The Stars Beyond

Chapter 198: An Easy Victory

Chapter 198: An Easy Victory

In the rain-soaked night, thunder and lightning raging, they left behind a trail of bodies as they marched towards the Earth Immortal City amidst the downpour.

"Is everyone taken care of?" Old Chen asked, still radiating a murderous aura, long spear in hand.

"All the key figures are dead. Every one of the geniuses and the six Herb Gathering masters," Wang Xuan replied.

Under the dark sky, amidst the storm, with occasional lightning strikes, their steps were firm, reflecting a cold and resolute demeanor.

Although there were still Law Enforcers left to deal with, Wang Xuan, having already killed two, didn't want to further escalate the situation, wary of provoking the collective wrath of the land's creatures.

"How does it feel to kill Herb Gathering experts, Old Chen?" Wang Xuan asked with a smile.

Old Chen, brimming with confidence, casually replied, "Not bad, but I don't think they were that strong. I wonder if they really harvested any great medicine? It's quite different from the legends in the ancient myths."

Wang Xuan shook his head, knowing that comparing contemporary cultivators to legendary figures of myth was unfair. He sensed Old Chen's ambition to rival those legendary figures.

"Old Chen, let's spar and push each other to grow," Wang Xuan suggested, feeling that Old Chen needed to be more grounded.

Old Chen glanced at him and declined, "Am I the kind of person who takes advantage? You're exhausted from fighting. I won't spar with you."

"I'm full of energy. Come on, Old Chen, show me the strength of a Patriarch," Wang Xuan urged.

"I'm a realm above you; I won't bully the weaker," Old Chen dismissed the idea of calling himself a Patriarch.

"I thrive in cross-level battles!" Wang Xuan approached him.

"I don't fight my own people," Old Chen refused.

In the end, they didn't fight. Old Chen firmly declined any sparring.

"I need to save my strength for settling scores with Old Zhong!" Old Chen remarked, ignoring Wang Xuan further.

This night was destined to shake the Earth Immortal City.

Four groups, each led by Herb Gathering masters, had ventured out from the city, only to be annihilated. Dozens of transcendent beings perished, with just a few escaping back.

As they strode through the city in the downpour, their steps splashed water on the deserted streets, engulfed only by the sound of rain. It wasn't that the city was asleep; rather, the transcendent beings of the city were terrified, not daring to show themselves.

According to the survivors, the duo had slain six Herb Gathering transcendent beings. Including the Law Enforcers, Owl and Crow, that made eight formidable Herb Gathering opponents killed by just two people.

What was most astonishing was that one of them was at the Lantern realm and the other at the Life-Soil realm. Such a record was both splendid and terrifying.

Many had come from the three extraordinary planets, and most of those who died were associated with a few geniuses. Now, Wang Xuan and Old Chen's achievements were enough to deter everyone.

"In the middle of the night, let's not bother Old Zhong. Let him have a peaceful night's sleep," Old Chen said, wiping his spear and heading towards a cluster of buildings to rest.

"You just want the news to ferment and keep Old Zhong awake all night, don't you?" Wang Xuan glanced at him, not buying Old Chen's apparent kindness.

Old Chen suddenly said, "Hold on, let me think. We've seized so many jade tokens tonight, causing heavy losses to the experts from the three planets. Considering the number of tokens Old Zhong has, he might now be comfortably in third place. Especially since we've eliminated several major token holders, those geniuses, and the six Herb Gathering masters... Old Zhong's ranking must have skyrocketed!"

By the end of his statement, Old Chen was visibly irritated.

In fact, Wang Xuan also felt like giving Old Zhong a good thumping.

"I'm considering whether to leave Old Zhong in the Hidden Land. With his character, once back on the New World, he might grow wary of us. What if he turns against us?" Old Chen pondered aloud.

Wang Xuan was also reflecting. Once back on the New World, with warships dominating the skies, not just their current selves, but even a Celestial Immortal would be blasted apart. Of course, no Celestial Immortal would just stand there waiting to be bombarded.

Wang Xuan mused that residing in a densely populated city, especially near a super-wealthy family, might dissuade them from any rash actions.

