"Hehe, little girl, what's the rush? In this Starry Realm, you can learn much that Jia nan Academy has never taught, even master the power of the stars."
The old man gaze turned to Xiao Chong.
"As for the way back, only by unraveling the mystery of the stars you find the answer."
Xiao Chong took a deep breath, his eyes growing more determined.
"The power of the stars? That sounds quite intriguing."
The guardian smiled, retrieving two shimmering star fragments from the star map and handing them to Xiao Chong and Zi Yan.
"These two star fragments will guide you on your respective trials. Remember, only with a resolute heart and unwavering courage can you comprehend the true essence of the stars."
Zi Yan tightly grasped the fragment in her hand, her eyes sparkling with eagerness.
"Brother Chong, let's begin! No matter what trial it is, I'm not afraid!"
Xiao Chong chuckled softly, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. "Then let's explore the mysteries of the stars together!"
The two of them stepped onto different paths of starlight. Zi Yan figure gradually disappeared into a colorful nebula, while Xiao Chong entered a dark, yet star-studded path.
Xiao Chong suddenly awoke from a daze, finding himself no longer on the familiar starry path but in a space channel shrouded by an ominous gloom.
An oppressive aura filled the surroundings, as if even the light had been swallowed, leaving only faint glimmers lingering around him. He frowned, trying to clear his thoughts:
"Where... is this?"
Just as he was pondering, a slight ripple seemed to echo in the air. Then, tiny yet exceptionally bright specks of light emerged from the void, slowly swirling around Xiao Chong.
These specks grew in number, gradually forming vague patterns until they finally coalesced into figures of warriors clad in starry armor.
"Welcome to the Starry Ruins, brave one." A deep voice resonated through the vast space, coming from one of the starry warriors composed of light. Though devoid of emotion, the voice carried a solemn tone.
Xiao Chong cautiously surveyed his surroundings, his gaze finally settling on the starry warrior.
"Starry Ruins? Why am I here? And who are you?"
The starry warrior slightly bowed, speaking in a tone that seemed to span countless ages.
"I am a Starry Warrior, tasked with guarding this ancient trial ground. You and Miss Zi Yan have entered two different trial paths. This is your challenge. Only by passing the trials can you delve deeper into the power of the stars and gain greater strength."
"A trial?"
Xiao Chong clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with determination.
"As long as it makes me stronger, to protect those important to me, I am willing to face any trial! Tell me, what must I do?"
The Starry Guardian nodded, and the surroundings transformed, revealing a path of starlight filled with unknown dangers.
"This path will guide you to confront your fears, desires, and limits. Remember, true strength does not merely come from external cultivation but more importantly from the resilience and purity of your heart. Move forward, Xiao Chong, and prove your will!"
Xiao Chong took a deep breath and, without hesitation, resolutely stepped forward.
Each step shattered the void, as if transcending the boundaries of time and space.
Along the way, various illusions continuously emerged—some from his past, others from his fears of the future, and even the secrets buried deepest in his heart that he least wanted to face.
Just as he was struggling to navigate through this series of mental trials, a familiar and gentle voice suddenly rang in his ears:
"Brother Chong, no matter when or where, you are never alone."
Zi Yan voice was like warm sunlight, piercing through all the gloom and giving Xiao Chong boundless strength and courage.
He stopped in his tracks, closed his eyes, and felt the core and trust from afar with his heart. A determined smile curled at the corners of his lips. "
Zi Yan, wait for me. No matter what I face, I will never give up."
Xiao Chong spoke softly into the void, then opened his eyes, his gaze more resolute and unflinching than before.
Setting off again, the once heart-pounding illusions seemed to lose their power. With unprecedented speed and determination, Xiao Chong continued on the path toward the unknown.
At that moment, the figure of the Star Guardian reappeared before him, its voice carrying a hint of approval for the first time.
"Well done, Xiao Chong. You have passed the greatest trial of your heart. Now, please accept the inheritance of the power of the stars. It will be your strongest support on the path ahead."
As the Star Guardian chanted, a brilliant beam of light poured down from the void, rushing straight toward Xiao Chong. He spread his arms, allowing the warm and powerful force to surge into his body. Every cell in his being seemed to cheer and leap, as if the secrets of the entire universe were slowly being unveiled to him.
"Is this... the power of the stars?" Xiao Chong murmured in a low voice, his body emitting a faint glow. His eyes sparkled with infinite longing and aspiration for the future.
In this deeply transformative moment, the conversation between Xiao Chong and the Star Guardian quietly came to an end.
"Remember, Xiao Chong, the greater the power, the heavier the responsibility. Protect all that you cherish, and the stars will forever illuminate your path."
"I understand, Elder" Xiao Chong replied solemnly.
With that, the spatial passage fell silent once more, leaving only Xiao Chong bathed in the radiance of the stars.
A moment later, Xiao Chong exited the spatial passage.
He gazed up at the vast starry sky, his heart surging with an unprecedented sense of determination.
Starlight cascaded down, reflecting a dazzling brilliance in his eyes. Zi Yan return became his deepest hope at this moment.
Finally, a subtle fluctuation appeared in the other end of the spatial passage, like the gentle call of distant stars.
Though the change was almost imperceptible, it was enough to make Xiao Chong heart race.
He clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on the portal that was about to open, as if the entire world had come to a standstill at this moment.
Crack... A soft sound echoed as the spatial rift slowly unfolded, and Zi Yan figure gradually emerged.
Her long hair danced in the wind, and her eyes shone with the newly acquired light of the stars—a presence that was both powerful and mysterious, entirely different from before.
"Zi Yan!" Xiao Chong couldn't help but call out, his voice filled with both joy and an unconcealable concern.
Zi Yan walked steadily out of the passage, a gentle smile on her face. She looked towards Xiao Chong, her gaze seemingly piercing through the boundaries of time and space, directly touching the depths of his soul.
"I'm back, Brother Chong."
The two exchanged a smile, their mutual understanding and trust speaking volumes without the need for words.
Xiao Chong stepped forward, gently taking Zi Yan hand, feeling the warmth and strength emanating from it.
"Your power has grown stronger."