Star Continent, Tianyuan Sacred Palace.

Morning.

Today marked the tri-annual recruitment day of the Tianyuan Sacred Palace.

Amid the massive crowd, a young man wearing a black robe embroidered with a blue dragon and white tiger stood out.

It wasn’t because of his talent, but his identity.

He was Eliot Clarke, son of Gavin Clarke, the Dragon Dynasty’s invincible General of the Nation, feared across dozens of kingdoms.

“Here comes that idiot Eliot.”

“Such a waste. Gavin Clarke, the man who holds the entire Dragon Dynasty together, birthed a son like this who’s good for nothing.”

“Yeah, aside from cultivation, I’ve heard he’s into everything else—drinking, gambling... you name it. Why did he even show up at the Sacred Palace?”

The whispers buzzed through the crowd, though none were bold enough to speak too loudly.

After all, beside Eliot stood a hulking man gripping a deadly-looking Azure Dragon Blade.

It was Allen Hastings, Gavin Clarke’s right-hand man, known as the “Merciless Executioner.” Countless generals had met their end beneath his blade.

Allen’s ears caught the murmurs, but he didn’t flinch. Honestly, he couldn’t deny it—Eliot was indeed a master of every vice. Cultivation? Not so much.

The reason they were here in the Sacred Palace? Likely had something to do with the so-called Tianyuan Nine Saints.In the Starry Continent, the Tianyuan Sacred Palace used to be one of the Nine Great Sacred Grounds, its peak marked by the legendary Tianyuan Saint Lord, the strongest Saint Lord in history. But after his disappearance, the palace quickly fell from glory, losing its status among the Nine Sacred Grounds and decaying year by year.

Even so, many spirited youths still dream of joining the Tianyuan Sacred Palace, drawn by one thing—the "Tianyuan Nine Immortals." It's said these Immortals are not only extraordinarily talented but breathtakingly beautiful, like celestial beings descending to the mortal world.

“Ahhh…damn it!” Suddenly, Eliot Clarke let out a pained yell that made Allen Hastings jump in shock. “Young Master, Young Master!” Allen called anxiously, his face twisted in concern.

Eliot’s complexion turned crimson, then black, then green, scaring Allen half to death. For three years now, Eliot had suffered from bouts of insanity, but they always passed quickly. And true to form, within seconds, his expression returned to normal.

Allen breathed out in relief. Eliot, blinking as though dazed, stared at the sea of people around him, utterly stunned.

“What the hell? I was just watching a movie back home, wasn’t I?” Eliot muttered under his breath, baffled by the chaos surrounding him.

Before he could make sense of it, a flood of unfamiliar memories surged into his head. Realization dawned as Eliot froze, eyes wide. “Wait… did I… cross over?” Unable to believe it, he dove into those memories again, seeking answers. He really had crossed over!

Eliot Clarke had read plenty of novels about crossing worlds. After some time calming himself down, he realized his situation wasn’t half bad. He had taken over the body of the son of Gavin Clarke, the great general of the Azure Dragon Dynasty. The only flaw? His inexplicable bouts of madness. Aside from that, he was an expert in every indulgence—drinking, gambling, womanizing, you name it.

This time, Eliot had come here just to catch a glimpse of the legendary grace of the Nine Immortals of Tianyuan.

"Allen, how long have we been waiting here?" His voice rang out casually.

Allen Hastings, gripping his blade tightly, squinted towards the rising sun. "An hour and a half, young master. Be patient—it should start soon."

No sooner had Allen finished speaking than a movement caught everyone’s attention. Above the massive gates, a pure white cloud floated into view. In an instant, it seemed the heavens themselves had descended, bathing the area in divine light. Heads turned skywards to witness the sight.

Perched atop the cloud was an elderly man dressed in spotless white robes, his hair and beard both silvery white, exuding an aura of serene wisdom. The air around him seemed to hum with celestial energy. Beside him stood young men and women clad in star-covered robes—disciples of the Tianyuan Sacred Palace.

The old man smiled faintly, his tone calm and assured as he addressed the crowd. "Esteemed guests, I am the elder overseeing this year’s examination." Expectation gleamed in his eyes.The many youths’ faces shone with excitement, eyes burning with anticipation, their hearts racing.

But Eliot Clarke simply glanced up, his expression a little downcast.

It was just an old man.

The Nine Immortals weren’t going to appear today—it was clear they wouldn’t be seen here.

“Let’s cut to the chase,” the assessment elder announced without ceremony, flicking the whisk in his hand.

With that, nine massive pillars erupted from the plaza, towering high. Each was topped with nine enormous stars.

“Behold the Nine Star Pillars. The brighter the stars you light up, the stronger your talent. Light up at least two stars, and you qualify to enter the Tianyuan Sacred Palace.”

