Within the sacred and tranquil Buddha Realm, Shen Kai remained kneeling before the exalted figure of Bifu, the Supreme Ruler. The divine aura radiating from Bifu's form made the very air feel heavy and oppressive. The silent atmosphere seemed to await only one thing—the mercy of a single voice, the voice Shen Kai was humbly pleading for.
"Your Excellency…" Shen Kai's voice was soft yet filled with regret. "I never meant to disappoint you. Please… have mercy on my negligence."
Bifu slowly opened his golden eyes. Those eyes could pierce the soul of any being, including Shen Kai, who was bowing deeply. After a few seconds that felt like eternity, Bifu's calm and solemn voice finally rang out.
"It is not a problem. Failure is part of growth," said Bifu. "However… I shall grant you something—a technique of ancient artifact origin. Perhaps this will help you attain the true power you seek."
The sky above the Buddha Realm slowly opened. Holy light poured down through the heavenly clouds. Eight orbs of light descended from the heavens, each carrying a distinct symbol, and began to revolve around Shen Kai's body.
"These are the Eight Star Symbols," said Bifu. "Celestial powers sealed away in legends. If before you had only one, now I grant you all eight."
Each symbol glowed brightly as it floated around him, forming an intricate formation in the air:
Vemiloid Star – symbol of illusion and void
Acronzel Star – master of time and distorted reality
Nivaltra Star – pure light that pierces darkness
Ignarok Star – eternal flame that consumes all
Frozen Star – wielder of time-freezing ice
Zephyron Star – heavenly wind of unmatched speed
Nihillix Star – void that erases existence
Inferno Star – hellfire that scorches the soul
The symbols slowly entered Shen Kai's body, merging with his spiritual energy and forming a radiant pattern on his back. Power surged through him, causing his entire body to tremble.
"Thank you, Your Excellency…" Shen Kai said with deep emotion. "I promise to use this power wisely."
---
On the vast and mysterious planet Senruo, the morning sun slowly rose behind misty mountains. In a hidden valley, Yuan Jin, Aether, and Hu Xue sat cross-legged atop spiritual stones. The three of them were meditating, allowing the spiritual energy of nature to seep into their bodies, recovering their strength after an exhausting journey.
Moments after finishing his meditation, Yuan Jin opened his eyes. With a hint of hesitation, he turned toward Aether, his companion and mentor on this journey.
"Aether," Yuan Jin said, wiping the sweat from his forehead, "about the sword spirit you helped infuse into Shidou... I want to give it a name."
Hu Xue, who was sitting not far from him, immediately brightened up.
"Oh! That's a great idea, Yuan Jin!" she exclaimed with a wide smile.
"How about we name it Xiao Ling (小灵)? Because the spirit looks so tiny, adorable, yet brave!"
Yuan Jin smiled faintly, feeling the name was just right. He nodded.
"Xiao Ling... I like it," Yuan Jin said, glancing at the Shidou sword resting beside him.
The little spirit had yet to awaken its own consciousness and could only move when commanded by its master, Yuan Jin himself.
Hu Xue clapped her hands excitedly.
"One day, when Xiao Ling fully awakens, she will surely become one of the strongest sword spirits in this world!"
Aether, who had been quietly observing all this time, finally spoke. Her voice was deep and full of authority.
"Yuan Jin," she said, raising her hand.
A shimmering energy panel formed in the air, slowly shaping the image of a majestic mountain, surrounded by a sea of clouds and luminous, silver-blue buildings.
"This is the Blue Moon Sect," Aether said.
"It is there that the key to the Divine King's Legacy will appear."
Yuan Jin's eyes widened, fully focused.
He could feel the powerful aura surrounding the place, even just from its image.
"There," Aether continued, "young cultivators from across the world will gather. They will all compete for the key. And I want you to be among them."
Yuan Jin fell silent for a moment, pondering Aether's words.
The challenge sounded daunting, yet his heart burned with determination.
"I am willing," Yuan Jin said firmly.
Hu Xue beamed proudly at Yuan Jin's resolute spirit.
Meanwhile, Aether, as calm as ever, added,
"Do not worry. I will be watching you from afar.
If something truly threatens your life, I will not stand idly by."
Yuan Jin nodded, understanding the seriousness.
"Do I have to join as a disciple first?" Yuan Jin asked for confirmation.
"Of course," Aether replied.
"You will infiltrate as a new disciple. But you won't stay there for long. Once the Legacy Key appears, seize it and leave immediately. Your enemies will not only be the other disciples... but perhaps even the elders and rulers of the sect itself."
The atmosphere instantly turned serious.
Yuan Jin clenched his fists tightly.
"I understand. I will seize the key," he declared, his spirit ablaze.
Aether nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. This is not just about seizing a legacy. This is about proving that you are worthy to become the Divine King in the future."
Hu Xue approached and gently patted Yuan Jin's shoulder.
"We believe in you," she said warmly.
Yuan Jin gave a faint smile. With a burning fire in his heart, he immediately rose, tightly gripping the Shidou sword where Xiao Ling now resided.
"Then... I'll be off," Yuan Jin said.
With a light step, he soared away from the valley, flying past ancient forests and misty ravines, heading toward his new journey—a journey that would determine his fate as the future Divine King.
Meanwhile, behind the clouds, Aether and Hu Xue watched Yuan Jin's figure slowly disappear into the distance.
In their hearts, prayers and the greatest hopes accompanied every step of the young man, now walking toward the fiercest battleground of his life.
At the Blue Moon Sect, a new chapter was about to begin.
To be continued...