The air in the Starbound Sect was heavy, laden with a palpable tension that none could ignore. News of the Void Sect's growing power had spread like wildfire, and whispers of Liu Shao's impending move reached even the most remote corners of the realm.
Jin Long sat cross-legged within the meditation chamber, his eyes closed as he channeled the Starbound Crystal's energy. The core pulsed steadily, its warmth coursing through his veins like a river of molten light. Despite the chaos outside, his mind was clear, focused on refining his spiritual energy.
Yet, amidst the tranquility, a sudden chill swept through the chamber. Jin Long's eyes snapped open, and a ripple of energy echoed across the room.
"Who's there?" he demanded, his gaze sharp as a blade.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—tall, draped in robes adorned with celestial sigils. His eyes glowed a soft, ethereal blue, and a faint aura of starlight surrounded him. The air itself seemed to bend around the man, as though he existed between realms.
"I am the Celestial Envoy," the man said, his voice both gentle and commanding. "A messenger from the Celestial Court."
Jin Long's heart pounded. The Celestial Court was a realm that even the most powerful cultivators only dreamed of reaching. For them to send an envoy meant that the events unfolding in the mortal realm were far more severe than anyone had anticipated.
"What does the Celestial Court want with me?" Jin Long asked, rising to his feet.
The envoy stepped forward, his gaze penetrating. "The Starbound Crystal has been activated. Its power echoes through the cosmos, disturbing the balance of realms. The Celestial Court is concerned. They have sent me to observe and to warn."
"To warn?" Jin Long's fists clenched. "Warn of what?"
The envoy's expression darkened. "Zhan Wuhen is not just a mortal threat. He is a harbinger, a herald of a greater darkness that seeks to consume not only this realm but all realms. His connection to the Void Sect has deeper roots than you realize."
Jin Long's jaw tightened. "Then what must I do?"
The envoy extended his hand, and a silver token engraved with intricate celestial patterns appeared. "The Celestial Court offers you this—a gateway to the Astral Plane. There, you will find the Celestial Starstone, a relic that can amplify the Starbound Crystal's power. But beware, for the Astral Plane is a place where time and reality twist upon themselves. You may not return the same."
Jin Long reached for the token, but before he could grasp it, the envoy's hand closed around it.
"But know this," the envoy's eyes gleamed, "once you enter the Astral Plane, you will be marked. The Celestial Court will watch you. Any misuse of the Starbound Crystal's power, and they will intervene."
Jin Long nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I understand."
"Then prepare yourself," the envoy said, releasing the token into Jin Long's hand. "The Astral Plane awaits."
With that, the envoy dissolved into a cloud of starlight, leaving behind a lingering sense of foreboding. Jin Long stared at the silver token in his palm, the weight of his next step heavy on his shoulders.
As he turned to leave the chamber, he found Yue Lan standing at the entrance, her expression unreadable.
"You heard everything," he said.
She nodded, stepping forward. "If you're going to the Astral Plane, I'm coming with you."
Jin Long met her gaze, his heart pounding with equal parts fear and determination. "Then we go together."