Chapter 1160: Heaven Axis Son

The voice was warm and smooth as jade, exactly the one Han Wuxian heard before he fell unconscious.

Han Wuxian struggled to sit up, but his whole body was weak.

"Companion, you need not move much; just rest peacefully." The young cultivator stepped forward a few paces, gently pressed him, a soft flow of spiritual energy seeped in to ease his meridians. "I am Yun Chen, a disciple of the Inner Gate of Star Axis Hall. This is the guesthouse of Star Axis Hall's Yao Guang Peak."

"Star Axis Hall…" Han Wuxian's voice was hoarse and dry, "Did you rescue me?"

Yun Chen smiled faintly, fetched a jade pot warming nearby, poured a cup of fragrant spirit tea, and carefully fed Han Wuxian a few sips. The tea entered his stomach, turning into a gentle warm current that nourished his dried meridians.

"It was merely a timely coincidence," Yun Chen said calmly. "I was on a mission from my sect to patrol the outskirts of Zangxing Ridge when I sensed the terrifying aura of the Nether Dao's 'Crossing Boat' crossing dimensions. I also saw you channel the power of the Star-fallen Core, creating chaos to escape, knowing you would fall into a trap. My master once said that enemies of the Nether Dao could become allies, so I risked activating the sect‑granted Little Starry Sky Escape Talisman and Star Dominion Talisman, disturbing that Nether Lord for a moment and guiding you back."

He spoke lightly, yet Han Wuxian fully understood the danger. How terrifying could the Seven-Scourge Nether Lord be? Yun Chen was only at the early stage of the Hua Shen phase; even with sect treasures, snatching a bite from a tiger's mouth is a nine‑in‑a‑million chance! This aid could not be called insignificant.

"Thank you, Companion Yun Chen… for saving my life!" Han Wuxian said solemnly, attempting to bow, but was gently stopped by the other.

"Companion, no need for formalities. My lineage of Star Axis Hall inherits the ancient Star Palace, upholding the righteous path of the stars, and is fundamentally opposed to the Nether Dao and its evil sects that covet the Star-fallen and wreak havoc on the world." Yun Chen's expression grew solemn, then he looked at Han Wuxian with curiosity. "Yet you, companion, managed to escape that Nether Lord and even possess the… 'Ancient Star-Patrolling Torch', truly impressive."

His gaze fell on the Star-Patrolling Torch beside the pillow, a barely perceptible mix of awe and eagerness flashing in his eyes.

Han Wuxian felt a chill inside. The other had indeed recognized the Star-Patrolling Torch and called it an 'Ancient Torch', clearly aware of its origin. Star Axis Hall, inheriting the ancient Star Palace? Could it be linked to the torch's master flame? Friend or foe?

He kept a neutral expression and said cautiously, "By fortunate legacy of the elder, my cultivation is modest; I almost let the precious torch gather dust, apologizing if I have embarrassed you."

Yun Chen seemed to notice his wariness, smiled, and stopped probing about the torch, turning instead, "Companion, your injuries are severe and your foundation damaged; ordinary pills cannot heal you. I have reported to my master, who may have a solution. However, the master is currently in seclusion forging a crucial batch of pills, which will take time before he emerges. You may rest here peacefully; no one will disturb you."

"Thank you, companion, and thank your esteemed sect," Han Wuxian thanked again, feeling a bit at ease. The other appeared to have no ill intent.

"By the way, I still don't know how you wish to be addressed, and where you come from?" Yun Chen asked casually.

Han Wuxian paused briefly, "I am Han Wuxian, a wandering cultivator who happened upon Zangxing Ridge and inadvertently got caught in the conflict." He did not tell the whole truth; as a newcomer, he needed to keep some cards close.

"Han Wuxian… good name," Yun Chen nodded, not probing further. "Companion Han, rest assured. If you need anything, shake the jade bell by the bedside; an Outer Gate disciple will come to obey your orders. I shall not disturb you further."

Having said that, Yun Chen bowed, then stepped out, gently closing the door.

The quiet chamber fell silent once more.

Han Wuxian lay on the bed, but his mind could not settle.

Star Axis Hall… inheritance of the ancient Star Palace… their attitude toward me seemed rather friendly, yet tinged with an inexplicable interest, especially regarding the Star-Patrolling Torch. The yet‑unveiled master—what kind of figure is he? Could he heal the injury to my Dao Foundation?

And the Nether Dao… the Seven-Scourge Nether Lord will not simply give up. Star Axis Hall, for its own sake, has utterly offended a colossal entity like the Nether Dao; are they truly just upholding the righteous path? Is there another scheme behind this?

Carrying a precious treasure while still wounded, within this unfamiliar, powerful sect, it seems safe but is truly fraught with peril.

He must recover his strength quickly, at least enough to protect himself!

