The Stars Beyond

Chapter 151: This Immortal Is Familiar

Wang Xuan's heart swelled with delight, but he concealed his jubilation, wearing an expression of solemnity in this place as if fretting about the task at hand.

He scrutinized the precious artifacts, knowing they hailed from the hands of the immortals. Holding artifacts from behind the grand curtain for the first time made Wang Xuan's heart race. From these items, he deduced something pivotal—the world behind the curtain wasn't just a spiritual realm; tangible objects from the mortal world could be transported there, and the items in his possession were proof!

The divine bamboo, named Immortal Ascension Bamboo, shimmered in a golden hue. It was no longer than a thumb but weighed surprisingly heavy. At least a thousand intricate symbols adorned its surface, making Wang Xuan's head spin just by glancing at them.

He realized the lengths the devious immortal went to ensnare him. She had clearly poured tremendous effort into this bamboo. Wang Xuan speculated about its function. If this pointed bamboo were to be inserted into someone, what might occur? Would it provide a direct conduit to the mischievous immortal?

A wicked thought crossed his mind: "Perhaps I should stick it into a pig's head to infuriate her." Yet, he soon dismissed this whimsical idea, recognizing the waste it would represent. The bamboo, inscribed with countless runes, was no ordinary artifact. Wang Xuan resolved to keep it safe, convinced that it would play a significant role when the time was right.

The silver hairpin exuded grace and elegance. Wang Xuan could imagine it adorning a woman's hair, adding allure to her every glance and smile. However, chuckling to himself, he couldn't help but find humor in the fact that he now possessed the very hairpin of the elusive immortal. Gently caressing it, Wang Xuan mused on its limited usage—only twice before its magic would wane. Still, he bore no grievances. After all, having such treasures funded by an enemy was a boon he intended to exploit.

Most crucial, however, was the jade stone. A mere touch relayed vast information, revealing detailed intel about him. Among the data, was a set of Old World coordinates.

The very heart of the jade stone held its most invaluable treasure, encapsulating the so-called 'Medicinal Earth'. Contrary to its name, it wasn't soil but rather a mysterious substance with medicinal properties that hovered between reality and nothingness. It emanated a dense golden glow, though in quantity, it was merely a pinch. Wang Xuan mused internally about the stinginess of the immortal. Yet, as the Ferryman reminded him, even this small amount could alter one's destiny, hinting at the potency akin to a divine elixir.

"How do you find our trade?" the Ferryman inquired.

"Very satisfactory. The trade was fair," Wang Xuan responded earnestly.

Seated at the bow of the boat, rod in hand, the Ferryman said, "There's a matter to discuss. The trader from behind the curtain wishes to dispel the mist and meet you in person."

"Is it compulsory?" Wang Xuan hesitated, yearning to conclude the deal swiftly and depart without confronting the immortal behind the curtain.

The Ferryman, slightly taken aback, replied, "You can decline."

"I refuse," Wang Xuan quickly decided, fearing any unforeseen reactions from the immortal. For his safety and to err on the side of caution, he chose discretion.

"It's common for trading parties to meet once, especially when an agreement is amicably reached. Who knows? You might collaborate in the future," the Ferryman reasoned.

"Though I'm a mere mortal, I aspire to immortality. I wish to preserve this anticipation as motivation. In the future, I hope to meet her as a true immortal," Wang Xuan firmly stated.

"I admire your ambition," the Ferryman nodded in acknowledgment before adding, "But she's insistent on seeing you and is willing to pay a hefty commission."

"Then let her pay," Wang Xuan retorted.

The Ferryman silently turned to face him, his face hidden within the shadowy recesses of his cloak, an obscured visage formed by the swirling mist. Sensing the complications between the trading parties, he asked, "May I know your name?"

Hesitant to reveal his identity but considering the possible power of the Ferryman, Wang Xuan whispered his real name, "Wang Xuan."

The Ferryman, for a prolonged moment, remained silent, his hand in a gesture as though he was rubbing his temples. Wang Xuan grew uneasy. What if this being, capable of reaching into the world behind the curtain, became displeased?

At last, the Ferryman spoke, "Fear not. Under the witness of the ancient pact, the transaction is finalized. All must adhere to what was agreed, and there shall be no room for regrets."

