Chapter 127: Reminiscent Of That Kick
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 127: Reminiscent Of That Kick
Emerging from the wormhole, they were greeted by the vast expense of space with its shimmering brilliance, casting an enveloping silence around them. This vastness often invoked feelings of insignificance in observers, reminding them of their triviality in the face of the cosmos, where even planets seemed like mere specks of dust.
At this moment, the location of the new planet eluded them. Their warship's advanced scanning capabilities could not pinpoint the familiar star cluster they once called home. It boggled their minds just how many light-years they might have traversed, how far they had ventured from familiar terrains.
Wang Xuan found himself questioning whether they might have crossed over into an entirely different universe. And he wasn't alone in this speculation. Several members of the expedition wondered whether they had entered a new stellar region or, perhaps, a parallel universe. Only the top organizations with warp technology might have the answers.
Glancing over at Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan saw her engrossed in a set of documents, her expression somber. He decided against broaching the topic with her. Their primary concern now was the exploration of the Hidden Land. Distracting thoughts could be shelved for another time.
In the midst of this contemplative silence, a young man approached Zhao Qinghan, offering her a cup filled with a fragrant natural beverage. "Take a break," he whispered gently. This was Zheng Rui, an influential member of the team, hailing from the Zheng family, renowned for their "Origins Life Institute". He and Zhao Qinghan shared a professional bond. Of the thirty-six team members set to explore the Hidden Land, twelve were under Zheng Rui's lead.
"Thank you," Zhao Qinghan responded, setting aside her documents to accept the drink.
An air of solemnity pervaded the warship. Over the coming days, they would tread the thin line between life and death. Some among them, they knew, might not return from the uncharted world they were about to explore.
The warship's warp engines roared to life, thrusting the vessel forward through the vastness of space. They weren't close to the Hidden Land right after emerging from the wormhole; a decision likely rooted in safety concerns. Their anticipated journey to the star system that housed the Hidden Land was roughly four hours. The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.
During the voyage, Zhao Qinghan began introducing some pivotal members of their team. "Meet Grandmaster Yang Lin," she said, pointing towards a distinguished figure. He was a celebrated master in the realm of New Arts. In the Hidden Land, the so-called God Factor or super-matter would be vulnerable to the corrupting influence of X-matter. Despite this limitation, Yang Lin, with his intense physical training and prowess, stood head and shoulders above the rest.
It was a common belief that masters of the Old Arts were best suited for combat within the Hidden Land. But such masters were rare nowadays, given the significant decline of their arts over time.
Standing next to Zheng Rui was a middle-aged man, a genetically enhanced super-being. His power was palpable, and he, too, held the title of a grandmaster.
"And here's Wang Xuan," Zhao Qinghan continued.
"Ah, your classmate, right?" Zheng Rui remarked with a playful smirk.
She nodded, leading the introductions onward. Many cast curious glances at Wang Xuan, wondering if he was merely there due to connections. But they brushed the thought away, knowing the deadly nature of the Hidden Land wouldn't spare the ill-prepared.
The warship traveled at an impressive pace. Soon they were entering the star system of the Hidden Land, drawing closer to its planetary belt.
"Do you see it? That's the Hidden Land!" Zhao Qinghan pointed out, directing their gaze to a life-bearing planet detected by the warship's scanners.
Wang Xuan stepped forward, peering intently. The planet appeared lush and green, but a hazy mist obscured a clear view. The abundant X-matter within the Hidden Land made it impossible to get a crisp visual.
The warship started decelerating, aligning its course with a brownish planet nearby. It wasn't the Hidden Land but bore a relation to it, much like Mars does to Earth in our solar system.
The Hidden Land was perilous for starships, making prolonged stays in its vicinity impossible. As a result, the neighboring planet, known as the "Brown Star," became the prime base for explorers. All expeditionary forces, their battleships, and other vessels anchored here. Only when ferrying exploratory teams did they dash to and fro the life-bearing planet of the Hidden Land.
