Chapter 204
Chapter 204: I’ll Wait for You
Zhi Xing Xue’s gaze was complicated as she spoke softly, “In today’s universe, almost every prominent force made its name through bridge-law techniques.”
“Take, for example, my Fixed Star Zhi Family’s Fixed Star Technique, or the Heavenly Insect People’s Insect Command Technique, the Flower Country’s Heaven Healing Technique, and the Nan Clan’s Four Seasons. These are all bridge-law techniques that can be passed down through generations. Of course, there are many that can’t be passed down—indeed, most cannot—but even those can grant terrifying strength to the ones who acquire them.”
“Yet, among them, there are unfortunate souls who stumble upon bridge-law techniques they cannot comprehend or wield. Such people vanish into history without a trace.”
“No matter what, any opportunity to obtain a bridge-law technique might give rise to an individual or power capable of reshaping the entire cosmic landscape. Even the least fortunate could still enhance their sect’s strength.”
“If not for this, Galaxy Combat Equipment Company wouldn’t be pressing us step by step.”
Before Wang Jie could respond, Zhi Xing Xue sighed, “In truth, Galaxy Combat Equipment Company is far weaker than my Black White Heaven. They’re merely subordinates of Armor One Sect. But they enjoy widespread connections within the First Star Cloud, constantly embedding their disciples into various influential forces. Gui Jian, for instance, acquired Armor One Sect’s famed Eight Cloud Arrow Technique, and Luan Dao learned Three Chan Heaven’s greatest saber art.”
“Openly opposing them would risk provoking the Armor One Sect behind them. That’s an absolute giant. Therefore, it’s best to handle matters quietly, with minimal disturbance.”
After that, Wang Jie and Zhi Xing Xue spoke at length. Zhi Xing Xue showed great patience, particularly inquiring about Blue Star.
Wang Jie carefully avoided mentioning his clashes with Shu Mu Night and Armor One Sect’s disciples, focusing instead on his feelings toward Blue Star, which earned Zhi Xing Xue’s appreciation.
Elsewhere, Qi Xue Yin formally negotiated with Black White Heaven regarding the distribution of benefits from the bridge-building.
Exactly as Zhi Xing Xue predicted, Galaxy Combat Equipment Company’s initial demand was reduced by ten percent—thanks entirely to Wang Jie’s two victories.
In war, duels among champions decided who held the initiative.
After all, neither side wanted a third party to swoop in and divide the spoils, least of all Galaxy Combat Equipment Company itself.
Qi Xue Yin agreed to lose the ten percent but made one final condition: “Recently, my Galaxy Combat Equipment Company discovered many mineral-rich planets. Some have their own cultivation systems and have fiercely resisted, causing severe losses among our Lock Force cultivators. We’d like to borrow some from Black White Heaven—not take them permanently, just borrow. What do you say?”
The one negotiating with Qi Xue Yin was Elder Si Shang He.
Si Shang He readily agreed—some Lock Force cultivators meant little to him.
But Qi Xue Yin’s next request left him unsure how to proceed.
“Wang Jie must be among them.”
Si Shang He knew clearly Wang Jie’s current importance in Black White Heaven. He supported Zhi Xing Xue in the struggle over the Lock Path Interval, suppressing Zhi Qing’s faction. With Zhi Qing now retreating into seclusion, clearly admitting defeat, it wasn’t because of Zhi Xing Xue, but rather because of—Zhi Ye.
This meant Zhi Ye stood firmly behind Wang Jie.
Moreover, Wang Jie was also backed by Heavenly Master Bai Ye. The stakes were too high.
Si Shang He immediately contacted Zhi Ye for guidance.
Zhi Ye bluntly refused, stating that Wang Jie would not be released at any cost.
Si Shang He relayed this message to Qi Xue Yin, who frowned in confusion. “He’s just one Lock Force cultivator. Regardless of his Celestial Refinement Master status or current strength, he’ll reach his limit soon enough.”
“He has no future.”
“Why does Black White Heaven care so deeply?”
Si Shang He calmly replied, “There are certain details that Third Miss Qi doesn’t know. It’s an internal matter of Black White Heaven. You may borrow Lock Force cultivators, even keep a few if you like—but not Wang Jie.”
