The Stars Beyond

Chapter 17: Interception

The beastskin scroll was a foot long, its surface gleaming with a silvery sheen. Hundreds of characters adorned its expanse, etched not with ink and brush, but with the precision of a masterful blade. Wang Xuan's fingers traced the contours, feeling the distinct textures beneath. The craftsmanship was extraordinary, each character exuding its own artistic essence, a tapestry of aesthetic beauty.

But he could not understand a single character. What the hell is this? He thought.

The strokes were intricate and bewilderingly complex. He attempted to draw parallels with the calligraphy of Bronze Writing[1], but there was no resemblance at all. He scanned the scriptures quickly with his eyes, ruling out the oracle bone script as well. What ancient civilization did these characters belong to? Wang Xuan was left baffled, not a single character was familiar to him.

Employing mnemonic techniques, Wang Xuan fixated on the array of characters as if capturing a photograph, etching them into the depths of his mind. While their meaning eluded him for now, he was determined to commit them to memory. He understood that although he couldn't decipher them immediately, further investigation and expert assistance would ultimately unveil their secrets. What he had to do now was to engrave them firmly into his memory.

In this covert operation, no one was permitted to carry communication devices like cell phones, effectively barring Wang Xuan from snapping a photograph to aid his later inquiries.

While he did possess a button-sized micro scanner on him, it was provided by the expedition team and would likely need to be surrendered eventually. Wang Xuan committed the unfamiliar characters to memory, a challenging task given their complexity. Memorizing the hundreds of intricate characters felt like deciphering an ancient tome.

Fortunately, years of training had honed his memory skills. When practicing the foundations of the Old Arts, he had to visualize intricate scenes without missing a detail. He began treating the entire silver beastskin scroll as an intricate tapestry, etching its details deep into his mind through continuous contemplation. He was confident that he had successfully memorized the characters, but to be thorough, he activated the micro scanner, capturing the characters from various angles to avoid missing any hidden secrets.

"Even if I have to surrender it, I hope Qingmu will allow me to make a backup copy," Wang Xuan mused. He did not intend to hoard all the findings to himself. He believed this knowledge was a collective gain for all involved. He also considered the possibility that his micro scanner might have automatically documented the entire operation, viewing it as a prudent measure to ensure transparency.

Many secret techniques and treasures exist in this world, but few have managed to truly master them. Just like the golden bamboo scroll that had been discovered by the New World corporations. No one had achieved significant results by studying these rare artifacts.

Ultimately, it all depended on the individual to truly cultivate the essence detailed within these treasures. Wang Xuan held a grave suspicion that none would be able to successfully decipher in the near future. Not a single person would be able to comprehend its meaning.

After all, even the figure adorned in feathered robes, acclaimed as the pinnacle among practitioners, had failed despite dedicating a lifetime to poring over this very beastskin scroll. His fixation on the scroll despite his apparent might was a testament to its value.

He then retrieved the jade casket. It was a box carved from the finest jade. Most of its surface was pristine, radiating a soft white glow, with sporadic traces of crimson stains, a testament to its antiquity. Enclosed within lay several sheets of gold leaf, meticulously affixed together, resembling a slim volume of gilded pages.

Upon inspection, Wang Xuan found five pages, with humanoid figures etched on their surfaces. Curiously, no textual annotations accompanied these depictions, but the illustrations were remarkably detailed.

He was convinced that this was a form of combat technique. The images hinted at an advanced technique involving the manipulation of the body's internal organs. It was no easy technique to master.

He continued to commit every tiny detail of golden pages to memories. The humanoid depictions on the golden pages were much easier to memorize than the unfamiliar characters on the silver beastskin scroll. He then conducted a comprehensive scan of the entire golden book with his micro scanner.

He understood that the insights from the beastskin scroll might not come quickly, and he wasn't counting on it. Such profound knowledge required the expertise of top-tier practitioners to decipher. To his current self, information recorded on the golden pages were infinitely more valuable.

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Wang Xuan sought out a concealed spot, placing his back against the stone wall and having his energy weapon close by. He carefully examined both the golden book and the silver scroll once more. Time passed silently, and there was no sign of Qingmu, Black Tiger, or the rest of the team. The intricate network of underground passage seemed to pose a challenge to their pursuit.

A sudden shiver went down Wang Xuan's spine. Acting instinctively, he raised his energy gun and swept it horizontally, sending a piercing beam that shattered the scattered rocks.

