The Stars Beyond

Chapter 124: Goddess Zhao

Old Zhong's rumored consumption of the legendary rejuvenating artifact sent shockwaves through the circles familiar with the forbidden land. This centenarian's actions spoke louder than words. When he made a move, it was with unstoppable momentum, clearly aiming for a renewed lease on life. Despite his age, he openly expressed his reluctance to leave the world, primarily due to his love for his children and the vibrancy of life.

In the world of the elite, his passion for life was unmatched. Time and again, he mused about the beauty of life and his longing to embrace it for another five centuries. The ripple effect of this incident was profound, garnering attention from all sectors. Recent times had been tough for major organizations, with numerous expedition teams getting annihilated. The compensations were so enormous that even these organizations found them daunting.

Yet, in the wake of Old Zhong's audacity, many seasoned magnates found themselves intrigued. The allure of rejuvenation was hard to resist. Several tycoons scrutinized the now-famous photograph. Using magnifying glasses, they verified that Old Zhong had indeed sprouted a dense growth of black hair. His previously deeply lined face seemed smoother, suggesting a man transitioning into mid-life. The man seemed reborn!

Elders in their advanced years felt a cocktail of emotions: envy, admiration, and irritation. To them, Old Zhong's photo seemed almost provocative, flaunting his regained youth. On their usual visits, Old Zhong had always presented a frail front, often found resting under a quilt crafted from the hide of a mythical Kirin, symbolizing his fight against life's ebbing tide.

"Old Zhong is baiting us into the forbidden land, hoping for our downfall!" one elder remarked. But in a softer tone, he added, "Yet, as much as I resent him, the allure is undeniable."

Notably, attempts to visit the Zhong residence were thwarted. Zhong Changming cited his father's health reasons, stating he would not be receiving guests. This only solidified the belief: Old Zhong had returned, possibly as a youth once again.

Wang Xuan stared at the photo of Old Zhong carrying what seemed like a super battleship, a mixture of disbelief and awe washing over him. This elder was truly defying fate, and it looked like he had succeeded.

Examining the original image, Wang Xuan estimated the weight of the lifeboat that Old Zhong was carrying – it had to be at least a thousand pounds. And from the way Old Zhong was sprinting effortlessly with such long strides, he must possess the strength of a master! Is this strength acquired after consuming some mystical artifact, or had Old Zhong always been a martial expert?

The Zhong family was renowned for possessing various secret scriptures, even including the pinnacle teachings of Taoism. If Old Zhong was indeed a top-notch master in the old arts, it wouldn’t surprise Wang Xuan.

"At over a hundred years old, with most of his life behind him, he still pushes boundaries. What excuse do we, the younger generation, have for not striving hard? To break free from the chains of fate and tread the path of the immortals is within our grasp!"

Wang Xuan remained calm, but the chat group was already boiling with fervor. Passionate exclamations flooded the group, with many eager to embark on their destiny-changing expedition to the forbidden land.

"Our lives are riddled with challenges, but the future is luminous. What reason do we have to waste away? Prepare for the journey. Sign up!"

The group was filled with fiery enthusiasm, with many shouting their intention to join the New Origin Expedition Team. While Wang Xuan wasn't swayed by their heated sentiments, the image of Old Zhong did shake his equanimity. An elderly Zhong dared to venture into the treacherous lands, risking his life with a lifeboat in tow. Meanwhile, Wang Xuan was contemplating fleeing under the cover of night, buying a boat ticket to escape the imminent peril. He feared the brutal nature of the major organizations and considered the forbidden land a death trap, preferring to tread cautiously.

Could it be that he lacked the drive of an aged man on the brink of death?

Soon, Wang Xuan regained his composure, realizing the storm surrounding Old Zhong was far from over. It was just the beginning, this was not his final form yet.

Wang Xuan stared at the screen, the weight of Old Zhong's photograph resonating deeply within him. If an old man like Zhong Yong could challenge fate and emerge victorious, then what held back the younger generation?

The elderly leaders of major organizations, many on the brink of their own mortality, would undoubtedly see this as an opportunity to risk everything. Meanwhile, the audacious young bloods of the financial elites would be enticed by the allure of adventure.

"That single photograph of Zhong is a catalyst," Wang Xuan contemplated. "It's set to ignite a frenzy, leading to more bloodshed in the enigmatic lands."

By the next morning, his intuitions were confirmed. Calls flooded in from premier organizations, all willing to up their stakes for another expedition. Old Zhong, it seemed, had skillfully stirred the waters, now observing as other power players scrambled to dive in.

