The violet shadow at the garden's rift scar pulsed with a spooky, deep glow, sending a cold shiver racing down Lin Hao's spine. The Lotus Soul Amulet in his hand grew warm, its golden lines lighting up like tiny stars, as if it sensed trouble nearby. His side ached where Jiao Mei's sword had sliced him, the healing magic from Elder Qian Yu only taking the edge off the pain.
The Verdant Lotus Sect hummed with worry under the Twin Moons' soft, silver shine, the garden's drooping lotus flowers a sad sign of the last fight. Disciples bustled around, fixing the sect's magic shields with shiny jade pieces and singing quiet chants from long-ago times. Qian Yu stepped closer, her green robe a little burned, her face tight with a mix of strength and care.
"You pushed your energy too far, Lin Hao," she said, her voice firm but gentle. She knelt down, her hands glowing green as she drew a magic mark over his cut to help it heal. "The Starfall Festival is coming quick, and Rong Shen won't give up."
Lin Hao gritted his teeth as the mark's warm glow spread through him. "I saw that shadow—it's not done with us," he said, his voice steady. Lian Wei stood nearby, their silver robe sparkling like moonlight, their staff glowing a soft blue. "The Ethereal Gate wants the amulet to smash the sky's barrier," they whispered. "Your fight on the spire made it happen faster, just like in the 8th Cycle."
Qian Yu glanced at the rift scar, her eyes sharp and focused. "We have to get ready fast. The Starfall Festival, a huge energy day since the 4th Cycle, is when they'll hit hardest." She looked at Lin Hao. "Keep working with the amulet, or we're all in big trouble."
Wei Tao hurried over, holding a scroll covered in starry drawings. "This is the Starfall Codex, a trick from the 5th Cycle to grab the festival's power," he said, passing it to Lin Hao. The scroll felt alive, buzzing with energy in his hands. "Learn it with Lian Wei—make your energy strong before the festival."
Lin Hao nodded, the amulet's heat filling him with hope and strength. Lian Wei led him to a quiet room, its walls painted with pictures of starry skies and old battles. "This codex uses the Twin Moons' power," they explained, unrolling the scroll with care. "Focus your energy on its shapes and let it grow."
He sat down, crossing his legs, the amulet resting on his lap. The magic wind blew around him, guided by Lian Wei's staff, its blue light mixing with the scroll's lines like a dance. His energy vein hummed, a golden flower blooming in his mind with each deep breath.
Time slipped by, the room filling with a soft, warm glow. The codex's power tested him, the flower soaking up extra energy like a sponge. Lian Wei hummed old songs from the 8th Cycle, helping the wind flow deeper into his core.
His energy steadied, feeling stronger and brighter than ever. Lin Hao opened his eyes, a soft gold light wrapping around him like a shield. "I can feel it working," he said, a big smile breaking out. Lian Wei nodded. "You're getting tougher, but the festival will push you to your limit."
A sudden shake rattled the room, the paintings wobbling on the walls. The amulet flared, its lines burning bright like fire. "They're back," Lian Wei warned, raising their staff, the blue light shining like a beacon.
The air turned heavy, a violet tear ripping open in the room's heart. Rong Shen stepped out, his red cloak flapping like wild wings, with Jiao Mei and the gaunt guy at his sides. "The Starfall Festival belongs to us," he boomed, purple fire sparking in his hands. "The amulet will break the sky wide open."
Jiao Mei's sword glowed, its magic lines pulsing with power. The gaunt guy called up a black-flamed bird, its wings spreading wide with a loud screech. Lin Hao jumped up, the amulet hot in his grip, his energy rising with bold courage.
Qian Yu and Wei Tao burst in, their staffs glowing green with magic shields. Lian Wei's blue light clashed with the bird, ice pieces flying like sharp rain. Lin Hao sang the codex words, a golden flower shield popping up in front of him.
Rong Shen's fire smashed into the shield, shaking Lin Hao hard. Jiao Mei swung from the side, her sword sparking against the flower petals with a clang. The bird dove down, its black flames joining Rong Shen's attack, the room rumbling like thunder.
The paintings cracked, rocks tumbling down as the tear grew bigger. Lin Hao focused hard, the codex shapes guiding his energy, the shield holding strong. Qian Yu's green magic boosted his defense, the colors mixing like a bright dance.
Lian Wei's staff hit the bird, turning it to fading smoke with a puff. The gaunt guy stumbled back, looking shocked. Rong Shen's mask shone, his fire growing into a wild, swirling storm.
"You can't stop what's coming," he yelled, the swirl growing huge and loud. The room's roof groaned, stones crashing down all around. Lin Hao's shield wobbled, his energy slipping away fast.
A blue wall shot up from Lian Wei, joining Qian Yu's magic. The swirl slowed, its edges tearing apart under their power. Jiao Mei stabbed fast, her sword nicking the shield's edge, cutting Lin Hao's arm.
Blood dripped down, pain shooting through him, but he held on tight. He pushed the amulet's last power, a golden wave blasting Jiao Mei back with a thud. The swirl weakened, Rong Shen's fire fading like a dying flame.
"Pull back now," Rong Shen ordered, his voice rough and mad. The gaunt guy and Jiao Mei slipped into the closing tear, disappearing in a flash. The room went still, the air smelling like burned rock and dust.
Qian Yu knelt by Lin Hao, her hands glowing to heal his cut. "You're getting stronger, but the festival's almost here," she said, her voice steady. Lian Wei stepped closer, their staff fading to a soft glow. "The Gate's power is almost at its peak. You have to be ready for the fight."
Lin Hao nodded, the amulet cool in his hand, his energy a steady beat. The room's paintings lay in broken pieces, a sad reminder of the battle. As he leaned back, a violet shadow grew at the tear's mark, its cold touch making the air icy.
The shadow pulsed, a low hum vibrating through the room. Lin Hao gripped the amulet tight, his heart beating with courage. The Starfall Festival was close, his fate tied to a huge battle on the horizon.