The Stars Beyond

Chapter 345: I Want To Be Invincible

"You're quite the greedy one, expecting a buy-one-get-one deal?" That was the thought running through many onlookers' minds as they witnessed the audacious actions of this extraordinary being from the human realm. Yet, considering he didn't spare even Gu Mingxi from his deadly resolve, it became clear there was nothing he wouldn't dare to think or do.

Wang Xuan's impression of Zhou Qinghuang, as he caught her, was of a remarkably fit figure, pleasantly substantial, not at all bony—a realization that intrigued him. Though his words suggested one thing, his true concerns lay elsewhere, evidenced by his vigilant grip on both the Godslaying Banner and the soul chain, ready for any unforeseen threats.

"Quick, save her, her physical body can still be revived!" Zhou Qinghuang urged, struggling faintly. Her powers had almost drained; otherwise, she would have rushed to the rescue herself.

Wang Xuan noted her immediate concern wasn't to counter his earlier remark but to save someone instead, hinting at a less than fatal feud with Gu Mingxi.

"Let me down, quickly." Zhou Qinghuang squirmed, her stockings torn, her dignified beauty marred by a touch of desperation.

"Why save her if she's your sworn enemy? Let's end this threat once and for all," Wang Xuan proposed as he set her down, his dark blade poised to strike.

Zhou Qinghuang's eyes widened in alarm, and she instinctively clutched at his arm, attempting to intervene.

Wang Xuan's action confirmed it—she truly didn't wish for Gu Mingxi's death, hence her direct obstruction.

Silently stepping closer, he subtly utilized the Godslaying Banner to envelop Zhou Qinghuang in a daze after their intense battle, causing her to stagger.

This led to her, in holding Wang Xuan's armed arm, inadvertently aiding in redirecting the blade's course, plunging it deep into Gu Mingxi's chest.

"Miss Zhou, you needn't have dirtied your hands; I could have handled it," Wang Xuan gently chided.

Zhou Qinghuang stood dumbfounded, her involvement had essentially co-executed a fierce strike, pinning Gu Mingxi in a bloody display.

"At a crucial moment, Miss Zhou certainly doesn't hold back," someone remarked.

Others pleaded, "Zhou Qinghuang, Miss Zhou, show mercy!"

Some couldn't hold back any longer, fearing that after such a blow, could there be any chance of survival?

Zhou Qinghuang swiftly procured a crystal block, sealing within it a top-tier medicinal liquid that glowed a luminescent blue. Upon unsealing, a rich vitality burst forth. She quickly administered it to Gu Mingxi, applying some on her wounds as well, and instructed Wang Xuan to retract the silver soul chain, saying, "Gu Mingxi has significant backing; she cannot die now."

With a swift motion, Wang Xuan withdrew the soul chain from Gu Mingxi's chest, yet he then used the chain to encase her body, effectively binding her externally. He pondered if Zhou Qinghuang's actions, while seemingly against Gu Mingxi, indicated she didn't truly wish harm upon her. Were they performing a charade, or did their relationship, though competitive, bear some underlying camaraderie, possibly even a solid one?

His wariness wasn't unwarranted. In this realm, trust was a luxury seldom afforded, especially towards those from beyond the veil, with whom he had no prior acquaintance or bond.

Zhou Qinghuang's immediate allegiance and proposition to collaborate were appreciated by Wang Xuan, regardless of her motives. He welcomed her alliance, yet to expect unguarded trust from him was asking too much. Their sudden camaraderie, absent of any prior introduction, didn't blind him to the possibility of ulterior motives—this world offered no fervor without reason.

For now, he opted not to delve deeper, focusing instead on uniting with allies against common foes. Zhou Qinghuang remained the astute and striking Miss Zhou to him, as long as their goals aligned. Should she turn against him, he'd have no choice but to view her as the cunning Zhou Qinghuang.

After her frenzied efforts, Zhou Qinghuang exhaled in relief; Gu Mingxi's physical form was not yet lost to death, hinting at a chance for revival despite the severity of her injuries. The silver chain had pierced through the heart, and the dark blade had left a gaping, translucent wound—a testament to Wang Xuan's ruthless assault.

Zhou Qinghuang was left speechless, having presented him with an ethereal fairy only to witness such a merciless attack. Faced with the daunting task of explaining this to Gu Mingxi's faction, she was overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation.

Quickly pulling out a crystal, Zhou Qinghuang unveiled a top-tier medicinal elixir, its blue luminescence dispersing a rich vitality upon being unsealed. She hurriedly administered it to Gu Mingxi, applying some on her wounds, and urged Wang Xuan to retract the silver soul chain, asserting, "Gu Mingxi holds significant influence; she cannot die now."

