The Stars Beyond

Chapter 71: A Cat Ran Away With Old Chen

In the misty rain, the woman walked on the cobblestone streets, winding her way through the ancient town. With a soft sigh, she suddenly exploded amidst terrifying thunderbolts, transforming into droplets of red rain that scattered and rained down.

"She's... gone?!"

"Did you hear that? A real voice was made?"

Wang Xuan and Old Chen were both shocked and stunned. Previously, no matter how powerful or active the creatures they encountered within this realm were, none ever spoke. Today was an exception. The two waited for a long time, but the woman never reappeared. After her explosion, she seemed to merge with the rain, even the red glow fading with time.

After all the anticipation and waiting, just as the successors were about to access the realm, she vanished. Did she hold on to mortality just to catch a glimpse of the future? Not far away, a colorful kitten opened its mouth, seemingly meowing, but no sound was heard. It ran from the rain, tears rolling down its eyes in pairs. It's rare to see a cat so mournful.

However, Wang Xuan and Old Chen dared not underestimate it. No creature in this realm was simple, and there was no telling its origins. Moreover, the appearance of two creatures in one realm was unusual, different from the past. Especially notable was the woman's sigh that seemed so real, as if it whispered right beside them. The spotted cat pounced onto the ruins of the town shattered by thunder, its silent calls continuous, tears unceasingly streaming.

Old Chen let out a sigh. "Do you think that cat belonged to the woman? When she was struck by that thunder and shattered, did her cat almost become immortal? That lady in red must've been incredibly powerful. The lightning that hit her seemed unusually intense."

"You should comfort that kitty, Wang Xuan. It looks so distraught," Old Chen remarked.

Wang Xuan gave him a sideways glance, "Why don't you?"

"Even if it's some spirit, it doesn't mean we should be heartless. Go check on it," Wang Xuan countered.

"You just want me to go first, don't you?" Old Chen responded with a smirk.

As they quietly debated, the cat started moving closer, still making silent mewls, tears streaking down its face. When it reached Old Chen, it looked up with an innocent and confused expression. Old Chen, clutching his sword, and Wang Xuan, standing just outside the scene, both stayed silent. The two men and the cat found themselves in a quiet standoff. This peculiar feline seemed to resonate with an invisible energy each time it tried to meow. Old Chen's grip on his sword tightened, but he restrained himself from acting on impulse. Eventually, the little cat backed away a bit, its gaze filled with puzzlement.

"Have you been trapped in here for ages?" Old Chen finally inquired.

The cat, still appearing somewhat lost, took its time before gently nodding. It then gestured towards the outside, seeming to ask a silent question.

"The world outside has changed greatly, almost unrecognizable from your era," Old Chen began, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Wang Xuan stepped further inside, pondering his next steps. Should he continue refining his Gold Body Technique or the Five Golden Pages? Now that he had acquired the Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique, it seemed he could further delve into the mysteries of the Five Golden Pages.

Old Chen said reflectively, "I believe this time you should focus on Master Zhang's technique. Consider the vast reputation he garnered later on."

"Right," Wang Xuan agreed. Memories of the 'Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique' were imprinted in his mind. He could revisit them at will in this mystical realm.

As Old Chen continued reminiscing about the past, he adjusted his posture and began his own practice.

Six years swiftly passed. Wang Xuan had thoroughly mastered the 'Serpent-Crane Eight Style Technique'. Unlike the overwhelming power of the Five Golden Pages, which even immortals would fear, this was merely a technique inspired by Master Zhang's insights at the time. Its power was comparable to the Great Vajra Fist, effectively compensating for Wang Xuan's lack of a regular attack technique.

After all, the Gold Body Technique had enhanced every aspect of his physique, from flesh to spirit, emphasizing defense. Its offensive prowess wasn't as formidable, but now, he felt more balanced.

Over the years, Old Chen had been studying the Ghost Monk's fist technique. At a glance, it seemed akin to the Great Vajra Fist, but it surpassed it.

In private, Old Chen once mentioned to Wang Xuan that this might be the legendary Bodhisattva Fist, a top-tier Buddhist martial art, with unparalleled potency.

"The most crucial part," Old Chen started, "is that I feel the Bodhisattva Fist aligns well with my temperament. It resonates with me deeply, and hasn't caused any harm to my internal organs during practice."

Wang Xuan couldn't help but roll his eyes internally. How can Old Chen compare himself to a compassionate Bodhisattva? Such a claim was an audacious affront to the ancients. Time flew by, and before they knew it, two decades had passed within this mysterious realm. Surprisingly, Wang Xuan felt no signs of aging or decay. Whenever his spirit felt drained, he'd be rejuvenated by the mystic essence that pervaded the realm.

