Compared to the nervous excitement of the audience earlier, the backstage area was peaceful and calm.

Xia Xiyao and Miao Anyun, two stunningly beautiful women, were chatting softly like close friends. Whatever they were talking about, they occasionally glanced over at Gu Xingyi, both wearing faint smiles on their faces.

Gu Xingyi, on the other hand, was engaged in conversation with a man who looked to be in his forties.

This man was none other than Liu Tianwang, a legendary superstar from the older generation—someone even Gu Xingyi, who wasn't too familiar with the entertainment industry, had heard of.

Seeing this heavenly king in person made Gu Xingyi want to laugh bitterly. This was his first competition, and the opposing team had even invited such a heavyweight—clearly, they thought very highly of him.

Although Liu Tianwang was no longer in his prime, he was still one of the original "Four Heavenly Kings." Just the fact that netizens still referred to him as a heavenly king spoke volumes about his strength and influence. Especially in terms of rallying his fanbase, he had an unmatched advantage.

As for Liu Tianwang, his impression of Gu Xingyi was very positive as well. When Gu Xingyi released the song "A Lifetime With You", Liu Tianwang had already taken note of him. In fact, that song had become Liu Tianwang’s personal favorite among all the songs he'd heard recently.

The melody and lyrics in particular struck a chord with Liu Tianwang—it felt like the kind of song only someone from his own generation could have written.

And yet, the creator was this young man right in front of him.

Thinking about that, Liu Tianwang couldn’t help but sigh emotionally. Looking at the refined and elegant Gu Xingyi, he smiled and said,

“Honestly, I never imagined someone like you would appear among the younger generation. To tell you the truth, I can’t really get into most of the music young artists make nowadays. Ever since us older singers stepped off the stage, it’s been hard for me to connect with what’s out there.”

“But then I heard your 'A Lifetime With You', and I realized—there are young talents who can really shine.”

Gu Xingyi scratched his head. During this meeting, he realized just how friendly Liu Tianwang was. He didn’t act high and mighty at all—far more down-to-earth than those arrogant celebrities he’d met before.

“Liu Tianwang, you flatter me too much. You’re a true qianbei, I still have so much to learn from you~”

Gu Xingyi was very humble. This kind of heavenly king was someone truly worthy of respect.

“Hahaha! Xiao Gu, being too humble isn’t good either. Strength is strength. When I was your age, I was still struggling in obscurity at the bottom.”

Liu Tianwang's hearty laugh even caught the attention of the two female leads on the other side.

Miao Anyun’s eyes flickered. It was her first time working with Liu Tianwang too, and she still felt a bit tense chatting with him.

Yet that man over there was casually joking with a heavenly king—that was true capability. That was real charisma. And he was about the same age as her… Truly impressive.

Miao Anyun withdrew her gaze and looked toward Xia Xiyao, who was currently watching Gu Xingyi with eyes full of tenderness.

In that moment, Miao Anyun genuinely felt a hint of envy toward her.

At that moment, on stage, Chen Xue’er had already stepped up. As usual, she introduced the two contestants—Xia Xiyao and Miao Anyun—and invited the mentor judges to take their seats.

Now came the truly anticipated moment—the contestants would take the stage.

At the staff’s cue, Miao Anyun and Xia Xiyao stepped slowly into the spotlight.

Today, both were wearing long dresses custom-designed by the program’s styling team. Xia Xiyao wore a white gown with a tiny golden rose on her chest, while Miao Anyun’s was golden, adorned with a small white rose.

One looked like the sweet girl next door—simple yet captivating. The other like a royal princess—graceful and regal.

Standing together, they created a striking contrast. At first glance, the visual impact was fresh and unique, but the longer you looked, the more harmonious it felt—as if they each embodied different paths to ultimate beauty.

As soon as the two stepped onto the stage, cheers erupted from the audience.

Standing beside them again, Chen Xue’er couldn't help but sigh internally—these two really put the pressure on her!