He closed his eyes, ceased overthinking, and poured all his effort into circulating the shattered Return-to-void Sword Essence, coordinating with the lingering pill energy inside his body, slowly mending his wounds while absorbing the dense, pure star‑spirit qi of this place.

Days passed.

Under the nourishment of the precious pills and superior environment supplied by Star Axis Hall, Han Wuxian's injuries healed faster than expected. The cracks in his Sword Essence gradually closed; though still far from full recovery, he could now muster some power, no longer a useless husk.

During this time, Yun Chen visited several more times, delivering more pills and chatting briefly—mostly discussing star‑based Dao techniques and cultivation experiences. Their conversation was quite congenial, yet he never probed Han Wuxian's background or the details of the Star-Patrolling Torch, handling the boundaries expertly.

Han Wuxian welcomed this, healing while silently observing, gaining a preliminary understanding of Star Axis Hall. The sect's customs indeed seemed upright; its disciples were mostly diligent cultivators, the ambient spirit qi was balanced and peaceful, without any malicious aura.

One day, while Han Wuxian was attempting a small micro‑cosmic circuit in the quiet chamber, a sudden insight struck, and he opened his eyes.

In the center of the chamber, the air rippled like water, and a vague silhouette formed of condensed starlight slowly materialized.

The figure sharpened into an elderly man clad in a simple star‑Dao robe, his beard and hair all white, his face thin and gaunt. His eyes were warm and profound, as if containing endless galaxies; his aura was as deep as the sea, leaving Han Wuxian unable to gauge his cultivation level.

The elder's gaze fell on Han Wuxian, he nodded slightly, his voice gentle yet carrying an unseen authority: "Young friend, you have recovered well."

A chill rose in Han Wuxian's heart; he instantly recognized the visitor's extraordinary status, struggling to rise and bow, "I am the junior Han Wuxian, pleased to meet you, senior! Are you the master of Companion Yun Chen?"

The elder smiled faintly, lightly pressed his palm, and a gentle force lifted Han Wuxian without effort: "I am the ancient Heaven Axis Son, temporarily overseeing Star Axis Hall. Young friend, no need for excessive courtesy."

Heaven Axis Son! Head of Star Axis Hall!

Han Wuxian felt a shock; he hadn't expected this very person to come personally.

Heaven Axis Son's gaze slowly swept over Han Wuxian's body, a hint of surprise and curiosity flashing in his eyes: "The Return-to-void Sword Body… truly exists? And it even fuses star‑fire with a trace of the true meaning of reincarnation… Your destiny, young friend, is indeed extraordinary."

He saw through Han Wuxian's foundation at a glance!

Cold sweat instantly seeped down Han Wuxian's back; before such a figure, all secrets seemed exposed.

Heaven Axis Son seemed to notice his tension, smiling gently: "Young friend, no need to panic. Star Axis Hall harbors no ill will. I am here for two reasons: first, to examine your injuries; second… to propose a transaction with you."

"Transaction?" Han Wuxian raised his head cautiously.

"Indeed," Heaven Axis Son's gaze deepened. "Your Dao Foundation injury cannot be healed by ordinary pills; only the Celestial Cycle Star Essence can. This treasure of Star Axis Hall is nurtured beneath the Main Star Hall, and a single drop appears only once every hundred years."

Han Wuxian's heart leapt. Celestial Cycle Star Essence! Even the name reveals it as a sacred healing relic!

"What does the senior require of the junior?" he asked, knowing there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Heaven Axis Son spoke slowly: "In seven days, the Main Star Hall's Star Source Pool will enter its centennial tidal phase, the optimal moment to harvest the Star Essence. Yet deep within the pool lies an ancient 'Star Scourge' guardian, making collection extremely perilous. I must remain at the formation's eye and cannot divert my attention. I need one person to dive to the pool's bottom and distract the Star Scourge briefly."

He turned to Han Wuxian: "Young friend, you bear the Ancient Star-Patrolling Torch, which naturally counters star‑scourge qi, and you possess the Return-to-void Sword Body, possibly able to withstand the pool's pressure and the Star Scourge's impact. Though dangerous, this is your sole chance to obtain the Star Essence and heal your Dao Foundation."

Distract the Star Scourge? It sounds like a nine‑in‑a‑million mission!

Han Wuxian fell silent for a moment, staring at Heaven Axis Son, "Why did you choose me, senior? The hall is filled with masters like clouds…"

He replied calmly, "The Star Scourge is formless, targeting spirit and soul; the higher one's cultivation, the stronger the Star Scourge attracted. Within the Hua Shen phase, a young friend wielding the Ancient Star-Patrolling Torch is indeed the optimal choice. Moreover…"

His tone paused briefly, meaningfully adding, "You and the Nether Dao are already locked in endless conflict; Star Axis Hall, because of you, also bears a grudge against the Nether Dao. Strengthening your power is not detrimental to the hall—it is a mutually beneficial arrangement."