During these peaceful times, Wang Xuan managed to master the second technique inscribed in the Five Golden Pages. His organs suffered multiple injuries during the training, but they continuously healed, thanks to the mystic substance in the realm. His breakthrough in achieving the second technique felt like a natural progression given his elevated state. While Old Chen would occasionally drift into tales from the past, he also took time to stroke the cat, appearing utterly content. He had made significant progress with the Bodhisattva Fist.

"Old Chen, do you believe that time here flows at the same rate as in the outside world?" Wang Xuan inquired, as he approached the cat, giving its head a good rub.

The cat seemed to meow in response, but no sound came out. It had been years, and the feline creature seemed to have grown fond of listening to Old Chen's tales. But over time, Old Chen's stories began to wane. After narrating tales up to modern battleships, he eventually resorted to weaving tales of the future.

"It's not about the flow of time," Old Chen explained. "I don't believe we've spent as many years here as we think. I feel our minds and bodies are in a unique and highly active state. Our spirit and physique are rapidly transforming due to our active practices. It's our heightened cognitive perception that's accelerated, giving us the illusion that time has slowed down."

He continued, "Just as humans managed to rise above all creatures in the grand evolutionary race, they weren't initially any more advanced than the fiercest of beasts. But when a crucial juncture in time came, some humans evolved differently, enabling us to climb to the top of the food chain. There's a period in history where humans suddenly took the lead, and no transitional phase can be pinpointed in historical records. This might explain it."

Wang Xuan nodded, saying, "That makes sense. However, the interpretation that one minute outside equals several years here is also plausible, and both explanations don't necessarily conflict. Our spirits don't age here because they're nourished by the mystical substance. Here, our minds are in a state of utter tranquility and sharp focus. All other distractions are gradually eliminated, leaving only our dedicated objectives for cultivation. It's like practicing the foundational techniques of pre-Qin mystics in our purest form, strengthening ourselves, and with the nourishment of the elixir, we remain unaged."

Old Chen agreed; both theories were logically sound.

"And what do you think, kitty?" Wang Xuan playfully stroked the spotted cat.

The cat bared its teeth and extended its claws, looking fierce.

Wang Xuan patted its head and quickly stepped back, saying, "Old Chen, the deputy of the authorities was seen meeting with those three old men. Do you think they're discussing matters after your... departure? Also, I feel like I'm being watched. Once we're out, make sure to arrange things properly for me."

Old Chen responded, "For now, your identity remains concealed. Qing Mu has been cautious. When you went to Cang Ridge under the name of Wang Xiao, he had someone wear a mask resembling your face and stay in An City."

Wang Xuan sighed, "Old Qing is a good man, much better than you!" Pausing, he added, "Since you've come in here, I have no reason not to take care of Old Qing."

With that, Wang Xuan turned to leave.

"Be quick and return soon," Old Chen called out anxiously.

......

Qing Mu's face showed utter disbelief. Upon truly witnessing the Inner Landscape, he couldn't trust his own eyes. Was there really another realm beyond the real world?

Now, he began to understand all the cryptic discussions between his master and Wang Xuan; they weren't as absurd as they seemed.

This time, Wang Xuan felt genuinely on the brink of death, and that wasn't an exaggeration. He believed that transporting two people into the same Inner Landscape was pushing him to his very limits.

He lay inside the Inner Landscape, taking deep breaths and greedily consuming the mysterious substance, replenishing his near-broken spirit.

"Where's my master?" Qing Mu inquired.

Then, he was taken aback. What was that creature lurking in the ruins, gnawing at his master? Half of his master's body was already swallowed, with only a pair of legs frantically kicking outside.

"Oh my God! So this is the Inner Landscape. I want to go back, no, I need to save my master first!" Qing Mu exclaimed, rushing forward.

"Did... did the cat get Old Chen?" As Wang Xuan slightly recovered, he hurriedly pursued, realizing the situation had spiraled out of control.

At the same time, Wang Xuan sensed an unusual fluctuation. Deep within the Inner Landscape, a silhouette of a woman in red faintly appeared. It seemed as if a massive curtain separated the two realms, preventing her from crossing over. She merely stood there, quietly observing.

Wang Xuan felt overwhelmed; this experience was truly unlike any other.

"The pristine bone, belonging to the White Tiger demon, serves as a key to access this Inner Landscape. But it appears that the White Tiger demon might have merely been a pet to some greater being." As Wang Xuan sprinted to save Old Chen, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

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