Wang Xuan withdrew the chain from Gu Mingxi's chest, yet wrapped her body with it externally, securing her. He pondered whether Zhou Qinghuang and Gu Mingxi were merely putting on a show. Were they adversaries with an underlying camaraderie, their relationship not as dire as it seemed, or perhaps even amicable?

His caution wasn't unwarranted; in this realm, trust was a luxury. The alliances formed here were fragile, based on mutual benefit rather than genuine connection. While he appreciated Zhou Qinghuang's immediate support, his trust wasn't easily won.

Amidst the chaos, Zhou Qinghuang worked feverishly, managing to stabilize Gu Mingxi's physical state for the moment. Despite the severe wounds, there was hope for recovery, a fact that left Zhou Qinghuang conflicted, given their complex relationship.

"Why aim to kill her? A living Gu Mingxi could be far more valuable. She has a formidable background; her maternal grandfather is nearly unmatched in strength," Zhou Qinghuang reasoned.

Wang Xuan, surprised, retorted, "Didn't you offer her to me? I see her as nothing more than a future threat."

To him, the pedigree of one's enemies mattered little; opposition was met with swift retribution, regardless of their stature or connections.

Zhou Qinghuang massaged her forehead, finding no common ground in their discussion. "Besides, I find you far more agreeable than her. Your demeanor, grace, and intellect outshine hers by leagues."

Her wariness grew, half-expecting a similar fate might befall her.

"Actually, my intention was to keep Gu Mingxi around for a discussion among us three. I dislike Qi Chengdao's closeness with her. Now, you've complicated matters," she confessed, rubbing her temples at the unfolding dilemma.

After a pause, she decided, "I'll pursue Gu Mingxi's soul."

"I'll accompany you," Wang Xuan offered.

Zhou Qinghuang, eyeing the Godslaying Banner in his grip, declined. Allowing him to join might endanger Gu Mingxi's very soul. Before departing, she cast a worried glance at Wang Xuan and then at Gu Mingxi's body on the ground, concerned for what might happen in her absence.

"Rest assured, I won't finish her off just yet. It all depends on whether she knows her place in the future," Wang Xuan remarked, leaving Zhou Qinghuang speechless. Adjusting her glasses, she nearly threw them in frustration. In his mind, was such a renowned celestial figure only worth considering between life and death?

"Alright, just don't cause more trouble," she finally nodded in agreement.

Wang Xuan, with a look of disdain, commented, "She's covered in blood, soulless, practically a walking corpse. How does that compare to Miss Zhou's radiant brilliance?"

"No more, I can't take it!" Zhou Qinghuang disappeared in a flash, quickly taking Gu Mingxi's lotus platform with her.

Wang Xuan indeed had no intention of delivering another blow. Keeping Gu Mingxi's body could be beneficial, especially now that he faced numerous foes. He aimed to rally more powerhouses to his cause, even by force if necessary. Should Gu Mingxi's spirit reappear, negotiations could be held, potentially enlisting her to act on Wang Xuan's behalf.

Even if Qi Chengdao were to return, peaceful coexistence wasn't out of the question. He could be persuaded to join Wang Xuan's battles, including pursuing Qi Lian Dao. These were all viable short-term alliances.

But what about the long term? Once Wang Xuan's realm advanced, would these alliances turn sour? If betrayal came, then peace would have to be enforced, sometimes at the blade's edge. "My wish is for a world without enemies, where all are friends, striving to be invincible," Wang Xuan mused, harboring such a desire.

Many superhumans lingered nearby, unclear on the specifics of Wang Xuan and Zhou Qinghuang's conversation. Yet, with Gu Mingxi's body still in Wang Xuan's possession, some were unwilling to leave, discontent with the current state of affairs.

"Scatter, everyone, go back to your homes, find your mothers," Wang Xuan called out, binding Gu Mingxi with the silver divine chain, handling her as if she were a mere package in his grasp. This spectacle left onlookers aghast, solidifying his reputation as a ruthless figure, utterly devoid of compassion for beauty, as he effortlessly picked her up.

"Wang Xuan, this is too much. Regardless, Gu Mingxi is a well-known celestial figure. Even as your captive, she deserves some dignity. Your treatment is quite improper," someone couldn't hold back and criticized from the woods.

Wang Xuan halted, responding, "Would you rather I carry her on my back, or tuck her under my arm?"

"Of course not!" The critic's face flushed.

