Lysar's words resonated in the silent chamber, creating ripples of unease. "You mustn't hand over the jade amulet," he warned, his voice echoing the weight of countless secrets.
"Why? What's so special about it?" Li Yang probed, eager for answers. But Lysar maintained his enigmatic demeanor, choosing to withhold information. "Trust me, it would bring forth calamities beyond imagination."
Li Yang, though filled with frustration at Lysar's reticence, decided to prioritize the larger picture. Activating the portal, he returned to the Seven Star Universe. Landing in familiar territory, he took a moment to gather his thoughts.
He faced a conundrum. On one hand, he had to help the academy triumph against MieXing. On the other, he had to do so discreetly to safeguard the lives of his loved ones. "I need to mask my identity," he resolved.
His next destination was clear – Grandmaster Yuan's chambers. The grandmaster, renowned for his expertise in metallurgy and alchemy, welcomed his protégé with a warm smile. "It's been a while, Li Yang. What brings you here?"
After a brief exchange, Li Yang made his request. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Grandmaster Yuan wasted no time. Hours of meticulous crafting later, a sleek metallic mask, intricately designed yet robust, was handed to Li Yang. It would conceal his identity, allowing him to operate incognito.
Equipped with the mask, Li Yang then sought out Feng Xuan, Sephyr, and Lisa. Their bond was one forged in adversity, and bidding farewell was no easy task. However, the details of his impending challenge remained a secret, locked away due to the strictures of the academy's highest order.
"I'll be back soon," he assured them, his voice filled with determination, yet betraying no hint of the monumental task ahead.
Returning to his dormitory, Li Yang meticulously packed essentials for his mission. As night veiled the academy, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in contemplation, eagerly awaiting the dawn of a new day and the trials it would bring.