In the endless expanse of the starry sky, a layer of earthy-yellow light enveloped Yang Kai and Zhai Yao. Within that light screen, an unrestrained energy was coursing through, tearing at their bodies.
Both men were bare-chested, their powerful physiques exposed, covered in blood. Countless wounds crisscrossed their skin, the flesh writhing ceaselessly.
Although Zhai Yao had a face more delicate and fair than a woman's, his physical constitution was exceptionally robust, far beyond what any alchemist should possess. One could say that like Yang Kai, he not only excelled at pill refining but also possessed unique strengths in combat.
Both sat cross-legged within the protection of a defensive artifact, using this method to temper their physical bodies while attempting to comprehend the wondrous power of the starry sky, hoping to gain some benefit from it.
They had been in the starry sky for two days now. Throughout these two days, Zhai Yao had been continuously trying to loosen the protective barrier of his artifact, allowing more and more of the starry sky's power to flood in. For him, the gains were significant.
Two days of tempering had made his physical body much more formidable.
But Yang Kai was gradually growing somewhat dissatisfied. Now, when the power of the starry sky surged in, he felt no pressure at all. On the contrary, it was Zhai Yao who seemed to be approaching his limit every time.
Continuing to cultivate this way wouldn't lead to any significant progress for him.
After a moment of thought, Yang Kai suddenly spoke: "Brother Zhai, let's split up. I see that maintaining this artifact seems to consume a considerable amount of your True Qi. Without me weighing you down, it should be easier for you."
Over the past two days, Zhai Yao had been constantly consuming pills to replenish his True Yuan. Otherwise, he would have been unable to sustain the artifact's function.
The pills he brought were all of high quality, clearly indicating he had come prepared.
Hearing this, Zhai Yao frowned. "Splitting up isn't a problem, but do you have a defensive artifact of Saint Grade? Even a low-grade Saint Grade might not suffice. It must be mid-grade Saint Grade or above."
"I think I probably won't need an artifact," Yang Kai said, a strange expression on his face.
"What?" Zhai Yao clearly thought he had misheard. "You're not planning to withstand the power of the starry sky with just your physical body, are you?"
"Let me try it first. If it doesn't work out, we'll talk then," Yang Kai proposed.
Zhai Yao frowned for a long while before finally giving a slight nod. "Then be careful. Even I think your physical strength might be greater than mine. But this is no joke. This is the starry sky. Anyone whose body isn't strong enough here will only meet their death! Even experts at the Entry to Saint Realm are no exception!"
"I know," Yang Kai chuckled. "Then I'm heading out."
As soon as his words fell, Yang Kai had already shot out of the range of Zhai Yao's artifact's protection.
Placed directly within the starry sky, Yang Kai immediately felt the difference. All around him, an indescribable energy surged and churned, as if an invisible enemy were attacking him fiercely and mercilessly.
Shua, shua, shua...
His mighty physique was instantly covered with countless tiny new wounds, blood seeping out. Far from feeling pain, Yang Kai's face lit up with wild joy.
Indeed, his physical body could withstand the tearing force of the starry sky. Not only was there no danger to his life, but tempering here would actually yield unimaginably huge benefits.
Zhai Yao's face turned pale green in an instant. He twitched the corner of his mouth, a mix of envy and jealousy in his tone as he said: "Monster!"
He simply dared not leave the protective range of his artifact. Although his own physical constitution wasn't bad, it was far from reaching Yang Kai's level.
One could even say that given several more years, he might not necessarily reach it either.
"How does it feel?" Zhai Yao quickly regained his composure and asked curiously.
"It feels absolutely amazing," Yang Kai said, a look of bliss on his face. He winked at Zhai Yao. "Brother Zhai, want to come out and try?"
"No thanks, I know my limits!" Zhai Yao hastily refused. "Hmm, since you don't need the defensive artifact, let's split up and see who finds the spatial passage leading to the Tongxuan Continent first."
"Deal!" Yang Kai nodded firmly.
"Communication isn't convenient here. If I find the spatial passage first and reach my own limit before you show up, I'll leave without waiting."
"Don't worry about me, Brother Zhai. Once I've had my fill of fun, I'll leave too."
"Then be careful. Don't go and die," Zhai Yao warned in a serious tone. "And one more thing you should know: the power of the starry sky isn't evenly distributed or unchanging. There might be places where the starry power is incredibly dense. Don't go to such places. If you do, you really might die!"
"Such places exist?" Yang Kai's face lit up with eager anticipation, looking extremely excited.
Zhai Yao rubbed his forehead, feeling a severe headache coming on. He realized that while his personality was quite similar to Yang Kai's in some ways, there was one absolute difference: when facing immense danger, he was the cautious type, but Yang Kai was the type who absolutely loved to take risks.
"I've said all I need to say. If you die, it's not my fault. Let's part ways here. We'll meet again at Floating Cloud City!" Zhai Yao clasped his fists in a brief salute, no longer bothering to pay attention to Yang Kai, and turned to leave.
"Take this," Yang Kai casually tossed an object towards Zhai Yao.
"What is it?"
"Something good," Yang Kai chuckled. "If you sustain a serious injury, apply this externally and take some internally. You'll heal very quickly."
"Thanks," Zhai Yao smiled and nodded. He quickly vanished into the starry sky, growing smaller in the distance.