The Stars Beyond

Chapter 123: Old Zhong Carrying A Warship?!

Several days later, by the expected timeline, all the expedition teams should have returned. Everyone in the know was waiting in anticipation for them to announce their "achievements."

"There might be a lull now," a voice in the deep-space communication group commented, "But secrets can't be kept forever. We'll soon hear about the situation of each expedition and how many didn't make it back."

The discussion group instantly became active with speculations and comments.

"It's a pity," one member said, "The universe is a vast place. The major powers on our planet have long explored the Hidden Land, yet the common folk remain in the dark."

It was true. The major organizations had always kept their ventures into the Hidden Land a tight-lipped secret, never revealing the truth to the general public. Over the years, various new species had emerged on the new star, leading some to have their suspicions. Yet, all they had were conjectures.

"Why the secrecy?" another voice in the group pondered, "It's for control and monopoly. They want to hold onto the benefits and advantages from the Hidden Land."

Wang Xuan stayed silent, preferring to absorb information rather than engage in conversation. At this stage, his primary goal was to gather as much knowledge about the Hidden Land and the experiences of the major conglomerates' expeditions.

"Another possibility," someone else proposed, "Is that they can't control the Hidden Land. The risks are too high, and they fear that the dangers could spill over to our new star. They might be withholding information to prevent public outcry."

Initially, Wang Xuan had thought this group to be a scam, people trying to deceive him collectively. Now, he realized that some members indeed had valuable insights. At the very least, he could gather substantial information about the Hidden Land here.

By midday, the New Origin expedition team returned and immediately shared their results. The group erupted in fervent discussions. Some were visibly thrilled.

This time, out of the twenty-one members of the New Origin expedition, eleven made it back alive – a survival rate of over 50%!

In the shadows of the vast universe, news of a 50% survival rate would typically cause widespread alarm. In today's age, no profession carried such high stakes. However, within the treacherous realms of extraterrestrial exploration, this was seen as a remarkable success. Especially when juxtaposed against the grim fates of other teams, many of which often succumbed entirely to the perils of their journey.

Wang Xuan observed quietly, emotions churning. To him, these explorers were heroes, willingly venturing into the unknown, where the line between life and death was precariously thin. Yet, the tantalizing allure of potential rewards beckoned. Those who made it back were not only survivors but also bearers of rare treasures. Once sold, these artifacts could secure a lifetime of opulence.

The equation was clear: high risk, but even higher reward, making it an alluring proposition for the boldest souls. Within the encrypted deep-space communication channels, an image emerged. It depicted a blood-streaked explorer, his grin a stark contrast to his battle-worn appearance. In his grasp was a golden mushroom, its sheer size rivaling that of a human head.

"That's easily worth a hundred million New Star coins! He's made for life," someone exclaimed.

The group was abuzz, a mix of awe and envy palpable in every comment.

"You're underestimating its worth," another argued. "That's a relic, a spiritual medicine from ancient epochs. Its reputed benefits, longevity and youth, make it even more priceless. The conglomerates would easily part with one and a half billion New Star coins for it!"

"The legendary Golden Mushroom! For practitioners of the ancient arts, it's a leap towards unparalleled prowess."

Wang Xuan, previously an observer, now felt an undeniable pull. The treasures of the unknown were seductive. As dusk approached, more news trickled in, particularly about the ventures of the elite organizations. These tidbits weren't official releases, but whispers from those with insider knowledge.

"The Song family has had a slight reprieve this time. Three made it back alive, although two are gravely injured, in dire need of organ transplants," a voice disclosed.

Recalling the ill-fated expeditions of the Song family from previous months, this was, in a tragic way, a step forward.

"How many did the Song family send out this time?"

"I heard it was over a hundred and sixty. All were skilled practitioners."

A brief hush enveloped the deep-space communication channel, followed by a flood of messages, each expressing shock. The icy bite of fear was palpable through the digital realm.

Historically, the Song family dispatched roughly a hundred explorers on their ventures, regardless of how they were grouped. While this month didn't witness their total annihilation, the death toll was alarmingly higher than before. With such staggering casualty rates, who would be audacious enough to venture into these treacherous territories in the future? Surely only those with a death wish.

