On the seventh day after the Blood Moon battle, candles blazed in the Council Hall on the Star Palace's Main Peak. The star chart across the vaulted ceiling shimmered with azure radiance, bathing the hall in dreamlike splendor.
Han Li and Zi Ling stood side by side in the hall, dressed in the ceremonial robes of Star Palace Core Disciples. Behind them stood Captain Chen of the Cloud-Chasing Guards and the commander of the Demon-Suppressing Guards-both units had been invited for their meritorious defense of the formation.
At the seat of honor, the Star Palace's Grand Elder, Xing Xuanzi, sat behind a white jade table. Star patterns on his gray robes flickered in the candlelight. His eyes were as still as an ancient well, yet carried unquestionable authority.
Seated on either side were the heads of the six halls: Elder Meng, the iron-faced judge of the Enforcement Hall; Elder Wu, the strategist of the Formation Hall; Elder Song, the master alchemist of the Pill and Artifact Hall; the erudite Elder Li of the Inheritance Hall; the shrewd Elder Zheng of the Administration Hall; and Elder Sun, the newly appointed acting master of the External Affairs Hall.
"With the Blood Lotus Cult destroyed, the Star Palace's foundations stand secure. The foremost credit for this battle belongs to our two direct disciples, Han Li and Zi Ling." Xing Xuanzi's voice rang like a great bell as his fingertip tapped lightly on the table. "The Cloud-Chasing Guards and Demon-Suppressing Guards also rendered meritorious service in its defense and deserve generous rewards. Today, we reward merit to honor their achievements and inspire those who follow."
A chorus of agreement immediately rose through the hall. Elder Meng was the first to stand, his gaze sweeping over Han Li from beneath his iron mask. "Han Li