Agois paced back and forth, anxious and tense, in the dim, empty room lined with black marble. A thin layer of sweat coated his forehead as he continuously analyzed the situation, worried that this incident would bring trouble to both him and his master. The waiting was making Agois more nervous with every passing second; it felt like everything was unfolding beyond his control, and he was powerless once again. He felt a deep sense of weakness.
Suddenly, the Star Void came to mind. He had been too preoccupied during the life-or-death moment to focus on it, but now it returned. What was that voice? What was that power it gave him? It didn't feel like the energy of this world.
Agois instantly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and calmed himself. He found himself back in that star-filled expanse, and a large, glowing light was closest to him. Its brightness had intensified greatly. Agois noticed changes here; it was no longer lifeless and colorless; it was now filled with vitality and energy.
As Agois examined his surroundings, an ancient voice, seemingly hailing from the earliest of ages, echoed in his ears: "Welcome, my Lord."
Suddenly, a body of light formed before him. Its features were indiscernible, but its voice was ethereal; it did not belong to this world.
Agois was astonished. He didn't know how to respond to that. His Lord? When had he become a Lord? What was this thing before him, this body of light? He blurted out all the questions troubling his mind in a single breath: "What are you, why do you call me Lord, and what exactly is this Star Void?"
A sigh, made of light, echoed: "Did the Pearl really have to choose this ignorant child? He knows nothing. He has no idea what an opportunity he holds. Now I must show respect and explain, no matter what. Ugh, the Pearl chose this child. What a hassle." Astre grumbled to himself.
But Agois heard everything, his expression wavering between shame and anger. Though he didn't understand much of what was said, he clearly understood the parts that belittled him.
"I am the Artifact Spirit of this artifact which your master called the Star Void, but whose true name is the Cosmic Pearl. Master may call me Astre," Astre's ancient voice sounded again.
Agois was overcome with excitement. What was a Cosmic Pearl? What exactly was this being who introduced himself as Astre and called him Master? Could the Cosmic Pearl be a magical object? He didn't understand the term 'artifact' but was certain that the Cosmic Pearl was something extraordinary.
"So, what exactly is the Cosmic Pearl, and what exactly are you?" he asked expectantly.
Astre patiently explained: "The Cosmic Pearl's history predates even the ancient eras. You can call it an artifact, but it was not made by a living being. It is one of nature's greatest treasures. Throughout history, the Cosmic Pearl chose its own owners, and after all these ages, it has gathered its energy and chosen a new Master, which is you."
Agois couldn't fully process it, but he grasped the general idea and asked curiously, "So, the Cosmic Pearl is a magical object?"
Astre was taken aback. What was a magical object? What kind of world did the Cosmic Pearl's chosen Master hail from? Curiosity piqued, Astre activated his sensory ability and began gathering information about this world. After a while, data flowed into Agois's mind, slowly forming a comprehensive understanding of this world. It was a very weak, 4th-rate world, and the Master chosen by the Cosmic Pearl was one of its weakest inhabitants.
Reluctantly, Astre turned to Agois and gave his explanation: "The 'magical objects' the Master speaks of are mere magical items produced by the artisans of this world, powered by Nel energy. But Master is mistaken. The highest level of artifact and magical object are simply incomparable; the difference is greater than that between the sky and the earth. The Cosmic Pearl has no rank; it is entirely a masterpiece and miracle of nature. Artifacts are the peak soul-treasures of the universe, whereas magical objects are not even soul-treasures; they are entirely soulless magical items powered by mere Nel energy." Astre explained in a way Agois could understand.
Agois had just thought he was encountering the miracles of this world, but suddenly understood he possessed something far more miraculous and extraordinary. His worldview seemed to shatter and reform. Artifacts, the Universe, Astre's scornful tone when speaking of this world's magical items—Agois felt increasingly renewed yet small and weak with every passing second. But he now possessed the Cosmic Pearl, didn't he? He could reach the peak he dreamed of. No, he would surpass the peak!
Agois immediately asked curiously. Even though he had tested it, this extraordinary artifact might have other features. He asked about the uses and benefits of the Cosmic Pearl: "Astre, what is the Cosmic Pearl used for, or how exactly will it benefit me?"
Astre continued the explanation without annoyance: "The Cosmic Pearl absorbs the Star Light of the stars in the universe and converts it into Cosmic Energy, bestowing it upon its chosen master in various ways. Firstly, Cosmic Energy is in the highest class of energy types in existence, but the Master's Nel energy is a lower class energy type, and the Master cultivates with this energy. Therefore, the Master needs to destroy and rebuild his existing cultivation system to use Cosmic Energy and better utilize the Cosmic Pearl."