The facilities on Brown Star were commendable. While they couldn't rival the advanced bases on New Moon, they were more than equipped to provide brief recuperation for the injured and refuel starships.
Littering the Brown Star's shipyard were magnificent battleships. These were the vessels of veteran explorers, who had already embarked on their journey into the Hidden Land.
Zhao Qinghan's ship touched down, planning to stay for a day. The strategy was to let the seasoned pioneers forge ahead first. They also intended to rendezvous here with the Wu and Zhong families.
The resting quarters of the Brown Star base resembled a small, fortified town. A sturdy protective layer shielded its tranquil interiors, while outside, sandstorms raged, blotting out the skies.
Upon their entry into the base, Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan, Zheng Rui, and Yang Lin drew the curious gazes of several onlookers. Their presence certainly didn't go unnoticed.
"Qinghan!" A familiar voice greeted with a broad smile.
"Zheng Rui!"
Beside Wu Yin, stood a young man in his late twenties. Sporting a short haircut, his tall frame stood out at an imposing 185 cm. What was most striking were his piercing eyes, sharp and intense.
"Zhou Yun!" Wang Xuan recognized him immediately. Their paths had crossed more than once, and more often than not, those encounters ended with Wang Xuan besting Zhou Yun.
Zhou Yun was the close cousin of Ling Wei. Their first confrontation saw Zhou Yun unveiling a novel technique, challenging Wang Xuan. Alas, he was soundly defeated. Their next encounter took place beneath Qingcheng Mountain. The Zhou, Wu, and Ling families were jointly excavating an underground palace when Wang Xuan and Qing Mu got the jump on them. During that meeting, Wang Xuan, disguised by a lifelike mask that made him appear of mixed descent, once again defeated Zhou Yun. The defeat was so severe that Zhou Yun sustained injuries, including a fractured arm and was left unconscious. From that day on, he harbored a deep animosity towards the 'man of mixed descent.'
However, Wang Xuan's recollection of Zhou Yun was more favorable. After all, he had once retrieved the five golden pages from the legendary Zhang Daoling's book right from Zhou Yun's grasp. So, when their eyes met, Wang Xuan greeted him with a friendly smile.
Surprisingly, Zhou Yun, who had a mild case of face blindness, couldn't recognize Wang Xuan immediately amidst the crowd, thus momentarily overlooking him.
However, Wu Yin's keen eyes caught Wang Xuan's friendly gesture. In response, she coldly turned her back on him, her raven-black hair flowing gracefully, presenting her elegant silhouette as a barrier.
"Old Wang!" A surprised exclamation echoed.
Upon seeing Wang Xuan's silhouette, Zhong Cheng hastened toward him. His shout drew the curious glances of many.
Wang Xuan turned, his expression stern. Zhong Cheng usually showed great respect to Grandmaster Wang. Now, to his surprise, he'd inadvertently revealed the more informal nickname he used in private.
Seeing Wang Xuan's face, Zhong Cheng looked somewhat disappointed. "You're not Old Wang."
Wu Yin looked puzzled. She glanced at Wang Xuan again, focusing intently on his profile. In fact, she'd encountered Wang Xuan by Yun Lake in An City just a day before leaving the old land and had felt something unusual then.
"My name is Wang Xuan," he clarified.
"Oh, so you're Little Wang. I know one of your relatives, people call him Old Wang. He's incredibly powerful, overshadowing even the elders. He's someone you should aspire to surpass in your lifetime," Zhong Cheng said, his youthful face oddly mature. He patted Wang Xuan on the shoulder before walking away.
Wang Xuan's face remained impassive, but he silently resolved to give Zhong Cheng a piece of his mind the next time they met, for repeatedly referring to the revered Elder Wang as 'Old Wang'.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yun, with his mild face-blindness, was deep in conversation with Zhao Qinghan and Zheng Rui, still oblivious to Wang Xuan's presence.
......
The following morning, they set out, steering their course towards the enigmatic territory.
