on. "If you can''t kill me, then you''re done for. Let''s see if you can keep it up without extinguishing, I''m watching. Never seen a thunder that strikes from ancient times to the present!" He stubbornly resisted,bating the tribtion while smelling his own scorched scent, baptizing his spirit body in the thunder, enduring thousands of strikes and hundreds of bombings, thunder "crowning" him, lightning "refining his marrow and hair." Outside, the treasures trembled violently, the great barrier glowed, supreme rules intertwined, rumbling, causing a cacophony of wails and howls in the real world, unstoppable by anyone. Even the great Daoist Xu Fu sat cross-legged, attempting to stable himself with his palms against the ground, his fishing rod on his back trembling uncontrobly. In such an earthquake, even a fisherman would find it unbearable, silently looking up at the heavens. As for the supreme immortal Lei Tuo, he was already infuriated, howling and resisting, somewhat driven mad. In outer space, Qing Mu felt like crying, sliding down from the peak of a grandmaster, ultimately unable to withstand it and falling to the master realm. "My... my transcendent path, so full of hardships, life is but a dream, a jar of liquor to the moon!" Qing Mu was nearly driven insane by the shock. "Now I''m Mar Er!" Grandmaster Ma was also hopping mad. The "de-transcendence" in the real world was evident. A couple more of these, and it too would be done for, returning to the ranks of unspeakable monsters. Wu Yin also wanted to cry, bing a mortal just like Qing Mu. In the Solitary Void, Wang Xuan struggled to resist, fighting desperately to survive the tribtion. His soul''s resilience was proven, blocking countless strikes of lightning without dissipating. Mainly, he practiced too many spiritual techniques, had delved into several supreme scriptures, and in addition, there were techniques like the Spirit Coffin Grand Technique, Demonic Embryo Technique which were all rted to the soul. Through life and death refinement, his body charred, his soul smoking, eventually, the sky full of lightning receded. He struggled to his feet, feeling a sense of rebirth spreading within him. This time, he wasn''t relying on the silver pool, but was transforming on his own. After the thunder tribtion, amidst great destruction, vigorous life was brewing. Finally, he was reborn here! "The twelfth stage, I¡¯ve reached it!" He seemed to have an epiphany, picking up the banner and the cover, thinking of returning. "It''s time to go back, to meet those demons and deities still eyeing me. Whether it''s the supreme deities or the top immortals, I will extinguish your life''s me!" Chapter 476: The Failure In Everyone’s Eyes Chapter 476: The Failure In Everyone¡¯s Eyes Beyond the twelve stages and beyond the limits of transcendence theoryy a deserted area. The wastnd was also the realm of transcendence that transcended the established nes. Wang Xuan embarked on the path back to the mortal realm, his speed was skyrocketing. Soon, he entered the Life Soil, then merged with his physical body and quickly returned. He felt that his physical condition was not very good the moment he opened his eyes. While his spirit transformed, his physical body also improved and grew stronger. However, some red light radiated from his body when he was struck by the blood-colored thunderbolt. This indicated that it was about to mature. "Separating the spirit from the body is not good when facing heavenly tribtion. They will be unable to coordinate or support each other and each of them will fall into a dangerous situation. This is a significant drawback." Fortunately, his physical body¡¯s vitality remained although it was only half-matured. He was infused with trans material which made him possessed an extremely strong vitality. He was immediately engulfed in a silver light. At the same time, he dared not be careless as he went to harvest Heavenly Herb. There were mighty beings outside targeting him, so he had to ensure he was in optimal condition. Not long after, his whole body glowed when he had a piece of Heavenly Herb leaf in his mouth. His blood and flesh resonated, and his body rapidly recovered. Wang Xuan''s heartbeat was extremely powerful, especially now that the blood flow had increased. It was like the engine of immortality, channeling various transcendental forces throughout his body. Inside his bones, the marrow was crystal clear and it continuously produced blood. The new power expanded vigorously and reced the old transcendent blood. He had undergone aplete blood renewal. On his skin, crimson liquid overflowed, and dense vitality permeated deep into his body. He waspletely different. It was as if he had been reborn! His internal organs trembled. Having been reborn, the once rtively weak organs became resilient and powerful. Like one sun after another, it emitted a faint light that illuminated the body''s world. The processsted for a long time. Wang Xuan continuously shed his skin, and burnt-off calluses and other residues. The corners of his eyes and brows were glowing, it made his gaze clear. Only then did he feel that he was fullyplete spiritually and physically. He felt that he was in the strongest state of his life. "Standing in this new world, it feels like I''ve been reborn. Life has undergone a qualitative change. I''ll name the Twelfth Stage, Rebirth," Wang Xuan muttered to himself. He felt that the name matched the true meaning of this realm.¡¡¡¡"You made it?" asked Chen Yongjie. He looked at him from afar, then looked down at himself. He too had half of his body charred, he had also been severely affected. However, he¡­¡­had fallen back to the Eighth Stage! Falling from the Ninth Stage to the Eighth Stage, even Chen Yongjie himself was stunned by this degree of decline. How many roller coasters had he ridden back and forth? And he had ended up contending with the Eighth Stage. "I made it!" Wang Xuan nodded. Chen Yongjie consoled himself. This kind of realm descent wasn''t a bad thing. He was just consolidating his foundation. It also proved that his Eighth Stage was very stable! He believed it was better than those who were outside. Some people had fallen all the way down which indicated that their foundations were not strong enough. This earthquake was very severe. Even the incarnations of the undying in the mortal realm had their realms lowered. For example, Lei Tuo, who now had a dark and gloomyplexion, had fallen to the first level of the Wanderer Level! And the top-notch goddess Yuan Lei, had dropped from the third level to the second level. Covered in armor, she stood still doing nothing. She seemed a little absent-minded. If this continued, would the gods quickly be mortals when the Great Barrier disappeared? This kind of drastic change made the gods fearful! Everywhere transcendents were in despair and were wailing. Falling twice in one day was unprecedented and terrifying. In outer space, the huge iron fortress dimmed and even the guardians of order inside were unwilling to speak. In every spaceship, no one had a smile on their face. There was only pain, as well as confusion and anxiety about the future. "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows. They¡¯re like dew and like lightning, they should be regarded as such." sighed Qing Mu. He seemed resigned and somewhat relieved, but his heart was filled with bitterness. He was ultimately unwilling. "I''ve returned to the origin, to the mid-stage of the Grandmaster. Life is like a dream," he muttered to himself. Little Fox looked at the group and spoke, "Ma Second, Zhao Second, Mortal Wu, Master Qing, Xian Third, and also Xiong Second!" Thest Xian Third referred to herself, while Xiong Second referred to the mechanical little bear. Underground, five consecutive thunderbolts struck and hit the underground pce which fell onto Wang Xuan. This surprised him. What''s going on? Did I still have to undergo heavenly tribtion in the mortal realm even after achieving unity of form and spirit?¡¡ In the void, the five strikes just now didn''t seem too painful to him as he had experienced the terrifying blood-colored thunderbolt before. In fact, after the five thunderbolts, the so-called heavenly tribtion dissipated. It didn''tst because the thunder tribtion from the depths seemed to sense that he could endure it and instantly disappeared. On the ground, within the decaying barrier, the lords of several giant pces were moved as they witnessed the dazzling lightning descending from the sky and entering the underground. "He''s crossing the tribtion. He''s about to advance to the great realm of Wanderer. This¡­¡­ we should stop him!" eximed Lei Tuo as he was anxious and regretful. This was a case of one person''s gain being another''s loss. In the future, that young man would definitely be able to contend with various gods! Especially since he had previously shown hostility towards him and that young man knew about it. The situation was not good. He was feeling timid. He couldn''t possibly be Wang Xuan''s opponent with his realm lowered. He whispered to Yuan Lei, "Fellow Daoist, aren''t you going to make a move? The Book of Ages is with him!" "The situation is strange. There were only five lightning shes. Did he¡­¡­fail?" pondered Yuan Lei, who was surprised. The same judgment was made by others in the giant pces. Throughout the ages, some extraordinary talents who were established in the eleventh stage would undergo transformation during their ascension to the Wanderer Level. Their strength would skyrocket after the transformation but some would fail. After experiencing several lightning shes, they couldn''t withstand it and would be severely injured. Those with minor injuries needed time to recuperate, while those with serious injuries might end up in despair. After all, crossing the tribtion was crucial and unique. Few people could experience it before bing an immortal, let alone withstand it! Everyone was waiting inside the decaying barrier and for a moment, they were all silent and did not speak a word. Even Xu Fu furrowed his brow deeply, as he felt that something was amiss. In outer space, each and every spaceship captured images from the decaying barrier. People were surprised and realized that something might have gone wrong there. The undying Lei Tuo, with his golden hair fluttering,ughed and said, "Overall, it seems like he failed. Understandably, he encountered the worst moment of the mythological recession! Someone nodded and said, "Indeed, with the birth of new treasures and the roaring of old treasures, everyone in the mortal realm is experiencing a drop in level. He tried to break through at this time, which is like swimming against the current and dancing in a sea of fire. His foundation was already weak, so he was doomed to fail!" In outer space, everyone was dumbfounded, especially Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and a few others. Their hearts were in their throats as they worried about Wang Xuan. The Eleventh Stage Limit Breaker yer had recently experienced the most glorious moment of his life. He had sessfully killed a god! But in the blink of an eye, he had encountered the greatest setback of his life. His breakthrough was obstructed, and he seemed to have been severely injured by the heavenly tribtion. "Throughout history, there have been very few transcendents that reached the eleventh stage, and tribtions at this level are rare. It is the greatest test from heaven for a limit breaker that is breaking through limits, but it is also the heaviest gift. He''ll have a boundless future if he can endure it!" "This¡­can only be said that he''s really unlucky to have encountered today''s sessive quakes. Everyone is experiencing a drop in realms. Naturally, he would have encountered the most severe setback." someone said. "What a pity, such a tribtion is rare in this mythological era. This should be the only time since ancient times! He should have been extremely brilliant and had sessfully crossed the tribtion at this moment if it were a normal era. But now, he has be a sacrifice of the times, a tragic failure!" another eximed. From the decaying barrier to outer space, people were discussing. Various transcendents realized what had happened and understood the truth. Some felt pity, some smiled knowingly, some shook their heads, and some remained silent. Many people suddenly realized various transcendents that were still in a state of despair not long ago had calmed down. Hearing about a young man who was even more dazzling and powerful than a tenth-stage limit breaker failing the tribtion eased the atmosphere. "The inherent inferiority of human nature. Their own pain seems to diminish when they learn that someone is in a worse situation and missed the chance to go down in history." said someone. Some felt ashamed, but others were indifferent, with smiles on their faces and much improved moods. Underground, Wang Xuan stood up. This time, after shedding his skin andpletely changing his blood, the floor was painted crimson red. He calmly painted some blood stains on himself and smeared blood all over his body. Then, he found a suit of armor, shattered it, and put it on. Next, he began to smear the remaining blood on himself which made him look quite miserable. Of course, the charred old skin was also a good pigment for paint. There had to be ck on his body, along with gray from the tribtion. "You''re too shameless. Tell me, who do you want to kill?" eximed Chen Yongjie, looking at him with wide eyes. He knew that Wang Xuan was not a good person right now! Wang Xuan calmly replied, "You''re overthinking. I''m tired of fighting and killing. I don''t want conflicts with others, so I''ll keep a low profile. As long as I fail, people outside will definitely be happy and relieved. They shouldn''t make things difficult for me." Chen Yongjie was speechless, and finally sighed, "I also want to be low-key like this, to be a silent strongman. But now, my strength doesn''t allow it!" Wang Xuan said, "I''m making things convenient for others and for myself. I¡¯m building good karma. I don''t want to have intense conflicts with those people. Anyway, I''ve done what I should do. I''ll try to keep a low profile and endure." This was his inner voice. Who would want to start conflicts for no reason, especially being in the eye of the storm? Especially now that everyone was experiencing a drop in level due to the external quakes. You couldn''t avoid attracting countless gazes with your unique scenery. Now was a critical moment. Transcendents were fighting fiercely, seizing treasures and powerful gods were falling, staining the great barrier and the immortal realm with their divine blood. "Well, there''s still something missing. My spirit is not depressed enough and the trans material is not restrained enough. I need to lower my realm." Wang Xuan''s demeanor changed instantly. Hisplexion was pale, his cultivation seemed somewhat superficial and he exuded a sense of duskiness. His spirit was dim and was looking weak. He carried the residual aura of tribtion which indicated severe injuries. For him, this change was nothing. He could make his physical body or his spirit all seem very realistic by delving into the supreme scriptures and pondering the Spirit Coffin Grand Technique. Especially at his current level, he could even deceive the incarnations of the mighty beings in the mortal realm. "Let''s go, it''s time toe out. Hmm, my eyes look a bit strange. They need to be dim, without any light. Okay, perfect, that''s a wrap!" Wang Xuan said confidently with satisfaction, while portraying a look of destion and severe injuries. "Is this okay?" said Chen Yongjie. He didn''t know what to think. "It''s fine, everyone will be fine!" replied Wang Xuan as he nodded. "But wait, aren''t you still lingering at the eleventh stage? There seems to be a slightly more powerful aura than that of a limit breaker." said Chen Yongjie as he pointed out ws for him. Wang Xuan said, "Too much is as bad as too little. It''s not good to overdo it. The closer to reality, the better it looks. Isn¡¯t it more anticipatory for them if I gave them the illusion that I barely held onto the eleventh stage, while my body and foundation suffered severe damage? Hmm, besides, I''m full of problems now, so I''m not as much of a threat to them. We should be able to coexist peacefully." Chen Yongjie turned and walked away, not wanting to talk to this so-called failure anymore. He always felt that he was full of malice and not a good person. Wang Xuan put away the Golden Tree and the Spirit Lock and had officially left seclusion. He then hurried towards the surface. When he emerged, he was surprised to find a dense crowd of transcendents waiting for him. They were all casting their gazes on him to observe his condition. Not only that, but all the spaceships in outer space immediately captured his image to confirm whether he had encountered any trouble. "Wang Xuan¡­¡­" Wu Yin felt sentimental. Seeing his disheveled appearance, her face couldn''t help but show signs of tension and anxiety. "Wang Xuan!" Some people whispered. At this moment, all the mighty beings from several grand pces stepped forward and stared at Wang Xuan. They were examining the true state of this tribtion-crosser. At this moment, it could be said that all eyes were on him. Various parties gazed at this failure, confirming that he had failed to break through and cross that barrier! Even the Grand Alchemist Xu Fu was deceived and was sighing, let alone others. After all, not everyone had a spiritual eye, and Wang Xuan''s current level in the mortal realm was not inferior to theirs which made it difficult to see through him. "Come here!" shouted Xu Fu. He feared for his safety and called Wang Xuan over to ensure his well-being. "I look like this now. Gods and undying should be relieved now, right?" said Wang Xuan as he smiled bitterly with a deste expression. The gods silently stared at him, especially the top gods and undyings. They had confirmed some matters when scrutinizing Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie. Chen Yongjie had been shaken down, and since he was with Wang Xuan, Wang Xuan should have been affected as well. In fact, Wang Xuan did appear to have decreased in cultivation. He barely held onto the eleventh stage but his spirit was riddled with holes and his foundation was crumbling. Judging from his injuries, it wouldn''t be long before he dropped to the tenth stage, and eventually, he wouldn''t be able to maintain the domain of limit breaking. He would fall directly to the ninth stage. The failure of tribtion crossing was so cruel and terrifying. A gray-haired man, a mighty god from the Dao Shielding Pce, spoke up, "It''s a pity. He was a young man with great prospects, but he had to endure such hardships. The Great Barrier and the treasures shook violently together which made everyone''s realms drop. He encountered the most unfriendly era for transcendents." What more could Wang Xuan say? He smiled bitterly and said, "I''m going home. I''ll live an ordinary life from now on and withdraw from the transcendent realm. Everyone, take care and farewell." At this moment, countless people felt regretful. Even those who had harbored enmity before, those who had been jealous and envious, were now shaking their heads as they felt resigned yetplex. He was originally a brilliant transcendent genius with limitless potential, but he ended just like this. In fact, this also foreshadowed their future. In a few months, everyone might be forced to leave the circle. "How could this happen?!" In outer space, Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and others found it difficult to ept this reality. They felt very sad. "Poor thing, he''s about to be done for," the Little Fox said. She looked spiritless, knowing she was about to lose a big support which meant fewer snacks for her. Covered in blood and ckened, Wang Xuan walked slowly and headed towards the ferryman. "Wait!" The undying with golden hair, Lei Tuo, spoke calmly, "I won''t make it difficult for you. Hand over the Book of Ages and you can leave!" The mighty god, Yuan Lei, also spoke calmly, saying, "Leave the Book of Ages behind." Chapter 477: The Mighty God That Was Split Apart Chapter 477: The Mighty God That Was Split Apart In the six grand pces, two pce lords spoke up. The undying Lei Tuo and the mighty god Yuan Lei both demanded that Wang Xuan leave behind the Book of Ages. "I don''t have it. It''s not with me," Wang Xuan denied outright. He had dismantled the entire book and thrown it into the void where no one outside could find it. Overall, these people were just specting, and he was steadfastly denying it. At this stage, he indeed wanted to leave and just sit on a spaceship in outer space to watch the mighty beings battle it out as an outsider. He did not fear the undying Lei Tuo, but now even the peerless transcendents were in a bloody battle fighting over treasures. It was undoubtedly the most dangerous moment. The Sword of Mortal and the Divine Pce had long been refined by others, even the Ascension Banner had found a new master. The owners could tear through the great veil at any time and start attacking directly. There had always been rumors that if the main bodies of the peerless immortals and mighty gods that wielded treasures in hand came to the mortal realm, they could protect the Earth Immortal Dao, which was terrifying! At this moment, the immortals and gods were all in a bloodbath. It was reaching the most terrifying time node at the end of the myth. The immortal realm and the Great Barrier were in a great war, it was in total chaos. Wang Xuan didn''t want to get involved in the whirlpool, staying out of it was best. Previously, Heng Jun was the best example. He had held the Ascension Banner, but in the end, he died. The ones who stick out their necks often get chopped off first. Although he had treasures, he had other ns. He hoped to keep them for use at critical moments, like smashing evil dragons or killing peerless transcendents. It wasn''t suitable to reveal them too early. Otherwise, the few who controlled the treasures would probablye out and directly kill him. They¡¯ll see him as a neer without a strong foundation. Overall, he felt he wasn''t strong enough yet as he was not capable of directly killing opponents during confrontations. "Do you think we¡¯ll believe you just like that?" said Lei Tuo. He didn''t want to let this opportunity slip by. He breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that Wang Xuan had failed the tribtion crossing. He insisted on personally searching in Wang Xuan''s Life Soil. "Do you want to die?" said Wang Xuan while looking at him. The Life Soil was not a ce others could simply interfere. That was the fundamental of a transcendent. Then, he said coldly, "Do you think I''m weak and vulnerable after failing the tribtion crossing? Don''t forget that not long ago, there was a God of Light who didn''t believe me, and he ended up being ughtered by me." This kind of manners fits the impression he gives. Although he had an ident, he was still young and had once been a godyer at the eleventh stage after all. He should have had some temper and impulsiveness. "Give it a try!" said Lei Tuo, the undying, as he stepped forward. Although he had dropped a level, he was still the incarnation of an undying behind the Great Barrier. Moreover, what he saw was that the former god-ying youth had many wounds on his spirit, and his Dao foundation was torn apart. It was even more severe than his own condition.¡¡¡¡"Senior Xu, please¡­¡­kill him!" Wang Xuan spoke, looking at the Grand Alchemist Xu Fu. He would naturally be happy if there was an extraordinary immortal who was willing to do it for him. "Stand behind me," said Xu Fu as he nodded. Although he felt this kid was troublesome, he still valued talent and was willing to stand up for him as he was the one who dragged him here. Chen Yongjie was speechless. He suddenly felt a little sorry for this Daoist, who was working for others for no reason and was even taking the lead. Lei Tuo''s expression changed slightly. He could handle a failed tribtion-crosser, but he felt unsure facing the incarnation of such an extraordinary immortal. "Xu Fu, is this necessary? We just want him to leave behind the Book of Ages. We do not want to harm him. Why do you need to muddy the waters?" Yuan Lei spoke up. "The Book of Ages isn''t with me," Wang Xuan said. "You heard it, he has exined. Make way, or else you''ll be my enemy!" Xu Fu said coldly while dressed in a straw coat, wearing a bamboo hat, and carrying a fishing rod. His thin body straightened and made him look tall. Someone behind spoke up, "Xu Fu, Yuan Lei and I will talk with you. Lei Tuo, you go and see if the Book of Ages is hidden in that kid''s Life Soil." This was a gray-haired person who was now the mighty god of the Dao Shielding Pce. He walked step by step and stood with Yuan Lei, facing Xu Fu together. Xu Fu''s expression changed slightly, but he still remained firm, saying, "Lei Tuo,e over too. The three of you talk with me." In front of the ruins, Lei Tuo''s golden hair fluttered. With a faint smile on his face, he said, "Do you really want this?" Wang Xuan came out. How could he let Xu Fu face three major powerhouses alone? He would naturally be happy to watch from the sidelines if the Daoist could easily deal with Lei Tuo without effort, but things were different now. Xu Fu might be in danger. Covered in bloodstains and with his armor in tatters and charred, Wang Xuan walked firmly and said, "Immortal? Come over here. Let''s talk. If you win, you can even take my Life Soil, but be careful not to let me y gods again!" "This fits the temperament of a young man, huh? Lei Tuo, go and check his Life Soil," a gray-haired man, the powerhouse from the Shielding Dao Pce, said confidently. He then joined forces with Yuan Lei to stop Xu Fu. The Daoist''s face turned icy cold. He gripped the fishing rod in his hand and was preparing to use force. He was genuinely afraid that Wang Xuan would meet an untimely death. Outside, many transcendents were discussing fervently as such an event had urred. The gods had joined forces to pressure the young man to hand over the Book of Ages, signaling a resurgence of conflict. Naturally, individuals like Qing Mu, Wu Yin, and others were indignant and worried about Wang Xuan. Someone was rudely demanding to search his Life Soil after his failed tribtion. They were truly bullying him. Chen Yongjie remained quiet because he knew Wang Xuan''s true situation. How could he be a weakling? He was strong enough to contend with dragons.¡¡ Wang Xuan looked at Xu Fu and said, "Senior, you don''t need to intervene. I will talk to Lei Tuo. I''m prepared to kill him!" He looked very serious and solemn, which made undying Lei Tuo''s eyes sh with killing intent. The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Many creatures from the Great Barrier fell silent for a moment. They wanted to ask, Are you serious? Was he really nning to kill a powerhouse? Had he be addicted to god-ying? Wang Xuan was indeed serious. Although he pretended to be heavily injured by the heavenly tribtion, his intention was to escape danger and not to have any dealings with the transcendent beings, treasures, bloodstained Great Barrier, or gods. But if he couldn''t achieve that and couldn''t leave immediately, he would also want to find out who had the strongest killing intent towards him. If there was no escape, he would directly kill them all! Not wanting to say much, Lei Tuo approached Wang Xuan. Terrifying beams emitted from his golden pupils and was apanied by a roar. Just like that, he had formed a prison around the ruins. His strength was indeed formidable. He was afraid that Wang Xuan would escape, so he took action to show that he intended to deal with Wang Xuan directly. In the void, golden beams that were emitted from Lei Tuo''s divine eyes interwoven. The delineating terrifying trajectories with the residual traces of order intended to lock Wang Xuan in ce. After coughing, Wang Xuan straightened his body. He had nothing to say while facing the undying. A silver-white spirit chain appeared in his hand. This was Zheng Yuan Tian''s weapon, it was originally bestowed upon Zheng Wu. It was one of the top weapons among the divine treasures that was seized by Wang Xuan. Suddenly, a fierce battle erupted. Wang Xuan''s real entity shed fiercely with the divine chain that was made from the opponent''s concentrated gaze. Brilliant light burst forth in the void. Divine gold and runes shed together. The entire ruins were covered in astonishing chain patterns, it was like countless gxies spanning across the sky. This area suddenly became extremely terrifying. The trans material boiled and the entire ruins were obscured, bing a cage-like battlefield with divine chains crisscrossing. Everyone''s attention was drawn in, even the mighty gods were no exception. They all felt that this young man was indeed strong. He still dared to fight so fiercely despite his injuries. Many people were very nervous and were closely watching this battle. Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, Little Fox, and others had hoped that Wang Xuan would win and y another god. On the other hand, the disciples and followers of the undying from the six great pces hoped that Lei Tuo would forcefully suppress the young man in the mortal realm. Only Chen Yongjie remained the mostposed. In fact, he wanted to say that someone was shadowboxing and was not really going all out. Therefore, he wasn''t nervous at all and had the leisure to look around in the crowd. He was searching for his master among the people from the six great pces. Soon, he noticed a young man behind the crowd who looked to be in his twenties and he seemed very familiar! "Could he be my master?" muttered Chen Yongjie as his heart shook. That person looked a lot like his master. Thirty years ago, his master already had white hair and a white beard when he disappeared. He hesitated at that moment as Chen Yongjie had never seen his master''s youthful appearance. Boom!¡¡ The copsed giant pce shook violently. The entire ruins were glowing, crisscrossed by one divine chain and beam after another. A densely wovenrge was being constructed. It was like a gxy was descending. Everyone retreated. Nearby ancient trees broke into clusters, and yellow leaves fluttered in the sky. The shadowy spectators remained silent while they observed the battle solemnly. It surprised and astonished everyone as the young man who failed his tribtion unexpectedly possessed such skills and had fought with Lei Tuo to this extent. Among the ruins, the tall and mighty Lei Tuo grew more vigorous as the battle progressed. Every strand of his hair carried residual power of order. His mastery of techniques indeed exceeded expectations. With him at the center, chains spread out densely. They were constructed of energy, but they looked no different from those made of divine gold. They were dazzling and awe-inspiring. Later on, even his golden hair extended and glowed. They became extensions of the power of order, spreading throughout the void and aimed to imprison Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan used the silver-white spirit chain to protect himself. He had created a soft space around him. He then stood in the center and his expression turned particrly grave as he stepped on the rubble. "It''s time to end this," Lei Tuo said as a golden knife that was only a little over a foot long appeared in his hand. He swung it forcefully and broke through the mist, causing the void to copse. The blinding beams of light burst forth and were aiming to y Wang Xuan. He believed that the cage he had constructed had trapped Wang Xuan. Now was the time to use the undying knife to kill the young man. To his surprise, a brilliant fist gleamed amid Wang Xuan''s violent coughing. With a loud bang, it shattered the residual power of order, causing a massive explosion. All the divine chains broke, and Lei Tuo coughed up blood as he staggered backward. ttering! The spirit chain in Wang Xuan''s hand surged forward. With a thud, it broke through Lei Tuo''s protective magic, pierced throughyers of his golden light and prated his body. Wang Xuan''s right hand pulled back, causing the silver-white chain to straighten like a spear. He then used it to pierce through Lei Tuo''s body, impaling him in the end. Lei Tuo felt a sharp pain in his chest. He looked down and saw his heart pierced. His blood flowed and even the golden hair that fell from his head was stained red by it. "Ahhh¡­¡­" Lei Tuo shouted. He struggled violently and tried to break free. However, he failed to do so and was stuck to the spirit chain. With a bang, Wang Xuan shook the chain vigorously. The entire silver-white spirit chain shook violently, causing the undying Lei Tuo to shatter into pieces. Even his spirit shattered in midair because this was Zheng''s extraordinary weapon that was named the Spirit Chain. It was very powerful at killing spiritual bodies. Puff!¡¡ One of Lei Tuo''s spirit fragments tried to escape but was directly impaled by Wang Xuan''s spirit chain. In the end, Lei Tuo diedpletely with the groundpletely covered in the blood of an undying. "He¡­¡­ has once again in a god!" someone shouted. "After failing his tribtion, he still managed to fight off a powerful undying?!" another eximed. The scene was in chaos. Many people from the grand pces, including those from the Great Barrier, were stunned. They felt a chill run down their spines. Was the mortal world so dangerous? Someone managed to y gods consecutively in just a day!¡¡ Every spaceship in outer space had captured the scene and was shocked. Despite suffering severe injuries, Wang Xuan still managed to kill a top undying at the critical moment? "He truly deserves to be a genius standing at the pinnacle of the mythological theory. He''s really strong!" someone eximed. "Victory! This is fantastic!" Joyful voices echoed from the spaceship where Qing Mu and the others were. At the decaying Great Barrier, the faces of the lord of several grand pces didn''t look good. Both Yuan Lei and the gray-haired man had cold expressions. Even they found it hard to believe that Lei Tuo had been killed. Wang Xuan yed with the golden divine knife. It was an excellent treasure, an extraordinary item worth collecting. He swung it continuously and dazzling knife light radiated from it. Then, he coughed, as if he was trying to suppress the urge to vomit blood. Of course, he wasn''t actually coughing up blood. He was just pretending. He covered his mouth because he didn''t want to show them. Why should he waste even a drop of blood by coughing it up for them to see? The gray-haired man stepped forward, his pace was slow but firm. This master of the Shielding Dao Pce was going to take action personally. He was an extremely powerful god! Xu Fu blocked his way immediately. The goddess, Yuan Lei, began to move as well. Her body was covered with resplendent golden armor that emitted a rosy light. Although her figure was exquisite, her delicate face was filled with coldness and murderous intent. The Daoist wanted to intercept her too. Wang Xuan spoke up, "Senior Xu, let one of theme over. I want to settle things with them." Xu Fu shook his head, not wanting him to take action. "Senior, please rest assured. Although I failed my tribtion, I have gained some insights from the five thunderbolts. There is a high probability that I can protect myself," he said firmly, insisting that Xu Fu shouldn''t intervene. Finally, Yuan Lei approached. Her slender feet caused the entire ruins to tremble as shended. Her armor emitted a rosy glow, just like a phoenix bathing in fire. She had a good rtionship with the God of Light herself, and Lei Tuo who also stood with her was also killed by Wang Xuan. She decided to take action personally. Wang Xuan spoke, "I''m telling you the truth. I don''t want to fight you. I just want to go home and retire. Why do you have to be so aggressive? Many more people will die if you continue to force me!" "The one who failed the tribtion, let me see what tricks you have in your sleeves. Actually, I never intended to let you go. Did you think you could just leave after killing the God of Light?" said Yuan Lei. She had dropped the pretense, her killing intent permeated the air and her beautiful face was covered in frost. Wang Xuan said, "Hmm, I am injured and can''t hold on for long. Let''s settle this between us in one move. I will undoubtedly die miserably if you can withstand it. If you can''t, I might ughter a god once again. This is the Dao Sword Light that I have cultivated for many years. Even though I have failed, it has be much stronger after being tempered by the tribtion." Yuan Lei didn''t speak but straightaway attacked. Carrying a torrent of scarlet light, her armor roared as she rushed toward Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan''s right hand instantly lit up and was merging various attack techniques such as the Mental Light, the Ascendent Fist, the Heavenly Tribtion Song, the Dao-splitting Sword, and the Demonic Embryo Technique into one. He was prepared to explode. He didn''t say anything wrong. He was indeed preparing to determine the fight in one strike. He was unleashing his strongest move! Swoosh!¡¡ Yuan Lei turned into a stream of light. She darted forward and then swiftly moved sideways to avoid Wang Xuan''s attack. She wanted to provoke Wang Xuan into unleashing that one strike, then slowly deal with him afterwards. Wang Xuan grinned, saying, "A god is afraid? Trying to bait me into making that strike and then dodge it in advance." He shook his head, taunting her. All the transcendents watching were surprised. Yuan Lei didn''t dare to confront him directly? Someone spoke up, "Since he has said that a prolonged battle is not suitable and the strongest strike determines life and death, the most powerful god naturally doesn''t need to facilitate him and wants to guide him into making that one strike." Wang Xuan refrained from attacking and still did not make a move. Yuan Lei couldn''t bear the humiliation. As a god, was she afraid of a mortal? Especially with many people looking at her strangely. In the end, she decided to take action. Boom!¡¡ The sky was filled with the light of the gods as she charged forward. It was also at this moment that Wang Xuan unleashed his full power without reservation. A dazzling beam of light tore through the air. It was blended with sword light, lightning, the Ascendent Fist, and more. It was like a sword of order descending from the heavens. With a stter of blood, the mighty god Yuan Lei was split into two by the blow! Chapter 478: Chaos of Mythology Chapter 478: Chaos of Mythology "It¡¯s so tiring!¡± said Wang Xuan as he gasped for breath. His face turned pale and his chest was heaving heavily. He looked utterly exhausted as his body swayed. There was silence all around, as yet another mighty god perished. It was Yuan Lei. She was a renowned goddess rumored to be the offspring between an immortal bird and a formidable human. Her current level wasn''t low at all. Following the consecutive tremors, some had dropped two levels but she managed to withstand it once and had only dropped once. She was still at the second level of the Wanderer, surpassing Lei Tuo by a margin! Yet, this mighty god still perished despite her immense power! No one could utter a word. Was he really a failure? Was this a special god-ying event for him? Many people felt dizzy from the shock. The disciples of gods, followers of immortals, beings from the Great Barrier, all trembled in fear. Not to mention others, even the Grand Alchemist Xu Fu couldn''t help but smirk while he felt inexplicably strange. This young man had left him speechless. He appeared frail but managed to y two gods in a row! Wang Xuan wasn''t entirely faking it. He was indeed catching his breath, he really felt exhausted. After all, this was god ying, especially when life and death was decided in a single move. He was powerful, but not to the extent of instantly killing a powerful god in one move. As he had said earlier, he didn''t want to engage in a prolonged battle. All his means were condensed into a single breath, using his trump card to determine life and death. It would have taken some time if Yuan Lei had insisted on testing him in a normal duel, it couldn''t have had such an immediate effect. Of course, although he was panting heavily, it wasn''t as severe as one imagined. He wasn''t drained to the point where he couldn''t even move. Exhaling heavily, Wang Xuan said, "As I said earlier, I was severely injured in the heavenly tribtion and my body had issues because of it. But the Dao Sword Light that I''ve cultivated for many years was sessfully baptized by the tribtion thus enhancing it and tempering the true meaning of the sword. So, her death wasn''t unjust." Someone stared at him and felt like saying, "Stop exining. You''ve killed three gods from the beginning till now. You''re no saint."¡¡¡¡Wang Xuan''s body swayed, it looked like he was about to copse. Of course, he had to maintain his act professionally. He covered his mouth as he did not want to actually vomit blood. However, pretending to cough and then swallowing the blood was the only way to trick them. At the same time, a strong individual who had been ring at him with resentment was restrained and brought over with just a single gesture from him. It should be someone from the Great Barrier, with the strength of the ninth level. He wasn''t kind to her. With a p, he knocked the person over and restrained her. He made her bend down and then sat on her back, using her as a stool without any courtesy. "I¡¯m tired to the point of not wanting to move," he said, then began to quietly adjust his breath. His actions weren''t well received by the beings from the Great Barrier. However, no one hadined and just stared in silence, mainly because they were all awed by his previous battle. Who could not be wary? Even the gray-haired man who confronted Xu Fu, the god of the Daoist Shielding Pce, felt uneasy and was extremely angry. Although he really wanted to kill him immediately, he did not make a move for the time being. After a long silence, people couldn''t help but gradually be restless. A buzzing discussion followed, especially in the outer space, where all sides couldn''t hold back. "Is this real? It feels a bit surreal. Someone who failed the tribtion has killed two powerful gods in a row?" In those ships, many people were astonished. They felt surprised and bewildered. However, reality was just that unexpectedly unpredictable. That young man had in a god once again. Naturally, Qing Mu, Wu Yin, and others were the most excited and thrilled among them. Before this, they had prepared for the worst and were worried that Wang Xuan would die at the hands of a foreign god. "As expected, brother Wang is the best! He still wants to kill undyings and gods on the battlefield even though he was just struck by heaven and had serious bodily issues. His name is renowned far and wide!" eximed Transcendent Ma. He was very excited. "Wang Xuan hase so far on the path of cultivation¡­¡­" said Zhao Qinghan. Even the rational Zhao Qinghan was absent-minded. It was the first time she felt just how strong Wang Xuan''s talent was in this field. He was a modern man, his cultivation journey started not too long ago. To reach this point, there would inevitably be legends about him in the most prosperous period of ancient times. "If Wang Xuan had been born five hundred years earlier, he might have pioneered a new myth!" thought Qing Mu in his heart. He was thoroughly shocked this time. "This guy sometimes calls himself the Patriarch Wang, and it''s really not just some empty words." Wu Yin breathed a sigh of relief. She recalled his past performances and gradually showed a smile. In the decaying barrier, Wang Xuan sat there like a king, panting and resting. He looked terrible, but no one dared to act recklessly. "I can''t stand it anymore!" A gray-haired mighty being from the Daoist Shielding Pce spoke while looking at Wang Xuan. Both the deceased Yuan Lei and Lei Tuo were his allies with good rtions in the Great Barrier. Otherwise, they wouldn''t havee here together. Wang Xuan spoke, "I can''t go on, senior, I''ll leave this person to you. Isn''t there the Book of Ages and a semi-mature treasure among the six grand pces? Let¡¯s have one for each of us. I''m heavily injured and can''t kill anymore. It''s up to you to handle him!" He felt that he had enough of this. He wanted to use his strength on the Evil Dragon. He didn''t know where this person was now, as the Evil Dragon always lurked in the shadows. He was a big trouble for Wang Xuan. He wanted to hide temporarily, but was stopped by Lei Tuo and Yuan Lei while he was in the process of hiding. Of course, he wasn''t afraid and had decisively killed the two of them. "Alright, leave the rest to me!" Xu Fu spoke. Holding a golden fishing rod in his hand, he started advancing towards the opposite side. "Xu Fu, you don''t need to muddy the waters. You can stay out of itpletely!" Another person spoke. An undying from the Mortal Pce walked over. She was a woman with long silver hair and a cold demeanor. It was as if she came from an icy world. In fact, there was indeed heavy snowfall wherever she walked. "Both of you,e at me together!" Xu Fu spoke, blocking both the gray-haired man and the woman shrouded in ice and snow. He intended to confront the two alone. The gray-haired man said, "Sure, Xu Fu. Since you''ve made your choice, don''t me us for not following the rules. Let''s decide who lives or dies!" "Attack!" shouted the woman that was covered in ice and snow. She was very domineering, and had directly made a move with her silver hair fluttering. Xu Fu said, "So you two have already formed an alliance and have set your eyes on the highest reward here. Unfortunately, a young man from the mortal realm doesn''t follow the rules. He suddenly made a move and disrupted your ns by killing gods." They would probably have killed Xu Fu first if Wang Xuan hadn''te. Then, those people would have gone to duel and divide the prizes. This made the Daoist¡¯s face darken. So, he erupted and gave it his all. He directly engaged in battle with the two. Wang Xuan watched from the side and was enjoying the moment. Finally, he had freed himself from the trouble and was able to quietly observe others'' battles. It was a rare moment of leisure and rxation for him. Many people noticed that he probably had serious issues and couldn''t participate anymore, otherwise he wouldn''t have let Xu Fu face the two alone. However, none of the people from the six grand pces were eager to act recklessly. They weren''t powerful enough, and there was no need to take risks. The lesson from the past was very miserable. Only Chen Yongjie knew that not a single hair of his was harmed in the mock fight. He was just acting it out as he intended to remove himself and be an outsider. So, Old Chen went over and pretended to care about his health. He cooperated in the pretense, then he became a free man and directly went to find his master. In fact, that person had noticed Chen Yongjie a long time ago. When Liu Huai''an left the Old World, Old Chen looked like a young man in his twenties that was full of spirit. Thirty years had passed, and a person that looked exactly like his disciple Chen Yongjie appeared on this battlefield. Of course he would be suspicious the first time he saw Old Chen. "Are you¡­¡­Master Liu?" asked Old Chen. The closer Chen Yongjie got, the more certain he became. This should be the younger version of his master, even the mole on his neck was the same. "Yongjie?!" eximed Liu Huai''an with widened eyes. He had confirmed that this was indeed his disciple who had unexpectedly followed in his footsteps to this ce. "Master!" cried Chen Yongjie. He burst into tears on the spot and cried out loud. His master was the first to throw him out of the light veil when he was in danger back then. He then blocked in front of him and evaporated from the world. This became a knot in Old Chen''s heart. He always felt that his master had exchanged his life for his new life. Otherwise, he would have disappeared from the Old World like those Old Art masters. It was a disaster his master could have avoided, but he took it for him anyway. For thirty years, Chen Yongjie''s heartache had persisted. His heart was filled with self-me and unrest, he was always yearning to find his master. "Child, I have never expected that you would eventuallye to this ce just like me." said Liu Huai''an as his eyes also reddened. He helped him up, not letting him kneel. "Your disciple has always wanted Master to appear, but all methods were exhausted until a fortunate coincidence brought me here," said Chen Yongjie while shedding tears. He then asked about the others. Many skilled individuals had disappeared back then which caused a gap in the Old Arts domain. "They''re all dead. I was the only one that survived." Liu Huai''an sighed with a mncholy tone. The events of thirty years ago seemed like it was just yesterday. At that time, they were all too weak. They were like targets for practice on the battlefield. He had the deepest foundation among them and managed to rise up by utilizing the rich trans material in the area. With that, he barely carved out a path for survival. In outer space, Qing Mu stared at therge screen and locked onto his master''s location. He could hardly believe his eyes. Chen Yongjie was crying and kneeling down before another person. "Is that¡­¡­my master?!" eximed Qing Mu. He was shocked. That slightly younger man resembled the picture of a white-haired old man hanging in his master''s room. "I really found him? My master is still alive and actually came to this battlefield!" cried Old Chen. ¡­¡­ The battle was fierce. Xu Fu had single-handedly fought against two mighty gods. He became more ferocious as the battle prolonged. He took the initiative and was attacking aggressively. His fishing rod traversed the void, causing explosions in the sky with thunderous roars. It was even more terrifying than the Dao Sword. Of course, their battle didn''t end immediately with one move. It wasn''t worth the risk. They all made sure to secure themselves first. "Hmm?" Wang Xuan noticed something unusual. With his Spiritual Eyes that merged with his twelfth stage foundation, he sensed a malevolent intent targeting this ce. He remained calm and quickly noticed an undying that slowly drew arge bow, aiming at this ce. The undying was originally targeting him, but he hesitated slightly, then adjusted the aim towards Xu Fu. Clearly, that person was using secret techniques and had a supreme treasure to conceal his murderous intent. He was trying to deceive the strong perception of the gods and was preparing to secretly kill either him or Xu Fu. "Is there a seventh mighty figure outside the six grand pces?" Wang Xuan immediately conveyed his question through telepathy, informing Xu Fu that someone was hunting him. "Don¡¯t worry about it. This old man doesn''t even see who he¡¯s aiming at, I¡¯ll kill him for sure. He''s dreaming for trying to kill me when I¡¯m a master in both Alchemy and Daoist techniques!" eximed Xu Fu as his killing intent intensified. "Senior,e closer to my side. I''ll help you if it''s necessary!" said Wang Xuan. "You failed your tribtion, is your body alright?" replied Xu Fu with surprise. He then strangely sensed that he might have taken the fall for him again, standing in front of him preemptively. Xu Fu remained silent, engaging in a fierce battle and swiftly changing positions. A dazzling beam of light suddenly illuminated the sky, and Wang Xuan had once again used his strongest attack. He mobilized all his Dao skills and shed out a sword light imbued with Heavenly Tribtion Song and light of the gods, hitting the gray-haired god who had moved closer. The powerful gray-haired god sensed the danger at a critical moment and tried to dodge to the side. However, although his divine sense was strong, his physical movement was not fast enough to avoid it. With a puff, the gray-haired god from the Dao Shielding Pce was cut in half. With only half of his body remaining, he let out a roar of anger on the blood covered the ground. Almost at the same time, a brilliant arrow flew from afar and aimed directly at Xu Fu''s back. It intended to harm both his flesh and spirit at the same time. The Daoist sessfully evaded it with just a slight movement. The violent energy carried by the arrow scattered his hair which made him furious. His killing intent surged as he quickly engaged in a deadly battle with the silver-haired woman that was surrounded by ice and snow. He was prepared to kill her first before dealing with the one who shot the treacherous arrow. Everything changed too quickly, it was beyond people''s perception. Only by reying the footage captured by the spaceship could they truly understand what had happened. Puff! Wang Xuan didn''t hold back at all. He immediately followed up with another attack. Wielding the golden divine knife left by Lei Tuo, he shed the remaining half of the gray-haired god''s body and annihted his spirit! "Oh my god!! Another god was ughtered?!" The creatures from the Great Barrier were trembling with fear on the battlefield. This sickly failure was relentlessly ughtering gods, as if he was specializing in god-killing! In outer space, the people from various camps on the spaceship were dumbfounded. This wasn''t just a Limit Breaker yer, this was a God yer that repeatedly in gods and undyings. "I can''t go on anymore. Organizers, my performance has been decent enough. Shouldn''t you send me my prize and withdraw by now? I need to go and recuperate!" shouted Wang Xuan as he felt that it was really time to go. He wanted to be a spectator now, to stay out of the fray. Splutter!¡¡ Not far away, Xu Fu, who was in a frenzied state, killed the silver-haired woman standing on the ice and snow. Her spirit had been extinguished. Without pausing, he transformed into a beam of light to pursue and kill the top god who had shot him with a bent bow. He then traversed the vast sky while holding the golden fishing rod. Wang Xuan had repeatedly requested the organizers to send him back to recuperate, but no one responded. It seemed they tacitly agreed that the battle hadn''tpletely ended yet. Next, he sat on a makeshift seat made of flesh as he indeed had plenty of leisure time. First, he watched as Xu Fu hunted down gods, then he gazed at the radiant Great Barrier. Everything was transparent there because of the old treasures rumbling and the new ones hatching which casted clear shadows of the figures there. "It''s done, the new treasure is born!" eximed Fang Yuzhu. The bracelet became even more dazzling, with billions of rays of light beginning to converge. The main body of the bracelet was like the depths of the universe, while the crystal white spots resembled countless stars. "The Celestial Mirror was broken long ago. I shall name it the Celestial Bracelet!" The peerless transcendent Fang Yuzhu spoke. She and the others had endured many attacks while the new treasure was being refined. Even her lips were stained with crimson blood. But now, everything would change as the new treasure was about to bepleted. Furthermore, Wang Xuan also saw two shadows that were probably rted to his parents. Holding this Old Covenant Bearer from the old mythical era, he confronted the Divine Pce, and there seemed to be an Immortal Umbre in the distance. "At the beginning of the great chaos, at the end of the mythological era, is everything about toe to a close, or is it the beginning of a change?" pondered Wang Xuan. As an outsider, Wang Xuan''s expression was extremely serious as he stared at the magnificent Great Barrier, where everything was changing in an instant. Chapter 479: Ranking First In Achievements Chapter 479: Ranking First In Achievements The Celestial Bracelet had undergone a transformation and the radiant glow had converged inward. At the most critical moment, it became increasingly condensed and profound, remaining stationary. "It seems like something''s missing." Wang Xuan frowned, feeling somewhat worried. He feared Fang Yuzhu and the others might fail, undoing all their efforts. It was widely known that they were refining a supreme treasure. The extraordinary phenomenon that was visible through the Great Barrier indicated the remarkable nature of the event. Within the Great Barrier, one of the two shadows sighed lightly, saying, "It seems we still need the bearer of the old covenant. Although it has absorbed two types, they both belong to civilizations that were long gone. It isn''t enough." In the next moment, the scroll in their hands transformed into mountains, rivers, and the starry sky. It enveloped the Celestial Bracelet and provided an endless stream of immortal power. The rules intertwined, inducing its final qualitative change. The Divine Pce trembled anxiously and had struck out relentlessly. However, the bearer of the old covenant and the Celestial Bracelet resisted its onught with the power of interwoven rules. Arge umbre covered the starry sky. It looked like it was about to tear open the entire Great Barrier, but it was also under pressure at the same time. In the farther distance, the Pool of Life emerged and emanated countless divine rays to counter therge umbre. It seemed like it was assisting the Celestial Bracelet. It was a grand melee! "This should be it. A supreme treasure has been born under everyone''s eyes!" Wang Xuan''s expression changed. For the first time in this mythical era, someone had refined a supreme treasure that illuminated the world. Its final radiance converged and it became ancient and heavy. In a trance, it seemed to have copsed the Great Barrier. It no longer emitted light as a whole. The massive ck jade bracelet had swallowed the surrounding light like a ck hole. Boom! Boom! Boom! The earth and sky trembled incessantly and powerful energy surged within that vast Great Barrier. Rules were roaring and order was expanding like a raging sea of stars.¡¡¡¡With a low hum, the Celestial Bracelet trembled and waspletely and perfectly refined. In an instant, a myriad of stars shone from within the ck bracelet and flooded the Great Barrier. The two shadows lowered their heads to gaze at the bearer of the old covenant and found it had be dimmer after arge amount of essence was absorbed by the Celestial Bracelet. "Fang Yuzhu, we''ve even given you the supreme treasure. We are sincere, don''t disappoint us!" The woman among the two shadows spoke. Many people were shocked and discussed it fervently. "When the bracelet was first forged, it probably foresaw itself presenting such an iparable scene. With its ck base and translucent white spots, it really resembles the universe. It was well named," someone praised. "Our mythical era ising to an end. It¡¯s already enough even if it dissipates now. The results of this transcendent era will be left behind," an elder said excitedly. Since ancient times, many civilizations left nothing behind and dispersed like they had never existed. There were only a few super civilizations who left behind supreme treasures. It was like a mark of a race, the essence of a civilization, a condensed history, or a brilliant memory. There was no room for the older generation''s sighs and emotions. The most intense battle had erupted! The Divine Pce went crazy when Fang Yuzhu took the Celestial Bracelet. Along with the immortal umbre, it violently struck down to cover the sky and overwhelmed everything. Furthermore, numerous giant energy hands and various strange weapons attacked. They were all trying to seize this new supreme treasure. Although the process was perilous, there were no idents or mishaps. Amidst the humming vibrations, the beautiful bracelet shrank and was worn by Fang Yuzhu on her wrist. Her pristine skin and the profound Celestial Braceletplemented each other. The astonishing great Dao patterns expanded, forcing all enemies to retreat. Especially at a critical moment, Fang Yuzhu dared to control the bracelet. She was not worried at all about someone snatching away the new treasure due to the short time of fusion with the bracelet. Finally, Fang Yuzhu even dared to throw the bracelet out, smashing it onto the Divine Pce. With a deafening sound, the heavens and earth cracked, the starry sky seemed to vanish, and a terrifying rift appeared in the Great Barrier. This action made everyone tremble. They felt the terrifying wave of terror like a mountain and sea breaking, especially those within the Great Barrier felt it the most. The fierce collision of the two supreme treasures was terrifying. The collision had torn the barrier and many cracks appeared because of it. If someone took the risk and crossed realms at this moment, their main body could stille over unharmed! The gods were bleeding, they were all retreating. Even the top figures among them, those mighty beings were fleeing rapidly as they feared being severely injured. Under the terrifying ripples of the Great Dao,some ordinary gods that were on the same level as those who just ascended to immortality, burst into blood mist and had their bones shattered in this great collision. This scene made everyone shudder. Was this the power of supreme treasures? The confrontation between the Celestial Bracelet and the Divine Pce was too destructive. If the gods were trapped in the vortex, their lives would be difficult to preserve. There was an extremely special existence within the Divine Pce. He was an antique left over from the previous civilization. He was coughing continuously at this moment with blood flowing out of his mouth and nose. He found it somewhat unbearable. This most intense and domineering confrontation, had made him, a nearly decayed old monster who could not make progress, feel very ufortable. "All right! I''ve been eyeing this old fellow for a while. It''s about time to kill him. He was blocking us incessantly not long ago, and now it''s his turn. Let''s finish him off!" Old Zhang pped his hands in approval. "Sister, let''s strike again and seize this Divine Pce." The Demon Lord Yan Yan shouted while wearing her alluring red dress. Her eyes twinkled with a smile, but also emanated a killing intent at the same time. "Everyone, we had an agreement beforehand. The Divine Pce belongs to us for research purposes." The Buddhist ascetic spoke up. There were predecessors in the Daoist faction nodding over there. They were even older than Zhang Daoling. They were joining forces to take down the Divine Pce, as per the original agreement. "Good!" said Fang Yuzhu. She fulfilled her promise and changed her target. The bracelet with its ck base and white spots flew out again, quickly erging and turning into a divine ring. It then fiercely shed with the immortal umbre and was intending to capture it. Of course, the undyings and the gods would never yield. Led by the mighty ones, they activated supreme treasures to join the battle. Chaos erupted in the Great Barrier instantly, with divine blood sttering and immortal blood flowing. There were fierce battles everywhere. "Kill! This is the final battle in the twilight of mythology! If we win, we¡¯ll be able to endure the transcendent winter by gathering all the supreme treasures that may lead to immortality. If we lose, we''ll perish with the Great Barrier!" someone shouted. For a moment, the cries of war shook the heavens, and everyone moved toward the depths. The gods were densely packed together, the undying formedrge groups, and corpses were everywhere. It seemed as if the world was about to end. ¡­¡­ In the real world, people felt heavy-hearted and did not dare to breathe. It would be like a world-ending flood if gods and undying invaded the real world on such a scale with such overwhelming power. Someone spoke up, "Mythology cannot fully prate into the real world. Once theye over, they will be corrected in this era and their power will rapidly decline." In the spaceship that was in outer space, many breathed a sigh of relief, while some felt sad and regretful. What had toe eventually came. "Judging by the current decay of the Great Barrier, the time has been shortened by arge margin. It is estimated that in about three months, the transcendence will fall into eternal silence. Both the immortal realm and the Great Barrier will cease to exist!" Someone made this astonishing conjecture which put fear into many cultivators'' hearts. Although they were mentally prepared, each advancement of the date still made them anxious. People noticed that the sound originated from the iron fortress that floated in the cosmic void. So it should be a reliable inference. Wang Xuan was also stunned by this. Just a few days ago, the time was said to be about seven months. Now the time has been cut short by half! "Hey, event organizers, I''m seriously injured and it''s hard for me to recover. When will this battle end? I demand to leave this battlefield. My performance should be enough to im a prize." Wang Xuan asked again. The most intense battle had urred in the Great Barrier, and someone might bring a supreme treasure to the mortal world at any time. He didn''t want to stay in this ce any longer. Unexpectedly, someone in the iron fortress quickly responded to him this time, informing everyone that if they didn''t want to continue the challenge, they could all leave the battlefield. "Inprehensive evaluation, Wang Xuan killed the God of Light, the undying Lei Tuo, the goddess Yuan Lei, and Yu Hong. He had defeated four mighty beings in one battle which made him rank first in achievements!" announced the iron fortress. Yuhong was the gray-haired god stationed at the Dao Shielding Pce. Although everyone already knew what the results would be like, they still couldn''t help but be shocked by it. Some then said, "This Wang Xuan is too wild." "He has transformed from a limit-breaker to a god-yer. As a man of the mundane realm, he had single-handedly killed four pce lords from the six grand pces. It''s insanely terrifying!" In the eyes of the transcendents, Wang Xuan was like a dazzling tower of light that was illuminating the dark mythical night sky. Such achievements were stunning and awe-inspiring no matter which era they were ced in. Qing Mu sighed, "Sealing divinity in one battle, Old Wang is destined to leave his name in history. Since ancient times, no one among cultivators of his realm has been as crazy in the mortal realm as him!" "What Old Wang? Calling him Little Wang would be more affectionate!" Wu Yin corrected. "Let''s just call him Wang Xuan." Zhao Qinghan said with a bright smile. Transcendent Ma and Little Fox felt dizzy at first but were then ecstatic as they empathized with such achievements. The mechanical little bear lost its focus for the first time, it felt it had chosen the right person this time, and surrendering didn''t seem like a humiliation anymore. In the iron fortress, another announcement was made, "Xu Fu has killed the undying named cier and is now pursuing the God of Hunting. He ranked second in achievements." ¡­¡­ In this ce, there were two peculiar items listed as the highest rewards outside the Great Barrier, namely, the Book of Ages and the Space-Time Mace. The former was the bearer of the old covenant of a bygone transcendent civilization, and thetter was a semi-mature supreme treasure left behind by a vanished civilization. Wang Xuan spoke up, "I don''t want those two highest rewards. Does Ni En have a great medicine that can heal the injuries from the heavenly tribtion? A medicine that can mend the torn spirit and the damaged foundation?" People were surprised once again, they had confirmed that Wang Xuan had encountered major problems. He would rather give up the highest rewards than treat his injuries first. "After multiple inspections, there is no such potion in the inventory, which is regrettable," came the mechanical response from the iron fortress. Wang Xuan fell silent, looking somewhat despondent. Finally, he reluctantly chose the Space-Time Mace and requested to be sent out of the battlefield. At the same time, he waved to Chen Yongjie, indicating to him to leave together. His main concern was that the event organizers might be too unscrupulous. They might have predetermined the prizes in advance, especially since the God of Light, Lei Tuo, Yuan Lei, and others had obviously teamed up earlier. He wanted to take away the semi-mature supreme treasure first, and then give it to Xu Futer. Life Essence Furnaces was enough for him. As for the Book of Ages, the event organizers owed Xu Fu. Obviously, the organizers were indeed a bit shady as they were from the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine. They secretly informed him that the Space-Time Mace was temporarily unavable and asked him to wait. Wang Xuan immediately confronted them on the spot, publicly exposing that the Book of Ages had disappeared and the Space-Time Mace was also missing. How could it be possible that none of the highest rewards left outside the Great Barrier remained? What kind of joke was this? They were too unscrupulous! "We canpensate you by allowing you to enter the stone room carved from real substance. You will be able to survive the transcendent winter," the event organizers secretly contacted him without making it public. Wang Xuan rejected again, "No, I failed my tribtion, I''m almost half crippled. Maybe I won''t live long. What''s the point of going in there? Besides, what if all the supremely powerful gods gather inside, then gang up to kill me?" The outside world was also in an uproar, thinking that the event organizers had gone too far. Both of those rare rewards had disappeared? Who were they trying to fool? Everyone believed there was some shady business going on. "Give it to him for now. Who knows who it will end up with in the end? All the benefits will be redistributed when all the supreme treasures gather and the peerless transcendent beingse to the real world!" someone said secretly. In the end, the event organizers made a show, and a semi-mature supreme treasure revived abruptly. It flew out from underground of the six grand pces and was then captured. It was the Space-Time Mace, and they generously gave it to Wang Xuan. "Let''s go!" Wang Xuan called out as he waved to Chen Yongjie. Then, he also met Grandpa Liu Huai''an who was also a Buddhist monk that was full of energy. They looked like senior and junior brothers as Chen Yongjie and him stood side by side. As the light rain evaporated, they returned to outer space and boarded the spaceship. Grand Alchemist Xu Fu relentlessly pursued the God of Hunting in the decaying barrier. He refused to let him go and swore to kill him. Finally, he found his trace and caught up. Puff! Blood sttered everywhere as Xu Fu ughtered the gods for the second time! In outer space, Wang Xuan quietly meditated without being disturbed after he returned. He once again felt a strand of malice from the depths, it was distant but seemingly approaching. With a clear mind and spirit, his spiritual eyes and twelfth stage foundations merged. In extreme tranquility, he explored and saw it.Far away into the distance, the Evil Dragon wasing! "Could you fulfill my wish and let me be the Dragon yer?" he muttered. Suddenly, the Great Barrier cracked open, and the new supreme treasures and old supreme treasures engaged in fierce battles. Immortals, undying, and gods shed. Someone had used a supreme treasure to split open the Great Barrier. For a moment, gods and others entered the real world, and some appeared in outer space. They were shouting and killing. As the gods descended, their great battle had truly involved the real world! Chapter 480: Retired From The World Chapter 480: Retired From The World The sudden upheaval caught everyone off guard. The gods descended into the real world, which was out of people''s expectations. Cracked open by supreme treasures, the Great Barrier formedrge fissures which became safe passages. The gods and undyings that were one the same level as transcendent crossed over like a school of fish. They appeared from the void and crossed over. There were also many bloodstained corpses that died by the aftermath of the supreme treasures. They were falling out with ttering sounds. It was like the end of the world, with the bloody bodies of gods and the tattered remains of undyings falling from the sky. Even Wang Xuan was moved. He no longer sat cross-legged but stood up and went to the big screen to watch the terrifying scenes in the real world. They were not only on the ground but also in outer space. However, there was still peace of mind as the mighty beings were not out yet and were still fighting in the Great Barrier. They were unwilling to be suppressed by the real world. Once they emerged, with every earthquake, even the top figures among the immortals and gods would not escape from being crushed by the ceiling. Fortunately, most peoplended on the ground. More and more beings from other realms had crossed over. The ones that crossed were not just gods but also their descendants and ordinary transcendents. In outer space, the massive iron fortress became busy as they needed to transport the beings that appeared there to the ground. Then, the Grand Alchemist Xu Fu started to notice the masses around him. He tried to contact the event organizers as he wanted to leave the battlefield, but no one responded to him. Some ignorant undyings shed with him, and some even tried to join forces to kill him. Of course, it ended badly for them. Death was the only result for provoking the mighty beings. Chen Yongjie said, "The gods and undyings are beginning to descend into the real world. I guess simr things might happen in the Land of Immortals. The world is going to be in chaos!" "Something''s wrong. Did the mighty beingse over? Are they targeting Old Xu?" Qing Mu suddenly spoke with a hint of surprise. He had just said that there were no top figures crossing over. "Event organizers! Are you seeking death? Get me out of this battlefield!" The Grand Alchemist Xu Fu was frantic. He was just an incarnation, and his current opponent was the main body of a mighty being putting immense pressure on him as he fled. However, the space was now set up for one-way transmission, and the beings falling here were being sent to the ground. No one paid attention to him for the time being. "He¡¯s probably at the fourth level of the Wanderer Realm!" Wang Xuan''s expression changed. This was quite tricky as the opponent has exceeded the current mighty beings'' incarnations by two levels. He belonged to another new level.¡¡¡¡There''s a saying that the person holding the supreme treasure can retain their Earth Immortal Dao when their main bodyes to the real world. It makes sense if that person''s main body is currently on the fourth level without the supreme treasure. "I hope Senior Xu Fu won''t be killed," said Chen Yongjie as he was somewhat anxious. After all, not long ago, he had also received protection from the Grand Alchemist and had been given many benefits. "Let''s go to the iron fortress and ask them to bring Senior Xu Fu back!" Wang Xuan spoke up. He and Liu Huai''an, along with Old Chen, set off and appeared in this vast iron structure. They demanded that the people on the battlefield be brought back. "You''ve seen it. The transmission array is now set up for one-way transmission. We can''t bring him back for a short time," the event organizers hesitated. Without saying a word, Wang Xuan raised the Space-Time Mace and was about to smash the ce. There was nothing he wouldn''t dare to do. He had long realized that the event organizers were not fair. The battlefield changed, and the Grand Alchemist Xu Fu fled toward the Great Barrier, shouting, "Demon Lord, Little Zhang, hurry up and help me!" In the Great Barrier, the light and shadows churned, and the battles there were extremely intense. Someone had actually heard his shout amidst the chaos. A zing beam of light shot out, piercing the powerful undying who was about to catch up to Xu Fu. With a puff, although the energy crossing over to the real world had greatly diminished, it was still considerable. It carried the power of genuine rules and had hit the pursuer beforepletely dissipating. "He''s dead! He¡¯s blown to pieces!" Many people gasped in shock. A main body of a mighty being crossed over in advance, only to have a tragic end. Xu Fu''s danger was resolved. He fled away from the vicinity of the Great Barrier crack as he feared that people from the opposing camp mighte after him too. At that moment, the several mighty gods who had originally intended to cross over with their main bodies all stopped in their tracks and did not approach the crack. After all, there were great advantages for still being in the Great Barrier. They could attack or defend as will which gave them more options. Going out now and approaching the Great Veil might result in them being killed. "Alright, the transmission array is restored. We can bring back those who are willing to leave the battlefield." A voice sounded from the iron fortress. With the crisis resolved and the transmission array fixed, Wang Xuan really wanted to tear the ce down, but he restrained himself. After all, this was someone else''s home ground. Soon after, Xu Fu returned amidst the misty rain of light. He looked somewhat disheveled and had blood stains all over his body. He panted heavily as he said, "I had encountered a tough opponent. I almost died!" Without hesitation, Wang Xuan publicly handed the Space-Time Mace to him, saying, "I failed in my tribtion and can''t fight anymore. I''m lending this to you. It''s yours if I can''t recover! Also, the Book of Ages is the reward you deserve. Go demand it from the organizers!" In outer space, everyone in their spaceship had a look of eagerness in their eyes. The semi-mature supreme treasure, the Space-Time Mace, was just given away just like that. Many were left awestruck. It had ignited their desires, as owning such a treasure was the pinnacle aspiration of a transcendent. Who wouldn''t covet such a possession, even if it were only semi-mature? Its value was beyond measure, capable of skyrocketing one''s own power. "It''s evident that Wang Xuan''s condition is dire. Otherwise, who would dare relinquish a supreme treasure like the Space-Time Mace? It''s the result of a mythical civilization!" said someone. Now, there were no more doubters. Any previous concerns or suspicions had been dispelled. As many nced toward Wang Xuan, expressions of pity and regret adorned their faces. Here was a genius that stood firm at the zenith of the forbidden realms of mythical theory, with a foundation of eleventh-stage. Yet, despite his achievement in killing four major gods and emerging as the top performer in this cross-domain war, his fate appeared to be dim. Even Wu Yin, Zhao Qinghan, and the Little Fox felt deeply unsettled. They believed that he was truly in trouble. "For him, perhaps it''s not a bad thing. After all, the era of transcendence ising to an end. He had once shone brightly, and that should be enough. In three months, everyone will start to decline. So, instead of that, it''s considered a decent oue for him to reach the peak and then depart directly after that," some spected. "You''re giving the Space-Time Mace to me?" Xu Fu was moved, unable to calm his heart. While he didn''t expect a mature supreme treasure, an almost mature Space-Time Mace still remained a coveted treasure for cultivators. Possessing it was a dreame true. "I am!" eximed Wang Xuan as he nodded affirmatively. Xu Fu felt dizzy for a moment. But soon, the Grand Alchemist realized that Wang Xuan might be using him as a sacrificialmb. He spected that thisd might not have been crippled after all. Was this a rebirth from the ashes?¡¡ Now, everyone witnessed that Wang Xuan had relinquished the supreme treasure. There shouldn¡¯t be anyone doubting him anymore. Meanwhile, Xu Fu had taken on this hot potato. The Grand Alchemist was lost in thought, it was the first time he was so conflicted. This burden was so tempting and not entirely bad for him. He was somewhat willing to ept it. "Alright, I''ll keep it for you," said Xu Fu as he nodded solemnly. "No, I''m giving it to you!" said Wang Xuan. He handed it over to him, indicating his withdrawal from the Transcendent Realm. He would disappear from the world to focus on his health. "I also wish to have a friend who has failed in their tribtion!" In the distance, many powerful transcendents were envious and jealous. Especially the gods who crossed over, their eyes had turned red! Was it that easy to obtain the supreme treasures outside the Great Barrier to have given it away so easily? Xu Fu''s mood wasplicated. He temporarily epted this gift and thought of it as a great opportunity. However, he also felt uneasy. Turning around to vent his anger on the event organizers, he demanded, "Where is my Book of Ages? Hand it over immediately!" "It''s really gone. It had disappeared without a trace. I have no idea where it went," replied the event organizers. They were initially tough but they grew nervous and were afraid that Xu Fu would dismantle their operation with his supreme treasure. It was almost insurmountable for a transcendent to possess such an item in the real world! "I don''t believe you!" said Xu Fu. He refused to ept their exnation. "It''s true. We really can''t contact it. That thing is sentient and can move on its own," replied the event organizers as they felt helpless. Eventually, they were forced to reveal a secret, saying, "Let me tell you some confidential information. Even if supreme treasures like the Book of Ages, the bearer of the Old Covenant hatched, it cannot be refined into supreme treasures. The Space-Time Mace has ws. It only reached this level after it was refined to the maximum." Upon careful consideration, this exnation seemed usible. If these treasures could really be refined into supreme treasures, who would be willing to give them away as prizes? The event organizer''s representative further exined, "In the Great Barrier, it¡¯s also the same for another semi-mature treasure, the Lamp of Flowing Light. It has reached its limit. It¡¯ll remain the same no matter how much more refining is done." The event organizer went on to exin, "Moreover, those who possess supreme treasures likely have means to retrieve the Space-Time Mace and the Lamp of Flowing Light. Unless you can refine a treasure dedicated to your own life and cultivation within a month." "Their hearts are truly dark. They never intended to give out these rewards in the first ce, yet now they want to reim them?" Xu Fu and Wang Xuan both wore displeased expressions. "We''repelled by circumstances. This is themand of the founders of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen and the Supetive Pce. We can¡¯t defy them as they are peerless transcendents. But it seems the two founders might fail as the Land of Immortals will try to take advantage. Let''s make a connection here. Don¡¯t spread what I¡¯ve told you," he pleaded with them. This was amunication within the spiritual realm, it was something extremely confidential. He implored the two not to reveal it. Xu Fu felt uneasy. The peerless transcendents had gone crazy. There was a high probability for a lot of immortals and gods to fall in the next three months. Even those transcendent figures wielding supreme treasures might fall. It was certain that terrifying events would unfold one after another. While returning to the spaceship with Wang Xuan, Xu Fu asked, "What''s your real situation?" "I''ve told you already. I need to recuperate and withdraw from the scene. Besides, I''m really tired of all the fighting. I just want to be a quiet theoretical researcher," Wang Xuan replied. "Nonsense, speak inly!" Xu Fu didn''t believe his exnation for a second. "Someone''sing, a god, and it''s an incarnation of a mighty being. Senior, he might be eyeing the supreme treasure in your possession. Be careful not to be ambushed by him," warned Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan''s senses were sharp. He had detected traces of a mighty being among the gods descending in outer space and he was getting closer. Upon hearing this, Xu Fu immediately understood that this fellow wasn''t injured at all. Otherwise, how could his spiritual awareness be so extraordinary? It even surpassed even his own! Chen Yongjie kept silent. He was fully aware that those who practice deceit had a thick face and were willing to go to great lengths. He had pushed the Grand Alchemist Xu Fu to the forefront of the battlefield as he wanted peace for himself. "You guys go back to the spaceship, I''ll take a look outside!" Xu Fu said. Wang Xuan, Chen Yongjie, and Liu Huai''an returned to the spaceship and were prepared to eat hotpot while watching the battle between gods. These were ingredients Wang Xuan had collected on the battlefield during his spare time. It was the flesh of the God of Light and Roc meat! In outer space, Xu Fu''s eyes gleamed as he scanned his surroundings, searching for any signs of the enemy. In a distant starry region, an ethereal figure floated within an ancient spaceship. He was the Evil Dragon. He had also arrived, and was watching the battle within the Great Barrier. "I should get myself a supreme treasure," he murmured softly. "The mighty beings of the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine specte that the master of the Divine Pce, the owner of the Immortal Umbre, who has lived through two mythological ages, will be extremely powerful and difficult to deal with. Therefore, they reached an agreement with some people from the Immortal Realm to change the battlefield." "Fang Yuzhu, the Buddhist Sect and Daoist Sect believe that those old guys who have barely survived into this era were perhaps strong initially, But theyck the power to sustain themselves and may be easier to deal with now. It seems Fang Yuzhu and her group have won the bet." "I should choose to target the mighty beings of the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine. I will join forces with others to ambush and seize a supreme treasure when they obtain the Ascension Banner and the Roaming Ark!" He remained calm. He was preparing to seize the opportunity and had already selected his target. In this era, one must possess a weapon of the Dao Shielding level. Within the Great Barrier, the experts of Buddhist Sect and Daoist Sect were indeed incredibly powerful. With sufficient manpower, they forced the Divine Pce into a state of decline. Primarily because that old monster had no more power to sustain himself. He couldn''t urge the supreme treasures into action anymore! Puff! The Demon Lord was injured. She was attacked by the old monster and the owner of the Immortal Umbre following the agreement with Fang Yuzhu to assist the Buddhist Sect and Daoist Sect. Demon Lord Yan Yan coughed up blood and quickly retreated. When Fang Yuzhu was refining treasures, the Buddhist and Daoist Sect both lent her a hand, helping her resist many enemies. Now, she had to return the favor by suppressing the Divine Pce with the Celestial Bracelet. The Old Daoist and the Great Buddha were rapidly refining the Divine Pce. "How dare you injure her?!" Two shadowy figures erupted in anger and almost went berserk. They wielded the slightly dimmed Beared of Old Covenant of this era and struck at the owner of the Immortal Umbre and the mighty beings around him. "Yuzhu, help us take the umbre!" Among the two shadowy figures, the woman shouted. She was determined to seize the Immortal Umbre. Chapter 481: Orthopedics Or Neurosurgery Chapter 481: Orthopedics Or Neurosurgery The two shadows exhibited immense strength, almost unbelievably so. They appeared nebulous yet possessing devastating power. In this era, few could confront a supreme treasure without trepidation, yet they boldly pressed forward, leaving a trail of carnage in their wake. They used the Bearer of the Old Covenant from this mythological era and shed with the Immortal Umbre which caused it to tremble and its owner to grunt. Even those nearby spewed blood because of the sh. "Do you think merely surviving another mythological age makes you superior to everyone else? If you were truly capable, you wouldn''t have struggled in this era without finding a new path forward!" dered the woman among the two shadows, activating the Bearer of the Old Covenant with relentless determination. "Her true identity must be a peerless transcendent, don''t you think?" someone murmured. The sudden revtion sent shockwaves through everyone that were present, instilling a sense of dread as they realized the formidable aura emanating from the shadowy figure, especially when she became enraged. Crack!¡¡ Though the man within the shadow remained silent, his activation of the Bearer of the Old Covenant unleashed thunderous roars, bombarding both the Immortal Umbre and those nearby. Puff! While the Immortal Umbre managed to block the onught, sparing its owner from harm, each thunderous st was as formidable as a mountain, causing even the gods to tremble. Many figures disintegrated into a mist of blood and were evaporated by the lightning.¡¡¡¡Even the mighty gods were sent flying. Their bodies were charred, their shoulder des shattered, and blood spattered in all directions. It''s worth noting that they were taking refuge beside the Immortal Umbre''s owner and were protected by the expanding patterns of the Great Dao. However, even this defense proved insufficient against the relentless onught. Boom!¡¡ Once again, the two wielded their dim Bearer of the Old Covenant, employing a simple yet brutal approach as they smashed toward the Immortal Umbre. They seemed willing to risk it all just to crush the old monster who had lived through two mythological ages. Everyone was shocked. Who exactly were these two great gods? After bing enraged, they began smashing in a manner that disregarded all reason, purely relying on their overwhelming strength without considering the consequences. Demon Lord Yan Yan wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. Her expression was initially puzzled but it grew brighter as she swiftly rushed forward. Engaging the enemy, she nced sideways at the two figures. She was smiling. Her red dress fluttered in the wind, and her breathtaking beauty radiated through the air. However, as she smiled, tears of emotion welled up on her exquisite face. This gave people a strange feeling. Many were puzzled, especially those from the opposing camp. What was happening to the foremost figure of the Demon n in the Land of Immortals? Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch joined the fray as they were also nearby. Even they seemed lost in thought and could vaguely guess at the situation. Unable to resist, the man among the two shadows reached out and touched the Demon Lord''s head. This action left both allies and enemies dumbfounded, as it seemedpletely out of character. Was there really a man bold enough toy hands on Demon Lord Yan Yan? "Who are you touching?!" Old Zhang said with a sharp tongue just as always. He never failed to disy his distinctive style, even in the midst of an intensebat. As a result, the man in the shadows nced at him. "Little Zhang!" The Demon Lord turned her head and gave him a fierce re. "Zhang Patriarch, are you out of your mind?" The Hades Blood Patriarch murmured, then chuckled to himself. Meanwhile, in the real world, aboard the spaceship in outer space. Wang Xuan dropped his chopsticks with a tter while he was preparing to enjoy Roc meat hotpot and watch the divine battle. "What''s wrong with you?" Qing Mu asked. He had also noticed something amiss. "Is your injury acting up?" Zhao Qinghan asked, holding him and touching his forehead. She was afraid his condition might worsen, his immune system might be imbnced, and he might start running a high fever. However, she didn''t feel any warmth. Instead, she sensed a slight chill on his head. Wu Yin also expressed concern, saying, "Little Wang, don''t force yourself. Did you injure yourself during the tribtion? Don''t push yourself too hard after enduring consecutive battles. Let Senior Xu Fu check on you." "Don''t worry, he''s fine," reassured Chen Yongjie. He knew very well that those who practiced fake fighting techniques had robust bodies. He was sure that Wang Xuan would bounce back instantly if he was out there confronting the gods. "I''m fine, just let me rest for a bit," said Wang Xuan, staring at the intense fighting within the dazzling Great Barrier, he then continued, "What''s it like to suddenly have an elder sister?" "It definitely depends on the specifics, such as whether she needs to take care of you or vice versa, your personal wealth, cultivation level, and so on," said Qing Mu,menting casually. "She¡¯s very powerful," remarked Wang Xuan. "In that case, strive to be a supportive demon brother, and just bear with it," said Transcendent Ma, giving a suggestion. After a moment''s thought, it added, "If I had a sister as remarkable as Peerless Ma, I wouldn''t need to cultivate anymore. I''d rule the world on horseback from then on." "That makes some sense," saidQing Mu as he nodded. Wang Xuan felt sentimental and sighed, "If there were conflicts before this, would I have wanted to watch her dance the Immortal Dance?" "That kind of thinking is off. Are you aiming for orthopedics or neurosurgery?" retorted Qing Mu. Chen Yongjie and Wang Xuan had experienced life-threatening situations together and knew the most. Staring at the Great Barrier, Old Chen felt somewhat incredulous and suffocating. He knew all too well about Wang Xuan''s past dealings with the Demon Lord. "Those two figures might be peerless transcendents!" eximed Liu Huai''an. He felt profoundly shaken as he was watching the battle. Were these individuals on par with the ancestors of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen and the Supetive Pce? As Wang Xuan was lost in thought, those two individuals had given the bracelet and then showed immense concern for the Demon Lord. It seemed quite obvious now, there was no need to guess anymore. However, he thought of many things and felt they didn''t quite fit together. There were many doubts and inconsistencies. Finally, he thought of a very usible possibility, and he suddenly felt relieved as it became clearer. He took a deep breath and felt that everything was fine now. "Feeling better? Do you want me to help massage your wounds?" Little Fox asked. She was like a mischievous little nurse. "Eating the Roc meat hotpot has made me feel better. Just a moment ago, I almost felt like life was at a crossroads, with unfamiliar powerful rtives entering the picture. But now, it doesn''t seem like such a big deal. My life is pretty normal," Wang Xuan remarked. Within the Great Barrier, Fang Yuzhu made a move and left the Divine Pce. She summoned the Celestial Bracelet, triggering another intense sh of treasures. The profound bracelet erged itself amidst the terrifying expansion of the Great Dao. It was so heavy as if a piece of the sky were falling down. Then, myriad stars emerged, causing the Immortal Umbre to rumble and tremble violently as it continued to descend. The old monster who had lived through two mythological eras was nearing his limit. He was coughing up blood incessantly. His desated body shook and those around him grew even paler. They felt unsafe even under therge umbre and had endless gloom in their hearts. On the battlefield, the two shadowy figures became clearer. They gradually gained three-dimensional form, with blurry outlines and features now discernible. The woman grabbed the Demon Lord''s hand andunched a fierce attack together towards the Immortal Umbre. She appeared to be very affectionate towards the Demon Lord but merciless towards the enemy. Boom! Boom! Boom! ¡¡ Three thunderous crashes resounded as Fang Yuzhu collided continuously with the Immortal Umbre, showing her unmatched strength. Already recognized as the number one figure in the Land of Immortals, her possession of the supreme treasure made her unstoppable. The Immortal Umbre dimmed, and its owner was covered in blood on one side. This time, he had met his match and found himself in a precarious situation. But if he didn''te out, he definitely wouldn''tst through the transcendent eternal night. He needed to acquire one or two more treasures to survive. With a click, the Celestial Bracelet emitted light, trapping the Immortal Umbre and immobilizing it. The umbre''s surface could hardly expand the patterns of the Great Dao. It was closing in. "Yan Yan, you like using an umbre, right? Get ready to refine it!" the two shadowy figures spoke simultaneously, their tone was gentle when facing her. The mighty beings and even the gods in the Land of the Undying and the Land of Divine felt a chill. Do they just hand over treasures whenever they like? Who were these two and where did theye from? They had already noticed the tacit understanding between the two shadowy figures and Fang Yuzhu. Neither of the two were vying for the newly captured supreme treasure. They had previously mentioned giving Fang Yuzhu the bracelet and were now asking for her help in retrieving the Immortal Umbre. Was there some sort of agreement? As the Celestial Bracelet tightened, the patterns of the Great Dao surged and had suppressed the Immortal Umbre. The main reason was that its owner couldn''t hold on anymore, his body was depleted and was inferior to Fang Yuzhu. With a puff, the old monster who had lived through two mythological eras coughed up blood heavily and was on the verge of destruction. He felt somewhat unwilling. Was he going to escape? He truly couldn''t bear to part with the supreme treasures. The gods were shocked. Could the Great Barrier that corresponded to Land of the Undying really lose two supreme treasures in one day? Everyone felt a chill down their spine. This deal probably went terribly wrong. They didn''t know if the ancestors of the Supetive Pce and the Imperial Pce of Gouchen had managed to obtain the Ascension Banner and the Roaming Ark. In the real world, in outer space, Wang Xuan rxed and enjoyed a feast with those around him aboard the spaceship. They watched as various extraordinary battles unfolded. "Once things go south, we''ll make a run for it. For now, let''s just enjoy the show and witness this epic battle. Scenes like this might be rare in the future. This marks the grand finale of the myth," Wang Xuan remarked. "Grandpa Liu, this toast is for you. It''s heartwarming to finally see Old Chen reunited with you. He often reminisces about you and was always with a hint of sadness," he added. "Master, I''ll raise a ss to you too!" said Chen Yongjie. Amidst the intense fighting outside, even the ferryman Xu Fu was nearby, chasing after mighty gods with his Space-Time Mace. Despite this, they all leisurely exchanged toasts, chatting away and enjoying the battle between gods. "Old Grandpa, here''s to you as well. Returning victorious from battles in foreign realms surely brings good fortune," said Zhao Qinghan with a smile, raising her ss. Then she whispered to Wang Xuan, "Is your health issue serious?" "It''s nothing serious. If things go awry, I''ll just take it easy from now on," Wang Xuan replied with a smile, drawing a nce from Zhao Qinghan and a disdainful look from Wu Yin. He was feeling quite cheerful now as he had figured out some crucial issues. Previously, he had overlooked an important clue. Now, everything became clear upon retrospection. Years ago, the Demon Lord''s parents risked their lives to return from the spiritual realm outside the Old World. They had been gone for who knows how many years and had barely survived to reach the mortal realm. And there''s one more person, the progenitor of the Demon Four lineage, the strongest in the Demonic Cultivation, the Demon Emperor. He had also returned through that spiritual space. Last time, the Demon Four even went there to search for traces. What did this lineage excel in? The Spirit Coffin Grand Technique was created by the Demon Emperor! Wang Xuan believed that the Demon Lord''s parents likely encountered the Demon Emperor on the road which led to a fierce battle. In the end, the couple probably emerged victorious, survived, and obtained the Spirit Coffin Grand Technique. Upon their return, they must have integrated this supreme technique with the top-notch methods of the Demon n. They lived within the minds of others and woke up asionally but they were mostly in a slumber. "There are some ws though. Can ordinary people bear their powerful spirits? And howe their bodies remain undamaged and exceptionally strong?" Wang Xuan frowned, pondering for a moment before continuing, "Perhaps it''s possible. The Spirit Coffin Grand Technique must have been modified." ¡­¡­ In the Land of the Undying, within the Great Barrier, the ownership of two treasures had changed hands. The old monster was unwilling but powerless, he could only watch as the Immortal Umbre got imprisoned. He could only bleed and flee, but was struck in the back by a thick bolt of lightning and exploded! The two shadowy figuresunched a ruthless attack on him, seeking justice for Demon Lord Yan Yan. They showed no mercy and killed him. "Don¡¯t I still have a little brother?" asked Demon Lord Yan Yan as she looked at the two shadowy figures. With various thoughts in mind, she didn''t immediately refine the Immortal Umbre. Not far away, Old Zhang and Hades Blood Patriarch were stunned. What''s going on? There was definitely big and interesting news. The two of them sneakily approached to eavesdrop. Chapter 482: So Sweet I Can Die Chapter 482: So Sweet I Can Die Stubborn Old Zhang''s ears were trembling slightly, ripples of rules spreading out, eager to catch thetest major gossip first-hand. The Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect was the same, not wanting to miss out on this big news. His ears... actually grewrger, with patterns of order interwoven. However, the two of them suddenly heard... a thunderous roar exploding right by their ears, vibrating their heads so intensely that their ears pressed against the sides of their heads, moving on their own to seal the earholes, as their eardrums were about to burst. Clearly, this was the handiwork of the two shadows. "Do you want another brother?" The man among the two shadows revealed a vague outline, with a gentle smile, spoiling the Demon Lord Yan Yan to the extreme. This scene made a group of supreme beings feel quite nauseated. You''re transcendent beings, doting on an unparalleled demon fairy? Go home and show off! Many thought in disdain. The woman among the two shadows also became slightly clearer, with a graceful figure, directly punching the man, saying, "What are you talking about in front of the child!" The gods couldn''t take it anymore. What was this family doing here, and why were they unting their affection? "Are you sure it''s that couple?" Old Zhang rubbed his ears, asking the Hades Blood Patriarch in a low voice, mainly because he was a bit young, only over two thousand years old, not having lived through that era."Definitely," the Hades Blood Patriarch nodded, feeling somewhat sickened but not daring to speak loudly for fear of being reprimanded and beaten. He was truly no match for them. The two shadows had just killed a monster who lived through two mythological eras in front of the gods, a strike of thunder making all supreme beings tremble. But now, in front of the Demon Lord, the two of them were too gentle, apletely different demeanor, holding her hand and looking around. Meanwhile, they were whispering to each other, seemingly informing her of some situation,municating with the Demon Lord through their minds, with Yan Yan nodding slightly. On ordinary days, although the Demon Lord was unparalleled in grace and stunning in red, she was absolutely powerful. Yet now, she was smiling sweetly with tears in her eyes. This family... Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch, despite their efforts to eavesdrop, got nothing, kept out by the three, surrounded by supreme rules. The gods and immortals in the great barrier frowned and quickly retreated. By now, it was clear that the Immortal Umbre could not be taken back; it hadpletely changed hands. In the real world, aboard a spaceship in outer space, various transcendent beings watched the scene, spellbound and profoundly shaken. A family of three? Chen Yongjie said, "This is quite surreal. What era does the Demon Lord belong to? A supreme being from the pre-Qin period, and now her parents are still around and even more powerful. There''s hardly another example like this in the cultivation world." It''s true, a family of top figures, truly unparalleled! Transcendent Ma, with his body glowing golden fur and bright eyes, said, "As a fellow member of the demon race, if the Demon Lord were my sister, that would be awesome. And having a pair of powerful parents to boot, I could even write my own biography. Like, ''My Sister is the Number One Demon Lord,'' ''My Parents are the Big Shots of the Immortal Realm,'' ''Turns Out I''m a Second-Generation Immortal.'' Ah, so envious!" This horse was really caught up in its emotions, full of longing. This made Wang Xuan furrow his brows and couldn''t help but p it to keep it quiet. Wang Xuan thought carefully and still believed his guesses were credible. Although he had some connections with those two shadows, it wasn''t a big deal. In the great barrier, Fang Yuzhu stood on the giant Immortal Umbre, subduing this famous immortal treasure with the Sky-Covering Bracelet. The Demon Lord Yan Yan finally made her move, beginning to refine this world-renowned immortal treasure! In the distant universe, a figure like a banished immortal, "The Evil Dragon," rose gracefully, standing on an ancient spaceship, preparing to contact people from the Immortal Realm through the curtain, aiming to seize the treasure. In fact, Wang Xuan also thought of him, having sensed that malice before. His biggest concern was the strength of the Evil Dragon. Those shadows, who had killed a monster that lived through two mythological eras, had pursued the Evil Dragon more than once and failed to eliminate him, indicating how formidable and terrifying he was! The atmosphere in the spaceship was lively. Wang Xuan felt that his life''s trajectory hadn''t changed. He let go of his worries, joined the others in eating phoenix meat, clinking sses, watching the divine battle, thoroughly enjoying himself. "Senior Xu Fu killed an avatar of a supreme being!" The little fox fairy eximed upon seeing the great Daoist''s fierce action on the big screen. Xu Fu, wielding his Space-Time Mace, vanquished an avatar of a wandering top deity, his actions sending blood scattering across the vacuum of space, serving as a powerful deterrent to onlookers. Chen Yongjie couldn''t help but admire Xu Fu''s determination. It was clear that Xu, having ced himself at the storm''s epicenter, had yed a pivotal role in ensuring Wang Xuan''s escape from the maelstrom, effectively clearing his path. The temptation of a semi-matured treasure was undeniable. Despite the inherent dangers of approaching such a power, the allure proved too strong for many, daring them to take the risk. With treasures like the Sky-Covering Bracelet, the Immortal Umbre, and the Divine Pce off-limits, thanks to the involvement of otherworldly beings, the gods found themselves hopelessly outmatched. The Space-Time Mace, a treasure only slightly less formidable than those untouchable artifacts, incited envy among the mighty, who coveted its power for themselves. After dispatching an adversary in the cosmic void, Xu Fu''s actions failed to dissuade other ambitious figures; instead, another top immortal''s avatar dared to cross realms to challenge him. In the eerie silence of space, a series of altars materialized, bronze steles rose from the nothingness, and banners unfurled in defiance of the void. An assant was orchestrating an ambush. Unable to directly confront Xu Fu''s might, they sought to ensnare the great Daoist with a formidable array, aiming to immobilize him and slowly sap his strength, all while eyeing the semi-matured treasure as their ultimate prize. Confronted with this relentless hunt, Xu Fu stood undaunted. Empowered by the possession of the semi-matured treasure, he unleashed a formidable counterattack, shattering altars and steles with a single blow, their remnants dissolving into cosmic dust. Yet, as he pivoted to continue his assault, the broken altars and steles were swiftly reced, and an evenrger array of banners and steles emerged from the cosmos. The assault was not the work of a lone adversary; three of the cosmos'' most formidable beings had banded together, intent on sealing Xu Fu within their vast array, determined to drain the prodigious strength that set him apart from the rest. "Won''t Senior Xu Fu be in danger?" Wu Yin inquired. Chen Yongjie shook his head, "It shouldn''t be a problem. Xu is formidable, a tough nut to crack. He''s in absolute control right now; they won''t be able to trap him for long." "In this mythological end times, the mighty have gone mad, battling for immortality and crazed for treasures, and here I am, unlucky enough to be mortal again," Qing Mumented. "Don''t worry, being shaken down means your cultivation was unstable, somewhat superficial. This fall is actually solidifying your foundation," Liu Huai''an advised. With his mentor speaking, Qing Mu naturally epted the advice humbly. "It''s alright, strive to cultivate back," Wang Xuan said. Though he was already powerful, satisfaction was far from his reach. He longed for further advancement, only feeling content when he could rival an earthly immortal. Now, the return of the avatars of the mightiest posed no threat to his life, but the return of their true forms would still be a significant concern. After enjoying the divine-grade phoenix meat, everyone was satisfied, and Wang Xuan pondered on how to be stronger, aiming to elevate himself further. During his spiritual journey, his soul dived into the soil of fate, circling around the Life-Preserving Furnace''s main body before attempting to lift it, seeding effortlessly. Although it felt somewhat heavy, it wasn''t much of an issue for him now. Reaching the uncharted twelfth realm had transformed his physical and spiritual being significantly. Clearly, his strength had surged, enabling him to manipte theplete Life-Preserving Furnace! Only today did he truly be its master. At this moment, Wang Xuan was full of confidence. His "retirement" was meant to reduce conflicts with others, but should any god or immortal provoke him unwisely, they were wee to try their luck! "Ah, ultimately, it''s an external power, leveling the ying field with others'' weapons. Considering the current trend, beings beyond this world will seize the treasures. It''s time to elevate my own cultivation," he mused. Wang Xuan''s gaze naturally fell on individuals like Fang Yuzhu, the Hook Chen Emperor, and the progenitors of transcendent domains. Possessing treasures and superior strength, they were the benchmarks he aspired to reach. "Next, I should focus on cultivating ''The Golden Cicada Technique,'' ''Butterfly Transformation Method¡±, and the ¡°''Ant Gazing at the Dragon scripture,'' and other unique scriptures that can facilitate rebirth and further ascension." This path was set from the beginning, his efforts always aimed at advancing beyond the "uninhabited" realm of the twelfth rank, to push even further. Even in the twilight years of mythology, he never lost heart, aspiring to continue progressing in an era deemed ipatible with cultivation, to discover new myths. Wang Xuan, seated in meditation, was constantly focused on elevating himself, triggering divine inspiration to enter his Inner Landscape. He aimed not only to cultivate those vital scriptures himself but also to assist others like Qing Mu in elevating their realms. Time and again... After countless attempts, drenched in cold sweat, the blood smeared on his face diluted, Wu Yin and Zhao Qinghan looked on quizzically, helping him wipe it away, only to find seemingly no wounds on his body. Near exhaustion and depleted in spirit, Wang Xuan finally triggered divine inspiration once more, opening his Inner Landscape. "Come, let''s enter the Inner Scenery. We''ll observe the divine battles from here,prehend their sublime aspects, cultivate our own techniques, and forge our own paths," Wang Xuan beckoned the others. Liu Huai''an was astonished. Had this young man just opened such a rare Inner Landscape right before his eyes? "Master, I''ve opened it before too. When the time is right, I''ll demonstrate it for you!" The usually reserved Chen Yongjie took a rare opportunity to "show off" in front of his master, revealing a "green" side. Qing Mu was the most excited, almost to the point of moving heaven and earth. Once brought inside, he howled, knowing that while life couldn''t be restarted, cultivation might be regained. He was determined to make the most of his time to cultivate! Wang Xuan said, "This time, you might only get back to the grandmaster level, but don''t be discouraged. Work harder, and next time, you should be able to return to the transcendent." Wu Yin, now a mortal and currently at the grandmaster realm, was naturally excited too, feeling she could ascend once more. Thus, Wang Xuan began to cultivate several unique scriptures, desiring to be stronger, aiming to advance into an unprecedented new realm! Had he focused solely on cultivating either "The Cicada Technique" or "The Butterfly Transformation," he might have already mastered a technique to itster stages, even to perfection. However, his diligence saw him practicing not just one scripture but many, all renowned ancient methods and simrly themed masterpieces, such as Old Zhang''s "Heavenly Serpent Transformation Technique," Hades Blood''s "Phoenix Nirvana Technique," and the "Feathered Return to the Origin Scripture" practiced by the Demon Lord and Fang Yuzhu. It wasn''t greed that drove him; he believed that after surpassing the theoretical end of mythology, practicing just one scripture would be ineffective, unlikely to induce a qualitative transformation in him. Thus, he devoted himself to arduous training, making every famed scripture apulsory part of his regimen. Either he would fail to master them, or he would achieve aprehensive enhancement, breaking through to the thirteenth realm! In the spaceship, a quietude settled as they all engaged in cultivation, treasuring this rare moment. Regardless of what the future held, this continual elevation of spirit and body was undoubtedly beneficial. While Wang Xuan''s soul cultivated in the Inner Landscape, his spiritual eye also watched the conflicts within the great barrier. The gods, not yet resigned to defeat, continued their onught, facing off against the mightiest. Now, his spiritual sensitivity magnified, the actions he observed seemed to slow down. The supreme maneuvers before him unfolded, allowing him to perceive everything clearly and deeply understand their essence. Flicker! In the spaceship, a hazy light appeared, electronic devices experiencing interference. It was the soul of a powerful deity manifesting here. In the Inner Landscape, Liu Huai''an, Qing Mu, the little fox fairy, and others were startled. This was not a good sign¡ªhad a top deity bypassed Xu Fu to enter here? "Don''t worry, just a stray deity!" Wang Xuan stood up, his spirit walking straight out. How could they be at ease? It was undoubtedly a top deity; otherwise, how could it suddenly appear here, bypassing everyone? The next moment, they were petrified, frozen like y statues because Wang Xuan, without any disguise, disyed the power of a soul standing at the twelfth realm, a domain uniquely his own, overwhelmingly strong in reality. He struck the deity first, shattering part of the deity''s spiritual form, who was utterly horrified. What kind of mortal was this? Attempting to flee, the deity was repeatedly intercepted and blocked. The young man''s speed was unbelievable, shing fiercely with him. Eventually, Wang Xuan used his trump card, piercing through the deity''s skull, twisting and breaking his neck, then using true fire topletely incinerate his fleeing soul. "Wang Xuan, what realm has he reached?" Zhao Qinghan looked at Chen Yongjie in shock, seeking confirmation, believing he knew the details. "Did Wang Xuan survive his tribtion without failing?" Wu Yin also widened her eyes, followed by immense joy. A deity was swiftly in by Wang Xuan. For good measure, Wang Xuan''s soul took a trip outside, drawing Xu Fu''s Space-Time Mace into the scene, circling momentarily before returning it. The great Daoist felt a bitter sweetness, understanding the situation. Someone had sneaked into the spaceship, a mistake on his part. Yet, Wang Xuan''s use of the Space-Time Mace essentially made him take the me again, signaling to those possibly watching that it was Xu Fu who had in the deity. In the great barrier, the Demon Lord was refining the Immortal Umbre. The two shadows were pleased, also asionally striking at enemies lurking in the distance. Puff! An individual met their end, subdued and in by the two, with divine blood sttering. "Attacking Yan Yan and still daring to linger around is purely seeking death!" said the man among the shadows, his protective instinct towards the Demon Lord evident in his repeated assertions, almost overwhelmingly sharine. "You''re going too far, sending avatars again and again into the cosmic void of the outer world. Are you aiming to assassinate Xu Fu, or is it that boy you''re after? Such actions are despicable!" the woman in the shadows dered, joining forces with the man to strike at the true forms of the mighty beings hiding in the distance! Chapter 483: Short-Lived Chapter 483: Short-Lived Inside the Inner Landscape, umtions of nearly tangible silver substancey like a nket of snow, with purple material also falling from the void, serene and mysterious. Wang Xuan, upon returning here and noticing the diminished intensity of the conflicts within the great barrier, immersed himself in his own world to study those unique scriptures. At this moment, Chen Yongjie, Liu Huai''an, and Zhao Qinghan heard the sound of cicadas chirping, prompting surprised nces and curious looks back. Wang Xuan sat deep within the Inner Scenery, where the silhouette of a golden cicada emerged, symbolizing rebirth, its cries echoing like the sound of the Dao reverberating. On its golden back, a vague fissure appeared, dotted with chaotic ripples, as if a newborn cicada was gestating, ready to break free at any moment. "The Cicada Technique... it''s different from the effect Master Zhong achieved!" Chen Yongjie was immediately taken aback. In the depths of the earthly immortal city''s secret ground, he had witnessed Master Zhong turning into a "big zongzi," with his body covered in various keratinous substances and some mucus. Liu Huai''an, with a grave expression, said, "This does indeed differ from some ancient records of the Golden Cicada Technique, but there are also legends that at its highest level, the appearance of the golden cicada is expected, signifying a life reborn to apany the Dao in its melody!" Hearing this, everyone paused, turning their gaze towards Wang Xuan. Was this the pinnacle achievement of the Golden Cicada Technique? "Is Wang Xuan about to master it?" Zhao Qinghan asked, her usually sharp demeanor softened by a smile, radiating beauty and sweetness. Liu Huai''an, wise and worldly, responded, "He''s reached theter stages. If it were a normal transformation, he would have seeded by now. But he''s cultivating the highest echelon of the Cicada Phenomenon, which likely requires further refinement. That someone so young could reach this pinnacle of a miraculous technique seems almost surreal to me." Elder Liu was deeply moved. How had a young man in his twenties managed to achieve this step, something even the most glorious era of antiquity seldom witnessed? The cicadas chirped again, resonating like the sound of the Dao, with mysterious patterns expanding, affecting everyone present. Instantly, each person gained special insights. "Truly, this renowned miraculous technique is extraordinary, different from any other. As he breaks through and evolves, he also blesses those around him. Everyone, pay attention andprehend your own scriptures; you may find your efforts doubly rewarded."Liu Huai''an, with his wealth of experience, knew well of such miraculous techniques, adding, "A cicada''s life does not span more than a season; thus, it seeks another transformation, to break through the heavens. This is its harmony with the Dao, resonating together." Moved by the moment, everyone sat down to meditate on their own techniques, finding their cultivation path smoother and more receptive. Thus, as the cicada called out thirteen times, its wings vibrating, the fissure on its golden back widened, and the ripples of the Dao undted more intensely. Qing Mu felt the most profound impact, being at the lowest realm. His elevation back to the realm of a grandmaster was rtively swift, as if baptized by the cicada''s and Dao''s resonant sounds, cleansing his entire being. Wu Yin was struck by a peculiar ripple originating from Wang Xuan, where the cicada in harmony with the Dao manifested, causing her body to quiver and her mind and body to feel warmly enveloped by a surging energy, bringing her on the brink of transcendence. "Incredible, truly a miraculous technique!" Chen Yongjie eximed in astonishment, benefiting greatly himself. Instead of a direct baptism, he chose to meditate on his technique, making significant progress on his own path. Zhao Qinghan, serene as a jade sculpture, her beautiful face adorned with flowing auroras, carried a celestial charm, transcending the mundane, as if about to ascend amidst the rosy clouds. She, too, resonated with Wang Xuan''s cicada, her brow aglow with fairy light, rhythmically aligned, reaping immense benefits. Given such experiences among them, one could only imagine what Wang Xuan himself underwent. He felt as if he had reached the edge of the universe, where all things, including the stars, had withered away, leaving only himself, transformed into a cicada, crying out to revive the cosmos and bring vitality back to heaven and earth. Yet, he couldn''t awaken the vast universe, only transcending himself, merging with the Dao as the cicada. His back cracked open, birthing a new self, leaving behind his cicada shell, seeking transcendence. "Just one step away, trapped within the golden cicada shell. Is the fissure on my back not wide enough? Is the harmony with the Dao too vague, its sound too indistinct for me to truly hear, leaving me only to reminisce about its essence?" Wang Xuan introspected. Even so, he felt a vibrant vitality within, imbued with the power of rebirth, his physical body strengthening from within. His soul mirrored this, its core mark glowing anew. In the deepest part of his spirit, as if a seed were nted, resembling a tiny cicada that eventually transformed back into himself, waiting for the moment to break free from all barriers, destined to emerge one day. With every chirp of the cicada, his physical and spiritual beings were caressed by an unusual light, both form and spirit sublimely elevated together. "My strength is increasing," Wang Xuan marveled, yet he was aware that this was certainly not the realm of the thirteenth rank. It wasn''t so easy to directly step into. He could only marvel at the miraculous nature of the technique, which had a significant effect on him, though it also presented a problem¡ªhis soul remained trapped within the golden cicada shell, unable to fully transform. His physical body had transformed from within, but the external changes were not as apparent. Eventually, he paused this technique, not forcing progress, and began practicing "The Butterfly Transformation," "Ascension Transmutation Reversion Scripture," and others, making astonishing progress. In the Inner Scenery, without the passage of time, only the spirit and perception were elevated. Yet, this experience felt exceptionally lengthy. Wang Xuan methodically practiced these renowned miraculous techniques, allocating "time" wisely, reaping substantial benefits. During this period, Wu Yin, Qing Mu, and Zhao Qinghan stepped out briefly to calm their minds, feeling as if they were about to forget the real world. Their spiritual perception had increased manifold, initially offering an optimal experience, but surpassing the limit became somewhat overwhelming. This was the first time Qing Mu felt the passage of time in the Inner Scenery to be too lengthy, despite having entered it multiple times before, marking this asion as particrly unique. However, just a few minutes outside could equate to "decades" passing in the Inner Scenery, rapidly "stealing time." When they re-entered, Wang Xuan had progressed to "The Ant Gazing at the Dragon," observing the Dao evolving into a terrifying dragon in the void. "From the perspective of an ant, observing the Dao Dragon, then surpassing it, is that the ant''s pursuit and its highest achievement?" The intention behind this scripture was profound, and without reaching the highest realm, he had no intention of altering it. The symbolism of the Dao was already powerful enough. Only when truly standing above the clouds, having subdued the Dao Dragon, would he consider exploring new ideas. Finally, Wang Xuan opened his eyes, concluding his cultivation. As he rose, the sounds of cicadas and the dragon''s roar, from an ant transforming into a dragon, filled the air. His mastery of several wondrous techniques had reached theirtter stages, just shy of perfection and the ultimate leap forward. This time, there was no opportunity for that final breakthrough. Wang Xuan¡¯s physical and spiritual strength had intensified beyond his previous state, as if purified, his very essence of life elevated, enriching his existence. "Is this what theplete realm of the twelfth rank feels like?" Every movement he made seemed imbued with an ethereal grace, causing Zhao Qinghan to gaze at him repeatedly, unable to divert her eyes. Wu Yin, more direct, walked over and couldn''t resist touching his muscles and pinching his somewhat transcendent face,menting, "You''re different from before." She audaciously verified by touch, saying, "Previously, your actions conveyed a fierce and direct perception, like a raptor spreading its wings or a roaring dragon. Now¡­" "Now you seem untouched by the mortal coil," Zhao Qinghan added. "Wu One, Zhao Three, Fox Four, Ma Three, Qing Mortal, oh, and Bear Three!" The little fox fairy categorized everyone''s realms, noting that everyone had advanced by at least one level. Chen Yongjie, back at the peak of the ninth rank, reached the pinnacle of his life once more, pondering deeply, continuously seeking ways to break his limits. Liu Huai''an was also at the limit of the ninth rank. In fact, if not for the ongoing tremors in the outside world, they might have ascended even higher, given the "prolonged" nature of their time theft. Outside, chaos reigned, with some losing half a rank. As long as the supreme treasures remained unsettled, the great barrier''s highest rules would continue to fluctuate, prolonging this state of affairs. "The situation within the great barrier is decided. The Divine Pce and the Immortal Umbre have changed hands, the gods have suffered a great defeat, and the events there are likelying to an end." "Not necessarily, there''s still the Pool of Life. I reckon that too will change owners!" Wang Xuan and the others discussed, feeling it was about time to leave. The unparalleled battle was drawing to a close, with little left to see. "Old Master Xu Fu is truly formidable, having in two more of the mightiest avatars?" In outer space, various altars, bronze steles, and bannersy shattered, a scene of devastation apanied by startling divine blood. In reality, not much time had passed, as the "lengthy" perception of time within the Inner Scenery tranted to just brief moments in the real world. "Hmm, someone''se to negotiate, not to confront. They''re speaking with Elder Xu Fu. If the hard approach didn''t work, are they trying a softer one?" More so, others were approaching the spaceship, nearing Wang Xuan and his group. Xu Fu allowed this, overly confident, knowing Wang Xuan hadn''t failed his tribtion, possibly even stronger than him! At most, should an unexpected conflict arise, he would board the spaceship and willingly take the me. The neers appearedposed, not dismayed by their loss in the great barrier, instead disying a cold and serene demeanor. "Ie from the Imperial Pce of Gouchen within the great barrier!" "I am from the Supetive Pce within the great barrier!" The individuals introduced themselves straightforwardly, their origins from these two great legacies naturally being astonishing, with both founders being beyond this world, leading the celestial realm in pursuit of the supreme treasures. One of them spoke, "Our visit here is not intended to bully anyone, nor is it to start a war." Transcendent Ma immediately took issue with this, saying, "You speak as if you could match us. Haven''t you seen the Godyer here? Even the four mightiest deities of the past, full of bluster, were all ughtered by Wang Xuan. And who are you, exactly?" "We are disciples of the two transcendent ancestors. Though we may not be as aplished, we are only a step away from being among the mightiest." "So, you''re relying on two old immortals!" the little fox fairy muttered under her breath. "Do not speak disrespectfully, nor act rashly! Otherwise, bear the consequences yourselves." One of them waved an immortal talisman in his hand, where the light of immortality steamed, saying, "This is equivalent to a strike from a transcendent avatar in the real world!" This statement darkened the expressions of everyone aboard the spaceship. Was this a threat? "We do not wish for war but simply to peacefully convey some information. The Space-Time Mace and the Book of Ages are both seriously wed. Using them against enemies could lead to their bacsh at critical moments, and without a supreme treasure to suppress and subdue them, the bearer will eventually meet a tragic end." "What exactly are you trying to say?" Zhao Qinghan asked. "The two ancestors, leading the mightiest into the celestial realm, are destined to acquire the Ascension Banner and the Roaming Ark, oues no less significant than those of Fang Yuzhu and others. Our visit is to forge a good karma. Whether it''s the Book of Ages or a semi-matured treasure, keeping them will be of no use to you, bing instead a major threat, ultimately leading to deadly peril. If offered to the Gouchen Emperor Pce and the Supetive Pce, possessing the supreme treasures, you will receive generous rewards." The idea that the Ascension Banner and the Roaming Ark were destined for the people of thends of immortality and divinity surprised Wang Xuan and the others. Chen Yongjie said, "You''vee here to seek alms, trying to get something for nothing, and even resorting to threats?" "Leave now!" Wang Xuan was even more straightforward, asking them to leave immediately. Liu Huai''an, always prudent, calmly informed them that the Book of Ages, being a prize, had not yet been handed out by the organizers. "You will regret this!" The visitors were brisk in their departure, with one of them coldlyughing, "It''s a long journey back, be careful you make it." "You dare threaten us?" Wang Xuan spoke up. "No, we were merely offering you a chance to achieve greatness. Choosing to ignore it and ultimately suffering harm due to the treasures is not as pleasant," the man said calmly before turning to leave, their confidence buoyed by possessing an immortal talisman of a being beyond this world, leaving with a coldugh. "I really don¡¯t buy into that curse!" Wang Xuan dered. Disciples of the transcendent beings indeed held high status, but their brazen threats and warnings about their return journey left no room for negotiation. He reached out swiftly, intending to detain them, "You¡¯re going to attack us?!" Reacting quickly, they brandished the immortal talisman, decisivelyunching it into action. To their horror, a treasure furnace appeared in front of Wang Xuan, instantly swallowing the immortal talisman. The supposed strike from a transcendent being''s avatar did not manifest. Shocked and disbelieving, Wang Xuan then grasped them as if they were mere chicks, holding them by their necks before tossing them aside like rag dolls into a corner of the spaceship, leaving them for Xu Fu to deal with. Meanwhile, in the celestial realm, the founders of the Supetive Pce and the Gouchen Emperor Pce did indeed seed, thanks to a shortcut avable to them. The Roaming Ark, carrying the various true blood imprints of a super civilization, had flown into the depths of the universe, shedding numerous blood droplets, some of which were collected byter generations. Though these blood samples could not revive the once mighty beings or even dried up, they could still summon the Roaming Ark, being recognized as its former owners. Simrly, the Ascension Banner, when it ventured into the depths of the universe in search of the true source, left behind traces of its passage. Thus, after paying a heavy