The Stars Beyond

Chapter 482: So Sweet I Can Die

Stubborn Old Zhang's ears were trembling slightly, ripples of rules spreading out, eager to catch the latest major gossip first-hand.

The Patriarch of the Hades Blood Sect was the same, not wanting to miss out on this big news. His ears... actually grew larger, with patterns of order interwoven.

However, the two of them suddenly heard... a thunderous roar exploding right by their ears, vibrating their heads so intensely that their ears pressed against the sides of their heads, moving on their own to seal the earholes, as their eardrums were about to burst.

Clearly, this was the handiwork of the two shadows.

"Do you want another brother?" The man among the two shadows revealed a vague outline, with a gentle smile, spoiling the Demon Lord Yan Yan to the extreme.

This scene made a group of supreme beings feel quite nauseated. You're transcendent beings, doting on an unparalleled demon fairy? Go home and show off! Many thought in disdain.

The woman among the two shadows also became slightly clearer, with a graceful figure, directly punching the man, saying, "What are you talking about in front of the child!"

The gods couldn't take it anymore. What was this family doing here, and why were they flaunting their affection?

"Are you sure it's that couple?" Old Zhang rubbed his ears, asking the Hades Blood Patriarch in a low voice, mainly because he was a bit young, only over two thousand years old, not having lived through that era.

"Definitely," the Hades Blood Patriarch nodded, feeling somewhat sickened but not daring to speak loudly for fear of being reprimanded and beaten. He was truly no match for them.

The two shadows had just killed a monster who lived through two mythological eras in front of the gods, a strike of thunder making all supreme beings tremble.

But now, in front of the Demon Lord, the two of them were too gentle, a completely different demeanor, holding her hand and looking around.

Meanwhile, they were whispering to each other, seemingly informing her of some situation, communicating with the Demon Lord through their minds, with Yan Yan nodding slightly.

On ordinary days, although the Demon Lord was unparalleled in grace and stunning in red, she was absolutely powerful. Yet now, she was smiling sweetly with tears in her eyes.

This family...

Old Zhang and the Hades Blood Patriarch, despite their efforts to eavesdrop, got nothing, kept out by the three, surrounded by supreme rules.

The gods and immortals in the great barrier frowned and quickly retreated. By now, it was clear that the Immortal Umbrella could not be taken back; it had completely changed hands.

In the real world, aboard a spaceship in outer space, various transcendent beings watched the scene, spellbound and profoundly shaken. A family of three?

Chen Yongjie said, "This is quite surreal. What era does the Demon Lord belong to? A supreme being from the pre-Qin period, and now her parents are still around and even more powerful. There's hardly another example like this in the cultivation world."

It's true, a family of top figures, truly unparalleled!

Transcendent Ma, with his body glowing golden fur and bright eyes, said, "As a fellow member of the demon race, if the Demon Lord were my sister, that would be awesome. And having a pair of powerful parents to boot, I could even write my own biography. Like, 'My Sister is the Number One Demon Lord,' 'My Parents are the Big Shots of the Immortal Realm,' 'Turns Out I'm a Second-Generation Immortal.' Ah, so envious!"

This horse was really caught up in its emotions, full of longing. This made Wang Xuan furrow his brows and couldn't help but slap it to keep it quiet.

Wang Xuan thought carefully and still believed his guesses were credible. Although he had some connections with those two shadows, it wasn't a big deal.

In the great barrier, Fang Yuzhu stood on the giant Immortal Umbrella, subduing this famous immortal treasure with the Sky-Covering Bracelet.

The Demon Lord Yan Yan finally made her move, beginning to refine this world-renowned immortal treasure!

In the distant universe, a figure like a banished immortal, "The Evil Dragon," rose gracefully, standing on an ancient spaceship, preparing to contact people from the Immortal Realm through the curtain, aiming to seize the treasure.

In fact, Wang Xuan also thought of him, having sensed that malice before. His biggest concern was the strength of the Evil Dragon.

Those shadows, who had killed a monster that lived through two mythological eras, had pursued the Evil Dragon more than once and failed to eliminate him, indicating how formidable and terrifying he was!

The atmosphere in the spaceship was lively. Wang Xuan felt that his life's trajectory hadn't changed. He let go of his worries, joined the others in eating phoenix meat, clinking glasses, watching the divine battle, thoroughly enjoying himself.

"Senior Xu Fu killed an avatar of a supreme being!" The little fox fairy exclaimed upon seeing the great Daoist's fierce action on the big screen.

Xu Fu, wielding his Space-Time Mace, vanquished an avatar of a wandering top deity, his actions sending blood scattering across the vacuum of space, serving as a powerful deterrent to onlookers.

Chen Yongjie couldn't help but admire Xu Fu's determination. It was clear that Xu, having placed himself at the storm's epicenter, had played a pivotal role in ensuring Wang Xuan's escape from the maelstrom, effectively clearing his path.

