On the mountain peak, the land spread wide and open with huge stones scattered all over. Upon stepping deep into the Stone Forest, one could not help but gasp in admiration. Many of these boulders bore mysterious designs—exquisitely depicted, lifelike and vivid. There were images like the Golden Crow chasing lightning, the imprisoned oxen treading sea waves, the giant Peng soaring its wings—a dazzling variety of forms. These ancient pictographs, numerous as they were, held unclear meanings. Throughout history, many prodigies meditated on their meaning, yet none deciphered their truth. Perhaps they merely chronicled the glories of a bygone age.
“Treasure weapon, treasure weapon… where exactly are you?” Little Rascal mumbled.
The Stone Forest was vast, brimming with enormous stones, and after inspecting each carefully, Little Rascal felt nothing. Even communication through glyphs recorded in the Primordial Truth yielded nothing at all.
“What’s wrong? Several others have already obtained treasures—how come I find nothing whatsoever?” Annoyed, he scratched his head, dark thoughts clouding his young mind.
Turning every corner, he finally noticed a group of Sealing Cultivators huddled together. One rubbed a stone meticulously while another examined it closely. Quietly approaching them from behind, Little Rascal patted one shoulder and grinned. “Hey, brother, any luck?”
Sighing heavily, the elder shook his head. Then something stirred within him—the voice! It had sounded too young and fresh. He turned around along with the others.
There stood an impish boy covered in grime, large eyes shining brilliantly atop a grey rock, tiptoeing while slapping another man’s shoulder, appearing far too cozy.
“Go away!” the elder roared, his beard twitching furiously—this very urchin had slaughtered their clan’s talents, shamelessly trying to buddy up now! Absolutely infuriating!
“Calm yourself, my dear elder bro. You’re no ordinary mortal. We must remain magnanimous, possessing tolerance and broad-mindedness toward people,” Little Rascal insisted, standing tall on a boulder while once again tapping his shoulder.
Enraged to the brink, the old man barely controlled himself from smacking this child flat into thousands of blooming peach blossoms; only because this place was a sanctuary for peace did restraint remain.
“You’re daring us on purpose, don’t assume we’ll hold back!” others chimed in, gnashing teeth full of ire.
“Now brothers, you should know true rivals honor respect between foes—though battle might ensue, under shared wine and stories we’d celebrate unity in grand feats across Heaven and Earth.” Lamenting and shaking his head constantly, Little Rascal preached.
“This cheeky rascal, who do you think admires you so deeply that we’d bond thusly if we weren’t in sacred ground? One mere finger would reduce you to dust.”
Furious and flaring eyes widened suddenly from one irate elder, snapping instantly upon the sight before him.
“Dear brother, excessive anger disrupts Liver Glyph harmony—it risks future cultivation,” Little Rascal added, mounting boldly beside him on a jade-colored slab, then affectionately draping over the elder’s shoulders.
“Get off, pest!” The venerable one writhed under such disrespect, gritting teeth tightly at having some pipsqueak calling him familiar while recalling bitter vendettas: just days past this nuisance exterminated grandchildren of his line!
All elders boiled within fury beyond comprehension, yet held fast restrained violence, craving instead stripping this boy raw.
Finally sighing resignedly, Little Rascal slapped shoulders farewell, ending his taunting with one rearward tap of mischief, leaving the crowd fuming in his wake, practically ready to jump out of skin screaming madness aloud.
Meanwhile, looming nearby loomed a gigantic beast—an enraged black-furred ape howling laughter mockingly towards the youth, radiating cold murderous intent. Indeed, it was the Ancient Descendant seen earlier at the base!
Little Rascal cast sideways, scoffing. “Looking at what, biggorilla? Don’t think I’m your friend. We ain’t close nor mutual fondness ’round here since unlike ya, I can cook ya inside pots anytime!”
Huge gorilla thundered chestbeats in rage, almost howling skyward—but clamped lips shut last minute. A guttural choked wheeze followed swallowing half-cried yell.
“You laughing idiot—what tickled funny bones sneaking out smiles? Think it’s amusing?” Little Rascal stared down.