Wang Xuan exhaled, relieved to hear of the binding agreement. There was need to fret any longer. The Ferryman mentioned that the party on the other side was still gathering some rare treasures as collateral, which would take some time. Wang Xuan surmised from this delay that the promised commission must indeed be substantial. He was tempted to inquire if he would get a share, given that the other party was paying just to see him. However, he decided against it, thinking it best to remain quiet and not push his luck.

The Ferryman continued, “Someone took an interest in your dagger. I informed them it wasn't up for trade. However, there's interest in the secret metal you have. Are you willing to sell it?"

Wang Xuan was taken aback, removing the spiked steel plates from his arm. Even a celestial being was interested in these?

Rumors had it that immortals would incorporate sun-gold into their weapons. It appeared the tales weren't baseless.

"What are they offering in exchange?" Wang Xuan inquired.

While the steel wasn't his, merely borrowed, he felt he could compensate its owner with other items in the future. In fact, he was keen to trade with the celestial beings again. To him, any object from such beings would be a treasure in the mortal realm.

The Ferryman listed the offerings, ranging from arcane techniques to artifacts and even hidden treasures from the mortal realm.

Wang Xuan was skeptical about the 'hidden treasures'. Decades might have passed, and who knew if they still existed? Even with coordinates, it would be perilous to retrieve treasures from unknown celestial bodies.

Among the arcane techniques, names like 'Celestial Bone Forging', 'Solar Spirit Cleansing', and 'Void Herb Gathering' sounded intriguing, yet intimidating. Wang Xuan felt they sounded like techniques more suited for demons and might not be appropriate for him.

"What's this 'Fragment of Blessed Land'?" Wang Xuan inquired, pointing to an item on the list.

The Ferryman explained it was a shard from a once-great blessed realm, shattered by a powerful being. Inside this shard, one could store personal items, making it rather practical.

Hearing this, Wang Xuan's eyes widened in astonishment. Such an artifact was extraordinarily rare, at least in his experience. But then again, perhaps the affluent, like Old Zhong, with his vast collection of rarities, might possess one.

"Are the listed arcane techniques more suited for the demon race?" Wang Xuan probed further.

The Ferryman simply nodded without elaboration.

"Then I'll exchange for the Fragment of Blessed Land," Wang Xuan decided promptly.

From behind the curtain, a seemingly unremarkable, grubby stone piece, no larger than a fingernail, flew out, tethered by a fishing line. At first glance, it seemed so insignificant that one might overlook it if it fell to the ground. Thankfully, it was threaded with a chain, making it wearable and harder to lose. This modest gray-brown fragment of blessed land came at a steep price, requiring one and a half of Wang Xuan's steel plates. The leftover steel fragment? That was the Ferryman's commission.

In both transactions, the Ferryman adhered to the old covenant, strictly following the rules to extract his due commission. In fact, he also charged the powerful beings behind the curtain.

Wang Xuan sighed, reflecting on the universal truth that those who set the rules always profit handsomely, a principle unchanged through the ages.

Once he tested the Fragment of Blessed Land, he was immensely satisfied. Its internal space, though not vast at two cubic meters, was more than sufficient for his needs. This extraordinary item required the use of his mental domain to open and close.

He placed his dagger, a jade stone sealed with medicinal soil, a silver hairpin, and a piece of divine bamboo covered in runes inside it. The utility and convenience of this item were unparalleled. In his world, it would certainly be considered a rare treasure of the immortals!

The Ferryman received several peculiar items from the fishing line, declaring, "She has paid a hefty commission. I must fulfill my duty now."

With that, he dispersed the mist veiling the curtain, allowing those on both sides to see each other.

Behind the curtain were six individuals, three men and three women, each radiating vibrant life, their faces young and fresh. Discerning their true ages would be no easy feat.

In their world behind the curtain, the sun shone brilliantly over majestic mountains and rivers—it was daytime. In contrast, Wang Xuan's side was bathed in the silvery glow of the moon, deep into the night.

Among the figures behind the curtain, one woman in white particularly stood out. Her somewhat plump, baby-faced features were pleasant to the eye. Yet, upon laying eyes on Wang Xuan, she seemed on the verge of exploding.

Her eyes, wide with fury, ignited as if flames erupted from them. This was no exaggeration—her gaze literally blazed with light, the flames spreading onto the curtain.

She was infuriated beyond measure, feeling as if she had inadvertently aided the enemy. Most vexing of all, the conditions proposed by the other side now seemed cunningly crafted to avoid all risks, ensuring his safety under the old covenant.

