The sky above Qingye City was clear, but a strange tension filled the air — as if the heavens themselves held their breath.
Back at the sect, Lin Ho stood atop a secluded peak. The shard of the Starbone Crystal hovered before him, surrounded by faint runes of Chaos. It wasn't just an inheritance — it was a memory, sealed in divine structure, older than this world.
As the shard slowly dissolved into mist and merged with his mind, he saw flashes.
Mountains cracking under pressure. Stars collapsing. A figure cloaked in primal mist standing alone against a tide of beasts and gods alike. And behind him, a woman — eyes like a galaxy, vanishing into darkness.
> "This power… wasn't meant to conquer," Lin Ho muttered. "It was meant to survive."
At the edge of the mountain, Elder Qiu appeared in silence.
> "You've returned changed."
Lin Ho didn't deny it.
> "There's something coming."
> "We know," the elder replied. "Scouts report sea beasts gathering again near the Eastern Trench. But this time… they're forming formations. Cultivated ones."
Lin Ho narrowed his eyes.
> "Someone's guiding them."
> "Not just someone," Elder Qiu said grimly. "Something. Something that recognizes your bloodline — and fears it."
---
Far Below – Abyssal Depths
The throne beneath the waves now glowed with malevolent red light. Around it knelt hundreds of beast-kin generals.
The creature seated atop the coral throne let out a low growl.
> "He unlocked the shard."
A monstrous jellyfish-like beast with a humanoid torso, arms of ink and tendrils, hissed.
> "Shall we strike?"
> "No," came the reply. "We are not ready. But let him ascend further. Let him draw the attention of the true enemies. Then… when the heavens move, we bite beneath their feet."
They raised their weapons. Dark tides began to churn across the ocean floor.
---
Back at Qingye Sect
The sect elders held council.
Elder Mo slammed a palm on the table.
> "We must reinforce the coastline. The beast tides are more organized than ever before!"
> "And we must prepare our disciples," Elder Qiu added. "There's no more time for gradual training."
A scroll unfurled on the jade table — a map of the Eastern Sea, marked with crimson lines and sigils.
> "The barrier line must hold," one of the elders muttered. "If it breaks, Qingye City will fall."
At that moment, Lin Ho entered.
His presence stilled the room. He didn't wear pride. He wore purpose.
> "Send me."
Elder Qiu stood.
> "You're not ready."
> "Neither is anyone else."
The elders exchanged glances. In the silence, Lin Ho added:
> "This is my fight. I don't know why yet — but I feel it. And if I run now, this bloodline means nothing."
A long pause.
Then Elder Mo nodded slowly.
> "Very well. You'll join the vanguard unit heading to the Mistshore Cliff."
---
End of Chapter 47