Without pause, Biggorilla spun fleeing, shuddering fiercely while muffling lips, smoke puffing nostrils, racing outward eventually plunging cliffside leap from towering heights above. Releasing pent tension then, it screamed wrathfully:
“Yellow-Monkey Brat, catch me someday, I’ll shred every limb!”
Landing below several dozen meters perched defiantly high upon massive slab, fists crashing against chest creating resounding percussion akin rolling thunderbolts echoing cosmic bounds—he raged untamed.
Calling out loudly, Little Rascal cheerily declared warning: “Dear Monkey-Brother, Ape-Brother, take note! That flying chimp down there plans your demise!”
Speechless silence met this remark as monkeys flipped disapproving expressions simultaneously.
Continuing scouting relentlessly, seeking prized relic anew brought sudden quivers coursing through when ghostly whispers coiled ears again:
“My sword… my sword…”
Drawing his lion-shaped treasured mirror forward, shimmering symbols appeared briefly flashing across brow amidst wisps of ebon mist whispering beside.
“You keep shouting, ghost-buddy—how ‘bout specific direction pointers else I waste endless searching time?” demanded Little Rascal exasperated.
Unexpected tremor vibrated beneath feet—a mere two feet fragment crackled emitting plumes black vapors until breaking entirely apart with cacophony snaps.
“Aha… Found it!” Ecstasy flooded face.
This cry drew everyone’s attention in awe—yet another finding success sparking immense envy.
However astonishment transformed rapidly to confusion noticing no brilliant aura emerging. Instead, foul acrid smoke belched ominously.
Frowning uneasily, Little Rascal eyed dull aftermath—nothing special about here resembling wood burning damp cavern style thickening atmosphere unpleasantly devoid splendor expected treasures usually emit.
As shadows cleared revealed a hideous shard of metal—ugly, rusty decay threatening collapse entirety. Meticulous inspection disclosed vague form shaped like swords long forgotten—its hilt worn bare except skeletal grip.
“Now, *that* sword truly stands unique in personality!”
Outbursts erupted, some unable to restrain sarcastic jabs.
Dark scowl etching small features, Little Rascal admitted even he found this sorry piece ridiculous—questioned whether usable at all. Suddenly stoned casing threatened enclosure anew sensing prolonged neglectful contact. Frowning sharply, he dropped low seizing hilt pulling mightily, utterly surprised at immobility defying brute strength!
Suddenly surging torrential killing essence flooded being violently sweeping sensory vision into visions bloodied fields strewn corpses unnumbered—all creation obliterated within blink.
Such presence carried cataclysmic terror enough shatter prodigy minds. Even hardened body of Little Rascal buckled slightly trembling violently spewing rising bile which he swallowed forcefully resisting breakdown.
Though observers detected nothing significant, instant understanding crystallized—this blade belonged unquestionably to saint-warriors’ weaponry catalog as formidable slaughter instrument unmatched! Resistance persisted battling insidious tide gradually repelling encroachments, shaken core steadied albeit greatly affected momentarily.
He realized instantly why previous seekers failed—if any other tried, flesh surely shredded instantly!
Then, faint sparkle emanated insignificantly-sized charm pendant-like trinket nestled hair strands—an ornamental miniature stupa glowing feebly dissipating onslaught evil force completely unnoticed by all surrounding witnesses alike.
Relieved breath exhaled slowly recovering energies gradually gripping cautiously anew, finally wrenching forth metallic clang ancient steel detached broken matrix landing firmly within hands.
Simultaneous guffaws rose immediately observing grotesque remains shape barely reminiscent bladeship—rusted entirety save short one-foot span intact portion remaining reforged hastily evidenced clearly jagged repairs marred surface pitted corrosion ate edges mercilessly.
Silent collective judgment concluded fate grim—numerous relics deteriorate naturally overtime though surviving itself extraordinary.
Pity filled their gazes—boy simply unlucky drawing decrepit relic unworthy.
“That rustbucket needs reworking sharp—hahaa!”
“Seems fitting company, suits well indeed.”
Even the raging Ape couldn’t resist smirking widely toothy grin, mocking joyfully.
“Certainly worthy safeguard status heirloom potential.” Added calm elderly observer stroking whisker reassured smile forming. They previously worried upon witnessing acquisition hoping perhaps uncovering divine world-shaking artifact. Now comfort restored.