price, the two founders led many strong beings to sess on this day. However, bad news soon followed; one of the founders was severely injured in a surprise attack led by the Evil Dragon and a group of assants, causing the Supetive Pce''s founder to disintegrate once, resulting in the Ascension Banner being lost. This news quickly spread to thend of the immortals. "The Ascension Banner truly is an ominous relic; misfortune befalls whoever possesses it!" somemented, citing the incidents with Heng Jun and now the founder of the Supetive Pce. Wang Xuan was particrly concerned about whether the Evil Dragon had seeded in obtaining the Ascension Banner. Chapter 484: Master Of The Treasure Chapter 484: Master Of The Treasure In the cosmic void, the steel fortress floated, projecting a scene so vivid it seemed as if the celestial realm had descended, disying the disintegration of the Supetive Pce''s founder and the blood-stained Ascension Banner flying away. Across various spaceships, cultivators from different Transcendents were shocked and terrified by this news. Even beings beyond this world had shed blood. The gods were solemn, the immortals and deities who hade to the real world fell silent, uneasy at the expeditionary force''s defeat and the loss of the treasures they had almost secured. Aboard the spaceship, the few individuals Wang Xuan had captured were pale, their confidence shattered by the recent cmity. They had believed that their transcendent ancestors would soon return triumphant with the treasures, only to face disaster. Transcendent Ma taunted them, "Where''s your arrogance now? Both your revered ancestors have been gravely injured. Can they even return? And, do you still want us to hand over the Book of Ages and the semi-matured treasure?" These disciples of the transcendent forces, once of high status, now tasted the bitterness of defeat. Their most revered ancestors'' fates were uncertain, and they themselves had be prisoners. Then, the great Daoist Xu Fu arrived, entering the spaceship with a straightforward approach, saying, "I''vee to take the me. Why haven''t these few been dealt with yet?" His directness and "honesty" left everyone aboard the spaceship in awe. Comrade Xu''s willingness to shoulder the responsibility made even Wang Xuan feel somewhat embarrassed. "Alright, I''ll handle it." Xu Fu took the prisoners away and, with a swing of the Space-Time Mace, struck them down, turning them into ash that dissipated cleanly."What are your ns? Will you return to the oldnds with us?" Wang Xuan asked, eager to leave this ce sooner rather thanter. With even beings beyond this world falling victim to sneak attacks, who could predict what might happen next? As the great war drew to a close, it could be even more brutal. Considering the Land of Immortality, the Land of Immortals, Land of the Divine, a terrifying free-for-all over the ownership of the treasures might soon erupt. With rumors persistently swirling about someone''s intention to collect all the supreme treasures, Xu Fu''s caution was understandable. "I''ll seek Fang Yuzhu and the Demoness. With the supreme treasures in their possession, they can assist me in refining the Space-Time Mace. I''m somewhat uneasy holding it alone, fearing being targeted and meeting an obscure end in the real world." Xu Fu nned to head to the battlefield within the great barrier. Wang Xuan nodded in agreement, "Alright, then we''ll be leaving first. Staying here doesn''t help much, and entering the great barrier would only turn us into cannon fodder." "Be careful on your way. Don''t let yourself be killed. The people from thend of immortality are quite unruly," Xu Fu warned seriously. Not just Wang Xuan and his group wanted to depart; others from various Transcendents were also intimidated. With gods descending and chaos escting in this region, plus the conclusion of the cross-realm great war in the real world, there was no reason to linger. The battle of legends within the great barrier, where supreme treasures shed, was undoubtedly spectacr. Even the potential for "beyond-worldly" confrontations to urter didn''t entice anyone to stay. Everyone embarked on their return journey, forming a steel jungle of warships that then dispersed, grandly departing towards various wormholes. In the celestial domain, deep within the great barrier, the founder of the Supetive Pce¡ªZhen Chao, with his dark hair stained with blood, appeared to be in his thirties. His golden pupils were icy, his face marked with anger. Covered in wounds and wearing the once renowned first armor of the divinend, now shattered by his assant, his aura mingled with mists, healing his injuries. It was clear how formidable the assant was, capable of breaking the supreme armor with bare hands, a strength that resonated through the ages. Even Zhen Chao, the foremost powerhouse of the divinend, was injured and lost the supreme treasure. Zhen Chao, nearing four thousand years old and of immense strength and profound heritage, was a rare match for anyone. He recuperated, consuming several divine medicinal leaves, gradually recovering. Yet, his expression was grim. The silence of the other mighty beings nearby added to the oppressive atmosphere, the loss and recovery of the treasure souring everyone''s mood. "Are you certain it was the second person ever to open a special Inner Landscape?" the founder of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen¡ªGou Dun, asked. He looked even younger, like a man in his mid-twenties, with silver pupils and a face sharp and sculpted, his gray hair flowing freely. He led some of the top Undying with him, vigntly scanning their surroundings, his hand clutching a palm-sized boat, shimmering with chaotic light. The Roaming Ark rested in the hands of Gou Dun, the founder of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen, who regretted the loss of their double treasures due to an unforeseen attack. Zhen Chao nodded solemnly, "It''s him. Over three thousand years ago, when I was incognito traveling through the celestial realm, I saw him from a distance. The essence of one''s life mark, no matter how it transforms, remains unchanged." The "Evil Dragon" was a figure from three thousand five hundred years ago, a notorious entity predating the likes of Fang Yuzhu and the Ming Blood Patriarch by five hundred years. Gou Dunmented, "Those with special Inner Landscapes are truly fearsome. They were thought to be dead, yet they live again. Without a doubt, he is beyond this world, especially adept at concealing his presence, blending into the void. That he managed to ambush you is testament to his prowess." Blood mist steamed around Zhen Chao, signaling his recovery. He said gravely, "It wasn''t just him; those who acted with him are equally formidable. The one with the golden soul, whose celestial radiance blinds even the top immortals, possesses astonishing strength. And the man in the silver robe, emanating a scent of decay yet also vibrant with the aura of rebirth, seems to have mastered the highest realms of the Demonic Embryo Technique. Such individuals, moving together, are indeed terrifying." The Evil Dragon wasn''t acting alone. After the ambush, he had aplices who helped pursue the Ascension Banner. "He even marked the Ascension Banner with his blood during the ambush. I fear he might find that treasure before us, making it impossible to retrieve." "Let''s continue the chase!" Seeing Zhen Chao had recovered, Gou Dun immediately activated the Roaming Ark, and everyone boarded to pursue further. However, the Ascension Banner had vanished through the void, leaving no trace. "There''s movement in the west. It... has appeared again!" Possessing the Roaming Ark, they had the upper hand in speed, arriving first at the scene. The Evil Dragon, the being with the golden soul, and the founder of the Demonic Embryo Technique, cloaked in a silver cape, along with their followers, also arrived almost simultaneously. They were nearby. "You dare toe here, seeking death!" The two founders, filled with murderous intent, propelled the Wandering Boat forward, aiming to seize the Ascension Banner and eliminate their adversaries. However, against all expectations, the Ascension Banner lightly floated and, after a slight resistance,nded in the hands of Qi Tian, the Evil Dragon. "Qi Tian!" Zhen Chao of the Supetive Pce was both shocked and furious. The treasure he had lost and regained was now willingly falling into the hands of Qi Tian, the Evil Dragon? "Qi Tian, is that the person from over three thousand years ago?" From afar, a group from the celestial realm also pursued, and upon hearing that name, a wave of astonishment rippled through them. The Evil Dragon, whose real name was Qi Tian, possessed a unique Inner Landscape and was renowned for illuminating thest centuries of antiquity, a true prodigy. "Resurrected from the dead?" Many in the celestial realm were stunned. "You should stoppeting with me. Since my true self revived in the celestial realm, I''ve had my eyes on the Ascension Banner. For it, I practiced all the remaining scriptures of that super civilization it belonged to. Each time it appeared, I made efforts to be close, feeding it my blood seven times over the years, gradually earning its recognition. Opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared. What do you have topete with me?" Qi Tian, the Evil Dragon, made such a statement, revealing his long-term connection with the Ascension Banner. He hadn''t forcibly seized it but resonated with it through the scriptures and secrets of its era, feeding it with blood containing these scriptures and the essence of the Dao, gradually gaining its recognition. "Unconvinced? Then let''s battle. I''m also interested in acquiring more than just the Roaming Ark!" Qi Tian initiated the attack, leading his people into the fray. "We... must go!" Zhen Chao and Gou Dun made the difficult decision to flee aboard the Roaming Ark at high speed. It wasn¡¯t a matter of cowardice but the fear of being ambushed. The presence of the Evil Dragon and hispanions was already formidable enough, and if the ancient madman wielding the Mortal Sword also arrived, they would surely perish here, especially since this was the celestial realm, the territory of others, where numerous masters resided. "Leave the treasures behind!" Indeed, along the way, many attempted to halt their escape, tearing through the sky to intercept them. Most terrifyingly, at the edge of the celestial realm, the darkness of the adjacent void suddenly opened an eye asrge as the moon, a colossal w descending. "The creature from the Departed Lands!" Gou Dun eximed in shock as the massive w, covered in scales, overshadowed the world, daring to directly smash the treasures. Had Wang Xuan and the Ferryman been present, they would have been startled to see that the eye opening resembled the moon within the realm of demise. "This is a creature-type supreme treasure crafted by a previous mythological civilization, but it was a failure, bing a semi-matured biological treasure. It''s surprising to see it appear here!" Zhen Chao revealed its origins. In the past, dissatisfied with the limited number of treasures capable of reaching the Sovereign Dao Realm, some sought to elevate themselves to that domain. Despite pooling the essence of a super civilization, they only managed to marginally enhance the physical body of that era''s strongest creature to near the Sovereign Dao level. However, the creature''s spirit shattered during the process, ruining it. "Avoid it; there''s no need for a direct confrontation!" The Roaming Ark, unparalleled in speed among all treasures, blurred through time and space. They piloted the boat, vanishing abruptly and escaping through the celestial realm. Elsewhere, a silver giant wolf leaped out of the void,unching a surprise attack on Qi Tian, the Evil Dragon, attempting to snatch the Ascension Banner. Additionally, some individuals in whiteb coats, resembling researchers, employed various strange weapons to fiercely attack Qi Tian, trying to seize the supreme treasure. "The creature from the realm of demise has also jumped out? Oh, you are the Demon Emperor Bai Ye, who was killed by Fang Yuzhu. Your corpse was taken by the people of the realm of demise and revived." Qi Tian, unfazed, blended into the void. With a puff, he sent a group of enemies flying, some directly disintegrating. The Ascension Banner glowed, sweeping across. The ancient Demon Emperor Bai Ye desperately dodged but still had one of his hind leg and his tail severed, wailing in agony. Crushing an ancient celestial talisman, he vanished, escaping the scene. "The Evil Dragon has obtained the Ascension Banner?" On their way back, hearing this news weighed heavily on Wang Xuan''s heart, boding ill omens. Once this man wields a supreme treasure, who among the vast expanses of the four major star realms¡ªtechnology beings, immortals, deities, and celestial practitioners¡ªcould possibly check his power? He stands almost peerless! "I''ll send you all back, but I cannot descend on both the New and Old Worlds myself." Wang Xuan realized the extreme peril he was in. Among those he knew, only Fang Yuzhu and the shadowy couple could contend with a transcendent being like Qi Tian. "I must cultivate further; I need to ascend to even greater heights!" He decided to venture into the realm of the void. Now, not a moment could be spared; he had to break through yet again. Now capable of wielding theplete supreme treasure¡ªthe Life Preserving Furnace¡ªhe nned to take it to the realm of the ethereal. With the aid of this treasure, he might be able to directly traverse the meteor channel, to ascend and see for himself what this so-called true source was all about. Chapter 486: The Thirteenth Stage Is Within Reach Chapter 486: The Thirteenth Stage Is Within Reach I¡¯m actually able to catch something live? The creature struggled with all its might as the banner wrapped around it. Wang Xuan tightened his grip but stopping short of delivering a deadly blow, Wang Xuan captured the creature alive. "Can you understand what I''m saying?" Wang Xuan inquired, scrutinizing the entity. It had a blurred and pale face, shrouded in a smoky haze¡ªwhether from burns or its natural form, he couldn''t tell. Its form flickered uncertainly. Silent, it simply stared at him. Wrapped in the banner, it was shielded from the red substance, sparing it further erosion¡ªa form of protection. "Speak up. You''re capable of howling, yet you y mute with me?" Holding the Godying Banner, Wang Xuan made his way up the meteor path, pressing on in his exploration. Surrounded by boiling red matter but nestled safely within the Life Essence Furnace, Wang Xuan remained unharmed, marveling at the treasure''s power. Inparison, the Godying Banner, although a rare and extraordinary artifact, now sported dark spots, struggling under the strain, its golden mesh more ring as it fought back. The creature trapped in the banner began to howl as it was scorched mercilessly, growing increasingly indistinct, its face pale and hazy. "Won''t you say anything to me? Then I''ll just burn you to death!" Without mercy, Wang Xuan surged upwards with his captive, nearing the true source. This journey was unprecedented. Steering the supreme treasure, with Dao patterns unfurling, he shot upwards at a divine speed, the distance traversed beyond his own reckoning.He felt as though he was ascending a stairway to heaven, from this path reaching out to an uncharted realm, the sole viable route through the meteor. "Brat, getting a kick out of burning your grandpa, huh?" Suddenly, the creature shouted, its tone defiant and unruly, as if spoiling for a fight. Wang Xuan was taken aback; the creature was sentient and couldmunicate. "It seems the burning wasn''t enough to teach you manners!" Wang Xuan retorted, then ignored the creature to continue their ascent. "Ah, you''re hurting me, stop with the burning! Do you even know who I am? Stop this!" The banner''s fabric ckened, the golden mesh fluctuating wildly, the creature inside at its limit. Wang Xuan, undeterred by the creature''s pleas, continued to subject it to the inferno of the Life Essence Furnace, a gentle glow shielding him from the horrific pathway. The path widened, mirroring a journey through cosmic nebs, enveloped in thick red fog, sprawling and vast. Wang Xuan gasped; without the furnace, he''d be incinerated. "Stop burning me! If you keep this up, I''ll be gone, and you''ll only be harming yourself," the creature weakly protested. The banner had turned entirely ck, its original appearance lost, the once vivid golden mesh dimmed¡ªa clear sign the creature would''ve perished without its banner''s protection. "Speak up. What are you exactly? Don''t try to deceive me, or you''ll suffer a gruesome death," Wang Xuan finally halted, demanding answers. "Grandpa is the defiant part of you, the decisive and powerful aspect of your humanity, the real ''you'' within. But you, my grandson, had to split some parts of your psyche, casting away what you deemed as darkness. Do you wish to be a pure, unblemished saint? Life is a painting filled with various hues; our world isuded for its splendidndscapes. Do you seek a stark, clean te, ending in tragedy?" Wang Xuan was taken aback. Of all the possibilities he considered, he hadn''t expected this entity to be an embodiment of his own emotions, masquerading as a ghoul to haunt him. Upon closer examination, he noticed the creature''s pale face growing increasingly simr to his own. It was as if they were two sides of the same coin, inseparably linked by the psyche. Yet, Wang Xuan remained skeptical, wary of being misled by the demonic flower''s trickery, despite his spiritual eye sensing no malice. "Let''s go!" With the Godying Banner in hand, Wang Xuan retraced his steps, aiming to return to the realm of reality to test the creature''s true nature. As they journeyed back, the banner gradually mended, its charred appearance fading to reveal its original state, a testament to its profound connection to the Dao of Heaven. Upon reaching the physical world, Wang Xuan couldn''t help butugh at the sight that greeted him. Chen Yongjie and Liu Huai''an''s charred appearances were expected, their bodies emanating a scent reminiscent of cooked meat. Even Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, standing at a distance, bore soot-covered faces. Meanwhile, Ma Chaofan and the little fox spirit were in uproar, iming they were on the verge of being overcooked. "Master said staying close to you during cultivation could bring benefits, that even a whiff of that red mist could temper the flesh and spirit," Qing Mu called out from a distance, his body charred ck, teeth gleaming white against his sooty face. Given his realm, he had no business mingling with the red mist, yet the residual heat and the afterlight of thunderbolts had roasted him to an abnormal state. Seeing Wang Xuanughing, Zhao Qinghan couldn''t help but punch him in frustration, followed by a sharp twist at his waist. She had seen her reflection and couldn''t bear the sight; her appearance was now far removed from that of a beauty. Wu Yin couldn''t stand his gaze either, turning on her heels to wash up and change clothes. "Hey, what kind of creature have you brought back? Did you go hunting on your path of cultivation and even thought to take it home? nning to roast it for dinner?" Chen Yongjie noticed the entity within the Godying Banner. "Old Chen, you¡¯re going to eat Patriarch Wang?!" the creature shouted. Wang Xuan realized this wasn''t an illusion or the demonic flower''s doing. After another scrutiny with his spiritual eye and enveloping it with the supreme patterns of the Life Essence Furnace to refine its essence, he could see its true nature. Everyone was astonished, stepping closer to observe. Was this creature also Wang Xuan? "It''s fine. This is just the dross of my spirit. I''ll refine it and extract some essence. Waste not, want not," Wang Xuan exined. "You''re the dross! I am the true essence. Without me, your soul is iplete, pale, wed¡ªa defective product," the creature retorted. "So, you mean a part of him is missing?" Zhao Qinghan, wiping the soot from her face, joined the conversation. "Exactly. Remember the time in the secretnd? The struggles we shared, crossing under the night moon together? This heartless man probably forgot all about it," the creature nodded. Zhao Qinghan''s freshly cleaned face blushed, she quicklyposed herself, "The person with me in the secretnd was you?" "Don''t listen to his nonsense. He''s just a fragment of my emotions. Now, I will refine him and selectively absorb what''s needed," Wang Xuan rified. "I am the true essence, indispensable!" the creature protested. "Really? Then, Wang Xuan, you should absorb him quickly!" Wu Yin had returned. "Da Wu, you''re absolutely right, inclusiveness is greatness!" the entity nodded vigorously. Wu Yin wanted to nod in agreement but something felt off, reminiscent of the early days when she first met Wang Xuan and was infuriated by him to no end. With a thud, she punched the creature on its head, no longer wishing to engage in conversation. "How will you deal with it?" Chen Yongjie inquired. "I''ll refine it. Whatever remains will undoubtedly be the essence, which I''ll fully absorb!" Wang Xuan dered, proceeding to refine the creature with the Life Essence Furnace as if tempering a weapon or concocting a golden pill. The creature screamed and wailed, eventually transforming into a beam of spiritual light that Wang Xuan absorbed. It appeared that not much was lost; the creature was indeed not mere spiritual dross. Surprised, Wang Xuan noticed an improvement in his strength, and it was not insignificant. An unexpected gain, indeed! Such a method could also enhance one''s cultivation path! "Time is of the essence, I must continue my cultivation!" Wang Xuan dered, turning to leave. His objective was clear, heading straight for the meteorite channel. Commanding the supreme treasure, he moved faster than with the Godying Banner. The area, abundant in exotic substances, provided enough for the furnace''s recovery, allowing him to surpass the demonic nt''s location and charge upward. The nt seemed to recognize the potency of aplete treasure, causing no trouble on both asions. It remainedpliant and quiet as he passed through. In the channel, time seemed irrelevant; the journey was tedious and monotonous. Wang Xuan felt as if he had been flying for years, constantly ascending, surpassing his previous records and venturing into the unknown. Ahead, the passage widened into a turbulent sea of red. Any living being would undoubtedly perish here without a supreme treasure for protection. Even sheltered within the Life Essence Furnace, Wang Xuan sensed an anomaly; the interior of the furnace grew gradually hot, and its exterior glowed red. Inside, the furnace''splex weavings of rules and patterns intertwined, shielding him. Otherwise, he would have turned to spiritual ash long ago. "Is there no end to this? I refuse to believe it!" Undeterred, Wang Xuan continued his ascent, his spiritual eye ensuring he stayed on course, unwavering from his path. What he beheld now might no longer be just the meteorite channel, but an ocean of red substances, flickering with firelight and red thunderbolts, terrifyingly endless. "Perhaps, I''ve already burst through the meteorite channel, and that''s why I see this vast ocean?" During these "many years," Wang Xuan didn''t waste any time, constantly alternating between several unique scriptures, aiming for aprehensive transformation of his being. "There''s a portion of... real substance particles here, truly different!" Wang Xuan observed, noting some particles amidst the red misty ocean likely to be entirely real substances! He didn''t stop, continuing upward until he encountered silver particles, soothing and vibrant with life, alongside noble and serene purple particles that beckoned for closeness. Yet, in this region, there were also more red clumps, extremely dangerous, heating the Life Essence Furnace to a scorching red, rising like a red sun. Finally, there came a day when Wang Xuan felt almost unbearable within the supreme treasure, feeling as though he was being torn apart, pain seeping through the intricate patterns of the furnace, spreading a mysterious energy that was excruciating. "To float among the real mes and thunder, burning the Life Essence Furnace, is this akin to alchemy?" Wang Xuan pondered if the furnace had found its rightful ce, whereas he had not. However, upon further thought, enduring this trial could also be seen as a rare journey of cultivation, coveted yet unreachable by others. Who else could venture this far? "I''ll stake it all, considering myself as the golden pill within the furnace, refining my spirit and nurturing my body here, cycling through those unique scriptures!" One year, two years... decades passed. Wang Xuan stayed, allowing the Life Essence Furnace to oscite with the red misty ocean without ascending further, day after day cycling through the scriptures within the furnace. Unprecedented, he had never lingered in the ethereal domain for such an extended period. Everything was for cultivation, for self-improvement, to step onto entirely new heights. Finally, a cicada chirped, followed by thirteen consecutive cries. In the furnace, Wang Xuan transformed into a golden cicada, dazzling beyondpare. Its back cracked open, and from within, a new cicada emerged, shrouded in chaotic ripples and a hazy aura. The cicada''s song echoed through the void, shaking the meteorite channel at the very bottom, causing massive stones to tumble down. The red misty ocean stirred with waves. Until atst, that new cicada turned back into himself! Wang Xuan awoke, murmuring to himself, "I have mastered the Golden Cicada Scripture. Have I now stepped into the thirteenth realm?" He felt immensely powerful, indeed having made a significant leap forward. "I''ve adapted to the temperature of this region. Onward and upward!" Commanding the supreme treasure, he once again headed towards the end of the misty sea. The treasure glowed red, emitting dazzling halo light, its intricate patterns weaving around Wang Xuan as he sat in meditation. Beside him, ayer of spiritual cicada shelly; he had indeed transformed. When he once again felt unbearable pain, he halted, dering, "Next should be the full mastery of the Ant Viewing Dragon Scripture, to see its transformative effects. What kind of change will it bring me!" Chapter 487: Secrets Of The Life Essence Furnace Chapter 487: Secrets Of The Life Essence Furnace In the Transcendent Engine Room of the spacecraft, everything was scorched ck, and red matter filled the air. Even Chen Yongjie and Liu Huai''an couldn''t stand it, retreating far away to meditate. Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Qing Mu naturally stayed even further back. The mechanical teddy bear, skeptical of the danger, ended up melting into a puddle before struggling to reassemble itself, afterwards trembling with fear. The supercharged engine system roared continuously, emitting sharp rm sounds multiple times. This type of red super material was so difficult to absorb that most of it was expelled, ssified as a highly unconventional energy source. Near Wang Xuan, ayer of "cicada shell" remained. The golden human skin was peculiar, peeling off in a somewhat intact form, split open from the back. The flesh moved unconsciously, wriggling free. "Nice figure, huh?" The little fox spirit tilted its head, appraising Wang Xuan. "Aren''t you embarrassed to look?" Wu Yin chided, tugging at its ear gently. "You¡¯re a big hypocrite, Wu Yin, aren''t you looking too?" the little fox spirit retorted, then turned to Zhao Qinghan, "Zhao Zhao, you''re watching too!" "I''m looking at him who was burnt, not him who was surrounded by cicada armor," Zhao Qinghan corrected. In front of them, Wang Xuan smoked again, surrounded by the red material and... turned ck in an instant.Wu Yin vigorously ruffled the little fox spirit''s head, saying, "Where was I looking? I was worried about the fire, worrying that he''d self-destruct. What if something happens to the spacecraft?" It wasn''t long before they noticed another change in Wang Xuan; his skin developed patterns, then trembled as if scales were about to emerge. "He''s shedding again? What scripture is he practicing this time?" Qing Mu couldn''t stand it anymore. How could it be one shedding after another, each time more bizarre than thest? His eyes widened in disbelief. Just moments ago was one thing, but now scales were appearing. Would feathers sprout next? "He must be practicing the Ant Viewing Dragon Scripture, reaching a critical moment. True dragon scales are emerging!" Liu Huai''an spoke up. Such extraordinary scripture typically involved shedding ayer of old skin and renewing the blood once, but was Wang Xuan truly transforming into a dragon? It seemed the changes within him were even more profound. The sound of his heartbeat, strong and resounding like drum beats, asionally resembled the muffled roar of thunder. What immense power must be contained within? "Will he really transform into a dragon?" Wu Yin asked hesitantly. "The highest transformation naturally returns to its origins, reverting to his original form," Chen Yongjie exined. In the void above the meteorite channel, amidst the vast sea of red mist, the Life Essence Furnace floated, glowing red hot like the rising sun. Wang Xuan was serene, dragon scales sprouting densely over his spirit body. He gazed into the void at the cosmic dragon, transforming from an ant into a magnificent dragon. Time lost its meaning until he began to shed his skin, the dragon scales clinking melodiously as they fell, reverting back to his human spirit form. "Another scripture mastered, my cultivation level has increased again. What level am I at now? Is this the true thirteenth stage?" he wondered. With his endurance strengthened, he once again propelled the furnace upward, diving deeper into his cultivation. He practiced the Butterfly Transformation Scripture, the Serpent-Dragon Scripture, and the Phoenix Reincarnation Scripture, with his spirit undergoing continuous transformation. Some practices shared simrities,plementing each other. Eventually, Wang Xuan mastered four extraordinary scriptures, sensing an astonishing change within himself. His spirit seemed to be condensing, absorbing the essence of his entire spirit into a core mark. Initially, a miniature, vivid Wang Xuan could be seen, but gradually, he shrank into an obscure mark, almost invisible. Yet, Wang Xuan could feel the essence of his spirit converging there, as if his entire spirit was copsing. Simultaneously, in the outside world, his physical body was also transforming, with the most vibrant life forces and blood essence being extracted and condensed towards an unknown point within his body. "Has something gone wrong with his cultivation? His body seems lifeless, on the verge of copse," Zhao Qinghan said, concern washing over her. But soon, his body was enveloped in silver material and vibrancy returned, indistinguishable from moments before. However, internally, it was a different story. The essence of his life force and blood essence had condensed towards an indiscernible point, hidden from external perception. In the Solitary Void, his spirit followed suit; all its essence converged into a core mark. A luminous miniature figure sat cross-legged there, the external spirit dimmed, decaying. Yet, as the Life Essence Furnace roared, drawing external forces to replenish the spirit, it nurtured the faded area back to life. "How peculiar, the essence of my spirit focused into a single point, indicating a transformation. The decaying parts were left behind, poised for rebirth from the ashes. Yet, at the crucial moment, the Life Essence Furnace didn¡¯t abandon the ashes but instead imbued them with strength, nurturing their revival?" Wang Xuan marveled. He understood well that the external spirit was supposed to fall away but it didn¡¯t. Indeed, his physical body mirrored this phenomenon; all vitality had concentrated inward, the exterior set to burn away, rebirthing from within, yet the exterior ¡°lived¡± again. "Is this the miraculous nature of the Life Essence Furnace? Nourishing the body, spirit, life!" The core of his spirit was a radiant figure, invisible and unfathomable to the outside world, rich in spiritual power unparalleled. Yet, he hadn¡¯t emerged transformed, lurking still. "What¡¯s happening? Why didn¡¯t ite to fruition? Was it because of the revival outside, or did the Life Essence Furnace interfere?" He was puzzled, yet saw no harm; it was akin to having dualyers of spiritual power, the inner being the essence, powerful, awaiting its phoenix-like rebirth. His physical form mirrored this, rich vitality lurking deep within the flesh, awaiting its own rebirth. Having mastered four out of six esoteric scriptures here, feeling overwhelmed, his mind had remained in this hyperactive state for too long, absorbing time excessively. It was time to leave. "Ah, these characters, they¡¯vee alive, resonating with me, understandable atst!" He was astonished, then overjoyed. Within the Life Essence Furnace, dense texts, noticed when he first acquired the furnace but undecipherable as obscure symbols, stirred. For these belonged to a bygone supercivilization, their scripts long lost to time. But today, with the furnace¡¯sws interweaving and cosmic ripples emanating, these characters sprang to life, capable of spiritual resonance. "This is a scripture that focuses on nurturing¡ªnurturing medicine, nurturing instruments, nurturing the spirit, nurturing the body, all hinged on the word ''nurture''," he grasped the essence of the scripture. The depth of its teachings, demanding years of contemtion and study, presented a supreme path to enhance one¡¯s innate potential. "Wonderful! No wonder the Life Essence Furnace could elevate the grades of various grand medicines; its foundational theory is precisely this!" Wang Xuan''s eyes sparkled with realization. His talents had earned des from the likes of Old Zhang and the Ming Blood Cult Founder. ording to Chen Yongjie and others, his caliber was a rarity even in the most glorious eras of myths. With this scripture in hand and the Life Essence Furnace by his side, perhaps his capabilities could ascend further. "This artifact within the treasure is truly remarkable; it has my affection!" Wang Xuan reveled in his discovery, deciphering more about the Life Essence Furnace''s utility. Upon his return, spirit and body unified, he opened his eyes. At that instant, Zhao Qingcai and Wu Yin swiftly turned and departed. "My eyes!" Little Fox squinted at him, hips swaying, steps like a cat''s as it too departed. "Go wash up, sleep." Qing Mu advised, reminding Wang Xuan of his state¡ªnaked, charred, his clothing consumed by mes. ncing at himself and then around, the ground was littered with skin, his own, shed during the mastery of four scriptures, transforming each time. Eroded by the red substance, his resistance grew, inching towards immunity. He pondered, "Am I truly a thirteenth-level powerhouse now?" Feeling his strength was there but transformations iplete, he believed in his capability. Washed clean, the char gone, his body resonated with an ethereal charm, muscles taut, hair shimmering. Dressed in white, his spirit revitalized, gone was the smoke-ckened figure of before. "Much more pleasing to the eye!" Little Foxmented, ncing at Zhao Qingcai and Wu Yin for agreement. Both responded¡ªone by ruffling its head, the other by tugging its ear. "What about me?" Transcendent Ma asked, hopeful. Seeing him, "Bootlicker" came to mind, Little Fox didn''t mince words. Fuming, Transcendent Ma wished to kick but eventually drooped, defeated. "Bootlicking... horse!" Mechanical Bear snickered. "Bear, you''re asking for it!" Transcendent Ma turned his frustration towards it. "I have something to share with you," Wang Xuan began, turning his gaze towards Zhao Qingcai and Wu Yin. He had been holding back on telling them about their families'' departure to deep space and the move to a new star, fearing it would disturb their peace. Now, as they embarked on the journey home, the truth couldn''t be shrouded any longer. "During your seclusion, Qing Mu informed us," Zhao Qingcai spoke softly, "I''m not worried about them. In an era where the extraordinary fades, and fleets venture into the cosmos, such firepower could shatter even the mightiest of beings." "They''ve settled on a mundane, devoid of myths or the supernatural. It should be safe," added Wu Yin, her family''s elders having scouted habitables long ago. The trio sat in the tea room, conversing leisurely about matters of the new star. "The age of myths is ending. What are your ns? Will you settle on the new star?" Zhao Qingcai inquired. "I have enemies, formidable ones, including supreme beings and even those beyond, soon to emerge into this world. Conflict is inevitable. Of course, I yearn for a tranquil life in the city, just hoping those individuals don''t descend into madness. Or perhaps, I''ll deal with them all soon enough." Wang Xuan harbored dreams for the future, but current threats loomedrge, especially the menacing Evil Dragon, making it a fight to the death. Marriage and children would have to wait until after he vanquished the Evil Dragon and the mythic era receded¡ªa matter of just over two months. Two dayster, revitalized and no longer weary, Wang Xuan resumed his cultivation, striving to enter his Inner Landscape where efficiency peaked. Drenched in sweat after three days, he finally invoked divine inspiration, bringing everyone into his Inner Landscape. This time, with the Life Essence Furnace in tow, his spirit meditated within it. Here, he mastered the "Phoenix Nirvana Scripture" and "Ascension Transmutation Reversion Scripture". He sensed changes in the Inner Landscape, decaying? Cracks appeared on its deepest walls! "Something''s amiss. I sense a new Inner Landscape condensing, merging into my body and spirit, forming a speck of light, akin to ''a grain of sand, a world in itself''. Simr to the essence imprints in the core of my flesh and spirit, the Inner Landscape too awaits its Nirvana." Wang Xuan was astounded. Was his Inner Landscape too evolving? With a core seed space condensing, gathering to converge upon his physical and spiritual form! Was it the multitude of peculiar scriptures he practiced, or the Life Essence Furnace that triggered this transformation? Was he on the brink of an all-epassing ascension? Such a phenomenon with the Inner Landscape was unheard of. "From spirit to flesh, and now to the Inner Landscape, why is vibrant life lying in wait for Nirvana instead of initiating immediately?" he pondered, aware of his formidable strength, yet uncertain of its exact magnitude. "Ahead, someone guards the wormhole!" Qing Mu warned. A massive battleship lurked in the shadows, resembling a monstrous beast ready to devour its prey. Wang Xuan opened his spiritual eye, peering ahead. Several bright auras emanated from the dark giant ship, betraying the presence of supreme beings whose spiritual forms couldn''t be masked by their physical bodies. His heart raced at the sight of such powerful entities in this ce. The path back was fraught with danger. "Ah, that''s... the aura of the Evil Dragon! It''s subtle, almost imperceptible, but it''s there. Has he arrived as well?" Instantly, Wang Xuan went on high alert. The Evil Dragon, Qi Tian, was his most dreaded and formidable foe. In this pivotal era, the Evil Dragon posed a grave threat to his life. Despite the waning age of myths, this man harbored a deep-seated malice, intent on hunting him down. "If I could y the Evil Dragon, I would finally be able to breathe easy." Wang Xuan readied himself, his enemy on his mind, and he, too, yearned to hunt the dragon. Chapter 488: Who Could Balance The Mortal World Chapter 488: Who Could Bnce The Mortal World Guarding the wormhole was a cold and pitch-ck massive ship hidden in the shadows. It dwarfed Wang Xuan''s vessel by an unknown magnitude. "Is that an unfriendly spaceship iing? Then let''s take them down, crush them, and turn them into cosmic debris!" The mechanical bear gnashed its teeth, then sprang into action, rallying all its strength in the calm of space. Several people felt dizzy because of it. It wasn''t the first time. The cute mechanical bear had always taken the initiative in critical situations, he had always struck first. Qing Mu grabbed it, saying, "Brother Bear, do you see the difference between us and them? The weight difference is huge, we¡¯re not even in the same league. Their energy shield can withstand your attacks hundreds of times over, you won''t even make a dent!" "What''s there to fear? The spaceship you¡¯re on isn¡¯t an ordinary spaceship. It''s refitted from the wreckage of another universe. Its small size is just a facade. In a real battle, its firepower is tremendous!" The mechanical bear refused to yield, ready to engage. Everyone could see it now. This guy was a bit like a honey badger. He was ready to fight and would charge forward first regardless of whether he could win! "You''ve been captured. Disarm immediately and board the escape pods. Otherwise, we''ll open fire and obliterate you!" The ck ship that was like a steel city, signaled Wang Xuan and his crew to refrain from any risky behavior, or else they would face immediate destruction. "Everyone,e over here!" Wang Xuan took out the precious Life Essence Furnace and activated it. Everyone went into the erged furnace and were prepared to charge at the massive spaceship..¡¡¡¡Only the mechanical bear remained stubborn and was refusing to enter it. He prepared to face off against the massive ship, saying, "How dare a turtle threaten a bear? I''ll smash you to pieces!" Ignoring it, Wang Xuan knew it wouldn¡¯t die so easily as it was an active metal life form. Even if it was torn to hundreds of pieces, it could melt and reassemble. "They say he failed his tribtion, but it''s not very reliable. After all, he killed several mighty gods. Dealing with such a dangerous character with one shot would be the best solution."¡¡In the massive ship, a god in ck and gold armor spoke up. With ck hair and dark eyes, he exuded a heroic aura. As a being in the second stage of the Wanderer level, his strength was formidable, it could be said that he was one of the mightiest beings¡¯ avatars in the real world. "Perhaps we''re being too cautious. His breakthrough was blocked and he''s just a failure. Is he really worth fearing?" Another person spoke. With golden hair cascading down his tall figure, he was draped in golden armor and was wielding a massive sword. This was an avatar of one of the mightiest undying. "It''s somewhat pitiful. Our status can¡¯t even beparable. He¡¯s just a young man from the real world, yet he''s treated us three mighty gods like this. If word got out, it''d sound like a fantasy and we''d be seen as a joke!" A woman with fiery red armor spoke up. Her armor was crafted from the scales of a fire dragon and it entuated her curves. Her face was fair, beautiful yet icy. "We can¡¯t do anything about this situation for now. He''s indeed quite special, a very dangerous character. In my opinion, it''s best to just kill him directly and eliminate any future troubles with the warship." The god in ck armor spoke, his deep ck eyes were filled with killing intent. "Since we''ve taken on the mission, with a handsome reward, let''s give the employer a satisfactory oue. Anyway, it doesn''t require much effort from us. Let¡¯s trap him in the Inner Landscape Formation, and wait for Qi Tian toe and reap him." The golden armored man spoke, indifferent and self-assured. He was a very ancient immortal who had originally intended to intervene personally but had restrained himself in the end. He feared any unexpected mishaps might happen. Yet, he felt somewhat uneasy. A young man from the mortal realm had actually in a god. After the news spread to the Great Barrier, he had been eager to find an opportunity to take action and eliminate this so-called genius of the modern world. "Qi Tian has obtained the Ascension Banner. We¡¯ll need to stay friendly to characters like him. Perhaps in the future, we may need the protection of the treasures in his hands to survive the transcendent winter," the woman said. She added, "But I''m still somewhat unhappy. I really want to avenge my friend Yuan Lei. We''ve be stepping stones for him even though we¡¯re mighty gods. First, I''ll disable his spaceship and leave behind his half-dead body." In an instant, the massive spaceship''s icy weapons targeted the silver-white small spaceship. It intended to st it to pieces first. However, what they didn''t expect was that the frenzied mechanical bear was even fiercer than them. He had already taken the initiative and had unleashed its strongest firepower. Boom!¡¡ Blinding beams streaked through the vast dark universe and directly hit the massive ship. The ship still shook violently even with energy shields protecting it. The screens were flickering, and sparks were seen flying out from some devices. "How is this possible? That''s an evil spirit¡¯s ship that belongs to another universe?!" The three gods were shocked, they were extremely wary of the evil spirit¡¯s technological weapons. Naturally, they ordered their men to open fire immediately, intending to destroy the small spaceship. "Do you not know who I am? You¡¯ve sessfully pissed off the Bear Lord that shakes the universe! You even want to devour my spaceship? I''ll ruin you first!" The mechanical bear roared while firing continuously. "Brother bear, you''re amazing!" Transcendent Ma poked his head out of the Life Essence Furnace and was quite amazed by the bear. Crack!¡¡ The silver-white small spaceship was battered, the left front cabin exploded and disintegrated, but the mechanical bear remained undaunted. He continued fiercely firing and was prepared to fight to the death. Eventually, the shield of the massive spaceship was pierced, and the intense beams struck its hull, causing a massive explosion. The crew on the giant ship were shocked and terrified as they had never encountered such a situation. The two ships were not even in the same league and they were more than capable of crushing Wang Xuan¡¯s spaceship. It would be difficult for the silver-white spaceship to break through the defense shield even if they stood still and let them attack. However, both the spaceships were actually damaged in the end. Wang Xuan took action, piloting the Life Essence Furnace and driving it into the wreckage of the opposing ship. He told the mechanical bear that it was almost enough and not to hit him. Wang Xuan''s spirit projected out of his body. He then retracted the Life Essence Furnace and appeared in the steel jungle. The three mighty figures appeared with grim faces as they thought they would crush their opponents and obliterate them with their massive warship. But they only ended up being disabled themselves, which was extremely embarrassing. The woman spoke up, "Wang Xuan, you''re quite audacious. You''ve in four major gods in the Land of the Undying which shows you have extraordinary courage. But have you ever considered that the gods will soon descend to the mortal realm? You''ve killed their incarnations in the mortal realm. What do you think will happen to you?!" Her ck hair swayed while her fiery red dragon scale armor shone. Although she was an opposition, her heroic and cold temperament left a deep impression. "Ridiculous. They all wanted to kill me on the battlefield. I don''t care whether they''re gods or pigs, they¡¯re just like you, blocking my path and trying to attack me. I don''t care if you''re undyings or some ferocious beast. I''ll fight back to the end!" Wang Xuan was extremely ferocious. He showed no fear and confronted them head-on. "Then wait to die!" The man with ck hair and ck eyes spoke with his ck and gold armor shining. He had no intention of making a move and instead stepped back. The tall man with golden hair said, "I just love seeing an arrogant genius like you fromter generations that thinks you can defy the heavens, the earth, and the gods. Then, end up in a pitiful state and kneeling under someone else''s feet after being dealt with. I''d prefer to see the contrast between your arrogance and your eventual defeat." Then, he also retreated without making a move. "Enough, just quietly await your demise. Your opponent is not us!" The woman spoke with a cold expression. At this moment, Wang Xuan sensed something unusual. Clusters of bonfires had lit up around him. It was the lingering resonance of rules, the intertwining remnants of order. Among the wreckage of the ruined spaceship, six peculiar innerndscape treasures radiated light and intertwined with mysterious runes. They linked together to form a terrifying array that trapped him. These innerndscape treasures were not as extraordinary as special innerndscapes, but their owners were definitely not ordinary either, far surpassing the usual innerndscape spaces. "The aura of the Evil Dragon, Qi Tian''s treasures¡­ Is heing?" Wang Xuan murmured, then said, "It seems that he has also been collecting various innerndscapes, killing many talents. The owners of these six innerndscapes were very powerful in their prime, with extraordinary talents. It''s a pity that they were killed." He sensed that the array would be very powerful once it was connected. Even the mighty ones that were trapped couldn''t necessarily escape. It would cost him a great price and consume a lot of time even if he wanted to break it. However, he had treasures in his hands and was not in a hurry. It was precisely because of this that he dared toe over and didn''t care about the opponent''s conventional methods. "Oh, do you know who''sing? Do you have a premonition of your own fate? It¡¯s going to be a tragic one," the woman said, contacting the distant dragon in the starry sky for the first time, informing him that they had found the person and he coulde over now. Wang Xuan calmly said, "Qi Tian, the person who has borrowed a corpse to return to life, is very strong and very vicious. But how do you know I can''t kill him?" "It''s ridiculous!" sneered the man in ck armor. "What do you have topete with him? He''s a peerless transcendent. He owned special innerndscapes in the Land of Immortals. He¡¯s leading an era. Now that he has revived, his main body has even seized the Ascension Banner in the Immortal Realm. I ask you, who in the world can contend with him? If a small character like you, that¡¯s just jumping around in the mortal world, encounters him, you''ll be stomped to death!" "Whether your tribtion failure was real or fake, it doesn''t in front of a peerless transcendent. Just wait for your own demise!" Wang Xuan remained calm and listened to their words without being shaken, because in his eyes, Qi Tian was the only opponent left and he was thinking about how to hunt the dragon. As for these few people? They couldn''t be left behind either. It would be better to kill them. Wang Xuan looked at them and said, "The three of you are quite annoying. It would be a problem if you guys interfere with my decisive battle. Who knows if you might ruin my ns at a critical moment. So¡­ let''s just kill you all!" He summoned the Life Essence Furnace and a terrifying aura pervaded the sky. It was as if a piece of heaven had copsed and had torn through the terrifying Immortal Path formation. The six peculiar innerndscape treasures were then collected by Wang Xuan, storing them in the furnace. "You¡­" The three of them were shocked on the spot. That was the legendary¡­ treasure? How could a mortal possess it, and it was even in the mortal world!¡¡ Their scalps tingled, and chills ran down their spines because the three knew that their opponent would inevitably kill them to silence them. Seeing this scene, they knew there was no way they could be spared. The three turned and left, each rushing in different directions. There¡¯s no point in talking about helping the peerless transcendent trap prisoners as their own lives were at stake now. Originally, what they did had no risks. The six innerndscape treasures were enough to trap any powerful being in the mortal world. However, they didn''t expect that the Life Essence Furnace would appear. That was a variable that was not in their ns or expectations. "Do you guys think you¡¯re able to run away?" Wang Xuan didn''t chase after them or use any treasures. Instead, he disyed the strange scriptures he had newly mastered and released the true form. A cicada appeared, carrying a hint of chaotic aura, as if it were Wang Xuan himself. It gently pped its wings, and the residual ripples of rules expanded. With a loud bang, it hit the tall golden-haired man, causing half of his body to shatter and his blood painting the starry sky. This was the manifestation of the Golden Cicada Technique that had reached its highest peak. The true form could be used to kill enemies! The Gold Cicada pped its wings and flew out. With its transparent thin wings that were sharper than a celestial sword, it cut through the void of the universe. With a swoosh, it sliced the woman''s body in half, causing her to emit a piercing scream. She was unable to escape in the end. The Gold Cicada chirped, and terrifying fluctuations surged forward as its sound resonated with the Dao. With a whoosh, it caught up to the third god, twisting his body in half and capturing him alive. None of the three gods were able to escape. All of them were bloodied and broken, with their bodies and spirits captured. "You¡­" The three were horrified. Wang Xuan couldn''t possibly have such methods even if he had seeded in his tribtion, it was truly shocking. Could there still be someone in the mortal world who could contend with him? Chapter 489: Facing The Evil Dragon Chapter 489: Facing The Evil Dragon The three gods were maimed, with only half of their bodies left. They were heavily injured by the pping cicada. Covered in blood, they were captured and thrown among the wreckage of the spaceship. "This isn''t just a manifestation of the Wanderer level, has he entered the twelve stage?" Although the ck-haired man in ck-gold armor was a divine incarnation of a mighty god, hepletely lost hisposure and was unable to believe it! "How is this possible? The Eleventh Stage is already the limit of mythical theory. In this mortal world, no one has ever been able to surpass this stage. How could he achieve this while living in the mundane world?" The woman in red dragon-scale armor was alsopletely dumbfounded. She felt a chill down her spine just thinking about it. Half of her body was severed by the cicada''s wings and she was now covered in blood. Before this, she was still indignant and full of hostility as she was seeking revenge for Yuan Lei. Now, she just hoped this was all a dream, that she had nevere here. "It''s impossible. The mortal realm has never seen the Twelfth Stage. No one can stand in that domain. It''s a no-man''snd. Anyone who tries to enter will die!" The tall golden-haired man couldn''t ept it. Now, with half of his body shattered, his giant sword broken, he was weakened after being heavily injured by the Golden Cicada. His emotions were in a mess. Who were they? They were all mighty beings of their respective eras. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say they were the protagonists of their age on their transcendents. In the most brilliant age of mythology, being able to emerge as the strongest among the thousands and bing a mighty god, naturally had ces where ordinary people couldn''t reach. Even they could only look up to the Twelfth Stage in silence, thinking about it quietly. They had never heard of anyone being able to break into that deste and dangerous ce. Now, how could they not be astonished by it? "You mean the Twelfth Stage? I had already reached that height several days ago, when I was in the Land of the Undying. Now, I''ve gone even further than you can imagine," Wang Xuan said calmly. He believed that he had surpassed the Twelfth Stage, perhaps having the strength of the Thirteenth Stage. These words stunned the three gods on the spot, giving them a feeling of suffocation. They roared in their hearts, how could this be possible? Such a person had emerged! They couldn¡¯t believe it. Especially since the other party was a mundane young man that achieved such aplishments even in the twilight of mythology. Currently, most mighty beings in the mortal realm were limit-breakers at the Tenth Stage. Some were even just at the Ninth Stage, and only broke through the limits when they were in the Great Barrier. To some extent, they were the people at the top of the pyramid. But now, a mortal stood above their heads and was looking down on them. "He could perhaps fight against Qi Tian in the real world!" After exchanging nces, the three couldn''t calm down anymore and their emotions fluctuated wildly. In their spection, Qi Tian must have reached the end of the Eleventh Stage when he was in the mortal realm. He had thenter be a peerless transcendent, stronger than others in this depleted era. The incarnations of mighty gods in the real world were mostly on the First or Second Stage of the Wanderer level, so Qi Tian should be able to hold onto the Third Stage! "When will the Evil Dragon Qi Tian arrive?" Wang Xuan asked calmly andposedly, "You don''t need to be stubborn for the sake of your dignity. I''ll give you a decent death after you speak." Otherwise, he would search their spirits, making their deaths miserable. "He should be able to arrive within half a day." Although unwilling and angry, they still epted reality. All three of them saw the supreme treasures and were destined to be silenced. However, it might be even more terrifying if the other party intended to torture them. Death might be better than the alternative. "Let''s go." Wang Xuan said, and a cicada appeared. Its wings trembled lightly which made the residual power of the rules turn into ripples, causing the three spirits to copse and explode in an instant. He killed gods in an instant again! The mechanical bear controlled the silver-white spaceship and went over to Wang Xuan. It absorbed the active metals from the huge spaceship wreckage, harvested its energy, and replenished what it needed. Soon, the small silver spaceship was reassembled and repaired. It was mainly because the foundation was too solid as it was transformed from the wreckage of the evil spirit¡¯s spaceship. Wang Xuan released Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, Chen Yongjie, and others from the Life Essence Furnace, sending them back to the spaceship. He told them to stay away from here for the time being and not to stay with him. "Are you going to confront Qi Tian? He''s a peerless transcendent. Do you¡­ have confidence?" Several people worried about him. "Perhaps it''s better to wait for Maiden Fang and the Demon Lord to return before considering going to war with him!" said Chen Yongjie. The Evil Dragon had a great reputation. He survived the great tribtion without dying and had reappeared in this era. Himing to the forefront indicated that he was confident in himself. "Wasn¡¯t there news about him snatching the Ascension Banner from a peerless transcendent when we were in the Land of the Undying? This person is very strong." said Zhao Qinghan with a frown. "It''s okay, this is the real world, not where he dictates." said Wang Xuan as he instructed them to leave immediately. He told them not to approach this ce for the time being. They knew that he wouldn''t change his decision once it was made, and finally left the area. In the deep cosmos, in the cold void, it was the first time Wang Xuan sat cross-legged alone in the void. At his level, it was obvious that he could survive for some time in such harsh conditions. He was motionless and had his eyes closed. He was feeling malice in the air and was alert to the arrival of the Dragon as that elusive person required careful vignce. Naturally, he concealed the Life Essence Furnace. The consequences would be endless if its aura leaked out and startled the Dragon. This time, he was prepared to y the Dragon! Half a dayter, he sensed a powerful malice that was majestic and chilling. The incredibly intimidating malice came from afar and was rapidly approaching. An old spaceship emerged silent and motionless from the wormhole, it then stopped not far away. A figure drifted out of the spaceship like it was ascending. He didn''t care at all and just came over like nobody¡¯s business. He remained calm and extremely confident despite seeing the huge spaceship wreckage near Wang Xuan. "Three gods can''t even handle such a small matter. I¡¯m utterly disappointed." Qi Tian spoke calmly while still being in shadow form. And at that moment, Wang Xuan felt that his innerndscape was about to open again. He was much stronger now than before. He immediately stopped it from opening the moment he sensed it. This time, he wanted to prevent it from being wide open for others to control. "You''ve improved a lot and have made great progress." Qi Tian spoke, with his shadow swaying as he approached Wang Xuan and stopped not far away. He was a man from three thousand five hundred years ago, so he understood special innerndscapes better than Wang Xuan. He was the second person to open the innerndscape during his mortal period. Wang Xuan remained silent and just looked at him with cold eyes. Qi Tian was very calm, saying, "I originally wanted to invite you to sit in the innerndscape, travel through it, and talk about the future. I didn''t expect you to oppose that idea so much. How about entering my innerndscape?" His words were gentle but confident, with a hint of dominance. He invited Wang Xuan to sit for a while but he was actually aiming to enter Wang Xuan''s innerndscape and take control of it instead. Wang Xuan said, "I didn''t expect you to be like this after being resurrected from death three thousand yearster. Is this the distortion of your humanity or the loss of your morals? Why did you be the person you hated the most?" The shadow drifted while smiling silently, saying, "I''m different from those rivals. I''m prolonging the life of transcendence. Everything I do is for the bigger picture. Now I need you to contribute something. After all, you started toote and have no power to change anything, while I can reshape the world of transcendence. I can create a new mythology!" Wang Xuan said coldly, "If you really have the ability, go and create your own world, while I focus on my domain and find a way out for the new mythology." "There¡¯s no need to rush. Let''s sit down and have a chat. Let¡¯s have a discussion in my innerndscape," Qi Tian said. As he spoke, a misty space full of vitality and mysterious factors opened up behind him. Was this the Dragon''s innerndscape? It was lively and mystery genomes were falling like snow. With his clothes fluttering, he gradually revealed his true form. He was a very elegant young man that looked extraordinary and independent. It was the first time in recent history that he had revealed his true appearance in the real world. He was truly like an exiled immortal. Standing quietly in the void, he had wavy ck hair, clear eyes and a tall and straight figure. He was indeed handsome and extraordinary. His immortal aura had directly influenced the entire environment which gave off a sense of transcendence. Then, Qi Tian''s mortal body drifted directly into his innerndscape. It surprised Wang Xuan. Could a physical body enter directly?¡¡ He had tried it a long time ago and had failed. He didn''t hesitate this time and stepped forward. Although he felt quite strenuous, when he recited the highest scriptures, his pace quickened, and he managed to break in with his physical body! You could even do it like this? He understood more now. He could also bring his body in now that he was powerful. Although it was difficult, it was achievable. Of course, Wang Xuan would dare to follow the Evil Dragon into his innerndscape. If he had to fight here, it would be more convenient to sharpen his de and destroy this ce with treasures even without a home advantage. Thereby hunting the Dragon. However, he harbored doubts. Was this really Qi Tian''s innerndscape? After all, he had killed many people and had refined six peculiar innerndscape treasures. This innerndscape was extraordinary, with stunning scenery, pavilions, and towers. There were many kinds of spiritual medicines nted in the spiritual medicine field. There were various flowers, herbs, and precious medicines. Wang Xuan realized that this was a mental space where he could nt the medicines that he dug from higher-level spiritual worlds. Compared to the development of the Evil Dragon''s innerndscape, Wang Xuan''s ce was too barren, with nothing. It was still in its primitive state. He carefully observed and found that this lush innerndscape still had some problems. There were hidden traces of decay even in this vibrant space. It was bing fragile, and transcendence was disappearing. It would probably copse. "Is this your innerndscape?" Wang Xuan asked. Qi Tian said calmly, "You''re overestimating me. This is not as good as special innerndscapes. After all, this is the innerndscape that corresponded to my avatar. In fact, even my innerndscape that corresponded to my main body in the immortal realm has problems and defects. Back then, I was targeted, hunted, and assassinated. Those people aimed to strip me of everything. I found that my innerndscape was damaged after my resurrection. It needs to be repaired." "So, you''ve set your sights on me, wanting to use me to repair your foundation?" Wang Xuan asked coldly while staring at the man. "Have some tea and let''s chat slowly," Qi Tian smiled and led him to a pavilion outside the medicine field. There were two women there, one responsible for holding the sword for him, and the other had prepared tea utensils, ready to demonstrate exquisite tea art. Both women were in a spiritual state. They were unable to stand here with their physical bodies. They were both beautiful and outstanding. Wang Xuan was stunned. The Evil Dragon really knew how to enjoy himself, he even had immortal maidens. Were they brought here against their will? "They are my followers, as well as my confidantes. Come and taste it. The best tea tree in the immortal realm has borne tea fruits. Come drink a little as there isn¡¯t much left. It used to be nted in front of the Heng Jun¡¯s Gate, but it was stolen some time ago." The woman''s tea art skills were extraordinary. She provided a visual delight with her graceful movements. Qi Tian gestured to invite Wang Xuan to drink tea. "Give me your physical body and all the corresponding innate foundations of your innerndscape. Don''t worry, I will spare your life and ensure your survival," said Qi Tian. He finally set down his tea cup and got to the point. Wang Xuan said coldly, "You have experienced such evil deeds yourself. Why do you have such malicious intentions, why do you think you have the right to demand from me?" Qi Tian stood up, looked towards the sky, and said, "I aim for eternal achievements. I don''t care about temporary notoriety. Everyone will be grateful to me when I reshape the mythological world in the future. They will all praise my virtues, and honor me as the ancestor of the transcendents!" "My path is my own. I won''t sacrifice my physical body and spiritual foundation. As for the innerndscape, don¡¯t even think about getting it!" said Wang Xuan as he refused decisively. "If that''s what you want, then I''ll have to take it myself," said Qi Tian. He then looked at the woman holding the sword, indicating to her that she could act. At that moment, a dazzling sword light swept across the innerndscape, illuminating even the dark universe outside. Wang Xuan sat still, but a strange scene appeared around him. A cicada pped its wings, and a faint chaotic ripple expanded. With a loud bang, the unparalleled sword light was shattered. "This is my innerndscape world. Do you think you can act wildly here?" Qi Tian said with a smile, but there was a hint of difference in his aura. In an instant, his killing intent surged. "What can you do in your innerndscape? It will be destroyed regardless of what you do." said Wang Xuan as he remained calm. Before him, a giant dragon of the Great Dao slowly coiled up, another miraculous scene had appeared. Chapter 490: The Great Battle In The Inner Landscape Chapter 490: The Great Battle In The Inner Landscape "This is heading to a deadend," said Qi Tian. "I wanted to remain calm. I really didn''t want to sacrifice the innerndscape and this person¡¯s foundation. Many things could have been avoided." His clear eyes paired with his feathered robes made his handsome features possessed an otherworldly aura. He exuded a sense of purity and transcendence, as if he was detached from the hustle and bustle of the mundane world. It was hard to imagine such a figure having anything rted to violence. He stood out from the crowd wherever he went, just like a crane amidst chickens, leaving a profound impression with his ethereal demeanor. He took a sip of tea, set down the jade cup and stood up, saying, "You won''t reconsider, will you? Honestly, I really don''t want my hands stained with the blood of my kin. I''d like to give you another chance to reconsider." "You may say all you want, the answer will be the same," said Wang Xuan. His response caught him off guard, it was somewhat unexpected. Wang Xuan didn''t immediately turn hostile. Calm and reserved, he sought to analyze this person from various angles. He wanted to understand his profound methods, and more. Without delving into distant matters, just the fact that this person could ess the innerndscape with his physical body, made him realize this counterpart indeed held valuable experience. Qi Tian chuckled and said, "Life requires sacrifice. These two words are simple yet profound. The mythical era has ended for you. The innerndscape and foundations you''ve cultivated will soon be of little use to you. In just over two months, your transcendent destiny wille to an end. Don''t be resentful or dissatisfied. It''s purely a fact. You''re exceptionally gifted, but it¡¯s a pity that you were born toote. There¡¯s no time left for you in this era. As for me, everything is still ahead. I''m searching for new paths, expanding into new domains of the transcendent world." He paused momentarily, then continued, "By relinquishing unnecessary innerndscape foundation, you gain a friend that¡¯s a peerless transcendent, who can ensure your prosperity for a lifetime. And your contribution will be remembered in my pursuit of an eternal legacy. If I were to establish a new mythical realm in the future, I''ll try to amodate you if you¡¯re not gone from old age by then."¡¡¡¡Wang Xuan responded, "You''ve been searching for over three thousand years, yet you haven''t found the most effective method. You''re still hesitating and wavering. What reason do you have now to say you can establish a new transcendent world? Why do you take advantage of others? You¡¯re using my innerndscape and celestial bones topensate for your shorings, smoothing a path you''re not even sure about? I''m sorry, but from my perspective, this kind of sacrifice is like feeding meat buns to wolves. It won''t lead to anything good." He wasn''t impassioned but rather, he spoke calmly like an outsider, saying, "True new myths might not necessarily be initiated or discovered by so-called high-level individuals like you. I understand my position and what I''m doing. I believe I''m stronger than all of you and I¡¯m confident about it. So, you¡¯ve overestimated yourself to think that you can pave the way with my blood, innerndscape, and foundation. I won''t allow it to happen!" His eyes gleamed with determination as he continued, "Don''t tell me what you¡¯re doing is for all the transcendent beings, to prolong the life of the entire transcendent world, for the eternal legacy. You are not qualified enough, nor do you have such grandeur. I believe that the path I''m taking, the actions I''m doing, are more genuine and grounded in reality. Perhaps my ns will seed in the future. As for you that is standing too high and has been detached from ordinary transcendents for too long, most of what you see is illusory. You¡¯re too far from the ground, the splendid future you depict today hasn''t convinced me but has blinded your own eyes. How many people will agree with you if you ask them?" Wang Xuan added, "From this perspective, I think people like Fang Yuzhu, Old Zhang, and that shadow couple have done much better than you. At least they are trying, seeking solutions and taking actions. They¡¯re very practical. As for you, I haven''t seen your path, only seen you demanding sacrifices from others to pave your own way. What reason do you have to make me offer up my life''s innerndscape and blood foundation?" Qi Tian stood up, his feathered robe fluttered, his ethereal aura bing more prominent, saying, "Then I won''t persuade you anymore. I don''t feel any guilt in my heart anyway. I''ll just have to take what I want myself. I''ll personally select and refine whatever material is needed to pave the way." Then, he took action. Since he intended to subdue Wang Xuan, there would be no mercy from him, only the oue mattered. Within the innerndscape, his sleeves spread out and he started to draw arge glowing line. That was the power of order, it was spreading rapidly like a roaming earth dragon. It was lightning fast, the ground rumbled and the void resonated. With just one movement, he disyed techniques that even other mighty gods in the twilight of mythology would struggle to perform with all their might. The innerndscape glowed and a cage with runes was formed within. It was aiming to bind Wang Xuan and lock him inside. "Cut him!" Qi Tian said calmly. He did not make a move himself, instead let the sword woman strike again. She was aiming at the youth trapped inside the cage. "It''s just a ground-based cage. Do you think you can trap me with this? Who do you think you''re trapping?" said Wang Xuan as he stood there. His whole being resonated with vitality, his blood energy swirled like clouds and was surging. With his pure strength and the help of some runes. A loud bang was heard and he broke free from the prison. It caused the forces of order to suffer a violent impact, making it dim. He then stepped out. When the woman once again made her move, Wang Xuan flicked his fingers and with a ng, the dazzling sword light was shattered. Wang Xuan had destroyed the sword that could even threaten a mighty god. "The Celestial Sword''s Purification Song." It was the first time the woman spoke. Then, her whole being fused with the ancient sword and a clear and melodious tone resounded from the fusion. The sword was emitting a melody that shook the heavens and earth. At that moment, immortal swords flew out from the depths of the innerndscape and were everywhere. They were not illusions but many kinds of ancient swords. In an instant, countless flying swords crisscrossed the sky and earth, some crimson like blood, some azure like the sky, some purple and sparkling, some golden like the sun¡­ These immortal swords were like rainbows and like lightning. Densely packed together, they weaved through the void and shed towards Wang Xuan. He was sure that once this sword array emerged, even those three mighty gods who were here not long ago wouldn''t be able to withstand it. They would definitely be pierced through and torn apart. Faintly visible amidst the haze, in the depths of the innerndscape, more ancient swords that were on rough stone walls were continuously pulling out on their own. They were emitting various splendid lights, like a sacred ground of swordsmanship, the immortal swords continued to fly out. Wang Xuan was solemn as he valued the true form of the special innerndscape that had appeared and it was bing more and more stable. Born from the Ant-dragon Ascension Scripture, a giant dragon was coiling, undting, and shrouded by immortal mist. The dragon had traces of chaotic light and was emitting deafening Daoist sounds. The scene was terrifying. It even blocked the flying swords with its frightening power! The vast array of flying swords could be seen, suspended in the void. Some divine swords shattered on the spot, some dimmed, while others fell to the ground with a rustling sound. "This is the treasure I obtained after killing a Peerless sword immortal in the past, known as the Archive of Myriad Swords. With a single thought, the swords will soar into the sky, cleaving through the stars and seas. Of course, its power has diminished with theplete extinction of the transcendent world, but to have it broken by you still caught me off guard," Qi Tian said. Qi Tian remained calm and was unconcerned about his techniques being disrupted. He gestured for the two women to step back as he approached. His aura grew stronger, his momentum escted and he exuded an undiminished ethereal charm that became increasingly sacred, unattainable, as if the supreme beings of the immortal realm were drawing near! As he drew closer, his dark eyes radiated dazzling light. Two beams of golden and silver light shot out, aiming at Wang Xuan, causing the void to copse and the resonant sounds of Dao to deafen the ears. Even his gaze could kill and was capable of piercing through mighty gods. This seemed somewhat exaggerated but on normal days, a mere nce from him could mean your death. A hazy light appeared in front of Wang Xuan. The great dragon above his head exhaled a breath of purity. Just like a mountain copsing and the sea roaring, it crashed into the two beams of light, resulting in a very intense collision. The residualws of the world surged like a flood and were pouring out! Within the innerndscape, the pavilions, towers, and medicinal fields all turned to dust. They werepletely destroyed, as if a huge hurricane had swept through, sweeping away and crushing everything, leaving nothing behind. Eventually, two weapons fell from Qi Tian''s eyes. A long golden knife and a silver immortal swordnded in his hands respectively. "Not simple at all. You''ve sessfully transcended your tribtion and had set foot in the no-man''snd never traversed by anyone in the mortal world. You¡¯ve entered the Twelve Stage, and even higher than before. It seems I underestimated you. I should pay more attention!" eximed Qi Tian. These were Qi Tian''s weapons, nurtured within his eyes. This wasn''t something an ordinary person could achieve, especially in this special era. He wielded his weapons because he had begun to take it seriously. With a resounding ng, the long golden knife and silver immortal sword resonated as they shed down like thunderbolts from the heavens while interweaving with the power of order. These were not ordinary weapons, even the mightiest of weapons couldn''t contain them. These two weapons were supreme treasures, both with illustrious past owners who were formidable figures. However, they were all in by the Evil Dragon and became Qi Tian''s weapons in the present world. Wang Xuan remained cold and silent, projecting a screen of light around him. Interwoven with runes, he revealed his true form and resisted the remaining threads of order in the world. At the same time, the Godying Banner appeared in his right hand, unfolding in the wind and quickly erging with a rustling sound. With the banner gripped firmly in both hands, it surged towards Qi Tian. The pair of swords was absolutely formidable, although not on par with the Godying Banner, they far surpassed other supreme treasures. The golden grid that could block the Godying Banner emitted the sound of thunder from the nine heavens. Each time the long golden knife swung down with its immense momentum, it was apanied by the thunder from the heavens. Every sh seemed like wielding the power of order. Just this spectacle alone was awe-inspiring, enough to make even the mightiest tremble in fear. However, Wang Xuan remained calm and confronted it directly. He used the Godying Banner to shatter the falling thunder and entangle the long golden knife. The immortal sword in Qi Tian''s hand also had a remarkable origin. The fabric of spacetime became unstable and looked somewhat blurry when he swung the sword. The sudden emergence of the sword light caught Wang Xuan off guard. The sh of des resounded, and the newly worn divine armor on Wang Xuan''s body was slightly grazed by the long knife and immortal sword, causing the celestial iron covering him to shatter instantly. The unmatched ancient knife and astonishing immortal sword were both rare and transcendent supreme treasures. Wang Xuan immediately became extremely cautious because of it. He further confirmed this by summoning the dagger he seized from the undying, Lei Tuo, during the interdomain battle. It was then directly severed by the opponent''s long golden knife as if it was cutting through tofu. Wang Xuan''s body lit up, as if transforming into a cicada. His true form reappeared, and with a gentle flutter of his wings, ripples of rules expanded towards the opponent. At the same time, surrounded by a strong radiance, Qi Tian remained indifferent and ruthless. A Whale Roc soared into the air and dove down to engulf the cicada. Indeed, the power of the Evil Dragon was unbelievably strong. He remained confident, calm, and disyed his ultimate form to engage in fiercebat even when faced with Wang Xuan, who burst forth with ferocity in the no-man''snd. The cicada''s cry shook the present world, causing even the outer dark cosmos to tremble lightly. Though small, its power reverberated throughout the entire innerndscape. It was shrouded in a faint chaotic mist. Colliding with the Whale Roc, they both shattered and faded away. It was not swallowed by the terrifying giant bird. Qi Tian''s blood surged and boiled within him, and a dragon-shaped light burst out from his body, releasing a powerful aura. The innerndscape resonated violently, with the rough boundary walls at its deepest point cracking and on the verge of copse. Those oppressed by the pressure were suffocating because of it. Wang Xuan was astonished. This person was indeed the Evil Dragon as a dragon shadow had really burst forth from his body. Without any hesitation, the giant dragon that was above Wang Xuan¡¯s head swooped down. Apanied by light of the residual rule and shattered order, the two dragons collided head-on! Chapter 491: The Death Of A Peerless Transcendent Chapter 491: The Death Of A Peerless Transcendent The two dragons charged at each other and were engaged in a fierce battle. Bloodstained scales continuously fell off of their body and every confrontation involved the highest transcendence power allowed by the present world. The dragon''s roar was like invisible rules, even the farthest scenery in the innerndscape turned into dust after it was released. Both dragons radiated residual power of order as they fought their way to the outside world. In the cosmic void, the massive wreckage of the city-like spaceship, those steel jungles, disintegrated rapidly under the dive of the two dragons, quickly bursting into pieces. "They¡¯re going mad! That''s a city-sized spaceship, and it''s turning into debris just like that!" eximed the mechanical bear. In the distant depths of space, it caught a blurry image of what was happening and felt a wave of shock. It bes really terrifying when an individual¡¯s strength reaches this height. The mechanical bear couldn¡¯t allow such creatures to approach the spaceship. It must shoot it down with his cannons immediately. The Evil Dragon and the Giant Dragon were both heavily injured, with broken horns and most of their scales fallen off. Their bodies were on the verge of breaking apart, they were in a bloody mess. Until the end, they collided fiercely once again. The residual vibrations of the rules shook, and the two dragons exploded, disintegrating rapidly and disappearing. In the innerndscape, Qi Tian remained calm, then slowly walked forward. With his left hand, he swung down the silver longsword. The sword light reflected the afterglow of the sunset and was flowing with the radiance of dusk. Time seemed to have stopped in the entire void. It was a sword that brought forth light and shadow. Wang Xuan''s body stiffened slightly. The Godying Banner, which was originally about to be swung, paused in motion. He seemed to be frozen in ce. Just as it seemed, Qi Tian froze everything with the sword light. Using the long golden knife in his right hand, he suddenly shed towards Wang Xuan''s head. He was intending to cleave him in half.¡¡¡¡At a critical moment, the radiance of Wang Xuan''s spirit surged, as if transcending the constraints of time and space. He wielded the Spirit Sword, and his physical body moved ordingly. Then, countless strands of sword qi gushed out from his pores. Qi Tian sighed inwardly. The suppression of the present world was too powerful. The spatial sword he swung with his left hand couldn''t manifest the rules properly. It was unable to do what it was intended for at all. Everything nearby would freeze if it were in the Immortal Realm. He could calmly decapitate his opponent and split the enemy''s body. Then, the banner and the sword shed countless times. They continuously cast spells at each other. They were as swift as lightning, entangled inbat and relentless in their killing. The next moment, both of them backed off as they were both bleeding. Wang Xuan''s shoulder had a deep wound that showed the bone. There was a charred ck patch where the de had struck, and the part of his flesh that got struck by sword light¡¯s lightning had exploded. If it were an avatar of a mighty god here, it would also be annihted. Everything would disintegrate after getting shed by that kind of attack, leaving no remains. Qi Tian was also bloodied, with his feathered robe partly torn apart and his internal armor shredded by the Godying Banner. There was also crimson blood oozing from his arm and chest. Rarely does anyone survive being struck by the Godying Banner. Most were killed along with their spirits. It can only be said that Qi Tian was formidable, his sword and de were also extraordinary. They were treasures among weapons. "There are no spectators here. There are no beings from the Great Barrier or the creatures in the Immortal Realm observing the battle. Otherwise, you could have be famous throughout the world with this battle alone. There are only a few people that can injure me since ancient times," Qi Tian said. He spoke the truth. He had never been afraid of anyone in a one-on-one fight, even in the Great Veil. His death that happened years ago was also because he was being hunted by numerous emperors. With the physique of a mortal, he had opened a special innerndscape and rose rapidly after entering the Immortal Realm. He then swept through the Great Barrier and roamed the Immortal Realm. In the end, it became difficult for him to find opponents. He was once at the peak of a mountain, dominating an era. But it was also because of this that he was feared by many. In thest few hundred years of thest era, the emperors came out andunched a cross-domain chase, eventually killing him. Wang Xuan''s expression was calm as he said, "I don''t feel honored. I don¡¯t like all this fighting at all. I''d rather enjoy a cup of tea if I had the time. It makes me even more ufortable, especially being with someone like you, who''s resurrected from the dead." Then, he took the initiative to attack. All the broken flying swords on the ground were summoned by him. They resonated with the sword wheel he had transformed into and crazily shedtowards the Evil Dragon! It was like a densely packed gxy tsunami, with sword light pouring like torrential rain. With sword energy everywhere, a sense of killing pervaded the heavens and earth. Wang Xuan who was at the Thirteenth Stage went mad with his unparalleled destructive power. The des in Qi Tian''s hands flew out, shing head-on with Wang Xuan without evading. He was just that confident, charging forward and bursting with light. Countless divine birds and sacred beasts appeared, as if he had opened a secret realm that was filled with all kinds of creatures. Many legendary beings manifested and charged forward with him. There was the roar of dragons, the cry of phoenixes, the roar of kirin, and the dominance of white tigers. The golden crow traversing the heavens and earth, the golden-winged giant roc spreading its wings, roaming beyond the domain¡­ Qi Tian''s strength was enough to suffocate the transcendents in the present world. Every move of his was capable of instantly killing gods and mobilizing so many supreme species. One move was enough to crush a region. Wang Xuan swept with sword light. At the same time, his spirit emitted light, revealing another strange phenomenon. A peculiar butterfly fluttered gracefully with ck and white wings. Although it looked weird, yin and yang energies flowed out of it and were rushing towards all the strange creatures. This was the strange scripture he practiced, the Butterfly Transformation Method, manifesting a strange phenomenon. The battlefield immediately descended into chaos, with sword light, various sacred beasts and divine birds, as well as ck and white energies, all appearing at the same time. There was even the sound of roaring floods and the light of the gxies. They were all deadly. Both of them were injured with their bodies bloody and staggering. They had been pierced through by each other''s methods. After exchanging nces, they quickly charged towards each other again. "A person from ater generation actually made me quite embarrassed by injuring me. You can be considered the first one in recent antiquity. It''s been a long time since someone made me bleed," Qi Tian said calmly and deeply. His killing intent materialized into tangible substance, even his two followers couldn''t bear it and could only hide in the dark cosmic void to avoid it. They were unable to stand in the innerndscape anymore. "I''ll y you using the spiritual world!" Qi Tian said calmly, and as his words fell, he summoned the spiritual world. In the void, the spiritual world had appeared. It was a hazy expanse that descended towards Wang Xuan. It was constantly crushing him, intending to annihte him. "The spiritual world? It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve never entered it before. I could already touch it a long time ago, let alone now," said Wang Xuan. Various strange phenomena emerged around Wang Xuan as he resisted the spiritual world that Qi Tian had summoned. But he had found that the secret technique Qi Tian unleashed was terrifying. The entire spiritual world seemed to be falling from the void and was intending to crush him. "The three-fold spiritual world, Yao Pool, Guanghan Pce and Mount Bu Zhou. Crush him to death!" Qi Tian eximed coldly. He became even moreposed as he stood there,manding the threeyers of spiritual worlds. He had intended to borrow boundless power. Wang Xuan''s heart pounded. Yao Pool, Guanghan Pce, Mount Bu Zhou, represented three high-level spiritual worlds. Could they also shine in the present world?¡¡ Then, he swung the big banner, and with surging blood energy and a glowing flesh, he forcefully collided with those three hazy worlds. Ascendent Fist, Spirit Sword Light, Cicada Cry, Great Dao Dragon, Yin-Yang Butterfly¡­ Covered in blood, he used all kinds of methods as his body was at the verge of getting crushed. Finally, he shattered the threeyers of spiritual worlds, destroying them. Qi Tian then retreated with blood trickling down from his mouth and nose. He sighed and said, "Damn this real world, it''s somewhat ufortable. My various supreme methods cannot be fully disyed. If it were in the immortal realm, these methods¡­ would be enough to crush one after another." "Thank you for revealing the method to me. It turns out the spiritual world can be used in this way. I''ve learned something new thanks to you." Wang Xuan said without concealment because he knew the other party had long seen through his intentions. At the same time, Wang Xuan had also sessively disyed the true form himself. He felt that he had also learned a lot. He thought of the Stone Tablet Scriptures, which contained the nine great true diagrams. The figures on it were all human figures, just with different poses. Initially, he only used them for resonance and for promoting the transformation of flesh and spirit. But today, by sessively disying the true form of the Golden Cicada, the Great Dao Dragon, and the Yin-Yang Butterfly, he had suddenly understood this domain thoroughly. The nine great true diagrams were not only for enhancing cultivation but also for battle. "Let''s try using myself as the true form!" Wang Xuan straightaway activated it. He had initially cultivated two diagrams, but they were mainly used to improve his realm. Now he finally understood the essence, the diagrams were more suitable for killing enemies. In an instant, various colors appeared in his flesh, and secret forces that were constantly releasing transcendent energy surged. His spirit was as brilliant as a small sun, both form and spirit were wonderful, and he became exceptionally strong overall. With a bang, the first true diagram appeared. Wang Xuan''s strength and speed increased terrifyingly. He then teleported to Qi Tian''s vicinity. The two fiercely collided. This time, even the mighty Evil Dragon couldn¡¯t do anything but coughed up blood in the end. Qi Tian quickly retreated far away. "You¡¯ve cultivated the most difficult secret scripture recorded in that mysterious Stone Tablet Scriptures?" He showed a look of astonishment. His words were not false. No one has been able topletely cultivate the Stone Tablet Scriptures to this day. Several of the top-ranked figures in the immortal realm had died because of it. This scripture was too difficult to cultivate, with no one able toprehend it. "Enough talk,e, taste the wonders of the true form. Since you''vee to test my sword, help me break through the mist and reveal the secrets of the Stone Tablet Scriptures!" eximed Wang Xuan. Although Wang Xuan was injured, his eyes were still bright and full of spirit. He was extremely eager to learn more about nine great true forms. It was just his first attempt, but he had already caught on to it. Then, he disyed the second true form which resonated throughout his body. His spirit seemed to transcend time and space. It was rippling with ripples, making the time and space silent. Even Qi Tian''s spirit felt a little trance and went nk for a moment. But he was still an extraordinary person. The blood energy in his body surged from the top of his head and had blocked the ripple. He seemed to be sublimating as he fully resisted Wang Xuan''s second true form. Between the two, an endless rain of light erupted, as if someone was ascending to immortality. They fiercely fought at close quarters with their spirits radiating light as the battle was reaching a white-hot intensity. "Although I have pondered the third true diagram, it''s still not cultivated enough. It''s a pity." Wang Xuanmented. He pierced through the Evil Dragon''s chest, shattered its right scap, and caused its spine to fracture. He was extremely fierce, causing the Evil Dragon to suffer heavy injuries. However, he was not uninjured either. His sternum had copsed, right arm broken, flesh torn from his shoulder, he too had wounds all over his body At this point, their battle had turned extremely brutal. Both of their spirits had been torn apart, and were dimming. Wang Xuan was equivalent to an iplete Thirteenth Stage, as he still had not undergone tribtion. Although he was currently standing beyond the mythological end, the other party was still a peerless transcendent at the Third Stage of Wanderer Realm in the current world. He was equally powerful and extraordinary. If such an achievement was spread to the outside world, it would be enough to cause a huge sensation. Anyone who could fight with Qi Tian to this extent would be enough to attract worldwide attention. "This is beyond my expectations. You are indeed very strong. Such profound heritage is exactly what I need to fill the gaps and deficiencies left in my body and spirit after my resurrection. Someone may pass by this ce that is near the wormhole at any time. To prevent any idents, I''ll capture you first!" eximed Qi Tian. Then, he raised his right hand and light overflowed from his palm. The light gradually became stronger until it was extremely radiant, and a long banner appeared within the hazy and blurry light. "The Ascension Banner?" Wang Xuan was surprised. Although he had remained vignt against the Evil Dragon and gave the most dangerous assessment, he did not expect the other party to bring out such a trump card to the current world. "No, this is just an imprint of the Ascension Banner. It¡¯ll be enough to capture you." Qi Tian had already taken action without any dy while he spoke. Wang Xuan had not yet used the Life Essence Furnace as he wanted toe into close contact with and analyze the Evil Dragon. He could understand his methods and temperament through this clone, so there would be less pressure for him when facing his main body in the future. But now he couldn''t continue anymore. He could only resort to using his supreme treasure. The Life Essence Furnace appeared. It was ancient and natural with mysterious textures carved on its body. It began to glow under the pressure of the Ascension Banner. At first, Qi Tian didn''t pay attention. He was waving the Ascension Banner to suppress Wang Xuan. But he was astonished to find out that the other party was not suppressed at all. On the contrary, Wang Xuan became even stronger. "That is¡­" His expression changed immediately, and he turned to leave. However, he suddenly became extremely passive as this was his innerndscape. Originally, he was inviting Wang Xuan into the trap, but now he had trapped himself instead of Wang Xuan. He didn''t stay for a second longer and rushed towards the exit. He wanted to abandon this innerndscape. After all, it had defects, so why bother with it. But Wang Xuan controlled a real supreme treasure, it was not just an imprint. He was much faster than Qi Tian. With a rumble, he tore through the innerndscape, pierced through the void, and caught up to him. Qi Tian tried his best to evade, but how could he avoid it? Wang Xuan entered the furnace, pursued him, and ruthlessly attacked him. In an instant, he closed the gap between them. The so-called imprint of the Ascension Banner exploded on the spot. Qi Tian spat out a mouthful of blood, using a secret method to avoid death once. He rushed towards the old spaceship. However, Wang Xuan was faster than him. With a loud bang, the massive spaceship was torn apart by the glowing treasure and then shattered into powder. Poof! Wang Xuan had caught up to Qi Tian. Although he struggled, under the zing light, he gradually blurred and turned into a rain of blood. His spirit burned to ashes, thus meeting his demise! Chapter 492: Who Slew The Dragon Chapter 492: Who Slew The Dragon Near the wormhole, only steel debris remained. Wang Xuan stood quietly after ying the Evil Dragon''s avatar in the mortal realm. He was reflecting on the battle. "The Ascension Banner is truly ominous. Anyone who obtains it seems to meet a grim fate. Even though this time it was only an imprint, it still reflects something," he thought. He was severely injured himself, with a gaping hole in his chest. Additionally, his spinal bones were cracked open. He would have been paralyzed long ago if he was an ordinary person. He was almost bisected at the waist. Even the skull around the area of his brow was shattered, it was really gruesome. Any deeper, and his brain would have turned into mush. He deliberately engaged with Qi Tian and fought him to death, all just so he could decipher him. He had gained a lot this time. His understanding of the Evil Dragon deepened, knowing more about some of his methods and character. He could strategically n for the future with the information he had obtained. In the distance, there were two figures who wanted to flee. It was Qi Tian''s two followers. They fled into the frigid depths of space, they would naturally find it difficult to survive in this era. "Sorry, I can only send you on your way since we''re enemies, and especially since you''ve seen the Life Essence Furnace." Wang Xuan showed no mercy. Even though they appeared terrified now, he didn''t want to leave them to their own devices. Both sides were in hostile positions. He had to silence them. The Life Essence Furnace glowed, and a shower of light surged out, illuminating the pale faces of the two women. They were instantly wiped out, with their spirits exploding, leaving nothing behind. The fact that he possessed a supreme treasure must not be exposed in the short term. Otherwise, the gods in the Great Barrier and the immortals in the Immortal Realm would swarm like sharks that smelled blood. He couldn¡¯t hold off so many mighty beings, including peerless transcendents that were sharpening their des. The emergence of any supreme treasure would attract the attention of peerless transcendents. A neer like him in the real world without a strong background, with only a few years of cultivation would definitely be the easiest target.¡¡¡¡Wang Xuan tidied up the aftermath. It was easy for him with the treasure in hand. The furnace mouth glowed, swallowing in the wreckage of the spaceship and various fragments. Then, both the long golden sword and the silver immortal sword that floated quietly in the distance were grabbed by him. These two weapons were preserved when the innerndscape of the Evil Dragon was destroyed. "The top-tier mystical treasures!" He examined them closely and was reluctant to let go of both the weapons as he really needed such handy weapons. Until the end, he made sure not to leave any traces behind. Anyone hoping to trace something through residual remnants would likely be disappointed. Half a dayter, a silver spaceship appeared, with Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, and others piloting it to pick him up. "Thank goodness, you''re safe and sound. Did you y the dragon?" Qing Mu was quite shocked. He had watched Wang Xuan grow step by step. It was he who had actively discovered Wang Xuan, this neer. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin hurried over when they saw the big bloody hole in his chest, carrying a medical kit to help him treat the wound. "It''s okay, there¡¯s no need to bandage it. I''ll rest for a while, and the scripture technique will work better after that," he assured them it wasn''t a problem. "It''s just like something out of a fantasy. An incarnation of a peerless transcendent was in in the mortal realm¡­" said the old man, Liu Huai''an. He felt that he didn''t understand this world anymore. After thirty years away, such a young monster had actually emerged in the mortal realm, leaving him dumbfounded. It seemed absurd no matter how he looked at it. "Just get used to it," Chen Yongjie spoke up. He had alsoe this far, from being the number one in the Old World to bing second best. Initially, he thought he could keep up with Wang Xuan''s rapid progress. But now, even when he exerted all his effort to chase after him, he could hardly see the figure of this monster anymore. "I''m looking forward to the special innerndscape. When the myths arepletely extinguished, will Wang Xuan still be able to maintain his transcendent status and continue on his path?" Liu Huai''an said, filled with hope. After all, other people''s innerndscapes were starting to wither, but Wang Xuan''s hadn''t changed at all. "Did the in dragon also have a special innerndscape?" Zhao Qinghan asked. Wang Xuan replied, "His innerndscape had ws as he had died once. Moreover, this was just his avatar. If his main body appears, that''s when it''ll be truly terrifying." The mechanical bear said, "No need to be too modest. When I left, I captured some images in deep space and saw the scene of you fighting against him." "Let¡¯s fake it." Wang Xuan looked at it. "What?" The mechanical bear was puzzled. "Go edit a blurry video that shows the shadow couple killing the dragon''s avatar. To confuse, add another segment suggesting that he might have been killed by Maiden Fang Yuzhu." "You''re misleading the world, fabricating lies," it said with shock. "Yeah, it¡¯s to avoid attracting the attention of the dragon''s main body to me. I''ll leave with the Ascension Banner and find a real peerless transcendent as his opponent for him." Wang Xuan nodded, admitting openly, then added, "At the same time, send a message to Demon Lord, Old Zhang, and the others on their spaceship, telling them the true situation of his avatar to prevent the Evil Dragon from unexpectedly catching them off guard." "It¡¯s a pity to let a magnificent achievement like this go. What a pity! If this were to spread, I''m afraid every corner of the universe where there are cultivators would boil with excitement," Transcendent Mamented. Wang Xuan didn''t care, saying, "It''s just empty fame. I want to break free from the mess of this world. I really don''t want to engage in endless killing with them. I just want to wait for the end of the transcendent and let those people give up." "It''s probably only a matter of time before it''s exposed. Individuals like peerless transcendents have such keen perception. It might not be long before they find out about the truth. By then, you may face a great cmity, or even be besieged by the gods of the Great Barrier and the immortals of the Immortal Realm together," Chen Yongjie said. He had been with Wang Xuan all along and had long spected that the furnace was probably the precious Life Essence Furnace, which might be exposed in the future. "Let''s go, I''ll send you back first," Wang Xuan said. As for himself, he nned to wander in the starry sky afterwards and stay out of sight for the time being. ¡­¡­ Two dayster, Qi Tian felt something was wrong. His avatar had encountered trouble, and there was no contact at the agreed time in front of a certain Great Veil. Those around him immediately noticed that his face was extremely gloomy. Using the Ascension Banner in his hand, he tore through the sky, destroying one of the three moons. He was in a terrible mood. At their level, the impact of a fallen avatar was not small. That was a part of his spirit that had split off and was supposed to be reunited in the future. In recent days, Qi Tian had been resurrected, seized the Ascension Banner, and had already shocked the gods and immortals. It caused a hugemotion among the transcendents in the mortal realm. All his past and glory were dug up. How could someone who once dominated an era and was only killed after the joint efforts of the ancient emperors not be the focus? But his mortal body had died under these circumstances, which made it sensitive. Who did it, who could kill the second person in the mythological era to develop a special innerndscape? "There''s newsing in. It was done by that shadow couple. They''re suspected to be the parents of the Demon Lord!" Someone shouted. "I''ll go. Is it the peerless alchemist who controls thunder, and that twelve-tailed white fox? Two peerless transcendents had made their move and killed Qi Tian''s avatar. This matter is going to be big!" Another eximed. The news stirred up storms among the gods and caused huge waves among the immortals. One could imagine what it would be like when it spreads to the mortal realm. Countless cultivators on various transcendents were discussing fervently! However, another piece of news came out. The news mentioned about person who killed Qi Tian''s mortal avatar might also be Maiden Fang Yuzhu. "Is it the peerless transcendent Fang Yuzhu who personally annihted the ancient emperors? If so, there''s nothing more to say. It''s entirely possible for her to do it." One person said. "Maiden Fang is truly powerful and worthy of admiration forever!" Evenrge groups of gods of the Great Barrier were impressed and were making such exmations. "Except for that lunatic who wields the Sword of the Mortal, she''s hard topare with. It''s difficult to determine who is weaker or stronger. Besides this, she''s probably already considered the top immortal!" One of them spoke. The two news caused a huge stir, spreading among transcendents everywhere. They were all in discussion. One could feel how great Qi Tian''s reputation was just by their reaction. Even though he had died a long time ago, he still shook the world once he revived and reappeared. "Do you think there''s a possibility that someone else killed Qi Tian?" Some people raised another question. After all, Qi Tian himself didn''t say who the culprit was. "It''s not very likely. Besides the parents of the Demon Lord and Maiden Fang Yuzhu, who else in the Immortal Realm couldpete with Qi Tian?" Another replied to the question. "Although I''m a transcendent, I''m also following the path of integrating technology. I''ve seen those blurry videos and think the timing of their appearance is too deliberate." ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan ignored these things. On the way, he had been recuperating, crossing through wormholes, and seeing off a few people on their journey home. Three dayster, he sensed something divine and once again led everyone into the innerndscape. "It doesn''t seem right. There''s a hint of decay in your innerndscape as well. Is the end of the transcendent truly approaching? Will there be no hope for the future?" Old Chen, with keen perception, was the first to notice the anomaly. "Wang Xuan, are you feeling unwell?" Zhao Qinghan asked, fearing that Wang Xuan''s physical condition was indicated by his innerndscape. Qing Mu, Wu Yin, Little Fox, they all looked over and were worried for him. He shook his head, telling them he was fine. He carefully observed and sensed that a new innerndscape was condensing. It was turning into barely visible points of light and entering between his flesh and spirit. "Waiting for rebirth in decay. Perhaps all of this is in line with the overall environment of the world. As myths extinguish and transcendents head towards winter and dark nights, my innerndscape is also beginning to wither. It¡¯s in sync with the times," said Wang Xuan. But he believed that even if it decayed here, he could still undergo Nirvana and give birth to a new, unknown innerndscape, provided there were no unforeseen events. In the end, Wang Xuan''s body recovered, the bloody hole in his chest healed and the broken spine regenerated. He was fully recovered with no wounds left. His cultivation had also improvedprehensively, giving him a feeling that he was not far from crossing the tribtion. Several dayster, the Evil Dragon had begun to move. He led his followers towards the Immortal Realm, entering the Great Barrier of the gods while wielding his Ascension Banner. The world was shaking because of it! Was he going for revenge, or was he going to seize thest supreme treasure? "He''s gone to the Immortal Realm. Are you sure about it?" Wang Xuan was astonished. Soon, they received exact news that the Ascension Banner had once shown its might there, so it couldn''t be false. Without stopping, Wang Xuanmanded the spaceship to elerate, passing through one wormhole after another, crossing the universe. He took this opportunity to prepare tond in the Old World. "The Evil Dragon has left the Immortal Realm. Now I can go and lure out the Celestial Sword Maiden!" Wang Xuan said with excitement. Originally, he hadn''t nned to act rashly in the short term, as it wasn''t smart to risk entering the Great Veil. But now there was no problem as the Evil Dragon was far away. The end of the transcendence was imminent. It was time to lure out the Celestial Sword Maiden''s main body. Several dayster, they passed by a new star without stopping. Using a wormhole, they set off again. Finally, the spaceshipnded quietly in the Old World. Chapter 493: Bringing The Celestial Sword Maiden Out Chapter 493: Bringing The Celestial Sword Maiden Out The silver-white spaceshipnded safely. It was a small spaceship when it left the Old World. But the interior waspletely transformed with the exterior remaining the same now that it was back. It was refitted from the wreckage of an evil spirit¡¯s spaceship left in the depths of this universe. The spaceship had mechanical intelligent creatures as stewards and was capable of engaging in battles against superrge spaceships. Wang Xuan was somewhat lost in thought. Originally, he only wanted to make a quick trip to the Secret Land to bring Goddess Zhao and Big Wu back. He didn''t expect that he would ultimately traverse one gxy after another, leaving the range of the Immortal Realm and ending up in the Land of the Undying. He didn''t know if he would have this kind of experience, such a journey again in this lifetime. Even if he wandered in the universe to avoid disaster, he probably wouldn''t go so far. "Masters, wee home! Have you noticed the great changes in the Old World?" Qing Mu came out of the spaceship base and was giving various introductions to his masters as the guide. As for his master, Chen Yongjie was the most excited among them. He murmured, "It''s only been about a month or so since I left. It''s not too long, and I''ve already rushed back." The first thing he did after getting off the spaceship was to check in with Guan Lin, telling her that the foreign campaign was over and he had returned. Guan Lin instantly sobbed on the other end of the phone. How could Guan Lin not worry during these past days? But she had to control her emotions as she feared it wouldn''t be good for the fetus. Now that she learned that Chen Yongjie had safely returned and hadnded in An City, she couldn''t hold back anymore. Tears streamed down her face as she cried tears of joy.¡¡¡¡"When is my junior brother due?" Qing Mu came over and interjected. "Mind your own business and stay aside. It''s still three months away!" Chen Yongjie pulled him aside. "Congrattions, Grandmaster Chen!" Wu Yin still used this title out of habit, with a smile on her face. Chen Yongjie and his wife were in their fifties when they had a son, which was consideredte in life for childbirth. Zhao Qinghan also offered her blessings and asked if it was a boy or a girl, and if they had prepared a name. "I didn''t check whether it''s a boy or a girl in advance, but the names were decided long ago. If it¡¯s a boy, his name will be Chen Xuan, and if it¡¯s a girl, her name will be Chen Xuen." Chen Yongjie waved his hand with satisfaction, considering it as an old topic revisited. Wang Xuan immediately gave him a murderous look, threatening him that if he dared to do so again, he would spar with him three times a day in the future! Little Fox was puzzled, saying, "Why does it sound like one name?" "Xuan is a good character. I even wanted to name myself Ma Yixuan before." Transcendent Ma murmured, then received a p, attracting the attention of passersby. After all, it was hard not to attract attention as a demon horse in the city. Wang Xuan contacted his parents using a secure mobile number. Originally, he wanted Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu to take care of it, but since he came back himself, he wanted to know where they were and the specific situation. "Sorry, the user you dialed is currently switched off." A voice came from the phone, making him feel heavy-hearted. Chen Yongjie learned about it and immediately sent someone to check. It turned out that those two had left a message for Wang Xuan long ago, saying they were going on a trip and might go to the New World. They asked not to be contacted for the time being as interster call charges were too expensive. Wang Xuan was lost in thought. Were those two really in the New World? He was in suspense, specting whether they might have gone to the Immortal Realm with that shadowy couple? This made him restless, but there was nothing he could do about it. Wang Xuan apanied Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin into An City, then called Qin Cheng out for a meal. "Qinghan, and Lingwei''s best friend¡­ Wu Yin, were you brought back from the Secret Land by Old Wang?" asked Qin Cheng with surprise, but he had made the atmosphere awkward. Of course, he quickly realized that he had said the wrong thing and immediately changed his tone,ining, "A while ago, I finally broke through and stepped into the Grandmaster realm. But then, one tremble after another happened, and I''m not even a Master now. I¡¯m so pissed off by it!" He was genuinely upset as he could only experience the glory of being a great expert for a short time. He reverted mainly because his foundation was too weak. His strength had been artificially elevated by Wang Xuan and was not achieved through his own cultivation. Otherwise, if it were Chen Yongjie, he could still maintain the level of a Grandmaster even if all seven treasures shook and the highest rules of the Immortal Path pressed down, dropping him to a mortal. Because, that was what Old Chen truly cultivated. In the Old World where cultivation was impossible, he had endured to such a level, without any shortcuts. Coming back from the depths of the universe, experiencing such vast and profound emptiness, as well as the cold silence. They were now sitting in a high-rise restaurant, overlooking the brightly lit city''s night scene, bustling with the hustle and bustle of the world. It gave them a different kind of feeling. "It''s still good to be in the mortal world!" Wang Xuan said. "You talk as if you''ve be an immortal." Qin Cheng rolled his eyes. "I¡¯m almost there. We went into the depths of the universe and experienced many things. Well, the gods are dying, and the immortals are fading away." Wu Yin said. After a meal, Qin Cheng¡¯s eyes widened as he learned that Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin were now transcendents. How could there be such a wide gap between people? Especially Goddess Zhao, who was his ssmate. Qin Cheng knew very well that she practiced the Old Arts to maintain her figure. Even with that, she had achieved such an aplishment, leaving him speechless. "Am I really useless?" He began to doubt his life. "Indeed, a little bit." Zhao Qinghan nodded, thenughed again. "Old Wang, you went on a distant journey again and opened up an innerndscape right? I should follow you from now on. I still want to maintain the physique of a Grandmaster even if I can''t be a transcendent. Good physical strength is crucial for future happiness!" eximed Qin Cheng. "It probably won''t be possible in the short term as I have something to attend to." Wang Xuan shook his head, informing him that he had to go on a long journey. "Alright, then can youe back to the Old World after three months? My girlfriend Yang Lin has graduated for some time now. We n to get married in three months, around winter," said Qin Cheng, informing him. In three months, Old Chen was about to have a child and Qin Cheng was also getting married. The news left Wang Xuan stunned. Because, three monthster, transcendence would alsoe to an end. Both the Great Barrier and the Immortal Realm would fade away, bringing an end to the myth! "The date you chose¡­" Wang Xuan wanted to say something, but his gaze became firm. He then said, "Okay, I will rush back no matter where I am!" "From what you''re saying, are you going to do something big? Is it dangerous? Take care of yourself!" Qin Cheng became serious, then changed the subject as he did not want to dwell too much on seriousness. He then asked, "When are you getting married?" After he finished his words, he nced at Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, and then looked back at Wang Xuan again. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan left right after dinner as he was in a hurry. This time, he didn''t use a spaceship, but controlled a supreme treasure to fly silently across the night sky. Not long after that, he had arrived at a deste mountain eight hundred miles away from An City. He lightlynded on the ground. Standing on the mountain, he looked at the grass, rubble, and the bright moonlight. He felt touched. The Great Veil was about to fall early without waiting for the three-year agreement. Transcendence would copse in just a year''s time. He had to bring back the main body of the Celestial Sword Maiden from the Immortal Realm. He scanned the surroundings with his spiritual eyes. There were no surprises here. That little thing was sound asleep, and had be even smaller than before. It used to be a little over ten years old, but now it looked about eight years old, with chubby cheeks, baby fat, and as beautiful and cute as a porcin doll. The Celestial Sword Maiden was very sensitive. Sensing the gaze, her long eyshes trembled lightly, and she suddenly opened her bright eyes that were like ck gems. She agilely sat up, looking displeased as usual. She was still grumpy after waking up. Soon, she seemed to have remembered something, then her expression turned unfriendly and fierce, saying, "Was it you who caused the quake again? You¡¯re making me regress!" Although she wanted to appear fierce and express her dissatisfaction, she was a mini version of the Celestial Sword Maiden that was beautiful and delicate. Such fierceness could only highlight her liveliness and yfulness. She looked cute no matter how she disyed her fierceness. However, she wasn''t shaken too badly this time. In the end, she still remained at First Stage of Wanderer realm because Wang Xuan left her a pile of Creation True Crystals, which were trans material that was infinitely close to the truth. Wang Xuan said with a face full of smiles, "Getting angry easily makes you age faster. Look, aren''t I here to visit you? I''m going to bring back your main body, and you''ll grow up soon!" "Just wait for a while, what''s your cultivation level now? Don''t you need her to find Sky Marrow and Heavenly Herb for you anymore? She seeded in breaking through. She''s already an unparalleled expert now, and she''s still trying to find herbs." "I''m probably at the Thirteenth Stage. Hmm, I don''t need her to find medicine anymore, I have my own." Wang Xuan said. In an instant, the Celestial Sword Maiden widened her eyes and her bright red lips formed a round shape as she couldn¡¯t believe what she heard. Thirteenth Stage made even this heaven''s chosen talent feel dizzy. "Are you¡­ stronger than I was back then?" asked Celestial Sword Maiden. The originally proud Celestial Sword Maiden now had a silly expression that made Wang Xuan want to pinch her little face. Sure enough, she couldn''t escape from Wang Xuan''s mischief. Wang Xuan had pinched her cheek again. She was so angry that sword lights shed from her, she was ready to fight him. Wang Xuan couldn''t resist looking at her cute appearance and really wanted to pinch her chubby and beautiful little face again. "Just wait, I''ll make you understand why the stars are so brilliant if my main bodyes back!" She was sulking as she really couldn''t beat Wang Xuan now. "Hurry up and contact your main body. Don''t wait until the end. If one day the Great Veil suddenly falls, all the experts inside will instantly perish and die regardless of how high your cultivation is!" Wang Xuan said solemnly. It was not impossible. The Great Barrier would decay much earlier than people estimated. Earlier, the peerless figures among the Immortals spected that there were still three years for them to prepare, but there was actually only a year left! The Celestial Sword Maiden said, "I need time. I have an agreement with her recently to contact her every seven days. It''s still two days away from the next contact. She should have left Guanghan Pce by now and gone to Mount Buzhou to try her luck. She was hoping to pick up some Primordial Gourd, Chaos Vine and some other herbs. I''ll give you a Strange Primordial Object if there is no Sky Marrow." Wang Xuan said, "I have everything I need. Don''t let her take any more risks. I''ll wait here for two days. You make a nearby appearance ording to your agreement with her, and I''ll go to get her." He started to seclude himself there and wasprehending his own techniques. This time, he entered the Ethereal Realm again, breaking into the misty ocean above the meteorite passage. He could clearly feel that he was approaching perfection at the Thirteenth Stage. However, there was one thing that puzzled him. Neither the new spirit nor the new flesh and blood, nor the newly condensed innerndscape, showed any signs of Nirvana. His body and spirit were lurking quietly and motionless in the deepest part. What was going on? He was somewhat puzzled. He was almost reaching perfection. Why hadn''t the new body and spirit regenerated yet? Two dayster, he woke up and heard the Celestial Sword Maiden''s call, telling him that it was done. Her main body had returned from Mount Buzhou in the Higher Spiritual World and was waiting for him in the Great Curtain. "Okay, protect me, I''ll go get her!" Wang Xuan crossed his legs, his spirit went to the Life Soil, took the Godying Banner and the Life Essence Furnace, and stored them deep in his spirit to defend himself. As the mist from the Life Soil drifted out, he opened his spiritual eyes to search for its distant path and then followed step by step, approaching a blurry area. He felt quite emotional. The Life Soil was indeed the origin of myths, it was not just empty talk. Beneath the Life Soil, in its deepest depths, there was also drifting mist. Therey a Solidarity Void, with meteorite passages. It was approaching the origin of truth. And above the Life Soil, in another direction where the mist drifted far away, it connected to the Immortal Realm and the Great Barrier. The ce where the Life Soil was located gave birth to transcendence! He entered a vortex and then disappeared. He reappeared in a dim ce, where he saw a waystation adorned withnterns. He then strode toward the distance. "Perhaps this will be myst time entering the Immortal Realm. I should bring back some local specialties, like True Dragon, Golden Crow, Roc, and Kirin meat. With those in my inventory, it will also prove that I once visited the Immortal Realm when the Great Barrier extinguishes one day." Wang Xuan muttered to himself with a smile, diluting certain emotions. This world was about to perish and it was giving a sense of cold destion. As expected, he arrived at the edge of the nearest town and found the Celestial Sword Maiden. She was dressed in white, carrying a celestial sword on her back. Her flowing ck hair was wless, her face beautiful and pure, her eyes clear and ethereal. Standing quietly, she formed a world of her own, turning the surrounding environment into a purend. "Here, it¡¯s for you!" She spoke first with her melodic voice as she handed over a gourd. The gourd had emerald-green glowing leaves and purplish skin. It was even surrounded by strands of chaotic aura. Wang Xuan was astonished. Did she really pick up a Strange Primordial Object from Mount Buzhou in the Higher Spiritual World? No, this was a treasure imbued with chaotic aura, an extraordinary item. Chapter 494: Peerless Bueaty Jiang Qingyao Chapter 494: Peerless Bueaty Jiang Qingyao The gourd borne from the Chaos Vine on Mount Bu Zhou held an enormous reputation in the realm of immortals. Through the ages, only a handful had ever encountered it, let alone possessed it. This high-spirit world produced wondrous items, yet it was perilously dangerous, a no-man¡¯snd even the most formidable couldn¡¯t venture into lightly. The Celestial Sword Maiden had sessfully located and harvested a purple-skinned gourd, swirling with chaos energy. This was an invaluable treasure, surpassing many unparalleled exotic treasures in worth. ¡°Here!¡± Noticing Wang Xuan lost in thought, she extended the gourd again, a simple and pure ¡°here¡± escaping her lips. Her beautiful visage showed no other emotion. She was the epitome of an immortal, devoid of worldly dust, a being of purity with a heart dedicated to the Dao. Her icy skin and jade-like bones were untouched by worldly smoke and fire, seeming transcendent, as if she could only belong within the strokes of a painting. Wang Xuan snapped back to reality, refusing, ¡°Ah, no need. I possess various wonders, and this gourd was not easily obtained by you. You should keep it for your own use.¡± ¡°You¡¯re quite the airhead, aren¡¯t you?¡± The Celestial Sword Maiden looked at him, finding this young man¡¯s character quite at odds with what the little creatures had described. Wang Xuan was at a loss for words. In his eyes, the miniature version of the Celestial Sword Maiden was adorable, and the grown version had a proud charm, a pure cultivator, even somewhat adorably clueless.And yet, she had called him clueless! The Celestial Sword Maiden smiled, her beauty and cleanughter piercing through, her eyes clear as if fresh snow on blooming flowers. ¡°I¡¯m not suited for treasures crafted from such wonders,¡± she said, gesturing to her cherished immortal sword on her back, ¡°This sword is all I need.