Sky Star

Chapter Nine: Underlying Turmoil

The brief period of peace flickered like a dying candle in the wind, unsteady and fleeting in the war-torn lands of the Celestial Domain. Although the dark forces had suffered a devastating defeat in the last battle and had been driven from the main battlefield by the alliance army, they were like venomous serpents lurking in the shadows—hidden yet deadly, waiting for the perfect moment to strike again.

Xiao Chen and Ling Xue were well aware that the current tranquility was nothing more than a temporary lull before the storm. Without pause, they divided their efforts: on one front, they mobilized the people to reinforce the city’s defenses, repairing the war-damaged fortifications, moving massive stones, and rebuilding towering walls. Sweat soaked their clothes, but they did not rest. On another front, they sent out hero invitations, summoning scattered warriors and wise individuals from all corners in hopes of gathering strength for the uncertain trials ahead.

However, beneath this seemingly united front, ripples of dissent were beginning to spread within the alliance. Some noble families and sects, having suffered heavy losses in previous battles, were now hesitant and fearful of the future. Xiao Chen noticed their wavering gazes, filled with doubt and trepidation. During alliance meetings, when discussing the next course of action, their representatives exchanged furtive glances, fingers tapping nervously on the armrests of their seats, weighing risks and benefits in silence.

Xiao Chen could feel their inner turmoil: on one hand, they understood that without unity, they would all eventually be annihilated by the dark forces. But on the other hand, their own factions were already weakened—any further expenditure of strength might lead to total ruin. What if they ended up sacrificing themselves only to benefit others? Thus, they began scheming in secret, seeking to preserve their strength. They procrastinated on the tasks assigned by the alliance, delayed their commitments, and during resource distribution meetings, they quarreled endlessly, each with their own selfish agenda. Greed and self-interest surfaced in their eyes as they abandoned the greater cause, solely focused on maximizing their own gain amidst the chaos.

Xiao Chen sensed this unsettling atmosphere and grew increasingly concerned. One day, while strolling alone through the temporary camp, he observed the bustling yet divided crowd, his brows furrowed in deep thought. He knew that if internal unity was not maintained, the alliance would crumble at the first sign of external pressure—let alone withstand the counterattack of the dark forces.

As he pondered, he encountered a young warrior who had once fought beside him on the battlefield. The warrior, his face filled with frustration, complained, “Brother Xiao, we fight with our lives on the line, yet some only care about themselves. How can we continue like this?” Seeing the disappointment etched on the young man’s face, Xiao Chen felt a pang of pain in his heart. He vowed to himself: He could not let his loyal comrades’ faith go to waste. The alliance’s internal issues had to be resolved. However, thinking about the self-serving factions, he found himself at a crossroads. If he exerted too much pressure, it might provoke greater resistance; if he tried to reason with them gently, they might only pay lip service and continue their scheming. What was the right course of action?

He patted the warrior’s shoulder, his gaze firm. “Don’t worry, brother. I will not let everyone’s efforts go to waste. I will resolve this matter.” Yet, as the words left his mouth, his mind still raced for a strategy, and for a brief moment, an almost imperceptible hesitation flickered in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Ling Xue was also troubled by the alliance’s internal discord. During her intelligence-gathering efforts, she discovered that a mysterious faction had been secretly contacting the wavering noble families, tempting them with lucrative promises in an attempt to lure them away from the alliance. Alarmed, she realized that if this issue were not swiftly addressed, the consequences would be catastrophic. Concealing her emotions, she launched a silent investigation, using her keen insight and extensive intelligence network to identify several suspicious individuals.

Late at night, as the camp’s lights flickered and most had retired to rest, Ling Xue, clad in a black night suit, moved like a phantom through the shadows, tracking one of the suspicious figures. The man sneaked into a secluded tent, whispering conspiratorial words with someone inside—their conversation laced with betrayal against the alliance. Ling Xue, hidden in the darkness, listened intently. Rage burned within her: How could they be so selfish, disregarding the lives of thousands?

Just as she was about to strike and capture the traitors, she suddenly sensed other concealed presences nearby. Her heart sank—this was a carefully laid trap! In that instant, she hesitated. Should she charge forward, relying on her strength to break through and capture the traitors? The risk was immense. If she failed, not only would she be in grave danger, but it would also alert the enemy, making their future schemes harder to uncover. Or should she hold back, waiting for a better opportunity? Yet, if she let this chance slip, the traitors might escape, leading to dire consequences.

As hesitation flashed through her mind, the surrounding air grew heavier with hidden threats.

At that critical moment, as if bound by an unspoken connection, Xiao Chen arrived just in time. Ever since his conversation with the young warrior earlier that day, an unease had lingered in his heart. Keeping an eye on Ling Xue’s movements, he noticed her sneaking out late at night and, sensing something was amiss, followed her. The moment their eyes met, no words were needed—they instantly coordinated their attack.

Xiao Chen unleashed a powerful strike, launching a frontal assault. His only thought: He must not let Ling Xue get hurt. The hidden ambushers were forced back, momentarily thrown into disarray. Seizing the moment, Ling Xue summoned her celestial magic, ice shards shooting forth, instantly subduing the two traitors.

Upon interrogating the captives, the truth was chilling. Although the dark forces had been defeated on the battlefield, they had been scheming to dismantle the alliance from within. They had bribed the weak-willed, orchestrating a series of conspiracies, waiting for the alliance to fracture before launching a decisive strike. Staring at the captured traitors, Xiao Chen and Ling Xue felt nothing but grief.

Xiao Chen blamed himself, believing his failure to safeguard the alliance had given the enemy an opportunity. Ling Xue was both furious and anxious—angry at the traitors’ betrayal and worried for the alliance’s future. They understood that before confronting external threats, they first had to eliminate the internal ones. Only by restoring unity could they protect the Celestial Domain.

In the following days, they took a two-pronged approach. First, they reassured the severely damaged noble families and sects, appealing to reason and emotion, promising generous reconstruction rewards after the war. Their goal was to restore morale and confidence. Second, they enacted severe punishments on the traitors, making an example of them to affirm the alliance’s unwavering resolve against darkness and its commitment to justice.

Gradually, the internal strife subsided. Once again, the people rallied around Xiao Chen and Ling Xue, their unity as unyielding as steel. With newfound determination, they prepared for the even greater battles that lay ahead, standing ready to defend the land they so dearly loved—the Celestial Domain.