The Demon Star's Awakening

The star-shaped "Demon" mark on Fei Shuang's forehead was unlike that of any other Primordial Demon Clan member. While others bore symbols infused with righteousness, hers pulsed with an overwhelming killing intent, as if it were born solely for slaughter.

The word "Demon" itself was one that evoked fear, often associated with all things dark and malevolent. Yet, unlike the defensive nature of Yue Xiaoqian and the others' sigils, Fei Shuang’s was fiercely aggressive, brimming with an insatiable desire to kill.

At first, Long Chen thought it was the influence of the Star Arm, that Fei Shuang had been infected by Bing Yi’s emotions. But upon closer inspection, he realized that this thirst for bloodshed wasn’t mindless—it was born of protection.

Having witnessed too many of her kin slaughtered before her eyes, Fei Shuang’s unwavering resolve to protect them, as well as her endless hatred for her enemies, had fused into this unparalleled divine symbol—one that existed solely to defend and avenge the Primordial Demon Clan.

A New Power Awakens

Hoo…

Fei Shuang slowly opened her eyes. Within her pupils, the ancient "Demon" rune flickered, stars gleaming in and out of existence. A bottomless power churned within them.

Long Chen gazed into her eyes, and from those glimmering specks of light, he could feel her newfound strength.

She had successfully fused the power of the Primordial Demons with the Star Force, forging an entirely new power. Based on her current strength alone, she already possessed eighty percent of Bing Yi’s combat prowess.

Bing Yi’s fighting style was tyrannical, overwhelming like a raging storm. However, her biggest weakness was her lack of sustainable power—she could burn brilliantly, but only for a fleeting moment.

Conversely, the Primordial Demon Clan's power was vast and deep, excelling in endurance but lacking explosive force.

Now, with these two forces combined, Fei Shuang had taken the best of both worlds. Even though this was only the beginning of her fusion, she was already strong enough to challenge the likes of Bing Yi. Given time, once she mastered this dual-power synergy, her potential would far surpass Bing Yi’s.

The Weight of a Promise

"Lord Long Chen…"

Feeling the violent star power surging within her, as if she could shatter the very heavens with a single punch, Fei Shuang was overcome with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes.

This power, this transformation—

It was all because of Long Chen.

Seeing her teary eyes, Long Chen chuckled and gently ruffled her hair, just as he once did with Xiao Yu. His eyes were filled with nothing but warmth and indulgence.

"From now on, you are the spear of revival and the shield of protection for the Primordial Demon Clan. Those who owe your clan a debt—we’ll make them pay back a hundredfold... even if they belong to the Nine Star lineage."

Fei Shuang trembled. No man had ever been so gentle to her. No one had ever looked at her this way.

In an instant, this proud and unyielding woman—who had always stood strong, even when losing an arm—could no longer hold back her tears.

At last, she understood.

She finally understood why Saintess Xiaoqian, despite all the torment and oppression from the Nine Star lineage, had never wavered in her faith in Long Chen.

Because Long Chen was someone you could entrust with everything—

Even your life.

A Reunion of Tears and Strength

"Come on, let’s go back. They’ve worried long enough." Long Chen smiled.

With a flash, the two figures disappeared.

When they reappeared before Yue Xiaoqian and the others, a thunderous cheer erupted.

Seeing Fei Shuang with her arm restored, feeling the untamed power radiating from her, the newly-awakened disciples of the Primordial Demon Clan were overwhelmed with emotion. Tears streamed down their faces.

Their big sister, the one who had always led them into battle—she was back.

Yue Xiaoqian grabbed Fei Shuang’s hands, her own trembling. She could feel the change in her closest sister, and tears of joy spilled from her eyes.

Fei Shuang had been her greatest friend and strongest pillar of support. During the days when Long Chen wasn’t there, it was Fei Shuang who had protected her, who had encouraged her, who had risked her life countless times to shield her from harm.

When Fei Shuang lost her arm, Yue Xiaoqian had wished she could take on the pain instead.

Now, not only had Fei Shuang’s arm been restored, but she had also gained an unprecedented power. She had condensed her own Divine Symbol, something far beyond what anyone had expected.

Tears blurred Yue Xiaoqian’s vision. She was so happy.

Fei Shuang wasn’t much better.

When she had lost her arm, she had wanted to die. She couldn’t accept such a cruel reality.

The only reason she hadn’t given up was because Yue Xiaoqian needed her. The Primordial Demon Clan needed her. Her mission wasn’t complete yet.

But only she knew the agony she had endured. Only she knew how terrifying it was to pretend to be strong while drowning in despair.

And yet, Long Chen had changed everything.

After rejoicing, Yue Xiaoqian turned her gaze toward Long Chen.

Sitting cross-legged in the void, silently tending to his injuries, he looked exhausted. That weariness pained her heart.

Long Chen was always regarded as a god. But who ever truly saw—

The burden he carried?

They were around the same age, yet the weight on his shoulders was immeasurable.

And yet, not once had he ever complained.

Pain, suffering, responsibility—he bore it all, silently. Behind his easy smile, behind his fearless demeanor, who knew what scars his heart truly carried?

A Warrior’s Choice

"Fei Shuang, you’ve just formed your Divine Symbol. You need to take time to absorb its full benefits."

Yue Xiaoqian stepped forward. "I’ll use my Divine Symbol to help you stabilize your realm and comprehend its laws."

Her Divine Symbol contained the blessings of their ancestors, an invaluable power for all Primordial Demon Clan cultivators.

Fei Shuang, however, had never relied on these blessings. She had forged her Divine Symbol entirely on her own, meaning she had one unused chance to receive this sacred gift.

"Then I’ll trouble you, Saintess Xiaoqian." Fei Shuang nodded.

Though she was already strong, though she had mastered the Star Force and inherited Bing Yi’s divine abilities, Bing Yi’s path wasn’t her own.

She had to carve her own path—only then could she truly master her newfound power.

As Fei Shuang meditated, Long Chen focused on healing himself. Around them, disciples gathered, using this rare moment to cultivate.

Starry light shimmered around Long Chen. His core Star Force was finally beginning to recover.

"Long Chen, why didn’t you just absorb Bing Yi’s Star Force?" Evilmoon grumbled. "If you had, you wouldn’t be in such a miserable state."

Long Chen opened his tired eyes, his voice steady.

"It’s not that I didn’t want to absorb it... It’s because her Star Force was poisoned."

Final Thoughts:

The tides of war continue shifting, but true power isn’t just about strength—it’s about forging your own path. As Fei Shuang rises, Long Chen stands at another crossroads. What price must he pay next?