The sky was dyed in warm gold as twelve stood side by side atop Celestial Cliff — battered, bloodied, but undefeated.
They had passed the Spirit Trail Trials, the highest level of challenge for young cultivators. Now, the Elders arrived, robes flowing with spiritual pressure, their faces stern.
> "You've survived what most fail. You've chosen each other in battle. You now form a team… but a team needs a name — and a leader."
There was silence. Then Yuexin stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with quiet confidence. Her voice carried not command, but conviction.
> "We're not just fighters. We're a family. And this family… we are the Wings of Eternity — born from pain, bonded by fate."
A radiant glow surged around them all — a divine response. Yuexin's crescent moon mark shimmered, and six starlights danced around it in the air.
> "A beautiful name," one Elder murmured. "But now, who will lead?"
Everyone turned toward Haoran — the one who always stood tall, took hits to protect, the one who carried others when they collapsed.
He looked at Yuexin first — and in her silent nod, found his answer.
> Haoran stepped forward and bowed to the Elders.
"Then allow me to lead — not to command, but to protect."
"I will be the blade in the dark, the shield in chaos."
Yuexin placed her hand on his arm.
> "You are our strength, Haoran. Lead us. And I'll make sure our wings never forget how to fly."
From this moment:
Wings of Eternity became a name known across sects.
Haoran was declared the Leader of Wings of Eternity, praised for both might and clarit
Yuexin, the Soul of the Team, who gave them a name and bound them with light.
End of episode 18 ( continue)