Chapter 66: Beyond Yinshen?

—

“Don’t look at me like that. I just came here to read some books. Who would’ve thought I’d run into an old acquaintance?”

Qu Zhixing smiled faintly.

His face was his true appearance, though his once purple hair had been dyed black, giving him the look of a celebrity. Aside from his unnaturally pale complexion, he seemed harmless.

Xu Shen clenched his fists tightly. In that instant, countless plans for escape or a desperate fight flashed through his mind.

But he couldn’t be sure if Qu Zhixing still had another Heart of Reversal.

Even if Xu Shen fought with everything he had—even if he ignited the Xinhuo flame in his heart—there was no chance of victory.

The gap between Tongyou and Core Solidification was insurmountable.

—

“Don’t make that face,” Qu Zhixing said softly, his voice carrying a gentle smile that echoed in Xu Shen’s mind. “There are people around us.”

“Do you want me to cause another scene here?”

His tone was calm, almost like an old friend reminiscing about the past.

“This is Capital University,” Xu Shen growled.

“Exactly,” Qu Zhixing replied lightly. “But I can still escape if needed. Otherwise, why would I dare come here?”

—

Xu Shen slowly released his fists, the blood-red glow in his eyes fading slightly but leaving behind streaks of red veins. He glanced around at the nearby students, some of whom were stealing curious glances at him and Qu Zhixing.

There was no helping it—both Xu Shen and Qu Zhixing were strikingly handsome in their own ways.

Xu Shen exuded a roguish charm with a hint of rebelliousness, while Qu Zhixing’s gentle demeanor made him look like a refined scholar.

Sitting together, the contrast between them was stark and eye-catching.

But why does that guy’s eyes look so red? some students wondered.

—

“How did you find me here?” Xu Shen asked through gritted teeth, suppressing the murderous intent boiling within him. His voice was cold and sharp as he transmitted his thoughts directly to Qu Zhixing.

“I enjoy reading,” Qu Zhixing replied with a chuckle. “And I’ve always heard that Capital University has the largest collection of books.”

“Who would’ve thought my first visit here would lead me to you?”

He smiled again, his demeanor so calm and harmless that it was hard to believe he had once unleashed the Heart of Reversal, nearly destroying an entire residential district.

—

“Xinhuo Guard has done an excellent job protecting you,” Qu Zhixing continued casually. “They erased your records immediately—I couldn’t find any trace of your whereabouts.”

“It’s as if you appeared out of thin air in the capital.”

“So tell me, Xu Shen—what’s your secret?”

His eyes sparkled like stars, and for a moment, Xu Shen felt a strange ripple in his mind. His vision blurred briefly before he snapped back to clarity.

Qu Zhixing frowned slightly, deep in thought.

—

“If I were to shout right now that you’re part of the Moon Cult,” Qu Zhixing said with a hint of amusement, “do you think you’d make it out alive?”

Xu Shen’s guard went up instantly. Whatever Qu Zhixing had just tried to do had been interrupted—likely by the black blade on Xu Shen’s person.

“I never back myself into a corner,” Qu Zhixing said confidently. “If I’m here, it’s because I know I can leave unscathed.”

“But what about you? Do you dare to gamble?”

There was an unsettling excitement in Qu Zhixing’s eyes as he looked at Xu Shen.

—

“You’re a damn bastard,” Xu Shen spat angrily. “You’re worse than trash!”

Qu Zhixing blinked in surprise before shaking his head with a wry smile. “Even now, you still have the guts to insult me.”

—

“Xu Shen,” Qu Zhixing said seriously, “I have high hopes for you. But you haven’t seen the bigger picture yet.”

“Xinhuo Guard, Xia Nation, even other nations—they all exist for humanity’s survival.”

“And so does the Moon Cult. The only difference is the path we’ve chosen.”

“You’ll understand one day,” he continued calmly. “If humanity wants to survive… the Moon Cult’s path might be the only correct one.”

—

Xu Shen sneered coldly. “You mean the path of beasts?”

“You should be grateful it’s me you’ve encountered,” Qu Zhixing replied earnestly. “By the way, you might want to put that knife away—your sneak attack won’t work on me.”

Xu Shen paused for a moment before abandoning his plan to stab Qu Zhixing with the black blade under the table.

—

“I’m curious about something,” Xu Shen said after regaining some composure.

“Go ahead,” Qu Zhixing replied with genuine interest.

“Why are you so obsessed with turning people into… whatever it is you turn them into? Do you really think that form is superior to humanity?” Xu Shen asked, narrowing his eyes at him.

This question had always puzzled him—why was the Moon Cult so fixated on transformation? Was it truly more powerful than human potential?

—

Qu Zhixing fell silent for a moment before responding through spiritual transmission: “To be honest… I’m not entirely sure.”

“Do you know why?” he continued calmly. “Because humanity hasn’t even come close to touching the highest levels of existence.”

“Yinshen Realm isn’t the limit.”

“There are realms beyond it—mythical and elusive.”

“But for centuries, no one has been able to reach them.”

“Because the path… has been severed.”

—

“The Moon Cult believes it can find that path again,” Qu Zhixing said softly.

Xu Shen’s eyes narrowed sharply.

Until now, he had never heard of anything beyond Yinshen Realm. He didn’t even know if Xia Nation had any beings above that level.

But if such realms existed… what kind of power would they hold?

—

As if reading Xu Shen’s thoughts, Qu Zhixing added honestly: “You’re overthinking it.”

“Finding the path and actually reaching it are two entirely different things.”

