🌑 Astra Long — Branch Sect, Night
Moonlight dripped over the quiet sect like liquid silver. Astra followed Han Qing toward the elder hall. Behind them, disciples whispered while workers dragged away the assassins.
"Astra Long fought assassins alone?"
"Rank 1 Spirit Realm did that?"
"He's not normal…"
Bai Ruyin walked behind them, cold eyes narrowed… but her heartbeat wasn't calm. She kept glancing at Astra's shoulder — injured protecting her.
Why does that bother me so much?
Han Qing stopped before a sealed door.
"Astra Long. Elder Jian wishes to speak with you."
Astra nodded and entered.
🔷 Elder Jian — Silent Pressure
Candlelight flickered over a giant map of Azure Province. Elder Jian didn't look up.
"You advanced to Spirit Realm in one night. Explain."
Astra stood straight.
"I trained."
Not a lie.
But not the whole truth.
Elder Jian slowly raised his gaze — sharp, probing.
Astra's calm stare didn't flinch.
This boy's eyes…
They are not of a normal child.
Jian stepped closer.
"You hid your ability from us."
Astra said nothing.
He didn't need to.
Something ancient stirred inside him — pressure leaking for a heartbeat:
Not Asura.
Not Dragon.
Something deeper.
Unknown.
Taboo.
The candles bent away from Astra.
Elder Jian's breath paused.
"…Interesting."
He tossed a glowing jade token.
"Inner Hall — Observation Status.
Report to Formation Elder Bai Ruyin tomorrow."
Promotion.
Fast.
Elder Jian's voice lowered:
"Astra Long…
do not let your strength eat you alive."