[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-star-martial-era":3,"chapter-the-star-martial-era-the-star-martial-era-chapter-147":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Star Martial Era",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2275005,4448,"Chapter 147: Mid-Grade Fire Source and Willow Fluff Star Patterns (Requesting Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)","the-star-martial-era-chapter-147",147,"\u003Cp>August 27, Da Chen Guo Dao Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing morning cultivation, Xu Jin did not rise immediately but glanced at the Mingji Star Core in the Lower Star Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the Mingji Star Core, dense concentric star patterns had formed, merging into a halo that slowly rotated around the core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin estimated that by the end of today’s evening session, the Mingji Star Core’s cultivation base would reach the peak of Star Refining First Stage, allowing him to inscribe star patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow, his cultivation base could openly break through to Star Refining Second Stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Counting from the afternoon of the 23rd, when he began training under Liu Qingzhu, to this morning, Xu Jin had trained exactly four full days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhu had estimated it would take six to seven days for him to reach the peak of Star Refining First Stage, but with his full-force training over these two days, his progress far exceeded her estimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main reason was the exceptional efficacy of the elixirs nurtured by the Candou Platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Yun Superior Star Refining Elixir was as effective as a nonexistent Supreme Star Refining Elixir; Xu Jin took one each for morning and evening sessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Yun Ordinary Star Refining Elixir was equivalent to a Superior Star Refining Elixir; initially he took one per session, but over the past two or three days, to accelerate his training, he took two per session.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant, per morning session alone, he consumed three different Star Refining Elixirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the effect of the third pill diminished to less than eighty percent, it was still more than sufficient for Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One Yun Star Refining Elixir added 150 points of surrounding starlight to his Middle Star Palace; even at 80% potency, it still added 120 points—this effect was outstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was even better than the effect of Superior Star Refining Elixirs consumed by others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these conditions, after one and a half days, Xu Jin’s Middle Star Palace reached the peak of Star Refining First Stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But breaking through and reaching the peak in just two and a half days was frankly astonishing, so he trained another one and a half days to bring his Lower Star Palace’s Mingji Star Core nearly to the same level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Xu Jin did not head directly to the Third-Grade Star Power Realm for training, as he had done in previous days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he went straight to the Feiyan Learning Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Liu Qingzhu usually appeared in the Feiyan Learning Hall in the morning to handle affairs and instruct students; she was generally absent in the afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Yuan, take these and distribute them among the junior sisters—they should each get some.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Jin entered the Feiyan Learning Hall, he saw a girl, slack and limp all over, leaning against a pillar with a large broom, fast asleep, a glistening strand of drool hanging from her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin’s call startled her so badly she jolted upright, snatched up her broom, and began sweeping furiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin noticed the spot she swept was polished smooth, nearly worn to a patina, while just a meter away, leaves lay untouched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin called out irritably; the drowsy Jiang Yuan finally lifted her head, saw it was Xu Jin, patted her flat, unremarkable chest, and said, “You scared me half to death—I thought it was Senior Sister and the others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big Brother, what’s this?” Seeing the large bundle of sweet-smelling pastries in Xu Jin’s hand, Jiang Yuan’s eyes lit up, her baby-fat face beaming with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bought for you all—distribute them among the junior sisters; everyone gets some.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it! I’ll tell them these came from Big Brother!” Jiang Yuan dropped her broom, grabbed the two large bundles of Wanyi Peach Pavilion pastries, and dashed toward the back courtyard, where cheers erupted moments later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Feiyan Learning Hall was actually a complex of buildings—quite large, with over twenty main halls and over a hundred smaller dwellings; daily cleaning duties were rotated among the disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reasons unknown—perhaps because he was a True Disciple—the Feiyan Hall had not assigned Xu Jin any of these chores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Jiang Er’s advice, Xu Jin decided to bring some treats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin had originally not wanted to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much could these pastries possibly cost?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The senior sisters and junior sisters studying in the Feiyan Hall were at least Inner Court disciples; even without family support, they could live comfortably on the Dao Merit stipends granted by the Dao Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ning Yuchan and Jiang Er both scolded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do girls really lack your little snacks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, they don’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they lack your thoughtfulness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin had looked at Ning Yuchan several times longer then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized now that the snacks he’d given her before had clearly delighted her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Er prepared the pastries, naturally including Ning Yuchan’s share.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second Sister, these pastries are for you—Peach Pavilion’s! And these others, distribute them to the senior sisters when you see them.” When he met Second Sister Tang Chuo, Xu Jin handed out seven portions, one of them extra-large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Feiyan Hall, “senior sisters” referred to Liu Qingzhu’s core disciples from last year or the year before—twelve in total—but only seven were currently present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow, I’m just a bit hungry—I’ll eat a few pieces first.” Second Sister Tang Chuo knew the extra-large portion was meant for her; she opened it immediately and devoured it. By the time Xu Jin walked in with the last bundle, she had already eaten nearly half of the forty pastries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, given her height and build, a big appetite was normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had a cute smile, but those bushy sideburns were utterly incongruous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher, I brought you a bundle of pastries—I don’t know if you like them, but you can try some.” Xu Jin stepped into the learning hall, bowed to Liu Qingzhu, placed the pastries down, and sat casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere inside the Feiyan Learning Hall was this relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? Oh? Peak of Star Refining First Stage?” Liu Qingzhu, absorbed in paperwork, sensed the change in Xu Jin’s aura; she sat bolt upright, leaning slightly forward, her ample chest instantly pressing against the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing her student was present and this posture improper, she leaned back again; her chest lifted off the desk, bouncing up and down, making Xu Jin quickly avert his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Teacher. I reached the peak of Star Refining First Stage this morning, so I came to ask you about star patterns.” Xu Jin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, I’ve already prepared the star pattern for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhu directly retrieved a jade tablet and placed it before the desk, gesturing for Xu Jin to take it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Jin rose to take the jade tablet, standing while she sat, even though her robe’s collar was not low, he caught sight of much pale flesh and deep cleavage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ears flushed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly grabbed the tablet and sat back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a High-Level Mid-Grade Fire Source Star Pattern—highest-grade Mid-Grade Fire Source Star Pattern in the entire Dao Yuan. In all of Da Chen Guo, only the Ji family of Wanyi possesses a Fifth-Grade Fire Source Star Pattern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with your Crimson Scale Heart, your fire-based star techniques should match those of disciples from the Star Palace.” Liu Qingzhu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin rose and thanked her immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once you successfully inscribe it, paired with your Crimson Scale Heart, your combat power will surge dramatically! But don’t announce it—according to Dao Yuan rules, disciples are usually taught only Low-Grade Fire Source Star Patterns below Fourth Grade, then gradually upgraded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One reason is for gradual progression; the other is to test disciples’ character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For you, I’m giving you everything outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if you find it difficult to inscribe, you may come to me first to learn the Third-Grade Low-Grade Fire Source Star Pattern.” Liu Qingzhu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it proves truly difficult, I’ll come to you, Teacher.” Xu Jin thanked her again. Just this alone proved he had chosen the right teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dao Yuan’s transmission of star patterns followed strict rules: always gradual, never complete at once; advancement depended on a disciple’s performance and cultivation growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was favorable for ordinary disciples, but restrictive for someone like Xu Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Any other questions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher, you mentioned body movement star patterns earlier—could you teach them to me ahead of time? I’d like to study them in advance so I can inscribe them quickly once my cultivation reaches the right level.” Xu Jin said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhu considered a moment and said, “Xu Jin, in body movement, I rank second in the Dao Yuan—no one dares claim first. At the same cultivation level, my speed is unmatched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my body movement star patterns come from two sources: the Dao Yuan and my Liu family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dao Yuan’s High-Level Fourth-Grade Starfall Star Pattern focuses primarily on speed bursts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My Liu family’s is called the Willow Fluff Star Pattern, balancing speed with agility and unpredictability—it’s of high grade, Sixth-Grade Lower, our family’s ancestral body movement technique and the foundation of our clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, I can transmit to you the High-Level Fourth-Grade Willow Fluff Star Pattern!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to learn my Liu family’s Sixth-Grade Lower Willow Fluff Star Pattern, you’re not ready yet—you must first achieve something significant, and only then can I persuade our clan chief to grant you our family’s Sixth-Grade Lower Willow Fluff Star Pattern.” Liu Qingzhu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Achieve something significant? May I ask, Teacher, what kind of achievement is required?” Xu Jin asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It depends on your relative performance! For example, if in a few months you remain the top True Disciple of this cohort, or if in two months you rank among the top ten in the Lou Gong Battle, our clan chief will take notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything similar—if you shine brightly enough, I can persuade our clan chief to grant you our family’s secret Sixth-Grade Lower Willow Fluff Star Pattern.” Liu Qingzhu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand! Teacher, may I ask—what exactly does the difference in star pattern grades manifest as?” Xu Jin asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, the power of the star techniques.