Hebei Province, Yehun Mountain, March 21, 2030 — 12:30 AM
After more than fifteen kilometers of walking beneath the oppressive night sky, the trio of teenagers finally reached the base of a steep mountain. Before them stood a long staircase ascending into the heavens, flanked by a massive red gate reminiscent of Shinto temple architecture. On either side of the steps, two towering statues of ancient warriors, clad in massive armor and wielding Qiang spears, loomed over them, their stone faces frozen in an unyielding, impassive gaze.
One of the high school girls shivered and stepped back.
— "Did you see that…? The statue… It moved."
Her trembling finger pointed at one of the stone warriors.
— "Don't look them in the eyes."
Meilin spoke in an eerily calm tone before leaping into the air with an inhuman jump, landing more than ten steps above them.
Tiang, still at the base, clenched his fists.
She's never brought me here before… Why?
Yehun Temple Summit
An hour later, exhausted and breathless, the three teens finally reached the peak. The youngest of the girls nearly collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
The temple, built into the mountainside, stood majestically under the pale glow of the moon. A deep silence enveloped the place, broken only by the whisper of the wind through the trees.
A monk, draped in saffron robes, approached them. His wise, penetrating gaze studied Tiang and the girls before he gave a respectful bow and turned to Meilin.
— "Father, my friends have been a little shaken by—"
The monk raised a hand, cutting Meilin off.
— "We know, Meilin."
His voice carried a heavy gravity.
— "One of our brothers has been infected. We've contained the Apostle's seal as long as possible… but it is wavering. We need your help."
A heavy silence fell.
Meilin clenched her fists.
— "We don't need her."
With a swift motion, she opened a dimensional portal, from which emerged a short sword carved from dark wood. Her eyes settled on the weapon with barely concealed disgust.
— "We have him."
She pointed her finger at Tiang.
The two high school girls exchanged stunned glances.
— "Did you see that…?"
— "She just opened a portal…?"
Their whispers betrayed their astonishment.
At that moment, a multitude of monks emerged from the adjacent pavilions. Some bore bloodied bandages, others supported injured civilians. They advanced in solemn silence before, in unison, dropping to their knees—before Tiang.
— "It's him…"
One of the monks trembled as he pressed his forehead to the ground.
— "Great Immortal, forgive our clan's sins…"
Tiang, overwhelmed, took a step back.
— "W-What…?!"
His gaze darted between Meilin and the monks prostrating before him.
— "Why… Why are you all bowing to me?!"
Meilin crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.
Meilin crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.
— "He has no idea."
Her tone was cold, cutting.
— "He doesn't know how to cultivate Qi. He's completely ignorant of his past."
The elderly monk closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh.
— "Then… why bring it up at all?!"
His voice carried a barely restrained anger. He turned toward Meilin, his eyes filled with solemnity.
— "Go seek the aid of the Demon Queen, Xuelan Mowang."
A shudder ran through the gathered monks.
— "Ten million years…" the monk murmured. "And now, of all times, the seal begins to break…"
Tiang straightened, his expression darkening.
— "Why are you treating Meilin like this?!"
His voice cracked like a whip through the cold night air.
The monk flinched slightly, cold sweat beading at his temple.
— "Great deity…" he stammered, lowering his head. "That was not my intention…"
His trembling hand clutched his prayer beads, frustration evident in his tense expression.
— "We have prepared rooms for you and your guests, Great Immortal."
Three attendants, dressed in traditional garments, bowed deeply before Tiang.
Still in shock, Tiang had no idea how to respond.