Deep within the caverns of the Fox Ridge Mountain, in the heart of the Ghost King Clan, lies the Blood Pool. This massive chamber still teems with a thick, blood-tinged miasma. The vapor is so intense that even the sturdy stone walls have been stained a vivid crimson. Within the churning depths of the Blood Pool, the four ancient spirit beasts lie listless and weak, submerged beneath the blood. The once-dull crimson light that emanated from the mysterious Vortex Dragon Cauldron above now seems to have dimmed. However, in stark contrast, the hovering cauldron itself is aglow with an ethereal radiance, its mystical inscriptions glittering as if charged with a newfound power. The sinister demon face etched upon the front of the cauldron, now fully transformed into a bloody red hue, seems to pulsate with an eerie, otherworldly energy.
Though the only sound in this vast chamber is the occasional bursting of bubbles, one cannot help but feel as if they are being drawn into a swirling vortex. An immense, intangible force, having slumbered for eons, awakens, gradually gaining strength and silently observing the world around it. Even without a breath of wind, the fabric of their garments stirs, carried by this invisible tide.
Clad in black, the enigmatic Ghost Messenger feels the chilling presence of the surrounding blood-mist. Yet, his eyes, ablaze with an intense fervor, show no hint of fear. He shifts his gaze from the Vortex Dragon Cauldron, slowly surveying the vast cavern. It is clear that this place is the source of the dark, malevolent energy that pervades the Ghost King Clan. The increasing strength of this force has even left the walls and passageways of the underground labyrinth battered and scarred.
The sight is both awe-inspiring and terrifying: massive fissures, some spanning as wide as a dozen feet, rend the rock ceiling from top to bottom. The once-impenetrable stone is now as fragile as paper, torn and shattered as if by the hand of a vengeful deity.
Today, the Ghost King, unusually, has not come to the Blood Pool. The Ghost Messenger knows the reason—the Ghost King has gone to meet the thousand-year-old Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, who returned unexpectedly a few days ago. Given the fox’s formidable abilities, it would be impossible for her not to sense the strange occurrences within the clan. Yet, the Ghost Messenger, behind his black mask, lets out a cold, dismissive chuckle, evidently unconcerned. Moments later, his gaze returns to the Vortex Dragon Cauldron.
A crimson light flickers, as if pulsating with a peculiar rhythm, like a strange, labored breathing. The demon face on the cauldron, with its glowing, blood-red eyes, seems to stare back at the Ghost Messenger, piercing and alive.
“Shura…” the Ghost Messenger whispers, slowly sinking to his knees, spreading his hands before him, palms down, in a gesture of submission.
The eerie glow above seems to grow even more intense. But just as this tranquil moment stretches, the crimson light of the Vortex Dragon Cauldron suddenly flickers and wavers, as if startled by something. Before the Ghost Messenger can react, a powerful, invisible shockwave assaults his ears, causing him pain despite his mastery. The vast, previously dormant force within the cavern appears to have frozen, followed by a rising, unsettling howl, as if in furious defiance.
Caught off guard, the Ghost Messenger leaps to his feet, fixating on the hovering Vortex Dragon Cauldron. After a careful inspection, his gaze locks onto the demon face, which, to his astonishment, now has a small, soft, white light glowing in the center of its forehead. This faint light, though seemingly insignificant compared to the overwhelming, bloodstained aura, remains undiminished, even under the blinding, menacing crimson light.
The Ghost Messenger is visibly shaken, his face drained of all color, as he exclaims, “Heaven and Earth Lock… how is this possible?”
Overwhelmed by the sudden development, the usually composed Ghost Messenger is at a loss. Pacing anxiously on the platform below the cauldron, he mutters to himself, “Impossible, impossible… How could the Vortex Dragon Cauldron be sealed by such an ancient divine restriction? What is happening here?”
Suddenly, he stops, sensing another change. The mysterious white light on the demon face brightens, and a beam of soft, white light shoots out, like a sharp, gleaming dagger, piercing through the sea of crimson.
From afar, the white light blade appears to be planted squarely in the demon’s forehead, holding the monstrous visage in check.
An ear-piercing howl echoes through the cavern, and the crimson light begins to whirl violently. The powerful, destructive energy surges, causing the stone walls to tremble, and boulders to fall. In the Blood Pool, numerous vortices form, and the weakened spirit beasts lift their heads, bewildered, as the howl grows louder, resembling the roar of a raging beast.
Despite the terrifying, overwhelming force and the surging crimson light, the gentle, white glow stands firm, untouched by the chaos. The blood-red light of the demon face twists and contorts, yet the soft, white blade remains firmly embedded.
