End of Volume One: Towards the Stars

After confirming there were no issues, Li Xingyu strode directly inside. He had not invited the others in, so Mu Chenhua and the other six only dared to stand at the entrance, watching. Once inside, Li Xingyu headed straight to the edge of the teleportation array. He carefully inspected it again, then sat cross-legged beside it, deep in thought. Comparing the situation of this array with the records in the jade slip he had obtained from the black-robed elder of the Tianfeng clan, he gradually realized that this was a small, one-way teleportation array—it could only send someone out, not bring them back, and its range was limited, roughly the size of the solar system.

This discovery was entirely unexpected for Li Xingyu, leaving him indecisive. If it had been a two-way array, he would have at least had the chance to return if things went wrong. Now, however, departure would truly be irreversible.

After his research and comparison, Li Xingyu believed he could activate and use the array. Even if the pressure during transmission proved difficult, or if the destination was a hostile environment like Mars, he was not worried—he could wear a spacesuit during the process. Outside, the others saw that Li Xingyu, though his eyes remained closed, suddenly furrowed his brows deeply. Their hearts skipped a beat—was the teleportation array unusable?

Li Xingyu decided not to dwell yet on whether to use the array, but to first test if it could actually be activated. From the jade slip, he knew that some arrays might appear intact, with no visible issues or damage, but if the receiving array at the destination was destroyed, transmission would still fail. Generally, a teleportation array required both a sending and receiving formation to work; though there existed some massive, complex arrays capable of transmission without a receiver, their costs were prohibitively high and rarely used.

Removing the expired rubies from the eight corners, Li Xingyu took eight similarly sized rubies from his storage pouch and embedded them in the now empty slots. As he placed the last one, the entire array quivered slightly, and a palpable wave of energy surged forth. This proved Li Xingyu's suspicions about the rubies and spirit stones correct, and confirmed at least that this side of the array could be activated.

Once the energy stabilized, Li Xingyu checked the array again, then began channeling his true essence according to the method he had learned from the jade slip. He formed the necessary seals with his hands and infused them with true essence. When he felt the seal was complete, he released it onto the array beneath him. As the seal merged with the array, a brilliant light erupted. Li Xingyu felt his spiritual sense, through the array, reach another place—a planet about the size of the moon, orbiting a massive star in the vast cosmos. He immediately realized the receiving array was functional. Without a detailed star map, they could not know exactly where that planet was.

Having confirmed the array’s usability, Li Xingyu withdrew the seal and began weighing whether to leave Nastar via the teleportation array. After much consideration, he understood that remaining on this planet would make further breakthroughs nearly impossible, and if the receiving array were ever destroyed, he might never escape. He then thought that the array was likely set up by the master of the spirit beast once in the cave, probably to allow the beast to return to the cultivation world. If so, even if he could not reach the cultivation world directly, perhaps the destination would offer a means to get there through other channels.

With this reasoning, Li Xingyu made up his mind. Cultivation is a path of relentless advance, without retreat; he would press forward without hesitation. Having decided, he walked out toward the seven waiting outside the cave.

Seeing Li Xingyu emerge, the seven gazed at him eagerly. Li Xingyu smiled and said, “Everyone, this teleportation array can be used. I’ve decided to leave Nastar through it.” His words brought them joy; not only could they obtain the subsequent cultivation methods, but now there was hope of leaving this place one day.

Once their emotions had settled, Li Xingyu continued, “When I use the array, stay at the cave entrance and don’t come in, nor allow any unexpected people or beasts to enter. In return, after I depart, I’ll leave you not only the cultivation methods I promised, but also instructions for using the array. However, I must clarify: you’ll need at least my current cultivation level—late Condensing Spirit stage—to use the array, as explained in the methods I’ll provide. Also, the array is strictly one-way; once you leave, there’s no coming back, and I do not know where the destination is. Please ensure you have sufficient strength and are mentally prepared before using it. I have said all I can; take care, everyone. If fate allows, we may meet again.”

With that, Li Xingyu returned to the cave, not waiting for their response. He trusted they would follow his instructions and not act rashly, as that would bring them no benefit.

The seven absorbed the meaning of Li Xingyu’s words in silence, never doubting he would leave them the promised methods and instructions—if he had intended otherwise, he would not have summoned them at all. After a while, though they continued watching Li Xingyu inside, they heightened their senses and remained alert to the outside. The Mistress of Linglong Gate’s gaze lingered on Li Xingyu with something more than the others; only she knew what that meant.

Inside the cave, Li Xingyu first retrieved a spacesuit from his storage pouch, considered for a moment, then took out a laser gun and placed Fire Rain from his backpack into his arms. The little creature affectionately nuzzled his chest, while Li Xingyu silently communicated: I don’t know whether taking you out is helping or harming you. Little one, are you afraid? Fire Rain seemed to understand his thoughts, meeting his gaze with unexpected resolve.

Without further hesitation, Li Xingyu donned the spacesuit, fixed the laser gun to the right slot, checked the suit, glanced at the others, and placed another package from his backpack at the edge of the array before stepping onto it.

He regulated his true essence, cast a defensive spell, and began forming the seals required for the array. Once complete, he released them onto the array beneath his feet. At once, the entire formation shone brightly, and from the eight corners, the rubies emitted powerful currents of energy into the array. Li Xingyu felt a tremendous surge of energy and pressure, so intense it caused him to feel dizzy.

In the eyes of the seven outside, after Li Xingyu finished the seals, the array radiated dazzling light, and following a wave of intense energy, a flash of white light in the center marked his disappearance—exactly as had happened when the spirit beast was teleported. They exchanged glances, each seeing excitement and envy in the others’ eyes, though the Mistress of Linglong Gate wore a trace of sorrow.

After the energy within the cave faded completely, the seven entered together and approached the array. Mu Chenhua took the package Li Xingyu had left, and inside were seven identical scrolls. Mu Chenhua glanced at them, then distributed them among the group. As each unrolled their scroll, smiles gradually appeared on their faces; Mu Chenhua understood these were exactly what they had hoped for. He opened his own, and after reading it, was delighted. He resolved that, should Mu Xueqing be willing, she too would cultivate this method upon their return; otherwise, he truly wouldn’t know how to explain Li Xingyu’s actions to his granddaughter.

Thus ends the first volume. The even more exciting second volume will be updated later—at least two chapters today. Your support and recommendations are requested!

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