The Gate of Eternity Curse of Heaven

THE SHADOW BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Zhao Liangyu stood on the highest balcony of the Blue Sky Tower, the main headquarters of the Zhao Clan. His keen eyes scanned the eastern horizon, where the lights of the aurora were clearly visible despite being hundreds of li apart. His regal robes fluttered in the night breeze, revealing the Alliance Leader's emblem pinned to his chest.

“The fourth pillar has activated,” he said flatly, without turning to the black-robed figure standing behind him. “Just as you predicted.”

The black-robed figure stepped forward, joining Zhao Liangyu on the balcony. His face was hidden behind a wooden mask with interlocking dragon and phoenix carvings.

“Of course,” the figure replied, his voice smooth yet containing undeniable authority. “Your sister has a strong will-just like her mother used to.”

Hearing the reference to his late wife, Zhao Liangyu's jaw hardened. “Don't compare them. Yingmei has a fatal flaw-too idealistic. Lingyun is more pragmatic, though currently lost on the wrong path.”

“Are you sure he's lost?” the masked figure asked. “Or is he seeing the truth that you're afraid to admit?”

Zhao Liangyu turned around quickly, his eyes flashing dangerously. “Mind your words, Counselor. Your high position does not make you immune from the punishment of treason.”

The masked figure remained calm. “It's not treason to remind you of what you really know, Mr. Zhao. You're more intelligent than you show the world.”

The two fell silent, returning their attention to the aurora in the distance. After a while, Zhao Liangyu finally spoke again.

“Are the preparations complete?”

The masked advisor nodded. “The Sacrificial Altar has been prepared at the Five Lightning Peaks. The best cultivators from the five major clans have been positioned. All we need now is the Final Key.”

“My brother.”

“That's right. Her blood-combined with yours-will break the final seal. The unification of the blood of a direct descendant of Zhao Xuanyuan.”

Zhao Liangyu frowned. “And you're sure this is necessary? There's no other alternative?”

For the first time, an impatient tone came from the Counselor's voice. “We've discussed this many times, Lord Zhao. The demon realm has become an existential threat to the human realm. Their resources are depleted, their population is swelling, and their sights are set on our prosperous realm. Total absorption is the only way to ensure the survival of the human realm.”

“At the expense of the entire demon realm,” Zhao Liangyu added, more as a statement than a question.

“As the great ancestor Xuanyuan Zi said,” the Advisor quoted, ‘’Sometimes sacrifice is necessary to achieve immortality'. Their realm is dying, Mr. Zhao. We're just speeding up the inevitable process, while saving our own realm.”

Zhao Liangyu didn't seem entirely convinced, but didn't argue. He picked up the black scroll tucked under his robes-the controversial Xiwangmu Black Script. The surface of the scroll seemed to glisten with special ink that seemed to move around, creating the illusion of shape-shifting symbols.

“The ritual must be performed when all four pillars are fully active and aligned,” the Counselor continued. “According to the calculations of the royal astronomers, that will be three days from now-coinciding with the Bloody Moon Eclipse.”

“And what about the Purity Guard troops sent to the Valley of Ice Mirrors? Zhang Minghao?”

The masked advisor paused for a moment before answering. “They failed to stop the activation of the pillar. As for Zhang Minghao... he might not survive.”

Zhao Liangyu nodded without showing any emotion. “That's too bad. He's a loyal soldier, though too fanatical.”

“Loyalty and fanaticism are often hard to distinguish, Mr. Zhao,” the Advisor commented. “But we needn't worry. Zhang Minghao has done his part well-providing false leads that will lead your brother exactly where we want him.”

“And Lin Fengtian? He's no fool. He probably already suspects our plan.”

“That's exactly what we're hoping for,” replied the Counselor in a satisfied tone. “His suspicions will make them rush to the Five Lightning Peaks-right into our trap. The more he tries to prevent the ritual, the more he hastens their arrival.”

Zhao Liangyu fiddled with the black scroll in his hand. “And this ritual... are you sure it's real? Not just an exaggerated legend?”

For the first time, the masked Counselor sounded impatient. “You yourself witnessed the trial in the Valley of Mist five years ago. A small village in the demon-vanished realm.

