Sky Star

Chapter Three: Footsteps of Growth

After parting ways with Ling Xue, Xiao Chen felt as if he had found a guiding lighthouse in the vast, uncertain sea. Without hesitation, he joined a small sect in Tianyuan City—Qingfeng Sect. Upon entering the sect, he was like a long-parched sponge thirsting for nourishment, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge and strength that could make him stronger. Through sheer determination and the innate advantage of his stellar spiritual energy from the Star Spirit Crystal, he rose rapidly among the disciples, much like a bamboo shoot breaking through the earth. On the training grounds, his movements were swift and precise, his spiritual energy dazzling like the morning sun, gradually growing brighter and capturing the attention of his peers. In the eyes of many, he was a rising star.

Each day, he immersed himself in cultivation like a devoted ascetic, tirelessly pursuing mastery. His greatest focus was on an incomplete Star Art he had stumbled upon in the sect’s ancient archives—a text seemingly eroded by time, filled with cryptic runes akin to ancient secrets. These runes felt like messages from long-forgotten legends, testing his perseverance and comprehension. Late into the night, by the dim flicker of candlelight, he would trace the yellowed pages with his fingertips, furrowing his brow in deep contemplation, yet his eyes burned with determination.

On one occasion, determined to decipher a particular rune, he waged an intense battle of intellect against the unknown, going three days and nights without sleep. He searched through mountains of texts, debated fervently with fellow disciples, and even set aside his pride to consult the esteemed elders of the sect. His relentless thirst for knowledge was so moving that even the most reserved elders admired his dedication. Finally, perseverance bore fruit. Like a lost wanderer suddenly discovering a gateway to light, Xiao Chen unlocked a new method of channeling spiritual energy. This discovery was like an uncharted path leading to greater power, propelling his strength forward at an astonishing pace. His rapid growth shocked his senior brothers and sisters, earning him newfound respect and admiration.

As the Sect Tournament approached, Qingfeng Sect became a cauldron of excitement, akin to a grand martial arts festival that drew countless eager eyes. Xiao Chen, now a formidable contender, advanced through the rounds like an unstoppable warrior. Facing his seniors’ powerful techniques, he remained steadfast, his gaze unwavering, exuding the confidence of an unyielding champion. In the finals, his opponent was the sect’s most renowned senior disciple—a figure as imposing as a towering mountain, whose mere presence radiated overwhelming power.

From the very first move, Xiao Chen unleashed his improved Starflare Fist. In an instant, blinding radiance flooded the arena, dazzling spectators and drawing gasps of astonishment. His opening move alone left the audience in awe, as if they were witnessing the rise of a new legend. Throughout the battle, he fought with both wisdom and skill, seamlessly merging his stellar spiritual energy with the fragmented Star Art, creating a devastating technique that seemed to split the heavens. The battlefield was ablaze with brilliance, the sheer force of his attacks causing the very air to tremble. In the end, like a newly crowned king, he overpowered his senior and claimed the championship, securing unparalleled honor and resources for Qingfeng Sect. In that moment, he was celebrated as a triumphant hero, revered by all, and became the role model for the next generation of disciples.

Meanwhile, far away in the Star Spirit Clan, Ling Xue’s life was anything but peaceful. Returning home felt like stepping into a treacherous sea filled with hidden reefs. Certain factions within her family, envious of her exceptional talent and status, secretly colluded with outside forces, plotting to suppress her and seize control of the clan. Their scheming unfolded like a long-planned conspiracy, quietly tightening its grip around her.

During a crucial Clan Assembly, the atmosphere was heavy, like the ominous stillness before a storm. Her adversaries suddenly launched an attack, questioning the allocation of her cultivation resources, their words sharp and cutting, attempting to strip her of her rightful share. Yet, facing this challenge, Ling Xue remained calm and composed, like a strategist in complete control. With eloquence and unwavering confidence, she systematically outlined her contributions to the clan—how she had repeatedly resolved crises during her training expeditions, defended the family’s honor with her strength, and recently achieved significant breakthroughs in cultivation. Each argument struck like a hammer, forcing even her opponents to acknowledge her value. In the end, their scheme crumbled before it could take shape.

In her spare time, Ling Xue secluded herself in the clan’s Sacred Grounds, a place brimming with the purest stellar energy—a veritable treasure trove of power. There, like an insatiable sponge, she absorbed this celestial force, surpassing her previous limits. With each passing day, her strength grew deeper and more unfathomable, solidifying her position as one of the clan’s pillars.

Despite the vast distance separating them, Xiao Chen and Ling Xue remained connected, like star-crossed lovers kept apart by fate but bound by an unbreakable bond. Through letters carried by swift messengers, they shared their cultivation experiences, from new insights into spiritual energy flow to refined battle techniques. Their words also carried tales of their adventures—encounters with eccentric wanderers, perilous explorations of ancient ruins. Every letter deepened their bond, their friendship maturing like fine wine. Their connection became a guiding light, a source of strength that fueled their relentless pursuit of power, illuminating their paths through the darkness.