As time passes, the terrible force begins to wane, and the whirling light gradually subsides. The Ghost Messenger, with a look of desperation, observes the partially faded, once-vibrant red of the demon face. The Vortex Dragon Cauldron, too, has lost much of its crimson radiance.
“How… how is this possible…?” he murmurs, standing motionless on the platform, his expression lifeless. This mysterious power, the culmination of his life’s work, seemed almost within his grasp, only to be thwarted at the last moment. “No, no… there is still hope. I must not lose composure…”
The Ghost Messenger, though shaken, takes a deep breath and steadies himself. Though the ancient divine restriction, the Heaven and Earth Lock, has sealed the critical points of the cauldron, he believes that by breaking the lock, the task can still be completed. But the thought of solving a restriction of such ancient and divine origin fills him with doubt. Only an artifact of similar antiquity might hold the key, but such artifacts are merely legend.
—
In the icy stone chamber, the figures of Ghost Li and the Ghost King stand in tense silence. The Ghost King’s stern, sharp gaze meets the indifferent countenance of Ghost Li.
“What is the jade disk in your hand, and why bring it to Bi Yao?” the Ghost King demands, his voice cold.
Ghost Li does not answer immediately, his gaze returning to Bi Yao. After a long pause, he responds, “I want to save her.”
The Ghost King frowns, his eyes flashing with intensity, and strides forward, “Can this treasure truly save my daughter?”
Holding the “Heaven and Earth Cycle Disk,” Ghost Li lets out a bitter laugh, “I don’t know.”
The Ghost King is taken aback, “What do you mean?”
Ghost Li, after a moment of silence, explains, “I’ve heard this treasure has miraculous properties and may be able to revive Bi Yao. That’s why I acquired it, but I cannot be certain of its efficacy.”
The Ghost King, intrigued by the unusual appearance of the jade disk, examines it closely. He has never seen anything like it and asks, “What is the name of this treasure?”
“It is the Heaven and Earth Cycle Disk, said to stabilize the soul and determine life and death, but whether it will work…” Ghost Li trails off, recalling the gaunt figure of Master Putai. He sighs, “No one truly knows.” A flash of anger crosses the Ghost King’s face, his eyes turning a deep red, but as he looks at Bi Yao’s serene, smiling face, his gaze softens.
Perhaps, at this moment, only Bi Yao can bring him peace.
“This is no ordinary treasure!” the Ghost King declares. “Although I’ve never heard of it, the quality of the jade and its pure, focused light suggest it is extraordinary. Try it; perhaps it may have the effect we seek…” His voice trails off, filled with the quiet desperation born from years of failed attempts.
Ghost Li nods, placing the disk near Bi Yao. The soft, white light glows, but nothing changes. He tries channeling his true essence into the disk, but it remains as still as ever. Despite numerous previous tests, including this method, he had no success. If even Master Putai, who studied the disk for decades, found no solution, what could Ghost Li do in a matter of days?
Yet, he cannot abandon the slim chance of saving Bi Yao. After a moment, he decides to try combining the disk with the “Joyous Bell” in her hand.
With trembling hands, he gently separates Bi Yao’s folded hands, feeling the icy coldness of her skin. Gently, he retrieves the bell, and the golden orb, with a soft jingle, emits a warm, radiant light.
Placing the Joyous Bell over the disk, the two objects seem to react. The small, moving pieces of jade inside the disk accelerate, forming intricate patterns. But just as the bell seems to be freeing itself, a powerful, unseen force causes the entire mountain to shudder, and the room around them to crack and groan.
Outside, cries of alarm and the sound of collapsing stone fill the air. The Ghost King, now furious, demands an explanation from the Ghost Messenger. Upon reaching the Blood Pool, the Ghost King finds the Vortex Dragon Cauldron glowing ominously, the demonic face held in check by the mysterious white light of the Heaven and Earth Lock.
Meanwhile, in Ghost Li’s chambers, the simian companion, Xiao Hui, accidentally triggers a transformation in the disk. As the little monkey plays with the disk, the once-still pieces of jade begin to move, and the disk shines brightly, illuminating the entire room. The monkey, surprised and a bit frightened, drops the disk, which continues to glow and reveal ancient, mystical symbols.
Back in the Blood Pool, the Ghost Messenger and the Ghost King witness the changing light, the demonic face shifting and writhing. The Ghost Messenger, though shaken, senses a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, just maybe, there is a way to unlock the ancient seal and complete the ritual.
As the events unfold, the story of the Ghost King Clan and their quest for power continues, bound by destiny and shadowed by the forces of the unknown.
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