The powerful tide surging through the Star River struck Shang Xia with tremendous force, nearly overwhelming his ability to stay steady within the current. The waves were not only physically violent but also saturated with chaotic temporal-spatial power that accelerated the loss of his inner qi.0

He could still use Guided Dipper to strengthen his link with the stars and thereby resist the direct impact, but even with two martial intents that harnessed the power of space and time, and with his own growing mastery over that same energy, he could not entirely avoid the toll it took. His life force continued to ebb away, and by the time the worst had passed, his face looked older. His once-youthful features were edged with the maturity of years suddenly stolen from him.0

Yet when Shang Xia finally endured the full fury of the tide, the price he had paid proved worthwhile.0

By that point, the three Star River Stowaways had been completely left...0