The crystal exploded with a blinding glare. Above its surface, stars appeared—ten, perfect and blazing, darker than night itself yet ringed with an eerie luminescence.
"Ten… Ten Stars! Death Affinity!" someone cried out in disbelief.
Before the shock could settle, another burst of light erupted—this time silver-white, ethereal, carrying the chill of eternity. Another perfect set of Ten Stars manifested, this one unmistakably attuned to Soul.
The disciples staggered back. Two Ten-Star affinities…? That had never happened in the sect's history.
And then—before the echoes faded—a third radiance surged forth. This one was golden, dazzling, like the rising sun breaking through endless night. Its brilliance carried majesty, its weight crushing the hearts of those nearby. Nine stars blazed, shimmering with peerless intensity.
The elder's composure finally cracked. His hand tightened on his spear as his voice rang like thunder:
