The Stars Beyond

Chapter 99: Hidden Land Deep In The Cosmos

Wait, he’s actually sending her pictures through the phone?

Shocked, Wang Xuan watched as Zhong Qing, with her pure and pristine appearance, rapidly approached her brother. Without a hint of hesitation, she delivered a resounding slap that sent him sprawling to the ground. Wang Xuan could not help but marvel at the young woman. For someone who looked so delicate and youthful, her strength was astounding.

Moments later, Zhong Qing's gaze shifted to Wang Xuan, a hint of accusation in her eyes. He blinked in surprise. How is this my fault? Opting to sidestep the brewing storm, Wang Xuan quickly moved to attend the memorial for Olesha.

From the side, an elderly man, known for his proficiency in the Snake-Crane Eight Style Technique commented, "What an impressive young man. His words just now sent chills down my spine. I've practiced the Old Arts all my life, focusing only on the texts and never deeply contemplating the birth of these scriptures. His revelation today left me with a mix of enlightenment and regret."

He looked somewhat distant, gazing at the horizon, a sense of melancholy clouding his thoughts.

"He's that impressive?" Zhong Qing's eyebrows shot up.

Picking himself up, Zhong Cheng said, "Absolutely. My excitement earlier wasn't entirely feigned. Did you know? What he said closely mirrors what I stumbled upon in an old manuscript back in our library. The author of that note was a quasi-immortal! That was why I dangled some enticing bait – our family's ancient scriptures, the golden bamboo scrolls, and...you. Slowly, we'll reel him in. Considering how capable you are, I'm sure you can make him fall head over heels for you in no time..."

"Using me with old scriptures and bamboo slips as bait? Are you out of your mind?" Annoyed, Zhong Qing's palm came down again, sending her brother sprawling once more.

......

She walked confidently, her long, straight legs carrying her with a sense of authority, stepping right over Zhong Cheng. "You've lost your way," she scolded. "What era are you living in? Still lost in tales of the Immortals? If they were truly that powerful, they wouldn't have disappeared. Once I find the Elixir Herb, I’ll live longer than any of them. While the Zhong family will never abandon the mystic and the occult, we won't be confined by them. We must rise above it all and take control of everything. Look at you! Years of training and still, you’re nowhere near my level. One hand is all I need to beat you up!"

Zhong Cheng wanted to protest, to say that he was strong in his own right. But, in truth, he had never bested his sister.

"Dare to share my photos again, and I'll exile you to our barren barren outpost on a remote planet for two years," she warned, adding pointedly, "It's full of cold-blooded male mercenaries, and some Masters of the Old Arts as well. Since you admire them so much, it’ll be a perfect opportunity for you to interact with them and learn from."

Zhong Cheng's eyes widened, but he dared not utter a word.

In a serene garden within the funeral home, a group of middle-aged men were engrossed in a conversation, discussing the mysterious lands.

...

The funeral home was grand and solemn. Tall green pines and cypress trees were planted around some areas, making the architectural spaces in between even more tranquil. Many had come to pay their last respects to Olesha, including representatives from major financial conglomerates. Even more attendees than when Old Chen had nearly met his end, and of a much higher stature. Mainly because Olesha had once prolonged the lives of a few influential elders, forming significant bonds of “good karma.”

Wang Xuan stood tall, his demeanor enhanced by his practice of the Old Art6s. There was a unique vitality to him, his eyes bright and alert. Some recognized him and immediately frowned. His reputation was notorious, especially among those of the New Arts. He was a malevolent presence, and his most infamous act was the execution of Master Xia Qing with a single kick on the Pamir Plateau.

"In that remote area, mystery looms large. Even on its outskirts, we've uncovered the rare minerals crucial for crafting the 'Elixir of Immortality', and the reserves are significant. But with an array of disturbing incidents, it's become treacherous to explore," one middle-aged man commented.

The influential families of the New World had become agitated. They were eager to unlock the secrets of this enigmatic land. However, their endeavors were continuously met with unforeseen challenges. Worryingly, reports of advanced warships crashing and going dark had emerged. Prominent figures onboard were missing, sparking an immediate need for rescue missions.

"It reminds me of the 'Promised Land' we discovered earlier, laden with the pervasive 'X-substance'. Prolonged exposure invariably causes even our most advanced devices to malfunction," another added.

While various factions had upgraded their ship's defense mechanisms, they seemed powerless against the relentless intrusion of the “X-substance.”

"Also, those who have embraced the new arts are not spared. The X-substance seems to decay the 'Divine Particle'. Extended exposure can lead to alarming physiological mutations," a third voiced.

