At the Star Palace's temporary camp on Remnant Star Island, the morning mist had yet to lift. Han Li was nurturing the Water-Magnetic Sword with star power when a familiar sound suddenly cut through the air-a ringing like metal striking stone, accompanied by the distinctive hum of magnetic essence. It was the beating of the Magnetic Essence Griffin's wings.
"Screee!"
A clear, piercing cry tore through the mist as a giant bird with a wingspan of nearly a hundred feet swooped down. Blue and red magnetic essence power twined around its talons as it landed steadily before Han Li. Its feathers gleamed coldly like obsidian, while a single tuft of golden feathers on its forehead sparkled like starlight. Waves of nascent soul middle stage spiritual power spread out almost tangibly, rattling the camp's star-patterned banners.
"Senior, your strength has improved again." Han Li gently stroked the magnetic essence scales along the griffin's neck, sending star power from his fingertips into its sea of consciousness to confirm its cultivation-nascent soul middle stage, a full realm higher than when he had left the Chaotic Star Sea.
[System notification: Magnetic Essence Griffin (nascent soul middle stage · magnetic essence attribute) has completed its advancement, unlocking the skills "Star Shard Breath" (condenses the energy of the Star Shard Sea to inflict area damage) and "Magnetic Essence Cage" (uses magnetic essence power to immobilize enemies). Compatibility with the host's "Star Magnetic Art" has increased to 90%.]
"Looks like you devoured quite a few Magnetic Essence Beast Cores this past year." Han Li smiled and tossed it a Star Core Fragment. The griffin swallowed it, and its golden feathers shone even brighter. This spirit beast was the guardian of a secret realm he had met there.
"Elder Han, Palace Master Ling has issued an