The Stars Beyond

Chapter 103: A Tearful Farewell

In the vast expanse of wilderness, Wang Xuan pondered the events for three years hence, genuinely curious about their potential global impact. He sighed deeply, reflecting on his own limitations. "I'm simply not powerful enough. I should at least be able to defend myself," he murmured. In his heart, he felt dwarfed when compared to legendary figures from tales past. Lost in thought, he quipped, "When the day comes that the woman in red dances at my whim without protest, maybe then I'll see myself as formidable."

As Qing Mu approached, he caught snippets of Wang Xuan's musings. At first, he felt sympathy, sensing Wang Xuan's desolation. But as Wang Xuan's whimsical aspirations became clear, Qing Mu's empathy turned to bemusement.

"Maybe keep the daydreams for nighttime," Qing Mu remarked with a hint of sarcasm. "Dream of confronting the demoness once you've managed to best Chen Randeng."

"Qing Mu," Wang Xuan responded, "Everyone needs dreams. Two centuries ago, mankind was ignorant of the New World's whereabouts. Look at us now, delving into the depths of space. If fate ever brings me face to face with the demoness, I'd much prefer her serenading me over her attempting to end my life with a mere snap."

Acknowledging Wang Xuan's point, Qing Mu replied, "Fair enough. I look forward to the day you stand toe to toe with the famed Red Robed demoness."

Wang Xuan, growing a bit frustrated with Qing Mu's constant cynicism, wished for a change in the narrative. Why couldn't Qing Mu paint a brighter, more poetic picture?

Shaking off the conversation, Wang Xuan carefully used a short sword to scrape off the charred remnants from the immortal bones, ensuring he took only what was necessary.

"It's time to leave," he announced, pulling himself to his feet.

On the way back, Wang Xuan felt a pang of melancholy. He was about to set off for the New World and hoped that when he returned, things would remain as familiar as before.

"Old Qing, did we manage to decipher the text from the silver beast-skin scroll we obtained from Qingcheng Mountain's underground palace?" Wang Xuan suddenly recalled.

He had obtained Zhang Daoling's five-page golden book from that underground chamber, and a beast-skin scroll had been handed over to the exploration organization, which he presumed to be equally extraordinary. Qing Mu sighed deeply. They had hired a slew of ancient text researchers to decode it, but none could make heads or tails of the script.

"My master looked at it and seemed deeply perturbed," Qing Mu revealed. "He said the symbols looked vaguely familiar, possibly related to the mysterious encounter."

Surprised by this revelation, Wang Xuan wondered if Qing Mu was intentionally setting up a narrative for Old Chen, or if there was indeed a significant issue with the text. Wang Xuan was about to put his current identity on hold, concealing his brilliant aura as a Grandmaster and embarking on a more ordinary life. However, many issues needed addressing, such as identity confidentiality, mobile phone security, and his double continuing to accompany Old Chen.

"That's easily handled," Qing Mu reassured. To him, these weren't challenges. For instance, the mobile would be non-registered, with ever-changing addresses.

He continued, "By the way, the 'Wang Xuan' in An City met with a car accident. Fortunately, it was a minor injury."

Wang Xuan was taken aback. Now going by the pseudonym Wang Xiao, there was a stand-in in An City wearing a lifelike mask to act as Wang Xuan. An "accident"?

Qing Mu explained, "It was an issue left behind by the young man from the Song family in the New World. But everything's sorted now, and all 'loose ends' have been tied up."

Wang Xuan was stunned. That lunatic from the Song family had made several assassination attempts on him. He had thought it ended when the man was imprisoned, but the man had left a final "loose end" for him - a car accident.

Qing Mu added, "It was a plan he had laid out a long time ago. The hitman activated the plan recently, not knowing his employer was already incarcerated."

Now, it seemed that the lunatic from the Song family aimed to eliminate all men associated with Ling Wei. The young man from the Wu family was the most unfortunate, having been rendered disabled after just meeting Ling Wei's family.

On the journey back, Wang Xuan couldn't help but dwell on the relentless killing intent of the Song family's madman. If he ever got out, he'd probably still target Wang Xuan, especially considering he was Ling Wei's ex-boyfriend.

"Little Song, once I get to the New World, I'll find a way to finish you off," Wang Xuan muttered to himself.

They soon reached the estate outside An City.

Before parting, Old Chen reminded Wang Xuan of a few precautions, emphasizing the importance of always carrying the short sword with him. In crucial moments, it could save his life. Especially in the face of unexplained phenomena, the sword might hold unique powers.

"If I'm going to the New World, can I bring it onto the spaceship?" Wang Xuan inquired.

"Let Qing Mu handle it. He'll get you a modern art authentication certificate. Ask Master Swordsmith Old Zheng for help, saying it's his latest creation, a replica of the Yuchang Sword. Yes, a masterpiece from a renowned person like him won't face any issues, and you can carry it to the New World after purchase," Old Chen advised.

Surprised, Wang Xuan asked, "Is this short sword similar to the legendary Yuchang Sword?"

Qing Mu nodded, "After checking various records and comparing with diagrams found on some decaying bamboo slips, it seems to be quite similar."

