The Stars Beyond

Chapter: 20 Good One, Little Wang!

Another awkward situation? Wang Xuan found himself at a loss for words once again. The previous time was largely due to Qin Cheng's interjection, but this time was different. He was the one who caused it.

By the entrance of the private room, Zhao Qinghan stood elegantly. She wore a luxurious slim-fit dress that hugged her figure, accentuating her curves from her hips to just above her knees. However, unlike their last encounter, she was not smiling. Her once sweet and charming face was now staring at him icily. She was completely different from her usual self.

"Why are you still standing over there? Come on in." Wang Xuan greeted her. He stood up, and offered her a bright smile, "I was just telling Qin Cheng not to rush with ordering. I thought we'd wait for you to arrive so you can choose what you like. No need to spare my expenses. As a local here, it's my duty to host you properly before you leave."

As Zhao Qinghan entered, her gaze softened slightly, but she still projected a cold aura. "Thank you for your hospitality, Wang Xuan," she replied, her voice composed and measured.

Qin Cheng's mouth opened slightly. It's actually me who's treating! He wanted to say. He was quite taken aback by Zhao Qinghan's icy demeanor, finding it surprisingly captivating. He cast another glance at Wang Xuan. Good luck dealing with this. It’s not my fault this time.

Zhao Qinghan's long, black hair cascaded smoothly down her back, framing her fair, oval face. However, her usual sweetness was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was an air of distant rejection about her. Her beautiful, large eyes bore into Wang Xuan with a gaze that was no longer as gentle as before. It carried a sense of slight anger. Her glossy red lips only accentuated her icy demeanor. There was no smile on her face. She lifted her chin slightly, her snowy white skin standing out against her dark hair as she scrutinized Wang Xuan. Nonetheless, she entered the private room, the crystal-adorned high heels on her feet making a soft sound against the floor. It was the only noise in the otherwise silent room.

Qin Cheng stood up and pulled out a chair for her.

However, she did not accept his offer. Instead, she walked over to a nearby sofa. Without a word, she sat down, and in an elegant manner and placed her feet on the coffee table. Her legs were pressed together, so she did not have the worry of exposing herself. Zhao Qinghan's legs were straight and exceptionally long, perfectly showcasing her well-proportioned figure.

This image, this demeanor—it was completely different from the Zhao Qinghan that Qin Cheng had known. Now she truly exuded the queenly aura that Wang Xuan had described, overturning his previous perception of her. She was silent.

With her arms crossed, her curves were highlighted even more though unintentionally. She stared at Wang Xuan, waiting for a reasonable explanation. This was the second time she caught him speaking ill of her. The look she gave Wang Xuan now could not be associated with gentleness. While she remained stunning, her demeanor was frosty. There was anger bubbling beneath her icy surface.

Wang Xuan stood up, his expression deadly serious, and walked toward Zhao Qinghan.

Oddly enough, Qin Cheng was calm. Rarely did he get to see Wang Xuan in such a predicament. He was quite eager to see how Wang Xuan would worm his way out of it.

"Apologies!"

Wait, he actually apologized?! Qin Cheng felt somewhat disappointed. He was enjoying the show and was looking forward to seeing Wang Xuan's performance. Wang Xuan was someone who never played by the book.

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However, what happened next exceeded Qing Chen’s expectations. He nearly shouted out in disbelief. He could hardly believe his own eyes. Old Wang, you... You’re actually fighting Zhao Qinghan!

After uttering the apology, Wang Xuan's right hand struck out at Zhao Qinghan's neck. A faint sound of wind and thunder accompanied the movement. It was a terrifying display of strength, executed with astonishing speed. The air seemed to resonate with explosive noise, and the turbulent airflow shook violently. The tissue paper on the coffee table was sent flying.

Qin Cheng was shocked. While he knew that Wang Xuan would pull something off, this was just too much. He did not even hesitate as he launched his attack at Zhao Qinghan.

He was incredibly nervous, but the only thing he could do was to gape at the two. What is this? What’s going on? Way to go Old Wang! You didn’t even hesitate!

Zhao Qinghan was equally taken aback. Her expression immediately changed. Wang Xuan had truly done the unpredictable, and started a fight with her there and then. But her reaction was lightning-fast.