Wang Xuan couldn't help but grin, sensing the depth of her fury.

Behind the woman in white, a massive spectral white tiger materialized, its aura formidable and menacing. It too glared at Wang Xuan with fiery eyes, mirroring its master's rage.

"You two knew each other before?" The Ferryman inquired, a hint of amusement in his tone. "What did you do to infuriate her to this extent?"

"Oh, it was just a chance encounter," Wang Xuan replied nonchalantly, trying to downplay the situation. "I mistook her for a mere cat. She looked adorable, so I petted her a bit. Seems she held a grudge over that."

The Ferryman looked at him incredulously. "You're telling me you mistook that enormous and ferocious white tiger spirit for a cat? Who are you trying to fool?"

From behind the curtain, the plump lady in white and the large tiger shadow roared in tandem, their combined fury echoing loudly. They sounded as though they wished nothing more than to burst through and exact their revenge.

Taken aback, Wang Xuan thought, "Not only can she see me, but she can also hear me through this curtain? The Ferryman never mentioned this. Feels like a trap."

Inside the curtain, the reactions of the other five individuals ranged from shock to suppressed laughter. One woman, barely able to contain her amusement, managed to say between fits of laughter, "The mighty white tiger demon, a renowned spirit, was mistaken for a cat and petted? Oh, the shame! I heard it all! Hahaha..."

Wang Xuan wished he could retort, "Who even are you? Why are you fanning the flames?" But he thought better of it, guessing they were all formidable spirits.

The white tiger spirit quickly defended herself, "He's not talking about me! That was just a spiritual manifestation I left behind in my homeland!" There were some secrets she would take to her grave and certainly not reveal to this crowd.

Realizing he had reaped benefits from the situation, Wang Xuan thought it best to tread lightly and not further provoke her. He turned to the Ferryman, "The transaction is complete. Shouldn't you lead me through the secret path now? I need to get going."

"You're already experiencing the secret path," the Ferryman informed him. And added, "She has paid a substantial commission to meet you face-to-face. The time for your meeting hasn't ended."

Wang Xuan had no choice but to wait, feeling somewhat trapped.

"Scoundrel, return my medicinal soil!" The white tiger spirit fumed, never imagining she'd encounter her nemesis in such a place.

"No, I won't return it. The transaction's complete, and there's no going back. You've already given it to me," Wang Xuan said confidently, refusing outright.

"That medicinal soil belongs to my master. You can't simply take it!" The lady in white, her plump face reddening with a mix of shame and anger, was on the brink of exploding. "Today's been a disaster."

"Relax," Wang Xuan tried to pacify her, adding with a hint of amusement, "See, we're fated. Even in the vast expanse of the void, we still crossed paths. Fate is truly mysterious."

"I have no fate with you! I'm so frustrated!" she almost screamed. Her patience was waning. Why had she taken such a bizarre step today? It was beyond her comprehension.

"Don't push me. I'll descend into the mortal realm just to end you," she threatened.

Tired of the threats, Wang Xuan retorted, "Then come. I haven't petted a cat in a long time. My hands might've gotten rusty."

The white tiger spirit felt like she was about to burst from sheer exasperation.

The other demon spirits present, all of them powerful beings, watched the exchange with keen interest. Their vast experiences made them quickly piece together the underlying dynamics.

"You should stop, White Tiger Spirit. We can tell you're feigning your rage to hide some truth," a male demon commented.

Another female spirit whispered, "This young man isn't ordinary, is he? You're trying to hide something about him."

"Give it up. He's someone my master has taken an interest in," the lady in white, her chubby face still beautiful despite her anger, replied coldly.

She then vanished, warning, "I'm going to inform my master. If you don't clarify the situation with her after taking her medicinal soil, there will be dire consequences."

Exasperated, Wang Xuan turned to the Ferryman, "Can I leave now? If that white tiger spirit actually attacks, can you even fend her off?"

"The secret path hasn't concluded. You can't leave," replied the Ferryman, shaking his head.

What a mess, Wang Xuan thought. He had not sensed any secret path!

After a brief moment of contemplation, he shouted into the void, "White Tiger Spirit! Tell your master we can negotiate. But she needs to show sincerity. It all depends on whether she has treasures, secret techniques, or unique artifacts that can entice me."