Chapter 146:

The Princess of the Fire Nation, with her incomparable beauty, stood in the midst of everyone like a blooming lotus, captivating all who beheld her. Yet next to her was an incorrigible brat whose presence completely ruined the scenery, making many wish they could teach him a harsh lesson. “What shall we do?” muttered a Seal Master, knitting his brows together. That detestable youth had actually accompanied the princess this whole time—an unsettling truth which greatly troubled them all. “We must get rid of him by any means necessary. If we let him leave Bai Duan Mountain and enter the Heaven-Repairing Pavilion, it’ll become even harder,” whispered one conspirator.

The stone forest resumed its silence as others went back to their search for treasures, attempting to sense their ancient artifacts. But after so many days, fewer than ten such relics had appeared—clearly not enough to satisfy anyone’s desires. It was evidently difficult to obtain these treasures, demanding very specific conditions no one seemed to fully understand or know how to meet.

“Elder brother, haven’t you found anything yet?” Little Rascal asked with feigned sincerity, casually strolling alongside Lady Huo Ling’er and several apprentices from the Heaven-Repairing Pavilion, proudly briefing them on the proceedings.

“You go cool off over there!” several frustrated seal-wielders snapped impatiently—they couldn’t tolerate the child any longer whenever he drew near.

“Junior Brother, you actually know them?” questioned one of the elder female apprentices from Heaven-Repairing, intrigued by his overly familiar attitude toward them. She assumed he truly did have some past connection to the group.

Little Rascal gave a knowing nod, replying smugly: “Indeed. We’ve spent the past few days traveling together—we’ve practically become best of friends.”

“Ahhh… So close? Well, hurry up and introduce us; it’s high time we paid our respects then!”

“No need, don’t get too cozy now,” dismissed Little Rascal with a dismissive shake of his head.

“Why ever not?” another apprentice wondered aloud confusedly.

“Well, look at that old fatso—I kicked his grandson’s ass. And that thin old fart there? His two nephews also received the business. As for the black bearded geezer over yonder… I believe I smashed through his nephew…” explained Rascal calmly while pointing out each party involved in turn. Hearing such brutal truths, the elders from the Heaven-Repairing sect were absolutely taken aback: what exactly was this relationship? Didn’t they claim to journey companions beforehand? Just what sort of outrageously evil thing had this vicious child gone ahead and done?!

Across from them, the elderly masters nearly exploded from rage; smoke almost rising out their ears, furious beyond comprehension. Indeed, this cursed child really deserves killing!

Ling’er also shot him an angry stare and scolded sharply, “Playing clown again, aren’t you?”

“Oh not at all—it’s the honest truth! They chased me non-stop down this treacherous path only to lose kin along the way due to my superior strength. Truly believing we had formed quite an admirable rapport despite initial hostilities, I wished instead for peace and reconciliation—but alas, the sentiment went unappreciated. Far too unkind-hearted towards me if you ask.”

Speechless amongst the group stood awestruck, realizing things already had progressed much farther toward mutual annihilation than possible amicable solutions could salvage.

“You’re right violence solves little; isn’t there room still left open to reason and conversation between foes?” interjected Little Rascal once more drawing near the enraged old man and patted him encouragingly on his shoulders with an earnestness rarely displayed, “Had we simply toasted under moonlight first rather than indulging bloodshed so carelessly—none of these tragedies need ever occurred… sigh…”

“Brat—you’ll regret it soon enough!!” shouted furiously the senior most among them—his fury knew absolutely no bounds as anger consumed him entirely; flaring away instantly via cloak-storm, intent on removing himself from this boy’s infuriating presence altogether lest his temper resultantly kill him entirely.

A succession of dreary dull days followed until eventually, hope abandoned within Little Rascal heart. Apart from his broken sword nothing new treasures manifested during all this searching—not even ten items in total managed to appear across entire duration! Laying idly on Sleeping-Tiger Rock napping lazily day after endless wasted day—concluding his pursuit fruitless, choosing now only conserve energy readying self escape elsewhere—to seek out fountain immortality. Given chance smash everything around him just once with mallet shatter stones revealing buried ancient relics sealed beneath. Unfortunately risked heavenly calamities should he dare unleash true destruction upon this sanctified space—he refrained begrudgingly indeed!

