Chapter 281
Chapter 281: Two Women
Wang Jie breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings. This direction surely led into the pillar of the bridge. As long as he followed this path forward, he would eventually cross the meteorite belt to the other side. There, he should find cultivators from the Big Dipper Bridge Pillar. Thinking this, he put away his boat, took out the Void Skate given to him by the Black Realm Lord, wrapped it around himself, controlled it, and shot forward.
The Void Skate could travel through emptiness, its speed equal to a Hundred Star Realm cultivator.
It was indeed convenient.
Day after day passed, and after a long journey, Wang Jie finally arrived at the edge of the meteorite belt. Beyond this was the starry expanse within the star cloud. He saw stars glittering brightly in the distance.
He also spotted a battleship.
How fortunate—there was actually a battleship passing by right at this moment.
Just to be cautious, he stayed hidden at the edge of the meteorite belt and carefully observed whether this ship belonged to the Big Dipper Bridge Pillar.
After careful scrutiny, he confirmed that it did indeed belong to them.
This battleship bore the insignia—Tech Machine City.
Tech Machine City was the ruling power of the third star link of the Third Nebula. Back at the Ying Yang Battlefield, he had once attacked their supply ships, so this emblem was all too familiar to him.
Immediately, he dashed out toward them.
Several more days passed quickly. On this particular day, Wang Jie saw countless ships approaching, their shapes as varied as the universe itself. Some were ordinary, others shaped like swords, and still others like woven flower baskets, all steadily closing in.
It was here that he encountered Tong Shou, Shuang Jin, and—Zhi Xing Xue.
During the fierce battle with the Ancient Sword Pillar Keeper, many people had become scattered.
Shuang Jin had successfully returned within the Twin Wind Line, but Gu Xun Yi and the others had been delayed and were unable to withdraw in time.
When Shuang Jin saw Wang Jie, she was shocked that he had survived, and even more astonished that he had crossed the Twin Wind Line to reach this place. It was nearly unbelievable.
Wang Jie was equally surprised by Zhi Xing Xue’s appearance.
But upon second thought, it made sense. Black White Heaven was responsible for this war, and Zhi Xing Xue, as a Star Refining Realm powerhouse from Black White Heaven, would naturally come to lend support. Especially since Zhi Ye had also been captured, Black White Heaven would spare no effort to rescue him.
Other factions might not have cared enough to attempt a rescue.
Wang Jie conveyed to Shuang Jin the timing details that Gu Xun Yi and the others had told him. Shortly afterward, Zhi Xing Xue took Wang Jie away. Shuang Jin didn’t stop her, nor did she doubt Wang Jie’s words, because the path Wang Jie had taken was highly confidential. The Ancient Sword Pillar Keeper would have no knowledge of it.
Observing Wang Jie’s exhausted face, Zhi Xing Xue couldn’t help but complain gently: “Your master is truly irresponsible, just leaving you alone on such a dangerous battlefield. Still, your luck is truly terrible to stumble upon a war of this magnitude.”
Wang Jie gave a bitter smile: “Junior is indeed unfortunate. Perhaps I used up all my luck back at the Ying Yang Battlefield.”
At the Ying Yang Battlefield, he’d encountered Yan Xiao Nian and discovered Ornate Jade Gate’s secret schemes. With that, he helped Black White Heaven deliver a crushing blow to Ornate Jade Gate and even used inside help to defeat the second star cloud, enabling Black White Heaven to gain complete control of the entire Ying Yang Battlefield. Luck had played a significant role back then. Otherwise, how could a mere Star Breaking Realm cultivator have achieved such great merit?
Yet now, karma had caught up to him. The First Main Battlefield was incredibly perilous, and surviving was nothing short of a miracle.
Zhi Xing Xue sighed softly: “It’s good enough that you made it out alive. Surviving great disasters will surely bring you fortune later on. You’ve already reached Full Star Realm, so rest well now; you don’t need to join the fight again.”
“Senior, why have the Skeletal Clan appeared? What exactly do they want?”
“We don’t know either. Even to Death Realm, the Skeletal Clan remains mysterious.”
“Senior Zhi Ye was only captured because he was severely injured by the Skeletal Clan. Otherwise, the Ancient Sword Pillar Keeper’s people wouldn’t have stood a chance.”
