The Stars Beyond

Chapter 378: Together, Forever

In a realm where the line between reality and illusion blurred, life unfolded like a series of poignant scenes, weaving together a tapestry of joy and sorrow that mirrored the past. Fang Yuzhu, clad in women's trousers, high heels, and a T-shirt, her black hair cascading naturally, embodied a modern goddess. Her deep, ancient eyes seemed to gaze into bygone eras, silent as a maple leaf greeting the autumn breeze, radiantly tranquil yet tinged with a hint of solitary chill.

Wang Xuan recognized her own narrative; even a peerless true immortal had moments of vulnerability, harboring unshed sorrows from the past.

"Did I lose my composure?" Fang Yuzhu asked, her gaze as calm and clear as a still pond.

"No, you were very focused, so I did not wish to disturb you," Wang Xuan responded, shaking his head.

Meanwhile, in another hall, Zhang Daoling glanced at Mingxue, musing, "You're overthinking it. Who is Fang Yuzhu? She alone has slain ageless ancient cultivators, single-handedly ending an era of splendor. Such a person wouldn't be easily swayed by external influences. Now, she genuinely seeks to blend into the mundane world, a feat not everyone is capable of achieving. For instance, could you, Mingxue, relinquish your stature in society?"

"I... am trying to adapt," Mingxue pondered, finding the notion of leading an ordinary life somewhat unbearable.

In his vision for the future, at worst, he intended to establish a livestock corporation to address the needs of his disciples and followers, unwilling to subject them to a relentless work schedule.

"Indeed, I might have overthought it. That person, despite his good intentions, was politely rejected by Fang Yuzhu. It's clear she harbors regrets, especially since that person died in front of her, obliterated by enemies. Had it been the wolf-hearted Demon Ancestor or the heartless Devil Ancestor, it might have been excusable. However, she undoubtedly felt indebted, lamenting that she couldn't save him," Mingxue reflected, attributing Fang Yuzhu's character to one that valued past bonds and gratitude, distinguishing her from figures like Qi Yi and the Devil Ancestor.

"This suggests Wang Xuan holds a unique significance for Fang Yuzhu, who felt moved upon witnessing his inner landscape. Is she offering protection, fearing Zheng Yuantian's true incarnation might descend to capture him?" Mingxue conjectured with a laugh.

Zhang Daoling cast a glance at him, warning, "Mingxue, those who know too much often meet tragic ends. I seem to foresee your sorrowful demise."

"Mingxue?!" Mingxue wanted to spit in his face for such an insult, far worse than being called 'little Zhang.' He retorted, "I aim to live as long as the heavens, hoping to die on the same day as you."

Zhang Daoling felt utterly exasperated. A compliment for longevity was enough, but why should he wish to die alongside Mingxue? He almost wished he could hit him with a bronze mirror.

......

Fang Yuzhu remained engrossed in the drama, speaking calmly, "I was reminded of a friend who saved me twice, yet I couldn't save his life."

Wang Xuan replied, "In life, who doesn't harbor regrets? Otherwise, how could one claim to have lived fully and clearly?"

He added, "Of course, heartless people are exceptions, as are those like Zhang, who have been officially diagnosed. They're considered atypical humans."

"Mingxue, it seems someone is discussing you," Zhang Daoling chuckled, aware of their conversation shielded by a psychic barrier, unbeknownst to Wang Xuan that an atypical human was eavesdropping.

"Talking behind my back again? I'll find an opportunity to beat him a hundred times!" Zhang's expression turned grim with a murderous aura.

"Times of splendor are often marred by bloodshed, and some things are irremediable, becoming mere history," Fang Yuzhu remarked. Despite her calm, there was a tinge of sorrow for the person who died tragically.

Even her feat of slaying four supreme masters couldn't alter one's destiny.

She then immersed herself in the drama's finale until the lights came on, noting, "I find watching dramas enlightening, despite their exaggeration; they mirror reality. However, I might have been too invested."

Wang Xuan sensed the drama resonated with her experiences, stirring emotions.

"Life's journey is all about emotional fluctuations. Your engrossed viewing struck me as authentic. Those who are focused are the most genuine, whether living in the moment or lost in the past; it reflects their internal stance."

Leaving the theater behind, they soon returned to their usual selves. Not too late into the night, they strolled through the pedestrian street, enjoying local delicacies before heading back.

Meanwhile, Zhang and Mingxue indulged in a street-side barbecue, drinking beer liberally in the early summer. Surprisingly, the two grandmasters behaved like ordinary people, admiring the street's beauty under the neon lights, sharing tales spanning millennia behind the great curtain.

"Is that Patriarch Zhang? And... Mingxue, the old devil! They're actually enjoying skewers. How down-to-earth!" Huang Ming exclaimed from a distance, utterly astonished.

"Quiet!" Kong Yun spoke up, quickly pulling him away, fearing they would be overheard. Yet, he too was astonished to see two grandmasters casually enjoying skewers and draft beer on the street. Such a scene was too unconventional.

