The training hall was silent once more.
Jiang Chen knelt in the corner, meditating with his eyes closed as the last traces of starlight faded from his fingertips. The confrontation with Wei Tong had proven his strength—but more importantly, it had broadcasted his return.
And that was only the beginning.
He took a deep breath, centering himself. Within his spiritual sea, the starseed spun steadily, its pulse rhythmic. But beneath it, something stirred—an unearthed fragment of the Sutra he hadn't noticed before.
Endless Star Sutra – Secondary Layer Unlocked.
Technique Acquired: Star Vein Infusion.
Description: Reconstructs natural meridians into astral veins, increasing spiritual flow and defensive resistance.
The Sutra was not merely a guide—it was evolving with him.
He pressed his palms together.
"Let's begin."
Light shimmered along his arms as lines of silver-blue energy traced his skin. The pain returned, not unlike when he had first awakened, but deeper—closer to his bones. Veins bulged as the transformation began.
Minutes passed. Then hours.
His body quaked. But he endured it all.
When he finally collapsed onto the floor, the stars within his body burned brighter than ever.
He had reforged the flow of Qi through his body. He had created Star Veins.
Meanwhile, in the Jiang Clan's Archive Pavilion, Elder Yun of the Outer Sect sat with a scroll in hand. He had watched the duel between Jiang Chen and Wei Tong with great interest. But it wasn't just strength that intrigued him.
It was the energy.
"This... is not of the Five Element Paths," he murmured. "Nor is it aligned with the clan's inherited techniques."
He summoned a servant. "Bring Jiang Chen to me. Quietly."
Later that evening, Jiang Chen stood inside the Archive Pavilion, surrounded by towering shelves of ancient manuals. He bowed with measured respect to Elder Yun, a wiry old man with deep eyes that gleamed like polished obsidian.
"You have power. But power without guidance is a falling star," the elder said. "I will ask only once—will you let me train you in secret?"
Jiang Chen didn't hesitate. "Yes."
Elder Yun nodded. "Then from this moment on, you are no longer a mere Outer Disciple. Your status will remain hidden, but I will instruct you as if you were of the Core Sect."
He handed over a jade slip.
"This is the Jiang Clan's Hidden Astral Manual. Forbidden to those without permission. But you..."
His gaze sharpened.
"You are a spark. And if you survive long enough, you will become a flame that burns down everything corrupt in this clan."
Jiang Chen accepted the jade.
And so began his secret tutelage under Elder Yun, deep within the Archive Pavilion.
Where light and shadow wove together to shape a new destiny.