The Star Boat cleaved through the waves, and the inner sea's spirit winds swept toward them, carrying the sandalwood fragrance of Purple Star Peak.
Han Li stood at the bow, gazing at the glazed tiles of Star Palace Hall floating in the distance. The Nascent Soul's Profound Water slowly revolved within his sea of consciousness as he carefully sifted through everything he had learned on Black Wind Island-the Ink Flood Dragon's provocation, the Inverse Star Alliance's two-leader structure, and the strategic importance of the star-pattern ore vein. Each weighed on his heart like a heavy stone.
The Magnetic Essence Griffin lay quietly at the stern, his green jade scales gleaming softly in the sunlight. His wings occasionally stirred, as though sensing the fluctuations of magnetic essence power coming from Star Palace.
"Senior Brother Han is back!" At Star Palace's docks, several stewards hurried forward when they saw the Star Boat draw alongside. Han Li nodded in acknowledgment, then headed straight for the main hall on Purple Star Peak with the griffin. Sensing his Nascent Soul aura, the disciples along the way stepped aside and bowed. Their eyes held both reverence and curiosity toward "the first Nascent Soul cultivator to return since Zi Ling's disappearance."
Inside the main hall, Xing Chenzi and several elders were gathered around a star chart, discussing affairs. When Han Li entered, Xing Yun Zi spoke first. "Han Li, how are things on Black Wind Island? Has that bastard Ink Flood Dragon made any moves?"
Han Li dropped to one knee, his voice steady. "This disciple has fulfilled his mission and uncovered the Inverse Star Alliance's true strength. The Ink Flood Dragon led three thousand cultivators to surround the island, intending to seize the star-pattern ore vein. I drove him back, but he revealed a core secret