The Stars Beyond

Chapter 49: A Lantern That Attracts Moths

Wang Xuan looked at Old Chen with newfound respect. It seemed that Old Chen was stepping up, willing to pave a way for the Old Arts in these challenging times. The current atmosphere was tense. The Old Arts had been formally discarded, and many believed that the New Arts represented the future. Those practicing the Old Arts were seen as having no path forward. If this trend continued, the practice of the Old Arts would vanish, and this once-vibrant path would be completely forgotten.

"Three years ago, Old Zheng passed away. Old Miao left us the autumn before last. Old Sun departed last winter, and Old Zhong in the spring of this year. All lived past a century, yet none could break through that particular boundary, unable to cross that threshold. What a loss," Qing Mu lamented, his tone heavy with sorrow. "With the passing of the four elders of the Old Arts in quick succession, it feels like the end of an era."

He didn't vocalize certain thoughts. Precisely because these influential figures in the Old Arts had died over the past few years, the future seemed even more uncertain. After all, during their lifetimes, these figures had great reputations, forging relationships with major powers. Decades ago, when their personal strengths were at their peak, they had collaborated closely with many organizations and had connections everywhere. But with their recent departures, the Old Arts' relationships with these powers had dwindled.

"Am I not still here? In the realm of Old Arts, wouldn't you say I'm one of the elders?" Old Chen interjected.

Qing Mu's face turned somber. "That's precisely why you shouldn't act. If you were to fall, the legacy of the Old Arts would dim even further. The era that your generation upheld would definitively close. To many, the Old Arts would be viewed as having reached its end."

Wang Xuan was genuinely surprised. Is Old Chen really that powerful? He looks to be in his sixties, yet his reputation matches those who are over a hundred years old? Those revered as the elders of the Old Arts?

Qing Mu seemed to discern Wang Xuan's thoughts and spoke, "My master's reputation has been built upon genuine combat achievements. While he may not be as old as the four elders or hold the same level of fame, his strength is well-known among all circles."

Wang Xuan's heart raced. It seemed he had underestimated Old Chen's capabilities. No wonder Old Chen had mentioned that Sun Chengkun, of the same age, would naturally defer to him in terms of seniority.

"Take care, Old Chen. Qing Mu seems pessimistic about all of this. Don't push yourself too hard," Wang Xuan voiced his genuine concern, seeking clarity on the situation.

"There's nothing new under the sun. The Old Arts, mechanized armors, gene-enhanced beings, coupled with the current New Arts - power struggles resurface from time to time. An artifact, legendary in historical tales, has been unearthed from the Old Lands. Various factions are converging to stake their claims. Some wish to suppress the Old Arts, ensuring we never rise again. Hence, after all these years, I find myself compelled to act," Old Chen explained, his tone casual.

Yet, Wang Xuan immediately grasped the gravity and peril of the situation. This impending confrontation seemed to harbor ill intentions towards the Old Arts.

"Someone has to step forward," Old Chen stated calmly, his unwavering conviction evident.

Qing Mu naturally understood the intricacies at play. If Old Chen didn't step up, and other powerful practitioners in the Old Arts realm couldn't withstand the onslaught of mechanized armors, New Arts, and gene-enhanced beings, the Old Arts would inevitably fade into obscurity.

Unable to hold back, Wang Xuan asked, "Old Chen, can you further enhance your strength in the short term? What do you need?"

He genuinely feared for Old Chen's life. At his age, it would be heart-wrenching to see him risk his life for a cause still burning brightly in his heart. He hoped Old Chen wouldn't pay the ultimate price.

Old Chen nodded, saying, "If there are any unique techniques or ancient secrets, I might consider taking a look."

Wang Xuan pondered for a moment before replying, "I have a profoundly potent body technique. It's incredibly risky to practice, often lethal, but its depth is unparalleled. I wonder if it might provide you with some insights."

He was referring to Zhang Daoling's five-page golden script. Practicing this technique was exceedingly difficult, but once one had a glimpse into its mysteries, they could potentially harness an unimaginable power. Wang Xuan had only mastered the basics and it allowed him to stand his ground against Sun Chengkun, surviving a near-death encounter.

Qing Mu, alarmed by this, quickly interjected, "That's out of the question. Anyone who practices that technique meets a fatal end. My master once practiced half of it. Ever since his hair turned white, it's never returned to its original color. It's a miracle he even survived. There's no way he should approach it again."

Wang Xuan was astonished. Old Chen had practiced an advanced level of this body technique?

Despite the years that had passed, while Old Chen's hair hadn't turned completely black again, it hadn't fully turned white either. It remained in the state it had been, without significant deterioration.

“Back then, the Four Elders of the Old Techniques ascended to one of the ancestral courts of Taoism. Together, they exerted pressure to obtain the sect's foundational secret techniques for me. It feels as though it happened just yesterday. It's such a pity that all four have passed away,” Old Chen lamented, immersed in nostalgia.

Wang Xuan was deeply moved. The care the Four Elders showed to the younger generation was profound. To exert pressure on one of Taoism's ancestral courts for Old Chen was indeed remarkable and commendable.