In the living room, Guan Lin lounged on the sofa, casually commenting, "If it's genuinely the Yuchang Sword, some old-timers from the New World conglomerates would probably go crazy trying to purchase it, regardless of the cost. After all, it's one of the ten famous swords from ancient legends. But selling it to them would be a waste. Ancient texts, precious old manuals, even rare books from various teachings — they all treat them as antiques, placing them on shelves. If it indeed were the Yuchang Sword, they'd likely use it as decoration, hanging it on a wall or displaying it on a desk."

"Could it really be the Yuchang Sword?" Wang Xuan drew out the short blade, barely longer than a palm, examining it closely.

Old Chen shook his head, "No, the Yuchang Sword forged by Ou Yezi was primarily made of copper and tin. Preliminary tests on your short sword show no traces of copper or tin. Its material is indestructible. It looks like bronze but is a peerless blade!"

On their return journey, the topic shifted to Wang Xuan's forthcoming journey to the New World and concerns surrounding his identity.

"I want to keep a low profile," Wang Xuan stated. He hoped for a simple transition, ideally with an ordinary job awaiting him in the New World. He mentioned his college friend, Qin Cheng, who was facilitating this move.

Old Chen contemplated for a moment. "While you can pursue the route your college mate has laid out, I can also discreetly provide you with the credentials of an inspector. This would allow you greater mobility across regions."

To Old Chen, orchestrating this was a trivial matter. The exploration organization he represented was not only influential but also had vast resources. Sending someone to the New World was barely a challenge for them.

It was only then that Wang Xuan understood the organization's complete name – 'The Secret Path Exploration Organization'. In the old land, its reputation was unmatched; just its name brought instant recognition.

Its name hinted at its primary goal: uncovering the elusive routes to the ancient arts' inner sanctums and finding the fabled elixirs of life.

Old Chen revealed a significant detail; his own master had founded the organization. This revelation sent Wang Xuan into a brief introspective spell. That venerable elder had disappeared for thirty long years!

After a detailed discussion with Qing Mu, Old Chen approximated that wrapping up the remaining details and ensuring future arrangements would take about five to six days.

Chen suggested, "Secure a spaceship ticket for a departure in ten days. This interval will allow you to spend time with your family and friends."

Wang Xuan's eyes widened when he discovered that a deep-space ticket came with a staggering price tag of two million Novadollars. In the currency of the old land, this was almost four million coins! He was momentarily stunned. Was he looking at a ticket that equated to his entire life's work?

Seeing Wang Xuan's disbelief, Qing Mu chuckled and reassured him, "Count your blessings. Thanks to technological progress, ticket prices have already seen a significant drop. Otherwise, in the earlier days, even the thought of vacationing there would have been a luxury for me."

Staring in disbelief, Wang Xuan exclaimed, "Old Qing, you're so wealthy that you can afford leisure trips to the New World?"

Qing Mu raised an eyebrow, replying, "What's the point of money if you don't spend it? Imagine if I died one day only to realize I've been grappling with mundane chores my entire life. What a waste that would be."

Swallowing hard, Wang Xuan responded, "The problem is, I don't have that kind of money to spend."

"Weren't you paid five million last time?" Qing Mu looked at him, puzzled.

"I gave it all to my parents," Wang Xuan said softly. "In case something happens to me, I want them to have some security."

Guan Lin, overhearing the conversation, couldn't help but chuckle. For all his prowess, Wang Xuan still retained a refreshing simplicity.

Understanding, Qing Mu nodded, "Alright, I'll cover your ticket this time." But then, with a stern face, he added, "This won't work in the long run, you know. Once you're on the New World or even just on the new moon, you should consider taking on some exploration jobs now and then. Otherwise, you might not even afford the ticket back."

The sting of Qing Mu's words was palpable, and Wang Xuan was rendered speechless, confronted with his current financial reality.

Seeing Wang Xuan's crestfallen face, Qing Mu continued, "Over at the New World, while the standard of living is generally good, the gap between the rich and the poor is stark. If you don't hustle, as a newcomer, you might find yourself renting a place indefinitely."

Even though he hadn't ventured into deep space yet, Qing Mu's candid perspective on material matters was a timely education for Wang Xuan. It was a blow to his ego, but it was rooted in reality.

Chen Mingshu sighed, interjecting, "That's precisely why Old Ling disapproved of your relationship with his daughter. Look at your situation. If you're struggling to buy a round-trip ticket, other considerations are out of the question."

On their departure, Wang Xuan hastened them, "It's best you both leave now. I need a break from your presence."

Patting Wang Xuan's shoulder, Old Chen replied, "We're on our way. Take care in the New World."

"You too," Wang Xuan said with genuine concern. "Collaborating with the authorities comes with its risks. Be safe out there."

Smiling faintly, Old Chen responded, "I've been working with them for years, and there's mutual respect. Plus, my enhanced abilities present more collaborative opportunities. Most crucially, our objectives are aligned."

"Aligned objectives?" Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow.

Old Chen nodded. "In various ways. But most notably, our shared pursuit of understanding the ‘Mysterious Encounter’."

With a sigh of resignation, Wang Xuan said, "Alright, since I'm heading to the New World, enlighten me."

Handing him an envelope inscribed with 'Mysterious Encounter', Old Chen chose to let the contents do the talking.

That day, Chen Mingtu, accompanied by Guan Lin, Qing Mu, and "Wang Xiao", journeyed to the capital to "recover", leaving Wang Xuan to revert to his true identity.