The violet shadow at the tear's mark pulsed with a deep, spooky hum, sending a cold shiver racing down Lin Hao's spine. The Lotus Soul Amulet in his hand glowed warm, its golden lines flickering like tiny fireflies, as if it knew a big fight was coming. His arm stung where Jiao Mei's sword had sliced him, but Elder Qian Yu's healing magic kept him from falling apart.
The Verdant Lotus Sect buzzed with nervous energy under the Twin Moons' fading light, the air heavy with the smell of burned stone from the last battle. Disciples scurried around, fixing the magic shields with shiny jade pieces and singing soft chants from ancient days to keep the place safe. Qian Yu stood tall nearby, her green robe patched and dusty, her eyes bright with determination.
"The Starfall Festival kicks off at dawn," she said, her voice strong and clear. She looked at Lin Hao, her face serious but kind. "Rong Shen will hit us hard, and your amulet is what they want. You've got to be ready."
Lin Hao nodded, holding the amulet tight in his fist. "I'm set to fight," he said, his heart pounding with excitement. Lian Wei stepped up, their silver robe gleaming like a star, their staff glowing a soft blue. "The Ethereal Gate needs the amulet to crack the sky open," they whispered. "The festival's power will make them unstoppable, like it did in the 8th Cycle."
Qian Yu pointed to the horizon where the first golden rays peeked out. "We'll face them at the Starfall Altar, a holy place from the 4th Cycle." She turned to Wei Tao. "Round up the disciples—bring every shield and spell we've got."
Wei Tao dashed off, his green robe flapping like wings, shouting orders to the crowd. The sect sprang to life, disciples grabbing staffs and magic charms, their voices blending in a loud cheer. Lin Hao followed Qian Yu and Lian Wei, the amulet pulsing with every step, filling him with strength.
The Starfall Altar sat high on a hill, its big stone carved with starry shapes that glowed like lanterns. Lotus flowers bloomed all around, their petals sparkling with magic energy under the dawn light. The air hummed with power, the Twin Moons' silver glow mixing with the rising sun.
Lian Wei knelt by the altar, drawing magic lines with their staff. "This place will boost your energy during the festival," they told Lin Hao. "Use the codex here, and let the power flow through you." Lin Hao sat down, the amulet on his lap, feeling the magic rise like a wave.
The magic wind swirled around him, guided by Lian Wei's blue light. He sang the Starfall Codex words, the golden flower in his mind growing big and bright with every breath. His energy vein thrummed, stronger than ever, filling him with bold courage.
Dawn broke wide open, the sky streaked with golden light. The altar pulsed, its magic blending with the festival's energy, making the air buzz. Suddenly, the ground shook hard, and a violet tear ripped open above the hill.
Rong Shen stepped out, his red cloak flapping like a storm, with Jiao Mei and the gaunt guy at his sides. "The Starfall Festival is ours," he roared, purple fire blazing in his hands like wild lightning. A black-flamed dragon roared behind him, its red eyes glowing with hunger.
Jiao Mei's sword shone bright, its magic lines dancing like fire. The gaunt guy's dragon spread its huge wings, ready to swoop down. Lin Hao jumped up, the amulet hot in his grip, his energy surging with fierce strength.
Qian Yu and Wei Tao led the disciples, their staffs glowing green with magic shields. Lian Wei's blue light smashed into the dragon, ice shards flying like sharp raindrops. Lin Hao chanted the codex, a golden flower shield blooming in front of him, its petals shimmering.
Rong Shen's fire crashed into the shield, shaking Lin Hao with a loud bang. Jiao Mei swung her sword, sparks flying as it hit the flower petals with a clang. The dragon's flames joined the attack, the hill trembling like it might break apart.
The altar glowed brighter, its magic holding the shield steady like a rock. Lin Hao focused hard, the codex shapes guiding his energy, the golden flower shining like the sun. Qian Yu's green magic boosted him, the colors mixing into a dazzling wave.
Lian Wei's staff hit the dragon hard, turning it to fading smoke with a loud crack. The gaunt guy stumbled back, his face full of shock. Rong Shen's mask gleamed, his fire growing into a wild, swirling storm that roared across the hill.
"You can't beat us," he yelled, the storm growing huge and loud. The hill shook, rocks rolling down the slopes with a rumble. Lin Hao's shield wobbled, his energy slipping away fast like water through his fingers.
A blue wall shot up from Lian Wei, joining Qian Yu's magic in a bright flash. The storm slowed, its edges tearing apart under their power like ripped cloth. Jiao Mei stabbed quick, her sword nicking the shield's edge, cutting Lin Hao's leg with a sharp sting.
Blood dripped down, pain shooting up his leg, but he held on with all his might. He pushed the amulet's last power, a golden wave blasting Jiao Mei back with a loud thud. The storm weakened, Rong Shen's fire flickering like a tired flame.
"Hold strong," Qian Yu shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. The disciples' shields stayed up, their chants growing louder and braver. Rong Shen glared, the violet tear trembling behind him like a hungry beast.
A new figure stepped out of the tear, cloaked in black with glowing eyes that pierced the dawn. "The Gate's will wins," it hissed, raising a staff that sparked with dark magic. The hill shook harder, the altar cracking with a loud snap.
Lin Hao's shield faltered, his energy almost gone, his body shaking. Lian Wei's blue light clashed with the black figure, ice and darkness exploding in a wild burst. Qian Yu's green array weakened, the disciples struggling to keep their magic alive.
The black-cloaked figure chanted, a dark wave rolling toward the altar like a shadowy tide. Lin Hao gripped the amulet, its warmth fading, his vision blurring with tiredness. The golden flower dimmed, the festival's power slipping through his fingers.
"Keep going," Lian Wei urged, their staff glowing bright like a star. Qian Yu rallied the disciples, their green light flaring up again. Lin Hao sang the codex with all his heart, a final golden burst lighting up the hill like a sunrise.
The dark wave paused, the black figure stumbling back with a grunt. Rong Shen roared, the tear widening, pulling at the altar's magic with a hungry pull. Jiao Mei and the gaunt guy attacked again, their moves wild and fast.
Lin Hao's energy drained away, the amulet cool in his hand. The hill split open, a deep chasm yawning near the altar with a groan. As the fight raged on, a violet shadow loomed over the tear, growing bigger and darker.
The shadow pulsed, a huge shape forming with glowing eyes that burned like fire. Lin Hao's heart raced, the amulet trembling, the Starfall Festival's fate hanging by a thin thread. The towering figure stepped forward, its roar shaking the hill, ready to crush everything in its path.