The surge of emotional energy and Ma Rao's final lightning bolt formed a dual barrier, temporarily suppressing the stargate's power. However, the Eclipsed Moon's mothership did not give up; it relentlessly rammed into the lightning barrier. Dark purple energy beams struck the shield repeatedly, producing ear-splitting roars.
"The barrier is about to fail!" Xing Yuanche shouted, watching the energy levels drop on the screen with growing alarm.
Ma Rao's face was pale, sweat beading on her forehead. The Ultimate Lightning consumed immense energy; even with the amplifier sharing the load, her body bore a tremendous strain. But she knew she couldn't give up—Qingmingzi was still inside the Star Gate, and countless lives were waiting for their protection.
"I can hold on!" Mara gritted her teeth and summoned the power within once more.
The purple lightning grew brighter, and the barrier stabilized temporarily. However, her body began to tremble, and her vision started to blur.
Xing Yuanche rushed to her side, gripping her hand. "Ma Rao, don't force yourself! There are other ways!"
Ma Rao shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I am Lightning, Xing Yuanche. To illuminate the darkness is my mission."
She turned toward the star gate, her gaze steady. Memories flooded back: the battle on the moon a century ago, Xing Yuanche's vigil by her bedside for three days and nights, and the promise they made to each other. She couldn't let him down—and she wouldn't let anyone else down either.
Ultimate Lightning: Full Power Blast!
Ma Rao's body erupted in unprecedented light. Purple lightning instantly expanded, forming a lightning wall that spanned the Star Gate. The Eclipse Moon Beasts' energy beams struck the wall and were instantly reflected back, striking their own mothership. Massive cracks appeared on the mothership's hull as dark purple energy leaked out, triggering a chain of explosions.
Just then, a black beam shot out from the rift in the Star Gate and struck Ma Rao directly.
That is the Eclipse Lord's ultimate attack: Dark Matter Pierce.
Ma Rao screamed as her body was flung backward, slamming hard against the cabin wall. Blood trickled from her lips, and the lightning glow around her instantly faded.
"Ma Rao—!" Xing Yuanche rushed over and hugged her.
Ma Rao's face was as pale as paper, her breath faint, yet she still smiled. "I... I did it... The Star Gate... is temporarily secured..."
Xing Yuanche's eyes instantly welled up. He didn't speak, just holding Ma Rao tightly, as if trying to fuse her into his very bones. Warm tears slipped down his cheeks and landed on her forehead, leaving a small wet patch. "Don't talk," he said, his voice rough and unrecognizable. "I'm taking you back. You promised me we'd go see the real starry sky together. You can't... you can't lie to me."
At that moment, the Star Gate suddenly erupted in brilliant golden light. From within the radiance, two figures slowly emerged: Qingmingzi and a woman.
The woman wears ancient attire, with a red cinnabar mark at the center of her forehead—identical to the one Qingmingzi placed three thousand years ago. Her gaze is gentle yet resolute, and she radiates a faint light. It is indeed the other shore.
"She won't die," Qingmingzi said, holding a golden crystal in his hand that radiated pure energy. "This is the primordial power of the Other Shore. It can heal any wound."
Bi'an walked over to Ma Rao and placed the crystal on her chest. Golden energy slowly flowed into her body, gradually restoring color to her pale face and steadying her breathing.