Chapter 75 - Chapter 75: Star Divine Stone

Deep within the Star Academy, a river of stars flows, radiating silver light. Dao platforms stand on its surface, where many sit cross-legged, absorbing the surrounding star power. At the river's forefront lies an ancient palace, its walls etched with the marks of time. No one knows how many years it has stood, yet it faintly exudes a terrifying aura. Guards chat beside the palace. When they see the Third Elder arriving with a youth, they frown, wondering which prodigy this is—for not just anyone can enter here. The palace's interior is vast, with star power as dense as that beneath the Star River. Daoling scans his surroundings, curious about why he was summoned. "Have a seat, young friend. Make yourself at home," Sun Xiangshan says, sitting at the head and gesturing to a chair. "Why did you call me here, Third Elder?" Daoling asks as he sits. Ye Yun had warned him the Star Academy might approach, perhaps offering an opportunity. After sipping tea and pondering, Sun Xiangshan says gravely, "Follow me." At the palace's deepest point stands an ancient stone gate. Sun Xiangshan pushes it open after a moment's thought. Inside, a massive stone stands, spouting starlight. Cracks mar its surface, from which dazzling divine radiance spills, blinding all who look, along with divine energy. The Green Lotus trembles wildly, chaotic mist surging as it drools, eager to devour the stone. "Star Divine Stone!" Daoling gasps, calming the Lotus—devouring it would mean the Star Academy's wrath. Star Divine Stones are terrifying, said to form only in the void of star domains, requiring eons of star power to materialize. But this one is enormous—unimaginable as a supreme treasure—yet cracked, shocking Daoling that such a treasure could be damaged. "Broken... yes, broken," Sun Xiangshan sighs. Time spares no one, not even supreme treasures. "Third Elder, what happened? Why is it broken?" Daoling asks, pointing. "Was it destroyed?" "This Star Divine Stone has existed since ancient times. It made the Star Academy prosperous, but also brought... its tranquility." Daoling is confused: "Why did the stone break? How does it concern the Academy's demise?" "Not demise, but regression," Sun Xiangshan says. "The Academy thrived in ancient times due to a grand array that gathered star power. This stone was its foundation. Without it, the Academy would collapse." Daoling is astonished. This is top-secret—he never expected to learn it. The stone's fate hinges on the Academy's兴衰 (rise and fall). Sun Xiangshan tells him after long consideration, partly due to Ye Yun's influence; others lack this privilege. The stakes are too high. "What do you ask of me, Elder?" Daoling presses, sensing a request. "The Star Palace—though named a palace—is actually an ancient land from antiquity. This stone originated there. The Academy's founder received传承 (inheritance) there, establishing the Academy and naming it thus." "It must be extraordinary," Daoling says. "Indeed. Its origin is unknown, but it's a secret realm with great fortunes. The founder found *Stars Shift* there, then vanished, and the technique was lost. Each opening draws crowds seeking holy medicines, ancient pills, inheritances, and treasures—most pursue *Stars Shift*, but none have found it." Daoling swallows. Holy medicines exist only in legends to him. "There's also a Star River more terrifying than ours, so ancient that Star Divine Liquid has formed beneath!" Sun Xiangshan says excitedly. "Star Divine Liquid!" Daoling's heart pounds. Formed over eons, it's as precious as Star Divine Stone—yet the Palace has it? "Elder, do you want me to find Star Divine Liquid to repair the stone?" Daoling asks, puzzled why the Academy chose him. "Yes. We tried last time the Palace opened, but failed," the Elder sighs. "Can I do it?" Daoling wonders. Sun Xiangshan smiles: "Your body is strong. The Star Palace restricts powerful cultivators. To dive beneath the Star River, you need a tough physique—maybe you can succeed!" "This concerns the Academy's survival. Succeed, and we'll reward you handsomely, I promise." His gaze is expectant. "I'll try my best," Daoling nods. He needs Star Divine Liquid too, and this could yield great rewards from an ancient power. Satisfied, Sun Xiangshan says, "Now, as an outstanding disciple, come claim your reward." Daoling follows to another stone gate. "You may cultivate here for five days," Sun Xiangshan says. "Only five days?" Daoling pouts. Sun Xiangshan shakes his head, opening the gate. A torrent of star power bursts out, whipping Daoling's hair. This is a cultivation chamber with star rivers flowing, the energy incredibly pure. Silver gas dances in the air, each wisp emanating origin energy. "Origin Qi of star power!" Daoling rejoices. Such origin energies are rare, and star Qi is especially useful—helping him form the *Starlight Shining on the Blue Sky*异象 (anomaly). He inhales a wisp, feeling as refreshed as taking a pill. The Qi tempers his energy, strengthening his aura. "Terrible energy!" Daoling sits to absorb it. As origin Qi enters, the star points in his body grow rapidly, now imbued with true star essence—not just form, but spirit. After the gate closes, a purple-robed elder approaches, snorting: "Third Elder, this lad is untrained. Sharing such a secret—what if he sells it?" The Academy's elders debated fiercely; a leak could be catastrophic. This elder, Qing Yijun's master, is sore about his disciple's defeat. "Stop nitpicking," Sun Xiangshan retorts. "Your disciple lost. What choice do we have but to take this chance?" "Lost? The Star Overlord Body is still developing! He got lucky," the elder roars. "Victory and defeat are final," Sun Xiangshan scoffs. Grimacing, the elder says, "His body is strong, but he can't get Star Divine Liquid. My disciple's Star Overlord Body naturally resists star power—he has a 60% chance." "We'll see," Sun Xiangshan replies. "Just wait," the elder sneers. "If the secret leaks, you'll regret it."