Quiet!
After completing the nine repetitions of the Star Praying Sacrifice Scripture, Xu Jin, who had been expecting too much, felt his heart was about to leap out of his throat.
Why is there still no movement?
When he came, after completing the nine repetitions of the Star Praying Sacrifice Scripture, he felt a flash before his eyes, followed by dizziness. Why is there no movement now?
The Star Praying Sacrifice Scripture should be correct.
Could it be that this world doesn't have the so-called Big Dipper Nine Stars?
That shouldn't be the case.
If not, how did it send him to this world after setting up the altar for Star Praying back then?
Is it too far away?
What if I can't go back?
Should I just sit and wait for the illness to strike and die?
Just as Xu Jin's heart was pounding and his thoughts were in turmoil, a sudden change occurred on the River Viewing Platform.
The Star Praying altar on the River Viewing Platform suddenly became bright, even dazzling, in an instant.
A certain Star in the sky also seemed to flash slightly for a moment.
The Star Praying altar became dazzling for that instant, and all the light on the Star Praying altar seemed to converge into Xu Jin's body.
The next instant, all nine star lamps on the Star Praying altar went out, and the incense and candles turned to ash, but what startled Xu Jin was the jade tablet in his hand.
The jade tablet he had been holding, which was slightly cool and warm, suddenly disintegrated into ash, giving Xu Jin a big fright and causing him to open his eyes and look around.
The first moment he opened his eyes, Xu Jin's face and eyes were full of disappointment.
Still on the River Viewing Platform.
Still in this Yan Prefecture, Jinshan County City.
Still in this world.
He didn't go back!
He still has to sit and wait for the illness to strike and die.
Extremely disappointed, Xu Jin slumped onto the ground.
"How did setting up the altar for Star Praying fail..."
Suddenly, the extremely disappointed Xu Jin reacted.
Setting up the altar for Star Praying did not fail.
Xu Jin carefully observed the situation of the Star Praying altar. All nine star lamps were extinguished, and the lamp oil, wicks, and even the iron lamp holders inside had all turned to ash.
The jade tablet in his hand also turned to ash.
If the Star Praying had failed, such abnormalities would definitely not have occurred.
But it didn't send him back as he had hoped. Perhaps it succeeded, but some abnormality must have occurred.
So what happened?
Or rather, what change occurred?
After carefully observing the Star Praying altar on the River Viewing Platform, Xu Jin closed his eyes and began to review everything that had just happened.
Reviewing was a magic weapon for Xu Jin's learning and work in his previous life.
Whether it was progress or regression in exams, or encountering difficulties at work, Xu Jin would close his eyes to review, analyze gains and losses, and look for problems.
But this time, just as Xu Jin closed his eyes, the abnormality reappeared.
The Star Praying altar appeared.
But it appeared in his mind.
A completely new Star Praying altar appeared in Xu Jin's mind.
In the center of this Star Praying altar was a jade tablet, almost identical to the jade tablet that had disappeared and disintegrated in Xu Jin's hand earlier.
There was also an altar, but on the altar, there was only one bright and shining star lamp.
"What is this?"
Xu Jin was completely bewildered. In his confusion, Xu Jin suddenly noticed that there seemed to be words on the jade tablet in the very center of the altar.
With a thought, the writing on the jade tablet became very clear.
【Tier 1 Spirit Fight Platform】
【Platform Master: Xu Jin】
【Received Star Favor, one bow per day, can obtain a wisp of Starlight】
【star lamp: One】
【Cultivable Items: Zero】
【Can be upgraded】
A few lines of small text, concise and to the point, but Xu Jin was still completely bewildered.
After setting up the altar for Star Praying, it didn't send him back, but instead gave him this Spirit Fight Platform. What is this supposed to be?
And it can be upgraded?
Or does it mean that if he upgrades this Spirit Fight Platform in the future, there's a possibility of going back again?
As his thoughts were in turmoil, a sudden sharp whistle came from afar. When Xu Jin turned to look, he saw a red flare suddenly explode in the distance, incredibly dazzling in the night sky.
Xu Jin was instantly startled.
What kind of change happened?
While he was wondering, red flares suddenly exploded one after another from afar, coming closer. The exploding red flares formed a line, actually pointing towards Xu Jin's direction.
Xu Jin was directly frightened.
He quietly performed a not-so-successful Star Praying ritual, how did it directly trigger such a big commotion?
Did his Star Praying altar violate some taboo, or did it attract the attention of some powerful existence in this world?
This is a world where Star Art Masters can chase Stars and catch Meteors. God knows what unknown divine abilities and powers exist. It's entirely possible.
The river wind blew against his face, clearing Xu Jin's mind.
Retreat first, go back to the Dao Academy first.
Even if they were really coming for him, they wouldn't just kill him with one strike upon meeting.
They would also need to look for evidence or traces or something.
Adapt to circumstances.
He quickly threw the picked-up bluestone into the great river, and swept the ashes clean with his cloth wrap.