All three factions shared a moderately-sized aircraft. Considering the mysterious land's uncanny ability to corrode flying vessels, their decision to use a smaller ship was both pragmatic and cost-effective.
Their destination appeared quicker than anticipated: a forest clearing, previously carved out for landings such as theirs. As Wang Xuan's feet touched the ground, an overwhelming surge of vibrant energy enveloped him. The atmosphere was so charged and invigorating that he had to restrain himself from letting out a triumphant shout.
Each breath he took seemed to rejuvenate his spirit, as though the land and he were intrinsically connected. The sheer affinity he felt for this place caught him off guard.
However, before he could further immerse himself in the surroundings, an unsettling sensation pricked at his heightened senses. Something stirred beneath them. An impending threat loomed.
"Everyone, rest assured. This area is generally safe," an elderly explorer announced, his voice echoing his numerous visits to this land.
"Move!" Wang Xuan's voice cut through the calm, as he instinctively sprang into action.
Wielding his alloy blade, he darted forward, unintentionally pushing Zhong Cheng out of his path. Recognizing the urgency, he swiftly extended his leg, nudging Wu Yin into the air, saving her from the unidentified peril.
Confusion reigned. Zhong Cheng let out a pained grunt, his face contorted from the unexpected shove.
Suspended in the air, Wu Yin's gaze met Wang Xuan's, her eyes a fiery mix of bewilderment and anger.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 127: Reminiscent Of That Kick
Emerging from the wormhole, they were greeted by the vast expense of space with its shimmering brilliance, casting an enveloping silence around them. This vastness often invoked feelings of insignificance in observers, reminding them of their triviality in the face of the cosmos, where even planets seemed like mere specks of dust.
At this moment, the location of the new planet eluded them. Their warship's advanced scanning capabilities could not pinpoint the familiar star cluster they once called home. It boggled their minds just how many light-years they might have traversed, how far they had ventured from familiar terrains.
Wang Xuan found himself questioning whether they might have crossed over into an entirely different universe. And he wasn't alone in this speculation. Several members of the expedition wondered whether they had entered a new stellar region or, perhaps, a parallel universe. Only the top organizations with warp technology might have the answers.
Glancing over at Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan saw her engrossed in a set of documents, her expression somber. He decided against broaching the topic with her. Their primary concern now was the exploration of the Hidden Land. Distracting thoughts could be shelved for another time.
In the midst of this contemplative silence, a young man approached Zhao Qinghan, offering her a cup filled with a fragrant natural beverage. "Take a break," he whispered gently. This was Zheng Rui, an influential member of the team, hailing from the Zheng family, renowned for their "Origins Life Institute". He and Zhao Qinghan shared a professional bond. Of the thirty-six team members set to explore the Hidden Land, twelve were under Zheng Rui's lead.
"Thank you," Zhao Qinghan responded, setting aside her documents to accept the drink.
An air of solemnity pervaded the warship. Over the coming days, they would tread the thin line between life and death. Some among them, they knew, might not return from the uncharted world they were about to explore.
The warship's warp engines roared to life, thrusting the vessel forward through the vastness of space. They weren't close to the Hidden Land right after emerging from the wormhole; a decision likely rooted in safety concerns. Their anticipated journey to the star system that housed the Hidden Land was roughly four hours. The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.
During the voyage, Zhao Qinghan began introducing some pivotal members of their team. "Meet Grandmaster Yang Lin," she said, pointing towards a distinguished figure. He was a celebrated master in the realm of New Arts. In the Hidden Land, the so-called God Factor or super-matter would be vulnerable to the corrupting influence of X-matter. Despite this limitation, Yang Lin, with his intense physical training and prowess, stood head and shoulders above the rest.
It was a common belief that masters of the Old Arts were best suited for combat within the Hidden Land. But such masters were rare nowadays, given the significant decline of their arts over time.
Standing next to Zheng Rui was a middle-aged man, a genetically enhanced super-being. His power was palpable, and he, too, held the title of a grandmaster.
