The golden sands of the Qatari desert stretched endlessly beneath the blazing sun. On the horizon, the gleaming skyline of Doha pierced the sky — a city of wealth, tradition, and untamed ambition. Yet Zhao Feng wasn't here for its luxury. His sights were set on something far rarer.
A fragment of the cosmos itself, forged in the heart of a collapsing star. It was said to possess a unique celestial alloy, making it one of the strongest and most exquisite materials on Earth. Its shimmering metallic core, laced with iridescent blues and silvers, had become the stuff of legend. Zhao Feng needed it for the final piece of the Eclipse Collection — the centerpiece known as Eternal Zenith.
But the Starfall Meteorite wasn't just an object.
It was the Emir's Treasure.
Securing an audience with Emir Khalid Al-Fayad wasn't easy. The monarch of Qatar was known for his discerning tastes and unwavering pride. Yet Zhao Feng's influence had grown with each acquisition. The luxury world buzzed with whispers of the Eclipse Collection, and even the Emir couldn't ignore it.
"Mr. Zhao Feng," the royal envoy had greeted him upon his arrival, bowing with deep respect. "His Highness awaits you at the palace."
Zhao Feng, clad in a tailored cream-colored suit that echoed the desert sands, nodded with quiet confidence. At his side, Xiao Ling maintained her composed demeanor, a subtle earpiece feeding her constant updates. The Rolls-Royce Phantom carrying them glided through the streets of Doha, passing opulent skyscrapers and ancient souks.
"The Emir has held onto the Starfall Meteorite for over fifteen years," Xiao Ling murmured. "It was gifted to him by a coalition of astronomers after its discovery. Every year, it's displayed at the Celestial Legacy Gala, symbolizing his family's cosmic lineage."
"And this year?" Zhao Feng's voice was calm.
Xiao Ling's lips curled into a faint smile. "The gala is tonight. And you're the guest of honor."
The Emir's palace was a marvel of architectural brilliance — domes of polished ivory, adorned with intricate gold latticework. Towering fountains lined the entrance, their waters reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. The palace gates opened with grandeur, welcoming Zhao Feng into a world of regal splendor.
At the heart of the great hall stood Emir Khalid Al-Fayad — a tall, commanding figure draped in a pristine white thobe, with a golden bisht flowing over his shoulders. His gaze was sharp, his presence undeniable.
"Mr. Zhao Feng," the Emir greeted, his voice a rumble of authority. "The world speaks of your ambitions. I was curious to see the man who moves with such confidence."
Zhao Feng inclined his head. "Your Highness, I'm honored by your invitation. The Eclipse Collection is incomplete without a star to crown it. The Starfall Meteorite is that star."
A moment of silence. The Emir's expression remained unreadable. Then, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Many have desired the Starfall Meteorite," he said. "But desire alone is not enough. What do you offer in return, Mr. Zhao?"
Zhao Feng's gaze didn't waver. "A symbol of greater legacy. Allow me to craft Eternal Zenith with the meteorite — a masterpiece that will transcend time. It will bear the name of Qatar, a monument to your nation's strength and connection to the stars."
The Emir's eyes flickered with intrigue. "You speak boldly. But words mean little without conviction."
"Tonight," the Emir continued, "the Starfall Meteorite will be displayed at the Celestial Legacy Gala. But before any agreements are made, I propose a test — one that will determine your worth."
Zhao Feng's expression remained steady. "Name it."
The Emir's smile widened. "A traditional Qatari contest. Falconry."
The hall murmured with anticipation. Falconry, a sport of kings, symbolized agility, patience, and control. In the desert skies, the bond between man and bird determined victory.
"If you can best my champion falconer in the sands of the Al Rayyan Desert," the Emir declared, "the Starfall Meteorite will be yours."
"And if I fail?" Zhao Feng asked, though his voice held no doubt.
"Then your Eclipse Collection will remain incomplete."
The next morning, the Al Rayyan Desert awoke under a golden dawn. A royal pavilion had been erected, shading the Emir and his distinguished guests. At its center stood Zhao Feng, clad in desert-appropriate attire — a crisp white shirt, khaki trousers, and leather boots. His falcon, a majestic Peregrine named Shadowfang, perched on his gloved arm.
Across from him, the Emir's falconer — a rugged man with sun-scorched skin — prepared a striking white falcon known as Zahira. She was fierce, her piercing gaze reflecting the wild spirit of the desert.
"The rules are simple," the Emir announced. "Each falcon will chase the lure. The one that captures it first shall claim victory."
The signal was given.
With a sudden burst of power, both falcons took flight. Shadowfang's wings sliced through the air, the desert winds howling in his wake. Zahira was swift, her snow-white feathers gleaming against the azure sky.
Zhao Feng's focus sharpened. His breathing slowed. It wasn't strength that won in falconry — it was trust.
"Now," he murmured softly.
Shadowfang responded with perfect precision, angling mid-flight, using the gusts to accelerate. Zahira pursued fiercely, but Shadowfang's flawless control outmatched her brute speed. In mere seconds, he struck the lure, sending it tumbling through the air.
Victory was his.
The crowd erupted into applause. The Emir stood, his expression both contemplative and impressed.
"You have earned your prize, Zhao Feng," the Emir declared. "The Starfall Meteorite shall be yours."
That evening, the meteorite was delivered to Zhao Feng's private estate. Under the shimmering desert sky, he gazed upon the fragment of a fallen star. The celestial alloy gleamed beneath the moonlight — a testament to power, resilience, and ambition.
Ding!
[Starfall Meteorite Acquired.]
[Luxury Market Influence +1000]
[Simp Coins +150 Million]
The Eclipse Collection was nearing its final form.
And the world would soon witness the rise of Eternal Zenith.