Night fell in eerie silence. Beyond the eastern wing of the Startrace Sect, in a dense pine forest, shadows crept among the swaying needles. A figure darted like lightning through the underbrush, silent even as it stepped on dry leaves, vanishing into the mist that clung to the terrain. Somewhere in the distance, the song of a pine thrush echoed—blending with the shadow's trail like a ghost whispering through the dark.
The figure slipped past the sect's forbidden boundaries and raced across the ridgelines heading north. If one observed carefully, the robe he wore bore the markings of an inner sect attendant—an infiltrator who had hidden within the sect for years.
Far away, inside the sealed chambers of the Starlure Palace, candlelight flickered across cold jade walls. Seven figures sat in a semicircle, the air between them heavy with tension. The leaders of the six major sects, excluding Startrace, had all gathered.
At the head sat a silver-haired man in regal purple robes. His eyes gleamed like ice, calm yet merciless. He was Shen Daoheng, Master of the Starlure Palace.
In his hand, he held a jade scroll. His voice rang out like a blade drawn from its sheath:
"You are gathered here because the Startrace Sect has committed a grievous crime against the heavenly order. They must be brought to justice."
The room erupted in murmurs.
The Master of the Starwatch Pavilion frowned. "Palace Master Shen, while the Startrace Sect leads among the seven, they have never shown signs of disobedience. Are we not being too rash?"
Shen Daoheng sneered and flicked his sleeve. A projection appeared above the jade altar—an image pulsing with purple-gold light.
"This was captured by one of our informants within the Startrace Sect. Its spiritual frequency is abnormal. According to ancient records, this is likely a divine artifact capable of altering destiny through star convergence."
Gasps filled the room.
"To change fate itself… that would defy the heavens!" whispered an elder of the Fateweaver Sect.
"If they bind this thing to their bloodline, they'll dominate the spirit veins for generations!" snarled the Ironflame Sect leader.
Shen Daoheng's voice was cold. "So long as it exists, their ambitions endanger us all. If they refuse to destroy it, their intentions are clear. We must strike preemptively."
The monk Huiming, leader of Starspire Temple, remained silent for a time before speaking. "Even if it's powerful, we need more than suspicion. How can we pass judgment without proof?"
Shen Daoheng gave a thin smile. "Let them prove their innocence publicly. If they won't destroy it, that alone proves guilt."
The room fell quiet. Then, one by one, the sect leaders nodded—save for Huiming, who gave neither agreement nor objection.
The alliance was formed.
—
After the meeting dispersed, Shen Daoheng remained alone. He raised his hand and activated a soundproof formation. Then, sitting cross-legged, he murmured:
"—Open."
A sickly green light emerged from his forehead, coiling like a venomous serpent through his mind.
A voice echoed in the air:
"How fares the plan?"
Shen Daoheng's tone was low but resolute. "They believe the item is a divine tool. In three days, they'll move against Startrace. If Startrace refuses to destroy it, that will seal their doom."
"Do they know its true nature?"
"No. They think it's just a treasure. But it's more—it's a vessel for divine essence."
"Good. If the vessel has not yet taken form, we can still intercept the source and forge our own."
Shen Daoheng hesitated. "If the fetus truly carries a reincarnated soul from the higher realms… then that child is our gateway to power."
The green glow faded. Shen Daoheng opened his eyes.
He stepped outside into the night. His gaze sharpened.
"Startrace… guard your treasure all you want. But destiny? That belongs to me."
Like a silent crow, he vanished into the darkness.
—
Within the Startrace Sect's main hall, star lamps flickered.
On the Starwatching Terrace, light from the celestial array reflected irregular fluctuations. Omens of turbulence.
Nixingzhi, the Sect Master, stood before the map. Frowning, he channeled his spiritual energy.
"Three spirit marks vanished… Something is coming."
Just then, his son Nilinghai arrived, breathless, holding a jade slip.
"Father, urgent report—someone has escaped from the eastern woods. Headed toward Starlure."
Nixingzhi's gaze darkened. "So… it begins."
His eyes landed on the center of the star array, where a purple sigil pulsed. Within it lay the unstable fetus—the source of the anomaly.
"They seek this power," he murmured.
"They know the truth?"
"No. They believe it's a divine artifact. That's the bait someone wanted them to take."
Nilinghai's voice lowered. "What shall we do?"
Nixingzhi's robes swept like constellations as he descended.
"Summon Liu Xinhui. Activate the inner formation. Triple seal."
He paused, then added:
"If they come within three days, I'll hold them off. You—escort Xinhui. Before the Starspire Temple chooses a side, get her beyond the sect."
His gaze turned toward the east.
"Your mother died for you. I won't let her child suffer the same fate."
Nilinghai hesitated. "But the child—"
"He isn't just your son!" Nixingzhi's voice thundered. "He carries the sect's hope! If Suanwuyi is right—he's the reincarnation of a divine soul."
He turned, voice somber.
"Then we cannot let him fall into Shen Daoheng's hands."
He placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"You are no longer just a son. You are our sword, our shield. The last pillar. Hesitate, and all will fall."
Nilinghai's eyes burned. "What must I do?"
"Mobilize the Shadow Crows. Seal the eastern hall. Send a secret message to Yunyin Mountain—summon Yue Qingheng."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Escort Xinhui yourself. Do not stop until she reaches the Forbidden Zone."
Nilinghai knelt. "Let me stay. If the sect is to fall, let me fall first."
Nixingzhi was silent. Then, quietly:
"Your resolve is worthy. But no. You must survive. Only the bloodline can restore us."
He stepped to the edge of the terrace.
"Bring her to me. I'll speak to her myself. If I'm right, the enemy will strike within three days."
"Will you fight?"
A long silence. Then a cold reply:
"This battle… is unavoidable."
—
Moments later, Liu Xinhui arrived. Her face pale, her belly slightly rounded. Her gaze was calm.
Nixingzhi looked at her for a long moment.
"Xinhui… it's time for you to go."
She bowed her head. "Yes, Father."
—
Dawn.
The star array trembled. Three spirit signals vanished. Fate had shifted.
On the cliffside, mist hung low. But sunlight could not pierce the cold air that cloaked the sect.
The disciples had drawn swords. Armors gleamed. Three defensive lines guarded the mountain path.
From the fog, five figures descended—on clouds, like reapers.
At their lead—Shen Daoheng.
At his sides, the Ironflame and Shadowpierce leaders. Behind them, the Fateweaver and Starwatch masters.
Last came Huiming, alone, neutral.
Their combined pressure shook the cliffs. Ancient arrays awakened.
Inside the Startrace Hall, Nixingzhi opened his eyes.
"…They've come."