"Then hold your tongue."

With Gu Mingxi being carted off, the news stirred a commotion among the extraordinary beings of the realm, with a faction following behind.

"Wang Xuan is truly fierce, capturing the esteemed Celestial Gu. It's said he pierced through her chest; had it not been for interference, Gu Mingxi would have met her end by his hand," people whispered along the way, shocked by the developments.

"That's nothing; you know too little. Haven't you heard? Wang Xuan was infamous for his 'Chest Crushing Hand' and 'Ferocious Kick' back in the day, a fact well-known among the old lands' inhabitants."

Chen Yongjie arrived, flanked by several allied demonic powerhouses, sharing insights while secretly lamenting that Wang Xuan's approach had never changed.

"Xiao Wang, if you follow that great river forward for three hundred miles, you'll come across a thunderous marshland where lies a mysterious blood pool, offering considerable fortunes!" Chen Yongjie secretly communicated to Wang Xuan, revealing a lucrative location. After altering his appearance and mingling with demonic cultivators, he had indeed reaped significant benefits.

He further cautioned, "That place is under the dominion of the Blood Ape, but he's temporarily away. Just be on your guard to avoid getting trapped by him."

Chen Yongjie felt satisfied; in the past half-month, he had broken through his current level and was now a late-stage sixth realm master, on the verge of stepping into the seventh realm.

He planned to continue blending in with the demonic beings until advancing to the seventh or eighth realm.

Wang Xuan, surprised, silently acknowledged the information and continued on his way, carrying Gu Mingxi's body.

"Wang Xuan, once I emerge from seclusion, I will not spare you. I swear to dismember you a thousand times over!" Deep within a mountain range, Qi Lian Dao growled in anger, heavily injured.

Wang Xuan's intervention, slashing him numerous times, had nearly led to his demise at the hands of Mo Si, leaving him severely wounded and his spirit damaged. He had narrowly escaped.

He resolved to heal in seclusion, seeking a fortuitous site to attempt a breakthrough, vowing to brutalize Wang Xuan in retribution.

As for the Divine Banner of Slaying Gods, it remained his prime target, forbidden to fall into others' hands.

In a valley filled with floral fragrance and birdsong, Gu Mingxi's spirit glared at Zhou Qinghuang across from her, surrounded by a cascade of luminous rain, ready to battle to the death.

"Mingxi, don't rush; your physical body hasn't perished, it's still warm," Zhou Qinghuang said, quickly trying to explain.

"What are you talking about?" Gu Mingxi was ready for a life-or-death duel.

Discarding her glasses and rubbing her forehead, Zhou Qinghuang felt as if she had caught Wang Xuan's bluntness, speaking without much thought and letting slip those words.

......

In the exotic lands, the vegetation was fresh, and the air was filled with wonders. Mists of super-material wafted through, creating a scene of ethereal mountains shrouded in clouds, strikingly beautiful.

Wang Xuan followed the great river for over three hundred miles to reach the Thunder Marsh. This place was unique, marked by lightning and thunder that could be seen and heard from afar, with lights intertwining in the mountains.

This territory belonged to the Blood Ape, who sought fortunes far and wide, returning here to recuperate. Previously, the area had drawn numerous demons, attracted by a blood pool capable of transforming their physiques and nurturing their spirits—a true site of fortune.

Recently, as many great demons and demonic cultivators left after undergoing transformations here, only a few remained.

Upon arriving, Wang Xuan was struck by the extraordinariness of the area, where lightning continuously streaked across the clear skies above the mountainous landscape.

"Wang Xuan!" A few demons, not particularly strong, noticed him from a distance.

Some followers whispered behind him, suggesting, "We better inform the Blood Ape that someone is trespassing on his territory."

Wang Xuan, prepared for this visit, planned to meditate here, aiming to elevate his realm before making a significant breakthrough in the Void.

He was curious to see if he could shake the realms of those present and truly measure the strength of Qi Lian Dao, Qi Cheng Dao, the Blood Ape, Mo Si, and others.

Confident in his preparations, he could face them once he ascended in realm.

Holding the soul chain and carrying the body of Gu Mingxi, he tossed her into the Thunder Marsh to test the strength of the lightning.

Crack! Lightning struck Gu Mingxi's body, causing her wounds to worsen and bleed anew, while her delicate skin was marked with charred lines.

"Not bad, no big deal," Wang Xuan nodded, stepping boldly into the Thunder Marsh.

Onlookers were speechless at Wang Xuan's callousness. Poor Gu Mingxi was used as a test subject, and it was still uncertain what would happen next.

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