Chapter 202: Dawn Breaks Through the Mist

The light of the teleportation channel flickered, and Zhang Cheng's figure appeared and vanished within it. He urgently pressed Duo Yun ahead of him, "Do you really know the whereabouts of the Creation Star Flower? Kelinda's life is hanging by a thread; I must find it as soon as possible!"

Duo Yun stopped, turned to Zhang Cheng, and a mysterious smile tugged at his mouth, "I have indeed heard some rumors, but it's hard to tell what's true."

Zhang Cheng's heart rose to his throat, "What rumors? Tell me quickly!"

Duo Yun withdrew his smile, his tone turning serious, "Legend says the Creation Star Flower is hidden in an ancient ruin on Long Xing. It is the birthplace of the Dragon Clan, containing immense cosmic energy, but danger lurks everywhere."

"Long Xing…" Zhang Cheng whispered the unfamiliar name, a hint of bewilderment flashing in his eyes.

"Long Xing is an ancient planet on the fringe of the universe, home to the powerful Dragon Clan," Duo Yun explained, "but entering Long Xing is not easy; you need the Dragon Clan's approval."

Zhang Cheng inhaled deeply, his gaze firm, "No matter what, for Kelinda I will go to Long Xing!"

Duo Yun patted Zhang Cheng's shoulder and said earnestly, "I know you're burning with urgency, but traveling to Long Xing is no simple task. You must be fully prepared, or you'll just die in vain."

"I understand." Zhang Cheng nodded; he knew Duo Yun was right.

"I will give you some help." Duo Yun said, pulling a shimmering scale from his coat, "This is a Dragon Scale; it can guide you toward Long Xing."

Zhang Cheng took the Dragon Scale, carefully stowing it, "Thank you, Duo Yun."

Duo Yun gave a slight smile, said nothing more, and turned to continue forward. The exit of the teleportation channel was now near, and they were about to reach the next destination.

"Wait!" Zhang Cheng suddenly thought of something, hurrying to catch up with Duo Yun, "You haven't told me where on Long Xing the Creation Star Flower is…"

Duo Yun stopped, but did not turn, only whispering, "You must find the answer yourself…" Before the words finished, his figure vanished at the far end of the teleportation channel.

The light flickered, and Zhang Cheng's figure appeared at the other end of the teleportation array. He clenched the Dragon Scale in his hand; Duo Yun's words echoed in his ears, brief yet like a sliver of light that illuminated the confusion in his heart. He knew that for Kelinda he must seize this sole hope, and no matter whether the road ahead is a mountain of knives or a sea of fire, he will press on.

He returned to the rest area arranged by the Galactic Alliance; the facilities were complete but cold and lifeless. Zhang Cheng had no time for that; he immediately opened the interstellar net and began searching for any information on "Long Xing." However, to his frustration, records of Long Xing were scarce, the few fragments hinting at mystery and danger.

"Long Xing, located on the fringe of the universe, is the origin of the Dragon Clan, possessing vast cosmic energy, difficult for outsiders to enter…" Zhang Cheng stared at the sparse description on the screen, his brows knit. The information was too vague to give him any concrete help.

He tried changing keywords, searching "Dragon Clan," "Creation Star Flower," even "ancient ruin," but the results were disappointing. Long Xing seemed like a corner of the universe forgotten, shrouded in a thick veil that prevented anyone from glimpsing its true form.

Time slipped by second by second, and Zhang Cheng grew increasingly restless. Kelinda's condition worsened, and he had to find the Creation Star Flower quickly. Could it really be that, as Duo Yun said, he must go alone to Long Xing and search the boundless star sea for that elusive hope?

At that moment, a rapid alert tone sounded, and Kelinda's image flickered on Zhang Cheng's communicator…

"Zhang Cheng…" Kelinda's voice was weak and feeble, as if a breeze could disperse it. Her pale face forced out a faint smile, "Don't worry about me, I'm fine…"

"Kelinda!" Seeing his beloved so frail, Zhang Cheng's heart twisted like a knife; he longed to cross the star sea, appear beside her instantly, and hold her in his arms.

