The Stars Beyond

Chapter 187: Zhao And Wu

In the Earth Immortal City, the old fox, hidden in the shadows, listened intently to the conversation between Zhao Qinghuan, Wu Yin, and the Black Fox Clan's little fox. His expression darkened with displeasure at his granddaughter's disrespectful remarks.

Near them, Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng were embroiled in an uncomfortable silence, their minds a whirlwind of conflicting emotions about their great-grandfather's controversial actions. Despite their unease, they couldn't deny the truth in the old saying: with age comes cunning.

Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin had initially intended to reunite with Wang Xuan before setting off with the Black Fox Clan. However, the little fox advised against it, explaining the dire situation: "There's no point in waiting. After Old Zhong's rampage, anyone associated with him, like you, can't enter the Earth Immortal City without being ambushed outside."

The recent events had alerted the inhabitants of the three extraordinary planets, inciting a fervent desire to eradicate alien cultivators, including Old Zhong and Old Chen.

Zhong Cheng expressed his concerns about Wang Xuan's safety, "He hasn’t ascended to the extraordinary realm yet. What if he’s caught and killed? Although Old Chen is with him, their odds of survival seem bleak. It's unfortunate; I had high hopes for him, almost considering him a match for Old Wang."

In a silent rebuke to Zhong Cheng's comments, Wu Yin nonchalantly produced a piece of dried rat meat from her bag and shoved it into his mouth. His reaction was immediate and repulsed, a stark contrast to his recent appreciation of the Black Horned Beast meat brought by Zhao Qinghuan.

"Big Sister Wu, that's uncalled for! I didn’t say anything about you!" Zhong Cheng exclaimed, his expression a mix of shock and curiosity, as he gazed at Wu Yin.

Meanwhile, Zhong Qing observed the scene with a contemplative gaze. She harbored a growing suspicion that Wang Xuan was no ordinary individual. Recalling the last time he had given her a spiked steel armor, she remembered noticing faint bloodstains under the sunlight, which sparked a series of intriguing thoughts and theories about his true nature.

Zhong Qing blushed at Zhao Qinghuan's teasing inquiry about Wang Xuan, her innocent and pure face adding to her beauty. "He's exploring an ancient cultivator's abandoned medicinal field, hoping to find some nearly ripe spiritual herbs and possibly some inscribed scriptures," Zhao Qinghuan replied casually, her radiant smile captivating.

Her teasing continued, "Little Zhong, you seem quite interested in my classmate these past few days, always asking about him. Do you have a special feeling for him? I could introduce you."

"Zhao Zhao!" Zhong Qing exclaimed, hinting at their deep understanding and shared history.

The little fox, ever interested in human interactions, chimed in, "That stinky man isn't worth mentioning. Little Zhong, don't fall for him!"

"Who says I like him!" Zhong Qing retorted, playfully threatening the fox.

"What are you good at, Little Zhong?" the little fox asked, curious about human talents and arts.

"Zhong Qing sings beautifully. Maybe she can teach you a fox spirit song," Wu Yin suggested with a smile.

"Sure, let's sing together. I am a millennium-old fox, cultivated for a lifetime, only to be with you in the next life..." the little fox began, eager to learn the human art of singing.

......

Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin, having gathered information in the Immortal City, learned that the Black Fox Tribe indeed descended from celestial beasts that once accompanied the ancient immortals. This tribe, typically residing in the deepest parts of the secret land, rarely ventured out.

The area around the Immortal City, compared to the vastness of the secret land, was relatively deeper in the territory. After bidding farewell to Zhong Qing and her brother, Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin decided to leave the city to explore the rumored immortal cave dwelling guarded by the Black Fox Tribe.

However, some cultivators on the city walls had set their sights on the two women and the little fox spirit, along with Master Ma. A few suggested a feigned attack, not to harm but to draw out potential rescuers from the alien realm.

Most refrained from acting rashly, fearing to offend the Black Fox Tribe, descendants of celestial beasts. A small group followed Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin under the guise of a mock hunt, their true intention to avenge family and friends fallen victim to Old Zhong's schemes.

Wang Xuan, standing on a high peak, watched Zhao Qinghuan, Wu Yin, and the little fox leave the city, with Master Ma cheerfully trailing behind. He felt reassured, knowing Old Fox would secretly protect them, but still wished to see them off personally.

"I'm going to see them off," Wang Xuan said to Old Chen, sharing some information about the Black Fox Tribe and the women.

Old Chen agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to possibly gain more jade tokens.

They gazed at the silver Snow Moon Tree, a stunning spectacle hundreds of meters tall, its white bark and petals shimmering like moons hanging in the sky, a radiant and ethereal sight to behold.

The path chosen by the little fox spirit was picturesque, showcasing various landscapes along the way. When they reached a cluster of lakes, they paused to admire the dance of the clam spirits. These lake-dwelling beings, resembling small humans within their opened shells, danced gracefully in the waters, their movements ethereal and captivating.

Suddenly, the little fox's demeanor changed as she sensed approaching figures. "Someone's following us!" she alerted, her usual playful gait turning into a stance of alertness.

Sure enough, shadows of cultivators emerged from the woods - all of them were beings of extraordinary power.

Zhao Qinghuan whispered, "They know about the Black Fox Tribe, yet they dare to pursue us. Their overt target is us, but it's likely they're trying to lure out Wang Xuan and Old Chen."

Wu Yin scanned the surroundings, noting, "We were seen leaving the city. They seem to be staging a hunt on us to attract Wang Xuan and Old Chen for a confrontation."

