The skies of Planet Xizhuang gradually faded as three figures soared through the clouds, leaving behind trails of spiritual energy. Aether, Yuan Jin, and Hu Xue had finally completed their journey and returned to Planet Senruo—the place they had long called home.
Upon their arrival, they didn't immediately return to their respective dwellings. Instead, Aether led them to a familiar place: the highest cliff on the northern side of Senruo. From there, a vast purple sky stretched overhead, studded with glittering stars. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the scent of wildflowers that grew along the rocky slopes.
The three of them sat atop the cliff, enjoying the rare serenity.
"You've both done well in your training," Aether finally spoke, breaking the silence. Her voice was deep and full of meaning. "From mastering the Yin-Yang method to fusing dual energies... you've overcome it all with perseverance and determination."
Yuan Jin and Hu Xue looked at her in silence, awaiting her next words.
Aether raised her right hand. In an instant, a dense light gathered in her palm, forming a silver-black sword that radiated divine aura. Small streaks of lightning danced along its blade, and the surrounding air seemed to split apart around it.
"This is the Shidou Sword."
With a subtle flick, the sword shot toward Yuan Jin. Instinctively, Yuan Jin reached out and caught it. The sword and his hand seemed to merge in perfect harmony.
"This sword once belonged to a great deity—Shidou. He was a Divine King respected across the heavenly realms. But to this day, he has found no one worthy to inherit his throne."
Yuan Jin stared at the blade in awe, sensing its spiritual resonance. "I… didn't expect you to give this to me." he whispered.
Aether met his gaze. "Because I believe, one day… you will succeed the throne of the Divine King Shidou."
Hu Xue glanced over, her lips pouting slightly. "And me? Am I just getting the breeze?"
Aether chuckled softly, then raised her left hand. This time, five glowing scrolls appeared from a swirl of energy. Each scroll gleamed with a different color—gold, red, blue, green, and violet.
"This is for you, Hu Xue."
Hu Xue received them but still looked slightly disappointed. "Huh? Just techniques? Why don't I get an artifact like Yuan Jin?"
Aether laughed gently, yet her tone remained wise. "Don't underestimate what you're holding. These are Heavenly Techniques of the highest order. Each one holds power capable of changing the tide of battle and bending the laws of reality. If you master them all… it's not impossible that you'll become a Celestial Empress."
Hu Xue's eyes widened. "Really? I could… become an Empress?"
"Yes. But that depends on your dedication and choices," Aether replied.
Hu Xue smiled softly. "Wow… you're really giving us all this?"
"Of course. This is my reward for your hard work. You are not ordinary students. You're the ones destined to become legends."
Yuan Jin and Hu Xue exchanged glances. A wave of gratitude and emotion washed over them.
"Thank you, Aether," they said in unison.
Aether nodded. "Now, rest well. Tomorrow, we begin training with the sword and techniques I've given you."
The stars lit up their faces. That night felt different than usual. There was hope in the air. A future beginning to take shape.
Upon that cliff, three figures sat in peaceful silence. But within Yuan Jin and Hu Xue, a burning spirit began to rise. They knew this was no ordinary night—this was the beginning of something far greater.
The night when the heavens offered them a gift.
And the night their destinies changed forever.
---
Morning arrived on Planet Senruo, greeted by a gentle mist descending from the sky, wrapping the valleys and peaks in a serene stillness. On a grassy plateau, two figures stood facing each other—Yuan Jin and Hu Xue.
Without a word, they moved. The wind followed their precise and swift movements. Yuan Jin lunged forward, swinging the Shidou Sword that had now become a part of him. A silver flash from the blade sliced through the air, tearing the lingering mist.
Hu Xue wasn't idle. With a graceful motion, she danced backward and unrolled one of the Heavenly Techniques gifted by Aether. Glowing seals formed in the air, creating a golden lotus-shaped shield. When Yuan Jin's sword struck it, the shield shattered into particles of light—yet she had already leapt to the side, dodging the follow-up attack.
The battle intensified. They exchanged attacks and defenses, pushing each other to the edge of their limits. Their movements were so fast that only blurred afterimages were visible from a distance.
Yet even with their remarkable skills, neither could outmatch the other. Yuan Jin's swordsmanship blended perfectly with his fighting spirit, while Hu Xue's Heavenly Techniques evolved with every step. Victory leaned toward neither side. Continuing the fight would only bring injuries and exhaustion.
Not far from them, Aether stood calmly, observing in silence. As the two finally halted, their breaths heavy and sweat dripping from their brows, she nodded with satisfaction.
"You both fought well today," Aether said with a gentle smile. "Now, rest. Meditate and calm yourselves."
Yuan Jin and Hu Xue exchanged glances, then sat cross-legged on the grass. Closing their eyes, they absorbed the spiritual energy around them and let their bodies reconnect with nature.
But far away, in a sacred dimension filled with golden light and the fragrance of spiritual incense—there lay the grand and holy Buddha Realm.
Twenty Buddhas sat in a meditation circle, each radiating immense wisdom and power. But only one figure sat on the highest throne, elevated above the others. He had twelve radiant hands, and from his body flowed endless sacred mantras.
He was Bifu, the supreme leader of the Buddha Realm—known as the Twelve-Armed Buddha.
A Buddha named Yitian stood before him, head bowed respectfully.
"Amitabha… Your Holiness," Yitian spoke softly. "The Three Pillars of the Gods and Lu Fang have been defeated by a system called Aether, along with her two disciples. Planet Xizhuang has been restored."
Bifu slowly opened his eyes, gazing at Yitian with a calm yet deep look. A faint smile touched his lips.
"Hahaha… Don't worry," he said. "That system is nothing more than a mere construct. There's no need for us to interfere."
He raised one of his hands and gently lowered it, as if delivering a divine command.
"I will send a deity to eliminate her."
Yitian bowed even deeper. "As you wish, Your Holiness."
Meanwhile, back on Planet Senruo, the mist gradually faded. Yuan Jin and Hu Xue had completed their meditation, their faces calm and composed. But they didn't realize… that from afar, a pair of eyes was secretly watching them from within a hidden dimension.
Someone or something had arrived.
A foreign force, silent and veiled in shadows, drifted between realms, observing them with unknown intent.
Could this be the deity sent by Bifu?
To be continued…