¡± Then, she firmly ced the renowned gourd from the uncharted territories of Mount Bu Zhou into Wang Xuan''s hands. ¡°Alright, I have something for you too,¡± Wang Xuan conceded. He had prepared for this meeting with the Celestial Sword Maiden, retrieving a silver longsword. This was a weapon seized from the formidable Evil Dragon of surpassing realms, a fearsome immortal sword capable of briefly solidifying time and space. Its former master had been a peerless figure among immortals, of significant renown. He had already used the Life Nurturing Furnace to erase any residual marks from its previous owner, rendering it ownerless. ¡°The Space-Time Severing Sword? I like it very much, but it¡¯s too valuable. I don¡¯t have anything of equivalent wonder to give you in return,¡± the Celestial Sword Maiden expressed. She knew that Wang Xuan seemed tock for nothing, possessing all sorts of scriptures. The little beings had happilymunicated with her, recounting how they had been inundated with a plethora of texts, all courtesy of Wang Xuan. "Why be so formal? I have all kinds of weapons." It was his turn to insist, pressing the sword into the Celestial Sword Maiden''s hands with a smile. "Do you use sabers? I also have a golden long saber, its quality is astonishing, not inferior to this sword." "No need for a long saber," the Celestial Sword Maiden declined with a shake of her head, then epted the immortal sword straightforwardly, without any pretense, and vowed, "Then I will y a few more formidable enemies for you in the future." Her delight was evident. Drawing the silvery-white immortal sword, its radiant de mirrored her wless visage, her smile blossoming as she began the process of refinement. She took out her own cherished immortal sword, a de nurtured over five hundred years, aiding her breakthrough to unparalleled heights, now a transcendent exotic treasure. Having dwelled in the ethereal boundary of the eleventh realm for ages, she suppressed her power for years, always nurturing her sword, preparing to shatter her limits in one fell swoop. The two swords, ced side by side, seemed to draw towards each other, then fused, emitting splendid immortal light. Her sword began absorbing the temporal and spatial rules from the Time-Slicing Void Sword, its supreme mysteries, for her own use. "This is¡­" Wang Xuan was astonished to see the silver-white sword dim slightly, shrinking a bit as if something was being siphoned from it. "Nurturing the sword," she exined. "Originally just an iron sword of mundanity, it was nourished by my sword energy, continuously integrated with various wonders, transforming over time. Later, it even began drawing essences from other weapons to remedy its own deficiencies." Wang Xuan was amazed as their conversation unfolded, revealing much of her past. In the distance, a small town with cobblestone paths and a river running through it, not densely popted. In this era, many knew what they were facing; the entire town, the whole world, seemed enveloped in an atmosphere of decline. Absorbing and integrating the renowned Time-Slicing Void Sword naturally required time, best done amid the highws of the immortal realm, far more challenging in the mortal world. "It''s perfect timing. I was nning to explore the immortal realm, see if there are any specialities to buy and bring back," Wang Xuan mentioned, genuinely interested in taking a walk. This was the immortal realm, after all. Who didn''t dream of ascending? Yet, their generation was born at the wrong time. Just as they stepped into transcendence, the era was drawing to a close. Even the immortal realm was on the brink of destruction, an unfathomable thought in ages past. Not even the myths and legends of the mortal world dared to conceive such an end. This era, undoubtedly, overturned all known beliefs. If bing immortal was no longer an option, if one could not dwell here forever, then it was time to savor its splendidndscapes and limitless beauty onest time. "Alright, I''ll take you around to see the immortal realm. I, too, am reluctant to leave, having lived here for countless years," the Celestial Sword Maiden said. She ced the two immortal swords together, cradling them as she walked, allowing her sword to continuously absorb thew patterns and nurture itself automatically. With an unparalleled expert by his side, and a supreme treasure within him, and with the Evil Dragon long gone, the immortal realm now posed little danger to Wang Xuan, provided he remained cautious. Together, they soared high, flying over the boundless earth, gazing down upon majestic rivers and mountains, reluctant to see such splendor fade and die away. Especially poignant was the sight of townsfolk who, though alive, seemed numb to their reality, casting a shadow over Wang Xuan and the Celestial Sword Maiden''s spirits, dampening their desire to explore further. "Many transcendent beings will be sent away soon, to various transcendents. Yet, inevitably, many will remain. The immortal realm is vast, home to countless beings across numerous domains..." The Celestial Sword Maiden shared the situation, exining recent movements among the great sects. After consultations andmunications with various transcendents, a portion of the poption was being prepared for relocation. ¡­¡­ "Qingqiu, are you truly going to marry the one you despise the most? You once said..." "Love cannot save lives, nor can it be eaten. I need to survive. The number of spots for departure is dwindling, and while the high-level cultivators may have a say, we''re merely at the level of ''Free Roaming'', far from reaching the ''Nourishing Life'' masters. The normal routes won''t take us." Along their journey, such scenes, such moments that urged one to pause, were not rare. The myriad facets of life unfolded in the immortal realm on the verge of decay, weaving countless narratives. There were siblings, depending solely on each other, each willing to sacrifice their only chance for the other to stay alive. Elderly parents kneeled outside the great sects'' sanctuaries, begging for a pass for their children to live and leave. At every turn, the Celestial Sword Maiden would intervene, negotiating with the sects to take a few more people. But she could help one, ten, maybe a hundred; how could she possibly help millions? "Good intentions, yet powerless to act," Wang Xuan felt disheartened, yearning to leave, unable to bear witness to these scenes any longer. The copse of transcendence in the present world was deemed the advent of the worst era. Yet,pared to such heart-wrenching separations within the great barrier, people in the real world seemed to live in paradise. "To be born in the present world, one should feel content. Observing others'' tales of sorrow and hardship, like figures in a painting, yet all happening in stark reality." ¡­¡­ "It''s you, the youngest quasi Peerless Transcendent, Jiang Qingyao!" At the sight of a grand waterfall, a gray-haired figure burst forth from a dark pond, evidently a demon with its demonic energy tearing through the skies. Wang Xuan had only just learned the name of the Celestial Sword Maiden. Musing to himself, hemented, "Lush jade reflecting brightly, clear streams flowing softly, what a melodious name." Jiang Qingyao shot him a nce, then turned to the towering man with the sword, inquiring, "You''re the grand disciple of the Demon Ancestor, what was your name again?" Being hailed as the foremost Celestial Sword Maiden in recent ages and considered the strongest emergent talent in eight hundred years, Jiang Qingyao naturally had her rivals, and the figure before her was one of them. The grand disciple of the Demon Ancestor, known as the first Demon Saint, was among those tipped to reach the Transcendent realm. However, rumors have always suggested he might not match Jiang Qingyao''s prowess. "Since fate has brought us together, let''s spar," dered the first Demon Saint as he rose, causing the myriad waterfalls to reverse their flow skywards. The heavens filled with demonic energy, obscuring the sun, revealing his belligerent nature and formidable strength, edging close to Transcendence. Unfortunately for him, he faced the Celestial Sword Maiden, who had broken through the eleventhyer of Transcendence. With a mere flick of her finger, swords rained down, leaving him bloodied and nearly dissipated in both body and spirit, plummeting into the pond, never to surface again. "Should we finish him off? Seems like he''d make a good meal, doesn''t he?" Wang Xuan inquired, in need of local specialties. Below, the Demon Saint trembled, petrified by the prospect. Jiang Qingyao declined, "Let it be. I haven''t heard of himmitting any unforgivable atrocities. Besides, he''s quite old; his meat would be tough, hardly appetizing." The Demon Saint shivered then seethed with indignation as they walked away. "Do you know where Qi Tian''sir is? Maybe we could find something valuable there," Wang Xuan suggested, unwilling to leave empty-handed, believing there must be something to gain from their adversary. "That''s highly dangerous. Someone of his caliber, transcending realms, can trace the source and identify who was there," Jiang Qingyao warned, shaking her head. "It''s fine. I''ve got something special," Wang Xuan confidently produced two sets of armor, meticulously crafted from the roots of the Void''s demonic flower and Primordial Chaos Crystals. During hisst visit to the immortal realms, when he eliminated Zheng Yuantian and took Hengjun''s premier tea tree, it was this armor that protected him. However, that set was destroyed, and this was a newly forged recement. This time, Wang Xuan came fully prepared. After exining in detail, the Celestial Sword Maiden, a woman of action, decisively said, "Let''s go!" She possessed a transcendent beauty, ethereal and pure, yet when it came to action, she was unequivocally resolute. Taking Wang Xuan with her, they flew side by side directly to Qi Tian''s current abode. Reinvigorated after his resurrection, Qi Tian was brimming with confidence, fearing no challenger. With a transcendent treasure in his possession, he felt invincible, making no effort to conceal his dwelling. Half a dayter, the Celestial Sword Maiden, Jiang Qingyao, and Wang Xuan, cloaked and incognito, stormed into the abode, plundering Qi Tian''s collection of exotic treasures and filling their pockets with fragments of paradise. Eventually, when they could carry no more, they both worked on the purple-skinned gourd, leveraging its capacious interior to empty the entire abode. "Besides treasures, scriptures, and weapons, there''s even dragon meat, phoenix eggs, and an array of fine wines here. Such extravagance!" Wang Xuan eximed, astonished at theprehensive bounty he sought, all found within Qi Tian''s trove. Jiang Qingyao nodded, "Of course, hosting guests and rallying followers, Qi Tian needed to entertainvishly. At his stature, only the finest delicacies would suffice, alongside the rarest liquors, truly divine." While indulging in a skewer of roasted dragon meat, shemented, "It''s been a while. I pride myself on my culinary skills; the skin is crispy while the inside remains tender and juicy." Wang Xuan yfully suggested, "Since you''re so skilled, why not grill a few more for me? Let''s also toast to our impending escape from this grand canvas." "Shush, keep it down. Let''s pack up and make a swift exit; it''s time to leave," Jiang Qingyao suddenly tensed, her ethereal demeanor turning serious. Then, she took Wang Xuan and fled, hurrying towards the dark edges of the Immortal Realm. Boom! From afar, a terrifying surge of blood qi erupted into the sky, while blinding sword light tore through the heavens. The sight was unprecedentedly frightening, leaving Wang Xuan utterly agape in shock. "We are a hundred thousand miles away, and he''s practicing his swordsmanship. The natural release of his blood qi and sword light can y all foes. Where he stands bes a forbidden zone, no one dares approach, and even supreme beings would perish if they did," the Celestial Sword Maiden exined. "The ancient lunatic?" Wang Xuan immediately thought of him, the one rumored to have refined the transcendent treasure¡ªthe Mortal Sword¡ªand let it roam free. Indeed, his recent battle achievements confirmed this. Terrifyingly peerless. Both the sovereigns of the Hook Chen Imperial Pce and the Supreme Pce, being beyond the mortal world, leveraged the blood and scriptures left by a bygone super civilization to approach the Feather Vanishing Banner and the Carefree Boat, securing them. Yet, when they, holding these treasures, led a horde of mighty warriors in a siege, they were routed by that ancient lunatic, fleeing for their lives. During the escape, the sovereign of the Supreme Pce, Zhen Chao, was ambushed by the Evil Dragon Qi Tian, who stole the Feather Vanishing Banner. "Why is he so powerful, what''s his background and origin?" Wang Xuan inquired. "His background is impressive, and he has lived for an exceedingly long time. Back in the day, he dared to challenge the very first person to carve out a special Inner Landscape..." Chapter 495: Tired Of Winning Chapter 495: Tired Of Winning Truly, he was a force to be reckoned with, daring to challenge the "First One" who had pioneered the creation of a unique Inner Landscape. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan was genuinely shocked. How profound must the foundations of this ancient madman be to engage in such evenly matched battles with the "First One"? Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao borated, "There were losses and draws, but even these oues were enough to astonish the world. At that time, the ''First One'' was the undisputed strongest in the Immortal Realm." Later, the most ancient of emperors emerged, hunting down the "First One" and leading to his tragic demise, disappearing from the mortal realm. "He''sbeled a madman, but he''s anything but mad. Quite the contrary, he''s extremely cunning and adept at self-preservation," Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao recounted some old tales. Following the "First One''s" downfall, Shang Yi vanished, asionally resurfacing in a seemingly insane state before eventually disappearing for long stretches of time, evidently to avoid disaster and the pursuit of the ancient emperors. In some sense, his madness back then might have been deliberate, but presuming the act for too long might have naturally ingrained some of those traits over time. "There''s another theory that he actually became somewhat insane. After the ancient emperors finished with the ''First One,'' they sought him out, deeming him too terrifying, harboring secrets too profound to fathom." ording to this version, after the ancient emperors had in the "First One" at a great cost to themselves, they attempted to kill Shang Yi but only managed to inflict severe injury to his head, failing to end his life. As a result, he subsequently exhibited signs of insanity, asionally appearing only to vanish swiftly. "Many believe that the downfall of the earliest emperors at the hands of Shang Yi and the ''First One'' marked the beginning of the ancient era''s decline, with these sovereigns gradually fading into obscurity," said Jiang Qingyao. Reflecting on that era, her eyes shimmered with the recollection of a time when demon lords, supreme magical beings, beast kings, ancient Buddhas, and deities stood tall, a truly glittering epoch. Amid such a grand setting, the rise of Shang Yi and the "First One" to dominate the world was indeed an anomaly. Wang Xuan pondered, finding thetter theory more usible; perhaps Shang Yi had once been cunning but was indeed grievously wounded by the first wave of ancient emperors.For a sane person, after refining the Sword of Mortal, why let it roam freely? Clearly, there was still a chance to seize the Roaming Ark and the Ascension Banner with it. "Unless... he had already refined those two supreme treasures as well!" The thought made Wang Xuan''s hair stand on end. Could it be? Surely not! Was this individual truly mad, or was he a master of deep plots, preparing to catch a big fish? Anxiety washed over him. His mind quickly turned to Heng Jun, the previous owner of the Ascension Banner, who died a terrible death. Wang Xuan remembered that Heng Jun''s demise came from a mysterious sword strike, his arm holding the Ascension Banner severed by an unknown assant. Could it have been that madman, harboring such dark intentions? "Shang Yi dared to challenge the ''First One'' in a fight to the death, truly formidable. Could he actually be an extremely ruthless old monster?" Wang Xuan shuddered at the thought. It wasn''t impossible! Speaking of which, Shang Yi now stands as the oldest cultivator in the realm of immortals. The "First One" from his era has long perished, and those earliest emperors have all died out. Theter ancient emperors were exhausted by the Evil Dragon Qi Tian, and the rest were eradicated by Fang Yuzhu! Wang Xuan fell silent, contemting the usibility of his spection. Upon reflection, with the cataclysmic changes of ancient times, the "First One" and the emperors all vanishing, leaving only Shang Yi as the sole survivor, the sole winner, the situation seemed rather terrifying. What was his endgame? "Could he be aiming to collect all the supreme treasures of the current world?" The more Wang Xuan pondered this possibility, the more uneasy he felt. If viewed through a lens of conspiracy, the Roaming Ark and the Ascension Banner might have been tampered with by him, deliberately allowing the patriarchs of the Gou Chen Emperor''s Pce and the Supreme Pce to take them away, only to return to the Land of the Immortal. Given the nature of those two, as well as existing rumors, they would inevitably use the power of the two treasures to turn around and seize the Divine Pce, the Immortal Umbre, and the Pool of Life. Should the two patriarchs seed, the ancient madman, wielding the Sword of Mortal and controlling the Roaming Ark and the Ascension Banner, could counterattack, turning their efforts into a bridal gown for himself, theirbors in vain. "Regardless of the truth, once I''m out, I must warn Immortal Fang, Old Zhang, and the others, to be wary at the critical moment, lest they be backstabbed." After calming his mind, he considered he might be overthinking. Could the world truly be so full of conspiracies? Perhaps Shang Yi was simply struck in the head, a straightforward matter. Jiang Qingyao nodded, affirming, "Yes, your musings are indeed matters to be wary of. We must not think too poorly of others, yet we can''t overestimate the integrity or moral limits of some transcendent beings." Far away, across a hundred thousand miles, the sky was rent by soaring blood qi and sword energy so fierce that with each swing of that person''s de, the stars in outer space trembled. Here stood a being who could cleave stars from the earth with his might! "Is there no one left who can match him?" Wang Xuan''s expression grew solemn at the thought of someone practicing to such a terrifying extent, having undergone at least two great nirvanas. It was a pity about "the First One." Had he survived to this day, he naturally would have been able to suppress this madman. Yet, the world is devoid of so many ''ifs,'' and what''s gone is forever lost. Jiang Qingyaomented, "He''s one of the oldest practitioners who has lived to see this era. Plus, being second only to ''the First One'' back then, he has naturally be a supreme being now. I''ve also spected a bit about him." She paused to ponder, then added, "The woman alchemist should be on par with him, perhaps capable of fighting to a draw." "Have you studied this madman?" Wang Xuan inquired as they continued their flight, mainly led by Jiang Qingyao, steering clear of the terrifyingly powerful being whose blood qi could surge for a hundred thousand miles. "I''ve known a bit about him, having once borrowed his name," Jiang Qingyao said with a light smile. "Ah?" Wang Xuan turned to look at her in surprise. "When I first entered the realm of immortals, dangers lurked everywhere, with great demons and even transcendent beings preying on ordinary immortals. Being a neer, I kept a low profile for self-preservation. Each time I emerged, I''d pass by that madman''s ce of cultivation, misleading many," she exined, smiling. Being a sword cultivator like the madman and choosing to emerge from his territory or pass by it every time, it was inevitable that people would make assumptions. Thus, without a powerful sect or protection, she managed to secure a period of safety for herself, quickly rising to prominence thereafter. Jiang Qingyao seemed unashamed, her smile bright and proud, having risen to the pinnacle on her own. "Hopefully, that madman won''t cause trouble, after all, he was your ''fake'' protector for a while," Wang Xuan joked as they delved deeper into the darknds, glimpsing antern-hung outpost in the distance, preparing for their return. "I feel like we''ve left something unresolved, something undone," Jiang Qingyao murmured,nding with Wang Xuan, "Before we return to the current world, I want to seek revenge." "Ah?" Wang Xuan was startled. He knew well that Jiang Qingyao''s entire sect had been wiped out by a mysterious man wielding a ck sword on a rainy night in the current world, leaving only her, who had been away, spared from the massacre. However, it''s suspected that the person never entered the realm of immortals, most likely crossing over to thend of the undying amidst the great wars because his ck sword was rted to a "mysterious encounter." If he''s still alive, he would naturally be in the grand barrier, having be a supreme deity! "I''m not going to kill; I''m going to rob!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao rolled her eyes at him, making the act of robbery sound so natural and grand. She exined, "Our armor, you said it''s quite special, untraceable, so why not engage in some meaningful endeavors?" She managed to make even criminal acts sound refreshingly pure. "Sure, I have no objections!" Wang Xuan was invigorated, having no reason to oppose. The armor he provided was indeed extraordinary, with sessful precedents like Zheng Yuantian''s murder and the theft of the Hengjun family''s first immortal tea tree, cases that remain unsolved to this day. "Whose den are we nning to ransack?" Wang Xuan was eager, his eyes aze with anticipation. Any supreme den was a super treasure trove worth digging into. Especially now, unlike before, with the powerful Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao by his side, where couldn''t they go? Roaming freely behind the lines of the great immortals, taking advantage of certain individuals'' absences to raid their homes was a sure bet! "Naturally, we''re going to rob the Demon Lord!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao dered righteously. "Good grief!" Wang Xuan stepped back, wide-eyed and astonished, taken aback by her deration. Celestial Sword Maiden continued, "Two thousand years ago, the Red Clothed Demoness defeated our ancestral master in the Old Earth, stealing our sect''s sword scripture, forcing me to consider creating my own techniques in my youth. Of course, I have to seek justice." Wang Xuan had heard about this from the mini version of Little East, for which he had even gifted her a pile of swordsmanship texts, including the one from the golden bamboo slip, the Severing Path Sword. "I''ve given you all those famous swordsmanship scriptures I collected, haven''t I? There''s no need to risk robbing her," Wang Xuan advised. Mainly because the Demon Lord felt almost too familiar to him, even potentially considered his sworn sister due to the rtionship with that shadowy couple. So, the thought of actually raiding the Demon Lord''s den was something he found difficult toe to terms with. "It''s not about acquiring supreme scriptures, but the significance of the act itself. I must avenge our ancestors. The Red Clothed Demoness robbed my master, so I shall rob her!" Jiang Qingyao dered, her energy boundless, not the least bit tired. Without minding the vast distance, she grabbed Wang Xuan and started dashing toward the distance. Wang Xuan felt apprehensive. Were they really going to rob the Demon Lord? Last time in the realm of void, he had torn several pieces off Demon Lord Yan Yan''s red battle dress and even brought them back to the present world for verification. And then, Qingmu, the bbermouth, not only took photos but also sent them to the Demon Lord, Lao Zhang, and others, exposing his involvement. Without a doubt, the Demon Lord Yan Yan must remember this grievance against him. Once he returns, she would likely seek him out. "Now, if we were to empty her den and take all she owns, the Demon Lord Yan Yan would explode with rage upon finding out!" "Let''s go. The Red Clothed Demoness has many treasures, like the heaven marrow that beautifies, the emperor''s gel that elevates life levels. Robbing her nest, all will be ours!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao, with her fair fists clenched, disyed an exhrated demeanor, a tad mischievous and excited. Wang Xuan was speechless. This endeavor... Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao seemed even more keen on it than he was! She appeared immacte and ethereal, yet she was very down-to-earth. For instance, leveraging the reputation of the ancient madman for self-protection, upon learning they could pull off a grand heist, she decisively led Wang Xuan to raid their of the evil dragon Qi Tian. She even boasted about her culinary skills after grilling dragon meat herself. Wang Xuan had no room to oppose. Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao, full of vigor, swiftly flew tens of thousands of miles with him, crossing the heavens at high speed, until they finally arrived at their destination. He pondered that he should be able to defeat the Demon Lord in the present world. Even if she found out, it wouldn''t be too grave. Now, it was time... to take advantage of their acquaintance. "I''m overjoyed! The Red Clothed Demoness isn''t home. This time, I''ll empty her den and not leave her a single item!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao was all smiles, her visage still ethereal and pure, yet her actions were deeply human. From a distance, Wang Xuan, using his spiritual eye, spotted the little white tiger, the round-faced girl who was in charge of housekeeping, guarding this grand and beautiful abode. The area was picturesque, with glowing spiritual mountains, divine waterfalls draping down, and clusters of jade buildings suspended in mid-air. "That naive and sweet little white tiger has be a near-supreme being?" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao showed a surprised expression, noticing the round-faced girl and sensing her recent advancement in realm. Originally, the little white tiger and the ghost monk were just a step away from reaching the near-supreme status. Recently, the Demon Lord bestowed numerous blessings on the little white tiger with White Jade Immortal''s help, urging her breakthrough, which eventually bore fruit. Now, a near-supreme being posed no threat to Jiang Qingyao. She led Wang Xuan straight into the den. With a silent approach, she used her sheathed sword to knock on the back of the round-faced girl''s head, knocking her unconscious andying her gently on the ground. "All set, let''s start ''helping'' the Red Clothed Demoness move house!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao was the first to act, striking as swiftly as lightning, truly leaving nothing for the Demon Lord. Wang Xuan was speechless. To think, the Demon Lord''s home was about to be overturned and thoroughly plundered! Chapter 496: Fire In His Eyes Chapter 496: Fire In His Eyes Stealing from my sister? Wang Xuan hesitated, fearing the Fairy Lord''s wrath upon discovering her possessions had been plundered. The very thought might give her an internal injury, preparing a lengthy ount to settle with him. "Come on, let''s help her move. There''s so much stuff. Where''s the purple gourd? Get ready quickly." Jiang Qingyao urged, her face alight with excitement and joy. "Right, we''re just helping her move!" Wang Xuan reasoned, rationalizing that the great barrier was soon to extinguish, and the Immortal Realm would perishpletely. With the Fairy Lord away in the Undying Lands, battling mightily, should she fail to return in time, her abode would be reduced to ashes alongside the Immortal Realm. Such wastefulness seemed a shame. As her sworn brother, it was his duty to safeguard her assets, transporting them all to the human world ahead of time. Surely, she would be grateful upon discovering his actions. Thus, Wang Xuan was invigorated, filled with zeal, treating the task as if he was safeguarding his own treasures, determined not to overlook a single item. The fields of spiritual herbs were scraped clean, leaving nothing behind. The chamber of scrolls, along with its stone structure, was transported into the gourd. The Fairy Lord''s dressing room, with its myriad of cutting-edge garments, exquisite inner armors woven from celestial silkworm silk, and more, was plundered in its entirety."These clothes are quite avant-garde¡ªmesh, ck, red, shell-shaped. They must have been refined from divine materials in styles akin to those in the human world, right? Luxurious and seductive, befitting the grand enchantress in red!" Jiang Qingyaomented. Wang Xuan nced at the makeup room, then the bedroom, and felt his eyes burn. Fairy Lord Yan truly kept pace with the times. Even in the modern city, she''d be a passionate and unrestrained beauty, with a stunning figure and dazzling charm. Various garments, essories, and luminous armor with sleek curves quickly vanished from sight. Jiang Qingyao, a stickler for cleanliness, didn''t intend these for personal use but relished the process of depriving the Fairy Lord of them, avenging her own master. "Ah, the Fairy Lord actually has the Celestial Marrow for beauty. This piece hasn''t even been used. In that case, I might as well make use of it!" she gleefully hunted for treasures. In the armory, treasures shone with five-colored brilliance, imbued with celestial light and patterns ofws, floating amidst their profound presence. "Take them all!" With a gentlemand, the armory was stripped bare. Of course, the truly unparalleled treasures and supreme scriptures were absent; the most precious and crucial items always remained with the Fairy Lord. This raid might infuriate her but wouldn''t cause substantial harm. Jiang Qingyao harbored no illusions of striking it rich from the haul but found immense joy in the act. Soon after, aside from the unconscious white tiger girl and a few other fairy guards, the area waspletely deserted. The supposed supreme sanctuary of the demon race was indeed purified to the utmost. "Let''s go!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao wrapped up her work swiftly, not long after beginning. To savor the thrill of her achievement, she didn''t cram all the items into the purple gourd. Instead, she fashioned herself in the guise of a roguish wanderer, sword slung over her shoulder, a bag hanging behind, embodying the spirit of an ouw, reveling in the exhration of her deeds. Whooshing away, she swiftly vanished with Wang Xuan in tow. Lingering in that ce was asking for trouble, a sure cause forplicationster on. "My head hurts!" The little white tiger woke up, rubbing the back of her head, discovering a lump as big as a fist, the pain causing her to bare her small tiger teeth in difort. Without a doubt, her spirit had been jolted harshly; otherwise, she wouldn''t have been knocked unconscious. "Who dared to ambush me?!" As rity returned, indignation red within her. Was there no justice left? To think she''d be assaulted within her own domain, left with a swelling bump on her head. Now a figure of near-supreme caliber, on the cusp of celestial ascension at the ninth level, she touched therge bump on her head, questioning her existence, feeling its tender and soft anomaly. Then, as her vision cleared, she recognized her surroundings. But where was she? Everything was barren. Who had the audacity to knock her out, then dump her in this deste ce? Wait, recognition dawned on her ¨C theke, the mountains, the springs, all belonged to the Fairy Lord, the supreme sanctuary. But why was it all stripped bare? "Is there now left?!" The round-faced girl erupted in fury, standing up in a rage, disbelieving what her eyes beheld. Though she voiced her anger boldly, she felt a surge of apprehension and readied herself to flee. The ce felt cursed, utterly terrifying. To be attacked without a clue by whom, it was time to leave this ursed ce! ¡­¡­ "Let''s head back to the mortal realm," Jiang Qingyao suggested with a smile, her demeanor once again reflecting her ethereal and transcendent nature, her form surrounded by an aura of immortality. "I was thinking," Wang Xuan ventured, a mischievous glint in his eye, "since we''ve already embarked on this path of ransacking, whether we plunder one or two households, or three or four, it''s all the same. Do you have any enemies or rivals in mind, especially those with significant fortunes? We could... pay them a visit?" Jiang Qingyao cast him a sidelong nce, cautioning, "Your thoughts are dangerous. There''s a time to advance and a time to retreat. Excess can be as perilous as deficiency." Wang Xuan looked sheepish, realizing perhaps he was getting carried away. However, Jiang Qingyao soon added, "But given the unique confluence of circumstances, the unparalleled backdrop of this era where supreme immortals are not at home, there''s truth in the saying that fortune favors the bold. To refuse heaven''s gifts may invite misfortune." Wang Xuan watched her, intrigued. What or whom had the down-to-earth Celestial Sword Maiden set her sights on now? "As you''ve seen, though the supreme masters have departed, the true treasures, those capable of stirring hearts, have also been taken with them. We should consider carefully whose home to visit next, who might possess such genuine treasures," she mused. "I''ve heard about the Demon Ancestor''s Blood Pool that contains divine herbs he hopes to evolve into true, Daoist medicines," Wang Xuan mentioned. "Ah, I''ve heard of it too. Let''s start with his ce. Hmm, once the Demon Ancestor even proposed his eldest son as a suitor for me. Had I not leveraged the reputation of that ancient lunatic, they might have actually pressed the matter," Jiang Qingyao said, her expression darkening. Wang Xuan''s face stiffened, and he solemnly offered, "If the Demon Ancestor isn''t home, how about we deal with his eldest son, as a way to vent your frustrations?" "In this realm? Are you sure you''re up for it?" Jiang Qingyao teased with a nce. "Why wouldn''t I be? Let''s go!" Wang Xuan was confident. Beyond the treasures he carried, he was bolstered by the supreme runes inscribed on him by Zhang Daoling, Fang Yuzhu, the Demon Lord, and the Patriarch of Ming Blood Sect. In the celestial realm, unleashing them was akin to delivering their earth-shattering blows. Last time he went to assassinate Zheng Yuantian and raided the first immortal tea tree from the Hengjun Cave Mansion, he hadn¡¯t used up all the runes; more than half were still left. However, he kept this information to himself, choosing not to reveal it in front of the Celestial Sword Maiden. If he were to destroy the runes inscribed by Old Zhang and then seize the blood pool, which was as precious as life itself to the Demon Ancestor, it would certainly be worth it. "Alright, it''s the thought that counts. When the timees, just follow my lead. I''ll take you to the Demon n''s sacred mountain to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Stick close to me; I''ll protect you if there''s any danger," Jiang Qingyao dered, her skin as radiant as jade, her lustrous ck hair flowing like silk, her demeanor proud yet full of camaraderie. The residence of the Demon Ancestor wasn''t in this part of the celestial realm but deep within the cosmic veil corresponding to the new star, a ce unreachable by ordinary immortals. However, once one reached the pinnacle of existence, traversing different realms of the celestial domain became possible. Jiang Qingyao, with Wang Xuan in tow, soared across the cosmos, piercing through the dark voids, and ventured towards the semi-material, semi-energetic ne corresponding to the new star. Upon reaching this cosmic curtain, their first stop was the sacred mountain of the Demon n, the secluded meditation ground of the Demon Ancestor. This region was dominated by terrifyingly tall mountains stretching tens of thousands of miles, ancient trees touching the skies. The true sanctum of the Demon n, where the Demon Ancestor practiced, was perpetually shrouded in blood clouds, a manifestation of his breathing exercises¡ªhis exhtions forming clouds and then dissipating. "No blood clouds, the Demon Ancestor isn''t home!" Wang Xuan eximed with delight. Observing from a distant peak, they saw the area guarded by the Demon Ancestor''s second son, Qi Lian Dao, closely monitoring the sacred mountain. "His avatar was quite the lunatic in the mortal world, but after I defeated him, he turned out to be quite reasonable," Wang Xuanmented with a smile. "Pity, the Demon Ancestor''s eldest isn''t here; I would have loved to cut him down," Jiang Qingyao said, now fully assimting the Time-Slicing Sword. Suddenly, her brows furrowed. "Something feels off here. This ce... we should leave," she muttered, her instincts rmingly sharp. Pulling Wang Xuan, she was ready to depart immediately. "Hold on, let me have a closer look," Wang Xuan said, using his spiritual eyebined with his own profundities to survey the Demon n''s sacred ground. He quickly noticed something amiss around the crucial blood pool, steaming with potent energy. He couldn''t tell if there were divine herbs within, but a terrifying being was lurking, cultivating in secret, devouring the vast essence of demonic celestial blood. It was the Demon Ancestor himself, patient and undisturbed by the movements of other powers to the undying realm, following his own path, secluded in the blood pool for cultivation. "Is someone spying on me?" In the celestial realm, the acute senses of the Demon Ancestor, Qi Yi, alerted him to the gaze upon him, prompting an immediate emergence. "Let''s go!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao, seizing Wang Xuan''s hand, activated a treasure, vanishing in an instant. With a thunderous roar, demonic energy surged, and blood clouds enveloped the sky as the Demon Ancestor Qi Yi swiftly appeared, traversing hundreds of miles. Hended with such force that the mountain Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao had just stood upon was shattered beneath his foot. Attempting to trace the source of the intrusion, Qi Yi found only vagueness and obscurity, unable to deduce anything. He swiftly pursued the residual aura, but Jiang Qingyao''s frequent changes in direction left him with no trail to follow. At their level, one could traverse thousands of miles in an instant. "What a loss, all for nothing. The Demon Ancestor truly is formidable, a timeless giant indeed," Wang Xuan reflected, considering a future contest in the mortal world where they might stand a chance. Jiang Qingyao remained untroubled, her calmness undisturbed. "Cultivation is such; filled with surprises and perils. Some prodigies might fall unexpectedly, not everything will go as desired. If one''s journey is too smooth, without life''s ups and downs, that would be abnormal." Wang Xuan nodded in agreement, finding wisdom in her words. "However... your spiritual eye surpasses my expectations, sharper by degrees than my half-matured one. It''s incredibly rare," Jiang Qingyao remarked, her eyes gleaming, herposure giving way to enthusiasm. "Your eyes sparkle with excitement, what is it? Do you fancy me or my eyes?" Wang Xuan teased. Jiang Qingyao yfully hit him with her scabbard. "Your eyes are too cunning, seeing beyond what''s ordinary. I believe they''ll be greatly useful." "Oh? And what are you nning now?" Wang Xuan perked up, ready for the next adventure at her suggestion. "I''m not interested in visiting the dwellings of those rival patriarchs or the entrances to their sects; the treasures have all been taken by them. I believe we should seek the world''s premier sword scripture!" Indeed, Jiang Qingyao''s eyes sparkled with an eager light, the maiden seemingly falling from the celestial realm back to the mundane world. "More formidable than the Zhan Dao Sword?" Wang Xuan referred to the sword technique recorded within the golden bamboo scrolls. "The Zhan Dao Sword is indeed powerful. Different practitioners can interpret various methods from it, a legacy of a bygone super civilization. But it''s impossible to witness its original masters in action; those from that era have long perished, unable to endure through the eons," Jiang Qingyao said, her gaze drifting towards the horizon. "The supreme sword scripture I speak of should be no less potent than the Zhan Dao Sword, and even more practical inbat, given that I''ve seen fragments of the original master''s demonstrations." "You''re not suggesting we attempt to steal the sword scripture of that ancient madman, are you?" Wang Xuan was immediately shocked. That figure stood vaguely as the world''s foremost, unmatched even by Fang Yuzhu in absence. To steal a nce at his sword scripture would likely result in being cleaved into blood mist from miles away. "His training ground is indeed a forbidden zone, where not even unparalleled beings dare tread. Moreover, it''s protected by a sword formation. However, he isn''t always present. With your rare spiritual eye that can pierce through illusions to directly observe the Sword Cliff, we have a chance to behold the various sword techniques engraved on the precipice, casual yet profound insights he left behind. These are supreme methods!" Jiang Qingyao, serene in her detachment, yet bold and proud in her ventures, dared to envisage observing the madman''s sword scriptures. "Let''s go back to the realm corresponding to our old world. I feel that together, we can collect all the most renowned sword scriptures in the world and carve out a new path in swordsmanship!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao, taking Wang Xuan''s hand, lifted into the sky like a pair of birds in flight, traversing the celestial dome to return to another realm within the celestial universe. Chapter 497: Peerless Sword Scripture Chapter 497: Peerless Sword Scripture The Xixia teau, located in the western part of the celestial realm corresponding to the old earth, was once the highest altitude area, with mountains stretching majestically and grandly. It was known as the dwelling ce of the red sun''s evening glow, with its scenery unparalleled in beauty. However, ever since a madman arrived and leveled a million mountains with a single sword strike, the area within a hundred thousand miles became t and deste, no longer approached by any creature. Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao returned, and indeed, they awaited the madman''s departure before cautiously approaching the teau. Prepared thoroughly in advance, Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao personally set up several teleportation arrays for a quick escape in case of any mishap. Her ability to escape, or rather, her survival skills were incredibly robust, contrasting her ethereal demeanor. Moreover, the two roughly confirmed from the details that the madman who had survived from ancient times might be embarking on a long journey. "Woah, he''s not about to take the Human Realm Sword to the Immortal Realm and wreak havoc, is he? No, I must hurry and pass the message back!" Wang Xuan genuinely feared that if the madman, as he suspected, was so scheming and dark-hearted, pretending to be mad to gather all the treasures, he could pose a serious threat to the acquaintances he knew. While whispering among themselves, they suddenly felt a dramatic fluctuation in the world. A sword light that could shock the ages tore through the heavens, crossing the sky towards the distance. "The Human Realm Sword!" Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao eximed, losing herposure. No longer calm or detached, she became as excited as a hopping girl, standing on her tiptoes, leaping to watch the trajectory of the Human Realm Sword and capturing the supreme rules it wove. Wang Xuan did not shout; in fact, he was not in the mood. He was desperatelymunicating with the Life Furnace deep within his spirit, soothing it to remain still. Thest thing he wanted was to rm the madman and have nowhere to cry.Fortunately, the Life Furnace was as steady as a rock, utterly quiet. As the Human Realm Sword departed, slicing open the sky and vanishing in a sh, Jiang Qingyao solemnly stated, "No need to worry. He hasn''t gone to the Immortal Realm. He''s heading to the highest spiritual world!" "How is he going there?" Wang Xuan was puzzled but knew the highest spiritual world was incredibly dangerous, where even unparalleled masters dared not tread lightly. Since ancient times, only a handful of individuals, such as the ascetic monks of Buddhism, have ventured to the highest spiritual world. Jiang Qingyao, gazing where the Human Realm Sword vanished, said, ¡°The highest spiritual world, despite its immense dangers, has always been surrounded by legends of vast opportunities that even those beyond the unparalleled realm find greatly tempting.¡± Clearly, having honed his sword skills for years and possessing fearsome prowess, the madman had the strength to step into that realm. With the mythic era drawing to a close, he ventured in with the Human Realm Sword for one final exploration. ¡°I hope he¡¯s just trying his luck rather than having a clear goal in mind to harvest something from there. Otherwise, I truly worry for those in the Immortal Realm,¡± Wang Xuan remarked with a furrowed brow. The madman was already beyond control, and allowing him to advance further could potentially turn him into an unmatched monster. ¡°Let¡¯s take advantage of his absence and hurry to his scriptures!¡± Jiang Qingyao¡¯s beautiful face glowed with divine brilliance, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The teau,posed of cold, hard permafrost, offered a broad view with blood-red afterglows spreading across thend. Here, where a near-unbeatable individual practiced swordsmanship, his blood qi alone could cover a hundred thousand miles, indicating his terrifying power. Few dared to approach recklessly. As they journeyed further, an intense killing intent, almost tangible, enveloped them, threatening to tear them apart. This was the residual sword intent. Wang Xuan was rmed. Even being led by the Celestial Sword Maiden, he felt the pressure, deducing that those below the master of life preservation might explode before reaching this point. ¡°Is this madman truly defying the heavens?¡± He was astonished, having never encountered such domineering sword intent that the mere residual aura could y cultivators. Jiang Qingyao nodded, ¡°He is indeed formidable. Some say given another thousand years, he could break through to the Regal Dao realm, fearing nothing even as the superhuman era ebbs away. Then, not even divine treasures could phase him.¡± Wang Xuan was taken aback by such a figure existing in the world, potentially reaching the Regal Dao realm. He also reflected on the importance of survival. The first to open a special inner realm could have suppressed the madman, but where was he now? Fallen in ancient times, hunted down by the ancient emperors. Even if ¡°The First One¡± were to return, he would hardly be a match for the madman now. From ancient times to the present, the madman¡¯s continuous sword training and asceticism have not been in vain. Jiang Qingyao warned, "That''s enough, we can''t go any further. The madman, when practicing his swordsmanship, loathes disturbances. He doesn''t want anyone near here in his absence. He carved a grand formation into the earth here. Even the mightiest would be turned to blood mud by the sword qi if they dare step inside." Heeding her advice, Wang Xuan immediately halted and began to survey the deepest parts of the teau. There, several mountains stood, some as ck as ink, others as red as blood, all shining with a metallic luster, yet utterly barren. The madman had ttened a million mountains with a single strike, leaving nothing in a hundred thousand miles. But during his practice, moved by sudden insights into the sword path, he would habitually write down his thoughts. Jiang Qingyao shared, "Whenever he was inspired, he''d sh at the heavens, cleaving meteors from beyond this realm to form tall, majestic mountains of stone and cliffs for his inscriptions." Wang Xuan was speechless, astounded by the revtion. These mountains were transformed meteors, cleaved from the cosmos by the madman? With his spiritual eye wide open, he peered intently, examining the sword patterns etched across the meteorite mountains, densely covered with carvings. These were dozens of gigantic stone mountains, serving as his notebooks over the ages, irregrly inscribed with spontaneous thoughts. Mostly inscribed with fundamental sword runes, they were indecipherable to the uninitiated, potentially torturous for those daring to delve deeply. "I see them, but it''s like being pierced by a thousand swords... So painful. Those indecipherable marks, those divine sword traces seem to leap from the walls, seeking to y me!" Wang Xuan''s head throbbed, his eyes swollen. What did he witness? Billions of terrifying swords, roaring as if to cleave the universe itself. The madman''s sword intent was indeed domineering and mad. Wang Xuan risked his life to observe the legacy written since ancient times, facing mortal peril. Yet, thanks to Jiang Qingyao continuously holding his right hand, bestowing upon him the light of immortality, enveloping him in the power of the Dao, he was spared from obliteration. "Again!" Jiang Qingyao steadied Wang Xuan''s spirit, constantly imparting gentle celestial light, calming and soothing. Runes flowed into Wang Xuan like a river of stars. In the end, they were both shrouded in a misty light, bing one. As long as Jiang Qingyao held on, Wang Xuan would remain unharmed. "I''ll share everything I''ve seen with you. Otherwise, any slight deviation in rying these ultimate mysteries of swordsmanship and the intricate rule patterns could lead to disaster," Wang Xuan said. Then, he transmitted the terrifying visions directly into Jiang Qingyao''s mind, imprinting them upon her still-maturing spiritual eye, capturing every detail. Their spirits linked, what Wang Xuan saw, Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao felt, allowing them to jointly observe and ponder the sword scriptures on these meteoric mountains. This method greatly elerated the process, sparing Wang Xuan the sensation of being torn apart by merely viewing a single scripture. Jiang Qingyao, having formally entered the realm of the supreme, and after centuries of nurturing her sword, breaking through several minor realms in one go,bined with her unparalleled talent in swordsmanship, reaped immense benefits. As she pondered, sword light flowed, filling the air with the trembling sound of celestial swords, manifesting countless divine great swords! "We can''t dy here any longer to avoid any mishaps. Let''s make a quick decision, note down the madman''s scribbles and thoseplex sword runes, and contemte themter," Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao said with a solemn expression. Her survival instincts were high, not merely talk. Wang Xuan nodded, rapidly scanning with his spiritual eye, diligently observing one sword cliff after another, meticulously, leaving no trace unchecked. The information from dozens of star-corpse mountains was overwhelming. For an ordinary transcendent being, it would be maddening. The myriad sword truths could inadvertently trigger the sword intent, invisibly causing one to shatter. Even Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao coughed up blood towards the end. She transferred more of her gentle celestial light to Wang Xuan to ensure his spirit remained unharmed. Imagine how terrifying that madman was; his scattered, seemingly nonsensical sword scriptures made even a supreme immortal cough blood. "If it''s too much, let''s stop here. We still have three more sword cliffs to explore; we can return if there''s a chance," Wang Xuan expressed his concern for her. Jiang Qingyao had transformed her entire Dao into light, primarily to protect him, leaving her in a dire state. "No, I can persist. Some opportunities, once missed, may never return. With your unique spiritual eye peering into this ce, he might sense it afterward. We might not be able to enter here again, or the sword mountains might no longer exist. There are too many uncertainties and possibilities." Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao''s resilience shone through as she wiped the blood from her lips, determined to continue. Wang Xuan ceased his protests and rapidly memorized all the sword scriptures. Some appeared as mere doodles, yet to Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao, they were treasures beyond measure. As they delved deeper, the sword scriptures became increasingly abstract, not meant for the average mind. They resembled celestial scripts, exerting immense pressure as if slicing the universe asunder with brilliant sword light that nothing in the present world could withstand. Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao coughed up blood profusely but persisted with an unshakable will. Witnessing her condition, Wang Xuan ceased his attempts to persuade her to stop. Instead, he focused intently, memorizing the ultimate truths of the sword until thest sword cliff was scrutinized, revealing its final scripture. A hum vibrated through the air as the mountain seemed toe alive, crystallizing into a massive stone sword that nearly suffocated them, threatening to tear through the fabric of time itself. "He''s sensed us, even from within some higher spiritual realm. He''s detected the anomaly here; this person''s strength truly exceeds all expectations," Jiang Qingyao''s expression shifted as she announced their immediate departure. "Mission aplished, thest scripture observed," Wang Xuan dered, even as he too spat out a mouthful of blood from his spirit. They collected the spilt blood and fled swiftly. The heavens above turned semi-transparent, as if eyes fromyers uponyers of higher spiritual worlds peered down upon them. A thunderous force flipped them mid-flight despite their evasive maneuvers, causing blood to stream from every orifice. They dared not let a single drop fall, fearing it might lead the madman directly to them. It was the murderous intent of that madman, the terrifying gaze that spanned across theyers of higher spiritual realms, tracking them, hinting at his imminent return. They plunged into the teleportation array, vanishing just as the structure exploded behind them. Shaken to their cores, they coughed up blood, crossing through space to emerge in another world. Wang Xuan discovered that Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao''s injuries were far more severe than he had imagined. To protect him, she had taken the brunt of the attack, bearing a grievous wound on her back where the remnant sword intent from the madman''s cross-dimensional sh had grazed her, deep enough to see bone. Most troubling was the faint killing intent still lingering in the wound, a serious concern. "This madman is too strong!" Wang Xuan''s heart raced with unease, deeply worried for Jiang Qingyao''s safety. "It''s nothing. I can resolve this killing intent," Jiang Qingyao assured, quickly leading them to another teleportation array as they fled. The sky above turned semi-transparent and then shattered, unleashing a terrifying sword light that sent shockwaves through the heavens, making every formidable creature and powerful cultivator on the ground feel suffocated. "This time I''ll lead the way. Trust me!" Wang Xuan enveloped her with the Zhanshen Banner, refusing to let her take the rear. As they plunged into the teleportation array, the divine treasure, the Life Essence Furnace, appeared, shielding Jiang Qingyao within the Zhanshen Banner as they vanished into the light. The terrifying sword light from the sky followed but was silently blocked by the Life Essence Furnace. Re-emerging from the void, Wang Xuan realized they had eluded the madman''s pursuit. The Life Essence Furnace had concealed all traces of their passage as he navigated the treasure across vast expanses, diving into the endless dark. Upon retracting the treasure and unfurling the banner, he found Jiang Qingyao nearly unconscious, her wounds grave. Despite her condition, she had tried to protect him and would not have allowed him to envelop her if not for the severity of her injuries. "I still have a secret power I haven''t used yet. Escaping with you is no issue," Jiang Qingyao said, wiping away blood, still managing a smile. This time, Wang Xuan took charge, insisting she rest and guiding her into the purple gourd filled with traces of primordial chaos, preparing to return to the real world. "Alright, I''ll listen to you this time," Jiang Qingyao nodded. Wang Xuan advanced into the darkness, spotting thentern-lit station before diving into the swirling vortex, marking their official return. Chapter 498: Two Of Them Chapter 498: Two Of Them Under a silver moon, the chorus of insects heightened the quiet solitude of the mountaintop, scattered with rubble and overgrown with weeds¡ªa scene of destion. Wang Xuan suddenly opened his eyes and brought out the purple gourd, returning to the real world. Though he had left on a deep night, after days in the celestial realm, he returned to a world still bathed in moonlight. The chirping of insects, asional calls of night birds, and a gentle breeze brought a serene calm to the night. Wang Xuan felt a momentary sense of unreality¡ªhad he truly left? Was the concept of bing an immortal simply about the spirit wandering through time? Here in the Old Earth, amid the dust of the mundane, he had sat unmoving for days, only to travel to the celestial realm and return? The experience seemed both dreamlike and profound. Fortunately, he was certain this was no dream; the purple gourd was in his hand, its surface smooth and lustrous. However, the traces of primordial chaos that once shimmered within were gone, corrected by the vast universe, an invisible suppression that even celestial treasures could not withstand. Something was amiss. Why was there no joyful noise? Where was the little creature? Looking down, he saw her, deeply asleep in the soil, having burrowed a small den for herself atop the mountain. She had set up a formation and then gone to sleep, carefree and unguarded against Wang Xuan, who she had whitelisted to the extent of automatically ignoring his presence so as not to disturb her slumber. Wang Xuan felt an urge to pinch her cheek and wake her, but he had other concerns. He urgently opened the purple gourd to release the grown version of Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao. This action startled the little creature, who sprang up, all alertness, and then saw Wang Xuan holding the gourd, her energy instantly rejuvenated. "Where am I?" she mored, scrambling up from the ground, blinking her big eyes. Jiang Qingyao emerged, stepping out from the gourd, d in white, a celestial figure with a sword slung on her back, like a character from a painting. She stood atop the modest hill¡ªnot a famous mountain, but a nondescript barren one, where she had once undergone her tribtion and ascended to immortality. Looking down at the weeds and scattered debris, she recognized this ce as her old Taoist abode, now nothing more than ruins after hundreds of years.The two figures, one tall and one small, both Celestial Sword Maidens, faced each other in the moonlight, their moment seeming to freeze in time. "Why are you bleeding?" the miniature Celestial Sword Maiden asked, her gaze shifting suspiciously towards Wang Xuan. "She got hurt," Wang Xuan exined. "Just from picking someone up? What happened?" the pint-sized Celestial Sword Maiden looked anxious. "You two wait here, I''ll go fetch some celestial medicine," Wang Xuan dered, wasting no time as his spirit dashed into the Solitary Void. Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao had sustained serious injuries while shielding him, bearing the brunt of a pursuit by a sword intent of surpassing might. Who was this pursuer? Once a rival to the ancient world''s foremost figure, now wielding the Human World Sword, unrivaled under heaven! Concerned for her, despite her assurances of being alright, Wang Xuan feared she was downying her injuries and sprang into action, hoping celestial medicine known for its life-restoring properties would aid her recovery. Lately, whether it was the celestial vine transformed from the Nine Tribtions Lotus, the cactus, or the first celestial tea tree, all were thriving vibrantly. Wang Xuan plucked a cactus leaf, still budding with flowers, then gathered a couple of leaves from the celestial vine, and a handful of tea fruits, swiftly returning to the real world. The journey was long but took merely moments; his travels between realms had be incredibly swift. Upon his return, the scene before him was startlingly serene. The two figures, one tall and the other small, both exquisitely beautiful, were bathed in moonlight, looking ethereal as they observed each other and then burst intoughter. "I was really cute as a kid!" Jiang Qingyao remarked, admiring her younger self. "The grown-up me is the most beautiful in the world!" the smaller Celestial Sword Maiden boasted with self-admiration, fixating on her mature counterpart. The two celestial beings, gazing at each other and praising their own beauty, created a charming scene, their perfection enhancing the beauty of the moonlit mountaintop. But the tranquility was soon disrupted as Jiang Qingyao, unable to resist, reached out with a "devilish hand" and pinched the younger version¡¯s chubby cheeks, eximing, "Such a great feel, so plump and cute!" "Jiang Qingyao, who are you pinching?" the little Celestial Sword Maiden cried out indignantly. "I''m pinching myself!" the grown Celestial Sword Maiden replied with augh, unable to resist giving her younger self a squeeze, utterly enchanted by the adorable, plump cheeks. "Ah, it¡¯s just me after all! How can I resist pinching myself?" "Ah, but I am you and you are me! How can you pinch yourself like that!" the little one wailed. Jiang Qingyao chuckled, "I love it! I haven¡¯t seen myself as a child in ages, and look how cute I was! No wonder I grew up to be so stunning; it¡¯s all in the good foundations!" "Of course! Who do you think grew up from that cuteness? You¡­ stop pinching now!" Initially delighted, the younger Qingyao soon grimaced under the relentless affection, finding it a bit too much, even if it was herself doing the pinching. Quickly, she retaliated, clinging onto Jiang Qingyao like a ko, reaching up to pinch her elder self¡¯s wless face in return. Her counterattack was swift and fierce; not only did she mimic the face-pinching, but she also tousled Jiang Qingyao''s sleek, ck hair, yfully tugging and twisting it. Wang Xuan watched the yful scene unfold and eventually, couldn''t help but join in, pinching the younger Qingyao¡¯s cheek, relishing the familiar, long-missed sensation. "You¡­ ah!" the little one protested immediately. Jiang Qingyao turned around, ring at him, reminding him that pinching the younger Qingyao was akin to pinching her. "It just looked so adorable, I couldn''t resist," Wang Xuan said sheepishly, attempting to exin himself. Both versions of Jiang Qingyao, united in their indignation, made it clear this was their personal affair, and Wang Xuan''s unsolicited hand was entirely out of ce. Wang Xuan, ever so serious, quickly intervened before the younger Celestial Sword Maiden could escte her protest, solemnly saying, "Qingyao is injured; she mustn''t be jostled. Come on down now, and look here, this is celestial medicine for you to take immediately." The tactic proved somewhat effective as the younger Qingyao reluctantly dismounted from her older self, though she wasn¡¯t easily fooled and in a sprightly leap, she pinched Wang Xuan¡¯s cheek hard in retribution. The Celestial Sword Maiden''s injuries were more severe than she had initially let on. Earlier, to keep Wang Xuan''s spirits up, she had downyed the terrifying nature of the ancient madman''s sword intent, which would have obliterated a lesser being, leaving nothing of their soul or body intact. Fortunately, back in the oldnds of the real world, even the overwhelming power of a figure as formidable as the madman, Shang Yi, was significantly diminished. Once back, Jiang Qingyao''s powers too were greatly reduced, a side effect of her reincorporated spirit and physical form returning from the celestial realm. Without any dy, she consumed the celestial medicine and settled down to heal, scrutinizing the malicious intent within her and reflecting on the horrific sword lights that lingered in her mind, aligning them with the supreme sword scripture she had acquired. Wang Xuan, undeterred by thete hour, promptly contacted Chen Yongjie and Qingmu to send messages deep into space, reaching out to the ancient spaceship, warning Old Zhang and Fang Yuzhu¡¯s avatars to stay vignt against the unpredictable Shang Yi, who might be a devouring "ck hole" in his quest to amass all supreme treasures. After the calls, under the tranquil moonlight atop the quiet mountain, Wang Xuan noticed the younger Qingyao still eyeing him with a vengeful look. She seemed to hold a grudge, likely nning to pinch his face in retaliation. "Is it necessary? I just thought you were adorable, seeing you as one of us, which is why I couldn¡¯t resist¡­" Wang Xuan exined, deciding to meditate right there to contemte the world¡¯s premier sword scripture, revisiting the madman''s final devastating strike. "You have blood at the corner of your mouth," the younger Qingyao, no longer holding a grudge, noted and helped him clean it off. "Thank you for helping me bring her back," she said quietly. "We''re all on the same team; no need for thanks. But if you really want to thank me, let me pinch you again!" Wang Xuan joked as he sat down, only to be promptly thumped on the head by the little one. Indeed, Wang Xuan had also sustained injuries, not from Shang Yi''sst sword sh¡ªwhich Jiang Qingyao had shielded him from¡ªbut from viewing the sword scripture. His eyes and heart had been pierced by terrifying swords, shing through stars and carving through cosmic rivers. In his mind, countless colossal des obliterated all in their path. Jiang Qingyao had borne the brunt of this force, ensuring he could witness theplete sword scripture without disintegrating. Now, seated in meditation, Wang Xuan''s spirit entered his personal sanctuary, and then he ventured into the ethereal realms, distancing himself from the yful younger Qingyao, ready to grasp the mysteries of this mythic era¡¯s greatest sword scripture. In the Solitary Void, Wang Xuan practiced over and over, refining the sword lights within his heart, engaging in profound contemtion of this supreme, unrivaled sword scripture. Only after exhaustive weariness did he halt, his thoughts summoning a colossal sword that cleaved through red substances, its domineering intent vanishing as it withdrew. Yet, not long after, he resumed his sword practice with a frenzy, immersing himself in the assertive essence of swordsmanship that depicted scenarios of slicing through cosmic seas, annihting star systems, and tearing open the universe itself. "It''s time to return. I''ve roughly sorted out the essence of this sword scripture, but mastery requires time and cannot be achieved overnight. Even that madman couldn''t have perfected it when he first practiced this scripture," Wang Xuan reflected as he returned to the real world, opening his eyes to find his face unnaturally pinched, undoubtedly the work of the younger Qingyao, leaving him speechless. The silver moon still hung in the sky, little time having passed in the real world. He found Jiang Qingyao had initiated her special realm, meditating on swordsmanship within her soul''s domain, her injuries seemingly under control thanks to the celestial medicine, ensuring her condition wouldn''t worsen and would instead improve. The younger Qingyao, too, was mock-practicing swordsmanship, stealing nces at him and feeling triumphantly pleased upon seeing the marks on his face. Throughout the night, Jiang Qingyao repeatedly entered her special realm for meditation, her sword intent growing increasingly profound, and the sword she carried sang ever more sharply. By dawn, as the first light of day brightened the sky and the sun began to rise, she concluded her meditation, emerging bathed in the morning''s glow, radiating an ethereal, transcendent beauty. "How are you feeling now?" Wang Xuan inquired. Jiang Qingyao smiled, "I''m fine now. I''ve intentionally preserved that sword intent, analyzing and reconstituting it for my own use. Once I fully grasp it, it will elerate my understanding of the premier sword scripture and aid me in forging my unique path in swordsmanship." Relieved, Wang Xuan then asked, "When will you two merge back into one?" "Yeah, hurry up, I want to grow up!" the younger Qingyao eagerly awaited. Jiang Qingyao pulled gently at the little Celestial Sword Maiden''s cheek, her voice tinged with affection, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to give you a carefree childhood?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one having a childhood! I want to grow up. You are me, and I am you; mocking me is like mocking yourself!¡± the younger Qingyao retorted. Jiang Qingyao considered for a moment before replying, ¡°I think it¡¯s better to maintain the status quo for now. With the era of the extraordinary ending and myths bing silent, dramatic changes are likely on the horizon. It might be safer for us to remain separate. Actually, it¡¯s probably wise not to be in the same ce at the same time, maintaining two bodies for a while.¡± The younger Qingyao was visibly displeased, ¡°So you get to roam the mortal world while I continue sleeping on this deste mountain?¡± ¡°How about I meditate here and you take a turn in the mortal realm?¡± Jiang Qingyao offered, her intention clear to delve deeper into sword techniques. Wang Xuan chimed in, ¡°For the short term, there aren¡¯t any threats in the oldnd. I¡¯ll take you both out to see and experience how the mortal world has changed over a thousand years.¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± the younger Qingyao excitedly raised both hands in agreement. At that moment, Zhao Qinghan sent a message in the group chat asking Wang Xuan where he was, how he was doing, and if he wanted to join them for a meal. This group, named ''Beyond the Vast Space'', consisted of those who had ventured to thend of immortality, plus Qin Cheng who joinedter. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin hadn¡¯t left yet, feeling that with the downfall of the extraordinary, the new star was more chaoticpared to the safety of the oldnd, where they had acquaintances and powerful guardians. "Old Wang, where are you? You¡¯ve been missing for days, don¡¯t vanish into deep space without a word again," Qin Cheng also added. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s meet at the Flowing Gold Era Restaurant in Ancheng at noon!¡± Wang Xuan replied, then turned to the two immortals, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll introduce you to the world and some new friends.¡± Soon after, Jiang Qingyao, flying on her sword, led Wang Xuan and the younger Qingyao towards Ancheng. They approached cautiously, stopping just outside the city to avoid attracting public attention. Although the younger Qingyao had spent a year in the real world and was aware of various dramatic changes, Jiang Qingyao, new to these experiences, gazed at the sprawling modern city with a sense of loss, knowing that her old sect and the Sword Mountain of yore were no longer visible. "What are you thinking about?" Wang Xuan asked. "I''m recalling the first time I entered a city, and how my master bought me a candied hawthorn stick. It was such a sweet memory," Jiang Qingyao spoke softly, reflecting on how ancient towns had been reced by skyscrapers, and those people were no longer around. "I miss my master too," the younger Qingyao said, her eyes reddening. On that rainy night, her entire sect was killed by a man in ck, never to be seen again. "There are still candied hawthorn sticks now, I''ll take you both to get some!" Wang Xuan offered. Before long, both Celestial Sword Maidens, one tall and one small, each held a stick of candied hawthorn. Jiang Qingyao appeared slightly lost in thought, while the younger Qingyao was already happily nibbling away, enjoying the sweetness. Chapter 499: Daughter Of A King Chapter 499: Daughter Of A King "Thinking about the first time I entered a city when my master bought me candied hawthorn," Jiang Qingyao spoke softly, her voice tinged with nostalgia. Once, the cities were surrounded by massive walls and moats, now reced by towering skyscrapers and modern buildings. "I miss my master too," the younger version of Celestial Sword Maiden piped up, her eyes brimming with tears. On a stormy night long past, her entire sect was mercilessly in by a man in ck¡ªthose faces she would never see again. "There¡¯s still candied hawthorn to be found today, let¡¯s go get some," Wang Xuan offered, trying to lift the spirits. Soon, both versions of the Celestial Sword Maiden, young and old, held a stick of candied hawthorn. Jiang Qingyao, lost in the echoes of her past, barely nibbled at hers. Though the setting had changed, the taste could not bring back those days; the sweetness had a shadow of mncholy. The younger Qingyao, however, seemed to find the present more delightful, chewing enthusiastically until thoughts of her master soured the sweetness, and she tried hard to steer her mind away from memories. With time still on their side before lunch, Wang Xuan decided to take them shopping to help adapt to the modern pace of life. "First thing''s first¡ªsmartphones," the younger Qingyao reminded, understanding the necessity ofmunication tools, especially now that extraordinary means like telepathy had faded with the decline of transcendence. "Of course, but no gaming or binge-watching videos," Wang Xuan half-joked. "What game could rival the thrill of ying demons across realms or hunting sacred beasts in the divine seas?" she retorted."Point taken," Wang Xuan conceded. Soon, each of the celestial beings had a brand-new Lotus-brand smartphone in hand. Wang Xuan, with patience, began exining the functionalities, a task he thought would require meticulous attention due to their unfamiliarity. However, he underestimated them. The younger Qingyao, impatient with his slow pace, demanded he transfer the knowledge directly through a mental imprint for efficiency''s sake. Before long, she was adeptly navigating her new device¡ªtexting, voice messaging, watching videos, and even editing photos with skill that belied her brief introduction. "You should add me on your social media; why wait for me to ask?" she chided Wang Xuan, who was left speechless by their quick adaptability. Meanwhile, the older Jiang Qingyao''s mood had lightened considerably. After recovering from her initial mncholy, she took to the smartphone''s camera with gusto. Clothed in flowing white robes, she even attempted to levitate for a perfect celestial selfie before Wang Xuan hurriedly reminded her they were still within the city limits. "Stay grounded, though those ethereal snaps really are stunning. Send me a few of those beauties!" Wang Xuan requested, eager to capture the moment. "Not giving you one, you''reughing like a viin!" the Celestial Sword Maiden chuckled, her sweetness belying a touch of mischief as she teasingly turned away. The younger version chimed in supportively, "Exactly! That nasty smile of yours reminds me of that Flower Thief from the Yin-Yang Sect, who got beaten up in the end!" Snap! Undeterred, Wang Xuan seized the moment to snap a selfie with the two Celestial Sword Maidens, capturing a genuinely good picture. "A thousand years from now, let''s hope we can still take photos together," he mused cheerfully. "Let''s go shopping for some clothes!" he suggested, leading the way to modernize their wardrobes, already pondering how to "equip" the pair for a contemporary look. The shopping street was bustling even in the morning. It wasn''t long before Wang Xuan encountered a familiar face¡ªQi Liandao, the Demon Ancestor''s second son. Wang Xuan paused, surprised. It had only been a few days since they had schemed over the Demon Ancestor''s blood pool in the celestial realm, and now here was his son. Qi Liandao was apanying a female demon immortal on her shopping spree, visibly resigned to his fate, having lost his ambitious drive after repeated defeatsrgely at the hands of Old Zhang and Wang Xuan. Their first encounter involved Old Zhang throttling him and forcing him to call him ''uncle,'' a blow to his pride. Subsequent encounters with Wang Xuan left him so harried that he seemed aged beyond his years. Now, drifting with the tide like other "returnees," he was adapting to modern life, the worries of a transcendental apocalypse far from his mind. "Are you also from beyond the Great Veil? Allow me to introduce myself, I am Qi Liandao!" His eyes brightened as he spotted Jiang Qingyao, approaching with enthusiasm to greet her. Wang Xuan, who was just finishing paying for the clothes for the two immortals, stood nearby, although not immediately next to Jiang Qingyao. Despite his imposing presence, Qi Liandao seemed to have overlooked him entirely, likely due to Wang Xuan''s subdued aura. However, it was clear that Qi Liandao''s attention was solely on the Celestial Sword Maiden, so much so that he momentarily forgot about his ownpanion and walked straight up to introduce himself with a gentlemanly warmth. A sharp sound emanated from the Celestial Sword Maiden''s sword, resonating from behind her. Qi Liandao''s expression briefly froze, then he hesitated, saying, "You seem...familiar. I feel like I¡¯ve seen you somewhere." Then, he noticed the smaller version, who was making threatening gestures at him. She was just as exquisite and bore a striking resemnce to therger figure. "Is it permissible to y demons here?" Jiang Qingyao asked, her voice clearly directed at Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan approached, his expression stern as he fixed his gaze on Qi Liandao. At this moment, the hairs on the neck of the Demon Ancestor''s second son stood on end. Encountering Wang Xuan again seemed like bad luck, as every previous meeting had ended with him defeated and humiliated. He was thoroughly resigned to his fate. Thankfully, he had resolved not to antagonize Wang Xuan to the bitter end and had cleared the air at Huang Ming''s teahouse, where all grievances were openly discussed and resolved. "Old Wang, is this immortal your..." He hadn''t yet recognized Jiang Qingyao, mainly because she was exceptionally low-key, a survivalist in the celestial realm who rarely made public appearances in turbulent times. Then, Qi Liandao nced at the smaller Celestial Sword Maiden and asked Wang Xuan, ¡°Is this... your daughter?¡± This question left Wang Xuan momentarily stunned before he realized the absurdity of the situation. He had arrived full of fury but now found himself slightly distracted, restraining his anger. ¡°I¡¯m so mad!¡± the little one eximed, jumping up and delivering a kick that sent Qi Liandao flying into an ancient ginkgo tree beside the road. Frustrated yet resigned, Qi Liandao hung from the tree, a mix of anger and sadness washing over him. Defeated by a child¡ªwas he really that helpless? At that moment, all his grand ambitions and struggles through the eternal night seemed pointless, as bitterness flooded his heart. ¡°Can I y the demon?¡± Jiang Qingyao asked again. ¡°Let it go,¡± Wang Xuan replied. ¡°We can¡¯t shed blood in the city, and his mistake was unintentional. His nature isn¡¯t all bad, at least he hasn¡¯t done anything evil in this realm.¡± ¡°Celestial Sword Maiden... Jiang Qingyao?!¡± It finally dawned on Qi Liandao who she was. His scalp tingled with fear. His elder brother had once coveted this woman but had never dared to act. Now, inadvertently, he had provoked her again. Every encounter with Wang Xuan seemed cursed. ¡°It¡¯s just a misunderstanding, goodbye!¡± With no hesitation, Qi Liandao leapt from the tree and disappeared, fearful of further wrath. ¡°Heh, heh¡­¡± Wang Xuan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Youugh just like those from the Yin-Yang Sect!¡± the little one critiqued. ¡°If you keep that up, I¡¯m not taking you shopping!¡± Wang Xuan threatened. ¡°Pfft, your bank ount and password are all set up on our phones. Can¡¯t I shop by myself? Plus, the clothes you pick are not at all ttering!¡± The younger Qingyao spared him no mercy. As they continued, the Celestial Sword Maiden¡¯s adaptability was evident. She donned high heels and navigated the streets with a swaying grace, her demeanor transformed and radiating a different kind of charm. Unfortunately, whenever Wang Xuan attempted to rmend slightly more revealing clothing, like short skirts, Jiang Qingyao would humorously tap his head with the hilt of her sword. "Old Wang, where are you? It''s almost time, don''t bete," Qin Cheng messaged in the Deep Space Beyond group, noting that it was nearing noon. The younger Qingyao, bored with carrying bags and guarding a pile of shopping boxes, saw the message and responded on behalf of Wang Xuan with a voice reply: "Comrade Old Wang is currently buying us skirts!" "I go, sounds like a girl!" Qin Cheng was startled. "It is a girl!" Chen Yongjie replied instantly, also in the Deep Space Beyond group. "There''s a situation!" Qingmu chimed in. The venerable Liu Huai''an, who had also ventured to thend of immortality and returned in shared hardship, was naturally in the group too; his message was more reserved: "......" Then came Zhao Qinghan, who also sent six dots: "......" Followed by Wu Yin: "......" After sending the reply, the little one tossed the phone aside carelessly, mainly feeling exploited and thus disinterested. Post-shopping, Jiang Qingyao had somehow managed to make her carry even more bags, second only to Wang Xuan, while the Celestial Sword Maiden herself carried very few, looking effortlessly chic. In the Deep Space Beyond group, Qin Cheng wiped sweat from his brow and tried to smooth things over: "Old Wang mentioned he was bringing friends over. Don''t overthink it; he''s just a straightforward guy." "Yes, probably just some friends he met on the way!" Qingmu quickly tried to cover. "Probably so..." Liu Huai''an finished with another six dots. Zhao Qinghan: "......" Wu Yin: "......" Their group conversation buzzed with mixed signals, humor, and a bit of curiosity, waiting for Wang Xuan to clear up the amusing misunderstanding. ¡­¡­ "Time to eat and meet some new friends," Wang Xuan announced, beckoning Jiang Qingyao and the miniature Celestial Sword Maiden to halt their shopping spree. They headed to the Flowing Gold Era Restaurant, a ce Wang Xuan had visited often, introduced by his old college friend Qin Cheng, who had never been short on cash even back in their student days. As they arrived, memories flooded Wang Xuan''s mind of past encounters at this very location. He remembered how his ex-girlfriend Ling Wei was once here, set up by her family to meet a promising young man from the Wu family. It was part of arger n by the Ling, Wu, and Zhou families to discreetly excavate the secrets buried beneath Qingcheng Mountain. It was also here that Wang Xuan first met Wu Yin, which had led to a verbal altercation that left her breathless and her evening gown nearly bursting at the seams. Everything felt like it had happened just yesterday. Qin Cheng, always the early bird, was already waiting outside. From afar, his eyes widened in surprise, and he couldn''t help but exim quietly, "Old Wang, bringing the family along? How did you manage to find such beauties?" His genuine admiration was evident as he quickly added, "Did you hear about my wedding in three months? Feeling the pressure?" He was oblivious to the murderous look in the younger Qingyao''s eyes. With a swift punch, she sent him flying against a wall where he embarrassingly hung suspended. "Ouch!" Qin Cheng questioned his life choices as he dangled. "Let me down, little beauty, I was wrong, you must be sisters!" Inside the restaurant, Qingmu and Chen Yongjie emerged in shock upon seeing Jiang Qingyao and the little one. "Celestial Sword Maidens!" they gasped in unison. They had met the formidable Celestial Sword Maiden before; Chen Yongjie, especially, had been so shaken by her swordsmanship in their first encounters that he''d jokingly vowed to give up the sword altogether for a while. From the background, Liu Huai''an, the old master, emitted his characteristic "...", before stepping forward to join the gathering. Zhao Qinghan: "......" Wu Yin: "......" Both women arrived at the restaurant''s entrance, and without needing introductions or further ado, their gazes fixed on the majestic figures of Jiang Qingyao and her smaller counterpart, clearly stunned by their presence. Chapter 500: The Temptation Of Eternal Youth Is Irresistible Chapter 500: The Temptation Of Eternal Youth Is Irresistible Outside the Golden Years Restaurant, two women, one tall and one short, became the center of attention. Dressed in retro style, they truly exuded an ethereal and celestial aura. They were absolutely beautiful! Whether it was the other diners or Qin Cheng, Qing Mu, and their group, everyone''s eyes were drawn to the two women. With Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin also approaching, several exceptionally beautiful women stood beside each other. It was impossible not to attract attention. "Old Wang, hurry up and let me down!" Qin Cheng shouted. Even passersby were looking at him. He was hanging motionless on the wall without adhesive or binding. It was quite a spectacle, and he felt miserable being surrounded by onlookers. Now, Wang Xuan had be a baggage carrier. The younger Qingyao refused to carry anything anymore as she felt exploited. Large and small bags were stuffed into his hands, he couldn¡¯t even move because of it. His fingertips emitted light as he rescued Qin Cheng. "It looks like a family of three." Chen Yongjie''s wife, Guan Lin, was also present, standing at the entrance of the restaurant and whispering softly in Old Chen''s ear. "Don''t talk!" Chen Yongjie was startled. He quickly used mental transmission to tell Guan Lin as he was afraid to speak aloud. "They look like a family," said Little Fox, tilting its head as it looked. It had alsoe along, mistaken by the restaurant staff as a high-end pet and allowed into the private room. Transcendent Ma wasn''t so lucky. He was thrown into the outskirts of the estate by several people. He couldn''t be taken along with such arge size, which made it less enjoyable even when he was eating spirit grass. Wu Yin looked at Wang Xuan, then at the Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao. Thetter truly resembled an immortal who had descended into the mortal world as she was exuding an otherworldly charm.¡¡¡¡Furthermore, she had a mixed feeling when she saw Wang Xuan carrying a bunch of paper bags and such. She had never seen him buying clothes for anyone before. Zhao Qinghan also nced over, sweeping her gaze across Wang Xuan''s face. Then, she was drawn to Jiang Qingyao''s ethereal appearance, before looking at the smaller woman. "Why are we all standing here? Let''s go into the private room," said Wang Xuan. The situation felt off to him, and he felt like the choice of venue for this gathering was a bit of a mistake. "Oh right, let me introduce¡­" he tried to salvage the situation by introducing everyone''s identities. "We don''t need to introduce Old Chen and Qing Mu. Everyone knows them¡­" "Wang Xuan, are you favoring the new over the old? You never bought me clothes, makeup gifts, or bags!" Someone interrupted, and was expressing dissatisfaction. The interrupted Wang Xuan suddenly felt overwhelmed. He found that it was actually the Little Fox speaking up and using him. He was thinking to himself, What are you meddling in? "This little fox is quite interesting, and her appearance is not bad. She''s just like that silly and sweet little white tiger." The younger Qingyaomented immediately. Wu Yin walked over and, using mental transmission, said, "You''re quite something. Haven''t seen you for a few days, and now you''re already the baggage carrier. Did you bring the whole family back with you?" "Are these two sisters?" Zhao Qinghan also approached. Secretly transmitting her voice, she nced at Wang Xuan before adding, "They''re very pretty!" Wang Xuan shrugged. This wasn''t good. Being stuck here and attracting attention wasn''t ideal. First, he scolded the Little Fox, telling her to keep her mouth shut, saying, "A fox that can talk could get us into trouble if it is heard by outsiders!" The Little Fox pouted as she felt wronged. It was being made the scapegoat. Wang Xuan introduced, "This is Jiang Qingyao. You can probably guess she''s from the immortal realm. We''ll talk more about itter. And this little one¡­ let''s just call her Little Qing for now." "Why should I be called that? Even my name has been taken away," the younger Qingyaoined. "You¡¯re doing well. There''s no shortage of women with such a good figure and a goddess-like appearance around you." Keeping her face the same, Jiang Qingyao secretly transmitted her voice to tease Wang Xuan. Fortunately, they quickly entered the private room without causing a spectacle. "This is my college ssmate, Zhao Qinghan. She''s very kind, but she loves friend zoning people." "This is Wu Yin. Speaking of which, we also met at this restaurant. It''s full of memories," said Wang Xuan, introducing one by one and feeling somewhat sentimental. "This is Master Liu Huai''an, Old Chen''s master." Although Master Liu Huai''an was quite old, his cultivation had broken through. Now he looked like a young man in his twenties. He stood up and said, "Maiden, I''ve heard of your name!" Master Liu was quite polite, even a bit reserved. He knew a lot about the Land of the Undying. In the battleground of the Cross-domain War, investigations had been conducted into who were the prominent figures in the Land of the Undying, the Land of Immortals, the Land of Divine, and the Technological Life Realm. A list had been made. He was well aware that the Celestial Sword Maiden Jiang Qingyao was on that list, and she was the first person in the Land of Immortals to be on the list in recent history! "Master, please sit down. Everyone here is familiar, we''re all friends. Don''t be so formal," said Wang Xuan as he quickly intervened. Old Chen and Qing Mu were both standing. If they followed suit and offered grand gestures, it would make the atmosphere too serious for this asion. "Don''t be so formal. Once we''re acquainted, we''re friends. Rx and just call me by my name," said Jiang Qingyao with a smile. "I''m actually quite young. Recently, I''ve been practicing a celestial scripture called the Ascension Transmutation Reversion Scripture, which reverses the years and eliminates old attachments, allowing for transformation and rebirth. Right now, I''m only neen years old. Although I wasn''t old before and maintained a youthful appearance of around twenty-two, I''ve managed to be even younger. I quite like it." Wang Xuan was speechless at her self-praise. In fact, she didn''t need anyone to praise her. The Celestial Sword Maiden was just that direct, praising herself. Then, she kicked Wang Xuan and nced at him. Was she asking him to praise her? Wang Xuan had forgotten about it, but Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu remembered. When they were in the innerndscape, the Celestial Sword Maiden was quite proud. She would be happy to receivepliments. "The Ascension Transmutation Reversion Scripture is indeed a miraculous technique, an unparalleled scripture that allows one to transform and attain new life!" Chen Yongjie was the first to speak. This caused Guan Lin to perk up. How could any woman resist being forever young? It was so appealing that she pinched Old Chen on the spot, asking him to learn it and teach her! Seeing everyone''s reaction, Wang Xuan had to nod along. He said, "Yes, indeed. I''ve been practicing too and have achieved some sess. I estimate that even if I were to be an ordinary mortal after the end of mythology, I could still live two or three times longer than the average person and maintain youthful vigor for a long time." "Really?" Wu Yin''s eyes lit up immediately, and she eagerly sought advice, hoping to learn this miraculous scripture from Jiang Qingyao. "I can do it too," Wang Xuan told her, offering to teach her. "How can youpare to Maiden Jiang?" He was being looked down upon by Big Wu. In fact, even the usually rational and slightly aloof Goddess Zhao couldn''t resist. She requested to switch seats with Wang Xuan and sat next to the Celestial Sword Maiden, showing great interest in that scripture. Guan Lin naturally joined in as well. Wang Xuan, Chen Yongjie, and Qin Cheng all looked at each other. Was this scripture really that attractive to women? They couldn''t resist its temptation either. Even the Little Fox had joined in. She also considered herself a beautiful woman and wanted to preserve her youth! No one expected that just a scripture alone would break the awkward atmosphere. The atmosphere immediately became lively, withughter and chatter filling the air. Only the younger Qingyao found it boring. She said, "What''s so good about that darn scripture? I want to grow up quickly. If I practice it, I might start aging backward." However, herints were ignored. Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and Guan Lin were already seeking advice and memorizing the scripture on the spot. They intended to practice itter. The atmosphere in the private room was lively, with even Master Liu Huai''an speaking humorously and no longer being so reserved. For a while, they drank and talked about everything from the mortal world to the immortal realm. "Wang Xuan, didn''t you collect a lot of fine wine? Hurry up and bring it out, let''s exchange drinks!" said Jiang Qingyao with a smile, reminding Wang Xuan. Apparently, she was also a bit of a wine enthusiast and liked to have a few sips of Celestial Brew. "Yeah, hold off on drinking for now and let''s swap out the drinks," said Wang Xuan, pping his forehead. He just remembered that he raided their of the Evil Dragon Qi Tian and the home of Demon Lord Yan Yan. He had a lot of delicacies and fine wines. He then quickly moved to arrange it. "Also, have them rece the drinks and dishes with some empty tes. I have some extraordinary delicacies here that I guarantee none of you have tasted before." Among the people present, Qing Mu and Chen Yongjie were both high-ranking members of an organization. Qin Cheng was also from a wealthy family. As for Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, they had been pampered since childhood and had eaten all kinds of delicacies. They were actually looking forward to it despite their status and experiences. When several jade pots were opened, the fragrance that came out was intoxicating. Master Liu Huai''an was suddenly excited and eximed with a trembling voice, "The finest wine of the Great Barrier. Is it the ambrosia of the Immortal Realm? And it''s even top-notch." "The finest of the finest!" replied Wang Xuan as he nodded his head. Not even a drop of water was added. This was the hidden wine stash of the Evil Dragon and the Demon Lord. They were now piled up like a small mountain, bottled inside purple gourds. "The aged wine of the immortals, the best wine?" Everyone couldn''t sit still, their breaths quickening. Such things were simply unseen in the mortal world. They had always been things of myth and legend. "Don''t worry, there are matching tters. Some are cold, and some can be heated on-site." Wang Xuan took out a series of ingredients that all emitted a glow. He introduced them one by one, saying, "Golden-winged Great Peng''s meat, Phoenix Marrow, Sea God m, Celestial Conch, the wings of the Space-splitting Bird¡­ and this, dragon meat from the Immortal Realm!" "Here, the Clear Spirit Fruit, Fire Dragon Dates, Golden Grapes¡­ These fruits are also treasures. They¡¯re good for beauty and skincare, although that''s just the most basic effect." Wang Xuan started exining to them. The table was filled with divine items. This was just the top of the iceberg of the collection stored in the purple gourds, yet it already dazzled everyone present. The people present had always been picky eaters, but now it seems like that¡¯s not a concern anymore. They just wanted to feast immediately. "Oh, this one can be eaten directly, and this one needs to be heated. Just roast it with the Transcendent True Fire," said the Celestial Sword Maiden with a graceful smile, her movements elegant yet efficient. With her mastery of fire control, she roasted and heated the dishes simultaneously, filling the air with a rich aroma. The younger Qingyao''s mouth was full of the sweet aroma of food, and her cheeks were bulging. Yet, she still didn''t forget to speak, saying, "Fortunately, these things have been brought to the mortal world. The power of rules and order contained within the flesh and blood of the food has dissipated. Otherwise, you might not be able to enjoy them." Even so, these delicacies and these fine wines, left everyone feeling dizzy, especially after the Celestial Brew. Even Master Liu Huai''an was in a drunken haze, practicing boxing by himself, let alone the others. Guan Lin was the exception. Pregnant women couldn''t drink, so she could only envy them. Wu Yin was pulling the Little Fox, dancing unsteadily. Zhao Qinghan clinked sses with Wang Xuan. Her pretty face was already flushed as she was slightly tipsy. After downing the ss, she was almost drunk. The Celestial Sword Maiden sat beside them, smiling and asking Wang Xuan, "What''s the deal with this girl and you?" "We¡¯re more than friends, not quite lovers yet. She was almost about to friendzone me recently," Wang Xuan said tipsily. "Nonsense, you haven¡¯t been friendzone by me." It was evident that Zhao, the goddess, was truly drunk. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be acting like this on a normal day. Now, her face was flushed, feeling the effects of the alcohol, she stood up with a wobble. She nced sideways at Jiang Qingyao, then didn''t forget to give Wang Xuan a yful pinch on his waist, asking, "What''s the rtionship between thisdy and you?" Chapter 501: A Defenseless Heart Chapter 501: A Defenseless Heart "What rtionship?" Wang Xuan was taken aback. Normally, he wouldn''t get caught up in such a question. No matter how he responded, it wouldn''t be appropriate. The key was to avoid getting trapped in this question. But now, he drank more than anyone else. Everyone had clinked sses with him. This was the liquor brought back from the immortal real. It was infused with various divine herbs and spiritual substances, leaving him thoroughly intoxicated. "Maiden Qingyao¡­ She''s a very good person," Wang Xuan said. Goddess Zhao¡¯s usual cool demeanor was nowhere to be found as she was clearly intoxicated. She suddenly burst out inughter upon hearing this, her flushed face showed a hint of coquettishness as she tucked her hair behind her ears, saying, "You¡­friendzoned the maiden?" Jiang Qingyao''s expression immediately darkened. By now, she knew what that meant. Who could possibly friendzone her? The Celestial Sword Maiden was proud and she couldn¡¯t allow it! "No, how could that be? It''s two different things, it¡¯s not like that," said Wang Xuan, shaking his head, trying to sober himself up. "I mean, it''s true that Qingyao is really nice. She¡¯s not only ethereal but also kind-hearted." The wine was talking for Wang Xuan, these weren''t just empty words. He vividly remembered how, before heading to the New World, the Celestial Sword Maiden had appeared in his dream, asking him to bury the True Bone under the ruins of the deserted mountain Daoist temple. She also told him to scrape off the ck powder from the immortal bone, saying it could save his life. At first, he didn''t know what it was. It wasn''t until he arrived at the New World and fought against the monsters that he realized that the vitality of the immortal path was nurtured by the heavenly tribtion. It was the source of life of the Celestial Sword Maiden. It was crucial for a fallen immortal who was trying to revive. Since then, Wang Xuan had felt that the Celestial Sword Maiden was trustworthy and reliable, with a bright core at the bottom of her heart, reflecting a person''s true nature. And knowing that she was about to be guided back, her main body searched hard in the Immortal Realm for Heavenly Herbs to prepare for the possible loss of her origin. So, Wang Xuan had no guard against her. He could stand back to back against enemies, entrusting his life and death to her. He was also the first to guide her back from the Great Veil.¡¡¡¡"I trust her and am rxed. We can support each other on the path of cultivation, sharing life and death," Wang Xuan couldn''t help but say. Then, he continued to speak the truth, saying, "Of course, the Celestial Sword Maiden looks youthful and beautiful, just like a Celestial Immortal. But she also has some ws, she''s proud, a bit of a schemer, vain, likes to hear praises¡­" Beside him, Jiang Qingyao''s face turnedpletely ck. She wasn''t drunk and heard it clearly. There was a gleam of killing intent in her eyes as she stared at him. Anything that was unpleasant and not praising her couldn''t be allowed to continue! The miniature version of the Celestial Sword Maiden was also ring at him, wondering if he was referring to her. She was clenching her fists, ready to fight, regardless of whether she could win or not. "I''m asking you¡­ how far have you gone with her, what''s the rtionship?" Zhao Qinghan pursued. She¡¯s not her usual self, no longer so reserved. She was actually focused on this one thing. Bang! Younger Qingyao took action, punching Wang Xuan''s head, saying, "Who''s vain, who''s proud, who likes to hear praises?!" Wang Xuan couldn''t take it anymore. Was this younger Qingyao rebelling? He immediately grabbed her and then pinched her flushed little face. In an instant, not only did the younger Qingyao cry out, struggling to break free, even the Celestial Sword Maiden''s beautiful eyes red over with killing intent. "Jiang Qingyao, I''m you, you''re me. Won''t you restrain him if he touches me?!" eximed younger Qingyao,ining. Qin Cheng, Little Fox, and Liu Huai''an were all stunned. Although they had drunk a lot, they still heard it clearly. The big one and a younger Qingyao were the same person?¡¡ Wu Yin and the Little Fox stopped dancing immediately. Their intoxication faded a bit, as they turned to look. "One person?!" shouted Zhao Qinghan as she also looked up. "Drink, share a cup, raise a toast to the moon. There¡¯s three people in front of the mirror." It wasn''t even evening yet, and it was clear that Liu Huai''an had drunk too much. Then, the atmosphere returned, and they clinked sses again. "Friendzone him!" The younger Qingyao nced at the drunk Zhao Qinghan and went up to her, egging her on. She would remember the grudge after being pinched by Wang Xuan. "I can¡¯t friendzone him, but are you really¡­ the same person as her?" asked Zhao Qinghan with a graceful sway. Sheughed as she held the little one''s hand and carefully examined her. "I am indeed. Here, have another drink. You don''t need to praise me. Just tell a bit of Wang Xuan''s embarrassing stories, I''d love to hear them." The miniature version of the Celestial Sword Maiden raised her ss again to cheer, she was hardly drunk. "He''s my college ssmate. He saved me in the Secret Land and, oh, even kissed me¡­" Goddess Zhao was indeed drunk, she would never have said such things. She was still smiling while swirling the crystal-clear wine ss. Looking at the rare liquid brilliance inside, she said, "Here¡­ have another drink." Qin Cheng, whose head was heavy, rubbed his forehead. So the goddess had this side to her too. He really wanted to capture her adorable appearance as she demanded for more drinks. Then, he slightly sobered up. What happened between old Wang and Zhao Qinghan in secret?¡¡ More sober were Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu¡­ they pretended not to hear anything. "Uh-oh, Zhao Zhao, you''re done for! I heard it, I''m going to take pictures and record it. I''ll show it to you and let you listen to it tomorrow," shouted Wu Yin. Then, she sobered up slightly. She walked over while swaying her proud figure, ring at Wang Xuan, and said, "What¡­did you do?" Wang Xuan''s head was pounding from the drink. He remembered that it was Zhao Qinghan who kissed him first in the Secret Land, and he just returned the gesture twofold, but now it seemed like he couldn''t exin it clearly. After returning from the Secret Land, his ambiguous rtionship with Zhao Qinghan seemed to have cooled down. He hadn''t said anything all along, but hearing these things today felt strange. "Such fragrant wine, such unique delicacies. What''s wrong with your restaurant? You have good stuff but you''re not serving it to us. I''ve said it before, I¡¯m hosting honored guests, and you''re just brushing me off like this?" A voice came from outside the room. The door of the private room wasn''t closed tightly, and someone passing by caught a whiff of the intoxicating fragrance of the wine and saw the table full of specialty dishes. He immediately became dissatisfied and vented his anger at the restaurant staff. "Uh, this.., it''s not provided by us, they brought it themselves. After ordering food and drinks, they reced it with their own." The restaurant manager came over personally to apologize with a smile. That person was very domineering, he pushed open the door of the private room and barged in. He had thick golden hair, a tall figure, and a full face of stubble. He was a very strong cultivator that was full of vigor and vitality, with no pretense. "There must be some among you who have returned from the Immortal Realm, right? The ingredients brought back are really good and are worthy of being called delicacies. It seems like they have quite a background," said the person with golden hair. His eyes were sharp, and he immediately knew that these ingredients were not something ordinary establishments could obtain, and that the wine was equally rare. "It¡¯s our fate to have met today. I have some distinguished guests on my side, and they also have some great background. Can you give me some fine wine and special ingredients?" He smiled and said. When he saw the purple gourd in Wang Xuan''s hand, he couldn''t help but stare at it. It was indeed not an ordinary item. At first nce, he recognized it as a treasure of extraordinary value. "We are also happy to make friends, but the wine is gone, and the ingredients are all on the table." Wang Xuan activated his scripture to clear his head a bit. Although the other party spoke openly, the tant intrusion and the faint hint of dominance made him ufortable. Did he really think Roc¡¯s Wing, Phoenix Marrow, Sea God m, and Celestial Conch were ordinary items? Even in the Immortal Realm, they were extremely precious treasures. No one could just casually ask for them. The golden-haired man smiled and said, "Everyone, I''m giving you an opportunity, giving you a great fortune, to let you meet a true power. Missing it would be a lifetime regret." Qin Cheng didn''t like hearing this. He said, "Who are you, hosting an immortal feast empty handed? Do you know what these ingredients are? You¡¯re able to offer us fortune and opportunities, then why are you asking us for rare delicacies and exquisite wine?" "A great power? Is that fake?" Qing Mu was even more direct. Who dared to call themselves a great power in the mortal realm? In the private room, there was a godyer and a peerless fairy. How much courage does it take one to im to be a great power? The Little Fox looked at him with suspicion and said, "Is he a foreign trickster here to deceive people for food and drink?" "Huh. I¡¯m of the Orc tribe. Don''t talk nonsense, little one. A great power involves the fate of creation, it¡¯s not something you can judge," said the golden-haired man with sharp eyes. "You better leave, you¡¯re wee here," said the Little Fox as she snapped her fingers, and a clear light shot out, trying to send him away. However, with a loud bang, thunder rang out, and the man''s fist shattered the clear light, showing his formidable strength. He was still at the Ninth Stage even in the twilight of the mythical era. He took a big step forward, causing the Little Fox to stagger back. She almost fell on her butt, but she was supported by younger Qingyao. The atmosphere in the room suddenly changed and became cold instantly. The golden-haired man was originally very domineering and full of vigor, but he suddenly felt something was wrong. None of the people here seemed to be afraid of him. Especially after he disyed his strength, instead of being afraid, the people across from him looked down on him. Instead of a flock of sheep, he suddenly felt like he had fallen into a tiger''s den. His whole body was cold and was almost trembling. He noticed that the aura emanating from the man and woman in front of him actually made him tremble with intense uneasiness. "Everyone, there''s been a misunderstanding. I apologize for my impulsiveness. We have three ancestors descending on our side, and I was a little anxious. This happened because I was afraid of being inhospitable. Please forgive me," said the golden-haired man. He was very quick to exin because he was truly horrified and didn''t want to suffer losses here. He decided to leave first and exinter. With a bang, he was kicked out by the miniature version of the Celestial Sword Maiden, and he couldn''t dodge at all. He flew out from the open door of the private room. The golden-haired man fell to the ground in embarrassment, got up, and left without daring to say anything threatening. "Qing Qing, you''re amazing!" eximed Little Fox, praising her immediately. "My name is Qingyao, you silly sweet thing!" replied younger Qingyao. She corrected her as she was dissatisfied with being called the wrong name. "It''s interesting, some foreign gods havee and they are quite strong. No wonder the golden-haired man was so confident and self-assured," said Wang Xuan with surprise. He wouldn''t casually use his spiritual eye in the city, but now, he immediately noticed something unusual with a quick scan. Obviously, the Celestial Sword Maiden had also sensed it long ago. In the mortal world, strong individuals would conceal their aura to avoid disturbing ordinary people. Now, the people in the distant private room had also noticed them. They were emitting strong vitality and transcendent fluctuations. Finally, those people came over together. "The Old World is really extraordinary. Anyone here can injure my disciples with just one move. It''s truly a gathering of hidden dragons and crouching tigers," someone said, pushing open the door. There was no doubt that these people who came were very self-assured. In fact, now they emitted the aura of gods and were all enveloped in divine light. Ordinary transcendents couldn''t resist, and might even involuntarily bow their heads, feeling suppressed and kneeling on the ground. "Three mighty gods of the same level as a peerless transcendent have suddenly appeared in the Old World." Although Wang Xuan was fearless, he was somewhat surprised. Why did these peoplee? Did theye from the Land of the Undying by spaceship? The three leaders were covered in splendid divine light. They were all mighty gods of the Great Barrier. In addition to them, there was also a Demon Saint and a Celestial Immortal by their side. They were Quasi-supreme experts from the Land of Immortal that were apanying the foreign gods. The Demon Saint and the Celestial Immortal were both at the Ninth Stage of Ascension Realm, second only to the peerless transcendent from the immortal realm. They were unexpectedly friends with those three great powerhouses. Recognizing the Celestial Sword Maiden, the Demon Saint¡¯s expression changed slightly, but soon calmed down because they had three peerless transcendent level gods here. "She is Jiang Qingyao, known as the strongest genius in recent antiquity, a Quasi-supreme expert." The Demon Saint whispered, informing the three great gods. He didn''t know that the Celestial Sword Maiden had already broken through the shackles and be one of the peerless transcendent, and had even consecutively broken through several minor barriers. "You guys are very confident, not even rising to greet the mighty gods," the former golden-haired man sneered, he was nowpletely unafraid. "You guys have quite an attitude even with three great powers present. Where¡¯s your respect for the gods?!" a gray-haired person spoke out, rebuking them. "My ass!" The younger Qingyao sneered disdainfully. She was least susceptible to this kind of nonsense. Weren''t they just foreign people of the Quasi-supreme level? How dare theye here to show off and scold her. The three mighty gods had brilliant eyes and could see that she and the Celestial Sword Maiden were of the same origin, and should be the same person. One of the gods reached out and was intending to her. Normally, it was easy for mighty gods to deal with Quasi-supreme experts, so he didn''t say anything and just took action. However, his facial expression froze the next moment as he felt a sharp pain in his neck. A powerful hand grabbed his neck and lifted him up. Wang Xuan took action. How could he tolerate their insolence? This group of people was instantly stunned. What''s going on? Where are they? Who is the young man who took down a mighty god in one move?! Chapter 502: Giving A Bright Smile To Demon Lord Chapter 502: Giving A Bright Smile To Demon Lord The once serene and self-assured gods were dumbfounded. They could imagine all sorts of oues, but the scene left them baffled and sent shivers down their spines. Who was that? The renowned ancient god Ming Chuan was being held by the neck, and was rendered powerless! Everyone broke out in a cold sweat. How could they continue fighting? The three major gods were supposed to be invincible in the mortal world, but they were like ants infront of Wang Xuan. Even in the Land of the Undying, within the Great Barrier, they had never experienced such a thing. What was going on? How could someone treat a mighty god like they were squeezing a baby chick? "My friend, please stop. These are gods from the Land of the Undying, they are guests in our realm. They shouldn''t be treated this way," the Demon Saint spoke up.¡¡¡¡However, before he could finish his plea, a loud bang was heard. Wang Xuan kicked him, sending him flying out of the room, crashing through the wall of the opposite room. "As a Demon Saint from our realm, you willingly act as a guide for outsiders. Do you not see your own hypocrisy?" said Wang Xuan while ring at him. This Demon Saint was not a good character himself. It was repulsive that he introduced the Celestial Sword Maiden as the top talent in the Immortal Realm, with such a fawning attitude toward the foreign gods. Despite their fear, those that were present prepared to fight back because Wang Xuan seemed difficult to reason with, and the neck of the one being strangled was about to snap! The ones daring to attack, with formidable strength, were naturally the other two major gods. One radiated green light, transforming into spiritual vines capable of tearing through immortals and piercing through the void. It then covered Wang Xuan with it. However, Wang Xuan''s body emitted a faint glow, and red substance spread out. All kinds of spells that were within three feet of him were rendered useless, and all the residuals of order approaching him were obliterated. The spiritual vines burst apart and were unable to get close to him. Then, with a sharp sound, Wang Xuan had seized the god that made the move by the neck. He was coughing up blood because of Wang Xuan¡¯s rough and direct method. It''s not that he didn''t want to evade, but he simply couldn''t. It was a spiritual prison, with Wang Xuan''s spirit emitting light, and chains densely woven like interster rivers, keeping him fixed in ce. The other god raised his incredibly sharp spear that flowed with dark light. It seemed as if drops of divine blood were falling. This was the weapon he had used in countless battles, but now he couldn''t move either. A massive Dao Dragon appeared, it was a condensation of residual rules. It was terrifying and mighty, hovering overhead. Its tail locked onto his ck spear, while its head stared at his face, suppressing him. Spurt! His seven orifices bled and bones cracked within his suppressed body. In the end, he copsed to the ground and was unable to get back up. "What kind of monster is this?" The three major gods cried out in their hearts, unwilling and resentful, yet feeling a wave of fear. Have we encountered a peerless transcendent? Apart from the ancestors of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen and the Supetive Pce, there were no others who could give them such an overwhelming sense of pressure. Everyone behind was dumbfounded, especially the golden-haired man from before. Trembling in fear, he muttered to himself, ¡°Why did it end up like this?¡± He could have pretended to be aloof if he had known earlier. He could have just apologized and made amends. But it¡¯s toote now, the three major gods were involved. At that moment, Wang Xuan was holding the two major gods by the neck, with one god groveling at his feet. The scene felt unreal. The others, including the Demon Saint and the Celestial Immortal, had goosebumps on their skin. There was simply no solution when facing such a person. They realized they had kicked a brick wall, perhaps they had messed with a peerless transcendent. Some wanted to run, like the Demon Saint who was kicked away by Wang Xuan. He wanted to transform into a rainbow light to escape. However, with the sound of a cicada chirping, a strange scene appeared where Wang Xuan was. A Primordial Cicada emerged, its wings were vibrating and creating ripples in the air. All those who moved recklessly heard cracking sounds in their bodies and copsed to the ground. In an instant, Wang Xuan resolved the battle, and the ce fellpletely silent. "I''m curious, where exactly did youe from? You''re not the pursuer from the Land of the Undying, are you? Did you travel from the Great Barrier to the Immortal Realm and thene out from there?" Wang Xuan asked. The few people were a bit confused. They wanted to know who he was. Judging by the tone, it seems like Wang Xuan was someone famous. Are you worth being chased from the Immortal Realm? "May I ask who you are¡­" The golden-haired man spoke with a trembling voice, using a respectful form of address. His whole body was trembling in fear as he was genuinely unsure of who Wang Xuan was. "My name is Wang Xuan." He didn''t hide his identity, wanting to know why these people hade. "That sounds familiar," someone whispered. "It''s you!" The Demon Saint and Celestial Immortal obviously knew Wang Xuan. His name was signed on the New Covenant respected by all immortals, and themotion he caused in the mortal world wasn''t small either. "I understand now, a young man named Wang Xuan appeared in the Land of the Undying some time ago and killed several gods!" eximed the golden-haired man with his face turning pale. The three major gods'' expressions changedpletely. They all felt immense pressure. They hadn''te to pursue this person at all. It was all just a coincidence. "We didn''t expect your home to be here," one of the gods said bitterly. "Exin what''s going on. What are you people up to?" Wang Xuan asked. "We mean no harm!" The Demon Saint spoke in a hurry. He seemed anxious and was panicking. Others couldn''t see it, but Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye could see clearly. Both the Demon Saint and the Celestial Immortal had fear in the depths of their eyes. They were clearly afraid of something. "Speak!" Wang Xuan demanded, making it clear to them that their spirits might turn into fragments if they waste his time. "We didn''te to deal with you." Ancient god Ming Chuan spoke, revealing the truth. They followed the two ancestors of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen and the Supetive Pce on an expedition into the Land of Immortal to vie for treasures. In the end, the two ancestors only took one item and were left with injuries. However, the two peerless transcendents left behind some arrangements. Some mighty beings were asked to stay in the Immortal Realm to monitor the situation here and make ns for the future. Additionally, avatars of mighty gods were sent out from the Great Veil into this side of the real world to trace the footsteps of Fang Yuzhu, Zhang Daoling, and others in the mortal world. They also track their various activities in order to analyze them. The two ancestors were doing all these because they had long regarded Fang Yuzhu as a formidable opponent. They were intending to seize each other''s treasures and possibly meet head-on in the future. "We received intelligence that some time ago, Fang Yuzhu and others stayed in the Old World for a long time. That¡¯s why we came here to investigate." The avatars of the mighty gods personally entered the real world to investigate. It showed how much they valued peerless transcendents like Fang Yuzhu, viewing them as adversaries they would soon confront head-on. "Are you guys kidding? Those two old guys from the Supetive Pce and the Imperial Pce of Gouchen were ambushed and suffered a big loss in Qi Tian''s hands, yet they still want to seize Fang Yuzhu''s treasure?" Wang Xuan sneered. Then, he swiftly turned around to look at the Demon Saint and the Celestial Immortal, saying, "You two are really shameless for bringing foreign gods to deal with the people of the Immortal Realm. Are you looking for death?!" Wang Xuan was angered by this because if they continued investigating like this, they would inevitably find their way to him and involve people like Qing Mu and Chen Yongjie. All of them had interactions with Fang Yuzhu, Old Zhang, Demon lord, and others. All of them had a close rtionship and had met many times in the Old World. Behind them, Qin Cheng was shocked as he understood now. Among these people were top-tier gods, Demon Saint, and Celestial Immortal. They were easily subdued by Wang Xuan even with their high levels. He was stunned, recalling his experience with Wang Xuan during the New Moon. Was it really a prophecy? At that time, Wang Xuan had said that the Immortal Realm belonged to immortals, while the mortal world belonged to him. Back then, he had beenughing at him. He hadn''t expected that one day, Wang Xuan could suppress such peerless transcendents in the mortal world. Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin also sobered up a bit. They were amazed to see the top-tier experts from the Great Veil being suppressed by someone familiar to them in the mortal world. "This is a direct threat from the back. We must be on guard against such people and deal with them promptly." Old man Liu Huai''an spoke up, giving his opinion on the matter. He didn''t care about the enemies¡¯ identity or background when he¡¯s facing them. "Old man, you''re right. We''ll deal with them when we get back!" said Wang Xuan with a nod. Liu Huai''an remained silent and did not reply. "You can''t attack us. Let''s talk it out. Acting recklessly like this could easily provoke a war between the Land of the Undying and the Land of Immortals. Don''t be impulsive." The golden-haired man panicked. He regretted not giving himself a p as he had caused such big trouble. It was toote to regret now. "Wang Xuan, this is a major event that could trigger a Cross-domain war." The Demon Saint gritted his teeth and spoke. He couldn''t resign himself to his fate now as there was a high possibility that he might die. "You guys overestimate yourselves too much. Even in the Land of the Undying, no one could do anything to me after I killed many avatars of the gods. Who do you think you are? You¡¯re just scouts sent here to die. If anything happens, you''ll just be disposable pawns." Wang Xuan said. These people hade to collect information to deal with Fang Yuzhu and Old Zhang. Wang Xuan would not hold himself back as they were already in a hostile position. Of course, he couldn''t act here. They were all sealed away, sealed in the purple gourd. As for cleaning up the scene, it would be handled by professionals like Qing Mu and Old Chen. From start to finish, Jiang Qingyao and the younger Qingyao remained calm. They were not startled at all because the battles in the Immortal Realm were much more intense and brutal than this, often resulting in the extinction of a lineage. They were already used to it. "You''re so strong in the mortal world," said Celestial Sword Maiden with surprise, looking at Wang Xuan with shining eyes. Wang Xuan said, "It''s alright, but I feel like it''s stillcking. I''ll be in great danger if the main body of Evil Dragon Qi Tianes out, so I still need to improve further." Although his faction had experts like Fang Yuzhu and the main body of Celestial Sword Maiden, he still wanted to rely on himself. Moreover, Qi Tian¡¯s main body was on par with Fang Yuzhu. It would be troublesome if he was out. There was also an ancient lunatic with unknown allegiance, and he''s definitely the most dangerous individual. He suspects that even Fang Yuzhu might not match his level. "Well, I also want to improve myself. I hope I can undergo Nirvana again and be stronger," Jiang Qingyao said, looking at Wang Xuan with bright eyes. "How did you block that lunatic''s sword light thest time we escaped?" "I used the broken banner surface and poleponents of the Dao Harnessing Banner," Wang Xuan responded, bracing himself. Celestial Sword Maiden nced at him and said, "Whatever it was, your defense was really strong. Can you still use it? If so, I''ve discovered an extremely dangerous ce, but it also offers great opportunities for further transformation!" Hearing that, Wang Xuan immediately became interested andmunicated with her mentally. "In the deepest part of Mount Bu Zhou in the higher spiritual world, there''s a mysterious ce I discovered while picking gourds. It can nurture Chaos Vines. It''s very special, with phoenix bones, dragon horns, and it seems to have a legendary Spiritual Blood Pool!" ¡­¡­ "Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, where are you? I have something very urgent to discuss with you. Help me contact Demon Lord!" said Little White Tiger while in a call. Her avatar in the mortal world was anxious upon learning about the events in the Immortal Realm. The Demon Lord''s cave was unexpectedly bare, leaving herpletely dumbfounded and shocked. In fact, her main body had been feeling guilty for several days and had decided to have her avatar contact Demon Lord. Her main body was powerless because being in the Immortal Realm, it was impossible to cross to the corresponding Great Barrier of the Land of the Undying without Peerless-level cultivation. "We''re at the Golden Years Restaurant. Come over." Qing Mu told her the location. He was a professional who always carried a ck box containing state-of-the-artmunication equipment and a micro-superbrain that could contact spacecraft deep in the universe. Previously, the signal had been intermittent. However, the technological civilization in the Land of the Undying was not weak. They could maintain contact with various ces with the help of technology and beings from the Technological Life Realm. Despite dys due to passing through various wormholes, the signal wouldn''tpletely cut off. The round-faced girl arrived anxiously, but Qing Mu had already taken action in advance and established contact with deep space. There was a reply just as she arrived. "Qing Mu, you guys don''t need to worry about that lunatic. Even Wang Xuan suspects he''s very dangerous. We''vee from the end of ancient times, so we understand the lunatic better than you do. We have an idea." It was Demon Lord that replied. "That''s good!" Qing Mu and Chen Yongjie nodded. "Demon Lord, our Immortal Realm''s residence was robbed! Everything was stolen, and I even got a big bump on my head from getting hit!" eximed Little White Tiger. She was almost in tears. In the private room not far away, Wang Xuan and the Celestial Sword Maiden remained calm, exchanging nces without saying a word. After a long time, the image finally stabilized. Demon Lord, still in her stunning and elegant red attire, frowned and asked, "Who dared to raid my cave and steal everything? Nothing was left?" "Yes, I was the only one left," the round-faced girl said with an aggrieved expression, nodding like a chicken pecking at rice. Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch also appeared on the screen. Old Zhang chuckled, "Well, well. Someone''s had their entire house emptied, leaving only a little cat behind." "Raaaa!" The round-faced girl was furious. She was already feeling sorry for herself, and now she was even being teased by that Patriarch Zhang. Demon Lord YanYan was furious, there was a fire burning in her heart. How dare someone ransack her cave in the Great Veil? Who was responsible for it?! Just as she was about to say something, she glimpsed through the screen at part of the scene in the private room. The ingredients on that table looked oddly familiar. Many of them were her favorite foods. Was that the mortal realm? How extravagant! She started to have doubts. Could it be that the glutton Little White Tiger was stealing from me? Then, she seemed to recognize a moving figure in the private room. "Qing Mu, adjust themunication equipment and let me see what''s happening there," Demon Lord said. In the next moment, Demon Lord YanYan saw the Celestial Sword Maiden and received a response from her. Jiang Qingyao smiled brightly and even held up a peace sign at her. Chapter 503: This Little Brother Should Not Be Kept For Long Chapter 503: This Little Brother Should Not Be Kept For Long The younger Qingyao also came over, wearing an equally happy smile on her face. Her pure little face looked even brighter, as she leaned her head against Jiang Qingyao''s head and held up a peace sign. Originally, Demon Lord''s expression was already unfriendly. She had already begun making assumptions in her mind as she felt that something was amiss. But then, not only did one Jiang Qingyao appear, but another little figure who looked extremely simr had also appeared. It was like receiving double damage. There was one big and one small Jiang Qingyao, both were radiant like flower buds with dew in the morning sun. Around them were various exquisite tableware containing rare ingredients such as Sea God ms, Celestial Conch, Golden Grapes, and Fire Dragon Dates. The more the Demon Lord looked, the more appetizing it seemed, and the more familiar it became. Especially the style of one wine pot, it was the same as the one she had specially crafted in the peculiar area of ??the Immortal Realm. She was about to explode with anger, believing she had solved the case, with the culprit right in front of the camera. While the Little White Tiger was still using, she was seriously suspecting that the thief had colluded with someone from within. Demon Lord Yan Yan was quite sure that it was Jiang Qingyao who had emptied her house, and it was intolerable. In her view, it was tolerable for the Celestial Sword Maiden to sneak into her house, but it was intolerable toe before the camera and unt it while holding up peace signs. Her heaving chest was filled with intense emotions, and she was itching to ask that silly cat if she was deliberately cooperating with outsiders to provoke her. At that moment, she also saw Wang Xuan sitting there with a te of Roc meat in front of him. What was even more outrageous was that the wine ss in front of Wang Xuan seemed like the one she had used, a treasure she had left in her wine cer. Wang Xuan remained calm, smiling as he greeted Demon Lord and waved his hand. He wasn''t entirely sure what this big sister was thinking. He wasn¡¯t in a panic at all as he assumed he was helping Demon Lord Yan Yan move out. It would be a pity if everything were destroyed with the end of the Immortal Realm.¡¡¡¡Furthermore, he believed that ever since he met Demon Lord, it was either intimidation or threats from her. It always seemed like he was being oppressed, so this time, destroying her cave didn''t seem to make him feel guilty. Isn¡¯t it just some ingredients and wine? What''s wrong with a little brother enjoying some food and drink? He could consider it aspensation for all the times she had tried to capture him. "Come together!" The younger Qingyao brought Wang Xuan into the frame, pulling him to join in the photo shoot. The two Qingyao and Wang Xuan held up peace signs to Demon Lord which simply drove her crazy. Feeling awful, she stared at Wang Xuan, thinking that she should be in a good mood having such a close rtionship with that beneficial little brother. However, all she wanted to do now was kill him. "Sister Yan, how''s everything on your end? Are you okay now?" Wang Xuan asked. Demon Lord Yan Yan didn''t want to talk with him. Looking at the table full of ingredients and seeing them taking photos together, she felt like pping them from the depths of the universe. Old Zhang chuckled and said, "This is outrageous! Only a pet cat is left. The whole cave has been emptied out. Not even a single weed is left in the herb garden,." He also saw the situation in the private room and said, "The food is good, even better than what I eat. But is that White Tiger serious? I think she¡¯s putting on an act as she¡¯s the one that stole it." "Little White, you''re so silly!" shouted Demon Lord while she stared at Little White Tiger. Then, she asked her to carefully look around the private room and see if those were things from her cave. "I was too anxious and didn''t pay attention. It turns out that Celestial Sword Maiden is also here, and she¡¯s the one that cut me previously!" The round-faced girl was furious and nced over the table. Finally, she didn''t know if those ingredients came from the Demon Lord''s cave, but there was definitely a rare treasure in a pot of immortal wine, which she recognized because it was from her collection. She had secretly moved more than ten jars from the Demon Lord''s wine cer to her own room. "This is going too far!" She widened her eyes and was unable to tolerate it. The private room was in chaos. Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, and Liu Huai''an were all stunned. Could the origin of this wine and ingredients be so significant? "The wine from the Demon Lord''s house is really delicious," the Little Fox mumbled, she was a bit drunk. "Awoo¡­" The round-faced girl was on the verge of revealing her true form in anger. In the depths of the universe, Demon Lord Yan Yan calmed herself. She was one of the strongest immortals, so her body couldn''t have any issues. However, she still felt a slight pain in her heart with her blood pressure rising. After a long time, she finally calmed down after reciting a calming incantation from the Golden Bamboo Slip. Her voice became softer, saying, "That little girl who wants to walk the path of the sword immortal, do you want to be my little sister? Well, you¡¯ll have to pass my test in the future." Jiang Qingyao rolled her eyes and said, "red-clothed demoness, isn¡¯t you who wants to be my little sister? I know we don''t have any blood rtions, but you have to pass my test first." She naturally didn''t know about theplicated rtionship between Demon Lord and Wang Xuan as she was in the Immortal Realm. However, the younger Qingyao knew some of the situation and had told her everything. Qing Mu was responsible for establishing contact with the depths of the universe. Now, he was on pins and needles. How could another catastrophic confrontation have started? He really wanted to cut off the signal straightaway. "Wang Xuan, I need to talk to you¡­" Demon Lord Yan Yan began to speak. "The signal is bad, Sister Yan, what are you saying?" said Wang Xuan, acting as if he hadn''t heard clearly. "The signal is actually very good!" said the round-faced girl, correcting Wang Xuan. "I shouldn¡¯t keep this brother here for long!" Demon Lord Yan Yan was so angry that she even said such words. Wang Xuan nced at Qing Mu, and he understood instantly. He tinkered with the equipment without changing his expression. The signal immediately became unstable and was then interrupted at the right moment. "Wang Xuan, did you collude with Celestial Sword Maiden to empty the Demon Lord''s cave?" asked Little White Tiger, persistent in getting the answer. "How is that possible? I can''t even enter the Immortal Realm!" replied Wang Xuan, denying vehemently. "You¡­ emptied our cave and hit me on the back of my head!" said the round-faced girl as she pointed at the Celestial Sword Maiden. She was looking indignant but didn''t dare to rush forward as she knew she couldn''t win in a fight. "It wasn''t her. The real culprit is here. We''ve actually caught them, but we haven''t told the Demon Lord yet," Wang Xuan said. He poured out the three major gods sealed in the purple gourd, pointing at them, informing Little White Tiger that these were the thieves, peerless immortals of the Immortal Realm! Damn it! The three major gods were unwilling to bear this me. When had they fallen to this level, running off to be thieves? They couldn''t open their mouths, nor could they emit their spirit light. They were suppressed by Wang Xuan and could only stare nkly, quietly listening. "Thieves from the Land of the Undying?" Little White Tiger was skeptical. "Of course. Originally, we had all ordered food, but these few people came with ill intentions and were taken down by us. We found various rare ingredients from the fragments of their blessednds. Then we had the restaurant remove the dishes and drinks we had ordered earlier, cing the rare ingredients on the table" Wang Xuan said. The round-faced girl acted without caring about the truth. A metal rod appeared in her hand, and she began hitting the back of the heads of the three major gods, one after another! She had a lump the size of a steamed bun on her own head and had nowhere to vent her anger, so she was using these three first. She felt a sense of relief with each strike. The three major gods widened their eyes. They couldn''t stand it anymore. They were being bullied too much. How could a big cat dare to be so arrogant over them? But they couldn''t resist or do anything! "Here, tired of hitting? Have something to eat, drink, replenish your energy, and calm your anger," said Wang Xuan, persuading her to eat and have a rest. Qin Cheng and Qing Mu were also good hosts, urging her to drink. Younger Qingyao and Little Fox joined in the fun, and the atmosphere immediately became lively again. In the end, the round-faced girl hugged the wine jar that had been originally hidden in her room and drank until she was drunk, muttering that this was originally her hidden wine! The host and guests had a great time, with some of them drunk. People like Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, Little Fox, and the round-faced girl were all carefully cared for by Guan Lin. Wang Xuan, along with Chen Yongjie and Qing Mu, went on a trip to deal with several foreign gods, as well as the two guides, the Demon Saint and the Celestial Immortal. With professional guidance, everything went smoothly without any trouble left behind. Wang Xuan and the Celestial Sword Maiden discussed entering the Immortal Realm again. They were intrigued by the Pool of Fortune and the Chaos Vine that was rooted there. "I want to go too!" the younger Qingyao called out, wanting to enter the Immortal Realm with them, hoping for a great Nirvana to grow up a bit. "No, the two of us absolutely cannot appear together in dangerous ces!" eximed Jiang Qingyao, refusing her. This time, she was unusually serious. "Can I go in?" asked Qing Mu. He was also willing to risk it to retain his transcendent abilities. During his journey through the universe, he had experienced ups and downs. Finally, he once again became transcendent by borrowing Wang Xuan''s innerndscape as they neared the Old World. But it was only for a while. If anything happened, he would be shaken down immediately. "Forget it, the Immortal Realm is very dangerous. If there''s any fortune, I will definitely bring some back for you," said Wang Xuan. He absolutely wouldn''t let him take the risk. From Celestial Sword Maiden''s words, it was extremely terrifying and dangerous there. It was a death wish if anyone went without extremely powerful defensive treasures. In the end, Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden set off during the night. The younger Qingyao was responsible for protecting them and looking after Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao''s physical bodies. In the Immortal Realm, the two stood on a beautiful mountain peak, overlooking the endless teau in the distance, which was the ce where the ancient lunatic trained his sword. "He''s gone, and that sword mountain is half destroyed," Celestial Sword Maiden said. In fact, many people in the Immortal Realm were restless. Many powerful Daoist were extremely wary. Not long ago, that lunatic held the world in contempt, terrifying the Immortal Realm. No one could muster the courage to fight him. "Let''s go, we''re going to Mount Bu Zhou!" Jiang Qingyao said, taking Wang Xuan with her as they soared upwards, heading towards that renowned high-level spiritual realm. One level, two levels, three levels¡­ Celestial Sword Maiden ascended many high-level spiritual realms in session, finally finding the vast and majestic world named Mount Bu Zhou. It was an extremely vast spiritual realm. "Will we run into that lunatic?" Wang Xuan asked. They would die miserably if they were blocked by him here. Celestial Sword Maiden shook her head and said, "No, he went to the highest level of the spiritual realm, far beyond the several levels above us!" Although Wang Xuan was at the Thirteenth Stage, he still needed Celestial Sword Maiden to lead the way in such a high-level spiritual realm, or else he couldn''t have reached here at all. In this world, majestic mountains stretched across the sky like ancient dragons lying between heaven and earth. It was giving off an unparalleled vitality. Various divine creatures and herbs could be found everywhere. Some mountains were high up into the sky, as if piercing into other higher-level spiritual realms. Terrifying golden divine birds circled above, and powerful divine beasts roamed thend. Wang Xuan was quite looking forward to it. What level would he reach if he could find the mythical Spiritual Blood Pool deep in Mount Bu Zhou and undergo Nirvana? Chapter 504: The Spiritual Blood Pool Of Mount Bu Zhou Chapter 504: The Spiritual Blood Pool Of Mount Bu Zhou In the high-level spiritual realm, Mount Bu Zhou was majestic and magnificent, with picturesque beauty. There were also dangerous areas withplex terrain here.. asionally, one could see the appearance of Kirin here, witness the Golden Crow soaring, and even more dangerous beasts lurking. "Mount Bu Zhou is in the spiritual realm, not finding it in reality is understandable," Wang Xuan sighed. It was first mentioned in the ssic of Mountains and Seas: The Western Regions. It said, ¡®Beyond the Northwest Sea, in the corner of the great wilderness, there is a mountain that is imperfect, named Mount Buzhou.¡¯ Legend has it that if ordinary people are fortunate enough to see it, following it can lead them out of the mortal world directly to the heavenly realm, which is the transcendent world in the eyes of mortals. "But how could ordinary people travel far in Mount Bu Zhou," pondered Wang Xuan, shaking his head, feeling it was too difficult even for him. Because this was a high-level spiritual realm, ordinary transcendents who came here could only end up dead or find it extremely difficult to move an inch. Wandering freely in this vast realm would mean exploration of various spiritual realms, but it all starts from lower-level spiritual realms. One could only imagine directly entering high-level spiritual realms like Mount Bu Zhou, Guanghan Pce, or Yao Pool. Only the strong could establish themselves in these ces no matter what era they were in. "Is there really a vast garden of peaches and heavenly herbs in Yao Pool?" Wang Xuan asked. The Celestial Sword Maiden shook her head, saying, "How is that possible? Heavenly herbs aren''t like chives, they don¡¯t grow back once you cut them. There are actually only several overgrown mother nts, that¡¯s why it looks like they are endless. Yao Pool hasn''t held a grand event in many years, it''s difficult to enter there now as it is extremely dangerous, probably upied by super monsters!"¡¡¡¡The high-level spiritual realm was not as peaceful as people imagined, it was often apanied by great dangers and unpredictable crises. Otherwise, the immortals would simply move and live in the high-level spiritual realm. "For example¡­ look over there!" said Jiang Qingyao as she pointed ahead. A mournful howl rang out on a high mountain beside Mount Bu Zhou. It made people''s minds tense up as if they¡¯re spirits were being attacked. That was a strange creature, with a dark golden body, somewhat like a Yaksha, yet also like an evil deity. It was thin and shriveled, with tough skin capable of easily shattering mountains. It had only half a head, a right arm, and had lost its left leg. "This thing is powerful, seems to be at the peerless-level?!" eximed Wang Xuan, staring solemnly. The Celestial Sword Maiden said, "Yes, but it''s not a normal creature, it is a spiritual remnant. No one knows what era it''s from, it has no self-awareness and it''s only driven by instincts to ughter. It¡¯ll either go berserk or it¡¯ll remain dormant." The creature leaped into the sky as she had just finished speaking. It leaped beyond the void of the high-level spiritual realm, and grabbed a huge spiritual energy. At that moment, it was extremely terrifying. Its lone arm swelled explosively, surpassing the sky, booming loudly. Nearby creatures were all shattered by the suppression, and the spiritual energy was terrifyingly intense. Wang Xuan was certain that if Jiang Qingyao weren''t present, he wouldn''t be able to stay here. In the Immortal Realm, in the high-level spiritual realm, the power of peerless transcendents was unquestionable. They¡¯re able to plucks from beyond their domain with a mere lift of their hand. "Do you know its origins?" Wang Xuan asked. "It''s possible that it doesn''t belong to this mythological era, originating from a lost transcendent civilization. It lurked in the high-level spiritual realm before the long ages, trying to survive through eternal darkness, but being left behind like this is as good as dead." One of the reasons the high-level spiritual realm was dangerous was because of the surviving ancient creatures. It was possible that an ancient creature could crawl out of a seemingly peaceful mountain and catch people off guard. "Are there not a single normal creature that sessfully survived?" Wang Xuan asked with interest. "No, when the myths fell silent and the Immortal Realm extinguished, the high-level spiritual realm became turbulent and unstable. It was on the brink of copse, it hadpletely dimmed and was exhausted. No normal creature could survive that. The best oue is to leave behind some spiritual remnants, the real beings of the remnants all perished tragically." Jiang Qingyao informed him that this was the consensus. Many cultivators woulde to hibernate inrge numbers if one could survive the harsh winter here. Not only in this mythological era, but there were even explorations and records in those ancient civilizations, but this path was impossible. The few survivors would ultimately be monsters, losing their self-awareness. Only leaving behind pitiful spiritual husks. "This creature must have been very powerful in its prime. Even now, its remnant body can still easily pluck a spiritual in this vast world with just its instincts. This is terrifying!" Wang Xuan sighed. Boom!¡¡ As they were observing that dark golden creature, it noticed their presents. With a leap, spanning hundreds of miles, it crushed the magnificent mountain ranges as it flew horizontally towards them. The Celestial Sword Maiden''s expression changed slightly as she struck towards the creature with her sword. The sword light that it emitted truly looked like a gxy. The overflowing sword aura caused the surrounding massive mountain ranges to copse. The sword light collided with the creature, causing an explosion in the void, and cracks in space spread like a ck knife toward the outer domain, toward Mount Bu Zhou. The creature stumbled, it was slightly wounded on its chest, but it was unharmed. With a forceful stomp of its lone leg in the void, it pounced again. "This¡­" Wang Xuan was shocked. This creature was too abnormal. Even the sword light of a peerless transcendent couldn''t kill and cleave it open. How strong was it before it became a spiritual remnant?¡¡ "Let''s go, it''s pointless to fight it. If we identally provoke a few more, we might end up dying here!" Jiang Qingyao said, disappearing with Wang Xuan in a sh. However, a terrible thing had happened. An unknown species of decayed raptor silently appeared in the distance. It looked ordinary, but its power was immense. Even the Celestial Sword Maiden felt greatly pressured by its assault, and her sword light dimmed because of it. Moreover, its speed was extremely fast, traversing tens of thousands of miles in the blink of an eye. With a swoosh, it charged into the outer domain, carrying arge number of spiritual meteorites, descending as if to destroy the world! Boom!¡¡ The violent copse of Mount Bu Zhou caused the mountain ranges struck by it and the meteorites to copse, magma surged into the sky, and the earth cracked openpletely. The Celestial Sword Maiden swiftly retreated with Wang Xuan, their figures moving quickly. Wang Xuan was shocked. This was what creatures in the high-level spiritual realm were like. Battles that could destroy the heavens and the earth urred at the drop of a hat. Even stars from beyond their domain were being plucked down and used as weapons. He began to understand why the universe needed to correct itself. If mythical creatures constantly remained in the real world, these creatures would easily pluck stars and moons when they went out. No one could bear that. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­ Five creatures appeared from different directions. There were dark golden Yakshas, decaying raptors, headless golden-armored generals, a silver ant carcass, and a skeleton. The five powerful beings, driven by some primitive instinct, were particrly sensitive to the arrival of peerless transcendents. Their instinct was to directly hunt them down, which was terrifying. Even the mighty Celestial Sword Maiden was dodging and evading in every direction. With a puff, she was coughing up blood and her celestial sword was trembling violently as she resisted attacks from different directions, some of which dimmed her sword light. After some time of resisting, Jiang Qingyao coughed up three mouthfuls of spirit blood consecutively and had sustained injuries. Wang Xuan became anxious and said, "I¡¯ll have to use it to attack them!" Then, he took out the lid of the Life Essence Furnace. They were not in a good situation, even the Celestial Sword Maiden was heavily injured. Mount Bu Zhou was too dangerous. Jiang Qingyao nced at the lid and shook her head, saying, "No, put it away quickly. The great battle here will likely attract the attention of some intelligent creatures. If an extremely fierce aura erupts here, it will attract those with ill intentions." She kept pushing forward with Wang Xuan. Finally, after much difficulty, they managed to break out of the encirclement. However, both of them were covered in bloodstains, mainly from the Celestial Sword Maiden. "It''s okay, it¡¯s no big deal," she checked their injuries and said, "We''re a bit unlucky this time to have encountered an encirclement by five monsters." The high-level spiritual realm was full of uncertainties. If it weren''t dangerous, if anyone coulde, the mountains and ins would have been turned over long ago. "This is not the worst scenario. It''s said that the lunatic was hunted by a group of monsters in the high-level spiritual realm for half a year. The monsters even crossed domains to pursue the lunatic. They were relentless and unyielding," Jiang Qingyao said. Upon hearing this, Wang Xuan couldn''t help but be moved. No wonder Celestial Sword Maiden was so cautious this time, not bringing her physical body into the spiritual realm. It would be a burden here. Unless one was a peerless transcendent, they would always be affected to some extent. He looked back and couldn''t help but be surprised, saying, "Huh, those copsed mountains, sunkennds, and erupting magma are all receding and recovering." "The high-level spiritual realm has a very strong self-repair function. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be able to sustain so many peculiarities," said Jiang Qingyao as she nodded. It must be said that Mount Bu Zhou was vast. This spiritual realm was boundless. They flew out for a million miles, two million miles, three million miles¡­ Even with the speed of Celestial Sword Maiden, it took them a long time to travel. Then, it continued for several days, with many rests along the way, as if there was no end! A muffled and deep roar echoed out. A lush and green massive mountain that towered into the clouds suddenly split open. It opened its huge mouth and swallowed Wang Xuan and the Celestial Sword Maiden. The entire mountain was actually a skull that was covered with grass and rocks. It had slept for endless years, awakened by the passing of peerless transcendent sword light. It then opened its mouth and swallowed them. Sword light flickered, and the Godying Banner rustled. In the end, even the lid of the Life Essence Furnace was used to smash the creature''s cheek. Arge chunk copsed, and then the skull shattered. Then, the two fled in a sorry state. "Are you cursed with bad luck? When I came in alone, even if there were dangers, it wasn''t too far-fetched. But when I brought you in, we encountered danger more than a dozen times along the way. We almost got eaten just now!" eximed the Celestial Sword Maiden,ining to Wang Xuan. She had just healed her spirit and was injured again. If they hadn''t used the lid of the Life Essence Furnace to smash the monster''s cheek and escape at the critical moment, they might have died there. That was a creature from the Ninth Stage of Peerless-level, it was extremely powerful. When its skull was intact, it was bound to be peerless transcendent! Finally, after three more days of travel, totaling eight days in all, they were finally close to their destination. They encountered dangers along the way several times. The most serious time was when the Celestial Sword Maiden fought seven bloody monsters. She almost died there. At the critical moment, she had to use the furnace lid again to help in their escape. "Let''s just ride in the furnace and move forward!" said Wang Xuan as he was really afraid. He was worried that Jiang Qingyao might die. Each of those spiritual remnants was stranger than thest. They did not belong to this civilization, and their power was extraordinary. The Celestial Sword Maiden shook her head and said, "No, if we bring the furnace out here, it''s not just the two of us exploring. If it is seen by others, it will be big trouble once the news of it gets out. Besides, I like this kind of battle. This is how I grew up." ording to her, they would use it when they reached their destination. There were no normal creatures there, so there was no need to worry about exposure. On the ninth day, they arrived. The area was very ordinary, without majestic mountains, splendid colors, or immortal grasses. The peaks were low, and the vegetation was all odinary spirit beings. The more ordinary it was, the more uneasy Wang Xuan felt. Even the various monsters such as spiritual remnants didn''t dare to approach this ce. This was abnormal in itself. After arriving there, he took out the Life Essence Furnace to protect them and slowly moved forward. "Another gourd!" Wang Xuan suddenly eximed, then felt joy and excitement. That gourd seemed even better! A vine was entwined on the low mountain ahead. It probably grew to this side from the other side of the mountain. A red-skinned gourd hung on the side facing them, it was radiant and colorful, with a thick chaotic mist surrounding it. As for that vine, it was lush and verdant and was surrounded by chaotic light. It was obvious that they had reached their destination! "This gourd is indeed better, but I didn''t dare to pick it at the time," the Celestial Sword Maiden said solemnly. She wanted to reach out and pick it, but she felt extremely uneasy and stopped herself from doing so. "At the time, I felt that it was tamed, like it belonged to someone. It was a very strange intuition," she added. The gourd on the Chaos Vine had an owner? Wang Xuan was astonished. He cautiously activated his spiritual eye to observe carefully. Jiang Qingyao said, "In fact, this area is also very strange. I didn''t see anything unusual thest time I passed by here. This ce only manifested after the two gourds matured." "Could this be a ce with an owner?" asked Wang Xuan as he was now rmed. He could vaguely see something inside the gourd! Jiang Qingyao looked around vigntly and said, "It doesn''t seem to be the territory of normal creatures. I feel like it''s some kind of spiritual remnant, the resting ce of some super monster!" The red-skinned gourd, enveloped in a chaotic mist, was too strong for Wang Xuan''s spiritual eye to see throughpletely. He only vaguely saw that there seemed to be ripples of supreme treasure-level inside. "No, it''s weaker than a supreme treasure, more like the remnants of a supreme treasure. But how did it get incubated into the gourd? How does it have an owner?" Wang Xuan was puzzled and uncertain. The gourd was very tempting, but like the Celestial Sword Maiden, he didn''t dare to reach out to pick it. He always felt that something would go wrong once he touched it, and there would be a danger to life. "Let''s not touch it for now and go explore the Land of Fortune to see if we can enter it," Celestial Sword Maiden said. The area was full of low mountains, and the valleys were spacious and silent, with no creatures inhabiting them. It was as if they had entered a deserted area. The Chaos Vine was extremely thick and could twine around the low mountains. Its growth was extremely vigorous, and the rich vitality and chaotic aura made it appear extraordinary. "Last time, I vaguely saw that there was a legendary Spiritual Blood Pool at the underground of the valley. You can take a closer look," the Celestial Sword Maiden said. She had a semi-mature spiritual eye. Previously, she left without taking any risks when she felt uneasy about the red-skinned gourd and the possible existence of super monsters. Today, they came together with treasures and wanted to go deeper into the blood pool! "Let me take a look¡­ Wow, it''s amazing. There''s a great opportunity underground!" eximed Wang Xuan as his eyes lit up immediately. There were red lights ten thousand feet underground, all emanating from a hazy blood pool, filled with chaotic aura. After his spiritual eye¡¯s perception touched it, he felt light andfortable all over, as if he were about to ascend and be an immortal. He was sure that this thing could definitely help him transform and improve again! "The quantity¡­ is not small. It''s enough. After we bathe in the Spiritual Blood Pool, we will probably all break through violently!" eximed Wang Xuan. He was extremely excited and exhrated. He was already thinking about it. The other high-end forces of his camp could also be enhanced. Could Fang Yuzhu resist that lunatic if she became stronger? As for Old Zhang and Demon Lord, if their blood were to rise again, could they reach a critical threshold? Soon, he calmed himself down again. This ce was extraordinary. Such a great opportunity emerged in the twilight of the myth, which definitely meant it was not an ordinary ce. "Be cautious, don''t be too happy. It would be tragic if both of us died here by ident," said Wang Xuan, reminding himself. A great opportunity probably also meant great danger. "It¡¯s good that you know, don''t get carried away!" Jiang Qingyao said. She felt a little uneasy when she first discovered this ce. She left without being tempted, it was something not everyone could do. Chapter 505: The Master Of The Celestial Mirror Chapter 505: The Master Of The Celestial Mirror Apart from the location of the Chaos Vine, the other areas were barren, with no vegetation. The vast valley was bare, as if all the essence of heaven and earth, and the essence of all living things, had been absorbed by it alone. "The Chaos Vine feels so tangible. The higher-level spiritual realm is really strange. It can actually give birth to real gourds," Wang Xuan sighed. Jiang Qingyao and him approached, examining the vine as thick as a water tank and feeling reluctant to leave the red-skinned gourd surrounded by chaotic mist. "If there''s no major disturbance and no idents, let''s try to take it with the furnace when we leave!" Wang Xuan said. "Have you seen what''s inside the red-skinned gourd?" Celestial Sword Maiden asked. As they spoke, they headed towards the valley below to get closer to the mysterious blood pool. "I can''t see clearly. It''s t, with light. I suspect it might be arge piece¡­ of the Celestial Mirror," Wang Xuan said. Although he hadn''t seen through it, he had some associations. The most famous object of that shape was undoubtedly the supreme treasure, the Celestial Mirror. Jiang Qingyao showed a surprised expression for the first time. If it was a fragment of the Celestial Mirror, then its origin was truly extraordinary. Originally, some people wanted to transform between illusion and reality. They wanted to lead an entire mythical era into the so-called Realm of Truth. Those people came from the super civilization that refined the Celestial Mirror. As a result, it ended in a tragic manner, with a super civilization buried, and even the Celestial Mirror was shattered. Records of it were extremely rare.¡¡¡¡Currently, only the Celestial Mirror and the Dao Harnessing Banner had crumbled from bearing great karma.Obviously, they were both extremely powerful, even to the point of being unimaginable, or else they wouldn''t have encountered problems because of the hope that people put on them. "The Celestial Mirror is kept in the Chaos Gourd, absorbing the essence of the Spiritual Blood Pool. This matter is a bit strange and somewhat frightening. Could it be rted to that civilization?" Jiang Qingyao wondered. They descended underground and instantly saw the dense blood clouds, the majestic spiritual energy. The underground world was resplendent, with red clouds billowing. It felt toofortable in this ce. The spirit body seemed to be regenerating flesh and blood, undergoing a baptism, an enlightenment from head to toe. That was the most fundamental substance of spiritual energy, one of the highest forms of energy. In this world, the spirit was the essence of transcendence. Without the lever of spirit, other transcendent materials, other energies, could not be used by cultivators. Jiang Qingyao squinted her eyes, showing a rare look of enjoyment, saying, "It''s sofortable. This feeling is like when I ascended to immortality after experiencing the tribtion of ten thousand thunderstorms. The experience of reshaping the spirit after the great destruction caused a fundamental transformation. It was an all-round improvement." As they approached, the slender figure of the Celestial Sword Maiden suddenly tensed up, assuming abat stance with the celestial sword held horizontally in front of her. "Something is approaching!" Although she didn''t know who it was yet, this feeling could not be wrong. "Ancient evil spirits, not made by another universe''s technology, but are true ancient monsters!" Wang Xuan spoke. He saw some terrifying creatures, with crimson eyes, strange and varied forms, each one of them different. At a nce, there were densely packed, tens of thousands of them, emerging from the cracks in the rocks. They appeared from the deepest part of the earth and surrounded the Spiritual Blood Pool. These creatures were the most terrifying and sinister, specializing in devouring the spirit of others. They had unexpectedly entered theirir. It would be fine if they couldn''t see each other, but now they were facing each other! "I see them too, in groups and clusters, all blurry shadows," Celestial Sword Maiden said. Her talent was extremely outstanding, and she possessed a semi-mature spiritual eye. A semi-mature spiritual eye was something that only transcendent above the Ninth Stage of Peerless-level could possess. It was a special case for Wang Xuan to have surpassed the limit of the spiritual eye, it was difficult to replicate. "My goodness, there¡¯s so many ancient evil spirits, tens of thousands of them. Do you think they are cultivating the gourds, waiting for the repair of the Celestial Mirror?" Wang Xuan muttered, summoning the Life Essence Furnace. If he didn¡¯t use it at this critical moment, it would likely end in tragedy! With so many ancient evil spirits, who knows what level of monsters was hidden among them. That kind of aura was unparalleled, corroding even Celestial Sword Maiden''s peerless sword light, filling every inch of space with a creepy atmosphere. "It''s very likely that one of them, the Evil Spirit King, has refined the damaged supreme treasure!" said Celestial Sword Maiden with an unprecedentedly serious expression. They had the Life Essence Furnace, but there were too many ancient evil spirits on the other side. If they controlled the damaged supreme treasure, the oue of fighting them to the death was unpredictable. Another person would have fled long ago. This wasn''t a ce of cultivation, it was clearly a dead end, an unprecedentedly dangerous ce. These were ancient evil spirits that specialized in devouring human spirits, and there were no creatures more sinister than them. "If you don''t try, how will you know? The Spiritual Blood Pools in the higher-level spiritual realm are hard toe by even a few times in a mythical era. Since we''ve encountered one, with a supreme treasure in hand, we shouldn''t miss it!" Jiang Qingyao said. She was now at the Fourth Stage of the Celestial Realm. If she received the supreme baptism of the spiritual realm, she would definitely improve a lot. Wang Xuan was also determined. The two entered the Life Essence Furnace, controlling it, slowly approaching the area where the red light was asrge as the sun, and the spiritual energy was as colorful as the sunset. They were feeling more and more like they were about to ascend again. "Raaa!" An ancient evil spirit that was clearly at the Peerless-level roared, immediately followed by a series of howls. Among the tens of thousands of evil spirits, several responded with strengthparable to his. Then, all the crimson eyes emitted a fierce light, and the underground world pulsated, with various monsters howling together. Most importantly, as they became agitated, the red gourd on the Chaos Vine started to emit light. The aura of the supreme treasure was expanding, and there was great pressure surrounding it. "The situation is bad. They can really summon the power of the broken Celestial Mirror!" said Wang Xuan as his expression changed. They were not in a good situation. The two controlled the supreme treasure and approached the pool. The Spiritual Blood Pool was not small, it was a round pool with a diameter of ten feet. The bright red liquid was all primal power. Some say it is the primal blood of the higher-level spiritual realm. The concept of World Blood had its supporters and detractors. Another view was that it was the materialization of rules, a tangible bearer. Tens of thousands of evil spirits were oppressed by the supreme treasure but did not retreat. It was a decisive battle to summon the fragments of the Celestial Mirror. The beams of light fell one after another, sheltering them. Otherwise, they wouldn''t stand a chance when Celestial Sword Maiden activated the Life Essence Furnace and approached. Suddenly, there was an abnormality in the Spiritual Blood Pool. All the beams of light from the fragments of the Celestial Mirror shone in one ce, shining at the blood pool, illuminating a creature. To be precise, a creature had split the blood pool and walked out from inside, bathed in the light of the supreme treasure, standing at the center of the evil spirits. It was too astonishing. "Peerless transcendent!" Jiang Qingyao''s face changed. She was also at a loss. Her heart felt heavy even with the supreme treasure in hand. If the Peerless-level monster wielded the fragments of the Celestial Mirror, it was difficult to say what terrifyingbat power it would unleash! "She''s not an evil spirit, she''s a spiritual remnant, but a bit special!" Celestial Sword Maiden whispered. Wang Xuan gazed at the creature. It was actually a woman. She was tall, but covered in wounds, many of which were see-through from front to back, irreparable after countless years. She was not a true spirit but a spiritual remnant, without self-awareness, just acting on instinct! The more wounds she had, the more terrifying and dangerous. She possessed Peerless-level power, far more terrifying than the monsters encountered on the journey! Most terrifyingly, a piece of mirror fragment was inserted into her head. It pierced her brow and was growing there, never removed. That was¡­ a fragment of the Celestial Mirror. It seemed that after the ancient mirror exploded, it pierced her forehead and remained there to this day! Who exactly was this person, how powerful must she be to survive with the fragment of a supreme treasure embedded in her head after the supreme treasure exploded? "Let''s retreat for now!" Wang Xuan said. There was no need to confront such dangerous creatures head-on. Even if they couldn''t use this ce to undergo their transformation, there were other ces to explore. "It will be difficult." Celestial Sword Maiden responded. It was hard to retreat. Although the Peerless-level monster and the damaged supreme treasure were separated by a considerable distance, they seemed to be naturally connected. The endless radiance fell entirely on her, and she could activate the power of the Celestial Mirror at any time. The evil spirits were especially respectful and reverent towards her. Then, they slowly retreated, regarding this spiritual remnant as a mighty god. Boom! The Celestial Mirror emitted light and struck towards them. The dazzling light all fell on the Life Essence Furnace, burning and vibrating, as if refining the furnace. Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden closed the furnace lid and immediately counterattacked. Jiang Qingyao''s hands continued to glow as she activated the furnace. They chose to attack since they couldn''t retreat. After holding on for a moment, the supreme treasure furnace shook violently. Celestial Sword Maiden spat out a mouthful of blood. She was injured when the damaged supreme treasure was activated by the peerless transcendent. Her injury wasn''t light. Wang Xuan also coughed up blood, but he was quickly protected by the light emitted by Celestial Sword Maiden and the interwoven patterns of the Life Essence Furnace. There was no doubt that the Peerless-level opponent across from them had also injuries. She was indeed extremely powerful, but the Celestial Mirror was iplete and damaged. After a brief calm, there was another violent shake, and the situation became extremely critical. Celestial Sword Maiden coughed up several mouthfuls of blood in a row, and the collision of the supreme treasures was extremely dangerous. "Her weapon is iplete and not nice to us at all. Let''s go. We can leave!" Jiang Qingyao said. Although she was unwilling, she had to ept reality. "Wait a moment, I vaguely sense that although she is acting on instinct, her energy fluctuations, the way her spirit vibrates, should be from a scripture I am familiar with!" said Wang Xuan with lit up eyes. He confirmed it was the Mental Disorder Great Method! There were rumors that this scripture emphasized the unique and true self and was used to refine the Celestial Mirror, which was top-tier even within supreme treasures. Wang Xuan quickly informed Jiang Qingyao of this scripture and shared some of his insights, urging her to practice it now and emit the same spiritual vibrations to see if it would have an effect. After all, the woman was just a spiritual remnant, acting on instinct. Perhaps she would consider them as kin. "It works!" eximed Celestial Sword Maiden. After she tried it, the woman, covered in scars, hesitated and stopped killing instinctively. Instead, she stood there in a daze. However, when they rode the supreme treasure to contact the blood pool, she counterattacked again, activating the Celestial Mirror, causing both sides to shake violently. The Celestial Sword Maiden coughed up blood again and her face turned pale. "If it''s not working, let''s just go!" said Wang Xuan as he was afraid she would get hurt. In fact, he was also in a miserable state. He wrapped himself with the Godying Banner, and his spirit was cracking even with the protection of the supreme treasure and Celestial Sword Maiden''s protection. The confrontation of supreme treasures was dangerously terrifying. Celestial Sword Maiden wrapped in beast skin scroll said, "She''s injured too, but just now it seemed like instinctive retaliation, and now she has stopped again." Sure enough, after the Life Essence Furnace entered the blood pool this time, she didn''t act again but stared nkly, looking at the furnace body and sensing the fluctuations of the Mental Disorder Great Method. Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden looked at each other with shock in their eyes. This person was likely the creator of this supreme scripture and also the master of the Celestial Mirror in its prime! Moreover, the one who wanted to overturn nothingness and reality, and bring that mythical era to the real world, was probably her! No wonder, even after countless years, she still possessed such power with only a spiritual remnant! The two couldn''t calm their hearts, but now they couldn''t afford to think too much. They opened the lid, put in the reddish liquid from the blood pool, bathed in it, and began to elevate themselves. "It''s effective!" eximed Wang Xuan. He was moved. In an instant, his spirit underwent a qualitative change, a sublimation, and the essence of life was being enhanced! He felt that his Thirteenth Stage was perhaps reaching perfection. If it weren''t for being isted from the outside world in the Life Essence Furnace, he might have faced his tribtion. "The effect is amazing!" Celestial Sword Maiden couldn''t help but eximfortably. In a short time, she broke through a small bottleneck and reached the Fifth Stage of the Celestial Realm. This might be the blood corresponding to the higher-level spiritual realm itself, or it could be the manifestation of the highest rules that allowed one''s spirit to undergo transformation! "Let''s go, we can''t stay long!" said Celestial Sword Maiden, remaining calm. However, the transformation continued even after leaving, but continued on the road! The Life Essence Furnace was a supreme treasure. In a blink of an eye, it absorbed enough of the red liquid, and the crimson radiance surged. The origin material in the furnace was extremely rich! "Good!" eximed Wang Xuan with a nod. Suddenly, the Life Essence Furnace turned into a dazzling beam of light. Even the furnace walls became crystalline. It tore through the void and disappeared directly from where they were, fleeing far away. Chapter 506: Divergence Of Myths Chapter 506: Divergence Of Myths Navigating through the fabric of space in their Life Essence Furnace, Wang Xuan and the Celestial Sword Maiden not only escaped the Spirit Blood Pool but also evaded the higher spiritual world known as Mount Wuji. Indeed, such a treasure allowed them to reach the external world in an instant. However, their departure was not without consequence; it stirred up the creatures of Mount Wuji and affected neighboring realms. Soon, from the higher spiritual world of the Moon Pce, a being appeared. It was only half-formed, its visage mangled, attempting to cross realms¡ªa remnant of an unknown civilization''s spirit. "Super transcendental!" Wang Xuan eximed, overwhelmed by the terrifying aura that could, with a single thought, pluck corresponding spirituals from the outer realms. "I''ve seen him from afar before; he¡¯s the strongest monster within that high spiritual world," the Celestial Sword Maiden disclosed. She had once secluded herself in the Moon Pce to break through to the realm of the unmatched. "Could it be that every high spiritual world harbors a super transcendental entity?" Wang Xuan spected, growing increasingly concerned. They had witnessed the mightiest beings of both Mount Wuji and the Moon Pce and heard that the Jade Pool was also under the sway of a monstrous entity, all seemingly confirming their suspicions. "It''s highly probable," Jiang Qingyao agreed, nodding. The renowned high spiritual worlds were few and known for spawning all manner of strange entities and innate divine artifacts. Clearly, the more exalted the realm, the more perilous it was, harboring the remnants of transcendental spirits was not unusual. Commandeering the Life Essence Furnace, unobstructed by any force, they vanished in a sh, swiftly entering a realm that was half-material and half-energy."Even if someone notices the Life Essence Furnace, it doesn''t matter; they can''t see us inside it. Let them think the treasure is in the high spiritual world," they reasoned as they calmed down, even though they were still on the move. Inside the furnace, the world was aze with celestial red, suffused with immortal qi and radiant with intertwining rules. Jiang Qingyao smoothly advanced to the fifthyer, then enveloped in a cocoon of scarlet light, she prepared to ascend to the sixth, her spirit breathing richly with the scent of rebirth. Without facing a major boundary or needing to undergo tribtion, her progression was unhindered. Wang Xuan felt he had reached a limit; was he finallypleting the thirteenth segment? He faintly sensed an impending heavenly tribtion.Wrapped in the red haze of the spiritual world''s primal matter, the benefits to his spirit were immense, like a phoenix reborn from mes. Then, he sensed at the core of his spirit, the condensed essence of his soul absorbing external spiritual forces voraciously. Outside, it seemed as though petals were withering, but inside, fruit was burgeoning. Within the celestial sanctity of the Life Essence Furnace, Wang Xuan watched in awe as his spiritual essence teetered on the brink of birthing a "new soul." Every time this new genesis neared fruition, as the outer shell of his old spirit withered and detached, the Life Essence Furnace intervened, infusing it with life and rejuvenation. Confounded, Wang Xuan could only wonder at the phenomenon. By all measures of strength and foundation, he was ready for this spiritual phoenix to rise from the ashes; yet time and again, the unexpected urred¡ªwhat should have withered was reborn with undiminished vitality. Yet, this did not halt the burgeoning strength at the core of his spirit. That core condensed further, an imperceptible process to all but him. Deep within, at the very heart of his spirit, something new was gestating. Through his spiritual vision, he saw it: a radiant figure, serenely meditative, absorbing endless streams of essence. The red liquid from the furnace nourished it continuously, augmenting its vigor. As they tore through the fabric of space and nestled beneath the celestial terrain, they continued their transcendent breakthroughs. A day and a nightter, the Celestial Sword Maiden emerged from her chrysalis, ascending to the sixthyer of the Heavenly Veil Realm, though her progress now slowed. Wang Xuan, unable to define his own state, observed the core of his spirit absorb vast quantities of the celestial red mist. Beyond promoting his own metamorphosis, it seemed to amass a great reservoir of spiritual essence, akin to a squirrel hoarding for winter. "You''re acting like a squirrel stashing away for the winter," he mused, peering inward at the brilliant speck within him, uncertain even to himself what it entailed. Regardless, he felt it was beneficial. Soon after, they traversed the vastnds of the Immortal Realm and entered the dark void, ready to return to the tangible world. "I feel I can''t suppress it any longer." Emerging from the Life Essence Furnace, Wang Xuan heard thunder rumble above. He braced himself, striving to suppress his own burgeoning power. He had no desire to cause a spectacle here. With the power of the Life Essence Furnace, they could have torn through the great veil directly into the mortal realm, but the spectacle would have been too grand, revealing a glowing curtain visible to all beneath the heavens. Such an act would unequivocally reveal the presence of the Life Essence Furnace in the earthly realm. Instead, they opted for silence and subtlety, traversing back through Wang Xuan¡¯s unique pathway of mistymand soil, returning quietly. Jiang Qingyao remarked, ¡°It¡¯s actually beneficial that the Life Essence Furnace made its presence known in the higher spiritual realms. Everyone will assume it remains there or perhaps even in the Immortal Realms, not suspecting its presence in the mortal world.¡± They re-emerged into the tranquility of a wild mountain, under a crescent moon with insects chirping and night birds calling, the breeze gently stirring. Wang Xuan opened his eyes just as a sh of thunder cracked overhead. Swiftly, he summoned the Life Essence Furnace, diving into its sanctuary, not yet ready to face the lightning or his own unresolved thoughts about his transformation and the vast domains beyond the thirteenth stage he was preparing to navigate. ¡°Wow, what a treasure!¡± eximed the miniaturized version of Jiang Qingyao, her eyes wide as she mbered up to touch the furnace, her gaze sparkling with astonishment and joy. Wang Xuan ignored her distractions, contemting his metamorphosis and the forting Expanse Realm beyond the thirteenth stage. ¡°After the thirteenth stage, could I potentially breach several minor barriers in the Expanse Realm?¡± he pondered, considering ancient manuscripts and preparing thoroughly for whaty ahead. Then with a ssh, Jiang Qingyao¡¯s physical form too entered the Life Essence Furnace, bathing in its radiant red mist, which soaked into her flesh, benefiting her as well. ¡°I want in too!¡± dered the diminutive Celestial Sword Maiden, fully aware of the rarity and potency of such a universal concoction. Undoubtedly, after arriving in the mortal realm, the transcendence celestial substance, rarely seen even a few times in an entire mythic era, was subdued. In the Immortal Realms, it could cast a sky-wide red glow; here, upon opening the furnace lid, the burst of red light merely tinged the mountaintop. Wang Xuan quickly closed the lid, but not before a bolt of lightning struck. ¡°Thirteenth stageplete? Your state is quite peculiar, a new soul born within while the old exterior hasn¡¯t shed?¡± Jiang Qingyao, having never witnessed such an anomaly, expressed her astonishment. "Can I smoothly transition into the Wanderer Realm with my current condition?" Wang Xuan was uncertain, his situation indeed very unusual. "You¡¯ve stepped onto the wrong path; you can''t enter the Wanderer Realm!" the miniaturized Celestial Sword Maiden exaggeratedly eximed, trying to spook him. "My physique is also evolving. Afterpleting the thirteenth stage, my soul nourishes my body," Wang Xuan quickly focused on his own changes. Deep within his flesh, a bright speck ignited, drawing in the essence of his blood and life force, as if his very form was copsing inward toward this central core. Simultaneously, his innerndscape manifested signs of decay, while a new inner realm formed into a condensed speck, drawing closer to his flesh and soul. "There''s something unusual. The soul, body, and innerndscape are all contracting, each rebirthing into a speck of light that merges into the unknown. However..." the Celestial Sword Maiden was unable to predict his future changes. At the moment, the transformations of his body and innerndscape could be paralleled with those of his soul, almost identical. The external flesh, organs, and external innerndscape were nourished by the Life Essence Furnace, gradually reviving with abundant vitality. For the next two days, Wang Xuan hid within the furnace, not rushing to break through but studying his condition, primarily focusing on the scriptures recorded on the Life Essence Furnace, believing everything was connected to it. Jiang Qingyao and the miniature Celestial Sword Maiden also joined in, helping him analyze his peculiar physical condition. Suddenly, the world trembled dramatically, a sensation clear to all transcendents but unfelt by ordinary people. Then, the aftereffects of transcendent powers violently surged, causing all cultivators everywhere to pale, their foundations shaken, their spiritual paths destabilized. The seclusion of Wang Xuan and the Celestial Sword Maiden was also disturbed; both were rmed, sensing that a major event was underway¡ªlikely the grand conflict of the immortal paths had begun, with sacred relics colliding, and the supremews of the great barriers and Immortal Realms resonating, affecting all transcendents. "Am I being bacsh?" Wang Xuan looked surprised. The Celestial Sword Maiden stepped out of the Life Essence Furnace and stood on the deste mountain, back in the mortal realm. Even though she returned as a supreme transcendent, she felt greatly suppressed. In the mortal world, there was no foundation for her spells¡ªnot merely a drought of supermaterial but aplete rupture of the transcendental rules and mythical order. In the Immortal Realms, she could manipte the forces of nature, plucking stars and seizing moons with ease. However, in the mortal world, her divine powers were limited to slicing through mountains and cleaving spaceships; her godlike abilities were dimmed. "As everyone''s caught up in this grand battle, I might as well take advantage of the chaos to undergo my own tribtion. If someone loses their realm during this, it won''t be my fault¡ªit''s all due to the tumult of the sacred relics'' sh stirring the cosmos." Wang Xuan decided to face his tribtion, curious about his state afterpleting the thirteenth stage. No amount of nning or simtion could substitute for actual experience. "I''ll head to the Void. The disturbance would be too great if I stayed here." He took the lid of the Life Essence Furnace with him, venturing into the ethereal Void. Leaving the body of the furnace in the open, he ensured that if the sacred relics shed too fiercely, resonating with the supremews of the Immortal Realms and violently impacting the mortal world, the Celestial Sword Maiden could use it for protection. In the Void, the heavenly tribtion appeared instantly, terrifyingly formidable. Wang Xuan struggled against it, managing to fend off the brutal assaults. Blood-red lightning repeatedly struck him down, making him suspect it was the manifestation of the red substance in the form of a heavenly tribtion. Meanwhile, in the outside world, his physical body also transformed, charred and then rejuvenated, reborn anew. "Now it''s clear, I''ve indeedpleted the thirteenth stage, but what does the new light within the old soul mean? Why hasn''t it undergone nirvana yet?" Everything was evolving for the better, his power and realm both advancing. However, such unconventional changes¡ªhis soul, body, and innerndscape each transforming into a speck of light¡ªleft him wondering about their ultimate evolution. He felt as if he stood at a crossroads on his path. Back in the mortal realm, the earth continued to tremble violently due to the immortals of the undying realms waging frenzied war. Transcendent beings entered the fray, wielding sacred relics, shaking every transcendent domain to its core. The mightiest deities and the supreme immortals, their avatars in the human realm, were mostly shaken down to the first level of the Wanderer Realm. Some even fell beyond this grand realm altogether. The crushing ceiling was not descending. Rather, it was hanging upon everyone¡¯s heads. The end of myths and the copse of the transcendence were clear trends that everyone could discern, requiring no prophecies, as everything unfolded along a predetermined path. Only sacred relics could sustain the transcendent beings, allowing them to endure through the eternal night. Those with power were engaged in fierce battles, all vying for such relics. In the highest realms of the spirit world, the madman had set forth, tearing through the fabric of the spiritual universe, heading far away. Behind him, a man, a woman, and a creature¡ªall remnants of supetive spirits¡ªwatched him depart, not daring to intervene, for he wielded the Sword of the Mortal World. ¡°This life is doomed to be ordinary,¡± Qing Mu sighed, brutally cast back to reality. Chen Yongjie and Liu Huai''an felt the aftershocks of the transcendent world¡¯splete disintegration. They were smashed down from the ninth to the eighth stage, and then bombarded down to the seventh. This time, the impact was widespread, affecting everyone like never before. ¡°The age without immortals, demons, or deities is almost upon us!¡± Zhao Qinghan murmured softly, her words carrying the weight of an era about to dawn. Chapter 507: Showdown Between Treasures Chapter 507: Showdown Between Treasures Boom! In the Land of the Undying, the Great Barrier was shattered, and the highestws unfurled. Fang Yuzhu, brandishing a sacred relic, unleashed a dazzling divine rainbow from her bracelet, incinerating the void and causing asteroids ands alike to plummet from the cosmos. With supreme beings unleashing their fury, even the tranquil Fang Yuzhu was swept into a tempest of wrath. With a resounding sh, the bracelet, dotted with crystalline white sparks against a dark fabric matching the cosmos, struck the Sauntering Boat. At that moment, supremews surged tumultuously, gods fled in terror, immortals bled profusely, and countless divine beings below wailed in fear. Alone, Fang Yuzhu contended against the founders of the Supreme Pce and the Emperor Gouchen Pce. The Cosmic Bracelet hammered against the Sauntering Boat, marking a deadly struggle among beings of transcendent might. Far away, the Taoist and Buddhist sects allied to subdue the Divine Pce were not faring well either. Their sacred relic turned against them, and had it not been for their formidable prowess, the boundary would have been stained with the blood of both Buddhists and Taoists. Meanwhile, the Undying Umbre struggled violently. Two shadowy figures wielding ancient covenant artifacts aided Empress Yan Yan in her suppression efforts. To everyone¡¯s surprise, the subdued sacred relic roared violently again, seeking to break free. Crucially, the Life Pool also made its presence felt. Previously seeming neither friend nor foe, it now crashed down, instigating chaos in the Divine Pce and the Undying Umbre. "I will drain you, Life Pool, to see what secrets you hide within!" the shadowy couple roared, distraught as Empress Yan Yan continued to cough up blood.They wrapped the ancient covenant around the stem of the Undying Umbre, ascended into the sky, and manifested their true forms. They then wielded the massive ck umbre andunched an assault on the Life Pool. The area exploded into chaos. At a critical moment, the Feathered Banner also appeared, shedding terrifying brilliance, intent on seizing a second sacred relic. "Who dares cause turmoil? I too possess a sacred relic!" Zhang Daoling¡¯s hair fluttered wildly, his eyes fiercely piercing as he brandished a copper mirror, challenging the gods. On another battlefield, he was surrounded by the most potent gods and immortals, with Ming Xue by his side, both drenched in blood. Zhang was not merely boasting. His mirror shattered, leaving only a small fragment emanating the aura of a sacred relic, which he pinched between two fingers like a throwing knife. With a swift motion, he hurled it, piercing through the brow of a nine-tiered grand realm god, ying his spirit instantly. Onlookers were astounded. At such levels, it was rare for mighty beings to be in outright¡ªit typically required prolonged battles to achieve such a result. Now, with a supreme deity in in a single stroke¡ªremarkably, by what was imed to be merely a piece of a mirror¡ªuproar ensued. "Surround and kill him! That god-ying dagger must have drained him significantly; his power has weakened," an immortal shouted. With a swish, the mirror shard twisted through space and time, reappearing between Old Zhang''s fingers as he stared down the gods. "Hold off, I too wield a sacred relic!" the Hades Blood Patriarch bellowed, his fingersden with mirror shards, each pinched like a dagger. The gods and immortals exchanged nces and then, undeterred, surged forward in a thunderous assault. "Who are they trying to fool? There were only so many shards of the Cosmic Mirror, and they couldn''t possibly all be in their hands," they reasoned, converging to obliterate the two men. "You feather-headed deities, do you not know who Patriarch Zhang is? I have faced scores of your kind alone, why should I fear confronting you now?" Zhang roared defiantly. His entire being radiated light, and had Wang Xuan been present, he would have recognized the supreme martial technique that Old Zhang was using¡ªit was from the very same five pages of the golden scripture that detailedbat arts. Old Zhang''s aura zed brilliantly, his form monstrous as he pushed forward, each movement a killing blow. His divine powers and spells erupted spontaneously from him, his presence unmatched. "Thinking of ganging up on us without asking me first? Kill them!" At that moment, the Hades Blood Patriarch unleashed his nine true spirits, which then transformed into a horde of his own duplicates, and further, into a multitude of Old Zhangs. Patriarch Zhangmented, "Everyone impersonates Ming Xue; rightly so, he must often transform into others when he''s unupied." Together, they unleashed a fury that turned the battlefield chaotic, theirbined forces a spectacle of divine prowess and cunning, as they faced the onught of gods and immortals. Amidst the chaos, the Hades Blood Patriarchs and Old Zhang transformed magnificently into forms of immortals and undying beings as they charged into the midst of the gods. Despite the prowess of the supreme beings to discern truth from deception, this borate guise still demanded their spiritual focus. "Xiao Zhang, Old Ming, I''ve joined the fray!" Xu Fu, the Grand Alchemist, appeared wielding an iplete divine relic¡ªthe Space-Time Mace¡ªdistorting the fabric of the cosmos and blurring timelines. In an instant, deities bled out, and some were obliterated outright. However, Xu Fu''s entrance was not without its own troubles. His instincts screamed as a radiant disc shed with his Space-Time Mace¡ªa collision with another nascent divine relic. Elsewhere, the most ferocious battle raged around Fang Yuzhu, who was surrounded by phantoms of Transcendental Bamboo, a golden rain of light around her. She challenged the Roaming Ark once again with her divine relic. The Roaming Ark, powered by thebined might of the upants from the Supetive Pce and the Emperor Gouchen Court¡ªboth being entities of unparalleled might¡ªshuddered under the assault. Despite their formidable powers, the arrival of the Cosmic Bracelet still sent shivers through them, as if a dark universe had propelled a barrage of stars directly at them. With a thunderous crash, the Roaming Ark was sent reeling, nearly capsized, dislodging two immortal beings who plummeted from its deck. Their divine forms disintegrated under the brilliant glow of the divine relic; not even a grunt escaped them as both spirit and flesh were scattered by the overwhelming light, obliteratedpletely. "The Roaming Ark can travel anywhere, possess the highest speeds in existence, even trace back through time to smite her!" shouted the two progenitors in fury as they fought desperately. Yet, blood trickled from their noses and mouths during the sh. "How can she be so powerful, almost rivaling that madman, standing at his level?!" they muttered incredulously. Meanwhile, the Feathered Banner flickered in and out of visibility within the Great Barrier. Further in the distant outer reaches, a seemingly sane figure with the Worldly Sword approached. His gaze was ice-cold, his aura ferocious enough to drown an entire Great Barrier in blood. Subduing his raging aura, he advanced silently, a lone figure with a sword moving toward the fiercely contested barrier. ¡­¡­ But the magnificence of the battle was not sensed by mortals, while mythical beings could feel the turmoil. Under a crescent moon, atop a deste mountain scattered with rubble and overgrown grass, Jiang Qingyao stood solemnly beside the Life Essence Furnace, her celestial sword slung across her back. She gazed into the depths of the starry sky, her voice carrying a weight of resignation, ¡°It¡¯s indeed elerating. Probably only a few weeks left now. The age of myth is ending, to fade into eternal silence.¡± Wang Xuan''s eyes snapped open upon hearing her words. The end was drawing near more swiftly than expected. Thest time he had heard, there were about three months remaining¡ªnearly a hundred days. Now, ording to the Celestial Sword Maiden''s estimation, only forty to fifty days were left. A month and a half for the supernatural to recede so rapidly, leaving no room for anyone to adapt. All previous predictions had failed; no one had anticipated such a terrifying copse of the celestial path, catching everyone off guard. ¡°How are you?¡± The younger Qingyao approached, peering at Wang Xuan¡¯s patchily rejuvenated skin with a hint of distaste. ¡°Are you a snake or something? Every time I see youing out of seclusion, you''re shedding skin!¡± ¡°Stage thirteenplete,¡± Wang Xuan replied with a frown. ¡°But my attempt to break into the Free Roaming realm was blocked, oddly, by my new primordial spirit.¡± This oue was indeed beyond his expectations. A being who had breached the limits, one beyond the tenth stage, should be able to step into the Free Roaming realm effortlessly. Yet, deep within him, the three points of his primordial spirit, flesh, and innerndscape vibrated intensely, unleashing a force far surpassing the external manifestations of his spirit, flesh, and inner realm. "What¡¯s going on?" Wang Xuan mused, frustration evident in his voice. "This dormant point is stronger than the thirteenth stage of my primordial spirit and flesh, yet it won¡¯t transform and is even blocking my path." "See, I told you, you¡¯re on the wrong track!" the younger Qingyao teased, yfully rming him again. "It might not be a bad thing," Jiang Qingyao interjected, her tone serious and thoughtful. "With your qualifications at the eleventh stage, stepping into the Free Roaming realm ces you among the rare few in this mythic era. After all, this world has never seen a twelfth stage, and here you are at aplete thirteenth." Such a im, if ever spoken aloud, would surely be scoffed at by gods and immortals alike as unbelievable and utterly irrational. "The path you¡¯re on, see where these three points of light will ultimately take you," the Celestial Sword Maiden advised. "The Life Essence Furnace has revived your depleted primordial spirit, flesh, and innerndscape twice already. I doubt it would do so a third time; it can¡¯t always defymon sense." The younger Qingyao widened her eyes. "Does that mean the thirteenth stage isn¡¯t his limit? What exactly will these three points of light transform into?" Jiang Qingyao considered her words carefully. "Based on what you¡¯ve said, these three points have umted a dense origin force from the spiritual blood pool, along with other potent essences. Could this be your true self¡¯s subconscious preparation for the terrifying supercelestial winter? Or perhaps, are these points gathering the final essence, preparing for a true rebirth?" The seriousness of the situation dawned on the younger Qingyao. "The great trend is irreversible. Your external primordial spirit, flesh, and innerndscape might be the sacrificial elements, adapting to this unique era. They will decay, but those three points of light are already preparing for new life." Both Jiang Qingyao and the younger Qingyao''s eyes widened with realization. "Could it be that they''re adapting to a unique era, meant to emerge in such a stringent environment, and then, after the eternal night falls, you might continue to cultivate, possessing powers beyond the ordinary?" Wang Xuan was not overly optimistic but pondered the situation seriously. Then, he felt the aftershocks of supercelestial resonance still vibrating around him, a testament to the intensity and cruelty of the battle that must be raging to cause such continued shing of supreme treasures. "I wonder if the spiritual blood pool would be useful for the Shadow Couple, Fairy Fang, Old Zhang, the Demon Lord, and Lord Ming Xue," he pondered, considering the potential of those others to benefit from such a trial. Chapter 508: The Demon Lord Is Your Little Darling? Chapter 508: The Demon Lord Is Your Little Darling? Early morning found Wang Xuan and the two Celestial Sword Maidens in An City,ing upon the ghastly sight of Qing Mu, hisplexion ashen. Uponying eyes on Wang Xuan, Qing Mu stared intently, his silent gaze asking a clear question: "Was it you who caused the shock?" "Have you be a mortal again?" Wang Xuan, unfazed and ustomed to the sight, chuckled. "No worries, I¡¯ll patch things up soon." The immediate task was to contact the Immortal Lands to check on the status of the great masters and figure out how best to distribute the Spirit Blood Pool. "Old Zhang, why do you look so¡­ Frail?" Wang Xuan queried as he established contact with the depths of the universe. Old Zhang was the first to appear on the screen, looking utterly depleted. "My main body was mobbed in the Great Barrier, and what''s with that informal address, kid?" Patriarch Zhang grumbled, clearly irked, having been relentlessly pursued by a horde of supremes. Only his formidable strength had saved him from death. "I¡¯ve discovered a Spirit Blood Pool. Do you need it?" Wang Xuan cut straight to the point, avoiding any risk of signal interruption. "Of course, it might not mean much to Little Zhang, but for me, it¡¯s a godsend!" Lord Ming Blood joined the conversation, his tired eyes lighting up. "It would be useful for me too. It won''t elevate me to Supra Celestial, but it can definitely restore my vitality and deepen my spiritual foundation. It''s a treasure. How did youe across it?" Old Zhang perked up.Wang Xuan was straightforward. "Do you want me to send some over, or can your main bodies return? The Spirit Blood Pool is in Mount Zhou, discovered by Immortal Qingyao." "We¡¯re tied up with battles on this side, can¡¯t return just yet," Old Zhang replied. "Patriarch Zhang, it''s a pity if you can''t make it back. I''ve found remnants of the Curtain Sky Mirror right next to the Spirit Blood Pool," Wang Xuan added tantalizingly. "What?" Old Zhang¡¯s lethargy vanished, reced by intense focus. He shoved Lord Ming Blood aside to dominate the screen. Wang Xuan continued, "It¡¯s in the hands of a Supra Celestial spirit remnant, a female. But I reckon you won¡¯t stand a chance against her unless you''re willing to devote five hundred years to convert her past lives, impress her, or maybe just marry her." "Old Zhang, that could work. The main part of the Curtain Sky Mirror,bined with your fragments, might be restored. You¡¯d score big¡ªa Supra Celestial spouse plus a supreme treasure. Not bad!" Lord Ming Blood chuckled. Old Zhang, frustrated, threw a mirror shard at him, barking for him to keep out of it. His expression shifted between hope and resignation. "A Supra Celestial with a shattered supreme treasure... I really can¡¯t tackle her right now. I''ll have to wait until things settle down here." "What about the Demon Lord and Immortal Fang?" Wang Xuan inquired. "The Demon Lord has been injured, affecting her mortal form as well. She''s currently recuperating; the Immortal Umbre isn''t so easily refined," replied a clone of Xu Fu, bringing him up to speed. As for Fang Yuzhu, she was resting, gathering strength, as her physical body might soon need to enter the Great Barrier. Last night, she had single-handedly faced off against the two ancestral supremes and a host of deities, then suddenly hurled her bracelet towards the extremity of the Great Barrier, unleashing a towering sword light that shocked everyone present. The madman appeared briefly before vanishing, causing the battle toe to an abrupt halt. ¡­¡­ Qing Mu, Chen Yongjie, Liu Huai''an, and Qin Cheng all arrived, while Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, Guan Lin, and Little Fox Fairy were in another room, each applying a glowing red liquid to their bodies. It was absorbed instantly, dramatically boosting their spiritual power. This supreme marvel naturally had an astonishing effect on them, but Chen Yongjie and Liu Huai''an encountered a major problem. After advancing to the eighth stage, they were blocked by an invisible pressure. Currently, this is the limit for supernaturals in the mortal realm! Even the avatars of the ultimate masters had some fall to the Sauntering Realm, let alone others. Being able to stand firm at the eighth stage was already formidable. The excess red liquid was absorbed by their spirits and flesh, temporarily lying dormant and stored, unable to be fully activated. "Unless I break the shackles and obtain the foundation to surpass the limit, this is as far as I go," Chen Yongjie realized. Qing Mu saw the best results, immediately returning to the supernatural realm, for his small green sprout, watered by such a priceless wonder, instantly revived. In short, the worse the foundation, the easier it is to repair! "Are you really going back to the depths of the cosmos?" Wu Yin was quite worried, thinking it too risky as she had witnessed the great battle of gods in the great barrier herself. "I have to go." Wang Xuan said helplessly, originally wanting to find a ce to hide, but it turned out that side really needed the spirit blood pool, so naturally, he had to make the trip. "Brother Wang, be careful not to get thrashed by the Monster Lord!" Transcendent Ma poked his big head in, although he hadn''t partaken in the immortal banquet, he was aware of what happened. He was regretful, sulking all night, but now he was content, having quickly transformed from Ma Two to Ma Three and still advancing. Bear Two nodded along, the mechanical little bear also quickly advancing to Bear Three. Wang Xuanughed, saying, "If you think that way, life is too boring. For a peerless master like her, what are those things? They neither prolong life nor help her through the cosmic winter of mythical extinction; they''re just external, useless objects." "If it were just about hostility and looting, there are plenty of peerless caves in thend of immortal paths to choose from." "Monster Lord surely doesn¡¯t care about those external things; they mean nothing to her, but because the Celestial Sword Maiden raided her ce and you also yed the aplice, that¡¯s why she¡¯s angry," Chen Yongjieughed, thinking that Wang Xuan was bound to be severely beaten once he went there. "What''s the big deal? We just need a bigger picture. She once stole sword scriptures left by the ancestor of the Celestial Sword Maiden lineage and even targeted my inner realm. Now that she''s been counter-raided, isn''t that fair? Friends do this kind of ''give and take'' to close the distance and resolve any misunderstandings. Consider this: the Celestial Sword Maiden discovered an invaluable spirit blood pool and sent it deep into the cosmos. With another round of ''give and take'', do you think they would still draw swords upon meeting each other?" Wang Xuan said, not bothered in the slightest. Even if the Monster Lord wanted to thrash him, since only her avatar was acting, he felt he could counter-suppress her. It''s better to settle scores sooner rather thanter, especially now that in the human realm, she couldn''t touch him. "Think bigger, so many interesting things happen. Howe when they get to you, they almost turn into a scene of a horrific crime?" Wang Xuan reassured Transcendent Ma not to worry. Undoubtedly, this was another feast, avish banquet. After a baptism of spiritual treasure blood, everyone was brimming with vigor. Sea god ms, dragon jerky, and phoenix marrow were served, finally satisfying Transcendent Ma, who had missed out before. "Are you guys heading back to Nova?" Wang Xuan asked Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, offering to escort them. Zhao Qinghan replied, "I want to go to a new that''s isted from the outside, a habitable we discovered ten years ago. It''s very likely my father went there." She believed that with the mythological aftermath settling, there might be one final upheaval; it was better to stay away from Old Earth and Nova. Wu Yin added, "I''ll go with Zhao Zhao. That ce has never been a superhuman, no mythological tales, so it should be safe." Wang Xuan nodded and then turned to the others, suggesting, "Old Chen, why don''t you... take Sister Guan with you as well, and Qing Mu and Elder Liu, plus, Qin Cheng, you might as well go too!" He feared trouble and preferred that his close ones stay far during these final days. He was certain that thest stage of the Supernatural Silence would not be calm. Even he was considering escaping to the depths of the cosmos, naturally worried about his friends and family. For a moment, the group was lost in thought, but then they nodded without hesitation, agreeing to Wang Xuan''s suggestion. Being hispanions, they were well aware of the many dangers he faced; he could battle dragons and y gods in the mortal realm. Getting caught up in such vortexes meant risking total annihtion for outsiders. They understood that Wang Xuan was concerned for their safety, fearing they might get caught in potentially catastrophic turmoil. He was urging them to seek refuge. "What? I have to stay behind too? No way!" The little Celestial Sword Maiden bristled upon learning she was to be sent to an unknown, voicing her discontent immediately. "Be good, I¡¯ll leave you plenty of spiritual treasure blood. No matter how much the world shakes, you shouldn¡¯t lose much of your cultivation," Wang Xuan tried to soothe her. "Take that back! I¡¯m a Celestial Sword Maiden, do you really think I¡¯m a child?" The younger Qingyao retorted, tapping him with her sword hilt. "You sure look like one," Wang Xuan chuckled. "Ah..." She began iling about in protest. It was only when Jiang Qingyao stepped in that she calmed down, exining that they needed to separate to avoid the risk of both being caught in the same disaster, providing a chance for resurrection if one were to fall. In fact, Wang Xuan hadn¡¯t wanted to bring the Celestial Sword Maiden at all. He had wanted her to hide, to stay away from the Undying Realm and avoid any entanglement with those supremely powerful relics. Jiang Qingyao shook her head, saying, "In my current state, I can help you. Together, we can wield the treasure and ughter our enemies, preventing you from having to venture alone into the depths of the cosmos." Eventually, the group set off. Their first stop was a primitive life-bearing,rgely undeveloped, where Zhao Qinghan¡¯s family had established a base. Unfortunately, her father and the others were not there but had moved on to even more distant regions. "Take care, I''m off!" Wang Xuan bid farewell to everyone. Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, Qin Cheng, and others waved him off as he boarded his spaceship. "May the wind blow gently..." Transcendent Ma, who had been reading earnestly in the human realm, attempted to recite a farewell poem but was promptly ¡®beaten¡¯ by the others for his effort. Even the little fox fairy couldn''t help but scratch her face in frustration. "Patriarch, the mortal realm is your domain!" Ma Chaofan cried out,pelled to change his plea. The silver spaceship soared into the cosmos, with "Bear Three" as its steadfastpanion, piloting the vessel toward the immortalnds. In the ensuing days, familiar with the route, they traversed the universe, navigating through numerous wormholes. After many days of travel, they finally returned to their destination. Upon arrival, they smoothly located the spaceship of the four grand masters. Not only were Fang Yuzhu, Old Zhang, the Demon Lord, and Ming Xue present in their earthly forms, but the enigmatic shadow couple was also there. Meeting them again, Wang Xuan couldn''t contain his excitement and disregarded the Demon Lord¡¯s lethal re, heading straight for the shadow couple. "Humph..." The Demon Lord, Yan Yan, stepped forward with determination, intent on capturing Wang Xuan and settling scores with a preemptive attack. However, Wang Xuan''s body emitted a radiant glow, and ripples spread across his skin. Even the formidable Demon Lord, in her human guise, could not unsettle him. With swift precision, Wang Xuan grabbed her wrist, seizing her snow-white arm and swiftly reversing the hold. During this altercation, the Demon Lord''s aura burst forth in scarlet mists and thunderbolts, her spells unleashed in desperation. Yet, they were futile, all suppressed by the subtle luminescence emanating from Wang Xuan. With a decisive motion, he twisted the Demon Lord''s hands behind her back, effectively binding her and immobilizing herpletely. The scene left not only the Demon Lord herself but also Old Zhang and Patriarch Ming Xue utterly shocked. What was unfolding before them? "Let go!" The male of the shadow couple was the first to speak, his voice tinged with distress, clearly very protective and affectionate towards Yan Yan, the Demon Lord. "Both of you," Wang Xuan addressed them directly, "I need to ask, is the Demon Lord Yan Yan your beloved miscreant? Then, what am I to you?" Wang Xuan had long harbored these questions, and today, he finally found the moment to voice them. Chapter 509: Are We Actually Related By Blood? Chapter 509: Are We Actually Rted By Blood? ¡°You¡¯re an ident,¡± the female shadow spoke softly, her tone both gentle and calm. Zhang Daoling¡¯s ears twitched slightly; he activated his divine hearing, fearful that the couple might shield the conversation, preventing him from uncovering any astonishing secrets. Meanwhile, Demon Lord Yan Yan struggled against Wang Xuan¡¯s grip, pinned firmly to the spaceship''s bar. Irritated that she couldn¡¯t overpower him, her lithe body writhed, her crimson gown glowing, arms and legs adorned with glowing runes, persistently resisting. However, it was in vain; she couldn''t escape his hold. She quieted down, no longer struggling as intensely, listening intently because her supposed mother''s tone suggested a major revtion was imminent. Could this really be her brother? If so, she felt an even stronger urge to thrash him! Previously, this young man had dared to ask her to perform the enchantress dance, and now he was overpowering her! Wang Xuan was equally taken aback by the closeness in her voice, feeling an unexpected leap in his heart. The atmosphere aboard the spaceship was charged. Aside from Fang Yuzhu¡¯sposed demeanor, everyone disyed unusual expressions. Hades Blood Patriarch was grinning broadly, relishing the unfolding drama. Celestial Sword Maiden turned her head, visibly intrigued. "Let go!" the Demon Lord finally snapped, unable to tolerate being subdued publicly by Wang Xuan any longer. "Quiet," Wang Xuan chided, patting her back lightly. "Wang Xuan!" the male shadow called out, his tone implying that Wang should ease his grip, for he himself had never dared to strike her. The female shadow gently patted the male''s arm and said, "We should be fair." Both were resonating with spiritual energy, their physical forms absent from the scene.Her words left Wang Xuan bewildered; this wasn¡¯t what he expected. Was he really their kin? Then he might also be a... ¡°Celestial,¡± with parents of supreme power? Old Zhang, his curiosity ame, loosened two buttons on his white shirt, his usually dignified demeanor now slightly lessposed. "Wow, a hidden gem!" Hades Blood Patriarch eximed unabashedly. He was promptly chastised, as the shadow couple''s formidable presence unleashed a thunderous st beside his ear and enchanting sounds echoed in his head, turning his face ghostly pale. "He¡¯s really my brother?" Demon Lord Yan Yan gasped in astonishment. After nearly three thousand years, could her parents have borne her a younger brother? She was dumbstruck! The Celestial Sword Maiden, bathed in the cheerful light of spring, crouched down to get closer to the Demon Lord, shing her an increasingly radiant smile, thoroughly enjoying herself without saying a word. However, the implication was clear¡ªyour brother is helping me, and right now, he¡¯s got you subdued. ¡°Child, is this the new Celestial Sword Maiden you¡¯ve befriended?¡± asked the female shadow. ¡°Hmm, this youngdy is not bad, extraordinarily talented. I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s the foremost in recent ancient immortal paths.¡± She quickly added, ¡°But don¡¯t upset my daughter, please.¡± Jiang Qingyaoughed and said, ¡°Oh no, I was just greeting her. The Demon Lord is really lucky, to have practiced for two to three thousand years with her parents by her side. Ah, she can stay forever young.¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s truly unique in the realm of immortals,¡± chimed Hades Blood Patriarch with a smirk. ¡°To see one¡¯s parents after three thousand years, I¡¯m envious!¡± The Demon Lord¡¯s expression darkened as she red at Celestial Sword Maiden. ¡°Little girl, are you looking for trouble? Who are you saying hasn¡¯t grown up? I¡¯ve battled for many years, dominating the immortal realms and uniting the demon ns¡­¡± ¡°Yet, in the end, you were still defeated by your smelly little brother,¡± Celestial Sword Maiden said with a smile. Wang Xuan, feeling uncertain and emotionally tumultuous, finally released Demon Lord Yan Yan, overwhelmed by the day¡¯s surprises. Demon Lord Yan Yan restrained herself and did not retaliate. Typically radiant and peerless, she found herself in a rare state of disarray and passivity today, unable to calm her emotions. ¡°The surprise I mentioned isn¡¯t about you gaining a younger brother,¡± said the female shadow with a smile, looking at the Demon Lord. Wang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. These probably weren¡¯t his parents, thankfully keeping his life from taking an extraordinary detour. Old Zhang was notably disappointed; he had been ready to enjoy the drama. If they were indeed siblings, the notion of the elderly couple having a childte in life would have been quite intriguing. The Hades Blood Patriarch, too, was disheartened, for his love of chaos knew no bounds; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have blurted out earlier about the hidden treasure. Fang Yuzhu remainedposed; she understood the situation well. The male shadow continued, "What we mean to say is, the path he has taken and the state he has reached were beyond our expectations. We truly did not set this journey for him; everything has been natural. Up to now, he has forged his own path, which is genuinely surprising." "Where are my parents?" Wang Xuan asked, sensing that his earlier guess was correct¡ªthese two were likely linked to his parents. "They are traveling, vacationing on a beautiful and peaceful," the shadow couple reassured him. "Don¡¯t worry, they are safe. The measures we''ve left in ce are more than sufficient." They then shared some of their experiences, confirming without a doubt that they were the Demon Lord''s parents¡ªone, a mighty sorcerer who oncemanded the thunder, and the other, a twelve-tailed white fox. Indeed, the Demon Lord¡¯s clues were urate. They had journeyed back to the mortal realm via the higher spiritual realms, ultimately returning to the oldnds. However, their journey was fraught with hardships. The couple practiced cultivation as they traveled, a journey thatsted nearly three thousand years, during which they faced numerous perils and unexpected challenges. Such a homing was perilous, with the potential to be lost at any turn. Along the way, they also encountered the Demon Emperor, the strongest of the demonic cultivators¡¯ lineage, who was walking the same path. He was one of the ancient emperors from thest days of antiquity, the only one remaining. A fierce conflict erupted between them, leading to a battle to the death. The Demon Emperor was in by the couple, who then acquired his various scriptures, including the Spirit Coffin Grand Technique. The couple spent years contemting these teachings from the Alchemist, Demonic, and Demonic Cultivators, eventually ascending to transcendental realms. But this journey was perilous. As they traveled, people could simply vanish without a trace, leaving them utterly exhausted and barely surviving the return. After their harrowing return, they could not find the true bones they had left behind after transcending the ordeal. Ultimately, they resorted to a modified version of the Spiritual Coffin Method, settling in the mortal realm, living within the minds of individuals naturally endowed with strong spiritual power. They spent most of their time in hibernation, resting. Wang Xuan¡¯s parents were the individuals they chose. "Rest assured, their physical health is intact, and living a hundred years is easily within their reach. We''ve improved the Spiritual Coffin Method so it nourishes its hosts, allowing for symbiosis rather than merely serving as our spiritual dwelling," the shadow couple emphasized to ease Wang Xuan''s concerns. When they first went to sleep, Wang Xuan¡¯s parents had just married. When they awoke, they discovered that Wang Xuan was already over five years old. The shadow couple felt Wang Xuan was suitable for cultivation and eventually couldn''t resistmunicating with their hosts. However, after the initial shock, Wang Xuan¡¯s parents did not consent, choosing to let nature take its course without interference in their son''s natural development. Ultimately, Wang Xuan¡¯s parents were apprehensive, skeptical of these supernatural urrences, living as they were in a modern technological society. Yet, to everyone''s surprise, Wang Xuan still embarked on this path and had even developed his Inner Scenery during his mortal days, unnoticed by the shadow couple. It was unexpectedly "off-script," and by the time they realized, he was already on his way. Had it not been for the appearance of the evil dragon, they might not have intervened at all. "We are mostly hibernating and do not interfere with your parents'' lives, only asionally waking up and taking some of their time. For example, when they asionally left you to vacation, they were assisting us, like searching for the semi-mature artifact that would be the Celestial Bracelet, and looking for Old Covenant relics," the shadow couple exined. "Of course, the advice to not dive into the supernatural sea, and the cautions to Fang Yuzhu to temper her aggressiveness were partly our words and partly your parents'' own advice. After epting us, they, too, had their share of extraordinary experiences," the Demon Lord''s parents concluded their exnation. The Demon Lord couldn''t help herself. She sent a private message to her parents, asking, ¡°Did you give the Celestial Bracelet to Fang Yuzhu as a trade, hoping she would help me retrieve the Immortal Umbre because you know my weapon is an umbre and you think the Immortal Umbre suits me better? And are you also trying to match her with Wang Xuan?¡± Her parents responded privately. ¡°Actually, we¡¯ve grown quite fond of Wang Xuan, especially after learning how he forged his own path and opened his special Inner Scenery during his mortal days; we took even greater interest. Indeed, when we realized you''ve been single all this time beyond the Great Veil, we did think... perhaps pairing you with him as a foster groom wouldn¡¯t be so bad, to properly...¡± Suddenly, the Demon Lord, pulling her parents along, dashed into another cabin and set up a barrier topletely iste themselves. They feared being overheard by the likes of Old Zhang, whose ears twitched at every sound. It was too shocking that her parents would even suggest such a thing! ¡°Elders, I have many more questions, let''s clear things up before you go!¡± Wang Xuan called out. Then, turning to Fang Yuzhu, he said, ¡°Sister Yuzhu...¡± ¡°I''m preparing my mortal body to enter the Great Barrier; I need to meditate and adjust. You guys continue,¡± she said as she entered her own room. ¡°I¡¯m so disappointed, why stop there?¡± Jiang Qingyao really wanted to hear more. ¡°Ask me,¡± said the Demon Lord''s mother with a mischievous grin. ¡°Having lived long enough, I can guess and know some things.¡± ¡°Did I hear right that the Demon Lord¡¯s father was once reprimanded by Sister Fang when he was in the mortal realm?¡± Old Zhang''s curiosity was ame. ¡°Yes,¡± nodded the Blood Demon Lord, adding, ¡°And the Demon Lord¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t beat Sister Fang either.¡± Then, they hurriedly set up a barrier around their area to prevent any overhearing and potential confrontations with the involved parties. Wang Xuan looked intrigued. Sister Fang had defeated and disciplined the Demon Lord''s parents? Old Zhang and the Blood Demon Lord seemed to know what Wang Xuan was concerned about. ¡°Sister Fang wasn¡¯t always as serene and dignified as she is now; she used to be very active and unrestrained. She was once on sisterly terms with the Demon Lord, and on equal footing with that couple... their opposition was ineffective,¡± they shared. ¡°Why put it so delicately? I heard that the Demon Lord¡¯s parents were severely dealt with by Fang Yuzhu, and now, finding an opportunity¡­¡± Chapter 510: Dawn Of The Transcendence Chapter 510: Dawn Of The Transcendence "So, they really have a twisted sense of revenge, wanting her as a daughter-inw," Old Zhangmented with a mix of amusement and disbelief. "That just brings everyone together, doesn''t it? About who can establish a new pact, Sister Fang once made some vows, and that couple just went with the flow. By the way, Old Zhang, what vows did you make back in the day?" the Hades Blood Patriarch asked. "I was a neer; I missed that time. When it came to making vows, I just winged it," Old Zhang admitted. "Newbie Little Zhang, I forgot about that part," the Hades Blood Patriarch nodded. "You looking to start something?" Old Zhang wasn¡¯t old by their standards, just over two thousand years, but his prowess was profound, marking him as a formidable figure. Of course, being "young" is rtive, depending on whom youpare. Wang Xuan looked intrigued. Were his "parents" really trying to use the bracelet as a sort of "betrothal gift"? Regarding the origins of the shadow couple, it mostly aligned with Wang Xuan¡¯s initial guesses, but he hadn¡¯t expected that they would have killed the Demon Emperor, whose poor fourth sessor was still awaiting his return. Old Zhang sighed, "It really is keeping it all in the family. Trading the Celestial Bracelet for an Immortal Umbre and then not letting the bracelet go either, that¡¯s a good deal.""What are you all discussing? Give me the details," Celestial Sword Maiden joined in, curious. "Eh, little girl, has your true form returned?" the Hades Blood Patriarch eximed in surprise. Old Zhang scrutinized the Celestial Sword Maiden. Using his Celestial Eye, he saw her true condition¡ªher main body from the Great Veil had returned, and her strength was immense. Now, even powerful beings like them had their earthly incarnations fall to the first level of the Exalted Realm. Apart from those beyond the extraordinary, no one was an exception. Some supreme beings fared even worse, plummeting to the mortal realm of this great boundary. However, Jiang Qingyao was now in thete stages of the fourth level of the Exalted Realm, only her undamaged main body could bear it and maintain such spiritual attainment! During thest great battle, a divine artifact had torn open the great barrier, and supreme deities had entered the realm of immortality, their main bodies around the fourth stage. "How did you manage to return?" Old Zhang asked. "The core of the Celestial Mirror was there in the Spirit Blood Pool. Its light cleaved through the heavens and the earth, and I seized the moment to escape," Celestial Sword Maiden responded calmly. "A broken relic can open the great veil?" Old Zhang expressed his doubt. "It should be possible. By now, the great barrier is decayed. Besides, the Celestial Mirror was once among the mightiest of divine relics, arguably no less powerful than the Daoist Banner," the Hades Blood Patriarch exined. It was muchter when the Demon Lord finally emerged alongside her parents, her expression unreadable when she saw Wang Xuan again. Internally, she was tumultuous. Her parents'' words had caused her spirit to re up drastically not long ago. The idea of being betrothed as a child bride¡ªsuch ferocious terms¡ªwere utterly beyond her expectations. This was far more shocking than the idea of her parents having a childte in life, giving her a younger brother. What were her elderly parents thinking? Still, the dignity of a supremely powerful individual must be maintained, especially when dealing with a couple, so Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch were particrly amiable, choosing not to provoke any further. "This is the treasure Jiang Qingyao discovered in Mount Zhou and brought back from the Spirit Blood Pool. She crossed the cosmos to deliver it here for everyone," Wang Xuan said as he produced severalrge copper cauldrons filled with radiant red liquid that illuminated the entire spaceship. The Demon Lord recognized the cauldrons; they were ancient artifacts from herir, used by the previous Demon Emperor to store wine and received as tributary items from others. She looked displeased again, her gaze lingering on Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao, but ultimately, the liquid in the bronze vessels drew her attention. Currently wounded, she couldn''t deny herself such a potent remedy. "Such a fine gift, little Celestial Sword Maiden, much appreciated," the Hades Blood Patriarch warmly thanked her. "Thank you, I won''t stand on ceremony then," Old Zhang also expressed his gratitude, remembering this favor. "This is the essence of blood from a higher realm, quite remarkable. If one could find the original essence of the highest spiritual realm, that would be truly against the heavens, likely inducing a dramatic transformation," the shadow couplemented. They then pulled Wang Xuan aside for a private conversation, which, though extensive, mostly aligned with his earlier spections and wasn''t too "far-fetched." Soon, the spaceship quieted down, each cabin bathed in red glow and vibrating with powerful spiritual energies. As for Wang Xuan, he was busy dealing with a mechanical bird, seizing the chance to pluck its feathers one by one, contemting feeding it to a mechanical bear. "Hades Blood Patriarch, save me! I''ve been adopted by you, Blood Demon Father, help me!" the shameless mechanical creature cried out in terror. The primordial power from the Spirit Blood Pool proved effective for the supreme masters, bolstering their foundations. The Demon Lord''s injuries healed, and she prepared to reciprocate to her main body within the great barrier. Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch, revitalized, were brimming with martial spirit, their resonance with their main selves palpable, as if they couldn''t wait to exact revenge. Fang Yuzhu remained silent but was evidently ready; her perfect human form poised to merge into the great barrier¡ªa risky endeavor, yet it highlighted her confidence in oveing any crisis or foe amidst the chaos of gods and supreme wars. The shadow couple spoke up, informing Wang Xuan of the grave situation. "Fang Yuzhu is under pressure now, especially since that madman has appeared!" they revealed. "It is said that the Sword Madman might have taken his earthly body to the Celestial Realm to merge with his prime spirit, which is why he''s be invincible, hardly finding any resistance." Wang Xuan frowned. He had witnessed the madman''s prowess firsthand, his vital energy piercing the heavens, his mere presence dyeing the Celestial Realm red¡ªan effortless disy of his terrifying nature. To him, cleaving stars and capturing moons were trivial feats. More daunting still was his refinement of the Mortal Sword in ancient times, left to roam freely outside. "We''ve long suspected that the Roaming Ark and the Metamorphosis Banner might have once fallen into his hands for a time, though sometimes we think perhaps we''re overthinking it," the Demon Lord¡¯s mother remarked. The Demon Lord''s father added, "No matter what, now it''s crucial to deal with this madman, to avoid his relentless pursuits. His past is questionable, all his contemporaries are gone, leaving only him to reap the benefits¡ªthat''s truly the most terrifying aspect." The previously light atmosphere was gone, reced by an air of grim determination aboard the ship. The next day, the Celestial Bracelet cleaved open the veil, and Fang Yuzhu''s wless body personally entered. The Demon Lord, Old Zhang, and the Hades Blood Patriarch resonated with their main selves, capitalizing on the cosmic fissure to draw from the Spirit Blood Pool. "Another great battle is about tomence. Could this be the final one?" Wang Xuan mused, his expression tense and serious. He and the Celestial Sword Maiden didn''t leave. If the situation turned dire, he was ready to deploy the Life-Preserving Furnace. "It''s very likely thest battle. The age of myths will rapidly conclude, bringing about the twilight of gods and immortals," the shadow couple said, having managed to crack open the great barrier themselves since acquiring the Old Covenant Vessel. All around, a fearsome aura churned through space. On the celestial bodies of the Immortal Lands, leaves fluttered prematurely, not yet deep autumn, yet everything was already wilting, sensing the impending dreadful mythological winter. "Will the quake this time knock many back into their mortal forms?" Wang Xuan pondered the fates of cultivators as the end of the supernatural era approached. Some would be utterly cast down, never to ascend again. Old Zhang spoke gravely, "It''s perhaps for the best, a deliberate thinning. Repeated upheavals reduce the celestial ranks gradually. Otherwise, a brutal final shake at the very end would kill many supernaturals outright." Without these gradual shocks, the sudden silence of myth could disastrously disrupt many, causing their supernatural essence to violently rupture, their realms to copse in agony. The Hades Blood Patriarch added, "Even so, some will die, but it¡¯s far better than concentrating all quakes into one apocalyptic moment, experiencing a world-shattering catastrophe." The situation was more dire than Wang Xuan had imagined; the end of the supernatural might also herald widespread death. "From this perspective, the death of gods and annihtion of immortals, the vanishing of deities into the ether¡ªis this the harsh final chapter the cosmos dictates?" Wang Xuan''s heart was heavy. Originally, it was thought there was over a month left of myth. But if a supreme battle erupted now, everything could conclude in mere days. Brilliance would fade, an eternal winter night would cover the supernatural sky, and the tide would recede faster and more fiercely than expected, always surpassing predictions, always arriving sooner than calcted. Thud! The great barrier was breached, and the ultimate battle erupted. The Roaming Ark surged against the heavens, retracing time, reversing yin and yang in a terrifying disy. Was it tracing back through history? The two great ancestors from the Supreme Pce and Hook Chen Emperor¡¯s Pce seemed to be driving it towards ancient times. "Can it truly trace back through time tomit murder?!" Wang Xuan was incredulous. The target wasn''t Fang Yuzhu in a reversal of ancient times, but the madman, Shang Yi! The Roaming Ark, worthy of its name as a supreme treasure, tore through the sky of history. But Shang Yi was terrifying. Forced to reveal his true form, he wielded the Sword of the Mortal World, his aura flooding much of the great barrier. With a single sweep of his sword, he split the heavens and earth. His sword light was dazzling, illuminating the cosmic barrier of that moment, severing the sky of history, and blocking the path of the Roaming Ark. Thud! The cosmos split open, the great barrier shattered into pieces, fissures everywhere¡ª a horrifying sight. With the Sword of the Mortal World, Shang Yi resisted the Roaming Ark, sending it spiraling away. Even the two great ancestors, supreme beings themselves, were left coughing blood, nearly falling from the boat. Then, Fang Yuzhu appeared. Her wless earthly body had entered the great barrier and perfectly merged with her other self. Beneath her feet shimmered a light rain, and around her, a golden bamboo forest illusion. She stepped through the sky of history, as ifing from an unknown era, approaching the madman with the Sword of the Mortal World. "The age of myths is truly ending, the twilight of the supernaturals has arrived, everything is withering," Wang Xuan spoke, his voice tight. At this moment, he too was exceedingly tense, holding his breath, his heartbeat thunderous in his ears. In the great barrier, majestic mountains dimmed, boundless beauty blurred, gods trembled, and many cried out, fleeing the great barrier through the tears ripped by the treasure. "I feel like I can hear the breath of the cosmos, the funeral hymns of gods and immortals, see the vague footsteps pressing closer¡ªare they the steps of death?" Wang Xuan realized that everything seemed both real and illusionary, his senses and intuition thrown into disarray. Chapter 511: Collapse Of The Great Barrier Chapter 511: Copse Of The Great Barrier Was it an illusion? He thought he heard footsteps. In this twilight of the gods, such abnormal sensations deeply unsettled him. The heavens shattered, and the great barrier tore open. Fang Yuzhu shed fiercely with the ancient madman, surrounded by a misty light rain as meteor after meteor crashed down around them. The two figures broke through the divinends, shing their treasures against each other. Fang Yuzhu, usually so dignified and calm, now fought like the mightiest of war celestials. Her Moonslice Bracelet shed thousands of times against the madman''s Mortal Sword, sparking not mere sparks, but fragments of the highest rules. Striking the heavens, they sliced down stars; striking the earth, they crumbled divine soils; hitting the barrier, they invalidated ancient pacts and tore open rifts. Time rewound. The two supreme elders from the Supetive Pce and the Gouchen Imperial Pce, Zhen Chao and Gou Chen, once again propelled the Roaming Ark in their pursuit to trace history and strike down the madman, Shang Yi. The prowess of any celestial treasure was terrifying. The Roaming Ark, seemingly just a conveyance, now seemed more dreadful than any weapon of war, rekindling the light of ancient times. ¡°Is that...?¡± Even Zhang Daoling was shaken. The Blood God Ape and the Demon Monarch''s expressions drastically changed. Having endured the twilight of the ancient era themselves, they glimpsed vague scenes of massacres, conspiracies, and bloodshed within that retraced ancient light. ¡°Not fully clear, but this madman is certainly no ordinary figure. In those blurred visions, were the ancient emperors striking down ''the first man''? As the ancient era declined and the emperors vanished, was he somehow involved?¡± ¡°Or is it because he is the sole survivor of those times, he can thus reflect all those ancient scenes?¡±Zhen Chao and Gou Chen, both of the transcendent realm, piloted the Roaming Ark together to trace and hopefully end the swordsman madman. Many were surprised that these two, who had been fighting to the death with Fang Yuzhu, now allied with her against this ancient madman. The madman was terrifying. High in the sky, wielding the Mortal Sword with great sweeps, he struck at Fang Yuzhu and her bracelet, releasing bursts of supreme rules that made nearby stars tremble and explode. Facing the time-reversing Roaming Ark, he showed no concern. His pupils emitted dreadful beams, and he hummed an ancient chant. With a boom, time copsed. The Roaming Ark struggled violently, nearly breaking free from the grasp of the two supreme beings. ¡°It was indeed in your possession, and tampered with.¡± The face of the elder from the Supetive Pce darkened. Had they not been warned by those from the realm of immortals, they might have been unexpectedly killed by this madman in a sudden strike. "Regrettably, human strength has its limit, it''s difficult to fully refine two or three celestial treasures simultaneously," the patriarch of the Chaos Pce grumbled, barely controlling the Roaming Ark amidst his boundless fury. Their second attempt to trace the madman''s past had failed, but undeterred, theyunched a third assault during his monumental battle with Fang Yuzhu. This time, disaster struck. Their vessel was cleaved by the madman''s supreme sword light. The highestws of the cosmos vibrated violently, causing both elders to cough up blood. The sword light, seemingly dodged, had prated their hearts¡ªany who saw the de''s light were as good as struck. For a moment, both felt their spirits falter, their souls nearly torn apart, while the Roaming Ark continued to shudder violently. The ancient madman grunted, forced to retreat, unable to pursue his attack. As Fang Yuzhu''s Moonslice Bracelet swept by, his armor shattered, revealing his left arm. Were it not for his profound strength and cosmic prowess, he would have exploded on the spot. The Mortal Sword, fused with his being, shone brilliantly, conjuring a protective light barrier around his body. With a resounding boom, a lofty and ethereal figure appeared, wielding the Metamorphosing Banner, striking down with celestial might that overturned the Roaming Ark. Had the two great patriarchs not regained their senses in time to erase the sword light from their minds, they would have been swept away by the supreme rules unleashed from the banner. At that critical moment, the Heavenly Dragon arrived, choosing the most opportune moment to intervene, his intentions clear¡ªto seize the Roaming Ark. "It''s you again!" Zhen Chao and Gou Chen''s eyes red with murderous intent, tearing through the void. Old grievances mixed with fresh enmity ignited their fury. Thest time it had been this dragon who had ambushed them and stolen the Metamorphosing Banner. Now he was back for the vessel. "We''ve been waiting for you. Surround him, gods!" The two transcendent beings activated the Roaming Ark''s array, summoning eight of the most powerful deities and immortals, their sworn brothers. "Attack!" The Roaming Ark radiated light, disordering the annals of time, aiming to annihte the Heavenly Dragon. Beside Qi Tian, other formidable figures stood firm, including a golden figure of immense power and another draped in a silver robe, the founder of the Demonic Embryo Technique. The battle between the Metamorphosing Banner and the Roaming Ark was fierce beyond measure, spilling over into the cosmos beyond the Great Barrier, shredding stars and ripping open the fabric of space in a magnificent disy. Outside, no one desired such a catastrophic battle to spill over into the mortal realm. Ultimately, the battle of transcendent beings was for celestial treasures. A single such treasure could enable one to endure the eternal night of the supermundane, and possessing several might even defy the feared extinction of the mythic era. For most gods and immortals, the mythic era had ended, and resistance seemed futile. Now, only the transcendent beings clung to hope, believing that possessing the few celestial treasures still unimed might yet yield miracles. With a thunderous crash, a corner of the Great Barrier crumbled, revealing the mysterious Life Pool, initially surging towards the Divine Pce, currently under ritual refinement by the Buddhist and Daoist factions. The Divine Pce burst forth with boundless light as a Daoist master intervened, followed by a Buddhist sage emitting chants that filled the heavens with sacred texts and divine chains spreading wide. Dodging the assault, the Life Pool then plunged towards the Undying Umbre, disturbing the treasure currently being refined by the Demon Lord and the Shadow Couple. Both the Divine Pce and the Undying Umbre, held by ancient beings from a previous mythic civilization and refined through two mythic eras, proved exceedingly difficult to tame even now when seized by the inhabitants of the realm of Immortals. "Even if not fully refined, it can still be used to kill enemies. You''ve interfered with us time and again, have we been too lenient? Not this time, you''re not escaping!" raged the parents of the Demon Lord, affixing an ancient covenant device to the Undying Umbre. Together, they wielded this celestial treasure in relentless pursuit of the Life Pool, determined to end it once and for all. Inside the Great Barrier, chaos reigned supreme. Gods fled in droves, their once sacrednds and the immortals'' paradises no longer tenable. The transcendent beings wielded their celestial treasures in a devastating war that extinguished stars in the external cosmos, a spectacle of horrifying grandeur. As the Great Barrier tore under the might of celestial treasures, the gods began aplete exodus, their true forms erupting into the world. No longer content to dwell in a half-material, half-spiritual ne, any being of strength chose to enter fully into reality. "The twilight of the gods, the requiem of the transcendent, it alles to an end now," Elder Zhang sighed deeply, reflecting on the chaos unfolding around them. Elder Ming from the Hades Blood Sect, visibly agitated, responded, "Zhang, stop with the reflections. Is your true self safe? My nine true lives were nearly extinguished, and I''m frantically escaping to the mortal realm as we speak!" "I''m being hunted by the gods myself, but I''m about to escape. The Great Barrier ispletely chaotic, and I must return to the mortal realm as well!" Zhang Daoling dered with a grave tone. The Demon Lord made the same decision, withdrawing her true self. The Great Barrier was now a brutal battleground, the transcendent with treasures fighting relentlessly. She was half a step from transcending that realm herself, and staying would no longer aid her parents. The situation had shifted too quickly; no one had anticipated that the Great Barrier would copse entirely, elerating the decay and disappearance of the transcendent. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan had left the spaceship''s cabin and stood in the cosmic void on the ship, observing a grand battle at the transcendent level. Standing at his current level of understanding, he was originally unable toprehend the events unfolding before him. However, with his unique spiritual heavenly eye, he captured the terrifying scenes, imprinting them into his mind forter analysis. Jiang Qingyao stood beside him, her celestial sword slung across her back, also watching. The magnitude of the battle profoundly affected her. Regrettably, the transcendent battle was too domineering and iprehensible. Somebatants pushed to the deepest parts of the Great Barrier, while others ventured into the semi-material nes of the cosmic void, gradually disappearing from view. Yet, the scenes, the masterstrokes, the supreme celestial battles they had witnessed were in themselves invaluable spiritual treasures. Wang Xuan grasped their styles, their states, their essences. As for the true scriptures, hecked nothing. Silently, Wang Xuan''s innerndscape opened. As he meditated and triggered a divine intuition, it naturally unfolded. "Come join me," Wang Xuan beckoned the Celestial Sword Maiden. He entered his innerndscape in the flesh, having previously battled a malevolent dragon there in his true form. "Eh, it''s truly a special innerndscape. Entering with the physical body feels significantly less resistant!" Jiang Qingyao followed, her physical form stepping into the innerndscape. There, the two observed the battles within the Great Barrier and contemted their own techniques. "I have now reached the peak of the thirteenth stage. Either I venture into the Free Wanderer''s journey, or I continue to break through, aiming for the nearly impossible fourteenth stage. I must grow stronger!" Wang Xuan whispered resolutely. Now that the gods had descended into the world and his true self had returned, the most terrifying upheaval had begun. Outside, in the blink of an eye, what was mere moments in the outer world equated to many days within the innerndscape. Now, Wang Xuan¡¯s spiritual and mental fluctuations were exceptionally intense, as if he were truly stealing moments from time itself. Various scriptures emerged in his mind, corroborating with the grand battles he observed within the Great Barrier. Perhaps this was hisst time witnessing such a confrontation, for the future would hold no more. "The era of the transcendent is ending, yet here I am, persistently forging ahead," he whispered softly. Instantly, his understanding deepened. Scriptures transformed into light and then into words, swirling around him like mes, akin to a phoenix¡¯s divine ze, aiding in his rebirth. "The barriers are slightly loosening. My cultivation can indeed still incrementally improve!" Wang Xuan stated calmly and clearly. Here, even if emotions fluctuated, they were corrected, returning to a state devoid of joy or sorrow. "They''ve gone too far, following my true self all the way here, nearing the spaceship!" Elder Zhang erupted in anger. His true self was indeed in a sorry state, bloodied and battered, as a group of immortals and deities, though fleeing their own cmities, had not intended to spare him. "It was close; one of my true lives was nearly decapitated. We must flee," the Hades Blood Sect Elder eximed in panic, his transformation into one of the gods notwithstanding, he was still recognized. The Demon Lord was in a simr plight, pursued relentlessly. After all, this was thend of the immortals, their home field. The gods and immortals who had escaped from the Great Barrier into the real world still remembered to target and hunt them. "I hear footsteps again, this isn¡¯t an illusion!" Wang Xuan stood up, his eyes electric, surveying the vast cosmos outside before looking deep into the innerndscape. He approached the rugged walls of the innerndscape, his eyes emitting intense light as he stared at the "stone wall." Outside the innerndscape, someone was approaching, stumbling and faltering. The once roaring fire he had seen was nearly extinguished, with only trailing smoke remaining. With a thud, someone copsed against the stone wall outside. Separated by the boundary, it seemed that a great deal of blood was flowing, and the creature could not rise again. Meanwhile, the outside world shook violently. A corner of the Great Barrier''s supreme rules copsed, causing a terrifying dimming across the entire realm of gods and the paradise of the immortals, extinguishing a vast area. With a thunderous crash, the Great Barrier shrank further, bing dimmer. Wang Xuan''s body tensed as he stared at the rugged innerndscape wall, truly startled by the upheaval. Another loud rumble followed; more of the supreme rules copsed outside, reducing the divine sanctum''s size again and extinguishingrge areas. As Wang Xuan kept his gaze fixed on the innerndscape wall, the staggering footsteps continued, and another figure fell, blood flowing. Soon, time was up. The innerndscape was about to close. Wang Xuan and the Celestial Sword Maiden walked out together. "Dare to pursue Zhang? You must be tired of living!" Elder Zhang bellowed. He had suffered losses and the situation was dire; his return had drawn a host of enemies. The Hades Blood Sect Elder was also in distress. Despite having many true lives, being surrounded by gods made the Hades Blood Legion seem too few, and he was being chased relentlessly. The situation for Demon Lord Yan Yan was the worst. The gods, aware that she had once refined the immortal umbre and walked with those shadows, now prioritized her for elimination. Coughing up blood, her body streaked with it, she suffered severe injuries. As the transcendent era ended, all the powerful beings went mad. Their era was over, and what followed no longer concerned them, but their killing intent remained, continuing their pursuit of enemies. As the mythic age approached eternal silence, anger burned boundlessly in many hearts, filled with endless regrets and frustrations, unable to be vented. With a swish, an archer bent his bow, shooting an immortal arrow across endless spacetime, piercing through the Demon Lord¡¯s shoulder. Others, with eyes red with fury, rushed forward to attack. ng! Wang Xuan, wielding the Godying Banner, crossed through the cosmic void in an instant, appearing beside the Demon Lord. With a sweep of the great banner, the heads of mighty deities flew off, decapitated by the banner''s fabric. Chapter 512: Nearing The End Chapter 512: Nearing The End Wang Xuannded beside the Demon Lord. The Godying Banner swept like a broadsword, and the head of the mighty god was chopped off, their spirit crushed. "Who is this?!" Some mighty undyings were astonished. The strong within the Great Barrier didn''t know much about earthly matters. Not everyone knew about this god yer. However, they didn''t underestimate him. As soon as someone spoke up, several weapons, apanied by dazzling sword lights, blood-dripping halberds, and cages constructed of spiritual power, were all used against Wang Xuan. These people were very strong, most of them were at the Fourth Stage. They were the main bodies of gods that have entered the mortal world. Only a few were at the Third Stage. Wielding the Godying Banner, golden mesh intertwined around Wang Xuan, expanding like a spider web and turning into a vast. The was trapping the foremost undying, and was directly tearing apart his spirit! The banner pole in his hand was like a spear, stabbing forward suddenly. With a puff sound, it pierced through a god, lifting him up, and he was torn apart with a fierce shake. This scene stunned the pursuers. The young man blocking their path was too fierce, even killing gods as soon as he appeared. Where did hee from? Was he a famous figure among the peerless transcendents of the Immortal Realm? When Wang Xuan was at the Twelfth Stage, he had fought against and defeated the main bodies of gods from the Second and Third Stages of the Wanderer Realm. Now, at the Thirteenth Stage, he was naturally stronger than them.¡¡¡¡Even though these people were the main bodies of gods and undyings entering the mortal world, they couldn''t exceed the limits of the rules in the mortal world. Hence, Wang Xuan could contend with them as they were all in the Fourth Stage. In the end, this wasn''t the era of the gods anymore. The Great Barrier was copsing, and they had to escape it. They couldn''t wield the rules in the mortal world or exert the power of order as they used to. As the era of the transcendent approached its end, their abilities were worlds apart from what they had in the Great Barrier. Demon Lord looked at Wang Xuan withplex emotions. The fact that she needed Wang Xuan''s rescue was quite unexpected. He wasn''t even a transcendent when they first met. Wang Xuan spoke, "Friends, calm down. The era of mythology ising to an end. We will all be slightly more powerful mortals. What''s the point of fighting to the death?" He really didn''t want to engage with them if fights could be avoided. In his view, the fighting at the end of the mythological era was itself a matter of helplessness and sadness. "Why should we listen to you? This woman has injured many of us and killed my good friend. How could we let her go? Even though the era of mythology is ending, the anger and hatred of the gods are not over!" a woman in the crowd spoke up. These were all top-level beings, shining with divine light. Standing together, they still exerted a powerful pressure, illuminating the vastness of the universe. "Alright, since you''re unwilling to stop, then I''ll apany you!" Wang Xuan was straightforward. He wasn''t afraid of this group of people. In an instant, he rushed forward while wearing a Silver Beast Skin Scroll for defense and wielding the Godying Banner with both hands, sweeping through his enemy. Some avoided, while others fought back aggressively. In an instant, many weapons were destroyed as some coughed up blood and retreated. Wang Xuan was also hit by spells, but there were Runic Light Veils that covered his body and blocked the attack for him. With a puff sound, under the shocked and regretful gaze of the woman, Wang Xuan broke her weapon with therge banner and cut through her protective light veil. She was split in half with blood sttering everywhere, and she died on the spot! Then, he stopped again and said, "The fighting in the Great Barrier is inevitable, but this is the mortal world. The gods and undyings will be a thing of the past. You all need to think carefully. If you can''t let go of your hatred, then we''ll fight endlessly. But if you feel that there is no major grievance, then let''s part ways here and each strive to adapt to this era." Some people retreated. After all, what Wang Xuan said were harsh truths. In the future, as time passed, they might all be ordinary people. Was it still necessary to fight to the death? Especially considering that the young man in front of them was so strong, capable of ying gods! "In the end, only the transcendent have the qualifications to prolong their transcendence in pursuit of supreme treasures or to survive the darkest moments. But for us¡­ is it really worth it? Let''s get out of here!" Some turned and left, feeling endless regret in their hearts, but what else could they do? Could they still obtain the supreme treasures after beingpletely cut off from them? "You''re too weak-willed. He''s just one person. How can he stop so many of us gods by himself?" someone shouted from behind. "He''s a mortal in the mortal world, capable of opposing us. Do you think he''s just an ordinary person? He has probably entered the Twelfth Stage, a realm where no one has ever set foot!" someone else spoke up. In an instant, some remained silent and quickly departed. Others stepped back, waiting for the end of the Peerless Transcendent Battle as they intended to join the victor¡¯s side. Naturally, they hoped that the two ancestors of the Supetive Pce and the Imperial Pce of Gouchen could kill the Evil Dragon. Among the gods that were retreating, Wang Xuan spotted the God of Light, the first god he had in in the Land of the Undying, the son of the Demon Emperor Silver Roc and the Radiance Phoenix, who had fled from the Immortal Realm to the Land of the Undying in the past. Even the main body of the God of Light escaped from the Great Barrier and simply departed without engaging in a decisive battle with Wang Xuan. Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!¡¡ Three consecutive divine arrows shot forth. In the distance, a group of people were drawing bows and shooting arrows. The man who had previously pierced the Demon Lord''s shoulder was also among the group, sitting astride a snow-white celestial horse. Each person there was bloodstained, a top-level powerhouse exuding a strong aura of ughter. The three arrows were terrifying, carrying residue of the power of the rules. These arrows wouldn''t stop until they drew blood, or they were shattered by powerful force. Wang Xuan''s expression turned cold. He had said all that needed to be said. He couldn''t afford to be merciful this time. Without saying a word, he unfurled the banner and blocked the three divine arrows that streaked through the dark cosmos like lightning. Then, he targeted those few individuals and was prepared to confront five mighty gods by himself! "Be careful. They''re not weak. Two of them are close to my level," said Demon Lord Yan Yan, warning him. Although it was hard to swallow her pride, she had to admit that this guy was stronger than her in the mortal world! "Everyone, we are gods, worshiped by the descendants of various Transcendent Stars. We were molded into golden bodies and enshrined in temples around the world. Are we going to be intimidated by a mere mortal kid from the mortal world? Are we going to retreat without a word and be embarrassed in our hometowns? Do we still deserve to enter the temples of the mortal world? Now, our believers may have captured footage of what''s happening here through spaceship. How can we be so feeble? We must demonstrate our divine power!" These individuals were stirring up the hearts of the remaining gods, and indeed, some unwilling people stayed behind and stood with them. "Attack!" shouted Wang Xuan. Disregarding their numbers and bathing in immortal light, he traversed the frigid cosmic void, and advanced towards them. The arrows shot forth, one after another. Each arrow had the potential to lethally wound an expert at the Fourth Stage of Wanderer Realm, but Wang Xuan blocked them all. "Die!" As Wang Xuan charged forward, several peoplebined their strength and summoned an altar. This was an artifact of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen, containing the sealed power of a peerless transcendent¡¯s true body. At that moment, the entire area erupted with dazzling beams of light, like a star exploding violently, with unparalleled shockwaves. However, after the storm passed, Wang Xuan stood firm in the distance with the banner in his hand. Aside from a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth and slightly disheveled hair, he was mostly unharmed. "How is this possible?!" They were shocked. They had thought that they would surely kill this powerful and somewhat outrageous young man, but they hadn''t expected him to block their attack. "The sealed power of a peerless transcendent¡¯s true body is indeed strong, but ultimately it''s not his own personal power. It seems like the altar was nothing after it entered the real world," Wang Xuan said, then attacked. This time, he showed no mercy, using the banner as a long knife and fully engaging inbat among the gods. Plop! A head flew up, and his spirit was strangled. Then, the banner fluttered and wrapped around a person. The person was instantly crushed by the banner, enveloping them in a mist of blood. With a loud rumble, Wang Xuan''s fist glowed, directly smashing an undying who was locked in his spiritual perception. It was a terrifying battle, with the blood of gods flowing and the bodies of undyings being torn apart. It could be considered one of the bloody scenes at the end of the myth, recorded by someone. In the distance, city-sized fortresses hovered, and there were spaceships escaping. The final scene that was captured was Wang Xuan bathed in divine blood, single-handedly killing this group of people. "At the end of the myth, the nine greatest powerhouses perished. The famous Arrow God, Poison God, and God of Strength, as well as the peerless undyings of the Land of the Undying, all died, ughtered by that person alone. The blood of gods and undyings dyed the cosmic void crimson¡­" The viewers'' voices trembled as they watched the footage captured by the spaceship. At this moment, the mes of war raged, the Great Barrier decayed, and the treasures soared. The semi-material nes corresponding to them were on the verge of copse. Meanwhile, in the outside world, as the gods departed, there were also terrifying battles wherever they went, with killing everywhere. Fang Yuzhu fought against the ancient lunatic Shang Yi, and the two fought their way to the deepest part of the Great Barrier. The shadow couple pursued the Pool of Life, breaking out of the Great Barrier and entering the real universe. The Roaming Ark and the Ascension Banner collided repeatedly, entering the semi-material and semi-spiritual cosmic void, destroyings and engaging in intense battles. On this day, many people''s cultivation levels plummeted violently. People were suspecting that the end of the transcendent era was today! "You''re really strong now!" said Demon Lord as she couldn''t deny it while looking at Wang Xuan. There was genuine reluctance on her stunning face. She still wanted to beat him up a bit, but it seemed¡­ there was no chance anymore. "Sister Yan, you''re the one who''s a bit fragile. You''re not young anymore. Take care of yourself. Don''t y with swords in the future. Be a good urban girl." Wang Xuan supported her with a smile. Demon Lord Yanyan, who had been fighting since the end of ancient times until now, was about to unify the demon n. She couldmand the wind and rain in the Immortal Realm, and with a snap of her fingers, she could shatter the stars. But as time passed, in this era, she was having trouble even lifting spaceships in the mortal world. Now, hearing Wang Xuan''s words, she really couldn''t bear it anymore. Although she knew he was doing it on purpose, she still wanted to punch him! Plop! Just as Demon Lord was ring at him with her beautiful eye and was about to pinch him with her slender glowing hand, Wang Xuan suddenly pulled out the arrow from her shoulder. He had just been deliberately teasing her to distract her. "It''s okay. The so-called fatal god arrow, the residual divine rules, have been erased by me." After Wang Xuan finished speaking, he said, "Let Qingyao protect you as you head back to the spaceship. I''ll go support Old Zhang and the main body of the Hades Blood Patriarch." Celestial Sword Maiden greeted, "Hey, big demoness, you have a nice figure. You have returned from the bloody mess, although you look a bit embarrassed, your figure still curves so gracefully. It¡¯s so charming and enchanting. After the transcendence recedes, you''ll definitely be able to be a famous model." Demon Lord remained calm and said, "Do you know why I snatched your ancestor''s sword technique? Just like you, she was being conceited in front of me and was full of immortal aura. Do you¡­ want the same treatment?" "Haha, you¡¯re bragging. You''re weak and feeble now, almost running out of transcendent material. Don''t remind me to snatch it back from you. Here, change your clothes." said Celestial Sword Maiden. Then, she took out a pile of clothes from the fragment of the blessednd, including ck silk, hollowed-out garments, and various types of clothing. The point was that these were all originally Demon Lord''s clothes. They were both stubborn, and couldn''t settle down after meeting each other. "You little brat¡­" "Big demoness¡­" In the distance, Old Zhang and the main body of Hades Blood Patriarch also felt strange as they looked at bloodstained Wang Xuan, moving among the gods. The two sighed. "Myth¡­ has reallye to an end. In this world, we are not even as good as Little Wang!" said Hades Blood Patriarch. "Don''tpare yourself to him. Little Wang is a freak. I suspect he''s in thete stages of the Thirteenth Stage now. He¡¯s stepping into a realm none of us have ever entered!" replied Old Zhang. "Twelfth Stage is already an unknown realm. He¡¯s... in the Thirteenth Stage?!" eximed Hades Blood Patriarch. The two were speechless. This young man, who had once needed their protection, hade this far in this special era. IT was beyond their expectations! The group returned to the spaceship safely, with some surprises but no dangers. Even though all the gods had escaped, causing chaos everywhere, they had intentionally avoided this area. A long timeter, the Great Barrier continued to copse until finally, the battle between Fang Yuzhu and the ancient lunatic Shang Yi ended, and Roaming Ark and Ascension Banner disappeared without a trace. There was no more movement, and the entire Land of the Undying fell silent. The Peerless Transcendent Battle hade to a conclusion, the treasures were no longer trembling, the world fell silent, and everyone was nervous and fearful. Was everything over? No one knew if it was good or bad, they were all waiting anxiously for the victors to emerge. Chapter 513: Discussing The New Path And Myth Chapter 513: Discussing The New Path And Myth When traveling, one could see phoenixes dancing in the sky, holy beasts pulling carriages. During leisure time, one could enter secret realms, step into the starry sky, visit friends in the Northern Sea of the Celestial Caverns, roam freely among famous mountains and great rivers. One could even directly ascend into the azure sky, standing among the clouds, watching the sunset of the Golden Crow, as the flowing fire dyed the mountains and rivers red. This was Wang Xuan''s yearning for the Immortal Path when he was young. He could embrace the moon in the Ninth Heaven, attend banquets in the Dragon Pce in the Four Seas, and also enter the Yao Pool to join the grand gatherings of the ten thousand immortals. However, what he saw was far from what he imagined when he truly stepped into the Transcendent Realm. Perhaps those grand scenes had once existed, but him being in this generation, could not experience them. He waspletely out of reach of the cultivators of his era! What could be seen now? The Great Barrier had copsed, and news from the Immortal Realm also confirmed this. Large swaths of the Great Veil copsed, and sixty percent of the Immortal Realm was extinguished, forever silent, plunged into boundless darkness! After a brief silence, cries could be heard in the Great Barrier and the Immortal Realm. Some cultivators were despondent and mournful. Everything was about to perish, and transcendence was about to end! The gods stood on the ruins, and the immortals stood among the dpidated mountains and rivers. In the copsing semi-material ne, many beings departed, while others stopped as they were willing to live and die with their homnd. Scenes of decay could be seen everywhere, there were destions everywhere. The Great Barrier and the Immortal Realm werepletely decaying and could not be maintained for much longer. Outside, everyone was waiting. Wang Xuan stood on the spaceship, his eyes opening and closing, his spiritual eye surpassing the perception of the gods, crossing the Great Barrier, searching for Fang Yuzhu. Finally, after a long time, the decaying Great Barrier trembled. Someone slowly walked out, it was unexpectedly the ancient lunatic Shang Yi. His battle armor was shattered, there were blood stains on his shoulders, but his eyes were still as sharp as lightning, still able to tear apart the barrier!