Chapter 116: The Red Star Emerges
The celestial anomaly unsettled the Nine Provinces, stirring countless astonishments.
At Noon Sun River, beneath the glow of a red star, Shuo was roused by the crimson light piercing the night. With a mixture of suspicion and awe, he stepped outside.
Looking up, he saw the sky bathed in a radiant red light; the entire constellation cloud shimmered in scarlet hues, with the central red star shining brilliantly.
“What? Could this be...?”
Shuo pondered deeply, then could not resist drawing forth the Red Sun Divine Pearl within him. “Since this red star has manifested, astonishing everyone, why not show it to them as well?”
Without hesitation, Shuo cut his finger, letting his blood seep onto the pearl.
As the Red Sun Divine Pearl absorbed his blood, it instantly glowed fiery red, dazzling like the midday sun.
“Go forth!”
With a slight incantation, the Red Sun Divine Pearl ascended, illuminating the surrounding scarlet constellation cloud with such brilliance that it surpassed even the crimson light emanating from the Blood Moon Divine Pearl. The constellation cloud blazed with an unparalleled crimson splendor.
Soon, the original red star in the cloud dimmed, replaced by a new red star’s bright light. Two red stars appeared simultaneously—one large, one small—reflecting each other and aligning in a line that bathed the moon and stars in a deep red glow.
“Ha ha ha!” Shuo laughed aloud, pride gleaming in his eyes as he gazed at the Milky Way. “The night sky is awash in red; let those people tremble in fear and wonder!”
He chuckled for a long while, sitting peacefully on the grass, savoring the mortal world beneath this red-hued night.
What was once a dark, lightless night now sparkled with countless stars, all steeped in red, transforming the moonlit coldness into a vast, vigorous masculinity.
“I am one step closer to my goal! When will the sacred relic of Tianshan lie in my palm?”
The flowers, grass, and trees along Noon Sun River seemed to bask in sunlight — their leaves stretching out, fully indulging in the essence of moon dew and masculine vigor.
Without hesitation, Shuo formed a magic circle and sat in meditation, knowing that such a magnificent sight would greatly enhance his cultivation.
Meanwhile, Liu Li stared in stunned silence at the red sky and the crimson-tinted imperial city, feeling both shame and fear. He believed all this was a result of activating the Blood Moon Divine Pearl.
“How could this be? What is the true origin of the Blood Moon Divine Pearl, and why do I possess such power?”
Unable to comprehend and fearing the strange celestial phenomenon might bring misfortune, Liu Li hurried to the sacrificial altar to seek the High Priest.
Stepping out of the palace, Liu Li saw many guards staring at the sky in amazement, which filled him with guilt.
Amid the murmurs and the crimson glow in his eyes, his heart was a whirl of emotions.
Soon, Gao Hai came up behind him, joining Liu Li on the way to find the High Priest. Gao Hai was the closest ally Liu Li had inside and outside the palace.
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Gao Hai glanced around and whispered, “I just went to find Feng Xing but he’s not in the palace. I knew you weren’t sleeping and was about to look for you!”
Liu Li nodded and quickened his pace. “Feng Xing was sent by me to handle some matters. Now that the heavens have changed drastically, let’s first seek the High Priest.”
The two hurried to the High Priest’s chamber and, before knocking, heard his voice.
“You two may come in.”
They pushed open the door and looked around. The High Priest was sitting in meditation on the sacrificial altar. The altar’s windows faced each side, beneath the celestial dome and above a water channel. His presence exuded a sense of control over all.
“High Priest, what has happened to the night sky?” Gao Hai approached the altar, eyes fixed intently.
Mu Fan paid no attention to Gao Hai, calmly rising to look at Liu Li.
“High Priest, do you have something to tell me?”
“Your Majesty, do you not know the origin of this celestial phenomenon?”
Liu Li was taken aback, glancing around as he removed the jade pendant at his waist.
“Indeed, High Priest is truly insightful and wise. This celestial event is caused by the pearl on this pendant. However, I know nothing of its mysteries, nor why it summoned the red star. Can you explain?”
Mu Fan lightly waved his hand, drawing out the glowing light of the Blood Moon Divine Pearl. The pearl twitched slightly, causing a subtle shift in the celestial dome. The smaller red star moved along with the pearl.
Gao Hai sighed, “There is a faint beam connecting the two, and they brighten each other. What kind of relationship could this be?”
Mu Fan smiled faintly. “Your Majesty’s pearl is the Blood Moon Divine Pearl?”
“Exactly.”
“This pearl can be used to cultivate secret arts and protect its bearer. If the owner’s mixed emotions, sincere blood, and spiritual energy are infused, it can light up the Blood Moon Star within the celestial sphere. I imagine Your Majesty inadvertently infused your own spirit and energy into it, which is why the sky is filled with this red light.”
Liu Li was stunned and regretted shedding tears earlier. “But where did the larger red star come from?”
“That formed afterward. It is forged by the Red Sun Divine Pearl and is called the Red Sun Star. One is the Blood Moon, the other the Red Sun—the most extraordinary masculine forces in the world, capable of influencing the celestial constellations and all mortal phenomena!”