Then suddenly unexpectedly—Wolf pup cried wildly squirming frantically within Ling’Er arm while glaring intently toward certain massive boulder. Almost instantaneously, the strange phenomenon transpired—the rock split apart releasing radiant luminosity!

“Heavens, another magnificent artifact!” came cries echoing throughout assembly.

Fashioned sky blue bones seemingly hewn from sacred jade-like materials, radiated otherworldly vitality untainted ages flowing gracefully into current epoch retaining pristine condition brilliance untouched dimming passage mortal times hands.

As soon as Ring emerged forthwards—a haunting celestial chant resonated harmoniously amidst surging glyphic aura enveloping locale transforming crystalline luminescence azure shade cascading ethereally over everyone present especially entrancingly encasing Lady Ling’er in its glow enhancing beauty skin lustrous features shining more intensely than stars above.

Yet sorrow mingled admiration because ring bore imperfection—a missing fragment rendering full perfection absent. Disappointed murmurs spread like wildfire since not single relic thus far remained flawless. However reasonable acceptance prevailed—true undamaged treasure likely provoke wars kingdoms clamour seizing possession coveted national relic proportions.

But even partial circle adorned elegantly wrist silken fairness perfectly—complementing naturally delicate jade bracelet gleaming effulgence brilliance reflecting every light cast upon surface absorbing ambient wonderment surrounding.

Activated merely by thought, the ring burst alive inscribing complex glyph lines dense intimidating chaotic display visual complexity overwhelming observer mind immediately recognizing sheer potency power unleashed potential vast scale damage possible. Ecstatic Ling’er claimed adornment placing securely arm only met resistance persistent Wolf pup chewing persistently forcing removal presentation bestowed honor upon young warrior friend…

Outraged exclaimed the Fire Princess: “How cruel & ungrateful – All efforts I poured caring loved only rewarded bitterness & disappointment!!!”

Startled awakening sleep induced slumber, Little Rascal hastened forward declaring enthusiastically: “Excellent work discovering splendid article indeed — gorgeous quality sure cheer Tiger Girl and co immensely joyous surprise gifts awaited return capital!”

“It is mine!” retorted fiery tempered Princess defiantly restoring jewel snug fit pale ivory wrist determined refusing ever letting go afterwards cradling beloved pet possessively questioning suspiciously younger boy queried cautiously: “Pray tell, pray enlighten who precisely constitutes this ‘Tiger Girl’ entity referenced so casually earlier?”

“She resembles closely miniature myself possessing sturdy powerful physique similar athletic endowments…” Answered cryptically smiling youth thinking briefly added concluding sentence: “…although vastly fairer countenance surpasses yours easily.”

Watching reaction flicker momentary confusion replaced laughter barely contained prior half-heard compliment suddenly shifted dramatic intensity explosive shriek:

“DIE IN HELL MONSTER!!!”

Hugging fiercely loyal companion tight, stormed dramatically stomping heels away storm cloud visibly trailing figure exuding extreme indignation.

Perplexed shrugged shoulder unconvinced shrugged dismissal comment aside muttered: “Inexplicable women folk anyway…”

Approaching benevolent mentorly styled disciple Heaven-Repairing Pavilion offered consolations advising gently tapping reassuring slap shoulder stating meaningfully:

“My dear junior—you’re but mere fledgling inexperienced in ways feminine realm. Beauty essence matures realization timing ripe seasons changing slowly enlightenment dawns awareness deeper nature reality itself…”

“Don’t insult intelligence claiming wisdom gained solely age-based maturity – already privy hidden peep show escapade older brother partook previously?” countered cunning youthful voice smirking knowingly interrupting sage discourse midstream. Prompt immediate panicked recoil denial vehement protests launched hurried departure retreat sought hastily fleeing confrontation looming disasterously behind:

“Don’t slander reputations so freely!”

Alas however late already realization struck—two seething vengeful senior disciples female gender standing silently murder glint reflected pupils promising retribution appropriately violent nature impending doom deserved fate inevitably awaiting foolish provocateur.

Thus enjoying long-deserved respite from disturbances boredom overtook young explorer mind wandering aimlessly considering premature end excursion adventure—emptyhanded frustrating failure complete waste resources effort invested vain attempt securing rewards mythical promise failed acquisition none achieved beside rusty blade possessed alone sole comfort company tower nestled hair strands whispered words lament:

“Besides rust bucket you remain inactive forceless stripped silent glyphs mute inexplicable usefulness dwindling purpose?!”

Wrapping coils tighter ensuring secure attachment turned attention elsewhere preparing withdrawal bid farewell lingering moments meaningless waiting fruitless pursuits continuing idle speculation lamented quietly:

“Why doesn’t fated fortune deliver treasures falling straight into hapless embrace waiting eagerly snatch up delight?”

Suddenly bright crimson streak pierced shadowed firmament descending meteorially earthward impact imminent.

“Fortunes finally favor fool’s whims?” exclaimed hopeful grin quickly replaced deep scowl realization dawned horrifying detail shocking sight revealed unmistakably Crimson Avian Monarch wounded grievously crimson stains feather coating exhaustion evident laboured pant rhythmic gasp survival instincts kicking adrenaline flow surged response recognition dire circumstances.

“Oh so YOU landed safely! Rescue required urgent imperative Lions Multi-Headed alongside Martens Violet-Hued threatened dismemberment imminent catastrophe brewing horizon threatening existence bonds trust shared fellowship!”

Gasps collective awe passed observers shaken comprehension grasp gravity peril predicament dire situation escalated heights previously unimaginable possibility defeat extinction conceivable?

Instantly composed calculating strategist evaluating odds weighing variables cold clarity returned steely determination igniting inner fire courage fearless soul ignited resolve unbreakable.

“Curious inquiry—whence knowledge drawn location precise where might inquire locate myself herein secluded realm unknown solitude maintained vigilance shielded sanctuary kept secret hidden place seldom trod?”

Chirrup frantic reply carried urgency desperation laced message relay conveyed succinct explanation:

“Overheard combatants clashing swords amidst chaos battlefield din scattered rumors reaching earshot confirmation location verification confirmed authenticity undeniable truth realized manifest!”

Bathing body glowing rays repairing damage sustained earlier skirmishes, avian majesty radiated restored former glory preparing launch command central nerve centre operation critical mission paramount significance unfolding before eager minds.

Without further delay sped back maze-like monoliths calling companion comrade arms side rallying forces summoned ally cooperation.

“Fellow apprentice summon assistance those subordinates bound seal-wielders aiding shortly deploy coordinated counteroffensive strike package execute swift retaliatory measures.”

Issuing explicit directives simultaneous mounting soaring creature crimson plumage ascended disappearing clouds mist veil heavy obscuring vision limited proximity visibility reduced minimum.

Proximity battlefield negligible distance—mere li removed thirty perhaps maximum measure twenty-five measured rough calculation arrival imminent expected shortly.

Conflict conclusion approaching nearing closure stage final throes bloody aftermath visible signs devastation widespread.

Lion collapsed weakened prone golden light dimmed gaping cavity torn chest cavity soaked copious spilt lifeblood ragged shallow breath escaped parted lips. Beside charred silhouette scorched burnt crispy edges wings tattered feathers impaled multiple metallic projectiles bleeding profusely sustaining internal trauma.

Twins tri-sighted kin fractured cranial plate scratches deep embedded claw patterns narrowly avoided loss third ocular organ salvation fortunate reprieve minor blessings amid great losses endured.

Multicoloured phoenix participated fierce struggle sustaining fatal injury near separation bisected torso barely clinging fragile semblance cohesion emitting faint mournful chirping tones fading softly extinguishing ember vitality swiftly slipping grasp grasping desperately onto last threads conscious life resisting death creeping ever closer shadows dark swallowing light warmth essence fading fast leaving cold bleak void.

Sable-furred martens front limbs twisted grotesquely shattered splintered remnants bone peeking exposed wound ghastly reminder brutality inflicted savagery unmatched severity extent suffering unfathomable cruelty witnessed horrors war’s merciless face revealed raw carnage laid bare painful cost waged conflict paid dearly price demanded exacted mercilessly unrelenting toll.

Still miraculously clinging fleeting spark life gathering remnants battered will defend unitedly valiant final stand defiant till end albeit short expectancy remaining moments precious few indeed slipping inexorably away draining steadily ebbing tide relentless undertow unstoppable.

Observing opposition lineups realization struck certainty settled uneasy calm comprehension accepted bitter pill swallowed hard grim acknowledgement respect owed foe mighty adversaries arrayed fearsomely assembled elite beings formidable opponents gathered en masse forming unbeatable coalition overwhelming numerical superiority bolstered individual champions prowess rival master seal-binders themselves.

Foremost among them perched regal atop jutting cliffside majestic bird resembling eagle-gold plated divine plumage motionless sentinel gaze piercing golden glare unwavering vigilant watchful.

Beside thundering primate brute standing tall thirteen feet towering muscular stature coated thick ebony pelts dripping saliva fangs snarling roaring thumped meaty fists pounding broad barrel-shaped chest drumbeat thundering echo proclaim dominance challenge thrown bold audacity confidence limitless unbounded hubris overflowing reckless abandon recklessness incarnate embodied.

White Tiger predator apex beast embodying death bringer destroyer force emanating chilling malice locked sights unyieldingly predatory gaze sharp calculated threat assessment cold indifference devoid emotion ruthlessly efficient lethal apparatus honed peak performance.

Supporting host numbering more dozen ancient species—beasts hybridized bipedal humanoid figures clad resplendent armor radiant divine treasures shimmering illuminating presence confirming status legendary primordial survivors steeped ancestral lore infused divine genes awakened primordial powers coursing through veins ancient blood singing legacy strength power eternally entwined within DNA strands spiraling evolutionary chain supremacy affirmed undeniable proven record undefeated track historical precedence none matched none compared lineage impeccable pedigree unrivalled.

From numbers alone outnumbered decisively crushed balance tipped scales overwhelmingly crushing pressure exerted unassailable superiority assured victory outcome foregone conclusion predicated mismatch unequal footing disparity stark obvious.

With mocking smirk sneered White Tiger condescending tones dripped disdain pride unrestrained flowed freely unrestricted arrogance oozing from every pore declared venomously:

“Naive fool fallen prey clever ploy bait willingly consumed surrender yourself meekly fitting culmination tale gullibility childish naivety epitomized—obedient puppet dancing strings pulled trickster hand!”

Roared retaliation defiantly Crimson Bird crying battle-cry clarion challenge raised challenging roar shaking foundations ground trembled under vocal force expressed boldly without fear proclaimed boldly proclamation defiance:

“You delusional arrogant whiskered pestilience! Did you seriously believe terrifying children unaware dirty tricks employed against him would suffice cause concern?? He has arrived not submission—but for devouring your flesh greedily without restraint!!”

“You’d think planning suicidal endeavours carefully chosen destiny written epitaph grave marker read ‘Fools Enter Here’, wouldn’t you?” taunted Rascal returning volley equally biting sarcastic comeback tossed effortless casual confidence shining radiantly outward.

“I harbored patient endurance restraining ire long—today vengeance unleashes wrath tearing limb from limb satisfying vendetta accumulated!” hollered enraged Primate lunging forth aggressive stance imposing terrifying spectacle inspiring primal terror.

White Tiger unmoved expression remained aloof contemptuous smirk curving lips slight upwards corners slightly curling amused glance sidelong exchanged between allies scoffed openly dismissively remarking with biting sarcasm cloaked civility barely restrained barely hidden contempt dripping heavily each word:

“Indeed… Seems you mistake rhythm tune melody accompanying approach dirge funeral march sung lament passing transition eternal rest… Mistaken recipient sender etiquette decorum sorely lacking insolent lackey! Expect mortality drastically shortened timeline consequence misbehaved manners unbecoming!”

Cue retort rapid-fire delivered unflinching tone matching ferocity underlying threat rippling currents tension crackling air sparking invisible duel wits bravado:

“My cravings simmer simmer craving steaming savory Tiger Bone Soup recipe perfected anticipation crescendo climax achieved glorious reunion celebrated extravagantly!”