¡¡¡¡Even though the Great Barrier was decaying, he held the Sword of the Mortal with such momentum that it still made everyone''s heart tremble, sending shivers down their spines. It was actually him who appeared, striding forward and shaking the entirend. His blood boiled and surged, he was unmatched by anyone. Many people''s hearts sank. Was this lunatic truly beyond anyone''s control? Invincible in the Immortal Realm, unrivaled in the Land of the Undying. The sound of those footsteps fell upon people''s hearts like the beating of a divine drum, transmitting through the curtain. Any living beings nearby were afraid, unable to help but kneel down, their bodies were trembling uncontrobly. Even the gods that returned to the mortal realm could not avoid it! "We either find a way to kill him or escape to the depths of the universe. He shouldn''t be able to survive in reality, right? Is he really invincible?" said Hades Blood Patriarch as he felt palpitations and was intimidated. "Father, mother, where are you? For Fang Yuzhu''s sake, I seek vengeance!" shouted Demon Lord. Her eyes were slightly red and filled with endless killing intent. Although sometimes she provoked Fang Yuzhu, had disputes and quarrels with her, they shared a deep bond. They had once joined forces to kill the Ancient Emperor and supported each other. "It''s not that bad!" Wang Xuan spoke up. Within the Great Barrier, another figure walked slowly and gradually became clear. Her battle attire was slightly tattered, and she wore a bracelet with a ck base and white sparkling dots on her wrist. She was Fang Yuzhu. She rarely wore armor. Once she did, it meant she had encountered a peerless enemy or was truly going to kill someone. Her ck hair fluttered, her eyes deep. She emitted no terrifying aura, appearing calm and serene,pletely different from the lunatic Shang Yi. "No more fighting, it''s a draw!" Shang Yi spoke, his thick ck hair stained with blood, his shoulders damaged, bones exposed. Was he struck by the Celestial Bracelet? "Let''s stick to the agreement. So all those who hold supreme treasures,e here!" Fang Yuzhu spoke. There was also a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth. She was bound to be injured when facing the lunatic. The two revealed some information. The grand finale of the Peerless Transcendent Battle hade. At least, the two of them would no longer fight to the death. These two could be the most powerful beings in this vast universe. If they stopped, the other transcendents would probably cease hostilities too. "Everyone,e join us for a chat!" Shang Yi spoke, his figure much taller than ordinary people, over two meters tall, majestic and robust. Holding the Sword of the Mortal, he exuded a terrifying aura. Soon after, the Roaming Ark flew in from the corresponding starry sky of the Great Barrier, arriving in a sh and hovering in the sky. The ark was stained with blood, and the two great peerless transcendent battle armors were torn. Their sworn brothers were in bad shape. Some lie motionless while covered in blood. Then, the Ascension Banner appeared, and the Evil Dragon descended with a few others. They were all covered in blood as they engaged in a battle of treasures, injuring both sides. The Divine Pce also flew in. "What bad luck, it''s actually a nest of evil spirits. Only one was killed!" Two figures appeared, driving the Immortal Umbre from the depths of the universe in the mortal realm, slicing through the Great Barrier and entering it. The Pool of Life appeared as well, descending. Everyone was shocked. There was actually a nest of powerful evil spirits inside the treasure originating from the Technological Life Realm. It seemed that a peerless transcendent existed. "Are they ancient evil spirits, or are they the kind of creatures that control spaceships and don''t belong to this universe?" Shang Yi, who mostly remained silent and had no interaction with various cultivators, actually asked. "We have both types of evil spirits, they were unexpectedly staying together. We managed to kill one with difficulty as they repeatedly provoked us. This is just a preliminary lesson for them!" said the mother of Yan Yan. It must be said that the parents of Demon Lord were very domineering. They said they would kill, and they indeed killed an opponent. "Everyone, we are all striving to transcend. Since we are prolonging the myth, natural selection cannot be avoided. The strongest survivors will cooperate in the end. Although we are involved in the battlefield, it is not for revenge but to elerate this process." An evil spirit spoke, lurking in the Pool of Life and noting out. "Gathering supreme treasures is the way to survive. There have been precedents before. Even if one''s cultivation is against the heavens, one cannot refine multiple treasures alone. We need sincere cooperation," said the evil spirit, exining to everyone. The evil spirit continued, "Everyone, as transcendence ising to an end, let''s discuss the new path here. Let us all find a way to transcend the cmity, and move towards the next era together!" "We''re still missing a Life Essence Furnace, which is very crucial!" eximed the evil spirit. ¡­¡­ "Everyone, the road ahead is far and long. We''ll meet again. Let''s strive for the next new era of myth and hope to meet again," said Wang Xuan as he took his leave, preparing to leave. Since it was confirmed that Fang Yuzhu was unharmed, still powerful and was truly able to match the ancient sword lunatic, he had nothing to worry about anymore. Other than that, with the presence of the shadow couple here and the experts from the Buddhist and Daoist sects jointly controlling the Divine Pce, there should be no life-and-death battles at the Peerless-level anymore. He was leaving. There were too many secrets on him. He would wander in the depths of the universe for a while, endure thesest few days, and then decide what he would do. When transcendencepletely ended, as time passed, everyone¡¯s realm would drop. By then, he wouldn''t have to worry about those threats anymore. "Speak humannguage!" shouted Demon Lord Yan Yan while ncing at him. Seeing him like this, she always wanted to hit him. Unfortunately, even if her hands itched, she couldn''t do anything. She really couldn''t suppress it anymore. "Speak in a down-to-earth way, Yan Yan. That day, I seemed to hear something about a so-called son-inw. What does that mean?" Wang Xuan asked. Although it was a private transmission, Demon Lord still raised her eyebrows lightly and her heart was pounding faster. This was really strange, he actually heard bits and pieces of it? Wang Xuan was very powerful now. He might have captured the transmission. "Let me hit you once, and I''ll tell you!" replied Demon Lord while looking at him calmly, but she actually felt uneasy on the inside. "You''ve hit me a hundred times in your heart already, which is equivalent to being hit," said Wang Xuan, smiling and preparing to leave. "Ah, Little Wang, you''re so abnormal. Are you at the Thirteenth Stage? It''s such a pity. transcendence ended too quickly and didn''t give you enough time. It would have been better if you were born in ancient times!" said the Hades Blood Patriarch, at the moment of parting. He was feeling regretful for him. "The Thirteenth Stage?" Demon Lord Yan Yan also became lost in thought, she also felt that he was born in the wrong era. However, she shook her head and said, "Is it really good to be born in ancient times? The First One died miserably, and the one who survived, the sword lunatic who was defeated by him, became invincible in this universe." "Little Wang, you have the Godying Banner on you. Some say it''s likely one of theponents of the Dao Harnessing Banner, while others say it''s a replica of the Dao Harnessing Banner, but there''s no consensus," Zhang Daoling spoke up. At the parting moment, he sighed, saying, "Among several treasures, the Dao Harnessing Banner should be respected as the strongest, but it''s nowhere to be found. It''s highly probable that it''s truly destroyed and hasn''t been repaired." "Zhang Patriarch, is there something you want to say?" asked Wang Xuan, realizing that Old Zhang wanted to tell him something. "Well, go to the New World for a stroll. I had once vaguely sensed the aura of the Banner of Severance there, but didn''t find it. Since you have the Godying Banner in your hand, you can go and take a look. Perhaps you can obtain it with both banners attracting each other," said Zhang Daoling, giving his suggestion. Wang Xuan was astonished. He had been looking for the Banner of Severance for a long time, but there was no clue for him at all. He didn''t expect Old Zhang to have some clues. "I was using a fragment of the Celestial Mirror to observe the New World''snd when I identally reflected a special aura, but I didn''t capture it," said Old Zhang, providing details for Wang Xuan. "Now that we''re parting, Zhang Patriarch, I also suggest you try your luck at Mount Bu Zhou. What if you enter the Dharma eye of the peerless transcendent spiritual remnant there? If you can be Daopanions with her, you can form theplete Celestial Mirror together," said Wang Xuan, reminding Zhang Daoling again before parting. "Looking for a beating, huh?" shouted Zhang Daoling as his face darkened slightly. The Hades Blood Patriarch burst intoughter. Little Zhang had always been self-confident and proud, not respecting his elders. But now, it suddenly made him feel happy being teased by a younger neer. Wang Xuan departed on a silver spaceship. He was really tempted by the Dao Harnessing Banner, but he also knew that even if he found it, he might not be able to assemble the first supreme treasure. Because whether it''s aponent or not, there has never been a consensus. In fact, a long time ago, someone obtained both the Godying Banner and the Banner of Severance simultaneously but failed to merge them in the end. "Let the thought of repairing the Celestial Mirror go. It can''t be restored. It''s broken, and it''s not aponent that can fuse with each other. Even if it is remade, it may not be able to reappear," Zhang Daoling sighed. Then, they watched as Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden disappeared. "Big demoness, take care of yourself. You''re really weak, physically and mentally. Maybe we''ll meet again someday!" The smiling face of the Celestial Sword Maiden appeared on therge screen, waving goodbye. This time, they encountered interster pirates on the road, and the little mechanical bear opened fire vigorously, capturing several high-performance spaceships. They once again extracted active metals, armed their spaceship, and improved the performance of the spaceship even more. Next, they went on their familiar route, speeding away. Wang Xuan was in a hurry, he longed for the Banner of Severance and wanted to go to the New World. What if he could witness the reappearance of the Dao Harnessing Banner? Taking advantage of the moment, the peerless transcendents convened to discuss the new path and the new myth. He acted swiftly, as there was currently no danger to speak of. "The Great Barrier, the Immortal Realm, are still quite resilient. They are still holding up even after the Peerless Transcendent Battle and after the collision of supreme treasures. They did not copse immediately even though they have decayed and extinguished so much," he remarked. Many dayster, they approached the New World, and the Immortal Realm corresponding to it was still intact. Although they had passed by several times, Wang Xuan hadn''t truly returned since leaving with Chen Yongjie from the New World to return to their homnd. At this moment, the silver spaceship avoided various monitoring systems and stealthily arrived,nding on the New World. "Such powerful performance? It arrived in silence," Wang Xuan praised the mechanical bear. "Of course, this was reconstructed from the wreckage of a spaceship left behind by the evil spirits. ck technology was utilized here. However, I just scanned and discovered that on this, there''s a high probability of an ancient evil spirit¡¯s spaceship wreckage, perhaps even a mothership," it said solemnly. "There¡¯s no need toplicate things, I''m here for the Banner of Severance," Wang Xuan said. After arriving here, he stood in a primitive jungle and straightaway activated the Godying Banner. He exerted all his effort, hoping to resonate with the corresponding banner and possibly find one of theponents of the supreme treasure. "Since some beings have returned to this New World, there are not a few immortals and transcendents here," Celestial Sword Maiden spoke up. Just in this mountain range, she saw and sensed some cottages, indicating people living in seclusion. "After returning, some strive to integrate into this era, while others dwell in the wilderness, living a reclusive life. Each chose differently," Wang Xuan said. Wang Xuan hadplex feelings about this. He had fought against the Sun Family''s conglomerate here and battled demons and monsters here. He left behind many footprints. This time, he could perhaps see some old acquaintances. Some people hadn''t left and hadn''t ventured into deep space. The great banner fluttered, and when he exerted all his power as a Thirteenth Stage, the Godying Banner emitted a soaring light, with mysterious fluctuations rippling. "Hmm? There''s some slight resonance indeed. The Banner of Severance is on thisnd!" eximed Wang Xuan, rejoicing and filled with anticipation. He really wanted to merge the Godying Banner and the Banner of Severance. Chapter 514: Dao Harnessing Chapter 514: Dao Harnessing The New World underwent a rtively rational nning process during its development, and natural resources were not destroyed. There were all kinds of magnificentndscapes such as pristine forests,rgekes and swamps, Danxiandforms, majestic mountains, and desert sunsets. However, for the human habitats, each city appeared modern and futuristic, filled with a sense of technology. Many skyscrapers seemed to pierce the clouds. The cities were allrge, with wends,rgekes, and so on in it. Various small spaceships flowed endlessly, flying through the high skies, while hovercars traveled along their designated routes in midair. When Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden arrived and vaguely sensed the aura of the Banner of Severance, they set off immediately and headed eastward towards the coastal city. Along the way, when passing by Pingyuan City, he was slightly distracted. The Qin Family, one of the five super-rich families in the New World, was located here. They possessed a mothership that was excavated from the moon and ck technology that surpassed this era was stored inside it. "The Qin Family haspletely evacuated," said Wang Xuan. Initially, this conglomerate was very powerful. They had once bombarded the transcendents in the Great Barrier with a super battleship, causing a great uproar. "Qin Hong, initially disdainful of martial artists, became cautiouster on and stopped mentioning the transcendents. He is indeed lucky for being alive and escaped sucessfully," he murmured. Wang Xuan didn''t linger and quickly left. Jiang Qingyao, on the other hand, nced around a bit more. Because there were quite a few transcendents in the city who had integrated well into modern life.¡¡¡¡It wasn''t until they passed by Kangning City that Wang Xuan stopped. Too many things had happened here. The Sun Family''s headquarters were here, and Wang Xuan had engaged in serious conflicts with them, fighting to the death. They surrounded him with robots, bombarded him with battleships, and sent experts wielding exotic treasures to hunt him down repeatedly. It was indeed very dangerous for Wang Xuan, who had just entered the Transcendent Realm to experience numerous life-threatening situations. During this journey, he also gained a lot. The golden gourd, ancientmp, Soul-Binding Bell, Godying Banner, and Golden Bamboo Slip were all obtained from the Sun Family. "Those who were alive have fled without a trace," muttered Wang Xuan. He hadn''t shown any mercy to the Sun Family, killing arge number of people, including many high-ranking members. But he was ultimately a modern man and couldn''t let himself ughter an entire city. Since he hadn''t stirred up any trouble with the unrted people of the Sun Family after the incident, he didn''t pursue the matter further. He didn''t leave immediately. Instead, he gazed at the secret base of the Sun Family dozens of miles away. The mothership was gone, and the Number Five robot had also disappeared long ago. "There''s a residue aura of the evil spirits!" Jiang Qingyao spoke up. She possessed a semi-mature Spiritual Eye, far surpassing the means of the immortals, and was the first to detect the clues. "Yes, there was once a nest of evil spirits there. Since they''re gone, there''s no need to bother about it anymore," said Wang Xuan. Then, the two of them hurried to the eastern coast. The aura of the Banner of Severance had shed and disappeared here before. Wang Xuan felt that someone had obtained it and had hidden it away, after realizing it resonated with the distant Godying Banner. He once again activated the Godying Banner, but this time, he only sensed a faint response in the sea, as if it had been cut off. "Not bad," said the Celestial Sword Maiden,menting on the way the other person hid their aura. In this special era, being able to conceal one''s aura meant either possessing considerable strength or having special tools such as innerndscape artifacts. "Could it be that the person is fishing?" Wang Xuan pondered. There was no way around it, this had be amon urrence. From the initial Chen Yongjie to the Departed Land Moon, where he tantly cast his fishing line, he encountered a group of old fishermen on the path of cultivation, leaving him with plenty to think about. He was a little suspicious. Could it be the work of the Evil Dragon? Until now, Qi Tian had surprisingly remained silent, keeping Wang Xuan on guard all this time. Fortunately, it could be confirmed that Qi Tian, who had the Ascension Banner, was still in the Land of the Undying and had not gone far. Silently, he and Celestial Sword Maiden entered Tai City on the coast. This was the Zhou Family''s headquarters, where Zhou Yun, Ling Wei''s cousin, resided. "Zhou Yun, how have you beentely? Are you at home?" Wang Xuan borrowed a passerby''s phone and dialed the long-lost number while on the way. "Who''s this? Hey, wait, is it Little Wang!" At first, Zhou Yun was puzzled when he saw the unfamiliar number, but he quickly recognized the voice. In the New World, he and Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng, along with Wang Xuan, had a close rtionship. They had ventured into the Secret Land together and had gone through many hardships together. Earlier on, Wang Xuan had beaten Zhou Yun twice back in the Old World. Of course, one of those times was during the fight for the Five Golden Pages under Qingcheng Mountain, where Zhou Yun was unaware that Wang Xuan had changed his identity. Zhou Yun still grumbled to this day, saying that there was a mixed-blood kid with blue eyes in the Old World who was his enemy. Wang Xuan used too much power on him, his first broken bone was caused by Wang Xuan. "Long time no see, Little Wang. I''m so bored now. All my former friends, familiar faces, I can''t see any of them anymore. Either they''ve run off into the unknown of outer space, or they''re stuck at home like me, just being honest and staying put. When will this end?" said Zhou Yun. Zhou Yun entertained Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden in the mansion outside the city. Looking at Jiang Qingyao, he couldn''t help but wonder if she was really a Celestial Maiden? He used to boast that when the transcendents returned, he would try to marry a Celestial Maiden. As a result, his grandfather beat him with a cane for two days straight, nearly breaking his leg, and wouldn''t let him out of the house. "I suddenly feel that life is colorless even though I have three girlfriends. Compared to you, it''s like living in a ck and white world," he sighed. Recently, he had been cooped up here, and hearing about some of Wang Xuan''s experiences made him envious yet helpless. They were too thrilling. As for the Land of the Undying, the depths of the universe, within the Great Veil of the Immortal Realm, and the Peerless Transcendents Battle, he could only sigh. Those were other people''s stories, and he could only listen to them. He couldn''t bear that kind of excitement if he were to experience it himself. "Have there been any abnormal situations in the sea to the east recently?" Wang Xuan asked him. The Zhou Family was a local bigwig here, and one of the rare conglomerates that hadn''t left, so their information should be sensitive. "There haven''t been any major incidents in the sea, just asional storms. It''s probably the returning transcendent beings sparring. It hasn''t affected the lives of ordinary people," said Zhou Yun, reporting to Wang Xuan. Soon, he used his family''s connections to gather more information. The Zhou Family''s detectors were spread throughout this area. "In the sea, not far away, there''s a deserted ind. It''s said that it has emitted light several times at night," said Zhou Yun. "Ah, I see." Wang Xuan felt that he couldn''t glean too much from him. The returning immortals, the real powerhouses, had incredibly strong anti-surveince abilities after integrating into modern society. "Here, have some special delicacies." Wang Xuan took out many rare ingredients and fruits from the Immortal Realm. "Wow, are these delicacies only found at immortal banquets? Little Wang, brother Wang, you''re so ssy!" eximed Zhou Yun. He was ecstatic, especially when he heard those mythical names like Roc Meat and Sea God m. He could hardly believe it. "If you can''t finish them, give them to acquaintances. Hmm, I''ll send some to the people I used to know," said Wang Xuan. Back in the Old World, he had distributed some, and when he sent Chen Yongjie and Zhao Qinghan to the isted, he left a lot behind. But there were still plenty left in the gourd. He believed that after the end of the transcendental era, this gourd might not be able to open anymore. As for the spatial containers like the fragments of the Blessed Land, it was even more unthinkable. They would either be shattered or turned into ordinary items. "Don''t tell anyone that you''ve seen me. Keep a low profile in this recent time," said Wang Xuan, instructing him. He absolutely should not show off. After the limelight passed, it wouldn''t be toote to send these things to old friends. "Don''t worry, I won''t go anywhere, let alone show off. By the way, how is Huang Ming and Kong Yun''s Immortal Tea House doing in the Old World? Are they doing well? I''m one of the investors." Zhou Yun said. Wang Xuan was speechless. He had known that he and the weasel had stirred up trouble in the New World before, but he didn''t expect him to be an angel investor. Wang Xuan didn''t stay long and quickly left with Jiang Qingyao. There were not many familiar faces left as most of them chose to leave. "Professor Lin, Le Le, let''s visit them againter," Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden cautiously ventured into the sea, each holding their own supreme treasures. "It''s actually a hidden secret realm, a celestial realm in the sea!" Even Celestial Sword Maiden was astonished. This was a ce higher than the Blessed Land, belonging to a hidden paradise. The concentration of transcendent material was almost approaching that of the Immortal Realm, but of course, the area wasn''t as vast. "It''s a pity. Without intertwined rules, it''s destined to decay," Wang Xuanmented. The Celestial Sea Realm, adjacent to an ind in the sea, led to a mysterious underwater world. After passing through ayer of light gate, they saw picturesque peaks, divine birds soaring, immortal apes leaping, and divine wolves howling at the moon. Some ancient trees had been growing for thousands of years, bearing fruits of various colors, all of which were spiritual treasures. But the entire small world was declining and decaying, with the concentration of transcendent material decreasing daily. Some divine trees had even begun to wither. "This ce is really nice. If it could remain stable, it would be suitable for seclusion and for the lives of returning immortals. But it''s unsustainable. When the myth fades, this ce will copse instantly," said Jiang Qingyao, feeling regret for the demise of this purend. "The Banner of Severance is indeed here," Wang Xuan said, sensing it again. Just before entering, he had specifically contacted Demon Lord and Old Zhang in the depths of the universe to investigate and confirm that Qi Tian was still in the Land of the Undying and hadn''t returned. So, Wang Xuan came in calmly, not too concerned even if there were fishers here. "There are some problems," Jiang Qingyao said with her sword in hand. She was walking on the purend, looking at the lush green grass andkes when she sensed the killing intent. "The Five Elements Killing Formation, no, there''s also the Reverse Five Elements Killing Formation. It''s marvelously bizarre," said Jiang Qingyao. She became serious. Such formations were renowned in the Immortal Realm and could even threaten top-notch experts. Wang Xuan''s Spiritual Eye was sharp. Through the void, he saw the truth amidst the dense fog and said, "Interesting. There''s still some residual power of rule here. It''s a bit outrageous that while the Mortal Realm is withering away, and only residues of order remain, this ce can still do so much. It is indeed beyond expectations." "There''s even the Yin-Yang Inversion Array. Was it this that hid this secret realm?" said Celestial Sword Maiden. She discovered another extraordinary formation. A hidden paradise was actually harboring various astonishing formations, and the hunters were well-prepared. At this moment, the Godying Banner in Wang Xuan''s hand grew hot, emitting heat and automatically reviving. There were interweaving golden threads that expanded forward. He found the target, saw the Banner of Severance nted on a low mountain in the purend. It was a small silver-colored banner, about the size of a palm, identical in shape to the Godying Banner. With one golden and one silver g resonating, their golden and silver threads intertwined and interacted. Wang Xuan confirmed that it was indeed the Banner of Severance! "You finally came. If you hadn''t shown up, I would have spread the news myself to lure you here." A figure in a ck robe appeared, its head and face obscured. The area around its face was like a dark void, enveloped in a silent mist of deathly stillness. "Who are you? You feel somewhat¡­ familiar? Are you waiting here to ambush me?" asked Wang Xuan, staring at him. There was no physical body within the ck robe, only fluctuating spiritual energy. He spoke calmly, "I am someone whose physical body was destroyed by the Banner of Severance five thousand years ago. It was a pity that my extraordinary body that was painstakingly cultivated in the mortal realm and had endured for so long in this world, was unexpectedly destroyed. I had to enter the Immortal Realm with my spirit, rebuild my body, and devour the flesh and blood of others to strengthen and restore myself." "The creator of the Demonic Embryo Technique?!" Wang Xuan realized his identity and was truly surprised. Unfazed, he asked, "Do you want to capture me and take the Godying Banner?" The man in the ck robe spoke inly, "And your physical body. It''s perfect for residing in this world. I need a body like yours, with a special innerndscape." "I consider myself quite peaceful. I haven''t actively provoked you, but I''ve always been targeted. Then I have no choice but to kill, to send you monsters off one by one!" Wang Xuan dered. "Can the Godying Banner and the Banner of Severance truly merge?" Celestial Sword Maiden asked. "It''s possible," the man in the ck robe smiled and said, "I''m also looking forward to it. Today, we can try to merge the two banners into one." "I''m looking forward to it even more!" Wang Xuan said and smiled too. "Hmm? This ce¡­" Celestial Sword Maiden''s expression suddenly changed. She scanned around. She had studied formations extensively, all in order to survive better in the Immortal Realm. "The Number One Killing Formation of the Immortal Realm?!" She shouted and couldn''t stay calm. The man in the ck robe nodded and said, "Exactly. The Dao Harnessing Formation, or to be precise, the remains of the Dao Harnessing Formation. Without supreme treasures as the foundation, it can only be considered a wed formation. But it''s enough to kill one or two of the top experts in the mortal realm." There was only one Tao Shielding level formation in ancient times, it was the result of multiple civilizations'' efforts. But it was said to have been lost long ago. Celestial Sword Maiden didn''t expect to encounter it here. Such a high-level formation required supreme treasures as banners. Once fully activated, it would demonstrate its power to kill gods and Buddhas alike, it could even extinguish the peerless transcendents with ease! "The name of this killing formation is quite apt, isn''t it? Is it destiny?" Wang Xuan spoke. The man in the ck robe nodded and said, "Yes, it''s destiny. With your physical body, if we can merge the two banners and recreate the Dao Harnessing Banner, we can perfectlyplement this killing formation in the future. Who can resist then? It''s destiny!" Chapter 515: The Purple Celestial Dao Sword Chapter 515: The Purple Celestial Dao Sword A being who had lived for five thousand years, belonging to the era of the ancient emperors, now in the Land of Immortals, only one lunatic had lived longer than him. "Hehe¡­" heughed, aughter that held depth and danger. He was the true founder of the Demonic Embryo Technique, Zheng Yuantian was once possessed by his spirit upon entering the Immortal Realm. The part of his spirit that had merged with Zheng Yuantian''s flesh and blood had perished, but his main spirit still lived on. It took the form of a silver-robed figure, walking alongside the Evil Dragon, Qi Tian. The figure before them was the fragmented spirit left in the mortal realm. Recently, he had regained some power after resonating with the main body in the Immortal Realm. He was still counted as one of the extraordinary immortals. This person was not simple. He was extremely powerful within the Great Veil, but as for his power in the real world, that was another matter. At least Wang Xuan wasn''t afraid. "I''ve heard about you for a long time. The Demonic Embryo Technique has been glorified by some as the Immortal Embryo Technique. Your infamous reputation precedes you. Even Master Zheng was devoured by you. If such truth were to spread, even the Immortal Realm would quake," Wang Xuan said as he looked at him. "To encounter a figure who hase from the era of the emperors, my heart is filled with mixed emotions. It''s like witnessing half of living history." "Shall we exchange a few moves?" said Wang Xuan, inviting him to a spar. "You are a five thousand year old demon. Surely you wouldn''t think to win by setting up a grand formation and assimting us both when dealing with a person from ater generation like me? I have yearned for that era and desire to fight against someone who stands alongside the emperors!" Wang Xuan did indeed want to fight him. Firstly, to witness the abilities of such an ancient figure, and secondly, because his main spirit was still alive. In the Land of the Undying, it was convenient to understand his abilities through his mortal form now, facilitating the future task of killing his main spirit. "What''s good about ancient times? The so-called glorious legends conceal countless corpses, it was cruel and bloody. Not a single one of the emperors had a good ending. They all died," the man in the ck robe said.¡¡¡¡He looked at Wang Xuan and continued, "I''m getting old, too old to fight. With a killing formation here, I won''t indulge you further." Jiang Qingyao spoke up, "You won''t fight, but you want to assimte us with the killing formation? Fine,ter I''ll cut his body in half. Let''s see how you get hold of a perfect body with a special innerndscape." The man in the ck robe said indifferently, "I bet you won''t make a move. Otherwise, I''ll start assimting you both right now. I''ll watch as you kill him first." "People get more timid as they age. You''re afraid of a person from ater generation like me. You''re a piece of old rotten meat. You should have been buried long ago," Wang Xuan spoke disrespectfully. "No wonder all the emperors were wiped outpletely. People from your erack courage and heroism. Even if you''re still lingering like this, it''s as good as being dead!" For many years, the man in the ck robe had remained calm, even after devouring Zheng Yuantian and killing other extraordinary powerhouses. He had always beenposed and never revealed his aplishments to others. But now, he was a bit unsettled. He thought of the past, when his Daopanion had abandoned him and said such decisive words, criticizing him for being cowardly andcking courage. "I founded the Immortal Embryo Technique and have killed many top experts. Do you still dare to mock me?!" he snapped. Then, he shook his head and said, "Forget it. These old matters are all in the past. I can''t believe I was angered by them. The Great Barrier is decaying, and it seems my Dao heart is also fluctuating. Otherwise, why would I be so unsettled?" Despite his words, he acted in an instant, disying his terrifying skills. A ck immortal lotus appeared, rooted in the void, its bud blooming instantly. With a loud bang, ck petals fluttered, and endless ck mes engulfed the purend in an instant, covering both Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden. "Heavenly Tribtion Fire?!" Celestial Sword Maiden eximed in surprise. This was the fire produced during the tribtion. The old man could actually collect it and leave it in the mortal realm. In this particr era, if it were anyone else here, they would surely be burned to death by this Heavenly Tribtion Fire. It could only be said that the founder of the Demonic Embryo Technique was indeed powerful and terrifying. This ck me was extremely strong but was ultimately suppressed in the mortal realm. It was sealed off by the limit of the mortal realm Otherwise, it would be easy to burn even immortals to death. Wang Xuan was fearless. Having crossed the heavenly tribtion twice under the limitation, he opened the light veil outside his body like a true dragon descending, then punched out to burst the intense ck mes. He was intending to kill this man. The man in the ck robe was moved. He knew what this meant. The opponent''s strength in the mortal realm was beyond belief. He waved his hands, and vague images appeared. It was a starry sky, profound and vast, separating him and Wang Xuan. A vast aura overwhelmed everything, suppressing Wang Xuan with the power of the universe. It intended to crush Wang Xuan. "It''s a bit of the power of rule. During the decay of the mythological era, you actually brought this power into the real world," said Wang Xuan as even he was surprised by it. "It''s just a disy in this Secret Realm," the man in the ck robe said coldly. He sped his hands together, and suddenly, the cosmic void began to move with the interaction of Yin and Yang energies. He was gathering the stars and forming a Yin-Yang Diagram to crush Wang Xuan! Such a phenomenon was difficult to manifest in the mortal realm nowadays. It could only be disyed in the Immortal Realm. It could only be said that he was indeed extraordinary. Bang!¡¡ Wang Xuan manifested a spectacr sight, with the Golden Cicada chirping and gently pping its wings. The residual ripples expanded, disrupting the blurry starry sky and dispersing the Yin-Yang energies. Then, his own True Body Diagram appeared, shattering the hazy stars and tearing apart the faint power of rule driven by the spells. With blood surging, he stirred up the entire Secret Realm. Like a dragon in the sky, he swooped down to kill his opponent. With a swoosh, the man in the ck robe decisively retreated, activating the killing formation without hesitation. He didn''t engage directly, but softly said, "My state of mind isn''t calm enough. Why bother taking action myself?" In this area, the Five Elements Killing Formations, Reverse Five Elements Killing Formation were revived and the Yin-Yang Inversion Formation were activated, serving as the prelude. The most important thing was that the remains of the Dao Harnessing Formation manifested in the mortal realm and were beginning to emit light. Terrifying patternss emerged on the ground, interweaving in the void and evolving in the high sky, enveloping the area. Countless murderous auras erupted, surging endlessly. Even though it was the remains of a formation without treasures as its base, it still posed a threat to the mortal bodies of even peerless transcendents. The Godying Banner in Wang Xuan''s hand erged and covered the sky with its surface. With a thud, he nted the banner into the ground and stood together with Celestial Sword Maiden once again. He felt a bit regretful for not being able to personally measure up to this ancient giant. "All right, I''ll send you two on your way," the man in the ck robe said coldly. Jiang Qingyao held the celestial sword and resisted the terrifying patterns spreading across the ground. She said, "You should know that without treasures, it''s just the remains of a formation. Especially in the current real world of this special era, its power is greatly reduced. It might not even kill us!" "Is that so? Let''s see how you manage to survive," said the man in the ck robe, remaining calm. His confidence wasn''t feigned, it was genuinely unwavering. As he spoke, he drew a broken sword from his ck robe. It was just over a foot long, with a pitted main body and a notch on the de. It emitted a purple glow, with the broken parts charred ck. This was a broken sword. With a sound, he inserted the sword into the short mountain, recing the Banner of Severance. Suddenly, the entire atmosphere of the world changed dramaticall and became extremely terrifying. The true power of rule emerged, intertwining in order, and the power of killing soared into the sky. Countless ripples turned into text one after another, filling the void, emitting dazzling light everywhere. Even the Godying Banner was suppressed, and the golden patterns spreading out were instantly repelled back, causing the light of the Godying Banner to dim. The fluttering banner surface drooped down. The bone-chilling killing intent pressed on, forcing its way over. The Number One Killing Formation in the Immortal Realmpletely emerged. It was capable of killing even peerless transcendents. Then, Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden were trapped by the formation! "A broken treasure?!" Wang Xuan was astonished. He was certain that the broken sword was extraordinary, far surpassing all other treasures even in its damaged state. It emitted a genuine treasure aura. After transforming into a formation base, it directly activated the entire killing formation. Even in the mortal realm, it manifested the power of rules! No wonder this old demon was so confident and fearless. With the help of a broken treasure in hand to set up the Number One Killing Formation, it was indeed capable of killing gods and Buddhas. Even if a peerless transcendent arrived, he would still perish. "I pursued it for thousands of years and finally found it not long ago, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword that belonged to a vanished mythological civilization. Unfortunately, back then, it fell short of bing a mature treasure just by a small margin. During the tribtion, it was struck by the final thunderbolt just as it was about to seed. It was a Dao Harnessing-level tribtion. It endured until thest step only to be a broken artifact. This was the effort of the heart and soul of a super civilization," said the man in ck robe. The man in the ck robe felt quite regretful and added, "If it became a supreme treasure, there wouldn''t be any issues with the Sword of Mortal. Future civilizations wouldn''t need to forge a second Dao Harnessing-level sword." Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden were emotionally shaken. It was astonishing that this old demon had found such a broken treasure. It was far beyond their expectations. It was imaginable that a peerless transcendent would die miserably if they came here. Being able to survive from ancient times, even more so than the emperors, this old monster was indeed extremely dangerous. Normally, this ce was simply unimaginable! "The reputation is well-deserved. Truly worthy of standing alongside the emperors, but having lived for thousands of years longer than them, remaining still or making a move means certain death," said Wang Xuan as he nodded his head. At the same time, he became vignt. There were still many dangers in this world. The creator of the Demon Embryo Technique almost taught him a harsh lesson with a cruel reality. Several supreme treasures were in the Land of the Undying. Under normal circumstances, anyoneing here would undoubtedly die! The man in ck robe said, "Alright, are you satisfied now? Heh, dying like this isn''t unjust, right? Leave your bodies behind, and I''ll send you on your way. Hmm, I hope tobine them to create the Dao Harnessing Banner, allowing me to truly possess a treasure!" "Hmm?" He was stunned. What''s going on? When he was speaking and conversing with the two, the Number One Killing Formation of the Immortal Realm had already been activated. Rules emerged in the sky like a gxy, while on the ground, they moved like dragons and snakes. Order after order, scripture after scripture of the formation, manifested vividly, as if they were cast from molten iron. They were shining and spreading out, iparable in killing intent. In the eyes of the man in the ck robe, Celestial Sword Maiden should have been obliterated with her body and soul destroyed, and Wang Xuan''s spirit should have been in, leaving only the physical body behind. But now, the two stood there with their bodies glowing. They were resisting the vast killing intent pervading from the Number One Killing Formation! "You''ve been to the Land of the Undying and obtained semi-mature treasures?" asked the man in the ck robe. He immediately thought of this possibility. Jiang Qingyao smiled, took out the lid of the Life Essence Furnace as a shield in front of her, and then her eyes gleamed with an extremely hot light as she focused on the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. She was extremely fond of it, there was an astonishing brilliance in her beautiful eyes! "A supreme treasure¡­ the Life Essence Furnace?!" eximed the man in the ck robe. He involuntarily retreated and his voice changed when he realized what it was. He thought of various possibilities, but this situation was beyond expectations! Chapter 516: Controlling All The Dao Under The Heavens Chapter 516: Controlling All The Dao Under The Heavens The man in the ck robe retreated. He couldn¡¯t believe that the young man and woman actually possessed such a supreme treasure, disrupting all his preparations. He had originally thought that no one would stand a chance against him with the Purple Celestial Dao Sword in hand,bined with the Dao Harnessing Killing Formation. Everything was secure. However, his heart sank now that he knew about the supreme treasure. After a brief silence, his ck robe swelled up, and his spirit, like a ck sun, erupted with dazzling light as he stood on the short mountain. He was activating the formation with the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. There was no turning back. Moreover, what could someone with a supreme treasure do against him? He activated the Dao Harnessing-level Number One Killing Formation of the Immortal Realm with the broken treasure. Who would live or die was still uncertain! "Control all the swords under the heavens!" he coldly uttered. The killing formation evolved, and the entire secret realm changed, turning into a broken ancient battlefield. The whole area was shrouded in ck mist, the ground stained with blood, and celestial swords were everywhere. Some were azure, condensed like the essence of rivers and seas, some were stained with blood, embedded in the cliffs, and some were as big as mountains, reaching straight to the sky. Each sword that took shape had a great origin. They represented a profound sword technique and resonated with each other. That was the manifestation of rules. Chi chi chi¡­ Endless sword radiance shuttled through the void, cleaving through the sky and bursting everything. In this killing formation, the true trajectory of order traversed heaven and earth, and was capable of annihting even the peerless transcendent. Wang Xuan activated the Life Essence Furnace, and summoned it out. He did not dare to be careless when facing such a Number One Killing Formation. He felt that his life was under serious threat.¡¡¡¡Even with a supreme treasure on him, his hair stood on end. It could only be said that the result of several mythological civilizations, the Dao Harnessing Killing Formation, was truly terrifying. A slight misstep, and he would die here even if he held a supreme treasure. Countless sword lights surged, dense and numerous runes blossomed, forming a vast expanse. It was the Sea of Sword Dao, which wasposed of unparalleled sword dao rules. With a deafening roar, towering waves crashed down, the momentum was earth-shattering. Wang Xuan summoned several weapons he had obtained from the mighty gods and immortals in the Land of the Undying to block the attack. As a result, the undying ck spear shattered inch by inch and the dazzling divine knife instantly exploded into pieces. These were the weapons of peerless masters, destroyed at the first contact. The Life Essence Furnace roared, countless strands of immortal light rose into the air, shrouding Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden. Then, the erected light veil blocked the Sea of Sword Dao. The towering waves surged down, stimting the revival of the Life Essence Furnace. Various patterns engraved on it appeared in the void, deducing the power of rules. Wang Xuan''s expression turned slightly green. This Number One Killing Formation was truly terrifying. Could it contend with the Life Essence Furnace with just a broken treasure?¡¡ The unexpected strength of the killing formation made him apprehensive. The Dao Harnessing Killing Formation was truly invaluable. "Control all the swords under the heavens!" With confidence in his heart, the man in the ck robe lightly scolded, and there were swords everywhere in the world. There were ck demonic swords dripping with blood, and celestial swords sacrificed by various immortals. There were also radiant red swords, hanging in the sky to illuminate all things, and dark Yin swords sinking into theherworld, exuding a chilling aura. ¡­¡­ This was the deduction of various supreme sword dao from the past. Any scripture and profound meanings that existed in the world could be captured by the Dao Harnessing Formation and disyed. This was its terrifying aspect, it could summon the teachings of various powerful martial arts chapters of the past and present. They could be reproduced as long as they resonated with the Great Dao and were memorized. What was Dao Harnessing? It can even control all the Dao under the heavens! Boom! Countless sword lights cleaved through the void, and ck rifts appeared, spreading within the killing formation. If touched, one''s body would instantly explode and turn into blood mist. In this special era, even if one preserved their Earth Immortal Dao in the mortal realm, they would still be torn apart if they came close to a spatial rift. "This is abnormal!" eximed Wang Xuan. Both him and Celestial Sword Maiden were shocked. They had no choice but to quickly enter the furnace, tightly close the lid, and avoid the killing power of the countless swords cleaving through the void. ng ng ng¡­ Endless sword lights fell, causing countless rosy clouds and immortal lights to rise from the Life Essence Furnace. Then, the ck rifts fell, causing the furnace to hum incessantly. Fortunately, even spatial rifts couldn''t harm the supreme treasure at all. "Control all the fires under the heavens!" The man in the ck robe said coldly,pletely relieved. This was also the first time he had disyed the Dao Harnessing Killing Formation. The effect was unexpectedly astonishing, truly defying the heavens. It could even contend with treasures head-on! "Kill!" With his loud shout, everywhere was filled with mes. Sunfire essence poured down, Yin-Yang True Fire covered the sky, and the Nine Nether Earth Fire swept across the sky. This ce turned into a world of fire, where there were no ordinary mes, only mesposed of runic rules. Even the Life Essence Furnace was glowing red. Many mes that were drawn from the void were borrowed from the spiritual world. All the mes came from various higher spiritual nes. These mes were all manifestations of rules, intertwining to refine all things. It was effortless for it to burn the gods and immortals who returned to the mortal realm to death. The Life Essence Furnace trembled, unleashing unparalleled power to support the light veil. Floating in the sea of fire, although it was dazzlingly burnt, it still appeared sacred and peaceful. "I must obtain the Dao Harnessing Killing Formation!" eximed Wang Xuan as he felt a chill, but at the same time, he was extremely eager. He wanted to acquire the killing formation and master it. The ck-robed man''s calm demeanor was now turbulent as he stared at the Life Essence Furnace. If he could obtain this treasure and use it together with the Number One Killing Formation, even the sword lunatic would probably be refined to death! "Unfortunately, the materials for the killing formation are too difficult to find. So far, a perfect formation diagram has not been refined. It will be tattered after a single battle," said the ck-robed man. He was very regretful. It was difficult to gather the heavenly treasures and earthly materials in this era. The requirements of materials for the only Dao Harnessing-level killing formation were too high. "Let''s go and attack!" Jiang Qingyao spoke up. Passive defense was not the philosophy of Celestial Sword Maiden lineage. Offense was the best defense. Wang Xuan nodded. He had already studied the changes in the power of the Number One Killing Formation and was prepared to counterattack. The Life Essence Furnace emitted light and rose with a loud bang in the endless sea of fire. It rushed towards the short mountain, and was intending to destroy the ck-robed man and the formation base. "Control all the Dao under the heavens!" shouted the ck-robed man in a cold voice. He ced his palm on the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, growing more confident as time passed. He faced the treasure without fear. He emitted a glow and merged with the formation. He was connected in flesh and blood with the formation base. Together, they resonated, intending to suppress the Life Essence Furnace and refine the enemies. At that moment, the world changed. Chaos Qi flowed, everything became hazy, as if returning to the era of origin. The first ray of light appeared, carrying the aura of the Great Dao and descended towards the Life Essence Furnace. ng! This was the first time the Life Essence Furnace was struck so violently, as if it was hit by countless extraterrestrial stars, bombarded by the Milky Way, causing it to continuously tremble. The ray of light seemed to carry the Great Dao, and even a strand of its aura weighed a billion tons. Being struck by it made both Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden that were inside the furnace very ufortable, causing them injuries. "Forced to this point even when I have a supreme treasure, I must analyze the Number One Killing Formation and see if it can be integrated into the Sword Dao," said Celestial Sword Maiden with a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth. Wang Xuan also coughed up blood. This situation was beyond his expectations. He originally thought that with a treasure in hand, he could crush his opponents, but it was not what he had imagined. Controlling all the Dao under the heavens, in a trance, it seemed to be deducing the aura of the era of the creation of the heavens. After the first ray of light, the first sound appeared. It was the initial sound of the Great Dao, the resonance of rules. The Life Essence Furnace was hit again, and both Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden''s expression changed. Blood flowed from their mouths, but then they became fierce, jointly urging on the furnace, driving it towards the ck-robed man. Obviously, the ck-robed man was also in difort. The Life Essence Furnace emitted light and was rippling out sacred ripples. It was tearing apart the runes of the Number One Killing Formation and closing in on him. At a critical moment, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword shone brilliantly, enveloping him in a purple sun, blocking the counterattack of the supreme treasure. Even so, he was still shaken and coughed up blood. Furthermore, the Life Essence Furnace was closing in! With a loud rumble, controlling all the Dao under the heavens and containing all rules, thunder appeared. Following that, the Heavenly Tribtion Fire burned the entire sky, copsing and pouring down, submerging the Life Essence Furnace and blocking its path. One after another, Heavenly Tribtion Thunderbolts struck the Life Essence Furnace, causing it to tremble and rumble incessantly, causing the two people inside to tumble along with the furnace. "The universe in all directions, the past, present, and future are called time and space. Space is the prison, time is the de!" eximed the ck-robed man as he coughed up blood, urging on the Number One Killing Formation of the Immortal Realm. In an instant, the entire space froze, everything became still, and the Life Essence Furnace was briefly fixed in ce. Only a glimpse of the de of Time took shape, slowly shing towards the furnace body, intending to kill the two people through the furnace wall with the power of time! The man in the ck robe did not show mercy because he needed the physical body that had a special innerndscape. He intended to kill the enemy first. "The Dao Harnessing Formation is so terrifying!" eximed Wang Xuan. Him and Jiang Qingyao were both horrified. The killing formation could perform all kinds of moves. If the formation base was aplete treasure, then there would indeed be no solution to this situation. They sat cross-legged in the furnace, chanting together, operating the scripture recorded on the Life Essence Furnace. They were resonating with the furnace, and maximizing its power. Boom! At a critical moment, the furnace body shone brightly, and endless runes rose. Crystal clear like jade illuminated the void, making the entire secret realm peaceful and sacred because of it. It resisted the erosion of the de of Time. If the power of time were allowed to prate and hit the two people, they would surely decay and die. "To think that we''ve been forced to this point," said Wang Xuan, coughing up blood continuously. He never expected that he would almost be buried here in search of the Banner of Severance. In the Land of the Undying, he had killed the main bodies of gods and killed all the way through thend. Even when encountering the avatar of Evil Dragon in deep space, he could still contend with him, but it was far less dangerous than this. The ck-robed man staggered, almost falling to the ground. He was also ufortable. This kind of killing formation consumed too much energy, and he was also countered by the patterns of the treasure. Fortunately, he was protected by the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. "The Purple Celestial Dao Sword that controls all Dao, help me create a new myth!" the ck-robed man shouted. He became fierce again, mobilizing the most powerful force of the killing formation and activating the formation base. The light of heavenly tribtion, the power of time, the spatial fissures, endless rules manifested. He pulled out the shimmering purple broken celestial sword, using the damaged treasure to drive the power of the entire killing formation, shing towards the Life Essence Furnace. The entire killing formation made a cracking sound, all the forces were converging. The aura of killing intent entered the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, making it extremely bright and flew towards the Life Essence Furnace! Wang Xuan''s mind was shaken, and Celestial Sword Maiden''s expression changed. This kind of attack was destined to be earth-shattering, it was a matter of life and death! "Huh? The Purple Celestial Dao Sword is about to fall, and its speed has slowed down?" Celestial Sword Maiden was surprised. At a critical moment, the opponent had dropped the ball. Wang Xuanunched a fierce counterattack, driving the Life Essence Furnace to charge forward. However, his expression also changed. His body shook and became extremely weak, causing the Life Essence Furnace to fall. There was no doubt that he and the ck-robed man were facing the same problem. The consumption involving treasures and killing formations was terrifying. Now, the transcendent material in his body was somewhat depleted. The ck-robed man''s heart was pounding. He had prepared several treasures from the innerndscape that continuously provided transcendent material, but he was weakening faster than his opponent. In an instant, he activated his almost decayed innerndscape, desperately mobilizing transcendent material. Then, he took out thest two treasures from the innerndscape to provide power for himself. Wang Xuan triggered his spiritual sense and also opened his innerndscape. He continuously provided transcendent material to the Life Essence Furnace, causing it to emit light and revive. ng! The shimmering Purple Celestial Dao Sword was activated again, but just as it condensed the killing power of the Number One Killing Formation, it was struck by the Life Essence Furnace, and had slightly deviated from its original trajectory. The ck-robed man coughed up blood heavily, his heart sankpletely. Wang Xuan¡¯s speed of replenishing transcendent material exceeded his own. He was in a dangerous situation. To death! He ignited his almost decayed innerndscape, causing it to explode. Terrifying transcendent material surged out, intending to deliver the strongest blow. He gathered all the power of the killing formation on the Purple Celestial Dao Sword and shed towards the Life Essence Furnace. Swish! At a critical moment, Wang Xuan controlled the Life Essence Furnace to tear through the void, but the Purple Celestial Dao Sword chased after it and still descended. The Life Essence Furnace dodged again. At the same time, Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden both draped themselves in beast skins and used the Godying Banner to protect themselves. In addition, Wang Xuan took out the Book of Ages he obtained in the Land of the Undying. With twenty or so pages, he used them as talismans to stick onto himself and Celestial Sword Maiden. ng!¡¡ The sound of the Great Dao resonated. The sword and the furnace collided, countless runes lit up, engulfing the entire secret realm. The Number One Killing Formation, limited by its materials, had long since been unable to support itself and waspletely disintegrated. The secret realm also began to crack, it was about to shatter! The Purple Celestial Dao Sword dimmed and fell to the ground. Inside the Life Essence Furnace, Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden were covered in blood. Even though the treasure defended against the attack, this slight tremor still caused their bodies to suffer severe injuries, almost turning them into minced meat. They held on in the end. The Book of Ages, the Bearer of the Old Covenant of the previous mythological civilization, also yed a role. It emitted light at a critical moment and enveloped them. Wang Xuan had some broken bones and dozens of wounds on his body. Celestial Sword Maiden was also in a sorry state, turning into a blood-soaked maiden. Fortunately, the problem was not too serious. In the distance, the ck robe of that man had long turned into ashes. His spirit appeared with hundreds of cracks, and was about to explode. He was held in ce by Wang Xuan using the Life Essence Furnace. "That was close. He was almost on the brink of annihtion. Finally, I managed to bind him!" said Wang Xuan, breathing a sigh of relief. At a critical moment, he stopped his copse. In an instant, the furnace lid opened, and Celestial Sword Maiden grabbed the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. Although blood was flowing from the corners of her mouth, she smiled happily and brightly. Wang Xuan controlled the Life Essence Furnace to rush over, then used a gentle light to confine the copsing spirit. He quickly searched the spiritual domain of the ck-robed man, looking for the scriptures about the Number One Killing Formation. At the same time, he snatched the Banner of Severance into his hand. Chapter 517: Wandering In Deep Space Chapter 517: Wandering In Deep Space The secret realm, with its vast internal territory, was now decaying. The entire small world was withering, with various spirit trees wilting, dried leaves covering the ground, and divine flowers withering. The secret realm became blurry, hazy, and was filled with cracks. Under the terrifying effect of the Number One Killing Formation, its speed of decaying elerated. It actually perished even before the end of the myth. In the dying light, as thest beam of light swept across the small world, illuminating everything, the whole world was about to copse. The secret realm seemed to have a life of its own as blood dripped from the sky. "What a pity!" Wang Xuanmented and regretted it. A small world ended just like that, disintegrating. He controlled the Life Essence Furnace to transform into a stream of light and quickly rushed out. Otherwise, it would be very dangerous with the copse of the space here. In the azure sea, the Life Essence Furnace was crystal clear. Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden left the area and looked back from afar. Initially, there was a dazzling light that rose and copsed. Then, it shrunk, and finally quickly calmed down. They thought there would be a terrible explosion, with the entire sea drying up and a tsunami reaching the sky. They never expected it to die so peacefully and momentarily. Jiang Qingyao sighed softly, "If the Immortal Realm dies and extinguishes, it''s just a matter of seconds. The extraordinary may notice anomalies, but ordinary people won''t feel anything. Myths will vanish and die in silence." "Let''s go, bloody maiden. Let''s heal our wounds first," Wang Xuan said. At that moment, they both looked like blood gourds, covered in crimson, with injuries everywhere.¡¡¡¡"Wanna fight?" replied Jiang Qingyao. She lightly tapped him with the broken Purple Celestial Dao Sword. The sword had pits and fractures on its body, some parts were even charred ck. "Don¡¯t do it, this is a damaged treasure. I might get knocked out if you''re not careful," said Wang Xuan, stepping back. "I haven''t activated it anyway," Celestial Sword Maiden said joyfully, holding the broken sword, reluctant to let go. A faint mysterious purple light flowed over the de. "I''ve broken twenty-seven bones this time. It''s really miserable," said Wang Xuan as he inspected his internal body. He was feeling pain all over his body. Wang Xuan had a supreme treasure in hand, which was cautious enough, but he still almost had an ident. The power of the Number One Killing Formation was beyond imagination. With the broken Purple Celestial Dao Sword as the formation base, one could almost withstand the gods and kill the Buddhas! Thinking from another perspective, he felt that the man in the ck robe was probably even more aggrieved than him, because the man had failed even with such a killing formation that could harvest peerless transcendents. Not long ago, when Wang Xuan searched the ck-robed man¡¯s spirit, he felt his despair, anger, and unwillingness. It was a close call, and the result could have been different with just a slight change. Even after Wang Xuan searched his spirit, he couldn''t help but sigh at the danger. This killing formation was limited by the materials of the formation. It had many ws due to theck of natural treasures to support it, it¡¯s far from perfect. "This is troublesome. Although I obtained the Number One Killing Formation, I will encounter problems simr to that old demon''s. Where can I find so many treasures to refine the formation diagram?" pondered Wang Xuan. Then, they arrived at an ind deep in the sea, lush with clear springs, and mountains. It was rtively quiet, and not yet developed by neers. Next, after Wang Xuan tried several times, he triggered the spiritual perception again and, together with Celestial Sword Maiden, entered the innerndscape to begin healing. Here, time seemed to fly by. Rich silver material fell like heavy snow covering them, causing a strong metabolism boost in both of them. Broken bones reconnected, torn flesh closed, and vigorous new vitality umted in their cells. They emitted a faint glow and were full of fresh vitality. The change was quick. The vitality of their spirits and flesh became extremely vigorous, injuries and illnesses disappeared, and with a slight shake, scabs and the like fell off their bodies, leaving no wounds left on them. They put on their transcendent armor again, wore their clothes, and werepletely restored. "I need to study the Number One Killing Formation carefully," Wang Xuan said. For the tens or hundreds of years toe while he was in the innerndscape, he would ponder the Dao Harnessing Killing Formation, which he valued greatly. For a while, he even put aside the issue of the Banner of Severance and focused on his research. Celestial Sword Maiden also joined in, discussing with him from time to time. Theyprehended together and exchanged and verified with each other. They were achieving excellent results and had significantly improved their understanding of the killing formation. Even though it was difficult to fathom the essence of the entire killing formation and fully understand the formation¡¯s principles, they could still arrange and refine the formation diagram based on the memories of the man in the ck robe. Of course, the biggest problem stilly in the limitation of natural treasures, which were difficult to gather. "It seems that it will be impossible to refine the formation diagram in the short term. I wanted to use it to deal with the Evil Dragon but it seems impossible for now," Wang Xuan sighed helplessly. He had the strongest killing formation in hand but couldn''t set it up. The man in the ck robe spent a lot of time and effort. Who knows how many years he spent to create a wed Number One Killing Formation? Now, with the end of the transcendent era approaching, where would Wang Xuan go to collect materials? "However, I still have some good things here, which should be able to rece some of the natural treasures," said Wang Xuan, sorting through various treasures. The golden small tree and the nine golden crows on it were supreme treasures, and the Spirit Chain was of the same level. Additionally, there were the Banner of Severance, iron awl, Silver Beast Skin Scroll, and more. "There''s also the Book of Ages, the page carrying the mental illness technique, and the real supreme treasure of them, the Life Essence Furnace!" eximed Wang Xuan. He believed that if he went to the Land of the Undying and looted the gods, he would probably be able to gather enough natural treasures by seizing the powerful weapons of the mighty gods. The weapons of those mighty figures must be treasures, crafted with exquisite materials. However, doing so would attract too much hatred, especially from the likes of the Evil Dragon and the sword lunatic who were also there. "There''s also the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, which can be ced in the killing formation as a substitute for natural treasures," Jiang Qingyao said. If needed, she could use the sword for it. The two studied and manipted the Number One Killing Formation in the innerndscape. In the end, even Wang Xuan''s various treasures from the earlier stages were taken out. Short swords, fishing lines, hooks, divinemps, golden gourds, and so on were naturally included, and there was no shortage of the purple gourd given by Celestial Sword Maiden, which had the chaotic aura. "Not to mention, after looting Demon Lord''s home and ransacking Qi Tian''s cave, there are plenty of things we can use," Wang Xuan remarked. The two set up a crude and simple Number One Killing Formation. Despite having many treasures, and with Jiang Qingyao even contributing her own collection, it was still not enough. They failed even with the use of supreme treasures like the Life Essence Furnace and the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. Otherwise, they wouldn''t even be able to set up a rudimentary version of the killing formation. "I regret it a bit. Earlier, I should have stolen all kinds of treasures from the conglomerate''s secret vault, leaving nothing behind. Maybe then we could have gathered enough materials," Wang Xuan sighed. He only took the best treasures when he was there. When he came back this time, he found that the secret vault was already empty. It was either taken away by the conglomerate or reimed by the returning immortals. Of course, if he had done so earlier, he might not have survived and would have been pursued by various forces to the end. Now, his rtionship with various parties was still okay, except for the Evil Dragon and the creator of the Demonic Embryo Technique who were always eyeing his body. Otherwise, he had few other mortal enemies. "At worst, you hide from the Evil Dragon. Time is on your side!" Jiang Qingyao said. The two didn''t n to stay in the New World for long. They would leave in a while and enter the depths of the universe to explore the unknown starry sky. They spected that after the man in the ck robe died, his main body would know sooner orter. After all, secrets couldn''t be kept forever. Moreover, not long ago, the Life Essence Furnace shook wildly. Perhaps the peerless transcendents in the Land of the Undying had already set off and were on their way back,ing to search for thest supreme treasure! However, the journey was long, and those people would have difficulty returning in these two days. "Third Stage bear,e pick me up," said Wang Xuan, contacting the mechanical bear via radio. "There''s no Third Stage bear, only Second Stage bear is left!" The mechanical bear said indignantly. It had been guarding Wang Xuan and had just recently improved its realm, but today¡­ it dropped again! "Hurry up, or else you''ll be a First Stage bear soon!" Wang Xuan urged. The small silver spaceship rushed over and picked up Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao from the deserted ind in the deep sea. As a precaution, he didn''t linger and didn''t go to see Professor Lin and the others, heading directly into the dark universe. The transcendent world was about to fall silent forever, with only a few days left. Wang Xuan decided to stay low-key for a while. He wanted to temporarily cut off from the outside world, and wander in deep space with Celestial Sword Maiden. Whenever they passed by a with life, they would avoid it. "Are these reallyponents of the Dao Harnessing Banner? Can they reproduce the Number One Supreme Treasure?" pondered Wang Xuan. In the spaceship, Wang Xuan yed with a pile of treasures, focusing on two palm-sized small banners. He was quite fond of them. He had also obtained the Banner of Severance, which could even sever the flesh of the most powerful gods! However, after trying to merge them for half a day, the two banners only resonated with mysterious fluctuations but couldn''t unify in the end. The iron awl, the Golden Beast Skin Scroll with holes, and the Silver Beast Skin Scroll dug from Qingcheng Mountain were all put together by him. They all had fluctuations, but they couldn''t be merged. "Huh, something else is vibrating?!" said Wang Xuan with surprise. It was actually the short sword. It had also moved once, but only that one time. Afterward, no matter how he manipted, activated the Banner of Severance and the Godying Banner, the short sword didn''t react much. This weapon didn''t have any extraordinary attributes. It had only one characteristic, which was hard and sharp. It had even cut off the fishing line of the fisherman on the Departed Land Moon. "What''s the reason behind this? I wanted to reproduce the Dao Harnessing Banner, and the short sword moved once. Is there any causal rtionship?" He doubted, opening his Spiritual Eyes, but couldn''t see anything. Outside the spaceship, the universe was vast, profound, and cold. It was a darkness that stretched endlessly. They stayed away from the New World and traveled aimlessly. Celestial Sword Maiden yed with the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. This time, her celestial sword couldn''t absorb the broken sword, but instead, her celestial sword itself had to merge into this broken sword. As she continued to refine it, she saw scenes of the past, with thunderous shes and Heavenly Tribtion of the Dao Harnessing-level, shaking her mind. It was incredibly shocking. That kind of power would instantly kill even the peerless transcendents. There was no suspense. Apart from supreme treasures, whether in the Mortal Realm or the Immortal Realm, there was no creature that could withstand it. "This sword, originally about to be a supreme treasure, was still destroyed in the end," she said with aplex expression. In that vast Heavenly Tribtion, an entire starry sky was shattered! Luckily, that sword was refined in the depths of the universe. Otherwise, sentient beings would have suffered, and an entire starrynd would have been reduced to a ce of destruction! "What''s going on?" asked Wang Xuan, putting down a small gold and silver banner and then turned to look at her. Celestial Sword Maiden said with a serious expression, "The Purple Celestial Dao Sword is almost considered a sess in refining. It contains the spirit of the strongest figure of that mythological civilization. He wanted to ascend together with it, reaching the Dao Harnessing-level, but was ruthlessly destroyed by the chaotic Heavenly Tribtion of the Dao Harnessing-level!" "This¡­" Wang Xuan was truly surprised. This should have been able to mature into a supreme ancient sword, but in the end, it was destroyed because of this? "In order to break free and ascend to the Dao Harnessing-level, ancient people tried various methods." He sighed. In the Departed Land where the fragments of Xu Fu¡¯s spirit were located, the moon was actually the eye of a creature, and the giant beast was the result of a lost civilization''s efforts. That civilization had once tried their best to upgrade the physical body of an invincible creature to the Dao Harnessing-level, but its spirit copsed prematurely. In the end, that civilization left behind an iplete supreme treasure as a form of life. As for the civilization of the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, they wanted to use the supreme treasure as a vessel. Letting the spirit enter it to achieve the sublimation of the level of life, but it also failed. "How can this pile of objects bebined together, and how can the Number One Supreme Treasure, the Dao Harnessing Banner, be reproduced?" pondered Wang Xuan. He tried various methods, but nothing seemed to work. He thought for a moment, then put the Banner of Severance, the iron awl, the Beast Skin Scrolls, and the short sword into the Life Essence Furnace. He was ready to take them into the void and refine them in the sea of red substances above the meteorite passage. "I''ll personally refine the treasures and see how it¡¯ll be!" eximed Wang Xuan. His spirit set off with the furnace, passing through the Life Soil, and soon appeared in the meteorite passage. Chapter 518: His Inner Spirit Survives Chapter 518: His Inner Spirit Survives "I can''t take this heat anymore, it''s cooking me!" Wang Xuan eximed as he traversed the meteorite passage. His spiritual essence felt like it was on the verge of evaporating from the intense heat. His only recourse was to take refuge in the Life Essence Furnace, propelling himself upward through the fiery corridor until he reached a vast expanse swathed in red mist where real material particles andrge fragments abounded. The furnace glowed red-hot, the temperature inside high enough to melt fairy gold and refine secret silver. Wang Xuan''s spirit suffered immensely in this region, further than he had ever ventured before. His spirit became hazy and indistinct, feeling as if it might burst from the unbearable heat. Inside the furnace, the pile of divine items, including a short sword, emitted strange fluctuations before calming down again, with no signs of merging into one. Above the meteorite passage, the realm of red mist stretched boundlessly. Wang Xuan suspected he had left the passage behind and entered a new and terrifying domain. "Keep moving upward!" he urged himself, hoping for the resurgence of the Imperial g, but to no avail. Preparing for onest effort, hemented, "It''s no use. The treasure won''t form, and I''m about to be reduced to ashes." His spirit smoked as he sheltered within the furnace, hinting at the horrors outside. "Could these really not beponents of the Imperial g? Don''t force me to take drastic measures!" he thought bitterly. Retreating a distance within the furnace, he eventually opened the furnace lid and dumped the assortment of objects into the ''Red Sea'', forcing them to fuse on their own. In that instant, Wang Xuan nearly perished. Even retreating from the most dangerous area, the moment he opened the furnace, a piercing red light still invaded.He writhed in agony, his skin felt like it was being peeled off, and then boiled. His body no longer felt like his own. Despite employing various spells and reciting the highest scriptures, his spirit was parched from the burn, his being on the brink of bing a spiritual wreck. "I almost died before achieving my mission," he gasped, reflecting on the risks he had taken for the Imperial g. His spirit dimmed, scorched beyond recognition. Outside, items like the Banner of Severance and the Beastskin Book nearly burnt to a crisp. Mysterious patterns interwoven among them resonated, clearly stimted by the ordeal. However, they still did not unite, each vibrating independently as they resisted the scorching and erosion of the red mist. Their surfaces turned red, then charred ck, each stubbornly maintaining their autonomy. "In the grand scheme of things, what has separated must eventually unite," Wang Xuan muttered to himself, peering anxiously through the furnace''s glowing red walls. The iron tongs seemed on the verge of melting, the Severing God g''s golden mesh surged like waves, and the Banner of Severence''s silvery beams shed through the red mists. The short sword remained the calmest, turned a dark red, motionless among the churning ponents''. The red mists boiled around them, yet there was still no sign of them evolving into the Imperial g. Resigned, Wang Xuan had to ept that this attempt was probably a failure. He reflected that in the past, some had possessed two gs but were ultimately unable to restore the supreme treasure. Perhaps the Imperial g was truly destroyed. He sighed. Having recently in the demonic embryo, acquiring the First Killing Array, and obtaining the Banner of Severance, his adventures had been thrilling yet not perfectly satisfying; something was still amiss. "Well, one must be content with what they have; perhaps the time just isn''t right," he consoled himself as he sat cross-legged inside the furnace, embarking on a journey of cultivation. Havinge this far, he was not about to waste the opportunity to improve himself. However, since achieving perfectpletion at the thirteenth stage, no matter how he cultivated, even though his spiritual prowess somewhat improved, he could not surpass that final barrier. Whether advancing to the Great Realm of Free Wander or attempting to break through to the fourteenth stage, he encountered insurmountable obstacles, as if something mysterious was holding him back. "Wait, has the barrier loosened today?" he suddenly eximed in surprise, noticing the sorry state of his spirit, which appeared severely burnt. The external part of his spirit was charred, emitting a decaying aura, yet the core spark within surged with vigorous life. "Without the old body perishing, the new spirit cannot emerge. Could it be because the external spirit is damaged, the inner spirit is emerging?" he pondered, his expression changing. He immediately recited the highest scriptures, aiming to strengthen himself right there, to be even stronger, until he realized the old spirit... was slowly healing itself. "Am I unkible, truly indestructible?" Wang Xuan was astonished. He began actively drawing the essence from his external spirit, channeling it into the nascent spirit within. In the end, it slowly recovered; the spirit was indestructible, regenerating anew. "It seems that my body and internalndscape are undergoing simr transformations. The old decays and revives, unceasing, maintaining this astonishing rhythm," Wang Xuan mused, somewhat lost in thought. However, Wang Xuan also noticed something unusual. As the saying goes, ''once, twice, not a third time.'' This time, upon reviving, the old spirit carried a hint of decay, imperceptible to others but crystal clear to him. Even the rejuvenating furnace couldn''t restore itpletely. "With that in mind, I should do this a few more times!" he resolved, risking his life in the process. Since the rejuvenating furnace was at hand and resonated with his unique spirit to grant an undying effect, he decided to continue this path of cultivation. ncing outside, indeed, the Severing Body g had turned charred ck, and the iron tongs glowed red-hot, yet still, they did not merge together. He gave up all hope for the Imperial g. Rather than pinning his hopes on it, he thought it better to focus on himself, to enhance his being and undergo another transformation and sublimation. "If I enter the realm of Free Wander, or advance to the fourteenth stage, even facing the true form of the evil dragon, I should be able to hold my own, right?" He was aware that not all beings of the supreme transcendent realm were equal. Only those like the ancient lunatic, who had undergone more than one spiritual nirvana, could truly retain the fruits of their celestial cultivation. As for Qi Tian, his true spiritual prowess was still unknown. Once again, he opened the furnace lid, and mes like thunderbolts surged in, searing Wang Xuan''s vision to ckness before he hastily shut it again. He was "courting death," torturing himself to force his immortal spirit to tap into itstent potential, to push himself to the next stage. Real materials invaded, damaging his external spirit, but also absorbing those terrifying forces. After they mingled, his spirit dimmed again, exuding a decayed aura. At that moment, the light point¡ªthe new spirit¡ªbegan to shine, vibrant with life, drawing in the essence from the outside. Inside the furnace, the aura was mysterious, the old and new spirits resonating together. "This time, my spiritual cultivation has increased even more!" Wang Xuan mused, his life hanging in the bnce as he harnessed the destructive yet renewing power of the crimson mists. The old and new spirits resonated within him, continually tormenting and cultivating his strength, which steadily grew. There was a moment when all his senses plunged into that glowing point, leaving the remnants of his old spirit outside, experiencing the world through the core of his soul. What he perceived was a world where many materials were decaying, enveloping his old spirit, even as the divine essence from relics like the Severing Body g clung to them. Yet, amidst this destructive red mist, there were threads of new life. At that moment, he even sensed changes in the outside world, his vision blurred as he glimpsed his physical body and his self-initiated innerndscape. The light points within his body, the condensed light in his innerndscape, and the core mark in his spirit were in harmony, each enhancing the others. From his perspective, the external world was a transcendent winter, shrouded in darkness, with myth fading like a dying me. Only the three glowing points shone brightly, awaiting rebirth in the frozen earth. "The new spirit, the new essence of my flesh, and the new light of my innerndscape¡ªdo they really see it this way? The external transcendent world has decayed, copsing into oblivion, with night enveloping the universe." Ultimately, Wang Xuan did not know how many times he had "courted death," but he felt as though he might be entering a new realm entirely. His cultivation, the very essence of his life, had climbed a notch. Now, his old spirit was somewhat decayed, unable to fully recover, while the essential substances within him maintained a bnce, no longer drawing from this older source. "Is this thepletion of the task?" Wang Xuan pondered. "Waiting for the old spirit to fully decay, to fall away and be ''soil,'' nourishing the growth of the new spirit seed?" Wang Xuan felt an epiphany. Everything was progressing along a certain trajectory, and now, pushing forward forcibly was futile; his strength had greatly increased. He was at a pivotal moment: no advancement possible, no retreat avable, just waiting for rebirth, waiting for the turn of events! Externally, the state of his physical body and innerndscape were roughly simr. Finally, Wang Xuan, with the Severing Body g, short sword, and other items, returned to his physical form. His eyes snapped open, and with a slight tremor, ayer of charred skin sloughed off to reveal a robust, lustrous body beneath. Yet, he could sense that both his external body and the old innerndscape carried a hint of decay, imperceptible to others but clear to him, simr to his spirit. Both were transferring their most primal life imprints to the light point, awaiting a great transcendence. "You''ve grown stronger again?" Jiang Qingyao was almost at a loss for words. What kind of era was this, where others were falling while he advanced in reverse? Even she couldn''t help but feel the urge to analyze Wang Xuan, to study his condition. Wang Xuan spoke, "Let me change clothes first, take a breather, then I''ll take you to try exploring new mythical paths to see if they are viable. Hey, aren''t you a bit too forward? Don''t you find it a bit embarrassing?" ¡­ ¡°I¡¯m just checking you¡¯re not burnt to a crisp, what¡¯s there to look at?¡± Sword Immortal retorted, tapping his head twice with the Zixiao Hedaocoin before turning away gracefully. Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao were wanderers in the cosmos, traveling far into deep space, far from both the new star and the old earth. After a day and night, Wang Xuan consolidated his cultivation gains. His spirit wasplete, his body robust, and he decided to take Jiang Qingyao to the Nebulous Realm to see what they could discover. Although ancient texts recorded such actions as exceedingly dangerous, his current strength reassured him enough to try. ¡°Stepping briefly on another¡¯s Fate Soil poses little risk, but lingering long on it will inevitably lead to trouble!¡± Sword Immortal warned seriously. ¡°Fate Soil should not admit outsiders. Even if you trust someone enough to bring them, staying on its surface is one thing, but delving deeper? Either the intruder takes over, or the original owner kills or assimtes them. Only one can remain; such is the ¡®exclusivity¡¯ of Fate Soil.¡± ¡°I have the Life Furnace, and now I¡¯m strong enough in this domain of Fate Soil,¡± Wang Xuan said. ¡°The things I¡¯ve discovered are nearly unmatched; it might be worth a try.¡± Sword Immortal remained somber, ¡°In the past, there were rumors that those who ventured beneath the Fate Soil asionally did so by ident. They found it exceedingly difficult to return¡ªnot dead, then lost or dissolved into nothingness.¡± ¡­ In a far, boundless distance, an ethereal figure strolled through the cosmic starfield, holding the Ascension Banner, muttering to himself, ¡°The curtain falls, it¡¯s time to reap!¡± Chapter 519: The Evil Dragon’s Terms Chapter 519: The Evil Dragon¡¯s Terms ¡°Xiong Er, I''m teaching you the ''Guidance Scripture.'' If there''s danger or anything unusual, recite it immediately and call for us!¡± Wang Xuan instructed carefully. ¡°Take it seriously, and maybe you''ll advance to Bear Three,¡± Jiang Qingyao added with a smile. The two settled into a meditative posture and then set off, with Sword Immortal¡¯s spirit entering Wang Xuan¡¯s realm of fate. He carried her as they plunged deep into the thickyers of his Life Soil. ¡°Life Soil is enigmatic and even terrifying,¡± Sword Immortal remarked. ¡°Ordinary people who venture too deep are doomed to get lost, never reaching the end.¡± Now, fearless and curious, she was eager to uncover Wang Xuan¡¯s secrets. She came bearing her own fragmented treasures, traveling by sword no slower than Wang Xuan. Finally, they reached the Ethereal Realm, and upon seeing the vast, dim expanse that resembled the vast universe, Jiang Qingyao was astounded. Could it really be possible to traverse this ce? ¡°It¡¯s like a starless cosmos, pitch-ck, silent, and infinite. Standing here makes one feel like an insignificant speck of dust facing the eternal night¡ªutterly trivial,¡± she reflected, gripping her Purple Celestial Dao Sword, her gaze sweeping across the Ethereal Realm. ¡°It¡¯s notpletely silent; look over there, they¡¯reing soon,¡± Wang Xuan pointed out. In this dark world, waves of red material periodically surged, rolling through the void. True enough, a fierce light, blood-red like twilight, resplendent and vast, thundered through the dark void, lighting it up.¡°Let¡¯s go, I''ll take you for tea. Don¡¯t worry about time here; a week in the outside world is like a thousand years here. It¡¯s quite mystical.¡± Wang Xuan led her to the edge of a silver pool surrounded by Life Soil mountains, where mutated nine cmities vines and the primordial tea tree grew. ¡°This is Heng Jun¡¯s tea tree; he really was a good soul,¡± Jiang Qingyao noted with surprise. ¡°This tea tree might transform from a celestial medicine into a true medicine!¡± ¡°Heng Jun died tragically,¡± Wang Xuan exined. ¡°He was abruptly killed, and I suspect that madman severed his arm, causing him to lose the Ascension Banner. Holding a treasure like that, it would be hard for other supremes to harm him.¡± As the Life Furnace was engulfed by the red substance, tea aroma wafted around them. Sitting down for tea, Wang Xuan detailed the intricacies of their surroundings to her. Jiang Qingyao was not one to sit idly; such passivity did not suit her spirited nature. She had already begun using her Purple Celestial Dao Sword to draw in the red material, refining and studying it. ¡°This ultra-substance has lethal potential,parable to rare energy materials harvested from high-level spiritual worlds. The key here is the abundance!¡± she noted, nodding with bright eyes. However, she soon frowned, troubled by the insufficient affinity this super-material had with the soul, posing a high risk of bacsh. ¡°It''s indeed a significant issue. The ces we¡¯re heading next are even more perilous¡ªI get burnt to the brink each time, trying to adapt to this red material,¡± Wang Xuan exined, suggesting that if his spirit could adjust to this high-energy substance, it would face little resistance in absorbing and refining other energies. Should that happen, even in the age of mythic silence, he would have an endless supply of ultra-material to harness, never reduced to mere mortality. ¡°Let¡¯s take a dip,¡± Wang Xuan suggested with a smile, pointing towards a rough-hewn pool nearby, its interior steaming with silver celestial liquid, utterly sacred. ¡°Looking for a beating, huh?¡± Sword Immortal shot him a nce. ¡°I¡¯m serious. This stuff is great, capable of transforming one''s spirit and elevating the essence of life. It¡¯s most effective the first few times.¡± Plunk! Before Wang Xuan could finish, Jiang Qingyao had already dived into the pool, clutching her fragmented treasures, emitting a contented hum as she rxed into what seemed a hot spring soak. ¡°Bring some tea over here,¡± shemanded, loungingfortably, far removed from her usual transcendent celestial demeanor, disying azy charm as she beckoned Wang Xuan. A pot of celestial tea wafted over, its aroma nourishing for the spirit. ¡°Hey, my spirit really is transforming! Great pool, great tea¡ªwhat a perfect ce for nourishing immortals,¡± she eximed joyfully. Like Wang Xuan once did, her spirit was shedding its oldyer, with her spiritual power visibly enhancing; the effects were immediate and her cultivation steadily advanced. Soon after, the two ventured into the meteorite corridor. When Sword Immortal first encountered the demonic flower, she too was stunned as it tried to intrude upon her psyche. ng! The Purple Celestial Dao Sword sang softly as it unsheathed itself, casting a purple haze that repelled some unseen force, enveloping Sword Immortal in a protective purple light. "Can it really do that, automatically protect its master?" Wang Xuan marveled, then nced down at his Health Furnace, which had never once interacted with him of its own ord. Jiang Qingyao nodded with a smile, "Of course, my original celestial sword has fully integrated with it. That sword, which I''ve cultivated for eight hundred years, is a divine and holy artifact, inseparable from me." "These meteorites are remarkable, tougher than many divine objects. They could solve some of the material needs for the First Killing Array," she noted, her senses keenly picking up on the unusual properties of the meteorites. "Exactly, I had the same thought. We''ll take some with us when we leave," agreed Wang Xuan. However, the First Killing Array required various materials, and this ce could only provide the unique divine stones. Soon, Jiang Qingyao experienced what it meant to be scorched by fierce mes, teetering between life and death. Even someone as powerful as her, with years of cultivation, struggled to withstand it as they progressed. The two had no choice but to retreat into the furnace, ascending into the above sea of red mists, where they began to meditate. In a dazed state that seemed to stretch over decades or even centuries, Wang Xuan''s eyes gleamed with a sharp vitality. He was certain that his external spirit now carried a taint of decay, unable to fully recover. Had he surpassed his previous realm, reaching into the fourteenth domain? Yet, he found himself in a stalemate, unable to fully realize his potential or advance further. "Should I wait for my external spirit to decay along with the myth, naturally shedding itself, or should I now sever it myself?" Wang Xuan pondered, wrestling with the tough decision. He dared not act rashly, feeling it best to let nature take its course, waiting for the new inner spirit to emerge naturally, fearing any misstep might lead to his own destruction. "In the past ''forty years,'' Jiang Qingyao made tremendous strides here by herself, tempering her spirit with the red substance and elevating her cultivation once more," Wang Xuan recounted. "Besides the red substance, other genuine energy particles and mysterious Dao rhymes she actively engaged with also refined her spirit." However, the effects began to diminish over the decades, mainly because the ce had be somewhat unsuitable for her. "I need to leave," Sword Immortal dered, alert to the dreadful signs foretold in ancient texts. "The ''uniqueness'' of themand ground is manifesting, and my mental state is bing distorted." Such ces were not meant for outsiders to linger long; staying too extended could mean being reced by the neer or being assimted by the original holder. "Let¡¯s go!" Wang Xuan''s expression shifted, and he promptly whisked her away, not even pausing to collect the meteorites. After leaving the meteorite channel, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword and the Health Furnace resonated, transforming into beams of light that sped away, distorting time and space. Returning to the real world, Wang Xuan¡¯s vitality was incredibly vibrant, and yet anotheryer of charred material sloughed off his body. Sword Immortal seemed dazed, noticeably shaken by the experience, taking over an hour to recover fully. "That was truly perilous," she admitted, shuddering at the memory. "I almost lost myself in yourmand ground, nearly dissolving into nothingness!" But her spirits quickly lifted, her innate optimism shining through. "My cultivation has significantly improved. In this era of decay, I¡¯ve actually managed to advance. My main body now possesses the power of the fifth level of Xiaoyao Game." The sixth level of Xiaoyao Game is that of a celestial immortal, and she was just one stage away. Moreover, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword was now fully integrated with her, responding to her thoughts as easily as moving her own limbs, capable of delivering a formidable strike with a mere thought. "Hand over your internalndscape treasures to me. I¡¯m going to collect some meteorites soon and will bring back various super materials for you," Wang Xuan said. In these uncertain times, with the end of the mythological era possibly closing ess to the void forever, he was preparing to ''winter through.'' He continued to traverse the void, mining meteorite fragments, collecting super materials, and cultivating celestial medicines. In hismand ground, three celestial medicines grew; one of them, glowing silver, had originated from Zheng Yuantian. Originally gifted to Zheng Wu to possess Wang Xuan and nt a great medicine, it was a celestial medicine provided by an enemy. Another was from the wooden tray that had been under the Health Furnace, now sprouted and reviving, unfurling several iridescent purple leaves. Another of the celestial medicines came from a spiritual world deep in the outer space of the old earth, associated with the super-civilization where the Dao Harnessing g originated. When Wang Xuan first encountered this medicine, it had long since withered, only its roots remained, nailed down by an iron spike. In that area, several other celestial medicines thrived, unbound and unpunished, making this one particrly unique. Wang Xuan''s cactus-like celestial medicine, along with Chen Yongjie¡¯s coral-like celestial medicine, were also discovered there. The two spected that the dried-up roots, constrained by the iron spike, might have transcended the category of celestial medicines to be true medicines. "This thing should still be alive!" Wang Xuan paid special attention to the withered roots, having nurtured them in the Health Furnace for a long time; they seemed to have a flicker of life. Later, he nted Zheng Yuantian''s great medicine by the silver pool and settled the purple celestial medicine that had revived from the base of the Health Furnace there. Finally, he threw the dried-up roots directly into the shimmering silver celestial pool. Dayster, Wang Xuan and Sword Immortalbined their efforts to refine the rocks and other treasures collected from the meteorite channel. With these, they managed to set up a rudimentary version of the First ying Formation. "Treasures are only missed when needed; we stillck some," Wang Xuan sighed. They had been monitoring this realm closely; the celestial realm was fading, and the great barrier was drying up. This mythological era could end at any moment! It might be a few days or perhaps even today. No one could precisely predict the time, but they all knew the great supernatural winter was fast approaching. ¡­¡­ Two dayster, Xiong Er''s expression changed as he received a mysterious signal, then an enemy trace appeared on the screen: the formidable, transcendent evil dragon emerged. His visage appeared clearly on the screen, smiling. Judging solely by his looks and demeanor, he indeed seemed like a supreme celestial being descended to earth. Every gesture resonated with a divine charm, his demeanor graceful and untainted by the mundane world. Now, he seemed quite down-to-earth, engaging in the simple pleasures of dining and tea drinking amidst the hustle and bustle of the mortal realm, not perched in the elusive clouds. "These ingredients are all from my own stockpile, you''ve really outdone yourself," he chuckled. The table wasden with divine delicacies like fire dragon dates, golden grapes, phoenix marrow, and genuine dragon meat. In the room, Zhou Yun seemed out of sorts, his condition a bit rming¡ªit appeared that the Evil Dragon Qi Tian had controlled him, searching through his mental memories. "What do you want?!" Wang Xuan demanded coldly. "Easy there," Qi Tian responded nonchntly, and with a flicker on the screen, he vanished. Shortly after, his figure reappeared on the spaceship¡¯srge screen, this time apanied by someone else familiar to Wang Xuan¡ªProfessor Lin. This elderly man had been Wang Xuan''s guide, the one who had given him the ancient bamboo scrolls that first exposed him to advanced secret teachings, andter enabled him to unlock his own Inner Landscape. Professor Lin also seemed dazed, his mental state suggesting his memories had been probed too. Qi Tian spoke calmly, "You hold no secrets from me. In fact, I¡¯ve understood you thoroughly for quite some time now, even better than you understand yourself." "Do you intend to use them to threaten me into returning?" Wang Xuan said icily. Sword Immortal also spoke up, "Qi Tian, as a supreme powerhouse from 3,500 years ago, the second person to open a special Inner Landscape during his mortal phase, and now a transcendent being, do you really need to stoop so low as to threaten Wang Xuan with ordinary people?" "You''re all thinking too much. These are just impressions I left a few days ago; I haven¡¯t actually done anything to them yet," Qi Tian replied dismissively. Wang Xuan and Sword Immortal remained highly vignt, sensing trouble. Next, the screen shifted again. Qi Tian was seen arriving at amonce life-bearing isted from the outside world. There, he joined Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and others at a banquet, having changed his face to blend in as a guest, enjoying the feastid out before him. ¡°You¡­¡± Wang Xuan''s expression darkened entirely. How is it possible for Qi Tian to possibly know of that location? It was a tant threat, suggesting that Wang Xuan''s movements were no secret to him. Wherever he had been, Qi Tian knew it all too well. "Ah, as I said, I understand you more deeply than you understand yourself. I''m here now!" Qi Tian spoke, his handsome faceposed and suffused with a celestial aura. "An old spacecraft has appeared in the distance, its capabilities are no less than ours!" the Mechanical Little Bear urgently reported, readying for aerialbat. "Don''t act rashly," Qi Tian warned. "If you really open fire, the Ascension Banner can block it. Besides, I''ve brought ten spacecraft with me, enough to encircle and annihte you." "How did you get hold of my movements?" Wang Xuan asked, deeply unsettled, his spirit trembling¡ªan unpleasant sensation. Sword Immortal, holding the Purple Dawn Converging Sword, wiped all smiles from her face, her expression bing incredibly serious, ready for a major battle. Qi Tian smiled, saying, "I''m very familiar with your affairs. Your biggest trump card, the treasure you''re hiding, is the Life-Preserving Furnace, right? Heh, but you''ve never truly refined it, because it doesn¡¯t really belong to you." Wang Xuan''s scalp tingled. How did Qi Tian know even this? That was deeply troubling¡ªthe Life-Preserving Furnace had significant connections to the Leviathan, the third entity to open a special Inner Landscape during its mortal phase. Chapter 520: For All The Transcendents Of This Era Chapter 520: For All The Transcendents Of This Era The man known as Jiang Siyuan had lived two thousand seven hundred years ago, a figure of extraordinary talent who rose to prominence through sheer force. He had saved Fang Yuzhu¡¯s life twice. On thest asion, he stood in front of her, taking the fatal blow from an ancient demon emperor, his life extinguished in the aftermath. Unbeknownst to others, Wang Xuan knew Jiang Siyuan had been resurrected, saved by the spectral spirit Shenling, who helped him escape using the Life-Preserving Furnace into a hidden realm. What happened after was shrouded in mystery; both Shenling and Jiang Siyuan disappeared, possibly dead, leaving behind only the legendary Life-Preserving Furnace. Now, with Quotian bringing up the past, Wang Xuan was rmed. Was there something amiss with the Life-Preserving Furnace? How else could Quotian so precisely track him all the way here? And was Jiang Siyuan still alive, somewhere among the living? The Celestial Sword Maiden drew her sword slowly, purple qi swirling around the de, resounding through the void, ¡°Don''t let his words frighten you. If he really knew everything, why wait so long to show up?¡± Wang Xuan nodded in agreement. The recordings Quotian sent, whether it was drinking tea with Zhou Yun, meeting Professor Lin, or appearing at the dinner with Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, and Wu Yin, were all events from several days ago, indicating that he had spent considerable time and effort on these leads. This suggested that the Evil Dragon had indeed been using these individuals to find him and did not initially know his exact location. ¡°Correct,¡± Quotian acknowledged with a nod, unfazed, ¡°In avoiding a relentless battle with Fang Yuzhu, I devoted time to understanding her and stumbled upon some unexpected findings.¡± Indeed, while analyzing Fang Yuzhu, he had uncovered a significant ovep with another thread he was pursuing intensely, leading to a breakthrough in his investigations.He had a unique Inner Scenery, capable of resurrection and naturally given to deep analysis, also curious about whether his peers had revived. Recently, he made a startling discovery in the secret realm¡ªthe traces of Jiang Siyuan! ¡°Fortunately, this helped solve a dilemma. I spent vast resources to confirm he¡¯s still alive, a fact I can use to deal with Fang Yuzhu.¡± He chuckled, admitting if given a choice, he would prefer not to sh head-on with someone like Fang Yuzhu, who had undergone multiple spiritual transcendences and was a formidable Transcendent World figure. Now, having spent his efforts analyzing a peer and studying an adversary, the two investigative threads converged, revealing a significant secret, and he breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Jiang Siyuan is still alive?¡± Wang Xuan sensed trouble brewing, especially since this involved the Life-Preserving Furnace, stirring unease within him. ¡°Yes, I revived him, but his situation is precarious, like a candle flickering in the wind, ready to extinguish at any moment. He needs a transcendent being to sustain his life.¡± Quotian¡¯s expression remainedposed, revealing his strategic mind¡ªhis greatest fear was not Wang Xuan, but Fang Yuzhu and the shadow couple. Now he had found a way to counter one of them. ¡°Jiang Siyuan was a good man, I admit, morally superior to me,¡± Quotian conceded with a smirk. ¡°He saved Fang Yuzhu¡¯s life more than once. She has never gotten over the guilt of not being able to save him in return. Now, Fang Yuzhu will owe me a great debt.¡± Jiang Qingyao stared at him, deep in thought. This man, adept at analyzing peers and studying adversaries, had managed to ¡°excavate¡± a person long thought dead. Quotian had discovered Jiang Siyuan, who had escaped the immortal realm by using a divine artifact to pierce through the cosmic veil and had coexisted with the Life-Preserving Furnace for a long time, leaving behind his imprint. This was the breakthrough that led him to Wang Xuan, having traced the pathway back through the artifact. The Life-Preserving Furnace, a treasure linked to the highestws of the cosmic barrier, resonated at the same frequency. With Jiang Siyuan¡¯s imprint within reach, Quotian, supported by the Yuhua Fan, could faintly detect the presence of that imprint within the furnace through the cosmicws. Wang Xuan silently attuned himself to the Life-Preserving Furnace, trying to resonate with it, but to no avail; he still could not detect the lingering imprint, likely hidden within the inner walls of the furnace, eluding his perception all this time. This revtion struck him like a thunderbolt; he had never before suspected any issues with this treasured artifact. ¡°Zhou Yun, Professor Lin, Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, Zhao Qinghan, Wu Yin, and the others have nothing to do with this. I hope you can show some decency,¡± Wang Xuan finally spoke up. The problemy with the divine artifact, far beyond his expectations. The fact that he had been found and tracked through it, considering he had always regarded the Life-Preserving Furnace as his ultimate trump card, spelled serious trouble. ¡°The fate of those people is trivial. Now that I¡¯ve found you, I wouldn¡¯t stoop to threatening you with such tactics. However, should you attempt to flee, all bets are off.¡± The Evil Dragon closed off his escape routes,pelling him to stay. "Alright, I was about to settle things with you anyway!" Wang Xuan nodded, his resolve firm. Cornered and unable to hide any longer, he decided it was time to confront his enemy head-on. Quotian stood on his spacecraft, dering, "Will you surrender willingly, or must Ipel you? Choose the former, and I''ll take what I need but spare your life. Choose thetter, and you will die!" "You''re too arrogant," Wang Xuan replied, stepping out of the airlock as he instructed the mechanical bear to navigate the ship backward. Jiang Qingyao remained silent, her expression grave as she prepared to face this supreme being in a battle to the death. Quotian advanced leisurely through the cosmos, the Yuhua Fan in hand, his form resonating with immortal essence. Each step through the void brought him closer, his serene demeanor belied by the profound and terrifying aura that began to emanate from him. "Indeed, one cannot be too careless. Perhaps you might end up killing me in an unexpected turn of events," he acknowledged, his face calm but his eyes intense, his presence growing increasingly formidable. Was this the pinnacle of the fifth level of Transcendental Freedom, or had he reached the sixth level''s realm of Earthly Immortals? The energy fluctuations around him and thews of the universe that clung to him were awe-inspiring, holding the power to annihte anything under heaven. Jiang Qingyao frowned, the Zixiao Hetdao Sword in her hand pointing towards him, the oppressive power emanating from Quotian tensing her entire being with the immensity of his suppressive force. Wang Xuan retrieved the Life-Preserving Furnace, unwilling to part with it despite its betrayals. As he rinsed it repeatedly with red substance, he muttered, "Furnace, after all the care I''ve given you, to think you would turn on me. If you wish to leave, that''s fine. Help me kill this Evil Dragon first, and then we can part ways amicably. Fair enough, isn¡¯t it?" The furnace remained silent, unresponsive. Wang Xuan, unwilling to leave the furnace floating freely beside him, grasped its body with his right hand and the lid with his left, ready to wield it as a cold weapon in the impending confrontation. He was somewhat incredulous, a faint, fragmented mark alone, and it thought to wrest the treasure from his hands? "Just a wolf, after all this time, you''d think there''d be some attachment, don''t disappoint me!" he said, shing the furnace cover and body together, creating a thunderous ripple that expanded toward the malevolent dragon, sweeping everything before it. Qi Tian vanished from the spot with a tear through the void, holding the Ascension Banner, reappearing in another position. A vast field of asteroids, ranging from tens to thousands of meters in length, exploded under the wave of light from the furnace, turning into cosmic dust. "Very powerful indeed," the dragon remarked dispassionately. "Even the unmatched masters among the immortals, standing there, would burst instantly, both body and spirit annihted." With a swish, a stream of purple haze soared into the sky as the Celestial Sword Maiden swung her Purple Dawn Conjoining Sword, cleaving through the cosmic void. The terrifying sword light ughtered all, unblockable even by the transcendent. Qi Tian snorted coldly, pointing his Ascension Banner forward, unleashing boundless light that blocked the gxy-like purple sword radiance. The brilliance was dazzling, the void shattered, engulfed by terrifying energy. "A treasure remnant?!" Qi Tian showed a look of surprise, not expecting his opponent to possess such a thing. "This world is indeed full of surprises, one must never underestimate anyone," he mused, then vibrated the Ascension Banner, summoning an unmatched force, with ripples of the Dao surging forth. "Uh-oh!" Wang Xuan sensed something amiss. The Life-Preserving Furnace in his hand started to act uncontrobly, trying to break free, beginning to resist him. However, it was apparent that the resistance was not very fierce; otherwise, he would not be able to suppress the rebellion of such a treasure. Feeding it for so long had some effect. Qi Tian, having acquired part of the spiritual imprint from Jiang Siyuan and reinforced it with the Ascension Banner, resonated, attempting to gain true control of the Life-Preserving Furnace. Though effective, he had not yet managed to seize itpletely. Wang Xuan, holding the Life-Preserving Furnace, transformed into a streak of light, charging directly at the dragon. The cosmic void exploded massively¡ªthis was the treasure vibrating! Qi Tian¡¯s eyes deepened, continuously stimting the Ascension Banner, trying to wrest the treasure from Wang Xuan''s control, even hoping for an instant counterattack. ng! The two collided with their treasures, causing terrifying fluctuations and vast energy that swept across all directions like andslide and tsunami. A distant field of asteroids instantly vaporized, and the wreckage of several spaceships farther away disintegrated in an instant, reduced to dust. In the presence of such treasures, all beings and spirits were negligible, obliterated in an instant. Blood traced Wang Xuan''s mouth as he staggered back, the Life-Preserving Furnace vibrating uncontrobly. Though it did not turn against him, its unruly behavior left him at a severe disadvantage, making him incredibly passive in the fight. Qi Tian''s strength was formidable, as if he possessed the Dao fruit of a terrestrial immortal, overwhelmingly powerful, standing unyielded in the cosmic void, his expression cold and his killing intent surging. ng! Without looking back, Qi Tian used the Ascension Banner to block Jiang Qingyao''s earth-shattering strike, deflecting the Purple Dawn Conjoining Sword that had shed through the void. The Celestial Sword Maiden clutched her shimmering broken sword, blood appearing at the corner of her mouth. Her sword light, capable of ying the most transcendent beings, proved ineffectual against the dragon wielding the treasure. "To avoid any mishaps, I should finish you off sooner rather thanter. Attracting the attention of others with treasures would be troublesome," Qi Tian stated coldly. His form was ethereal, his aura soft yet divine, truly possessing the Dao fruit of an earthly immortal, undeniably powerful and seemingly unsolvable at this level in the mortal realm. "Who kills whom is not yet decided!" Fire flickered in Wang Xuan¡¯s eyes, his determination clear as the dragon¡¯s true form appeared, today was the day for a resolution. "It will naturally be me who kills you," Qi Tian responded calmly, stepping forward with the Ascension Banner in hand. Jiang Qingyao stood alongside Wang Xuan, her Purple Dawn Conjoining Sword in hand. "Don''t worry, let me try first!" Wang Xuan whispered. ¡­¡­ "What''s the situation? The sh of treasures is causing intense collisions, affecting the stability of the Great Barrier and the realm of the immortals, with the highest rules resonating," someone called out from a distant, new star, their expression changing¡ªit was the shadow couple. Indeed, it wasn''t just them present; Fang Yuzhu, elders from the Supreme Pce and Gouchen Imperial Pce, along with other bearers of treasures, were all there. Previously, Wang Xuan had activated a treasure in the Celestial Seascape of the new star to counter the foremost killing array, which had caused intense fluctuations of the treasure, drawing these figures to the scene. Now, all parties were in pursuit of the Life-Preserving Furnace. "Who took the treasure and left?" Fang Yuzhu scanned the gathering, first directing his gaze towards the Sword Madman and then settling on Qi Tian. "Qi Tian, is this your true form?" he asked. "Did you send someone away with the Ascension Banner? Are you nning harm against Wang Xuan?" the shadow couple suddenly stood up, their focus intensifying on Qi Tian. "I am in my true form, and the one who departed was also in my true form; I had some minor matters to handle. I harbor no ill intentions, nor any selfish motives. Everything I do is aimed at extending the lifespan of the transcendent, for this era, for all transcendent beings on the brink of decline, to carve a new path in the mythology," Qi Tian responded calmly. Chapter 521: In Another Battlefield Chapter 521: In Another Battlefield The Shadow Couple was ready to strike, overwhelmed with fury, their killing intent surging wildly. The entire surrounding area instantly felt like it had stepped into the depths of winter; springs froze over, and the pine forest was frosted white, the once beautifulndscape now entirely encased in ice. ¡°In this era, for all the transcendent beings that will fall into decay? You¡¯re just acting out of self interest,¡± the Shadow Couple burst out. ¡°You just want to use Wang Xuan¡¯s life to continue your own mythological path!¡± Theyunched their attack without hesitation, determined to eliminate him first since they couldn¡¯t reach Wang Xuan in time, but everything was toote. Shang Yi, the ancient sword madman, rose up, towering over two meters tall. His vitality was as vast as the sea, exuding an unmatched oppressive force that daunted all who felt it. His eyes, icy and sharp, shot out beams of light that materialized like twin celestial swords, causing the very void to tremble slightly, blocking the Shadow Couple¡¯s advance. ¡°Shang Yi, you too?!¡± The couple was furious. To them, Wang Xuan was like a son, and their desperation was palpable. In an instant, the Undying Umbre appeared in their hands, shining with the light of a supreme treasure as they faced off against this ancient lunatic, ready to sh in fiercebat. With a metallic ring, Shang Yi drew his Sword of Mortal, and in that moment, the heavens and earth seemed to split apart. Even the desated supernova shed with endless sword light, illuminating the cosmos, stunning everyone present. Fang Yuzhu stepped forward, confronting one of the universe¡¯s mightiest beings. Holding the Heavenly Bracelet, she managed to withstand the Sword of Mortal. From not too far away, the living treasure¡ªthe Life Pool¡ªspoke out, ¡°Everyone, we¡¯ve discussed a new mythology, deliberated on extending the life of the transcendent world. We just reached a preliminary agreement¡ªare we going to turn against each other now?¡± The Roaming Ark appeared, with the ancestors of the Supetive Pce and Imperial Pce of Gouchen on guard, wary of attacks amidst the chaos, advocating for peace. ¡°We can sit down and talk this through.¡±¡°There¡¯s nothing to discuss!¡± the female of the Shadow Couple shouted, visibly infuriated, anxiety for Wang Xuan gnawing at her. ¡°Whoever kills Wang Xuan, I kill them!¡± The male counterpart¡¯s cold voice echoed, the Undying Umbre in his hand trembling as the terrifying aura of the treasure expanded menacingly. Though Wang Xuan was not their biological child, the Shadow Couple had watched him grow up, considering him their own. They had even joked with the Demon Lord Yanyan, calling Wang Xuan their foster son-inw. Their affection for him was genuine, and they had promised Wang Xuan¡¯s parents that under no circumstances would they allow harm toe to him. ¡°Qi Tian, contact the person in the stars immediately and cease your actions, or I will destroy both of your true forms!¡± Fang Yuzhu also spoke up, her usuallyposed demeanor reced by a palpable murderous intent. Qi Tian, unaffected, maintained his celestial poise, sitting rxed, ¡°Everyone, please, let¡¯s not be hasty. I do not intend to kill him. All of this is just to forge a new mythological path. I assure you, his life will be spared.¡± ¡°We¡¯re telling you to stand down!¡± How could the Shadow Couple wait passively? The man rapidly deployed the Undying Umbre, his affection for Demon Lord Yanyan notwithstanding, he was equally protective of Wang Xuan in this life-or-death crisis. With a sh, Shang Yi, the ancient madman, surged with blood energy that seemed to press down like the cosmos itself. He thrust his Sword of Mortal against the umbre, blocking their path. ¡°Back off!¡± Shang Yi¡¯s voice was cold. In a sh, Fang Yuzhu, armored and resolute, did not hesitate. She locked her Celestial Braceletwith the Sword of Mortal, ready to battle against this formidable opponent. It was well known that once Fang Yuzhu donned her armor, it signified a major battle; she would not retreat until she saw the enemy''s blood. ¡°Wait!¡± Qi Tian stood, losing some of hisposure in the face of this esction. He added, ¡°Once I achieve my goal, and if I manage to forge a new mythological path, it will all be disclosed. The Life Essence Furnace that I bring back will be offered up too. I¡¯m not trying to monopolize it but to gather the treasures for the entire transcendent world in these desperate times. Moreover, Wang Xuan will live.¡± ¡°Do you need to offer what¡¯s not yours? Those are all Wang Xuan¡¯s; you¡¯re being generous with what belongs to someone else!¡± the woman of the Shadow Couple rebuked. ¡°Shang Yi, what does this matter have to do with you? Why do you stand with him?¡± the man''s voice was icy, his murderous intent towards this near-invincible madman unabashed. Shang Yi spoke inly, ¡°Qi Tian and Wang Xuan both possess unique Inner Scapes. They are about to merge, and I wish to witness this process, to analyze and study this extraordinary transformation.