For several moments, no one moved.
The hidden staircase descended into darkness beneath the ancient statue, its stone steps illuminated by a faint silver glow that seemed to rise from deep underground. Dust drifted slowly through the air, and the newly opened passage exuded a pressure far denser than anything in the outer ruins.
Lunafang stood at Krishak's side, his body tense and his eyes fixed on the staircase.
Through their bond, Krishak sensed not fear, but anticipation.
Whatever lay below was important.
Headmaster Rudra studied the entrance carefully before turning to the group.
"We proceed cautiously. Stay close, and do not touch anything unless instructed."
No one objected.
The battle with the guardians had reminded everyone that ancient ruins were not merely collections of old stones. They were mechanisms built by people whose understanding far exceeded that of modern Earth.
The group descended.
Each step seemed to carry them farther away from the present and deeper into the forgotten past.
The walls of the staircase were covered with intricate carvings depicting stars, constellations, and cultivators seated in meditation beneath the night sky. Silver crystals embedded in the stone pulsed rhythmically, casting soft light over the inscriptions.
Professor Devika traced one of the carvings with awe.
"These murals are astonishingly well preserved."
Krishak examined them quietly.
The techniques depicted were indeed related to the Stellar Heaven Pavilion, an ancient sect that specialized in absorbing cosmic energy to temper body and soul. Though only fragments remained, the artistic style and symbolic arrangements were unmistakable.
His interest deepened.
If this ruin truly belonged to a branch of that sect, the treasures hidden within could be extremely valuable.
The staircase eventually opened into vast underground chamber.
Everyone stopped.
The hall was magnificent.
A domed ceiling arched high above them, studded with thousands of glowing crystals that resembled a star-filled night sky. The polished stone floor reflected the celestial light, creating the illusion that they were standing in the center of the cosmos.
At the heart of the chamber stood a circular platform inscribed with complex formations. Surrounding it were nine stone pedestals, each supporting a crystal tablet.
Even Headmaster Rudra was visibly impressed.
"This place is extraordinary."
Ishita approached the nearest pedestal, her eyes wide with fascination.
"The formation design is unlike anything I've ever seen.
Professor Devika had already begun recording every visible detail.
Raghav and the others stared upward in silent wonder.
Krishak's gaze, however, was fixed on the central platform.
He could sense a dormant intelligence embedded within the formation.
The chamber was waiting.
As if responding to his thoughts, the silver lines on the floor suddenly brightened.
The students stepped back instinctively.
A sphere of light rose from the center of the platform and condensed into the translucent figure of an elderly man wearing flowing robes.
The apparition was calm and dignified.
Its eyes swept over the group before settling briefly on Krishak.
Headmaster Rudra's voice dropped to a whisper.
"A spirit imprint."
The figure spoke in a resonant tone that echoed throughout the chamber.
"Welcome, seekers of the Stellar Hall."
Though the language was ancient, the meaning was transmitted directly through the formation, allowing everyone to understand.
"I am Elder Tian, final guardian of this inheritance."
The apparition regarded the group for several moments.
"Those who enter this hall may attempt the Trial of Stars."
"If you possess sufficient talent, discipline, and insight, you may receive the legacy left behind by our order.
A murmur of excitement spread among the students.
Ancient inheritances were the greatest rewards any ruin could offer.
The spirit continued.
"However, the trial admits only those whose age does not exceed twenty years."
Headmaster Rudra and the instructors exchanged disappointed glances.
They were ineligible.
The inheritance was intended for the younger generation.
The spirit raised a hand.
From each of the nine pedestals, a beam of light shot toward the central platform.
A star-shaped array formed beneath the students' feet.
"Step forward if you wish to be tested."
Dev was the first to move.
Ananya, Ishita, and Raghav quickly followed.
After a brief pause, Krishak stepped onto the platform with Lunafang at his side.
The spirit imprint's eyes brightened when it saw the silver wolf.
"A soul-bound companion may accompany the candidate."
Lunafang's tail wagged once.
The spirit then looked directly at Krishak.
For the first time, its expression changed.
Surprise flickered across its face.
"Interesting."
The single word caused Headmaster Rudra to narrow his eyes.
He had become accustomed to others reacting unexpectedly to Krishak, but hearing that response from a preserved spirit of an ancient cultivator was especially telling.
The spirit raised both hands.
The starry dome above the chamber began to rotate.
Countless points of light shifted into complex constellations.
A deep pressure descended upon the platform.
The trial was about to begin.
Professor Devika clasped her hands tightly.
"Good luck," she whispered.
The spirit's voice echoed through the hall.
"The Trial of Stars consists of three stages."
"The first tests perception.
"The second tests will."
"The third tests harmony."
"Those who fail will be safely removed."
"Those who succeed will earn the right to inherit."
The lights around the platform intensified.
The figures of the five students and their spirit beasts became silhouettes within a cocoon of silver radiance.
Krishak closed his eyes.
He could already sense that this inheritance was more complete than he had expected.
And when Elder Tian had looked at him, the spirit had clearly noticed something unusual.
Whether it was his soul, his talent, or the hidden traces of his previous life remained uncertain.
But one fact was undeniable.
The true opportunity within the Starlit Ruins had finally revealed itself.