"And the Master possesses the Body of the Dark Star. First, we need to awaken this, as it will give you a great advantage and power. It will help you adapt to and control Cosmic Energy. As I said, Cosmic Energy is very powerful, and equally chaotic. Not everyone can cultivate with this energy or switch to the Cosmic System. But the Master's Body of the Dark Star means your destiny is completely intertwined with the Cosmic Pearl and the Cosmic System."
"But for now, these things are unnecessary. If we immediately switch to the Cosmic System, the Master cannot explain it to this world, which could attract unwanted attention. Therefore, it is better and more logical for the Master to wait until he opens his 12th Meridian before switching to the Cosmic System," Astre continued.
It was as if Agois had entered a brand new world; all his knowledge was updated, and his existing world suddenly seemed small and desolate to him. But he quickly regained his composure, remembering he was currently in the Hall of Justice. First and foremost, he didn't want to attract unnecessary attention. He could always examine the Cosmic Pearl later. Looking at Astre, he said, "Well, I have a general idea about this artifact for now. Let's discuss other matters later; first, let me get over the trouble I'm currently in. See you later."
Astre immediately continued: "Master is right; this much knowledge is sufficient for now. As you grow stronger, you will naturally come into contact with certain secrets. Therefore, knowing some things now is likely to do more harm than good. The Master can be at ease. I will explain the benefits of the Cosmic Pearl to the Master later and ensure you utilize them. For now, the Master can attend to his affairs, and I want to make one small warning: it is strongly advised that the Master never mentions the Pearl's existence to anyone."
Agois nodded in understanding; he had the same thought. "See you later, Astre," he said and left the Cosmic Pearl's domain.
When he opened his eyes, he was in a meditative stance on the cold marble, alone. Agois had experienced extraordinary things today. His life would never be the same. He was destined to reach the peak. Thinking this, he smiled, his self-confidence fully restored. He would gain the power to protect his family, himself, and even his master in times of danger.
As Agois was lost in these thoughts, the wooden door of the room opened with a loud bang. An elder entered, wearing a brocade robe with jade coloring and golden embroidered motifs along the edges. He had a deep gaze and a severe look with his white beard. If you looked closely, this elder, who appeared stern and authoritative, currently wore an anxious expression. But seeing that Agois only looked slightly battered and was completely fine, the anxiety on his face immediately transformed into relief and his usual stern, authoritative demeanor.
Seeing his master, Agois felt all the worry and tension that had been gnawing at him instantly fly away like a bird. It was replaced by a warm sense of security. He was now relaxed. He didn't know why, but seeing this stern man, his worry suddenly seemed meaningless and misplaced.
Elder Senfu knew his student was mature and sensible. He wouldn't be easily provoked or do things that would lead to such consequences without cause. So, he first wanted to hear everything from his student. "Boy, tell me exactly what happened," he asked.
Agois took a deep breath, his sharp features relaxing with the relief that washed over him, and began to speak calmly: "First, Master, this fellow harassed me at the sect entry ceremony yesterday. I ignored him. Then, today, he suddenly tried to humiliate me while I was eating in the dining hall. Normally, I wouldn't care, but a humiliation I suffered years ago came to mind. Back then, I was weak and powerless, and I had no right to fight back. But now I am a cultivator, and yet someone could still humiliate and mock me. So, I mocked and humiliated him back in a much harsher way. Of course, I didn't think this idiot would suddenly attack me, and he didn't hold back in his attack. If I hadn't mastered my martial arts to the Profound Level, I might not be here right now," Agois said with an expression of one who was wronged and helpless.
The only lie in Agois's narration was the strength granted by the Star Void. He still couldn't believe it himself, having only pushed the incident to the back of his mind due to the current trouble and situation.
Elder Senfu's expression slowly turned cold as he listened to all this. It sounded like a truly dangerous situation, but there was one thing he didn't understand: according to the information he received, that fellow named Crom was at the peak of the 2nd Level of the Silver Realm, while his student was only in the early stage of the 2nd Level. The difference was not easily bridgeable. Yet, it was clear that his student was not the one seriously injured, but that brute. He probably wasn't as good at martial arts comprehension as his student, Senfu thought. He was no longer so angry. The important thing was that his student was unharmed. He immediately smiled warmly, looking at Agois, and said, "I'm glad you're alright, my boy. Let's go."
Agois felt his heart warm at the sight of his master's gentle smile on his aging face. He truly had a good master. But he immediately hesitated: "Master, I didn't cause you any trouble, did I?"
Elder Senfu, who had taken a few steps, stopped and turned back to look at Agois. There was a teasing look on his face. He smiled mockingly: "Hehe, little brute, you haven't reached the level to cause me trouble yet, hehe," he said and continued, "Your well-being is enough for me. Don't worry about the rest. Let's go."
Agois looked at the old man before him. His master now seemed even more elevated and cooler in his eyes. This was the Hall of Justice; he had heard everyone, even the elders, were cautious here because it was responsible for internal disciplinary actions. Yet, his master was taking him out as if nothing had happened.