A chill coursed down Wang Xuan's spine. The grim reality of expeditions to the secretive lands was now clear. When even the mightiest conglomerates suffered such devastating losses, the dangers were too evident. Such mortality rates would surely haunt anyone daring enough to set foot on that perilous terrain. Wang Xuan's heart raced with caution. His quest was for self-improvement, for transcendence. But that necessitated staying alive. No treasure was worth his life.

Soon after, news regarding the Qin family's expedition reached the chat. This time, they'd dispatched a smaller team of just over fifty individuals. Tragically, not a single one returned. The air grew heavier with each revelation. The secretive land was becoming more perilous, and the once abundant wonders now seemed increasingly elusive.

"Why did the Qin family, one of the super-conglomerates, send out just fifty-plus members?" a message read. "Because their previous expeditions frequently faced annihilation. Many are now too fearful to join their ranks."

The deep-space communication channel was filled with sighs and murmurs of disbelief. Some pondered that even if the Qin family were to offer exorbitant rewards in the future, it would prove futile. Who would dare to undertake such perilous expeditions?

Reports kept flowing in. The Origin Life Research Institute had fared slightly better, boasting a survival rate of 15%. However, a top-tier mercenary group known as "Divine Movement" sent out nearly two hundred of their finest, only to have a mere six return. Then news regarding the Zhao family's expedition surfaced, revealing a staggering death rate of 93%.

Wang Xuan felt the urge to light a cigarette for some solace, though he didn’t smoke. He remembered Zhao Qinghan's invitation for him to join her family's expedition team. With such a mortality rate... who would dare? Was Lady Zhao holding a grudge against him? The two times he mentioned Zhao Qinghan, it seemed she had caught him speaking behind her back. The first time was a mere slip, a candid sentiment. The second time was when he was telling Qin Cheng how aloof yet alluring Lady Zhao was, how her demeanor could shift in an instant, and that her skills were profound.

"Is Zhao trying to get me killed on purpose?" Wang Xuan pondered, shivering at the thought. With such daunting odds, he was determined: unless Zhao Qinghan herself ventured into the secretive lands, he wouldn't touch her family’s expedition with a ten-foot pole.

As expected, almost every family suffered considerable losses, with several facing complete annihilation. Only a handful had members that made it back alive. The evening was filled with grim tales, turning the communication channel into a 'misery competition'.

"The Kong family’s warship landed and from it, bloody stretchers emerged one after the other. The onlookers were first stunned into silence, then, oddly, a burst of laughter followed."

"Is that even appropriate to share?" Someone interjected, "They've been through enough. Why add the detail of laughter?"

The conversation intensified. “Isn't laughter the natural response? Only those severely wounded are brought back. The rest either lie abandoned in the Hidden Land or become prey to unknown predators. There's no time or means to reclaim their bodies.”

“That kind of laughter, though... it's eerie.”

Predictably, the deep-space communication channel hummed with messages. Wang Xuan sifted through each, attempting to discern the latest updates. He tapped his table, reflecting on the alarmingly high mortality rates from the mysterious region. It was evident that conditions there had changed. In earlier times, the explorers from various clans had far better odds of survival. What had shifted?

His thoughts wandered to Wu Yin, Zhong Qing, and Li Qingxuan's recent meeting beside the Zhou River, likely a negotiation for an alliance and strategizing for what lay ahead. The data registration from days past now seemed less an effort to benefit the explorers and more a ploy for the elite families to handpick their representatives.

With the rising death toll, even the major factions found it tough to secure willing explorers, irrespective of the rewards. Such expeditions served the elite families twofold: many unearthed treasures would invariably land in their lap, and potential threats would be simultaneously eliminated. The conservative Qin family and others like them were particularly wary of the emergence of powerful individuals and the chaos they could bring.

And then there was the Zhong family. News of them was conspicuously absent, but Wang Xuan was patient. His interest was piqued by their golden bamboo slips. Now that he had cultivated a spiritual domain allowing him to perceive scriptures from afar, he harbored hopes of a dialogue with Elder Zhong. While it might be a long shot, perhaps fate would someday grant him access to the elder's storied library.