“One small village in the demon realm-completely vanished. No witnesses, no remains. Just an empty crater that absorbed all the energy around it,” the Counselor continued, his voice again calm and controlled. “It was just a small test run with an artificial seal. With the original four pillars active, the entire demon realm will be absorbed-its energy, soul, even its dimensional essence.”

Zhao Liangyu closed his eyes for a moment, imagining the consequences of the actions they were about to take. When he opened his eyes again, there were no more doubts left-only the cold determination of a leader who had made a tough decision.

“Send a message to all commanders. Increase surveillance along the borders of the realm. Prepare elite troops to escort the ritual at the Five Lightning Peaks.” He paused for a moment. “And send the Shadow Team to take my brother alive. Don't hurt Lin Fengtian unless you have to; we need his blood for the control variables as well.”

The masked advisor bowed respectfully. “As ordered, Mr. Zhao.” He turned to leave, but stopped short. “One last question, if I may.”

“Please.”

“If your sister refuses to participate... are you prepared to take the necessary steps?”

Zhao Liangyu stared at the horizon, his expression unreadable. “For the survival of the human realm, any sacrifice is worth making-even if it means my own family's blood.”

The advisor nodded in satisfaction before walking away, leaving Zhao Liangyu alone on the balcony. As the masked figure disappeared behind the door, Zhao Liangyu's expression changed briefly, a deep sadness evident in his eyes, before being replaced by the perfect calm mask of a leader.

In a dark corner of the corridor not far from the balcony, a young servant listened with bated breath. After confirming that the two men had left, she immediately rushed in the opposite direction, sneaking through the secret passages known only to servants. The girl-Liu Mei, a trusted servant of the late Madame Xiao Yingmei-had an important mission: to relay this information to the secret network still loyal to her late mistress's vision.

The light of dawn was just touching the peaks of the mountains when Zhao Lingyun and Lin Fengtian arrived at a small village hidden in a valley between two high mountains. The village wasn't on any map-it was a secret courtyard for half-breeds who had lived in hiding for centuries.

“Silver Mist Village,” Lin Fengtian whispered, gazing at the still sleeping village with an expression that was hard to read-a mixture of longing and wariness. “My birthplace.”

Zhao Lingyun looked at his brother in surprise. “You never told me this.”

“There are many things I haven't told you, little brother,” Lin Fengtian replied, his eyes sweeping the village warily. “Some for your safety, some for theirs.”

They waited behind the bushes until the sun was fully up. When the activity of the village began to show-the farmers went out to work the fields and the children played in the square-Lin Fengtian signaled to move.

“Follow me. Stay alert. This village is safe for mixed bloods, but the attitude towards Zhao Clan nobles might not be as friendly as you expect.”

They walked into the village with calm yet vigilant steps. As Lin Fengtian predicted, their presence immediately attracted attention. The villagers stopped what they were doing, staring with suspicious eyes-especially at Zhao Lingyun whose clothes and posture clearly showed noble blood.

“Lin Fengtian?” an old man with a long white beard stepped forward from the crowd. His sharp eyes looked at Lin Fengtian with a mixture of shock and suspicion. “You dare to come back after twenty years?”

Lin Fengtian bowed respectfully. “Elder Zhang. I wouldn't have come back if the situation wasn't precarious.”

Elder Zhang turned his gaze on Zhao Lingyun, his eyes narrowed inquisitively. “And you brought a Zhao to our shrine? Have you lost your mind, young man?”

“He's Zhao Lingyun, the son of Xiao Yingmei, my long-separated younger brother.”

The name created a wave of whispers among the residents. Elder Zhang looked surprised, but quickly pulled himself together.

“Follow me, both of you. We can't talk out in the open.”

They were led to a simple cottage at the edge of the village. Though simple on the outside, the interior of the hut was surprising-the walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient scrolls, and the floor was decorated with intricate carvings forming the same star formation that was engraved on Zhao Lingyun's badge.

“So,” Elder Zhang opened the conversation after serving the tea, ”Xiao Yingmei's son has found his way to the Silver Mist Village. Fate does have a unique sense of humor.”

