The Celestial Court was silent.
All ten Divine Lords sat upon their thrones, watching closely. The air felt heavy, as if even the heavens were holding their breath.
At the center stood Yue Yan, dressed in white and gold.
It was her first appearance as a Divine Lord.
Beside her stood Yue Yun—quiet, but alert, his gaze never leaving the court.
Lady Zhi Yuanzun stepped forward, a glowing scroll resting in her hands. Its light pulsed faintly, as though it had been waiting for this moment.
"This prophecy has been sealed for ages," she said. "But now… it has awakened."
Her eyes shifted toward Yue Yun and Yue Yan.
"And it speaks of the two of you."
She opened the scroll.
Golden light spilled into the air as ancient words rose and floated above them. Her voice echoed through the hall as she read.
It spoke of two beings—
One of fire.
One of stars.
Bound by fate.
A bond that could either preserve the balance of the Three Realms…
Or destroy it completely.
When she finished, silence returned.
Slowly, all eyes turned to Yue Yun and Yue Yan.
"That much is clear," Shen Xuanzun said calmly. "Yue Yun wields Skyfire. Yue Yan carries the Starborn mark."
Lord Ying Yuanzun rose to his feet, his expression dark. "And now the Supreme Demon Lord has shown interest in Yue Yan."
His voice sharpened.
"That makes this prophecy far more dangerous."
Yue Yan stepped forward slightly. "I haven't spoken to him."
"But he has reached for you," Ying replied. "And this prophecy speaks of a bond."
He paused, letting the words settle.
"What if it is not between you and your brother… but between you and him?"
A ripple of unease passed through the court.
Lady Yue Yaozun's expression tightened. "If the Demon Lord has found a way to influence one of our own… then we are already at risk."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Shen Xuanzun made his decision.
"Yue Yan."
His voice carried quiet authority.
"You will go alone to the corrupted realm. If your heart remains unshaken, you will return safely. This is the only way to prove that the prophecy will not unfold in darkness."
Yue Yun stepped forward immediately. "She shouldn't go alone."
"She must," Shen replied without hesitation. "This trial is hers."
Yue Yun's jaw tightened, but before he could speak again—
A gentle touch stopped him.
Yue Yan placed her hand lightly on his arm.
"I'll be fine," she said softly.
Her voice was calm.
Certain.
At the far end of the hall, a glowing portal slowly opened, its light casting long shadows across the floor.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
Yue Yan took a step forward.
Then another.
She didn't look back.
And without hesitation—
She stepped into the light.