"And here's Wang Xuan," Zhao Qinghan continued.
"Ah, your classmate, right?" Zheng Rui remarked with a playful smirk.
She nodded, leading the introductions onward. Many cast curious glances at Wang Xuan, wondering if he was merely there due to connections. But they brushed the thought away, knowing the deadly nature of the Hidden Land wouldn't spare the ill-prepared.
The warship traveled at an impressive pace. Soon they were entering the star system of the Hidden Land, drawing closer to its planetary belt.
"Do you see it? That's the Hidden Land!" Zhao Qinghan pointed out, directing their gaze to a life-bearing planet detected by the warship's scanners.
Wang Xuan stepped forward, peering intently. The planet appeared lush and green, but a hazy mist obscured a clear view. The abundant X-matter within the Hidden Land made it impossible to get a crisp visual.
The warship started decelerating, aligning its course with a brownish planet nearby. It wasn't the Hidden Land but bore a relation to it, much like Mars does to Earth in our solar system.
The Hidden Land was perilous for starships, making prolonged stays in its vicinity impossible. As a result, the neighboring planet, known as the "Brown Star," became the prime base for explorers. All expeditionary forces, their battleships, and other vessels anchored here. Only when ferrying exploratory teams did they dash to and fro the life-bearing planet of the Hidden Land.
The facilities on Brown Star were commendable. While they couldn't rival the advanced bases on New Moon, they were more than equipped to provide brief recuperation for the injured and refuel starships.
Littering the Brown Star's shipyard were magnificent battleships. These were the vessels of veteran explorers, who had already embarked on their journey into the Hidden Land.
Zhao Qinghan's ship touched down, planning to stay for a day. The strategy was to let the seasoned pioneers forge ahead first. They also intended to rendezvous here with the Wu and Zhong families.
The resting quarters of the Brown Star base resembled a small, fortified town. A sturdy protective layer shielded its tranquil interiors, while outside, sandstorms raged, blotting out the skies.
Upon their entry into the base, Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan, Zheng Rui, and Yang Lin drew the curious gazes of several onlookers. Their presence certainly didn't go unnoticed.
"Qinghan!" A familiar voice greeted with a broad smile.
"Zheng Rui!"
Beside Wu Yin, stood a young man in his late twenties. Sporting a short haircut, his tall frame stood out at an imposing 185 cm. What was most striking were his piercing eyes, sharp and intense.
"Zhou Yun!" Wang Xuan recognized him immediately. Their paths had crossed more than once, and more often than not, those encounters ended with Wang Xuan besting Zhou Yun.
Zhou Yun was the close cousin of Ling Wei. Their first confrontation saw Zhou Yun unveiling a novel technique, challenging Wang Xuan. Alas, he was soundly defeated. Their next encounter took place beneath Qingcheng Mountain. The Zhou, Wu, and Ling families were jointly excavating an underground palace when Wang Xuan and Qing Mu got the jump on them. During that meeting, Wang Xuan, disguised by a lifelike mask that made him appear of mixed descent, once again defeated Zhou Yun. The defeat was so severe that Zhou Yun sustained injuries, including a fractured arm and was left unconscious. From that day on, he harbored a deep animosity towards the 'man of mixed descent.'
However, Wang Xuan's recollection of Zhou Yun was more favorable. After all, he had once retrieved the five golden pages from the legendary Zhang Daoling's book right from Zhou Yun's grasp. So, when their eyes met, Wang Xuan greeted him with a friendly smile.
Surprisingly, Zhou Yun, who had a mild case of face blindness, couldn't recognize Wang Xuan immediately amidst the crowd, thus momentarily overlooking him.
However, Wu Yin's keen eyes caught Wang Xuan's friendly gesture. In response, she coldly turned her back on him, her raven-black hair flowing gracefully, presenting her elegant silhouette as a barrier.
"Old Wang!" A surprised exclamation echoed.
