2025-02-05 03:43:27The Hall of Eternal Crystal trembled gently as the Supreme Immortals entered the room. The thousand-foot-tall crystal columns reflected the golden light from their robes, creating a kaleidoscope of light that danced in the air. Zhao Lingyun, his piercing eyes as dark as night, sat in the darkest corner of the hall, as he had always done for the past thousand years.
“The realm boundary violation has reached a critical point,” Supreme Deity Bai Xuanting's voice echoed in the hall. His long white beard moved as he spoke, each strand seeming to hold thousands of years of wisdom. “Since... that incident, more souls have dared to challenge the eternal laws.” Zhao Lingyun tightened his grip on the jade pen in his hand. He knew exactly what 'incident' he was referring to-the story of the forbidden love between Li Tianshen and Xiao Yingmei that was now a whispered legend in both realms. “Your Majesty,” a golden-eyed elder rose from his seat. “I bring a report from the eastern border. Three weeks ago, we discovered traces of alien energy-a mixture of light and shadow.” Whispers filled the hall. Zhao Lingyun raised his eyebrows slightly, his quill moving faster on the scroll. “Lin Fengtian,” someone murmured, loud enough to be heard. The name made the entire hall instantly silent. Bai Xuanting raised his hand, stopping all the whispers. “That child is a mistake that must never be repeated. That's why, today we gather to tighten up the realm laws.” From beneath the sleeves of his wide robe, the Supreme Deity took out a crystal that glowed reddish. “The Crystal of Justice,” he explained. “An ancient artifact that will ensure no one dares to cross the boundaries of the realm again.” Zhao Lingyun felt a strange vibration from the crystal. There was something off, something hidden behind its hypnotizing red luster. His hands moved faster, noting details that escaped the attention of the others. “Starting today,” Bai Xuanting continued, ”any soul who attempts to cross the realm boundary without permission will be instantly judged by the Trial Crystal. No forgiveness, no exceptions.” In the corner of his eye, Zhao Lingyun saw a shadow moving behind the crystal pillar. The figure in the black robe was familiar-Wei Xuan, the elder who used to teach Zhao Ming. Their eyes met for a moment, and Zhao Lingyun saw the same worry in the elder's golden eyes. “Your Majesty,” Zhao Lingyun finally spoke up, his voice deep and calm. “May I ask about the power limitations of the Trial Crystal?” All eyes were on him. As a god of war who rarely spoke in court, his voice carried weight. “This crystal is the manifestation of eternal law itself,” Bai Xuanting replied. “Its power is absolute and indisputable.” “Including...” Zhao Lingyun paused, his eyes looking straight at the Supreme Deity, “...against those with the blood of both realms?” The hall fell silent again. Everyone knew who he meant-Lin Fengtian, the fifteen-year-old child of forbidden love, hidden somewhere. “Especially against such an anomaly,” Bai Xuanting replied firmly. “The existence of such a being is an affront to the eternal laws.” Zhao Lingyun nodded slowly, returning to his notes. But her sharp eyes caught something-a subtle tremor in Bai Xuanting's hand as it held the Trial Crystal. There was fear there, hidden behind a mask of authority. The trial continued with the reading of new laws. Every word seemed to make the dividing wall between realms higher and thicker. Zhao Lingyun took notes on everything, including the little details that went unnoticed: how some of the elders looked agitated during the reading of the law on “realm blood purification”, how Wei Xuan's eyes flashed when he heard about the “total elimination of foreign energy”. When the hearing finally ended, Zhao Lingyun remained where he was, waiting until the hall was almost empty. Wei Xuan approached him with silent steps. “Did you see it?” the elder asked in a whisper. Zhao Lingyun nodded. “That crystal... something's not right.” “It's not just that crystal,” Wei Xuan glanced toward the door where Bai Xuanting had just exited. “There's something bigger going on. They're scared, Zhao Lingyun. And fear makes them dangerous.” “The ancient prophecy about Lin Fengtian?” Wei Xuan took out a worn scroll from the sleeve of his robe. “It's not just about his birth. There's a part that has never been read in public: 'When the mixed blood reaches maturity, a choice will be made. The realm will shake, and true balance will be revealed in unexpected forms.'” Zhao Lingyun picked up the scroll carefully. “Five more years,” he muttered. “Lin Fengtian will reach adulthood in five years.” “And that's what they're afraid of.” Wei Xuan stared at the crystal window, at the red clouds that had never really disappeared since Lin Fengtian's birth. “They try to stop fate with artificial laws. But you and I know, Zhao Lingyun, that there are laws higher than what's laid down in this hall.” “The law of the heart,” Zhao Lingyun whispered, remembering the story of Li Tianshen and Xiao Yingmei. Wei Xuan nodded. “Your task now is more important than ever. As a god of war, you have access to places I can't reach. Find the truth behind the Judgment Crystal. There is something... something very ancient and dangerous in its energy.” That night, after all the gods had returned to their respective residences, Zhao Lingyun stood on the highest tower of the Heavenly Realm. From here, he could see the border of the realm-the thin line where light and shadow met in perfect harmony. He unrolled his notes, rereading the details he had gathered during the trial. There was a pattern beginning to form-too much fear for one child, too harsh a law for something that could have been handled more wisely, and a mysterious crystal that appeared suddenly. “Li Tianshen,” he whispered to the night wind, ”is this what you