Chapter 382: 1922, The Arctic Ocean

Chapter 382: 1922, The Arctic Ocean

Wang Xuan scrutinized the menu, its cryptic symbols strangely familiar yet ultimately indecipherable to him. Unruffled, he glanced at it and then, with profound gravity, requested, "A bottle of the 1982 Beibingyang."

He was certain no one knew what he had ordered. This place had no people from the old earth, and besides, that drink had been out of production for over a century on his home planet.

Adopting an air of mystery in the face of his ignorance seemed the best approach. He waited, curious to see how this unusual establishment would respond.

Indeed, his request left the beautiful elf waitress puzzled. Her pointed ears quivered slightly as she apologized, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, "Sorry, sir, one moment, please, let me check."

The surrounding patrons cast curious glances, their expressions tinged with a newfound respect, especially after glimpsing Fang Yuzhu's inscrutable demeanor.

Wang Xuan found himself at a loss, realizing this locale indeed boasted rare beverages, indicating its distinctiveness and the stature of its clientele.

The elf returned, apologetic for not finding the requested drink, her luminous blue bangs shielding her eyes in embarrassment.

Wang Xuan, encountering an elf for the first time, wondered at the diversity of high beings this place gathered. He carried a Peng egg, hoping not to run into any Peng race individuals.

He casually suggested, "Just bring us two of your special drinks." The elf, keenly following his gaze, prepared to take the order.

Fang Yuzhu, with an ease that spoke of familiarity, gracefully took the menu and ordered, "Moonlight Serenity, two cups."

Wang Xuan was taken aback, impressed she could decipher the enigmatic script. He resolved to seek her guidance, as such writing appeared in both the silver beast skin book and the rejuvenation furnace. Her effortless ordering hinted at her acquaintance with the place.

Wang Xuan realized he knew far too little about Fang Yuzhu. He had always regarded her as a person from the pre-Qin era, unfamiliar with modern society. Yet, here she was, having once frequented a place as otherworldly as this space-time bar aboard a mother ship.

"Was there a problem with what I ordered?" he quietly inquired.

"The drink your gaze lingered on is made from the juice of a complete celestial herb, mixed with various high-grade oddities and brewed into a divine liquor," she explained.

Wang Xuan was taken aback. The establishment's audacity to use celestial herbs for brewing was astonishing. He grew cautious, sensing the patrons here might be formidable figures or kin to the supremely powerful, none to be trifled with lightly.

Fang Yuzhu commented, "Rarely does anyone order that divine liquor, unwilling to play the fool. The highest realms of the spirit world are arduous to ascend, and gathering even a single celestial herb can take years. This space-time bar, though extraordinary, wouldn't offer fair prices. Without marking up several times their cost, how could they justify it?"

Seizing the opportunity, Wang Xuan asked, "Is this place part of the Land of the Departed?"

"It's a fraction of it. Observe, but do not probe others. Every being here is formidable," she cautioned, her presence a guarantee against eavesdropping.

"What kind of people are these?" Wang Xuan, seizing the rare opportunity to speak with such a powerful figure in good spirits, pressed for answers. Where else would he turn for such knowledge, if not from her? Surely not discussing life with Zhang or ideals with Ming?

The auctioneer, appearing young yet with profound eyes revealing his true age, responded, "In our effort to extend the life of the Transcendent world, our principle is to share all information openly, without concealment. That planet once had a special meteorite fragment fall on it, giving rise to the Zhen Beasts."

Many shook their heads, while others sighed in disappointment, "It's a pity. Although cosmic debris from Transcendent falling stars has been observed across the universe, locating its source remains elusive."

Someone purchased the Zhen Beast, intending to study it closely.

"The next item will be interconnected. Ah, from a past mythical civilization, we have the remains of a supreme being. Though thoroughly deceased, studying his desiccated flesh and blood might inspire us. As mythology nears its end, any potentially beneficial discovery is invaluable and must not be overlooked."

Truly, this place had it all; exotic items brought by various individuals could be exchanged or auctioned.

"Next, we have a segment of a root unearthed from the ruins of the Moon Elf Dynasty in deep space, suspected to be the remains of a lunar medicinal herb. You should know, according to legends, the Moon Elves once cultivated herbs nearing the essence of true medicine!"

"I'll take it, willing to exchange it for a supreme scripture left by a vanished mythical civilization."

"I offer the Nine Phoenix Flying Immortal Furnace in exchange!"

"It's not worth it. In a year's time, the remnants of the Transcendent world will have completely collapsed. Even if it's the remains of a herb nearing true medicine, what use is it when there's no time for revival?"

Wang Xuan found himself lost in thought, marveling at the array of wonders before him, tempted to bid for a closer study. Yet, realizing the fierce competition from the numerous formidable beings present, he decided against it, choosing to observe from the sidelines.

Fang Yuzhu casually mentioned, "I didn't bring any peculiar items with me," indicating her lack of intent to participate.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed, shaking the entire space-time bar, in fact, the massive mothership itself was trembling.

"The moment has arrived, everyone. It's passing by us, destined to journey far beyond. Luck will dictate our gains now. Should anyone secure a significant find, they might sustain their extraordinariness a bit longer, delaying the inevitable return to mundanity within a year," announced the youthful auctioneer, visibly excited. He then added, "The space-time bar offers a bonus - the highest earner will receive a flask of 'Celestial Inebriation,' a beverage whose worth rivals even that of the celestial wines, its effects and uniqueness are well known."

With that, he leaped down, joining the crowd rushing outside. Wang Xuan and Fang Yuzhu, curious about the unfolding event, followed suit.

Outside the mothership, beings of various races, now mostly in human form, ventured towards a mysterious mist. Beyond lay the vast cosmos, speckled with stars against the dark void.

Tremendous vibrations filled the air, the richness of extraordinary substances peaking, even the rules of mythology seemed momentarily whole again, no longer fragmented or mere echoes.

Something was approaching from the depths.

"The root of the extraordinary... yet, it's about to depart, vanish, signifying the decay of mythology to its twilight," a voice solemnly remarked.

Tears were seen on some faces, despite predictions of its passing, the helpless witnesses couldn't alter its course, its departure signifying the ultimate decline of an era.