Gaze fixed unwavering upon aforementioned Golden Eagle statue immobile unmoving unresponsive yet no less dangerous oppressive stifling aura palpable suffocating omnipresence permeating battlefield atmosphere heavy suffocating presence looming ominous spectre unseen overshadowing tangible dread reverberating souls opposing side cowering fearful apprehension.

“You hail from Ancient Divine Mountain origins—or perhaps bastard offspring diluted diluted ancestry mixed breed impostor pretending pedigree pure lineage extinct myth?” queried daring challenger probing vulnerabilities seeking weakness chink armor cracks fractures fissures exploitable leverage advantage tactical gains secured exploited fully capitalizing slightest hint doubt suspicion uncertainty hesitation weakness inherent insecurity masked false bravado.

Unblinking regard met challenge golden pupils narrowing focusing deadly focus locking eye-to-eye standoff tension rising unbearable levels answer returned slow deliberate measured cadence laden with layered meanings undertones laced poisonous implications wrapped elegant phrasing poised grace lethal precision elegance lethality combined beautiful terrible force equal parts breathtaking horrific mesmerizing hypnotising.

“What difference does it make to thee whether truth reveals absolute authenticity or fabricated façade illusion masquerade deception? Does distinction alter outcome fate destined convergence preordained paths intertwined irreversible course?”

Answer delivered crisp cutting slicing through fog mental distraction clarifying intentions crystal-clear objectives established parameters boundaries defined clearly understood unambiguously perceived mutually acknowledged stakes elevated higher echelon lethal escalation imminent unavoidable clash titans cataclysm collision inevitability set wheels rolling momentum impossible halt unstoppable tidal surge sweeping all before it consuming everything pathways obliterated erased rewriting destinies rewritten anew birth fresh epoch dawning horizon ablaze prophecy fulfilled cyclic recurrence rebirth cycle completed renewed beginning initiated.

“If indeed authentic specimen untarnished purity royal line true born noble house, prepare submission bondage chains binding servitude enforced relocation custody control imposed willingly obedience extracted voluntary compliance secured—Alternatively—if mongrel dilution corrupt stain tainted diluted diluted essence diluted diluted diluted diluted essence diluted diluted essence pollutes lineage disgracefully degraded diluted diluted diluted stock degenerate remnant faded reflection greatness extinct era forgotten past erase utterly consume digestion transformation recycling cycle reincarnation feast gluttonous indulgence thorough cleaning purge cleansing absolution achieved consummation completeness achieved—Decision made execution order issued proceeding commencement countdown initiate countdown zero hour approaching imminently arriving instantaneously!”

Final decree issued triumphant cry rang out ringing bells warning judgment verdict sealed fates decided irrevocably concluded actions follow words deeds align declaration vow fulfilled oath sworn fulfilled completion ensured fulfillment guaranteed certainty absolute assured outcome inevitable occurrence predestined written stars cosmic ledger pages turning rapidly accelerating climax approaching thrilling electrifying exhilarating awesome terrible majestic wondrous spectacle behold witness participation privilege blessing curse twin edged sword fate spun thread interlacing intertwining binding all participants shared destiny entwined tapestry woven fabric reality altered changed transformed reborn recreated universe holding breath suspended animation pause eternity eternal moment stretched infinitely infinite infinitesimal speck time cosmic clock ticking onward oblivious grand design schemes machinations mortals insignificant tiny ants viewpoint colossal titanic forces clashing titans battling gods colliding astral beings warring constellations dueling dimensions folding collapsing expanding imploding exploding rebirth creation renewal genesis renaissance reawakening revolution evolution transcendence enlightenment nirvana samadhi satori epiphany illumination revelation apocalypse disclosure unveiling mystic mysteries profound depth infinite possibilities branching fractal tree divergence converging nodes intersections crossroads nexus point choices made ripple consequences cascading waves echoes eternity everlasting immortalised legend lore saga song poem hymn psalm ode eulogy dirge requiem mass memory recollection remembrance immortalization everlasting fame eternal glory transcending mortal coil boundaries limitations confines encapsulation container finite existence transcended surpassed exceeded leapt vaulted soared flown rocketed accelerated burst erupted exploded launched propelled hurled catapulted hurled forwards future destiny calling beckoning guiding pathway illuminated torch bearer lantern flame blazed brightly never dim never extinguish everlasting forever evermore forevermore.