The realm collapsed like glass around them — and with a sudden flash of white light, the twelve were back at the Celestial Academy's sacred ground.
No words.
Just deep breaths, bruises, and silence.
The elders stood above, robes flowing like mist.
> Elder Tianhai: "You stepped into the illusionary battlefield as individuals… and returned as a team."
Elder Mo: "But some bonds remain fragile. Especially those that have yet to face the truth within."
Yuexin flinched at that line, her shoulder aching again. She quickly covered it, but Haoran noticed.
He didn't speak — just walked over and gently placed his robe over her shoulder.
> Haoran (softly): "You hid it again."
Yuexin: "…I can bear it."
Haoran: "Then let me carry it too."
That night, under the moonlight, the Wings of Eternity gathered to rest — laughing, teasing each other about how they screamed in the illusion realm.
But Yuexin quietly left, drawn by a hum in her chest.
She reached the top of the Spirit Bloom Cliff, where starlight fell like rain. Closing her eyes, she began to meditate… but something was different.
She saw herself as a child, crying under a rain-soaked tree. Her sister's voice echoed like poison.
> "You'll never shine, Yuexin. Only I can stand at the top."
The memory cracked. Suddenly, a warm blue light surrounded her.
A spectral beast — half-phoenix, half-lotus — appeared in the dream realm.
> Beast's Voice:
"You hid your pain so deeply… but it's time to use it as your fire."
Yuexin's eyes opened — glowing moonlit blue.
> Yuexin (whispering): "What… was that?"
She didn't realize… her soul had just begun to awaken its first real power.
And a spiritual bond… had formed.
End of Episode 20 ( continue)