After a long night filled with quiet conversations between his body and the soul power of the Starlit Crowned Deer, Lu Xingchen could feel his body gradually adapting to the starry energy flowing through him. The silver starlight enveloping his body grew brighter and stronger with each passing night. His physical strength and healing abilities had improved significantly. Every time he sensed the tremor of his martial spirit, he knew he was one step closer to realizing his true potential.
But one thing still weighed on him—his spirit ring.
As the possessor of a martial spirit so rare, Lu Xingchen knew that finding a spirit ring that matched the attribute of the starry sky was crucial. Without it, his martial spirit could never truly develop. Worse, without a spirit ring, he would never be able to advance further in this world of spirit cultivation.
Determined, Xingchen headed toward the most reliable source of information any student could access—the academy library. Though Xianjin Academy wasn't large, its library was decently stocked with ancient books detailing the knowledge of spirit beasts and martial spirits. This was the perfect place to begin his search.
That morning, a light rain fell from the sky, the soft patter echoing gently throughout the academy. Wrapping his cloak tightly around himself, Xingchen made his way to the library building. As he stepped inside, a warm silence embraced him. Gentle sunlight filtered through tall windows, casting golden rays across shelves filled with thick tomes and old scrolls. A faint scent of wood and aged paper hung in the air.
Rows upon rows of books contained knowledge about martial spirits, spirit rings, and spirit beasts. Lu Xingchen began flipping through them one by one, hoping to find something useful. Every page unveiled a world of wonders, but none held the answers he sought. Not a single mention of a spirit beast related to the starlit heavens—nothing that aligned with his martial spirit.
After hours of reading, despair began to take root. Most of the books only referenced beasts of fire, water, wind, earth, or other known elements. None spoke of a beast linked to the starry sky. And certainly not of the Starlit Crowned Deer.
"Am I truly the only one with this starlit attribute?" he wondered. "How am I supposed to find a matching spirit beast if no one even knows this attribute exists?"
The more he read, the more confused he became. These texts covered only the common creatures of this world, lacking any explanation for a martial spirit so unique. This wasn't just rare—it bordered on the mythical. It was a mystery even to scholars of martial spirits. Clearly, this search wouldn't be easy.
As time passed and the stack of read books grew taller, frustration slowly crept into his heart. Was he doomed to fail in finding the first ring that could awaken the full potential of his martial spirit? Perhaps the world of spirits had no place for a bearer of the Starlit Crowned Deer.
But Lu Xingchen was not one to give up so easily. If he didn't push forward, he would never progress in the path of martial cultivation. Taking a deep breath, he closed the last book on the table and stood up. He needed another path—and he knew exactly who might be able to help.
Without hesitation, Xingchen walked briskly to the office of Headmaster Mo Xuan. The man was known for his wisdom and experience. If anyone could offer guidance, it was him. A respected figure within the academy, Mo Xuan had deep knowledge of both the spirit world and martial spirits.
Xingchen stood before the office door, heart pounding with hope, and knocked.
The door creaked open, revealing Mo Xuan, already expecting him, with a gentle smile. "Ah, Xingchen. What brings you here? You seem troubled," he said warmly, motioning him inside.
Xingchen sat down across from the large desk and spoke with earnest urgency. "Teacher, I need your help. I'm searching for a spirit beast that matches my spirit ring. My martial spirit is the Starlit Crowned Deer, and I need a beast with a celestial, star-related attribute. But I couldn't find anything in the library."
Mo Xuan nodded thoughtfully, his wise eyes reflecting understanding. He remained silent for a moment, considering.
"The Starlit Crowned Deer… indeed, that's an incredibly rare martial spirit," he said at last. "A celestial attribute is truly uncommon. Most spirit beasts are aligned with familiar elements—fire, water, wind. But beasts linked to the stars... are almost unheard of."
Xingchen listened intently, hanging on every word.
"There is an old legend I recall," Mo Xuan continued. "Long ago, a spirit beast known as the Celestial Star Deer was said to exist. It was believed to serve as a bridge between the mortal world and the stars above. It would only appear on specific nights, when certain constellations aligned brightly in the sky."
Xingchen's eyes widened. "So there is a spirit beast with a star attribute? Can I really find it?"
Mo Xuan smiled faintly, though there was concern in his expression. "That's the problem. The Celestial Star Deer is incredibly rare. No one has seen one in centuries. They dwell in remote forests far from civilization, where the stars feel close to the earth. If you truly wish to find one, it will be a long and perilous journey. But if you succeed, your power will grow beyond imagination."
A fire lit in Xingchen's heart. The Celestial Star Deer! That was the answer he had been searching for. A spirit beast that matched his starlit attribute. Without hesitation, he declared, "Teacher Mo Xuan, I'm ready to search for it. Please guide me!"
Mo Xuan sighed softly. "I will help you. But remember, this journey will not be easy. You must be prepared to face many dangers. I'll make arrangements for us to begin the expedition together."
Xingchen nodded firmly. "Thank you, Teacher. I'll do whatever it takes to find the Celestial Star Deer and obtain a ring that truly suits my martial spirit."
The very next day, Mo Xuan and Xingchen set off on their journey to the distant forest, far from the academy. As the path unfolded beneath his feet, Xingchen's resolve only grew stronger. Each step toward that hidden place felt like a step toward his destiny—a journey that would change everything.