The Star Gate Opens, Reuniting Old Friends; Amid Laughter, They Set a Date to Suppress the Star River

By Star River Cliff on Starfall Judgment Island, Ling Yun held the Star-Pattern Token and poured Soul Power from his fingertips into its groove. Pale golden star-track runes spilled from the token, weaving together in midair to form a circular Star Gate. Beyond it lay the familiar sight of Sacred Staircase Plaza on Sea God Island. Lin Zhixia gripped the Star Staff, the Meteorite Core atop it glowing faintly as her gaze passed through the Star Gate and landed on the backs of everyone in the plaza.

"They really are talking about you." Ling Yun withdrew his hand from the token, and the Star Gate stabilized beside the cliff. "Go on. Once you complete the Final Trial, you can properly reunite with them." Lin Zhixia nodded and stepped lightly through the Star Gate. When she landed, she deliberately softened her footsteps. On Sacred Staircase Plaza, Tang San was pointing at the glow around the steps and saying something. Ning Rongrong, Dai Mubai, and the others stood around him. Bai Chenxiang held a bottle of Soul Power as she listened intently, while Ma Hongjun and Oscar were still bickering in low voices. Fragments of "Fourth Sister" and "Divine Artifact" drifted through their conversation.

She could not help smiling as she glanced up at Bo Saixi, who stood at the top of the stairs. Bo Saixi had just noticed her and was about to greet her when Lin Zhixia immediately raised a finger to her lips in a shushing gesture, then pointed toward Ma Hongjun and Oscar, mischief gleaming in her eyes. Bo Saixi paused, then smiled. This inheritor of the Starfall Judgment God, usually so steady and dependable, actually had such a childlike side. Cooperating, she closed her mouth and stood where she was with her arms folded, waiting to watch