Sky Star

Chapter Fifteen: The Mysterious Aid

After the perilous and nerve-wracking battle in the Misty Valley, the group returned to camp, battered and exhausted, like a storm-tossed vessel barely making it to shore. As soon as they arrived, Xiao Chen wasted no time and immediately gathered everyone. Inside the tent, the atmosphere was heavy, as though it could solidify into water. The group sat in a circle, brows furrowed, discussing strategies to counter this enigmatic force. Yet, despite their lengthy deliberations, they felt as if trapped in a quagmire, unable to devise a foolproof plan, only adding to their anxiety and helplessness.

Just as they were drowning in their worries, as if buried under thick storm clouds, an unexpected guest arrived at the camp. The man was clad in flowing white robes, as pure as freshly fallen snow. His garments billowed gracefully, making him appear like a celestial being descending from the heavens. His sharp features bore a cold, aloof air, akin to a lone plum blossom standing resiliently in the frost. Though his presence felt distant and unapproachable, it was impossible to ignore him.

He walked directly toward the main tent. The guards, sensing something unusual, attempted to intercept him, but an invisible force seemed to root them to the ground. They found themselves unable to move, forced to watch in stunned terror as he approached step by step.

Xiao Chen, attuned to the slightest disturbances like a keen predator sensing danger, swiftly exited the tent. His gaze was sharp, piercing like an arrow that could see through all deception. He stared directly at the newcomer. “Who are you? And why have you trespassed into my camp?”

The man in white slightly lifted his chin, his eyes deep and distant, like stars shining through the fabric of time. He spoke in a calm yet resolute tone, “I have come to assist you. Whether you believe me or not is entirely up to you.”

His voice was crisp and clear, like a mountain spring striking against stone, cutting through the heavy atmosphere like a fresh breeze. Yet, within it lay an undeniable certainty that made waves ripple in the hearts of those present.

Ling Xue stepped out of the tent as well, her bright eyes reflecting the starlight as she scrutinized the man in white. She spoke softly, “If you claim to aid us, do you have proof? In times like these, trust is a rare commodity. How can we simply take you at your word?”

The man in white responded with a faint smile, mysterious and knowing, like a sage who had seen through all things. He raised a hand and waved it gently. In an instant, a dazzling array of light formed before them, revealing a sequence of vivid images. The projections displayed the numerous atrocities committed by the dark forces, along with fragments of their schemes against the Celestial Domain. Each image was startlingly lifelike, as though witnessed firsthand, causing the group to inhale sharply in shock.

Xiao Chen and Ling Xue exchanged glances, their hearts struck as if by a bolt of lightning. They knew the immense value of such intelligence. If the information was genuine, it would serve as a beacon of light, illuminating their path through the darkness of this chaotic battlefield.

Seeing their shaken expressions, the man in white spoke again, his tone steady. “I understand the predicament you face. What I have shown is but a fraction of my sincerity. I have many more ways to aid you.”

Inside the tent, murmurs broke out among the gathered warriors. Some were skeptical, their eyes sharp with caution, wary that this might be yet another trap orchestrated by the enemy. Others, however, were hopeful, like parched farmers rejoicing at the first drop of rain, sensing a rare opportunity to shift the tides of battle.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Xiao Chen fixed his gaze on the man in white, his expression resolute, like a general making a critical decision. “Since you have shown such candor, we will trust you this once. But I hope your words hold true. Do not betray our faith in you.”

The man in white gave a small nod, his expression unwavering, as though making a solemn vow. “Rest assured, since I have stepped forward, I will see this through with all my might.”

With his assistance, the camp underwent immediate fortifications. Layers of hidden spiritual barriers spread like an invisible web, discreetly enveloping the surroundings. These barriers served both as an early warning system against intrusions and as a defensive shield capable of withstanding enemy assaults, effectively wrapping the camp in an unseen suit of armor.

Beyond that, the man in white imparted unique techniques of spiritual cultivation, opening new doors of knowledge for the warriors. His teachings felt like rays of dawn breaking through endless darkness, allowing the warriors to improve their abilities significantly within a short span of time.

Yet, despite the remarkable changes, a thorn of doubt remained lodged in Ling Xue’s heart. She observed the man in white in secret, noting how he often stood alone, gazing up at the night sky, as though searching for something long lost—or perhaps longing for someone from a distant past. Each time someone approached, he would quickly return to his usual cold demeanor, as though donning an icy mask to conceal his emotions.

This only deepened Ling Xue’s suspicions. His arrival was too coincidental, his knowledge too precise. She felt an unshakable certainty—this man carried secrets, ones that could change everything.

She resolved to find the right moment to uncover the truth about the enigmatic stranger. For now, all she could do was wait and watch…