“He was still too reckless,” Zhi Xing Xue sighed. “Black White Heaven holds significant responsibility for the losses in this battle. That’s why I’m here. If we still can’t turn things around, even the Ancestor will have to emerge from seclusion.” Saying this, she turned toward Wang Jie, “Thankfully, your report this time will greatly help us. If our forces can coordinate and repel the enemy, your merit alone will redeem many of Black White Heaven’s mistakes.”
Wang Jie helplessly replied: “If I had a choice, junior wouldn’t have risked it. That dead land is far too terrifying.”
Zhi Xing Xue nodded in understanding, patting Wang Jie’s shoulder: “Just don’t speak like that in front of others.”
Wang Jie smiled slightly. Such words were only safe to say in front of Zhi Xing Xue. To anyone else, he would maintain that he’d gladly shed his blood for the Big Dipper Bridge Pillar.
They chatted a little longer before Zhi Xing Xue took her leave, needing to discuss the timing Wang Jie had reported and plan the counterattack. Besides, Wang Jie truly was exhausted.
After Zhi Xing Xue left, he was just about to rest—
“When was your master irresponsible?”
The sudden voice startled Wang Jie.
Turning sharply toward a shadowed corner, he grumbled through gritted teeth: “Master, scaring people like that could truly frighten someone to death.”
It was none other than Shu Rang.
Only then did Wang Jie realize his unreliable master had actually appeared.
Shu Rang laughed mischievously, sprawling casually and taking a sip from his wine gourd: “You survived crossing even this battlefield, yet you’re still afraid of being frightened?”
Wang Jie rolled his eyes, sinking down tiredly: “That was just luck. I ran into seniors who treated me well.”
Shu Rang eyed him carefully: “What’s this? Complaining about your master?”
Wang Jie stayed silent.
Shu Rang laughed again and placed something on the table.
Wang Jie’s eyes sharpened instantly: “A Star Dome Realm Stone?”
Shu Rang chuckled knowingly: “Familiar, isn’t it?”
“Master, are you from Star Dome?”
“Nonsense, of course not.”
“Then this stone?”
“Stolen.”
“Why steal it?” Wang Jie asked, then suddenly realized. It was to save him. He also possessed such a stone, which could not only resist a fatal blow but also teleport him instantly to the closest person holding another such stone.
In other words, it would bring him directly to Shu Rang’s side.
So, this unreliable master wasn’t neglecting him after all.
Shu Rang pocketed the stone, took another swig of wine, and savored it contentedly.
Wang Jie rose to his feet and bowed respectfully, saying, “It was disciple’s rashness; please forgive me, Master.”
Shu Rang waved his hand, setting down the wine gourd, and replied, “It’s natural for you to feel resentment. After all, who wants to face death willingly?” His gaze upon Wang Jie was complicated yet satisfied as he continued, “Yet this battle exceeded even my expectations. I thought it would simply be a regular Pillar War, never imagining it would be so perilous. That you managed to survive, and even forced your way back from death itself, is remarkable.”
“You truly deserve your reputation for defeating the Heavenly Azure Star Guardian.”
Wang Jie replied modestly, “Disciple was merely lucky.”
Shu Rang exhaled deeply, speaking thoughtfully, “Luck is a powerful force in the cultivation world. If your luck remains strong every time, perhaps you truly are the Heaven’s chosen prodigy born from the universe’s fortune.” He studied Wang Jie closely, nodding slightly, “You’ve reached the Full Star Realm, and your Lock Force is impressively dense. It seems giving you the Devour Star wasn’t in vain.”
“This crisis was my mistake. I gave you a challenge beyond your capabilities. Seeing you survive brings me relief. As a reward, you may formally become my disciple ahead of time.”
Wang Jie was stunned. This easygoing master had once said formal apprenticeship was only possible after reaching the Wandering Star Realm. Now he could become official early?
“What, you don’t wish to?”
Without hesitation, Wang Jie immediately knelt, saying, “Disciple Wang Jie thanks Respected Teacher for this honor.”
Shu Rang quietly gazed at Wang Jie kneeling before him, unmoving.
“To be my disciple is incredibly difficult. Are you certain you’re willing?”
