The sea wind swept across the deck, heavy with salt and fishy tang. Chen Wuya's hand was still pressed against the rail. The rocking had stopped, but he did not let go. The child slept in Bai Zhi's arms, his face against her chest, breathing softly.
Mo Feng crouched before the projected star chart, his fingers tracing across the points of light. His brows were drawn tight as he murmured under his breath.
"Something's wrong." He suddenly looked up. "The angle between the Big Dipper and the Southern Cross has changed."
Chen Wuya walked over and stood beside him. The stars overhead were arranged strangely. The two groups of primary stars faced each other at a slant, with a patch of blackness left between them.
"This angle..." Mo Feng lowered his voice. "It appeared once twenty years ago. That year, the South Sea split open for three thousand li, and half an ancient city rose from the seabed."
Chen Wuya stared at that stretch of sky. "And now it's happening again?"
"It wasn't formed naturally." Mo Feng brought up ancient records for comparison. "Someone altered the paths of the stars. This isn't a celestial phenomenon. It's a summons."
Bai Zhi leaned against the cabin door, one hand braced on the frame. Her face was still pale, but she stood straight. At those words, she lifted her head.
"Who could tamper with the heavens?"
"Someone who can touch the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Needle." Mo Feng looked at her. "Or someone who knows where it is."
Chen Wuya turned to look at her. She met his gaze without avoiding it. The wind stirred her sword robe, and the jade pendant at her waist swayed gently.
He suddenly sensed something and strode forward. Bai Zhi's footing faltered, and her body tilted. He reached out