"Manipulating public opinion, twisting black and white—as expected of the Starry Sky Country’s usual tactics."

"The news is a mix of truth and lies. The domestic situation can still be controlled through propaganda, but the Starry Sky Country holds all the cards when it comes to international opinion and the global situation. Many countries have yet to take a stance. They’re waiting to see what happens, or perhaps they’re paralyzed by pressure from their own resistance and cooperation factions and haven’t made a choice yet."

"But this situation won’t last long. Next, by leveraging their cooperation with the Celestial Demons, the Starry Sky Country will undoubtedly make waves on the world stage and force every nation to pick a side. If we don’t react, the international situation will likely worsen."

"The trouble ahead won’t just be domestic; it will be international as well."

On Zixiao Mountain, Chen Qingmu spoke to the Chief Commissioner.

"That’s why we must stabilize the domestic situation as quickly as possible. We need to free up more resources to deal with potential foreign crises."

"And a crucial part of achieving that is winning over the country’s Spirit Guardians. Globally speaking, the Spirit Guardian forces within our nation are relatively powerful and intact. Their strength cannot be ignored."

The Chief Commissioner said.

"Whether or not we succeed will depend on the Moon Race’s upcoming baptismal rite."

"I wonder how the old Daoist is progressing."

Chen Qingmu looked up at the setting sun.

...

...

Tianlu Prefecture, Chen Chong City.

Yuehe Manor.

Yu Guanhai’s private manor.

Yu Guanhai sat quietly in the manor’s courtyard, sipping red wine and gazing up at the full moon.

The moonlight was brilliant, casting a pillar of light down into the courtyard. It bathed everything in a silvery-white glow, creating a dreamlike, ethereal scene.

Suddenly, Yu Guanhai’s expression shifted.

The moonlight in the manor seemed to be drawn in a specific direction, converging.

He turned to see a young woman walking slowly toward him, wreathed in moonlight.

The young woman wore a white dress, her long hair cascading down to her waist. The silvery moonlight fell like veils of gauze, gently shrouding her delicate features and lending her a sacred aura in the haze.

She took light steps, her fair skin glowing under the moonlight like flawless jade.

"Father."

The young woman looked at Yu Guanhai, her voice lacking its usual liveliness, replaced by an indescribable coldness.

"With every move you make, the moonlight follows. Once the final baptismal rite is performed, you will fully awaken the Bloodline hidden within you. With your Talent, you will then be the undisputed Moon Saintess."

Yu Guanhai looked at the Yu Yajie before him, a gratified smile on his face.

"I don’t want to be some Saintess. I just want to be a normal person again."

Yu Yajie said, her expression calm.

"I know it might be difficult to accept this identity on such short notice. Perhaps, deep down, you still resent me, your father, for deceiving you your whole life and never telling you the truth."

"But I had no choice. The Bloodline of the Moon Race is unique. Just like the pure moonlight in the sky, the purer the heart, the more Power can be drawn from it. That’s why, for all these years, I only began to tell you the truth as we approached your baptism. I didn’t want your heart to be tainted by this filthy, mundane world, so that you would never lose your inner innocence."

"Honestly, if it were possible, I would have wanted you to live a carefree, happy life. But the Bloodline and Talent you possess have destined you for a life that could never be ordinary."

Yu Guanhai stood up. He tenderly stroked his daughter’s dark hair and said with a wistful sigh.

"For people like us, our Bloodline is our Power, our shackles, and our responsibility. The Celestial Demons have appeared, and an age of chaos is upon us once more. As Spirit Guardians, none of us can remain on the sidelines. We have a mission we must complete."

"Besides, having Power isn’t a bad thing. Only with Power will you be able to protect the people you want to protect in the coming chaotic times—family, friends, even strangers. Only then can you fulfill your own ideals."

"There is still time. I will always be by your side, waiting for you to accept this, waiting for you to grow. Until one day, you too will be like the bright moon in the sky, piercing through the darkness."

Yu Guanhai said with a smile.

’Protect the people I want to protect?’

Yu Yajie’s crystal-clear eyes looked up at the bright moon, lost in thought.

"There’s still some time before we go to the baptismal site. You’ve been busy with your Bloodline awakening these past few months and haven’t had time to contact your friends. I’m sure they’re very worried about you. Your college roommate even called me."

"Even if you awaken your Bloodline, you are still you." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Yu Guanhai said.

"I understand. Thank you, Father."

Yu Yajie nodded. With a light wave of her hand, the moonlight swirling around her dissipated. She turned and walked toward her room on the manor’s second floor.

Watching Yu Yajie’s retreating figure, Yu Guanhai sighed softly.

’He knew this was an extremely perilous path, one filled with deceit and bloodshed. Especially at a critical time like this... if there were any other choice, who would want their own daughter to step into this pit of fire?’

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Just then, his phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and saw it was an unknown number.

He frowned and answered the call.

"The Moon Race’s baptismal rite... surely you wouldn’t forget to invite an old fellow like me?"

A cheerful voice came through the phone.

Hearing this, Yu Guanhai’s expression changed instantly.

"Are the officials trying to interfere?"

Yu Guanhai demanded in a low voice.

"Don’t put it so harshly, Young Yu. I’m sure I don’t need to explain the current situation to you."

"To put it bluntly, the Spirit Guardians alone can’t handle something of this magnitude. Have you all forgotten the ancestral teaching to protect all life under heaven?"

"The world is on the brink of chaos. Even our ancestors, as powerful as they were, needed to unite all the forces in the world. Are you stronger than your ancestors?"

Daoist Bailong said calmly.

This time, Yu Guanhai didn’t reply, remaining silent for a moment.

"Besides, I’m not making this request in a personal capacity, but as the leader of the Gua Race. If you can’t make the final decision, I suggest you consult with those old-timers of the Moon Race."

"Also, tell them that I won’t be coming alone. A few others will be accompanying me."

Daoist Bailong continued.

"Who?"

Yu Guanhai asked.

"They will prove to the entire Spirit Guardian community what this new era signifies."