The Stars Beyond

Chapter 449: The Decaying Real World

In such a decaying era where all laws were deteriorating, a Nine Stages powerhouse could be considered a supreme master. Yet, that very powerhouse was instantly killed by an alien being. A moment of deathly silence fell upon everyone, their hearts tumultuous. What kind of monster was this? Some had firsthand experience of the brutal battles in the Earthly Immortals' City six months prior, and comparing then to now, Wang Xuan's rise was shockingly fast.

This rapid ascension gave an almost surreal feeling, as a super Nine Stages master was cleaved in half with a single hand by him. Nothing could be more intimidating.

Ma Chao Fan was petrified on the spot. It had thought its power was soaring, boasting not long ago when sparring with Wang Xuan, only to realize the chasm between them was not merely a matter of a few stages.

Zhao Qinghan and Wu Yin, who had been living in seclusion, training hard every day, understood the current state of mythical beings. Wang Xuan, a contemporary like them, had reached such heights that he could suppress the grandmasters of this supernatural world.

"Such a ferocious person, truly fearsome!" exclaimed the little fox fairy while unpacking snacks and nibbling on a piece of chocolate, her eyes widening with delight at the taste.

Old Fox commented, "If this were in the ancient times, during the most splendid era of mythology, with your talent and constitution, you could have carved out a large domain in the Immortal Realm on your own. Rising to a position where you could be revered as a supreme being, it's a pity you were born in this era."

Such high praise stirred the hearts of all supernatural beings present. Even the Old Fox said so; what more could dissent?

The beings from the superhuman planets of Yuhua, Oula, and Heluo all fell silent, embarrassed, unsure whether to advance or retreat, especially those who had wanted to confront Wang Xuan head-on, now felt exceedingly awkward. How were they to fight now?

A few exchanged glances, pondering whether to join forces. Yet, how could they defeat such a perilous alien together?

Inevitably, they turned to look at several elders, the significant figures from the three superhuman planets, leaders of their realms.

But times had changed. There were no more Earthly Immortals, no Immortal Cultivators, and in this drained era, everyone was being continuously shaken. The so-called leaders were now beings who could merely stabilize at the first layer of the Roaming Immortal realm.

In the zenith of the mythological era, this would have been laughable.

Yet, now, it was the grim reality. The cosmos was becoming increasingly hostile to the supernatural. Those who could maintain stability at this level were already remarkable, often relying on protective barriers and rare artifacts.

Even the leaders from Yuhua, Oula, and Heluo frowned. Deep down, they naturally wanted to stand up for their people. But even they were unsure now. Their realms might be higher than that man, but when it came to combat power, it was uncertain.

No one spoke. The people from the three Transcendent planets felt an indescribable pressure and embarrassment.

“Let me do it!” In that tense, silence-laden atmosphere, surprisingly, someone stood up voluntarily—an elder. The leaders were surprised, recognizing him as a mysterious figure who had previously approached them with the idea of integrating the paths of the three supernatural planets. Moreover, he had initiated a visit to the secret land to discuss matters with Old Fox.

"I come from the Immortal Realm!" he finally revealed his origin.

Such a declaration instantly stirred the crowd, shattering the silence as everyone's eyes widened in shock and restlessness. A living Immortal?

Clearly, the return of Immortals to the folds of these three supernatural planets was not common; otherwise, their reactions wouldn't have been so pronounced.

"Oh, what is your cultivation realm within the Immortal Realm?" Wang Xuan inquired.

"Close to the Peerless Transcendent realm," the elder replied calmly.

To reach the ninth stage of Ascendent, one could be considered quasi Peerless Transcendent, known also as Demon Saints or Celestial Immortals. A step further would lead to the Celestial Veil realm, the true pinnacle of existence.

The elder's admission caused a sensation. Was this a preeminent Celestial Immortal or Demon Saint ancestor speaking?

"I am a cultivator from Heluo Star. Seeing my descendants in such a state truly saddens me, and I am compelled to act," he stated calmly.

Gazing at Wang Xuan, he continued, "I've always been protective of my own. Today, I merely wish to stand up for my descendants. You may think me unreasonable, but that's just who I am. Come on, then."

In the current era, he was infinitely close to the second layer of the Roaming Immortal realm. Crossing realms had severely weakened him, and the continuous shocks had stabilized him at this level.

However, both he and the other supernatural beings believed that this ancestor, nearly stepping into the second layer of the Roaming Immortal realm, was far stronger than others at the same level. The repeated downgrades in realm during this period were essentially solidifying his cultivation base.

"You're choosing to focus on the person rather than the issue, acting unreasonably. Fine, I won't hold back either. Come!" Wang Xuan responded, his tone decidedly cool.

"Senior..." Both Zhao Qinghuan and Wu Yin, anxious for Wang Xuan's safety, urgently telepathically reached out to the Old Fox to intervene. Despite acknowledging Wang Xuan's strength and his miraculous advancement acknowledged by the Old Fox, they struggled to envision him contending with a being nearing the echelons of Celestial Immortals and Demon Saints.