see? A rift in our glorified system?” Suddenly, an unfamiliar energy touched his consciousness. Zhao Lingyun turned quickly, his light saber appearing within reach. But what he saw made him freeze. In the air, right in front of him, floated a strand of black hair that glowed with an odd energy-half luminous, half dark. Zhao Lingyun extended his hand, and the strand of hair fell gently into his palm. “Lin Fengtian,” he murmured. This was the first proof of the boy's existence after fifteen years. And his appearance right after the announcement of the Justice Crystal was no coincidence. In the distance, red clouds moved in a strange formation, as if forming a message. Zhao Lingyun squinted, trying to read the pattern that was forming. And when he finally understood the message, his heart seemed to stop beating. “Danger comes not from darkness, but from blinding light.” This was the beginning of a mystery that would reveal the deepest secrets of the Heavenly Realm. And Zhao Lingyun, the god of war who had been watching in silence, would be the key to uncovering the truth that had been hidden for thousands of years. Somewhere between realms, a fifteen-year-old youth opened his eyes. His eyes were unique-one golden like the sun, one red like blood. Lin Fengtian rose from his meditation, sensing a change in the universe's energy flow. “It's started,” he whispered, his voice carrying a strange combination of the softness of light and the firmness of shadows. “They've finally made the first step.” Beside her, an ancient sword pulsed softly-a sword made of an alloy of light and shadow, the last legacy of her parents. And on his chest, a birthmark in the shape of an ancient symbol glowed dimly-the same symbol engraved at the base of the Trial Crystal. Destiny had begun to move.
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ENDLESS CORRIDOR
“You mean the tower changed... metaphysically?” Zhao Lingyun tried to understand, still feeling weak in his wheelchair.Yingshu nodded slowly, her slender hand gently touching the map. “The Border Tower is now in an in-between state-not fully in the Human Realm, nor in the Demon Realm. It's like... floating in a dimensional gap.”“Our observers report strange phenomena,” the Tiger Clan Chief added, his golden eyes flashing sharply. “The tower sometimes disappears from view for a few hours, then reappears. The temperature around it fluctuates drastically, and time runs differently inside.”Zhao Lingyun pondered, recalling the strange sensation he felt in the tower before losing consciousness-a feeling of floating, as if gravity had lost its power.“Has anyone tried to enter the tower since that incident?” he asked.Yingshu's expression darkened. “Yes. Three exploration teams were sent out-one from the Fox Clan, one from the Tiger Clan, and one combined. None of them returned.”An eerie
BORDER TOWER
“Follow your heart,” Zhao Lingyun replied, repeating the words their mother had often spoken. “We are the pure blood of the two clans, Lin-ge. We're the true key.”Lin Fengtian nodded, his confidence in his younger brother not wavering despite the increasingly chaotic situation. All around them, crystal columns glowed with ever-changing colors, creating an aurora that danced wildly on the ceiling of the ritual room.“On the count of three,” Zhao Lingyun instructed, his silver eyes sparkling in the darkness. “One... two... three!”Simultaneously, the two brothers placed their hands on the still spinning badge. Their touches created dazzling flashes of light-silvery white from Zhao Lingyun, golden from Lin Fengtian.The badge stopped spinning instantly. The black energy ball beneath it slowly changed color, from dusky purple to bright blue, then pure white. The room was filled with light so bright that everyone had to close their eyes.“No way!” shouted Elder Zhang, his voice sounding p
A BRIDGE BETWEEN WORLDS
“Hurry!” Yingmei exclaimed, rushing towards the bridge of glowing light. “The Moon Bridge won't last long!”Lin Fengtian swiftly helped Zhao Lingyun who was still panting. “Can you walk, little brother?”Zhao Lingyun nodded weakly, trying to stand upright even though his vision was still blurry. Every step felt heavy, but the determination in his chest was far stronger than his physical exhaustion.“The dragon army is almost here!” one of the soldiers shouted, pointing to the sky where black shadows were approaching.“You three go first,” the commander of Yingmei's troops drew his sword. “We'll hold them off as long as possible.”“But-” Yingmei was about to protest.“Your Majesty,” the commander bowed respectfully, ”this is our duty. The fate of the two realms depends on your success tonight.”Yingmei gazed at her soldiers with teary eyes behind the mask, then nodded firmly. “Your bravery will be forever remembered in the history of the Fox Clan.”Without wasting any more time, Yingme
THE SHADOW BEHIND THE MASK
“Shadow King,” Lin Fengtian hissed, gripping his sword tightly.The masked figure laughed softly-a cold and emotionless sound, echoing from behind his plain white mask. “That name is just a nickname given by those who are too afraid to say my real name.”Zhao Lingyun felt a strange sensation as he stared at the mask-a resonance, as if something was familiar. His hand slowly moved towards the hidden dagger at his waist.“Don't bother, young man,” the Shadow King raised his hand. “You are surrounded by my elite troops. One suspicious move, and you'll see your brother die before he has a chance to catch his breath.”Lin Fengtian remained vigilant, his eyes moving quickly to count opponents. “How did you know we were coming?”“Of course,” the Shadow King stepped forward with unnatural grace, ”because I sent the invitations.”Zhao Lingyun and Lin Fengtian exchanged confused glances.“Nine-Tailed Fox Badge,” the King of Shadows pointed at the bronze badge hanging from Lin Fengtian's waist.
