The star path wound onward. After passing through a cloud of stardust, Xiao Hua saw a smiling scholar in dark robes emerge from within. His eyes turning, Xiao Hua walked over with a silver Star Token in hand. As soon as he came within about a foot, stardust like smoke surged from the star cluster, more than a zhang tall, and settled upon the Star Token in his hand.
With a soft puff, the Star Token burst with silver radiance that completely enveloped Xiao Hua. At the same time, a slender vortex arose within the star cluster. In moments, it transformed into a bridge of stars, specks of starlight extending from the vortex and landing beneath Xiao Hua's feet. When his foot shifted slightly, the star bridge automatically recoiled, carrying him inside.
Once inside the star cluster, Xiao Hua's eyes lit up. The space within spanned several zhang and was unexpectedly arranged like a study. The Four Treasures of the Study rested atop the desk, while bookcases and a couch stood before the study window. There was even a palm-leaf fan in the corner. Yet beyond the window, there was no scenery at all.
"Greetings, Immortal Friend..." A voice sounded. Before the previously empty desk, radiance emerged and slowly swept downward from above. Then, a silver humanoid form composed of countless specks of stardust gradually appeared. The voice came from the faintly moving mouth of that figure.
"Greetings, Immortal Friend!" Xiao Hua lowered his head and saw that, as expected, he too had become a humanoid form made of silver stardust. Smiling inwardly, he cupped his hands and replied.
The man extended a hand and said, "Please sit, Immortal Friend. May I ask what item of mine has caught your eye?"
Seeing the man sit down, Xiao Hua took a