¡± Upon hearing this, the Undying Umbre was forcefully mmed down by the Shadow Couple. Unable to restrain their fury any longer, they were prepared to cut down anyone in their path. ng! Sword light tore through the sky, and Shang Yi was terrifyingly formidable. With a single strike, he caused the Undying Umbre to tremble violently, attempting to cleave the Shadow Couple away. ng! Dazzling sparks flew, fragments of rules scattering like shimmering sparks of order. Fang Yuzhu intervened, her bracelet colliding with the Sword of Mortal several times. Shang Yi was immensely powerful, but he was temporarily forced back, pulling Qi Tian with him. He himself feared nothing, but Qi Tian,cking a divine treasure, needed protection. Clearly, there was some agreement between them. Just a few shes had shattered mountains in the ancient range, copsing them, destroying swathes of forest. The spectacle was terrifying; here in the real world, not the Great Barrier, deities wielding divine treasures still possessed earth-shattering power. "I do not wish to fight you here, Fang Yuzhu," Shang Yi spoke, his thick ck hair flowing over his shoulders, his eyes wild. He was not afraid, but reluctant to engage in a futile battle that would waste time and energy. However, with two divine treasures on one side and three supremely powerful beings if the Shadow Couple joined forces with Fang Yuzhu, they were not inclined to back down, especially as the Evil Dragon Qi Tian had pushed them too far. "It''s toote for any talk now, the distance is too great, we cannot stop what ising. Better to wait for the end," said the Sword Madman. Qi Tian nodded, "Even if I tried to persuade him, it would be futile. That version of me, deep in space, also a true form with the Feather Transforming Banner, will not listen to me." "Then I will kill you first, and collect some retribution!" said the female of the Shadow Couple, her aura swirling with endless killing intent. She too knew that likely, it was all toote. "Brother Shang Yi, please help me block these two," Qi Tian spoke, then turned to Fang Yuzhu, saying, "Immortal Fang, I have no desire to be your enemy. Today, I intended to bring you good news, which might mend some past regrets. I did not anticipate it would escte to this." He looked up at the sky, "It seems the time is nearly upon us, he ising back." "What are you implying?" Fang Yuzhu, with her keen instincts, sensed immediately that something personal was about to be revealed. "Jiang Siyuan, he''s still alive. I stumbled upon traces of his presence and found him," Qi Tian disclosed. This revtion was nothing short of astonishing. Even Fang Yuzhu, possibly the foremost expert in immortal arts, turned pale, her stunning visage etched with shock and disbelief. Everyone else was stunned too; the name was from a distant past, the third person to open a special Inner Landscape during his mortal days, with astounding talent. Tragically, he had died young, ascending to peerless heights only to fall meteorically, sacrificing himself for Fang Yuzhu. "He''s really ruthless, to dig him up like that?" "This man is sinister, targeting with such precision that he even dredged up Jiang Siyuan." The patriarchs of the Transcendent Pce and Hook Chen Imperial Pce exchanged thoughts in secret; they were familiar with the legends of the celestial realm. "Qi Tian!" The Shadow Couple''s eyes brimmed with killing intent, realizing that Qi Tian was using Jiang Siyuan as a shield to block Fang Yuzhu. Fang Yuzhu''s eyes shone brilliantly, though she was strikingly beautiful, her gaze was intimidating. Qi Tian remainedposed and calm, "I''m not threatening you, that''s not my intention. After finding him, I saw his dire state and did my best to preserve his life. He is like a candle in the wind; I feared for his safety and escorted him back, hoping to entrust him to you, Immortal Fang. With your supreme abilities, perhaps you can ensure his survival." "He''s almost here," Qi Tian announced, looking upwards as a spacecraft approached the. His voice carried a trace of admiration. "I respect Jiang Siyuan greatly, and I was filled with joy when I identally found and saved him." Fang Yuzhu''s eyes sparkled with intense light as she looked out into outer space. The Shadow Couple''s anger was palpable, their gazes locked fiercely on the Dragon, feeling betrayed by his orchestrated n. "Why do you have two true bodies?" inquired the patriarch of the Hook Chen Imperial Pce, his disdain for Qi Tian palpable due to their violent past. Qi Tian was open about his past, exining, "In ancient times, I was killed by a coalition of emperors. When we perished together, my body was shattered, but a fragment survived. After reviving, I found these immortal remains which allowed my old self to revive, thus I truly am myself." Unable to hold back any longer, the male of the Shadow Coupleunched an attack towards Qi Tian. The Immortal Umbre spun open, flinging forth the true power of its rules. With a thunderous roar, the Ancient Sword Lunatic, Shang Yi, swung his Celestial Sword, cleaving the skies, his sword light cascading down with the intense light of celestial judgment, striking the Immortal Umbre. He engaged the Shadow Couple directly! "Think we fear you?!" the parents of the Demon Lord retorted fiercely, unafraid even in the face of the only surviving supreme being from the age of ancient emperors. Especially the Demon Lord¡¯s father, a great sorcerer who once controlled the thunder, now wielded the umbre, countering the sword¡¯s celestial thunder with endless rules of thunder. The Demon Lord''s mother surged with twelve unparalleled demon fairy lights, her innate divine power would have torn apart the heavens in the celestial realms, capable of sweeping the stars from the sky. Though shecked her usual power to fell stars, with the Immortal Umbre''s enhancement, she still possessed overwhelming force. The twelve beams of light she emitted split the void, turning into des of rules that shed at the Sword Lunatic. Shang Yi, cold and formidable, advanced aggressively. His powerful sword moves, filled with overwhelming blood energy, intimidated many. Wielding his Celestial Sword, he cut through celestial thunders and diminished the demon fairy power, his movements rippling with the forces of rules and order. His aura alone shattered the surrounding mountains. He stood against both formidable opponents, parrying the Immortal Umbre, shing broadly and widely, in an invincible manner. "Fang Yuzhu!" the Shadow Couple turned, calling out to her as she held the Heaven Screen Bracelet. At that moment, a spacecraft pierced the atmosphere of the New Star, diving towards the mountain range, rapidly closing the distance. Chapter 522: To The Death Chapter 522: To The Death A deep, eerie stillness pervaded in the vast cosmos, but it was sliced through by a streak of purple sword light that cleaved the darkness and tore open the void. The Sword Immortal, blood trickling from her nose and mouth, still wielded her Purple Celestial Dao Sword like a plow through the starry sky, leaving a terrifying trail in space. The purple broken sword was dazzling, briefly illuminating the dark universe with swirling mists of purple, shing violently multiple times with the Ascension Banner. Sword light was everywhere. The once potentially fully matured treasure, because it harbored a spirit, was sought by someone hoping to ascend to the imperial realms through a shortcut, which is why the sword was ultimately shattered by the ultimate chaos of a grand celestial thunder at thest moment. Now, as it shed with the Ascension Banner, it withstood the supreme pressure. The sword did not shatter but sent out billions of rays of light, shing in every direction, fiercely bombarding the treasure. "Step back!" Wang Xuan murmured. Bloodied from the ferocious fight with Qi Tian, he noticed Jiang Qingyao was seriously injured and insisted she should not overexert herself anymore, taking over the leadership of the battle. He held the Life Essence Furnace, gripping its body and lid in each hand, traversing the cosmos like riding on light, his figure flickering as he fiercely battled Qi Tian. The furnace glowed brilliantly, spewing forth waves of fierce fire like a star exploding, sweeping across the cold expanse of space, colliding with the Ascension Banner multiple times. The sh between the treasures sent shards of rules flying and patterns of order sprawling across space, ttening any floating meteorites they touched. "Time sh!" the Sword Immortal whispered. Her cultivation level was indeed inferior to that of the formidable Dragon, who seemed to have attained the Celestial Fruit level.Qi Tian, wielding aplete treasure that provided both offense and defense, was immensely powerful, and many of Jiang Qingyao¡¯s bursts of formidable sword light were dissolved by him. The Sword Immortal, holding the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, was now powerful enough to y supreme beings, yet facing such a formidable foe as Qi Tian, a figure of renown in the annals of cultivation, she felt a sense of helplessness as her cultivation was not as profound as his. She activated various forbidden sword scriptures. True to its name, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword seemed to disrupt the fabric and stability of time itself, slicing through epochs. Sword radiance burst forth around Qi Tian, attaching to his flesh, seeking to sever him. In sheer power, she was outmatched. Thebination of a Celestial Fruit and a treasure was nearly invincible in the real world. Yet, with the supreme sword principles she hadprehended, she battled on, hoping to achieve something remarkable. With a soft sound, a blossom of blood appeared on Qi Tian''s shoulder, sliced open by a faint sword light¡ªthe essence of the swordsmanship Jiang Qingyao had mastered was beginning to take effect. However, at the same moment, despite the vast distance between them, Jiang Qingyao was flung back by a sweep of Qi Tian''s Ascension Banner, causing her Purple Celestial Dao Sword to bend. The damaged treasure erupted with a fierce purple glow, straining to shield her, yet she still coughed up blood profusely. Wang Xuan said nothing; he simply acted, engaging in a desperate, bloody battle with Qi Tian. His figure blurred like a streak of light, darting through the void, shing violently with the formidable Dragon. He had indeed broken through his constraints, stepping tentatively into the fourteenth realm¡ªa level of advancement not just a minor increase in stage. In fact, every ascension beyond the tenth realm wasn''t just a step up¡ªit was a significant increase in cultivation andbat power because such cultivation involved breaking through entirely new limits. Otherwise, how could he possibly withstand a sh with divine beings and immortals who had descended into the real world? And now, even facing Qi Tian, who possessed the fruits of a Celestial Immortal, he fought on equal footing. The Life Essence Furnace was indeed cumbersome to use. Deep within its body, mingled with the spirit of the furnace, was a vague mark constantly disturbed, causing the furnace to tremble intermittently. Qi Tian, having found Jiang Siyuan and obtained parts of his spiritual imprint, attempted to use the Ascension Banner to make the furnace backfire on Wang Xuan, but it was not going smoothly. With a thunderous roar, the main body of the furnace glowed brilliantly. The mouth of the furnace expanded infinitely, resembling a resurgence of a transcendent sea of light, magnificent and bright, engulfing the heavens and the earth. Wang Xuan drove the furnace in closebat, now exerting his utmost effort. In the midst of their fierce battle, he used all his cultivation to refine the body of the furnace, abruptly pulling Qi Tian inside. With a resounding ng, he mmed the lid shut, the furnace vibrating violently, attempting to grind his opponent into dust. However, his attempt was thwarted as Qi Tian, wielding the Ascension Banner like an extension of his own limb and protected by a preeminent treasure inherently invincible, continued to disrupt the imprints within the furnace. ¡­¡­ In the blinding light amid the violent quakes, Qi Tian forcefully struck open the furnace lid with his Ascension Banner, bursting forth. Fresh red blood trickled from his mouth¡ªdespite his resilience, he was indeed wounded. His eyes were icy as he swung the fan in sweeping motions toward Wang Xuan. With a loud crash, the furnace glowed as the treasure unleashed immense power, but it was slightly out of sync with Wang Xuan. Although it protected him, it failed to shield himpletely. His body shook violently, and he coughed up blood, sent hurtling through the air. In this era, the reality was stark¡ªQi Tian''s strength was formidable. To possess the power of a Celestial Immortal in the modern world was indeed a cause for despair. The vast expanse of the universe quieted down, and the adversaries distanced themselves, standing far apart. Wang Xuan was covered in blood, some wounds so deep his bones were visible. "Are you badly hurt?" he called back to Jiang Qingyao. The Sword Immortal shook her head silently, but more blood trickled from her nose and mouth. "Step back and rest," Wang Xuan transmitted privately to her. "Don''t follow me into the fray. I still have some techniques left that could draw out utmost potential, perhaps enough to seriously injure him." ¡­ Amidst the Cloud Sea Mountains of the New Star, majestic ridges sprawled across thendscape. Many of the once towering mountains had fallen today, crushed under the might of divine treasures. With her armor glowing, Fang Yuzhu summoned the Curtain Sky Bracelet, transforming it into a vast universe dotted with stars, shing violently with the Sword Lunatic''s Human World Sword. Mighty mountains crumbled under the illumination of the divine treasures, and many scenic peaks toppled amidst thunderous roars. Fang Yuzhu, unmatched in strength, fought on equal footing with the Sword Lunatic, exerting immense pressure on him. The Shadow Couple fought desperately too. With a soft sound, the Sword Lunatic''s arm was sliced open by the tip of the Undying Umbre, blood spattering. Rising into the air with amanding presence, Fang Yuzhu gripped the Curtain Sky Bracelet in her right hand, repeatedly smashing it against the Human World Sword. The fierce glow was blinding, and mountains exploded under the force of their close-quartersbat. ¡­¡­ At that moment, the Sword Lunatic retreated, swiftly pulling Qi Tian, who was unprotected by a treasure, away to a safer distance. Meanwhile, a ck spaceship slowly descended onto a t terrain. Qi Tian spoke up, "Lady Fang, while my other true body found Jiang Siyuan, it could only keep his life''s me from extinguishing. I have done my utmost. Thankfully, he has been safely returned, but it will require your personal intervention, your full effort, to sustain his life." All eyes of the supremely powerful beings present turned towards the spaceship as its hatch slowly opened... ... "In this world, no adversary should be underestimated," Qi Tian spoke as he held the Ascension Banner. "The sword light shed my shoulder, and I am hindered from the wound inflicted by what I considered mere prey." Step by step, he advanced, his presence ethereal and transcendent, yet his killing intent opened like the gates of hell. This time, he engaged Wang Xuan in a closebat bloodbath, but at the critical moment, he raised a ck sheet of paper, empowered by the Ascension Banner. The paper, dark and mysterious like a mirror, strangely reflected Wang Xuan¡¯s image and then unleashed a torrential ck light. "May the All-Spirit Decay Charm dissolve his soul," Qi Tian murmured, channeling the power of the Ascension Banner into the ck paper, enhancing its mystique and terror. ng! The Life Nurturing Furnace shook violently, rippling waves of force bursting forth to shield Wang Xuan. He exerted all his power to counteract the mysterious ck paper. Soon, Wang Xuan sensed something was amiss. The ck paper, bolstered by the Ascension Banner, possessed a sinister force infiltrating his spiritual domain, attempting to break through. A thought crossed his mind¡ªshould he allow it in? By loosening his guard slightly, he could let the external old spirit detach, potentially allowing a new spirit to emerge from the phoenix fire, and thus boosting his strength even further. In a split second, Wang Xuan dismissed the thought of exposing his old spirit under such circumstances. Within his spiritual realm, the Decapitating Banner slowly emerged, countering the strange force that sought to rapidly dissolve his spirit. "Kill!" At the same moment, Qi Tian surged forward, swinging the Ascension Banner as if to strike down the heavens themselves. If this were within the Grand Barrier, his wielding of the treasure could indeed slice through clusters ofs. Celestial light steamed, and extraordinary materials surged tumultuously, copsing the cosmic vacuum around them as numerous meteorites exploded, creating a scene of utter terror. Wang Xuan faced assaults both inside and out; his spirit was invaded by the eerie power emanating from the ck paper, while his body endured Qi Tian''s fiercest onught. "An ancient super-civilization once sacrificed a stack of All-Spirit Decay Charms, obliterating a swath of the firmament. Though only a remnant remains today, it should suffice to disturb your mind and rend your spiritual domain," Qi Tian dered. Wang Xuan remained silent, believing he could withstand the assault. Suddenly, amidst his flesh, a dazzling beam of light burst forth, and two vague figures revived, sweeping their gaze across all directions. They then harnessed the power of the rules of the treasure for themselves and charged at the evil dragon with a thunderous roar. Wang Xuan was startled. Those were... the Shadow Couple? No, it was some form of mystical power imprint they had left unknowingly, not their true forms. This was triggered by extreme external pressure, acting in defense. This twist was utterly unexpected, beyond anyone''s predictions, including Wang Xuan himself. "Many years ago, we left behind this guardian sigil merged with your flesh, which is why you were unaware of it, unable to distinguish it from your own body," exined one of the shadows. The Shadow Couple had once promised Wang Xuan''s parents that they would protect him at all costs. Therefore, they had left behind this mark, which, once activated, was as potent as their full-force strike. If even this desperate measure failed to protect Wang Xuan, then even their true forms present here might not match their adversary. Today, under the immense force exerted by the strange ck paper charm and the evil dragon wielding the Ascension Banner, Wang Xuan''s spirit and body inadvertently activated the imprints of the two shadows. The two vague shadows, drawing power from the Life-Sustaining Furnace, erupted forward. With a sudden burst, they obliterated the extremely rare ck All-Spirit Decay Charm and pierced through the luminance of the Ascension Banner, striking Qi Tian directly. Qi Tian coughed up blood continuously as his body was flung across the void, wounded by the unexpected turn of events. Wang Xuan swung the furnace body, smashing it forward. With a loud ng, the main body of the furnace collided with the Ascension Banner, the lid following swiftly, as he grappled to the death with the evil dragon. Simultaneously, the Amethyst Sky Convergence Sword cleaved through the cosmic void, its sword light in billions of strands, submerging the area. Jiang Qingyao exerted her full strength in her strike. Qi Tian found himself on the defensive, dragged by the force of the Life-Sustaining Furnace harnessed by the imprints of the Shadow Couple. Caught off-guard, he staggered back, his blood staining the void. While Wang Xuan rotated the furnace, he unleashed various spells. The Sword of Severance emitted boundless light, engulfing his opponent. The Golden Cicada of True Form and the Great Dragon of the Dao lunged forward, attacking ferociously¡­ The furnace lid mmed down repeatedly, sending Qi Tian flying. If it were not for the Ascension Banner''s glow, forming a protective aura, Qi Tian would have surely exploded into a mist of blood; as it was, he was only shaken enough to cough up blood continuously. Puh! Puh! Puh! The Amethyst Sky Convergence Sword struck relentlessly, coordinating strikes with Wang Xuan to slice through the light barrier, leaving over a dozen wounds on the evil dragon''s body, two of which nearly cleaved him in half. Qi Tian grunted coldly, his entire body glowing, runes densely packed. His flesh and the Ascension Banner merged into one, repelling the pair despite his injuries. Though wounded, his final explosive effort finally freed him from their relentless assault. Throughout the battle, Wang Xuan had been looking for opportunities to "lose items," like the fragments of a blessednd broken from the shock. Yet, he showed a curious expression because Qi Tian also scattered a heap of junk, resembling a battlefield of broken and discarded metals. Could it be that he, too, was setting a deadly trap? The two exchanged nces, their expressions cold, each understanding the other''s actions. Meanwhile, the Sword Immortal also "dropped" many things and seized the moment of Wang Xuan''s desperate struggle with the evil dragon to act decisively, rushing to collect the items Qi Tian had dropped. Chapter 523: Who Will Be The Victor? Chapter 523: Who Will Be The Victor? Jiang Qingyao was a whirlwind of activity, dropping items while swiftly picking others up. Her movements were quick and elegant, and masterfully covert. Qi Tian, despite his immense power, was fully engaged in a fierce battle with Wang Xuan and initially paid no heed to her antics. But his keen senses soon picked up on something amiss. A casual nce revealed his carefullyid trap being dismantled. The Sword Immortal was expertly "cleaning house," quickly gathering the array materials he had scattered, including array gs and divine gold tforms. Qi Tian felt like a fool, having thrown out treasures only to have them eagerly collected. "This is outrageous!" he eximed, shing his Ascension Banner towards Jiang Qingyao. At the same time, he erupted in menacing dark light, unleashing wave after wave of phoenixes that, bolstered by his artifact, swooped in all directions to disrupt Wang Xuan''s formation and spread chaos. "Attack!" In this critical moment, Wang Xuan, bloodied from battle, had to admit the Celestial Immortal''s strength was formidable, akin to shaking a mountain. He invoked the Human n¡¯s True Form Scripture, materializing it into his own likeness. Initially, six true forms appeared, then nine, and finally fourteen, each mirroring his unprecedented step into the fourteenth realm. Each form, while mostly vivid and lifelike, varied from supremely indifferent to fiercely wrathful, divine and majestic, or fierce like a wrathful deity. Despite the unwieldiness of the Life Essence Furnace, it still lent him the power of rules to augment his true forms, though the fourteenth was notably less distinct. Fourteen Wang Xuans moved in unison, their expressions ranging from cold indifference to roaring fury, spreading out to capture the dark phoenixes and assault the divine birds. The two were locked in closebat, blending physical strikes with spells. Some of the dark phoenixes fell to Wang Xuan''s blows, their feathers withering and fire exploding, while others attacked his true forms, causing them to dim.Now, Wang Xuan and Qi Tian were locked in desperatebat, their treasures tangled together, each trying to bind the other within the deadly reach of their formations. Clearly, both had immense confidence in their arrays, casting each other curious nces during the fray. Wang Xuan pondered if the Evil Dragon had also acquired the schematic for the first murder array. A quick survey suggested their formations were distinct. Qi Tian, too, was struck by a thought: how could his opponent remain soposed, matching his intent to confine him here? Did he truly believe he could surpass the terrifying arrayid out by him? To Qi Tian¡¯s chagrin, all his painstakingly collected exotic treasures were being spirited away by the Sword Immortal, who not only stole a portion but also seamlessly integrated it into Wang Xuan¡¯s array topensate for any shorings. This masterstroke exasperated the scheming dragon, his killing intent surging as he swung his Ascension Banner repeatedly towards the Sword Immortal. The unleashed power of the treasure was terrifying, causing the uninhabited cosmos to tremble. The void itself was cleaved by the long fan, cutting a chilling ck rift through space. The Sword Immortal, as if walking a tightrope over the gates of hell, didn''t stop. She countered with her Purple Celestial Dao Sword, her de sending out endless streams of sword light while she continued her "treasure hunting." ¡°Qingyao, stop taking risks!¡± Wang Xuan yelled, as he pushed himself to the limit. His body glowed despite the blood gushing from his wounds, some bone-deep, yet he still erupted in power, manipting his treasure to unleash a variety of spells. With a thunderous crash, he wielded the Life Essence Furnace repeatedly against Qi Tian¡¯s Ascension Banner, hindering his ability to effectively target the Sword Immortal. Wang Xuan was acutely aware of Qi Tian¡¯s lethal prowess, particrly as his intent to kill soared, indicating his resolve to eliminate Jiang Qingyao first. At this point, the centralbatants no longer bothered to conceal their actions; each swung their treasures, quickly and efficiently refining their respective killing arrays like casting beans to summon an army. Sword Immortal shed fiercely with her opponent using the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, snatching up rare materials and rapidly setting up her array. She understood the First Murder Array, aiding Wang Xuan in its construction to hasten itspletion. Now, parts of the array glowed brilliantly as they became active. Qi Tian¡¯s advantagey in his superior strength. Radiating with the divine luminescence of a Celestial Immortal, he wielded the boundless power of cosmicws. In the distance, a grand curtain seemed to unfurl over a transcendent, bolstering his formidable presence. Wang Xuan coughed blood profusely under Qi Tian''s assault and saw Sword Immortal wounded as Qi Tian rapidly arranged his own deadly array. "Command the Swords of the World!" Wang Xuan bellowed, activating the First Murder Array. Gravely injured, he pondered if he might perish in battle, his external old spirit potentially obliterated. He would prefer not to be driven to such an extremity by an enemy; his path was his to tread, fraught with immense danger. The First Murder Array began to take shape, swords of light soaring into the sky. Particrly from where Jiang Qingyao stood on a special node of the array tform, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword unleashed thick beams of purple light, cascading like rivers of stars across the sky. Powerful as the Evil Dragon was, he suffered heavily in this onught, a vast swathe of purple light hammering him, tearing through the protective aura of his Ascension Banner. Bloodied, he nearly had his shoulder cleaved off. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Xuan distanced himself, positioning at a crucial point of the array with the Life Essence Furnace as his base, enhancing the array''s potency. The Command of the World''s Swords wasn''t just rhetoric; behind Wang Xuan, in the dark cosmos, appeared countless divine swords forming a vast wall, resplendent and towering, bristling with ancient des that nged in unison before shing forth together. Additionally, Wang Xuan fought desperately, invoking various supreme sword scriptures¡ªfrom the shing Sword of light wheels to the Spirit Sword emerging from his core¡ªall amplified by the treasure and the vast array. This spectacle was terrifying; the heavens and earth dazzled with brilliance, countless beams like denseets diving downward, striking the darkened earth of night with resounding force. ¡­¡­ In the Cloud Sea Mountains of the new star, a ck spacecraftnded gracefully on a t expanse. From within, four robotic figures cautiously emerged, carrying a small altar. Atop it rested a feeble spirit, its light dim and close to extinguishing¡ªthe remnants of a once vibrant life force. Jiang Siyuan! Everyone felt a jolt at the sight. This was the genius who once illuminated the immortal realms, now reduced to a pitiful and bleak fate. Alongside the faint spirit on the altary fragments of bone, permeated with the stench of decay, yet still faint traces of life clung within their core. Such a spectacle was even more frail than the true bones left by immortals in the mortal world. These remnants had nearly exhausted their essence, teetering on the edge of depletion. Fang Yuzhu''s figure was enveloped in a cascade of golden light. In her hands appeared a golden boat, sprouting tender golden branches and bamboo leaves teeming with vigorous life. This boat sprinkled celestial light continuously, infusing the desated bones and the flickering spirit of Jiang Siyuan with revitalizing energy. Jiang Siyuan''s condition was dire, teetering on the brink of oblivion¡ªbeyond the aid of mere mortals and even the supreme beings doubted their ability to preserve his life. Fang Yuzhu exerted her utmost effort, temporarily stabilizing his fractured spirit. From her spatial treasure, a swath of genuine Feathered Bamboo forest emerged, its golden leaves rustling softly, shedding droplets of golden essence that nourished Jiang Siyuan. "Si Yuan, Si Yuan..." Fang Yuzhu employed the forbidden techniques from the "Sutra of Invocation," recorded in ancient texts, repeatedly chanting his name to revive the crumbling spirit, determined to fully restore him. "Qi Tian, your ploys are clever, using Jiang Siyuan to stall one of the mightiest beings, thinking this would suffice? I''ve said, no matter what, today I shall have your head for Wang Xuan, im a debt of blood, and then hunt down your other incarnate!" The Shadow Couple¡¯s voice was calm, yetden with boundless intent to kill, swearing vengeance if Wang Xuan should fall, vowing an endless feud with the Evil Dragon and the Sword Lunatic. Madman Shang Yi blocked their path, robust and domineering, brandishing the Mortal World Sword in anticipation. The Undying Umbre whirled, its thunderous force colliding with the sword''s light, causing a tremendous surge of energy that fragmented the nearby mountains. Nearby, a spacecraft shattered into pieces, rapidly crushed into metallic debris. Fang Yuzhu''s whole being radiated light, protecting the fragile bones and spirit on the altar. Despite the chaos, sheunched into action, wielding the Celestial Bracelet to unleash unparalleled energy. The bracelet locked onto the Mortal World Sword, nging loudly, their fierce vibrations intertwining, emitting a terrifying glow that tore through the mountain ranges. "Fang Yuzhu, focus on your rescue. There''s no need to overextend yourself in these conditions; beware lest I take this chance to strike you down. Fail in your rescue, and you might find yourself in a dire situation as well," the Sword Lunatic stated coldly. Towering over two meters tall, his presence was demonic, his vitality erupting like a torrential flood, an ancient behemoth stepping out from the primordial chaos, intimidating to behold. "Shang Yi, you persist in attacking, even now. I am ready to match you, but let it be known, if we sh today, only one of us will stand at the end. You are wee to try your luck!" Fang Yuzhu dered, her body glowing. She stood amidst a golden bamboo grove, shielding Jiang Siyuan with a shower of divine light, nourishing his bones and fragmented spirit, striving to sustain his life. At this critical moment, her defiance against the Sword Lunatic touched everyone; a battle for supremacy in the realm of immortals. Who among the ancient powerhouses was the true sovereign could only be determined between these two. The Shadow Couple stepped forward, positioning themselves before Fang Yuzhu, facing off against the Sword Lunatic. Not typically cold-hearted, they could not let Fang Yuzhu engage in a fatal duel under these conditions, where she might suffer greatly. Aware of Jiang Siyuan''s past sacrifices, saving Fang Yuzhu twice at the cost of his own life, they empathized deeply. If they were in her shoes, they would spare no expense to save their lifesaver, no matter the cost. Wang Xuan, who was in the distance, was too far away to intervene in time. The Shadow Couple didn''t want Fang Yuzhu to risk a deadly battle with the Sword Lunatic that might cost her own life. "It''s alright, saving Siyuan and defeating Shang Yi can go hand in hand. I am not troubled!" Fang Yuzhu insisted, motioning the couple to step back as she locked eyes with the Sword Lunatic. "Is that so?" Shang Yi responded coldly, his demeanor as imperious as ever. His sword, known for its invincibility, had met few throughout the ages who dared to confront him directly. Now, his urge to kill surged, eager to settle the score with this woman who stood as his equal. Qi Tian intervened, "Let''s not rush tobat. We should first see what has transpired in the depths of space. The battle there should be drawing to a close. I''ve said before, Wang Xuan will not die; we will ensure his survival. The immediate priority is to bring him back safely. If you engage in a bloody battle here and dy, with his origin damaged, he truly might face mortal peril." "Give me precise coordinates, connect with the spaceship in deep space!" the Shadow Couple, pained and frustrated, held back their outburst, clinging to a thread of hope to see the oue there. "No need to contact the spaceship, it¡¯s unnecessary trouble. The two divine treasures just now vibrated violently, and residual waves are still emanating through the veil. We have enough divine treasures here; if we work together, we should be able to project the scene from there," Qi Tian suggested, his understanding of divine treasures apparently far surpassing everyone present. Qi Tian chuckled and added, "I learned from an ancient tome left by a vanished civilization. When six or more divine treasures are gathered and synchronized, they can capture the location and project the real scene of other resonating divine treasures." Instantly, everyone sprang into action, even the Sword Lunatic, curious to see the unfolding events. Life Pool, Immortal Umbre, Divine Pce, Sauntering Boat, Heaven-Screening Bracelet, and Mortal World Sword¡ªthese transcendent relics were activated by the gathered beings of supreme power. They vibrated in unison, tracing the afterwaves from the Ascension Banner and the Nurturing Furnace. Astonishingly, they formed a luminous screen like a mirror, revealing the ongoing epic battle. "Those aren''t mere afterwaves; the real tremor is still happening!" someone eximed, watching the cosmic duel unfold. "Qi Tian, you haven''t subdued your opponent yet!" sneered the founder of the Supreme Pce. "And that is¡­" others gasped, fixated on the grand battle disyed in the mirror light. There, Wang Xuan was wielding the ''Heaven-Suppressing Myriad Swords,'' tearing through the light barrier created by the Ascension Banner. Qi Tian was bloodied and heavily wounded by countless sword shes. A massive wall of swords, as imposing as a mountain range and humming intensely, was embedded with innumerable divine des radiating dazzling light. Not only did the dense array of ancient swords strike towards Qi Tian, but the entire mountainous sword wall itself surged forward in a mighty m. Amid the endless celestial swords, a particrly striking purple broken sword nearly cleaved Qi Tian in half, leaving gruesome wounds deep enough to expose bone on his forehead and chest, only to be parried in the nick of time by the Ascension Banner. "That is¡­ the Purple Dawn Harmonious Sword!" someone recognized the legendary de, nearly a true divine treasure. "Wang Xuan is not defeated; he''s ying the dragon!" No one had anticipated witnessing such a scene; even Qi Tian himself was stunned, frozen in ce, his gaze locked on the colossal conflict ying out in the depths of space. "Rule the Heavens with a Thousand des!" In the battlefield, a blood-drenched Wang Xuan bellowed, channeling the supreme killing array in a bid to y the dragon. Chapter 524: All-Spirit Subduing Heaven Chapter 524: All-Spirit Subduing Heaven In the Cloud Sea Mountain Range of the New World, six supreme treasures resonated together, forming a light mirror that truthfully reflected the ongoing battle in the depths of the universe. The situation became awkward. Qi Tian was humiliated, he thought everything was over, believing he had subdued Wang Xuan and consumed his special heritage. However, the situation on the battlefield was intense. He was surprisingly at a disadvantage. Everyone saw him being shed by ten thousand swords until his body was covered in blood. Especially when he was almost split in half from his forehead to his abdomen by Jiang Qingyao''s Purple Celestial Dao Sword. He nearly died. "Interesting, a mortal who can fight against an immortal, this young man is extraordinary!" The evil spirit in the Pool of Life spoke up, deeply surprised by Wang Xuan. "Well done, truly worthy of my attention!" The man of the shadow couple shouted loudly. He had been feeling frustrated just now and was almost bursting into mes, but now he felt much relieved. No one had expected the situation on the battlefield to reverse. Qi Tian became very passive after he was trapped in a killing formation, experiencing numerous life and death crises. Especially now, as the killing formation operated at full power, even more ferocious than before, Wang Xuan controlled ten thousand swords and shed at Qi Tian''s main body. In the universe, the aura of killing surged. This was a battle of life and death where only one side could survive. There were no other options avable. Wang Xuan firmly held the erged Life Essence Furnace, using it as the central formation tform. Then, he controlled the ten thousand swords and unleashed terrifying attacks upon Qi Tian. At that moment, there was a sea of des and Sword Qi filled the entire area. The scene was radiant like a starry river ignited.¡¡¡¡Qi Tian''s immortal aura weakened, staggering. His hair was stained with blood as he struggled to withstand the endless sword light. With a puff sound, his shoulder was struck by a red de as he couldn''t defend himself, and his scap almost flew off. "Purple Celestial Dao Sword!" shouted Jiang Qingyao as her spirit surged. She was also standing in a special ce now, activating her celestial sword, coordinating with the Number One Killing Formation, evolving endless sword lights. One after another, extremely terrifying purple lights flew out, hitting Qi Tian several times, making him bleed profusely. He had almost been in by Jiang Qingyao! At that moment, Jiang Qingyao and Wang Xuan joined forces, controlling the Number One Killing Formation together. They unleashed its power to the fullest extent that was possible. In the universe, there were blood-dripping ck demon swords, crimson immortal ying swords, the Yin Sword rumored to be forged in the Nine Netherworlds, and the Heavenly Sword that could illuminate all beings... It was endless, they all fell down in unison, intending to dismember Qi Tian. This scene moved everyone watching the battle in the New World. This was a killing formation that could kill them too. Some of the peerless transcendents present were astonished. "Qi Tian is being struck by the sword light even while holding the Ascension Banner. It''s quite terrifying!" The founder of the Supetive Pce sighed. The neers in the real world were indeed not simple, they were truly formidable. "The Number One Killing Formation in the Immortal Realm!" The Sword Lunatic''s insight was keen. He immediately recognized what kind of formation it was and focused on the development of the situation on the battlefield. In the depths of the universe, Qi Tian''s mouth was full of blood foam, and his bones could be seen piercing out of his body. He used the Ascension Banner to resist, painstakingly perfecting his killing formation. If Celestial Sword Maiden didn''t destroy it, he would have arranged it long ago. He almost vomited blood when his opponent dismantled his formation and used his materials to supplement Wang Xuan''s killing formation. Especially after Wang Xuan¡¯s killing formation was revived, it immediately began to destroy his various formation banners. Fortunately, the formation materials he prepared were still quite sufficient. Moreover, the formations heid down were carefully arranged, nested within each other. One set of formations was destroyed by those two individuals and was obviously unusable now. But now, another set was revived, and activated. With a thunderous sound, he stood in the center of his formation, controlling the Ascension Banner, using it as the central banner, to strangle those two individuals. This was a confrontation of formations, a sh of supreme treasures, and a manifestation of personal strength. This area became a veritable hellish battlefield. Grand fluctuations, terrifying rules, constantly expanded in the icy void of the universe. Areas that were originally untouched were now swept by ripples of order. In that area, meteorite clusters disintegrated in swathes. Even thousand feet-long meteorites were insignificant, crumbling and shattering in the ripples,pletely pulverized. In an instant, various creatures rose from Qi Tian''s formation. True Dragons leaped, Immortal Birds hovered, and Golden Crows sang. The scene was quite astonishing. In the blink of an eye, four ck dragons and four red dragons soared up, rushing toward Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao. There were also nine golden crows crying out, carrying endless mes, aiming to destroy the Number One Killing Formation. Not only that, there were also lions roaring, white peacocks soaring through the sky, legendary sacred beasts and divine birds, as well as the appearances of returning immortals standing in different areas. This was the All-Spirit Subduing Heaven Great Formation. "The legendary number three killing formation!" eximed Jiang Qingyao, recognizing the formation. It was indeed very powerful, and the key was that Qi Tian was well-prepared. He used only the best materials for his formation. Wang Xuan''s Number One Killing Formation was a simplified version, and some of the precious materials and treasures were simply unavable after the arrival of the mythical end of the world. Fortunately, their formation contained the Life Essence Furnace and the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, two supreme divine objects. They effectively enhanced the power of the Number One Killing Formation. The tworge-scale killing formations collided, causing an earth-shattering explosion, with myriad spirits roaring, and countless sword lights radiating. The two sides fought decisively there. "Control all the Dao under the heavens!" Wang Xuan shouted. He didn''t care despite seeing that the opponent''s formation had myriad immortals appearing, various holy beasts and divine birds roaring. As the Number One Killing Formation, the formation could theoretically control various rules of the world and unleash the power of myriad rules. As long as there were past Wills of Scriptures, the abilities demonstrated by those myriad spirits, myriad fires, and myriad swords could all be manifested. For a moment, the two formations were bright and dazzling, various bronze monuments, formation banners, and many more, trembled violently. They were rustling, and boundless killing intent swept through the starry sky. Strange illusions of myriad immortals also appeared in the formation controlled by Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao. They naturally couldn''t exert the true power of myriad immortals in the real world. However, this was the embodiment of the rules, and the destructive power was still considerable! In the two killing formations, divine birds and fierce beasts confronted each other, myriad immortals fought, various powers of order emerged, and the mes of the Great Dao burned, as if returning to the most tragic battlefield of ancient times. Both sides were going into madness from the killing. Constantly shaking the Life Essence Furnace, at the most intense moment, Wang Xuan even smashed the lid of the furnace towards Qi Tian. The Ascension Banner shook violently, reflecting off the lid of the furnace. Even so, Qi Tian''s entire arm was numb, with blood flowing down. Meanwhile, Celestial Sword Maiden took advantage of the situation and wielded the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. With a sh, she almost beheaded Qi Tian. Unfortunately, it only cut open his throat, causing blood to spurt out. Qi Tian was horrified. These two people had pushed him into a corner, almost killing him. This made his face darken. He believed that it shouldn''t havee to this, because he still had the cultivation of an Earth Immortal in the real world. Of course, he recognized that his opponent had set up the Number One Killing Formation, but it was rudimentary in materials and not fullypleted. His killing formation could theoretically resist it. "I''ve been too careful. I thought I didn''t need to take risks with you lot. Now it seems that Ick the courage of the past. Come on, let''s fight again!" Qi Tian shouted, his aura changed. Gone were the ethereal qualities and clear Dao rhyme. What remained was only endless sharp killing intent. In an instant, around him, a hell-like battlefield appeared. Through the blessing and control of the Ascension Banner, his blood, his visions, and even his main body all began to attack. "Do you think you¡¯re the only one who dares to risk his own life? In a life and death crisis, who will cherish their life? Come on, your patriarch Wang is here. Let''s confront each other head-on!" shouted Wang Xuan. He had Celestial Sword Maiden stand at the center of the formation tform, controlling the main body of the Life Essence Furnace, while he himself held the Purple Celestial Dao Sword in his right hand and the furnace lid in his left, stepping into the formation to challenge Qi Tian. "Kill!" Both of them shouted. Boundless killing intent swept through like a hurricane, raging there. The two of them fought fiercely, myriad immortals appeared, myriad spirits surged, banners and sword lights shed, and the furnace lid fell. That area was about to explode. The Number One Killing Formation was about to copse, and the formation materials couldn''t hold up. At the critical moment, Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao naturally did their best to unleash its power, striving to destroy the enemy. Even if they couldn''t achieve it, they would destroy the opponent''s formation. Hum! The killing formation shone brightly, and the entire space turned into a prison, bing a chessboard with the lines of life and death crisscrossing. Being used by the killing formation, myriad immortals turned into banners. There were also forces of time condensing into des, shing towards Qi Tian and his formation. The two killing formations burned, illuminating the area. Finally, they exploded. Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden both entered the Life Essence Furnace and were sted out by the terrifying energy. The furnace roared and shook violently. Although it wasn''t handy, its defense was still unparalleled. It blocked various boiling hot energies and fragments of rules from harming them. Qi Tian was in a miserable state. He used the Ascension Banner to open a light veil, but still got pierced through in the end. His flesh was covered in wounds, with blood everywhere. His chest was split open, and his beating heart was visible. He was almost torn apart. It could only be said that the Earth Immortal was too strong in the mortal world, and with treasures in hand, he managed to save his own life. However, he was not unharmed and many of his wounds were exposed to the bones. After a moment, the remaining fragments of rules dissipated, the ground was in a mess, and most of the celestial materials and treasures were shattered. Both killing formations were destroyed. There was silence there. Qi Tian held the Ascension Banner in his hand, while his face was covered in blood. His handsome face looked somewhat ferocious. He said coldly, "I never thought I would be forced to this point by you!" Wang Xuan and Celestial Sword Maiden were also in a bad state. Coming out of the furnace just now, they were hit by the force of the rules. The furnace roared and shook continuously while they hid in it. Of course, the impact they received was much weaker than Qi Tian''s. Both of them were covered in blood. Coupled with their previous injuries, their current condition was not very good either. "Kill!" shouted Qi Tian as he rushed over in a desperate stance. The Ascension Banner illuminated the space, integrating with him as if they were invincible, shuttling through the void, intending to kill the two of them. A bloody battle erupted, blood spattered from the three of them from time to time. Obviously, Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao''s cultivation was weaker than their opponent''s, and the gap with the Earth Immortal was still significant, and they were seriously injured. However, the two of them fought without retreat, making Qi Tian''s heart jump. He had the advantage, but if the other side insisted on dragging him along, then it would be a tragedy. He sighed inwardly and activated the two terrifying sword lights sealed in the Ascension Banner during the bloodbath. It was the condensation of supreme sword will, bursting out in an instant. Meanwhile, he wielded the Ascension Banner, doing everything he could to lock onto Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao. He was trying to entangle them, preventing them from moving away from those two sword lights. That was the supreme sword will of the Sword Lunatic. It could kill everything in its path. With the blessing of treasures, it was as if he was personally present. The moment was terrifying. Behind the two sword lights, the ck figure of the Sword Lunatic even appeared! Dang!¡¡ The Life Essence Furnace, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, the Ascension Banner, and the Sword Lunatic''s sword lights shed fiercely, bursting forth with dazzling light. Puff! Puff!¡¡ Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao defended themselves with treasures, but they were still pierced by some of the sword lights. Both of them were sent flying, in a very miserable state. Wang Xuan was nearly cut in half at the waist, with his spine partially shattered, and his chest and abdomen were shed open, with blood flowing continuously out of it. Celestial Sword Maiden was pierced by the sword light, and the terrifying sword will impacted her flesh violently. She trembled and was struggling to raise the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. She had suffered unprecedented heavy injuries. Qi Tian''s face darkened. Despite severely injuring his opponents, hecked joy. Because, ording to his agreement with the Sword Lunatic, by using Shang Yi''s supreme sword will, he would have to pay a price after devouring Wang Xuan''s essence. He allowed the Sword Lunatic to analyze him firsthand after devouring Wang Xuan. He muttered to himself, "For three thousand years, I have been hiding, lurking for too long, and I have extinguished my former ferocity and fighting spirit. I have been too cautious. In fact, I could have defeated the two of them on my own, but today I relied on external forces. Now that this is over, I need to spend some time in seclusion to awaken my former self." "Do you think it''s over? Do you really think everything is going to end just like this?" asked Wang Xuan, swaying his body while using his hand to cover his wound and stop the bleeding. He used a secret technique to close the wound, his body glowing as he did everything he could to recover. Then he turned around and looked at Jiang Qingyao, who was probably in worse condition than him. "I''m fine, I can fight with you!" said Jiang Qingyao as she held the sword in both hands, her arms trembling lightly. The residual sword light from the Sword Lunatic pierced through her body again, causing her to stagger and bleed all over. "You step back and hurry to rest and recover," Wang Xuan said to her. "I''ll handle it myself. I have a way to suppress him. I can even blow him up!" Since there was no turning back and no other choice, Wang Xuan would try to tear apart everything external of him that was decaying. He would break free from the cocoon in advance, and reverse everything. Chapter 525: Hell Chapter 525: Hell In the Cloud Sea Mountain Range of the New World, everyone was astonished. The great battle in deep space had reached this stage, where even the peerless transcendents that wielded treasures might fall inbat! This exceeded everyone''s expectations. Originally, they thought Wang Xuan would certainly be in trouble, but in the end, even Qi Tian himself was in trouble. "Shang Yi!" shouted the shadow couple as they turned around, ring at the Sword Lunatic. Without his two supreme sword lights, Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao might have won. At the very least, if the two hadn''t been severely injured by those sword lights, their condition would have been much better. "This is my agreement with Qi Tian. I did indeed use my sword. So what?" said Shang Yi. He was tall and vigorous, very imposing when wielding the Sword of Mortal. He didn''t care at all. Buzz!¡¡ The Immortal Umbre trembled, and the shadow couple didn''t back down. They were about to make a move when the supreme treasures in their hands resonated, causing the mirror light that reflected scenes from the depths of the universe to blur instantly. The Sword Lunatic was extremely domineering, taking the initiative to attack and swinging the Sword of Mortal in an instant. It was acting ording to his will, shing towards the couple with incredible force. Dang! Fang Yuzhu struck, the Celestial Bracelet locking onto the Sword of Mortal, causing fragments of rules to scatter, and the supreme pressure was overwhelming. In front of her, there was a forest of Divine Ascension Bamboo, with golden bamboo leaves rustling and golden droplets falling, currently saving Jiang Siyuan. Although she needed to recite the Guiding Scripture, she was also keeping an eye on the Sword Lunatic and acted at the first opportunity. Only she had the chance to y him. Although the shadow couple were strong, they could only contend with Shang Yi at best. If the fight dragged on, they would be lucky to maintain their unbeaten record. And Fang Yuzhu had only recently attained supreme strength after another grand Nirvana of her spirit. The Celestial Bracelet shook violently, and was about to retrieve the Sword of Mortal. Naturally, the Shadow Couple had to act. Because Fang Yuzhu was busy saving someone else, they feared she might get distracted and get into trouble. Their Immortal Umbre instantly thundered down. The light it emitted spread out, leveling the distant mountain peaks. The mountain peaks exploded, rocks cascaded from the sky, creating a terrifying scene. Facing two supreme treasures and three peerless transcendents, the Sword Lunatic didn''t recklessly confront them head-on. He reached out his right hand towards Qi Tian, intending to temporarily avoid the attack. However, this time, the Immortal Umbre emitted light that solidified the space, turning the area into a prison. Orderly chains interwoven like gxies, preemptively trapping Qi Tian and bringing him over. Qi Tian remained calm and said, "Killing me won''t help you. Although I am in my true form, I have very few Dao umtions left. I''m just the product of the revival of my old flesh after my spiritual foundation was restored. The Dao Fruits are on my new body. Moreover, you need me to provide coordinates to take you there. Otherwise, if Wang Xuan loses his spiritual essence after losing his flesh and spirit, not treating him promptly could really result in his death." "Give us the coordinates and take us there immediately!" shouted the woman of the shadow couple, demanding the coordinates from Qi Tian. Since they knew Wang Xuan was still safe, they harbored hope, and were eager to rush to the scene immediately. "Alright, but the journey is very long. Both of you need to be patient," said Qi Tian as he nodded, not resisting leading the way. Everyone boarded the spaceship to head to the scene. "Everyone, refrain from fighting on the spaceship. Even though it''s a transcendent vessel, it''s still vulnerable to being shattered by you. Although you can travel with the help of treasures, it''s still inconvenient," said the ancestor of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen, reminding them. "Let''s resonate with the six treasures again. I believe everyone is more concerned about the final oue of that battle," a voice sounded from the Pool of Life. The mirror light reappeared, reflecting the scene there. Wang Xuan staggered, but still intended to fight the Evil Dragon! "Hehe¡­" Qi Tian sneered, abandoning his exiled immortal demeanor. Covered in bloodstains, even his hair was damp with blood, dripping. The force field he emitted distorted time and space. It was sharp and intimidating. He felt that he had been dormant for too long and had lost some of his sharpness and bravery. Now, even his prey looked down on him. Do they still want to fight him? "What do you have to fight with when you''re almost done for?" Qi Tian muttered to himself. He shook the Ascension Banner to cover himself with myriad rosy lights and fragments of rules. An Earth Immortal can merge with the rules. Even if their bodies are torn apart and their internal organs shredded, they can quickly recover. His current condition was terrible. He had injuries in his abdomen, chest, and limbs. Many ces were pierced through, and his beating heart could be seen. Even his throat had been cut open by the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, and even his forehead had been hit by the sword light, breaking into several pieces. But despite such serious injuries, after being merged with the rosy light, his wounds were rapidly healing. "In this special era, after returning to the real world, I am an Earth Immortal. With a little rest, I can recover to a perfect state and kill you again with the strongest physique," he said calmly. In the distance, in the spaceship, the expressions of the shadow couple and Fang Yuzhu changed slightly. They were Earth Immortals in the real world and knew that he wasn¡¯t lying. This was a very serious problem. However, soon, their eyebrows unfurled again. In the depths of the universe, Wang Xuan muttered indistinctly, not caring about the other''s confident attitude at all. He held the furnace body on guard, and was glowing all over. "Hmm?" Qi Tian quickly understood. His spirit traversed space and smelled a faint fragrance. It was the scent of Heavenly Herb! "Although you can merge with the rules, your Patriarch Wang also have means of recovery. While there might be other things hecks, Heavenly Herb isn''t one of them!" Wang Xuan spoke up. Since he had been exposed, he didn''t bother hiding it anymore. He began to chew and swallow voraciously. His body was radiating light, while his flesh wounds contracted. Over the past few days, he had been shuttling back and forth between the Solitary Void and the Life Soil. Besides nting herbs and digging meteorites, he also harvested Heavenly Herb leaves. For each variety that sprouted, he collected them all. As the transcendent world wasing to an end, no one knew what would happen to these Heavenly Herbs. He was prepared to replenish himself in the final stages and guard against the Evil Dragon''s sudden attack. He could heal himself if there were any idents. Now, it has indeede in handy! Not far away, Jiang Qingyao also stopped concealing and openly consumed Heavenly Herb. Glowing light flowed from her mouth, nourishing her flesh and spirit. "Heavenly Herbs are severely suppressed in this era. Can you recover as fast as me?" asked Qi Tian as he approached, preparing to take action. Covered by the rosy light of the rules, his blood and spirit recovered and improved rapidly. "Why don''t you try and test it out by yourself?" Wang Xuan said, swallowing down arge amount of Heavenly Herb leaves in one go. When he was about to finish, he took out a teacup and drank arge sip of pre-brewed immortal tea. Then, his cracked lips moistened and the tea left a lingering fragrance in his mouth. This was intolerable! Qi Tian''s eyes were cold. Who was he trying to show? On the battlefield, no one had ever dared to disrespect him. Three thousand five hundred years ago, he emerged into the world, unstoppable. He had never encountered an opponent that was on par with him. Even when all the emperors joined forces to kill him, they paid a terrible price. Wang Xuan didn''t think much about it. He wasn''t deliberately provoking him, he just wanted to soothe his throat during this tense and brutal final battle because he was indeed very tired at that moment. Fortunately, the Heavenly Herb was taking effect. He strode forward with the furnace body and lid, crossing the universe and actively approaching his opponent. "Do you dare to put down the treasures and fight to the death with me barehanded?!" Wang Xuan asked. His demeanor waspletely different, not the slightest smile could be seen, only killing intent soaring. Qi Tian nced at him and Jiang Qingyao, then coldly smirked, and said nothing. He believed that if he dared to put down the treasures, Jiang Qingyao would pick them up without him knowing. As Wang Xuan approached, there was bound to be entanglement once he engaged in a life-and-death battle with him. Some techniques could be used opportunistically, such as the runes engraved in him by Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch. He had once used it to sneak into the Immortal Realm and took the opportunity to kill Zheng Yuantian, who had been severely injured and suppressed by the Old Covenant. Now, with the nourishment of treasures, those runes should be able to disy immense power again. However, Qi Tian merged with the Ascension Banner. Wang Xuan needed to find the right opportunity. "Come!" shouted Qi Tian. He pointed at Wang Xuan with the Ascension Banner in one hand, while strands of rule fragments appeared at his fingertips in the other. He was extremely confident and indifferent when facing Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan''s heart stirred. Was he trying to awaken his past courage? Qi Tian¡¯s merge with the Ascension Banner was not good enough that he had to point at Wang Xuan from a distance like that. Was he being given a chance right away? Without hesitation, Wang Xuan''s body erupted with dazzling light. Using the treasure, he traversed the void, teleporting instantly. With a bang, he used the Life Essence Furnace to snatch the Ascension Banner. The furnace mouth glowed, directly swallowing more than half of the long banner. With his other hand holding the lid, he smashed it toward Qi Tian''s face. Qi Tian''s face and head would burst open without doubt if he was hit. Even his spirit would be killed instantly by the treasure''s lid. Qi Tian remained extremely calm andposed, vigorously shaking the Ascension Banner to try to pull it out of the furnace, while swiftly avoiding the lid as he was unable to confront it head-on. Swoosh, Swoosh, Swoosh!¡¡¡¡ Within Wang Xuan''s body, three different colored lights bloomed, representing the runes of Demon Lord, Old Zhang, and the Hades Blood Patriarch, respectively. They were activated and instantly shot out. Enhanced by the treasure, they struck towards the nearby Qi Tian. "Heh!" Qi Tian sneered. In this realm, he was the ceiling and he was unstoppable. He was borrowing the power of the rules, disying his techniques, and resisting the three different peerless secrets. As expected, he broke through the methods left by the three great experts. "Old Zhang, Demon Lord, Hades Blood Patriarch, although the imprints you left behind have been activated, they cannot harm the Evil Dragon." This was Wang Xuan''s fleeting thought. Indeed, these three were not peerless transcendents and naturally couldn''t harm Qi Tian. Even in the real world, their strength was not as strong as Wang Xuan''s. Boom!¡¡ However, when the runes left by Fang Yuzhu bloomed, it was earth-shattering,pletely different. Enhanced by the treasure''s rules, its divine might was unmatched. This change took Qi Tian by surprise. He never expected Wang Xuan to suddenly burst out with such iparable techniques. It was terrifying to him. In a trance, he saw Fang Yuzhu, hazy yet powerful, standing above the Nine Heavens, and with a turn of her hand, she pped down! In fact, this kind of momentum exceeded Wang Xuan''s expectations. In his view, the final means left by Fang Yuzhu could at most slightly suppress the Evil Dragon, but not seriously injure him. Because when Fang Yuzhu left her mark, she hadn''t obtained the treasure, the Celestial Bracelet. She just engraved her own methods. Unlike Sword Lunatic, who left his mark with the Sword of Mortal, the erupting sword light was naturally unparalleled and difficult to contend with. However, what was seen before the eyes proved that the divine abilities left by Fang Yuzhu were indeed remarkable. After those runes were activated, they wereparable to her full-powered attack. Qi Tian, holding the Ascension Banner with one hand, was severely injured, engulfed by the dazzling light. The faint shadow struck an unmatched blow, chilling the heart. Qi Tian''s body shook violently. He was covered in cracks, bathing in crimson blood. He was on the verge of bursting open. He roared angrily, holding the Ascension Banner in one hand, teleporting away with the treasure. His body was almost exploding, his internal organs were shattered, and he was truly heavily injured. He roared and shouted, "Fang Yuzhu!" He saw the figure gradually dissipating in the dazzling light. He wouldn''t mistake it. That was the technique of the strongest, on par with Sword Lunatic! Wang Xuan had once squandered the marks left by Old Zhang and Fang Yuzhu, among others. At that time, he felt that Fang Yuzhu''s mark seemed different so he reserved it until the end but he didn''t expect it to be so powerful! Now there was no time for him to think. He went straight for the kill, seizing the opportunity while the Evil Dragon was weakened! Qi Tian''s situation was somewhat severe. His internal organs were shattered, his spirit was cracked, and he was seriously injured. At the critical moment, he was genuinely shocked, and cold sweat broke out on his back. At the critical moment of life and death, he had no choice but to use one of his trump cards. With a loud rumble, a ck ze surged, like the mes of hell returning to the world! A huge ck phoenix, terrifying and mighty like a giant mountain, pressed down on this cosmic void, sheltering him. Then the ck feathers burned, turning into boundless light. The fire enveloped the area, like the burning of a mountain-like hell phoenix. It was like nirvana. All the dark light entered Qi Tian''s body in an instant. He had recovered. His internal organs radiated vitality, his spirit healed and was almost restored to its original state. But hisplexion was so dark it seemed like water could drip from it. This was a life-saving method at a critical moment, a means to turn the tide, but it was unexpectedly consumed in advance. Originally, the Nirvana Art of the Hell Phoenix could instantly restore him to his peak. He couldn''t use it again for a short period of time. He could only use it once or twice within a month. In the distance, inside the spaceship, the shadow couple looked at Fang Yuzhu. They were sincerely grateful. This was equivalent to removing an extra life from the opponent in the opening phase. Otherwise, if Qi Tian suddenly revived in desperation during the final stage of the battle, when both sides were exhausted, there was a chance he might counter-kill Wang Xuan, making it almost impossible to guard against. "Very thoughtful!" The shadow couple said. They understood that the mark Fang Yuzhu left in advance was definitely the epitome of the highest divine technique. Generally, such principles absolutely couldn''t be easily left in someone else''s body. If one was careless, it could be analyzed by outsiders which would reveal her cultivation secrets. In the spaceship, even though the body of Qi Tian here wasn''t on the battlefield, his expression turned cold and dark. This situation made him almost vomit blood. "Something''s not right. If I remember correctly, you died under the Nirvana Art of the Hell Phoenix back then. The you of the past was very averse to this kind of dark divine technique. Yet today, you are practicing the Hell Phoenix Technique, this forbidden scripture," the man among the shadow couple spoke, showing a puzzled expression. "People change. My path to resurrection traversed the entire hell. Naturally, I no longer reject them," Qi Tian said with an expressionless face. "Kill!" In the cosmic battlefield, Wang Xuan and Qi Tian, both holding treasures, were emitting the light of rules. Terrifying energy covered the sky and earth. The two of them attacked at the same time! Chapter 526: No Regrets Chapter 526: No Regrets In the depths of the universe, the most intense confrontation after the copse of the transcendent era was unfolding. Qi Tian seemed to be standing in hell, surrounded by broken limbs and debris. The earth was ck and dark clouds were pressing down. The end of this darkness was nowhere to be seen. He was like a demon emerging from hell, his once clear celestial aura waspletely gone. Dressed in a ck armor, covered in blood, he exuded a fierce and murderous aura. He turned the cosmic void into a battlefield of hell, the Ascension Banner in his hand blurred, transforming into a ck longsword. Dark light surged, ghostly heads rolled, and behind himy a sea of corpses and blood. Wang Xuan gazed at these visions. Were they events that Qi Tian had experienced before? The surging transcendent material, the mighty rules, burst forth at that moment between the two great masters. With the power of the treasure, Wang Xuan broke through the ck hell and charged out, leaving behind a trail of blood. At that stage of the battle, both of them were gasping heavily as they were already heavily wounded. Qi Tian stood in the dimly lit area, as if he had chased out from the exit of hell. His eyes were deep and slightly sinister, as if he wanted to devour spirits. Qi Tian¡¯s mind couldn''t calm down. As his fellow from the future seemed to grow stronger as the battle went on, releasing some unpredictable potential. Both Wang Xuan¡¯s spirit and body were undergoing qualitative changes.¡¡¡¡Wang Xuan was covered in wounds, bones exposed in many ces. After breaking through Qi Tian''s Nirvana Art of the Hell Phoenix, the two had been fiercely battling for a long time, and he had paid a great price because of it. He left behind a trail of blood in the air as he moved forward. It would be a series of bloody footprints if it were on solid ground. He didn''t hold back, unleashing the power of the three light spots corresponding to his spirit, body, and innerndscape. However, he dared not release them all at once. He feared damaging his own foundation, so he gradually opened the doors of his spirit, body, and innerndscape, letting them step into the present world one by one. So, the feeling he gave to Qi Tian was that he was constantly growing stronger as time passed. Both of them were breathing heavily, of course, it was transcendent material. They were inhaling and exhaling primordial energy, colorful, with silver substances, purple substances, and rare and precious substances from higher spiritual realms. "Ah..." Qi Tian suddenly let out a long howl, like the cry of billions of ghosts in hell, shaking the transcendent world and impacting the present world. It was a spiritual storm. He merged with the Ascension Banner, empowering this spiritual technique infinitely, forming a ck torrent that swept across the starry sky. Behind him, endless fierce ghosts and various monsters appeared. Standing at the center of hell, he roared to the sky, and various ghostly creatures started following him, unleashing a spiritual storm together. Wang Xuan''s expression changed slightly. Many secret techniques came to mind. The first thing he thought of was a secret diagram, the Hundred Battles Diagram of the Immortal Court. It instantly appeared in his mind. Apanied by a grand spiritual fluctuation, he began to resist the spiritual storm of the hellish ghosts. Endless immortal light bloomed, Wang Xuan''s body was like the sun in the sky. His spirit was exceptionally brilliant, illuminating a magnificent scene of the Hundred Battles Diagram of the Immortal Court. Countless immortals gathered, gods lined up, weapons in hand, suppressing downwards, and the spiritual attacks of the immortals erupted. Boom! At the same time, Wang Xuan struck the lid of the furnace with the furnace body, as if he was beating an immortal drum. He was shattering the ck hellish diagram and countering the onught of the spiritual storm. This was a confrontation on the spiritual level, as if two battlefields were bordering each other. The Immortal Court and hell were connecting, immortals and endless ghosts were fighting, and the mes of war were soaring. In the end, the endless ghostly shadows and the pervasive immortal light all copsed and exploded in the terrifying spiritual fluctuations enhanced by the treasure of the two men. At that moment, Qi Tian stood in the dark, as if he were really standing at the exit of hell. He was gathering the scattered spiritual storm and turning it into terrifying ck arrows. "Plucking the Heartstrings of the Heavenly Arrows!" he muttered to himself. This seemed to be an ancient incantation that empowered his secret technique. Seven ck spiritual arrows took shape, with the light of his heart as the bowstring he shot the arrows out continuously! Each arrow was empowered by the Ascension Banner, it was incredibly powerful. All of the arrows were carrying the power of rules and tearing apart the void of the real world. Wang Xuan''s mind trembled, swiftly evading, holding the lid and body of the furnace to block the seven ck arrows. But he had a premonition that there was still danger even if he wasn''t hit. Sure enough, after he shattered one of the ck arrows with the furnace lid, the dispersing ck light still invaded. It targeted his spirit and was unstoppable. As early as when Qi Tian disyed the spiritual storm and evolved the boundless scene of hellish ghosts, he was preparing for the present moment. What he actually wanted to disy was the Heartstrings of the Heavenly Arrows. Wang Xuan remained calm. His spiritual sense increased several times in an instant. The first thing that came to his mind was the Spirit Coffin Grand Technique. With a bang, empowered by the treasure, his spirit also emitted a light. Now, he was controlling the arrows, using his own spirit as a source to counter-invade the ck arrows. In the end, it was still an attack in the spiritual domain. The ck arrows and Wang Xuan''s spirit light intertwined and were devouring each other. They asionally shattered, and asionally condensed into various spiritual scenes. With a loud roar, in the end, a spiritual thunder erupted there causing both of them to stagger backward. Both of their secret techniques failed. "Kill!" Qi Tian shouted and rushed directly towards Wang Xuan. Although he was holding the banner, he was actually using the All-Spirit Fist. He reced the fist seals with the banner and sted forward. It could be seen that as his body stretched, one shadow after another emerged. Their blood was surging, as if sharing a long life with him. They were the Golden Crow, the Heavenly Phoenix, the Taotie, the Vermilion Bird, the White Kirin, and others. Even the Immortal Officials were with him, punching out fist seals together to attack Wang Xuan. The All-Spirit Fist wielded the power of the bloodline of the strongest races in the heavens, and the fist seals were boundless. Qi Tian had lived from ancient times to the present and mastered many incredible secret techniques. Wang Xuan''s heart moved. He had also read this scripture, but the records were iplete. They were only considered fragments. The scripture mentioned that this kind of martial arts technique was very terrifying, and today it was fully disyed by Qi Tian. In response to this, Wang Xuan used the Ascendent Fist from the Golden Bamboo Slip. It was not weaker than the opponent''s method, it burst out fiercely using the furnace lid and furnace body instead of fist seals. In an instant, light and rain pervaded the area, as if someone was tearing apart the sky, and the light of immortal ascension surged. The two fought to the death, each of them shaken to the point where their bones cracked, their flesh torn, and the blood of transcendence continuously sttered in the starry sky. The battle was exceptionally fierce. The overwhelming blood surged between the two, and in this special era, the performance of their physical bodies was already extremely terrifying. The three light spots of Wang Xuan entered the present world, and he felt his old spirit in intense pain, as if it was about to be torn apart, and the flesh seemed to be split open. The innerndscape was the same. However, his cultivation did increase significantly, making Qi Tian feel the pressure. Could this neer who had been suppressed by him before now turn the tables? Boom! Qi Tian activated the Ascension Banner and controlled the spiritual imprint left by Jiang Siyuan to interfere with the Life Essence Furnace. It proved to be effective at that critical moment. Wang Xuan staggered, the furnace body in his hand trembled violently, almost causing him to suffer a loss. The Ascension Banner brushed against his body and chopped down, almost hitting him. There was only a thin line between being hit and being shattered. Even so, the residual fluctuations emitted by the treasure still torerge pieces of flesh from him, exposing some white bones. The scene was bloody and terrifying. "Furnace, steady yourself. After I y the dragon, we''ll part ways if you want to leave!" said Wang Xuan while body was covered in blood, once again turning into a blood man. Chi! A purple sword light shed over as Jiang Qingyao controlled the Purple Celestial Dao Sword! Boom!¡¡ The Ascension Banner swept across, hitting the broken sword, and terrifying treasure fluctuation erupted, causing fragments of rules to scatter everywhere. "Don''te any closer, I can hold him off!" Wang Xuan shouted. After unleashing the potential of the three light spots, his current strength surpassed that of Celestial Sword Maiden. He feared for Jiang Qingyao''s safety. After all, her cultivation level was lower than Qi Tian''s in the realm of Earth Immortals. She would die if she were hit by the Ascension Banner. The Life Essence Furnace shed with the Ascension Banner. Wang Xuan and Qi Tian fought for their lives with their blood sttering across the starry sky. When the furnace body shook once again, Wang Xuan almost had another ident. His face grew grim, this treasure was too difficult to handle. In the distance, inside the spaceship, everyone remained silent and were quietly observing the battle. The shadow couple''s hearts were tensed up. Wang Xuan''s repeated idents made the scene too thrilling to watch. At this moment, Fang Yuzhu, who was reciting the Guiding Scripture suddenly stopped. Around her, the Divine Ascension Bamboo was still swaying, dripping golden liquid. On the altar, the scattered bones showed signs of life. Most importantly, the almost extinguished fragmented spirit flickered with mes. It was truly revived. "Siyuan!" "Jiang Siyuan!" Several people eximed together, feeling curious, admiring, sympathetic and indifferent. But some, including the Sword Maniac, disregarded the person. "Am I¡­ in a dream?" asked Jiang Siyuan. After his revival, his spirit was wavering. He looked at Fang Yuzhu with a distracted expression, then sighed softly and looked around. He knew that he had revived and saw the unforgettable beautiful face of his youth. Jiang Siyuan felt surprised and recalled many past events. As for the other people, he had seen the portraits of a few individuals, but he didn''t recognize most of them. However, they were all formidable, probably even more powerful than he was in his prime. "Siyuan, you''re awake. Don''t think too much. Rest well, everything will be fine," said Fang Yuzhu,forting him. Jiang Siyuan nodded. The blurred figure of his spirit was extremely weak, and it could extinguish at any moment. Over two thousand years had passed, but the jade face in front of him left him feeling unsettled, he was unable to calm his heart. Back then, he had willingly fought for her with all his might, even dying twice. Although he identally revived, thetter half of his life had been spent in suffering between life and death. He had been enduring hardship until today. However, as time passed, life changed, and the emotions of youth gradually faded. He was a strong-willed cultivator, a gifted genius of his time. There was nothing he couldn''t let go of, time could fade everything. Back then, he already knew that Fang Yuzhu''s pursuit in this life was the Great Dao. From the moment he expressed his feelings and was politely rejected, he understood that his role in this life was only to stand behind her, observing whether she could seed in pursuing the Dao. He understood that she wanted to break through the barriers that even the mythical ages couldn''t ovee. She wanted to dispel the cold winter, and truly illuminate the eternal night of the transcendent world. After so many years, he was no longer young. It had been over two thousand years. What couldn''t he let go of? He had already made up his mind since his escape from captivity, and living a difficult life in seclusion. He was not unaware that Fang Yuzhu had already be unmatched in the Immortal Realm, personally putting an end to the era of ancient emperors to avenge him. But he didn''t convey any message, never attempted to contact her again, and didn''t have anyone send her a letter. Until recent years, as his condition worsened and the me of his life was about to extinguish, he only wished to quietly finish his life in a solitary ce. He knew that Fang Yuzhu was aiming for the Great Dao. He didn''t want to cause her any trouble. He also looked back. In that era, with his talent, he would have undoubtedly be a peerless transcendent if he had more time. He could perhaps even surpass all the experts of the world. Did he regret it? He had asked himself that too. If he could live his life again, what would he choose? Would he still risk his life to save Fang Yuzhu? Jiang Siyuan believed that his former self from that era would probably make the same choice. Despite being rejected, he still didn''t want her to die. He couldn''t help but sacrifice himself to save her. "Who hasn''t been reckless in their youth, thinking they can change the whole world? That was the expression of my sincere emotions at the time. Regardless, I would have acted back then, without regrets." These were his inner thoughts. He had no regrets about the past. Life always moves forward. That was his most genuine choice back then. As if recalling something, he looked at Fang Yuzhu and said with a voice, "No matter when, never trust the evil spirits. Even in the face of certain death, never make a deal with them." "What have you been through?" asked Fang Yuzhu, looking at him. The present Jiang Siyuan and the former charismatic figure who once looked down on the world seemed like two different people. "An evil spirit saved me when I still had a glimmer of hope, but just then, the Life Essence Furnace passed by and we returned to the mortal realm together¡­" The contract with the evil spirits, eating people without spitting out their bones, was impossible to escape. Once signed, one''s soul would no longer belong to oneself in this life. He would be a prisoner, lost, and even eaten up. Even if the evil spirit itself met with an ident and died, the signer would still find it difficult to escape and would still be plunged into endless darkness. When Jiang Siyuan understood all this, it was already toote. But he also waited for an opportunity. When the evil spirit was dying, he resisted with all his might, even at the cost of destroying his own cultivation. He abandoned the treasures, and escaped from that strange ce. His glory, his life, his foundation of Dao, they all nearly copsedpletely. But in the end, he managed to break free from everything arranged by the evil spirits with great determination and returned to himself, but the price was too great. He looked at Qi Tian who was standing beside and was lost in thought. Then, he gazed at the six treasures, discerned the fundamental issue, and couldn''t help but look towards Qi Tian, saying, "You brought me out and extracted some of my spiritual imprints. Are you intending to control the Life Essence Furnace?" Next, he looked at everyone present, quickly understanding the situation, and said, "Taking some of my spiritual imprints, wanting to control my former treasure, to assassinate that young man?" He sighed lightly, "If I''ve caused trouble for future generations, for all of you, then let me return, back to tranquility." His fragmented spirit began to dissipate into light, it was about to scatter and vanish. He was already in the twilight of his life and did not want to burden anyone. Back in the days when he overlooked the world and shone brightly in the Immortal Realm, he could calmly let go of life and death. Now, in this era, with his remnant spirit wavering, he didn''t want to burden anyone! He dissolved into light and was about to fade away. "No!" shouted Fang Yuzhu. ¡­¡­ In the depths of the universe, Wang Xuan seized the moment of silence from the Life Essence Furnace and burst forth with all his might. His three light spots broke freepletely. He was in excruciating pain, bloodied, feeling like his former self was being torn apart. But indeed, he had be very powerful. Had he perfected the Fourteenth Stage? "Die, Evil dragon!" shouted Wang Xuan. Chapter 527: Kill It Chapter 527: Kill It The sensation of tearing, the overwhelming feeling of power, made his body tremble. Though painful, it brought a sense of achievement as his Dao cultivation surged! Wang Xuan was covered in blood, with cracks running across his body, as if apletely new self was about to emerge. Firmly grasping the lid and body of the furnace, he stared at the Evil Dragon with his deep eyes. Qi Tian''s expression changed slightly, then he suddenly rushed forward, shouting, "What are you doing? Stop it, everything you have is mine!" He spected that Wang Xuan was burning his potential, squeezing the limits of flesh, spirit, and innerndscape. This made him unable to sit still as those were his target. If Wang Xuan were to squander everything now, it would all be for naught. He didn''t want a decaying shell. He worried that after the battle, Wang Xuan would bepletely drained, with nothing left. Wang Xuan naturally wouldn''t exin to him. He had a new spirit, new flesh and a new innerndscape. It was just an early emergence. "Stop my ass!" shouted Wang Xuan as he disappeared from the spot with a single step. He was enduring the intense pain and traversing the void. In an instant, he reappeared before the Evil Dragon. With a deafening roar, without any pretense, he wielded the furnace and rained down blows on him directly. He had been pushed to his limit by the Evil Dragon time and time again, and he had had enough. If not for the fact that the opponent possessed an Earth Immortal Dao that was insurmountable, he wouldn''t have resorted to early self-sacrifice, allowing the three light spots to emerge prematurely.¡¡¡¡Now, consumed by fury, for himself and for those around him, he was determined to take down the Evil Dragon here and now. He was determined to crush it with his own strength. "I¡­ will kill you!" Qi Tian wanted to say something, but in the end, only endless killing intent erupted from him as he wielded the Ascension Banner to meet the challenge. With a resounding boom, the cosmos trembled. The collision between treasures was unprecedented, causing the space there to rupture into endless ck cracks, spreading into the distance. The Great Barrier, the Transcendent World, and all ces resonating with the remnants of rules felt it. With a resounding boom, it was like a hurricane, like andslide roaring past. It was incredibly sudden and terrifying. ng! Wang Xuan''s soft flesh between his ten fingers was torn open. Fresh blood flowed out, but he still held nothing back, vigorously wielding his treasure. At that moment, Qi Tian''s face turned pale. Repeatedly forced into a defensive stance, he coughed up blood heavily and suffered severe injuries. Cracks appeared in the bones of his arms. What was going on? He could hardly believe it. His opponent''s strength had soared significantly, he was catching up to him! In an instant, the furnace emitted light, but the mouth of the furnace dimmed instead. It was like a ck hole, sucking in Qi Tian''s Ascension Banner, trying to pull it in. How could he let go? Clutching the treasure tightly, he fought with all his might, finally tearing open the light veil and escaping. However, the furnace lid was like a meteor, it streaked across the cosmic void and came crashing down. Qi Tian wanted to seize it, but the terrifying force and speed after the activation of the furnace lid were too much. It was about to reach him, but he couldn''t catch it at all. He was forced to block with the Ascension Banner, but was hit with a bang. The bones all over his body crackled, and blood poured from his nose and mouth. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan, holding the furnace body, teleported and attacked again. He was seemingly going crazy, relentlessly increasing his strength, wishing to ignite himself, and relentlessly battling the Evil Dragon regardless of the cost. "My body, my spirit, my innerndscape are yours? Who do you think you are!" shouted Wang Xuan. The furnace body in Wang Xuan''s right hand crashed down. At the same time, he also controlled the lid, using his mental light to wield it like a flying sword, ferociously attacking Qi Tian. The furnace body was too heavy, it smashed the Ascension Banner''s pole until Qi Tian was knocked away, and only then did the Ascension Banner recover. Qi Tian''s face turned deathly pale, his arms spasming and his bones were cracking. He constantly coughed up blood, his internal organs torn apart and his whole body was in agony. As he flew far away, he staggered and was unable to stand firm. He was facing unprecedented pressure and murderous intent was sweeping over from the opposite side. Wang Xuan was pursuing him! Even with the light veil formed by the Ascension Banner protecting him, he still suffered heavy injuries. Both sides were wielding powerful treasures to attack each other, effectively canceling each other out. At that moment, secret forces kept prating, causing his chest to explode with blood spraying everywhere. Qi Tian was filled with shock and anger. Did the prey go mad? How much potential and foundation did he consume to reach the levelparable to an Earth Immortal? "You go to hell! You want to preserve your life, but you''ve already squandered the special foundation of my predetermined innerndscape!" shouted Qi Tian. He erupted, his killing intent surged and actively charged forward. Wang Xuan''s eyes were cold. He didn''t even want toment on the Evil Dragon. Qi Tian was focused on seizing everything from him, yet he was ming him now. The only way was to defeat the Evil Dragon there! He had not yet entered the Wanderer level. As a neer to the real world, if he could defeat the Evil Dragon at the Earth Immortal level, it would undoubtedly be a severe blow to him. It was ridiculous to trample on his so-called pursuit of a new myth. "The Hell Lock Heaven Diagram!" shouted Qi Tian. He unleashed a forbidden secret technique, empowered by ancient curses. His body and words merged as one, manipting the Ascension Banner. Such a forbidden technique consumed his own foundation, somewhat damaging his roots. He would never use these techniques under normal circumstances. With him as the center, scenes of hell emerged, and ck order divine chains burst forth, rushing in all directions, constructing a vast to connect heaven and earth. The chains reached everywhere, trapping the universe! One could vaguely see, in the sky, it seemed as if an immortal court appeared and was binded by the spreading ck order divine chains. Not to mention the living beings within the, the ck order divine chains were like spears, flying at high speed, intending to pierce through Wang Xuan. ng! ng!¡¡ Terrifying collision sounds rang out. One ck order divine chain after another struck the Life Essence Furnace, crashing onto the furnace lid. If hit, flesh and blood would inevitably tear, and bones would fracture. Wang Xuan fought back with all his might, but there were countless ck chains around him that connected to the illusory immortal court in the sky. This phenomenon of heaven and earth was extremely terrifying, even the heavens were being trapped by the Hell Lock, it was indeed causing him trouble. If he was a bit slower, pieces of his flesh would be torn away. Eventually, Qi Tian stood within the hellish scene. Surrounded by rolling ck smoke, he transformed into a giant ck spider. It was immensely huge, exuding a primordial chaotic aura, constantly spewing web, locking down heaven and earth. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan seemed to have turned into an insect within the giant web, and was chased by the ck order chains. Wang Xuan''s eyes were as sharp as des. He remained calm while being trapped, his killing intent surging. His body cracked, and the three light spots entered the mortal realm. The intense pain continued unabated, causing tremors throughout his body. However, his spiritual sense increased infinitely. After brewing for a long time, he finally triggered a spiritual sensation! This was a path he had pondered and attempted toe up with when advancing to the Twelfth Stage, in order to subdue his various avatars. The feeling of the innerndscape was brought into the real world. At that moment, his spiritual sense soared at a speed many times faster than before, but the duration of it was very short, not evensting a second. However, he seemed to stand in a realm beyond himself at that moment, with his physical body following suit, also in a realm beyond the divine. The ce where he stood exploded, as he was moving too fast. Holding the Life Essence Furnace, he disappeared in a sh. Then, he appeared within the hellish scene, standing above the massive ck spider and was fiercely attacking it. Although the time was limited, especially this time, which was far less than a second, the attack was still deadly because of the advancement of his realm. It seemed even the heavens and earth were limiting this special state. In an instant, Wang Xuan attacked countless times, fiercely beating the massive chaotic ck spider that was emitting chaos aura. He was attacking it with unparalleled power. In the dazzling light, Qi Tian''s body trembled violently. The hellish scene he evolved began to copse. The head of the ck giant spider was immediately smashed, sttering its juice everywhere. Then, its massive body disintegrated, turning into minced meat, scattering everywhere. Boom!¡¡ After these hellish scenes and creatures copsed, it was Qi Tian''s turn to be violently flung, leaving him somewhat bewildered and confused. How could his opponent go crazy like this? Hisbat power surged, and he couldn''t resist it. The impact even affected his main body, causing his bones to fracture. Bang!¡¡ His body was thrown sideways, but Wang Xuan quickly caught up and stomped down his foot. Followed by the furnace lid descending like a heavy flying sword, crashing down. Even with treasures in hand and the Ascension Banner releasing boundless light for protection, he was still going to be blown up. Wang Xuan chased him. Although the spiritual sensationsted less than a second, at their level, in the realm of Earth Immortals, it was still considered a long time. It was enough to do many things. "You''re really tough!" said Wang Xuan. He was a bit anxious, his spiritual sense fluctuating as he continued to attack. The Evil Dragon was shocked and furious at the same time. He was in intense pain, as if he were an old rag being relentlessly beaten. Secret forces prated through the protection of the treasure''s light veil, breaking dozens of his bones. He was thrown sideways, then caught up to, and then struck again! "I¡­" With a muffled sound, part of his chest was blown apart, and his heart was torn, with half of it dropping out. It could only be said that Qi Tian at the level of Earth Immortals was really too powerful and extraordinarily resilient. Even though he was heavily injured and his body was in tatters, he still survived, enduring the time period above his opponent''s spiritual sensation. He gasped heavily and swallowed the colorful transcendent material. It was a very high-level energy from the higher spiritual realm. At the same time, he kept flying away constantly, as he needed to create distance from Wang Xuan first. He took out arge herb and swallowed it directly. At his level, there were few opponents even in the Immortal Realm. He was a true peerless transcendent and had naturally picked some Heavenly Herbs. He would die if he didn''t swallow it now. "Even if you swallow it, I''ll make you spit it out!" shouted Wang Xuan, threatening with a roar, truly making the Evil Dragon tremble in fear. The prey had turned into the hunter and was now hunting him down. Wang Xuan chased after him, closing the distance, then acted decisively. Endless spells erupted, and runes of order flooded forward. Then, he manipted the furnace lid and shed at him fiercely. With his other hand wielding the furnace body, he forcefully struck the dragon''s body! After a round of fighting, Qi Tian coughed up blood, and most of his bones were broken. It was naturally severely affecting his condition. But he still showed no fear, his eyes were still icy. "Restart the Yao Pool Grand Event, where ten thousand immortals gather!" he shouted. It must be said that he had too many methods, all of them extraordinary secrets. He was reciting ancient spells, evolving amazing scenes to suppress his opponents. Above the Nine Heavens, a magnificent peach garden that was vast and boundless appeared, with white mist rising. Peach blossoms bloomed everywhere, filling the air with fragrance, and sparkling petals fell, dancing in the sky. There, celestial maidens danced, and numerous immortals gathered to attend the event, all of them eminent predecessors, all great masters of supernatural powers. The gathering of ten thousand immortals showcased the grandeur of the Nine Heavens. "With all immortals by my side, at the Yao Pool Grand Event, once every thousand years, I borrow my greatness!" Qi Tian whispered ancient words, as if connecting to the higher spiritual realm. He was borrowing scenes carved from the ancient times, and supreme power. Countless celestial shadows flew towards him, all manifestations of rules, enhancing his strength, and serving him. Wang Xuan naturally approached at high speed, hoping to interrupt this process. He couldn''t help but sigh. Qi Tian had lived for over three thousand years, ranking at the pinnacle of the Immortal Realm. He had mastered too many forbidden secrets. He continuously disyed various supernatural abilities, each different from thest. Some supreme secret methods Wang Xuan had also studied, and he had obtained arge number of scriptures, but he hadn''t had time to practice them yet. And some were ancient methods he had never even heard of. "Hmm!?" As he chased after him, amidst the intense pain, he felt his power still slowly increasing, and the three light spots were nearing their peak state. Moreover, he had a feeling that as he approached perfection, he could still trigger something beyond spiritual sensation. Realizing this, he went all out and was constantly trying! "Here we go again!" said Wang Xuan, his eyes gleamed with determination. He seeded once again. At that moment, he didn''t care about Qi Tian''s supreme secrets. Let him disy a thousand supernatural abilities and ten thousand methods, he would just smash it! The Life Essence Furnace was activated, and the immortal light surged. He controlled the furnace lid and wielded the heavy furnace body as he mmed down. "You¡­ bastard!" said Qi Tian. How could he ever say such words? But now he was anxious, as Wang Xuan used the same move again, he couldn''t help but curse. Ignoring him, Wang Xuan went all out to smash him! Chapter 528: The Dragon Slayer Wasn’t The Evil Dragon Chapter 528: The Dragon yer Wasn¡¯t The Evil Dragon From afar, aboard the spaceship, Jiang Siyuan was undergoing light transformation, with light waves dispersing. He was very decisive, intending to disperse the fire of his spirit. Fang Yuzhu was here. How could she watch him give up his life like this? She couldn''t allow him to vanish into thin air just like that. She formed sacred seals, and with an ancient spell, all the scattered light rain reversed its flow, gathering back together. Furthermore, as her spell blossomed, the Divine Ascension Bamboo Forest resonated, raining golden rules and nourishing the dying spirit fire. The shadow couple also acted, imprisoning the void, using unparalleled spiritual domains as guides to help him reassemble the fire of his spirit and manifest it once more. Among those present, aside from Qi Tian and the Sword Lunatic Shang Yi, the other peerless transcendents also felt sympathy for Jiang Siyuan and were touched by his plight. "Siyuan, you don''t need to do this, pull yourself together!" Fang Yuzhu spoke while surrounded by a faint golden aura. She was providing the strongest protection by all means necessary. Demon Lord''s mother also spoke, "The spiritual imprint Qi Tian extracted from you is too fragile. It has already copsed after being activated by the Ascension Banner several times. There''s little to no effect left." Everyone present was a peerless transcendent, all possessing treasures, with transcendent cultivation bases, belonging to the most powerful figures of this mythical era. Jiang Siyuan''s spirit light was on the verge of extinguishing, he was extremely weak. With just a single look, these people could naturally understand that he was a sincere and genuine person. It was precisely because of this that they also felt some admiration and did not stop him from being saved.¡¡¡¡The Demon Lord''s father nodded. At that moment, his mood was like the waves in the sea, fluctuating. As the battles in the depths of the universe changed one after another, it was also affecting his emotions. Fortunately, Wang Xuan seemed to have reversed the situation in the battle. Now, he actually held the upper hand. Disying a marvelous technique that even left him astonished, he was suppressing the Evil Dragon in the fight. The ancestors of the Supetive Pce and the Imperial Pce of Gouchen nced at Qi Tian. This time, using six treasures to condense the mirror light, they reflected the scene of the battlefield, showing the image of Qi Tian''s imminent defeat. "Are you inviting us to witness your demise?" asked one of them. The Evil Dragon remained indifferent upon hearing this, not saying a word. The development of events caught him off guard. The prey was much stronger than he had imagined, even nning to counterattack and kill him. Now, it was like a scene of a massive car crash over there. Was he nning to live-stream his own death? ¡­¡­ Deep in the universe, the great battle was nearing its end. Qi Tian was proficient in all kinds of scriptures. Over the past three thousand and five hundred years, he had collected countless supreme secrets and mastered them all. Before him, the magnificent scene of the Yao Pool Grand Event reappeared. It urred once every millennium, with thousands of immortals gathering, and great masters of supernatural powers appearing one after another. It seemed like a real reflection, but it was still seen through! Qi Tian stood at the Peach Blossom Garden, with falling petals everywhere. He was also apanied by many immortals. Bathed in the light rain, he possessed terrifying power. However, with Wang Xuan''s intrusion, the beautiful scenery copsed, the event came to an end, and the immortals dispersed. What was once a magnificent scene, a beautiful picture, was now shattered by Wang Xuan wielding his furnace lid, crashing down in chaos. The furnace body erupted with mes, red substances were burning the Peach Blossom Garden, pressing down on all the immortals. He rampaged violently all the way through. For an Earth Immortal in this era, there was indeed no solution for other transcendents, no doubt about it. However, Wang Xuan himself was not weak. Coupled with his transcendence, he was now driving the Evil Dragon away again. He repeatedly injured him, causing blood to stter everywhere as he pursued. Qi Tian''s body flew horizontally, the Ascension Banner in his hand seemed to be ignited. It was dazzling and terrifying. Every swing cut through the void, making fragments of rules to fall. But he really couldn''t fight Wang Xuan now. The prey he was trying to kill was in a frenzy and was fighting back. His body was covered in blood and almost broke apart. With a puff, his outstretched right hand was hit by the furnace lid, causing three of his fingers to explode one by one. The pain was unbearable. Qi Tian was now at an absolute disadvantage, he was suppressed. With a crack, his right scap shattered, bone fragments bursting out. How did ite to this? He was an Earth Immortal, invincible among the transcendent beings of the mortal realm. Yet, he suffered the most brutal defeat of his life, being hunted down by a young man. "Evil Dragon, where are you going? Today is the day a dragon dies, now¡¯s the time!" shouted Wang Xuan. His spiritual sense was terrifyingly intense, increasing many times over. He left behind afterimages, constantly teleporting to pursue the Evil Dragon. Then, he punched many holes through his body, sending bone fragments flying out. With a crack, the dragon''s spine was broken and his whole body bent. He was covered in blood and cold sweat. Enduring the pain, he hugged the Ascension Banner with both hands, trying to tear open the void and temporarily escape from the madman in that special state. However, when the treasure pierced the void, it was directly pushed back by someone, causing a huge explosion. Even an Earth Immortal was powerless when faced with this situation. Qi Tian knew very well that his opponent''s current state was somewhat difficult to control. Although extremely short-lived, it was enough to do many things, including delivering fatal attacks to enemies. Wang Xuan''s body seemed to dissipate, abruptly reappearing beside the dragon. Treasure fell heavily, entangling the Ascension Banner. The treasure was intending to pull it into the furnace. At that moment, the entanglement of the two treasures also tore apart each other''s protective light veils. Qi Tian''s expression changed. His condition was extremely bad and couldn''t withstand any more turmoil. Wang Xuan, on the other hand, feared nothing. His whole body shone as he shed with his rotating sword, every part of his body became a weapon to strangle opponents in close contact. Pew pew pew!¡¡ At that moment, even theposed dragon couldn''t help but feel miserable. His spells couldn''t stop the rotating sword, then he was pierced through by endless sword lights. Qi Tian''s flesh flew, his body became like a sieve. If it weren''t for his hands channeling the power of the treasure rules, forcibly protecting his flesh and spirit, he would have been chopped to pieces. "How can you still not die like this?!" eximed Wang Xuan. He snatched the banner, attacking with all his might. At this point, his spiritual sense of mind faded, but he still gained overwhelming advantage, and was firmly suppressing the Evil Dragon. With a bang, Qi Tian''s right arm burst into a mist of blood. His body and left arm remained firmly attached to the banner, shaking vigorously, resisting, not wanting to lose the banner. Once he lost the treasure, he would undoubtedly die. But now most of his body was exposed, and the protective light veil formed by the Ascension Banner was torn open. Wang Xuan mercilessly wielded the Banner of Severance, with a thud it pierced into Qi Tian¡¯s flesh, causing it to instantly disintegrate. "Ah¡­" Qi Tian shouted, his form was on the verge ofplete destruction. He struggled and resisted, showing no intention of giving up. His willpower was incredibly strong. With a chirp, Wang Xuan wielded the Godying Banner, nailing it into his forehead. That immediately dimmed his eyes and slightly stiffened his body. However, he still didn''t die! "Such a vigorous vitality, you¡¯re truly terrifyingly strong," said Wang Xuan. Even he was moved, his emotions surging. The opponent was a bit out of the ordinary. In an instant, his pupils contracted as he discovered certain clues, and then he found out the truth. No wonder the Qi Tian didn''t die, he was still holding onto the Ascension Banner to resolve the crisis. In Qi Tian''s head, ck mist spread, and a bleeding spirit was bound. It was wrapped in chains, now pushed out to resist the Godying Banner. The Godying Banner pierced into his forehead and was aiming to dissolve that spirit. And deep within the endless ck mist, there was another figure with terrifying eyes, holding the Chains of Order in hand. "Two spirits?" Wang Xuan spoke, scanning with his Spiritual Eyes, sensing the aura of that spirit deep in the ck mist. It was a terrifying one indeed! In front of him, the figure pierced by the Godying Banner gradually emerged from confusion and blur to reveal its true face. A clear aura emanated from him, he appeared divine and wless with the cirction of immortal qi surrounding him. At this moment, he seemed to awaken from a deep sleep, looking down at his spirit body trapped by the chains and then at the Godying Banner stuck in his chest. "Didn''t I die in battle over three thousand years ago?" he murmured, recalling the past events, fighting alone against the emperors, ying enemies, and finally being torn apart by the Nirvana Art of the Hell Phoenix. "Yes, when my spirit copsed, a terrifying evil spirit found me. I was bound by him, reced by him, lost for over three thousand years," he said as if suddenly remembering everything. Later, he was absorbed by the terrifying spirit, bound within the spirit, and was able to glimpse many things in a daze. Now, as if shing like lightning, he recalled everything. In an instant, various past events appeared, his entire life shing before his eyes, captured by Wang Xuan who traced his past trajectory. The Dragon yer was never the Evil Dragon! The terrifying spirit was the Evil Dragon! The real Qi Tian, his life was trulymentable. In ancient times, he was extraordinary and transcendent, untainted by the world, living a brilliant life without any blemish. He was a true immortal of the Dao. Coupled with his special innerndscape opened during his mortal days, he became iparably powerful. Three thousand five hundred years ago, during the era of the Sword Lunatic Shang Yi and the First One, he was undoubtedly the number one figure in the immortal path. "The emperors hunted me down, with the shadow of the terrifying spirit lurking around. Was the ancient emperor manipted, or were they in collusion long ago? None of this matters anymore," he murmured. At that time, Qi Tian, although superior and a true immortal of the Dao, was also a modest gentleman who never used his power to oppress others. He was never hypocritical, that was his nature. And precisely because of his exceptional character, even though more than three thousand years had passed, his old acquaintances, his friends from his past, still came to serve him without reservation upon learning of his resurrection. However, they did not know that while his body remained as graceful as the old Qi Tian, his spirit had long changed. The terrifying evil spirit took control of everything, cooperating with the creator of the Demonic Embryo Technique and contacting other terrifying evil spirits. Wang Xuan fell silent. Qi Tian''s appearance was originally elegant, handsome, and ethereal, consistent with his original spirit temperament. asionally, he would appear ferocious, exuding the aura of hell. That was because he had been reced and devoured by the terrifying evil spirit. Seeing the past of Qi Tian, he couldn''t help but sigh lightly. He was originally the most Dao-like person, yet he ended up in such a plight. Obviously, only the final fragments of the spirit remained now. Qi Tian''s main spirit had been devoured by the terrifying evil spirit! "The people who possess special innerndscapes, from the First one, to me, andter to Jiang Siyuan, none of us can have a good ending." The real Qi Tian murmured. He had once been merged with the terrifying evil spirit. Now, after being pushed out to block the Godying Banner, he regained consciousness and knew everything that had happened over the past three thousand years. He muttered to himself, "Why do people like us end up so tragically? Have we done something wrong? Despite being so despised by fate, the real Evil Dragons can still overlook the world and stand above the clouds." "You¡­ are one of us, thest special one of the end of the myth. Take care of yourself and don''t follow in our footsteps!" said the real Qi TIan. He was just a spiritual fragment, unable to condense for more than a fleeting moment. In the final moment, he nodded to Wang Xuan and said, "Help me y the dragon¡­ I''m leaving!" "No, I can try to save you!" Wang Xuan shouted. He hesitated to act, hoping to save the real Qi Tian. However, the restored Qi Tian, untainted by the world, was also extremely resolute and determined inside. He turned around, self-immted and rushed towards the darkness behind him. He was carrying the Godying Banner to kill the terrifying evil spirit shrouded in the thick fog, then, he detonated himself without hesitation! "Raaa!" A roar like that of a beast sounded out, and the ck spirit in the thick fog surged up. After umting power for a long time, it tore through Wang Xuan''s restraint at that moment, escaping from Qi Tian''s body with the Ascension Banner and soaring into the sky. It was attempting to flee! "Can you escape? I let you go so that you can preserve Qi Tian''s flesh and blood, to give him a decent burial. Who do you think you are? You¡¯ve caused chaos until now, and is still thinking of escaping? Terrifying evil spirit, die!" Wang Xuan roared, with bloodshot eyes. He caught up in an instant while holding a supreme treasure in hand. He exerted all his strength, his physical and mental state roaring and glowing, reaching the peak of his power. ng!¡¡ This time, with the furnace mouth glowing, he snatched the Ascension Banner, and retracted the long banner in an instant, closing the lid. Then he rushed forward, grabbing the ck terrifying evil spirit bare-handed, tearing it apart directly, from the arm to the head, ripping it into pieces one by one. Chapter 529: Calamity Of Evil Spirits Chapter 529: Cmity Of Evil Spirits In the depths of the universe, a bloody scene unfolded. The ck terrifying evil spirit howled, its cries piercing and desperate. Wang Xuan tore it apart piece by piece, and despite its attempts to escape, it couldn''t flee. As for counter attacking or resisting, it was already powerless. With the loss of the support of Qi Tian''s flesh and blood essence, its strength diminished, especially after being heavily injured not long ago. Although this creature was in a spiritual state, it appeared humanoid with some bestial features, giving off an unsettling feeling. Enveloped in ck fog, it had a single horn on its head and dark scales on its face. Wang Xuan didn''t hold back against this creature. Having experienced firsthand the tragic demise of a fellow being, he empathized deeply. In fact, today''s battle was directed at him by this terrifying evil spirit. If he were defeated, his fate would be the same as Qi Tian''s. It would mean the end of his life. Today''s fight had brought him perilously close to death, he was almost overwhelmed and devoured by this ck terrifying evil spirit. He couldn''t bear to imagine such a scenario. "Tell me, are you an ancient terrifying evil spirit, or one of those fallen terrifying evil spirits rted to another universe and technology?" asked Wang Xuan, demanding to know its origin. "Thetter, young man, you''re truly lucky toe out on top today. But mark my words, one day, another of my kind wille for you!" eximed the ck terrifying evil spirit, retorting arrogantly. Its primordial blood flowed as it spoke with foul breath. With a bang, Wang Xuan pped half of its head to pulp, seizing the shattered spirit light that fell off, intending to probe its memories. Jiang Qingyao approached with sword in hand, saying, "I never expected it to be a terrifying evil spirit causing trouble. I''ve been wondering why the legendary Qi Tian, the true immortal lord known for his grace and purity, changed so much after his resurrection. It''s such a pity. He endured so much hardship. It''s truly sad."¡¡¡¡Then, unable to hold back, she began her own sword practice on the fragments of the terrifying evil spirit torn off by Wang Xuan. "Speak up! Where do creatures like youe from? How many people have you reced? Are some of the historical incidents involving sudden idents and drastic personality changes in powerful individuals rted to you?" Jiang Qingyao asked. ¡­¡­ From afar, within the spaceship, all the peerless transcendents who were watching this battle were stunned. Wang Xuan had won. The second person who had opened a special innerndscape during his mortal life had actually been resurrected, but it was the terrifying evil spirit that reced him! This series of events shook everyone to the core. No one could remain calm. Wang Xuan, a neer, had seeded in ying an Earth Immortal with his own hands? What kind of oue was this? Who could remain indifferent? Everyone was astonished! The domineering Sword Lunatic''s eyes shed with sharpness as he stared at Wang Xuan''s face, revealing a faint smile. The parents of Demon Lord, from initially being worried, anxious, and restless, gradually began to smile. They were finally showing some signs of looking at their son-inw differently. Of course, they hadn''t forgotten about the terrifying evil spirit. Demon Lord''s father had long since suppressed the Qi Tian within the spaceship with his right hand, opening his Thunder God Eyes, with lightning streaking through, staring deep into his flesh and blood. "Sure enough, something''s not right. The flesh and blood belong to the Immortal Lord Qi Tian, but the spirit is just a clone of the terrifying evil spirit?" said Demon Lord¡¯s father. His expression darkened, brimming with killing intent. "You daredevils! How many Immortal Dao powerhouses have you devoured? Do you want to overthrow the transcendental world?" eximed the ancestor of the Imperial Pce of Gouchen, even he couldn''t sit still anymore. At their level, they naturally knew about terrifying evil spirits and had a rough understanding of these creatures. Some historical figures had fallen victim to the terrifying evil spirits. These creatures were very strong, and most importantly, they were exceptionally secretive. They were hard to detect through conventional means, making them almost impossible to guard against. "Hehe, I never expected to lose. It''s really beyond my expectations. I''ve roamed the mythical era for thousands of years, inhabited the bodies of ancient emperors, seized special innerndscapes, and experienced different lives. Two or three hosts were the protagonists of their respective eras, making my life spectacr. But in the end, it had to end like this. It''s really regrettable." The clone of the terrifying evil spirit spoke from within Qi Tian''s flesh and blood. It showed no fear, as if it had already epted its fate. Death was just death. "What are you, just a parasite? You dare toment in front of us? Come out!" Demon Lord''s father''s fingertips emitted lightning, forcibly restraining it. He began to probe its spirit, wanting to uncover the secrets of this terrifying evil spirit. "Do you think I''ll cooperate with you? Even if you search my spirit, I''ll just let your divine light invade. My life will shatter anyway," said the evil spirit. It was prepared, having severed many imprints in advance. Letting his opponent''s lightning strike, most of its spirit began to disintegrate. "I''ve experienced eras long gone, even when they hunted down the First One, I was fortunate enough to witness from afar. It was truly thrilling, seeing the supreme brilliance of our predecessors," said the evil spirit. The First One he spoke of naturally referred to the only Immortal Dao expert who had ever suppressed the Sword Lunatic. The so-called predecessors were likely the terrifying evil spirits of the ancient era, at the transcendent level. "Don''t me me for not warning you. There''s another terrifying evil spirit here, as you call it," said the evil spirit. Then, its spirit shattered as it was attempting self-destruction. "In front of me, you must ask for my permission before you can die!" Demon Lord''s father seized the ck spirit, which was like a piece of broken porcin, full of cracks. Meanwhile, the people present inevitably nced at each other. Many of them focused on the Pool of Life because there was a nest of terrifying evil spirits inside, and these creatures posed a significant threat. "Don''t you have anything to say?" Figures from both the Buddhist and Daoist sects were also present, with the monk who controlled the divine artifact, the Divine Pce, speaking up. "Everyone, we are not terrifying evil spirits, but descendants from another universe. We have been conducting research over the years and have dissected some terrifying evil spirits." Someone spoke up from the Pool of Life. Just then, three people appeared andnded in the spaceship, looking like they had juste out of aboratory. "Last time, I chased after the Pool of Life and personally killed a terrifying evil spirit!" Demon Lord''s father stared at them and spoke. "That was our experimental subject. In order to appease your anger, we had no choice but to let him suffer." A quiet woman who emerged from the Pool of Life spoke. Then, the three of them openly disyed their spirit lights, devoid of the terrifying aura unique to the terrifying evil spirit creatures. "I think the strangest and most suspicious among us is Shang Yi!" The ancestor of the Supetive Pce voiced his opinion. It wasn''t because he and a group of people from the Land of the Undying were mercilessly in by Shang Yi when contending for the Roaming Ark. Rather, he genuinely harbored suspicions about the Sword Lunatic. In the ancient era, when all the emperors had perished, even the First One had been killed. Only Shang Yi, who was half-mad and half-foolish for a period, had survived. "How dare you suspect me!" shouted Shang Yi as his killing intent surged. Even the ancestors of the Supetive Pce and the Imperial Pce of Gouchen were pushed back two steps by his impact. "So what if we suspect you? You do have some issues!" said Fang Yuzhu. She was also focused on Shang Yi. "That''s right. Just because you and Qi Tian teamed up and conspired to kill Wang Xuan, I believe you''re not innocent," said Demon Lord''s mother with a cold voice. At that point, the strong figures from both the Buddhist and Daoist sects also focused on him, as did the three people who emerged from the Pool of Life. They were all casting suspicion on him. The Sword Lunatic was quite arrogant, but seeing everyone focusing on him, he didn''t resist. Gripping the Sword of Mortals tightly, he said, "That''s right. In the ancient era, a terrifying evil spirit targeted me, but so what? It was killed by me instead. That kind of peerless ancient terrifying evil spirit emperor wanted to seize my life, but ended up being devoured by me!" He also released his spirit light, and an extremely powerful spirit shone, even more astonishing than the ck terrifying evil spirit that had been at its peak inside Qi Tian! This meant he was more terrifying than other Earth Immortals! His spirit was like an invincible sword, extremely daunting, emitting dazzling sword light that inspired awe. "Indeed, not a terrifying evil spirit," said someone, nodding their head. The peerless transcendents present, in order to dispel suspicion, voluntarily disyed their spirits for verification. It was evident how much they feared the cmity of terrifying evil spirits, which had urred more than once in history. Meanwhile, people couldn''t help but be astonished. The Sword Lunatic did indeed go too far by devouring a terrifying evil spirit of the Peerless-level. "What valuable information did you gain after devouring the terrifying evil spirit?" Demon Lord''s father asked him. "I devoured an ancient terrifying evil spirit, not the Fallen terrifying evil spirit from another universe. The ancient terrifying evil spirit is rted to the vanished super civilization. I haven''t fully researched it, but I obtained some extraordinary ancient methods," replied the Sword Lunatic. "I suspect that in ancient times, the emperors were either reced by terrifying evil spirits or colluded with them, leading to the copse of that glorious era," Demon Lord''s father said. The cmity of terrifying evil spirits had urred several times in the past. For example, the violent deaths of several prominent figures in the past had traces of evil spirits, but no one had expected that the entire ancient era might be rted to them. They were exceptionally active, and were having a significant impact. "Which is more ferocious, the ancient terrifying evil spirit or the fallen terrifying evil spirit from another universe?" someone asked. One of the three people who emerged from the Pool of Life responded, "The visitors from another universe were originally here for exploration, but some powerful beings among them fell. Their threat seems to be even greater than the ancient terrifying evil spirit." ¡­¡­ "Qi Tian is dead. My dear friend has left the mortal realm today!" A voice came from the depths of the universe. Someone standing in a warship was about to go crazy, intending to attack Wang Xuan. "Wait a minute, Qi Tian''s death was too unusual. I clearly saw two spirits in his flesh and blood," said someone, intervening. As the Evil Dragon chased after him, there were warships following from behind. Qi Tian''s old friends from over three thousand years ago were watching the battle from a distance. The ending was somewhat uneptable. After tracking to this point, they saw Qi Tian''s fall. Even though some people noticed issues with the ck spirit torn apart by Wang Xuan, someone still intended to take action. Boom!¡¡ A terrifying beam burst forth as warships opened fire. "Damn it, did they forget about me?" said the mechanical bear as he flew into a rage, rushing to intercept. Some beams broke through, heading towards Wang Xuan. However, he had a supreme treasure in hand, capable of tearing through the void of the universe. His Earth Immortal level strength was still terrifying even if the end of the transcendence was near. He tore open the void with the Life Essence Furnace, avoiding the attack. The furnace lid glowed as the might of the supreme treasure swept over him. He was ready to counterattack. "What? Are they fighting again?" asked Demon Lord mother, shocked by the scene. "Find a way to contact them and tell them the truth about Qi Tian''s death," Fang Yuzhu said. This misunderstanding had to be resolved. "I just searched the spirit fragment of the terrifying evil spirit and learned the message of the true Qi Tian''s group. I can immediately contact their spaceship," Demon Lord''s father said, springing into action. ¡­¡­ "The real Qi Tian¡­ was devoured by the terrifying evil spirit three thousand years ago?" Someone from the warship spoke. "How could this be? How tragic, Brother Qi!" said another one. "No wonder I felt that Brother Qi had changed." Another one spoke, feeling sad. In the depths of the universe, Qi Tian''s old friends were sorrowful. They couldn''t help but believe it. Now, Fang Yuzhu, Demon Lord''s parents, and the eminent figures of the Buddhist and Daoist sects all stood up to vouch for Wang Xuan. Moreover, Qi Tian''s old friends themselves witnessed the final scene. ¡­¡­ "Now that everything is settled, there''s no need to project the scene there anymore. I have something to attend to and must leave. I won''t join you on this journey," the Sword Lunatic was the first to retract his supreme treasure, unwilling to cooperate in constructing the Mirror Light. "Well, you seem eager?" said Fang Yuzhu while fixing her gaze on him. Her spirit had undergone numerous great nirvanas, making her extremely sensitive. She felt that his departure was too hasty. "Sword Lunatic, don''t be in such a hurry to leave. I want to see how Wang Xuan is doing in the end," Demon Lord''s father also felt something was amiss and spoke up. "What do you take me for? Am I here to serve you at your whim?" The Sword Lunatic responded coldly. In the depths of the universe, Wang Xuan tore apart the ck terrifying evil spirit. After probing its spirit, he caused its disintegration. However, he frowned because the information he obtained was valuable but not sufficient. The ck terrifying evil spirit, knowing it was doomed, naturally refused to cooperate. When it fell into the enemy''s hands, it tore apart some of its imprints on its own. "Hmm?" Suddenly, Wang Xuan looked up, feeling the universe''s void was unusually disturbed, causing him intense unease. Fog began to rise around him! Swish! Jiang Qingyao and Wang Xuan stood back to back. She wielded the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, alert and serious. She also felt her spirit trembling. Who was approaching? Wang Xuan sensed something in his mind. Holding two supreme treasures in his hands, and having just in an Earth Immortal level Evil Dragon, someone still dared to attack him in this situation. Chapter 530: A Great Trouble Looming Chapter 530: A Great Trouble Looming After ying an Earth Immortal and armed with two formidable treasures, Wang Xuan stood wary and wounded. His physical form, spirit, and innerndscape bore cracks¡ªmostly self-inflicted in a grim ritual to foster a new spirit by tearing away the old. The universe around him was enshrouded in a dense fog that ordinary spacecraft could not prate, a fogposed of high-grade supernatural matter. This fog, identified by the Sword Immortal, carried an oppressive aura that unsettled the nerves. Clutching the Life Essence Furnace tightly, Wang Xuan kept a vignt watch. Those daring to approach him now were either the mightiest of normal beings or unparalleled fallen spirits. With his spiritual eye wide open, he scanned the void. The fog revealed nothing, intensifying his grim expression. Suddenly, a blinding beam of light shot towards him¡ªa small spacecraft had appeared in the distance and opened fire. Under normal circumstances, such an attack could obliterate a transcendent being of the present world. The Life Essence Furnace erupted in golden ripples, sweeping out and causing a cataclysmic explosion in the distance. Wang Xuan and the Sword Immortal shifted sideways, swiftly moving from their original location. "Xiong Er, take it down!" Wang Xuan shouted. His psychic shout should have reached the nearby Mechanical Bear, but there was no response. Beneath the strange fog, their silver spacecraft had vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, the Mechanical Bear, dripping with metallic cold sweat, was petrified. Not far from it, an ancient and massive spaceship hovered like a continent adrift, its imposing presence striking terror into the bear''s heart. It recognized this vessel: a true mothership rted to another universe, a behemoth that could easily crush its modestly modified remains of an ancient scout ship. Ahead, a massive spaceship as dark as ink and vast as a range of steel mountains spanned across the starry sky, instilling a soul-deep terror in the Mechanical Bear."What''s the origin of that?" Wang Xuan couldn''t see the distant mothership, primarily due to the dense fog that enshrouded everything. After a brief volley, several smaller spacecraft retreated. "This fog is a formation!" Sword Immortal Jiang Qingyao spoke up. Wang Xuan felt increasingly uneasy, his focus sharpening as he also gauged whether he could sustain a prolonged battle. His condition was peculiar; the three light particles were visible but hadn''t fully transformed into a new spirit, fresh flesh essence, or inner scenery. They emerged prematurely, still dormant. He reflected with a tinge of regret, coerced into action today out of desperation. Without releasing the light particles, he would have been utterly defeated, unable to withstand the Immortal-level fallen spirit. He had a sense that his old external spirit was meant to decay with this mythic era while the new spirit was supposed to wait, hibernate, and eventually break through the eternal darkness of the future. Now, everything was in disarray, and he was unsure of the consequences this might trigger. The light particles were slowly fading, seemingly returning to "soil," not yet ready to sprout roots. As danger drew nearer, Wang Xuan sighed, caught in a challenging situation where, despite his desire for calm, the storm raged on. As time passed, he felt an increasingly suffocating sensation. He sensed icy eyes observing him from the shadows, eluding even his spiritual eye, which was truly terrifying. "I need to go to the Void," Wang Xuanmunicated privately to Sword Immortal Jiang Qingyao, pressing down hard on the lid of the Life Essence Furnace. He nned to iste the Ascension Banner inside it, cutting it off from the world. With various conjectures swirling in his mind, he felt a deep unrest. Hearing his words, Jiang Qingyao''s expression also darkened, reflecting the gravity of their plight. In an instant, the Life Essence Furnace disappeared, and Wang Xuan found himself standing on the native soil. However, just at that moment, terrifying waves emanated from the distance, as if a gxy was crashing towards him. Wang Xuan felt as though his body was about to burst. Hisplexion shifted drastically, and he instinctively retreated, activating the furnace. With a thunderous st, he directed it towards the distance and momentarily saw a vague outline of a man, tall and imposing. Although it was but a fleeting glimpse, the man exuded an overwhelming pressure, like ten thousand mountains bearing down, suffocating the soul. Just as quickly, the figure vanished, and the surrounding area was once again engulfed in thick fog, silent as the grave. ¡°He¡¯s blocking me!¡± Wang Xuan''s heart pounded fiercely. That man had a profound confidence, appearing and disappearing in a sh, undaunted even though Wang Xuan wielded a supreme treasure. ¡°He looks unfamiliar, I''ve never seen him before!¡± murmured Jiang Qingyao, her Purple Celestial Dao Sword glowing like a purple sun, dispelling the nearby dark mists. With a swift motion, the Sword Immortal shed, her purple sword light soaring like a swath of the Milky Way, tearing through the void and striking towards the front right. There, only the empty shadows and surging fog remained, the supermaterial waves crashing like mighty ocean waves. ¡°He¡¯s too fast, terrifyingly powerful, and stronger than an Immortal spirit possessing the fruit of an Earth Immortal!¡± Jiang Qingyao''s mood was heavy, her usually optimistic nature struggling to find a smile in this grim moment. ¡­¡­ As the news leaked, Qi Tian''s followers, some old friends and others ordinary immortals he had recruited, could not keep the secret. Like a winged messenger, the news swiftly spread to all corners. "What? Wang Xuan has in the Evil Dragon? He''s in the mortal realm and personally killed a powerfulnd immortal? Am I hearing this right? This world has gone mad!" When the outer world received the news, disbelief was rampant. The notion that someone could kill and immortal, a pinnacle of real-world strength, seemed unfathomable. The Immortal beings felt overwhelmed. After their return to the mortal realm, many couldn''t even preserve the fruits of the Dao of Carefree Living, let alone reach the heights of and immortal. "Yan Yan, be wary of Evil Spirits. These creatures are always restless. Today, young Wang has in and immortal-level Evil Spirit possessing Qi Tian," even the parents of the demon lord were contacting outsiders, cautioning their daughter and warning old friends. "You¡¯re saying what? Little Wang took down Qi Tian, no, he killed the supreme Evil Spirit within Qi Tian?" Old Zhang was flustered. Ming Xue, the Hades Blood Patriarch, was shocked, "Good heavens, the human world has indeed turned upside down. Wang Xuan has be so powerful that not even and immortal can suppress him; instead, he¡¯s the one doing the harvesting now." Although they were all extraordinary Immortals, they couldn¡¯t discuss the future of the transcendental world with those holding supreme treasures like Fang Yuzhu and others. Now, their minds were somewhat dazed, and even the demon lord was stunned as if she were listening to a myth. This news was too shocking for her. "A mortal, Wang Xuan, has killed a supreme Immortal?" In deep space, aboard various spacecraft, whether fromnds of immortality or those aligned with science and life, everyone was astonished. Clearly, from this day forward, Wang Xuan''s act of killing a supreme Immortal in the mortal realm would spread far and wide, leaving a profound mark before the copse of the mythic era. This event had a far-reaching impact. Even as the transcendental era was drawing to a close, it shook hearts. Both acquaintances and strangers would remember the name Wang Xuan. Even many yearster, when some had be mere mortals, scattered across the cosmos, reminiscing about the old times and discussing masters of the human and Immortal realms, they would recall the name Wang Xuan. "I¡¯ll be damned, Wang Xuan, no, Patriarch Wang has really defied the heavens this time!" Huang Ming couldn''t help but marvel at the news he''d received so swiftly, thanks to his excellent connections across the major factions within the curtain. At the Exiled Immortals'' Tea House in the Old Earth, business was booming as countless transcendent beings rushed over, nearly all skeptical of the news. "Huang Ming, you''re not spreading rumors, are you? Wang Xuan killed a supreme Immortal? How is that possible?" a round-faced girl gasped in disbelief. It seemed only moments ago that the man was merely mortal. "You can ask the Demon Lord if you don''t believe me. I got this directly from the Hades Blood Patriarch himself; they''ve already returned to the Old Earth!" Huang Ming exined. "Amitabha," chanted a ghostly monk, seemingly calm, yet his hand shook slightly, sshing tea from his cup upon hearing the news. The Demon Four were speechless, once again thinking of the Demon Emperor. Qi Lian Daoist was tongue-tied, wondering if he''d have to lower himself and call him Grandmaster Wang the next time they met. Surely, he couldn''t just call him ''uncle.'' Zhou Qinghuang adjusted her sses, her heart restless. "Is this for real?" she exchanged looks with Gu Mingxi, both rendered speechless. That man, in an era of depletion, had kept breaking through, making it all seem so unreal. In thends of Immortality, Divinity, and Science and Life, powerhouses from all three realms were momentarily speechless upon hearing the news. Particrly those supreme deities and immortal beings who had once shed with Wang Xuan or had their earthly incarnations in by him, silently cautioned themselves to hold back their hostility. "The past... let it be, it wasn''t the true self that died anyway." From that day forward, Wang Xuan''s name echoed through the transcendent world. Regardless of whether the epoch was ending, or what future the myths held, this battle shook the cosmos, and gradually, his name spread far and wide. It was also on this day that Wang Xuan faced the greatest crisis of his life, standing at the crossroads of fate¡ªa pivotal moment in his life''s journey. Most were unaware that on the day Wang Xuan slew the Immortal, he encountered a formidable enemy. Deep in the cosmos, the Purple Dawn Conjunction Sword cleaved through space, but once again it struck nothing. Even Sword Immortal Jiang Qingyao, only slightly less powerful than an Immortal and wielding a fractured sacred artifact, could not pinpoint the enemy. "Could it be an Evil Spirit?" Jiang Qingyao murmured softly. "Hard to say," Wang Xuan replied, shaking his head, a shadow of unease crossing his mind. The enemy seemed to anticipate his moves, thwarting his attempts to dispatch the treasures into the void. Each time he made for the void, he was disrupted, narrowly escaping assassination. The mist surged, the array activated, and the adversary remainedposed, appearing and disappearing at a rhythm that seemed practiced and unerring. "He¡¯s not afraid of the treasures I wield!" Wang Xuan''s anxiety deepened as he clutched the lid of the Life Nurturing Furnace tightly. Though the furnace was awkward to use, it provided him some confidence; it wouldn''t backfire on him. He harbored suspicions, fearing the Ascension Banner more than the furnace, hence his attempt to rid himself of it, but without sess. For now, he had no choice but to seal it within the furnace. "The Ascension Banner, an ominous relic. Every owner has met with a dire end; none have survived its curse. And now, it''s in my hands..." Wang Xuan muttered to himself. With a thunderous roar, he once again spurred the Life Nurturing Furnace into action, having spotted a trace of the enemy. He pursued with the sacred artifact in hand. However, the swirling fog thinned, and Wang Xuan found himself grasping at air once more. The treasure unleashed its might, ripples expanding through the void, striking nothing. "He''s studying me, not rushing to strike. He''s too confident," Wang Xuan realized, his heart sinking. The enemy was simply in no hurry to attack. They do not fear him. ¡°I feel like he¡¯s surpassed even a Immortal in the real world by one minor realm,¡± Jiang Qingyao said bitterly. ¡°That seems about right,¡± Wang Xuan nodded, his voice tinged with a sigh. His condition was far from ideal; he had just survived a fierce battle that left him severely wounded. Suddenly, with a hum, his innerndscape involuntarily opened, and through it, a pair of cold, scrutinizing eyes seemed to peer, examining the state within. Wang Xuan, both shocked and angry, unleashed the power of his sacred artifact again. But once more, his attack met only empty space, the void exploding massively, torn apart into many ck rifts, with no trace of the enemy. Previously, only the transcendent Evil Spirit that had possessed Qi Tian had managed to achieve this feat, silently opening his innerndscape. That was because the Evil Spirit hadpletely mastered all of Qi Tian¡¯s unique traits, essentially possessing a special innerndscape of its own. Moreover, at that time, the "Qi Tian" possessed by the spirit was far more advanced in realm than Wang Xuan. Today, for Wang Xuan, who could y a Immortal in the real world, it was nearly impossible for that Evil Spirit within Qi Tian to manipte his innerndscape. ¡°Who is this?