Qi Xue Yin thought briefly, then sighed, “Fine.”
The details quickly reached Zhi Xing Xue. Her expression shifted slightly, and she lowered her communicator, turning to Wang Jie. “Qi Xue Yin wishes to take you away.”
Wang Jie’s face immediately paled. Right now, he had no desire to mingle with those from the First Star Cloud. The more he learned of the universe, the clearer his precarious position became.
In the eyes of those at Star Refining Realm, a mere Celestial Refinement Master no longer held value.
His current battle strength wouldn’t sustain him into the future imagined for Lock Force cultivators. Everyone believed his peak would at best be Star Breaking Realm, Full Star Realm, or Wandering Star Realm. Beyond that, he’d be worthless, meaning outsiders wouldn’t hesitate to treat him harshly.
And right now, all his roots were in Black White Heaven.
Lock Path Interval, Zhi Xing Xue, Heavenly Master Bai Ye’s Alchemy Dao, and most importantly—Shu Rang.
If he left the Fourth Star Cloud, trouble awaited.
Seeing Wang Jie’s expression, Zhi Xing Xue softened, “Don’t worry. We refused.”
Wang Jie released a long breath, “Thank you, Senior.”
“Everyone longs to enter the First Star Cloud. Why do you refuse?” Zhi Xing Xue asked curiously. She had deliberately tested his attitude, only to realize this child genuinely wanted to stay.
Wang Jie smiled bitterly, “Junior knows his own worth. Without Senior’s protection, no matter how I perform, outsiders will always see me as a Lock Force cultivator with no future. My life would rest entirely in their hands.”
“Junior…does not wish to leave Senior.”
That last sentence warmed Zhi Xing Xue’s heart, bringing guilt along with it. She shouldn’t have tested this child. He had fled Frost Radiance Sect alongside her, helpless and alone, even pleading with her to protect his homeland.
She spoke seriously, “Rest assured. As long as you do not wish to go, even if I must give my all, I will never let anyone force you.”
Wang Jie stood gratefully.
“There’s one other matter. Qi Xue Yin invited you to attend the banquet. I was originally worried you’d be tempted, but now there’s no problem. You should go. Since the sect refused to send you to the First Star Cloud, declining even the banquet would show too little respect.”
“Yes, Junior will go now.”
The banquet took place within Black White Heaven’s grounds, not far from the previous martial stage. It was specially prepared for guests.
The setting was enchanting—a waterfall fell from distant stars, the cascading waters reflecting countless starlights.
Wang Jie sat beside the lake, quietly watching. Many people had arrived; Han Ling and Mo Wan Yin were there, while Gui Jian and Luan Dao attracted considerable attention. Disciples from Black White Heaven approached them frequently, making low profiles impossible.
In truth, Wang Jie was no different.
Occasionally, someone came to speak with him.
Mu Lan had just left after asking whether Wang Jie could easily defeat her if she wasn’t restricted by her Earth Fortress.
Wang Jie had replied simply, “No.”
It was a lie—Mu Lan’s strength peaked around 150,000 at Full Star Realm, an impressive feat. Yet, to Wang Jie, it was trivial. But his answer pleased Mu Lan, and that was enough.
If Gui Jian had asked… No, he wouldn’t. That would only invite humiliation.
Qi Xue Yin approached, smiling, “Really refusing to leave with me? In the First Star Cloud, resources, experience, and background far exceed this place. My Galaxy Combat Equipment Company isn’t even considered powerful there, yet look—here, even Black White Heaven sends Elders to accompany us.”
Wang Jie shook his head, “Truly not going, but there’s still an old debt to settle.”
Qi Xue Yin raised an eyebrow, “What debt?”
Wang Jie smiled, “Qi Five promised me a great reward from Galaxy Combat Equipment Company once I stepped into the stars.”
“For what?”
“Yun Lai.”
Qi Xue Yin suddenly remembered, “Right, you captured Yun Lai. That little fatty promised you a reward for convincing the Yun Family not to trouble us—I remember now.”
She casually took out a card and handed it to Wang Jie.
“Here, this is a voucher for Star Dome Star Fusion Center. It contains ten billion star stones. Enough?”
Wang Jie withdrew his hand and said, “That’s enough.”