He believed that under the river wind's blowing, everything would disappear in a moment.
Before leaving, Xu Jin also stuffed the melon and fruit offerings into his pocket.
Sweet taste is a rare thing here. He'd take it back to eat, and of course, it was also to leave no trace.
The flames in the city gradually faded, but countless shouts echoed.
Xu Jin even saw dozens of Meteor-like lights shuttling back and forth in the sky.
Within a few hundred meters, he saw the Jinshan County County Guard, wearing their uniforms, had already rushed onto this street, found him, and were shouting at him.
Xu Jin was greatly startled.
But he still honestly stopped his steps.
He did want to escape, but with his body afflicted by a congenital illness, how could he outrun this group of Jinshan County County Guard?
What's more, among a team of County Guard, the team leader must be a Celestial Phenomenon Fourth Level Star Martial Artist or above.
He definitely couldn't outrun them.
But Xu Jin not running didn't mean Xu Jin was waiting for death.
The first few County Guard who rushed over perhaps wanted to claim merit. They were all fierce-looking, directly pouncing towards him.
Xu Jin held up the Jinshan Dao Academy waist token at his waist high and shouted, "I am Xu Jin, a Disciple of Jinshan Dao Academy!"
Don't look at Jinshan Dao Academy where you can participate in Star Pointing by paying fifty taels of silver, which seems like the threshold isn't too high.
However, most of the low and middle-ranking officers in the Jinshan County County Guard and the constables in the yamen are from Jinshan Dao Academy.
Similar to alumni.
This identity is still somewhat useful.
As expected, with Xu Jin's shout and the raised Dao Academy waist token, the few fierce-looking County Guard suddenly stopped and turned to look behind them instead.
"Team Leader Qu, he says he's a Dao Academy Disciple."
"Junior Brother?"
Qu Hui, the team leader in the middle of the small team, covered a distance of over ten meters in just three steps and arrived in front of Xu Jin. While sizing him up, his expression changed from stern to a smile, "Which academy are you from, Junior Brother?"
Xu Jin quickly performed the Dao Academy's cupped-hand bow, "Greetings, Senior Brother. I am a Disciple of this year's Star Gathering Season at the Dao Academy."
"A Disciple of this year's Star Gathering Season?" Qu Hui looked at Xu Jin and immediately understood, his expression turning cold.
Disciples of the Star Gathering Season are not actually considered to have truly entered the Dao Academy yet; only successful Star Pointing counts.
But looking at the waist token, he is indeed a genuine Dao Academy Disciple after all, so they couldn't just turn hostile immediately.
"It should be time for evening class now, right? Junior Brother, why are you wandering around the city instead of attending evening class?" This was a routine inquiry.
In an instant, many reasons flashed through Xu Jin's mind, but none could withstand scrutiny. In the end, he honestly said, "The Star Gathering Season is ending, and I haven't succeeded in Star Pointing. I felt depressed, so I came out to clear my head."
Looking at Xu Jin, Qu Hui's expression completely turned cold, and he felt a bit annoyed.
You, a fellow with no hope of Star Pointing, how do you have the face to call him Senior Brother?
At this point, Qu Hui no longer had any desire to speak with Xu Jin, his face full of disdain.
"Take him down and send him to the Patrolling Star Guard at the Dao Academy to verify his identity."
After speaking, he left with most of the County Guard.
As they left, those few fierce-looking County Guard looked at Xu Jin with a hint of covetousness.
What a pity, this guy in front has a Dao Academy waist token. Otherwise, a suspect caught on the street like this, they would at least be able to squeeze out three taels of oil from him.
After all, opportunities like this city-wide search for demons are not common.
While feeling awkward, Xu Jin also breathed a sigh of relief.
Temporarily safe.
Half an hour later, Xu Jin was escorted by two County Guard to the Patrolling Star Guard station on the side of the Dao Academy. Cui Tianqi, with a full beard, received Xu Jin. He was a Banner Leader of the Patrolling Star Guard. Without even verifying, he immediately gave him a stern lecture.
"When I taught Star Martial Arts, I reminded you countless times, whether it's Star Pointing, Star Martial Arts, or fighting, you must never give up until the very last moment!
Throughout history, there have been countless cases of people successfully achieving Star Pointing at the last moment before their Star Mark disappeared.
You haven't succeeded in Star Pointing and are feeling depressed, so you went out to clear your head?
How can you be so cowardly?"
He poked Xu Jin's forehead several times in a row, directly knocking Xu Jin to the ground, making Cui Tianqi grit his teeth.
Isn't this too frail?
"Coach Cui, I'm sorry!"
This Cui Tianqi was one of the Instructors who taught Star Martial Arts to Xu Jin in the Dao Academy and had a strong impression of the thin Xu Jin.
"Hurry up and leave! There are still several days before Star Pointing ends. Don't give up!"
Xu Jin thanked him and left. Behind him, Cui Tianqi's voice came again, "Don't run around these days. There are traces of demons in the county, and a major search is underway."