Yet, in the face of these overwhelming risks, the allure of otherworldly discoveries kept them pushing forward, with every faction eager to uncover the secrets lying within.

"Two days ago, the Zhong family managed to momentarily negate the X-substance's interference, capturing an image so profound that it nearly drove the typically stoic Elder Zhong Yong to the brink of insanity. He's now eager to personally explore these depths, seeking clarity on what they chanced upon," another shared.

Two prominent figures of the New Arts soon joined the conversation, imploring the middle-aged men for assistance and suggesting that Qing Mu be dispatched, regardless of the evident danger. The men exchanged uneasy glances. Some had already attempted interventions, only to be met with fierce resistance. Moreover, official word from the Old World's authorities pinned Olesha's demise on an aerial mishap.

In this intricate web of politics and power, some truths were better left untouched. Pushing further might lead to an irrevocable confrontation, a scenario neither side truly wanted. Without tangible benefits, they saw no reason to risk offending anyone on behalf of the deceased Olesha. Such confrontations could lead to unpredictable repercussions.

Their expressions softened as they tried to console the two masters of the New Arts faction. "Mourn Olesha now," they suggested gently. "Some matters can be settled later, with patience and strategy."

The two leading figures from the New Arts faction sighed in understanding. The foundation of their alliance had always been mutual benefits. Without significant incentives, it's hard to persuade these men of influence. While the financial magnates are undoubtedly powerful, they wouldn't rashly offend others without reason. Making a symbolic gesture would be their limit; they wouldn't stick out their necks without proper cause.

Master Zhou Wei from the New Arts faction spoke with a calm demeanor, "Despite the hostility of that mysterious region towards the Divine Particle — or the super-material — some of us in the New Arts faction have already refined our physical bodies to an astonishing level. Even without using the super-material, we can tread in that area, perhaps even venturing deeper."

The other master, Sun Chuan, was more blunt. He mentioned that Chen Yongjie, the only Master from the old arts, would pass away in a few days. With his demise, the old arts wouldn’t even have a Master, marking its decline. They could no longer rely on them.

The middle-aged men nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth in their words. Chen Yongjie's time was indeed nearing its end, rendering the idea of seeking his assistance for the exploration of the mysterious land unfeasible.

Zhou Wei continued, "The Old Arts can be likened to a candle flame in the wind. While occasional gusts might make it burn brighter for a moment, such flares also signify its imminent extinguishment."

He added, "Take, for instance, the recently emerged young practitioner. He's akin to a brief flare in the wind, merely a quasi-Master. If he dares to set foot in that land with his unstable foundations, his light will quickly be snuffed out."

Sun Chuan nodded in agreement. "He won't be able to reach the Master level anytime soon. The Old Arts are notoriously slow in yielding results."

The group of middle-aged men then made their stance clear to the two masters from the new arts. As long as they can retrieve certain unique items from the Hidden Land, they would have a say in the distribution of benefits. Furthermore, they subtly indicated that as long as the actions of those in the new arts realm aren’t excessively disruptive, they would provide a safety net.

Content with the assurance, Zhou Wei and Sun Chuan nodded and made their exit.

......

As Wang Xuan moved forward, several figures stepped into his path, their expressions cold and uninviting. In any other setting, they might have considered more aggressive measures against him.

Meeting their gaze, Wang Xuan calmly stated, "I've come to genuinely pay my respects as a novice in the world of cultivation. You needn't overthink my intentions."

"You're not welcome here," a New Arts practitioner responded with disdain.

His presence had clearly drawn attention. Many mourners turned their heads, intrigued. They were looking at the young man rumored to have taken down quasi-Masters. His youthful appearance only fueled their astonishment. Wu Yin, sensing potential unrest, contemplated intervening. Zhong Cheng, however, opted to observe the scene in silence.

Wang Xuan replied calmly, "I am here on behalf of a section of the Old Arts faction. My intention is merely to present a wreath and convey our respect. This is no place for hostilities. We should focus on the bigger picture."

His level-headed demeanor unsettled many in the New Arts faction, realizing any escalation might make them appear overly confrontational.

"Proceed," Sun Chuan, a Master of the New Arts faction, interjected, giving Wang Xuan a nod of allowance.

Yet, as Wang Xuan entered, Sun Chuan's gaze sharpened, an unmistakable glint of challenge within. To most, it was a mere exchange of glances, but Wang Xuan sensed a covert spiritual assault, an attempt to undermine him before the gathered audience.

A glint of defiance flashed in Wang Xuan's eyes. Does Sun Chuan truly believe his Master status gave him an edge in the spiritual realm? Wang Xuan had his own spiritual strengths. The real battle was to see who would stand tall and who would yield.

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