The temptation of a semi-matured treasure was undeniable. Despite the inherent dangers of approaching such a power, the allure proved too strong for many, daring them to take the risk.

With treasures like the Sky-Covering Bracelet, the Immortal Umbrella, and the Divine Palace off-limits, thanks to the involvement of otherworldly beings, the gods found themselves hopelessly outmatched.

The Space-Time Mace, a treasure only slightly less formidable than those untouchable artifacts, incited envy among the mighty, who coveted its power for themselves.

After dispatching an adversary in the cosmic void, Xu Fu's actions failed to dissuade other ambitious figures; instead, another top immortal's avatar dared to cross realms to challenge him.

In the eerie silence of space, a series of altars materialized, bronze steles rose from the nothingness, and banners unfurled in defiance of the void.

An assailant was orchestrating an ambush. Unable to directly confront Xu Fu's might, they sought to ensnare the great Daoist with a formidable array, aiming to immobilize him and slowly sap his strength, all while eyeing the semi-matured treasure as their ultimate prize.

Confronted with this relentless hunt, Xu Fu stood undaunted. Empowered by the possession of the semi-matured treasure, he unleashed a formidable counterattack, shattering altars and steles with a single blow, their remnants dissolving into cosmic dust.

Yet, as he pivoted to continue his assault, the broken altars and steles were swiftly replaced, and an even larger array of banners and steles emerged from the cosmos.

The assault was not the work of a lone adversary; three of the cosmos' most formidable beings had banded together, intent on sealing Xu Fu within their vast array, determined to drain the prodigious strength that set him apart from the rest.

"Won't Senior Xu Fu be in danger?" Wu Yin inquired.

Chen Yongjie shook his head, "It shouldn't be a problem. Xu is formidable, a tough nut to crack. He's in absolute control right now; they won't be able to trap him for long."

"In this mythological end times, the mighty have gone mad, battling for immortality and crazed for treasures, and here I am, unlucky enough to become mortal again," Qing Mu lamented.

"Don't worry, being shaken down means your cultivation was unstable, somewhat superficial. This fall is actually solidifying your foundation," Liu Huai'an advised.

With his mentor speaking, Qing Mu naturally accepted the advice humbly.

"It's alright, strive to cultivate back," Wang Xuan said.

Though he was already powerful, satisfaction was far from his reach. He longed for further advancement, only feeling content when he could rival an earthly immortal.

Now, the return of the avatars of the mightiest posed no threat to his life, but the return of their true forms would still be a significant concern.

After enjoying the divine-grade phoenix meat, everyone was satisfied, and Wang Xuan pondered on how to become stronger, aiming to elevate himself further.

During his spiritual journey, his soul dived into the soil of fate, circling around the Life-Preserving Furnace's main body before attempting to lift it, succeeding effortlessly.

Although it felt somewhat heavy, it wasn't much of an issue for him now. Reaching the uncharted twelfth realm had transformed his physical and spiritual being significantly.

Clearly, his strength had surged, enabling him to manipulate the complete Life-Preserving Furnace!

Only today did he truly become its master.

At this moment, Wang Xuan was full of confidence. His "retirement" was meant to reduce conflicts with others, but should any god or immortal provoke him unwisely, they were welcome to try their luck!

"Ah, ultimately, it's an external power, leveling the playing field with others' weapons. Considering the current trend, beings beyond this world will seize the treasures. It's time to elevate my own cultivation," he mused.

Wang Xuan's gaze naturally fell on individuals like Fang Yuzhu, the Hook Chen Emperor, and the progenitors of transcendent domains. Possessing treasures and superior strength, they were the benchmarks he aspired to reach.

"Next, I should focus on cultivating 'The Golden Cicada Technique,' 'Butterfly Transformation Method”, and the “'Ant Gazing at the Dragon scripture,' and other unique scriptures that can facilitate rebirth and further ascension."

This path was set from the beginning, his efforts always aimed at advancing beyond the "uninhabited" realm of the twelfth rank, to push even further.

Even in the twilight years of mythology, he never lost heart, aspiring to continue progressing in an era deemed incompatible with cultivation, to discover new myths.

Wang Xuan, seated in meditation, was constantly focused on elevating himself, triggering divine inspiration to enter his Inner Landscape. He aimed not only to cultivate those vital scriptures himself but also to assist others like Qing Mu in elevating their realms.

Time and again...

After countless attempts, drenched in cold sweat, the blood smeared on his face diluted, Wu Yin and Zhao Qinghan looked on quizzically, helping him wipe it away, only to find seemingly no wounds on his body.

Near exhaustion and depleted in spirit, Wang Xuan finally triggered divine inspiration once more, opening his Inner Landscape.

"Come, let's enter the Inner Scenery. We'll observe the divine battles from here, comprehend their sublime aspects, cultivate our own techniques, and forge our own paths," Wang Xuan beckoned the others.