As Wang Xuan pondered the possibilities, a startling message broke his reverie:

“Old Man Zhong is going to pull something incredible!”

The deep-space group buzzed with incredulity. Amid the flurry of messages, a bombshell dropped: Old Zhong Yong had ventured into the mysterious and dangerous territory known as the "Hidden Land." This confirmation came from none other than the leader of Old Chen's secret route organization in Yuan City.

It was as if a nuclear bomb had been unleashed underwater, leaving everyone astounded. In all these years, no influential member of the elite families had ever set foot in this enigmatic region, let alone the leaders of such families. Once reaching such stature, they rarely appeared in public. Even their descendants avoided the treacherous terrain of the Hidden Land.

Many refused to believe the news. Why would Zhong Yong, notorious for his extreme cautiousness, risk his life now? It was well-known that he had gone to great lengths to save his own skin, even at the expense of his eldest son. He had, remarkably, survived grave illnesses at over a hundred years old, purportedly having revitalized his life four times. Many speculated that his second son, Zhong Changming—the current heir apparent—would meet his fate before the elderly Zhong did.

Was it madness or sheer audacity that drove the old man now?

Only the top-tier organizations could discern Elder Zhong's intentions upon hearing the news. They sighed in unison. Zhong Yong might have gone mad, but he displayed incredible audacity, risking his life even at his elevated status.

Recently, rumors surfaced about a legendary item appearing within the Hidden Land, an object whose description matched ancient texts perfectly. According to these texts, this unique item was incredibly rare, perishable, and couldn't be preserved or transported. It had to be consumed on the spot, and it was said to extend one's life by over fifty years!

"The Zhong family paid a heavy price to pave a path and validate the existence of this item. To think that Elder Zhong would personally go there the second time!" others mused.

Many had to concede that Elder Zhong displayed a certain mad, decisive genius in this crucial moment.

"Do we need to intervene? If something happens to him, the Zhong family..." someone murmured, hinting at the possible ramifications.

However, before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by the leader of the organization.

"Each megacorporation family is an entity unto itself, and they won't waver just because something happens to one member. Moreover, given Old Zhong's cautionary nature, by the time we hear of such news, he is either already dead or has successfully returned. There will be no window of opportunity for outsiders to take advantage of!"

Indeed, his prediction was spot on. While the public speculated about potential mishaps befalling Zhong Yong, a photograph shattered the rumors. Wang Xuan saw it too, someone in the group had posted a picture of Old Zhong.

Captured within the Hidden Land, the image depicted Old Zhong carrying a lifeboat, with his long legs powering a sprint. The snapshot was taken by a drone belonging to an organization. Rumor had it that the drone had been severely damaged, and the photograph had been taken a day or two before but had been delayed due to intense interference before finally being transmitted today.

"Old Zhong is incredible; he actually did it. Based on the timeline, he must have already returned to the new star!"

Everyone staring at the photograph was immensely shocked.

Old Zhong, who once had a nearly bald scalp, now sported a shade of black. Was that a hint of new hair growth? Furthermore, he appeared somewhat rejuvenated.

What was even more astonishing was the sight of him lugging around a lifeboat. Those things could weigh hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. How could an ordinary person manage such a feat?

"He may not necessarily have been successful. From the photograph, it's evident Old Zhong was in danger, being chased by something. He probably didn't have time to activate the lifeboat, so he had to carry it and flee. Maybe he's already dead in the Hidden Land!"

"Why not have some influential people inquire about the Zhong family? Has Old Zhong returned?"

Regardless of the opinions, Old Zhong was the talk of the town, drawing attention and discussions from all corners.

Some even speculated that Zhong Yong might be an unparalleled master in the realm of ancient arts, just maintaining a low profile on ordinary days. Eventually, someone photoshopped the lifeboat into a super battleship, with Old Zhong carrying it as he fled. The edited picture caused a sensation and quickly became the hottest image on the circuit.