The Stars Beyond

Chapter 326: It’s Hard To Become An Immortal

Wang Xuan's decision to meet with "Old Zhang" and the female herbalist wasn't impulsive but a well-considered move. He believed that both individuals, along with the formidable Red Clothed Demoness, were closely monitoring him, waiting for the right moment to make contact. Wang Xuan surmised that these powerful beings, each potentially a hunter in their own right, were also on his list for cautious engagement or counter-hunting.

He speculated that their recent silence might be due to their involvement in the fierce competition for treasures beyond the curtain, keeping their primary selves from returning to the Old World for the time being.

Chen Yongjie revealed that Wang Xuan's parents had been given powerful talismans for protection by a formidable figure from the Old World. These talismans automatically defended them, thwarting an attempt to coerce them when an assailant was inexplicably reduced to ashes upon approach.

Surprised, Wang Xuan learned from his father that these talismans were gifted by a mysterious man, with strict instructions never to lose them. Qing Mu, half-jokingly, expressed his envy and puzzlement about not receiving such gifts himself, subtly hinting at potential complications in this situation.

Wang Xuan, somewhat relieved yet vigilant, realized that many were eyeing him, and he could handle additional attention as long as his parents remained uninvolved. He acknowledged the complexity of his situation, with numerous debts and individuals interested in his abilities.

Chen Yongjie advised caution, suggesting that there was no immediate need to seek out the female herbalist or Old Zhang, as Hengjun was unlikely to cross over soon. He expressed concern, knowing that both individuals were invincible in their respective realms and capable of battling in others' domains.

Wang Xuan disagreed with Chen Yongjie's cautious approach, advocating for a more proactive strategy. He believed it was the right time to forge alliances and set boundaries, to prevent any sudden upheavals, such as an unexpected move from Hengjun catching everyone off guard.

Determined to teach a lesson to those who, despite falling from the state of transcending the mundane world, still looked down upon the earthly realm with disdain, Wang Xuan's resolve was firm. "Those who have fallen from their high status? I'll ensure their downfall is complete!" he declared, fuming with the intent to exact retribution on anyone daring to threaten his family.

Chen Yongjie advised discretion, suggesting Wang Xuan maintain a low profile while he, now in the spotlight, could provide cover.

"I know my limits," Wang Xuan assured, resolute in his decision to subtly eliminate those who threatened his family, instilling a sense of fear and respect in his adversaries.

Meanwhile, in the world beyond the veil, a scene unfolded on a battlefield strewn with destruction and fear. A woman in red crossed the terrain, her presence commanding respect and fear from celestial beings and demons alike, all of whom averted their eyes and bowed their heads in her presence.

This woman, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, her black hair billowing, traversed the battlefield alone, her very existence causing trepidation among the immortals. In a recent battle for the celestial sword, she had decisively slain a peerless master, drenching the earth in exalted blood, sending shockwaves through the celestial realms.

This battlefield, soaked in crimson and littered with shattered landscapes, was a testament to the disintegration of that powerful being, a sight that resonated fear across the heavens.

The woman clashed with the ancient demon Qi Yi and briefly engaged with Ling Luanxian, a preeminent figure among the true immortals, showcasing her formidable prowess.

On the horizon, beyond the battlefield, three peerless masters arrived with their retinues of celestial beings, yet they made no attempt to confront the woman who had just emerged victorious from intense combat.

Even amongst the demon ranks, many yearned to worship her, some followers of the demon ancestor contemplating a shift in allegiance to rally under this formidable female demon's banner.

The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal furrowed her brows in contemplation, her stunning face reflecting deep thought. The Celestial Sword had appeared abruptly several times and had once again brushed past her, vanishing into the azure void.

Returning to her own sacred ground, where the air was saturated with celestial energy, she found herself in an enchanting world. Here, buds of the Dao of Immortality bloomed, radiating auspicious clouds, while the grass carpeted the ground like jade, and divine rainbows intertwined. Even the mountains and rivers shimmered with a gentle, flowing light.

A plump-faced young girl approached her, bounding energetically with a wide smile and eyes squinting in delight. The reason for her joy was the recent victory of their leader, the Female Demon Immortal, who had single-handedly decimated a powerful faction, even slaying the top expert of that realm.

The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal glanced at her and said, "The absence of immortals, the retreat of the transcendent, all achievements and past glories are but clouds scattered by the wind."

Lost in thought, she mused, "I often wonder if the real 'us' died two or three thousand years ago, and becoming immortal was just a grand illusion."

The round-faced girl murmured in response, "How could that be? We did become immortals. You even became the Demon Sovereign. And in the mortal world, your body and my true bone still exist. If we return, we can manifest again in reality."

"Perhaps becoming immortal is an illusion, and leaving behind our true bodies or bones is just a preparation for a future awakening. Maybe our true selves are actually in the mortal world. Is that it?" The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal looked up at the vast firmament, contemplating.

"Why are you like this?" exclaimed the round-faced girl, surprised and innocent in her demeanor, a contrast to her usual formidable presence as the mighty White Tiger Demon Immortal.

"Becoming immortal shouldn't be like this," the Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal continued. "I've been pondering the line between illusion and reality. Historically, the real us must have suffered great setbacks. The ancients left only their true bones, waiting to be reawakened. It's like grass surviving through a fire, resiliently holding onto its roots, waiting for rebirth. Everything in the celestial world is destined to fade away like ashes of catastrophe, just extensions of our chaotic thoughts and a sliver of our spiritual consciousness."

"I'm scared, please don't frighten me," the White Tiger True Immortal said nervously, her round face filled with unease.

"Go to the mortal world," the Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal suddenly instructed, sitting by a clear spring under a divine tree, her fingers gently strumming a zither. The melodious music was soothing, touching the very soul.

"Ah? I have to go there now?" the round-faced girl exclaimed in surprise.

"Divide a part of yourself and send it to the mortal world. The mortal world is destined to be real. You should start preparing there early," said the Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal, playing her zither. The hazy world around them seemed to split open, and the celestial veil trembled lightly.

A part of the White Tiger True Immortal was directly divided, forming another version of her next to the original. She had flesh and a spirit, showcasing the Female Demon Immortal's remarkable abilities. This was done to prevent her from being torn apart when crossing realms, as it's difficult for a powerful primary form to transfer entirely.

"I'm going to the real world?" The round-faced girl was excited, then puffed up in anger, her eyes shooting out beams of divine light. "That guy, wait and tremble! He tricked me out of the extraordinary medicine soil given by the Demon Sovereign and bullied me with a sword in the inner realm. Liar, I'm descending, shiver in fear!"

The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal reminded her that she wasn't going in her full primary form and might not be able to defeat the 'bad guy' she mentioned.

"How could it be possible that I'm not his match and will lose to him?!" she protested.

The Red-Clothed Female Demon Immortal nodded and assigned her some tasks, leaving the round-faced girl speechless.

As the light rain blossomed, the ancient pact weakened further, and the celestial veil was torn by the zither strings. Amidst the flashes of lightning and pouring rain, the round-faced girl was sent to the mortal world.

"Perhaps one day, a real and vast transcendent world will emerge. Who will be there to witness it?" murmured the red robed female demoness, her music echoing as the zither notes tore through the celestial veil.