Three months later...
"Hey, hey! Have you heard? The Falling Star Pavilion apparently has a new Pavilion Master. They're even changing the name!"
"You're only just finding out? That news broke ages ago. Word is they're holding a founding ceremony in three days."
"Seems the new sect's going to be called the Titled Palace. Invitations have already gone out, and a ton of major powers from Central Plains will be attending."
"This is a major event for Central Plains—missing it would be a real shame."
"Let's go, let's go! Together!"
The long-stilled lands of Central Plains were now in full uproar over the matter of the Titled Palace. Many of the region's dominant powers were baffled by the sudden move by the Falling Star Pavilion.
In no time, the continent of Central Plains was swept up in a storm.
Three days passed in a flash. What was once the quiet Heavenly Star Mountain Range was now a sea of people—crowds swarming in from all directions to witness the spectacle.
The location of the Falling Star Pavilion had long been a mystery to most of the continent. But with the announcement of the Titled Palace, the secret was out—now, everyone knew where to find them.
At this moment, countless figures hovered in the skies above the mountains, the weakest among them at the level of Dou King.
Some even stood effortlessly in mid-air, but no matter how hard they searched the vast mountains, none could pinpoint the exact location of the Titled Palace.
"Vmmm…"
Just as the restless crowd began to grow impatient, a ripple stirred in the space above the mountain range. In an instant, a pitch-black spatial rift tore open—like invisible hands pulling it apart. Within moments, it expanded into a full void corridor.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…"
Figures in azure-blue robes began flying out of the passageway—young men and women, seemingly no older than seventeen or eighteen. They formed two neat lines on either side of the corridor.
Behind each of them, wings of Dou Qi Manifestation flared, drawing gasps from the gathered onlookers. Eighteen total—nine young men and nine young women—all powerhouses at or above the Dou King rank.
Had the strength of the Falling Star Pavilion really reached such heights?
Many exchanged bewildered looks. One could often gauge a sect's strength by the talent of its disciples—and seventeen or eighteen-year-old Dou Kings? In other regions, any one of these youths would be considered a once-in-a-generation prodigy.
And yet here they were—eighteen of them—stationed simply to welcome guests.
Pearls hidden in dust. Pearls hidden in dust!
Clan leaders from minor forces beat their chests in regret. If these geniuses had belonged to their clans, they would've been treated like sacred treasures.
Such young talents were destined to break through to Dou Ancestor, and perhaps even reach Dou Venerate with effort.
"Whoosh."
As the crowd continued to marvel, a graceful figure emerged from the spatial corridor—a young girl in flowing green robes, her sparkling eyes innocent yet spirited. Her soft cheeks still carried a hint of youthful charm.
But as she floated effortlessly in the air, her clothes fluttering gently in the breeze, a collective gasp filled the mountains.
"She's a Dou Ancestor! She broke through to Dou Ancestor!"
This girl was Mu Qingluan, disciple of Elder Feng. She was known to venture out on training expeditions, and her strength wasn't exactly a mystery.
But what people did know only made this moment more shocking. Half a year ago, she'd left the mountains as a Seven-Star Dou Emperor.
And now—just half a year later—she had already stepped into Dou Ancestor!
"Today marks the founding of our Titled Palace. The Palace Master awaits you in the Star Realm, where a banquet has been prepared. We hope you will honor us with your presence."
Her crisp, clear voice echoed across the mountains. The intensity of her Dou Qi surged outward, forcing many to instinctively back away—this was the aura of a Six-Star Dou Ancestor, not someone who had just broken through.
"The Chen Clan of the Southern Domain thanks you for the invitation."
An elderly Dou Ancestor stepped forward from the crowd and addressed Mu Qingluan politely before chuckling and heading through the corridor.
He had originally planned to watch from outside—but now, with an invitation, how could he refuse?
Others, seeing someone take the lead, quickly followed suit—bowing slightly to Mu Qingluan before entering the Star Realm.
"Boom!"
As the elder from the Chen Clan stepped through the void passage, he found himself in a vast and breathtaking world—emerald mountains, crystal waters, and above, a sky littered with stars that shimmered like a divine aurora.
He narrowed his eyes and gazed into the distance, where mountain ranges stretched endlessly into the horizon.
This realm… it was colossal.
"Please, this way," said a courteous young woman behind him, her Dou Qi wings glowing. She gestured toward a large open plaza where banquet tables were already arranged.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…"
More figures emerged from the portal behind them. The Chen elder wasted no time and made his way toward the banquet.
As more and more guests entered the Star Realm, all were left in awe by its magnificence.
On the plaza, a crowd was rapidly forming—though interestingly, no one appeared to be seated in a position of prominence.
To the east of the open space stood a tall tower—the very heart of the former Falling Star Pavilion. From its summit, another spatial portal slowly opened.
"Seriously? A different entrance?"
A youth at the Dou Emperor level grumbled as he saw figures emerging from the new portal.
"Count yourself lucky you even got in without an invitation," chided an elder Dou Ancestor nearby.
The youth glanced at the old man's cultivation level—and wisely chose silence.
Many now focused their gazes on the tower's new arrivals, curious to see which powerful factions had been given such a distinguished entry.
Atop the tower—
Xiao Xun'er stood calmly in the sky. In the past six months, she too had reached the level of Dou Venerate, and was now in charge of this portion of the event.
Behind her stood Elder Feng, vastly different from his old self—now exuding confidence, his very presence blending with the surrounding space.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…"
Another group emerged from the spatial passageway. Leading them was none other than Xuan Kongzi, one of the Three Pillars of the Pill Tower, followed by a dark-skinned elder, a graceful woman, and their disciples.
"Venerable Feng—long time no see. You haven't changed a bit."
Xuan Kongzi greeted him with a smile—but his expression shifted almost immediately. Venerable Feng's aura exuded a pressure that sent chills down his spine.
His eyes narrowed—but then caught sight of Xiao Xun'er in his peripheral vision, and he froze.
"Dou Venerate?!"
The words slipped from his mouth before he could stop them.
He knew who founded the Titled Palace. Unlike the others, Xuan Kongzi had inside knowledge.
And now—looking at Xiao Xun'er's cultivation—he and the others felt as if they had been dealt a crushing blow.
He let out a few bitter laughs, then silently entered the palace.
What a blow. Too much of a blow!
Looking at Xiao Xun'er's aura, they all felt as if their lifetimes had amounted to nothing.
As time passed, more and more factions arrived—none daring to ignore an invitation backed by the power of Chen Xiaoming himself.
But as Xiao Xun'er and Venerable Wind received their guests, the skies above the Star Realm began to stir.
A jagged black rift tore across the heavens.
A chilling, malevolent aura surged forth from within.
A voice, cold and sharp as frost, rang out across the sky:
"Today shall be the day the Titled Palace is buried."
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