The Heavenly Vein Courtyard was calm in the early morning.
But within that calm, life moved in quiet, unstoppable rhythm.
Xing Chen stirred in Mu Xueqing's arms, tiny fists curling and uncurling. His bright black eyes opened slowly, observing the mist of spiritual qi that drifted lazily around the courtyard.
A soft yawn escaped him.
His mothers watched, nine figures of divine elegance, their presence alone bending the morning light. Each of them radiated restrained power, yet now their focus was entirely on the small child in Mu Xueqing's arms.
"Hungry," Xing Chen murmured, tugging gently at her robe.
Mu Xueqing smiled faintly. She shifted slightly, allowing him to latch onto her breast. Her aura softened, the immense weight of her Divine Rank presence melting into tenderness. Around her, the other eight Divine Beast mothers instinctively adjusted their stances, forming a protective circle around them.
Feng Lingxi's eyes glimmered as flames flickered gently in response to Xing Chen's growing aura. "He's already pulling qi from the ambient energy," she whispered. "Even while feeding."
Long Yuerong placed a hand on a nearby stone pillar, grounding herself. "He's small, but he has the hunger of a storm. Feed him well. Protect him. Every moment counts."
Xuan Meilin's gaze softened, yet her hands moved almost unconsciously, forming a subtle warding formation around the courtyard. Even when the infant slept at Mu Xueqing's chest, she maintained a constant spiritual pressure that would deter even a minor intruder.
Bai Yuehan knelt beside a jade basin, carefully purifying water and soft herbs, creating a gentle environment for the child after feeding. "Even divine beings need comfort," she said, adjusting a small mat beneath Mu Xueqing.
Hu Lianyi hovered near a flowering tree, her tails flicking lazily as she spun a minor illusion around the courtyard. It softened the morning light, shielding Xing Chen's delicate skin from harsh rays.
Jin Tianrui spread out her golden wings of spiritual energy, subtly adjusting the qi flows so the child's spiritual sea would remain stable while feeding.
She Yaoqing whispered to the stones beneath their feet, strengthening them with a barely perceptible serpent-shaped aura. "Even the ground must bend for him," she murmured.
Tu Shan Ruyu hummed softly, her movements graceful and precise as she sprinkled spiritual dew from the trees, infusing the air with gentle medicinal fragrance to aid digestion and prevent any residual fatigue from feeding.
Xing Chen squealed in delight, tiny fingers gripping Mu Xueqing's robes as he drank. His small body squirmed, wriggling to seek closer warmth, and let out another soft hiccup.
Mu Xueqing chuckled quietly. "There, there… eat well."
The courtyard resonated with gentle energy, almost musical in its serenity. Yet every mother maintained vigilance. A child of such unparalleled talent required constant care. His hunger was not merely for nourishment—it was a hunger for qi, for warmth, for life itself. And the nine mothers would not allow him to go unfulfilled.
After a while, Xing Chen pulled back, his tiny fists pressing against Mu Xueqing's chest as he looked up at the nine women around him. His gaze was steady, curious, and sharp despite his youth.
"Who's next?" Hu Lianyi teased softly, making the child giggle. Xing Chen's laugh was a bright, pure sound, reverberating through the mist and making the morning sun seem warmer.
Long Yuerong extended a hand, and Xing Chen reached for her. Even a child could sense the calm, protective aura of the Azure Dragon Sovereign.
"Don't overexert him," Mu Xueqing warned softly, holding him close. "He may be small, but his cultivation is already immense. Everything must be measured."
Feng Lingxi leaned closer, flames flickering subtly in sync with the infant's pulse. "Measured, yes… but let him enjoy these moments. Even Divine Rank beings start life as children."
Jin Tianrui laughed lightly, a soft sound like wind through golden leaves. "He is the Star Child. Let him be spoiled, gently, by us all."
Xing Chen squealed again, stretching tiny arms toward Mu Xueqing's breast, then toward Long Yuerong, then the others, a tiny tempest of joy and curiosity.
Mu Xueqing held him against her chest, gently rocking him, her aura radiating warmth and stability. "Eat, sleep, grow," she whispered. "We are here. Always."
And in that courtyard, under the gentle dawn light of Starfall Immortal Sect, the Star Child's tiny heartbeat echoed through the nine Divine Beast mothers' hearts, binding them not only as allies and warriors but as guardians of a life that would one day shake heaven itself.
Special Paragraph – Remember the Mothers and Child
Mu Xueqing – Perfect Divine Rank – White Heaven Snow Empress – primary caretaker of Xing Chen
Long Yuerong – Azure Dragon Sovereign – protective, calm
Feng Lingxi – Vermilion Phoenix Empress – warmth and spiritual flow
Bai Yuehan – White Tiger War Saint – attentive to comfort and nourishment
Xuan Meilin – Black Tortoise Guardian – defensive protection
Hu Lianyi – Nine-Tailed Illusion Fox – subtle shielding and care
Jin Tianrui – Golden Roc Sky Queen – regulates spiritual qi
She Yaoqing – Abyssal Serpent Matriarch – strengthens environment
Tu Shan Ruyu – Jade Moon Rabbit Saintess – medicinal and delicate care
Xing Chen – The Star Child – infant of innate Spirit Awakening, adorable yet extraordinary