A hush fell over the floating palace as Chen Yu and his companions stepped across the radiant bridge of light, emerging from the aftermath of the Astral Beast Gauntlet. Golden mist drifted from the shattered islands behind them, mingling with starlight that poured from the heavens like molten silver.
Thousands of disciples crowded the floating platforms surrounding the palace, their hushed whispers filling the air with awe and speculation. Holographic illusions replayed the final moments of Chen Yu's team's battle with the starlight titan, each move projected in shimmering detail for all to see.
Within the great floating hall at the heart of the Celestial Sky Sect, elders sat on thrones of jade, crystal, and obsidian, suspended above a circular dais of white marble. At the dais's center, the victorious team stood—bloodied, breathing heavily, but unbowed. Their eyes gleamed with the confidence of those who had earned their place.