Liu Huai'an was astonished. Had this young man just opened such a rare Inner Landscape right before his eyes?

"Master, I've opened it before too. When the time is right, I'll demonstrate it for you!" The usually reserved Chen Yongjie took a rare opportunity to "show off" in front of his master, revealing a "green" side.

Qing Mu was the most excited, almost to the point of moving heaven and earth. Once brought inside, he howled, knowing that while life couldn't be restarted, cultivation might be regained. He was determined to make the most of his time to cultivate!

Wang Xuan said, "This time, you might only get back to the grandmaster level, but don't be discouraged. Work harder, and next time, you should be able to return to the transcendent."

Wu Yin, now a mortal and currently at the grandmaster realm, was naturally excited too, feeling she could ascend once more.

Thus, Wang Xuan began to cultivate several unique scriptures, desiring to become stronger, aiming to advance into an unprecedented new realm!

Had he focused solely on cultivating either "The Cicada Technique" or "The Butterfly Transformation," he might have already mastered a technique to its later stages, even to perfection.

However, his diligence saw him practicing not just one scripture but many, all renowned ancient methods and similarly themed masterpieces, such as Old Zhang's "Heavenly Serpent Transformation Technique," Hades Blood's "Phoenix Nirvana Technique," and the "Feathered Return to the Origin Scripture" practiced by the Demon Lord and Fang Yuzhu.

It wasn't greed that drove him; he believed that after surpassing the theoretical end of mythology, practicing just one scripture would be ineffective, unlikely to induce a qualitative transformation in him.

Thus, he devoted himself to arduous training, making every famed scripture a compulsory part of his regimen. Either he would fail to master them, or he would achieve a comprehensive enhancement, breaking through to the thirteenth realm!

In the spaceship, a quietude settled as they all engaged in cultivation, treasuring this rare moment. Regardless of what the future held, this continual elevation of spirit and body was undoubtedly beneficial.

While Wang Xuan's soul cultivated in the Inner Landscape, his spiritual eye also watched the conflicts within the great barrier. The gods, not yet resigned to defeat, continued their onslaught, facing off against the mightiest.

Now, his spiritual sensitivity magnified, the actions he observed seemed to slow down. The supreme maneuvers before him unfolded, allowing him to perceive everything clearly and deeply understand their essence.

Flicker!

In the spaceship, a hazy light appeared, electronic devices experiencing interference. It was the soul of a powerful deity manifesting here.

In the Inner Landscape, Liu Huai'an, Qing Mu, the little fox fairy, and others were startled. This was not a good sign—had a top deity bypassed Xu Fu to enter here?

"Don't worry, just a stray deity!" Wang Xuan stood up, his spirit walking straight out.

How could they be at ease? It was undoubtedly a top deity; otherwise, how could it suddenly appear here, bypassing everyone?

The next moment, they were petrified, frozen like clay statues because Wang Xuan, without any disguise, displayed the power of a soul standing at the twelfth realm, a domain uniquely his own, overwhelmingly strong in reality.

He struck the deity first, shattering part of the deity's spiritual form, who was utterly horrified. What kind of mortal was this?

Attempting to flee, the deity was repeatedly intercepted and blocked. The young man's speed was unbelievable, clashing fiercely with him.

Eventually, Wang Xuan used his trump card, piercing through the deity's skull, twisting and breaking his neck, then using true fire to completely incinerate his fleeing soul.

"Wang Xuan, what realm has he reached?" Zhao Qinghan looked at Chen Yongjie in shock, seeking confirmation, believing he knew the details.

"Did Wang Xuan survive his tribulation without failing?" Wu Yin also widened her eyes, followed by immense joy.

A deity was swiftly slain by Wang Xuan.

For good measure, Wang Xuan's soul took a trip outside, drawing Xu Fu's Space-Time Mace into the scene, circling momentarily before returning it.

The great Daoist felt a bitter sweetness, understanding the situation. Someone had sneaked into the spaceship, a mistake on his part. Yet, Wang Xuan's use of the Space-Time Mace essentially made him take the blame again, signaling to those possibly watching that it was Xu Fu who had slain the deity.

In the great barrier, the Demon Lord was refining the Immortal Umbrella. The two shadows were pleased, also occasionally striking at enemies lurking in the distance.

Puff! An individual met their end, subdued and slain by the two, with divine blood splattering.

"Attacking Yan Yan and still daring to linger around is purely seeking death!" said the man among the shadows, his protective instinct towards the Demon Lord evident in his repeated assertions, almost overwhelmingly saccharine.

"You're going too far, sending avatars again and again into the cosmic void of the outer world. Are you aiming to assassinate Xu Fu, or is it that boy you're after? Such actions are despicable!" the woman in the shadows declared, joining forces with the man to strike at the true forms of the mighty beings hiding in the distance!