Sky Star

Chapter Ten: Crisis Returns

Just as the Alliance had finally regained peace and everyone was working together to prepare for the future, an eerie and powerful presence quietly surged at the borders of the Celestial Domain. This presence felt like a chilling aura seeping from the depths of the underworld, spreading through the air and causing passing birds to panic, veering off course in frantic escape.

Xiao Chen was in the camp discussing strategies to further reinforce their defenses with several commanders. The flickering lamplight cast heavy shadows on their solemn faces. Suddenly, Xiao Chen felt a jolt in his heart. He lifted his gaze toward the distant horizon, his eyes filled with vigilance and concern. Beyond the camp lay an endless darkness, like a gaping maw waiting to devour everything—a presence both mysterious and dangerous. He pondered to himself: Could this be another scheme of the dark forces? Just when I thought we could have a few days of peace, it seems we must stay on high alert once more. The surrounding commanders also sensed something was amiss, their expressions turning grim as they whispered among themselves. Their murmurs filled the tent, adding to the growing unease.

Ling Xue felt it too. She hurried to Xiao Chen’s side just as a fierce wind howled outside the camp, making the tent’s fabric flap wildly—almost as if nature itself was warning them of the impending crisis. Their eyes met, and within each other’s gaze, they saw deep worry. Before they could speak, a scout rushed into the tent, panting heavily. Dropping to one knee, he anxiously reported, “Lord Xiao, Miss Ling, we have a dire situation! There’s an unusual disturbance in the Misty Forest at the border. An unknown force has gathered, and nearby villages have already been massacred—countless civilians are dead or injured…”

Before he could finish, an uproar broke out in the tent. Gasps and exclamations of shock and grief interwove, filling the space with heavy tension.

Xiao Chen clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white with rage. His heart burned with fury: What crime have these innocent people committed? The dark forces are truly ruthless! If we do not eradicate them completely, the Celestial Domain will never know peace! Ling Xue’s delicate face also darkened, her teeth biting down on her lower lip. She knew exactly what this sudden development meant. The Misty Forest had always been a treacherous place—its terrain was complex and enigmatic. Now that the enemy had chosen it as their battleground, an arduous fight was inevitable.

After a brief discussion, the two decided to immediately lead an elite squad to investigate the Misty Forest. Before setting out, Xiao Chen turned to his assembled warriors, who stood at attention, their eyes unwavering with determination. The blazing torches within the camp illuminated their faces, casting flickering shadows that highlighted their fearless resolve. Xiao Chen felt both moved and anxious. He was touched that his brothers would follow him without hesitation, knowing full well the dangers ahead. Yet, he dreaded the thought of losing anyone. But given the current circumstances, they had no other choice. Taking a deep breath, he called out in a commanding voice, “Brothers! This mission is fraught with danger, but for our homeland, for the innocent lives lost, we must unmask the mastermind behind this! Stay alert and watch out for each other!”

The warriors roared in unison, their voices shaking the skies, echoing through the camp with unyielding determination.

Upon entering the Misty Forest, the eerie sensation grew stronger. The dense fog churned like a living entity, obscuring their vision so much that even a few steps ahead were difficult to discern. The ground beneath them was damp and soft, exuding a putrid stench. Strange beastly roars occasionally echoed through the trees, sending chills down their spines.

Ling Xue summoned her celestial powers, forming a gentle orb of light at her fingertips to illuminate their path. Yet, even her divine glow seemed feeble against the oppressive mist. Concern crept into her heart as she whispered to Xiao Chen, “This fog is unnatural. It seems to weaken spiritual energy—we must be extremely cautious.” The surroundings were deathly silent, with only the rustling mist filling the void. Even Ling Xue’s voice felt swallowed by the haze, barely reaching his ears. Xiao Chen nodded, his expression growing colder. Taking the lead, he allowed the power of the stars to circulate within him, ready to face any sudden threats.

As they cautiously advanced, a piercing whistling sound suddenly sliced through the air—like arrows cutting through the wind. In the next instant, dark figures shot out from the fog at terrifying speed, giving no time to react. Xiao Chen’s reflexes were razor-sharp; he shouted, “Watch out!” while striking out with a starlit punch, sending one of the shadows flying. When they finally saw what they were facing, their eyes widened in shock—these were puppets controlled by dark energy. Their forms were grotesquely twisted, their faces contorted with malice, exuding a nauseating aura of death. The thickening mist swirled like black silk, making the puppets appear even more sinister and eerie.

The warriors swiftly engaged the puppets in fierce combat. However, these creatures felt no pain, nor did they tire. Worse still, with each attack they endured, the dark energy within them only grew stronger—feeding off the battle itself. Xiao Chen and Ling Xue worked in tandem; he spearheaded the assault with his formidable martial prowess, carving a path through the enemy lines, while she provided support—using celestial arts to dispel the fog, heal the wounded, and maintain their formation. The sounds of battle shattered the eerie silence of the forest. Shouts, the clash of weapons, and the frantic flapping of startled birds filled the air.

But as the fight dragged on, exhaustion took its toll. Xiao Chen felt his celestial energy growing sluggish, an ominous realization sinking in: If this continues, we will be overwhelmed! Just as despair loomed, his eyes caught a glimpse of something unusual—a faintly glowing inscription carved into an ancient tree nearby. The markings emitted an ancient, mystical aura, as if calling to him. His heart leaped. Ignoring the risks, he dashed toward the tree.

Ling Xue, seeing this, tried to stop him but was quickly entangled by a swarm of puppets. Desperation filled her voice as she shouted, “Xiao Chen, don’t go! It’s too dangerous!” But her cries seemed muffled by the thick fog, swallowed in despair. Yet, Xiao Chen pressed forward, reaching the ancient tree in a few swift leaps. As he examined the inscriptions closely, his eyes gleamed with recognition—these were sealing techniques left behind by an ancient master, designed precisely to counter dark forces.

Without hesitation, he followed the markings’ guidance, channeling his celestial energy into a complex sequence of hand seals, chanting an incantation. In an instant, a brilliant light erupted from his hands—like the break of dawn piercing through night’s shadows. The radiance swept through the battlefield, dissolving the fog and crippling the puppets, rendering them lifeless.

Everyone exhaled in relief, but before they could celebrate, a deafening roar shook the depths of the forest. The sound was so powerful it threatened to shatter their eardrums, carrying an overwhelming pressure that chilled them to the bone. The very forest seemed to tremble, leaves raining down like falling stars. Xiao Chen and Ling Xue exchanged grave looks—they knew the real threat was only just beginning…