"Let's go."
The three of them stepped onto the flames and set off, avoiding the solar winds that raged on every side. They passed through layer after layer of sky-scorching fire, making their way slowly toward the ancient Fusang tree.
The blazing sun burned across the sky, and an age-old silence lay over everything. Apart from the roar of fire, not a sound stirred in the Solar Star Domain. It had been lonely and desolate for as long as anyone could remember.
After a long journey, they finally reached the heart of the Solar Star.
The towering ancient Fusang tree was rooted in the planet's core, its branches stretching across the sky. Its countless green leaves swayed gently, giving off a faint, cooling Dao Resonance that barely tempered the blazing heat around it.
Beneath its shade sat a solitary figure in white, proud and aloof. Year after year, he had kept his eyes closed and watched over the ancient tree.
For ages, he had stood guard over this lonely stronghold beneath the burning sun. He had offered himself as fuel, contemplated the Dao amid the flames, and borne responsibility for the entire Solar Star's yang Dao Resonance. Alone, he had carried out the duties of its long-vacant solar deity, enduring endless years without a companion.
The presence of the three approaching through the fire gently broke the Solar Star's ancient silence.
Lu Ya, seated in contemplation, felt his lashes tremble. Slowly, he opened eyes that had been closed for ages.
Those eyes had witnessed the slaughter of God Conferment and the rise and fall of heaven and earth. Long veiled in indifferent frost, they lifted toward the familiar white-clad figure ahead—a figure etched into his very soul and bones—and suddenly froze.
He was utterly stunned!
Time itself seemed to stop.