The Mystery Beyond the Starry Sky

Xiao Yao watched their reactions and could not help marveling inwardly, Sure enough, I really do have a storyteller's talent. I got them immersed in my story so quickly.

Little did Xiao Yao know that he would later regret telling them this story tonight. In the days to come, he would no longer be able to cultivate and refine pills in peace.

He continued the tale, slowly recounting Little Dot's journey of cultivation.

He told them how Little Dot had his Supreme Bone dug out when he was young, yet still displayed abilities far beyond ordinary people. Blessed with extraordinary talent and exceptional combat strength, he had received the teachings of the renowned Willow God and cultivated the Primordial True Explanation. Later, he obtained the Kun Peng Treasure Art in Kun Peng's Nest, becoming invincible among those of the same realm.

From then on, he swept through the Void God Realm and the Desolate Region. In the Void God Realm, he killed Shi Yi, the dual-pupiled clansman who had stolen his Supreme Bone, and ultimately became a powerful Human Sovereign in the Lower Realm.

Xiao Yao's words brimmed with passion and power, making it seem as though his listeners had been transported into that mysterious, ancient world. Xun'er and Xiao Yan listened with rapt attention, as if they had forgotten everything around them and were wholly immersed in the story.

After some time, Xiao Yao saw that it was already late. He paused to rest his throat, then said in a low voice, "If you wish to know what happens next, listen in next time."

When the story ended, Xiao Yao looked at their reactions and felt a wave of relief and delight. He knew that he had successfully drawn them into that world and filled them with anticipation and yearning for the path of cultivation.

Eager to know what would happen to Little Dot afterward, Xun'er grabbed Xiao Yao's hand and shook it as she pleaded coquettishly, "Brother Xiao Yao, please, can you tell us a little more? I still want to know how Little Dot dealt with the Seven Gods after they descended into the Lower Realm."

Seeing how anxious Xun'er was, Xiao Yao gently patted the back of her hand and said with a smile, "All right, all right, Xun'er. Don't rush. Since you want to know so badly, I'll tell you what happened to Shi Hao next."

At once, Xun'er's eyes lit up. She eagerly sat beside Xiao Yao, ready to listen to the rest of the story.

Xiao Yan also stopped eating. After taking a sip of cola, he leaned closer to listen as Xiao Yao continued the tale.

Xiao Yao cleared his throat and began recounting the new challenges and opportunities Little Dot encountered in his subsequent adventures. He described how, after quelling the chaos caused by the Seven Gods descending into the Lower Realm, Little Dot dug out the Supreme Bone that had grown in his body for the second time and gave it to his younger brother when he was on the verge of death. He then stubbornly held on, survived, and eventually went to the Upper Realm under the alias Desolate.

Xun'er listened in complete fascination, utterly immersed in that mysterious and challenging world. She seemed to see Little Dot's heroic struggles in the Lower Realm, hear his impassioned cries, and feel his unwavering faith and determination.

Xiao Yao also told the story with all his heart. Through it, he wished to give Xun'er the strength of courage and perseverance, helping her understand that only by constantly striving and challenging oneself could one achieve one's dreams and goals.

Xiao Yao rose and said to Xiao Yan, "Little Yan, it's late. You should head back." Xiao Yan seemed to still be immersed in the story. Only when Xiao Yao's voice interrupted him did he get up and reply, "Brother Yao, I'll head back first, then. I'll come over sometime later so I can hear you finish the story. Heh!"

When Xiao Yao turned around, he saw tears glistening in Xun'er's eyes. He quickly took her hand and comforted her, "Girl, don't be sad. It's only a story. It isn't real."

Xun'er choked back a sob. "Brother Xiao Yao, Little Dot is so pitiful. Do you think there could be someone in this world who has gone through the same things as him?"

Brother Xiao Yao raised his head and looked toward the vast starry sky, saying with a smile, "Xun'er, look up at the sky. Perhaps beyond this boundless sea of stars, there really are people like that."

At that moment, Xiao Yao lightly leaped up onto the roof. He lay beneath the eaves, as though he had merged with the night sky itself.

He gazed up at the brilliant starry sky. Countless stars glittered like diamonds scattered across the heavens, so beautiful that it took one's breath away.

Xiao Yao gently closed his eyes, feeling the night breeze brush across him as tranquility and peace welled up in his heart.

"Xun'er, do you want to come up and enjoy the view?" Xiao Yao called softly.

Xun'er looked up at Xiao Yao, wiped away her tears, and answered softly, "All right, Brother Xiao Yao. I want to see that vast starry sky too."

As she spoke, she carefully climbed onto the roof and came to Xiao Yao's side. She lay down and leaned against his shoulder, and together they gazed at the stars.

Xiao Yao rubbed her head and teased, "Girl, you actually learned from Brother Xiao Yao and started hiding your cultivation. It's such a low roof—you could have gotten up here with a light jump. Don't think I can't see through your cultivation."

Xun'er's face reddened slightly as she puffed out her cheeks. "Brother Xiao Yao, don't laugh at Xun'er. I've just been around you for so long that I forgot I don't need to hide myself in front of you."

Xiao Yao gently wrapped an arm around Xun'er's shoulders and pointed at the starry sky. "Look, don't those stars resemble worlds like ours? Perhaps every one of them represents a small world."

Listening to Xiao Yao's description, Xun'er seemed to feel the vastness and mystery of the starry sky. She asked softly, "Brother Xiao Yao, do you think there are other worlds beyond ours, somewhere outside this starry sky? If so, does that mean those Dou Emperors from long ago all shattered the void and went to other worlds?"

Xiao Yao smiled and answered, "Perhaps. The starry sky is so vast that we cannot imagine where it ends. Perhaps only by becoming a Dou Emperor can one uncover this mystery."

Hearing Xiao Yao's words, Xun'er's heart filled with longing and anticipation. She tightly held his hand and murmured, "Brother Xiao Yao, when you grow up, you must not forget Xun'er."

The two lay quietly on the roof, enjoying this beautiful moment. Beneath the light of the stars, their hearts became even more closely connected, as though they had become an inseparable whole.

Over the next few days, Xun'er constantly pestered Xiao Yao, wanting to know about Shi Hao's adventures in the Upper Realm. Even Xiao Yan came by from time to time, all so he could learn how the story continued.

Xiao Yao helplessly covered his forehead and could only compromise as he looked at the two of them. "All right, all right, stop urging me. At most, I can only tell stories at night. I have things to do during the day."

The two exchanged a glance, then both nodded. "All right."

At that moment, Xun'er walked up to Xiao Yao, took his hand, and said bashfully, "Brother Xiao Yao, when you tell stories at night, can you make something tasty for Xun'er like you did that time? Xun'er wants to eat delicious food while listening to stories. Just thinking about it feels so wonderful."

Seeing Xun'er act so adorably coquettish, Xiao Yao was instantly charmed. He could not help laughing, then gently ruffled her hair and said fondly, "All right, Xun'er. I'll make something delicious for you tonight, so you can eat while listening to stories."

The moment Xun'er heard him agree, her eyes lit up. She clapped excitedly and cheered, "That's great! Brother Xiao Yao, I love the food you make most. It's always so delicious!"

Hearing this, Xiao Yan also smiled and said to Xiao Yao, "Brother Yao, the food you make really is good. I'll head back first, then. I'll come over on time tonight to eat."

Seeing how happy the two of them were, Xiao Yao smiled helplessly and said, "Fine, fine. I'll make you something different tonight."

After hearing Xiao Yao's words, Xun'er's heart brimmed with anticipation. She imagined tonight's food and story, feeling sweet and happy inside.