“Does this celestial phenomenon carry deep meaning? Or perhaps some consequence?”
Mu Fan glanced at the night sky and sighed. “Though I have studied long and hard, these two red stars haven’t appeared for millennia. I still don’t fully understand. Perhaps I should write to the Elder of Tianshan for answers?”
“That would be wise. This matter is urgent; otherwise, it may bring calamity.”
Just as Mu Fan was about to summon a messenger pigeon, a blue-feathered bird flew in—the unique messenger of the Venerable Qian Gui.
“The Venerable has already sent a letter. He must have deciphered the phenomenon!”
Liu Li smiled nervously. “Very well, High Priest, please read it carefully!”
Mu Fan nodded and cast a spell to retrieve the letter. It read: The celestial phenomenon has changed greatly; both red stars have appeared—one over the Northern Hua Palace, the other in the Yuzhou mountains. This portent represents the fate of a masculine soul and requires caution to calm the people. The Red Sun Divine Pearl is in Shuo’s hands and has been activated by him, likely with plans to interfere. He must not be allowed to obtain the Blood Moon Divine Pearl’s owner. Find the owner of the Blood Moon Divine Pearl and advise him to conceal the pearl and his identity to avoid Shuo’s schemes. In due time, a disciple will descend the mountain to speak with you.
Mu Fan folded the letter and softly asked, “Your Majesty, are you the original owner of the Blood Moon Divine Pearl?”
“What do you mean original owner? When I found it, it was in the murderer’s hall at Qingniao Lake. I don’t know if he was using it.”
“The Blood Moon Divine Pearl, upon meeting its owner, becomes streaked with blood and loses its transparency. Recall how it appeared when you first got it.”
Liu Li thought for a moment and smiled. “It was very clean and transparent when I received it; it only absorbed my blood later. So, I’m its original owner? Strange that the other man kept it untouched.”
Mu Fan nodded reassuringly. “Fortunately, he didn’t use it. I suspect he holds the Red Sun Divine Pearl. If both pearls are united, their power increases greatly and becomes impenetrable, threatening the world’s peace. Since Your Majesty is fated to possess the Blood Moon Divine Pearl, you must protect it and wield it for righteousness.”
“Of course. But what does this celestial phenomenon mean? You said the Red Sun Divine Pearl is with that man, yet now it joins mine to light the night sky. What’s the implication?”
“Ultimately, he intends to continue wreaking havoc across the land. The Qingniao Lake incident failed to eliminate him. He is now intensifying his cultivation and seeking treasures. This celestial sign is a clear warning and declaration. The radiance of the red stars reflects the bearer’s fate, flickering between light and dark. Your Majesty must be vigilant!”
“What?” Gao Hai gasped, looking from Liu Li to the sky. “The High Priest means the Red Sun Star represents Your Majesty’s fortunes and misfortunes? Bright means smooth and clear, dim means hardship and loss?”
Mu Fan glanced at the silent Liu Li and calmly replied, “There is some advantage. At least there is a sign of fate, allowing those who care to understand your condition and urging Your Majesty to be cautious. If others don’t know the owner of the pearls, no one will notice the red star’s brightness, which is for the best.”
“But—” Gao Hai started, but Liu Li stopped him.
“What does the High Priest suggest I do? Now that it’s known the pearl is with me, is there any other way?”
“The divine pearls rarely change hands, but they can seek a new bearer. Both pearls are embodiments of extreme masculinity and favor those with equal vigor. If Your Majesty finds another worthy person, it can avert danger and prevent evil from coveting the pearls.”
Liu Li looked at the pearl in his hand and sighed. “Where can I find such a person?”
“Your Majesty, I have a solution!” Gao Hai suddenly said. “The High Priest suggests you hide the pearl and have others believe the owner has changed. We just need to find someone whose fate is even more masculine than yours. Then the villain will assume the owner is not Your Majesty and won’t threaten you or the realm.”
“But where can we find such a person? Passing risk onto another—isn’t that wrong?”
The High Priest shook his head. “Your Majesty, don’t think that way. This is for the sake of preserving peace. If you fall into the villain’s hands, they could exploit or harm you, and together they might create a Blood Moon and Red Sun that bring endless chaos. Finding another bearer only shifts attention and provides an opportunity to capture the villain and restore order. This is the right choice.”
“Could a pearl I obtained so casually cause such danger?”
“Divine pearls are treasures. In the hands of the righteous, they are blessings; in the hands of the wicked, disasters. That is all.”
Liu Li sighed and nodded. “Very well. Gao Hai, go and find such a person.”
Gao Hai departed, and Liu Li bid farewell to the High Priest.
Along the way, the breeze blew ceaselessly, but the crimson light offered no peace.
“So much has happened today. I have just learned of my origins and had no time to accept them before this celestial upheaval. Is it fate that Northern Hua and the world cannot escape calamity? Who is this villain who thrives on chaos? What is your true purpose?”