The Stars Beyond

Chapter 316: An Emerging Immortal

The Betelgeuse b star, with its wormhole connecting the New World and the Old World star systems, or possibly even two universes, faded into the distance as the three warships accelerated. For those accustomed to terrestrial life, the 4.2 light-year distance to the Old World was astronomical. Yet, under the warp engines, they neared the Old World in just over four hours.

After undergoing the most stringent scans and providing comprehensive identification, they were finally granted entry. Large warships like theirs couldn't enter the Old World without prior arrangements and strict approvals, indicating the tight control in the region.

Descending towards the planet, familiar sights like the vast blue oceans and the majestic Kunlun Mountains evoked a sense of returning home. Wang Xuan reflected on his humble beginnings when he couldn't even afford a ship ticket and was sent off by Qingmu and Chen Yongjie. Now, he returned commanding three warships, two large and one small.

Despite owning these warships, Wang Xuan couldn't afford their upkeep, given the astronomical daily expenses. They were true gold-eaters, consuming vast resources every day.

He had already made arrangements, lending these warships to the Old World authorities for their use, with the understanding that they could be called upon if needed in the future.

Upon stepping onto the grounds of the spaceship base just outside An City, Wang Xuan's mind flooded with familiar memories, bringing a smile to his face. Chen Yongjie, however, wasn't as nostalgic, recalling how he was nearly written off as dead, with people even preparing funeral wreaths for him. He managed to outlive several high-profile individuals who had been waiting for his demise.

Excited, Qin Cheng announced his return, glad to be back in his hometown of An City. He had gone through a lot to get to New World, but now he realized there was no place like home. Eager to see his parents and check if his girlfriend had waited for him, he rushed off, fearing his life might turn gloomy if she hadn't.

Qingmu was waiting to greet them, happy to see the progress of Wang Xuan, whom he had discovered and mentored. Seeing Qin Cheng, now a grandmaster, Qingmu couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and incredulity.

For Wang Xuan and Chen Yongjie, An City held special significance, having spent their college years and early careers there. The city symbolized the start of their incredible journey, which had now brought them back, far more accomplished than when they had left.

Qin Cheng's ascension to a senior grandmaster in the realm of ancient arts, securing his place as the third strongest individual in the Old World, left Qingmu buzzing with disbelief and questioning his own life. "Xiao Wang, my talent surpasses Qin Cheng's by a wide margin, right?" Qingmu asked Wang Xuan, seizing his wrist upon meeting, neglecting to greet his master Chen Yongjie.

"Don't worry, as my disciple, it would be embarrassing for you not to reach the extraordinary," Chen Yongjie replied confidently. Now having access to the "Inner Scenic World" and "Immortal Bone Cans," Chen planned to take Qingmu along in his training sessions, ensuring his growth.

Qingmu, seeing his master looking remarkably young, exclaimed, "Master, have you had a facelift? You look so youthful!" He added jokingly, "Are you trying to redefine the saying 'men are forever young'?" Qingmu, around forty years old, was astonished to see his master appearing in his early twenties, questioning the possibility of such a transformation.

Wang Xuan comforted him, saying, "Calm down, Qingmu. It's just rejuvenation. We still have a year before the mythological era completely collapses, so there's still a chance."

Suddenly, the outskirts of An City were engulfed in dark clouds and blood-red lightning, contrasting with the sunny city. "This is serious," Chen Yongjie observed, indicating someone crossing realms. Qingmu informed them that in the vicinity of the city, frequent tremors and the arrival of extraordinary creatures had become commonplace.

Despite the depletion of the Old World's relics and ruins, many beings still chose to return to their roots here. "The problem is severe, and I estimate there are more celestials in the Old World than in New Star," Wang Xuan remarked, realizing the gravity of the situation. Now aware of the immense challenges ahead, including formidable beings like Zheng Yuantian, Yaozu Qiyi, and Tianxian Patriarch Qiteng, Wang Xuan knew he needed to ensure his survival.

"Have you seen the Red-Dressed Female Demon Immortal?" Wang Xuan asked Qingmu in a low voice, acknowledging her as a significant threat. Qingmu replied that she had visited Xiongshan, possibly her former abode, but had since vanished without a trace.

As they left the spaceship base, Wang Xuan spotted a fashionably dressed young woman, flanked by bodyguards and carrying a golden three-eyed lion, walking confidently. "Are beings from beyond the veil so bold now, openly keeping demonic pets and moving with entourages exuding immortal and demonic auras?" Chen Yongjie expressed his surprise.

Qingmu agreed, mentioning the sudden emergence of people with untraceable origins, adding pressure to various factions. Indeed, as they drove into An City, Wang Xuan noticed several individuals on the streets exuding faint wisps of immortal and demonic energies through the car window.

Are the descendants of celestial beings from beyond the veil now commonly blending into the mortal world in the Old World?