Soon after, New Origin forwarded Wang Xuan a contract, emphasizing the limited slots—just twenty-one—for this expedition. After skimming through it, Wang Xuan discerned the conditions: an upfront payment of four million New World Credits, free warship escorts, and a fifty-fifty split on any unique treasures obtained.

Considering the offer, Wang Xuan's thoughts were interrupted by a message from the head of Old Chen's covert network in Yuan City. "We live in intricate times," the message read. "Modern cultivators have lost their esteemed stature from ancient days. Now, they risk life itself, gambling for a brighter future. Journeying into deep space is akin to a coin flip – life or death balanced on a knife's edge."

For these influential organizations, four million New World Credits were mere pocket change, a meager price for the promise of the unknown.

...... Walking through the neighborhood, Wang Xuan found himself lost in thought. After several days, he once again spotted Lele.

She sat beneath the shade of a tree, cradling a tiny white kitten in her arms, murmuring to herself. I’ve been fainting from pain lately and can’t attend school anymore. I think I might not have much time left. Why hasn’t my father returned yet? He might not see me again if he's much later,” she whispered with sadness, holding the kitten closer as tears welled up in her eyes.

Wang Xuan, standing a short distance away, chose not to interrupt. His heart ached for the young girl. The last time she had an episode, she endured the pain without shedding a tear, even going as far as comforting her mother. Now, alone and without any imminent pain, she was the one shedding tears. It was clear that the young girl was deeply troubled but hid her feelings to spare her elders.

“Huan Huan,” she spoke softly to the kitten, “When I’m gone, how about laying me to rest by the woods near Zhou River? I made a promise with mom. Every year, when the starfish light up the night sky, she and dad would visit me. I truly wish to see them every day. I don’t want to be apart from them. But I also don’t want them to be constantly grieving, so we decided they'd visit just once a year on that day.”

Wang Xuan found himself rooted to the spot, deeply moved. Lele’s maturity and her concerns about her parents' well-being in the future were heart-wrenching.

“I had hoped that by asking mom for a little brother, they'd have someone to keep them company. But as the years go by, will they forget about me?” Tears dripped onto the kitten. After wiping them away, she continued, “Huanhuan, whenever you hear someone mention the starfish, remind them to visit me. And you must come too. I’ll miss you.”

“Meow!” The kitten mewed softly in response.

“They think I don’t understand, but I know everything. I’m aware that my time is running out, perhaps by next month,” whispered the young girl, Lele, hugging her white kitten tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes as she murmured, “I don’t want to leave you all.”

“I’m genuinely scared. I fear being alone by the Zhou River and even more terrified of completely disappearing after death.” She looked into the distance, her voice quivering, “Before I pass away, I wish to donate my corneas. The eyes of the indigenous people, like mine, are believed to be spiritual and see far beyond the ordinary. Our hereditary illness doesn’t affect our eyes. I hope to give them to a child my age, so she can occasionally check on my mom for me...”

She paused, her tone increasingly somber. Tears trickled down as she whispered, “I’ve never seen the ocean. Mom says it's too humid and the sea breeze isn’t good for my ailing body. I wish that child could see it for me. I’ve always been in Yuancheng, never venturing far. I hope, with my corneas, she’ll explore places and see the world for me...”

Wang Xuan sighed quietly, deeply moved by the little girl’s sentiments. Listening to her words tugged at his heart, yet he felt helpless.

After a while, Lele regained her composure, wiping her tears, and gazed dreamily at the clouds.

It was only then that Wang Xuan approached, greeted her, and started to chat, sharing some amusing tales from the past. It was evident that Lele enjoyed conversing and hearing stories. They were engrossed in the conversation.

"Is your mother at work? Who's with you in case you need help?" Wang Xuan expressed his concern, mindful of the girl's fragile state.

Lele responded, "An AI caregiver is nearby. I wanted some alone time with Huanhuan, so I kept her at a distance for now." She paused before curiously asking, "Uncle, did you manage to see the starry fish like you mentioned?"

Wang Xuan nodded with a soft smile, "I did. It was an awe-inspiring sight."

"Are you planning to go again next year?" There was a hopeful twinkle in Lele's eyes.

"Absolutely. It's an experience I'd want to relive every year," he assured her.

Lele's face brightened at his words. As he said his goodbyes and walked away, he could feel her gaze watching him.

Not long after, his phone vibrated. Seeing an unfamiliar number, he suspected it was another organization reaching out for some covert meeting. On picking up, he directly inquired, "Another confidential meeting invitation?"

A brief silence followed, then a familiar, melodic voice replied with a hint of mischief, "Getting popular invitations these days?"

The tone wasn't that of a professional operator. Recognizing the voice, Wang Xuan was taken aback. It was Zhao Qinghan. How did she know he was in the New World?