“You know mother?” asked Zhao Lingyun, unable to hide his interest.

Elder Zhang smiled faintly. “Knew? Yingmei is one of us-a Balance Keeper. She was the one who took care of Lin Fengtian as a baby and brought him to the palace to be protected.”

“I didn't know...” muttered Zhao Lingyun.

“Of course you didn't know,” replied Elder Zhang. “This secret is too dangerous to share, even amongst family.” He turned to Lin Fengtian. “So, what brought you guys here after all this time?”

Lin Fengtian explained everything that had happened-their journey, the activation of the fourth pillar, and their suspicions about Zhao Liangyu's plans with the Xiwangmu Black Script.

Hearing the name of the script, Elder Zhang's face paled. “The Black Script... are you sure that's what they used?”

“Zhang Minghao mentioned it clearly before the ice tower collapsed,” Zhao Lingyun confirmed.

Elder Zhang got up, rushing to one of the shelves containing ancient scrolls. With trembling hands, he picked up a scroll that looked very old-its surface blackened with age and covered in layers of protective seals.

“The Black Script should have been destroyed five hundred years ago,” said Elder Zhang, opening the scroll carefully. “Our ancestor, Elder Meng Hao, led a secret mission to steal it from your Xiwang Temple and destroy it.”

“But failed?” guessed Lin Fengtian.

“Not completely,” Elder Zhang pointed at the illustration on the scroll-a picture of a manuscript split into three parts. “They managed to break the manuscript into three parts and scatter them to different locations. One part was hidden in the Falling Star Cave, one in the Split Moon Temple, and another...” he looked at Zhao Lingyun with a meaningful look in his eyes, ”...hidden under the Blue Sky Tower, the main headquarters of the Zhao Clan.”

“Right under their noses,” Lin Fengtian commented. “Bold strategy.”

“And dangerous,” added Elder Zhang. “If Zhao Liangyu has managed to unite all three parts...”

“It's getting worse,” Lin Fengtian frowned. “But what's still confusing, what does this have to do with the activation of the four pillars?”

Elder Zhang rolled back the old scroll and picked up another scroll with a symbol of four pillars on the outside. “The pillars are not mere markers or portals as most people believe. They are keys that open or lock the boundaries between realms.”

“So, the rituals in the Black Script...”

“...requires 'open' realm boundaries,” Elder Zhang finished Lin Fengtian's sentence. “With all four pillars active, the realm boundaries become thin-allowing mass energy transfer from one realm to another. Under normal circumstances, this allows communication and travel between realms. But with the Black Script ritual...”

“...one realm can be completely absorbed by another,” Zhao Lingyun finished, remembering the explanation he heard from Aurora in the Forbidden Library.

A heavy silence fell over the room as the implications of the situation were truly felt. If Zhao Liangyu succeeded in performing the ritual, the entire demon realm would vanish-along with all its inhabitants.

“We have to stop him,” Zhao Lingyun said finally, his mind made up.

“It's not that easy,” Elder Zhang shook his head. “The ritual will take place at the Five Lightning Peaks-a practically impenetrable place. All of the Zhao Clan's elite troops will already be on standby there.”

“We need help,” Lin Fengtian looked at Elder Zhang meaningfully. “That's why we came here.”

Elder Zhang let out a long breath. “The Balance Keepers are no longer as strong as they used to be, Lin Fengtian. There are only a few of us left, scattered, and many are old. However...” he paused, ”...we still have connections. And there's one potential ally who might be able to help.”

“Who?” asked Zhao Lingyun.

“Someone who has just as much interest in preventing the ritual from happening-Demon King Bai Yuehu.”

Lin Fengtian looked surprised. “Demon King? You're kidding, Elder. He'll kill us before we finish talking.”

“Not if you bring this,” Elder Zhang got up and walked to a corner of the room. He pressed a hidden floorboard, revealing a small, perfectly preserved wooden box. From inside the box, he took out a bronze badge with nine fox tails carved into it-the symbol of the supreme demon kingdom.

“The Blood Covenant badge,” whispered Lin Fengtian in amazement. “I thought it was a myth.”

