[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-beyond-the-passage-of-time":3,"chapter-beyond-the-passage-of-time-beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-42":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Beyond the Passage of Time",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2344482,4583,"Chapter 42: The Net of Heaven and Earth","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-42",42,"\u003Cp>The wilderness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing’s body was agile as he sped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been running for two days, and due to his recovery ability, the exhaustion that would have plagued others from non-stop travel did not appear in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he even felt as though his body had completely loosened up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, he had occasionally spotted from afar the figures of Jin Gang Sect cultivators dressed like the Camp Master, but thanks to his careful evasion and speed, he had avoided them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with only one day’s journey left to his destination, Deer Horn City, the path Xu Qing was traveling reached a fork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the left was the location of the city where he had lived for six years; it had now turned into a forbidden zone, appearing pitch black in the twilight from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other direction led to Deer Horn City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing there, Xu Qing turned his head to look at the direction of the forbidden zone. After a few breaths of silence, his body flickered, and just as he was about to rush toward Deer Horn City, his expression changed. He instantly crouched down, hiding within the bushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Narrowing his eyes, Xu Qing looked up at the distant sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, a golden rainbow was whistling past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the distance was too great, Xu Qing could only see the blinding golden light and could not make out the figure inside, but the fluctuation of the opponent’s spiritual energy was the same as the Camp Master’s, only much more intense, which caused his mind to tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This pressure exceeds that of the Camp Master...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not until the rainbow had gone far away did Xu Qing take a deep breath, hesitation appearing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past two days, he had encountered three waves of Jin Gang Sect cultivators and had carefully avoided them all, but this time, the feeling it gave him was clearly the most dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I continue forward, I can reach Deer Horn City within a day...\" Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and pondered. He knew his current advantage was that no one knew he possessed the Seven Blood Eyes token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, his destination was difficult to guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, he had another advantage: he was not bothered by the dense strange substances within the forbidden zone, and if he were careful, he could live there for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The advantage of the former lay in the need for speed in his actions, catching the Jin Gang Sect off guard, which would likely allow him to teleport away from Deer Horn City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was also a drawback: once he was detected on the road to Deer Horn City, this advantage would instantly shatter. Not only would his destination be easily guessed, but his own safety would also be threatened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The advantage of the latter lay in stalling for time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stalling until the Jin Gang Sect grew tired and lax would make it easier for him to safely head to Deer Horn City according to the former plan, and if he encountered danger during this time, he would have room to maneuver within the forbidden zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two methods, two choices...\" Xu Qing pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he was analyzing the pros and cons in his heart, the golden light that had just disappeared into the sky suddenly reappeared, and this time, it was even faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This abnormal scene made Xu Qing’s brows knit together immediately. He stayed hidden and observed carefully until the golden light flew past from a distance, its speed having slowed down significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This allowed Xu Qing to see the figure inside the golden light clearly; it was a middle-aged cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person had a talisman stuck to his right leg, emitting spiritual energy fluctuations, seemingly supporting his body in flight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of him was another piece of talisman paper, which was the source of the golden light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, as the light of this talisman paper flickered continuously, there was actually a faint, blurry figure inside. Looking closely, that figure was none other than the guard from the Camp Master’s mansion whom Xu Qing had killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a soul-body, sensing all around in the golden light like a hound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged cultivator’s speed grew slower and slower, as if he were observing the surroundings. After a long while, he changed direction and continued searching until he was further and further away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene made Xu Qing’s heart skip a beat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Talisman Treasure!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recognized those two talismans; although he didn't know the specifics, he guessed their general purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Using the person I killed to sense my existence? But clearly, the range isn't very large, and the sensing is blurry...\" Xu Qing took a deep breath, deeply realizing the magic and mystery of cultivation techniques. At this moment, the analysis of pros and cons in his heart immediately leaned in one direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I cannot continue to Deer Horn City. With a full day's time, the probability and risk of being discovered are extremely high. Once discovered, not only will I be in a dangerous spot, but my destination will also be exposed.\" Xu Qing made his decision. Taking advantage of the opponent moving away, his body flickered and he headed straight for the forbidden zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He prepared to go there to hide for a while before making a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as Xu Qing was speeding along, not long after, when he was still an incense stick's worth of distance from the forbidden zone, the golden light appeared in the sky behind him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing immediately hid, looked back, and his eyes shrank violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That golden light now seemed to have locked onto him; its speed suddenly increased, heading straight for his location, and a sword light whistled over with even greater speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene made Xu Qing’s expression change slightly. He stopped hiding and his body suddenly flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he left, a roar erupted. The sword light landed abruptly where he had just been hiding, causing mud to splash everywhere and kicking up a violent shockwave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the golden light in the sky arrived in an instant, and a cold snort echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little brat, finally found you! So you were planning to come here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the voice rang out, the golden light closed in, and the middle-aged figure within was clearly revealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person had a square face, wore a golden robe, was of average height, and had an ordinary appearance, except for his extremely heavy eyebrows, which looked very distinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, under his thick eyebrows, his eyes held coldness and killing intent as he looked toward Xu Qing’s