PORTAL IN THE WATER MIRROR
The sun was setting faster than usual, as if the sky itself was in a hurry to welcome the dangerous plan they were about to carry out. Zhao Lingyun and Lin Fengtian were now sneaking through the secret tunnels beneath the village-an ancient pathway that Elder Zhang said had been used for centuries by the Balance Keepers.“Are you still angry?” Lin Fengtian broke the silence, his voice echoing softly against the damp stone walls of the tunnel.Zhao Lingyun didn't answer right away. His hand was tightly gripping the bronze badge of the nine-tailed fox that Elder Zhang had given him-their ticket to meet the Demon King.“I'm not angry,” he finally replied. “Just... trying to make sense of all this. All my life, I was raised to believe that demons were our natural enemies, dangerous creatures to be avoided. Now I know that demon blood flows in my own body.”Lin Fengtian touched his younger brother's shoulder. “That's all doctrine that Zhao Liangyu and the conservative elders deliberately i
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.”“Ar
ICE MIRROR VALLEY
The air grew thinner and colder as Zhao Lingyun and Lin Fengtian climbed the steep path to the Valley of Ice Mirrors. All around them, snowy mountain peaks towered, covered in mist that was occasionally parted by strange flashes of light. The journey from the Forest of Whispers had taken five full days, with numerous obstacles and several near-captures by Purity Guard patrols.“They're getting more and more organized,” Lin Fengtian commented while observing the trail of the patrol they had just evaded. “Zhang Qingxuan must have mobilized his entire network to look for us.”Zhao Lingyun checked the badge in his hand. “Three dots are glowing, and the fourth is blinking faster and faster. We're almost there.”As they neared the top, the sight before them left them both transfixed. The Ice Mirror Valley sprawled out-a giant basin whose entire surface was covered in perfectly clear ice, creating a natural mirror that reflected the sky and mountains around it. But even more amazing was what
WHISPER FOREST
Shadows moved wildly among the old trees of the Whisper Forest. Zhao Lingyun ducked behind a thick bush when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Lin Fengtian was a few meters in front of him, his body almost merging with the darkness that enveloped the forest. For three days they had been avoiding the increasingly intense Purity Guard patrols.“There are more and more of them,” Lin Fengtian whispered as the white-robed troops passed by. “Zhang Qingxuan must have mobilized almost his entire army to search for us.”Zhao Lingyun observed his badge which was now flashing faster. “We're approaching the third pillar. That's probably the reason why the guard is tighter.”The Forest of Whispers was a region avoided even by the inhabitants of both realms. Giant trees thousands of years old created a natural dome that was almost impenetrable to sunlight. Even more terrifying, whispers could be heard from all directions-whispers that were said to come from spirits lost between the two r
MIRROR LAKE
Zhao Lingyun and Lin Fengtian stood at the edge of Mirror Lake, gazing at its calm, glassy surface. Although its name was “lake”, its size was so vast that the opposite shore was barely visible to the naked eye. Even more amazing, the surface was so calm that it reflected the sky perfectly-creating the illusion that they were standing on the threshold of two worlds.“This place...” Lin Fengtian whispered, “it's different from what I imagined. The energy is... complex.”Zhao Lingyun nodded in agreement. He could feel the waves of energy flowing around the lake-not just pure light or shadow energy, but a mixture of both that moved in complex and harmonious patterns.“If this is one of the Seven Star Formation points,” Zhao Lingyun said as he scanned his surroundings, ”there should be some sort of ancient altar or structure around here.”Lin Fengtian closed his eyes, using the energy-tracking technique he'd developed during his years living in the shadow realm. “I sense... something... u