“Very real,” confirmed Elder Zhang. “Created from the blood of Xuanyuan Zi and the first Demon King, Yuehu the Great. The holder of this badge is guaranteed safety and the right to be heard before the Demon King.”

“But how to meet the Demon King? The realm's borders are heavily guarded from both sides,” Zhao Lingyun asked.

“There is another way-a way that only the Keeper of the Balance knows,” replied Elder Zhang. “In the forbidden forest, thirty li east of here, there's an ancient water mirror. On full moon nights-which happens to be tonight-that water mirror becomes a temporary portal to the Red Mist Forest in the demon realm.”

“And then?” urged Lin Fengtian.

“There, you should look for the Red Leaf Pavilion-the secret meeting place of separatist demons who oppose the palace's isolationist policies. Ask about the White Tiger-he'll lead you to the Demon King's presence.”

Zhao Lingyun stared at the fox badge in Elder Zhang's hand. Taking it meant plunging deeper into a conflict that might change the fate of both realms forever. However, given what was at stake, there was no other choice.

“We'll leave tonight,” Zhao Lingyun made up his mind. “But before that, there's something I need to know more about-about mom and her role in all of this.”

Elder Zhang and Lin Fengtian exchanged glances, as if communicating without words. Finally, Lin Fengtian nodded slowly, giving his consent.

“Alright,” Elder Zhang took a deep breath. “It's about time you learned the truth about Xiao Yingmei-and how his fate is closely connected to the destiny of the two realms.”

The sun had shifted to the west by the time Elder Zhang finished his story-a long tale about Xiao Yingmei that turned out to be far more complex than Zhao Lingyun had ever imagined.

“So my mother... is a half-demon?” Zhao Lingyun was still trying to digest the information he had just received. His hands trembled as he held the now-cold teacup.

“Not just a half-demon,” corrected Elder Zhang. “She is Demon King Zhang Wei's daughter with the balance guard, Mei Lin-a human who managed to break through to the demon realm and fell in love. Their marriage created a huge scandal, forcing both of them to flee to the human realm and live incognito.”

“That explains why my mom has such amazing healing abilities,” Zhao Lingyun murmured, remembering his childhood when Xiao Yingmei was able to heal his wounds with just the touch of a hand.

“And also explains why our blood is needed for rituals,” Lin Fengtian added. “We have the blood of three important bloodlines-the blood of half demons and half gods. Such blood has incredible power in ancient rituals.”

Zhao Lingyun looked at Lin Fengtian with a hurt expression. “You knew all this? All this time?”

Lin Fengtian sighed heavily. “Not everything. I knew mom had been protecting me because of my mixed blood. But the details about her origins I only found out after her passing.”

“And her death...” Zhao Lingyun was unable to finish his sentence.

“Not an accident, as told to the public,” confirmed Elder Zhang in a somber tone. “Yingmei was too close to uncovering the grand conspiracy-the original plan for the ritual now about to be performed. She secretly investigated the disappearance of several villages on the realm border, and found evidence that it was a small-scale experiment for the realm absorption ritual.”

“And he was killed for it,” Zhao Lingyun clenched his hands into fists until his knuckles turned white. “By whom?”

“We never managed to find the exact perpetrator,” Elder Zhang replied carefully. “But the last traces of Yingmei's investigation point to a secret group called the 'Brotherhood of Pure Heaven'-a group believed to have members in the highest circles of government, including possibly within the Zhao Clan itself.”

Lin Fengtian, who had been silent, finally spoke. “There's one detail I've never told you, little brother.” He looked at Zhao Lingyun with eyes full of sadness. “The night before her death, mother called me to her pavilion. She gave me a sealed box with a message that I was to keep it until we turned twenty-five-the age we'll reach this fall.”

“A box? Where is it now?” demanded Zhao Lingyun.

“It's hidden in a place that only the two of us know-a small cave behind the waterfall where we used to train,” Lin Fengtian replied. “I never dared to open it, as per my oath at the time.”

Zhao Lingyun was silent, trying to process all this information. All his life, he had been raised with the belief that demons were the natural enemies of humans-evil creatures that had to be watched out for and avoided. Now, he learned that demon blood flowed in his own veins. Even more shocking, his grandfather-whom he had only known as his “dead mother's grandfather”-might still be alive as a Demon King today.