However, understanding Old Zhong's true nature was crucial. If he proved treacherous, perhaps it was better to leave him in the Hidden Land, living wildly like a hermit!

After the night's intense battles and hundreds of miles of frenetic running, both needed rest and soon fell asleep.

The next morning, the rain lightened, and the east even witnessed a beautiful sunrise, turning into a sun shower.

Old Chen stepped outside and immediately caused some people to back away in alarm. He grabbed someone on the street and dragged them into a building to inquire about Old Zhong.

"What's Old Zhong's situation? Is he being interrogated by the Law Enforcers?"

The person, his collar grabbed, turned pale, trembling at the thought of Old Chen initiating a fight within the city. It took him a while to regain composure.

"That old man is quite cunning. Last time, he caused so much trouble with the silver bees, and everyone despised him."

"It's rumored everywhere that the Law Enforcers have been interrogating him for days, but that's not the case at all..."

After escaping back, Old Zhong voluntarily summoned the four Law Enforcers and engaged in deep conversations with them. He found common ground with the Enforcers, sharing with them demonic scriptures daily, which led to a close relationship.

"This old man fears death. Worried about revenge attacks, he's actually won over the Law Enforcers. Every day, they huddle together, studying demonic scriptures, essentially securing his own protection," the person explained.

Reportedly, the Law Enforcers valued Old Zhong greatly and were grateful to him. They even acquired fruit wine from the Monkey Demon clan to share with him, often drinking and socializing.

Hearing this, Old Chen almost exploded with rage. He and Wang Xuan had fought desperately to re-enter the Celestial Immortal City, nearly losing their lives outside. Meanwhile, Old Zhong was leisurely enjoying his time, not only free from interrogation but also protected by the four major Law Enforcers, enjoying drinks. Their fury at Old Zhong intensified!

Wang Xuan and Old Chen set out to confront Old Zhong, but again, things took an unexpected turn. Three days prior, Old Zhong had entered a deep slumber, lying still and serene as if dead.

In the Celestial Immortal City, amidst ancient ruins and dilapidated buildings left by past Celestial Immortals, Old Zhong lay in a relatively intact temple. His body was covered in a keratin-like layer, resembling scales or an irregular cocoon, enveloping his true form. His vital signs were subdued, his heartbeat nearly stopped.

"Is Old Zhong dead?" Old Chen's eyes flashed with brilliance as he scrutinized the keratin layer, seeking clarity.

"Don't speak nonsense. He's merely in a state of feigned death. If he can breakthrough, he'll undergo a complete transformation," spoke a large civet cat, tiger-sized with spotted fur and at the pinnacle of the Celestial Herb stage. It guarded Old Zhong, ensuring his safety.

Wang Xuan and Old Chen were astounded. Old Zhong had indeed played his cards well, securing Law Enforcers as his protectors.

Despite their desire to confront Old Zhong, they had to admit his shrewd tactics were beyond comparison.

"When will Old Zhong wake up?" Old Chen inquired.

"I heard from my great-grandfather that he's likely to remain in deep sleep for about three years. If successful, he'll come back to life," Zhong Cheng walked over and informed them.

Old Zhong had recently practiced the Golden Cicada Technique, a risky endeavor where failure means death, but success brings rebirth and a youthful foundation, placing him on the same starting line as the younger generation. Moreover, his strength was bound to increase exponentially.

"Golden Cicada Technique, that's a supreme skill from the ancestral Buddhist temples. Old Zhong is aiming for dual cultivation in Buddhism and Daoism," Old Chen remarked, visibly moved.

Wang Xuan pondered whether Old Zhong's hibernation was intentional to avoid Old Chen. However, the timing didn't add up; three days ago, Old Zhong couldn't have known about their breakthroughs and the subsequent carnage they caused last night. He wouldn't have known about Wang Xuan's ascension to the superhuman realm either.

With nowhere to vent his pent-up frustration, Old Chen waved his hand dismissively, "You all go out. I'll stay with Old Zhong in case something unexpected happens. I suppose I owe him a few more looks."

The civet cat, with its eyes flashing golden, hesitated but eventually nodded and left, aware of the duo's formidable achievements and wary of them.