Upon seeing Wang Xuan's silhouette, Zhong Cheng hastened toward him. His shout drew the curious glances of many.
Wang Xuan turned, his expression stern. Zhong Cheng usually showed great respect to Grandmaster Wang. Now, to his surprise, he'd inadvertently revealed the more informal nickname he used in private.
Seeing Wang Xuan's face, Zhong Cheng looked somewhat disappointed. "You're not Old Wang."
Wu Yin looked puzzled. She glanced at Wang Xuan again, focusing intently on his profile. In fact, she'd encountered Wang Xuan by Yun Lake in An City just a day before leaving the old land and had felt something unusual then.
"My name is Wang Xuan," he clarified.
"Oh, so you're Little Wang. I know one of your relatives, people call him Old Wang. He's incredibly powerful, overshadowing even the elders. He's someone you should aspire to surpass in your lifetime," Zhong Cheng said, his youthful face oddly mature. He patted Wang Xuan on the shoulder before walking away.
Wang Xuan's face remained impassive, but he silently resolved to give Zhong Cheng a piece of his mind the next time they met, for repeatedly referring to the revered Elder Wang as 'Old Wang'.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yun, with his mild face-blindness, was deep in conversation with Zhao Qinghan and Zheng Rui, still oblivious to Wang Xuan's presence.
......
The following morning, they set out, steering their course towards the enigmatic territory.
All three factions shared a moderately-sized aircraft. Considering the mysterious land's uncanny ability to corrode flying vessels, their decision to use a smaller ship was both pragmatic and cost-effective.
Their destination appeared quicker than anticipated: a forest clearing, previously carved out for landings such as theirs. As Wang Xuan's feet touched the ground, an overwhelming surge of vibrant energy enveloped him. The atmosphere was so charged and invigorating that he had to restrain himself from letting out a triumphant shout.
Each breath he took seemed to rejuvenate his spirit, as though the land and he were intrinsically connected. The sheer affinity he felt for this place caught him off guard.
However, before he could further immerse himself in the surroundings, an unsettling sensation pricked at his heightened senses. Something stirred beneath them. An impending threat loomed.
"Everyone, rest assured. This area is generally safe," an elderly explorer announced, his voice echoing his numerous visits to this land.
"Move!" Wang Xuan's voice cut through the calm, as he instinctively sprang into action.
Wielding his alloy blade, he darted forward, unintentionally pushing Zhong Cheng out of his path. Recognizing the urgency, he swiftly extended his leg, nudging Wu Yin into the air, saving her from the unidentified peril.
Confusion reigned. Zhong Cheng let out a pained grunt, his face contorted from the unexpected shove.
Suspended in the air, Wu Yin's gaze met Wang Xuan's, her eyes a fiery mix of bewilderment and anger.
Chapter 127: Reminiscent Of That KickEmerging from the wormhole, they were greeted by the vast expense of space with its shimmering brilliance, casting an enveloping silence around them. This vastness often invoked feelings of insignificance in observers, reminding them of their triviality in the face of the cosmos, where even planets seemed like mere specks of dust.At this moment, the location of the new planet eluded them. Their warship's advanced scanning capabilities could not pinpoint the familiar star cluster they once called home. It boggled their minds just how many light-years they might have traversed, how far they had ventured from familiar terrains. Wang Xuan found himself questioning whether they might have crossed over into an entirely different universe. And he wasn't alone in this speculation. Several members of the expedition wondered whether they had entered a new stellar region or, perhaps, a parallel universe. Only the top organizations with warp technology might have the answers. Glancing over at Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan saw her engrossed in a set of documents, her expression somber. He decided against broaching the topic with her. Their primary concern now was the exploration of the Hidden Land. Distracting thoughts could be shelved for another time. In the midst of this contemplative silence, a young man approached Zhao Qinghan, offering her a cup filled with a fragrant natural beverage. "Take