Grassroots Travel: The Star Lord of Another World

Chapter 306 An ominous premonition

The letter in Gao Xingchen's hand seemed to be burning with flames, burning his eyes and his heart. The content of the letter hit his mind like a stormy wave. The mystery of his life that he had always wanted to solve seemed to be right in front of him, but it seemed to be shrouded in fog and he could not see the direction clearly.

"Nine Netherworlds..." Gao Xingchen muttered to himself. He had never heard of this name before, but he inexplicably felt a chill rising from the soles of his feet and rushing straight to his head. He looked at Nan Li, his eyes full of struggle and determination, "Li'er, I have to go there."

Nan Li held Gao Xingchen's hand. She could feel the ripples in his heart, and she could understand what this desire to find the root of the problem meant to the person she loved. "I know," she said firmly, with the same support as always. "Xuanfeng and I are in Xingchen Pavilion. You can go without worry."

Gao Xingchen held Nan Li's hand tightly with his backhand, and all his words turned into this silent promise. He knew that this road would be full of thorns, but he would not back down. For the truth and to live up to Nan Li's efforts, he must go on bravely.

That night, Gao Xingchen summoned the core members of the Xingchen Pavilion and announced his decision to leave. He temporarily handed over the position of Pavilion Master of Xingchen Pavilion to Nanli, and appointed Xuanfeng as the deputy Pavilion Master to assist Nanli in handling the affairs of the Pavilion.

"I'll leave Xingchen Pavilion in your hands," Gao Xingchen looked around at everyone with a firm gaze, "Once I find out the truth, I will return in triumph!"

Although everyone was reluctant, they all understood what Gao Xingchen's decision meant. They all responded in unison: "Farewell, Pavilion Master. We'll wait for you to come back!"

The next morning, Gao Xingchen left Xingchen Pavilion with a few of his confidants. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, he chose to travel in a low profile, bringing only an assistant Zhao Wanwan who was proficient in tracking and a small team of elite guards.

Zhao Wanwan is a girl Gao Xingchen rescued in an accident. She is gifted and has a strong interest in all kinds of strange things. She is especially good at interpreting ancient prophecies and finding hidden places. Gao Xingchen was attracted by her talent in this aspect when he went to the Nine Netherworld this time.

The group headed westward according to the instructions on the letter, crossing dense forests, desolate Gobi Desert, and climbing over steep mountains, and finally arrived at a foggy swamp area.

"Master, according to my speculation, the Nine Netherworld mentioned in the letter should be deep in this swamp." Zhao Wanwan pointed in the direction of the thick fog ahead, with a hint of solemnity in her tone, "But this swamp has a complex terrain and is full of dangers. We must be extremely careful."

Gao Xingchen nodded. He knew that the road ahead would be even more difficult, but he was ready to face all challenges. He took a deep breath and looked forward with a firm gaze. There was the unknown, and also the answer to his fate...

The thick fog covered the sky and the sun. Gao Xingchen and his companions seemed to have walked into a chaotic world, and their sense of direction gradually became blurred. The damp and cold air was filled with the smell of corruption, and underfoot was a muddy swamp, and creepy gurgling sounds could be heard from time to time.

"Be careful!" Zhao Wanwan warned in a low voice, and swung the long whip in her hand, wrapping around a black vine that suddenly sprang out from the swamp. The vine seemed to have life, twisting wildly on her whip, trying to break free.

Gao Xingchen drew out the long sword from his waist, and with a flash of sword light, he cut off the vine. Black juice spurted out, emitting a pungent fishy smell. "What the hell is this?" A guard asked, covering his nose, his face full of disgust.

"This swamp is full of unknown dangers, everyone should be on high alert!" Gao Xingchen said in a deep voice, looking around vigilantly.

They trudged through the swamp with difficulty. After walking for an unknown amount of time, the scenery in front of them suddenly became clear. The thick fog dissipated, and a vast grassland appeared before them. In the distance were rolling mountains. The sky was as blue as a wash, which formed a sharp contrast with the gloomy and terrifying swamp before.

"Is this... the Wuji Realm?" Gao Xingchen looked at the scene in front of him, his heart filled with shock.

"According to my speculation, it should be correct." Zhao Wanwan put away the whip and pointed to an ancient stone tablet not far away and said, "It should record the secret of entering the Wuji Realm."