"I think I heard someone mention my name. You, and you, come here," Mingxue beckoned. His voice wasn't loud but resonated clearly in the ears of Huang Ming and Kong Yun.

Huang Ming, with a pained expression that quickly turned to a smile upon facing them, approached with Kong Yun, ready to show their respects with a formal bow.

Zhang Daoling immediately stopped them, cautioning against such actions on the street that could attract public attention, "Follow the customs of the mortals when you're among them."

"Yes, Master Zhang!" Kong Yun nodded.

"What are you two up to?" Mingxue inquired.

Huang Ming, slightly apprehensive but earnest, replied, "We're scouting locations, thinking of starting a business here in the old lands."

Mingxue was speechless. His subordinates were more proactive than him. While he had ideas, he hadn't taken action yet, and here were these two, ready to launch their venture.

Zhang Daoling remarked on the adaptability of those who emerged from the great curtain, especially the younger ones ready to integrate seamlessly into mortal life, "Do you really think this is feasible?" he questioned, concerned about potential legal issues.

"Rest assured, it's a legitimate business. We plan to open a café, a peaceful and tranquil tea house," Huang Ming assured, his eyes sparkling with determination.

Kong Yun added, "We've been researching the market for over half a month since arriving from New Star, understanding various market conditions, and have already secured investors."

Mingxue was bewildered. He had plans for a company of a corporate nature but was still in the dark, whereas these two had already found investors and even conducted market research under the guise of diligence.

Zhang Daoling, more familiar with mortal ways, questioned, "You're not planning any deceit, are you?"

"How could that be? We're responsible to our investors. Don't worry, our café and tea house will be distinctive, featuring celestial charm," Huang Ming voiced out.

"All right, you two can go now!" Zhang Daoling waved them off, certain that if they stepped out of line, they would be dealt with accordingly. Nowadays, with the human conduct code in place, anyone crossing the line would inevitably face consequences.

However, Huang Ming didn't leave right away. Insisting on offering Zhang Daoling and Mingxue a ten percent stake each in their venture, which left Zhang speechless. These two had adapted too quickly, hadn't they? From observing local customs to diving headfirst into murky waters, they were really getting into the spirit of things.

Mingxue was introspective, touched by their gesture. He felt his own efforts were too sluggish and his thinking too conservative. It was time for bold actions, to get his livestock company up and running.

"Make sure to come by once we open. We'd love your support!" Huang Ming lingered, seeking their favor until Kong Yun dragged him away.

Mingxue mused, "Who knows, this little weasel might end up doing quite well for himself, possibly even outperforming some honest-to-goodness cultivating geniuses."

"In a survival-of-the-fittest scenario, those geniuses willing to humble themselves, given their capabilities, won't do badly either," Zhang remarked, finishing his skewer and beer before standing up to leave.

"Let's go. We'll stay in Ancheng for a while. Mingxue, find us a hotel. And I warn you, if you dare book just one room, I'll make sure you regret it!" Zhang sternly warned, brandishing his tarnished copper mirror.

Mingxue couldn't help but retort, "Pah! Do you think you're some unmatched beauty? Why would I ever want to share a room with you?"

Thus, the two grandmasters, very much grounded in the mortal realm, walked to a hotel, not bothering to follow Wang Xuan this time.

Wang Xuan, driving, took Fang Yuqin back to the Secret Path organization's branch. The estate was large, with plenty of rooms.

Qingmu had arranged everything well. In the backyard, near a small reed-lined lake, were row houses. One had always been Wang Xuan's residence, and the adjacent one, after being tidied up, became Fang Yuqin's dwelling.

After dropping Fang Yuzhu off at her door, Wang Xuan turned and entered his own house next door, not even entertaining the thought of spending a pleasant evening chatting together with the celestial lady.

Today, he had been daring enough, making various decisions without consulting Fang Yuzhu, yet he considered these minor matters and felt nonchalant about them. As for getting any closer, he decided against it. After all, this was the renowned Fang Yuzhu, a slayer of not just one unparalleled expert. The respect he held for her was non-negotiable.

He felt that from evening till now, observing his myriad of "arrangements," Fang Yuzhu probably didn't mind and merely chuckled it off. Yet, had he been too presumptuous, it would have been inappropriate.

As for any fanciful thoughts of a celestial being descending to the mundane world and getting close to the dust of life, he didn't entertain them at all. Who was she? The strongest Pre-Qin alchemist, appearing gentle and graceful. It was her accommodating nature, radiating goodwill, willing to actively blend into the mortal world without pretense.

Anyone harboring assorted fanciful thoughts, underestimating her strength, was purely delusional and would only face a disastrous outcome. How could Fang Yuzhu, after such prolonged cultivation, "fall" into the mortal coil in such a short time?

At the very least, at this stage, she remained an unparalleled immortal, pure and flawless, as though standing in the divine moonlight, hard to completely transform into an ordinary woman.

Returning to his room, Wang Xuan began to cultivate, operating the supreme scriptures, and studying the blue-glowing crystal of creation on his body, which was of great significance to him.