The Stars Beyond

Chapter 447: Malicious Intent

Chapter 447: Malicious Intent

Wang Xuan withdrew his gaze, noticing the hostility in the surrounding faces. Some recognized him, the "alien," who had wreaked havoc in the secret realm, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake. He had made enemies of trial participants from Heluo, Oula, and Yuhua stars by killing many of their elites, enduring a perilous journey that nearly cost him his life. Together with Old Chen, they faced relentless pursuit, cornered and desperate, even taking refuge in a nest of venomous bees.

Thus, his feelings towards these onlookers were far from warm. If they failed to recognize when to advance or retreat, he wouldn't hesitate to embark on another killing spree.

Beside a shimmering lake, under the massive spiritual trees, petals fluttered down like snowflakes, adding to the beauty of the secluded landscape with their fresh scent.

Wang Xuan paid no mind to the onlookers, riding atop his horse, Transcendent Ma, whose fur shone like golden silk, as they trotted along the lake.

"Indeed, it's him. He has returned to the secret realm. We should call for reinforcements. With his confidence, he won't be easy to deal with; he's bound to be a tough opponent."

From afar, someone voiced their intent to gather a force of extraordinaries to confront him but ultimately resisted the urge.

In a bid for survival, Wang Xuan had once unleashed a deadly rampage on a rainy night, slaughtering the extraordinaries from Heluo, Oula, and Yuhua stars. They had broken the rules, summoning masters through wormholes overnight to besiege him. Dozens of them, each superior to Wang Xuan in cultivation realm, met a grisly end, still overwhelmed by his fury.

"This man is merciless," a group of onlookers thought as they watched him disappear into the city, using paper cranes for messaging and flying swords for communication, harboring deep-seated hatred for the alien. "Jiang Xuan, Mu Xue, Yuan Kun, Ou Yuxuan—all talents of their time, cut down mercilessly by him. I yearn to see him butchered!"

Some old-timers had personally arrived in the secret realm, disbelieving that this executioner could withstand the glorious sword light of the greatest masters and expected his inevitable execution.

"Let's go to the city and await the spectacle. I want to see him fall with my own eyes. I refuse to believe he can still dominate as he did."

Their teeth gritted with enmity toward this alien who had, upon his bloody return to the Earthly Immortal City, plundered the survivors' jade tokens to claim the ultimate reward, leaving barely any spoils for them.

With confidence bolstered by the presence of nearly immortal old-timers, a host of the world's most exceptional talents, and fierce warriors from the ninth realm stationed in the city, what was there to fear? Now, with the wormholes open and no restrictions on power levels, if the alien had reinforcements arriving, the three extraordinary planets would immediately seek support from their headquarters.

The city stood as a testament to ancient epochs, a sanctuary for beings of myth and legend. Its streets, laid with weathered cobblestones, whispered tales of the millennia they had witnessed, suggesting a history that spanned at least two to three thousand years.

This bastion of antiquity was far better preserved than the Earthly Immortal City, its edifices steadfast against the ravages of time, unmarred by collapse or ruin.

The city was a melting pot of extraordinary species. Scale-armored elephants ambled alongside, while a regal, snow-white scorpion king strutted with an air of dominion, and the skies were traced by the majestic flight of Peng bird descendants.

In this realm, Wang Xuan found himself enveloped in an intensified miasma of hostility. Word of his arrival had spread across the denizens from the three extraordinary planets, igniting an undercurrent of unrest.

Nonetheless, Wang Xuan remained unshaken, allowing his steed, Transcendent Ma, to guide them forth. He was intent on seeking an audience with the Old Fox, opting to disregard the waves of animosity and dissatisfaction crashing around him.

"Lord Fox is currently engrossed in alchemy, having harvested some of the most potent herbs from within the Immortal Caves. He's expected to complete his elixirs by tomorrow at the latest," Transcendent Ma relayed.

Wang Xuan resolved, "Then we shall await his convenience at his abode. Also, I wish to meet with Qing Han and Wu Yin."

The city, in its layout, harmonized utility with beauty. Lakes of crystalline purity and mountains exhaling divine mists served not only as scenic vistas but as sanctuaries for immortals. The broad avenues and bustling marketplaces hinted at a bygone era of prosperity and splendor.

Nestled at the city's core was the abode of the Black Fox, one of the Immortal Caves, where the air was alive with the dance of falling petals, and ancient Bodhi trees thrived, their leaves whispering secrets like sacred texts being turned.

As they approached along the stone path, greeted by the residence shrouded in mists, Transcendent Ma's soft murmurs saw them through the gates, guarded by sentinel silver bears who parted ways in recognition.

Yet, in that moment, the tranquility was shattered by an incoming menace—a shadowy streak cleaving the air with the force of a tempest, its passage marked by a sonic boom that demanded attention.

While all eyes were drawn to this spectacle, Wang Xuan remained the eye of the storm, untroubled. With a mere gesture, he intercepted the shadowy assault, revealing it to be a black crescent knife, whisper-thin and deadly, known for its lethal efficacy over centuries on Yuhua Star. This weapon, having claimed over five hundred extraordinary lives in its blood-soaked legacy, was famed for its vow of never returning unbloodied.

Yet, in Wang Xuan's grasp, the once buzzing and tremoring blade fell silent, its dark light dimming until, with a crisp snap, it was broken in two.

"What's this, a razor? Seems a bit dull," he commented, testing it against his jawline before casually discarding it on the ground.

The street fell into a stunned silence. A fearsome weapon from Yuhua Star, broken so effortlessly?

A distance away, a woman spat out a mouthful of blood. The treasure nurtured with her own essence and spiritual practice had been snapped like a twig. Filled with resentment, she wiped the blood from her lips and declared, "It's him, the killer of my sister, Mu Xue. Who dares to confront him here?"