direction from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost the instant he looked down, Xu Qing stomped his right foot hard on the ground, and his whole body shot up with a boom, whistling toward the middle-aged man in mid-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged cultivator sneered. When he had passed by here the first time, the tracking talisman had shown an abnormality, so he had searched carefully. Now that he had finally locked onto Xu Qing and saw him coming, he immediately raised his altitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reaching a height that Xu Qing could not easily reach, the moment Xu Qing’s momentum dissipated and his body began to fall, the middle-aged cultivator raised his right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a storm emerged in the surroundings, he pointed sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the storm descended, directly submerging Xu Qing’s figure within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the roar, Xu Qing landed on the ground in a very disheveled state, his body flickering as he headed straight for the forbidden zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged cultivator was just about to pursue, but the next instant, a cold glint flashed from Xu Qing’s side, turning into a dagger that flew toward the middle-aged cultivator at an astonishing speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged cultivator narrowed his eyes and ascended into the air to avoid it directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Petty tricks!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the ground, Xu Qing took a deep look at this middle-aged cultivator. He didn't speak, but unleashed his full speed and accelerated forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already realized that he was no match for this person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the opponent couldn't fly, he could still trade injury for injury and drag him to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But facing an opponent who could fly, Xu Qing didn't have many options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One in the sky, one on the ground—in such a fight, he possessed no advantage whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his speed exploded, Xu Qing ran with all his might. In the sky behind him, the golden-robed middle-aged man sneered, took out a jade slip to transmit a message to their ancestor, and then accelerated in pursuit, forming seals to blast rays of technique light toward the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a Great Elder at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, his spiritual energy was very abundant, and he had mastered many more techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking from afar, one could see wind blades and fireballs constantly bombarding, leaving Xu Qing, who was running on the ground, exhausted from dealing with them. Even when he dodged, he was still caught in the aftermath, and blood slowly spilled from the corner of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The ancestor is too cautious. He doesn't need to come himself; I can kill you on my own.\" The middle-aged cultivator in mid-air sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, he did not land. Even though Xu Qing was in a disheveled state many times, he maintained a certain altitude, and while forming seals with both hands, the storm rose again, bombarding the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing’s eyes. Being beaten so passively made the killing intent in his heart even more intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he knew very well that although the opponent appeared to be alone, he must have a way to contact the sect. If he didn't finish the battle quickly and enter the forbidden zone, and if others from the Jin Gang Sect arrived after a long time, his situation would be even more dangerous—especially the \"ancestor\" mentioned by the opponent, which made Xu Qing’s heart tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the opponent would not lower his altitude, which made it impossible for Xu Qing to counterattack. He had feigned weakness several times before, but still couldn't lure the opponent down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This person is too cautious; I cannot wait any longer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, a purple light flashed in Xu Qing’s eyes. The moment the opponent’s storm descended and submerged his entire body, a streak of purple blade shadow suddenly emerged from within the storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the storm, Xu Qing spat out blood, enduring the damage from the opponent’s technique, and his right hand descended accordingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the Heavenly Blade reappeared and slashed down abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A life-and-death crisis, intense to the extreme, erupted directly in the heart of the middle-aged cultivator in mid-air. His expression changed drastically, and he retreated rapidly, using his flight talisman to ascend with all his might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the moment he ascended, the void beneath him roared astonishingly. The blade shadow arrived, as if it could sever everything, whistling past just beneath him by a hair’s breadth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had been a moment slower to dodge, or if he had lowered his altitude earlier, he would surely have had his body severed by this blade’s thunderous momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he had escaped death, his left foot was still grazed, directly collapsing into a bloody mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enduring the intense pain, the middle-aged cultivator breathed rapidly, his eyes filled with intense killing intent, but his inner vigilance and lingering fear were even stronger. He knew very well that if he didn't have the flight talisman, he would have been severely injured, if not killed, by that astonishing blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The ancestor was right, this kid is wicked!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the ground, Xu Qing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, coldly looked at the middle-aged cultivator in mid-air whose left foot was a bloody mess, suppressed the regret in his heart, turned, and flickered away, continuing to speed toward the forbidden zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged cultivator in the sky was in unbearable pain. After sealing his wound, he looked down at Xu Qing. Although his killing intent was strong, he hesitated for a moment and dared not approach further, instead increasing his altitude and interfering with techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was not prepared to act alone anymore. Compared to completing the sect’s mission, his own life was more important, so he intended to drag it out, even if it meant letting the other party enter the forbidden zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once the ancestor arrives, this brat will surely die!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, as he dared not approach, although the techniques still caused damage to Xu Qing, Xu Qing’s recovery was astonishing, so the impact was not very great, and his speed grew faster and faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until Xu Qing saw the edge of the forbidden zone, his body flickered, and he stepped inside at high speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the forbidden zone, the middle-aged cultivator’s figure in mid-air paused. Just as he was hesitating whether to pursue, heavenly thunder suddenly appeared in the sky behind him, rolling and echoing, and two figures whistled over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former wore a red robe, his white hair flowing, possessing an awe-inspiring presence without anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his back was the shadow of a Vajra, turning into a storm that shook all directions; it was none other than the ancestor of the Jin Gang Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter was another elder of the Jin Gang Sect, and the two approached rapidly, one after the other.\u003C\u002Fp>",2242,"2026-06-21T00:45:15.441Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","677c7b41ce29d79b80da82993504482ee2295e1624c41a4829ea16c012ac234e","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-43","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-41",998,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbeyond-the-passage-of-time-cover.jpg"]