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Roughly, a single minor grade difference equals a ten percent power gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, if one person learns the High-Level Fourth-Grade Mid-Grade Fire Source Star Pattern versus the High-Level Third-Grade Low-Grade Fire Source Star Pattern, the power difference is thirty percent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This power gap becomes terrifyingly amplified at higher cultivation levels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Sixth or Seventh Grade and above, a three-grade difference in star pattern rank could mean the difference between instant death and survival.” Liu Qingzhu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin understood this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The larger the base, the greater the gap later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which one do you want to learn? As before, your talent speaks for itself—I’ll transmit to you the highest-tier star pattern directly, without first giving you lower-grade ones to test you.” Liu Qingzhu asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking, Xu Jin felt both star patterns suited him well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Dao Yuan’s Starfall Star Pattern focused mainly on speed and burst—this one was better suited for escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Liu family’s Willow Fluff Star Pattern balanced speed with agility and unpredictability—its practical combat value was greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, he should learn the one with greater combat utility first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the Willow Fluff Star Pattern transmitted to him now was High-Level Fourth Grade, but higher grades existed, offering greater growth potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jin had intended to choose the Willow Fluff Star Pattern, but as the words formed on his lips, he boldly asked, “Teacher, I want to learn both Starfall and Willow Fluff Star Patterns—can you teach me both?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only here, with Liu Qingzhu, would Xu Jin dare ask so boldly; in the atmosphere of Senior Academician Fang Shi’s office, he would never dare such a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ask, and he’d be scolded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Liu Qingzhu smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little rascal, you’re quite greedy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course it’s possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve already told you these star patterns—I’ll give them to you eventually anyway; giving them sooner makes no difference. But there’s one thing I must tell you.” Liu Qingzhu’s expression turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This lecture lasted nearly half an hour before finishing, marking a formal lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It covered the key points to observe when inscribing star patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, inscribing star patterns is a systematic, structured endeavor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many advanced star arts are formed by combining multiple star patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more related the star patterns inscribed on a single star core, the greater the power of the resulting star art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingzhu gave Xu Jin a concrete example: if all star patterns on your Middle Star Palace’s star core were fire-related, that star core could be called a Fire Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The star art generated from this star core’s star force and pattern combination would be at its strongest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if you added two or three speed star patterns into this same core, it would become a chaotic mix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the short term, your strength might improve slightly, but in the long run, this star core would essentially be ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because once you reach the Star Condensation Realm, even just the Middle Star Palace can condense nine star cores, each with ten star patterns—equivalent to nine complete sets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Complete sets naturally possess greater power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even combining star patterns from two or three star cores can allow you to unleash sixth- or even seventh-rank star arts far earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This must be planned in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, you’ll end up ruining your cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When that happens, the only path left is to abandon your current cultivation and start over—its cost is enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, Liu Qingzhu advised Xu Jin that if he wishes to learn speed star patterns, he should inscribe them on his Lower Star Palace instead, keeping them self-contained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening, Xu Jin thanked Liu Qingzhu again; without her specific warning, he might indeed have ruined his cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, your cultivation base is rising so fast—have you nearly used up the Star Refining Pills I gave you this month?” Liu Qingzhu asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Almost. But I still have some Dao Merit, enough to last a few more days,” Xu Jin replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cultivation hinges on consistency, day after day, month after month!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t let others’ sudden boosts unsettle you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The later you progress, the more talent matters!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With your talent, even without family backing, you still have a chance to surpass them in the middle and later stages,” Liu Qingzhu said before parting, soothing Xu Jin’s mind, fearing he might struggle with future resource shortages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Master. I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Once you’ve mastered the Intermediate Fire Source Star Pattern, find time to enter the Dao Academy’s God-Slaying Battlefield, then try the Star Picking challenge,” Liu Qingzhu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“God-Slaying Battlefield? Star Picking?” Xu Jin was puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The God-Slaying Battlefield is a realm created by our Chen Guo Dao Academy to enhance disciples’ combat skills. Completing its trials grants rewards. With your strength, you should earn some Dao Merit from it, helping fill your cultivation resource gap,” Liu Qingzhu explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for Star Picking—it’s a challenge that has existed for thousands of years since the Star Picking Tower was founded. You’ll understand when you go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you manage to pluck multiple Silver Stars—or even Gold Stars—it will greatly benefit your future. Accumulate enough, and you might even earn rewards beyond this world!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, plucking Gold Stars is extremely difficult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But even a few Copper or Silver Stars can be exchanged for Starlight, helping fill your cultivation resource shortfall!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you have time, give it a try!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At the very least, it will improve your combat skills.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few minutes later, after Xu Jin had fully clarified the details of both places, he left the Flying Swallow Learning Hall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2613,"2026-06-19T23:56:29.689Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","96eb14e3a02ccfcf6c15121bbbb4f13a3ef45011a4491fecc9e79ae154c46925","the-star-martial-era-chapter-148","the-star-martial-era-chapter-146",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-star-martial-era-cover.jpg"]