¡± Even Sword Immortal Jiang Qingyao was startled, the ease with which this entity could manipte Wang Xuan¡¯s unique innerndscape was truly frightening. ¡°I must admit I¡¯m somewhat disappointed. Your flesh, soul, and innerndscape all bear traces of decay, and although your vitality still far surpasses other transcendent beings of this mythic era, it still falls short of my expectations,¡± the mysterious figure spoke, his voice cold and detached. As Wang Xuan once again attempted to harness his sacred artifact, there was a resounding ng¡ªthe lid of the furnace shook violently. He couldn¡¯t seal it, couldn¡¯t suppress it; his hands gripping the furnace were bloodied and torn, blood flowing freely. ng! The lid of the furnace was blown off, unstoppable, as a vast force like a surging ocean erupted from the mouth of the furnace, spewing forth Immortal light that dispersed the thick fog. The Ascension Banner surged forth, fully revived and activated. It zed with dazzling Immortal mists as it flew into the hands of a man in the starry sky, who grasped it firmly. ¡°The true master of the Ascension Banner, he had fully assimted it long ago¡ªit was never truly Qi Tian''s!¡± Jiang Qingyao was profoundly shaken by this revtion. Wang Xuan, his hands bloodied, clutched the Life Furnace and stared at the stranger, a man he did not recognize, a man he had never seen before. The mysterious man was strikingly handsome, around thirty years old, with a tall andmanding presence. His vitality surged like the sea, overwhelming and imposing, exerting an unimaginable pressure. ¡°Is he an Evil Spirit?¡± Jiang Qingyao asked. Using his spiritual third eye, Wang Xuan observed closely and immediately dismissed the idea. ¡°No, he is not!¡± The radiance of the man''s soul was more brilliant than the zing sun, far too luminous to possess any traits of an Evil Spirit. Yet, within the blinding brilliance of his divine soul, there were faint traces of decay, giving an overall impression of an insurmountable mountain of the Immortal dao, oppressively powerful. Chapter 531: Boon Or Disaster? Chapter 531: Boon Or Disaster? In an era where the decay of Immortal Dao and the waning of Transcendence was apparent. It was astonishing to encounter such a formidable being who had truly surpassed an Earth Immortal. His spirit shone so brightly it could illuminate the void, and his vitality surged like a tsunami! Wang Xuan''s heart sank. He knew that today''s situation was precarious. From a standpoint of sheer power, he was no match for his opponent. Even though his spiritual third eye remained fixed on the man, trying to prate his essence, it was thwarted by the brilliance of the man¡¯s spirit, as radiant as the sun¡ªa phenomenon he had never encountered before. The spirit¡¯s light was so overwhelming that it blocked his vision, an unheard feat! Although his third eye was obstructed, Wang Xuan still gleaned something valuable; he sensed a familiar quality in this man. Jiang Qingyao stood next to him, her expression grave. Both her hands gripped the Purple Dawn Sword, standing shoulder to shoulder with Wang Xuan against this unprecedented foe, their figures illuminated by a soft purple glow. ¡°Is this the special essence that the evil spirit inside Qi Tian craved so much? I''m disappointed. Should I give up or should I analyze and study it further?¡± the man mused to himself. He was tall and lean, not particrly muscr, but with amanding presence. Appearing to be in his thirties, he was handsome yet carried an air of detachment, his eyes shing like lightning. The Ascension Banner, now in his possession, spontaneously sprinkled celestial mists, blending naturally with him as if they were one, transforming his very stand into a celestial ground. Wang Xuan spoke, "We have no quarrels or grievances. We are both fallen beings in a fading era of the extraordinary, both unable to see a way forward. There¡¯s no need for bloodshed or conflict. If you are interested in the special nature of the Inner Landscapes, we can sit and discuss it. I withhold no secrets." ¡°I take what I want on my own; there''s no need for discussions,¡± the man replied sternly, his demeanor unyielding. ¡°While I sense a tinge of decay in your flesh, spirit, and Inner Landscapes, which indeed fits this age, I still feel there are secrets within you worth exploring. My instincts tell me to dig deeper.¡± His gaze locked on Wang Xuan, trusting his instincts, he added, ¡°Perhaps I could try the techniques of that evil spirit inside Qi Tian.¡± Hearing him refer to the evil spirit as such, Wang Xuan realized that this man was likely not a fallen evil spirit himself. ¡°Could you be¡­¡± As he gazed at the man, Wang Xuan''s suspicions deepened, sensing that they might share simr traits. Could this man also possess a unique Inner Landscape? If so, his identity was startling, sending shockwaves through Wang Xuan''s very core. In this mythological era, the records were clear: before Wang Xuan, only three individuals had ever opened their special Inner Landscapes during their mortal phases. The implications were staggering¡ªcould it really be that one of the ancients had returned after millennia?"Could he be the foremost among Immortals?" Jiang Qingyao, too, was taken aback, her eyes wide with disbelief. Earlier today, they had witnessed the true celestial lord Qi Tian, overtaken by an evil spirit, and now they faced another figure, potentially even more formidable. Both found it hard to believe. This was no evil spirit. His vitality surged like an ocean, and his spirit shone so brightly it seemed capable of eclipsing the stars and moon, exuding a divine and holy aura. Was this the fabled first among Immortals, alive from ancient times until today, hidden in the shadows? The thought was terrifying, but Wang Xuan puzzled over something else: why had this first being, upon seeing his kindred Qi Tian consumed by a evil spirit, shown no emotion? No sense of loss or kinship? This man exhibited no sadness, and moreover, he seemed intent on emting the evil spirit, keen to analyze and unravel Wang Xuan''s unique essence, preparing to strike. As the man approached, wielding the banner, he took a step that made the sun and moon pale, and the stars tremble. The ground beneath him cracked with numerous dark fissures as he and the celestial banner became one, sending shivers down the spine of even the most formidable beings. Both Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao staggered back from the force of his presence¡ªtruly terrifying! Wang Xuan sighed. His condition was dire; his body battered from the fight with the ck evil spirit, with many a bone broken. Now, facing this supremely powerful first being, even he, who never admitted defeat, felt a bitter helplessness. What choice did he have? "Let her go," Wang Xuan finally spoke, facing his inscrutable opponent. "This is between you and me. Whatever the oue, I am prepared to face it alone." He hoped his adversary would agree to let Jiang Qingyao leave. "I''ll fight alongside you!" Sword Immortal dered resolutely, unwilling to flee alone. "Let''s see if you''re worth my time first!" the man stated tly, his dominance unfaltering as he stepped forward, causing the stars to quake again. With a single hand on the Ascension Banner, he shed forward. The simplicity of the strike was deceptive¡ªit was unavoidable due to its incredible speed and the way thews of the universe seemed to roar into life, binding the cosmos with countless strands of sword light, enveloping everything in a vast aura of celestial energy. Wang Xuan and Sword Immortal had no choice but to meet the attack head-on. They each wielded their treasures, the Elixir Furnace and the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, in a desperate counterstrike. The collision was cataclysmic, an explosion that shook the heavens. Despite their best efforts, they couldn''t withstand the blow. The Ascension Banner struck down, hitting both the Elixir Furnace and the Purple Dawn Sword, fracturing their arms and leaving them bloodied, as they were flung backward, spitting blood. This was a clear demonstration of the vast gap in their powers. "Not bad, I didn''t hold back, and yet you weren''t obliterated. There are few in the mortal world who could withstand this much," the man said calmly. Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao fixed their gaze on his effortless wielding of the Ascension Banner as if it were a sword¡ªwas this his way of mastering the artifact? ¡­¡­ In the vastness of space, aboard a starship, Fang Yuzhu, the Shadow Couple, the ancestors from the Supetive Pce and the Hook Chen Imperial Pce, along with the strong from both the Buddhist and Taoist factions, and three individuals who had emerged from the Life Pool, all wielding their respective divine relics, sessfully restrained the frenzied Shang Yi from escaping. ¡°A union of five divine relics might just construct a mirror of light, revealing the source of the disturbances caused by the other two relics,¡± a Buddhist ascetic suggested. With a resonant hum, the five divine relics shone brightly, forming a temporal-spatial mirror of light while simultaneously intimidating Shang Yi, urging him to behave. Indeed, with so many transcendent beings coborating, the five relics seeded, though the images produced were slightly blurred. ¡°What?¡± someone gasped, pupils contracting as they stared at the figure wielding the Ascension Banner in the cosmic void, disbelief coloring their features. ¡°How can it be him? How many years have passed? He''s been dead for over five thousand years at least, right?¡± even the mother of the Demon Lord was taken aback. Apart from Shang Yi, none had lived through that ancient era, but the image of this "First Being" had been vaguely passed down through crumbling portraits. The supetive beings present, whether Fang Yuzhu, the ascetic monk, or the parents of the Demon Lord, had all seen those tattered images at some point. Therefore, some recognized him at first nce. All eyes turned to Shang Yi, watching for his reaction. The once subdued madman would surely confirm if this was indeed the reappearance of the First Being. "It''s him. I never thought he¡¯d still be among the living. No wonder," Shang Yi said gravely, his expression solemn. "I often felt as if someone from afar had once watched over me. It turns out it was him!" Hearing this, the supetive beings around him were deeply shaken. The First Being had not died? Living from at least six or seven thousand years ago, how powerful must he have be? And yet, he had always been in hiding, unsettling everyone with the mystery of his silence. ¡°You haven¡¯t told us the truth!¡± Fang Yuzhu used, staring at the figure in the mirror and then back at Shang Yi. ¡°That man is actually you!¡± ¡°Look at how he holds the Ascension Banner, exactly as one would hold the Mortal Sword, his mastery of the supreme sword arts unmistakable,¡± the mother of the Demon Lord added. ¡°No wonder you wanted to leave, afraid your secrets would be exposed. You never anticipated that the gathering of relics could reveal the truth here.¡± ¡°Madman, if you dare harm Wang Xuan, I will not rest until you are dead!¡± the father of the Demon Lord dered icily, his gaze locked fiercely on Shang Yi. ¡­¡­ In the depths of the cosmos, Wang Xuan wiped the blood from his lips, his gaze fixed on the so-called First Being. The style of swordsmanship, the invisible domineering posture, and the essence¡ªall bore a striking resemnce to the Sword Madman. Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao had studied his sword scriptures and witnessed the Sword Madman''sbat stance in the realm of the immortals. Every gesture and the supreme essence of his swordy matched perfectly. "Could it be that this ancient First Being and he are the same person?" Wang Xuan pondered. "No, it¡¯s more likely that he obtained the body of the First Being and cultivated it into a fleshly body nearly as powerful as his own real body!" In an instant, Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao conjured numerous spections. The many bloody events of ancient times and the discrepancies in the records now seemed suspect! Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine. Whether this man was the First Being or Shang Yi, he belonged to a ss of supreme beings from six or seven thousand years ago. In the present age, apart from Fang Yuzhu, no one could contend with him. Wang Xuan¡¯s condition was dire. His bones were broken, his organs ruptured. Even forcing out the three specks of light had not been enough to withstand this man¡¯s power. For the first time, he felt utterly powerless and even a touch of despair. It wasn''t that hecked the will to fight, but rather that his current level of cultivation simply could not match his opponent''s. No wonder the Ascension Banner could st the lid off the Life Furnace and escape; the fan had clearly been consecrated and mastered over many years. This confirmed some of Wang Xuan¡¯s suspicions. The Sword Madman, aside from mastering the Mortal Sword, had likely refined other divine relics, now proven! Whether it was Heng Jun, figures from even earlier eras, the ancestors of the Supetive Pce, or "Qi Tian," they were merely passing users of the Ascension Banner. Its true master was Shang Yi! Many had doubted this before, reasoning that even the most powerful individuals could only fully master one divine relic at most due to the limits of human capacity. However, Shang Yi, having obtained the corporeal body of the First Being, essentially recreated a version of himself, every bit as formidable as his own original form. Given his strength and the extensive time he had lived¡ªhe hailed from an era six or seven thousand years prior in thends of immortal cultivation¡ªhe could aplish this feat. Wang Xuan and Jiang Qingyao were tumultuous with realizations, making sense of many things, yet they opted for silence, choosing not to provoke this formidable madman. Historically, it was well-documented that the Mad Shang Yi repeatedly challenged the First Being and never won; at best, he managed a draw. Yet, the First Being never killed him. With the passage of such extensive time, it was hard to know the First Being''s details, but he was certainly not a bloodthirsty man. His character was sound; otherwise, being repeatedly challenged and victorious, a cruel and bloodthirsty person would have in the madman long ago. Now, however, Shang Yi had cultivated the First Being''s fleshly body into his strongest avatar, a stark contrast thatid bare the Sword Madman''s ruthless nature. If it were Wang Xuan, he felt he would have given the First Being a respectful burial. "Let her go, please. This really has nothing to do with her," Wang Xuan spoke up, not out of ack of fighting spirit, but from a ce of calm after realizing he truly had no power to withstand this formidable foe. Hot-headedness would be futile. Jiang Qingyao was about to interject but was cut off by Wang Xuan, who telepathically whispered, "Don''t argue with me. Surviving is what''s most important. What can you change by staying? I no longer have the strength to fight, and you''re not in good shape either. Let''s calm down for now." Who doesn''t understand the reason? It''s just that some hurdles in the heart are too hard to ovee," Jiang Qingyao dered, "How will we know unless we try?" The man before them, whose strength appeared no less formidable than Shang Yi''s true self and who was indeed the real Shang Yi, nced at the Sword Immortal and said, "You''ve seen my Sword Scripture at my retreat, the Qixia teau. Stand aside for now." He then gazed down at Wang Xuan, approaching step by step, and said, "As for you, I think it best to absorb your essence and see the results. After all, this body of mine is akin to yours; it should prove beneficial to me." With a thud, he wielded the Feathered Fan as if it were a long sword, shing downwards. Supreme sword light cascaded, tearing through the cosmic void. With a resounding crash, the Life Furnace erupted in terrifying roars, brilliant immortal light surged, and shards ofws scattered across the heavens like stars, yet they could not halt Shang Yi. Wang Xuan''s arms fractured inch by inch, his flesh tore open, and he could no longer grasp the furnace. The sacred artifact was flung away, his entire body began to crack open, and his blood stained the starry sky. It wasn''t that he wasn''t strong enough; it was that he faced a being of divine, sacred, and ferocious power, far beyond normalprehension. Six or seven thousand years of cultivation could not be fully suppressed in this world. This was, after all, the body of the first person to carve out a special internalndscape, supremely powerful and unmatched, nowbined with Shang Yi''s spirit, nearly rendering him invincible among mortals. Chapter 532: The Curtain Falls For The Old Era Chapter 532: The Curtain Falls For The Old Era In a sense, the Shang Yi before them possessed all the advantages that Wang Xuan once held: the unique internalndscapes, the keen intuition of the spirit, all further enriched by over six thousand years of cultivation. This was a hopeless situation. Wang Xuan stumbled, coughing up blood with every step, his body cracked and frail, each step marked by a bloody footprint. What more could he do? Even the Life Essence Furnace, his sacred artifact, had been flung away, and against this supreme adversary, he felt his spirit willing but his body weak. Caught in a predicament without precedent, he was devoid of any means to counterattack. If he could turn this around, he might even start to believe he''d made some pact with the goddess of fate. On the other side, the Sword Immortal''s Purple Celestial Dao Sword was also knocked from her grasp, vibrating away through the cosmos. She could not ovee the barrier in her heart, unwilling to witness the fall of those she stood beside in sheer despair. Centuries ago, she had returned to her sect only to find it in ruins, the mountains fractured and thend littered with corpses. She couldn¡¯t bear to see such a tragedy unfold once again. Her mouth foamed with blood, her injuries severe; how could she restrain herself? "You''ve won. If it''s me you want, then let her go. Take whatever you wish," Wang Xuan conceded. If it were just him, he would have fought without a word. Since the oue seemed unchangeable, he would rather go down fighting, but now he wanted to try and save Jiang Qingyao. "If you survive my strike, she can leave as she pleases," Shang Yi dered, lifting the Ascension Banner high. He signaled to Jiang Qingyao to retrieve her Purple Celestial Dao Sword. Wang Xuan, noting this, also grabbed the Life Essence Furnace anew. The enemy did not stop him, such was his overwhelming confidence and strength.With a swish, a sword light that illuminated the cosmos descended, first sending Wang Xuan and the Life Essence Furnace sprawling, blood streaming from his every orifice, his bones and organs torn asunder by the unprecedented devastation. After flinging Wang Xuan aside, Shang Yi''s next stroke went for Jiang Qingyao. It seemed effortless, yet the sword light was supreme, unbeatable. Despite the Sword Immortal altering her sword techniques, twisting the very fabric of the cosmos into defensive arrays, nothing could halt Shang Yi''s attack. Puff! Jiang Qingyao was overwhelmed by a st of sword energy from afar, her defenses and the order of her sword doctrines shattered. The sword light pierced through her, leaving her grievously wounded. Her Purple Celestial Dao Sword dimmed under the impact of that unrivaled sword light, transitioning from a state of resurgence to silence. "Qingyao!" Wang Xuan''s eyes split with rage as the unparalleled sword light, having pierced through the Sword Immortal, wreaked havoc inside her, tearing her organs and shattering her spirit. The pervasive sword intent lingered in her, omnipresent and relentless. Any Celestial Immortal struck by such a sword light from Shang Yi would perish without question. It was the supreme regtion of the sword path, against which few in the human and celestial realms could stand. Wang Xuan moved to rush over but was blocked by Shang Yi. Trembling slightly, with bloodshot eyes, Wang Xuan desperately urged the Life Essence Furnace, attacking frantically, trying to reach Jiang Qingyao. However, Shang Yi stood like a demonic mountain, an insurmountable barrier set between heaven and earth. "Shang Yi, you yourself said if she blocked your strike, you''d let her go," Wang Xuan coughed out blood as he spoke. Technically, Shang Yi had not struck at Jiang Qingyao again, but by blocking Wang Xuan''s path to aid her, she was doomed nheless. Seeing him still obstructing the way, Wang Xuan fell silent. His body shook, filled with boundless rage, murderous intent, and a heart full of battle spirit, but against Shang Yi''s prowess, which surpassed even that of a Celestial Immortal, all seemed pale and ineffective. At that moment, he finally managed to trigger something divine! Pouring every ounce of strength from the three luminous points within, he vibrated the sacred artifact, dragging his fractured body forward in a reckless assault, determined to break through. Yet, it was futile. Shang Yi, disying a hint of surprise, blocked his onught and studied his techniques. As time slipped by and Wang Xuan fell out of his extraordinary state, Shang Yi once again wielded the Ascension Banner to send him flying. Blood pooled beneath Wang Xuan. When he turned his gaze back to Jiang Qingyao, his face went deathly pale. The dreadful sword light was tearing her flesh, splitting her spirit, and threatening to burst forth from within her. "If it''s my unique essence you want," Wang Xuan said calmly, though clearly not his opponent''s match, "I can still ensure its destruction." This time, Shang Yi did not interfere and stepped aside. Coughing blood, Wang Xuan, with the Life Essence Furnace in tow, staggered forward. His body shook as he desperately tried to stabilize Jiang Qingyao and carefully drew out the remaining sword light from her. Explosions sounded as bits of sword light erupted near him, shredding his flesh into a bloody mess. He ced Jiang Qingyao inside the Life Essence Furnace, unable to bear looking at her any longer, for both her body and spirit were grotesquely mutted by the sword light. "Survive, the Life Essence Furnace will ensure your survival. Its purpose is to preserve life. You still have a vital spark, everything will get better," Wang Xuan whispered, sealing the furnace lid tightly and clenching his fists. He did not want Shang Yi, his adversary, to see his vulnerability, but he couldn''t help but tremble¡ªuncertain if Jiang Qingyao would recover, especially as the era of myths was drawing to a close and the supernatural was about to dissipate. Her remaining life force was also due to the celestial medicine she had consumed earlier, which continued to exert its effects. Could the Life Essence Furnace still wield its divine power to preserve life after the copse of the supernatural world? He did not know. Moreover, would that madman give up the opportunity to take the Life Essence Furnace? Wang Xuan let go of the Life Essence Furnace, hoping it would drift away into the cosmic void, but with Shang Yi present, he knew all efforts were futile. He did not rage or scream. Despite the endless desire to kill and a heart full of indignation, all he had left was quiet resignation, silently staring at Shang Yi. Despite his fury and endless sorrow, what could he do? Wang Xuan was truly no match for Shang Yi, whose terrifying umtion over six to seven thousand years had nearly made him the foremost being in the world. Reflecting on it, he realized he held no grudge nor had any conflict with these beings. He had even secluded himself to the depths of the universe, yet still, they had found him and plunged him into this bloody crisis. Wang Xuan gazed at the Life Essence Furnace and then out into the cosmic void, powerless to fight any longer. His bones were nearly all broken, his body swaying as if he would copse right there. Yet, he refused to let his enemy witness his weakness. With great difficulty, he managed to sit cross-legged, watching his opponent coldly and silently. "Indeed, not bad. When I was your age, I probably couldn''t have matched you," Shang Yi spoke, his tone acknowledging Wang Xuan''s strength, yet he continued, "Still, I do not wish to stop. I intend to analyze you." He advanced, the Ascension Banner in his hand scattering fairy mist around him, making him appear as if he were strolling through a celestial realm. "I bear no grudge against you, and I have no interest in harvesting your life or that of the female swordsman," Shang Yi continued. "What I do follows my desires, exploring new paths beyond the extraordinary, to endure theing silent, dark night¡ªthat will be a harsh winter indeed." He approached Wang Xuan closely, and silently, his Inner Landscape opened up, and so did Wang Xuan''s, their unique characteristics strikingly simr. In this era, many people''s inner sceneries were cracked or even shattered, yet theirs still teemed with life and dense supermaterial. However, they both knew that decay was inevitable, feeling the faint traces of corruption within themselves. "I will not kill you. I will only extract your special essence, and indeed, I hope you survive. After all, those with special inner sceneries have tenacious lives. I am curious to see if you, like nts that survive wildfires, can sprout anew from the ashes in theing deste era." His words were cold, not out of kindness or goodwill, but a dispassionate curiosity, testing some hypothesis. ¡°This time, seeing your flesh, spirit, and Inner Landscape bear the same signs of decay fitting the era of mythic demise, I am disappointed,¡± Shang Yi confessed. He understood the traces of decay in his own spirit since it was not born from this body, but the same signs in this young man before him provoked a sigh; he had not found the pristine origin he had sought. ¡°Strive to live. I will likelye for you again, hoping then you might surprise me!¡± His smile was radiant but utterly devoid of warmth, revealing his merciless nature. Even in the future, he would not cease, holding "high hopes" for Wang Xuan as a peculiar quarry, intending to reap him yet again. ¡°Do you think I am mere fodder? Wait for my resurgence, then try to harvest again,¡± Wang Xuan spoke without rancor or rage, but with an unsettling calm, for all the fiery words and anger were futile, changing nothing. Then, he fell silent again, looking dispassionately at the bloodshed and tragedy woven into his fate. Shang Yi opened his Inner Landscape and connected it with Wang Xuan''s, beginning to voraciously devour it. His spirit shone brilliantly, as if it could shoot down the stars and moon, invading Wang Xuan''s flesh. ¡°I am, in a way, assisting you. As the mythic end and the frigid winter of the extraordinary approach, I''m pressing your potential, creating opportunities for you,¡± Shang Yi stated coldly. Though he smiled, it was tinged with a bloody hue. At that moment, radiant strands of essential blood essence within Wang Xuan lit up, transforming into vivid red threads that continuously flew outward, merging into Shang Yi¡¯s body. "Shang Yi!" Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed through the cosmic void, shaking the area. Several artifacts resonated, glowing to form a mirror-like surface, revealing the true scene here to the distant spacecraft''s anxious upants. Eventually, they discovered that the mirror could also reflect inversely, disying scenes from within the spacecraft. It was the father of the Demon Lord, containing his boundless fury and murderous intent, who spoke with Shang Yi, striving to keep his voice even. "Release Wang Xuan, and consider it a debt I owe you!" Willing to bow down for now to save Wang Xuan, despite his desire to kill the sword-crazed Shang Yi instantly. "Release Wang Xuan, and I too will owe you a favor!" Fang Yuzhu interjected, the only one present who could threaten Shang Yi in a one-on-one duel. Her words made even the sword-crazed Shang Yi seriously consider. "Heh..." However, ultimately, Shang Yi in the depths of the cosmos looked up andughed, saying, "Unexpected indeed, that the fog formation Iid out would allow others to see, and that united, the artifacts possess such a capability." He did not care, remarking, "So what if I do not hold back? You might as well kill that body of mine on the spacecraft." In the spacecraft, the five artifacts disbanded after everything had been said, and for now, they truly could not reach them in time. Fang Yuzhu and the Demon Lord''s parents resolved to kill Shang Yi''s original body first. Holding the Sword of Mortal, Shang Yi dered, "My friends, originally, he and I were two sides of the same being, but now things have changed. He wants to break free and has long been at odds with me, even trying to harvest this true body of mine. I''d actually prefer to use your hands to subdue him." "To hell with that!" the Demon Lord''s father, unable to contain his rage any longer, swung the Immortal Umbre, smashing it down. He did not believe a word; this man was deeply problematic. The spacecraft disintegrated instantaneously, erupting in a massive explosion in the starry sky, unable to withstand the vast energy of the artifacts! Fang Yuzhu spoke up, "The body of the once foremost being has fallen into your hands, bing your fleshly avatar, and from antiquity, only you have survived¡ªthere''s a significant problem with you. Everyone, take him down first!" The ancestors from the Supetive Pce and Hook Chen Imperial Pce preferred to observe from the sidelines, hesitant to enter the fray. However, Fang Yuzhu''s words stirred them into action. "Rumors say that Shang Yi has refined more than one artifact. You''ve all seen who the true master of the Ascension Banner is. Aren''t you afraid that the Carefree Boat might also have issues and change masters?" The two reacted instantly, with the ancestor from Hook Chen Imperial Pce adding, "We need to suppress this madman. I suspect that the various ancient atrocities in the Land of Immortal Paths and issues with various emperors might also be linked to him!" A fierce battle erupted. Even as strong as Shang Yi was, he chose to retreat, unable to withstand the onught alone. However, the others were clearly not willing to let him escape, pursuing him relentlessly in a grand chase. On this day, all artifacts vibrated and roared. The realm of immortals was extinguishing; the Land of the Undying, the Domain of the Divine, and all transcendent sanctuaries across the universe were copsing. On that day, every transcendental being was horrified, their faces drained of color, utterly pale. As people suddenly looked up, they knew¡ªthe era of transcendence was copsing, and the old age hade to an end! Chapter 533: Silence Of Myths Chapter 533: Silence Of Myths Deep in the cosmos, Shang Yi''s true form, bloodied, wielded the Sword of Mortal to rend the heavens and earth, streaking across the starry void at breakneck speed. He was fleeing¡ªan urrence unseen for ages since the era of the ancient sovereigns came to an end. He hadn''t faced such a perilous chase, a hunt for his life, in eons. Today, however, he had been grievously wounded once already; if not for a technique superior even to the Hellish Phoenix Nirvana, he would have perished. For years, he had looked down upon the Land of Immortal Paths, standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid. This brutal pain darkened hisplexion, yet he had no choice but to continue his escape. Fang Yuzhu alone was a formidable adversary, instilling deep wariness in him. The Shadow Couple, when united, nearly matched him in strength, and with others wielding their artifacts in pursuit, even his divine might couldn''t withstand them. The fabric of space twisted as the Roaming Ark appeared, bearing a host of transcendent beings who locked onto him once again and rapidly approached. Shang Yi, sword in hand, understood that even the Sword of Mortal, an artifact of great power, couldn''t match the speed of the Roaming Ark! Fang Yuzhu''s bracelet shot forth, its dark base interspersed with twinkling white light, now transforming into a cosmic ster ring. At the same time, the Shadow Father¡¯s immortal umbre spread out across the heavens with a tapestry of runes. The Divine Pce roared brilliantly, descending like a demon-suppressing meteor from the sky. Shang Yi, exerting every effort to dodge and counter, sighed. It was said he possessed several artifacts; some rumors were true, others false. Beyond the Sword of Mortal, what he truly coveted was the Roaming Ark, yet despite several attempts, he had never managed to seize it.Blood spattered once again, staining the cosmic void red. Powerful as he was, surrounded by Fang Yuzhu and others, he could not defend against their coordinated assault. "Folks, we''ve strayed from Wang Xuan''s location. The spaceship is destroyed. If you don''t use the Roaming Ark to get there quickly, even if my other self spares him, leaving him adrift in the cold cosmos, he will still perish horribly," Shang Yimunicated amid the battle, adding urgently, "The realm of immortals is copsing, the great barriers are disintegrating. Today, the age of myths is destined to end. Any further dys, and even the artifacts we wield won¡¯t retain their formidable power. The speed of the Roaming Ark will sharply decrease." The Shadow Parents, desperate to execute him immediately, nced at their bearings. Biting back their rage, they faced the grim reality that practical actions were necessary despite their intense animosity. "Split into two groups¡ªone to pursue him, and the other to rush to Wang Xuan," was the n, even though splitting their forces meant dealing with two versions of Shang Yi. On this day, a colossal battle among the transcendent beings unfolded. Shang Yi''s true form was soaked in blood as he fled into the depths of the cosmos, having been in twice already. An ancient colossus who had lived for six to seven thousand years, he had too many tricks up his sleeve, resurrecting consecutively using techniques like the Indestructible Silkworm Rebirth and the Cicada''s Shedding. As the day wore on, one barrier after another copsed, because all the divine artifacts were shing continuously, merging with the supreme rules and draining thest vestiges of the mythic era. The realms of immortals, the great barriers, extinguished over eighty percent of their areas. The copse of the transcendence was unstoppable, nearing its final phase. "Today really means something," Shang Yi spoke up from the depths of space, where he was absorbing Wang Xuan''s unique essence. He could sense the end of transcendence, the copse of thend of immortals. Turning to Wang Xuan, he remarked, "If you can''t survive this, dying today would be somewhat poetic, decaying alongside the myth, ending on the same day." With a wave of the Ascension Banner, celestial mists swirled, and he remotely controlled the Life Preserving Furnace, flinging open the lid and tossing the Sword Immortal out, then imed the furnace for himself. Wang Xuan had been silent, but now, he suddenly opened his eyes, ring fiercely at him! Jiang Qingyao''s bodyy motionless in the cold vacuum of space, still clinging to that sliver of life, but soon to wither without the nourishment of the Life Preserving Furnace. "Though human energy is limited and I cannot refine a third divine artifact, who wouldin about having too many? They''re always useful to have," he mused as he stowed away the furnace. "Now it''s your turn. Though disappointing, you still possess some unique essence," he said, eyeing Wang Xuan as their innerndscapes connected, tapping into an endless source of supermaterial. Glowing threads of essential blood from Wang Xuan''s body streamed out, one by one, thread by thread, refined by Shang Yi into a rare substance that merged into his own body. Yet, he frowned, sensing an incorrigible decay within the essence, seemingly inferior even to the body he had seized. "How can the freshly initiated blood of an innerndscape be so aged? Could this dire era truly be that dreadful, will transcendence utterly perish? Even with divine artifacts, I might not withstand it," he mused, dissatisfied with the poor quality of the essence he absorbed, contemting termination of the process. Shang Yi''s consciousness had already seeped into every inch of Wang Xuan''s flesh, meticulously probing for secrets and sparing no area. He then moved towards Wang Xuan''s soul, intent on leaving no part of him¡ªneither his innerndscape, his physical body, nor his soul¡ªuntouched. "Although you remain silent, that intense chill of hostility is quite palpable," Shang Yi remarked coolly. He looked at Wang Xuan, a cold smile ying on his lips. "No matter, once I devour the essence of your soul and uncover all your secrets, I will help you find release. I will sever your memories, erase parts of your spiritual imprints, and rid you of hatred and sorrow. In this world, to forget everyone is truly the greatest joy." His tone was indifferent as he continued, "I will leave your broken body and shattered spirit. That will be enough¡ªa nk life, a withered root under the winter frost, hopefully to sprout anewe spring. If I survive, I''ll seek you out in the mortal realm." Wang Xuan felt the depth of malice in Shang Yi''s intentions. After scouring his soul, Shang Yi nned to strip him of his spiritual essence and erase his rightful memories, leaving him only the remnants necessary for "re-sprouting," cutting away all of his "past" up to today. This was tantamount to stripping away his past life, effectively killing his former self. Without memories, a nk life meant no vengeance was possible¡ªno enemies, no past to seek. "I will leave you on a life-bearing; you are a diseased root I¡¯ve nted, make sure to revive," Shang Yi dered. Wang Xuan¡¯s soul had retreated to his Life Soil, and at that moment, even the three light particles seemed to sense the danger, instinctively burrowing deeper into the soil. In his old soul, waves of thoughts surged, touched by Shang Yi¡¯s ruthlessness and cold-heartedness, making him wish he could annihte him right then. But he was truly powerless. He had once considered sacrificing part of his immortal old soul¡¯s power, treating it as if feeding a dog, to confuse his adversary and preserve the three light particles. But now, it seemed he might not need to. The three light particles were actively sinking into the Life Soil, perhaps sensing the approach of death, seeking refuge in the realm of nothingness. Wang Xuan considered that even his old soul might escape there. At this moment, his concern was for Jiang Qingyao. Could she survive? And his physical body¡ªit was a pity, it couldn''t be taken into the etherealnds, so he resigned to abandon it. Relying on someone else''s mercy was unrealistic; Shang Yi clearly intended to confine his physical body and shattered spirit. Rather than allowing that, he thought it better to destroy it himself. One of the three light particles, which contained the essence of his blood, held the hope that one day it could find its way back from the void and he could reconstruct his physical form. Despite Shang Yi''s unfathomable depth of cultivation, he took no chances, delving into every secret of Wang Xuan''s body before finally approaching the Life Soil with his soul''s light. "Here ites!" Wang Xuan was not resigned to his fate, waiting for this final moment. Though he knew the chances of a counterattack were slim, he still wanted to try, even if only to wound his opponent. Boom! At that moment, within the Life Soil, the Banner of Severance, Godying Banner, silver beast skin book, and the golden beast skin all trembled violently. All the red substance they had stored burst forth, invading Shang Yi¡¯s soul. "Hmm?!" Even Shang Yi was startled by the red twilight that struck him, causing his soul to sting as if it were about to be scorched. However, he was strong enough to withstand it, mainly because there wasn''t enough of the red substance. Had there been a sea of red light, it likely could have severely injured him. Boom! Below the Life Soil, even more red substance surged up, driven by one of the light particles that was managing the red glow. This represented his new soul''s orb, heading towards the realm of nothingness, recklessly drawing forth the red twilight. The red light surged, melting Wang Xuan¡¯s Life Soil as if it was about to explode. Shang Yi, startled, quickly withdrew from the area. A burst of red fire followed him, making him frown as his soul was singed. The damage wasn¡¯t severe, but it was peculiar. He attempted to absorb the red material, finding it difficult to refine. Shortly, the crimson glow faded, dissipating entirely. Wang Xuan¡¯s flesh was severely burned, a result of his only just beginning to adapt, and this time the volume was overwhelming. Shang Yi toyed with the Banner of Severence and Godying Banner, aware of their origins and that Wang Xuan had possessed the Godying Banner. Without dy, he re-entered Wang Xuan¡¯s Life Soil, finding only ayer of decayed old soul skin that crumbled to ash upon touch. He ventured slightly into the depths of the Life Soil before quickly retreating; the depths were too risky to explore, especially as Wang Xuan¡¯s life force was waning. This Life Soil could copse at any moment, potentially leading him to be lost and meet a tragic end. He had never prated to the end of Life Soil. ¡°Is he dead, his soul burned to ash by that final gambit¡ªthe red twilight?¡± Shang Yi frowned, his powerful soul scanning Wang Xuan¡¯s entire body. He found no spiritual essence, only a residual obsession. That obsession harbored endless murderous intent toward him. In a final act of defiance, it controlled Wang Xuan¡¯s decrepit body to swing a sword at him. Shang Yi, detached, swiped it away with the Ascension Banner. The sword in Wang Xuan¡¯s hand, which had once cut through a fish line on the moon in thend of the dead, nged as its tip was nicked. ¡°Huh, this short sword is quite extraordinary, so tough?¡± Shang Yi remarked, surprised that it had not shatteredpletely like other artifacts might have. Only half an inch of the de broke off, though the body of the sword cracked extensively. Shang Yi nced at it briefly but lost interest, considering he possessed the People¡¯s Sword, a far superior weapon. His innerndscape was still connected to Wang Xuan¡¯s, continuing to draw the essence of supermatter. His body was also absorbing the remaining blood essence from Wang Xuan, though he gradually slowed and then stopped the absorption. Disgusted by the amount of decay in the material, which was more harmful than beneficial, Shang Yi frowned, deeply disappointed. Then, as Shang Yi absorbed the essence of the innerndscape, he began to manipte the Banner of Severence and Godying Banner, intending to refine them. He ced them into the Life Preservation Furnace and activated them with the Ascension Banner. "The era of evesting silence for the transcendent is upon us; this might be thest opportunity," Shang Yi mused. "Legend has it thatbining these could yield the Dao Harnessing Banner. Let¡¯s see if it works!" In his quest for treasure, Shang Yi was particrly determined to secure the Godying Banner, as the Dao Harnessing Banner of ancient lore was reputed to be the foremost among all treasures. The Life Preservation Furnace glowed brilliantly, and the Ascension Banner vibrated intensely as the two mighty artifacts exerted their power, attempting to refine the two small gs within. However, no matter how Shang Yi tried, he could not fuse them. "Useless gs, what good are you!" He concluded that the legends were mistaken; these were notponents of the Dao Harnessing Banner but mere imitations. He extracted the two small gs, examining them onest time before wielding the Ascension Banner to strike them directly. The Ascension Banner, being a supreme treasure, radiated boundless light and disyed unparalleled might. With a shing sound, even the robust Banner of Severence, famed for its ability to kill transcendent flesh and imed to be indestructible, was torn apart. Shang Yi nced at the remnants, increasingly convinced they were mere replicas, albeit very sturdy ones since they did not disintegrate into ash. He waved the Ascension Banner again, tearing the two banners to shreds. Clink! Clink! The poles of the banners were also chopped into several pieces. At this moment, Wang Xuan¡¯s old spirit, wrapped around the three light particles in the Void, could somehow sense everything happening outside. This was a peculiar state. He felt an intense anxiety, especially for Jiang Qingyao¡¯s safety. Seeing Shang Yi destroy the Banner of Severence and Godying Banner pained him deeply. Regardless of whether the banners wereponents of the Dao Harnessing Banner, they were no ordinary items. The Godying Banner, in particr, had apanied him through many battles; he had grown attached to it. Now, like him, it was fragmented, decayed, and destroyed. Shang Yi, being no ordinary powerhouse with his acutely sharp divine senses, suspected that the silver beast-skin book, golden beast-skin, and an iron pick might also be rted to the two small banners. Shang Yi, dismissive of trifles, waved his Ascension Banner in a test of endurance. Only items that could withstand an attack from a supreme treasure like his banner were worthy of consideration asponents of the Dao Harnessing Banner. If they couldn''t endure, they were worthless to him. With a slicing sound, the two beast skins were torn into pieces, and the iron pick was broken into three parts. "These are no ordinary items, but if they''re not supreme treasures, they''re as good as ordinary iron to me," he muttered, discarding the fragmented relics. Meanwhile, the interconnected innerndscapes were undergoing transformations. Shang Yi¡¯s innerndscape was bing richer in the essence of supermatter, but also more corrupted. "Hmm?" He peered into Wang Xuan''s innerndscape, noticing the rough boundaries cracking and copsing rapidly. Simultaneously, across the universe, all great barriers were dimming, extinguishing, and copsing entirely, settling into eternal silence. The supreme treasures vibrated and roared as if mourning the end of a mythological era. Shang Yi¡¯s body trembled uncontrobly. He looked up sharply, aware that the transcendent world was finished, utterly copsing today. Quickly, he turned back to the depths of Wang Xuan¡¯s innerndscape. "What is that?" he eximed in shock. As the decayed barriers of the innerndscape copsed, behind them glowed the remnants of a fire, radiating intense transcendent energy. There were bloodied creatures lying in the distance. Even someone as cold and calcting as Shang Yi, usuallyposed, couldn¡¯t hide his astonishment at this scene. The special innerndscape had shattered, revealing such a spectacle behind it? Then he saw the bloodied creatures in the distance shakily stand up and roar, charging towards him. Shang Yi felt a chill run down his spine and, without a second thought, turned to flee. If the outside world saw the Sword Madman being chased by a few dying creatures, fleeing in panic, it would be astounding. Thump! He felt a searing pain in his back as arge chunk of flesh was torn away. His scalp felt like it might explode. He roared in his first instinct: "I know you. Your death is imminent and has nothing to do with me. It¡¯s all because the age of myths has perished!" Chapter 534: Beyond The Inner Landscape Chapter 534: Beyond The Inner Landscape Glowing blood from his wounds sttered as Shang Yi¡¯s flesh peeled away from his back, exposing his spine. Incredibly, he turned and fled without fighting back. ¡°The age of myths has perished!¡± he bellowed, repeating the phrase in hopes of awakening the creatures who shed by faster than lightning. Possessing two supreme treasures, Shang Yi fled into the depths of space. This scene left Wang Xuan in awe; one of the universe''s mightiest beings, the tyrannical and cold Sword Madman, had fled in panic. Wang Xuan sighed, a trace of satisfaction flickering through his distress. Yet, his relief was short-lived, and soon he fell silent, his brow furrowed in concern. The scene didn¡¯t sit right with him. He watched the external world, eyeing his copsing innerndscape. The fire had died down to embers, and the lingering smoke sent shivers down his spine. It was eerily unsettling. Had Shang Yi not been there, what would have be of him in such a situation? Witnessing Shang Yi being hunted and bleeding as he fled had initially pleased Wang Xuan, but now a chill ran through him from head to toe. Normally, his innerndscape would decay and dissolve on its own, and he might have been anticipating the birth of a new innerndscape, a sense of achievement in rebirth. But what if, at that moment, several bloodied, dying creatures suddenly tore through the oldndscape barriers and attacked him? Even Shang Yi, a formidable and ruthless being from ancient times who virtually dominated his era, had chosen to flee! Wang Xuan felt a cold dread. Without Shang Yi, had he encountered this himself, how horrific might it have been? What in the world were those creatures? They were too fast, and although he was in a special state, floating with the three light orbs in the void, he could see the external world, but not clearly. He had long known there was something amiss deep within his innerndscape. Originally, through his Spiritual Heaven Eye, he had seen the dying fire and noticed creatures sttering blood on the innerndscape wall and being dragged away. That had made him deeply uneasy. Today, that metaphorical "paper window" was pierced by Shang Yi, and those creatures had found him as a result. Wang Xuan showed a look of surprise, entirely devoid of sympathy. There was no time for distraction. "I must save Qingyao!" Without hesitation, he dashed toward the mystical pool in the realm of the void, intending to retrieve the astonishingly active substance and bring it back to the real world."This has nothing to do with me!" Shang Yi roared from the depths of the universe, his eyes ame with fury. A tumultuous surge from the supreme treasures followed, sending waves of endless light spreading through the cold, dark void. The creatures were bizarre. Clearly on the brink of death, their blood drained and bodies once sprawled lifelessly near Wang Xuan''s innerndscape. Yet now, they briefly revived in a mad frenzy. On the verge of death, they seemed desperate to grasp at Shang Yi, chasing his form. As the light from the treasures swept over, they vanished. Then, resonating with the treasures, they caused Shang Yi to cough up blood uncontrobly. "Take this, it holds the power of rules, it can extend your lives!" Bloodied and both shocked and enraged by the turn of events Shang Yi had never anticipated, he threw out the Purple Dawn Converging Sword. As it activated mid-flight, its de radiated with murderous energy, its purple light sweeping across the void like an ocean. The creatures ignored the broken sword. Their forms flickered from solid to ethereal, evading the boundless sword light, then reappeared, still in harmony with the Dao, continuing their relentless assault on Shang Yi. It must be said, Shang Yi''s prowess was not limited to hisbat skills; his ability to flee was also exceptional. He pierced through the void, disappearing in an instant, crossing the cosmos. Unfortunately, the creatures locked onto him, unyieldingly tracking him. Thus, they pursued him through the vanishing realness of space, somehow utilizing thest remnants of rules from the crumbling celestial realm, following him relentlessly. Shang Yi shouted, his face darkening with anger, "You''ve got the wrong person, it''s not me!" His back exposed bone through torn flesh, his arm missing arge chunk of muscle, his entire body drenched in blood¡ªsuch a severe loss was unprecedented in recent times. In an instant, he returned, luring the few chasers towards Wang Xuan, pointing and shouting, "It''s him!" With well-measured force, he kicked Wang Xuan¡¯s battered body towards them, intending to gift them what he deemed a fitting present. This caused the already copsing innerndscape to roar thunderously, for it had notpletely detached and destroyed yet. The few beings once again turned ethereal, passing straight through Wang Xuan without shifting their focus, steadfastly continuing their pursuit of Shang Yi. Moreover, because the copsing innerndscape violently shook from the impact of Wang Xuan being kicked, the remnants of the firepit behind the barrier were disturbed, kicking up dust and further inciting the ferocity of the pursuers. Shang Yi tore through the void, moving swiftly away, but he couldn''t shake them off. In desperation, he grabbed the Sword Fairy, who was floating in the distance, and hurled her towards his pursuers. This only worsened her already cracked and bleeding form, almost causing her topletely disintegrate. His intent to leave a whole corpse, leaving a trail of blood was an attempt to lure those beings away. "This woman¡¯s body still contains a vast amount of blood essence, unlike that decayed body earlier!" he yelled as he turned to flee again, piloting the Ascension Banner. His silhouette blurred in an instant. "Wang Xuan!" cried out in response, faintly seeing the scene from afar. He wished he could tear Shang Yi apart, especially now that the Sword Fairy''s condition had worsened. He hurried towards the mystical pool, but without the God-ying Banner and the Elixir Furnace, his speed was significantly reducedpared to before. Fortunately, although he felt as if ages had passed in his urgency, only a short time had psed in the external world¡ªthis ce seemed to "steal time." "Everyone, I did not intend to disturb you, today''s offense was idental. I canpensate and extend your lives," Shang Yi dered as he continually swung the Ascension Banner and tried to activate the Elixir Furnace, but he still couldn''t hit those few. Despite the copse of the great barrier and the extinguishing of the celestial realm, those peculiar beings were still able to utilize the lingering echoes of supreme rules and resonate with the treasures. The entities flickered between the corporeal and ethereal, their resolve fixed on him. Now, all Shang Yi could do was endure, survive these final moments, and hope they would perish soon; otherwise, he was doomed. "I''ve found a blood pool in the highest realm of the spiritual world; you should know what that means¡ªit¡¯s not toote to head there now!" However, to his horror, the beings were unswayed. With a gruesome sound, his neck was seized, flesh torn away in chunks, and fragments of rules nearly stripped his spine bare. "Stop chasing me!" he cried out, his voiceced with terror. Even someone as formidable as Shang Yi wanted nothing more than to escape these monstrous beings, not to fight them to the death. "Listen carefully, it¡¯s not just any higher spiritual realm, but the highest one''s blood pool, potent enough to extend your lives!" Some of his words held truth. In a secret location within the highest spiritual realm, he indeed had discovered a great fortune, albeit fraught with danger that could annihte any intruder instantly. His spirit within this body was no weaker than the one in his true form, thanks to his ties with the highest spiritual realm. There, Shang Yi had found the supreme spiritual blood pool, which could nourish spirits. At that time, he daringly split his main spirit into two¡ªone in his true body, and the other imnted into the flesh of the first being. Using the spiritual blood pool, he nourished the spirits over eons, slowly restoring them and elevating them to the pinnacle that the celestial realm permitted. Of course, those initial days were excruciating, driving him to madness, thus spawning the legends of the ancient madman. With a brutal tear, one of Shang Yi''s arms was ripped off, eliciting a guttural scream from him. He had never imagined, even as the end of the mythic era approached, that he would endure such brutal trials. "It¡¯s just numbers, just the ability to wield the highest rules, right? If it were one-on-one, who¡¯s to say who would kill whom?" Shang Yi roared defiantly, activating both treasures in a desperate stand. Momentster, his body exploded into a mist of blood, swiftly fleeing. The entities immediately gave chase. However, back at the original location, the true form of Shang Yi reappeared. He had used the Cicada Shedding Technique; after his body was blown apart, he wrapped some shell fragments and blood mist around the lid of the Elixir Furnace, luring the creatures away. Shang Yi, carrying the Elixir Furnace and the Ascension Banner, didn''t look back as he made a silent, swift escape towards his mothership. This ce had be untenable. However, no sooner had he boarded his spacecraft than those same creatures appeared again not far off, abandoning the furnace lid and blood mist to lock on to him once more. "Set course! Fire at will!" hemanded. Shang Yi knew those creatures wouldn¡¯tst much longer, already at death''s door, their blood drained, and having broken through the innerndscape wall, they were doomed in this era of mythic silence. It was now a waiting game, a test of endurance between him and the creatures. As long as they didn¡¯t catch up, time was on his side. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan reached the pool''s edge, harvesting celestial medicine and then drawing the silver celestial liquid directly with his spirit,cking any container for transport. He set off on his return journey, trailing a cascade of silver waterfalls behind him, finally making his way back to themand soil, nearing the real world. "Themand soil is scorched beyond recognition, who knows what effects that will have," he mused heavily, reflecting on his costly encounter with Shang Yi. The silver substance surged out of themand soil with him, and his somewhat decayed body automatically absorbed it, so grave were his injuries. As for his old spirit, it had already been bathed and purified in the life pool; that part was no longer much of a concern. "Hmm? Where are the three light orbs?" he eximed in surprise. The orbs, symbolizing his new spirit, new body, and new innerndscape, had followed him back, but now they were nowhere to be seen, momentarily beyond his sense. His spirit and flesh unified, he instantly felt excruciating pain, his body felt as if it were being torn apart; from his organs to his bones, densely packed with fissures. The injuries were extremely severe, not to mention the horrific burns left by the red substance. Wang Xuan''s eyes snapped open, urgency propelling him as he rushed to Jiang Qingyao. Shey motionless in the icy vacuum of space, her life force flickering dangerously close to extinguishing. Shang Yi''s actions had been ruthless. He had cast her from the Life-Preserving Furnace and then hurled her towards the mysterious creatures¡ªeach movement inflicting further trauma upon her already frail body. Silver essence cascaded down like a celestial waterfall, enveloping the Sword Immortal. The potent life force began to nourish her shattered body and dimming spirit, stabilizing her condition and initiating a slow recovery. Wang Xuan frowned, the universe had changed¡ª even the miraculous effects of the celestial liquid seemed drastically reduced. He squeezed the juice from freshly picked celestial herbs, dropping it into Jiang Qingyao''s mouth for her to absorb rapidly. "Even the celestial herbs are less effective?" His expression darkened with the realization that the splendid era of myths had passed, and the human world was now devoid of the supernatural. Unbeknownst to him, having been in the void, the outside world had undergone catastrophic changes. The realm of the Transcendent was fraught with cmities and screams of despair. On this day, all beings of supernatural power whocked divine relics had fallen multiple minor realms¡ªat least three or four, with many plummeting six realms. Moreover, some individuals, amidst these violent shifts, experienced their foundational cores shattering, leading to death from hemorrhaging through all orifices. These were predominantly among the ranked immortals. Lower-tier supernatural beings, inparison, were somewhat safer. Those not perched so high fell less harshly, with some reverting to mere mortals. Among the mightiest gods and legendary immortals, however, the fall had been devastatingly brutal, with some perishing outright. "I seem to have fared rather well?" Wang Xuan murmured to himself, looking down at his own body. He too was consuming the celestial herbs voraciously and using the silver liquid for nourishment, seemingly on the mend. His injuries were severe, but he had not suffered a rending of his life''s essence or other simrly grave damages, thanks to his retreat into the depths of themand soil and his respite in the void, shielding him from the most lethal impacts. ¡°Mech-Bear, where are you?!¡± Wang Xuan''s voice echoed through his spiritual realm, desperate to leave this perilous location. Sadly, there was no reply; the silver spacecraft had vanished without a trace. He checked his condition; he was still at tier fourteen, seemingly unscathed. However, he knew better. His inner realm had copsed, his body had lost much of its essence, and he urgently needed to recuperate to hasten the revival of the three light particles for their natural emergence. Wang Xuan furrowed his brow. Lingering here was not an option. Jiang Qingyao¡¯s condition was dire, fragile as a candle flickering in the wind, her life''s foundation torn apart, her situation far more critical than his own. ¡°We must survive,¡± he murmured, a shadow crossing his heart. The age of myths had ended, everything was over. The extraordinary healing methods that once worked were likely useless now, their potency diminishing by the day. He hurriedly scavenged for items around him, retrieving the Purple Dawn Convergence Sword and, further away, the lid of the Life-Preserving Furnace. He gathered them for defense. Staring at the fragments of the Godying Banner and the Banner of Severence, he fell into a pensive silence. These were not supreme relics; had they beenponents of such, they wouldn¡¯t have been destroyed. ¡°All of you, along with this era, my old self, the Transcendent world, and the mythos¡ªare we all to decay?¡± Wang Xuan sighed softly. He then turned his attention to his still-open but rapidly copsing inner realm, on the verge ofpletely detaching and losing connection. The area was shrouded in mystery. He had been too preupied with rescuing others earlier to inspect it closely. The fire pit, though extinguished, still emitted a supernatural radiance. Wang Xuan contemted his next steps, troubled by the diminishing efficacy of the celestial liquid. ¡°I haven¡¯t lost any levels, the essence of the Transcendent still resides within me¡ªcan I still recover? But Qingyao¡¯s life soil has shattered, the Transcendent essence is receding from her, can the silver celestial liquid truly not awaken her?¡± With a determined grit, he lifted the nearly lifeless body of Jiang Qingyao and plunged into the depths of the copsing inner realm. Crossing a threshold he had never before breached, he pressed toward the extinguished fire pit, driven by ast sliver of hope. Chapter 535: The Ashes Of The Superior Bonfire Chapter 535: The Ashes Of The Superior Bonfire The space was dark and deep, with arge extinguished bonfire that had been indistinct when viewed from the wall of the innerndscape. Now that Wang Xuan had truly entered this space, he discovered that its area was close to that of a pond. It still retained some warmth, with wisps of blue smoke rising, and there was transcendent radiation there. The ce was quite different from the outside world. He keenly noticed that his blessednd fragment could be activated here once again! After the extinguishing in the Immortal Realm and the copse of the Great Barrier, today, with the eternal silence of mythology, many significant events had urred, and various spatial treasures could no longer be opened. Many divine objects had lost their supernatural abilities. This was also the reason Wang Xuan hade in. He held the blood-stained body of the Celestial Sword Maiden and approached the bonfire''s embers, hoping that some transcendent radiation from the fire could save her. "Hmm?!" His spiritual eye was incredibly sharp and immediately noticed a bleeding body lying in the depths of the strange ce. Moreover, it seemed that the body had moved slightly. Wang Xuan turned and left immediately. He hadn''t had time to carefully observe the ce when he discovered a body, which sent a chill through his heart. The creatures that went after them were cold-blooded and ruthless like Shang Yi, they were so powerful. Wang Xuan fled directly with two supreme treasures in his hands after being chased by several creatures, and some of his body parts had even been torn apart. Even Shang Yi couldn''t defend against them.Now, Wang Xuan felt somewhat weak. With the great universe''s correction sessfullypleted, he no longer hadplete supreme treasures, and his strength might not be as great as before. Holding the Celestial Sword Maiden, Wang Xuan instantly left the ce, returned to the copsed innerndscape, and then arrived in the cosmic void. At that time, the decayed innerndscape had officially separated from himpletely. "Who are they, and why were they there?" Wang Xuan said to himself. He frowned and created a considerable distance with the body. The creatures did not chase after them. Now that it was quiet, with no enemies and no life-and-death crisis, he carefully pondered, feeling a chill. That strange space adjacent to my innerndscape, had it always been eyeing me? After reaching the cosmic starry sky, he tried to activate the blessednd fragment, but it was useless. The spatial container had be an ordinary small stone. As for the blood-stained gourd, it also couldn''t be opened. He had stored many things inside, and he hadn''t expected that today the transcendence would suddenly decaypletely, and the divine anomalies in the present world would gradually lose their effectiveness. "The creature didn''t chase after us," said Wang Xuan. He stopped and carefully stared in that direction of where he came from. The innerndscape continued to copse, but his innerndscape was different. Even though it was decayed and was being destroyed, it was far more solid than others''. Wang Xuan looked down at Jiang Qingyao, finding it hard to bear. She was covered in wounds and blood. Internally, her bones and organs were shattered. Whether it was Heavenly Herb or the once-silver celestial liquid, starting today, they had little effect on her. "No, I must return to those ashes of the bonfire!" Wang Xuan eximed. He found that the Celestial Sword Maiden''s body was getting colder, and that faint life force was barely being maintained with great difficulty. As time passed, the silver celestial liquid covering her would likely be less effective, and at that point, she would inevitably diepletely. Wang Xuan was very tired and was also covered in wounds. Although there were no obvious hidden dangers, recovery was very slow in this special era. Even so, he set out again. If he didn''t go now, he would never see this person again, and only be able to reminisce through small items. The truly mature and serene Celestial Sword Maiden would be lost forever, unable to return. He didn''t want such a tragic ending. Risking his life, he approached once more, holding the Celestial Sword Maiden, his left hand gripping the furnace lid and his right hand holding the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, ready to fight to the death with the body! Indeed, when Wang Xuan re-entered and approached the extinguished bonfire, he again felt the transcendent radiation. As he got closer, his body''s vitality strengthened. He remained vignt, watching the body in the distant darkness, which had stained the ground with blood. It seemed to be a woman, likely very old, with white hair. Her clothing style did not belong to any known era and could barely be ssified as ancient attire. "Sleep, don''t wake up," said Wang Xuan as he stood before the ashes, his wounds clearly healing faster than in the cold cosmos. Silver substance covered his body, and now the medicinal effect of the substance began to increase sharply. Indeed, divine objects needed the transcendent era to be more powerful and valuable. In the strange ce, thest of the transcendent radiation lingered. Wang Xuan was extremely surprised. What was the origin of this ce? It was imaginable that when the bonfire had been zing, it would have presented a world-shocking spectacle, with transcendent radiation at its peak! Even the immortal realm hadpletely extinguished, yet this ce could still be like this, inspiring awe. The Celestial Sword Maiden''s life force was slowly growing stronger, and a turning point had appeared, perhaps offering a chance to revive her. He was full of anticipation and prepared to take some action because this ce could not be stayed in for long. Outside, there were a few dangerous creatures. If they gave up chasing Shang Yi and suddenly returned, Wang Xuan¡¯s fate might be very grim. In fact, if he didn¡¯t leave soon, the adjacent innerndscape would also copsepletely, and he might not be able to get out. He quickly took out the blood-stained gourd, which could be reopened here. He immediately retrieved the sacred liquid collected from Mount Bu Zhou''s spiritual blood pool. Wang Xuan swiftly applied the red sacred liquid all over Jiang Qingyao¡¯s body, letting it seep into her wounds, hoping that with the help of the transcendent radiation, it could nourish her shattered physical body and spirit, allowing her to wake up one day. He also bathed himself in the high-level spiritual realm''s blood once again. ¡°Unfortunately, it wasn''t the supreme spiritual blood that Shang Yi mentioned; otherwise, it might have saved her instantly.¡± Afterpleting all this, Wang Xuan felt her life force growing stronger again, continuing to increase, and he immediately showed a joyful expression. ¡°Sorry, it seems you don¡¯t need this ash anymore. The bonfire is extinguished, so I¡¯ll take the embers.¡± He took out a white bottle, which was originally a top-tier exotic treasure worth a fortune, but now it was of little use in the outside world. Here, it could still be used as a blessednd fragment. He had some trepidation about the ash, so he collected it separately into the jade bottle, filling it instantly. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Just then, in the distant darkness, the body lying on the ground made a sound, like thunder exploding in Wang Xuan¡¯s ears. It was actually still alive! ¡­ In the depths of the universe, Shang Yi was truly going mad. He had nowhere to escape and had been caught up with again, unable to shake them off. The creatures were both male and female, with white hair and some young faces. One person had a vertical eye on their forehead, while another had ancient supreme rule runes imprinted on their forehead. ¡°What do you want?!¡± Shang Yi asked in a deep voice. They had all entered the spaceship,pletely blocking his path. At this moment, his innerndscape was silently opened. He finally experienced the feeling of being forcibly suppressed by outsiders. Blood sttered everywhere. Even though he wielded the Ascension Banner, tearing through the void and hurling the Life Essence Furnace, it was useless. He only managed to pierce the massive mothership,pletely destroying the rear cabin. Shang Yi¡¯s body was pierced by three male and two female, their hands reaching into his Life Soil, searching around. The Sword Lunatic, so domineering and cold-blooded, was treated like this today. In an instant, the sword light from his Ascension Banner split into countless rays, causing the entire mothership to explode, but it was still useless. Those creatures vanished in an instant and then reappeared, transitioning from void to reality, within his innerndscape. Shang Yi, covered in blood with several gaping wounds, had a cold expression. If it were a one-on-one fight, he had the confidence to kill his opponents. But now, with the five of them working together, exchanging between void and reality, and merging with the remnants of the supreme rules, they were impossible to defend against. The five¡¯s cultivation was united as one. ¡°What are you looking for?¡± he realized that the five were searching, seeking something, after searching his Life Soil, they entered his innerndscape. Boom! They sted the innerndscape, going mad because they found nothing. Shang Yi was furious, his killing intent sweeping across the starry sky. He hesitated, wondering if he should protect the innerndscape. Doing so might destroy them. Especially since their current state was already abnormal, they should be kible. However, if the innerndscape was destroyed, the consequences would be severe. Shang Yi stood among the wreckage of the shattered mothership, covered in blood, his expression fluctuating. At the same time, he also had some doubts. Was there some misunderstanding between them?What exactly were these people looking for? His heart skipped a beat as he thought of Wang Xuan. Could it be that he had missed something on that decayed young man? ¡°Everyone, the thing you are looking for should still be on that young man!¡± Shang Yi spoke up. However, these people seemed to be in despair. With time running out and the eternal silence of mythology upon them, they were about to vanishpletely. Once again, they charged at Shang Yi. ¡°If you want to die, I will send you on your way!¡± Shang Yi, a ruthless man, also went mad at that moment, wielding the Ascension Banner and preparing to self-destruct his innerndscape! ... Wang Xuan¡¯s body stiffened. He sighed. Today was truly full of cmities, one wave had not settled before another arose. He had encountered unprecedented bloody tribtions. Am I going to have to fight another bloody battle now and die here? At this moment, he couldn''t help but think of the Ascension Banner. It was truly an ominous object; whoever held it would be doomed, without exception! He was speechless. Ancient people aside, recently, Heng Jun had died miserably, Qi Tian had sacrificed himself, and today, he had merely held it for a moment and ended up in such a miserable situation. Even Shang Yi, who was unparalleled, had an unfavorable survival situation after holding the Ascension Banner. He was now being hunted by several mysterious creatures. Wang Xuan slowly turned around, bracing himself to face the woman lying on the ground, but the result was unexpected. That woman¡¯s figure was blurring, seeming to dissipate, and then she truly vanished. There was no abnormal movement at the spot, only that the space was distorted. Wang Xuan turned around and ran, holding the Celestial Sword Maiden. It was rare that no bloody incident had urred. He truly couldn¡¯t withstand any more consumption. After a series of great battles, he was severely injured and exhausted. ¡°After getting far from the Ascension Banner, my luck has improved somewhat.¡± He dashed far away. The innerndscape had long separated from him, and the copse intensified. Finally, with a bang, his decayed innerndscape disappeared, leaving a vortex in the cosmic void, which thenpletely calmed, as if nothing had ever happened. Wang Xuan firmly clutched the white bottle, without putting the lid on. He feared that even though the exotic treasure contained ashes, it might not open outside. ¡°Little Bear!¡± He saw the silver-white spaceship in the distance and exerted all his strength, vibrating the spiritual domain, and using the Purple Celestial Dao Sword for support. ¡°Wang Xuan!¡± The mechanical little bear had been hovering nearby, estimating that Shang Yi wouldn¡¯t return. Only then had ite back to search for Wang Xuan¡¯s remains, unexpectedly finding him alive. The hatch opened, and Wang Xuan rushed in instantly, shouting, ¡°Let¡¯s go, get away from here, as fast as possible!¡± At the same time, he noticed that the mechanical little bear was not as agile as before. It hadpletely fallen out of the transcendent level, looking more like an intelligent mechanical creature now. ¡°My mind feels like it¡¯s covered in dust.¡± Its voice was somewhat mechanical and dull, but it was still loyally executing variousmands. ¡°Is she alright?¡± The mechanical little bear asked with concern, looking at Jiang Qingyao, but its face was stiff, far from the rich expressions it used to have. Wang Xuan sighed lightly and said, ¡°I will find a way, someday in the future, to make you a transcendent little bear again.¡± The silver-white spaceship sped away, disappearing from this section of the starry sky. Wang Xuan couldn¡¯t wait any longer and checked the ashes in the jade bottle. Indeed, there was still transcendent radiation inside, which made him breathe a sigh of relief. At least nothing unexpected had happened. ¡°No, something¡­ something major has happened!¡± As he explored the interior, his scalp tingled. There was an entire world within the bottle! To be precise, there was a dim, deep space, not veryrge, butid out exactly like that strange ce from earlier. Inside the bottle, there was a bonfire the size of a pond, and in the distant darkness, a womany prone. The entire space was deep and incredibly mysterious. Wang Xuan realized a very serious issue, the entire strange ce, this mysterious space, seemed to be radiated from the bonfire¡¯s embers! What made his heart race even more was that the woman moved. She climbed up, her white hair stained with blood, and she slowly stood up! Chapter 536: The Origin Of The Great Barrier Chapter 536: The Origin Of The Great Barrier Wang Xuan was rmed. He had thought he sessfully distanced himself from that peculiar ce, but he never expected to carry a living corpse with him. She had actually followed him! Inside the bottle world, the woman''s white hair was disheveled, her face pale, and the marks of time were evident on her. Crow''s feet had formed at the corners of her eyes, but it was apparent that she must have been extremely beautiful in her youth. Even now, she exuded an extraordinary temperament, with an attitude that seemed to overlook the world. Her gaze gradually became sharp and intimidating. However, her body had significant issues. There was a horrific wound on her neck, with blood soaking half of her body. She looked at Wang Xuan without speaking, then slowly turned back to look towards the depths of the darkness. Wang Xuan felt uncertain. What era did this being belong to? Was she human? Despite her humanoid appearance, Wang Xuan did not know what race she belonged to. Who caused the wound on her body? Was it the other beings, or were there still unknown terrifying monsters in this space? Wang Xuan didn''t act recklessly. He tightened his grip on the Purple Celestial Dao Sword and the furnace lid, hoping she wouldn''t go berserk. He would prefer if she passed out again.¡¡¡¡He looked down at Jiang Qingyao, and his heart sank instantly. In the real world where the correction of the universe had been sessful, her condition had worsened significantly. The substances from the Spiritual Blood Pool of the higher spiritual world and the silver substance from the Solitary Void were too weak in the real world. They were not enough to sustain her life, let alone revive her. Wang Xuan felt a heavy burden in his heart. From this phenomenon, he could sense how cruel the Old World, New World, and the Great Barrier, all ces rted to the transcendent, were. After this major copse, many transcendent beings would likely face a tragic fate, perhaps even losing their lives! He felt extremely troubled. Although he had obtained the extinguished fire pit, having the white-haired woman standing in the bottle world with a neck almost severed made the situation much moreplicated. "Come in!" At that moment, the woman suddenly spoke. Wang Xuan''s expression changed slightly, but he didn''t hesitate. Clenching his teeth, he carried Jiang Qingyao into the bottle world. For the sake of resurrecting the Celestial Sword Maiden, he was willing to take any risk. This could very well be thest transcendent radiation in the vast universe, and one of the few remaining chances for salvation. "I''ll go in too, to help you take care of her," the mechanical bear said stiffly, jumping into the bottle. In case of a battle, it could take Jiang Qingyao away from those two. Watching its wooden, lifeless face, Wang Xuan sighed and nodded. After the transcendent eternal silence, his peculiar friends were regressing. In some time, he wondered what would be of it. The white-haired woman''s feet were covered in bloodstains, and the crimson liquid had yet to dry. Her identity remained uncertain to Wang Xuan, he hadn''t figured out who she really was. There were a total of six beings, why was the space that they were in adjacent to his innerndscape? There was something unusual about this space no matter how you looked at it. With blood dripping down, the woman drifted over silently without stopping. Her sharp gaze gradually dimmed, as if she had resigned herself to her fate. "The decay of the Immortal Dao, the absence of the transcendent, ultimately leads to death," she murmured. Of course, these were words spoken on a spiritual level. Wang Xuan quickly ced Jiang Qingyao on a clean piece of bluestone by the fire pit, allowing her to absorb the transcendent radiation. He remained silent, on guard, carefully observing the surroundings. Indeed, the entire space was created from the transcendent radiation of the pond-sized fire pit. Under the Spiritual Eye, there were traces to follow, approaching reality the closer you got. As for the distant areas beyond the reach of the extinguished fire pit''s radiation, they were faint, blurry, and even the space seemed distorted. It was just like a dream. This had a profound impact on him! The entire space was born from the residual radiation of a fire pit! The actual normal space wasn''t veryrge, with the fire pit at its center, radiating a radius of only a hundred meters. Beyond this range, it was dark, distorted, and vague, and it was unclear what lurked in those areas. "Unfortunately, you are someone with a special innerndscape, but your foundation was stolen, and your innerndscape has copsed," the woman said as she looked at him, expressing both regret and pity. Wang Xuan suddenly felt threads of runes flowing through her dim eyes, and beams of light passed inexplicably through his body. She was searching and looking through all his secrets. Fortunately, she couldn¡¯t find anything as even he didn¡¯t know where the three light spots were now. "Yes, there''s a lunatic named Shang Yi who took everything from me!" Wang Xuan said with a heavy tone, ming him. In fact, the cold-blooded and ruthless Shang Yi had indeed done so, and he had to shoulder this me. Unfortunately, the woman remained indifferent and did not go on a killing spree. Although she was angry, her eyes dimmed again as she shook her head and sighed, "Even with infinite foundation, and the potential to grow, what can one achieve here? It''s all toote, it''s already toote, the day of eternal silence for myths is when we die. We''ve endured for too long, and no one, no object, can truly remain eternal and immortal. Eventually, we''ll be someone else''s memory, until all traces of us disappear." Wang Xuan felt a generation gap between them, he was unable to strike up a conversation, but still couldn''t help but speak. Since she hadn''t made a move and didn''t seem malicious, he wanted to rify some things. "Elder, what is this ce?" asked Wang Xuan. He cautiously phrased his question, holding back from asking more. In fact, he was more interested in knowing the background of these six beings. But he feared that the other party would tell him about the ancient hunter coveting his foundation which might trigger a fight. "This is the origin of the Great Barrier," said the white-haired woman, informing him directly. Wang Xuan was shocked. If this ce was indeed the origin of the Great Barrier, wouldn''t that also mean it was one of the sources of transcendence?¡¡ He looked at the fire pit, his heart pounding wildly. Did it once create the transcendental world with its radiation? This idea stunned even him! "You can take a look around," the woman said. Wang Xuan looked down, seeing the ground beneath his feet. But as his gaze intensified and his spiritual perception reached its peak, he discovered the truth. "Below, there''s the Immortal Realm, and nearby, there''s also the Great Barrier, but they''ve all gone out, plunged into darkness!" eximed Wang Xuan. He had experienced enough twists and turns today, but he was still stunned by it now. One after another, these Great Veils were the residences of immortals, the spaces where gods lived, and the semi-material, semi-spiritual nes where transcendents ascended. Their origins were all rted to this fire pit, were they radiated out by it?¡¡ As if knowing what he was thinking, the white-haired woman said, "Those semi-spiritual, semi-material nes have always existed, but after the transcendent firelight radiated in, transcendent power was born." Wang Xuan felt a bit numb-headed. The origin of this fire pit was simply unimaginable! "At its peak, this fire was over billions of feet high, illuminating the Immortal Realm, with a rich transcendental radiation. Now it''s extinguished, diminished, and everything will dissipate," the woman said. "What''s the origin of this fire pit? How did it appear?" Wang Xuan asked. "The vast universe, under the eternal night, asionally has transcendent meteors streaking across, most of which gather here, burning and creating all things with its radiation," the white-haired woman exined. Wang Xuan lowered his head, staring at the remnants of the transcendent fire pit. He actually saw some burnt stones and some yellowed paper¡­ was that¡­ spirit money! "The ashes don''t look like much, not even enough to fill a pond, but many transcendent meteorites were actually burnt here. They all vanished, disappeared, leaving only this bit behind," she exined. After hearing this, Wang Xuan looked at the spirit money. What was going on here again?¡¡ Without Wang Xuan asking, the white-haired woman knew his thoughts and had already spoken, saying, "Time is short, and none of us has the power to change anything. We can only listen to the twilight song of the immortals. We are destined to fade away, so we burn some scriptures, burn some paper, and bid ourselves farewell in advance." Wang Xuan thought of his first time entering the Immortal Realm, where he had seen many yellowed spirit money floating in the extinguished areas. His face was somewhat numb. Were those spirit money scattered from here? "In the future, there may not be new transcendent fire pits appearing. When mythological meteors streak across the sky again and fall across the universe, the former Immortal Realm may be illuminated again and revived, or a new Great Barrier may be born. But we won''t be there to see it," she said with regret, deep loneliness, and a hint of unwillingness. "It''s a pity that you have such strong talent, but you won''t live to see it," she looked at Wang Xuan, with some emotion fluctuation, saying, "That person who destroyed your innerndscape deserves to die!" She spoke with hatred, her eyes bing sharp again, wishing she could kill Shang Yi herself. "If he hadn''t destroyed the barrier, the residual heat of the fire pit could have sustained us for some years longer, or perhaps there could have been a chance for a turning point. But now, even thest remnants of warmth are rapidly dissipating, and today, we will perish," the woman sighed. Wang Xuan fell silent. He actually wanted to ask if the turning point she¡¯s waiting for, rted to his foundation. But he didn''t want to make himself ufortable. At this point, there was no need to know the truth. Perhaps there was another truth, and his spection might not be reliable. "Elder, about your injury¡­" said Wang Xuan. He changed the subject, wanting to know who wanted to kill her. The white-haired woman smiled, covering her neck. Finally dealing with the wound, a white light shed, and it healed. "In the face of the vast universe''s corrections, who can remain unharmed? Who can avoid death? Every transcendent must go through a cmity," she said. With the drastic changes in the environment, her blood essence, her foundation, fell into eternal silence. They gradually cooled like the ashes of the fire pit, and her life was extinguished. "Elder, why are you living next to my¡­ innerndscape?" Wang Xuan couldn''t help but ask why they were adjacent to his innerndscape. "We didn''t choose to be your neighbors. It''s mainly because you are indeed remarkable. You opened a special innerndscape prematurely, confirming that you are extremely suitable for embarking on the path of cultivation. Also, because of this, the distance between your innerndscape and the origin of the Great Barrier is very close," she exined. Wang Xuan was lost in thought, muttering to himself, "Am I to me myself?" "Conceited, arrogant, narcissistic!" the mechanical bear said bluntly. "Do you want to save her?" the white-haired woman asked, looking at Jiang Qingyao. "Yes!" Wang Xuan immediately replied without hesitation. He had originally wanted to ask for help, but he didn''t want to bring it up when she said she would die today and her foundation was exhausted. The white-haired woman said, "With the end of transcendence, there are not many ways to save her. One is to put her in aplete Life Essence Furnace to preserve her and slowly restore her in the future. Second, I can reluctantly consume myself to reignite a strand of Transcendent Fire, allowing Heavenly Herbs, Spiritual Blood Pool, and that silver substance to reappear with mythical effects." "Please, elder, save her!" Wang Xuan pleaded for her help, but his heart sank. He guessed that she might have a request in return for saving her. "To save her, I need to use my remaining blood essence to ignite the fire pit. Whether it seeds or not depends on whether she herself has enough luck," the white-haired woman said. After all, this was no longer the era of transcendence. A strand of Transcendent Fire was not enough to transform this ce into a mythical world. "I have a condition." Sure enough, the white-haired woman made a request, looking into the distance at the distorted spacetime at the end of the residual heat radiation from the extinguished fire pit, she said, "You apany me to a ce and send me on my way." "Elder, where do you want to go?" Wang Xuan asked. "Today, if nothing unexpected happens, I am destined to perish. But I''m not reconciled. I want to go to the origin of the transcendent meteors that cross this vast universe, to find a way to survive. I want to find the true Transcendent Realm," the white-haired woman said firmly, adding, "It won''t take much of your time. After all, I only have less than half a day of life left." Chapter 537: Paving The Way With The Blood Of Gods Chapter 537: Paving The Way With The Blood Of Gods "Why am I the one escorting her?" Wang Xuan muttered to himself. He had self-awareness, he was indeed strong now, but the gap was obvious whenpared to this white-haired woman. Even Shang Yi, turned around and fled upon seeing the beings, showing no intention of fighting to the death. "My body is injured, and my strength is inadequate. I''m afraid I might dy elder''s important matters," Wang Xuan said. "You''re too modest. With the decline of mythology, the realm of transcendence has plummeted all over the world. Many people have died because of it, unable to withstand such drastic changes. Although you were deprived of your foundation, your level hasn''t dropped significantly. This alone is enough to exin the problem," the white-haired woman said, her eyes showing two beams of enthusiasm, seemingly quite expectant. What she said was a fact. The current transcendents were very pitiful, no less than having experienced the most serious bloodbath. Many immortals died tragically in the drastic changes of the environment, and even the mighty gods were perishing, falling from heaven to hell in a single day. "The ce I want to go to is very special. The inherent cultivation, the Dao fruits preserved in this world, may not be useful," said the white-haired woman as she pointed out the crux of the problem. "If elder can save her, I''m willing to apany you on this trip," Wang Xuan said. Now he had no choice. If he dyed any longer, Celestial Sword Maiden would undoubtedly die. "Let me try to reignite the Transcendent Fire," the white-haired woman said solemnly. She waved her wide sleeves, dispersing the pond-sized remnants, revealing some meteorite fragments that hadn''t beenpletely burned and still contained mysterious power. She gathered the meteorite fragments together, sprinkled a few drops of her own blood essence, then her forehead glowed, reproducing the residual fragments of the supreme rules. With a sound, she ignited the blood essence and dropped it onto the meteorite fragments.¡¡¡¡A faint me rose up, ignited, radiating a noticeable transcendent power. Although the me was very weak, it still illuminated the world within the bottle. "I¡­ feel like there''s less dust in my heart, it¡¯s brighter than before," the mechanical bear spoke first, instinctively feeling that this light made it happy and joyful. Jiang Qingyao underwent changes, the bones torn by the sword light, the shattered organs, and the fragmented spirit were all nourished by the Heavenly Herb, silver substance, and Spiritual Blood. This ce seemed to revive mythology, and those miraculous objects once again had the effect of resurrection. They were able to pull back those whose bodies had turned cold. However, as her vitality increased, the positive changes slowed down slightly. This could be understood. After all, this wasn''t a return from the transcendental world, it was the residual light of mythology reshaped by the white-haired woman. "I have only half a day of life. After I die, the remaining fire can continue to burn for half a day. If she hasn''t awakened by then, she can only rely on the Life Essence Furnace," said the woman, informing them. "If elder sessfully reaches her destination and survives, will this me continue to burn?" Wang Xuan asked. If that were the case, he really had to do his best to escort her. The white-haired woman shook her head and said, "You''re overthinking it. I don''t want to deceive you. Even if I''m alive, this me can only burn for one more night." The more she said, the more trustworthy Wang Xuan felt towards her. One more night was worth his effort to escort her on this journey. At that moment, Wang Xuan''s bones cracked, slowly reconnecting. His spirit emitted light, cutting off the decayed aura. His condition was improving. In his body, a healing secret technique recorded in the supreme scripture came into y. After a slight operation, his whole body lit up, and his spirit resonated. He tried to use this secret technique to guide the flow of transcendental power for Jiang Qingyao. However, he found that its effect wasn''t significant, mainly because her origin was torn apart. Running this supreme scripture was not as effective as nourishing with Heavenly Herb and Spiritual Blood. She needed to be quietly nurtured, which required time to slowly heal her origin and restore the fractured Life Soil. "We should hit the road. I don''t have much time left," said the white-haired woman, reminding them. She only had less than half a day, took ast look at the ce, then looked up at the world outside the bottle. With the support of residual fragments of the supreme rules, she saw through the spaceship outside the bottle, looked at the starry sky, feeling somewhat nostalgic, then resolutely turned around. She was leaving this world! Wang Xuan followed her on the road, walking towards the area where the remnants of the fire no longer radiated, and after walking for a while, entered the twisted space. On the way, she collected the crimson blood on the ground, some of which were hers, and some were left by others. Entering the twisted space, Wang Xuan''s perception became abnormal, as if it was distorted. He was hearing various strange sounds and seeing many inexplicable sights. "Keep calm, ignore the external scenes. Everything is false, only the path under your feet is real. We''re about to embark on a secret path," said the white-haired woman, reminding solemnly. In the twisted time and space, various monsters appeared vaguely, even they were distorted, some as thin as sheets of paper, some as huge as meteorites. When they moved, their pupils were like meteorites streaking across the night sky. There were also some nts, a single de of grass was as vast as arge meteorite, its roots piercing through thes, and strange fish swimming through the darkness of the vast universe. The whole scenery was bizarre. Many demonic sounds that were reciting scriptures, and various creatures'' conversations, echoed all over. Wang Xuan felt that there was no scripture more suitable for this ce than the one recorded on the yellowed page, although he jokingly called it the ¡®Mental Illness Great Method¡¯, but it had a great origin. It actually emphasizes the principle of ¡®only me, only truth, only one¡¯, profound and unpredictable. Even the former second treasure, the Celestial Mirror, was refined based on this scripture. Ahead, a visible road appeared in the twisted space, paved with fragments of transcendental meteorites, one after another, not touching each other, leading to the endless void. But now they no longer emitted transcendent radiation, because the so-called transcendent material had almost disappeared in the face of the great correction of the universe. These meteorite fragments and the material burned by the fire pit in the past are of the same origin, but they¡¯ve paved a road. Where did it connect to? "This is a path we and others have painstakingly located and opened, paving the way with transcendent meteorites. We once risked our lives to reach the end, but still couldn''t open the final road, and could only return empty-handed," the white-haired woman sighed, very unwilling. She told Wang Xuan that this path was not dangerous, only when approaching the destination would there be abnormalities in one''s own Dao. It was dim and profound around them, as if they had entered deep space. The nearby space was still distorted, various monsters, and strange blurry scenes appeared. "Nowadays are different from the past. With the decay of mythology, perhaps there is a glimmer of hope at the end of this road, and I will try again for thest time," the woman said. Obviously, even she herself had no confidence. It was just thest struggle in her life journey, hoping to step into a new world. Sess meant survival. Failure meant there was no return, and one would die at the end of the road. "What about the other five elders? Will theye back? Don''t they want to give it a try onest time? Joining forces is always better than relying on one''s own strength," Wang Xuan asked. "They won''te back. They have long given up on this road. They will die outside. It''s almost time for them. Under such a bigmotion, perhaps they have already withered and fallen," she said calmly. At her level, after countless years, she would not feel empathy or sadness even if her friends died. In fact, she had gained a lot and lost too much along the way. In the mortal realm and the Immortal Realm, those people and those things had be ripples in her memory, quietly flowing away. ¡­¡­ Somewhere in the universe, Shang Yi, holding the Ascension Banner, roared angrily and fiercely swung it, causing his innerndscape to explode. Coupled with the power of treasures and the copse of space. In this era, where the residuals of rules were bing increasingly difficult to emerge, those three men and two women were indeed severely injured. They were supposed to die today, and using their abilities consecutively was already theirst resort. Boom!¡¡ In this area, an earth-shattering explosion urred, and the blood of the supreme immortals sttered everywhere! In the distance, the shadow couple, the two ancestors of the Supetive Pce, and the Imperial Pce of Gouchen, along with the experts of Buddhism and Daoism sects, were rushing at high speed, getting closer to the ce where Wang Xuan disappeared. Holding treasures of their own, the peerless transcendents separated and acted. Initially, the shadow couple were traveling on the Roaming Ark, but after the copse of the Great Barriers and theplete extinction of the Immortal Realm, they had to rush halfway to the nearest that had life on it and board a spaceship. In the era ofplete decay of transcendence, although they had umted enough transcendent materials in advance and possessed treasures, they dared not squander them casually. Even though they were powerful, they had to prepare for the transcendent winter. This era was destined to be difficult. As time passed, even with treasures in hand, they might lose their cultivation level. "Where is he? Wang Xuan!" The shadow couple were anxious, standing on the spaceship, scanning the blood-stained battlefield, but they didn''t find the person they wanted to see. "Shang Yi, I''ll kill you!" they shouted. They regarded Wang Xuan as their own, feeling extremely distressed at that moment, realizing that they were toote. "On the other side, Fang Yuzhu and the peerless transcendents in the Pool of Life were chasing after Shang Yi together. They have killed him three times, but he resurrected each time using techniques like the Golden Silkworm Breaking Shell and the Divine Butterfly Ascension Technique. Now, with the sudden copse of mythology and the extinction of transcendence, he should have no means of resurrection, right?" said Demon Lord¡¯s mother. "I hope we can kill him, but I''m afraid he will flee with all his heart, making it difficult for us to intercept him," replied Demon Lord¡¯s father. Shortly after, they received signals from other spaceships. There had been a massive explosion of a mother ship in the distance. It was suspected to have been triggered by Shang Yi holding the Ascension Banner. "Let''s go check it out!" shouted Demon Lord¡¯s father. They quickly set sail and left the area. ¡­¡­ Wang Xuan and the white-haired woman set out. Upon closer inspection on the path, they were all stained with blood, leading to the outer reaches of the universe. "Whose blood is this?" asked Wang Xuan. He was somewhat surprised. It was a blood-stained road. "It''s mine and the blood of a few others," the woman said. The light appeared on her forehead, and fragments of the supreme rules emerged. With a flick, she ignited the blood, causing the transcendent meteorite fragments to burn. They leaped, traversing the void, and each timended on a stone b polished by these transcendent meteorite fragments. The blood and the mes, reflecting their figures as they quickly rushed forward. Undoubtedly, it was the Transcendent Fire and thest path of transcendent radiation in the present world. The white-haired woman was pursuing her final dream on the day of judgment. Around them, it was dark and profound, as if they were in the vast universe. The space was still distorted, and various abnormal scenes appeared from time to time, disturbing their minds. Wang Xuan saw huge withered leaves falling in the distorted and deformed universe, crushing a that had life on it. There were also wreckage of spaceships floating around, and the huge footprints of mysterious creatures crushing a piece of the starry sky, but their full form was invisible. "Elder, after the copse of mythology, is this the only path left to continue pursuing transcendence?" Wang Xuan asked along the way. "For me, this is the only path left. For others, although desperate, there are other paths they can try," replied the woman. "What other paths are there?" Wang Xuan became spirited. The future was inevitable, and if he could learn some secrets from a supreme expert, it would undoubtedly save him from many detours. "One of the paths involves tracing the traces left by the Transcendent Sea, making efforts to locate the final ce of disappearance. You can also try to follow the path of life and death torn open by the residuals of the Transcendental Sea," said the woman. "Another path leads to the origin of the Heavenly Herb, breaking through the highest spiritual realm. Perhaps there is an opportunity, but no one has seeded." She then continued saying, "In addition, going to the universe where certain evil spirits originally resided is also an option. However, even the evil spirits themselves cannot return and I only have this path of transcendent meteorite to follow." She actually mentioned four paths at once! Wang Xuan was distracted. Were these paths the only remaining ways to find the truth?¡¡ "Elder, why can''t you take the other three paths? What is the origin of you and the other five?" He couldn''t help but ask this question. "We were also once peerless transcendents, whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, each of us merged with a Great Barrier, which could be considered as an alternative way of integration. We merged with the supreme rules, gaining extraordinary power. However, at the moment when the Immortal Realm extinguished and the Great Barrier copsed, it was almost the time of our death. So, today, we are about to perish," said the woman. She didn''t hide anything from Wang Xuan, revealing the truth. Wang Xuan was shaken. He never imagined that the six of them had such origins! "We''re almost there," the woman said. Half a dayter, they approached their destination along the path paved with blood-stained transcendent meteorite fragments. Along the way, the woman ignited thest Transcendent Fire. She sighed, "I have a premonition that I will ultimately perish. I will die at the end. This me can burn for a day. If I die tragically, you should immediately return along the original path and you will be able to return to the mortal realm." Chapter 538: The Path Towards Transcendent Realm Chapter 538: The Path Towards Transcendent Realm "We''re here, it''s just ahead," said the white-haired woman as she stopped walking. She became cautious and vignt, her expression was extremely serious and solemn. Just as she initially said, there weren''t any dangers on the journey that couldn''t be confronted. The crucial point was this final stretch of road, where everything was different, making one''s Dao unstable. Now, even Wang Xuan felt that his Dao was fluctuating, like ripples on a water surface. ng! He manifested the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, the cold de and the purple-hued sword body appearing in his right hand. He was ready to deal with unknown threats at any time. The furnace lid glowed and erged, being used as a shield in his left hand. In this era, perhaps only supreme treasures still retained some transcendent power, while various flying swords, treasures, divine objects, and so on had mostly be mundane. "Senior, do you need a weapon?" Wang Xuan asked. The white-haired woman shook her head, traces of age showing on her beautiful face. Although her eyes still held vitality, there were noticeable crow''s feet at the corners. She stared ahead and said, "The fluctuations of power in your body are smaller than mine. Weapons are more useful in your hands. Later, I may be weak unexpectedly, or even be a mortal."¡¡¡¡"I''ll do my best!" Wang Xuan said. The white-haired woman remained motionless, as if she had a premonition. Finally, she nced back at the road behind them, the dark, deep void of the vast universe, the scattered meteorite fragments forming a blood-stained passage, shimmering with thest traces of transcendence in this era. She walked forward, passing through ayer of mist. The roadid out in the void ahead had some meteorite fragments that were already broken, and there were even some remains of bones. "Whose bones are these?" asked Wang Xuan, his expression became grave. The bones and blood were conspicuous. No further exnation was needed, indicating that conflict could arise at any moment. "Some belong to myrades, and some are mine. We were heavily injured back then, hastily retreating. It was quite embarrassing," she said calmly. At that time, when transcendence was still thriving and not extinguished, although she had almost died here, she could easily recover with her level of power after retreating. But today, if she was heavily injured, there would be no way out. Heavenly Herb, the supreme rules, everything rted to mythology had be ineffective. "The Immortal Dao haspletely decayed. I believe this ce may also be nearing its end. Various inexplicable dangers have decreased along with it, making them less terrifying," she briefly paused and continued, "If the situation bes untenable, and it''s too dangerous, your survival is the priority. You can leave ahead of time without worrying about me." Wang Xuan fell silent, then nodded. Regardless of the situation, he would do his best. If things truly became hopeless, then survival was indeed his only option. From initially being somewhat resistant due to their transactional mindset, he had nowe to the point of wanting to exert all his strength to assist her. Because he felt that the other party''s actions hinted at mentoring and guiding him forward. The white-haired woman allowed him to follow along the way, revealing to him that there was such a path, allowing him to witness various crises in advance and prepare for the future. Beyond the mist, Wang Xuan''s Dao, initially calm like a sereneke, was now tumultuous, with even more intense fluctuations. When the white-haired woman was powerful, her gaze was intimidating, capable of tearing through the void with the residuals of the supreme rules. When weak, she became like an ordinary person. This ce was indeed strange, especially the darkness ahead. Even after each meteorite fragment was ignited, the emitted light became dim and flickering, with the transcendent material sometimes sparse and sometimes dense. Around them, the space remained distorted, dark, and deep, increasingly devoid of colors. Suddenly, a dry yellow leaf swept by, falling onto the path from the twisted space. Initially light and drifting, it suddenly elerated and plunged down like a lightning bolt. Moreover, it erged, from the size of a bowl''s mouth to that of a millstone. The dry yellow leaf carried a faint residual of rules as it was beginning to approach with immense speed. With a puff sound, a blood mark was cut across the beautiful face of the white-haired woman. Despite her strength, her fluctuations in Dao were too intense, and she had failed to dodge just now. At that moment, although her Dao had declined, it wasn''t to the point of being absurdly weak. To think she was injured by a leaf, had this leaf fallen from the Great Dao Tree? She flipped her hand and struck out, cracks appearing on the leaf, which flew away and shattered not far away. However, suddenly, a streak of golden light flew over. It was mitting an astonishing spiritual coercion like a true dragon, rushing towards the white-haired woman to strangle her. She stumbled to avoid it, clearly being severely disrupted in her performance here. With a swoosh sound, a purple light shed, and the creature emitted a soul-shattering howl. Its tail was severed as it turned into golden lightning and retreated into the twisted space. Wang Xuan saw clearly that it was a golden centipede, as thick as a person''s arm and several meters long, with its tail broken off. As it disappeared, it suddenly reappeared and emitted a burst of golden mist. It was probably a highly toxic creature that was rted to transcendence. Wang Xuan shook the lid of the furnace, which emitted light, dispersing the golden mist. The poisonous creature left behind a lingering shadow as it approached again. With a puff sound, it was then beheaded by Wang Xuan with a purple sword light. They had only just approached their destination when they were attacked. "A spirit of a poisonous insect, not a flesh and blood body?" muttered Wang Xuan. He walked ahead at that moment, ready to clear the way, as the woman''s condition was extremely unstable and prone to idents. "Most of them are in a spirit state, as if they were lost," said the white-haired woman, nodding her head. Rustle!¡¡ The sound of rattling iron chains came from the depths, and ahead, there was a tall figure. He was headless, severed from the neck, with ck metal chains wrapped around his arms and legs. He seemed like a prisoner, bearing shackles, but he was still ferocious. Without his head, he was emitting a piercing scream from within his body. The clinking of cold metal chains echoed out, and a ck iron cable shot straight out, causing the void to slightly distort. The spirits in this ce were special, still possessing considerablebat power. Wang Xuan swung his sword, with a ng, cutting through the ck metal chains. Then, he engaged inbat with the creature, shing it in half with a single stroke. If the headless figure was touched by a damaged treasure before the myth was extinguished, he would surely annihte Wang Xuan instantly. But now, it was just a miserable death, slowly cracking and shattering into pieces of flesh and blood. The white-haired woman said, "With transcendence gone, even the lost spirits appearing here have been suppressed. But they are stronger than the outside world. After all, there seems to be a Transcendent Realm ahead. I feel faint radiation ahead." "Be careful!" she suddenly eximed. At that moment, her Dao fluctuated to its peak, her brow glowing as a huge beam of light shot out. Ahead, in the twisted space, a dazzling beast shadow pounced while carrying endless thunder. It was a species never seen before, with a fierce beast head, a human torso, golden Roc ws, and a dragon''s tail. "It''s a beast formed from the fragments of thunder rules!" eximed the white-haired woman. Lightning streaked through with immense speed, as it unleashed thunder strikes around the two. The attacks were apanied by fragments of rules. This monster''s lethality was formidable, posing a threat to both of them. Wang Xuan wielded the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, colliding with the thunderous beast multiple times. The beast far exceeded the previous venomous creature and prisoner. If it was released into the outside world, it would trigger a catastrophe. Still being able to utilize residual rules in this era was indeed extraordinary. With a ng, Wang Xuan severed one of its Roc ws, apanied by the vibration and eruption of rule fragments. A lightning strike hit Wang Xuan, leaving his arm charred and flesh falling off. The lid of the Life Essence Furnace crackled, blocking tens or hundreds of beams of light. If all of them fell on the two of them, the consequences would be unimaginable. With a thud, the lid finally smashed onto the head of the beast, causing its body to shatter into halves. Then, the Purple Celestial Dao Sword shed through it, instantly disintegrating its body that wasposed of rule fragments. As the beast disintegrated, lightning shot out in all directions, triggering an energy storm. Wang Xuan had blood on his shoulders, arms, and back. He was struck by lightning, making hisplexion extremely solemn. This ce was too extraordinary, still retaining residuals of transcendence. "It''s already weakened to the extreme. Initially, it was a beast fully formed by the rules," the white-haired woman said. Ahead, it was quiet, with no spirits appearing. However, the white-haired woman sighed, saying, "You should go, turn back immediately." It was obvious that she had sensed something dangerous and difficult to confront when her Dao reached its peak. Wang Xuan hesitated. Although they were very close to their destination, he had only made three moves so far and hadn''t exerted much effort. He felt somewhat irresponsible. "It''s probably toote. Activate the supreme treasures with full force!" the woman shouted. Wang Xuanplied. Whether it was the lid of the furnace or the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, they all radiated light, enveloping both of them. Silently, malevolence pervaded ahead. Then, a ck wind emerged, it was not violent, but the sight was extremely terrifying. In the twisted space, monsters appeared. One of them, a towering golden demon as tall as a mountain, was blown apart by the ck wind as it descended, its flesh dissipating, bones breaking, and then disintegrating entirely, vanishing. Wang Xuan felt immense pressure. The lid and the Purple Celestial Dao Sword could withstand the ck wind, but the consumption of transcendent material was too great. He felt drained, as if he might be sucked dry. He felt that he might copse. At that moment, the transcendent materials he had invoked slowed slightly, and a piece of his flesh was immediately blown away. He was actually about to copse! Boom!¡¡ The white-haired woman took action. Her right hand glowed, and when she recovered to a very strong state, she suddenly shook the ck wind, tearing through the darkness. However, her right hand also shed flesh and blood, revealing the bones inside. Wang Xuan''s shoulders throbbed with pain, and a piece of his flesh was blown away by the dreadful wind, almost revealing his bones. The ce was too bizarre and terrifying. Even without the vast supply of transcendent material from the broken supreme treasures, a gust of wind could kill powerful beings invisibly. The ck wind came and went quickly. In the end, both of them were covered in blood but continued to move forward. Just like that, Wang Xuan and the woman walked together for five miles, which was not long at all, even for transcendents. Under normal circumstances in the past, they would have leaped over it. However, they kept getting interrupted, narrowly escaping death. This ce was too strange. "Ahead is the Lost Dao Cliff. Anyone who sets foot on it will experience a sudden drop in Dao. At the very least, I will be a mortal there. Supreme treasures there will probably lose their power of rules and transcendent characteristics, bing ordinary weapons. It''s very dangerous," said the woman. Ahead, in the vast cosmic void, there was actually a cliff, very abrupt, not like a meteorite, but a steep mountain cliff. "Take me to the cliff. You shouldn''t follow me for thest stretch. It will be ten deaths without life," the white-haired woman said. She turned to Wang Xuan and added, "On the Lost Dao Cliff, if you feel unable to resist, don''t hesitate to leave immediately. Many creatures will besiege us there. Don''t struggle to the death. It''s enough for you to apany me this far." Wang Xuan smiled bitterly. Although he had exerted himself, it seemed that he was being mentored, brought to broaden his horizons. The woman intentionally let him touch the secrets here, leaving him with this path. "I won''t force it. I''ll strive to stay alive!" Seeing her gaze, Wang Xuan responded in a positive tone.. The two leaped up, crossing the void, and arrived at the huge cliff. In an instant, shadowy figures appeared. There were all kinds of creatures, there were no howls or energy fluctuations, only silent battles. Most of these creatures had never been seen before. There were humanoid ones, giant beasts, bird-like creatures resembling golden crows, and dark demons. They went mad, crawling up from below the cliff, engaging in a life-and-death battle with them, trying to kill the two. Wang Xuan found that the Purple Celestial Dao Sword and the furnace lid had indeed turned into mundane objects, just like himself. Their Dao disappeared, and now they were grandmasters, even he himself was suppressed by the cliff. Chapter 539: The Last Light Of Transcendence Chapter 539: The Last Light Of Transcendence "How is this possible?!" eximed Wang Xuan with a low tone, unable to calm his heart. He had always been in contact with substances close to reality. Unlike many other transcendents, he was constantly exploring the Solidarity Void beneath the Life Soil. Even when several treasures trembled together, he had never fallen from his level. But after arriving here, he had unexpectedly be a mortal. This made him very ufortable. He had never thought that such a day woulde for him. Was the Lost Dao Cliff a prelude to the future? The correction of the universe, traces of transcendence would inevitably be wiped outpletely. In the long years toe, myths would be history, stories told by others, unlikely to truly reappear. In the future, would all parts of the real world be like Lost Dao Cliffs? Was this ce implying that it wanted to warn all practitioners? To make early preparations for the future. Unfortunately, Wang Xuan had never experienced the glorious era of myths but instead had experienced such cruelty. A hand asrge as a door panel pped down. He swiftly dodged it, the ground slightly trembling from the impact. At this point, even a slight mistake could lead to his miserable death here. Splurt! Blood sttered as he severed the gigantic hand with the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. Then, he advanced further, swiftly piercing the forehead of the colossal creature and killing it. A group of creatures covered in golden scales appeared. They resembled flying Yakshas. Although they had no magical powers, each one was as strong as a Great Grandmaster. Colliding with them was extremely challenging for Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan struck hard, the luster of the furnace lid faded, but it still wielded immense force like a sky-turning seal, smashing the skulls of a group of golden yakshas amid sttering sounds.¡¡¡¡There were too many ferocious creatures, unfamiliar giant insects, colorful fierce beasts, avian predators resembling golden-winged Rocs, and ghastly ghosts akin to those from hell. They crawled up from the cliffs below or plunged out from the twisted space. They were all reduced to mundane bodies, devoid of their divine abilities. This kind ofbat was even more perilous, as both sides got into close-range, life-and-death battles. Wang Xuan fought with all his might, the purple broken sword slicing through one creature''s neck after another, decapitating swathes of them. However, he was also covered in wounds, with bloodstains marking his body. His injuries were severe. "You go!" said the white-haired woman. Though she was strong, but without rules and transcendent means that she couldn''t hold out either. Overwhelmed by various creatures, she nearly had her arm bitten off by a fierce beast. She didn''t groan in pain or ask for help, but her expression was in. Though she struggled in the fight, she had already prepared herself for death. Splurt! Wang Xuan leaped forward, smashing the head of the fierce beast with the furnace lid and killing a group of creatures with the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, rescuing her. "What about my power? After transcendence extinguishes, am I destined to regress to being a mortal?" asked Wang Xuan as he refused to ept it. There, he fought against enemies, battled humanoid creatures, and shed with various beasts. His body was covered in wounds, hoping for the resurgence of the Transcendent Fire. He couldn''t ept this reality, even in the so-called Lost Dao Cliff. "I told you, you should leave, go back immediately!" The white-haired woman turned back and shouted loudly. "You''ve experienced it, you know what''s going on here. Just make sure you stay alive, leave everything for the future!" Then, she turned away and rushed towards the distance. Wang Xuan followed along, fighting desperately. Since he had promised toe here, he wouldn''t just go through the motions. He would do his best to fight until the end, only leaving when it was time to save his own life. "It¡¯s so frustrating!" he muttered to himself amidst the bloodshed. At that moment, he seemed to have returned to the days of practicing old arts, without his divine abilities, without the continuous influx of secret power, relying only on his physical body to fight. Bang! In this ce, all kinds of creatures were present. A sharp w reached from behind, piercing into his back, almost piercing through him. In an instant, blood gushed out, staining half of his body red. This made his blood boil, a feeling of explosion in his heart. He was both shocked and angry. If one day he ended up like this in the future,pletely losing his transcendence, his cultivation would lose all its meaning. Without looking back, he struck backward with his sword, cleaving the creature''s body in half and swiftly killing it. His whole body was in intense pain, with many terrifying wounds already present. But then, a sudden surge of heat flowed through him, a long-lost sensation, suddenly rising in his heart. He even saw three light spots again! "This is..." Wang Xuan muttered to himself. Then, there was a slight flow of transcendent light within him, nourishing his withered body. There was a powerful force within his physique again, although far from what it used to be, it surpassed that of an ordinary person. Moreover, with the passage of time, that power seemed to be slowly increasing. Wang Xuan realized that his heart was gradually calming down. This was the power from within himself. In that brief moment, he almost teared up, his eyes turned misty. He still had the power of transcendence. He couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen If he lost the meaning of cultivation in the future. If it could be like this in the Lost Dao Cliff, then it meant that he should also still have a chance in the face of the corrections of the vast universe. "Kill!" shouted Wang Xuan. With the purple sword in hand, he swept through the area, charging forward with the white-haired woman, constantly fighting with heads of various creatures rolling down around them. Finally, the two of them reached the edge of the Lost Dao Cliff. They were finally about to leave the area. Behind them were piles of corpses, and everywhere were fragments of body parts. It was like a scene from hell. With the heavily wounded white-haired woman on his back, he leaped up and rushed out of the vast cliff. Stepping onto a piece ofnd, he saw a strange celestial sky above him, with a small piece ofnd suspended in the air. "Put me down. My cultivation has begun to recover here. Don''t follow me. I''m about to reach my destination. If you continue with me, you will die," the woman said as shended on the ground. Indeed, Wang Xuan felt an extremely dangerous aura here, making him profoundly uneasy. Death seemed to be getting closer to him. If he continued, he might disappear from the mortal realm. "Elder!" shouted Wang Xuan, looking at her. "You''ve done well. I believe you can safely return to the mortal realm along the same path," the woman said. Her aura changed, her cultivation recovering and advancing all the way. At that moment, her wounds healed and her body was sparkling. She was emitting a sacred radiance, the residual power of rules reappearing, probably surpassing Earth Immortal Dao. She instructed Wang Xuan to leave this small piece ofnd, saying, "You can carefully watch my path. Regardless of whether I seed or fail, you don''t need to intervene. Just turn back when you see the result." Wang Xuan nodded silently. Boom! As the woman soared into the air and rushed forward, endless ck substances surged up from the entirend, turning into mes and thunder, all falling on her. She was unable to evade it as even the entire space copsed due to the burning. Around them, the cosmic spacetime was already distorted. Being burned and struck by lightning like this made it even more distorted, as if it was on the verge of copse. Wang Xuan''s pupils contracted. The ck substances surging up ahead of this piece ofnd were simr to the red substances he had encountered in the Solitary Void. They were both extremely terrifying, as if they could destroy everything. What kind of ce was this? How could there be such ck substances that were infinitely close-to-reality! His heart trembled. The white-haired woman remained silent, glowing all over as she fought. However, as time passed, even she, as powerful as she was, was burned to the point where her flesh fell off, her blood dried up, her bones charred ck, and her hair long gone. Her figure was extremely deste. It was unbearable to witness, but she herself remained steadfast, never uttering a sound of pain. She continued to silently charge forward! "Elder!" Wang Xuan whispered, able to sense that kind of agony. He had once floated and traversed in the sea of red substances with the help of theplete Life Essence Furnace. At that time, he felt the pain of his spirit being torn apart. With treasures in hand, he was still unable to pass through the meteorite passage. Now, the woman was submerged in the ocean of ck substances. She was surrounded by ck mes, without anything to rely on. Yet, she didn''t make a sound and charged forward. Until the end, she was stumbling and about to fall. Her body no longer had any flesh, only charred bones remained. Her spirit had dimmed. Finally, she copsed halfway on the road. Wang Xuan watched, his heart aching. Did she actually die? She was a seeker with strong willpower and unwavering determination. However, she finally couldn''t hold on and fell in the sea of ck substances. "Hmm?" Suddenly, Wang Xuan noticed that the woman moved again, crawling up with the dim light of her spirit. She exerted herst strength and rushed towards the cknd. Around her, the distorted spacetime became even more blurred. She crossed the sea of ck substances and had actually broken through! She had a strong belief. Her bones were broken by the burning, her body was nearly falling apart, her spirit was about to extinguish, yet she still didn''t give up. With a leap, the woman left the cknd and rushed towards the destination she pursued in her heart. She had finally seeded andnded there. The originally dark space suddenly brightened. The front was extremely vast, the spacetime no longer distorted. It instantly became brilliant, as if the dark universe had been ignited. Then, she stepped into a shining ce. At that moment, her flesh regenerated, she was beginning to reshape her body. Not only that, her strength continued to increase, surpassing the suppression of the mortal realm, rising all the way. Her jet-ck hair surged, fluttering. Her figure glowed and became crystal-clear. She was covered in light of ascension again, transcending the mundane. At that moment, she once again became a supreme being, merging with the rules. She was bing younger, returning to the peak state of her life. The woman didn''t look back at all. She was extremely determined, rushing towards the brilliant end! Wang Xuan''s heart surged with emotions. He was feeling happy for her, watching her go far away. However, at thest moment, at the shining end, the woman suddenly stiffened and stopped moving. She turned her head back with struggle and looked at Wang Xuan for thest time. She seemed to be saying something, then did her best to turn her head away. She still wanted to take another step forward, chasing after thend of her dreams. Splurt! In thest moment, she exploded, her body shattered, dissipated, bloodlight fell, and the entire brilliant world became quiet, then plunged intoplete darkness. Wang Xuan was shaken, his heart was filled with pain. He wasmenting for her, regretting for her, feeling unwillingness for her. His heart felt empty. Did she really die like this? In thatst moment, he had witnessed thest light of the transcendence in this era. Chapter 540: Where To Go After The Correction Of The Universe? Chapter 540: Where To Go After The Correction Of The Universe? The brilliant light extinguished in an instant, and the whole world fell silent. Wang Xuan stood alone there without movement, gazing into the endless darkness. At that moment, he clearly saw hope. She had regained her peak state, with her white hair receding and wrinkles smoothed, only to freeze in ce at the critical moment. With firm determination, she had exerted all her strength to take the final step, only to end up exploding, shattered into pieces, forever silent. Wang Xuan felt a lump in his heart. At that moment, she struggled to turn around and look back at him. What did she want to say to Wang Xuan? She was too far, and he couldn''t sense that kind of spiritual fluctuation. Until her death, what race she was, what era she came from, which life she originated from, would remain unknown. Wang Xuan turned around and left quickly. He left behind no words, only firmly remembering that final scene. The white-haired woman was a determined seeker, with a strong will. As she died, that glimmer mixed with crimson blood froze in that moment. Wang Xuan knew that even after many years had passed, he would never forget this day. Sooner orter, he too would tread a simr path. Behind him, the ck mes raged, engulfing the entirend, erasing all traces left by the woman. On Lost Dao Cliff, Wang Xuan remained silent, wielding the Purple Celestial Dao Sword in his right hand and holding the furnace lid in his left. He fought fiercely against various creatures, sustaining many wounds as he fought his way through. On the journey back, he remained silent. He was deeply immersed in battle, facing various inexplicable creatures. But his belief in himself only grew stronger. Perhaps this era would no longer allow the emergence of transcendence. The vast universe corrected the trajectory of the temporal deviation, returning everything to normal.