Xu Jin turned around, thanked him, and left, but he felt relieved.
So there were traces of demons in the county, it wasn't because of his Star Praying.
Returning to the large dormitory, the other youths were still in evening class. It was empty and very quiet.
After calming down, Xu Jin decided to use this time to study the Spirit Fight Platform.
One bow per day, obtain a wisp of Starlight?
How to bow?
In the dormitory, Xu Jin, following the steps of the previous Star Praying, faced the direction of the Big Dipper Nine Stars, silently recited the sacrifice text, and bowed.
No movement.
He went to the open area behind the dormitory again.
He bowed a few more times.
Still no movement.
Xu Jin was dumbfounded.
Could it be that this so-called 'one bow per day' requires setting up an altar and performing the Star Praying sacrifice each time to obtain a wisp of Starlight?
Isn't that risking his life?
He wasn't afraid of trouble.
The problem is that the incense, candles, jade tablet, and oil lamps are not cheap, and Xu Jin doesn't have that much silver to buy another set.
Saving up, how long would that take?
This time, he only managed to gather enough silver with the help of his Old Dad Xu Dajiang.
Frowning, Xu Jin closed his eyes again. The Spirit Fight Platform reappeared in his mind, with one star lamp, bright and shining.
Could it be that he bows here?
But how can he participate in the fight and bow to the Stars here?
The moment this thought appeared, a vague figure suddenly appeared sitting cross-legged in the center of the Spirit Fight Platform.
Or rather, this figure had actually always been there, but Xu Jin just hadn't noticed it.
Who is this?
"This looks like me?" Xu Jin suddenly understood.
The next instant, Xu Jin suddenly had a thought. This vague figure sitting cross-legged suddenly stood up, held the jade tablet in its hand, stood in the altar, and bowed towards the sky.
Suddenly, there was an additional ray of light above the Spirit Fight Platform.
A wisp of Starlight.
"One bow per day, obtain a wisp of Starlight?"
Xu Jin understood a little.
But what can this Starlight be used for?
To Cultivate?
This was the first thing Xu Jin thought of.
But at this moment, Xu Jin didn't dare to blindly try. Who knows what might happen?
They are currently searching for demons outside.
The Dao Academy's evening class time was from the third quarter of Xu Shi to the whole of Zi Shi, which is from 7:45 PM to 11:00 PM, a full three hours and a bit. With no results from his research, Xu Jin silently tore up the letter he had left for Xu Dajiang and then lay on the bed.
Having failed to go back home, he needed to seriously think about the future of this life.
Or rather, think about how to walk the path in this life.
In less than half an hour, his thoughts became clear.
The first point must be to find every possible way to cure the congenital heart disease in his body, to live, he must live well.
To live, the method is actually simple: continue cultivating, find every possible way to succeed in Star Pointing, and see if cultivation can completely cure the congenital disease of this body.
If he truly cannot succeed in Star Pointing, then Xu Jin can only extend his lifespan through the little shallow medical knowledge he learned in his previous life, which would probably be quite miserable.
The second point is to earn more silver.
Whether in his previous life or this life, repaying kindness is a must.
To earn silver, to properly repay Xu Dajiang, who has been quite good to him in this life, and to properly care for his gentle, lovely, and caring younger sister Xu Jiang.
To be honest, Xu Jiang'er combing Xu Jin's hair is what Xu Jin enjoys the most now, and it is the most peaceful moment in both his previous life and this life.
As for improving the living conditions in this life, that's just a bonus.
The third point is to figure out how to use this Spirit Fight Platform without exposing it. Perhaps this is the key for Xu Jin to establish himself in this life.
The bustling human voices pulled Xu Jin back from his contemplation. Just as he was about to bury his head and pretend to sleep, the younger brother sleeping next to Xu Jin, Qian Xiaohu, pushed Xu Jin, "Jin Ge, Limpy Ning is calling you."
Xu Jin, who was pretending to sleep, turned over and slapped the back of Qian Xiaohu's head, "Where did your memory go, kid? You can't just call her names carelessly. That's Instructor Ning."
Because Instructor Ning was quite strict and would often use her iron crutch, many youths privately called her Limpy Ning.
Qian Xiaohu quickly put on a smiling face, "Isn't this just in private..."
"Not even in private!"
"Right, do you know why Instructor Ning is calling me?" Xu Jin quickly put on his shoes and got down from the bunk.
This Qian Xiaohu is only sixteen years old. He has a good heart, but he's still young and doesn't understand many things. The last few times Xu Jin had an attack, it was he who fed Xu Jin the medicine.
"I don't know."
Tie Xiaohu shook his head, "Instructor Ning said that as long as you can get up, you should go find her."
This made Xu Jin a bit suspicious.
Xu Jin had taken sick leave during evening class.
It's so late, what does Instructor Ning want with him?
To scold him?
In confusion, Xu Jin quickly went out.