The intentions in the eyes of their pursuers were chillingly clear, filled with cold murderous intent, not sparing even the little fox spirit, let alone Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin. A few of the hunters smirked maliciously, taken by the unexpected beauty of the two women.

Meanwhile, Wang Xuan and Old Chen were rapidly approaching, sensing the tense atmosphere from afar. "Could they really dare to make a move?" Wang Xuan wondered aloud.

"Old Chen, I'll use the short sword; you can take this spear," Wang Xuan said, handing over the sun-gold blended spear.

Old Chen declined, "I prefer hacking and slashing to thrusting. I'll stick with this longsword." He had grown accustomed to a captured longsword, which was equally sharp.

They observed twelve cultivators, including two at the Life Earth level, six at the Illumination level, and four at the Mist stage. "Their strength is formidable," noted Wang Xuan.

Before, Old Chen might have hesitated, but now at the Illumination Great Perfection stage, combined with Wang Xuan's abilities, they were unphased. They had already faced down law enforcers and repelled the eight great extraordinary beasts together; confidence wasn't lacking in facing this group.

One of the pursuers from the Heluo Star, captivated by the beauty of Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin, commented with a faint smile, "What unexpected beauty, truly rare gems!" Their demeanors, one coldly elegant and the other boasting impressive curves, were not lost on him.

A member of the pursuing group addressed the little fox spirit, “We mean no offense to the Fox Tribe, but we need to borrow these two women. Their companions must pay for their actions.”

The little fox retorted sharply, “Your cold and greedy gazes make me uncomfortable. I detest and despise you. Leave us alone!”

Zhao Qinghuan, usually calm, now spoke with pride and arrogance. “Why bother making enemies with the Fox Tribe for nothing? You rush here, only to leave empty-handed. What’s the point?”

Her demeanor was a deliberate act of defiance, knowing well that the Fox Tribe wouldn’t let any harm come to her. If these men dared to attack or kidnap her, the elder fox would surely strike back. This was her way of alleviating pressure on Wang Xuan and Old Chen.

The provocations from Zhao and Wu Yin angered the pursuers, their faces reddening with humiliation. Wu Yin added fuel to the fire, “You’re just bullies, picking on the weak. If you’re so brave, why don’t you confront Old Chen in the Earth Immortal City? Chasing us is pointless; you'll just slink away in defeat.”

The little black fox, realizing the gravity of their situation, whispered urgently to Zhao and Wu Yin, “Stop provoking them! If my grandfather isn’t nearby and they attack, I can't fight them off.”

Throughout this, Grandmaster Ma remained silent but resolute, firmly standing beside the two women and the little fox, glaring at the aggressors, ready to defend his companions.

As Zhao Qingci considered their situation, she believed the old fox, if genuinely concerned for their safety, would have stealthily followed them since their departure from the Earth Immortal City. Aware of the imminent dangers outside, she expected his hidden vigilance. Casually brushing her hair aside, her eyes, tinged with a hint of purple, briefly scanned the restless transcendents nearby. With a mix of disdain and confidence in her voice, she addressed them, "Direct your anger towards Old Zhong. Strutting around here, you're the epitome of cowardly men!"

Wu Yin, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, added, "Disappear already, would you?"

Their dismissive and taunting remarks hit a nerve with the group of men, particularly those teetering on the brink of madness. One, with a cold and cruel sneer, boldly declared, "I was already inclined to act, but now, with such enticing beauties beckoning, the temptation is irresistible!"

With a confident stride, he reached out to grab Zhao Qingci. His eyes were a turbulent sea of desire and malice, his laughter echoing with a disturbing sense of delight.

The little celestial fox, reacting with lightning speed, spat out a stream of dark light that morphed into a sword-like energy blade, targeting the man's wrist. In an instant, it whisked the two women away, moving them thirty meters to safety in a mere blink.

"Don't provoke them," the little fox urged Zhao Qingci and Wu Yin, its voice tinged with urgency. "My grandfather is a wily old fox. Even if he's lurking nearby, he'd rather watch us suffer before deciding to show himself. Remember how he just stood by when that villain Wang kidnapped me? He even let him knock me out!"

In that moment, the little fox's voice was thick with anger and resentment, its feelings towards its grandfather complex and deep-seated.

......

"In the midst of the forest, Lao Chen queried, 'Should we make a move?' Initially, Wang Xuan had planned to scavenge for spoils after Old Fox took action. However, observing the current situation, it seemed Old Fox had vanished upon detecting their presence.

Wang Xuan speculated aloud, 'Something’s off. It’s likely Old Fox spotted us and disappeared. Such a cunning one, not willing to fight our battles for us. Is he forcing us to take matters into our own hands?'

Just then, several supernatural beings stepped forward, brazenly aiming to capture Zhao Qing and Wu Yin.

Boom!

Wang Xuan, unable to restrain his frustration any longer, hurled his glowing spear with full force.

Thud!

The man reaching for Zhao Qing and Wu Yin stared in disbelief as his ribs were pierced. The spear had transversed his body, leaving gaping holes the size of bowls on either side. His body nearly split in two, he let out a blood-curdling scream before collapsing to the ground.

In the aftermath of his throw, Wang Xuan charged forward like a streak of lightning, shattering the ground beneath his feet. Leaping tens of meters in a single bound, he almost caught up with his own spear. He reached the ladies' side in record time, reclaiming his war spear firmly in his grasp."

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