Without pause, Wang Jie responded firmly, “Disciple will have no regrets.”
Shu Rang raised his hand and personally helped Wang Jie rise.
“Do you remember I once said that someday I’d require you to do something?”
“Disciple remembers.”
Shu Rang pulled out two photos and handed them to Wang Jie.
Taking them, Wang Jie saw two young women who appeared identical, both breathtakingly beautiful with matching pink hair. However, one wore a radiant smile full of sunshine, while the other looked solemn and aloof.
“Their names are Ting He and Ting Chen. You must marry them.”
Wang Jie stared blankly at the pictures again, “Marry?”
Shu Rang nodded seriously, “Yes, this is precisely what I require of you. Someday you will marry them both—this is non-negotiable. Their status is extraordinary. Many Heaven’s chosen prodigies you’ve encountered, including that Black-White Heaven’s Six Dao Wanderer, find it nearly impossible even to meet them. Their suitors are powerful, with immense backgrounds. Your competition will be fierce.”
“This is what I ask of you.”
Wang Jie was speechless. [What sort of task is this?] An image of the mysterious girl from Thunder Well briefly flickered in his mind. [She is the one my heart truly desires.] Yet, looking again at the two lovely young women, he couldn’t help but acknowledge their beauty.
“Marry either one?”
“Both.”
Wang Jie fell silent once more.
This wasn’t just a question of difficulty but a matter of provocation and morality. Clearly, they were twins. Even if he could defeat numerous competitors to marry one, why would he deserve both? It seemed unrealistic.
“Master, are you certain?”
Shu Rang clasped his hands behind his back, gripping even the wine gourd tightly, “Absolutely certain.”
“Master, it seems extremely difficult.”
“If it were simple, would I consider it difficult?”
“What if I marry just one?”
“You must marry both.”
“Why?”
“Don’t worry about the reason. You simply must marry both, no exceptions.”
This was utterly unreasonable.
[Could they be my master’s enemies? Isn’t this courting death?]
Wang Jie felt troubled, but seeing Shu Rang’s unwavering expression, he realized refusal was impossible. [Forget it, I’ll just delay. It’s not as if he expects me to propose marriage right away.]
“What is their identity exactly, these two young ladies?”
Shu Rang replied calmly, “You don’t need to know their identity right now. I’m merely informing you about this matter. Until you reach the Wandering Star Realm, you need not consider this task or feel any pressure.”
[There’s no pressure at all, since I don’t even plan on succeeding.]
“This is for you.” Shu Rang handed him a measuring ruler.
Wang Jie took it, noticing immediately it differed from the Heaven Measuring Ruler.
“This ruler can precisely measure the distances of Star Force or Lock Force to an extremely fine degree. It will help you improve your mastery over Lock Force and reach the state of A Drop Contains an Ocean sooner.”
Wang Jie was delighted, asking, “Can it really help me reach the realm of A Drop Contains an Ocean?”
The Star Method demanded mastery over Lock Force in four ascending realms: One Glance Three Thousand, A Drop Contains an Ocean, Fallen Leaf Star Dome, and Infinite World.
Since reaching One Glance Three Thousand, Wang Jie had not focused heavily on Lock Force mastery, unclear about the precise requirements for A Drop Contains an Ocean. He only occasionally practiced.
Currently, he remained just slightly above One Glance Three Thousand in control.
With the aid of this ruler, reaching A Drop Contains an Ocean would now simply require diligent time and practice.
Shu Rang explained, “In this universe, the strongest power is universally recognized as the Star Dao Celestial Technique. The Star Method is an essential part, combining with the Star Dao into an invincible force. Thus, your mastery of Lock Force must be exceptional.”
“A Drop Contains an Ocean means a single drop of Star Force is as vast as the stellar seas.”
“You must rely on persistent practice. According to my estimation, once you reach the Wandering Star Realm, you might approach this boundary, or at least not fall far short.”
“By then, pairing Star Method with Star Dao, even at just the Wandering Star Realm, common cultivators at the Hundred Star Realm will fall beneath a single wave of your hand. Even those at the Star Refining Realm might be challenged.”
Wang Jie’s eyes sparkled at his master’s words, quietly clutching the ruler. He resolved inwardly to reach this mystical realm as soon as possible.