During the welcoming feast, Qingmu was astounded by the experience of "opportunity," with mythical items like Earth Immortal Spring and Mountain Conch being used as beverages and ingredients, leaving him in a daze throughout.

"Is the burial site of the Sword Immortal okay?" Wang Xuan asked, concerned about the safety of that significant location. "It's quite desolate, not many people go there," Qingmu informed him, noting that the most tumultuous areas are those with mythological and legendary significance.

"It's best if there are no surprises," Wang Xuan said, finishing his meal quickly to head to Pingcheng to see his parents at the relevant department. "Don't rush, we're going too," Guan Lin said with a smile, working there herself, with Chen Yongjie now fully integrated into the department as well.

Pingcheng, a large city in the north with numerous historic sites, surprised Wang Xuan as he encountered more mysterious creatures walking its streets. "It seems to be the trend for humans, immortals, and demons to coexist. Hopefully, they'll keep to themselves without causing trouble. Wouldn't that be better?" he remarked.

"Trees wish for tranquility, but the wind keeps blowing," Chen Yongjie said, referring to recent disturbances by monsters. "‘Old Zhang’ made an appearance recently, deterring many evil beings, so they've been much quieter lately."

The department wasn't located amidst tall buildings but in a tranquil area with a mix of traditional courtyards and small buildings. Finally, Wang Xuan reunited with his parents, who were leisurely reading in the ancient book room.

"Eh, why have you come back so suddenly? It hasn't even been a few months," they questioned, almost as if they thought his return was premature. Despite their initial surprise, they were happy to see him and led him home, eager to cook him a delicious meal.

"Good to see you both well," Wang Xuan said, relieved. "This is the safest place in the Old World. What could possibly happen here? We've heard about your adventures; just be careful not to get into too much trouble," his mother cautioned him.

"I'm fine, just reading books and exercising daily. Work is too leisurely," Wang Xuan replied with a smile.

Guan Lin and Chen Yongjie lived not far from there, in a small building behind. Chen Yongjie, with his heightened abilities, could hear everything clearly. He wanted to reveal the truth — that the "reading" often involved Buddhist scriptures, Taoist methods, and demonic arts, and "exercising" meant battling demons, where not seeing blood meant the session wasn’t over. Beheadings and decapitations were routine. Shaking his head, he decided not to cause a stir by disclosing the reality.

Wang Xuan brought out Earth Immortal Spring water, crystals, Mountain Conch, and Golden Mushrooms to cook personally, as some extraordinary ingredients required his handling.

"The royal jelly mixed in the spring water is too hard to drink!" his parents unanimously complained.

Wang Xuan was speechless; many yearned for a sip of such a rare commodity, coveted even by heads of wealthy families, as it could be traded for a small warship.

"This is something that extends life and rejuvenates health. Soon, you'll find youth returning. If you want to give me a brother or sister, I fully support it. I'm often away anyway, so having more people at home would be great!"

"Cheeky boy, how dare you joke about us? Are you asking for a beating?"

"If you really want more people at home, hurry up and bring back your wife, so we can hold our grandchildren!"

"Alright, I'll bring her back soon!" Wang Xuan promised, patting his chest. He felt his power wasn't enough to venture into the dense land to fetch her. The old fox there was formidable, and he needed to break through first.

Two days later, after leaving enough spiritual medicine and Earth Immortal Spring water, Wang Xuan left, unable to endure his parents' incessant bombardment. They weren't worried about him but were keenly focused on their future daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

"Old Qing, let's go see the Sword Immortal!" Wang Xuan returned to An City, found Qingmu, and asked him to pilot a small flying craft to the unnamed mountain range.

"Sure!" Qingmu took him to a desolate mountain area eight hundred miles from An City. The place, devoid of famous landmarks, was secluded and rarely visited by anyone.

Much later, Wang Xuan finally found the place. It wasn't the autumn-winter season of his last visit; the hills were now covered in lush greenery, with thickets of brambles and vines obscuring the low hill.

"There's something going on!" Wang Xuan's expression turned serious as he noticed a faint mist drifting from the hilltop. He approached cautiously.

Beneath the grass and soil lay remnants of tiles and broken walls, the remains of a small Taoist temple where the Sword Immortal had once cultivated. She had ascended to immortality from this very hill.

"Has she grown flesh? No, this is a reconstruction of her true form?"

Instead of anything amiss, the Sword Immortal's growth was astonishingly rapid. Using his psychic third eye, Wang Xuan was stunned to see what was beneath the ground.

"In spring, I buried the seed, and in autumn, it really grew into an immortal maiden!"

Previously, he had buried a piece of immortal bone here. Now, deep in the earth, a little girl about ten years old had formed. She was exquisitely beautiful, with closed eyes and surrounded by immortal mist. Her flawless face was a miniature version of the Sword Immortal.