A figure moved with the agility of a feline. With agile movements, the figure managed to dodge the interlacing beams of energy. The reflexes were astonishing. The figure swiftly leaped behind a large rock, vanishing from sight.

Wang Xuan's expression grew deadly serious; he was facing a master.

He had detected the presence of the person only when he was within five meters of him. He was also able to swiftly evade his barrage. Achieving such a feat was beyond the capabilities of ordinary individuals. This person was likely not weaker than Qingmu, having mastered an immensely potent form of the Old Arts. They were not to be trifled with.

"Don’t shoot, we’re on the same side!" came a voice from behind the rock, revealing a middle-aged man partially concealed, dressed in a protective suit similar to Wang Xuan's.

Wang Xuan remained silent, positioned behind the rock with his energy gun ready to fire at a moment's notice. This person was highly dangerous, especially considering their silent and nearly successful approach just moments ago. It sent shivers down Wang Xuan's spine. It was clear that the stranger intended to cause him harm.

Several figures emerged, and more than a dozen people had gathered outside the underground palace. They were all armed with energy weapons, positioned strategically behind rocks and corners.

A woman spoke up, "We have a longstanding connection with Qingmu. Do not worry. Quickly hand over the items you've found. The discoveries here are of great significance and must not be lost. We are here to assist and ensure the swift opening of the underground palace. Time is of the essence, as reinforcements from the Zhou and Ling families could arrive any moment now."

Wang Xuan inquired, "If you're here to assist, why did you sneak up on me?"

He was convinced that if his energy gun hadn't been constantly at the ready and if he weren't exceptionally alert, the skilled individual who had approached earlier might have successfully ambushed him.

The middle-aged man who had made the initial move spoke, "You've misunderstood. We have to remain vigilant as we enter the cave. I led my team stealthily, so it's only natural to exercise caution and eliminate potential threats. You were lurking in the shadows, and I wasn't able to tell that you were on our side. Your reaction time is remarkable though. I’m impressed!"

Wang Xuan remained unfazed, adopting a strained tone, "If we're on the same side, then let's wait for Qingmu and Heihu to return."

The woman appeared somewhat impatient, "Why won't you listen? We've already said that members of the Zhou and Ling families are on their way. If you don't want to leave, hand over the beastskin scroll now. We need to secure it first."

Wang Xuan's trust in them dwindled further. It was impossible for them to recognize the beastskin scroll but not recognize his suit of similar design. They have snuck up on him with the intention of ambushing him.

Wang Xuan wasted no time for words. Utilizing the cover of boulders and other obstacles, he made his way deeper into the underground palace. Sensing his intention, the strangers quickened their pace. Wang Xuan fired off warning shots in their direction with his energy weapon.

"Qingmu, Heihu, are you back?" Wang Xuan shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice still hoarse.

He could hear sound approaching from a distance. It was a sign that Qingmu, Heihu, and the others were on their way back.

"After him!" The woman at the rear commanded, and the group hastened to close in.

The middle-aged man posed the highest threat to Wang Xuan. Silent and swift, he was able to close in on Wang Xuan several times, only to be repelled each time by fire from his weapon.

"Raaargh!!!"

From the depths of the underground passage, Qingmu's roar echoed. He had led his team back quickly, sensing trouble at the rear. Wang Xuan navigated the complex terrain in the underground palace. He quickly found cover and poured fire on the approaching enemies.

The middle-aged man had reappeared from the dimly lit cavern, having circled around from another branching path. He was about to get the drop on Wang Xuan.

"Jin Chuan, what are you doing here?" Qing Mu's voice rang out, his speed remarkable as he quickly arrived and confronted the middle-aged man.

Wang Xuan immediately interjected, "Qing Mu, I obtained the silver beastskin scroll left behind by the Early Qin practitioners. These people claim to be here to assist us and want to take the scroll from me."

He then recounted the events that had transpired to Qing Mu.

"Jin Chuan, how dare you! You barged in on my operation just like that and tried to steal my stuff? Don’t you think it’s a bit too much?!" Qing Mu’s voice was laced with anger.

Simultaneously, a hint of joy flashed through him. They had only obtained an empty golden casket, while Wang Xuan had managed to discover the true inheritance.

Jin Chuan responded with a somewhat apologetic tone, "Qing Mu, you and I both know that what we found this time is extraordinary. You can’t blame me for that"

"Blame you? You come with your people to seize it, and you expect me not to be angry?!" Qing Mu retorted with a cold laugh.

