The ancient stone gates of the **Starshard Ruins** loomed before the group.
Zeravon stood among the ten selected disciples, their silhouettes cast long under the light of the setting sun. The final step of the competition wasn't a match… but a **departure**.
Elder Lin addressed the group with solemn eyes.
> "The Starshard Ruins open once every three years. But remember — this is not a sect trial. It's a graveyard for the careless. Many have gone. Few return."
The air was heavy with tension.
> "Inside the ruins, you'll find spirit beasts, corrupted landscapes, and places where the Dao breaks apart. Your goal — is to return with one of three items from the vault. Or survive with something worth showing."
Fan Shixuan, still bruised but proud, stood silently to the side. Yueyin was near the front, calm and unreadable.
Zeravon stared at the sealed gate, sensing something…
**Familiar.**
Something inside called to him.
But it wasn't excitement.
It was **regret**.
---
**Cloud Vein Pavilion – Upper Balcony**
Instructor Wei and several elders observed from afar.
One inner elder spoke:
> "Is it wise to send someone like Zeravon?"
Instructor Wei didn't respond immediately.
Then he said:
> "He learns by being broken. Some beings aren't taught by guidance… but by collision."
---
**As The Gate Opens**
A massive rumble echoed as the stone doors of the ruins creaked open. Dust, old Qi, and forgotten whispers poured out like smoke.
The selected disciples stepped forward one by one.
Zeravon was the last.
Before stepping in, Yueyin moved beside him.
> "You don't need to prove anything," she said quietly. "Just return alive."
Zeravon looked at her, uncertain.
> "Why do I feel like… this place remembers me?"
Yueyin paused.
> "Maybe it does."
Then she vanished into the gate.
---
**Inside the Starshard Ruins**
The world twisted.
Sky was no longer sky — it was fractured crystal. The ground pulsed like breathing stone. The air carried **memories**, not wind.
Zeravon took a step — and the moment he did…
A flash ran through his head.
> A battlefield of silver flames.
> A broken helmet resting beside a crystal tree.
> A voice crying, "*You were supposed to protect him!*"
His knees buckled.
> *"Why… why do I remember this?"*
No answer came.
Only silence.
And then… the group split.
Beasts howled in the distance.
Spiritual pressure thickened.
And a cliff… waited, far ahead — covered in mist.
---
**Meanwhile – Yueyin's Thoughts**
From her vantage point deeper in the ruins, Yueyin glanced back only once.
> *"You'll fall soon, Zeravon."*
> *"But that's when your true path will begin."*
---