Everyone came to the stone tablet, only to see that it was covered with ancient characters. Zhao Wanwan carefully identified them and said, "This is an ancient character. It means that if you want to enter the Wuji Realm, you must find the teleportation array hidden in the swamp. Otherwise, you will get lost in it and will never be able to leave."

"It seems that we found the right path by accident." Gao Xingchen sighed.

Zhao Wanwan nodded, pointed to an inconspicuous groove under the stone tablet, and said, "This should be where the key to activate the teleportation array is placed."

Gao Xingchen took out a piece of letter paper from his pocket. On the back of the letter paper, a strange pattern was drawn with special materials. He aligned the pattern with the groove, and saw the pattern emit a dazzling light. The stone tablet slowly cracked, revealing a teleportation array flashing with colorful light.

"Let's go!" Gao Xingchen was the first to step onto the teleportation array, followed closely by the others.

After a dizzying moment, they appeared in a completely new world.

The Wuji Realm is completely different from the Jiuxing Realm. There is a rich spiritual energy here, exotic flowers and plants are everywhere, all kinds of rare birds and animals can be seen everywhere, and there are many races that the high stars have never seen. They have different shapes, some are covered with scales, some have wings, and some even have no entity, just a group of erratic light.

Gao Xingchen and his companions carefully explored this strange world. They met many powerful practitioners and witnessed various magical weapons and techniques. Here, Gao Xingchen's cultivation level improved several times faster than in the Nine Star Realm. He felt that he was one step closer to solving the mystery of his origins...

The air in Wujijie was fresh and pleasant, full of spiritual energy, as if every breath was refreshing. Gao Xingchen and his companions strolled in a beautiful valley, with colorful flowers blooming, clear streams winding, and a waterfall in the distance cascading down like a silver dragon.

"The scenery here is so beautiful, and the spiritual energy is much richer than that in the Nine Star Realm." Gao Xingchen took a deep breath and said with emotion.

"The Wuji Realm has been a holy place for cultivation since ancient times, so it is naturally incomparable to the Jiuxing Realm." Zhao Wanwan explained, holding an ancient compass in her hand. The compass needle kept spinning, as if guiding the direction.

"What are you doing?" Nan Li noticed Zhao Wanwan's actions and asked.

"I'm trying to find some clues about His Excellency Xingchen's life experience." Zhao Wanwan put away the compass and turned her gaze to Gao Xingchen. "I've been studying the historical books of the Wuji Realm these days and found some very interesting records."

"Oh?" Gao Xingchen became interested. "What record?"

"According to historical records, there is an ancient and mysterious family in the Wuji Realm - the Gao family. This family has a long heritage and is powerful. They were once the rulers of the Wuji Realm." Zhao Wanwan paused and continued, "And you, Mr. Xingchen, are most likely a descendant of the Gao family."

"Gao family?" Gao Xingchen's heart moved. The name of this family seemed to resonate with some vague memories in his mind.

"That's right, the Gao family." Zhao Wanwan nodded affirmatively, "I found some records about the Gao family's ancestral martial arts, which are very similar to the martial arts you practice, Master Xingchen."

Gao Xingchen was silent. He had been searching for the truth about his life experience. Now he finally had a clue. He felt excited and nervous at the same time.

"I want to go to the Gao family." Gao Xingchen raised his head and said with a firm look.

"It's not that easy to enter the Gao family." Zhao Wanwan reminded, "They have strict rules. Only by passing a series of tests can you become a guest of the Gao family and have the opportunity to access the core secrets of the family."

"I know." Gao Xingchen nodded, "But I have to go. I must solve the mystery of my life experience."

"I'll go with you." Nan Li held Gao Xingchen's hand and said firmly.

Gao Xingchen looked at Nanli with gratitude. He knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, Nanli would always be by his side.

Under the guidance of Zhao Wanwan, Gao Xingchen and his party set out on the journey to Gao's family. They crossed mountains and ridges, passed through dense forests, and encountered various challenges along the way, but they overcame them one by one and finally arrived at the gate of Gao's family mountain.

The Gaojia Mountain Gate is magnificent, with majestic stone lions on both sides and the words "Gaojia" written in a flamboyant style on the gate plaque, giving off an ancient and mysterious atmosphere.

"Stop! This is the Gao family's important place. No outsiders are allowed to enter without permission!" Two guards in black uniforms blocked their way.

Gao Xingchen took a deep breath. He knew that the real test had just begun...

Gao Xingchen smiled slightly and said, "My two elder brothers, I am Gao Xingchen, and this is my wife Nanli. We have no intention of offending you, but we just want to see the Patriarch of the Gao Family. Please inform him."

The guards looked Gao Xingchen up and down, and were amazed to see that he was dignified and neither humble nor overbearing. However, the Gao family had strict rules, so how could anyone be seen? One of the guards said coldly, "You can't see the head of the family just because you want to? Leave quickly, or don't blame us for being rude!"

"My two elder brothers, I am here for a very important matter. Please be lenient." Gao Xingchen said, taking out a jade pendant and handing it to the guard. "Please give it to the head of the family. He will understand after seeing it."

The guard took the jade pendant and took a closer look. His expression changed immediately. The jade pendant was finely carved and it was obvious that it was not an ordinary item. The word "Gao" was engraved on it with vigorous and powerful strokes, which faintly revealed a sense of majesty. He did not dare to neglect it and quickly asked his companions to guard the gate while he hurriedly walked into the mansion with the jade pendant.

After about an incense stick of time, the guard came back with a smile on his face. He said respectfully, "Mr. Gao, the head of the family wants to see you. Please follow me."

Gao Xingchen and Nan Li looked at each other and were both delighted. It seemed that the jade pendant was indeed the key item. They followed the guards through the courtyards and came to an antique hall.

"Mr. Gao, please come in. The master of the family is waiting inside." After the guard said this, he stepped aside.

Gao Xingchen took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and walked into the hall.

The hall is spacious and bright, with luxurious decorations. An old man sits at the top, with white hair and beard, a ruddy face, and an imposing manner without even being angry.

"Junior Gao Xingchen, greetings to the head of the family." Gao Xingchen bowed and saluted.

"You are Xingchen?" The old man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze was as sharp as a torch, as if he could see through people's hearts, "You are indeed a handsome man with extraordinary bearing."

"Thank you for your compliment, Patriarch." Gao Xingchen said modestly.

"No need to be polite, just sit down and talk." The old man pointed to the chair next to him.

Gao Xingchen sat down as he was told, and Nan Li stood quietly behind him.

"Xingchen, do you know why I want to see you?" the old man asked.

"I don't know." Gao Xingchen shook his head.

"Because, you are very likely a descendant of our Gao family." The old man said word by word.

Gao Xingchen was shocked. Although he had expected this answer, he couldn't hide his excitement when he heard it with his own ears.

"Master, do you have any evidence?" Gao Xingchen asked, trying to control his emotions.

"Of course." The old man said, taking out an ancient book from his arms, "Read it for yourself."

Gao Xingchen took the ancient book and flipped it open. It recorded the history of the Gao family. One page read: "Gao Tian, the eighteenth generation head of the Gao family, disappeared in the turbulent times. His whereabouts are unknown and he is suspected to have drifted to another world..."

"This..." Gao Xingchen looked at the records in the ancient books in shock, with waves of shock in his heart.

“Xingchen, the jade pendant in your hand is an heirloom of our Gao family. Only the head of the family can own it.” The old man continued, “Since you own this jade pendant, it means that you have a close connection with our Gao family.”

Gao Xingchen looked at the jade pendant in his hand with mixed feelings. He finally found out his life experience, but it was in such a strange world.

"Child, you have suffered." The old man looked at Gao Xingchen with loving eyes.

Just when Gao Xingchen was about to learn more about the Gao family and his own life experience, suddenly, a sound transmission note flew in from outside the hall and fell into the hands of the old man.

After the old man read the contents of the sound transmission note, his expression suddenly changed, and his originally kind face instantly became extremely solemn.

"Xingchen, I still have important things to deal with. You go down and rest first. I will send someone to pick you up tomorrow." The old man said in a hurried tone, and then left in a hurry, leaving Gao Xingchen and Nan Li looking at each other.

This sudden change gave Gao Xingchen a bad feeling. He felt that something big was about to happen...