“Let’s give a warm welcome to today’s two contestants! And now, let’s invite the special guest performer for today—please welcome Liu Tianwang, joining Miao Anyun on stage!”

In this round of the competition, Miao Anyun was set to perform first. So, the first mystery to be unveiled was her guest singer—Liu Tianwang!

As for Xia Xiyao’s guest singer, that remained a mystery. Only when she took the stage would the audience finally find out.

This made the audience collectively curse in their hearts—this production team’s seriously a bunch of dogs! They really know how to keep secrets!

Still, it didn’t affect anyone’s enjoyment of StarSong Gathering. When Chen Xue’er announced that Miao Anyun’s guest singer was Liu Tianwang, many in the audience were absolutely stunned.

It was Liu Tianwang!

Their idol from back in their youth!

A lot of the audience couldn’t contain their excitement. One after another, they whipped out their phones to message friends and family:

   “Quick! Turn on StarSong Gathering! Liu Tianwang is here!”

As a result, many people who hadn’t even been watching the show flocked in to support. In no time, the livestream chat was completely flooded!

    “Thirty-something middle-aged squad reporting in! Liu Tianwang is unbeatable!”
    “Tears in my eyes. I didn’t think Liu Tianwang would show up. How is Miao Anyun even supposed to lose?”
    “Not gonna lie, I have no idea who Liu Tianwang is. Who is this?”
    “...Definitely a minor upstairs. You don’t know Liu Tianwang?”
    “Me neither! Is he that famous? I only know Xia Xiyao and Gu Xingyi!”
    “They call him Tianwang, of course he’s famous! Our generation’s just gotten old, we don’t hang online much anymore—we’re not dead!”
    “Support Liu Tianwang! Support Miao Anyun! Unstoppable!”

That’s the power of a heavenly king!

Most of his fans had moved on to deal with everyday life, but the moment he appeared, their youthful memories came flooding back!

On stage, Xia Xiyao and the host retreated backstage, leaving the spotlight to Miao Anyun.

Beneath the stage lights, Liu Tianwang slowly walked out from behind the curtain, waving warmly to the crowd. Even though he was already in his forties, his appearance was still well-maintained, and he gave off an aura of mature charm.

This instantly sent the crowd into a frenzy. Glow sticks waved wildly in welcome for this legendary heavenly king.

The music began to play. Accompanied by gentle notes, the dark stage lit up with scattered points of starlight, forming a sky full of stars.

On the massive screen behind them, the title of their song slowly appeared:

“Embracing You Beneath the Starlight”

As the stars lit up, Liu Tianwang, dressed in a black suit, began to sing softly. His voice carried a sense of weathered experience, yet it also held a unique tone—one that captivated the soul.

The audience slowly closed their eyes, immersing themselves in the performance.

After a segment of lyrics, Liu Tianwang turned to look at Miao Anyun.

To the lingering sound of music, Miao Anyun met his gaze, picked up her mic, and began to sing as well. Her voice was pure and clear, like silver bells ringing straight into everyone’s ears.

Beautiful.

The moment the song began, the audience was hooked. Their duet transported everyone under a starlit sky.

And beneath that sky stood a couple, passionately embracing one another.

Above the stage, heart-shaped patterns formed from starlight began to slowly appear, syncing with the music, evoking memories of lovers’ embraces in everyone’s hearts.

Whether in the venue or watching the livestream, the entire audience was swept away in a sea of love.

Even backstage, Gu Xingyi had closed his eyes, quietly savoring the song.

He truly was a heavenly king—he brought out every nuance of the song. In terms of pure vocal technique, Gu Xingyi had to admit he couldn’t compare.

But he didn’t feel discouraged. He believed in his own song too—it wasn’t lacking in any way.

Xia Xiyao felt the same.

In her heart, as long as Gu Xingyi was there, singing with her—she feared no one.

Not even a heavenly king!