The anticipation was palpable among the people of Heluo, Eura, and Helo stars, with an ancient deity poised to assert dominance, seemingly leaving no room for doubt.

Their emotions fluctuated wildly, now somewhat relieved, hoping the day's strangeness and tension would finally be shattered.

The elder, without further ado, let his right arm gleam like a reawakened heavenly sword, its blinding light aimed coldly at Wang Xuan, mimicking Wang's earlier stance. He intended to cleave his opponent with his palm, seeking justice for the supernaturals of the three stars.

"At full strength, please!" Wang Xuan's reminder at such a critical moment shocked many. Was he truly confident facing a being as formidable as a Celestial Immortal or Demon Saint?

To many, his audacity seemed reckless.

At this moment, Wang Xuan clenched his fist, radiating a blinding light as divine flames swirled around it, intricate patterns surfacing with a terrifying aura.

As the elder's arm descended like a heavenly sword, its radiant sword light blinding everyone, Wang Xuan's punch shattered the incoming attack. The punch dispersed the dazzling light, rupturing through it, and causing a turbulent surge of supermaterial, annihilating the sword light completely.

The impact was thunderous. Not only was the sword light obliterated, but the elder himself was left with cracks webbing across his body, blood tracing like spiderwebs across his face. Shocked and horrified, his world turned dark as his spirit began to disintegrate.

A being close to Celestial Immortal and Demon Saint status, who had returned from the Immortal Realm, was reduced to a burst of blood mist with a single punch in the hidden land.

Wang Xuan stood unmoved, his opponent felled by a mere punch. Yet the atmosphere could not remain calm; a celestial being, an ancient ancestor known across the hidden lands, had just been dispatched in the mortal realm. For the people of the Heluo, Eura, and Helo stars, it was as if an earthquake had shaken their very beliefs, leaving them with faces painted in shock and disbelief.

Wang Xuan was unfazed. Having slain Zheng Yuantian, what were beings of this level to him? In the grand tapestry of the cosmos, they ranked below the likes of the Ghost Monk and the Round-faced White Tiger.

"In the immortal realm, have you never heard my name?" Wang Xuan mused to himself, indicating the elder's limited exposure.

The onlookers stood dumbfounded, chilled by the implication that the immortals should know of him. Indeed, Wang Xuan's conflicts with Hengjun and Zheng Yuantian were well-known among the upper echelons of the immortal realm.

"Big baddie Wang... is he aiming for the heavens?" the Little Fox Fairy muttered, her voice muffled by snacks.

Horse Superb, dazed, decided to follow Wang Xuan out of this secluded land to see the wider world, overwhelmed by his power.

Wu Yin and Zhao Qinghuan, too, were astounded. Wu Yin, who had seen Wang Xuan's potential in the old arts, could never have imagined him slaying returned immortals with ease. And Zhao, aware of Wang Xuan's secrets, found herself stunned by his meteoric rise.

"I wish not for conflict," Wang Xuan addressed the onlookers, hoping for an end to needless battles and a world without foes.

The individuals from the three extraordinary stars were left conflicted. Any further challenge would only bring humiliation.

They stood, caught between actions, burdened by an uneasy tension.

"Let's leave it at that, shall we?" Old Fox said, finalizing the matter and easing the tension, allowing those from the three extraordinary stars to retreat.

Their faces a mix of embarrassment and defeat, they silently stepped back, taking their seats behind the stone tables. Today had been a huge blow to their pride, having been overpowered by a mere youth.

"Let's go change into something new, see how pretty it looks," the Little Fox Spirit broke the awkward silence, pulling Zhao Qinghans and Wu Yin along.

Wang Xuan's words caused the fox and the two women to pause momentarily.

"Elder, you were once one of the unparalleled masters beyond the veil, weren't you?" His directness took everyone by surprise. Today had been filled with one astonishment after another. Was Old Fox a celestial being of immense power? And Wang Xuan, he dared to converse as equals?

Old Fox responded, "Come, let's talk. There's no need for hostility between us. In the realm of the transcendent, not everything resolves around battle. Much can be gained from simply sitting down and discussing. I think there's been a misunderstanding due to the long absence of Zhao Qinghans and Wu Yin."

Meanwhile, back in the Old Earth, Chen Yongjie's body emitted a faint glow, puzzling him. He wasn't cultivating, so why was his body radiating light?

"Damn!" he quickly realized something. During his time in the void, on the Ferryman's boat, he had been marked for a battle that spanned dimensions, unavoidable and waiting for him.

How could this be? Guan Lin was only months away from giving birth. He wanted to be by her side, to witness the arrival of their child. Was fate really going to deny him this?

"Xu Fu, you liar! Wang Xuan, how's everything going in the secret realm? I'm about to face trouble here!" His unease grew, filled with anxiety.