All gazed up at the pillars, faces grim.

The requirement was harsh.

Lighting up two stars wasn’t a big number, but it wasn’t easy either.

Lighting even one star was already proof of outstanding talent, far beyond the average. As for two stars, that marked those considered top-tier geniuses.

And anything above two? You’d be lucky to find one in ten thousand.

With a toss, the elder hurled nine glowing pearls into the air. Near the Nine Star Pillars, nine massive stars floated mid-air, scattered in an unorganized yet inexplicable pattern that hinted at hidden mysteries.

The assessment elder continued, "If anyone can unravel the Nine Star Heaven Formation, even if their results on the Nine Star Pillars fall short, they can still become a disciple of the Heaven Palace."

"This Nine Star Heaven Formation isn't simple. It's said to be personally created by the Heaven Lord of old. Anyone who solves it gains direct entry to learn the legendary Ten Thousand Star Sutra."

"Over centuries, fewer than ten have achieved this."

Whispers spread among the crowd.

Eliot Clarke barely glanced at the Nine Star Heaven Formation, uninterested.

"Alright, first up..."

With the elder’s declaration, the assessment began.

One by one, the youths stepped forward to test their talents at the Nine Star Pillars.

Time ticked on, and less than twenty percent impressed and passed the trial.

"Cang Long Empire, Eliot Clarke."

"Cang Long Empire, Ali Blake."

Eliot strode up to the Nine Star Pillars. Stopping for a moment, Eliot suddenly asked, dead serious, "Elder, how do we even use these?" The elder froze, stunned. Seriously? Someone doesn’t even know how to use the Nine-Star Pillars?

Even if you’ve never seen them before, it’s basic knowledge for any warrior.

In an instant, laughter exploded across the entire square.

The elder’s face darkened, doubt creeping in. Was the reputation of their Heavenly Primordial Palace really sinking this low? Were they attracting the absolute bottom of the barrel now?

Still, maintaining his composure, he answered, “Focus your star power into your palm, then direct it into the pillar.”

Eliot Clarke was completely dumbfounded.

Star power? What the hell is that?

He blinked, nodded blankly, and placed his hand on the pillar.

The moment his palm touched the surface, shocked gasps erupted throughout the square.

Eliot paused, feeling a flicker of hope. Was he actually some kind of hidden genius?

He glanced up—and instantly felt his stomach drop.

Right beside him stood a boy in pristine white robes, his refined features radiating an otherworldly charm. The pillar before him had seven glowing stars lit up.

The elder was trembling, his excitement almost unbearable. This was a rare talent! A treasure!

“Quick—your name!” The elder stammered, voice and hands shaking with enthusiasm.

The boy gave a polite, effortless smile. “Elder, I’m Ali Blake, son of the Moon General of the Azure Dragon Empire.”

Eliot felt his heart sink deeper, his excitement completely crushed.The nine-star pillar showed nothing—not even a speck of light.

Ali Blake glanced at Eliot Clarke after his triumphant remark, his lips curling into a sneer as he mouthed, "Trash."

Laughter erupted all around.

Standing next to Ali Blake, Eliot Clarke looked pitifully outclassed.

One had ignited seven stars—an unparalleled talent destined for greatness. The other? A nobody, devoid of any light.

It was impossible to compare.

Both sons of generals. Both born of noble blood.

One inherited and surpassed the legacy. The other? A disgrace to the name.

"Word is Liam Blake and Gavin Clarke have been at each other's throats for the position of Grand General. With Ali igniting seven stars, he's sure to join the Elder's inner circle as a core disciple. Meanwhile, Eliot looks like a joke. This might finally tip the scales in Blake's favor."

The word "trash" hit Eliot like a knife. It stung even more because it came from Ali Blake.

According to the memories he dug up, Ali was once his closest companion. More bitterly ironic, Ali's father owed much of his rise to Gavin Clarke. These past years, Liam Blake didn’t just lack gratitude; he’s been scheming to push Gavin Clarke off the Town Protector General position.

And Ali Blake? That kid’s been mocking and messing with Eliot Clarke every chance he got.

So, yeah, Eliot’s annoyed.

Just as everyone was starting to leave, something caught Eliot’s eye—the nine chaotic stars floating mid-air not far away.

He froze.

That thing was pulling at him, hard, like it was calling out to him.

Seeing Eliot standing there like a statue, the assessment elder snapped, “Are you going to get down or not?”

Allen Hastings panicked. “Oh no, is the young master losing it again?”

Suddenly, Eliot’s voice exploded like a thunderclap, shaking everyone to their core.

“Elder, I’d like to try breaking the Nine-Star Heaven Array!”