“My father spent his entire life trying and still couldn’t touch that level—he only believed it was possible.”

“But even the hope of reaching it is enough to justify using any means necessary.”

—

“So when it comes to comparing human physiology with transformed physiology,” Qu Zhixing continued thoughtfully, “I can’t give you a definitive answer yet.”

“Xia Nation and other countries are trapped in their own struggles for power and control—they’ve walked themselves into dead ends.”

“No one looks to the stars anymore… no one sees the moon or those distant constellations.”

—

Qu Zhixing pulled out a phone from somewhere and checked the time before standing up.

“It seems I’m out of time—I need to leave now.”

“Xu Shen,” he said as he turned back briefly, “I don’t know how you’ve managed to hide your aura and identity so well.”

“But I still hope you’ll consider joining us someday.”

“Until we meet again.”

—

“Oh, one more thing,” Qu Zhixing added as if remembering something.

“I’ve erased the memories of several Moon Cult members in Yuan City.”

“They knew about your connection to those friends of yours.”

Xu Shen’s eyes blazed with murderous intent.

—

“But don’t worry,” Qu Zhixing said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Now that their memories are gone, no one in the Moon Cult knows anything about your background.”

“This is my gesture of goodwill—and my promise not to harm anyone around you.”

“You and I are alike in some ways.”

“If someone crosses your bottom line, there will be no chance for reconciliation.”

“What I want is a living genius—a monster—to walk this higher path with me.”

“Threatening you won’t work—it’ll only push you further away.”

“We have time… I’ll wait for the day you change your mind.”

—

With that, Qu Zhixing gave Xu Shen one last glance before walking toward the library exit.

“Excuse me… can I get your contact info?” a girl asked shyly as she stepped forward.

Qu Zhixing glanced at her briefly before shaking his head with a gentle smile.

“Sorry, miss—I already have someone I like.”

And then he was gone.

—

It wasn’t until several minutes after Qu Zhixing left that Xu Shen finally exhaled heavily, feeling utterly drained.

His back was soaked with sweat.

As much as he hated to admit it… Qu Zhixing was right—he couldn’t take that gamble.

Someone like Qu Zhixing wouldn’t put himself in unnecessary danger. If he had another Heart of Reversal hidden away…

Even here at Capital University… Xu Shen didn’t dare risk it.

—

A bitter smile tugged at Xu Shen’s lips.

“I’m still too weak…” he muttered under his breath.

He believed Qu Zhixing when he said this encounter was unplanned—a mere coincidence.

After all, Jiang Ruyue had assured him that the Mask of Shadows completely altered his aura and identity—making him unrecognizable even to someone like Qu Zhixing.

Still… precautions were necessary.

—

“Qu Zhixing,” Xu Shen whispered coldly, “the biggest mistake you’ll ever make is not killing me when you had the chance.”

He closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to calm down.

He wouldn’t forget what happened at Changbai Mountain—the chaos caused by ghouls likely had ties to the Moon Cult.

And then there was Uncle Xu Wei’s death…

The grudge between him and the Moon Cult ran deep—joining them was out of the question.

—

“If what they say is true,” Xu Shen thought grimly, “then aside from those who already know about me—including Qu Zhixing—no one else in the Moon Cult has any information on me.”

“My original identity can still be used for things like visiting libraries—I just need to stay cautious around Qu Zhixing.”

While he knew there was always a risk of confrontation, it wouldn’t happen immediately.

The Moon Cult wouldn’t act unless they were certain he would never join them.

For now… this uneasy stalemate would have to continue.

—

Xu Shen stood up and closed his book—it was impossible to focus anymore.

As he left the library, he spotted Qu Zhixing standing outside as if waiting for him.

“Aren’t you going to stab me?” Qu Zhixing asked softly after a long pause. “I bear some responsibility for Uncle Xu’s death.”

Xu Shen stared at him silently.

After a moment, Qu Zhixing smiled faintly and shook his head.

“Very well—I’ll leave now. Someone has noticed me.”

With those words, his figure faded into nothingness.

Moments later, Xu Shen sensed a faint ripple of energy heading away from campus.

—

Clenching his fists tightly, Xu Shen found an empty corner where he sat for over an hour—waiting patiently until he was certain no one was watching him.

Finally, he retrieved his Mask of Shadows from his storage bracelet and put it on.

Donning his black attire and letting his hair down, he transformed once more into Ming—the cold and enigmatic rune shop owner.

Emerging from the shadows, he walked confidently toward his destination.

—

“Holy crap! Is that Ming?!” someone exclaimed upon spotting him.

“The gray-masked guy? No doubt about it! What’s he doing here at school? Did someone piss him off?”

Instantly, dozens of eyes turned toward Xu Shen as whispers spread like wildfire.

Some students even pulled out their phones to alert their friends:

“Ming spotted near the library! Get over here!”

“He’s even colder than I imagined—and so handsome! Girls, come quick!”

“You’re right—the pressure he gives off is insane.”

Within minutes, half the school seemed aware of Ming’s presence.

—

“Excuse me,” Xu Shen said politely as he stopped a girl with a ponytail. “Could you tell me where Professor Chen from the engraving department is?”

The girl shivered slightly—whether from his icy demeanor or something else—and quickly pointed in a direction.

“Thank you,” Xu Shen said with a nod before continuing on his way.

Behind him, more and more students began following at a distance—eager to see what would happen next.

When they realized he was heading toward the engraving department… excitement buzzed through the crowd.

Is he here to cause trouble? they wondered eagerly.

Could this be… something worth watching?