a break," he whispered gently. This was Zheng Rui, an influential member of the team, hailing from the Zheng family, renowned for their "Origins Life Institute". He and Zhao Qinghan shared a professional bond. Of the thirty-six team members set to explore the Hidden Land, twelve were under Zheng Rui's lead. "Thank you," Zhao Qinghan responded, setting aside her documents to accept the drink. An air of solemnity pervaded the warship. Over the coming days, they would tread the thin line between life and death. Some among them, they knew, might not return from the uncharted world they were about to explore. The warship's warp engines roared to life, thrusting the vessel forward through the vastness of space. They weren't close to the Hidden Land right after emerging from the wormhole; a decision likely rooted in safety concerns. Their anticipated journey to the star system that housed the Hidden Land was roughly four hours. The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.During the voyage, Zhao Qinghan began introducing some pivotal members of their team. "Meet Grandmaster Yang Lin," she said, pointing towards a distinguished figure. He was a celebrated master in the realm of New Arts. In the Hidden Land, the so-called God Factor or super-matter would be vulnerable to the corrupting influence of X-matter. Despite this limitation, Yang Lin, with his intense physical training and prowess, stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was a common belief that masters of the Old Arts were best suited for combat within the Hidden Land. But such masters were rare nowadays, given the significant decline of their arts over time. Standing next to Zheng Rui was a middle-aged man, a genetically enhanced super-being. His power was palpable, and he, too, held the title of a grandmaster. "And here's Wang Xuan," Zhao Qinghan continued. "Ah, your classmate, right?" Zheng Rui remarked with a playful smirk. She nodded, leading the introductions onward. Many cast curious glances at Wang Xuan, wondering if he was merely there due to connections. But they brushed the thought away, knowing the deadly nature of the Hidden Land wouldn't spare the ill-prepared. The warship traveled at an impressive pace. Soon they were entering the star system of the Hidden Land, drawing closer to its planetary belt. "Do you see it? That's the Hidden Land!" Zhao Qinghan pointed out, directing their gaze to a life-bearing planet detected by the warship's scanners. Wang Xuan stepped forward, peering intently. The planet appeared lush and green, but a hazy mist obscured a clear view. The abundant X-matter within the Hidden Land made it impossible to get a crisp visual. The warship started decelerating, aligning its course with a brownish planet nearby. It wasn't the Hidden Land but bore a relation to it, much like Mars does to Earth in our solar system. The Hidden Land was perilous for starships, making prolonged stays in its vicinity impossible. As a result, the neighboring planet, known as the "Brown Star," became the prime base for explorers. All expeditionary forces, their battleships, and other vessels anchored here. Only when ferrying exploratory teams did they dash to and fro the life-bearing planet of the Hidden Land. The facilities on Brown Star were commendable. While they couldn't rival the advanced bases on New Moon, they were more than equipped to provide brief recuperation for the injured and refuel starships. Littering the Brown Star's shipyard were magnificent battleships. These were the vessels of veteran explorers, who had already embarked on their journey into the Hidden Land. Zhao Qinghan's ship touched down, planning to stay for a day. The strategy was to let the seasoned pioneers forge ahead first. They also intended to rendezvous here with the Wu and Zhong families. The resting quarters of the Brown Star base resembled a small, fortified town. A sturdy protective layer shielded its tranquil interiors, while outside, sandstorms raged, blotting out the skies. Upon their entry into the base, Zhao Qinghan, Wang Xuan, Zheng Rui, and Yang Lin drew the curious gazes of several onlookers. Their presence certainly didn't go unnoticed. "Qinghan!" A familiar voice greeted with a broad smile. "Zheng Rui!" Beside Wu Yin, stood a young man in his late twenties. Sporting a short haircut, his tall frame stood out at an imposing 185 cm. What was most striking were his piercing eyes, sharp and intense. "Zhou