Kelinda's breath grew weaker, the image began to blur, and she rasped, "Don't… give up… hope…"

The communication cut off, leaving only Kelinda's fading silhouette on the screen. Zhang Cheng closed his eyes in pain, clenching his fists, his knuckles glowing a pale blue.

"Do you want to save her?"

A deep, resonant voice filled the room; Zhang Cheng snapped his eyes open to see an elderly figure clad in a Star Robe, his beard and hair white, standing inexplicably in the center. He held a Dragon Head Cane, his eyes deep as the night sky, seeming to perceive everything.

"Who are you?" Zhang Cheng asked warily, his powerful spirit force instantly locking onto the elder, yet he found he could not discern the elder's depth.

"You may call me the Dragon Star Sage." The elder smiled faintly, "I know why you have come, and I understand your urgency. The Creation Star Flower does exist; it lies sleeping deep within Long Xing."

Hearing the words "Creation Star Flower," a spark of hope ignited in Zhang Cheng's heart, and he asked eagerly, "Please, senior, advise me—how can I obtain the Creation Star Flower?"

The Dragon Star Sage did not answer directly; instead he walked slowly to the window, looked up at the vast starry sky, and said softly, "The Creation Star Flower is a miracle from the birth of the universe, possessing the power to revive the dead, but it also carries enormous risk. To obtain it, one must pay the corresponding price."

He turned, his gaze blazing as he stared at Zhang Cheng, "Have you thought it through? Are you truly willing to wager your life for a promise?"

Zhang Cheng knelt on one knee without hesitation, his eyes unwavering, "I am willing! As long as I can save Kelinda, I will pay any price!"

"Very well." the Dragon Star Sage nodded slightly, "But to receive my aid, you must first pass my trial." He paused, a spark flashing in his eyes, "Find the Dragon Star Heart, and prove your courage and resolve."

As soon as the Dragon Star Sage finished speaking, Zhang Cheng felt his vision blur and the surroundings shift abruptly… The scene gradually clarified, and Zhang Cheng found himself in an unfamiliar forest. Towering ancient trees blocked the sky, the air thick with damp earth and an unknown floral scent. He looked around, but the Dragon Star Sage was nowhere to be seen.

"Senior?" Zhang Cheng called tentatively, only an empty echo answering him.

He knew the trial had begun.

Zhang Cheng inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm. He understood that panic and anxiety were useless; only a clear mind could meet the upcoming challenges. He gripped the Star Energy Blade in his hand, the weapon that had accompanied him, now granting him intangible courage.

From the depths of the forest came low roars of strange beasts; Zhang Cheng heightened his alertness, proceeding cautiously forward. He knew that Long Xing, as an ancient and mysterious planet in the cosmos, inevitably harbored countless powerful creatures and unknown perils.

Suddenly, a massive giant lizard burst from the underbrush, opening a gaping maw toward Zhang Cheng. Its body was sheathed in hard scales, exuding a suffocating pressure. Zhang Cheng deftly sidestepped, and the Star Energy Blade swept out a dazzling arc, striking the lizard's abdomen precisely.

The lizard let out a painful wail, blue smoke puffing from the wound. Yet this only enraged it; the lizard attacked more wildly, its massive tail sweeping sideways, smashing nearby trees.

Zhang Cheng dared not be careless; he moved nimbly outside the lizard's attack range, searching for its weak point. He knew brute force could not defeat such a behemoth; he must rely on wit and skill.

After a fierce struggle, Zhang Cheng finally saw an opening. He seized the lizard's attack gap, his form flashing like lightning to its rear, the Star Energy Blade turning into a streak of light that pierced the lizard's head.

"Roar!"

The lizard let out one last resentful roar, its massive body crashing to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.

Zhang Cheng dared not relax his guard; he watched the surroundings warily, knowing this was only the beginning of the trial.

"You did well." A familiar voice came from behind; Zhang Cheng turned and saw the Dragon Star Sage.

"Senior," Zhang Cheng bowed respectfully, "May I ask what comes next…"

The Dragon Star Sage gave no answer, only a slight smile, pointing toward a region ahead filled with strange energy, and said slowly, "The real test begins now."