Tianxing City's morning bell pierced the starry mist, its peals echoing beneath the eaves of Green Snail Villa.
When Han Li pushed open the wooden door of his cave abode, he almost thought he had come to the wrong place. The ruins of the Twin Saints' Hall, still a jumble of broken walls when he had left two years ago, now boasted a white jade ceremonial arch. Across its lintel, the words "Star Magnetism Shines Anew" stood in bold, vigorous strokes, personally inscribed by Ling Yuling. Golden patterns glimmered amid the circulating Star Power; clearly, the Spiritual Power of the grand formation had been infused into them.
"Elder Han, you've finally come out of seclusion!" A Green-Robed Steward hurried over, a newly designed "Star Palace cloud pattern" embroidered on his cuffs. "The Palace Master is in the main hall, listening to my report on the Star Palace's progress over the past two years."
Han Li nodded and followed the steward through Tianxing City's main street. The road had been paved with bluestone slabs, and shops lined both sides, selling star-patterned steel and Star-Gathering Bottles. There were even stalls specializing in Moonlight Dew, a tribute offering from the sea beasts. Vendors' cries mingled with fluctuations of Star Power, with none of the desolation of two years ago remaining.
Most striking of all was the Star-Magnetic Martial Arts Arena in the central square. More than a dozen Star Palace disciples were practicing a Star-Magnetic Prison Cage Formation, weaving Magnetic Essence Power into a net that trapped a Sword-Testing Stone and shattered it inch by inch, drawing waves of applause.
"This arena was built just last month," the steward said quietly. "The Second Elder said practicing formations requires actual combat, so the disciples should spar more often."
Inside the main hall, Purple Pole