The Star-Pattern Boat had drifted on the sea outside Magnetic Essence Harbor for three days. A hideous gash on its port side remained unrepaired, like a scar that could never heal.
Han Li stood at the bow, the tattered Star-Illusion Maze Formation Flag tucked into his sleeve. The star patterns on its fabric glimmered faintly as fireflies. Only when his fingertips touched the cloth could he feel a trace of that familiar pale-gold starlight-the last warmth Zi Ling had left behind.
The sea breeze swept salt-laden dampness into his collar. Suddenly, he remembered sharing this boat with Zi Ling half a year ago: she had unfurled her flag to disperse the Soul-Eroding Mist, its star patterns flowing like a river, and said with a smile, "The Star Illusion Way should be like a boat gliding over water-steady, never thrown into disorder." Now the boat remained, but she was gone. Only the Water-Magnetic Sword hummed softly at his waist, as though answering the emptiness in his heart.
The Enforcement Hall disciples at Magnetic Essence Harbor spotted the Star-Pattern Boat from afar and sailed out to meet it. Their leader recognized Han Li, his expression grave. "Martial Uncle Han, the Grand Elder is waiting in the Council Hall. He said your journey was... fraught with danger."
Han Li nodded, moored the Star-Pattern Boat at the dock, and followed the disciples through the familiar passage lined with magnetic essence crystal clusters. The Night-Luminescent Pearls still hung high in the Council Hall. Xing Xuanzi stood before the star chart with his hands behind his back, the star patterns on his gray robe darker than they had been three days earlier. Clearly, he had already learned of the disaster on Sinking Star Island.
"You're back." Xing Xuanzi's voice was even. His gaze swept over the