The Stars Beyond

Chapter 320: Another Quake!

Wang Xuan's lips curled into a smile, acknowledging the peculiar coincidences surrounding him, yet he firmly dismissed any notion of his involvement in these serendipitous events. The shifting dynamics of the world, particularly with the emergence of numerous divine relics, were more likely the catalysts for these changes.

"Old Chen, push forward with all your might!" Wang Xuan's voice, full of encouragement, resonated through the phone. "I await your arrival at the next level of mastery," he added, before hanging up with a sense of finality. His focus now shifted to his own spiritual advancement.

Qingmu observed Wang Xuan, musing over the sincerity and impact of his words. With a sense of urgency and anticipation, he prepared to join his master in this new phase of their journey.

On the other end of the line, Chen Yongjie's eyes sparkled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The idea of being outpaced was unacceptable to him. He was consumed with thoughts of innovation in their practices, pondering the fusion of the Golden Elixir of Immortal Life with the essence of Buddha-nature. Could this amalgamation birth a new transcendent substance? Would blending the Daoist ideal of the Unity of Heaven and Man with the Buddhist concept of the Alaya consciousness lead to a transformative synergy?

Chen Yongjie's ambition wasn't just to climb the ranks of cultivation; he aimed to forge a path that would remain viable even as the era of depletion loomed closer. He questioned whether any of the energy materials from the physical world could be harnessed to aid in his quest.

Stepping outside, Chen Yongjie's gaze fixed on the sun, a symbol of boundless energy. His mind raced with possibilities, from harnessing nuclear radiation to other energy forms, envisioning a future where these could be converted for his use in cultivation.

Meanwhile, Wang Xuan readied himself mentally and physically, aiming for an optimal state for his endeavor. He planned to introduce a Heavenly Herb into the ethereal void, positioning it near the mystical silver pool to study its effects. However, his primary intention was to transport the formidable Life-Preserving Furnace with him.

"This divine artifact might just be the support I need," he thought, his eyes alight with anticipation. Yet, doubts nagged at him about the feasibility of transporting such a colossal object over a vast distance. The sheer weight of the furnace was intimidating; he recalled the arduous effort it took just to move its lid in the Hidden Land.

The potency of the Life-Preserving Furnace was indisputable. Its lid alone had been potent enough to decimate an entire cohort of skilled Herb Gathering fighters, a testament to its awe-inspiring power.

In the midst of the mist-laden Life Soil, the ethereal fog swirled around the firmly planted Flag of God Slaying. Nearby, three sprouts of Heavenly Herb, freshly broken from the earth, radiated with boundless vitality. The Life-Preserving Furnace, modest in size and only large enough to fit a fist through its opening, exuded an ancient simplicity, shrouded in a faint haze, silent and stoic.

Wang Xuan, in his spiritual form, exerted all his might to lift the Life-Preserving Furnace from the ground. With a thunderous effort, he succeeded in lifting it, a feat far beyond his past capabilities. However, the overwhelming weight quickly took its toll; his spirit nearly shattered from the strain, indicating he couldn't maintain this for long.

Gently placing the furnace back down, he watched as the Life Soil quivered under its weight, causing the mist to billow out, making the area more mystical and obscure. "Dreams are full, reality is stark," he sighed. The sacred artifact was indeed powerful, but its immensity rendered it immobile.

Reluctantly, Wang Xuan tried taking only the lid, still a task of Herculean effort. Even this component was immensely heavy, draining his spirit. The prospect of carrying it to the elusive realm seemed impossible; it would be a journey at a snail's pace.

Contemplating his situation, Wang Xuan wondered about the furnace's nature. Was its immense weight intrinsic, or did it require a gradual process of mastery and bonding? Each attempt to interact with the artifact had yielded no response.

Undeterred by these challenges, Wang Xuan remained resolute. Understanding that no journey of cultivation was without its hurdles, he knew that relying solely on a divine artifact to revolutionize a new mythological system was unrealistic. His path was one to be forged through perseverance and steadfast progression.

Resolved, he decided to take the Flag of God Slaying and a sprout of the Heavenly Herb. His gaze then fell upon the silver hide book. Its unique material, akin to the flag's fabric and adorned with enigmatic patterns, sparked a thought. Perhaps, in critical moments, it could serve as a shield.

After allowing his spirit to recuperate, Wang Xuan remerged with his physical body, ready to embark on his journey into the unknown, prepared to be lost to the world for half a day or more.

Buried deep in the soil of the barren mountain, Wang Xuan pondered the potential risks to his physical body while his spirit ventured into the realm of void. Considering asking Chen Yongjie for help, he quickly dismissed the idea, recalling the recent attention Chen had garnered from the transcendent beings of the Xian realm.

Wang Xuan resolved to mimic the Sword Immortal's method, burying himself underground. It felt almost like a botanical metaphor: planting himself in the daylight to harvest a higher realm of self by nightfall.

A sudden call from Qingmu relayed alarming news: Chen Yongjie, seemingly driven to madness, had decided to embark on a perilous journey. Intent on approaching the sun in a spacecraft, Chen planned to use the solar flames to temper his soul and forge his own indomitable path.

Stunned by Chen's audacious plan, Wang Xuan reassured Qingmu not to join in the folly but to keep watch. If Chen was to self-immolate, Qingmu was to be ready with water to douse the flames.

With his decision made, Wang Xuan proceeded to bury himself in the desolate mountain. In the earth, he took action, leveraging the Flag of God Slaying to pry open a piece of immortal bone, revealing a decaying Inner Landscape within.

