The East Heaven Gate is already in grave danger!

Compared to his other brothers, the eldest had always relied most heavily on this youngest ninth brother.

Not only because he had always been respectful, conscientious, and warm-hearted, but because his mind was as intricate as woven silk, his decisions as resolute as a blade. He never acted rashly, and always left room to maneuver when he made a move. Only by placing this matter in his hands did the stone in the eldest's heart truly settle.

"Understood, Elder Brother! I'll personally scout the route and oversee every step myself. There will not be the slightest mishap!"

The ninth brother answered with a cupped-fist salute. A thread of silver light condensed at his fingertips and silently slipped into his sleeve—it was the star-sand guiding talisman he had prepared long ago.

The other eight Star Lords nodded silently. Not one raised an objection.

For one thing, the eldest's authority had always weighed heavily on them; his words were commands. For another, the ninth brother was universally acknowledged as the very embodiment of steadiness: adaptable in the moment without losing order, bold yet meticulous without a trace of arrogance. With the task entrusted to him, everyone felt at ease.

After a round of deliberation and careful consideration, the Nine Luminaries Star Lords finally hammered out and finalized their plan for retreat.

Just then—

A chaotic rumble suddenly rose in the distance, like thunder yet not thunder, like tides yet not tides!

"What is that commotion?"

The Nine Luminaries Star Lords all raised their eyes. Their Spiritual Sense spread out like a vast net, shooting straight toward the source of the clamor.

The sea of clouds churned, the miasma split apart, and beyond the South Heaven Gate, the heavenly light abruptly dimmed before flaring bright again. Armored figures wielding sharp weapons stepped through