“Sadly, I could only get halfway through the techniques before I could no longer sustain them. If it wasn't for the Four Elders going to great lengths to save me, I wouldn't be here today,” Old Chen said with a sense of sadness and gratitude.

Qing Mu was equally mournful. He had, of course, accompanied his master to visit the Four Elders and had received their kind attention and care. Yet, he found his journey on the path of the Old Techniques to be challenging and couldn't measure up to Old Chen. Wang Xuan, through the little snippets of information, already held the Four Elders in high regard. It was truly a pity that they had all passed away in recent years.

“I've let Master down,” Qing Mu admitted, his head lowered in regret.

Old Chen shook his head, “I'm open to New Techniques, genes, mechas, and any methods that can strengthen oneself. We should embrace and learn from them. If you have reached a plateau in the Old Techniques, you can still integrate other methods into your journey.”

Qing Mu felt disheartened. Despite his relentless effort and training, his accomplishments equaled Sun Chengkun's after he was injured.

In the end, Qing Mu sighed, “I hope Brother Wei succeeds and shines brightly in the domain of the Old Techniques, not letting Master down. But it's been a decade since he left, and we've heard nothing. I'm genuinely concerned.”

Old Chen chose not to dwell on past topics, shifting his gaze to Wang Xuan. "The martial arts left by Zhang Daoling? I wouldn't dare train in them now," he confessed. "I've found that the foundational teachings of Taoism aren't really my cup of tea. But that enigmatic fighting style I picked up from the elder monk? That's given me some direction."

He leaned in, giving Wang Xuan a cautionary look. "As for those pages of the golden book, I'd advise against getting too wrapped up in them. I haven't seen them myself, but word has it, they contain techniques so potent that even at an advanced stage, they could be too overwhelming. Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew."

Wang Xuan acknowledged with a nod, admitting, "I've only dabbled in the introductory moves from the first page. And even then, I needed the mystical energy of a secluded realm to constantly mend my internal state."

Raising an eyebrow, Old Chen inquired, "Any other ancient techniques in your repertoire? Like what the legendary monk passed down? Or perhaps something from the female practitioner?"

Wang Xuan let out a sigh, "That's classic Old Chen, always curious. I once was so engrossed by the tales of the Four Elders of Old Arts that I volunteered information about the five-page golden book. Now, I'm beginning to think Old Chen had a hidden agenda all along."

"She didn't leave me with anything. When I find something new, I'll send it your way," Wang Xuan said with casual frankness.

Old Chen jumped in surprise. He knew all too well: whenever Little Wang offered something new, trouble was sure to follow! Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, he pressed on, "What's your deal, anyway? You've got connections to the female practitioner and even managed to bring out an elder monk. Don't tell me you have something else hidden up your sleeve..."

Old Chen seemed rather unsettled and on edge, feeling very wary. He seriously doubted what was lurking around Wang Xuan; he just couldn't quite see through him.

"Nothing else for now. When the time comes, I'll send them over," Wang Xuan said, flashing a toothy grin.

At this moment, Old Chen felt a chill run down his spine, and Qing Mu was outright horrified. "Again? What's up with Wang? Is he some sort of spirit magnet?"

"I think, perhaps, the ancient immortals favor me. From the heavenly nymph to the old monk, it seems they've all indirectly proven this point. So, Old Chen, don't fret. I'll keep sending gifts your way in due time!"

Qing Mu was itching to make his exit, thinking, 'He claims not to attract spirits?!'

Old Chen felt a cold shiver down his back, thinking this youngster was truly bizarre. Who could handle someone who keeps sending troublesome spirits their way? He'd personally experienced it twice: the incident with the female practitioner and even the elder monk's appearance, both times after Wang Xuan's intervention.

If Wang Xuan were to sneakily introduce a few more "holy figures," Old Chen felt he might lose his sanity. Not wanting to dwell on the matter further, Old Chen looked at Wang Xuan and said, "Rest and recharge over the next few days. We'll be attending a gathering in four days, and you might get a chance to play your part."

"Alright!" Wang Xuan nodded in agreement.

Then, Old Chen brought up the matter of going to the New World. "It's pretty straightforward. We don’t need to do much on our own. We'll let the Wu family handle it. They’re quite proactive and have firmly decided to collaborate with us."

"Old Chen, did you sell me out?" Wang Xuan looked at him questioningly.

"Not at all," Old Chen replied, shaking his head. He then curiously asked, "Did something happen between you and the young lady from the Wu family? I didn’t sell you out, but it seems she's keen on getting you on her side. She’s been inquiring about you in Ancheng, possibly trying to recruit you for her family's expedition team. Impressive, young Wang. Be careful with whatever's going on between you two. You wouldn’t want Mr. Wu to catch wind of it."

"What are you implying? As for... Miss Wu, she clearly wants to keep her friends close and enemies closer. She’s so petty, which contrasts starkly with her physique," Wang Xuan retorted.

Wang Xuan then asked Qing Mu to keep an eye out for him, to make sure Wu Yin wouldn't cause any unwarranted trouble.

Over the next few days, Wang Xuan lived in relative peace. He conditioned his body to its peak and his spirit was exceptionally vibrant. He was just waiting for Old Chen to signal their departure.

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