His intent wasn't to cultivate within this decaying realm, but rather to harness the Flag as a conduit, feverishly absorbing the mystical elements from the Inner Landscape before channeling them into his own Life Soil.

In mere minutes of the real world, the Inner Landscape decayed and collapsed completely, its super-material essence thoroughly exhausted. In Wang Xuan's Life Soil, these mystical elements roiled, too dense to dissipate. The three Heavenly Herbs thrived on this abundance, absorbing a significant portion.

The remaining super-material essence was steadily infused deep into Wang Xuan's robust Life Soil. He was determined to ensure a journey free of concerns, unlike the previous one where he nearly depleted himself. His preparations were meticulous and thorough, ready for the uncertainties of the journey ahead.

Wang Xuan's journey into the realm of mystery and the unknown continues to unfold with intriguing developments. His discovery of the silver hide scroll's ability to store vast amounts of mystical factors adds another layer of depth to the narrative. His cautious approach in transporting the Nine Calamities Lotus, encapsulated in the enigmatic hide scroll, underscores his meticulous nature and respect for the extraordinary.

The notion of the vast and increasingly dense Life Soil acting as both a resource and a barrier is a compelling plot point. It highlights the challenges and complexities Wang Xuan faces as he advances in his spiritual journey. The use of the Divine Slaying Flag to navigate and the time dilation experienced during his travel further illustrates the surreal and fantastical elements of his world.

His decision to carry a segment of the enriched Life Soil as a nurturing ground for the celestial lotus is a testament to his foresight and adaptability. This move not only ensures the sustenance of the potent herb but also represents Wang Xuan's ability to harness and adapt the resources at his disposal, despite the odds.

As Wang Xuan contemplates the improvements in his power and the changes in his realm, there's a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. The story elegantly weaves together elements of adventure, mysticism, and personal growth, keeping the reader engaged and curious about the next steps in Wang Xuan's extraordinary journey.

Wang Xuan's journey through the enigmatic and treacherous realm is marked by both danger and discovery. The utilization of the Divine Slaying Flag to transport vast amounts of Life Soil is an ingenious solution to the challenge of nourishing the celestial lotus, showcasing Wang Xuan's resourcefulness and adaptability.

As he ventures deeper into the void, the omnipresent darkness and silence paint a picture of an isolated, almost cosmic wilderness. The red mists that he encounters add an element of peril to his voyage. These mists, while mesmerizingly beautiful, harbor a lethal threat to the spirit, illustrating the dichotomy of allure and danger in this mysterious realm.

Wang Xuan's encounter with the red mists demonstrates his caution and preparedness. His ability to shield himself and the precious Life Soil using the Divine Slaying Flag reflects his strategic foresight and the powerful capabilities of his artifacts.

Upon reaching his destination, the emergence of a pool shrouded in dense mist and filled with a sacred, life-giving liquid signifies a pivotal moment in his quest. This discovery not only marks the culmination of a challenging journey but also opens up new possibilities for growth and enlightenment.

Wang Xuan's experiences in this realm highlight the themes of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and power. His journey, fraught with challenges and revelations, continues to captivate with its blend of mysticism, adventure, and the unwavering spirit of exploration.

Wang Xuan's return to the Life Pool, a place that previously facilitated his spiritual rebirth, marks a significant moment in his journey. The careful transplantation of the Nine Calamities Celestial Lotus next to the pool demonstrates his methodical approach to nurturing and protecting this precious entity. His decision to experiment with the life-giving elixir from the pool on the lotus and witnessing its immediate response underscores the pool's potent properties and his astuteness in leveraging them.

Wang Xuan's subsequent immersion in the Life Pool leads to a profound transformation, shedding a layer of spiritual residue, symbolizing renewal and growth. This experience, coupled with the astonishing effects of the pool, indicates its extraordinary value and potential in spiritual cultivation.

His contemplation about the nature of the Life Pool and its connection to himself, as well as the potential risks of other powerful beings accessing it, reflects his awareness of the broader implications of his discoveries. This cautious attitude is crucial in a realm filled with unknowns and immense power.

Furthermore, Wang Xuan's interest in the mysterious red mists that he battled along the way hints at his unyielding curiosity and determination to uncover and harness the secrets of this enigmatic domain. His ongoing exploration of the Life Pool and its surroundings illustrates a relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery over his environment.

Overall, Wang Xuan's experiences in the Life Pool area are a blend of careful planning, adaptability, and a deepening understanding of the mystical forces at play. His journey continues to be a testament to his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering quest for transcendence in a world full of wonders and perils.

......

In the outside world, Huang Ming, Kong Yun, Cao Qingyu, and Zhou Shiqi had just disembarked from their spacecraft and arrived in the Old World. Huang Ming, known as "Huang DaXian," widened his eyes in shock, his expression one of utter disbelief. "Why is it shaking again?!" he exclaimed, as if he had seen a ghost.

Indeed, the tremor had also impacted some demons who had stealthily infiltrated the Old World. They too were shaken, their hair standing on end in fear. "It's shaking again!" they thought in terror.

At the same time, the two groups of powerful beings in the early stages of the Xiao Yao You realm, sent by Heng Jun to the Old World, were also experiencing this unsettling phenomenon. These beings, considered to be of the "breaking the ceiling" level in strength, now found their composure slipping away. They felt their hearts pounding in their chests, a sense of unease and anxiety growing within them. Then, to their horror, they realized that their Dao cultivation was becoming unstable.

"They know it's shaking again?!" they realized, understanding the reality of the situation in the outside world. They made a quick and accurate judgment, but the realization filled them with dread. They couldn't keep their composure any longer as the situation seemed to spiral out of their control.