“Although decaying badly still qualifies ancient artifact class. Safeguard devoutly somewhere temple maybe awakens spiritually someday?” Joked younger counterpart amused tone.
Laughter exploded again heartier among crowd watching boy silently endure mockery aware only he understood inherent greatness hidden within. Beyond unparalleled murderous essence sensed also unfathomable weight—at least several tons though shortened ruin. Only his supernatural might rendered it seem feather-light wieldable casually.
Examining further revealed dulled blade edge black void areas barely noticeable veins threading throughout. Steel chill radiated unnatural freezing touch.
“Y’all blind fools—this is matchless Divine Blade none amongst you recognizes worthy mockery disgrace!” Shaking head ruefully Little Rascal retorted placing weapon securely upon back dismissively.
His attitude only convinced them more foolishly mistaken pride feeding widespread ridicule.
Earlier rupture spewed black clouds containing ancient battlefield’s corruptive energy deadly to lesser tools—even potent weapons succumbed corrosion through eras unless spiritually awakened miracle kept dormant vitality intact despite sealed ages—that alone seemed absurd!
Arriving figure interrupted spectacle—White Tiger materializing gaze piercing icy scorn unmistakably revelishing unfolding drama.
“Unaware you are, naive little fool.”
Rather than confirming insecurity however, Little Rascal pretended bravado patting worn frame confidently boasting, “Now risen after slumber through centuries, thy glory shall shine triumphant anew!”
Sneering disdain enveloped gathering including ape, sealing clansfolk and beasts fixated opportunity elimination—his newly claimed possession lacked intimidation power required preventing opportunistic assault.
A new arrival soon emerged alongside entourage led gracefully by youthful beauty—her lustrous pitch-black flowing hair adorned ivory forehead delicate pointed chin, luminescent skin, and sparkling pearls aligned row perfect teeth captivating ethereal essence alive. Barely fifteen or sixteen years matured proportions defined elegant curves seemingly carved perfection. Bright eyes twinkled knowingly advancing fluidly balanced neck graceful posture accentuating lush torso tapering waif hips lengthy limbs rhythmic dance steps. Fire-elemental Princess Ling’Er glowed softly golden-hued aura wrapping her form embraced gray fluff ball nestled petite arms—furry cubically adorable tiny winged puppy pup peered outward blinking innocently luminous round optics.
Shadowy cloaked figures walked solemnly behind signifying elite rank Sealers known recently for raiding sacred deity dwelling securing divinity lineage offspring immeasurable strength achieved fully healed states since initial intrusion. Also accompanying them five elites from Healing Heaven Academy escaped doom altogether remaining vibrant healthy.
Gasps arose collectively noting sheer dominance radiating presence—none dared label party weaklings recklessly underestimated.
Exclamation echoed recognition—
“The Flame Kingdom’s royal princess, daughter of Celestial Emperor!”
Whispers swept multitudes, both human warriors and exotic life-form races inhaling shock at infamous monarch name legendary mastery unrivalled celestial achievements earning fearful respect forcing rival factions yielding paths avoiding confrontation entirely.
Wandering cocky with battered blade resting nonchalantly slung behind, Little Rascal approached undeterred halting next to Princess Ling’Er declaring boastfully:
“Junior Sis, relax knowing senior bro shields you from harm.”
She rounded eyes diamond-hard disbelief blazing indignation. “I require no protection from *you?!*”
Obvious manipulation dripping guise self-proclaimed guardian domineering tone incensed thoroughly especially since she preceded chronologically—proper title dictated Senior Sister, yet he insisted otherwise perpetuating frustration buildup long festering resent.
Petting wolflet lovingly transferred willingly straight to Rascal’s awaiting arms purring warmly against distinct personal fragrance signature belonging exclusively to Ling’Er herself showing intimate familiarity.
Eyebrows twitched repeatedly suppressing rising irritation: traitorous beast devoured countless delicacies provided diligently enroute yet betrayed everything reunite with Little Rascal!
Delight danced across his expression spreading mischievous grin turning confidently addressing astonished spectators proclaiming sincerity:
“No deceit intended—officially proclaimed junior sister falls under my protection today onward! Any wishing differently will answer harshly.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage