The echoes of battle within the valley had long since faded, yet the air still reeked of blood and scorched earth. A night wind swept through the broken branches, carrying with it a chill that seeped into the bones. Though the black mists had been driven away, the shadow of Mount Zijin still pressed heavily upon every heart.
Li Tianyuan leaned against an ancient tree, his chest heaving, sweat streaming down his temples. His arms trembled faintly, golden light flickering from his palms like fire that burned against his meridians, threatening to tear him apart with every surge of spiritual energy.
Beside him, Mu Xueyin knelt with her hands pressed to his back, channeling streams of qi to steady his breath. Beads of sweat dotted her brow, yet her expression remained calm and unwavering."Don't resist… follow my rhythm, breathe slowly with me," she said softly, her voice gentle yet firm.
Tianyuan shut his eyes, forcing himself to comply. The raging force within his chest gradually steadied, though it still felt like a caged beast thrashing against his veins.
Elder Fu Yuan stepped forward, his face grave. With a wave of his sleeve, he cast a barrier that sealed the valley in silence, even the insects falling mute."As I feared," he murmured, gazing at Tianyuan with complicated eyes. "The power within him is no ordinary bloodline awakening. This is not mere cultivation—it is an ancient force being roused."
Mu Changfeng let out a sharp snort, battle-light still lingering in his gaze."Hmph. Whatever lurks inside him, without it we'd never have repelled the Inverse Spirit Sect tonight. But this awakening—it's far too sudden. Unnatural."
"Indeed." Fu Yuan's tone deepened. "It feels more like… an outside force pulled it forth."
At those words, Tianyuan's heart lurched. "Outside force? But I've never practiced cultivation, nor touched anything unusual. I was just an ordinary scholar in Jing'an. Why would this happen to me?"
Fu Yuan only shook his head, turning instead toward the ruined altar. Its ancient pillars still stood, runes flickering faintly as though echoing Tianyuan's inner turmoil."When we return to Jing'an, I will consult the archives. This is not a matter for hasty guesses."
Once Tianyuan's breathing steadied, Fu Yuan and Mu Changfeng approached the altar. In the pale moonlight, the stone was scarred and cold.
"These markings…" Changfeng traced a burned groove, his voice low. "They were forcibly activated."The runes were charred, as if seared by an overwhelming surge of power.
Fu Yuan's eyes sharpened. "The Inverse Spirit Sect tampered with this place. They weren't here to observe—they sought to perform a ritual."
His voice dropped. "If I'm right, they attempted to sacrifice the black mist to break the great seal. Even a single fracture would bring disaster."
Mu Xueyin paled. "But… the Hundred-Year Pact is not yet due. Why strike now?"
Fu Yuan paused before answering, his voice heavy."Perhaps… they have grown tired of waiting."
Tianyuan's chest clenched as his strange power stirred again, faintly resonating with the altar. He could not tell whether to feel dread or destiny, only that something bound him to this place.
Meanwhile, deep within the forest.
The surviving cultists fled through the shadows until they reached a cavern. Their leader knelt, raising the obsidian command token above his head."Honored Sovereign… the altar was not broken, but we witnessed something else. The scholar—he awakened."
From the darkness, a suffocating aura spread. A figure sat upon a stone throne, veiled in shadow, only their abyssal eyes glimmering."Awakened?" The voice was hoarse, magnetic, and cold.
"Yes," the leader replied. "He summoned golden light that suppressed the black mist. I fear… he may be tied to the seal."
A long silence. Then, a low chuckle echoed."Heh… so the heavens show us favor. That boy—he must be one of the keys."
A black talisman writhed in the sovereign's palm like a living thing."Spread my command. The boy must be taken alive. If he cannot be controlled…" His tone turned razor-sharp. "…then destroy him."
The cult leader bowed low, trembling. "At once, Sovereign."
Back in the valley, silence lingered until Mu Changfeng broke it, his voice cold."Taoist Fu, we cannot leave this place untouched. The altar has been disturbed—if we do nothing, the cult will return."
Fu Yuan shook his head. "The altar is tied to the great seal. Destroying it carelessly may hasten its collapse."
"And if we do nothing?" Changfeng's eyes blazed. "Shall we simply wait until the Inverse Spirit Sect tears it open completely?"
The two men stood at an impasse, their voices taut as drawn blades.
Tianyuan clenched his fists, the storm in his chest raging once more. He knew his strength was meager, yet he could not remain silent. His voice trembled, but his will was clear."Honored elders… I will not run. Whatever power lies within me—it may be the only chance we have. If I cower, they will only grow bolder."
Xueyin looked at him, her expression softening into firm resolve. "I believe in him."
Fu Yuan's gaze lingered long before he sighed."Very well. We return to Jing'an. I must uncover the truth of his awakening. If he is truly a key, then he must learn to master the power—before it masters him."
Changfeng scowled but held his tongue.
Their course set, the group descended the mountain. Behind them, the shattered altar loomed silently, as though watching their retreat.
That night, they made camp at the foot of the mountain. As the others meditated, Tianyuan lay restless. The power in his chest surged once more, golden lines flickering across his palms, crawling faintly up his arms.
He stilled his breath—only to catch the faintest whisper of chanting, drifting from the direction of the altar. The sound was eerie, beckoning.
Above, the stars were veiled in cloud. Only the waning moon cast its pale light upon him.
Clenching his fists, Tianyuan's heart hardened.From the moment he had stepped into Mount Zijin, his path had been sealed.There was no turning back.