Ten billion starstones—he hadn’t expected this woman to be so generous. She had truly given him far too much.
Qi Xue Yin softly remarked, “If you’re willing to leave with me, I could give you a hundred billion starstones.”
Wang Jie was speechless: “Don’t tempt me like that; my heart can’t take it.”
Qi Xue Yin smiled faintly: “Here, practicing qi isn’t easy.”
Wang Jie’s eyes shook as he stared at Qi Xue Yin.
She laughed lightly: “Is it really so surprising? Back on Blue Star, you did amaze people, but not to the extent of truly defeating Shu Mu Night. Your third challenge must have relied on qi. Even though I didn’t witness it personally, I can still guess.”
“For a lock force cultivator, practicing qi isn’t a big deal, especially with someone from Corpse Sect’s Hundred Coffins present. You learned it from him.”
Wang Jie didn’t fully understand what had happened during Blue Star’s trial. He had merely accepted everything passively. But Qi Xue Yin and the others would certainly have reviewed everything afterward, or learned details through Armor One Sect. Whether it was Chu Yao teaching him qi or the push that sent Blue Star drifting away, she knew these things, but didn’t seem eager to discuss them.
“You were so cold and distant back then on Blue Star, never smiling at all. Why the change now?” Wang Jie shifted the topic. Unless he reached that height himself, knowing these things was meaningless.
Qi Xue Yin gazed into the starry sky: “Below ten seals, we’re all just children. Only upon reaching Star Breaking Realm can you truly glimpse certain secrets. To reach that stage, you must change yourself.”
“And besides, the shock you gave us at the time was simply too great. Even if I were utterly arrogant, how could I disdain someone who defeated Shu Mu Night?”
Wang Jie reminded her quietly, “Don’t mention this matter again.”
Qi Xue Yin studied Wang Jie, her eyes thoughtful: “Blue Star’s events are sealed away now. If someone openly defeats Shu Mu Night today, that would be truly earth-shattering news.”
“Wang Jie, could there ever be a day when that someone is you?”
Wang Jie laughed gently: “Then wait for the Starry Martial Meet. Perhaps I’ll appear there.”
Qi Xue Yin nodded softly: “I’ll wait for you.” She hesitated briefly, then continued, “You might already know why we’ve come this time. Are you interested in seeing it?”
“Seeing what?”
“The bridge building. A complete, true bridge building.”
Wang Jie met Qi Xue Yin’s eyes and then nodded slowly: “Thank you.”
The banquet concluded in a peaceful, comfortable mood. Because of Wang Jie, Black White Heaven had gained much prestige. Si Shang Heelder and the others were pleased, even finding Wang Jie more agreeable now. Only Realm Lord Bai had not come.
Neither had Zhi.
In fact, there wasn’t even a single Star Refining Realm cultivator present.
But this was normal. Star Refining Realm wasn’t something ordinary cultivators could achieve. There was an old saying among cultivators: once you refine a star, you’re no longer mortal. This was the status of Star Refining Realm cultivators.
Wang Jie did not immediately return to Lock Path Interval. Qi Xue Yin wanted to show him the bridge building, so he temporarily stayed in Zhi Learning Valley.
Truthfully, Wang Jie didn’t want to stay in Zhi Learning Valley at all, especially since Bai Ye, the Heavenly Teacher, kept causing trouble for him.
“You wouldn’t lose anything by teaching me Star Speech, right? Just teach me! I can teach you alchemy in exchange. You can be my disciple if you like; if not, just be my junior brother. I have a master, you know—I can accept disciples on his behalf. So, how about it?”
Wang Jie helplessly replied, “Senior, first, I don’t know Star Speech. Second, why do you insist on learning it? Would knowing Star Speech automatically make you a Star Path Master?”
“Because it’s advanced! The more mysterious something is, the more advanced it feels, and the more eager I am to learn it. Those Star Path Masters are always secretive, stubborn, clinging to their precious little secrets and hiding away knowledge, wishing they could take their wisdom to their graves. It’s infuriating.” She glanced sharply at Wang Jie: “You’re still so young, yet you’re already learning their bad habits before even touching the Star Dao. That isn’t good.”
Wang Jie felt utterly speechless…