Location: Qin Family Council Hall – Three Days Later
The sun had barely risen when a spiritual phoenix tore across the skies above the Qin Estate, its wings made of light, its tail trailing runes of celestial gold. It let out a resonant cry that echoed across Cloudleaf City, forcing even high-realm cultivators to pause in shock.
The phoenix wasn't real—it was a divine message construct.
And it had only one target.
The glowing bird descended slowly, bowing mid-air as it materialized a scroll sealed in heavenly jade.
Then, before a crowd of stunned elders and disciples, it spoke in a deep, regal voice:
"From the Celestial Heaven Sect, by decree of High Lord Tian Zeming, to: Qin Huaian, bearer of the Void Flame and Soul-Severing Mark. You are summoned."
Gasps broke out.
Fengyuan stood slowly, eyes narrowed.
"The Celestial Heaven Sect… they never extend invitations to outer families."
Qin Yao, still shaken from Huaian's Bloodroot success, whispered with barely concealed fear:
"A Void-blooded child now has the attention of the strongest sect in the Eastern Continent… We are losing control."
🕯️ The Celestial Heaven Sect – Who Are They?
The Celestial Heaven Sect is ranked among the Three Great Celestial Orders, rivaling the Empire itself in strength.
Known for controlling Heaven's Bridge, a spiritual nexus that connects multiple continents.
They are pure-blooded cultivators of light, celestial law, and fate.
And they are sworn enemies of Void-born paths, believing them to be heaven-defying abominations.
Yet now… they were inviting Qin Huaian.
🧠 Fengyuan's Secret Analysis
Later that day, Fengyuan locked himself in his meditation chamber with the invitation scroll. Using spiritual runes, he activated its hidden message layer.
The words shimmered and reformed:
"The boy must be brought to Heaven's Bridge within 30 days. The Fate Lock has moved.
He is one of the Thirteen Keys.
His presence is required.
If you resist… the heavens will act."_
Fengyuan's heart sank.
"So it's begun again…"
💬 Huaian's Decision
Under the plum tree, Qin Huaian sat with the scroll open across his lap. Qin Xiaoxiao sat beside him, watching his unreadable expression.
"Are you going to go?" she asked.
"I don't know," he said softly. "What if it's a trap?"
She leaned against his shoulder.
"Then you'll survive it. Like always."
He turned to look at her—and saw something different in her eyes this time. Not just loyalty. But belief.
Belief that he was destined for more.
And for a moment, he wasn't afraid.
❄️ Song Yueru's Warning
That night, in her frost-bound chamber far to the north, Song Yueru awoke from another dream.
She had seen Heaven's Bridge shatter, light clashing with Void, and Qin Huaian bleeding under a falling sky.
She immediately carved a lunar jade talisman and whispered her warning through their soul bond:
"Don't trust them, Huaian. Not yet. They fear what you'll become. Not what you are."
Huaian heard her words in his sleep.
And smiled.
"I know."