Despite her initial shock, Zhao Qinghan immediately reacted. She immediately stabbed her right hand at Wang Xuan’s hand. Even with the initiative taken by Wang Xuan, her attack was incredibly swift. Simultaneously, her left hand formed a fist. Her delicate limb packed a fearsome power. It emitted a resonating sound as it thundered toward Wang Xuan's chest.

Wang Xuan's attacking stance with his right hand remained unchanged, but his left hand also moved to intercept Zhao Qinghan's fist.

Bang!

The coffee table shattered as Zhao Qinghan's legs retracted. It broke into pieces. While she attacked with her hands, she had also twisted her waist and sent her legs lashing towards Wang Xuan’s hand and chest with astonishing speed and accuracy.

Wang Xuan's response was quick as well. He moved in swiftly, raising his right knee to block her legs. As their hands and fists collided, he tried to grapple her.

Qin Cheng's heart was pounding hard as he watched the ongoing fight. He leapt up from his seat and rushed towards the door, quickly shutting it to prevent anyone from witnessing the scene.

Swoosh!

Zhao Qinghan was graceful and agile. She shifted her body from the sofa, escaping Wang Xuan's attack range. She bored holes into the carpet with her heels, a sign of the terrifying power contained within her tightly coiled body. Her face exuded a sense of ruthlessness, a far cry from her usual sweet and gentle demeanor. She maintained an incredibly powerful combat posture.

Qin Cheng swallowed hard. The entire situation came as a shock to him. Wang Xuan had previously told him that he was no match for Zhao Qinghan, but it was something he had refused to believe. He was stunned when she was able to take Wang Xuan head on.

However, it wasn't the time for overthinking. Qin Cheng quickly unplugged a power cable from a nearby device and whispered to Wang Xuan, "Do we need to tie her up?"

Between his friends and his goddess, he naturally chose the former without hesitation. He intended to subdue Zhao Qinghan first. Wang Xuan sighed and let out a breath. He lowered his hands, no longer maintaining his attacking stance.

Zhao Qinghan shot a fierce glare at Qin Cheng and relaxed her posture as well. She swayed her waist and hips, the sound of her high heels echoing on the ground.

Wang Xuan was impressed, "Impressive, you have mastered chi gathering and inner cultivation!"

He had always sensed that Zhao Qinghan had tricks hidden up her sleeves, but he hadn't witnessed her strength until today. He was now convinced of her abilities. She had always the tendency of appearing silently behind him, and he only sensed her presence when she was very close. Although both instances were related to a relaxed atmosphere at the scene, when he was not on guard, it was still a testimony of her capabilities.

Especially since Qing Mu from the Adventurer’s Guild had mentioned to Wang Xuan that he was interested in two students from his class, considering them to have great potential to become powerful experts. He was almost sure that Zhao Qinghan was the second student.

Back then, Wang Xuan had realized that there was a powerful individual hidden among the students of the Old Arts Research Department. However, he had limited contact with Zhao Qinghan. She was often away from campus, and would disappear for weeks. Rarely would she be seen on campus. This made it difficult for him to ascertain the extent of her mastery of Old Arts.

Zhao Qinghan smoothed her hair and said with a slight hint of sarcasm, "For a person who was caught talking about me behind my back, you sure are a bold one."

Qin Cheng quickly tried to defuse the situation, “Look, it's all a misunderstanding. Why don’t we all sit down and have a good conversation about it? Let bygones be bygones they say."

Zhao Qinghan glanced at the power cable in his hand and could barely hold back the urge to curse at the man. As a person who had been calling her a goddess, he chose to help Wang Xuan instead in a crucial moment like this. That disapproving gaze made Qin Cheng feel extremely embarrassed, and he quickly threw the power cable into a corner behind him.

"Let's order some food and chat while we eat," Wang Xuan suggested.

Zhao Qinghan raised an eyebrow at him, "Are you just that forgiving of a person, or do you think I’ll just let it slide?"

"I fancy myself as a forgiving man," Wang Xuan said, "And you're not someone who frets over the small stuff either. In my eyes, you're open-minded, have a great figure, and are very beautiful."

In an instant, Zhao Qinghan's gaze turned sharp, and her expression grew hostile. She crossed her arms and sat down, and offered him a cold smile.

Wang Xuan responded with a smile of his own, "Since you've mastered the Old Arts to such a degree, you should know that people like us have good senses. I felt like you've been watching me from a distance, but I’m not sure what you're up to. It felt like you’re treating me as prey, That’s why I was so guarded against you."