Jin Chuan's tone turned exceedingly solemn as he said, "I will only take a look and return it immediately. I won't snatch it from you, you have my word."

"No, it's not possible. You've crossed a line. I won't let you anywhere near it," Qing Mu flatly refused.

Jin Chuan waved his hand, and the group he brought immediately surrounded the area where Wang Xuan was hiding.

Qing Mu's voice turned cold, "You dare to lay your hands on us. Don't forget, our organization despises internal conflicts. Anyone caught doing that will face retribution from the rest of the factions. They will get you no matter where you are!"

Jin Chuan shook his head, his smile faint, "No, it’s a simple misunderstanding. I'm only here for a friendly match with you. The people I brought wanted to spar with young Wang. There will be no bloodshed today."

Turning to his companions, he commanded, "Put down your weapons. Place them on the ground. Let’s show them our sincerity"

Black Tiger, Kite, and the rest of the expedition were drawing near, their voices echoing through the tunnel as they warned Jin Chuan's group to back off.

Qing Mu shouted, "Wang Xuan, protect the scroll. According to the rules of our organization, you only need to contribute half of your findings during an expedition. These are your own reward as well. Don't let anyone take them away!"

Wang Xuan nodded. He was displeased with these newcomers. If he hadn't been vigilant enough, his hard-earned gains could have been taken from him. Even if he survived the encounter, he would have lost the golden book and silver scroll.

He was determined to teach them a lesson they would never forget. These people thought they could snatch the scroll from him. They would pay for their hubris.

The men who had discarded their energy weapons and were closing in, taking advantage of the terrain, were slowly encircling Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan waited in silence.

A man lunged at him In response, he gripped his weapon with both hands and swiftly swung it around.

Thud! Thud!

Several individuals fell to the ground, knocked unconscious by the barrage of gunfire. The rest of them were able to evade his shots.

"This young man is playing it dirty. He’s shooting even after we’ve discarded our weapons!" someone shouted in discontent.

Wang Xuan paid no heed. This was no time to play fair. The strangers were the one who were trying to ambush him and take from him what was his.

Black Tiger and Kite returned just in time. They charged at the newcomers, engaging them in a clash of brutal melee.

"Wang Xuan, why don't you also give them a taste of what you’re capable of," Qing Mu called out, locked in combat against Jin Chuan. He seemed confident in his capabilities to triumph over his opponent.

Wang Xuan surveyed the situation and noticed that several of Jin Chuan’s men remained unengaged, and they were unarmed. Without wasting any words, Wang Xuan charged into their mist and unleashed his Vajra Fist upon them.

The ground cracked under the weight of Wang Xuan’s onslaught. The force behind Wang Xuan's attacks was so ferocious that the men could barely react. They did not expect someone so young to be a master of the Old Art.

Thud!

Within moments, a woman among the group received a kick to her face, spewing blood as she was sent hurtling through the air. She slumped onto the ground, motionless, after hitting the far wall.

Crack!

Wang Xuan struck another man on the shoulder with his Vajra Fist. His bones were snapped immediately. He collapsed onto a pile of rock after emitting a faint groan.

Thud!

A third individual was sent flying by Wang Xuan's kick. Three of his ribs snapped upon impact, and he coughed up blood as he laid on the ground. He was out of the fight as well.

In the next few minutes, Wang Xuan struck and knocked out five more of his opponents. He then charged towards the enemies that were rapidly surrounding Black Tiger and Kite. They have returned ahead of the others, and were each engaging multiple opponents. As Wang Xuan approached, he delivered a powerful blow that sent one of the men flying nearly eight meters away. The man coughed up blood. He was rendered incapable of fighting as well.

It was worth noting that these were middle-aged individuals, each in their thirties or forties, who had honed their Old Arts to a high degree. Despite their experience, several of them were now lying defeated, with broken arms and ribs, at the hands of Wang Xuan.

"Stop! That’s enough!” shouted Jin Chuan, sensing defeat, quickly called off his men. "Impressive, this young newcomer is strong. Even my seasoned veterans couldn't take him on. It seems that I’ve made a mistake this time. I should have brought some experts with me."

"Qing Mu, let's call it quits, shall we? I owe you a favor now, and I'll repay it next time," Jin Chuan conceded.

Qing Mu nodded, saying, "Fine, show me your family heirloom next time then. I’ve heard much about the White Tiger Scripts."

"Get lost!" Jin Chuan departed with his group.

"We're leaving too!" Qing Mu gathered his team and left the palace. They soon departed from Qingcheng Mountain on an aircraft.