He quickly surmised that Qin Cheng, ever the chatterbox, must have inadvertently shared his whereabouts. He had only given his New World contact to his trusted friend, Qin Cheng.

"Qinghan, I've been meaning to reach out since I arrived on New Star. Being a newcomer here, I hoped you might help me settle in. I was a bit hesitant at first, but now I think it's about time. How about I treat you to dinner soon?" Wang Xuan offered.

"Insincere," Zhao Qinghan teased with a mock sigh.

Earlier, while she was talking to Qin Cheng, she sensed something unusual when she inquired about Wang Xuan's whereabouts. Her sharp instincts kicked in. "Which city is Wang Xuan in on New Star? Give me his number," she demanded.

Her directness caught Qin Cheng off guard. Before he could come up with a convincing response, Zhao Qinghan had already deduced that Wang Xuan was on New Star. She coaxed Qin Cheng into sharing Wang Xuan's contact and immediately dialed him.

After hanging up, Qin Cheng quickly tried to notify Wang Xuan, hoping to give him a heads up, only to realize he was already on a call. He muttered, "Goddess Zhao really is something else, always one step ahead."

"You're in Yuancheng, right? Join me for lunch," Zhao Qinghan said decisively, leaving no room for Wang Xuan to decline.

Thoughts raced through Wang Xuan's mind. If Zhao Qinghan invited him to join her expedition team, how would he tactfully decline? And if he later appeared in the Hidden Land and they crossed paths, how would he explain himself?

He was so lost in thought that he blurted out, "Little Zhao..."

"What did you just call me?" There was a noticeable rise in Zhao's tone.

"Goddess!" Wang Xuan corrected himself instantly without a hint of embarrassment.

"You never called me that back in school. Say it again," Zhao Qinghan said with a touch of amusement.

"Goddess!" Wang Xuan repeated, unfazed. After all, repeating a title wouldn't cost him anything.

At noon, in the central commercial district of Yuancheng, Wang Xuan and Zhao Qinghan sat facing each other in a restaurant.

Zhao Qinghan's choice wasn't some top-tier dining place, but the environment was still pretty good. She claimed this place had an exceptional taste that she particularly enjoyed.

"Do you live nearby Yuancheng?" Wang Xuan inquired.

Zhao Qinghan shook her head, "No, but every time I come to Yuancheng to see the starry fish, I dine here."

Dressed for the summer, she wore a simple tee with slightly elongated shorts that stopped just above her knees, showcasing her pale and stunning legs, which made for a refreshing sight.

Even with such casual attire, she looked exceedingly charming. Her shoulder-length hair, radiant complexion, beautiful and clear eyes, and glossy red lips combined to give her a graceful yet slightly aloof appearance, which turned incredibly sweet when she smiled. The combination attracted occasional glances from other patrons.

When she mentioned the starry fish, Wang Xuan's heart skipped a beat, fearing she would bring up the Hidden Land. He sighed softly, saying, "Speaking of starry fish, I met a young girl who left a heart-wrenching and poignant impression on me."

Zhao Qinghan glanced at him, immediately pinpointing the essence of his diversion. "You're trying to avoid talking about the Hidden Land, aren't you? Starting off with a story?"

"No, you've got it wrong. You must know about the indigenous people here. That little girl was so pitiable..." Wang Xuan spoke earnestly, recounting the girl's soliloquy in detail.

Zhao Qinghan sighed softly, "The five decays of heaven and man disease."

Wang Xuan asked, "The tycoons who intermarried with the indigenous people back then, do their descendants occasionally suffer from this condition? Is there a cure now?"

Zhao Qinghan nodded and then shook her head. The Wu family currently has members with the condition. She informed Wang Xuan that while there isn't a complete cure, there is a drug that can mildly alleviate the symptoms.

"The Wu family?" Wang Xuan expressed his surprise. "There are members in the Wu Yin family line who have this condition now?"

"Even the 'palliative medicine' is extremely rare and needs to be harvested from the Hidden Land. The two patients are very important to the Wu family, but their current situations are quite dire. The family hopes to find even more astonishing items in the Hidden Land that could ease their suffering or perhaps even cure them."

Hearing this, Wang Xuan immediately understood why Wu Chenglin had gone to the old earth, seeking the expertise of Chen Mingtu. He was in a hurry to save lives.

He then looked at Zhao Qinghan, who effortlessly steered the conversation back to the Hidden Land.

Zhao Qinghan glanced back at him, "Rest assured, I have no intention of taking you to the Hidden Land. It's too dangerous. I'm afraid I might not be able to protect you adequately."

Wang Xuan stared at her, taken aback. She was going off-script. Did she mean that if they did go to the Hidden Land, it would be him needing protection from Goddess Zhao?!