The ruined Celestial In shimmered faintly under the night sky. Though broken by time, it still whispered of ancient warmth and laughter — now long gone. The group sat in a quiet circle, resting from the battle earlier that day.
Yuexin, sitting near the cracked window, glanced at Haoran. He was sharpening his sword again, though it hardly needed it. His brows furrowed in deep thought.
"Haoran…" she whispered, walking to his side, "What weighs your heart tonight?"
He paused. The flames danced in his eyes. "This place… I came here as a child. With my brother. Before he…"
Silence fell.
"I was powerless then," he said, voice low. "My lightning could break stone, but I couldn't save him."
Yuexin gently placed a hand on his. "You were just a boy, Haoran."
"But I swore I'd never be that weak again," he muttered. "That's why I must be the strongest now."
A soft melody rose in the wind.
They turned to see lin yin, seated on the steps, playing his jade flute. The notes were wistful, beautiful — but tinged with sorrow. Tears welled in his eyes.
Liang Feng spoke softly, "It's his sister's song. He plays it every year on this day."
Yuexin looked around. One by one, each prince's past revealed a wound — hidden behind strength, smiles, or silence.
Liang Feng lost his parents during the border war.
Wu zen once lived in the shadow realm, surviving alone.
Jian trained under an immortal general but was abandoned when he failed to awaken his power.
And then Yuexin remembered…
She had met them all before — as children in the Heavenly Garden. Under the moonlight, they had played, laughed, and dreamed. But she had forgotten… until now.
Her heart ached. These weren't just powerful warriors — they were broken stars learning to shine again.
And somehow… she was the light that brought them all together.
Episode 8 end (continue)