Yun!" Wang Xuan recognized him immediately. Their paths had crossed more than once, and more often than not, those encounters ended with Wang Xuan besting Zhou Yun. Zhou Yun was the close cousin of Ling Wei. Their first confrontation saw Zhou Yun unveiling a novel technique, challenging Wang Xuan. Alas, he was soundly defeated. Their next encounter took place beneath Qingcheng Mountain. The Zhou, Wu, and Ling families were jointly excavating an underground palace when Wang Xuan and Qing Mu got the jump on them. During that meeting, Wang Xuan, disguised by a lifelike mask that made him appear of mixed descent, once again defeated Zhou Yun. The defeat was so severe that Zhou Yun sustained injuries, including a fractured arm and was left unconscious. From that day on, he harbored a deep animosity towards the 'man of mixed descent.' However, Wang Xuan's recollection of Zhou Yun was more favorable. After all, he had once retrieved the five golden pages from the legendary Zhang Daoling's book right from Zhou Yun's grasp. So, when their eyes met, Wang Xuan greeted him with a friendly smile. Surprisingly, Zhou Yun, who had a mild case of face blindness, couldn't recognize Wang Xuan immediately amidst the crowd, thus momentarily overlooking him. However, Wu Yin's keen eyes caught Wang Xuan's friendly gesture. In response, she coldly turned her back on him, her raven-black hair flowing gracefully, presenting her elegant silhouette as a barrier. "Old Wang!" A surprised exclamation echoed. Upon seeing Wang Xuan's silhouette, Zhong Cheng hastened toward him. His shout drew the curious glances of many. Wang Xuan turned, his expression stern. Zhong Cheng usually showed great respect to Grandmaster Wang. Now, to his surprise, he'd inadvertently revealed the more informal nickname he used in private. Seeing Wang Xuan's face, Zhong Cheng looked somewhat disappointed. "You're not Old Wang." Wu Yin looked puzzled. She glanced at Wang Xuan again, focusing intently on his profile. In fact, she'd encountered Wang Xuan by Yun Lake in An City just a day before leaving the old land and had felt something unusual then. "My name is Wang Xuan," he clarified. "Oh, so you're Little Wang. I know one of your relatives, people call him Old Wang. He's incredibly powerful, overshadowing even the elders. He's someone you should aspire to surpass in your lifetime," Zhong Cheng said, his youthful face oddly mature. He patted Wang Xuan on the shoulder before walking away. Wang Xuan's face remained impassive, but he silently resolved to give Zhong Cheng a piece of his mind the next time they met, for repeatedly referring to the revered Elder Wang as 'Old Wang'. Meanwhile, Zhou Yun, with his mild face-blindness, was deep in conversation with Zhao Qinghan and Zheng Rui, still oblivious to Wang Xuan's presence. ...... The following morning, they set out, steering their course towards the enigmatic territory. All three factions shared a moderately-sized aircraft. Considering the mysterious land's uncanny ability to corrode flying vessels, their decision to use a smaller ship was both pragmatic and cost-effective. Their destination appeared quicker than anticipated: a forest clearing, previously carved out for landings such as theirs. As Wang Xuan's feet touched the ground, an overwhelming surge of vibrant energy enveloped him. The atmosphere was so charged and invigorating that he had to restrain himself from letting out a triumphant shout. Each breath he took seemed to rejuvenate his spirit, as though the land and he were intrinsically connected. The sheer affinity he felt for this place caught him off guard. However, before he could further immerse himself in the surroundings, an unsettling sensation pricked at his heightened senses. Something stirred beneath them. An impending threat loomed. "Everyone, rest assured. This area is generally safe," an elderly explorer announced, his voice echoing his numerous visits to this land. "Move!" Wang Xuan's voice cut through the calm, as he instinctively sprang into action. Wielding his alloy blade, he darted forward, unintentionally pushing Zhong Cheng out of his path. Recognizing the urgency, he swiftly extended his leg, nudging Wu Yin into the air, saving her from the unidentified peril. Confusion reigned. Zhong Cheng let out a pained grunt, his face contorted from the unexpected shove. Suspended in the air, Wu Yin's gaze met Wang Xuan's, her eyes a fiery mix of bewilderment and anger.
