The journey beyond the Divide lasted three more days.
For Kael—
Those three days revealed more about the cultivation world than everything he had experienced since leaving Iron Flame Sect.
Powerful beasts roamed openly through mountain ranges.
Flying cultivators occasionally crossed the skies.
Ancient fortresses stood atop cliffs that seemed impossible to reach.
The north was alive.
And dangerous.
⸻
On the morning of the fourth day—
Kael finally saw it.
A city.
No—
A colossal city.
His footsteps slowed instinctively.
Even Lyra stopped briefly.
Before them stood a massive wall stretching beyond the horizon.
Towering gates forged from black metal guarded the entrance.
Countless cultivators moved in and out like rivers of people.
Above the city floated dozens of platforms connected by bridges of light.
Massive spiritual formations glowed across the skyline.
And in the distance—
Several enormous towers pierced the clouds.
Kael stared silently.
"This is a city?"
Lyra nodded.
"Starfall City."
⸻
The city dwarfed Azure City completely.
Comparing the two felt ridiculous.
Azure City was a village.
Starfall City was a kingdom unto itself.
⸻
As they entered through the gates—
Kael immediately felt countless auras.
Strong ones.
Very strong ones.
Everywhere.
Cultivators walked openly through the streets carrying weapons infused with spiritual energy.
Merchants sold treasures Kael had never seen before.
Flying beasts carried wealthy clans through the sky.
The entire city radiated power.
⸻
Kael's Origin Sense naturally spread outward.
Instantly—
He detected several individuals whose presence exceeded anything he had previously encountered.
Even without seeing them directly—
He understood.
The north truly gathered monsters.
⸻
"Don't use your perception carelessly."
Lyra's voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
Kael looked toward her.
She continued calmly.
"Many experts dislike being observed."
Kael nodded slightly and withdrew his senses.
Useful advice.
⸻
As they walked deeper into the city—
People began recognizing Lyra.
Not openly.
But subtly.
Respectful glances.
Lowered heads.
Whispers.
⸻
Eventually Kael asked,
"Who exactly are you?"
Lyra remained silent for several moments.
Then answered.
"A member of the Azure Star Sanctuary."
Kael immediately noticed nearby cultivators stiffen slightly after hearing the name.
Even merchants lowered their voices.
⸻
"Is that important?"
A faint smile appeared on Lyra's face.
"Somewhat."
That answer only made Kael more suspicious.
⸻
Suddenly—
A loud commotion erupted ahead.
Several people gathered around a large arena positioned near the center of the city.
Cheers erupted continuously.
Kael glanced toward it.
A duel.
⸻
Inside the arena—
Two young cultivators exchanged attacks at incredible speed.
One wielded lightning.
The other controlled wind.
Their techniques shattered stone and shook the defensive barriers surrounding the arena.
⸻
Kael watched briefly.
Interesting.
But not enough.
Neither would have survived against the Void followers.
⸻
Lyra noticed his reaction.
"Those are considered talented."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Talented?"
She nodded.
"Among ordinary cultivators."
Then she looked at him directly.
"You are no longer competing against ordinary cultivators."
⸻
The meaning behind those words was clear.
Origin.
Void.
Ancient powers.
His enemies were different now.
⸻
As they continued through the city—
Kael suddenly froze.
The Origin Core pulsed.
Hard.
⸻
BOOM.
A deep vibration echoed through his body.
Once.
Then again.
⸻
His eyes narrowed immediately.
Something nearby.
Something important.
⸻
Kael turned toward a distant tower located near the center of Starfall City.
Unlike the others—
This tower was ancient.
Covered in faded symbols.
And at its peak—
A broken golden emblem.
⸻
The Origin Core reacted again.
Stronger.
⸻
Lyra followed his gaze.
Her expression changed slightly.
"You can feel it."
Kael nodded.
"What is that place?"
⸻
"The Hall of Echoes."
Lyra's voice became serious.
"One of the few surviving Origin-related locations in the northern territories."
Kael's eyes sharpened instantly.
Another Origin site.
⸻
Before he could ask more—
A powerful pressure descended upon the city.
Not hostile.
But overwhelming.
Countless cultivators looked upward.
⸻
A massive flying ship appeared above Starfall City.
Its hull was covered in silver runes.
Dozens of experts stood upon its deck.
⸻
"The Celestial Sword Sect."
Someone nearby whispered.
"They've arrived."
⸻
More ships appeared in the distance.
Then another.
And another.
⸻
The city became excited instantly.
Something major was happening.
⸻
Lyra frowned slightly.
"…Earlier than expected."
Kael noticed immediately.
"You know what's happening."
⸻
Lyra nodded.
"Three months from now…"
Her gaze shifted toward the city center.
"…the Northern Convergence begins."
⸻
"What's that?"
⸻
"The largest gathering of young cultivators in the northern territories."
Her expression grew serious.
"The strongest geniuses from every major sect, clan, and sanctuary will participate."
⸻
Kael listened quietly.
⸻
"The winner gains access to the Ancient Star Vault."
Lyra continued.
"A place sealed since the Void Wars."
⸻
The Origin Core pulsed again.
Even stronger this time.
⸻
Kael immediately understood.
The Ancient Star Vault…
Was connected to Origin.
⸻
Far away.
Hidden beneath frozen mountains.
The Hollow Hunters finally received their orders.
Five figures emerged from darkness.
No faces.
No names.
Only killing intent.
⸻
"The target has entered Starfall City."
⸻
One of them slowly opened glowing violet eyes.
"We move tonight."
⸻
And for the first time since reaching the north—
True danger entered the city alongside Kael.
⸻
Host: Kael Veyron
Realm: Origin Awakening Stage 2
Abilities:
• Origin Sense
• Origin Flash
• Origin Pulse
• Origin Perception
• Origin Resonance
Equipment:
• Ring of the First Pulse
• Azure Star Token
Current Objective:
• Investigate the Hall of Echoes
• Prepare for the Northern Convergence
• Survive the Hollow Hunters