Seeking allies, she had already sent word to the elders of her clan.

"Those of the fifth realm can't hold him down, refrain from acting recklessly!" A warning was immediately broadcasted, elevating Wang Xuan's perceived threat level.

Before being demoted, a creature of the fifth realm would have been of the ninth or even the free-wandering realm, yet they stood no chance against him.

"How has he cultivated to such a level? His realm was merely at the second or third of the extraordinary, and even if he had improved since then, shouldn't he have been demoted as well?" Some were bewildered.

A silver cloud burst forth from the estate, thick with the scent of potent medicine. The sound of golden elixirs striking the cauldron echoed, revealing a spectacle of radiant light that illuminated the entire estate.

"Lord Fox has succeeded in his alchemy, emerging from seclusion early," Transcendent Ma joyfully remarked, glad for the premature end to their wait.

"Recently, I felt a distinguished guest wandering outside. To think it was you, my young friend. Transcendent Ma, bring our guest inside," the voice of Old Fox resonated.

"Yes!" Transcendent Ma replied, his respect for Old Fox evident as he hastened to comply.

Dismounting his horse upon arrival, Wang Xuan opted for a more subdued approach, given Black Fox's displayed goodwill. Whether it was mere pretense or genuine, courtesy demanded he reciprocate. Deep down, the only entity in this realm that he truly apprehended was this venerable fox, whose true capabilities remained a mystery, undoubtedly profound.

The estate, nestled against the spiritual mountains and surrounded by picturesque views of lakes, pavilions, towers, bridges, and streams, was a sight to behold.

"I hope my abrupt visit isn't too intrusive," Wang Xuan conveyed respectfully through telepathy, not yet in the presence of Old Fox but determined to show the proper etiquette expected of him.

In the lotus pond, golden carp flicked their tails, creating ripples, while the divine trees by the pond, adorned with budding flowers, filled the air with their sweet fragrance.

"To think, in just half a year, your strength has surged so remarkably, truly astonishing," chuckled Old Fox, appearing on the grass ahead in his simple hemp clothing, still in his fox form, walking upright.

"Your praise is too generous, Elder. My modest cultivation is hardly comparable to yours," Wang Xuan replied humbly, regardless of his internal confidence.

He had come to collect someone, preferring to use words rather than force if possible, eschewing unnecessary conflict. He had no desire to leave a trail of bloodshed wherever he went, much like his brief stints on new stars and ancient earth, which after a short demonstration of power, were filled with "friends" who abided by new treaties.

"You're too modest. At your age, neither my realm nor my strength was a match for yours, yet I aspired to compete with the strongest of an entire star. Your progress and current cultivation might even make the patriarchs of various sects from their younger days pale in comparison. Seeing you reminds me how truly old I've become. Time is merciless, a slayer of antiques," Old Fox sighed.

Wang Xuan, smiling, was accustomed to such interactions, whether it was bickering with Old Zhang, dining with Fang Yuzhu, or venturing into space alongside the Demon Lord. Regardless of Old Fox's origins, he remained composed.

"Black Fox Elder, Real Person Jiang Hai from Yuhua Star requests an audience."

"Reporting to Lord Fox, Master Yuan Linfeng from Heluo Star has arrived for a visit."

......

Almost simultaneously, a succession of visitors arrived, all seeking an audience with Black Fox. Wang Xuan understood that these guests were here either for the elixirs being concocted or specifically for him. Without hesitation, he addressed Old Fox, "Elder, I'm someone who speaks frankly. I've come back to this realm to take Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin back home."

Eager not to delay, he wished to see the two women as soon as possible and take them away. While he wasn't afraid of the individuals from the three extraordinary planets, he also had no desire for unnecessary complications.

"Let them in!" Black Fox commanded, allowing the visitors entrance.

Then, turning to Wang Xuan, Old Fox clarified, "There seems to be some misunderstanding here. Let's have Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin return; they are practicing their sword flying at Enlightenment Cliff."

The estate quickly buzzed with activity as numerous guests arrived. Old Fox welcomed them all, setting up jade tables by the lotus pond, laden with fruits and fine wine to entertain everyone.

As more visitors streamed in, many fixed their gazes upon Wang Xuan, who remained indifferent, choosing not to engage with them.

"Is that the notorious Wang Xuan here in person? Can it be true? He's got some nerve; I thought he'd never dare set foot in this realm again after returning home."

From afar, a bamboo boat aglow approached, carrying a small fox and two radiant women. The little fox fairy, having received the news, brought Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin back. Both women, clad in ancient attire, their dresses billowing in the wind, resembled classical beauties, exuding an ethereal aura despite being modern women.

Though they were still distant, Wang Xuan had already risen to his feet, spotting them from afar.

"Wang Xuan!" the two striking women called out from the boat's prow, waving delicately.

"Wang Xuan!" At the same time, someone within the estate also called out softly.

At that moment, from afar, someone nocked an arrow without hesitation. With a hissing sound, nine consecutive arrows, faster than flying swords, burst through the air. Accompanied by the roar of thunder, they traced nine terrifying beams aimed at Wang Xuan's forehead and heart.

"Be careful!" At this critical juncture, those truly concerned for Wang Xuan were naturally on the bamboo boat. In contrast, onlookers from the other three extraordinary planets watched with indifference.

Old Fox's eyes instantly sharpened, deeming the attack excessive. Just as he was about to act, Wang Xuan preempted him. His right hand shot out, catching all nine arrows amidst the thunderous echoes and blinding lightning, then hurling them back.

Pfft, pfft, pfft!

Blood splattered as a seventh-realm powerhouse, a super expert in the secret realm, was impaled by the nine returned arrows, their armor offering no defense. The attacker's body then exploded entirely!