The news of Lin Tianming's second celestial sigil spread like wildfire. Not only had he conquered the Celestial Garden, but he had also earned the title of "Beacon of Fate," a recognition rarely given even among the chosen. But with the light came shadows, and the first ripple of darkness began its march toward the central empire.
Far to the east, in the ruined lands of the Black Mirror Marsh, a cloaked figure stepped out of an obsidian gate. His presence tainted the surrounding vegetation—flowers withered, and moss blackened beneath his feet. His crimson eyes gleamed beneath the hood.
"The boy has awakened the Beacon," he whispered to the air.
A grotesque creature emerged from the mire, its body composed of hundreds of fused limbs and eyes. "Shall we begin, Master Corvus?"
Corvus smirked. "Summon the Pale Host. It's time to test the resolve of the so-called Heaven's Chosen."
---
Hidden Star Sect – Council of Elders
Tianming stood before the council, flanked by Zhao Yueyin and Master Mo. Grand Elder Yunxiao unrolled a golden scroll bearing imperial sigils.
"The Emperor of the Central Celestial Empire invites you to the Imperial Summit in two months' time. He seeks your counsel as the new Beacon of Fate."
Tianming frowned. "That's too soon. The Celestial Garden trial has only just ended."
Master Mo nodded solemnly. "The empire is in disarray. Factions within the royal court vie for power. This invitation is no honor—it's a political test."
Zhao Yueyin stepped forward. "You can't refuse. The Void Cult is on the move, and the Empire is their first target."
Tianming sighed. "Then we prepare for war in the name of peace."
---
System Notification
> New Mission Unlocked: Protect the Central Empire
Objective: Discover the agents of the Void Cult operating within the imperial court.
Bonus: Prevent the fall of the Celestial Capital.
Reward: Unique Soul Art – Stellar Dominion Array
Tianming narrowed his eyes. "Let's uncover the truth behind the mask."
---
Training Grounds – One Month Later
The Hidden Star Sect's outer valley had been transformed into a bustling training hub. Tianming, now recognized as the de facto leader of the younger generation, had taken it upon himself to train the most promising disciples.
Under the cascade of a spiritual waterfall, he sparred with Zhao Yueyin. Their weapons clashed with force that cracked stone and stirred the wind. Though Zhao was fierce, Tianming's movements had become fluid, otherworldly even.
He executed the Starlight Spiral Fist, a technique granted by the system, embedding each punch with lunar energy. Zhao parried but was forced to retreat.
"You're no longer my equal," she admitted, panting.
"You've held back for my pride long enough," he replied with a chuckle. "Don't worry. I'll drag you to the top with me."
Later that night, they sat beside a bonfire. Disciples gathered around as Tianming narrated his journey through the Celestial Garden, inspiring awe in their eyes.
In the shadows, Elder Han watched with a smile. "The sect has its future."
---
Void Cult – Temple of Inversion
In an underground sanctuary made of obsidian and bone, Master Corvus addressed his congregation. Dozens of hooded figures kneeled, chanting in a forgotten tongue.
"Phase One begins. Our sleeper agents within the imperial court will disrupt the supply lines. Fear will spread. Blame will be cast on the new Beacon."
An acolyte asked, "And if he survives?"
Corvus grinned. "Then we'll release the Whispering Plague. Let's see how pure a hero he remains when forced to choose between his power and his people."
---
Journey to the Imperial Capital
Tianming departed the sect with a small retinue: Zhao Yueyin, the silent blade expert Lan Mei, and Xu Ji, the disciple whose mental qi had saved them during the third trial.
Their airship, Sky Wyrm, was cloaked in stealth runes, gliding over forests and mountain ranges.
As they flew, Tianming cultivated atop the deck. He visualized constellations, drawing their essence into his dantian. Each star fed into the growing celestial tree within him—its roots reaching his soul, its leaves nourishing his qi.
Zhao watched him for hours, mesmerized. "He's becoming… something more than human."
---
Ambush in the Misty Ravine
Halfway to the capital, their ship was attacked. Black bolts of shadowfire rained from the clouds, striking the runes.
"Void Cult assassins!" Xu Ji shouted, activating the ship's defenses.
Tianming leapt from the deck, sword blazing. He struck mid-air, cleaving an incoming shadow creature in half. Lan Mei followed, slicing a second assassin in two with surgical precision.
But more came.
Zhao Yueyin invoked her Phoenix Flame Seal, creating a protective dome. The battle was brutal, but swift. Blood sprayed. Sky burned. And in the end, only one cultist remained alive.
Tianming approached. "Who sent you?"
The assassin spat blood. "Corvus… already… inside…"
His body self-immolated.
Tianming turned toward the capital. "Then we're already too late."
---
Arrival at the Celestial Capital
The city was unlike any Tianming had seen—vast, with golden towers suspended by spiritual arrays and rivers that glittered like liquid stars. The streets buzzed with flying carriages, elemental beasts, and cultivators from every province.
They were greeted by a delegation of imperial guards clad in dragon-scale armor.
"You are expected at the Azure Pavilion," the captain said.
In the palace, an unexpected figure met them: Lady Yuehua, the emperor's cousin and the court's most cunning strategist.
"You've stirred quite the tempest," she said. "The noble houses want you arrested. The emperor wants you knighted. The commoners think you're a god."
Tianming raised a brow. "And you?"
She smiled thinly. "I think you're a disruption. But perhaps a necessary one."
---
First Imperial Test
Later that night, Tianming was summoned to a private garden. There, a blindfolded man in tattered robes awaited.
"Speak to him," Yuehua whispered. "He's the Dreamseer."
The old man raised his head. "Do you see it? The snake devouring the sun? The empire will bleed unless the beacon burns bright."
Tianming knelt. "Tell me what you know."
The Dreamseer trembled. "The emperor's most trusted general… has been corrupted. He wears a mask of loyalty, but his dreams reek of void."
A chill swept the garden.
---
Conclusion
Tianming returned to his quarters, unease coiling in his chest. The empire stood at the brink, and his every step could tip the scales. With the system humming inside him and the stars shifting above, his journey was only beginning.
He looked to Zhao Yueyin. "Tomorrow, we expose the general."
She nodded. "And then?"
"Then we prepare for the war to come."
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To Be Continued in Chapter 38: The General's Shadow