The clouds above the Mortal Realm moved slowly, painting streaks of light across the sky. Yue
Yan stood on the ridge, her sleeves fluttering in the wind as she watched the horizon. Behind her,
Yue Yun quietly stirred the firewood, his thoughts tangled.
Neither of them spoke, but both knew something was coming.
They felt it.
Then the wind shifted.
Not cold. Not corrupted.
But… divine.
A gate of light opened a few steps beyond the forest line. Leaves scattered as golden mist spilled
across the ground.
From within stepped a man in long white robes, etched with silver patterns. His hair was white,
though his face looked young, and a crescent moon mark shimmered faintly on his forehead.
He carried no weapon.
He didn't need one.
Divine Lord Xuan Li, the Fifth of the Ten Divine Lords.
He was known for watching from afar, for never interfering unless the stars themselves called
him. But now, he had come in person.
Yue Yan stepped forward, tense but calm. "Why are you here?"
Xuan Li's voice was gentle. "To speak… to you, Yue Yan."
Yue Yun stood beside her instantly. "If this is about the seal—"
"It's not," Xuan Li interrupted kindly. "It's about her future."
Yue Yan blinked. "My future?"
Xuan Li nodded. "The Council believes it is time. The Celestial Realm cannot wait forever. The
position of Eleventh Divine Lord must be filled soon."
The words hit like a drum.
Yue Yan stepped back. "I haven't ascended yet. I'm not ready."
Xuan Li studied her face. "The stars say otherwise."
"I'm still in my trial!" she insisted. "I haven't even—"
"You've already passed the trial," he said softly. "You just haven't accepted it."
Silence fell between them.
Yue Yun looked at her quietly, knowing this moment would come—but not expecting it so soon.
Xuan Li continued, "Your bond with the Demon Lord is dangerous. If you ascend now, the
Celestial Realm may question your loyalty."
"I don't serve darkness," Yue Yan said sharply. "And I won't let anyone twist that."
Xuan Li gave a slight smile. "Then prove it. Return with me, and take your place among the
gods."
As the Divine Gate shimmered behind him, Yue Yan looked at her brother.
He didn't speak.
He just nodded.
Whatever she chose, he would be behind her.
But Yue Yan's eyes turned toward the mountains.
Toward him.
Toward Wen Shouye.