The mortal martial world has been peaceful for over a hundred years after the demon world was successfully sealed away. After a strange eclipse with the blood moon a few months ago, some mortals were suspected to awaken demonic parasites.
This happened a hundred years ago when a mortal was accidentally killed by a demon. It was discovered that the human was a vessel of a catalyst that produces a Nether Vitalis. Nether Vitalis are small white fragments that can increase demons' power and strength when absorbed. As for to what extent… It depends on the amount. Demons became obsessed with it and carried on a mass killing of mortals. This is what caused the long war between them and the martial world.
Now, for the past few months, there have always been dead bodies being discharged and missing individuals. Many suspect that the bloodmoon has once again awakened catalysts for the Nether Vitalis parasites. Unfortunately, this claim hasn't been proven true. The superior forces suppressed the news to keep the situation under control.
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WAIRON Continent; Taishou Town:
At the garbage dumpsite, a person wearing expensive clothing could be seen lying on the junks which didn't fit his appearance.
A foul stench assaulted the boy's nostrils before he regained awareness. His brows twitched as he tried to shake off the annoying smell. The moment he opened his eyes…, he regretted it.
Rotten fruit, moldy rags, and something unidentifiable slimy clung to his robes. Flies buzzed nearby, feasting on the grime of a nearby mound. It didn't take long for the realization to strike him.
"Shit. Shit. Shit." As soon as the word came out, he was covered in sweat and disgust. He had been sleeping in a pile of trash. "...What the hell is this place?!"
He quickly sat up with a jerk, making his head dazed for a while. He flings off a rotted chicken bone that clung stubbornly to his shoulder. He didn't even dare to take a deep breath. Around him were towering heaps of trash, metal scraps, plastic boxes, and discarded furniture.
"A dumpsite? You dropped me in a damned dumpsite?!" he said in disbelief as he looked at his surroundings.
This young boy is Ye Cheng, he was transported to the mortal world through a teleportation, which seems to have gone wrong.
Ye Cheng staggered to his feet, patting at his dark crimson robes with pure disgust. Unfortunately, they were beyond saving. The cloth reeked of fish oil and wastewater. He clicked his tongue, muttering profanities under his breath.
"Rotten old man. I swear, if I ever get back, I'll settle the score with you…"
He took out a shimmering jade tablet from his sleeve and injected his Qi in it. It glowed faintly in his palm, then projected a translucent screen into the air. The screen flickered for a second, before stabilizing.
A figure appeared, a tall man with long silver hair cascading down his shoulders, regal robes of black and indigo embroidered with the seal of the Northern Clan. He has high cheekbones, pale lips, and a perfectly refined face. His features were so handsome that he seems like an immortal; that's if one ignores the two horns on his forehead. His presence alone distorted the air around him. Upon closer look, he has some similarities with Ye Cheng.
This person is the Demon Lord of the Northern Clan, Ye Zichen!
"Ah, Cheng'er," The man greeted with a lazy smile: "You're awake. What do you think of my teleportation skills?"
Ye Cheng's eyes twitched: "Father, I woke up under a dead rat's ass."
Ye Zichen laughed heartily, folding his arms: "Well, you should know that you shouldn't mess with time energy. No wonder your surroundings look disgusting." He tapped his index fingers together and pretended to be serious but there was still a smile in his eyes: "At least you landed alive, didn't you?"
"Don't change the subject! You said I'd land near a city, not in the middle of a garbage swamp!" Ye Cheng was still angry. Who knew how long he'd been lying there? Anyone who saw him would think he's crazy!
"You were the one that passed out mid-transit. Can't blame me if your consciousness got scrambled on the way." Ye Zichen said, smirking. "You should've trained harder."
Ye Cheng grit his teeth, snatched a piece of banana peel off his head, and flicked it into the air with disgust: "Still, you could've managed the citation and sent me somewhere decent. What kind of a father are you?"
"Ok, Ok, I admit my mistake, don't be angry… dad." Ye Zichen chuckled again
"Who's your dad?!!" Ye Cheng was so angry at his father's shamelessness that his head was smoking. If he could, he'd already punch the figure in the reflection.
The Northern Demon Lord tased Ye Chen a while longer. When he'd had enough, his expression soon turned solemn: "Since you're awake, let's move to proper matters. The martial realm has remained sealed from our world for over ten decades, but things are stirring again."
Ye Cheng's expression darkened: "The blood moon…"
"Mm. The cycle has begun, a few months ago, rumors reached us about a strange energy appearing in the Eastern regions. We suspect it's related to the parasite awakening."
Ye Cheng's breath caught slightly: "You mean it's related to the fragments that are rumored to increase a demon power?"
"Exactly, And it's spreading rather quickly. While you're in Wairon Continent, I want you to investigate this phenomenon. I'm sure the other clans here won't let this go by. This is your destination for now. If you come across a sample, make sure to send it over." The Demon Lord took out a white envelope with a golden insignia and handed it over to Ye Cheng.
"Shenhui Academy," Ye Cheng read aloud as he observed it: "An invitation to a martial sect school? How did you get your hands on something like this?"
"I have my ways." Ye Zichen said proudly. Seeing that his expression was too proud, he coughed lightly to cover it up: "Shenhui Academy is one of the largest martial academies left in the east. They're opening recruitment next month. You'll enter as a candidate, make sure to track anything suspicious."
Ye Cheng raised an eyebrow: "You're sending your only son as an undercover agent?"
"Don't be a brat," Ye Zichen replied: "You're a half-human. Unlike our kin, you can suppress your aura and use martial techniques. I have sealed the demonic energy inside you. Besides, a child has to help his father carry some of the family's burden.., don't you agree?"
"No, I don't" Ye Cheng was not convinced.
"Don't worry, unless you break the seal yourself, no one would find out your identity. Besides, this could be the break you always wanted."
Ye Cheng sighed: "Fine, I was getting bored anyway. Having something to do will keep me up."
"Thanks Cheng're for carrying the worries of your father. You're so diligent, I'm sure you'll do a better job." Ye Zichen said flatteringly.
Ye Cheng narrowed his eyes: "You just don't want to come yourself."
The other party grinned, offering no denial.
"Be careful," Ye Zichen said after a pause, voice softening: "If those fragments are appearing, others will come looking for them as well. Some demon clans have already slipped their kinsmen past the seal. This won't be a simple journey. If you encounter any difficulties that you can't handle, make sure to retreat first. Your well-being is the first priority." He pauses and murmurs to himself: 'If anything happens to you, he'll never forgive me.'
Ye Cheng tilted his head and asked: "Huh? What did you say?"
"Nothing, have a safe journey." Ye Zichen said hurriedly.
The screen began to flicker, and his figure disappeared from the screen.
Ye Cheng looked at the black screen thoughtfully with his lips pressed together: "Who is he that you keep mentioning?"
He sighed and slid the jade tablet back into his storage ring. He took one long, slow breath… suddenly, his eyes widened when the stench returned in full force and he couldn't help coughing out.
"…First things first," he muttered. "A bath and a change of cloth, Then I'll find out where the hell I am."
He stepped away from the dump, brushing off the last of the filth, and walked into the nearby bushes with a ripple of shadow at his feet. This place was closer to the forest, so there shou
ld be plenty of water sources within these lands. He was sure to come across a river.