On Shattered Star Island, at the outskirts of the Falling Star Sea, Han Li stood alone amid a thicket of magnetic essence crystals, holding the Star-Setting Disk in his palm. Its needle trembled faintly between magnetic storms.
At Xing Xuanzi's command, he had come here to gather star magnetic grass. This grass grew only along the edges of the Falling Star Sea's magnetic storms and was the principal ingredient for refining Star-Settling Pills, which helped cultivators keep their spiritual power stable within the storms.
The Water-Magnetic Sword hung at his waist. The pale silver halo of its protective star magnetism resonated with the crystal clusters, soothing the restless magnetic essence around him.
[A faint light trembled in the sea of consciousness: personal mission "Gather Star Magnetic Grass" in progress. Spiritual power fluctuations from a Core Formation late-stage cultivator detected nearby. Vigilance advised.]
The silver-blue light in Han Li's eyes sharpened slightly. Without betraying anything, he slipped the Star-Setting Disk into his sleeve and tapped the Water-Magnetic Sword's hilt three times. This was the distress signal he had agreed upon with Zi Ling; if she sensed it through the Star-Illusion Message Talisman, she would come to his aid.
He took out a "Soundless Shroud" and unfurled it, blending himself into his surroundings. Sheltered by the magnetic essence crystal clusters, he stood as motionless as a reef.
Yet the ambush he expected never came. A moment later, a hoarse, cold laugh sounded from behind the crystal clusters. "Han Li, a petty protector of the Star Palace, actually dares come alone to the Falling Star Sea to die?"
Han Li looked toward the voice and saw an old man in gray robes slowly emerge. His face was withered, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's. Visible strands of blood-colored