The underground hall remained bathed in silver radiance.
Ancient symbols lit up across the floor,
the walls, and the domed ceiling overhead. The thousands of crystal stars embedded in the chamber shone brighter than ever before, their combined light descending toward the central platform like a river of liquid moonlight.
At the heart of the platform stood Krishak.
Lunafang sat proudly at his side, chest raised and silver fur glowing with a soft luminescence.
The constellation above them-a silver wolf beneath a crescent moon encircled by nine stars-rotated slowly, filling the chamber with an aura of majesty.
Even the normally composed Headmaster Rudra was silent.
Everyone could feel that they were witnessing something extraordinary.
Elder Tian hovered before the young boy, his translucent face filled with astonishment and satisfaction.
"For thousands of years," the spirit said, "this inheritance has waited for one who could truly resonate with the path of the stars."
His gaze remained fixed on Krishak.
"Today, that wait has ended."
The nine crystal tablets atop the surrounding pedestals rose into the air.
They circled the platform and released beams of pure silver light into the formation beneath Krishak's feet.
The entire chamber trembled.
Then Elder Tian raised his hand.
"The foremost inheritor shall receive the core legacy of the Stellar Heaven Pavilion."
A pillar of light descended from the domed ceiling and enveloped Krishak.
The world around him disappeared.
Krishak found himself standing in a vast cosmic void.
Countless stars surrounded him.
Before him appeared the spectral image of a magnificent palace suspended among galaxies-the true Stellar Heaven Pavilion.
At the center of the vision stood an ancient cultivator dressed in robes woven from starlight.
Though merely a projection, the figure radiated profound wisdom.
"I am Tian Xuan," the figure said.
"Elder of the Stellar Heaven Pavilion."
The ancient cultivator looked at Krishak for several moments.
Then he smiled.
"Interesting."
The same word Elder Tian had spoken earlier.
"I do not know what secrets you carry, young one, but your soul has traveled a path of unimaginable depth."
Krishak's eyes narrowed slightly.
This remnant was far more perceptive than he had expected.
Still, the projection showed no hostility.
Tian Xuan continued.
"Those who pass our trials are entrusted with three gifts."
The stars around them shifted.
The first gift manifested as a glowing silver tome.
" "The Stellar Body Refinement Art.
This technique used starlight to strengthen flesh, bones, meridians, and spirit. Though incomplete compared to the supreme techniques of Krishak's previous life, it was exceptionally well suited to Earth's current conditions.
The second gift appeared as a cluster of floating diagrams.
"The Nine Star Soul Formation Manual."
This inheritance contained advanced formation methods capable of gathering celestial energy, protecting strongholds, and assisting cultivation.
The third gift took the form of a tiny crystal seed.
"The Starheart Seed."
This treasure would gradually absorb cosmic energy and produce pure star essence over time.
Even Krishak was impressed.
These rewards were far more valuable than he had anticipated.
Tian Xuan's projection looked toward Lunafang, who had appeared beside Krishak within the vision.
"For your soul-bound companion, I grant the Moonstar Bloodline Method."
Silver runes entered Lunafang's body.
The young wolf shivered as ancient knowledge flooded his consciousness.
His bloodline aura surged noticeably.
Tian Xuan's expression turned solemn.
"Use this inheritance wisely."
"Our order once sought to guide humanity through the stars."
He looked toward the distant void.
"But arrogance and conflict brought ruin."
The vision dimmed.
"Do not repeat our mistakes."
Krishak bowed deeply.
"I will remember."
The projection studied him one final time.
"I believe you may accomplish what we could not."
The cosmic vision shattered into countless streams of light that merged into Krishak and Lunafang.
Back in the underground hall, the silver pillar surrounding Krishak slowly receded.
He opened his eyes.
For a brief instant, the pupils of his eyes reflected star patterns before returning to normal.
Lunafang let out a resonant howl.
His aura expanded sharply, forcing the other students to take an involuntary step backward.
The silver wolf had advanced to the Peak Elite Martial Warrior realm.
His bloodline purity had increased dramatically.
Raghav stared.
"He broke through just from receiving the inheritance?"
Professor Devika was equally stunned.
"The amount of energy involved is extraordinary."
Krishak examined his own condition.
The Starheart Seed had settled within his dantian, rotating quietly like a miniature galaxy. Streams of purified stellar energy flowed through his meridians,
strengthening his body and soul.
Though he had not broken through immediately, his foundation had improved substantially.
Elder Tian turned toward the other students.
"All successful candidates shall receive subsidiary inheritances.
Beams of light descended upon Dev, Ananya, Ishita, and Raghav.
Each received a suitable technique or treasure.
Dev obtained a body-tempering martial art.
Ananya received a celestial healing manual.
Ishita gained a collection of advanced formation records.
Raghav acquired a beast-contract enhancement method.
The students were overjoyed.
When the rewards were complete, Elder Tian's form began to fade.
"The inheritance has been passed," he said.
"The Stellar Hall has fulfilled its final purpose.
His eyes rested on Krishak.
"May your journey surpass the stars."
With those words, the ancient spirit dissolved into particles of light.
Silence filled the chamber.
No one spoke for several moments.
Then Headmaster Rudra stepped forward.
A rare smile appeared on his face.
Congratulations."
Dev laughed and struck Krishak lightly on the shoulder.
"I'm starting to think the universe itself favors you."
Ishita shook her head with an incredulous smile.
"Perfect harmony and the core inheritance. Unbelievable."
Ananya offered a sincere bow.
"Well deserved."
Raghav crouched to examine Lunafang, who now looked more majestic than ever.
"Your partner is becoming terrifying."
Lunafang wagged his tail proudly.
Krishak smiled faintly.
This expedition had already exceeded his expectations.
He had gained a powerful cultivation art, a priceless treasure, and a bloodline method for his contracted beast.
More importantly, he had confirmed beyond any doubt that Earth's ancient heritage was far richer than modern society understood.
And the Starlit Ruins still held many unexplored secrets.
This was only the beginning.