¡¡¡¡But still, he had to continue. In this age where myths were no longer possible, he would explore transcendence alone. He was determined to carve out his own path. Even if there were nopanions in the future, he would move forward nheless. Because of this woman''s actions, he was deeply inspired, his heart touched. The silent ck wind blew in, and all kinds of creatures on this path that were from the distorted time and space vanished, shattered into smoke and dust. The broken treasure in Wang Xuan''s hand emitted light, resisting the ck wind. With firm steps, he crossed the deathly ground. He left the final dangerous section and entered the vast void of the universe. Every few steps, there was a blood stained fragment of a meteorite, burning, illuminating his way home. This was the blood path paved by the woman and several others, and it was reignited by her today. It was still able to burn for half a day. Wang Xuan was covered in wounds, some he got from the Lost Dao Cliff, others from his earlier battles with Qi Tian and Shang Yi. These wounds would be troublesome after the disappearance of myths. Fortunately, the fragments of meteorite on this path still emitted light, retaining thest traces of transcendent radiation. As he hurried along, he also had time to heal. In less than half a day, Wang Xuan returned ahead of schedule. He passed through the twisted space and entered the space radiated by the fire pit. There were still lingering mes there, reflecting the blood-covered body of Celestial Sword Maiden on the blue stone. The mechanical bear stood motionless, protecting Jiang Qingyao. The transcendent radiation made it slightly more agile, but the change was not significant. It had degraded severely now. "The bear¡­ is very worried," it expressed mechanically. Wang Xuan nodded, temporarily powerless to change its current state. Jiang Qingyao''s condition had improved a lot. There was a strong vitality in her body, broken bones were reconnected, twisted organs had reformed, and even her spirit was healing. Most importantly, the crack in her origin was shrinking, and the copsed Life Soil was being sorted out. Wang Xuan watched quietly. Time was running out. With the death of the white-haired woman, the path of meteorite fragments and the firelight here were about to extinguish. He opened the gourd and the fragment of the Blessed Land, took out some things, wrapped them in a dim robe, and carried them on his back. After leaving here, all spatial containers could not be opened. He took out the essential items. As for various misceneous items, they were sealed inside regardless of their importance. Three quarters of an hourter, the me died down with smoke lingering. Wang Xuan did not leave immediately but remained here, waiting for the faint radiation from the dying embers to dissipatepletely. Two dayster, the residuals of the fire pit dwindled to less than the size of a facete, and the radiated space gradually disappeared, with a radius of less than two meters left. Wang Xuan sighed lightly, picking up Jiang Qingyao and leaving the bottle world,pletely sealing the lid. "Will she survive?" the mechanical bear asked stiffly. "I don''t know," replied Wang Xuan, frowning and looking at the motionless Celestial Sword Maiden. Although she had regained vitality, the hidden dangers left by the transcendence had not beenpletely eliminated. Now she was just maintaining a state of bnce, not deteriorating further, but also not improving. It was calm and silent. Wang Xuan drew the Purple Celestial Dao Sword, the sparkling de reflecting his face. Now, only the Life Essence Furnace could save her. He wanted to hunt down Shang Yi! But how could he confront an opponent who was even more powerful than an Earth Immortal? "What about the three men and two women chasing him? Have they severely injured him?" he muttered. This might be the only chance. He assessed his own condition. The final transcendent radiation had actually improved his condition. Apart from some minor bone fractures, he was more or less unscathed. As time passed, he would recoverpletely. "Let¡¯s turn around and go find Shang Yi!" Wang Xuan thought, even if those beings that had rushed out from the back of his innerndscape were in poor condition and close to death, they could probably still severely injure the Sword Lunatic. The mechanical bear looked nk and said, "Oh, are you going to die for love?" "What nonsense are you talking about? I''m going hunting!" said Wang Xuan, correcting the bear. The mechanical bear said, "The spaceship has been in automatic long-distance navigation mode for the past two days. I¡¯ve received a lot of information, everyone is looking for you." ¡­¡­ For three days and two nights, the outside world was turned upside down. Many transcendents died inrge numbers. It was far more terrifying than people had previously estimated, and many people¡¯s level kept falling. Fang Yuzhu pursued Shang Yi, shaking many star domains. The shadow couple went crazy, trying to rescue Wang Xuan but couldn''t find him. They then went after another body of Shang Yi, causing explosions everywhere. "They''ve gone mad, killing recklessly. They''re besieging the evil spirits and killing those who plotted against Wang Xuan." The news spread like a storm sweeping across thend. People didn''t know if the shadow couple and others had caught up with Shang Yi, but they heard that they were constantly taking action. "Wang Xuan is dead?" Many people were shocked. They had all heard his name. Several days ago, he battled the peerless transcendent Qi Tian and sessfully killed the evil spirit, causing a huge sensation. Moreover, his earlier battles with various gods in the Land of the Undying had long been circted. It was impossible to ignore him. After his ident, it triggered a big battle between the peerless transcendents. There was a bigmotion because of it. "What does it have to do with me? Why are you blocking my way?" asked Demon Ancestor Qi Yi who was stopped by the shadow couple in the New World. They wanted to attack him. "Shang Yi, Qi Yi, both Yis, are not good people. You targeted Wang Xuan earlier, right? We''re ready to settle the score with you," said Demon Lord''s mother. Qi Yi almost cursed, but held back. The other party was carrying the Immortal Umbre. Even in this era, treasures still held considerable deterrence. Besides, these two were peerless transcendents who had temporarily preserved the Earth Immortal Dao. Originally, that was enough to suppress him. The Demon Ancestor Qi Yi sighed and said, "You two, I''ve heard of implicating nine generations, but never heard of implicating even names. I have never had any deep-seated hatred with Wang Xuan. On the contrary, my second son Qi Liandao has no grudges with him and even calls him uncle." What''s this? Qi Liandao''s main body was right beside him. He really wanted to retort. Who called that kid uncle? But seeing the stern gaze of his father, he could only remain silent. Demon Lord''s father spoke, "Forget it, we''re not unreasonable people. Let''s let it go for now. Think about it, who has always had ill intentions toward Wang Xuan?" Qi Yi helplessly pointed out and said, "The creator of the Demonic Embryo Technique is very mysterious. He has always wanted to find the strongest flesh body to adapt to this era!" "He''s elusive, we haven''t found him!" replied Demon Lord¡¯s mother. In fact, over the past three days and two nights, they had been acting frantically, killing the golden figure that had once cooperated with Qi Tian. That person turned out to be a powerful evil spirit! At the same time, they also made a trip to the Old World, to the deep underground pce. They intended to kill the mysterious strongman whose body was decaying and had been staying in the mortal realm. Unfortunately, that peerless transcendent from the depths of the earth had long since fled. "We don''t have much time left. If we stay in the mortal realm for too long, the Earth Immortal Dao won''t be preserved, and they will inevitably fall. It''s time to consider leaving," sighed Demon Lord''s father. He felt sorry for Wang Xuan''s parents. In the end, with the end of the transcendent era, this child was met with mishap. They found Wang Xuan''s blood on the spot, inrge quantities, as if all his blood had been drained, but there was no sign of him. They assumed he had been cruelly smashed by Shang Yi. "As long as this child is alive, even if his body is damaged, I''m willing to let Yan Yan marry him aspensation," said Demon Lord¡¯s mother. The two sighed, feeling that hope was slim. Saying this was just a way to cling to hope and find some psychologicalfort. "Any news from Fang Yuzhu?" asked the father. "She''s too reckless. She''s chasing Shang Yi''s main body and has entered the highest level of the spiritual realm. After the universe was corrected, the spiritual realm dimmed and closed. It''s very dangerous to break into it at this special time. There''s still no news about her," replied the mother. The two frowned, feeling worried. At that moment, they were in the spaceship, entering the universe. Where should they go in this era? In fact, this was a big problem that all sessful cultivators were considering. Life and destiny had reached a crossroads. Should they stay behind and spend the rest of their lives peacefully, or take the risk of venturing far away and seeking a path of transcendent survival in death? "Judging from the direction Shang Yi escaped, he most likely went straight on the road, intending to break through to the highest level of the spiritual realm," said Demon Lord¡¯s father. Suddenly, the spaceship received a signal, there was feedback. "What, it''s Wang Xuan, he''s still alive!" eximed Demon Lord''s mother. She was instantly stunned. Amidst the bloody battle with the Sword Lunatic, Wang Xuan had actually survived?What an astonishing achievement! Just how powerful was this child in the real world?¡¡¡¡ The two were excited, immediately sending out messages to those who were anxiously searching for Wang Xuan, such as Demon Lord Yan Yan, Zhang Daoling, and others. At the same time, they directly video-called Wang Xuan to understand the details and see for themselves how he was doing. "Child, where are you?" asked Demon Lord''s mother. She was more emotional, her expression excited. Seeing him in tattered battle clothes, covered in bloodstains, she was very worried. "I''m looking for Shang Yi and I need your help. I want to hunt him down and retrieve the Life Essence Furnace to save someone!" Wang Xuan said, preparing to seek assistance from all the peerless transcendents. Time waits for no one. Although Celestial Sword Maiden was temporarily maintaining a bnced state, she would eventually die if she didn''t improve and regain consciousness. The illness left by the transcendence could only be cured with the Life Essence Furnace. "The Life Essence Furnace? We have it. We found it on the road while looking for you, but we don''t have the lid," Demon Lord¡¯s father spoke, directly picking up the ancient-looking furnace. Wang Xuan was suddenly stunned. When things seemed hopeless, opportunities arose unexpectedly. He had lost hope, thinking about the vast universe and where to find Shang Yi. He never expected the turning point toe like this. He grabbed the lid and said, "I have the lid with me. Where are you? I''lle over immediately!" "We''ll choose a middle ground and elerate to meet you," Demon Lord''s mother said. They hadn''t found Wang Xuan initially. After the mother ship of Shang Yi exploded, they rushed to the scene for the first time, where they found blood and spaceship wreckage. They also unexpectedly found the Life Essence Furnace from a distance. They didn''t know what had happened exactly. Wang Xuan spected that the three men and two women had severely injured Shang Yi. He probably hurriedly escaped, eager to shake off thest pursuit of those few people. He didn''t even have time to pick up the furnace after throwing it out. "Wang Xuan, you need to carefully consider your journey. This era is not suitable for us to stay for long. Where do we go from here? Do you want to leave with us?" The shadow couple said solemnly and seriously, urging him to think carefully. Chapter 541: Son Chapter 541: Son Like a sudden cold wave in the night, winter ising, and the era of the transcendent ends just like that. Within a few days, many immortals died, returning to normalcy. Large numbers of transcendents fell from the sky, bing ordinary mortals. What should I do now? Wang Xuan pondered. Deep down, he didn''t want to leave. He had parents, friends, and everyone he knew and recognized in this familiar world. Unlike immortals, he didn''t feel detached from the present world. His attachment to his homnd had faded over the years, so leaving wasn''t such a difficult choice. He wanted to be with his loved ones and didn''t want to let go of these feelings. But was he really carving his own path if he stayed in this world? He actually didn''t know, without absolute certainty. "The north wind rolls the white grasses, the eternal winter covers the dark night, myths wither away, swept away, and vanish forever," Wang Xuan muttered to himself. Standing in the spaceship, Wang Xuan looked through therge screen at the deep universe. He felt insignificant, just a in the vast expanse of the cosmos, not even a speck of dust. However, in such a vast universe, there was no longer a ce for transcendent. Cultivators had no way forward, losing theirst Pure Land. He worried about the shadow couple. Where did they want to go? Was it feasible?Just after witnessing the tragic demise of the white-haired woman in a ze of blood, he didn''t want anyone else around him to embark on a path of no return. "I want to have a good talk with them about the Life Soil after the copse of myth, listen to their opinions, and discuss each other''s paths," Wang Xuan pondered. The silver-white spaceship journeyed far, and the two sides were not too far apart. They met six hourster. The shadow couple''s spaceship was veryrge, overall silver-gray, resembling floating mountains of steel, with a strong sense of oppression. "Wang Xuan!" They opened the cabin door, traversed the void, and in a sh entered Wang Xuan''s spaceship. As Earth Immortals, they were now at the top of the present world. Now, they revealed their forms. These were their physical bodies reshaped after obtaining the supreme treasures, before the copse of the Great Barrier. They were no longer in shadow form. One was a handsome uncle, calm, and very stylish. Although he had long hair like an ancient person, his attire was quite modern. The other was a beautiful woman with phoenix eyes, charming but not frivolous. Even when calm, she exuded a cold elegance and a kind of domineering aura as if overlooking the world. She used to be the Lord of the Celestial Fox, the Twelve-tailed Celestial Fox. The two grabbed Wang Xuan. As Earth Immortal-level powerhouses, they could touch and know his condition with just a thought, which was nothing serious. Moreover, both of them felt that he was very strong. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have been able to kill the terrifying Earth Immortal-level evil spirit attached to Qi Tian''s body. "It''s good that you''re okay!" They breathed a sigh of relief, treating him like family because they had watched him grow up. "Son!" Demon Lord¡¯s father, Yan Mingcheng, grinned and patted him on the shoulder. This address almost stunned Wang Xuan. What was he calling me? He looked at the handsome uncle, and the other''s eyes seemed a bit passionate. Demon Lord¡¯s mother, Bai Jingshu,ughed instantly after seeing his reaction. Yan Mingcheng looked at him and said, "What, don''t like it? I know you better than anyone else. I even know about your embarrassing moments from when you were a child, like the time you beat up other kids or gave flowers to girls." He couldn''t stand being teased like this. When did this happen? He had no recollection of it at all. It seemed like he had been called in by the teachers a few times when he was in kindergarten. Bai Jingshu smiled and said, "Impressive! I''ve watched you grow up, but I still haven''t seen through you. You actually killed an Earth Immortal in the present world. Even if the two of us faced the terrifying evil spirit that possessed Qi Tian alone, we might not have been able to capture him." "If you don''t want me to call you son, do you want me to call you son-inw? Let me be clear upfront. In modern terms, I''m a fierce protector of my daughter. Considering your various behaviors, it''s hard not to get angry. You''re likely to break your legs in the future!" Yan Mingcheng said, recalling his recent prayer. He had prayed that as long as Wang Xuan was alive, even if he had problems with his body, even if he was disabled, he would be willing to offer his daughter¡¯s hand in marriage forpensation. But now, seeing him alive and kicking without any problems, Yan Mingcheng felt a bit awkward again. He always felt that there were too many women around him. Wang Xuan wiped his sweat. He couldn''t respond to his words, feeling like they were on different wavelengths now. "For example, there''s a girl on the spaceship, I know her. She''s known as the top expert in the domain of the ancient Immortal Dao. She''s¡­ in trouble. Do you want to use the Life Essence Furnace to save her?" asked Yan Mingcheng, looking at Celestial Sword Maiden. "Yes, saving lives is urgent. We can talk about other matterster," replied Wang Xuan as he nodded, took the Life Essence Furnace, and merged it with the furnace lid. Only then did it beplete again, exuding the aura of a supreme treasure, with residual rules inside! This is the miraculous aspect of a Dao Shielding-level treasure, supreme and unparalleled. Even in this special era, it still holds some power. However, with the passage of time, it''s unknown what will ultimately happen to these supreme treasures. Will they also fade away, losing their essence? Wang Xuan sat cross-legged. When his spirit projected out, he felt a slight sluggishness, and the difficulty had increased significantlypared to before. He quickly held the Life Essence Furnace and entered the Life Soil. All of this reminded him that the times had changed. There were not many people who could project their spirit anymore. He rushed towards the bottom of the Life Soil, heading towards the void. Along the way, he couldn''t help but furrow his brows as he sensed something unusual. His Life Soil seemed somewhat hazy, with mist swirling around. However, there were no surprises along the way, just that his speed¡­ had slowed down. This made him slightly distracted. Could it be that in this era, the Life Soil and the void would also descend into the mortal realm? He arrived at the rugged edge of the pool, where the silver substance was still rich and radiant, emitting a colorful glow. Several mountains surrounded the pool, each of them cultivating Heavenly Herbs. "Will this ce decline, with all the Heavenly Herbs withering away?" Wang Xuan wondered. He didn''t know. Using the Life Essence Furnace to collect the silver substance and then gathering some Heavenly Herb leaves, he harvested a heap of tea fruits. He spent several times more time than before to return to the real world. This made him feel somewhat worried. If this continued, would he still be able to freely enter and leave the world at the back of the Life Soil? "Drawing from within oneself? There are some mysteries here, very much like the methods of those legendary figures," said Yan Mingcheng as he nodded, specting. "I''ll tell you everything in a moment!" Wang Xuan said. He was now no weaker than an Earth Immortal. Even in this depleted era, he still possessed some powerful means. Activating the fragmented rules contained in the Life Essence Furnace, it was directly erged. Then, he picked up Jiang Qingyao, ced her inside, and then added some crimson divine liquid from the Spiritual Blood Pool. "I refuse to believe that we still can''t save someone even with the Life Essence Furnace here, containing the silver substance and the blood from the Spiritual Blood Pool!" eximed Wang Xuan with determination. Sure enough, he sensed it. Celestial Sword Maiden''s condition was improving, it was showing immediate effects. The vitality within her was strengthening, and she even had an extremely weak heartbeat every few minutes. If it weren''t for the power of transcendence, in the present world, even the heartbeat would have long stopped. When that happened, it could only be considered that the person had died and was beyond saving. "The girl is really lucky toe back to life from this," the shadow couple both sighed. Few people could survive being pierced by the sword light of Shang Yi. Those who did were destined to die in a very tragic manner. "Hmm?" At that moment, Yan Mingcheng received a message from his own spaceship, indicating a very important signal. He quickly returned to that massive vessel. After a moment, he returned and said, "Fang Yuzhu and the peerless transcendents who control the Pool of Life chased after Shang Yi. They fought their way into the highest level of the Spiritual Realm. Although they severely injured him, they had failed to kill him. Wang Xuan was surprised to hear this. In normal times, it was very dangerous to enter the highest level of the Spiritual Realm, and now it was even more terrifying. "Shang Yi will probably take that path. Moreover, he has very powerful helpers there, and he has set up aplete Number Two Killing Formation. Sessfully escaping the pursuit, he disappeared," said Yan Mingcheng. "However, he has been killed three or four times in session, and his body''s condition is worrying. In today''s era, even if he obtains the fortune of the highest level Spiritual Realm, he will find it difficult to recover and dare not cause trouble without ten or twenty years of recuperation," Yan Mingcheng added, "And, he may not be able toe out. As the correction of the universe ispleted, the Spiritual Realms are closing one by one, and it''s very difficult to reopen." "Only one choice is left for Shang Yi''s true self. He can only break through from the highest level of the Spiritual Realm, taking that difficult and secret path, searching for the Transcendent Realm that has never been touched, and may not even exist," said Yan Mingcheng, exining the details. Then, Yan Mingcheng and Bai Jingzhu mentioned intercepting Wang Xuan, smashing the Life Essence Furnace in the universe, and destroying Shang Yi''s mother ship. "I suspect he encountered an inexplicable enemy and blew up his innerndscape. I felt a special aura after his innerndscape copsed. In that case, without ten or twenty years of recuperation, he wouldn¡¯t dare toe out even if he survives." When they said this, Bai Jingzhu suddenly looked stunned, then shocked, looking at Wang Xuan, asking, "Did your innerndscape also have an ident?" The expressions of the couple changedpletely. After the innerndscape naturally decayed and closed, there was no big problem. But if it was shattered by an external force, it would be very harmful to the body. In severe cases, the foundation would copse, and the vitality would be greatly damaged. "I''m fine," said Wang Xuan, shaking his head. He told them that his physical body, spirit, and innerndscape were all in Nirvana, condensed, turning into three light spots, with a new innerndscape incubating and ready to emerge at any time. "The decaying innerndscape was originally about to fall off," said Wang Xuan. He didn''t hide it from them. "It''s fine for the physical body and the spirit, but¡­" The two of them were stunned. They had never heard of anyone whose innerndscape could also undergo Nirvana and regenerate anew! Wang Xuan was prepared to tell them about his situation in detail, including the end of the white-haired woman''s relentless pursuit of Dao. "Let¡¯s return to the Old World, and we''ll talk in detail after we''re there. Yan Yan, Xu Fu, Zhang Daoling, and Mingxue are all there. Fang Yuzhu has also returned from the highest-level Spiritual Realm and is back to the Old World. With more peoplees more ideas. We can brainstorm together and see if the path you mentioned is feasible." The shadow couple roughly understood the peculiarities within him and found it somewhat incredible. In history, there had been vague records left by super civilizations, but they were only suggestive words that requiredter generations to specte. As a result, Wang Xuan gave them a surprise. He actually did it and went out quite far. "Son, you''re really tight-lipped. It¡¯s fine that we didn''t reveal our rtionship to you earlier, and we haven''t sat down to talk about it, but you''ve known Yan Yan for a long time. You never mentioned it to her?" said Yan Mingcheng as he was displeased. Obviously, after the couple returned, topensate for theck of care, dotting on Yan Yan had be the norm. Wang Xuan sighed, saying, "Early on, Sister Yan Yan was the biggest antagonist in my heart." "What are you saying?!" eximed the couple. Jiang Qingyao''s physical condition was improving. Sleeping in the Life Essence Furnace, not only did she have extremely faint pulses, but even her spirit asionally had shes of light passing through, indicating that she was being repaired. ¡­¡­ They traversed through the wormhole and rushed back to the Old World that day. They saw Fang Yuzhu, whose shattered battle armor was stained with blood. She had hurried back from the exit of the highest-level Spiritual Realm corresponding to the New World. They also met Xu Fu, Zhang Daoling, and others. In the spacious estate left by Qing Mu, these people gathered together. Everyone looked at Wang Xuan with strange expressions, quite surprised and somewhat incredulous about his achievements. Killing Earth Immortals in the real world was shocking and outrageous. Demon Lord Yan Yan, Xu Fu, Zhang Daoling, and the Hades Blood Patriarch all acknowledged that if they really encountered Qi Tian, they would definitely end tragically. Now, almost every peerless transcendent who survived had a supreme treasure in their hands. Those who could control such powerful weapons proved their unmatched strength. In the past, the peerless transcendent were dominant, and even the immortals bowed their heads. Nowadays, in the real world, it''s the Earth Immortals who were supreme, while the transcendence decayed. "Everyone, it''s not that I wanted to conceal it. In the past, I was too weak. I was afraid that I would be hunted down by the immortals if the news leaked out, or even be dissected and studied by you," Wang Xuan said, deciding to confess his secrets, and he couldn''t help but nce at Demon Lord Yan Yan. "What do you mean, why are you looking at me like that? Don''t you trust me?" asked Demon Lord. Her beautiful eyes emitted a radiant glow as she red at him. Wang Xuan retorted, unafraid at all, saying, "In the past, you were always like this, always trying to capture me. At first, you wanted to disable me in order to guide you back." "Speak nicely, we''re all family. At that time, she didn''t even know who you were," said Yan Mingcheng, defending his daughter as usual. "My path contains substances close to reality, and even in its depths, there are surges of genuine energy crystal particles¡­" Wang Xuan exined slowly. In that special era, for those who were unwilling to give up the transcendent path and still wanted to move forward, the choice of what to do next was a difficult one. None of the options were safe, so it required collective brainstorming to discuss the future path. THey needed to discuss whether they should leave the real world or not. Chapter 542: A Different Path Chapter 542: A Different Path Underneath the Life Soil, there is a ce called the Ethereal Realm, suspected to be near the true source," the young man postted, startling Zhang Daoling. Could there really be a path beneath the Life Soil? Zhang Daoling, a venerable leader revered for his vast knowledge, had heard tales of such phenomena from the lost super civilizations, but he had never ventured there himself. "A young man, born of the mortal world and not ascended to the heavens, managed to discover this on his own?" he wondered aloud. "Underneath the Life Soil, another universe exists? You nt celestial herbs and mine meteor paths there¡ªcould it indeed be a genuine path?" Xu Fu also marveled, suddenly caught in a trance. His curiosity piqued, he remembered their encounters in the secretnds. He had been astounded back then; how could this young man, not an immortal, repeatedly endure the deadly radiations of the lostnds? "Traversing the Meteor Path, crossing the Sea of Red Mists, could one really enter a vast supermundane world, a realm where myths are perennial and reality unfading?" The Hades Blood Patriarch eximed, thrilled by the prospect. A newfound secret path might indeed be viable, potentially granting new life to myths and reshaping the world of the extraordinary. Simultaneously, the Patriarch felt a pang of envy, "Growing a few celestial herbs, they thrived like it''s your backyard, casually sipping on celestial tea. Wait a moment... no, that''s not right." He snapped back to reality, suddenly thinking of Hengjun''s tea tree that Wang Xuan had casually mentioned. "Young man, weren''t you the one who impersonated me, the Hades Blood Patriarch, killed Zheng Yuantian, and stole Hengjun¡¯s tea tree?" he used, his eyes widening.All eyes turned towards him, suspecting the truth of his words. "That was merely an experiment gone awry," Wang Xuan exined modestly. "I hadn''t anticipated that the mists rising from the Life Soil could forge a safe passage into the immortal realms." Everyone was spellbound by the revtion that the true source might be connected beneath the Life Soil, from where the mists emerged, suggesting a path into the grand barrier above. The possibility sparked a flurry of thoughts. "Could we have been wrong? Should our exploration have been directed beneath the Life Soil rather than on it? This notion is revolutionary!" Even the Demon Lord was lost in thought. Yan Mingcheng shook his head, trying to reassure his dear one, "The realm beneath the Life Soil has been known since ancient times. Super civilizations have attempted to explore it, but how many have traversed it without getting lost? In an era dominated by such civilizations, only a handful have seeded, making it far from universal." Bai Jingshu added, "ording to fragments from ancient texts, civilizations that possessed the Sovereign g and the Curtain of Heaven Mirror tried to explore it but failed, and both civilizations suffered devastating blows, ending in bloody decline." "From what you''ve described, only the spirit can enter beneath the Life Soil. If one were to pursue ascension in this manner, approaching the true source might necessitate abandoning the physical body," Fang Yuzhu spoke up. The concept of spiritual ascension seemed akin to entering the grand barrier¡ªenduring the onught of supreme thunder and relinquishing the physical body to let the spirit enter the immortal realm. "This is a dilemma," Wang Xuan nodded. He had always valued the physical body and was not willing to forsake it lightly. Fang Yuzhu continued, "Perhaps, the realm beneath the Life Soil isn¡¯t a true transcendent world after all. The so-called true source might actually be your physical body. The divine origin starts from the Life Soil and is ethereal, without a corresponding physical site in the body. Maybe the true exploration beneath the Life Soil is a journey within your own body?¡± This new perspective took everyone aback; it was usible. Otherwise, why would the true source never have manifested any signs in the real world? Wang Xuan agreed, having previously harbored simr thoughts. "After all this discussion, there¡¯s no substitute for seeing it ourselves," Old Zhang interjected, eager and ready to explore Wang Xuan¡¯s Life Soil. Wang Xuan nodded, "Agreed, but we must not linger too long, or risk assimtion and fusion." The group was intrigued. In a world where the extraordinary was fading, any new path was worth exploring, and they were keen to witness it firsthand.With a series of whooshes, they prepared for their journey into the enigmatic depths beneath the Life Soil. Beams of spiritual essence flickered and flew, but each participant felt an increasing resistance, a stiffness that was growing day by day. "Time is of the essence. If we dy any longer, will we even be able to project our spirits a few days from now?" the Elder of the Abyssal Blood Sect grimaced, having struggled mightily to detach his spirit from his body. "It''s quite serious!" affirmed the Demoness Yan Yun, nodding her agreement. It was bing evident that in the future, aside from Earthly Immortals, others might find it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to venture forth in spirit form, stifled by the cosmic forces that were tightening their grip. "Let''s go," Wang Xuan led the way, opting not to use the Nurturing Furnace this time as Bai Jingshu''s Undying Umbre and Fang Yuzhu''s Curtain Bracelet would suffice. "The path has hardened, it''s more obscure than before; there areplications," Wang Xuan noted as they traversed the Life Soil, sensing greater resistance than before. Navigating with the two treasured artifacts took longer than it had previously, but eventually, they arrived near a celestial pool surrounded by small Life Soil hills teeming with vibrant celestial herbs and tea trees, all floating in the profound cosmic void, astonishing those present. "Let''s have some tea," Wang Xuan invited the group, plucking tea fruits. This time,cking vessels, he suggested they collect dew directly from the tea leaves with their spirits, drawing strands of red mist to burn as a cauldron in the void. "Ah, this is truly splendid," mused Zhang Daoling, savoring the taste. "Think about it, floating inds in the cosmic void, a lone celestial pool, secluded immortality. Here, one can meditate, sip tea, and contemte the scriptures. Quite delightful." "Can we drink from the pool as well?" asked the Elder of the Abyssal Blood Sect, toozy to gather dew drops. "Uh, I use that for bathing," Wang Xuan cautioned. The group gave him a less-than-pleased look, having just considered tasting the celestial liquid themselves. Gathering around in this ancient locale, Wang Xuan shared tales of the void beyond, of creatures he''d seen after the copse of their innerndscapes, and of the white-haired woman who met her end at the radiation road''s terminus. "The supremely powerful beings of ancient times merged with the great curtain and attained unity with it. It¡¯s a pity¡ªdespite her resolute belief and formidable will, she perished at the end of her path," Wang Xuan narrated. The group felt a poignant connection to the story, seeing in her fate a possible reflection of their own futures, risking everything on a path that might lead to simr ends. Later, they ventured into the meteor pathway. Old Zhang, undeterred by tales of danger, advanced alone with zeal. He indeed made it far but ultimately, scorched and reciting incantations, fled back in a frenzied retreat. "Why does this ce seem familiar, as if I''ve known it?" Fang Yuzhu furrowed her brow, a vague memory stirring within her. Among them, her spiritual essence was so potent that she retained impressions where others did not. Wang Xuan did not conceal the past. He recounted their history, and the connections they had all once shared here. "Is that torn skirt of the Demoness, the one found in your possession, from here?" Old Zhang inquired, aware of the incident. It had been identally documented in a photo by Qingmu, inadvertently serving as evidence. The Demoness Yan Yun¡¯s gaze turned murderous at the mention. "Yan Qingyan, what happened here? Tell me," her mother Bai Jingshu interjected, her strict upbringing making her concern for her daughter''s seemingly scandalous behavior quite apparent. Despite the Demoness being nearly three thousand years old, to Bai Jingshu, she was still a young girl not fully grown, prompting her to sternly use her full name. "Another Qing," Wang Xuan muttered under his breath, referring humorously to the number of women he knew with the name "Qing," now totaling three. The recounting of past events prompted Yan Mingcheng to p Wang Xuan on the shoulder, chuckling heartily in a manner that only a father protecting his daughter could understand. If not for Wang Xuan''s ability to withstand the force of and immortal, Old Zhang and the Bloodshade Hierophant would have surely been ttened to the ground under such power. "This path is too treacherous," Fang Yuzhu sighed. "Navigating through the meteor pathway and above, through the sea of red mist, even with divine treasures for protection, it¡¯s unstable. Evennd immortals could be incinerated. It¡¯s conceivable that the higher one goes, the more perilous it bes." Shemented the difficulty of this path, which was unique to Wang Xuan''s Underworld Soil; others could not linger long. "Is it the same beneath the Underworld Soil of everyone?" Old Zhang wondered aloud before shaking his head. They were eager to explore, but at their level of cultivation, the essence umted in their Underworld Soil was too "dense." They would need the aid of a spiritual third eye to ensure they did not get lost. "Let''s return and arm ourselves with divine treasures. In this special era, we must explore beneath our own Underworld Soil with all our might," Yan Mingcheng dered. They returned to the real world, where the Demoness volunteered to lead the way, with Wang Xuan by her side and Bai Jingshu opening the path with the undying umbre. "This Underworld Soil is very tough, somewhat difficult to traverse," Wang Xuan noted. Initially, their progress was smooth, but as they delved deeper, the Demoness Yan Qingyan called a halt, unable to endure any longer. She felt that, deep into their journey, as the undying umbre paved the way, her own Underworld Soil seemed as if it was about to be torn apart, making further advance impossible. Zhang Daoling, Xu Fu, Bai Jingshu, and Fang Yuzhu also tried their hand, finding that the more powerful the individual, the less they could prate without risking destruction of their Underworld Soil. "This is what they mean by ''deeply rooted,''" Yan Mingchengmented with a sigh. "It has solidified. Had we not embarked on this path in our early years, now it seems ''toote to turn back.'' It¡¯s a difficult path to tread." Fang Yuzhu added, "Unless one can undergo aplete rebirth like Wang Xuan¡ªspirit, body, and innerndscape¡ªall at once. Perhaps then the Underworld Soil could also be rejuvenated. Only then might we be able to start anew and traverse itpletely." A thought struck Wang Xuan; his own Life Soil was exhibiting some anomalies¡ªcould it be the so-called Nirvana? If so, he was truly reborn from head to toe, from solid to void, from void to solid, rejuvenated in every aspect. "Can you still sense your three specks of light?" Xu Fu inquired. Wang Xuan shook his head. Since leaving the Lost Path Cliff, he had lost contact with the three specks of light and could not determine where they had sunk. "Try with a neer. Someone who''s still barely in the Transcendent realm, with low cultivation, whose Life Soil hasn''t solidified yet. Explore beneath them, see if there are any new discoveries." "It''s likely fruitless. The Life Soil beneath neers is empty and deste. The ancients and sages have explored this long ago. Perhaps only beneath the powerful beings and those with special Life Soils might there be mutations, mysterious things." "Let''s try once more. Take the supreme treasure into the void, travel far enough, and maybe we''ll discover something." Promptly, they set about their n, summoning some of the descendants and followers of Old Zhang and Patriarch Ming Xue. One by one, the Life Soils of four young people were explored. Wang Xuan personally followed, his spiritual third eye guiding them, ensuring they wouldn''t get lost. He maneuvered the Celestial Veil Bracelet, speeding along, and beneath the Life Soils, he found deste areas, gray and grim, unlike his own. His spirit wandered vast distances, encountering not a trace of life. There were no immortal pools, no meteor pathways. It was a barrennd! The areas beneath the Life Soils of all four young people were the same¡ªnothing remarkable, no chance to cultivate celestial medicines or to unearth paths that approached the true source. "The three individuals in the Treasure of Life pool," they said, "their ancestors reportedly came from another distant universe beyond our own. They seek clues to return to their ancestors'' universe, which is said to be a ce where myth and technology coexist and cultivation is possible!" Yan Mingcheng sighed, reflecting on the holders of several supreme treasures, each desiring to tread their own distinct path. "That distant universe beyond ours is shrouded in mystery. After their ancestors arrived here, some of them turned dark, bing fallen spirits¡ªcorrupted and almost beyond redemption. It''s hard for them to return now," he exined. "It''s understood that these beings entered our universe one after the other, yet they appeared in vastly different eras¡ªsome thousands of years apart, others tens of thousands. Without reminders, they themselves wouldn''t even be aware!" "Moreover, some of the fallen spirits mentioned thating to this universe was meant as a sort of experience." But now, even the spirits themselves can''t find their way back, whether they are the regr kind or the brutally corrupted ones; most are lost without a path home. The holders of the Divine Pce''s supreme treasures, belonging to the Buddhist and Daoist schools, also held divergent views. The Daoists are aggressively ambitious, seeking to contend with the heavens and recreate a small immortal realm, aiming to establish a Heavenly Court. In contrast, the Buddhists prefer to lie dormant, seeking Nirvana and annihtion, slumbering within the Divine Pce, waiting for the birth of the next supernatural era¡ªa time that will likelye after countless eons, with the normal cycles of human civilization changing countless times. "Shang Yi is certainly taking the path that breaks through to the highest spiritual world." Wang Xuan looked towards Fang Yuzhu, Yan Mingcheng, and Bai Jingshu. What paths would they choose? "Fang Yuzhu wants to carve out a path between life and death¡ªvery radical. Either she seeds, or she bes a butterfly in the mes, dancing her final dance. My wife and I, however, prefer a more stable approach..." Yan Mingcheng began, outlining the paths and ns of both Fang Yuzhu and themselves as a couple. Chapter 543: A Last Dance In The Mortal Realm Chapter 543: A Last Dance In The Mortal Realm Wang Xuan looked toward Fang Yuzhu with concern, aware of the path she intended to take, which might very well make her a butterfly consumed by mes. She aspired to leap into the transcendent sea of light and follow it to the true realm of the transcendent. In the past, perhaps she was unprepared, wary of that terrifying sea of light, but now, armed with a treasure, she hoped to use the Heaven-Spanning Bracelet to counter the dreadful assimtion phenomena. "Yuzhu, don''t take such risks, the situation hasn''t deteriorated to that extent yet!" Wang Xuan had once witnessed a woman with white hair falling at the threshold of her dreand, a scene of blood and brilliant light erupting in destion, a memory he was reluctant to revisit. Regardless, Wang Xuan did not want to see Fang Yuzhu, after the extinction of the transcendent, walk into the devouring mes for onest dance in the mortal world. "If we can gather a few treasures, like the Divine Pce, Roaming Ark, Immortal Umbre, and Heaven-Spanning Bracelet, the hope isn''t minor. It might be possible to traverse the sea without sumbing," Fang Yuzhu spoke, believing that several treasures could shield against the sea''s assimtive powers. Yan Mingcheng added, "Our choice as a couple is more conservative. This time, we''ve pinpointed thest vestiges of the light sea, which seems to follow the cosmic abyss. We n to trail it, not seeking to aplish feats but to continuously encounter the residual radiation of the transcendent, slowly moving forward, perhaps nearing the ultimate realm." Fang Yuzhu shook her head, "Thest trace of the transcendent light sea, wandering along the endless fissures of the abyss, will disappear abruptly when it vanishes. Following it might yield nothing." Bai Jingshu suggested, "That abyss might leave behind thest remnants of the transcendent, like an underground darkke, birthing the final sanctum of the transcendent."She and Yan Mingcheng indeed did not wish to take drastic actions; merely following the sea was their n. If they found a transcendent sanctum, it could be a satisfactory oue to continue dwelling in this vast cosmos. Wang Xuan expressed surprise, "On the path where the transcendent light sea retreats, could there really be undergroundkes forming, giving rise to a subterranean world of the transcendent?" "People climb high, water flows low; along the way, some ''basins'' and ''caverns'' may retain some of the light sea¡¯s energy, offering a lifeline to the transcendent," exined Yan Mingcheng. Everyone present was spellbound, as these revtions were unknown to them until now. Yan Mingcheng and Bai Jingshu had unearthed these secrets from the remnants of other super civilizations and had not kept them hidden, intending to share them with the strong of the transcendent world. "When we speak of abysses and caverns, we actually refer to some terrifying nes¡ªhow could there be such basins in the cosmic void? They are the strange nes behind the void''s fissures." The shadow couple felt confident about persuading the representatives of both the Buddhist and Taoist factions to join them, and they also wanted to enlist the ancestors from the Supreme Pce and Gouchen Imperial Pce, hoping to utilize their Roaming Ark. Together with their own Immortal Umbre, Fang Yuzhu¡¯s Heaven-Spanning Bracelet, and Wang Xuan¡¯s Life Essence Furnace, that would make up five treasures. ¡°As for the treasure in Shang Yi''s hands, I have given up hope. I wish both his bodies perish in the highest realms of the spirit world¡ªhe¡¯s a real menace, likely the main culprit behind countless ancient bloodbaths!¡± As for the Pool of Life, they no longer held any expectations. Its controllers were determined to decode the spirits, activating those ancient technological mother ships, hoping they might ''return home.'' "No use, not a single spirit has managed to embark on the return journey, let alone them," Yan Mingcheng was pessimistic about this route. He, along with Bai Jingshu and Fang Yuzhu, had researched that when beings from another universe crossed time and space toe here, it triggered a copse of a swath of stars. To this day, remnants of that catastrophe remain, clearly indicating a massive energy expenditure at the time. "Now, the various mother ships left behindck the power to reopen that path." They suspected that after sending several batches of people to ''experience'' this universe, the civilization behind them had encountered a disaster; otherwise, why stop opening the path, with no neers following? "Yuzhu, perhaps it''s better to follow this more stable path; let¡¯s not be overly adventurous. Besides, I¡¯m still exploring this route, and the future might well provide a breakthrough," Wang Xuan spoke up, not wanting her toe to harm. Fang Yuzhu replied, "Actually, this so-called safe route isn''t necessarily secure. Following the light sea from afar means we''ll miss out, and getting too close could be very dangerous. Due to the nar fissures and other repulsive forces, the transcendent light sea sometimes experiences backflow phenomena, which could catch us off guard and prove more perilous, possibly ending in destruction at the sea''s bottom." "Can¡¯t we utilize the five treasures? If there''s an ident, such as repulsion from a nar fissure, we¡¯ll take your route and cross the sea directly. What do you think?" Yan Mingcheng wasn''t inherently risk-averse. If not for his deep concern for his wife and daughter, he would have willingly ventured across the sea himself. After over two millennia of separation, his instinct now was to protect andpensate his daughter. "Agreed," Fang Yuzhu nodded in approval. Wang Xuan dered, "I''d like to join you to broaden my horizons, but I don''t intend to travel far across the sea with you. I have parents and friends here; I grew up in the Old Earth and cannot sever these ties." He added, "I can lend you the Life Essence Furnace, but the Sword Maiden needs it soon. I''m nning to take her to the ne''s fissures to aid her recovery." The group nodded after considering his words. Wang Xuan himself had a hidden path to explore, and staying behind could forge a new route, providing another hope for the transcendent. "Keep a treasure for your protection," Fang Yuzhu told him, offering her support since he wouldn''t be apanying them. If Wang Xuan found himself at an impasse, the treasure could serve as a means to cross the sea and join themter. "We''ll see when the timees. Actually, the power of treasures tends to weaken over time in the mundane world; eventually, they''ll fade away, and they''re not of much use to me," Wang Xuan remarked. He was confident because he had maintained his spiritual cultivation without relying on any treasures, achieving parity with and immortal. "We''ll meet again someday, and I hope we both seed on our different paths," Zhang Daoling said earnestly. He, along with Xu Fu and the Hades Blood Ancestor, naturally followed the others, as the current world no longer suited them. "I had even selected a site on the northern ins; looks like my livestock group will be short-lived," the Hades Blood Ancestor sighed. Not just them, all transcendents of the highest caliber would be informed and given the choice to leave or stay¡ªproviding them the opportunity to decide. "We can imagine that most will leave," the Demon Queen Yan Qingyan observed. "The surviving celestials see their spiritual cultivation wane daily. Even the greatest among them are likely to be mortals in the future." "Not necessarily," Zhang Daoling chuckled. "Some, severely weakened, thrive in the mortal world, having already made ns to marry and start families." People''s choices differed; some celestials, drawn by the allure of a modern life filled with mundane pleasures and seeing no hope ahead, decided to abandon their higher calling and "fall" into humanity. "We depart in two days," Yan Mingcheng informed everyone. "The area around the nar fissure isplex, but the transcendent light sea won''t linger there too long." He advised everyone with unresolved desires in the mundane world to attend to them swiftly. What they referred to as nar fissures involved more than just a single ne; otherwise, they could not have held back the transcendent light sea for so long. The area resembled an endless abyssal ne, shrouded in mystery. Wang Xuan, upon hearing their descriptions, began to wonder if this ce was connected to the demonic realms or hell as depicted in legends, a true pathway to the other side. "You''re thinking too much," Yan Mingcheng shook his head, correcting him. "It''s more akin to a fissure between two vast universes, a residual path forming multiple nes. These fissures are usually invisible, only appearing when the transcendent light sea surges, causing the nar gaps to emerge." Zhang Daoling and the Hades Blood Ancestor departed swiftly; they had many disciples and followers to arrange for. They nned to take some with them and leave many others behind in the current world. "In the future, we will establish new sects in the new transcendent universe and erect our doctrines anew!" they dered as they made their preparations to depart. ¡­¡­ The Shadow couple and Wang Xuan set off to bid farewell to their families, knowing well that parting words needed to be exchanged between the two couples. Fang Yuzhu went to make arrangements for Jiang Siyuan, who had been asked whether he wanted to venture across the ocean. He had shaken his head no; now, he simply wished to remain in the mundane world, to experience the new era after the transformations of time. As the transcendent world decayed and the great barrier was on the verge ofplete copse, Fang Yuzhu used a whole celestial herb and tapped into the power of a relic, regenerating his flesh and bones. She then dissolved thest rare fruit borne by the Metamorphic Bamboo into his body and soul. Jiang Siyuan had protested, aware of the fruit''s immense value, far surpassing many celestial herbs, potentially saving Fang Yuzhu''s life at a critical moment. However, she shook her head. At the brink of mythic destruction, just before the permanent silence of transcendent rules, she swiftlypleted these actions, reviving Jiang Siyuan. If she had been even a momentter, it would have been impossible. Now, Jiang Siyuan appeared to be about thirty years old, devoid of the formidable powers he once wielded, reduced to a mere mortal. Yet, he retained his youth and vitality, stronger than an average human, well-prepared to live a good life in this world. "My homnd is on the new star; I''m going there. Yuzhu, I wish you sess in your quest for the Dao. I believe you''ll stand at the pinnacle of the true transcendent path," he said. "Take care, Siyuan," Fang Yuzhu replied as she watched him board the spacecraft. She had no more time to linger in the current world, her preparations for him were the best she could manage under the circumstances. She felt a pang of guilt. Jiang Siyuan had saved her life twice, yet she could not return him to the path of longevity. His mind was made up; he did not wish to traverse the ocean but preferred to stay in the dust of the world. As Jiang Siyuan left the old world behind, he sat silently on the spacecraft, his final sigh hanging in the air, "I know yourmitment is to the pursuit of the Dao. Your kindness to me was to repay a debt, nothing to do with romantic affection. Once a supreme transcendent, how could I not yearn to return to the pinnacle? But I refuse to be a burden on your journey. May you sail across the ocean to reach the far shore!" ¡­¡­ The Shadow couple arrived to bid farewell to Wang Xuan''s parents. Yan Mingcheng spoke first, his voice heavy with emotion, "Take care, both of you. We''re departing for distant shores. Watching Wang Xuan grow up, he''s as much our child as yours. It''s hard to let go." Recently, Wang Xuan¡¯s parents had been sent by the Shadow couple to vacation on a distant life-bearing. They had only just been brought back and were unaware of Wang Xuan¡¯s recent deadly skirmishes among the stars. "Do you really crave transcendence that much? What''s wrong with the human world?" Wang Xuan''s father began, a touch of philosophy in his voice. "I¡¯ve read the history of cultivation you gave me. These so-called ''great realms'' of the human world, aren¡¯t they just part of our earthly existence? Haven''t you reached the end yet? Every one of us is undergoing cultivation by living in this world, be we ordinary or transcendent. As the saying goes, ''The mountain is a mountain, the mountain is not a mountain, and the mountain is still a mountain.'' You left this world, became immortal, and now you return¡ªtell me, isn''t it still the human world?" "Alright, brother, no more," Yan Mingcheng interjected, rubbing his temples. "You''ll drive me to madness with your philosophizing." Ever since the couple had delved into the historical records of cultivation, profound insights flowed from them easily. Yan Mingcheng had even provided them with ssical scriptures and cultivation techniques, but Wang Xuan''s parents didn¡¯t take them too seriously. Wang Xuan remained calm amidst the conversation. Raised by these four, he was used to the philosophical discourses. None of the couples spared each other from their love of imparting wisdom. ¡­¡­ Over the past two days, the transcendent beings of the present world had been restless, especially the mightiest among them. News had reached them all, prompting each to consider whether to stay or depart. After two days, a convoy of formidable transcendent beings embarked on their journey, boarding cosmic spacecraft bound for the interdimensional rifts. Wang Xuan, too, joined them aboard his own small spacecraft, not to partake in their quest but to broaden his experience and bid them farewell. Contrary to expectations, the journey to the rifts was not long. After passing through a wormhole and traveling for half a day, they arrived at their destination¡ªa stretch of the cosmos marked by jagged rifts emitting blinding light, the very interdimensional fissures they sought. As predicted, the followers of Buddha and Taoism had been persuaded toe, bringing the sacred treasures of the Divine Pce. Their disciples, though not numerous, were a significant presence. The founders of the Supremacy Pce and the Chen Emperor''s Pce also made their appearance, the Xaioyaoyou raft in tow, apanied by a throng of the universe''s most exalted beings and immortals. Among the crowd was the demon patriarch Qi Yi, who approached Wang Xuan with aplex expression. "Young friend," he began, "I''ve heard you''ll remain in this world. My second son, Qi Lian Dao, will also stay. I hope you can look out for him a bit. If he causes minor offenses, I''d ask for your generosity in forgiveness." Regardless of his past as a revered figure in the immortal realm and a dominant force among demons, he was now merely a concerned father hoping for his child''s well-being after his departure. Wang Xuan responded warmly, "There''s no need for formality, Demon Patriarch. As the era of transcendence concludes, all past grievances are forgotten. Besides, your son and I have already moved beyond our old conflicts." Many who heard this exchangedplex looks, well aware of Wang Xuan''s reputation. He had in an earth immortal and survived a fierce battle with the formidable Shang Yi, who had since vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, Yan Mingcheng was seen conversing with other powerful beings, discussing the best strategies to pursue the transcendental sea. Wang Xuan overheard some say, "Fang Yuzhu is too rash, like a butterfly fluttering towards me. Venturing into these rifts, chasing the transcendental sea, is fraught with peril. A single misstep could be ourst dance in the mortal realm." Hearing this, Wang Xuan felt a heavy weight in his heart. Such an oue was entirely possible. He murmured to himself as he watched them prepare, "May all the elders find sess on this journey." Chapter 544: The Great Sea Of Dao Chapter 544: The Great Sea Of Dao Who could have predicted that the profound changes, like seas turning into mulberry fields, would happen in the blink of an eye? Gods tumbled from the heavens, and once-celestial immortals became mere mortals, all in pursuit of thest vestige of transcendentalnd, braving death to venture into unknown worlds. This cataclysm arrived swiftly and fiercely. Mythology faded away, and the world returned to normalcy. "Why does the universe seem to favor mortals, correcting itself? Or is there another reason we don''t understand why transcendence exists but is so fleeting?" an immortal of the highest order pondered, his status of immortality threatened in this era, reducing him soon to a mortal. "If the divine is granted to inspire hope and wonder, not just as stories but as real as life itself, why can''t it endure? The sh of transcendental brilliance is all too brief," a sword immortalmented. His spirit still shimmered with the light of ten colored swords, but his face showed the wear of time. In this era, his celestial sword had dulled; no longer could he cleave the heavens or split rivers. He could not even sustain flight, doomed to fall to earth. Aheady a vast and imposing scene, the dark cosmos punctuated by interdimensional rifts, which ordinarilyy hidden, only recently casting forth light. It was known that this was the path of the transcendental sea, passing through clusters of nes, filling crevices, and flowing through cosmic rifts. Wang Xuan, along with the others, advanced towards the massive cosmic fissure ahead. Long ago, a vanished super-civilization had named such ces the Abyss. Only upon approaching could one truly appreciate its grandeur and depth. Normally, without light, it resembled a deep chasm. Now, emitting a gentle glow, it seemed less daunting, more like a heavenly expanseid out for exploration. Wang Xuan wasn''t just escorting the others into the breach before turning back; he intended to delve into the fissure himself, bearing the Life Furnace. He wanted to witness the revival of the Sword Immortal firsthand, uneasy about leaving without seeing her restored.Many powerful beings hade to this ce¡ªgods and immortals alike, many still not ready to extinguish the me of transcendence within them, still seeking a new mythic realm. Wang Xuan walked among many familiar faces, exchanging words and sharing in the collective quest for understanding. From a distance, it appeared merely as a rift, but upon entering, it revealed itself as an interdimensional passageway, a colossal subterranean realm, where traces of transcendence could still be felt. This peculiar ne, typically gray and lifeless, now pulsed with vitality as the transcendental sea had infused it with new life, altering everything in its wake. "We''ve truly gone underground," someone remarked. The presence of the transcendental sea hadn''t yet been visually confirmed, but its essence was palpable in this subterranean world of the ne. "This is a cluster of nes. The sea of light will linger here for a while. Everyone, be cautious," warned another, "it asionally backflows. Follow the sea, don''t fall into it, lest you face irrevocable doom." The underground world unfolded, its grand passageways resembling massive wormholes, deep and shrouded in mystery. They pressed forward, asionally hearing what sounded like the roar of tsunamis, and at times, eerie wails. "It seems other super-civilizations have trodden this path before, and many perished. The remnants of their spirits linger still," Yen Mingchengmented, leading the way with the immortal umbre, eyeing the various fragmented spiritual remnants scattered across the cavern. "Look there, Six Cmities Celestial Herb! To find such a rare elixir in a ce like this is extraordinary," eximed someone upon discovering significant flora in the cavern. "Over there, some Phoenix Blood Tree saplings. Eons ago, a divine bird perished here, its blood seeping into the underground world. Now, nourished by the boundless spiritual essence washed over by the transcendental sea, medicinal trees have sprouted." The group was taken aback. They had assumed the fissure was barren, yet it held surprises. "Be careful!" a warning shout rang out. A fragment of a spiritual remnant floated upwards. Ordinary humans couldn''t see such spectral beings, but those daring enough to venture here were no ordinary beings; once mighty, they could clearly perceive them. A ghastly scream resonated, targeting their spiritual realms, causing difort among many. With a swift motion, Zhang Daoling acted,unching a ze of fire that engulfed and quickly dissipated the spectral entity, its struggle ceasing as it vanished into the void. The journey into the spectral chasms revealed unsettling realities. ¡°It¡¯s unexpected that the path left by the Transcendental Sea could revive spiritual ¡®corpses,¡¯ making them sentient once more,¡± someone mused, voicing a somber reflection. ¡°Let¡¯s hope that future travelers won¡¯t stumble upon our spiritual remnants. May we seed in our crossing.¡± The pervasive sense of doom was palpable, underscoring the powerful civilizations that had ventured here before, only to leave behind their spiritual corpses as grim markers. ¡°One must keep hope alive,¡± countered Qi Yi, the Demon Ancestor. ¡°From these spiritual remains, it¡¯s clear they weren¡¯t assimted by the Sea of Light. They likely just missed the correct timing.¡± As they ventured deeper, they discovered numerous medicinal herbs and encountered manifold dangers. The subterranean ne held mysteries that both amazed and unnerved the travelers. Suddenly, Wang Xuan halted, sensing an impending threat. The stone wall before them exploded, unleashing a formidable spirit. ¡°An Evil Spirit!?¡± he eximed, quickly securing the Nourishing Furnace. With a swift motion, he drew his Zixiao Convergence Sword, its de singing through the air, its remaining rules sweeping across the area. The creature, bathed in bloodlight and nearly human in form with crimson wings and d in red spiritual armor, was only about three feet tall. This spirit, a true ancient malevolence, had no physical body and was unrted to the technological specters known from mother ships. It was an ancient malevolence that devoured human spirits without reason. Its cries caused theplexions of many degenerated celestial beings to pale, revealing an innate vulnerability. After numerous dodges and swift attacks, the creature''s agility was formidable, but eventually, it could not escape Wang Xuan¡¯s relentless pursuit. With a decisive swipe of his sword, he ended its existence. Continuing their exploration, the group discovered behind the stone wall a sizable cavern with a hundred skeletal remains that crumbled to ash upon contact, their age beyond reckoning. So many had missed their chance at the Transcendental Sea and perished here, giving rise to the specter. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t an isted incident. The underground world likely held more caverns and potentially even more powerful or mysterious specters, their origins as enigmatic as they were terrifying. Someone spected, "It must be the unresolved resentment of an ancient cultivator. When the Supernal Light Sea passed by, its distant radiation revived it, bringing it back to life." As they progressed, Wang Xuan took the lead, his approach notably aggressive. He was eager to catch up to and get closer to the sea, knowing that the closer they were to the Supernal Light Sea, the easier it would be for the Sword Immortal to recover. "Don''t get too close to the sea; haste makes waste, and it''s easy to invite disaster," Bai Jingchu cautioned. There was a real risk that the Supernal Light Sea could surge back, threatening their lives. Wang Xuan nodded. Although he hadn''t yet seen the sea, he had already heard its sound and even sensed its "smell"¡ªthe distinctive aura of the supernal. Excitement spread among many in the group. Even if they couldn''t cross the sea, just staying close to it might preserve some of their spiritual achievements and prevent them from devolving into mere mortals. Suddenly, a thunderous boom echoed in front. The cavern ahead was inundated by the Supernal Light Sea, sending a dazzling sweep of light cascading toward them, apanied by the sound of a tsunami, a vast surge visible in the distance. "Move quickly, the Supernal Light Sea is changing its course; don''t let it catch up to us!" shouted the patriarch of the Hook Chen Emperor''s Pce. He maneuvered the Xiao Yao Boat, hastily gathering his disciples and starting their escape. Being engulfed by the sea meant certain death, instantly assimted into its vastness. Fang Yuzhu covered their retreat, using the Curtain Heaven Bracelet to copse the tunnels behind them, temporarily blocking the sea''s advance as she repeatedly struck back. "The force is unstoppable; this is just the precursor. The real ocean is about to surge through and will tear apart these caverns. Move fast!" Wang Xuan yelled. "I know," Fang Yuzhu replied, nodding. The group retraced their steps, desperate to escape. Nobody wanted to be absorbed into the primordial sea of the cosmos. "Situations are worsening; the sea is also spreading ahead of us, breaking through the caverns! Are we trapped?!" someone eximed, their face pale with terror. Chasing after the sea was indeed perilous, and they were already facing its bacsh at the very beginning. "Keep calm, there are many exits in this cavern. Follow me this way!" Yan Mingcheng shouted, leading the way forward. Behind them, someone eximed as they spotted something amidst the tumultuous waves, "Those are¡­ Creation Crystals!" Brilliant crystals, colorful and dazzling under the tumultuous light, were being churned out by the waves. While some didn''t even nce at them, focused solely on escaping, others hesitated for a moment too long and were overtaken by the Supernal Light Sea, swallowed by a giant wave and lost to sight. The cavern was vast, like a small world unto itself, but here, it could easily be filled by the Supernal Light Sea. Muchter, the group finally escaped from the perilous area. Some were pale, others silent, the early casualties casting a shadow over their spirits. A few began to consider turning back. Still, more spacecraft continued to arrive from afar, carrying those who had heard the newster or from more distant regions of the cosmos, all taking longer to reach. Wang Xuan watched over Jiang Qingyao within the Life Preserving Furnace, noting her vitality strengthening but still not as quickly as he''d hoped, which furrowed his brow. Near the Light Sea, the remnants of supernal essence stirred but weren''t as potent as expected. "Do we need to be closer to the sea itself?" "Everyone, be careful," Bai Jingchu warned. "The Supernal Light Sea holds promise, but once swept away by it, only despair remains." No one took her warning lightly. Legendary figures such as the Demon Ancestor, Zhang Daoling, Xu Fu, Qi Yi, and others, including gods and immortals, all proceeded with the utmost seriousness. They set off again, this time more cautiously, exploring another set of caverns. They discovered an extensivework of caves, unfortunately devoid of life, only filled with bones¡ªthe remnants of sages not from their era of mythological civilization. Two days into their journey, deep within the rift, they stumbled upon a colossal array of teleportation circles, severely damaged yet unmistakably intended for inter-dimensional, even inter-universal, travel. "This is a super teleportation array," Yan Mingcheng remarked, shocked. "And not just one, but manyyered together. Were they attempting an expedition across dimensions, across universes?" Fang Yuzhu bent down to inspect closer. "They used these to cross the sea. A group went far beyond with the highest-grade teleportation arrays." Around the array tforms, they found what seemed to be fragments of relics, causing Bai Jingchu to gasp in surprise. She carefully examined the area, where fragments of what seemed to be ancientntern standsy scattered. "It''s likely¡­ the Path-Burning Lamp," Fang Yuzhu said gravely, revealing the artifact''s origin, which sent a shock through some of the onlookers. Beyond the known relics, ancient texts spoke of a Path-Burning Lamp, simr to the fabled Celestial Mirror that was destroyed. Some imed themp was also ruined, while others argued it never existed at all¡ªunlike the Celestial Mirror, which left fragments behind, themp had left nothing. "To think it was here, used as the central core of this teleportation array," Yan Mingcheng remarked, his voice thick with awe. "This array is even more formidable than we imagined, but the relic at its heart has disintegrated." Zhang Daoling was visibly shaken. "For an expedition, for inter-universal travel, that civilization burned a relic as a catalyst to power this grand array?" "No, the Path-Burning Lamp was already damaged; otherwise, it wouldn''t have been destroyed¡ªjust drained of its power, fallen into dormancy," Yan Mingcheng interjected, privy to some hidden lore. Bai Jingchu added, "It''s said that themp shed with the Dao Harnessing Banner and was fractured, irreparably damaged. It was then brought here to serve as the core of the supreme teleportation array, likely unable to withstand the tearing forces of two universes. The initial cracks must have burst open early on." Fang Yuzhu concluded grimly, "Those people likely died en route; the moment the core of the supreme teleportation array exploded, survival was impossible." Silence fell over the group. So much had been sacrificed, even the Path-Burning Lamp was destroyed, yet those before them had met with failure and death. This was somewhat disheartening. The pursuit of a new realm of myth seemed insurmountably difficult, as not a single pioneer had seeded. Based on both the ancient records and the physical traces they had uncovered, all pointed to tragic ends. They couldn''t help but wonder, was there any path forward? Five days into their journey through the interdimensional fissures, they stumbled upon a harrowing sight: tens of thousands of bones, all that remained of once formidable transcendents, now nothing more than a testament to a powerful faction that met its demise in pursuit of the elusive Supernal Seas. "Did they die assimted by the sea, or did they simply miss their chance and perish in an age of decline?" the travelers mused, reflecting solemnly upon the skeletal remains, seeing in them a mirror of their potential fates. Eight dayster, deeper into the subterranean realm, they encountered a nest of ancient specters amid a graveyard sprawling with bones. Old temples and hermitages stretched out across the cavernous space, remnants of a mythic civilization that had sought to chase the sea here¡ªbut tragically failed. Amidst their exploration, eerie screams and ghastly growls echoed in the distance as a spectral being surged forth, attacking with a force rivaling that of a terrestrial immortal. "How could it retain such power without a relic?" someone wondered aloud. "It''s been near the sea recently," another exined, "a temporary resurgence and enhancement of its power." Despite the dangers, the group, armed with divine relics and apanied by genuine immortals, decisively eliminated the nest of spectral beings. None could withstand theirbined might. On the thirteenth day, as they reached a confluence of multiple nes, the seas surged back in a fearsome tide, swallowing a portion of the transcendent seekers. "In a world bereft of hope, where pursuit of transcendence seems futile, did we err in our quest?" an elderly sage asked, his voice quivering with emotion. Even Wang Xuan fell silent, the path''s uncertainty and inherent dangers casting a shadow over his heart. "Qingyao!" he eximed suddenly, realizing that the Sword Immortal had not yet awakened. He knew all too well that the universe''s relentless forces were stifling their mythic capabilities. Yan Mingcheng cautioned him, "Don¡¯t act rashly, trying to get closer to the sea. It''s less a sea now, more an underground river¡ªif you touch it, you''re guaranteed to be swept away!" By the fifteenth day, Wang Xuan stumbled, sensing three glowing points within him. Instinctively feeling that something was about to transpire, he steadied himself and introspectively examined the luminescent seeds, wondering, "Are they transforming, or has something gone awry?" Chapter 545: A Newborn Waiting To Be Fed Deep in the cosmos, within a fissure between nes, Wang Xuan clung to the rough stone walls of a cavern, his face tinged with pallor. In a fleeting moment, he had felt unsteady, as if about to transcend. The three orbs of light before him absorbed energy, hinting at a nascent rebirth. With his spiritual third eye, he scrutinized the orbs. In one, a radiant figure, a miniature version of himself, sat cross-legged, his presence as brilliant as the sun. This tiny realm within the orb seemed infinitely vast, the nascent soul within it casting light that filled every corner of its minuscule universe. This mustard seed harbored a Mount Meru; to the untrained eye, the orb appeared insignificant. Yet, within, the nascent soul shone brightly, its divine light almost breaking free from Wang Xuan''s physical form to illuminate the cavern. However, the new soul¡¯s eyes remained closed, slowly severing ties with the external world as if it hadn''t yet matured. Attracted to the radiant sea beyond, it attempted to draw in a breath of the radiant ripples but quickly expelled it. "Picky eater?" Wang Xuan mused. Indeed, this ce paled inparison to the higher spiritual realms. If a rebirth were to ur, journeying to a ne of pure spirit would be ideal. Shifting his focus from this orb, Wang Xuan''s perception entered another¡ªa sphere of blood. Vivid and dazzling, it resembled the roiling red of dawn. Within this sphere, a tiny, radiant figure mimicked the form of a human, not at all tranquil but instead throwing punches and kicks, animating sacred texts. The luminous, blood-red figure moved with such vigor that the space within the orb thrummed unstably, as if on the verge of shattering into the void. It too, "hungry," had drawn in a wave of light from the radiant sea, digesting only a fraction while expelling the rest, yet it retained some essence. The third speck of light, a purely new innerndscape, was in the throes of gestation, awaiting rebirth in a state of profound chaos and haziness. The three specks of light chimed faintly, having been hungry and absorbed energy, which affected Wang Xuan''s old spirit and body, causing him to stagger momentarily. "Yourplexion doesn''t look very good. Is something wrong?" the Demon Lord Yan Qingyan, observing his condition, asked with some surprise. In her eyes, Wang Xuan was an anomaly. Despite not having cultivated for long, he was capable of suppressing her in the real world. Why had he just staggered?"It''s nothing serious. The new spirit is struggling, making somerge movements as it waits to be reborn," Wang Xuan exined openly. Yan Qingyan was astonished to hear of his progress in this era. "Perhaps you should leave and find a quiet ce to go into seclusion," she suggested. She cautioned that, as time passed, the supernatural sea of light might disappear at any moment, and in case of any unforeseen circumstances, they might have to use a supreme treasure to traverse the sea. Yan Mingcheng turned back and said, "Son, you should go now. Don''t stay any longer. You know all that needs to be known and have seen what needs to be seen. There''s no need to risk staying here any longer." As they spoke, the sound of thunder erupted, and the entire cavern partially copsed under the force of a towering tidal wave that swiftly inundated this subterranean world. For a moment, they were tempted to enter the Divine Pce, allowing the several treasures tobine their powers for one final, desperate attempt to cross the sea. Thud! The Curtain Heaven bracelet glowed, resembling a vast universe speckled with stars, staunchly holding back the deluge and buying everyone time to retreat. "Now is not the time to cross the sea. It is still shifting, spilling back through the cracks in the nes. We must wait for the final moment, follow it as it vanishespletely!" Fang Yuzhu dered, retracting the Curtain Heaven bracelet and fleeing with the others. Once again, they made a frantic escape from the cavern. Bai Jingshu nodded in agreement, "It makes sense. If we attempt to cross now while it still lingers here, we''ll just exhaust our resources. The opportunity lies in the final moment¡ªfollowing it as it shes away, entering a new world!" Wang Xuan bowed his head, sensing the condition inside the Healing Furnace. The Sword Fairy, far from recovery and consciousness, left him contemtive. Should he leave her here, or send her across the sea? He quieted down, considering Jiang Qingyao''s ambitions. Likely, she would not settle for a mundane life if awake; she would choose to cross the sea. "I should bring the little one here," he murmured to himself, "She¡¯s the other half of the Sword Fairy. Regardless, she should be informed about Qingyao¡¯s condition." During this time, Wang Xuan encountered many familiar faces. Beyond the mighty of the Celestial Realm and the gods of the Great Barrier, there were those he had met in the Time-Space Bar, where he first encountered the Radiant Sea. Among them was Zhang Qifan, a scientist dressed in a whiteb coat, who approached Wang Xuan enthusiastically. ¡°Have you considered leaving descendants?¡± he asked. ¡°I really admire you. After the copse of the Celestial Path, with the transcendence fading, the future will rely on the unique mutations of life forms themselves to guide the rise of new humanity, breaking all limits. Your spirit spectrum is exceptional, and so is Fang Yuzhu¡­¡± ¡°Stop right there, or you¡¯ll find yourself tossed into the Radiant Sea, unable to escape the nar rifts,¡± Wang Xuan cut him off, ¡°Are you also nning to cross the sea?¡± ¡°No, I am here to analyze the transcendent Sea and collect samples. I won''t be leaving this universe,¡± ¡­¡­ On the seventeenth day, Wang Xuan staggered again, nearly copsing. His face paled as he vividly sensed that the three light points were "hungry." The other two were manageable, picky but satisfied as long as there was energy to refine. However, the light point representing the new spirit was too selective, craving spiritual energy. When desperately hungry, it began to draw from the substance of the external, old spirit. Unfortunately, the red liquid brought back from the spiritual blood pool was nearly depleted, mostly reserved in the Healing Furnace for Jiang Qingyao''s revival. Wang Xuan felt it was time to leave. He needed to attempt to open those spiritual realms to nourish the new spirit, thinking he might just manage to activate them now. "Your condition isn''t right, go back. The radiation from the Radiant Sea isn''t much help to you," Fang Yu Zhu observed his condition. Finally, she looked towards the Healing Furnace he held and asked, "Are you going to leave her here, or will she cross the sea with us?" "If she stays, I¡¯m afraid she might never wake up," Wang Xuan replied, yet sending her to cross the sea might not guarantee her survival either. "Old Chen, bring the little one over!" Wang Xuan returned to his spaceship just outside the nar rifts, contacting Chen Yongjie to decide for the Sword Fairy''s "other half." "To all of you, if you are still here in a few days and haven''t departed, I will return to see you sessfully cross the sea," Wang Xuan bid farewell. He had to leave temporarily to address his own problems. He felt the new spirit growing increasingly eager, almost voraciously yearning to explore and enter those higher spiritual worlds. "Take care!" "Stay safe!" ¡­¡­ A crowd gathered to bid farewell, unsure if they would ever meet again in this lifetime. For Wang Xuan, this parting might well be forever. He entrusted the Healing Furnace to Fang Yu Zhu, asking her to look after Jiang Qingyao. cing the Purple Dawn Union Sword inside the furnace, he hoped that its resonance would further ignite her spirit and vitality. Wang Xuan quickly departed, heading directly back home. ording to legend,s withrge poptions were more likely to open spiritual nes¡ªancients spected that the collective spiritual thoughts of myriad beings might be key to unlocking these realms. That day, Wang Xuan traveled through wormholes to return to his nativend. Simultaneously, Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, and the elderly Mr. Liu Huai''an, aboard a spaceship, escorted the mini version of the Sword Fairy toward the nar rift. Uponnding in Qing Mu¡¯s estate back on his home, Wang Xuan didn¡¯t even leave the spaceship but immediately sat down to meditate, with the mechanical little bear guarding him. ¡°Bear... will protect your physical body,¡± the little bear stated formally, meticulously standing by his side, and switching the spaceship tobat readiness. Meanwhile, Wang Xuanid out a collection of Creation Crystals in front of him, collected previously for absorption by the light points representing his flesh and internal view. Indeed, upon returning to this mythically resonant and sufficiently populous, the moment his spirit left his body, Wang Xuan instantly sensed the presence of the spiritual nes. Despite the decay of transcendence, these spiritual worlds were not entirely closed, still faintly essible. Back when he first ventured into the transcendental realm, Wang Xuan had encountered these spiritual worlds, surrounded by all manner of fantastical visions. Now, despite the harsh times, he seeded again and prated these realms. He found himself in the firstyer of the spiritual world, among towering mountains, though the vegetation was wilting, andrge areasy barren. ¡°It¡¯s somewhat terrifying,¡± he thought. ¡°Even the spiritual worlds are severely impacted by the decay of the immortal paths, nowhere near what they once were.¡± His spirit took a deep breath there, gaining some benefit, but found no valuable spiritual herbs. He breathed deeply, absorbing spiritual matter, and soon left thisyer, breaking through to the secondyer of the spiritual world. Here, every nt and tree was a product of the spirit. After a long search, he found only a few wilted spiritual herbs. Swallowing them with his spirit, they were effective, but still far from sufficient. Wang Xuan ascended to the fifthyer of the spiritual realm in one breath, where the vitality was palpably richer. He gathered numerous spiritual herbs, and most importantly, merely being in this realm nourished his spirit, bringing him immensefort. If others knew that he, still in the mortal realm, could venture into the fifthyer of the spiritual realm by his own power, they would be utterly astounded. His previous entry into Mount Wu Zhou wasn''t due to his own strength; it was the Sword Fairy who had escorted him, without whom he couldn''t have reached such heights. "Although I know the odds are slim, I still yearn for a rapid rebirth of my spirit, flesh, and internalndscape," Wang Xuan sighed. He contemted the possibility of piercing through the meteoric channel to discover new myths that others might learn from. He worried for those venturing through the nar rift into the sea, fearing that this farewell might indeed be theirst. "Not enough, I need to ascend further!" Soon after, exerting all his strength, Wang Xuan burst into the sixthyer of the spiritual realm, continuously harvesting spiritual herbs to meet his needs. This realm was typically essed only by Earth Immortals and corresponded to the sixthyer of the vast realm of free wandering. "Traveling through the spiritual worlds, each ascent boosts one''s realm." Wang Xuan recognized that very few could stand in this ce while still tied to the earthly realm, confirming his Earth Immortal capabilities. In the sixthyer of the spiritual realm, he swept through like a storm, devouring various spiritual herbs. In today''s times, he was likely one of the few still exploring the spiritual worlds. "If I had a supreme treasure, I could explore even further. However, those setting out on the sea journey need it more than I do. Each additional piece offers more security, helping them to survive," Wang Xuan thought, his mind inevitably turning to the Imperial Banner. He wondered whether it had beenpletely destroyed or simply had not yet appeared. After spending two full days in the sixth spiritualyer and feeling his spirit finally satiated, he didn''t halt his efforts. He continued to gather any spiritual herbs he came across, drinking copiously from spiritual springs until he feltpletely replenished. "I hope for a smooth rebirth and that the day arrives soon when I can forge a path forward. I don''t want to see harm befall thosepelled to embark on such a perilous journey," Wang Xuan mused, feeling a profound emptiness at the thought of familiar, dear faces forced to gamble their lives without any guarantee. Indeed, it seemed that those ancient voyagers who had undertaken such journeys had all perished, and many grand mythological civilizations had ultimately failed. Chapter 546: The Great Enemy Of This Era Chapter 546: The Great Enemy Of This Era At night, Wang Xuan opened his eyes, his spirit returned, and the gnawing hunger within finally ceased. The world was utterly silent, and the night sky above the outskirts was a tapestry of stars. Stepping out of his spacecraft onto the cold ground, his breath misted in the chilly air. Wang Xuan gazed upwards, as if trying to peer through the depths of the cosmos, pondering about the group struggling to cross the vast sea. He wondered whether they would manage to sessfully navigate their treacherous path. In this era, when cultivation was nearly impossible, a group of people refused to bow to the harsh realities of the mundane world, instead embarking on a path filled with faint hope. He waited long; the three specks of light showed no change and slowly faded away. Intuitively, he felt them sinking deeper into the Life Soil beneath him. Compelled by a sudden urge, Wang Xuan ventured into the Life Soil himself, only to find the area shrouded in mist and tainted with a hint of decay. ¡°Must I too decay with this great era?¡± he mused as his spirit dove deeper. Without the treasures or the speed boost of the Banner of ying, his journey took considerably longer. ¡°Indeed, changes are afoot,¡± he noted with a chill. Even with all his powers, he was slower than before. The origins of myths, the birthce of the supernatural, the Life Soil, was in decline¡ªlike the rest of the universe, correcting itself. His external spirit, current flesh, and the shedding of his old internalndscape had already shown signs of this impending decay. He was not unprepared; the winter was already upon him. After a lengthy journey, he reached his destination and collected vast amounts of silver elixir and purple substances, knowing he might not be able to return. Wang Xuan was on high alert, preparing for the harsh winter and ready to respond to the worst of changes. Returning from his journey, touched by the experience, his spirit left his body and soared into the night sky, looking down upon the brilliant city of Ancheng. The neon lights flickered, and skyscrapers rose up one after another, casting him into a reverie. In this unique era, if familiar faces left this universe, who would remain for him to discuss the matters of cultivation? As Wang Xuan''s spirit flew across the night sky, surveying thend below, he harbored a fear that one day, even he might be suppressed by this mortal world, unable to project his spirit freely. The sensation of free flight might one day be a luxurious dream. ¡°Hmm?¡± Wang Xuan noticed a river in the distance, illuminated by the glow of the night, where someone was fishing. Within this person glimmered a faint light¡ªa sign of a supernatural being. In these times, when many immortals had perished and winter had arrived, it was rare to find such beings, and yet here was one, fishing leisurely. As other supernaturals were consumed by panic and confusion, uncertain of their path forward, this individual was oddly at peace, fishing. Wang Xuan descended silently, approaching without making a sound, then paused not far away to observe him. He soon noticed something odd¡ªthe fisherman asionally nced toward Qingmu¡¯s estate.Was he keeping watch? The man was exceedingly cautious, maintaining a distance that would have been unnoticeable to anyone not as perceptive as Wang Xuan, whose spirit roamed the night sky. Wang Xuan, nearly a celestial immortal in his own right and vastly more powerful than this man clinging to his fading supernatural fruit, swept a thought towards him, nking his mind and leaving him frozen in ce unknowingly. Soon, Wang Xuan understood: a figure in a ck robe had instructed this man to guard Qingmu''s estate, to watch for any sign of Wang Xuan¡ªbetter to miss a sighting than risk exposure. Thus, he had positioned himself sufficiently far away, blending into the crowd of casual fishermen. ¡°Who is this man in the ck robe? Without a fertile ground for cultivation, who would still bear such malice towards me?¡± Wang Xuan wondered. In an era where everyone was desperate, plotting their own survival, who would harbor such strong hostility? His spirit moved over Ancheng, sweeping past skyscrapers, spotting a few supernaturals along the way¡ªsadly not many, and those few were heavily suppressed, mostly stuck between the first or secondyers of their former power. One more tremor from the cosmos, and they would likely fallpletely to mortal status. He then visited Huang Ming¡¯s Immortal Tea House, whichy in silence. Huang, the proprietor, had fallen from grace, reduced to a mortal, though his foundation was solid enough to make him a Grandmaster among ordinary humans. Fortunately, his body had solidified early; he hadn¡¯t reverted to his true form. He appeared somewhat despondent, still adjusting to the drastic changes that had reshaped the world. Wang Xuan glided silently through the night, unnoticed, as if he were merely a shadow. Finally returning to Qing Mu''s estate, he began to divide his attention, focusing part of his mind on the angler who had been idly fishing by the riverbank. "He hasn''t made a move, just staying around the estate. I dare not approach too closely," Wang Xuan mused. His vignce was rewarded. In the dead of night, the angler rose like any dedicated hobbyist and started for home just before dawn, making a phone call along the way. "Don''t rm him; he''s irrelevant now. Don¡¯t worry, without the treasures, it won''t be long before he dies. For now, our focus should be on the depths of the cosmos¡ªit¡¯s harvest time," chuckled a voice over the phone, oozing anticipation. "What will happen in the cosmos?" the angler asked, his voice tinged with fear. "Treasures... you shouldn¡¯t ask about things that don¡¯t concern you!" the caller replied coldly. "Stay away from that estate. He can¡¯t affect much now. But if his spaceship takes off, notify me immediately. We''ll bring it down, eliminate him, leave no trace behind." The chilling, decisive tone, dripping with malevolence, felt like a whisper from the abyss. It sent a shiver down Wang Xuan''s spine. In that moment, a multitude of thoughts raced through his mind. Someone harbored not just intense hostility towards him but also desired a bloody harvest in the cosmic depths! Although the mysterious person restrained himself, Wang Xuan could feel the impatience, the eagerness to reap a victorious harvest soon. "He mentioned the treasures..." Abruptly rising, Wang Xuan boarded his spaceship and instructed the mechanical bear to immediately contact Chen Yongjie and the others at the dimensional rift, hoping it wasn¡¯t toote. After the signal was sent, death seemed to count down the seconds, chilling his heart and sending shivers down his spine. Who was it? Shang Yi? Or was there another, more ambitious and ruthless figure about to strike? Yet, there was no response in the vast emptiness of space, increasing Wang Xuan¡¯s agitation. Had it already happened? Was it toote? The sinister implications of the brief conversation haunted him. Too many knew about the rift now; someone was nning to strike there, and the odds of their sess were rmingly high. Hoping to rely on his own strength or unite the present-day transcendants for a hunt was futile. The era''s mightiest, those few who clung to their celestial fruits with the aid of treasures, were all near the transcendent sea of light. "This is an attempt to breach the dimensional rift with a super battleship, targeting a group of transcendants whose powers have waned so drastically in this era they could be in by conventional weapons." Even if they couldn''t be killed instantly, the copse of the cavern and the backwash of the sea of light could sweep them away. Ny percent of the Transcendents and gods would be caught off guard and would perish. Only a few Earth Immortals might be able to forcibly traverse the sea using their treasures, but an abrupt attack would likely prevent them from coordinating effectively, ultimately leading to their demise. After all, there had been no sessful precedents in history. Acting separately, each relying on a single treasure to cross the sea, was mostly doomed to fail. Such a scenario meant total annihtion for those in the dimensional rift, leaving no remains, possibly leaving behind treasures as the sea of light receded. Wang Xuan broke into a cold sweat, shuddering at these bloody and ruthless scenarios. The person behind this was ruthlessly exploiting the dire circumstances. "Little Bear, have we made contact with them yet?" "No, the message has been sent. I hope they receive it." Wang Xuan''s forehead was slick with sweat. In an era of great suffering, where no path forward for cultivation existed, a group of top-tier Transcendents clung to their dreams, unwilling to give up, venturing to forge a path and stake their future on it. Who could have imagined that someone would strike such a malicious blow from behind? He felt saddened by the deterioration of the age. Some were willing to risk their lives for a new world, yet others were prepared to strike them down from the shadows, taking their lives. And now, all he could do was wait, powerless to stop it, likely toote to change anything. "Fallen spirits, Shang Yi, the founder of the Demon Spawn Technique... who else?" He pondered the currently potent forces with malice. "Qian Lei, if someone attacks a spaceshipunched from the old earth, can your side detect it immediately and lock on?" Unable to alter the events unfolding in the depths of the cosmos, Wang Xuan focused on investigating and acting on this end, his aura seething with the intent to kill as he contacted his connections. He had known Qian Lei back on the old earth before he had be a Transcendent, reaching out to him first. Moreover, Guan Lin was working there, and Chen Yongjie was also involved, maintaining good rtions with the deputy of the relevant department. "What''s going on?" Qian Lei asked. "Trouble is brewing," Wang Xuan quickly exined the situation. "Old Chen is caught up in it too, deep in the cosmos..." In a swift and straightforward exchange, Wang Xuan had already left the estate and caught up with the angler, seizing control of him and sending his call records to Qian Lei for investigation. After ending the call, Wang Xuan returned to Qingmu''s estate with the man in tow, looking to the mechanical bear and asked, ¡°Little Bear, if someone targets the spaceship as we ascend to outer space, intending to shoot us down, you¡¯ll be prepared, right?¡± ¡°Worry not, who could shoot down a bear? I''d tten them like a celestial being!¡± the bear stated expressionlessly. ¡°Good, stay quiet and be ready to act at any moment,¡± Wang Xuan instructed. Soon after, Qian Lei reported back with the location of the person who had beenmunicating with the angler. ¡°Stay alert, don¡¯t let anyone ambush you and obliterate you and the spaceship,¡± Wang Xuan warned Little Bear before setting off alone. His target was in the neighboring city. He moved under the cover of night, intent on hunting down this mysterious individual to interrogate and peel back his secrets, driven by a tumultuous mix of concern for the familiar faces he was trying to protect and seething rage towards the perpetrator''s cruel intentions. His murderous intent palpable, Wang Xuan sped along a river. Opting not to use his physical body, which wasn''t fast enough, he flew along the waterway, heading towards the dim lights of the distant city before dawn. In the depths of space, terrifying beams of light intersected, resembling countlessets streaking across the dark void, raising clouds of terrifying energy. Within the dimensional rift, caverns copsed and spider-web-like tunnels, massive as chasms, exploded continuously. The abyss suffered the most violent bombardments, with the sea of transcendental light backwashing forcefully, sending waves crashing high, even spilling out of the dimensional rift to illuminate the pitch-ck cosmic void. Chapter 547: Those Who Fought For Three Thousand Years Before dawn, in the deepest hours of the night, the darkness was profound. Wang Xuan skimmed just above the river, the reeds on either bank blurring past as he flew over a hundred miles to the neighboring city¡ªYuan City. His spirit crossed the distance with such swiftness that streaks of light shed by; momentster, he stood suspended high in the air, overlooking the city bathed in the dim lights of night, his murderous intent now concealed. He located his target building effortlessly¡ªthe third tallest skyscraper in Yuan City, a seven-star hotel with a rooftop capable of amodating small spacecraft. Wang Xuan didn¡¯t need to search; the man he was looking for wasn¡¯t in a hotel room but on the rooftop. Dressed in ck, the figure stood at the edge, a ss of red wine in hand, gazing out at the profound cosmic starscape. He seemed to relish the moment, silently toasting to the void, as if celebrating a splendid asion. ¡°Heh, the supetive world, what can a gathering of several relics do? You¡¯re all still going to die. The Sea of Transcendence is a dead end; countless civilizations have perished there. Rather than that fate, why not kill you all, seize a few relics, and take another path with my old friend.¡± With a tilt of his head, he drained the wine ss, squinting his eyes, awaiting the good news from the stars. ording to his calctions, the strike should have already been initiated, and the most powerful of this era were about to die. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Suddenly, he felt a chill, and whipping his head up, he caught sight of Wang Xuan in the sky. Instantly, he tossed aside the wine ss. With a loud crash, the ck cloak he wore burst open, transforming into a vast cloud of ck mist that engulfed the sky, his form vanishing from the sight of ordinary beings. But he couldn''t hide from Wang Xuan, whose spiritual eye, still effective even after the demise of myth, spotted him dashing towards a small spaceship on the rooftop. Wang Xuan''s spirit scanned the entire building and, finding no aplices other than the man, focused his gaze on him again, his intent to kill boiling over. Rarely had he felt such a strong desire to kill. If Zhang Daoling, the Sword Fairy, Fang Yuzhu, the Shadow Couple, the Beast Lord, and others were to be sted by a warship, he couldn¡¯t bear it. In fact, at this moment, his heart was pounding, his instincts telling him that something was happening deep in space, likely a massive upheaval in the Sea of Transcendence. Such radiation, he knew, still had some effect on the real world.In the dead of night, under the darkest sky, the catbs were likely copsing, the dimensional rifts being bombarded by a super warship. With a deep thrum, the mysterious man was twisted by an unknown force, nearly torn apart on the spot. Bloodied and battered, he was hurled backward, unable to approach the spaceship. Although Wang Xuan was burning with a desire to obliterate him immediately, he restrained himself, seeking to uncover the secrets behind this gruesome conspiracy. The man was powerful, his face middle-aged and tinged with a decaying aura that was rare in this era. Remarkably, he had managed to maintain a cultivational level of seven tiers¡ªexceptional considering that even the mightiest gods and unparalleled immortals had fallen to the fifth or sixth, some even to the fourth. His preservation of such a high tier likely involved extraordinary means, possibly through the use of some rare artifact. ¡°Yet another fallen specter!¡± Wang Xuan peered into his essence, seeing the bloody soul within him, wrapped in malevolent energy, once a formidable force. However, how could a seventh-tier transcendental stand a chance against Wang Xuan? Now equated to and immortal, the pinnacle of this universe, he faced few threats within the transcendental realm. ¡°There was a little mishap, it seems I was too eager to finish you off early and exposed myself. I should have just sted that estate outside Ancheng directly!¡± the specter spoke, his middle-aged visage, paleplexion, and icy eyes revealing a trace of regret, though it was toote for regrets. In fact, had he secured the relics first, ensuring the grand scheme was set, he would have preferred to deal with Wang Xuan afterward, possibly even capturing him alive, given the young man''s rumored intent to forge a new path and the secrets he carried. ¡°Speak, who else is involved, and what have you done at the dimensional rift?¡± Wang Xuan demanded coldly, dropping swiftly to the ground, instantly closing the distance. Unafraid, the fallen specter stepped back, confessing, ¡°There¡¯s nothing to hide. I took matters into my own hands,mandeered some warships from this era, and mobilized two ancient spacecraft I once controlled, to annihte the immortals, y the gods, and seize the relics.¡± With a loud crack, he was gripped by an invisible force that tore at him, his body riddled with cracks ready to burst, and his soul bound, unable to self-destruct. "It''s toote, whether you''re enraged or anxious, it doesn''t matter. The fleet has already struck, catching thempletely off guard. Since the mythos has decayed, let thest flickers of light extinguish," he said with a coldugh. With a sudden force, his body was torn apart, disintegrating into supetive firelight, his soul swiftly clutched by Wang Xuan, who began to extract its secrets immediately. "Coordinates beyond Old Earth..." Wang Xuan swiftly texted Qian Lei, giving the precise location of the hostile ship, which was solitary and easily destructible. "Was this just an avatar? His trueir in the extinguished realm of the immortals?" Wang Xuan crushed the crimson soul, leaving no trace behind. Yet, his heart was still heavy, knowing that anything he did now was toote; what was meant to happen in the depths of the universe had already transpired. "Fallen specter!" Gritting his teeth, he soared skyward, heading for Wangwu Mountain, from where he could ess the extinguished realm of immortals. Although he could enter from the mists above his own soil, he feared the immortals'' realm was too vast, and locating the specter''sir directly could prove difficult. Following the specter''s memories, he entered through Wangwu Mountain''s shattered sanctuaries deep within. Opening his spiritual eye, he saw the dim and dark shadows of the immortals'' realm. Invisible to ordinary beings, visible only to transcendents. "After the extinction of the immortals'' realm, it didn''t disappear entirely but darkened, became silent, and no longer barred transcendents from entering." He plunged into this half-material, half-spiritual ne, permeated with decay, devoid of life, where once beings had perished and ancient tribes had buried themselves prematurely, ording to legend, awaiting rebirth in the next era of transcendence. The dark immortals'' realm, devoid of any light or life, was chillingly silent and disconcerting. It was said some realms of death were born from the extinction of great eras. This made sense, as some realms of death were indeed ancient specterirs. Now, in this realm of immortals, all beings had perished, including nts and trees, which, ording to ancient texts, were likely to foster specters. Ahead, endless shadows densely packed, seemed like hordes of spirits converging towards a bizarre location. "Is this how ancient specters are born? Undying obsessions consuming each other until only the most formidable entities emerge?" Wang Xuan mused softly. Did this imply that after the celestial realms grew silent, countless races and endless beings would return as specters? "No, someone is orchestrating this, deliberately catalyzing and summoning these obsessions to manifest them. It wouldn¡¯t just happen naturally!" Wang Xuan concluded, his spiritual eye revealing more than met the ordinary gaze. He sensed something amiss in the terrain ahead. Suddenly, a figure descended with a thunderous crash, apanied by boundless sword light that split the earth below, illuminating the once-darkened celestial realm anew. "Ah, you actually came. It seems you''ve killed my incarnation. His memories were iplete, intentionally erased of crucial information by my true self," a voice dered. A faint silhouette emerged, its tone carrying a mild amusement. "The First Murder Formation, the work of the creator of the Demon Embryo Technique, and now in league with you, the specter." Wang Xuan spoke directly, his gaze piercing as he asked, "Where is your true form?" In this region, a deadly formation had beenid. "Deep in the cosmos, fetching a relic. Since the nar fissure copsed, naturally, it''s time to collect the spoils. At this moment, it¡¯s quite spectacr there," the specter replied. It was just a shadow, not the actual entity. "No, you are not his spirit, merely a flicker of his mental essence," the shadow realized suddenly, then sighed, "You''ve dodged a bullet by being so cautious." From afar, Wang Xuan watched coldly. His spiritual eye surveyed the area, noting that the once-dreaded First Murder Formation had greatly diminished in power in this era. Since there were no longer any rules, they could only provide pure energy. The formations could only crudely use sword qi and light beams to kill their enemies, with no possibility of the order''s divine chains appearing. Wang Xuan had delved deep into the study of the First Murder Formation. Now, he could even set one up himself. If he were ever trapped inside, it would be quite problematic. But being on the outside, he carefully observed and then began to dismantle the formation, collecting various precious materials. "You''re quite generous, burying the True Formation Crystals to provide energy," he remarked as he unraveled the formation, uncovering numerous priceless artifacts. These were the spoils gathered by the specter and the founder of the Demon Embryo Technique before the end of the celestial realm, and they were truly extraordinary. "In the future, I may need them. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to refine a true diagram of the First Murder Formation," he contemted. With a muffled sound, the shadow dissipated instantaneously as Wang Xuan finished dismantling the formation and gathered a plethora of rare treasures. There were special formations here that could gather spirits and draw in the resentment of various races. "It''s somewhat reminiscent of the legendary Soul Burial Formation. Cultivating fierce ghosts and nurturing extraordinary beasts. It seems that the ancient specters were born from a celestial realm that had been extinguished," he mused, destroying the formations and gathering too many rare materials to carry away. Finally, he dispersed these items in the deste areas of the celestial realm, where they could be retrieved when needed in the future. "I hope there''s no bad newsing from the depths of the cosmos," he worriedly thought as he set out on his journey home. As dawn broke and the sky brightened, Wang Xuan returned to Ancheng, his body and spirit reunited as he opened his eyes. "Wang Xuan, Chen Yongjie has been trying to contact you. He''s been looking for you several times," the mechanical bear informed him immediately. There couldn''t have been better news. At least Chen Yongjie wasn''t dead. Wang Xuan quickly reestablished contact with him, and the connection was established instantly. "Wang Xuan, I''m okay. The experience just now was terrifying, too violent. It felt like the universe was exploding!" Chen Yongjie eximed. Qingmu appeared, leaning closer to the screen with a mix of excitement and eagerness. "A universal war!" "How are the Shadow Couple, Fang Yuzhu, the Sword Immortal, Xu Fu, and the Demon Lord?" Wang Xuan asked quickly, eager to know their fates and wishing he could rush to their aid immediately. "They... a bunch of cunning folks, how could they get into trouble? Don''t worry, they have more warships, they''ve made arrangements long ago," Chen Yongjie reassured. Wang Xuan naturally understood. When they ventured into the dimensional rift, those people had massive warships, with giant motherships escorting them. Butter on, those ships were taken by their descendants. "They didn''t just take them away, they clearly made preparations in advance. They''re on guard, afraid that someone might go crazy and wipe them all out. All the ships are hiding deep in the cosmos, with monitoring points near the crucial wormholes," Qingmu exined the details. The culprits were the specter and the founder of the Demon Embryo Technique. Their fleet was detected long before it reached them. Then, the Shadow Couple, Fang Yuzhu, and others received the report and left the cavern, boarding their ships to temporarily depart. At that time, a group of strong individuals ordered no contact with the outside world temporarily, and Wang Xuan didn''t get a response. By the time the enemy ships arrived, there was no one there. They left behind a few ships as a decoy, but in reality, they were nowhere to be found. The powerful specter and the founder of the Demon Embryo Technique ordered the bombardment of the dimensional rift, copsing the cavern and allowing the transcendent light sea to flood in. Only when everything calmed down did the two viins smile and lead their men into the dimensional rift to search for treasures. "And then, they met their tragic end. Immortal Fang, Senior Yan, and others returned aboard motherships and warships, cornering them there. Not one was left alive, they wiped them all out!" Wang Xuan''s emotions surged, finally letting out a breath he''d been holding, relieved that the people he worried about all night were unharmed. He felt a sense of understanding. What kind of people were they? In the cruel world of the Great Enve, they fought and struggled for three thousand years, all elite among the elites, all ruthless individuals. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have survived, let alone reached such heights. "Senior Yan, Senior Bai, Immortal Fang, Senior Xu, and the others all said they didn''t want you toe to see them off, to avoid unnecessary sadness. They hope you can carve out a new path in this world. If they''re still alive, they hope to meet you again in the new universe," Chen Yongjie informed him. Chapter 548: The End Of Old Chapters Could I refrain from seeing them off? Wang Xuan wanted to take a final look, especially since Jiang Qingyao hadn''t revived yet, leaving his heart heavy with worry. Watching her depart from afar, he felt a sense of mncholy and regret. He already knew that the Younger Qingyao would be crossing the sea, and he was prepared to merge with Jiang Qingyao at any moment, because they were originally one person. Suddenly, Wang Xuan''s body shook, and the Life Soil, the Origin of the Transcendence, trembled violently! What was happening? Had the day finallye when he, too, would be affected by the bacsh and lose his level? On therge screen, Chen Yongjie was startled and turned around, as if he had witnessed some unusual scene, gazing into the depths of space. "The transcendent sea has burst its banks and is rushing out into the vast universe, it... it''s reappeared!" eximed Qing Mu''s with a trembling voice. He was staring at anotherrge screen, where there were images of the earth''s crust and cracks in the dimensional rift, synchronously switching to show Wang Xuan. It was a dazzling sight. The vast universe seemed to be tearing apart, with dazzling cracks illuminating the dark void of space, like surgingva pouring out. As time passed, the vast transcendent sea spread out, reappearing in the deep starry sky, expanding relentlessly with unstoppable force. Giant waves surged, unmanned spaceships nearby were swept away, and the power of the waves was awe-inspiring.¡¡¡¡"The transcendent sea has reappeared. Has it unexpectedly returned?!" eximed Wang Xuan as his pupils contracted. Soon, he realized something was wrong. His Life Soil was trembling violently, and he was indeed being severely affected. Moreover, at that moment, three light spots appeared, rising from the Life Soil, shining brightly. Wang Xuan realized that the essence of his external spirit was dissipating. Even his consciousness was slipping away, leaving him with a chilling sensation. However, in an instant, he understood what was happening. Part of his consciousness was drawn into a light spot, rapidly merging with the newborn spirit, but some parts were being rejected. When he regained consciousness, he found that some of his flesh and blood had also lost its essence, absorbed by another light spot, leaving him with a hint of decay. His spirit was undergoing the same process, aging rapidly, and his cultivation was declining. Was he really going to decay together with this era? "No, I haven''t fallen from my level, but nurtured the newborn spirit. Spiritual energy is transferring there, waiting for the final rebirth." At that moment, Wang Xuan understood,prehending the essence. The mythological era had ended, and he, along with a few other Earth Immortals, were thest anomalies. Now, even anomalies like them were being targeted. He sensed something, casting a vague light and using the most rudimentary version of light-reflection technique to reflect himself. To his surprise, he found a few strands of white hair between his temples. "Dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth. Are the transcendents of the past destined to decay?" muttered Wang Xuan. He understood very well that the cause of all this was the light spot that represented generations of physical bodies, absorbing some of the transcendent essence from within him. He realized that this wasn''t the return of the transcendent sea, but rather a violent upheaval. Perhaps today''s copse of the earth cave, and the intervention leading to its direction, had triggered this bacsh. At that moment, as the transcendent sea burst out of the rift, raging fiercely, it was not a good thing. It was like a resurgence, stirring up the residual traces of rules in the universe, repeatedly shaking the transcendents. "Old Chen, are you okay?" Wang Xuan asked. "I''m fine. Though hard as jade, I''ll never be shattered. I stand firm¡­ in the Great Grandmaster level," Chen Yongjie responded calmly. He had fallen into a mortal, his cultivation irreversibly lost. His current strength was cultivated during the Old World¡¯s era of the transcendent material exhaustion, a solid foundation indeed. Even if the overall environment deteriorated further, he wouldn''t be affected by it. Next to him, Senior Liu Huai''an was also as stable as a rock, with a youthful face and a solid foundation as a Great Grandmaster. Even Qing Mu, an almost Great Grandmaster, remained steadfast. Recently, under the urging of the two young but old men, he had diligently studied, with a solid foundation that couldn''t be shaken. "How about Senior Yan, Maiden Fang, and Old Zhang?" Wang Xuan quickly asked, as this time the situation was much more serious than the backflow of the transcendent sea. "They''re fine. They took this opportunity to test the power of the supreme treasures. Everyone hid in the Divine Pce, resonating and glowing with several supreme treasures, safely rushing out. The transcendent sea failed to assimte them," Chen Yongjie replied. This was a test before departure. At present, there seemed to be no problem in the short term. The supreme treasures could temporarily withstand the terrifying erosion of the transcendent sea. But it was unknown how far this journey would go. If it were too long, then perhaps even several supreme treasures wouldn''t be able to protect them. Wang Xuan wanted to see off everyone, to bid them a final farewell, because he felt reluctant. But humans are social beings, and he had attachments here. Most of the people he knew or had connections with were here¡ªhis parents, rtives, and friends¡ªhe couldn''t bear to leave them behind. In the early morning, Wang Xuan set out again, piloting the silver spaceship through the atmosphere and into space. After passing through the wormhole, Wang Xuan''s body staggered, unable to stand, and he copsed in the cabin. At that moment, his consciousness did not enter the newborn spirit, but his spiritual energy was dissipating, merging into that light spot. Flesh and blood were the same, the faint scent of decay increased, and dozens of white hairs appeared at his temples. "Have I taken the wrong path, was the new self¡­ wrong?" pondered Wang Xuan. He was extremely weak, feeling immensely tired. Finally, he fainted on the ground. "Wang Xuan, what''s wrong with you?" shouted the mechanical bear. He was at a loss, dragging him into a lifeboat for emergency treatment, but to no avail. Before losing consciousness, Wang Xuan felt a heart-wrenching regret. Could I have been wrong? The external old spirit was my original self. In that light spot, although the newborn spirit was waiting for rebirth, why did the old spirit deep within his consciousness feel a sense of destion? Normally, he felt nothing, until the moment of fainting, he realized it when his consciousness within the old spirit remained, somewhat rejected by the newborn spirit. The light spot was drawing energy from his old spirit to strengthen itself, indeed a form of rebirth, a more powerful version of himself lying dormant. However, following this trend, the external old spirit would continue to decay. It would deteriorate until finally being extinguished, dissipatingpletely. Such a rebirth seemed inconsequential at first, but upon deeper consideration, he felt fear, a sense of horror. The original him had been erased. That light spot will be the new him sculpted from his memories. Was this truly a rebirth, or had it shaped a mere replica? "Was I wrong?" pondered Wang Xuan. Before falling into aa, countless thoughts raced through his mind. Once again, he saw the subconscious deep within the old spirit, the weakness, helplessness, the deep sense of destion and decay, causing him to tremble uncontrobly. He regretted it. "I need to preserve my true self and nourish it!" pondered Wang Xuan. But now, he was incredibly weak, his vision darkening and he was unable to wake up. "Old Chen, something''s wrong with Wang Xuan!" said the mechanical bear as it quickly contacted Chen Yongjie. Its facial expression was stiff, mechanically conveying the emergency situation. "What? Bring him over here!" said Chen Yongjie. Qing Mu, and Liu Huai''an who were also there were all taken aback. Even Wang Xuan, who hadn''t been affected by the copse of the Great Barrier and the extinction of myth, was now facing a major problem. The consequences were indeed serious. The silver spaceship raced through the cold cosmos, the mechanical bear going berserk, speeding with Wang Xuan. In the depths of the universe, before the dimensional rift, radiant lights overflowed, and the transcendent sea surged out several times within a few hours. It was expanding outward and then retracting, the tide surging, severely affecting all transcendents. Fortunately, several supreme treasures were present. They were all roaring there, collectively resisting the intense radiation waves. Overall, it was a close call. The silver spaceship arrived, and a group of people had been waiting there. None of them expected Wang Xuan to have a problem at thest moment. "How is Wang Xuan?" asked Xu Fu. The Blood Emperor, and the others crowded around, entering the cabin. Bai Jingshu''s fingers glowed as she ced them in front of his brow, carefully sensing, revealing a look of doubt. She said, "The spirit is weaker than before. Could it be that he couldn''t avoid the correction of the great universe in the end? Is the dyed suppression is beginning to affect him?" This was not impossible. She regarded Wang Xuan as her own child and immediately showed a worried expression. Yan Mingcheng''s body emitted light, thunder blossoming, but in a holy and gentle manner. He baptized Wang Xuan''s body and spirit, nourishing and strengthening his foundation, clearing away various decaying substances. "He didn''t wake up immediately. Is he trapped in the deepest level of consciousness, like in self-protection?" said Yan Mingcheng, frowning his brow. "Don''t wake him up directly. In this situation, he needs to be awakened slowly to avoid mental exhaustion," Fang Yuzhu said, activating the Guiding Scripture. For a moment, the atmosphere here was extremely sacred and splendid, with rays of light raining into Wang Xuan''s body. "There''s a big problem. His spirit is being heavily consumed!" Fang Yuzhu said solemnly. If an ordinary person fell into this situation, they might never wake up again. Everyone''s expressions changed. Vaguely, Wang Xuan heard the chanting and saw a path paved with divine bamboo unfolding from the hazy depths of his consciousness, guiding him back. "Wake up!" Zhang Daoling''s and the Hades Blood Patriarch''s voices came. "Wang Xuan, do you still want to pave a new path?" Xu Fu''s voice reached him. Demon Lord Yan Qingyan also began using the Guiding Scripture and transmitted her voice, "Weirdo Wang, don''t you want to see me dance? If you don''t wake up soon, I''ll cross the sea and leave. You''ll miss your chance!" The younger Qingyao¡¯s eyes turned red as she said, "Wang Xuan, don''t fall asleep like this. My other half, Jiang Qingyao, is still in aa. How can you be like this?" In a blur, Wang Xuan heard their calls and tried to open his eyes, but felt an overwhelming exhaustion in his spirit. In the depths of his consciousness, he was reluctant to move. "Try to get closer to the transcendent sea. After all, there''s transcendent radiation here, reminiscent of the residuals of a broken myth," said someone. Shortly after, Wang Xuan''s body was taken out of the spaceship and entered the dimensional rift, approaching the transcendent sea in the underground cave. Fang Yuzhu said, "No, the closer he gets to this sea, the more unstable his condition seems. Mental substance is dissipating. I vaguely sense that his newborn spirit light spot has appeared and is absorbing the power of the old spirit." "Isn''t this a good thing?" The Hades Blood Patriarch said. Did this mean that Wang Xuan was elerating his transformation, and the newborn spirit was about to emerge? Yan Mingcheng frowned and said, "His old spirit is resisting fiercely." "Let''s awaken him first," Fang Yuzhu said, leading him out of the cave and appearing again in the spaceship. The speed of mental substance dissipation slowed and stopped. Light rain fell, and the peerless transcendents personally took action, with the Guiding Scripture ying its greatest role. Finally, Wang Xuan recovered and woke up, immediately seeing a group of familiar faces. "Alright, you finally woke up," said someone. Wang Xuan saw arge group of people including the younger Qingyao, Yan Mingcheng, Fang Yuzhu, and others, all showing concern, which made him feel somewhat ashamed. He said, "I intended to see you off, but unexpectedly, I encountered some issues myself, making you worry." "Are you resisting the Nirvana of the newborn spirit?" Demon Lord Yan Qingyan asked. It was a question that everyone wanted to ask, as they noticed some peculiarities. "Yes," said Wang Xuan, nodding his head. "Why?" The younger Qingyao was puzzled, her face showing both worry and confusion. Wang Xuan''s expression turned solemn as he said, "I feel that the old spirit is the original me. It''s with him that I met and got to know you all, leaving behind those profound experiences. The newborn spirit feels like a duplicate of me." If he hadn''t said this, no one would have felt that something was amiss. But upon closer inspection, it seemed to be true. The old spirit had shared many experiences with them. "At this stage, what do you intend to do?" Zhang Daoling asked. "I can handle it slowly," Wang Xuan said calmly. These people were all about to leave, and he didn''t want them to worry too much. "In ancient times, there were simr rumors, but those people practiced bizarre techniques, and most of them chose the newborn spirit," Xu Fu said. Fang Yuzhu pondered for a moment, then acted again, saying, "I can stabilize your old spirit." Her whole body shone, and light radiated from her brow, forming aplex pattern that eventually turned into a rune, entering Wang Xuan''s forehead. At first, people didn''t recognize it, but after careful scrutiny, they immediately understood the rune¡¯s true meaning. It was the word ¡®stability¡¯! In this era, Fang Yuzhu still possessed such supernatural abilities, astonishing everyone. "Both of us can strengthen your old spirit," Yan Mingcheng and Bai Jingshu said, and then they both acted. The two of them joined forces, and a pattern interwoven before them, finally forming the character ¡®Stable¡¯, entering Wang Xuan''s head. "I should be fine now, able to solve my own problems," said Wang Xuan, smiling, his tone rxing. He knew that these people should leave now. In their final gathering, everyone waved goodbye and re-entered the underground cave, preparing to cross the sea. Wang Xuan, Chen Yongjie, Qing Mu, and Liu Huai¡¯an stood outside the dimensional rift, watching them go. "Wang Xuan, you¡­" Qing Mu became alert, noticing Wang Xuan''s body trembling, and immediately supported him. "Influenced by the transcendent sea, but it''s okay. I''ll recover after leaving here," Wang Xuan shook his head, not wanting to fall into a state of unconsciousness, and gazed at the great rift. He watched the departing figures of his old acquaintances, while Qing Mu supported him, preventing him from falling. But in the end, his eyelids became heavier and heavier, and he eventually passed out. The transcendent sea fluctuated violently, as if it was truly about to recedepletely. In a daze, he sensed something. The younger Qingyao came back, carrying the Purple Celestial Dao Sword. She saw Wang Xuan unconscious again, her nose tingling instantly. "How could this happen? Jiang Qingyao regained some consciousness and, in her improvement, asked me to give you the Purple Celestial Dao Sword for protection. But, after you regained consciousness, you still couldn''t hold on and passed out again. How can anyone feel at ease?" The little one spoke with a sob. Wang Xuan heard this, and he tried to open his eyes. Old Chen and Qing Mu firmly supported him. "I haven''t passed out yet. I heard your voice. Take care of Qingyao. Sooner orter, I''lle find you," Wang Xuan said softly. Then, he pushed the sword back, saying, "The Purple Celestial Dao Sword has already merged with the celestial sword nurtured by your lives. It cannot be lost. Take it. You need it more!" "But, when Jiang Qingyao regained consciousness just now, she asked me to bring it to you. She said, there¡¯s no difference between the sayings, ¡®a sword breaks ten thousandws¡¯, and ¡®a tool breaking ten thousandws¡¯. The Life Essence Furnace is still there," the little one exined. "It''s different. Take it with you!" said Wang Xuan, insisting that they take back the sword. At that moment, there came a call from the underground cave. Everyone was about to leave, and the transcendent sea was quickly receding. "Hurry, or you won''t make it in time!" eximed Wang Xuan as he stuffed the Purple Celestial Dao Sword into her hands. Reluctantly, the younger Qingyao departed, joining the others. With a loud rumble, amidst the towering waves, the group set sail across the sea and disappearedpletely! Wang Xuan''s body went limp, his vision darkening. This time, he couldn''t hold on. He copsed on his own, falling into unconsciousness. Then, he was quickly taken aboard the spaceship by Qing Mu and Old Chen. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!