Zhao Qinghan was frustrated by his answer. You call that being guarded? You’re the one who went on the attack. I let it slide last time, but now you’re not even hiding it!

Wang Xuan continued, "Don't be angry, Miss Zhao. Please, have a seat. We can eat and then we can talk about our cooperation."

After having interacted with her a few times, Wang Xuan was sure that she had some business with him. She would not be reaching out to him when she was about to leave the city otherwise. There must be a reason behind her appearance on this day.

"You are quite confident of yourself," Zhao Qinghan replied. She was ready to put aside their previous conflicts and have a discussion with him.

The waiter was shocked when they entered the room. Just what the hell did they do to the place?! What’s with the shattered coffee table and all the holes in the ground? It was clear that a new room had to be arranged.

Zhao Qinghan was generous enough to not mention what transpired earlier. However, she left for a moment and returned wearing a coat, and with a nagging feeling that Wang Xuan meant something different with his words.

Once the three of them were seated, the atmosphere became harmonious again. They chatted and laughed, as if nothing had happened before.

Wang Xuan, in a very serious tone, began, "Miss Zhao, you’re interested in me because of my skills, but let me make it clear from the start: if you require me to do something illegal, don't think of counting me in. I am a law-abiding citizen of the city. I've never harmed anyone in all my life. Oh, right, that incident with Zhou Yun doesn't count. I was acting purely in self-defense."

Zhao Qinghan stared at him. She could not bring herself to believe that this classmate of hers was what he claimed himself to be. A thorough investigation might uncover some dark secret or past of his.

She remained calm and composed as she continued the discussion with the demeanor of a seasoned diplomat. She did not rush straight to the point, and instead started talking about the Transhuman Arts.

"Transhuman Arts, or some might call them the Divine Arts, are essentially unexpected gains from exploring certain realms," she explained what she knew slowly.

Then, with a shift in demeanor, she remarked, "There are those harboring ambitious ambitions. They've barely scratched the surface of their inquiries and are already envisioning harnessing the power of the Divine Arts. And can you believe, there are even those whose dreams extend further with fantasies of becoming some sort of divine being. It's quite the spectacle. Yet perhaps they should address the issue of their limited lifespans first."

As her narrative continued, a sudden realization struck Wang Xuan, "Are you contemplating gathering a group to venture into uncharted territories? The pioneers are always the ones who end up in trouble. Count me out, I have no interest in becoming cannon fodder!"

Zhao Qinghan responded with an alluring smile, "Your imagination is indeed vivid. Fear not, as fellow classmates, I harbor no intentions of sending you into danger. This is an opportunity that defies your wildest dreams!"

But Wang Xuan was not interested.

"No need to worry. It's not what you imagine. This presents an opportunity for you. However, considering you're currently blocked from going to the New Star, it's too early to delve into such discussions."

Both of them shared a hearty laugh, continuing their conversation.

Eventually, Wang Xuan cut to the chase, "If you're determined to have me on board, would you be so kind as to clarify whether an upfront payment is part of the deal? And, just out of curiosity, do you happen to possess any ancient Taoist scriptures?"

Zhao Qinghan could barely hold back the urge to cuss at him. Ancient Taoist scriptures? The audacity to even bring that up! What was he thinking?

Wang Xuan continued, "And what about gold bamboo slips from the Early Qin era?"

Zhao Qinghan's expression soured. She sensed the futility in continuing the conversation; Wang Xuan had made his disinterest crystal clear. He was even intentionally setting unreasonable terms to block this avenue.

Qin Cheng sighed. He was shocked by how his friend was handling the situation. He fought Zhao Qinghan in hand to hand combat, and somehow nonchalantly steered the conversation towards cooperation and business, and now he was making Zhao Qinghan fume in anger. In an attempt to diffuse the situation, he raised his glass and said, "Let's drink to life's successes and joys. By the way, Qinghan, I never expected you to have mastered the Old Arts to such a degree. How did you do it? You were able to stand toe to toe against Wang Xuan."

Zhao Qinghan's casual response was disarming. She attributed it to maintaining a well-toned physique, dedicating a portion of her day to practice. At that moment, Qin Cheng was left flabbergasted. He lowered his head to take a sip of his drink, the desire to converse diminished. In fact, a twinge of melancholy settled in. Here he was, striving tirelessly to harness his inner power, while she effortlessly honed her abilities in pursuit of a flawless physique. It was a stark reminder that life's journey was far from equitable.