Old Chen touched Old Zhong's head, only to find the cocoon-like layer sticky, leaving a residue on his hand, much to his disgust. He stayed, intending to vent his frustration on Old Zhong.

"Senior Chen, my great-grandfather left something for you," Zhong Qing, tall and elegant with long, smooth hair and clear, bright eyes, interrupted Old Chen's 'assault.' She handed him a piece of beast skin filled with dense writing.

"A detailed explanation of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body and several hundred words of the partial Sakyamuni True Scriptures?" Old Chen was deeply moved.

"My great-grandfather mentioned that he had no choice but to kill those people who intended to murder him in such a situation. But he felt he might have implicated you, so he left these scriptures as compensation," Zhong Qing explained, her natural beauty radiant and pure.

Wang Xuan also approached, examining the text on the beast skin. The detailed explanation of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body revealed key techniques of this method, which he found extremely vital. However, what truly astonished him was the partial Sakyamuni True Scriptures, one of the foundational Buddhist teachings. Regrettably, it was only a fragment – a deliberate choice by Old Zhong, perhaps?

"Young Chen, I've also left you a letter," Zhong Qing handed another piece of beast skin to Old Chen.

In the letter, Old Zhong affectionately addressed Old Chen as 'Little Chen' and referred to himself as his senior, causing Old Chen to feel a mix of annoyance and amusement – only Old Zhong could get away with such liberties.

"Little Chen, your master and I were very close friends. Regarding the mysterious encounter thirty years ago, I am deeply pained by his sudden disappearance. I've been investigating and have made a significant discovery!"

Old Zhong mentioned that he had left a crucial clue in his study, hidden inside a copy of 'Lu Zu's Sword Explanations' on his bookshelf.

"My great-grandfather also has a startling theory, but he chose not to disclose it due to lack of evidence and fear of leading you astray into unforeseen dangers. He plans to discuss it with you once he awakens," Zhong Qing conveyed.

"Zhong Qing, don't follow in your great-grandfather's footsteps of always holding back information. It's not a good practice," Old Chen lightly scolded.

Although his use of 'Little Zhong' was customary, Zhong Qing still felt slightly miffed upon hearing it.

Old Chen touched Old Zhong's head and face, then quickly wiped off the sticky residue from his hands. He restrained himself from slapping Old Zhong, realizing that Old Zhong had understood his deepest desire – to unravel the mystery of the encounter and save his master. If it weren't for his master's push, Old Chen would have been consumed by that light too.

Zhong Cheng, looking fondly at Wang Xuan, warned, "Little Wang, it's too dangerous outside. Don't wander around needlessly."

Unaware of Wang Xuan's recent rampage, Zhong Cheng couldn't comprehend the conversations of people from the three superhuman planets.

Zhong Qing, however, was more perceptive. Despite not understanding their language, she carefully observed and began to harbor various suspicions and conjectures.

"Ding!"

In the heart of Di Xian City, a melodious and terrifying bell toll resounded, clearing the lingering clouds in the sky and allowing bright sunlight to cascade over the city, casting it in a glorious and serene light.

"It's the ancient bell of Di Xian City," noted a law enforcer, looking up at the clear sky.

At the city's center stood a time-worn but grand altar, from which a faint light screen slowly rose, revealing a vast and blurred world within.

A majestic white peacock appeared, its voice echoing throughout the city, announcing, "The battle of the superhumans enters its final three days. Opportunities for fortune are at their peak. Impress greatly, and you may witness the assembly of immortals."

Wang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine at the announcement, realizing the gravity of what was termed as a great opportunity. The city, he thought, held a certain terror within its ancient confines.

"If there's a chance for fortune," Zhong Cheng said with longing in his eyes as he gazed toward the shimmering light screen, "just carry my great-grandfather there."

Wang Xuan remained silent, filled with apprehension for Old Zhong. As the superhuman energy ebbed and the laws of nature decayed, the dwellings of the immortals seemed to descend from the void. Knowing Old Zhong's history of plundering these celestial domains, Wang Xuan couldn't help but worry. If Old Zhong were brought there and the immortals discovered his past misdeeds, it could spell disaster.