NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: The Awakening: The Endless Catacombs.
Chapter 4.
The Awakening: The Endless Catacombs.
YinYang dynasty palace~
Unknown location ~
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Lu Xitong silently trailed old granny Mu through various sections until they reached an opening at the heart of the dynasty's domain. This area was deemed a forbidden zone within the dynasty, featuring a stark mountain that was barren and devoid of any vegetation. Beneath the mountain lay a cavern sprawling deep underground, its labyrinthine paths posing a challenge to navigate without guidance.
As they ventured further, walls adorned with blazing red and icy blue crystallite came into view, emitting a gentle radiance that illuminated the cavern. These crystals exuded a purple liquid that was collected in porcelain bowls.
Xitong recognized this purple liquid as the profound myriad waters, a precious substance with versatile applications. It had been administered to her in large quantities six years ago when she was ill, it had proven ineffective tho. Known for its cleansing properties and mild energy compared to other elixirs, it was particularly effective in treating hidden ailments.
This spirit elixir held significant importance for the dynasty, serving as a key reason for maintaining favorable diplomatic relationship with other fractional powers. However, its had a limited amount that could be produced yearly of about five jars, most of which were traded to external powers, underscored the considerable loss incurred by the dynasty through Xitong's extensive use of the elixir.
After progressing further, they arrived at a towering stone wall, twice the height of a person and remarkably wide. Functioning as a gate leading to the ancient Carps' territory, the wall bore intricate engravings of two fish chasing each other's tails in an endless cycle. One fish was blue, the other red, their intertwined movements forming a harmonious spectacle.
Old granny Mu produced two contrasting tokens – one black and one white – inserting them into the corresponding spots on the fish engravings.
Rumble
The gate began to quake and groan, gradually creaking open to unveil a mesmerizing world beyond.
Past the gate lay an awe-inspiring sight, a vast ocean teeming with vibrant life forms. With the cavern at the ocean floor, it peculiarly barred any water from seeping in, as if constrained by an enigmatic force.
Xitong marveled at the spectacle. "First-time visitor?" Old granny Mu cast a sidelong glance at Xitong, arching an eyebrow. "What you behold is the domain of the Primordial yinyang carps, existing for millennia, far surpassing our dynasty's history." Offering Xitong a reassuring smile, she added, "As long as you're invited, you shall be safe within the domain."
Stepping forward, Xitong extended her hand towards the water barrier, feeling its cool and invigorating touch. She understood that the refreshing energy could swiftly turn hostile at the Primordial Carps' whim. This realization sparked curiosity about the Carps' formidable existence.
To manifest a domain, one must at least attain the immaculate realm, a distant goal for Xitong, a mortal whose cultivation had stagnated at the middle of the Body Transformation stage for six years.
"Ah," a soft sigh escaped her cherry-red lips unconsciously. Only then did she notice old granny Mu had halted, her attention consumed by introspection.
Turning towards Old granny Mu, Xitong inquired with a hint of pleading, "Would you not accompany me inside?"
"I'm afraid my role is to escort you to this point young miss. Fear not, the Primordial Carps' aura will guide you, and also, your father awaits within," Old granny Mu responded softly, wearing a meaningful smile as she departed in the direction they had come from.
Xitong drew a deep breath and ventured into the oceanic domain. Stepping through the barrier, she was enveloped by a refreshing energy that dissolved her worries like snow melting under the sun.
As she progressed, a flicker of the Primordial Carps' consciousness enveloped her, altering the scenery and transporting her several miles in an instant, all while still standing on the same spot. This was spacial warping, an ability to bend and compress space. The spatial distortion induced a bout of motion sickness, leaving her with a slightly green complexion upon reaching the domain's center, where the lights from above illuminated the ocean floor captivating her gaze.
"Xitong!" a familiar voice echoed from behind. Recognizing her father's voice, Yang Jiang, Xitong beamed with joy. Skipping over, she clutched his arm, gazing up with bright, wide eyes, "Father, why have the Primordial Carps summoned me?" Lu Xitong questioned seeking answers about the Primordial Carps' summons.
"To offer you an opportunity to reclaim your prowess," Yang Jiang replied gravely. "This rare chance, bestowed by the Primordial Carps themselves, must not be squandered."
"Is such a feat truly feasible?" Xitong's excitement was palpable, her grip on her father's arm tightening as hope surged within her.
"The YinYang Primordial Carps have safeguarded us for centuries, their ability and ways far surpassing our understanding. They may hold the key to your recovery," Yang Jiang spoke with optimism.
"Why did they not aid me during my illness six years ago? Why intervene now?" Xitong queried, puzzled by the Carps' sudden involvement. Yang Jiang could only reciprocate her perplexed gaze, both grappling with unanswered questions.
Lost in contemplation, Xitong noticed a sudden dimming of light above, looking up, colossal shadows had obscured the luminance. Gazing upward, she beheld two immense silhouettes blotting out the sky, their eyes akin to burning ancient lamps, the size akin to large balls emanating a fantastical aura.
Filtered light outlined their colossal forms, each nearly a kilometer in size, circling each other with an intricate dance. Due to the illumination, their features remained enigmatic, shrouded in shadow save for their immense eyes.
"These are the soul avatars of the Primordial Carps, seldom revealing their true forms," Yang Jiang elucidated softly, bowing respectfully as he addressed them. Xitong followed suit, extending a courteous greeting to the soul avatars.
"We have summoned you, young one," one soul avatar intoned. "We meet at last!"
"The time is opportune,"
"and the moment at hand."
"Step into the endless catacombs,"
"for there, your rebirth awaits." Their words resonated in harmonious succession, conveying a sense of unity.
"The endless catacombs?" Yang Jiang was utterly astonished, as the catacombs housed the true bodies of the Primordial Carps. Throughout the dynasty's history, few had glimpsed these true forms, reserved only for those who earned the Carps' acknowledgment.
"Do not delay,"
"Time is of the essence,"
Then they hissed in unison, "The fourth night approaches, unveiling clarity." With that, the soul avatars dissipated, allowing light to once again fill the depths.
"The fourth night," Xitong murmured to herself. This night marked the culmination of the annual festivities, a time when the phenomena was at its peak.
What significance did it hold for her? Xitong wondered. With only two nights remaining until the fourth night, a torrent of questions flooded her mind, deepening her confusion.
The Endless Catacombs~
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Yang Jiang escorted Xitong to the catacombs entrance, deep underground beneath the dynasty, running through the entirety of YinYang city.
"You should descend now; I will await you at the entrance. Remember, regardless of the outcome, your mother, siblings, and I will always stand by your side," Yang Jiang reassured, patting her head gently.
"I shall not falter, Father, I promise," Xitong declared resolutely, turning away to vanish into the depths of the endless catacombs.