“If my mother is the previous Demon King's daughter,” Zhao Lingyun attempted to put the puzzle pieces together, ”then the current Demon King Bai Yuehu...”

“...is your uncle,” Elder Zhang finished. “Your mother's younger brother, who took over the throne after King Wuque abdicated due to his daughter's scandal.”

Zhao Lingyun leaned his body against the wall, feeling drained. “My whole life was a lie...”

“Not lies,” Lin Fengtian refuted in a soft yet firm voice. “Only truths that are too dangerous to reveal too early. Mother protects us by hiding our identities-even from ourselves.”

“And now we have to go to uncle-the Demon King-to ask for his help in stopping all this,” Zhao Lingyun laughed bitterly. “Fate does have a strange sense of humor.”

“The truth is often bitter when first received,” Elder Zhang rose slowly, his old body rattling. “But what separates the wise from the foolish is how they respond to the truth.”

Zhao Lingyun was pensive for a moment, then with renewed determination, he too rose to his feet. “We don't have time to dwell in regret. Elder Brother, we must rush to the water mirror tonight.”

“There is one problem,” Elder Zhang reminded. “The Purity Keepers and the Zhao Clan's troops will have already started a massive hunt for you. You won't be able to reach the water mirror undetected if you take the normal route.”

“We should trick them,” Lin Fengtian suggested.

“Exactly,” Elder Zhang smiled faintly. “And for that, we need a distraction.”

He clapped his hands three times, and the cottage door opened. Liu Mei-the young maid from Blue Sky Tower-stepped in gracefully, bowing respectfully.

“Young Master Zhao, as I promised the late Lady Yingmei, I've been keeping secrets and watching from afar. Now, it's time for me to help in person.”

“Liu Mei?” Zhao Lingyun was flabbergasted. “How did you end up here?”

“She's been our eyes and ears in the palace for years,” Elder Zhang explained. “One of the Balance Keeper's best agents.”

Liu Mei came forward, handing Zhao Lingyun a small scroll. “The latest information from the Blue Sky Tower. The enemy has sent a Shadow Team to capture you two. They've tracked you all the way to the Ice Mirror Valley, but lost track after the tower collapsed.”

“Shadow Team?” Zhao Lingyun frowned. “A secret army?!”

“The one currently under Zhao Lingyu's command,” Liu Mei corrected. “Fifteen trained assassins with unrivaled tracking abilities. They're led by Captain Fang Wei-Zhao Lingyu's former lover and eighth-level cultivator.”

“The diversion mission has to be perfect to outwit them,” Lin Fengtian commented, a serious look on his face. “Even with a slight mistake, they'll find our original trail.”

Liu Mei smiled mysteriously. “That's why I brought this.” He took out a small pouch from inside his robe and placed it on the table. “Five Element Mist Powder-it can create a replica of spiritual energy identical to the original subject.”

“Spiritual energy replica?” Zhao Lingyun looked confused.

“They will track your spiritual energy, not physical appearance,” Liu Mei explained. “With this, we can make them believe that you're moving towards the Black Snow Mountain in the north, while you're actually heading towards the water mirror in the east.”

“Who will carry the energy replicas?” asked Lin Fengtian, a suspicious tone audible in his voice.

“Myself, along with five Balance Keeper warriors,” replied Liu Mei calmly. “We'll create a convincing enough diversion to buy you time to reach the water mirror and cross over to the demon realm.”

Zhao Lingyun looked at Liu Mei intently. “That's a suicide mission. The Shadow Team won't let you live if your identity is exposed.”

Liu Mei bowed deeply. “The late Madam Yingmei saved my family from execution twenty years ago. It is my honor to repay that debt, even with my life.”

Silence fell over the room after that statement. Zhao Lingyun felt the weight of responsibility growing heavier on his shoulders-the lives of many people now depended on the decisions he made.

“We don't have much choice,” Lin Fengtian finally spoke up. “The ritual will take place three days from now. We need to move quickly.”

Elder Zhang nodded in agreement. “Get ready. You'll leave at sunset.”