The world outside Bai Cheng shone as the light dissipated, placing him somewhere he had never been before. The crumbling ruins and harsh fire were absent; instead, there was a serene beauty. The air was crisp and lightly scented with blooming flowers. Rolling hills extended far into the distance, with clear streams and tall buildings gleaming under a soft, ethereal light.
Bai Cheng blinked, trying to orient himself. His heart was still racing from what occurred in the hallway. "Where. where am I?" he moaned, gazing at his dog, which stood beside him, equally bewildered.
Before he could step again, a figure appeared from behind one of the big trees. Its presence was strong, a heavy feeling that made people take notice. Bai Cheng's instincts reacted immediately. He grabbed his staff and jumped back several feet, standing firm with narrowed eyes.
Who is there?" he shouted, his voice stern but a little guarded.
The man entered the light—a towering figure in robes that shone like an eternal flame. His face was noble, and his eyes shone softly with an unearthly light. The air around him vibrated, as though the flames of a sun blazed inside him.
"You," said the man, his deep, powerful voice still warm. "You're the one who handled the Emberheart Halberd."
Bai Cheng clutched his staff tightly. "Who are you? How do you know about the halberd?"
The man smiled, a gentle laughter escaping his mouth, the sound resonating like the sound of distant thunder. "Because, child, I own it. Or, at least, I used to."
Bai Cheng's eyes widened. He remembered so many questions. "Wait. what? You're dead. I saw your body in that hall! How are you here?"
The eyes of the man became thoughtful, a hint of sorrow crossing his face. "What you saw was the mortal shell I left behind, a part of my existence. What you behold standing before you now is merely a fragment of my soul, breathed into this world to safeguard the treasures of my sect.
Your. sect?" Bai Cheng repeated, his curiosity piqued.
The eyes of the man blazed with hot ferocity. "This location, child, is the property of the Eclipse Flame Sect—a former great force of the world. You are standing in a relic of the past, the heritage of days long gone."
Bai Cheng hesitated and dipped his staff slightly. The man's words made him experience a combination of respect and confusion. "If this group was that powerful, then why isn't it here anymore? And what about the runes and the cave I discovered?"
The man's face became gentler. "You have many questions, and that's good. But it's better to show answers than to explain them. Come."
The man beckoned Bai Cheng to approach. Even though he was unsure, Bai Cheng obeyed and told his dog to remain with him.
As they journeyed, the land transformed gradually, growing brighter and more vibrant. The seemingly endless hills now revealed a bustling town, with high walls of stone aglow like fire.
People filled the streets—farmers of all ages honed their skills in open spaces, their vitality radiating with power. Children played merrily, their laughter like ringing bells, and vendors sold wares that shimmered with spiritual power.
Bai Cheng's jaw dropped in amazement. "This. this world is incredible.".
The elder nodded, showing both pride and sadness. "This was the center of the Eclipse Flame Sect, a place for learning, strength, and togetherness. We flourished for many years, creating smart people and protectors who changed the balance of the world."
Bai Cheng glanced around and noticed young warriors training with shining swords and older individuals meditating beneath radiant trees. The air was filled with purpose and serenity.
Why did it fall?" Bai Cheng asked quietly, his interest too strong to be contained.
The man's face grew a little sad. "All things must change, Bai Cheng. Even the greatest of civilizations can be undermined by ambition and time. But just remember this: happiness and success are never permanent. We have to always prepare ourselves for the challenges that come next."
They passed by a yard where children were practicing the skill of fire-sign making under the watchful eye of a stern-looking instructor. Bai Cheng looked, mesmerized, as the fire flames swirled in fluid patterns between their small hands.
So many geniuses," Bai Cheng grumbled, a touch of bitterness in his voice. "All spiritual energy. Not like me.".
The old man regarded him with a small smile playing on the corners of his mouth. "You feel you are inferior because you don't possess what they have? Idiot.
Bai Cheng scowled. "It's not foolish. I'm just an ordinary person. What can I do against an individual as strong as you?"
The old man chuckled and the sound resonated across the courtyard. "And yet, here you are, in the heart of a forgotten land. Do you think that occurred by accident?"
Bai Cheng's eyes widened with shock. "What do you mean?
"You lack spiritual energy, yet you received the Emberheart Halberd, a sword that chooses its owner. You were tested to rise above the weak and the cowardly, and you survived.
Power isn't just in the energy you possess, but in the will you possess. Never forget that."
For the first time in a long while, Bai Cheng was proud. He looked at his hands, which were tough but scarred. Maybe the elder was right—maybe he wasn't as weak as he believed.
But the peace period was brief.
Suddenly, a chill pervaded the air, which was unexpected and unusual. The blue sky over the town darkened and turned a dark red color. The air around them thickened, and an aura of negative energy enveloped them, which made Bai Cheng feel uncomfortable.
The face of the old man turned serious immediately. "No," he whispered.
Bai Cheng moved forward to him, and his dog growled gently because of the sudden advance. "What's happening?"
The old man gazed at the red sky, his powerful energy weakening a bit. "This is not right."
The townsfolk halted their stroll, appearing frightened and bewildered. Children clung to the hands of their parents as the frightening sensation grew, and the earth trembled slightly.
What is it?" Bai Cheng asked, looking a little worried.
The old man did not respond immediately. When he did, his tone was grave. "A shadow from the past. Something, or someone, is attempting to enter this world. We do not have much time."
Before Bai Cheng was able to ask more, a deafening roar echoed through the air, and the ground they stood on trembled. The fire of the elder grew stronger, and he readied himself to fight.
Bai Cheng," he instructed him roughly, his eyes fixed on the horizon, "remember this: you are more powerful than you realize. But power alone will not be sufficient for what lies ahead.".
The words chilled Bai Cheng to his marrow. He held his staff rigidly, the dog baring its teeth in rage against the perceived enemy. What do we do now?" Bai Cheng inquired, his tone resolute in the midst of the confusion around him. The elder turned to him, his gaze piercing.
"We face the storm."